r^^ OlamEll Hnincrsily Cibrarg Jtiiaxa. JitiD ^atk JACOB H. SCHIFF sfe''>^i/*'>^^. ENDOWMENT FOR THE PROMOTION OF 5TL"DIE5 IN HUMAN CIMl IZATION 1916 I I. '«ij^&k^??^:^^ -r:?l mi lire nnj. iiTC nut '\r£ DUt -ll ,** ^ift^ Cornell University Library F 627P6 F62 Pioneer history of Pocahontas County, lo Olln 3 1924 028 914 335 ^;^- Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028914335 WEWENTOS OF PIONEER DAYS THE PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY; IOWA, FROM THE TIME OF ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME, IN THBBE PEEIODS: I. 1855-1869, b-ERIOD OF EARLY SETTLEMENT BY THE PIONEERS. II. 1870-1882, PERIOD OF ORGANIZATION AND EARLY RAILWAY. CONSTRUCTION. IIJ. 1883-1904, PERIOD OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.^ INCLTTDING THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF BACH TOWNSHIP, TOWN AND IMPORTANT BUSINESS ENTERPRISE; BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE LEADING CITIZENS; AND AN INTERESTING OUTLINE OF THE EAELY HISTOEY OF IOWA. BY ROBERT E FLICKINGER, A. B., B. D. Pastor of the Presbyterian churcb, Fonda, 1886-1902. AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE SANBOI Editor and proprietor of the Fond!^^^^^A9-1900. PS, vi^Wan PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH MAPS, ViBIBPaND THE POR- TRAITS OF OVER 450 PERSONS. Fonda, Iowa, THE TIMES PEINT, 1904. P^LpTZ>0(o1 Entered according to act of Congress in tbe year 1898 and in 1901 by GBORGJB SAl^BORN In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. GEORGE SANBORN. Member of Co. E., 4th Wis. Inf. and Cav. January 1, 1861 to June 19, 1866 ; Editor and Proprietor of the Pocahontas, now Fonda, Times from November 1, 1879 to January 1, 1901. REV. ROBERT E. FLICKINGER. Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Fonda, Oct. 1, 1886 to July 6, 1902; Stated Clerk and Treasurer of the Presbytery of Fort Dodge, July 1, 1892 to 1904; Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod of Iowa, 1901-02; Director of the Iowa State Temperance Alliance for the 10th Congressional District, 1890-94; Secretary of the Pocahontas County Temperance Alliance, 1888-1902; Secretary of the Fonda Bible Society, 1889-1904; Trustee of Buena Vista College and of the Presbytery of Fort Dodge; Organizer in 1901 of the movement to secure a reasonable time limit to consent petitions under the Mulct law of Iowa. THIS VOLUME IS KESPECTFULLY Dedicated to the memory Of the hardy PIONEERS, who, coming from England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Nor?Tay, Sweden, Denmark, Oermany, Bohemia and other countries or eastern States,patiently and heroically endured the privations and hardships, Incident to dwelling in humble CABINS, far out on the frontier, while They converted the wild prairies into fertile flelds,planted groves,estab- lished schools, BETTER HOMES AND CHURCHES; and thus Laid the foundation of the progressive civilization that is Now enjoyed by the happy and prosperous people of POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. The busiest life Is but A chisel stroke of the Omnipotent; Enough for thee tu make the Mttle stroke; The Sculpior's eye is on the final touch. Have faith and wait, and waitini; know this much, If error be not mightier than the truth. And wrong than right, and hell than heaven, then truth And right anU heaven shall win; else God wills not To have them win. It must be the Omnipotent will yet demonstrate His Omnipotence, when oncie His will has stamped Its die upon the page of history. , — T. NiELD. PREFACE. We win not wait until your heart shall cease To thrub with bumao hopes and cares and fears, Before we wish you all the joys of peace And happiness, to crown your ripening years; No! While your heart is warm, and beats with ours. We bring our love, our friendship and our flowers. ' —Mrs. McVban Adams, IHE author, after passing through a couple of periods of Illness I from which recovery seemed doubtful, has lived to see the ^completion of the Pioneer History of Pocahontas County, while a number, some of whom were valuable helpers in the preparation of this work at the beginning, have completed L I be period of their earthly existence and passed to the en- Ijoyment of their eternal reward. The preparation and pub- lllcatinn of this volume have required many times the time, labor and expense anticipated, when it was undertaken. That which was undertaken as a pleasurable and useful employment for spare moments in pastoral and presbyterial work, has detained him as a resident of the county two years after the close of a delightful and honored pastorate of sixteen years at Fonda. But if the task has been long— a severe teat to the author's- patience, perseverance and power of endurance— the opportunity of placing so many of his fellow travelers through this world in a pretty historic setting has been greatly appreciated, and the work has constantly enlisted his best endeavor to make It a complete and worthy tribute of loving affection, to the memory of the hardy pioneers of Pocahontas county. Things That Enduce. It is delightful to have an opportunity of doing something in this world that will endure longer than our short and uncertain lives. ' All have the longing desire to be kindly remembered. "If we work upon marble," said Webster, 'it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temple!^, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with principles — with the just fear of God and love of our feliow men— we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity." Some things quite evanescent, may yet leave an enduring im- pression. A rose has but a brief existence and yet it may leave a touch of beauty on the hearts of those who behold it. Charles Kingsley wrote, "Never lose an opportunity of saying anything beautiful. Welcome beauty in every fair face, every fair sky and every fair flower; thank Him for it, who is the fountain of all loveliness; and enjoy it as a feast, a cup of blessing." Some- times the most transient things leave touches of beauty on the lives of others, or put inspirations toward sweeter and better living into their hearts. Viii PI0NEE3, HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. It is possible to live so that many things we do shall last. In the sphere of unseeo things, results are rated not according to dollars but moral values. There is no immortality to vanity and self-seeking. Onlj^ that which is in- spired by love for others and is calculated to make the world better will endure. It ought to be one of the deepest longings of every heart to leave in this world something that will last and continue a source of comfort and blessing to others. Good and great thoughts are immortal. They can no more be buried than they can be burned or hanged. They are not affected by time, but are as fresh today as when they were uttered or expressed. George Bliott very truthfully writes. Oh, may 1 join the choir invisible. Of those immortal dead, who live again In minds made better by their presence; live In pulses stirred to generosity, In deeds of daring rectitude. In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, And by their mild persistence urge man's search To vaster issues; so to live is heaven. Nearly every schoolboy knows the familiar lines that tell of the immor- tality of kind words. '•Kind words can never die. Cherished and blest. God knows how deep they lie. Stored in the breast." "Heaven and earth' shall pass away," said Jesus, "but my words shall not pass away." A good book also possesses the essence of immortality and will survive the decay and ruin of many other things. We are passing througa the world but once, and "For me to have made one soul The better for my birth, To have added but one flower To the garden of earth; To have sown in the souls of men One thought that will not die. To have been a link in the chain of life, Shall be immortality." The Spirit of the Pioneer. The pioneers of Pocahontas county were principally tillers of the soil. In every country the life of the pioneer has been a struggle— a battle for lite; but here, after a few short years of privation, they were more than conquer- ors. Here they found the bountiful earth, the teeming mother of riches. This fertile soil, splendid water, and bracing climate; these Iowa prairies — the sod of ages, full of rich, organic matter, the debris of thousands of crops of luxuriant grass— formed the prophecy and also the basis of their subse- quent prosperity. Their history serves to show that it is a good policy to "stick to the farm," and that it is possible to "make the farm , pay." The number of those, who have accumulated clever fortunes ranging from ten to thirty or more thousands of dollars on the farms in Pocahontas county, is many times the number of those, who have accumulated similar fortunes by embarking in business in the towns of the county. '•They also built churches where today they stand. For all the people lent a willing hand. And, when the sabbath bell summoned to prayer, 1 he worldliest put away their week-day cure; And flocked from miles around to hear the word. And hither came a man with snowy hair; He preached and they believed the holy things they heard. These were the men- not men but higher powers, — . Whose hardy sinews, stifl'enlng into steel,. Grappling with the wilderness, made it a garden bower. And laid the sure foundation of the commonweal." "The old pioneer davs," in the language of President Roosevelt at the dedication of the building for the Lousiana Purchase Exposition, May 10, PREFACE. . IX 1903, "are gone with their roughnjss, theii' hardships, their incredible toil and their wild, half savage romance. But the need lor the pioneer virtues re- mains the same. The peculiar frontier conditions have vanished, but the manliness and stalwart hardihood ot the frontiersmen can be given even freer scope under the conditions surrounding the complex industrialism of the present day. The old days were great, because the men who Uvea in them had mighty qualities; and we must make the new days great by mani- festing the same CLualitics. We mUi-t insist upon courage and resolution, upon hardihood, tenacity and fertility in resource; we must insist upon the strong, virile virtues; and we must insist no less upon the virtues of self-restraint, self-mastery and regard for the rights ot others; we must show our abhorrence of cruelty, brutality and corruption in both public and private life." The hardy spirit of the pioneer is manifested in the present time by a readiness to advance along every way, that will secure new conquests tor truth and right- eousness, blazing the path and marking the Tvay. "Oh, blessed is he to whom is given, The instinct that can t°.ll, That God is on thefleld, when He Is most invisible. And blessed is he who can tell, Where real right doth lie. And dares to take the side, that seems Wrong to man's blindfold eye." The successful men of Pocahontas county are presented to the reader In such a way in this volume, that 1 he story of their struggles and achieve-' ments, like a voice from the past, tells how it was done. The veil ot mystery has been drawn aside and the reader is told plainly the methods adopted by those, who have achieved the highest degree of success. Here the agricul- turist or farmer will learn how the best results have been achieved on Poca- hontas county farms. Here the horticulturist, or fruit grower, may learn the conditions of successful fruit culture in this county. Here the one who would embark in raising fine or fat stock, poultry or even "process butter" will find the valuable experience of those who have achieved a high degree of success along these lines. Here the aspiring young teacher will Und an illustrious example, and the incentives to a high degree of efficiency in that noble art. The people of Pocahontas county have indeed caught the spirit of the West; the spirit of efficient purpose and noble achievement ; a spirit that faces the facts of life courageously, hopefully and successfully; a spirit that looks for- ward to the future and is undaunted by present disappointments; a spirit that moves on to educate and elevate; in tine, the spirit of truth, which is mighty to prevail, constitutes the nation's hope and controls the nation's destiny. Everything has changed but the sky. It is the same that overhung the patient ox or horse team, that drew the canvas-topped schooner across thef e sime prairies half a century ago. The mind reverts to those times and the heart swells with pride and reverence for those hardy pioneers, who, turning their eyes toward the setting sun crossed the great Father ot Waters, and braved the dangers and privations of that lonely time, while they laid the foundations of the present progress and prosperity. The Author's Aim. . The author in the preparation of this volume has kept constantly in view the. following objects: To give an accurate narrative of the principal events in the history of this county, that should include all that was valuable to make it a complete record ot the past; to avoid all partiality, partisanship and prejudice; to secure a fair representation of every interest and nationality in the county, including the pioneer women and teachers of the public schools, on its one hundred and ten pages of finely engraved portrait work; and in general to make it a volume of real interest and instruction to the young— the boys and elrls in the public schools of the county— as well as to those advanced in life; and to the new settler as well as the venerable pioneer, to whose memory it has been specially dedicated. X PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COtfNTY, lOwA, The opening chapters, including pages 13 to 110, containing a brief synopsis of me Early History ..of Iowa, are luteuded to familiarize tiie reader y?ith the iinportaut^eveuts in the hisiory, and tbe public instituiionsand buildings, of a state, whose history and standing, amoug the states of the American Union, are worthy of the highest admirationi The authorj cunscious thai; ttie value of this history would depend largely on the auttibuticlty of its materials and correctness of its statements, has s^red no time, labor or expense iu his efforts to verify every statement.' It Ci^tains many listti of proper names that have been obtained from many and very.. different sources; — tbe names ot county officers from county records) names ot tiombsteaders from the records of the United States land cfflces, civil and school officers Irom the recorus of each town and township, the founders and officers of churches and civic societies from their respective offl-* cial records; All of these sjurces of information are supposed to be strictly accur"ate, ahd yet in a few instances ot early pioneers, now dead or removed from the county, the variations in the spelling of the same name were so numerous, it was difficult to determine their correct form. The utmost vigil- ance has been constantly exercised and many letters have been written to the postmasters ot the county and otners to identify names that were similar, and secure uniformity iu the spelling of each A few instances of variation escaped notice. Pages 793 to 808 were unexpectedly printed in the volume, without correcting tne typographical errors, that had been prt-vi'ously mark- ed, while the author was spending a summer vacation in Puget Sound. These and sonle other slight variations iu names, dates and sections of land, perceived or received too late for coirection, have been noted on a separate page at the end ot the volume. A review of them will indicate, however, that to the general reader none of them are of any special importance, The printing ot this history, as a weekly serial in the columns of the Fonda Times afforded an unusual opportunity for the correction of any mattersin regard to which the author was under a misapprehension; and it is Ijelieved that the highest degree of accuracy possible in such a work has been at- tained. History and Biography, The study of history is a study of humanity, and that not in ideal con- ditions but as it exists. "Truth is stranger than fiction," and history not only furnishes a literature based upon truth, but also some of the most val- uable information in the world. History is philosophy teaching by example and warning; it is the unrolled scroll of prophecy. Kossuth termed it, "the revelation .ot Providence." To forecast the future we must understand the present, and to understand the present we must know the past. Guizot, the great Ifrench historian, philosopher and statesman, observed, "lieligion opens the future and places us In the presence of eternity; but history brings back the -past and adds to our own existence the lives ot our fathers." The men who make history do not always have time to write it; yet notbiuK strengthens a. natloh so much as familiarity with its history. It makes amends for the brevity of life and is the complement of poetry. We cherish the knowledge of the past that we may enrich the literature of the present, and be inspired to eniulate the noble lives of our predecessors. The study of history, as a means of cultivating the mind and for Its im- mediate practical beneflts, ever since the days ot Moses, who wrote the pio- neer history ot Israel, and of Herodotus, the father of profane history, has formed a necessary part of a liberal and thorough education. He, who is able to make the facts and events of history the basis of. philosophical re- flection and generalization, discovers that there is a living spirit moving through it like the force that links every effect to its cause. Glod is always the same In dealing with men, and human nature is an Invariable factor. One may learn the sure result of certain courses today, by learning what they have been in, the past, and he is foolish who does not profit by the re- corded successes or mistakes of others. An easy and excellent grasp on history is obtained by reading the lives of those who make it; and among the most Interesting and inspiring books that can be placed in the hands of young people are those that tell the life-story PaEFACE. il and achievements of the men and women, who have made and left behind them lae greatest and best impress upon their churcb, community or country. The lives of great men are our beso insiruotors, and biography, wliich 18 history teaching by example, is one of the most charming and use- ful studies. A later life may be inspired and strenguhened by the principles and achievements of an earlier one. The departed constitute a cloud of wit- nesses, who, looking upon the living with sympathy, knovy that human ex- istence is noD vanity, but can be made a splendid -success. , He who studies the sayings and doiugs of the pioneers may avoid their mistakes and profit by their successes. The men who succeed are thoughtful, progressive and 'are never satisfied with ordinary advancement. This volume intended to be an appropriate and an enduring memorial of those who planted the institutions and developed the resources of Pocahontas county during the drst fifty years of its history, contains briefly the experience and ; principles of nearly every one of its leading citizens. There are indeed many standards of success-or greatness; for men's ideas differ greatly as to what constitutes a truly great and succes-if ul man. Our Lord Jesus gave utterance to the sentiment, "He that humbleth himself Shall be exalted." This is the standard of Heaven, though it is not always recognized on earth. At the head of all biographies stands the Book of Books, "the educator of youth, the guide of manhood and the counselor of age." It is a series of biographies of patriarchs and prophets, princes and heroic leaders, some of whom occupied a very lowly sttition in common life. This volume contains the biographical sketches and portraits of many who, from the humblest beginnings, have made the world better by their noble lives and worthy achievements. ■'All who labor wield a mighty power; The glorious privilege to do Is man's most noble dower." The Portraits and 0ther Engravings. The hope Is indulged that the numerous portraits and other engravings will prove an interesting and pleasing feature of the volume to every reader. The grouping of nine or moie portraits on the same page at a nominal cost of one dollar .each, minimized the space and made it possible to secure a por- trait of the county ofHciala, both past and present, and one or more repre- sentatives, either of tiie first or second generation, of most of tne pioneer families in each of the towns and townships. The photographs used were obtained either from the persons or their nearest friends, and in i number of instances the one received was the only one in existence. Many of the first settlers in this county never had a photograph taken, and a representative of the family could be secured only through one from the second generation. In order to secure the portraits of some of the first county officials and first settlers in the older townships, it was necessary to use some old and faded photos. It was impossible for the engravers to make as pretty half-tone prints from these as from recent ones, but we did not care to omit them merely for that reason. The portraits have been printed upon fine paper, and the unusually large number of them make this volume a real treasury of , human Interest whose value, it is believed, will increase with passing years, Sallust says, '•! have often heard that Quintus, Publius Sclpio and other renowned persons of the Roman commonwealth used to say, that whenever they beheld the images of their ancestors, they felt their minds vehemently excited to virtue." It could riot have been the wax nor the marble that possessed this power; but, the recollection of their great actions kindled a generous flame of noble aspiration in their hearts, that could not be quelled until they also had acquired equal fame and glory. Easy to Find Things. In order that this volume might be one of easy and ready reference, the title of each chapter has been placed at the top margin of the right hand page; and the townships have been arranged alphabetically, rather than numerically, geographically, or even according to the date of their settle- ment. The sketches of the pioneers in each township, save a few that were xn PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. received too late, are also arranged in the same order. The index is very copious, enabling the reader to trace qufclcly any topic treated in- the volume, and the number of the page containing tlie biographical sfeetch has been placed lifst after each name. Names not printed under the engravings, on account of a lack of room, may be found in the list ot portraits. Family lists, repeated there, show their order according to birth. The author has endeavored to reach the ideal of a complete, interesting and instructive county history, and if this effort has not been crowned with success, the failure has been in the execution, rather than.in the aim and purpose. He has sang the praise of Iowa, The fairest state of all the west; And of P.ocahontas county. Where people dwell and prosper well On the prairie or in busy town; Where the sun is bright, and the stars at night Shine liite jewels in Nature's crown. A grateful aclcnowledgement is made of the valuable assistance rendered by many on whom frequent calls were made to verify doubtful matters, and especially to those, who freely furnished general matter for the narrative portions, in addition to those referred to in the IntroducLory Note: To the recorders, secretaries and cleriis of townships and towns, for official lists of ofQcers; to Mr. James S. Sthith for the ear-ly history ot Plover; to the late Michael Crahan for valuable contributions to the history ot Lizard township; to Mr. Fred A. Malcolm for a draught of the Indian battlefield at Pilot Creek; to Messrs. C. A. Grant and C. H. Tollefsrude for photographic views of places of historic interest in the northeast t)art of the county; to Mr. J. H. L'ghter for the free URe of the plate for the insertion of his (1903) map of Pocahontas county; to the presidents or superintendents ot our state institu- tions for the numerous and excellent cuts of the Iowa state buildings; to the Interior, Chicago, for the four plates illustrating the Story of Pocahontas; to the Des Moines Daily Capital for the cuts of Governor A. B- Cummins and Senator J. P. Dolliver. Also, our indebtedness for the helpful information derived from the Plat Boois: of Pocahontas County, compiled and published in 1887 by the National Publishing Company. Philadelphia; and the Plat Book published by Mr. J. H Lighter, Rolfe, in 1897. The printing of the special pages of engraved work. was done partly by the engravers, the Bucher Engraving Company, Columbus, Ohio, and partly by the binders, the Regan Printing House, Chicago. Mr. George Sanborn. The Pioneer History of Pocahontas County, as an undertaking or busi- ness enterprise, belongs to Mr. George Sanborn, editor and proprietor of the Fonda Times for more than twenty-one years. As it is now issuad from the press. In the form ot a fine royal octavo volume, it is a fitting memento a'ld culmination ot his long period of faithful and acceptable service of the peo- ple of this county and vicinity, through the columns of the Times. When he relinquished his interest in the Times to the Fonda Printing and Publishinif Company, Jan. 1, 19ul, he retained ownership of the Tinaes building and ot the Pioneer History, then incomplete. Whilst the author gathered the materials, prepared the copy, read the proofs and arranged the portrait work, including the printing thereof, this was done in response/to the request of Mr. Sanborn. To him belongs the credit of projecting the work and of print- ing it so neatly from new type in the Times office. The people ot Pocahontas county are to be congratulated upon the fact, that in outlining the plan and scope of this work, it was not limited to some special recognition ot the read- ers of the Times, but was designed to be an historic tribute to the memory of all the hardy pioneers ot the county. The public spirit manifested in launching and completing this work — the most important and valuable con- tribution to the literature of Pocahontas county— would seem to merit a high degree of appreciation on the part of those to whose memory it has been un- seltishly dedicated. Indulging the hope, that a considerate judgment will- give just recogni- PREFACE XIII tion to whatever worth this volume containa, it is now sent forth to accom- plish its mission,— to perpetuate the memory of the hardy pioneers of Poca- hontas county. "May the God above Guard the dear friends we love' In east or west. Let love njore fervent grow, As peaceful ages'go, And strength yet stronger grow, Blessing and blest. Be noble! and the nobleness that lies In other men sleeping, but never dead, Will rise in majesty to meet thine own." Very truly, Fonda, July 15, 1904. R. E. F. Hon. aibert B. eummins. Governor of Iowa. Per favor of Des Moines Dally Oopltol; CONTENTS. Preface vii List of Portraits and Other Engravings xxi lutroductory Note 9 FIRST PaRT. Early History of Iowa. CHAPTER I. LOCATION AND EXTENT. The Mound Builders— Toltecs in Mexico— Incas of Peru 15 CHAPTER II. THE INDIANS OF IOWA. ' Two Great Nations— The Algonquins— The Sioux— Blackhawk War- Sioux Outlaws— Indian Battles— Western Iowa Treaty SI CHAPTER III. THE SPIKIT LAKE MASSACRE AND PRELIMINARY EVEJJTS. Removal of Fort Dod^e Military Post— Murder of Sldom(.iia,dota— The Grindstone War^Other Events— Murder at Lake Olcoboji, Spirit Lalce and Sprinufleld 27 CHAPTER IV. THE RELIEF BiPBDlTION TO SPIRIT LAKE The Facts Learned— niffleulties Ehcouhtered^The Return— The Burial Party— The Captives 35 CHAPTER V. LAST INDIAN TROUBLES IN IOWA. Later Troubles in Minnesota and Northwest— Frontier Soldiers— Sitting Bull— Gen. Custer's Sad Fate 42 CHAPTER VI. SPANISH GRANTS AND IOWA INDIAN TREATIES. The Louisiana Province — Dubuque's Treaty and Grant -Glrard Grant— Honorl Grant— St. Louis Treaty— Iowa Indian Treaties , 48 CHAPTER VIL THE TRANSITIONS FROM DISCOVERY TO STATEHOOD. Fernando De Soto— Marquette and .loliet — La Salle- Louisiana Province Divided — Territory of Missouri— Michigan. Wisconsin, Iowa— Early Settlements — Pioneer Legislature— Territory Named — Territorial Legislation— Territorial Governors— uld Z'on Church 54 CHAPTER VIII. STATEHOOD, A HALF CENTURY'S GROWTH. Iowa's Growth— Natural Resources— The Prairies— B.I vers and Lakes- Mineral Wealth, Building R"ck— Soft Coal, Iron, Zinc, Lead— Sand. Clay, Gypsum— Chalk— Water— Climate— Agricultural Resources- Commercial Facilities— Railroads 65 CHAPTER IX. THE STATE INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OF IOWA. Iowa's Capitol— State University— gollege of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts- Normal School— College for the. Blind — Industrial Home for the Blind— School for the Deaf- Institution for Feeble Minded Children— Soldier's Orphan's Home— Soldier's Home— Industrial Schools at Eldora and Mitchellville- Hospitals for the Insane— Peni- tentiaries— Other Statie Organizations ..••■■<• w i , 83 XVI PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHOKTAS COTJHTY. IOWA. CHAPTER X. EDUCATioj, RBi-iMO^ ^o?tfo1-c2urctes and Church Senators SEeOXD PHRT. History of Pocahontas eounty. Pioneer Period, I855>69. CHAPTER I. THE COUNTY ESTABLISHED AND STOBY OF POCAHONTAS. Act of the Legislature— Powhatan — Pocahontas — Weds John Rolfe — The Descendants of Pocahontas— Who Suggested Pocahontas? 113 CHAPTER II. INDIAN BATTLE AT PILOT CREEK. The Sioux and the Winnebagoes— The Battle— Indians along the Des Moines River — Indian Grraves and Relics— Indian Mound— lodians Along the Lizard— The Sioux— Indians in Lincoln— Bellville— The Pottawattamies 125 CHAPTER IIL THE SURVEY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY. The Government Survey of the County— Plan of 137 CHAPTER IV. TOFOGBAPHY OF THE COUNTY. Surface Features-Soil— Limestone Beds in Oliiiiou— Other Rock Heds in Iowa— Drift and Boulders— Glacial Period— Wood in Wells— Flowing Wells— Surface Soil 141 CHAPTER V. FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. The Lizard Settlement— Sketches of Pioneers— EmOarrassing Events — 155 CHAPTER VL FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE NORTHEAST PART OF THE COUNTY. The Des Moines Settleinnnt— Sketches of the First .Settlers— Lizard and Des Moines Settlers 169 CHAPTER VI (. ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 1859— The First Court House— Swamp Lands— 18i0— Public Improve- ments— Roads— h'irst Division of the Ciiuntv— Re arianged— I'own- ships Organized— County Hear, Re-located— Original Order for the Organization of the County ■ 184 CHAPTER VIII. n^n„f„ T ^ T, , THE COUNTY OFFICERS. TrP««nratr"o'"*'"'^.,°^ Su pPT visors- A udi tors-Olcrks of the Oourts- CHAPTER IX. -r> 1, . OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS Ffri'tTx°4le'''R'{°?;^'' "' «upervisor8-N™apers-Honor Roll- J< irst lax bale- Highways and Brldsps Wnif Rnnnt,, tt ■» ^. byterian Church-Last Buffalo CW-Lasl Indfan Hu^^Sss 3 Mosquitoes-Trials and Priyatlons-Ploneer Dwlmngs-Lost on tit Prairie-Postofaces-Trials on the Way-The Prairie Fire-Pnnn?atiJ^^ -New Settlers 1865.69-Grove Planting-T?ippiDg-pSf^';Jl°° CONTENTS. xvil Claims — Homestead— Timber Claim — Source of Hupplies— U. S. Land Offices— Eailroad Lands— Other Land Grants— District & Circuit Courts— Halt's Sawmill 214 Second Period, 1870 to 1882. CHAPTER X. PERIOD OF RAILROAD CONSTRUCTION AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. The First Railroad— Fonda H'ounded in 1870— Cedar Township's. First Settlers— Williams Township,1868-1870~Township8 Organized— Grass- hoppers — Railroad Strikes of 1877— Second Period of Hard Times — Gophers — Blaclsbirds— Blizzards — ^Tree Exemptions — Prairie Wolves— Muskrats— Bees and Rabbits— Beavers -Eik— Deer— Wild Ducks, Geese, Cranes and Other Native Biids— Public Improvements- Change of County Seat— Farewell to Old Rolfe— School Lands— Out of Debt In 1876~Delegate to the Centennial— Mail Routes and Post- offlces— The Pocahontas Times— Population 1859 to 1895— Census Taken— Churches Established— New Homesteaders— Era oi Better Times— 1878— Corn Used for Fuel— Farm Machinery and Mortgages— 1881 — First Deoiocratie Convention---New Railroads — Toledo&Nortb- western, and Des Moines & Fort Dodge — Des Moines & Northwest- ern — Boom in Land — Prohibition ; 248 Third Period, 1883 to 1899. CHAPTER XI. PERIOD OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. Standard Time Adopted — Drainage of the County— Democratic Party Organized- Peoples' Party— Corn Record— Nursery of D. C. Wiliams —Farmers' Alliance— Crops of 1890— County Farm— Free Mall Deliv- ery— Good Roads— Populist Party Organized —1893, Cyclone Year- Mulct Law— Drought— Nebraska Relief— Saloon Issue -Hog Cholera • — Its Cause and Cure '. , 303 CHAPTER XII. BBLLVILLE TOWNSHIP. First Settlers -Public Schools -Teachers and Officers— Civil Officers- Emmanuel German Church— First liirth and Death— Bellville 2 " Joseph P ...329, Rolfe, Catholic (Jhurch. .: 5iil ~ " M. E. Church & Parsonage 497 " Presbyterian Church 498 " Public School Building;... 491 " & Vicinity, Mrs. J.J.Bruce 4b9 " Old, Brick School FTnuse. . . 216 " " Bruce <& McEwen's Store . 216 Rdlfe, Old, County Seat View 201 " " Court House 279 Russell, Mamie 376 " Michael T -.- 665 Sanborn, George 4 " George, Mrs 440 " George B. & Lulu ....... 440 " George, Rpsldetice 232 " George, Pioneer Resi- dence 879 Saylor, Christian M. & Family: Herbert B., William J., Mr,, . Mrs. & Calvin B 641 Schoentahl, Henry 409 Schultz, Alva L 302 Shaw, Pfentice J '. 696 Silvers, M. J 360 Rlosson, David :..... 216 Smith, George, Mrs 616 John, Capt 119 Snvder, Pearl Sayre 376 Spielman-, Davids '. 361 •Buelah Avenue: At left, Hronek'a^tore, Pred Soulhwort.h's harneps shop, J. W. Dougherty's barber shoo, S. C. Jones' (bliiia) drug store, Fred Chalstrora's furniture *tore, ' Breltenbach residence, bank of McEwen &-'JarIock; at right, flld Bissell bote}, Burkhalter'a ' (burned 1896) harness shop, w. H. Joner's blacksmith shop, Garlock (S McEwen's residence, Kecord office, L. C. Thorntou's office, Oourt House. XXIV PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Spirit Lake Massacre 31 " " Monument 41 Starr, F. M 196 State Savings Banli, .Rolfe 180 Stegge, John H .; 472 Stelnbrinli, Carl & Family 649 Steiner, Rose 441 Stewart, Robert C. & Mrs. . , 536 Strong, Dora; 697 " James C, Mrs., Alva A., William, Jason, Mary, Myrtle Luella 786 Strong, Oscar 1 505 ,Struthers, Robert 169 Robert, Mrs 168 • " William E., Ellen W.. 489 SwensoD, Gustave T. & Editb Busby 376 Swingle, Fred & Mrs i 429 Tabor, Edvfard B 428 Tavlor, Emma Pfeiffer 441 '" Robert W., Rev 460 Thatcher, Isham C 197 Thomas, Henry,' Log House, Er- roneously Credited to Ira Strong , 1 Thompson, Cyrus 441 Thbrnton, Albert M & Mrs 6S0 •" Alonzo' L. & Mrs. Emily R. 465 " Alonzo R 302 " Lottie ToUefsrude 616 " Lucius C 464 Times Office, Fonda 289 Tishehbanner, Frank J 625 Tobin, William & Family: Mary, Bernhart, Ann, Henry, Will- iam, Uatherina, Mrs. Tobin '& Minnie 640 Tollefsrudp, Christlte H. & Mrs. 484 " Christian 11., Residence 485 " Ellsha M 616 " HansC. & Mrs 616 Tnwer, Old Church, Jamestowi;). . 123 Tumble Weed, or White Pig Weed (Amaranlhus aibup... 1 University of Iowa, View from ^ the Southeast Corner of the Campus, Showing at the Left the Medical Building, Old Capitol, Library, & science Hall .y. 60 University, Che.mical Laboratory 100 Close Hall 7§ " Medical Hospital.. .. 162 " Natural Science Hall 84 VanAlstine, Sewell 481 Vance, Ulvses S. ..;..... 452 Wallace, George & Mrs 536 John W. & Mrs 464 Weaver, .lames B .* .,. . 409 Whelan. Maggie Calligan . . 665 White, Frank 388 Frank, Poland China Pigs 537 Whitney, Charles R., Dr 3"3 Wood, Alpheus B. P. & Mrs 249 ■•' AdelbertS.-, Residence.... 581 " John, Stone Dug-out 1 Woodin, David M. & Mrs .360 Wright, Charles G., Rev. . .'. 524 LpwR 376 Wykoff, Dollie : '376 INTROOOeTORY NOTE. "The pleasant books, that silently among Our household treasures take familiar places,— And are to us, as if a living tongue Spake from the printed leaves or. pictured faces!" The gathering of the materials for the following pages has been the work of spare moments on the part of a busy pastor, principally during the last twelve months. The preparation of this volume is an humble effort, under- taken by special request, to place in grateful remembrance the exploits and achievements of those hardy sons and daughters of toil, the pioneers of Poca- hontas county, who, seeking and establishing homesteads or abodes in these once western wilds, have developed their material resources, devised and built up their educational and religious institutions and thereby transformed them into a land of plenty, a paradise of beauty, the home of the happy and prosperous. This history of Pocahontas County has been undertaken with the convic- tion that such a volume would meet an oft expressed desire on the part of many of the old settlers. At .various times in the past leading citizens of the county have prepared, and, in some instances, read on public occasions, valu- able papers on the early history of the county or of particular townships, and these have appeared and a few of them re-appeared in the public press of the county, especially in the Pocahontas (now Fonda) Times, the Pocahontas Record and Reveille. There are yet living, in or near the eastern part of this county, a few of the first residents in it who are connecting links that bind the present with the past; and as one and another of their former number have "gathered about them the drapery of their couch," and been carried to their last earthly resting place the wish has oft been expressed that some one might perpetuate in some suitable and convenient form the story of their early experiences. The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Statehood of Iowa at iJwUngton, Dec. 38, 1896, turned anew ^ije pvil^Uc p}in<3 pf the §tftt§ P histori (9) 10 INTEODUCTORY NOTE. ic research and under the impulse of this movement George Sanborn, one of the very first to locate on a homestead in Cedar township (1869), editor and proprietor of the Pocahontas (now Fonda) Times since November 1, 1877, de- cided soon thereafter to undertake the publication of a brief history of Poca- hontas County as a matter of public spirit and called upon the writer to see if he would not be willing to arrange and prepare the copy for publication. This request found us wholly engrossed with other engagements and though our assent was given a few weeks later, months passed before we were per- mitted to enter vigorously upon the work of gathering the necessary material. In the early part of the year 1876 Governor Kirkwood issued a proclama- tion urging all the township officers that year to compile histories of their re- spective townships to that date, and that they be made a matter of record at the ensuing Centennial anniversaries of that year, in order that they might form a true and accurate basis for future records of advancement • and prog- ress. In accordance with this request the history of Grant and Powhatan townships were compiled in an admirable manner, the former by Mr. C. H. Toll- ef srude, the latter by Messrs. P. J. Shaw and Thomas L. Mac Vey. An ac- count of the last Indian battle in it, and a brief outline of the general history of the county were prepared at the same time by Wm. D. McEwen, Esq. , who, as an officer of the county from 1866 to 1887, with the exception of two years, 1884 and 1885, — a period of twenty years of public life,— had excellent op. • portunity of doing this work very efficiently. We would make grateful acknowledgment 'Of the valuable contributions of these gentlemen to the matter contained in this volume and for their very cordial co-operation. Others who have favored us with more recent contribu- tions are, John M. Eussell, the complete history of Lizard township; Messrs.- Marion Bruce and A. E. Thornton, editors of the Eeveille, copies of that pa- paper containing their own articles on the "Aboriginal Inhabitants" of this country, "Indian Graves aud Relics" by Ered A. Malcolm, "The Eelief Ex- pedition to Spirit Lake" by A. H. Malcolm and the "Topography of the Coun- ty" by Lute C. Thornton; Port C. Barron, editor, for files of the Pocahontas Eecord, April, 1884, to April, 1891, that contained the historic papers, with one exception, of the first three contributors named and a number of others of real value, of which we may note the "Drainage of the County" by the late County recorder, Alonzo L. Thornton, and successful "Fruit Culture" in this section by the late D. C. Williams, nurseryman; Geo. Sanborn for files of the Pocahontas Times from April, 1876, to date, with their numerous articles of historic value, especially McEwen 's account of the "Last Indian Battle" and the weekly letters of Hon. J. J. Bruce giving the development of the north- east part of the county previous to 1884 and an account of the "Swamp Lands" of the county. We would express our obligations also to the county offlcjials for access to the county records, to Hon. Eobert Struthers, Swan Nelson, Wm. Brownlee and the many other friends who have so kindly aided us in the work of gathering the materials for this volume in their respective locali- ties. The work has been embellished with the portraits of nearly two hundred of the leading men and women that have been, or are now, residents of the county, and with many beautiful views of the fine residences and buildings In the towns and rural districts. This feature was not included in the original plan of the work, but is the development of an after-thought on the part of the writer that has had for its object the bea,utiful setting of some represent- INTEODUCTOEY NOTE. 11 atlve of every family of the early pioneers in a place where they might be held in living, loving and grateful remembrance. The fact that we have been enabled to afford this opportunity to so many persons, and, throughout the entire edition of this work, to insert, in finely printed form by the engravers, the portraits of all those who have entrusted to us the privilege of securing their plate work, and that, too, at rates so nominal as to represent merely the ordinary cost of good plates, has been to us a source of great satisfaction. The ready acceptance of this opportunity of recognition, on the part of so many of those to whom it has been extended, shows that it has been highly appreciated. These illustrations add very much to the attractiveness and permanent value of the volume. The biographical or family sketches herein contained are confined either to those who have come into greater or less prominence as pioneer settlers of the County, or by dint of their Industry, energy and perseverance have made a commendable success in their particular calling, or have specially identified themselves with some public or private interest worthy of grateful mention. No one has paid or promised amy consideration for this recognition. The sketches of leading individuals have been prepared to illustrate the achieve- ments of the early settler in a rural district and to convey to others their methods of attaining the highest degree of success in their particular calling. It is believed that interest in these personal sketches will increase as the years go by. History deals solely with the past and its aim is to preserve the annals of the past and the foot-prints of those who have been leading actors. The lead- ing men of all countries have been those who have best represented the ruling ideas of their times and by the aid of the people, brought them into promi- nence and success. It is not incumbent on the historian that he should pass judgment upon the persons and the events he reviews, and try them by his own standard; but it is his privilege to trace the origin and development of particular events and if possible, show their influence upon succeeding ones. He should be a careful observer and a correct reporter of the past. Abraham Lincoln observed, "If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending we could better judge what to do and how to do it." Every fact in history has a bearing on the future and to those who are gifted with foresight the history of the past becomes a prophecy of the future. The loss already of the earliest records of the oldest townships and some others belonging to those more recently organized, together with the fact that a number of others have been kept at times in a fragmentary manner, made it impossible for us to obtain the full succession of ofBeers in the various town- ships from the township records, the natural sources of information. The ef- fort to complete these lists through two other lines of research involved an ex- penditure of time and labor that was wholly unexpected. That this volume might be one of easy and ready reference, the histories of the several townships, including their respective towns, have been arranged in the alphabetical, instead of the numerical, or even chronological order; and the biographies at the end of the volume have been arranged in accordance with the same rule. In view of the greatly increased size of the volume, due to the insertion 12 INTRODUCTOEY NOTE. of so many pages of illustrations and a desire on our part to give it a reasona- ble degree of completeness, its publication has involved an expenditure of iunds many times greater than was at first contemplated, and in consequence, the completed volume, instead of being presented to friends as a souvenir, as ot-iginally intended by the publisher, will be offered for sale and at a price so reasonable as to place it within the reach of all. The strictest accuracy has been steadily kept in view in the preparation of this volume, and the highest degree of this, it is trusted, has been attained ihat could be expected, in view of the loss already of so many of the township records. That it is not free from imperfections we are only too conscious, yet %e feel assured it has this advantage, that its value arid interest as a record of the past, instead of being lessened, will be greatly increased with the flight of years. The hope is therefore expressed that copies of this humble volume of pi- oneer history will be preserved in the home, the school and public libraries of the county, and that it will become the basis upon which the historian of Dec. is, 1946, the first Centennial of Iowa, will find his record of early events for i»ocahontas County. E. E. F. Fonda, Iowa, Aug. 1, 1898. 14 PIONEEE HISTOEY OI" POCAHOI^TAS COUNTY, IOWA. z *■' »^' - - • •;; ■■f 03 ' 5 9 UJ r I- EARLY HISTORY OF IOWA. Motto— "Our Liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain, " LOCATION AND EXTENT. "Let me sieze the pen prolific, While the muses guide me on, Let me chant the song seraphic Of Iowa, land of corn." T^^^^^S^JHE name of this beau- «*! flR^lBl^aV # tlful prairie state, like Ohio, "The Beautiful Eiver,"is of Indian origin and signifies "The Beau- tiful Land" or "Land of Beauty." It became identified with this section of country from the name of a tribe of Indians, who, previous to 1840, occu- pied the territory along the Iowa Riv- er. The name of this tribe has been perpetuated in the name of this river, a county and a city of the State, and the latter was the first seat of the State Government. To this wander- ing tribe of Indians must be accord- ed the discovery of the fact that is now so richly realized by the sturdy yeo- manry of Iowa that "This is the place" "You ask what land I loye^the best. The fairest land of all the T^^st, From yonder Mississippi's stream To where Missouri's waters gleam: 'Tis Iowa, fair Iowa. "— Byers. The State of Iowa has an out-line figure very nearly resembling a rec tangular parallelogram, the northern and southern boundaries being nearly due east and west lines and its eastern and western boundaries are determin- ed by rivers that flow in a southeast- erly direction— the Mississippi on the east and the Missouri, together with its tributary the "Big Sioux," on the west. The northern boundary is upon the parallel of 43 degrees, 30 minutes, and the southern is approximately upon that of 43 degrees, 36 minutes, (15) 16 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. north latitude. The distance from the northern to the southern bound- ary, not including the small angle at the southeast corner, is a little more than 200 miles, and the extreme width from east to west is a little more than 300 miles. The area of the State is 55,044 square miles or 35,228,200 acres. The whole state may be regarded as a part of a great plain situated near the center of theMississippi Valley and having a gentle slope to the southeast where it is only 444 feet above the level of the sea. The average height of the whole State is not far from 800 feet, although it is located more than 1000 miles from the nearest sea coast. Iowa is also centrally situated in the American Republic, its southwest cor- ner being very near the geographical center of the territory of the United States, not including Alaska. THE MOUND BTJILDEKS. In many places, not only in Iowa, but throughout the valley of the Miss- issippi and its tributaries, the Ohio ^n& the Missouri, there may yet be seen the remains of the works of an extinct race of men who seem to have rpade advances in civilization far be- yond the tribes of the red men dis- covered here by the first European £^dventuitrs. These remains consist chiefly of mounds of earth, or of earth afid rock, sometimes in the form of pyramids, but frequently in the form of ramparts that enclose areas of greater or less extent, and that have nianif est regularity and similarity of form. The walls or ramparts of these epclosures vary In thickness and bpight and sometimes enclosed areas tliat ranged from 100 to 400 acres. They were usually placed upon eleva- tions or upon the banks of streams aijd the area enclosed sometimes bore no proportion to the relative labor be- stowed on them. In the State of Ohio, where it is estimated there are 10,000 of them, in one Instance an area of not more than 40 acres is enclosed by circular mounds a mile and a half in circumference. The smaller mounds, having the form of low pyramids, appear to have been used at times as burying places for the dead, but the larger ones built in the form of a hollow square or cir- cle must have served either as tem- ples for worship or castles for defence. Wisconsin, the meeting grounds later of the Algonquin and Sioux Indian tribes, is noted for its large number of mounds, the work of the Mound Builders. They were located along the rivers and lake banks, and were two to six feet high and fre- quently two hundred feet long. There were found in the ramparts there brick built into a regular wall, and in the smaller mounds a very large col- lection of pre-historlc implements of copper. MOUNDS IN IOWA. * "The mounds in Iowa are not so large or elaborate as those found in the Ohio Valley, but they present the same characteristics and in them are found the evidences that they were erected by the same people. They are scattered over the entire State and are of two classes, elongated or oval, and round. The former are in some instances 600 feet in length and are usually flat on top, resembling those found in Mexico and Central America. Their height varies from two to thirty feet, those of small area being usually the highest, and in some instances they have contained stone sepulchers or vaults for the dead. A considerable number of these mounds are scattered along the valley of the Des Moines river the and are usually found in groups. There are several on the banks of Lizard creek in Webster county and o.thers in the vicinity of Fort Dodge. Some of the latter when opened were found to con- tain the remains of human beings, the fairly preserved parts of skulls and *ReveUle. THE MOUND BUILDEKS. 17 teeth, together with pieces of charred wood and ashes. Others in this vi- cinity appear to have been fortifica- tions; they are built of earth, and their arrangement discovers consider- able knowledge and skill in the use of the strategic art for self-defense. On the second bottom of the Rac- coon river, near Sac City, there is a group of eight that range from two to six feet in height and from thirty to ninety feet in diameter. Along the Little Sioux river there are a nuniber of them, especially in Cherokee coun- ty, and in these there were found pieces of ornamented^ pottery. In others in Woodbury ■ county earthen pots and jars were found covered with hieroglyphics, or figures, and many of them appear to have been glazed. " THEIR BUILDEES. In view of the number and extent of these mounds, it must have requir- ed the labor of a numerous population that had both the leisure to under- take and the energy to carry to com- pletion, operations so vast. The ques- tion therefore presses, to what people must we ascribe the construction of these vast works? They cannot with certainty be attributed to the ances- tors of the North American Indians, for they never made any use of them, and their disinclination to work, es- pecially in the ground, has ever been proverbial. They had even lost the story of them. Neither can they be attributed to the early Norwegian Colonists of Iceland and Greenland of the Ninth Century, for they were few in number and seem never to have passed westward of the AUeghanies. Beyond the works themselves to which we have alluded, and similar ones found in other parts of the American Continents, no trustworthy information has come to us in regard to these Mound Builders, save a curi- ous tradition through the Iroquois tribe to the effect that when the Lenni Lenapi the common ancestors of the Iroquois and other tribes, whose language is still widely spread among the Indians, advanced from the North- West to the Mississippi, they found on its eastern side a great nation more civilized than themselves, that lived in fortified towns and cultivated the ground. This people at first granted the Lenni Lenapi leave to pass through their territories to seek an eastward settlement, but afterward treacher- ously attacked them while crossing the river. This conduct gave rise to inveterate hostilities in the end of which the fierce and war-like Indians overcame and forced southward the Mound Builders, thereby' acquiring their lands, but none of their refine- ments or arts. This tradition, though imperfect, is not wholly improbable, and is likely to be all that we shall ever learn of the people who built the mounds that now excite our surprise. The origin of the aboriginal popu; .lation of America is a problem that yet remains to be solved. In Europe it is known that man was in existence at a very remote period; and there are some facts that lend some support- to the view that man has been a resident of America for many centuries. Por- tions of the human skeleton and frag- ments of human handiwork, associ- ated with the bones of mammals which now have no existence, have been found under circumstances that imply great antiquity. In most in- stances, however. It is not certain that these relics are of the same age of the deposit in which they have been found. Human skeletons and bones in a fos- silized state or associated with bones of extinct mammals have been found in Missouri, Kansas, near Natchez, New Orleans, in the Florida reefs and in California. Some of these have been referred to a vejry distant period ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 years. The histories of these communities generally agree that civilization was 18 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. introduced by persons who first ap- peared as strangers amidst the people already in possession of the country. Hence the question has a two-fold as- pect, namely, the origin of the earliest uncivilized as well as that of the earli- est civilized tribes. It is possible, as the traditions suggest, that people have arrived upon the shores of Amer- ica from different quarters and at difflerent times. EARLIEST AMERICAN CIVILIZATIOIfS. In relation to this subject, it will no doubt be of interest to note that the earliest American civilizations are those of Yucatan, Peru and Mexico, including the intervening points along the line of the Andes. TOLTECS IN MEXICO. On the testimony of Humboldt and others, the history of Mexico is traced as far back as the year 544 of our era, when the Toltecs left their original location (Chic'-o-moz-toc) far to the north or west, and, after a long jour- ney, in the year 748 invaded Mexico which was then occupied by wander- ing hordes. About the year 895 a very formidable rebellion occurred and one of the chiefs leaving the country with a few chosen attendants founded a new Toltec Empire further north, the ruins of which are yet seen near the city of Pueblo. This Toltec popula- tion later penetrated further south, but after the lapse of a few centuries, having been reduced by famine, pesti- lence and unsuccessful wars, disap- peared from the land as silently and mysteriously as they had entered it. After the fall of the Toltec Empire there commenced the great movement of the northern tribes toward the south, a movement that continued through the 11th, 12th and 13th Cen- turies. This movement consisted of a succession of migrations, and its starting point appears to have been in New Mexico and California, which re- gion was evidently the seat of a semi- civilized Empire. Among these in- vading tribes there was one that sub- sequently rose to high importance, namely, the Aztecs, or Mexicans prop- er, who, living at Atz-lan, a country described as being surrounded by wat- er, and where the usual occupation of the people was that of boatmen and carriers of wood, (believed to have been Lower California,) commenced their journey to Mexico in 1090, reached Chic'-o-moz-toc, the original home of the Toltecs, in 1116, An-a-hu- ac in 1177, and laid the foundation of the city of Mexico in 1325. The series of Mexican Kings that commenced in 1352, was continued through eight monarchies to Montezuma, who, in 1519 surrendered to Cor-tez. Prescott in the "Conquest of Mex- ico" calls attention to the following, among other points of resemblance, between the Aztecs and the nations of Europe, as indicating their European origin. 1. Their traditions. and religious us- ages; the former including a reference to a great deluge that a man and his vrif e, together with a dove and some pairs of animals, survived, and the latter, the use of the Sacraments in- stituted by Christ, namely, the com- munion and baptism, the latter by touching the head and lips of the in- fant with water. 2. The analogies of science. Their annals were kept by means of hiero- glyphics, or picture writing; the year had 365 days, divided into months, and of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, eight were represented by crea- tures or designs identical with those in present use. 3. Their own traditions point to a western or northwestern origin and their physical features, such, as their reddish complexion, approaching a cin- namon color, their straight glossy hair, high cheek bones, eyes obliquely di- rected towards the temples, narrow forehead and prominent nose, all simi- THE MOtTNt) BtJiLDEKS. 19 lar to the inhabitants of eastern Asia, confirm these traditions. INC AS or PBEtr. Humboldt, in speaking of the an- cient empire of the Incas of Peru, more extensive than Mexico since it occupied a seacoast of 2500 miles in extent, says, "Although they had no money, and no knowledge of iron or glass and no animals fitted for draught, yet they had utensils of copper, and, like the ancient Egyptians, they un- derstood masonry and mechanics suf- ficiently to dress and move stones thirty feet in length into the walls of their fortresses, and their architect- ure displays a remarkable uniformity not only of style but plan. The ruins of immense structures, apparently never completed, exist on the southern shore of lake Tit-i-ca-ca that appear to have been erected by powerful sov- ereigns with unlimited command of labor, and their unfinished state seems to indicate the overthrow of the gov- ernment that conceived them and which must have held sway over the whole of this lost, pre-historic em- pire. ' According to their traditions, about the year 1000 of our era Manco Capac, with his wife and sister Mama Ocello, persons of majestic appearance, ap- peared as strangers on the banks of lake Tit-i-ca-ca and announced them- selves as "Children of the Sun" sent by their beneficent parent to reclaim the tribes living there, from the mis- eries of savage life. Their injunc- tions, addressed to a people who pro- bably worshiped the god of day, were listened to by a few who settled around them and founded Cuzco. By degrees the surrounding tribes were induced to renounce their wandering habits and give attention to agricult- ure and religion. Huay'-na (woi'-na) Capac, the twelfth in succession from the founder of the dynasty, occupied this throne when the first party of Spaniards visited Peru in 1520 and the empire was then still in a state of progress. The following points of resemblance between these ancient people and the people of China, as suggestive of a Chinese origin, have been noted. 1. In both, the emperor assumed the title of the "Father of his people" and affected to have sprung from an- cestors, who sprung from heaven like the "Children of the Sun." 2. Both extended an ostentatious patronage to agriculture by celebrat- ing an annual festival in its honor. 3. Both constructed roads for the use of pedestrians and erected store- houses or places of refreshment at proper distances, on precisely the same plan. 4. The bodies of the dead, instead of being interred, in both were placed on the ground and a tumulus or mound raised over them. 5. The Peruvians made coarse pot- tery, an art in which the Chinese ex- celled. 6; Both built suspension bridges, made of ropes, over deep ravines. This is a remarkable coincidence as these suspension bridges have been found only in China and the neighbor- ing country of Thibet. 7. Both, while displaying a little taste in agriculture, had the power of cutting and moving immense masses of stone and the same uniformity of style pervades their structures of ev- ery size and description. These and other points of similar- ity, that might be named, suggest that the ancient Incas, the Mound Builders of Peru, had been imbued with a civilization by persons who de- rived their ideas from China. YUCATAN. The earliest traces of civilization in America, however, if the native tra- ditions are to be credited, originated in Yucatan arid the neighboring dis- tricts in Central America, where it is 20 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. said, "Vo-tan' and his companions, wearing long flowing garments arriv- ed in large ships about the year 955 B. C." They found the whole of the country from Darien to California "occupied by a barbarous people who used the skins of wild beasts for clothing, caverns and huts made with branches of trees for shelter, and wild fruits and roots with raw fish for food." Vo-tan\ it is said, wrote an account of the origin of the Indians and of their immigration into Amer-. ica, attempting to prove "that they were descendants of Imos of the race of Chan, or the Serpent. " The forest covered ruins of Mexico and Central America present so many different architectural styles that it seems very probable they were built at different periods of time and by people of dif- ferent civilizations. Iceland was discovered about 860 and was colonized in 874; and that land had been occupied by the Irish Culdees, a monastic order, many years before. Red Erik, a resident of Ice- land, arrived in Greenland in 986, a colony of Norwegians settled there sometime afterward, Christianity was Introduced and Arnold appointed the first bishop in 1126, a stream of emigration set in and in 60 years 4000 homesteads had been occupied, and in 1261 a form of colonial government was established there under Hakon Hakonsen, King of Norway. This settlement of Norwegians became ex- tinct about the end of the 15th cent- ury and for a period of 200 years fol- lowing, Greenland was neglected and forgotten. But when the first persons arrived in Iceland and Greenland they found these most northern parts of America already inhabited by the Es^-ki-mo, or, as they called them- selves the In^-nu-its which signifies "The People." America, in view of the traditions and facts above stated, must have been known to the barbarous tribes of eastern Asia for hundreds and even thousands of years, and it is singular that it should have been visited by one of the most enterprising nations of northern Europe five centuries be- fore the time of Columbus without awakening the attention of either the statesmen or philosophers. These mounds, and the things found in them, indicate that their builders were much further advanced in civil- ization than the red man, known as the North American Indian. Their numerous fortifications suggest that they resisted the encroachments, but were unable to cope with their fero- cious invaders. It is believed that the ruins of the immense temples, monuments, highways and other as- tonishing achievements of engineer- ing skill found in Mexico, Central America and Peru, are the handiwork of these same Iowa Mound Builders developed to a higher degree of pro- ficiency. THE INDIANS OF IOWA. ■21 II. THE INOiaNS OP lowa. •Such of late Columbus found the American, so girt With feathered cincture; naked else, and wild Among the trees, on isles and wooded shores. " — Milton. TWO GKEAT XATIOSS. ? WA gggg^l M^^^^^^|UEi:S^G the occupan- iY^B^kSKi ^"^ **' ^^'^ territory ralKjK.VftWl by the moimd build- ers, who were an agri- cultural or shepherd race rather than hun- ters, game bec-ame very plenty. The Indians who relied upon the chase for a liTelihood, learned of these delightful hunting grounds and took possession. There came from the St. Lawrenc* region, the Algonquin or Delaware stock that embraced the Delawares, (sometimes called Lenni Lenapi.) the Chip'-pe-was, Shaw'-nees, Ottawas, Pot-ta-wat-tamies, Xar-ra-gan'setts, Illinois, Pow'-ha-tans, (a confederacy of thirty-three tribes) Sac and Fox and other tribes to the number of thirty or forty. All of these spoke dialects of the same language and oc- cupied the territory that extends from the upper Mississippi to the At- lantic, and from South Carolina as far north as Hudson's Bay. From the northwest there came a more savage horde known as the Sioux (Soo) or Dakota (allies as they called them- selves^ families that included the Da- kotas proper, the Assiniboin (rebels because they withdrew from the con- federacy about 1600 and settled in the Assiniboin river district.) the Win-ne- ba'-goes, (parent stock of the lowas, Kansas, ^uapp^s or Arkansas, pm^' has, Osages and other tribes of the lower Missouri district.) and others whose domain extended over the west- ern prairies between the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains and from the Sas'katch'-a-wan to the Red river of Texas. These two great streams of savages came first against each other in the valley of the upper Mississippi and then turned southward. The Algon- qnins from the east seem to have out- flanked the Sioux and began to oc- cupy that part of Iowa that Ues south of a line extending from the mouth of the Iowa river in Louisa county, to the mouth of the Big Sioux near Sioux City: and the Sioux occupied the ter- ritory north of 'this line. I — THE ALGONQTTIITS. The Algonquins were represented on Iowa soil by the Chippewas from the Lake Superior region, the Sac and Fox tribes from the vicinity of Green Bay, Wisconsin: the Ottawas and Pot- tawattamies from the country south of the Great Lakes, and the Illinois from the Illinois river district. The Chippewas were a powerful tribe that ranged formerly over most of Michigan. Wisconsin and Minneso- ta and were constantly at war with the Sioux and others of their neigh- bors. They took sides with the Eng- lish in rY\e Revolutionary war Of l"Tfl 22 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. and again in 1812. They number at present about 20,000 and are located on thirteen reservations in the above named states and are making gratify- ing progress in civilization. The Ottawas in 1650 were driven by the Iroquois, (at one time the most powerful confederation of Indians on the American continent and some- times called the "Six Nations,") be- yond the Mississippi only to be forced back a little later by the Sioux. They then settled near Mackinaw, Michigan. They aided the French in their war with . Great Britain in this country, known as the French and In- dian War of 1754, and aided the En- glish in the Revolutionary War. The tribe has been reduced to a mere handful and they have been moved to Indian Territory. The Pottawattamies were driven from Michigan into Wisconsin by the Iroquois. They were allied with the French in their wars against the Iro- quois and participated in the Indian conspiracy led by Pontiac, chief of the Ottawas, who besieged the city of De- troit for eleven months in the year 1769. In the wars of the colonists with Great Britain they aided the lat- ter. In 1838 most of them were re- moved to a reservation in Kansas. Most of these became citizens and abandoned the tribal relation. Of the others, some are in Kansas, some in Indian Territory and the remainder became wanderers. The Sac and Fox tribes were united about the beginning of this century. They originally occupied the southern part of Wisconsin, especially the Fox river district, and also the Rock river district in Illinois. In 1832 they were conducted across the Mississippi and united with the lowas. A little later all were removed to the Sac river dis- trict, Missouri, but subsequently were located on special reservations, one in Indian Territory, the other' in Tama Township, Tama County, Iowa. Th6 latter is a part ofthe original hunt- ing ground of the lowas. These In- dians number about 450, and this year (1898) have harvested for their own support, 1,000 bushels of wheat, 2,000 bushels of oats and 20,000 bushels of corn. n— THE SIOUX (SCO) OB DAKOTAS. The Sioux or Dakotas, the other great family, were represented in Iowa by the Dakotas proper, from the up- per Mississippi region, the Winneba- goes from the country west of Lake Michigan, the lowas identified with the Iowa River district, and theOtoes (now united with the Missouries,) the Omahas, Sissetons and Yanktons. The Omahas after a fatal visitation of small pox that greatly reduced their numbers, wandered westward to the Niobrara river and together with the OtoeS have been located on reser- vations in eastern Nebraska. The Yanktons in 1803, when Lewis and Clark made their remarkable tour of discovery through the northwest, were found in northwest Iowa. The description given by them of these Yanktons is that they were "strong, well-proportioned, bold and dignified." They found a brotherhood among them consisting of a chosen few, the bold, athletic ones, who vowed they would never say die or give up a pur- pose formed, for anything. They camped and held their pow-wows sep- arate froni the balance of the tribe. In council their word was law. While making a trip to the Black Hills they met the Kites, and eighteen of the twenty-two that formed this brother- hood, licked the dust in an engage- ment that ensued. The Sioux nation, for many years, has been the most powerful of all the Indian tribes of North America. The chiefs and warriors of this tribe have been noted for their "fine physique great personal courage and great skill in warfare." Though slow to adopt civilization their intellectual powers THE INDIANS OF IOWA. 23 compare favorably with those of most other tribes. Their number at pres- ent is about 40,000, divided into twen- ty-one sub-tribes that are more or less independent of each other. Their reservations include 108,450 square miles and they range over most of the unsettled portion of the Dakotas, east- ern Montana and north-eastern Wy- oming. The history of the Sioux has, from the first, been one of war, and their name a terror to their Indian neigh- bors, as well as to the whites. In their progress toward the east they encountered the Chippewas, who at that time formed a tribe sufficiently powerful to cope with them. After a long continued warfare with the Chippewas they were driven back into Minnesota. In 1857 a band invaded the settle- ments along the Little Sioux river in this state committing depredations at first, but murder at Lake Okoboji and vicinity, known as the Spirit Lake Massacre. Again in 1862 the bands in Minnesota fell upon the white settlers and a terrible massacre ensued. As a result of these outbreaks they were placed on reservations in the Dakotas. The bands Inhabiting the country farther west were in a state of almost constant hostilities with the whites until 18'7'7 and the protection of the border settlements required almost constant presence of large bodies of troops. In 1875 and 1876, the chief. Sitting Bull, at the head of a large body of warriors maintained a success- ful resistance against all the troops that were brought against him and finally escaped across the bound- ary line into the domain of Canada with the bulk of his followers. The Winnebagoes at the time of the advent of the whites, formed the van- guard of the eastward migration of the Sioux and were found in the vi- cinity of Winnebago Lake and Green Bay, Wisconsin. They also aided the French in their early wars with the English, and the latter in the time of the Revolution and the war of 1812. The Winnebagoes, some time pre- vious, or about the time of their re- moval to Iowa, seceded from the Con- federacy of the Sioux and became the allies of the Sac and Fox tribe. This placed them on bad terms with the Sioux, their neighbors on the north, in the northeastern part of Iowa, and trespassing on each others' hunting grounds afforded pretext for continued war between them. To remedy this difficulty, on the 15th of July, 1830, the United States Government entered into a treaty with the above named tribes by which each of them ceded to the Government a strip of land twenty miles in width along their line of division from the Mississippi, (vi- cinity of Prairie du Cliien,) in a southwesterly direction to the mouth of the Boone or head waters of the Des Moines river. This strip, forty miles in width, was called the "neutral ground" and both parties were to have the privilege, in common, of hunting and fishing upon this broad division line. THE BLACKHAWK WAR. "Far from the tumult fled the roe, Close in her covert cower 'd the doe, Till, far beyond her piercing ken, The hurricane had swept the glen." For a number of years previous to 1825 the Winnebagoes and their neigh- bors, the Sac and Fox tribe, had pos- session of and worked the lead mines in southern Wisconsin. These mines had been known from the earliest days of exploration by the French, and had attracted a mining population of con- siderable extent. The encroachments of the whites led to hostilities with the Winnebagoes in 1828 and as a re- sult the entire lead region was ceded to the government and the Indians agreed to occupy the territory west of the Mississippi. These Indians were reluctant to 24 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. leave their villages and the hunting grounds they had occupied for several generations, and their removal by the government was immediately followed by the Black Hawk War of 1832. Black Hawk was a brave and noted chief of the Sac and Fox who aided the British at Detroit in the War of 1812, and, until he was complete- ly subdued, never had a friendly feel- ing toward the government of this country. The principal village of his tribe was located on the Rock River, three' miles above its mouth or near the present city of Rock Island. Having been removed to Iowa in 1831 without his consent, in the spring of the following year he re-crossed the Mississippi with a band of 200 warriors and on May 14, 1832, won a victory over the first force that was raised against him. But in three different engage- ments with United States troops at Galena, June 24th, at Blue Mounds July 21st, and a little later near the Mississippi, he was defeated and his power completely broken. He fled but was captured by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the government. After an imprisonment in Fortress Monroe for a year, he was taken to several of the principal cities of this country that he might see the folly of contending against the whites. When released to go to his country- men, he was deeply moved, as he pas- sed the village where he was born, where he had lived so happily, and where he hoped to die, for he found it occupied by another and himself a wanderer. He passed the remainder of his days with his tribe in Iowa, and died in 1849. SIOUX OUTLAWS. The Sioux, in an early day, had no chief. This was an unnecessary lux- ury with them until they had deal- ings with the British which required a spokesman and Wah-ba-shaw was the first to hold this position. f bey wer? entirely different frojw the other families of Indians in cus- toms, language and almost everything. Schoolcraft, the great Indian author- ity says, their feasts, sacrifices, burnt- offerings and supplications to the Great Spirit, etc., remind him of sim- ilar customs and observances among tlje Asiatic tribes before the Christ- ian era. Another authority claims they have descended from the Tar- tars of Asia. They have often been alluded to as the Arabs of Western America and their fondness for war has been proverbial. When the cabin of the white settler began to break the monotony of the prairies of northern Iowa this tribe sought less molested hunting grounds in Dakota and Minnesota, but a band of Sioux outlaws, chiefly from the Sisseton tribe continued to roam over this section of country. Having mur- dered an aged chief, they had been expelled from the main tribe, but had drawn strength from other tribes un- til they numbered about 500 at the time when settlements were first made in Webster, Cherokee and Woodbury counties. They were then under Si- dom'-i-na-do-ta, (Two-Fingers) and as wanderers moved from place to place without regularity. As Pocahontas county was slow to receive settlers, they spent much of their time in this county. These Indians were in league with another band pf desperadoes, who re- sided along the St. Peter's river in Minnesota, of whom Young-Sleepy- Eyes was the chief. These two bands lived in a state of almost constant outlawry upon other tribes and some- times united in waging war against the Pottawattamies in the southwest, or the Sac and Fox tribes in the south- east part of the state. The early set- tlers tell of battles fought by them at various places, as at Adel, Mud Lake Hamilton county, and along tVie banks of the Cedar, Skunk, Iowa, and upper Peg M9!n?8 rivers, ^^^ piipt QreeJ^ THE INDIANS OF IOWA. 25 in Pocahoatas county. INDIAN BATTLES. * "The battle at Adel occurred in the year 1841, at wiiicli time the Sac and Fox tribe was encamped in the vicin- ity of Des Moines. A party of twen- ty-four Delawares who were return- ing from Nebraska to visit the Sac and Fox tribe, with whom they were on friendly terms, were followed by a band of these Sioux, overtaken in the vicinity of Adel and in the bloody conflict that ensued, there fell twenty- three of the former and twenty-six of the latter. The only Delaware that survived through concealment in the grass, bastened to the Sac and Fox village, related the terrible fate of his companions and immediately five hundred warriors under Pa-she-ta-ho, then eighty years of age, mounted their ponies, started in hot pursuit of the ruftians, and, overtaking them about 100 miles north of Adel, com- pletely routed them, killing many, and sustaining a loss of seven of their own number. Another battle that occurred six miles north of Algona on the east branch of the Des Moines river is of historic interest. When in 1869 A. R. Fulton visited this spot he found "portions of skeletons mercilessly in- dented with tomahawk marks, and other relies of the battle." His ac- count of the battle is in part as fol- lows: "In April, 1852, a portion of the Musquakie ( Fox) tribe, then and still residing in Tama county, under the leadership of Ko-ko-wah, went north by the way of Clear Lake to what was then called the Neutral Ground. While encamped at Clear Lake, their scouts brought informa- tion that a band of their old enemy, the Sioux, were encamped over on the east branch of the Des Moines. Ko- ko-wah with sixty warriors proceeded to attack them. They arrived in the *aeveille, Feb. 20, 1896! night and concealed themselves in the timber, a mile above the Sioux en- campment, where, unperceived, they learned the exact position of the enemy. In the morning, after many of their warriors had gone on a hunt, they swooped down upon the unsus- pecting Sioiix when they were not prepared to make a successful resist- ance. For a short time the conflict was desperate, but the advantage was all on the side of the attacking party, and the Sioux were completely van- quished. Sixteen of them were killed, including some women and children. The Musquakies lost four braves. They charged into the village after the first fire and a noted warrior was killed by a squaw, who sent two ar- rows through his body. But -few of the Sioux warriors escaped and all their dead were left unburied. Aft- er the fight the Musquakies hastily re- turned to their village in Tama county." Si-dom-i-na do-ta's band was en- gaged in battle with the Pottawatta- mies at Twin Lakes and on the South Lizard, where they were victorious and the war between these two tribes was at an end in Iowa. We next hear of this notorious band of Indians in 1848 in Webster county, a sliort distance south of Fort Dodge, where they notified a party of survey- ors who were establishing a correction line across the state, not to go west of the Des Moines river as that was their territory. After serving this notice they departed and the surveyors con- tinued their work, but when they had proceeded a short distance west of the river the band returned and surround- ed the surveyors. They broke their instruments, stole their horses and provisions, and destroyed their land- marks, thereby convincing them they had better go no further into their territory. After this, Si-dom-i-na-do- tas' band again comes into notice hf 26 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. reason of their frequent robberies of the new-comers who had located above Boone and were waiting for the new lands west of the river to be opened for settlement or purchase. The mil- itary post at Fort Dodge was opened in 1850, the time had come for the ad- vancement of the whites and these outlaws could no longer prevent the occupation of the territory by them." WESTERN IOWA INDIAN TREATY. Western Iowa was ceded by the In- dians to the United States on July 15, 1830. The Sac, Fox, Western Sioux, Omaha, Iowa and Missouri^ Indians sold this large tract of land to the Government and in consideration therefor, they received as follows: Sacs, $3,000; Foxes, $3,000; Sioux, $2,000; Yankton and Santee bands of the Sioux, $3,000; Omahas, $2,500; Otoes and Missouris, $2,500; total, $16,000. This amount was paid to the Indians in annual installments for ten years, and provision was made for farm implements for the Indians and schools for their children. This treaty was negotiated and com- pleted on behalf of the Government by William Clark, Superintendent of In- dian Affairs, and Col. Willoughby Morgan, of the first United States In- fantry. The boundaries described in the treaty were as follows: "Beginning at the upper fork of the Des Moines river, and passing the sources of the Little Sioux and Floyd rivers, to the fork of the first creek that falls into the Big Sioux river, or Calumet, on the east side; thence down said creek and Calumet river to the Missouri river, thence to the Missouri state line above the Kansas; thence along said line to the northwest corner of the state; thence,. tc the .high lands between the waters falling into the Missouri and^Des:.Moines,>passing to said highlands along the dividing ridge between the forks of the Grand river; thence along the highlands that form the dividing ridge, separating the waters of the Missouri from those of the Des Moines, to a point opposite the source of the Boyer river, and thence in a di- rect line to the upper fork of the Des Moines river, the place of beginning." This treaty went into effect on Feb- ruary 24, 1831, by proclamation and the settlement by the whites began at once, though at first but few families had the daring to take up their homes in this wild country at that time. At the time of this sale western Iowa abounded in buffalo, elk and deer, and the streams abounded with flsh. The Indians lived off the game and were loath'to give up' their fine hunting grounds. They made no further claim to the lands , after the treaty, but there were frequent out- breaks of the different tribes, and sev- eral times it became necessary to call the Federal Troops to the assistance of the organized companies of pioneers.. Reservations were set aside for the Indians, but it was with considerable trouble for many years that they were kept within bounds. The location of troops at Fort Dodge in 1860 awed the Indians in the north- ern part of the state and settlers east of the river were not molested, but in 1853 the troops were unwisely removed and the Indians very soon afterward inaugurated a reign of terror among the settlers as far east as tlie Cedar river. THE SPIEIT LAKE MASSACRE. 27 III. THE SPIRIT LAKE MASSHeRE AND PRELIMINARY EVENTS. "Westward the Star of Empire takes its Way." I — REMOVAL 01* FOBT DODGE MILITARY POST. HEN the military post was established at Fort Dodge in 1850 the Indians de- serted the east side, and the majority of them fell back from ten to twenty miles on the west side of the Des Moines river to a region which at that date was as yet comparatively unex- plored, an Indian territory. Although they were occasionally seen on the opposite side of the river, apparently to observe the movements of the troops, it was nearly nirie months be- fore any intercourse could be had with them. By the treaty of 1851 they ceded the last of their lands in Iowa to the Government, but as in the case of previous treaties, they were permitted to occupy them for hunting and fish- ing until the arrival of white settlers upon the domain thus ceded. In 1852 some robberies were reported on the Boyer river and a detachment of troops from Fort Dodge overtaking the culprits, held Ink-pa-du-ta and Um-pa-sho-ta, two of the chiefs, a few days, until the stolen property was returned. In the summer of 1853 the garrison at Fort Dodge was transferred further north to a new post on the Minnesota river in Minnesota. On the removal of this garrison. Major William Will- iams, who had been a member of it, remained, and in partnership with John Lemp, purchased from the state of Iowa the section of land on which the garrison had been stationed; and in March of the following year, 1854, platted thereon the town site of Fort Dodge, at which time, there were on the ground, only two other men, James B. Williams and John M. Hef- ley, and one family, that of Wiliam Miller, besides himself. After the removal of the troops the Indians became more impudent and annoying in their depredations, and for the protection of the frontier set- tlers, who now began to arrive in con- siderable numbers, Governor Hemp- stead, in 1854, and also his successor Governor Grimes, empowered Major Williams to keep them in check, and to raise men for this purpose if neces- sary. The roving bands that inhabited this portion of Iowa became very friendly to the Major, his word to them was law, and he succeeded in keeping them peaceably disposed until Henry Lott, a desperate character of Web- ster county, waylaid and shotSi-dom'- i-na-do-ta, chief of the Sissetons or Sioux out-laws, and murdered his squaws and children. n— MURDER OFSI-DOM'-I-NA-DO-TA,* "Twas not as when, in rival strength. Contending nations meet, Or love of conquest madly hurls A monarch from his seat." "Henry Lott, as the first settler, •Centennial History, of Webster oonnty. 28 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. erected the first cabin in "Webster county near the mouth of the Boone river, where in 1846, he was found by the pioneers "selling whiskey to the Indians, stealing their ponies and running them off to the south." In his dealings with the Indians he was so unfair that they finally became sus- i)icious of him, threatened his life, and In the winter of 1846 drove him from his cabin, but did not meddle with his family. His two sons, fearing for the safety of their father, followed him, became lost, separated, and one was frozen to death near Elk Eapids. In November,' 1853, he and his son began tio occupy a claim near Lett's creek in Humboldt county and laid in as a^ win- ter's supply— three or four barrels of whiskey and some goods, as he said, 'fwlth a view of trading with the In- dians." In January, 1854, Lott and his son went to the camp of the old chief, Si- dom-i-na-do-ta, who was then living on the creek a mile west of Lott's cabin, and telling him there was a drove of elk feeding on the bottom lands, in- duced the old Indian to mount his pony and go with them. Lott and his son followed, and when a safe distance from his camp, treacherously shot and killed him, and that night, disguised as Indians, attacked the chief's wife, his mother and six children, and mur- dered all but two, a little girl aged ten, who hid in the bushes, and a boy of twelve years, whom they thought they had killed, but who regained con- sciousness and recovered." The murderded chief and family were discovered about ten days after the tragedy by a party of Indians, liv- ing on Lizard creek, who, starting to hunt, called on their way and expected to see their friends. They found the little boy and girl and reported the affair at Fort Dodge. The settlers, on making an Investigation, found also that the cabin of Lott had been burned and that he and his son. taking with them the pony of the Indian chief, had left for parts un- known. At a coroner's inquest, the jurymen being Indians, the children so testified and the jury so decided, that the chief and his family had been murdered by Lott and his son (or step-son?). Subsequently the re- port became current that Lott had been killed on the plains on the way to the Pacific coast. After this outrage, and especially in view of the fact that Lott had not been captured and punished, the Indians became sullen and suspicious, and in fact behaved in such a manner as to cause all the settlers to fear that they would retaliate on the whites. For some time they threat- ened the whites with destruction if they did not capture Lott and give him up to them. The only course possible was to promise them he should be taken and continue mani- fest efforts to capture him until they had time to prepare for defence. m— THE GRINDSTONE WAE. About this same period, an incident of real interest occurred in the vicin- ity of Clear Lake that finds a place in the annals of that period under the title of the "Grindstone War," that led to the abandonment for a time of the frontier and spread alarm far in- to the settlements. A party of Indians were passing the cabin of a settler by the name of Dick- erson on a begging expedition and see- ing a handsome rooster, a young red- skin in chasing it around the premises in the effort to capture it, knocked over the grindstone, broke it to pieces and started ofl with the largest piece of it. Dickerson followed him, jerked the grindstone away, sent the Indian sprawling on the ground and when he rose knocked him insensible with a piece of the grindstone. The Indians demanded $100 in reparation, but were for the time appeased by Mrs. Dicker- son giving them what money she ha^ THE SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. 29 ($6.00), some quilts and other articles. The day following, the settlers at Clear Lake, Mason City and vicinity, to the number of twenty-flve, mount- ed and well armed, determined to drive the Indians out of that section. The latter awaited the onset until they were within gun-shot, when the chief advanced with a flag of truce in one hand and a great pipe— the pipe of peace — in the other. The articles received of Mrs. Dickerson were re- turned, the pipe of peace was mutual- ly smoked; but the treaty so unexpect- edly made did not allay the fears of the settlers, all of whom were seized with a panic soon after and fled for a short time as far east as Nora Springs. IV— OTHEK EVENTS. * "In the summer of 1855, settlers began to push their way up both branches of the Bes Moines river and the Lizard fork from Forf Dodge. Their pre-emptions were made where groves dotted these streams, that tim- ber might be obtained for erecting rude homes and for fuel. The foun- dations of many pioneers' homes were made that season, though a majority of the founders did not remain, but returned with their families and effects the following spring to make their permanent homes. It was dur- ing this influx that Pocahontas county received its iirst settlers. Some set- tlers, more venturesome than others, journeyed along the Lizard to its head- waters, crossed over to the Little Sioux and located their claims at or near what is now Sioux Rapids. The winter that followed was one of remarkable severity, but with the re- turn of the warm spring sun and the disappearance of the snow there came those conditions that were so peculiar to this section in early days. Spring in those days came as a pardon from the Great Executive of the Universe, *ByA. H. Malcolm, »■ resident of Clinton Township, a reprint from the Reveille, March 19, 1896. releasing prisoners from their impreg- nable walls of snow, causing general rejoicing and a "desire to gambol even as the lambs. Such was the spring of 1856, and the return of those who had visited the country the previous sum- mer, together with the new-comers, inaugurated a veritable boom. This was the year when settlements were made in northwestern Iowa on a permanent basis. Prom every patch of timber along the streams came the sound of the axe as it was sturdily plied in felling timber for the log cabin, or in cutting crotched pole^ with which to make a shelter for a few cattle. It was during this sum- mer that the banks of the beautiful Iowa lakes, known as Spirit and 6ko- bojis, became dotted with a few cab- ins. It was late when these settlers arrived, and with hard work they barely had time to erect .their homes before a winter set in that was a win- ter, indeed. Northwestern Iowa had become generally settled this season^ and yet during the severe winter the settlers were as isolated as if sepa- rated by mountains of granite. During the time of these settle- ments, Ink-pa-du-ta's band of Indians occasionally made their appearance and usually frightened timid settlers, but no general scare was inaugurated. The greater part of their time was spent on the plains of Dakota, whith- er they had followed the buffalo and other game. In February, 1857, this band of Indians appeared on the Sioux in the northwestern part of Wood- bury county, and a quarrel was pre- cipitated with the whites, but with no serious results. The Indiana claimed to be on a hunting expedi? tion, but doubtless their real object was to beg, rob and plunder. They were sullen and abusive as they passed up the Little Sioux, and doubtless the lives of several families were saved by the exercise of forbearance. In Buena Vista county they robbed 30 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the house, shot the cattle and shame- fully abused a family Jjy the name of Weaver. In Clay county, near the present town of Peterson, their out- rages on two families— Mead and Tay- lor — were even more bold and villian- ous. Finally, on March 7, they reach- ed the Okoboji Lakes, when their pent up savagery became an insatiate thirst for blood. They had found their rich hunting grounds pre-empted and no doubt felt that they were being driven to the land of the setting sun. Ink-pa-du-ta, brother and suc- cessor as chief of Si-dom-i-na-do-ta, doubtless saw an opportunity to strike a last terrible blow at the whites and thereby avenge the death of his broth- er and mother before quitting the soil of Iowa." MURDERS AT LAKE OKOBOJI, MARCH 8, 185"7. * "Oh, bloodiest picture in the book of time; Barmatia fell, unwept, without a crime." "On the morning of March 8, just as the- Gardner family were about to breakfast, an Indian entered the cab- In. He professed friendship and the Gardners shared their breakfast with him. He was soon followed by several more with their squaws and papooses, led by Ink-pa-du-ta himself. The family shared their scanty stores with all these hungry Visitors. After they had eaten they began a series of inso- lent and menacing interferences with the family and their household goods. One demanded ammunition and when Mr. Gardner was taking some from a box to give him, he snatched the box; another attempted to take the pow- der horn from the wall, but was pre- vented by Mr. Luce, a son-in-law of Mr. Gardner. The Indians staid about the house until nearly noon, and finally left, after shooting some of the cattle and driving others before them. They went in the direction of the Mattock »Ex-Gov. C. C. OBfpenter, In Midland Monthly, July, 1896. cabin, near which was the cabin of three young men. Dr. Harriot and Messrs. Granger and Snyder. In the judgment of Mr. Gardner, who had learned something of Indian character by his experience with them while liv- ing at Clear Lake, there was no longer any doubt as to the hostile pur- pose of the Indians. The situation was hastily discussed, and at the request of Mr. Gardner, the two young men at his home. Luce and Clark, started for the homes of the other settlers to notify them of the danger and summon them to the home of Mr. Gardner for mu- tual defence. They never returned from this perilous mission and their bodies were found on the lake shore the following summer. About an hour after they had gone, several gun shots were heard by the Gardners in quick succession, and in the direction of the Mattock cabin. This convinced them that the work of of death had begun. Later they dis- covered several Indians approaching the cabin. The impulse of Mr. Gard- ner was to barricade the door and sell his life as dearly as possible. But his wife, feeling the hopelessness of any attempt at defense dissuaded him with the argument that if there was any hope for the family, it was in try- ing to conciliate them. Meanwhile, they reached the house and coming in, asked for flour, and when Mr. Gard- ner turned to get it, they shot him through the heart. Then one leveled a gun to shoot Mrs. Gardner. Mrs. Luce, her daughter, grabbed the gun and pulled it down, when the Indians seized both mother and daughter and beat them to death with the butts of their guns. Then they snatched* the helpless babe of Mrs. Luce from the arms of the girl of thirteen,— now Mrs. Abigail Gardner Sharp,— to whom were clinging with the instinct of ter- ror, not only the babe, but her six- year-old brother and another little child of Mrs. Luce. Snatching all THE SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. 31 a; ^ <6 -4 to a 2. « ^ i a> B sa e 9 Ml B d' O I'" '» i»«i«:'#tf'«-|^«Wp«..» 32 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. three of these helpless little ones from the dazed and paralyzed girl, they carried them outside the house and beat them to death with sticks of wood. They ransacked the cabin, taking such things as curiosity or their wants prompted, and then led away Abigail, a helpless captive, from this appalling scene to the Mattock cabin. At the Mattock cabin the dead bodies of the family were found scat- tered over the ground, the cabin was in flames and two of the household had been left to perish in the fire. Here there had been an attempt at defense, but they had become con- scious of their danger too late for or- ganization. Near the house Dr. Har- riott was lying dead, his gun still be- ing in his hands. Snyder, also dead, was lying in the vicinity, indicating that when the attack was made upon the Mattock family, these two young men had, undoubtedly, crossed the straits to aid in the defense of their friends and had died with their faces to the foe. It was now evening and with savage intuition they celebrated the carnage of the day with an Indian war-dance at this place. MUKDEES AT EAST OKOBOJI, MARCH 9. The,next niornlng the savages, with appetites sharpened for blood, sallied forth on the war path for the cabins on the east side of BastOkoboji. Here were living the families of Howe, his son-in-law, Alvin Noble, and Thatcher with whom was stopping a young man Byan, another son-in-law of Mr. Howe, and all were entirely Ignorant of the fate of their neighbors and of the presence in the neighborhood of Ink-pa-du-ta and his band. Mr. Howe, having started on an errand to the Gardner cabin, was met and shot a short distance from his home, and his head severed from his body. The savages then went to the cabin and murdered the remainder of the family, comprising his wife and six children, a young man, a young woman and four younger children. They next visited the Noble cabin, in which were Noble, his wife and in- fant child, his brother-in-law Ryan, and also Mrs. Thatcher and infant child. As usual they feigned friend- ship on entering the house, and as soon as opportunity was afforded they shot both Noble and Ryan. Seiz- ing the two Infant children from their mothers' arms, they dashed their brains out against a tree at the door. After plundering the house, shooting several of the cattle and killing the poultry, they left with their Ijooty, dragging the two' helpless and horri- fied women— Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Thatcher— into captivity. On the route to their camp, which was near the Mattock place, they stopped at the cabin of the Howes where Mrs. Noble was still more horrified on see- ing the dead bodies of her mother, brothers and sisters. MABBLE GEOVB, SPIEIT LAKE, MAECH 1 1 On the tenth of March they moved westward across West Okoboji, and the next day northward to Marble Grove at Spirit Lake. Here another opportunity presented itself to slake their thirst in blood. Living alone, far from neighbors, were these two young people, Mr. and Mrs. Marble. Before they were aware of the pres- ence of a human being besides them- selves, the Indians were in and around their cabin. As usual they pretended to be friends and made signs of good will. They invited Marble out to shoot at a mark. After a few shots, when his gun was empty, the target fell and they motioned him to set it up. His wife sitting at a window, with a woman's instinct divined their T)urpos6, and, as she suspected, when he turned his back to set up the tar- get, they shot hirn through the heart. His wife in horror sprang from the house to run to his relief, but was led to their camp a captive. Before leav- THE SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. 33 ing Marble's Grove they again repeated the fiendish orgies of the war dance. AT SPRINGFIELD, MUSTNESOTA. After these events, the Indians moved northwestward with their four captives and booty. On March 26th, they were encamped at Heron Lake, about fifteen miles northwest of Springfield, Minnesota, and thither they started early in the morning of that day. Their arrival here was, in some measure, anticipated. The day on which they had visited the Howe and 2>foble cabins, Morris Markham had gone fifteen miles east, to the Des Moines river, for a stray yoke of oxen. Returning to the Gardner cabin late in the evening and finding it a scene of destruction, he believed it to be the work of Indians and started for the Mattock place, where he was diverted from running into the Indian camp — located vnthin the timber and brush — by the harking of the Indian dogs. Thence he hastened to the Howe and Noble cabins— the latter his own home — only to find them desolate, or strewn with the mangled remains of former friends. Having traveled thir- ty miles that day, without food or rest, he remained in the timber until daylight and then hastened to Spring- field, eighteen miles north, where, half-frozen and half-starved, he deliv- ered his startling message. On hearing Markham 's story, sever- al families assembled at the home of James B. Thomas, (father of Sylvester P. Thomas, of Havelock,) the largest home in the place and resolved to de- fend themselves to the end. They also dispatched two young men, Hen- ry Tretts and Mr. Cliflen, to Fort Ridgely for troops.^ At flist there were twenty-two persons, old and young, in the Thomas house, and here most of them remained for seventeep days. About three o'clock* on the after- noon of March 26th, a little eight year old son of Thomas, who had been play- ing in the yard, rushed to the door, saying, "the boys are coming," refer- ing to the two young men who had gone to Port Ridgely and who were hourly expected. Quite a number of the people in the house came to the door, several stepping outside, when in an Instant there sprang from be- hind the stable and the neighboring trees a score of Indians, who imme- diately fired a volley into the group of persons that stood in and around the door. The little boy, William Thom- as, who had been deceived by an In- dian dressed in a white man's suit, and who had called them to the door, fell mortally wounded In the head. !Mr. Thomas was wounded in the wrist, causing the loss of an arm; David Car- ver was wounded in the left arm and Miss Drusilla Swanger in the should- er. But in the excitement and rush for the door, none of them realized that they were wounded, and little Willie, who had fallen unnoticed, was left outside, where he soon died of his woimd. Xow began a fight for life. There were three men, Jareb Palmer, Brad- shaw and Markham, that were not wounded. The two latter seized each a gim, and, knocking the chinking from between the logs to get sight of the enemy, began firing. Palmer, as- sisted by Mrs. Thomas, barricaded the door, pulling up puncheons or timbers from the floor to strength- en it and protect the Inmates from the shower of bullets that came against it. Miss Swanger, though wounded, and Miss Gardner, a sister of Abbie, ren- dered efficient service during the siege by casting bullets. Mrs. Louisa ciiurch not only assisted by loading guns, but stood at a port-hole and fired at every Indian head she could see. It is believed that she fired the only shot that really killed an Indian. While this battle was in progress at the Thomas house, a detachment of 34 PIONEER HISTORYDOF POCAHOKTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Indians attacked the store, killing William and George Woods, the pro- prietors, and carrying away their goods. Others went to the Stewart cabin, where they killed Stewart, his wife and two children, one little boy of eight years saving himself by flight and hiding behind a log. Two cabins— that of Wheeler, where there were two men, Henderson and Smith, lying with frozen limbs, and that of Sheigley, where he and his little-son were momentarily expecting an at- tack, were overlooked and left undis- turbed. The- assault on the Thomas house was vigorously maintained and as vig- orously resisted, till nearly sunset, when the Indians ceased tiring and were seen throwing clubs at the horses that were running loose around the stable, to drive them beyond gun- shot from the house. About dark little Johnnie Stewart was seen ap- proaching the house, creeping on the snow amid the timber; and a little later Sheigley arrived, wholly uncon- scious of the tragic events that had been transpiring. " FLIGHT yROM SPRINGFIELD. Having no knowledge of the plans for their relief, and fearing the In- dians would Are their dwelling under the cover of ni^ht, about nine o'clock it was decided to leave the place. Finding a yoke of oxen left in the stable, they hitched them to the sled and the seventeen persons that were there, three of them having wounds undressed^ taking no baggage and no clothing except what they had on, and leaving the body of little Willie where he fell, sadly and silently started in the darkness of the night on a periloiis journey down the valley of the Des Moines to Fort Dodge, seventy-flve miles distant. They arrived in the course of time, in a forlorn and desti- tute condition, having tarried two nights and one day at the cabin of George Granger, the nearest settler on the Des Moines, where is now the city of Bstherville, meeting the Fort Dodge volunteer relief company on the afternoon of March 30th, and stop- ping at the Irish settlement, fifteen miles north of the mouth of Cylinder creek, on the way. The Indians, finding that a detach- ^ment of troops from Fort Eidgely had arrived the next day after the battle at the Thomas cabia, having killed thirty-three persons at the Okoboji lakes, one at Spirit Lake and seven at Springfield— total, forty-one*— fled im- mediately with their four captives, Abbie Gardner, Mrs. Marble, Mrs. No- ble and Mrs. Thatcher, to the country west of the James river in Dakota. The reason why the foregoing tragic events have always been called "The Spirit Lake Massacre, " when Marble alone was killed near that particular lake, is due to the fact that at this early period, this whole lake region was known abroad as that of Spirit Lake. *Major Williams' report In History of Spirit Lalie Massacre. THE EELIEF EXPEDITION TO SPIRIT LAKE. 35 IV. THE RELIEF EXPEDITISN TO SPIRIT LAKE. "Ne cede mails, sad contra audentior ito. "— Viegil. "Yield not to misfortunes, but on the other hand, more bravely go forward.' THE FACTS LBAENED.* IMONG the settlers who had located in the Spirit Lake re- gion during the fall of 1856, there were three men from Jasper county— Orlando C. Howe, E. A. Wheelock and B. F. Parmenter— who, very fortunately , returned to their homes after locating their claims. About the first of March fol- lowing they started from Newton again for the lakes, and their trials during that journey, could they be narrated, would scarcely be believed. Their wagons were drawn by oxen, which, on good roads moved slowly but when woUowing through the sloughs barely moved at all, and yet in arr emergency of this kind they made as good speed as horses and more than a locomotive that was not provided with a snow-plow. When they had arrived within a few miles of the lakes, on March 15th, their oxen became completely exhausted and they felt constrained to leave them and proceed on foot. They ar- rived at the lakes after the shades of evening had fallen, and the darkness was increased by the gloom of the scenes of death and desolation tha* met their gaze. All congratulations over the completion of a perilous jour- • A. H. Malcolm, BevelUe, March 19, 1896. ney were ended. Instead of the smiles and hearty welcomes, that they had expected from the settlers with whom they had became ac- quainted the previous fall, they were greeted with the stony glare from the eyes of those who were cold in death. They arrived first at the cabin of Joel Howe, and here they spent the night. In the morning they went to the Mattock cabin, a mile an a half distant, and found it in ashes and the family murdered. These were gloomy moments for these men, and, conclud- ing that the entire settlement had been wiped out, without tarrying for further investigation, they hastened to return to Fort Dodge, where they arrived on the evening of March- 21st, and delivered their startling message. A public meeting having been called, nearly every able-bodied man attend- ed and it was determined to raise two companies of volunteers to march to the scene of the massacre for the purpose of rescuing any settlers that might have escaped, and, if possible, to overtake'and punish' the Indians. That winter A. H. Malcolm worked for George H. Rogers, on Soldier creek, east of Fort Dodge. On the evening of March ■23d, he went to FortjDodge, and receiving his first in- formation of' the massacre, learned that a rescuing party was to leave in 36 PIONEEE HISTORYQOF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the morning. Major Williams had or seven miles. organized two companies of men from "The experience of camping on the Fort Dodge and Homer, who had open prairie, one night without fire, is elected as their captains — Company A, . well remembered. We were some dis- Charles B. Richards, and Company B, tance east of the present town of John F. Duncombe. Runners had Bradgate. The night overtoook us at been sent to Webster City, and on a place where there was no timber or this same day, about thirty men had fuel, and we camped on an elevated marched across the prairie from that spot, from which the wind had blown place to Fort Dodge and organized by the snow. Our feet were wet and we electing J. C. Johnson, captain. A. pulled off our boots, wrung our socks, H. Malcolm became a member of put them on again quickly, lest they Company B. and Guernsey Smith, should freeze, and then to keep warm who also afterward became a resident trotted around the knoll most of the of Pocahontas county, joined this night. When morning came we pro- company. The battalion numbered ceeded to McNight's Point, where we about one hundred men and was under built a Are and remained the balance the command of Major William Will- of that day and night. One of the iams. men, Geo. W. Brazee, from Chicago, DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTEKBD. was court-martialed that evening for On the morning of March 24th, ^ome fancied misdemeanor. He was with loaded teams, the expedition » droll sort of a fellow, but, as we started upon its long, difficult and found out, nobody's fool. He plead arduous campaign. As stated before, ^^^ o^n case and the incident f ur- the winter had been a severe one, but nishfed no small amount of fun for the on this particular morning the weath- battalion. er was so mild it began to thaw. The The next morning we moved on- snow was about two feet deep upon ward, following, as nearly as the snow the level and elevated places and would permit, the dragoon trail from often ten feet in the hollows, rendering Fort Dodge to Fort Ridgely. The them almost impassable. The means experience of each day was very simi- of transportation consisted of three lar to its predecessor; until the second wagons drawn by oxen, and three or day after we left Medium Lake (on four horses. It became necessary at the banks of which Emmetsburg is times, in order to get the wagons now located,) when we met the set- through the snow, to form the com- tiers from Springfield, Minnesota, mand into two lines, separated the dis- whom the Indians had attacked after tance of the wagon wheels apart, and their bloody work at the lakes. They then march and counter-march un- were glad to meet relief and they til they had made a hard beaten track, needed it. They had learned of the Sometimes the snow would not pack approaching Indians, barricaded and then the entire body of men, tak- themselves in the log house of Mr. ing hold of a strong rope, would draw Thomas and had succeeded in beating the wagons, and even the oxen, them off. Under the cover of night, through the drifts by main force, these fleeing settlers had started for When all pulled with the strength of Fort Dodge, four days previous, and determination then prevailing, it took were nearly exhausted when met by more than snow to keep something the expedition. The wounded were from moving. Under these circum- cared for, provisions provided and tlie stances they made slow progress, ad- refugees sent on southward. This oc- vancing some days not more than six curred on March 30th. THE RELIEF EXPEDITIOIT TO SPIRIT LAKE. 37 The impression now prevailed that the Indians could be overtaken, and we pressed ■ onward the following morning with a renewed determina- tion. Before night Granger's grove had been reached, and it was there learned that troops from Fort Rldge- ly had already scouted the country from Springfield to the lakes and that the Indians had fled. The battalion was now one hundred miles from the nearest source of supplies, and had only three day's rations on hand. It was conced- ed that it was useless to further pur- sue the Indians, and inadvisable for the entire command to go to the lakes to bury the dead. Major Williams de- cided to send on this latter errand every fourth man, and that the main body should immediately return. THE EBTTJBN, CTLISTDER CREEK. "It fell to my lot to return, and the experiences of the march homeward were terrible. The day we passed from Medium lake to Cylinder creek, in Palo Alto county. It rained contin- ually so that the creek, which was or- dinarily "a mere thread meandering through a low bottom," had overflown its banks, "and flooding the bottoms one-half mile in width to the depth of three feet, was ten feet deep in the channel. We arrived at the creek about three o'clock in the afternoon, having waded through sloughs and marched twelve miles in the rain. As a matter, of course, there - was not a dry thread in the crowd; and what should we do, seeing that we could not cross the creek? Various experiments were made to devise some method of surmounting this new and unexpected difficulty. It was first decided to calk a wagon- box, two or three to cross in it, and if possible, stretch a rope over the deep channel by the help of which, it was hoped, the wagon-box might be swung back and forth over the channel, and the men and teams reach it by wading across the bottoms. This experiment was made. Duncombe, Richards and Smith tore up quilts, calked the wag- on-box and when they had it sufficient- ly tight to use as a boat, called for volunteers to cross the creek. All were loath to try it the first time, so I (A. H. Malcolm) joined them and we crossed over, "barely escaping ship- wreck in the passage, owing to the swiftness of the current and violence of the wind, which had now veered to the north. " We were unable to re- turn with our rude craft, and as our clothes were wet and freezing we jour- neyed on to Shippey's cabin, two and a half miles south, where we obtained something to eat and spent the night." "Major Williams*, seeing we could not return, was urged to take the wounded refugees and the best team, and return to Medium Lake, where there were four or five Irish families, and he acquiesced. The great body of the men on the north side of the creek began to pre- pare for protecting themselves, as best they could, for the approaching night. They took the top off the wagon, and, placing the front and hind wheels some distance from each other, stretched over these a wagon sheet and a tent cloth, which they had with them, and pinned them to the ground on the north, east and west. The wind was sweeping down from the north, the rain had turned to snow, a blinding blizzard raged and the cold became intense, freezing the wet clothing on the bodies of the men; in short, it seemed as if the storm king had unlashed all the furies of his Arctic Empire. Thus, without food, without Are, without dry clothing, the men huddled under their improvised shelter for the night. As the snow increased, some of the more resolute went out and banked the shelter on the north, east and west. Here they ♦Kk-Gov. Ci Ci earpenter. In Mlalandi 38 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. remained not only through the night, but through the next day and the next night, when the storm abated. In the forty-eight hours of its continuance it had bridged the Cylinder, so that the entire command, including teams and horses, crossed on the ice." On the first morning after Dun- combe, Richards, Smith and A. H. Malcolm had crossed, as the storm was raging fiercer than ever, they had fears that the boys on the bank of the creek had frozen during the night. After breakfast they ventured to their boat and found the ice on the creek sufHcient to carry the weight of a man, except over the channel where the current was swift. Any effort to cross the channel was attended with a great deal of risk. As no one could be seen at the camp, and it was impossible to make themselves heard across the stream, they were very much con- cerned. Being the lightest in the party, it fell to the lot of Malcolm to make the effort to cross over. Taking a board found in the wagon box, he laid it across the channel and care- fully crawled over. He found all the men alive, but not one of them willing to risk the ice, so he re-crossed and they returned to Shippey's cabin. On the second morning the stream was frozen hard, the ice was strong and the entire command, that had lain forty hours on the open prairie without food or fire, crossing over, proceeded to Shippey's cabin, where they were fed and otherwise cared for. Here they remained to follow at their leisure, while Buncombe, Richards, Smith and Malcolm passed on to the cabin of Mr. Evans, at McNight's Point, where they arrived some time after dinner and received some baked potatoes that were greatly enjoyed. Leaving Captain Iluncombe at this place, the other three proceeded homeward, reaching Dakota City about nine o'clock in the evening and Fort Dodge the next day; and the main party arrived two days later, after an absence of seventeen days. THE BURIAL PABTY. Although the hardships and suffer- ings of the main command were se- vere, they were not equal to those of the other party, that went to the lakes to bury the dead. This detach- ment, having proceeded to the East and West Okobojis, buried twenty- nine bodies of the dead, marking the resting place of some with piles of Stone that still remain, and were ready to return on Saturday, April 4, the morning it began to rain. The majority were in favor of returning that day and started In the early morning, leaving behind R. A. Smith, Messrs. Howe, Wheelock, Parmenter and one or two others. The party that left found a difficult and wearisome journey before them. They met the same impediments, only more difficult to overcome, that the main command met on its march from Medium Lake to Cylinder Creek. They had to wade through sloughs full of snow and slush, and cross streams on which the ice was breaking and the water overflowing their banks. In picking their way around sloughs and looking for crossings over streams, they were greatly delayed and wearied. When the mild weather of the morn- ing turned to a pitiless blizzard, they were still on the prairie between the lakes and the Des Moines. The dark- ness and the storm were so intense that they knew it would be impossible to keep the right course if they pro- ceeded, so they stopped on the prai- rie about eight o'clock in the evening. The stronger and more resolute kept their feet all night and constantly aroused those who were becoming drowsy. When morning came, some who had pulled' off their water-soaked boots the night before, finding it im- possible to get them on, had to cut their blankets and wrap their feet so they could travel, THE BELIEF EXPEDITION TO SPIRIT LAKE. SAD FATE OF CAPTAIN J. C. JOHNSON AND WM. B. BUBKHOLDEE. They could see the timber in the distance and started on their way to- ward it, but coming to a slough too deep to wade, they differed as to the best route around it, and unfortu- nately while some went one way, oth- ers took the opposite direction. Mr. Laughlin, who first reached the tim- ber, gathered some dry leaves from under the trunk of an old tree, loaded his musket with some paper wadding, fired it into the leaves and started a fire. The others came straggling in, one after the other, until all had reached the timber but two— Captain J. C. Johnson, of Webster City, who commanded the detachment, and William E. Burkholder, the newly elected treasurer of Webster county, who, going by themselves, were last seen about five o'clock that day two miles distant from their companions, traveling in a southerly direction. Every effort was made to find them, but without success, and their sad fate, as they were special favorites, threw a gloom over the whole com- pany. They perished in a slough, west of the Des Moines river, in Palo Alto county, where in August, 1868, eleven years later, their remains and the remnants of their guns were found. After the lapse of nineteen days the remainder of. the burial party ar- rived at Fort Dodge, having suffered greatly from exposure and fatigue. Fourteen were so badly frozen that they did not recover for nearly a year, and some were maimed for life. THE CAPTIVES. Those who would know tbe whole, sad story of the captives, will turn with interest to the "History of the Spirit Lake Massacre," by Mrs. Abbie Gardner Sharp, at present, the only suryivor of their number, When the Indians fled at the ap- proach of the troops from Port Ridge- ly, the captives were made to carry heavy burdens the same as the squaws, and, after six weeks' marching through snow and slush, oftentimes waist-deep, they arrived at the Big Sioux river. While crossing this river on a bridge of drift, that consisted of a single log a part of the way, an inhuman mon- ster, who had previously relieved her of her burden, thrust Mrs. Thatcher into the deep, seething current of the river. By a superhuman effort, she swam to the bank, and clung to the root of a tree, a short distance down stream. From this slender refuge she was thrust back with clubs and a little later perished in the swollen current. She was only nineteen years of age. Early in May, while they were en- camped at Skunk Lake, thirty miles west of the Big Sioux, two Indians from the Yellow Medicine Agency, in Minnesota, came to the camp of Ink- pa-du-ta, and, with a ransom, secured possession of Mrs. Marble, and took her with them to be, as It seemed, an adopted daughter to their chief, but a few days later she was delivered to Hon. Charles E. Flandreau, of Minne- sota, for $1,000. Subsequently she be- came the wife of S. M. Silbaugh, and in 1885 they resided at Sidell, Napa, county, California. About four weeks after the depart- ure of Mrs. Marble, Mrs. Noble and Abbie Gardner were purchased by a party of Yanktons, who fell in with Ink-pa-du-ta and journeyed with him further westward. ' But one night, when she was about to retire. Roar- ing Cloud, son of Ink-pa-du-ta, came to the tepee, or wigwam, where she and Abbie Gardner were together, and, seizing Mrs, Noble by the arm with one hand and a stick of wood with the other, he dragged her from the tent in a fit of madness and ruthlessly killed her in front of it. 40 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. A few days later they reached the west bank of the James river, where now is situated the town of Old Ash- ton, in Spink county, South Dakota, where there was an encampment of one hundred and ninety lodges of Yanktons, a powerful branch of the Sioux nation. Mrs. Marble and her purchasers gave full information in regard to the captivity of Mrs. Noble and Abbie Gardner. Governor Medary, of Min- nesota, Hon. Charles E. Flandreau the government agent, and Colonel Alexander in command at Fort Ridge- ly, assisted by the missionaries, Rev. Messrs. Riggs and Williamson, now put forth every effort to get some of the more friendly and intelligent Indians to go to the camp and rescue them. On the morning of May 30th, only a few days after the death of Mrs. Noble, three Indians sent by them arrived at the Yankton camp, and by means of a ransom gained possession of Abbie Gardner, conveyed her to St. Paul, from whence she passed to Dubuque, then to Fort Dodge and later to her friends, at Hampton, Iowa, where she became the wife of Mr. Cassville Sharp. She now resides at her fath- er's cabin, on the southeast bank of Lake Okoboji. A magnificent monument of gran- ite, fifty-five feet in height and of graceful proportions, has been erected upon the site of the massacre, by the state of Iowa, at a cost of $5,000, to mark this interesting spot. It was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies July 26, 1895. THE SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. 41 g o B BO'S <" a S -ft* ^ p B. CD I— I O-g! ^ '^ ® 3 B ® S CD 93 a 7 CD o W i 3 is >. g -!a (0 ^ ex a 4? PIONEEB HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. V. LnST INDIAN TROUBLES IN IOWA. "But hark! the heavysound breaks In once more, As if the clouds its echo would repeat; And nearer, clearer, deadlier than before!" OON after the com- mencement of our civil war, in the spring of 1861, ma- rauding bands of In- dians from south- western Minnesota, Dakota and north- ern Nebraska began to cross over into Iowa and commit depredations upon the settlers along the Sioux and Floyd rivers, in Monona and Woodbury coun- ties. Horses were stolen, cattle and other stock killed, gardens and fields were robbed. On July 9, 1861, two citizens, Thom- as Eoberts and Henry Cardua, were killed by the savages, within three miles of Sioux City. They had left the town that morning for the pur- pose of working a patch of potatoes, three miles distant, and when found the day following, the circumstances indicated they had been fired upon by the Indians in ambush, while return- ing to their team from a spring in a wooded ravine, where they had eaten their dinner. Both men had families, and the tragedy awakened fear over that portion of the frontier. After this occurrence, the. Frontier Guards of Sioux City, a company of citizens of that place, who had organized for the better protection of the counties of Northwest Iowa, made an expedition up the Big Sioux river, nearly 100 miles, and crossing thence to Spirit- Lake, returned down the Little Sioux ■river to Cherokee and Sioux City. Although no punishment was inflicted upon the Indians, this expedition in- spired a feeling of greater security among the scattered settlements of that region. LATER TEOUBtES IN MINNESOTA. On August 18, 1862, the Sioux In- dians in Minnesota, under Little Crow and other chiefs, attacked the set- tlers at New Ulm, Mankato and other portions of that state, killing indiscriminately, the unsuspecting men, women and children. Not less than 800 persons were the victims of savage ferocity, and a vast amount of property was destroyed. This sud- den and unexpected outbreak depopu- lated a large portion of Minnesota and spread consternation through- out the northwestern counties of Iowa. Two small volunteer companies of armed settlers from Spirit Lake and Estherville, going twenty miles north of Jackson, Minnesota, found and buried fifteen bodies. Returning the next day to Estherville, they con- structed a high stockade of heavy, sawed timber set on its end in the ground, around the court house at a distance of twenty feet,, and occupy- ing it as a military station, it contin- ued to be so used until 1865. The first troops that occupied it was a de- LAST IKDIAN.TROUBLES IN IOWA. 43 tachment of the Sioux City cavalry, and the last a detachment of Brack- ett's battalion of Minnesota, but in the meantime it had also been oc- cupied by detachments of the Sixth and Seventh Iowa cavalry. During this summer (1862) a similar stockade ■was erected at Cherokee, and Captain A. J. Millard, of Sioux City, occupied it as headquarters for the detach- ments located at Sioux City, Spirit Lake, Estherville and that place. Gen. Henry H.Sibley, ex-governor of Minnesota, raising and commanding a volunteer force, pursued, overtook and on September 23d, 1862, won a de- cisive victory over Little Crow and his combined force of Indian warriors, at Wood Lake. Thei defeated chief, accompanied by 300 of his followers and their families, fled westward, to the protection of other powerful bands of their kindred, and ;ieft their camp, occupied by more than «2000 souls and 120 white female prisoners, to be captured by G-en. Sibley, two days later. Among the captured were 500 warriors, of whom 300 having been court-martialed and sentenced to be executed, 39 of them suffered the death penalty at Mankato, Minnesota, Friday, December 19, 1862. LATER INDIAN TBOUBLES IN THE NOETHWEST. In May, 1863, G-en. Alfred Sully was assigned to the command of the De- partment of Dakota, for the better protection of the frontier. His com- mand consisted of six companies of the 6th Iowa cavalry, under the com- mand of Col. David S. Wilson, of Dubuque; Brackett's and Hatchet's battalions, six companies each; and the 2d Minnesota cavalry, a full reg- iment, making altogether about 2,500 men. The company of cavalry, known as the 'Frontier Guards, ' of Sioux City,* became his body guard, accompa- •Red Men of Iowa, by A. R. Fulton. nied the command in the expedition of that year, and on September 3, 1863, participated in the battle of White- stone Hill, where 136 prisoners were captured. After this battle they were consolidated with the Seventh Iowa Cavalry as Company I. On their return to Sioux City, Captain Millard, commanding the company, was assign- ed by General Sully to the command of a sub-district, embracing north- western Iowa and eastern Dakota, with headquarters at Sioux City. They continued in the service until November 22, 1864, when their term of enlistment expired. FKONTIEB SOLDIERS. The following residents of Pocahon- tas county participated in this frontier warfare against the Indians: William Fitzgerald and A. F. Burdick, of Dov- er township; Chas. Whitney ana Hon. James Mercer, of Cedar; Henry Schoentahl, formerly of Colfax; Henry Hayward, of Des Moines, and Col. John B. Kent, of Rolte. William Fitzgerald, September 29, 1882, in Allamakee county, enlisted for three years and became a member of Co. F., 6th Iowa Cavalry under Cap- tain Scott Shattuck and Col. David S. Wilson, of Dubuque. He participated in the engagement at White Stone Hill, September 8, 1863, when they en- countered 3000 Indian warriors, and in the engagement that ensued, 300 war- riors and 80 soldiers were killed or wounded, and 136 warriors taken cap- tive. In the fall of 1864, he was with a detachment of 1,500 soldiers, that met about 2,500 Indians at Killed Deer, and in a skirmish that lasted all day, many were wounded. He partici- pated also in the battle in the Bad Lands where the Indians made an at- tack on the troops while on their way to Fort Union, located near the junc- tion of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. He was mustered out at Sioux City in October, 1865. Henry Schoentahl enlisted at Du- 44 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. buque October 16, 1862, for three years as a member of Co. M., 6th Iowa Cav- alry under Captain V. J. Williams and continued in the service until Oct. 15, 1865, when he was mustered out at Sioux City, having served three years, lacking only one day, 'and par- ticipated in ihe battles with the In- dians at White Stone Hill, Hart Mound and the Black Hills. The 6th Iowa Cavalry, which Messrs. Fitzgerald and Schoenthal joined at the time of its organization, was re- cruited about the first of October, Co. A. from Scott and Clinton coun- ties; Co. B. and Co. M., Dubuque county; Go. C, Fayette; Co. D., Win- neshiek; Co. E., Pottawattamie; Com- panies F., I. and K., Johnson and con- tiguous counties; Co. G., Delaware; Co. H., Linn; Co. L., Clayton county. The regiment went into camp at Camp Hendershott, Harrison street, Davenport, about the last days of No- vember, 1862, and was mustered into the United States service January 31 and February 3, 1863. Colonel David S. Wilson was in com- mand until June, 1864, when he re- signed and Lieut. Col. Samuel M. Pol- lock, of Dubuque, was promoted. Rev. David N. Mitchell, of Cedar Rap- ids, was chaplain. There was a romantic idea* existing among a number of the men, that the great majority of the Indians were the real nobility of the country; that the few who had been committing the di- abolical outrages at Spirit Lake, New Ulm and other places, were the off- scourings of that noble race. But the first sight of a camp of friendly In- dians—at the Yankton Agency on the Missouri river — dispelled that ro- mance and every subsequent acquaint- ance with 'the noble red' went to em- phasize the idea that "the good In- dian was the dead one." The regiment left Davenport March *J. H. Tripp In "Tliree Yeafs ^mong the Indiana In Dakota." 16, 1863, with an equipment consisting of one wagon, drawn by six mules, for each company, and several additional ones loaded with supplies. They were to join the command of Gen. Sully at Fort Randall, D. T., make an expedi- tion against the hostile Indians and subjugate them. On the route through Iowa they passed Iowa City, Marengo, Des Moines, Grove City Cass county, Council Bluffs and Sioux City, where they arrived April 25th. Here they crossed the Missouri river and arrived at Yankton on May 20th, opposite Fort Randall two days later, and at Fort Pierre June 4th, where they found a detachment of the 7th Iowa Cavalry on guard. The discovery of the camp of Sioux Indians under the command of Little Crow and Big Head, September 3, 1863, where the White Stone Hill bat- tle was fought, was made by the Third Battalion of this regiment, consisting of companies C, F., I. and M., under command of Major A. E. House. The savages were camped on a little lake surrounded by hills that were covered with white stones. On reaching the summit of one of the surrounding hills, this band of 300 men suddenly discovered, that in front of them and only a short distance away, were hun- dreds of tepees and about 3,000 In- dians. They deemed it unwise to pre- cipitate an attack until the arrival of Gen. Sully with his command, twelve miles distant. When Gen. Sully was discovered by them In the distance, near sunset, the squaws and old men began to take down the wigwams and load the po- nies with tent poles, one on each side, with a strap over the back. The pap' pooses were put in baskets and strap- ped on the poles that extended from the ponies to the ground. The wolf dogs were loaded the same as the ponies, only the loads were lighter, ^he young warriors, ^{lo gg the ^jf\y LAST INDIAN TEOTJBLES IN IOWA. 45 al of the battalion, with a wild yell never to be forgotten, rushed to the lake and taking some blue clay marked themselves hideously for the fray, now, fully aware of their danger, un- dertook to retreat toward the James river. The battalion moved to the east of them to hold them in check. Then they raised their war-song and when it ceased, one of the chiefs fired the first shot, and it struck Caspar Wagner, one of the best young men of Co. F., in the forehead, killing him Instantly. Wm. Fitzgerald, who stood next to him in the ranks, re- ceived at the same time a severe wound in the side. At a signal given by their chief, the Indians rushed forth from the ravine shouting, "Get away! get away!" and throwing their buffalo robes over their heads, stampeded the^ horses of the battalion. By this means, and under the cover of night, many of the war- riors made their escape, leaving the old men, the squaws, pappooses and dogs, all of whom, including fifty warriors, were captured a;nd taken to Fort Sully. This defeat was severely felt by the Indians, since they had made this camp to catch and cure their winter's meat, and the season being pretty well advanced they had a large quan- tity on band, all of which was de- stroyed. Charles Whitney, residing at that time in Moore county, Minnesota, at Fort Snelling, near the Falls of St. Anthony, enlisted December 28, 1862, in Co. B., 2d Minnesota. He passed first to Fort Eipley, Minnesota, where they spent the first winter, and thence in the spring of 1863 to Fort Eice, where, under the command of Gen. Sully, they tarr;ed until the arrival of the 6th Iowa cavalry. Then they crossed the Missouri river and went through the nameless regions beyond, until they arrived at the large Indian camp in the Bad Lands, (White Stone Hill.) This camp was protected on each side by a rocky bluff, and a short distance above it was a large spring of water which, flowing out of a sand- rock, formed a large basin and thence flowed in a strong stream through the center of the Indian camp. On the approach of the Minnesota troops -to which Whitney belonged, the Indians deserted their camp. Their tepees, or wigwams, were made of tamarack poles covered with dried buffalo hides. Most beautiful robes were found here and many other desirable and valu- able things, but no soldier was per- mitted to take anything away with him. Explicit orders were given that everything must be destroyed or burned, and when after two days they departed, every wagon was searched and all contraband goods found con- cealed, were destroyed. Thence they moved northwest to Fort Berthold, on the north bank of the Missouri, within thirty miles of British Amer- ica, and later westward to Fort Union, at the junction of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. From Fort Union they returned to Crow creek, a tributary of the Mis- souri, and began the erection of a fort and winter quarters, afterwards known as- Fort Wardworth, where there seemed to be no materials at hand suited to their needs. They began by digging a three-foot trench and throw- ing up an embankment around a square that was about thirty rods in length on each side, and when that was completed the men built sod shanties for themselves, covering them over with brush and earth. In these sod shanties' six companies of the 2d Minnesota regiment spent the winter of 1863 and 1864. In these rude winter quarters, Charles Whit- ney experienced the severest blizzard of his life; one that prevented the soldiers from going out of their shan- ties for food during its continuance, and caused the loss of seventeen 46 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. mules and thirty horses belonging to Lake region, in July and August. the command at the Fort. Hon. James Mercer, of Cedar town- Henry Hayward, formerly of Des ship, on October 28, 1864, in Dubuque Moines township, now a resident of county, became a member of Co. M., Rolfe, in September, 1864, became a 6th Iowa cavalry, and spent the en- member of Co. 'G., 6th Iowa cavalry, suing winter at Fort Randall, Dakota under Captain A. B. Moreland, and territory, and accompanied the corn- spent ', the ensuing winter at Fort mand under Gen. Sully in the expedi- Berthold, within thirty miles of Brit- tion to the Devil's Lake region, during ish America. In r June, 1865,Kthis company returned to Fort Eice where, together with four companies' of the First and three companies of the Fourth U. S. V. infantry, it was left to guard the Fort during the months of July and August, while the com- mand under Gen. 'Sully was at Devil's Lake. On July 28, (1865) the Indians in that vicinity 'undertook to destroy the Fort and plunder the premises. Their plan of battle covered a field two miles in extent' from right to left, and the attack was made simul- taneously at all points, indicating preconcerted action, and preventing the troops in one part from knowing what was transpiring in another. The operations on the field were directed by Lieut. Col. Pattee, of the 7th cav- alry. Company G., of the 6th Iowa cavalry, occupied the left wing, and twelve Indians were found dead in that part of the field. The Indians were repulsed with fatal effect at all points of the line, and it was said "There is many a squaw that will be- wail the brave killed on the 28th of July, 1865." A large number were killed and wOunded. After one year's service on the frontier, Henry Hay- ward was mustered out with the 6th Iowa cavalry, October IT, 1865, at Sioux City. A. F. Burdick, of Dover township, on October 11, 1864, became a member of Co. K, 6th Iowa cavalry, under Captain John Logan, and spent the ensuing winter at Fort Sully, Dakota territory, and accompanied the com- mand under Gen. Sully, to the Devil's the summer of 1865. Later, he spent some time at Fort Berthold and Yankton, and on October llth, follow- ing, at Sioux City, was mustered out' with his regiment, having spent one year in the service. Col. John B. Kent, of Eolf e,. in 1879, in Minnesota, enlisted in the regular, army of the United States for service on the frontier, and spent the first two years in the military school at St. Paul. As a member of the Tth U. S.' infantry, he served three years, 1881 to 1884, under Gen. John Gibbon, and participated in several expedi- tions in the northwest, traversing the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin and thC' ^territories of Colorado and Wyoming. At the time of his dis- , charge, March 10, 1884, at Fort Lara- mie, Wyoming, he held the rank of First Sergeant. On February 1, 1894, by Gov. Frank D. Jackson, he was appointed an aid- de-camp to the commander-in-chief of the Iowa National Guard, with the rank of Lieut. Colonel. SITTING BULL. Little Crow, (Tah-o-ah-ta-du-ta) the Sioux chief who directed the Minne- sota Massacre of 1862, met his richly merited death while making a raid with a small party in 1863, and his successor, Sitting Bull, the Bad, (Ta- tun-ka E-yo-tun-ka) became one of the most famous of the warrior chiefs of the Indians of this country, taking rank with Te-cum-seh and Black Hawk. In 1864, when Red Cloud and Spot- ted Tail accepted terms of peace. Sitting Bull refused to meet the LAST INDIAN TEOUBLES IN IOWA. 47 peace commissioners and, making war on the steamboats and commerce of the upper Missouri, massacred several boatloads of returning miners and captured large quantities of gold-dust that he traded with the northern half-breeds for arms and ammunition. In 1867 he threatened the Gallatin Valley, in Montana, and in 1868 at- tacked the settlement of Muscleshell, but suffered defeat and the loss of thirty-six warriors. In 1869 and 1870, he devoted his attention to the slaughter of the Crows, Shoghones and other tribes that were friendly to the whites. In 1872, one of his bands made a raid through the Galla- tin Valley, massacreing a number of farmers and capturing 500 horses. In 1873, he made a night attack on Col. Baker, and the year following drove the Crows from their agency and reservation. In 1875, he captured a government wagon train on the Carroll road, and killed a number of recruits who were on their way to the Montana military posts. He defied the government and in- dulged the hope he could get the en- tire Sioux nation to join him and he would then drive the whites back into the sea, out of which they came. GEN. CUSTEB'S sad FATE. On June 25, 1876, Gen. Custer's ex- pedition against him was literally an- nihilate(J. Gen. Custer marched up the Eosebud and thence to the Little Big Horn river, where there was an Indian village or encampment of 2,000 lodges, and immediately attacked it. With five companies he made a charge into the camp, and in a very short time every man was killed. Nothing is known of the operations of this battalion except that which was in- dicated by their dead bodies. The In- dians received them with a murder- ous fire from all directions, while the greater portion of them fought on horseback. Custer, his two brothers, a nephew and brother-in-law were all killed, and not one of his detachment of 200 escaped. Major Eeno, who commanded the other seven compa- nies of his army, attacked another portion of the camp and when the In- dians retreated, the battle-field which was a narrow ravine, looked like a slaughter pen. Three hundred and fifteen of the troops had fallen, and fully twice the number of Indians. No opportunity presented itself for chastising the Indians until in May, 1877, when Gen. Miles met a force under Sitting Bull, routed them and killed fourteen of their number. Aft- er this battle, Sitting Bull and his warriors crossed t.o the British pos- sessions where they remained until the summer of 1881, when he and his followers, disheartened and greatly reduced in numbers, surrendered to the military authorities of the United States. 48 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. VI. SPANISH GRANTS AND IOWA INDIAN TREATIES. "The better part of valor is — discretion." . THE LOTJISIANA PBOVTNCB. I HE treaty ol peace between Trance and England at the close of the Seven Years' . war, which was iden- tical in time with the French and Indian war in Amer- ica, was signed at Paris, February 10, 11G3. By this treaty France relin- quished her claim to the territory east of the Mississippi, and that river be- came the western boundary of the British Colonjal possessions. When this treaty had been signed, England assigned the valley of the Ohio and the adjacent region as Indian domain, and by proclamation dated October 7, 1763, prohibited the intrusion of white settlers upon these lands. This meas- ure, however, came too late, for a few settlements had already been made and the tide of emigration was mov- ing rapidly Jp that part of the front- ier. The territory within the limits of Iowa prior to 1763 was claimed by France by virtue of the right of dis- covery, but in that year, with a vast extent of other territory known as the Province of Louisiana, and which in- cluded all the country from the Gulf of Mexico on the south to the British possessions on the north and from the Mississippi river on the east to the Sabine river and range of the Rocky Mountains on the west, was ceded to Spain, and in that year French power disappeared from North America. Added to her other North American Colonies, this Province gave to Spain control of more than half the conti- nent at that time. Spain held the Sovereignty of the Province of Louisi- ana until Oct. 1, 1800, when it was ceded back to France. In 1803 It was sold to the United States by Napoleon for 60,000,000 francs, to prevent it from falling into the hands of Great Britain. During the thirty-seven years that Spain held possession of it, several grants of land within the limits of the present state of Iowa were made. DUBUQUE'S TREATY. September 22, 1788, at Prairie du Chien, the chiefs of the Fox tribe of Indians, who had a village on the west side of the Mississippi, near where the city of Dubuque is now located, sign- ed an article by which they conveyed to Dubuque, who was called by them "Little Knight," a tract described in the conveyance as "147,176 acres of land situated at a place called the Spanish Mines on the river Mississippi at a distance of 440 miles from St. Louis, forming in superficies about twenty-one leagues, beginning at the heights of the little Maquoketa to the heights of the Mesquatie Manque, being in front of said rlvec. seven SPANISH GRANTS AND IOWA INDIAN TREATIES. 49 teagues, by depth, three leagues; the whole forming the said tract ol the the Spanish Mines." This was the first conveyance of any title to Iowa soil by the Indians to the whites, and here Julien Dubuque became the founder of the white man's first settlement in Iowa. The conveyance, however, comprehended only the right to occupy and work the mines within the limits specified. Dubuque was regarded by the neigh- boring Indian tribes with great favor, and especially by the Sacs and Foxes, he having taken as a wife a maiden of the latter tribe,' named Po-to-a. DUBUQUE GBANY. Julien Dubuque, having in 1788 ob- tained from the' Fox tribe of Indians, permission to work the lead mines where the present city that bears his name is situated, found his claim so valuable that he began to desire a more complete title. Therefore, in 1196, he filed a petition with Coronde- let, the Spanish Gfovernor of Louisiana and received a grant of a tract that embraced more than 20,000 acres on which the lead mines were located, and which he continued to work until his death in 1810, when they reverted again to the Indians. The latter con- tinued to hold possession of the coun- try in this part of Iowa until 1832, when the "Black Hawk Purchase," which included the "Dubuque Claim" with their "Mines of Spain," was made by the United States govern- ment. ©lEABD GBANT. In 1795, the lieutenant-governor of Louisiana granted to Basil Girard, a tract of 5,760 acres situated within the limits of the present county of Clay- ton. Girard was a French trader, and had been the companion of Dubuque at Prairie du Chien. He continued to . occupy the land so granted during the time the country passed from Spain, and later from France to the United States. In consideration of this occu- pancy, the United States, July 3, 1814, issued a patent for the land to Girard in his own right. His heirs subse- quently sold the entire tract for $300. The present city of McGregor is situ- ated on the "Girard Tract." THE HONOBI GBANT. On March 20th, 1799, the lieutenant- governor of Upper Louisiana granted Louis Honori-Tesson a tract of land one league square where the present town of Montrose, in Lee county, is situa- ted. On this claim apple trees had been planted by a half-breed Indian named Red Bird, as early as 1798. ST. LOUIS TBEATY. On November, 3, 1804, at St. Louis, four Indian chiefs and head men who were, as Black Hawk affirmed, with- out authority to act for their nation, entered into a treaty with the United States, by which they sold all the claim of the united nations of the Sacs and Foxes to the immense ' tract of country lying between the Missis- sippi, Illinois, Fox river of Illinois and Wisconsin rivers, comprising about 50,000,000 acres. The consider- ation given was the protection of the United States and goods delivered to the value of $2,234.50 and an annuity of $1,000 ($600 to the Sacs and $400 to the Foxes) forever. An article in this treaty provided that as long as the United States remained the own- er of the land, "the Indians belonging to the said tribes shall enjoy the priv- ilege of living and hunting" on said land. ' This treaty it was alleged, was vio- lated by those tribes who, in the war of 1814, took sides with the Brit- ish, and on May 13, 1816, it was re- newed and re-enacted with the chiefs and warriors of the Sacs of Rock river and the adjacent country. IOWA INDIAN TEEATIES. * 1. With the Sioux, 1815.— This •Red Men of Iowa, 412. 50 PIONEER HISTORY 0¥ POnAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. treaty, made at Portage, Minnesota, July 19, 1815, by William Clark and Ninian Edwards, commissioners, with the chiefs and head men of the Sioux Indians, occupying northern Iowa and Minnesota, was ratified December 26, following. It was made at the close of the war of 1812, and was merely a treaty of peace and friendship on the part of these Indians toward the United States. 2. With the Sacs, 1815.— This treaty was made September 12, 1815, at Port- age, by Messrs. Clark, Edwards and' Auguste Choteau, commissioners, and the chiefs and head men of the Sac tribe. This was a treaty of peace and friendship, and included a re- afflrmation of the general treaty made at St. Louis in 1804. 3. With the Foxes, 1815. —The same commissioners, at Portage, September 14, 1815, concluded a separate treaty with the chiefs and head men of the Fox tribe, of similar import to the one liiade with the Sac tribe^ In this treaty the Foxes agreed to deliver all prisoners held by them, to the of- ficer in command at Fort Clark,— now Peoria, Illinois. 4. With the lowas, 1815.— The same commissioners at the same place, on September 16, 1815, concluded a treaty of peace and good-will with the . Iowa tribe of Indians, that was ratified December 26, following. 5. With the Sacs of Rock River, 1816.— This treaty was concluded by the same commissioners at St. Louis, May 13, 1816, and was ratified, Decem- ber 30th, following. In it the St.. Louis treaty of November 3, 1804, was re-afflrmed by twenty-two chiefs and head men of the Sacs of Rock Eiver. Black Hawk attached to it his signa- ture, or, as he said, "touched the goose-quill." 6. With the Sacs and Foxes, 1824,— This treaty was concluded at Wash- ington city, August 4, 1824, by Will- lam Clark, commissioner, and ten reg- ularly delegated chiefs and head men of the Sac and Fox tribes. By this treaty the latter for a valuable con- sideration sold all their title to lands in Missouri, which consisted of the northern portion of the state, extend- ing from the Mississippi to its west- ern boundary. By this treaty, 119,000 acres were reserved in southeastern Iowa, for the use of the half-breeds of the Sac and Fox nation, and was called the "Half Breed Tract. " This tract occupied the strip of country be- tween the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers, south of a line drawn from a point on the Des Moines river, about one mile below Farmington, east to the' Mississippi river, at the lower end of Fort Madison; including Keokuk and all the land between said line and the junction of the rivers. This reserva- tion was suggested and urged in the council by a half-breed orator of the Fox, tribe, named Morgan. This treaty was ratified January 18, 1825. 1. WithYarious Tribes, 1825.— On August 19, 1825, a treaty was conclud- ed at Prairie du Chien, by William Clark and Lewis Cass, commissioners on the part of the United States, and representatives from the Chippewas, Sacs and' Foxes, Menemonies, Winne- bagoes and a portion of the Ottawas and Pottawattamies. The principal object of this treaty was to make and preserve peace between certain con- tending tribes as to the limits of their respective hunting-grounds in Iowa. It was agreed that the United States should run a boundary line between the Sioux on the north, and the Sacs and Foxes on the south, as follows: Commencing at the mouth of the Up- per Iowa river, on the west bank of the Mississippi and ascending said Iowa river to its west fork; thence up the fork to its source; thence crossing the fork of Red Cedar river in a di- rect line to the second or upper fork of the Des Moines river; thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the SPANISH GRANTS AND ICTWA INDIAN TfiEATIES. 51 Calumet (Big Sioux) river, and down that to its junction with the Missouri. 8. With the Sacs and Foxes and Sioux.— On July 12, 1830, the Sacs and Foxes in a council at Prairie du Chien, ceded to the United States a strip of country twenty miles in width, lying south of the line established in the treaty of August 19, 1825, and extend- ing along on the south • side of said line from the Mississippi to the Des Moines. In the same treaty the Sioux, whose possessions were north of this line, also ceded to the United States a similar strip twenty miles wid.e, extending along the north side of said line from the Mississippi to the Des Moines. At the ratification of this treaty, February 24, 1831, the United States came into possession of a portion of Iowa, forty miles in width, extending along the Clark and Cass line Of 1825, from the Miss- issippi to the Des Moines. This was the tract that was known as the "Neutral Ground, " and the tribes on either side of the line were allowed to fish and hunt on it unmolested, until it was made a Winnebago reser- vation, and the Winnebagoes moved to it. 9. With Various Tribes in 1830.— At the same time and place the treaty was made respecting the "Neutral Ground," July 15, 1830, the Sacs and Foxes ajid other tribes ceded to the United States a portion of the west- ern slope of Iowa, the description of which appears on the 26th page of this volume. 10. With the Winnebagoes, 1832.— Thig treaty was concluded at Fort Armstrong, on Rock Island, Septem- ber 15, 1832, by General Winfleld Scott and Governor John Iteynolds, of Illi- nois. The Winnebagoes ceded to the United States all their lands on the east side of the Mississippi, and in part consideration therefor, the Unit-' ed States granted to the Winnebagoes, to be held as other Indian lands were held, that portion of Iowa known as the "Neutral Ground, " the exchange to take place June 1, 1833. The Unit- ed States was also to give the Winne- bagoes, beginning in September, 1833, and continuing for twenty-seven suc- cessive years, $10,000 in specie, estab- lish a school among them with a farm and garden and to provide other fa- cilities for the education of their children, not to exceed in cost $3,000 a year, for twenty-seven successive years. 11. With the Sacs and Foxes, 1832. —By this treaty, concluded Septem- ber 21,1832, the United States came into possession of that portion of Iowa known as the ' 'Black Hawk Purchase. ' ' The commissioners on the part of the United States were General Scott and Governor Reynolds, and the council was held on the west bank of the Mis- sissippi, where Davenport is now sit- uated. Keokuk, Powesheik, Pa^hepa- ho and some thirty other chiefs and head men of the Sac and Fox tribes, were in the council, the treaty was ratified February 13, 1833, and took effect June 1st, following. Although this treaty was not the first by which the Indians relinquished to the United States their title to lands in Iowa, it was the first that opened up any portion of Iowa for settlement by the whites. The limits of the ter- ritory ceded in this treaty are thus described: "Beginning on the Missis- sippi river at a point where the Sac and Fox northern boundary line, as established by the second article of the treaty of Pr9,irie du Chien, July, 1830, strikes the river; thence up said boundary line to a point fifty miles from the Mississippi, measured on said line; thence in a right line to the nearest point on the Red Cedar, of Iowa, forty miles from the Mississippi; thence in a right line to a point in the northern boundary of the state of Missouri, fifty miles from the Missis-" sippi river; thence by the last men- tioned boundary to the Mississippi 52 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. river, and by the western shore of said river to the place of beginning." Out of this purchase a reservation of 400 square miles on Iowa river was made for the Sacs and Foxes, includ- ing Keokuk's village on its right bank, and it was known as "Keokuk's Re- serve." Under this treaty, and in consideration of the lands ceded, the United States agreed to pay the Sacs and Foxes annually, for thirty consec- utive years, the sum of $20,000 in spe- cie, and to pay the debts of the Indians at Rock Island, amounting to $40,000, the accumulations of seventeen years. 12. With the Sac and Foxes, 1836.— This was the treaty by which the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States "Keokuk's Reserve," being 400 square miles On Iowa river. In consideration of this relinquishment, the govern- ment stipulated to pay $30,000 and an annuity of $10,000 for ten consecutive years, together with some indebted- ness of the Indians. This treaty was negotiated by General Henry Dodge, as commissioner, at a council held on the site of the present city of Davenport. 13. With the Sacs and Foxes, 1837. —This treaty was made at the city of Washington, October 21, 1837, and by Carey A. Harris, commissioner. By reference to the map it will be seen that the western boundary of the Black Hawk Purchase of 1832 was very far from a straight line, and in 1837 it was proposed to make it a straight line. By this treaty the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States a tract of country west and adjoining the Black Hawk Purchase, containing 1,250,000 acres. This treaty was rati- fied February 21, 1838, and the lands were usually called by the early set- tlers the "Second Purchase." At the same tirfle and place the Sacs and Foxes relinquished to the United States all their right and interest in the country lying south of the bound- ary line between the Sac and Fox tribes and Sioux, as described in the treaty of August 19, 1825, and between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, the United States paying for the same $160,000. 14. With Sacs and Foxes, 1842.— This treaty was concluded at the Sac and Fox Agency (now Agency City) October 11, 1842, John Chambers, gov- ernor of the territory of Iowa, acting as commissioner, and it was ratified March 23, 1843. In this treaty the Sacs and Foxes ceded all of their lands west of the Mississippi, to which they had any claim or title, and were to be removed from the state at the expira- tion of three years from October 11, 1842. A part of them were removed to Kansas in the fall of 1845 and the rest in the spring of 1846. The site of the city of Des Moines was Included in this treaty. 15. With the Sioux, 1851.— In 1851, a treaty was made with the Sioux, by which they relinquished to the Unit- ed States their title to all lands with- in the limits of the state of Iowa, that were not included in previous treaties. Under this treaty were comprised all the lands north of the Neutral Ground, east of the Des Moines river, and west of it all lands not included in the Western Slope treaty of July 15, 1830. That part of Webster county, that is west of the Des Moines river, ' Pocahontas and other counties of northwest Iowa con- tinued to belong to the Sioux In- dians until this treaty of July 23, 1851, when the last Indian title to lands in Iowa was extinguished and possession given two years later. "The warrior lover woos no more His dasky, dark-ejred forest maid, Nor wins ber heart by counting o'er The braves beneath bis war-club laid." The Indian, who possessed the soil at the dawn of civilization, was here in his own right. He believed in the Great Spirit. He worshipped no idols nor bowed to any siiperior but the great "Manitou." He made no sac- rifice of human life to appease the SPANISH GRANTS AND IOWA INDIAN TREATIES. 53 wrath of an offended Deity. He be- lieved in a future of rewards but not of punishments, g,nd was ever ready and proud to sing the death-song even at the stake, that he might enter ground. He never blasphemed. His home is where the finger of des- tiny points; yet his sympathies often clustered deeply around the place of his nativity and the scenes of his the elysian fields of the good hunting- earlier life. 54 PIONBEB, HISTOKY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. VII. THE TRHNSITIONS FROM OISe©YERY. TO STaTEH©©0. "Arms and the man I sing, "Who, first from the shore's of Troy sailing. Driven by fate, came to Italy and the Lavinian Country; Much was he tossed over land and sea, by the powers supernal, While he builded his city. "— v iegil. FERNANDO DE SOTO. II! HE early history of the Province of Lou- isiana, of which Iowa formed a part near the center, is one of the most interesting chapters in the annals of our country. It was first visited in 1541, by Fer- nando De Soto, a Spanish captain, who had assisted Pizarro in the Con- quest of Peru, and later had been ap- pointed by the king of Spain, governor of Cuba and president of Florida. This daring explorer, intent on find- ing gold, in 1539, landing on the west coast of Florida with 600 followers, made his way through pathless for- ests and almost impassable swamps to the Mississippi river, which he dis- covered early in 1541. Crossing it he passed many miles up the Washita river and there spent the ensuing winter. On his return to the Missis- sippi, in May or June, he died and his body was sunk in its waters. MARQUETTE AND JOLIET. In May, 1673, James Marquette, a French Jesuit Missionary, and Louis Joliet, a fur trader of Quebec, started from the settlements in Canada, to find a great river that the Indians told them lay west of Lake Michigan. Making their way in birch-bark ca- noes to the head of Green Bay, they paddled up the Fox river to a place they called Portage — now Portage City — then carrying their canoes across, a distance of two miles, they embarked on the Wisconsin river, and on the 17th of June, 1673, re-discovered the Mississippi, the mighty stream the Indians had called the "Father of Waters." They and their compan- ions, who consisted of five assistant boatmen, floated down the river with- out exploring the country or seeing any of its inhabitants, until the 25th of June, when they landed at a place near the mouth of the Des Moines river, now Lee county. Here, going ashore, they were probably the first white men to set foot on the "Beauti- ful Land," and, finding fresh traces of men on the sand and a path that led to a prairie, these two heroic pio- neers followed the latter until they discovered an Indian village on the bank of the river and two other In- dian villages on a neighboring hill. Aftei' proceeding southward to the mouth of the Arkansas river, where they were warned not to go farther, they returned, paddling their canoes against the powerful current of the river, feeling well repaid for their voyage of discovery. THE TEANSITIOTSrS FROM DISCOVERY TO STATEHOOD. 55 LA SALLE. Six years later (1679), the French voyager and discoverer La Salle, a man of active brain and iron will, set out from Montreal to complete the work of Marquette and Joliet. To carry the supplies for his expedition, he built oh the shores of Lake Erie, not far above Niagara, the first sail- ing vessel ever launched on the great lakes. In the fall of 1681, landing at the foot of Lake Michigan, where Chicago now stands, he crossed over to the Illinois, and going down that riv- er, entered the Mississippi in Febru- ary, 1682. On the 19th of April fol- lowing, he had reached the sunny waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There he set up a rude wooden cross on which he fastened a metal plate, bear- ing the arms of France. Then with volleys of musketry and loud shouts of "God save the King!" he took posses- sion of the entire vast territory water- ed by the Mississippi and its tribu- taries. To this region of unknown ex- tent at that time, twice as large as France, Spain and Germany united, he gave the name of Louisiana, in honor of Louis XIV, the king of France. As stated above, this vast .province was held by France until 1763, when it was ceded to Spain. In 1800 it was ceded back to France, and in 1803 pur- chased by the United States, and yet its western boundary was not definite- ly determined until the treaty of 1819 with Spain, when Florida was includ- ed and also ceded to the United States. THE LOUISIANA PEOYINCB DIVIDED. The purchase of the Louisiana Prov- ince was a great event in American history. It was referred to as "an event so portentous as to defy meas- urement; it gave a new face to poli- tics and ranked in historical import-. ance next to the Declaration of Inde- pendence." As soon as it came into the possession of the United States it was formed into one territory, that a few months later was divided into Upper and Lower Louisiana; and the occupancy of St. Louis by the United States as a military station, was im- mediately followed by the important treaty of 1804, in which [ the Indians relinquished their title to the lands east of the Mississippi river. That year nearly all of what is now the state of Louisiana was erected into a territory under the name of Orleans, and in 1810 this territory was in- creased with an addition east of the Mississippi, and in 18)2 it was ad- mitted as a state under its present name (Louisiana), and with its pres- ent boundaries. "March 20, 1804, congress provided that Upper Louisiana — that part of the province north of the 33d parallel, consisting now of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa and southern Minne- sota— should be organized into a court district and attached it to the terri- tory of Indiana for governmental and judicial purposes." This arrange- ment gave rise to the term "District of Louisiana," that occurs in the early.history of this part of the coun- try', and extended from the Mississippi river to the range of the Rocky Mount- ains. In 1807, for a brief period, Iowa was attached to the territory of Illinois for judicial purposes. TEEEITORY OF MISSOUEL The first division of Upper Louisi- ana, to which Iowa belonged, was in June, 3812, when the territory of Mis- souri, including Iowa was organized. In'1818, Missouri ; applied 1 for admis- sion to the Union as a slave state. Two years of bitter controversy over her request to be received as a slave state, 1, followed in congress, that threatened the dissolution of the Union. This controversy was settled by the adoption of the famous ' 'Mis- souri Compromise," that forbade slav- ery in all that portion of the Louisi- 56 PIONEBE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA, ana Purchase lying north of the par- allel of 36 degrees, 30' north latitude— the northern boundary line of Arkan- sas—except in Missouri. When, on July 19, 1820, Missouri be- came a state, Iowa was detached and, with other territory, remained with- out a government either political or judicial, until June 28, 1834, — one year after it was opened for settlement,— when, because of unpunished outlawry and crime, it was included in the ter- ritory of Michigan. MICHIGAN, WISCONSIN, IOWA. By an act of congress, June 28, 1834, all the country north of Missouri, that was included in the Upper Prov- ince of Louisiana "for the purpose of temporary government, was attached to and made a part of the territory of Michigan," and so continued until the admission of that territory into the Union as a state, June 15, 1836. July 4, 1836, Iowa became a part of the newly organized territory of Wis- consin, that included the present states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and the eastern part of North and South Dakota. July 12, 1838, the territory of Iowa, including Minnesota and the eastern part of North and South Dakota, was organized. December 28, 1846 after eight years of territorial government, Iowa was admitted into the Union as a sover- eign state, in succession the twenty- ninth. EABLY SETTLEMENTS. Tor 113 years after the discovery of Iowa by Marquette and Joliet, it re- mained virtually an unknown land. In that period of slow transportation and limited reading, but of numerous discoveries of new lands, the discovery of this interior portion of the North American continent, failed to attract public attention. No effort was made to effect any settlement within the borders of wiiat j§ ROW t'tie State 9f Iowa, until the fall of 1788, when Julien Dubuque secured from the In- dians the grant of land containing the lead mines, along the Mississippi, which he occupied until his death, March 24, 1810, when his lease ex- pired. In 1795, Basil Girard located on the Grirard Tract, in Clayton county, and occupied it with others under the Spanish, French and American gov- ernments. He was finally granted a patent in his own right, by the land office of the, United States. In March, 1799, Louis Honori estab- lished a settlement, upon the site of the town of Montrose, in Lee county, which he- improved and occupied until 1803. Two yfears later this property passed to Thomas P. Roddick, and to his heirs the original title to one sec- tion of land was confirmed, making this the first and oldest legal title to lands in Iowa. Various venturesome parties of hunters, trappers and Indian traders made temporary settlements along the Mississippi, within the limits of Iowa, from 1820 to 1830, but did not permanently remain. In 1809 a mili- tary post was established at Port Madison, but inasmuch as it was in violation of a treaty stipulation,, it was soon abandoned. The western border of Iowa was traced in 1805, by Captains Lewis and Clark. They held an important coun- cil with the Indians, on the Missouri river bluffs in the northwest corner of what is now Pottawattamie county, and named the place "Council Bluffs." As they journeyed northward oh the east bank of the Missouri, one of their men, Sergeant Floyd, died and' was buried on a bluff that has since been known as Floyd's bluff, and the little river in that section has been called Floyd river. St. Louis was founded in 1764. In 1807, Robert Fulton made his suc- cessful trial trip on the IJu^sgp wjtl^ THE TRANSITIONS FROM DISCOVERY TO STATEHOOD. 57 th& "Clermont," and steam, as a mo- tive power on ; American rivers, was demonstrated to be a practical force and soon had large application. In 1817, the first steamboat reached St. Louis. That trading post for Indians and hunters then passed from its pri- mal stage to a growing and importiant commercial center. Steam naviga- tion being applied on the Ohio and Mississippi brought settlers into south- western Illinois and northeastern Mis- souri, and prepared the way for the settlement of Iowa. In June, 1829, James Lyon Lang- worthy, resident of Galena; 111., an energetic pioneer of Welch descent that inherited Puritan hardihood, and who, two years before being employed by the United States Government, had accompanied General Henry Dodge while negotiating the treaty, with the Winnebago, Sac and Fox Indiansat Portage, Wisconsin,- that secured to the United States all northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin, crossed the Mississippi, at a' point afterward called Dunleith (now East Dubuque) in a canoe, swimming his horse by his side, and, having obtained permission for the space of . three weeks, from the Chief of the Indian village at that place, explored the whole region of country lying between the Maquoketa and Turkey rivers. In June of the next year (1830), ac- companied by his brother Lucius (father of Oscar A. Langworthy, hard- wareman of Fonda, 1878 to 1883,) and others, he again crossed the Mississippi and, with the consent of the Indians, resumed work in the lead mines of Ju- lien Dubuque, that had not been worked, except by the Indians, from the time of his death in 1810. The first act resembling legislation in Iowa was drawn up by Mr. James L. Langworthy at this time, and con- sisted of an agreement regulating the claims of miners and the amount of labor necessary to hold a claim. They continued to work successfully until the winter of 1831, when thfe United States Government ordered the miners to desist and remove from the territory west of the Mississippi. They obeyed and returned to Galena. In the spring following, the "Black Hawk War" occurred in that vicinity, and, at its close, Mr. Langworthy and his fellow-miners returned to their claims on the west side of the river. Their stay, however, was of short du- ration, for in the fall of that year they were again ordered from the west side of the river. This order was en- forced by Colonel (afterwards Presi- dent) Zachary Taylor, commander of the Military Post at Prairie du Chien (Fort Crawford) accompanied by his son-in-law, Lieut. Jefferson Davis, ex- rebel president. On June 1, 1833, the Rock Island treaty went into effect and the whole eastern portion of Iowa, being thrown open for settlement, became at once the theatre of the white man's enter- prise. Mr. Langworthy and his fellow- miners, accompanied by about five hundred other adventurous pioneers, crossed the Mississippi, took possession of their mining and homestead claims, made the first permanent settle- ment and in the village of Dubuque, near the site of the present Female Seminary, erected that same year, the first school house in Iowa. On the opening of Iowa for settle- ment, in 1833, settlers rushed into the territory along the Mississippi, and the city of Dubuque was first founded. Davenport, Burlington, Fort Madison and other cities along the Mississippi were planted, from which the new settlements spread westward and the growth of the Ter- ritory and State has been rapid and steady from that timg; » In 1836, three years after Iowa was opened for settlement, the population of the territory numbered 10,315. Two years later the population bad in- 58- PIONEEB HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. creased to 22,850. In the census of 1840, seven years after the territory was opened for settlement, the popu- lation numbered 43,112. Six years later it numbered 96,088; in 1850, 192,- 204 and in 1860, 674,913. The star of Empire was moving westward, the people of the timber- clad east had heard of the beauty and productiveness of this prairie-land, where a farm could be made in a sea- son with a yoke of oxen and a plow, and were coming in by thousands to enjoy the beauty of its broad land- scapes, the glory of its sunshine, the purity of its waters and the fertility of its acres. ' The fame of its wonder- ful natural meadows and the beauty and fertility of its prairies had spread not only over this country, but had crossed the seas, and the people of other countries, as well as the states in the east 'were crowding in to find homes in this richly inviting region of the prairie west. PIONBBE LEQISLATIOK. The first ofBcial publication in which the name "Iowa" appeared was an act passed by the Legislative Coun- cil of the Territory of Michigan, Octo- ber 9, 1829, forming the county of "Iowa" of the country south of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers in what is now the state of Wisconsin.* The first act of legislation for Iowa was the third act passed at an extra session of the Sixth Legislative Coun- cil of the Territory of Michigan at De- troit, September 6, 1834, and entitled "An Act to lay oft and organize coun- ties west of the Mississippi Elver." This act created the counties of "Dubuque" and "Demoine"— each consisting of one township named respectively JuUen and riinthill— from the Territory in Iowa then open for settlement, known as the Black Hawk Purchase; the bound- ary between them being a line run- ning due west from the foot of Eock »App»lg of lows-, 18ff7, p. 824, Island. Dubuque was named as the- seat of justice of the former, while the county seat of the latter was left to be designated by its own county court. Burlington was selected as the seat fit justice for Des Moines county and the first court held there was in April, 1835, in a log house on the hill on lot number 384. The laws of ' 'Iowa coun- ty (now of the State of Wisconsin) not locally inapplicable, " were extend- ed to the two counties thus organized. A.lthough the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan erected the first two counties west of the. Mississ- ippi, September 6, 1834, and they were entitled to representation, no election of members to that body was held in the two Iowa counties that year, the first after settlement. When 01} the third day of July, 1836, the Territory of Wisconsin, including the Iowa 'District, came into existence with its organic act providing that all free white male citizens should be en- titled to vote, for the first time in tlie history of this territory was the pre- requisite of tax-taying omitted from the qualifications of voters. Hence the first time the people of this sec- tion elected their law makers a prop- erty qualification to vote was not re- quired. "In no part of the whole country east of the western line of the state of Iowa, except in Iowa and Minnesota, has it been true that the people have always exercised the right of suffrage without the prepayment of some sort of a tax." In 1836, three members of the Legislative Council and twelve members of the House of Eepresentatives of^ the territory of Wisconsin were chosen by the people of the counties of Dubuque and Des Moines. The names of those first elected were as follows: County of Dubuque:— Council— Thomas MoCraney, John Foley, Thomas MoNight. House— Loring Wheeler, Hardin I^O^Up, Hosea T, Camp, Pe^e? HiU THE^TRANSITIONS FROM DISCOVERY TO STATEHOOD. 59 EnglB anij Patrick Quigley. CouijLty of Des Moines:— CotTNciL— Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Jo- seph B. Teas, Arthur B. Inghram. H(«JSE'=-Isaac LelBer, Thomas Blair, John Box, George W. Teas, David R. Chance, Warren L. Jenkins and John Reynolds. Th& first session of this body was held ;at Belmont, Iowa county, (now in L^ayette county, Wisconsin,) and continued from October 25th to December 9th, 1836. Peter Hill En- gle, of Dubuque, was chosen Speaker of the: House. Congress had provided for the division of the Territory of Wiscohsin into three judicial districts and the Legislature at this session constituted the counties of Dubuque and IJtes Moines into the second dis- trict, ""to be -presided over by Hon. David Irvin, one of the associate jus- tices of the Supreme Court. The first and most noted act of local legislEttion was "an act to incorporate the stock-holders of the Miners Bank of Dujtjuque," of date IS^ovember 30; 1836. The history of this bank was fruitful of incidents in the politics of the subsequent Territory of Iowa. A full set of its notes may be seen framed in the Historical Society at Des Moines. A second and important act was to provide for "constructing a public road from Farmington, oil the Des Moines river, through Burlington (Flint Hills), Wapello (Old Chief's Village) and Dubuque to the Perry (now McGregor), opposite Prairie du Chien." The third ^ct divided the county of Des Moines into Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Louisa and Musquitine (Mus- catine) counties, and from a strip on the south part of Dubuque county or- ganized the county of Cook (now Scott) and attached it to Musquitine. The second session of the territorial legislature of Wisconsin was held at Burlington, now in Iowa, 'Novonib^r 6, 1837, and continued Until January 20, 1838. Arthur B. Inghram , was president of the Council and Isaac, LeflBer speaker of the House. At thi^^ session, Alexander McGregor appeared in place of Hosea T. Camp, deceased. A special Session of the same Legisla- ture was held at Burlington, June 11th to 25th, 1838, and Lucius H. tang- worthy appeared in place of Mr. Mc- , gregor, who had resigned. The con- nection of the people west of the Mississippi with the Territory of Wis- consin terminated- July 3d following, when the latter became a State and the former the Territory of Iowa. TEBRITOET NAMED. In April, 1836, Lieut. A. M. Lea, of the United States Dragoons, publish- ed some "Notes on Wisconsin Terri- tory, with a map," that consisted, however, of a sketch of the "Iowa Dis- trict," a name he gaye.to the Black Hawk Purchase. In tlli| little vol- ume is found the following prophetic paragraph: "Though this district may be con- sidered, for a time, as forming a part of this Territory, yet the intelligent readers will have little difficulty in foreseeing that a separate government will soon be required for Iowa." In three years from the time that section was opened for settlement Du- buque had grown into a village of note. and on May 11, 1836, John King, Esq. , issued the first number of the Dubuque Visitor, the first newspaper published in Iowa. It had for its motto "Truth our guide— the public good our aim," and for its head-line "Dubuque Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory." About this time a bill was introduc- ed in Congress to divide the Territory of Wisconsin, and a waiter in the' Vis- itor, referring to this matter in an ar- ticle entitled "A Vision," fancies that he hears in his slumbers the call, "The Le^slfiture of the State of Iowa, ",will commence its session," These words 60 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Tfll! TRAi^gl'f IONS f BOM DlsOorfiRY TO STATEHOOD. 61 served to direct public attention to the name to be given to the new Ter- ritory that v?as erected July 4, 1838, by the Act of Congress of June 12th, sep- arating from Wisconsin the territory west of the Mississippi. TEEEITORIAL LEGISLATION. On November 6, 1837, Congress pass- ed an act to divide the Territory of Wisconsin and to establish the terri- torial government of Iowa. This act was approved June 12th and went into effect July 4th, 1838. This act provided for an election that was held September 10, 1838,- for a House of rep- resentatives, consisting of twenty-six members and a council of thirteen members. The first territorial oiHcers were ap- pointed by President Van Buren, and were as follows: GovEEN'OB— Robert Lucas, of Ohio. Secketabt of the Tbrkitokt— Wm. B. Cgnway. Chief Justice— Charles Mason, of Burlington. Associate Justices— Thomas S. Wil- son, of Dubuque, and Joseph Wil- liams, of Pennsylyania. Attokney General— M. Van Allen, of New York. Marshal of the Territory — Fran- cis Gehon, of Dubuque. The first delegate to Congress elect- ed by the people of the Territory was William W. Chapman. The complexion of the Legislature that was elected on the same date was democratic. January 25, 1836, Jesse M. Harrison, John S. David and John Claypole were chosen commissioners by the Legisla- tive Assembly to superintend the erec- tion of the penitentiary at Port Madi- son. January 18, 1839, Chauncey Swan, John Rolands and Robert Ralston were appointed commissioners to lo-i cate the seat of government at Iowa City. Feb. 12, 1841, the ofiBce of Superin- tendent of Public Instruction was created and William Reynolds was ap- pointed to that position, but on March 9th of the next year the offlce wad' abolished. !' The Territory was represented in the 25th and 26th Congresses by Wiji. W. Chapman and in the 27th, 28th and 29th by Augustus C. Dodge. Soon after the organization of the Territory, the question of Statehood became one of discussion. In 1840, the Territorial Legislature passed an act that was approved July 31st, prto- viding for taking the sense of the peo- ple on the question of calling a con- vention for the revision of the Consti- tution, but a majority of the people were opposed to calling the conven- tion. February 16, 1842, an act was approved, providing for ascertaining by popular vote whether or not the peo- ple were in favor of a convention to frame a Constitution for a state g;ov- ernment, and at the election, held Au- gust 1, 1842, the vote stood, for the convention 4,146; against, 6,868. Every one of the seventeen counties that voted gave a majority against it. Two years later this subject was again agitated, and on February 16, 1844, an act was passed, providing for submitting the question at the town- ship elections in April, following. At this election the people decided in fa- vor of a convention by a large major- ity, the vote standing 7,221 for and 4,308 against. This first Constitutional convention met at Iowa City, Oct. 7, 1844, and continued in session until November 1st, following. It consisted of seven- ty-two members, representing twenty- three counties. The boundaries of the State, as proposed in this Consti- tution, included a. large part of the present state of Minnesota and ex- cluded a large triangular piece, em- bracing more than the present coun- ties of Lyon, O'Brien and Plymouth, in the northwest part of the state. 62 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. The boundary proposed by Congress was quite different, both on the north and west; and at an election held in April, 1845, the people, on this ac- count, rejected the proposed Constitu- tion. The Legislative Assembly soon afterward passed an act, over Gover- nor Chambers' veto, to resubmit the proposed constitution at an election held August, 1845, and it was again defeated. January 17, 1846, the legislative as- sembly passed an act providing for an election, in April following, of dele- gates to another constitutional con- vention. This second convention met at Iowa City, May 4th to 19th, 1846, and consisted of 32 delegates, repre- senting 32 counties. The constitution approved by this convention was rati- fied by the people at an election held August 3, 1846, when 9,492 votes were I cast for it, and 9,036 against it. The first electiori of state oflBcers was held October 26, following, pursuant to proclamation of Gov. James Clarke, when Ansel Brlggs, of Jackson county, was elected Governor, (the first of the state); Ellsha Cutler, Jr., Secretary of State; Joseph E. Earles, Auditor of Public Accounts and Morgan Reno, Treasurer. These officers entered upon their respective duties in December follow- ing. This constitution was approved by congress, December 28, 1846, and the statehood of Iowa was recognized. This first constitution continued in force until the year 185'?, when a third constitutional convention was held at Iowa City, January 19th to March 5th. The. constitution adopted by this con- vention was sanctioned by the peo- ple at an election held August 3d, fol- lowing, when there were cast "for the con8titution"40,311 votesand "against it" 38,681. It went into effect Sep- tember 3, 1857. The seat of government, which had been at Burlington from November 6, .1837, the date of the second session of the territorial legislature of Wiscon- sin, and at Iowa City from December 6, 1841, was by this constitution changed to Des Moines, Polk county, and the State University was permanently lo- cated at Iowa City. TEEEITOEIAL GOYBBNOBS. During the eight years of Territori- al government, 1838-1846, three men served as governors of the Territory, by the appointment of the President of the United States. Robert Lucas, (1838-1841) of Ohio, who had twice filled the gubernatorial chair of that state, was the first gov- ernor. He proved to be a wise selec- tion, and exercised the authority vested in him with good judgment and benefit to the future common- wealth. He established the tempo- rary seat of Territorial government, at Burlington and convened in the Zion church there, the first legislature of Iowa, November 12, 1838. April 30, 1841, he issued a proclamation changing the capital from Burlington to Iowa City, and convening the legislature at that place, December 1, 1841. Iowa City thus became the permanent capi- tal of the Territory and the tempo- rary capital of the State. After three years. Governor Lucas was succeeded by John Chambers, (1841-1845) of E:entucky, who had been aid-de-camp to General (President) Harrison, by whom he was appointed. He was succeeded by James Clarke, (1845-1846) of Pennsylvania, but at the time of his appointment, editor of the Territorial Gazette at Burlington. No Territory ever boasted of a more worthy trio of Governors. "Simple and unostentatious in private life, as they were honest and patriotic in the discharge of their public duties, they gave Iowa the stamp of a pure char- acter, and reared for themselves a monument of fame worthy of the highest and most lasting honor of our whole people. " THE TRANSITIONS FROM DISCOVERY TO STATEHOOD. 63 Under their wise rule the Territory rapidly filled with a population of hardy, enterprising pioneers who, act- ing upon their recommendations, as contained in their annual messages, laid broad and deep the foundations of a free government, of wholesome legislation and the institutions of en- lightenment for which her sons have ever shown their warmest regard. OLD ZION CHURCH. * The first church built in Burlington was that known as "Old Zion," on the west side of Third, between Wash- ington and Columbia streets. Other halls have witnessed more important and more tragic scenes, but we may look in vain for those which could they speak, would give a more Varied his- tory of what had transpired within them. Here was embodied, for sev- eral years, the legislative wisdom of the Territory of Iowa; the lower House paradoxically occupying the upper auditorium, and the upper House the lower one. From these halls in the "Old Zion" church of Burlington went forth those legisla- tive edicts that for many a year ruled • Iowa state Gazetteer, 171. this goodly land of Iowa. Here, the supreme judicial tribunal of the Ter- ritory sometimes held its sessions; and here the regular terfns of the dis- trict court were held for many suc- cessive years. Within these walls the Governor of the Territory, met in friendly confer- ence the representatives of some of his dissatisfied red children, to hear their complaints and at least to prom- ise them redress— an easy and oft re- peated remedy. Here the citizens listened to the eloquence of the un- tutored red man and were treated to the exhibition of the song and the war- dance. The wild whoop of the sav- age, which had so often carried dismay and horror to many a stout heart, failed to make any impression upon the walls of "Old Zion," that looked upon these varied scenes with staid gravity, and seemed to be . fully de- termined not to be surprised at any strange events that might,, transpire within them. "Now rose thy walls, "Old Zion,!' that have stood, The dread assault of wasting time and flood. Thou wast our Forum, scene of many a sport. In Pleasure's drama and Ambition's court. Here, too, our village beauty rushed to see The motley Indian dance with savage glee." 64 PIONEEE HISTORY Of POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. B & I-; ■"■ tn s ^ s a ■^ a e 4J tl a «? i n •H R ?' - -o i^ .5 (S s ,? :? ^ B A u ^ 1. M n •M •" u bn 1 i ^i 1 ■d h V A ^ a ts V 1 X H CD 4J o 5 < « i I § tt l-l h A h STATEHOOD, A HALF CENTURY'S GROWTH. VIII. STATEHOOD, H HHLP ©ENTCRY'S GROWTH. "Iowa, the affections of her people, like the rivers within her borders, flow to an inseparable union. "—Lieut. Gov. Eastman. "Midland where mighty torrents run With placid brow and modest mien, With bosom glowing to the sun. Sits the majestic prairie Queen. Imperial rivers kiss her feet. The free winds through her tresses blow, Her breath with unsown flowers is sweet, Her cheeks are flushed with morning's glow. I Grand in her beauty, what cares she Tor jeweled cliffs or rUls of gold? For seats along the, spnnding sea. Or starried monuments of old? Her bands are strong, her fame secure. Her praise on lips whose praise is dear; Her heart, her hope and purpose pure. And God in all her landscapes near. " -Bybes. iowa's growth. Iowa became a sep- arate 'territory with the capital at Bur- lington, in 1838, and was admitted into the Union in 1846, with a population of 9*7,000. At the close of the civil war this number had increased to 754,699, and of these about 70,000 were soldiers— a number nearly equal to one-tenth of the popu- lation, or one-half the voters of the state. In 1860, the population had in- jcreased to 1,194,020; in 1880 to 1,624,615;- }n 1890 to 1,911,896 and In 1895 to 2,058,- 069. The half century and two years that haye passed since Iowa became a state, have wrought great changes. Most of the improvements of earth, most of the progress in the arts and sciences and most of the advance in civiliza- tion have been wrought within the period of our state history. Time and space do not permit us to recount the achievements in the political, in- dustrial, financial, agricultural, me- chanical, scientific, educational, relig- ious or moral world, save to note that in all these Iowa has rendered her full measure of blessing; a fact due to the natural resources of the state and the excellent character of her people. hatural resources. The State of Iowa is centrally lo- cated in relation to th^ territory of our nation; the eastejrp boundary is nearly, 1,000 miles frqai the Atlantic tide at Plyniputh Boek, and the west- ern border about l^fiOO miles from the surf -beaten shores of the Pacific; from the northern J4ne of the state to the British po^e^sions 400 miles inter- vene, and from ouf southern border to PIONEEK HISTOEY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the Gulf 760. It is located in fruitful embrace of two of the mightiest rivers of the earth— the Mississippi and the Missouri— and is bounded on the north and south by the two powerful and growing states of Minnesota and Mis- souri, respectively. The area of the state embraces 55,000 square miles of the most productive, well-watered, undulating and beautiful land that the sun enriches with its wealth of heat and light in all itsyea,rly journey. There is less waste and a larger pro- portion of arable land in Iowa than probably in any equal area upon the face of the earth. "A position so central in the rich- est, freest and most powerful nation of modern times, central also in the vast system of river navigation con- nected with the great rivers that form its eastern and western boundaries, and so central that the principal lines of railway, binding ocean to ocean, cross its territory, must ever possess incalculable advantages in the security its location affords, the mar- kets It assures, and thepommercial advantages that must ever accrue to its citizens. " THE PBAIBIES. Iowa has been known as the "Prai- rie State, ".because seven-eights of its surface was originally prairie or grass land. The charm of a prairie consists in its extension, its green, flowery car- pet, its undulating surface and the skirt of forests whereby it is surround- ed. A more pleasing view cannot be imagined than that presented in the spring of the year when the young grass has clothed the soil with a car- pet of most delicate green and the rays of the sun, rising behind a dis- tant elevation,, are reflected by myr- iads of dew-drops. "The delightful aspect of the virgin prairie and the absence of that sombre awe inspired by forests, contribute to force away that sentiment of loneliness, that usually steals upon the mind of the solitary wanderer in the wilderness; for though he espies no habitation, ' sees no human being and knows that he is far away from every settlement of man, he can scarcely defend him- self from believing that he is travel- ing through a landscape embellished by human art. The flowers, so deli- cate and elegant, that appear to be distributed over the prairie for mere ornament, and the groves and groups of trees that seem to be arranged to enliven the landscape, render it so expressive that one can scarcely prevent the impression in- vading the imagination, that the whole scene has been flung out and created for the satisfaction of the sen- timent of beauty. " * The origin of 'the prairies has been the subject of considerable speculation and the question is probably not yet satisfactorily settled. The soil of the low prairies, in the bottoms along the courses of the larger rivers, is almost a pure silicious sand, different from that of the high prairies which con- sists of a sub-soil of argillaceous loam covered with rich, black vegetable mould, usually from one to two or more feet thick. This soil is very fer- tile, producing the greatest yield of the various crops cultivated in this latitude. "Whatever the origin of the prairies may have been, we have the positive assurance that their present existence in Iowa and Its immediate 'vicinity is not due to the influence"^ of climate, the character or coinposltion of the soil, nor to the character pf any of the underlying formations. It now re- mains to say, without hesitation, that the real cause of the present exiaterice Of the prairies in Iowa is theprevalenee of the annual fires. If these toad been prevented fifty years ago Iowa would now be a timbered instead of a prairie •Captain Basil Hall, an English traveler. STATEHOOD, A, HALF CENTURY'S GROWTH. 67 State."* Her broad, treeless prairies tiave been the glory of Iowa. In their nat- ural condition ■ they were not vast marshes, or great breadths of barren clay, or sterile, unproductive sand, but as they have proved to be, the finest lands that ever awaited the plow to convert them into cultivated and productive farms. Iowa now ranks among the first of the states of the Union in the wonderful aggregate amount of food produced each year. This is not due to the extent of her area, for in this respect, she is twen- tieth in the list, but to the wonderful and uniform productiveness of her soil. The fact that the prairies consti- tuted so large a part of her area favor- ed the rapid settlement of Iowa. The first settlers had known something of the slow, toilsome process of making farms with a mattock and axe, in heavily wooded sections. Going to the "raw prairie" with a breaking plow and team, and turning the first furrow, probably one mile in length, without a rock, grub, tree or stump to hinder the plow, they very soon saw the great difEerence between making a farm on eastern wooded lands and the fertile prairies of Iowa. Infinite wisdom caused seven-eights of her surface to be prairie, that Iowa might the more easily and speedily be turned" into a paradise. "The prairies of Iowa did not invite settlers merely by the ease by which they were turned into fine farm homes, but the beauty of the views they afforded, the breadth and grand- eur of the great natural meadows and pastures they offered and the ease of communication they provided between neighbors and neighborhoods were al- so potent influences in inducing set- tlers from the heavily wooded east. In driving across them there was no climbing over stumps and logs. The *Cbarles A. White, State Geologist in 1868, Geology of Iowa, Vol. 1, 133. ' Iowa farmer had use for a carriage from his first settlement on the prairie. It has been said that there are ter- rible blizzards and awful cyclones on these Iowa prairies. It is admitted that there are storms in Iowa, just as there are terrible storms and blizzards in timber covered countries. There are tumults in Nature's domain in all regions, and men are helpless before Nature's forces in all places. De- structive tornadoes in Iowa, like de- structive earthquakes in California are of but rare occurrence. There have been severe winters in Iowa, but they have been few in its history. There may have been danger for pioneer settlers in journeying across Iowa prairies, from winter blizzards, in the past, but those dan- gers are now matters of history. Iowa winters on Iowa prairies are desirable now for the benefits and pleasures they afford. The prairies, yet beautiful, are not now as they were when the pioneer chased over them the agile deer and the fleeing elk. Their great breadths were then open commons with sloughs and streams unbridged. Eire in the fall swept off their summer vegeta- tion and left naught to hold in place the falling snow. The settlers' cab- ins, built in grove or sheltered nook, were far apart. The great breadths • of open prairie were houseless and many of the pioneer settlers were poor • and thinly clad. Then there was nothing to mark the traveled road in the winters' snow storm, and the traiveler seeking to cross the [ broad prairie, may have been in danger when such a storm overtook him, dis- tant from his home or a shelter. But terrible, life destroying blizzards have been of rare occurrence in the history of the state, while mild, beautiful, healthful winters, giving months of delightful sunshine and smoothest possible roads for winter travel, have 63 t>lONEEE HISTORY 6^ POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. a assage everal al Col- H a a S 5p o o N-u^ I-H cDp^on 00^"-' 1^ M ei" a+a u D g-3 ft 3 ' U o o •E TSna !» ID ^ ts a 5 ..+3 S 5^1 111 •S'«S ti Dm 0-t=™ ^'33 a ^D^ •w O ^^ M ■D 3 %^^i lb ID R »H a -t= o ea e t: WeagS 1. J "sll STATEHOOD, A HALF CENTURY'S GEOWTH. been common. Terrible prairie flres may be read about in our history, but they will probably never more be seen. Our broad prairies, originally beau- tiful, have been made niore grandly so by human handiwork, directed by cultured mind. They are now broad realms of finely improved, pro- ductive and enclosed farms. Good roads are common, and the streams and sloughs are bridged. Thrifty vil- lages, thriving towns and cities have multiplied and the whole breadth of the country has bsen dotted with beautiful artificial groves and orchards. Now, everywhere oyer Iowa prairies there are human habitations, and the danger to a traveler in a winter bliz- zard has passed forever. ' But with all this improvement and change made by human intelligence and industry, there are Some things pertaining to the prairies of Iowa that are unchanged. The depth, richness and porousness of the soil, qualities that give it superior excellence for ag- ricultural productiveness, are yet un- changed. Proper culture never . di- minishes but increases its productive power. The perennial streams cours- ing through these broad prairies, yet flow in the same channels cut deep in- to the earth, with the same, ever con- tinuing, rapid current yielding untold advantages. The prairies of Iowa, no longer grand in their wild luxuriance, have been made more truly beautiful by the art and industry inspired by our christian civilization and will ever be renowned for their agricultural su- periority. Beautiful, fertile- and ex- uberantly productive, their possessors are truly a fortunate people. " * Iowa is coming to be more generally recognized as the Garden of Eden of all the world. She always has plenty and, to spare. Her granaries are nev- er empty, her stock-yards are con- stantly filled, her meats, fruits, vege- tables and dairy products are always *l<3yra. at tt)e Columljlan Kj^pQsHion, Hi, on the market and her manufactured goods are steadily seeking customers. Her cornucopia is always full and there js no reason why her yeomanry should not be the happiest people on this sublunary sphere. "Ah! grandly in her ample lap, Are annual harvests heaped sublime. Earth bears not on her proudest map A fatter soil, a fairer clime. How sing her billowy seas of grain. How laugh her fruit on vine and tree, How glad her home in plenty's reign Where love is lord and worship, free." No country now affords more grace- ful landscapes, when clothed in sum- mer's green, or when its groves are dyed in their autumn robes of silver and scarlet, gold and purple. Iowa landscapes are grandly beautiful, and the traveler sees a breadth of farm- houses beautiful in situation and sur- roundings. The great fields of grow- ing grain, in their season, add beauty to the delighting panoramas, by every shade of green, covering the broad and billowy areas over which the eye ex- tends. In the summer season great herds and flocks feed amid blooming flowers and rich herbage, and add en- chanting variety to the inviting picture. BIVEBS AND LAKES. Iowa is a realm of beautiful rivers and smaller streams that for the most part flow in deep channels and with a swift current. The crest or summit forming the watershed between the waters of the Mississippi and the Mis- souri, extending from Dickinson south to Audubon, and thence southeast to Appanoose county, divides the rivers of the state into two systems. In the eastern system are the Upper Iowa, Turkey, Maquoketa, Wapsipinicon, Cedar, Iowa, Skunk and the Des Moines with its branches, the principal of which are South, Middle and North, th^ Eaccoon with its branches, and the Boone. In the western system are found the Floyd, Eock, Lit- tle Sioux, Maple, Boyer, NishnaBotna, w PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Nodaway, Platte, Grand and Chariton. These are mostly perennial, and many of them furnish power for man- ufacturing purposes. Along their courses were many fine, natural groves of timber that attracted the early set- tlers. All flow in fertile valleys bor- dered by sloping uplands, and are sources of pleaslire as well as utility and add beauty by giving variety to the luxurip,nt landscapes through their course. The lakes of Iowa all lie in the cen- tral third of the northern half of the state upon its most elevated portion, where the watersheds are developed into broad tablelands, and are princi- pally bodies of clear, pure water. None of them are large enough to be of value for commercial purposes, but in the hunting season they have been very inviting to the sportsman, since immense numbers of migrating water- fowls, consisting of geese, ducks, brants, swans, cranes, etc., have been accustomed to visit them annually; they have also furnished large quanti- ties of fine flshi On the shores of many of them are beautiful groves of native timber, located in breadths that give a charm to the scenery and make them specially inviting to those seeking rest or health giving recrea- tion. Clear Lake, in Cerro Gordo county, and Storm. Lake, in Buena Vista, are each about five miles in length and two in breadth. Largo gather- ings of people annually assemble in the capacious ' auditoriums, erected upon the banks of these charming and beautiful lakes, for Chautauquas, camp meetings, courses of lectures, musical conventions and other pur- poses. There are three lakes in the state that are called Wall Lake, from the stone walls that girt a portion of their shores. They are located in Sao, Wright and Hamilton counties. Some hay? ent§rtaitiQ<^ tue i^Qo. tHa^ a strange people built these walls in thC: prehistoric period; but the scientist assures us "that when the vast ice- bergs or ponderous glaciers were ex- erting their mighty forces in forming the wonderful drift coverings of this, region, great numbers of boulders were borne by these forces from the north country, and being deposited, about these bodies of fresh water, the forces of winter frosts and ice have lifted them, in the shallow portions of these lakes, and piled them in courses upon their shores. " Spirit Lake and Lake Okoboji, in Dickinson county, are the two largest lakes in the state. They are located ; upon the summit of the great water- shed of the state near the Minnesota line, and have become very popular summer resorts. Serene and sweet and smiling as a bride, Nestles OkoboJl on the green divide; The groves around it, the blue sky above, The summer sunshine bathing it in love; Fair as the lochs that lie in Scotia's glensj Worthy the praise that comes from poet's pen Its sparkling waters in the sunshine g'eara Full of the glamour of the sweetest dream. MINERAL WEALTH, BUILDING BOCK. Chas. R. Keyes, Assistant State Ge- ologist, has very truly observed that "Iowa is so pre-eminently an agricult- ural state that usually her mineral re- sources are almost entirely overlooked. Yet, her geological features are none the less interesting scientifically and none the less important from an eco- nomic standpoint." There is spread everywhere over the state a mantle of drift, the debris left by the retreat of the great ice sheets or glaciers, and this surface deposit is so deep that the older rocks are hid- den from view throughout large areas except "Where the streams, cutting their channels through the drift, have exposed sections of the rocks or har- dened clays. The Sioux quartzlte or red granite, a massive crystalline rook that is found wpoR tii9 gurtace in the northwest STATEHOOD, A HAXF CENTUEY'S GEOWTH. 71 part of the state, is one of the most- compact angl durable huilding rocks of the northwest, and some of the lead- ing churches and office buildings in Sioux City ,i. Omaha, Council Bluffs, Des Moines and other places have been erected from this rock with very . pleasing effect. Abundant supplies of good building rock are found in the Trenton and Galena limestone formations. The former is a very coinpact rock of blue- ish tint, interesting to an observer on account of the large number and beau- ty of the f6;ssil remains enclosed in some of the strata and is widely dis- tributed along the Mississippi and the eastern part, of the state. The Galena limestone, a heavily bedded rock of brownish tint overlying the Trenton in the northeast part of the state, has proved the greatest source of wealth to Dubuque county where the princi- pal quarries are located. The high bluffs at the city of Dubuque are of this rock. It contains no fossils, but •is the formation in which the lead is found that has been so'extensively and profitably mined ^ince the days of Ju- lien Dubuqiife. It makes a superior - quality of lime, which is used, like the rock, for building purposes, no one as yet thinking of applying it to the land as a fertilizer. Other valuable rock formations are the Niagara limestone (upper Silurian) along Turkey rivef%nd'the Mississippi south of it, massive dolomites, yellow- ish or brown in color; the Devonian limestone of Cedar Valley, which is highly charged with fossils of many kinds; the Montpelier limestone of Muscatine county; the St. Louis lime- stone of southeastern and Nishna- botna sandstone of southwestern Iowa. SOFT COAL. Of all sources of mineral wealth in Iowa the deposits of soft coal are the niQgt important, Tb? co^l ^r?^ gt tbe state is the north part of the great in- terior coal field of the American continent, and it includes about 20,000 square miles, located principally in the south hall of the- state. The most productive portion of this area is a broad belt extending in a southeaster- ly direction from Tort Dodge to Keo- kuk, along the Valley of the Des Moines riv>er. The coal in this belt is of excellejit quality and the supply in- exhaustible. - "Coal, " says Newberry, "is entitled to be considered as the mainspring of civilization: By the power developed inits combustion, all the wheels of in- dustry are kept in motion, commerce is carried on with rapidity and cer- tainty over all portions of the earth !s surface, and the useful metals are brought from the deep caves in which they have hidden themselves, are puri- fied and wrought to serve the purposes of man. By coal, night is, in one sense, converted into day, winter into summer, and the life of man, measur- ed by its fruits, greatly prolonged. Wealth with all the comforts, the lux- uries and triumphs it brings, is its gift. Though black, sooty and often; repulsive in its aSpecT), it is the em- bodiment of a power more potent than that attributed to the genii in orient- al tales. Its possession, is therefore, the highest material boon that can be -craved by. a community or nation. Coal is also hot without its poetry. It has been formed under the stimulus of the sunshine of long, past ages, and the light and power it holds are noth- ing else than such sunshine stored in the black casket, to await the coming, and serve the purposes of man. In the process of formation it composed the tissues of those strange trees that lift- ed up their scaled trunks and waved their feathery foliage over the marshy shores of the carboniferous continent, where not only no mau was, but gi- gantic salamanders an4 ipall clad fish- es -were tbe inQnarchg g{ the animated 72 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. M § J d 03 o t8 >5 c3 o o # lli < III (9 in J J J < K D I- J i < z IT < < IL 111 I I- STATEHOOD, A HALF CENTURY'S GROWTH. Y3 world."* Filling a place of so great import- ance in the material advancement of our modern civilization coal must long rank first among the mineral resources to be desired- in a country. Being one of the prairie states, hav- ing a surface with no marked contrasts of altitude,- and possessing a soil unri- valed in fertility by any country on the face of the earth, it has been cus- tomary to regard Iowa as a' strictly agricultural province. Comparisons are made with sister states, and the fact is noted that as a producer of corn, oats and potatoes, Iowa stands first on the list, and second in the pro- duction of flax, barley and hay. The conclusion that lOwa is a great farm- ing country is irresistible, and this is true. It must not, however, be forgotten that Iowa has other resources as boundless as her agricultural produc- tions — resources which half the na- tions of the globe would consider of priceless worth if they only possessed them — untold wealth that Nature has bestowed with lavish hand and that is destined to contribute to the onward progress of humanity. These are her mineral resources, the inherited pos- sessions bound up in the coals, the clays and the metallic ores. In the production of coal, Iowa ranks first among the states west of the Mississippi and fifth among the states of the Union. The only states surpassing Iowa in the annual produc- tion of coal are Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and West Virginia. England, the richest and most pow- erful of European countries, owes her Jiigh position almost entirely to her *The coals of Iowa often contain Iron py- rites and occasionally small flakes of lime or gypsum, along the line of fracture. The coal beds, almost without exception, are under- laid with a stratum of soft, white clay, which Is excellent for the manufacture of flre brick. The roots of lepldodendrous are usunJly manufactures, and from her little isle has extended her possessions around the globe. The area of England is about the same as that of Iowa and her coal fields approximately 10,000 square miles, which is the estimated extent of Iowa's coal bearing territory. The coal fields of Germany embrace not more than 3,000 square miles, those of Belgium and Trance together only 2;500; Spain has about the same area of coal lands and other countries of Europe, less. The coalfields of Iowa, therefore, are as extensive as those of the great- est of European nations, and several times greater than those of the other great nations of that continent. IROSr, ZINC, LEAD. The production of iron in Iowa has not attracted public attention, owing to the fact that it is an industry as yet undeveloped. There is, however, a bed of excellent iron ore, of brown hematite, a short distance northeast of Waukon, in Allamakee county, that covers more than three hundred acres of land. This bed is found under a surface soil ranging from one to four feet in depth, is itself more than thirty feet in depth and is described as being "an almost solid mass of iron ore, " of which hundreds of tons have already been mined. It has been estimated that 500 tons daily could be mined here for 100 years. Zinc in the form of the sulphuret, has been found in very small quanti- ties in the sub-carboniferous and low- er coal measures of Wapello, Webster and several other counties. In the lead mines of Dubuque this ore is found both in the form of the carbon- ate and sulphuret, and quite exten- sive works have been recently erected in that city for the preparation of tills metal for commerce. iThe productive lead region of the Upper Mississippi occupies the larger portion of the territory along that Tmv fftifU the Aiiple river Jn lUlntHs, •74 PIONEER HISTORY OF. POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. northward to the Wisconsin river. The Mississippi runs near the west- ern edge of the district, but there is a considerable area of productive ter- ritory on the west side of that river. The mines in the vicinity of Dubuque, on the west side of the river, are among the most interesting and prof- itable of this region. They are found upon a belt about four miles in width, extending from Catfish creek in a northwesterly direction as far as the middle fork of the Little Maquoketa, in Dubuque county. This belt in- cludes about fifteen square miles, and there is probably no district of equal extent in the Mississippi Valley that has produced so large; an amount of ore. The ore is found in the vertical sheets or upright crevices of the galena limestone formation forming the high river bluffs of this section. 'Jhe great softness and purity of the lead of this locality, attracted adventurers to this section many years before the territory of Iowa was opened for set- tlement, and has since secured for it a higher price than for the imported article. SAND, CLAY AND GYPSUM. Sand is an essential element in our industries. Many important mechan- ical and manufacturing operations de- mand its use. Although upon ' the prairies and other upland surfaces, there are no accumulations of it where it would impair the fertility of the soil, yet nature has provided numer- ous banks or deposits of sand for these purposes, along the shallows, shores and flood-plains, wherever the streams have cut their channels or valleys through the surface drift. These ac- cumulations are of sufficient purity for all practical purposes and, as the streams are numerous, furnish nearly all the sand used in the state. The builder, brick-maker andiron-moulder readily find sand suited to theif re- spective needs, while the manufactur- ers of glaeiB, and proprietors, ot sfflel^ ingfurnaces import it, in large quanti- ties for their work, from this state. The silica or quartz sand found in Clayton county is of exceeding fineness and whiteness and is returned tons from Missouri manufactured into the finest plate glass. Clay has come to be an essential ele- ment in manufactures. "The savage may build his wigwam frame of poles and cover it with grass, skins or bark. The pioneer may build his cabin of logs or sod, but by industry and econ- omy he soon provides the means for better things. The services of the brick-maker and mason are soon need- ed, openings invite the pottery and tile factory, and search is made for clays suitable for these manufac- tories." The clays of Iowa have been moved to their present positions by glacial action, and may be divided into the impure drift and those more or less pure; the latter having been softened and modified by exposure to the at- mosphere and frost. Pure clay (sili- cate of alumina) alone, does not make good brick, and ordinarily the clay of no one spot contains the proper pro- portions of ingredients to insure the production of the best quality of brick, but ordinarily the ingredients that are lacking in the Iowa clays may be obtained in the same vicinity. These clays are found near the sur- face, and there is no large part of the state destitute of the materials for the successful manufacture of good brick and tile. "The day of building cheap, perish* able shanties for residences and struct- ures, of cheap, combustible and per- ishable material for business uses, has been outgrown in this state. Our cities and towns have their 'fire- limits' and the erection of cheap, un- attractive, combustible structures in our business centers is largely prohib" ited. This wise provision encourages Improved architecture anql tji,? vse oS STATEHOOD, A HALF CENTURY'S GROWTH. 75 building material of substantial qual- ity, and so the brick-maker's art is encouraged and his business enlarged. No better clays can be found for the manufacture of the finest quality of pressed brick than are now obtained in numerous places in this state. " Su- perior clay for the manufacture of stoneware and the finer forms of pot- tery is found in numerous places. Gypsum is found along the Des Moines river in the vicinity of Fort Dodge, Webster county. About three miles south of Fort Dodge, including the bluffs on both sides of the river, is the largest and most important de- posit of gypsum yet discovered in the United States. It is found here not in "heaps" or "nests," as in the states farther east, but in the form of a "regularly stratified, continuous formation as uniform in texture, color and quality throughout the entire region from top to bottom of the de- posit (about thirty feet, ) as is the granite of the Quincy quarries in New England."* This bed of gypsum extends about seven miles along the river and is ap- parently inexhaustible. The rock is of a gray color, but becomes quite white by grinding and still whiter by the calcining process necessary in the preparation of plaster of Paris. It is used as a building rock, a fertilizer and for the manufacture of stucco. In the latter form it was very largely used in the manufacture of "staff," that formed the external covering of the World's Fair buildings in Chicago in 1893. This gypsum industry gives employment to about sixty men and the annual production is about $55,000. CHALK. There is a deposit of chalk in the Vicinity of the Big Sioux river, in •This bed of gypsum is found under the drift and over the coal measures; it is there- fore older than theformer and newer than the latter. It contains no fossils and se^ms to be a form itlon of the Mesozoic age. Northwest Iowa, especially in Sac, Woodbury and Sioux counties, that is as valuable as any in England and that, in the not distant future, will doubtless furnish the raw material for a number of important manufact- uring industries. This chalk formation consists of fine calcareous layers not unlike clay, and has a thickness of 25 feet along the Sioux river in Iowa, 50 feet at Ponca, Nebraska, 130 at Yankton, South Dakota, and 200 feet at the mouth of the Niobrara river. This rock, wherever it is exposed, is of a pure white or yellowish color, soft in texture and may be quarried in great blocks that are easily cut with a com- mon saw into any required dimension. It is composed of the more or less broken skeletons of the little shell creatures called Foraminifera and of minute coralline plants known as Coccoliths. It is formed only in the bottom of a clear, open sea, remote from land, flood deposits or other dis- turbances. This chalk deposit, found only in the cretaceous series of this section, , is intensely interesting to the student of Nature, since it proves beyond a doubt that this whole region was once the bottom of a wide and deep sea. It rests upon a bed of Dakota limestone, an accumulation that was doubtless formed when the region about Sioux City was covered with shallow, brackish water. "The sand composing this deposit was carried into the sea from land that was not very far away, probably only a few miles eastward. The sea be- tween was not stationary, but was slowly subsiding, the rate of subsid- ence being greater, however than the rate at which the sandstone accumu- lated. "As a result of the subsidence, the sea became deeper over the given area, as at Sioux City, and for the same reason encroached gradually up- on the land', and the shore line be- came more and more remote. With increasing depth of sea and increas- ing distance of the shore, the coarser sand failed to reach Sioux City. Only the finer mechanical sediments were carried so far seaward. * * * The w8,ter8 deepened still more over the site of Sioux City until the bottom was Ho longer affected by waves and currentBj and the shore line, now ea,Bt 76 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. of the middle of the state, was so re- mote that practically no flood materi- , al from the land found its way to the area we are considering. Neither sand nor clay was deposited in any appreciable amount as far west as Yankton, St. Helena or even Sioux City. Now it was in this clear, open, quiet sea that the Niobrara chalk was slow- ly deposited. The little shell creat- ures called Foraminitfera, flourished upon the bottom of it or serenely floated in its depths. And either floating or resting upon the bottom, were the peculiar coralline plants of which the bodies called Coccoliths and Rhabdoliths were constituent parts. All these organisms secrete carbon- ate of lime, and it was the dead skel- etons of successive generations of such organisms, accumulating under the conditions described, that made the entire bulk of our American chalk, the region of which extends from Iowa to the Rooky Mountains, and from Texas to the Arctic Sea. It was about the time that the subsid- ence reached its maximum that the chalk was deposited near Auburn, in Sao county."* I-OBEST AND SHADE TREES. Wood, for many years, was the prin- cipal and preferred fuel of the people of this state. Eorest trees can be cul- tivated upon all varieties of the soil of the state as successfully as a crop of corn. The principal kinds of native trees that have been used as fuel, be- fore the general use of coal, are the following, their order indicating their estimated relative abundance: Oaks, several varieties, including white, lau- rel, burr and black; Cottonwood, elm, white maple, linden, hickory, sugar maple and black walnut. Other native trees, such as the ha^kberry, ash, honey-locust, slippery elm and butter- nut, have also been used, but their number has been more limited. Experience and observation indicate that the following named forest trees give good results under oiUtiyation, their order indicating their rapidity ♦Samuel Cftivln In BeQlogy of Iowa, Vol. 8, 218, of growth, and their inverse order their relative value for fuel: Cotton- wood, white maple, box-elder, black walnut, oak, sugar maple and hickory. The black walnut and hickory suc- ceed well upon the prairie by artificial propagation from the seed and with very little labor.- So rapid is the growth of the cottonwood that, it is estimated, ten acres planted, at the end of flve years, will supply a large family continually with all the nec- essary fuel. For rapidity of growth the white maple ranks next to the cot- tonwood and makes better fuel. It succeeds well upon all varieties of soil and is readily propagated tiom the seed. These facts indicate that in a prairie region the farmer may not only determine ' 'the location of his fields and woodlands, but also the kinds of crop, whether of grain or trees, that shall be grown upon each." WATEB. It would be difficult to find a region more bountifully watered than the state of Iowa, and so general is the drainage through its numerous rivers, creeks and rivulets, that almost its entire surface is available for agricul- tural purposes. Valuable springs are frequent in the valleys, and even upon the highest prairies no difflculty has been experienced ,in obtaining excel- lent water a few feet beneath the sur- face. All the water of Iowa is hard, hold- ing in solution more or less carbonate of lime. It is nevertheless pure and wholesome, giving vigor to youth, strength to manhood and solace to age. In the moonlight fountains and the sunny rills, in the warbling brook and the giant river, the water of Iowa is clear, beautiful and invigorating. "The beneficent Creator gave to Iowa a wealth of resources of more priceless value than mountains of precious met- als, In her ' ever recurring showers, her numerous springs and perennial Streams." STATEHOOD, A HALF CENTUEY'S GEOWTH. 17 "Merry laughing, sparkling water, O'er the prairies flowing free; Making all so bright and happy, In the vale and on the lea. How I love thee!" Waters of medicinal value are also found here. There are streams that flow from fountains that give strength to the weak and restore health to the sick. • The mineral springs at Colfax have become so famous that that health re- sort has been designated the "Saratoga of the West." This fountain flows from a boring sunk for coal four hun- dred and fifteen feet in depth. Other medicinal wells are found at Des Moines, Cherokee, Lineville and other places. On the western shore of Wall Lake, Sac county, there is a natural spring known as the Lake View Min- eral Sprirtg, "that has a considerable reputation for the cure of many of the ills to which our mortal nature is subject. CLIMATE. * Of the two essential elements of ag- ricultural prosperity, a fertile soil and a favorable climate, the latter may be said to be the more important, for nothing can fully compensate for the lack of rainfall during the growing season. Only a small portion of any arid region can be made productive by irrigation. The claim may be 'made that in re- spect to these two essentials, soil and climate, Iowa stands foremost among the agricultural states of the Union. There is no question as to the exceed- ing richness and depth of the soil, for it has maintained a large measure of its original fertility under a system of continuous cropping that would have reduced to barrenness the thinner soils of less favored sections. And its climate has served as a fit complement of its soil in the production of those vast crops that have figured so con- • Gleaned from Climatology, by John B. Sage, Director of tlie Iowa Weather and Crop Service. spicuously in the agricultural statist- ics of the country. Situated midway between the oceans the climate of Iowa is strictly conti- nental. Its altitude ranges from four hundred and forty-four feet above the sea level at the confluence of the .Des Moines and Mississippi, to one thou- sand six hundred and fifty feet at a point near Spirit Lake; and as there are no mountain ranges nor extensive forests the physical conditions give to the state a climate very similar throughout. The moisture precipitated over Iowa comes almost entirely, either directly or indirectly, from the Gulf of Mex- ico. And as the gulf is permanent there is no danger that this region will ever become arid or unproductive. Blodget's rain chart for the conti- nent shows the average annual rain- fall in the eastern and southeastern counties is forty-two inches, through the central belt from southwest to northeast it is thirty, and in the ex- treme northwestern section twenty- five inches. The annual precipitation in Iowa is equal to that of any of the Atlantic or Middle states in the same latitude, with the exception of points along the" sea-coast or in mountainous districts. Dr. Gustavus Hinrichs, who origi- nated the Iowa Weather Service and served over twelve years as its director, said in his last annual report: "While Iowa has a continental climate in re- gard to temperature, it enjoys the fer- tilizing advantages of a high and well distributed rainfall usually restricted to the coast only. In fact, there is no region in the interior of any continent that has a climate like that of Iowa, in which the extremes of temperature are coupled with an abundance of fer- tilizing moisture. Eight close to the south the immense boiler of the gulf is furnishing vapor; the heated conti- nental expanse north causes the south- erly current prevailing throughout the 78 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. >■ o ■c o CO CD z: 3 DO >- CO z z> us )r f=^ r ;-! 3 0) UJ 3 \- o < (D > < Of iH D iH a 7 O UJ X5 o i. CM Ir o S-^ Tl O MJ •M o a a Tl s Pi" ai i- +a M 1=1 THE STATE INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OF IOWA. 85 the library door, 'represent History, Science, Law, Fame, Literature, In- dustry, Peace, Commerce, Agriculture, Victory, Truth and Progress. The four pictures on the ceiling of the- supreme court room, are of the type of Greek mythology, and repre- sent Justice, Columbia, Justice and Peace ruling over the land and bring- ing prosperity, culture, and happiness, and Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. Its general dimensions are: length north and south, 363 feet; breadth, 246 feet, and height to top of flnial, 275 feet. The height of the first story is 23 feet; of the second, 22 feet, and of the third, 20 feet. The diam- eter of the rotunda is 66 feet and of the dome,' 80 feet. The senate cham- ber is 58x91 feet, the house of repre- sentatives 74x91 feet and the library 52x108 feet. It is lighted by an electric light that requires an engine of eighty-horse power. The last stone was laid June 18, 1881, and the interior was completed two years later. The work was all done by the day, the structure was paid for as completed and the cost was nearly $3,000,000. "From spire and from dome,, From shop, school house and home. Ring a glad chime; Sing of her constant gain. Her wealth of brawn and brain, Noble, sublime." STATE tJNIVBKSITT OF IOWA, IOWA CITY. (See group of buildings, p. 60. ) "Blessings on Science and her hand- maid Steam! They make -Utopia only half a dream; And show the fervent of capacious souls. Who watch the ball of Progress as It rolls. "—Mackay. In the year 1840, the congress of the United States passed an act setting apart two townships for tlie use and support of a University within the^ Territory of Iowa, whenever it should become a state. This gift was ac- CepWd) as set forth In the constUu« tion of the state, and in 1847, the University of Iowa was organized by an act of the legislature of Iowa, ap- proved February 25, 1847. The Gen- eral Assembly at this session granted the capitol building at Iowa City, to- gether with the ten acres of land on which it was situated, for the Uni- versity. It also donated at the same time, two townships or seventy-two sections of land, to constitute a permanent fund for the endow- ment of the institution and such branches as might be later estab- lished. The organization was completed by the appointment of a Board of fifteen trustees, who held their first session July 15, 1847. In January, 1849, two branches of the University were es- tablished—one at Fairfield and the other at Dubuque. The latter gained only a nominal existence. At Fair- field, the board of directors organized and erected a building at a cost of $2,500. This was nearly destroyed by a hurricane the following year, but was rebuilt by the citizens of Fair- field. This branch never received any aid from the state, and January 24, 1853, its relation to the state was terminated. In February, 1854, the Medical College located at Keokuk, was recognized and established as the medical department of the University. Very little, however, was accom- plished until 1855, when the institu- tion at Iowa City was first opened for the reception of students. In April, 1858, the University was suspended in all its departments, in order that the productive fund might accumulate so as to enable the insti- tution to be established upon a more liberal basis. The University was subsequently reorganized, and under the new organization reopened on September 19, 1860, and this may fair- ly be regarded as the date of the be- ginning of the existing institution. The control of tlieUniVfrsity is In- PIOKEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. trusted to a Board of Regents, con- sisting of the Governor of the state and the Superintendent of Public In- struction, ex-o£Bcio, and one melnber from each congressional district, who are elected by the General Assembly to serve six years. The University comprises the fol- lowing six departments: Collegiate, Law, Medical, Homeopathic Medical, Denta,l and Pharmacy. The Collegiate Department em- braces four general courses of study — one classical, two philosophical and one general scientific; and two tech- nical courses— civil engineering and electrical engineering. The growth of the University has been very encouraging. The last cat- alogue issued (1898) shows an enroll- ment of 1313 students in the various departments. With the progress of years, new buildings have been erected until there are now twelve fine, large buildings, costing $424,000, supplied with apparatus costing $150,000, all available for the various uses of the University. The central building in the group that appears on page 60, is the former state capitol. It is built of stone, 120x60 feet, and is two stories in height. At the right of it are the Medical and West buildings, and on the left the Dental building. Cuts of Close Hall, the Natural Science building, the Chemical Laboratory and the Medical Hospital may also be seen in this volume. Prof. A. N. Currier is acting-presi- dent of this institution; President Charles A. Schaefler having died Sep- tember 23, 1898. THE IOWA STATE COLLEGE OF AGEI- CULTURB AND MECHANIC AETS, AMES, IOWA. WM. BEAEDSHEAK, LL. D., PEBSIDENT. "The farmer's trade is one of worth; He's partner with the sky and earth; He's partner with the sun and rain; And no man loses for his gain; And men may rise, and men may fall; The farmer he must feed them all. " The Iowa Agricultural College, erected in 1868, occupies a delightful and healthful location upon high, roll- ing land just west of Ames, Stoj-y county, thirty-seven miles north of Des Moines. The college domain in- cludes 860 acres, of which about 120 acres in the southwest part, have been set apai;t for the college buildings and grounds. Fifteen commodious build- ings, heated mainly by steam and lighted by electricity, have been erect- ed by the state at a cost of $500,000, for the exclusive use of the various de- partments of the college. These buildings are clustered around an at-' tractive and beautiful campus, that affords delightful scenery and a most healthful environment. The entire equipment of this insti- tution, in buildings, lands and endow- ment provided by the state and na- tion, represent an investment of $1,- 250,000. It is the pride of those in authority, to equip each department with the tools, apparatus and facili- ties that will most wisely and thor- oughly furnish a suitable outfit for the efficient work of the students and faculty. Tuition is free to students of Iowa; those outside the state are charged $30 a year, though this is usu- ally remitted to worthy students by the faculty or trustees. The college library contains 11,500 volumes, cata- logued by the Dewey system. The Museum of Natural History is com- prehensive, and the cabinet of Miner- al Specimens furnishes material from many parts of the globe, lor the study of geology. The curriculum provides for a short course in Agriculture and Dairying; a three years' course in Veterinary Sci- ence, and four-year courses in Agri- culture, Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Mining Engineering; and a Special course for ladies. For the study of Hortieulture the fields, THE STATE INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OE IOWA. 87 gardens, green-house and grounds af- ford exceptional advantages. The national government gives the college annually about $35,000, for original investigation and experimentation in agriculture and the sciences related to the industries. This enables those in authority to make the fields and the barns veritable laboratories of ex- tensive and niost practical investiga- tion and observation. After this year (189§) the college commencement will be held in June instead of November, and the college year will open the last of July instead of February. The history of this institution be- gins with the year 1858, when the leg- islature passed an act appropriating $10,000 for the purchase of a farm on which to locate an Agricultural Col- lege. In 1859, a tract of 648 acres in Story county was purchased, and that county made a donation of $10,000 to- wards it, that was supplemented by $1,000 contributed by citizens of Story and Boone counties. In July, 1862, congress appropriated to the several states in the Union, for agricultural colleges, 30,000 acres of land, for each senator and representa- tive in congress. Every state accept- ing this grant was required to erect the necessary college buildings with- in five years from the acceptance of the grant, and without using any of the proceeds oif the lands for that pur- pose. The state of Iowa, at the spe- cial session held in September, 1862, accepted this grant and received 240,- 000 acres. These lands were selected, from those that had not been previ- ously homesteaded or sold in the vari- ous counties of the state, and they were designated "Agricultural Col- lege" land. The income from these lands is intended to meet the annual expenditures of this institution, al- though a part was used for the pur- chase of additional land as a suitable site for th© college buildings and grounds. In 1890, a bill for the more com- plete endowment and support of these colleges, was approved by Presi- dent Harrison. It appropriated $15,- 000 for the year ending June 30th, that year, and provided for an annual increase of the amount of each appro- priation thereafter for ten years, by an additional sum of $1,000 over the preceding year. The object of this institution is "to advance and conserve the interests of agriculture and the mechanic arts," with the practice of agriculture, and to seek to make use of this intelli- gence in developing the agricultural and industrial resources of the state. Its aim is to make the student famil- iar with tlie things immediately around him, the powers of nature he employs and the material, through which under the blessings of Provi- dence, he lives and moves and haS his being; and since Agriculture, ''the great mother science and industry of the ages," niore than any other of the industrial arts is important to man, it follows that this should receive the highest degree of attention. What- ever is necessary for man to have done is honorable for man to do, and the grade of honor ensuing is dependent upon the talent and fidelity exhibited in performing it. All students, with- out regard to pecuniary circumstances, are therefore required, at this insti- tution, to perform manual labor as an essential part of the college education, discipline and training. "He that by the plough would thrive Himself must either hold or drive." The Iowa Experiment Station, in connection with this institution, was established in accordance with an act of congress, approved March 2, 1887, for the purpose of aiding "in ac- quiring and diffusing among the peo- ple of the United States useful and |)ractical information on subjects con- nected with agriculture, and to pro- mote scientific iavestigation and ex' PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. periments respecting the principles and applications of agricultural sci- ence." It is subject to tlie regula- tions of the United States department of agriculture. The results of all ag- ricultural investigations and experi- ments, including those relating to live stock, are published in bulletins that are issued quarterly, and sent free to all farmers of the state apply- ing for them. Views of the INlfain building, Morrill Hall and the Farm Barns may be seen on pages 64, 68 and 72. THE IOWA STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, CEDAR FALLS, HOMER H. SBERLBY, A. M., PRESIDENT. "Study to show thyself approved; * * * apt to teach."— Paul. The pubUc belief in the special edu- cation of teachers as a necessity, ex- isted before the year 1876, when the legislature of Iowa decided to found a Normal school and maintain it there- after as one of the necessary state in- stitutions. The Normal school grad- uate from New York, Pennsylvania and other states, had already proved the practical advantage of such edu- cation and had created a public de- mand for professional teachers, before there was any local supply. Hon. T. S. Parvin, of Cedar Kap- ids, at the very beginning of the school system in Muscatine, had sent to, New York to obtain a trained teacher, in the person of D. Franklin "Wells, and had introduced the spirit and methods of Normal work among the teachers. In the year 1849, by an act of the legislature, the statewas di- vided into three Normal districts, and a Normal school located in each as follows: One at Andrew in Jack- son county, one at Mt. Pleasant in Henry county and one at Oskaloosa in Mahaska county. Of the three schools thus located, only one— that at An- drew—was opened; and it was main- tiilnecl only fop !i few years, tho Htnte in 1855, ceasing to make the annual appropriation towards its support. In the same year a Normal department was added to the State University, that was maintained for seventeen years. Prof. D. F. Wells became principal of this Normal Department of the State University and by his in- struction to the advanced students in the "science and art of teaching," made it the most prominent depart- ment of that institution. In 1873 this Normal Department of the Uni- versity was abolished and in its place there was established a chair of Di- dactics—the iirst professorship of teaching, established, it is said, in any college or university in the Unit- ed States. The founding of a Normal school was now advocated by state superin- tendents, by the state teachers' associ- ation and by leading teachers and citizens, so that the demand was prom- inent in public opinion. In the y«ar 1876, Hon. H. C. Hemenway, the rep- resentative in the General Assembly, from Black Hawk county, supported energetically the measure and secured the passage of a bill, with a majority of one vote, that gave to the present institution at Cedar Falls, a legal ex- istence. ■ The Board of Regents, appointed by Governor Kirkwood, did a wise act in the selection of Prof. J. C. Gil- christ as the first president of the fac- ulty, as he was the best informed man in Iowa at that time, to undertake the great task, and he probably accom- plished a work, during his ten years of public service, at this institution that is rarely equaled for permanency and efficiency. The other members of the first faculty, M. W. Bartlett, D. S. Wright and Miss Frances L, Webster, were also wisely chosen. This institution, established for the special training of teachers for the common schools of the state, was . openecl tar the redoption of students, THE STATE INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OF IOWA. 89 September 6, 1876. It has now an equipment consisting of six buildings and forty acres of ground, estimated at $167,500, that are used exclusively for the work of the school and resi- dences of its officers. North Hall, previously one of the soldiers' orphans' homes, was transferred March 5, 1876, and became the original home of the school. The superintendent's home was transferred at the same time and both buildings were reconstructed to adapt them to their new uses. South Hall, in which are the chapel and lab- oratories of physics and chemistry, was erected in 1882, at a cost of $30,- 000. Central Hall, containing the president's offices, the library and the museum, was erected in 1895, at a cost of $35,000. The steam plant that heats the entire institution was erect- ed In 1896. The library, which is free to all students, contains more than 8,000 volumes. The students are charged an ex- pense fee of $5.00, a term of twelve weeks. To secure entrance as a teacher-student, it is necessary for each applicant to sign the following declaration. "I hereby declare that, in becoming a student of the Iowa State Normal School, it is my inten- tion, in good faith to follow the busi- ness of teaching in the state of Iowa. " The moral and religious influences of this institution are very excellent. There is, perhaps, no school in the state that has more religious work in progress or that is more successful in influencing students to undertake and maintain a life of high moral and re- ligious culture. The use of tobacco, being a hin- drance to intellectual progress and un- becoming in a teacher, is not allowed in any form at this Institution. Games of chance and other amusements that hinder study, are also prohibited, and indulgence in the use of intoxi- cating liquors is regarded as a very serious offense, Two members of the fl.rst faculty. Prof. M. W. Bartlett and Prof. D. S. Wright, continue in charge of their respective departments; Miss Anna E. McGovern since 1880, and Prof. Seer- ley since 1886. New departments have been added as follows: Music in 1878; Special Training in 1884, discontinued two years later and. reorganized in 1891; Latin in 1897 and the Military in 1892. The latter is in charge of a retired U. S. army ofBoer, Major W. A. Dinwid- dle. In the year 1878, the first gradu- ating class numbered four persons, and in 1898, there were 186 graduates, making the whole number in twenty- two years, 1325. The number of stu- dents in attendance last year was 1318. THE IOWA COLIiBGE FOE THE BLIND, VINTON. Thomas F. McCune, A.M., Pein. "I will bring the blind. By a way they knew not; I will lead them in paths They have not known." — Isaiah. The Iowa College for the Blind, es- tablished at Iowa City in 1852, and opened for students the year follow- ing, was transferred to its present lo- cation at Vinton, Benton county, in 1862. The college, as its name indi- cates, is a school, not a home, and the annual session begins on the first Wed- nesday of September and ends on the second Wednesday of June, following. During the summer vacation the stu- dents are required to return to their homes, and all officers and employes are then discharged, except those nec- essary for the care, cleaning and re- pair of the buildings. The biennial report of 1897 shows that*l86 pupils were in attendance that year, and 208 the year previous. During the forty-five years of the ex- istence of this institution, 1007 stu- dents have been enrolled, of whom fifteen per cent make their own hving and forty per cent are educated and 90 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. o J 2 ^. a ai 3 !2| p. b 3 5 « in . a s S « S 3 o o w o 03 < EH g B O in THE STATE IlSrSTlTUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OF IOWA. 91 respectable members of society. Of the whole enrollment, ten per cent have completed the literary course and received their diplomas. Tour have become successful ministers of the gospel; one is an evangelist of more than ordinary power; one is rap- idly rising into prominence as a writer of stories for children, and another, as author and lawyer, has attained a marked standing in one of the largest cities of the land. The main building, 108x70 feet, is located near the center of the grounds that comprise forty acres. These are beautifully arranged and ornamented with all kinds of trees and shrubs. The estimated value of the buildings, . grounds, machinery, etc., represented by this institution, is $313,650. Its design is to furnish to the blind children of the state equal education- al advantages with children who en- joy the boon of sight.- The branches taught are raised print, point system, arithmetic, spelling, geography, his- tory, grammar, natural philosophy, civil government, political economy^ geometry, English and American literature. The department of music is supplied with twenty-three pianos, one pipe or- gan, three cabinet organs and a suffi- cient number of violins, guitars, bass viols and brass instruments. Every student eapable of receiving it is giv- en a complete course in this branch. In the industrial department the girls are required to learn knitting, crocheting, fancy work, hand and ma- chine sewing; the boys, netting, mat- tress making and cane seating. Those of either sex who desire, may learn carpet weaving and broom making. Several years ago, congress appro- priated $250,000 as a permanent fund, the interest of which, $10,000, was to be paid semi-annually to the trustees of the American, Printing House for the Blind, a corporate body, in Louis- ville, Ky., to be expended in publish- ing embossed books and manufacturing apparatus for the blind. These books and apparatus are supplied to the thirty-seven institutions for the blind in the United States, in proportion to the number of pupils in attendance at each. No work presents more complex problems than that of educating the blind, yet no work has made greater progress than this during the last quarter of a century. INDUSTEIAL HOME FOR THE BLIND, KNOXVILLE. The Industrial Home for the Blind was established in 1890, by the Twen- ty-third General Assembly, which ap- propriated $40,000 for the purchase of grounds and the erection of buildings. Under the provisions of this act, the governor appointed a board of com- missioners to select a location and su- perintend the construction of the buildings. They selected Knoxville, Marion county, as the site for the Home, and by January 1, 1892, had it ready for the admission of inmates, with accommc ditions for two hundred. The object of this institution is the instruction of the adult blind of the state in some suitable trade or vo- cation, and to furnish a working home for the blind, who have learned a trade or vocation and desire to be em- ployed therein. It is open to every blind person who has a legal residence in the state and is physically and men- tally able to perform such labor as may be required in the trade or voca- tion carried on therein. Broom mak- ing is the principal industry. Ham- mocks and nets are also made. All assignments of work are made on the basis of adaptation. Each works at that for which he is specially fitted and is paid what he earns, according to a schedule of wages. The legislature makes biennial ap- propriations for its support, those last made for the years 1898 and 1899, amounting to $18,000. 92 PIONEER HISTOEY Or POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. THE STATE INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OF IOWA. 93 During the first five years of its ex- istence, or the period ending June 30, 1891, ninety-one inmates liad been re- ceived and they had made 26,966 doz- ens of brooms, 8,4m dozens of whisks, 1,071 hammoclcs and 330 nets. The value of the property represent- ed by this institution is estimated at $30,000, and it is in charge of three trustees who are elected by the legis- lature for a term of six years. Cam. Culbertson is the present superintend- ent. IOWA SCHOOL FOE THE DEAF, COUNCIL BLUFFS. HON. HENRY W. EOTHERT, SUPT. G. L. WTCKOFF, PRINCIPAL. "Education is a" capital to a poor man, and an interest to a rich man." —Horace Mann. The Iowa School for the Deaf is lo- cated in Pottawattamie county, three miles east of the city of Council Bluffs. Arrangements were made for the establishment of this institution by the G-eneral Assembly of Iowa, in January, 1855. It was located first at Iowa City, where Mr. W. E. Ijams, a gentleman of liberal education and considerable experience in the instruc- tion of the deaf, had established a private school for their benefit. In December, 1870, it was transferred to Council Bluffs, where permanent and commodious buildings have been pro- vided for its use. It was first called a "State Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, "but this name was changed to its present form in 1892. The main building is one of the largest structures in the state, being 350 feet long, 60 feet wide and five stories high in the central part. The wings of this building are used chiefly for sleeping apartments, while in the central part provision is made for study, the care of the sick and the re- ception of friends. The schoolhouse, two stories in height, contains twenty large, well ventilated recitation rooms. The center building of the Industrial Schools was erected in 1889, to meet the growing and urgent requirements of the Industrial Department of this institution. It contains a large steam cylinder press, on which a weekly pa- per, The Deaf Hawkeye, is printed. The south wing of this building was erected in 1875, and at that time it was considered ample to provide for the wants of this school. The Chapel and Dining Hall are in the same building, 70x85 feet, two stories in height. All of these buildings are of brick, and together with grounds, ap- paratus, etc., represent an investment by the state of $400,000. This institution is free to all from the age of nine to twenty-five, who are too deaf to be educated in the com- mon schools, but . who are sound in mind, free from immoral halsits and free from contagious or offensive diseases. A competent corps of in- structors of long and successful expe- rience is employed in every depart- ment. The trades taught in this in- stitution are printing, shoe-making, carpentering, dress-making, farming and gardening, drawing and painting; light housework, plain sewing apd knitting are also taught. The session of the school begins the 1st day of October and continues until the last day in June of each year. IOWA INSTITUTION FOR FEEBLE MINDED CHILDREN. "The secret of life— it is giving; To minister and to serve." —Lucy Larcom. This worthy institution is located at Glenwood, Mills county. Three homes for orphan children had been founded during the war of 1861-1865, and maintained by the state until 1876, when the number of dependent children having greatly diminished, it was decided to unite them in the .present institution at Davenport. This closed the homes at Cedar Ealls and Glenwood, and the former be* came the State Normal School and THE STATE INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OF IOWA. 95 the latter the Institution for Feeble Minded Children. The first child was admitted, September, 1876. For a time there was an unwillingness on the part of parents of this class of children to turn them over to its care, but now that diflSdence has been largely outgrown. The present build- ings cost $360,000, the furnishings and machinery $35,000 and together with the 300 acres of land on which they are located, represent an investment of $405,000. The aim of this institution is to provide special methods of training for that class of children, who are de- ficient in mind or marked with such peculiarities as may deprive them of the benefits and privileges provided for children with normal faculties. It aims to mak^ the children as nearly self-supporting as practicable and en- able them to approach as nearly as possible the actions of normal people. It further aims to provide a home for those who are not susceptible of men- tal culture, but must rely wholly on others to supply their simple wants. In the school department, lessons are imparted in the simple elements of instruction taught in the public schools, as well as in the industries suited to their capacities. Children are admitted between the ages of five and eighteen years. THE IOWA soldiers' OEPHANS' HOME AND HOME FOE INDIGENT CHIL- DBEN, DAVENPORT. At the outbreak of the rebellion, in 1861, the state of Iowa was settled chiefly by young men of limited means, who were maintaining their families, to a great extent, by agricultural pur- suits. The call for volunteers was answered patriotically. Large num- bers went to the front and many, fall- ing in the defense of their country and homes, left their families in des-„ titute circumstances. Some of the benevolent people of Davenport, among them Hon. Hiram Price, Hon. John L. Davies, Mrs. P. V. Newcomb and many others, conceived the plan of founding a home for the orphan children of Iowa soldiers, to be sup- ported by the charity of Iowa people, assisted by the comrades of the fallen heroes. Similar enterprises were un- dertaken at Farmingtcn, Glenwood and Cedar Falls. The Davenport Home was first or- ganized December 1, 1863, as a private charitable institution, and was opened for the reception of children, July 13, 1864, utilizing the old barracks, known as Camp Roberts. In June, 1866, it became a state in- stitution, under the name of the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home, the legisla- ture assuming control of it and pro- viding a special fund for its mainte- nance and for its permanent location at that place. In 1876 it became the only home for soldiers' orphans, in Iowa, by, the transfer of those at Ce- dar Falls and Glenwood. The sphere of its usefulness was widened the same year by opening its doors to other de- pendent children of the state. Two classes of children are therefore now received; first, soldiers' orphans, who are maintained by the state, and sec- ond, county orphans, who are main- tained by the counties sending them. Only children healthy in body and mind are admitted, and these for no period less than one year. None are received under the age of one year, and the boys are not kept beyond fif- teen, nor the girls after sixteen. Homes in families are then solicited for them. This institution now consists of eighteen well equipped cottages, ac- commodating from twenty-flve to thirty-five children each, . a school- house with seating capacity for 500 children, a large, two-story hospital, a laundry and engine house, a manual training building and a barn with a storage capacity for 100 tons of hay and stable room for twenty-flve cows PIONEER HISTOEY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA, and six horses. These buildings are located on a beautiful plot of ground containing bl acres, in the east sub- urban part of the city, and represent an investment of $180,595. The aver- age number in the home the last year (1891) was 487. THE SOLDIEBS' HOME, MAESHALLTOVTST. The legislature made provision for the establishment of the Iowa Soldiers' Home at Marshalltown, in 1886, and the main building was opened with proper ceremonies, November 30, 1887. Since that time enlargements and im- provements have been made so that the estimated value of the buildings is $183,200; the grounds, over 400 acres, $25,000, and miscellaneous property, $16,000; total value, $224,200. This institution is maintained for dependent, honorably discharged Un- ion soldiers, sailors and marines, their dependent widows, wives and moth- ers and dependent army nurses. It is a worthy monument of the grateful patriotism of the people of the state towards its defenders, who, broken in health, or suffering from wounds re- ceived in their country's dangerous service, now need its care. Women were first received in 1893, when four were enrolled. The annual enroll- ment shows that the number of per- sons at this home has been as follows: offenders or those who, through lack of proper home control, promise to become criminals. The school at Eldora was opened September 1, 1868. The improve- ments consist of a main building, cost- ing $50,000, five family buildings cost- ing the same amount, a hospital, shop, chapel, barn, electric and steam heat- ing plants and other necessary im- provements, on 760 acres of land that altogether represent an investment of $201,500. About 450 boys are now cared for at this institution. The school for girls was opened at Mitchellville in 1879, as a branch of the former. The improvements con- sist of a main building, two family buildings, hospital, barn, electric plant, steam heating apparatus, etc., located on 160 acres of land, all val- ued at $90,125. The children who are committed to these schools are not the hardened, ir- redeemable criminals, but those who are young in years— eight to sixteen— and whose natures are still susceptible to the influence of kindness, moral training and proper discipline. These beneficent influences could never ac- complish the desired results amid the , environments of prisons and peniten- tiaries. 1889.. 1890.. 1891.. 1892.. ..HO ..258 ..349 ..433 ..426 1894.. 1895,. 1896.. 1897.. ..876 ..404 ..516 ..605 A number of cottages have been erected for the accommodation of married veterans needing the advan- tages of this home. INDUSTEIAL SCHOOLS, ELDOKA AND MITCHELLVILLE. Two industrial or reformatory schools, one for boys, at Eldora, Har- din county, and one for girls, at Mitch- ellville, Polk county, have been found- ed by this state, and are maintained Our state has wisely taken these facts into consideration, and no less in self-defense than in charity, has es- tablished these institutions as homes for our unfortunate yoijth. It has en- joined upon those who have the super- vision of these schools the duty of having the boys and girls instructed in. morality, such branches of use- ful knowledge as are adapted to their age and capacity and in some regular course of labor. The results of the work done by these schools prdve be- yond a doubt the possibility to re- claim wayward youth and make good citizens of them when they are put for the purpose of reforming youthful under proper control. THE STATE INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDINGS OF IOWA. 97 HOSPITALS FOE THE INSANE, MOUNT PLEASANT, INDEPENDENCE, CLA- EISTDA AND CHBHOKEE. Liberal provision has been made by the people of this state for the care of the insane, by the erection of four large and commodious hospitals or asylums. The one at Mount Pleasant, Henry county, was established January 24, 1855, by an appropriation of $44,425 for 160 acres of land and buildings. It was formally opened March 6, 1861. The development of this institution is expressed in the following esti- mates of value: Buildings $800,000; grounds, including farm, -$58,000; mis- cellaneous property $100,000; total val- ue $958,000. The second, located at Independ- ence, Buchanan county, was opened May 1, IStS. The investment here Is as follows: Real estate $26,400; build- ings $1,015,950, making with other im- provements, $1,112,020. The third, located at Clarinda, Page county, was opened December 15, 1888. This institution has 513 acres of land and accommodations for 1000 j)atients. The inventory shows value of land $38,475 and of buildings $821,000, mak- ing with other permanent improve- ments and fixtures, $923,356. The fourth, located at Cherokee, Cherokee county, in 1894, is not yet completed. The appropriations have been $24,000 for 640 acres of land and $400,000 for the erection of buildings. PENITENTIAEIES, FOET MADISON AND ANAMOSA. This State has now two penitenti- aries, one at Fort Madison, in Lee county, and the other at Anamosa, Jones county. The one at Fort Madison was estab- lished by an act of the territorial leg- islature, January 25, 1839. In the act of congress, establishing the territory of Iowa, provision was made for the government to appropriate money for the erection of public buildings, and under this provision the old Capitol at Iowa City (now used by the State University) and the main building of the penitentiary at Fort Madison were built. The latter was completed in 1841, and is probably the only building of the kind provided for any state at the expense of the national government. The value of the pres- ent buildings and wall is $500,000; other property additional, $45,000. In 1872, an additional penitentiary was built, mainly by convict labor, at Anamosa. It is a . very fine structure and has a library of more than 3300 volumes. The present val- ue of buildings and grounds is esti- mated at $2,650,000; machinery and supplies additional, $32,000. The criminal statistics show that the number of inmates in these insti- tutions during the past ten years has been, in December, as follows: 1886 666 1892 663 1887 638 1893 806 1888 588 1894 898 1889 699 1895 999 1890 603 1896 1086 1891 668 1897 1145 OTHEE STATE OEGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETIES. The State Library, established in 1860, and the State Historical Depart- ment, organized July 1, 1892, have their location in the Capitol, at Des Moines. Though separate and distinct institutions, they are managed by the same board of trustees, consisting of the Governor, the Supreme Judges, the Secretary of State and the Super- intendent of Public Instruction. The State Library was founded for the special benefit of the Supreme Court, but afterwards there were add- ed other books useful to the members of the legislature and other state offi- cers. In 1895, it contained 45,000 vol- umes, of which 21,000 were in the law department. It has grown until it has become known as one of the best libraries in the United States, and is. PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COTJNTY, tOWA. therefore, .a great institution for ref- erence and study. The Historical Department, com- monly known as the Aldrich collec- tion, was established for the purpose of promoting the collection and pres- ervation of historical materials re- lating to Iowa, and the territory from which it was established. Three rooms located in the southeast basement story of the Capitol have been set apart for this collection and they are in charge of Hon. Charles Aldrich, curator, the founder of the collection. In 1884, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Aldrich, residents of Webster City, through the trustees of the State Library, present- ed the state their autograph collec- tion, on the condition it should be kept by itself, in suitable cases, in the library, and that they should be per- mitted to make additions to it from time to time thereafter. From this beginning, through the personal ef- forts of Mr. Aldrich, has grown the "Historical Department of Iowa," with its wealth of facts, curios and collection— a veritable depository of varied and valuable historical matter —perhaps the most elaborate possess- ed by any state "in the Union. This collection is always open to the free inspection of the people, to whom it now belongs. The Historical Society, organized in 1857, for the purpose of collecting, arranging and preserving a library of books, pamphlets, statuary and other material, illustrative of the history of Iowa, has its headquarters at the State University, Iowa City. It pub- lishes quarterly a periodical of 80 pages entitled. The Annals of Iowa. The Agricultural Society, organ- ized in 1854, held the first state fair in October of that year. Previous to 1885, the annual exhibitipns of the products of the state were held in different localities, but that year large and valuable grounds were pur- chased at Des Moines, and the official headquarters of the society were lo- cated permanently in the Capitol. The Horticultural Society, organ- ized in 1864, has for its object the pro- motion and encouragement of horti- culture and arboriculture in Iowa, by the collection and disseniination of practical information regarding the cultivation of such fruits, flowers and trees as are best adapted to the soil and climate of the state. It publish- es lists of fruits, as well as trees, for timber or ornament, that may be suc- cessfully grown in this state. In or- der to facilitate this work the state is divided into twelve districts, each having its own director, and holding its own yearly meeting. It has now established twenty experimental sta- tions in different parts of the state for the purpose of testing trees, shrubs, plants and fruits before recommend- ing them for cultivation. It is a voluntary association, the an- nual membership fee being $1.00, and a life membership $5.00. The annual meetings, since 1892, are ordinarily held at their rooms in the Capitol, on the second Tuesday of December, and the proceedings are published in an annual report that is usually full of interesting and valuable papers. This is sent free to all the members . of the society. The Improved Stock Breeders' Asso- ciation, organized in 1874, has for its object the improvement of Iowa live stock and the promotion of that in- dustry. The Iowa State Teachers' Associa- tion is a voluntary organization'of ed- ucators from the various departments of that work in the state. This asso- ciation was formed at Muscatine, May 10, 1854, and holds an annual con- vention during the holidays. The Iowa Academy of Sciences, or- ganized in 1886, has for its object the encouragement of scientific work and the collection of a library for the state, consisting of the publications of THE STATE mSTlTUTlONS Al^C BUlLDllirGg OF IOWa. the scientific societies of the world. It holds an annual meeting at the same time and place as the State Teachers' Association. The Educational Board of Exam- iners was created in 1882, to encourage training in the science and art of teaching, and consists of the Superin- tendent of Public Instruction, the Presidents of the State University and State Normal School and two ad- ditional persons, one of whom must be a woman, appointed by the govern- or. This Board holds at least two ex- aminations annually, and issues state certificates for five years and state di- plomas for life, to competent, experi- enced teachers who are examined by it. There are three State Boards of Con- trol that issue certificates to those en- tering their respective fields of effort, namely: The Commissioners of Phar- macy, created in 1880; the Board of Dental Examiners 1882, and the Board of Health, in 1886. The members of the latter are ap- pointed by the governor, one each year, and they hold oflflce for a term of seven years. To regulate the prac- tice of medicine, a State Board of Medical Examiners was created in 1886, to consist of the physicians of the State Board of Health and its Secretary. Every person practicing medicine in the state of Iowa is re- quired to procure a certificate from this Board. The first geological survey of the state was instituted January 31, 1855, by the appointment of James Hall, of ISTew York, as State Geologist. The second was authorized April 2, 1866, by the appointment of Charles A. White, of Iowa City, as State Geolo- gist, and he published two volumes of valuable information. The third sur- vey was authorized in 1892, when the Geological Board appointed Samuel Calvin, of Iowa City, as State Geolo- gist. . Three valuable volumes have been prepared by him and the survey is still in progress. SCHOOL HOUSE OF SCHOOL FOE THE DEAF, COUNCIL BLUFFS, 100 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. >- o >-" CO Of III z 01 < M (K O t- o [Q ■t J J on, crossing the Atlantic ocean, landed in Plymouth, England, and there she became the object of admiring interest in fashionable cir- cles. Before she' reached London, Captain Smith petitioned Queen Anne on her behalf, and it is in this peti- tion of June, 1616, that the account of his deliverance by the Indian girl, first appears. After a pleasant sojourn of about seven months in England, during which time she was well received both^by the court and by the people, she became affected with that dread disease, rapid consumption, no doubt due to the effect of Ja northern winter upon her semi-tropical constitution. Preparations were hastened for her return to Virginia, but she died at G-ravesend the day before the one set for their departure, and, according to the popular tradition, "sitting in an easy chair, by an open window, her eyes flxed^wistfully upon the western ocean." She was only twenty-two years of age and was buried in the cemetery belonging to the church of St. George, London, according to tra- dition, or at Gravesend, about thirty miles from London on. the Thames, where she died, as is stated by her bi- ographer, John R. Musick. The latter says, "She was buried in the chancel of the church at Gravesend, March 21, 1617, but that afterwards the church was destroyed by fire, and today the exact spot of her grave is unknown." The'tradition that she was buried in the^northwest corner of St. George's churchyard, London, has been report- ed successively from age to age through Thomas Turner, the venerable sexton in 1881, and his predecessors, William Nefetingham and hi8fat'her,'i'ohnNet- THE STOEY OF POCAHONTAS. 121 tingham. The former was sexton twenty years and the latter clerk of the parish fifty-two years. Come to the bridal chamber, Death, Come to the mother, when slie feels For the first time, her first bom's breath ; Come when the blessed seals That close the pestilence are broke, And crowded cities wail the stroke. Come In consumption's ghastly form. The earthquake's shock, the ocean's storm, Come when the heart beats high and warm. And thou art terrible. — Halleck. Other names by which she was known were "Amonate," "Mattoax" and "The Nonparella (having no equal) of Virginia." She was also called the "Kose of England" and the "Totem (emblem) of Virginia. " She was a landscape of mild earth, Where all was harmony calm and quiet, Luxuriant, budding. — Byeon. The brief and pathetic career of Po- cahontas, (Bright Stream between two Hills) has appealed to the heart of every generation since her story be- came known. Her services to Vir- ginia had been as great as those to Captain John Smith. She had been the instrument under God to preserve the colony from destruction. Gener- ous, brave and gentle, she was doomed to disappointment and died of a bro- ken heart. Hon. William Wirt Henry, whose Life and Letters of Patrick Henry rank him as one of the foremost writ- ers of our country, has paid the fol- lowing beautiful tri'buteto "Our Lady of the James:" "Our Lady of the James," Pocahon- tas, born the daughter of a savage king, was endowed with all the graces which became an Indian princess; she was the first of her people to embrace Christianity and to unite in marriage with the English race; like a guardian angel she watched over and preserved the infant colony which has developed into a great people, among whom her own descendants have ever been con- spicuous for true nobility; her name will be honored while this great peo- ple occupy the land upon which she so signally aided in establishing them." "There is no story more dear to the heart of the American than that of Pocahontas. It has been narrated so frequently it has become a nursery legend, yet in all history none more dramatic and touching can he found. It has moved hearts since it was first told to civilized ears. Each suc- ceeding generation reads anew the tender tale, narrated, perhaps, by some new author, who in song or story makes of Smith and the twelve-year- old child who rescued him, the incar- nation of his own fancy. It has been told in romance, sung to the sweet notes of the harp, performed on the stage and gravely narrated by the his- torian, yet wherever heard, however told, it loses nothing; the story itself is the same, and never fails to move the heart of the listener."* "Rest in peace thou who knew So little of peace on earth." THE DESCENDANTS OF POCAHONTAS. Pocahontas was a princess, whom it was a great presumption on the part of Rolfe, who had no royal blood in his veins, to marry. According to the theory, of the time this alliance was one of unusual importance, especially for two reasons. First, their marriage formed a bond of peace and friendship between the two races, and second, if Virginia should descend to Pocahon- tas, as it might at the death of her father, Powhatan, the government of the kingdom would be vested in Eolfe's posterity. Thomas Rolfe, the only son of Poca- hontas, after the death of his mother was left at Plymouth, England, in charge of Sir Lewis Stukley, at the latter's request. Stukley was his uncle' and he was brought up in Lon- Aofi. When a young man he went to Virginia and as Lieutenant Rolfe, •Pocahontas, by Jdbti B. Muslck, IliS.— Funk & WAguallB, N. Y. 122 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. commanded Fort James on the Chick- ahomlny. He mfirried a young lady of England and became a gentleman of note and fortune in Yirginia, and some of the most respectable families in the state are descended from him. Among the conspicuous founders of the planter families that came over to "Virginia during the second half of the seventeenth century, was one, a very liberal-minded and ener- getic man, who had married the grand- daughter of Pocahontas; his son, de- voting himself to planting and trad- ing on the James river, found the bulk of his income in an immense traffic with his relatives, the Indians, who flocked as one man to his support. From this marriage many existing families in Virginia are directly de- scended, and they are proud of their Indian blood. John Eolfe, the husband of the Princess, was of Norman descent, with "William the Conqueror, in Eng- land, and a graduate of. Oxford. The fragments of his writings that have been preserved attest both his scholar- ship and benevolence. He was the first American historian and deserves mention as such, though his history was short, being confined to a brief description of the colony at James- town, and dedicated to the King of England. His fame rests on the fact that he was the first planter of tobacco in Virginia, and the first to demonstrate its value as a vast source of wealth'to future planters. In one of his letters Rolf e declared that his main motive in marrying the Princess was to promote her religious instruction; whatever his motives may have been, his marriage was a success. His wife's descendants are either so numerous or are ;■ held in such high honor as to have given rise to the say- 'ing outside the state, "Every family in Virgiolfi ig descend©*^ from Pooa- hontas. " Asa matter of fact the gen- u|r(9 ^e^oe^ii^ants were fe^ ]D^t the claimants were many. From this first alliance of the white and red races sprang the Randolphs, Elands, Blairs and Boilings. The an- cestor of the Randolphs went to Eng- land with William the Conqueror. William Randolph, of Turkey Island, as he was familiarly called, emigrated to the colony in 1675 and from him all the Randolphs of Virginia descended. John Randolph was a direct descend- ant of Pocahontas, being the sixfh in descent from her, through Jane Rolf e, her granddaughter, and was even boastful of his relationship with the imperial house of Powhatan, whose grave has been preserved on the bank of the James river, a few miles below Richmond. It is curious to note that the blood of Powhatan should thus mingle with that of his old enemies. Dead for many a day and asleep in his grave, the savage old emperor still spoke in the voice of his great descend- ant, the orator of the Roanoke, who died June 24, 1833. Peyton Randolph, the first presi- dent of congress, and Edmund Ran- dolph, Washington 's^ttorney-general, were also direct descendants, while Thomas Jefferson and Chief Justice John Marshall were related by mar- riage. Rev. Hugh Blair, the head of the Blair's and sometimes called "the commissary," because he had been sent to Virginia ih that capacity, by the bishop of London, was a direct descendant of Pocahontas. He estab- lished William and Mary college, the first in the colony, and his nephew, John Blair, signed the constitution of the United States with Washington and Madison. The Blands and Boi- lings were prominent as . planters, co- lonial officers and patriots in the war of the revolution. Like the vase in which roses Have once been distilled. You may break, you may shatter The vase if you will. But the scent of the roses Jet hangs VQm^ it still. THE STOEY OF POCAHONTAS. 123 ■WHO SUGGESTED "POCAHONTAS?" The circumstances that led to the use of the name of "Pocahontas" for this county, were as follows: Phineas M. Casady, member of the senate of Iowa, session of 1850-51, from to have the name of "Pocahontas," the Indian Princess of Virginia, re- membered. Mr. Casady stated in re- ply that his request would be com- plied with. Senator Howell was an old man at Tower of the Old Church at Jamestown, Virginia, in which Pocahontas was married in 1613. Polk county, being a member of the senate committee on New Counties, ftsked John Howell, the senator from Jefferson county, if he wished to sug- gest a name for one of the new coun- ties to be established at that session, Pe repl}e(J th^,!; !}«? wOUlcl be ple£|S?^ that time and was called "Uncle John" by the qther members of the senate. He had served as a member of the House of Burgesses in the legislature of Virginia and four years as a mem- ber of the House of KepresentativeB QHoWft In the ^ecopd ^H-fl ^U|^(| Ge^t 124 PIONEER HISTOEY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. eral Assemblies. He was elected sen- ator for the county of Jefferson, on the first Monday in August, 1848, and was then serving his second term in the senate. When inquiry was made of Senator Casady as to who suggested the name of Pocahontas, with the added remark that there seemed no reason for the use of that name in Iowa, and he stated that "Uncle John Howell" had requested it, no further objections were made. Senator Cas- ady is still a resident of Des Moines, and kindly furnished the information given above. Battle of the Indians at pilot ceeek. 125 II. BflTTtrE OF THE INDIANS AT PILOT GRBEK- GRAVES, MOUNDS AND RELICS. THEIR "Oh pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers. I HE territory included in Pocahontas coun- ty was once the hap- py hunting ground of the Indians. Large game such as the deer, elk and buffalo, found luxuriant pasturage upon the open prairie and a grateful shelter from the wintry blast in the groves of timber skirting the streams. The latter were alive with fish, and the country, twice each year —in the spring and again in the fall- swarmed with almost every kind of bird and water-fowl that is good for food. In 1673, when Marquette and Joliet explored the country along the Missis- sippi river, this section was supposed to be under the undisputed possession of the confederated Sac and Eox tribes. Later, other tribes of Indians from the north and west came to this favored land and found a home, so that at the time the white man came, at the beginning of this century, he found in the northwest part of this state a branch of the noted and cruel Sioux, whose hunting grounds consisted nominally of all that portion of the state that lies west of the Little Sioux river, traversing Dickinson, Clay, Buena Vista, Ida and Monona counties. THE SlOtrX AND WINNEBAGOES.* The Sioux, were powerful, warlike and aggressive; and their frequent en- croachments upon the territories of other tribes, became the occasion of complaints to the United States gov- ernment that led to the treaty of August 19, 1825, (see page 50) when a boundary line between the Sioux, on the north and various other tribes, ;on the south, was established, extending from the mouth of the Upper Iowa river, in the northeast part of the state, to the second fork of the Des Moines river, now in Humboldt county, (south of Dakota City) and thence to the lower fork of the Big Sioux river, near Sioux City. By a reference to the map it will be perceived that this line, traced by Clarke and Cass, crossed the south central part of Pocahontas county. The meeting at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, at which this conciliatory measure was adopted, was a magnifi- cent gathering, there being present about 30,000 braves representing lowas, Sacs and Foxes, Winnebagoes, Me- nominees and the Sioux. It is said that before the convention adjourned, . 'The most part under this head Is a con- tribution from the pen of W. C. Ralston, Esq., Pocahontas, to the Eolfe Reveille, March 5, 189§; Bruce & Thornton, proprietors. 126 PlONEEfi, HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS BOUNTY, IOWA. "Old Keokuk," who was at the head of the confederated tribes as against the Sioux, was very much opposed to the signing of the agreement. July 12, 1830, the above line not be- ing always easily recognized, the Sioux on the north and the Sacs, and Foxes on the south of it ceded to the United States a strip of land twenty miles in width, on each side of tion in Wisconsin, were given the ter- ritory included in this strip of ^"Neu- tral Ground." Against the appeals an& remonstrances of the squaws and old men of their tribe, the Winneba- goes moved to their new possessions and continued to occupy them until the year 1846, when they moved north of St. Peter's river, Minnesota, where they were given more territory SEC. 12. CLINTON TOWNSHIP. INDIAN BATTLE FIELD AT PILOT CREEK, Showing the camp of the Winnebagoes, Pilot Creek, down which the Sioux came; the walnut tree in which a Sioux scout shot a Winnebago; the home of A. H. Malcolm and the Indian mound at the right. this line, making a tract forty miles in width from the Mississippi to the Des Moines, and this was called "Neu- tral Ground, " on which all the tribes interested were to be allowed to hunt and fish unmolested. Two years later, September 15, 1832, which was just after the conclusion of the Black Hawk war, the Winnebago Indians, in exchange for their reserva- and- greater privileges. By this arrangement there was left a large tract of country extending westward from the east fork of the Des Moines to the Little Sioux river, that was unoccupied by any tribe of Indians, and, by an unwritten law that was in force between the two tribes, it meant a trial of strength if any of the Sioux found any of the BATTLE OJF THE INDIAliTS AT PILOT CREEK. 127 Winnebagoes upon this territory. The Sioux were constantly at war with the "Winnebagoes over troubles growing out of this arrangement and because, the latter originally belong- ing to the confederacy of the Sioux, had now become allied to their rivals the Sacs and Foxes, and were also friendly to the whites. Many trials of strength did old trappers witness in this section, especially during the winter season, the victory being usu- ally won by the party having the most warriors. After the government established the military post at Fort Dodge, (1850- 1853) and the removal of the Winne- bagoes to Minnesota, hostilities prac- tically ceased upon this neutral ground except in the spring of the year, when the Winnebagoes were accustomed to go down the west branch of- the Des Moines river, (as the United States Supreme Court has noted in a case re- cently brought before it) for the pur- pose of hunting and trapping, and then the Sioux again met them and renewed their old feuds with all the vigor for which they were noted. The usual result of these contests was that the weaker party would be se- verely defeated, robbed of furs and game, and sustain the loss of many a warrior, \^hose remains would be foifnd by the soldiers or trappers, who passed the place, where the conflict occurred. The plan of the government in set- ting apart the strip, forty miles in width, as neutral ground, on which no tribe of Indians should make a per- manent residence, but all had the privilege of hunting and fishing, in- stead of proving a happy means of preventing the disputes and hostili- ties that were ever occurring, seems to have had the contrary effect. Early writers note, that nearly all of the conflicts arising among the Indians on the soil of Iowa, either occurred on this territory or grew out of some act committed by the Indians while hunt- ing, trapping or fishing upon it. For hunting and fishing, this strip of neu- tral ground was, perhaps, unequaled in any other part of the United States. All the wild game, then known to sportsmen or Indians, was found with- in its borders. Deer, elk and buffalo roamed over the prairies, while pig- eons, quail and chickens found a home in the luxuriant grass. The streams were alive with fish of all kinds, while on the banks and in the many beauti- ful lakes that lay within this strip were found beaver, mink, muskrat and otter in great numbers, as well as geese, brants, cranes, ducks, etc. No other territory of the same size was equal to this strip of neutral ground as the native home of game; and in no particular part of it was the game so abundant as in the vicinity of the east and west branches of the Des Moines river. THE BATTLE AT PILOT CEEEK. * "Hark! hear the sound of battle near! The shout, the groan, the charging cheer, The mutual voUey, sharp and clear. The shock of steel, the shriek of fear, In one mad chorus blend!" Nearly a quarter of a century ago, (1853 or 1854) when Fort Dodge was a military post occupied by government troops, and before any white man had settled in the territory included in Pocahontas county, a battle was *The account, under this' head, of the last Indian fight in Pocahontas county, was written by William D. McEwen, Esq., and appeared first in the Pocahontas Times'of date, (Old) Rolfe, May 18, 1876. Mr. McEwen was then editor and proprietor of this pa- per, and obtained his knowledge of the facts stated, during the years of 1858 and 1859, from the late Major William W. Williams, sutler of the fort at Fort Dodge, when the U. S. troops were there and the fight oc- curred. The latter visited the scene "of the conflict a few days after its oc- currence, and described the location so minutely that the former was en- abled to locate it without any difficulty. 1^8 PIONliEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUKTY, lOWA. fought between a band of Winneba- go and Sioux Indians that, for blood- thirsty determination, has seldom been surpassed in the unwritten le- gends of these savage tribes. It was in the spring of the year, and the place where this sanguinary conflict occurred was on the south side of Pi- lot creek, on section one, Clinton township; near the bridge on the old Fort Dodge road and on the farm of A. H. Malcolm. Directly west of the bridge and a little distance up the stream, lies a plateau or piece of table- land with bluffs on the south. At that time a strip of timber skirted the stream, that increased in density until it reached the foot of the bluff and then terminated abruptly. ■ Here there had encamped a band of about'thirty Winnebago Indians, from the vicinity of Mankato, Minn., who had been engaged in a hunting and trapping expedition along the Des Moines river. They had been successful in their expedition, and en- camped at this place to feast and pre- pare their furs for market. They were within one day's journey of the trading post at Fort Dodge, were on friendly terms with the whites, from whom they apprehended no danger, and believing that their enemies, the Sioux, were not in the vicinity, they relaxed their usual vigilance. Eighteen Sioux warriors, under their chief, Cou-sta-wa, or Big Tree, had been" hunting on the Little Sioux riv- er, in the neighborhood of where now stands the flourishing town of Sioux Rapids, and learning that a band of Winnebagoes were on the Des Moines river, determined to cross the coun- try, take them by surprise and adorn their belts with the scalps of their foes. The chief of the band, as his name indicates, was a large, powerful warrior, and had been the leader in many a bloody flght. Having been once wounded by the bullet of a white man, he ever afterwards cherished for him the most intense hatred, and never allowed an'opportunity to pass without wreaking vengeance on him and his friends, the Winnebagoes. Ink-pa-du-ta, the bloodthirsty savage, who with his band massacred the white settlers at Spirit Lake, in 1857, was one of Cou-sta-wa 's warriors and acquired his intense hatred of the whites from him. He, too, was act- ive in urging the attack upon the Winnebagoes. The'y crossed the country from the Sioux river by way of Swan Lake, un- til they struck the head waters of Pilot creek; then, following the course of the stream unobserved, they discov- ered the location of their foes. Guided, doubtless, by the smoke of the campflres, they stealthily approached within two miles. Here they con- cealed themselves in what is known as "Harvey's Grove," and sent out two of their warriors to ascertain the number and exact position of the Winnebagoes. The night was well advanced before their scouts returned. Their report must have been favorable as a satisfactory grunt from Cou-sta- wa announced that the attack would be made that very night. The water in the creek was high, and Cou-sta-wa, with savage sagacity, divided his warriors; six of than led by Ink-pa-du-ta, crossed Pilot creek and approached the foe from the north, while he with the other war- riors, descended on the south side to cut off their retreat. He evidently thought that the Winnebagoes, taken by surprise, would flee at the jflrst at- tack and make for the trading post. In this he was correct, but the result was not as he had anticipated. The ground had been well examined and the attack well planned. The moon, though far in the wane, shone bright- ly, pointing out to the wary Sioux the exact position of the sleeping Winne- bagoes. The night was far advanced when the Sioux crept up to within BATTLIS of the INDIANS AT PILOT CREEK. 129 thirty yards of their sleeping foes. Here they paused, awaiting the signal of their chief. Just at this moment one of the Winnebago warriors arose and quickly gave the alarm to his tribe. The Sioux, finding themselves discovered, commenced firing. The Winnebagoes, taken by surprise, and not knowing the number of their foes, thought only of safety, and com- menced retreating along the edge of the blufE. Here they were nlet by Cou-sta-wa and his warriors. Finding their retreat cut off, they commenced fighting with the desperation of de- spair. Cou-sta-wa, seeing the confu- sion, and knowing full well that one- half of the Winnebagoes must have fallen at the first fire, rushed with his warriors upon those that remained. It now became a hand to hand fight. "Long, keen and dubious was the strife, While all the warriors bled." At length one, two, three of the bravest of the Winnebago warriors met their death at the hands of Cou- sta-wa, when a shot from one of the wounded Winnebagoes laid him low. With a terrific and hideous yell the Sioux warrior fell to rise no more. The Sioux seeing their chief fall, now commenced falling back, carrying their dead, for the Sioux will die sooner than leave any of their dead in the hands of their foes. Ten of the Winnebagoes were killed or died of their wounds, while only four of them escaped without being wounded. How many of the Sioux were killed was never known. But four Indian graves were found by some of the early settlers in 1857, on the bank of Pilot creek, covered with bark and in a good state of preservation; these were no doubt the resting places of the warriors killed in this fight. The skeletons of three more were discov- ered by W. Sr Eegles, when trapping at Swan Lake in the winter of 1858. He informed the writer that the skull bone of one'was very large and nearly an inch in thickness; that the shank bones were three inches longer than his and all that remained of the skel- eton showed that it had belonged to an Indian of colossal stature. May we not, therefore, justly conclude that it was none other than the skeleton of the Sioux chief, Cou-sta-wa? INDIANS ALONG THE DES MOINES KIVBE. "Among red men, the surest way To honor, is the foe to slay; Him they call supremely great, . Who can most martial deeds relate. ' ' After the battle on Pilot creek the Indians who were engaged in it again returned to their reservations, the Sioux going to Dakota and the Win- nebagoes to Minnesota. In the years that followed, until April, 1880, bands of the Winnebagoes would occasional- ly return along the west branch of the Des Moines river as far south as the mouth of Pilot creek. "In the month of November, 1819,* about forty Pottawattamie Indians camped along the Des Moines river, near the northeast part of the county, and while engaged in hunting and trapping, investigated many of the larders in that neighborhood. 'Lo, the poor Indian' is a good investigator of the pantry of the white man. " Again in April, 1880, about fifty Win- nebagoes and Pottawattamies tempo- rarily encamped near the bridge over the Des Moines river, a short distance above the mouth of Pilot creek and near Old Rolf e, that until four years previous had been the county seat. J. J. Bruce, the correspondent of the Pocahontas Times, t wrote as follows in regard to them: "Our Winnebago and Pottawatta- mie Indians have moved down the river. Henry M. Rice, the chief of the band, is a very intelligent fellow. Several of the men are intelligent, use g®od language and dress in civilized *J. J. Bruce in Pocahontas Times, Dec. 11, 1879. tTinies, of April 16 and 22, 1880, 130 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. style. We should judge that a num- ber of them have white man's blood in their veins. They have in their^ number a Win- nebago warrior who was over this ground in 1854, and points out the battlefield between the Sioux and Winnebagoes on Pilot creete, in 1854, and gives the scenes enacted under some of the trees in those early days, pointing out the tree where some warrior lost his scalp. The battle referred to above, was described by W. D. McEwen in 1876, in an article that appeared in The Pocahontas Times and it was consid- ered by some as a canard; but in this case it seems that 'truth is stranger than fiction. ' " On this occasion the Winnebago warrior and some of his friends visited at the Des Moines river bridge, met W. D. McEwen, Robert Struthersand oth- ers to whom he related many incidents of the battle. Mr. McEwen was at this time treasurer of the county, and, though he appointed a day for him to go with the old Indian to view the battlefield and get his description of the conflict as he remembered it, unexpected business matters prevent- ed him from keeping tlie engagement. Among other things the old Indian related on this occasion, was that he believed he could yet point out the spot along the river a short distance from the outlet of Pilot creek, where the Winnfebagoes had buried three of their fallen braves. At this time, Ora P. Malcolm, then in his teens, but now deputy treasurer of the county, accompanied by his younger brother Ered Malcolm and his cousin Ralph Horton, went to their camp along the west branch of the Des Moines river. They met about fifty Indians, old and young, and found they had been there about a week. They met the old Winneba- go warrior, who told them that many years before he had participated in the battle of the Sioux and Winneba- goes, on the south side of Pilot creek. A few days later this old warrior, accompanied by several other Indians, came down the [river and passed up Pilot creek. As they passed the home of his father, A. H. Malcolm, Ora' and the two'other boys being to- gether again, followed the Indians to see them hunting and trapping. When they had proceeded a short dis- tance, the old warrior took them to a place on' the south' side of the creek and about thirty rods west of his father's residence, where he showed them the stump of a large black walnut tree. "Into the top of this tree," he said, "a Winnebago had climbed to take a survey of the coun- try and' 'learn if any enemies were near. While he was up in the tree a Sioux scout, under cover of the smaller timber, stealthily drew near and shot him." This old warrior had a desire to take a last look at the place where his father and one brother were killed, be- fore he should be numbered with the silent dead, and to show to those who came after him the place where the last trial of strength occurred between his people and their ancient enemies, the Sioux. At the time of this visit in 1880, which was more'.than twenty-five years after the battle, the large stump of the old walnut tree was easily recog- nized, and around it there had grown several shoots that were already large enough to bear nuts. When ■ the at- tention of the old settlers was direct- ed to it, it was found that this partic- ular tree had been felled by Orlando, son of David Slosson, in the winter of 1858-9, that it had been drawn to the sawmill erected near 01,d Eolfe by John M. Stockdale and had there been sawed into building material, by W. H. Halt. In 1880, the Chicago and Northwest- ern railway had not yet passed through BATTLE OF THE INDIAHS AT PILOT CREEK. 131 this section and when it came, a couple of years later, it crossed the place where this black walnut stood and al- so the original site of Mr. Malcolm's residence. The battle between the Sioux and Winnebagoes at . Pilot creek, was the last contest that occurred between the Indians on the soil of Iowa. It hasbeen suggested that at some time in the near future the romantic spot where this battle was fought should be marked with some appropriate monument, that future generations might know the exact place where the Winnebagoes, friends of the whites, resisted the last cruel onset of the Sioux, under their chiefs Cou-sta- wa (Big Tree) and Ink-pa-du-ta. INDIAN GBAVBS AND KELICS. Two of the Indian graves of which mention has already been made, were found by Orlando, son of David Slos- son, in 1857, on the bank of Pilot t5reek, near the present site of Rolf e. Other graves were found about the same time on the plateau of the southwest quarter of section one, Clinton township, now included in the farm of John E. Schnug. In 1858, W. S. Fegles found three skele- tons at Swan Lake, the largest of which was believed to be that of the Sioux chief, Cou-sta-wa, or Big Tree. In 1860, when the workmen were making the excavation for the court house at Old Rolfe, on the southwest quarter of section 26, Des Moines township, they uncovered the remains of ten bodies, ranging in size from a child to a giant. Their bones were placed in a box and reinterred in the southwest corner of the foundation. The first court house of Pocahontas county was thus erected over the last resting place of several of the primi- tive red men of the forests and plains, and it was the general belief at the time that those who were buried at this place were Winnebago warriors. Very few resting places of the dead among the Sioux, who came from the northwest and at least for two cen- turies occupied this section of coun- try, have been found by the white man; a circumstance, no doubt due to the peculiar method practiced by them in disposing of their dead. The Sioux, instead of burying the bodies of the dead in the ground, often placed them upon elevated scaffolds or rude platforms made of timber. The dead were thus elevated to pre- vent their bodies from being devoured by wolves and other rapacious ani- mals. They were not so scrupulous in regard to depredations that might be committed upon them by birds of prey. The mode of burial in vogue among the tribes of the Algonquin family, to which the Pottawattamies and Mus- quakies (Sac and Eox) belonged, was quite different; They buried their dead under the ground. Stones and even logs were often placed in heaps over the graves of their dead to give them better protection. The Winnebagoes, parent stock of the lowas, were the van-guard of the Sioux, when they began to occupy the valley of the Mississippi. The Win- nebagoes originally made use of the scaflold, but later adopted interment, except when the ground was frozen. The place selected for interment was usually the summit of a kuoU, and the grave was arranged so that the head and feet of the body would extend east and west respectively. Some- times they buried the dead in a sit- ting posture, and in this case, the body faced the west, while the head and chest would extend above the natural surface of the ground. If the one buried was a male, some tobacco and a pipe were usually deposited in the grave; and if he was a warrior a war-club or some other weapon was added. John B. Jolliffe, a resident of section 132 flONiEEE SlSTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. two, Powhatan township, about the year 3866, among some rocks on a little knoll a short distance west of hia home, found a pair of very beauti- ful Indian bracelets. They were made of a material that was of a slate color and as hard as flint. They were very artistically carved on the outside and both were exactly alike. The carved work represented, in raised form, many of the animals with which the Indians were familiar, such as the fox, coyote, beaver and utter. These interesting relics were lost at the time of the prairie fire that consumed his buildings, in the latter part of Sep- tember, 1873. About the year 1876, A. H. Malcolm, while removing some boulders from the knoll south of his residence on section one, Clinton township, found underneath a large rock, nearly a peck of flinty specimens that were supposed to be Indian arrow heads in an un- finished condition. They were oblong pieces of flint rock, roughly chipped to a blunt point at one end while the other was rounded. They were three to four inches long, half an inch thick and about one and one-half inches wide. Some, who examined these relics, expressed the opinion they were not arrow heads, but some blades made by those who lived in the "stone age" and knew nothing of the work- ing of metals. Since no tools or im- plements, except those of stone, have been found among their relics, the mound-builders are supposed to have lived In that age. INDIAN MOUNDS. "The Indian passed away, and lo! What Is left behind to show That he drew Ulysses' bow? He often earned Immortal fame; But what perpetuates his name? On the knolls of prairies green Only the Indian mound Is seen." On the right hand of the cut illus- trating the battle field at Pilot creek, page 126, there will be seen an Indian mound. This mound is situated on the summit of a high blufl on the west bank of the west branch of the Des Moines river that is skirted on the east with a body of tall, heavy timber. It is located on the farm of O. F. Avery, one-half mile east of the homesof A.' H. Malcolm and Senator Geo. W. Henderson. It is in Hum- boldt county, a few steps from the county line. This mound was circular in form, about twenty feet in diameter at the base and five feet high. It rests on a natural elevation sloping, gradually to a summit, that overlooks the valley of the Des Moines river northward for many miles. In 1883, Ora P. Malcolm, his brother Fred and their cousin Geo. W. Hor- ton, having a desire to know what was in the mound, made an excavation by digging down through the center of the top of it. They found the skele- tons of three human bodies which they supposed to be the remains of In- dians. They expected to find some relics of value, but in this they were disappointed. When their curiosity had been sufiiciently satisfied they re- turned the bones that had been ex- humed, and, covering them, left them as they had found them. The old court house site, where ten bodies were found, is one of the high- est knolls in Des Moines township;, and it was the removal of three mounds upon its summit that revealed the bodies buried there. For the account of other mounds and their story the reader is referred to page 16. INDIANS ALONG THE LIZAliD. In the latter part of December, 1855, when M. T. Collins, of Lizard township, his mother and sister were living in their log cabin on section 18, Jackson township, which was just ^across the line in Webster county, three Indians armed with guns, sur- prised and frightened them by com- ing to their door and begging for BATTLE OF THE INDIANS AT PILOT CREEK. 133 food. They came to their home about four o'clock in the afternoon and were the first Indians they had ever seen. When Mrs. Collins gave them, some food they seemed to be very content- ed and happy. They sat down by the fire, smoked^their pipes and after a little while returned to their camp, which they had pitched in the grove alongiLizard creek, south of the Liz- ard Catholic church, There were about thirteen'men who were accom- panied by their wives and children, in thiS' band, andlthey 'had several tents. They remained at this place, hunting and trapping, until about the first of April following, when they moved northward to MulhoUand's grove. ;:^'Abo"ut the first of ■, May,' (1856) they disappeared asj quietly as ;. they had come. These were a band' of Sioux Indians that had- come from the southwest, the vicinity; of ,Twini' Lakes. _ Ti-ton- kai)i,To-ma-to, a large old^man, j was their'Chief and he^had a son who jwas also very tall and active. They had a number of ponies and said that their favorite> hunting; -ground was 'along the.-Lizard and ' especially at Lizard lake. cDuring the period of their encamp- ment^at this place one or more of the squaws would come every day to the home'Of iMr. Collins and-. beg for some- thing'.to eat. [ Onrone occasion when Mr.lCoUins was cutting wood, a young Indianjgirl came to his 'home and, beckoning for the axe by motions] of her hands, he handed it to her^and she showed him how she could cut wood, 'using the axe in a left-handed way. THE SIOTJX. The tribes of the- Sioux nation, that occupied' Pocahontas county just previous to the time of its settle- ment, consisted of bands) of the Sissetons, whose acknowledged chief, was,; Bed Thunder, Yanktons and half-breeds from Missouri. Pre- vious to the establishment of the fort at Fort Dodge, they had several vil- lages and encampments along the Des Moines river in the vicinity of Fort Dodge and along Lizard creek. They were great thieves, constantly roving about in squads, watching trappers who ventured along the Des Moines river and emigrants who attempted to settle in that district. In 1848, when Mr. Marsh, a govern- ment surveyor of Dubuque, was run- ning the correction line from the Mississippi to the Missouri rivers, he. progressed in his work without mo- lestation, until he and his company crossed the Des Moines in what is now Webster county. On the West bank of the river he was met by a party of Sioux, under the lead of a chief named Si-dom-i-na-do-ta, who told him that this section of country still belonged to them, that he should proceed no further, and ordered him to "puc-a-chce" that is "be off" or "clear out." After they left him, Mr. Marsh and his party concluded to proceed with their work. But before they had advanced a mile from the river, they were surrounded at, a point near the head of a .large ravine (south of the south' line of section 30, town- ship 89,frange 28), about 3 miles south- west of Ft. Dodge, by a large force of Indians, who robbed them of every- thing. They took- their horses, de- stroyed their wagons and surveying instruments, pulled up their stakes, leveled their mounds and forced them to return to the east side of the river to find their way home as best they could. It was this outrage and simi- lar ones, committed by the Sioux In- dians on families who had ventured up the Des Moines and located claims north of the Raccoon fork, in the fall 'of 1849, that induced the government to establish the military post and sta- tion troops at Fort Dodge. When the government troops ar- rived, August 23, 1850, the Sioux re- 134 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. treated westward from the vicinity of the Des Moines river, and committed no further outrages on the whites in its vicinity, while they remained there. When, in July, 1853, the troops at Tort Dodge were transferred to Fort Ridgely, Minnesota, they again be- came impudent and annoying, and Major William Williams, who re- mained at the fort, was empowered to keep them in check. It will be re- membered that the terrible tragedies enacted at Spirit Lake in 1857, and at New Dim and Mankato in 1862, were perpetrated by bands of the Sioux. INDIANS IN LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. About the month of August, 1873, a band of about sixty Indians crossed this county, traveling eastward along the line that runs one mile north of the south line of Dover, Grant and Lincoln townships; of whom the fol- lowing account has been furnished by C. M. Say lor, of the last-named town- .ship: "They made this journey in true In- dian style, which was a single file that extended nearly a mile in length, sev- eral rods usually intervening between each member of the procession. About a dozen members of the band were mounted on ponies that were heavily loaded with luggage. Their tepee or tent poles, tied loosely together at one end with a thong, were hung over the backs of the ponies in front of the riders, while their loose ends were left to drag on the ground. On these poles, at a short distance from the rear of the pony, cross-pieces were fastened that served as a framework for carrying their tenting, cooking utensils, trapping outfit and other necessary equipage. Some of their papooses or babies, had been put in baskets and strapped on these poles that extendeci from the ponies to the ground. One or two of the squaws, sitting on the bundles that rested on the poles, werp ^Iso enjoying the gan^e ]£in(^ of t^ransportation, ^\]e:^ yre^e supposed to be journeying either to a reservation or to one of their favorite camping grounds along the Des Moines • river. While -passing through Lin- coln township they called for provis- ions at the homes of Mr. Saylor and John DoOley." INDIANS ISr BELLVILLB TOWNSHIP. Mrs. Wm. Brownlee, of Pomeroy, thinks she never, in all her life, re- ceived any compliment" tliat gave her more real pleasure than one bestowed by a band of Indians that camped on their farm, on section 18, Bellville township, in the spring of the year during the seventies, to hunt and trap among the ponds in that vicinity. Knowing that the Indians were treach- erous and" .blood-thirsty when on the war-path, she did not appreciate the idea of having them for her nearest neighbors. When, however, they pitched their tents so near them, in the interest of peace and good-will, she and her husband decided to give them about all they might call for. When the. squaws, true to their cus- tom, cal^ed, day after day, for "more food," she gave them all the available bread and butter in the home, and fre- quently, by special request, some roos- ters, indulging the hope it would be their last call.- The Indians must have enjoyed her hospitality more than ordinary, for when the two weeks' hunt was ended, the chief of the band came with the squaws when they made their last call, for the pur- pose of expressing their appreciation of the favors received and bid farewell to their benefactors. On this occa- sion, when they were ready to depart, Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee standing near each other in the front yard of their home, the Indians thanked them hfeariily and bowed graciously, after which tlie chief, addressing Mr. Brownlee but pointing to his wife, with all his native earnestness and gesticulation, exclaimed: "Gooc^ 8-q-i(-f|i-"(7! Good s-q-u-a-wj" BATTLE OF THE INDIANS AT PILOT CREEK. 135 THE POTTAWATTAMIBS. A band of Pottawattamies, under their old chief, Johnnie Green, used to frequent the Lizard in the hunt- ing and trapping' season for many- years. They were known as the "Johnnie Gfreen tribe," or "Prairie band of Pottawattamies. " Their res- ervation was in eastern Kansas, but during the sixties they became ulti- mately associated with the Mus- quakies (Sacs 'and Foxes), and locat- ed near them in the country along the Iowa river. They were peace- able in disposition and always carried with them a written passport. A few of their number, usually the squaws, would make it a practice to go from house to house in the settlement beg- ging clothing and provisions. They usually numbered from twenty-flve to fifty persons, including men, women and children, and they roamed consid- erably throughout the north part of the state, traveling some on foot, oth- ers on horseback, and camping at dif- ferent places as they proceeded. The Collins' grove, on section 13, Lizard township, was one of their fa- vorite places of encampment, and they occupied it every one or two years dur- ing the sixties and seventies and for the last time, about the year 1883. The old chief, Johnnie Grreen, was about seventy years of age when he made his last visits, about the years 1873 and 1874. The name of the young chief who succeeded him, is not re- membered. Two other favorite stopping places for the Indians in those days were the large grove on the east side of Lizard lake, in Lake township, and a grove south of Dakota City, near the forks of the Des Moines river, where for many years there lived an early settler by the name of Miller. The groves of timber at Sac City, at this early peri- od were also visited by bands of In- dians w)i9 fame fiom gpHtheffi Ne- braska, The Winnebagoes and Pottawatta- mies were originally from the districts west andjsouth of Lake Michigan. In 1836, the latter were settled by the government in southwestern Iowa in- cluding what is now- Pottawattamie county. By the treaty of June 5, 1846, they sold all their lands in Iowa, and in 1847 and '48 were removed to Kansas Territory, where most of them remained, but some returned to Iowa, and during the sixties occupied the country in the vicinity of Iowa and Tama counties, together with the Mus- quakie (Sac and Fox) tribe. At the present time there are 390 Musquakies and about forty Pottawattamies, Winnebagoes and others occupying their own lands in Tama county. The Pottawattamies and Winneba- goes never molested the early settlers; but when some venturesome trader, in exchange for their furs, gave them whiskey, under its influence they, as well as pale faces in a similar condi- tion, sometimes became quarrelsome. "On his head his eagle feathers. Round his waist his belt of wampum , In his hand his bow of ash-wood, Strung with sinews of the reindeer." The roving bands of Indians who visited these sections for many years during the period of early settlement, usually spent about three months of the fall or spring of the year catch- ing mink and muskrats for their flesh and fur. They could trap and spear muskrats to better advantage than the whites because, while the latter utilized only the fur, the Indians ate the flesh of the rat and mink with great zest, and furs cured by them brought a better price in the market. The Indian, upon his small footed pony, was an interesting object to the stranger. The ponies were gentle creatures, docile as dogs and had beautiful feet. The Indians made their own saddles and always of raw- hide. They dressed comfortably, piany sfto^ipg fi decided prefef^Qf 136 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. for the red blanket for underwear. Mothers, while on the journey, would strap their babies to a board, and then carry them in what&ver way was most convenient, sometimes by swinging them over their- shoulder. The men, when trading, endeavored to make "shrewd bargains;" before leaving town, they usually spent all they received for furs, and the to- bacco and whiskey dealer was pretty sure to get his share. The men and women composing|these bands of In- dian trappers, whilst they were oddly dressed, were ordinarily a lot of hearty, healthy and fine looking people. They were remnants of the once powerful tribes that were in posses- sion of all the country from the Lakes to the Missouri, at_the end of the war of independence. They presented, however, but a faint resemblance of their former greatness and renown, or of their warlike and noble bearing. THE SUEVEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY. 137 III. THE SURVEY OF PeeAHONTAS eOCNTY. "What lovely prospect meets the view: The rolling prairies, like a pea, In vast and wild sublimity. There lie with an unbroken sod, Untilled but by the hand of God: He sows the seeds of grass 'and flowers. He moistens them with vernal showers!" — Lbonabd Bkown. the government suevey. I HE government sur- vey of Pocahontas county was made dur- ing the years of 1853, 1854 and 1855, by two parties of surveyors who followed each other in their work. The first party located the boundary lines of the several townships, which are six miles square, by driving into the ground an oak stake and raising a mound of earth around it, at the cor- ners of each township and of each sec- tion on these boundary lines. The earth for the mound around the stake would usually be taken at a distance of eight links east or south from the corner stake, and the exact location of the pit thus formed would be noted in the field notes of the surveyor. The second party surveyed the townships severally, dividing them into sections, each one mile square, and driving a stake at the distance of every half mile as well as at the corners of ef^(5h section, CoropawtJvely fpw, If any of the original stakes are now found at the oorijei'S 6| tlffe Bedtjdns, Prair)^ flreS destroyed many of them, while others have decayed with the lapse of time or have been covered by the grades on the highways. The county surveyor of Pocahontas county, (H. W Bissell) about the year 1890, began to mark the corners of the sections where the stakes used to stand, with a rock nearly buried. These markers are more durable and many of them may now be seen, even upon the grades, in in the center of highways where the roads cross each other. The first survey, or that of the town- ship lines, was made by John W. Ellis, deputy surveyor, who was assisted in the survey of the three south tiers of townships, numbers 90, 91 and 92, by John Corrick and James A. Holstein, chainmen; Charles Bell, axeman or marker, and W. M. Helms, flagman; and in the north tier of township^, number 93 by Charles Bell and Charles Moran, chainmen; Barnet Podd, axe- nian,' and William Pofld, flagm^an. These men surveyed the boundaries of thg several |;flwnships of Pocahoptas county* np^^^j; ^ cojitraot gt ^^^e J^p^ J4j 1863, ' ' 138 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. b H (h H bo a +3 o o « bo a a C3 ,0 S be C ■^ o a. a o o CS o o 3 CO a o .d ,— ^ ,— ^ 1 c d s sJ' E a ^ © a v ■tf « ¥„ M a cs *p « a d £ .-p. •a .§, 0) C8 So fl j3 ■a S ■ fea 3 .2 :So a a 4. § a a; M . 1 C3 43 ■a a a 1 a i.i 1 0^ Zi .g i 13 ti a i ^ >i k. ti a a 1^ >i w ^3 s >. a ^ ^ a C3 s cc ^ S < 1-5 3 M 5 ^1 n n u n 1-3 . s P fi a .w Q Zi a tti a EG a John W. Alfred B Thornto a a a £ ■0 c ■a ■a '5 a ^ H fe S: ^ _^ ^ ^ J :zi ^ _ n 8 n .- bZ. iS .iS a a g 'S mes Bldgeway a F. Sellers. 3xander Wills ilUam P. Hall. L. Palmer. C. Stevens. L. Palmer. C. Stevens. L. Palmer. C. Stevens, remiah Hull, seph Elchey. siah Scott, ex, Mefntyre. ex. Willson. m. P. Hall. L. Palmer. C. Stevens. L. Palmer. C. Stevens. L. Palmer. C. Stevens. mes Ridgewa; a F. Sellers, lao A. Corv. m. S. Wesley. Ihraim Hartm isha Lackey. L. Palmer. C. Stevens. P. Hull, arles C. Perry ihraim Hartm isha Lackey. ^■t'Z^'ioio'io^^^<» 01 07 Of V a ftPt!S" The different divisions of a Section are described as follows: a d b TOPOGRAPHY OF: THE COUNTY. 141 Iowa, including all the territory north of Des Moines, was not commenced until the fall of 1848, when Marsh and his company undertook to run the correction line from the Mississippi, near Dubuque, to the Missouri, near Sioux City, and were driven back by the Sioux, when they crossed the Des Moines river in Webster county. This work was resumed at a later date and when, in the settlement of Woodbury county, a town was located on this line, it was very significantly named Correctionville. IV. T0P0GRaPHY ©F THE eQCXTY. "Cease all this parlance about hills and dales."— Dro. LOCATION AND STJEFACB FEATTJEES. * IT^^^^^IOCAHONTAS Coun- Vl*? llBP?^5Mff B "ty lies just east of the summit of the ridge or watershed — extending from Dick- inson to Audubon counties— that divides the waters of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This summit is near Marathon, Bue- na Vista county, and some of the streams'of Buena Vista find their way to the Missouri, while others empty into the Father of Waters. The drain- age of Pocahontas county is wholly into the Mississippi and is effected, to a greater extent, by Lizard creek and its branches than by any other stream. The remaining surface is drained by Cedar creek, an upper branch of the Raccoon river, that has its source in Rush lake, a few miles northwest of Laurens, and by the West Branch of the Des Moines river and its tribu- taries, Beaver and Pilot creeks. Pocahontas, like a large proportion of the counties in Iowa, is perfectly square in outline and contains sixteen congressional townships, making it twenty-four miles across from north to south and from east to west. It contains an area of 576 square miles, or 368,640 acres. Technically described it embraces townships 90, 91, 92 and 93 north, of ranges 31, 32, 33 and 34, west of the 5th principal meridian. Pocahontas county is situated in the northwest part of the state, being two tiers of counties south of its northern and three tiers east of its western boundary. It is bounded on the north by Palo Alto county, on the west by Buena Vista, on the south by Calhoun- and on the east by Webster and Humboldt counties. Its eleva- tion is about 1400 feet above the level of the sea and its surface has a grad- ual slope to the south and east. The average slope of the county is a trifle less than four feet to the mile, which is about the same as that of the state from Spirit Lake to Keokuk. The only bodies of natural timber in the county are, a strip ranging from a quarter to a half mile in width along the Des Moines river in the north- east, a similar skirting, though less in size, on the east side of Lizard lake and along Lizard creek in the south- east, at Swan Lake in the northwest, a little along Cedar creek where it crosses the line into Calhoun, and at Sunk Grove, an island of some eighty acres in a slough in the northwest part of Cedar township. During the sixties, this island was covered with a heavy growth of fine," large timber consisting of maple, elm, basswood, *Tlie greater part under this head was written by L. C. Thornton, county surveyor, 1884-5 and 1888 -9, for the Reveille, Jan. 30, 1896. 142 KONEEK SISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COtJiTTY, 10 WA. Cottonwood, oak, hackberry, box-elder and other woods. The early settlers traveled many miles to levy tribute on this unusual supply of good timber, and it was not long before unsightly stumps were all that were left to tell of the beautiful grove that existed here previous to the year 1810. At the present time there is a fine body of young timber, or second growth, at this place. These bodies of natural timber, affording material for fuel and the construction of buildings, as well as a- grateful protection to stock both in summer and winter, became the most attractive places to the early pioneer. Pocahontas county is almost an un- interrupted prairie that extends also into all the adjoining counties. Its beautiful prairie surface is gently un- dulating and is slightly broken only in the north'east by the Des Moines river, in the southeast by Lizard and in the southwest by Cedar creek. All of Northwestern Iowa is noted for its beauty,and fertility, and in these re- spects Pocahontas is unsurpassed by any of the neighboring.counties. Oth- er parts of this northwestern section are more rolling and their elevated portions, in the earlier days, were prized because they were tillable, but these elevated and valuable portions were interspersed with unappreciated and impassable sloughs and other waste places. In Pocahontas county these extremes are not found. The entire surface of the county is that of an elevated plain with a gentle slope to the southeast and having no waste land except the channels of the river and creeks— and these are essential to its occupancy and fertility. As its elevation is so high it is alto- gether probable the surface of Poca- hontas county has not changed mate- rially since its transition from the bottom of a lake-bed to the elevation of a blooming prairie. Since that time no floods have swept over it and no convulsions have marred the con- tour of its surface. In washing out their channels the streams have some- what cut the crust, but on the whole it is safe to say the general lay of the land is the same as when it rose above the waters. In the northwest part of the county are Swan and Muskrat lakes, shallow bodies of water with mud bottoms. The main body of the former, extend- ing north and south, is about a mile long and a half-mile wide. It has a small, curved arm on the west, re- sembling the neck and bill of a swan and from this circumstance received its name. Muskrat lake which is about the same size, but extending east and west is but a few rods east of the former and is connected with it by a creek, a link of the Cedar. Clear lake, in the west central part of the county, lying partly in Dover and partly in Marshall townships, is shaped like the letter L, the stem pointing west and the arm north. It is prob- ably two miles long by half "a mile wide and is drained by the little or west branch of the Cedar. During the long continued drought of 1894, these lakes, except a part of the last, became dry and, during the season of 1895, good crops of grain were pro- duced in the beds of all of them. Liz- ard lake in Lake township, extending northeast- and southwest, is about one mile long by half a mile wide and has an outlet through which it emp- ties into the north branch of Lizard creek. In the days of early settlement there were in this county sloughs without number and some of 'the principal ones were named Devil's Island, Purgatory, Muskrat and Six- teen-Mile Slough. These were great places for muskrats and ducks, and gave rise to the familiar proverbs that "a flat-boat should be included in a farmer's list of apparatus necessary for cropping here" and that "a man ^OPOGKAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 143 became web-footed after living in Po- cabontas county a year." But a great cbange has taken place. Where once there was nothing but muskrat houses and duck ponds, there are now finely cultivated fields. Great expanses that once seemed .to be worthless swamps, save that they yielded a thousand muskrats each year, are now the most productive portions and yield annually many thousands of "bushels of corn. A few years ago the high and dry lands brought two and three times as much as the low, flat pieces, but now this al- so is changed. There is now little or no waste land in the county. There has been no upheaval, the land has not "risen above the waters," but the ditching machine, that great enemy of the duck and muskrat, has been abroad in the land, considerable tiling has been done and the tangle of the grasses has been broken by the plow. Through these means the sur- face water has been removed and the surplus moisture allowed to evap- orate. These instrumentalities have contributed greatly to make Pocahon- tas county what it is today— one of the healthiest, most beautiful and productive in the state. THE SOIL. "Other skies may be fair, Other lands be brilliant with beauty, Or rich with their treasures Of rock-hidden gold. But hearts that are true To affection and duty, Best ever and dearest Will 'Pocahontas County' hold." —A. L. F. The soil of this county is a rich, dark loam, that varies in thickness from two to eight feet. It is an un- disturbed drift soil underlaid with a deep subsoil of porous clay mixed slightly with gravel, and possesses a uniform richness and fertility through- out the county. It differs somewhat from similar soils in other parts of the state, in that it contains a slightly greater proportion of sand and less clay, a circumstance that imparts physical properties to it that are very beneficial in agriculture, giving it a warmth and mellowness that is favor- able not only to the growth of crops but their maturity in this locaUty, as early as upon the more clayey soils, two hundred miles further south. It has also the additional advantage of becoming sufficiently dry for cultiva- tion sooner after the frosts of early spring have ceased, or the showers of summer have ended, than those that contain a greater proportion of clay. It is a soil that is easily subdued, may be cultivated in the most convenient manner with the latest improved ma- chinery and is well calculated to with- stand the extremes of drought or ex- cessive rainfall. In these characteristics of the soil is found the secret of the uniform pro- ductiveness of this locality under all conditions of the weather, and of the superiority of Northwest Iowa over some other parts of the state. The wonderful power of this soil to with- stand the, injury arising from either excessive drought or moisture, has been demonstrated year by year, ever since the first settlers turned the first furrows in this section. During a series of seasons in the eighties, when the crops in many other localities were seriously dam- aged by unusual rainfall, the farmers of Northwestern Iowa moved steadily forward, gathering abundant harvests. This ability to withstand excessive moisture is no dOubt due to the fact that the subsoil of this region is rare- ly an impenetrable clayey hardpan near the surface, acting as a bowl to hold the water in great quantities, but is sufficiently porous to allow an excessive rainfall to percolate to an indffinite depth and leave the surface available for cultivation. In 1886 and during the period from 1894 to 1895, there was afforded a strik- 144 PIONEEE HISTOEY Ol^ POCAHONTAS COtJNTY, lOWA. ing illustration of the remarkable ca- pacity of this section to resist the general blighting effects of drought. In February, 1895, when the famine t)revailed in Central Nebraska and the unusual drought was more or less severely felt in all parts of this and the neighboring states, two carloads of grain and provisions were freely do- nated by the citizens of Pocahontas county and sent to the sufferers of Custer county, Nebraska. This inci- dent will always be a reminder not only of the generosity of the people but of the bountiful harvests gath- ered here at a time of general scarcity elsewhere. In this particular instance the local showers that visited this section in the summer of 1894, con- tributed greatly to insure the crops of that year. It remains however, to ob- serve there never has been a failure of crops, on account of drought, in Poca- hontas county. The secret of this ability to endure long droughts is also found to a great extent in the subsoil of this locality, the porous nature of which enables it to receive and retain moisture to a great depth, so that while the surface cultivation acts as a sort of mulch, the roots of growing crops strike deeper in search of need- ed moisture. It is to these singularly propitious qualities of the soil, together with a healthful and invigorating climate and an abundant supply of good water, that the unrivaled prosperity aifd en- richment of the people of Pocahontas county are due. The country west of the Mississippi can afford no parallel to the prosperity of Northwestern Iowa. The surplus of one year has not been consumed in making good the losses of the preced- ing one, but a surplus has been pro- duced every year. It is for this rea- son that farmers and stockraisers of this section have been growing rich and that that they should do so is not strange. It is the natural result of putting these beautiful prairies under that judicious care and- cultivation they merit. Such' a teeming, trusty soil rapidly develops beautiful rural homes, builds cities, towns and rail-, roads, and flings wealth into every willing hand that touches it. LIMESTONE BEDS, CLINTON TOWNSHIP. An interesting exposure of strati- fled rocks is found in the limestone beds of Clinton township, near the eastern border of the county. In Northwestern Iowa there are but two other similar exposures of stratified rocks and they are found, one in the southwest corner of Plymouth county, consisting of Woodbury sandstones and shales, and belonging to the cre- taceous (chalk or reptilian) age; and the other is in Lyon county, in the extreme northwest corner of the state, consisting of Sioux Quartzite, a brownish red granite, and belonging to the azoic* age. The stratified rocks in the southeast part of Clinton township, have been referred by State Geologist Charles A White, to the Kinderhook beds, constituting the lowest formation of the sub-carboniferous group that is found immediately underneath the coal-bearing strata. These Kinder- hook beds in Iowa are about 115 feet in thickness and consist of alternate layers of sandstone and limestone, the latter partly magnesian. The ex- posures in Clinton township are con- fined to a small space upon the gentle slope of the prairie valley, yet consid- erable quantities of rock have been quarried here for lime and building purposes. The rock at this place has a slight westward dip and consists of thin layers of limestone that is slightly oolitic (granular) but chiefly sub-crys- talline in texture and contains numer- •The age preceding organic Ufe, and there- fore containing no fossils or organic remains. All granite formations. Including the boul- ders of the prairies, belong to this age. TOPOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 145 ous small fossil remains. The fossils are those of marine animals and be- long chiefly to the orthis (straight, rather thin) and spirif er (spiral) fami- lies of brachiop'oda (arm and foot), species of mollusks (soft) or bivalves, of which the clam and oyster are fa- miliar illustrations. The first exposure 'ot stratified rocks due north of Pocahontas county, is found at New Ulm, in the valley of the Minnesota river, Minn., and it consists of a single exposure of the azoic age, having the same formation as the Sioux Quartzite found in the extreme northwestern corner of Iowa. If a square that shall represent one hundred miles east and west, and the same distance north and south be placed on the north line of Iowa, so that it shall extend southward be- tween the' 29th and 30th ranges of townships from Kossuth to Greene counties, thence westward from Grand Junction to Onawa and thence to the north line of the state so as to Include the east ranges of townships in Plymouth, Sioux and Lyon counties, it will represent 10,000 square miles, embracing more than 12 coun- ties, in the most elevated portion of Iowa on which there are no exposures of stratified rocks to be found except the quarry, on section 25, Clinton township, Pocahontas county.* This locality is interesting because it is the most northern and western point in Iowa at which the strata of this or any other- sub-carboniferous formation is found. It is also the most western point at which any pa'leozo'ic (ancient life) strata has been observed within the limits of the state. In the section of country south of Pocahontas county, all the rock strata exposed within the limits of this state belong to the Lower, Middle and Upper coal measures, all of which have a slight southwesterly dip. This dip carries the Upper coal »Geology of Iowa, 1870— page 208. measiire formation of Iowa beneath the cretaceous (chalk) strata of Ne- braska and they are not seen in that direction until they come to the sur- face again near Salt Lake, a thousand miles distant. The most northern ex- posures of these rocks, extending from Harrison through Guthrie and Greene to Webster county, indicate that the coal-bearing formations of Missouri and Southern Iowa have ended by thinning out somewhere beneath the drift of this broad, stoneless area. OTHEK BOCK-BEDS JN IOWA. It will be of interest to note that the oldest stratified rocks in Iowa are the Sioux Quartzite or brownish red granite, found in the extreme north- west corner of the state. These be- long to the Azoic or Algonkian age, the age preceding the existence of either plant or animal life. The next oldest rocks are found in the northeast part of the state, in the territory extending from Dubuque county to the north line of the state and westward to Winneshiek county. These belong to the Lower Silurian age, so called after the Silures, the an- cient Celtic inhabitants of that part of Wales where they were first found. It is also called the age of inverte- brates (destitute of a backbone) be- cause during this period animal life began to exist in the seas under the forms known as articulates, (with a segmented body like a worm,) radiates (having a radiate structure like a flower) and mollusks. The Pots- dam sandstone, a soft, friable forma- tion found in the channel of the Upper Iowa river for a distance of twenty miles from its mouth, in Allamakee county, is the oldest rock in this sec- tion, and it is supposed to rest on the Sioux Quartzite. Overlying this for- mation are the lower magnesian lime- stones, buff colored dolomites, in the bluffs that border the valley of the Upper Iowa, and the St. Peter's sand- stone, a gritty, light colored rock, gen- 146 tlONEEIa mSTOEY OS' tOeAttOlJtAS OOUNTY, IOWA. -+J oi c _o c o o IL o CD -p CO C o '-P o "5 ^ o -p o c: o o E -C o CD U <: ^ o ._- Q. Q. 01 CO ^ 10 1/1 >* -p O . tz 5 ■a •* 5 a ^ ra d 5 (JS «i - S! 6 =^ .H c 2 >H ^ •« 5 .5 c*- oJ " -d S g ^ k1 d t. u '^ M o ill ^ -^ -d n ri ijQ 5 g a ja s S ° ■d H 9 « o & S "« H ^ a a B p, r1 « U 09 u » a, H T5 -I u a o fl 0-" PL| O 'S > CO O 3 O S 3 o ■d a- fl S c3 M -d V o §^ CO ^ 9 ■a d o a fl J3 ■*' a a (U o o ■ ♦* 9^ 2- ,.■. Sh o * S d i - "a <]} .X CO ^11 a a 1^ o •d o " all ® 3 S M o » « o ■a !^« S 2 « 5 ■" o a a ^ > 11 ^ fl ,3 ■« •a ts o te BO oj _ « -a .■^ a to ifl a S e S 3 -S t>. a bo C3 o u a £ 1 5 'B a 3 !3 00 TOPOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 147 erally, but having shades of red and yellow at McGregor that give rise to the local name of "Pictured Rocks. " The Galena limestone in which the lead is found and that forms the high bluffs along the river at Du- buque and northward, also repre- sent this age. The Upper or later Silurian period includes the ex- posures in the area extending from Scott county northwestward through Fayette. The Niagara limestone found at Farley and other places in Dubuque county, at Le Claire, Scott county, and as far west as Anamosa, belong to this period. This forma- tion affords the best and greatest amount of building rock in the state and the quarries at Anamosa are re- markable for the uniformity and pre- cision of the strata. Southwest of tbis area there is a belt 50 miles iri width and 200 miles in length, extending from Davenport to Muscatine on the Mississippi in a northwesterly direction to Mitchell and Worth counties on the north line of the state, where the rocks that are exposed belong to the next age, that of fishes, called Devonian. During this age the waters of the sea began to be inhabited by the reef-building corals, turtles, sharks and scale fishes, and in the marshes and upon the islands there appeared seaweeds, ferns, ground pines and conifers. The lime- stone found at Rockford, Waverly, the Old Capitol quarry near Iowa City and at other places in the district just named, are referred to the Hamilton period of this era. The oil wells of Western Canada are traced to the limestone beds formed during this era in that section. During this De- vonian age when the strata of the rocks last named formed the surface of the earth's crust in this section, the continent of North America was to a great extent a vast sea with a very limited amount of dry land. In place of the Rocky and Allegheny mountains, there were only islands, reefs and shallow waters marking their future site, for none of the coal- bearing strata and other rocks now found upon their slopes 13,000 feet above the sea had yet been formed. The age of Fishes was followed by that of the coal plants, called Carbon- iferous. This age has been divided into three periods of time, each rep- resenting a distinct formation of rocks known as those of the lower, middle and upper coal measures. It was commenced with a preparatory marine period called the sub-carbonif- erous or lower coal measure that had its consummation in a long era of ex- tensive continents, covered with for- ests and marsh vegetation, and sub- ject at long intervals to inundations of fresh or marine waters. This sub- carboniferous period in Iowa extends from Lee and Louisa counties in the southeast part of the state, through Washington to Franklin and thence west to the eastern part of Pocahon- tas county. The rocks that occur in this belt at Burlington, where the beds are 147 feet in thickness, along the Iowa river in Tama, Marshall, Hardin and Franklin counties and along the Des Moines in Humboldt and Pocahontas counties, have been referred to the Kinderhook beds of that period. The rock is a light brown or buff-colored limestone, and usually contains small fossil remains. The carboniferous or coal measures proper are found in the country south of the region just named, along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers; while the upper coal measures are found In the southwestern part of the state, from Wayne to Madison and thence to Harrison county. It will thus be per- ceived that the rocks formed during the carbCBiiferous age, occupying the central and southern part of the state, are the surface rocks of the greater part of Iowa, and indicate the geo- logical age of this section of country. 148 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUKTY, IOWA. It is by their organic remains or an- imal and vegetable- fossils that the stratified rock-beds are distinguished and the strata of the different dis- tricts are classified. Iowa is near the center of the great Interior region between the Allegheny and Rocky mountains. This vast ex- panse of country unbroken by mount- ains and untouched by the sea, has been termed a great basin. Every- where are evidences of the compara- tively recent elevation of the surface that has lain for ages near the level of the sea. The deposition of each later formation carried the old shore line farther and farther southward until at the close of the carboniferous the the land surface had been extended to the central portion of what is now the state of Arkansas. The Gulf of Mex- ico and the five great lakes of the lake region are now the diminutive rem- nants of that vast body of water that once covered the central part of North America. At the commencement of the car- boniferous era, a vast sea of shallow water spread out over what was soon to be the heart of a great continent. A long period of quiet existed while the great beds of limestone, formed for the most part from organic re- mains, were laid in sheets. Subse- quently, over the marshes and dry slopes there grew rank forests of lepi- dodendrons— trees of great size, hav- ing scaly or sectional bark with leaf scars— conifers and other varieties, and their Juxuriant growth continued until the creeping centuries had ac- cumulated vegetable debris (rubbish) sufficient for beds of coal. Trees and shrubs grew rapidly, shed their leaves and fruit and then dying formed the accumulations of vegetable remains. While great stumps stood- in the swamps the debris of the growing vegetation and also the drift borne by the waters accumulated around them, and occasional logs floated over the lakes to sink and become buried in the accumulating vegetable deposits. This luxuriant vegetation grew under the influence of fresh or lake water and formed coal only where there were marshes and the deposits of vegetable debris afterward became covered by deposits of sand, clay or other rock material, the result of a submergence that let in the saline, or seawater with its period of abundance of aquat- ic, (water), or marine life. It was during this more recent period that the gypsum beds upon the tops of the bluffs and hills in the vicinity of Eort Dodge, and other stratified rocks over- lying the coal-beds, were formed. It will be perceived that the luxuriant forests and vegetation that once ex- isted throughout this section of ' coun- try and furnished the material for the coalbeds, were all destroyed, for all existing forests are found above the drift deposit, a material of still later formation than the gypsum beds and many feet in depth. THE DRIFT AND BOULDEKS. The term Drift, includes the clay, sand, gravel and boulders that con- stitute the covering, in unstratifled form, of the rock formations through- out Iowa. Its depths or thickness ranges from a few to several hundred feet and its greatest depth is found along the watershed or divide, near the summit of which Pocahontas county is located. Whilst it is found to be from 50 to 100 feet in other parts of the state, along this ridge its depth ranges from 150 to 250 feet, so that wells rarely reach the stratified rocks underneath it. The drift is composed of more or less finely pulverized formations that ex- isted in other forms prior to its pres- ent location .and arrangement. A large part of it was doubtless derived from the rock formations that under- lie it, many of which in Iowa are soft and easily pulverized, but a consid- erable part, including all the boul- TOPOGEAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 149 ders, came from some northern local- ity. The clay of the drift has a brown or buff tint and is commonly called joint clay, because it breaks into angular lumps when dry or ex- posed to the 'air. It is always more or less impure and its yellowish color Is due to the presence of peroxide of iron, which becomes red when burned, as in brick or tile. The proportion of lime in it is so great that the water of all our wells and springs, though healthful, cool and excellent for man and beast, yet holds so much carbon- ate of lime in solution that it is too hard for washing purposes until the carbonate has been precipitated with borax, potash or sal-soda. Sand and gravel constitute a very small proportion of the drift in Iowa, and the former as regards its fineness is very variable. The gravel however, wherever it is found, is a character- istic constituent and was derived from rocks that are either silicious (flint-like) or granitic (composed of quartz, feldspar and mica), and no doubt a large part of it existed as gravel, before the glacial epoch. The drift in Iowa was evidently formed at two different periods. The earlier drift mantles all the surface of the state except the extreme north- eastern corner of it, while the later drift is represented by a lobe that ex- tends one-third the way across the state, where it enters from the north, and as far south as Des Moinee. Upon the surface of the drift, in many localities in Pocahontas county, there were originally numerous boul- ders or rounded stones and they ranged in weight from fifty pounds to one or more tons. Nearly all of these surface rocks, commonly called "nig- ger heads," have now been removed from their home on the prairies and utilized in the erection of the first and some of the piost substantial walls in tau BfefCtibn, Jb ^ f f w jm» they mU be seen only in this humble position of usefulness in the walls of buildings, but there they will remain to attract the attention of future generations to their wonderful and interesting story. Two very large boulders may still be seen in Pocahontas county; one on the east side of section 9, Dover town- ship, known as "Hunters' Eock," and the other on the northwest corner of section 33, Bellville township, called "Lone Eock." The former is about seven feet in height above the ground and twelve feet in diameter. It is lo- cated on the edge of a slough, about twenty rods west from the road run- ning along the east line of the section, and many a wild duck has been brought to the ground by the hunter stationed upon or behind this rock. Lone Eock, in Bellville township, is loMted but a few rods south of the high'way and it was originally egg-shaped, resting on its larger end. It was about forty feet in diameter at the surface of the ground, and the exposed portion though now reduced to fifteen was about twenty-five feet in height. This rock, in the early days, in the ab- sence of groves and buildings, was an attractive object to the passing emi- grant, an.d when the first settlers came to this county, about ten years later, they found the inscription, "1848 j " painted on the south side of it, or more correctly, cut with a red stone. chisel or hammer. By its tow- ering height, it became a conspicu- ous landmark, guiding the lonely traveler on his way, and in its grate- ful shade the weary pilgrim sat down and refreshed himself. Another large boulder, 20 feet high and 30 feet in diameter at the surface of the ground, might have been seen in the early days on the west side of the SW. i of Sec. 33, (Harrold farm) Lincoln township, six miles north of Lone Eock; but only the base of it now remains. The fact was noticed ]}j (;he early settler^ tftS-t the gtdmi 150 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. SKETCH MAP OF THE IISTEEIOB COAL REOION OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. Throughout the shaded portions, the surface rook formations belong to the Carboniferous or ooal-bearinR strata.— FrPro the Jo^ya geological Swrvey. through Ihe courtPsy of Samuel Calvin, State Geologist, ' ' TOPOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 151 around these large boulders was re- moved to the depth of about two feet on the south and east sides. The cause of these depressions was not very clear, but most persons attrib- uting them to the standing or bur- rowing of the wild animals that fre- quented them as places of shelter, called them "buffalo wallows." The boulders, found chiefly in the later drift, constitute a very conspic- uous and characteristic feature of it although they form but a very small . proportion of its bulk. In North- western Iowa there are two varieties of them, some being composed of granite {quartz, feldspar and mica) and others of quartzite. Those of granite formation are by far the most numerous and some of -them are pro- digious in size. Pilot Eock, a huge granite boulder along the Little Sioux river in Chero- kee county, was so high and afforded the Indians a survey of the surround- ing country so extensive that they called it the "Big Stone" and the river near it Stone river. They left upon it the only inscriptions that tell of their occupancy of this territory. A similar boulder, 2i miles distant from Waterloo, 28 feet high, 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, after the re- moval of the earth around it, but originally projecting only eight feet above the ground, has become famous because in 1890, this giant monolith after resting undisturbed for count- less years and buried by the deposits of ages, was converted into building stone and then ti-ansformed into a large and beautiful stone church in the city of Waterloo— the First Pres- byterian. In its rough state it was estimated to have weighed more than 2500 tons. These boulders generally have a somewhat rounded form but seldom present any appearance of having been waterworn, as the pebbles do. Their rounded forms seem to be due to the concretionary character of the mass of which it was originally a part. Rocks have been formed chiefly in two distinct ways; first, by being so- lidified from the molten state by cooling, and second, by being spread out in layers or strata, through the agency of water. The primary rocks, or those of the Azoic age, were formed In the way first mentioned, if we ac- cept the supposition that the entire mass of our earth was, in the first period of its life, in a molten state. This primary formation is called gran- ite and it is generally believed to be the oldest variety or type of rock open to our observation. In all parts of the earth wherever the base of the aqueous (formed by water) or strati- fied rocks has been upheaved to the surface, that base has been found to rest upon granite. This igneous (formed by fire) type of rock forms the base of the stratified rocks every- where, and at one period the surface of the earth was entirely composed of it". Granite is the oldest and most durable of all rock formations; it is a close, compact body composed of fragments, of other stony matter so firmly cernented together by heat that the whole forms one solid mass without any indication of pores, fissures or layers. THE GLACIAL PERIOD. It is the general belief that the boulders and all the later surface drift, in which they are chiefly found in Iowa, were accumulated and .trans- ported here through the agency of ice, during the glacial period that occurred subsequent to the carboniferous age; and that the earlier and later sheets of drift indicate two distinct eras of the glacial period. Glaciers are accu- mulations or streams of ice 200 to 5,000 or more feet deep, fed by the snows and frozen mist of regions above the limits of perpetual snow, and they de- scend 4,500 to 7,500 feet below the snow line before tlie heat of summer 152 :£'I0NEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. melts them, their movement being somewhat similar to that of cold pitch. It is believed that during the earlier era, as indicated by the earlier sheet of drift, the glacier covered the great- er part of North America, extend- ing approximately as far south- ward in the Mississippi Valley as the line of the Ohio and Missouri rivers; that the later glacier, as indicated by the later sheet of drift, extended as far south in Central Iowa as Des Moines and that both glaciers gradually re- ceded northward, the later one within the limits of the frigid zone, where it is now producing phe- nomena similar to those seen in the drift of Iowa.* Each era of the glacial period must have been one of elevation of the northern part of this continent, ac- companied with a very low tempera- ture, and the period was followed by one of unquestioned depression, re- sulting in a higher' temperature that caused the disappearance of the ice in immense floods along the valleys. The former was the period of the gathering and transportation of the earth and boulders, and the latter the period of their deposition and distrib- ution by the inland waters. The rocks, large and small, in the bottom and sides of a glacier, make it a tool of vast power, as well as mag- nitude, for scratching, plowing and planing the earth and rocks over which it moves. The grinding xif the rocks against one another and those of the bottom against those underneath it produces very fine powder which forms the deposit called boulder clay or drift. The most convincing proof of the northern origin of the boulders is found in the fact they can be traced northward to their original ledges. The brownish red quartzite boulders, occasionally found throughg^t North- western lowft, J}§ye b?en f/Fftppd to their native ledges, the quartzite ex- posures in the extreme northwestern corner of Iowa and the southwestern part of Minnesota. This quartzite boulder is not found north of these exposures of the Sioux quartzite ledges mentioned, nor further east, even in Iowa, than a line nearly due south from New Ulm, Minnesota, their most eastern exposure. The buff- colored magnesian boulders of the southeastern part of the state have been traced northWard to their origi- nal ledges in Northeastern Iowa and_ Southeastern Minnesota. And the granite boulders, found throughout all parts of the state but most plenti- fully in its northern half, ha,ve been traced to the granite cliffs in the re- gion of country north and west of Lake Superior. The drift in which the boulders are found, contains other materials which indicate that a great part of it has also come from another section. The earlier or lower part of the drift is a bed of clay that usually contains no marine fossils but only drifted logs and other accumulations of vegetable material. In the later drift fossils are occasionally found, but, like the boulders, instead of representing the period when the drift was formed, they invariably belong to the eras of the older rock formations. Rare substances, such as lumps of copper, impure coal, pieces of wood and other traces of vegetation found •near the surface of the earlier drift have either been transported to this . section and therefore are strangers in it as certainly as the granite boulders; or, as is stated by^McGee in regard to the latter, "The remains of ancient trees, logs and stems of coniferous woods are so widely distributed as to prove that the older drift sheet was covered vf\\,l} soil and clothed with forest§ l^efore the later ice invasion commenced, "t^ rfqvf^ Qpo(oS(lcftl Sflrve;)', lSi9?, p, U\. TOPOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 153 A mass of copper found in Lucas county, south of Des Moines, must have traveled 460 miles southward, if it came, as is most probable, from Ke- weenaw Point, south of Lake Superior, the nearest known district of native copper. WOOD IN WELLS. In sinking a well a few years ago on the SE i of Sec. 22, Lincoln town- ship, then occupied by Charles Kezer, at a defjth of 96 feet, the workmen, who were using a 24-inch auger, struck the decayed trunk of a very large tree, pieces of which, six inches in length, were brought to the surface. The large size of the tree was indi- cated by the fact the auger was em- bedded its full width in the tree. The workmen were able to distinguish the bark from the body of the tree and the latter resembled cedar wood. A few pebbles were found underneath the log. The clay in which it was em- bedded began within six feet of the surface and extended as far as they continued to bore, 110 feet. Similar logs have been struck by the well-diggers in Sherman, Cedar and other townships of this county. Some pieces of wood found at a depth of 60 feet in a well on the farm of John Bartosh, Center township, are before us as we write; the.y are very light and most of them look like cedar. The wood thus found in the drift is not petrified nor converted into coal, but is merely mineralized so that it is but slightly combustible. "We cannot sup- pose that these trees grew in this sec- tion while the drift was accumulating any more than they now grow in the gla- cial region of Greenland unless it were during the period between the earlier and later drift. The forests whence this wood came were no doubt north- ward, but their exact location prob- ably can never be known. Geologists unite in calling the era when the drift of Pocahontas county and throughout Iowa was formed the Glacial period, under the idea that ice either in the form of icebergs or gla- ciers, which is more probable, trans- ported the earth, pebbles and boul- ders of the drift. Glaciers, like those of the Alps, are known to have trans- ported these materials long as well as short distances and to make scratches upon the rocks beneath thetn precise- ly like those found at Burlington, Council Bluffs and other places in Iowa. The trees over a continent of great forests were rooted up or broken off with the first movement of the ice and either partly ground up or carried and deposited with the drift, some- times in beds of vegetable material, at other times as scattered logs, limbs and roots. The subsequent melting of the gla- ciers resulted in a long period of im- mense floods while the waters were subsiding, and their boundaries finally became limited to the great lakes in the north and the Gulf of Mexico in the south. After the subsidence of the flood many lakes along the rivers disappeared and the rivers dwindled to about one-tenth their former size. "The valley in Clinton township, that commences near the place where Pilot creek enters the Des Moines riv- er and, extending southward, first as a deep ravine, to the VanAlstine farm on sections 24 and 25, then broadens out into the stone o^uarry flat, has been a section of considerable interest to those whose attention has been attracted to it. Here the ledges of limestone seem to have been up- heaved by some mighty force that has broken and seamed the original layers in all directions, as if by an explosion while the rock was heated; and the atones when struck with a hammer, give that sonorous sound peculiar to rocfis and bricks that have been sub- jected to a great heat. It is worthy of notice that the Des Moines river makes a'sharp bend eastward; ndrth 154 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. of this locality, after meandering southward about seven miles, and Lizard creek, at a point nine miles further south, makes a similar sudden turn southward. Throughout this intervening elevated or apparently up- heaved district, which includes a por- tion of the western part of Humboldt county, good drainage can be had by drilling into the rock until a Assure has been found. The largest slough in the eastern part of Pocahontas county on sections 28 and 29, Clinton township, has thus been drained sub- terraneously. "* Whilst the condition of the surface of Pocahontas county before the Gla- cial epoch cannot be fully known, yet at the close of that period, both it and the state of Iowa consisted com- paratively of a uniformly level plain, unmarked by any strong features and without any completed system of sur- face drainage. After the recedence of the glaciers and the subsidence of the floods incident thereto, numerous shallow depressions were left upon the surface filled with water, thus form- ing lakes, ponds, swamps and sloughs. The slough, found midway between the swamp and the upland prairie, was, a characteristic feature of this re- gion. Most of the lakes and sloughs are found in the localities in which the streams have their sources, par- ticularly the elevated slopes along the watershed, where they have remained because no accumulation of water be- yond has sent currents across them to cut channels for their outlet. FLOWING WELLS AOTJ FOUNTAINS. Flowing fountains in the channels of the streams are not unusual, but- upon the prairies they are rarely ifound. In Pocahontas county the following ones have been noted: In a body of native timber north of the home of the late Philip Kussell, on Sec. 2, Lizard township, near the *J. J. Brvice. • west branch of Lizard creek, tliere is a flowing fountain at which the water rises four feet above the ground ajid flows continually with a constant stream. This fountain was discovered in 1886 by John M. Russell, while pros- pecting for coal and he supplied it with a metallic tube with the result just stated. The strongest spring reported in the county is located along Pilot creek, two miles east of Rolfe, where Geo. Heald in 1882 erected his cheese fac- tory. There are in fact two constant- ly flowing springs only eight feet apart at this place; one is a strong spring of clear, pure, cool water and the other comes from a mineral bed, the sediment from which gives the ground a yellowish red color as it flows. On the farm of Charles A. Hawley, NW i Sec. 14, Marshall township, there is a flowing well located in the pasture about forty rods due south of the house. Sinking a well to the depth of fifty-five feet at this place, the water immediately rose to the surface and flowed from the mouth of the well. It was supplied with a windmill to elevate the water into a tank, but the overflow has continued, when the pump is not working, during the longest droughts. On the Staflord farm, on the SW i Sec. 33, Cedar township, two miles southwest of Fonda, there is a flowing well that was sunk a few rods from the west bank of Cedar creek, in 1886, by David B. McKillipps, the former owner of the property. This well was sunk with a large auger to the depth of sixteen feet and then with a three- - inch auger to the depth of thirty-eight feet, when water rose to the surface. A small tube was inserted in the lower part of it, and for a number of years the water was made to flow into a trough by means of cliis tube. In 1895, a six-inch iron tube was forced ' to the bottom of the well, and the upper part of the well being filled FIEST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 155 around it, the water now rises and flows constantly into a tank two feet above the ground. Since the removal of the surface water by the drainage of the sloughs, especially since the long continued drought of 1894, when the lakes of this county for the first time in their history became dry, most of tlie springs on the prairies together with the streams fed by them, have disap- peared and "many shallow surface wells that rendered efficient service for many years, have been rendered useless. To supply the increased de- mand for good drinking water for man and beast, those engaged in the sink- ing of wells have found it necessary during , recent years to change from the bored to the drilled well, ranging from 15 to 200 feet deep, in order to obtain a greater and more permanent supply of water. LOAM OB SURFACE SOIL. The fine, dark-colored loam or sur- face soil of the drift in Pocahontas county, is a vegetable niold formed principally from organic matter that has decayed without submergence in water. It contains unoxidized car- bonate of lime and peroxide of iron; and its materials are so thoroughly pulverized and commingled that it absorbs the water of a freshet like a sponge and holds it for a midsummer drought. It is soft, warm, rich in or- ganic matter and easily cultivated. It yields to the plow like "cheese to the knife" and is capable of producing crops of cereals for many successive years without showing signs of ex- haustion. It yields agricultural and horticultural products in a region in which the pioneer hesitated to settle because of the absence of tim- ber, but which is now marked by its large herds of cattle, fruitful vine- yards, abundant crops, capacious barns and commodious farm-houses. FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE ©©CNTY. "Westward, the Star of Empire takes its way," Thus sang a poet once in early day. But had he had the happiness to lodge At the Wahkonsa tavern, in Fort Dodge, As kept in fifty-five, by William Hodge, His visions of the west would then expand To vast proportions.— John Haibe. THE LIZ A ED SETTLEMENT. HE first settlements in Pocahontas county were made in the southeast part of it and in the year I855. Previous to that date this section to the regions beyond, and numbers of roving trappers and hunters had here very profitably pur- sued their vocation, but no one had made an actual or permanent settle- ment. The establishment of the mil- many had passed westward through 'tary^post in 1850, and of the United 156 PIONEEE HISTOKY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. States land office, November 5, 1855, together with its location due west of Dubuque and north of Des Moines, made Fort Dodge a place of unusual prominence and importance at that time, and new settlements radiated from this place, as a common center, in all directions. In February, 1855, James Hickey, ac- companied by Hugh Collins, 'passed up Lizard creek from Fort Dodge and se- lected daims, the former on the N Wi Sec. 12, Lizard township, Pocahontas county, and the latter a claim on the section adjoining this one on the east, which was across the line in Jackson township, then Humboldt but now Webster county. The latter also at this time selected a claim for his brother -Michael Collins, on SEi Sec. 13, a half mile southeast of Hickey 's in Pocahontas county. Mi- chael Collins, accompanied by his wife and three children, arrived August 9, 1854, and located on the claim his brother had selected for him. James Hickey built a little cabin on his claim but did not put a roof up- on it, nor occupy it to any extent, but lived with the other settlers for whom he worked. After a few months, or when his corn had been husked, he returned to Fort Dodge and worked for a man by the name of Mahoney until the spring of 1856, when he met Charles Kelley and sold to him his interest in his claim and cabin which were estimated to be worth $300. He had about ten acres of ground broken and planted in corn. This piece of breaking, the first in the county, was commenced by Hugh Collins, his neighbor and friend in Jackson township, with whom he lodged most of the time. His little crop of sod corn, also the first raised In the county, was thrown into his vacant, unfinished cabin and the wolves ate or destroyed a great part of it. He was about twenty-five years 0t age and in the month ctf Julyi re- turning to Pennsylvania where his wife remained, he came back to his claim with the family of Michael Col- lins, in the following month. When he sold his claim he located in the vi- cinity of St. Paul, Minnesota. On the arrival of Michael Collins and family, his brother Hugh assisted him to build a log cabin. Moving into it as soon as it was completed, the family of Michael Collins became the first resident- family of Pocahontas county. He continued to reside in the county for many years, and when in 1860, the office of county supervisor was established in Iowa, he had the honor of being chosen, at the ensuing election, a member of the first Board in this county for the year 1861, and Treasurer of the county for two terms following that date, 1862-65. Michael Collins was a native of Clare county, Ireland, where he married Bridget Spellacy, who still 'survives him, he having died at Clare, Webster county, September 3, 1898, at the age of 77 years. His family consisted of three sons, Patrick and James, both of whom died young in Ireland, Bridg- et, who cared for him after his retire- ment from business, and M. T., who resides on the SEi Sec. 12, Lizard township. The latter at the age of twelve years, coming with his father to the Lizard settlement in 1855, is one of the first settlers in the county and he was a member of the Board of County Supervisors six years, 1887- 1892. His wife, Miss Fannie Haire, of Fort Dodge, was one of the first teach- ers in the settlement, teaching the school in the Calligan district from January to May, 1865, in the log build- ing built by Dennis Connors in 1857 on the SWi Sec. 1. She had twelve pupils and they are all living at pres- ent, namely— Henry, Charles and Anna Kelley; Edward, Thomas, Mary, Ellen ^d Maggie Calligan; Patrick and Ed- ward Forey; John and James Mulhol- lapd. Their son,) W. J. Collins, whose FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 157 portrait appears in the Lizard group, is now practicing law at Clare and edi- tor of the Clare Examiner. Michael Broderick, a young man of nineteen years and brother-in-law of John Calligan, it is aflflrmed, was also a resident of this county in 1855. He laid claim to the NEi Sec. 2, Lizard township, and held it until 1858, when he sold it to Patrick Calligan, and a year later went to Linn county where he married and followed railroading for several years. He is now a pros- perous farmer in Harrison county. He served as clerk in the Lizard' pre- cinct at the time the first election was held, March 15, 1859, and carried the returns and first poll books of Liz- ard precinct to the cabin of David Slosson, then elected as the first coun- ty Judge, (at Old Rolfe) in Des Moines settlement. The pre-emption claims of James Hickey, of Michael Collins and of his younger brother, Hugh Collins, were all located by them before the U. S. land office was opened at Fort Dodge, and hence no fees or price was yet paid for the land. They and Michael Broderick were the only settlers in that locality during the year- 1855, and all of them had come from the same place in Pennsylvania. To Hugh Col- lins belongs the distinction of having been the first settler in Jackson town- ship, Webster county, and of turning the first furrow in Pocahontas county. We see the cabin of the lonely pioneer, Upon the prairie as the sun Is sinking; The clapboard roof leaking at the rear, The walls scarce holding their rouisfa, chinking. During the year 1856, a considerable number of families located in the southeast part of the county, among whom were the following: Charles Kelley, John Calligan and his brother Patrick, Roger Collins, John Hugh, Walter Ford, Philip and John Russell, Dennis Connors, Henry (Frederic and William, 1857,) Brocksohink, who ar- rived in the spring; James Donahoe, Michael Walsh, Patrick and his brother Owen McCabe, who came in the fall of the year. Charles Kelley had spent the previ- ous winter south of Fort Dodge. He bought the claim of James Hickey on Sec. 12, Lizard township, completed his unfinished cabin and moving into it occupied it until 1865, when he built a log house that he continued to occupy as long as he lived, (1890) and which his wife and several members of the family still occupy. The cabin of Hickey, occupied by Charles Kelley, commencing with the first election, held March 15, 1859, be- came the polling place for the Lizard precinct for several years, and the proposed site on his farm lacked but one vote of becoming the county seat at the time it was decided to erect the first court house at Old. Rolfe. Mr. Kelley was a native of Ireland, and coming to America in 1842, locat- ed first in Canada, then in Ohio, where on March 30, 1855, he married Rhoda Gall, who survives him and has lived on their pre-emption claim nearly for- ty-three years. They began to occupy their claim on the NWi Sec. 12, May 26, 1856, and on September 17th f oltowihg it was entered for record at the U. S. land office in Fort Dodge, when they paid $1.25 an acre for it. They raised a family of nine children, and at the time of his decease, at the age of 73 years, they were the owners of 800 acres of land, all of which, ex- cept 80 acres, is in the possession of thesJamily at present. Charles Joseph Kelley, their second son, born May 6, 1858, was the first boy bom in Lizard township and his portrait appears in the township group. He graduated at the Rush Medical Institute, Chicago, in 1892, and since that date has been engaged in the practice of medicine at Burlington, Iowa. John Calligan and family, consisting of wife and three children, arrived at Fort Dodge May 13, 1856, and located 158 PIONEEE HISTORY Or POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. on the SEi Sec. 2, Lizard township, adjoining on the south the claim on which Michael Broderick, his broth- er-in-law, had squatted the previous year. Both of these claims, which were on Sec. 2, were entered and paid lor in cash at $1.25 an acre on July 3, 1856, which is the earliest date on which any lands in Pocahontas county were entered or sold. There is one other entry on this same date and it is that of Michael Collins for the SEi Sec. 13. The only other entries in 1856 were by Dennis Connors, July 16th, lor the SWi Sec. 1; Roger Collins, Sept. 15th, lor the NEi Sec. 23 and Chas. Kelley, Sept. 17th, for the . NWi Sec. 12. The cabin of John Calligan, built in July, was the first one erected in 1856. It was built of unhewn logs tak- en from the native timber on the premises and the roof was constructed ol split clapboards covered with dirt and prairie sod. It had a large fire- place in the east end ol it and on "Christmas Eve" some logs were .roll- ed in and the fire kept burning all night. The burning of the Yule log on Christmas Eve was an event ol con- siderable Interest in those days since there was little or nothing in the way ol variety to attract attention. . He occupied this log cabin about seven years and in 1863 built a larger house of hewn logs and sawed lumber, haul-' ing the latter -from Boonsboro., the first county seat of Boone county. During his first year Mr. Calligan raised a good crop of potatoes and sold some of them the following spring at $2.00 a bushel. He had seventeen acres of fine looking corn that had been planted and cultivated with a hand hoe after the sod had been turn- ed, but a severe frost on the 16th day ol September completely destroyed It. He was a good hand with the flail and many a crop of wheat did he pound in the cooler weather with this rude implement for the man of mus- cle, using a bare spot ol ground for a threshing floor, before the arrival of the threshing machine. The first sack ol flour bought at Fort Dodge, weigh- ing 100 pounds, cost him $10 and bacon 17 cents a pound. Salt was 7 ceHts a pound ■ and butter was also 7 cents a pound, but the farmer could not get a pound of salt for a pound of butter, because the former had to be paid in cash while the latter was payable in trade. To appreciate this apparently anomalous statement it must be re- membered that all groceries and store goods had to be hauled on wagons from the Mississippi river, a distance of nearly 200 miles, and there were but two stores in Tort Dodge, the one kept by Major Williams and the other by John Haire. There was a great de- mand lor salt and it was a cash article while butter was neither in demand nor its price payable in cash. There were about twenty acres of timber on the claim of Mr. Calligan and forty acres on the adjoining claim of his brother-in-law, Michael Broder- ick. This timber, which was along the banks of Lizard creek, was lull ol game, such as beaver, mink and musk- rat. Mr. tlalligan had never engaged in trapping, but when he lound the Indians and others came long distances lor that special purpose and were often very successful, he began to do so, too., and realized an annual income Irom this source ranging Irom $100 to $130 for several years. Many a time did Mrs. Calligan carry a sack ol lurs all the way to Fort Dodge, twenty miles distant, and return the same day lug- ging' her purchases. On one occasion in the winter ol 1857, Mr. Calligan saw an otter at a distance moving in the direction ol a spring. He managed to get near the spring without being observed, and when the otter arrived it showed signs ol battle, until he laid it low with a whack from a club he had provided for that purpose. This otter weighed FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 159 about thirty pounds and he received $6.00 for its fur in Fort Dodge. Mr. and Mrs. John CaUigan are still living, and reside at Gilmore City. Their daughter Maggie married first to Morris O 'Conner, who died in 1885; and later to James Whelan, residing at Emmetsburg, was one of the first children born in the county, and her portrait may be seen in the Lizard group. Their son, Edward M. Cal- ligan, taught the first public school at Eonda in the winter of 1870-71, when Cedar formed apart of Lizard town- ship; and T. J. Calligan, another son, resident of G-ilmore City, was a mem- ber of the Board of County Supervis- ors for three years, 1884-86. Patrick Calligan, John's brother, was killed through an accident in the fall of 1856, and his death was the first one that occurred in the county. Roger Collins located on the NEi Sec. 23, and entering it as a pre-emp- tion claim Sept. 15, 1856, made his last payment and received the official cer- tificate of ownership from the govern- ment, called a patent, on Nov. 9, 1859. He improved and occupied this claim until 1871 when he sold it to 3 acob Car- stens, who held it until about 1890, and sold it to Henry Stickelburg, who still lives on the adjoining section, number 14. In February, 1865, Roger Collins en- tered the m of the NWi Sec. 24 as a homestead, and the claim lapsing he re-entered it March 1, 1870, and ob- tained the patent for it in September following. A short time thereafter he sold it to his cousin, Hugh Collins, who died about the year 1888, and it is now owned by his son, Michael J. Col- lins, of Clare. The "Collins Grove," embracing about 200 acres of natural timber in Pocahontas and Webster counties, but chiefly in the former, is still in possession of the Collins' fami- lies. At the time of his decease, Hugh Collins was the owner of 240 acres in the Ni of Sec. 24, Lizard township. He was regarded as one of the most hospitable nien in the Lizard settlement and became also one of the wealthiest. Patrick Collins was a member of the first school board in 1860, when the Lizard district was organized. About the year 1865 he moved to Webster county and died there in September, 1897. Walter Ford, now a resident of Clare, was one of the first to locate in Pocahontas county. He took an act- ive part in all matters relating to" the organization of the county and was honored by a seat with the Board of County Supervisors, 1874-1876. He is a native of Ireland, and in April, 1856, at the age of twenty-three years, came to this county and laid claim to the NE i Sec. 13, Lizard township, and for two ye&,rs his home was in this county, while he spent a considerable part of the time at work in Fort Dodge. During the first year his pre- emption was occupied with him by Thomas Crole, a brother-in-law, who was holding and improving an adjoin- ing claim on the SW i Of the same section. During the second yea? it was occupied with him by Patrick McLarney, who the previous year had married Ellen, the sister of Mr. Ford. His claim was entered May 19, 1858, and the patent was issued Nov. 1, 1859. His marriage occurred in the spring of 1860, and from 1861 to 1870 he resided at Fort Dodge and was en- gaged first in teaming and afterward as a contractor for the building of cellars. In 1870, he returned to the farm which, in the meantime, had been oc- cupied by Michael O'Shea, now at Manson, and William Price, the fath- er-in-law of James J. Bruce. He con- tinued to reside on the farm a period of twenty-four years, -or until 1894, when he removed to Clare. His wife died in 1892. Their family consisted of nine children. They still otvn and 160 PIONEEB HISTORY OE' POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. occupy the original pre-emption claim and altogether nearly one thousand acres of land in Pocahontas and Hum- boldt counties. For eleven successive years 1883-1893, just previous to his removal from It, Mr. Tord was a jus- tice of the peace of Lizard township. The old home is now occupied by Walter P. Ford, his eldest son, who in 1894 married Elizabeth O'Niel, of Lizard township and for a couple of years thereafter engaged in the grain and general merchandise business in Clare. Dennis Connors entered as a pre- emption claim the. SW i of Sec. 1, Lizard township, July 16, 1856. The following year he built a log house upon it and it was occupied by him- self, Wife and child, until the spring of 1860, when they moved to Inde- pendence. His father-in-law, Dermi- dy, came with him, but the latter did not become an actual settler. This log house of Dennis Connors' was located near the highway, a few rods south of the creek, and for two successive seasons it was used as a school house. The first teacher who taught school in this building was Philip Eussell, a resident of the Lizard settlement and then Clerk Of of the District Court, and the second was Miss Fannie Haire,- now Mrs. M. T. Collins, whose term extended_ from January to May, 1865. These were the first teachers in the Calli- gan district. The antique building they occupied was taken down and used for fuel a few years after the erection of the frame school house in this district in 1865. Dennis Connors and family in 1860, moved to Independence where he died, he having sold his claim to Michael O'Connors, (no relative) who died In 1862. Mrs. O'Connors, wife of the latter, held it until the time of her decease, in 1884, since which date their son Michael O'Connors has con- tinued to own and occupy it. The first deed recorded in Pocahon- tas county is that of the bargain and sale of this property, (SWJSec. 1) made and executed May 7, 1859, by and between Mary Connors and Den- nis Connors her husband, party of the first part, and Michael O'Connors, party of the second part, for $400. This deed was acknowledged before Erastus G. Morgan, notary public, and witnessed by E. D. G. Morgan. Whilst this deed was the first one recorded, the second and third ones on record both bear an earlier date. The second one was executed April 19, 1859, before John C. Bills, a notary public of Scott county, (who not long since was a prominent member of the democratic side of the lower house of the legislature of Iowa,) and was the transfer of 320 acres of Sec. 12, now Washington township, by Adelia B. Smith, of Scott county, to Edwin H. Lansing, of Wyoming county, N. Y., for $1000. The third deed record- ed is of still earlier date, namely, Feb. 4, 1859. It is the deed of Isaac P. Coats and Laura S. Coats, his wife, of Scott county, to Adelia B. Smith, of the same place, for eighty acres on Sec. 12, also in Washington township. It will be perceived that the last two were between investors or speculators, and only the first one was between actual settlers; it may have been for this reason it was placed first on the records. Philip Eussell was a native of Ire- land, came to America in 1850 and to Webster countyNin 1854, where he lo- cated near Fort Dodge for two years. The Eussell family consisted of him- self, his mother, two sisters Catherine and Mary, and one brother, John.^ While residing at this place Philip came to Pocahontas county and lo- cated as his claim the Wi NWi and WiSWi Sec. 2, (T. 90, E. 31,) Lizard township, embracing 160 acres. In 1856, the family moved upon it and the work of improvement was begun. FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 161 His claim was entered for record May 29, 1858, and the patent for it was is- sued Sept. 5, 1861. In August, 1860, he married Ellen, a sister of Michael Broderick and of Mrs. John Oalligan, then residing at Fort Dodge. On April 22, 1866, he entered an- other claim, namely, for the Ei NEi Sec. 10, (90-31) eighty acres, and on April 27, IStl, this entry was renewed for the NEi NEi, 40 acres, of the same section, and the patent for this last tract was issued Sept. 25, 1872. At the time of his decease, at the old pioneer home in 1893, at the age of seventy, he was the owner of 360 acres of land on sections 2, 3 and 10, Lizard township, all of which, except 80 acres; are still in the possession of the fam- ily. Mr. Eussell was a man of unblem- ished integrity and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He re- ceived a good common education and was the first one in the Lizard settle- ment to engage in teaching school, he teaching the .first term in the log cabin erected by Dennis Connors, in the winter of 1863-4. He also taught several terms in other districts. He was a good penman and accountant, and wherever there was need for a scribe his services were in demand. He was one of the first justices of the peace in Lizard township, and served as clerk for the township six- teen years, .while his two sons, John M. and Michael J., served six years afterward, making twenty-two years that that oflBce has been held in his family. During the four years from 1862 to 1865, he had the honor to serve as Clerk of the District Court of Pocahontas county, the county seat at that time being In Des Moines township. The last year of service thus rendered was by appointment, first on the part of W. H. Halt, who had been elected to the office and appointed Mr. Eussell a deputy to take charge of it, and later by the Board of Supervisors when in March (1865) Mr. Halt resigned the ofiBce in his favor. During the next two years 1866-67, he was a member of the Board of County Supervisors. His wife at the age of sixty-two years survives him and occupies the old home on Sec. 2. Their family con- sisted of eight children, seven of whom are living, and several of them have earned well merited eminence as teachers in the public schools of the county. The family is represented in the Lizard township group by the portratt of Michael J. Russell, the sixth in the order of birth. John W. Russel-l, Philip's brother, also located in Pocahontas county. He selected as a pre-emption the SBi Sec. 34 (91-31), Lake township, 160 acres, making the entry June 7, 1858, and receiving the patent for it Sept. 5, 1861. He enlisted in the war of the rebellion, August 14, 1862, as a mem- ber of Co. I, 32d Iowa infantry. Aft- er his return from the war he died unmarried. Henry Caspar Brockschink and wife, coming to Pocahontas county in the spring of 1856, laid claim to the SWi Sec. 36, 91-31, 160 acres, which he en- tered for record July 8, 1856. This was the first entry of lands in Lake township, and it was made nearly two years before any other entry was made. The house of Mr. Brockschink was of course the first one in the township. It was built of logs from the native timber along the north branch of Lizard creek. It was 20x24 feet and about 18 feet in height. For several years this was the most north- ern home in the Lizard settlement. In the fall of 1857, his two brothers Frederick and William Brockschink came and made their home with Hen- ry and his family. In the following spring a band of Sioux Indians camped along Lizard lake about three miles northwest of this grove, and three of them visited the Brockschink home. 162 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. a C3 Eh O H CD > H & 8h . U P H n Dm cqS QOO K o FIEST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 169 VI. FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE NORTHEHST PHRT OF THE eeuNTY. 'Tis well to sing the merited word of praise, Of heroes in fierce martial strife; But heroes, too, are they who raise The standard of a nobler life, Therefore we hail the pioneer, Whose strong arm helped to found a state. As one whose name we may revere, And hold in common with the great. —A. E. Fulton. THE DES MOINES SETTLEMENT. I HE first settlements in the north part of the county were made in what is now Des Moines township and in the year 1857. In May of that year a party of pio- neers, consisting of Eobert Struthers, W. H. Halt, A. H. Malcolm and Guernsey Smith, came from Fort Dodge with an ox team and selected homes. At this date there w^re no settlers in this county, except the few already named who during the previous year, had located in the Lizard settle- ment. Daniel W. Hunt and James Smith had each selected a pre-emption claim on section 36, in what is now Des Moines township, and had built a shanty on the line between them; and J. B. Craig had built a little cabin on another claim located on section 26. But none of these persons were occu- pying their claims at this tinie. Ben- jamin Evans and a trapper by the name of Weeks, both living' in Hum- boldt county, were the nearest actual settlers. Concerning the three men named above who built the first two shanties in the Des Moines settlement, it may be observed that Craig did not enter his claim for record, but James Smith, who on June 11, 1858, entered for rec- ord his claim for lots 3 and 4, contain- ing 77 acres on section 36, received the first patent issued to anyone in Des Moines township, and D. W. Hunt, who seems to have made his entry January 2, 1858, and renewed it July 2, following, for lots 5 and 6 and the Ni NEi Sec. 36, 93-31, 141 acres, re- ceived the second patent, issued Aug. 15, 1860. These men, Messrs. James Smith and D. W. Hunt, were residents of the county only for a short time. In selecting claims, Mr. Halt chose the southeast quarter of section 2, A. H. Malcolm the NWi, Guernsey Smith the NEi . of the same section and Eobert Struthers the NEi Sec. 12. Mta Struthers during the summer secured the breaking' of considerable prairie and the next year the erection of a shanty, into which he moved with lYO PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. his family in December, 1858. Messrs. A. H. Malcolm and Guernsey Smith erecting their shanties, began to oc- cupy them at once. They were some- what familiar with this section of country, having passed through it during the months of March and April of that year, while on the way to and from Spirit Lake, where they went as members of the Relief Expe- dition from Fort Dodge at the time of the Indian massacre that occurred March 8-11, 1857,* During the summer of that same year (1857) a man named Bates, located with his family on section 36. About the same time Samuel N. Harris and Edward Hammond arrived with their families, but both located for a year or two just across the line in Hum- boldt county. Only two of those who located in the Des Moines settlement in May, 1857, are still residents of the county, namely, W. H. Hait and A. H. Mal- colm. "Only wild beasts, and men as wild. Were known to this fair valley then, But Nature in her beauty smiled, To greet another race of men. " William H. Hait is at present the owner and occupant of 280 acres on the Si Sec. 26, Des Moines township. He has been the owner of his present farm for forty years and a resident of the township and county for forty- two years. Only Mr. and Mrs. Michael Walsh, Mrs. Charles Kelley, Mrs. Philip Russell, Mrs. Patrick Forey and M. T. Collins, of the Lizard set- tlement, and A. H." Malcolm, can tell of a residence in the county so long. The first house Mr. Hait erected on this farm in 1859, was of logs from the native timber and is still in ex- istence as a relic of the past. The large and comfortable house he now occupies was built in 1867, and the •Through the courtesy of the editors of the RevelUe, Mr. Malcolm's own account of their thrilling experiences on this occasion, may be found on page 35. lumber for it was hauled by teams from Nevada, Story county, at which place the price paid was, for shingles, $7.00 a thousand; flooring, $70.00 and finishing material $90.00 a thousand feet. Mr. Hait is a native of Ulster county, N. Y. , where he remained in the home of his parents until he had attained the age of twenty-two years and, aft- er one year spent in Tyisconsin, he came to Pocahontas county. In 1868, he married Helen M. Harvey, daugh- ter of Ora and Eliza Harvey, of Clin- ton township. Miss Harvey, who at this date be- came his wife, had the honor to be the first school teacher in Pocahontas county and was also the first one to teach school in the first schoolhouse erected in the county. Her first term was taught in the log house of Mr. Hait, in the fall of 1860, and when the brick schoolhouse at Old Rolfe was built the year following, she taught the first term in it. Miss Har- vey had inherited a high degree of culture and refinement and had re- ceived a thorough academic education before coming to the frontier. It was but a natural sequence of these special qualifications that her work was very highly appreciated both by her pupils and patrons. She died December 27, 1887, and her remains were interred at Humboldt, where they lie beside those of her parents and of her only sister, Jennie S., who became the wife of Oscar F. Avery. In the early history of this county, Mr. Hait was a leader in thought and action, and throughout his official career proved himself strictly honest and upright, or as another has ex- pressed it, "one of the best men who ever held public office in Pocahontas county." At the first election, held March 15, 1859, for the organization of the county, he was elected Treasurer and Kecorder of the county and performed FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. m the duties of these two pubhc offices during the first three years of the county's history, 1859 to 1861. During the early part of this period there liv- ed in his home Oscar E. Avery, who on March 20, 1860, was appointed Superintendent of Public Schools, and thus became the first one to serve in that capacity in this county. On May 6, 1861, Mr. Avery having moved to his own farm just across the line in Humboldt county, Mr. Halt was appointed his successor and, as the second incumbent in the county, held the ofHce of county superintendent un- til April 22, 1862, when he resigned, and Ora Harvey (father of Helen M.) was appointed his successor. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Hait was elected Clerls: of the District Court, but after appointing Philip Eus- sell, the previous incumbent, his dep- uty, a few months later he resigned the office in his favor. The next fall he was again elected County Treasurer and served in that capacity during the four years, 1866 to 1869, maldng a period of seven years that he filled that office. At the first election, held March 15, 1859, Mr. Hait was elected township clerk, and on April 19th fol- lowing, he was appointed Assessor for the township which, during that year for both of these offices, embraced the entire county. On October 12th, the same year, he qualified as a Jus- tice of the Peace. In Des Moines township he has rendered faithful service in all of the various offices, except those of constable and road su- pervisor. During the period of the war, 1862 to 1864, he served as deputy provost marshal of the 6th congression- al district which, extending from Black Hawk on the east and Carroll on the south, embraced thirty-three counties of Northwestern Iowa. Mr. Hait has been one of those who believe "We live in deeds, not years; In thoughts, not breaths; And he lives most who thinks most, Feels the noblest and acts the best. " Augustus H. Malcolm, who came to this county in 1857 with Mr. Halt and others, is now the owner and occu- pant of the SEi Sec. 1, Clinton town- ship. On Sept. 9, 1859, he entered his pre-emption claim for lots 8 and 9, and SWi NWi Sec. 2, 93-31, (Des Moines township) 149 acres, receiving the patent for it Nov. 1, 1860. On these same dates his neighbor and friend, Guernsey Smith, entered and received the patent for lots 5 and 1, and SWi NEi, 149 acres, of the same~ section. On September 14, 1861, Mr. Malcolm married Mary A. Townsend, whose mother lived south of Fort Dodge. On August 23d, previous, he had en- listed at Old Rolfe, and a few days after his marriage he went to the army. At the time he was mustered in atDubuque, Sept. 20, (1861) he was appointed Corporal, and later. Ser- geant of Co. A, 11th Reg. of Penn. Volunteer Cavalry, under command of Col. Samuel P. Spear, which formed a part of the 18th Corps of the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. McClellan. He continued in the military service of his country three years, or until Sept. 20, 1864, and participated in more than a dozen battles. Mr. Malcolm took an active part in the organization of this county in 1859, and at the first election was chosen Clerk of the District Cour4, but did not qualify. On May 6, 1861, at the third session of the Board- of County Supervisors, he was appointed Clerk of the Board and served in that ca- pacity until September 2d, following, when he went to the army. After his return he was elected and served as Clerk of the District Court of Poca- hont|s county during the year 1866. He served five years as Clerk of Clinton township, and during 1869 and 1870 was a member of the Board of County Supervisors. Ora P. Malcolm, his 1'72 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. eldest son, is at present and for several years has been deputy Treasurer, and Fred A. Malcolm, the second, was County Surveyor during the lour years, 1894 to 1897. During his absence in the army his vyife went to his friends in New York state, and after his discharge they spent one year in Ohio. Making the journey from Ohio to Old Rolf e by team in the fall of 1865, they located on their present farm on section 1, Clinton township. They have raised a family of seven children, all of whom but two, have gone forth from the parental rpof to found comfortable homes of their own. Mr. Malcolm has rendered honorable and faithful serv- ice to his country, both in the time of war and peace; and he has lived to see the desolate wilderness traversed by him and others with unspeakable hardships in the spring of 1857, trans- formed into a beautiful Eden, with fruitful fields conveniently connected with a network of magnificent rail- ways and dotted with numerous rap- idly growing towns and cities, and thousands of comfortable homes. "What hath he seen of change— this aged one— As days unfolded and the years swept on? First the prairie schooners On emigration's trail. Then rough-hewn huts of settlers Besprinkling hill and dale; The felling and the clearing, The stretch of smiling farms; The tilling and the sowing, The gathering into barns; The schooling of the children, The rising of church spires, And the smoke of many fires." Robert Struthers, who in May, 1857, selected a pre-emption claim on Sec. 12, 93-31, (Des Moines township) was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born , Dec. 26, 1829. In April, 1831, he came with his pareints to Chat eaugay' (Shat-o-gay^) county, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, where on March 19, 1853, he married Susan McBwen, a sister of Wm. D. McEwen, Esq. Their home at this time was in a timber country, fifty miles south- west of Montreal. Here his mother, Ellen Watson, died when he was seven years of age, and his father, Andrew Struthers, in June, 1858; their family having consisted of four sons — Robert, who was the eldest; James, who lo- cated near West Bend, after seven years spent in Australia; Andrew, who went to Nebraska, and William, who also became a resident of Des Moines .township, this county. Robert Struthers, during the first three years after his marriage was en- gaged in building railroad bridges in the Province of Ontario. At this pe- riod, which was but a lew years be- fore the outbreak of the war 'of the rebellion, and about as many subse- quent to the transition from a terri- torial to a state government in Iowa, the attention of those seeking new homes was directed to the rich and fertile but unoccupied prairies of this newly organized state. When the tide of emigration had reached the north central part of the state, Mr. and Mrs. Struthers decided- to leave the associations of home and kindred and seek their fortunes as pioneers of this new and as they verily believed "better country." Accordingly, in January, 1857, they came to the Unit- ed States and began the journey to their frontier home in the West, in- tending to proceed direct to Fort Dodge; but owing to the severity of the winter and unusual drifts of snow, they stopped at Aurora, 111., until the month of April, and then leaving there his wife and one child— William E.— Mr. Struthers passed to Dubuque (the terminus of the,' Illinois Central) by rail, and from thence to Fort Dodge by stage, paying for the latter form of transportation at the rate of seven cents a mile for the first 100 miles and nine cents for the second 100 miles. The amount of baggage carried free FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 173 of charge was limited to forty pounds and all excess of that amount was charged at the regular passenger rate on an estimate of 150 pounds to the passenger. On this occasion there were nine passengers in the stage and they arrived at Fort Dodge on the 4th day of May. The day of their arrival was one of public sale of government lands In Hancock and Winnebago counties. There were only a few buildings on the site of the present city of Port Dodge and they were al- ready filled to their utmost capacity, so that Mr. Struthers had to go a half-mile out of town to find a lodg- ing place. On that day he bought a quarter-section of land in Bingham township, Hancock county, that he continued to own as long as he lived. The sale on that day was called from an open window and the street was filled with a dense crowd of people for a considerable distance around it. When he arrived at Cedar Falls he received his first intelligence of the Spirit Lake massacre that had oc- curred two months before. At this place he encountered a number of covered wagons moving east, that were tilled with frightened people who expected the Indians would soon raid the entire northwest part of the state. After locating his claim in Des Moines township and doing some work of improvement upon it, Mr. Struth- ers bought a lot in Fort Dodge and erected a small house on it. Then, about the latter part of June, with a mule team he returned to Dubuque where he awaited the arrival of his family and household effects and load- ing them in his wagon brought them thus to Fort^Dodge. About two weeks were (fccupied in this trip across the country and they were for- tunate in having beautiful weather and good roads. After a residence of one year in Fort Dodge, in the fall of 1858, they moved to the log shanty built that year on their claim in Des Moines township. This shanty, 16x16 feet, which was one of the first half- dozen in the settlement, and served as the family residence for fifteen years, in 1813 was replaced by a fine, large dwelling house that now stands, not upon the wild, open prairie, but upon one of the most beautiful, highly im- proved and best cultivated farms in the country. Here a sturdy family of three sons and four daughters grew up around them, or went forth from the parental roof to found new homes of their own. They continued to re- side here until 1893, when the vener- able patriarch, accompanied by his wife and two members of the family, moved to Rolf e to spend the remain- der of his days. The decease of his faithful wife occurred in her 70th year, June 9, 1897, and his own noble career was ended in his 69th year. Sabbath evening, September 18, 1898. Mr. Struthers bought more land as he was able but did not sell an acre, and at the time of his decease in ad- dition to the home in Rolfe, was the owner of 1240 acres of land most of which was located in Des Moines township, where two of his sons still reside; William B. married to Alice Price, on section 3, and Andrew J. married to Etta Parkins, at the old home on section 12. The entry for the 120 acres on the NBi of this sec- tion which he claimed as a home by right of pre-emption in May, 1857, seems not to have been made until Nov. 16, 1866, and the patent for it was issued Nov. 20, 1883. His daugh- ter Ellen, wife of Richard S. Mathers, who lives one mile east of Rolfe, was the first white child born (January 1, 1859) in the north part of the county. Susan, married to Col. J. B. Kent; Grace, married to James McClure; Maggie J. and Robert A. all reside at Rolfe. During the first forty years of this county's history this noble-minded 174 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. man was a conspicuous and influential factor. He was a man whom neither Indians, blizzards, grasshoppers nor even hard' times could frighten from his purpose "to found a home in the west and grow up with the coun- try." He was a man of public spirit and rendered service in his own town- ship and county in an offlcial capacity, for a longer period of years than any other man in the county except pos- sibly W. H. Hait. In 1859, at the time of the county's organization, he was chosen one of the justices of the peace for the township which then embraced the county, and at the time of his decease in 1898, he was mayor of the city of Eolfe and a justice of the peace for Clinton township; and there was not an intervening year he did not have some offlcial duties to perform. In the fall of 1859 he was elected county surveyor; for this office he was the first one to qualify and was the only incumbent of it during the next ten years. In 1865 and '66 he served two years as County Eecorder. In 1872-3 he had the honor to serve as the first representative from this county in the legislature of Iowa. The district then embraced Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas and Calhoun counties, and his election was secured without any opposition from an op- posing candidate. This legislature was disrtiinguished by the fact it held two sessions. At the first session in 1872, there was adopted the present mode in Iowa of assessing and taxing the property of the railroads and Wm. B. Allison was elected to the U. S. senate. At the special session held in 1873, the Code of Iowa was arranged and prepared for publication later that same year. Tor fifteen years in succession, 1878-1892, he was Assessor of Des Moines township; and from its organ- ization in 1859 to 1893, the year of his removal to Eolfe, he held the office of ' Justice of the Peace almost continu- ously. While serving in this capacity he performed the first marriage cere- mony in the north part of the county. This wedding occurred July 18, 1861, at the home of Samuel N. Harris, and the contracting parties were his daugh- ter Elizabeth Harris and W. S. Pea- gels, a trapper, who later homesteaded the SEi Sj;i Sec. 13, Des Moines township. Eobert S.truthers was the first per- son to receive a certificate of natural- ization in this county and it was is- sued to him Jan. 3, 1860, at Highland City, (later Old Eolfe) by Samuel N. Harris, Clerk of the District Court. This certificate was recorded and reads as follows: "Eobert Struthers, a native of Scot- land, having resided five full years in the United States and one full year in the state of Iowa, immediately pre- ceding this date, and having made proof of being a man of good moral character and well disposed towards the institutions of this country, and having declared on oath that he has absolutely and entirely sundered and abjured all allegiance to any foreign king, prince, potentate, state or sov- ereignty whatsoever, and particularly to the Queen of Great Britain, of whom he was late a subject, and on oath declares that he will support the constitution and laws of the United States and the constitution of the State of Iowa, It was ordered that the said Eobert Struthers be admit- ted a citizen of the United States of America." In the spring of 1860, when the first school election was held, Mr. Struth- ers was chosen one of the three mem- bers of the first board of directors of the Des Moines district, which then embraced all of the county except what was included in the Lizard dis- trict. His intelligence and energy as a member of this board, enabled him to exert such an influence that there has been accorded to him the honor of being "The father of Pocahontas county's school system, and that it has become a worthy monument to the memory of its founder. " FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 175 He had the honor to serve as chair- man of the first republican conven- tion held in this county; was chair- man of the county central committee many years in succession in the early days and, with a single exception, at- tended every republican county con- vention held previous to 1881. When the Pocahontas County Bible Society was organized at Old Eolfe in 1867, he became a loyal supporter of it and served as president of that or- ganization from that year until the time of his decease, a period of thirty- one years. - , Hon. James F. Wilson, late U. S. senator from Iowa, addressing a pub- lic meeting held in this county, at which he was presiding, paid him the compliment that like others of his countrymen, "Robert Struthers was a hardy son of toil, raised on oatmeal and the Shorter Catechism." Dr. Johnson, the well-known Eng- lish writer, referring to this plain diet of his neighbors once rather wittily described oats as, "In Scotland food for Scotchmen, but in England ' food for horses." He was well answered however, by the indignant Scotchman who replied, "Yes, and where can you find such men as in Scotland or such horses as in England." Mr. Struthers was a man of very positive convictions in matters relat- ing to religion, ^norality and politics. He was a firm believer in the inspira- tion and authority of the Bible as the Word of God, and both in business and politics, forced the question, "Is this right or is it wrong?" He was a total abstainer from the use of all in- toxicating liquors, (the first it has been said, in the county) and believ- ing it to be the duty of the state to prohibit the traffic in them wherever it was possible, he was always ready both to defend and advocate the cause of legal suasion. He was a man of practical ideas and methods. Accord- ing to his own statement he became a republican in politics while he resided in Ontario in 1855, when that party was organized in Philadelphia and framed a platform in regard to slavery and the protection of American in- dustries that received his hearty en- dorsement. His political principles were subordinated to and made to harmonize as nearly as possible with the teachings of divine revelation, and when he cast his ballot it was for the support of the principles of truth, justice, honor and righteousness. Such a man resents with scorn the idea that he can be swayed like un- stable reeds by the political winds that blow from one direction today and from another tomorrow. Few such men are to be found in any country. He was an uncut dia- mond without the polish of a finished education or skill in the convention- alities of this life, yet he was a man of marked intelligence, affable, hos- pitable, had a good memory that re- tained with distinctness the incidents of early days and no one stood as his superior in honesty of purpose and in- tegrity of character. When called upon to decide matters between neighbors, a circumstance of frequent occurrence, his decisions were always tempered with justice. And as a friend to the young he has left his memory indelibly stamped on all who came in contact with him in their struggle for a start in life. His estimable wife, who shared with him the privations and trials of frontier life, shared also With him the noble sentiments that animated his life and to which he gave the more public utterance, "She was a true wife to true husband, clothing herself afresh to his heart as her beauty faded, with a new beauty that was to be appreciated rather than seen.", Fearless they lived, fearless they died, Battling always for truth and right- eousness; 176 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Building monuments of worthy deeds, Tortune upon them graciously smiled, And domestic bliss was also vouch- safed. 1858 AND 1859. During the two years 1858 and 1859, a number of new families located in the Des Moines settlement, among whom were David Slosson, John A. James, Perry Nowlen, Henry and William Jarvis, Ora. Harvey, O. F. Avery, James Edelman, Hank Brown and John Straight. David Slosson, in May, 1858, came to Pocahontas county, with a family con- sisting of his wife, Esther Vaughan, who died in 1875, three sons — Oscar, Orlando and Edmond— all of whom were young men, and one daughter, Ann, who became the wife of Bomeyn B. Fish and is still a resident of the county. On his arrival, David Slos- son located on section 26, and on Sep- tember 28, 1858, entered his pre- emption claim for lots 1 and 2 and .the Wi NEi of that section, containing 158 acres. His eldest son, Oscar Slos- son, December 8, 1860, entered as a pre-emption the SEi Sec. 24, 160 acres, same township, and received the pat- ent for it June 1, 1861; and Orlando, the second son, on January 18, 1868, entered as a homestead the NWi Sec. 26,160 acres, same township and re- ceived the patent for it September 1, 1869. David Slosson was the son of David and Esther (Vaughan) Slosson, his fa- ther being of Welsh and his mother of English descent. He was a native of Vermont, where he was born March 11, 1811, near Grand Isle. He received a good common school education, and when quite young moved to New York state, where he learned the shoemakers' trade. At twenty he married Eachel Vaughan, a cousin, and during the next five years worked at his trade during the winter and on the farm urlng the summer. He then moved to Summit county, Ohio -later to Chnton county, N. Y., and in 1846 re- turned to Summit county, Ohio. The next move was to Michigan, and in 1852 he came to Clinton county, Iowa, where he remained until the time of settlement in this county in 1858. His next move was to Washington Territory, where his three sons— Oscar married to Julia Towslee, Orlando married to Harriet Halstead and Ed- mond married to Ellen Savage— still reside. He died there June 30, 1884. His daughter, Mrs. E. B. Msh, resides at Eolf e. At the time of the organization of this county, David Slosson had the honor to be chosen the first County Judge and served in that capacity from March 21st, the day he qualified, to Dec. 31, 1859. The duties devolving upon this ofHcer were those that are now performed by the Board of Coun- ty Supervisors. As there was no pub- lic building in the county his cabin, which was somewhat central in the Des Moines settlement, became the seat of government for the county, and the public records were kept there until the erection of the first court house, in the fall of 1860. His administration of the affairs of this county, though limited to a peri- od less than one year, was unusually eventful and has been rendered mem- orable by three important contracts that were concluded by him in behalf of the county. These contracts re- lated to the erection of the first court house at Old Eolf e, the construction of the first bridge over the Des Moines river and the special survey of the swamp lands of the county that they might be given in payment for the public building and bridge. The following item from the record is of interest as showing the salary of the Judge and his systematic method of keeping the record: FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. m State of Iowa, ) Pocahontas Co., ( ""' County Coukt, July 9, A. D. 1859. On this day, I, David Slosson, Coun- ty Judge of said county, drew a war- rant for $12.50 for one (the first) quar- ter's salary fee. David Slosson, County Judge. The law creating the Board of County Supervisors was enacted in 1860, and in 1861 he had the honor to serve as a member of the first Board of County Supervisors. He also served on this Board during the years 1863 to '67, 1870 to '71 and 1874 to '79, making a period of hearly thirteen years that he served in this capacity, the longest of any incumbent in that ofBce. John A. James, who came in 1858, located on the SEi Sec. 36, Des Moines township. On April 18, 1864, he enter- ed as a homestead claim lots 7 and 8 and Ei of this section,- containing 172 acres, and received the patent for it June 1, 1866. He was the second to hold the ofBce of County Judge. Eor this office he qualified Jan. 3, 1860, and continued to serve until May 6, 1861, when he resigned. His first act was the appointment of Oscar Slosson, Jan. 9, 1860, the second Assessor for the county and on the same day he ap- pointed David Slosson a Justice of the Peace. At the time of the organiza- tion of Clinton township in the fall of 1860, his home being included therein, he was chosen Clerk and also a Justice of the Peace of the township. He served as Clerk of the township three years, and subsequently served as Trustee and Assessor. At the general election held in the fall of 1863 on the home vote he was declared elected to the ofBce of Sheriff for the county by a majority of two votes. But when the soldier vote was received and a new canvass made, about one month later, Abiel Stickney, the rival candi- date, won the office by a majority of two votes. There were but four sol- dier votes returned, but in this In- stance they were sufficient to reverse the decision of the home vote. Perry Nowlen and Julia A., his wife, who now reside at Kolfe, in March, 1858, came to Des Moines township and pre-empted the SWi Sec. 12, 160 acres, making' the entry Aug. 20, 1860, and receiving the patent April 1, 1861. They occupied andim- proved this claim until 1894, a period of 36 years, when they moved to Rolf e. They still own it and at the present time it is a source of pleasure to them to know that no mortgage was ever allowed to be filed against this claim around which cluster so many and va- ried experiences of pioneer life. They came to this claim with hands that were empty, but willing to work, and with heroic spirit they encountered and overcame the trials and privations incident to a settlement in a new country. Their pioneer home has been Improved with fine buildings, groves and orchard, and they have made other purchases in addition to the home in town, so that they are now the owners of 315 acres of land and are in very comfortable circum- stances. Mr. and Mrs. Nowlen have had a trying experience with hard times, grasshoppers and the like, but they achieved success in spite of these evils by their persistent industry, economy and skill in farming. During seven out of nine years the grasshoppers made greater or les? havoc of their crops. On one occasion from ninety acres of promising wheat he harvested not a sheaf. They survived the period of hard times by making cheese. As soon as they were able they purchased a few cows, keeping usually fifteen to eighteen, and these became the prin- cipal source of their income. Mrs. Nowlen was a skillful hand at making butUer and cheese and they made but- ter in the cooler and cheese in the warmer weather. By this arrange- ment they had a marketable product 178 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. from their dairy when butter was only ten cents and not in demand. During one year, not counting what was used in the family or fed to the pigs, the manufactured product of butter and cheese sold averaged $37.00 and during the year 1864 $44.00 to each cow. Eor a considerable time Fort Dodge, forty miles distant, was the nearest post-' ofBce and for many years the nearest market, and many a time did Mr. Nowlen take his night's rest under the wagon while making this trip, which always required two days. Mr. Nowlen was the first farmer in the north part of the county to en- gage in raising flax. He obtained his seed from New York state and re- ceived $2.00 a bushel for all he sold from the first two crops. He was also the first bee-keeper in the north part of the county. His first crop of tim- othy seed, raised on nine and one- half acres of breaking, brought him $244.00. Mr. Nowlen is a native of Allegheny county, Maryland, where he was born Oct. 31, 1823. He was the son of Sam- uel and Rachel Nowlen and his mar- riage occurred in New York state, .Ju- ly 24, 1853. He has always been a re- publican but has never taken any par- ticular interest in politics, preferring to be a practical and successful farmer. He has one son Charles, who is still at home. Perry Nowlen, at the first general election, held Oct. 11, 1859, was elect- ed Superintendent of the Public Schools of the county, but did not qualify. On Oct. 8, 1861, he was elect- ed and on Jan. 6th, following, qualified as County Judge but resigned the of- fice after the lapse of five months. He who would succeed in this life. Must have an abundance of pluck; No one can win in the strife By trusting to what is called "luck." Henry Jarvis, whose home near Old Rolf e, became the first voting place in the north part of the county, was a native of England, where he was born Jan. 11, 1832. After coming to Amer- ica he located first in Illinois and later at Dyersville, Iowa, where on May 25, 1858, he married Mary Tilley, (b. June 19, 1839) and accompanied by his broth- er William Jarvis, they came to Poca- hontas county and built a log shanty in the Des Moines settlement, on the NWi Sec. 24, in which for several months they lived together. Both of them selected pre-emption claims. Henry, on Sept. 20, 1859, en- tered his claim for lots 2, 3 and 4, 60 acres, on Sec. 24, Des Moines town- ship, and received the pateni April 5, 1862. On June ]0, 1864, under the homestead law, he filed a claim for lots 7 and 8, Sec. 25, 115 acres, and re- newed this claim May 5, 1870. In 1894, he purchased some land near Rolfe and building thereon, moved to town where he and his wife still, re- side. Their family consisted of eleven children, two of whom died young and George, the eldest, after his marriage. Henry Jarvis was the second sheriff in Pocahontas county, and he served in that capacity i860 to 1863 and 1865 to' 1867. His cabin was the polling place in the Des Moines settlement for the first three elections held in the year 1859, and the fourth one, 0{i Nov. 19, was held at the home of his brother William Jarvis. William Jarvis pre-empted the SEi Sec. 14, Des Moines township, 160 acres, mailing the entry Sept. 20, 1859, and receiving the patent Sept. 15, 1861. He was born in Somersetshire, England, Jan. 4, 1829, and married there Sarah Sandy, March 26, 1856. Three weeks later they came to Amer- ica and after one year spent in Illinois, they came to Dyersville, Iowa. From this place they came to the Des Moines settlement by ox-team, in the spring of 1858. The Weather was wet, the streams and sloughs were full' and frequently they had to make their own road. On their arrival they IIEST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 179 erected a log shanty 16x24 feet, with two rooms and began farming opera- tions with the oxen, having brought with them a year's supply of provis- ions. Mr. Jarvis was a good feeder, and turning his attention to raising cattle and hogs, he soon acquired a considerable fortune. After occupy- ing their first residence fifteen years, they returned to England, and after three years they located in the town of Old Kolfe, and now reside at Rolfe. William Jarvis, in 1860, served as coroner and drainage commissioner for the county. At the first election for the township he was chosen one of the trustees for Des Moines township and served in that capacity from 1860 to 1872, when he returned to England, a period of thirteen years. Ora Harvey accompanied by O. F. Avery his son-in-law, and their families came to Pocahontas county and locat- ed on the NEi Sec. 10, 92-31 (Clinton township). The family of Ora Har- vey consisted of him^lf , wife (Eliza Marcy) and younger daughter, Helen M., who later became the wife of W. H. Halt. The family of O. F. Avery consisted of himself, wife (Jennie S. Harvey) and one son, Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Ora Harvey were na- tives of New Hampshire but had spent the early part of their lives in the town of Weathersfield, Vermont, where their two daughters were born and grew to womanhood. Both Ora and his wife had received and appre- ciated the value of a good education and they provided for both of their daughters the opportunity of taking a complete academic course before leav- ing that place. It was the 7th day of November, 1859, when they arrived upon their purchased frontier home in Clinton township. The winter following was extremely mild and by early spring they had a small house built that they were only too glad to occupy. The mother and her two daughters, who were thus called upon to leave the pleasurable scenes and employments of an older and more cultured society in an eastern town for the sparsely settled settlement on the frontier, did not see another woman's face during the first six months of their residence in Clinton township. To say that this experience was to them a lonely one only moderately expresses the situation. Under these privations their educa- tion and culture prepared them as it were to extract sweets from the many rough experiences they were called upon to endure as early pioneers. These lonely experiences were endured not only without a murmur of com- plaint but were oftentimes turned into pleasurable enjoyments. It must be remembered that there were only three other homes or cabins built in the township at that time and what is now the populous and flourish- ing township of Clinton was then a vast expanse of wild prairie. Ora Harvey, on April 22, 1862, was appointed Superintendent of the Pub- lic Schools of this county and served in this capacity until Jan. 7, 1863. At the first election held in Clinton town- ship in the fall of 1860, he was chosen a member of the first Board of County Supervisors and, for eight successive years, 1861 to 1868, was continued a member of that Board. At their first meetingheld Jan. 7, 1861, he had the honor to be chosen its first Chairman, and as long as he was continued a mem- ber of this Board that honor was an- nually accorded to him. This privi- lege of serving as Chairman of the Board of County Supervisors for a per- iod of eight successive years was an unusual distinction and reveals the confidence reposed in him and the es- teem in which he was held. Though modest and unassuming, he possessed an unusual tact in managing his polit- ical opponents and those who differed from him in judgment. He was one 180 PIONEER HISTOEY OE JPOCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. of Nature's noblemen, gentle in man- ner and brave in action. He was a man whom his friends delighted to honor; and during those eight years of . public service, thougli many import- ant items of business came before the Board, no consideration sufBced to sway him from an honest course and no event occurred to lessen the confi- dence of the people in the integrity of his purpose. Mrs. Harvey died July 4, 1880, and his death occurred at Hum- boldt. Oscar F. Avery was born in Herki- mer county. New York, July 20, 1833, and after attending public school un- til he was sixteen, enjoyed the ad- vantage of one term at Eairfleld Acad- emy. After teaching public school in his own county four winters he spent one and one-half years in the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., where he graduated In January 1856. He continued to teach school during the next three years, teaching one year in Michigan and the next In Wisconsin. His marriage occurred a short time after he graduated and his last term of school was- taught in Po- cahontas county during the winter of 1860, making him one of the first three teachers of the county. This school was taught in the log house built by W. H. Halt that stood upon the ground occupied by his present residence on Section 26, Des Moines township. O. F. Avery by appointment of County Judge, John A. James, served as the first Superintendent of Public Schools of this county from March 20, 1860 to May 6, 1861 when he resigned theoiflce. On December 24, 1860 he received $6.00 for his services rendered as County Superintendent from the time of his appointment until that date, a period of nine months. He is- sued certificates to Helen M. Harvey, Ellen Condon and one or two others. In the fall of 1860 he selected a claim of 170 acres just across the line in Humboldt county and, moving upon it the ensuing summer occupied it nearly twenty years. During this period he and his family experienced some dark and also some bright and happy days— the former to be forgot- ten, the latter to be remembered and cherished while life has its claim on this planet. Engaged in the real es- tate and lumber business he now re- sides in one of the largest and most beautiful homes in the city of Hum- boldt and has become one of the most prominent and influential citizens of that county. His wife (Jennie S. Har- vey) died August 24, 1892, leaving vne daughter who still resides with her father. Her portrait and also those of her sister Mrs. Halt and their- pa- rents, Ora and Eliza Harvey, may all be seen in this volume. James Edelman was a trapper, and though on June 12, 1859, he entered as a pre-emption claim, lots 1 and . 2 and the SWi SWi Sec. 36, 93-31, (Des Moines township) 134 acres, he sold it before the patent*was received after a residence of one year in the county. His claim joined that of Ifidward Ham- mond on the north. At the first elec- tion held March 15, 1859, he was elect- ed Drainage Commissioner for the county but was not called upon to per- form any official duties in that capac- ity. John Straight was a brother-in-law of Perry Nowlen. He came here from Wisconsin and located on the SEl Sec. 35, Des Moines township where he re- mained several years and then return- ed East. Hank Brown selected the NWJ, Sec. 34, Des Moines township as a pre-emp- tion claim and partly erected a log cabin on it, but afterward abandoning it without entry, in 1865 Wm. D. Mc- Ewen entered it with a land warrant. "His haj)py home A cabin in the grove. Seat of contentment. Gratitude and love." W. D. McEwen in July 1857 engaged BRICK BLOCK OF C. F. GARRISON, Photographer, and S. A. BRIGHT, Grocer, ROLFE. STATE SAVINGS BANK, ROLFE, W. D. MoEwen, President. FIEST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 181 In carpenter work at Fort Dodge and In the spring ol 1858 walked from that place to the home of Robert Struthers, his brother-in-law in Des Moines township for the purpose of locat- ing a pre-emption claim. But find- ing that another man had taken the claim he had in view he returned to Fort Dodge, and remaining there dur- ing that winter and the year follow- ing, was a frequent- visitor to his friends in the pioneer settlement in in the northeast part of the county. In 1859 he returned to the east and spent several years in school. In 1865 he located permanently at Old Rolfe the first county seat and commencing an official career as Superintendent of the Public Schools of this county in 1866, he continued in the public serv- ice until Dec. 31, 1887, a period of 22 years. The offices filled were Co. Superintendent, 2 years, 1866 and '67, Clerk of the District Court six years, 1867 to 1872; County Judge In 1869, the last incumbent of that office; Clerk of the Boa,rd of Supervisors three years, 1867 to 1869; County Auditor four years, 1870 to 1873, the first incumbent of that office; and County Treas- urer twelve years, 187'1 to 1883 and 1886-87. In 1876 he was the Commis- sioner from this county to t"he Centen- nial at Philadelphia. "Pay as you go" has ever been a car- dinal business principle with him and finding the county $20,000 in debt when he became Auditor, he began to use his influence to protect the credit of the county and maintain its war- rants at par value. Before the close of his public career he had the pleas- ure to see every vestige of indebted- ness removed. Few men enjoy the privilege of rendering so long a period of public service or of receiving so many proofs of appreciation from the people whom he served as W. D. Mc- Ewen. On Jan. 12, 1884, when his final accounts for the first ten years of serv- ice as treasurer were audited and ap- proved by the Board of Supervisors, they passed a resolutioh expressing their sincere thanks to him for the kind, gentle and manly manner in which he had filled the office of County Treasurer so long, and presented him with the gold pen he had used, as a memento of the office. As a public officer he was uniformly courteous and considerate, and kept the, records in a. plain, neat and methodical man- ner. He has been a loyal and ardent re- publican, was personally and very fa- vorably known to every voter in the county, and no one could say aught against his qualifications or honesty. On one occasion near the close of his public career, having received the nomination for County Treasurer about the fourth time, one of his friends very wittily remarked that the only exception his opponents could take to him as a candidate, was that expressed by the young man who, be- ing present at a wedding in a New England town, when the minister asked if any one objected to this man marrying this woman, interrupted the ceremony by stammering out, "I want her myself. " So with his political op- ponents, they have been chiefly those who wanted the office for theinselves. He has been a persistent friend of progress and aided greatly in the de- velopment and upbuilding of the in- terests of this county. In 1867 he as- sisted in the publication of a pam- phlet giving a description of Pocahon- tas county and inviting immigration, of which hundreds of .copies were dis- tributed in the East. In 1869 he com- menced the publication of the Poca- hontas Journal, the first paper pub- lished in the county, but as it could not be made a financial success it was discontinued in 1872. In 1875 he pub- lished a map of the county, and in 1876 he resumed the publication of a county paper, the Pocahontas Times, that has been continued until the 182 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. present time, though for two years under a new name— The Eonda Times. In 1878 he issued a second advertising pamphlet of the county and in 1881, 15,000 copies of another one entitled. The New Home, all for free distribu- tion. W. D. McEwen was born in Chateau- gay county, Canada, July 9, 1838, and was the son of William and Margaret McBwen both of whom were natives of Scotland and came to the Province of Quebec in 1820. He attended pub- lic school until he was fourteen years of age and then learned the carpen- ter trade during the next three years, worldng chiefly at bridge building. This was his employment while he re- mained in Eort Dodge from July 1857 to the fall of 1859 and again in 1864 when he returned and completed his citizenship at that place. When he visited the Des Moines settlement in 1858 he found it a boundless wilder- ness and as the times were dull and his expected claim taken he decided in the fall of 1859 to enter Hunting- don Academy in the Province of Que- bec and complete his education. He remained at this institution until the death of his father, who appointed him executor of his estate. As soon as the affairs of his father's estate had been settled, he arranged to return to the land of his adoption with the $5,000 that fell to his share. In the spring of 1865 when he locat- ed permanently in Pocahontas county, Robert Struthers, his brother-in-law, was County Recorder. Having a farm and family to look after, W. D. Mc- Ewen at once became his deputy and the work of the Recorder's office was turned over to him. As the work of this office was not very exacting nor very lucrative, he worked at his trade during the day and on the public rec- ords in the evening. Frequently the records of the entire week were writ- ten on Saturday night. During the first three years of his residence In the county he taught school at Old Rolfe in the winter and worked at his trade in the summer. In his youth he rec- ognized the importance of getting a good start in life; he was never idle and on several occasions, carrying his tools on his shoulder, he walked eight miles (once barefooted) in order to as- sist where he was needed. On November 18, 1885, he married Jennie Matson, a lady who, like him- self, was also of Puritan descent, a resident of Des Moines township and one of his own pupils when he taught at Old Rolfe. She was the daughter of William and Mary (Baxter) Matson, who located at Old Rolfe in. 1867. They have one son, Donald, who is in his thirteenth year. They are still residents of the county and live at Rolfe, where he is engaged in banking and occupies one of the finest resi- dences in the county. LIZARD AND DES MOINES SETTLERS. These were the first settlers in the Lizard and Des Moines settlements, which were the first in the county. It may be observed that those in the Lizard settlement were all of Irish descent; most of them being na- tives of Ireland, who had lived a few years in the coal regions of Pennsyl- vania. In religious belief they were devout Catholics and as early as 1857, when a private house large enough for the purpose was erected in the east- ern part of the settlement in Webster county, public worship was estab- lished that resulted in the organiza- tion of the Lizard Catholic parish in 1870, and the erection of the Lizard Catholic church in 1871. All of them, witha single exception, favored the principles of the democratic party, and under these conditions the colony was united and disposed to share each other's hardships during the period of hard times. Those in the Des Moines settlement, on the other hand, were nearly all of FIKST SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY. 183 Scotch descent and had come either from Canada or New England. Most of them were Presbyterians in relig- ious belief, and as early as 1859, imder the ministry of Eev. David S. McComb, united to form the Unity Presbyteri- an church, the first church organized in the county. They were practical farmers and a large number of them had received a liberal education. These circumstances were of great ad- vantage to them,, enabling them to act as leaders in the organization of the county and to secure for them- selves some special benefits during the first few years of the county's his- tory. Their political faith was, for the most part, Republican. For nearly twenty years after the arrival of these first settlers the prog- ress of the county was very slow. At that time there were no settlers west of these places except the few pioneers who had located along the Little Sioux river. The Spirit Lake Massa- cre had occurred early in the spring of 1857 and the excitement from it had, to a large extent subsided before the settlement of the northern part of the county had fairly commenced; yet for several years the settlers were subject to considerable anxiety lest another outbreak should occur. Dur- ing the 'years immediately following these first settlements, many pioneers passed westward through this section and it was only occasionally that one stopped to select a claim and improve it. For many long years Fort Dodge, distant twenty to forty miles, was the nearest trading point and postoiHce for all of the settlers in the county. In 1857 there was no mail route to the west except the one from Fort Dodge via Twin Lakes and Sac City to S ioux City and by means of a line of daily stages, that became a great thorough- fare of travel for western emigration. The route to the northwest was along the west branch of the Des Moines river. Early in the sixties a postofBce was opened in Des Moines township, and in 1865 a mail route was estab- lished from Fort Dodge to Spirit Lake via Old Eolfe. During the years 1856 to 1858 no crops were raised in the county except a little sod corn and a few potatoes, the whole amount of breaking not ex- ceeding about thirty acres. The set- tlers had to live on what they brought with them or bought. Thewinter of 1856-7 was very severe and noted among the early settlers for its deep snows, terrible blizzards and extreme cold; but the winter following was comparatively mild. "The pioneers who came to this county during the fifties and also the sixties, in leaving their more or less comfortable homes in the Eastern states for the western prairies, found a country so wide, so smooth and so unbroken in its painfully solemn qui- etude, hundreds of miles from mail facilities and neighbors so few and far between that only those who were patient, persevering, brave and cour- ageous could achieve success. The new resident of today, after the lapse of forty years finds a land dotted with towns and villages, schools and church- es, thrifty groves, broad acres of fer- tile soil and a country settled with a prosperous and happy people, with all. "the advantages and luxuries of the East brought within easy attainment by the network of iron that has spread like a civilizing web over the prairie wastes of 1857. " 184 PIOJTEER HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. VII. THE ORGaNIZaTION ©F THE ©OCNTV. "What constitutes a state? Not high raised batilemeots or labored mounds, Thick walls or moated gate; Not cities proud, with spires and turrets crowned; But men, high-minded men; Men, who their duties know, And their rights dare maintain." 1859. lUEING the fall and winter of 1858 the settlers discussed the propriety of effecting the organization of the county and most of them signed a petition asking the County Judge ot Webster County— to which Pocahontas was then attached— to issue a call for an election and an or- der for organization. This petition was granted and a special election was ordered to be held on March 15, 1859, under the auspices of a Committee of County Canvassers, consist! ng of Luth- er L. Pease, County Judge, Henry Winn and Egbert Bagg, Justices of the Peace, all from Webster county. By this order Des Moines township was constituted, embracing the entire county, but as a matter of conven- ience to the voters it was divided into two voting precincts known as the Des Moines and Lizard precincts. Two voting places were designated, one at the house of Plenry Jar*is on section 24, 93-31 (Des Moines township) and the other at the house of Chas. Kel- ley on Sec. 12, 90-31 (Lizard township.) At this election 23 votes were cast and the following county officers were elected; County Judge, David Slossou; Clerk of the District Court, A. H. Malcolm; Treasurer and Recorder, William H. Halt; Drainage Commis- sioner, James Edelman; County Sur- veyor, Guernsey Smith; Qoroner, Hen- ry Park; Sheriff, Oscar Slosson. This report of the board of County Canvass- ers was made at Fort Dodge March 21, 1859, and on that same day before Luther L. Pease, County Judge of Webster county, David Slosson look the oath of oflflce and filed bonds us County Judge of Pocahontas county, his term of office to continue until his successor should be elected and quali- fied. All the other officers elected qualified before Judge Slosson, except A. H. Malcolm and on May 11, 1859, at the first session of the county court S. N. Harris being appointed in his stead, qualified as Clerk of the Court until his successor should be elected and qualified. This appointment was the first offlci-al act of the County Judge of Pocahontas county in open court and it was the only one at this session of the Court. Officers for Des Moines township, which then included the entire coun- ty, were also elected as follows: Jus- tices of the Peace, Robert Struthers and S. N. Harris and Township Clerk, THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 185 W. H. Halt. No record was made of the election of trustees or assessor. On April 19, 1859, W. H. Halt ^was ap- pointed assessor, and on October 12th, following, justice of the peace in place of S. N. Harris, who did not qualify. During the first two years of the county's organization, 1859 and 1860, the general management of the coun- ty's affairs was vested in the County Judge, the Board of Supervisors not having an existence at that time. The County Judge held all the authority now vested in the Board of Supervisors and part of that vested in the Auditor and District Court. The first entry In the Record Book of David Slosson, the first County Judge of Pocahontas county, is of date, May 25, 1859, and reads as fol- lows: State oj Iowa, ) ss: Pocahontas Co. County Cottet, May 25, 1859. Now on this day comes N. W. Mills & Co., and present their bill for books furnished for said county amounting to the sum of $285.00, as per voucher, said amount having been examined and found correct, it is therefore or- dered by the Court that said claim be allowed and that a warrant be issued in favor of said N. W. Mills & Co. for $285.00 and vouchers placed on file. David Slosson, County Judge. W. H. Halt was allowed a bill of $6.00 for bringing the above books for the County Records from Des Moines. On the same day it was ordered that a warrant of $100 be issued to George S. Ringland and John W. Brady in part payment of a contract made and entered into by and between Messrs. Ringland & Brady and Pocahontas county on the — day of March 1859, for the selection, surveying and mak- iiig returns of the swamp and over- flowed lands of the county. On this contract, for the survey of the swamp lands, there were issued that same year other warrants as follows: July 8, 1859, Ringland & Brady, $ 125 00 Aug. 19, " " " 1003 00 Nov. 8, " " " 850 00 " 29, " " . " 1920 00 Dec. 17, " " " 1866 50 Total for the year 1859. . . .$5864 50 On July 9, 1859, the salary of the county ofBcials including the Treasur- er, Clerk of the Court and County Judge was fixed at $50.00 each for that year. W. H. Halt made a transcript of the Records relating to Pocahontas coun- ty from those of Webster county and received for this service $30; and Dav- id Slosson, for the rent of his house for the use of the county ofBcers dur- ing the year 1859, received $80. Aug. 8, 1859, on the application of a majority of the citizens of this county, A. W. Hubbard, of Sioux City, Judge of the 4th Judicial district of Iowa, appointed C. C. Carpenter, of Webster county; Niles Mahan, of Palo Alto , county and Hiram Benjamin, of Hum- boldt county. Commissioners to locate the county seat of Pocahontas county as near the geographical center as pos- sible, having due regard for the pres- ent and future population and to make report of their proceedings in this matter to the County Judge of Poca- hontas county. In accordance with these instructions Messrs. C. C. Car- penter and Hiram Benjamin on Aug. 20, 1859, visited this county and made a report locating the county seat on the SWi of the NBi and SWi of sec- tion 26, Des Moines township, con- taining 200 acres according to the original survey. The little village that grew as a result of this lo- cation of the county seat was succes- sively called Highland City, Milton, (Old) Rolfe and Parvin, and it contin- ued to be the county seat until Oct. 1, 1876, when the public records were re- moved to Pocahontas. As soon as the county seat was lo- cated the erection of a public build- ing or court house became the all- 186 PIONEEE HISTOKY OF POCAHOiNTAS COUNTY, lOWA. absorbing topic of public discussion, the county." There were some serious difflculties to According to the terms of this con- be met and overcome. The erection tract the public building was to be of a building of suitable size would in- ij^jit of brick upon a stone foundation, volvea large expenditure of money, it was to be a "court and school house and if there was any one thing that combined," 36 feet wide in front, 50 the early settlers could not give, but feet deep and the second story 14 feet all alike felt the imperative need of, high. The brick were to be made it was money. When the financial of as good clay as could be procured in panic of 1857 is recalled one is not sur- the vicinity and well burned. They prised at the statement that there was no money in the hands of the settlers of "Pocahontas county at this early date for this public improve- ment. It must be remembered they were to be laid in mortar composed of well burned and well slaked stone lime and clean, sharp sand. The wall in the first story was to be 16 inches and in the second, 12 inches in thick- were very few in number and having negg. ^.11 the openings for doors and built their cabins, shanties or log windows, except the round-topped ones houses, the effort to hold their claims and subsist on the productions of the soil exhausted all their resources. The only things of which they had a surplus were sunshine, fresh air and swamp land. The sunshine and wind did not "count for much" in a bargain and the swamp lands were regarded as scarcely more valuable, save that they could be measured, the mine of of the second story, were to have lin- tels of wood, that should not appear upon the face of the wall, and have arches of brick thrown over them. All the timber used, including the floor- ing, was to be of oak, elm or walnut and of the best quality obtainable In the vicinity. The roof, a plain comb, was to be supported by rafters 3x4 in. overlaid with good sheeting and cov- wealth possessed in them being both ered with good shaved or cut shingles undiscovered and unappreciated. not more than four inches to the The proposition to utilize the swamp weather. The chimneys, two on each or overflowed lands of the county, the side, were to be built in the walls and special survey of which was then in progress, met with general favor, and on September 7, 1859, at a special elec- tion held for that purpose this prop- osition was submitted to a vote of the people. At the two polling places at which this election was held, six- teen votes were polled and all of them were cast in favor of this method of extend above the roof at the eaves. The frieze and cornices were to be furnished with beads and moldings to correspond with the tools most easily obtained. The front door was to be double and have four panels on each half. The front steps were to be fur- nished with seven-inch risers and ten- inch treads with molded nosings; and paying for the building, and disposing the platform extending the full width of the "waste" lands of the county. A form of contract was then pre- pared that provided for the erection of a court house and also a bridge across the west branch of the Des Moines river near the proposed site of the county seat, both by William B. Clark, of Baltimore, Md., and the con- sideration specified therein was "all the swamp and overflowed lands in of the entrance, was to be four feet wide and finished at each end with a square pediment. The space on the first floor was to be divided into four apartments with a hall-way through the center of it. The court or school room in the second story was to be furnished with a Judges' bench, jury and prisoners' boxes, and the stairway with newel post, hand-rail THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 187 and banisters. These were all to be of black walnut varnished. The rest of the interior woodwork was to have two coats of white lead in oil mixed with other colors to bring it to the proper tint. The bridge was to be built at the most convenient point on section 25, Des Moines township, upon supports constructed of wood, sills and posts well framed together, the spans not to be more than thirty feet and rest- ing on stringers not less than 10x12 in. square, four in number to each span. It was to be ten feet wide, covered with oak planks two inches in thick- ness and be above the high water mark. Both the building and the bridge were to be received by the County Judge upon the approval of Egbert Bagg, of Webster county, architect and inspector. Upon the' completion of this contract David Slosson issued the following proclamation calling for another special election to be held Nov. 19, 1859, to approve or disapprove this contract: State of Iowa, | Pocahontas Co., P"" County Coukt, Oct. Term, 1859. Whereas, a contract has been en- tered into between Wm. B. Clark, of Baltimore City, and state of Maryland, and the County Judge of Pocahontas county and' state of Iowa, for the erec- tion of a public building and bridge; and whereas, in the above referred to contract the' County of Pocahontas proposes to pay the entire cost of erecting said public building and bridge by deeding her lands known as Swamp and Overflowed Lands to the said Wm. Clark, as will more fully ap- pear by the contract hereto appended ; and whereas, it is prescribed by law that the above referred to contract and the question therein involved shall be submitted to the people of the county in the manner provided for in Section No. 114 and 115 of the code. Now, therefore, be it known that I, David Slosson, Co. Judge of Pocahontas county, in compliance with the said contract and the law in such cases made and provided, do hereby give notice to the legal voters of said county that the question will be submitted to them at a special election which is hereby called for that purpose to be held on the 19th day of November, A. D. 1859, within the several townships of said county, at the usual places of holding elec- tions in said township and county, whether or not' a public building and bridge shall be erected in said County of Pocahontas to be paid for with the swamp and overflowed lands in said county as set forth in contract and which is now submitted for sat- isfaction or rejection; and I do further declare that the manner of voting shall be as follows: Upon each ballot shall be written or printed, "For the contract for the erection of a public building and bridge to be paid for in swamp and overflowed lands," or "Against the contract for the erection of a public building and bridge to be paid for in swamp and overflowed lands;" and I further declare that if a majority of the votes b6 cast affirma- tively, then such vote shall be deemed to be in favor of the contract herewith submitted, and said contract shall be binding upon the said Wm. E. Clark and upon the officers and people of Po- cahontas county as therein set forth in every particular; and if a majority of the votes so cast are in the nega- tive it shall be deemed a rejection of the contract and neither party shall in any wise be bound thereby. The votes shall be returned by the proper judges of the several precincts to the County Court of said county, on or be- fore the 23d day of November, 1859, to be there canvassed according "to law. David Slosson, Co. Judge of Pocahontas County. This proclamation of the County Judge was duly published by Oscar Slosson, "the high Sheriff of Pocahon- tas County " and, after the lapse of some thirty days according to the public records, the voters of the coun- ty in response thereto met first at the home of Henry Jarvis, but adjourned and held this election at the house of his brother William Jarvis where, ac- cording to the canvass made Novem- ber 21st, it was declared twenty-one votes were cast and all of them in f a> vor of approving the proposed contracti 189 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. This was, however, the election at which Patrick Eorey cast the famous? ' 'decisive vote. ' '* According to tradi- tion or the statements of those who participated in it, some of whom are still living, this election was the first spirited contest among the voters of this county and it became intensely interesting because the voters in the two settlements or precincts, being relatively about equal in numbers, be- came directly arrayed against each other, not on the lines of partisan pol- itics, but in regard to the propriety of the proposed disposition of the swamp lands of the county. The fact the public records contain no summary of the vote on this occa- sion in the Lizard precinct is no great- er surprise than the general fact that they contain no summary from that prediict of any of the four elections held in the county during the year 1859. The following incidental allu- sions in the records of the County Judge, by way of recording payment for services rendered as election offi- cers during that year, are very sug- gestive. At the first election of March 15th, Michael Collins was one of the judges and Michael Broderick one of the clerks; at the second one held on the 7th day of September, John Calligan and Peter Garrahan were judges and Philip Russell and Mich- ael Collins were clerks; at the third or general election held on the 11th of October, Patrick McCabe, John Cal- ligan and Peter G-arrahan were judges and Michael Broderick one of the clerks. The latter was also paid $8.00 as a messenger, for carrying the re- turns of Lizard township for the year 1859. The following statements from Walter Pord, one of the Lizard Voters at that time and now a resi- dent of Clare, are pertinent: "The Lizard and Des Moines precincts were both organized in the spring of 1859. *See pages 165-16^/ By appointment of Luther L. Pease, county judge of Wfebster county, at Port Dodge, Michael Collins, Chas. Kelley and I prepared the poll-books of Lizard precinct for the first election of that year. The polling place for all the voters of the Lizard precinct, at all of the four elections held in 1859, was at the home of Charles Kelley on section 12, Lizard township. At the special election held Nov. 19, 1859, Michael Broderick was one of the clerks at the home of Charles Kelley; I voted there early in the morning of that day and then went to the polling place in the Des Moines precinct .to challenge illegal voters; and Patrick Forey was the only Lizard voter who voted in the Des Moines precinct that year and he only once, namely, at this last special election."* That Walter Ford and others who assisted in p'reparing the first Lizard poll-books and also as clerks and judg- es of election in the Lizard precinct during the year 1859, are not incident- ally named in the county records is no doubt due to the fact they presented no claims for the public services thus rendered. According to the facts thus inci- dentally noted in the records of the County Judge and more fully stated by Walter Ford and others, the result of the special election of November 19, 1859, in regard to the contract for the erection of a court house and bridge to be paid for with the swamp lands of the county, was no doubt 11 for ap- proval and 10 for disapproval; or a ma- jority of one— the decisive vote of Pat- rick Forey— in favor of approving the contract. The votes were canvassed on the 21st day of November and as a result of the election, the contract was declared by the County Judge to be binding upon the parties. When the fact is noted that the consideration in ■ this contract was 'Letter of Walter Fora, Clare, Iowa, Marcb 18, 1899. THE OKGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 189 an indefinite and also an undeter- mined quantity, namely, "all the swamp and overflowed lands in Poca- hontas county, " one is not surprised there should have been a difCerence of opinion among these early pioneers in regard to its ratification. A great deal of space in the public records of 1859 is devoted to selections and con- tracts relating to the swamp lands in- volved in this contract. This dispos- al of them became an important event in the history of the county, one often referred to by the early settlers, and as it did more than all subsequent transactions to cloud the titles to lands then listed as "swamp and over- flowed, " a brief history of them will be appreciated. THE SWAJVIP LANDS.* On the 28th of September, 1850, an act of congress was approved by which the United States granted to the state of Iowa all of the swamp and over- flowed lands within the limits of the state then undisposed of. Two years later the State of Iowa, by an act of the General Assembly, approved Feb. 2, 1853, granted these "swamp and overflowed lands" to the counties in which they were situated, and made provision for their selection. This was the status of these lands when Pocahontas county was organized. David Slosson, on behalf of the coun- ty and in pursuance of these acts, as scon as he was elected County Judge- in March, 1859,— entered into a con- tract with Ringland & Brady, of Fort Dodge, for their special survey and se- lection. As this contract does not appear on the records it is impossible to give its exact terms, but it has been stated the surveyors were to re- ceive for their services a certain com- pensation for each acre thus selected. Two selections were made during the year 1859. The first one, by Messrs. ♦J. J. Bruce in Pocahontas Record, May J, 18«4, and Plat Book of Pocahontas County, 1887, page 6. Eingland & Brady, was rejected as a whole by the commissioner of the general land office; and one is not sur- prised at this result when it is known that the whole of township 91, range 32 (Lincoln), was included as swamp. The second one was made by G. S. Eing- land and Guernsey Smith, who made their report Aug. 3, 1859. In this re- port they state that they were appoint- ed commissioners by the County Judge to make selections of the swamp and overflowed lands, and it is presumed that such was the case, although no entry of their contract or appoint- ment is found on the records. They swear that "they have examined the lines of each and every tract select- ed, and that the greater part of each is swamp and overflowed land." The number of acres according to their footing is 72,075.75, an amount equal to 114 sections or six sections more than three townships— about one-fifth of the entire county. At this day it seems quite incredi- ble that an amount of land so large should have been reported under oath as "swamp and overflowed." There are, however, three good reasons which may in a measure explain why an amount so large was selected. In the first place the compensation for the selection and survey was based on the number of acres selected; second, at that time the value of these treeless prairie lands was neither realized nor appreciated on tke part of the pioneer residents of the county, many of whom were indifferent to a certain extent as to what became of them; and third, the cupidity of the parties who conspired to become possessors of so vast a domain. This second selec- tion, however, had to be submitted to the commissioner of the general land office for his approval or rejection. The contract with William E. Clark, of Baltimore, Md., of date Oct. 18, 1859, and declared Nov. 21st, follow- ing, as having been approved by the 190 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF fOCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. people— on Nov. 14, 1860, "for good and valuable considerations in hand paid" was assigned by W. E. Clark to John M. Stockdale, of Webster county. The latter, under-President Buchan- an, had been register of the IT. S. land office at Fort Dodge, and the former proved to be a mere figure- head working under his direction. When Lincoln was elected, the lat- ter soon retired from the land ofBce and assumed open control of his scheme. The public building and bridge when completed by John M. Stock- dale were accepted, and on Dec. 9, 1860, there was deeded to him, accord- ing to the government survey, Y6,250 acres of land in Pocahontas county, the deed containing a clause that ex- pressly released the county from all liability arising from the reclaiming of these lands. This deed was attest- ed by John A. James, County Judge, and the estimated value of the lands conveyed was $91,000. It will be noticed that until this date the title to these lands rested upon an act of Congress and si subse- quent one by the General Assembly of Iowa, both of which were of a gen- eral nature referring to a certain class of lands, namely, "swamp and over- flowed lands" and not to particular tracts. This left the title of particu- lar tracts without foundation until the selections should be approved by the government and their respective patents be issued. Until the land in particular tracts should be patented to the county, its title thereto would be imperfect and Its deed to another would of course convey no title to the land. This was the kind of deed giv- en to John M. Stockdale, who under- stood its imperfect nature, but ex- pecting to secure the approval of his entire list, he was willing to let the entire matter rest in that condition. He began at once to sell particular tracts, putting his lists in the hands of agents in all parts of the country. He gave warranty deeds, selling gen- erally large quantities to each pur- chaser and representing to parties purchasing that patents could be pro- cured at any time upon application, but as the land was not taxable until patented, it was better to let them lie as they were and thus avoid taxation. Of the 76,250 acres deeded by the county to John M. Stockdale, the commissioner of the general land of- fice approved and issued patents to him for 29,000 acres, and formally reject- ed the remaining 41,000 acres as not swamp land within the meaning of the act. The last were disposed of by patent as follows: about 27,000 acres in a body to the Dubuque and Pacific i Ry. Co., some to the Des Moines Val- ley Ky. Co., some to the Chicago, Mil- waukee and St. Paul Ey. Co., some to the Agricultural College, some to cash purchasers and others were claimed by homesteaders. Nearly all of these lands are now occupied as farms. The tracts patented to the county on which the taxes have been paid annually, thereby avoiding entanglement by tax sales, have good and perfect title. Another remarkable incident In the story of the swamp lands is the fact that John M. Stockdale under his imperfect deed from the county, continued to sell all the lands included therein, he seeming to be entirely in- different about the matter of patent. The fact that most of these lands had been patented to other parties made no difference to ■ him so long as he could find buyers willing to purchase from him. The last lot sold by him was in the year 1882; it contained 9,000 acres and the price paid was $200. Of the 29,000 acres pate«ted to him and upon which the taxes have been paid the county probably suffered no great loss, since the amount originally re- ceived together with the taxes and interest paid would amount to about the present value of the land. The 'I'HE ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 191 misfortune of the transaction came in a subsequent period of litigation over titles and consequent uncertainty in the minds of owners as to the stabil- ity of their tenures. It will be seen, from this brief re- sume, that patented swamp lands have good titles and the rejected selections had no valid title through John M. Stockdale.* The traffic in these re- spective swamp lands was a great scandal upon land titles and many in- nocent parties jyere bled severely. 1860. The first officials of the county, elect- ed at the special election of March 15, 1859, held office only during the re- maining months of that year. At the general election held October 11th fol- lowing, a full set of county officers for 1860 was elected as follows: John A. James, County Judge in place of David Slosson; Samuel N. Harris Clerk of the Court, a position he had filled by appointment; Wm. H. Halt was re- elected Treasurer and Recorder, Hen- ry Jarvis, Sheriff; Robert Struthers, Surveyor; William Jarvis, Coroner and Drainage Commissioner; Perry Now- len. Superintendent of Schools. Per- ry Nowlen did not qualify, and on March 20, 1860, Oscar P. Avery was appointed Superintendent by John A. James, County Judge. At that time the entire county still formed but one township with two voting precincts, and the following township officers were elected: Trus- tees, William Jarvis, Perry Nowlen and Oscar Slosson; Justice of the Peace, W. H. Halt; Township Clerk, Henry Jarvis; Road Supervisors, Perry Nowlen and Patrick Fury; Constables, William Jarvis and Roderick Harris; Assessor, A. H. Malcolm. A. H. Mal- colm did not qualify, and on January •Mr.Stockdale died In Washington, Pa., Sept. 17, 1897. He was well known to the ear- ly settlers of this county, and the titles to many farms bear his natne as their ^prst owner. 1, 1860, Oscar Slosson was appointed Assessor in his stead for one year. On January 9, 1860, David Slosson was ap- pointed a Justice of the Peace for two years. The election officers making the re- turn of this general election in the fall of 1859, were those of the Des Moines precinct, namely, Perry Now- len, Robert Struthers and Henry Jar- vis, Judges; Samuel N. Harris, and W. H. Halt, Clerks. At this election 34 votes were cast and all of them were credited to Des Moines township be- cause it embraced the entire county at that time. If the previous year (1859) was one of organization, discussion and con- tracts, the year 1860 was one of fur- ther development in the matter of or- ganization and was marked by the oc- currence of several interesting events. April 1, 1860, under the appoint- ment of John A. James, Robert Struthers and W. H. Halt, consti- tuting the first county Board of Equal- ization, levied taxes for that year as follows: State tax one and one-half mills; county tax four mills; teachers' fund four mills; schoolhouse fund four mills, and for road purposes one mill. June 23, 1860, Hiram Evans was a juror, the first and only one named at this early date. Others who served in that capacity later that year were Ora Harvey, Robert Struthers, Ed- ward Hammond, Isaac N. Belknap, Abiel Stickney, David and Orlando Slosson, W. H. Halt, Patrick Forey, James Donahoe, Roger and Patrick Collins and William E. Clark. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. The most important events that oc- curred during the year 1860, that ren- der that year memorable in the histo- ry of the county were the erection and completion of the first public improve- ments in the county, consisting of the first court house at Highland City— ' the name for a short time given to the first county seat— and of the first 192 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. bridge over the west branch of the Des Moines river, a short distance northeast of the public building. Tor the preparation of the materials to be used in the construction of these public improvements, a brickyard was established at Highland City for the manufacture of brick, and a sawmill was located in the timber for the pur- pose of sawing the lumber. The op- portunity of obtaining profitable em- ployment was afforded many of the settlers when these various enterprises were all in successful operation and the hum of business Interrupting the solemn stillness of the wilderness was delightful music to every ear. Late in the fall of that year (Dec. 9, 1860) the court house and bridge were completed and both of them were sources of great convenience to the people living in that section of the county. For nearly two years the public records of their respective of- fices had been kept and the public business of the county transacted in the homes of David Slosson and W. H. Halt. The public records and busi- ness were now transferred to the new and comfortable quarters that had been provided for them. The occu- pancy of the new building was in a measure coincident with the election of the first board of county supervis- ors, in the fall of 1860. Another public improvement that remains at Old Eolf e a reminder of the same eventful year, is the brick school house, located near to and just west of the court house. The contract for this building was let July 21, 1860, to W. H. Halt and Eobert Struthers for $4,850. The brick were burned in the immediate vicinity and the lum- ber was sawed at the steam sawmill of W. H. Halt, purchased from John M. Stockdale. It was completed and ac- cepted March 9, 1861. This was the first school house built in the county, and as a building it is still in good condition for use. FIRST PUBLIC EOADS. August 6, 1S60, in response to a pe- tition signed by a number of the citi- zens of the county and presented to John A. James, County Judge, Ed- ward Hammond was appointed a com- missioner to view and locate a county road from the best point on section 4, Des Moines township, and passing southeast by the newly located county seat, extend to the line of section 7, 92-30, now Avery township, Humboldt county. This road when located, was surveyed by Eobert Struthers and Ed- ward Hammond and, on May 6, 1861, was established by the Board of County Supervisors. On the same day, August 6, 1860, in response to a petition signed by thir- teen citizens of Lizard precinct, Pat- rick Forey was appointed a commis- sioner to locate a county road, for the accommodation of the settlers along the Des Moines river and vicinity, ex- tending from the northeast corner of the SEi Sec. 36, 93-31 (Des Moines township) southward by the best route to the southeast corner of Sec. 36, 90- 31 (Lizard township.) After the com- pletion of the Des Moines river bridge the proposed route of this highway was changed so that on May 7, 1861, when it was established by the Board of County Supervisors, it extended from the riyer bridge southward to Sec. 2, Lizard township, where it crossed Lizard creek on the line be- tween sections 1 and 2, thence south and east on the west and south lines of section 1. John A. James was ap- pointed to view the route as thus amended, and the survey of it was made iyy H. Morrison, of Fort Dodge, assisted by Orlando Slosson and Hiram Evans as chain carriers. These were the first public highways located in the county. The third public road was not lo- cated until January 6, 1863, when Pat- rick Collins was appointed a commis- siofter to view and locate a road for THE OEGANIZATION 01' THE COUNTY. 193 which Patrick McCabe and others had filed a petition, requesting that it ex- tend from the corner stake of the east line of Sec. 24, 90-31, (Lizard town- ship) by the most suitable route north- westerly to the quarter stake at the west line of section 13, near the house of Michael Walsh, and thence north- westerly to the Buena Vista county line at the southwest corner of Sec. 6, 92-34, (Marshall township). This di- agonal road was on the direct line from Fort Dodge to Sioux Bapids, then the county seat of Buena Vista county. It passed from the northeast part of Lizard township through Lin- coln and Grant to the northwest cor- ner of Marshall township. rmsT Divisiosr of the county— liz- ard AND CLINTON TOWNSHIPS GKGANIZED. When the county was organized in March, 1859, it formed one town- ship with two voting precincts. Des Moines precinct included the four townships in the northeast part of the county and Lizard precinct the four townships in the southeast part of it. On September 15, 1860, in response to a petition signed by a large num- ber of the legal voters of the county and presented to John A. James, County Judge, a third election pre- cinct (Clinton) was established, em- bracing all of townships 91 (Lake) and 92, (CUnton) and the south half of the south tier of sections of township 93 (Des Moines,) all of range 31. The house of Edward Hammond was designated as the polling place where at the time of the next annual elec- tion they should elect one county su- pervisor, township clerk, assessor, three trustees, two justices of the peace, two constables and one road su- pervisor,' all of whom were elected November 6, 1860. Clinton township was thus established by the order of Judge John A. James, of date Sep- tember 15, 1860. In the records of the County Judge of September 15, 1860, no mention is made of Lizard voting precinct being accorded the full rights and privileges of a township, but as a matter of fact what Clinton did Lizard did also; and at the general election of November 6, 1860, Lizard precinct elected one coun- ty supervisor, Michael Collins, who was at the same time elected township clerk for Lizard township and so qual- ified before John A. James, County Judge, January 1, 1861. John Calligan, Charles Kelley and Patrick Collins were elected trustees and John Quin- lan assessor, all for Lizard township. Other township officers were elected but their names have not been pre- served. This exercise of the rights and privileges of a township indicate that Lizard township was established September 15, I860.* DES MOINES, LIZARD AND CLINTON TOWNSHIPS RE- ARRANGED. On May 7, 1861, Des Moines and Clinton townships being still included in the same school district, the county was divided by the Board of Super- visors into two districts by a line run- ning east and west that should divide equally the entered land, for school purposes. At their next meeting, on June 4th following, this action was declared null and void. *These particulars have been given quite fully at this place because of the difficulty experienced in ascertaining the date_ when Lizard township was established. Those who have gone over this ground before, meeting with the same difficulty, have either re- frained from designating the date when that township was established, or have given as the date of the es- tablishment of both Lizard and Clin- ton townships, June 4, 1861. Prom the facts narrated above, it will be perceived that this date is nearly one year too late; that Lizard township, which was made a voting precinct of Des Moines township in March, 1859, when the county was organized, and Clinton also were both fully estab- lished in the enjoyment of all the rights and privileges of a township, from September 15, I860.— E. B. P. 194 PIONBEE HISTORY Or POCAHONTAS eOUN^Y, lOWA. On J une 4, 1861, the Board of Super- visors decided to re-arrange the three existing divisions of the county into three "townships, districts or election precincts. " Under this new arrange- ment Des Moines township embraced the entire north half of the county the south tier of townships (Lizard; Bellvllle, Colfax and Cedar), the south half of 91-33 (Grant), and south half of 91-34 (Dover). These changes left the county in the shape indicated by the accompanying cut. On December 1, 1862, another change DES M I N E S o M !2j O - LIZ A E D 90 34 33 32 31 Pocahontas eounty, June 4, 1861. and the north half of township 91-34 (Dover), except township 92-31 and the south tier of sections in township 93-31 (Des Moines). Clinton township was composed of townships 92-31 (Clinton), 91-31 (Lake), 91-32 (Lincoln), north half of 91-33 (Grant), and the south tier of sections of 93-31 (Des Moines). Lizard township embraced was made in the boundaries of the townships by the Board of Supervisors. Lizard township was given the south tier of townships (Lizard, Bellville, Colfax and Cedar), the south half of 91-33 (Grant) and south half of 91-34 (Dover) as before, and in addition thereto the south tier of sections of townships 91-31 (Lake) and 91-32 (Lin- TSE ORGAisri^ATIOl^ OV THE COUl^Tf . 195 coin). Clinton township was arranged so as to include all of township 92^31 (Clinton), the north five tiers of sec- tions of townships 91-31 and 91-32 {Lake and Lincoln), and the north half of townships 91-33 and 91-34 (Grant and Dover), the south tier of sections of 93-31 (Des Moines) and the south half of township 92-34 (Mar- shall). Des Moines township remained the same as before, except that the north half of township 91-34 (Dover), and south half of township 92-34. (Mar- shall), had been assigned to Clinton. THE KEMAINIKG TOWNSHIPS ESTAB- LISHED. On September 3, 1866, the township of Nunda was established, composed of township 93-32 (Powhatan), which was set off from Des Moines. Al- though the records do not , show it, this township originally embraced al- so the two townships west of it now called Washington and Swan Lake; later the south half of Swan Lake was annexed to Des Moines. April 20, 1867, the name of this township was changed from "Nunda" to "Powha- tan." In June, 1874, the name was again changed from Powhatan to "Jackson;" and on January 8, 1878, it was finally changed from "Jackson" to "Powhatan." On June 2, 1868, the south tier of sections in township 93-31 (Des Moines) was taken from" Clinton and annexed to Des Moines. On June 6, 1870, several new town- ships were established that materially affected the map of the county. Bell- ville township was established on this date, embracing township 90, range 32; Cedar was established, embracing township 90, range 34, and Grant town- ship, embracing township 91, range 33. A petition was also presented asking for the establishment of Colfax town- ship, (90-33); for some reason this pe- tition was not granted, and on the 6th of September following, it was sepa- rated frcm Lizard and annexed to Cedar township. In the meantime townships 91-31 (Lake), and 91-32 (Lincoln), had been taken from Clin- ton and attached to Lizard, thus leav- ing Clinton to embrace township 92, range 31, as at the present time. On September 6, 1870, Dover town- ship was established, embracing town- ship 91, range 34, that had previously formed a part of Lizard and Clinton townships, and on June 7, 1871, town- ship 92-34 (Marshall), was attached to Dover. On September 4, 1871, two new town- ships were established, Colfax and Swan Lake; the former embracing township 90, range 33, and the latter township 93, range 34. On June 4, 1872, township 91, range 32 was established under the name of Carter township, but on July 8, 1873, the name "Carter" was changed to "Lincoln." September 7, 1872, Center township, (92-32) was established. September 5, 1876, Washington town- ship was established, embracing town- ships 93-33 and 92-33, (WashingtOH and Sherman.) June 5, 1877, township 91-31 (Lake), was established under the name of Burke township, and on September 3d following, the name "Burke" was changed to "Lake." April 5, 1880, Sherman township was established, embracing township 92, range 33. Junes, 1882, township 92-34 (Mar- shall), was established , as Laurens township, but on September 2> 1884, the name "Laurens" was changed to "Marshall." This was the la,st town- ship organized and since the change of its name to Marshall, no similar changes have occurred. It may be observed that the civil townships, as at present organized, are identical in their boundaries with the congression- al townships; and from the establish- ment of Des Moines township in 1859, the period of their organization, in- 196 PIONEEE HISTOEY O^ POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWi.. eluding the last change noted, em- braced just a quarter of a century. COUNTY SEAT EE-lOCATED. At the general election held Oct. 12, 1875, a proposition to re-locate or re- move the county seat from (Old) Rolfe to Pocahontas Center, was submitted to a vote of the people with the _re- sult that 356 votes were cast in favor of this proposition and only 57 against It. In view of this approving vote of the people the Board of Supervisors ordered the change of county seat on October 18th following; and the pub- lic offices and- records were transferred from (Old) Eolfe to Pocahontas, Octo- ber 1, 1876. OBIGINAL ORDBK FOR THE ORGANIZA- TION OE POCAHONTlS COUNTY. The following order of Luther L. Pease, County Judge of Webster coun- ty, obtained after the foregoing part of this chapter had been printed, will be read with interest, since it furnish- es positive information in regard to the establishment of two voting pre- cincts at the time of the organization of the county —Lizard and Des Moines precincts— and the names of those who were appointed to serve as judges at this first election in each precinct. State of Iowa, } „„ "Webster County. \ ^^■ County Court, Fort Dodge, Feby. 19, 1859. On this day comes Guernsey Smith, of the county of Pocahontas, which is by law attached to the county of Web- ster for election purposes, and pre- sents the petition of Jphn A. James and twenty-six others, citizens and voters of Pocahontas county, and the said Smith makes oath that said petition contains the names of a ma- jority of the legal voters of said Po- cahontas county, and malces applica- tion for an order to hold an election for the purpose of organizing said Po- cahontas county. ^ It is ordained, by the County Court of Webster county, that an election be held in said Pocahontas county on the third Tuesday in March, (15) 1859, for the purpose of organizing said county, and for electing the following county officers, towit: A County Judge, Clerk of the District Court, Treasurer and Eecorder, Sheriff, Sur- veyor, Coroner and Drainage Commis- sioner; also the following township of- ficers, towit: Three township trustees, a township clerk, two justices of the peace, two constables, one assessor and a supervisor of roads for each district. It is further ordered that two elec- tion precincts be formed in said Poca- hontas county: Townships number 90 and 91, of ranges 31 and 32, shall constitute, be designated and known as Lizard precinct; and townships number 92 and 93, of ranges 31 and 32, shall be known and designated as Des Moines precinct. The election to organize said county shall be held in the Lizard precinct at the house of Charles Kelley; and Michael Collins, Patrick Forey and Charles Kelley shall be judges of said election at said place of voting. The place of voting in the Des Moines precinct shall be at the house of Henry Jarvis; and Samuel N. Har- ris, Perry Nowlen and Guernsey Smith shall be judges of election at said place of voting. And it is further ordered that Guernsey Smith be directed to post three notices of said election in each precinct in said county at least fifteen days before said third Tuesday in March, 1859, one of which notices in each precinct must be at the place of holding said election. The judges of said election are re- quired to make return of said election to the office of the County Judge of Webster county, on or before tlie seventh day after the holding of said election. The poll-books containing said returns are to be returned sealed, as the law directs. ■ Given under my hand and the seal of Webster county, the date first above written. Luther L. Pease, County Judge. Group of County Olficers and their Deputies,— lt98. Auditor and Board of County Supervisors, — 1898. THE COUNTY OFFICEES. 197 VIII. THE COUNTY OPPISERS. "We live in deeds, not years; In thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not In figures On a dial." COTTNTT JXfDGE. ^^^^<5|N March 15, 1859, l/liai^^^«2Jlp when the county was organized,- David Slosson was elected as the first County Judge, and six days later qualified for that oflHce before Luther L. Pease, County Judge of Webster county, at Fort "Dodge. He was not a candidate for re-election, and on January 3, 1860, he was suc- ceeded by John A. James who held the office until May 6, 1861, when he resigned and Isaac N. Belknap was ap- pointed by the newly organized Board of County Supervisors to fill the va- cancy. At the ensuing, general elec- tion of that year Perry Nowlen was elected and qualifying as his successor January. 1, 1862, served until. June 2d of, that year, when he resigned and Charles .C. Converse was appointed to fill the vacancy. The office was vest- ed in him from June 2, 1862, until October 19, 1863, when Fred E. Met- calf , who had been elected as his suc- cessor, qualified for a term of two, years. On January 1, 1866, he was succeeded by Samuel N. Harris, who in the fall of 1867 was re-elected and held the office until January 4, 1869, when he resigned and William D. Mc- Ewen became his successor. The lat- ter thus became the last of the County .Judges and ex officio the first County Auditor. In 1861, when the Board of County Supervisors was organized, the office of the County Judge became a com- paratively unimportant one; the gen- eral authority previously vested in him was transferred to the Board and there was left for him only some mat- ters pertaining to the probate court, the settlement of estates, the adminis- tration of oaths and the performance of an occasional marriage ceremony. The office of County Judge, however, continued in existence until the year 1869, when, in accordance with a law enacted the previous year, it was abol- ished and its incumbent made ex officio County Auditor, an office that was created at that same time. The cir- cuit court, though it was afterward abolished, came into existence that same year, 1869. On January 5, 1861, John A. James, County Judge, issued a warrant of $100 to Edward Hammond for grading the court house yard, and seven oth- ers aniounting to $2500 to John M. Stockdale, on a contract for the erec- tion of a bridge. Af tef the date on which these war- rants were issued there are no further records of the proceedings of the County Judge, until April 13, 1865, a 198 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. period of more thanJour years, when Frederick A. Metcalf , as Judge of the County Court, issued a marriage li- cense to Samuel A. Booth and Angle C. Keeney, with both of whom he states he was "personally acquainted and knew them to be of competent age and condition. " JHe received $1.00 for the license issued. On May 2d fol- lowing, he issued a similar license to Orlando Slosson and Loretta L. CofHn. The next and also the last recorded proceedings of the County Judge are of date Novfimber 25, 1868, when Samuel N. Harris served as the presiding member of the court before which was heard the first election contest in the county. This contest was insti- tuted by Philip Russell, as member elect from the Lizard district, for the office of county supervisor against James J. Bruce, the previous incum- bent. The other members of this court were W. S. Fegles, chosen by the contestant, and Patrick Eorey, chosen by the incumbent. From the judgment rendered in this case it seems the contestant received a ma- jority of the votes cast at the previ- ous election, but the bond presented was deemed insufficient, and the case was decided in favor of the previous incumbent. There are only two other recorded proceedings of the County Judge, not already referred to in this and the preceding chapter that are worthy of mention, and they are as follows: Sept. 16, 1860, John A. James issued to William E. Clark, the original con- tractor for the erection of the court house, a warrant of $1800.00 for sink- ing a well; and on Sept. 26th following he issued a warrant of $163.00 to A. S. White for printing the first delin- quent tax list of the county. According to the records the first session of the county court was held May 25, 1859, when the claim of $285.00 was presented by Mills & Co. for pre- paring the first county records; and the first warrant of $100.00 was issued to Geo. S. Ringland and John W. Bra- dy on the contract for the special sur- vey of the swamp lands of the county, which contract, it is stated on Nov. 8 following, had been concluded in the month of March, previous. Eight persons held the office of County Judge during the period 1859 to 1869, but only four of them performed any acts that were made matters of record; namely, David Slosson, John A. James, Frederick E. Metcalf and Samuel N. Harris. THE BOARD OF COUNTY SUPEEVISOES. On March 22, 1860, an act of the General Assembly of Iowa was ap- proved that created the Board of County Supervisors. This act pro- vided that the Board of Supervisors in each county should consist of three persons, but on the petition of one- fourth of the qualified voters of the county, the Board might provide that their number be increased to five or even seven members. Members of the Board were to be elected for a term of two years (in 1871 the term was increased to three years) save that those elected at the first election should draw cuts for their terms of one, and two years respect- ively, so that at least one member of the Board should be elected each year. This act with subsequent amend- ments, now provides that the mem- bers of this Board shall meet regular- ly at their respective county seats on the first Mondays in January, April, June, September and the first Mon- day after the general election in each year. To the Board of County Supervisors thus established there has been en- trusted the general management of the business affairs of the county such as the examination and approval of all claims or expenditures from the pub- lic funds, the establishment of high- ways, erection of bridges, care of all public buildings and grounds, the THE COUNTY OFFICERS. 199 levying of taxes and management of the county road, school, poor, and spe- cial bounty funds, power to- establish, organize and change the boundaries of townships and to constitute a board of county canvassers after all elections that may be held. The first members of the Board of Supervisors for Pocahontas county were elected in the fall of 1860, and held their first meeting in the new court house at Old Eolf e, January 7, 1861. The members of the Board were Ora Harvey, of Clinton township; David Slosson, of Des Moines, and Michael Collins, of Lizard. The Board organized by the selection of Ora Harvey, chairman; and the appoint- ment of W. H. Hait, the county Treas- urer and Eecorder, their clerk pro few. They then proceeded to ballot for their respective terms of ofBce, with the result that Ora Harvey was as- signed the term of two years and each of the other two members a term of one year. Inasmuch as there was no further business to transact at this their first meeting, the Board ad- journed until the first Monday in Feb- ruary following. On February 4, 1861, when the sec- ond meeting of the Board was held, there were present only two members of the Board— Messrs. Ora Harvey and David Slosson— and W. H. Hait, clerk pro tern. The Tesignations of the fol- lowing ofQcers were presented and ac- cepted, namely: David Slosson as County Supervisor of Des Moines town- ship, John A. James as County Judge, and Samuel N. Harris as Clerk of the District Court. The Board then ad- journed until the first Monday in May following. On May 6, 1861, when the Board held its third session, there were present Ora Harvey and Michael Collins, members of the Board; and Perry Nowlen, who was appointed su- pervisor for Des Moines township in place of David Slosson who had re- Signed, and he immediately qualified. Augustus H. Malcolm was appointed Clerk of the District Court and also of the Board of Supervisors until his suc- cessor should be elected and qualified. Isaac N. Belknap was appointed County Judge to fill the unexpired term of John A. James, who had re- signed. William H. Hait was appointed to fill the oflBce of County Superintend- ent of common schools until his suc- cessor should be elected and qualified. It was decided to allow the clerk of the Board of Supervisors $2.50 a day for his services and to allow the same compensation to all township oflBcers whose fees were not prescribed by law. The county was divided into two school districts and the teachers' fund in the hands of the County Treasurer was apportioned to the districts ac- cording to the number of children in each district. The first two roads,, already named, were established and the Clerk of the District Court was authorized to take counsel concerning the legality of cer- tain bridge contracts made by John M. Stockdale and the County Judge of Pocahontas county during the previ- ous year. Appropriations were made for the purchase of a "desk for each of the township clerKs also a desk and book- case for the use of the Board of Su- pervisors. ' ' The claims of a number of town- ship officers were allowed, among which we note $15.20 paid to Charles Kelley, of Lizard for clerk's fees, house rent and mileage during the previous year; $2.00 to Perry Nowlen for one wolf scalp, and $22.00 to Ed- ward Hammond for wood for the court house during the previous win- ter. During the first six years, 1861 to 1866, tihe Board consisted of only three members, one from each of the three townships then organized in the coun- ty. During the next five years, 1867 200 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. to 1811, it consisted of four members, Powhatan township, organized In 1866, having been accorded a representa- tive on the Board. In 1810 several new townships were organized and the propriety of Increasing the mem- bership of the Board was submitted to a vote of the people. A large major- ity were in favor of this measure, and before the general election of the ,en- suing year the county was aTranged into five supervisor districts and from January 1, 1812, until the present time the Board has consisted of five members, one from each district. The Supervisor Districts are now arranged as follows: 1st— Des Moines, Clinton and Pow- hatan townships. 2d— Swan Lake, "Washington and Marshall townships. 3d— Cedar, Dover and Colfax town- ships. 4th— Lizard, Bellville and Lake townships. 5th— Center, Sherman, Grant and Lincoln townships. The present division of the county into supervisor districts is certainly an ideal one. Each of the four corner townships of the county is the central one of the three townships compris- ing their respective districts, which are numbered one, two, three and four respectively, commencing at the northeast corner and ending at the southeast corner of the county; and the fifth district is composed of the four central townships of the county. That which gives ideality or unique- ness to these districts is the fact that the county seat is central to all of them and then the largest town or postofflce in each district, where the triennial nominating conventions are naturally held, is located near the center of it, namely, Rolfe in the first, Laurens in the second, Eonda in the third, Lizard postofflce in the fourth and ]?ocahontas in the fifth. It is doubtful if these ideal conditions can be duplicated by any county in the state. SUCCESSION or SUPBBVISOKS. The first one named each year was chairman that year; the township in which he lived is also indicated. Board, three members; term, two years. 1861. Ora Harvey, Clinton; David Slosson, (resigned). Perry Nowlen (appointed May 6, 1861), Des Moines; and Michael Collins, Lizard. 1862. Ora Harvey, Clinton; Da^il Slosson, Des Moines; and Patrick McCabe, Lizard. 1863. Ora Harvey, Clinton; David Slosson, Des Moines; and Patrick McCabe, Lizard. 1864. Ora Harvey, Clinton; David Slosson, Des Moines; and Patrick McCabe, Lizard. 1865. Ora Harvey, Clinton; David Slosson, Des Moines; and Patrick McCabe, Lizard. 1866. Ora Harvey, Clinton; David Slosson, Des Moines; Philip Russell, Lizard. Board increased to four members. 1861. Ora Harvey, Clinton; David Slosson, Des Moines; Philip Russell, Lizard; Henry Thomas, Powhatan. 1868. Ora Harvey, Chnton; David J. Bishop, Des Moines; James J. Bruce, ' Lizard; and Henry Thomas, Pow- hatan. 1869. James J. Bruce, Lizard; David J. Bishop, Des Moines; A. H. Mal- colm, Clinton; and Ira Strong, Pow- hatan. 1810. A. H. Malcolm, Clinton; David "Slosson, Des Moines; David Miller, Lizard; and Ira Strongj Powhataii 1811. M. A. Moore, Lizard; Dai Slosson, (resigned), John Heald (l^ pointed April 3, 1811), Des Mcinesi and John A. Hay, Cedar. - Board, flue members; term^ three years. 1812. John A. Hay, Cedar; R. B. Fish, Des Moines; Andrew Jackson, Pow- hatan; Walter Eord, Lizard; and A. THE COURT HOUSE AT POCAHONTAS, ERECTED IN 1876. THE COUNTY ASYLUM AND POOR HOUSE GRANT TOWNSHIP. OLD ROLFE AND VICINITY. THE FIRST COUNTY SEAT, 1859 TO 1876 OES MOINES TOWNSHIP. PILOT CREEK AND DES MOINES RIVER VALLEYS. SCENE OF INDIAN BATTLE, FROM THE SOUTH, A KNOLL ON SEC. 12, CLINTON TOWNSHIP. THE COUNTY OrFICERS. 201 W. Bake, Grant. 1873. -Romeyn B. Fisli, Des Moines; Andrew Jacison, Powhatan; Kay C. ;_ Brownell, Colfax; -Walter FordJ Liz- ard; and A. W. Rake, Grants 1874. Walter Ford, Lizard; David ,,glosson, Des Moines; Andrew Jack- . son, Powhatan; Bernard McCartan, Cedar; and iRay C. Brownell, Colfax. 1875. Bernard McCartan, Cedar; Dav- id Slosson, Des Moines; J. C. Strong, Washington; Kay C. Brownell, Col- fax; William Stenson, Lizard. 1876. J. C. Strong, Washington; David ■ '^losson, Des Moines; , Bernard Mc- , -Cartan, Ceda,r; William Brownlee, ,'v, Bellville; and William Stenson, Liz- ard. ,. ],«77. William Brownlee, Bellville; David Slosson, Des Moines; J. C. Strong, Washington; Harvey W. Hay, Cedar; William Stenson, Liz- ard. 1878. Harvey W. Hay, Cedar; David Old RoiiFB and Vicinity. This view is talsen from a point a little east of south, and one^half mile distant. The highv^ay shown runs fibrth and south through the'center of section 26, Des Moines township, and through W. H. Halt's farm. The old court house site is oh the crest of the hill to the left of the road. The grove on the west side of the road sur- rounds the home of Mr. Hait, his barn and pasture appear on the east side of the road. The house and barn, that' appear southwest of the couTt house site, be- longed to the farm of William Mat- .son, now owned by; R. B. Fish, of . Eolfe. North of this and through the Open grove can be seen the Old Kolf e brick school house, and west of that, .pear the left, edge of the picture, is ; the home so long occupied by Wm. ^iarvis, and now owned by W. Wood- .jmff, of i Marshalltawn. The timber .^Ibat appears, on the horizon near the . right. hand edge, is on the Des Moines river south of the farm of Wm. >;Struthers. Of Old Kolfe it may be said: ■ "Sweet smelling village "."Loveliest of the lawn, , Thy sports are fled. And all thy charms withdrawn." Slosson, Des Moines; J. C. Strong, Washington; William Brownlee, Bellville; Carl Steinbrink, Lizard. 1879. J. C. Strong, Washington; Dav- id Slosson, Des Moines; Harvey W. Hay, Cedar; Wm, . Brownlee, Bell- ville, Carl Steinbrink, Lizard. 1880. Carl Steinbrink, Lizard; James J. Bruce, Clinton; J. C. Strong, Washington; William Bott, Cedar; Wm. Brownlee, Bellville. 1881. William Bott, Cedar; J. J. Bruce, Clinton; J. C. Strong, WasH- ing>ton; William Brownlee, Bell- ville; Carl Steinbrink, Lizard. 1882. James J. Bruce, Clinton; J. C. Strong, Washington; Wm. Bott, Ce- dar; Wm. Brownlee, Bellville;. Carl Steinbrink, Lizard. 1883. J. C. Strong, Washington; J. J. Bruce, Clinton; James Mercer, Cedar; Wm. .Brownlee, Bellville; Carl Stein- brink, Lizard. 1884. James Mercer, Cedar; J. J. Bruce, Clinton; Charles G. Perkins, Colfax, (by appointment, Jan. 7, 1884, in place of Wm. Brownlee, the Treasurer elect, resigned); T. J. Cal- ligan, Lizard; J. W. O'Brien, Sher- man. 1885. James Mercer, Cedar; J. J. Bruce, Clinton; Swan Nelson, Bell- ville; T. J. Calligan, Lizard; J. W. *0'Brien, Sherman. 1886. T. J. Calligan, Lizard; Alexan- der McEwen, Powhatan; Wm. Bott, Cedar; Swan Nelson, Bellville; J. W. O'Brien, Sherman. 1887. Wm. Bott, Cedar; .Alexander McEwen, Powhatan; L. D. Beards- ley, Swan Lake; Swan Nelson, Bell- ville; M. T. Collins, Lizard. 1888. Alexander McEwen, Powhatan; L. D. Beardsley, B^wan Lake; Wm. Bott, Cedar; Swan Nelson, Bell- ville; M. T. Collins, Lizard. 1889. L. D. Beardsley, Swan Lake; Alexander McEwen, Powhatan; Wm. Fitzgerald, Dover; Swan Nelson, Bellville; M. T. Collins, Lizard. 1890. Alexander McEwen, Powhatan; 202 PIONEEB HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. L. D. rieardsley, Swan Lake; Wm. Fitzgerald, Dover; Swan Nelson, Bellvllle; M. T. Collins, Lizard. 1891. Alexander McEwen, Powhatan; J. L. Hopkins, Swan Lake; Wm. Fitzgerald, Dover; Alexander Peter- son, Colfax; M. T. Collins, Lizard. 1892. J. L. Hopkins, Swan Lake; Al- exander McEwen, Powhatan; Frank A. Thompson, Dover; Alexander Pe- terson, Colfax; M. T. Collins, Lizard. 1893. Alexander McEwen, Powhatan; F. A. Thompson, Dover; Alexander Peterson, Colfax; Terrence Doyle, Lincoln; Samuel Powell, Center. 1894. Alexander McEwen, Powhatan; F. A. Thompson, Dover; Alexander Peterson, Colfax; Terrence Doyle, Lincoln; Samuel Powell, Canter. 1895. J. J. Bruce, Clinton; M. A: Ho- gan, Dover; Alexander Peterson, Colfax; Terrence Doyle, Lincoln; Samuel Powell, Center. 1896. J. J. Bruce, Clinton; M. A. Ho- gan, Dover; Alexander Peterson, Col- fax; Terrence Doyle, Lincoln; Louie E. Lange, Swan Lake. 1897. J. J. Bruce, Clinton; M. A. Ho- gan, Dover; Alexander Peterson, Colfax; Terrence Doyle, Lincoln; C. B. Elsen, Lake. 1898. Terrence Doyle, Lincoln; Claus Johnson, Des Moines; A. H. Richey, Marshall; M. A. Hogan, Dover; C. B. Elsen, Lake. 1899. Terrence Doyle, Lincoln; Claus Johnson, Des Moines; A. H. Richey, Marshall; M. A. Hogan, Dovfer; C. B. Elsen, Lake. COUNTY AUDITORS. In 1869 the office of county auditor was created by the same law that abolished the office of county jijdge, and William D. McEwen, on Jan. ,4th, that year, by appointment of the board of supervisors, became the first Auditor of Pocahontas county. At the general election in the fall of 1869, he was elected to that office and, be- ing re-elected two years later, held it until Jahuary, 1, 1874, a period of Ave years. Abram O. Garlock, elected in the fall of 1873, and three times thereafter re-elected, became his successor and held that office until January 1, 1882, a period of eight years. He was suc- ceeded by C. H. ToUefsrude, who served two terms, or a period of four years— 1882 to 1885. The next incum- bent was T. F. McCartan, who was twice re-elected, his third term being one of three years. By the act of the General Assembly of Iowa, approved April 5, 1890,* for the purpose of hav- ing the election of the county Auditor and Treasurer come on alternate years, an additional year was added to his third term, making his period of service seven years— 1886 to 1892. F. G. Thornton, his successor, served two terms, or four years— 1893 to 1896. I. C. Thatcher, the present incumbent, is now serving his second term. All of the gentlemen who have held this office, with the single exception of A. O. Garlock, (Des Moines) are still residents of this county. It is the duty of the Auditor to re- cord all the proceedings of the board of supervisors in books printed for that p:iirpose; to sign all orders issued by the board for the payment of money; to preserve and file all ac- counts acted upon by the board and perform such other special duties as are or may be required of him by law. The County Auditor has also the gen- eral custody of the court house, sub- ject to the direction of the board of supervisors. CLERKS OF THE COURT. The office of Clerk of the Court was first filled by appointment. In March, »The law as amended April 6, 1890, provides that there shall be elected In each county at the general election In each even -numbered year, a Clerk of the District Court, a Recorder of Deeds, an Auditor and a County Attorney ; and In each odd- numbered year, a Treasurer, aSberifl', aCoroner, a County Superintend- ent and a Surveyor, all of whom sbail hold office for the term of two years. THE COUNTY OFFICERS. 203 1859, A. H. Malcolm was elected to the oflBce, but as he did not qualify, the County Judge, on May 1st, 1859, filled the vacancy by the appointment of S. N. Harris. In the fall of that year he was elected for the term of one year, and in the fall of 1860 he was re-elected, but resigned the ofBce on February 4th, 1861. On May 4th following, A. H. Maloolm was ap- pointed his successor but served only until September 2d following, when he was succeeded by Edward Hammond, also by appointment. In October fol- lowing, Philip Russell was elected for a term of one year and, at the next election in 1862, was re-elected for a term of two years, making his period of service three years— 1862 to 1864. W. H. Halt, who had been elected his successor, on Jan. 3, 1865, appointed Mr. Russell his deputy and left him in charge of the office, and resigning the office on March 20th following, the board of supervisors appointed Mr. Russell Clel-k of the Court for the re- mainder of that year. In October, 1865, A. H. Malcolm was elected for the remaining year of that term and served during 1866. W. D. McEwen, as his successor, was elected for a term of two years and, being twice re- elected, served as Clerk or the Court six years— 1867 to 1872. The next incumbent was M. E. Owen, who held the office two years— 1873 and 1874. "He became involved in financial troubles and just before the expiration of his term fled the country, taking with him about $1000 of the public funds belonging to his office. He was indicted by the grand jury and the board of supervisors of- fered a reward of $200 for his arrest and delivery, but he was never appre- hended." In the fall of 1874, J. W. Wallace was elected Clerk of the Court and was re-elected five times, making his term of service twelve years— 1875 to 1886. Whilst several others rendered public service to the county in differ- ent offices for a longer series of years, this is the longest period of consecu- tive service in the same office rendered by any of the public servants of Poca- hontas county.* On January 1, 1887, W. C. Ralston, Esq., became his successor and, being re-elected three times, served eight years— 1887 to 1894. On January 1, 1895, Frank H. Plumb, the present in- cumbent, became his successor and he is now serving his third term. The clerk of the district court was by virtue of his office clerk also of the circuit court and it is his duty to keep a correct record of the proceedings of the court. COUNTY TKEASUKEBS. During the first six years after the organization of the county, or until January 1, 1865, the offices of county treasurer and county recorder were united under the name of "treasurer and recorder." W. H. Halt was the first one to fill the double office. He was elected March 15, 1859, and being re-elected for a full term at the general election ih Octobeir following, held these two offices during the first three years of the county's history, 1859 to 1861. On Jan. 1, 1862, Michael Collins be- came his successor in the double office and in 1863 was re-elected to the same offices for a second term. In the spring of 1864, an act of the General Assembly of Iowa was approved that divided these two offices and provided that the "treasurer and recorder" should hold the office of treasurer only, after that year. By reason of this act of the legislature, Michael Collins held'the double office of treas- urer and recorder only three yearSj 1862 to 1864, while he served as treas- •W. D. McEwcn held the office ol Countjr Trcasurar the same numbsr of ytars, aiid (luring the lanae period of tinie, except thdt the period of continvoQ* serrlce was brolt^n by anlDt'erval of two'f^ars between the fifth aDd sixth tenns-1884 and 1385, 204 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. urer four years, 1862 to 1865. urer and, being re-elected five times— On Jan. 1, 1866, W. H. Halt again in 1875, 1877, 1879, 1881 and 1885— held succeeded to the office of county treas- the offlce for a period of twelve years, urer and, being re-elected the ensuing 1874 to 1883, and 1886 to 1887— a period year, served two terms or four years, unbroken except by the two years in- Palo Alto County. SWAN LAKfi. •Laurens MARSHAIiL. °Lil)y DOVEB. CEDAR. •Fonda. I •Plover. WASHINGTON. POWHATAN. • H avelock. SHERMAN. County Farm and Asylum GRANT. °RUBk.' COLFAX. CENTEU. •Pocahontas. LINCOLN. BELLVILLE. DE8 MOINES. Old Roirt° . . IRolfe. CLINTON. GUmore City "Lizard. LIZARD. 90 34 81 33 Calhoun Coun 32 ty, POeaHONTflS e©CNTY, Showing the Townships, Towns, Postoffices and Supervisor Districts in 1898. SUPBHVISOE DiSTHiOTS— No. 1, Des Molnes, Clinton, Powhatan; No. 2, Swan Lake, Mar- shall, Washington; No. 3, Cedar, Dover, Colfax; No. 4, Lizard, BellviUe, Lake; No. 5, Center, Sherman, Grant, Lincoln. 1866 to 1869. He was succeeded by tervening between the fifth and sixth James J. Bruce who, being re-elected terms, 1884 and 1885, when he was not in 1871, served four years, 1870 to 1873. a candidate for re-election. William W. D.- McEwen then bepame Treas- Brownleeserved as Treasurer during THE COUNTY OFFICEES. -■■-■ Ht)5- the two years , 1884 and 1885. On Jan. 1, 1888, J. N. McClellan became Treas- urer and being twice re-elected, held the office during a period of six years, 1888 to 1893. On Jan. 1, 1894, he was succeeded by C. A. Charlton, who is now serving his third term. COUNTY BECOEDEKS. On January 1, 1865, the offices of treasurer and recorder having been separated the previous year, Itobert Struthers became County Recorder and served one term of two years, 1865 and 1866. During his first year he was invested with the duties of an of- fice to which Michael Collins, then serving as county treasurer, had been duly elected in the fall of 1863. On Jan. 1, 1867, E. C. Brown succeed- ed Robert Struthers and served one term of two years, 1867 and 1868. On Jan. 1, 1869, Thomas L. MacVey be- came the next incumbent and, being twice re-elected, held the office of re- corder for six years, 1869 to 1874. He. was succeeded by Andrew Jackson, who served one term of two years, 1875 and 1876. On Jan. 1, 1877, Oscar I. Strong be- came Recorder and performed the du- ties of the office until May 1, 1878, when on account of failing health, he appointed Jason H. Lowrey deputy re- corder and, placing him in charge of the office, made a trip east. On June 5th following, he resigned the office and the board of supervisors appoint- ed Jason H. Lowrey Recorder in his stead for the remainder of that year. On Jan. 6, 1879, Geo. Wallace, of Colfax township, entered upon the duties of this office, and two days later the board of supervisors approved the appointment of O. I. Strong as deputy recorder, Mr. Wallace held the office until the time of his decease, August 20, 1880, and the board of supervisors, at their session in September follow- ing, appointed C. A. Bryant recorder to fill the vacancy thus occurring, which Included the remaining months of that year. ' Michael Orahan was the next Re-, corder and he served during the two years, 1881 and 1882. A. L. Thornton was his successor, and being re-elected in 1884, he served from Jan. 1, 1883, until the time of his decease, May 13, 1885. Nine days later, or on May 22, 1885, the board of supervisors -appointed Miss May E. Thornton, his daughter (now Mrs. Port C. Barron) to fill the vacancy thus occurring, until the end of that year. At the ensuing election in the fall of 1885, she was elected Recorder- by^the people and served the remain- ing year of that term— 1886. Whilst other ladies have rendered very effi- cient service as deputies, this is the only Instance in which a lady has served as one of the public officers of this county previous to this date. W. F. Atkinson was the next in- cumbent and, being re-elected in 1888, he served a period of four years,. 1887 to 1890. He was succeeded by R. D. . Bollard who, being thrice re-elected, held the office a period of eight years, 1891 to 1898. On the first Monday in January, 1899, he was succeeded by Leonard B. Hanson, the present in- cumbent. It is the duty of the county re- corder to make and keep a record of all deeds, mortgages and other instru- ments in writing that may be deliv- ered to him for record. SHERIFFS OF THE COUNTY. The first Sheriff of Pocahontas county was Oscar Slosson, who was . elected March 15, 1859. On Jan. 1, I860, Henry Jarvis succeeded him and being re-elected in 1861, 1864 (for one year— an unexpired term) and in 1865, filled that office seven years, 1860 to 1863, and 1865 to 1867. For the term commencing Jan. 1, 1864, he was not a candidate, and Abiel Stickney, who had been elected, having resigned the office March 21, 1864, Edward Ham- mond, by appointment of the board of 206 PIONEER HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. supervisors on that date, performed the duties of that ofHce until the end of that year. It Is of Interest to note that Abiel Stlckney was the one candidate in this county who was elected by the soldier vote. At the general election of Oct. 13, 1863, the home vote for the candidates for sheriff was as follows: John A. James, 16 votes; Abiel Stlck- ney, 14; and John A. James was de- clared elected by a majority of two votes. But one month later when the four soldier votes were canvassed and all of them were in favor of Stickney, they gave him a majority of two votes and he was then declared elected. On Jan. 1, 1868, Oscar Slosson be- came the successor of Henry Jar vis, and being re-elected in 1869, served four years, 1868 to 1871. At the gen- eral election held in the fall of 1867,' the contest for sheriff became a very spirited one and each of the candi- dates, Oscar Slosson and George Spragg, received 50 of the 100 votes polled in the county at that election. On drawing cuts the tie was decided in favor of Oscar Slosson. T. J. Curtis was the next incum- •♦ bent and he served two years, 1872 and 1873. Joseph Breitenbach in 1874 became his successor, and in 1875 he was re- elected. In 1877 he was again a can- didate for re-election, his opponent being T. L. Dean, and the vote was very close. The board of canvassers found Dean had received 269 votes and Breitenbach 266, and declared the former duly elected; but the latter contested the election and retained the ofBce until the time of his de- cease, Sept. 13, 1878. This election contest was first tried, Nov. 24, 1877, before a court consist- ing of William Brownlee, chairman of the board of supervisors, Judge ex officio; W. H. Halt and J. E. Pattee associate judges, appointed by the contestants respi'-ctively. Captain J. A. O. Yeoman, of Fort Dodge, ap- peared as attorney for the contestant, P. C. Hudson, of the same place, and J. A. Gould, of Pomeroy, for the in- cumbent. Two days were spent in receiving the testimony of witnesses and hearing the explanatory addresses of the attorneys. The court then by a majority of one, gave its decision in favor of Thomas L. Dean. The dis- senting judge, however, filed three reasons for his dissent, one of which was, that owing to the irregularities that had been proven the entire vote of Center township (27 votes) was il- legal and, not counting it, the con- testanfc'had a majority of 24 votes. The case was then appealed to the district court and before it was de- cided Mr. Breitenbach met with the runaway accident, one mile south of Pocahontas, that caused his death on the day following. Thomas L. Dean, who had qualified Jan. 6, 1877, by appointment of the board of supervisors served as Sheriff during the unexpired term, Oct. 1, 1878, to Dec. 31, 1879. He was suc- ceeded by Capt. Joseph Mallison who, being re-elected in 1881, held the of- fice four years, 1880 to 1883. J. F. Pattee was his successor and he being twice re-elected, in 1885 and 1887, held the ofiice six years, 1884 to 1889. John A. Crummer was the next incumbent and he was three times re-elected— in 1891, 1893 and 1895. He held the office eight years, 1890 to 1897. John Eatcliff, the present Sheriff, entered upon the duties of this office Jan. 3, 1898. The sheriff is the custodian of the jail.and of the prisoners confined in it. He and his deputies are conser- vators of the peace and in the effort to prevent crime, arrest criminals or ex- ecute the processes of the law they have the power, when . necessary, to summon others to their assistance. It is the duty of the Sheriff to attend all the sessions of the court, to execute THE COUNTY OFFICE BS. 207 all orders placed in his hands by the court, the public and peace officers of the county and to make due return of them. COUNTY SUPEBINTEN0ENTS. Perry Nowlen, of Des Moines town- ship, was the first one elected- to the office of Superintendent of Schools in Pocahontas county. It was at the second election of county officers, held Oct. 11, 1859, that he was felected but be did not qualify. On March 20, I860," the County Judge, John A. James, appointed Oscar F. Avery to fill the vacancy, and as its first incum- bent, he held this office from the date of his appointment until May 6, 1861, when he resigned. W. H. Halt was appointed as bis successor on that same date, by the board of county su- pervisors, and held the office of county superintendent until April 22, 1862, when he also resigned. Ora Harvey on that day was appointed to fill the vacancy and served as County Super- intendent during the remaining months of that year. On Jan. 7, ]863, Michael Collins was appointed Super- intendent of Schools by the Board of Supervisors and held the office during that year. Fred E. Metcalf, the next County Superintendent, was elected by the people and served one term of two years, 1864 and 1865. He was suc- ceeded by W. D. McEwen, who served one term, 1866 and 1867; James J. Bruce one term, 1868 and 1869; David Miller one term, 1870 and 1871; and Geo. W. Hathaway one term, 1872 and 1873. Oscar I. Strong was elected as the next incumbent and served from Jan. 1, 1874, to June 9, 1875, when lie re- signed on account of poor health and went to California. J. F. Clark on Oct. 12th, following, was elected to fill the vacancy thus occurring, and being re- elected the ensuing year, held the of- fice from the date of his appointment until the first Monday in January, 1878, a period of three and one-half years. David Miller, being re-elected, served the next term, 1878 and 1879; and he was succeeded by Oscar I. Strong, Who served his second term during the years 1880 and 1881. J. PJ Bobinson was the next incum- bent ^hd, being re-elected in 1883, served as County Superintendent four years, 1882 to 1885. J. H. Campbell was his successor and also served four years, 1886 to 1889. Fred- C. Gilchrist held the office during the next two years, 1890 and 1891; and del Gilchrist, his elder brother, during the next three terms, or six years, 1892 to 1897. Arthur W. Davis, the present incumbent, entered upon the duties of this office Jan. 3, 1898. It is the duty of the County Super- intendent to serve as the organ of communication between the Superin- tendent of Public Instruction and the school authorities of the district or township; to furnish the latter with all necessary blanks, circulars and other communications directed to them and to vigit each school in his county once isach year. It is also bis duty to provide , an opportunity for the examination' of teachers at the county seat on the last Saturday in each moiith and'to issue certificates to those who are competent to teach, good for a ' term " not exceeding one year; and to hold annually a normal institute for the instruction of teach- ers and those who may desire to leach. To defray the expenses of the Insti- tute he shall require the payment of a registration fee of one dollar from each person attending the institute and the same amount from every ap- plicant for a certificate. It Is also his duty on the first day of November each year to report to the superintend- ent of the Iowa College for the Blind (Vinton) the name and address of ev- ery blind person residing in the coun- 208 tlONEEE HISTOKY OJ^ tOCAHOHl^AS COUNTY, IOWA. ty, who may be of suitable age and capacity to be entitled to an educa- tion at that institution at the ex- pense ol tlie state; and to the superin- tendent of the Iowa School for the Deaf (Council Bluffs) the name of any deaf and dumb person between the ages of five and twenty-one years. COUNTY SUKVEYOES. At the first election held March 15, 1859, Guernsey Smith was elected as the first County Surveyor for the re-, maining riionths of that year. The records do not show that he qualified for this office, but only that, in part- nership with Geo. S. Ringland, he as- sisted in making the second special survey of the swamp lands of the county during that summer, under a special contract with Oscar Slosson, the County Judge. At the general election held in the fall of 1859, Robert Struthers was elected County Surveyor and seems to have been the first to qualify for that office. He was re-elected in 1863 and resigned Nov. 11, 1864. No one was appointed to fill the vacancy, and in the fall of 1865 he was again re-elected, and qualified. He was the only in- cumbent of the office during the ten years from Jan. 1, 1860, to Jan. 1, 1870. Geo. W. Strong was elected as his successor and lield the office from Jan. 1, 1870, to April 3, 1871, when he re- signed and Oscar I. Strong, his cousin, was appointed to fill the vacancy during the remaining months of that year. Geo. Van Natta was elected as his successor and served as County Surveyor from Jan. 1, 1872, to June 3, 1873, when he resigned and William Marshall the next day was appointed to fill the vacancy during the remain- ing months of that year. In the fall of that year William Marshall was elected for the ensuing term and be- ing re-elected in 1875, 1877, 1879 and 1881, held the office froih the time of his appointment, June 4, 1873,' until Jan. 4, 1884, a period of ten and one- half years. On Jan. 6, 1874, when he qualified for his first full term, he had Oscar I. Strong appointed as his dep- uty, and the laAter, who was County Superintendent, had William Mar- shall appointed deputy Superintend- ent. Tbese were the first deputies in these two public offices. Lute C. Thornton served the, next term during the years 1884 and 1885, and after the lapse of two years, served another term during 1888 and 1889. John J. Cilllen served the in-_ tervening term, during 1886 and 1887. H. W. Bissell became the next County Surveyor and being re-elected, served four years, 1890 to 1893, when Fred A. Malcolm served two terms, 1894 to 1897, and H. W. Bissell, on Jan. 3, 1898, became his successor and is now serving his third term. It is the duty of the County Survey- or to make all surveys of land within the county that he may be called \tp- on to make, and his- surveys are pre- sumed to be correct. He is required to establish corners and mark them by stones firmly placed in the ground, or by mounds. All plats and records made by him must show aj-wliose per- sonal request they were made, the names of the chainmen and tbat they were approved and sworn by the sur- veyor, the date of tlie new survey and the variation of the magnetic from' the true meridian stated. COUNTY CORONERS. Tlie office of Cotmty Coroner is not very lucrative and for this reason nc body fights for it. It is the one', pub- lic office that is allowed to "seek the man" rather than the "man seek tlie ofHce. " Frequently those who have befen nominated and elected have not sufficiently appreciated the honor as to qualify for the performance of the duties pertaining to this office. At the first election for the organ- ization of the county, William Park was elected as the first coroner but it does not appear that he qualified. At THE COUNTY OFFICERS. 209 the general election in the fall of 1859, William Jarvis was elected and held the oflBce during the four years, I860 to 1863. Edward Hammond was elect- ed for two terms covering the four years, 1864 to 1867; but CLualified only for the first term. John H. Johnson was elected for the next term, 1868 and 1869. Joseph Clason served two terms, 1870 to 1873. J. M. Carroll, M. D., served the next term, 1874 and 1875; and he was succeeded by John H. Johnsonj who was re-elected for the years 1876 and 1877. J. C. Enfleld served two terms, 1878 and 1879, and 1882 and 1883; J. M. Brown serving the intervening term 1880 and 1881. M. F. Patterson, M. D., served during 1884 and 1885, J. M. Carroll, M. D., duringl886, W. W. Beam, M. D. during the next three years, 1887 to 1889. For the year 1890 this office " was con- ferred upon C. C. Delle, Esq., and for 1891 upon J. M. Carroll, M. D. O..A. Pease held it during 1892 and 1893; and Frank Reyburn the next four years, 1894 to 1897. C. B. Lawrence, the present incumbent, has held the office since Jan. 3, 1898. It is the duty of the coroner to per- form all the duties of the sheriff when there is no sheriff, and in all cases be- fore the court when it appears from the papers that the sheriff is a party to the action. It is his special duty to hold an in- quest or official inquiry as to the cause of death, upon the dead bodies of those persons who are supposed to have died by unlawful means. When there is no coroner, and in case of his. absence or inability to act, any justice of the peace of the same county is au- thorized to perform the duties of the coroner in relation to the dead. DRAINAGE COMMISSIONERS. In the early days there existed an unimportant office called "drainage commissioner." In the spring of 1872 the General Assembly of Iowa trans- ferred the duties of this office to the board of county supervisors and abol- ished the office after the end of that year. At the first election in the spring of 1859, James Edelman, and in the fall of that year, as- his successor, William Jarvis were elected drainage commis- sioners for this county. During the next ten years, or until the general election held' in the fall of 1869, no one was elected to this office. In October, 1869, W. S. Fegles was elect- ed to this office and two years later he was re-elected for a second term; but neither he nor his predecessors in this, office had any official duties to per- form. The duties of this officer related to., the location and construction of ditch- es or drains, br changes in the direc- tion of any watercourse, as a matter of public benefit, in response to peti- tions signed by a majority of persons residing in the county and owning the land adjacent to the proposed im- provement. COUNTY ATTORNEYS. The office of county attorney was created by an act of the General As- sembly of Iowa in the spring of 1886 and at the ensuing election William' G. Bradley was elected as the first County Attorney of Pocahontas coun- ty and he served one term of two years, 1887 and 1888. He was succeed- ed by Byron J. Allen and C. C. Delle, eachof whom served one term. Frank L. Dinsmore held the office four years, 1893 to 1896. William Hazlett, the the present Incumbent, entered upon the duties of this office Jan. 3, 1897, and is now serving his second term. The county attorney is elected In the even-numbered years and for a term of two years. It is his duty to appear for the state and county in all cases and proceedings in the courts of his county to which the state or county is a party. He is the legal ad- viser of the board of supervisors and other county officers in all matters in 210 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. which the state or county is interest- ed. His annual salary is fixed by the tioard of supervisors and he may not accept any fee or reward from or on behalf. of any one for services rendered if) any prosecution commenced in the name of the state or county, or for the conduct of any oflBcial business as the county attorney. DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. Previous to the establishment of the office of county attorney the func- tions and duties of that officer were performed by district attorneys, one of whom was elected in each judicial district for a term of fcur years. He appeared for the state and the several counties composing his district, in all matters in which the state or any county he represented was a party both in the district and circuit courts of bis district. In this county the following per- sons have rendered service as district attorneys: O. C. Howe, Dickinson Co., 18:9-1862 Henry Ford, Harrison county 1863-1866 Orson Rice, Dicldnson " 1867-1870 C.H.' Lewis, Cherokee " 1871-1874 G. B. McCarty , Palo Alto " 1875-1876 J. M. Toliver, Calhoun " 1877-1884 John W. Cory, Dickinson " 1885-1886 The office was then abolished. I. DISTRICT JUDGES. {4th District.) A. W. Hubbard, Woodb'ry Co. 1859-1862 Isaac Pendleton, " " 1863-1866 Henry Ford, Harrison " 1867-1874 C. H. Lewis, Cherokee " 1875-1886 (14th District, 1877, Jan. 1.) Edward R. Duffie, Sac " 1877-1884 LotThomas, Buena Vista " 1885-1898 F. H. Helsell,t " " 1898-date George H. Carr, Palo Alto Co. 1887-1894 W.B.Quarton,* Palo Alto " 1894-date II. CIRCUIT JUDGES. J. M. Snyder, Humboldt Co. .1869-1872 Addison Oliver, t Monona Co. 1873-1874 fAppolnted Aug. 16, 1898, la place of Lot Thomas, {resigned ; elected Nov. 8, 1898. •Appointed Oct. 13, 1894, to All vacancy; elected N,(>\, 0, 1894. tReslgned. J. R. Zouver, Harrison Co.... 1875-1870 Jno. N. Weaver, Kossuth'Co. .1877-1884 J. H. Macomber, Sac Co. : . . . .1885-1886 JUDICIAL DISTRICTS. On Feb. 20, 1852, which was soon after the establishment . of Pocahon- tas county, and before there were any settlements in it, this^cbtinty was as- signed to the 5th Judicistl district; on Jan. 22, 1853, it was attached to Boone county, and on Jan. 24, 1855, to Web- ster county for judicial purposes. After the adoption of the state con- stitution of 1857, the judicial districts in Iowa were re-arranged'hy an act of the General Assehibly of Iowa, ap- proved March 20; 1858, 'the change taking effect Jan. 1, 1859. At this date Pocahontas and tweuty-one other counties in Northwest lo'wa were in- cluded in the Fourth Judicial district and so remained until July 4, 1876, when by an act approved March 8th previous, the counties qf Kossuth, Humboldt, Emmet, Palo Alto, Poca- hontas, Calhoun, Dickinson, Clay, Buena Vista, Sac and Ida were de- tached to form the new Fourteenth district, but for the purpose of hold- ing court remained connected with the former district until Jan. 1, 1877. On Jan. 1, 1887, when the circuit court was abolished and the judicial districts were re-arrijnged, Pocahon- tas county remained as a part of the Fourteenth district together with Buena Vista, Palo Alto, Clay, Dick- inson, Emmet, Humboldt and Kos- suth counties. For the district and circuit courts the judicial districts were the same. The judges in both courts were elected for a term of four years. The Circuit court, established Jan. 1, 1866, bad general original jurisdic- tion in all civil and special proceedings, and exclusive jurisdiction in all ap- peals and writs of error from inferior courts or officers. This court was abolished Jan. 1, 1887, by an acfof the General Assembly of l6wa, approved The coUntY ofpicebS. 211 April 10, 1886; but the judges of the circuit court, whose terms of office had not expired Jan. 1, 1887, became judges of the district court in the district in which they resided. The District court has griginal and exclusive jurisdiction ^n all actions, proceedings and remedies, both civil and criminal, and exercises all the powers possessed bj coi^ts of record. It has the power to probate wills, grant letters of administration and appoint guardians of i>ersons and property, subject to guardianship. It succeeded to and exercises full author- ity over the records qi the circuit court and is Invested with all the of the Sixth congressional district, in 1872 a part of the Ninth and in 1882 a part of the Tenth district to which it still belongs. Members of the lower house of congress are elected fo'r a term of two years and in this district In the even-numbered years. The representatives from this district have been as follows: DlBt. Name. Address. Date ir. Wm. Vandever, Dubuque, 1859-18B2 VI. A. W. Hubbard, Sioux City, 1863 1868 " Charlei Pomeroy, Webster Co, , 1869-1870 " Jackson Orr, Boonesboro, 1871-1874 IX. AddUon Oliver, Onawa, 1875-1878 " CjrrusO. Carpenter, Fort Dodge, 1879-1882 X. A J. Holmes, Boone, 1888-1^8 " J. P. DolUvgr, Fort Dodge, 1889-date G. A. Representatives in tiie General Assembly of Iowa. SENATORS. KBPBESENTATIVES. Dist. Name. County. District. Name. County. 32d, J. F. Duncombr, We()Bter 61st Samuel Sees Webstar " " " J " 51st Samuel Rees Webster " " " '. " 58th Chas, C. Smeltzer Webster " " " 58th ..„„ Chas. C. Smeltzer Webster 43d, Geo. W. Bassett, Webster 60th James W. Logan Harrison 44lb, " " " 57th Robert Alcorn Webster 45tb, Tbeo. Hawley, Webster 62d Samuel Rees Webster '.• " 59th G. S. Toliver Greene , 47th, Wro. H. ^itch, Calhoun ff7th Bobt. Struthers Pocuhontas " " " 67th Robt. Struthers Pocahontas " '• " 71st E. J. Hartshorn Palo Alto 47th, E. J. Hartshorn, Palo Alto Slst G.S.Robinson BuenaVlstar " " •' .< '■ .i 72d L. H. Gordon Buena Vista 49th, E. J. Hartshorn, " 72d ., D. J. McDaid Sac " " " " 72d Horatio Pitcher Cherokee 47th, Chas. C. Chubb, Kossuth 78th Josiah D. McVay Calhoun '• " " 78th James J. Bruce Pocahontas 50th, A. O. Gariock, Pocahontas 77th Chas. W. Fillmore Clay SOtb, Edgar E. Mack, BuenaVlsta 77th James Mercer Pocahontas', " " " 7«th F. E. Carpenter Humboldt • SOlb, G.W.Henders'n Pocahontas 76th Parley Finch Humboldt " " " - " 76th Parley Finch Humboldt " " " " 76th Parley Finch Humboldt 50tb, Parley Finch, Humboldt 79th M. E. DeWolf Pocahontas 1880. 8th 1861. • 1 .1 1862. 9th " • II 1864. 10th 1866. lltb 1868. 12th 1870. 13th 18-.2. I4tb 187S.< 1 i( 1874. 15th 1876. 16th 1878. 17th 1880. ;8th 1882. 19tb 1884. 2Hh 1886. 2l8t 1888. 22d 1890. 23d 1892. 24tb 1894. 2atb 1896. 26th 1897." 1898. 27th •Extra aeSBions of the General Assembly were held in 1861, 1862, 1878 and 1897. powers of a court of law and equity. REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. At the time of its organization in 1859, Pocahontas county was a partof the Second congressional district which then embraced the north half of the state. In 1862 it became a part Mr. Dolliver, the present repre- sentative, has been five times re-elected and when his present term expires in 1900, his period of service from this dis- trict will have included twelve years. The legislative authority in Iowa is vested in a General Assembly that con- 212 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. GENERAL, EXHIBIT OF COUNTY OFF/CBRS, 1859 TO 1899. County Judge. Auditor. Clerk of Court. Treasurer. Recorder. 1859 David Slosson A. H. Malcolm' S. N. Harrist W. H. Halt 1860 J. A. Jamos S. N. Harris W. H. Halt 1861 1. N. Belknapt Bd. Hammond •' 1862 Perry Nowlen Philip Bussell Michael Collins 1863 C. 0. Converset Philip Bussell *' 1861 F. E. Metcalf ^1. 11 Michael (joiiins 1865 F. E. Metcalf W. H. Halt Philip Russellt Michael Colllui Robert Struthers 1866 S. N. Han is A. H. Malcolm W. H. Halt 1. 41 1867 W. D. McEwen 11 .1 E. C. Brown 1S68 S. N. Harris 11 11 W. H, Halt 11 1. 1869 W. D. McEwenf W. D. McEwent W. D. McEwen 14 41 - Thos. L. MacVey 1870 11 It 11 11 J. J. Bruce 11 11 11 1871 W. D. McEwen W. D. McEwen 11 11 Thos. L. MacVey 187 i it t( t. 11 J. J. Bruce 11 11 11 1873 W. D. McEwen M. B. Owen 11 11 Thos. L. MacVey 1874 A. n. Qarloclc 41 11 W. D. McEwen 1. 11 1. 1S75 J. W. ■Wallace It 11 .Andrew Jackaon 1876 A. 0. Garlock W. D. McEwen 14 44 1877 J. W. Wallace Oscar I. Strong 1878 A. O. Garlock W. D. McEwen J. H. Lowreyt 1879 J. W. Wallace 11 11 Geo. Wallacpt 1880 A. O. Garlock W. D. McSwen G. A. Bryan tt 1881 41 11 1. W.Wallace 11 11 Michael Crahan 1P82 C. H. ToUefsrude .1 11 W. D. MsEwen 41 11 1883 J. W. Wallace 11 11 A. L. Thornton 1884 C. H ToUefsrude 11 11 Wm. Brow'nlee 11 11 1886 J. W. Wallace '4 •'. A. L. Thorntont 1886 T. t\ MoCartan 11 11 W. D. McEwen May E. Thornton 1887 (1 ti W. C. palston 11 11 W. F. Atkinson 1888 T: F. McCartan J. N. McClellan 11 1. 1889 ti >t W. C. Ralston 11 11 W. P. Atkinson 1S9U T. F. McCartan J. N. McClellan 11 11 1891 11 41 W. C. Balston R. D. Bollard 1892 11 ' 11 J. N. McClellan , (1 It 1893 F. G. Thornton W. C. Ralston 11 11 R. D. Bollard 1894 11 11 11 11 C. A. Charlton *' " 1895 F. G. Thornton F. H. Plumb 1. 11 a. D. Bollard 1896 1 11 .1 . 14 1. C. A. Charlton " " 1897 I. C. Thatcher P. H. Plumb 11 11 B. D. Bollard 1898 4. ^41 C. A. Charlton U »l 1899 I. 0. Thatcher P. H. Plumb 11 14 L E. Hanson Sherlir. Superintendent. Coroner. Drainage Com. 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 18B7 1808 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1876 1876 1871 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1886 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 (891 Oscar Slosson Henry Jarvls 11 11 Henry Jarvia 11 11 4i}iel Stickney Ed, Hammondt iSenry Jarvis Henry Jarvis Oscar Slosson becar Slosson 1 14 41 T. J. Curtis J. Breitenbach J. Breitenbach t T. L. Dean Jos. Maliison 14 41 Jos. Maliison 41 11 J. F. Pattee J. F. Pattee J. y. Pattee 11 11 J. A. Crnmmor Perry JNowlen* O. F. Averyt W. H. Haitt Ora Harveyt Michael Coliinsf Fred E. Metcalf W. p. McEwen J. J. Bruce Dayld Miller G. W. Hathaway O. I. Strong J. F. Clarkt J. P. Clark 14 11 David Miller 41 44 O. I. Strong 14 44 J. P. Robinson J. P. Robinson J. H. Campbell 11 41 J. H. Campbell P. C. Gilchrist Guernsey Smith* Henry Park Robert StrutherslWm. Jarvis Robert Struthers, Wm. Jarvis Robert Struthers Ed. Hammond 41 1. *' " Robert Struthers.Ed. Hammond 1. , 14 Robert Struthers John H. Johnson 11 11 Joseph Clason G: W Strong O. L.Strongf Geo. Van Natta Wm. Mar8ha,llt Wm. Marshall 14 14 Wm. Marshall 11 .11 Wm. Marshall 11 11 " Wm. Marshall Wm. Marshall 11 44 Lute C. Thornton 11 11 John J, Cullen li. C. Thornton 11' 11 .r-. H. W. Blsself , Joseph Clason J. M. Carroll 41 11 John H.Johnson 14 : 41 J. C. Enfield 14 i'l J. M. Brown J. C. Enfield M, F. Patterson 41 41 J. iw. Carroll W. W. Beam W. W. Beam C. n. Delle J. M. Carroll J. Kdelman Wm. Jarvis W. S.-Fegles 14 41 W. S. Pegles Co. Attorney, W.G. Bradley. Byron J. Allen 14 11 0. C. Delle THE COUNTY OFFICEES. 213 General Exhibit of eounty efUcers, 1859 to 1899-eontinued. Sheriff. Superintendent. Surveyor. Coroner. County Attorney 1893 1891 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 J. A. Crammer J. A. Crnmmer 14 (I J. A. Crummer John Batcllff Clel. Gilchrist Clel. Gilchrist Clel. Gilchrist A. W. Davis H W. Bissell II It F. A. Malcolm F. A. Malcolm H. W. Bissell O. A. Pease Frank Reyburn Frank Beyburn C. B. Lawrence P. L. Dinsraore F. L. Dinsraore Wra. Hasslett Wm. Hnzlett • Did not qualify. t Appointed. X Died while In office. slsts of a senate and house of represent- atives.^ The sessions of the General Assembly are held blehnially and con- vene in the capitol at Des Moines, on the second Monday in January in each e fen-numbered year. Members of the house of representatives must be twenty-one years of age and are elect- ed for a term of two yfears. State sen-, ators mu^t b"e twenty-&ve years of age and are elected for a term of four years. It will be perceived that during the past history of this county it has been represented in the state senate by two of its own citizens; Abram O. G-arlock in 1888-89, and Geo. W. Henderson, 1894 to 1897. In the house it has been represented by Eobert Struthers, in 1872 and 1873; James J. B/uce in 1886- 87; James Mercer, 1890-91, and M. E, DeWolf, 1898-99. 214 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS CXDUNTY, IOWA. IX. PIONEER PERIOD, 1855 T01869-OTHER IMli»ORtaNT EVENTS "As 1 sit in my home in tlie flre-ligllt glow, Watching the shadows flit to and fro, My mind wanders baclc Over life's thorny track. To the bright golden days of long ago. A feeling of sadness comes stealing along, And with it some strains of a dear old song. That calls from the shadowy past Visions of joy too sweet to last: How the years with their treasures roll swiftly along!" PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOAED OF STJFEKVISOKS, 1862 TO .1860. I HE first settlements in the southeast and northeast parts of tlie county previous to the year 1860, have already been noted; also the principal events of that and the previous years when the coun- ty was organized and the first court house built. All the proceedings of the county judges worthy of men- tion have al^o been noted and those of the board of supervisors during the year 1861. NEWSPAPERS. The Iowa Homestead, a weelcly farmers' journal, published in D(S Moines in the early sixties by Mark Miller and later by G. Sprague, at $2.00 a year, was subscribed for by the county board ^July 1, 1862; and tliis subscription for the Homestead was continued until 1869. In 1870, the board subscribed for a copy of the Wdstern Farm Journal and it was continued until 1877, when the custom of the board to subscribe for an agri- cultural paper seems to have been abandoned. • The delinquent tax list, in 1862, was published tiy John F. Buncombe, at Fort bodge for $130.00, and for sev- eral sucCessivfe years by B F. Gue, at the same place. In 1869, the county printing was done for the first time in a home pa- per by local parties. For that year the delinquent tax listj the proceed- ings of the board and the advertise- ments of the Sale of the school lands of DesMoineij Clinton, Lizard and Powhatan towiiiShips, the only ones then organizedj were printed in the Pocahontas Journal, of which Wm. D. McEiyen and J. J. Bruce were the proprietolfs. They received for this work $237.00, ahd on Feb. 9, 1870, the Journal was again selected to do the county printing, including th% pub- lication of the laws of the 13th Gen- eral Assembly that year. HONOR ROLL. ' On June 6, 1863, by th« appointment of Edw. Hammond for Clinton Twp. Philip Rossell " Lizard " W. H. Halt " Des Moines" PIONEER PERIOD. ■215 an arrangement was made for the en- rollment of tlie militia of the county which included all the able-bodied male citizens between the years of eighteen and forty-flve, who were not exempt from military duty. At .their mfeeting held Jan. 2, 1865, the board aglfeed to ' pay a bounty of $900 to eacli volunteer who would en- ter the army, or navy of the United States, and the later records show that Dennis ijuigley and Thos. Quig- ley were recipients of this special bounty. This, volunteer bounty fund was raised by an assessment of four mills on the dollar during the year of 1865. A soldiers' relief fund of two mills on the dollar had been raised for the benefit of those who had enlisted at the beginning of the war, namely: A. H. Malcolm, Henry Cooper, Oscar Sloss6h, , Heni-y Titley, Chas. W. Jaivis, Hiram Evans, W. S. regies, John Gayler, Andrew Mills. "For those true men who fought to lift Our country's banner high in air, Wreaths of lilies we weave and bring Roses and star-eyed pansies fair." During the war, Pocahontas county furnished eleven men, which was one-third of the able-bodied residents of the county at the time. This was her full quota and there was no need of a resort to a draft. Four of those named above, namely, A. H. Malcolm, Henry Cooper, Hiram Evans and Oscar Slosson enlisted at the same tiirie— Sept. 2., 1861, at Fort Dodge— and became members of Co. A, 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, un- der Captain Franklin A. Stratton, of Fort Dodge. This company went by stage to Cedar Falls, the nearest rail- road station, and in due season ar- rived at Dubuque where they were mustered in, September 21st, follow- ing. On October 6th they were transport- ed via Chicago and Pittsburg to Wash- ington. At T!Tewton Hamilton, Pp,., where the train stopped to let another one pass it, a member of the compa- ny, Peter Bowers, was killed by falling under the wheels in trying to board the train while in motion. With oth- ers he had gone to get some ripe ap- ples from a trae near the railroad and the train was moving slowly from the station when he returned. At Washington the company found their tents, horses, bridles, saddles and sabers awaiting them, and on De- cember 24th they passed to Annapo- lis, where they embarked on an old worn-out propeller — Pocahontas— and landed at Fortress Monroe. Here in March, 1862, they witnessed the de- struction qf the Congress and the grounding of the Minnesota by the rebel ram, "Merrimac," and its de- struction by the Monitor on the day following. Other places where the company was located were Norfolk, SuflEolk, Gatesville, North Carolina; Windsor, Hanover Court House, York- town, Williamsburg, Gloucester and Petersburg. On September 20, 1864, only 37 of the 83 men comprising the company remained with it to be mus- tered out at Jones' Landing, and of this number were Henry Cooper, John Gayler, trumpeter, and Sergeant A. H. Malcolm, from Pocahontas county. The company had been constantly en- gaged doing scouting work in front of the rebel lines, and many had become victims of disease, died in rebel pris- ons or had fallen in conflicts with the enemy. Their return was via Bermu- da Hundred, Fortress Monroe (where they waited three days for their pay) and Baltimore. riKST TAX SALE. The first instructions of the board to the assessors seem to have been given on Jan. 6, 1863, when the assess- ors of the three townships then or- ganized were directed to estimate the value of the taxable property of the county as follows: Working oxen (pair). . .$25 00 to $50 00 3-yr-old steers 12 00 " 18 00 216 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Horses 15 00" 75 00 Cows 7 00 " 10 00 Real estate 2 00 per acre Tor the year 1864, this valuation was directed to be considerably higher, so that a pair of oxen should rate $40 to $80; 1-year-old steers, $6 to $10 each; horses, $15 to $100 each, and swine 50 cents to $1.50 a head. The land continued to be rated at $2.00 an acre until the last year of the period, (1869) when it was raised to $2.50 an acre. The first sale of lands for the non- payment of taxes, seems to liave oc- curred at the court house. May 15, 1862, under the direction* of Michael Collins, county treasurer. At this sale a large number of lands were sold for delinquept taxes, and Pitt Cook > was the principal purchaser. Alter the sale some doubts arose in regard to its legality, owing to the fact no warrant had been endorsed on the tax lists by the proper officers of the coun- ty to the treasurer, authorizing him to collect the taxes, and some of the previous owners threatened to com- mence legal proceedings against the treasurer of the county for the recov- ery of the lands. On March 3, 1863, the board of supervisors found it nec- essary to sign a bond of $10,000 to in- demnify the county treasurer before it was deemed advisable for him to dis- burse the funds received from this tax sale. . Later, $62.08 was returned to Pitt Cook lor lands erroneously sold, and to Caspar Rice were returned all funds received from him, with in- terest; and to Widow Washburn was restored the title to her lands, and in 1868 to E. G. Morgan, also. HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES. The first three county roads have already been noted. During the lat- ter part of this pioneer period a num.- , her of new roads were laid out, of which the principal ones were as fol- lows: On Nov. 6, 1865, Hugh Collins was appointed to view and locate a road from the northeast corner of sec- tion 24, Lizard township, westward to the Buena Vista county line. The next year Jeremiah Young was appointed to locate the Des Moines river and Swan Lake road, commenc- ing at the northeast corner of the NWi Sec. 26, Des Moines township, and running west to intersect the Buena Yista county road as near Swan Lake as practicable. In the survey of this road Oscar I. Strong was assisted by Henry Thomas as car- rier. On the petition of Patrick Forey and others the Branch road was es- tablished extending, from the Des Moines river to the north line of sec- tion 1, Lizard township; .thence "to Lizard creek and thence on the near- est and most practicable route to the county road in Buena Vista county. This road was located by Henry Cooper and surveyed by O. I. Strong, assisted by- Charles and' Geo. W. Strong, chain carriers. At the request of A. H. Malcolm and others, the same year a road was established, commencing at the north line of section 4, Des Moines town- ship, extending thence south to the quarter stake on the east line of sec- tion 28, thence east to the center of section 26, until it intersected the Des Moines river and Lizard-road. A. H. Malcolm was appointed to view and locate this road and it was sur- veyed by Robert Struthers assisted by Oscar Slosson and Joseph Clason, chain carriers, and James Drown, axeman. In 1867, the Clinton road was estab- lished at the request of Daniel W. Hunt and others, and it was located by Samuel N. Harris; and the next year the Barrett and Boyd road was established in Lizard township. This road was located by R. L. Sherman, and surveyed by D. C. Russell assisted by John Price, axeman. The Pow- hatan and Lizard road was es- tablished the same year at the re- quest of Daniel Thomas and others. It was located by ' B. L. Inman and ORA HARVEY, Clinton Twp. Co. Sapervisor, J86I-I868 MRS. ORA HARVEY DAVID SLOSSON, First Co. Judge, Mar, J5 to Dec. 31, 1859. Co. Sap'v'r, J86J, 63-67, 70-7J, 74-79. ROMEYN B. FISH, County Supervisor, 1872-73 Bruce & McEwen's Store Brick School House J86I OLD ROLFE. >> 2 a s W S5 S O f- M S3 H-S ■| o •a as H B Sou O 1) « Q S ^ |l >13 I f2 PIONEER PERIOD. 217 surveyed by O. I. Strong assisted by E. J. and D. Strong. In 1866, Henry Cooper and others petitioned for a road extending from the south line of section 4, Des Moines township, so as to intersect the Fort Dodge and Spirit Lake road, and thence west to the west line of Pow- hatan township. This road was lo- cated and surveyed by Henry Cooper and it was known as the Coopertown road. In 1869, the Depot road was estab- lished in Lizard township at the re- quest of H. B. Vaughn, and it was lo- cated by E. V. Brown. In 1862 arrangements were made for the erection of three important bridges — one over the Des Moines river, by W. H. Halt, and two over the Lizard, one by Charles Kelley and the other over the north fork by Mi- chael Morissey. The two latter were Inspected by Robert Struthers, and his report, which was spread upon the records, shows the discriminating judgment and sterling integrity of that worthy pioneer. His report was as follows: MiLTOK, Jan. 2, 1866. To THE BOABD OF SUPERVISORS: Gentlemen— According to appoint- ment, I did visit on the 15th day of July, 1865, the two bridges built over the Lizard. I found the one built by Charles Kelly complete, but the other one was very imperfect both as re- gards material and workmanship. Robert Struthers. On October 18, 1865, Messrs. Elijah D. Seeley, Charles Campbell and Wm. D. McEwen reported favorably on the completion of the bridge built over the Des Moines river by W. H. Halt. The dates of these reports indicate that these public improvements moved slowly in those days. It was the pe- riod of the war when public attention was directed to the scene of conflict, and every available man had enlisted. It was also the period of hard times and there was not to be found either the men or the money to secure the speedy erection of these public im- provements. When these contracts were let there was no money in the county treasury to pay for them. The funds were provided by voting a special three-mill tax in November, 1862, for the Des Moines river bridge and a two and one-half mill tax, on September 5, 1863, for the two bridges over the Lizard, that cost $1 ,396. The whole numberwf votes polled at this last election was twenty-four, and twenty-three of them were for the special levy. During the sixties two other bridges were built, one by W. H. Halt, over Pilot creek in 1865, at a cost of $250; and one by Charles Kelley, over the Lizard, and Inspected by W. H. Halt, Robert Struthers and Jas. McCaskey. In the last year of this period (1869) provision was made for the erection of a number of bridges. Thomas L. MacVey was appointed to view the ground and prepare the specilications for one where the Branch road crossed Pilot creek, near the home of D. W. Hunt, and another one over Beaver creek, where it is crossed by the line of section 27, Des Moines township. The latter was erected by Henry Jarvis, for $167.00. Andrew Jackson built one over the Big Slough on the Branch road and another one on the Swan Lake road where It crossed the Liz- ard, each of them costing $175.00. J. C. VanNatta built one over Beaver creek on the North Branch road for $255.00. Contracts were also made with Michael Wiese for the erection of two bridges over the Lizard, one on the Depot road for $445 and the other on the Barrett and Boyd road for $425.00. In 1867, the fourth member was added to the board of supervisors, Nunda (now Powhatan) township be- ing i^presented. On June 6th, Galu- sha Parsons, of Fort Dodge, was em- ployed as an attorney for the county at a salary of $25.00 a year. The dis- 218 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. trict attorney at this time lived in Dickinson county. The first fees for services as constable seem to have been paid this year to Joseph Clason who received $1.00 for services ren- dered under the direction of the dis- trict court. The first of the county coroners to receive compensation seems to have been John H. Johnson, of Lizard township, who received $16.90 for services in 1869. The salary of the sheriff in 1864 was $20.00; in 1869 it was raised to $50.00 and in 1870 to $100.00. The salary of the county su- perintendent from 1868 to IStO av» eraged $100.00 a year. The salary of the double office of treasurer and re- corder in 1864 was $840; the next year these offices were separated, and in 1810 the salary of the treasurer was fixed at $1000, and that of the auditor at $800. WOLF BOUNTY. On Nov. 15, 1864, the board agreed to give a bounty of $2.00 each for wolf scalps in addition to the $1.00 provid- ed by the state. Those who were re- cipients of this wolf bounty in 1865, were Wm. Harris for one and Charles Kelley for two scalps. In 1S66, Joseph Clason received $21.00 for five scalps. Some of these were timber and others were prairie wolves, and two of them were claimed to be a cross between the timber and prairie wolf, and for these two he received $5.00 each. On Jan. 8, 1867, the board increased the bounty on wolves to $5.00 each, and the recipients that year were Joseph Clason, $25.00; David J. Bishop, $5.00; Richard Chatfleld, $10.00 and Samuel Bowman, $6.00 for six swifts. The swift was an animal having the color and habits of a small fox, but with a darker head, more slender form and swifter movement. The prairie wolf was a little larger and darker in color than the coyote and the timber wolf was about twice as large as the prairie wolf. On Feb. 29, 1868, the board rescind- ed the act allowing a county bounty on wolves, but before this act was passed, Wm. L. Clason and Richard Chatfield each reported the capture of two wolves that day. On Jan. 4, 1869, the board agreed to give a bounty of $3.00 each for wolves caught in this county. On the next day, however, when it was known that O. E. Avery, of Humboldt county, but county superintendent in 1861, was in town with seventeen wolf scalps, the board hastily rescinded its action of the previous day and gave him a warrant for the state bounty at $1.00 each. ,The other recipients of the state bounty that year were Rich- ard Chatfield, Wm. L. and Henry Clason. UNITY PEBSBYTBBIAN CHURCH. The first religious services held in Pocahontas county were conducted by Rev. David S. McComb, of Algona, who, visiting the northeast part of this county in the spring of 1859, or- ganized the Unity Presbyterian church with a membership consisting of the following persons: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Struthers, of Pocahontas coun- ty; Mr. and Mrs. John McCormack, Sr., Thomas and John McCormack, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel McClellan, of Palo Alto coun- ty; Mr. and Mrs. Seth G. Sharp and Mrs. Hannah Evans, .of Humboldt county, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward McNight. At the time of its organ- ization John McCormack, Sr., John McCormack, Jr., and S. G. Sharp were appointed elders, and a little later Joseph Clason was added to their number. Others who served in this capacity during the later years of this organization were Robert Lothian, James Dean, Robert Struthers and Robert Anderson. The services were held once in two weeks and at the homes of the settlers. A frequent place of meeting was the cabin of Edward McNight, a settler from Pennsylvania, who in 1856 had PIONEER PERIOD. 219 erected a substantial log cabin In the grove of natural timber near the county line on the eastward curve of the Des Moines river, now known as McNight's Point. As soon as it was ready for occupancy in 1860, the court house at Old Rolfe became the regu- lar place of meeting and later the brick school bouse when it was com- Dubuque, Maquoketa and Delaware county, in 1856 he located at Algona, then a mere hamlet, where he organ- ized a church. In October, 1861, he was elected county judge of Kossuth county for one year. He was the first moderator of the Presbytery of Port Dodge, November 2, 1865. In 1868 he located on a homestead in Palo Alto REY. oavio S. MceOMB. The pioneer preacher of Pocahontas County. Pastor of Unity Presbyterian Church, Old Rolfe, 1859 to 1871. pleted in 1861. Rev. David S. McComb ministered to this congregation nearly thirteen years, 1859 to 1871. He was a native of Washington county, Pa., a gradu- ate of Jefferson college and Allegheny Theological seminary. He was or- dained in 1841 and four years later came to Iowa where he spent a life- long service in pioneer missionary work. After pastorates in Oskaloosa, county, one mile west of Rodman, where he died June 12, 1888. As a minister he was always very prompt in meeting his appointments. In storm and wind as well as sunshine he was seeking out the destitute and bringing to them the tidings of the gospel. So fearless was he in his work that riding in a severe gale to meet one of his appointments, he lost the sight of one of his eyes. Of this pio- 220 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. neer preacher it may be said: "This man never preached for money, If he did he never got it; He had faults and many virtues. He was conscientious and devoted, Persevering and determined. Long his name will be remembered." Other pastors who served this Unity church were Mr. Hugh McGuire, in 1872; Rev. "Walter L, Lyons, three years, 1873 to 1875; Mr. F. E. Young, a student of Paris college, two years, 1876 to 1878, and Lyman C. Gray, two years, 1879 and 1880. At this date^the new t6wn of Rolfe was located in Clinton township, the place of meet- ing was changed and a new organiza- tion being effected known as the Sec- ond Presbyterian church of Rolfe, the former organization known as the Unity Presbyterian church, after an existence of twenty-one years, became obsolete. THE LAST BUFFALO CHASB. The buffalo, that noble specimen of the ox species, that once grazed in al- most countless numbers on these beautiful prairies, afforded the red man abundance of meat, and so much did he prefer it to all others while it was available, that deer, elk and other smaller kinds of game were left to sport upon the prairies undisturbed, unless their hides were needed for dress or tent coverings. The buffalo, or more properly speaking, the bison, is a noble animal and it once roamed over the vast prairies from the borders of Mexico on the south to Hudson's bay on the north. Their size was somewhat larger than that of common cattle and their flesh, which had a de- licious flavor resembling and equaling that of fat beef, furnished the sav- ages of these vast regions a wholesome and substantial element of food upon which they sometimes lived almost exclusively; while their hides, horns, hoofs and bones were utilized for clothing, tenting and the construction of bows, shields and ornaments. The male when fully grown, was one of the most formidable and frightful looking animals in the world when ex- cited to resistance; his long, shaggy mane hung in great profusion over his neck and shoulders and often ex- tended quite down to the ground. The cow was less in stature and less ferocious, but just about as wild and frightful in her appearance. In noting the large boulders in this county a reference was made to the supposed "buffalo wallow" at the base of the one in Lincoln township. An account of these old landmarks is now appropriate. Like a "buffalo in his wallow," is an old adage that had a very signifi- cant meaning to those who have seen the male buffalo perform his ablutions, or rather cool his heated sides in the warmer weather by tumbling about in a mud puddle. In the heat of summer these huge animals, that no doubt suffer great discomfort from the profusion of their long and shaggy hair, while grazing on the low grounds or sloughs on the prairies where there is a little stand- ing water upon the surface and the ground underneath is soft, lowered upon one knee will plunge first their horns and then their head, shoving out the earth and making an excava- tion in the ground into which the water filters from the surrounding surface and forms for them a cool and comfortable bathing place into which they plunge like a pig in the mire. Into this delightful laver the buffalo throws himself flat upon his side and forcing himself violently around, with his horns and huge hump on his shoul- ders he continues to plow up the ground by a rotary motion and sinks iJimself deeper and deeper by the con- stant enlargement of the place until he becomes nearly immersed. "Oft in the full descending flood he tries. To lose the scent and lave his burn- ing .sides." PIONEEE PEEIOD. 221 It is generally the leader of the herd that makes the wallow, and when he has cooled his sides in the water and mud mixed into a perfect mortar that completely changes his color, he comes forth a walking mass of dripping, black mortar — a hideous monster of mud and ugliness too frightful and ec- centric to describe. One wallow served for a herd, and when the leader came forth from it another and another stood ready to enjoy this luxury until the' entire herd had their turn, each adding a little to its size and carrying away an equal share of the dirty, black mortar. These wallows were often left fifteen to twenty feet in diameter and two feet deep; and when filled with vege- table deposits through the lapse of years they have yielded an unusual growth of grass and herbage in circu- lar form that has attracted the atten- tion of the traveler and awakened his curiosity.* The chief hunting amusement of the Indians consisted in the chase of the buffalo which was almost invariably done on horseback with bow and ar- row. Mounted on his little wild horse, which had also been caught on the prairies and trained for the chase, without bit or bridle the Indian dash- ed off at a full speed for the herd, and when alongside his game, sent his deadly arrows to their hearts from the back of his pony. And now the morning sun ascends the sky. The armed hunters after the buffalo hie. —Virgil. On August 20, 1863, the last buffalo seen in Pocahontas county was chased and killed by W. H. Halt assisted by Orlando Slosson, Kobinson Gordon and Abiel Stickney. Mrs. Charles Jarvis, whose husband that year was running Mr. Halt's sawmill and with her living in his home, and now a resident of Bradgate, 'George CatUn, In North American Indians. was the first to see this one in the dis- tance. On going to milk the cows at the barn in the morning before break- fast she found them missing, and viewing the country around to see where they were, her eye fell on a strange looking object capering on a little knoll on section &, about one and one-half miles northwest of the court house, that awakened her sur- prise. Mr. Halt was in the court house at this time, and when he re- turned home for breakfast and his at- tention was called to it he recognized it as a buffalo. . Mr. Halt hurriedly partook of some breakfast and then began to prepare for the chase by summoning to his as- sistance the men named above. Three things were needed— fleet horses, good weapons and ammunition. In the court house there were some old Springfield army muskets, but there was no ammunition suited for them. The only ammunition available was in the form of some little cartridges for a small {No. 32) revolver owned by Mr. Halt. As it was deemed advisa- ble that each man should have a load- ed weapon, the muskets were loaded as best they could be with that kind of ammunition, and while Mr. Halt took his revolver, each of his assist- ants was armed with a musket. Un- fortunately suitable horses were as scarce as the weapons, there being but one horse available that could run as fast as a buffalo. Happily this one belonged to Mr. Halt, and he mounted it while the others took such as they could get. Thus equipped "They to the buffalo's pursuit. With spurring put their horses to it; And, .till all four were out of wind And their game captured, never looked behind."* As the buffalo was capering with manifest enjoyment, they did not plan to fl&nk or surround him, but started off in high glee expecting to give him a general broadside that would lay •Hudibras. 222 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. him low; but when they had proceeded a short distance the buffalo perceived them and avoided the broadside by quitting his capering, turning tail and speeding away in a northwesterly direction. The chase was now begun with all possible earnestness, each hunter urging Jiis steed to make his utmost speed. Mr. Hait, who was riding a horse bred in Kentucky and one of the fleet- est ever brought to this county, was soon a considerable distance ahead of the others, and it became apparent that his steed was the only one in the lot that could run as fast as the buf- falo. After a chase of two miles or more he overtook the buffalo and gal- loping by his side, at the distance of one rod, he fired in quick succession as many shots as he could from his little revolver, aiming at the heart of the brute. When the third wound had been in- flicted the buffalo became enraged and, charging furiously at the steed of his pursuer, compelled Mr. Hait to beat a hasty retreat. This retreat took the form of a semi-circle, and the buffalo followed Mr. Hait until his companions arrived, when each of them fired a shot as he had oppor- tunity. About the only effect of these shots was to lead the buffalo to attack each man as he inflicted a wound. One of the men in his effort to avoid the charge of the buffalo, dropped and lost his musket in the grass. Mr. .Hait having reloaded, and see- ing the danger of his companions who were scarcely able to keep out of his way when pursued by the enraged brute, for the purpose of attracting him from them, again rode close by and fired another series of shots at his heart. This was the crisis or turning point in the battle with this buffalo. The buffalo did not now attack Mr. Hait as before but sought shelter from his pursuers and relief from the oppressive heat by running in a west- erly direction to the center of a large slough. All the men now realized the danger connected with their under- taking. The retreat of the buffalo was a source of great relief, affording them time to reload their weapons and give their exhausted steeds a few moments of greatly needed rest. The battle after this point took the form of a series of skirmishes in as many as four or five different sloughs, each one being some distance further westward. In these skirmishes in the sloughs, the men would go as near to the buffalo as they could safely with their horses and firing at him he would charge upon them, compel them to retreat and then seek refuge in another one further west. At last the buffalo became too weak and weary to charge upon his pursuers and finding they could not kill him outright, they drove him back about a half-mile when, exhausted and dy- ing, he lay down on that part of the SWi of section 24, Powhatan town- ship, that is now owned by Dora Strong. When he lay down Orlando Slosson ventured close to him and fired two more shots into him after which he soon expired. About three hours had been occupied in the chase, and the place where he fell was about five miles northwest of Old Eolfe. Mr. Hait and two of the men now returned home for a team and left Oscar Slosson to guard their game and enable them to find the place where he was lying. The latter, however, became very dry, and going some dis- tance in search of a stream of running water, lost his bearing and was vainly trying to find the buffalo, now con- cealed from view at a distance by the tall grass of the prairie in the midst of which he was lying, when his com- panions returned with the team. By following his trail in the grass the buffalo was finally located. This buffalo was a very large one and PIONEER PERIOD. 223 his weight was estimated at 1400 pounds. His horns were not very long but were very strong, being fully three inches in diameter at the base and each had seventeen rings. They removed his hide and the hump of lean meat on the top of his neck and shoulders. The latter was about the size of the drum of an old-fashioned cook stove, weighed over one hundred pounds, and being divided among the settlers who lived in the vicinity of Old Rolfe, furnished them a good, tender steak as long as they were able to keep it in the hot weather. This was the last buffalo known to have grazed on the prairies of this county. This largest of American game, like the Indian to whom he was the principal means of subsistence, is fast passing away at the approach of civil- ized man. In the winter of 1881 and 1882 there were killed in this country 80,000 of these noble creatures. At this time there remains only a few small herds of them and they are in the region of country drained by the head waters of the Missouri river west of the Black Hills. In a very few years the wild buffalo will live only in books that contain his history and in pictures upon canvas. THE LAST INDIAK HUNT, JULY 13, 1864. Among the many incidents of inter- est that happened to the early pio- neers of this county were those caused by Indian scares. The Spirit Lake Massacre occurred in 1857 and the greater one at New Ulm a few miles further north in 1862, and one is not surprised at the statement that the mere report of the red man advancing upon the defenceless and unprotected settlers always had a very disquieting effect; and when the report was com- municated by one who had a sight of the real Indian dressed in war cos- tume with feathers and gun, as was the case in 1864, tile effect was mag- ical. In the month of July, 1864, what was believedto be a lone Indian was reported to have been seen passing down Pilot creek amid the timber in Clinton township. He was decked with war-paint, had the ominous feathers in his cap and carried his gun in his hand. This report excited and aroused all the settlers for many miles around Old Rolfe, and they deemed it expedient to take immedi- ate steps for their mutual protection. The fact that the Indian disappeared as suddenly as he had made his ap- pearance, left the community in a state of bewilderment almost unen- durable. Scouting parties scoured the coun- try for a short distance around, the first evening, but did not discover any trace of the Indians. On the following morning about sixty of the settlers of Pocahontas and Humboldt counties assembled at a place in the southeast- ern part of Powhatan township, then known by the euphonious name of Gandertown, and a council of war was held. It was finally decided to divide their number into two companies,- one of which under the command of Oscar F. Avery, should go west to Swan Lake, and the other under the leader- ship of Edward Hammond, should go south to Lizard lake. The first party, under O. F. Avery, started in a westerly direction but the day being cloudy and dark, the tall grass of the prairies trackless and the region traversed uninhabited, they found it a difficult matter to keep the right course. At three o'clock in the afternoon they discovered they were at the southern extremity of Rush lake, which is about six.; miles north- east of Swan Lake. They arrived at the latter place about five o'clock. This long and tedious ride, like oth- er similar ones, was not lacking in its amusing features. Its tediousness was somewhat mellowed by listening to the many and various plans that some of the brave members of the 224 PIONEEE HISTOEY OP POCAHONTAS COtTNTY, IOWA. party proposed to execute in the event they had the good fortune to find the fiendish and brutal Sioux. As they neared the timber that skirted the outlet at the southeast part of the lake they began to discover trails made by the passing and re- passing of Indian ponies along the lake; signs that told quite plainly that the much hated red man had occu- pied this locality, but just how long before that day it v?as impossible to tell. W-hile the leader of the party was searching intently for newly made signs of the presence of Indians and was about to enter the timber, he was surprised to find that the horses of a large number of the party had sudden- ly become very tired on arriving at a shooting distance of the timber, and refused to advance any nearer. The only remaining horses, that retained vigor enough to carry their riders to the timber with their leader, were' those in charge of W. H. Halt, Fred E. Metcalf and A. M. Adams, who is now editor of the Humboldt Independ- ent. These four men proceeded cautious- ly through the narrow belt of timber and across the outlet of the lake. There they found, not the Indians they were looking for, but a deserted place where seven tepees or Indian tents had been recently pitched and the campflre was still burning; and strewn promiscuously around it were the fresh remains of elk, deer and fish. A careful inspection led to the con- clusion that this camp had been de- serted about twenty-four hours before and they dismounted for the purpose of resting their tired limbs. A few moments later Metcalf dis- covered a sand-hill crane a few rods distant and, thinking no harm would result, shot the bird; but before the echo of the gun had died away they were startled by the sound of horses galloping at a distance. This led them to feel they had misinterpreted the deserted camp and that they were soon going to be surrounded by a band , of the treacherous and savage Sioux. Hastily remounting their steeds and recrossing the belt of timber, they were surprised to find that none of the horses of their brave comrades were near at hand but at the distance of a mile or more were passing over the brow of a slight elevation, bear- ing their riders at a breakneck speed in the direction of Old Eolfe. At the distance of two miles some of them halted to investigate the cause of alarm, but of two of their number it is said, they were so badly frightened they were unable to check their horses until they were once more within sight of the old court house. On realizing, with considerable feeling of amusement, the new situ- ation of affairs, Mr. Avery and his companions again dismounted for a short time to let their horses rest and feed. They then returned to Old Eolfe, where they arrived about eleven o'clock that night. Edward Ham- mond and his party, whose trip to Lizard lake had been without inci- dent save the disappointment in not finding some trace of Indians, had re- turned to this place, and about two hundred others, old and young, had also gathered here from the surround- ing country for their better protec- tion from the Indians and to hear the news. About midnight O. F. Avery, Edward Hammond, Ora Harvey, A. M. Adams, W. H. Halt and their fam- ilies with an armament from the court house armory, consisting of a half dozen Harper's Ferry muskets of the patent of 1827, returned to Avery's Park Grove farm, located across the line in Humboldt county. The others also sought places of safety and rest for the night. Thus ended one of the most exciting incidents in the early history of Poca- hontas county. No event connected PIONEEB, PERIOD. 225 with the quiet life of the little vil- lage of Old Rolfe ever developed any- thing like the intense and long sus- tained excitement of this memorable 13th day of July, 1864. Time hath wrought a wondr'us change, The painted warrior is no more; The pale intruders' herds now range Along the lake and river shore. THE GRASS AKD MOSQUITOES. The grass of the prairies in these early days was very luxuriant. Thii prevalence of a large amount of sur- face water in the sloughs and ponds resulted in the luxuriant growth of several varieties of tall grasses that was neither cut nor pastured, and in midsummer this growth of grass to a great extent prevented the evapora- tion of the surface water. Illustra- tions of three kinds of native grasses appear in the frontispiece of this vol- ume. The samples of wild rye at the left and of panic or upland prairie grass at the right were each three and one-half feet in height, and the sam- ple of fresh water cord or fine slough grass in- the center, measured seven and one-half feet. Another variety known as coarse slough grass and also the iron weed, both grew to the height of seven to eight feet, so that a man riding horseback amid these tall grasses in the low places could knot them over his head and ride forth from under the knot. The sloughs with their moisture and luxuriant vegetation became breeding places for the mosquitoes, and from early spring until the first frost of autumn their musical jiotes were heard. It was impossible to milk the cows after sundown without a smudge (a smoky Are) or a protection of mosquito bar over the face. It was conceded by all who spoke of the mos- quitoes that they were the "toughest and longest bill of fare the pioneer had to contend with. " The mosquito has been described as "the smallest fowl that navigates the air." Although they do not soar so high as other fowls they make fouler sores than any other and are so tame that they will eat out of your hand. They are not very devout and yet they sing. As songsters they are a success, making some of the sweetest sounds ever heard. One was some- times constrained to lie awake all night to listen to their strains even if it was a confounded strain on the sleeper. If any one did not like their music and "got on his ear" about it, they were very accommodating and pretty sure to light on his ear. One naturally liked their music better than anything else about them. Many a time has an early settler, as he lay upon his downy. bed, listened to their charming music until he, too, would join their melody by shouting ' 'Shoo fly ! " and clap his hands together in the hope of capturing some of his interesting little serenaders. TRIALS AKD PBIVATIONS. The early settlers in a homestead country are usually not very rich in this world's goods, and their first years in the new country are invari- ably characterized by privation and hardship, especially if the promised railroad lags at an eastern terminus. The markets are at a great distance from home, the rivers and sloughs are unbridged and during a considerable portion of the year impassable, thus forcing the pioneer to depend on his own resources. In the spring of 1867 the streams were unusually high and the dam of the mill at Eort Dodge, which was the nearest one accessible to the pio- neers of this county, was swept away. No flour could then be procured near- er than Boonesboro, Nevada or Web- ster City, and it was impossible to reach these places for several weeks, because nearly all the bridges were also swept away. Very few of the settlers had any great quantity of flour or meal on 226 PIONEEB HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. hand for they had neither the room nor the receptacles for it, and long be- fore the waters subsided so that the streams could be forded or the mills repaired the supply of these neces- saries of life in the northeast part of the county was exhausted. The out- look was dark and discouraging. Nearly all had grain of some kind in the crib or bin, but they had no means of ' converting it into meal or flour. The settlers of Powhatan township, being the furthest from all sources of supply, were the worst off. During this period many of them lived on johnny-cake and hom- iny. The corn was converted into meal by funning it through a cofifee- mill. Unfortunately there were but two or three coflee-mills in the town- ship at this time and the settlers had to take their turns in grinding their little grists, each doing his own turn- ing. The grinding of the flinty corn on the coffee-mill was a slow process and hard work. The mill had to be set so as to grind.it coarsely the first time and when set closer the grist was run . through it a second time before it was fine enough for use. The effort to "keep the wolf from the door" by this means was declared by one to be a real "ground-hog case," and one of the good ladies remarked that there was always a "bear in the house" whenever her husband run the mill, which was three times a day. The time required to grind a one-meal grist for a family of four was three quarters of an hour, and the head of the family was usually glad there were no more. The first flour, that was brought into the Powhatan settle- ment after the spring floods of 1867 had subsided, was hauled on wagons from Iowa Falls to Humboldt and cost there $11.00 a hundred weight. Sometimes when the corn began to mature in the fall of the year, ears that were soft enough were reduced to a coarse meal by rubbing them over a rude grate made by punching holes in the bottom of a tin pan; and when the grain became drier many an ear was reduced by means of a jack-plane. Wheat from the bin was often boiled and eaten with a fair degree of thank- fulness, and hominy was made from the corn in the crib. When coffee and tea could not be obtained or ■ af- forded, a substitute was found in a decoction made from corn and peas mixed together, roasted and ground. This coarse, rough food, consisting of boiled wheat, whole or cracked corn, agreed very well with the young and vigorous but it was not a suitable diet for the sick and aged. An elderly lady, (Mrs. Lowrey) who had been in the settlement only a short time and was in poor health, failed rapidly when the supply of nourishing food was ex- hausted and, her immortal spirit passing to that land where there is neither hunger nor thirst, on the morning of May 15, ISet, she was buried at Old Kolf e the next day. The year 1869 was also remarkable for an unusual rainfall. The heavy rains of the spring filled all the sloughs, ponds and streams. During the months of J uly, August and Septem- ber that year it rained about four days in each week and the streams were full of water all that year. On March 27th that year, the mill- dam at Fort Dodge was again swept away. Among the first to discover this fact were James J. Bruce, William Price and Charles Kelley, of Lizard township, as they were returning home from Fort Dodge. Knowing this event was not known in Fort Dodge they Immediately returned to that city and bought all the flour available on that market at $7.00 a barrel. When the dealers later learned of the washout and found they could not get another supply of flour except by team from Webster City after the floods should subside, PIONEER PERIOD. 227 they created quite a row until they succeeded in buying bact their own stoclcs at an advanced price. In the month of June following, a little incident occurred in Lizard township that illustrates the incon- venience of living in a country where the streams are unbridged. At the county convention that year Messrs. "W. D. McEwen and James J. Bruce were appointed delegates from this county to attend the senatorial nom- inating convention. A couple of days before the senatorial convention the former came on horseback to Lizard township, where the latter was still making his home. The next morning they started on their trip to the con- vention, having only one horse be- tween them. When they came to the Lizard, near the line between section 29 and 30, it was bankf ull and too deep for them both to ride across on the back of the same pony. The crossing was, however, successfully effected by one of them taking the pony and the clothing of the other while the latter swam across. The public spirit of these men, or their iiaterest in the convention, was not dampened by the high water and their inconvenience was not an infrequent experience in the early days. PIONEER DWELLINGS. The dwelling places of most of the settlers during this early period were small, rude structures and were built either of logs in the vicinity of native timber, or of sod on the distant prai- rie. The supply of oak timber along the Des Moines river suited for build- ing purposes was soon exhausted, and although there was a market at Fort Dodge for groceries, provisions and other supplies, the nearest places where pine lumber and building ma- terial could be obtained were at Boonesboro and Nevada, sixty to eighty miles distant, and the price of it was exorbitant. The first log houses, especially in the northeastern part of the county, were low structures protected with a shed roof of common boards, and they were called "shanties" or "cabins." During the sixties, when the comb- roof covered with shingles came into use, they were called "log houses." On the prairie the first dwellings during the sixties and early seventies were usually constructed of the prai- rie sod. The tough, virgin sod was turned with a breaking plow and cut into pieces of a suitable length that were laid one upon the other to form the outer walls of the structure, which were about eighteen inches in thick- ness and never more than one story in height. Occasionally these sod houses were covered with a roof of boards, but most frequently the roof was constructed of wood overlaid with earth and sod. The "sod house" thus constructed, though not without its inconveniences, was nevertheless cool in summer, warm in winter and formed a cozy and quiet retreat in the time of storm. It was not, however, a very perma- nent structure and had to be rebuilt every one or two years. The frost in winter and dampness in the spring of the year seriously affected the walls, causing them to heave or spread, thus endangering the lives of the occu- pants by the falling of the heavy roof. A family in an adjoining county (Palo Alto) was aroused from sleep by a crackling sound that came froni the inner supports to the roof. They hastily arose and went to the home of a neighbor for the remainder of the night. In the morning when they returned they found their sod house a mass of ruins. The walls had spread and the heavy roof had fallen to the ground; had they remained the entire family might have perished. When an excavation of two feet or more was made for the sod house located on the slope of a little knoll, it was called a "dug-out. " Sometimes 228 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the only openings in a dug-out were the door of entrance and the exit for the smoke in the comb of the roof. In the center of the frontispiece may be seen the cut of an improved, enlarged and substantial dwelling of this sort built and still occupied by John Woods and family, in the south- eastern part of Cedar township. The first building on this site had a board roof and sides; and in 1882 it was re- built with walls of rock, a shingle roof and an addition to the frontof it. This dwelling is located near the path traversed by several of the cyclones, that have visited this section, and its inmates have dwelt in safety and se- curity. On the morning after the cy- clone that came from the southwest on April 11, 1893, overturning all the buildings within three quarters of a mile of it, the writer found this houie a veritable hospital, where four of the injured in other families were lying abed in one of its apartments and others were enjoying the hospitality of this home and family. In the froritispiece may also be seen two other illustrations of pioneer homes; first, the log house of John Fraser, built in 1868, on section 36, Powhatan township, and in which all of his children were born; and under- neath it a cut of the log cabin built by Henry Thomas* near the southwest corner of sectiQn 24 of the same town- ship, in 1866. This relic of pioneer days, now owned by Miss Dora, a grand-daughter of Tra Strong, is still used as a dwelling . house, and the grove of cotton-wood trees around it, planted by Henry Thomas in 1865, are believed to be the oldest and many of the trees the largest of their kind in the county, being about three feet in diameter. The log cabins built along the Des Moines river and Lizard creek were quite substantial and rendered good •Erroneously ore iited to Ira Strong, In ths frontispiece, service for many years. Mrs. Charles Kelley and family, of Lizard township, are still living comfortably in one of the first log houses erected in this county. It is located on section 12, was built of oak in 1856, and after forty-three years of constant use, looks as though it would last as many more. "From cabins such as these Come our sturdy natures. Who give proud inspiration to a state. Who fight its battles and decide its fate. Who make its courts And shape its legislatures." The first settlers in the wilderness of the west, like the savages whom they displaced, contented themselves with very humble and inexpensive dwellings, but the modest log cabin was a palace compared with the tepee or wigwam of the Indian. The log house, with its many cracks and chinks between the logs and its great open fire-place almost large enough for a small bedroom, was just the right place in Which to lay the foundation for that soundness and hardiness of constitution which is the most reli- able basis for the highest usefulness. The men born and reared in the modern well built frame or brick house, that has succeeded the log cab- in in due course of time as wealth in- creased, and replaced the yawning fire-place— the best of ventilators— by the air-tight stove and room, are the ones who fill the growing ranks of consumptives, dyspeptics and rheu- matics. The pioneer's humble home. His log cabin in the grove. Was the seat of contentment, Of health, gratitude and love. — Lbonakd Bkown. lost on the prairie. In these early days on the prairies at a distance from the Des Moines river, there were no groves and but very few houses to serve as way-marks for the traveler, and as a natural re- sult the pioneer of these days when PIONEER PERIOD. 229 overtaken on a journey either by night- fall or a snow storm, was liable to lose his direction and be compelled to spend the night alone on the prairie. In the summer season this experience was one to be feared because there was no refuge from the bloodthirsty mosquitoes, whose constant attentions prevented the approach of "tired Nat- ure's sweet restorer," and the barking of prairie wolves in the vicinity was sure to awaken feelings of discomfort; but to lose one's way in the winter by reason of the falling snow, and especi- ally to become bewildered in a blind- ing and freezing blizzard, was fearful and sometimes proved fatal to the lost ones. Among the number of those who experienced a night on the prairie in a lost condition, we note three in- stances during this period — Robert Struthers, John B. JolifCe and one other who perished, whose name is unknown. About the year 1869 and in the month of June, Robert Struthers, of Des Moines township, found that three of his colts had strayed away. In a -lumber wagon, accompanied by his hired man and horse, he started in search of them, first to Dakota City, then northward. Learning they were in the vicinity of Algona, he sent his hired man for them and started home- ward with the wagon. When the shades of night began to fall upon him it also began to rain and he was then on the open prairie in an unin- habited and trackless section of Palo Alto county. It was impossible for him to see in front of his team and be- fore he was aware of it the horses mired in a slough and stopped. Re- lieving the horses and hitching them by means of a chain to the rear end of the wagon, he drew it out of the slough but did not then know how to cross it. He therefore prepared for the night by removing the harness from the horses, tying their halter straps to the lines and the latter to the clips on the singletrees and then placed the doubletree under the wag- on. Removing his boots which were full of water, he lay down under the wagon, having only the wild grass of the prairie for a bed and using the doubletree for a pillow. A little later the running of a wolf or fox frightened the horses and they ran away dragging the evener and whiffletrees with them. Not seeing but hearing them, he ran after them and succeeded in catching them at a distance of three quarters of a mile and, placing the evener on his shoul- der he endeavored to lead them back to the wagon. All his efforts to find the wagon in the darkness were un- availing and he was compelled to plan to spend the remainder of the night without its comfort and protection. This was done by tying the horses as before to the singletrees and letting them feed while he lay down again on the doubletree, but this time hatless, bootless and exposed tO the drizzling rain. When morning dawned he was pleasant ly surprised to find he was not more than five rods from the wagon and It was headed toward his home. On February 15th and 16th, 1868, John B. Joliffe, of Powhatan township, came near losing his life in a blizzard. While returning from the home of Henry Cooper, whither he had gone to borrow some meal, he was caught in a blizzard, lost his direction and aimlessly wandered about in the blinding, drifting snow all night. The home of Henry Cooper was on the SWi of Sec. 6, Des Moines township, and that of Mr. Jolifle on the NEi of Sec. 2, Powhatan township, two miles distant to the northwest, the di- rection from whence the storm came. His own thrilling account of his ter- ribly experience is as follows: "Sometimes I sank down in a snow- drift, but my freezing hands and feet warned me that if I expected to sur- vive I must keep moving and await 230 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the light of day. When the daylight came it brought no relief; there was no cessation of the terrible storm and it was impossible to see more than a few feet in advance of me. My feet and limbs being frozen I felt as though I was walking on sticks, and the al- most superhuman will that had sus- tained me in the weary hours of an- guish in the night, now seemed about to yield to the inevitable— to lie down and die. But just when the feeling of drowsiness was about to overcome me there came to me bright visions of all that I held dear in life, visions of home and friends, and a thought of their feelings should they find my body frozen and the snow my winding sheet; my thoughts also ascended to the throne of the Invisible and amid the blinding storm I knelt and prayed for deliverance, and He whose ear is open to the heartfelt prayer, answered mine. I rose from my knees with the assurance that my prayer had been heard and deliverance was near at hand. On walking a few rods farther I came to a wire fence, and following it slowly around to the buildings, found I was about to enter again the home of Henry Cooper that I had left the previous evening. When I en- tered this home, scarcely more alive than dead, I fell prostrate and re- mained in It until my frozen hands and feet had been thawed out and I had regained my strength." In the' spring of 1866, there was found on the homestead of Robert An- derson, Powhatan township, by his brother John Anderson, the whiten- ing bones of a man who became lost and perished in a blizzard two years before. A part of a woolen mitten still encased a fleshless hand, and his boots, charred by the prairie fires, clung to his feet. His relatives, who lived near Tobin's ford, gathered his bones.and gave them christian burial. In January, 1869, a severe blizzard passed over this section, that caught Charley Hale, the stage-driver, on the road between Fort Dodge and Twin Lakes. The following account of his experience is from the pen of Thomas L. MacVey, one of the pioneers of Powhatan township, who met him the following summer and listened to his own recital of bis terrible experience with the Storm King: Charley Hale left Twin Lakes for Fort Dodge just before the storm came and was caught in its fury at a distance from any settlement. When the falling snow had covered the trail before him and he had driven several hours drifting before the wind, he un- hitched the team from the sleigh, ad- justed the harness on each of them and turned them loose while he re- mained at the sleigh until near morning, vainly hoping the storm would abate. Notwithstanding he was warmly clad, the increasing fury of the storm and intense cold warned him that ifihe would survive, he must move with the storm and trust to providence that, as he drifted to the southeast, he might live to reach a settlement along the Des Moines river in the southern part of Webster county. Turning his back to the storm he began a lonely and perilous journey upon a blinding desert of ed- dying snow. For three days and nights the storm raged with unrelenting fury and dur- ing this period he was driven before it, save at short intervals when nearly exhausted_he would bury himself in the snow and snatch a few minutes of rest and sleep, with little hope that he would ever awake again. Posses^ sing an iron constitution and indom- itable will he would rise from his fleecy bed, brush the snow from his aching eyes and, with failing strength but determined perseverance continue the unequal contest between life and death. The day passed into night and the night into day but the storm still raged. Hunger, cold and fatigue were proving more than equal to his iron will, yet he struggled on with frozen feet and limbs, so nearly ex- hausted that to make any headway he had to use his hands to lift his numb and useless feet. The morning of the fourth day finally dawned upon the sufferer and, the storm having passed, the rising sun cast his bright rays over the desert waste. Hale was still alive but no longer able to walk. Working himself along upon his hands and knees he moved slowly toward a house that finally appeared in the distance. He at last arrived at the door and managed to enter it but found no one at home. This family had gone to visit a neighbor just be- fore the storm and had not been able to return. They however returned in time to aid the sufferer and to procure? PIONEER PERIOD. 231 for him medical assistance by means of which his life was saved but with the loss of both of his feet. His place of rescue was In the settlement just west of Dayton, and during the prog- ress of the storm he had been driven about thirty miles before it. POSTOFFICES. During this early period there were but two postoflSces in the county. Early In the sixties a postofBce was established at Old Rolfe in Des Moines township, and the mall for the north- east part of the county was received once a week from Fort Dodge. In 18t)5 a mail route was established from Fort Dodge to Spirit Lake via Old Rolfe, and the mall was received more frequently. The postmasters at this place were W. H. Halt and J. J. Bruce during this period and later, Geo. W, Horton, who was in charge of the office at the time of the remov- al of the county seat In 1876. The first postofflce in the south part of the county was established in De- cember, 1868, and William Stenson, now in' Manson, but then the occu-. pant of the west half of the southeast quarter of section 14, Lizard town- ship, was the first postmaster. He held the office nearly four years and received a salary of one dollar a month. He was succeeded by M. E. Owens, who moved the office to sec- tion 10. The postofflce at Manson having been established, this one was discontinued about the year 1873. TRIALS ON THE WAY. Many of the settlers of this period had a trying time in getting their families to their intended homes on the frontier while the terminus of the railroad remained at Dubuque or later, at Iowa Falls. Some of them traveled this remaining distance on foot rather than pay the high rates by stage. John Calligan, in the spring of 1856 at Dubuque, put his wife and four children on the stage and paid $45.00 for their fares to Fort Dodge while he made the trip of 200 miles on foot. The spring was a wet one, the trails were muddy and swampy, and the streams were unbridged except at Cedar Falls. A ferry boat for a trav- eler would consist of a wagonbox set on a few pieces of timber and it would be propelled either by rude paddles or a pole. He waded through the sloughs and smaller streams and was ready to swim when It became necessary. In the Lizard settlement he and others experienced the same incon- venience in crossing Lizard creek dur- ing the three wet seasons (1856-1858) that followed their settlement there. His own account of going to mill, with his first crop of wheat, is as fol- lows: "I had to go to the woods, get a tree and hollow it o it for a canoe, then I would transfer the grain across the creek in the canoe, and when the wagon had been transferred in the same way, piece by piece, I would swim the oxen across, taking one at a time. On my return I had to work the flour, the wagon and the oxen iu the very same way." Walter Ford, relates how he and Thomas (a brot^her of John) Calligan came very near losing their lives by drowning, iu Lizard creek in the spring of 1858. At that time there were only three "dug outs" or canoes from basswood trees, along Lizard creek from its sources In this county to its mouth near Fort Dodge. Trav- eling on foot from Fort Dodge,, they came to what was then known as the Snodgrass ford in Webster county, and George Smith undertook ' to ferry them across in a dug-out. The wind struck the side of their little craft causing it to roll and when they were in the middle of the stream it cap- sized, throwing all of them into the deep water. Mr. Ford, who could not swim, caught the boat and clung to it until he was drawn ashore. After wringing the water out of their cloth- ing as much as possible they went to. the home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael 232 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. OoUins where tbey were very kindly received. James J. Bruce in March, 1866, on his way to the Lizard settlement car- ried his grip and footed It from Iowa Falls, a distance of 77 miles, and made the trip in three days. From Fort Dodge he was accompanied by Mr. Wallace and when they arrived at the Des Moines river they saw no one in sight but did see a boat at the other side. He waded the stream and re- turning with the boat took his com- panion and their luggage across. By this time the wife of the owner of the boat was at hand and gave them the assurance that it was a fortunate thing her husband was not at home or he would have given them a good thrashing for taking the boat with- out her permission. She was however, unwilling to take anything for the use of the boat. THE PRAIRIE FIRE. To the early settler of this period, who lived out upon the prairie at a distance from the timber, the dread of the "prairie fire" was as great as his fear of the Sioux Indians. They were exposed to the prairie fire in the early spring, if the season was dry, hut the period of special danger was the fall of the year, par- ticularly themonths of October and November when the luxuriant grasses of the prairie had fully matured and the sloughs were dry. Many severe and apparently irreparable losses did they sustain from this cause. Fre- quently did they see their hay and grain, in the field or stack, go up in smoke in an unexpected moment, and sometimes their hard earned improve- ments including their dwellings met with the same fate. It was just as li- able to come upon the lonely settler during the night as in the daytime; and it has been said that many of them, in this section in dry seasons, "did fret day and night" lest they should be surprised by finding they were in the way of one of these raging demons of the wilderness that should arouse them from their midnight slumber and sweep away their prop- erty. His only protection from the prairie fire-fiend was the fire-guard which consisted of a number of fresh furrows plowed around his buildings' or stacks; and if the wind was high these afforded but little or no protec- tion. If the reader will turn to the front- ispiece there will be seen the cut of a tumble weed. This cut is from a sample that was three feet high and four feet wide. This ^eed matures early and as soon as it attains its growth it becomes loose at the root and is then ready to commence the tumbling process by rolling over and over with the first breeze that blows. When dry they are very light and a strong wind will even pick them up and carry them a considerable dis- tance. The tumble weed aflame has never been a respecter of fire-guarda and when the fire on the prairie has heen driven by a high wind the thatched roofs of buildings have been seen ablaze before the fire on the ground had reached them. Sometimes the prairie fire would originate by getting beyond the con- trol of a settler while burning otE a pasture or field, but more frequently ■ they occurred by some careless trav- eler throwing a burning match into the dry grass after lighting his pipe. The paper wadding used in the old shotgun and musket, was also suffi- cient under favorable circumstances to start a fire on the prairie and this fact made the hunter a menace to the safety of the pioneer. These prairie fires moving with the wind would travel with alarming ra- pidity and leap over creeks, in some instances, as many as four rods in width. In a gentle breeze the fire would travel as fast as a man walks, but when the wind was high the RESIDENCE OF GEORGE SANBORN, FONDA. MANSE OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FONDA, 1893. PIONEER PERIOD. 233 "bead-fire" would rush through brush and brake with loud crackling sound "as fast as a horse could run." The prairie fire, as it used to be, is now an event of the past in this coun- ty, and the following vivid descrip- tion of a fearful one that passed over the county during this period of its history, (jiist after the war) from the pen of John M. Russell, of Lizard township, will be read with Interest: "-'Gtie fine evening, about the middle of autumn and after the close of the war, the wind, as It ofttimes does, siddenly turned and came from the northwest. The weather for several weeks had been dry, and a hot wind from the south had prevailed for sev- eral days, withering the ripened grass on the prairie and rendering it inflam- mable as tinder. About dusk a faint glow was ob- served in the sky to the northwest, the appearance of which was similar to that seen in the east on a clear night just before the rising of the full moon. This glow, as it was afterward learned, was caused by a fire on the prairie started by 'a. settler several days previous along the Little Sioux riyet far to the southwest. Driven by the hot wind it had moved northward many miles through an uninhabited section and the side-fire had widened eastward to the west line of Pocahon- tas county. When the wind changed, this long line of flre began to move in a southeasterly direction over a vast eSpanse of territory. To the observer in the Lizard settle- ment no flame was at first visible, but as the moments passed the horizon gradually grew brighter and about eight o'clock the flames of the "head- fire" could be distinctly seen. A little later several fine, luminous lines, like threads of tiny, sparkling beads, be- came visible. "Distance lends en- cfiantment to the view" but the ob- servers well knew that in those faint, . gliprmering lines of beauty there dwelt, in an ungovernable form, the most fiendish of devouring elements, fed by an abundance of dry prairie grass and driven by a powerful wind. In this instance the warning came be- fore bedtime and opportunity was af- forded to provide some protection against it. Those who were not al- ready secure now went scurrying about with plows, scythes, matches. niops and buckets of water. The fire had crossed Cedar creek in several places in the north part of the county, and the head-fire when first seen was sweeping down the north flank of the Lizard creek bottom. An- other head of the flre, separated from the other by a large slough near the source of the west branch of the Liz- ard, was coming down the west and south branches of the Lizard and moving in the direction of the pres- ent, town of Barnum. The progress of this line' of flre seemed now more rapid than the other, which was im- peded in its course by the curves of the west branch of the . Lizard which it jumped in several places, thus form- ing a series of new head-fires on the south side of that stream. Thus this great fire came sweeping across this county like a messenger of vengeance set loose from the kingdom of Tartaj-us to scorch, as it were, the "Lizards" and see who coiild stand be- fore its chargers armed with an hun- dred heats. About nine o'clock it had come within a short distance of the settlers and was practically upon them. It was in the dark of the moon and the brilliancy of the fire was even greater on this account. The smoky firma- ment was gorgeously illumined with lurid splendor and together with the numerous lines of side-fire, far and near, interspersed with the black, burnt sections, presented a spectacle of appalling magnitude that was both grand and_ dismal. "The noise of this immense display of fireworks was like the continuous roar of distant thunder and the thick columns of curling smoke, that issued petulantly from some deep sloughs, reminded one of those scenes described in Milton's Paradise Lost or Dante's Inferno. No one along the Lizard dared to close his eyes in slumber that night until all felt sure that the impending danger had passed. On the next morning they awoke to find the prai- rie bare, the air rank with the smell of burnt grass and entire counties a blackened waste. A considerable amount of hay and timber along the branches of the Lizard and several bridges over those streams were destPbyed. These streams and the belts of timber along them were a natural protection to the early settler both from the blizzards in winter and the prairie fire in summer. 234 PIONEER HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. The severest fire in the Lizard set- tlement during this early period was in the fall of 1859, their first dry year. The ponds were dry for several months that year and when the fire came, late in the season, it burned everything; and the peat in the dry bottoms of the ponds continued to burn for more than a week after the fire had passed. POPULATION. The population of the county during this period was as follows: Year Pop. Year Pop. 1855 7 1860 103 1856 45 1863 122 1857 75 1865 215 1858 90 1867 453 1859 108 1869 637 1870 1446 began, and with it came the era of sod shanties in both the north and south parts of the county, a circum- stance due to the fact they had. to, build at a distance from the timber and at a time when lumber was not available. The leading attraction at this peri- od was the homestead and among the number of those who located in this county at this date— 1865 to 1869— we note the following, most of whom were heads of families: I.— IN NOETH PART OF THE COUNTY. These figures indicate that there was no perceptible increase in the pop- ulation of this county from the year 1859, when it was organized, until the year 1865 which was at the close of the civil war, and that it was even less in 1860 than in 1859, and only a few more in 1863. Three unfavorable circumstances tended to prevent the growth and development of this coun- ty during this period. These were the years of distrust and hard times that followed the financial panic of 1857 and 1858, the fact that the settle- ments in this county, contrary to all expectation, remained 230 miles dis- tant from the terminus of the nearest railroad, and further, every able- bodied man, responding to the call of his country, had entered the army. At the close of the war the construc- tion of the railroads across this state was resumed and the Dubuque & Sioux City road (111. Central) was built as far as Ackley. The building of the railroads attracted the public atten- tion again to western Iowa and a new impulse was given to the settlement of this county. It is worthy of note that this new immigration commenced in the year 1865, just ten years after the first one Beriah Cooper, Henry Cooper, Thos. E. Cooper, James Drown, Eoswell Drown, Chas. C. Converse, E. B. Fish, Park C. Harder, Elijah D. Seeley, George Stevens, Thomas Eogers, Edward Tilley, A. H. Hancher, Henry Eulcomer, Edw. Anderson, Geo. Henderson, Jno. B. JolifEe, Samuel N. Strong, F. A.Metcalf, ('62) Thos. L. MacVey, Geo. W. Proctor, Andrew Jackson, Wm. S. Fegels, John B. Strouse, David Hays, Wm. D. McEwen, Alex. McEwen, Wm. Matson, Wm.Struthers('60) Lot Fisher, Daniel W. Hunt, Marcus Lind, E. Northrop, W. F. Seaman, Isaac Peed, Gilbert G.Wheeler, Geo. Goodchild, Henry Thomas, 'Eobert Lothian, John Eraser, Eobert Anderson, Jas. Henderson, Edward Hammond S. E. Heathman, Ira Strong, Geo. W. Strong, Oscar I. Strong, A. M. Thornton, Frank G.Thornton, Oscar A. Pease. II.— IN SOUTH PART OF THE COUNTY. Carl Steinbrink, Wm. Price, James J. Bruce, Jacob Carstens, G. B. Carstens, David Wallace, John W. Wallace, H. Stickelberg, A.H. VanV'lknb'g Patrick Enright, Ferdinand Zanter, Michael O'Shea, David Miller, John Donahoe, John H. Johnson, *Julia A Johnson, Isaac W. Johnson, Wm. Westlake, John F. Hintz, G. Schoonmaker, John Weise, Michael Weise, John Julius, M. McCormick, M. Fitzgerald, Patrick Crahan, Michael Crahan, James Sinnott, Dennis Mulholland Henry Shields, David Brown, Joseph Fell, John Harrold, Thos. Harrold, »Widow of Marshall Johnson, later married to Eobert Eussell. PIONEEE PERIOD. 235 Daniel J ohnson, Wm. Stenson, Wm. Boyd, J. D. Hoeflng, Jos. Brittenbach, Wm. Brownlee, Swan Nelson, John Lampe, F. J. Lampe, Henry Lampe, John W. O'Keefe, Benjamin Eost, Henry Shields, Uarl Eodman, Patrick Eiley, J. C. Carey, EUjah Ohase, Geo. Spragg, Ephraim Garlock, A. O. Garlock, W. E. Garlock, Geo. W. Smith, Fred Steendorf, Geo. Sanborn, Joseph Brinker, C. M. Saylor, Felix W. Parrish, Eev. J. A. Griffln, August Prange, Gad C. Lowrey, John Eussell, E. F. Cedarstrom, C. F. HillStrom, Chas. P. Peterson, Fred Smith, William Bell, Nils Hanson, W. B. Dickinson, E. Zieman, Sr., H. Helmich, August Mullen, John Kreul, Bernard Stegge, William Tobin, E. K. Cain, Bernard Niehouse, Michael Eankin, John C. Evervine, Horace Skinner, Charles Skinner, John Dunkerly, H. C. Tollefsrude, C. H. Tollefsrude, E. M. Tollefsrude, H. L. Norton, S. W. Norton, J. S. Howell, I. E. Parrish, Eudolf Zieman, Amandus Zieman, Ludwick Turner, John A. Hay. These hopefully came to the west. A wilderness before them lay, A garden that should bloom one day. No castes were here but all were free To found a home in a land of liberty. These pioneers, like the few who had arrived before them, did not come to this sectionjio mine gold, to gain wealth by lumbering or make their living by hunting game with the gun, or fish with the rod and net; they came for higher and nobler purposes; to found homes, to convert these .des- olate wilds into fruitful fields and de- velop a christian civilization that would secure to every citizen the same privileges and advantages in solving the problem of their individual des- tiny. Their first concern was to pro- vide a place of shelter and then for the cultivation of the soil. All that they found was Nature's handiwork. Pocahontas then was seen. Arrayed in her robe of green; A maid of more than usual charms, A prairie destined for a thousand farms. GROVE PLANTING. The date of this second immigration marks the era of grove planting. The first settlers located along the streams where there were narrow belts of nat- ural timber and they had secured all of these apparently most desirable locations. The newcomers were there- fore obliged to build on the open prai- rie and a grove of timber around their buildings became necessary as a pro- tection from the high winds and storms. In the course of a few years the prairies were dotted with beauti- ful groves of maple, willow aijd cotton- wood, and these gave a finer appear- ance to the country. One can no longer see the long dis- tances that were possible to an ob- server before the era of artificial groves. Citizens of Bellville town- ship state that, during this early pe- riod and from elevated points in that township, it was possible to see the grove of natural timber at Sunk Grove in the northwest part of Cedar township, and also buildings in process of erection at Sac City. TRAPPING. The coming of this second Immigra- tion marks also the beginning of the period when "trapping" became a popular and profitable business among the settlers. During the winter of 1859 a hunter by the name of Jacob Mirale, shot and killed along the Des Moines river ninety-six deer, six elk and one buffalo. Nearly all the large game in Northwestern Iowa, however, disappeared during the early sixties, and hunting, except for small game and waterfowl, was no longer profit- able. Trapping muskrats now be- came not 'only the most interesting diversion in the fall of the year, but to some their most profitable avoca- tion. The first settlers of this county were neither hunters nor trappers. This fact is worthy of note, for if they had 236 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. engaged in trapping they might have secured a larger income from this source than from their little patches of corn and wheat. They were no doubt aware of the fact that mink and otter were plenty, that beavers had built numerous dams along the streams and that muskrats, building their slough grass houses in the sloughs had made them look like real cities of rats where they multiplied from five to fifteen fold each year; also that pro- fessional trappers and bands of peace- ful Indians made annual pilgrimages to this "trappers' paradise" along the Lizard streams, but not having come to this section attracted by these aquatic rodents, it required the lapse of several years before they came to an appreciation of the value their hides might have been to them. The furs of these animals at that time brought a high price, as follows: Muskrats 20 to 35 cents each; mink $5.00 and upwards; beaver and otter $5.00 to $15.0Oeach. All the settlers of this entire pi- oneer period enjoyed unrestricted privileges for raising cattle. Their herds roamed over the prairies for miles in all directions without the least hindrance, and the income real- ized from this free pasturage was, in most cases, greater than that de- rived from their cultivated farms. THE PBE-EMPTIOSr CLAIM. The only title to the soil that has ever been recognized in the aboriginal inhabitants of this country was that of occupation. This right has gener- ally been respected until it has been extinguished by treaty, purchase or conquest under the authority of the nation exercising dominion over them, but they have never been permitted to dispose of their possessions except to the nation to which they were thus bound by a qualified dependence. The United States, or the state gov- ernment, thus becomes the original source of title to all lands in this country; and the offlcial certificate of the government, by which the title of the public lands is conveyed to indi- vidual holders, is called a "patent," to denote that it is the original cer- tificate of conveyance and to distin- guish it from all subsequent ones, which are called "deeds." By an act of congress approved Sep- tember 4, 1841, all lands then belong- ing to the United States or to which the Indian title might later be extin- guished, were subject to the right of pre-emption under the conditions pre- scribed in that law. Under this "pre- emption law" any one who was the head of a family, a widow or a single persoji over the age of twenty-one years and a citizen of the United States, (or had filed a declaration of intention to become a citizen as re- quired by the naturalization laws) might locate on these unoccupied lands, and file a claim with the regis- ter of the land ofBce for that district for any number of acres not exceeding one hundred and sixty, if it was be- yond the limits of any railway grant. The first step in securing a pre- emption was to go upon the land and, commence improvements. When this was done, if the land had been offered at public sale, the applicant within thirty days from the date of his settlement, filed his claim and within one year made proof of actual residence on and cultivation of the land. On the payment of $1.25 an acre, (or $2.30 if within a railway grant) he received a patent, or certifi- cate of ownership, from the govern- ment. The first settlers in Lizard and Des Moines townships secured their homes under this law. They were called "pre-emptors" and their claims "pre- emptions." By an act of congress approved May 15, 1856, a grant of every alternate sec- tion designated by the odd numbers for six sections in width on each side PIONEER PEEIOD. 237 of the road, was made to the state of Iowa for the purpose of aiding in the construction of a railroad from the city of Dubuque to Sioux City; and on December 27, 1858, this belt of alter- nate sections, twelve miles in width across this state, was certified and ap- proved by the Department of the In- terior as belonging to the Dubuque & Pacific (now 111. Central) railway Co. The pre-emptor who had located on an odd-numbered section and had ob- tained his patent before these lands were certified to the railway company, was not affected by this grant save that he found all lands adjoining had doubled in value; but the pre-emptor who had not gained previous posses- sion now found that his improvements were upon the lands of another owner, and in changing his location to the even-numbered sections within the railroad limits, he could pre-empt only eighty acres and had to pay $2.50 an acre. On May 20, 1862, the time for a pre- emptor to make his final' proof and payment was extended from one year to two and one-half years, and to all persons rendering military or naval service the time was indefinitely ex- tended to six months after the expira- tion of their term of service. In the north part of the county there were pre-emptors in two of the townships as follows: Des Moines— a. H. Malcolm, Guern- sey Smith, Eobert StrutherSj Wm. Struthers, Wm. Jarvis, Henry Jar- . vis, Samuel N. Harris, David Slos- son, Orlando Slosson, John Strait, James Smith, John A. James, James Edelman, ' Julia A. Nowlan and Daniel W. Hunt. Clinton— Ora Harvey. In the south part of the county the following residents of Lizard town- ship were pre-emptors: John Calli- gan, Michael Collins, Roger Collins, Charles Kelley, Philip Russell, Wal- ter Ford, Dennis Connors, Chris No- lan, Nicholas Nolan, James Gorman, Peter McCabe, Michael Broderick, Michael Walsh, James Donahoe, John Quinlan and Thomas Crowell. In Lake township the only pre- emptors were Patrick Forey, Henry Brockschink and John Russell. THE HOMESTEAD. The homestead law was framed by Galusha A. Grow and approved by President Lincoln May 20, 1862. Under the homestead law the land is virtually a gift to the settler by the government in consideration of set- tlement and cultivation, the fees charged being about sufficient to cov- er the cost of entry and conveyance. Under the pre-emption law the right of purchase was conceded only to the actual settler, and under both laws the lands occupied were exempt from taxation during the term necessary to acquire a title, or a patent was issued. The homestead consisted of eighty acres or less within, and of 160 acres or less, beyond the limits of a railway grant, save that all honorably dis- charged soldiers from the army and sailors from the navy, by the act of June 8, 1872, were entitled to 160, acres within as well as beyond the railway limits. The entry fee for eighty acres or less was $5.00 and for more than that amount, $10.00. The commis- sions within the railway limits were double those beyond and made the total cost of the land to the home- steader as follows: For 40, 80 and 160 acres beyond the railway limits— the land being valued at $1.25 an acre— $7.00, $9.00 and $18,00 respectively; and within these limits— the land be- ing valued at $2.50 an acre— $9.00, $13.00 and $26.00 respectively. On July 1, 1879, this law was amended so that citizens as well as soldiers might homestead 160 acres within the rail- waylimits. In favor of the soldiers of the war of the rebellion it was provided that the term of their service during the war 238 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. to the extent of four years, might be deducted from the five years' residence required by law; and a soldier honor- ably discharged by reason of wounds or disability contracted in the service might be so credited with the entire term of his enlistment. In order to obtain a homestead, the applicant filed with the register of the U. S. land office a declaration that he was over twenty-one years of age, that he was a citizen of the United States or intended to become one, and that the entry was made for his exclusive use and benefit for act- ual settlement and cultivation. The entry thus made vested in the home- steader only an inceptive right. He had a claim to the land which no one could dispute so long as he complied with the law requiring him to live upon and cultivate it for five years; but he had no title to the land where- by he could convey it. If he aban- doned the land or remained absent from It more than six months his en- try was liable to be contested and cancelled; and then the land was again open to the first legal applicant. Having resided upon and cultivated his claim for five years the settler was allowed two years more, but no longer, in which to make his "final proof." This final proof consisted in the affi- davit of the settler and another one signed by two disinterested witnesses, showing that the claimant was a cit- izen of the United States, that he had made actual settlement upon and cul- tivated the land in good faith for the time required and that he had never perfected or abandoned an entry made under the homestead laws. "Happy the man whose wish and care A few productive acres bound; Content to breathe the balmy air ■ On his own ground; Whose herds yield milk, Whose fields yield bread. Whose trees in summer yield him shade In winter, fire." The townships in which most of the "homestead" claims were located were Lizard, Bellville, Colfax, Cedar, Do- ver, Grant, Lincoln, Powhatan and Des Moines. From one to three claims were located in Clinton, Lake and Swan Lake townships, but none in Center, Sherman, Marshall and Washington townships. The lands in these last named townships were bought by non-resident purchasers be- fore the settlement of the county had been extended to them; there were no permanent settlements in them until the spring of 1870. The only advan- tage the pre-emptor had when com- pared with the cash purchaser was, that he obtained possession of his lands without advance payment and held them without taxation until his final payment was made the same as the homesteader. As socn as the first railroad grants were made, there- by doubling the price of all lands within their limits, the attention of cash purchasers was directed to' the lands just beyond those limits, and in a very short time they had gained possession of them. The feeling that one was settled and fixed on a "homestead" was an in- ducement to improve it by the erec- tion of comfortable buildings, by en- closing fields and planting shade trees, groves and orchards. Each successive improvement was a bond binding the settler still closer to his home, and this brought contentment to his fam- ily. His wife and daughters fell in love with the country, his sons, appre- ciating the home founded for them on the farm more than places of dissi- pation, preferred farming to profes- sional loafing, and the father was happy in seeing the contented and cheerful faces of his family. The home may be humble, but maike it convenient and beautiful, and the children will love it above all other places; they will leave it with regret, think of it with fondness, come back to it joyfully and seek their chief hap- PIONEER PERIOD. 239 piness around the cozy and familiar fireside. The effort to improve and beautify the old homestead gave unusual pleas- ure and delight. It awakened the feeling that "There is something to live for And something to love, Wherever we linger, Wherever we rove; For the spirit of man Is like garden or grove; It will yield a sweet fragrance, If by unremitting toil He develops the spring blossoms And cultivates the soil." Women and children need more than bread and raiment. They have a love for the beautiful that seeks expression as well as tastes that may be culti- vated. Their ingenuity was taxed and their time employed in efforts to make 'their humble home on the prai- rie a lovely one, by constant efforts to multiply its comforts and conven- iences. They planted the fragrant flowers and trailing vines while others set the trees for their shade and lus- cious fruit. When necessary, the little cabin on the old homestead was opened for school and public worship. Thus their minds and hearts were culti- vated as well as the fields, and intelli- gence and contentment became the rule instead of the exception. The difficulties to be surmounted by the occupant of the old homestead in this county during this period were certainly very great. He obtained land, plenty of it; it was fertile and he could claim it as his own, but he had little else. The produce of the soil had to be consumed at home or near it; ready money was scarce, dis- tant products were scarcer and com- forts, other than the modest substi- tutes of home manufacture, were un- obtainable. The experience of priva- tion and hardship usually fell most heavily upon the wives and mothers, and no estimate of the heroism needed to achieve final success in the old homestead would be adequate that did not include woman's share in it. The women, who by the sides of their husbands have endured the pri- vations and hardships incident to the development of new countries, are among the noblest of their sex. Their self-sacrifice and devotion have marked every age in the settlement of the American continent, and looking back to the early days of this county we see that here they maintained that reput&tion. In the early settlement of this county they ground the corn for the stock, held the plow, went often without the necessaries of life; they helped to gather the scanty crops, and, amid the heat of summer and the cold of winter, they wavered not because of want and exposure. As unto the bow the cord is. So unto the man is woman; Though she bends him, she obeys him, Though she draws him, yet she follows; Useless each without the other. —Longfellow. the timber claim. On March 3, 1873, an act was ap- proved known as the "timber culture act," the purpose of which was to en- courage the growth of timber on the western prairie where large portions of the unoccupied public lands were destitute of timber. Under this act anyone entitled to claim a homestead, might enter as a "timber culture" claim one quarter section (160 acres) of prairie land, upon making affidavit to the fact that he desired it for his own benefit and for the purpose of plant- ing and cultivating timber upon it. The person making the entry for a "tree" or "timber claim" of 160 acres was required to break or plow five acres during the first year; and during the second year to cultivate them and plow five additional acres. During the third year he was required to cul- tivate the second plot that had been broken and plant the first 240 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. one with timber seeds or cuttings. During the fourth year he was re- quired to plant the second plot with timber, seeds or cuttings, and to pro- tect and cultivate both of them. Fruit trees and shrubbery were not regarded as timber under this act. Timber claims of less than 160 acres were to be cultivated and planted during the same periods and In the same proportion, namely, to the amount of one-sixteenth of the area claimed. The land oflice fees for the timber claim were $9.00 for 80 "acres or less, and $14.00 if more than that. If at the expiration of eight years from date of entry or at any time with- in five years thereafter the claimant prowd by two witnesses that he had successfully cultivated the required amount of timber for not less than eight years according to the provisions of the act of June 14, 1878, he was en- titled to a patent for the land em- braced in the entry. But if at any time after one year from the date of entry, the claimant failed to comply with any of the requirements of the act, his claim became liable to con- test; and upon due proof of such fail- ure his entry was cancelled and the land again became subject to entry, either as a homestead or timber claim by some other persons. If, however, his trees were destroyed by flre, drought or grasshoppers, his time for final proof was extended. It will be perceived that the "tim- ber culture" act did not require the settler to live upon the claim as the pre-emptor and homesteader were re- quired to do. By reason of this fact the homesteader, if he wished, could also enter a timber claim. In fact, after a settler had exercised his right of pre-emption and obtained a title to his claim, there was nothing in the laws subsequently enacted to prevent him from proceeding to settle upon another tract under the homestead law; and if, during the period of his residence on the homestead, he made another entry for a "timber claim," it was possible in this way for the settler to acquire a title to an aggre- gate of 480 acres. This was done oc- casionally, but more frequently the additional claims were taken by dif- ferent members of the same family. So far as we have been able to learn, fifteen "timber claims" were located in Pocahontas county, and J. A. Sayre located the first one on section 18, Dover township, July 13, 1875. During the next year Joseph South- worth located one on the same section and Swan Peterson one on section 36, Bellville township. The other timber claims were filed by Abraham Bor- jenson on section 18, and C. G. Blan- den on section 24, Bellville township; George Garlock (cancelled) and John C. Williams on section 18, Dover town- ship; John Lemp on section 18, Cedar township, and Emma. Hirshfleld on section 28, Swan Lake township. The application for this last one was filed August 18, 1883; Blanden's claim was filed in November following. , A littlf later Wm. H. Burnett made an entry of the SEi SEi Sec. 6, (40 acres) Cedar township, as a timber claim, and it is now held as such by Henry Voss. The other timber claims were secur- ed by J. B. Joliffe on Sec. 2 and J. B. Kent on Sec. 4, Powhatan township; L. C. CofBn on Sec. 7 and Thomas En- right on Sec. — , Clinton township; W. F. Atkinson on Sec. 10, Marshall township. THE SOUHCE OF SUPPLIES. During this entire period, which preceded the advent of any of the present railway facilities. Fort Dodge was the source of supplies to all the settlers of this county. ' The follow- ing facts in regard to this city are of historic interest; The town of Fort Dodge was plat- ted in March, 1854, at which time the only residents were Major Williams, James B. Williams, John M. Hefley PIONEEB PEEIOD. 241 and the family of Wm. E. Miller, who kept the hotel. During that same month, John Scott and his brother Robert and family arrived; and on June 28th following, ex-Governor Cy- rus C. Carpenter, walking the distance from Des Moines to that place. He taught the first school in that town the ensuing winter, in a small log building back of the Wahkonsa hotel. In the spring of 1855, John F. Dun- combe, Geo. B. Sherman and a host of others arrived, and so great was the crowd for the size and capacity of the town that when the dinner bell at the hotel rang, fifty persons would make a rush for the table, which could ac- commodate only ten. In May, Wm. Hodges bought the hotel and enlarged the table to a capacity for one hun- dred guests. The population of the town was then about 150 persons and the greater part of them were young men. A postoflflce was established and Major Williams became the first postmaster. John Y. Duncombe was the first lawyer, and Geo. B. Sherman established lihe first grocery store, where he furnished the early settlers with groceries, often exchanging them for furs, deer skins or any other com- modity that would bear transporta- tion to Muscatine and other places along the Mississippi river. The first frame building in the town was erect- ed in May, that year, and was used for a public! office, and the first brick building was erected that fall. As winter approached, the squatters on the pre-emption claims in the country around returned to the town, and the hotel and boarding houses being full, they established bachelor halls where the young men broiled their own ven- ison and provided for their hungry comrades. In 1856, the grant of lands was made to the Dubuque & Pacific railway, and this company giving the assurance that their road would be built at once and Fort Dodge be made an Important station, it gave the town an additional impulse, new sections were platted and the city grew rapid- ly- The wonderful advance of civiliza- tion is frequently remarked in a gen- eral way, but few of us practically re- alize the progress of settlement during the past forty years in this section of the country. In- 1859, when this county was organized, there was not a single postofflce within the territory now included in the states of North and South Dakota, whose population is now counted by hundreds of thou- sands. Ten counties in Northwestern Iowa, among which were Buena Vista, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth and Pocahontas, had not a postofflce. The counties of Clay, Cherokee, Emmet, Carroll, Ida and Sac had one each, while Crawford, Dickinson and Palo Alto had two each. THE U. S. LAND OFFICES. The first United' States land office in Iowa was established at Burlington. In January, 1848, one was established at Iowa City-, where it remained until the capital of the state was trans- ferred to Des Moines, in 185Y. On November 5, 1855, the state of Iowa was divided into four districts, viz: Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Sioux City and Council Blufls, and a land office was established in each of them, in the city giving name to the district. The Fort Dodge district extended along the north boundary line of the state from the line between ranges 33 and 34, to the line between ranges 24 and 25; thence south along this range line to the corner common to town- ships 93 and 94; thence east to the line between ranges 18 and 19, and thence south to the line between townships 85 and 86; thence west to the line be- tween ranges 33 and 34, and thence north to the north line of the state. The U. S. la,nd offices at Fort Dodge and Council Bluffs were continued for the convenience of settlers in making their entry of the pijblic lands, until 242 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. June 1, 1813, and at Sioux City until December 31, 1871, when by executiye orders issued by the president of the United States, they were consolidated with the ofBce at Des Moines. At the time of the last named date there were less than 2000, acres of lands in Iowa subject to the disposal of the government; and arrangements were made for homesteaders to obtain com- plete title by making final proof be- fore the courts of record in the coun- ties where the land was situated. This county belonged to the Fort Dodge district, except the west range of townships, including Cedar, Dover, Marshall and Swan Lake, which be- longed to the Sioux City district. The land office at Fort Dodge was a matter of great convenience to all the settlers in the eastern part of this county, for they had opportunity to visit the office and report their intend- ed settlement while on the way to their lands. By this means they were freed from all anxiety and fear on the part of the "claim jumper." Those who located claims in the west range of townships, had to go to the office at Sioux City and it was not an unusual occarrence for the settler to find that the lands he had selected were either bought or taken by others before he arrived and gained the attention of the register of the land office, espe- cially if he discovered to others on the way the location of his claim and spoke very highly of its merits. We learn there are residents of this county today who had this experience when the rush of settlers came to this sec- tion with the advent of the railway, about the year 1870. The story is told that a certain chap, who selected a claim a little further west, made a free use of the names of several of the most prominent men in this country at that time in order to hold it while he went to the land of- fice. This was done in a very effect- ive manner by tacking to a stake set on the claim the following notice: 1^ N. B.* mi We, the undersigned, claim this homestead. Pass on. U. S. Geant. Beigham Young. Sitting Bull. Of course no one dared to meddle with this claim. THE KAILKOAD LANDS. A reference bas been made to the act of congress approved May 15, 1856,t granting to the state of Iowa, for the purpose of aiding in the construction of railroads across the state, every al- ternate odd-numbered section for a distance of six miles on each side of the road. This act provided that when the lines of these roads should be definitely fixed, if it should appear that any section or -part thereof thus granted had been previously sold or pre-empted, then the railway com- panies might select, subject to the ap- proval of the Secretary of the Inte- rior, from the unoccupied and unsold lands nearest their line of railway, so much land in alternat,e sections as should equal the amount thereof sold or pre-empted; but the lands thus lo- cated should in no case be more than fifteen miles distant from the line of the railroad. Under this provision, it will be perceived, the belt of rail- road lands would naturally vary all the way from six to fifteen miles on each side of the line of the railway. The legislature of Iowa, by an act at a special session held in Iowa City and approved July 14, 1856, made a grant of these lands to the .Dubuque & Pacific R. R. Co. upon the condi- tion that the company should com- plete and equip 75 miles of its main line within three years from Dec. 1, 1856, 30 miles in addition each year thereafter for five years, and the re- mainder of their road including a ♦From "iVoto 6o«e" and means "Take No- tice." tPage 81. PIONEEB PERIOD. 343 branch from Dubuque to the mouth of the Tete des Morts,X within one year thereafter, — Dec. 1, 1865. The main line of this company was to extend from Dubuque to Sioux City. All persons who, at the time this grant was made, held valid claims by actual occupation and improvement upon any of these railway sections were protected in their rights, but to secure this protection, within three months from the passage of this act, they had to prove to the satisfaction of the county judge that their claim was valid and existed at the time the grant was made; then on the pay- ment of $2.50 an acre they were en- titled to a patent for the land. By an act of the legislature of Iowa, approved Jan. 28, 1857, the five railway companies in Iowa, to whom the first grants In Iowa had been made,* were allowed to execute mortgages or deeds of trust upon these odd- numbered sections of railroad lands for the purpose of securing the funds necessary to complete the construc- tion of their respective railroads. Under the provisions of this act the Dubuque & Pacific E. R. Co. on March 14, 1857, executed a trust deed of all their lands' along their proposed route, to Abram S. Hewitt, Thomas E. Walker, Frederick Schuchardt and Curtis B. Raymond, trustees of said company, for the sum of $12,000,000 secured by 12,000 construction bonds of $1000 each, with the right to issue a further amount of 3,000 similar bonds, making on the whole a sum not exceeding $15,000,000. To secure the payment of these bonds the railway company conveyed to these trustees all their right, title and interest in the public lands granted to it. JTa'ta de More, a creek near Sabula. •Burlington & Missouri River, (now C. B. & Q.) Mississippi and Missouri Eiver, (now the C. R. I. & P.) Iowa Central Air Line, (now C. & N. W.) Dubuque & Pacific, (now 111. Cen- tral,) and McGregor & Missouri Elver (now C. M. & St. P.) In the year 1860, Morris K. Jesup, Piatt Smith, W. W. Hamilton and Herman Gelpecke had become the successors of Messrs. Hewitt, Walker, Schuchardt and Raymond as trustees of the Dubuque & Pacific R. R. Co. A large amount of bonds had been is- sued under the mortgage of March 14; 1857, and default in the payment of the interest having been made, these trustees brought an action of fore- closure in the district court of Du- buque county at the August term, 1860, against the railway company and a decree of foreclosure was entered August 21, 1860, by which it was or- dered that these trustees recover of the Dubuque & Pacific R. R. Co. the sum of $1,722,510, and if payment of this amount was not made in ten days then the equity of, redemption should be forever barred and fore- closed. In contemplation of this fore- closure, a large number of persons who were interested in the railway com- pany, as holders of its bonds and stock, formed a new company under the name of the Dubuque & Sioux City R. R. Co. , to become the successor of the Dubuque & Pacific R. R. Co., for the purpose of acquiring all their rights, privileges and land grants, and to complete the construction of the railroad. This deed was executed by the president and secretary of the railway company and also by Morris K. Jesup and others, trustees, default having been made. On April 7, 1862, an act of the Gen- eral Assembly of Iowa was approved requiring the Dubuque & Sioux City R. R. Co. to release all the "swamp and overflowed" lands with- in the fifteen-mile limit of the road to the county in which they were sit- uated, according to the act of con- gress approved March 3, 1857. In con- sideration of this relinquishment of the "swamp and overflowed" lands, the time of completion of any part of the road was extended one year. 244 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. On December 1, 1866, when it should have been completed, this road ex- tended only to Iowa Falls, and the company failed and refused to execute the release of the swamp and- over- flowed lands as required by the act of the legislature of Iowa, April 7, 1862. By an act approved March 10, 1868, the General Assembly of Iowa de- clared the forfeiture of the lands granted to the Dubuque & Pacific (now Dubuque & Sioux City) E. K. Co. beyond the extension of their line and their reversion to the state of Iowa. On January 7, 1868, the Dubuque & Sioux City R. R. Co. conveyed so much of the Dubuque & Sioux City rail- road as remained to be constructed at that time and the pro ratio ol six sections a mile of the lands granted by congress to aid in the construction of this road west of Iowa Falls, to the Iowa Falls & Sioux City R. R. Co. The Iowa Falls &, Sioux City R. R. Co. was formed to complete the construction of the road from Iowa Falls to Sioux City, and the Du- buque, Bellevue & Sabula R. R. Co. was organized to construct the Teie des Tlioris branch along the west bank of the Mississippi river south from Dubuque. On April 7, 1868, an act of the General Assembly of Iowa was ap- proved that renewed the grant of lands forfeited by the Dubuque & Paeiflc (per the Dubuque & Sioux City) R. R. Co. to the two compa- nies last named, upon the condition that the main line be completed to Fort Dodge by July 1, 1869 and to Sioux City before January 1, 1872. Ddbuqtje & Siotrx City E. R. Lands.— Under these enactments the following lands in Pocahontas county were assigned to the Dubuque & Pacific (Illinois Central) R. R. Co., name- ly: All the odd-numbered sections in Lizard, Bellvllle, Colfax, Cedar, Dover, Grant, Lincoln and Lake townships, embracing the two south tiers, and in the south half of Center, Sherman and Marshall, in the third tier of town- ships, and all or parts of sections 29, 31, 32, 33 and 35, Swan Lake township. Previous to the transfer of its in- terest to the Dubuque & Sioux City R. R. Co., Aug. 24, 1860, the Dubuque & Pacific Go. had built the road to Waterloo, a distance of 80 miles, and had disposed of a large amount of their lands to eastern capitalists, who in turn sold them to settlers at $1.25 to $2. 50 an acre and all the titles thus. given were good. All their lands in Lincoln township were sold to the Artisan's Bank of New York city, and this bank becom- ing insolvent, the railroad lands in that township were ordered by the courts of the state of New York to be sold at public auction. This sale was held in the city of New York, July 23, 1862, and the purchasers were Geo. W. Powers, Jacob S. Carter, John E. Cor- with and Charles J. Forrest. They also sold a great many of their lands in this county to a company composed of some twelve men in Bos- ton, who organized themselves into the corporation known as the "Iowa Homestead Company," and appointed Geo. J. Forrest, Wm. J. Barney and Frederick^C. Gebhardt their trustees,. These trustees acquired tihe title tp these lands direct from the railroad, company and held them for the Iowa Homestead Co. until about March, 1880, when they sold them to the Iowa Land & Loan Co., of which Joseph Sampson, of Sioux City, (then at Storm Lake) was president for many years. The railroad lands in the south. half of Center township were included in the grant received by the Dubuque & Sioux City R. R. Co., and all of these south of section 15, including sections 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33 and 35 were sold to Warrick Price, of Cleve- land, Ohio. The Rogers' Locomotive company, of New Jersey, in compensation for PIONEER PERIOD. 245 supplies furnished the Dubuque & Pacific R. E. Co. and their successors, became the owners of 4,800 acres of the lands granted this company in this county, located In Lizard, Bell- ville, Colfax, Sherman and Grant townships. DBS MoiNBs Valley R. R. Lands. —The Des Moines Valley Railroad Co. was organized to build a railroad from Des Moines to the north line of this state along the Des Moines river, and this company received a grant of land along the line of its railway un- ' der the act of congress approved July 12, 1862. Their lands in this county were located in the north and eastern parts of it, as follows: Clinton township— All of sections 19, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 and part of Sec. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 21. Des Moines— All of section 1 and part of section 3, 5, 7, 9, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 and 33. Powhatan— All of sections 13 and 22, and part of Sec. 1, 3, 11, 18, 19, 21, 26 and 27. Swan Lake— All of section 1, 5 and 8, and part of sections 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 17, 18 and 20. The fact that so many parts of sec- tions appear in this grant is due to the fact the government had issued scrip to many persons, especially sol- diers, in compensation for services rendered the government, and those who held this scrip had purchased therewith parts of these sections be- fore the grant was made to this rail- road company. In the year 1877, the Des Moines Valley R. R. Co., having completed its line only to Fort Dodge via Tara, went into liquidation and the Des Moines and Fort Dodge R. R. Co. be- came its successor. In 1881 it extend- ed the railway through this county to Ruthven and secured possession of the lands previously granted. McGkegoe and Missouei River R. R. Lands.— The McGregor and Missouri River R. R. Co.* was organ- ized to build a railroad from McGreg' or, in Allamakee county, to, a point on the Missouri river, and on July 19, 1867, this company received a grant that included the following lands in Pocahontas county: Part of sections 7 and 9 in Clinton township, part of section 3 in Des Moines, part of all the odd-numbered sections from 3 to 35 in Washington, part of sections 1 and 3 in Sherman and part of sections 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 in Center township. The patent for tliese lands was issued by the State of Iowa, Dec. 20, 1880. It is not known that this company built any railroad, and its successor, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. R. R. Co., built none in this county nor within fifteen miles of it, but they acquired the lands, franchises, etc., of the former company. This company made sales directly to the settlers and favored all of them with a rebate on the purchasing price that broke a certain number of acres within a specified time. The Toledo & Northwestern R. R. Co., which in 1881 built the railroad passing through Rolfe and Laurens, a branch of the Chicago & Northwestern system, received no grant of lands nor any public aid along its line in this county. OTHER LAND GRANTS. There have been approved to Iowa, under the several grants of congress, above 8,000,000 acres of land, or nearly one-fourth of the entire state. Of this amount about 400,000 acres were approved to the state to aid in the improvement of the Des Moines river; l,500jOOO acres for the support of the public schools; 204,000 acres for the support of the Agricultural College; 45,000 acres of saline lands, the unsold portion of which was transferred to the Stafe University by an act of the General Assembly of Iowa approved •The successor of the McGregor & Sioux City E. R. Co. 246 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. March 25, 1864; 4,6'75,O00 acres to aid in the construction of the first rail- ways across the state; and 1,570,000 acres of swamp lands, including those for which cash and land indemnity had been allowed. The grant in Pocahontas county for the support of the public schools, em- braced section number 16 in each township, or 10,240 acres. Of the Agricultural College lands, 4,730 acres were located in this county on Jan. 13th and April 15th, 1869, un- der the act approved Dec. 16, 1864. Of this amount 1,760 acres were located in Bellville township, (Sec. 14, 28, 31, 32 and 36) and the remainder in Colfax (Sec. 18, 20), Lizard" (Sec. 20, 28), Mar- shall (Sec. 22, 26), and Swan Lake (Sec. 26, 34, 36), townships. Ten other counties in the earlier settled portions of this state, located 14,086 acres in this county. The selec- tion and location of these lands was as follows: Tama county, Sept. 23, 1864, in Pow- hatan township (Sec. 2, 3, 6) 1031 acres. Johnson county, Dec. 28, 1864, in Powhatan (Sec. 8, 18) 400 acres, and Washington (Sec. 4, 6, 10) 1081 acres; total 1481 acres. Buchanan county, Feb. 28, 1865, in Powhatan (Sec. 20) 200 acres and in Washington (Sec. 2, 14) 600 acres; total 800 acres. Butler county, June 20, 1865, in Lin- coln (Sec. 18) 214; Grant (Sec. 2, 6, 14) 608; Center (Sec. 2, 6, 18, 30) 767; Sher- man (Sec. 4, 6, 18) 771; total, 1684 acres. Allamakee county, June 27, 1865, in Powhatan (Sec. 8, 10, 28, 30, 34) 1787 acres. Bremer county, June 29, 1865, in Center (Sec. 4) 130; Lake (Sec. 6, 18, 30) 304; Powhatan (Sec. 32) 560; and Wash- ington (Sec. 18, 20, 22) 880; total, 1870 acres. Dubuque county, Nov. 18, 1865, in Lake township, lot No. 2 of Sec. 22, 31 acres. Jasper county, Feb. 17, 1869, in Cen- ter (Sec. 13) 240; Swan Lake (Sec. 30) 80; Marshall (Sec. 8, 18, 20) 1214; total, 1534 acres. Clinton county, March 20, 1870, in Dover (Sec. 10) 40, and Swan Lake (Sec. 2, 22, 24, 34) 400; total, 440 acres. Cedar county, in Washington town- ship (Sec. 5, 7, 17, 18) 1064 acres. THE DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT COUETS; FIRST SESSIONS. The first record of a term' of the dis- trict court and of a trial before it is of date, "Highland, Nov. 2, 1860." Hon. A. W. Hubbard, of Woodbury county, was the presiding judge, arid the first case was entitled: A. K. Hill vs. Pbrby Nowlen, and W. H. Halt appeared as the attor- ney for the plaintiff. Only one other case was tried at this term of the court and it was en- titled "John M. Stockdale vs. John C. Straight." Thomas McCorrwick, a native of Ireland, was declared a citizen of the United States. These items represent the business done at this first session of the dis- trict court in this county, and both the record and attestation thereof are in the handwriting of Judge Hubbard. The time for the next term of court was May 22, 1862, but the only case in hand was granted a change of venue to Kossuth county by reason of the fact it was impossible to secure a jury of twelve men in this county for the trial of it. This change of venue was granted by the judge without coming to this county, and all the other items of business were postponed until the next session of the court. The next records of. the district court are of date Oct. 31, 1863, and show the business done at the second session of the court. At this date Isaac Pendleton, of Woodbury county, had become the successor of Judge Hubbard and, not arriving until the PIONEER PERIOD. 247 third day of the session, Phlhp Rus- sell, the clerk of the court, main- tained the session by opening the court each day at the appointed hour and then adjourning it from day to day until the time of his arrival. There were twenty-two other coun- ties in Northwest Iowa in this judi- cial district at this date and the dis- trict court held only one session each year in thirteen of them, Pocahontas being among this number. In the other nine counties two sessions were held annually. In 1869, the "circuit court" was es- tablished for the purpose of holding two sessions each year in every county. The first session of this court in this county was held at (Old) Rolfe, May 4, 1869, by Judge Jared M. Snyder, of Humboldt county, and only two items of business were transacted that be- came matters of record. James TST. Prouty made application and was ad- mitted to the practice of law before this court. He then presented to the court Thomas' Peters, a foreigner, and secured his naturalization. When the second session of the court was held in this county, Feb. 8, 1870, sev- eral state and probate cases were heard and disposed of. On the records of the courts during this period the names of the following persons appear as applicants for nat- uralization, the date given being the one on which the final papers were is- sued and the country, their native place: 1860, Jan. 3, Robert Struthers, Scot- land. 1861, Aug. 23, James Hood, Canada. 1863, Nov. 2, William Struthers, Canada. 1864, Feb. 2, Matthew Tilley,. Eng- land. 1867, June 4, John Weise, Prussia. 1867, June 4, Michael Weise, Prussia. 1869, May 4, Thomas Peters 1871, Feb. 6, Bernard Stegge, Ger- many. 1871, May 1, John Kreul, Germany. 1871, May 1, Peter H. Niemand, Ger- many. 1871, May 1, Robert Lothian, Scot- land. H ait's sawmill. The only sawmill ever erected in the county was the one located at Old Rolfe in 1860, by Wm. E. Clark and John M. Stockdale for the purpose of sawing the material for the first court house and bridge over the Des Moines river at that place. It consisted of a circular saw run by steam and was lo- cated near the residence of W. H. Hait on section 26, Des Moines town- ship. After the .completion of the. court house and bridge, Mr. Hait bought it and retained possession of it until 1870, when it was sold to the owner of a grist-mill in Webster coun- ty. The first one who died in this coun- ty was Patrick Calligan, in the Lizard settlement, in August 1856. The first white children born with- in the limits of the county were Rose Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Donahoe, Feb. 23, 1857; Maggie, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. John Calligan, Aug. 11, 1857; Annie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Collins, March 10, 1858; Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Walsh, April 10, 1858, and Charles Joseph, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kelley, May 6, 1858. All of these belonged to the Lizard settle- ment. The portraits of all but two of these persons may be seen in this vol- ume. The first birth in the Des Moines settlement occurred on January 1, 1859, when Ellen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Struthers, was born. She is now Mrs. Richard Mathers, of Clinton township. The first marriage in this county oc- curred in the Des Moines settlement December 30, 1859. The ceremony was performed by Samuel N. Harris, clerk of the district court, and the con- 248 PIONEBE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. tracting parties were Michael O 'Boyle and Margaret Sheridan, both of Hum- boldt county. The first marriage of residents of this county occurred at the home of Samuel N. Harris, in Des Moines township, July 18, 1861. In this instance the contracting par- ties were William Seymour regies and Miss Elizabeth Harris, the ceremony being performed by Bobert Struthers, a justice of the peace. On July 15, 1869, the Pocahontas Journal, the first newspaper published in the county was established at (Old) Rolfeby W. T>. McEwen and J. J. Bruce. X. Second Period, 1870 to 1882— Period of Railroad eonstruction and Township Organization. "While I behold the rushing tide of life. Advancing westward, covering all the land, A land, the richest in the fertile world, The glorious garden of the peopled earth, Budding, blossoming like the lovely rose, I ask myself, what will this country be When for its development time is given?"— L. Ekown. THE FIKST KAILROAD. I T the beginningof this period, it may be said "The movers came by dozens, staked their claims and built their cabins." The year 1870 marks a new era in the history of this county. It was during this year the first railroad was built through its borders, and this event gave a new impetus to the set- tlement of the county, that was felt in every township, but most in those situated in the southwestern part of it. In 1866 the Dubuque & Sioux City E. R. Co. had secured the extension of their liue from Dubuque to Iowa Falls, a distance of 143 miles, but there it rested. In October, 1868, John 1. Blair, of Blairstown, N. J., contractor and builder for the Iowa Falls & Sioux City R. R. Co., began the exten- sion of the road to Sioux City, a dis- tance of 183 miles. This railroad was completed to Webster City Dec. 31st, following; to Fort Dodge in May and to Pomeroy Dec. 25, 1869. This rail- road reached Cedar creek on the bank of which Fonda now stands, about May 1, 1870, and was completed at Storm Lake July 4, following. The west half of this railroad was built from Sioux City to Storm Lake. William Bott, who is still an hon- ored resident of Fonda, superintended the laying of the track ot this first railroad from Iowa Falls to Storm Lake and, as a foreman of track-hands continued in the employ of the rail- road company for a number of years afterward. He and his family were the first occupants ot the depot at Fonda, and they enjoyed this luxury until the arrival of the first ticket and freight agent, Geo. li'airburn, a young man from Dubuque, full ot hope, pluck and energy, well equipped for all the duties of this new and responsi- ble situation on the frontier, and who, from that date, Oct. 15, 1870, until the present time, has been prominently SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 249 identified with the public and busi- ness interests of the new city then founded, first called Marvin, now Fonda. The completion of the Iowa Falls & Sioux City railroad was signalized by the construction company running nn excursion train from Fort Dodge to Sioux City on July 4, 1870. This train consisted of an engine profusely dec- orated with flags, several open flat- cars and a caboose; and most of the passengers were workmen and those who were interested in the rail- road. Among those who came on this train to gee the location of the new town on the east bank of Cedar creek, was Abram Weaver, of Deer- field, BTew York, the present owner of section 1, Cedar township. On this, his fifst visit to this section he made the purchase of the west half of that section and two other tracts of land in the vicinity of Twin Lakes. In June, 1869, thirty days after the completion of the railroad to Fort podge. The Illinois Central R. R. Co. leased the road and established a train service to that city. When the rail- road was completed to Sioux City the Construction Company establish- ed a daily train service about August 1, 1870. This service at first consisted of one train a day each way, and during the months of August and September their agent located at New- ell, Captain E. W. Stetson, still a refiident of the town of Newell, attended to all the business at the Marvin station by coming to this place on one train and returning to Newell on the next one. This train was a mixed one, consisting of several freight cars a,nd one passenger coach. On October 15th, the Illinois Central R. R. Co. having leased the entire line of the road, established a through train service, which, during the first year, was siniilal' to that established by the Construction Co.* About ten miles of this railroad were built in Pocahontas county. It entered the county on the south side of Sec. 34, Colfax township, and passed through it in a straight line running about 15 degrees north of west to the west line of Sec. 19, Cedar township. It is so free from steep grades that a Mogul engine, the kind now used on it, having 18x24-lnch steam cylinders and weighing 25 tons' can draw a load of 300 tons exclusive of the weight of cars, over its entire length in Iowa. The Western Union Telegrapli Co. handles the telegraph business along this road, under a contract given Sept. 20, 1863, to the Illinois & Missis- sippi Telegraph Co. The telegraph company furnishes the necessary ma- terial and the R. R. Co. the labor for the maintenance of the line, all mes- sages of the R. R. Co., pertaining to their business, being transmitted free. The American Express Co. has charge of the express business, and on the main line the mails are weighed every four years from 1895 to determine the compensation for carrying them. When this first railroad entered Po- cahontas county in the spring of -1870, a . settler resided upon a homestead in the vicinity of Storm Lake, but there were no visible indi- cation's of the thriving city that now bears that name; and when it reached Cedar creek, the section of country now occupied by the city of Fonda was a wild but beautiful prairie broken only by the trail of an occasional team to Fort Dodge. 'The Dubuque & Pacific B. R. Co. built the railroad from Dubuque to Independence, a distance of 69 miles, reaching that place June 3, 1860. The Dubuque & Sioux City R. R. Co., their successor, extended it to Iowa Falls, a distance of 74 miles, on April 15, 1836. On Oct. 33, 1883, all the railroad built by the Iowa Falls & Sioux Dlty K. R. Co. was conveyed to the Dubuque & Sioux City R. B. Co., and it still owns (He road from Dubuque to SioHsi City; 250 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. FONDA FOUNDED IN 1870. Peter G. Ibson, who is still a resi- dent of the county, but then a black- smith for the bridge builders along the line of the railroad, in February, 1870, erected a blacksmith shop about twelve feet square, on the present site of the Fonda water works, and this was the first building erected on section 27, Cedar township. He had entered the employ of the bridge Cottonwood trees that may be seen north of the railroad and about forty rods west of the east line of the sec- tion. In this building, which was erecto,d also in the fall of 1869, John A. Hay and his brother, Harvey W. Hay, lived during that winter, and the former kept a small stock of gro- ceries, receiving his supplies from Fort Dodge. In the summer of 1870, John A. builders of the railroad construction Hay built a store building that was company near Webster City the pre- vious year, and moving his shop west- ward with the progress of the road, chose this location as one convenient for the builders of the railroad bridge across Cedar creek. The superintend- ent of the bridge builders was George Sargent. Previous to this date, (Feb., 1870) two small buildings bad been erected about three-quarters of a mile west of first located on what for many years has been known as the Geo. Ellis property, south of Second and east of Main streets, where he sold goods under the firm name of Hay & Alford, the latter being a resident of Fort Dodge. Wm. Marshall, who arrived in May, 1870, built the first dwelling house, hauling the lumber from Pome- roy. This was a one and a half story building located north of Second Cedar creek on section 28. One of street, first on lot 6 of block 8, and at these was a little one-story frame present on the southwest corner of the building built in the fall of 1869 by Jacob Silbar, a Jewish peddler, who sold his goods from a wagon during the summer, and erected this build- ing for a home during the winter. It stood south of the railroad grade, and as soon as Cedar creek became dry in 1870, Maurice Chase, a resident of the settlement at Sunk Grove and who next block east. Mr. Marshall had no desire to keep hotel but it became a matter of necessity that he should be willing to receive and entertain transients until a hotel was built. He established a lumber yard north- west of the depot, later owned by Geo. Pairburn and now by the Shull Bros.' Lumber Co. The depot was the next the previous year had hauled the building completed, and Wm. Bott , lumber for it from Fort Dodg'e, drew and family began to occupy it about this building on a set of skids across tlie first of August. Two monthslater the creek at the old fording place when he had to vacate it, the work- north of the Catholic church, iind lo- men under his care in one day erected cated it a few feet east of Ibson 's a building north of the track, into shop. The sight of these two unpre- which he moved and remained a con- tentious looking buildings on the prairie just south of the railroad, is a matter of very distinct recollection on the part of many of the older residents of this community. The other building west of Cedar creek, was built by John A. Hay on his homestead on the north half of section 28, and the place where it siderable time. In September, 1870, John I. Blair, of Blairstown, N. J., owner of the section, (27) had Frederick Hess, of Fort Dodge, make a survey and plat of the new town which he called Mar- vin, in honor of Marvin Hewitt, su- perintendent of the Illinois Central R. R. Co. at that time. The original etoo(} is sttll marked by a groye gf plat embraced four streetg running GEORGE FAIRBURN President, Pocahontas Coanty Bank, Fonda. Fonda and Vicinity. SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 251 rbhward from the railroad, on the it bank of Cedar creek, and named im it, Howard, Main, Franklin and ng streets; and four streets running it and west, numbered from the Iroad, First, Second, Third and urth streets, the last being south the Presbyterian church. This it was tiled for record Sept. 13, 1S70, 3 Fonda thus became the second vn platted in the county. Mr. lii: set apart for public use as high- ,ys forever all the land included in 3 streets and alleys as shown in the ginal plot, the width of Main street ing 100 feet and of the other streets feet. i.fter the town was platted, John ly moved his store building to the St side of Main street on the lot w occupied by the north half of the irburn bank building, Jacob Silbar icted a new building on the next north of it, and Peter Ibson built ew shop south of Second street irthe former site of Hay's store, lere it remained about two years until it was moved to the corner on J west side of Main street now oc- Died by the brick block of Roberts Kenning. Vben Geo. Fairburn arrived he was iompanied by W. S. Wright, a mg man also from Dubuque, and ih of them made their home in the )ot. The latter ^became the first )ress agent and postmaster. He es- ilished the first postofiflce in the rot, under the name of Cedarville, 1 during the year he remained in irge of it the mail was kept in a He box that had only four pigeon- es. 'he first hotel was built by Albert y, an uncle of John A. Hay, on the aer north of the railroad, now oc- lied by the Washington hotel, for ich it is still used as a kitchen, 'he second good residence building 1 built by Wm. Snell, on the east I of Main street m^ on tbe sgpond block from the railroad. This build- ing for many years was the home of Capt. Joseph Mallison, but in 1899, the large cottonwood trees that had been planted in front of it were cut down and it was removed to the lot of Frank Scott, near the cemetery, to make room for the two-story brick block of J. W. Rock. Wm. Snell es- tablished a real estate agency in part- nership with Jacob Snyder, and a place for the sale of agricultural ma- chinery In partnership with Wm. Mar- shall. On the east side of Main street on the first block from the depot, several other buildings were built in 1870. One was erected as a restaurant by Horace and Charles Skinner, on the corner now occupied by the bank building of the Farmers' Loan and Trust company. Their first structure consisted of a board roof that rested on corners and pillars built by placing bunches of shingled on top of each other and the spaces between them were protected with canv&,s or tent- ing. Canute Tisdale, severing his connection with Jacob Silbar, built a shoemaker shop near the south corner of that block. North of it M. D. Skinner, of Webster City, built a long frame building that was intended to serve as a residence and printing of- fice. A printers' outfit entirely new was put in the front room of this building and Mr. Skinner as editor and proprietor began to issue the Po- cahontas Times. Previous to the is- sue of the Times, W. S. Wright, the express agent, had had several weekly issues of the Cedarville Herald print- ed at Storm Lake and distributed through the postOfflce at the depot. Dick Mills erected a temporary meat market near the alley a little north of the site of McKee's brick block and Charles Skinner a flour and feed store on the west side of Main street. About this time Samuel Hughes ar- riye^ Eipd, purchasing the Ijujlding 252 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. and stock of goods owned by Jacob Silbar, moved the building forward to the line of Main street, and its previ- ous owner left the settlement. CEDAE TOWNSHIP— FIRST EBSIDBNTS. 1868. The first residents of Cedar township seem to have been Elijah Chase and family, consisting of wife and five children, and Geo. Spragg and family. These two fami- lies were related to each other by marriage, and bringing their eflects from Buchanan county on wagons drawn by oxen, they located at Sunk Grove on Sec. 6, Aug. 9, 1868. At this date there were no settlements west of those along the Lizard streams and not even a beaten wagon trail through this township. For several months during the fall and winter preceding, Bartlett M. Morse, now a resident of Calliope, Sioux county, had engaged in trapping around the lake at Sunk Grove, and lived in a rude shanty in the grove; and another trapper by the name of King occupied it the ensuing winter, but neither of them became perma- nent residents of the township. 1869. On March 23, 1869, Ephraim Garlock, Abram O. Garlock, Geo. Hathaway and A. W. Creed entered and with their families began to occu- py homesteads on section 24, and Geo. H. Wright and family on section 36 of Cedar township. Andrew J. Norem entered his homestead on section 22, on March 5th previous, but he did not immediately locate upon it. In May following, Wm. Erastus Garlock and family and his brother George Garlock arrived in wagons, bringing their own and their father's stock from DeKalb county 111., and lo- cated also on section 24; John Dunker- ly and family on section 6; Sidney E. Wright, (a brother of Geo. H.) Geo. W. Wood and John R. Perry on sec- tion 36, and Julius F. Stevens on sec- tion 4. In Jtitie the new settlers wete Hot- ace R. and Chas. Skinner on section 6; John A. Hay on section 28; Wm. Richards on section 32; Wm. Lawler, John Brown and Wm. Lynch and family of four children, all on sec- tion 2. Other settlers that arrived later and entered their homesteads that year were Harvey W. Hay and J. S. Howell and family on section 28; John Diviny and Mrs. Rachel Hartwell on section 6; John Lemp on section 18; John M. Wood on section 36; and John Olson, wife and three children, who bought the SEi of Sec. 33, and lived upon it until 1885. 1870. The first homesteaders to ar- rive in Cedar township in 1870, were Geo. Sanborn and family on section 34; Austin G. (brother of A. W.) Creed, on section 12; Matthew Byrne on section 4, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mallison on section 20. These were followed in the spring by Jeremiah Sullivan and Chas. Breslin who came together and located also on section 4, April 7th. Among those who followed later that year were Samuel H. Mc- Deid, Geo. E., Thompson and family and Geo. H. Thompson his nephew, all of whom located on section 18; Geo. A. Woolworth and Albert Wolfe on sec- tion 11; Pelatiah IT. Bennett and Al- bin C. Spearin on section 8; Joseph C. Stevens, Albert Hanke and his broth- er Frank Hanke, all on section 6; Ad- am Cleghorn on section 20; Thomas Slater and Edward Mellen on section 36; John N. Welsh, Carrie, sister of A. W. Creed, and David Splelman on sec- tion 24. The following additional persons in in 1869 visited and located homesteads in Cedar township, namely: John D. Nichols, Wm. H. Schooley, James C. Kromer, Alfred Rowe, Grimes J. Snow, Justus F. Heath, Eugene Criss, Wm. Curney and Charles M. Hunt; and in 1870, Henry Pallersels, James F. Capen, Wm. G. Winn and John Munro, but they remained only a short time and their claims were cancelledi SECOND PERIOD, 187C-1882. 253 WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, 1868-1870. With the tide of immigration that ached the western part of Pocahon- s county, along the route of the pro- sed railroad, a settlement was rmed in Williams township, Calhoun lunty, adjoining Cedar township 1 the south and tributary to Eon- i as a center of trade, of whiteh the illowing facts, pertinent to the his- •ry of this period, will be read with iterest. 1868. The first families to locate in lis settlement were those of Wm. [. Stott and of his wife's brother, 7m. P. Bush, both of whom located a section 14, in the early part of 1868. oon afterward that same year they ere joined by Samuel Poland, Jacob tilts and family, George Fastle, Hugh locking, Jr., and his brother Wm. locking, all on section 10; Hugh Locking, Sr., and his family, and his m John Hocking, on section 2. 1869. In 1869, John Stott and fam- :y located on section 18, on which his wosons, John Jr., and George also ook homesteads that so cornered fith their father's that when they D. C. Morey. Lemuel Milnor, Isaac Warner and family and Silas Flint and family lo- cated on section 12, the latter and his son George taking homesteads on that section, and Charles Flint on section 14. Charles H. Poland, Sr., RoderickJ. Ab- bott and his brother Wm. Abbott, lo- cated on section 10; Nicholas Strauss and family and Henry Baker and fam- ily on section 6. Orlando O. Brown and family and his two sons, Nathan L. and Lyman W. Brown, located three homesteads on section 8, and James Rigby on the fraction of sec- tion 4. The latter was an earnest Seventh-day Adventist and in 1876 or- ganized an Adventist church of thirty- six members in the Kennedy (now Mayo) school house. Mrs. Mary Jane Jenkins (daughter of John Hocking, Sr.) and family, Jacob E. Kephart and David Thayer and family located on section 2. In 1870, Obed Slater and family lo- cated on section 2, James Whitbeck on section 12, and a number of others, too numerous to mention, in various parts of the township. At ihis date the settlement had al- uilt their house, which had three j-ga^y ^^^^ ^q |,e known as the "Will- ooms, one room of it was on each of iams settlement, " by reason of the he three homesteads. fact that three of the first men to lo- William Kennedy and family in cate in it— Wm. Stott, Wm. Bush and Lpril located on section 4, on the farm Wm. Kennedy were often referred tO low owned by Charles Zeigler, and as the three "Williams. " n June 5th, 1869, they were In 1871 when the township was or- oined by Geo. Sanborn and family, ganized, it was very naturally named lis brother-in-law, with whom the 'Williams" in honor of these three atter remained until February, 1870, men whose public spirit made them fhen he moved to his oWn homestead m section 34, Cedar township, one- lalf mile south of Fonda. as prominent as the fact they were early pioneers. The first death in this settlement is Sarah J. Clemens and family of four believed to have been Amanda Stilts, hildren, purchasing the homestead ight of Alfred Hay, located on sec- ion 12, and in December, 1870, she fas joined by her eldest daughter, larriet A., then a school teacher, but low the wife of Baxter S. Chapman. the daughter of Jacob Stilts, who died about December 28, 1870, and was buried on a spot of high ground on her father's homestead which was on the Ei SWi Sec. 10. The location of this grave is still indicated by a clump Phis homestead is now the farm of of cottonwopd trees that were planted ^54 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. around it after her burial. Miss Harriiet A. Clemens tauglit the first school in this settlement, a term of two months, in January and Febru- ary IS'Zl. This was before the organi- zation of the township, and among the pupils that she enrolled there were two that were over age, namely, John Stott and Wm. P. Bush. The latter was thirty-two years of age and gave as the reason for his attendance the fact that his enlistment in the army prevented him ftom going to school in his younger days. He is now a resi- dent of Grilmore City. In the spring of 1871 this settle- ment was divided into two school dis- tricts. In district No. 1, the first teacher was Miss Harriet A. Clemens, (now Mrs. B. 8. Chapman) who taught the summer and winter terms of 1871, the former term in the summer kitch- en of Wm. H. Stott, on section 14, where she taught the previous term, and the latter one in a small tem- porary school building that was lo- cated near the center of section 11 on the north part of the farm now owned and occupied by Isaac P. Longnecker. Roderick J. Abbott taught the sum- mer and winter terms of 1872 and Mrs. Rachel Hartwell, of the Sunk Grove settlement, the summer and winter terms of 1873 in the same temporary building. In 1874, when the school house was built in this, the Warner dis- trict, James Clemens was the first teacher to occupy it. In the other district the first teacher was Edgar E. Mack, who taught the summer and winter terms of 1871 and also of 1872, in the home of Nathan L. Brown, on section 8. Mrs. Alice B. Ellis, wife of Capt. Ellis, of Ft. Dodge, taught the summer and winter terms of 1873 in the same place. In 1874, the Kennedy (now Mayo) school house was built and the first two terms in it were taught by Miss Sarah J. Darling, now th'i wife of Judge S. M. Elwood, of Sac City. The first board of directors con- sisted of O. O. Brown, president; Wm. P. Bush, secretary; John Stott, treasurer; Wm. Kennedy and Roderick Abbott. The first permanent school buildings in Williams township were built in the Warner, Kennedy (now Mayo) and Jackson districts, in the season of 1874 and by Abram O. Garlock, a resident of Cedar township, as contractor and builder. The Jackson district received this name from Joseph Jackson, who lo- cated in that district about the year 1871. He was a carpenter as well as a farmer, and in 1875 was the contractor and builder of the school house In dis- trict No. 3, the Strauss neighborhood. The first teacher to occupy this build- ing was George Sanborn, the present editor of The Fonda Times. THE TOW^NSHIPS OEGANIZBD. •'American youth behold where you stand! To you must be given the care of this land; Prepare for your calling; be worthy the trust." As a natural result of the immigra- tion to this section, induced by the construction of the • first railroad through- it, four new townships were organized in Pocahontas county in the year 1870, namely. Cedar, Bellvilleand Grant on June 6th, and Dover (in- cluding Marshall) on September 6th, following. One year thereafter Colfax and Swan Lake townships were es- tablished; and in 1872 Lincoln (under the name of Carter) and Center town- ships. About this date the ravages of the grasshoppers and other causes of hard times checked immigration very seri- ously .and a period of four years elapsed before Washington township was established (Sept. 5, 1876.) and Lake, the year following. Another period of three years, suggestive also of hard times, elapsed before Sherman SECOISTD PERIOD, 1870-1882. 255 township was established. Finally on June 5, - 1882, Marshall township, the last one remaining, was estab- lished under the name of Laurens. The last date given marks an im- portant epoch in the history of this county. It not only denotes the time when the organization of the town- ships of the county was completed, but the period when this county was traversed in the north and east by two more important railroads, the Toledo & Northwestern and the Des Moines Valley (now the C. R. I. & P.). This date also marks the end of a period of repeated disappointments, hard times and unexpected disasters on the one hand, and the beginning of an era of uninterrupted growth and pros- perity that has continued until the present time. The following exhibit of the popu- lation of the county during this peri- od, 1870-1882, shows when its growth was retarded by unfavorable circum- stances and when manifest impulses were received. Year Pop. Year Pop. 1869 637 1875 2249 1870 1446 1880 3713 1873 2175 1885 6154 It will be perceived that there were two short periods of manifest growth that in general may be said to have embraced the first two and the last two years of .the period under con- sideration; and that almost the en- iire decade included in the seventies —1872 to 1879— was an era of slow growth in the development of the Jounty, a circumstance that was no loubt due to the trials and hardships ixperienced by those who were resi- lents of the county during that time. If we seek for the principal causes hat checked the forward impulse of .870, it will be found that they were hree in number, namely; the grass- loppers, the financial panic of 1873 nd the strikes or hard times of 1877. ^he first of these retarding causes ras in some measure local, but the two last were felt more or less serious- ly throughout the whole country. THE GRASSnOPPEES. As early as 1856 and 1857, and again in 1864 and 1866, the grasshoppers of the Rocky mountain region visited the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Ne- braska and Kansas, but owing to the limited number of the settlements at that early date, their ravages were not seriously felt or emphasized. In Pocahontas county there were three distinct visitations of grass- hoppers that are well remembered. These occurred in 1867 and '68, in 1873 and '74 and, in diminished numbers, in 1875 and '76, when they departed, unwept and unmourned. These visitations were the cause of a vast amount of suffering through- out the entire northwestern part of this country and added greatly to the ordinary hardships of pioneer life. When they came sweeping through the land on the wing they darkened the face of the sun, and when they lighted on the farmers' gardens and growing crops they darkened the face of the husbandman, who saw before them his hope of subsistence but after them only a desolate wilderness. Whilst they would satisfy the cravings of their hunger, when necessary, by feeding on the tough native grasses of the prairie, they always manifested a keener relish for the tenderer vegeta- tion that grew in the cultivated fields of the settler, and when they found them they "cleaned them out." The region known as the permanent home of the Rocky mountain locusts or grasshoppers, where they breed . ev- ery year and are always found in greater or less numbers, embraces the greater part of Montana, a narrow strip of western Dakota, most of Wy- oming and Colorado, the eastern por- tions of Utah, Idaho and Oregon, and a very large area in the British posses- sions north of Montana that equals more than one-third of the whole re- 256 PIONEER HISTORY OF p6CAH6NTAS COUlSfTY, lOWA. gion. The region over which they have temporarily migrated in years of excessive abundance, but from which they have disappeared the fol- lowing year, includes on the eastern side of the mountains all of Texas, In- dian Territory, Kansas, Nebraska, western Missouri, the greater half of Iowa, nearly all of Minnesota, Mani- toba and the country north to Lake Winnipeg. "The locusts," says the wise man, "have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands. " This is true of the grasshopper, which is a species of lo- cust. They form in compact ranks like the battalions of a disciplined army and they march at the command of a divine and mysterious will. One spirit rules the mighty hosts, and they move in numbers without num- ber—countless as the snowflakes and dark as the clouds. When they travel on the earth they cover everything as completely as the river its bed. When they fly they not only darken the sun, but the sound of their wings is as the sound of many waters. They enter windows, doors and chimneys, cover beds, tables and furniture and fill all wells and open fountains of water. They are omnipresent like the pestilence and, defying sword, spear and cannon, are resistless like the tornado. Famine and pestilence follow their march. The Arabs say "they have the face of a horse, the eyes of an elephant, the neck of a bull, the horns of a deer, the chest of a lion, the belly of a scorpion, the wings of an eagle, the thighs of a camel, the feet of an ostrich and the tail of a serpent." One who had the opportunity of ob- serving them and their habits in 1876, wrote as follows: The grasshopper as a champion mul- tiplier has no equal. He lays an egg which is about the size and shape of a long primer "O;" in'fact he layS' sev- eral of them. From the first of Au- gust until winter he is actuated by a reckless ambition to bore holes in the ground about the size of a pipestem andthen to fill these holes with cream- colored eggs. Although he is small he attends to business and is a tri- umphant success. In stature he is a match for a six-penny stub nail and in form he is like unto a linchpin. He wears a green sealing-wax head and a pair of large glass eyes, so that with his long-tailed duster he looks like an unsophisticated school-master. He is not, however, unsophisticated; he thoroughly understands numera- tion and multiplication. He will stand himself bolt upright like a peg in one of those holes aforesaid, and viewing the heavens with sublime se- renity and wooden-headed uncon- sciousness knows just what he is about. He prefixes himself like a fig- ure "1" in the business and adopting the decimal system of notation calmly places a "0" where it will do the most good. That stands for 10, and before you know it he has added an- other cipher to that and he now reads 100. About this time you be^in to find out what kind of a multiplier he is and you entertain a degree of awe for him not inspired by a front view of his green goggles; you discover that he is a dangerous neighbor. In one hour he has given you a problem that with all your powers oj multipli- cation cannot be solved. He com- pounds his interest at 100 per cent ev- ery month and puts a snap judgment on your cornfield before you can say "grasshopper."* A practical use of the innate energy of the grasshopper is suggested by the following incident. A man riding along the border line of the county about the time of their last visitation, was passed by a runaway mule and soon after met fragments of a wagon and the owner of the outfit. The owner, after making inquiries, re- marked quite cheerfully that he was pretty sure he had cured his mule of "balkln." "You see, I heerd that a grasshopper put in the ear of a boss or mule wonld cure 'im from balkin'. So I tied a rag over the critter's ear so it couldn't get out, cotched a grasshopper, put it In, an' stranger, *Fergus Falls Journa'. SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. as? It's the best lemedy I ever seed. The mule didn't give me thiie to get in the wagon. I never seed a mule so sprightly. I reckon the hopper 's out now an' I'll go an' cotch the mule." The eggs of the grasshopper are laid in almost any kind of soil, but principally in one that is tolerably compact rather than loose. When about to lay her eggs the female forces a hole in the ground by means of the two pairs of horny valves that open and shut at the tip of her abdomen and which, from their peculiar struc- ture are admirably fitted for the pur- pose. The eggs in each nest are care- fully placed side by side in four rows and each row generally contains seven. The laying season, commencing about the first of August, lasts six to eight weeks, and each female lays 100 to 150 eggs during that time. The young hatch out about the first of May fol- lowing and as soon as the supply of food in their locality is exhausted, they commence to migrate, frequently in a body a mile wide, devouring as they advance all the grass, grain and garden truck in their track. In mi- grating they move, as a rule, during the warmer hours of the day only, and always in search of food. If It is per- fectly calm a traveler may meet dif- ferent bodies of them moving in dif- ferent directions, but if there is a breeze they rise facing it and then move with it. Only those that are hatched in their permanent region near the Rocky Mountains are capable of reproducing their species; that those hatched in this section and throughout the region of ' their tem- porary migrations lack this power is attributed to the effect of the change of climate. If the latter lay eggs they hatch the same season and are killed by the frosts of autumn. Their rate of movement when half grown is sel- dom greater than three yards a min- ute and then they walk three-fourths of the distance and hop the rest; later when they take wing they average about 20 miles a day. In 1867, the date of their • first se- rious visit to Pocahontas county, they came to Powhatan township from the southwest, and when alighting their appearance was like the "falling snowflakes of a December storm." They moved in vast swarms, some- times several miles in extent, and in looking toward the sun they appeared a mile in depth. After doing consid- erable damage and depositing their eggs they rose from every part of the country like smoke from a forest and departed for Minnesota. Their reap- pearance in 1868 consisted of the young brood that came'from the eggs depos- ited the previous year in this section of the country. During this year their ravages were seriously felt in Lizard township. In 1867 they came from the Rocky Mountain region and, depositing their eggs, a second crop appeared in the young brood that hatched in this vi- cinity in the spring of 1868. Their ravages during both of theSe years was felt most in the gardens, where they devoured most of the vegetables. They flavored their tobacco and cab- bage with onions, peppers, carrots, peas and tomatoes. Pumpkins and squashes were partially destroyed but they were not favorite articles of diet. On Friday, June 13, 1873, the first year of their second visitation to this county, a swarm arrived in Cedar township. In two days they had de- voured the corn and garden truck, but they remained in this section until they had deposited their eggs. These hatched the following spring about May 15th and by July 1st were ready for migration. Their injury this year was chiefly confined to the small grain and this was so nearly destroyed. that in Ceciar township in threshing time 15 acres of wheat yielded 6 bushels, and 10 acres of oats 30 bushels. Six farmers who were neighbors stacked 258 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. all their crops together to get a setting for the thresher, and it still cost them about ten cents a bushel, the crop con- sisting almost entirely of straw. J. C. Strong, a resident of Washing- ton township, on June 13, 1873, had occasion to go to Sioux Eapids, and when a short distance east of that place he encountered them on their first recorded arriyalin that township. They were coming from the west and in a cloud so dense and thick that it was with difficulty he kept his team in the road or urged them forward. They were in the act of alighting and when he emerged from the swarm the ground was covered with them. When they encountered on the wing a build- ing or other obstruction, they fell to the ground and laid in heaps and rows like drifts of snow that could be scoop- ed with the shovel. This swarm arrived in the north- west parts of the county, in Swan Lake and Marshall townships, on June 14th, and other townships south and east on the day following. In crossing Pickerel lake they did not commence to alight until they had passed about a mile beyond it, and by reason of this circumstance, the fine crop of Milton Newell on the east side of the lake es- caped uninjured. Some time after harvest this crop was bought by J. C. Strong and it yielded about 400 bush' els of wheat and 600 bushels of oats. The grasshoppers on this occasion did not incline to alight on the open prairie, no doubt because the grass was well advanced in its growth and it did not afford them so delicious a repast as the tender, cultivated crops of the early settlers. The settlers then were few in number, widely sep- arated and their cultivated areas be- came the special object of their rav- ages. When they passed to another district the scene left behind them was as sterile as if had been swept by the dreaded prairie fire. The second crop of this visitation. the one that hatched in this section in the spring of 1874, was not quite so de- structive as the first one, during the previous year, and various means were employed both to destroy them as soon as they were hatched and to protect the growing crops from their ravages. Constant and unceasing cultivation was found to be of great value in sav- ing the corn crop. On cool nights and windy days the young grasshoppers would cluster in bunches of old hay, grass or stubble as a protection from the cold. By taking advantage of this instinct of their nature, dry hay and straw were sometimes scattered in small bunches and many were thus burned in the cool of the following morning before they began to move about. Sometimes a deep ditch was sunk on one side of a field and some dry straw or hay being placed in the bottom of it, several persons moving abreast with brush in their hands would then drive them into the ditch and there burn them. Another device for destroying them, called a "bopper catcher," consisted of a tin pan which in some respects resembled an eaves-trough. It had a high back and was divided into sec- tions each one foot in length. It was usually eight, twelve or sixteen feet long, six inches wide, two inches high . in front and ten at the back. The short ones were carried by hand either level or at an inclination of forty-five degrees, but the long ones were usual- ly supported by a pair of light wheels, one at each end, and they were then drawn or pushed along either by hand or a horse. This machine was intend- ed to catch the young grasshoppers when they attacked the heads of the wheat and oats crops, and when ready for use the sections were filled with kerosene, or water and kerosene. When it was passed back and forth over the field .scaling the heads of the growing crops, the hoppers naturally and fortunately hopped against the SECOlSir) PERIOD, 1870-1882. 259 high back-board and falling into the kerosene, very soon expired. Wm. Bott and Wm. Snell, of Cedar town- ship, and others in this vicinity, used these hopper catchers with good re- sults. Hon. L S. Coffin, of Webster county, using hot water in the sections instead of kerosene, saved the grasshoppers and feeding them to his hogs found that for that purpose one bushel of them was worth about three of corn. When the chickens, however, fed upon them too freely, their eggs, of which the yolks became red like blood, had a peculiar taste and emitted an unpleas- ant odor that unfitted them for use. Prof. J. H. Fowler found that one barrel of grasshoppers contained from three to four gallons of a fine grade of machine oil, suited for sewing ma- chines and the like, and that a manu- facturer of the oil could afford to pay from 75 cents to $1.00 a barrel for the hoppers for that purpose. At their meeting held January 5, 1875, the board of supervisors of Poca- hontas county, finding that many of the settlers were unable to pay their taxes by reason of the loss of their crops by the grasshoppers in 1873 and 1874, adopted a resolution to the effect "that no Interest should accrue on taxes delinquent until March 1, 1875." In 1876 the grasshoppers came again from the Eocky Mountain region and in as great numbers as in 1873, but they arrived too late in this county to injure the crops of , small grain for they had already been harvested. In Cedar township, coming from the northwest, they began to alight about noon on Sabbath, the 6th day of Au- gust. The air was full of them and they began their depredations by de- vouring the choicest morsels of the husbandman's store, the garden vege- tables. The next day at noon most of them "took wing, " and though they left their mark behind them, very little damage was done, the corn crop being well advanced. In Dover town- ship and other parts of the county they arrived two weeks earlier, did more damage especially to the late corn, and deposited their eggs. On Saturday evening, September 23, 1876, a meeting of the citizensof Grant township was held in school house No. 1, and an organization was effected for the mutual protection of that settle- ment, then embracing eleven sections, against prairie fires and the ravages of the young grasshoppers the ensuing season. A. W. Eake was elected chairman and C. H. Tollefsrude sec- retary of this meeting. In the spring of 1877 the young brood, forming the second crop of this visitation, commenced to hatch about the first of April and in numbers so* great as to endanger all the crops of that year. Fortunately for the farm- ers, a storm of three days' duration commenced on Thursday, April 26th, that destroyed most of them. This storm was a regular old-fashipned blizzard, somewhat out of season but bringing relief so immediate and com- plete from the grasshopper pest that every old settler remembers it with a feeling of gratitude. A gentle rain commenced on Thursday that on the next day about noon changed to snow accompanied with a high wind, and the snowing and the blowing contin- ued unt'il nearly Sabbath morning fol- lowing, when the ground was covered with a deep snow. The frosts and the . dampness that ensued had the good effect of destroying the unhatched eggs and most of the young brood. The few that survived, at the time of their maturity, "took wing" and de- parted. A little later the same season another lot came from the northwest and settled in the gardens and fields of oats, then nearly ripe, but tl.cy re- mained only one or two days. These repeated ravages of the grass- hoppers deprived the farmers of North- western Iowa not only of their ex- 260 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. pected incomes, but of profitable em- ployment. Their lands were rendered valueless, many were compelled to seek lucrative employment in other sections and the outlook was dark in- deed. NO MOBE GBASSHOI'PEES. In the spring of 1877, Prof. Aughey, the celebrated western naturalist, who had made a special study of the grasshopper, predicted that that sea- son would be the last of the grasshop- per visitation for many years. The U. S. commission entertained the same opinion. The basis of this opin- ion was the following report made to. the governor of Nebraska, June 10, 1877, by Prof. Aughey and Prof. C. Thomas: » We consider the danger fn^m the young which have hatched out this season in Nebraska, over, and that this part of the problem is already solved. We also believe the long series of their visitations has come to a close. There may be and doubtless will be at irregular periods, visitations by migrating swarms, but it is not at all likely that the present generation will ever witness another such a series as that which has just passed. These predictions were singularly verified for that and every year since that time. Their conclusions were based on facts that they had learned from the natural history of this in- sect. The cultivated areas are now so large that in the future, even if they should come, they will not be able to make much if any impression on the growing crops; and the people have learned how to meet and contend successfully with them when they ap- pear in the spring, so that as a de- stroyer they have lost their terror. FIBTANCIAL PANIC OF 1873. In 1870 and 1871 occurred the brill- iant victories of Germany over France that resulted in an accession of terri- tory and the payment of an indemnity of more than a thousand millions of dollars to the former. Two short years thereafter a series of financial disasters occurred, commencing with the crash on Wall street. New York city, that caused among others on that same day, the failure of Jay Cooke & Co., September 19, 1873, the panic of that year and a period of hard times, that culminated in this coun- try in the bloody railroad strikes of 1877. The day on which this crash came on Wall street was Friday, and so far-reaching were its ominous re- sults that it has since been known as "Black Friday." The panic of 1837 inaugurated a pe- riod of hard times that old men still remember as disastrous, but it was preceded by bountiful harvests and food was plenty. The panic of 1857 was one that ruined the material prosperity of thousands, but it was soon relieved by the discovery of gold the same year in California and Aus- tralia, and the use of steam in indus- try had marvelously increased the productive power of human labor, but in 1873, no adequate immediate relief was found; even the planting of new homes on the frontier was completely checked by the remarkable visitations of the grasshoppers that occurred at this time and for several years de- voured the new settlers' means of sub- sistence. EAILBOAD STEIKES OF 1877. The great railroad strikes of 1877 had their beginning in the east, on July 16th, when the locomotive en- gineers and firemen on the Baltimore & Ohio, at Martinsburg, W. Va., left their posts, and in less than twenty- four hours the entire B. & O. system of railroads was idle. The men on other railway systems joined the strike, so that on August 1st, follow ing, they numbered 15,000 who, resist^- ing the constituted authorities of the government, burned a vast amount of railroad property in Pittsburg and caused the shedding of blood in Mary- land, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michi- SECONi) PERIOD, 1870-1882, 261 gan, West Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri. Trade and commerce were paralyzed and the scenes of devasta- tion and murder were unparalleled in the previous history of this country during an era of peace. The immedi- ate cause of this strike was a reduc- tion of ten per cent in the wages, of engineers and firemen. It was the first violent demonstration of that an- archistic movement, which was im- ported to this country by Johann Most and Justus Schwab, and that continued to grow until it received its quietus by the execution of Spies, Parsons, Engel and Schwab, ten years later at Chicago. HARD TIMES— SECOND PERIOD, 1873- 1811. The period from 1873 to 1877 was one of hard times throughout the com- mercial world. The hard times ex- perienced by the residents of Pocahon- tas county during this period were not incident to a peculiar condition of things in this section of the coun- try, nor even in our own land, for the people in the various countries of Europe experienced the same unfavor- able conditions that affected us. The laws of trade and the ways of com- merce seem to have been obstructed or disturbed, and the whole world was struggling under the same wet blan- ket that covered us as a nation. It may be truthfully said, however, that on the frontier the trials of this peri- od were more severely felt than in other sections of the.country, by rea- son of the repeated ravages of the grasshoppers and the greater distance of the settlers from all sources of sup- plies. To tho^e who suffered the loss of their crops the preceding year, even the prospect of commencing the en- suing summer's work on the farm was gloomy, for they had no money in hand and nothing that might be ex- changed for the necessaries of life, ©nly those who are in this position) and have the loving and innocent eyes of a family looking to them for sup- port and such comforts as others en- joy, can appreciate this situation. In this school of experience on the frontier many learned that the real necessaries of life are few; that for health, strength and comfort, but few things are absolutely needed, and these are within the reach of every honest and industrious tiller of the soil, no matter how low his stock of provisions might be reduced. They learned to be content with such things as they had or to which the ne- cessities of the situation confined them. They realized that fine cloth- ing was not necessary for the comfort and respectability of the family, and that we live in an age and country where the texture of the wearing ap- parel does not establish the standard of intelligence, morals or refinement. They learned to live economically and contract as few debts as possible, by making the products of the cows and chickens supply their table and even meet other demands. It has been said, "A German will live on what an American throws away; a Jew on what a German throws away, and a Chinaman on what a Jew throwsaway;" and yetall these classes enjoy just as good health, are able to perform as much hard labor and enter as fully into the pleasure and zest of life as the American. The lessons and experiences of this trying period are now recalled by the early settlers with a good deal of pleasure and delight, a fact that is very neatly expressed and illustrated by the following incident: A poor old Scotch woman having nothing to eat, knelt on the floor of her little cabin, built close against the rocks of a hillside, and prayed for bread. A roguish boy of the neigh- borhood chancing to pass that way, heard her voice and listened at the door. He hurried home and, quickly tetufning with a loaf of bread, stepped 262 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. from the rocks to the roof of the cabin and then dropped the loaf down the chimney. It rolled from the empty fireplace to the chair beside which the old lady still knelt earnestly praying. There was a moment's pause and then her supplications were changed to thanksgiving. "You need not be thankin' the Lord for that loaf, I brought it," shouted the youngster down the chimney. "Ah, my laddie," she answered from below, "it was the Lord that sent it, even if the devil brought it." OTHER CAUSES OF HARD TIMES. No account of the hard times ex- perienced by the sturdy pioneers of tills county would be complete tliat did not inclutle some reference to the numerous destructi ve prairie fires that occurred during the period now under consideration, and of the depredations committed by the gophers and black- birds. PRAIRIE FIRES DURING THE '70 'S. Prairie fires occurred before, and oc- casionally afterward, but it was dur- ing the 70's that the aggregate amount of losses from this cause was the great- est to the early settlers of Pocahontas county. The first settlers, locating their homes along the streams and timber belts in the eastern part of the county, found in them a natural pro- tection from the devouring flame of the prairie fire, but when the prairies became dotted with scati ered homes without any natural protection, they were exposed to this danger, and the losses sustained from this cause were very severely felt. About October 1, 1870, a fire was started one afternoon on the NWi of Sec. 29, Cedar townsliip, (now Ilawley farm) by the hired man employed by T. J. Curtis and, the wind from the northwest becoming strong, it was soon beyond liis control. In a very short time it had reached the premi-. ses of Jacob Snyder, on Sec. 31, now the Stafford farm. Mr. Snyder had gone to SaC City and when he returned he found the stable, which contained one horse and two oowg, in ashes, aud just outside the door of it lay the charred and lifeless bodies of his wife and little child, the latter amid the ashes of the buggy. The circumstan- ces indicated that when Mrs. Snyder saw the fire approach the stable, she hastened thither carrying her babe in her arms," and placing it in the buggy, undertook to remove the stock from the stable, and while thus engaged both became enveloped in tlie flames and perished. Their bodies were first buried on the farm, and afterward sent to Wisconsin. Their house was not burned and Cedar creek prevented the fire from spreading farther east. This sad loss of life and property led the new settlers in the southwest part of the county tb adopt the prac- tice of-surrounding all their buildings with fire-guards made by plowing two sets of furrows a rod or two apart around them and either mowing or burning off the intervening space. The summer of 1871 was unusually ^ dry throughout the Upper Mississippi Valley, and the autumn of that year has become historic for the great lircs that occurred at tliat time. On Oct. 8-9th, tlie great Are in Chicago oc- curred that burned 18,000 buildings, covering 2,124 acres and valued at $200,000,000. Terrible forest fires that same year caused great destruction of property and some loss of 'life in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. On Sabbath evening, October 8th, 1871, which was the very time of the Chicago fire, there passed over Poca- hontas county a prairie fire that is said to iiave been the most destruc- tive one in its liistory. It came from the southeast, the vicinity of Twin Lakes, Calhoun county, and with a broad front that in the • shades of evening resembled an ocean of fire. Sweeping over Bellvllle, Colfax and Cedar townships on the soutli it sped northward across the county, con- suming everything thE^t wa^ not Q'AVe- fully protected. SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 263 Where the prairie sod had been broken or the ground newly cultivated during that and the two preceding years, there had grown a great lot of tumble weeds that were then dry as tinder and loose at the root. These miniature haystacks (see frontispiece) rolled over the prairie, before the wind that drove the lire, like flocks of sheep, carrying the flames over the barriers that were supposed to be proof against the progress of any fire. When the farmers the next day looked for their stacks of hay on the prairie and of straw or grain in the field, they saw only the place where they had served as fuel for the flame. Where the Are passed through the groves and orchards, most of the young trees were killed. Numerous bins, stables and other buildings, to- gether with their contents or stock enclosed therein, were burned. Some of the hogs that escaped sustained the loss of their bristles, and others the loss of their ears or other extremities. There was no place for miles around where this fire did not spread, and in many instances the home was the only building saved. Some indeed were not even so for- tunate as to save their homes. One of those who lost everything by this fire was Andrew Jackson, of Grant township, who at tliis time was occu- pying the dug-out of his neighbor, Stephen W. Norton. Mr. Jackson and family at the time of the fire were in Sac City. When he returned and found his stacks, stable, own cabin and furniture, representing his year's crop and improvements, all destroyed he was completely discouraged and left the county. In September, 1873, another de- structive fire swept northward through the central part of the county, that burned all the buildings of John B. Joliffe and his neighbor, Mr, Rowley, residing in the northeast part of Pow- hatan towi:8hip. Messrs, Clemens, Achor and others of tlieir neighbors living north of them in Palo Alto county sustained similar lossrs on this occasion. This was one of the hard years to tlie settlers of this coun- ty when the fire consumed what the grasshoppers had left. On Tuesday, October 13, 1874, a fire was started near the Fonda creamery that ran first nortliward to Dover township, and then westward, de- stroying a considerable amount of property. A farmer of Dover town- ship, lost his hay by this fire, and many of his cattle starved to death the ensuing winter. On October 6, 1875, another fire from the south burned over the west- ern portion of the county, destroying a, large amount of the hay and un- threshed crops of that year, which were the least injured by tlie grass- hoppers during the period of their vis- itations. About this time the cattle raisers in other counties south of this one began to send here, in the spring of the year, great numbers of cattle that were herded on the unoccupied prai- ries in this section during the summer. The close pasturage of the prairies proved a public benefit, for by this means the areas that had previously been sources of danger every recurring fall and spring, were now transformed into real barriers to the spread of the prairie fire, and to this extent lessened the danger of losses from this cause. On Monday, October 6, 1879, another general and destructive prairie fire oc- curred that is worthy of special men- tion. It began in the vicinity of Lake City, where it burned slowly for sev- eral days, tire weather being calm. During the afternoon of the third day a strong wind from the south arose that drove it northward at a rapid rate through Williams township and that portion of Pocahontas county that is west of Cedar creek. When the fire came sweeping over tlieir 264 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, 10 WA. farms in Williams township, Martin Welsh, Wm. Wykoff, O. O. Brown and others were attending a meeting of the school directors, one mile east ot Cedar creek. Martin Welsh and fam- ily were living on the east side of sec- tion 8, and their stable was located on the east or opposite side of the road on section 9. When Mrs. Welsh bec'ame aware of the near approach of the fire, the wind was so strong it lifted and carried burning brands in mid-air, so that the thatch roof of the stable was already ablaze although the flre on the ground had not yet reached it. Hastening, with only stockings on her feet, to rescue the stock at the stable, consisting of two horses and two cows, she succeeded in saving the horses but her feet were so badly burned she fainted and fell helpless on the road. At the home of Wm. Wykoff the fire leaped over a strip of plowed land three rods in width, and consumed his stable, wag- on, hay and granary, including the crop threshed three days previous, consisting of wheat 100, barley 90, flax 60, rye 100 and oats 225 bushels. On the approach of this fire to Fon- da, the people turned out en masse to fight it but they were powerless in front of the head-fire. It crossed the railroad west of the Cedar bridge, and its movement, northward, as John Lemp found while chased across the open section south of the farm of E. P. Thompson, was nearly as fast as his team could travel. This flre destroyed not only a great deal of hay in the stack and grain in the bin, but numer- ous groves and orchards. Among the losers on this occasion were John Lemp, six stacks of grain; Frank Hanke, barn and stacks; Eugene Bv- fins, barn and cribs; Samuel McDeid, thirty tons of hay, and Geo. O. Pinneo among other things, his nursery. The latter had planted 20,000 fruit trees, 2,000 shade trees fthd 200 evergreens. 'The grasshoppers; by devonrlh(if their foliage, killed many of them, but after this flre only a remnant of about 100 trees remained. Since 18S0, prairie flres have not been so extensive or frequont in their occurrence. Cultivated fields, herded pastures and graded roads have taken the place of the open prairie with its treacherous covering of dry grasses, and the danger from this source has been no greater than is incident to any other agricultural section. But during the '70's when it was an annu- ally recurring event, the prairie flre, in dry seasons, was dreaded more by the settlers than blizzards and cy- clones; in fighting it men exhausted themselves, women fainted and some even lost their lives. GOPHERS. The gopher is well remembered hy every old settler, both for his friendly manner and troublesome depredations. An occasional one (of the little striped gophers) may yet be seen on the vir- gin prairies but during the '70's, be- fore the boys began the work of their destruction, the prairies were full of them. The gopher is a burrowing rodent having a stout, rat-like form and strong fore legs, that are adapted for digging in the ground. Three varie- ties of them were found in this coun- ty, namely, the pocket, gray and striped. The pocket gopher has two cheek pouches that open outside of the mouth and are used for carrying the ground to the surface while dig- ging its hole. This and the gray gopher are about the size of a gray or fox squirrel. The striped one resem- bles a ground squirrel but is inuch longer, and when alarmed stands up- right to see the cause of danger. These occupants of the prairie were ever on the alert to share with the pioneer farmer not merely the fruits of his labor in the time of harvest but also the precious seed at seed-time. Wlien the corn was planted) the ker- SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 265 nel was an appetizing morsel to be diligently sought after by the indus- trious gopher and, If perchance, he did not succeed in scenting it before- hand In the furrow, he was sure to go for (gopher) it as soon as it came peep- ing through the soil. The loss of the seed of course meant the loss of the crop, and so serious were their depre- dations that at last the farmers fell, the necessity of doing something for their utter extermination. On January 5, 1877, a petition was presented to the board of supervisors ot this county asking that a bounty be offered for killing pocket gophers, and in response thereto the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the board of super- visors offer a bounty of five cents each for killing pocket gophers and gray gophers, and two and a half cents each for, killing striped gophers, when presented in sufficient amounts to be entitled to Sl.OO bounty; and the coun- ty auditor is hereby authorized to draw warranto on the county fund, when presented in accordance with this resolution. The effect of this premium on the heads of the little gophers made their capture very interesting. The boys not otherwise employed went forth with a string, provided with a slip- noose at one end, and made general havoc of them. They then realized how numerous they were and how rapidly they multiplied. On June 7th, live months after the payment of a bounty was proposed, A. O. Garlock, the auditor, reported to the board of supervisors that from April 1st to that date, warrants for gopher bounty had been issued to 72 persons and the amonnt of them was $234.68. lb will be perceived that the first action of the board required that the captured gophers be brouglat to the auditor, and after the payment of the bounty on them they were naturally I Ai in his hands. This was a new and unexpected experience, and when ithe above report was made, the board for his relief ordered that all parties claiming bounty on gophers should "take their tails to the nearest justice of the peace and by him be sworn to the fact of having destroyed the gophers in Pocahontas county. " The justice of the peace was to destroy the tails and certify the fact and number of each kind destroyed. Upon the presentation of his certificate at the regular session of the board, the boun- ty previously provided was then to be allowed. Thirty days later, or on July 2, 1877, the auditor reported certiticates and the board issued warrants ranging from $1.00 to $13.66, in favor of 63 per- sons, William Brownlee, of Bellville, receiving the largest one. It will be perceived that gopher hunting had suddenly become im- mensely popular. The times were hard, employment .scarce and the bounty offered made the capture of the gopher not merely an interesting sport but a -lucrative employment alike to men and boys. The board of supervisors was surprised at the inter- est awakened and became a little alarmed at the results, for the war- rants issued amounted to several hun- dreds of dollarSj and uo tax had been levied to meet this demand. On that day, therefore, the board ordered that after July 20, 1877, no more bounty s'lould be paid until the people should have an opportunity of approving its payment and vote a tax for that pur- pose. At the general election that fall a tax of one mill for gopher bounty was approved, there being 206 votes in favor and only 31 against it. At their next meeting, January 11, 1878, the board renewed the bounty on gophers. That fall there were 382 votes for, and 35 against; and in the fall of 1879, which was the last time it was submitted, there were 280 votes for, attd ao4 otrainBti a gopher beutity 266 PiONEEE HISTOKY OF POCASONTAS OOUlflTY, lOWA. tax. The payment of the bounty was shock, the buckwheat in the patch an continued until June 1, 1881, and sev- eral hundreds of persons were glad- dened by it. " Among those whose in- dustry was rewarded by the largest warrants, we note in 1878, Warren Smith, $10.35; C. C. Herrington, $10.95; K. H. Mathers, $14.63; George and Al- bert Gilson, $15.00: in 1879,- H. Young, $12.27; and in 1881,Dennis Ragan, $11.- 80; Geo. Gilson, $13.85; Wallace, Noah and Kalph Hallock, $13.90; Wm. Whit- tlesey, $14.10; T. L. Dean, $19.57 and James Quinn, $38.37. "It matters not what may have been fortune's dole. The dream of youth is clear, and when again He sees the prairie he looks for the gopher's hole." Sxperience proved that the bounty was a wise means of getting rid of these pests. In winter they gnawed the roots of grape vines and young trees; the amount of grain destroyed by one of them in a year is not likely to be overestimated, and by avoiding these losses the welfare of the farmer was promoted. The bounty had the good effect of unifying the efforts of all the farmers at the same time for their extirmination, and this is the only way such a result could be ac- complished. THE BLACKBIRDS. Another friendly visitor and rob- ber of the pioneer was the blackbird, and he was sure to call twice a year. Blackbirds are neither lonely travel- ers nor solo singers, but choral song- sters that make their trip to the sun- ny south in the fall of the year in flocks of such countless numbers, that they thrill the air with the movement of their wings and cover an' acre of ground when they alight. In the spring they were accustomed to alight upon the freshly broken prairie where they naturally picked up the seed that had been^ only half covered. In the fall they were de- lighted in finding the oats in the the corn ripening on the stock. Pa mers that lived in the vicinity c Sunk Grove in the early '7,0's stat( that their loss from the depredatior of the blackbirds would sometime amount to nearly one third of th crop. After their departure many stock of corn would have only a re cob instead of an ear of golden graii Blackbirds are not thieves, the disdain to act like a thief. They ai rather roguish and entertaining vi itors that entertain the husbandma with a delightful open air conce: while they help themselves to tl fruits of his toil. In the fall of tl year as they move southward the sing merrily together, and when the settle upon a field where food plenty, they give manifest expressio to their hearty enjoyment, by blem ing their myriad voices in one grar chorus of delight that is alwa; charming to the human ear. A though the losses sustained from t) depredations of the blackbirds we deeply felt, nevertheless their autui nal chautauquas were so friendly ai interesting to the lonely pioneer, th he usually enjoyed rather than t grudged them their free entertai ment. THE BMZZAEDS. The snow lies thick around us In the dark and gloomy night. The cold blizzard wails above us. And the stars withhold their ligl Another cause of hardship to t pioneer of the '70's is found in the vere snow storms that then occurr and caused a great deal of privati and suffering. The word "Blizzar was coined by O. C. Bates, founder the Vindicator at Estherville, to des nate the storms of wind and snow tl were once peculiar to this treeless a desolate region. The blizzard usua found the -pioneer unprepared for coming, and always left him "snov\ in." SECOND PEKIOD, 1870-1882. 267 The old settlers aflarm that the cli- mate of this • section has changed con- siderably since its settlement.. The Winters generally are not so severe and the summers are drier. The drainage of the soil has left it not only drier but warmer, and it is possible that these changes occurring over a large section of country affect the atmos-- phere in the same way. The blizzards usually lasted three days, and during this period the snow would fall so rapidly and in flakes so fine as to suggest that the cloud had descended to unload its burden. It would sometimes be ushered in by a cloud in the western sky that promised only a gentle fall of snow. On the first day the snow would commence to fall gently, with a slight movement from the southwest; but about noon or evening the temperature would commence to fall rapidly and the wind, changing its course, would come from the north or northwest in whirls, blasts and sweeping gales, with con- stantly increasing force, until about the morning of the third day. Where the fire had swept over the prairie the previous fall there was nothing left to hold the light, feath- ery snow drifting before the driving wind, and this mingling in the air with that which was constantly com- ing from above, formed a white cloud so dense that at a distance from the belts of timber one could not see ord- inarily more than a few rods, and sometimes only a few feet. "We could scarcely see theroad just ahead of us," was a common remark. Trails on the prairie were soon covered and but few grades existed; the sharp, frozen par- ticles of snow hurled fiercely in the face and eyes caused a blinding and suffocating sensation and the extreme whiteness of the snow made the ground md sky one color . thus producing a Icind of color blindness that resulted n bewilderment. In a few hours large drifts were formed in. the hol- lows, sheltered nooks and along bluffs so that the roads in these places were soon buried several feet deep. To. pilot one's way in the day time was bad enough, but after the darkness of night set in the benighted traveler was usually forced to stop and make the best possible provision for the night. It must be remembered that these were days of long distances to the mill, store and post ofHce and the far- mer could not always anticipate where or when he might be over- taken in the storm. Sometimes a pioneer would be overtaken at the home of his neighbor and not be able to return to his own without getting lost on the way. Some even got lost on the way from the house to the barn. It was impossible to see the buildings and if one happened to wan- der a little from the right direction it was difficult to find .their location. The constant and loud roar of the wind made it impossible to hear the cry of a lost one and, when a row of young trees had not been planted for that purpose, a guide-line of rope or wire from the house to the barn was sometimes used to insure a safe return while passing to and fro. Familiar instances of bewilderment in going short distances in this section"^re those of John Lemp and George Fair- burn; the former while going from his cabin to the stable, the latter while going from the depot to his home in Fonda. Children were liable to be- come bewildered and perish on the way from school. The stables or stock pens that were not wholly en- closed would sometimes be filled to the roof with snow and unsheltered stock would be driven for miles before the chilling blasts and then perish. About the third day the storm would abate and the sun show signs of reap- pearance, but the cold wave would 268 PIONEER HISTOEY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. hold sway until the morning of the day following when it would register 25 to 35 degrees below zero. A few days of calm weather usually followed the blizzard and then the sun shone from an exceedingly clear sky with un- stinted brightness, as if the eye of heaven would look in cheering sympa- thy upon a bleak, dreary scene where the elements had held high carnival, upon a world enshrouded beneath -a glistening robe of snow. One who occupied a loghouse in the eastern part of this county, and sat by a warm stove while one of these old-time blizzards was raging, states that he remembers how he listened with a ^feeling of awful security to the clatter of the shingles and the howling of the night wind. Every little while the winter hurricane would swell with accelerated rage and shake the solid structure over him to its very foundation.* One who was detained at Pocahon- tas by a blizzard left behind him the following suggestive lines: "Oh, thou howling, screeching bliz- zard! You fairly freeze our gizzard. You come from the north pole, And really make our soul Long for the balmy summer shades, And wish you were in far off hades. You pile up the snow in cold disdain. And from blowing you scarce refrain; Business quails in your path. And at railroads you only laugh. We dread thy fierce blast and song, That maketh a board bill one mile long. We long to see thee no more. " On March 14-16, 1870, there occurred a snow storm that is remembered as the "big blizzard. " The weather for some time previous had been mild and pleasant and the forenoon of the 14th was so warm that the snow at first fell in large flakesi toWEtrd evening a strong northwest wind arose that continued to grow stronge and as teh cold increased the snow became flr as dust, so that at nightfall the ai was completely filled with it. On th morning of the 15th the temperatui was 20 degrees below zero and tl snow, tossed and driven by the wini was falling more rapidly than eve During that day the wind was s furious and the air so densely fllle with snow that one could not s( more than a few feet distant. Tt storm did not subside until the clo! of the day following. Subsequei storms have been as cold and long bi none so blinding as this one durii the second day of its continuanc On beds and cabin fioors the snow Ie from one to three inches deep an many stables were filled. Familii that lacked fuel went to bed to ke« warm, and live stock were uncare for until the fury of the storm h£ passed. At this time there were bi few settlers and very little stock : the western part of this county. Tl snow lay in drifts fifteen feet deep ; the low places along the streams ar eighteen persons perished from expo ure in northwest Iowa. On March 25-27, 1875, a severe bli zard occurred that detained thescho board and a number of others fro Center township, three days in tl courthouse at Old Rolfe. They g their meals at the home of A. 0. Gs lock, a few rods distant, but they ecu not obtain bed clothing sufficient f all and the nights were so cold that, order to keep warm, they had to a point one of their number to st awake and put wood in the stove abo once every hour. The wind was strong that a furious blast of it wreck the building badly and caused a cc siderable part of the plastering to fi from the ceiling. It fell with a loi Crash at night while the meh w{ sleeping and it thfroughly afbtas them vefy suddenly. Atnohgthenu SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 269 ber ol those who were In the court bouse at this time were Wenzel Hubel, Joseph Stverak, Joseph Stoulil, direc- tors, and Wm. A. Hubel, interpreter. The winter of 1880 and 1881 is re- membered for the large amount of snow that fell and the uniformly low temperature that prevailed. On Oct. 15, 1880, the snow f ell.to such a depth as to fill the cornfields and prevent the husking of that crop that fall. Other snow storms followed this one from time to time during that winter until the depth of the snow was very unusual. The ground was complete- ly and constantly covered with, snow from the time the first storm came until the 15th of April following, when a heavy rain melted it and caus- ed floods that washed away many of the bridges. The storm of Oct. 15-17th, 1880, was general throughout the Mississippi Valley and in many places was at- tended with serious results. It rained on the 15th and at night, the temper- ature falling, the rain changed to snow and the wind became fierce. Chimney tops were thrown down, trees were up- rooted and considerable stock was killed by the overturning or destruc- tion of outbuildings. Col. Elandon of Bellville losing several of his best steers and J. E. Metcalf seventeen. The corn crop was left flat on the ground, every line of telegraph wire in the entire northwest was thrown down and the western railroads were blockaded gen- erally, the Illinois Central from Sat- urday noon until Monday night. On Jan. 20-22, 1881, another snow storm occurred and the weather was colder than for twelve years previous. The Cedar was frozen to the bottom and considerable stock perished. On Feb. 4-6, 1881, there occurred an- other three days fall of snow from the southeast that drifted greatly and blockaded the 111. Central E. R. from Saturday, Feb. 5 to this 11th— six full days. Drifts were fifteen feet deep and in some instances cattle sheds were completely covered. S. B. Heathman and Geo. Henderson of Powhatan, each lost stock to the amount of $100 and many others less amounts. The first train from Sioux City on the 11th was overtaken by an- other blinding snow storm from the northwest before it arrived at Fonda, and at Pomeroy it was compelled to remain from Friday night until the following Tuesday morning. The road west of Fonda was not opened until a couple of days later. On Saturday morning, the 19th, just when the road had been fairly opened, a violent wind from the north began to blow that im- mediately filled the cuts and again blockaded the trains. On Monday night the first train from Sioux City passed and Tuesday morning the wind again filled the cuts and stopped all trains until Thursday. This was the third time in succession, that within a few hours after the first Sioux City train passed Fonda, the railroad was again completely blockaded with snow. The Pocahontas Times, as a result of this last blockade, was unable to re- ceive the usual supply of paper for its weekly issue, and on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1881, in order to maintain the regular publication of its legal advertisements, there was issued a small four page paper of which most of the copies were printed on brown wrapping paper. It is remembered as the blizzard issue of the Pocahontas Times. It was issued on the last day of the blockade and in it the editor expressed his sympathy lor the railroad men by observing that "If the railroad men get through this winter, without the use of exclama- tions not taught in the Sabbath schools their hereafter will be assured." During the fall of 1880 and the winter following, the demand for coal in northwestern Iowa was greater than the supply, so that at Fonda and other 270 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. stations along the 111. Central R. a. cars that were temporarily sidetracked were unloaded and sometimes the rail- way company was compelled to con- fiscate the contents of private cars to supply their engines. In Fonda the schools were kept open hy means of fuel furnished by private citizens, but in Swan Lake township and other places the schools were closed during the entire winter because they had no coal. On Dec. 8th Geo. Fairburn went to Fort Dodge and succeeded in mak- ing arrangements for the shipment of one car of coal a day to Fonda, which was then the only railroad station in this county. During the blockades in February a coal famine at Fonda was averted by securing possession at one time of four cars and at another three cars of coal that, while on the way to stations further west, were providenti- ally sidetracked at this place. This coal famine in the fall of 1880 was not due to snow blockades but rather to a greatly increased demand as a result of the large immigration that year and the fact the Fort Dodge Coal Co. could not obtain a sufficient number of men to mine the coal. In response to numerous appeals for relief the Iowa state railway commissioners, on Feb. 12, 1881, sent the following re, sponse: "All communities in those portions of the state where coal is the principal article of fuel ought to pro- cure their winter supply before the earliest date of winter's opening. The unexampled demand suddenly precip- itated upon the state by the early and continued cold weather of November and December could not be wholly and promptly met. " On Monday, Jan. 30, 1883, another great snow storm occurred, lasting three days, that blockaded all the rail- ways for many days so that supplies of coal and flour.;were exhausted in the towns as well as in the rural districts. The removal of the blockade on the C. R. I. & P. railroad was so long c layed that the citizens of Gilmore Oil on account of their immediate need supplies of fuel and bread, sent a ] tition to Gov. Sherman, requestii him to take steps to have that railro; opened for their relief. During the winter of 1885 two gre snow storms occurred that blockad' the railroads for several days, name on Jan. 15-18 and Feb. 9-13, the bloc ades in the south part of the conn lasting three and four days lespi tively. The year 1886 was not only usher in,in this county, with an ever mei orable blizzard, but was rounded o with another of the same proportia in November. On Saturday afternoon, Jan. 2d, tl snow began to fall, accompanied. wi a high wind and the storm continu with unabated fury until Mond; night. The drifting snow was left great artistic piles upon the stree in the front yards, and every railro cut was filled. On Wednesday nig following, the railroads south and e£ of Fonda had been opened but befc the first trains had passed over the another three days blizzard from t northwest commenced that night tb made the blockade worse than ev( On the two roads at Fonda the bloc ade continued longer than on a previous occasion. On the 111. Cei it lasted ten days, from noon Jan. 3 the 13th. Fortunately the dealers Fonda had a full supply of coal a breadstufts. It was on this occasion that t board of supervisors and the editors the local county papers held th merry winter chatauqua at Pocah( tas and published their sayings a doings in The Daily Blizzard, the fl. daily paper . issued in Pocahoni county. The board this time was i able to get together until late on Tu day and the second storm commenc after the arrival of the editors 1 SECOND PERIOD, 18'70-1882. 271 next day. Oa Friday the visiting editors and printers, organizing under P. C.Barron, editor-in-chief, tool£ possession of the ofBce of the Pucahontas Record, and on Saturday morning, Jan. 9, 1886, issued the fl I st copy of the famous little daily. The other members of the edi- torial staff consisted of George San- born, assistant editor; Will Chiquet, boss reporter; Supt. J. P. Robinson, farm editor; Ed. Donohue, city editor; Will Hodges, society reporter; and Rufus Thornton, foreman. Its motto was. Laugh and the world laughs with yOLi. Weep and you weep alone. Laugh till you shake like ngiie. And your wife will stay at home. This paper was the occasion of con- siderable merriment, especially to tliose whose "sayings and doings' ' were not reported. The following state- ments are gleaned from its introduc- tory edit'irial: "This is a great news- paper. We malce this solemn state- ment for fear you would take this great paper for a patent medicine ad- vcrtiseraentorasoap boxlabel. Every great paper should have an object and the object of this one istobeneflt man- l-rry Nowlen, the pioneer bee keeper of Des Moines township, brought bees to that sec- tion. No rabbits were seen in that township, or even the sign of any, un- til the .season of 1860 and quail did not make their appearance there until 1867, although prairie chickens were very abundant. The large jack rabbit or hare did not make his appearance in this county until 1885, when two of them were caught, one west of Fonda and the other west of Pocahontas. In 1888 Thomas Eeamer of Grant town- ship caught a rabbit weighing eight and one-half pounds that was perfectly white in color and differed materially from the jack rabbit. It was of a species not seen in this section until that year and its flesh had the rich flavor of the English hare. Others of the same species were caught that year. BBAyEES. The beaver is the most industrious and sagacious of all fur bearing ani- mals. A colony of them still exists on the south branch of Lizard Creek. The residents of the neighborhood, where for years they have made their abode, guard them from trappers with jealous care. Every fall they build anew their dam across the creek. The dam built in 1895, the season of greatest drought in this section of country, was larger and higher than any of its predecessors, being about four feet high and ten feet wide at the base. It tapered to a narrow width at the top. Trees, eight inches in di- ameter, were gnawed off by their sharp teeth and formed into a foundation for the dam. This was overlaid with the branches of the trees and the slen- der willows in the vicinity, so as to form a flrm and suitable base for their mortar which consisted of mud. The dam thus built from these crude ma- terials by means of their paws, noses and powerful jaws awakened the sur- prise of all who saw it, and it backed the water in the creek for a consider- able distance.* ELK. This section was once the home of the highest types of wild animal life known to the American continent —the buflalo, elk and deer. The buf- falo, wildest by nature, finding that the hunter was after his hide and horns, fled first; the elk and the deer lingered a few years longer. A considerable drove of elk, num- bering 200 or more, found feeding grounds and comparative security for rearing their young, in the unsettled region of northwestern Iowa around the head waters of the Little Sioux and Eock rivers, in Osceola and neigh, boring counties. The new settlements of 1869 and 1870, in southern Minne- sota and Iowa, forced this herd to take refuge in the valley of Ocheydan river, a tributary of the little Sioux. There they remained in comparative security until July, 1871, when the entire herd was driven southward from its place of seclusion, and scattered into frag- ments that were overtaken and killed before they reached the Missouri river. One of the fragments of this herd containing about eighteen elk passed southward through Pocahontas county following in general the course of *Manson Democrat. SECOND PEEIOD, 1870-1882, 277 Cedar creek. They were seen on sec. 19, Marshall township, and on sections 1 and 10, Cedar township, by L. C. Thornton, Wm.Lynch,David Wallace, fir., and his son Samuel, respectively; and by several persons at intervening points. A few years previous a drove of a half dozen elk sauntered near the home of Ora Harvey in Clinton township and his wife who was alone, mistaking them for Indians, hastily ran into the house and locked the door. Mrs. C. M. Saylor and others, while riding to old Eolfe in a sleigh, saw about the same number and in all probability the same lot. Seeing at first only their antlered horns above the snow beyond the brow of a little hill, they also • thought they were Indians by reason of the resemblance of their horns to the tops of tepee poles. In the fall of i868, John W. Wallace and Garret Schoonmaker killed an elk on the west branch of Lizard creek near the center of Lincoln township. It weighed 400 pounds and, as it had been seen a day or~fcwo previous, it was the special object of -their hunt. DEER. During the early '70's, deer were quite plenty In the central part of this county and during the summer when they were undisturbed they would even linger in the vicinity of the home of the settler, mingle with his cattle ahd feed in the unprotected corn fields. During the first two seasons that D. M. Woodin was a resident of section 24 Dover township, five deer frequently mingled with his cattle in the open pastures and three of them were killed by Garrett Gibson, who, in the fall of 1873 and winter following shot eighteen deer in this county. Nearly all of the deer then killed were captured in Grant township, and the other rrlDst successful hunters were Herkittler h: Norton and Geoi E. When Nelson Palmatier was build- ing the schoolhouse in the Tollefsrude district, Grant township, he expressed a desire to see some deer. Mr. Norton took him to Devil's Island and they killed three deer that day, and on a subsequent af ternon Mr. Norton and Robert Russell shot three more. As late as the fall of 1877 Messrs. Norton and Hughes killed four deer in five days, and the next season five deer in six days, in Grant township. These instances show that a number of deer lived here, and that these men met with as^good success, as those who make deer hunting a specialty. While Mr. Hughes was recognized as the best shot In all this section, he was free to attribute their success in killing deer to his friend Norton, who, he said, "was a scientific hunter and experi- enced In killing deer; rather slow on the trail but sure to overtake them." They killed one after the severe snow storm in October, 1880 and another one in 1882; and these seem to have been the last ones killed in this county. C. H. Tollefsrude and his brother Elisha, by concealing themselves in an old well, partly filled and located between a great stretch of tall slough grass and a patch of buckwheat, had the pleas- ure of capturing a deer in the winter of 1874-75. WILD DUCK AND GEESE. In 1869 and 70 this section of the country, twice a year, was not only full of wild ducks, brand ts and geese, but their tameness was the subject of frequent remark. At that time one could shoot at them in the sloughs and, missing them, could reload and shoot a second time before they would fly away. This statement is made by the men who laid the track on the Illinois Central railroad and by Eufus Greene, a resident of Marshall township. i THE CEANES. "Of homely form and solemn mien. With dagger beak and legs so slim, One f.VjlttUs Of tilm as Vlslens seen 278 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS. COUNTY, 10 WA. In olden dreams, now vague and dim." In the early day as many as one hundred cranes would occasionally be seen in a flock. On one occasion about twenty alighted near the home' of Euf us Greene, and his little daughter about six years old went out and played among them a considerable time, many of their heads being higher than hers. The cranes, when dancing on the prairie, presented a very ludicrous appearance. Some, who saw them and were familiar with the figure, said their movements resembled a "French Four." They danced at other times but the finding of a little snake was sure to be the occasion for a lively dance. One crane would catch the snake and fling it into the air, sometimes as high as ten feet. An- other one would then give it a fling, and while they continued to repeat this snake performance, it was per- fectly comical to see them stepping around fantastically on tiptoe. "A weird shape winging hurriedly, A fleeting shadow— nothing more." OTHER NATIVE BIRDS. The mellow goose and mallard duck, the swan and the crow, used to come from southern lands to watch the cornfields grow; the hungry hawk and '•thunder pump" came along, to join the cheerful racket with the frog's tuneful song. Numerous hunters "Had watched the beaver build like men. Killed the wild duck and marsh hen; Caught wolves and badgers, lynx and raccoon. And shot on Lizard lake the lofty loon." It remained, however, for Charles E. Whitehead of New York City, presi- dent of the Des Moines and Fort Dodge, now Rock Island, railway com- pany, to place the names of some of the most numerous and favorite birds of this locality in an historic setting. When this line of road was built through this county, he was assigned the privilege, of giving names to the towns on it north of Rolfe. lie was fond, of hunting and . named tliem Plover, Mallard, Curlew and Widgeon, in honor of favorite, native birds of this section. When other members of the railway company proposed to call the new town in Clinton "Whitehead" to commemorate his ov/n name, he politely declined the lienor and, trans- ferring the name of the first county seat, called it Rolfe. PDBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. The increase in the population of this county in 1870 resulted not merely in the organization of new townships and an increase in the membership of the board of supervisors, but quick- ened interest in the public improve- ment of the county, which consisted chiefly in tUe establishment of new highways and the erection of bridges across the streams and sloughs. In 1871, on the petition of David Slosson and others, the board of supervisors established liigliways on all Ibe sec- tion lines of Llie county except a few that were named, but many of llicm were not opened until ihey were needed ten or fifteen years later. That same year arrangements were made for the erection of bridges across the Cedar at Fonda by B. B. Moore, across the same stream four miles north on the Bell and Hanson road by J. H. Vosburgh, across Fast creek, near Gar- lock's by John A. ITay and across the north and sculh Lizard streams by B. B. Moore. In May following the last one was washed out and it was then replaced by J. J. Bruce. On January 2, 1872, it was decided to change the method of contracts for the erection of bridges by arranging that the county furnish all the mater- ials used during that year, and Thos. L. MacVey was appointed a commis- sioner to locate all bridges that might be deemed necdssary, to furnish the plans for them and inspect them when completed, to purchase the lumber and SECOKD PEBIOB, 1870-1882, 279 employ all workmen needed in tlieir construction. He held this position until April first following when he re- signed so far as related to the pur- chase of material and the employment of labor. In 1874 the first pile driver was pur- chased by the board of supervisors for the use of the county in building bridges. In 1881 the board directed that all bridges across the several streams in tlie county be bridged by piling, and in January, 1882 that all a great improvement, and, at lie rate of $4 95 per lineal foot, erected bridges in 1882 over the Des Moines river. Cedar (Woodiu's) and Pilot (Bolfe) creeks, two on Beaver creek (Handler's and sec. 9, Des Moines township) and three on the north branch of Lizard creek, in Lake, Center and Washing- ton townships. He was also accorded all the repair work on the old bridgis. In 1889, two wrought iron bridges were built, one over Cedar creek at Fonda and the other over the Des THE FIRST COUET HOUSE 1860— 1876, OLD ROLFE. contracts for their construction be upon the basis of the number of feet in length, the county to furnish all the material and the contractor to furnish all the labor and erect all the bridges needed that year. The first contractor under this new arrangem6nt, and for a number of years afterward, was N. B. Post of Fonda. He Introduced the use of cedar piling instead of pine, which was Moines river in tne northeast part of the county. CHAKGE OF COUKTY SEAT. As early as June 3, 1873, petitions were presented to the board of super- visors asking that a vote be taken for the removal of the county seat to the northwest corner of the sw isec. 18 of Lincoln township. These petitions were rejected because of certain de- fects In the signatures, and the lacjj 2«i PIO^TEEB HISTOBT OF POCAHOSTAS COHSTY, lO WA. of affidavits to establish their gen- Harsbal], sorvejor. nineness. Oa Jan. 2, 1ST7 the coart honse at On June S. 1S75, in response to a pe- old Rolfe was sold to Rev. Wm. Mc- tition sig-ned by a nnmber o/ the legal Cready for the use of the M. E. charch voters of the connty asking that the for S150. This sale was not approved, eonnty seat be changed to the village and on the next day the court honse of Pocahontas Center, situated on see- and grounds, known as the Stockdale tion 31 Center township, it was ordered reservation, were sold at public auction that the question be sabmitted to the to James J. Bruce for S200. It re- people at the next general election, mained until July, 1 ^8S, when the pur- and it was approved. chaser used the material in it for the The contract for the new court erection of the Tremain house in the house at Pocahontas was let by the new town of Bolfe. board of superviscirs in January, 1S76, Pocahontas, the new county seat, is to J. L. Gould for f2,600. located at the get^raphical center of The board of supervisors, held its Pocahontas county on the south half last session at old Bolfe on September of section 31, Center township. The 6, 1676, and the circuit court its ]a£t land was owned by Warrick and Buelah session on September 14, 1S7<:;, Judge J. Price of Cleveland, Ohio. On :S^ovem- B. Zouver presiding. The attorneys be' 4^ 1870, they had it surveyed and in attendance were J. D. Springer and platted, and arranged the lots, blocks, Capt J. A. O. Teomacs of Foit Dodge, avenues, streets and alleys as they ap- J. McDaid of Sac City, A. E Clarke of pear in the original survey. The plat, numboldt, and members of the bar which included one hundred acres, and residing in tLis county. The most was called the village of P ocabontas important case tried at tbis session Center, was surveyed by Fred Hess and of the court was that of E. E. Boosa approved by Judge J. M. Snyder of the vs. John H. Johnson for slander. It circuit court at Humboldt, November occupied two days, developed some pe 9= 1^*^'- They set apart for publicuse. culiar phases of human life and the ^ a court house site and public park, jury rendered a verdict of fl50 in favor a rectangular plat 600x800 feet in the of the plaintiff. center of the plat, provided the people On Oct. 6, 1«76 the beard of super- of Pocahontas county should accept it visors held their first meetingat Poca- ^^i that purpose within five years from hontas. first as a committee of the that date. wDole to inspect the new building and Tb^ court house site is KOxOOO feet, then to let the contracts for the erec- surrounded on each side by a court or tion of certain bridges. Pa* Plac« !"<' *eet in width: "all en- On Dec. .3. 1^76, the first session of closed within a larger rectangle ilWz thedistrictcourt washeld in tbenew IWO feet. The latter has two large court house at Pccahontas, Judge C. avenues 100 feet in width, one of H. Lewis presiding, J. W. Wallace which, called "Buelah Avenue" after serving as clerk of the court and Jos- the name of bis wife, runs north and eph Breitenbach as sheriff. south from the center of the court The board of supervisors consisted bouse site, and the other called "Wai- ot J. C. Strong, Bernard McCartan, ''ct Avenue," to commemorate Wm. Brownlee and Wm. Stensoo. his own name, runs east and west from The other public officers were A. O. the same point From each of Ibe Garlock, auditor: W. D. McEwen, fon"" corners of the court house park, treasurer; Andrew Jackson, recorder: extending diagonally through the first i, f I Ciark; iupcrfotcodfat tad Wa iter of blockci arv four xtrcct* 71 f^ef SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 281 in width tbat were named in memory ot their four daughters as follows: The one at the northeast corner, "Ot- terlia;" northw.-st, ''Tlieo;" southwest "Elizabeth" and southeast, "Laura." The two avenues north and east of the court house park are called "Park Place" and those west and south "Court Place." The street running east and west one block south of the court house was called "William" and the corresponding street one block north of the court house "John" in memory of their two sons. The cor- responding streets one block distant from the east and west sides of the court house site are called -'East" and "West" streets respectively. In the spring of 1879 the board of supervisors had the park around the court house planted with trees. The trees, which consisted of 50 ever- greens, 50 basswoods, 100 elms, 100 cjttonwoods, 200 box-elders, 400 ash and 700 soft maples, were furnished by W. D. McEwen and they were planted under his direction by John W. Wal- lace. FAEEWELL TO OLD KOLFE. The Pocahontas Times, in its issue of October 10, 1876, because of the re- moval of the county records and offices to Pocahontas, thereby compelling it to follow suite, very affectingly bade adieu to (old) Rolf e. "We leave (old) Rolfe with many regrets. For over twelve years we have been actively en- gaged in business in that town and formed many friendly relations with the people which it is hard to sever. We look back on these years of toil with feelings of pleasure because we remember that there were always kind friends to advise and willing liands to aid whenever assistance was wanted. " "In July, 1869, in partnership with J. J. Bruce, we commenced the publi- cation ot the Pocahontas Journal, the first newspaper published in the county, but after the lapse of two and one half years it expired in January 1872, without a groan. In April last (1876) we purchased the Pocahontas Times of M. D. Skinner, Fonda, and have published it at Rolfe since that date. We have now built a new office at Pocahontas Center and shall gather up our household traps and remove thither this week. Farewell to old Rolfe."* SCHOOL LANDS AND BOOKS. The school lands of the county, which embraces all of section 16 in each township, by direction of the board of supervisors were appraised and put upon the market for sale dur- ing the latter part of this period. As early as June 8, 1869, the auditor was directed to notify the trustees of the townships then organized to divide section 16 into suitable tracts and ap- praise them according to law on or be- fore the 28th day of that month. On that day the trustees of Lizard town- ship, A. H. VanValkenburgh, Henry Steckleburgh and Joseph Breitenbach, reported an appraisement of their lands at $3, $4, $5 and 86 an acre; D. W. Hunt, Joseph Clason and A. H. Mal- colm, trustees of Clinton, those of that township at $1.25, to $2.50 an acre; Wm. Jarvis, Oscar Slosson and Robert Struthers, those of Des Moines town- ship at $1.25 to $1.50 an acre; and Sam- uel Booth, Henry Tilley and Geo. Van Natta, those of Powhatan township at $1.25, $2.00 and $2.50 an acre. The auditor was then directed to sell these lands to the highest bidder, but in no instance for a less amount than their appraised value. The conditions of payment were one third of the whole amount in cash and the balance in ten years with Interest at ten per cent. Notwithstanding the apparently low valuation put upon them and the long time allowed for payment these lands sold very slowly. As the sale of these lands was of no special interest to any *W. D. McEwen, editor and proprietor. 282 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COtTNTY, IOWA. one except the county auditor, those from a distance who came to buy land did not ordinarily have their attention called to them unless they met that officer, to whom alone their sale was entrusted. The school lands of Dover township were "not appraised and exposed for sale until May 15, 1878. As late as June 6, 1882, some of the school land in nearly every one of the townships in the county remained unsold, and by request of the board of supervisors, another report of an appraisement of their unsold school lands was made by the trustees of Cedar, Center, Des Moines, Grant, Lake, Lincoln, Wash- ington and Powhatan townships. On Jan. 8, 1879, the permanent school fund of the county was $5,466. 67, the number of school children enrolled was 1187 and the amount of school funds received from the state, at the rate of twenty-five cents each, was $296.75. During that year an effort was made to secure uniformity of text books in all the schools of the county. This movement was inaugurated by R. M. Wilbur of Pomeroy, agent for the pub- lications of A. S. Barnes & Co. He first visited the county institute and secured from the teachers a report commending the movement to the di- rectors of the several townships in the county. The plan was adopted by Bellville, Center, Clinton, Des Moines, Grant, Lincoln and Lizard townships. The books were introduced at a greatly reduced price and, what seemed a very commendable feature at that time, many of them "at an extra cost of 5 or 10 cents each, were bound with an iron binding that made them so strong no two boys could tear one apart." OUT OF DEBT CENTENNIAL TEAR. A comparison of the conditions ex- isting in 1879 with those of 1874 shows that some progress was made even though the tipjes were extremely dull, Jn ^874 the WOi|pt of tftxes levied |p the county was $42,000 and 40 schools were in session; in 1879 the taxes levied were only $35,000 and over 60 schools were in session. On Jan. 1, 1874, the outstanding warrants awaiting pay- ment amounted to $5,000 and there was no money in the treasury; but on June 1, 1879, there were no outstand- ing warrants and there were funds on hand as follows: County, $1,900; poor, $1,000; gopher, $1,000; bridge, $3 200; total, $7,100. During the six years in- cluded in this period an unusual amount of money was spent in perma- nent improvements, such as the erec- tion of the new court house at Poca- hontas, the purchase of a burglar proof safe and the construction of fire proof vaults for the preservation of the public records. The statement that showed the re- moval of the last vestige of this county's indebtedness was the one ren- dered by W. D. McEwen, county treas- urer, on June 1, 1876. This statement not only showed for the first time a clean balance sheet for the county but also that all except two of the town- ships, Cedar and Lizard — whose in- debtedness was but a trifle— were also free from debt. The fact that many of the counties of northwestern Iowa had been involved under heavy debts that generally represented no value received but only the work of a set of public swindlers, caused many land buyers to avoid for awhile this section of country, but happily for this county the centennial year found it free from debt. All the. taxes collected, after the payment of current expenses, had been honestly and legitimately used in making public improvements so that each township, as it was settled, was supplied with good substantial school houses that were paid for as they were erected. As late as Jan. 1, 1§82, of the nine- teen counties in northwestern Iowa only two, Pocahontas and Calhoun, y?ere free ffopi ^ebt, the li?4e1)te4Res^ SECOND PEEIOD, 18'70-1882. 283 of the others ranging from $16,000 in Kossuth to $200,000 in O'Brien county. Foremost among the men who labored to get this county out of debt and Ijcepitso were Messrs. W. D. McEwen, A. O. Garlock and J. J. Bruce. W. D. MoEvveu, from the time of Ills tirst identification with the public interests of this county as a deputy in the recorder's office in 1865, exerted a strong and positive influence in favor of a rigid economy in the administra- tion of all public matters. His excel- lent business qualifications and keen foresight, utilized through many suc- cessive years of continuous public ser- vice, were of great advantage to this county. He took so much pride in the county's welfare that, when serving as treasurer collections were slow and outstanding warrants could not be paid, possessing ample means, he did nut hesitate to make use of his own private funds to bridge over the occa- sion and thus maintain the credit of the county. A. O. Garlock has already received well merited recognition for his effi- cient services as a public officer and constant aim to promote the interests of this county. The board of super- visors acknowledged its indebtedness to him while serving as county aud- itor, for his wise and prudent counsel, always modestly given. He never fal- tered when it became ncce.'sary lor him to protect the rights and interests of the county, and his careful man- agement of the school fund made it a source of profit to the county. He was uniformly courteous, a good judge of character and probably no other man during this period induced so many families to settle in this county. J. J. Bruce, who as county superin- tendent and member of the board of supervisors in 1868 began a long con- ' tinned official career in this county, was another who rendered faithful cooperation In the effort to secure an honest t^nd ecpnomicivl admlnlstratlqn of its affairs. His education and legal training enabled him to prepare the copy for the printed forms of this county twenty five years— IStO to 1895 — and were of great advantage to him and the public he served as a member of the board of supervisors. He was an indefatigable worker for the best interests of the county and no respect- er of persons in resisting or exposing plans for personal aggrandizement at the public expense. On March 13, 1873, while serving as treasurer, the county safe was burglarized by some experts. On this occasion there was offered him the opportunity to have left the county suffer a considerable loss by affirming the loss of public funds, since the treasurer and his bondsmen were not liable for money stolen from the county safe by bur- glary. He reported there were no public funds in the safe at the time of the burglary and the county did not lose a dollar. Another instance of his honest and honorable method of pro- cedure occurred on Oct. 10th following, when M. E. Owens, who two years later was a fugitive from justice, dur- ing a meeting of the board of super- visors made known the discovery that the official bonds of the county treas- urer and sheriff had been abstracted from the auditor's office and bond record book. This was near the end of the first year of his second term as treasurer of the county and as soon as his attention was called to this dis- crepancy he came forward promptly and, placing his property real and personal at the disposal of the board of supervisors by the execution of a trust deed, gave assurance he would prepare and tile a new bond with the same bondsmen within a reasonable time. The editor of the Newell Mirror in 1876 having occasion to make a per- sonal tnvestigatipn (>i some matters in this county 'wrote as follows! "We (Jp not believe there )a a oottpty \^ 284 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. northwestern Iowa that has been con- ducted on more economical principles than Pocahontas under its present management; and the taxpayers have stood by their public officials, because they have always managed so as to lessen the taxes, as much as possible, and maintain their outstanding war- rants at par value until the last one of them has been paid. " DELEGATE TO THE CENTENNIAL. After the announcement that Poca- hontas county was free from all in- debtedness, W. D. McEwen was ap- pointed a delegate to represent it at the Centennial in Philadelphia. On this trip he was accompanied by W. S. regies and from his own graphic ac- count of what they saw we glean the following paragraph. "By many the main building, which was 70 feet in height, sides and ends of glass set In an iron frame work, covering 21i acres of ground and cost- ing $2,000,000, would not be regarded as a beautiful building, but I must say it looked to me grand and caused a thrill of admiration. Standing in one of its galleries W. S. Pegles and I gazed upon such a sight as the world never before furnished. Spread be- fore us was a wide expanse dotted with structures, strange in shape and color, and extending so far that all distinct- ness is finally lost. It is a brilliant and inspiring scene, one that must satisfy all save the most captious. I cannot conceive that any one could look upon it and not be deeply im- pressed. It is a scene to fascinate the imagination and stir the soul to its depths. You look in wonder and ask yourself whence this grand display, this conglomeration of widely differing shapes and glowing colors, destitute of all harmony and deriving a consid- erable portion of its charm from its very strangeness. Almost oblivious of every thing else you draw on your im- agination 'pictures of the] Arabian Nights or dream of fairyland until you arouse to the agreeable reality that you are viewing the Centennial Ex- hibition." The Centennial was the greatest ex- position the world had ever seen until that date, and it was opened May 10, 1876, in the presence of 200,000 persons. Its object was very neatly expressed by President Grant in the opening- of his address on that occasion. "It has been thought appropriate to bring to- gether for popular inspection speci- mens of our attainments in the indus- trial and fine arts, literature, science and philosophy, as well as the great businesses of agriculture and com- merce, that we may more thoroughly appreciate the excellences and defici- encies of our achievements, and also give an emphatic expression to our de- sire to cultivate the friendship of the great family of nations. The enlight- ened agricultural, commercial and manufacturing people of the world have been invited to send hither cor- responding specimens of their skill, to exhibit on equal terms in friendly competiton with our own. One hun- dred years ago our country was new and but partially settled; our necessi- ties have compelled us to expend every means in felling trees, subduing prair- ies and building dwellings, factories, ships, docks, warehouses, roads, canals, machinery, etc. Most of our schools, churches, libraries and asylums have been established within a hundred years. Our achievements have been great enough to make it easy for our people to acknowledge superior merit wherever found; and now we hope a careful examination of what is about to be exhibited to you will not only inspire you with a profound re- spect for the skill and taste of our friends from other nations, but also call forth your highest admiration as you note the attainments and progress of our own people during the last one hundred years." SECOND PEKIOD, 18';0-1382. 285 MAIL ROUTES AND POSTOFFICES. After the removal of the county seat to Pocahontas, several new mail routes and postofiBces along them were es- tablished in this county. On Nov. 1, 1877, A. O. Garlock was the postmas- ter at Pocahontas iand the people of that vicinity called at the auditor's office for their mail. The new routes are indicated by the following sched- ule prepared by him for that point on the above date. The mail arrives at Pocahontasf rom Fonda and the south on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12 o'clock m., and departs for Fonda and the south at 1 o'clock p. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The mail arrives from (old) Eolfe and the north on Mondays, Wednes- days and Fridays each week at 12 o'clock m., and departs for (old) Eolfe and the north on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at l o'clock p. m. The mail arrives from Sioux Eapids and the northwest every "Thursday at 5 o'clock p. m. and departs for Sioux Eapids and the northwest every Fri- day at 7 a. m. In March, 1878, another mail route was maintained between old Eolfe and Humboldt, and a postofflce was located at the home of Sewell Van Alstine in Clinton township. Mr. Van Alstine was appointed postmaster, the name of the office was called "Blooming Prairie" and the mail was carried by Ira Scranton- once a week from old Eolfe until February, 1879, and then from Pocahontas until Gilmore City was founded, when this route and postofflce were discontinued. On Nov. 1, 1877, a new postofflce by the name of "Swan Lake" was estab- lished in Swan Lake township on the route from Pocahontas to Sioux Eapids and Charles L. Strong was appointed postmaster. On Nov. 22d following, the name of this postofflce was changed to "G-arlock" in honor of A. O. Gar- lock, the popular county auditor at that time. Mr. Strong resigned June 20, 1879. On Dec. 30, 1877, a new postofflce by the name of "Luella" was established on the same route at the residence of J. C. Strong in Washington township, and he served as the postmaster. The name of this office was derived from that of Myrta Luella, the youngest daughter and only member of Mr. Strong's family that was born in this county. On Jan. 26, 1879 another postofflce was established near this route at the home of D. P. Frost in Powhatan township and he was duly appointed postmaster, but owing to the fact that he lived about two miles from the mail route and no provision bad been made for the extra distance on the part of the mail carrier no mail was received or distributed at this office, which was called "May view." In the spring of 1882, when the towns of Havelock and Laurens were founded along the line of the Toledo & Northwestern railway, the "Gar- lock" and "Luella" postoffices were discontinued. In the spring of 1876, when the Poca- hontas and Fonda mail route was es- tablished, a postofflce was located at the home of C. H. Tollefsrude on sec- tion 28, Grant township, and called Shirley in honor of Maria G. Shirley, his wife, he being appointed post- master. In 1879 another postofflce was established in Grant township at the home of H. H. Felch on section 36, (Crummer farm) on the Pocahontas and Pomeroy mail route. This offlce was called "Learned," in commemor- ation of the place in Colorado where he previously resided, and Mr. Felch remained in charge of it until the spring of 1881 when he removed from the county. When this last postofflce . was,, established there were only 130 residents in Grant township, and while both were maintained there was not another township in the state having 2S6 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. so small a population, that enjoyed the luxury of 'two postoflBces. After the removal of Mr. Felch "Learned ' ' postofBce was discontinued. Mr. Tollefsrude continued to serve as postmaster at Shirley until Dec. 1, 1881, when Herkimer L. Norton be- came his successor, receiving and dis- tributing the mail at his home from that date until the spring of 1890, when this oflnce was also discontinued. There was no postofflce in this town- ship from that date until Feb. 7, 1894, when E. O. Christeson became post- master at Eusk. On July 12, 1877, M. F. Seeley, who had charge of the mail route from Fonda to old Eolfe via Pocahontas, re- linquished his contract to Samuel Post of Palo Alto county and Frank Thomp- son served as driver. At old Eolfe in 1876 before the re- moval of the county seat, W. D. Mc- Ewen was postmaster and the mail was carried north on Monday, Wednes- day and Friday of each week, and south on Tuesday, Thursday and Sat- urday. In 1865, twelve years previous, ac- cording to Colton's map of Iowa, the mail routes in this vicinity radiated from Fort Dodge and were as follows: (1) Fort Dodge to Sioux City via Twin Lakes, Sac City, Ida Grove and Cor- rectionville; (2) Fort Dodge to Council Bluffs via Lake City, Grant City, Den- ison and Shelby ville; (3) Fort Dodge to Cherokee, a direct line between these two points, entering this county near the southeast corner of Bellville town- ship and leaving it about the center of section 7, Cedar township. This route passed about four miles north of Stormy (now Storm) Lake, and there was not a village along it between the two points named. West of Cherokee it passed through Plymouth, now Merrill, and Melbourne, now Hinton. Lake City was then the only village in Calhoun county, Sioux Eapids in Buena Vista county; and West Bend, Fern Valley and Emmetsburg the only ones in Palo Alto county, and they were on the mail route from Fort Dodge to Estherville and Spirit Lake via (old) Eolfe. THE POCAHONTAS TIMES ESTABLISHED. The period now under consideration was the one in which, after three un- successful ventures, the Pocahontas Times was established as the first per- manent newspaper in the county. Its predecessors were the Pocahontas Journal, the Cedarville Herald and the Pocahontas Times during the per- iod of its publication by M. D. Skinner. The Pocahontas Journal was estab- lished by W. D. McEwen and J. J. Bruce in the year 1869, when the for- mer was serving as auditor, clerk of the court and county judge, and the latter as county superintendent and member of the board of supervisors, both of whom, after December 1st, that year, were residents of old Eolfe. The first issue of this paper was printed on Tuesday, June 15, 1869, and the second one on Friday, July 25th fol- lowing, on the press of B. F. Gue at Fort Dodge. After the lapse of two years, or in July, 1871, W. D. McEwen relinquished his editorial interest in this paper to Thomas L. MacVey and its weekly publication was continued by Messrs.^ Bruce and MacVey until February ist, 1872. About this date the legislature repealed the law pro- viding for the publication of the gen- eral laws in each county and this left them under the necessity of publishing the paper at a pecuniary:, loss or of abandoning the enterprise. The paper was therefore discontinued. Alter its establishment in 1869 it was made the official paper of the county and for ad- vertising the sale of the school lands and printing the proceedings of the board of supervisors and delinquent tax list that year received $237.00. In 1870 and also in 1871 it was the official paper of the county and, in addition to the other public printing, published SECOND PEEIOD, 187C-1882. 287 the general laws of the 13th (1870) General Assembly of Iowa. The Cedarville Herald was a small weekly published at Fonda by W. S. Wright, express agent and postmaster at Fonda, during the spring of 1871. It was printed at Storm Lake and was discontinued after the lapse of a few months. The Pocahontas Times, about the fall of 1872, was established in Fonda by M. J). Skinner, and its publication as a weekly newspaper was continued until about the fall of 1875, when it was also discontinued as an unprofit- able enterprise. It was made the offi- cial paper of the county for the years 1873 and 187'4 and received for the pub- lic printing done during those years $171 and $420 respectively. In the year 1873, by direction of the board of supervisors, it published certain state- ments of the finances for the years 1866, '67, '68, '69, and '70, and a copy of the paper was sent to every taxpayer in the county. On Dec. 8, 1874, the board of super- visors decided to print semi-annually, in pamphlet form for distribution among the voters of the county, the proceedings of the board and the re- ports of the auditor and treasurer of the county. This contract for the year 1875, at the rate of 30 cents per square, was given to Messrs. White & Son of Fonda, publishers of the Northwestern Hawkeye, and they re- ceived 8132.50 for the public printing in this county during that year. It is a matter for regret that no files of the Pocahontas Journal, Cedarville Herald and of the Pocahontas Times during the period of its first venture, have been preserved for the historian, the last ones being destroyed by the fire in- Fonda Oct. 15, 1883. The little pioneer county paper was the one that contained the record of the local hap- penings, the marriages and divorces, the births and deaths, the arrival and removal of families, the account of those events that denote social and material progress and it was read with more interest than any other paper. The Pocahontas Times, established at old Eolfe by W. D. McEwen as edi- tor and proprietor, and of which vol- ume 1, number 1, was issued Thurs- day, April 6, 1876, is the oldest news- paper in Pocahontas county that has been preserved and its publication continued until the present time. This paper was first issued as a five column weekly, containing four pages 12i by 19i inches, and its unpreten- tious motto was, "He who by his biz' would rise, Must either bust or advertise." In his introduction the editor very modestly made his bow to his readers in the following words: "In taking charge of a newspaper, we fear the many difficulties that beset our way, especially after having engaged act- ively for five years in other business. We commence again the publication of a newspaper, feeling that Pocahon- tas county has been too long neglected by reason of the lack of a live one. As there is no one disposed to embark in this enterprise we have established the Pocahontas Times and propose to make it a success, if possible. Our little sheet is not what we would like our first number to have been, but if our friends will have patience we will soon enlarge it to twice its present size. With our long acquaintance with the people of the county, we feel satisfied that we shall receive a full share of support and the Times will be devoted to developing the resources of Pocahontas county. Since there can be no reform without discussion, we invite farmers to send us their obser- vations in the Inatter of improve- ments, that your neighbors may be ben- efited by your experience, your light barning none the less brightly while lighting another. We propose to chronicle faithfully and impartially the events of the day, domestic and 1288 PIONEER HISTOEt OF iPOCAHOKTAS COUHf TY, lOWA. foreign, in addition to the local item that may come under our observation. We shall uphold and advocate the principles of the republican party and aim to promote truth, justice and good will to all." The first issue contained the pro- ceedings of the board of supervisors at their April meeting, (1876) and the professional cards of the following persons in Pocahontas county: Rev. Walter L. Lyons, Presbyterian, ser- vices in the brick school house at old ■Rolfe every other Sunday at 11 o'clock a. m. Rev. Wm. McCready, M. E., alternate Sundays same place at 10:30 a.m. Rev. A R. Whitfield, M. E., in school house at Fonda, alter- nate Sabbaths at 11 a. m. W. D. Mc- Ewen, attorney at law, Rolfe; Alex- ander Younke, attorney, Rolfe; W. D. McEwen & Co., dry goods and gro- ceries, Rolfe; A. O. Garlock, real es- tate and tax paying agency, Rolfe; J. D. Minkler, physician and surgeon, Fonda; Wm. Marshall, real estate and tax paying agent, Fonda; Joseph Mal- lison, notary public and collector, Fonda; E. C. Brown, notary public and real estate agent, Fonda; John W. Gray, dry goods and groceries, Fonda; Joseph Mallison, machinery, Fonda; Fred Swingle, lumber, coal and grain, Fonda; Peter G-. Ibson, blacksmith and wagon maker, Fonda; William Snell, cheese factory, Fonda; Joseph Nimick, proprietor Center House, Pocahontas Center. On May 11, 1816, the editor and pro- prietor of the Times announced an improvement that marks a new era in Its publication. The first three issues, owing to defective presswork, looked as if they had been printed in a foreign language, so that but few readers were able to decipher the won- derful hieroglyphics produced by the ingenuity of the printer. The ofHce was replenished with new type, a new roller and other improvements, the paper was Increased from four to eight pages, and, as it was decided to issue it thereafter in the English language, the hope was expressed that attention to business and fair dealing woul^ merit a liberal support. ' "Truth crushed to earth will rise again," was the new motto adopted at this time and the printing was very creditable. The Fort Dodge Times now observed "that it was the most sprightly paper ever sent out of the county, an high honor to its editor and owner;" and the Spirit Lake Beacon, "W. D. Mc- Ewen, editor of the Pocahontas Times, is a very versatile gentleman, being an attorney, a merchant and postmaster, which, in addition' to the laborious duties of a journalist, is', business enough for one man; he is also at this time serving his county, to the satis- faction of all concerned, as county treasurer and Centennial commis- sioner." On June 15, 18':6, when the editor went to the Centennial, the office was left to the "tender mercies of A. O. Garlock and Fred J. Ervin." After the issue of Oct. 10, 1876, the place of publication was changed from old Rolfe to Pocahontas Center. On Jan. 1. 1877, Ed. B. Tabor became an associate editor of the Pocahontas Times. As the successor of Geo. M. Dorton, he had previously assisted M. D. Skinner in the Times office at Fonda from March 1st until August 1st, 1875. On Nov. 1, 1877, W. D. Mc- Ewen, finding that his official duties required all of his time and attention, relinquished his editorial interest and leased the Times outfit to Mr. Tabor, who continued td be its sole editor during the next two years. "Stick to your aim and you are bound to win" was the new. motto adopted, and two important changes were effected during this period. After the issue of May 9, 1878, the office of publication was moved from Pocahon- tas to Fonda and, commencing with the Issue of May 30th following, which SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 289 fcontained a full page description of Poeahontas county entitled, "Uome West," the amount of local printing in the home ofBce was increased from two to four pages. The constant aim of the new editor was to furnish his readers a first-class local paper an.d through its columns give encouragement to every worthy local enterprise.'*' He so identified himself to the interests of this cdm- old Rolfe is considering a proposition to go into the bee business. He has been talking about it with a man who lives a little further north and v?ho is almost persuaded. A few more Sun- days will fetch him. He believes in starting with queen bees. The name of his bee is Phoebe." Nov. 1. 1879, Geo. Sanborn, one of the pioneer homesteaders of pedar township, purchasing the outfit ' from YIEW or THE TIMES OFFICE AND POCAHONTAS COUNTY BANK ON MAIN STREET, FONDA, IN 1896. munity, both personally and through the paper, that he found it a real trial when, at the end of two years, the sale of the Times outfit to another in- volved the relinquishment of his edi- torial relation to it.' He won for him- self the reputation of being a "young man who was bound to make his mark in the editorial profession," a "spicy writer, " and a "good newspaper man. " As an illustration of his humor the following incident is gleaned from the column of locals. "Geo. W. Horton at W. D. McEwen, became the editor and proprietor of the Pocahontas Times and continuing these relations until the present time, completes with this issue— Oct. 26, 1899— a period of twenty years of editorial management and ownership of this paper, changing its name to Fonda Times Nov. 1, lb91. In taking charge of the editorial de- partment the new proprietor acknowl- edged his "consciousness of the task that we have laid upon ourself," and expressed the hope that, with the good 290 PIOKEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. will and assistance of his many friends, he would be able to make it a financial success, and at the same time a paper of which they might well feel proud. "Had we been playing farmer all our life we could look for nothing but a partial success, if not a total failure in our venture; as it is, we hope to bring to our assistance such practical experience as will materially aid us in the discharge of the onerous duties in which our present position finds us." "A journal devoted to the interests of Pocahontas county," was the new motto adopted, and it was continued until June, 1892, when the further use of a motto was regarded as unnecessary. The Times oflBce, located at first in the second story .of the Fairburn bank building at the corner of First and Main streets, in 1879 was permanently located on the east side of Main street in a small frame building on the lot where the Times office now stands. This building, together with others in the vicinity, was entirely consumed by the fire of Oct. 15, 1883. It was impossible to save either of the presses and with the exception of the roll of subscribers, a few books and some type, the entire outfit of the Times was destroyed. The value of the building and contents of the office was $2,300 and this was a total loss. The first issue after the fire, of date Oct. 18, 1883, was printed on the press of the Manson Journal, Geo. I. and Tom D. Long, editors. This fire edi- tion marks a change in the size of the Times to adapt it to the size of the new press then obtained. The pages were increased to seven columns, 17x23 inches and their number reduced to four. On March 6, 1884, the paper was enlarged to an eight column folio, an enlargement that gave its readers about one third more reading matter. On June 15, 1893, its size and appear- ance was again completely changed to its present form. The eight column folio was replaced by a seven column quarto. As the latter has eight pages the quantity of matter and the cost of conducting the paper were nearly doubled by this change. One object of this increase was to make it spec- ially beneficial to the farmers by add- ing an agricultural page edited by Hon. James Wilson, a practical and successful farmer, who was then sup- erintendent of the experiment station at the State Agricultural College at Ames. In 1889 the old printing press was replaced by a new Campbell power press. These enlargements and improve- ments of the Times from time to time indicate the constantly increasing support that has been given this paper by the business men of Fonda and the people of this county. They indicate also the constant endeavor of the edi- tor and proprietor to keep it abreast of these rapidly progressing timesand make it worthy the reputation of be- ing not merely the oldest but the best newspaper in Pocahontas cojinty. As a journal devoted to the interests of this county it has heen tru,e to its aim. Every issue has contained some good word for Fonda and vicinity. Be- lieving that the town would respond promptly to any forward movement made by the rural districts. It has very wisely refrained from booming the town beyond its possibilities by a strict adherence to truth and, with an un- tiring zeal, has encouraged the settle- ment of the country around it with the best class of people. About every fifth year it has contained a full page account of the material progress and growth of Fonda or of the county in general. Whoever reads these fre- quent descriptions of this section of country in the files of the Times can- not fail to perceive that they have prepared the way and naturally devel- oped the desire to have this last one the best, worthy to be designated the Pioneer History of Pocahontas County. Although republican in sentiment SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882. 291 it has never been under the control of any clique or faction, tinder no obli- gation to. others, it has been free to adopt its own principles and fearlessly to advocate or defend them. That a love for fair play is inherent in the American people has been recognized as a fundamental principle in all mat- ters of a public or political nature. As an angel of intelligence in the com- munity it has been the ally of virtue zer, who enrolled 103 persons in Des Moines and Lizard townships, which then embraced the entire county. The census of 1870 was taken by .T. J. Bruce. He traveled on horseback and had three months from the first day of June to complete the canvass. The county was then included in four townships, Des Moines, Clinton, Liz- ard and Powhatan. In Lizard town- ship, which included all the residents POPULATION OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, 1859-1895. TOWNSHIPS Bellville Cedar " Fonda Center " Pocahontas.... Clinton " Bolfe Ccjlfax D'fes Moines Dover Grant Lake " Gilmore City.. Lincoln Lizard Marshall Powhatan .Sherman Swan Lake " Laurens Washington " JIavelock Total 1859 1860 1862 1867 1869 1870 with 23 60 38 55 40 35 31 126 176 256 68 68' 68 208 334 955 59 89 180 ■- L873 1875 1880 1885 1890 237 282 373 456 576 322 290 453 443 444 Ce dar 168 433 625 100 166 178 153 506 100 116 154 309 256 548 529 234 240 380 492 621 257 265 327 422 474 107 139 239 352 552 93 114 151 272 455 121 304 490 58 85 125 155 396 469 496 537 567 624 30 168 420 257 186 258 414 648 54 134 341 41 36 93 362 581 318 84 284 405 628 543 942 463 201 631 779 638 558 587 581 508 164 575 672 557 768 479 633 587 493 365 108 103 122 453 6371,446 2,175 2,249 3,713 6,152 9,55312442 and a foe to crime. It has exerted a dominant influence ia favor of mor- ality and religion during all the^e years, by always advocating the edu- clation of the child, the sobriety olf the individual, the purity of the home and the welfare of the church. "Like the water we so freely drink. And the pure life-giving air, Is the home paper, with its precious gifts, And almost magic charm, As it comes to break the monotony Of life upon the farm." THE CENSUS TAKEN. The first census of this county was taken in the year 1860 by Chas. Smelt- in the south tier of townships, the south tier of sections in Lake and Lincoln, and the south half of Grant and Dover, there were 955 residents, in Clinton 55, Powhatan 180, and in Des Moines, which included the re- mainder of the county, 256, total 1446, of whom 785 were males and 661 fe- males. At the time this census was talcen there was no one residing in what are how Center and Sherman townships, J. C. Strong, Jason M. Bus- sell, Jonathan L. Clark, wife and three children, all living together on sec. 30 were the only residents in Washing- 292 PlOU EEE HISTOKY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ton, Alonzo M. Thornton and family, on sec. 18, the only ones in Marshall, and Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Woodin, AleX' ander F. Hubbell and his brother, Charles F. Hubbell, all on sec. 24, the only ones in Dover township. In 1880 there were five census enu- merators and the county was divided among them as follows: Geo. M. Dor- ton, Cedar township; C. G. Perkins, Colfax and Bellville; O. I. Strong, Des Moines and Powhatan; Henry Kelly, Lizard, Lake, Lincoln and Clin- ton; and C. H. Tollefsrude, Grant, Dover, Sherman, Marshall, Swan Lake and Washington townships. In 1873, 1875 and 1885 the assessors of the several townships made an enu- meration which in tabulated form with other similar enumerations shows that the progress of the settlement of the county has been as appears in the above exhibit of population. CHUECHES ESTABLISHED. The only churches that had been or- ganized during the previous period were the Unity Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal at old Eolfe and the Lizard Catholic. During the period now under consideration sev- eral . other churches were organized and additional preaching stations were established. In March, 1870, Eev. T. P. Lenahen of Fort Dodge, established Catholic services at the home of Wm. Lynch on sec. 2, Cedar township, and maintained this station until Oct. 20, 1882, when the Dover Catholic church being near- ly completed, he was succeeded by P. J. Carroll who in the fall of 1883 secured the erection of the Catholic church in Fonda and established ser- vices in it. In 1871 Rev. L. C. Woodward, pastor and postmaster at Newell, established M. B. services in the school house at Fonda where they were maintained by others until the fall of 1879 when the Fonda M. E. church was erected. On March 13, 1873, the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church of Col- fax township was organized that suc- ceeded in erecting a house of worship in 1884. About the same time and near the same place the Swedish Evan- gelical Mission was established that has also erected a house of worship. In the spring of 1875 Rev. T. M. Lenahen established a Catholic station in the school house at Pocahontas and a church was built there in 1883. On Feb. 4, 1878, the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church in Grant township was organized and in 1894 a church building was erected at Rusk. In 1878, when Rev. C. W. Chfton was pastor of the M. E. church at old Rolfe, services were regularly held at the school houses in the vicinity of the residences of J, C. Strong and Philip Hamble in Washington town- ship, at the (Ira) Strong school house, Powhatan township, and occasionally at Coopertown and the Heathman school house near where Plover is now located. In 1879 Rev. Mr. Johnson, a Luth- eran minister, held services at old Rolfe once a month. Ori Oct. 31, 1880, the Unity Presby- terian church of old Rolfe was reor- ganized as the Second Presbyterian church of Rolfe, In the new town then founded, and the present church building was erected in 1888. HOMESTEADERS. 'By an act of Congress approved March 3, 1877, in making final proof of homestead entries the party instead of being required to go to a distant land oflflce as had been previously necessary, might appear with his wit- nesses before the judge of a court of record of the county in which the land was situated and there make the final proof. On August 8, 1877, the following list of names was sent to J. W. Wallace, clerk of the court by H. H. Griffiths, SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882, 293 recorder of the U. S. land ofiBce, Des Moines, as those of persons who had occupied claims for more than five years and were ready for final proof: Aaron Himan C. J. Johnson Wm. E. Gadaw Charles Johnson Thos. L. Dean August Johnson S. M. Pettit Christopher Hoppy Eliza Borjenson John McAuliff Gust Peterson Martin McAuliff Peter Peterson John P. Anderson John Larson Mary Springstuble Gustave Oloson C. P. Lenngren George Guy James B. Lothian William Lothian Peter Scherf Asa Harris Betsy Nelson M. Lahey L. P. Davidson Samuel Gill A; Anderson Matthias J. Synsteline Louisa Lieb ERA OF BETTER TIMES. It was in 1877, the year of the great railroad strikes, that there came the tirst indications of the commencement of an era of better times. These were found in the prospects for a fine crop and a foreign demand for breadstuffs that created a good and profitable market for all the products of the farm. More corn was planted that year in this county than ever before, and, though in planting time the farmers were not in the best of spirits, yet in the time of harvest their hearts were gladdened by a fine crop of small grain, the first for several years, and a large one of corn. The feeling im- mediately began to prevail that about three good crops would bring complete relief to all who had become embar- rassed during the previous era of hard times and that this section would prove to be as productive as any in the country. As there was no debt on the county the taxes were low and it was pleasing to see the smiles that illumi- nated the countenances of our "rural princes" in anticipation of better times. This was the seventh year after the settlement of the western part of this county. That which had previously been an unoccupied region was now dotted with many happy homes sur- rounded by luxuriant fields of oats, barley, wheat and corn, and, in en- closed pastures on every side, there were as beautiful cattlefatteningupon the rich grasses of the prairie as ever gladdened the eyes of man. The general joy and gladness of the new era now ushered in, found oppor- tunity for expression in connection with the county nominating conven- tion that was held at Pocahontas on the first day of September that year. The attendance at this convention was much larger than ever before on such occasions in this county. Every township was represented by a full delegation and many others from all parts of the county were also present. The Cedar delegation niade the trip across the country in a wagon drawn by four horses, all profusely decorated with streamers, and followed by sev- eral loads of citizens. The crowd from Des Moines township was led by a wagon that bore aloft a large banner and with that delegation were Messrs. Fish and Vaughn, who made things lively with their drums. 1878. In the spring of 1878 northwest Iowa received a large immigration and many new families located in this county, among whom were those of A. B. P. Wood, W. J. Curkeet and H. H. Fitch, all from Darlington, Wis., C G. Guy- ett from Montpelier,' Vt., who erected a double store building two stories in height on the lots occupied by the McKee brick block, Fonda; N. B. Post, J. F. Pattee and Geo. F. Porter, who located on farms, and Dr. G. W. Both- well, who located in Fonda in Novem- ber previous. Many new buildings were erected, every acre of improved land was farmed and the demand for lands to rent was greater than the supply. Another good crop was har- vested that included a large acreage of flax and wheat and the business out- 2-94 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. look of the county was better tban ever. The farmers began to perceive that cattle and hogs brought more money into their pockets than any- thing else and their best efforts were put forth to raise 8-ne stock for the market. Col. Blanden adds section 26 and part of section 24 to his large farm in the southeast corner of Bell ville town- ship, thereby increasing it to 2,760 acres, and has on hand 50, provlcled with Bimllai' roi' lers on top. It was an interesting sight to witness the quiet, orderly and rapid movement of the men and ma- terials as the work progressed. ST. LOUIS, NEWTON & NOETHWEST- EEN B. E. In August, 1881, the engineers of the St. Louis, Newton and North- western E. R. Co. surveyed a line from Newton via Tara northwest along the west branch of Lizard creek to Poca- hontas, thence five miles due west along the south line of Sherman town- ship, thence southwest across the northwest corner of Grant township, where it was proposed to locate a sta- tion, and thence further westward. During that same month five special elections were held to vote aid in the construction of this road. In Lake, Lincoln and Sherman townships the citizens were not in favor of the tax, and a majority of them voted against it, but in Center on Aug. 19th it carried 19 to 5, and in Grant on Aug. 29th it carried 17 to 1. On Sept. 7th following the board of county super- visors levied this tax on these town- ships, but as the road was not built the tai was forfeited. DUBUQUE & DAKOTA E. E. In February, 1882, the engineering corps of the Dubuque & Dakota R. R. Co., surveyed a line due west from Hampton to Cherokee and thence to Sioux City. This line crossed Clinton , Center, Sherman and Marshall town- ships, but the road was not built. BOOM IN LAND. The effect of these numerous sur- veys, the building of three new rail- roads into the county and the estab- lishment along them of five new and promising towns — Rolfe, Havelock, Laurens, Gilmore City and' Plover— had thejeffect of attracting not merely public Eittention to this county but a greatly' Increased Immigration and the value^of land advanced thirty per cent. During 1881 &hd 1882 hundreds of thrifty Ipf^, and Illinois farmers eauie 302 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHOKTAS COUNTY, IOWA. and bought lands within this county. To them this county presented many special inducements. Its railroad fa- cilities were excellent, no bonds had ever been issued to embarrass it with debt, it had a new court houseand the crops had been abundant. The great crops of 1882 not only brought a liberal reward to the farmers of the entire county, but marked an era in the ag- ricultural products of the county that had not been exceeded in its previous history. The crop of wheat was pro- lific and of a superior quality; and this was true also of the rye, flax and bar- ley. In the spring of 1882 the first cheese factory in the county was erected by Geo. Heald on Pilot creek, Clinton township. He kept forty cows, made two cheeses a day, and each was stamped with the day and year on which it was made. PROHIBITION. On June 27, 1882, occurred the- spe- cial election known as the "Amend- ment Campaign," when there were cast in favor of the constitutional amendment, prohibiting the manu- facture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, in this county 407 votes, and against it 246; majority in favor of it 161. This was the second time the people of Pocahontas county had de- clared themselves in favor of prohib- iting the sale of intoxicating liquors. At their meeting held June 6, 1870, the following petition was presented to the board of supervisors: "To the Honorable Board of Super- visors of Pocahontas county: We, the utidersigned citizens, being legal voters in said county, would respect- fully ask your honorable body to sub- rnit chapter 82 of the Acts of the 13th General Assembly of Iowa (1870), en- titled, "An act to provide for the pro- hibition of the sale of all wine or beer in the counties by a vote of the peo- ple."— W. D. McBwen, Owen groffli ley andotberp,'' In response to this petition the board of supervisors submitted this question to the decision of the legal voters of the county at the general election held Oct. 11, 1870, with the result that l23 votes were cast in favor of prohibition and only 25 against it. The vote by townships on these two occasions may be seen in the follow- ing table: TOWNSHIP. FOK. AGAINST. 1870. 1882. 1870. 1882. Bellville...-. ....11 19 '23 Cedar 25 83 22 ' 54 ' Center 27 19 Clinton ■ 8 28 2 4 Colfax ' 43 21 Des Moines 35 33 1 1 Dover 6 26 23 Grant 6 23 1 Lake , 10. 12 Lincoln ' 5 17 Lizard 7 49 Powhatan 32 32 7 Sherman 8 3 Swan Lake 26 8 Washington 37 4 123 407 25 246 It will be perceived that in 1870 many of the townships were not or- ganized, but Lizard either did not vote upon this measure or the vote was not reported; and in five of the townships, Bellville, Des Moines, Dover, Grant and Powhatan, there was only one opposing vote. In 1882 all of the townships cast a majority in favor of the amendment except four, and the majority in these was as fol- lows: Bellville, 4; Lake, 2; Lincoln, 12; Lizard 42; total, 60. In Marshall no election was held. The majority for prohibition in 1870 was 98 and in 1882, 161. The county records show 449 votes for and 204 against the ammendment. This is due to an erroneous return of the vote in Lizard township as 49 for and 7 against , instead of 7 for and 49 against; as it appeared on the tally sheet. On Jan. 19, 1883, the supreme court of Iowa ruled that the prohibitory amendment was invalid by reason of a. clerical omission or error while It was passing' tbrough tbQ legislature, A. L. SCHULTZ. ROLFC ARGUS, 1894 TO DATE. L. E. LANGE. LAURENS SUNi 1885 TO DATE ^ MARION BRUCE. HOtre REVEILLE, 1696 TO 1S8S. A. R. THORNTON. ROLFE REVEILLE, 1896 TO DATE EDITORS OF COUNTY NEWSPAPERS. W. W. BEAM, M. D. ROLFE. M. F. PATTERSON, M. D. DES MOINES. D. W. EDGAR, M. D. FONDA. C. R. WHITNEY, M. D. FONDA. PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS. THIRD PERIOD, 1883-1899. 303 XI. Third Period 18S3 to 1899— Period of Growth And Development. Pocahontas county indeed is fair; Of streams of water has her share; Is rich in limestone, and her soil Will bless for aye the plowman's toil. What a lovely prospect everywhere lies Outspread before the farmer's eyes; Truly he has fouad the beautiful one. The fairest land beneath the sun. [OCAHONTAS county in the year 18S3 en- tered upon an era of growth and develop- ment that was fol- lowed in 1899 by an- other year of railroad construction. The year preceding (1882) was an eventful one because in it Marshall, the last of the townships to be organ- ized, sought recognition and was christened "Laurens." The roll of the "townships, sixteen in number, was then complete and they were dotted with a galaxy of six thriving railroad towns that clustered around Pocahon- tas Center, the new county seat. Four raiiroads hac} Qrgssecl the borders of the county on the south, north and east, and they afforded splendid rail- road f acil ities in every direction; The laying of these permanent foundations for future development was followed by an era of constant and uninter- rupted growth in population, agri- cultural productions and general, material prosperity, each succeeding year being very much like the one preceding. In- 1899 this era was fol- lowed "by another year in which two more railroads were constructed across the country and two new towns, Varina and Hanson, were es- tablished. t In 1883 the public offlcefs wereC. H. ToUefsrude, auditor! J. W'. Wallace, 304 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. clerk of the court; W. D. McEwen, treasurer; A.- L. Thornton, recorder; Joseph Mallison, sheriff; J. P. Robin- son, superintendent and Wm. Mar- shall, surveyor. The board of super- visors consisted of J. C. Strong, J. J. Bruce, James Mercer, Wm. Brownlee and Carl Steinbrink. The Pocahontas Times and Rolfe Reporter, the only newspapers pub- lished in the county, were both ap- pointed official papers to do the public printing for the county, the latter having been -established at Rolfe dur- ing the preceding year. In 1881 the assessed valuation of Pocahontas county was $1,700,971; in 1883 it was $2,104,443, which shows a gain in two years of $403,472. Eighty schools were in session and the average wages of the teachers was $27 a month. The year 1883, by reason of its disas- ters, passed into history as one of the most calamitous on record. Over 140,- 000 people, of whom 110,000 were resi- dents of Java, were killed by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and accidents. On Oct. 15, a fire at Ifonda destroyed the Ellis hotel. Times building and others in that vicinity; and that spring one-half the business houses in New- ell and Pomeroy were also destroyed by the same element. During 1883 this section of country flourished splendidly and land ad- vanced rapidly. Its value in Poca- hontas and Humboldt pounties had doubled during the five years, and throughout the state during the eight years previous. ]^very town and vil- lage was happy in the possession of some enterprising men who led their fellow citizens in laudable efforts to promote the public welfare, and the work of improvement progressed rap- idly in the rural districts. STAMJARC TIME ADOPTED. On Nov. 18, 1883, Standard Time, suggested first by Prof. Abbe of the signal service in 1878, Was adopted, fly this lysteni t^Ue Ameriojin contl? nent was divided into five time dis- tricts, ranging from east to west, each district running north and south across the continent and named re- spectively,InterColoniai,Eastern, Cen- tral, Mountain and Pacific. Pocahontas county is in the Central district, which includes the territory between the 83d and 102d degrees of west longitude, or from Columbus, Ohio, to the east boundary line of Colorado. The date line is in the vicinity of the 180 merid- ian, which passes southward through the Pacific Ocean. 1884. In May, 1884, G-ilmore City was platted and in November following the name of Laurens township was changed to Marshall. The M. E. church was built at Rolfe, and at Fonda the McKee brick block, the new Times building and the brick school building. On April 24, 1884, the Pocahontas Record was established at Pocahontas by Port C. Barron, its present editor. On Dec. 13, 1884, the Fonda Herald was established by E. R. Carroll and edited by T. J. Hagerty, but it was discontinued in February following. At the general election held this year it was decides to amend the state constitution, and the following changes were effected: (1) The time of hold- ing the general election, which had previously been in October except in presidential elections, was now changed to the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. (2) The num- ber of grand jurors was reduced from twelve to five,,and provision was made for the prosecution of cases without the intervention of the grand jury. (3) The ofBce of district attorney was abolished and that of county attorney established. A new road law also went into ef- fect that provided for the consolida. tioh of the several districts of a town- ship into one road distfictj and for the levy of a ofie-mill \9,% as a county THIRD PERIOD, 1883-1899. 305 road fund. 1885. The population of the county that on Jan. 1, 1880, numbered 3,713, on Jan. 1, 1885, was 6,154, which showed a gain of 66 per cent in fourtand one- half years. The immigration to this county in 1885 was above the average. On June 15, 1885, the Pocahontas County Sun was established at Laurens by L. E. Lange, its present editor. On May 13, 1885, Alonzo L. Thorn- ton, county recorder, died during his second term in office and his daughter, Miss May E. Thornton, completed it, first by appointment and later by election. She held the office ejghteeh months and was the first woman, and to this date the only one, to hold a public office in this county. DRAINAGE OF THE COUNTY. Alonzo L. Thornton was a practical surveyor and maker of maps. Having prepared an excellent map of this county he directed the attention of the people to the importance and feas- ibility of adopting a general system of drainage. ' Commencing in January previous to his decease, in order to bring this matter intelligently before the people, he wrote a number of ar- ticles for the Pocahontas Record and the Pocahontas Times from which the following outline of his views has been gleaned. "The general distnbution of low land, often covered with water, has given the impression to strangers and superficial observers that this whole region was one vast bog of cold wet land, the difference of level between the slough and the t;orn land being so slight, that it was not easy to see how the latter could be very good so close to those that were apparently worth- less. While the surface water re- mains upon the low lands it interferes with the drainage of those that are higher because there is no outle*-. This fact shows the desirability of a general system of drainage. To lower the general level of the surface water 24 inches would materially advance the market value of all the land. A glance ut the map of this county shows that all the streams in it flow to the south and southeast in nearly direct lines, and divide it into eight long, narrow strips. These streams are the natural outlets of the surface water "but at present they take weeks and months to do what should be com- pleted in a few days. The track of the Chicago. & l^^orth- western R. R. on the bridge over the Little Cedar in Swan Lake township, west of Laurens, is 1,330 feet above tide water, and this is the highest point reached by , a railroad in the county. The bridge of the Illinois Central R. R. over the same stream at Eonda is 1237 feet above tide and it is 12 feet higher than the former one above the bed of the stream. These data show that there is a fall of 110 feet in the distance of 20 miles be- tween the two railroads, or an average of 5i feet per mile. The bridge over the Big Cedar, east of Laurens and four miles distant from the former one, is 1,289 feet above tide. This bridge is 41 feet lower than the for- mer one and the bed of the stream is 72 feet higher than at Fonda 18 miles distant, which shows a fall of four feet per mile. The railroad levels in the east part of the county show that four feet per mile is the average fall in the slopes along Beaver and Pilot creek?, and the several branches of the Liz- ard. According to ' the levels of the Des Moines Valley R. R., the fall in the Des Moines river from Fort Dodge to Des Moines, a distance of 80 miles, is only 198 feet, an average of 2i feet per mile; and the fall in the Cedar river from Northwood to' Wapello, a distance of 203 miles, is 540 feet, or only a little more than 2i feet per mile. The Des Moines and Cedar riv- ers are both swiftly flowing streams whenever the water is high. The flow of the water in the smaller streams in this connty is impeded by flags, water rushes, oane grass and even the coarser kinds of slough grass that have so invaded their beds as to completely fill them and produce ex- tensive sloughs. That which is need- ed Is a channel sufficiently wide and deep to remove the roots of these vege- table growths and secure a continuous flow of the water. This at flrst thought may seem a difficult and ex- pensive thing to do, in view of the great width of some of the sloughs thereby giving the Imptesslon they are the result of a large flow of Water. Thill ii a m)8apprehet)8lQn> A dltot) 303 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. six feet wide at the surface, three feet at tlie bottom and twentv four to ttiirty inches deep, cut through the entire length of our prairie creelis will accomplisli this result and render val- uable for agricultural purposes thou- sands of acres that are at present com- paratively worthless. These drains would form a suitable outlet for the drainage ,of the slough- valleys that are found along the divides Ijetween tlie streams. Tlie measarement of levels indicates that the rise between the streams is nearly uniform and ranges from 7 to 10 feet a mile, or nearly double that of the slopes along the streams. The crest of each divide is generally much nearer the stream on- its western side and in consequence more sliJUgh valleys or undeveloped streams are_ found on their eastern slopes and tliey vary from less than one to four miles In length. Many of these slough valleys need a ditch of the same size as tbe main channels of the streams and they should be con- , structed before anything like a general system of drainage can be effected. S nee they are also public waterways they should be inserted by the county as a general improvement for the pub- lic good. Such a system of drainage would provide an outlet but leave the drain- age of the present tillable lands to private enterprise. The effect of it would he beyond computation. ] t would remove the greatest cause of discouragement to the farmer, es- pecially the uncertainty of crops in wet seasons; It would greatly increase the productiveness of the soil and we would And iftirselves at one bound in the front rank as an agricult'jral county; We would realize that tlie goose" that lays the golden egg for J'ocahontas county is "Drainage." Such a ditch can be inserted by a double ditching plow at an average rate of 100 rods a day or two miles eacli week, and at a.cost ranaing from $25 to $50 a mile. The probable extent of the system constructed at the public expense would be as follows: NAME OF ESTIMATED LENGTH STREAM. IN Miles. Little Cedar ' 22 Big Cedar Si East Branch, Cedar 9 Outlet of Muskrat Lake 9 South branch, Lizard 22 West branch. Lizard 29 Lizard creek aii Pilot " gl Beaver " 13 Two branches Pilot creek 10 Total 203. At-$50 a mile the cost of 203 miles would be $10,150. To this should be added the cost of surveys, outlet drains beyond the county, superintendence and incidentals that cannot well be anticipated, estimated at $5,000, mak- ing a total if $15 150. Even if it should amount to $25,000 it would not be a ruinous amount for this county to ex- pend in a perjnanent improvement so profitable and so beneficial to the people in all parts of the county. Some counties are expending the last named amount for a substantial court house. For this county to erect such a public building at this time would be like putting a fine stove pipe hat on a man whose boots are without heels and toes, and whose feet are getting wet at every step. Better, we say, to wear the old hat and attend to the feet first. Protecting them we promote our own health, the health of our horses, cattle and hogs, and greatly increase the annual yield of hay, oats, wheat and corn. Onr soil when freed from surplus surface water is as rich and productive as any the sun shines upon, and I hope'to see the day when this county shall not be surpassed in productiveness and value of farms, in beauty and attractiveness -of homes, and in tlie general prosperity and happiness of its people by any spot in this broad land."* Two districts Ih this county, known as Drainage Districts No. I and No. ir, have had large drains inserted in them under the direction of the board of county supervisors at the requestor the citizens living in their vicinity. The drain in district No. I is along the course of Crooked creek, the south- west branch of Pilot creek, and ex- tends from the northwest corner of section 2, Center township^, southward to section 11, thence southeast to sec- tion 16, Clinton township, and thence northwest to a point. on the east side of tlie adjoining section No. 8. Tlie survey and pr,ptile of tliis drain,' made by L. C. Thornton, was approved July 21, 1886. This drain is about seven miles in length and was completed by •Pocpll ■ntaa Tlmec, Febi 8, 188.5. THIRD PERIOD, 1883-1899. 307 P\ M. Gombar and Geo. O. Pintieo of Dover township, "Nov. 1, 1888. It cost about $3,000. The drain in district No. II is along the course of the Little Cedar in Dover township, It is two and one-third miles long, has a fall of seven feet and is located on sections 18, 19, 20 and 29. Its depth ranges from two to seven feet, its average width at the surface is 10 feet and its cost was about $2,000. It was constructed in 1894 by Arm- stead Bros, of Calhoun county. In 1889 the board of supervisors be- gan to make an equitable allowance for their -^lue to the highways, of tile drains constructed by farmers for the removal of sloughs along them. The first tile drain recognized in this way was the one constructed by Wm. Mar- shall on sections 27 and 33, Cedar town- ship. The survey for the two large drains in Williams township was made in the fall of 1885 and they were constructed in 1887 with a large dredging machine at a cost of $20,000. In many places they are 16 feet wide and 7 feet deep. DEMOCRATIC PARTY OEGANIZED. The democratic party in Pocohontas county was regularly organized during the ye.ir 1885 under the leadership of Thos..L. Kelleher, M. D., L. E. Lange, D. W. Edgar, M. D., and F. E Beers, who perceived that ab the previous general election forty per cent of the voters of the county voted the demo- cratic ticket, there having been 775 votes' for Blaine and 494 for Cleveland. F. E. Beers of Lake township was ap- pointed .chairman of the central com- mittee for this county and in response to his call a democratic county con- vention was held at Pocahontas Aug. 15, 1885, when Thos. L. Kelleher, D. D. Day and M. T. Collins were ap- pointed delegates to the democratic state convention held at Cedar Rapids, and B. McCartan, I). D. D^,y and J. W. O'Brien delegates to the repre- Bentatiye convention held at Ponieroy on Oct. 2d that year, when Thos. L. Kelleher received the nomination for representative from the 78th district composed of Pocahontas and Calhoun counties. On Sept. 7, 1835, a second- conven- tion was held that year at Pocahontas and the following persons were nom- inated for the county offices: For auditor, T. F. McCartan; treasurer, Carl Steinbrink; recorder, to fill va- cancy, F. E. Beers; sheriff, C. H. Hutchins; superintendent, Frank Dek- lotz; surveyor, Wm. Marshall; and cor- oner, D. W. Edgar, M;. D. At this convention F. E. Beers served as chair- man and Amandus Zieman as secre- tary. The call fcr both of these conven- tions was addressed to all who had supported or intended to support in good faith the platform and nominees of the democratic party, and the basis of representation Was one delegate from each township in the county and one additional delegate for every ten votes cast in 1884 for J. E. Henriques, democratic candidate for auditor of state. At the latter convention Thos.. L. Kelleher, J. W. O'Brien and T. J. Calligan were elected a county central committee, and the following persons ^ere appointed chairmen of the town- ship committees: Bellville, H. W. Behrens; Center, John Stelpflug; Clin- ton, J. T. Hagan;.Dover, M. J. Lynch; Lizard, M. T. Collins; Marshall, A. McLain; Giant, Henry Russell; Cedar, William Bott; Colfax, David Spiel- m,an; Lincoln, John Stegge; Lake, F. E. Beers; Swan Lake, J. L. Hopkins; Sherman, J. W. Carson; Powhatan, Wm. Baker; Washington, M. E. O'Brien. people's PARTY CONVENTIONS. During the years 1881 '82, '83 and '£4 county nominating conventions were held under the name of the People's Party that were usuaily con- vened by Wm. Snell of Cedar town- ship. 'Ibis ifvps a local opposition 308 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. party composed mainly of democrats and independent republicans, who did not care to support the nominees of the republican party and had no direct connection with, or represent- ation in the democratic state and representative conventions. An account of the first People's Party convention held in 1881 has already been given. At the People's Party convention held at Pocahontas Sept. 2, 1882, at which W. H. Hait served as chairman and D. W. Hunt secretary, M. Crahan was re-nominated for recorder and W. H. Hait was nom- inated for clerk of the court. On Sept. 8, 1883, the People's party held a convention at Pocahontas and placed in nomination the following persons for the county offices: For auditor, T. F. McCartan; treasurer, Wm. Brownlee; sheriff, S. H. Gill; sur- veyor, C. p. Leithead; superintendent, W. F. Bowman. On the same day and. at the same place the democrats held a convention and appointed five delegJates to repre- sent this county in the democratic representative convention for the 78th district at Fonda Sept. 8, following, when L. T. Danforth of Lake City was nominated. This was the only county convention held by the democrats this year. On Oct. 18, 1884, the People's Party heW their last convention at Poca- hontas previous to the organization of the democratic party. John Fraser served as chairman and S. P. Thomas as secretary. The nominations made were those of Amandus Zieman for recorder and Walter P. Ford for clerk of the court. Wm Brownlee, nominated for county treasurer in 1883, was the only successful candidate nominated by the People's party during the years 1881 to 1884. 1886. The year, 1886, was noted for the UnuAual mt^h^n oi l^bor stflUeg that •occurred throughout this country. During the five years preceding, com- mencing with 1881, they numbered each year respectively, 471, 454, 478, 443 and 645; but in 18,86 there were 1,412, and they involved 9,893 business coAcerns. During the six years named they caused a loss of $51,815,165. Of these strikes 42 per cent were caused by demands on the part of the labor- ing men for an increase^ of wages and 19 per cent for a reduction of the hours of labor. The area of public lands disposed of in 1886 was 20,974,134 acres, one mil- lion more than in 1885 bflt six millions less than in 1884 when more than eleven millions were disposed of in Dakota alone. The amount of public lands disposed of during the five years preceding was 100,974,134 acres, an area equal to four states like Ken- tucky, three like Iowa, more than Great Britain and Ireland, or three- fourths of France or Germany. In 1886 the Iowa and Minnesota tele- phone line was established between Fonda, Pomeroy, Manson, Pocahontas and Rockwell City with central ofBce , at Pomeroy. The steel- harvesting machine of William Deering was In- troduced. The year 1886 was one of severe _ drought throughout the northwest and the weather from July 1st to 7th was the hottest ever known. In some places in Dakota the hot w'aves swept over the fields, blighting the wheat, shriveling the corn and other crops, and for awhile great uneasiness was felt as to the result. Another in- tensely hot period was experienced from Aug. 20-26,' when many ponds and lakes in this county became dry for the first time in many years; yet this was the year in which Iowa be- came the greatest corn producing state in the union. The crops, wherever well cultivated, ^fere excellept and iieyer before was THIRD PERIOD, 1883-1899. 309 there so general realization of the fine opportunities presented hy this sec- tion of the country. Here was an op- portunity for production on cheap, fertile and convenient lands; an oppor- tunity for remunerative labor to all who would engage in the development of a new and great country. These opportunities brought to this section the sturdiest and most intelligent of the agriculturists of the states further east and they constituted a broad and sure foundation on which to build prosperity. The fact that the area of desirable lands available for settle- ment in other portions of the west had been greatly reduced served to stimu- late the movement^ of population to this section. Even the misfortunes of large communities in the east and the stringency felt there in all kinds of industries were also considerations that encouraged immigration to this section. These and similar impulses were so strong that it was diJBcult to find a place in any village or even on the prairie where their influence was not felt. A knowledge of the industrial relations of the country and an ac- quaintance with the resources of this northwestern section were all that was necessary to demonstrate its des- tiny. Its wonderfiif productiveness and certainty of good crops even in the time of drought concentrated upon it more than ever before the attention of a new class, the capitalists. In the previous history of the other new sec- tions of this country men of liberal means waited until its development was an accomplished fact but here they came in anticipation 'of its develop- ment. The copious inflow of money from many directions marked a new era, for it was the evidence of faith in its destiny and every dollar meant quickened activity. COEN HBCORD. In the fall of 1886, in order to ob- tain correct data in regard to the pro- ductive power of the soil of this county Port C. Barron, editor of the Poca- hontas Record, offered two prizes of $15 and $10, respectively, for the best samples of corn raised on five acres of ground. The first prize was won by R. C. Jones of Havelock, who gathered 315 bushels from five acres, an average of 63 bushels to the acre. This was planted May ll-12th. The second prize was accorded Thomas L. Dean of Lincoln township who on fall plow- ing raised 312i bushels or 62i bushels to the acre. Others that reported were E. S, Norton, Grant township, 300 bushels from 5 acres, averaging 60 bushels; B. C. Boyesen, Sherman town- ship, 234 bushels, 39 to the acre; Erank J. Sinek, Center township, 346 bushels from ten acres; and F:DeKlotz,Center, one field of 55 acres that in 1884 on breaking yielded an average of 30 bushels, in 1885 50 bushels and in 1886 33 bushels to the acre. 188V. The year, 1887, was one of unusual activity in railway construction, the amount being 12,714 miles against 3,608 miles in 1885. This unusual ac- tivity in railway construction through- out this country exerted a potent influence on its financial and industrial condition. The construction of these new railroads furnished special em- ployment to a large army of men and so increased the mileage of the rail- way systems that their maintenance and management gave permanent em- ployment to 65,000 additional work- men. The impulse of this general activity was felt, in this county. Under the leadership of Geo. Fairburn who was then serving as mayor, the principal streets of Fonda were graded and covered with gravel, eighty cars, from Cherokee; the town was platted for drainage and sewerage and a main sewer constructed from Main street to Cedar creek; and provision was made for lighting the streets at night by the 310 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. erection of a set of street lamps at the corners of the principal ones. These improvements marlied the beginning of a new epoch in the history of Fonda and the leading town of Pocahontas county began to have the appearance of a city. The Eonda creamery, that had been closed for a year, was re- opened by Ed. L. Beard in May and the Presbyterian cliurch was com- pleted in October. During 1887 an effort was made to obtain some facts in regard to the amount and value of the railroad busi- ness of this county. The data given herewith were obtained from the agents of the several stations in this county by the Fonda Town Lot Co. • During the year 1886 the shipments in car load lots at Fonda were as fol- lows: ILL. C. WABASH Hay 69 480 Oats 46 144 Hogs 39 96 Flax: 2 25 ■ Cattle 19 24 Corn 14 Barley 2 8 Wheat 16 Straw 1 Lumber 2 Emigrant goods 1 Sundries 54 58 Total 251 849 Received 440 260 Totals 691 1,109 This shows that in 1886 there were forwarded from Fonda 1,100, and re- ceived 700, making 1,800 carloads. On March 1, 1888, it was found that the carload shipments at Fonda for the five months preceding that date were as follows: ILL. CBKT. WABASH Forw'd Rec'd Forw'd Rec'd October 34 57 152 96 November 31 31 177 135 December 55 25 128 162 January 65 32 February 127 39 86 105 100 103 312 184 643 601 Whole number forwarded 955, re- ceived 785, total 1,740 carloads. Dur- ing the last three months of this period cars were not available to do all the work as they were needed. If they had been available the aggregate would have been considerably larger.:* It will be perceived that the ship- ping done during these five months lacked only 60 cars of being as great as during twelve in 1886. Two months later the following sta- tistics of the railroad business at Fonda and the neighboring towns on the Illinois Central R. R. were ob- tained for the six months of October, November and December, 1887, and January, February and March, 1888. Rec'd For'd Way Fr't Total Manson 365 709 74 1148 Pomeroy 346 359 33 738 Newell 306 503 72 881 Storm L. 407 446 95 948 Fonda 397 980 .256 1633 In the above figures of the Fonda stations, the Wabash cars are reduced to those of standard size and the way freight of all stations to cars of ten tons each.f The publication of these statistics was a surprise, both to the railway oflRcials who perceived the importance of Fonda as a shipping station, and to the leading citizens of the neighbor- ing towns, who did not appreciate the fact that Fonda with her population of only 600, was so far in the lead of her neighbors from this business Standpoint. The amount of shipping done at the several towns in this county during the same period of six months from Oct. 1, 1887, to March 31, 1888, was found to be as follows: •Times, March 1, 1888. tTimes. May 24, 1888. THIED PBEIOD, 1883-1899. 311 Plover 598 Gllmore City* - 600 Havelock 1234 Laurens* 1250 Rolfe 1362 Fonda 1633 Total 6,677.t It may be fairly estimated that one third of the number of cars handled at Pomeroy and Mansoe, 629, are for Pocahontas county, and if these be -added to the above they make the number of carloads of shipping for Pocahontas county in six months 7,306, and for that year about 12,000 to 14,000 cars. A reasonable estimate of the value of the shipping for this county for the six months above enumsrated would be $1,000,000. At that date, which was only seventeen years from the time of the first settlements in the western half of it, only about one-half of the tillable land of this county was occupied or under cultivation. To the man seeking a profitable farm or a good business location this county then as how presented many unusual inducements. The year of 1888 opened with a severe blizzard on Jan. 12-13, that pre- vailed generally throughout the north- westerQ'States, and in Dakota caused the loss of a number of children re- turning from school. The season was a good one for flax and many farmers in this section real- ized from this crop alone a sufficient amount of money to pay for the orig- inal cost of the land on which it was sown. Henry Hout, southeast of Fonda bought that spring 80 acres of land for $800 and, putting 75 acres of it in flax, threshed therefrom 800 bushels for which, at $1.10 a bushel, he received $880, or $130 more than the cost of the land. His neighbor, Adin, at the same time threshed 650 bushels of flax from 60 acres of newly broken prairie and received $615, or $115 more •Estimated. tPocahontas Record, Jan. 24, 1889 than the cost of the land. The hay and other crops were ex- cellent and Pocahontas county made more substantial growth than during any of the previous years. The new settlers were good farmers who came to found homes and join with their predecessors in the gfeneral improve- ment of the county. Thousands of acres of beautiful prairie sod were turned for the first time in this county and many new houses were erected in every direction. In Rolf e the , Presbyterian church was built and also the business house of Crahan and McGrath, the first one of brick in that city. Daring the following winter there prevailed to an unusual extent in Cedar, Colfax and Grant townships, certain contagious diseases, such as measles, scarlet rash and diptheria, and several children died from them. On May 4,. 1887, Arbor Day was ob- served at Fonda and 125 shade trees were planted on the school grounds. Miss Anna E. Brown serving as prin- cipal. This was the first year that Arbor Day was observed ia Iowa, and it was done at the recommendation of the state superintendent for the^pur- pose of attracting public attention to the law of 1882 which provides that, "theboard of directors of each town- stiip and independent district shall cause to be set out and properly pro- tected twelve or more shade trees on each school house site belonging to the district, where such number of trees are not now growing, and defray the expenses of the same from the con- tingent fund." In June. 1887, Aggie Garlock of Rolfe had the honor of being the first in the county to receive the certificate for having passed a final examination with a standing of 90 per cent, on com- pletiifg the eight years course of study according to the classification register adopted Nov. 9, 1886, by the board of supervisors for the district schools of 312 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the county. On Jan. 26, 1887, the surveyors of the Sioux City and Northeastern R. R. Co., reached Pocahontas, having en- tered the county on section 30 of Dover township. In April following, this survey was completed from Sieux City toBelmond via Kingsley, Alta, Poca- hontas and Kolfe. On June Ith fol- lowing a special election was held in Clinton township and a tax of five mills in aid of this railroad was ap- proved by a vote of 91 to 54. On J une 28th a similar proposition wbs lost in Dover by a vote of 41 to 55, but at a second election held Aug. 30th fol- lowing, this decision was reversed by a vote of 56 to 39. Orl July 5th Center signified approval by a vote'of 50 to 43. On Sept. 13th, Lincoln approved a tax of 2i mills by a vote of 23 to 6. This road, howevar, was not built. In October, 1881, another route, known as the St. Paul and Council Bluffs R. R , was surveyed across this county. This line passed southwest- erly eighty rods east of Plover, three- fourths of a mile west of Pocahontas and a short distance east of Fonda. The practice of dehorning cattle was introduced in February, 1887, as a result AOf the experiments made by Prof. Henry of the Wisconsin experi- ment station. 1888. On July 5, 1888, the Reveille was es- tablished at Rolfe by Messrs. J. J. Bruce and J. H. Lighter and that town had then two weekly newspapers. At the general election held in 1888 the question of restraining stock was for the last time submitted to the voters of this county by order of the board of supervisors. For a number of years the "herd law" compelling everyone to herd or keep his cattle within an enclosure had been in force. The object of this submission was to see if the people desired a change. For the herd law there were cast 1510 votes and against it 142. Lizard township cast only 38 for and 61 against it, but it was the only township that cast a majority against it. NURSBKY OF D. C. VTILLIAMS. On May 7, 1888, occurred the death of D. C. Williams of Washington township, his wife having died the year previous. Mr. Williams was not one of the public officers of this county but, as a practical and successful nurs- eryman, proved himself a public bene- factor by the establishment in 1881 of the nurseries in Washington township for the special benefit of the people who were settling in this new and treeless section of country. Inasmuch as his own farm was unbroken and therefore unsuited for immediate use, he leased in 1881 a plot of cultivated ground from J. C. Strong on section 32. Later he planted similar plots on his own, now known as the Edwards farm, and on that of his son, Frank Williams on section 19, now owned by John Ryon. At the time of his death he had about thirty acres on which the young trees were growing as vig- orously as any seen anywhere. The different varieties, planted each by itself, showed their natural shapes and habits of growth. Not every variety planted did equally well; some that were supposed to be hardy proved to be unsuited to this climate while others were unaffected by the cold of winter or the heat of summer. His few years of experience as the first nurseryman in this county showed that whilst it was of little use to send south or very far east for trees to plant in this section, yet success in raising apple trees was not more doubtful than the effort to raise maples, ash or butternuts; also that trees lifted in the fall, shipped and heeled in over winter do better in this latitude than those lifted in the spring. After the decease of Mr. Williams the nurseries were converted into orchards and crops of beautiful fruit ranging from 100 to 300 bushels, have been gathered THIRD PEEIOD, 1883-1899. 313 from the trees planted by him as the years have passed. 1889. In 1889 the Presbyterian and Catho- lic churches at Gilmore City were built, also the PresbyWian church at Plover and the Methodist church at Havelock. .. At 9 a. m. April 30, 1889 the church bells all over the country rang to cele- brate the 100th anniversary of the In- auguration of George Washington as president'of the United States. This day was further observed at Fonda as arbor day and two special tr6es were planted on the school grounds in mem- ory of Washington and LaPayette, after the public exercises of the oc- casion. This was also the first observance of "flag day," when our national flag was unfurled from our school houses, or poles erected in front of them for that purpose. This beautiful emblem, un- furled before the young in our public schools, becomes to them a constant lesson in patriotism the good influ- ence of which cannot be measured. Symbolizing by Its colors the principles of love, liberty and loyalty and by its stars and stripes the union of all the states, it stands as a whole for the supremacy of law and order without which the union Itself would be in ' constant jeopardy. * 'Give it free to the wind As a warning and call; It stands for humanity, God and the right; It proclaims all equal in law and God's sight, ningit out on the wind A source of joy to all. " FABMEBS' ALLIANCES. On March 1, 1887, W. H. Burnett of Cedar, and Geo, Watts of Dover, through the columns of the Pocahon- tas Times, issued a call for a meeting of the farmers of Pocahontas county at the Pinneo schoolhouse in Dover township— now Varina— on the even- ing of March 8th following for the pur- pose of organizinga farmers' mutual insurance company. In response to this call on March 22, 1887, a meeting of the farmers in the vicinity was held in schoolhouse No. 3, Cedar township, and a farmers' mutual insurance com- pany was organized by the election of Geo. Watts president and treasurer, R. Wright of Cedar secretary, and the following persons as directors for one year, namely, W. H. Burnett, S. P. Lampman, Geo. O. Pinneo and C. A. Sayre. The object of this organiza- tion was to provide a cheap and reli- able insurance against fire and light- ning. A farmer became a member of the company by paying a membership fee of $1.00 and five cents additional for each $1.00 of risli taken on his property. The president and secre- tary of this organization called a meet- ing to be held at the court house on June 24, 1887, but no further progress was made at this time. On July 21, 1888, the Powhatan township farmers' alliance was organ- ized by the election of John Fraser president, James Henderson vice pres- ident, P. G. HesS secretary and Mrs. J. Stronzel treasurer. On April 6, 1889, the Farmers' Alliance at Rolfe, No. 882, of which P. H. Bendixon was " president and J. J. Bruce secretary, issued a call for a county convention to be held at Pocahontas May 27, 1889, for the purpose of organizing a county alliance. At this convention there were present delegates from Bellvllle, Cedar, Colfax, Dover, Grant, Lake, Lincoln, Marshall; Rolfe and Runyan (Washington) local alliances. After a picnic dinner in the grove the con- vention was called to order by P. H. Bendixon. C. M. Sayler of Lincoln was chosen chairman and M. W. Lin- nan of Dover secretary of the conven- tion. At this meeting it was decided to organize a Farmers' Mutual Insurance 3U PIONEER HISTOEY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Company to consist of all the local made at this time, alliances in the county, each of which At the next annual meeting held at should be represented by its president Pocahontas March 26th, 1890, C. M. and secretary and one additional rep- Sayler was chosen president, J. J. resentative for every ten members Bruce secretary and George Watts thereof. A constitution was adopted treasurer. Geo. Henderson, C. that provided for the annual meeting M. Sayley, J. J. Bruce, Geo. Watts, to be held in the month of June and P. J. Shaw, Wm. Brownlee, Alex. Pet- June 29, 1889, was designated for the erson, J. W. O'Brien, W. F. Atkinson first meeting. and James Clancy incorporated under The object of this organization was the laws of Iowa and the officers were declared to be to unite the farmers of authorized to solicit memberships. Pocahontas county for the promotion After several months spent ia this of their interests, socially and flnanci- work, the oft-expressed wish of the ally, regardless of party; and to oppose farmers of this county was realized all forms of monopoly as being detri- and the Pocahontas Mutual Eire and mental to the best interests of the Lightning Insurance Association, on public. Whilst it was not a political Jan. 1, 1891, issued its first policy to organization they pledged themselves its presiding ofiicer, C. M. Sayler of to support for the legislature only Lincoln township, those men who would best represent The farmers at this period did so the farmers' interests in that body, much fencing and thereby made neces- They adopted this resolution: "That sary the grading of new highways to we favor the calling of a convention such an extent that at the request of for the nomination of county officers the board of supervisors in 1889, the based upon the whole vote of the people voted an extra two mill tax for county rather than submit to the die- the years 1890, 1891 and 1892 for grad- tation of a f ew. " The officers elected ing purposes, were William Brownlee of Bellville, 1890. president, E. N. McCombs vice presi- In January, 1890, the La Grippe or dent, M. W. Linnan, secretary, Wm. Eussian influenza as a general epi- Bott, treasurer, demic spread over this country and At the first annual meeting held at nearly everybody was more or less Pocahontas June 29, 1889, there were seriously affected by it. During the present about twenty-five delegates, drought that prevailed in midsummer who represented twelve township alii- many of the shallow wells failed and ances. Officers for the ensuing year in meeting the demand for deeper ones were elected as follows: Wm. Brown- the drill began to be used in place of lee, president; E. N. McCombs, vice the well auger. This proved to be the president; M. W. Linnan, secretary, first of a continuous period of five and Wm. Bott, treasurer. Messrs. years of drought that was most seri- John A. Crummer, W. F. Atkinson ously felt in 1894. and J. A. Eyon were appointed dele- The census of 1890 was taken by the gates to the annual meeting of the following enumerators: Capt. Joseph state alliance at Des Moines in Sep- Mallison, Cedar and Fonda; N. M. tember following. The propriety of Nelson, Bellville -and Lizard; J. W. buying supplies at wholesale, the ap- Wallace, Center and Sherman; Mrs. pointment of a county purchasing Kate H. Melson, Clinton and] Eolfe; agent and the development of a county Mrs. Jennie Sanquist (now Mrs. Ed. mutual Insurance company were dis- Hogan), Colfax and Grant; J. S. Smith, cuBsed but no further progress was Pes Moines and Powhatftp; Frank A. THIED PERIOD, 1883-1899. 315 Thompson, Dover and Marshall; Ed. G. Labor Day, first observed by the Knights of Labor ia New York City, September 5, 1882, was in June, 1894, made a legal holiday by our national congress. The financial depression was deeply felt throughout the country and two armies of the unemployed were organ- ized to march to Washington for the purpose of demanding relief from con- gress. The army -of J. S. Coxey, con- sisting of 122 persons, left Massillon, Ohio, April 1, 1894, and arrived at Washington May 1st, following. At this latter date Kelley's industrial ar- my, consisting originally of 1300 men from the country west of the Missouri river, arrived at Des Moines and passed down the Des Moines river on 150 flat-boats constructed for their spe- cial use. The year of 1894 was one that tried men's souls. It opened with a gen- eral financial depression that para- lyzed every branch of industry and caused more business failures than any year of t-hat decade. Then the repeated midsummer droughts of the four preyious years had their culmina- tion of severity in the long continued drought of this year throughout the Mississippi Valley, that caused fam- ine and want in central and western Nebraska, and terminated in terrible forest fires in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, that were as destructive as the cyclones and floods of other years, five hundred lives be- ing lost by one of them at Hinkley, Minnesota. The large lakes in Marshall and Swan Lake townships, this county, became dry for the first time in the memory of man, and during the fol- lowing summer these lake bottoms were planted with corn and other cereals. Amid the general disappointment and gloom, caused by the loss of crops from the drought, the people of Poca- hontas County were highly favored. A couple of light showers passed over this section in August that revived the pastures and growing crops. Well fed thoroughbreds continued to graze contentedly upon hill and dale, great fields of corn lifted their rejoicing beads and the crops, when garnered, though not so large'ln quantity were superlatively fine in quality. The husbandman perceived anew, and more strikingly than ever before, the su- periority of this section as regards its ability to survive the direful effects of long continued drought. The cause of this period of drought was attributed to the fact that the prevailing winds, that usually bring the hot air charged with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to this sec- tion, were blown against the Rockies where they were met by a counter current of cold air from the north and the barren sides of the old mountains were literally flooded, while the. air that was carried over the Mississippi valley lacked moisture. All know the efEect of cold air on steam, it cop- THIRD PEEIOD, 1883-1899, 327 denses it. When a cold current of air from the north or northwest comes in contact with warmer cur- rents from the gulf charged with moisture, the latter is condensed and there is a fall of rain. The winds from the gulf, however, do not always reach this section direct, but fre- quently from the southwest making a dircuit over Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. If there is moisture in the (Currents of air it may be condensed, tout if there is none there can be no (condensation, or fall of rain. This is the reason why the rainmakers who, at this period in Iowa, Texas and (Other places, endeavoring to produce irain by the use of explosives in mid- :air, could accomplish nothing when circumstances were not favorable. The rich soil of this section never bakes like the clays of other regions and from the time of its first settle- ment to this date there has never been a failure of the corn crop from any cause, least of all from drought. Nev- ertheless the drought had its lessons for the observing farmer and one of them was, that the capacity of this black soil of our prairies to hold moist- ure and support plant life in times of drought depends to a great extent on the fineness of its particles and the (depth of its cultivation. Its thorough- pulverization, wherever properly drained, increases its capacity to hold moisture and lessens the downward tendency of the latter from the at- mosphere by forming a mulch that acts like a blanket of straw. The good cultivator, therefore, even in a dry season, has the assurance of a good crop by reason of the finely pul- verized condition of the soil and its great fertility. It was also observed that tbe native prairie grass did not wilt during the drought like the tame grasses, yet the letter are much better. Tt(e former was a summer grass that came late in ^l}e spring and ti^rned tarpwn early Irj the fall, while the latter grow early in the spring and late in the fall. If the tame grasses rest during a mid- summer drought a good substitute is readily found in winter rye or some other rapidly growing crop. 1895 — NEBRASKA BELIEF. On February 9, 1895, C. C. Gardner, treasurer of the relief committee of Sargent, Custer county. Neb., arrived In Fonda and after a conference with the pastors of the several churches it was decided to put forth an effort to secure a carload of grain and provis- ions for the needy sufferers in the droTight-stricken district represented by him. For this car there were con- tributed 330 bushels of corn, of which 30 had been selected for seed; 47 bush- els of oats, 65 sacks of flour, 460 pounds of cornmeal, 60 pounds of oatmeal, 200 pounds of meat, a lot of hay, grocer- ies, bedding and clothing, that, in- clu<3ing the cash contributed, $93.76, was estimated to be worth $400.00. This car was loaded February 16, and left Fonda six days later, when the deficit ($51.72) on a freight bill of $1)2.69 was advanced by Rev. R. B. Flickinger, who accompanied it to its destination. About two weeks later an addition- al half car load of grain and provisions solicited by C. F. Bockenoogen, was contributed by the people in the vi- cinity of Laurens, HavelockandRolfe, and sent to the same needy district. These donations, contributed so promptly, were very creditable to the people of this section. They spoke louder than words of their generous spirit of sympathy and charity, and gave publicity to the abundant har- vest gathered in this section during the previous year. The severe drought of 1894 was bro- ken by a gentle rain on April 1, 1895, and the crops of wheat, barley, oats, corn and potatoes that year were im- mense. Phil D. Armour and other capitaliets of P}iipago, built great 328 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. cribs at all the towns In this section to receive and hold the large crops of corn. The year of 1895 was one of gradual recovery from the stagnation of the previousyear, Large wells were sunk and a system of watej works was con- structed at Fonda and Laurens; Rolfe having secured a similar improvement the previous autumn. At the republican representative convention that met several times at Rolfe in 1895, for the district embrac- ing Pocahontas and Humboldt coun- ties, there occurred a, deadlock that finally resulted iu the nomination of two republican candidates. Parley Finch, of Humboldt, and James Mer- cer, of Pocahontas county, both by pe- titions filed at Des Moines. This re- sult was unexpected and was due to the fact that each county having eight delegates in the convention, those of Humboldt were unwilling to vote for any other candidate except Mr. Finch and those of Pocahontas, having no special preference or instructions for any particular candidate, were never- theless unwilling to support Mr. Finch for a second term, that courtesy hav- ing been several times extended to candidates representing this district but never to any one from this county. Mr. Mercer was not a candidate, dele- gate or even present at this conven- tion, and on the last day allowed by law, ho nominaCion having been made by the convention, a petition was pre- pared at Rolfe and sent to Des Moines without his previous knowledge, plac- ing his name in nomination. He ac- cepted the nomination and received 999 votes in this county, Mr. Finch 82 and G. W. Core, democrat, 68,3 Mr. Finch was elected by a small majority by means of the vote in Plumboldt county. June 11, 1896, the Fonda Review, a local weekly, democratic paper was es- tablished at Fonda by W. O. Lester. On October 1st, following, he sold it to Fred E. Moore and he continued its publication until September 1, 1897, when he sold it to John E. Pope, its present editor and proprietor. In April, 1899, the office of publication was moved from the John Forbes store building to the new brick block of Roberts & Kenning. , In July, 1896, the supervisor districts of this county were rearranged so that there was one at each corner of the county consisting of three townships each, and one at the center consisting of four. The township of Lake was divided into two election precincts on Septem- ber 12, 1894, district No, 2 consisting of the east half of section one, on which the west half of Gilmore City is located. THE SALOON ISSUE, On April 2, 1895, the graiid jury brought in bills of indictment against all, in all parts of the county, that were then engaged in the illegal sale of intoxicating liquors, and on April 8, 1896, the board of supervisors im- posed a tax of $1000 upon the premises used for [that purpose at the first named date. On July 30, 1896, Judge Thomas at Storm Lake ruled that the first consent petition filed in Pocahon- tas county was insufficient and grant- ed temporary injunctions against all the saloons in this county, which were located at Fonda and Gilmore City, except that of Waldman & Son, Fon- da, who were allowed to continue un- til the September term of court, when his case was set for final hearing. In the fall of 1896 the most import- ant issue before all the people of this county was the re-establishment of the mulct saloon, the petition of 1894 having been declared insufBcient. This issue was precipitated on this oc- casion by an organized effort to se- cure a valid consent petition by hav- ing it presented for signatures at ev- ery polling place in the county on November .3d, the day of the general ARTHUR W. DAVIS, County Superintendent, 1898-99. Fonda. JOSEPH P. ROBINSON County Supenntendent 1882-85 WILLIAM H. HEALY - Attorney at Law REV. P. J. CARROLL Pastor Catholic Church, J882-87 REV. Z. C. BRADSHAW Pastor M. E. Church, J892-94 Fonda. THIRD PEBIOD, 1883-1899. . 329 election that year. The campaign against the success of this movement was inaugurated by a large union mass meeting held in the Presbyterian church of Fonda on Sabbath evening, October 11th, when Messrs. Orville Lee, O. R. Adams, S. E. Barnard, F. R, Brownell and W. B. Howell, leading business men and active christian workers of Sac City were present, the first three deliver- ing addresses protesting against the establishment of the saloon from the business standpoint, and the last four singihgseveral appropriate quartettes. At this meeting the following resolu- tion was presented and adopted by an almost unanimous rising vote: We, citizens of Fonda and vicinity, in union mass meeting assembled do hereby remind the voters of Pocahon- tas county that this has been our ex- perience with the saloon in Fonda: It has brought poverty and sad dis- appointment to the home, wrecked in- dividual character, jeopardized the in- terests of the public 'school and the church and- led to the destruction of human life. In -view of these and other considerations that might be enumerated, we earnestly protest, against the re-establishment of the saloon in Fonda, and respectful- ly request that all voters who ap- preciate the work of the churches, the value of a good name and the purity of the home, will firmly refuse to sign said consent petition whether it be presented on the day of election or la- ter. "We are encauraged to make this protest and appieal, for reasons that should prevail among the good citizens of this county, and because the neigh- boring counties of Buena Vista, Sac, Calhoun, Humboldt, Kossuth, Clay and Greene have refused to give place to the open saloon. This appeal and protest' was re- echoed in all parts of the county: but a majority of the people bad reached the conclusion that "while nothing good can be said in favor of a saloon, we believe an open saloon regulated by law is preferable to dives and holes- in-the-wall." CFnder the petition then circulated three saloons were es- tablished in this county, one at Gil- more City and two at Fonda that have since been maintained under a mulct penalty of $1400 each, a year. In No- vember, 1899, another one was estab- lished at the new town of Varina. Lest the reader should think, by reason of these establishments, the water of this section is either defi- cient in quantity or lacking in qual- ity, we beg leave to add that there has not yet been realized any lack of that beautiful and healthful beverage, and there may be said of it all that John B. Gough affirmed when he said: "There is no poison in that cup; no fiendish spirit dwells beneath those crystal drops to lure you and me and all of us to ruin; no spectral shadows play upon its waveless surface; no wid- ows' groans or orphans' tears rise to God from those placid fountains; mis- ^ ery, crime, wretchedness, woe and want come not within the hallowed precincts where cold water reigns su- preme. Pure now as when it left its native heaven, it gives vigor to youth, strength to manhood and solace to old age. Cold water is beautiful, bright and pure everywhere. In the moon- light fountains and sunny rills; in the warbling brook and giant river; in the hand of beauty or on the lips of man- hood — everywhere cold water is beau- tiful." 1897. The first declamatory contest be- tween the pupils of the various schools of this county was held at Fonda April 29, 1897. Four schools were rep- resented. The participants were Miss Jennie Eaton and Weston Martin, Fonda; Litta Tumbleson and Grace Smith, Havelock; Clara Heathman and Margie McEwen, Plover; Robert Ainslie and Grace Grove, Rolfe. The judges were Prof. Holdoegel, Rev. J. A. Cummings and D.M. E.elleher, Esq.j who gave the award to the representa- tives from Fonda. The teachers pres- ent formed a county declamatory as 330 PIONEEK HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. sociation by the election of Prof. Rut- ledge of Rolfe, president, and Prof. U. S. Vance of Haveloclj, secretary, and Eolf e was chosen as the place for the next contest. The arrangements for this one were undertalien and carried to completion by Prof. A W. Davis, of Fonda. In 1897, this county for . the first, aind to this date the only time in its history, cast a majority for the demo- cratic state ticlcet. At the general election held Nov. 2, 1897, Fred E. Iowa weather and crop service, esti- mated that during that year 1,800,000 bogs, valued at $15,000,000, died in Iowa. The annual loss sustained by the ravages of this disease has been great in other years, but it was in 1897, that more conspicuously than ever before or since, the attention of the farmers of this county and state was specially directed to the causes and cure of this dread disease by the public experi- ments and official tests of that year. White, democratic candidate for gov- We would not add a word to what has ei'nor, received 37 votes more than Leslie M. Shaw; and John Eatcliflf, democrat, was elected sheriff by a ma- jority of 93. The republican candi- dates however, for senator, represen- tative and all the other county offices received majorities that ranged from 72, for M. E. DeWolf for representa- tive, to 373 for A. W. Davis for super- intendent of schools. Local and per- sonal .issues were pressed during tlie campaign, but a glance at the major- ities of the winning republican candi- dates indicates that these local issues did not materially affect the result. The real cause was manifestly more general and in all probability may be more correctly attributed to the de- mand for "free silver, " that to a great- er or less extent affected other parts of the country at that time. HOG CHOLERA, ITS CAUSE AND CUBE. In the spring of 1897, Assessor E. Gibbons, while making the assessment of Powhatan township, found that while the whole number of hogs in that township at that time was 2887, a greater number, namely, 2964, had died there from cholera during the previous year. The number of hogs raised was 77 less than the number that had died and, at $10 each, the latter represented a loss of $29,640 in one year from this cause to the farm- ers of that township. The estimate of loss for this county during 1896^was 40,000 head. J. E. Sage, chief of 'the been written upon this topic but, in view of its great importance to the people of this county and for the ben- efit of our numerous rural readers, we would put in convenient form for fu- ture reference the positive and valu- able results of these experiments. They may be summarized as follows: I. Locality. The disease was most prevalent in a belt five counties in width, extending north and south across the central part Qf the state, west of the west line of Howard and Davis counties; and it was least prev- alent in the seven northeastern coun- ties of the state. The latter is the great dairy district of this state and the former its greatest section for corn. The general average of loss throughout this state was 30 per cent, but for the northeastern district it was only 7 per cent and for the entire eastern belt of the state embracing 31 counties, it was only 11 per cent. In the 27 counties on the Missouri slope it was 32 per cent and in the 42 coun- ties in the central belt it was 40 per cent.— J. E. Sage. II. Experiments. 1. Dr. Salmon, chief of the bureau of animal indus- try, Washington, D. C, at the ex- pense of the government made an ex- periment in Page county with anti- toxine serum with the result that of several herds containing 278 animals, only . 39 died of tlae 214 that were treated pf whicli 86 were sick. 83 per THIRD PERIOD, 1883-1899. 331 cent of the herds treated were saved while 85 per cent of those under ob- servation, but not treated, died. In the eastern half of Page county, under the personal direction of Dr. John McBirney, the government undertook to exterminate the disease by destroy- ing the entire herds affected by it and remunerating the farmers for the loss thus sustained. The disease was thus eradicated in two v?eeks from eight townships and eighteen herds number- ing 900 head were wiped out of exist- ence. This was the most heroic treat- ment the disease had yet received and the only other place where such an experiment was made was in Hick- man county Tennessee. 2. R. P. Dodge, of Atlanta, having found a remedy that was effective for curing those phases of the disease that prevailed in Georgia, came to the offi- cials of the Iowa State Agricultural society and requested opportunity to test his treatment and remedy under their observation, that their official endorsement might be given it before it should be offered for sale in Iowa. This proposition was accepted and he experimented with three herds on the poor farm of Polk county. John Cow- nie and Henry Wallace, in their re- port thereon, state that "the hogs in these herds were affected with lung plague, pneumonia or congestion of the lungs, commonly called cholera, of which, the symptoms were weakness, staggering walk, dragging the hind legs, etc. This disease has hitherto baffled all efforts to cure or even con- trol it, and the proposed remedy does not meet expectation. " 3. Prof. M. Stalker, veterinary at the State Agricultural College, Ames, summing up the results of experi- ments with Dr. Keller's remedy states: "At this stage of the experiment there is nothing to warrant the belief that any substantial benefit whatever has resulted from the treatment. In fact those receiving no treatment are In as good condition as those under treat- ment. The most scientific doctor of the present day cannot give you a cure for typhoid fever, pneumonia or cholera. An intelligent doctor may lessen the mortality from these high- ly fatal forms of disease affecting hu- man beings, but he does not assume to know a specific cure. Swine plague and hog cholera prob- ably combine more of the symptoms of these three diseases than anything else. There is little or nothing in medical science to justify the belief that a hog cholera cure has been or will be discovered. Strictly sanitary police regulations which will prevent, as far as possible, exposure to the in- fection will do more to restrict the disease than all the remedies com- bined. When the public becomes suf- ficiently informed on this' subject to demand, that as adequate provisions shall be made for protecting swine against exposure, as is now provided for preventing the spread of scarlet fever in a well regulated city, its prac- tical disappearance will be but a ques- tion of a very short time. " 4. Evan McLennan, Esq., of Brook- lyn, Iowa, having hogs afflicted with loss of appetite and frequent scouring, and remembering that the internal constitution of the hog is very similar to that of the human being, used with good results in every case Cham- berlain's Colic Cure by putting a tea- spoonful in a quart of boiled sweet milk placed alone before them each in a separate pen until they drank it. This gave immediate relief and ordi- narily effected a cure in two days.. At his request his neighbors, James Grary and John C. Gray, used the same rem- edy with the same result on those sim- ilarly affected, but with no avail on those affected with symptoms of lung trouble. 5. Frank Baumgartner, of Peotone, 111., after seventeen years' study of fhe disease, found a cuSe tjiat pirdved- 332 PIONEEK HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. effective In his own neighborhood. Under the auspices ol the general freight agent of the Chicago, Milwau- kee & St. Paul railway in January, 1897, he operated on a herd belonging to Ome Bros., of Dubuque. Claiming that what is popularly known as chol- era may be produced by irregular feed- ing, he placed six sound hogs in a pen from which a lot of diseased ones had been removed only a few; hours previ- ous. He declared he would produce cholera in three of them and keep theremainder free from it, but one of the sick ones would be allowed to die for the sake of an examination. The three that were destined to become sick were separated from the others by an impassable but open partition of narrow boards so they could touch each other but might not feed togeth- er. Both lots were fed according to instructions given, one regularly and with a proper diet; the other abund- antly but Irregularly. At the end of twenty days the three former were hearty and healthy, but the latter, gorging themselves, soon became dumpy and a week later were very sick. One of them was allowed to die and a post mortem examination made by Dr. Bauman, a local veterinary, revealed the fact it had died of chol- era. The other two that became sick were cured. This experiment seemed to controvert the prevailing conten- tion that sound hogs placed in the tended that hog cholera is neither contagious nor infectious, but due to improper and irregular feeding and care. His experiments were repeated later with similar success on hogs sim- ilarly affected at McGregor, West Union, Mason City, Algona, Emmets- burg" and other places in this part of the state. III. Results. The report of J. E. Sage, locating most of the losses from hog cholera' in the great corn belt of the state is certainly very suggestive that corn as an article of diet may be conducive to the development of this disease. Those farmers who have stu- diously avoided an exclusive corn diet by feeding also oats, wheat and mid- dlings have, as a matter of fact, sus- tained the least losses from this cause. Anything, however, that weakens the system, makes It more susceptible to disease. This may be done by feed- ing young animals an exclusive corn diet, filthy slops, impure drinking wa- ter, nesting in damp places and other irregularities in regard to their care and keeping. These experiments shovp clearly that there are two forms of disease com- monly called hog cholera, the one af- fecting the lungs and the other the bowels. The former phase of it may prevail in one locality and the latter In another. The former may be very contagious and the latter not. The former may be incurable, and the lat- same pen with those infected with cholera will contract the disease in four to twenty days. Ome Bros, had been feeding a herd of sixty-flve head on the slop from a large hotel. The entire herd had become infected and thirty-eight had died before his ar- rival. The disease was pronounced cholera and the owners had no hope of saving the remnant of this herd. After inspecting the herd he advised that live be killed as incurable, prom- ised to save sixteen and possibly six others. He saved nineteen and cen- ter both easily cured and prevented. Worms also cause sickness and death, but a single dose of the right kind of medicine will usually bring relief. This case Is one where "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The best preventives are found in ab- solute cleanliness and regularity in care and keeping. Some have found an effective and satisfactory regulator of the bowels In a small dose of wood ashes once a fortnight. Others have found that a pile of slack or pulver- ized soft coal within their enclosure THiftf) Period, iss^-isog. 333 has atiswered the satne purpose; while others maintain that the following in- expensive mixture is a sure proof against all stomach troubles common- ly called cholera: To one quart each of salt and sulphur add four quarts of air slacked lime. Mix thoroughly and put it in a dry place where it will -he always accessible. The conviction has been growing that new blood needed to be infused into the stock>o susceptible to disease and the "razor back" of the south hav- ing been comparatively free from its attacks, several car loads of them were that year brought to this county and the results have been quite satisfac- tory. Among those who received the "razor backs" were H. L. Bruit, B. L. .Allen and M. E. DeWolf , of Laurens, each a car load from Texas; the Ken- nedy Bros. , Eonda, one car load from Arkansas, and the Charlton Bros., of Rolfe, two car loads. 1896. On July 1, 1896, the free silver cam- paign demanding the free coinage of silver at the ratio of 16 to 1 was in- augurated in this country by the nom- ination of W. J. Bryan, at Chicago. From August 3d to 9th the heat was intense, the temperature ranging from 94 to 100 in the shade. At St. Louis there were 100 prostrations; at Chicago 15 prostrations and 22 deaths, and in New York City 30 deaths. On the afternoon and evening of September 22d, 1896, a great republic- an rally in the interest of sound mon- ey was held in a large tent at Fonda. The city was patriotically decorated for this occasion and marching clubs were present from Rockwell City,Lohr- ville, Jolley, Sac City, Newell, Pome- roy, Pocahontas and other sections. Large delegations were present from Storm Lake and other towns west as far as Cherokee. The cornet bands from Newell and Jolley were present to co-operate with the one from Fon- da. Addresses were delivered by Sen- ator W. B, Allison, Congressman J. P Dolliver and Hon. John Brennan, of Sioux City, The vocal music was fur- nished by the McKinley Male Quar- tette of Sac City, and the Prairie Creek glee club. At seven o'clock in the evening the different marching clubs, numbering 600 persons all of whom were supplied with flambeaux, and the three cornet bands formed a torch light procession, that marched through some of the principal streets of the city before going to the tent. About 1200 Roman candles had been distributed among the different clubs, and as they marched the heavens were illuminated with brilliant, flery ' balls of red, white and blue. It was a beau- tiful sight to witness and the great- ness of this meeting surprised every one. It was the largest meeting ever held in the county and the grandest political demonstration ever made in this part of the state. More than six thousand people gathered at the tent. 1898. The year 1898 was one of the most remarkable in our nation's history. It was a year of unrivaled- material prosperity, and more great achieve- ments were crowded into its annals than in any other in our nation's his* t6ry. It saw the beginning and end of the war with Spain, in Cuba and the Philippine Islands, at the close of which the United States occupied a new position in the world and launched upon an era, having new and untried responsibilities. The crops in this county were among the largest ever raised; but during that year, ten of the main businesn houses of Laurens, representing $60,000 worth of property, the flouring mill at Rolfe, owned by the Fouch Bros., the Plover creamery owned by John Carroll, and the principal drying house of the tile factory of Straight Bros., Fonda, were consumed by fire. 1899. The year 1899, like its predecessor, 834 PieSIESB IllSIOiy OV PeOA-HOSTAS COUNTY, IOWA, was ppe of large pj-ops and good prices. The lively impulse of prosperity was felt in all parts of this land so that every wheel was in motion and every man willing to work found employ- ment at remunerative wages. So great was the activity in railroad con- struction that the demand for iron caused a great advance in the manu- factured product. In this vicinity, the Milwaukee road built the exten- sion from Fonda to Spencer, and a service of one mixed train a day each way was established and maintained during the ensuing winter months. It constructed also the branch from Eockwell City to Storm Lake via Sac City, and the Illinois Central the line from Tara to Omaha via Eockwell City. The grading of the Rock Island across this county was completed from Manson via Pocahontas and Lau- rens, and three new towns were esr tablished in this coupty, two of which were named Varina and Palmer. Oth- er new towns established this year in this vicinity wei'e Albert City, first called Manthorp; Glenora, ~ Hesperia, Lavinia, Lytton, Nemaha and North- am. So great was the demand for la- borers in the construction of these roads, that exorbitant prices were in many instances offered for workmen, and those who responded were re- quired to labor seven days in the W3ek. The construction of one road north of this county had to be postponed one year because the material for the iron bridges and track could not be ob- tained. "This land o'ourn still ye's got to be A better country than man e'er see; I feel my spirit swellin' with a cry That seems to say 'Break forth and prophesy'." BBLLVILLB TOWNSHIP, XII. BELLYILLE TOWNSHIP. "Who o'er the prairies looks abroad, And does not see the hand of God Preparing them through ages past To be the homes of men, who cast The seed abroad and reap again A rich reward in golden grain!" — Lbonabd Beown. FIKST SETTLEES. I ELL VILLE township was not the first one settled or organized, but it is the first one in an alphabetical list of the townships of this county. It is township 90 of range 32, the second one from the east in the south row of townships. At the time of its survey the fact was noted that it contained "numerous small marshes and a few of consider- able size. There are also several swamps, most of them unfit for culti- vation, although some of the marshes are good for hay as is also the whole township. A considerable portion of this township is covered with pea vine. The surface is generally level, and the soil first and second rate." At the time of its survey there was not a tree to be seen in the township, and the surveyor who made these notes, for that reason and those stated did not regard it a desirable place for settlers to locate their homes. Now that the swamps and marshes, by means of a little drainage, have been made very productive, and beautiful farm build- ings have been erected all over the township, the prejudice of the survey- or has vanished. The first settlers in this township- were William Bell and Niels Hanson, who in the month of March, 1869, lo- cated their homesteads,' the former on the NWi and the latter, on the NBi of section 10. Eeturning together to Fort Dodge in a lumber wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, they hauled the lumber for the first cabin, which was erected on the hotnestead of Wm. Bell. I'his structure was a very hum- ble one, 10x12 feet square Etnd 5i feet high. These two men occupied this cabin together until the fall of 1870, when Niels Hanson built a sod house on his homestead. This sod house was sunk two feet in the ground, but had a good floor, was plastered inside &36 f>l6NBEE HIS'i'OElf OF JPdcJAgoI^'f'AS ftOtTUf't't, 10 Wl. and had two windows, one on each side at the top of tlie ground. When completed each occupied his own cabin, but in the spring of 1871 Han- son married Lena Loding, of ITort Dodge, and then his had two occu- pants. Others that located in this town- ship during the year 1869, were Wm. Brownlee, wife and two children, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Dickinson, their son- in-law, M. B. Parks and wife, Peter Peterson, wife and two sons, Bernard Niehouse, Michael Burns, James Ha- gan, James O'Kiefe and two sons, John and Frederick Johnson, Nelson Anderson and Aaron Erickson, Swan Nelson, Patrick Bnright, Niels An- derson, John Lampe and his three sons, Henry, F. J. and George Lampe. These were followed in 1870 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kezer, Andrew O. Long, wife and two children, W. K. Owen, Alonzo Cady, James Bennett, Joseph Strong, E. K. Cain, H. W. Behrens, Christian Peterson, Fritz Weigert and others. In the spring of 1870, at a meeting of the citizens held at the home of Wta Bell, it was decided to ask the board of county supervisors to set off this township from Lizard and call it "Bellville," in memory of the fact that Wm. Bell was the first settler to erect a cabin in it. On June 6, 1870, Bellville township was established by the board of county supervisors who designated October 11. 1870, as the date for their first election and the cabin of Wm. Bell as the place to hold it. The following board of election officers was appointed and the oath was administered to them by G. H. Johnson, a justice of the peace from Lizard township: Judges, Wm. Bell, James Bennett and W. B. Dickinson; clerks, M. B. Parks and Joseph Strong. Township ofBcers were elected, for the ensuing year (1871) as follows: Alon- zo Cady, Henry Lampe and M. B. Parks, trustees: W. B. Dickinson and Charles Zezer, justices; Joseph Strong and Wm. Bell, constables; W. B. Dickinson, clerk; James Bennett, as- sessor; E. K. Cain and Charles Kezer, road supervisors. The> first record of a meeting of the trustees is of date April 11, 1871, when they made a levy of five mills for road purposes, and authorized W. B. Dick- inson to buy for the township one good road scraper, for the care of which during that year he should re- ceive $5.00. April 13, 1872, he was au- thorized to purchase three more scrapers but no additional compensa- tion was allowed. The township that year was divided into four districts and the supervisors' were Niels Han- son, John Lampe, Charles Kezer and John Christmas. The general elec- tion, Oct. 14, 1873, was held at the residence of- Peter Wendell and he was elected a justice of the peace and township clerk. On April 10, 1874, he reported that all the township prop- erty, consisting of four scrapers, had been burned in a prairie Are that con- sumed also the stable and stock of Jeremiah Connelly. In 1892 two large road graders were purchased from the Fleming Manufacturing Co,, Fort Wayne, Ind., for the sum of $450. The second, or general election in 1871, was held at the residence of W. B. Dickinson, and in 1872 at the school house on section 17. From 1874 to 1885 they were held in school house No. 3; from 1886 to 1892 in school house No. 8, and since 1893 in No. 5, the center school house. The assessor's bookfpr the year 1874, showed an enrollment of 42 persons in the township liable to do military duty. The new names that appear are those of D. Beneke, L. S. Bivans, J. Cady, P. Ellison, Rudolph Beneke, Abraham Burgeson, Henry Elsen and his two sons Gerd and Charles Elsen, John Christmas, August Anderson. Alexander Geddes, S. H. Gill, C. H. IJallock, A. Himan,J. Hogan, G. Lar- SiELLYlLLE TOWlJSHlf*. 337 son, A. Gr. Loats,'C. P. Lundgren, M. and J. McAuliff, M. McAlpin, G. Mil- ler, M. McGrath, Peter Wendell. John Larson, C. Peterson, Patrick Quinn, D. Eagan, A. Reedland, E. Short, C. and A. Stickelberg, A. Zinn and Anton Smorkovski. This assessor's book also shows that in January, 1874, as many as twenty- one persons were allowed timber and fruit tree exemptions for plots rang- ing from one half an acre to four acres. The grove of one acre planted by W. B. Dickinson on the SEi Sec. 14, in the spring of 1869, was the first one in the township. James O'Kiefe in 1871, planted the second one, also of one acre, on the NWi Sec. 12. In 1872 two orchards of one acre each were planted' by Mrs. Sylvia A. Ben- nett, on the NEi Sec. 26, and Anton Smorkovski on SWiSec. 28; and groves by Charles Kezer, John Lampe, Pat- rick Quinn and Niels Hanson. In 1873 nearly every other resident homestead- er plante(J a grove. There were perhaps more sod houses built in this township than any other during the first two years of its set- tlement, 1869 and 1870. The first one was built by Philip Myers, on the Quinn farm. Others were built by John Lampe, A. Himan, Niels Han- son, John Johnson, Alexander Geddes, Swan Nelson, Peter Wendell, Charles Kezer, Wm. Owen, Matt. McAlpin and G-us. Peterson. The sod house with its low thatched roof of slough grass was always a place of danger when the prairie fire came sweeping along. In the fall of 1871,. A. Himan and Gus. Peterson lost their houses, hay sheds and stacks of hay, vsiheat, beans and buckwheat; and later'Peter Wendell his house and contents. - PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Previous to the organization of Bell- ville township, the directors of Liz- ard township established a school in the home of John Lampe and em- ployed as teachers fi. K. Cain and Thomas L. Dean. On March 4, 1871, the electors of the district township of Bellville held their first meeting, W. B. Dickinson serving as chairman and E. K. Cain as secretary. E. K. Cain, Charles Ke- zer and Jerry Connelly were elected as the first board of directors, each for the term of one year. This board or- ganized by the election of Charles Ke- zer, president; W. B. Dickinson, sec- retary and Wm. Bell, treasurer. One week later a tax of ten mills was ap- proved and levied for school house purposes. About the same time there was levied a tax of ten mills for the teachers' fund and seven mills for the contingent. The wages of male and female teachers were fixed at $35 and $30 a month, respectively. It was al- so decided to lease three buildings in which to hold a three months' term of school during that summer. Two buildings were leased, one from Mr. Brownlee, located on the SE corner of Sec. 29, in which Lucy Van Doren was the teacher, and the other from W. B. Owen, located at the i stake on the west side of Sec. 20, in which he was the teacher. . These temporary build- ings were constructed expressly for this purpose and the specifications of the first one was &s follows: "8x10 feet square, 6 feet high, boarded up and down, board floor, one half win- dow, a door hung with hinges, the roof to be as tight as boards and bat- tens could make it, two desks, one on each side each to be U feet wide and 10 feet long, and three benches; and the monthly rental shall be $4.00." On September 18, 1871, Jerry Con- nelly resigned and James E. i Bennett was appointed a member of the board in his place. The house of Wm. Bell was leased and W. R. Owen was ap- pointed teacher of this school for three months. In March, 1872, the electors neglect- ed to meet and the members of the 838 PIONSEB HISTOBY OF POeAHOSTAS OOUNTY, I©WA, old board renewed their oath of office. Wm. Brownlee was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the remov- al of E. K. Cain, and he was then elected president of the board. The wages of the teachers were reduced to $25 in summer and $30 in winter. On April 21, 1872, the board made arrangements with A. D. Moore for the erection of four temporary school houses 12x16 feet and 8 feet high, for $591. For one of these buildings the first school house site was purchased from Geo. A. Loats (SE corner Sec. 28) and for another one they leased a site on the NE corner of Sec. 10. Miss Emma Parlis was the first teacher in this last building, the others who taught that summer being Mattie E. Owen and E. D. Bi vans. In the fall of 1872 the township was divided into five sub districts known as the O'Kiefe, Lampe, Brownlee, Kezer and Bennett districts, and the new teachers employed were Lily M. Bosworth and T. L. Dean; and during the next summer Mrs. E. S. Parks and Mrs. Elizabeth Cady. During the winter of 1873-4 E. D. Clark taught a term in the home of Peter "Wendell. In 1875 permanent buildings were erected in district No. 2 by T. L. Dean, and in district No. 3 by H. W. Wilcox. In 1880 the term of school was fixed at seven mouths— four in winter and three in summer. In 1881 the first school house grove was planted by A. Erickson for $36. This was the one in district No. 6 and it had been farmed for several years previous. The trees planted were soft maples with a row of cottonwoods around them. In 1883 Charles Kezer planted the grove in district No. 8. Later, all the other school grounds in this town- ship were planted with trees and the beautiful groves that now mark the school house sites are sources of de- light to teachers and pupils, a matter of pride to all the citizens of the town- ship and objects of beauty that call forth the admiration of the traveler. The township of Bellville was the first in this county to secure a fine grove around each of its school buildings and until 1897 it enjoyed this honor without a rival. It has now new, large and brightly painted buildings In every district. Joy for the sturdy trees! Fanned by each fragrant breeze, Lovely they stand! The songbirds o'er them thrill. They shade each tinkling rill. They crown each swelling hill, Lowly or grand. Other teachers who taught in this township during the seventies and eighties in addition to those already named, were J. O'Kiefe ('75), Annie Condon, Jason H. Lowrey, Kate Con- nelly, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Brownlee (8 terms), Ida Lowrey (Gill)," Emma Low- rey (Wilbur), Mrs. S. A. Bennett, 0. Kreul, E. O. Davy, L. A. Brooks, E. S. Parks, Hattie Hallock, Mary Quina (13 years), Patrick Quinn (10 years), Maggie Quinn, Martin Quinn, Katie Ellis, Agnes Denny, R. Brownlee, Maggie Griffin and Ida Wendell. The fine condition Of the earliest records of the board of directors of Bellville township and the excellent manner in which all the interests re- lating to the public schools were man- aged merit special commendation and suggest that the men who in the early days were elected directors were not only capable but appreciated the iui- portance of the trust committed to them. The earliest records, in the handwriting of W. B. Dioldnson, be- gin with the very beginning of things at the orgajiization of the township) are found in a large, well bound vol- ume suited for the purpose, and they are written in a plain, legible hand with a good quality of black ink that has not faded with the lapse of years. They are remarkable for their fulness and minuteness of detail, inasmuch as they include complete copies of all the contracts made by the board with eacb teacher, builder and workman. '82'94; Anthony I^arson, Peter Ander- the bond of the treasurer and the son, August Anderson, '97-1900. specifications of every building to be Justices of the Peace: W. B. erected. Dickinson, Wm Brownlee, Peter Wen-f SCHOOL OFFICERS. ^^11, Charles Kezer H. W. Bebrens, The succession of officers for the Swan Nelson, '83.'98; Patrick Quinn, school boardof BellviUe township has f''®'^ ^runs, W. A. Berry, Anthony been as follows: , Larson. .„ - ,« , -r^ ,„-, Assessors: James Bennett, '71-'72: PB^iDENTS: Charles Kezer '71; a. Cady, L, S. Bivans, Charles Kezer, Wm. Brownlee, Henry Stahl Charles .^g.,^^ g_ ^ (.jn ,^8-'79; A. F. Frold Kezer, '74, 6^; S. H Gill, '75; Wm. j_ p ^^ '83-'86; Wm. Gadaw T^TmXVrfT:it^S2- '8^'90;FredBrans,.91-'98;JohnQuinn. ^ eison, 80, 89, 9d, A. a. i> rom, 8^, emmanuel German church. Geo. A. Loats '84; Henry Lampe, Pat- ^he first and to this date the only rcReynoMs Se- M Hanson '9^- ^WP ^« the Emmanuel German Church SvBehren? '99-'l900 °* '""^ Evangelical Association of Henry Bebrens, 99-1900. j^^^^^ America. It was organized Secretaries: W. B. Dickinson, '71; about the year 1880, and the original A. Cady, '72-4; Charles Kezer, J. W. nrembers were Christ DeWall, John O'Kiefe, T. R. Moore, Charles Kezer, DeWall, George DeWall, Albert Loats, '78-86; A. G. Quinn, Wm. Brownlee, George Loats, August Munch and their '88-'92; Peter Long, '93-'96; August families, Maria Schon and Mr. and Johnson, '97-'98; Anton Larson, '99- Mrs. John Schon. The first officers 1900. were John DeWall, Maria Schon and Treasurers: Wm. Bell, '71- '72, George Loats. The officers in 1899 Wm. Brownlee, '73-'75; James O'Kiefe, were Otto Pfeundheiler, Henry West- '76-'81;Swan Nelson, '82- '84; John Lar- fall and Fred Schlieut, and the adult son, '85-'88; Patrick Clancy, '89- '93; membership was about 36. The meet- Swan Nelson, '94-'99; Charles Schroe- ings were first held in the Loats school der. house. Their house of worship, lo- civiL officers. cated on the SEi Sec. 28, was dedi- Trustees: The following persons cated August 15, 1891. It is 28x40 feet, have rendered service as trustees: tower 8x8 and 40 feet high, and cost Alonzo Cady, M. B. Parks and Henry $1600. The Sunday school meets ev- Lampe all in 1871; Wm. Brownlee, ery Sabbath, the preaching services Henry Lampe, '72, '74, '75, '81,- '86; D. are held on alternate Sabbaths and B. HallQck, Wm. Bell, C. H. Hallock, their present pastor resides at Rock- A. O. Long, Jameo O'Kiefe, Alex, well City. The succession of pastors Geddes, H. W. Bebrens, '76-'78, '82-'85, has been as follows: Rev. Mr. Drum- '87- '92, '95-1900; Rudolph Beneke, '77, ha wer (1880), Otto Gerard, GerdKnoke '89-'94; John P. Peterson, '77-'80, '94- (3 years), G. Branstats, J. D. Schaible, 1900; Patrick Quinn, '79-93; Gust Pe- L. Smith, Weverseck, Peter Gert- terson, '80- '82; John JJarson, '86, Niels man, Daniel Rikert, Koinig. Hanson, '87-88; Geo. A. Loats, '93, '95; first death and birth. Frank Lampe, '96-1900. The first death in Bellville town- Clerks: W. B. Dickinson, '71-'72; ship occurred in the spring of 1871, Wm. Brownlee, Peter Wendell, Wm. when Frederick Johnson, a young Bell, '75-76; Charles Kezer, '77- '82; Swede, died at the age of 23 years. Frank Lampe, '83'86 Andrew Quinn, He came with his brother, John John- 340 PIONEER HISTORY Oi^vfeoClfiON'f AS (30UNTY, lOWA. son, who located a homestead on the SiNWi 18, in the year 1869. They erected a sod shanty and lived togeth- er. This shanty had a roof of slough grass that caught flre on two occasions when prairie flres swept over that section, and twice did they lose all they had in it. Fred died of consump- tion and was the first one buried in the Swedish Mission burying ground of Bellville township. The funeral service was conducted by John Hamer- son, a young Swede residing in Grant township. Carrie Christmas, daughter of John and Mary Christmas, was the first child born in this township. She was born in February. 1870, became the wife of Morton Root, and they are now residing at Fort Dodge. Her father was a soldier in the civil war. In 1869, accompanied by his wife and two children, he came to this county and located on the Ni NWi Sec. 34, Bellville township, and, after secur- ing the patent for his homestead, in 1874, sold it to Saunders S. Assing, Sr., and moved to Fort Dodge. After three years he returned to Manson and was killed at Rockwell City in October 1897 while crossing the track of the D. M., N. & W. railway in a buggy driven by Edward Tullar. The second birth in the township was that of Huldah, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lawson. This event oc- curred during the dreadful snowstorm of March, 14-16, 1870. Her parents were Swedes and, accompanied by three children and Philip Myers, in the spring of 1869, they came to this country and homesteaded the Wi NEi Sec. 20, Bellville township. He was a successful farmer. His wife died in 1878 and he died in 1889, leaving a fam- ily of five children, all of whom have moved from the county. Huldah is now married and residing at Fort Dodge. Nelius M. Nelson, whose birth oc- curred May 4, 1870, was the first boy born in the township. He is the oM- est son of Mr. and Mrs. Swan Nelson, who are still residents of the old homestead. He was, for a few years, one of the public school teachers of this county, and is now in Dakota. • Bellville township claims the pecul- iar distinction of having produced the largest baby in the county.- It was a bouncing boy that weighed twenty- two pounds. He first saw the light in 1871, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Cain, on section 21. In June, 1869, this family located on section i and one year later on section 21, and they lived there until February, 1872, when they moved to Lincoln township where, during a pejiod Of four years, he filled the two ofBces of assessor and justice of the peace. He was a teacher, carpenter and farmer, and in 1884 moved to Clayton county. The "Bellville giant" is John O'Bri- en, the pioneer oc-upant and owner of the Si of Sec. 17. He is a Canadian, six feet in height and weighs 260 pounds. At the age of twenty-flye his great strength was a surprise to qth- ers, and the above nom de plume was accorded to him by his neighbors many years ago, when he lifted the side of a horse-power, that needed to be mount- ed on wheels, that two ordinary men were unable to move. Lone Rock on the NW Cor. See;i33,, originally about twenty-five feet higti, was a very prominent landmark in the early days. The first public road established in Bellville township was the one ex- tending east and west north of section 10, known as the Bell & Hanson road. It was established in 1870 and was surveyed by Oscar I. Strong, deputy county surveyor, assisted by Niels Hanson as one of the chain carriers. This road extended across the county and in Lizard, Bellville and Colfax townships was located on the section lines, in Cedar township it is one-halt mile further north and passes through BELLVILLE TOWNSHIP. 341 the center of the north tier of sec- tions. BELLVILLE CREAMERY. A creamery was established on the S Wi Sec. 5, in 1890, by Fred Dilmuth, who moved the plant from Grant township and managed it in its new location two years thereafter. It was then purchased by Bernard Fisher and Kudolph Beneke, but is now owned by the former who is also proprietor of a grocery store established at the same place. Mr. Fisher, who is a native of Germany, in July, 1869, began to oc- cupy and improve a homestead on the NEi Sec. 8, which he still owns to- gether with the W4 SEi Sec. 6 and the NWl Sec. 7. He has a large fam- ily, all of whom are still at home. OTHER EARLY SETTLERS. During the seventies many other new settlers located in this township, among whom were James Sinnott, John Larson, Peter Scherf, Ira G. Vaughan. Abraham Burgeson, Louis Oleson, Henry.Lieb, Andrew Carlson, Swan and James F. Peterson, S. S. AsSlng, George DeWall, John O'Brien, Lander and C, G. Blanden. During the eighties there came Geo. J. O. and S. O. Peterson, Frank W Schuster, Geo. Eeining, John W. Boog, Peter Anderson, Benjamin Loats and many others. The following personal notes do not Include any reference to those whose biographies appear in the latter part of this volume. August Anderson, a native of Swed- en, in May, 1872, entered a homestead of 80 acres which Glaus Hanson in June, 1869, had entered but later for- feited. He had a wife and two daugh- ters when he came and they are still residents of the old homestead. William Bell, after whom the township was named, in 187) added to his cabin a good trame house 12x20 feet and continued to occupy his homestead until about the year 1878 when he went to the Black Hills' region, and in partnership with a friend, engaged in mining gold. He took an active part in all matters relating to the organization of the , town&hip and the first election in it was held in his cabin on section 10. During the years 1871-72 he served as the first treasurer of the School Board, ~ during 1873 74 as a trustee of the township and during 1875-76 as the township clerk. He was about fifty- six years of age and unmarried when he left the county. James Bennett, in March, 1869, en- tered a homestead on WBi Sec. 26, im- proved it and died there in August, 1872. His wife, Sylvia Bennett, se- cured the patent for one half of his claim, (the other half being declared swamp land) and for the adjoining claim of Alex. Oleson. In 1876 she sold both tracts to Col. Blanden and with her family moved to Manson. Mr. Bennett was the first assessor of Bellville township. Abraham Burgeson and hjs wife Eliza, natives of Sweden, came to Bellville in 1870 and the latter entered as a timber claim the SEi SEi Sec. 18—40 acres— but it was forfeited in 1877. A few days later it was re- entered by her husband and in Febru- ary, 1893, the patent was issued to their son, Alvin Burgeson. They now own and occupy the SEt Sec. 1, Colfax township, and have raised a large family. Michael Burns and James Hagan en- tered adjoining homesteads on Sec 10, in January, 1870, and lived together in the same cabin for several years. Then each occupied a cabin on his own homestead and the latter farmed both farms, while the former worked on the railroad. About 1884, Mr. Burns married a daughter of Wm. Gadaw. He still owns the old home- steads'and also the one of Wm. Bell on which Jie and his family now reside. James ft'Hagan, single-handed and alone, still occupies his old homestead, 342 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. which was the one originally entered by Peter Murphy. AlonzoCady, having a wife and two children, in March, 1869, entered a homestead of 80 acres on Sec. 24, which he improved and occupied for a num- ber of years. He moved first to Liz- ard township and thence to Dakota. He was one of the first trustees, the second assessor and for three years secretary of the school board of the township. Wm. B. Dicliinson and Milton B. Parks, his son-in-law, entered home- steads on Sec. 14, August 31, 1868. These were the first claims entered in the township. Owing to the fact they did not begin to occupy their claims soon enough they were both forfeited, but re-entering them in 1872 and 1873, they received their patents in 1873 and 1874, respectively. The former was a soldier in the civil war, and now resides with his daughter at Gil- more City. He was the first secretary of the school board, the first justice of the peace and first clerk of the town- ship. The latter about 1882, moved to Havelock and engaged in tli^drug business. After the loss of the store by fire he moved to California. He was one of the first trustees of the township. Peter Ellison, of Sweden, accompa- nied by his wife, who was a sister of John Lawson, in 1873, secured a home- stead of 40 acres on the NWi Sec. 20. He has added 80 acres to the home- stead and still occupies it. Their fam- ily consists of three children— Annie, who is married, Christine and Ed- ward. Aaron Brickson, of Sweden, in Sep- tember, 1869, entered a homestead on Sec. 20, built a cabin on it and the next year was joined by his wif j and family. In 1872 this claim was relin- quished in favor of Martin McAulifl, who still owns It, and Erickson bought a farm on the SWi Sec. 18, which he stili owns and occupies. He has raised a large family. William Gadaw, of Germany, accom- panied by his wife, two sons and one daughter, in 1873 bought the M NWi Sec. 24, and improved it. Mr. and Mrs. Gadaw died several years ago. Their sons, William and Ernest, still own and occupy the old farm. The former was assessor of the township during the four years, 1887 to 1890. Three daughters were born in this county and all three of them are mar- ried. The two oldest are living in neighboring counties and the young- est, married to Michael Burns, lives on section 10. . David B. Hallock, who served as one of the trustees of the township in 1883, came to this county with a large family in 1870 and located a home- stead on the NWi Sec. 10. ' He met with many discouragements and, when his crops were devoured by the grass- hoppers a second, time in .1874, he moved to Lake township, and five years later to Kansas. His eldest son, Charles H. Hallock, in 1870 located a homestead on the N^i Sec. 34, and improved it. In April, 1873, his house, which had a thatch roof, or was filled with hay as a protection overhead, caught fire while he was away from home and his wife was outside the building. She rushed in to save her child, asleep in the cradle. She saved the child, but her own clothing caught fire and though she extinguished the flames in a slough near at hand, she died soon after a neighbor came to her relief. Charles is now living in Kan- sas. Niels Hanson, a native of Denmark, (born Aug. 24, 1839) came to Bellville township with Wm. Bell in March, 1869, and in June following filed his homestead claim for the Wi NEi Sec. 10, for which he received the patent Oct. 30, 1874. Two years later, (1876) owing to the frequent and successive losses susl-ained from the ravages of the grasshoppers he lost his homestead abd purchased 40 acres adjoining on BELLVILLE TOWNSHIP. 343 the northeast corner of the same sec- tion which he still owns and occupies. In 1893 he bought the SEi Sec. 3 ad- joining it on the north so that he has now a fine farm of 200 acres, improved with a beautiful grove, fruit-bearing orchard and good buildings. After living two years in the sod house and twenty-three in itssuccessor, a frame 12x16 feet, he erected (1894) the large and comfortable house he now occu- pies. He was one of the first and is now the oldest resident of the town- ship. His wife, Lena Lodlng, is a na- tive of Norway. Their family has consisted of four sons and two daugh- ters. Hans, the eldest, in 1894, mar- ried Mary Hanson and they live on her father's farm on Sec. 8, Colfax township. They have a family of two children, Minnie and Mabel. Hannah, the eldest daughter, in 1893, became the wife of Anton Larson and they lived on his father's farm in Bellville township until the fall of 1899, when they became proprietors of the first hotel in Palmer. Martin, Niels, Min- nie and Edward (18) are at home. Mr. Hanson served as a trustee of the township during the years 1881-88. In August 1899 the new town of Palmer, first called Hanson, was lo- cated on his farm, and his daughter Minnie, who was engaged in teaching public school, was appointed post- mistress, when the postofBce was es- tablished in January, 1900. Aq,ron Himan, a native of Sweden, (born May 21, 1835) came to America in 1868 and on Aug. 12, 1869, in Illinois, married Matilda Solomonson. In April, 1870, they came to Bellville township and, selecting a homestead of 80 acres on Ni SWi Sec, 2, began its Improvement by the erection of a sod house 10x12, feet, that lasted them seven years. They preferred to live in this humble dwelling rather than to occupy a frame building with a lien upon it. In the fall of 1871 the prai- rie fire burned everything on the farm except this sod house. In 1877 they bought a small house and later en- larged it, but in 1890 they dispensed with it and erected a fine large resi- dence that would be a source of pride in any community. He has also erected a large barn, granary, cribs and other outbuildings. In 1883 and 1890 he secured additions to his farm making it now 225 acres. He has been a successful stockraiser and aims to keep sufficient of it to eat all the pro- ceeds of the farm. In comparing the present time with former days he sees a great contrast. He happened to lo- cate his sod houSe on a high place in the center of a. slough where there was plenty of tall grass for fuel. At that time the only things that could be raised abundantly were slough grass and water, but now these are the hardest to find. Their family con- sists of three children, Charles W., Jennie and Oscar E., who are at home on the farm. Michael McAlpin and family. Of Canada, in 1871 located on a home- stead on Sec. 8. His wife died in 1872 and was buried in the Lizard Catho- lic cemetery. About 1895, he mar- ried again and later moved to Fort Dodge, where he now resides. To the homestead he added 40 acres on the same section and 80 acres on Sec. 17. The old homestead is now occupied by his son James McAlpin, who mar- ried a daughter of Henry Kreul, and has a small family. His sisters, Bridg- et and Margaret, (the latter married) are living together in Minnesota. Maria, married to Bernard Kreul, lives at Pocahontas. * Martin McAullff, of Canada, in April, 1878 secured a homestead originally entered by Aaron Erickson on section 20 and improved it. He is now the owner of a good residence in Pomeroy, where he now reside, and 320 acres of land in Bellville township. He came very near winning matri- monial honors on one occasion, but 344 tlONEilB HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. induced to change his mind, he is still enjoying single blessedness. Thomas McAuliflf, of Canada, an elder brother, in December 1871 se- cured the homestead first entered by Wm. Brownlee on section 18 and lived upon It about eight years. He still owns it, but lives in Colorado. Philip Myers, accompanied by his wife and two sons, in March 1869 en- tered a homestead claim on section 28. After the lapse of some years he sold it to Patrick Quinn and moved to Kansas, He was a member of the 112th Illinois infantry during the Civil War. Bernard Mehouse, of Germany, in Oct. 1869, secured a homestead on the SWi Sec. 6, which he improved and occupied until 1876. His wife, who was a sister of Bernard Fisher,, died a few years ago and he is now living with his son-in-law, John Lampe. Andrew Norman and family in 1876 secured a homestead on NWi Sec. 6, which he still owns, and his only son, John Norman, owns and occupies a good farm on section 1 . James O'Kiefe and his two sons, John W. and Daniel O'Kiefe, in Aug- ust, 1869, entered and began to im- prove three homesteads of 80. acres each on the Ni Sec. 12. Daniel mar- ried about the year 1877, and his fath- er, who was a widower, died at his home in 1881. The two brothers soon thereafter moved lo Lake township, where Daniel still resides, the happy owner of 240 acres on Sec. 31. John W. is married, lives at Rolfe (1899) and still owns theNEiSec. 12, Bellville township. James O'Kiefe at the time of his death and for five years previous, was treasurer of the school board of Bellville township, and John W. was secretary in 1876. William R. Owen, of Canada, in April, 1870, entered a homestead claim on the SWi Sec. 18, and occu- pied it till 1873, when he moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where he and hi& family still reside. His successor, Samuel H. Gill, secured the patent for this homestead and was occupying it in 1878, when he sustained the loss of all his buildings and also of his wife by the cyclone of April 21st, that year. Gustave Peterson, a native of Swed- en (b. 1841) and wife (Solomonson) came to Pocahontas county in 187Q)j with Aaron Himan, his brother in- law, and located a homestead " on the' SlNWi Sec. 2, Bellville townshipi They built a sod house and occupied it till 1871 when . they bought and moved to the SiSWi Sec. 35, Lincoln township where they still, reside. They still own the old homestead and an additional eighty acres adjoin- ing it on the same section. They are now in good circu-nstances, and have a family of five children; Henry, Al- bert, Ida, Minnie and Paul. Swan Peterson, a native of Sweden, on May 26, 1876 entered the EiSWi, Sec 36, 80 acres, as a timber claim. • This land had originally been entered by F. Carlson in 1868, and by Johanna Peterson in 1871 as a homestead, and the latter occupied it several years. Peter Peterson, a native of Den- mark (b. 1827), in 1871 secured a home- stead of eighty acres on the SiSWi Sec. 2, which he improved and occu- , pled until the time of his death in;,j 1893. His first wife died in the old" country leaving one son George, and his second wife died in 1890 leavi: two sons John P. and Christian Pet^ son. These three sons are now livingl in Bellville township and all of them own good farms. George Peterson (b. 1843, Denmark)| married Augusta, daughter of Frede- rick Weigert, and they have a family: of small children. They are the owners and occupants of 280 acres on sections 10 and 15. He came to this country in 1883. John P. Peterson homesteaded the NWiSWi Sec. 12 which had previous^ SWAN NELSON County Supervisor J 885-90. MRS. SWAN NELSON i B^ » CHARLES KEZER MRS. CHARLES KEZER Jtn.- Bellville Township. I I I BELLYILLE TOWNSHIP. 345 ly been entered successively by Ira G. Vaughn, Andrew C. Williamson, and James F. Peterson (no realative). After improving this property he sold it and is nov? the owner and occu- pant of the old homestead on section 2. In 1880 he married Maggie, a daughter of James Nelson and they nave a small family. He is now serv- ing his tenth year as a trustee of the township and was assessor from 1883 to 1886. Christian Peterson (b. 1855, Den- mark) is the owner and occupant of the NEi Sec. 14. About 1880 he mar- ried a daughter of Hans Markeson who, coming with wife, two sons and four daughters, homesteaded and until 1897 occupied the NiNWi Sec. 12. Christian's wife died in 1892 leaving a family of five small children. lie came to Bellville in 1870. Eudolph Beneke, (b. Feb'y 23, 1850) of Bellville township, (Manson P. O.) is a native of Germany. His parents were Henry and Mary Beneke, and at the age of 18, in 1868, he came to America with his elder brother, Died- eric, who now resides in Lincoln town- ship. They located first in Scott county, Iowa, and in 1871 Eudolph visited Pocahontas county and bought Mr. Beneke is a good illustratioh of a successful German farmer. He be- lieves in investing the annual income of the farm in farm lands, and seems to have a special faculty for accumu- lating rural real estate. The record of his additional purchases has been as follows: .In 1882, 141 acres; 1885, 40 acres; 1887, 80 acres; 1890, 120 acres; 1893, 40 acres; and in 1897 sells 75 acres and buys 320 acres, making him the present owner of 746 acres. He be- lieves in cropping and raising stock together; he is not a large feeder, but keeps about 25 cows for dairy purposes. He keeps a careful eye on everything and nothing is allowed to go to waste. He believes in doing business on the cash basis and has been unwilling to go in debt. He has carefully avoided the payment of high rates of interest and the worry of mortgages. On January 1, 1877, after a residence of two years in this country, he mar- ried 'Annie Smorkovski, (b. Dec. 4, 1855) a daughter of Anton and Barbara Smorkovski. Their family consists of five boys and three girls, all of whom are at home and at work on the farm, namely: Henry, (b. Jan. 24, 1878), Eudolph, (b. Sept. 18, 1879), Barbara, (b. March 18, 1881), Earnest August, 80 acres on the SWi Sec. 4, Bellville '(b. Aug. 30, 1882), Anton, (b. Nov. 28, township. In 1875 he returned, lo- 1884). Anna Sophia (b. Aug. 16, 1886) cated upon this land, began the work Mary, (b. April 16, 1888) and Frank of its improvement and has lived upon (b. July 9, 1893). Mr. Beneke servecl it ever since. He first built a small as a trustee of the township six years house but in 1880, and again in 1887, as his family and farm grew larger, he enlarged it so that it is now one of the largest houses in the township. The other improvements consist of a large barn built in 1881, a cow barn and a number of other smaller build- ings. The beautiful groye, so nicely arranged around the house as to give it a picturesque view, was planted in 1875 and '76. In 1882 be planted an acre with plum, crab and apple trees and they are now in gooci bearing con- dition, —1889-1894, and was president of thp school board in 1890. V7ILLIAM BBOWNLEB. William Brownlee, (b. Marehl, 1838), of Pomeroy, was a resident of Bell- ville township from the spring of 1869 until the fall of 1892, with the excep- tion of the two years he served as county treasurer, 1884- '85, when he and his family lived at Pocahontas. He "is a native of Welland county, Canada, and the son of Tbomas and Sarah Brownlee, both ol wbom were o{ Sootoh'Irlsb descent, and came 346 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. from the county of Armaugh, Ireland. On Nov. 3, 1861, he married Elizabeth H. Owen and one year later, coming to the United States, they located in Walworth county Wis. During a res- idence of six years at this place he found employmeut most of the time as a stage driver. In 1869, with a fam- ily of two children, they came to Po- cahontas county, Iowa, and located on a homestead on Sec. 18, Bellville town- ship. After three years they bought another farm on Sec. 8, which they improved and occupied until the time of their removal to Pomeroy in 1892. Mr. Brownlee was very highly hon- ored by the citizens of Bellville, who recognized his excellent qualities of head and heart. He was enabled to render many years of efficient service in all the township offlces that a good citizen is expected to fill. He was a trustee in 1872, clerk in 1873, a justice of the peace five years, president of the school board four years, secretary of it five years and treasurer of the school fund three years. He was also , the first citizen of Bellville township to enjoy the honor of a seat on the board of county supervisors (1876-1883). On Jan. 7, 1884, after eight years of efficient service, he resigned his posi- tion as a member of this board, that he might accept the more responsible office of county treasurer, to which he had been elected the previous fall. His estimable wife was one of the ijiGst efficient and popular of the early teachers of Bellville, and she joined with her husband in making their home one of the most hospitable and entertaining in that section. Their home was situated a short distance south of the South branch of Lizard creek and also near the largest lake in the township. This locality proved to be a favorite camping-ground for the roving bands of Indians that annually frequented this section for the pur- pose of hunting and trapping in the days of its early settlement. These Indian bands were neighborly neigh bors, but everybody was glad when they left the community, for they were professional beggars of a treach- erous character. The early settler, in the interest of peace and to get them to leave the premises as soon as possible, usually felt it was better to give them all they wanted, so that many times the larder was emptied in meeting their demands.* Their family consisted of eight chil- dren, three of whom are dead. Will- iam Allen (single) is engaged in the grain and seed business at St. Paul; Bert O., married to Harriet Swisher, is clerking in a store at Mallard; Bern E. married to Mabel Joslyn, is located on a farm in Calhoun county; Mary F. and Howard Lee are still at.home. Charles Kezer, (b. March 8, 1835) one of the pioneers of Bellville township, is a native of JTew Hampshire, and the names of his parents were Graham and Elvira Kezer. In 1856 he came to Illinois and on August 12, 1862, at Galva, Henry county, enlisted as a member of the 112th 111. regiment. Seven days later he married Sarah Jane Smith, (b. April 23, 1841} of Stark county, 111. After one year and two months of service he was transferred . to the invalid corps and two months later was discharged for general de- bility. His father-in-law and one of, his sons wishing him to go with them to the army, on January 25, 1865, he re-enlisted as a member of Co. Gr, of the same regiment. On April 4, 1865, at Goldsborough, N. C, he was de- tailed as an orderly and in June was transferred to the 65th 111. regiment. He was discharged July 13, 1865. That fall he and his father-in-law and their families came to Book Grove, north of Webster City, where they spent the winter, and then located in Clear Lake township, Hamilton coun- ty, which they helped to organize. In the spring of 1870, he and his fam *See page 154. BELLVILLE TOWNSHIP. 34'7 ily of two children came to Bellville township and located on a homestead on the SEi Sec. 28. In 1873 and 1875 he experienced the loss of his crops by the grasshoppers, and in 1881 two of his daughters from cerebral men- , ingitis. In 1884 he moved to Sec. 22, Lincoln township; in 1893 became superintendent of the county poor farm and six years later moved to an- other farm in that vicinity. Mr. Ke- zer assisted in the organization of Bellville township in 1870. He was chosen president of the school board at the time of its organization in 1871 and filled that position again in 1874, '76-77. He was assessor four years, 1874-77; township clerk six years, 1877 -82; and secretary of the school board ten years, 1875 and 1878-86. Mr. and Mrs. Kezer have won the confidence and esteem of their neighbors wher- ever they have lived. Of their family six children are still living. Edmund M., on Nov. 5, 1895, married Elizabeth, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Boyd; they reside at Eutland, where he is engaged in blacksmithing, and have one child, Joyce Pearl. Anna Elvira, on Nov. 28, 1895, married Ar- thur Irwin, and they reside in New Hampshire. Julia Winifred, Sarah Jane, Franklin G. and Charles Samuel are at home. SWAN NELSON. Two of the hardy pioneers who achieved a. marked success on the farm in Pocahontas county, after a residence of thirty years on the old homestead on section 34, Bellville township, in the fall of 1899 moved to Manson to occupy a large and beauti- ful mansion especially designed and constructed by them with all modern appliances for their comfort and hap- piness. Erom the sod house to the mansion, is the worthy record of Mr. and Mrs. Swan Nelson. Wliile many have been successful on the farm few have done better than they. Arriv- ing in this country in 1869, empty- handed but willing to ''go west" and find a place where they were needed, by industry and the practice of economy they have become the happy possessors of a fine farm of 280 acres of land as productive and valu- able as any in Bellville township. They improved it with fine buildings protected by a beautiful grove, and stocked it with the best of stock. Everything about the premises was so conveniently arranged and kept in such excellent order that labor was a source of pleasure as well as profit. The results, without including any reference to the many years of public service rendered in the township and county, are a good illustration of what may be achieved by patience and perseverance. Swan Nelson (b. Sept. 30, 1843) is a native of Sandby of Kristianstads I'an Sweden. Leaving the "home where his cra(^le had been rocked and the country where his forefathers had been dedicated back to dust," on the 4th day of May, 1869, at the age of 26 years, he arrived in Bellville town- ship on June 5th following, and be- gan to occupy as a homestead the Si SEi Sec. 34,-80 acres— for which the entry was made Nov. 6, 1869, and the patent issued February 15, 1876. He did not cross "the pond" alone, but in company with a few friends, two of whom became his neighbors in Cal- houn county for several years, and an- other was the lady to whom he was engaged to be married, who heartily seconded his proposal to found a home in this "great west land of which he had heard so much. " Some of their experiences in gain- ing an introduction to the fertile prairies of Pocahontas county were characteristic of the lot of many of the early pioneers that preceded the construction of the railroad. After a long and tiresome journey, arriving at Moline, 111., where a sister and broth- er-in-law (Peterson) lived, they found 348 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. they had left a month previous to se- cure a homestead in Northwest Iowa. They felt they must follow, and passed to Dubuque on a steamboat. Hitherto on their journey, by the aid of interpreters, they had experienced no trouble in making known their wants in the Swede language, but now they were left to their own resources. After considerable trouble with the agent they' finally succeeded ih get- ting tickets for Iowa Falls, the west- ern terminus of the train service of the Illinois Central at that time, and arrived there toward evening. When they stepped from that train they did not know how or when they could con- tinue their journey, but seeing that the track was laid as far as they could see toward the setting sun, they de- cided to'remain at the depot and get aboard the first train going westward. At nine o'clock, however, they were given to understand they could not re- main longer in the depot, and in order that a train might not leave without their knowledge, they selected as a resting place for that night, a pleas- ant evening in June, the shelter af- forded by an oak tree that stood near the station. The next morning they boarded a train facing westward and when Mr. Nelson handed the con- ductor $7.50 for their fares they had only one dime left to complete their journey. At Fort Dodge they were comforted by meeting a former ac- quaintance who knew also their friend, Mr. Peterson, and his location in Calhoun county. The next morning, accompanied by this friend and hav- ing a loaf of bread for lunch, they set out on foot for Peterson's home. The wind was blowing from the west bring- ing an occasional shower, and they found this, the longest and most wearisome walk they had ever under, taken, When they arrived at Yates- vill§ in the afternoon the young lady was completely exhausted and re. malned with a family by the name of Hay, while the men completed the journey to Peterson's sod house five miles further west. The next day, Peterson, with a wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, returned with the men to Fort Dodge for their trunks and Mr. Nelson signified his intention to become a citizen of the United States. He found immediate employment in the construction of the new railroad, but inasmuch as it rained about four days in the week, the income was not very large. In the month of August, having se- lected their homestead, they con- cluded to get married. As there was no minister or justice of the peace in that vicinity, Mr. Peterson took the couple to Fort Dodge in the lumber wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen. A license was procured and the clerk sending them to a little house in which the judge lived, the latter "caused them to join hands and. then, putting a very solemn look on his face, said something which the young people did not understand but which they believed was good and effective, since it held them together as man and wife ever since. " The wagon was then loaded with some lumber, eight sacks of flour and some groceries, and everything went smoothly on their return until they arrived near the place where Barnum is now located, and there although Peterson was on one side of the wag- on and Nelson on the other driving the oxen, they stuck fast in the mid- dle of a large slough. The latter car- ried his bride to the farther shore and then assisted Peterson to carry over the flour and lumber. After a long struggle they succeeded in bringing out the oxen and wagon. When they came to the next bad slough they were unwilling to risk an effort to pull through it, so they carried again most of the Joad over it, the groom carrying bis bride a second time. When they reachecl home it was long fiELLVILLE township: 349 after the hour of midnight, and both were well satisfied that this was a rather hard country through which to malce a wedding tour. The next spring they built a little sod house on the homestead and moved into it May 2, 1870. Mr. Nelson became a citizen o* the United States in the fall of 1874, and on January 1, 1877, as assessor, he be- gan an efficient official career in Bell- ville township that was continuous from that date until the time of his retirement from the farm in 1899— a period of twenty-two years. He was a member of the school board many years, was president of it three years, 1880 '89 and '93, and treasurer of the school fund nine years, 1883-85 and 1894-99. He was a justice of the peace sixteen years, 1883-98, and a member of the board of County Supervisors six years, 1885-1890. In all his official acts he has mani- fested an integrity of purpose that has won for him the confidence and esteem Of his fellow citizens, and the orderly arrangement of everything at his home found its expression in an honest effort to proceed according to law in the administration of every public trust committed to him. He never sold any grain, but fed it to cattle and hogs, and much of his sue cess as a farmer is to be attributed to a careful observance of this funda- mental principle of agricultural pros- perity. After a few years of hard labor and successful achievement he has retired from the farm with well earned laurels to spend the rest of his days in comfort and luxury. On August 22, 1869, he married Celia Nelson, (b. Sept. 6, 1835) a native of Sweden, and their family has consist- ed of three sons and one daughter— Nellus Moonat (b. May 4, 1870), August Leonard (b. Oct. 8, 1871), Mollie, So- phia and Axel Emil, who on Jan. 4, 1899 married Selma Christina Petrie, now occupies the old home on the farm and has one son born December 28, 1899. Mr. Nelson has been a loyal republi- can, a practical prohibitionist and a faithful member of the Swede church in Manson. Betsey Nelson, a native of Sweden, came to this country in 1871, and homesteaded the SEi SWi Sec. 34, She built a sod house and lived on her homestead until she received the pat- ent for it and then sold it to Elias Swanson, a brother-in-law. She is a sister of Swan Nelson and her first husband died in Sweden. She is now the wife of Peter Peterson, of Cal- houn county, and they live in Manson. Mr. and Mrs. James Nelson, of Den- mark, came to this country in 1877 and bought the farm of Ered Weigert, on Sec. 4, Bellville township. Their family consisted of one son, Kasmus, and two daughters, Maggie and Car- rie. Easmus in 1889, married Mary Hanson, and they now own and occu- py his father's farm. Maggie became the wife of John P. Peterson and Car- rie the wife of Charles Kelso, a car- penter, and they reside at Palmer. Nils Anderson, a native of Sweden, (b. 1836) on Sept. 5, 1869, entered a homestead of 80 acres on the Si Sec. 18 and secured the patent for it June 15, 1875. In 1869 he built a small frame house and occupied it alone that year. In 1870 his wife arrived with their family of five children^ Turina, Christina, August, Euphemia and Emma, the last then four years of age. In 1876 his wife, Kizer Olsen, died, and two years later he married Emma Olsen, (no relative of Kizer) of Sioux City. They continued to occu- py the old homestead till the spring of 1896, when they moved to Pomeroy. Turina Henricks, the eldest, (b. March 3Q, 1850, d. May 2, 1899) was a step- daughter of Mr. Anderson, and in 1875 became the wife of Erank Peter- son, of Colfax township; Christina in 1872, married John A. Johnson, of 35b iPlOlirBER filSTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNT^, IOWa. Colfax; August Anderson (single) Is mining gold in Colorado; Euphemia in 1895, married Nils Walleen and they reside in the state of Washing- ton; Emma in 1887, married Wm. Johnson, and they reside in Colorado; Betka, a native of Pocahontas county, is still residing with her parents. Nils Anderson was a good farmer and for many years has been an active member and liberal supporter of the Swedish Mission church of Colfax township. Peter Anderson, (b. Oct. 17, 1856) the pioneer owner and occupant of the SEi Sec. 7, is a native of Sweden and a son of Frank B. Anderson, of Grant township. He came to Poca- hontas county in 1880 and lived three years with his father. In 1888 he married Christine Youngren, also a native of Sweden, (b. Oct 4, 1862) and since that date they have lived on their present farm. Their family consists of seven children— Ida, Oscar, Elmer, Frederick, John, Nellie and May. Mr. Anderson was township clerk in 1896, and president of the school board three years, 1891-92 and 1897. Heilert W. Behrens (b. Nov. 1827) is a native of Germany, where, in the spring of 1852, he married Marie Hed- den (b. 1827) and in May, 1870, they and their two sons, Frederic and Hen- ry, arrived in Pocahontas county. After a residence of three months in Lizard, they bought and began to im- prove the NWt Sec. 32, 160 acres, Bellville township. A few years later additional purchases were made until they owned 500 acres. Subsequently he sold 400 acres constituting the home farm, to his second son, Henry B., and made investments in real es- tate in Potneroy. His wife died in August, 1892, and is buried at Pom- eroy. In 1893 he married Mrs. Jose- phine Dibberi, but secured a divorce in January, 1897. He served two years as a justice of the peace and seven years as a trustee of Bellville township. He has returned to Ger- many twice during his residence in this country and now resides on the farm with his son. He has been an ardent democrat and an active mem- ber ef the German Evangelical church of Pomeroy. His family consists of two daughters who died young in Ger- many, and two sons. (1) Frederic W. Behrens (b. 1866) in 1888 married Eliza Neetting and they located first at London, Iowa, where in partnership with his broth- er-in-law, they owned and operated a creamery for several years. After short residences in Ft. Wayne, Mich- igan and Ohio, they are now owning and operating a creamery in Missouri, and have a family of four children- Emma, Anna, Lily and Frederic. Two others died young. (2) Henry B. Behrens, (b. 1868) the present owner of his father's farm, in 1888 married Annie Albright, and they erected a fine barn 56x70 feet, and a large addition to the old home, which is protected by a beautiful grove. Their family (one child died young) consists of four children- Minnie, Marie, Elizabeth and William. Mr. Behrens is a very highly re spected citizen and has served as trus- tee of Bellville township ten years. During the past sixteen years he has served as organist for the German Evangelical church of Pomeroy. Dur- ing the first three years of this period he missed only three Sabbaths, and as a grateful recognition of this unusual fidelity received in 1886 a gold watch. He ha,s also served several years as collector of the church funds. Maurice Clancy, of Canada, visiting this county in 1874, bought 240 acres of land on Sec. 29, Bellville township. In 1875 he and his wife (Catherine Crowley) and their two sons, John and Patrick Clancy (and wife) came to this county, settled on this land and began the work of its improvement. Sellville TOWNSSIP. 351 Maurice and liis wife were both na- tives of Ireland. He died in 1889 at the age of 75 years and his wife in 1891 at the age of 70 years; and both were buried in the Catholic cemetery at Pomeroy. Their family consisted of four sons and two daughters, two of whom settled in Canada. Michael was drowned in Lake Winnepeg, at the agje of 26 years, while engaged as a surveyor in Dakota. John bought a portion of his father's farm in Bell- ville township, occupied it two years and then going further west, sold it to his brother Patrick, three years later. Patrick Clancy (b. 1845) is now the owner and occupant of his father's (Maurice) farm in Bellville township. He has increased its size to 360 acres and provided it with fine improve- ments. He Is a native of Canada and married there in 1872 Elizabeth Mc- Alpin, a sister of Mrs. John O'Brien. He is a sturdy, hard working man, a successful farmer and a highly es- teemed citizen. He was treasurer of the township school fund five years, 1889-93. His family consists of flva children— Michael, Catherine (a teach- er) Mary, John, Bridget A. and Thom- as Michael. Patrick Enrlght (b. 1833, Ireland) came to America in 1857 with a couple of his brothers and, locating with them in Canada, married there Cecilia Elynn, in 1861. In 1869 they came to Pocahontas county and located on a homestead of 80 acres in Bellville township, Wi SEi Sec. 12, which they improved and increased by purchase to 160 acres. His wife died in 1 876 and his death occurred Oct. 28, 1898, after a residence of 29 years on the old homestead. He was a good farmer and both he and his wife are grate fully remembered as good citizens and good neighbors. Both are buried in the Lizard Catholic cemetery. Their family consisted of five children. (1) Thomas Enrlght, the eldest. (b. July 3, 1863, Canada) is the pres- ent owner and occupant of the old homestead. On April 12, 1893, he married Mary E. , (native of Canada) eldest daughter of Patrick Quinn, and they have a family of two children, Thomas Joseph and Rose Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Enrlght have rendered long and efficient service as public school teachers, and their portraits may be seen in the group for Lizard township and vicinity. (2) John Enrlght, (b. 1865, Can.) on Sept. 23, 1896, married Margaret Mas- terson, (b. Dec. 26, 1872, 111.) and they located first on a farm of their own in Lizard township, but in 1898 moved to Clinton township, where she died Dec. 29, 1899, leaving an infant son. (3) James Enrlght (b. 1867,) is trav- eling in the west. (4) Mary A., in 1891 married John F. Quinn, and they reside on a farm in Bellville. (5) Cecilia in 1892 married Patrick A. Quinn, and they reside at Pomeroy. John G. Lampe (b. 1806 ?) is a na- tive of Germany, and coming to this country in his youth, located first near Galena, 111., where he married Cathe- rine Nundar. After a few years they moved to Potosi, Wis., where they re- mained until the fall of 1868, when thiey came to Pocahontas county with a family of four children— Henry, George, Mary and Frank — and located on a farm in Lizard township. Soon afterward he and his two sons, Henry and George, and also his son-in-law, E. K. Cain, located each a homestead on sections 4 and 6, Bellville township, for which theii; claims were filed June 12, 1869. When they began to break the prairie sod on these homesteads the only other residents of the town- ship were Wm. Bell, Niels Hanson an^ Philip Myers. The sod house on the homestead was their humble hab- itation during the year 1869. The next year Mr. Lampe and his son-in- law, E. K. Cain, built a frame shanty 352 PIONEER HISTORY 01^ POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWi-. on the line between their adjoining claims and both families occupied it. At the time this building was de- stroyed by the tornado of April 21, 1878, it was owned by Aultman & Tay- lor Co. and was vacant. Mrs. Lampe died in April, 1873, at the age of 74 years, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Poraeroy. Mr. Lampe is still living with his son, Henry Lampe. He is the oldest inhabitant in the township and, according to the date usually assigned for his birth, 1806, he is probably the oldest inhabitant in the county. His three sons, Henry, George, and Frank, have fine farms ad- joining each other, improved with large and beautiful buildings and they are rated among the most prosperous farmers of the township. (1) Henry B. Lampe {b. Sept. 14, 1845,) on Nov. 12, 1872, married Joanna Kreul, and they are residing on the homestead he selected in 1868. His farm contains 240 acres and is finely improved. Their family consisted of thirteen children, four of whom died young. John Lampe, his son, May 6, 1896, married Christina Nlehous, and they live in Lincoln township; Mary, on May 18, 1897, married John Schwa- dy and they also live in Lincoln town- ship; William, Kate, Gertrude, George, Maggie, Minnie and Edward are at home. (2) George Lampe is also occupy- ing the homestead on section 4, that he selected in the fall of 1868, but it has been enlarged to 200 acres. His family consists of six children— Anna, Mary, Kate, Lizzie, Henry and Rose, one having died in "childhood. (3) Mary Lampe in 1§69, while they lived in Lizard township, married Elisha K. Cain. They located first on the homestead in Bellville, and in the cabin of Mr. Lampe, that same year, he taught the first school in the town- Ship. Their family consisted of thir- teen children and they now reside in Minnesota. (4) Frank Lampe married Kate Condon and they are located on the NEi of section 9, Bellville township. They were the first to occupy and im- prove this land and are now in very prosperous circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Lungren, (b. 1853) owners and occupants of a farm of 240 acres on Sec. 2, are natives of Sweden. During the second year after their marriage they came to this country and secured as a home- stead the Ni NWi Sec. 2—80 acres— Bellville township, which they have finely improved and increased by two additional tracts of 80 acres each. They are now in good circumstances and have raised a family of eight chil- dren. Hildah, the eldest, in 1896 mar- ried Alfred Olson, and they reside in Grant township. Ellen, the third daughter, married Charles Olson and they also reside in Grant township, where they own a farm of eighty acres. Clara, Jennie, Martin, John, Albert and Mollie are still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lungren are members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Colfax township. John O'Brien, (b. March 31, 1849,) owner and occupant of the S-i Sec. 17, (90-32),' 360 acres, is a native of Can- ada, and married there Bridget Mc- Auliff, (b. 1854) on Eeb'y 3, 1879. One month later they located on their present farm and began the work , of its improvement. He is a man of large stature and the possessor of great muscular strength, which he has always endeavored to use for some good purpose. He is a man of noble principles, pacific in spirit, a consist- ent member of the Catholic church and highly respected by all who know him. He has raised a family of ten children, all of whom are at home, namely, William, Mary, Jane, Rich- ard, John, Margareta, Thlma, Thom- as Michael, Anna Winnifred, Eliza- beth Catherine, Alice, Martin Edward and George Emmet. BELLVILLE f OWNSHIP; 353 Patrick Quinn (b. March 25, 1825,) Is a native of Ireland, and when quite young came with his parents to the province of Ontario, Canada. Sere he grew to manhood and on April 15, 1856, married Bridget Guilteman (b. 1834), also a native of Ireland, After marriage they engaged in farming in that timber district until the year 1872, when, with a family'of ten chil- dren—Andrew, Thomas, Bridget, Pat- rick, John, James, Martin, Michael and Maggie, they came t» this coun- ty and bought the homestead of Philip Myers, on W* NWi Sec. 28, Bellville township. On their airival they found a little shanty 12x14 feet. The first work of improvement was its enlargement so as to meet the wants of his rapidly growing family. Four acres of forest trees and one of fruit trees were planted that very soon developed into a shady grove and a fruit-bearing orchard; but the long continued drought of 1894-95 caused the loss of some varieties of trees and injured others. As a farmer Mr. Quinn has been eminently successful. He has made six additional purchases of land on the adjoining sections as the years have passed, so that he is now the possessor of 720 acres. The fine improvements erected at the old home consist of a large, two-story dwelling house built in 1884, a cow barn 52x82 feet, a large horse barn and another one for sheep, a large pig house and another one for poultry, a machinery hall, three granaries and two double corn cribs. He aims to se- cure a thorough cultivation . of the soil, the application of all available manures and a proper rotation of crops. He has been a large >and suc- cessful feeder of cattle, hogs and Sheep. He has been accustomed to change the strain of his stock nearly every year, often paying high prices for what he wants, and has a decided preference for the Shorthorns, Poland- Chinas and Cotswolds. During the twenty-seven yeat's of his residence in this section he has never seen q, fail- ure of crops on the farm. A family of fourteen children has grown up around him and, taking a laudable interest in extending to them the opportunities for receiving a good education, he has had the unusual pleasure of seeing as many as seven of them, as they became old enough, en- gage in teaching public school. The family consists of eleven sons and three daughters. (1) Andrew Gr. Quinn in Nov., 1888, married Eva Howe, of Illinois, and they own and occupy a farm of 240 acres in Colfax township. They have a family of five children — Mary B., Edward, Francis, George and Gene- vieve Ann. He was township clerk and secretary of the school board of Bellville township in 1887. (2) Mary E., married April 12, 1893, Thomas Enright. She taught school thirteen years previous to her marriage. They live on Sec. 12, and have two children, Thomas and Eose. (3) Thomas B. Quinn JTov. 27, 1896, married Gene- vieve Whaley and they reside in Tex- as. (4) Bridget C. is at home. (5) ■ Patrick A. Quinn Dec. 6, 1892, mar- ried Cecilia Enright and they own a farm of 160 acres in Bellville town- ship. They reside at Pomeroy, where he is engaged as a teacher and carpen- ter. Their only child died young. (6) John F. Quinn in Feb'y, 1891, married Mary Enright. They own and occupy a farm of 160 acres in Bell- ville township, which they have im- proved with good buildings and a fine grove. They have three children- Mary E., George J. and Cecilia F. (7) James D. Quinn Nov, 24, 1896, mar- ried Mary Campbell. They own a farni of 160 acres in Sherman town- ship which they were the first to oc- cujfy and improve. (8) Martin B. Quinn completed the business course in Highland Park college in 1892 and is now in a railroad office in Arkansia,St 354 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCASONTAS bOUlJT^, toWA. Michael, Maggie A., Joseph, Paul, Ed- ward and Walter (twins) are at home when not pursuing their Studies or engaged in teaching. Patrick Quinn was president of the school board in 1879, justice of the peace two years, 1885-86, and a trustee of the township fifteen years, 1879-93. Andrew Reedland, a native of Swed- en, in 1873 with wife and three child- ren came to Bellville township and homesteaded the SiSEi Sec. 32. He improved and occupied this honie un- til about 1889 when he moved ' to Col- fax township and a few years later to Kansas. John O. Schon, who on September 23, 1886 was killed by Otto Otten, came to this township about 1876 and located on section 23. He and his wife came from Illinois empty handed but in ten years through careful and economical management he was the owner of 200 acres of land on which he erected a good residence. He was one of the original members and sup- porters of the Emmanuel German church of Bellville township.. His brother' M. B. Schon is the owner and occupant of the Ni of section 19. His murder was effected by shooting through a window while, seated at the supper table and it was wholly un- provoked. Otten was a young Ger- man, a neighbor and intimate friend of the family. When arrested, he confessed his guilt and received a sentence of imprisonment for life in the penitentiary at Anamosa. Joseph Strong in January 1871 se- cured the homestead claim forfeited by Isaac Tappee on section 34. He was a young man, a brother of Mrs. John Christmas with whom he made his home. After a few years he sold his homestead to Swan Nelson and went to Colorado. Frederick Weigert, a native of Ger- many, in the fall of 1870, accompanied by his wife, Mary, and two children, Herman and Augusta, secured a homestead on section 4 which he im- proved. After seven years he sold it to James, the father of Erasmus Nel- son its present owner, and bought the farm of A. Cady on section 24 which he still owns. Later he increased the size of this farm and finely improved it. In the spring of 1897 he and his wife, aged 73 and 65 years respectively, moved to Manson where they now re- side. Their family consisted of two sons and one daughter. Herman, the eldest, in 1888 married Louisa Wei- gert (no relative) and bought the SWl Sec. 16, Lake township which he has imprflved and still occupies. Augusta in 1884 became the wife of GeoTge, a son of Peter Peterson and they reside on section 10, Bellville township, where they have a large farm. Frede rick Jr., in 1897 married Maria Kelso and they occupy his father's farm in Bellville township. Peter Wendell (b. April 7, 1842) is the son of Peter and Caroline Wendell both of whom died at Cincinnati, Ohio, six months after his birth, from the terrible scourge of cholera that visited that and many other cities of this land at that time. An elder brother is still living in Ohio. In his childhood and youth he was cared for by his Uncle John Eice, and at the age of ten came with him to Iowa. At Guttenberg, August 2, 1862, at the- age of eighteen years, he enlisted for three years as a member of Co. D. 27th Regiment Iowa Infantry. This com- pany was first sent to guard Fort Snelling against the Indians in Min- nesota and remained one year in the frontier service under Gen. A. J. Smith. Then, becoming a part of the 16th Army Corps under Gen. Sherman, he passed through the states of Ar- kansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama; and participated in eighteen battles including those at Pleasant Hill, Little Eock, Tupelo, Old Town Creek, Nashville and Holly Springs. At Town Creek he was severely BEiLLf iLLE TOWI^SHIP. 355 bounded, the ball passing through the left lung and fracturing five ribs. His comrades drew a silk handker- chief through the wound and he sur- vived. He received' an honorable discharge at Memphis, Tenn. May 25, 1865. On Nov. 25, 1865 he married Ame- lia Munch, widow of ChristofE See- mans, who died soon after his return from the war. They first located at Guttenberg, Iowa, where he found employment as a butcher. After six months they moved to Cassville, Wis., three years later to Dyersville, Iowa, and In the spring of 1871 to the home- stead on section 22, Belleville town- ship, on which they still reside. It in- cluded 120 acres which was all on that section that was not listed as swamp land, and it had previously been en- tered by Fred B, Olson and Thomas Faherty. He is now the owner of 200 acres and the fine improvements erected thereon have called forth the admiration of many observers. He takes a commendable pride in the neatness and order of his farm and all Its appurtenances. His house looks home-like, and his barns, ' sheds and stables are conveniently arranged for the care of a large number of cattle and horses. An unfailing sup- ply of water is furnished by a deep well and windmill. The water, after passing through the niilk tank, finds its way Into the stock yards where the cattle and hogs, even in the pastures, may quench their thirst at any hour of the day. Long racks for hay en- circle the yards so that all the cattle can be supplied with food on the arrival of the first storm. All the buildings are encircled with a dense grove, that breaks the" fierceness of the winter's storm and provides a cool retreat from the summer's heat. The buildings are located on a plat of ground that is elevate(J consideral?ly above the surrounding country so that they can be easily seen at a distance of four or six miles. The Shorthorn is his favorite and he aims to keep enough of them to eat all the grain raised on the farm. He served as township clerk in 1874 and later as a justice of the peace. The family of Mr. Wendell consisted of seven children, one of whom, Ed- ward died at the age of 19 in April 1888. William in 1887 married Folena Schon and resides at Fonda, where during the ten years previous to March 1, 1900, in partnership with his brother George, he was pro- prietor of a meat market. He has a family of five children, Harrison, Clarence, Gilroy, Pearl and Adelia. George, in 1896, married Lizzie GrifBn, resides at Fonda and has one child. Albert married Anna Wepdell and lives at Marietta, Ohio. Lillie married Charles Kennedy and he is proprietor of a barber shop at Gilmore City. Ida has achieved a high degree of merit as a teacher in the public schools of the county. Emma, in 1898, married Benjamin Kidd and they live on a farm in Lake township. More of the early settlers of this arid the adjoining township of Colfax came from Sweden than from any other country, although Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Bohemia were also represented. That the Swedes naturally become attached to the "old homestead" and flourish finely when transplanted, with their own approval, in this soil and climate is apparent to any one who makes a tour of these townships and sees their cul- tivated fields, improved farms, beau- tiful homes and well furnished church- es. They did not disdain the humble and uncertain comforts of the sod house, when these were the best this secjtion afforded, and when it became possible to enjoy more of the comforts of life they have adapted themselves to the new order of things by enlarg- ing and beautifying their homes and §56 MOKEER SiSTORl^ OF JPOGAHONTAg OOtJNl'Y, 10 WA. adding nlany additional acres to the old homestead. COtTNTT OFFICERS. Williaiii Brownlee, of Bellville, was county treasurer during the two years, 1884^85. The township has been rep- resented on the board of county su- pervisors by Wm. Brownlee, eight years, 1876-1883; and by Swan Nelson six years, 1885-1890. PALMEE. In August, 1899, the Bock Island railway company having completed the survey of their line through this county, bought of Niels Hanson twen- ty-five acres on the northeast corner of section 10, for a town site, seven miles north and three west of Man- son. This place was called Hanson, in honor of Mr. Hanson, who as a pio- neer owner and occupant, had im- proved and cultivated it for so many years, but about the first of December following, owing to the similarity of that name to Manson, it was changed to Palmer. . The site of the town was surveyed and platted by Fred A. Mal- colm, of Eolfe. The postofiBce was opened at the hotel with Miss Minnie Hanson as postmistress, on January 3, 1900. At that date a number of build- ings had been erected and several firms were doing business. Dr. J. T. Kessing and wife, the latter a phar- macist, opened a drug store as the first place of business. The second was the lumber office of the Wheeler Lumber Co., under the local manage- ment of Martin A. Hanson. The first building erected was the bank and real estate building of Morris W. Fitz. A little later the hqtel of Lar- son & Co. was completed, also the hardware store of Olsen Bros. & Co., and the blacksmith shop of Joseph Abrahamsen. At this time most of the grading in this county had been completed, but the laying of the track had hot commenced. TUE BLANDBN STOCK FAKM. The largest farm in this coUnty and probably the largest in North-, west Iowa, is located in the southeast corner of Bellville township and known as the Blanden Farm. In 18'76 Gen. Leander Blanden,of Fort Dodge, purchased section 25 from Henry Steckelburg, and other lands froni others (unimproved) as follows: The SEi Sec. 23, SWiSec. 24, the SEi and Ni of Sec. 26 and all of Sec. 35. Soon, afterward he bought section 38 in Bellville, and section 31 adjoining it in Lizard township, making a farm of 3,460 acres of choice land located prin- cipally on five adjoining sections. The buildings are conveniently lo- cated on the SEi Sec. 25 and consist of a large high barn 56x200 feet, built upon a wall 8 feet high, a horse barn 35x56 feet, cribs that hold 70,000 bush- els of corn, 1200 feet of cattle-sheds ar- ranged in the form of an enclosure, an elevated tank that holds 1,150 bar- rels of water and supplies the various feed yards with a good supply of pure water, a steam feed mill that grinds 1,000 bushels of ear corn a day, a 16,000 bu. elevator and several other buiM7 Ings. The supply of water is from an artesian well sunk in 1880, to a depth of 1,285 feet, and its quantity Is suflB- cient for a city of 10,000 inhabitants. The complete system of waterworks connected with it includes more than a mile of underground pipes. The feed yards and other arrangements for the care of stock are all on a very large scale. South of the barn are four large yards separated from each other by feed racks, 580 feet long con- structed with heavy cedar posts and plank well framed together. This rack, which is ten feet wide, has a tight bottom two and one-half feet above the ground, that provides under- neath it healthful quarters for 1500 hogs. On the south side it is open its entire length, but on the north it is sheltered with planking to the ground. Hay and grain are fed from this rack with ease and economy. The horse barn is used only for stabling the work horses and mules that are in • use on the farm. The base- iment of the large barn is divided by alleys with stalls on each side, so that in hauling from it the team is driven from side to side through double doors. When the barn was completed and for many years afterward these stalls were.fllled with 300 head of the finest thoroughbred and high grade Short- horn cattle in this country, their I weight ranging from 100 to 2,700 pounds and their value from $50 to $1000 each. Over this basement the barn is floored with plank throughout and has room for storing 600 tons of hay. The arrangements for storing the hay are novel and labor-saving. The hoisting apparatus is so arranged that a load of hay may be laid in any part pf the mow from a wagon stand- ing at either end of the barn, and in hauling grain or hay into it, where the floor is not used for storage, no dilHcuty is experienced in turning the team and wagon even with the hayrack. When the barn is full thehay is dropped to the basement through long wooden tubes that ex- tend nearly to the top of the barn. The work of hauling hay for the large number of cattle sheltered in this barn is no small chore, yet these are but a portion of the stock on the farm. In 1899 there were 800 head of fat cattle and 500 head of stock hogs (Poland-China) on the farm over win- ter. During the year 1880 as many as 60 thoroughbred bulls were sold to the farmers in that vicinity, a fact that tells of the excellent character of the stock and the public service rendered the farmers in this new section of country by the establishment in it of so fine a herd. One of the many fine animals on this farm was the 2d Duke of Moscow, bred in Kentucky, five years old in ISTQ and weighed 2700 pounds, This animal won many pre- mlums at state and county fairs and had been taught to pose like a statue, for hours at a time When on exhibir tion, the only movement made being an occasional wiuk of the eye. In 1881 there was one cow on the farm that was 17 years old. In the Ameri- can Herd Book she was listed as Dover Second, and she furnished $17,000 worth of blooded stock-f or the market. During recent years the tendency has been to raise fat rather than fancy stock. The first dwelling house erected, burned in the spring of 1881, and the present building, a two-story frame 30x40 feet, was built that year on the old site, a beautiful situation upon a commanding elevation. This is the home of the superintendent, and the southwest room on the first floor is used as his oflBce. The first superin- tendent of this farm was H. G. Tyler, who in 1881, when the people's party was organized in this county, became its first candidate for the oflBce of county treasurer and received 369 of the 826 votes cast for that ofBce. Ifa 1887 he was succeeded by Wm. A. Berry, the present superintendent, who is a step-son of Gen. Blanden. As a home for the large force of teamsters, millers and other work- men on this large farm, another build- ing has been provided, called the "barracks, " that has a general sitting and reading room for them on the first floor and lodging rooms on the second. Newspapers and writing ma- terial are liberally provided and the occupants pass the long winter even- ings here with pleasure and profit. The rules of the place, though not harsh, are imperative and are observed with clock-like regularity. In the early day s ten thousand acres of wild pralrJe grass were available for pas- turage at a mere trifle, and the cost of making bay^ was only sixty cepts a ton. The rule in regard to pasturage read as follows; "To each two hun- dred head of cattle put one pony and 358 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. a boy. When turned out in the spring the lot should be properly branded, boy, pony and all. It is well to salt the whole outfit three times each week." The home on this farm, with its numerous buildings and busy scenes of activity, has the air of a small town, especially at those seasons of the year when grain and hay are har ■ vested or stock is marketed. The stock on this farm annually consumes about 1,500 tons of hay and 75,000 bushels of grain. In addition to those on the farm many teams of the neigh- boring farmers are seen here weighing and unloading corn and oats, attract- ed thither by the liberal prices oflered for the delivery of the grain. The ar- tesian well which was sunk 200 feet through solid rock, cost $5,000, and the other improvements on the farm $15,000. On completion of the 0. R. I. & P. E. R. a private switch and stock yards was provided for the use of the farm. Gen. Blanden volunteered under Lincoln's call in 1862, remained in active service until the war closed and was promoted in regular order until given command of his regiment, the 95th Illinois. In Dec. 1864 he was given command of the 2d Brigade, 3d Division of the Army of the Ten- nessee, and remained its commanding officer from that date through its long campaign after Hood, until its dis- bandment. He was mustered out with his regiment in Aug. 1865 when "the war was ov^er" Brevet Brigadier General. After the war he engaged in banking at Fort Dodge, where he still re- sides. His farm is about three miles north of Manson and the enterprise manifested by him in raising fine and fat stock has been a general benefit to the farmers of this section, by inspir- ing an ambition to raise the best grades of cattle, hogs and horses, and by furnishing on a large scale, a mod- el of the conveniences needed for their successful management. "Gen. Blanden is neither a tinker, a tailor Nor a boy who wabbles at the plow; But a banker, a real granger, And a tiptop judge of a cow." SIGNS OF PKOGEBSS. Although the history of this town- ship does not begin so early as some of the others, it covers the period of pro- gress in harvesting machines. In 1869 the hay in this township was cut with a scythe, and in 1870 and 1871 the crops of wheat and small grain were cut with cradles, with the exception that in the latter year the crop of Wm. Brownlee was cut with with a Mc- Cormick hand raking machine. In 1872 Peter Peterson of Calhoun county cut consid'erable hay for the farmers in the south part of the township with a mower and their small grain with a Buckeye dropper. In 1894 the per- fected thresher with feeder, blower and weighing apparatus was intro- duced. TORNADO or APEIL 21, 1878. On the evening of Easter Sabbath, April 21, 1878, a storm of unprecedent- ed violence, coming up the Maple Riv- er valley to the vicinity of Storm Lake, where two persons were killed, and then changing its course southeast to a point in Calhoun county five miles south of Fonda, passed thence north- east across Williams township, the southeast corner of Colfax and sections 18, 8 and 4 of Bellville. Its destruct- ive path was about eighty rods wide in the last named townships. In Williams township the new house of John Duhin was completely de- stroyed audits six inmates, which in- bluded John Murphy, a neighbor, were seriously injured. The house of L. Willard and outbuildings of several others in the vicinity were also de- stroyed. In Colfax township it destroyed all the buildings on the farm of Gad C. BELLVILLE TOWNSHIP. 359 Lowrey, on Sec. 26. The house was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Trenary and Charles F. Pearce, their farm hand. Mr. Trenary was injured about the head, his wife was carried about ten rods without injury, but Pearce was killed. He was the son of Henry Pearce and was in his 21st year. At the farm of George Wallace, on Sec. 13, all the buildings were de- stroyed. The house was lifted, over- turned and. reduced to fragments. When the storm struck it the last rec- ollection of. Mrs. Wallace was, that she was trying to keep the hot cook stove from injuring her daughter Eva. When she recovered consciousness she and her two daughters were lying in the public road and Eva's face was badly burned. Her own injuries crip- pled her for life. In Bellville township, the house of Samuel H. Gill, on Sec. 18, was on the east or opposite side of the road from that of George Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Gill and their two children were at home. After the heavy fall of rain and hail, Mr. Gill standing on the porch and looking southwest saw a whirl descend from a cloud and others from its edges join it until, like a long black tail to the cloud above, it ex- tended to the ground beneath. In the distance at first it did not seem larger than a man's hand, but as it drew nearier it rapidly grew larger. He saw it pass over Lowrey 's farm two miles distant, but as he had nev- er heard of a tornado in this section he did not think of seeking any other shelter than that afforded by his home. As he entered it his wife saw the roof lifted from one of the out buildings, the next instant the win- dows on the east side of the house were forced in by the awful pressure of the air, the roof was lifted and the west side of the kitchen addition fall- ing on Mr. Gill rendered him pros- trate but not unconscious. The build- ing was then lifted and overturned in a northwesterly direction. Mrs. Gill, who had grasped a hand of each of her two little girls, aged four and five years respectively, maintained her hold of them, and while one of them was slightly she was so seriously in- jured that she died four days later. The whirlwind, when it struck these places, was carrying- a great mass of mud and water that covered every- thing and gave, to the injured victims, whose blood was oozing from their wounds, a very pitiable and heart- sickening aspect. The buildings of A. O. Long, on Sec. 8, two miles distant, were destroyed and three horses were killed; fortu- nately none of the family were at home. A vacant house on the farm of John Lampe, on Sec. 4, was also de- stroyed. Pieces of siding from Gill's house were carried twelve miles north- east. This was the first storm of this kind experienced by the early settlers of Northwest Iowa. On October 15th, following, another heavy rain accompanied with a severe wind storm, visited this section. In Sac county several buildings were de- stroyed that had been rebuilt after the storm of April 21st. The Jack- son schoolhouse in Williams town- ship was completely demolished and its fragments strewn over the prairie. The cane-mill of J. F. Jackson was carried some distancJ and badly wrecked. After this event every ominous black cloud was watched with dread and distrust. 360 PIONEER HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA, XIII. eEDT^R TOWNSHIP. The rose may bloom lor England, The lily for France unfold; Ireland mav honor the shamrock, Scotland," her thistle bold: But the shield of this great Eepublic, The glory of the West Shall bear a stalk of the tasseled corn. Of all our wealth the best. —Edna D. Pboctob, !HE early settlement of Cedar township and Fonda was co- incident with the construction of the first railroad in the county and has already been noted for the years 1868 to 1870.* On August 11, 1869, J. S. Howell and othersresidingin the southwest part of the county, presented a petition to the board of county supervisors, rep- resenting that there were 150 inhab- itants in townships 90, ranges 33 ahd 34, (now Colfax and Cedar) and the Si of townships 91, rauges 33 and 34, (now Grant and Dover) that they lived a longdistance from any voting place and asking that a civil township em- bracing this territory be established, This petition was met by a remon- Btranoe signed by John Dunlcerly and others, who affirmed that' there were very few legal voters in the southwest ; part of the county and the organiza- tion of a new township was inadvisa- ble. At the time set for the consid- eration of these petitions no one ap- peared and no action was taken. On June 6, 1870, in response to a pe-, tition signed by John A. Hay and oth- : ers for the organization of a new township comprising the territory in T. 90, E. 34, Cedar township, was es- tablished (including T. 90, E. 33, and 34) and arrangements were made for the first election to be held in Marvin^ (now called Fonda) on Oct. 11, 1870,, by the appointment of H. E. Skinner, E, C, Stewart and B. F. Osburn, judg- es, and Capt. Joseph Mallison and A . W, Creed, clerks. At the time of the election the oath was administered to these eleption officers by A, H, Van •8oepp.«'18-252. to d X o z I (A Q z < ;-% 1 a (2 E CO Q 1 Q CO a z <: CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 3tt Valkenberg, a justice of the peace of Lizard township. Elijah Chase, Har- vey A. Hay and R. C. Stewart were elected township trustees, George San- born and George Spragg, justices of the peace, George Gearhart and E. Shreve, constables, "Wm. Sanborn, P. F. Bennett and E. B. Clark, road su- pervisors, Sidney E. Wright, township clerk, and Capt. Jos. Mallison, assessor. At this first election the sale of in- toxicating liquors was voted upon with the result that of the 47 ballots cast, 25 were for prohibition and 22 against it. The whole number of votes cast at this first election was 48, and by the following persons: S. N. Alford, Pelatiah F. Bennett, Charles Breslin, Elijah Chase, E. B. Clark, A. G. and A. W. Creed, T.J. Curtis, J.B.Chapin, E. Champion, Amos Dart, Charles E. Flint, Geo. W. Gearhart, Eobert Grif- fin, Ephraim, Abram O and Wm. Erastus Garlock, Harvey W., Joseph and John A. Hay, Geo. W. Hathaway, Wm. Lawler, John Lemp, Gad C. Lowrey, Wm. Marshall, Capt. Joseph Mallison, Edward Mellan, E. T. Mills, H. McGiven, B. F. Osburn, J. E. Per- ry, Henry Pallersells, Wm. Eichards, Eden Shreves, Horace K. and Charles M. Skinner, J. F. Stevens, Geo. and Wm. Sanborn, David Spielman, E. C. Stewart, Knute Tisdale, L. D. Turner, Geo. H. and Sidney E. Wright, Geo. W. and John M. Wood. Others who were registered but did not vote were Wm. and John Abbott, John and Childs O. Brown, Wm. Carney, John Dunkerly, John Kruchten, Nicholas Keefer and Andrew Norem. The reg- istration was made by Philip Enssell. clerk of Lizard township. He missed Wm. Lynch, M. Byrne and C. G. Per- kins, and they were absent at the time of the first election. The first meeting of the trustees was held in Mill's hall, Marvin, .Ian. 11, 1871. Messrs. Hay and Stewart *ere present arid approved the bisnds of Capt. Mallison as assessor, and Wm. Sanborn as supervisor, Messrs. J. F. Stevens and Charles G. Perkins were appointed supervisors in the place of Messrs. Bennett and Clark, and the district of the latter included what is now Colfax township. Geo. Sanborn was appointed township clerk and E. C. Stewart a justice of the peace in place of Geo. Spragg. The succession of. civil officers has been as follows: Tkustees: E. C. Stewart, 1871; H. W. Hay, 1871; Elijah Chase, 1871-73; B. McCartan, 1872; John E. N. Welsh, Wm. Richards, Wm. Marshall, Geo. E. Thompson, 1873; David Spielman, Wm. Bott, 1874, '84-85; O. C. Evans, J. H. Warwick, W. E. Garlock, Joseph G. Stevens, Chas H. Whitney, 1875-78, '80-82, '96-98; J. O. Sullivan, 1876-79; Geo. M. Wood, M. Byrne, Louie Fuchs, 1878-82; John Lemp, 1879-80; Patrick Shea, 1881-83; '98-1900; Patrick Kearns, 1883-90; A. V. Sargent, 1883-97; Eobert W. Eussell, 1886-91; Wm. J. Busby, 1891-96: John H. Stream, 1892-95; S- T. Hersom, 1897-1900; S. S. Martin, 1899- 1900. Justices of the Peace: Geo. San- born, 1871-73; E. C. Stewart, Wm. Marshall, 1872-74, '78-79, '83-88; Geo. M. Dorton, 1873-79; Geo. Spragg, 1875-76; W. G. Buswell, A. B. P. Wood, 1880- 86; Theo. Dunn, 1880-82; E. Wright, 1887-90, '97-98; J. W. Gray, 1887-88; A. G. Wood, 1889-92, Wm. A. Henderson, 1889-91; J. B. Sargent, 1891-94; James Mercer, Capt. Jos. Mallison, 18931900; S. S. Martin, 1893-94; Z. C. Bradshaw, 1895-96; Alex. Dunn, 1895-1900. Cleeks: Geo. Sanborn, 1871; H. W- Hay, A. O. Garlock, Wm. Snell, Capt. Jos. Mallison, 1875, '86; Patrick Shea, E. J. Griffin, T. F. McCartan, James Mercer, 1879-82, '87-88; T. S. Brown, 1883-84; A. G. Wood, J. B. Sargent, 1889-92; J. E. Johnson, 1893-1900. Assessors: Capt. Jos. Mallison, 1871-72; J. E. Johnson, Wm. Snell J. P. Eobinson, Patrick Shea; John A k2 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Hay, G. H. Gottlriedt, 1877-78, '83-86, '89-90, '95-1900; Ered Lieb, 1879; N. B. Post, 1880-81; Joseph Hawkins, 1882; J. B. Sargent, 1887' 88; D. J. Bailey, 1891- 'd2; John Kennedy, 1893-94. Pkbsidents of the school board: Gad C. Lowrey, 1871; T. J. Curtis, B. McCartan, A. W. Dart, 1874, '79; M. Byrne, 1875, '86; James N. Mallison, M. J. Lynch, S. T. Hersom, Wm. Bott, Ered Lieb, Joseph Hawlcins, John Lemp, J. B. Sargent, W. E. Garlock, Wm. Snell, G. H. Gottfreidt, John A. Tliompson, 1889, '91-92; Geo. Luficin, Joseph Hawkins, Jolm Cartlidge, 1894-95; W. E. Post, 1896-98; W. I. Shetterly, 1899-1900. Sbckbtahy: A. O. Garlock, 1871-72; B. P. Osburn, Geo. M. Dorton, 1874-75; M. Byrne, 1876-77; M. J. Lynch, S. T. Hersom, 1879, '83-85; Eugene Evans, 1880-82; T. F. McCartan, John Oakley, 1886-87; John J. McCartan, 1888-89; James Mercer, 1890-1900. Teeasueers of school funds: B. F. Osburn, 1871; Wm. Marshall, Eben M. Busby, B. McCartan, Geo. San- born, G. H. Gottfriedt, C. II. Whit- ney, 1877-78; Wm. Marshall, 1879-81; T. J. Curtis, 1882-86; M. Byrne, 1887-89; Louie Euchs, 1890-1900. FIRST SCHOOLS. The first school in Cedar township was taught at Sunk Grove in the fall and winter of 1869 by Mary Skinner (daughter of Horace) in the log house of John Dunkerly on tlie SWi Sec. 6, and included the children of Elijah Chase, Horace and Cbarles Sldnncr, Geo. Spragg and Pelatiali Bennett, a neighboring trapper in Buena Vista county. In the fall of 1870, when this part of the county still belonged to Lizard township, there were four schools established namely, at Eonda, Sunk Grove, and the homes of Wm. Lynch and A. O. Garlock. The one at Fonda began about the first of Decem- ber and was taught by Edward Calli- gan(a son of the direotoi- for this dis- trict) in a small building that stood on tlie ground now occupied by the M;cE;ee brick block. The pupils were Lizzie and .Jennie Bott (Mrs. J. B. Bollard), John and Steve Slater, Alice Skinner, Rosa Hay, Mary Wood (Adams) and Ed. Ibsen. The school building for the fall of 1871 was located on the corner now occupied by the Roberts & Kenning brick block. The school at Sunk Grove in 1870 was taught by Robert Griffin in the home of Mrs. Rachel Hartwell, his sister, who as a widow had taken a homestesd on Sec. 6 known as the Burnett property and.now owned by Henry Voss. Cyrus, Fannie, George, Harry and James Thompson, Alfreta Converse and Thomas Chase were among the pupils that year. The scliool at the home of Wm. Lynch (Sec. 2) was taught by Mary Ann Oal- ligan and it was attended by the children of Wm. Lynch, .John Keef, and Julius E. Stevens. The next year (1871) this school was transferred to the Woolworth home. The school at the home, of A. O. Garlock, a few\ rods west of his father's, in 1870 was taught by Mrs. L. D. Turner and in- cluded the children in the families of Ephraim Garlock, David Spielman, James Little and Joseph Eells. CBDAE SCHOOL BOARD. The first meeting of the electors of the district township of Cedar was lield in Marvin, March 4, 1871, B. F. Osburn served as chairman and Geo. Sanborn as secretary. Messrs. Gad C. Lowrey, Capt. Jos. Mallison and B. F. Osburn were elected as the first school directors of the township which then embraced Colfax as sub-district No. 2. On March 11th a second meeting of the electors was held in the store of John A. Hay. It was decided to erect only temporary schoolhousestliat year, their number and location to be left to the board of directors; a tiix of ten (10) mills was approved for the CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 363 building fund and one (1) mill for the library fund. On March 20, 1871 the board of di- rectors met at the home of Gad C. Lowrey (Sec. 26, Colfax) and organized by the election of Gad C. Lowrey as president and A. O. Garlock as secre- tary. The board then proceeded in a body to Lizard townsliip for the pur- pose of securing a division of the assets and liabilities of the school funds of that township to which this one liad previously belonged. Not meeting with success they met the Lizard board a second time on April 1st in the Miller schoolhouse, but found that board unwilling to make any division of the funds. On April 8th arrangements were made for the purchase of the Lockey house for $140, the renting of a room in Marvin and another in the home of G. C. Lowrey, and for the ensuing summer term the following teachers were employed: Ida D. Lowrey, Mary A. Osburn, Mrs. Mary E. Mallison, Mrs. E. J. Griffith and W. W., Eath- bun. John A. Hay was appointed di- rector in place of B. F. Osburn and the latter was appointed treasurer of the school fund. Two weeks later arrangements were made to purcliase a building of Levi Garlock for Sec. 25 and the erection of two temporary buildings by John A. Hay for sections 3 and 8. For the winter of 18'71-'72 G. C. Lowrey was authorized to arrange for two schools in his district, Colfax, and engage the teachers for them. In Cedar the teachers employed were J. P. Eobinson, Marvin, W. W. Eath- bun (Sec 3), Mrs. Mary E. Mallison (Sec. 8), and Mrs. Mary J. Wilbur (Sec. 25). On March 18, 1872 C'jlfax, having been set off from Cedar, was accorded $106.00 of the school funds in tlie hands of the treasurer; Cedar was divided into eight sub-districts and arrangements were made with A. D. Moore for the erection of three school- houses at a cost of $525 eacli in dis- tricts No. 2, 5 and 7. For tlieir better protection lightning rods were put on tliose on sections 3 and 8 at a cost of $23.50 each and a few months later on those in districts No. 2 and 5 at a cost of $52.00. It was decided to pay $30.00 a month to all the teachers un- til New Years and $35.00 a month, after that date, to all that were flrst- class. The settlement of this section pro- gressed rapidly in 1872 and the work of organizing the sub-districts of Cedar township was nearly completed that year. The records of that year are in the handwriting of A. O. Gar- lock, cover twenty-two pages and show that fifteen meetings were held by the board of directors. The new teachers employed in 1872 were Ce- cilia Keef, Mrs. R. P. Thompson, Mrs. Maggie Sanborn, Mrs. Ann E. Curtis, Geo. Hathaway, Geo. M. Dor- ton, (in house of T. J. Curtis), Eliza Hay, Frank Gregg, Miss N, Herrick, Mrs. A. W. Creed and Mrs. E. T, Hartwell in the home of G. A. Wool- worth, now Mrs. J. B. Weaver on Sec. 12. In the spring of 1873 arrangements were made with J. D. Gould for the erection of three school buildings in sub-districts No. 1, 3 and 8 for $635.00 each, and with A. O. Garlock for one in Marvin (Fonda) for $1,400. This proved a year of ''hard times;" matters did not run smoothly. The president of the board was unwilling to sign the contracts after they had been ap- proved and he was politely asked to resign. The secretary also resigned about the same tinhe and as many as four other persons were successively appointed and served in that capacity for a short time during that year, namely: B. F. Osburn, Geo. Fairburn, Geo. M. Dorton and W. E. Garlock. Before the completion of his contract Gould transferred it to L. T. Swezy, of Newell. %U PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. A few years later there are a num- ber of pages in the volume containing the early records of this township that are not signed by the secretary or any other member of the board, and the reader wonders what pioneer scribe may have left traces of his handiwork in the writing upon them until, fumbling them oyer several times, he finally discovers a name very modestly written on the margin at the top of one of them. The annual report of the secretary for the year ending Sept. 19, 1811 shows 82 pupils enrolled in 5 schools and for 1872, 105 pupils in 8 schools. In 1876, five years from the date of organization, there were 125 pupils en- rolled, Fonda having 31, the largest number, and there were eight good frame schoolhouses each supplied with a fine library and apparatus valued at $75. The sites for the schoolhouses in this township were surveyed by Wm. Marshall and the persons who assisted him were M. J. Lynch (1) M. Byrne (2) Elijah Chase (3) Jacob Spielman (5j W. E. Garlock (6) and Charles Whitney {7 and 8). Fonda became an independent district in 1880. In 1882 the unsold school lands of Sec. 16 were appraised at eight and ten dollars an acre and those remain- ing May 1888 were appraised at six and eight dollars an acre. Only a few sod houses were built in Cedar township, the arrival of the railway, bringing suitable building materials, removing their necessity. Those that are remembered were built byE. Chase, Robert J. Griffin, Pel Bennett, Geo. Spragg Jos. C. Stev- ens, Charles Skinner and John Wood. On May 4, 1884, the trustees, con- sisting of Wm. Bott, Patrick Kearns and A. V. Sargent, were, first organ- ized as a board of health. On Feb. 17, 1894, an order was issued that all per- sons in the township over one year should be vaccinated and that all pu- pils net vaccinated before jSIarch 1st that year, should be excluded from the public schools. MAKVIN— rONDA. Marvin was the name first given to the station and express office, and Ce- darville to the the postoffice in Cedar township. The use of these two names was the occasion of consider- able confusion to the public and, in the railway service, the two names Marvin and Manson, were so nearly alike that the one was often taken for the other, so that goods intended for these two stations were often missent. In 1874 Messrs. A. O. Garlock and Geo. Fairburn concluded to take the P. O. directory and select a new name that was not common in the west. Both were pleased with ' Fonda," wliich appeared but once in the directory, ^ the name of a town in western New York. In response to petitions sent the P. O. department, the railw ay and express companies, the new name, "Fonda," was adopted. The selection was a good one for its euphony and brevity, and it was eminently appro- priate for this section of country in the early day, since it is derived from a Latin word that signifies a fountain; although a more recent derivation from the Spanish language makes it mean a hotel. FONDA. "My country 'tis of thee Sweet land of liberty. Of thee I sing. " Fonda is situated near the center of section 27, Cedar township, in the southwestern part of Pocahontas coun- ty. It has two main lines of railway, the Illinois Central and Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul, that extend east and west, north and south. It is 115 miles northwest of Des Moines, 409 miles west cf Chicago, 101 miles east of Sioux City, and all passenger trains stop at this place. It has always been an attractive trading center; not merely for a greak CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 365 part of this county, but to many of the people living in the adjoining counties of Calhoun, Sac and Buena Vista. It has enjoyed hitherto the best railroad facilities of any town in this vicinity and these, in connection with the enterprise of her citizens and natural resources of this section, have tended to promote a constant growth and substantial development of busi- ness interests. Fonda very soon be- came and has hitherto maintained the position of being the principal city of Pocahontas county in numbers and wealth, educational and religious privileges. > The section of land (27) on which Fonda is situated belongs to the odd numbers that were Included in the railway grant. The first deed of it was entitled, "A Grant of Land made by the United States to the State of Iowa in alternate sections, approved by Congress May 15, 1856, to aid in the construction of certain railroads in the State of Iowa." The second one, "The State of Iowa, a Grant to the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad, ap- proved by an act of the General As- sembly, July 14, 1856, to aid in build- ing said railroad." The third trans- fer, filed September 10, 1870, is the deed of the Dubuque & Sioux City R. R. Co. to John I. Blair, of Blairstown, N. J., the contractor and builder of the railroad. On the same day there was filed another deed entitled, "A Deed of Dedication, by John I. Blair and Anna, his wife, to the Public." This last included all the streets and alleys of the first plat of the town, which he called "Marvin, " in honor of Marvin Hewitt, superintendent of the Illinois Central railroad. It included twelve blocks that extended from the railroad northward to Fourth street, south of the Presbyterian church. The first addition to Marvin con- sisted of a triangular plot of ground north ot the railroad and west of Vine street, Oct. 7, 1872, by the Sioux City and Iowa Falls Town Lot & Land Co., who had then become the owners of the unsold portions of the town site and surrounding section. The 5th addition included blocks 25 to 30, located in the east part of the town, and was made May 5, 1888, by the Fonda Town Lot and Improve- ment Co. , who succeeded the former land company in the ownership of their lands on section 27. Their last addition, made May 25, 1893, and called the 9th addition, includes blocks 35 to 37 on out lots 2 and 3,north of Sixth street. The Busby addition was platted and a copy thereof filed for record October 5, 1886, by Wm. J. and Louisa A. Bus- by. Two of the streets were called Robbie and Offle, after the names of his two oldest sons. On July 26, 1888, the plat of a second addition was filed and the two additional streets were named Georgie and Willeben, after the names of two other sons. The plat of the Robinson addition, comprising out-lots 1 to 5 north of the Illinois Central railway and west of Cedar creek was filed by J. P. Robin- son Aug. 14, 1890. The arrangement of Fonda is that of a square lying principally north of the railroad and east of Cedar creek; and the compact form of the city has tended greatly to economize the work of its improvement. In 1887, its main streets were covered with gravel from Ch^erokee and the first provision was made for lighting them at night with kerosene street lamps. The Fonda Town Lot and Improre- ment Co. was organized March 29,. 1888, and the incorporators were Hon. A. O. Garlock, Geo. Fairburn, J. N, McKee, A. S. Wood, Dr. M. F. Patter- son and W. H. Given. Since its or- ganization Geo. Fairburn has been the president and A. S; Wood the sec- retary and treasurer. Their original purchase included nearly 500 acres around Fonda, and although some o? 366 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, loWA. the stock has changed hands the com- pany is still in existence. The special aim and object at this company has been to promote the growth and de- velopment of Eonda by all the means that money, activity and thought may indicate. At the time of the estab- lishment of the Big Eour fair a con- cession was made equal to half the value of the land enclosed, and a sim- ilar concession was made for the brick and tile works. It still stands ready to donate lands for sites for factories and kindred objects. FIKST TOWN ELECTION. On December 26, 1878, the people of Eonda by a vote of 26 to 19 decided to become an incorporated town. On January 7, 1879, Theodore Dunn, Geo. L. Brower, Capt. Joseph Mallison and O. A. Langworthy, commissioners, is- sued a notice to the qualified electors of the corporation of Eonda to meet atGuyett's hall on Friday, January 14, 1879, for the purpose of holding their first election. On this date Capt. Joseph Mallison was elected mayor; Ed. B. Tabor, recorder; Geo. Eairburn, Geo. L. Brower, Theo. Dunn, W. J. Busby and Peter G. Ibson, council- men— all to hold ofBce until the ensu- ing spring election. Their first meet- ing was held Eeb'y 1, 1879, pursuant to the call of the mayor; all the mem- bers were present and after passing several ordinances relating to the boundaries of the incorporation, the salaries of the mayor, recorder and marshal, they appointed Geo. L. Brower, treasurer, B. C. Brown, street commissioner, and C. G. Guyett, mar- shal. Three days later they met again and passed ordinances relating to taxing dogs, restraining stock and granting licenses in certain cases. On Monday, March 3, 1879, a new set of officers was elected as follows: John W. Gray, mayor;. Ed. B. Tabor, recorder; and for councilmen A. C. Knight (1), P. G. Ibson (1), Geo. Eair- burn (2), Geo, M. Dorton (2), Geo. L. Brower (3), and E. Millard (3). The casting of lots to determine who should have the one, two and three year terms, resulted as indicated by the numbers opposite each name. At their first meeting held March 6, 1879, they appointed Geo. L. Brow- er, treasurer; E. C. Brown, street commissioner, and Mark A. Haven, marshal. On March 18, 1879, the first s'aloon license was granted to H. Max- well, who presented a petition signed by 23 electors. After the lapse of a month this license was surrendered and a similar one was issued to Hen- ry C. Stevens. StJCCESSION OF OFFICERS. The succession of oflficers has been as follows: Matobs: Capt. Jos. Mallison and J. W. Gray both in 1879; Theo. Dunn, Geo. Sanborn, Geo. Eairburn, '82-83; Capt. Jos. Mallison, John C. Stevens, Robt. W. Russell, Geo. Eairburn, '87-88; Mark A. Haven '89-92; A. G. Wood, '93-94; Capt. Jos. Mallison' 95-96; F. W. Swearingen, Edward R. Ellis, '98-99; S. E. Leece, 1900. Recorder: Ed. B. Tabor, 1879-80; J. W. Gray, '81-83; Abram Burson, '84- 85; A. S. Wood, '86-92; R. E. Beswick, (appointed Sept , '92); Wm. H. Ilealy, '93; M. G. Coleman, '94-1900. Councilmen: Geo. Eairburn, '79-80; Geo. Brower, '79-82; Theo. Dunn, '79; W. J. Busby, '79; P. G. Ibson, '79; A. C. Knight, '79; Geo. M. Dorton, '79-80; E. Millard, '79-80; G. W. Bothwell, '80- 82: J. N. McClellan, '81-83, '87; Geo. H. Ellis, '81; O. A. Langworthy, '81-83; Wm. Snell, '81; G. Pfeifler, '82-86; J. N. McKee, '82-96; Ered Swingle, '8i- 85; Geo. Eairburn. '84; Ed. O'Donnell, '84-86; N. B. Post, '84-85, '87-90; T. E. Kelleher, M. D., '85; M. A. Haven, '86- 88; W. J. Redfleld, Ered Haffele, Geo. Sanborn, '87; D. W. Edgar, M. D.. '87- 97; J. D. Carpenter, '88-89; Abram Bur- son, '89-97; J. B. Bollard, '90-95; J. P. Robinson, '90-92; G. R. Reniff, '91-96; R. P. Beswick, '93-1900; L. S. Straight, CEDAR f OW]!fSHlP', 367 '96-1900; John Forbes, '97-99; Thos. L. Kennedy, '97-1900; G. H. Fitch, '98- 1900; Geo. G. Craft, '98-1900; Fred J. Kenning, 1900-. THE CEMETERY. On July 12, 1875, Wm. Marshall was appointed lo survey a plat of six acres for a township cemetery, on lands be- longing to the Sioux City & Iowa Falls Town Lot and Land Co. Some diffi- culty was experienced in gaining pos- session of this land, and, during the next two years it was appraised by three different sets of appraisers, all of whom appraised it at $10.00 an acre. In 1879, $20.00 were offered an attor- ney in Fort Dodge to obtain a deed for it. The iirst deed for the sale of a lot in it was Issued March 18, 1889, to G. W. Bothwell, M. D., and twenty-five others were issued that year. The price of the lots now ranges from five to twelve dollars. The first person buried in this cemetery was Ebenezer M. Busby, who was killed August 23, 1873, by the accidental discharge of his own gun while hunting with friends from JDabuque. , The next persons buried here were Georgie Fairburn, who died of mem- braneous croup in his second year, June 26, 1874, a'nd Jane Ann, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mar- shall, who died of diphtheria July 2, 1874. A few years ago, through the leader- ship of the Fonda Relief Corps, the cemetery was very much improved in appearance, and upon four lots set apart for that purpose, the base has been constructed lor a soldiers' mon- ument. The cemetery belongs to the town- ship, and is managed by the trustees who, to secure its improvement and care, for a number of years past, have annually levied a small tax upon the taxable property of the township out- side of the incorporation. During re- cent years individuals and societies in the city have generously co-operated in the worlc of its improvement, and negotiations are now pending that may result in a recognition of the city in its management. The township clerk is the agent of the trustees in all matters relating to its use and he employs a custodian who gives it his personal care and attention. These persons at present are J. R. Johnson and Henry Bakker. FONDA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DIS- TRICT. The petition for the independent school district of Fonda was present- ed to the directors of Cedar township and approved on March 9, 1880. Two days later at a special meeting of the Cedar township Board this action was reconsidered and reversed because the petition for the independent district included with sections 27, 28, 33 and 34, its present territory, also all of sec- tions 15, 16, 21 and 22 for the purpose of taxation. The difficulties that im- mediately arose were not settled until November 18, 1880, when the school board of the independent district which consisted of Wm. Bott, Geo. Fairburn and A. B. P. Wood, Esq., ceded back to the township all of the territory included in the four last named sections. Previous to this date Wm. Bott had served as president of the school board of the independent district. By this righteous re-transfer Wm. Bott, because he lived in the territory relinquished to the town- ship, forfeited his place as a member of the town board and the honor of serving longer as its first president. These vacancies were filled by the election of C. D. Lucas, a member of the board, and Geo. Fairburn, its pres- ident. The present school grounds were purchased in 1882 and the first four rooms of the present brick school building (38x62 feet) were built in 1884. Since that date two additional rooms have been added on the north side of this building and a kindergarten has been erected a short distance from it,. 368 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COuifTY, IOWA. During this last year an additional room has been rented on Main street and arrangements are now in progress for the erection of a portion of a fine building this year (1900) that will eventually replace the present one. FONDA SCHOOL OFFICBBS. Pbesidbnts of the Board: Wm. Bott, 1880; Geo. Fairburn, Geo. San- born '81, '89; J. N. McClellan, '82-83; J. N. McKee, '84-88; J. P. Robinson, '90- 91; D. W. Edgar, M. D., J. B. Bollard, '93-94; Geo. Sanborn, '95-1900. Others who have served as members of this board are A.B. P. Wood, '8C-87; C. D. Lucas, W. J. Busby, '81-84; J. D. Car- penter, '85-91; Fred Haflele, '89-91; W. F. Bridges, '90-92; A. W. Sargent, '92- 93; A. Burson, '93-95, 1900; E. S. Hor- naday, '93-94; Geo. H. Fitch, Charles A. Alexander, '94-00; Ed. R. EUis.^J. H. Coleman, '94-00; W. J. Redlield, '95- 00; P. C. Toy, '96-98. The board consisted of three mem- bers until 1889, when it was increased to six, but in 1898 under the new law, it was reduced to five. The board for the year 1900 consists of Geo. Sanborn, C. A. Alexander, J. H. Coleman, W. J. Redfleld and Abram Burson. Secretaeies: A. B. P. Wood, '80- 87; A. G. Wood, '88-90; J. D. Carpenter, '91; J. P. Robinson, '92-93; M. G. Cole- man, '94-95; John Kennedy, '96-00. Treasurers: Geo. Fairburn, '80, Geo. L. Brower, '81-82; J. W. Gray, '82- 86; A. S. Wood, '87-95; Geo. Hughes, John Forbes, '97-99; John Kennedy, 1900. FONDA TEACHERS. Principals: Lois A. Wood, '80, '82; LouisaB. Pfeififer, '81; J. M. Sprouls, H. B. Howe,, Minnie F. Bryan, Anna E. Brown, '85-87; DeBtta Ferron, '88- 89; A. W. Sargent, Daniel Swindler, Alva Pressnell, Walker DeWitt, '93- 94; Frank B. Kessling, Arthur W. Davis, '95-96; W. P. Johnson, R. B. Crone, '98; D. E. Barnes, '99-00. The assistant teachers have been Belle Tucker, (Covey) '80-83; Louisa B. Pfeifler, Jennie Lucas, Minnie Bey- ner, Cena Benton, Lou DeGrafle, Em- ma Pfeifler, Mrs. Spitzbarth, Maude Fuller, '88-89, '91-95; Nellie R. Swingle, '88-91; Viola Booton, '89-91; Mabel Lu- cas, Jennie B. Crawford, (Robinson) Maude Carpenter, Franc DeGrafle, '93- 94, '96-00; Mattie McCullom, A. Y. Copley, BfBe Hawkins, Maude Sargent, Maude Ellis, Lillian Filmer, Mabel Creglow, Nellie Mercer, Edith M. Aid- rich, Mary Young, '95-00; Sarah Mc- Donald, '96-98; Olive Gruver, '96-97, '99-00; Stena Hansen. '96-00; Nellie Golder, Adda B. Detwiler, '97-00; Maude B. Beale, '97-00; Lulu Griffith, Margaret Berry, '99-00; Charlotte Davis; Since 1896 several persons have been employed as supernumerary teachers, or assistants to the principal, namely, Lena Mercer, Mertie Eaton, Lulu San- born and D. B. Churchill; and in 1898, Miss Nellie Liscomb as instructor in vocal music. PIONEER TEACHERS OF FONDA. During the period that preceded the organization of the independent district the school year consisted of a summer term of three and a win- ter term of four months. The teachers that taught the school in the Fonda district during this period so far as can now be recalled, were as follows: Edward M. Calligan the winter term commencing about Dec. 1, 1870; Wm. W. Rathbun, J. P. Rob- inson, winter term '71-72; Naomi Her- rick (first wife of F. G. Thornton), Mrs. Rachel Hartwell, Agnes J. Fair- burn (Mrs. M. Bell), winter term until February 1, 1874 and it was completed by Fred W. Swingle; George Sanborn, winter term 1874-75, — 18 pupils en- rolled; Mrs. Nellie R. Swingle, sum- mer and winter terms of 1875, '76-77; Cyrus A. Bryant, summer of 1878 and had 22 pupils enrolled; Lois A. Wood (Hubbell) and Afla Wood, winter term 1878-79, there being two schools part of the time; Mrs. Nellie R. Swingle, CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 36d principal and Mrs. Mary E. Mallison, assistant, summer and winter terms 1879-80. Prof. Charles Ellison, a graduate pf the Missouri State Normal and his wife, Mrs. Susan Ellison, a graduate of the Normal School at Oswego, N. Y., located at Fonda in May 1871. The latter taught a term in the E. P. Thompson district and from Sept. 3 to Nov. 2 they conducted a normal training school at iTonda that was at- tended by 43 students. From Nov. 5 to 14, 1877 inclusive, a teachers' institute was held that closed with a fine public exhibition on the evening of'Nov. 14, 1877. FONDA GRADUATES. The graduates of the Fonda public schools are as follows: Glass or 1894: Gus T. Swenson, L. R. "Wright, Ada Hawkins, (Bond) Kena Carlton, (Harris) Lena Mercer and Minnie Haffele— 6. Class of 1896: John G. Bridges, Roy Carpenter, Aaron Evans— 3. Glass of 1897: Jennie M. Baton, Edith Busby, Myrtle Hawkins, Nellie Sargent, Flo Carpenter, Olive Martin, May Mercer, J. Weston Martin, Frank Whitney, Thpmas Farrell, Will Hor- nor and Charles GrifBth— 12. Class of 1898: Ernestine Lang- worthy, (Swearingen) Mamie Russell, Albert Burson and Roy Stafford— 4. Class of 1899: Alta Brown, Grace D. Bradshaw, Cora Eaton, Delphia Gottfriedt, Alfhild Frykberg, Cora Mercer, Mae Fitch, Mabel Miller, Ethel Gilson, Dollie Neal, Vida Grif- fith, Abbie Davis, Janie Fitzgerald, Anna Murphy and Chester Moffltt — 15. Total, 40. THE FONDA HIGH SCHOOL. The attendance of pupils in the public schools of Fonda has gradually increased, so that the enrollment for April, 1900, was 374. The course of study has been revised^, and enlarged from time'to time so that those com- pleting it now are admitted to mem- bership in the freshman class in the various colleges of the state. In the last revision, published in 1899, more prominence than before was given to the elective system, which allows each pupil to choose the studies he desires to take, only a limited number of the common branches being compulsory. Under this system the development of the pupil is along those lines of study for which he has a special preference or capacity, and the privilege of grad- uation is not denied anyone because he fails to make a specified grade in any particular study. The method of grading during the last four years, commonly called the High School Course of Study, is, that of assigning to each branch or subject a certain number of credits,, on the basis of two credits for the, work of each term. When a pupil receives a hundred credits he is given an intel- ligible and honest diploma of gradu- ation that contains a list of the par- ticular subjects completed and their respective value. In 1896 the school was the recipient of a collection of one hundred mineral specimens from the Smithsonian In- stitute, Washington, D. C, 'and in November, 1899, a donation of fifty dol- lars was received from Geo. W. Schee, of Primghar, to be invested in new books for the library, which now con- tains 300 volumes. In the four annual declamatory con- tests held in this county since March 21, 1897, the representatives of the Fonda High School have won the larg- est share of the medals, always se- curing at least one and on two Occa- sions both of them.. The successful contestants from Fonda have been, Jennie Eaton and J. Weston Martin at Fonda, in 1897; Abbie Davis at Eolfe, in J898; Cora Mercer at Have- lock, in 1899; Florence Conroy and Mae V. Wright at Pocahontas, in 1900. LEGISLATIVE APPHOVAL. The early pioneers of Fonda recog- STo Pioifiifiii ais*6ti^ bi^ ±*oCAfioir*AS cotJN^Y, i6\VA. nized the fact that a stable founda- tion was essential to the permanency of any institution, and if, at any time after some great achievement, there arose any doubt in regard to their ability to hold it, they did not hesi- tate to make it doubly sure by taking it before the General Assembly of Iowa and asking that honorable body- to put upon It the stamp of its legis- lative approval. The first Instance of this sort oc- curred March 26, 1880, when an act of the General Assembly of Iowa was ap- proved, that approved the action of the Cedar township school board of date March 9, 1880, establishing the Independent district of Fonda" with eight full sections of land. This ac- tion of the school board had been re- considered and reversed by it two days after it had been taken. By this leg- islative enactment the Independent district of Fonda was also declared "to have all the rights, powers and privileges of independent districts and all its acts are declared valid and in force." On March 14, 1884, an act of the 20th General Assembly was approved, en- titled "An act to legalize the incor-. poration of the town of Fonda." This act was as follows: Whereas, in incorporating the town of Fonda, in the county of Pocahontas and state of Iowa, under and by virtue of Chapter Ten of Title Four of the code, a certified copy of all papers and record entries relating to the matter was not properly filed as required by said chapter, and Whebeas, The law in regard to the incorporation of towns was in all oth- er respects fully complied with and officers were elected, ordinances passed and official acts done as though said incorporation was legal, now therefore, Be it Enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa: Sec 1. That the incorporation of said town of Fonda be and the same is hereby legalized as fully and com- pletely as if all the requirements of the law relating to the incorporation of towns had been strictly complied with. Sec. 2. That all elections held by said. incorporated town, and all, ordir nances passed by the council of said incorporated town and all tlie official acts done hy the several officers of said town are hereby legalized and declared to be ''as valid and binding as though the law had been strictly complied with in -the incorporation of said' town. Approved March 14, 1884. railway agents. Illinois Central: When the Iowa Falls & Sioux City railroad track was laid it remained under the control of the construction company from July 4, to Otft. 1, ]870, and during this pre- liminary period the passenger and freight traffic, that was handled at Fonda by the daily construction trains, was managed by Capt. E. W. Stets- man, their agent at Newell, who served both stations by coming to Fonda on one train and returning to IS'ewell on the next. Since the establishment of the reg- ular train service by the, Illinois Cen- tral R. E. Co., th«K succession of the agents' ha^^befeIl as follows: George Fairb;iifi. Car- penter both until 1889; James Mercer, treasurer, 1887 to date; Wm. feott, president, since 1890; Alanson Post, 1891 to 1897; S. S. Martin and Wm. F. Bridges, both from 1895 to date; R. F. Beswick and Harvey Eaton, 1899 to date. The Sunday school was organized Jaly 4, 1886, with thirty members and the officers for the first nine months were James Darling, superintendent;. Godfrey Pfeiffer, assistant superin- tendent; Lois A. Wood, secretary; A. F. Hubbell, treasurer, and Rebecca PfeifEer, librarian, [iliss Emma Pfeif- fer served as chorister and Mrs. A. Curkeet as organist, furnishing the organ. On Dec. 26, 1886, when the constitution and by-laws were adopt- ed the term of office of all the officers of the Sunday school was increased from three months to oneyear and the last Sabbath of March was designated as the date for the annual election. A. F. Hubbell served as superintend- ent April 1, 1887 to 1894; Joseph Hawk- ins, 1894 to 1897, and Charles S. Dar- ling since 1897. The Ladies' Aid Society was organ- ized June 30, 1886, by the election of Mrs. Esther O. Smeaton, president; Mrs. G. Pfeiffer, vice-president; Lois A. Wood, secretary, and Mrs. Geo. Fairburn, treasurer. Mrs. Smeaton served two years as president, and her successors have been Mrs. G. Pfeiffer, IMrs. Frank P. McKee, Mrs. James Potter, Mrs. A. S. Wood, Mrs, A. R. Wolgamot, Mrs. Ed, Ellis, Mrs. John C. Stevens, Mrs. E A. Fuller, '95-98, and Mrs. H. A. Chapman. This so^ ciety contributed $200 toward the erection of the church edifice, $100 for its improvement in 1894, $100 toward the erection of the parsonage and al- together, during the fourteen years of its existence, about $1650 to supple- ment the regular work of the church. The Endeavor Society was organ- ized January 2, 1894, when Miss Maude Sargent was chosen president; John Kennedy, vice-president; Maud^ Ellis, secretary, and Lovern Post, treasurer. During the two preceding years, though not formally organized, • yet through leaders appointed each week by the pastor, the young people had regularly conducted a half-hour serv- ice each Sabbath evening. The offi- cers are elected for a term of six months and those who have been chosen to serve as successors of its first president have been Louis A. Rothe, '95-96; Miss Alice Davis, ,'97; Louis A. Rpthe, '98; R. B. Crone and Wm. H. Bridges in '99 and Miss Min- nie Haftele in 1900. The first meet- ing of the Juniors was held Dec. 19, 1897, and they were organized on the following Sabbath, Miss Minnie Haff- ele serving as organist and as assistant for a few months and afterwards as superintendent, Mrs. Walter Forbes haying resigned. Mrs. A. Curkeet, Maude Ellis, Lou- rinda HatTele (Roberts) and Minnie Haffele (since 1891) as organists for the Church, and Lovern Post for the Sun- day School liave rendered a service so admirable and valuable as to be long and gratefully remembered. The services were held in the public school building until Oct. 9, 1887, when a house of worship was com- pleted and dedicated at a cost of $3,- 600. It consists of a main part 32x52 feet with pulpit extension at the rear and a tower 64 feet in height, in front. The style of architecture is Gothic and all the windows are filled with cathedral or art glass. In 1894 it was repainted and tastefully decorated. It is a gem of beauty and very con- venient for use. It was the first Pres- byterian church built in Pocahontas county, although a Presbyterian or- ganizatiori bad been effected in thS REPRESENTATIVES OF PIONEER FAMILIES, FONDA AND VICINITY. CHILDREN'S CHORUS, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FONDA, JUNE 20, 1898. Rev. R. E. Flickinger, Pastor, Miss Minnie Haffele, Organist. MAY, CORA, EFFIE, CILENA AND NELLIE MERCER, Teachers, Fonda. OEDAE TOWNSHIP. 377 northeast part of the county as early as 1859, and the services regularly maintained from that date. The hot air furnace inserted in this building in August, 1837, is believed to have been the first one put in any church or private home in this county. In 1893 a large and handsome manse was built on the lots adjoining the church, at a cost of 82,200. These two buildings are located on an elevated plot of ground, on the west side of Main and north of Fourth streets, that is midway between the Meth- odist and Catholic churches, and, hav- ing a row of shade trees around them, they are certainly' "beautiful for situ- ation " The organ was presented by Mrs. Geo. Tairburn, Christmas, 1887, and the communion set by Mrs. F. M. Ilubbell in 1890 To the latter Miss F. M. Hubbell, her dauglater, added two cups and plates in 1898. On July 4, 1896, a legacy of $200 was received from the estate of Alex. F. Hubbell, tiiat removed the last arrearages on the manse, and In 1899 a legacy of $50 was received during the life of the testator. This was from Joseph Chapman, an aged and highly re- spected member of the church, who 'had made^ provision for its paymept, in a will dated Jan, 28, 1897. The Presbytery of Fort Dodge met in this chqrob Sept. 10-.13, 1S95, and the Ladies' Home and Foreign Mis. siomvry Societies of the presbytery held their annual meeting at the same time, dooupyingthe Methodist church. A local home and forelKn missionary society among the ladles of this church was organized at this time by the election of Mrs. H. A. Chapman, president; Mrs. R. E. Flickinger, sec- retary and treasurer. During the last two years (1898-99) this Ladies' society has made an annual contribution of $30 to the home and foreign mission- ary funds of the churchi In the spring of 1887 Mrs. Flickin- ger secured the attendance of a num- ber of little children to form an infant class in the Sunday School, and slie has continued in charge of this de- partment of the Sunday School until the present time, a period of thirteen years. On the day of dedication the communion table was presented by this class. The memory recalls many blessed associations in connection with the efforts to achieve what has been aC' complished by this people. For a number of years the singing of tlie , congregation was led by an efBcient choir of more than a dozen good voices. The fine concerts annually held at the time of the pastor's anni- versary, Easter, Children's Day and on the first Sabbath of the new year, be- came a special and very attractive feature of the services during this prosperous period, The work of prep- aration for them was highly educa- cational and enabled the pastor to be- come intimately acquainted witli the youngest of the children. The un- usual crowds that have ofttlmes vainly sought admission to the church on these occasions, have repeatedly il- lustrated the fact that the work of home talent properly trained, is more highly appreciated than that which comes from abroad. Oh these occa- sions the pbQir, yoqng ppopje and children have bepn arranged, each In a separate and also all in full choruseis, that filled the sanctuary with their joyous outbursts of sacred song, A view. of the children's chorus, as they appeared at one of their rehearsa's In 1898, numbering thirty-five . voices, may be seen on another page. CHIUSTIAN CHUKOH, FONDA. The organization of the Christian church, Fonda, was the result of the evangelistic, labors of Rev. H. M. Elliott who eflfectd it in McKee's hall TSov. 5) 1893 with eighlein mem- 378 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS CX)UNTY, lOWA. bers as follows: Charles Alexander and his mother, Mrs. Abigail Alexan- der, Mr. and Mrs. Squire E. Horner, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Baklser, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Tigner, Mrs. Jennie Lang- worthy, Mrs. J. D. Carpenter, Mrs. Lou Hornaday, Mrs. Elizabeth Eastle, Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Hair, Anna P. , Cora S., William and Ellis Hornor. Messrs. S. F. Hornor, Henry Baklier and A. C. Tigner were elected elders; Charles A. Alexander and Henry Bali- ker, deacons; Mrs. Lou Hornaday dea- coness; Cora S. Hornor, clerk; S. F. Hornor, E, S. Hornaday and C. A . Alexander, trustees. The succession of pastors has been as follows: Bev. H. M. Elliott from date of organization until August 1894; Rev. F. E. Butterfield from Nov. 'S4 to March '95; Rev. A. J. Marshall '95; Rev. G. L. Brokaw, in 1896; Rev. L. E Huntley, 1897-98 and Rfev. W. S. Lemmon, the present pastor, since February 1899. In the spring of '95 a tabernacle, as a place for worship, was built on the east side of Franklin street and after the lapse of a year it was moved to its present location at the corner of Sec- ond and King streets. During the two preceding years the meetings were held successively in a . room of The Times building, the public school and kintergarten buildings. On Jan. 5, 1894 a Christian Endeav- or Society was organized by the elec- tion of Mrs. F. E. Bailey, president; E. S. Hornaday, vice-president; Mrs. C. A. Harding, recording and Anna Hornor, corresponding secretary and treasurer. Others that have served as president of the society have been Anna Hornor, Mrs. L. E. Huntley 1896-97, Mrs. Jennie Langworthy, William Hornor and Harry E. Hornor. The Sunday School was organized in January 1894 and the succession of of superintendents has l^een Rev. H. M. Elliott, Charles A. Alexander, E. S. Hornaday, Mrs- Hattie Brown, F. W. Swearingen, Esq., Henry Bakker, Mrs. Lena Rolfe and Mrs. O. W. Dresser. On. Jan. 19, 1894 a Ladies' Auxiliary Society was organized by the election of Mrs. Jennie Langworthy president, Mrs. E. S. Hornaday vice-president,. Mrs. A. S. Wood secretary and Mrs. G. Dorton treasurer. Mrs. Langworthy served four successive years as presi- dent and her successors have been Mrs. A. S. Wood and Mrs. M. O. Byland. The earnings of this society have been about $750. The succession of organists has been Anna Hornor, Ernestine Langworthy (Swearingen) and Anna Beardsley, men's cheistiast union. During the month of May 1897 the pastors of the three protestant churches in Fonda, Rev. S. G. Jones, L. E. Huntley and R. E. Flickinger and their respective congregations united in their mid-week and Sabbath evening services. On the 5th of June a large tent was erected on the public school grounds and evangelistic ser- vices were held every evening for a period of four weeks. During the first week the local pastors were prov- identialy assisted by Evangelists P. G. Stevens and L. F. Burnett, who repre- presented the colportage work of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago. Dur- ing the next three weeks the meetings were in charge of Evangelist W. A. Sunday and his assistant F. F. Oliver, who, on the Sabbath afternoons of June 20th and 27th, held special meetj- ings for men only in the tent. As a result of these meetings about one hundred persons were added to the membership of the churches and on Subbath, July 4th, the next day after the departure of the evan- gelists, another men's meeting was held in the tent for the p'lrpose of organizing an association similar tb the Y. M. C. A. After devotional exercises conducted by Rev. S. G. Jonep, J^ B. Bollard was requested to CEDAR TOWNSHIt^ ^'§^9 preside, . C. A. Alexander to serve as secretary and tbirty-seven persons signified tlieir willingness to assist in tlie support of a men's organization. Odd Fellows' Hall was chosen as the place for subsequent meetings and three weeks later a more permanent organization was effected by the elec- tion of Wm. J. Redtteld, president for six months and the appointment of A. W. Davis, L. A. Kothe and Wm. H. Bridges a committee who, on the following Sabbath submitted a con- stitution that was adopted. The ob- ject of tbis association was to pro- mote thp physical, social. Intellectual and spiritual nature of men. During the summer of 1898 E. O. Ellis became secretary, the meetings were trans- ferred to the Tabernacle and on Dec. 25tli a new constitution was adopted and signed by , twenty-one mem- bers. The Men's Christian Union was the name adopted at this time. The Sabbath afternoon meetings were maintained until Oct. 9, 1899 when, owing to the removal of a number of the leaders and a general lack of in- terest, they were discontinued. BAPTIST SEEVICES. Rev. Charles Perkins, a Baptist min- ister, in 1870 came to the home of ;iis son, Charles G. Perkins, soon after his settlement on section 32, Colfax, then a part of Cedar township, and that fall in a temporary schoolhouse on section 3, held the first public serv- ices in Butler township. His first wife, Amazina Cushman, a lady of Puritan descent, died Dec. 22, 1872, and was buried at Pomeroy. Two years later he married Mrs Elizabeth Bickwell and they lived in Fonda 1874 to 1876. During all these years lie en- deavored to maintain' appointments in theschoolhousesin the vicinity of Konda, and during tlic summer of 1878, wliile living aga,in at the home of his son, held services on alternate Sabbath afternoons in the. Fonda sclioolhouse. The next year he re- turned to Pii-PiSi'^iiftti'Ag, *itfei-(} hfe'at^d July 6, 1892, ili'lflS 78ttiVfei^- ^ '"''^. THE Mi^ M^§bdAi*V:^-'^''' Wben thi^JiJil'gnta^todfiti^'^ferbTe Society heW'i^ igth ^nniia£ rif^etifig at Rolfe, ^b! Sf^^i"*Ite'>^.''fe'"-E. Fllckinger,.'i^lfow#fpt-t^biit,!^riA'fi;«. John Bamimn.yistir hti^^'^f"t. church, FoK'^at'V^f'^^^J&iiMal'^- mittee to oS-|^ni2fe'':d,ti''iiaSiaW so- ciety at Fon(if,'' ^A"iitil6'fr^'i'^M%dv- ing this obje6%'%''^iS.^, V^fe-lfWf ^^lii, the Presby terfkn^^6liuVch^"*ti'(^&^i'^ "-(Sh Sabbath evenln^j'^m^'zi'^^SSfel^^ the following peif^s!^WMsMf{a^' of the annual irieiiitf &feVi^l"^t"'^e dollar each, were' etJrbnBd*^.a^ pros- pective members, ■'htol'f. fre^f F. Hubbell, JosephHa'wfiMs^c! H.'Wm- ney, C. D. Lucas, feg?."Jfeiiii^MB?M- son. Rev. R. E. FlidMf^i','^^ Mrs. James burn, Mrs. J. W. (Conductor) Henze, MerceMlf*g^^ Ella Post. Augustalf^f ^;¥il%(i^^', w. i: iMlf§s( 'mn' C. J. and W. i: iX^^iTri-soH- 'fi*?''S. Deitric:.- ....1 \Vm.fmt^8n.''''iy?% the nc.i few days the ffiime^ urTnTre. ft'unk r. McKee, R?\S¥TO/WfK added to tliis list, niaknig"1 and a fund c of books. :Oa March 4, 18-9, „ ,, mem I tl?e\_ was com^ileLed by Llic ajlo eiS^^nin constitution and cers as follows.: president; Rev. .lobii IIa"'uiej;^(jri''vrcc the Ales, president; Rev. R. E. 1 ralary; and Charles H.Pds the other members of the '^■ lOiiamvi I St. Ijeasurir; ■ "" csv.ioa XCCIltllp committee chosen at the <^KmSi iLe union service being C. D. Lti'cliS-jtfnts ' ^JTit^liSia DISS Dart and .losepb iila,wkins. * tjri ,me recommendation of Rev. JcJMLHrqofl, slate superintendent, the sd'ci^l.| 'f"" '^ came an auxiliary to the Bible Society, and the latter grant of $30 worth of Bibles 380 PIONEER HISTORY OE tOCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWl. draft of that amount was sent witli the first order for books. When the books were received they were placed for sale at the stores of Bollard & Brown and A. R. Wolgamot; and Joseph Hawkins and Ainos Dart were appointed local agents to visit fami- lies and . direct the distribution of Bibles and Testaments when needed. This organization has been a source of great convenience and valiie to this , community, by placing the various publications of the American Bible Society within easy reach of all; and all the religious organizations of the community have been the recipients of one or more donations of Bibles. The last annual report shows that the value of the books thus given to Socie- ties and individuals since its organiza- tion eleven years ago, amount to $73.64 and that the balance of the grant of $30.00 from the parent society in 1889 was returned to it in March 1900. The value of the bibles sold and dis- tributed through this local agency 3,mounts to $281.20. ' The value of those on hand is $48.00 and it has a credit of $29.58 for books, in the boek account of the parent society. The books are kept for sale at the Palace Pharmacy of H, A. Daubenberger, where bibles may be purchased In the English* German, Swedish and Dan- ish lapguages. In 1892 the constitution was amen- ded so as to provide that the pastors of the Methodist and Presbyterian ohurohes In Fonda shall be ex-offlclo members of executive oommlttee and In 1895 this courtesy was extended to the Christian church. A. E. Hubbell served as president 1889-04, Hon. James Mercer '94-98,E. W. Swearlngen Esq., 1897, Z. C. Bradshaw Esq., '98^98 and Samuel S. Mq^rtin 1900. Rev. R. E, Flickinger has served as secretary since the date of its organization and most of the time as treasurer alsoi Charles A. Alexander- has been treas- urer since 1898i FONDA POST G. A. E. The organization of a Post o* the G. A. R. at Fonda is credited to the leadership of Capt. Jos. Mallison and Comrade E. Rubendall. At the sug- gestion of the latter the former visit- ed the Post at Manson and became a member of it. He then circulated a petition for a Post at Fonda and, sending it to Des Moines, headquarters for this state, a charter was grainted and a Post, No. 383, was established March 6, 1885, with twenty-one mem- bers. Of these original members four have died— B. F. Osburn, John W. Bailey, A. F. Hubbell and Wm. Gil- son; four have been discharged by card, viz: A. J. Hamilton, W. P. Bush, A. F. Burdick and A. C. Blake- slee; seven of them are members at present: S. H. Trude, J. H. Haven, Geo. Sanborn, Jos. Mallison, Wm. Fitzgerald, C. H. Whitney and D. M. Woodin; the others were Geo. W. Cpvey, E. M. ToUefsrude, Philander Pike, G. W. Bothwell, M. Carpenter and Sylvanus Hersom. The first officers of the Post were; Capt, Jos, Mallison, commander; A, F. Hubbell, S. F.; Geo, W, Covey,. T. Y-iG, W. Bothwell, M. D-, surgeoni E, M, ToUefsrude, q. M,; M- Carpep. ter, O. D.; W. P. Bush, 0. G.; J, H, Haven, chaplain; Geo. gapborn, Adj't; Wm. Fitzgerald, Serg't Maj.| D, M- Woodin, Q. M. Sergt. The Post was mustered by Captain Botbrock, of Manson, and the whole number enrolled has been 68. Other members who have died In addition to those already named are Martin V. B. Welsh, John Callahan, Thomas Higglns and John C. Nichols. The Post now consists of twenty-two mem- bers and meets oh the second Tuesday and last Saturday of each month. The succession of commahders has been as foUoWfei Capt. Jos. Mallison, '85; W. P. tiUsh, Geo. Sanborn, '87-88J J. R. Jehnsan) Wrai A. Henderson) Frank CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 381 Rubendall, J. W. Bailey, Capt. Jos, Mallison, '93-95; Alex. Dunn, '96-97 Charles G. Perkins, '98-1900. Tlie succession of adjutants has .be«n: Geo. Sanborn, !85; Capt. Jos.- Mallison, '86-87, '89-92; J. W. Bailey, '88: Alex. Dunn, '93-94; Hon. James Mercer, '95; Capt. Jos. Mallison, '97- 1900- The other officers for 1900 are C. E. Hunter, Sr. V.; J. H. Haven, Jr. v.; Alex. Dunn, Q. M.; J. R. John- son, O. D ; David Steiner, O. d.; P. R. Chamberlain, Serg't; C. H. Whitney, chaplain. THE "woman's relief CORPS. Th'e Woman's Relief Corps of Fon- da was organized in December, 1891, with' eighteen charter members as follows: Mesdames Lucy Johnson, Louresta E.^ Sanborn, Dora Craft, Elizabeth Bailey, Harriet Evans,' Lou Hornaday, May Spielmsln, Annie Bush, Mary Haven, Mary Bailey, Mary Rubendall, Folena Wendell, Alma Vore, Lo.uisa Whitney, S. H. Mallison, Laura Shaw, Miss Hattie Henderson and' Miss Ina Newland. The object of this organization is to assist the G. A. R. Post in the care of sick Union veterans, their widows and orphans and to perpetuate, the mem- ory of the unknown dead. In Dec- ember 1896, this corps appropriated 820 of their funds for the erection of a monument to the unknown dead. Later three lots were purchased in the Fon- da cemetery, a substantial rock foun- dation was built and the ground neatly terraced, around it Many cit- izens have 'ktndiy donated labor and ma,terials for this object and the ex- paJtation is indulged that a Huitable monument will be erected in the near future. ' The succession of those who have served as presidents of the Corps is as follows: Mrs. Lou Hornaday, |92; Mrs. Julia Wilkinson, three months; Mrs. Geo. Sanborn, April 1, '93-Dec. 31, '94; Mrs. Jos. ^ Mallison, '95-96; Mrs. Geo. , Sanborn, Mrs. Mary Haven, (died May 2, 1900) Mrs. Lucy. J. Johnson, '99-1900. SONS OF VETERANS. ■ On May 2,1888, a camp of the Sons of.Vet-erans was" mustered at Fonda by'C.H. Knox, of Manson, and it was called Fairburn Gamp, No. 147. The flrst'offleers W^ferB: Wm. H. Henderson, Ca:|it. ;> W. B. McCtellan, 1st Lieut. ; R. H. Robinson, 2d Lieut.; F. Bailey, Sergt.; Wallace Haven j Q. M. On the 30.611 of May following, Geo. Fairburn presented this jcamp with a large and beautiful flag, paving their name and number inscribed upon it, and said "Boys,^b.e as good, citizens as your fathers; were.' soldiers, and you will be. as. they were, an honor to your country." This organization was maintained- for a number of years. At present theymeet only on Memorial and Decoration days. . I. O. a. T. OF FONDA. On Saturday evening Dec. 18, 1880, the first lodge of' the Independent Or- der of Good Templars was organized at Fonda byC. C. Coyle, District Dep- uty, with thirty-one charter mem- bers as follows: Capt. Jos. Mallison, W. C; Mrs. Nellie R. Swingle, W. V. A. M. ShellitG, E. S.; Geo. Metcalf F. S.; Miss Belle Tucker (Covey), Treas.; Rev. J. S. Zeigler, Chaplain Wm. Hull, Marshall; Jennie Lucas, (SaylOr) A. M.; Lois A. Wood, (Hub- bell) R. H. S.; Mrs. R. F. Hull, L. H. S.; AfEa Wood, Asst. Sec; Minnie Tucker, (Weaver) -I. G.; Lawrence JohnsoB, O. G.; C. W. Trusdale, Lodge Deputy; A. Ji and Belinda Norem, Mrs. Theo. and Ffank Dodge, S. S. and Gilbert "Tucker, C. D. McCulloch, Thos. Kennedy,'R0defick Guyett, R. F., !fellen (Brown)" and Emma Hull (Wood), Abram G. Wood, Rebecca Busby^ Olive- Whitney and L. Trus- dale. This organization was started under veryfavorable auspices and the hopQ 382 i2^^ PIONEER HISTOEY^pF POCAHONTAS CQUNTY, IOWA. there sefe'ffi6a'1;o'be'''W"*aVi}f^ftlt)i'i''^ersons ready to ioiWU^m^i&amm^h names CQujiBbe.;d^tSd qpam s ,B§8ItJ2e^.flTe ol Oet.»*5i[18S8,ffli©itEKhaltjBwh»rter and resjiwdst [wi0re,tii)>a])B^ Mi^o4!]& lodge lagiSiH. rtl .oVa -qrajsO niudiiis ,(aOi?M6ineffllOHi.aii?F HI*?- SMS, two mcSSt^Dgsi^etetli^.l'BllMM ^etbodint chuc^andETa ntocMd^ uniffiber 150, wasiJQXganiifeds? wi*faBH)K(g&HfiS? mem- b^sias^fottowsP (^iitee#I(Bfi.t*et,«!f^iit '^°JW^.S^ 09i5^Wie.^eqii^fj^w,^,it '^^iWen:^^ t§fte^,l5gi^iiii^^to^at- tend tne meetings and loolt alter tbe never lagged. T,o her prudent coun- sel and unfailing enthusiasm in its work more than to any other may be attributed its stability and much of its excellent moral Influence. She has filled nearly all the offices of the local lodge many times and during those periods when the attendance and membership were small she has been ready to take additional responsibili- ties in order te insure its maintenance. When the Juvenile Temple was or- ganized Nov. 20y 1890, she became sponsor for its maintenance and suc- cess also. Every year her horiie has been the recognized headquarters for all necessary Supplies for these two organizations, and the most popular placefor their lawn socials, or social gatherings during the winter evenings. The succession of Chief Templars has been Godfrey Pf eifler and Harvey W. Hay in 1886; R.W. Russell and Mrs. B. F. Osburn ia'SI; N. M. Per-, ry and L. E. Wright in '88; Frank Eaton, Rev. John Hamerson Oct- Dec. '89; Oscar Eaton, Ji'B. Sargent Oct. '90-July '93; Irwin Davidson, Wm. H. Bridges, Oct.-Dec. '94; Rob- ert Busby, L. R. Wright, Gus T. Swenson and Alice Davis, in '95; J. C. Slinker, ln.''9t); Weston Martin, '97-98; Agnes McGeary, Josephine Maalsby and Bertha Neal in '99, and Harry Hornor, in 1900. Those who have been elected to the ofBce of secretary are Mrs. Fred HafE- ele, Mrs. R. Wright, in '86; Becca Pf eifler, Mabel Lucas, Maggie Olkjer, in '8'7: Mrs. N. M. Perry and Matie L. Turner, in '88; Mrs. Matie Pruden and Heppie Tucker, in '89; Maude Carpenter, Ella Bollard and Maude Kay, in '90; Clara Cartlidge and Cora' Shutt, in '91; Maggie Eaton, '92; Lulii' Sanborn and. Ed. C. Rathbun, in '93; Wm. Hunt and Gus' T. Swenson, in '94; Edith Busby and Mamie Russell, in '95; Wm Hornor, Nellie Sargen^, and Mae Fitch, in '96; Lulu SanbornJ in '97; Nellie Sargent and Bert Brown, OliDAR TOWI^SHIP. 383 in '98; Mabel Miller, Eber Hornor and Albert Burson, in '99, and Agnes Mc- Geary, in 1900. The Lodge Deputy at present is Gus T. Swenson, and through the interest developed by him a lodge of 37 mem- bers was organized at Varina, March 10, 1900. The Juvenile Temple was organized by Mrs. Lloyd, of Des Moines, Nov. 20, 1890, with about twenty members, and Mrs. L. A. Sanborn was chosen superintendent. With the exception of the year 1895, when Mrs. Maggie Eaton was superintendent, Mrs, San- born served in this capacity from the date of organization until the end of 1899— a period of eight years. Mrs. Mabel Bush is her successor. It meets in the I. O. G. T. hall every Friday • afternoon at four o'clock. FBATEENITY OF ANCIENT FBEE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. Symbol Lodge No. 432, A. F. & A. M., was established at Fonda by a dis- pensation granted by the Grand Lodge, of Iowa, Nov. 10, 1882, and the first meeting under the dispensation was held Nov. 22, 1882. A charter was granted June 6, 1883, when there were twelve members from whom the first officers were chosen as follows: D. W. Edgar, W. M.; Wm. Marshall, S. W.; B. F. Osburn, J. W.; J. N. McKee, Treas.; Geo. Fairburn, Sec ; M. A. Haven, S. D ; J. N. McClellan, J. D.; C. G. Perkins, S. S. and Theron A. Snell, Tyler. The other charter mem- bers were Rev. Charles Perkins and J. N. McClellan. The first one made a Mason was J. H. Coleman, "Jan. 17, 1883, and the first one raised was W. L. Haven, April 4, 1883. There have been 62 members initiated, 44 admit- .ted on demit, 61 raised and the pres- ent membership is 57. Seven have died, viz: Rev. Charles Perkins, B. F. Osburn, O. A. Langworthy, Wm. Marshall, A. F. Hubbell, John Cart- lidge and Henry Zeigler. The succes- sion Of Worshipful Masters is as fol- lows: D. W. Edgar, M. D., '82-84; J. N. McClellan, '85-86; M. A. Haven, D, W. Edgar, J. N. McClellan, M. A. Ha- ven, J. N. McClellan, D. M. Woodin, '92-93; J.N. McClellan, A- G. Wood, M.'G. Coleman, '96-98; A. S. Wood, '99-1900. The officers for the year 1900 are as follows: A. S. Wood, W. M.; C. R. Whitney, S. W,; W. S. Adams, J. W.; R. F. Beswick, Treas.; J. H. Coleman, Sec; J. B. Sargent; S. D ; Thomas Jackson, J. D.; A. L. Roberts, S. S.; J. J. McDermott, Tyler. The com- mittee on finance is M. G. Coleman, Jos. Mallison and John Forbes. The lodge meets Wednesday eyening on or before the full moon of each month. ORDER OF EASTERN STAR. The Golden Cord chapter No. 187, of the Eastern Star was instituted at Fonda Jan. 7, 1896, with seventeen members, by Mrs. Jennie A. Rule, Grand Matron for the state of Iowa. The first officers chosen were Mrs. Susie H. Mallison, W. M.; M. G. Cole- man, W. P.; Mrs. Heppie L. Toy, A. M.;Dr. C. H. Whitney, Sec; Mrs. Anna Hughes, Treas.; Mrs-. Jennie Robinson, Con.; Mrs. Camilla Metcalf, Asst. Con. The persons chosen to represent the five points of the star were Maude Hughes, Ada; Maude Marshall, Ruth; Mrs. Victoria Cole- man, Martha; Mrs. Rose Beswick, Esther; Mrs. Ann Cartlidge, Electa. Sixty-three persons have been en- rolled as members and the present membership is forty-five. The succes- sion of Worthy Matrons has been: Mrs. Mallison, '96-97; Mrs. Anna Ed- gar, '98; Mrs. Victoria Coleman, '99; Mrs. Jennie Robinson, 1900; and of secretaries, Dr. C. R. Whitney, '96; Mrs. Emma Coleman, '97-99; Mrs. An- na Edgar, 1900. This organization is very closely re- lated to the Masonic fraternity and Its object is to co-operate with it in its beneficent efiEorts for the welfare 384 PIONEER HISTOR? OE tOCAHOif^AS COUNTY, tOWA. of the wives, daughters, mothers, wid- ows and sisters of Master Masons. ODD FELLOWS. The Fonda Lodge I. O. O. F. No. 203, was instituted Dec. 14, 1885, ' and the first ofHcers were: R W. Eussell, N. G; J. W. Spitzharth, V. G.; W. J.. -Redfleld, Sec; W. J. Busby, F. S.; G. R. RenifC, Treas. This organization has now ahout sixty members and is in an excellent financial condition. It meets every Monday evening and their hall is over the hardware store in the McKee brick block. The offi- cers are elected for a term of six months and the succession of Noble Grands has been: R. W. Russell, J. W. Spitzharth, W. J. Redfleld, W. J. Busby, G. R. Reniff, J. D. Carpenter, J. B. Bollard, C. A. Reed, R. D. Bol- lard, J. B. Sargent, F. W. Kloxin, J. H. Streani, H. W. Heston, Frank P. McKee, John Kennedy, Wm. Wendell, Geo. Sanborn, Jos. Mallison, R. Wright, P. C. Toy, Wm. Wilde, Geo. S.. Wendell, (3. E. Mayo, J. F. Blair, El.Ibson, John Thompson, John Ken- nedy, Wm. Keneen and Rev. Z. C. Bradshaw, The secretaries have been : W. J. Redfleld, W. J. Busby, R. Wright and Wm. Wilde, the last since 1895. IOWA LEGION OF HONOE. The i'onda Lodge of the Iowa Legion of Honor was organized Feb- ruary 24, 1880, with twelve members, and the officers were Geo. Fairburn, Pres. ; James F. Manison,V. P. ; Ed B. Tabor, Sec; C. G. Guyett, F. S.;Theo. Dunn, Treas.; Joseph Mallison, C. D. Lucas, W. H. Clemens, G. H. Thomp- son and P. G. Ibson. The trustees chosen were: G. W. Bothwell, C. D. Lucas and Joseph Mallison. This is the oldest fraternal insurance organ- ization in Fonda, and it meets ordi- narily only once a year. The present membership is twenty and the officers are Capt. Jos. Mallison, President; Geo. Sanborn, Secretary, G. R. Reniff, Financial Secretary and Treasurer. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. The Cedar Lodge of the Knights of Pythias (No 311) was organized at Fonda, December 8,1891, with four- teen members, by district deputy J. P Lawton, of Newell, assisted by _ the Newell and Manson Lodges. The first officers according to their rank were; V. B. Deitrick, J. W. Redfleld, E. A. Fuller, F. P. McKee, G. H. Fitch, J. H. Stream, J. D. Carpenter, Joseph Mallison, Geo. Selzer and J. Clancy. The Lodge meets, in their hall every Thursday evening and the present officers are F. W. Fitch, J. M. Thorpe, G. C. Weber, R. Wright, L. S. Straight, S. W. Maulsby, W. J. Redfleld, C. C. Stevens, F. B. Dunn and W. J. Busby. MODERN WOODMEN. The Fonda Camp No. 3242, of the Modern Woodmen of America was in- stituted September, 30, 1895, with twenty-three members. The first of- ficers were Peter Kurvink, V. C; W. J. Redfleld, W. A.; G. A. Straight, Treas.; and C. A. Alexander, Clerk. The camp meets on the second and fourth Friday of each month, and it has now an enrollment of eighty- eight members. Thfe officers are elected annually. The succession of venerable consuls has been, Peter Kurvink, '95; W. J. Redfleld, L. S. Straight, J. D. Carpenter, H. C. Beardsley and J. D. Wurtsbaugh Esq. The secretaries have been C. A. Alex- ander, '95, E. Wright, '96-99, A. W. Sargent and C. A. Alexander, in 1900; and- the treasurers, G. H. Straight, A. W. Phillips and Geo. H. Fitch. KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. Tiie Fonda Tent, No 81, of the Knights of the Maccabees was insti- tuted March 4, 1898, with twenty members. The first officers were Roy Cairpenter, Commander; A. Sauter, Lieut. Com ; E. J. Chingren, Sergt.; L. R. Wright, R. K. and F. K.; Paul Swenson, Chap.; W. M. Elliott, M. A, Charles Hardy, M. G. ; Frank Barker, CEf)AB TOWNSHIP. 385 Sec. ; Geo. Elliott, Sent.; Wm. Hen- richs, P. ; and Dr. Charles Whitney, Med. Examiner. The tent has now about sixty members '■■and meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. L. R. Wright . contaiues to perform the' duties of secretary and "the succession of commanders has been, Koy Carpenter, '98, John W. Boclc, '99, and P. D. Wilds, 1900. MODBKN BBOTHEBHOOt) OF AMERICA. The Fonda Lodge No. 408, of the Modern Brotherhood of America, was organized January-23,_<1899, With fif- teen members and the; first officers were T. A. Thompson, ''Pres:; W. S. Brown, V. P.; Grant Bayne, Sep.: and Treas.; W. E. Wykoff, Gon.;M. Mauls- by. Chap,; Elmer Adams and, Claude Simpson. The enrollment at present is fifty-seven, which includes both men and women, T. At Thompson is president and Matie t. Bailey is secretary and treasurer. CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS. St. Mary's Court, No 1071 of the Catholic Order of F*5resters was in- stituted at Fonda, February 21, 1900, with thirty-two members. The ofii- cers chosen at this time were, J. B. Mullen, C. E.; J. F. Howe, V. C. E.; Arthur McUartan, P. C. B.; H. A. Daubenberger, B. Sec; C. F. Linnan, P. S.; John McCafEerty, John O'Brien, and Wm. Bradford, Trustees; ' Carl O'Donnell, I. S.; J. W. Clancy;, O. S.; Dr. T. J. Dower, M. E.; John Tolan, Treas.; and Eev. J. F. Brennan, Chap. The object of this organiza- tion is to promote friendship), unity and christian chSri^ among its mem- bers. FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WATER WORKS The Hose Company No. 1, of Fonda, was organized June 27, 1895 with twenty-three mdmbef,s as follows: G. E. Renifl (Chief), A.''G. Wood (Asst. Chief), C. M. Carroll (Capt.), F.J. Kenning (Treas. )5JI. Q. Dorton, A. J. Sauter, Wm. Dunn, George Wendell, Guy S. Bobinson, George ^ Kinney, Grant and EUwood Newland, Frank E. Judd,B. K. Hawkins.C. S. Nic«ols, Ed. O'Donnell, L. S. Straight, Al. Ehline, James Thompson, John Howe, Fred Spielman, Verne Harris, and B. Fox. Others that have become members since the organization ''are P. L. Shanley, George Sanborn,' Jr., Wm. Eoberts, Peter Murphey, 'Earl Ellis, George Fastle and F; H. Bond. The annual election of officers is held on the second Tuesday in May. ,.yMr. Eenifif continued to serve as chief un- til May 1900 when he was succeeded by Ed. O'Donnell, who became assist- ant chief in the spring of 1896 and captain also in May 189,8, when tBese two offices were united. At present A. J. Sauter is captain, F. L. Shanley, secretary and Mr. Kenning is still serving as treasurer. , The first call to service was onSept. 6, 1895 when the building of E. E. Eosa was on fire, the second was Ken- nedy's elevator Dec. 26, '95, and the third the fire in the Presbyterian church Jan. 6, 1896. The whole num- ber of calls to which they have res- ponded has been twenty-seven, of which the principal ones were the burning of the tile sheds of Straight Brothers' and Ray- mond's house in 1898, the corn cribs near the Kennedy elevator in 1899 and the" Kelley restaurant at the corner of Main and Second streets in January and March 1900. The first engineer was Peter Kurvink and he was. ;suc- ceeded by G. C. Weber in April 1896. The town well was sunk and ' the water tank erected in 1895. An addi- tional well that serves the purpose of a reservoir or a supply tank was com- pleted in March 1900. The city; has now a very complete and satisfactory system of water works. The water is excellent and its supply is so abund- ant that it meets all the wants of , (he city and also of the two railways that intersect each other at this place, pioNEEE ilisl^6EY 6* i'ocAao;^'^4S;,couNTt, to-WA. AGKICULTUBAL SOCIBTV OF PQeAHOX- TAS COUNTY. " - ' The establishment of the Big Four District Fair Association, at Fonda, was the outgrowth of a number of propositions and efforts to eabablisk similar organizations in other parts of the county during the preceding dpc- ade. As early as April, 1879, a proposition was made through the columns of the Times to organize an Agricultural so- ciety by the people of Pocahontas, 8ac, Calhoun, and Buena Vista coun- ties. During January and February 1883 several articles appeared in the col- umns of the Times advocating the organization of a County Agricultural Society, and on March 17, 1883, a pub- lic meeting, attended by twenty-five persons, \las held in the school house atEolfe, for that purpose- Articles of incorporation were read and ap- proved. James J. Bruce, who served as chairman of the meeting, tendered a donation of forty acres of land near Kolfe to the society, and then they adjourned to meet at Pocahontas Cen- teron April 11th following. On March 31, 1883, a similar meet- ing of the citizens in the vicinity was held at Pocahontas and the articles of Incorporation adopted at this meeting were published in the next issue of the Times over the signatures of Oscar I. Strong, A. L. Thornton, O. A. Pease, J.H. Heaton, Noah Morrison, M. F. Patterson, M. D., W. J. Cullen, W. G. Bradley, Samuel Lyons, W. C. Rals- ton^ Louis Brodsky, C. M. Hunt, W. H. Hodges, J. W, Wallace, E M. Hastings apd J. ]?. Harlan. On April 10th, 1883, those represent- ing this organization, met again at the, Bissell House, pursuant to previous adjournment, George Sanborn, serv- ing as chairman and J, F. Harlan as secretary. At this meeting a letter from Warrick Price was read in wliich he offered to donate to this Society, known as the Agricultural Society ^ of Pocahpntas coupty, ten acres of;| land at Pocahontas and to sell ten acres more for the same purpose at a , very reasonable rate. An executive I committee, consisting of one man from eacli iownship in the county, was appointed to solicit stock as fol- lows; John Fraser, Powhatan; J. Hughes, Swan Lake; Peter Wendell, Bellville;D. C. Williams, Washington; W. J. O'Brien, Sherman; CM. Saylor, Lincoln; J. P. Welch, Center; P. H. . Bendixon, Clinton; A F. . Hubbell, Dover; A. L. Thornton and Rufus Green, Laurens; H. C. Tollpfsrude, Grant; Carl Steinbrink, Lizard; A- G. Maxwell, Colfax; Robert Struthers, Des Moines; Horace Chipman, Lake, and Wm. Marsliall, Cedar., At the next meeting of this society, held in the Court House May 19,' 1883, officers for the, first year were elected as follows: C. M. Saylor, Pres- ident; John Fraser, Vice President; George Saiiborn, Secretary and J. F. Harlan, TreEiSurer. A board of direc- tors, consisting of one membec from each township, was elected, and a committee of four members was ap- pointed to prepare a constitution and series of by-laws for adoption at the, next nieeting. On November 10, 1883, tliis society held an annual meeting at Pocahon- tas, and elected olBcers for the ensu- ing year, which were the same as be- fore, except that A. G. Maxwell be- came secretary in place of George Sanborn. The meeting adjourned un- til J'anuary 12, 1884 and then this so- ciety also went into "inocuous desue- tude " Bie rouE DISTRICT fair. In May 1888 the public agitation of a Fair Association was renewed by the businessmen of Fonda, and they issued a call for a meeting in Mckee's , Hall, on Saturday May 12, 1888, for the purpose of effecting an orga,niza- tion that shoiild embrace Pocahontfts cedae Township, 387 and the three other counties that are contiguous^to Tonda. In response to this call no meeting was held until Saturday afternoon, March 15, 1890. On this date there was a large attendance of representa- tive farmers any stock raisers from Pocahontas and the three adjoining counties, and the meeting was organ- ized by the selection of Wm. J; Bus- by, chairman, and A. G, Wood Esq., secretary. A committee was appoint- ed to prepare articles of incorporation and by-laws, another to solicit stock at ten dollars a share and a third one to report the best site available for an agricultural fair. On March 31, 1890 the first meeting of the stockholders was held in Mc- Kee's Hall, N. B. Post serving as chairman. The Big Four District Fair Association was organized by the adoption of articles of incorporation, and on Aj)ril 8th, officers were elected for one year, as follows: J. N. McLel- lan. President; Hon. James Mercer, Vice President; A. G. Wood, Secreta- ry, and A. S. Wood , Treasurer. Ten directors were ch6sen as follows; J. J , Allee (IJewell), Foster BlacMngton (Pomeroy), Col. Phil Schaller (Sac City), Abram Burson, Wm. Bott, J. B. "Bollardj J N. McKee, E. Kay, M. W. Linnan and Charles A. Zeigler. On April 17th, 37 acres of land, lo- cated west of Main street and south of the railroad, wese purchased for $1850 and on May 30th, stock to. the amount of $1,500 having been subscribed, ar- rangements were made for holding the first agricultural fair, in Pocahon- tas county, September 23 to 26, 1890. The work of improvement advanced rapidlj^ so that at the time of the first exhibition the grounds were enclosed, with a good fence, floral hall and an amphitheater seating one thousand persons had been erected, a half mile track had been^completed in the most approved style for the display of fast horses, and comfortable accommoda- tions .had been provided for a large number of all kinds of stock raised on the farm. The cost of these improve- ments was $4,071. At the first exhibition there were more than a hundred entries of horses and swine, and nearly as many ot cat- tle. This liberal patronage was a source of gratification and encourage- ment to all who were interested in the enterprise and a similar exhibition has been held every year since that date. As indicated by its name and the representatives on its board of directors, this Big Four District Fair, has received the liberal patronage ot the greater portion of the four count- ies that have Fonda as their geograph- ical penter and most convenient trad- ing point. The track has proved to be one of the finest and most attract- ive in the state, so that a large num- ber of the best trotting horses in it have pEtrticipated in the races, at every exhibition. The grounds and buildings are very convenient of access both from the town and railway • sta- tions, and many that have had the op- portunity of inspecting those in other localities have pronounced these as fine as any in northwest Iowa. The following items relating to the fi.nances of this association have been gleaned from the annual statements that have appeared in the local pa- pers. 1890 1895 1897 1899 Gate Rec'ts $1228 $1295 $1669 $1988 Privegs. etc. 952 995 829 1605 State approps. 200 200 200 Total Eects. 2280 2390 2698 3793 Shares sold 3490 548 Premiums . 1614 1794* 2103 2177 Attractions 75 265 206 Improv'mts. 3170,. . * 212 870 Expenses 518 .341 504 Debt and Int. 453 296 781 *Inciudes expenses " This exhibit shows that thre associa- tion has added considerable improve- ments and made substantial financial '3& Ptoi^BliR HISTOBY oi' POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. S progress during fche last five years. The amount due on the grounds has been reduced to $1,100, Of the pre- miuras the amount paid for speed du- ring the last three years, 1897, '98 and '99,hasbeen $1,445, $1,317 and $1,565 respectively. The gale receipts on Thursday September 1, 1898, were over $1,.300 and it was estimated that nearly 7000 persons were present that day,j which was the largest' attendance until that date. The special attrac- tions that day were an oratorical con- test in which George M, Allee, of Newell won a two years' scholarship in the college at Strcator, 111., base ball games, bicycle races and a balloon ascension that owing to some unforeseen cause did not prove a suc- cess. A special program of interest to the public has always been provided for ;the first day of the fair, and the sec- ond one has from the first been desig- nated as "old soldier's day," because on that day free admission is accorded to every one of them. This is a recog- nition they have greatly appreciated and when they have formed and marched to the grounds in a body their numbers have surprised those who have witnessed the procession. In 1890 a campfire was held in the even- ing, and Col. Phil Schaller, of Sac County was master of ceremonies. During the last few years there has been a growing tendency to attract the attention of the public to the county fairs in this section, by afford- ing the people the opportunity to wit- ness abnormal feats, such as a man leaping from an ascending balloon or a horse diving from an elevated plat- vform into a tank filled with water,etc. This suggests a demand for sensation or something to awaken astonishment , rather than thaf? education which should be Che aim and object of an agricultural fair. The fact that our pioat successful farmers almost with- f! oiit exception, the aigrioultural presgj of this state and all good people in^ every community now boldly express^ their disapprovalbf spending money., for these ^sensational and foolhardyj^^ performances, and protest against ; all*?; midway attractions at our county . fairs, because of their immoral ten^r,^ encies,. is one of the better signs of th^'S times,'and indicates that a reactit)h-" ' ary movement has already cominen- ced that has for its object, the prpmo-^ tion of the educational idea ''tha,t tends to enrich and the suppression of' the sensational and immoral that, always impoverishes. The succession of oflBcers of the Big Four District Fair Association has ] been as follows: ,« PEESiDENTs: J. N. McLcllan, 1890,^4 M. F. Patterson M. D. '91-92, Emmet:, Kay '93-97, Thomas L. Kennedy '98- 1900. VICE presidents: Hon. James Mercer 1890, N. B. Post '91, Elias Shutf'92, Capt, Jos. Mallison '93,"Wir. Bott '94-96, Dr. D. W. Edgar '97, A. S. ; Wood '98-1900. secretaries: A. G. Wood Esq. 1890, and '93, Capt Jos. MallisOn '91-92 and:. '94-96, E. Wright '97-00; F. Thornton. - treasurers: "^ A . S. Wood 1890-92, Geo. E. Hughes '93-94, P. C. Toy '95-96. a G. E. Reniflf '97-98, Qeo B. Hughes '99V'' -1900. -'i The present board of directors (1900.)''| consists of Harvey Eaton, D^W. Edgar M. D., Charles S. Darling, Hon.-' James Mercer, G. E. Eeniff, E. Kay, ' J. P. Mullen, Charles G. Perkins, Jos. Fuchs and Wm. Bott. FONDA brick AND TILE WORKS. The most important manufacturing ' establishment at Fonda, is the Brick and Tile Factory, of the Straight Bros., located west of the city water works. Early in the summer of 1894, Lee S. Straight and his father, both of El Paso, 111 , visited this section of the state in search Of a "suitable loca- JOHN D. CARPENTER, Merchant. FRANK WHITE, County Supervisor. MR. AND MRS. DAVID C. LUCAS, MABEL (BUSH), EBEN, JENNIE (SAYLOR), AND HOWARD. FONDA AND VICINITY. FONDA BRICK AND TILE WORKS, STRAIGHT BROS., Proprs. 1895. RESIDENCE OF WM. H. HAIT, OLD ROLFE, IN 1900. This building, erected by Mr. Hait in 1867, is believed to be the first frame dwelling built in Pocahontas County. He sawed the frame lumber and sheathing at Old Rolfe, and hauled the siding, flooring and shingles from Fort Dodge. The carpenters were Thomas L. MacVey and W. D. McEwen. Mr. Hait, who appears in the rocker in front of it, still (1904) ' occupies it. CEDAR TOWNSHlt. 389 tion for such a plant. They examin- ed the clay at Fonda, and In several other localities. Two months later Lee S. Straight and Guy H\ Straight, 'his brother, the two men who com- pose the present firm, returned to Fonda, and receiving from the town council the promise of a certain con- cession relating to the payment of taxes during the first ten years and an- other from the Town Lot and Land Company, consistiiig of a grant of five acres of land valued at $500, on the purchase of as many more by them, they decided to locate at this place and signed an agreement to erect a brick and tile fa,otory that should cost not less than $8,000 and manufac- ture 50,000 brick or tile the first year and afterwards one million annually. About November 1, 1894, these two men, accompanied with their families, located in Fonda and began the work of constructing the buildings. The first kiln, containipg 15,000 tile was burned April 1, 1895. The buildings erected together with their machine- ry, all of which is of the latest and most improved style, cost $16,000, or double the amount that was at first contemplated. The buildings consist of an engine room 38x30 feet, a clay house 40x60 feet, an inclined track from it to the day pit, a press room, 28x30 feet, three dry houses, one J8xl70 feet, one two Stories 36x120 feet and a third one three stories 36x150 feet, three kilns and an offloe, The engine Is of 100 horse power, the boiler 126 horse power and they are firmly set in solid masonry. An inex- haustible supply of water is furnished by a well 220 feet deep. All the work, as far as possible is done by machinery and the amount of manual labor required is small when compared with the old style of manu- facture, nevertheless profitable em- tloyment is now (jiven to as many as twenty-flve worltmeni ^hc taw as* terial in the form of crude clay enter- ing at one end of the factory and pas- sing through the processes of drying, grinding, screening, mixing, pressing, and cutting comes forth at the other end of it a perfect brick or tile. It is an interesting operation to all who witness it because, from the time the clay in the pit is lodged upon the car on the inclined track, all the various processes are accomplished with uni- form effect by machinery that is ad- ' mirably adapted for that special purpose. The car on the inclined track when loaded ascends to the top of the clay- house in response to the movement of a small lever and there, striking a trip, the bottom of the car opens and the clay falls upon a carrier that con- veys it to the (grinding machines. These are so constructed as to throw out all large gravel and the ground clay, after passing through two screens with very fine mesheS, is carried to the mixers. For these pro- cesses the clay must be so dry it Will not stick to the machinery. In the mixer the clay is moistened with water according to the judgment of the man in charge of this operation, The wet mixed clay drops into thg press on the ground floor and there iti is forced into smooth, shiny strips for brick, or long, hollow tubes for tile, The smooth glossy- surface is pro. duced by a jet of steam as it emerges from the mouth of the huge press, The long strips or tubes then pass over the cutting table where they are automatically cut into exact lengths for brick or tile- Four men are required to receive the product as it comes from the cut- ling table and place it on the little trucks that convey it to the dry houses. In one of the dry houses there are five tracks supplied with eighty trucks that hold each 640 brick or altogether enough of brick or tile for one UlUii When a dry house Lbs 390 PIONEER HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. been filled the building is closed and the exhaust steam from the engine be- ing turned in through 17,000 feet of gas pipe laid underneath the floor, the temperature within is raised to 130 or 140 degrees, and in forty-eight hours the brick or tile are ready for the kiln. They are conveyed thither by the lit- tle t rucks and these when empty re- turn on a side track to the cutting machine for another load. When a kiln has been fllfed its doors are sealed, the flre is applied and in three to four days the finished product is brought forth and placed, either on the rail- road cars tliat await their load on a special side:track, or in tiers within the yards to supply the local trade. A spur from the main track of ' the C. M. & St. P. R. R. extends into the yards, and on it the cars of cOal for the engine are run to the coal shed and those for shipment are loaded with the products of the factory. The brick and tile manufactured are of , the best quality and they are shipped in every direction within a radius of seventy-five miles. The efEort to sup- ply the demand hitherto has kept the wgrks running at their full capacity. All the buildings of this plant were erected and all of its machinery was selected and put in position by the Straight Bros., themselves. These facts show that they are expert ma- chinists and buildeis as well as manu- facturers. During the five years the factory has been in operation they have manufactured fifty to seventy- five kilns of brick (45,000 each) or tile (10,000 to 20,000 each.) annually and given employment to twenly-flve workmen. On October 20, 1898 one of the dry houses was destroyed by flre but it was immediately rebuilt. The proprietors huve given this enterprise their undivided attention and have spared no pains or expense necessary to make their goods ol' the best quali- ty. The confidence tlicy have won and the success they have achipyed have been well merilied. TUB FONDA CBEAMERY COMPANY. If we consider the number of men employed, the people interested and the amount of money put in circula- tion, the manufacturing interest at Fonda, next in importance to the Brick and Tile works, is, the one rep- resented by the Fonda Creamery Co., of which R. F.iBeswick has been the principal proprietor and manager since the fall of 1889, when the com- pany was organized. The task this company undertook at that date was to rnake a success of an industry of great importance to this community but which had proven verj- unprofit- able to its predecessors. , The accom- plishiiientof this diflftciilt task for more than ten years, has revealed a business sagacity and courage that have been able to meet and successfully cope with difficulties previously in- surmountable. The Fonda Creamery was built in 1881 by Sampson and French, of Storm . Lake, wholeaised it when completed to Geo. L. Brower, a general merchant I at Fonda. As this was the first creamery built in this section, as many as ten teams were employed to collect the hiilk for it and they were dis'tributed as follows: Two in the country, around Pocahontas, three around Pomeroy, and five in the vicin- ity of Fonda. During the first year of its operation Mr. Bfower sustained a loss of $6,600, and it was attributed to the fact tliere was a continuous de- cline in the price of butter throujihout that entire year. During the previ- , ous year there had been a constant advance in its price and this long continued upward tendency had the effect of stimulating not only the ; erection of many new creameries in ■ different parts of tlie country, but the manufacture in the cities of cheap Imitations of butter called but- terine and oleomargarine; The ex- CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 391 tensive sale of these bogus articles, before they were properly restrained by law, had the effect of demoralizing the market for the genuine product. During tKe next three years this ■ creamery was operated with serious lossby Michael'Crahan, who in 1882 became the successor to all the busi- ness interests of Geo. L. Brower at Fonda. Daring this period the fact was realized that the method of test- ing the Cream was very defective, worked constant injustice to tjie pro- prietors of creameries and in many instances involved them in heavy losses. The creamery after remaining closed for two years was reopened in the spring of 1887 by" EdwardL. i3eard who continued to operate it until Nov. 1, 1889 when it was again aban- doned as ah unprcjfitable • enterprise. The Fop da Creamery Company took possession of the Fonda creamery in the fall of 1889, on a - lease for five years. Under this lease the old machin- ery was replaced by "that which was new and improved, and a centrifugal separator was introduced to separate the cream from the milk.' Soon after it. was opened in the spring of 1890 ..another creamery was established and put in successful operation in Wil- liams township, Calhoun county. About that same time a butter fac- tory and storage plant for . butter, eggs and dressed poultry was estab- lished in connection with the office which is in Fonda. In the fall of that year the Fonda Creamery, together with ten acres of land on which the buildings are located, was purchased and in 1891 another separator was in- serted. In 1897 the business of this tirm was further extended by the establi>h- ment of a creamery at Sulphur Springs, and in 1898 by tlie purchase of the creamery in Douglas township. Sac county. 1'hese various industries have afforded constant employment to sixteen men during the summer and twenty-five during the winter. It is a well established fact that the creameries conducted on the Cooley cream gathering system once proved the most successful of any' in the country and paid -the largest net prof- it to the dairymen. . The introduc- tion of the separator however was an improvement that increased their profit from 25 to 40 per cent. In 1891 Iowa's dairy products were $33,*746,100, which is $500,000 more than all the gold produced in the United States that year. In 1892 the railroad earnings in the state of Iowa were $37,405,171, and the dairy pro- ducts of the state that year rivaled that amount. In 1896 the dairy pro- duct of Iowa was $42,000,000, which was twice the amount of the silver product of the entire country that year. , The fact that this is a ' great dairy country is becoming clearer every decade. All agree that the soil is un- rivaled either in richness or the va- riety of the grains and grasses it will produce, but all have not realized its great value and importance as a dairy district. The following facts connec- ted with the development of the busi- ness of the Fonda Creamery Company serve to illustrate this truth and also the great value of the cream- ery industry to this community. On balancing their books for their first eight months, May 1 to Dec. 31, 1890, they found they had paid the 'patrons of the Fonda Creamery $9,011 for milk. During the year 1895, the first one after the period of long con- tinued drought the amounts paid to some of their patrons by this compa- ny for milk was as follows: Henry Bix ' $460 Mrs. B. McOartan 2\)0 Henry Meyei' • 354 H. Helmbrecht 272 D. Focke 332 W. S. Young 2t0 392 PIONEEB mSTOEYOr POCAHOHtAS COUNTY, IoWa Christ Meyer A. Samuelson S. Barron Henry Becker Paf Duffle John; riolyer 312 258 265 252 250 246 John Lemp during tlie six months preceding January 31, 1896, delivered at tfie creamery from fifteen cows 49, 159 'pounds of milli and received $260. Deducting the cost of hauling it four miles, $48, his net receipts were $212 or -An average of more than $14 for each cow for the six months. Many others received amounts very nearly as large. The money realized from the dairy interest is not only put into immediate circulation at home but is distributed over the whole year and thus affords the pat- rons of the creamery a constant in- come, one that is not dependent on special crops or the grain market. ',Dnring the year 1898 the shipments of this firm from Fonda were forty car loads, an average of one car load n week for most of the time. When it is known that the value of a single par load is often $1,500 the aggregate of the business done in a single year is perceived. During that winter the fimouRt paid for Uve turkeys alone delivered at their office in one week was $3,000, The business done in eggs has also at times been iiP' mense, larger than that of any firm in the neighboring counties. The prices paid for eggs and live poultry have attracted shipments to this place from many, points within a radius ot fifty miles and two places In South Dakota. When B. F. Beswluk came as a stranger from Manchester to Fonda, In 1889, by persons occupying positions of great honor In this state, he was Commended to the confidence of the people of this community as a man whose word was as good as his bond, honest and honorable in all his deal- iDfs, and one who by elose appliea- tlon had already won the enviable reputation of having achieved success in all his pi'evious business under- takings. As year after year has pass- ed the people of this community have had ample opportunity of witnessing how well, as a'lnau of affairs, he has sustained these high elements of character. -- The task before him has been a hard, one, but by close ap- plication and a constant effort to make, the industry he represents a source of financial, profit to every ^ one of his patrons, he has proven equal to it. Determined to do a safe rather than a large husiness, so that neither he nor his • patrons should suffer by suddfen reverses, he has studiously avoideS engaging in any local rival- ries and malAained his business month after month and year after year, on the principles of economy, justice and honor; and by so doing has developed the dairy and poultry In- dustrie in; this community to such an extent that they have become of lead- ing importance to the people of a large Section of country. THB NOBTilERN TELEPHONE COMPANT, In January 1899, a few public spirit- ed men in Fonda formed an associa- tion for ptecuniary profit and the pro^ motion of. the public welfare, and they have already accomplished a work that has made Fonda the center of another important business inters est that embraces Pocahontas and the neighboring counties, This associa- tion consists of Geo, Sanborn, A. L. Roberts, A. S. Wood, R. F. Beswlolr, M. G. Coleman, Leeb. Straight, John Forbes, Thos. L. Kennedy and Geo. H. Fltoh, all of Fonda, Iowa, who became a corporate body April 3, 1899, as the Northern Telephone Company. The objects of this corporation are to obtain telephone exchange fran- chises, to build, purchase, acquire and operate telephone exchanges and lines in Iowa. About July 1) 1886, the Iowa and biDAlk l^o^MHt?. 383 Minnesota Telephone Company estab- lished the first telephone connection between Newell, Fonda, Pomeroy, Manson, Kockwell City and Pocahon- tas with a central ofiice at Pomeroy; on November 20, 1897, the Jeffer- son Telephone Company established ah office at the Anderson Drug Com- pany's store, Fonda and located three local instruments; and in 1899 the Central Telephone Company extended a line from Fonda to Rusk and Poca- hontas. It remained, however for the Northern Telephone Company to pop- ularize the use of the telephone as a great public convenience in the offices and homes of the people in Fonda and in several of the towns in this section. The Invention of the telephone is of recent date and its great value to the commercial world is suggested by the rapidity with which it has come into popular use. lu 1861 Philip Reis, of Germany, found that variatjons in an electric current, caused by a vibra- ting membrane, could be reproduced, and in this way transmitted musical sounds and even words, but his ap- paratus was very imperfect. At the Centennial in 1876 A. Graham Bell first presented at a public exposition, a practical telephone in which the vi- brations were received and communi- cated by means of an iron diaphragm In thefield of a magnet. Later Thomas A. Edison produced a vibratory current by means of an induction coil and a block of carbon; and Blake, a platinum transmitter. In 1892 a long distance telephone was erected between Chica- go and the principal cities of the east. At the regular annual municipal election, held in Fonda, March 27, 1899, a telephone exchange franchise was granted this company for a period of twentyflve years. Under this fran- chise the telephone company was ac- corded the right to erect, maintain and operate upon such streets, al- leys and public highways of Fonda, as ■ may be necessary to furnish commu- nication to the public, the poles, wires and fixtures necessary to supply to the citizens thereof communication by telephone or other electric signals. And in consideration of this franchise the telephone company grants to the town of Fonda, the free use of its poles for the purpose of fire alarm connections and the free use of two phones in such places as the Town Council may designate. This company was organized by the election of Geo. Sanborn, President; A. S. Wood, Vice President; M. G. Coleman, Secretary; and R. F. Bes- wiok. Treasurer. Before the close of the year 1899 the force of workmen employed by this company had loca- ted ninety-five instruments in Fonda and extended their lines to Varina, Laurens, Lilly, Rusk, Newell, Sulphur Springs, Storm Lake, Alta and Nema- ha. At Storm Lake the automa- tic exchange and instruments con- nected with it, that were not entirely satisfactory, have been replaced by a more serviceable switch board and 125 local instruments. Other towns that have since been reached are Rolfe, Gilmore City, Havelock, Plover, Palm- er, Pocahontas and Rockwell City. It is the aim and purpose of this company to reach every point of inter- est in each township of this county, connect them with each other and with the towns in the neighbor- ing counties, either by means of their own lines or those of other indepen- dent companies. The instruments used by this com- pany are the best manufactured and give universal satisfaction. On all the toll lines a metallic circuit is used and no expense is spared in the efi'ort to secure the best of materials and service in every department of their work. At their annual meeting, held on the first Monday in May, 1900, the di- rectors chosen for the ensuing year 394 PIONEEB HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. were: A. B. Roberts, John Forbes, L. S. Straight, Geo. Sanborn and A. S. Wood, who organized by the election of A. L. Eoberts, president; L. S. Straight, vice president; M. G. Cole- man, secretary, and R. F, Beswiclc, treasurer. Lee S. Straight was ap- pointed manager and superintendent of construction and the original capi- tal stock of $10,000,divided into shares of $50 each, was increased to $20,000. THE NORTHWESTEBN HAWKEYE. A copy of the Northwestern Hawk- eye was recently handed us by Thos. Slater, of Cedar township. This seems to be the only copy of that pa- per that has been preserved and it is therefior.e an interesting relic. It is dated Fonda, Iowa, Thursday, May 21, 1875, and is No. 11 of the third volume, which indicates that this paper was established about March 20, 1873. It was published by J. D. White & Son and it was the official paper of this county for the year 1875. It was designed to be a local republican pa- per devoted to the interests of Poca- hontas county and the benefit of its inhabitants. The particular item of interest that led to the preservation of this copy is the account it contains of the mar- riage of Thomas Slater and Mrs. Mary McFadden on May 26, 1875, when the senior editor of the paper, who was a local preacher of the M. E. church, at his own home in Fonda, "started these two young people on the journey of life together with the express wish that peace and prosperity may be their portion." Of the other items of interest in this old paper we note the following: A Sunday School was organized at the Osburn schoolhouse, two miles east of Fonda, May 23, 1875, by the election of O. F. Wilson, Supt.; Mrs. David Spielman, Asst. Supt.; George Gar- lock, Sec. ; Mrs. B. F. Osburn, Lib.; B. F. Osburn, Treas. and Mrs. E. Gar- lock, chorister. The grasshoppers in Kansas, re-in- forced by a horde of buffalo gnats that attacked the cattle, were making sad havoc of every green thing in Kansas. They had penetrated to the heart of Kansas City and though millions of them had been destroyed by means of trenches they were moving northward like a vast army. The advertisements indicate that the following persons were doing business at Fonda at this time: Eemtsma & Swingle, lumber and coal; Wm. Snell, cheese factory; E. Mullen, proprietor of Fonda Hotel; E. J. Grifflii and T. J. Curtis are con- tractors and builders; Joseph Malli- son has a collecting agency and sells farm naaohinery; Wm. Marshall and C. E. Brown are real estate agents; Hughes & Son(S. & G. E.)and John W Gray are general merchants and Dr. C. F. Wilson is a veterinary surgeon. At this date the town ' lots in this county were assessed as follows: In' Lombard, a new town platted on the SWi Sec. 32 Laurens (now Marshall) township, $1 each; in (old) Rolfe and Pocahontas $2.50 to $10; and in Fonda (still listed as Marvin), $30 to $75. HISTORIC INCIDENTS. Fonda is charmingly located in a section of country that is rich in good farming lands which are cultivated by a class of thrifty farmers who are rapidly accumulating money and mak- ing Improvements In the way of com- fortable homes. It is the oldest and largest town in the county and has now a population of 1200 enterprising inhabitants. Among its special ad- vantages are its fine churches, schools, excellent facilities for trade, good water, healthful climate and highly productive soil all around it, In 1876 Cedar township for the first time took the lead in the county by casting the largest republican vote which was 70 for Hayes and 34 for Tilden. In 1880, ten years after the town dsiDAR TOWNSHIP. 39£l was founded, the population of Fonda was 168. In 1885 it was 433, in 1890, 625 and in 1895, 942. The first wedding in Fonda was tlie marriage of Marion D. Skinner and Clara Hawkins July 25,1873 at the hotel kept by her father where the Toy bank now stands and Rev. R. J. Griffin was the officiating clergyman. The first sidewalk in Fonda was laid in May 1876 and it extended from the depot to Ibson's blacksmith shop on the northwest corner of Main and Second streets. In 1888 Main street was established . and opened south of the 1. C. R. R. and in 1892 it was extended from the Catholic church to the north line of the section. On Oct. 15, 1883 a fire destroyed some of the best business blocks on the east side of Main street including the Ellis hotel. Times building, Guy- ett store buildings, then owned by J. N. McKee & Co., and others represent- ing a loss of $33,000, but in a short time the former wooden structures were replaced by splendid brick biiild- ings that have been an ornament to the town and a credit to her enter- prising citizens. On Aug. 25, 1891 another fire des- troyed the drug store of J. B. Bollard, the clothing store of Malloy & Red- den, the new brick building of F. M. Conroy and a number of smaller ones on the west side of Main street that involved a loss of $17,000. These also have been replaced with larger and more substantial buildings. On June 15, 1897, a curfew ordin- ance was adopted for the purpose of keeping the children under seventeen years of age from the streets, alleys and public grounds of the city after certain hours of the night. This ordinance has been enforced since its adoption and with excellent results. On March 6, 1900, twenty-six women cast their ballots at the school elec- tion held in Fonda. This was the first time they voted in Fonda and, casting 18 ballots for the proposition to bond the town for the erection of a new schoolhouse and ten against it, their vote gave a majority of four for the bond proposition that otherwise by reason of a slight misunderstand- ing, would have been lost by four votes. The first Sunday school in the Thompson school district was organ- ized in 1876, by Harvey W. Hay and Charles E. Whitney. In 1885 and '86, it was reorganized and John Cartlidge and Wm. H. Henderson were elected successively superintendents. In 1897 it was reorganized by the election of William M. Cathcart superintendent and he has maintained it until the present time. TORNADO OF 1882. On Saturday June 17, 1882, the citi- zens of Fonda, had a magnificent view of one of those whirlwinds, or funnel shaped clouds called a tornado or cy- clone. It formed near the western line of Cedar Township, at the close of a sultry day, and moving eastward completely destroyed the vacant house and other buildings on the homestead of J. P. Robinson on nisw i section 20, The houses and furniture of Harry and Adelbert Bailey and of Kenselaer Wright on the same sec- tion were also destroyed. At the home of Joseph Kennedy, on section 21, the house was carried from its foundation and the barn destroyed. It passed thence northeastward to the home of Louis Fuchs, on section 12, where its appetite was satisfied by the almost total destruction of his house, barn, stable and granary, and the snapping of the trees in the grove, some of which were one foot thick, as if they were pipestems. The only one injured was Adelbert Bail^, who was struck on the foot by a piece of flying timber. At the home of R. Wright the building occupied had been provided with only a tempo- M PiONEfeil HiSl'OtlY bi* :^6(JAH0Nf AS 6oul!i*tY, loWA. rary floor, and on this the family was left unhurt when the building was carried away. The destructive part of this, the second tornado to visit this county, was about five miles in length, all within Cedar township. As the whirling, seething cloud passed ovei; the open prairie north of Fonda and less than a mile from it, all who dared venture out beheld a sight so sublime and awe inspiring as never to be for- gotten. Virgil had in mind such a scene when he wrote: Aeolus hurled his spear against the mountainous surface, And the wild howling winds rush forth pell mell at the oriflce,- The east wind, the north wind and stormy northwest together Scour over the earth and inaugurate dreadful bad weather. That same evening heavy storms prevailed in several portions of this and other states, the most destructive one passing through Grinnell, where a large humber of buildings were des- troyed and many lives lost. SUNK GKOVB. Sunk Grove, an island of eighty acres, principally on the ne i of sec- tion 7 and covered with a fine grove of timber that previous to the arrival of the I. C. railway was the only supply of fuel and building material in this section, was the first place of interest and attracted near it the first settlers in Cedar township, in 1868. At this early date there were many trees growing around its outer edge that during most of the year stood in water to the depth of one or more feet. The appearance of large oak trees standing in the water, gave the im- pression that the ground where they stood had sunk after they began to grow, and for this reason it was called "Sunk Grove." In the spring of the year the island is surrounded by a lake, 'that on the south and east sides of it is from 30 to 50 rods wide, and on the north and west is from 100 to 200 rods in width. This depression is lowest at the north west corner of the island where it is widest. At this place it was never known to become dry until the latter part of 1894. During recent years the entire depression around the island, embracing nearly three hun- dred acres of land, has been covered with an unusually luxuriant growth of native grasses, beautiful to the eye but of no real value to the owners, either for hay or pasture, by reason of the marshy condition of the ground. The outlet for this lake or marsh is eastward to the Cedar, and when it is drained several hundreds of acres of the richest and most productive land in the county will be redeemed. This grove was the only one of nat- ural timber in the west half of this county. The water around it protect- ed the timber from the prairie fires and it had a fine growth of oak, hack- berry, basswood, cottonwood, and other trees of .which the last large ones were removed in 1870. The Island is now owned and occupied by J. M. Borders, whose cozy cottage, surround- by young timber, is located on its highest point. FONDA IN 1900. The leading business interests at Fonda and those now representing them may be briefly summarized as follows: ATTOBNBYs: Z. C. Bradshaw since '94; r. Hamilton Bond, since '95; J. D. Wurtzbaugh, since '98; Edward Fair- burn since '99, Wm. H. Healy 8ince'85. banks: The Pocahontas County Bank was established by Geo. Fair- burn, its present proprietor, in 1870; the first brick building was erected in '81 and in '85 it was enlarged. It is the oldest bank in the county. A. S. Wood is cashier, C. A. Alexander and Edward H. Fairburn, assistants. The Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. was established in 1886 by James F. CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 391 Toy, of Storm Lake. L. A. Rothe is cashier, Chas. Harrold assistant. BABBEEs: Geo. Gr. Craft since 1887; also an auctioneer and proprietor of a dog and pony show since 1891. Mauls- by Bros., (I. W. and\M. S.) since 1894. Mitchell & Elliott successors of W. A. Elliott. BOOK-KEEPEBs: Walter S. Adams, since 1895, Charles A. Alexander, since 1891; Melvin Royer and Eay E. Wilde. BLACKSMiTHs:Garrett R.Reniff,since September 1, 1885 when his shop was built. He was a partner with J. W. Spitzbarth 1886-88, and purchased an additional ' shop in 1896 of Arthur Hamilton and placed it in care of A. W. Jones, one of his worlcmen since 1895. Edward Ibson, since 1896 and as a partner with his brother, Peter G. Ibson, since 1873. Ackley Bros, successors to Fagan Bros, in 1900. BEiCK AND TILE woEKs: Straight Bros. (Lee S. and GuyH.) BTJTTEB manufactueee: Fonda Creamery Company, R. E. Beswick, proprietor since 1889. CABPET weavee: Alphonso O. Brown since 1887. CITY engineee: G. C. Weber. ciGAB MAKurACTUEEB: Frank L, Covey, since 1877. CONTEACTOBS AND BUILDBBS: A. J. Sauter, James Thompson, Charles Nichols, J, E. Brown, H. W. Bailey Calvin Brackney. clerks; Geo. Bush, since 1887; J. B. Sargent, since 1892; Eli P. Griffith, since 1B95; Vernon Harris, since 1893; Lucius Langworthy, Jos. M. Thorpe and George Fastle. clothing: Woodhouse & Blizzard since '95, in Eaton block (built in '98) since '99, H. A. Blizzard, manager. CHOPHOUSEs; F. O. and S. H. Van- Hoosier, since 1898; and J. W. Sargent. DBESS MAKEEs: Mrs. Mark Haven, Lily and Rose Steiner, Mrs. Marion Young, Sara Morton, Hannah Olkjer, Ina Gilson, Dollie and Mamie WykofC. deaymbn: Wm. B. Neal, since 18- 85, Fred Spielman, since 'f4, Mrs, M. Doyle, since '91, Jackson Howe, man- ager; Claude Simpson and- Marion Young. DBUGGiSTs: C. C. Patty since 1894; Anderson (Elijah) Drug Co., since 18- 96; and H. A. Daubenberger, success- or of J. B. Bollard, in the Bott brick block in 1899. FUBNITUBB DEALEBS: R. Wright & Co. successors of Geo. Fairburn, in his brick block in '87. (2) Albert R. Maulsby since '99 . GBNEBAL St!EBCHANTS: J. P. Robin- son since 1886, now in Times building. J. D. Carpenter since '93 in McKee block built in '84; and in hardware '83- 89 as a member of the firm of Car- penter cfc Russell, Roy, his son, a part- ner in 1900. John ForbeS since '94, successor of Borman & Sargent in Hughes building. The Thornton (Frank G.) Mercantile Co. in '98 suc- cessors to Crahan & Linnan. J. W. Rock since '98, and in his own brick block in '99. Tolen Bros., John and James. GBAiN DBALEEs: Kennedy Bros. (Thomas, John and Alexander) since '97 and as Redfield & Kennedy, since '93. Elevator first built by N. B. Post in 1890. They also deal in live stock, buggies and implements. (2) Warren Grain Co. D. V. Righdenour, manager since 1895. (3) Frank J. Turner, suc- cessor to Rolfe Bros, since 1897, elevator built in 1894 by N. B. Post. HAEDWABE AND HARNESS DEALEBS: A. L. Roberts & F. L. Kenning, suc- cessors of Fred Haffele iji 1893, erected present brick block in 1899, Wm. D. Carroll harness maker. Fitch Bros. (Geo. H. and Fred W.) successors of J. H. Potter & Son in McKee block in 1893. hotels: Curley (Ewing) House, built in 1885, by Mrs. E. F. Hull, C. A. Ledd & J. B. Odiet, managers since 1898; Washington house, built by G. W. Sargent in 1892, Robert B. Rob- bins, manager, since 1899. Fonda ho- 398 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. tel, Thomas Murphy proprietor since J893. Central house, Mrs. Engelbert Keeler, proprietor and manager since 1893. implements: Mullen, Mayo & Co. successors in 1899 of Turner (Frank) & Charles Mayo; and Kennedy Bros. insurance: M. G. Coleman, since 1892, also '77-18; city recorder and secretary of Northern Telephone Co., Capt. Joseph Mallison since 1875. Wm H. Healy Esq., Ed. E. Ellis, L. A. Bothe and Z. C. Bradshaw. JANITOB OF PUBLIC sbHOOLs; John Dooley since 1889. LUMBEB dealers: J. & W. C. Shull, successors of Geo. Fairburn in 1887, J. J. McCartan, manager. (2) Wood- ford & Wheeler successors of N. B. Post in 1890, since which date Wm. Wilde has been the manager. (3) Lee & Jameson who in '95 became the suc- cessors of Henry Dorton, the present manager. LIVERYMEN. A. J. Hamilton, in '94 successor of A. E. Sargent who erected buildings in 1893; Frank Mul- len, since 1898; and John Mackey in 1900, successor to Geo. P. Selzer at the Kay barn. MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS! L. A. Eaymond, since 1898. MASONS AND PLASTERERS. JaCOb Spielman, E. O. Ellis, Wm. E. WykofE and Frank Ceperly. MEAT markets: W, J. Eedfleld at the "Palace," since 1898; Henry Travis, successor of Wendell Bros, in 1900. milkman: Seth F. Tucker since 1888. milliners: Mrs. Charles Say res since 1891; Mrs. D.J. Barkalow, since 1899; Miss Katie Kearns, Mrs. E. Kay. MUSIC teachers: Minnie Haffele, Mrs. C. E. Whitney, Anna Zerwas and Olive Myers. newspapers: The Fonda Times, called Pocahontas Times, until June 14, 1894, Geo. Sanborn editor and proprietor since 1879, brick ^ijlldlngr erected in 1884. Tlie Fonda Eeview, W. S. Clark editor, since May 1, 1900. painters. Wallace Haven, H. E. Sargent, A. W. Sargent, Albert and Everett L. Gilson, P. E. Chamber- lin and Howard' Lockie. pastors of the churches: Meth- odist (built 1880) Eev. J. J. Gardner since 1897, Catholic (1884) Eev. J. F. Brennan since 1895; Presbyterian (18- 87) Eev. E. E. Flickioger since 1886; Christian (1900) Eev. W. S. Lemmon. photographer: M. J. Silvers, suc- cessor of B. K. Hawkins, in 1898. POST master: Capt.- Joseph Mal- lison. physicians: D. W. Edgar,since '81; C. E. Whitney, since '94; T. J. Dower, and D. J. Barkalow since '99; and M, G. Simpson, veterinary since '97. RAILWAY AGENTS :E. M. Harrlson I. C; E. E. N9,nce, and E. Wright, 0. M. & S. P. REAL ESTATE. MalllSOn & ElllS (Joseph and Ed E.) since 1894; Kay & Hughes (Emmet and Geo. E.) since 1898; Jordan & Linnan (John E. and C. F.) since 1899; and Bradshaw & Uhingren (Eev. Z. C.and E. J.)in 1900. restaurants; J. E. Johnson since 1897; E. J. Maulsby; and Joseph Hud- son. STREET sprinkler; Ed O'Donnell. SHOEMAKERS. Hart Eoberts, since 1883 making fine shoes a specialty; Wm. W. Eathbun since 1886. tailors: Swen J. Swenson since '92 and Al Ehline since '89, both em- ploying from two to four tailors. TELEPHONE OPERATOR, Louise Spelling. TRAVELING SALESMEN: Geo. Eilcy and F. M. Conroy. WAGON maker: Abram F. DeGraffl since 1891. WELL drillers: W. H. Osterman, since 1894; Elmer and William Evans. PERSONAL sketches. Of the residents of Cedar township there seems a special pro|>rt^l;,y that CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 399 the sketches of the following persons be included in this chapter. Beard Edward L., who had charge of the Fonda creamery 1887 to '89, is a native of Indiana (b. 1848), came to Winnesheik county, Iowa, in 1853, and married there Mary S. Adams, in 1878. During their residence in Fonda, he rendered efficient service as an elder of the Presbyterian church. After his return to Decorah, he con- tinued in the creamery business with the Beard Bros., until 1896, when he became proprietor of the creamery at Coster, Butler Co., and in 1898 also of the Colfax and Star creameries in G-rundy Co. His estimable wife after three years of poor health died in 1891 leaving three children, Gertrude, Bes- sie and William Edward. Beswick Robert Frederick, manager and principal proprietor of the inter- ests represented by the Fonda Cream- ery Co., was born in the city of York, England, September 11, 1854. After pursuing an elementary course of study in the public schools of Leeds, he spent two years, in an academy, and one year as a teacher, in one of the government schools. In 1876, at the age of twenty two, he came to America, bought a farm at Newell, Iowa, and engaged in farm- ing. Two years later he learned the creamery business, and finally located at Manchester, where, on September 11, 1887, he-marriedEosetta J. daugh- ter of W. B. Ellis, a successful and prosperous farmer of that place. He has been a resident of Fonda and pro- prietor of the creamery since Nov. 1, 1889. In the management of his business interests he is thoroughly systematic and methodical. He reposes implicit confidence in his workmen and giyes them to understand that he expects them to do all their work in the best manner whether he is present or ab- sent. He studiously endeavors to avoid the use of borrowed capital and prefers to do a safe rather than a large business. All his business transac- tions are kept on a cash basis. By careful observance of these principles he was enabled to continue with a small margin of profit during the hard years preceding 1896, and to enlarge his business considerably in 1897. He has been an active and an influential member of the city council since 1893. Unselfish, conservative and farseeing, he is regarded as "one of the best workers for the town that ever occu- pied a chair on the council." His wife died July 25, 1897, leaving two children, Bobbie and Bessie. Bott William, a resident of Fonda and vicinity since 1870, was born in Stratton, Rutland county, England, December 18, 1827, and he was the son of Robert and Charlotte (Bains) Bott. His father was the overseer of the estate of Sir Gilbert Ethicort. In • 1850 he came to America and spent the first two years on a farm at Syracuse, New York. He then engaged as fore- man in laying railroad track and re- sided successively at Danville, (Cana- da), Cincinnati, TerraHaute, and Shelbyyille (111.). At this place, April 17, 1859, he married Susan, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Sapp, and soon afterwards moved to Lichfield. In 1869, he located at Iowa Falls, and superintended the laying of the I. C. railroad from Iowa Falls to Storm Lake. As the railroad advanced his family moved to Webster City, Fort Dodge and Fonda, arriving at Fonda, in August 1870. He found a home for his family at first in the unfinished depot, and when he was compelled to leave it about the middle ot Octpber, some of his workmen built him a house in one day. He continued in the employ of the railroad company until 1879 and among others laid the track on the road from Judd to Le- high and on the Webster City and Crooked creek railway. As late as July 1886 this veteran track-layer was 400 I'lONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS CXDUNTY, lOWA. called to Webster City, to superintend the laying of ten miles of new track for a mining company. His farm of 240 acres on section 2l, Cedar township was purchased in 1870 for $5 an acre. In 1874 be moved upon It and began the work of its improve- ment. During a residence of twenty years on the farm he improved it with fine buildings, fences and groves. In 1894 he returned to Fonda, where his wife died, May 13, 1895, in her 74th year. Their family consisted of five children three of whom died young. Jennie, wife of Joseph B. Bollard, and Lizzie reside in Fonda, the latter with her father. Wm. Bott is one of the few men, still living, who have had the oppor- tunity of witnessing the growth of Fonda and of taking an active part in promoting the best interests of the town and community. "When he came to this place in the spring of 1870, the town site was a vfild prairie without roads, houses or trees. Only two small temporary buildings had been enected, one a blacksmith shop, by Petej Ibson and the other a grocery by Jacob Sil- bar. Intoxicating liquors were kept in the latter, and Mr. Bott having about seventy-five men in his employ, notified Sllbar not to sell any of them to his men. Silbar, afilrming his right to sell to who ever paid him for the drinks, was advised to be careful or the men would carry his outfit away. That evening a number of the men gathered about his building, lifted it and were in the act of carrying it to Cedar creek, when Mr. Bott inter- fered and prevailed upon them to de- sist from their purpose. Wm. Bott was a member of the board of county supervisors, six years, 1880-82 and 1886-88, and served as its chairman in 1881 and '87. He has been president of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian church, of Fonda, since 1890. Although of a happy and contented state of mind he has never been a loiterer, but always an indus- trious and hard worker. His long ex- perience as a foreman is suggestive of his superior tact and ability in man- aging others. He has been a success- ful farmer. On the farm he was careful neither to go in debt nor sell a bushel of grain. He raised hogs and cattle successfully by providing for them suitable buildings and giving them his constant, personal attention. He endeavored to keep the fences and buildings in the very best shape and enjoyed what some are pleased to call "good luck." In addition to his farm and home he also owns a valuable brick block in the business portion .of Fonda. Bothwell George W., M. D. now a resident of Fairbanks, was a resident of Fonda.from November 1, 1877, until 1888. He practiced medicine and, du- ring the latter part of this period, had an interest in a drug store. His mother Mariah A. (Muir) and son George H. began to reside with him in Fonda in 1878, and on October 22nd that year, he married Ida Dodge, of Fonda. This ceremony was perform- ed by Eev. H. G. McBrlde, and it seems to have been the first one in Fonda, by a resident pastor of the M. E. church. His son, a very exemplary young man, after preparing himself for college in the Guthrie county high scliool at Panora, received a se- rious stroke on his head while at work during the summer vacation, that caused a slight derangement of his 'mind, and he was killed by a freight train one mile east of Fonda, September 10, 1887, in his 19th year. Both of his parents were natives of Scotland, and in 1843 came to Toronto Canada, where his father (John) died a few years later. in 1860 his mother and family moved to Fondu- lac, Wis., and three of her sons enlist- ed in the civil war. She was one of God's noble women and passed to her CEDAE TOWJJSHIf . 401 reward at Fairbanks, August 27, 1893, in her 81st year. Bradshaw Zenas Condit Eev., a res- ident of Fonda, since Oct. 1, 1892, was born near G-randville, Indiana, Sep- tember, 26, 1840. In March 1846 he came y?ith his parents to a farm in Cedar county, Iowa, making the journey in a two horse wagon. In the fall of 1S59 his father was elected sheriff, and in January 1860 moved to Tipton. At the age of nineteen, Ze- nas that year entered the Tipton Union School, and after two years Cornell College, where he remained until the close of the fall term of 1865. March 2T, 1866, he married Angeline Spitler, and continued in the work of teaching mOst of the time until Nov- ember 1870, when he moved to Webster City and began the study of law. In 1872 he began the practice of law at Belmond, Wright county. In the fall of 1879 he was elected auditor of that county and moved to Clarion, where their first and only child, Grace De- Ette, was born March 9, 1881. He con- tinued to reside there untilOct.l 1886. He became a member of the M. E. church in February 1858, was ordained a deacon at Spirit Lake, Sep- tember 28, 1884, and an elder at Algo- na, September 29, 1886. He was pas- tor of the M. E. chuTch in Luverne and Goldfield, each one year; in Lake Mills, Sioux Eapids, Ashton and Fon- da, each two years. Since the close of his pastorate at Fonda, October 1, 18- 94, he has been engaged in the prac- tice of law. Hia aim in life has been to be a faithful citizen and a devoted ghristian. Brower George L. was a resident of Fonda from January 1, 1878, until the spring of 1883, when he moved to Eockwell City, where he established the Security bank. At the time he located in Fonda, he opened a general store and, one month later, purchas- ed the entire stock of general mer- chandise owned by W. H. Clemens. January 1, 1881, he opened a branch store and restaurant at Pocahontas, in charge of W. Hodges, and leased the Fonda creamery when it was com- pleted that spring. All of these busi- ness interests at Fonda and Pocahon- tas were relinquished in the spring of 1883. He took an active part in all the arrangements connected with the incorporation of Fonda. He was ap- pointed one of the commissioners to hold the first municipal electiouj was the first to hold the office of town treasurer, was a member of the first town council and continued to serve in that capacity five years, 1879 to 1882. He married Ella J. daughter of James and Jean Busby, and their family consisted of five children two of whom died in childhood, and Har- ry, in his tenth year, December 15, 1895. For several years he and his family have resided in !Des Moines and Chicago, in order to secure the best educational advantages for their two daughters, Aileen and Imogene, and in July 1899 they went to Paris, that Aileen, who possesses a voice of unusual sweetness and power, and who has al- ready become a very accomplished singer, might pursue advanced studies in music for a couple of years. As a man he is gentle,and good na- tured, never in a hurry hut always planning some new venture and carry- ing to a successful issue large business interests. At Eockwell City there has been accorded to him the honor- able title, "Brower the Builder," be- cause, "he has built more houses and large business blocks in that city than any other man. " He has also been the inventor of a set of building blocks that are greatly coveted by the children all over the land. He is a man well equipped for business, has the faculty of developing large results from small beginnings, knows how to make a profitable use of every thing that comes into his possession and 402 PIGNEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. seems to be uniformly successful in all his enterprises. Busby(Plunkett)Jean Mrs. who died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Peter Kiene, in Dubuque, May. 1, 18- 98, was a pioneer resident of Fonda, and a beautiful monument in this cemetery marks her last earthly rest- ing place. She was a native of Scot- land, and after her marriage to James Busby, came to America and . located first in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and afterwards in Chicago, where he died, July, 6, 1855, at the age of 55 years. That fall, with a family of seven children, she moved to Dubu- que, remained there until the spring of 1872, when, accompanied by four children, she moved to Fonda. Her two sons, William J. and Ebenezer, had preceded her and they had erect- ed, as a home for herself and family, the house now owned and occupied by Geo. H.'Ellis, on the northeast cor- ner of block ten. Ebenezer, on his ar- rival in the fall of 1870, engaged in the mercantile business in which he was joined by his brother William J. in the spring of 1871, and this part- nership continued uotil the acciden- tal death of the former August 23, 1873. After the settlement of her children in homes of their own, Jean resided most of the time with her daughter-Mrs. Geo. L. Brower. Her family consisted of Elizabeth J. mar- ried to George Butterfleld, Plumas Co. Cal.; Matilda, married to C. D. Lucas, Cherokee, Robert A. married to Eliza- beth Borland who survives him at Dubuque; Mary A. married to Prof. C. Bayless, Dubuque; William J. mar- ried to Louisa A. Price, Fonda; Car- rie A. married to Peter Kiene, Dubu- que; Ebenezer M. v^ho was the first one interred in the Fonda cemetery; Ella J. married to George L. Brower, Rockwell City; and Rebecca who re- sides with her sister, Mary A. at Du- buque. The true nobility of mother- hood has seldem been better illustra- ted than in the patient, beautiful life of Jean Busby. It can be truly said of her, that her children arise up and call her blessed. Busby William J. came to Fonda, ia the spring of 1871 and first engaged in the mercantile business in partner- ship with his brother Ebenezer. He entered, as a homestead, the n,i ne i section 8, Williams township, but sold his interest in it to 0. D. Lucas. After the death of his brother in 1873, he bought a farm of 280 acres on the east halt of section 34, Cedar township, on which he has continued to reside since 187.5. He was the first to occu- py this farm and has made.all the im- provements upon it. He usually keeps a flock of sheep and in the fall of 1899, received three head from the herd at Ontario, Can!, that was accorded the highest award :. at the World's Fair in 1893. They are of the Lincolnshire breed and one of them, weighing 276 pounds, yielded a clip of twenty pounds in 1900. It is believed that these are the finest sheep in Pocahontas county. In 1876 and 1894-98 he kept a meat market in Fonda. On Nov. 1, 1877, in partnership with Edward Price, as the firm of Price & Busby, he opened a general store at Pomeroy, known as the "Cheap Corner." These business enterprises were carried, on in connec- tion with the work on the farm. By his uniform courtesy and honesty be won the favor of the public and se- cured the patronage of the best peo- ple. He has taken a considerable interest in the progress and develop- ment ojf Fonda. At the first munici- pal election in 1879 he was chosen a member of the first town council. He was a member of the township school hoard from 1881 to 1884, and a trustee 1881-96. His brother, Ebenezer, was treasurer of the township school fund in 1873, until the time of his death. May 20, 1874, he married Louisa A., daughter of Edward and Elizabeth CEDAR TOWNSHlt>. 403 Price. Their family lias consisted of ten children, namely: Robert A., who graduated at the Bayless Busi- ness College, Dubuque, in 1897, and has since been in the employ of the I. C. R. R. Co. at Fort Dodge; Theo- philus Price, who is in the employ of the same company on the Omaha divi- sion; Edith May, who graduated from the Fonda High School in 1897 and has since been engaged in teaching; George E., Elizabeth Jean, a Fonda High School graduate in 1900; Carrie Mann, Willeben^E., who died in child- hood; Lourena L., Harrison W., and Charlotte. Chase Elijah, his wife Elizabeth and five children, Marquis, Alfretta, Converse, Frederick and Thomas, the last about two and the first about seventeen years of age, located on Sec. 6, Cedar township Aug. 9, 1868. They came from Buchanan county with an outfit that consisted of four loaded wagons drawn by fourteen yoke of oxen, and ten head of cattle. They were accompanied from the same place by Geo. Spragg, a brother of Mrs. Chase, whose outfit consisted of two wagons drawn by four yoke of oxen, and four head of cattle. These were the first settlers in Cedar town- ship and they located on the same section. Their experience in making the trip from Independence to Sunk Grove was one* that was not uncom- mon in those days, especially in wet seasons. At this date the railroad ex- tended only to Iowa Falls and the trails west of Fort Dodge extended only to the settlements along Liz- ard creek. The sloughs were full of water and so soft that frequently the mud would be seen shoving in front of the wagon. All of the oxen, eight- een yoke, were sometimes required to 'draw a single wagon across a bad slough and, in such cases, a half day would be consumed in crossing it. During the first two years of their residence at Sunk Grove all their sup- plies were obtained from Carroll, Jef- ferson and Fort Dodge. In the spring of 1869 Marquis Chase made a trip to Fort Dodge for a load of supplies, and while there was overtaken by a heavy rain. The wagon was drawn by four yoke of oxen, and on his return, in the effort to cross the head of Purga- tory slough a short distance northeast of the place where Pomeroy is now lo- cated, the front yoke of ox«n mired in the mud and the others, moving on them, the entire eight head of cattle were lost by drowning. -The youthful driver, then only eighteen years of age, was compelled to stay over night with the load and the next day walked home, a distance of eighteen miles, to obtain a larger number of oxen and assistance to extricate the wagon with its load. Elijah and his family in 1878 moved to Buena Vista county, but returned in 1881. He died in 1895 and his wife, Jan. 15, 1898, the latter at the home of her son William, near Wadena, Minnesota. His family consisted of ten children, namely: Marquis, in Dover township; Alfretta, wife of Joseph Logan; Converse, Frederick, Thomas, Eunice, wife of Thompson Gilman; Frank, Joseph, Adrian and William. Geo. Spragg married Miss Osburn, a niece of J. W. Wallace, and, after a residence of twelve years in the coun- ty, moved to Nebraska. Bridges William Franklin, a resi- dent of Fonda since 1888, was born ' near Brighton, Canada, August 14, 1847. He is a son of Rev. John (d.l883) and Sarah (Hazlewood, d. 1879) Bridges both of whom were natives of Buckinghamshire, near London England, where they married and lived until 1826, when, with a family Of four children, they came to Canada, makirfg the trip across the ocean in forty-four days. His father spent for- ty years in the ministry of the Bap- tist church and, while visiting his 404 tlONEEE HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. son on the farm, held services at the Prairie Creek school house, and at other places in the vicinity In Sac and Calhoun counties. In 1852 the family moved to Bristol, Dane county. Wis., a settlement on the frontier that af- forded very few facilities for an edu- cation. Here William F. grew to manhood and, on March 7, 1871, mar- ried Elvira M. Wood, of York, Wis. In 1872, by purchasing the right of another, who had held it four years, for $1000, and making a new entry he secured a homestead of eighty acres on the nw i section 6 Williams town- shipj four miles south west of Fonda, and located on it. A little later he made additional purchases on the same section that increased his farm to 240 acres. The improvements put on this farm were for many years the finest in all that section. The large bank barn built in 1885 at a cost of $1500, was lifted from its foundation and badly wrecked by the great hail storm of May 27, 1899. From 1891 to '93 he owned the Central House and, from 1893 to '95, was engaged in the implement business at Fonda. About this date he purchased another farm of 110 acres in Dallas county. He also owns one vacant lot and two good residences In Fonda. Commencing with a capital of $300, which he possessed at the time he lo- cated on the homestead, his accumula- tions indicate he has been a success- ful farmer and that farming is profit^ able. During all the years that he lived on the farm he kept all the hogs and cattle the farm would support and did not haul over 200 bushels of grain to town. When the grasshop- pers robbed him of his crops during the seventies, he did not become dis- couraged but practiced a closer econo- my and sought other means of income. In Williams township he was a school director four years and treasurer of the school fund, seven. He was a mem- ber of the Fonda school board three years, 1890-92, and has been a trustee of the Presbyterian church since 1895, His family consists of two sons; William Henry, a graduate of the Iowa State Normal, at Cedar Falls, In 1899, and principal of the public schools at Bagley; and John Clinton, who graduated at the State Normal in 1900. Brown Elisha C, resident of Fonda and vicinity from 1875 to 1888, on Sep- tember 27, 1864 entered the si sei sec- tion 34, Des Moines township, as a homestead, and occupied it until his removal to Fonda. He served one term as county recorder, 1867-68, hav- ing been elected without opposition. He was a mormon, or latter day saint, and frequently held religious services in the community where he resided. In 1878, assisted by a man called Lambert he held a series of special services at (old) Eolfe, PoearsSi hontas and Fonda. During his last year at Fonda, he was janitor of the public school. Brown Orlando (b. June 8, 1821) is one of the earliest settlers in this sec- tion, having located on a homestfid of eighty acres on the n i se i sect^n 8, Williams township, in 1869. flfc came from the farm to Fonda in 1888. He is a native of Washington Co.,|^ Y., and his parents were Nathap -^B-i Laura (Babcock) Brown. In 1840Je located at Prairieville, now Wa» sha, Wis., where on August 24,,,^fc he married Re ana Bacon (b. June#' 1829) and they continued to re there until 1853, when they movec|| Fondulac; fifteen years later, 1868, they moved to Alden, Iowa, the next year to the homesteC the frontier. On the occasion ■« 50th anniversary of their wedi August 24, 1895, he and his f ait^ wife were pleasantly surprised by appropriateness and completeness of the arrangements made at the home of their , daughter, Mrs.. G. B. Eeniff, for the celebration of that John C. WM, F. BRIDGES AND FAMILY William H. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD ELLIS AND THlEIR DAUGHTER MAUDE Fonda and Vicinity, MR AND MRS. GARRITT R. RENIFF AND THEIR PARENTS Fonda and Vicinity, GEfiAli TbWtrSHtP. 405 evdnt, and they received the congrat- ulations of many of their former neighbors and friends. During all the years of their pioneer life they have been highly respected for their useful and beautiful lives. Their family has consisted of seven children: Lyman "W. in 1871 married Charlotte Carman and now resides at Camp Douglass, Wis. Nathan Lo- renzo, in December 1871, married Em- ma Norton, who with four children, survives him in South Dakota. The third died in childhood. James Ed- win, July 30, 1879, married Hattie Young, of Wis. and in 1883 they locat- ed in Fonda, where he has since been engaged as a carpenter; their family consists of three children, Alta \yho graduated from the Fonda high school in 1899, Orley and Valma. Al- phonso O. a carpet weaver in Fonda, in 1896 married Mrs. Matie Hinman and they have one child, George Gar- rett, she two by her former husband. Addison E., a teacher. Grant City, on September 27, 1888, married Emma Everhart and they have two children, AUie E. and Ethel May. Ella, the youngest, December 22, 1891, became the wife of Garrett E. Eenifl, Fonda. Byrn? Matthew (b. 1847), resident of Fonda, is a native of Eoscommon Co., Ireland, and in May 1867 came to Baltimore, Md., where, in Dec. 1868 he married Mary Lynch, of Dubuque. They continued to reside there until Feb. 15, 1870, when he entered and began to occupy as a homestead the wi nwi Sec. 4, Cedar township. He received the patent for the land May 15, 1876 and, improving it with good buildings and groves, has purchased, from time to time, additional tracts so that he is now the owner of 600 acres in that vicinity. He is recog- nized as one of the leading and most successful raisers of fat cattle in Ced- ar township. He has been a trustee of the township, and served as treas- urer of the school fund three years, 1887-89. He continued to reside on the farm until 1894, when he moved to Fond.a in order to secure better facilities for the education of his family, but has continued to give his personal attention to the care of the stock on that portion of the farm that is now devoted to the feeding of cattle. The success achieved on the farm by Matthew Byrne is very suggestive and encouraging. He came to the homestead empty handed, never re- ceived a dollar from the old country, experienced all the hardships of pio- neer life during the 70's but, possess- ing a genius for hard work, like the instinct of the quiet beaver, he has given a splendid practical answer to the question, "Does the farm pay?" His policy has been to raise and feed all the stock, especially cattle, for which he had pasturage in the sum- mer and protection in winter, and to invest the profits in more land. This is exhibited in the record of his pur- chases which were as follows: the homestead of 80 acres in 1870; 80 acres more in '78; 40 acres in '80; 80 acres in '88; 80 acres in '89; 80 acres in '90; 160 acres In '91; and the home ii\ Fonda in 1894. His sales of stock in 1899 amounted to $16,000 and he has now 170 head of fine cattle fattening in his large pasture of 240 acres, 160 of which is hog-tight. The old adage "pa- tience and perseverance will per- form great wonders," has its fulfill- ment in these facts. His first wife died July 28, 1889, leaving a family of ten children. James, in 1899, married Mary Carey and resides in Omaha; Katie gradu- ated at the Iowa Business College, Des Moines in 1898 and has since lived in that city; William died in 1898 at the age of 23 years; the others are Thomas, Alice, ■ Mary, Elizabeth, a teacher, Parnell, Maggie and Matthias. On May 3, 18.94 he married Mary .daughter of William and Margaret Lynch, no 406 f i6NEER HISTOU.Y OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWa. relative of his first wife, and their family consists of two children, Em- met and Leroy, the latter born Jan. 1, 1900. Carpenter John Daniel, senior mem- ber of the firm of Carpenter & Son, Fonda, was born May 10, 1852, at Goshen, Ind. Here he received his education and grew to manhood. In 1864 he located at Panora, Iowa, where he found employment as a tin- ner. October 15, 18Y3, he married Minnie, a daughter of William and Maria Townsend, of that place, and they continued to reside there until 1883, when the firm of which he was a member, Docksteader & Carpenter, brought their stock of hardware to Fonda and began to occupy a room in the new brick block erected by J. N. McKee cfe Co. After the lapse of a year, Robert W. Russell, of Jones County, purchased the interest of his partner and the new firm of Carpen- ter & Russell continued until 1889., During the next two years he was manager of the lumber yard of Wood- ford & Wheeler Co. In 1893, after a residence of six months in Bancroft, he resumed business in Fonda as a grocer, and while he dealt in groceries exclusively he was favored with, the largest pat- ronage of any one in that line of busi- ness. With the increase of trade dry- .goods were added in 1897, and in 1900 the business was still further enlarged under the name of Carpenter & Son, by the additional use of an adjoining store room. His beautiful residence on Second street was built in 1895. By careful attention to all the details of his business and his manifest Integ- rity of purpose he has gained the re- spect and- confidence of all who have ever dealt with him. He is a representative of out best citizenship and lends a helping hand to every- thing that is calculated to promote the welfare of Fonda and vicinity. He was a member of the city coun- cil during the two years 1888-89, a member of the city school board seven years, 1885-91 and secretary of it dur- ing 1891. His family consists of three child- ren: Maude, June 6, 1894 became the wife of William Finnicum, who, since 1884 has been a conductor on the rail- road from Fonda to Des Moines; they now reside at Des Moines and have two children, Ross and Ruth. Roy, a Fonda graduate in 1896, on Jan. 4,1900 married Mae Flint, of Fairfield, Neb,, and at the same date became a part- ner in the general store of his father. Florence, the youngest, graduated at Fonda, with the class of 1897. Cartlidge John, president of the Cedar township school board during 1894-95, was a native of England and at the age of twenty came to Vinton, Iowa, where on February 14, 1873, he married Anna Eliza Goodwin. He en- gaged in farming in that vicinity for a few years and in the spring of 1884, came to Cedar township, where he died September 9, 1897, in his 46th year, and his wife, October 31, 1899, in her 63rd year. They left one daugh- ter, Clara, who, July 26, 1896, married "William Mclntyre; and an adopted daughter Mary, who resides in Konda with her aunt Sarah Morton, who made her home with this family dur- ing their residence in this county. He was a good farmer, a highly respec- ted citizen and, while living on the farms of non-resident owners, enjoyed their confidence to such an extent as to be appointed their local agent. Conroy Frank Marion, (b. Oct. 30, 1861), resident of Fonda, is a native of Tyrone, Ireland, and came to America in 1867, with his parents, Thomas and Bridget, who located first in Wiscon- sin but six months later on a farm in Black Hawk county, Iowa. In the fall of 1871 they located on a farm near Pomeroy and a few years later on an other one near Jolley where Thom- as died October 14, 1890. On Septem- CEDAR TOWNSHtl*. 407 ber 5, 1882, Frank M. married Jennie M. Cahill of Fort Dodge, and they re- sided near JoUey, until March 1891, when they moved to Fonda, erected a two story brick block on the west side of Main Street and established a fine meat market and restaurant. When this building was destroyed by the fire of '91, they moved to their farm on section 30 Dover township, but af- ter two years returned to Fonda, kept a general store for two years and dur- ing this period built the fine residence on Franklin street that he has since occupied. He is the owner of several farms in this and Calhoun counties, and is now engaged as a traveling salesman for the manufacturers of the Champion mowers and harvesters. His family consists of two daughters, Florence M., who received a medal in the county declamatory contest at Pocahontas in 1900; and Cecil, who is now nine years of age. Covey Frank Holley, cigar maker and retailer, Fonda, was born in Duchess county, N. Y., Nov. 22, 1851. He grew to manhood at Hudson, where he learned the cigar manufac- turing business, and, afterwards for several years, found employment in the principal cities of the east, as a cigar maker. In 1877 he came to Fon- da and continued to manufacture cigars until 1898 when his retail trade, commenced in 1894,' began to occupy his whole time and attention. April 22, 1884 he married Mary Belle Tuck- er and they have one son living, Harry, now in his 11th yeaf . At an early age he began to partici- pate in various amateur plays on the stage and soon after his location in Fonda, he had thirteen of the "old timers" join with him in rendering, "Among the Breakers." It was the principal event of that season and by reason of the admirable manner in which he represented a negro charac- ter called "Scud" he has been gener- ally known by that name ever since. His elder brothei*, George Covey, a carpenter and his wife came to Fon- da in 1876 and remained until 1887 when they returned to New York. Dart Amos Wilson, in February 18- 71, became one of the pioneer home- steaders of Cedar township, (ei nei section 8) and was a resident of Fonda from 1876 to 1896, when he married Amy Smith and moved to Eolf e. He assisted in the organization of Cedar township, was the first of its citizens to perform the duties of constable and held that office for twenty years. In 1884 he was appointed deputy collect- or of this county, and held that office for eleven years. He was a native of Vermont and at the age of fifteen, in 1830, went to Cresscott, Canada, and four years later to Rochester, N. Y. Here he learned the painters' art in a chair factory/ In 1850 he went to California, eleven years later to Boise City, returned to Vermont in 1869 and two years later came to Pocahontas 'county^ His first wife Caroline Hays died in 1849, leaving two daughters, both of whom married and had children, but are now dead. In 1871 he married Mercy, widow of James Logan and she, as an invalid, died in 1895. He died September 29, 1899 in liis 85th year. During his early life he became addicted to in- temperate habits and they greatly an- noyed him in his later years. , During his residence on the homestead he be- came an active member of the M. E. church and a few years later was ap- pointed the local agent of the Poca- hontas county Bible society. His ex- hortations in religious 'meetings were earnest and often deeply impres- sive. One who heard him conduct a service in the Warner school house in May 1881 was induced to express his remarks in poetic form and the ■ opening lines are as follows: "I am the door; come knock and I will open. None ever sought for entrance here f lONEEE HISTORY 6** iWAaON^AS COUKTY, ioWA. in vain; Come boldly forward, ttiis shall be thy token, The Lamb was slain. I am the vine; come and I will engraft thee, A faithful ofl'Shoot from the pa- rent tree; I'll nourish, cherish and at last re- ceive thee To bloom eternally." — Shabbona, in The Times, June 9, 1881. Davis Arthur W. came to this county in the fall of 1895 and served two years as principal of the public schools in Fonda. His excellent work in the school room and in the teachers' institutes brought him into such favorable notice over the county that in the fall of 1897, he was elected to fill the office of County Superin- tendent. At this election he received lal votes more than any other candi- date on the winning ticket in this county, and a majority of 373 over his opponent. His administration of the educational interests- of this county was vigorous, impartial and exception- ally fine. Although he is still pursu- ing his education, he has already de- veloped considerable ease and grace as an orator and, on several important public occasions, addressed large as- semblages of the people in different parts of this county. He possesses the genius of tireless energy, the genius that achieves, and has a bright future before him. He was born in Fayette c6unty, in the early seventies, received his pre- paratory education in the high school at Fayette, ^ and, as a Bachelor of Science, graduated at the college in that place in 1893. During his college course he worked on the farm and taught school to meet his expenses. At the time of his- graduation he was elected principal of the public schools at Montour, and a little later accep- ted a similar position at Bock Bapids, where he continued until he located at Fonda in 1895. He is now pursuing a two years' course of legal studies in the Iowa State University at Iowa City. Dunn Alexander, a justice of the peace In Cedar township since 1895, ■was born in Manahan county, Ireland, in May 1832, and in 1857 married there Margaret Mills. In March 1860, with wife and' two chil'dren, he came to this country and located on a farm near Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1864 he en- listed as a member of Co. D. 153rd Ohio Volunteers and participated in several skirmishes with the confed- erates along the railroads in Virginia and at Chambersburg, Pa. In 1872 he located in Cass Co., Iowa', in 1882 on section 20 Williams township, and in 1893 on his present farm iii Cedar townshipi which he was the first to occupy and improve. Few men havp been more highly honored by their re- election to the office of Justice of the Peace than Squire Dunn. He filled this office three terms, or six years, in Cass county, two terms in Calhoun county, and is now serving his third term in Cedar township. His first wife died near Cincinnati, November 20, 1870, leaving three children: Mary Elizabeth, proprietor of a hotel at Elkhorn, Colorado; Alex- ander, who is engaged in the Cripple Creek gold region; and John, who in 1897 graduated in the law department of the Colorado State University at Denver. In 1871 -he married Mrs. Josephine Crozier, of Claremont, Ohio, and the children of this union still living are, Mary, wife of Charles Wood, Frank, Thomas, Arthur, Char-- les and Clarence. Dorton George Madison (b. July 4, 1836— d. September 2, 1880) in the spring of 1871, accompanied by wife and seven children.located on a home- stead of eighty acres ni nei section 32, "known later as the Smeaton farm, in Cedar township. He planted the beautiful maple grove, that now sur- rounds the buildings, and remained FONDA AND VICINITY. \smi?ts^^ 'jfe^^iS&c i,g5S'";£>';sS FONDA AND VICINITY. CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 409 there until December 1878, when he moved to Fonda and conducted a flour and feed store in connection with a collection agency, until the time of his decease. He taught school in his youth and two terms in the Hersom district. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1872, and held that office three successive terms. He was one of the census enumerators in 1880 and a member of the town coun- cil in 1879-80. After the death of his father in In- diana, he cam6 with his mother to Ottumwa, Iowa, and on April 19, 1859, married Mary Kerlip, of Chilicothe. After two years they moved to Adams county, and three years later, to Mar- shall county, where they remained until the time of settlement on; > the homestead. His family Consisted of seven children all of whom, and their mother, are still living except Alice F. who Sept. 12, 1889, married John W. Willis, a hardwareman, of Chadron, Neb., and died Nov. '93; Perry, in 1892, married Dora Hughes, resides in the State of Washington, and has one child, Guy: Anna, in 1888, married Clarence Harding, a general agent for the D. M. Osborne Implement Co., re- sides at Dubuque, and has three child- ren, Chauncey, Fern and Marie. Don- na, in 1885, married Charley Roberts, a blacksmith, lives at Jolley, and has four childrep, Frank, Haydee, Charles and George: Henry, manager of the Lee & Jenkins lumber yard, at Fonda, married Catherine Fitzgerald and has one child, Veronica; Theresa, in 1887 married Charles Nichols, a carpenter Fonda, and has three children, Glad- dis, Glenwood and Clark; John, the youngest, is an employee of the North- ern Telephone Co. Baton Harvey (h. Dec. 6, 1846),own- er and occupant of the sei Sec. 28, Cedar township, came to Pocahontas county with wife and one child June 1, 1871, and secured a homestead on the nei Sec. 36, Dover township. The first improvements consisted of a board shanty, 12x14 feet, a stable and some breaking; and these were located according to some breaking previously done by one who was a practical surveyor. Wishing to know exactly where his homestead was, he then had it surveyed by the county survey- or and was surprised to find that his buildings were ^long the center of the highway and that a considerable portion of his breaking was on three adjoining farms, two of which were in Grant township. He has been very successful as a farmer, and is now the owner of 640 acres of land {160 acres in Nebras- ka) and a two story brick block in Fonda. He believes he worked harder and endured more hardships to secure the homestead than any of the sub- sequent purchases. In 1873, when the grasshoppers robbed him of every- thing on the homestead, he took his family in a prairie schooner to Sac City, erected a cabin for their com- fort, worked on the railroad till spring and then traded the cabin for a cow. Both of bis farms are finely improv- ed and the buildings are kept neatly painted. The house on the home- stead was built in 1887 and he con- 'tinued to live there until 1893 when he bought and moved to the farm of A. B. P. Wood, near Fonda, for thebetter education of his large and industrious family. In 1898, he built a two story brick building on the West side of Main street, Fonda, known as the Eaton block and later bought another store on the same street. , Few men have met with better success on the farm and it has been achieved by attend- ing strictly to it. He has been the owner of some of Jihe^j finest specimens of cattle, hogs and horses ever brought to this vicin* ity and has paid fancy prices for some of them. He has shown a pref • 410 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. erence for the Shorthorn and Gallo- way cattle, and for the English draught horses. He is a native of Gataraugus Co., N. Y., where his father, Hamilton Eaton, died in . 1847, the next year after his birth, leaving four sons and one daughter, namely: Henry, resi- dent of Ripon, Wis.; Mary and Al- bert, both dead; William and Harvey, residents of Fonda. In 1848 his mother, Euth, became the wife of Warner Gorton who died in Green Lake county, Wis,, in 1886 leaving two children, Nancy married to William Sweet, and Amos H. Gorton whose wife and two children were killed in the cyclone of '93, also a resident of Fonda. After the death of her second husband she made her home with Harvey and died in 1893 in her 78th year. Harvey came to Buchanan county, Iowa, in 1867, the next year married Mary B. Thompson, of Inde- pendence, and three years later came to Pocahontas county. His family consists of eleven children: Almira, a teacher, and Adelia together had charge of a grocery store in Sioux City two years and in Fonda one year; Jennie, married to John W. McCul- loch, Pomeroy; Amos, Cora, a graduate from the Fonda schools in '99 and a teacher; Jessie, Martha, Wallace, Pearl, Gertie, S. and Harry. Baton William H. (b. Jan. 19, 1841, N. Y.) in 1859 married Hannah Bar- rett in Green Lake county. Wis,, and engaged in farming there until 1880 when, with a family of eight children he came to Dover township, and eight years later to Fonda. His family con- sists of eight children: Francis H. Fonda, married Alma CuUen who died in 1888 leaving one son, Roy; and in 1893 he married Maggie Olkjer, who has one child, Lee. William Os- car married Anna Olkjer, lives at Sioux Rapids and has two children, Cecil and Ray^ Lucy died in her 23rd year. Ruth Viola married Stephen W. Norton and died in 1896 leaving two children, Ray and Viola. Mary Jeanette married George Dickson, Superintendent of the Boone Co. coal mines at Incline, and has Ave child- ren. Pearl, Irene, Alpheus, Leveta and Royal. Minnie Myrtle married in 1896 Charles Cheney, a farmer near Newell, and has one child, Ethel. Jennie M. a Fonda graduate in 1897, and Ezra Albert are at home. Edgar David William, M. D. (b. August 24, 1845), resident of Fonda since April 2, 1881, is the oldest res- ident physician in Pocahontas county. He is a native of Wisconsin and the son of William and Charlotte (Tibbals) Edgar, with whom he remained on the farm until he was 23 years of age. In September 1868, he came to Waverly, Iowa, where he taught school and studied medicine two and one half years under Dr. J. G. Smith. In the fall of 1871, he entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, and gradu- ated March 17, 1874, having spent a portion of the Intervening time on the farm and in teaching select school. He located first at Monroe, Wiscon- sin, but after six months went to Dayton, where he remained until November 1, 1889, when he came to Gowrie, Iowa,and five months later to Fonda. He came to this community very highly commended, and during his long residence in it, he has been held in high esteem as a, physician, has en- joyed a very lucrative practice and proved himself a public spirited citi^ zen. He was an efficient member of the town council eleven years, '87-97, a member of the school board a num- ber of years and president of it in 18- 92. He is now the owner of an im- proved farm of 100 acres in Calhoun County, and several valuable proper- ties in Fonda. September 1 , 1890 he married Anna Lourinda Dixon, then teaching school in this vicinity; and their family con- CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 411 sists of two children, David Dixon, and Mary Charlotte. Ellis Gilbert H. (b. Sept. 21, 1821), resident ofFondaslnce 1879,1s a native of Canton, Oxford county, Maine. In 1843 he married Phoebe W. GriflBth, (b. March 20, 1819) and lived there un- til 1851, vyhen he moved to Boone Co., Ill , where he remained until 1879. The period of his active life was spent on the farm and he: owned a good one, near Fonda, until 1890. He has been a total abstainer, gp earnest advocate of prohibition and was a member of the Fonda town council. In 1381. His estimable wife died December 16,1888. He raised a family of four sons and one daughter, three of whom were born in-Maine and the others in Illi- nois. 1. Elisha.Osro (b. Feb. 4, 1845), a mason and plasterer, on July 3, 1867, married Elvira Leach, of Manchester, 111., came to Fonda,. in 1879, and raised a family consisting of Frederick, a printer, resident of Los Angeles, Cal., where October 11, 1896, he married Kittle Grlflen; Lulu, June 19, 1896, married Fred J. Kenning a hardware- man, Fonda, and, they have two child- ren Grace and Mabel; Earl, Jesse, Glenn, Florence .and Mazie. 2., Ed- ward E. (b. June 14, 1848) resident of Fonda since 1875 and Mayor two years 1898-99, on Nov. 15, 1871, married Sophia Elford (b. Aug. 8, 1848) at Waukesha, rWis., and shg died Jan. 15, 1898,,leaving one daughter, Maude, a teacher. 3. Frank R. a farmer, in 1879 married Alice Comstock, re- sides in California and has three children. 4. George R. a farmer, in 1891, married Mary Murray and has three children, Gilbert, Rozella, and Frank. 5. Augusta , Leon Nov. 11, 1882, married William Chiquet, a printer of Fort Podge, where she died January 8, 1900, leaving three children, Luzerne, Flossie and Gilbert. Evans Orange C. (b.l826) with wife and six children came to Cedar town- ship in 1872 and, in view of the fact he had been a soldier in the civil war, se- cured a homestea^ of 160 acres on the nei section 8. He was a native of New York, where in 1849, he married Harriet Graham, who is still a ' resi- dent of Fonda. In 1862 he' enlisted for three years as a member of Co. K. 85th, New York Infantry, to render service as a musician. He belonged to the army of the Potomac under McLellan, lost his health In the swamps along the Ohlcamauga, and after the lapse of fifteen months, was honorably discharged for disability'. In February 1865 he moved to Floyd county, Iowa, and seven years later to the homestead in Pocahontas county, where he died September 30, 1874. He was serving as one of the trustees of Cedar township at the time of his = death. His family consisted of six children: 1. Frank in 1874' married Jennie Ferguson, resides in Webster county, and has a family of eight children, Olgie, Mina, Richard, Ar- thur, Frank, Jennie, Ralph and Guy; 2. Eugene in 1876 married Nora Say- res, who died in 1894 from the effect of being enveloped in the flames of the gas that filled the room, while she was cleaning grease spots on the carpet with gasoline near a hot stove; she left four children, Aaron, a Fonda graduate in 1896, Emmet a graduate inl9e0, Ray and Jay. 3. Alice in 1877, married Fillmore Miller, a book-keep- er, lived at Webster City, and died in 1889 leaving two children Harriet and Benjamin. 4. Elmer, a well driller, lives with his mother. 5. Mary in 1883, married Harry Bailey a carpen- ter at Fonda, and has three children, Augusta, Charles and William. 6. William, a well driller, in 1893 mar- ried Mary McGrevy and has one child, Max. Pairburn George. The early Set- tlement of north-west Iowa, meant not only the development of a country of inexhaustible resources, but also the development of men who were 412 PIOisiBEB SiSTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ready to enter this new field of effort, take advabtage of its manifold oppor- tunities and grow up with the coun- try. 'One of those who have achieved a high degree of success, as financiers, is George Fairburn, whose settlement at Fonda was co-incident with the establishment of regular train service by the Illinois Central R. E. Co.,in October 1870. He began bis career April 19, 1850, near Kelso, Scotland, and is the son of Archibald and Janet (Aitchison) Fair- bum. In 1860, at the age of ten, he came with his parents to America, and located at Dubuque, Ipwa, where he remained during the next ten years. Here he worked on the farm in summer and attended the Academy at Cascade in winter, for several years; and then became an assistant in the oflBce of his uncle, D. A. McKinlay, secretary and treasurer of the Dubu- que and Sioux City R. E. Co. His uncle was remarkable for his method- ical manner and business sagacity;and under him he received an excellent business training. During this early period of his life he endeavored to make a profitable Investment of a part of each month's earnings, and made himself so useful to his employers that his meager wages were increased annually. During the last two years his sjJare moments were occupied in reading law. Senator Wm. B. Allison, whose OflBce was in the same building and opposite that of his uncle, having ac- corded to him the courtesy of the use of his library for that purpose. At this early date, and by reason of the facts just stated, he gave promise of his subsequent, successful business career. It was not the amount he earned, but what he saved and judi- ciously invested that became the ba- sis of his present wealth ;and the results of his youthful efforts at self improve- ment make him a good illustration of one who did not "sow wild oats this year/' because he believed a crop of thatsort would prove a disastrous, rather than a profitable investment. While in the general railroad office a't Dubuque, he was afforded the op- portunity either to remain there or to take charge of one of the new stations established between Fort Dodge and Sioux City, except LeMars. ~ After making a tour of inspection over the entire line and signifying a preference for Marvin, now called Fonda, he was appointed the station agent for this place and at the age of twenty, Oct. 15, 1870, located at Marvin making his home in the depot. The town had been platted only a few days pre- vious and a few little shanties, pro- miscously located on the prairie near the depot, were the visible indications of the future city. On November 1, 1877, after a serious illness of threei months and seven years of continuous service as station agent, he resigned that position in order that he might give his undivided attention to his own rapidly developing business in- terests, having proved himself one of the most competent and trustworthy agents the I. C. E. R. ever employed. • He began his business career at Fonda, by ordering, soon after his ar- rival, a car load of soft coal, ten tons, and storing i^ for sale in the west end of the depot. That load of coal sup- plied the local demand during all that winter and, as it was sold, it was weighed on the little scales in the de- pot. This was the beginning of the coal business at Fonda. He also sold that season a number of twisters for twisting hay so it could be used for fuel. The first act of public charity by the citizens of Fonda and vicinity was made in response to his personal appeal. It consisted of a lot of flour and clothing sent to Chicago the next day after he received the message, announcing the great fire there in October 1871, accompanied with an CEDAB TOWNSHIP. 413 appeal for supplies. During one of the snow blockades of 1880 the supply of flour in Fonda became exhausted. On this occasion he got a horse, rode to the home of James M ercer and ob- tained a part of a sack of flour to supply the pressing needs of his own family. In the spring of 1871 he ordered sev- eral car loads of lumber and establish- ed the coal and lumber yard north- west of 'the depot. The furniture business was started aboiit the same time by storing the goods'in the east end of the depot, which was then used as a private room for the family of the agent. The furniture business was continued there as long as he re- mained in charge of the station. In 1871 he began to invest in town lots and was appointed the local agent for their sale by the Town Lot Co. He also erected a small house, 14x24 and 14 feet high. This, the third house built in Marvin, was increased by a large front addition in 1881, and was the residence of the Fairburn family until 1889. Soon after his arrival he began to act as an agent for the sale of lands and . the negotiation of loans, and to do the banking business for this community. The original bank building built in 1877, is the one story frame structure in which the the Fonda creamery Co., has had its office since its organization. In 1881 a brick bank was built on the corner of First and Main streets, that in 1885 was made a double two story brick block and it has since been known as the Pocahontas County Bank, the old- est one in the county and having now a paid up capital of $100,000. In 1887 he was instrumental in organizing the Fonda Town Lot Co., that effected the purchase of 'nearly 400 acres of land around the town site, and he has since served as president of that or- ganization. Each of these new lines of business was undertaken as the de- mand for them arose in connection with the development of this new set- tlement. He is at present tlie owner of nearly 3,000 acres of land in Poca- hontas and adjoining counties. In 1889 he purchased a fine resi- dence in Des Moines and moved to that city for the better education of his family, having disposed of his in- terests in the furniture, coal and lum- ber business the previous year. Ac- companied by some of his intimate friends, or the members of his own family, he has made a number of> tours to California, Mexico, the great lakes and other interesting localities in this country, and in 1899 visited his native heath in Scotland. In the spring of 1900, he began Jbhe erection of a new residence for him- self and family, on the north-east corner of block 35 and fronting on King and sixth streets, Fonda. This is a four story frame building 65x55 feet, with a porch 12 feet wide exten- ing half way around it and built sev- eral feet above the floor with masonry having a facing of pressed brick and Bedford stone. It will be provided with a complete gas plant, an electric light outfit and be heated by a com- bined hot water and hot air plant. When completed in 1901 at a cost of 820,000, it will be the finest residence in Pocahontas county. As a citizen he has never taken very much interest in politics nor been a candidate for political honors, yet no one in Fonda and vicinity, has exerted a public influence so po- tent over the entire period of the his- tory of Fonda as he has done. He was a member otthe first town coun- cil and was elected to that office four times, '79-80 and '84; served as Mayor of Fonda, four years, '82-83 and '87-88. He was a member of the first Fonda school board in 1880, president of it in '81, and was the first treasurer of the school funds, in 1880. He received his early education in Scotland where among other things, 414 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS CXDUNTY, IOWA. he learned the Shorter Catechism and many chapters in the Bible. Asa result he never forgets that "Man's chief end is to glorify 'God and enjoy him forever." He has been a liberal Contributor to all the churches in Fonda and was president of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian church • from the time of its organization in 1886untill890, the year after his re- moval to Des Moines. During his res- idence in Des Moines he became one of the most liberal supporters and . a trustee of the Central Presbyterian church there, and continued to sup- port the churches in Fonda. "Be sure you are right, then go ahead," is a maxim he never know- ingly violates. His decision of char- acter is in some measure the result of self training, but more largely aa in- heritance from his Scottish ancestry. His father, for twenty years, was an elder in the Presbyterian church, be- fore ■ he left the old country and was a man of reverent and very positive convictions. His success in business may be atributed to his sagacity, assiduity and strict integrity. His word has always been as good as his bond, and his "yes" or "no" indicates that the matter under discussion has been decided. He has attended strictly to his own business and managed it with all possible ener- gy that he might make it a success. He has never taken that interest in politics, that might naturally be ex- pected of one in his station, but when called upon to render local public ser- vice he has done so with marked ef- ficiency. By reason of his personal knowledge of the law and its imparti- al enforcement he proved himself one of the best mayors that Fonda has ever had. On December 5, 1871 he married Su- san Olive, daughter of Judge Wm. Wilson and Olive (Dean b. 1817, d. '45) Hamilton (b. 1810 d. 1865) of Dubuque. Their family consists of three child- ren, the first-born, George, having died at Marvin in childhood. Edward H. and Frank A., after graduating from the high schools of Des Moines, spent one year in the Iowa College of Law, Des Moines, and then took a a full course in the law department of the University at Ann Arbor, Mich. In October 1899, after a veryt credit- able examination at Des Moines, they were both admitted to the bar. Ed- ward has found a place in the Poca- hontas County Bank, where he in- tends to utilize his -legal knowledge in the transaction of business rather than as a practitioner, and Frank has connected liimself with the law firm of Ciarr and Parker, Des Moines. Nel- lie, the youngest, is at home and per- suing her studies. His father (b. 1823), on May 14, 1896, died at Cascade, Iowa, where his farm was located; and his motlier (b. 1825) died at Marion, January 10, 1898. Garlock Ephraim (b. Dec. 25,1820), who died on his homestead, near Fon- da, September l9, 1895, was the head of a family whose history has become one of the most prominent in Poca- hontas county. He was a native of Montgomery county, N. Y., where on October 10, 1841, he married Harriet, daughter of Folonan and Jane Doty, and lived there until 1857, wheu' he and his family moved to DeKalb Co., 111. In March 1869, accompanied by Abram O. his oldest son who was des- tined to hold high official position in this county, he came to Cedar town- ship, where both entered adjoining homesteads on the sej section 24, and erected two houses near each other for their respective families. Two months later William E. and family and George arrived in wagons, bring- ing their own and their father's cat- tle with them, the former securing as a homestead the n i ne i of the same section. 'The other members of the family arrived about the same time by rail ^o Webster City. A. O. GARLOCK, DES MOINES. COUNTY AUDITOR, 1874-81. STATE SENATOR, 1888-89. MRS. A. O. GARLOCK. MRS. WM. O. MCEWEN. REV. GEO. H. DUTY. pnCSBVTERIAN CHURCH, ROLFC, lOBT-BO. REV. GEO. H. AINSLIE. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ROLPE, IBBB-BT. CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 415 Ephraim Gariock was a carpenter as well as a farmer and assisted many of his neighbors in the erection of their pioneer houses. His own home is commonly regarded as the oldest landmark in Cedar township and it certainly is in all that part of it that is east of Sunk Grove, in which he al- so turned the first furrow. In the early days many a weary traveler was made welcome at his home and none seeking" food and shelter wera ever turned away until they were first fed and rested. Those of his family that survived him are Abram O. and William E.Des Moines; Joseph W. at Independence; Levi, Walnut Grove, Minn.; George at Marathon; Ida, 'a teacher, and Anna who still live with their mother on the old homestead. Abram, William and Joseph were soldiers during the civil war, the first two having enlisted as members of Co. K.42d 111. Infantry, A. O. being a 2d Lieut, and W. E. sergeant at the time of their dis- charge. Levi, Feb. 27, 1872, secured the homestead of Noah Woolsey ei sej Sec. 12, 80 acres,, and later married Ella Porter his grand-daughter. He lived a few years at Gilmore Cityi is now engaged In the real estate busi- ness and has a family of eight child- ren. George married Josephine War- wick and has a family of three child- ren. It has been a source of pride that no member of this family was ever addicted to the use of tobacco or strong drink in any form. Garlock William Erastus (b. 1844) married Martha, daughter of Rev. E. Persons, of DeKalb Co , 111. In the spring of 1886 he left his homestead and lived for a few years at Gilmore City, and now owns a fruit farm at Des Moines. In Cedar, township he was a trustee in 1875 and president of the school board in 1885. He has one son, Ephraim G., who is still. at home. Garlock Abram Oscar. That this is a country where the honest, ir- dustrious and ambitious youth may se- cure recognition and rise to positions of honor, has its practical illustration in the record of the subject of this sketch, who did not hesitate to locate on the frontier of the "wild and wooly west, " and work out his own destiny with those who tnight be as- sociated with him in the eflort to con- vert a vast, wild prairie into green pastures, fruitful fields and beautiful homes. Abram O. Garlock was born Decem- ber, 4, 1842 at Coopertown, N. Y., and in 1857 moved with his parents to De- Kalb Co., 111. He received his educa- in the public school, learned carpen- try by working with his father and acquired a practical knowledge of book-keeping and commercial law by clerking in a store. On December 4, 1864, he married Amanda, M. daugh- ter of Charles S. and Mary Ann(Wood- ward) Hunt, of DeKalb Co., Ill , and engaged in farming there until March 23, 1869, when he located on his own homestead, wise i section 24, Cedar township. His knowledge of carpentry was of great advantage to him on the front- ier, for when he was not engaged on the homestead, he found profitable employment as a contractor and build- er. He became the pioneer school- house builder by the erection of more buildings of that kind'than any other man In this settlement in the early days. He built the first one in Fonda, in Marshall and Butler townships, the first two in Dover, the first three In Williams and the first four In Colfax townships, and three others In the south east part of Calhoun county, all before tlpe close of the year 1873. He to,ok an active part in the organ- ization of Cedar township., served as the first secretary of the school board two vears, 1871-72, as township clerk in 1873, and as postmaster at Pocahon- tas one year Inl877-78. In the fall of 1873 he was elected 416 tlONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. auditor of Pocahontas county and per- formed "the duties of that public ofQce in a manner «o efficient and accep- table to the people, that he was con- tinued in it eight years,1874-1881, hav- ing been twice re elected without any opposition. ' During the lirst three years of this period he lived at old Eolfe and moved to Pocahontas at the time of the change of the connty seat. The duties of the auditor's office were not so onerous as at present and, utilizing his spare moments by reading law, he was examined at Po- cahontas and admitted to the practice of law by Edward R. Duffle, Judge of the District Court, September 21, 1880. He also engaged in the sale of real estate, especially, the lands of non-resident owners, purchasing in 1874 a set of abstracts from J. J. Bruce. In 1883, in partnersliip with W. D. McEwen, he erected a stone building on the west side of Main street, Pocahontas, for an office and bank. The Pocahontas Savings Bank, founded at this time and place, was the second one established in this county. In 1886 they established the Exchange Bank of Rolfe, known since 1892 as the State Savings Bank, and in the fall of 1891, the Bank of Plover, at Plover. In 1888-89, as state senator he en- joyed the honor of representing this, the 50th district in the 22d General Assembly of Iowa. In 1889 he moved to Rolfe and two years later to Des Moines, where he' still resides, except in mid-summer when he usually occupies his cottage at Point Pocahontas, at the south- west corner of Lake Okoboji. He has retained his interest in the banks at Eolfe, Plover and Pocahon- tas, and when the education of his children has been completed it is ex- pected that he will return to Pocahon- tas county, the arena for twenty two years of his most successful achieve- ments. His family consists of Mary E. fa- miliarly called Birdie, and for two years, '90-91. an assistant in the Ex- change Bank, who, in November 1892, married S. H. Kerr, and resides at Rotfe; Agnes O.; Cora B., who gradu- ated from Des Moines College in '99 and on Dec. 4, ,99, the 57th birthday and 35th wedding anniversary of her father, married Guy Barker, and re- sides at Macksburg; Mabel, Abie and Elwood. He has always advocated the prin- ciples of the republican party, and as a public officer, proved himself worthy the confidence of his constit- uents. His good judgment and business tact were recognized in his constant development of the per- manent school fund of the county which, at the end of his last term as auditor, amounted to $30,000. He has been strictly temperate and eco- nomical in his habits, and while giv- ing liberal local support to the preach- ing of the gospel, has made large con- tributions to^jvards the erection of all the earlier church buildings in this county, When it is remembered that he went forth from tlie parental roof at fourteen to learn early how "to pad- dle his own canoe," rendered loyal and patriotic service as a soldier, in the hour of the nation's peril, and ex- perienced the hardships of pioneer life as a homesteader on the frontier, it is perceived that he began at the lowest round of the ladder that leads to success. He has been a hard work- er and, possessing a clear head and strong hands, whatever he undertook was done, and whatever he touched prospered. His ideas have been prac- tical and his methods well suited for the accomplishment of his plans. His affable manner and strict integrity have caused him to be held in high esteem by all who know him, he keeps well posted in regard to the business and politics of the country and the success that has crowned his efforts has made him one of the leading and most Influential men of northwest Iowa, CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 41*: Puchs (Pox) Louis, Joseph and Frank, accompanied by their parents, John and Helen (Wiclcel), in the spring of 1871 came, , to Cedar town- ship. Louis entered the wi sei sec. 12, 80 acres, as a homestead on April 22,' '71 and received the patent for it December 29, '79. Joseph, finding that he wis not needed by his broth- er on the homestead nor by the other settlers of this new community, soon afterward sought "and found employ- ment in the copper mines of Michigan south of Lake Superior. He remained there about six years and, sending his earnings to his brother Louis, the latter secured for him a homestead of 80 acres on the si nwi section 12. The entry for this homestead was made by his father March 10, '74, and he re- ceived the patent for it September 10, '80; it having been first entered in 1870 by Henry Pallersels and in 1872 by Geo. F. Symmonds. .After his re- turn in 1876 he and his brother lived and worked together until 1880 when he married and began to occupy his own homestead. Their parents were natives of Ger- many where they raised a large fami- ly. In 1870, after the marriage of their eldest daughter, Johanna, who remained there and of Anna, whose husband, John Hoffman, died there leaving one son, Paul, now in Dubu- que, they came to America and lo- cated in the timber districts of north- ern Wisconsin, and the next spring on the prairies of Pocahontas county. They died, John in January 1881,Helen in June 1878, and were buried iu the Dover Catholic cemetery. Louis Fuchs possessed $400 when he came to Fonda, and • after expending $270 for his homestead had $130 left for its improvement, alnd the temper-, ary support of his father and family. The homestead of Joseph in 1874 cost $400. These brothers had an am- bition to raise fat cattle and made preparation to engage in this employ- ment as soon as it was possible. It re- quired a few years to get a start but during the period of their partner- ship they were recognized as the pioneer cattle feeders of Cedar town- ship. Their shipments of cattle in the early days surpassed others in the vicinity not only in their aggregate value but in the superiority of their condition which commanded the highest market price. For a quarter of a, century tjhese men have main- tained the enviable reputation of be- ing the largest and most successful feeders in the township. As the years have passed they have become the owners of large farms, and have proportionately enlarged their barns, sheds and feed lots. Each has now a capacity for feeding 250 head of fat cattle and, during recent years, they have made their annual shipment about the month of September. Each •of them keeps about 400 head of cat- tle' and the sales of each in 1899 amounted to $18,000. Louis Fuchs acquired his farm as follows: In 1871, the homestead, 80 acres; in 1880, 80 acres; in '83, 80 acres; in '85, 160 acres; in '86, 80 acres; in '88 160 acres; total 640 acres; all of it up- land. In 1899 he raised 7,000 bushels of corn and bought 20,000 bushels more. His present house was built in 1892. He was born July 23, 1839, and on December 21, 1873, married Mary Magdalene Lieb, of Cedar township. His family consists of Anna Ida, a Franciscan sister, Dubuque; Martha Elizabeth, (Mary^ Josephine died in her 17th year, in 1894), Helen Anto- nia, (Matilda died young), John Leo, Cecilia, Agnes Angeline and Agatha Alice, twins, Vincent Leo, Florence Josephine and Florian Jo- seph, twins, and Leona. He was a trustee of Cedar township five years, 1878-82, and has been treasurer of the school funds since 1890. Joseph Fuchs acquired his fatm as follows: In 1874. the homestead, 80 418 PIONEEE HISTOKY OF POCAHONTAS CXDUNTY, IOWA. acres; in 1885, 160 acres; In '87, 160 acres; in '92, 560 acres; total 960 acres. His present iiouse was built in 1893. He was born in 1841 and in 1880 mar- ried Stephana Eainier, of Dubuque. His family consists of three children, Matilda, Francis and Mary; Anna the first born having died in childhood. In the spring of 1900 he moved tem- porarily to Des Moines to secure bet- ter facilities for the education of his children. He is a man that appreci- ates the enjoyment of good health, the peace and gladness of the home and has the happy faculty of anticipating the needs of every part of the wbrk on the farm. Frank Fuchs, his oldest brother and owner of 206 acres of land in Cedar township, and Martha, a younger sis- ter who also came to Ced^r township In 1871, make their home with Joseph. Gilson John William ,{b. June 3, 1833), who died "in Fonda, May U, 1896, was the son of G-eorge and Bessie (Hurst) Gilson, and a native of Man- chester, England. He came with his parents to this country, grew to man- hood in Winnebago county. 111., where, on Dec. 9, 1858, he married Elvira Sayre and engaged in farming. Aug. 9, 1862 he enlisted as a member of Co. D. , 74th 111. infantry and was honorably discharged at Nashville, June 10, 1865. He belonged to the army of the Cumberland, marched with Shermanto the sea and partici- pated in fifteen battles, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Chicamauga, Nashville, etc., and in seventeen skirmishes. On June 8, 1872 he entered as a soldier's claim, the ni nei Sec. 20, 80 acres, in Dover township, improved and occupied it until 1892 when he moved to Fonda. In Dover township he was a trustee in 1875, assessor in 1876 and justice of the peace ten years, 1881-90. His family consisted of Clara, mar- ried to Oscar Samsel, a resident of Fonda and h^§ tlJree children, Ed- ward, Everett and Euth; Ehza, a milliner, married to Charles Sayre, Fonda, and has one daughter, Zola; George, a carpenter, married Jessie Ross and lives at Laurens; Albert, a painter, Fonda, married Clara Evenson and has one child,'Wil- liam Glenwood; Everett, a painter. Ina, a dressmaker and Ethel, a Fonda graduate in 1899, are at home. ■ Gottfried Gustav H. (b. Aug. 24, 1843) resident of Fonda since March 1899, has been a resident of Cedar township since June' 1871, when he secured as a homestead, the rii nei section 36, 80 acres. He is a native of Prussia, and coming to America with his parents in July 1847, lived at Jef- ferson, Wis., until the time of his settlement in Cedar township. He improved his homestead and occupied it until his removal to Fonda. He has been the most popular assessor of Cedar township,^ having performed the duties of that office fourteen years, 1877-78, '83-86, '89-90 and '95-1900. He has been a member of the school board several years, was treasurer of it in 1876 and president of it in 1888. Oh April 8, 1877, he married Dora Spielman and his family consists of three children, Ernest, Delphia Ava, , a Fonda graduate in 1899 and a teacher, and Frederick. Guyett C. G. a general merchant at Fonda from March 1878 to 1881, was a native of Vermont. He was a soldier in the civil war and was mar- ried in 1864 while at home on a fur- lough. After the close of the war he lived at Montpelier until he came to Fonda. He bought two lots on the east side of Main street, Fonda, erect- ed thereon a two story, double, frame building with basement, arranged it for store rooms and other purposes in- cluding a town hall, and engaged in general merchandize. He continued in business until the spring of 1881 vfhefl he sold all his interests to J. N. McKee, and on April 25th following. CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 419 his wife, Maggie, died of consumption in her 39th year, leaving two child- ren. HaffeleFred (b. 1851) hardware- man, Fonda, is a native of Germany and at two years of age came with his parents to Montlcello, Wis., where December 17, 1873, he married Clara Breckenwagon. In 1881 he located at Newell, Iowa, and in 1884 at Fonda, where he engaged in the hardware business until 1893, when he became an assistant to the firm of Roberts & Kenning, his successors. ' Hei was a member of the town council in 1886 and of the school board three years 1889-91. His family consists of three daughters; Lourinda, who November 15 1894 married A. L. Roberts, hard wareman, Fonda, and has three child- ren Hazel, Homer and Lowell; Min- nie, a Fonda graduate in 1894 and a music teacher, and Edith. Hathaway George W., County Su- perintendent in 1872-73, was a native of Ohio, and on March 23, 1869, the day when the first four homesteads in Cedar township were entered on section 24, entered the e i nw i of that section, known later as the farm of Miss Lydla Stephens, now of Wm. Mclntyre. He was accompanied by A. W. Creed, who that same day en- tered the s i sw i of the same section known later as a part of the farm of William Taylor, now of John Holyer. On Jan. 22, '70, Austin G. a brother, of A. W. Creed entered a homestead on section 12, and on December 7, '70, Mrs. Caroline Creed, widow of their brother, entered the n i sw i section 24. Some time afterwards she became the wife of Geo. W. Hathaway and se- cured the title to her homestead by purchase. He secured his title in 18- '75. Soon afterwards he moved to Webster City, but in the early 80's bought a farm of 200 acres on section 29, Washington township, and for a few years engaged In raising fruit and cattle. He is now a resident of Ar- kansas. Hartwell Rachel Mrs., one of the pioneer teachers of Fonda and vicin- ity, entered as a homestead the ni sei section 6, Cedar township, Nov. 20, 1869, and received the patent for it August 1, 1877. She was a widow, a sister of Robert J. Grlffln who taught a term of school in her home in 1870- 71. In 1878 she sold her homestead to W. H. Burnett and left the county. Hawkins Joseph (b. March 22,1847), owner and occupant of swi section 35, 240 acres, from 1878 to 1898 was, a na- tive of Somerset courity, England. In his third year he came with his par- ents to New York State and in 1853 to Cascade, Iowa, where his parents spent the remainder of their days. May 5, 1873, he married Eliza, a sister, of James Mercer, and in the spring of 1878; with wife and two children, lo- cated on the farm in Cedar township. 'At the time of his removal to Nebras- ka the improvements made upon this farm consisted of a good house, a new barn, a large cave built of rock, a fruit bearing orchard of three acres and a beautiful grove of five acres. His faithful wife who shared with him th* pleasures and privations of pioneer liffe, died October 20, 1893, in her 49th year, leaving a family of four daughters. EflBe a graduate of the Normal Department of Highland Park College, October 12, '98, married Frank B. Burns and lives in Wood- bury county; Ada, wife of F. Hamil- ton Bond Esq., lives at Fonda; Myrtle ai Fonda graduate In 1897, and a teacher; and Marie,. Roy, now in his 15th year was adopted in the spring of 1892. In Cedar township he was assessor in 1880-81, and president of the school board in '82 and '93. He was ready to render public service as a citizen when- called upon to do so, but he- was always engaged in a loyal endeav- or to develop or promote the moral 420 PIONEER HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. and spiritual interests of the commu- nity. He was not only a regular at- tendant of the services at the church and Sunday school, but also at the mid-week service whenever it was pos- sible. He was an humble and thorough student of the Bible and was never happier than when commu- nicating its sacred truths to others. He was chosen superintendent of the union Sunday school in I'onda, the next year after his arrival. During subsequent years he was either a su- perintendent, a teacher, or both. When the Presbyterian Sunday school was organized June 20, 1886 he became a teacher in it, and on January 1, 1894 superintendent also and, serving in this two fold capacity until the time of his removal, was absent only three Sabbaths in a period of twelve years. On March l8, 1888, he was elected an elder of the church and rendered efficient service in that capa- city until his removal, a period of t6n years. When his uniform punctuali- ty, faithfulness and efficiency, extend- ing over a period of twenty years, are recalled, it is readily perceived that the service he rendered in this respect is without a rival in this community. Healy WilUam H. (b. 1850), the old- est resident attorney of Fonda, is a native of Ireland. His father was a public school teacher, and .died when he was twelve years of age. In 1875 he came to Anjerica, and located first in Clinton county, Iowa, where he read law. In 1884 he located in Sac City, and was admitted to the bar. In the spring of 1885 he came to Fonda, and has since been engaged in the practice of law, the sale of real estate and as an agent for some of the best insurance companies and loan agen- cies. He was post master from Sep, 1, '96 to February 7, '98. By reason of his general good nature, or uniform- ly sunny disposition, his familiar friends often call biro "OoJonel" Healy. On August 12, '96 he married ,Sar*l|! Connelly, of Ogden, and she died JJec. 8, 1898 in her 26th year, leaving two children. Eleanor and Joseph. Hersom Samuel Thomas (b., Feb. 11, 1849) owner and occupant of the si se i section 30, Cedar township- since October 26, 1871, is the son of Samuel and Margaret Hersom, and a native of, Mercer county,' 111. April 4, 1868; he married Lucinda Littrell, and'after three years located on the homestead for which he Made the entry the next day after his arrival. Coming; to this section empty handed none felt the hard times during the 70's more than he, or put forth a more plucky endeav- or to hold the homestead through them. In later years he has made purchases of adjoining tracts of land and is now the happy owner of a good farm of 360 acres, on which he has erected good improvements. His buildings, grove and orchard happen-' ed to be in the.destructive path of the tornado of 1893 and were comple M destroyed. His family were grea^ f rightehed but, with the exception ol a few scratches, escaped uninjured. In December 1898; his wif e successf^; ly sustained the removal of a tumor that weighied 56 pounds. He was a trustee of the township in 1878, and '97-1900; president of the school board in ]878, and secretary of it in 1879 and '83-85. His family consists of eight cMldt ren. Harry S. married RosePomeroy, lives near the old home and has a family of three children, Lee, Hazel and Richard; William E, married Laura Larson, and has two children, Glenn and Roy; Effle married Marlon Hersom, lives in Ringgold county,>and has three, children; Lily M., Daisyia teacher, George,. Josephine and Lewis are at home. ^ Hersom Sylvainus (b. July 10,1842), an elder brother of Samuel T.,isa native of Maine, and coming to Pooa- hontas county. May, 20, 1871 ^n Oct. MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL T. HERSOM, FONDA. MR. AND MRS. JOHN P. MULLEN, FONDA. CEDAR 'foWlJsfilt. 421 ^3rd following entered as a homestead the w i sw i section 32, Cedar town- ship, which he continued to hold and most of the time occupied until 1892 when he moved to "Williams township, and in 1899 to Armstrong, Nebraska. He grew to manhood in Mercer Co., 111., where in 1803, he enlisted as a member of Co. K. 107th, 111. Infantry. He belonged to the 20th, Army Cforps under Hooker, marched with Sherman from Nashville to the Sea, and then to Eichmond. He was honorably dis- charged at Louisville; after two years and eleven months of service. In 1865 he married Elizabeth Jack- son and after her death, or in 1877, Etta Henthorne who has been an in- valid nearly twenty years. They have one child, Frank, who is at home, and she had one, Charles, three years older, by her first husband. Hushes George Edward (b. June 26, 1854,) for many years a prosperous merchant of Fonda, is a native of Boone Co. 111. , and the son of Samuel and Phoebe (JohnsofiJ Hughes, with whom at six years of age, he came to Jones County, Iowa. He received a limited educationiln the public school but a thorough training in the practi- cal affairs of life from his father, who was both a successful farmer and mer- chant. His early instinct for busi- ness is illustrated by the following in- cidents that occurred in his boyhood. He was disposed to be industrious and careful of his earnings. When the latter amounted to one dollar be was ready for business. After a few small exchanges he gained possession of a shot gun that was soon afterwards ex- obanged for a buggy. He traded the buggy for two calves. These were kept until they were three years old when they were traded for a horse. A "little later instead of the horse he had a lot of other animals and farm im- plements. These were sold an,d the money thus realized formed the nu- ^efls of the comfortable fortune he bas since accumulated. His father, who died September 7, 1894, came to Fonda, in 1871, and es- tablished a general store. He came in the fall of 1874, and after his mar- riage September 2, 1874, to Anna Gad- mer, of Fonda, a lady of German de- scent, he became a partner with his father in the mercantile business of which later he was the sole proprietor. His wife discovered such an un- usual business ability that she was very soon able to assume the entire managen;ient of the store; and he never refers to her without a gleam of pride in his eye, for he attributes a large measure of his success to her counsel and executive ability. In 1888 he began to invest in land; in January 1893, he sold his stock of goods and store, and erected a comfortable resi- dence. In 1894 he resumed the mer- cantile business taking J. P. Stein- fort in 1895 into a partnership that lasted three years. Since that time he has been engaged in the real estate and loan business. For many years he has been widely known as one of the best marksmen in Iowa. On June 1, 1893, at Clear Lake, he won the State trophy, con- sisting of a beautifully engraved, gold lined, silver cup, for which he had been a contestant for several years. It was won and held by him on this occasion jointly with Mr. Budd, of Des Moines on a tie, both havihg made a straight score. He engaged in shoot- ing as he did in business,to win;and at different times he has won the various trophies S,nd individual medals in this state. He has one daughter, Madge, now in her twelfth year. Two children. Bertha and Maude, are dead; the for- mer dying in infancy, the latter, a beautiful and accomplished young lady, in her 20th year. May 3, 1896. His mother still lives with him. Ibson Peter G. (b. Nov. 3,1849), the first resident of Fonda, was a native 422 PIONEEE HISTORY OF ^OCaSOM'AS COUNTY, iO%A- of Norway and a blacksmith. In 1869 at Webster City he found employment as a smith for the bridge builders of the Bubuque & Sioux City railroad, and moved his shop to suit the move- ments of the gatig. In February 18T0, when they commenced the construc- tion of the bridge across the Cedar, he located his shop south of the griade on the present site of the city waterr works. This was the first building on section 27,, in the center of which Fonda is located. Inasmuch as the railroad was 'completed about the time thiS) bridge was doile, and the patronage of the settlers gave him constant employment, he decided to remain at this place, and in the fall of IStl built a larger shop south of second street near the Ellis residence. Two years later this building was moved to the northeast corner of Main and Second streets, where for many years he enjoyed the reputation of be- ing the best workman in this section. At this time his two brothers, Ed- ward and Charles, arrived and joined him in the same shop. Edvyard is •still engaged in the business having a shop of his own in the Busby addi- tion to Fonda and Charles is an en- gineer in the yards of the Milwaukee railroad. In 1890 Peter moved his shop one block further west and con- tinued to work at his trade until 1896. He was a superior workman and kept his shop supplied with the best avail- able machinery. On November 25, 1875, he married Frances L. Buswell, who died August 7, 1891, in her 33d year, leaving two children, Clara and Andrew, both in their teens. Kearns Patrick (b. Ireland, March 17, 1818) in March 1873 became the owner and occupant of the nei section 2, Cedar township, and of eighty acres more on the adjoining section (35) in Dover township, all of which he im- proved and occupied until 1899, when he moved to Fonda. His wife arid family of nine children, came one month after his arrival, and they liv- ed that summer in the school house first built in the, McCartan. district, which he bought for that purpose. In the fall of thart year he built a house, 16x28 two stories that was enlarged to its present size in 1893. He came to America alone in Sept. 1847, and locating at West Point, N. Y., found employment on the rail- road. . TsTovemberlO, 1848, he married Catherine Lynch, a native also of Ireland , and the next year, moved to St. Louis, stopping a few months at Cincinnati and Eockford on the way. Three years later he moved to Dubu- que and the next year to Jackson Co., Iowa, where he bought a farm of 100^ acres and occupied it twenty years, or until the time of • his settlement in this county. He acquired such facility in the use of tools and such knowledge of build- ing that he and his two sons were able to build his house in the fall of 1873. He has been very successful in raising vegetables and during the last ,! fourteen years of his residence on the farm raised them for the local market. He has never used tobacco, and has been a total abstainer since 1839. He has nev&r seen the face of a mortgage and has never given his note to any man in Pocahontas county, except on one occasion. He has been a trustee of the township eight years, 1883-90. His family consists of nine children, as follows: 1. Michael J. (b. Feb. 2j 1851), owner and occupant of a farm of 240 acres on section 35, Dover town- ship, on November, 19, '76, married Maggie McCartan and has a family consisting of John, Katie,' Marie, Mary, Michael, James and' Joseph twins, Maggie, Theresa, William and' Alice. , 2. Mary, on Nov. 19, '76, mar-, ried Jphn Kelly, lives on a farm near Pocahontas, and has a family consist- ing of James, Patrick, Katie, Mary, j Eliza, John, Josie, Florence and Koy. CEDAE TOWI^^HIP. 423 3. John (b. 1855.), owner and occupant of a farm of eighty acres In Dover township, in 1882 married Mary Mur- ray and has four children, Patrick, Jennie, Henry and Ray. 4. Julia, in 1877, married Michael Lynch.* 5. Margaret, in 1878, married William Kelly (a brother of John), the owner and occupant of a farm Of 160 acres on section 35, Dover township, until 1900, now a resident of South Dakota, and has a family of six children, John, Francis, Thomas, Edward, Stephen and Albert. 6, Katie, a dress maker, Bridget and Elizabeth, teachers, are at home. For some years past it has been his custom to have all his children and grandchildren, numbering 49, as- semble at his home on the evening of all saints' day or hallow e'en; and he has the happy faculty of making these family re-unions occasions of great joy and gladness to the little folks. KelleherJohn {b. 1817, Ireland), the pioneer occupant of the w4 Sec. 7, Cedar township, after his marriage ;. in 1854 lived one year at Lawrence, Mass., and twelve in Boston. He then located' on a farm near Iowa City, and in 1884 in Cedar township, where he died in 1888. He put fine improve- ments on this farm, kept everything in the best of order and his wife, Josie and James continue to occupy it. His family consisted of eight child- ren, all of whom are still living. Thomas F., M. D. Des Moines, {see below); Kate, who in 1892 married D. S. McCarville and liyes in Okla- homa; John, who in 1891 married Mary McCarville and lives at Marys- ville, Mo.; Elizabeth, who in 1890 mar- ried M. W. Linnan, of Dover; Nellie, who in 1893 married S. A. Dunn and lives in Webster City; Denis M., who graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University in 1893 and has 'since been engaged in the practice of law at Pomeroy; Josie and James, who are at home. Kelleher Thomas F., M. D., oldest son of John Kelleher, was born in the csity of Lawrence, Mass., in 1855. That year his parents moved to Boston and remained twelve years. In 1867 they moved upon "a farm near Iowa City. Here Thomas received his education, walking to Iowa city each day during the fall and winter, and working on the farm during the summer. At the age of sixteen he .taught his first term of 'school at Iowa City and when nine- teen took charge of the grammar department in the schools of Sidney, Iowa. He began the study of medi- cine in 1875, in the ofBce of Elmer F. Glapp, professor of anatomy in the Iowa State University and received his diploma in 1878. After practicing medicine four years at Bevington, Iowa, and one year in Des Moines, he located in Fonda. Here he became one of the leaders in the organization of the democratic party in Pocahon- tas county and in 1885, being nomin- ated as the democratic candidate for the legislature in this district then composed of Pocahontas and Calhoun counties, received 785 votes against 445 in this county, lacking only 8i votes of being elected representative. His popularity was due to his inde- pehdence in thought, tact for organi- zation and enthusiasm as a leader. He was frank and honest in politics the same as in business. In 1886 he married Annie Cunning- ham, of Patterson, Iowa, and return- ed to Des Moines where he has since been engaged in the practice of medi- cine. In 1895 he graduated from the M'ew York Post-graduate School and Hospital. He has a family of three boys and two girls. Kennedy Joseph (h. 1838), resident of Fonda and vicinity since 1874, is a native of Tyrone, Ireland, where he marrledvand raised a family of seven children. In 1874 he came to this country and located in Fonda, his * See Lynch. 424 PIOIJEBE filSTOBY OF POCAHON'TAg COtJlirl'Y, 10 WA. brother William, in 1869, having settled on a homestead in Williams township. In 1876 his wife and family arrived and, after a residence of two years in Eonda, they moved to the Fairburn farm west of t(?^n. In 1880 he bought 240 acres on section 21, Cedar township, and began to improve it. He also sought other employment as his sons became able to look after the farm, and for five years, with a one horse power, did the pumping of the water for the I. C. E. K. at the Fonda tank. In 1890 he bought the nwi of the same section that increased his farm to 400 acres. In 1893 he bought the residence, elevator and office of E. B. Post and moved to Fonda. Two business firms were then organ- ized, namely, J. Kennedy & Co., con- sisting of himself and sons, dealers in grain, stock and implements; and Eedfleld, Kennedy & Co., consisting of W. J. Eedfleld and J. Kennedy & Co., dealers in stock and implements only. In 1897 W. J. Eedfleld with- drew from this firm and established the Palace Meat Market, the flnest in this or any neighboring town; and in 1898 Joseph Kennedy withdrew from the flrst named firm and left as its successor, Kennedy Bros. , consist- ing of Thomas, John and Alexander; of whom, Thomas looks after the interests of the farm, John the busi- ness of the office and Alexander all matters relating to the care of the stock. In 1895, to increase their facilities for handling stock, they leased a tract of eighty acres south of the I. C. E. E. track. They feed principally cattle and usually have from 150 to 200 head in process of preparation for the city market. In 1897, owing to the ravages of cholera among the na- tive hogs, they imported a car load of razor backs from Arkansas, and the experiment proved a profitable one. The firm of Kennedy Bros, have had long acquaintance with the peo.., pie of this community, have learnedt,, how to work intelligently for the accomplishment of results and are m business to stay. "No compromise with competitors and honest dealings with all customers," are their busi- ness principles. The large shate of the trade that has come to them has been ' well merited and highly appre- ciated. ■* On Oct. 8, 1877 Joseph's wife died in her 48th year leaving a family of eight children. Thomas (b. 1862),/ a tele- graph operator 1882-93, a member;of the firm of J. Kennedy & Co., in 1897 became a member of the city council and in 1898 president of the Big Foiir District Fair Association; Bessie,, Nov. 2, 1884 married William J., son of Eev. Henry S. Eedfield, then a dealer in stock and now proprietor of the Palace Meat Market, and has a family of three children, five having , died in childhood; John {b. 1866), a teacher, secretary of the city school;) -board and business manager of the : firm of Kennedy Bros.; Sarah, Dec. 25, : 1890, married F. M. Hall, resides at El Dorado, Kansas, and has four ' children; Alexander, in 1899 married Myrtle Hardman and has one child; . Mary Jane, Eachel, who died March ,i 21, 1892 in her 17th year, and Ina, a native of Pocahontas county. Lemp John (b. March 3, 1835), who entered his homestead on wi swi Sec. . 18, Cedar tovynship, Nov. 4, 1869, is a native of Germany, came to America in 1854, and, after spending one year in Pennsylvania and another one in Ohio, located in Kent Co., Michigan, where he found employment on a saw mill. Nov. 24, 1861 he married Idda A. Bowers and in 1866 moved to Sac county, Iowa. During his first year on the homestead he broke about forty acres of raw prairie and built a house, hauling the lumber f6r it and the coal for fuel from Fort Dodge,';i The next year he broke more prairie Gedae township. 425 and planted a maple grove of ten acres that with subsequent additions continues to be one of the largest and most beautiful, as well as oldest, in the township. By his industry, economy and good management he has met with good success on the farm. During the periods of hard times, the grasshopper visitations, drought and prairie fires he suf- fered with his neighbors, but his well tilled farm, with its dairy and increas- ing herds, enabled him to survive them. He planted fruit trees in the early days and has enjoyed the pleas- ure of gathering some fine crops of small fruits, plums,apples, and in 1898 of peaches that measured seven inches. These were the first peaches gathered in the township, and were raised on a tree tliat grew from the pit of California fruit. By his subse- quent purchases the homestead of 80 acres has been increased to a finely improved farm of 260 acres,and in 1889 there was erected upon it one of the finest farm houses in the township. His family has consisted of five daughters, namely: Cora -Belle, who married Arthur Moulton, of Cedar township; Eliza Blanch, who married Adelbert Bailey and lives in Lyon Co., Minn; Mary Etta, who married , triyses S. Eeed and lives at, Varina; Anna Grace, who married George Witcraft and lives in Dover township; and Millip, who married Lars Larson and occupies the home farm, Langworthy Oscar A. (b. March 18, 1838), who died at Fonda Oct. 4, 1883, was a native of Dubuque. In February 1878 he came to Fonda and engaged in the hardware and imple- ment business until the time of his death. He was appointed one of the commissioners to effect the incorpora- tion of Fonda in 1879, and, at the time of his decease, was serving his third year as a member of the city council. He was a man highly re- spected for his excellent traits of character and his loss was deeply felt. • April 9, 1878 he married Jennie G., daughter of Wm. Clark and Abigail (Fitz-Henry, a resident of Fonda since 1890) Alexander (b. 1817, d. Eon- da, 1892), who survives him with two children, Ernestine, who in 1899 mar- ried Frank W. Swearingen, Esq., a resident of Fonda 1895-99, mayor in 1897, and now resides in Mitchell- ville; and Lucius, an assistant in the postofflce since Aug. 2, 1898. The name of this family appears among the first in the pioneer history of Iowa and his father was one of the first to make a permanent settlement at Dubuque, the first one in the state.* His father, Lucius, arid uncle James L. Langworthy, swimming their horses by the side of their ca- noe, crossed the Mississippi in June 1830 and stood on that river's western shore nearly three years before a per- manent settlement had been made in any part of Iowa. In 1831, their brother Edward arrived, attracted by the rich lead mines on the west side of the river. After the founding of the city of Dubuque these three brothers established a banking house where their financial skill found ample scope. Edward, who took the lead in matters of public interest, soon became an influential member of the city council, represented that dis- trict in the legislature- and was a member of the first -constitutional convention that met in Iowa City in 1844. These brothers were natives of St- Lawrence Co., N. Y. Lucius H. served in some of the early Indian wars, built the first frame house in Dubuque and was the first sheriff of Dubuque county. Lynch William (b. 1821), a pioneer of Cedar' township, is a native of Ire- land. ^In 1847 he came alone to New York state and after a few months lo' cated at Montreal, where in 1852 he *See page 57. 426 PIONEEE HISTORY OF toOAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. married Margaret Lawler. In 1855, he moved to Grant county, Wis., and after two years to Brownsville, the old- est town on the Mississippi in Minne- sota south of St. Paul, where he sup- erintended the quarrying of rock for its first warehouse. During the next two years he had charge of a ferry- boat that plied between Dubuque and Dunleith, now East Dubuque. He then engaged in farming in Dubuque and Jackson counties until April 1869, when, with his wife and four children, he located on the homestead— si nwi sec. 2— Cedar township. By subse- quent purchases, his farm was in- creased to 240 acres. One of the first schools in the township was taught in his pioneer home by Mary A. Calli- gan in the fall and winter of 1870. His wife died in 1890. He sold the homestead soon afterward and has since resided with his oldest son on the adjoining section in Dover town- ship. He vvas a member of the Cedar township school board in 1873-74. His family consisted of four child- ren: 1. Michael J., owner and oc- cupant of swi sec. 35 Dover township. In 1877 he was president of the Cedar schoolboard. In 1882 he was chosen as the second secretary of the school board of Dover township and has held that office until the present time, a period of nearly nineteen years, He was a trustee from'1880 to '85 and has been township clerk since 1895. Oct. 25, 1878, he married Julia Kearns, a daughter of Patrick, and she died July 7, 1898, leaving a family of eleven children, Margaret, William, Winni- fred, Julia, Catherine, Anna, Michael, John, Ellen, Patrick and Edward. 2. James, occupant of the sej sec. 34, Dover township, married Bridget White and has two children, Mar- garet and John. 3. Mary, married Matthew Byrne and resides at Fon- da.* 4. William is a resident of Col- orado. *See Byrne, page 405. Mackey John B. (b. 1823), a former resident of Fonda, was a native of Washington county. Pa., and locat- ing at Coalrun, Washington county, Ohio, married there Matilda Hall (b. 1826) in May 1851. Some years af- terward he moved to Boone county, 111., in 1880 to Pomeroy, Iowa, and in 1884 to Fort Dodge. He owned and occupied the Smeaton home in Fonda from Feb., 1892, until the fall of 1894, ] when he bought and moved to a ranch of 320 acres near Portervilie, Tulare county, Cal. He was a highly res- pected citizen, and at Pomeroy, Fort Dodge and Fonda rendered efficient service as an elder of the Presbyterian church. His family consisted of seven child- ren of whom three died young. Charles H., a railroad engineer, mar- ried Laura Grlswold, has a family of two children and lives at Belvidere, 111. David S. in 1876 married Ella Chamberlain in Tulare, county, Cal., and died there April 26, 1898, leaving a family of four children, John, Flor- ence, Matilda and Belief. In 18821 accompanied by two others he went| to the iiorthern part of Alaska to de-j velop a gold and silver mine in whicll| he had obtained an interest, At the time set for their return, his two com-' panlons, taking the ore obtaine|, started homeward from the nearest] port, while he traveled down the coast to the next one. At this port he received the sad intelligence" that the vessel carrying his two compam- ions, together with its cargo and' all on board had been lost in a violjent storm. He was thus compelled to re- main and for two years was the only white man among the Esquimaux in that arctic region. Relief B., married Grant Fox, located first at Lake City," in 1895 n:\oved to Tulare county, Cal. and now lives at .Cherokee. . Hattie H., married Frank P. McKee, of Fon- da, lived there a number of years and then moved to Cherokee. CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 427 Mallison Joseph Captain (b. March 14, 1842), resident of Ponda and vicin- ity since May, 1870, is a native of Dale, Wyoming county, N. Y. His parents were William A. and Jane (Dingman) Mallison and he was brought up on a farm. In 1861 at the age of 19 he enlisted as a member of Co. E, 105th N. Y. Inf., which, in the spring of 1863, was consolidated with the 94th, and he continued in the ser- vice until he was mustered out at Albany, July 18, 1865. When he ar- rived at Washington, he was assigned to the command of Gen. McDowell and remained in the Army of the Po- tomac. In 1862 he participated in the battles at Cedar Mountain, some- ;times called Slaughter Mountain be- cause of the great number that fell 'on both sides; Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Chantilly, the second engagement at Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredricksburg; in 1863 atChancellors- ville and Gettysburg, where he was-in the Second Division, led by Gen, Rey- Inolds, who fell on the first day. ^v On June 3, 1864, at the battle of Cold Harbor, seven miles from Rich- mond, he was wounded and taken 'prisoner. After a short confinement in Libby prison, he was held at 'Macon, Ga., two tnonths; Savannah, kix weeks; Charleston, S. C,, three !weeks, and then' at Columbia until the arrival of Sherman's army, when [he was moved successively to Char- lotte, Raleigh and Wilmington, N. C, where he and 1200 other prisoners were released on parole, March 1, ,1865. ' He was made a First Lieutenant in December, 1863 and from the time he ^received his comraission was placed in command of the company and per- if armed duty as a captain until he was TOken prisoner. He was exchanged [six months after he was paroled and llhen found a Captain's commission awaiting him. At the close of the war he returned to the home of his parents, who, dur- ing that period, had removed to Fon- dulac county, Wis. Thursday, Oct. 7, 1866, he married Susie H. Lingen- f elter, and after two years on a farm at Brandon, moved to Hardin county, Iowa, and thence in 1870 to his home- stead, the wi sei sec. 20, Cedar town- ship, known later as the Blakeslee farm. In 1873, having improved and secured the patent for the homestead he moved to Fonda, where he en- gaged In the sale of implements elev- en years, and in the real estate and in- surance business since that time. At the battle of Gettysburg, he sav- ed the flag of his own regiment from capture and for this act of heroism was allowed to bring it home with him as a trophy of the conflict. This flag, which graced every patriotic occasion at Fonda, so that it had come to be regarded as the property of the town, was destroyed in McKee's Hall by the fire of 1883. He participated in the organization of Cedar township, June 6, 1870, and served two years as its first assessor when it included Colfax; two years as township clerk, 1875 and '86; and as justice of the peace since 1893. He took an active part in the incorpor- ation of Fonda, was elected its first mayor in '79, and wa^ re-elected in '84 '95 and '96. He was sheriflf of Poca- hontas county, four years, 1880-83, and has been postmaster at Fonda since February 7, 1898, He inherited a robust form, a fine voice and has enjoyed good health; and these things, together with his affable disposition and dignified man- ner have made him a fine looking soldier and an acceptable command- ing officer. He has proven himself to be a capable and efBcient public ofiflc- ial, and it is doubtful if any other one has rendered so much service to the people of Fonda and vicinity, as a 428 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONi'AS COUNTY, IOWA. director of funerals and otker assem- blies or more acceptably than he. His estimable wife has been asso- ciated as a leader among the ladies, in the promotion of the social and re- ligious interests of the community, taking an active part in the organi- zation of the first Ladies' Aid Socie- ties of the Methodist and Presbyter- ian churches, the first Ohatauqua cir- cle. Relief Corps, Eastern Star, etc. In company with her husband she has visited northern and southern California and Utah; and attended the national encampments at Wash- ington'in 1893 and at Buffalo, near his old home, in '97^ Marshall William (b. 18S1), one of the first residents and business men of Fonda, was a native of Yorkshire, England, where he learned carpentry and cabinet making. After he be- came of age, he went to London where he married Jane Webster and two months later came to the state of New York. After a short residence there and also in Illinois and Missou- ri, he bought a half section of land in Bremer county, improved and occupied it for several years. He then lived one year in Waverly and engaged in railroad building, taking a contract on the I. C. R. E., west of Fort Dodge. In May 1'870, he located at Fonda, erected the first dwelling house in the town for which he haul- ed lumber from Pomeroy. He estab- lished the first lumber yard at this place and afterwards the first store for the sale of hardware and imple- ments. He also bought the nei sec. 33, and planted a grove that is not on- ly the largest, but contains more va- rieties of valuable timber, including evergreens, than any other in this section. After the erection of good buildings on it, he made his home on this farm and died there Oct. 22, 1887. He served as justice of the peace for Cedar township ten years, 1872-74, '78- 79, '33-37; and as surveyor for Poca- hontas county, eleven years, ■ '73-83. He conducted aland agency at Fonda for many years and was well acquaint- ed with not only the people but every nook and corner of the county. He was a man of unimpeachable integ- rity, modest, but persistent in his efforts, loyal to his friends anddon- scientious in the administra^MJof justice. '^spW In 1884 the boar'd of county ' super- visors, at the instance of the people, conferred a special honor upon him by changing the name of Laurens town- ship to "Marshall," in recognition of his long and efficient service as coun- ty surveyor. His family consisted of three chil- dren, two of whom are dead. Maude and her mother live in Fonda, where they own a fine residence and other city property. They also own 400 acres of land in this ■ vicinity includ- ing the old home. I Martin Samuel S. (b. Nov. 24, 1855), owner and occupant of a recent-' ly improved farm on section 23, is one: of the leading and most successful , farmers in Cedar township. He is a| native of Perry county, Ohio, and thd son of Thomas B. and. Susan (Storreil Martin. At the age of seventeen; m 1870, he accompanied his parents to' Greene county, Iowa, and whilst he has always lived on the farm, yet for ■ a period of five years, he was engajged ■ in boring wells, inserting pumps and erecting windmills. He acquired possession of a farm of 200 acres in ; Junctioa township, which he still j owns. In 1891 he bought and mov- ed to a farm on section 29," Cedar towriship; two years later on seoSon 13; and in 1900 on section 23, where he has just built a good barn and' one of the finest farm houses in the town- ship. He is now the owner^ of two finely improved farms in Cedar town- ship, that with the one in Greene] county aggregate 680 acres.; He is a progressive and succesSl WILLIAM BOTT Co. Supervisor 1880-82, 86-88. R. F. BESWICK Fonda Creamery Co. JOHNLEMP Farmer. ED. B. TABOR Editor. JAMES MERCER County Supervisor 1883 85 Representative J890-97 MRS. JAMES MERCER FRED SWINGLE MRS. NELLIE R. SWINGLE Fonda and Vicinity. CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 429 iarmer. Having realized the conven- ience and value of good'improvements, he gives them his first attention. He lias learned also how to keep "the cattle upon the hills" and to have "the ;yalleys (prairies) covered over with corn . " His intelligence and ex- fellentScharacter as a citizen brought blm into favorable prorninence dur- Ipg his residence in Junction town- ftip, and in Cedar he has served two y^ars as a justice of the peace, '93-94, ipd is how serving his second year as trustee. He has also rendered efficient se#ice to the Presbyterian church, as a trustee since 1895 and as an elder since 1897. On Nov. 7, 1875, he married Anna White, of Vernon county, Wis , and his family consists of five children: John Weston (b. July 25, '78), gradu- ated at Fonda in '97, spent one year at Fayette college and is now pursu- ing his studies at the Iowa State Uni- ^sity. Olive M. graduated at Fon- da fin '97 and is now a teacher. Dora E.,IBamuel G. and Otto Roy. Mercer James (b. 1847), representa- tive from this district in 1890-91, is a native of Gait, Ontario, Canada; and iSji'Son of Andrew and Euphemla ^tcer, both of whom came from Scotland. At the age of five years he ifioyed'with his parents to Cataraugus cototy, N. Y., soon afterwards to La laj^tte, Ind., and in 1855 to Cascade, IJl^uque county, Iowa. Here he ^e'w to manhood and remained twen- tlftars. After attending the public pol he spent two years in the ajrtfemy. On Oct. 24, 1864, at the age .offpteen he-became a member of Co. Peth Iowa Cavalry and spent one "yearlfighting the Indians on the fron- 'tier'(see page 46) in Minnesota and the iakotas, which did not then have a settlement beyond Yankton. After his return from the army he found employment in the furniture business and three years later commenced fawniuK i'^ ^^^ spring of 1875 he bought andabegan to improve the nwi sec. 35 Cedar township. The large and comfortable house, now occupied by his family, was built with his own hands in 1885, he having acquired a practical knowledge both of carpentry and masonry. His buildings are sur- rounded by several groves of different kinds of timber, of which the maples were planted in 1877 and the ever- greens in 1893. By subsequent pur- chases his farm has been increased to 400 acres and he is recognized as one of the most thrifty and substantial men in the community. He has rendered an efficient public service, to all of which he has been called without having acquired the arts of the politician. He served as township clerk four years, 1879-82; one term as justice of the peace and has been secretary of the school board since liS90. He was a member of the board of county supervisors three years, '83-85. In '89, at Peterson, he re- ceived the Republican nomination and at the general election held that fall was elected without opposition a member of the house of representa- tives of the 23d Gerieral Assembly of Iowa from the 77th'district, composed of Clay and Pocahontas counties. In 1895 while he was busy "earning his bread by the sweat of his brow" he was nominated a second time for the legislature and lacked only a few votes of election. He has been a trus- tee and treasurer of the Presbyterian church since the dedication of the building in 1887, and an elder and deacon since 1897. The highest practical objects of human attainment, such as the en- joyment of a happy home, the educa- tion of his children, the ennobling privileges of the church, together with the profitable cultivation and improvement of his farm, have been the praiseworthy ambitions, of his life. He has always been a total ab- stainer and a practical prohibition- 430 PIONEEEHISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COtTNTY, IOWA. ist. His steadfastness of purpose and successful achievements have won for him a public confidence, recognition and honor that only a few usually enjoy. In his youth he acquired the habits of industry and economy, and adopted the principles of integrity and honor, that fit every one for noble achievements. - He is a splendid representative of the sturdy yeomanry that have developed her resources and made Iowa great. On Nov. 14, 1872, while living at Cascade h,e married Anna, daughter of "William and Anna (Brown) Stew- art, of Ontario, Can., who has proven a wise counsellor and a faithful help- er to him in all his endeavors. His family consists of seven children: EfHeM., a graduate of the Normal school at Shenandoah and a teacher for two years at Sac City, two at Plov- er and three at Pocahontas, in 1900 married Thomas W. Tarr, of Cedar township. Nellie A., who enjoyed three terms at Buena Vista College and three terms at the Iowa State Normal at Cedar Falls, has been teaching since 1896. Cilena Gt., a Eon- da graduate ln'94,graduated fromtthe State Normal in '97, then engaged in teaching and in June 1900, completed the fourth year course at the State Normal. May B., a Fonda graduate in '9'7, graduated at the State Normal in 1899 and is engaged in teaching. Cora L., a Fonda graduate in '99 and winner of the medal In the County Declamatory Contest at Havelock that year, is'also a teacher. Rollo C. and Ealph J. are at home. Mceartan Bernard (b. Oct. 31, 1826), who died in Cedar township Oct. 2, 1887 in his 61st year, was a na- tive of Down county, Ireland, the son of Bernard and Ann (Brush) McCar- tan. In 1845 with his parents he came to America and found employ- ment in the lead mines at Dubuque, where he married Mary, daughter of Eoger and Margaret (Baldwin) Mo Namara. He then located on a ^arm ,"^ in that vicinity, in 1869 moved to Webster county and in 1871 to the swi sec. 3, Cedar township. He was the first to occupy this farm and im- proved it finely. The first house built in 1881, 14x18 feet, in 1876 be- came an attachment to a large and comfortable one. A tine grove of for- est and fruit trees was planted, and by subsequent purchases the original . farm was increased, previous to his death in 1887, to 540 acres and since that date to 930 acjes, all of which are occupied by the younger members of his family. He was president of the second board of trustees of Cedar township in 1872, president of the school board in 1873 and treasurer of the school funds in 1874. He was a member of the board of county supervisors three years, 1874-76, when the county seat was at Old Rolfe. \ He was a good farmer, a man of noble principles and exerted a strong infiuence in establishing and sus- taing Catholic worship in the vicin- ity of Fonda. In the pioneer days he was recognized as a wise and prudent :; leader, in politics and religion. In matters of charity, he v?as always^, ready to respond to the call of the needy, who never left his door with- , out assistance. His wife, a woman of more than average intelligence and loved by all who knew her, died June ■ 11, 1898. ;.. He was the father of thirteen child-.'j ren, ten of whom survived him: 1— Thomas F., county auditor seven years, 1886-92, (see below);' 2— Susan E., on May 19, 1895, married Ed. O'Donnell, Fonda; 3— Mary E., Oct. 5, 1897, married John Lilly, owner and occupant of a farm of 80 acres on sec. 21, Dover township; 4— John J., born July 7, 1873, in April 1892 marriedij; Katie L. Haggerty and lived four years in Dover township, then en- gaged In the abstract business for the CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 431 Bank of Pocahontas in '97-98, and since as manager of the Shull Bros, lumber yard, Fonda; he has three cliildren, Austin R , Mary F. and Regina; he was secretary of the Cedar township school board two years, '88-89 and assessor ih Dover township 1894-95; 5— Arthur A., born Oct. 3, 1865, is manager of the home farm; 6— Bernard E., born Nov. 25, 1867, has taught school four years and is now at Davenport; 7— Joseph H. at home; 8— Maggie T. on August 28, 1899, married Anton J. Sauter, a carpenter, and re.sides at Fonda; 9— Katie and Roger, also at home. McSartan Thomas F. (b. Qct. 19, 1854) is a native of Dubuque county and came with his parents to Cedar township in 1871. He was clerk of Cedar township in 1878 and secretary of the school board in 1883. He serv: ed as Auditor of Pocahontas county sevenyears,, 1886-92, 'the law of 1890 changing the election of county offic- ers to alternate years having added one year to his third term. He has iDeen a resident of Pocahontas since 1886; and as a stockholder and cashier of the Bank of Pocahontas has been engaged in the banking and real estate business since 1893. On May 17, 1886, he married Ell^, a daughter of Roger and Margaret Collins, formerly of Lizard township, and has a family of six children, Clement B., Tessie, Theo. F., Myrtle, Monica and Arthur Thonias, McKee Jonathan Neft (b. Feb. 9, 1837), manager and principal proprie- tor of the general merchandise firm of J. N. McKee & Co. Fonda, 1881-96, is a native of Blair county, Pa., and, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Nefl) McKee. In the fall of 1860 he found employment at Belvidere, 111., as a clerk in the store of A. T. Ames, who, two years later, sent him to Cherry Valley to sell out a stock of goods at that place. In 1864 at this place he entered into a paitnership with E. A. Blackington that lasted five years, and then with Ruf us 0. Potter under the firm name of J. N. McKee & Co. In the spring of 1881 he brought their stock of goods to Fonda, Iowa, where he bought and began to occupy the two store rooms in the Guyett block. At the time of the Are, Oct. 15, 1883, he sustained a loss of $25,000, on which the insurance was $6,000; but he cleared away the ashes of the wooden building and in its place, in 1884, erected a double two story brick block that has been the pride of the town ever since. He continued in business here until the fall of 1896 when he moved to Washta and in 1900 to Britt, Iowa. In part- nership with his son Frank P. McKee a clothing store was maintained sev- eral years at Fonda and, in connection with it, a tailoring establishment, MoKee, & Ehline, that employed a a half dozen workmen. During the period of his residence at Fonda he carried the largest stock of general merchandise in this vicinity. He was not a politician but was one of the most public spirited citizens that Fonda has ever had. He was chosen a member of the town council the next spring after his arrival and continued a member of it until the time of his removal, a period of flf- teen years, 1882-96. He was president of the Fonda school board five years, 1884-88. On Dec. 20, 1864, he married Louise, daughter of Rufus- C. and Hannah Potter. His family consists of four children, one having died young. Frank P. now a traveling salesman, married Hettie, daughter of John B.' Mackey, lives at Sioux City and has one child; Mabel E. married Guy S, Robinson, Fonda, county treasurer, and has one Child, Lorna E.; Earl Potter, a traveling salesman; and Louisa. Nichols John Clark (b. May 23, 1843), who died on his farm on sec. 7, 432 PIONEBRHISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUKTY, lOWA. Cedar township, Jan. 23, 1899, was a native of Scott county, Iowa, the son of William and Laura l^ichols, both of whom died in his early days. On August 22, 1862, in response to his country's call he went to Davenport and enlisted as a member of Co. K. , 20th Iowa Inf. and -continued in the service until July 1865. His regiment became a part of the army on the frontier under Gen. Schofleld and passed through Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi , Alabama , and Morida, traveling 6,350 miles by - steamboat, 2,400 miles by steamship, 1,300 miles by rail and 2,100 on foot, making an aggregate of 12,150 miles or half the circumference of the earth. . He participated in the engagements at Prairie Grove, the siege of Vicks- burg, the capture of Fort Morgan and Blakely near Mobile, April 9, 1865, the same day that Lee surrendered.'' He was a man of courage and did not hesitate to face danger when duty called. On the return of his regi- ment a lady of Davenport very ap- propriately wrote: "Ring out a welconle; lo, they come! Our heroes from the war; They bear their banners seamed and rent. They wear the victors' scar." Oct. 5, 1871, he married Laura Seeklns and located on a farm at Red Oak, where he remained until 1886 when he came to Cedar township. He experienced considerable inconven- ience from defective hearing after he returned from the army, but was a good farmer, kept his improvements in.flne condition and was highly res- pected as a citizen and neighbor. At the time of his death he was the own- er of 200 acres of land. His family consisted of one daugh- ter who, May 1, 1892, married Jas. M. Borders and lives on tlie island at Sunk Grove. Lucas David Crystle (b. Jan. 17, 1842) resident, of Fonda and vicinity from 1873 to 1892, was a native of Carroll, Indiana, In 1856 he moved with his parents- to Waverly, Iowa, where Dec. 28, 1863, he married Matil- da Etta Busby (b. May 21, 1839, N. Y.) of Dubuque and engaged in farming. In 1870 he moved to Plainfleld, Butler county and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1873 he located) on a homestead in Williams township, Calhoun county, Iowa, and in U81/ moved to Fonda, where he engaged first in the livery business, then for three years ovyned a hall interest in the Fonda Grist Mill, which seriously embarrassed all who invested in it. He then decided to engage in the ho- tel business and, serving as proprietor of the Central House, Fonda, one year, in 1892 moved to Meriden and two years later to Cherokee where he has since had charge of the Cherokee House. As a hotel keeper he has be- come quite popular ' with the travel- ing public and has met with good;: success. Both he and his excellent wife, ear- <; ly in life, became active members and efficient workers in the Methodist church, and in Fonda, he filled for a number of successive years the re- sponsible positions of treasurer, i steward apd superintendent of the Sunday school. He has always been a staunch, friend of the temperance cause and a leader in movements for the suppression of the saloon. His family consists of five children^ Carrie, the second, having died in in- fancy, Jennie v., an early teacher in the Fonda schools, on March 17, 1887 . married CalvinB. Saylor and lives in Lincoln township; Mabel C, a teacher in the Fonda and Rolf e schools, on June 30, 1891 married George H. Bush and lives at Fonda; Bben Parker mar- ried Claudia Myers and they both be- long to the theatrical profession; v Howard Harlan, a graduate of the Cherokee high school in 1899 is now filling a lucrative position in that- city* CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 433 Olson John (b. 1825), owner and oc- cupant of the sei sec. 33, Cedar town- ship from the spring of 1870 to '85, was a native of Denmark. He mar- ried there Mary Jensen and in 1867 with her and a family of three child- ren, Henry, Lawrence and Sophia, all of whom were called Johnson after the first name of their father accord- ing to the custom of their native land, came to Michigan and three years later to Pocahontas county, Iowa. He planted a beautiful grove of maples, walnuts and other trees and' erected the house and other buildings occupied by Mr. and Mrs. John Detwiller and completely des- troyed by the cyclone of 1893. On Oct. 6, 1883 his mother, Margar- etta "Olson, died at his home and was hurled on a slight elevation near the south west corner of this _ farm . At the time of her death she lacked only two months of being 94 years old, and, so far as known, was the oldest inhab- itant of Pocahontas county . She was a native of Denmark, lived at Zea- land until 1870, then at Aalborg imtil 1877 and then at the age of 87 years emigrated to the home of a son in Ced- ar township. She possessed a remark- able constitution and always enjoyed the best of health. Her eyesight was not diminished by advancing years, she never wore spectacles and was able to read fine print even in her old age. In 1885, John Olson and family moved to San Pasqual, in southern California, where they still reside. His son, Henry Johnson, taught school in the vicinity of Fonda, in 1878 married Florence White, daugh- ter of a minister, in 1884 moved to California and has a family of six children, Frank, Harry, Arthur, Nellie, Boy and Jessie, twins. His son Lawrence Johnson married Viola Darling in Qalifornia and has two children, Inez and Glenn. His daughter, Sophia Johnson M. T>., taught school in the vicinity of Fonda, pursued a course of study at Battle Creek, Michigan, graduated from the California Medical College in 3895 and since that date has been practicing medicine in San Diego. Her portrait appears in this volume. Osburn Benjamin Franklin (b. March 25,. 1837), a pioneer of Cedar township 1870 to 1885, was a native of Tioga county, N. Y., where he grew to manhood and in 1859 married Delilah B. Keed. August 10, 1862 he enlisted in the 137th N. Y. Inf. as an orderly sergeant, was made first lieu- tenant May 25, 1865 and was honor- ably discharged at Elmira, New York, June 9, 1865. In 1867 he and his family moved to Waterloo, Iowa, and in the spring of 1870 pur- chased the swi sec. 25, Cedar town- ship which he improved and occupied until the time of his death which oc- curred at Adel, Sept. 11, 1885. While returning from the State Fair at Des Moines, he endeavored to pass along a railing used'for that purpose on the outside of the baggage car, and when the train entered the bridge at Adel its timbers striking his head inflicted fatal injuries and caused him to fall from the car in an insensible con- dition. He was a fine looking soldier and one of the bravest of the brave. He participated in twenty seven battles including Lookout Mountain, Gettys- burg and other decisive ones, and was promoted for his skill and courage. His family consisted of two children : May, who married Fred Opperman, a mail agent, and died in 1885; Bert, a book keeper and clerk, married Becca PfeitCer and located at Sioux City where his mother resides with him. Potter Buf us 0. (b. July 15, 1812), a silent partner in the firm of J. N. McKee & Co., Fonda 1881-89, was a native ©f Chili, N. Y. and was the son of Daniel and Abigail (Hemingway) Potter. His father was a veteran of the war of 1812 and his mother a member of the society of Friends, so 434 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. that from childhood he was trained in the principles of patriotism and piety. Sept, 22, 1836 he married Hannah C. Turner (b. Nov. 19, 1816 N. Y.) also of patriotic blood, whose grandfather, Captain Joseph Tombs, of Maine, served under Washington in the Revolutionary War. In 1837 he located at Hadley, Mich., in 1863 in Cherry Valley, 111 , and in July 1881 at Fonda, where he died Dec. 22, 1889. His large and beautiful residence, completed at Fonda in July 1888, was then adjudged to be the best finished and most convenient in this coun- ty. It is now known as the DeG-raffe home. His wife, who had rendered fifty years of faithful service in the M. E. church and was respected as a "mother in Israel", departed this life at Fonda, Nov. 12, 1893. His life was a highly exemplary one. He was natur- ally of a quiet disposition and mani- fested such an holy zeal for the house of God that he became a living epistle of the meek and lowly Jesus. As long as his strength permitted*, his place at the Sunday and mid-week services was never vacant and he loved to min- gle his own with the voices of others in prayer, praise and testimony. His family consisted of one son and three daughters all of whom located at Fonda and vicinity for at least a short period. 1.— Sarah Abigail, August 13. 1863 at Cherry "Valley, married Abram F. DeGraffe, a carpenter and wagon maker, has been a resident of Fonda siace 1888 and her family consists of three daughters: Louise a teacher; Anna in 1893 married Charles A. Alexander, assistant cashier of the Pocahontas County Bank, Fonda, since 1891 and has one child, Donald; Mary Franc, also a teacher. Louise and Franc have taught several suc- cessive years In the Fonda schools and are regarded as two of the best teach- ers in this locality. 2.— James Henry Potter in 1861 married Harriet Gleason, then en- listed as a member of the 74th 111. Inf. and served three years in the army. He then engaged in farming near Cherry Valley, later moved to Rockford and in March 1889 to Fonda, Iowa, where he became the successor of Giarpenter & Russell in the hard- ware business. After two years he moved to Storm Lake where he is still engaged in the hardware busi- ness under the firm name of J. H. Potter & Son. His family consisted of two "children: William R.> married Nina K. Kellogg who died in March 1895 leaving two children, and in 1896 he married Ida Sisson; Fannie is at home. 3~Mary Louise married John N. Mc- Kee (See McKee}. 4- Josephine Julia married Ambrose A. Horton and for a few years lived on his father's farm near Cherry Val- ley. In Sept., 1875, they located on the S. E. i Sec. 4, Williams township, Calhoun Co., Iowa, and three years later in Pomeroy where he engaged first in the lumber business and after- wards in banking. In 1892 they moved to Storm Lake where she died Oct. 30, 1893, leaving a family of five children: Ava Grace Horton in 1894 married iBurton Willis, manager of the Willis Lumber Co., and lives at Webster City; Ada, a milliner, Elmer, Frank and , Josephine are at home. In 1895 Mr. Horton married Julia Brownlee of Wis., and two more chil- dren, Buelah and Harold,, have been added to his family. In 1899 he moved to Spencer where he is now en- gaged in the real estate business. Patterson Michael Frampton (b. Jan. 19, 1857), resident physician at Pocahontas and Fonda from 1882 to 1895, is a native of Haratio, Da,rke county, Ohio, the son of Samuel and Martha (Frampton) Patterson. He grew to manhood in Erie county, Ohio, graduated from the high school in Berlin Heights and on March 2, CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 435 1881 from the medical branch of the Western Reserve University at Cleve- land. On April 5, 1882, after one ' year's practice of medicine in Cleve- land, he located at Pocahontas, Iowa, and was the first resident physician of that town. That summer he erected a building, now used by the Bank of Pocahontas, on the lot now owned by^ Dr. Barthol and established a drug store and office in it. In Sep- tember 1884 he moved to Fonda and, in connection with the practice of his profession, became a partner with Thomas F. Kelleher M. D. in the drug business. The interest of the latter in the spring of 1885 was bought by J. N. McClellan and one year later by J. B. Bollard; and in 1888 Dr. Pat- terson sold his interest in it to Henry Brown. In December 1888, he went to New York City and spent three months in the post graduate medical school making the diseases of the eye and ear the subject of special study. Subsequently he spent several similar periods in Chicago, during the winter of 1894-5 remaining seven months, the forenoon of each day being occupied at the Rush Medical Institute and the afternoon at the State Eye and Ear Infirmary. In June 1895 he mov- ed to Des Moines, established an office on the corner of Walnut and Sixth streets and has since devoted his attention, as a specialist, to the treatment of diseases of the eye and ear. ' December 6, 1883 he married Cora E., daughter of A. B. P. and Cordelia Wood, of Fonda, and they becams owners of a farm of 240 acres on sec- tion 27, Sherman township that in 1890 was exchanged for one of 200 acres principally on sec. 25, Cedar township. After four years this one was sold and another one was bought on section 23 which was improved with good buildings and sold to Syl- vester Barron in 1899. Dr. Patterson possesses an unusual amount of energy, keeps himself abreast of the times in all matters re- lating to his profession, and both wins and holds the confidence of his patrons by showing himself worthy of it. He keeps a clear head and is ani- mated with the noble desire to prove an honor to his profession. He has successfully performed a large num- ber of importarit surgical operations, and that Jie stands high as a physician and specialist is evidenced by the fact, that a large proportion of his pa- tients consists of those who have been referred to him by other influential physicians. His family consists of two children, Alpheus M. and Cordelia. Price Edward and his wife Eliza- beth, natives of England, married there in 1839, came to America in 1842 with one son, Theophilus, ahd located in New York State. August 1, 1873, he entered as ahomestead the wi sei sec. 36, Cedar township and be- came a resident of Pocahontas coun- ty. After a few years he engaged in the mercantile business at Pomeroy and died there in 1885. His wife died at Rockwell City in 1888. His family consisted of eight children, all of whom except the eldest son were born in New York. Theophilus enlisted in the civil war and was killed in battle, Edward J. in 1869 located on a homestead in Calhoun countyj Iowa, married Harriet R. Rockwell, of Rockwell City, and now lives in Cali- fornia. Charlotte B. married H. E. Walker and lives in Mioneapolis. Louisa A. located at Fonda in 1870, entered a homestead in Williams township in 1872 and became the wife of Wm. J. Busby, of Fonda, injl874. Ellen M, lives with her sister in Min- neapolis. Robert J. died at Rockwell City in 1895, and- John D. died in 1860. «Francis P. married W. M. Frantz, agent of the I. C. E R., and lives at Fort Dodge. Reniff Garrett Russell (b. Nov. 4, 436 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA, 1856) proprietor of a blacksmith shop, Fonda, since 1885, and two since 1896, is a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is the son of Elhanan Winchester (b. 1813, Rochester, N. Y.) and Cath- erine Butler Renifl. His failier in 1833 married Bennett, who was the mother of four children, two of whom, Marion and Daniel grew to manhood and live in Michigan. . She died in 1848. In 1851 he married Catherine But- ler (b. Apr. 13, 1824, Ireland) and the next year moved to Kalamazoo, Mich- igan. In 1868 he moved to Windham, Johnson county, Iowa, the next year to Des Moines and in 1885 to his own farm on the sei sec 23, Marshall town- ship, this county, where he died, October 31, 1896, in his 87th year, and his wife, June 19, 1898. Both were in- terred in the cemetery at Fonda. He was a man of genial and refined na- ture, whom to l?now was to esteem and respect; and she was animated with an unselfish desire to make others happy. Their wedded life cov- ered a period of nearly fifty years and their family consisted of three child- ren, two of whom, Frank and Garrett R. are still living. Frank RenifE (b. Feb. 1, 1854) in Michigan, married Anna Crow, of Warren county, Iowa, lives in Mar- shall township and has a family of two children, Etta and Charles. Garrett R. RenifE, learned his trade at Kalamazoo, Michigan, came to Fonda, September 1, 1885, built a shop and for three years was in partnership with John W. Spitzbarth. In 1891 he built a pretty residence and married Ella Viola, daughter of Orlando and Roana BrowQ. In 1896 he purchased an additional shop at Fonda and the increase of patronage enables him to give employment usually to four workmen. He has made shoeing hor- ses a specialty and for many years has enjoyed the reputation of doing the most and finest work in this line in this locality. His shop is also head- quarters for the repair of bicycles. He is industrious and energetic in pro- moting his business interests and talces a personal interest in all local public matters. He was a member of the Fonda council six years, 1891-96, and has been chief of the fire-depart- ment since its organization six years ago. He has served four years as treasurer and is now a director of the Big Four District Fair Association. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Reniff and their parents may be seen on another page. Robinson Joseph Peter (b. Oct. 3, 1844) resident of Fonda and vicinity since April 1871, is a native of Skow- hegan, Somerset county, Maine, where he was raised on a farm, at- tended public school and also Bloom- fleld Academy. In 1866 he went to Boston where, after completing the commercial course in Comers' Conj- mercial College, he found employment as an instructor of mathematics in that institution for one year and then as a bookkeeper for a wholesale house. In 1868 he moved to Calamus, Clinton county, .Iowa, and three years later to a homestead on the ni swi section 20, Cedar township, Pocahontas county, which he improved and occupied un- til the fall of 1876 when he secured the patent for it, went to the eastern part of this state and the following summer to Texas. In the spring of 1878 he returned to this county, locat- ed in Fonda and has been a prominent citizen of this town since that date. It was his custom in the early days to teach school in winter and sometimes in summer, and for this employment he was well equipped. He taught in Fonda in 1871 and subsequently in other places in this vicinity. As a fitting recognition of his ability and efficiency as a teacher, in 1880 he was elected Superinteudent of Pocahontas county and performed the duties of that office four years, 1881-85, in a highly creditable manner. He has been engaged as a general merchant since that date and is now tbe pion- CEDAE TOWilSHIP. iSI eer of the present merchants of Fon- da. He has endeavored to merit the patronage of the people by constantly renewing his stock of goods with fresh supplies that both suit and please his customers. Long ago there was given to him the reputation of "selling bet- ter goods at lower ■ prices than his competitors;" and his long and suc- cessful mercantile career is the just reward of untiring energy, good judg- ment and unbending integrity. He realizes that the world moves forward one step every day and he endeavors to keep pace with it. His ability to render efficient pub- lic service has been recognized and utilized. In addition to the service rendered as a public school teacher and county superintendent he served as an assessor two years in Clinton county, and two years in Cedar town- ship, 1872 and 1875. He was a mem- ber of the Fonda town council three yeaps, 1890-92; president of the Fonda school board two years, 1890-91; and secretary of it two years, '92-93. When superintendent of the public schools, in this county, he put forth an honest endeavor to raise their standard and increase their efBciency. At the close of his term of service the teachers presented him with a fine gold watch,as a token o,f their esteem, and in accepting it he very appropri- ately expressed the animating prin- ciples of his own life when he said: "This beautiful souvenir is a remind- er to me that the time to finish our life's work is not only brief but con- stantly passing; as each diamond min- ute helps to make the golden hours, which if lost are lost forever, let your motto be 'Onward and Upward, and stand on your merits.' " "The riches of the commonwealth Are free, strong minds and hearts of health, And more to her than gold or grain Are cunning hands and cultured brain." In 1870 in Clinton county, he mar- ried Ella A. Fuller and their family consisted of four children, Guy Scott, Otis, Evan, who died at seven years of age, and Nellie Josephine. In 1893 he married Jenevee E. Crawford and they have one child Helen Isabel. Robinson Guy Scott (b. Mar. 31, 1871), county treasurer since Jan. 1, 1899, is a native of Maquoketa, Iowa and has been a resident of this county since a few months after his birth. After completing, his education in the Fonda public schools, he was for twelve years associated with his father, Joseph P. Robinson, in the general merchandise business. Here he not only received a valuable prac- tical training but became widely and favorably known as a young man of pleasing appearance, excellent habits and unquestioned integrity. In 189P, when he was not an aspirant for polit- ical honors, but many in the republi- can county convention felt the need of another candidate for county audi- tor, his name was suggested and he lacked only one vote of receiving the nomination. Three years later the nomination for the responsible 'office of county treasurer was accorded to him, he was elected and is now ren- dering acceptable service in this official capacity. October 16, 1895, he married Mabel Elizabeth McKee, has one child, Lor- na Eloise, and lives at Pocahontas. Silbar Jacob, the first grocer to lo- v cate on the present site of Fonda in 1870, was a Jew that for some time previous had been following the graders on the I. C. R. R. and selling his wares from a pedler's cart. In the fall of 1869 he built a shanty near a grader's camp on the west side of the creek south of the grove on Fair- burns' farm then own^ by John A. Hay. He was assisted by Knute Tis- dale who cobbled and sold goods at the shanty while Silbar made weekly trips to Fort Dodge for new supplies. He and others awaited the location of the town and as soon as its site was indicated by the laying of a sidetrack 438 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. east of the creek in the spring of ISYO, he moved his shanty to the vicinity of Ibson's first blacksmitli shop, and it was the second building in Fonda. T^hen the town was plattea he erected a better building on the west side of Main street, but after one year sold it and moved away. He was the first one that sold intoxicating liq- uors in Cedar township. Spielman David (b. Aug. 28, 1824), resident of Fonda 'and vicinity since 1870, is a native of Baden, Germany, and in 1848 came to Sullivan Co., N. Y., where he found employment as a carpenter. In Dec. 1851, he married Dorothea Couch and five years later moved to Dubuque Co., Iowa, where he continued to work at his trade. In the fall of 1870 he located on a homestead of 80 acres on the si nei sec. 24, Cedar township, this coun- ty, improved and occupied it until 1880 when he sold it and bought the swi of sec. 19, Colfax township, 160 acres. On this farm he built a good house, barn and' other outbuildings and occupied it until 1893, when he sold it, built a comfortable residence in Fonda and moved to town. In 1845 he entered the German army and spent four and one-half years in the military service of his country. This was the period of the rebellion in Baden, and he partici- pated In thirteen battles. He has been a good citizen and has raised a family of eight children, one having died in childhood'and another at the age of twelve. 1. — David (b. 1851), married Mary Jane (Reed) Wil- bur, who in 1872 bought and still owns a farm of 80 acres on the wl sei sec. 25, Cedar township. He died in 1883 leaving one son, Carl Spielman, vi^ho in 1898 married Stella Reed, of the state of Washington, and lives in Fon- da with his mother. The latter on coming to this county in 1872 taught school three years. She was first mar- ried to James M. Wilbur, and their family consisted of one son, Romeo M. Wilbur, who in 1870 came to the home of his uncle B. F. Osburn, taught sbhool several years at Pome- roy and vicinity and is now in Chica- go. 2.— Jaco:b (b. June 28, 1855, N. Y.), a mason and plasterer, resident of Fonda, in 1889 married Nora May Sheriff and has a family of four chil- dren, Flossie, Virgil, David and Es- ther.. 3. Mary niarried R. B. Adams, drayman, lives at Cherokee and has a family of four children. Early, Hi- ram, Ehzabeth and Maud. 4.— Dora married Gustave Gottfried (See Gott- fried). 5. — Sophia married Louie Lieb (See Lieb). 6.— Frederick (b. Aug. 22, 1864, Iowa) a drayman, Fon- da, in 1896 married Alta Hardy and liyes with his parents. 7. — Elizabeth married William Wykoff, a plasterer, lives at Fonda and has four children, Roy, Madge, Harry and Vera. 8. Lulu, in 1898, married James H. Thorjipson, a carpenter, Fonda, and has one child. Sanborn George (b. Mch. 1, 1842), resident of Fonda and vicinity since June 5, 1869, editor and proprietor of the Fonda Times since Nov. 1, 1879, is a native of Jefferson, Wisconsin. He was the son of William (b. 1800- d. 1876) and Mary (Page) Sanborn, who were natives of Wheelock, Vermont and with a family of four children, two sons, Alden and Roswell, and two daughters, Emily and Caroline, in 1839 moved to Jefferson, Wisconsin, where they spent the remainder of their days. His father was raised on a farm and engaged in farming during most of his life. He also took an ac- tive part in politics, held many im- . portant offices in his own township and county, Caledonia, Vt., and Jeff- erson, Wis., and served one term in the legislature of Vermont. After his removal to .Tefferson, as a contractor and builder, he erected the first pub- lic buildings in that county seat, con- sisting of a court house and jail and cijDAR TOWl^rSHIP. 43^ Several other- important buildings, one of which which was a hotel that is still a leading one of that city. His mother (b. 1802-d. 1811) was of Scotch descent. The Sanborns in this coun- try are the descendants of three broth- ers who came from England before the War of Independence; and the name^was originally spelled Sandborn. Qeorge Sanborn, the subject of this sketch, at the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861, enlisted as a member of Co. E, 4th Wis. infantry, at the age of nineteen. On Jan. 1, 1864, he re- enlisted in the same company and regiment, which had previously been transferred to the cavalry department as the 4th Wis. cavalry. This regi- ment was not finally discharged until June 19, 1866, having made a continu- ous service of five years and six days, which is said to be the longest period of continuous service rendered by any regiment of volunteers in the Civil war. During the first six months of his army life he was engaged guarding bridges and building forts in the vi- cinity of Baltimore, and campaign- ing on the eastern shore of Virginia. In the spring of 1862 he went with his regiment, under Gen. Butler, to Ship Island and New Orleans, and partici- pated in the capture of Fort Morgan, Fort St. Philip and the city of New Orleans. His regiment and the 28th Massachusetts were the first federal troops to enter that city after its sur- render. His regiment performed an important part in the operations against Vicksburg, and assisted in digging the famous cut-oft that has since made that place an inland city. During 1863 he was engaged in West- ern Louisiana and the country along the Red river, where he participated in the battle of Bisland and the siege of Port Hudson, May 28th to July 8th. On June 14th, while making a charge on the enemy's works he was wounded twice, captured and held a prisoner until the fort surrendered. He was stationed at Baton Rouge most of the time afterward and par- ticipated in a number of small battles and skirmishes with the enemy in that vicinity. During the spring of 1865 his regiment was located at Montgomery, Alabama, and from that city marched to Fort Larado, Texas, by way of Vicksburg, making what was probably the longest con- tinuous march by any regiment dur- ing the war. The object of this movement was to place the regiment in the vicinity of the Maximilian war in Mexico. In the spring of 1866, he returned to Madison, Wis., where he was honorably discharged on the 19th of June (1866.) On Nov. 28, 1866, he married Lou- resta Augusta, (b. Oct. 28, 1844) daugh- ter of Levi and Louresta Orandall, of Farmington, Wis., and engaged in farming. On June 5, 1869, having de- cided to locate on a homestead in the west, they moved for a few months to the home of Wm. Kennedy, a brother- in-law, then living on the SBi Sec. 4, Williams township, now the farm of Charles Ziegler. On Aug. 13, 1869, he entered as a homestead the EJ SWJ Sec, 34, Cedar township, and occupied it from February, 1870, until Septem- ber, 1880, when he moved to Fonda, where he has since resided. In August, 1870, he purchased 80 acres adjoining his homestead on the same quarter, and in 1882, 140 acres more, making a farm of 300 acres, all of which he still owns and has improved with fine, buildings, good fences and a beautiful grove. In 1880 he erected a residence in one of the prettiest locations in Fonda and recent enlargements have made it very handsome in appearance. In 1884 he erected the brick block known as the Times building and owns several other properties in Fonda. On November 1, 1879, he be- came the editor and proprietor of the Fonda Times, called Pocahontas 440 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, 10 WA. Times from the time of its establish- ment at Old Rolte, April 1, 1876, until June 21, 1894* Although he did not enjoy the priv- ilege of attending college, he received a liberal education and taught several terms of school in Wisconsin and vi- cinity of Fonda. On the farm he proved himself a practical and suc- cessful farmer, and in this rural dis- trict the practical experience thus gained was of great value to him in performing the onerous duties con- nected with the management of the printing office.. Through the long period of twenty, one years of editorial management of the Times he. has become widely known as one of the most capable and successful editors in Northwest Iowa. During all these years his constant ttim has been to malfe the Times not merely a first-class local paper, but also a living, positive and aggressive force in promoting the material, edu- cational and moral interests of Poca- hontas county in general and of Fon- da and vicinity in particular. Through its columns durina; this long period he has exerted an influence along these lines second to none in this commun- ity. When he and his wife located in this section the I. C. R. R. extehded only to Fort Dodge, and only a few settlers had preceded them. He as- sisted in the organization of Cedar township, June 6, 1870, was elected its first justice of the peace and served three years, 1870-72. in 1871 he was township clerk, and In 1875 treasurer of the school funds. He was mayor of Fonda in 1882, a member of the council in 1887 and has been president of the board of education seven years, 1881, '89 and '95-1900. He was post- master of Fonda seven years, Oct, 15, 1889-Sept. 1, '96, and during five years ot this period, 1891-'96, the town en- Ijoyed free delivery of the mail. •See page 287 for history of this paper- He cast his first vote for AbrahW Lincoln, the" martyr presidentj, at Baton Rouge, In 1864, during the peri- od of his military service. He has voted for every republican candidate for president since that date and has been an advocate of the principles and policies of the republican party. He became a member of the Gr. A. R. post at Jefferson, Wis., in the fall of 1866, and has been a member of the Fonda post since Its organization in 1885. Perceiving that strong drink has been our nation's greatest curse, he has been a fearless advocate of total abstinence and prohibition. He has always lent a helping hand when efforts have been put forth for the suppression of the open saloon, assists in the support of the churches in Fonda and has contributed toward the erection of nearly every chi^rch in Pocahontas county. He is now one of the oldest resident citizens of this section and both In the postofflce and through the col- umns of The Times he has for many years well and truly served the best Interests of this community. In the printing office he worked at first on the old Washington hand-press and sustained a serious loss by the fire of 1883. These were years of hard work and many discouragements. Instead of yielding to these discouragements he made provision for better facilities by the erection of a larger and more permanent building and has inserted better presses as the yeais have passed, so that today the work of this office is unsurpassed by any in North- west Iowa, and the Times maintains its .position of being not only the old- est, but the best paper in Pocahontas county. Mrs. Sanborn was for eight years previous to December, 1899, superin- tendent of the Juvenile Temple, and, since its reorganization in 1886, has been an unfaltering supporter of the lodge of Good Templars. She has also Rev. (^ 5uRNip ICMXC^ER^ /.^isaii,. m ^■' 5^ ia|k P W-'J /? ^l^B Lu ^^v^^^^H [|Ri(].5AN50RN REV{ John Hamerson ENNEDY FONDA AND VICINITY. REPRESENTATIVES OF PIONEER FAMILIES, FONDA AND VICINITY. CEDAR 1:0WNSHIP. 441 been an active member of tbe Relief Corps since its organization. Whilst her social standing places her among the cultured and refined, she mingles with the humblest, sympathizes with them in their trials and by- her kind ministries endeavors to help them live better and nobler lives. The noble woman is never more a queen than when "Teaching us how to seek the highest goal. To earn tbe true success, To live, to love, to bless — And make death proud to take a royal soul." Their family has consisted of seven children, live of whom died in their childhood and youth, Chester at the age of twelve, in 1892. Lulu, after graduating at Bpworth college, on August 25, ISQ'?, married A. E. Eigby, a graduate of Cornell college, princi- pal of the Manchester high school two years and now pastor of the M. E. church at Elk Point, S. Dak. George B. (b. Oct. 26, 1S1Q) .has been an effi- cient assistant in the postofflce lor a number of years and in 1900 was the census enumerator lor Cedar town- ship, including the town of Eonda. Sargent Americus Vespucius, (b. Dec. 2, 1821), resident of Fonda and vicinity since Ihll, is a native of Or- ange county, Vermont, the son of Enoch and Lydia (Littlehale) Sargent. In 1884 he married Mary Whipple, (b Corydon, N. H., Apr. 23, 1819) and six years later moved to Newport, Sulli- van county, N. H. In the spring of 1854 he moved to a- farm in Clayton county, Iowa, later to another one in Delaware county, and after the war to Elkader, the county seat of Clay- ton county, and engaged in the livery business. In 1877 he located on the Wi SWi Sec. 30, Cedar township, Im- proved and occupied it until 1891, when he moved to Fonda. He was a trustee of Cedar township fifteen years, 1883-97, and is a member of the M. E. churcb. His family consisted of five sons, all of whom, except Alberti, were born in New Hampshire, are still living and the oldest three, VanBuren, George W. and James W., were members of the same company and regiment, Co. F, 27th Iowa, during the civil war. VanBuren enlisted , 1862, George and James Feb. 15, 1864. On July 17, 1865 they were transferred to the 12th Iowa Inf. and were dischar- ged at Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 20, 1866. 1— VanBuren Whipple (b. May 5, 1845) on Dec. 4, 1868, married Jane Fowler, located on a farm in Claytort County, Iowa, and in the spring of 1869 on his present farm on section 36, -Buena Vista county. His family has consisted of five children: Arthur, Nov. 1, 1890, married Lily Stodgel, lives in Cedar township and has a fam- ily of three children; Maude, a teach' er, Dec. 23, 1897, married Duncan Ai Kelly and lives at Smithville, Texasj Raymond, a carpenter, has been in th6 Klondike region since 1898; Herbert, a farmer, on April 25, 1900, married Ella Dumond and lives in Sac county; Jennie on June 27, 1900, married Fred Holtz and lives at Newell. 2— George Washington, (b. Aug. 5., 1847,) in 1878 married Addle Wood- ward, at Elkader, and dealt in stock there until 1891, when he came to Fonda and engaged in the hotel busi- ness, erecting the Washington House in 1892. He is now at LaCrosse, Wis., and has a family of four children: Al- bert, Edward, Luella and Eva. 3— James Wellington, a twin broth- er of George W., in 1874 married Sarab Love, and engaged in the livery busi- ness at Elkader. In 1890 he came t» Fonda, and in 1894 married Mamie Cunningham and has a family of three children: Claude, Nod-ica and Frank. 4— Herbert Eugene, (b. Oct. 15, 1852) a painter, in 1877, married Mary GouldJ of Sac county, lives in Fonda and has a family of four children: Van, a teacher and painter, Rntb, Laura and Allie. 442 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, loWi.. 5— Albert! Whipple (b.Aug. 23, 1861) a native of Delaware county, Iowa, after attending the Iowa State Normal school at Cedar Falls, several terms, served as principal of the Rolf e, Pomeroy and Fonda public schools, each one or more years. On June 6,1888 he married Lydia, daughter of Rev. Edgar and Emiline Stev- ens, lives at Fonda and has a family of four children: Bernice, V., Mary Louisa, Forrest and Glenn, two hav- ing died in childhood. Mary, wife of A. V. Sargent, died March 20, 1890, and on Nov. 27, 1895, he married Nancy D. (Brush) Moul- ton and they live at Fonda. Sargent Isaac L., (b. 1819, d. Fon- da, 1890) was a native of Orange coun- ty, Vermont, the son of Enoch and Lydia Sargent, whoi raised a family of eight children, three of whom, Isaac L., A. V. and Lydia, wife of Samuel Carleton, during the eighties located in Pocahontas county. Isaac married Rachel Colby, in 1865 moved to Hen- ry county. 111., in 1868 to Jeflerson county, Iowa, and in 1885 to Cedar township. His wife died in 18T4 in Jefferson county. His family consisted of six children. Jennie E. in 1866 married W. A. Clark, a photographer, lives at Pentwater, Mich., and has a family of two chil- dren; Harrison H., in 1872, married Elizabeth Stewart and in 1894 died at Des Moines, leaving three children; Edwin I. in 1880 .married Cordelia Sinclair, in 1881 located in Cedar town- ship and in 1885 moved to Des Moines, where he has since been engaged in the commission business, owns a fine home in addition to several other val- uable properties and has a family of seven children; James B. in 1876 mar- ried Ella Stewart,, (died, Fonda, Nov. 26, 1805) in 1881 located on a farm of 200 acres in Cedar township, of which he was assessor two years, 1891-94, in 1889 moved to Fonda, where he has since been engaged in clerking, and has a family of four children, Nellie May, a Fonda graduate in 1897 and a successful teacher since, Irwin H., Flora E. and Hazel B.; Ora O. in 1886 married Florence Clapp, both being graduates of Parsons college, Fairfield, Iowa, holders of state certificates and teachers for ten years, and now lives near Laurens; Flora E. in 1883 mar- ried V. A. Marsteller, a merchant, and lives at Wilcox, Neb. Swingle Fred, resident of Fonda from 1874 to. 1891, was a native of the Rhine province of Prussia, Germany, jame with his parents to Livingston wunty, N. Y., in 1855, and there re- ceived his first lessons iii the public . tchool. After a few years he moved with his parents to a farm near the old military post, Fort Muscoda, on the Wisconsin river about forty miles sast of Prairie du Chien. Here he at- tended the public schools and also the high school in Muscoda. At fourteen he found employment m a store in Avoca, Wis.,' and spent one summer in Milwaukee. He then engaged in teaching in Grant and Iowa counties. Wis. , until November, 1872, when he accepted a position in the store of Nicholas Kief er at Pome- roy, Iowa. In February, 1874, at the request of Geo. Fairburn, director, he became teacher of the public school at Fonda, then called Marvin, and later taught several terms in other schools in the vicinity. Purchasing the coal business of E. O. Wilder, he added lumber to it and continued in the lumber and coal business until August, 1886, when he sold out to N. B. Post. He then dealt in hay and grain until August 1891, when he disposed of all his property in Fonda and moved to Sioux City. Having a desire to engage again in teaching, he attended for a short time the Sioux City school, at the head of which was the the late Prof. J. C. Gilchrist, the University of South Dakota one year and the Sioux CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 44^ City college one year. He is now en- tering upon his fifth year as a teacher in the Sioux City schools. On Dec. 13, i875, he married Nellie R. Remtsma, of Webster county, Iowa, and she taught seven years in the public schools of Fonda. She was a native of Hanover, Germany, came with her parents to Ogle county. 111., in her infancy, and later to Webster county, Iowa. After attending the public schools of Grand Detour, 111., and Fort Dodge,- Iowa, she attended the Des Moines school of Methods, Cook County Normal, Chicago, and the Denver Normal, Colo. At the age of sijiteen she began to teach school, first in Calhoun county, Iowa, then in Webster and Pocahontas counties. In March, 1892, she was appointed first primary teacher in the Haw- thorne school, Sioux City, and has been annually re-elected to that posi- tion since that date. During the summer vacations of the last six years she has been a teacher of pri- mary methods in teachers' institutes held in South Dakota and Nebraska. Fred Swingle was a member of the Fonda council three years, 1883-85. Both he and his wife took a leading part in the work of the M E. church and Sunday school, and also in the or- ganization and maintenance, of the first Chautauqua circle during the early eighties. They were highly es- teemed for their excellent social qualities and the valuable assistance they were able to render on all special or public occasions. Smeaton David, and his wife, Es- ther O. (Riford) Smeaton, were resi- dents of Fonda and vicinity from May, 1881, until April, 1890, when they moved to Des Moines. They first purchased the M Sec. 32, Cedar town- ship, and located on that portion of it known as the Dorton homestead. A little later they purchased other lands In the vicinity until they had an ag- gregate of 560 acres. In the spring of 1883 they built a fine house on the west side of Main, between 4th and 5th streets, Fonda, and "moving to town established a lumber yard south- west of the I. C. R. R. depot, and en- gaged in the sale of lumber, imple- ments and hardware until June 12, 1884, when his warehouse and stock of implements and hardware were de- stroyed by fire. He then turned his attention to the cultivation of flow- ers, for which he erected a greenhouse, and to the improvement of their farms. Mrs. Smeaton was one of the char- ter members of the Fonda Presbyteri- an church and served two years as the first president of the ladies' aid so- ciety. She was the daughter of Seth and Phoebe Riford, of Waukesha) Wis., whose family consisted of eight children, four of whom— one son and three daughters— became residents of Fonda and vicinity from 1874 to 1881. Eliza, the eldest, married David B. McKillips, and occupied the Stafford farm until 1890, when they moved to Fort Dodge; Sophia married Edward R. Ellis and died at Fonda in 1898; Royal RiTord, the youngest, married Martha Jones and with a family of two sons, Seth and Thad, still lives in this vicinity. Tabor Edward B. (b. Aug. 14, 1858) editor of the Pocahontas Times three years, 1877 to 1879, is a native of Lake City, Calhoun county, Iowa. He moved with his parents to Denison, then to Webster City, then to Cedar Falls and in 1862 back to Lake City. After a few months they moved to Davenport where they remained until the close of the year, then moved to Cedar Rapids and in 1867 again re- turned to Lake City, where he was favored with the opportunity of ob- taining a limited education. In 1872 he found, employment in the ofHce of the old Calhoun County Pio- neer, the first paper published in that county, and began to learn the ^rint- 444 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, 10 WA. er's trade. The office contained only a few fonts of type, a Washington hand-press and was a very small af- fair compared with the country offices of the present time. Early in the spring of 1875 he came to Fonda and secured a position with M. D. Skinner on the Pocahontas Times, taking the place of Geo. M. Dorton, who had worked on the paper during the previous winter, and then returned to the farm from which he had been driven by the ravages of the grasshoppers in the fall of 1874. Itf the Times office Tabor did all the me- chanical work including the printing of the paper, one page at a time on the old wooden press ;that worked -with a screw like a cider-press. In August, 1875, he purchased the Calhoun County Index and returned to Lake City. When he became pro- prietor of this newspaper he was only- seventeen years of age. In the spring of 1876 he moved his outfit to Glidden and started the Glidden Express, the first paper published in that town. After a few months he sold the Ex- press, returned to Lake City and worked on the Calhoun County Jour- nal. Jan. 1, 1877, he became foreman in the office of the Pocahontas Times then published at Pocahontas and owned by Messrs. MeEwen & Garlock, the former serving as editor. In Oc- tober following he leased the Times office and in the spring of 1878 moved it to Fonda and continued in charge of it until Oct. 1, 1879, when It was sold to Geo. Sanborn, its pres- ent owner, He then started the Fonda News, but the support it received proving insufficient, in the spring of 1880 it was moved to Pomeroy and called the Pomeroy News. In May, 1881, he re- ceived an appointment as a postal clerk on the I. C. R. R., a favor con- ferred by the late Ex-Gov. 0. C. Car- penter, who was then representing this district in congress. January 1, 1886, he resigned this po- sition to accept one in the office of the Sioux City Journal, where, commenc- ing at the exchange editor's desk he soon became successively city reporter, city editor, telegraph editor and final- ly managing editor. Jan. 1, 1890, he resigned this position and bought the Saturday Chronicle, a local, variety paper. In July, 1891, he moved to Brandon, Miss., wherein January following he established the Brandon News, which has prospered until it is now one of the foremost weeklies of that state, is published in a finely equipped office and proves a profitable enterprise. On Dec. 25, 1877, he married Alice E. Townsend, of Carroll, and has a family of three children, the oldest one of whom was born at Fonda, Taylor William, (b! June 6, 1819- d. Fonda, Oct. 31, 1890), was a native of Bourbon county, Ky, In his boy- hood he moved with his patents to Greene county. 111,, and in 1855 to Ma- con county where, March 19, 1856, he married Harriet D. Seay. In 1859 they moved to Logan county. 111., and in 1873 to the SEi Sec. 23, Cedar town- ship, this county, which he improved and continued to occupy until the year previous to his death, when they moved to Fonda. His family consisted of seven chil- dren: John W., a blacksmith, on April 14, 1897, married Mrs'.'Parrie A. (Watts) Metcalf , and lives at Varina; Mary E. in 1881, married Geo. W. Taylor, lives on a farm in Calhoun county and has one daughter, Daisy; Elizabeth in 1886, married Frank Brackenwagen, lives on a farm near Emmons, Minn., and has two children, Clarence and Leroy; Charles in 1888, married Cora Hendrickson, has two children, Lloyd and Pearl, and lives in Potter county, S. D. ; Annie in 1889 married Charles Bevier, lives in Cal- houn county and has one child, Al- CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 445 pheus; Martha lives with her mother in Fonda, and Edward, the youngest, in 1888 married Evelyn Aten, has one child and lives at Emmons, Minn. Lucian and Milfred Seay, parents of Mrs. Taylor, in 18'74 came to Cedar township and bought a farm three miles west of Fonda. A few years later they moved to Marathon, where she died July 21, 1885, and he, Aug. 16, 1895. Thompson George E., (b; June 22, 1826, d. Cedar township, Aug. 20, 1891) was a native of Indiana county, Pa., the son of George C. and Elizabeth (Davis) Thompson. May 5, 1853, he married Evaline George and engaged in farming. Dec. 31, 1866, he moved to Aledo, Mercer county. 111., where he remained three years. In Novem- ber 1869, in two prairie schooners, he and his family made the trip to Eed- fleld, Iowa, crossing the Mississippi at New Boston, 111, In the fall of 1870 they located on a homestead of 80 acres on the Ni SEi Sec. 18, Cedar township. He improved this farm with good buildings and a new house in 1890, and occupied it until the time of his decease in 1891. In 1894 this farm was sold and the family moved to Fonda. His family consisted of seven chil- dren, all of 'Whom are still living. 1 — Cyrus is a veteran school teacher, one who has been well qualified for teach- ing, stands high in, educational cir- cles and in the fall of 1899, as the democratic nominee for the ofHce of county superintendent, polled a splen- did vote— his own township of Cedar, that gave the republican candidate for county treasurer a majority of 187, giving him a democratic majority of 44 votes. He still lives with his moth- er. 2 — Elizabeth Frances, March 24, 1875, married James Albarnus Sayre, who died in Fonda Oct. 29, 1894, leav- ing one daughter. Pearl, who on Sept. 6, 1900, married Evermond D. Snyder, of Des Moineg, 3— George J", March 29, 1883, married Alice Bliss, (daughter of George) of Dover town- ship, and lives on a farm in Thayer county. Neb. 4— Harry C. Sept. 29, 1889, married Eugenia Gobelle, of Vermillion, S. D., and has one son. Earl. He was a telegraph operator for a number of years and is now an express agent at Kansas City, Mo. 5 — James H. , a railroad carpenter, on Dec. 22, 1898, married Lulu Spielmaij, lives at Fonda and has one child, Fern. 6— John A., August 26, 1896, married Dora Sayre, has one child and is engaged in the hardware business at Varina. . 7— Mary, a dressmaker, in 1887 married Leslie Dean and their family consisted of one child. Daphne; in 1899 she married Eugene Herring- ton and now lives at Sioux City. George H. Thompson, a nephew of George E., came with the latter to Pocahontas county in 1870 and home- steaded the Si NEi Sec. 18. Cyrus Thompson owned this farm from 1885 to 1898. Thompson Eichard Perry (b. Dec. 16, 1843), resident of Cedar township since 1871, is a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, the son of John and Maria (Eoss) Thompson. At thirteen he moved with his parents to Wash- ington county, Iowa, where Dec. 29, 1869, he married Annabel, daughter of Dr. Nicholas and Mary (Curry) Eay. After visiting Washington county, Iowa, Johnson county, Kan., and sev- eral other sections of country in a prairie schooner, they decided to lo- cate in Pocahontas county, Iowa, and in April, 1871, located on section 26, Cedar township. Six rnonths later they purchased 80 acres on the SEi Sec. 18, improved and occupied it, with the exception of one year, until 1900, when they moved to Fonda. He has been a careful and progres- sive farmer, and still manifests those habits of industry and thrift that were acquired in youth. Mrs. Thomp- son was one of the pioneer teachers of 446 PIONBERHISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Cedar township and although not the flFst one in that district, yet during the winter ol 1871-72, taught the first term in the first school house built in the township outside ol Fonda, which ^as the one on the southeast corner of Sec. 7, in the Sunk Grove district. Toy James F., ol Sioux City, presi- dent ol the Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. Bank, Fonda, established this in- stitution Sept. 1, 1886, while he was a resident ol Storm Lake. In the early history ol Storm Lake he organized and became president ol the Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. By carelul man- agement previous to the above date it bad not made a real estate loan on which a dollar had been lost or an acre ol land taken on loreclosure. Having received that year an addition ol $100,000, making the capital stock $250,000 with a surplus ol $56,000, the branch at Fonda was established with Geo. B. Kerlin in charge as cashier. Alter two years he was succeeded by p. C. Toy, a younger brother ol James F., who remained in charge ol it, ten years, 1888-98. He was succeeded by Louis A. Eothe, the present cashier. Weaver James B., (b. Jan. 5, 1854, d. Cedar township, Aug. 13, 1897), was a native ol Deerfleld, Oneida county, N. Y., and was the son ol James and Arvilla (Smith) WeaVer. Dec. 13, 1876, he married Cora, daughter ol John and Sarah (Wilcox) Potter, and they lived at Marcy, N. Y., until the spring ol 1886 when, with a lamily ol five children, they came to Pocahon- tas county and began to occupy their present home on sections 1 and 12, Ce- dar township. His uncle, Abram B. Weaver, ol Deerfleld, bought ol Thur- low Weed, N. Y., the W4 Sec. lin the spring ol 1870, and came to view it on the excursion train ol July 4th lollow- ing, that signalized the completion ol the laying ol the track from Fort Dodge to Sioux City. In 1886 he bought also the Ni Sec. 12, on which the buildings are located, and in 1890 the m Sec. 1, making a farm ol 800 acres in one body. James B., while assisting one ol his neighbors to thresh, stepped under- neath a large box used lor elevating the grain, and it lell upon him with such crushing lorce that he died one hour later. He was a man highly es- teemed for his industry, integrity cor- diality, and success. All who knew him attest the nobility ol his: man- hood. His lamily consisted ol ten children: William Potter, Claude J., Maude L., Helen, Sarah, Mildred, Abram G., Kenneth D , Angeline and Cora V., all ol whom remain with their mother on the larm, except Maude, who in August, 1899, returned to the home of her uncle at Deerfleld, N. Y., lor the purpose ol completing her education. Whitney Charles H., (b. Nov. 20, 1833) resident ol Fonda and vicinity since June 1870, is ' a native ol Erie county, N. Y., the son ol Erastus and Anna (Wilkinson) Whitney. In 1852 he moved with his lather's lamily to McHenry county, IlLj where they re^ mained lour years and then moved to Sac county, Iowa. On June 11, 1856, he married Levisa Blakeslee, and located on a larm in Dubuque county, Iowa, and alter two years moved to Moore county, Minn. On Dec. 28, 1862, he enlisted and spent three yearn in the Irontier service against the Indians in Minnesota and Dakota, (See page 45). In June, 1870, conveying his family and household goods in two wagons, he located on the Wl SWi Sec. 8, Cedar township, Pocahontas county,' Iowa, which he improved and occupied lour years. He then purchased the two home- steads of Geo. H. and Sidney E. Wright on the NWi Sec. 36, which he continued to occupy until the spring ol 1898, when he moved to Fonda. He served seven years as a trustee ol Cedar township, 1875-78 and 1896- 98; and was treasurer ol the school CEDAB TOWNSHIP. 447 funds two years, 1811-18. He was one of the trustees of the M. E. church, Fonda, at the time of its incorpora- tion in 1877, and has been a constant supporter of its services since they were first established. His family has consisted of six- chil- dren. Nettie married Warren Karr, lives in Eonda and has two children, Bessie and Charles; Oliva married William Bower and lives at Sac City; Mamie married Marion Jenkins and lives at Pomeroy; Charles E., M. D., (see below); William married Xulu Eeed and lives in Chicago, and Frank, who is still at home. Whitney Charles R., M. D.,(b. June 14, '63) resident of Fonda, is a native of Moore county, Minn., son of Charles and Levisa Whitney, with whom he came to Pocahontas county in 1870. After spending two years in the high school at Sac City, he spent four years in the Western Normal at Shenando- ah, graduating first from the Normal and two years later from the Scien- tific department of that institution. In 1894, he graduated from the Rush Medical College, Chicago, and has since been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Fonda. Dur- ing his first year he was associated with Dr. M. F. Patterson and then be- came his successor. He is a good rep- resentative of -well trained home tal- ent, has already successfully per- formed several difficult surgical opera- tions and is rapidly growing in favor as a skilful physician. He is the owner ot a farm of eighty acres on Sec. 24, Cedar township, and in 1896 built a fine residence in Fonda. On Sept. 15, 1896, he married Lillian Higgs, of Storm Lake, and has two children, Homer Higgs and Wayne. Wood Alpheus Bowan Putnam (b. *June 20,1824,d. Fonda Oct. 8, '87), was a native of Batavia, N. Y. His father died when he was a child, leaving a family of three sons of whom he was the oldest. One ot hjs brothers in his boyhood left home and no trace of him was afterward discovered. The other one enlisted in the civil war and held the position of captain at the time he was killed on the field at Yorktown. Alpheus worked for his board and clothing among the farmers of the neighborhood until he was able to command wages, and then entered a factory in Massachusetts. The next year he went to Michigan, found em- ployment in a store and remained three years. He enjoyed the advan- tages of the public school only for a few months, but became well in- formed by reading the best books and papers his opportunities afforded. At twenty-one he found his way into a law office at Toulon, 111., and two years later he was admitted to the ba>. In 1849, in company with a num- ber of others, he went by the pony ex- press to California and, after a few months, passed to Oregon, where he located a claim several miles distant from any neighbor. When others ar- rived they founded a town which he named "Dallas, " and it became the county seat of Polk county. Here he began the practice of law and by ap- pointment filled the honorable posi- sitions of clerk of the senate, and judge of the probate court in that dis- trict of the territory of Oregon. Returning to New York by way of the isthmus of Panama, on April 13, 1854, he married Cjrdelia Kysor, of Danville, and later that year moved to a farm in La Fayette county. Wis. In 1863, on account of a return of ill health, he moved with a family of seven children to Darlington, Wis., where he I'esumed the practice of law. He was mayor of this city sev- eral of the fourteen years of his resi- dence in it. Becoming again affected with sciatic rheumatism, in March 1878, he located on the SEi Sec. 28, Cedar township, Pocahontas county, Iowa, and resumed work on the farm. Lqter he opened an office in Fond 448 PIONEERHISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. and resumed the practice of law. When the independent district ol Fonda was organized March 9, 1880, be was chosen one of the tlaree mem- bers of the first school board and con- tinued to serve in that capacity until the time of his decease, Oct, 8, 1887, a period of seven years. He was an ar- dent friend of the cause of education, and took a leading part in promoting the interests of the Fonda schools. The erection of the first brick school building and the high standard of ex- cellence attained at the same time in the work of the schools were in a great measure due to his interest and influence. He was chosen a trustee and treas- urer of the Fonda Presbyterian church at the time of its organization in 1886, and rendered efficient service until the time of his death which oc- curred the day before the building was dedicated. He looked upon the legal profession as one of the most noble that can oc- cupy the attention of man, and en- deavored to adorn it by a true and noble life. He was animated with an absorbing desire to be useful rather than to accumulate wealth, and al- ways advised an amicable adjustment of difficulties as preferable to the un- certainties of a lawsuit. His family consisted of seven chil- dren, of whom Eugenia, the firstborn, died in childhood at Fayette. 1— Adele, a graduate of the Darling- ton high school and a music teacher, on Oct. 5, 1876, married Wilhara J. Curkeet, (b. July 6, 1846) who engaged in farming near Darlington two years and then in March, 1878, with one daughter, Eena, came to Pocahontas county and located on a farm of 240 acres on Sec. 27, Grant township. He was a native of Galena, 111., attended the Normal school at Plattville, Wis., Wheaton college. 111., read law at Darlington, Wis. and was admitted to the bar in 1875. In 1880, he fell from a small building and soon after- ward became aflected with paralysis in his limbs. After four years of in- tense suffering he died at Fonda Jan. 12, 1884. He served as a justice of the peace in Grant township two years, 1878-80. His wife and daughter con- tinued t0\ reside at Fonda until 1695, when with her mother, Mrs. A. B. P. Wood, they moved to Cedar Falls, where Eena completed a four years' course in the Iowa State Normal in 1898,, graduated from its musical de- partment in March 1900, and is now taking a two years' course in the Mu- sical Observatory at Oberlin, Ohio. 2— Lois Ann, a graduate of the Darlington high school and the first principal in the independent district of Fonda, 1880 .and '83; married Alex- ander F. Hubbell, {See Hubbell). 3-7-Adelbert.Sylvanus Wood, {b. Aug. 25, 1858,) cashier of the Pocahontas County Bank, Fonda, since 1886, is a graduate of Darlington High School, learned telegraphy at Fonda, was operator at Parkersburg, Iowa, one year, 1881, agent of the I. C. R. E. at Fonda from June 15, 1882, to Sept. 15, 1884, then became bookkeeper in the Pocahontas County Bank and two years later its cashier. In 1896 he built, one of the finest houses in Fonda •and is the owner of 600 acres of land in Pocahontas county. He was the recorder of Fonda seven years, 1886-92, and treasurer of the school funds nine years, 1887-95. On Sept. 2, 1884, he married Mary Josephine, daughter of William and Abigail Alexander, and his family consists of four children, Arthur Bowan, Luci an, Percy Eugene and Delphine; Clark, the first-born,' having died in childhood. 4— Cora Estelle married Dr. M.F.Pat- terson. (See page 434). 5-^Affa died in 1881 at the age of nineteen, during a visit to Darlington with her sister Lois. 6— Abram Grosvenor Wood, (b. 1862) after spending one' year at school in Valparaiso, Ind., graduated from the CEDAR TOWi^SHII^. 449 law department of the State Universi- ty, Iowa City, in June, 1886, and that same year commenced the practice of law in Fonda with his father. He was secretary of the Fonda school board three years, 1888-90, and mayor of the city two years, 1893-94. He spent most of the years '91-92 in a tour through Wyoining, California and other sections of the Pacific slope. In 1886 he married Emma Au- gusta Hull, and she died Sept. 30, 1888. In May, 1894, he married Jessie Roberts, two years later moved to his farm of 240 acres on Sec. 33, Sherman township, and has a family of three children, Abram, Cordelia and Mar- garet. When A. B. P. Wood came to Fon- da he purchased 2500 acres of land in Cedar, Sherman and Grant townships and all of It is still owned by different members of his family, except the farm on which he liveh near Fonda. Wood George Washington, (b. Oct. 25, 1825) resident of Cedar township from 1869 to 1892, was a native of Warren county, N. Y. One of Ms uncles was a sea captain, and at fif- teen he became a sailor, first on Lake Champlaln and later on a three-masted vessel on the Atlantic ocean. During the civil war he belonged to the con- struction corps of the Army of the Tennessee, and passed through the states of Tennessee, Georgia and Ala- bama. He continued a sailor until the year 1868, a period of twenty-five years. On May 3, 1869, he located on a homestead of 80 acres on the Si NEi Sec. 36, Cedar township, this county, which he improved and occupied for a number of years. He then moved to Fonda, and in 1892 to Marathon.; He first married Sarah Reach, who died in, Cedar township Dec. 24, 1879, leaving one daughter, who married Nelson E. Bailey and now lives at Marathon. Later Mr, Wood married Mary Lovewell, and she died at Fonda Jan. 16, 1890, Wood John Martin, (b. Apr. 3, 1822, d. Cedar township, Jan. 13, 1900) was a native of Warren county, N. Y.. where in July 1854, lie married Sarah T. Tubbs. March 27, 1870, they lo- cated on a homestead, the Ei SEi Sec. 36, Cedar township, where he erected first a sod house that was afterward replaced by an underground stone house in which he spent the remainder of his days. ■ He raised a family of ten children: Alice married Joseph Gat- ton and lives in Monona county'; Mary Maria married Julian Adams, Fonda; George W. and Charles C; Wilson married Mary Jenkins and lives in Williams township; Lydia married Gus Eikhoff, Fonda; John Elmer and Ezra Eugene; William married Emma Holyer, Fonda; and Oiler F. Woodin David Milo, (b. Nov. 13, 1837) resident of Fonda since 1892, in May, 1870, located a homestead of 80 acres on the Ni NEi Sec. 24, Dover township and was the first to enter a homestead in that township. He is a native of Erie county, N. Y., the son of Amos and Harriet (Cobb) Woodin. At the age of eighteen he moved to Indiana, where he found employment as a stage-driver. Soon afterthe first battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, he went to the ar- my, became a teamster in the quartermaster's department of the Army of the Potomac, under McClel- lan, and so continued until the spring of 1863, when he located at Brodhead, Green county. Wis. Qn San. 4, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Co. K, 1st Wis. cavalry. After his enlistment he belonged to the Army of the Cum- berland and was constantly engaged in scouting and skirmishing in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ala- bama and Georgia until the close of the war. He was honorably dis- charge"ci at Prairie du Chien, Wis , May 26, 1865, having spent as a team- ster and soldier about four years in the army. After the war he spent two years in 450 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the gold mining district in Montana. Eeturnlng to Wisconsin, on Sept. la, 1868, he married Laura Mickolson, a native of Norway, and located on a farm. In May, 1870, he came to Po- cahontas county, Iowa, in a prairie schooner, located a homestead and made the entry of it in Sioux City. On Sept. 12th, following, having com- pleted his harvesting and threshing in Wisconsin, he started again in the same way with his household goods and few farming implements to occu- py the homestead. He was accom- panied by his wife until they arrived at Webster City, yhere she remained that winter, and by 'her brother New- ton, who assisted in breaking the first land on his homestead, which was the third plot of ground plowed in Dover township. The ensuing winter, was spent in an unoccupied cabin north of Webster City, and on May 12, 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Woodln began to reside in the first sod shanty in Dover township. During the period of haying and har- vesting fihat year he returned to the vicinity of the cabin, sixty miles east, for the purpose of obtaining some lu- crative employment. During this period of six weeks' absence Mrs. Woodin remained on the homestead alone to take care of the stock, and many a night did she sleep in the open wagon to which the horses and cow were tied. One of the pigs would be tied to a plow near by to prevent them from wandering away. Fre- quently the little prairie wolves, whose haunts were along the. creek, in packs of twenty or more would sur- round the premises, break the still- ness of the ni^ht by their mournful howl for a chicken, and have to be driven away. He improved this homestead, added eighty acres to it and occupied it until Feb., 1892, when he built a house In Fonda and moved to town. He has beep an industrious, hard- working man, whose perseverance has enabled him to overcome difiiculties that proved insurmountable to many others. He did not spend his time hunting in the early days, but has stacked his own hay at night after helping his neighbors during the day. During the first two winters he drew his coal from Fort Dodge and for sev- eral years afterward twisted hay and used it for fuel, as did also some of his neighbors. His noble wife has been a faithful helper to him. In the early days she used to enjoy catching prai- rie chickens by setting a number of steel traps around the patch of corn and sprinkling a few grains around them. A dozen chickens were occasion- ally caught in this way in a single day. Two badgers were also caught. The portraits of both Mr. and Mrs. Wood- in may be seen in this volume. Wright Eensselaer, (b. Nov. 18, 1850) resident of Fonda and vicinity since 1882, is a native of Lockport, 111., the son of Eev. Eobert Wright, (b. Saratoga Springs, N. Y.,1812, d. York Neb., 1891) and Mary Granger (b. Yorkshire, England, 1811, d. Fonda, Iowa, 1899) who were married in 1835 at Pultneyville, N. Y. On Nov. 18, 1874 he married Luella E. Bonett and located at West Brooklyn, 111., where he found employment as a railway agent until 1877, when he was assigned the station at Wedron, 111., where he remained five years. In the spring of 1882 he bought and moved to the Ei SEi Sec. 20, Cedar township, and when the Wabash (now the C. M. & St. P. ) E. E. was completed to Fonda he opened the station in a box-car Dec. 18, following, and continued as its first agent until March, 1884. In 1887 he purchased the furniture stock of George Fairburn, and moved to Fonda, where he is still engaged in the furniture business, in the manage- ment of which his wife has always taken a personal interest. At Fonda he was operator for the I. C. E. E. CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 451 from May, 1889, to August, 1892, and for the C. M. & St. P. R. R. since Oct. 1, 1899. He was justice of the peace of Cedar township six years, 1887-90, '97-98, and secretary of the Big Four Fair association three years, 1897-99. His family consists of one son, (an- other having died in infancy) Lew- ellyn R., (b. West Brooklyn, 111., Mar. 22, 1876) a Fonda graduate in 1894. yHe acquired a knowledge of watchmak- ing and optics at Elgin, 111., and has been the popular jeweler and optician at Fonda since 1897. On June 20, 1900, he married Mabel, only daughter of J. R. and Lucy Johnson. FIRST DEATH. John Klow, who was accidentally drowned while endeavoring to cross Cedar creek, at the fording north of the Catholic church, Fonda, during the great flood in August, 1869| is be- lieved to have been the first white person who died in Cedar township. He was about twenty years of age and had accompanied George Sanborn from Jefferson, Wis., that spring, as- sisting to drive tha stock on the way. He found employment as a day labor- er in the western part of the town- ship and coming on foot to the Cedar found it bank-full from heavy rains that had fallen In the north part of the county. Having no other means of crossing the flooded stream he asked leave to hold to the tail of a horse belonging to a man who crossed it horseback, and when they were about the middle of the stream he lost his hold, possibly from cramp, and was drowned. His body was re- covered soon afterward and buried on the east bank of the creek on the homestead of Abigail J. Howell, on SEi Sec. 28, now owned by Harvey Eaton. FIRST WEDDING. The first wedding in Cedar town- ship occurred in January 1871. The contracting parties were William Richards, whose homestead was on the Wi SEi Sec. 32, and a lady who re- sided In Buena Vista county, about six miles northwest; and the justice was George Sanborn, tyho went out from Fonda on horseback to perform the ceremony. When he arrived at the home of the bride, where s he and her friends were awaiting the ceremony, he fouhd the license was for Pocahontas county, and they were more than a mile west of the county line. At his suggestion they and their friends got into their sleds and drove eastward until they arrived at a large haystack that stood on the NWiSec. 6, Cedar township, where they found a slight refuge from the wintry wind. There on the snow cov- ered prairie and in the open air of mid- winter the ceremony was performed while the bridal pair stood together on the sled. This incident reminds one of the Squire who united "for better or for worse" two persons with this unique ceremony: "Jim will you take Bet, Wittiout any regret, 'J'o love and to cherish. Till one of you perish And is laid under the sod, So help you God?" After the usual affirmative answer, he proceeded: - "Bet will you take Jim, And cling to him. Both out and in, Through thick and thin, Holding him to your heart. Till death do you part?" When her assent had been modestly given, he added: "Through liffe's alternate joy and strife, I now pronounce you man and wife; Letr none other you asunder part. For better or for worse, now de- part." 452 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA- OLDEST PERSON. Jeremiah. Herringlon, Fonda, born in Ireland March 9, 1808 and no w in his 93d year, is the oldest inhabitant in Cedar township. PUBLIC OFFICEES. Public ofBcers have been elected from Cedar township as follows: representative, James Mercer, 1890-91; auditors, A. O. Garlock, '74-81, .T. F. McCartan, '86-92; treasurers, J. N. McClellan, '87-92, Guy S. Bob nson 1900-; recorder, E. D- BoHarJ. 91-98^ ' Sheriffs, T. J. Curtis, '^^''^'^^'^^ Mallison, '80-81; superii^enden S|G. W. Hathaway, '72-73, J. P- ^""^^^^Z' '82-85, A. W.Davis, '98-99; surveyor Wm. Marshall, '73-83. Memberspf the Board of Supervisors, Jo™ ^■ Hay, '71-72; Bernard McCartan, 74-ig the ant^- railroad period have been Warrick Price, its founder; Wenzel Hubel, the first postmaster; Port C. Barron, who more than any other, assumed the re- sponsibility of securing the right of- way and depot privileges for the C, E. I. & P. at an estimated cost of $12,- 000.00; F. E, Hronek, Hiram Bissell, W. D. McEwen, A. O. Garlock, C. H. ToUefsrude, A. L. Thornton, J. W. Wallace, W. C. Ralston, Dr. M. F. Patterson, O. A. Pease, L. C. Thorn- ton, W. G. Bradley, Esq., and C. M. Hunt. All of these men were ani- mated with the desire to secure a rail- road for Pocahontas, and while they worked and waited for it, they beau- tified the town by planting an abun- dance of shade trees and the most beautiful park in the county. RAILROAD DAY. A 5 per cent, railroad tax was voted by Center township Feb. 28, '81, in fa- vor of the Des Moines & Fort Dodge, *De8 Molile'sCapltali 462 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Aug. 19, '81 in favor of the St. Louis, Newton & Northwestern, and July 5, 1887, in favor of the Sioux City & Northwestern railway companies, but the railroad did not come until July 25, 1900, when the Gowrie & North- western, a branch of the Rook Island, completed the track from Gowrie to Pocahontas, and the first, a construc- tion or track-laying train arrived. On August 15th a regular train serv- ice was established from Gowrie to Laurens, and the new era ushered in by these events was duly celebrated at Pocahontas Sept. 4, 1900, by an appro- priate industrial parade, vocal and in- strumental music, addresses by Judge Helsell, Carroll Wright, M. F. Healy and others, and the marriage of three young couples. For a number of years Pocahontas had enjoyed the un- enviable experience of being the only county seat in Iowa without a rail- road. "An event of great importance had occurred. Pocahontas, a thirty- year old bride, had secured the desire • of her heart, a union with the great outside world with bands of steelj During a long period of waiting, she smiled on many suitors, but one and another passed her by until the Chi- cago, Rock Island & Pacific looked upon the lonely maiden on the prairie and recognized a wealth of beauty that others, blinded by the love of gold, did not see. She smiled, she spoke and the great Rock Island was won. In her joy she invited her friends to make merry with her; set the date and 5,000 people thronged to congratulate her. "* She is now com- forted by the song of the locomotive, "Monster of steam and steel, With soul in shaft and wheel; Child of man's brawn and brain Whizzing o'er mountain and plain." The original name, "Pocahontas Center," in 1885 by request of the board of county supervisors, was abridged to "Pocahontas." In October, 1896, Nicholas Stelpflug •Pocahontas Record, Sept, 6, 1900. platted the first addition at the south- west corner of the town. Its recent growth, increasing the population to 800 and causing the erection of sev- enty new buildings in 1900, has led to the platting of the Allen and Bissell additions. POCAHONTAS NEWSPAPERS. Pocahontas Times— The first pa- per published at Pocahontas was the Pocahontas Times, Messrs. McEwen & Garlock, editors and proprietors. It was moved there from Old Rolf e, Oct. 10, 1876, at the time of the re- moval of the county records. On Nov. 1, 1877, Ed B. Tabor became the ed- itor, and after the issue of May 9, 1878, the outfit was moved to Fonda. The Pocahontas Record— The Pocahontas Record as a seven-column folio, 16x231 inches, was established at Pocahontas by Port C. Barron, editor and proprietor, and the first issue was published April 24, 1884. In his salu- tatory the aim of the editor was stat- ed to be "to make the Record a reli- able newspaper, devoted to the pro- motion of the best interests of Poca- hontas county and independent in all matters relating to its material inter- ests. " It was established and through- out a period of sixteen years was pub- lished in a small country village that did not enjoy the facilities afforded by even a narrow-gauge railroad. Dur- ing this period It was sent forth from the press week by week, clean, fresh, bright and cheery, a messenger of comfort to the lonely dwellers on the prairies. As the years passed it was enlarged and improved to meet the demands of the times. On Oct. 1, 1885, it was en- larged from seven to eight columns. On April 15, 1889, at the beginning of its sixth year, it began to be printed on a power press. On Dec. 26th, fol- lowing, the entire paper began to be printed at home, and it was the first one thijs printed in the county. From June 26 to Aug. 14, 1890, A. R. Thorn- CENTER TOWNSHIP. 463 ton edited its third page as The Fonda Record, and on the last named date it was enlarged to a seven-column quar- to. On June 22, 1893. it appeared in a new and modern dress as a six-column quarto, its present form. It has advocated the principles of the republican party and every enter- prise that would make Pocahontas "the gem of the prairie," .the queen of Pocahontas county. The pathetic appeal for a railroad that has found expression in its columns and its court- eous, conciliatory spirit availed great- ly to unite the people in one grand ef- fort to obtain the first one available. Port C. Barron, its founder and ed- itor for sixteen years, died July 9, 1900, and Mary E. Barron, his wife, has published it since that date. Pocahontas Heeald— The Poca- hontas Herald was established at Po- cahontas Feb. 15, 1899, by A. L. Schultz, editor and proprietor. It is a democratic paper and "is as frisky as can be expected" at its present age. It was founded under circumstances not very encouraging, but making its interests identical with those of the town, its subscription list has con- stantly increased with the growth pf Pocahontas. SHANNON BANCH. Osburn J. Shannon, a commission stockdealer of Chicago, at an early day foreseeing the future develop- ment of Northwestern Iowa, pur- chased all of sections 1, 3 and 5 and 240 acres on section 7, Center town- ship, making altogether 2,160 acres. These sections are enclosed with good fences and with the exception of 300 acres under cultivation, are used for pasturing and feeding the large herds of cattle and hogs that are annually prepared here for the Chicago market. This ranch is one of the largest busi- ness enterprises in Pocahontas county, about 500 head of hogs and 1200 h'fead of fat cattle being annually shipped from it, the latter about the month of October. The value of the annual sales ranges from $60,000 to $10,000. Few or no cattle are fed during the winter season, the places of those that have been marketed being sup- plied by purchases in the early spring. About 500 tons of hay are made each year, and during last year 100,000 bushels of ear corn were purchased from the neighbors. The cattle are fed twice a day during the feeding period, the daily ration being 500 bushels of shelled corn. Before it is fed the corn is shelled and soaked twelve hours in cold water. For soaking the corn and distributing it at the time of feeding, the farm is supplied with five water tanks, hold- ing sixty bushels each and set on wag- ons. When the corn is soaked it is drawn to the pastures. The buildings occupied by the resi- dent manager are located on section 7 and consist of a fine house, a medium sized barn, two cattle sheds, one 146x 24 feet, the other 128x24 feet, and a half-mile of corn cribs in the vicinity. On section 3 there is a small house and barn and another lot of cribs. James H. Charlton had charge of this farm for ten years previous to 1897, and John Johnson since that time. Mr. Shannon visits it once a month during the summer. Nothing is undertaken without his approval and whatever is done must be well done. CHABLTON BANCH. In 1882, James Henry Charlton, a young man, resident of Dallas county, bought the Wi NWi Sec. 11, Center township — 80 acres — and erected some improvements. The next year he be- gan to occupy it together with his father's family, completed its im- provement and embarked in the busi- ness of raising corn, hogs and cattle — the corn for feed and the stock for the city market. The profits, from time to time, have been invested in more land, and he is now the owner of 3,000 464 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. acres, to the successful management of whicli he gives his entire time and attention. This land is located on sections 2, 10, 11 and 18, Center; sections 16, 20, 21 and 35, Powhatan; sections 30 and 31, Des Moines township, Pocahontas county, and on sections 28 and 29, El- lington township, Palo Alto county. It is divided into ten farms on each of which a house and other outbuild- ings have been erected. These farm houses are occupied by persons or fam- ilies who have been employed at an annual salary, with the understand- ing that they shall board from one to three other persons as occasion may require. The aim, in their management, has been to mature for the city market each year all the hogs and cattle pos- sible. During recent years about 2,500 head of cattle have been carried and to supply their needs in 'the summer season it has been necessary to pur- chase from 60,000 to 80,000 bushels of corn, in addition to the large quantity raised on the farms. The amount of sales including the dairy and other products, in 1899 was $114,620.30; and for the present year, 1900, they will aggregate about the same amount. In 1891 he married Eranc Lenore, daughter of W. W. Beam, M. D., and since that time has resided in Rolf e. One cannot read the story of the rapid growth of this ranch, whereby in eighteen years it was increased from 80 to 3,060 actes, yielding a gross annual income of more than $100,000, without being impressed with the thought that its proprietor and man- ager has found the golden secret of "how to make the farm pay." As a farmer he has certainly found the philosopher's stone— the secret of suc- cess—and his wisdom appears in strict- ly adhering to iti That which has been achieved is a practical illustra- tion of the possibilities of the Iowa farm and the kind of management needed to secure the best results. POCAHONTAS CBBAMBRY. In 1884, Welch & Litts erected and operated a creamery on Litts' farm, one and one-half miles north of Poca- hontas. Eor a while it received a lib- eral patronage and made first-class butter, but closed about July 1, 1886. On August 1st, following, it was pur- chased by John Wallace, the pioneer of the cheese and creamery business in Northwestern Iowa, who reopened it fifteen days later, and continued to operate it for some time, and then this enterprise was abandoned. On Sept. 1, 1898, a number of the leading citizens of Pocahontas met in the court house to discuss ways and means of securing a butter factory at that place. Mr. Hinn, of Laurens, then operating creameries at Laurens and Havelock, was present and sub- mitted a proposition. Geo. A. Heald, S.C. Jones, F. E. Hronek and Nicholas Stelpflug were appointed a committee to ascertain what aid the people might be willing to give, and W. 0. Ralston, R. D. Bollard and Port C. Barron were appointed to secure a suitable loca- tion. Subsequent meetings were held and as a result in May, 1899, there wa.s completed a good building 40x60 feet, supplied with the latest im- proved machinery for making butter and a mill for grinding feed. This has proven to be a substantial and profitable business institution. POCAUONTAS POINT. About the year 1890, W. D. Mc- Ewen and A. O. Garlock purchased a tract of land at the southwest corner of Lake Okoboji in Dickinson county, and erected a spacious summer cot- tage in the beautiful grove of natural timber, overlooking the classic and sparkling waters of West Olcoboji. To this delightful summer resort they gave the name, "Pocahontas Point '' and decided to sell lots in it only to those Who were residents of Pocahon- ,-*"' jT "^ \' %^ i^ Mi m JOHN W. WALLACE, Clerk of Court, 1875-86. MRS. J. W. WALLACE. WM. C. RALSTON, Clerk of Court, 1887-94. LUCIUS C. THORNTON. POCAHONTAS. PORT C. BARRON, Editor Pocahontas Record, 1884-1900. MRS. MARY E. BARRON, County Recorder, 1885-6. , -^/ 7 H^L PPUP^' ALONZO L. THORNTON, County Recorder, 1883-85. MRS. EMILY R. THORNTON. POCAHONTAS. CENTEE TOWNSHIP. 465 tas or of the county that bears that charming name. Other cottages were soon erected by George Fairburn, LuteC. Thornton and Col. John B. Kent. In 1895, Messrs. McEwen & Garlock put a swiftly moving steamer on the lake, called "Pocahontas," and George Fairburn another one called •'>'ellie F,"both for their own private use; and almost every day dur- ing midsummer, they may be seen "bounding over the rolling waves,'" at Iowa's greatest summer resort. FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL. The first Sunday School in Pocahon- tas was organized May 8, ISSl, as a union Sunday School, under E. L. Hastings, superintendent; Walter Hodges, assistant superintendent; Mrs. J. W. Wallace, secretary, and Mrs. E. M. Hastings, treasurer. The meeting was held in the court house and an ar- rangement was made with Rev. Thos. Cuthbert, (M. E.) of Rolfe, to hold di- vine services at the close of the Sun- day School session on alternate Sab- baths. , PUBLIC OFFICEES. Public officers have been elected from Center town ship as follows: Sur- veyors, Lute C. Thornton, '84-85, 'SS- '89; H. W. Bissell, '90-93, '98-1900. Re- corder, Mary E. Thornton. '86. Attor- neys, Wm. G. Bradley, "87-88: Wm. Hazlett, '97-1900. Supervisor, Samuel Powell, '93-95. LEADING CITIZENS. Barron Port C, (b. Feb. 3, 1861; d. July 9, 1900) editor and proprietor of the Pocahontas Record from the time it was established, April 17, 1884, un- til his death, was a native of Freder- icksburg, Iowa, the son of F. W. and Marion Barron. During his childhood his parents moved to Jfashua, where his mother died when he was fourteen. At this early age he entered the office of the Nashua Post, and, acquiring a knowledge of the printers' trade, fol- lowed it ever afterward. After work- Injr several years in tlie Beacon office at Spirit Lake and later as foreman of the Fonda Times, he established the Pocahontas Record, at Pocahon- tas, Iowa. Through the columns of this paper for a period of sixteen years he labored unceasingly for the devel- opment and improvement of the town of his adoption and exerted a potent influence throughout the county. He located in this town when it was mere- ly a village, but had an expectation that a railroad would soon be built to it. When the promised railroad did not come he did not become discour- aged, but resolutely worked away, in- dulging the hope the time would soon come when Pocahontas would be af- forded the same privileges and con- veniences that were enjoyed by other communities. He thought and worked for "our little community" as long as he could, and "fell asleep just a few days before the dream of his life was to be realized." He is remembered by those who knew him as one possessing an unusu- al amount of cheerfulness, hopefulness and enthusiasm. His kindly disposi- tion, strict integrity and steadfast- ness of purpose also elicited admira- tion. To make others happy and not wound the feelings of any, were aims constantly before him in the use of his pen. Through the columns of the Record he gave the strength of his best days and the noblest thoughts of his being to the development of the community in which he lived. He was ambitious and manifested an un- bounded faith in the future. "During the first ten years the Rec- ord was published, those who knew not its editor personally often won- dered how the paper could live or where its support came from; but those of us, who knew its editor, knew full well that he knew no such word as fail, and as time passed the paper has grown with the growth of the community so that now there are few county seat towns in Iowa that are 466 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. better supplied with a newspaper than Pocahontas."* "In his death Pocahontas lost an en- thusiastic boomer. He knew no such word as fail. 'Hope sprang eternal in his bosom. ' With the collapse of one railroad boom he went to work on another. In everything that went for the improvement of the town he was in hearty accord. He never lost faith in the ultimate success of Pocahontas. It took sixteen years of waiting to re- alize his ambition for Pocahontas — a railroad. He won the battle, but just as his labors were to be rewarded his light went out."t In accordance with his expressed wish his body was laid to rest in the soil of the place that was the princi- pal scene of his life's activities and in the midst of those who will longest appreciate his labors. He served as the first recorder of Po- cahontas, '92-94; was a member of its lirst school board in 1896; mayor in 1897, and postmaster from Aug. 1, '97- July 9, 1900. On Feb. 3, 1887, he married Mary E., daughter of Alonzo L. and Emily Thornton, and she became his succes- sor in the postofBce and in the pro- prietorship of thePocohontas Record. Their family consists of three chil- dren, Phaen Thornton, Joab Eunice and Port Comstock. Bissell Hiram Wallace, (b. July 4, 1844) resident of Pocahontas since 1881, is a native of Granville county, prov- ince of Ontario, Canada, the son of Truman and Cynthia Bissell, both of whom were descendants of the French Huguenots. He received his education as he had opportunity, in the public schools. In 1869, he went to California, but soon returned to Peoria, 111., where he remained three years. He then lo- cated at Grand Rapids, Mich., and after two years, at Freeport, 111. 'From tribute by W. C, Ralston. tMarlon Bruoe, In Kolfc Reveille, Here on June 8, 1879, he married Susan Harpster, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and during his subsequent ca- reer she has proven herself to be "one of the best women in the state of Iowa." He was then engaged in the marble business, but his health fail- ing him they spent the ensuing winter in Canada. In 1880 they located at Fort Dodge, and in February, 1881, in Pocahontas, where he became owner and proprietor of the "Center," aft- erward called the "Bissell House," which he still owns and continued to occupy until 1899, when he erected a new home in the Bissell addition to Pocahontas. The history of the Bissell House, during the eighteen years that Mr. and Mrs. Bissell had charge of it, is 'full of delightful and romantic asso- ciations that are peculiarly its own. Here judges and jurors, attorneys and their clients, county ofBcials, minis- ters of the gospel and people from all parts of the county, year after year, have sat down together around the tables that groaned with a sumptuous variety of those good things, which in this life satisfy the cravings of the in- ner man; and in the office or parlor the great questions of the day have been freely and fully discussed. When one thinks of the way in which many long winter evenings were whiled away at this ancient hostelry before the arrival of the railroad, he cannot resist the notion that Gold- smith had such experiences in mind when he wrote the following touch- ing description of the home in the poem entitled, "The Deserted Vil- lage": "The broken soldier, kindly bade to stay, Sat by his fire, and talked the night away, Wept o'er his wounds, or tales of sor- row done, Shouldered his crutch and showed how fields were won. Pleased with his guests, the good man CENTER TOWNSHIP. 467 learned to glow, And quite forgot their vices in their woe." Mr. Bissell served as assessor of Center township, '85-93; as justice of the peace, '81-90; as memher of the first town council of Pocahontas, '92- 93; mayor, '94, and as county surveyor, seven years, '90-93, '98-1900. Brlnkman David, (Diedrick) resi- dent of section 24, Center township, was born near Hamburg, Germany, in 1843. At the age of twenty-three, having learned the carpenter trade, he crossed the ocean in a sail boat that was seventy-two days on the voy- age. He located first in Michigan, where he worked at carpentry. On Feb. 28, 1871, he married there Anna Wiegman, and on April 18, 1873, lo- cated in Pocahontas county, first in Clinton township, and the next year on his present farm. He is one of those hardy pioneers who were not frightened from the frontier by early hardships, and his splendid success on the farm places him in the front rank as a farmer. "When he came to locate on the front- ier his brother-in-law accompanied him. Leaving their wives at Fort Dodge, they set out on foot at Man- son to walk the distance to their new homes — twenty miles — and had to car- ry their clothing in their hands when they waded the Lizard. A few days after they returned to Manson, sent for their wives and families and took them out with an ox team. A few days before harvest that year the grasshoppers came and destroyed thir- ty acres of wheat and ten of oats, a loss that left David in the fall, of the year with ten dollars and thirty bush- els of potatoes for the support of him- self and family during the winter. When the corn was ripe he went east of the grasshopper district, husked corn on the shares and survived that winter by making his home in a cellar and living on potatoes, cornbread and water. In 1874, the grasshoppers de- voured the small grain again, but not the corn, and he fared better; but that fall and again in 1881 his crops and improvements were saved from prairie fires only after the most heroic efforts. In the fall of 1874 he got lost and had to remain all night alone on the prairie. In the winter of 1881, while returning from Humboldt in a sleigh, he was caught in a blinding snowstorm, passed within three rods of his home, but did not know it or discover the fact until he had gone two miles further, and ran against the walls of a deserted sod shanty. When he reached his home he was nearly frozen to death. His brother- in-law, after one year's experience on the frontier, returned to Michigan. As the years have passed, David Brinkman has added acre to acre so that his home farm, which he has im- proved with fine buildings, contains 540 acres, and he is the owner of two other farms in the vicinity that con- tain 300 acres more. He keeps from 25 to 30 cows for dairy purposes and in August 1894, began to use the Delaval cream separator, the first one in Center township. The result of its use has been so satisfactory that he would not think of dispensing with it while keeping cows. He aims to keep a sufficient amount of stock to eat all the grain raised on the farm, and has met with good success in feeding both cattle and hogs. He is a highly re- spected citizen, was a trustee of (Cen- ter township in '77-78, president of the school board in '76-77 and assessor in 1884. His family enjoys all the comforts of a good home and consists of twelve children: Hattie, a native of Michi- gan, married Morris Ives and lives in Clinton township; Caroline, after teaching school six years, on March 8, 1899, married Henry Oelrich and lo- cated on one of her father's farms; Henry, a teacher, Dora, Jessie, John, 468 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. William, August, Anna, May, Glide and Idella are at home. Bollard Richard D., (b, Oct. 15, 1847) resident of Pocahontas and Re- ■corder of Pocahontas county, 1891-98, is a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio. He received his education in the pub- lic schools of Edinboro, Erie county. Pa., where his father located when he was quite young. In 1864, at the age of sixteen, he lost his left arm by the accidental discharge of a gun he was endeavoring to draw across a log while hunting. In 1867, he went to Grant county, Wis., where he worked on a farm and taught school. The next year he returned to his horrie and on Dec. 25, 1868, married Emma Law- rence. The next spring they located in Wright county. Wis , where he taught school in winter. In 1878, he moved to Pottawattomie county, Iowa, where he bought eighty acres of land and continued farming and teaching. In 1881 he met with another serious accident, the loss of the three largest fingers of hiS right hand, while shell- ing corn. Undaunted by these mis- fortunes he continued farming and teaching until the spring of 1886, when he moved to Fonda and engaged in the coal and grain business. In the fall of 1890, he was elected recorder of this county, an ofBce to which he was re-elected with a con- stantly increasing majority in 1892, '94 and '96. The efficiency of the public service rendered during these eight years, elicited the unstinted approval of the people of this county. The of- fice was not closed at night until the necessary work of each day had been faithfully performed. Just previous to the adjournment of the board of supervisors, Jan. 19, 1899, he was presented with a solid gold watch, chain and charm, the latter set with a diamond of purest luster, and inscribed with the words, "A token of esteem from the county offi- cials to R. Di Bollard, recorder, 1891- 1898." In Pottawattomie county, he served several years as a justice of the peace, in Fonda was street commis- sioner, and at Pocahontas he was a councilman, '92-94, and president of the school board in '99-1900. He taught twenty-one terms of public school. His family consisted of ten children, six of whom are married: Walter, a drayman, married Rose Early, and lives at Fonda; Mattie B. married John Stream, a traveling salesman, and lives at Fonda; Mary Ella, July 3, 1899, married Wm. Boyd McClellan, a jeweler, and lives at Pocahontas; William married Maggie McCormick and lives in Lake township; Frederick P., in June, 1898, enlisted for the war against Spain in Cuba and spent sev- eral months in Jacksonville, Fla. ; Roy in 1900, married Ida Lj'on, and is a druggist clerk at Fonda; May in 1899, married Charles Lucas, and lives at Pocahontas; Gracie, Lawrence and Gorton are at home. Eral John, (b. 1832) owner and oc- cupant of a fine farm on section 23, since 1874, is a native of Bohemia. In 1874 he bought his present farm and a tract of timber in Clinton township. He is now the owner of 490 acres of land in this county which he has finely improved with two sets of good farm buildings, the beautiful grove on the home farm being one of the largest in Center township. He par- ticipated in the organization of Cen- ter township in 1874, and served as trustee six years, '80-83, '93-94. He has been an Industrious and suc- cessful farmer, a highly respected citizen and has endeavored to perform faithfully every matter of public in- terest entrusted to him. His family has consisted of six chil- dren, of whom the first three— James, Frank and Mary— were born during his residence in Illinois. 1— James W. Eral(b. 1862) in 1873 lo- cated on the SWiiSec; 27: In 1883 M 'center TOWNSHI]^. 469 married Aniia Payer and is now tlie owner of 280 acres in Center township. He has been a trustee of the town- ship since 1895, and treasurer of the school fund since 1897. He has a fam- ily of four children— Anna, William, Louie and Harry. 2— Frank E. Eral in 1889 married Fannie Zieman, of Tama county. He owns and occupies a farm of 120 acres on section 27 that had previously been improved by his father. His family consists of two children, Agnes and Joseph. 3— Mary married Charles Pashek and lives in Winnesheik county. 4— Joseph, Bosa and John are at home. Eral Martin, (b. Nov. 10, 1842; d. May 7, 1899) was a native of Budweis, Boh., where he grew to manhood. In 1870 he came to Chicago, where on May 15, 1870, he married Anna Michael and lived there the next ten years. In March, 1880, he located on the Lltts farm, Center township, and the next year bought 120 acres south of Poca- nontas, on which he afterward lived and died. His death was the result of a fall from the back of a colt. He was a man of unswerving integrity and won the esteem of all who knew him. His family consisted of twelve chil- dren, four of whom, Joseph L., Louis F., Emma E. and Albina, and their mother, survive him. Erne Bonlfacius, who on section 17, in the spring of 1871, bought the flrsf farm sold by Warrick Price, built the first farm home in the township— ra sod house. On May 31, 1873, he entered as a homestead the SiNEi Sec. 32, Grant township, 80 acres, and received the patent for it Nov. 5, 1878. A few years later he lo- cated in Lincoln township and in 1895 returned to Center township, where he died in 1899. He raised a family of four children who, after his death moved to Minnesota. He was an In- dustrious and good farmer. His broth- er, Valentine Erne, also a native of Germany, (b. 1850) in 1881 bought a farm of 80 acres on section 26, Grant township, which he still occupies and has neatly improved. He has a fami- ily of two children. Kees John A. Rev., (b. April 2, 1833) through whose personal efforts the or- ganization of the Baptist church, Po- cahontas, was effected, is a native of Crawford county. Pa., the son of George (b. 1878, Pa.,) and Nancy Benn (b. 1801., Del.) Kees, both of whom were remarkable for the enthusiasm of their piety. The father of Nancy Benn and three of his sons were pio- neer preachers in the Methodist Epis- copal church. In his childhood, John A. Kees moved with his parents to Venango county. Pa., where he as- sisted in clearing the timber from a farm, and went to school. When the Cherry Tree Academy was opened in that vicinity he entered it and two years later began to teach the school in his own neighborhood. In the fall of 1856, he located near Sabula, Iowa, and taught school. In 1857 he located at Boone, where he taught several terms and then passed to Dallas county. On Feb. 24, 1860, he married Margaret M. Betteys and located in Boone county, where, in '62-63, he served as a member of the board of county supervisors. In May, 1864, he enlisted as a volunteer and remained in the service until October, when he was sent home from Oamp.McClellan with his constitution so completely wrecked by disease there was scarcely any hope of his recovery. After two years he was able to resume the work of teaching and filled the ofBce of as- sessor and township clerk. In 1876 he moved to Jefferson, where he became the agent of the co-operative associ- ation; but finding the labor too ex- haustive, he resigned this position and moved to a farm in that vicinity. In 1884 he moved to Shelby county, 470 PIONlER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. and in the fall of 1885 to the SWi Sec. 33, Center township, which he had previously owned for several years. In 1893 he sold this farm and bought another one on the north line of the township. At ten years of age he became a christian and at seventeen united with the Baptist church of Cherry Tree, Pa. At this early period he had a conviction that he ought to preach the gospel, but on account of the ap- parent need, was constrained to worlc on the farm. During the period he engaged in teaching he embraced ev- ery opportunity to unfold and enforce the truths of the Bible, but later the conviction forced itself upon him that whilst he did not receive a proper preparation for the full work of the ministry, he ought to preach the gos- pel as he had opportunity, free of charge. Expressing this conviction the church to which he belonged in Boone, in 1867, gave him a license to preach. In Greene and Dallas coun- ties he often rode long distances to meet engagements as opportunity af- forded. In the spring of 1885, at the request of the Baptist church in Har- lan, Shelby county, he was ordained, became their pastor and accepted pas- toral support. When, in the fall of 1885, he visited his farm to do some work prepara- tory to settlement upon it he was pained to find the people of Pocahon- tas destitute of religious privileges, with the exception of those of the Catholic church. On the second Sab- bath he held services in the court house and announced his desire that those present would co-operate with him and his family, five of whom were members, and they would form the nucleus of a Baptist church and plan for the erection of a suitable house of worship. This prophetic an- nouncement was received with smiles and suppressed laughter; nevertheless, it was fully realized by the organiza- tion of a church of 25 members in 1888 and the erection of the Baptist church in 1891. He served the church as its first pastor until 1893, when he moved to his present home on the south side of sec. 33, Powhatan town- ship. After serving four years as pas- tor of the Baptist churches of Have- lock and Bradgate, he retired from the active duties of the gospel minis- try. He has always voted the national republican ticket and has been an ar- dent advocate of the cause of prohibi- tion. His family has consisted of six chil- dren, of whom four are living. May Luella in 1886 married Anton Eigler, a farmer, and lives in Spokane county, Wash. William H., John Alvin and Margaret E. are at home and engage in teaching. George A., the eldest, died in 1863, and Rev. Frank A. D. Kees, the second son, died at his father's home, Oct. 23, 1900. He had been educated for the gospel ministry, was ordained on May 22, 1900 and served the Baptist church at Egan, South Dakota, until three weeks be- fore his death, when, his physician informing him he was going to have typhoid fever, he hastened home. He taught school several terms, at Have- lock, had charge of the Baptist church at Lake View in 1895, and at Havelock in 1896. He had worked his own way through college that he might enter the ministry, and was loved by all who knew him. Hubel Wenzel, (b. 1819; d. Nov. 26, 1885) the first permanent resident of Pocahontas, was a native of Bohemia, where in 1843 he married Mary A. Kerska (b. 1823). In 1851, they came to America, losing one of their children during the voyage on the ocean. He located first at Montreal, but after two years moved to Iowa City. Two years later he located on a homestead in Tama county and re- mained there until 1868, when he CENTin TOWNSHlJ". '471 moved to Benton county. Two yeare later he moved to Fort Dodge. In March, ]8'72, as the local agent of Hess & Behring, of Eort Dodge, who had charge of the sale of the lands of Warrick Price, he located at Pocahontas and that fall was ap- pointed the first postmaster of that place. The mail was carried by his son William usually once a week, on Friday, from Pomeroy, later from Fonda and the office remained in his home until the fall of 1877. He was a member of the first school board of the township in 1875-76. During his residence in Tama coun- ty he and his elder brother Fred, en- listed as members of Co. F, of the 6th Iowa cavalry. After two years in the service he received an injury that un- fitted him for further gervice and made him an invalid for life. In 1878 he and wife returned to the home of his oldest son, Frederic, who married Mary Benish and continued to reside on the old homestead in Ta- ma county. He died there in 1885. Four of his children located with him at Pocahontas in 1872. 1— William A. Hubel, {b. Jan. 16, 1853, Iowa,) a carpenter, in 1878 married Mary Ann Julius (b. 1860, Wis.) and continued to live at Poca- hontas until 1884, when he moved to Plover, and in 1897 to Kolfe, where he is now engaged principally in raising poultry. He commenced to reside in Center township in the year 1871, and built nearly all of the first buildings in Pocahontas including the Catholic church, and the Presbyterian church of Plover. He was assessor of Center township in '79-80, and secretary of the school board, '77-81. He carried the mail from Pomeroy and Fonda to Pocahontas, 1872 to '79. He was an all- round man among the Bohemians of the township in those early days. He was their interpreter at nearly all school and township meetings, elec- tions and in the transaction of their business before the court. His family consists of six children: Mamie, Frederic, William, Josephine, Wenzel and Albert. 2— Mary B. married James S. Smith, Fort Dodge, and in May, 1883, he was appointed and served five years as the first station agent of the C, R, I. & P. E. R. at Plover. He built the first house in Plover for his use and it stood the first season in a cornfield. Their family consists of three children: William, James and Albert. 3 — Annie in 1886 married Vencil Drahos, a well-known attorney of Ce- dar Rapids, and they have one child, Vlasta. 4— Cedora C. In 1882 married James T. Calhoun, at Pocahontas, and in the fall of 1883, locating at Plover, he be- came the first dealer in coal and lum- ber at that place. He died in 1887, leaving three children; Thomas, James and Grace. In 1891, Cedora married Albert J. Eggspuehler, a merchant of Plover, and they have two children. Florin and Grladdis. Hronek Frank, (b. Sept. 22, 1822; d. Sept. 5, 1899) a pioneer of Center town- ship, vyas a native of Tabor, Pazov county. Boh., and on Feb. 17, 1846, married there Anna Mares. In 1862, vyith a family of four children, they came to America and located first at Iowa City, but soon afterward at Chelsea. In 1874, he bought, and vrith a family of six children, located on the Ei Sec. 19, Center township. Improved and occupied it until 1895, ■when he moved to Pocahontas, where he lived the remainder of his days. He was a quiet, industrious, success- ful farmer and highly respected citi- zen. He assisted in the organization of Center township in 1874, and served as one of its first trustees, in 1875-76. He was elected one of the three first school directors of the township, but declined to serve. Three of his sons, 4*72 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Frank E., Anthony and John, have subsequently taken a prominent part in the management of the affairs of the township. His family consisted of ten children, all of whom are still living. 1— Rosa, (b. 1858) in 1876 married Martin Puduska, (b. Boh., 1852,) a prosperous farmer, owner of 280 acres principally on section 29, Center town- ship, which he has occupied since 1876. They have a family of six chil- dren. 2— Frank E. Hronek, (b, Boh,, 1860) came with liis father to Center town- ship in the spring of 1874, and has be- come one of the most prominent citi- zens in the township. In 3878 he served as township clerk. In 1882 he became a general merchant in Poca- hontas and so continued until April 1, "1900, when he arranged for the remov- al of the old store building and the erection of a fine, double two-story brick business block in its place. He was secretary of the townsliip school board, '85-87, and president of it, '92- 95. In Pocahontas he was postmaster from Sept., '87 to Oct., '95, a period of eight years. He served as a member of the first school board, '96-97; as a member of the first town council, '92- 94, and as mayor, '98-1900. He is the owner of some valuable property in Pocahontas and a farm of 80 acres in Lincoln township. In 1882 he married Antonia Mora- vec, who died in 1891. In 1893, he married Melinda Winegardner, His family consists of three children- William, Walter and Sadie— who sur- vive their mother, his first wife. 3— Paulina, (b. 1862) in 1870 mar- ried Joseph Kryce, a miller, and lives at Andrews, South Dakota. 4— Anthony Hronek, (b. Iowa, 1864) In 1883 married Mary Vodruska, is the owner and occupant of the SWi Sec. 28, Center township, and has a family of five children. He was township clerk three years, '89-91. 5— Emmanuel Hronek (b. la., 1867) in 1885 married Anna Vodruska. He is the owner and occupant of the NEi Sec. 19, Center township, and has.'a family of six children. 6— James Hronek (b. la., 1869) in 1889 married Mary Prochaska. He is the owner and occupant of the SEi Sec. 19, Center, and has a family of three children. All of the foregoing located in Cen- ter township with their father in 1874. The other members of his family are as follows; 7— Frances, (b. Boh., 1849) in 1868 married Vance Zeman, owner of a farm of 360 acres near Chelsea, Tama county, and has a family of eleven children. 8— Mary, (b. Boh., 1851) in 1869 mar- ried William Wright, clerk in a shoe store at Mason City, and has a family of three children. 9--John Hronek, (b. Boh., 1853,) in 1874 married Anna Skorda and came to Center township in 1881. He is now the owner of the Wi Sec. 21, -320 acres, and has a family of ten chil- dren. He was a trustee of the town- ship, '84-92, and is now a member of the school board. 10— Josephine (b. Boh., 1858,) in 1877 married Frank Musel, has a family of seven children and lives in Marshall- town. Langer Frank, to whom it is claimed, is rightly due the honor of doing the first breaking in Center township. In the spring of 1871, left Fort Dodge and located on the SWi Sec. 19, Center township. In compa- ny with William A. Hubel he did the first breaking in the township, on his own farm, then on the Stoulil farm on the NWi of the same section, and later on the Si Sec. 21. Erne com- menced breaking about the same time and built the first farm home. In 1882 Frank Langer bought and moved to the SEi Sec; 24, Dover town- ship, and in 1899 moved to Pocahoji- /^ m^"^^^ \ V€^^^- ^b^^- J^ k... ^H^ ^l' / yi |BJ^ /:^5l ^ r' vr ^^^*'^*^'^ — ■ ? FRANK E. HRONEK. JOHN H. STEGGE. MR. AND MRS. FRANK HRONEK. POCAHONTAS. •VIEW OF BUELAH AVENUE, POCAHONTAS, IN 1896. (See list of illustrations for buildings.) PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, POCAHONTAS, 1902. OBNTBR TOWNSHIP. 478 tills, JU' iiHNlsl.(>tl In Mu\ orKMiil/.iiiUm iinnidw, luul lll'li(^l' tlio Hiiow (Minic (if l'oiili<>i' towiiNlili), siM'vliiK MS tint' dl' (ilicy vv(>ro lii'iicUud U) t.lio lil({h graas In lilit^ Jii(l|4:i>s at lilio lli'Nl, (\Umi(,Ioii, li(>l(l Mio hIouh'Iih wlioro Miey woro somo- Ooli. l.'l, IH7I, iiiid iiH II tii'UNliOi! lu 'HI. tliiKvs found lylM(,r lit V08t. LaUn- lio WliiMi OiMittu' InvvMslilp, (HI Miii'oli I, I'iMiiid (Miiployiiioiit. lis a carpiMitor, lM7fi, wiisorKiuil/od UN 11 school dlnlirlcL, jimllioniiui woll-lioroi'. In 1881), wliiMi \w soi'vod tiH ^^lm,ll'mlln of l\w nn'oMiiH: !Slit>i'lll' I'liitoo dlinl, lio wil8 appointed and wan tUiHitiHl a nu'inlioi' ul' t.lio llrsl- slu>rltTol' Uioooiintiy to compkito Ids SOllOol liniii'd. \iiu'xpli'(\d tonu. Ilia I'aiully coMslstH ol' tliroo chll- In ISHt) lio uiiii'i'lod Mary lllokoy, (irun li'i'iinli, Anna mid Mary, widow of Jiiiiuvs Miii'i'iiy, and tlu\lr Naineck .losopli, proprtotor of tlio riiinlly (■(UisiMts of tliroo clilldron, dontor llouso, rooaliontiis, IH71-'vS(», Josoph, Siidlo and .loliii; and tlio three WHS a iiatlvo of llolionda. In tlio cliUdron of lior foniior liUNliand, Mol- sprlng of 1871, with wil'o and two llo, Mlohaol and .lamos Miii'ray. ohlldi'tMi, ho looaliod thori> and built lio ropoi'ts tlio IntorostliiK fact that tho lli'st (food liolcl 111 I'ocahnntas, In sInkliiK wells In tho vicinity ot Po- ll nfoi'tmiatoly, ho provldt^d a saloon oiihontas, two liiyors of wood aro fro- udjunotlo tlu\ liotol and, aciMU'dliiK' iiiicntly found, In a falratate of pi'os- tio tho storlos that iiro still oumMiti, oi'vntlon, at tho doptlis of (it) to 80 and many ludlai'OUS iiiul soiiio ridiculous ItiO to 170 foot. Tho upper layer Is ovcnts oooiirrod diirlntj: tho period ho souiotlinos about four foot In thlck- oontliiued In charti'iMif It. lie assist- iu>ss, and on tho farm of Uus Hoo^f, on od In tho orniinl/,iil«loii of tho town- Sec. -, Ijlncohi tiowiishlp, thero was ship and served as Us llrst Jusllco of found In Iti a soa muoU conslstiliiK of the police, '7iV7l>. lie was appoliit(>d siiiid, coriil, snail and clamsholls, somo U inemhor of the tlrsli school board, of the last hehiK as liu'no lis coiuuiou was then elected lis tli'st president^ oyster shells, but very brittle. Tho nndsorvod In that oupaclty 111 'TO and lower layer la usually not so thick as '70, In 18St), with wife and four chll- the upper one, but the wood is In a dri>n, he moved to .Vckloy, and later bolter stiito of preservation, Tho to Minnesntiii, where ho Is still living', pieces of Iors hrouKht to tho surfaoo Mikosli .losoph, (h. IvSiMi) I'osldeut of resemble cedar and of tlieso the knots I'ocabontas since tluM'iiU of lH7(i, Is a are the licsti prosorvod portions. An- natlvo of \Vlniu>sli(>lk county, and of ol her variety has the appearance ot Bohemian doscent. At* tho time he Krapevlno. This Is found In a good looatod at Pocahontas tho griisshop- state of preservation and the bark pers wore piiylng their respects to the peels from It In strips as if It were farmers and tho latter could not. iif- freshly laid In water. Some good ford to employ hired help. The only spocliueiis. In I8i>8, were furnished hicratlvo employment, that, prosentod Ihiena N'tstii college.* ilselfiatirst was hunting and trap- Hnnlett WUUam, (b. del. I, 1800) pinif and, giving Ills undivided alien- attorney of Pocaluintas county KSl>7- t Ion for a time to t he ciipt lire of (fiuno is'OO, Is a iiat Ivo of Muscattno county, for the table and fill's for tho market, the son of VVlUtiim II. and llannab ho met with rt fair degree of success, (McNutt) lla/.lett, holli of whom wore Jlo often averaged to to TiO miiskrats a of Scotch-Irish (Presbyterian) descent., dtvy at. IV^viPs Island, on section 6^ After pursuing his education In Mus- (}runt township, and they brought cat ine he attended the State I'nlversl- from (1(^11' 18 cents a piece. Deer were ty at I'olumbla, Mo., and then spout about »8 plenty then us jaok>rabblt8 »p«itaii)3. 474 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. two years in teaching. In 1892 he graduated from the law department of the State University at Iowa City, and was admitted to the practice of law. On Dec. 1, 1892, a few months after the death of his father, he and his brother J. Clarli, and his mother located at Pocahontas, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his prof ession. In the fall of 1896 he was elected the attorney for Pocahon- tas county, an office to which he was re-elected in 1898, and again in 1900. He is recognized as a lawyer possessing fine abilities and is rapidly rising in his profession. The high standard of morality adopted in early youth has given dignity and strength to his man- hood, and his faithfulness as a public official has elicited words of highest commendation and hearty endorse- ment. On May 15, 1895, he married Helen Ketchum, of Marshalltown, and has a family of three children, Dorothy B., Ruth and Isabel. His mother in 1895 returned to the home of her daughter, Jennie (Andrew T.) Addleman, in Muscatine county, and his brother is a civil engineer in Tennessee. Heald George A., (b. Iowa, June, 1870) vice-president of the Banlj of Pocahontas, is a native of Johnson county, the son of Isaac and Amelia Heald, who located at West Liberty in his early youth. In 1887 he gradu- ated from the high school of that town and in June, 1889, from the Eastman Business College, Poughkeep- sie, N, Y. He then located in Poca- hontas, where he found employment in the bank of D. J. Allen & Sons. Here he embraced the opportunity of reading law under the late B. J. Al- len, county attorney at that time, and graduating from the Iowa College of Law in January, 1894, was immediate- ly admitted to the practice of law. In January, 1897, he became a partner and was elected vice-president of the Bank of Pocahontas. He is a young man of pleasing address and is well equipped both for the practice of law and a successful business career. He has the happy faculty of gaining the confidence and esteem of those with whom he becomes acquainted and is entering on a constantly enlarging sphere of usefulness with bright pros- pects for the future. On Jan. 23, 1894, he married Stella Torpey, a teacher of Lake township, and they have one child, George. Hunt Charles M., (b. 1847) clerk at the court house, 1881-1900, came to Pocahontas in the fall of 1880 and a few months later found employment in the auditor's office, then occupied by A. O. Garlock, his brother-in-law. With the exception of one year, he has been aij assistant in that office or that of the county treasurer ever since, and is now, in 1900, in the treas- urer 's office. These eighteen years of faithful and efficient service as an assistant in two of the most import- ant offices in the county, make a very creditable record. He has become very familiar with the method of keeping the public records and in his modest way has rendered a service that has been greatly appreciated. On May 12, 1888, he married Cynthia A. Perkins, of Winthrop, and has a family of three children, Gilbert, Melville and Hazel. Payer Vit, a native of Bohemia, in the spring of 1876, accompanied by his wife (Mary Brodsky) and family of four children, Frank, Jacob, Anna and Joseph, alid Louis Brodsky, a son of his wife, located on section 28, Cen- ter township. He was a trustee of the township in 1880 and died in 1881. The farm of 320 acres, originally pur- chased at $5.00 an acre, is still owned by his wife and children. 1— Frank J. Payer (b. Iowa, 1861) in 1889 married Mary Remesh, who died leaving two cliildren, Frank and Frances. In 1895 he married Rosa Masek. He is the owner of a farm of CENTER TOWKSSif. m l60 acres on section 28, Center town- ship, and was clerk of the township 1885-88. 2— Jacob Payer, in 1889, married Julia Shimon, who died in 1891. In 1894, he married another and has a family of two children. He is the owner of a farm of 200 acres on Sec. 28. 3— Anna, in 1883, married James W. Eral. (SeeEral.) 4— Joseph Payer married Elizabeth Bartosh and lives In Center township. Pease Oscar A., (b. 111., 1848) post- master at Pocahontas, '82-86, in 1869 came from Chicago and,' as one of its first settlers, located in Swan Lake township.On April 17, 1871, he entered as a homestead the Wi NWi Sec. 30 and received the patent for it July, 30, 1878. He married there Adelaide, daughter of John Proctor, one of the first teachers in that township. About the year 1880, he located in Po- cahontas, where he kept a grocery store and engaged in the insurance business. On Oct. 15, 1882, he was appointed postmaster and served four years, his wife performing the duties of the offlce a great part of the time. In 1893, he moved to Burlington, Wash., where he has a comfortable home and has since been engaged in the lumber business. He served as the deputy sheriff of Pocahontas county four years under John F. Pat- tee and two years under John A. Crummer. He assisted in the organi- zation of Swan Lake township, served as its first justice of the peace, also as a trustee and treasurer of the school fund. In Center township he was as- sessor in '83 and president of the school board, '90-91. He was a capa- ble, public-spirited man and his foot- prints appear as a pioneer in Center as well as in Swan Lake township. His family consisted of four chil- dren, three of whom died in childhood and youth. Lucy married Oscar Wagneman, lives at Ellensburg, Wash., and has two children. Plumb Frank H., (b. July 28, 1861) clerk of the court of Pocahontas coun- ty, 1895-1900, is a native of Webster county, Iowa, the son of William and Adeline Plumb. After completing his education in the public schools of Fort Dodge, in April 1877, he began to learn the printers' trade in the of- flce of the Fort Dodge Times. In 1879, he assisted Tabor on the Fonda News; and during the next nine years assisted in various offices in Iowa, Minnesota and Dakota, including the Fonda Times. On July 12, 1888, he and J. J. Bruce established the Eev- eille at Rolf e and he continued a co- editor of that paper until JViay 1, 1890, and afterward as its foreman. In the fall of 1894 he became the nominee of the republicans loi the of- fice of clerk of the district court of this county and was elected. During his first term he performed the duties of his ofBce so conscientiously and ef- ficiently that his most enthusiastic supporters were more than gratified and a host of new friends encouraged his renomination. He was re-elected in '96, '98 and 1900. He has proven himself a young man of noble princi- ples and his natural fitness for the public ofBce to which he has been elected for the fourth term, has been recognized by his political opponents. The neat appearance and correctness of his work on the public records have elicited the highest praise from attor- neys and judges. On April 23, 1887, he married Kate M. Roberts, of Fonda, and has a fam- ily of three children, Clifton B., Will- iam H. and Katherine M. Ralston William Curtis, (b. July 1, 1855) clerk of the district court of Po- cahontas county, 1887-94, is a native of Hillsboro, 111., the son of John A. and Elizabeth (Ladd) Ralston, both of whom were of English descent. After completing his education in his native town he directed his attention to the study of law. In September, 1881, he 476 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHOHTAS COUNTY, lOWA. located In Pocahontas, where he found employment first in the Bissell House. At the first session of the court he was admitted to the practice of law, but taught school the ensuing winter. In the spring of 1884 he moved to Eolf e, but after his election to the of- fice of clerk of the district court, in the fall of 1886, he returned to Poca- hontas and has been a prominent res- ident of that city ever since. In 1888, '90 and '92 he was re-elected to the same office. In 1886 he won the office with a majority of only three; but in In 1888 he was re-elected without op- position and received all the votes cast but three. In 1885 he served as the second mayor of Eolfe, and in 1893 as the first mayor of Pocahontas. In 1889 he was president of the school board of Center township, and in 1896 served as the first president of the Po- cahontas independent district. His rugged honesty and integrity of pur- pose have won the confidence and es- teem of all who know him and he stands high in his profession as a law- yer. He has taken a hearty interest in all matters relating to the growth and development of Pocahontas. On June 21, 1887, he married Isabel- la Middleton,- daughter of a clergy- man of the Eeformed church, Hills- boro. 111., and his family consists of three children, Florence, Lucile and Sybil. His estimable wife has taken a leading part in the maintenance of religious services at Pocahontas. Starr Francis M., (b. 1846) resident of Pocahontas, Is a native of Guern- sey, county, Ohio, where in 1869, he married Susan M. Callihan and en- gaged in farming and teaching. In 1882 he located on a farm in Guthrie county, Iowa, and in 1885 on one of 86 acres in Center township, now within the incorporated town of Pocahontas. He erected all the improvements on this farm and still occupies it. In the effort to secure the organization Of the Christian church at Pocahontas he took a leading part and has served several years as the superintendent of its Sunday school. In 1891 he was deputy sheriff and for several years has been rendering an efficient serv- ice as deputy in the office of the clerk of the court. He was clerk of Center township, '99-1900. His family consists of eight chil- dren, Ella having died at nine: Wil- lis C, (b. Ohio, 1870) in 1897 married Elizabeth Hutchins and lives in Swan Lake township; Homer F., Perry, Warren, Albert, Ralph, Julia and Marian. ■> Stegge Bernard, (b. June 17, 1829; d. Pocahontas, July 9, 1899) was a na- tive of Ehede, Hanover, Germany. In 1853, he came to America and located at Quincy, 111., where in 1854, he mar- ried Margaret Kreul, (b. Ger., 1832.) The next year he located at Highland, Wis., and engaged in farming. In 1869, he came to Pocahontas county, on wagons drawn by oxen, and accom- panied by Nicholas Kieffer and John Kruchten and their families. Kiefler became the first merchant at Pome- roy and Kruchten located on a home- stead in Colfax township. Stegge lo- cated on a homestead of 80 acres on Sec. 32, Lincoln township, for which he made the entry June 12, 1869. The first improvements were a house and stable, both built of sod. The former was occupied until 1874, when it was replaced by a good farm house that with some later additions is still in use. In 1890, he moved to Pocahontas where he spent the remainder of his days. His wife died Sept. 9, 1896, leaving a family of seven children: Henry B., William H., Bernard H., Anna, Elizabeth, William J. and Frank. Joseph and Maggie died in childhood and Angela in 1894, at the age of 26 years. She was the wife of H. S. Schmaing. In Jan., 1895, he mar riedMrs. Caroline Getler, who died Feb. 13, 1899, leaving two children by her former husband, William Getler, CENTEE TOWNSHIP. 477 jf Dover, and Mrs. C. M. Englert, of Marshall township. He died a few months later at the age of 70 years. He assisted in the organization of Lincoln township in 1873, served as one of the first trustees that year, also in 1876-80, and was treasurer of the school funds '85-87. He endured the trials and hardships of a pioneer farm- er's life in the effort to secure a home for himself and family and by hard la- bor and thrift succeeded admirably. Those of his family that are married are as follows: 1— Henry B. Stegge (b. Wis., Nov. 13, 1855,) came with .his father to Lin- coln township in 1869, where he is now the owner of a finely improved farm of 160 acres. He was township clerk in '81-82, and has been a trustee since 1896. In 1878 he married Mary Sick- ing, of Wisconsin, and they have a family of six children, Bernard, Cath- arine, Annie, Mary, Henry and Frank. 2— John H. Stegge (b. Wis., Dec. 3, 1859) in 1887 married Mary Stelpflug and located on a farm of 120 acres on Sec. 4, Lincoln township, improved it with good buildings, groves, orchard and increased it to 240 acres. In 1889 he sold the farm and duritig the next three years was in the employ of D. J. Allen & Sons in the real estate busi- ness at Pocahontas In 1892 he bought their abstract books and formed a partnership with Geo. A. Heald under the name of Heald & Stegge. In 1896 Thomas F. McCartan also became a member of the firm and from the Al- len Bros, they purchased the stock of the State Bank of Pocahontas and or- ganized a private banking house un- der the name of the Bank of Pocahon- tas, John H. Stegge, Pres.; Geo. A. Heald, Vice-Pres., and Thomas P. Mc- Cartan, cashier. " His family consists of four children, Caroline, Maggie, Mary and John F. 3— Bernard H. Stegge (b. Wis.*, May 26, 1862) is the owner of a farm of 90 acres in Pover township and lives in Grant. He married Mary Pussekon, a native of Winnesheik county, and has a family of three children. 4— Anna, in 1885, married Bernard Schmaing, (b. Ger., 1856) who located in Lincoln township in 1879, and now owns a farm of 80 acres. Their family consists of five children. 5— Elizabeth, in 1894, married Hen- ry Tucking, lives in Lincoln township and has a family of two children. Stelpflug Nicholas, (b. 1852) resi- dent of Pocahontas, is a native of Wisconsin, where in 1878, he married Maggie Kreul{b. 1861) and two years later located on Sec. 33, Center town- ship. In 1892 he bought 30 acres ad- joining the plat of Pocahontas, moved to town and has since been engaged in the stock business. In 1896 the first, known as the "Stelpflug addition," to Pocahontas, was laid out by him on this farm at the southwest corner of the town. In Center township he was school director a number of years and in I'ocahontas he was a member of the town council, '92-95 and in 1900. His family consists of eleven chil- dren: Annie, Maggie, Jacob, Joseph, , Caroline, Lena, Henry, Nicholas, Will- iam,. George and Louisa. Thornton Alonzo L., (b. Nov. 25, 1833) who died at Pocahontas, May 13, 1885, while serving his second term as recorder of Pocahontas county, was a native of Chautauqua county, N. Y. At fifteen he entered the college at Marietta, Ohio, and during the next four years attended that Institution and taught school. On Sept. 8, 1853, he married Emily E. Comstock and located in Chautauqua county. Five years later he moved to Houston, Minn., and soon afterward accepted a position in the office of the Surveyor General at St. Paul, that afforded him the opportunity of doing considerable field work as a government surveyor and civil engineer. In August, 1862, when the Indians under Little Crow massacred the whites, he and his par- 478 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ty of surveyors were engaged in the timber only a few miles distant from one of the scenes of bloodshed at the time it occurred. He was appointed first assistant to the Surveyor Gen- eral and made the first sectional map of the state of Minnesota. He was a splendid draughtsman and continued in the map business with slight inter- missions until four years previous to his death. From St. Paul he went to Des Moines and then to Buffalo, N. Y. Soon afterward he located at Eort Podge and in the spring of IS'?! on the Thornton and Greene farm in Marshall township, this county, Two vears la- ter he went to Des Moines and made the second map of Iowa. He then went to Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago, successively, and returned to the company farm in this county in 1881, In the fall of 1882 he was elect- ed recorder of this county and filled that ofBce in a manner so highly sat- isf aotory that he was re-elected the year preceding his death. He was an active, enterprising man and during his residence in this county became very much interested in its drainage by a system that should embrace and benefit all of it. On this subject he wrote several able articles for the Po- cahontas Record, to illustrate the propriety of deepening the channels of the five principal streams of this coun- ty at the public expense, in order to provide a suitable outlet for the nu- merous ponds and sloughs that exist- ed in the early days. He also earnest- ly advocated the propriety of plant- ing more fruit and forest trees. He was a close student, a fine scholar and manifested a desire to confer some lasting benefit upon his fellowmen. His close application to business and study, it was believed, tended to hast- en his death which occurred May 13, 1885, after a stroke of paralysis on April 27th that affected the left side of his body, and another one on May 3d that was more serious. In his death tlae county lost a worthy citi- zen, an energetic and efficient officer that did not hesitate to push a public enterprise at his own personal incon- venience. One of his maxims was, "He who would thrive in business must make his business known." He was a man of devout and reverent spirit, an industrious and methodical worker. His family consisted of three chil- dren, all of whom and their mother are still residents of this county: 1— Lucius C. Thornton, (b. July, 1857) resident of Pocahontas, is a native of Chautauqua county, N. Y. He re- ceived his early education in the pub- lic school, and at fourteen began to attend the Iowa State Agricultural C611ege at Ames where, after four years, he graduated in 1875, having been the youngest to enter that insti- tution previous to that date. He at once found employment in relief plate map engraving with his father at St. Louis, whom he accompanied from place to place until 1881, when they located again in Pocahontas county. In August, 1883, the family moved to Pocahontas. The next year a set of abstract boqks were bought from A. O. Garlock, and in conhection with the care of these he engaged in the real estate business. He has been a member of the council of Pocahontas since the town was incorporated in 1892, and was surveyor of Pocahontas county in '84-85 and '88-89. He owns a cottage at Pocahontas Point and usually spends a few months each year at that delightful summer resort. In 1885, he married Jennie M. Bell- inger, of Marshall township, and has a family of four children; Alonzo Lu- cius, Thad Bellinger, Jennie and Helen. His mother also lives with him. 2— Mary E. Thornton assisted her father several years in the recorders' office, and after his death was ap- pointed and later was elected recorder CENTER TOWNSHIP. 479 of Pocahontas county to complete his unexpired term, and served in this of- ficial capacity about one and one-half years in 1885-86. She also had charge of her brother's abstract books for several years. On Feb 3, 1887, she became the wife of Port C. Barron and since his death, July 9, 1900, has succeeded him as postmaster at Poca- hontas and as proprietor of the Poca- hontas Record. In Pocahontas coun- ty she was the first and to this date the only lady elected to a public office, and she is also the first one to receive the appointment of postmistress from the government. 3 — Alonzo Rufus Thornton has been an associate editor and proprietor of the Reveille at Rolfe since Sept. 5, 1895. In 1897, he married Charlotte daughter of C. H. Tollefsrude, and has a family of two children, Norma and Emily. Since the retirement of Marion Bruce, Aug. 4, 1900, his wife has been associated with him in the management of the Reveille. Wallace John William, (b. June 17, 1845; d. Pocahontas, May 22, 1899), was one of the early settlers and a very popular official of Pocahontas county. He was a native of Northumberland county, Ontario, Canada, the son of David and Mary (Bagdad) Wallace, both of whom were of Scotch descent, natives of the north of Ireland and members of the established Church of England. In 1865, having completed his edu- cation in the public school, he came to Michigan but returned to Canada that fall. In March 1866, one year before the arrival of his father and family, he located on a homestead of 80 acres on Sec. 8, Lizard township, on which he built a sod house and dur- ing the first three winters engaged successfully in hunting and trapping. On May 28, 1872 he married Mary Elizabeth Riley (b. Ireland 1851) who became a resident of Lizard township in 1869 and still survives him. He was clerk of Lizard township in 1871- 72. In the fall of 1874 he was elected clerk of the district court of Pocahon- tas county and the next spring moved to old Rolfe. In 1876 he moved to Pocahontas where he died May 22, 1899, He was five times re-elected to the office of clerk of the district court and rendered twelve years of public service in that capacity, 1875- 86. Whilst others rendered more years of public service and as many in the same office, this was the longest term of continuous service in the same office rendered by any public official of Pocahontas county. He was deputy sheriff five years, 1893-97, and frequently served as coroner of the county when those elected did not qualify. He was secretary of the school board of Center township nine years, 1888-96, and of Pocahontas two years, 1896-97. He had the contract for carrying the mails between Pocahontas and Humboldt during the four years, 1879- 82, and from Fonda to Rolfe, 1887-9L In 1892 he engaged in the livery busi- ness at Pocahontas and continued in it until the time of his decease. He made additions to the old homestead from time to time and was the owner of 200 acres of land in this county in addition to the home in Pocahontas, built in 1881. He was a strong, well built man, en- joyed good health and nobly perform- ed his part in the great drama of life. He was loyal to his covictions, when he was sure he was right, and was equally loyal to his friends. He was amiable in his disposition, happy in his home life and just in all his deal- ings. His unswerving integrity placed his public service above unfav- orable criticism and his public spirit was manifested in the leading part he took in efforts to promote the welfare of the public schools of his town and township. The flags on the school and court house were placed at 480 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. half mast and most of the ' business houses of Pocahontas were closed dur- ing the funeral services and his re- mains were interred at Bolfe. His family consisted of seven chil- dren one of whom, Rosa, died in child- hood. Ella married George W. Bruce; William D. (b. June U, 1876) in May 1898 enlisted for the war with Spain in Cuba as a member of Co. B. 3d la. Infantry, and spent a few days at Camp McKinley, Des Moines; Bessie married Fred J. Southworth, Poca- hontas: Amanda Melvina, a milliner; Blanche and Genie B. are at home. THE CASE SISTBES' SECTION. Section 32, one-fourth mile east of Pocahontas, shows a division and has a history that is peculiarly its own. This section, with the exception of the SW 40 acres, was entered by Sey- mour M. Case, who held it until he died in 1873. By his will 600 acres of it were bequeathed to his four sisters, Mrs. Sophia L. Rose, Mrs. Luna Beach, Mrs. Lavina M. Beach and Mrs. Maria C. Holcomb, who in 1876 divided the land among themselves into four farms as they appear in the Plat Book of 1888, Luna Beach before its publica- tion having sold her part to Morgan W. Beach. The husbands of these four sisters died many years ago. They are still living, Luna at Bristol, Maine; and the others at Granby, Conn.; and their ages range from 76 to 88 years. THOMAS L. MacVEY, ReCORDCR, 1BG9-T4. MRS. T. L. MACVEY. JOHN FRASER, SEC. CO. Bl. SOC. 1867 0*0 1904. BERIAH COOPER, FOUNDER OF COOPERTOWN. ROLFE AND VICINITY. AUG. H. MALCOLM. Rolfe, CLERK OF COURT, ISSB. SEWELL VAN ALSTfNE, GfLMORE CiTV. ^^AAj(^-^y;,. f ""^1^^-' WM. C. KENNEDY, ROLFC, PRE*. CO. ». B. Asa'N, ieee-ieo4 LEW. e. ENGLAND, ESQ., GiLMORE ClTV. CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 481 XV. eLINTON TOWNSHIP. We love thy prairies green, Thy streamB with movement serene; Thy woods and groves that lean O'er plenty's shrine. I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. ^Holmes. iLINTONtownship was named in honor of Gen. George Clin- ton, governor of New York, 1777-95, and 1801-04, and vice- president of the United States 1805- 12. This township (92-31) is located in the east tier of the county. Section 1 is traversed in a southeasterly di- rection by the Des Moines river, and the north tier of sections by Pilot creek, on the south side of the North braocb of wbicbi on section 5, RgifQ is located. There is a considerable belt of timber on both sides of the Des Moines river and one large grove along Pilot creek on the northeast corner of section 10. The current of the Des Moines river is strong and its banks of clay are 8 to 10 feet in height. Indications of gypsum are found along its banks and an abundant sup- ply of good limestone on sections 24 and 25.* The elevation south of Pilot creek on section 12, has become histor- ic as the scene of the last bloody con- flict between the Sioux and Winneba- go Indians in lowa.t ♦Page ^53, tPagfS 128-12?, 482 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. The tradition concerning the name of Pilot creek is to the effect that when Judge Hickey and others first went from Fort Dodge to Palo Alto county and came to this stream they failed to find a crossing on the trail near the river. - Finding James A. Edleman, who was trapping in the east part of the township, they got him to pilot them over it, and after this incident it was called "Pilot Creek." Hickey became tlie owner and occupant of "Hickey 's Grove" north of Emmetsburg in which, about one-half mile from hislaouse, the bodies of Capt. J. C. Johnson and W. H. Burlchalter were found after the Spirit Lake expedition in March, 1857. Tlie land, witli the exception of the north and east tiers of sections, is a beautiful prairie, nearly level, and the soil is very fine in quality. A lov- er of Nature passing through this sec- tion some years ago remarked, "The Creator has here placed some of Na- ture's choicest flowers and most beau- tiful scenery. The birds, the grass, the flowers and the noble and stately trees were put here for man's enter- tainment and enjoyment," Clinton township when first estab- lished Sept. 15, 1860, included all of Clinton, Lake and the south row of sections in Des Moines, as these town- ships are now constituted. On June 4, 1861, the territory now included in Lincoln and the north half of Grant was added. On Dec. 1, 1862, the south row of sections in Lake and Lincoln was assigned to Lizard and in lieu tliereof the north half of Dover and south half of Marshall were added. On June 2, 1868, tlie south row of sec- tions in 93-31 was assigned to Des Moines; on June 6, 1870, tlie north half of 91-33 was assigned to (irant; on Sept. 6, 1870, the north half of 94-34 and south half of 92-34 were assigned to Dover; on June 4, 1872, all of 91-32 was assigned to Lincoln, and on June 5, 1877, all of 91-31 was assigned to Lake, leaving Clinton as now con- stituted. No homesteads or pre-emptions were taken in Clinton township. Most of the odd-numbered sections were in- cluded in the Des Moines River grant or that to the McGregor & Missouri River R. R, Co. The even-numbered sections in tills and other townships in the same tier as far north as the Minnesota line, were offered for sale in 1858, and most of them in Chnton were purchased by eastern investors during tlie months of June, July and August, 1858. The first permanent residents of Clinton township, (92-31) were the Hammond, Harvey and Avery fami- lies iD 1859. The family of Edward Hammond consisted of himself, wife and two children. He located on sec- tion 1, liaving lived the previous two years just across the line In Hum- boldt county. On Nov. 7, 1850, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Harvey and tlieir daugh- ter Nellie, accompanied by liis son-in- law, Oscar F. Avery, wife and son, Eugene, bouglit and located on the NEi Sec. 10. During the year 1860, these were the only residents of the township. In 1861 Mr. and Mrs. Elijah D. See- ly and three cliildren, Harmon P., (soldier) Millard and Eliza, located first on section 10, and in 1868 on the NEi Sec. 11. In 1863, Mr. and*Mrs. Joseph Clason and ten children lo- cated on section 1. In 1864, Mr, and Mrs. William Sandy and five children, Minnie, James, Mary, George and Frank, located on section 17. In 1865, Mr. and Mrs. Parlcer C. Harder and two cliildren located on section 11. In 1866, Mr. and Mrs. Augustus H. Malcolm and one cliild, Ora, located cm section 1. In 1867, Mr. and Mrs. William Matson and daughter Jennie, located on section 16. In 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Bendixen and four children located on section 33, and CENTER TOWNSHIP. 483 Mr. and Mrs. A. Baker on section 1. In 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Sewell Van Al- stine and five children located on sec- tion 25. In 1872, Mr. and Mrs. Alex- ander Barker and one child, and in 1873, Ira Scranton, Louis Nemecek and their families arrived. A correspondent of the Times in 1879, of these and other new settlers, wrote as follows: "Our soil is light, inclined to be Sandy; it is not marshy although we have a Reed. Our sup- ply of bread is sure for we have a Ba- ker, and timber shall not be wanting while there is left a Bush. We have one who has always been Sheriff, and when we want to doff this mortal coil we Drown," The first election in Clinton town- ship was held at the home of Edward P. Hammond, on section 1, Nov. 6, I860, and nine persons voted, which included those living in what is now Lake and in the south row of sections in Des Moines township. Ora Har vey, Patrick Forey and E. P. Ham- mond served as judges; Oscar F. Avery and John A. James as clerks. Ora Harvey was elected a member of the board of county supervisors, and offi- cers of the township were elected as follows: E. P. Harnmond, Abiel Stickney and Patrick Forey, trustees; John A. James and Patrick Forey, justices of the peace; John A. James, clerk; O. F. Avery, assessor; E. P. Hammond, road supervisor; Abiel Stickney and Christ Smith, consta- bles. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The officers of the township have been as follows: County Stjpebvisob: Ora Harvey, 1861-68; A. H. Malcolm, '69-70. Trustees: Edward P. Hammond, 186164; Abiel Stickney, '61-62; Patrick Forey, (Lake) '61-62, '64-67; John A. James, (Des Moines) '63-64; Samuel Clute, '63; Elijah D. Seely, '6£-87; Joseph Clason, '65-71; A. H. Malcolm, '68-70, '85-94; D. W. Hunt, (DesMoines) '69, '73-75; P. C. Harder, '70-72; Sewell Van Alstine, '71-72, 76-77; B. Messen- ger, '72; Ora Harvey, '73-75; Andrew Smith, '73-75; Alfred Baker, '74-77; P. H. Bendixen, '76-77, '88-92; Ira Scranton, '78-79; Wm. Matson, '78-79; H. A. Lind, '78-85; J. M. Bush, '80-84; Axel Gad, '80-81; J. M. Reed, '82-84; A. H. Malcolm, '85, '87-94; John Freeman, '87-88; A. R. Doxsee, '87; J. J. McGrath, '89-90; M. Lathrop, '91-92; W. C. Kennedy, '93-95; Geo. Behrendsen, '93-96;J ulius White, '84-86, '95-97; P. J. Canon, '96-98; Anton Will- iams, '97-99; Richard Fouch, '98-1900; Geo. W. Henderson, '99-1900; C. P. Leithead, 1900. Township Clerks: John A. James, (Des Moines) '61-63; E.P.Hammond, '64-66; Parker C. Harder, '67-69; E. D. Seely, '70-75, '78-82; A. H. Malcolm, '70-74; P. H. Bendixen, '76-77, '83-84; John Sherman, '85-86; John B. Kent, '87-88;^ Geo. Challand, '89-90; O. P. Malcolm, '91-92; Charles E. Fraser, '93, '97-1900; O. K. Olson, '9-1; G. W. Rich, '95-96. Justices of the Peace: John A. James, (93-31) '61-62; Patrick Forey, (9]-3i) '61, '76-77; E. P. Hammond, Abiel Stickney, D. W. Hunt, (93-31) '68-7J; E. D Seely, '69-70, '74-75, '79-82; Joseph Clason, '71-73; Sewell Van Al- stine, '72, '77-82, '89-92; P. H. Bendixen, '73-74;A. H. Malcolm, '75-76; J.M.Reed, '78-79; 0. P. Leithead, '83-86; John Sherman, '83-84; John Lee, '85-92; L. M. Beebe, '87-88; Geo. W. Henderson, '93-95; J. J. Bruce, '91-92; M. Whitman, '93-1900; Robert Struthers, '96-98; H. W. Harris, '99-1900. Assessors: Oscar F. Avery, 1861; E. P. Hammond, '62-63; J. A. James, (93-31) '64-65; E. D. Seely, '66; B. H. Wood, (93-31) '67; John Rogers, '68; A. H. Malcolm, '69; Wm. Sandy, '70-72; D. W. Hunt, '71; P. H. Bendixen, '73; Axel Gad, '74; M. F. Seely, '75-76; Ira Scranton, '77-82; Wm. Matson, '83-84; Geo. Seifert, '85-86; Julius White, '87- 88; Wm. C. Kennedy, '89-92; Alex. 484 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Barker, '93-98; Sylvester Smith, '99; Robert Hunter, 1900. SCHOOL OFFICERS. The officers of the school board have been as follows: Pkesidbnts: Joseph Clason, 1869- 10, '73; E. L. Brown, '71; A. H. Mal- colm, '72; Sewell Van Alstine, '74; E. D. Seely, Ira Scranton,, '76-77, '82-83; Alfred Baker, '78-79; C. Beacock, J. M. Bush, '81,84-86; A. R. Doxsee, '86- 87. I. C. Brubaker, '88, '91-92; S. Gish, '88; Axel Gad,, '89, '93; Wm. C. Kenne- dy, '90; P. J. Canon, '94; B. C. Vot- lucka, '95-1900. Secbetabibs: P. C. Harder, 1869- 72; P. H. Bendixen, '73-77, '80-95; M. F. Seely, '78-79; H. W. Harris, '96 1900. Tbbasueeks; D. W. Hunt, 1869-71; B. Messenger, '72-73; A. II. Malcolm, '73-81; W.C. Kennedy, '82-83; H. A. Lind, 84; Julius White, '85-1900. The directors in the several districts for the year 1900 were: No. 1— J. E. Schmaing; 2— W. C. Kennedy; 3— L. B. Hersom; 4— P. J. Condon; 5— Niels Peterson; 6— Sewell Van Alstine; 7— Benjamin Behrendsen; 8— B. C. "V|'ot- lucka. KOLFE. "I live for those who love me. Whose hearts are kind and true; For the heaven that shines above me And waits my coming, too; For human ties that bind me. For tasks by God assigned me And the good that I can do." The history of Rolfe begins with the month of May, 1881, when the survey of the Des Moines & Fort Dodge R. R. crossed that of the Tole- do & Northwestern. The survey of the latter railroad was made in De- cember, 1880, and the right-of-way in Clinton was given in April, 1881. On Jan. 10, 1882, this track was laid to Rolfe Junction, the grading having been completed five days previous. A depot was soon afterward built, two miles further west, where, on Jan. 27, 1882, the Western Town Lot Co., con- sisting of railway officials, platted the town of Rubens.* On May 21, Clinton township voted a 5 per cent tax in aid of the Des Moines & Fort Dodge R. R., on Aug. 23, 1881, the right-of-way was secured and the track was laid to Rolfe Junc- tion about June 1, 1882. t On Sept. 8, 1881, Wm. D. McEwen, a practical surveyor, and county treas- urer at that time, on the Si NEi and Wi SEi of section 5, Clinton town- ship, at the junction of these two rail- roads surveyed and platted the town of Rolfe. This survey was filed for record Sept. 19, 1881, by the North- western Land Co., of which J. J. Bruce was president and A. O. Gar- lock, secretary. The original plat contained 17 blocks, lacking only three blocks at the southwest corner of be- ing a complete rectangle, extending eastward from the railroad five blocks and south four blocks. The streets running north and south from the west side eastward were named Des Moines avenue (100 feet), Garfield street (80 feet). Grant (66) and Lincoln (66). The principal street running east on the south was called Broad (100 feet) and the ones north of it. Walnut (66 feet) and Elm streets. This is a very pretty site for a town, one that possesses natural advantages that combine to make it desirable both as a commercial and residence center. Its location is 107 miles north- west of Des Moines. As soon as the survey was complet- ed lots were purchased by Geo. W. Horton, merchant and postmaster at Old Rolfe, who, in the fall of 1881, built the first store building, a two- story frame, on the northwest corner of Broad and Garfield, known as the National Bank building. Other pur- chasers were Jas. Parks, of Po vhatan, who erected the first dwelling house, Messrs. Kelley and Foley, of Manson, "Page 29S, iPage m), C. H. TOLLEFSRUDE, ROLFE. COUNTV AUDITOR, 1882-00. MRS. C. H. TOLLEFSRUDE. COL. JOHN B. KENT, ROLFE. MCMBCR IOWA NATIONAL QUAND, 1804-80. MRS. J. B. KENT RESIDENTS OF ROLFE. u h. J E U o 3 E 10 li. U I- ll. o u o z u a in 111 E Clinton township. 485 Lou Schoonmaker, Henry and Charles Kelly, of Lizard, and Alexander Bar- ker who, OQ Sept. 29, erected a barn large enough for the accommodation of twelve teams. The lumber for Hor- ton's store building was hauled from Humboldt and Dakota City, the ter- minus of the Toledo branch of the Northwestern at' that time. The postofflce was established April 1, 1882, under the name of Rolfe, with Henry Tilley as the first postmaster. Previous to this date the name Ar- lington was often used to designate the place, but its use was dropped by request of the citizens the day the postofflce was established under the name of the first county seat in Des Moines township. On Dec. 21, 1883, two years after it was founded, the citizens by a vote de- cided to incorporate. During those two years a wild prairie region had been transformed into an incorporat- ed town of 300 inhabitants that en- joyed the advantages of two railroads, three general and two hardware stores, one bank, one drug store, one church edifice and a school building with two rooms. KOLFE IN 1900. Mayor, M. Crahan. Attorneys: Eobert Bruce, since 1897; U. 0. Delle, since 1886; S. H. Kerr, since 1889. W. D. McEwen, since 1870. ' Banks: State Savings Bank, incor- porated Jan. 1, 1893, (established in 1886 as "Exchange Bank of Rolfe," by McEwen, , Garlock & Grant; brick building erected in 1889) W. D. Mc- Ewen, Pres.; A. O. Garlock, Vice- Pres. ; S. H. Kerr, Cash. ; C. E. Eraser, Asst. Cash. Eirst National Bank, incorporated May 14, 1894, (established as "Bank of Rolfe" in 1882, by John Lee; building erected in 1881, the first one in the town) J. P. Farmer, Pres ; J. H. Charl- ton, Vice-Pres. ; S. S. Reed, ,Cash. ; ■ J. K. Lemon, Asst. Cash. Babbees: J. L. Moore, Messinger M. P.) & Watopek (Henry), W. H. Strickler. BAiiAAE: Frank H. Sherman. (See Gen'l. Merchants.) Blacksmiths: N. H. Williams, (es- tablished 1882) H. C. Holt, S. D. Stod- dard. Butter Manufacturer: Rolfe Creamery, W. R. Rogers, Prop. Bicycle Shop: Archie M. White. Carpet Weavers: Mrs. B. Hanch- er, J. J. Handel. Carpenters: W. A. Grove, A. W. Ireland, Charles C. Seifert, Charles Johnson, John A. Baird, J. H. Wilson, C. C. Depew, Alex. Barker. Contractors and Builders: Ed- ward Wood, A. W. Ireland, W. A. Grove, J. A. Baird. City Engineer (water works): A. G. Albright, (also city marshal.) Civil Engineer: Fred A. Malcolm. Clothing: Kaufman Bros., 'Globe,' D. M. Palmer, Mgr.; J. P. Farpaer. Chop-Housbs: Mrs. W. F. Smith. (See restaurants.) Churches: M. E. (1884), Presbyte- rian (1888), Catholic, Baptist (1896), Danish Lutheran (1900). Dentists: C. Wesley Siefkin, Dr. Frank King. Dressmakers: Mrs. Charles Peri- gal, Mrs. Wm. White, Mrs. A. A. MerrilljMiss Louisa Hayward, Camille Paulson, Mrs. F. H. Symes. Draymen: Charles E. Matteson, John Spear, F. C. Walston. Druggists: Geo. W. Core, since 1882; Charles M. Webb, since 1889; Charles H. Beam, since 1895. Elevators: Northern Iowa Grain Co., M. C. Brown, Mgr.; Counselman &Co., H. M. Underwood, Mgr.; Joe White. Egg House and Cold Storage: Crahan & Co., R. P. Brown, Mgr. Feed and Seed: W. B. Saunders, J. L. Hall. Furniture:. C. P. Leithead & Sons 486 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. (W. C. and A. E.) since 1886; Mclntire Hawarden Div. C. & N-W. Ry., E. A. Bros , (W. P. and S. L.) Messinger. Gbnebal Merchants: M. Crahan, Masons and Plastekbes: B. Bux- since 1889; (sold in 1900 to J. P. Far- bom. Ed Wood, D. Wood, mer) D. Ferguson & Son, (Ward) since Meat Mabkets: "Palace," J. H. 1891; Weible & Hauclr, (August W. Price; "North Side," Jas. Cuflf. and Valentine H.) since 1883; J. T. Mill: Rolfe Roller Mills, Patter- Lange. Tlie "Bazaar," Frank H. son & Fouch, (G. A. & D.) Sherman; the "Racket," E. E. Vest; Milliners: Mrs. J. A. Lemon, the "Hub," H. F. Mills. Mrs. Florence Utley, Miss Mae White. Gkocees: Pollock Bros, (J. H. & Musical Instruments: R. B. G. R.) O. B. Fuller. I'ishi Mclntire Bros., (W. P. & S. L.) Grain Dealers: M. C. Brown, H. A. Lind. Northern Iowa Grain Co.; H. M. Un- Music Teachers: Mrs. W. P. derwood, Counselman & Co.; Joe WHeeler, Miss Lucille Wheeler. Wliite. Newspapers: "The Reveille, "since Hardware: A. R. Doxsee, & Bro., 1888, A. R. & Lottie Thornton; "Eolfe (J. L.) sincel89o; A. B. Symes, since (twice a-week) Tribune," since 1897, 1883. J. H. Lighter. Harness Shops: Ed McMahon, Nurse: Miss Anna M. Smith, since 1888; J. E, Gill. Painters: Kelts & Son, (Jas. & Hotels: "Tremont," George Wen- Phil B.) Ross Dennis, W. H. Shirk, gart. Prop.; "Oxford," Wm. Pauline, Henry Jensen. Prop. Pastors: Rev. O. S. Bryan, M. E.; House mover: C. H. Roberts. jjev. D. McKeogh, Catholic; Rev. N. Ice; W. B. Saunders. h. Burdick, Presbyterian; Rev. F. O. Implements: E. R. Wiswell, Joe Bump, Baptist; Rev. M. C. Jensen- White, Mgr.; J. E. Gill, H. C. Holt, Bngholm, Danish Lutheran. A. B. Symes, John Albright, Photographer: C. F. Garrison; Insurance: J. B. Kent, J. M. building erected in 1886.) Smith, Robert Bruce, C. B. Eraser, S. Poultry: F. C. Thomas, John L. H. Kerr, M. Whitman, John Albright, Hall, M. C. Ransom, Charles Gruble. J. A. Whitaker, J. H. Campbell, W. Postmaster: Marion Bruce. P. Wheeler, Frank E. Jorgenson, S. S Physicians and Surgeons: W. W. Reed, J. K. Lemon. Beam, since 1881; E. W. Wilson, E. Jewelers: J. White & Son, (C. J.) -r. Ames, (homeopath.) John M. Lind. Rolfe Telephone Co : W. P. Janitor: (public school) E. J. Wheeler, Pres.; C.E. Fraser, Sec 'y and Wheeler. Treas.; 115 subscribers; stock, $10,000. Laundry: (Chinee) Hong Lee, Prop. Railway Agents: H.D.Smith, Liverymen: Peter Johnson, C. E. a, R. I. & P. Ry.; L. A. Dash, C. & Stover. N-W. Ry. Live Stock: Weible & Yetter, (M. real Estate: J. B. Kent, John W. & Jacob Y.) J. E. Gill & Co., G. Albright, J. H. Campbell, F. B. Jor- W. Rich & Co. genson, J. A. Whitaker, W. P. Wheel- LuMBBR AND Coal: C. A. Grant & er, Jas. Smith. Son, (J. T.) since 1892; J. & W. C. Restaurants: Wm. Harris, M. W. Shull, W. F. SmiLh, Mgr. Coal-J. B. Coffin, I. T. Hall, T. D. Challand, Gill. Fox Bros,, (James & Thos. J.) Mrs. W. Mail Messenger: Des Moines & F. Smith, (chop house.) CENTER TOWNSHIP. 487 EoLFE Bottling Wokks: C. M. Webb, Mgr. Saddleky: (See Harness Shops. ) Shoemakers: A. J. Denend, J. H. Hartman. Tailors: J. M. McPetrie, Charles Josephson. Telephone Operators: Miss Lulu F. Eansom, M. W. Coffin, Charles H. Beam, (la. Tel. Co.) Undbetakers: C. P. Leithead, W. P. Mclntire. Wagon Makers: N. P. Jensen, S. D. Stoddard, H. C. Holt, N. H. Wil- liams. Well Drillers: J. H. Hancher, Thos. Heather, (successor to N. F. Russell.) Veterinary Surgeon: H. Barnes. At the first election held in Rolfe, the following persons were chosen as the first officers of the Incorporation: Mayor, J. J. Bruce; councilmen, F. H. Symes and Wm. Jarvis, one year; J. Lamb and M. Lathrop, two years; V. Hauck and C. P. Leithead, three years: recorder, E. W. Dul^e; treasurer, John Lee. The first meeting of the council was held March 19, 1884. At this meeting the council arranged for a sidewalk, and at the second one, held March 24th, following, they de- termined the boundaries of the incor- poration as including all of section 5, 640 acres. On Dec. 1, 1884, they gave the Toledo & Northwestern R. R. Co. a strip of land thirty feet In width on Railroad street extending from the west side of Grant street to the east line of section 5, for depot grounds and side-tracks; and the depot was then moved there from Rubens. On Feb. 2, 1882, D. D. Day was appointed as the first assessor of the town, and James Hall, marshal. SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS. The succession of officers of the in- corporated town of Rolfe has been ,^as follows: Mayors: James J. Bruce, 1884; D. D. Day, W. C. Ralston, John B. Kent, '87-88, '98; W. F. Bright, *89; John Lee, '90-91; Wm. D. McEwen, '92-95; Ferdi- nand C. Thomas, '96-97; Robert Struthers, '98; (died in office) M. Cra- han, '99-1900. Councilmen: F. H. Symes, '84-87, '90-92; V. Hauck, '84-86, '90-92; Wm. Jarvis, '84, '87-89; M. Lathrop, '84-87; J. Lamb, '84-86; C. P. Leithead, '84-87; M. W. Coffin, '85-91; C. A. Grant, '87- -89, '97-99; A. S. Mygatt, '88-92; M. Crahan, '88, '91-93, '96-98; Frank G. Thornton, '88; D. D. Day, '89-90; E. P. Hammond, '89; J. H. Charlton, '91-92, '94-95, 1900; F. C. Thomas, '91, '99-1900; F. M. Flynn, '92; Ed McMahon, '93; J. li. Lighter, '93-97; Thomas Rogers, '93-95; W. A. Grove, '94-95; J. A. Whit- aker, '94-96; R. Chambers, '95-96; Ohas. Johnson, '96, '98-1900; Frank King, '96- 98; H. D. Smith, '96-97; D. Fouch, '97- 99; A.. B. Symes, '98-1900; W. F. Smith, '99.1900; Ward Ferguson, 1900. Recorders: E. W. Duke, '84-86; J. L. Warden, '87-89; F. H. Plumb, '90; J. H. Lighter, '91; E. R. Wiswell, '92- 94; Marlon Bruce, '95-96; August Wei- ble, '97-1900. Treasurers; John Lee, '84-88; J. J. McGrath, '89-90; S. S. Reed, '91-1900. The first addition to Rolfe was made Aug. 26, 1884, by the Northwest- ern Land Co., south and east of the original plat. It Included the north- east fractional quarter and the Ni SEi Sec. 5, and was platted by L. C. Thornton, surveyor. On Sept. 11, 1888, the second addition, consisting af blocks 10 and 11, north of 4 and 5 of original plat, was made by the Poca- hontas Land & Loan Co., W. D. Mc- Ewen, president, and it was platted by E. A. Caswell, surveyor. On May 29, 1890, the third addition, consisting of blocks 12 to 22, west of the depot grounds of the D. M. & Ft. D. Ry,, was made by the Pocahontas Land & Loan Co., and on Aug. 18, 1890, the Kent addition, consisting of blocks 1 and 2, west of the D, M. c& Ft. D. Ry., and north of Elm street, was made by 488 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. John B. Kent. Aug. 14, 1893, the fourth addition, comprising blocks 23 to 38 on section 5, was made by the Pocahontas Land & Loan Co. The Lothian addition on the northeast, consists of a part of the Si SEi Sec. 32, Des Moines township, and was made by William M. Lothian. NO SALOON. On Dec. 1, 1884, the council passed an ordinance providing for the pay- ment of a license of $25.00 a month or $300 a year for the sale of pop, cider and other drinks not prohibited by law. The tax on billiard tables was fixed at $12.00 each a year, minors were prohibited from frequenting places where pool, billiards, cards or other games of chance were played, and it was made the duty of the mar- shal to arrest all minors found play- ing these games. These ordinances are still in force. The local land company that plat- ted the town, put forth a laudable en- deavor to found a city that would be ifree from the blighting presence of the liquor saloon, by inserting in all their deeds a clause the object of which was to prohibit the sale of in- toxicating liquors on the premises. No provision has ever been made by the town council for its establish- ment, and it is a matter of local pride worthy of note that Rolf e has never had a saloon. The fact has also been noted that during the first eighteen years of its history not a business block or private residence was com- pletely destroyed by fire. By pro- tecting the youth of the town from the dissipating and demoralizing in- fluences of the gaming table and sa- loon, a sober, clear-headed and indus- trious citizenship has been developed and a good class of people has been at- tracted to the town and community, so that the growth has been both sub- stantial and rapid. At the general election in the fall of 1899, Rolfe took {he lead by casting 412 votes, which was 27 more than the number cast by any other town in Pocahontas county. THE CEMETERY. The Clinton township cemetery, containing nine acres, is located on the southwest corner of section 4, one- half mile southeast of Rolfe. It is under the supervision and care of the township trustees, who in 1890, made arrangements with Henry Packman, of Eagle Grove, to plant a row of ev- ergreens around it and a few through it. These trees are now growing nicely, they produce a very pleasing effect upon the landscape, are emi- nently appropriate and invariably at- tract the attention and call forth the admiration of' every observer. This city of the dead has become the last resting place of rep'resentatives of many of the pioneer families of the north part of this county, and during recent years a large number of beau- tiful monuments have been erected to their memory. KAILROAD AID. A number of special elections were held in this township to vote aid in favor of railway projects. On June 19, 1872, a 5 per cent tax was voted the Fort Dodge & Northwestern R. R. Co. On Nov. 30, 1872, that project having bsen abandoned, this aid was voted to the Iowa & Dakota R. R. Co. This project was also abandoned and on May 21, 1881, this aid was voted the Des Moines & Fort Dodge R. R. Co., who built the road from Tara to Ruthven and received it. On June 7, 1887, at a special election held in Rolfe, another 5 per cent tax was voted to aid in the construction of the Sioux City & Northeastern R. R., pay- able when a continuous line of stand- ard gauge road should be completed from Sioux City to the southwest cor- ner of section 7, Clinton township. This project was abandoned after the survey was completed. On June 20, 1876, W. D. McEwen, editor of the Times, wrote as follows JAS. J. BRUCE, ROLFE. COUNTY TREASURER, 1870-73. REPRESENTATIVE, 1886-87. J, ELLEN W, 5TR UTHLKS MATHER i^Vf Mrs.W. C, KENNEDY. ■''■_ _^.^^ ^ ^ 5i J? '\ N&LANJ)^-^- .i>T^ ^^^it2j'i5^ ^ _f W.t.CAMPSClL ^ '^''l^^'^--'^'" ROLFE, GILMORE CITY AND VICINITY. (DLINTON TOWNSfilP. 489 concerning this matter of railroad aid: Tlie McGregor & Missouri R. K. Co. a few years previous induced the citi- zens to vote aid in some of the town- ships to a paper railroad running from Fort Dodge in a northerly direction, ostensibly taking the place of the Des Moines Valley railroad. Circum- stances that occurred later led those citizens, who advocated this aid, to feel that in so doing they were the dupes of a designing corporatio n of men, whose sole object was to secure control of the local aid in those coun- ties in which lay the land grant of the McGregor & Missouri R. R, Co., ex- pecting thereby to crowd out legiti- mate projects and to save the above named company from paying tax on its grant. This experiment led them to feel that rushing into a railroad excitement was somewhat like inter- fering with the business end of a wasp. A natural consequence of an over-desire to have a railroad, often leads men to grasp at straws handled by shrewd men who have axes to grind, and would have the grindstone turned by those who should hold the axe. HISTORIC INCIDENTS. The first child born in Clinton town- ship was Nettie Olason, whose birth occurred July 25, 1865. The first marriage occurred in the log house of Joseph Clason, Dec. 25, 1869, when his daughter Sarah became the wife of George Heald, Rev. David S. McComb performing the ceremony. The first school house in Clinton township was built by W .D. McEwen and Henry Jarvis, carpenters, in 1865, on section 11, in the Malcolm district, and the first teacher in it was Edward Strong, Previous to this date many of the children in this township who attended school, went to the brick school house in Des Moines township. Clinton was included in the Des Moines school district until the end of 1868. In 1881, the firfet religious services were established in the township by the organization of a union Sunday School in the Pilot Creek district, un- der Joseph Hatton, superintendent. In 1883, when he moved to Rolfe, Wm. C. Kennedy became his successor as superintendent, and he maintained the Sunday School at that place dur- ing the next five years. Later,- the Danish Baptists secured the erection of a church building on the NEi Sec. 34. At the first meeting of the trustees of Clinton township, held in April, 1861, the time was occupied in dis- cussing work on the roads and it was decided the wages per day should be for a man, $1.00; for one yoke of cat- tle fifty cents, and for two yoke of cattle, $1.00. The amount expended on the roads that year was $89.50. It was in Clinton township that the following amusing incident, illustra- tive of the old-time way of thinking and too good to be lost, is said to have occurred: As the time of the annual election drew near one of the few early settlers went to his neighbor and inquired if he would not be willing to take the office of justice of the peace. The one whom he addressed was a deacon in the church and he asked that a reason- able amount of time be given him to consider a matter of so much import- ance. A few days later he was over- heard musing aloud or talking with himself over the matter and as fol- lows: "The people now call me 'Dea- con X, ' and that sounds well in the ears of the Lord. If I were elected justice of the peace they will call me 'Squire X, ' and that will sound well in the ears of the people. I believe I had better take the office." During December of 1881 the first religious services were held in Rolfe by William C. Kennedy and Rev. L. C. Gray, of Fort Dodge. The former, as superintendent, secured the organ- ization of a Sunday school and it met in the most convenient one of the new buildings in process of erection, he making the selection and cleaning it for that purpose on the previous Saturday evening. Mr. Gray held divine services at the same time and 490 PIONEEE SlSTOR'y.Ofi' POCAliol^T^AS COUNTY, loWl. place on alternate Sabbaths. In December 1881 the first public school was established under Maggie Hairin a building that stood north of the First National Bank building, and for some months afterwards this building was used for the Sunday school and church services. It is now used as a stable by Dr. W. W. Beam. In 1883, when J. J. Bruce built the double two story frame building at the south end of Garfield street from the lumber of the old court house and later known as the Tremain House, the services were transferred to the the public hall over the store of Weible & Hauck in the north half of this building. PUBLIC officers: The following persons have been elected or appoint- ed to serve as public officers from Clinton township: Sheriff, Edward P. Hammond; superintendents, Oscar r. Avery, Ora Harvey, J. H. Camp- bell; coroners, Edward P. Hammond, Joseph Clason, Dr. W. W. Beam, C. C. Delle, Esq.; surveyor, Fred A. Malcolm; clerks of the court, E. P. Hammond, A. H. Malcolm, F. H. Plumb; representative, James J. Bruce; senator, George W. Henderson; county supervisors, Ora Harvey, A. II. Malcolm, J. J. Bruce, Robert Hunter POSTMASTERS AT ROLFK. Henry Tilley established the office April 1, 1882, and his successors have been James Hatton, D. D. Day, '86-90; George F. Rpence, '90-97; Marion Bruce since July 1, 1897. RAILWAY AGENTS. c. & N. ^Y. by: At Rubens, T. C. Morbeck, '82-83; J. Z. Benson; at Rolfe, J. Z. Benson, '84-90; Frank M. Flynn, '90-91; J. Z. Benson, '91-92; C. H. Sla- gle, '92-93; George Staynor, '93-96; W. F. Smith, '96-99; J. G. Kahl, '99; A. B. Jones since Jan. 1, 1900. C. R. I. & P. RY: E. S. Darling, '82- 84; H. D. Smith since 1884. INDEPENDENT DISTRICT OF BOLFE. In response to a petition presented to the board of directors of Clinton township in January, 18S4, the Inde- pendent District of Rolfe was estab- lished, embracing all the territory on sections 5 and 6, tlie Wi Sec. 4, Ni Sec. 7, N. i Sec. 8, and NWi Sec. 9, in Clinton (92-31) ,all of section 32, the Si Sec. 31 and Wi Sec. 33 in Des Moines (93-31) townships. Since that time several additions have been made to this district. On Sept. 15, 1884, at the request of Henry Hayward, owner, NEi Sec. 8, Clinton; on Jan. 16, 1891, at the request of J. Denend, the NW i SWi Sec. 4, Clin- ton, and on Sept. 16, 1895, at the re- quest of Thomas Heather, the SWi SWi Sec. 33, Des Moines township, were added. On March 10, 1884, at the first meet- ing of the electors of the independent district, the first board of directors was elected as follows: James J. Bruce, Frederick H. Symes and M. W. Coflln. The board organized by the selection of M. W. Coffin for Pres.; James.]. Bruce, Secy., and John Lee, Treas. The succession of officers has been as follows: Pebsidents: M. W. Coffin, 1884-85; F. H. Symes, '86; M. Lathrop, '87-90; J. J. Bruce, '91-92; W. F. Bright, '93- 94; F. C. Thomas, '95; John Ratclift, '96; Wm. D. McEwen, '97; Michael Crahan, '98-99; W. W. Beam, M. D., 1900. Sbcbetaeies: James J. Bruce, '84; M. Lathrop, '85; J. L. Warden, '86-92; J. H. Lighter, '93-96; A. L. Schultz, '96-97; H. D. Smith, '97-98; F. C. Thom- as, '99-1900. Trbasubbbs: John Lee, '84-89;- J. B. Kent, '90-99;. W. P. Wheeler, 1900. Others who have served as members of the board are, C. A. Grant, '87-89; M. Weible, '89; H. A. Lind, '89-90; G. W. Dickinson, '89-91; C. C. Delle, '89; D. D. Day, '90-92; Geo. F, Spence, '90, CLiisrToir ToWi^fsaiP. 4l9l '94-96; W. A. Grove, '90-92; A. O. Gar- Orahan; F. G. Thomas, Sec, and W. lock, '91; H. D. Smith, '91; W. F. P. Wheeler, Treas. Bright, '92-95; G. J. Doxsee, '92-93; Principals: J. L. Warden, '84 85; John EatcllfE, '92-96; C. E. Gill, '93; L. M. Beebe p,nd Amos Hoffman, in W. B. Sanders, '93-95; E. M. Wilcox, '86; A. W. Sargent, '87; Fred C. Gil- '93-94; S. S. Reed, '93-94; F. C. Thomas, Christ, '88-89; J. L. Martin, '90; S. A. PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, ROLFE. BUILT 1890, '95 97; W. p. Wheeler, '961900; A. B. Emery, '90-93; J. M. Humphrey, '94 Symes, '98-1900. In 1889, the board T. J. Loar, '95; A. T. Eutledge, 96- was increased from three to six me, who are cared for by a faculty of eight in- structors. The rules provide for the suspension of any pupil who is absent more than six half-days in any four consecutive weeks, unless detained by sickness or some urgent cause; also for using tobacco in any form or profane or improper language on the school- grounds. Prof. A. T. Rutledge is now serving his fifth year as principal and the efficient work done in their public schools is a source of pride to the peo- ple of Rolfe. In November, 1900, Mr. G. W. Schee, of Primghar, a liberal friend of edu- cation, ofEered the people of Rolfe $100.00 if they would raise $250.00 more, for the purpose of putting a good library in the Rolfe high school. With the approval of the board of ed- ucation. Prof. A. T. Rutledge began the work of solicitation, the people responded liberally and in a few days the required amount was raised. This library, costing $350.00 and obtained before Christmas, 1900, forms a valu- able literary equipment for the Rolfe schools. These books were bought for use and pupils may take them to their homes, but if they are not returned in good condition they will be charged to the head of the family. They are under the care of the school board and it is its duty to check them up once a year. PUBLIC SPIRIT. The pubhc spirit of the citizens of Rolfe has been manifested in various ways and on every occasion that has called for its expression. One of the most liberal and commendable in- stances of its expression was in the spring of 1891, when Messrs. W. D. McEwen, A. O. Garlock and C. A. Grant, proprietors of the Savings Bank, took the lead in making to the Presbytery of Fort Dodge, in behalf CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 493 of the citizens of Rolfe, an offer of a beautiful site of nine acres of land, upon an elevation north and west of the junction of the two railroads, and $12,000 additional, making a gift of $15,000, in the event the Collegiate Institute, then located in inadequate buildings and grounds at Fort Dodge, should be moved to Rolfe. This lib- eral offer was a genuine surprise to the citizens of Fort Dodge, was great- ly appreciated by the Presbytery and proved an effective stimulus to the larger town of Storm Lake, that se- cured it, to offer still greater induce- ments for that institution now known as Buena Vista College. kolfe's pttblic park. Soon after the town of Rolf e was founded, some thoughtful and ob- serving citizens expressed regret that a public square or park had not been left in the center of it for the pleas- urable and healthful enjoyment of the people. In February, 1898, this ex- pression of desire for a park was more munificently met by Wm D. Mc- Bwen, Esq., and Hon. A. O. Garlock than others had previously anticipa- ted; they tendered and the city council accepted from them the valuable tract of land containing forty acres, lo- cated within the corporate limits and known during the previous ten years as the Rolfe Driving Park. About the year 1888, this land was sold to the Rolfe Driving Park Asso- ciation for a fair ground and race course. No money, however, except the annual interest, was ever paid on the contract, for although yearly meetings were held for races they al- most invariably proved a source of financial loss to the stockholders. After ten years of unsatisfactory ex- perience and greatly to the relief of the stockholders, the original owners volunteered to take back the land, re- turning to the stockholders all the in- terest they had paid on their con- tract and remunerating them also for all the improvements they had made. They then deeded this entire tract of land to the town of Rolfe for a public park. That which Warrick Price did for Pocahontas when he platted that vil- lage in 1870, making it the first and for twentyeight years the only one in Pocahontas county having a beautiful, shady park, has now been done for Rolfe by those who platted the town in 1881. The greater size and value of the gift is suggestive of the real and personal interest of the donors in the present and future happiness and wel- fare of the people of Rolfe. This park, in a few years, when it has been laid out, improved and planted with trees, will become a very beautiful place; and the interest of the people in it will increase with the progress of the years. GOOD BO ad's movement. In the fall of 1898, when opportuni- ties for employment were scarce and workmen plenty, under the leadership of Col. John B. Kent, $650.00 were pledged by the citizens and business firms of Rolfe for the purpose of grad- ing and hauling gravel on the streets and highways within the incorpora- tion. On Nov. 10th the matter was laid before the town council and it further encouraged this movement by providing that an amount from the general fund, not exceeding $650, should be added to the amount volun- tarily contributed by the citizens. As a result, over $1200 were expended for the permanent improvement of the streets and highways in Rolfe and vicinity. The committee having the matter in charge purchased two gravel pits in the neighborhood for a small sum so that almost the whole amount contributed was expended merely for labor. A number of farm- ers contributed liberally to the fund and during that winter the four prin- cipal roads leading into Rolfe, as well as its streets, were thoroughly worked, 494 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHON1AS COUNTY IOWA. graded and graveled. When spring came and the roads leading into neigh- boring towns were impassable because of the mud, the lour main roads lead- ing into Rolf e were dry and hard. The permanent value of this public spirited improvement is perceived when it is known that the gravel was put eigh- teen inches deep on the grades. Every feature of this movement was one of real and substantial benefit to the people of Rolfe and vicinity. The laboring men who performed the work, in less than sixty days, by the pay- ment of their bills for groceries, etc., brought back to the donors the money they had contributed. The merchants of the city realized an increase of trade, the farmers coming to town in the family carriage, or with wagons heavily laden with the products of the soil, experienced a grateful relief from the former bad roads, and the town received commendatory congratula- tions from the public press of the State that were greatly enjoyed by all. In 1899 crude oil was used on some roads at Keokuk and some of the sub- urban streets of Des Moines as a sprinkler for settling the dust and making the surface of the unpaved dirt roads less liable to washing. Crude oil settles the dust and makes such a coating that the rain does not wash away even the iinest dust. The new departure of free rural mail delivery means better roads in the rural districts. The successful delivery -of mail in the country de- pends on having long routes, over which the carriers can pass at all sea- sons of the year, delivering and col- lecting enough mail to obtain sufficient revenue to cover the cost of the serv- ice. Other States in the Union are moving not only for good roads but for rural free delivery. The farmers of Iowa, the State having the greatest and most varied natural resources, should endeavor to have the best roads possible. In this county tlie attention hitherto has been directed chiefly to grading the low places while the knolls have been left comparatively undis- turbed. The time has now come when the knolls should be removed as far as possible and the grades graveled. In many instances the removal of the knolls will furnish considerable gravel for the grades. Those supervisors will be remembered as public benefactors who shall now expend the greater part of one year's tax in removing the knolls on the highways, in their re- spective districts, that lead to town. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF EOLFB. In 1882 John Lee established the Bank of Rolfe, the first one of the town, and maintained it alone seven years. On Jan. 1, 1889 Samuel S. Reed bought a one third interest in it and became its cashier. On March 3, 1893, it was sold to Farmer, Thompson & Helsell, of Sioux Rapids, who con- tinued it as a private bank until May 14, 1894, when, with a paid up capital of $50,000 it was organized as the First National Bank of Rolfe, J. P. Farmer, President; J. II. Charlton, V. P.; J. W. Warren, cashier and S. S. Reed, assistant. When J. W. Warren died, Jan. 27, 1896, S. S. Reed became cash- ier, J. K. Lemon, assistant and Clark Brower, clerk. The directors in 1900 were J. P. Farmer and F. H. Helsell, of Sioux Rapids, J. H. Charl- ton W. W. Beam, M. D., Thomas Ro- gers and S. S. Reed, Rolfe. The citizens of Rolfe who are now identiiied with this bank are well known as among the most enterpris- ing, successful and substantial in that community. J. P. Farmer, O. P. Thompson and F. H. Helsell in 1882 established the Bank of Sioux Rapids. During the next eighteen years they extended the field of their operations from time to time and from town to town until they have become one of the strong- est and most widely known banking firms In nortl;western Iowa. They CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 495 own all the stock in the bank of Siouxs Rapids, where their general office is located, in the Bank of Havelock and Greenville; and a controlling interest in the First National Banks of Eolfe and Laurens, and of other banks loca- ted at Marathon, Peterson and Spen- cer. The rapid expansion and growth of their business suggests that they are men of sound financial standing and have a talent for business. In each of the communities where they are doing business their banks are managed by courteous and popular officials and the banking interests of the people are well served. STATE SAVINGS BANK OF KOLFE. On March 1, 1886, the Exchange Bank of Rolfe was established by Wm. D. McEweD, Pres ; A. O. Gar- lock, V. P., and C, A. Grant, cashier. In 1892 it was reorganized as the State Savings Bank of Rolfe, with a paid up capital of $30,000 under the same of- ficers. The officers since June 1, 1900 are Wm. D. McEwen, President; A. O. Garlock, V. P.; S. H. Kerr, Cashier and Charles E. Eraser, assistant cash- ier; and the directors are W. D. Mc- Ewen, A. O. Garlock, C. A. Grant, A. V. Grant, J. M. McEwen and M. E. Kerr. C. A. Grant, who had the special charge of this bank during the first three years of its history, continued as its cashier until June 1, 1900, a period of fourteen years. He began its busi- ness with a deposit of $2,300. On the first day no drafts were sold and the business transacted consisted in tak- ing a note for a small loan and receiv- ing $303 from three depositors. On the last day lie rendered service the deposits amounted to $112,000 and the general footings were the liighest in its history. He still retains his inter- est in the bank, but gives his special attention to another important busi- ness enterprise. C. 11. Tollefsrude was the assistant cashier of this bank for several years previous to June 1, 1900. The establishment of this bank was one of the natural outgrowths of a bond of mutual co-operation that has existed between Wm. D. McEwen and A. O. Garlock during the last twenty-four years. In 1876, when the county seat was moved and they were filling the offices of county treasurer and auditor, respectively, they bought three lots at Pocahontas, erected a large house and occupied it together thirteen years, or until 1889 when the latter moved to Rolfe. In 1881 they became leading partners in the North- western Town Lot Co. that platted the town of Eolfe. In 1883 they erected a stone building and establish- ed the Pocahontas Savings Bank, the pioneer bank at Pocahontas. Mr. Garlock, as cashier, managed its af- fairs while Mr. McEwen continued to perform the duties of county treasur- er. In 1886 they established the Ex- change Bank of Rolfe under the man- agement of C. A. Grant, cashier, and in 1891 the Savings Bank of Plover, the latter under the management of W. S. McEwen, cashier. Both of these men were among the sturdy pioneers who settled in this county during the sixties and they have ren- dered long periods of efficient and im- portant public service. They have achieved an ■ eminent degree of suc- cess in their business enterprises and have become equally prominent for the liberality of their responses to the calls of charity, benevolence, patriot- ism and philanthropy. The stock of these three banks es- tablished by them is all owned by the directors that have been named, and they need no introduction or words of commendation to the citizens of Po- cahontas county, who, among other things, have learned the propriety of patronizing their own home insti- tutions. In 1892 all of these banks were reorganized, and amohff the changes made at that time was the 496 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. enlargement of the one at Rolfe to the State Savings Bank, the spacious oiBces of which have become the of- ficial headquarters for the general management of all. By an invariable adherence to honor- able business principles, on the part of its proprietors, the State Savings Bank has constantly grown in public favor. Its name is suggestive of ster- ling integrity, economical administra- tion and abundant resources. "Its pol- icy has always been to keep its busi- ness entirely within its own control and its resources available for any emergency. Its excellent management has evinced a knowledge of finance that reflects credit upon its proprie- tors and also upon the community in which it is located." THE CHURCHES OF EOLFB. The people of Rolfe and vicinity be- lievgin the public worship of Al- mighty God, in having good churches for that purpose and in making a good use of tliem. Everybody at Rolfe goes to church. As a result their churches are filled with devout and reverent worshipers during the hours of pub- lic worship. During the hour of Sun- day school they are again filled with an assemblage of parents, young peo- ple and children for the purpose of studying "the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto sal- vation."* As a natural result all the people, old and young, have an intel- ligent knowledge of the law of God and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; and herein is found the secret of that high moral sentiment for which the people of Rolfe and vicinity have al- ways been noted. The Methodists, Presbyterians, Cath- olics, Baptists and Danish Lutherans have secured the erection of commo- dious church buildings, and they are now served by resident pastors. The Norwegian Lutherans who have been worshiping in the Presbyterian *IITim. 3, i5. church and are now served by Rev. O. Halgrims, of Thor, have arranged for the erection of a church building in 1901, on lots donated for that pur- pose on Elm street by Niels Johnson. METHODIST EPISCOPAL. The Methodist Episcopal church of Rolfe is the oldest organization of that denomination in Pocahontas county. Services were established in the court house at Old Rolfe during the sixties by the Des Moines conference, a par- sonage was erected there during the year 1874, and the charge embraced the inhabited portions of the north- ern part of this county. Owing to the lack of local records, the facts relating to the early history of this organization elude the search of the historian. The succession of pastors at Old Rolfe, so far as we have been able to ascertain them, was as follows: Rev. D. M. Beams, 1869; John B. Rowen, Rufus rancher, William McCready, Oct. 1875, 2yrs.; R. W. Thornberg, '77; C. W. Chfton, '78,2yrs; T. J. Cuthbert, '80,2 yrs.The county records show that the board of county supervisors on June 7, 1869, extended to this organi- zation the courtesy of holding a quar- terly meeting in the court house after that date. In 1883 the services were transfer- red to the new town of Rolfe. On Oct. 29, 1883, Elijah D. Seely, James J. Bruce and James S. Hatton, trus- tees, were appointed a building com- mittee to superintend the erection of a church building. The frame of this building was erected that fall and it was dedicated with appropriate cere- monies by presiding elder, Rev. W. F. Gleason, June 20, 1884. This building has since been enlarged by the addi- tion of a pulpit recess and class-room. These additions in connection with a re-arrangement of the main audience room have nearly doubled its seating capacity. A large and comfortable parsonage has also been built on lots CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 497 adjoining the churoli, tlie old one hav- ing been sold soon after its removal lo Rolfe. The sucession of pastors at Rolfe has been: A. W. Richards, Oct. 1, '82, 3 yrs.; W. Rice, '85, 2 yrs.; T. W. Ginn, '87;Charles ArCman, '88, 3yrs.; T. S. Cole, '91, 2 yrs. ; Joel A. Smith, '93; T. S. Carter, '94, 2 yrs.; P. J. McCaflree, '96, 2 yrs.; R. C. Glass, '98; O. S. Bryan, '99, 2d year. the work of this church is well organ- ized under the leadership of capable persons and it is accomplishing its mission in a manner highly credit- able to Its pastors and membership. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Presbyterian church at Rolfe was organized at the old town of Rolfe, Oct. 31, 1880, during the ministry of Rev, L. C. Gray, of Fort Dodge, with a membership of fourteen persons. METHODIST CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, ROLFE. The roll of this church contains the names of a number of the first settlers in the north part of this county of whom Mr. and Mrs. John Fraser, Mr. and Mrs. Augustus H. Malcolm and a few others are still living. They have been loyal to the Interests of the church and it has exerted a potent in- fluence in the development of the* moral 'and spiritual forces of that community. Every department of namely: Robert Struthers, Susan (Mc- Ewen) Struthers, Robert Lothian, Sr,, John B. Lothian, George Anderson, Robert Anderson, James J. Bruce, Mary J. Bruce, Joseph Clason, Ellen Mather, Alexander McEwen, Delilah McEwen, Emiline Broadwell and Peter Williams. Robert Struthers, James J. Bruce and Robert Lothian, Sr., were elected elders. James J. Bruce served as 498 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. elder and clerk of the session until Oct. 1, 1883. Alexander McEwen, George Henderson and Robert Ander- son were elected trustees. This was a reorganization of the Unity* Presbyterian church that had Second Presbyterian church of Rolfe. The succession of Pastors in it has been Rev. Lyman C. Gray, Fort Dodge, 1880-83; Simeon B. Head, Pomeroy, '84-86; George H. Duty, '87-90; Augus- tus C. Keeler, '91-93; ^George Ainslie, PRESByTBBIAN CHT7RCH, KOLPE. been maintained in the northeast part '94-97; W. RoUin McOaslin, '98-99; of the county from 1859 until the year Newman H. Burdick, the present pas- 1879, when it was allowed to lapse, tor, since August 1, 1900. To distinguish the new organization During the ministry of Rev. .G. H. from the old one ir. was canecl the Duty, the first one to reside on the ■*See pHge 21-8. tl'^l^i tlie worlc cleveloped very rapidly. CLINTOlsr TOWNSHIP. 499 On July 19, 1888, the corner stone for the church building was laid with ap- propriate ceremonies and an address by Rev. R. E. Flickinger, of Fonda, and on Dec. 9th, following it was ded- icated, the address being delivered by Rev. T. S. Bailfey, D. D. In 1889 a large and spacious parsonage was erected in the vicinity of the church, as a home for the pastor's family. This church has in its membership those who have become well known all over this county as recognized lead- ers in Sunday-school work. It was the first in the county to organize and suc- cessfully maintain a home department of the Sunday-school, for the benefit of those parents and others who could not attend its sessions, and it has hitherto been in charge of William C. Kennedy who, for many years previous, was the efficient superintendent ol the school. It has been served by a suc- cession of able and earnest pastors, under whose ministrations, it has in- creased rapidly in numbers and re- sources so that it is now one of the strongest and most influential in the county. The elders in 1900 were George F. Spence, clerk and Sunday school su- perintendent; William O. Kennedy, superintendent of the home class department, D. Pouch and John T. Grant. Trustees: W. C. Kennedy, Geo. F. Spence,'E. Buxbom, R. S. Mathers and Mrs. C. A. Grant. The rapid development of the work during the three and one-half years' ministry of Rev. George H. Duty, forms not only the most interesting chapter in the history of this church but the most notable one in some re- spects, in the annals of the church in Pocahontas county. His field of labor included the north half of this county and those portions of Palo Alto, Kos- suth and Humboldt counties of which West Bend and Gilmore City were then the natural trade centers. At the request of the people to serve them one-half time he located at Rolf e. May 1, 1887. He was in the prime of life and enjoyed robust health. He also enjoyed the cooperation of a tal- ented and noble-hearted wife, who shared with him his trials and the joy of his successive achievements. He threw himself without reserve into the work of developing the new fields in the vicinity of Rolfe as they called for his cooperation, and the perma- nent results of his self-sacrificing mis- sionary labors in laying foundations in them have not been exceeded by any christian worker in this county during the same short period. On his arrival he found no founda- tions laid except that at Rolfe and West Bend churches had been organ- ized that had a membership of twenty- five and thirteen respectively, but they had no church buildings. He be- gan his ministry by dividing his time between Rolfe and West Bend. After a few Sabbaths Plover, Pocahontas and Gilmore City claimed a part of his time. By preaching three times and riding twenty-five miles each Sabbath he was able to give one service to Rolfe every Sabbath and to the other places named one service every other Sabbath, making the trips in his own one-horse buggy. The services were held in the Meth- odist church at Rolfe, in the court house at Pocahontas and in school houses at the other places. They were well attended by both men and women except during the severe portions of the winter of 1887 and 1888. The terrible blizzard of Jan. 12, 1888 that caused the loss of many lives, block- aded the railroads and filled the high- ways with impassable drifts, and some succeeding stormy days prevented him from leaving home on a few Sab- baths, but many long and cold jour- neys over the frozen or snow-covered prairies did he make in meeting his widely separuted appointments. 500 PIONEER PIISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. During that winter the propriety of building a church became the subject of discussion at each of his appoint- ments. At Rolfe a rook foundation had been built some years previous but owing to its unfavorable location it was deemed inadvisable to build upon it. As spring advanced these building schemes began to take defin- ite shape by the solicitation of funds at Rolfe, West Bend and Gilmore City. During the summer the erection of the buildings was undertaken, the corner stone at Rolfe being laid July 19th. At the fall meeting of the Pres- bytery of Fort Dodge, a committee was appointed that effected the or- ganization of a church at Plover with twenty-six members on Oct. 11th, and at Gilmore City with eleven mem- berSjOn Oct. ISth.The church at Rolfe was completed and dedicated Dec. 9th; the one at Wes*; Bend Deo. 30, and the one at Gilmore City Feb. 3, 1889. The erection of these three houses of worship prepared the way for hold- ing evangelistic meetings and, as a re- sult of those held continuously from Dec. 30, 1888, to April 1, 1889, with the exception of the week preceding the dedication at Gilmore City, more than fifty persons were added to the mem- bership of these churches. Some of the people of Rolfe now be- gan to think they ought to build a parsonage. This new enterprise was successfully launched, and just before it was completed the people at Plover expressed a desire to build a house of worship. Their request for his co- operation in this undertaking met with his hearty approval. Funds were raised, workmen were engaged and on th3 8th day of December following, another beautiful church building was dedicated. During the ensuing year, 1890, he began to hold services at Lau- rens on occasional Tuesday evenings and a church of eight members was organized there Sept. 1, that year. From these naratives it will be per- ceived that during the short space of three years, in the development of his own field of labor, he secured the or- ganization of three churches and the erection of a large parsonage and four beautiful houses of worship. He re- ceived seventy-four persons into the membership of these churches during the year ending April 1, 1889. His tact in overcoming those little embarrassments that are liable to ap- pear when forward movements in the church are undertaken, was nicely il- lustrated in the way in which the par- sonage movement at Rolfe was launched. At the first meeting held to arrange for the erection of the par- spnage only a few persons were present and it seemed to them inadvisable to take any action except to adjourn to a later date. Two weeks later another meeting was held and a less number being present they again adjourned until a later date. At the third meet- ing only one man, George Melson, was present in addition to Mr. Duty. This meeting, however, was harmonious and enthusiastic. They agreed that a parsonage was needed and that the people were then ready to "rise up and build it." They prepared and adopted resolutions to that effect, appointed the necessary committees and the en- terprise was successfully launched. During the summer of 1890 he ex- perienced the loss of his horse in a sur- prising manner. Realizing that his field of labor was too large and taking Rev. N. Feather with him to view the appointments to be set off, he started In his buggy to visit Plover and West Bend. As they were approaching Plover they were caught in a thunder shower and a bolt of lightning killed his horse. This was a loss that was deeply felt, but kind friends enabled him to purchase another one soon afterward. FIEST BAPTIST CHUKCn. The First Baptist church of Rolfe was organized Sept. 29. 1895, as a re- CLINTON TOWNSHi:^. 501 suit of special meetings conducted by Dora Livingston and Miss Ellen Oker- Rev. J. W. Thompson, with thirteen strom. constituent members, namely; E. P. E. P. Brown and D. M. Palmer were Brown, Mrs. E. P. Brown, D. M. Pal- elected deacons; E. P. Brown, N. F. m.y^jsyjj^-yi/r-'r- r^ dlrJ Cf// CATHOLIC CHURCH, EOLFB. mer, Mrs. D. M. J'almer, O. W. Garrl- Eussell and D. M. Palmer trustees; son, Mrs. O. W. Garrison, Mrs. M. E. Mrs. Dora Livingston, clerk; and C. Kerr, Mrs. N. F. Eussell, C. A. Green, H. Roberts, treasurer. Mrs. C. A. Green, C. H. Roberts, Mrs. On Jan. 1, 1896, Rev. Charles Gilbert 552 PIONEER lil^'fOIlY OS* tobAitON'JPAS COUNTY, tOWl. Wright was called to the pastorate and he continued until Jan. 1, 1900, when he was succeeded by Rev. George Yule who served nearly one year and was succeeded by Rev. F. O. Bump, the present pastor. On Dec. 20, 1896, a house of worship was completed and dedicated at a cost of $1,800. The en- rollment now shows a membership of sixty communicants and the work of the church is progressing very encour- agingly. DANISH LUTHERAN CHT7BCH. The United Danish Evangelical Lu- therans completed and dedicated a house of worship in Rolfe May 27, 1900. At the dedicatory services which lasted three days, addresses were delivered by Rev. G. B. Christ- iansen, of Omaha, president of the denomination. Rev. N. Hansen, of i;!edar Falls, president of the eastern Iowa district, by eight otlier visiting brethren and the pastors of the other churches in Rolfe. A few months later that same year the erection of a parsonage was undertaken and carried to a happy completion. Rev. M. C. Jensen-Engholm, 'the pastor under whose leadership these buildings were erected, began his ministry at Rolfe March 1, 1900 and has been giving half his time to the church at Cal- lender. He is serving an industrious and sociable people, and is to be con- gratulated on the rapid material de- velopment of his work during the year 1900. THE COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION. The office of the Pocahontas County Fire and Lightning Insurance Associ- ation was at the home of its secretary J. J. Bruce, Rolfe, until Oct. 19, 1897; and it has been at the home of P. J. Shaw, near Plover, since that date. The history of this association begins with a meeting held in the court house at Pocahontas, March 26, 1890,* when a constitution was adopted and a committee appointed to prepare *See page 313. suitable by-laws. At a second meeting, held April 21st, following, the by-laws were adopted and a per- manent organization was effected by the election of C. M. Saylor, president; James J. Bruce, secretary; George Watts, treasurer. The others who were associated with them as founders or original directors, were P. J. Shaw, Geo. W. Henderson, Alexander Peter- son, J. W. O'Brien, W. F. Atkinson, Wm. Brownlee and James Clancy. At the first annual meeting, held on the second Tuesday of October, 1890, the number of directors was increased to sixteen, one for each township in the county. On Jan. 1, 1891, the required amount of applications having been received, this association began to do business and issued policies to the amount of $50,000. During the first four years, owing to the opposition encountered from old stock -companies and even from loan associations, the growth was comparatively slow, but never- theless encouraging. During the past few years its growth has been very rapid, as may be seen by the follow ing exhibit of its assessable risks: Jan. 1, 1891 $ 50 000 " " 1896 350 310 " " 1898 511 293 " " 1899 637 665 " " 1900 900 611 Mayll, " ....1 000 000 Jan. 1, 1901 ; 1 163 411 The cost of an insurance of $1,000 in this association during its first ten years, appears in the following exhib- it: During 1891 No assessment 1892 $1 75 1893 No assessment 1894 $1 00 1895 No assessment 1896 $2 00 1897 3 00 1898 No assessment 1899 $2 00 1900 2 00 Total for ten years $11 75 The membership fee In this associa- CLli^TOlsr TOWNSHII*. S03 tion is $1.00, and the contingent fee collected at the time the policy is is- sued is two mills on each dollar of In- surance. This association was formed in response to the request of many farmers, who had been members of mutual companies in other parts of this and other states, where -it was found that reliable insurance was fur- nished at one-half the cost charged by the old line companies. It insures farm property, including buildings, their contents, machinery, farm pro- duce and live stock, but does not take anv single risk of over $2,000. It is an auxiliary to the Iowa Mutual Insurance Association and its agents vrrite policies for the Iowa Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm As- sociation. The annual meetings are held in the month of October, and whilst the officers are elected by the directors, every member has a vote in the selection of the directors. The officers in 1900 were, C. M. Say- lor, president; George Watts, vice- president, and P. J. Shaw, secretary and treasurer. The other directors or local agents, v^ere Swan Nelson, James Mercer, Alexander Peterson, Carl Steinbrink, Charles Elsen, Wm. C- Kennedy, Charles L. Gunderson, An- ton Hudek, O. F. Olson, W. E. Pirie, M. T. Nilsson and L. E. Hanson. This association is no longer an ex- periment, but , a permanent institu- tion founded on a sound financial basis. The management of its affairs is in the hands of men who have been successfully working out their own destiny by a long residence in this county, and they have already saved their friends in the rural districts hundreds of dollars by affording them safe insurance at greatly reduced rates. No farmer should take the chance of being financially embarrassed by the loss of his buildings and property by fire, when good protection can be secured for a few dollars. It is as good a policy for the farhier to carry a reasonable amount of insurance as it is for the business man. It is also the best way of contributing one's share toward helping those who are so unfortunate as to lose their prop- erty by fire or tornado, and when one is contributing in this way to help others, he is paying for his own pro- tection. An incidental benefit from this and similar organizations has been the tabulation of losses, the study of their causes and the adoption of precaution- ary measures to minimize them. Thus in this county it was found that 23 of 26 losses sustained in 1899 were due to lightning, and that wire fences, which are good conductors of electric- ity, were an important factor in caus- ing them. The secretary therefore ad- vised all farmers to place ground wires every ten or twenty rods along their fences to conduct the electric fluia into the earth, and thus lessen the danger to their stock from this cause. Human genius has been able to grapple with this most subtle and terrific force of nature. It has har- nessed the lightning to oars, put it to work in mills and factories and made it an obedient and powerful servant of man's will; and it is believed the time is not far distant when it will be able to construct ample safeguards against its destructive manifesta- tions during electric storms. THE POCAHONTAS COUNTY BIBLE SO- CIETY. The entrance of thy Word giveth light.— David. In the fall of 1867. Mr. Conrad, the Iowa State Superintendent of the American Bible Society, held a meet- ing at the old town of Eolfe and re- ceived $13.25 for the purchase of Bi- bles. A county society was partially organized by the appointment of Wm. D. McEwen, secretary and treasurer. At a second meeting held soon after- ward, Robert Struthers was appointed 504 PIOKEEE HIgtbRY OF POCAHOiTTAS COUNTY, lOWA. president, John Eraser, secretary; and Edward P. Hammond, depositor and treasurer; and the organization of the Pocahontas County Bible Society was completed. Until the day of his death, in 1899, Kobert Struthers continued to serve as president of this organization, and John Eraser is still its faithful, effi- cient and highly honored secretary. The long periods of continuous serv- ice, covering more than thirty years each, rendered by these two loyal lov- ers of the Bible, has given stability and efficiency to this organization. When John Eraser in October, 1867, conveyed from Eort Dodge to Old Eolf e the first lot of books sent by the American Bible Society, ($112.00) he carried the first supply of Bibles and Testaments into Pocahontas county. The successors of E. P. Hammond as depositor and treasurer at Old Rolfe, were Rev. Wm. McCready, Rev. R. W, Thornberg and Rev. C. W. Clifton. In 1880, James Hatton was appointed depositor, and James J. Bruce, treas- urer. The latter has continued to serve in this capacity until the pres- ent time, and the succession of depos- itors has been, Joseph Hartman, F. H. Plumb, Geo. E. Spence and Erank Sherman. Other old settlers who contributed in the early days to the support of the good work of this so- ciety were, Henry Tilley, Joseph Cla- son, Wm. Stinsol, Robert Lothian, Hiram Seely, J. 0. Strong, Rev. A. Whitfield, John Barnes, Rev. R. L. Kenyon, Harvey Hay, Joseph Hawkins A. W. Dart, C. M. Saylor, Mrs. Wm. Jarvis, Mrs. T. and Susie Eisher, Mrs. IraScranton, Ellen Struthers, Alice Barnes and Jessie Eraser. In May, 1879, the entire county was canvassed for the purpose of leaving a Bible in every honje, by Rev. H. Pil- beam, an agent of the American Bible Society. His report showed that he traveled 776 miles and visited 503 fam- ilies, of whom 87 had no copies of the scriptures. He supplied 59 of them and left copies in many other homes. He distributed 338 volumes worth $129.99 by donating 115 volumes ($39.09) and selling the others for $90.90. He also received voluntary offerings from the people to the amount of $25.30. He left -with the county society the balance of his supply, valued at $65.54, of which books to the value of $38.89 were left in the care of A. W. Dart, custodian, for Fonda and vicinity. A supply was also left with C. M. Saylor at this time for the center of the county and the parent society can- celed a debt of $73.19 due from the county society. At the fourteenth anniversary held at Old Rolfe Aug. 20, 1882, Rev. John Hood, the state superintendent, was present and $42.00 were contributed for new books. The depository, in care of James Hatton, was transferred to the new town of Rolfe and A. W. Ireland presented the society with an upright showcase for keeping the books. In 1883, the parent society, through its state superintendent, made a prop- osition to donate as many more Bibles as the county society should pay for, for the purpose of replenishing the local supply of Bibles. As a result of this effort $60.00 were raised and the society received books to the amount of $120.00. Since that date a good sup- ply of books has been maintained in the depository. The total value of books received has been $756.96, for which there has been paid the parent society $494.03 and donated to it $22.22. There have been donated to Sunday Schools books to the value of $61.86, and the expenses paid have been $91.63. An auxiliary branch has been main- tained at Plover for several years and it is now in charge of Mrs. George N. Loughead. , This County Bible Society is one of the oldest organizations in Pocahon- tas county and one of the most bene- WM. D. MCEWEN, ROLFE. CLERK OF THE COURT, 186T-72. COUNTY AUDITOR, 1869-73. COUNTY TREASURER, 1874-83, 1886-87. OSCAR I. STRONG. 1844-85. COUNTY SURVEYOR. 1871. RECORDER, tST7-Ta. COUNTY SUP-T, 1674-76; 1880-B1. GEO. W. HENDERSON, ROLFE. STATE SENATOR, 1B94-9B. C. F. GARRISON, ROLFE. PHOTOGRAPHER. C. P. LEITHEAD, ROLFE. UNDERTAKER, CLINTOK TOWNSHIP. 505 ficial in its influence and results. It merits the cordial and liberal support of all christian people. The annual membership fee is $1.00 and the annu- al meeting is held during the last week in February. EOLFB EGG PACKING HOUSE. In 1895 R. P. Brown, of Grand Junc- tion, one of the oldest and most skill- ful egg packers in this state, came to Eolfe, built a three story frame build- ing 26X100 feet and supplied it with the most approved appliances for packing eggs in pickle during the summer season. An ice house having a capacity of 900 tons was also erected and the business of packing eggs was Inaugurated at Eolfe. This is the only establishment of this kind in Pocahontas or adjoining counties and the amount of business done surprises the visitor. Lucrative employment Is given fifteen to thirty persons and forty to fifty carloads of eggs may be found in storage representing an annual investment of $50,000. The eggs are purchased when the price is low and they are immediately placed in pickle in the cellar, in large vats that hold 8000 dozen each. The pick- le is a compound that preserves them as fresh in appearance as on the day they were laid, and they remain in it until the market promises a profit- able margin. They are then lifted from the vats, carried upstairs, wiped and cased for shipment. They are al- ways shipped in carload lots and usu- ally to New York City. By increasing the price paid for them when they are cheap, this es- tablishment has maintained a local demand for eggs that has attracted them to Rolfe, from the various towns along the two railroads centering there, to the Dakota and Minnesota lines. When an establishment of this sort can be maintained with profit, it is always a great benefit to the com- munity in which it is located. The founder of this establishment has been very free to say that one of the principal inducements that led to its location at Eolfe was the fact that, in connection with the excellent rail- road facilities afforded, his employes there would be free from the dissipa- ting influences of the open saloon. Whilst E. P. Brown has continued in charge of this establishment since it was founded, in later years he has had several of Eolf e's leading business men associated with him as proprie- tors. In June, 1898, and for one year thereafter, W. D. McEwen, A. O. Garlock and 0. A. Grant became pro- prietors of it under the firm name of the Eolfe Egg Company. Since June, 1900, M. Crahan has been asso- ciated with Mr. Brown under the firm name of M. Crahan & Co. BOLFB TELEPHONE COMPANY. On Dec. 9, 1899, the Eolf e Telephone Company, with a capital of $10,000.00, was organized by the election of W. P. Wheeler, president; Ward Fergus son, vice-president, and Charles E. Eraser, secretary and treasurer. The other directors were C. M. Webb and E. E. Ames. The other stockholders were J. B. Kent, M. Crahan, S. H. Kerr, C. A. Grant, W. W. Beam, M. D., A. W. Weible, George O. and V. Hauck, C. J. and Archie M. White, A. L. Wiewel, S. S. Eeed, F. King and Fred A. Malcolm. On Jan. 29, 1900, the council made provision for the people to extend this company a franchise that includes the right to maintain a local telephone system in Eolfe for a period of twenty-flve years. In June, 1900, eighty-flve in- struments were located and the sys- tem was put in working order with the central office in the room over the drug store of G. W. Core. Miss Lulu E. Ransom and M. W. Cofiin were ap- pointed operators for the day and night work respectively. The annual meeting of the stockholders is held onthe first Monday in April, B()6 PldNEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. BOLFB ROLLER MILLS. koLFE NEWSPAPERS. In May, 1895, D. and Richard Fouch, Rolle has had two newspapers— the of ManninK, completed the erection Reporter and Argus— that have al- of a three-story frame building 30x40 ready ended their careers, and two feet with an engine room of brick others— the Reveille and Tribune— 30x24 feet, and established the Roller that are still fulfilling' theirs' mission. Mill near the Rock Island depot at The fact that only one-half of the Rolf e. It had three grinders, three newspapers started|at Rolf e continue stands of double rollers, one three- to be published, suggests that there pair high feed mill, a capacity of fifty may be more of sarcastic lilrony than barrelsof flour a day and cost $8,000.00. truth in the following familiar lines: The good satisfaction afforded the "a. lawyer slept in an editor's bed, public by the excellent quality of When no editor chanced to be nigh; flour manufactured was from the first And he said, when he rolled out of bed, the harbinger of the subsequent sue- 'How easy these editors do lie.- » cess that has attended this enterprise. ^hb KepoRtbb a local repubhcan It has attracted farmers with their paper, established by E. W. Duke in grain from far distant places and has lf82, was the pioneer newspaper of materially aided in increasing the ^°lf«' ^'^.'^,^°^^L\^,^ establishment of trade at Rolfe *^® Reveille in 1888, was the only one OnApril9,i898, a fire, originating P.^j'"^^!*^*^^ *°;:t ^^ °''^' ^!' in the engine room, rendered most of ^f^' ^- ^'^^^ O' Coffin became its the machinery useless, seriously in- editors and proprietors and its publi- jured the building and caused the loss cation was disconiinued May 8, 1890, of 700 bushels of wheat and a carload ^^^"^ ^^^ """^^^ ^^« purchased by of flour. This loss was a heavy one to J.^"^^ ^■. S™''^ ^^^ ^^^^^ *° *^« ^«^- the proprietors, but they immediately ®^^^^ equipment, repaired the building and supplied it The Argus, a democratic paper, with new machinery. In January, was established Feb. 3, 1891, by Law- 1900, Richard Fouch sold his interest rence J. Anderson, as a nine-column to G. A. Patterson and moved to folio- In November, 1892, J. A. Faith Perry. Since that date the firm of bought it, but after four months left Fouch & Patterson has made some it in tbe hands of the mortgagees- important improvements, rearranging M. Crahan, C. P. Leithead, V. Hauck the machinery so as to make flour ac- and A. B. Symes. M. Crahan then cording to the latest system and in- purchased the outfit and the paper creasing the capacity to 15 barrels a was managed by Wm. Porter until day. The two leading brands of flour April, 1894, when it was purchased by are called "Pocahontas" and "Ideal ■^- L- Schultz, who continued as its Patent." They also manufacture editor and proprietor until Dec. 1, fine grades of G-raham, rye and buck- 1898) when its further publication wheat flour; also cornmeal and all was discontinued. The outfit was kinds of feed. The quality of the sold to S. E. Sage, of Sibley, the sub- flour is second to none on the local scription list to J. H. Lighter, of market and a demand for it is found Rolfe, and A, L. Schultz, moving to not only in many towns and villages Pocahontas, established the Pocahon- In Iowa, but also in Illinois, Minne- tas Herald, sota and the Dakotas. The liberal the reveille. patronage accorded this manufact- The Reveille, a republican paper, uring enterprise has been well mer- was established at Rolfe to meet its Ited. 1 growing business demands, by James CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 501 J. Bruce and Frank H. Plumb, July 12, 1888, and they continued as co-editors and proprietors until May 1, 1890, when the latter sold his Interest to the former. On Oct. 1st, 1890, J. H, Lighter became a half owner with J. J. Bruce and this partnership contin- ued until Jan. 1, 1894, when Marion Bruce, who had been a workman in the otBce from the time it was found- ed, bought his father's interest in it. On Sept. 1, 1895. A. E. Thornton bought the half interest of J. H. Lighter, and the partnership of Bruce & Thornton continued until Aug. 4, 1900, when A. R. Thornton became the sole owner of the paper and then sold a half interest in it to Lottie Thornton, his wife. Thornton & Thornton have been its editors and proprietors since that date. The ofiflce that was once supplied with only a handful of type and sec- ond-hand machinery, is now finely equipped. It has a full supply of modern type faces, pretty ornaments and borders for job work. The work- men employed have made the art of putting them together artistically a special study, and they take pains and pride in their work. The Coun- try Babcock press, purchased in Oc- tober, 1897, at a cost of $1,200, prints 600 impressions in an hour and does newspaper, book and job work in the neatest possible manner. The Reveille is well equipped for pro- moting the interests of Rolf e and Po- cahontas county and, during nearly every year since it was founded, it has been one of the official papers of the county. Its editors- have issued two special Christmas editions, one on Dec. 16, 1896, containing twenty pages filled with original stories of the pioneer days and large local advertisements, and the other an illustrated one of twelve pages, on Dec. 13, 1900, con- taining an account of some of the leading citizens and business inter- ests in the towns in the north part of this county, by Geo. W. Williams. Amid all the changes in the editori- al management of this paper, it has manifested a lofty aim by advocating the causes of education, morality and religion, the local prohibition of the liquor trafBc and the local support of every worthy local enterprise. It has not aimed to please everybody, but to advocate certain approved principles, and It has frequently happened that those who have manifested a feeling of unfriendliness one day have be- come its friends the next. The aim of its present editors is to make the Reveille worthy of the continued con- fidence and support of the people of this county. THE ROLFE TRIBUNE. The Rolf e Tribune, a republican pa- per, was established March 1, 1898, by Joseph Henry Lighter, in response to an oft repeated request on the part of advertisers and others for a paper that would make their announce- ments and give the news twice a week. It is the first and only semi- weekly paper published in this county and it is issued on Tuesdays and Fri- days. It is devoted to the best inter- ests of the community, has already won its way to a favorable recognition on the part of the public and is now receiving a cordial and liberal patron- age. Among other things it has noted that Rolfe, hitherto a temperance town, has made more improve- ment during recent years than any town in Northwest Iowa having saloons. It has been free to stamp the saloon as a curse, because it ab- sorbs the earnings of a great number of persons who cannot then pay their just obligations to the merchants and other legitimate tradesmen. FIRST POSTOFFICES. The first postofflce in Clinton town- ship was established in 1876 at the home of William Matson on the SWi Sec. 16, on the route from Pocahontas 508 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHOTJ^TAS COTJITTY, IOWA. to Old Rolfe. The name of the office was "Ben Lomond," and Wm. Matson continued to serve aa postmaster until March 1, 1878, when the office was discontinued. Blooming Prairie post- office was maintained on the semi- weekly mail route from Pocahontas to Humboldt at the home of Sewell Van Alstine on section 25 from March 1878 until the spring of 1882. The valuable quarries of building or limestone rock, opened on section 25, in 1881 by C.J. Carlson, and belonging to the Kinderhook beds,* and the county drainage district No. 1, on Crooked creek,t the south branch of Pilot creek, have already been de- scribed. According to the census of 1900, the population of Rolfe was 994, and, in- cluding its suburbs, 1,175. From Rolfe and vicinity there went forth to engage in the war with Spain in Cuba in 1898, the following volun- teers: Louie Peterson, enlisted April, 1898, Co. F, 49th Reg. John Everson, enlisted at Rock Rapids, June 24, Co. H, 52d Reg. Benjamin Everson, enlisted June 24, Co. H, 52d Reg. Geo. W. Tremain, enlisted June 10, Co. G, 52d Reg. Edward R. Ashley, enlisted June 23, Co. G, 52d Reg. Andrew Denend, enlisted June 23, Co. G, 52d Reg. Mid Roberts, enlisted June 23, Co. G, 52 Reg. Homer Sanford, enlisted June 23, Co. G, 52d Reg. Louie Peterson became a corporal in July. Co. F, H and C were known as the Davenport, Sioux City and Web- ster City companies, respectively. On June 23d, when the last four left Rolfe, a farewell meeting was held at the depot and, after music by the band, an address was delivered by C. C. Delle, Esq. The 52d regiment, to which most of them belonged, was *Page 144. fPage 306. from Northwestern Iowa, was mus- tered in at Camp McKinley, Des Moines, May 25, 1898, and arrived at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga, May 31. It was assignea to the campaign in Porto Rico as a part of the third brigade, second division of the third army corps, but was returned to Des Moines August 30th, and the men from Rolfe were mustered out, Oct. 30, 1898, after a service of four months in camp. The Northwestern Land Co., that platted the towns of Rolfe, Plover, Gilmore City, Clare, Mallard, Curlew, Ayrshire and Ruthven, consisted of J. J. Bruce, President; A. O. Garlock, Secretary; Wm. D. McEwen, Charles E. Whitehead, Geo. W. Ogilvie, C. N. Gilmore and B. F. Kauffman, and was organized in 1881. PIONEERS OF CLINTON TOWNSHIP. In the account of the early settle- ment of the north part of this county, sketches have already been given of the following early settlers or resi- dents of Clinton township, namely, Oscar F. Avery, Ora Harvey, Wm. Jarvis, Augustus H. Malcolm, Wm. D. McEwen, Perry Nowlen and Robert Struthers. Beam Watson Wilna, M. D., (b. June 26, 1858,) Rolfe, is a native of Jones county, Iowa. After receiving a good common school education, and studying medicine with his father. Dr.. Wm. O. Beam, he pursued a colle- giate course at Cornell College and graduated from the medical depart- ment of the Iowa State University. In the spring of 1881 he located tem- porarily in the old store building and Hotel de Telford at Old Rolfe, in an- ticipation of the coming of the first railroad in that part of the county. When the railroads came and the new town of Rolfe. was founded, he secured a permanent location as the first resi- dent physician of that town. His of- fice is now located in a fine suite of rooms in the east end of the State CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 509 Savings Bank, and its equipment in 3ludes a complete set of surgical in- struments and a valuable medical li- brary. He owns a fine home in Eolfe and an improved farm of 160 acres in that vicinity. He is one of the pioneer physicians in this county and the period of his professional career at Rolfe is longer than that of any other business man in the town. His skill as a physician, public spirit as a citizen and long resi- dence in the community have caused him to be widely and favorably known. He has taken an active part in both local and county politics, but has nev- er been an aspirant for political hon- ors, although he has served as a mem- ber of the Rolfe school board during the past four years and as president of it in 1900. His ambition has been to rise in his profession and, in this re spect, he has succeeded admirably. He has been the surgeon for the 0. & N. W., and 0., E". I. & P. railways for a number of years. On May 12, 1886, he married Emma Brown, at Rolfe, and his family con- sists of two daughters , Hazel and Wilna Winnifred. Beam G. H., druggist, has been a resident of Rolfe since 1885. In 1890, after teaching school a few years, he entered the employ of Geo. W. Core, as a pharmacist. Later he was pro- prietor of a drugstore at Plover and, since 1895, of one at Rolfe. He has a talent for business and is achieving well-merited success. Bruce James Jeremiah, (b. Nov. 6, 184.3,) resident of Rolfe, is a native of Oswego, N. Y., the son of Thomas and Mary Bruce. His parents, who were of Scotch-Irish descent, emi- grated from the north of Ireland to Oswego in 1842, and soon afterward located in Hastings (then called Sim- coe) county, Ontario, where his moth- er died Aug. 15, 1845. After thfe death of his mother he was taken care of in 1jt\^ hoipeg gf other people, ^^ ^\^^^ he entered the public school and at sixteen received a second-grade teach- ers' certificate. At eighteen he taught his first term of school, and then taking a three months' Normal course, taught the same school in Simcoe county during the next three years. He then commenced a term of school in the adjoining district, but at the end of one week — Jan. 10, 1866 — the school house was burned. This occurrence was attributed to a preju- dice developed by his unfavorable criticism in the public press of the drunkenness that appeared at the celebration of the Orangemen, July 12th, previous. He relinquished his contract and on March 16th, 1866, started for Chicago, stopping at Toronto a few days to visit some schoolmates on the way. He carried with him a first-grade teachers' cer- tificate issued by the board of educa- tion of Simcoe county, that was good for three years, and attested his good moral character and excellent literary attainments. At Chicago he con- cluded to go west in the hope he might locate in a community where there were no Irish people. He passed by rail to Ackley and thence by stage to Iowa Falls, where he met several Canadians who wished to lo- cate in Pocahontas county. In com- pany with David Wallace he carried his luggage and'walked from Iowa Falls to section 8, Lizard township, a distance of 77 miles, selecting a home- stead and fording the Des Moines river at Fort Dodge. He was sur- prised to find his new location was in another Irish settlement, and where there were even persons'.' who knew his parents when they liyed at Mona- gan C\t,y, Ireland. At the time of his arrival in Lizard there were only four school houses iij Pocahontas county, namely, in the Robert Struthers and (Old) Rolfe dis- tricts, pes Moines township, and in tiU^Ct^lUpn and W^ls^ ^Mrtcts ip^ 510 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Lizard township. On Aug. 20, 1866, he was examined and received a teach- ers' certificate at Old Rolf e from W. D. McEwen, county superintendent, and in 1867 taught the summer and winter terms in the Walsh district. In the fall of 1867, he was elected county superintendent and also coun- ty supervisor from the Lizard district. On March 4, 1867, he married Mary J. Price, one of the pupils in his first school in Lizard township. In the fall of 1869, he was elected county treasurer and moved to Old Rolfe where, on Jan. 1, 1875, he and W. D. McEwen established a store. In 1881 he became president of the North- western Land Co., and on Eeb. 14, 1882, was admitted to the bar by Judge Edward R. Dufiie, at Pocahon- tas. In 1882 he erected the building known later as the Tremain Hotel, and became one of the first residents of the new town of Rolfe, where for a few years he engaged in the mercan- tile business. He took a leading part in the first newspaper. enterprise and was identi- fied with the public press of the county a number of years afterward. On June 14, 1869, he rode to Eort Dodge with Dennis Mulholland, of Lizard, and on the next day arranged with B. F. Gue to print the Pocahon- tas Journal for one year for $450.00. On the next day, June 16, 1869, W. D. McEwen, the other editor, arrived and the first issue of the Pocahontas Journal was printed and placed in their hands for distribution. The second issue of this paper was re- ceived in Lizard township July 25, 1869, and the subsequent issues were printed as regularly as the mails could carry copy to the printer and re- turn the printed sheets for folding and distribution. This was the offi- cial paper of the county during 1869, 1870 and 1871.* He was a regular con- tributor to the columns of the Poca- *See page 144. hontas Times for several years after its removal to Fonda and took the lead in establishing and maintaining the Rolfe Reveille from July 12, 1888, to Jan. 1, ]894.t His public career in this county cov- ers a period of thirty years and began Oct. 8, 1867, when he served as a clerk at the general election in Lizard township. On that day he was elect- ed to three public oflflces, namely, jus- tice of the peace and county supervisor from Lizard township, which then embraced nearly the south half of the county, and superintendent of the public schools of the county. As a resident of Lizard township he served as justice of the peace in 1868, as county supervisor in 1868-69, county superintendent 1868-69, and county treasurer four years at Old Rolfe in 1870-73. As a resident of Clinton town- ship he served as the first mayor of Rolfe in 1884, president of the Rolfe school board in 1891-92, justice of the peace in 1891-92, representative of the 78th district, which included Poca- hontas and Calhoun counties, in 1886- 87, and county supervisor nine years, 1880-85, '95-97. He was president of the board of supervisors five of the eleven years he was a member of it. In the various offices to which he was called he rendered the people of this county a faithful and efficient service. None ever questioned his ability or his integrity of purpose, and no one was either better ac- quainted with the county's affairs or endeavored to promote them more un- selfishly than he. On May 15, 1897, he had a tumor the size of a man's hand, removed from the back of his head, that began to appear soon after his recovery from typhoid fever in 1882. A few months later he retired from business and pol- itics and now devotes his attention to the cultivation of his farm on which he lives at Rolfe. ■j-See page 306. CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 511 In 1857, at the age of fourteen, he united with the Wesleyan M. E. church, Canada. In 1876 he became an elder In the Unity and later in its successor, the Second Presbyterian church of Eolfe. In 1883 he united with the M. E. church of that place. He has been a life-long advocate of the cause of prohibition and has taken a leading part in promoting that cause in this county. His family consists of nine children, one having died in childhood. 1— William Ulysses Bruce married Belle Fislc, lives in Omaha and has a family of two children. 2— Marion Bruce married G-ussie Wilcox, lives in Rolfe and has one child. He became a workman in the Reveille oflBce at the time it was es- tablished and owned a half-interest in it from Jan. 1, 1894 to Aug. 4, 1900. He was recorder of Rolfe '95-96 and has been postmaster since July 1, 1897. 3— George Washington Bruce mar- ried Ella Wallace, lives at Rolfe and has four children. 4 — Robert Bruce in 1897 graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University and is now practic- ing law at Rolfe. On Oct. 11, 1899 he married Carrie Ritchey of Des Moines township. 5— James Bruce graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University in 1898, was engaged in a law oflBce in Denver a few months and since Jan. 1, 1900 has been book- keeper for the Pocahontas Savings Bank at Pocahontas. 6— John E. Bruce in 1899 married Anna Miller, has one child and lives in Des Moines township. Bertha Belle, Edward E. and Har- old are still at home. eampbell Will E., (b. 1858) of Gil- more City, is a native of Crete, Will Co., 111., the adopted son of John F. and Emily S. (Hewes) Campbell of Manteno, 111. In the spring of 1883, Ue came to Pocahontas county, pur- chased and improved the Ei Sec. 15, Lake township, and directed his at- tention to raising draft horses of the English Shire and Norman varieties. Three years later he bought the SEi Sec. 36, (160 acres) Clinton township, adjoining Gllmore City, improved and arranged this farm for raising stock and still lives upon it. He also owns 305 acres on' Sec. 26, adjoining, that were bequeathed to him by his father, who died Feb. 26, 1896, at his home in Illinois. Perhaps no one has done more to promote the draft horse Industry In Pocahontas county than Will E. Campbell, of GllmoreCity, since he was one of the first to Introduce the Percheron breed in this section. In the fall of 1889 he made a trip to France and imported direct to this county three fine Percheron stallions. On March 25, 1886, he married Mary H. Bain, of Peotone, 111., and has a family of three children— Mildred, Gladys and Bernice. lie is an elder in the Presbyterian church of Gilmore City, and has been a trustee since its organization in 1 888. His estimable wife has always been a faithful worker in this church, serv- ing as its first treasurer, president of its aid society two years and as its or- ganist nearly all the time. earroU James Andrew, (b. Feb., 1852,) who has been identified with the mercantile interests of Fonda and Rolfe, since 1884, is a native of Macon, Georgia, the son of Patrick H. and Frances K. (Tucker) Carroll. In 1867 he moved with his parents to Jackson county, Iowa, where in 1870, he mar- ried Anna Mary Daly, a native of that place, and located on a farm. He re- mained there until 1880, when he moved to Clinton county, and found employment in a general store. In 1884 he moved to Fonda, two years la- ter to a farm In Dover township, then successively to Rolfe, Fonda and In- cline where, for two years, he had 512 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. charge of a general store. In 1900 he returned to Rolfe, where he and his son James are employed in the de- partment store of M. Crahan. His brother, P. J. Carroll, was the first resident priest of the Dover and Fon- da Catholic churches in 1882-87. His family has consisted of nine children of whom Anna died at the age of sixteen and Francis at four. 1— Zachary Taylor (b. Deo. 4, 1871) in 1899 married Mina Negus, of Des Moines, and lives at Rolfe. 2— Patrick Henry (b. Feb. 22, 1874,) in May, 1898, enlisted in Co. K, 1st Reg. S. D. infantry at Madison and rendered military service in the Phil- ippines until October, 1899, when he was honorably discharged as a ser geant. During a portion of his time he was a messenger for Brig. Gen. H. G. Otis, at the arsenal at Cavite, and he was accorded a public reception in McKee's hall, Oct. 27, 1899, on his re- turn to Fonda. He is now located in South Dakota. 3— Emma Theresa on May 18, 1897, married Charles F. Linnan and lives in Fonda, where he is engaged in the real estate business. James Michael, Emmet Robert, Ella and Regina are at home, eh arlton Jesse, (b. July 2, 1818,) was a native of Butler county, Ohio. In March, 1850, he married Sarah Ann Brenton, (b. Ind., Jan. 20, 1828.) In 1857 he moved from Butler county, Ohio, to Davis county, Iowa; in 1863 to Dallas county, where his wife died in 1868; and in 1883 to section 11, Cen- ter township, Pocahontas county. His family consisted of nine children, of whom William, Hettie and an in- fant died early in life, and Rebecca Jane, wife of James H. Campbell, died at Rolfe April 10, 1896, Martha Eliz- abeth in 1889 married William Callon and lives in Center township. Mary Ann (Maulsby) lives at Earlham, Iowa; James Henry a-t Rolfe; l^^ :pell *See page 4Q3, (Loughead) at Plover, and Charles Al- vin at Pocahontas. eharlton James Henry, (b. June 24, 1856,) Is a native of Butler county, Ohio, accompanied his parents (Jesse and Margaret) to Davis and Dallas counties, Iowa, and in 1882 purchased eighty acres and prepared a home on section 11, Center township, for his father and family who arrived the next spring. In the fall of 1889, he located at Rolfe. In September, 1891, he married Franc Lenore, daughter of Dr. Wm. Otterbein and Esther Ann (Stewart) Beam and a native of Linn county. In the spring of 1895 he moved to the old home on the farm in Center township, but in the fall of 1899 returned to Rolfe. He was for several years the manager of the Shannon ranch in Center township. He is now vice-president of the First National Bank of Rolfe and owner of ten improved stock farms* in that vi- cinity that contain 3,060 acres and on which he has put about fifty miles of tiling. His family consists of four children — Lucile Beam, Shannon B., Frank B. and Clyde B. eharlton Charles Alvin, (b. March 17, 1865) is a native of Dallas county, Iowa, the son of Jesse and Sarah Charlton. In the fall of 1882, he lo- cated with his brother on a farm in Center township. In the fall of 1893 he was elected treasurer of Pocahon- tas county and being twice re-elected, served in that capacity six years, 1894- 99. In 1895 he married Minnie, daugh- ter of Henry and Mary Jarvis, of Rolfe. He lives at Pocahontas and owns 502 acres of land in that vicinity. eiason Joseph, one of the early pioneers of Pocahontas county, in the spring of 1863, located on a farm of 80 acres on section 1, Clinton township, with a family consisting of his wife (Rebecca Kinyon) and ten children. Upon an unbroken prairie, covered with tall grass and inhabited by mos- quitoes, he \n\\^ a log hou^^ ^i^d OQ' M. CRAHAN AND FAMILY CRAHAN STORE BLOCK. Rolfe. < < 0!, U J M < t-H SS O M O D s CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 513 cupied it until June, 1874, when he sold the farm and moved to Kansas. He died in 1880 and his wife in 1888. In Clinton township he served as a trustee, 1865-71; as the lirst president of the school board, '69 70; as justice of the peace, '71-73. > Ann Clason, his eldest daughter, in 1864 married Richard Chatfield and located in Wisconsin, where she died Sept. 26, 1884, leaving a family of six children, of whom Dora married James Thompson and located in southern Iowa; Rose married Wm. Blain and located in Kansas; George entered the regular army; Edward located in Liz- ard township; Cora and Alfred are at home. Sarah Clason on Dec. 25, 1869, mar- ried Geo. W. Heald. (See Heald). The wedding occurred at her father's home and was the first one in the township. Mary Clason on March 30, 1872, mar- ried Carl John Carlson, who for a number of years was proprietor of the quarries on section 25, and later lo- cated on a farm near Havelock. Their fanllly consists of eight children- Carl J., Florence R., BmmaH., Wor- den J., Minnie M., James A., William A. and Wilfred Bert. ©ore George Wellington, (b. Dec. 15 1859) druggist, Rolte, is a native of Marion county, received his educa- tion in the public school and learned the druff trade as an apprentice with hisuncle. in the spring of 1882 he onened a drug store in Rolfe and has maintained it ever since. On Dec. 26, X he married Birdie Bedell, of Ma- rinn'county, and has one child, George rr ton. In the fall of 1895 he was the^nominee of the democratic party ■ this district for representative and "^ ked only a few votes of election. erahan (b. July 12, 1858,) general erchant at Rolfe, is a native of Man- "bester, Delaware county, Iowa, the " of Patrick and Margaret (Mc- with his parents to Lizard township, Pocahontas county. At the age of eighteen he began to teach school, and at twenty-two, in the fall of 1880, was elected and served two years as recorder of this county. On Jan. 10, 1883, he married Mary J. McSweeney, of Fayette county, and located at Fon- da, where as a general merchant and manager of the Fonda creamery, he became the successor of Geo. L. Brew- er. In 1886 he relinquished his inter- ests at Fonda to John R. Welsh and a few months later established a small general store in the FirstNatioualbank building at Rolfe. In 1888 he and J. J. McGrath erected a two-story brick block, (44x100 feet) the lirst one in Rolfe, and later increased it to 100x100 feet. He is now the sole owner of this building and proprietor of the large department store conducted in it. The arrangement of this store is very convenient, and the variety of its large and constantly changing stock of goods is suited to meet every want and their quality every taste. Bight to ten persons are constantly §ropl9y?d and goqdg ai§ (J^Uy^iefJ tre^Q 5i4 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. to all purchasers residing in the city. He has achieved a remarkable degree of success as a merchant, and the se- cret of it may be attributed to his personal hcnowledge and oversight of all the details of the business and his superior facilities both for maJiing purchases to good advantage and many sales at a small profit. He al- ways keeps his promises and never ad- vertises vyhat he does not have. He has a controlling interest in the Rolf e egg packing house, does consid- erable business in land and lives in one of the largest and finest houses in the county. He has served seven years as a member of the Rolfe town council, was president of the Rolfe school board in 1898-99, and mayor of that city in 1899-1900. He has always voted the democratic ticket and is a member of the Catholic church. His family consists of eight chil- dren—Maggie, Mamie, Nellie, Nora, Edward Leo, Esther Gr., William C. and Grace Irene. Duty George H. Rev., (b. Aug. 13, 1849,) pastor of the Presbyterian church, Rolfe, May 1, 1887, to Oct. 1, 1890,* was a native of Clark county. Mo., where he was brought up on a farm. After attending the public school until he was seventeen he spent two years in an academy and four in Westminster College, Mo. He was li- censed to preach in 1873 and in Sept., 1877, was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by the Cumber- land Presbyterian church. Since his transfer to the ministry of the Pres- byterian church he has served Rolfe, West Bend and Leeds in Iowa; Boli- var, Joplin and Ironton in Missouri. He is now located at Bonaparte, Iowa, and is planning the erection of a large church building. On Oct. 5, 1880, he married Isadore Ellis, and of his family of three chil- dren, Grace and Ethel are still living. England Llewellyn Edward, (b. *Page 499. May 11, 1858,) is a native of Iowa City, the son of Thomas and Margiana (Nightingale) England. On May 16, 1881, while keeping a shoe store at West Dayton, he married Ida M. Rugg, of Grand Junction. In 1882, he moved to Grand Junction and, during the next four years, was engaged in the drug business. In Oct., 1885, he established a drug store in a small building in which for a while he also lived at Gilmore City. In 1889 he erected and began to occupy as a druggist the two-story brick building, in the rear of which his law ofiBce is now located. In 1895 he entered the law department of Drake University, graduated In 1896, and in January, 1897, was admitted to the practice of law by the supreme court of Iowa. Since that date he has been devoting his time and attention to the practice of law in this county. He is the own- er of a good residence and several other properties in Gilmore City. During the period of, his business career, by his honesty and integ- rity, he won the confidence and es- teem of the people among whom he lives. In the fall of 1898, when he was not a candidate, he was accorded the nomination for county attorney at the democratic convention in this county. He is guided by strong and intelligent convictions that lead him to take the side of good morals in all local issues. He is recognized as a man of ability and noble aspirations, a logical thinker and a forcible public speaker. His family consists of two children, Bessie and Max. His amiable wife was chosen one of the trustees of the J're,sbyterian church of Gilmore City, when it was organized in 1888, and has continued since that date one of its most faithful and efficient workers. Ferguson Duncan, (b. July 4, 1837,) merchant at Rolfe, is a native of Andes, Delaware county, N. Y. He was brought up on a farm and re.. CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 515 celved a good education in the public schools and academy of that place. At the age of twenty he began to en- gage in mercantile pursuits by serving an apprenticeship of ten years in a store in New York. In 1866 he mar- ried Margaret Agnes Richmond. Three years later he came to Iowa and located at Clarence, Cedar county, where for six years he was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1875 he located at Oxford Junction and re- mained there seventeen years. In 1892 he became one of the general mer- chants in Eolfe, his son. Ward Fergui son, being associated with him under the firm name of D. Ferguson & Son. The enlargement of the business represented by this firm has kept pace with the growth of the community and the demands of the times. In ev- ery city or town there are certain firms that are regarded as leaders in their respective lines of business and their influence commands the respect and admiration of their cotemporaries. This firm is among the number of those that have been accorded this distinction at Rolf e. In this rushing age of rife local competition and cos- mopolitan stores, the conditions under which a drygoods business may be suc- cessfully and prosperously conducted require a special genius for it, untir- ing energy, unceasing vigilance in noting prevailing styles, a sagacity that can unerringly anticipate the fu- ture needs of patrons by judiciously selecting appropriate goods of stand- ard value, and the ability to purchase them advantageously. These require- ments have been so happily met by this firm in the management of its business, that the visitor is delighted at what he sees and the purchaser with what he buys. Mr. Ferguson is the owner of a beau- tiful home in Rolfe and several fine farms in Iowa and Minnesota. He has been a member of the M. E. chuTcii Bince he ■was t^enty-siJ? years of age and a life-long republican, cast- ing his first vote for Abraham Lin- coln. His family consists of two chil- dren, Ward and Agnes. 1— Ward Ferguson, (b. Feb. 5, 1867,) after completing a high school course, spent three years, 1886-89, in Cornell College. He became a partner with his father in the mercantile business in the spring of 1891 at Oxford Junc- tion and in December following moved with him to Rolfe. On Oct. 24, 1893, he married Jennie M. Bell, of Hamp- ton, and has one daughter, Margaret Bell. He lives in a handsome cottage and has one of the largest private li- braries in Rolfe. He Is secretary and treasurer of the Rolfe Telephone com- pany and was a member of the city council in 1900-1901. 2— Agnes Ferguson, after graduating at Cornell College in 1894, took a post- graduate course of one year for the special study of the German language and then taught it two years in the University at Fort Worth, Texas. Since Sept. 1, 1900, she has been gen- eral secretary of the Y. W. C. A. of Omaha, Neb. Fish Eomeyn B., (b. April 18, 1847,) dealer in musical instruments, Rolfe, is one of the early pioneers of Poca- hontas county, having located at Old Rolfe June 7, 1866. He is a native of Rensselaerville, N. Y"., the son of Bthridge M. and Laura Ann Fish. On April 11, 1864, at eighteen, he entered the naval service of the Unit- States as a landsman and was assigned a position on the steamer Mendota, of the North Atlantic blockading squad- ron, James River division. When the army of the James ad- vanced on Petersburg, May 5-6, . 1864, the Mendota proceeded up the James river above Aiken's Landing and on May 7-16th assisted in the removal of the torpedoes in that vicinity, at Deep Bottom and Dutch Gap. On May 16-17th it was under the fire of the batteries at Chapin's Bluff and 516 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the next day it opened Are on work- ing parties at Trout's Neck. On May 22d it opened fire on the batteries near the Howlett Home. From that date until April 1, 1865, it was sta- tioned near the barricades at Deep Bottom, and participated in the ope- rations against the rebel gunboats, iron-clads and the Howlett Home bat- tery on June 21st; against the batter- ies at Four Mile creek, June 30-July 1 ; at Tilghman's Gate, July 16; at Deep Bottom and Strawberry Plains, July 27-29; protected working parties at Dutch Gap, Aug. 10-14, and the forces moving from Dutch Gap to Deep Bot- tom, Aug. 15-18. It participated in all the operations of Graham's Naval brigade in the James and Appomattox rivers during the siege that resulted in the capture of Petersburg and Rich- mond, April 2-8, 1865. On July 28th, Maj-Gen. Hancock complimented the men on board this vessel for their ef- fective work that day as follows: "The flre from the gunboat, Mendo- ta, was very effective, nearly every shell alighting in the enemy's works." On July 16, 1864, Mr. Fish received an injury in the right eye, by the ex- plosion of a shell from a masked bat- tery of the enemy, while serving as a sharpshooter near Four-Mile creek, Virginia. On Dec. 20, 1864, he was assigned service on a schooner that transported coal to the fleet off Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Afterward he was transferred to the steamer, Montgomery, and on Jan. 12-15, 1865, participated in the capture of Fort Fisher and the other defences of Cape Fear river in that vicinity. He was then returned to the Mendota on the James river, and was honorably dis- charged at Norfolk, Va., July 18, 1865. After the war he decided to locate in the west, and traveling by rail to Boone, thence by stage to Fort Dodge, he arrived in Des Moines township in June, 1866. He secured and improved a UoTOe.gtea(3, pn ^.^ction 28. ^^ jj^g been engaged in the sale of pianos, or- gans and sewing machines since the year 1881. As a representative of Des Moines township he was a member of the board of county supervisors in 1872 and '73. On Dec. 29, 1866, he married Ann, daughter of David Slosson, and his family has consisted of six children, three of whom died in childhood. 1— Laura R., in 1888 married Wm. J. Eraser, lives at Mt. Vernon, Skagit county. Wash., and has a family of eight children. 2— Elvira G., in 1894 married Frank Murray, who died at Rolfe May 19, 1898. She then moved to Skagit coun- ty, Wash., where on Oct. 18, 1899, she married Jasper Parker and still lives. 3— Burt Fish (b. 1876) lives at La- conner, Washington. Grant Cyprian Adelbert, (b. Dec. 18, 1841,) banker and lumber dealer at Rolfe, Is a native of Bradford county, Pa., the son of Josiah Nelson and Ju- lia (Tiylor) Grant. He was the old- est son in the family and in the spring of 1843, in his second year, moved with his parents to Carroll county, 111. This long journey to the "far west" was made in a prairie schooner, the most familiar mode of travel in those days, and the place where they lo- cated was then, only sparsely settled. Here the family experienced all the vicissitudes and privations of pioneer life for seventeen years. During this period the home of his father was a conspicuous landmark to the scattered population of that new country and his hospitality was known far and wide. As a result of the hard times that prevailed previous to the war, and the dishonesty of a money shark, this home was lost. On May 3, 1860, having two yokes of oxen, a wagon, a few personal effects, $125 and a family consisting of his wife and seven children, his father started for the, SQuth\^e8t to begin ane^ iift§ tiaWte f ^ "% He CT088e(^ C. A. GRANT Lumber Dealer and Cashier, MRS. C. A. GRANT D, FERGUSON General Merchant. R. P. BROWN Egg-Packer. ROLFE. l4 IS < O U b O u u iz; I OS CLlNTOiJ ToWlJSHm Sl7 the state of Missouri, the northwest- em part of Arkansas and the north- eastern part of Indian Territory, but finding no favorable location, turned northward and arrived at Webster City, Iowa, in November following. In 1862 he located more permanently in Marshall county. Here C. A., be- ing the oldest of the children, was called upon at an early age to assist in the effort to secure a home for the family. He did this manfully by breaking prairie, running a threshing machine and by engaging in other available employment. As soon as he was able he purchased eighty acres of land. He helped to cut the trees for the sawed lumber in the house that was then built of natural timber. On Dec. 12, 1871, he married Arvilla V. Terrill, a native of Crawford coun- ty, Pa., whose parents, John and Hel- en Terrill, now reside at Pomeroy, where they experienced the disastrous cyclone of 1893. In the spring of 1875 he deeded this his first home to his parents and moved to Carroll county, where he undertook to establish an- other home of his own. The house he erected here was the fourth one in Warren township, a fact that suggests a renewal of the usual routine of pio- neer life. His wife taught school dur- ing the period of hard work and rigid economy that ensued. In 1881 two railroads were built through that township and the town of Manning was founded two miles south of his home. The next year be moved to Sheldon, where he invested his capital in the cheap lands of the Northwest and found employ- ment in the hardware business. In 1886, forming a partnership with Wm. D. McEwen and A. O. Garlock, he as cashier started the Exchange Bank at Rolfe, Which, Jan. 1, 1893, was incorporated as the State Savings Bank.* He continued as cashier of this bank until June 1, 1900, and still *See page 495. retains his interest in it, but gives his special attention to the lumber and coal business at Rolfe, in which since 1891 his son, John T., has been associated with him as a partner un- der the name of C. A. Grant & Son. This lumber yard, covering one acre and a quarter near the Bock Island depot, is the largest one in this county and is well stocked with every kind of building material. Including supplies of coal, brick and tile. He is also the owner of a farm of 80 acres in Clinton township and 320 acres in Davison county, S. D. He has always been a total abstain- er, a steadfast republican and a prom- inent co-operator in every worthy movement to promote the public wel- fare of his adopted city. His noble wife, by her unselfish endeavors to promote the happiness and welfare not only of her own family, but of rel- atives and friends, has won the affec- tion of those who know her; both fill an important place in the esteem of the people of Rolfe. His father died at Manning in Au- gust, 1881, and his mother at Cole- ridge, Neb., in 1892. His family con- sists of three children: 1— John T. (b. Feb. 11, 1873,) the junior member of the firm of G. A. Graot & Son, is a native of Marshall county. On June 26, 1895, he married Elizabeth C. Montgomery, of O'Brien county. He has been a resident of Rolfe since 1886, and has one child. Forest Ellsworth. He has been an active promoter of the Sunday School and temperance causes from his early youth, and a deacon in the Presbyter- ian church several years. Nellie S , a graduate of the Rolfe high school in 1897 , and Florence M. are at homa. Hammond Edward P., (b, Feb. 11, 1823) located in the Des Moines settle- ment, but across the line in Humboldt county in the spring of 1857. In 1859 518 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWa. he moved to section 1, Clinton town- ship, where he became the owner of 186 acres. He continued to occupy this farm until 1887, when he moved to Rolfe and engaged in the livery business until he died, two years later Oct. 10, 1889. The first ofiBcers for Clinton town- ship were elected in his pioneer home Nov. 6, 1860. On this occasion he served as one of the judges, and nine persons voted. At this first election he was chosen road supervisor and a trustee of the township. He served as one of the first trustees four years, 1861-64, and as assessor two years, 1862- 63. He was clerk of the court of Po- cahontas county in 1861, sheriff in 1864 - and coroner four years, 1864-67. He was depositary and treasurer of the Pocahontas County Bible Society at Old Rolfe three years, 1867-69. He was a native of Caldwell county, N. Y., where he married Mary Ham- mond, (b. 1823) Nov. 2, 1843. He re- sided a few years in Warren county, N. Y., before coming west. His fam- ily consisted of two children, of whom one died in childhood. His daughter, Anna Jane, married Edward Tilley, (see Tilley) lives at Havelock and her mother lives with her. Heald John Averill, (b. Jan. 17, 1816) one of the early pioneers of Des Moines township, was a native of Granville, Washington county, N. Y. His mother was a descendant of the seventh generation of an ancestor that landed at Plymouth at the time of the arrival of the Mayflower. Dec. 3, 1841, he married Aurilla Underwood (b. Vt., March 5, 1819,) and located on a farm. In 1856 he moved to Sterling, Whiteside county. 111., and remained there until June, 1866, when, with a family of four children, George W,, Laura, Mary and Lucia, three of whom were married, he located on section 36, Des Moines township, this county. During their later years he and his wife lived with their son George W. , in Clinton township, where he died Oct. 22, 1899, and his wife, Oct. 1, 1900. He was a hard worker and gave as his reason the old adage, "It is better to wear than to rust out." He en- dured many hardships and privations during the early settlement of this county. Sometimes when he had wheat he could not get it ground. At' other times the corn in the crib would be prepared for food by shaving it from the cob with a carpenter's plane or if soft in the field, by pulverizing it with a grate made by puncturing the bottom of a tin pan. He adopted the religious views of the Friends in early life and proved himself a faith- ful friend and an honest man. His familv consisted of four chil- dren: 1— George W. Heald, on Dec 25, 1869, married Sarah Clason, and lo- cated on section 10, Clinton township, where he still resides. He is the own- er of a finely improved farm of 250 acres on which he built a large barn in 1900, and there is still growing on it a large grove of natural timber along Pilot creek. His family con- sists of five children: (1) Olive mar- ried Sanford Snodgrass, owner and occupant of a farm on section 3, and has three children, Virgil, Lulu and Vivian; (2) Emma married Fred Barth, owner of a farm on section 1, and has two children, Hattie and Raymond; John Wesley and Luana. 2— Laura married Amos Cornish in 111, and after a residence of four years in Clinton township, moved to Kos- suth county, where she died in 1888. 3— Mary married William F. Sea- man, who is now the owner and occu- pant of a farm of 170 acres on section 36, Des Moines township, and her family consists of five sons and five daughters, of whom three sons and one daughter are married. 4— Lucia, in 1865 married Andrew S. Harp, lives near McNight's Point CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 519 and has raised a family of three chil- dren, Elma, Lizzie and Martha. Henderson George W., {b. April 19, 1833,) state senator 1894-97, is a native of Sangamon county, 111., the son of John H., (b. Ken., 1806; d. 1848,) and Elizabeth E. (Powell, b. N. C, 1811,) Henderson. His parents, after their marriage in Tennessee about the year 1827, located in the north part of La Salle county, 111., and at the time of the Black Hawk war, 1831-32, were compelled to flee from that part of the state. He lacked the opportunity of attending public school until he was twelve years of age, and the death of his father three years later compelled him to take the lead in assisting his mother to provide for a family of six children younger than himself. In lieu of an education he learned the ','art of doing things" and to depend on himself. He became a hard worker and has lived long enough to perceive that all things come to him who works while he waits. On Dec. 18, 1856, he married Martha A. Kandall, of Mason City, and during the next twenty years, as a resident of Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, was en- gaged as a miller, millwright and bridge builder. Since 1875 he has turned his attention to farming and fruit culture. In January, 1882, he located on his present farm on section 12, Clinton township, where he has planted a large orchard and erected floe buildings. It is known as High- land Farm and contains 240 acres. On Sept. 25, 1861, he enlisted as a member of the 14th Iowa infantry, but later was transferred to the 41st and finally to Co. M, 7th Iowa cavalry, and spent three years and forty days in the army. He lost no time by sickness or absence and was on duty every day of that period. His knowl- edge of bridge building greatly in- creased his labors and the value of his services while on the march, but did not lessen his responsibility on the day of battle. As a pioneer on the frontier and soldier in the army he has manfully met and heroically endured the hard- ships through which in early lite it providentially became necessary for him to pass in order to achieve suc- cess. He has known no such word as failure and his sterling integrity has been fittingly recognized. In Cerro Gordo county he was presi- dent of the school board of his town- ship twelve years, and was a member of the board of county supervisors. In this county he has filled the offices of trustee and justice in Clinton town- ship; and during the four years, 1894- 97, had the honor of representing this 50th district in the senate of Iowa, during the 25th and 26th General As- semblies. In the extra session of the latter, held in 1897 to revise the code, he was assigned the chairmanship of the committee on the Fish and Game laws. His family has consisted of four children: KateH., a teacher, Dec. 24, 1879, married Selumiel J. Melson, who loca- ted in Kansas, and in 1883 in Lake township, this county, where he died in 1885, leaving three children, Ran- dall, Mearl and S. Jesse, who then found a home with their grandparents on Highland Farm. Mrs. Melson re- suming her favorite occupation, has been steadily engaged teaching dur- ing the last thirteen years. She has paid particular attention to primary methods and was one of the first in the state to receive a primary state teachers' certificate. 2— Jem, in early youth married John C. Bowen of Early, Iowa, who died in 1884, leaving no children. On June 21, 1893, she married G. W. Barnes of Powhatan township, and he is now an M. E. minister. They have four children, Ruth, Joyce, Marian and Robert Lytton. 5^0 PlOlt:^ER HISTORY OF 1?6(3AHOK*a8 GoUNTY, IOWA. Gail and John are at home. Hunt Daniel Webster, on Jan. 2, 1858, entered tor pre-emption 141 acres on section 3G, Des Moines township, for which he received the patent Aug. 15, 1860. During this period he lived in a shanty along the Des Moines river. During the war he returned to the east but, about 1867, located in Clinton township, purchasing lands on sections 2 and 11. He lived alone on section 2 in the old log cabin of W. H. Halt (still owned by the latter) until the early SO's, when his father died and he returned to Waterford, Brie county, i'a., to take possession of the old homestead. He still owns his tiipber lands on the west bank of the Des Moines river. During his residence in Cllntun township he was a justice of the peace, 1868-71, trustee 1869, '73-75, and assessor In 1871. lie was a candidate for sheriff of this county in 1873. When lie became a resident of this county there were not more than ten families living in it. Jarvis Henry, (b. Jan. 1, 1832,) Bolfe, the second sheriff of Pocahpn- tas county, is a native of England, a brother of William* and Oharles, who were also early residents of Des Moines township. Henry was one of the little band who left Fort Dodge in May 1857, and founded the first per- manent settlements In the north part of this county. On May 25, 1858, hav- ing located his home he made a trip to Dyersvllle, married Mary Tilley, (b. June 19, 1839,) and they commenced keeping house In a log cabin on sec- tion 24, Des Moines township. A few years later 115 acres more were pur- chased on section 25. Subsequently the cabin was replaced by a large and comfortable dwelling house that was the home of the family until 1894, when he built a residence and moved to Rolfe. He was the most popular sherlfC of this county in the early *See page 158. days, having held that olllce seven years, 1860-63, and 1865-67. His family has consisted of eleven children: 1— George, {b. Nov. 13, 1869,) In 1880 married Minnie M. Flory and located in the state of Washington, where he died leaving two children, Eda and George, who now live with their mother at Denver. 2— Sarah Ann, Dec. 25, 1882, mar- ried Carmi Vaughn, owner and occu- pant of a fine farm in Des Moines township, and has three children, Dell, Ernest and Leila. 3— Nellie B., Feb. 21, 1881, married Edward H, Vaughn, who, after a few years, moved to the state of Washing- ton and engaged in keeping store. On March 8, 1892, she died at Bolfe, leav- ing a family of three children, Frank, Arthur and Myrtle. 4— Rosa Bell, in 1886, married Alber- tus' Doe, lived In Powhatan township and died at Rolfe Sept. 7, 1900, leav- ing four children. 5— William (b. June 7, 1867,) located in Washington, where he is farming and has a family of three children. 6— Minnie married 0. A. Charlton. (See Charlton.) 7— Frank (b. June, 1872,) In 1899, married Minnie Alberts, of Lincoln township, and is farming near Rolfe. 8-Charle8 (b. 1873) died in 1895, and John (b. 1876) in 1898. Bert is at home and Carrie, the youngest, May 29, 1900, married Robert Freel and lives at Rolfe. Jarvis Charles, brother of William and Henry, located east of Old Rolfe In the Des Moines settlement In 1861. During the war he enlisted as a mem- ber of Co. B, 4th Iowa cavalry and spent three years in the service. He then returned to his homestead, which was across the line in Hum- boldt county, and occupied It until 1897, when he moved to Bradgate, where he died in November, 1899. On coming to America at the age of sev* CLINTOK TOWNSHIP. 521 enteen, he located first In New York state and then six years in Illinois. In 1860 he married Charity O. Van Natta, of Kirtland, Ind., and his fam- ily consisted of seven children, one of whom died in infancy, and William H., at Haveloclc in 1893 at the age of twenty-nine. Nellie M. (Atherton), Minnie (Boyden), James C, Elmer and George are married and live in Humboldt county. Garrison Charles F., (b. Dec. ]2, 1856,) Rolfe, has become the veteran photographer of Pocahontas county. His fine brick block, complete equip- ment and superior quality of work place him in the front rank as a flrst- class artist; and by securing the pat- ronage of a section of country that embraces more than the north half of this county he has built up a lucra- tive business. He is a native of Elkhart, Indiana, the son of Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Garri- son. He acquired a practical knowl- edge of the photographer's art in Chi- cago and practiced it for several years in Detroit. In 1884, coming with his brother to Fort Dodge, under the name of Garrison Bros., they estab- lished a tine studio and their name was a guaranty of the finest workman- ship. In May, 1886, he began to do business at Rolfe in a portable gallery that was located on the lot where the brick building now stands. At that time this lot was worth $300, but when he bought it, ten years later, he had to pay $1000 for It. At first he spent one month of each year at Eolfe in the portable gallery. In 1889 he purchased a building for a gallery; and in April, 1890, dissolving partnership with his brother, moved to Eolfe with his family, which consisted of his wife and his father and mother. In 1896 he erected the two-story brick block he has since occupied. There is not a finer suite of gallery rooms in Northwest Iowa, and he is well pre- pared to supply the wants of the peo- ple with fine pictures in every size and style. He has established branch galleries at Marathon, Laurens and Euthven. In October, 1888, he married Adah D. Fulcher of Three Elvers, Mich., and she has rendered him valuable as- sistance in the studio. His father died at Rolfe, July 12, 1896. Gunderson Charles L., (b. Oct. 13, 1859,) Eolfe P. O., is a native of Nor- way, the son of George and Helen Gunderson. In 1881, he came to Po- cahontas county, bought 320 acres of land on section 25, Center township, and began to reside upon it. He was then a single man. Gunder B. Gunder- son, his brother, lived with him dur- ing the first three years of his resi- dence on the farm, and then went to the state of Washington, where he has filled with credit to himself the office of superintendent of public schools. Gunder taught school during the winter months for a num- ber of years and taught the first school in the Brinkman school house, District No. 6, Center township, In 1884 Charles L. married Dena, daughter of Iver and Nellie Chrlst- ianseo, of Wisconsin, and his family consists of six children: George I., Arthur H., John C, Euth J., Naomi H. and Martha C. He is now one of the most highly respected and substantial farmers of Center township, being the happy possessor of 480 acres of land on which he has erected fine improvements. He 522 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. served six years as a trustee of Center township, 1890-92, '95-97; six years as a justice of the peace and was secretary of the school board in 1898. He is recognized as a man of sterling integ- rity, a staunch republican and a firm believer in the cause of prohibition. Kennedy William Campbell(b. Oct. 20, 1854,) an enthusiastic Sunday School worker, has been a resident of the NWi Sec. 10, Clinton township, since March, 1881. He is the son of David and Martha (Campbell b. June 19, 1823) Kennedy, who, subsequent to their marriage in 1850, lived four years near Forb Wayne, Ind., where W. U. was born. In 1857 his parents located near DeWitt, Clinton county, Iowa, where his father died in 1875. His mother was a native of County Down, Ireland, came to America with her father at eighteen, raised a family of seven children, six of whom are living, and died at Goldtield, Sept. 27, 1898. W. C, Feb. 16, 1881, married Catherine P. Seifert and a few days later, locating on his present farm, be- gan the worJi o£ its improvement. He has since increased its size to 386 acres, and no one can view the fine buildings erected or note their capac- ity and conveniences without per- ceiving that it is one of the most con- veniently arranged stock farms in that part of the county. In the home he has endeavored to combine beauty with comfort, and on the farm winter protection for all his stock and an abundant supply of good water. He was treasurer of the school fund of Clinton township in 1882-83, assessor in 1889-92, president of the school board in 1890 and a trustee in 1 893-95. He is a successful raiser as well as feeder of cattle, and finds he obtains the best results by putting two calves to one cow evenings and mornings un- til they are eight or ten weeks old, providing them other suitable food ac- cording to their age and needs. The arger cattle in the fall of the year, are fed corn on the ear until they are observed shelling it from the cob. After this the corn is shelled, mixed with oats (i) and placed in large self- feeders where they can get it at any time of the day and as much of it as they want. He feeds about six months, and it is not unusual for the cattle to make an average daily gain of four pounds each during that peri- od. He raises annually about seventy head of hogs, and though he uses no stock food or patent medicines he has hitherto escaped the cholera. During the feeding period many of them are allowed to roam in the large feed yard with the cattle. The hay-racks around the inside of the open cattle? sheds rest on wide troughs or tables, and underneath these the hogs find at night a dry and comfortable resting- place, that causes them to be widely distributed. Salt is placed where they can get it and a little lime oc- casionally in their troughs. He was raised in a home where he enjoyed the sweet and blessed influ- ence of the family altar. At the age of sixteen he presented himself for union with the United Presbyterian church to which his parents belonged. The fact that he was a comparative stranger did not prevent him from taking the lead in establishing and maintaining a Sunday School in the new town of Eolfe in 1881, and he was annually re-elected superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday School of Eolfe from the time it was organized until Jan. 1, 1897, when he organized and became superintendent of the Home department in it, the first one in the county. During the ttfteeu years he was superiutendent of the church school he was always present, except when prevented by sickness or absence from home. During the sum- mer seasons he has devoted his Sab- bath afternoons to the maintenance of Sabbath Schools iu the school- houses in the vicinity of his home. CLII^TON TOWNSHIP. 52S When the Pocahontas County Sunday School Association was organized at Pocahontas in 1881 he was present, was elected vice-president, has attend- ed every meeting of the association since that date, and has enjoyed the honor of serving as its president dur- ing a period of ten years. He is now a prominent worker in the Iowa State S. S. Association. He is a loyal friend of the Bible cause and has been presi- dent of the Pocahontas County Bible Society since 1899. He has been an elder in the Rolfe Presbyterian church since Oct. 7, 1883. His intelligent interest and never failing enthusiasm in the' Sunday School work is suggestive of his pub- lic spirit. It finds in him its expres- sion and field of opportunity in a faithful endeavor to give a moral and spiritual uplift to the present rising generation. As a natural result of his philanthropic efforts for the bene- fit of the young he has become a strong advocate of the cause of prohibition. He has one son, Leonard William. Since the spring of 1880 his wife's mother, Mrs. Geo. Seifert, and her daugfiter Anna have occupied a part of his home. On Feb. 20, 1901, the latter married Edward H. Weigman and located near Barlow, N. Dak. , Kent John B. Col., (b, Oct. 26, 1859,) is a native of Harrison county, Ohio, the son of Andrew Jackson and Rebecca H. (Arnold) Kent. His father was of English and his mother of Ger- man descent. He was brought up on a farm and received his early educa- tion in the public school. In 1879, at the age of eighteen, he entered the regular army of the U. S. as a member of the 7th infantry commanded by Gen. John Gibbon and spent five years in the military service on the frontier. He first attended the military school at St. Paul, Minn., and then partici- pated in several expeditions against' the Indians in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado and Wyoming. He held the position of orderly sergeant at the time of his discharge at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, March 10, 1884. He then located at Eolfe, where he first engaged in the hay business in partnership with his brother, D. A. Kent. Perceiving that the business in wild prairie hay would gradually decrease as the country became more thickly settled, he soon changed to the real estate and loan business, to which farming was added later. He has been guite successful in business, having accumulated more than 700 acres of good farm lands, and lives in one of the fine residences at Rolfe. He is a fine looking man, has made a good record and is popular with all classes of people. He has rendered efiBcient service in all the local offices at Rolfe from school director to may- or. During the period Frank D. Jackson was governor of Iowa, 1894-95, he was a member of his military staff, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel. When the Spanish-American war be- gan in Cuba he enrolled a company of men and expected to go with them to the front until the order was re- ceived that no new Iowa regiments were needed. He was the representa- tive of this 76th district, composed of Pocahontas and Humboldt counties, in the 28th General Assembly of Iowa in 1900-01. He is a man of sterling good sense and a close student of public affairs. He has taken an active part in the politics and business of this county during the last seventeen years and his popularity is no doubt due to his recognized ability, public spirit and the fact he always speaks well of oth- ers. He has been a loyal republican from principle and has spared neither time nor money to achieve an honor- able success for his party by the nom- ination and election of honest and ca- pable men in town, county and state. The five years spent in the regular army was to him a period of valuable 524 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAg COUNTY, loWA. training and his military recognition was honorably won. On May 21, 1885, he married Susan Struthers, and his family consists of three sons, Arnold M6Ewen, Don C. and Jonathan Prentiss Dolliver. Kerr Samuel H., (b. Nov. 26, 1862,) attorney and cashier, Rolfe, is a na- tive of Highland county, Ohio, the son of James E. and Clara A. (Beatty) Kerr, who were of Scotch-Irish de- scent. In 1869 he moved with his par- ents to Saline county. Mo., where his father died, leaving a family of five sons and three daughters. In 1875 his mother and family moved to Jas- per county, Iowa. In 1889 he gradu- ated from the law department of the Iowa State University, and located at Rolfe. He engaged in the practice of law until June 1, 1900, when he be- came cashier of the State Savings Bank of Rolfe. On March 24, 1892, he married Mary E., daughter of A. O. Garlock. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are very highly esteemed by all who know them. Leithead Calvin Page (b. Dec. 10, 1849) undertaker, Rolfe, is the son of William and Sophia Leithead. He is a native of Vermont, where he grew to manhood and on June 1, 1870 married Philena, daughter of Calvin and Susan Holt. After marriage he was engaged as a carpenter and con- tractor, and lived in several different localities. In September 1881 when the town of Rolfe was indicated by only one little shanty he purchased the lot on which his house (erected in 1885) now stands and built thereon one of the first houses in Rolfe. In 1886 he purchased a small building and lot on the west side of Garfield street and embarked in the furniture and undertaking business. Later he purchased the adjoining lot and in 1897 completed the double two story building all the rooms of which have since been stocked with an assort- ment of furniture and undertaker's supplies, the largest and finest in this section of the country. Here may be found, at prices within the reach of all, the latest artistic designs in furniture and articles of all kinds and styles for the adornment of the home. The business is transacted under the firm name of C. P. Leit- head and Sons and ttiis firm, in 1900, established another large furniture store at Pocahontas that has since been managed by his second son, Elbert A. Leithead. He helped to build the first house in Rolfe. It was built for James Parks and is now owned by George Challand. He has seen an unbroken wild prairie, covered with tall native grasses, transformed into a thriving little city that has some of the most beautiful homes and largest business houses in this county, He has the satisfaction of having nobly performed his part in the work of effecting this transformation. He has helped to erect many buildings and has de- veloped an important business inter- est until it has become the pride of the community. He was a member of the first council of Rolfe and served four years, 1884-87. He is now a trustee of Clinton township and served as a justice four years, 1883-86. His father was a native of Scotland and the rest of his children are dead. So far as he knows, C. P. and his family are the only ones that bear the family name in this country. His family consists of three sons all of whom are married. 1. William C. (b. Orange, Vt., May 25, 1872) married Pearl Denend, lives at Rolfe and has four children. 2. Elbert A. (b. Barre, Vt., 1876) married Lilly Chase, located on a farm in Center township, and in 1900 in Pocahontas where he is engaged in the furniture business. 3. Charles Ellsworth (b. 1878) physician and surgeon, after a four year's course in the Iowa State JOSEPH H. LIGHTER, Editor, Reveille. WARD FERGUSON. ^^ REV. CHAS. G. WRIGHT, Baptist. REV. JOHN W. LOTHIAN, Presiding Elder, M. E. Church. ROLFE AND VICINITY. SAMUEL H. KERR, ESQ. MRS. S. H. KERR. CHARLES E. FRASER. MRS. C. E. ERASER. ROLFE. CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 525 University, graduated from its medical department in 1895 and located at Rolfe. On March 1, 1898, lie located at Higlimore, S. D. He married Queen B. Furman. Lighter Joseph Henry {b. Oct. 8, 1853) editor,jRolte, is a native of Car- roll Co., 111., the son of Jacob H. (d. 1883) and Sarah A. Lighter. In 1865 he moved with his parents to Grundy Co., Iowa, where he received his education which included two terms in the b'riends college in Hardin Co. On Oct. 3, 1876 he married Emma F., daughter of Solomau Wilhelm, and located on a farm, in July 1880 he moved to Conrad and engaged in the lumber business. In 1888 he moved to Hubbard, Hardin county, where he purchased the two papers then pub- lished— theTimes and Enterprise— and in their place commenced the publication of the Hubbard Journal. In September 1890 he moved to Rolfe and during the next live years was a partner in the publication of the Reveille. In connection with the management of a job printing office he then prepared and in 1897 pub- lished a plat book of Pocahontas county, tliat contains a description of every farm in the county and the names of the owners at that time, al- phabetically arranged by townships. On march 1,1898 he commenced the' publication of the Rolfe Semi- Weekly Tribune and is still its editor and proprietor. During his residence at Conrad he served as the first mayor of that town and also as a trustee and justice of the township. At Rolfe he served as secretary of the school board in 1893- 97. He Is a man of conscientious con- victions and has faithfully performed every trust committed to him. His family consists of six children, Clarence tr., foreman in the office of the Reveille pince 1900, Arthur G. and Ervil C. in the office of the Tribune, Cora, Mabel a,n(\ DeElda, Lothian Robert (b. 1814, d. May 21, 1896) a pioneer and long-time resident of the northeast part of this county was a native of Fifeshire near Bdin- burg, Scotland, where Dec. 6, 1839 he married Janet Bruce (b. Jan. 4, 1815, d. Rolfe, Feb. 1888). In 1852 with a family of five children he emigrated to upper Canada. This voyags was made on the Shandon, the first iron clad ship that crossed the Atlantic, and on that trip, losing its course among ice bergs, it was delayed three weeks. In 1866 with a family of seven children (all except Janet, the eldest) he located on a homestead on the S Wir Sec. 30, Des Moines township, this county. Three of his sons, John W., James B. and William became owners of other homesteads or farms in the vicinity of Rolfe. In the spring of 1894, six years after the death oj his wife, he went to the home of his son, Robert at Seymour, Mo., and died there in 1896. The early career of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lothian was marked by trials and privations, such as the young people of this day will never know. At the time of their settlement in this county Boone was the nearest railway station and it took a week to haul a load of lumber with oxen. In the spring of 1869 he was compelled to pay $2.00 a bushel for corn at Spring- vale (now Humboldt) and grind it at home as best he could for bread. It was not unusual for them to walk long distances to church. It was while making such a journey that his wife, while crossing a foot bridge, fell in the crxiek and sustained injuries from which she never fully recovered. They were never known to turn the needy away from the door. He united with the Presbyterian church early in lite and was loyal to it as long as he lived, giving cheerfully much of his time and money to pro- mote its interests. He was an elder 526 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. in the Unity Presbyterian church at old Bolfe, a charter member and one of the first elders of the Second Pres- byterian church of Rolfe, and in his old age, became a trustee of . the Plover Presbyterian church at the time of its organization in 1888. His family consisted of eight chil- dren: 1. Janet L. (b Sept. 2, 1840) married "William Addison in Canada and died there in 1876. Her children died also. 2. John W. Lothian, Rev. (b. Scot- land April 14, 1843) in 1853 emigrated with his parents to upper Canada and in 1865 located with them in Pocahon- tas Co., Iowa. On April 25, 1866, he entered as a homestead the Si SEi Sec. 32, Des Moines township, and in 1872 his right was transferred to his brother, William, who obtained the patent for it March 30, 1888. On Nov. 28, 1868 he married Mary Jane Oilman, of Medford, Minn., and dur- ing the next three years occupied his farm which was so near, that he often chased his oxen over the place now covered by the town of Rolfe. In 1873 he entered the ministry of theM. E. church as a member of the North- western Iowa Conferehce. As a pas- tor he has served the churches at Peterson, Forest City, Spencer, Emmetsburg, Sibley, Sheldon, Hart- ley, Correctionville, Sac City and the Whitfield M. E. church Sioux City, his present field. He was presiding elder of the Ida Grove district six years, 1894-1900, was a member of the general conference at Cleveland in 1896 and at Chicago in 1900. His family consists of two daughters. Bertha (Oveiholtzer, Ireton) and Myrtle. 3— James B., (b. Sept, 18, 1845,) shoe- maker, on Sept. 19, 1867, married Rho- da Van Natta and occupied for many years a homestead on section 20, Des Moines township. He is now a resi- dent of Bolfe, and his family consists Of foMC ehildren, William M., who married Lilly Rose, Rolfe; James R-, John A. and A. Guy. 4— Robert B. (b. March 14, 1848,) on May 27, 1873, married Kate Farmer, lives at Seymour, Mo., and has two children, Clarence and Sadie. 5— William, (b. March 7, 1850,) in 1876 married Sarah Biclcle, and raised a family of six children: Janet, who married Ira DeWitt and lives at Spir- it Lake, Robert, Charles, Mary, Rich- ard, Alexander; and their parents live in Wisconsin. 6— Margaret, in 1868 married George Stevens, lived near Plover and died in 1899, leaving no offspring. 7— Alexander, (b. Can., 1857,) died at Rolfe in February, 1882. 8— Mary L., in 1877 married Calvin Hilton, lives at Hawarden and has a family of five children, Laura, Pearl, Ward, Calvin and Ina. Malcolm Augustus H., (b. 1832,) is one of the very first residents of the county. (See page 171.) He located in the spring of 1857 in Des Moines township, after the Civil war on sec- tion 1, Clinton township, and in 1900 in Rolfe. He is the son of James (b. Scotland, Nov. 30, 1786,) and Elizabeth (b. N. Y., July 20, 1792,) Malcolm. His family consisted of eight children, one of whom died in childhood. 1— Ora P. Malcolm, (b. Old Rolfe, Nov. 21, 1865,) after growing up on the farm, served as deputy treasurer of this county four years, 1896-99. He lives at Pocahontas and is now en- gaged in the abstract business. On Jan. 23, 1895, he married Clara P. Spence and his family consists of two sons. Homer and George. 2— Fred A. Malcolm, (b. Mar. 1, 1867,) Rolfe, was county surveyor four years, 1894-97, and is now engaged as a civil engineer. On Dec. 25, 1885, he mar- ried Carrie M. Brown and has one child. Daphne. 3— Addle E., Sept. 21, 1887, married John Seifert, resides in Clinton tews-' CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 527 lihlp and has three children, Myrtle, ITern and Thurlow. 4— Carrie B., Aug. 26, 1892, married Fred A. Mullen, superintendent of the electric light and water plant, Webster City, and has two children, Jean and Malcolm. 5 — May, Aug. 26, 1892, married Wm. G. Bennett, lives at Ft. Dodge and has two children. Evan and Robert. 6— Leon, Dec. 21, 1898, married Mat- tie Kellogg and has one child, Leone. 7 — Fiank lives atLivermure. During the Civil war A. H. Malcolm participated in the siege of York town, ■the battle at Blackwater river and siege of Suffolk in 1862; in the engage- ments at Frazer's Farm and Beaver's Dam in connection with Butler's ex- pedition to Kichmond in 1863; and in engagements at Bottom's Bridge, Beam's Station, in Kautz' raid on South Side railroad, Petersburg, June 10-15, in Watson's raid and at the Welden railroad in 1864. Matson William, in 1867, coming from Chicago with wife and two chil- dren, located at Old Rolfe and was the first to establish a blacksmith shop in Pocahontas county. After a few years- he moved to the SWi Sec. 16, Clinton township, where his wife died May 10, 1884. "Ben Lomond," the first postofflce iji Clinton town- ship, was located at his home from 1876 to 1878. His son William died May 27, 1885, at the age of 24 years, and Jennie, his daughter, became the wife of William D. McEwen. (See McEwen.) He died at Pocahontas May 6, 1888. Rafcliff John, (b.July, 19, 1843. d. Rolfe, Jan. 8, 1900.) Ex-Sherifl of this county, was a native of Morgan City, Ohio. His parents were Virginians and members of the Friend's church. During the civil war he enlisted in an Ohio regiment, the one that was sent against Morgan when he made his fam- ous raid into WestVirginia'and threat- fined the North. In 1866 he IooXpA at Humboldt, la., where in 1874 he mar- ried Hattie Connor. In 1889 'he moved to Rolfe, where he died In 1900. He was sheriff of Humboldt County from 1873 to 1875, and of this County two years, 1898-99. He was a member of the Rolfe school board five years. In 1879 he was the mail carrier between Pocahontas and Humboldt. He pos- sessed many excellent traits of char- acter, was a conscientious official and won many friends both in this and Humboldt Counties. His family consisted of five children , of whom one died young and Julia, a graduate of the Rolfe high school in 1893 and subsequently a teacher of unusual talent and success, died Feb. 16 , 1900, at the age of 23. Hortense, a teacher, William, a Rolfe graduate in 1897, and Nellie are at home. Reed Samuel Seibert, (b. June 29, 1848), banker, Rolfe, is a native of Franklin County, Pa. and in 1861 mov- ed with his parents to a farm near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1880 he mov- ed to Dallas County where in Decem- ber 1881 he entered the employ of S. P. Melllck. A few months later he be- came a partner with him and on April 27, 1882, landing at the new town of Rolfe Junction with a stock of dry goods, began to keep store in what is known as the First National bank building. In June 1883 he sold his interest in the store and engaged in the grain business until Jan.l. 1889, when he became a partner with John Lee in the banking business that in 1893 was sold to Farmer, Helsell & Co., but with which he continued to be identified until March 1, 1901, when he moved to Mitchell, S. D. to engage in farming and stock raising. He was treasurer of Rolfe during the last ten years of his residence there ,1891-1900. On Dec. 11, 1889, he married Anna D. Whittaker of 111. and has two children. Earl and Fay. Sandy William (b. April 14, 1834) Rolfe, a r\»i.iv« of Rianth Brent) Engij 528 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. in 1856 came to America with his sister Mrs. Wm. Jarvis and located at Dubuque, Iowa, where he married Charlotte Durston (b July 25, 1839) Aug. 11, 1863. The latter had come to America with her parents in 1858. On Sept. 1, 1864 he bought a farm on section 1, Clinton township and oc- cupied it from that date until 1900, when he moved to Eolfe, leaving three of hi& sons on the farm which now contaiDS 200 acres. He also owns 160 acres in Minnesota. During his residence of 36 years on the farm he experienced with others the trials of pioneer life and has proved himself a good farmer. He was assessor and justice of the peace in Clinton town- ship in 1870-'72. His family consisted of seven child- ren all of whom were born on the farm in Clinton township. The se- cond and fifth died in childhood. 1— Minnie M. Nov. 18, 1891 married F. H. Sherman, merchant and lives in Eolfe. 2— Mary Alice, 3— James W., 4— Geo. H. (b. 1876) on April 14, 1900 married Gertie Sanford and has. one child; 5— Frank A. George and Frank cul- tivate the old home farm and James looks after everything relating to the cattle. Seely Elijah Davis (b. 1813) was a native of Oneida county N. Y., where in 1848 he married Almira Frink (b. 1814) and soon afterward located at Eome, Wis., where he found employment as a cabinet maker. In 1860 he moved to Border Plains, Web- ster county, Iowa, and in 1864 to sec- tion 11 Clinton township. In 1879, after a residence 19 years on this farm he went to Sauk Center, Minn., but after one year returned to Eolfe where his wife died July 14, 1891. He died in the summer of 1898 in Wisconsin. His record shows that he took a very active part in the management of the affairs of Clinton township in the early days. He was a trustee three years, 1865-7; assessor two years, 66-67; justice of the peace eight years, 69-70, '74-75, '79-82; township clerk seven years, '70, '75, '78-82 and was president of the school board in 1875. His family consisted of six children, three of whom are living. 1— Eliza in 1862 married Park C. Harder and lived in Clinton township until 1876 when they moved to Sauk Center, Minn., and in 1898 to Nebras- ka. Mr. Harder in 1869-72 served as the first secretary of tne school board of Clinton township. He was town- ship clerk, 1867-69 and a trustee, 1870- 72. His family consists of seven child- ren, Clifton, Evarts, Daniel, Fred- eric, Hattie, Lilly, Maude and Clara. 2— Harrison P. Seely, a carpenter, in 1876 married Henrietta Norman and has lived at Meriden since 1895. His family consists of three children of whom Buzzwell has been rendering military service in the U. S. Army in the Philippines. 3— Willard F. Seely, married EfBe Hayden and lives at Eolfe. He has one son, Claude, who has become well known as a local correspondent of several of the newspapers in this county. Willard was assessor of Clin- ton Township in 1875-76, and Secre- tary of the school board in 1875-79. Schultz Alva L. (b. Dec. 26, 1861) editor, is a native of Clinton county, Iowa. In 1886 he began to engage in newspaper work at Winfield, Kan., and the next year became part owner of the Winfield Dally Visitor. In 1889 he returned to Iowa and the next year started the Blade at Wall Lake. Three years later he went to Traer and with H. 0. Mann, as a partner, started the Traer Globe. In April 1894 he relinquished his interest in this paper, bought the Eolfe Argus and continued its publication until Dec. 1, 1898, when he moved to Poca- hontas and established the Pocahon- tas Herald. At Eolfe he served as secretary of the school board two years, 1896-97, and at Pocahontas has CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 529 been justice of the peace and secretary of the school board during the last two years. Struthers Robert, (see! page 172), the ttrst representative from this 'county in the legislature of Iowa, was a resident of Des Moines township from 1857 to 1893, when he moved to Rolfe where he died Sept. 18, 1898, and his wife June 9, 1897. He was one of tlie very drst pioneers to locate in the northeast pait of this county and his wife joined him a few months later. By their sterling integrity and noble lives this worthy couple, during the first forty years of the history of this county, exerted a potent influence for good that was felt not merely in their own neighborhood but through- out this county and in the legislative halis of this commonwealth. The good are a mighty power and they exert an influence long after their de- parture from earth. They are grate- fully remembered in the home, the social circle and the church. "That man exists but never lives, Who much receives but notliing gives. But he, who marks liis devious way By generous acts from day to day. Treads tlie same path his Saviour trod. The, path to glory and to God." His family consisted of three sons and four daughters. 1. William E. (b. Mar. 19, 1857) is a native of Aurora, 111., where his par- ents tarried a few months while on the way to the frontier. He is the owner and occupant of a fann of 160 acres on .section 3, r)es Moines township. He has been secretary of the school board in tills township since 1889. On April (i, 1K,S2 he married Alice Price of Lizard township and lias three chil- dren, William, Ak'cand Ernest. 2. Ellen (b. Jan. 1, 1859) on March 19, 187S married Richard S, Mathers ownoi' and occnivint. of a farm of .'120 acres on 8ec. 3, Clinton township. Her family consists of seven children, William, Susie, Mary, Robert, Aieliie, Maggie and Nellie. 3. Susan married Col. John B. Kent. (See Kent.) 4. Maggie J. lives at Rolfe. 5. Andrew J. (b. Aug. 22, 18f)5) oc- cupies a farm of 220 acres. Sec. H, Des Moines township. April 20, 1893 he married Etta Parliin of Humboldt county and has one daughter, Mary. 6. Grace, Sept. 12, 1887 married James McClure, a mechanic, lives at West Bend and has a family of two cliildren, Gilbert G. and Walton M. 7. Robert A. (b. Feb. 1, 1871), farmer, lives at Rolfe. Spence George Francis, (b. Aug. 23, 1842,) Rolfe P. O., is a native of Kenosha county, Wisconsin. In 1869 he located in Hamilton county Iowa, and remained fourteen years. In 1883 he located on his present farm of 200 acres on section 11, Center township, two and oue-half miles southwest of Rolfe. He has erected good improve- ments on this farm and made it a de- lightful home. He has been identi- fied with the history of Center town- ship, having served as a trustee five years, 1885-89, and as a justice of the peace and president of the school board in 1888. It is, however, by reason of the long continued and effi- cient public service rendered as post- master at Rolfe that he became most widely and favorably Isnown. He had charge of the Rolfe postofflce seven years and three months from April 1, 1890. He has been an elder in the Presbyterian church of Rolfe since 1889 and superintendent of the Sun- day school during the past five years. He is a veteran of the civil war, hav- ing enlisted in May, 1864, at Kenosha, as a member of the 39th Wis. \'olun- tcLM's and conlinueri in the service in the western ilcpaitmcnt of the army until the fall of that year. In 1872 he married Etta Gould, of Grunily county, and liis family con- sists of two children, Clara Hell, who married Ora P. ^lalcolm, (see Mai- 530 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. colm) and Walter A., who lives at Rolfe. TUley Matthew, (b. Dec. , 18U) and his wife, Sarah Pether, were both natives of Somersetshire, England, where they were married in February, 1836. In 1855 they came to America and located at Dyersville, Iowa, where they remained seven years. In the spring of 1862 they located on the NEi Sec. 23, Des Mtiines township, later known as the Wm. Struthers farm, one and a halt miles north of Old Rolfe. Here she died Feb. 16, 1868. In 1869 he married Abbie A. Blood and a few years later moved to Ness coun- ty, Kansas, where he built a fine stone house and remained seven years. On his return to this county he located at Rolfe, where he died April 18, 1901, 1q his 90tb year. He was a stone ma- son all his life and a first-class work- man. He built the First Congrega- tional church, a stone building, at Dyersville in 1860, and later a stone school house in Humboldt county. He served twelve years as a clerk in one of the churches of England, and as a tax- collector before he came to this conn- try. He was treasurer of the school funds a few years in Des Moines town- shlpduring the sixties, and was iden- titted first with the Methodist and after removing to Kansas with the Presbyterian church. His family consisted of four chil- dren: 1— Mary, the eldest, in 1858 at Dyersville, married Henry Jarvis. (See Jarvis.) 2-Ellen Tilley (b. July 17,1837,) is a native of Ware, Somersetshire, Eng- land, where she learned dressmaking. At twenty she onme with her parents, sister and two brothers to Dyersville, Iowa, the trip across the ocean occu- pying eight weeks. In 1857 she mar- ried Henry Hayward of Dyersville, and about five years later moved to a farm in the northeast purt of Poca- hontas county. He whs proprietor of n, meat market during the first ten years of their residence at Rolfe. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom three died in infancy. Albert James, a farmer, married Lizzie Pike of Fonda, has two sons and lives near Emmetsburg. Darley Cornelius, a farmer, married Mary Schirgogle of La Conner, Wash., where he now resides, and has three cijildien. Abbie Louisa, a dressmaker, Rolfe. Watson Henry, a butcher, married Florence Drake of Rolfe, lives at Eagle Grove and has two daughters. Mary Isabella. Hephzibah Sarah married Wm. O. Forsythe, a cigar-maker, lives at Ma- son City, and has one daughter. Susan E., Rolfe graduate in 1898, has since been a compositor in the Reveille office. 3— Henry Tilley, in the fall of 1862, at the age of nineteen, enlisted with three others from Old Rolfe— Wm. S. Fegles, Charles Jarvis and Dennis Quigley— as a member of Co. B, 4tii Iowa cavalry. He was bugler for the regiment and remained in the service until the fall of 1865. On his return to this county he entered as a home- stead the NEi Sec. 14, Powhatan township, 160 acres, and received the patent for it Sept. 25, 1872. A few years later he moved to Kansas, where he still resides. He learned masonry from his father and when not other- wise engaged sought employment as a mason He married Belle Hancher and his family consists of two sons and one daughter. 4— Edward Tilley, a farmer, Have- lock, on Sept. 15, 1867, married Anna Jane, daughter of Edward P. Ham- mond, and they occupied the Ham- mond farm on section 1, Clinton town- ship, until the year 1888, when they moved to Powhatan township, and in 1897 to Havelock. His family consisted of twelve chil- dren, two of whom died young: 1-^Mary E. m 1892, married John B. CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 531 Harris and lived at Havelock until 1901, when they moved to Ware. 2— Edward Wm., a merchaat, mar- ried Celia Estella Campbell, and lives in the state ot Washington. 3— Adelaide, Dsc. 7, 1898, married John Johnson, (b. 1865) who has been superintendent of the Shannon ranch in Center township, since 1897. He is a native of Denmark, came to this country in 1887 and began to work on the Shannon ranch in 1893. They have two chiLdren, Grace and Grrant; twins. 4— Agnes, in 1898 married Frank Spornetz, a harnessmaker, and lives in North Dakota. Charles Henry, Sarah A., Minnie G., Harold B., Edna May and Olney D. are at home. Tollefsrude Christian Hansen, (b. May 1, 1845,) Rolte, is a native of Rock county, Wisconsin, the son of Hans C. and Bereth Tollefsrude, of Rusk. His early days were spent on the home farm. He attended Beloit college 1864-67, and taught several terms in the public schools of Wisconsin. In 1869 he married Maria G. Shirley, of Avon, Wis , and in 1870 settled on a homestead, the Ei SWiSec. 28, Grant township, this county. He engajjed in farming and teaching until 1882, when he became county auditor and moved to Pocahontas. At the end of four years of faithful public service he became the assistant cashier of the Farmers Bank at Pocahontas, and la- ter its cashier, when it was reorgan- ized as the Pocahontas Savings Bank. In 1888 he became also the account- ant and corresponding secretary of the Pocahontas Land & Loan Co., and in 1893 the assistant cashier of the State Savings Bank of Rolfe, having moved to that place that year. He built and occupies a fine residence in Bolfe. He still owns the old home- stead and altogether about 360 acres in Grant township. Owing to failing health he severed bis connection with the Loan Co. and State Savings Bank June 1, 1900, and since that- date has given his attention to the care of his own interests. He participated in the organization Df Grant township in 1870, and had the honor of serving as the first jus- tice of the peace in that township, serving altogether eight years, 1870-7i!, '77-81. He was clerk of that town- ship eight years, '72-79; president ot the school board in 1872, and secretary of it three years, 1874-75, '78. During his residence at Pocahontas he was president of the Center township school board three years, 1885-87, and county auditor tour years, 1882-85. He is a very neat penman, a ready writer aud strictly methodical in the transaction of business and keeping accounts. In early life he formed the habit of keeping a diary in which he noted every important local event. By the aid of this diary he wrote a very minute and accurate history of the early settlement of Grant, township, tirst for the public press of ihis county aud later for this volume. Shirley, the first postofiBce in Grant township, established in 1876, was named in houor of his wife, and he was the postmaster until their re- moval to Pocahontas in 1882. They have one daughter, Charlotte I. B., whose birth in 1871, was the fourth one in Graut township. On May 19, 1897, she became the wife of Alonzo ' R. Thornton, Rolfe, and has two children. Norma Emily and Charlotte 1. B. On August 4, 1900, she became associate publisher of the Reveille with her husband. Van nistine Sewell (b. Oct. 24, 18Z4), farmer, Gilmore City, came to Pocahontas county with wife and seven children in 1871 and located on the Wi sec. 25, Clinton township. Later he purchased ahu the N. W. i sec. 36 on which he is now living one mile northwest of Gilmore City and 532 PIONEEE HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUlSfTY, IOWA. the W. i sec 31 Avery township, Hum- boldt county. Some time afterward he purchased 200 acres more on sec- tion 25, Clinton township. Some of these lands have been transferred to members of his family, but he Is still the owner of 840 acres of rich and highly improved lands in this and Humboldt counties. He is a native of New York state, the son of Leonard and Sophia (Pratt) Van Alstine, who lived on a farm and had four children of whom he was the youngest. At fifteen iu 1840, he moved with his parents to Illinois where Dec. 6, 1848 he married Ellen C. daughter of Edward and Harriet (Spicer) Hawley. He then located on a farm near his parents and remained on it twenty three years. All of his children were born on this farm. When he arrived with his family in Clinton May 8, 1871 there were only about a dozen families iu the town- ship. He built a house 18x24 feet on the S. W. i sec. 2-5 and occupied it till 1884 when he built the large mansion 34x34 feet on sec. 36 with verandas on three sides of it and sup- plied within with every necessary modern convenience. He 13 recognized as one of the large and successful farmers of Pocahontas county. He has been a thorough tiller of the soil md has been accus- tomed to rest, renovate and enrich it with crops of clover every six years. He regards clover as the farmer's best sub soiler since it rests the surface while it draws nutriment from the subsoil. In a single year on the land farmed by himself and family he has raised 10,000 bushels of corn and 5,000 bushels of oats. He used to raise large numbers of fat cattle but during recent years has given more attention to raising hogs. He has never had a desire to hold office but on the other hand bas not refused to perform his duty as a citi- zen, having been president of the school board one year, a trustee four years, a justice of the peace ten years. Mrs. Van Alstine in March 1878 was appointed postmaster of Clinton town- ship anrl the office at their home was called Prairie View. She continue d to be postmistress until July 1, 1881 when the office was established at Gilmore City. Their family is located as follows: 1— Inez in 1870 married Ira Scran- ton of Greene county, Iowa, and they lived there three years. In 1873 they located on the N. W. isec. 35, Clinton township, improved it with good buildings and fences and occupied it until 1893 when they moved to Polk county, Mo. They however still own this farm. During their residence in Clinton township he was a trustee of the township two years, president of the schoolboard four years and assessor six years. She was an active christian worker and was secretary of the Poca- hontas County Sunday School Associ- ation several years. They have a family of five children, Charles S. a teacher; Grace E. who in 1894 mar- ried Oliver Graves and having one child, Cecil, lives in Nebraska; Robert Graves, Harold L. and Cath- erine. 2— Clarence L., farmer, in 1885 mar- ried Gertrude Brooks of Humboldt county and lives on sec. 31, Avery township, near the old home. He has a family of six children, Edward C, Greta E., Annie H., Paul B., Ruth A. and Elizabeth, twins. 3— Rollin, proprieterof the Security bank at Gilmore City since 1894, in 1878 married Ada Jackson of Hum- boldt county and his family consists of two children, Winnil'red P. and Robert L. 4— Altha, who died at the age of 30 in October 1875. 5— Leslie H., joint owner with his younger brother Howard, of the Ex- Change bank of Gilmore City, since CLi]srT6:Kr townshiJp. 633 1881, in 1891 married May, daushter of Dr. F. W. Coffin then of Gilmore City now of Cleveland, O. He lias two children Eaid M. and Keginald M. 6— Blanch B. at home. ^ — Howard S. banker, Gilmore City, in 1896 married Bertha, daughter of F. B. Beers an old settler of Lake township, and has two children, Lois and Dana. Leslie and Howard established the Exchange bank and RoUin the Securi- ty bank when they embarked in the banking business, and they have erec- ted substantial buildings, brick and stone, respectively, for them. Wright Charles Gilbert, (b. Jan 14, 1864,) pastor of the Baptist church, Rolfe, from Jan. 1, 1896, to Jan. 1, 1900, was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y. In 1885 he graduated from Munro Collegiate Institute near Syr- acuse. In 1881 he came to Kossuth county, Iowa, and engaged in busi- ness. In 1893, assured of a call to the ministry, he became pastor of the Baptist church of Bradgate. Three months after its organization in 1895 he became pastor of the Baptist church of Eolfe and secured the erection of a church building be- fore the close of his first year. He also supplied at intervals the Baptist church of Havelock. After an en- couraging pastorate of four years at Rolfe he relinquished the field that he might enjoy a couple of years of special training for the ministerial of- fice. In 1891, he married Addie A. Carter of West Bend, and his family consists of two children, Carroll C. and Jessie L. CLINTON ASSESSMENT IN 1870. In the spring of 1870, the 11th year of its settlement, there were only lour persons in Clinton township liable to perform military duty, namely, D. W. Hunt, Wm. Sandy, Henry Clason and Mallard Seely. The assessment of live stock for that yeair was as follows: Horses Cattle Hogs A, H. Malcolm 2 4 2 Wm. Sandy 2 10 16 D. W. Hunt 1 4 Ora Harvey 2 13 Elijah D. Seely 1 1 4 Almira Seely 1 1 Mallard Seely 1 Harmon Seely 4 Joseph Clason 3 2 Henry Clason . 2 9 Parker C. Harder 7 3 Benj. Messenger _2 1__ Total 15 61 28 Assessed value $525 $912 $14 Total value $1,431 The assessment of 1900, not includ- ing Rolfe, shows 115 persons subject to military duty, 540 horses, 1,688 cat- tle, 1,255 hogs, 2,785 sheep; and their value is $77,912.00. 534 PIONEER fliSTORY OF POCASONTAS COTJI^-TY, IOWA. eOLFHX TOWNSHIP. XYI. "The wind on the prairie crept through the grass, A subtler sigh than in boughs of trees, The gray of the twilight fell, one great mass, Unbroken, blotting the pathless prairie." —BATES. ||OLFAX township was named in honor of Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, Spealier of the House of Repre- sentatives 186 3-6 9, and Vice-president of the Uuited States 1869-73. It formed a part of Lizard township until Sept. 6, 1870, when It was annexed to Cedar, and it was established as a separate town- ship Sept. 4, 1871. The surface of this township is a level or slightly rolling prairie. At the time of its survey it contained "a great number of irreclaimable marshes containing one to one hundred acres each," but now nearly all of them are under cultivation or have become profitable pastures. The soil is of the best quality. Muskrat slough, that originally in- cluded nearly all of section 8 in the northwest part of it, used to be a great place for trapping. The little stream that flows from it, crossing the Gar lock homestead in Cedar town- ship and then emptying into Hell slough in Calhoun county, was called "Fast creek," because many teams stuck fast in the effort to ford it in the early days. The head of Purga- tory slough appears In the southeast part on section 35, and its outlet in Calhoun county is called Lake creek. Hell slough In Calhoun county and Purgatory slough, a few miles east of it, were on the main route westward from Fort Dodge, and these signifi- cant names were given them by the emigrants who passed over these prai- ries before the time of their settle- COLlFAX TOWNSHIP. 535 inent, on account of the diflflculty ex- perienced in crossing them. In the spring of the year horses w.ould stick fast and fall in them, and the only sure means of drawing a loaded wagon through them was a string of oxen so long that when the wagon would be nearly covered with water in the deepest part of them some of the oxen would be on the more solid ground on the other side. Eight to ten yoke of oxen would sometimes be hitched to one wagon. Coal and other necessary supplies had to be hauled from t'ort Dodge and, during the cold weather, many a teamster in breaking the ice before the oxen found himself in water to the armpits. Although they furnished an abundant supply of wild fowl of the best quality and other game both in the fall and spring of the year, they got the repu- tation of being the worst places in the whole country. They were drained in 1890 and have since been converted into productive and valuable farms. There was not a tree in the town- ship when the first settlers located in it and the first grove was planted in 1871 by R. C. Stewart on section 34. It consisted of one acre of forest trees. FIKST SBTTLEKS— 1869. The first settlers of Colfax town- ship were Fred C. Smith (Schmidt) and Fred Matheis, two young men who, ■ locating on adjoining home- steads on section 28, March 1, J869, built a frame shanty on the line be- tween them and occupied It together. Fred Smith turned the first furrow in the township soon after their ar- rival with two yoke of oxen they bought In partnership.' They broke about fifty acres on each of their homesteads that year, and then plowed for other settlers that arrived later. In the fall of that year Smith built a house and married Eliza Briggs, a native of England and a res Ident of Calhoun county. In June Gad U. Lowrey, Jason his son, and Edward B, Clark his brother- in-law, arrived and they immediately began to improve their homesteads on section 28 by the erection of small houses. A month later Fred Jentz and family and Herman Speik, a young man, located on sections 14 and 22. Charles Peterson, John and Gus H. Johnson, Harry and John A. Nel- son, five young men who came to- gether from Sweden, walked from Des Moines, carrying their luggage and entered five homesteads on sec- tion 12 on the same day— March 3 1869. Andrew O. Long, a Swede, located on section 34, but after a few months moved to section 2, Bell ville township. August Prange, Rudolph and Amandus Zieman in 1869 located their homesteads on section 20, and then working on tbe railroad lived along it. 1870. Others that located and entered homesteads in the latter part of 1869, but did not occupy them until the spring of 1870, were Charles and Peter Peterson, Theodore Dunn, John A. and Charles Johnson, Jnlia A John- son, Ludwic D. Turner, John Reimer, John E. Morien, Joseph Fells, Devlin Brown, Carl F. Hillstrom, August Samuelson, John Soder, Wm. Zieman and August Malmburg. Other fam- ilies that located in 1870, in addition to those just named were those of Robert C. Stewart, Charles G. Per- kins, Thomas Walker, Henry Russell, John Murphy, James Little, Jacob L. Williams, Geo. W. Gearhart, Wm. Sanborn, James B. Chapin, James Hite, Fred Yohnke, N. C. Synstelien and John Russell. 1871. In 1871, or soon afterward, the fol- lowing families located on home- steads: Torrence Murphy, John, Charles J. and August Johnson, Gus- tave Hagg, John Carlson, Peter J. Gustafsen, Andrew Wass, Augusta 536 JPIOKBER PIISTOEY OF POCAHOHTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Lindell, Richard Lory, Archibald Stigney, Swan P. Munson, George Guy, Wm. B. Harris, John Kruohten and W. C. B. Ahen. It will be perceived that nearly all of the early settlers ol Colfax town- ship were homesteaders. Geo. Wal- lace aad a few others were purchasers. ORGANIZATION. The first election in Colfax town- ship was held at the home of James B. Chapin, afterward owned by Dan- iel N. Boyd, onNWiSec. 15, and at the time of the general election, Oct. 10, 1871. The persons appointed to hold this election were Geo. Wallace, K. C. Stewart and James B. Chapin, judges, Theodore D4nn and Hiram H. Wallace,' clerks. The local officers elected were Geo. Wallace, R. C. Stew- art and Wm. B. Harris, trustees; Geo. Wallace and J. B. Chapin, justices; Theodore Dunn, cleric; Jason H. Low- rey, constable; and B. C. Stewart, as- sessor. On March 2, 1872, Wm. Sanborn was appointed constable and Geo. Wal- lace a road supervisor. On Oct. 7th, following, the township was divided into four road districts, one road scraper was purchased for each dis- trict and for 1873 Geo. Wallace, L. D. Turner, Wm. Sanborn and Richard Hood were appointed supervisors. The annual levy for road purposes in '71, '73-75 was two mills; in '72 and '7(3- 84 it was live mills, and it has been four mills since that date. In 1881 the township was divided into six road districts of six sections each, but on Oct. 5, 1896, it was re-districted and divided into two districts — easD and west— and for the ensuing year J. h'. Gustason aud Amandus Zieman were the supervisors. In 1889 a road grader costing $196.00 was purchased. SUCCESSION OF OrFICEIlS. The succession of otticers has been as follows: Trustees: Wm. B. Harris 1872-73; Geo. Wallace, '72-75; R. C. Stewart, '72; Charles G. Perkins, '73, '94-1900; Hiram H. Wallace, '73-75, '78; Geo. W. Gearhart, '74-76; Jason H. Lowrey, '74; John Murphy, '75; Fred Smith, '76, '90-92; J"ohn Barrett, '76; R. A. Hor- ton, '77; Daniel N. Boyd, '77, '79-82: JohnSoder, '77; R. B. Adams, '78-81; Fred Yohnke, '78; J. Fell, '79-80, David Spielman, '81-89; Alba Miller, '82; Alex. G. Maxwell, '83-88; Alex. Peter- son, '83-90; James H, Hogan, '89-93, '99- 1901. J. A. Holmes, '91-94; Charles Pe- terson, '93=-1901; Frank Peterson, '97- 1901; J. F. Gustason, '98-1900; Dayid Welander. Clerks: Theodore Dunn, 1872-73; Geo. Wallace, '74-75, '77; E. C. Brown- ell, '76; Henry Pearce, '78; J. A. Holmes, "79, '84-86, '88; Amandus Zie- man, '80-82; R. C. Stewart, '83; J. L. Sanquist, '87; S. N. Maxwell, '89-90; John Barrett, '91; O. A. Merrill, '99; J. W. Clancy, '92-98; C. G. Perkins, 1900-01. Justices: Geo. Wallace, 1872-74; R. C. Stewart, '72-73, '79-84; C. G. Per- kins, '74-86; D. N. Boyd, '75-77; George Convy, '78; A. G. Maxwell, '85-90; S. P. Boyd, '87-90: S. W. McKinney, '91- 95; J. F. Parker, '91-95; Alex Peterson, '96-1901; Wm. Brieholtz, '97-1900; Louis Benshoof, 1901. Assessors: R. C. Stewart, '72-73 '77; James B. Chapin,'74; C.G. Perkius, '75-76; J. B. Rickman, '78-80; John Barrett, '81-84; James H. Hogan, '85- 88; James Doyle, '89-'95; Edward Flah- erty, '96-98; C. A. Hartley, '99-1901. SCHOOL OFEICBRS. Presidents OF THE Board: W. B. Harris, 1872-73; R. C. Stewart, '74-82; C. G. Perkins, '75; Geo. W. Wallace, '76-77; R. A. Horton, '78-81; O. C, Wood, '83-86; R. Hodd, Fred Smith, J. H. Hogan, John Doyle, James Clancy, '91-92, '94; Charles Peterson, '93, '95-97; J. F. Gustason, '98-1900. Secretaries: C. G. Perkins, '72- 73; J. H. Lowrey, '74-75; R. C.Stewart, '76-81, '83; D. N. Boyd, J. F. Parker, '84-95; J. H. Hogan, '96-1900. MraMbs.A.6.Maxwell. Geo. Wallace. MR5.GE0.WALIACE. %-.cic« ■%**• Jason H.LowREr. !•;. ■^ ■ I^EW r^ - ■ tt 1 -«v i hmsm l*-1a ■ i'w ' 1^1 MR.iMBS.GADC.L0WREY. ^■f ■''■■y f^^ '^-:\ 5.WM5KlNNtT. COLFAX TOWNSHIP AND VICINITY. X 2 O H X < li. J o o s < y. o o D 2 < > o o CO o < 2 2 o Q 2 O (/) H X 2 < DC COLFAX TOWSNHIP. 537 Treasurers: Theo. Dunn, 1872-73; Ray C. Brownell, '74-81; Niles L. Brownell, '82-90; Charles A. Bischoff, '91-1901. PtTBLIC SCHOOLS. On April 8, 1871, Colfax being in- cluded in Cedar township, a public school was established in the home of Gad C. Lowrey on section 26, and it was taught by his daughter, Ida D. Lowrey. In the fall of- that year G. C. Lowrey, as a member of the Cedar ■ township school board, was authorized to establish two schools in his district (Colfax) and these were held one in his own home and the other in Locli- ey's house which was bought for $140 for that purpose. The Colfax school district was or- ganized March 2, 1872, at the home of R, C. Stewart by the election of Wm. B. Harris, L. D. Turner and R. C. Stewart as the first board of directors. At this meeting Gad C. Lowrey pre- sided and J. H. Lowrey served as sec- retary. Charles G. Perkins was ap- pointed secretary of the board and Thos. Dunn, treasurer. That sum- mer the first school house was built on the Stewart farm, NWi Sec. 34, by A. O. Garlock and his father, and the first teacher In this building was Gus- tave Perkins, now Mrs. Alpheus Fuller. The second school building was built that fall in the Lowrey dis- trict and the first teacher In it was Theo. Dunn, who taught several terms. The Center school house in the Boyd district was built in 1874, and the first teacher in it was Lizzie Wallace, now Mrs. A. G. Maxwell, who also taught several successive terms. The fourth school house was built in the Turner district on SE Cor. Sec. 6 that same year, and the first teacher in it was Eliza J. (L. D.) Tur- ner. School houses were erected in all the other districts of the township a few years later and at this date all the first buildings have been replaced by new and good ones that are a credit to the township. Teachers that taught school in this township in the early days in addition to those already named, were Mrs. Geo. Wallace, A. G. Perkins, Emma T. Lowrey, J. M. Fickle, Sadie Dar- ling, S. A. Fifleld, Miss Westlake, Wm. J. Boyd, Ida Garlock, W. W. Frost, Sj E. Reamer, Emma Jentz, James Darling, Mrs. J. and Romeo Wilbur, Alice Dorton, Mary Ward, Matie Turner, Lydia Gould, S. T. Clark, Charles E. Stewart, Fannie Fenton, Julia O'Kiefe, Lizzie Kruchten, Mrs. Chas. Bleam, Carrie Parker, Maude Perry, Ella Wood, Alice, Florence and John Dal- ton, Maggie Eaton, Fred B. Chapman and others. BREIHOLZ CREAMERY. The principal place of business in Colfax township is the Breiholz creamery. It was built by Theo. Dunn in the spring of 1889, on land bought of Geo. Guy in the northeast corner of section 28. In the fall of that year he sold it to i John Brieholz who continued to own- it until his death in 1895. Since that date it has been owned by Mrs. Breiholz, his wife, who is a resident of Pomeroy, and Wm. Breiholz, her nephew, has been its manager. It has received a liberal patronage from the farmers in its vicinity and is operated all the year, but milk is received only every other day during the winter months. CHURCHES. The first religious services in Colfax township were held in the homes of the Swedish Lutherans by Rev. C. Malmberg of Dayton, during the years of 1870 and 1871. The first public services in English were held by Rev. Charles S. Perkins, a resident of the township, in the Stewart-Brownell school house on sec- tion 34 in the fall of 1872. The first Sunday school was organ- ized in 1874 under John Reckman, as superintendent, and it was main- S38 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWa. tained until his removal to Dakota about four years later. Two Swedish churches have been organized in this township and both ot them have good houses of worship, cemeteries, parsonages and resident pastors. Both of them are located near each other on the north side of section 13 and both have a good sup- ply of sheds for teams. They are called the Swedish Evangelical Luth- eran and Swedish Mission of the Unit- ed Brethren. Swedish Ltitheban Church— The Swedish Lutheran (Elfsborg) church was organized March 13, 1873. The original members consisted of the families of Nels Anderson, J. P. An- derson, A. Burgeson, R. F. Cedarstrom, John Carlson, J. F. Gustason, H. Hanson, C. F. Hillstrom, John A. Johnson, Hans Johnson, Johannes Johnson, Andrew O. Long, John Mil- ler, S. P. Magnusson, (now Munson) Aaron Erikson, J. E. Moren, Aug. Malmberg, Lars Olsson, Gust F. Johnson, Gustaf Olson, Gustaf Pe- terson, Peter Peterson, John Peter- son, Lars Sandquist, John Soder, Peter Soder, Aaron Himan, Peter Eliasson, John Larson, Aug. Johnson, Carl Lun- gren, and Messrs. Glaus Cedarstrom, Chas. P., John and Frank Peterson, J. G. Anderson, Mrs. Hedvig S. Holm- berg, Aug Samuelson and Anton John- son— 64. The membership now is over 100. The board of trustees recent- ly consisted of Charles Peterson, J. F. Johnson C. F. Hillstrom, Charles and Gust F. Johnson and Aug. Samuelson; and the deacons, O. P. Samuelson, A. G. and S. L. Johnson, Alfred B.Olson, J. E. Moren and C. J. Murner, who was also superintendent of the Sunday school. The parsonage and other buildings belonging to it are located on the north side of the road, the church and cemetery on the south side of it- The parsonage was built in 1876, and the church building, 30x40 feet and costing $2,000, was dedicated Decem- ber 3, 1884. The services were first conducted by Eev. C. Malmberg of Madrid and they were occasionally held by other ministers from Dayton, and Madrid. The succession of pastors has been as follows: Rev. Mr. Peterson in 1873, Eev. J. Swanson 1874-80, Mr. Melln, a theological student, in 1881, when the church remained vacant two years; Rev. A. M. Broleen 1884-90, Rev. C. J. Maxwell, 1890-93, Rev. C. E. Olsson, the present pastor, since Aug, 1, 1894. The cemetery belonging to this con- gregation is the only one in Colfax township. Swedish Mission— The Swedish Mis- sion of the United Brethren of Colfax township was organized in 1882 by about fifteen families agreeing to maintain public worship. They con- sisted of the families of Alex. Peter- son, John A. Holmes, Rudolf Cedar- strom, Charles Ekstrom, John and John W. Anderson, John Sanquist, Alfred Nelson, A. O. Long and others. In 1882, during the pastorale of Rev. L. Larson, they erected a building on the northeast corner of section 13, at a cost of $1,000 that was used for five years as a church and parsonage. In 1887 this building was removed and in its place they built a house of worship costing $1200 and a parsonage costing $800. The shedding provided is the largest in the county, being sufiBcient fur forty-four teams. All the im- provements are-in fine condition. The cemetery belonging to this congrega- tion is located on the northwest cor- ner of section 18, Bellville township, one-fourth mile east of the church. Frederick Johnson (see page 339) was the first one buried in it. About forty-five families are now identified wij^h this church. The board of deacons for the year 1901 con- sists of John Swalin, Solomon John- son and John Welander; trustees, John Swenson, John Carlson and John COLFAX TOWSIifHIP. 539 Peterson. Peter Long is treasurer, Albert Kingstrom, secretary, and John Swalin is superintendent of the Sunday school. Others that have served as superintendents of the Sun- day school were John W. Anderson, 1895; Alfred Nelson, '96-97, and John Welander. Rev. L. Larson, the first pastor, served fourteen years, from the spring of 1882 to February, 1896. His successors have been Rev. John P. Lindell from Nov. 1, 1896, to Nov. 15, 1899, and Rev. N. A. Blomstrand, the present pastor, since March 13, 1900. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper is administered four times each year and those who receive it are first ap- proved or commended by the pastor and committee on the sacrament, as persons who give evidence of a desire to live a christian life. PIONEERS OF COLFAX TOWNSHIP. Barrett John, (b. 1833,) who locat- ed on section 11 in 1872, is a native of Ireland, came to Illinois in 1848 and married there Hannah Mullen. She died in 1871, leaving a family of three children— Jennie, Edward and Joseph. The next year he located in Colfax township and has lived on the same farm ever since. He was a trustee in 1874, clerk in '91 and assessor four years, '81-84- Jennie married John Sanquist, who died soon afterward leaving one child, Edward. Later she married Edward Hogan, a carpenter, and lives at Pom- eroy. Edward married Anna Samuelson, and lives in Manson. Joseph in 1899 married Mary O'Brien oC Pocahontas, lives on the home farm and has one child, John. Bischoff Charles August, (b. June 23, 1839,) owner and occupant of NWi since 1873, is a native of Statten, Prussia. Sixteen years of his early life were spent as a sailor on the seas and great lakes at the head of the St. Lawrence river. During this period he was a sailor in the Prussian navy eighteen months, visited the east and west coasts of Africa, the East and West India Islands, Australia and Zanzibar. During a part of the. time he served as mate or second officer on the vessel, and two years, 1856-58, as foreman of the workmen employed by the Hamburg Ship and Trading Co., on the island of Zanzibar, situated less than 100 miles east of the east coast of Af ric I. At this time there were only 11 white people on this island and they consisted of three Frenchmen, three Germans, three Englishmen and an English doctor and his wife, all of whom had been sent there by trading companies, and their agreement required them to re- main three years. The other inhab- itants consisted of Arabians, who were black, and a few Portuguese. . In 1856 he left the fatherland and located in Westchester county, N. Y., and in 1862 passed from the ocean to the Great Lakes. On Jan. 15, 1866, he married Louisa Brinker, (b. 1848; d. Dec.^ 1870,) a na- tive of Mechlinburg, Germany, and they began the voyage of life together on a farm near Columbus, Wis. In 1869 they moved to Jackson county, Iowa, and soon afterward to Webster county, where he remained two years. After making this last change his wife visited her father, Joseph Brink- er, in Grant township, Pocahontas county, and two months later died there, leaving one child, Annie, {b. 1868,) who in November, 1893, became the wife of John Wart, lives in Buena Vista county and has one child, An- nie Myrtle. On Dec. 23, 1871, he married Sarah M. Beekman, (b. Oct. 1, 1842,) a na- tive of the state of New York, and during the next two years he lived south of Manson, in Calhoun county. In February, 1874, he bought and be- gan to occupy his present farm con- sisting at first of 240 acres, but now of 540 I-tOlSrEBR HISTORY OF POOAHOKTaS COUNTY, IOWA. 400 acres on sections 22 and 27, Colfax township. This farm has been the scene of the longest period in his life, and the place where his family has been' raised. Here his rugged earn- estness and sturdy pluck have had full opportunity both for manifesta- tion and development, in the effort to found a home on the frontier. By in- dustry, frugality and good manage- ment, elements of character that in sure success in any pursuit, he has be- come the happy possessor of 640 acres of unincumbered, highly improved and well stocked land in Pocahontas and Calhoun counties. His success il- lustrates that which may be achieved by raising stock on the farm. His large dwelling house was built in 1886. He and his noble wife are active members of the German Lutheran church in Pomeroy. The latter is by descent a German Reformed and has a, photo of the second church built in the state ol New York, the Dutch Re- formed, at Tarrytown, the first one being Trinity Episcopal church in New York city. This church at Tar- rytown, which was on the old stage route from New York to Albany, was built in 1669 of quarried rock, by Catherine Van Courtland, (wife of Philip Van Courtland ) her great grand- mother on her father's side, and pre- sented to the congregation. During the Revolutionary war Gen. Washing- ton kept a number of prisoners in the basement of this church. Gerard Beekman, her grandfather, donated 80 acres of land to it for a cemetery, reserving two acres in it for his o wn family and descendants; and her mother is buried there. Their family consists of seven chil- dren: Irwin; Theresa, who July 8, 1891, married Anton Sohmer, lives in Des Moines and has two children, Rosa and Elizabeth; Wilhelmina, in 1898 married Adolph Timan. In November, 1900, he purchased the old borne of her father and they now oc- cupy it. Augusta, Ophelia, Frederick and Carl are at home. Boyd Simon Pratt, (b. Sept. 26, 1826,) owner and occupant of a farm of 80 acres on section 20, Colfax town- ship, from 1883 until 1896, is a native of Washington county, N. Y. On Feb. 16, 1859, he married there Jane N. Irvin and, after one year's residence in Illinois, located in Winneshiek county, Iowa. After seven years he moved to Worth and four years later to Butler county, where he remained until the time of his location in this county. Since 1896 he and his wife have been living in comparative re- tirement at Pomeroy. They possessed many excellent traits of character and are kindly remembered by all who knew them. He was chosen one of the elders of the Presbyterian church in Fonda at the time of its organiza- tion in 1886 and continued to serve in this capacity until his removal to Pomeroy, where he was soon after- ward called to the same office. Their family consisted of four children: 1— Eliza on June 30, 1881, married Wesley A. Straight, for many years a farmer and resident of Calhoun coun- ty, but since 1899 proprietor of a mill at Winterset. Their family consists of three children— Grace, Harry and Nellie. 2— Irwin married Lula Richardsofi, lives in Montana and has a family of four children. 3— Edward S. married Emma Stott, lives in Nebraska and has two chil- dren—Palmer and Opal. 4— Palmer in 1892 died in his 20th year. 5— Gertie (Stott) an adopted daugh- ter, in 1896 married Andrew T. Pom- roy, a farmer, and they have one child, Waltier. Boyd Daniel N., a brother of S. P , and his family were among the early residents of Colfax township. He lived on section ] 5, and served as a COLFAX TOWSNHIP. 541 justice l«75-77, as a trustee '77, '79-82, and as secretary of the school board in 188a. He left the county about this date and is now living with his oldest son, William, in tbe state of Wash- ington. His first wife died, leaving one child, William, who has been lo- cated in Washington for many years. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret ( Darling) Wallace, who by her first husband had one daughter, Elizabeth, who became the wife of A. G. Max- well. (See Maxwell). Their family consisted of two children— Thomas, who lives at Piano, 111., and Nettie. a dressmaker, Minneapolis, Minn. Tlie first school in the Boyd or Center dis- trict was taught in his home in the fall of 1873 by James S. Darling, who later became the superintendent of Sac county. Brownell Thomas J., (b. 1818) who improved awd occupied the SWi Sec. 34, from 1872 to 1890, was a native of Bennington county, Vermont, where in 1843, he married Mary Ann Carpen- ter. In 1854 he moved to Winnebago county, 111., and in 1872 to Colfax township. Ray, his oldest son, pre- ceded him by locating in 1870 on a tract of 120 acres on Sec. 34, that his father had bought as early as 1858. Before the arrival of his father, Ray bought 120 acres on the same section that had on it a house built by C. F. Dewey. This house was the home of the famUy until 1882, when Ray sold this tract of land to his father and moved to Manson. Mr. Brownell then improved the home by the erec- til in of an addition tliat made It the largest dwelling house at that time in the town.'-hip. The beautiful grove planted around it was the largest in the vicinity and included a fine or- chard and vineyard. About this date Jae bought 400 acres more in that vi- cinity, making a farm of 640 acres. In 1887 his wife died, and in 1890 Be pold the farm to Ray and moved to PPRjeroy. Three j'esrs later Ins health began to fail and, sustaining serious injuries from the tornado of 1893, died on September 9th, following. During the period of his residence in it he was one of the most intelli- gent, upright and highly respected citizens in Colfax township. When the Presbyterian church of Pomeroy was organized in 1876 he was chosen a member of its first board of eldership. His family consisted of four children, of whom Morrell, the second son, died at 22 during his residence in Illinois. 1— Ray C, (b. Vt., Jan. 18, 1845,) in the spring of 1870 located on Sec. 34, Colfax township, and remained there twelve years. In 1882 he mar- ried Ella Blackinton of Rockford, 111., and after a brief residence In Manson, located in Pomeroy, where after en- gaging in mercantile business one year, he became a partner with J. A. Gould in the Exchange Bank. In 1890 he relinquif^hed his interest in the bank and moved to the farm again. Two years later he sold the farm and after one year's residence in Pomeroy located at Ogden, Utah. He received a good education in his early youth and as soon as he became a resident of this county took an act- ive part in the management of its public affairs. He was a member of the board of county supervisors three years, 1873-75. In Colfax he was treas- urer of the school fund eight years, 1874-81, and clerk in 1876. His family consists of two children— Madge and Meade. 2— Sarah A , (b. Vt., July 20, 1852,) in 1873 married R. A. Horton of Illi- nois, and after a year's residence there they bought and began to occu- py the NEi Sec. 25, Colfax township. In 1878 they moved to Manson, where he became a member of the board of supervisors of Calhoun county, and she died in 1895. Her family consisted of four children, of whom three— Ar- thur, Mary and Margie are living. 3-lS^iiesIiM (b. lU., Dec, X, 1854,) 542 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. was a resident of Cplfax township from 1872 until 1890, when he moved to Pomeroy and engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He was treasurer of Colfax school funds nine years, 1882-90, and has been post- master at Pomeroy since Dec. 18, 1899. In 1895 he married Mary Palmer ot Davenport, and his family consists of two sons— William and Donald. Qedarstrom Rudolf Frederick, (b. 1833,) owner and occupant of a larm of 240 acres on section 14, is a native of Sweden. In 1869 he came to Amer- ica accompanied by his brother, Claus Anton, and, securing adjoining home- steads on section 36, Grant township, they lived together., In 1880 they sold their homesteads and located in Colfax township, where his brother Claus (b. 1835) died later that year. In 1873 R. F. married Johanna F. Burg, and she died in 1885. He is a tall, portly man and became a mem- ber of the Colfax Swedish Lutheran church at the time of its organization in 1873, and of the Swedish mission in 1882. His father, Gustaf Adolph, was captain of a company of cavalry in the Swedish army and his brother, CarlF., captain of a cornpany of in- fantry. 61ancy James, (b. 1832) is a native of Ireland. In 18164 he came to Amer- ica, located in Illinois and lived there fifteen years. In 1879 he located in Webster county, Iowa, and remained four years. In 1883 he loca,ted on a farm ot 80 acres on section 15, Colfax township, and still resides upon it. He has since increased this farm to 280 acres and improved it with good buildings. He was president of the school board of the township three years. He has raised a family of eight children. Charles F. in 1899 enlisted as a mem- ber of the 1st S. D, infantry and spent one year in the Philippines as a hos- pital steward, In 1900 he returned to gioux Falls, r?ifirrip(1 ana is now m-' gaged in the drug business. James lives at Marshalltown, where he is en- gaged In railroad construction. John W. in 1900 married Maggie Donahoe. He owns and occupies a farm of 240 acres on section 21, that he has im- proved with good buildings. He was township clerk '92-98. Mary taught school eleven years in Pocahontas and Calhoun counties and is now engaged in clerking. Maggie in 1897 married John O'Brien, a prosperous farmer of Colfax township. Edward, Henry and Joseph are at home. erookten (Kruchten) John, (b. 18- 37,) owner and occupant of a home- stead on section 28, is one of the hardy and successful pioneers of Colfax township. He is a native of Germany and coming to this country lived a few years in New York state, where in 1867 he married. Helen Holtzmeyer. In 1871 he located on his present farm and began the work of its improve- ment. He has done this finely and in- creased it to 240 acres. He is a mem- ber of the Catholic church and a dem- ocrat. He enjoys the reputation of being an honest and upright man, an industrious and successful farmer. During the civil war, as a member of the 27lh N. Y. infantry, he spent four years in the military service of this country. His family consisted of nine chil- dren: Annie in 1884 married Henry Kreul and lives at Pocahontas; Mary in 1894 married John Doyle and lives at Pomeroy; Lucy in 1892 married Charles Drummer, a farmer, and lives in Calhoun county; John W., in 1897 mariied Helen Tennies and is now liv- ing on his own farm on section 22; Elizabeth married James Wood and lives in Grant township; Sylvester, James, Edward and Louisa H. are at home. Ekstrom Charles John, (b. Sept. 9, 1840,) is a native of Sweden, the son of Eric and Catherine Ericson. When his WW entered {.he ^^va^ gf Sweden COLFAX TOWSNHIP. E43 his name was changed from Erlckson to Ekstrom, according to the usage of the country. Charles, his son, retains this name and was so baptized. In 1864 he murried Augusta Carolina, daughter ot Gustave and. Hadah So- phia Holmberg. In J.869 he came to America and remained that year at Charles City, Iowa. The next year was spent in Blackhawk and Webster counties and he was joined by his wife, who came with two children and her parents to Webster county, where her father died soon after their ar- rival. In 1871 he located on a home- stead of 80 acres on the SEi Sec. 36, Grant township, for which he received tlie patent in 1878. During i he first summer he and h'S family lived on this homestead, they occupied a frame shanty 12x12 feet. In the fall of the year a layer of sod was built amund it and during the next six years this unpretentious structure constituted the family residence. He thinks it was the warmest house he ever built, but he could not keep the rain from coming through the roof. In 1878 he moved to Bellville township and three years later to section 20, Colfax town- ship, where he again began the ^ork of improvement. He has now a valu- able farm of 240 a(ires that lias two sets of go jd farm buildings, all built by him. The buildings are nicely painted and look beautiful amid the shady groves planted around them. They are also provided with pretty gardens and fruit-bearing orchards. II is family consisted of two daugh- ters, the eldest of whom died in 1889. Helma Augusta (b. Sweden, Dec. 5, 1868,) ill 1888 married John Peter Swanson, who now farms her father's farm. Her family consists of ^even children: Alice O., Arthur W., Oscar U., Carl E , John EJmer, Clarence B and Roy, The mother of Mrs. Ek- gtrom died at her h'me Sept. 5, 1897, }n her 82d year. Mr. Ekstrom and Mr. Swanson and their faraili s are regular attendants of the Swedi h Mission church of Colfax township. Guy George, (b. 1827) was a native of Ontario, where in 1861 he married Ann Patilla McCullnch {b. Scotland,. 1828 ) and five years later located In Wisconsin. Seven years later, or in 1873, they located on the NEi of section 28, Colfax town- ship, thisicounty. They improved and occupied this farm until 1893, a pe'ri- od of twenty years, when they moved to Pomeroy. During the cyclone of that year their residence was de- stroyed and they were both severely injured. As soon as they had suffi- ciently recovered they were taken to the home of their daughter, Dinah Riley, near Jolley, He died there August 23, 1897 in his 70th year. He was an industrious and successful farmer, an honorable and uptight man and was highly respected by all who knew him. The farm, increased to 240 acres and divided into three 80s, is still held by his three daughters, of whom Maggie, the eldest, married Elmer Anstine, a farmer, and lives near LeMars; Dinah married Clayton Riley, who is now serving his second term as auditor of Calhoun county; and Addle marriied Wilford Riley, a farmer, and lives near Lytton. Mrs. Guy, a woman of devout and reverent spirit, died at the home of her daugh- ter Addie, August 9, 1901. Hogan James Henry, (b. Feb. 9, 1855,) resident of Colfax township since 1880, is a son of Peter and Bridget (Murray) Hogan, who were natives of Ireland, came to Cook county. 111 , and in 1875 to Webster county, Iowa, where they still reside. James is a native of Cook county. 111 , and came to Pocahontas county in 18t0. Two years later he bought 160 acres (in Sec. 24, Colfax township. He was the first to occupy this land and improved it by the erection of a good house and Ijarn. After two years he sold thjs farjii and, bought the SEi 544 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Sec. 10 and improved it in the same manner. In 1889 he exchanged 120 acres of this farm for 80 acres on sec- tion 15, adjoining. One of the improve- .ments made on this property that is greatly appreciated is a well drilled to the depth of 157 feet, that furnish- es a never-failing supply of good water. As he has passed from one farm to another he has left the marks of his presence and industry in the neat and handsome buildings erected. He has been a member of the Colfax school board many years, secretary of it since 1?96 and president of it in 1889. He was assessor four years, 1885-88, and is now one of the trustees. On January 6, 1879, he married Eliza Jane Doyle, (b. March 1, 1856,) of Webster county, who died Dec. 29, 1892, leaving a family of six children- Margaret W., William P., Mary J., James A., Alice C. and Florence A., three having died in childhood. On August 6, 1895, he married Kate, daughter of Thomas Byrne of Rolfe, and their family consists of two chil- dren—Grace B. and Rose Lillian. Hogan Edward, {b. 1857) a younger brother of James* in 1881 located in Pocahontas county and the next year bought 80 acres on section 15, Colfax township. He now owns a fine farm of 120 acres on section 10. In 1891 he marrifed Jennie, only daughter of John Barrett, an early settler of the township. At the time of this mar- riage she was the widow of John L. Sanquist, whose family consisted of one son, Edward. Their family now consists of two children— Mary Ellen and Philip Emmet. BBATJTIFUL HOMES. If one familiar with Colfax town- ship were asked to name the most in- teresting place in It, he would most likely suggest the locality on section 13, where the two Swede churches are located near each other with their resident pastors, cozy parsonages, sheltering sjjeds, beautiful groves and silent cemeteries. But if he were asked to name some of the largest and prettiest houses he would doubt- less begin by naming those ot John A. Holmes and Alexander Peterson. These homes are situated near each other, on opposite sides of the road running north between sections 15 and 16. All the buildings are among the largest in the township, are com- paratively new and have an exception- ally fine location on the brow of a broad declivity, gently sloping south- ward. Their owners came from Swed- en about the same time and are brothers-in-law. They are fine repre- sentatives of the sturdy yeomanry of their native land and they have made a splendid record in the land ot their adoption. Locating on the prairie a few years ago, with capital sufficient to make only a small purchase of land, they have become owners of 600 acres each, and their improvement, which is the embodiment of their own ideas, discovers their skill, energy and good judgment. When one visits these premises and sees the ample buildings, cultivated fields and growing crops, or the herds of swine and droves of cattle grazing contentedly on the lux- uriant pastures, the conviction that is expressed is, "This is fine. " Holmes John Alfred, (b. Oct. 1, 1848,) one of the most prosperous farm- ers of Colfax township, is a native of Sweden, the son of Peter and Mary (Burke) Holmes. At the age of 18 in 1867, he came alone to America having no capital except his health and habits of industry. During the first ten years he accepted employ- ment as a farm hand in Henry coun- ty, Iowa. On January 11, 1876, he married Matilda, (b. Oct. 22, 1853,) sister of Alexander Peterson, and lo- cated on the S Wi Sec. 15, Colfax town- ship, which he had bought five years before. Hff was the first to occupy and improve this land and today the improvements on it are among tUe MR. AND MRS, ALEXANDER PETERSON (County Supervisor J89J-96.) MR. AND MRS. JCPST A. HOLMES Colfa.x TownsUp. REV. CARL E. OLSON Swedish Mission. REV. JOHN P. LINDELL Swedish Lutheran. J REV. AND MRS. CHARLES PERKINSi Colfax Township. COLFAX TOWNSHIP. 545 finest in the township. In 1897 the first dwelling house was replaced by a large one, 30x30 feet, 18 feet high with an addition 14x22 feet, 16 feet high, that is very handsome in its appear- ance and is supplied with modern conveniences. In addition to a num- ber of large sheds and other outbuild- ings he has two large barns, one fur hay and the other for stock. He Ifeeps 20 to 25 cows and raises a great deal of stock He aims to Iceep a little more stock than his own land will support so he may feed on it all it produc s. By following this prin- ciple he has been very successful. He is now the happy owner of 600 acres of highly improved land that is either covered with flocks and herds or Is growing a crop for the bin. He be- lieves the farmers of this section will paake a great deal more money when they abandon the unprofitable prac- tice of selling gram for tlie eastern market and learn how to condense it in the form of beef, butter, pork, mutton, etc , thereby greatly increas- ing the profit on tlie raw material and reducing the freight on the prod- ucts shipped. It is only in this way that the Iowa farmer can obtain the highest compensation for his labor. Many having farms not half so large have more acres than he under the plow, but their efforts have not been so profitable. He has a fruit-bearing orchard of nearly two acres that was planted in 1878, and ten acres of forest trees planted from 1875 to 1881. He has been an official member of the Colfax Swedish Mission church ever since the time of its organizatinn in 1881. He was clerk of Colfax town- ship four years, 1879, '84-86; and a trustee four years. '91-94. His family consists of three chil- dren: Mabel in 1899 married Peter M. Morrison and has one child, Juvey Eldora; Juvey and Alexander are at home. Mr. Holmes died August 9, 1901, after the above was sent to the press. Pie dit-d a' the home of liis friends in Henry county, where he stopped for a few da} s on his return frnm Chicago, whither he had gone with two car- loads of fat cattle. He was a modest, manly man and has left the impress of his industriiius hand and noble spirit in the home, on the farm, in the church and also in the cuuimu- nitv. Hoppy Christopher, wlio in 1872 se- cured a homestead on sect' on 20. was a native of Germany. He improved and continued to live upon his home- stead until the time of his death in 1881; Margaret, his wife, continued to live upon it until 1895, wlien she moved to Fonda. At this date she had ac- quired the ownership of 240 acres in Colfax and Cedar townships. Their family consisted of three children. Grace married Andrew Anderson, a ditcher, and lives at Fonda. Adelia lives with her mother. Mary married Wm. Gezer and lives on section 4, Colfax township, Johnson August, (b. 1840,) owner and occupant of a homestead on Sec- 12, 1873-99, was a native of Sweden, where he married Micheis Munson in 1864 In 1869 they came to America and, after a residence of three years in Fort Dodge, located on their farm in the spring of 1873. The raw prai- rie on which they located was finely improved with a good house, barn and other outbuildings, all conveniently arranged amid a pretty grove of trees planted with their own hands. Their farm was increased to 120 acres. They were members of the Swedish Lutheran church and had one son, Arthur. In 1899 they sold the home- stead and returned to Sweden, with $6,000 as the result of a few years' work on an Iowa farm, to sp«nd the remainder of their lives in their na- tive land. Johnson .lolin A., (b Aug. 25, 1881) owner and occupant of a homestead on section 12, is a native of Sweden. In 1§09 lie came to Aroerica and filed 546 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. a claim for this homestead. He be- gan the work of its Improvement by the erection of a sod house in the spring of 1870, and there lived with him in it that year Charles and John' Peterson and John Carlson. This was the first sod house in that part of the townsiiip. On October 12, 1872, he married Christina Anderson, (b. Swed- en, Sept. 17, 18.52,) who came to Amer- ica in 1870. They began housekeeping in a frame building 12x12 feet, and this is still in use as a part of their present home which was built in 1881. In 1888 the farm was enlarged to 250 acres by the purchase of 170 acres ad- joining it in Bellville township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are highly esteemed members of the Swedish Lutheran church. They have experienced the trials and hardships of pioneer life, but are now surrounded with all the comforts that a g<'0d home on the farm can supply. Their family con- sists of seven children — Jennie, Oscar, Edwiird, Minnie, Alfred, Victor and Ida. Johnson Gust F., owner of a farm of 160 acres on section 18, is a native of Sweden, came to America in 1886 and located near I?ockford, 111. In 1872 he married Helen Sophia Gusta- son and located on his pre.aent farm then occupied by Andrew and Chris- tina Gustason, his wife's parents. His family consists of six children- Ida, Alma, Ernest, Amanda, Joseph and Flannah. Johnson John E., (b. 1820,) owner and occupant of a homestead on sec- tion 10, is a native of Sweden. In 1873 he and wife Christiana, came to this country and located- in Colfax town- sliip The homestead was improved and incjeased to 120 acres. In 189.5 his wife died at the a^o of 72 years. Since that date h's nephew, Jdhn iiUimberand family have occupied the h(Mnestead and lie has lived with them. Linden John P. Rev., (b. Dec. 1, )tf;i2,) pastof gf the pwpdjsU Mlfplofi church of Colfax township from Nov. 1, 1896, toNov. 15, 1899, is a native of Sweden, the son of Jonas Swanson and Anna Breta Johanson. The chil- dren in Sweden are not named after the last names of their parents as in this country, but after tlie tirst name of their father as in the Old and New Testaments, where Isaac is called Abraham's son, or son of Abraham. The name of the subject of this sketch according to this rule was John P. Jonason. At the age of 18 in 1851, he entered the army of Sweden and remained in it duringthe next twenty years, serv- ing as a corporal at the time of liis discharge in 1871. It is of Interest to nole that service in tlie Swedish ar- my then was very different from what it is in this country where the gov- ernment employs the soldier and sup- ports him. There eai,li faruT r was expected to support a soldier or a soldier and his horse. This was done by assigning the soldier a piece of land (in which he wa.s expected to live and support himself and family. Only about twenty days each year (now increased to sixty) were occu- pied in the performance ol strictly military duty and the remain- der of the year could be spent in looking africr his own interests. Ev- ery one, however, that went into the army received a new and a short name, one unlike that of any other member of thesamecompany. When he was enrolled as a soldier his name was changed from Jcmason, which has three syllables, to Lindell, which has only two. The children of soldiers bear the la«t name of their father. In 1859 he married Jolianna Solo- mon, who died in 1868, leaving three children— John E., August and Anna Christine. In April, 1871, he; came witli these three children to ohis country and located in Illinois. In June, 1876. he was ordained to the gospel ministry by the Swedish Mif!; COLFAX TOWNSHIP. 547 sion Synod at Princeton, 111. His pastorates tiave been at Rockford, Joliet and Lockport, 111.; White Hall, Mich.; Ciilcago, Betesta, Neb., '89-96, and Colfax towoship, '96-99. In 1882 he married Mary Monson and their family cuiisists of two chil- dren, Frank W. and George Terah. During the three years of his ministry in Colfax township he rendered a faithful service and made many friends. Lowrey Gad C. (b. May 6, 1827), Pomeroy, one of ttie pioneers of Col- fax township, is a native of Connecti- cut, the son of Ira b'. and Jatie (Ja- cobs) Lowrey. At eight years of iige he moved wiih liis parents to Lacon, 111, where he grew to manhood. On Aug. 30, 1819 he married Emeline F. Snell (bind. Dec. 28, 1830) and 4 years later moved to LaFayette where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages as a member of the firm of Smith & Lowrey, Abraham Smith, his partner being his brother-in-lawi Four years later he moved to Mineral, Bureau Co., 111., where he remained eleven years. At the outbreak of the Civil War his interest was manifested by mak- ing a number of stump speeches to en- courage enlistments. Later he him- self enlisted in a regiment of mechan- ics. Aftera short time this regiment was disbanded and he then be- came a member of the 93d 111. He served until the close of the war under Gen. Logan and participated in the engagements at Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Black River and others of less importance. At the time of his dis- charge he was 2d Lieut, of Co. H. In the fall of 1868 he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and a few months later to Fort Dodge. In June 1869 he loca- ted on a homestead of 80 acres on Sec. 26, Colfax township erecting a good one and one-half story house for which he prepared the frame at Fort ppdge, Tjiis wag the flrgt ftOHge oq seel ion 26 and for several years was the large-it one in the township. Whilst several young men had preced- ed him, his was the tirst family to locate in the township and Jason, his son, who preceded him a short time, was one of the lirst to do breaking in it. He planted a large grove and or- chard, and added 80 acres to the farm; but in March, 1878 moved to Pomeroy where he still resides. The house on the farm was blown away by the cyclone of April 21, 1878 and his home in Pomeroy experienced the same fate in 1893. He has proven himself a good citi- zen and noble minded man. When Colfax belonged to Cedar townsiiip he .was chosen a member of the school board as the tirst representative from that district, and the tirst school in it was taught in his home in 1871 by his daughter, Ida. He has been a highly respected elder of the Presbyterian church of Pomeroy since 1883. His wife, a lady of uousually line conver- sational powers, has shared with him cheerfully the hardshijis of pioneer life and given him hearty encourage- ment in all matters relating to the promotion of morality and piety. In 1899 they celebrated the 50th aniver- sary of their marnn^e and received the congratulations of many friends who expressed the ho"pe they might be spared to enjoy many more years of happy wedded life. Their family consisted of seven children. 1. Jason H. Lowrey (b. Ill June 29, 1850), president of the State Bank of Poinerny, came to Iowa with his pa- rents in 1868. Locating in Pomeroy, in 1878 he found employment in the post office and insurance business un- til July 1, 1886, when he became cash- ier of the Farmers Loan & Trust Co. bank. In July, 1892, when it was rc- orjanized as the State Bank through his instrumentality, he became its (j^sbjer atid is i^qyy presidents gt it, 548 PIONEER HISTORY OF rOCAHOIsTTAS COUNTY, IOWA. The large and well appointed dwelling house he now occupies was built in 1900. He has made the public school of Pomeroy a generous gift of a library of 300 carefully chosen volumes. By this manifestation of public spirit he laid the foundation of a worthy object that will perpetuate his name among his people as one that has wisely en- deavored to promote the public wel- fare. On Nov. 6, 1876, he married Eliza- beth Garlock of Cedar township who died July 21, 1892, leaving one child that died soon afterward. July 16, 1893, he married Hattie, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Wells, of Calhoun county, and they have two children, Genevieve and Vivian. He was a trustee of Colfax township in 1874, and secretary of the school hoard 1874-75. lie was recorder of Po cahontas county in 1878 and postmast- er at Pomeroy five years, Jan 1, 1879 to Jan. 1, 1884. 2— Ida D. (b. 111. March 11, 1854) a teacher, on Feb 21, 1872, became the wife of Samuei H. G-ill (see Gill) and died April 25, 1878, from injuries re- ceived during the tornado that de- stroyed their home in Colfax township four days previous. 3 — Charles K. Lowrey, (b. 111. Ian. 11, 1856) on May 2, 1881, married Laura J., daughter of 'Alexander and Ella Lockey. They live in Fort Dodge and have a family of seven children, Clara, . Jay, Frances, Lyle, Wayne, Ava and Ross. 4— Emma (b. July 19, 1858) a teacher, on June 16, 1878, married R. M. Wil- bur, a traveling salesman Tliey re- .sided flrt-t at Pomeroy where she taught school several jears, then at Fort Dodge, Council Bluffs and St. Paul, where she died March 15, 1886. Pi— Mary E., died in childhood. 6— Judd (b. Jan. 24,1862) in 1890 mar- ried Emily Wego of Minn. He is a train dispatcher at Escanaba, Micb., and has one child, Madge, 7— Smith Q., (b. Jan. 13, 1865) a car- penter, on Oct. 23, 1888, married Mary Miller, lives at Pomeroy and has two children, Clyde and Bernice. Maxwell Alexander G., (b. Jan 11, 1852), owner and occupant of the NEi sec. 25 from 1878 to 1890, was a native of Albany, N. Y., and lived in that state until 1875, when he moved to Summit county, Ohio, and during the next three years had charge of a farm. On Feb. 27, 1878, he came to Pocahontas county, Iowa, and the same day married Martha Elizabeth, daughter of Matthew and Margaret ( Darling) Wallace, who three years be- fore, 'had located in Colfax township with her stepfather, Daniel N. Boyd. They planted around their new home on the prairie one of tue largest groves in the county, consisting of walnut, catalpi, oak and maple trees. They greatly enlarged and improved the build insjs and occupied this farm twelve years, In 1890 they moved to Pomeroy and later to Storm Lake, where for several years he was custo- dian of the buildings and grounds of Buena Vista College. In 1899 they returned to Canastota, Madison coun- ty. N. Y. Mrs. Maxwell was the first teacher in the Colfax Center school houne and taught that school for several succes- sive years. She took an active part in effecting the organization of the Presbyterian church in Pomeroy. Mr. Maxwell was for several years a justice in Colfax township and an elder in the Presbyterian church of Pomeroy. In 1892, as a commissioner from the Pres- bvtery of Fort Dodge, he attended the meeting of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church at Portland, Oregon. Their family consists of three children, Genevieve E., Wallace Glenn and Margaret Augusta. Meyer Christian (b. 1837), owner of a farm of 480 acres on section 29. was the first to occupy and improve this land. Two sets or buildlng'^UaYe 66LFAX TOWNSHIP. 549 been erected and they are kept in fine looking condition. He Is a native of Germany and In 1886 married there Dora HeEterman. In 1869 he came to America and located in Page county, 111. He has been a resident of Colfax township since J 880. Henry G., his oldest son, in 1893 married Matilda Vossand lives on the NWi of section 29. During his spare moment's he has made a couple of clocks that are quite ingenious in their construction and novel in their performances. August, William and Emma, the other chil- dren, are at home. McKinney Samuel W. (b. Oct. 10, 1859), owner and occupant of a farm of 179^acres on section 7, is a native of Illinois, the son of James and Eliza- beth McKinney. On March 30, 1884, while residing in Story county, Iowa, he married Ida V. White. In 1888 he became a resident of Pocahontas county, and two years later bought his present farm, four miles northeast of Fonda. His skill and good judg- ment as a farmer have been very man- ifest in the improved appearance and greatly increased productiveness of a neglected and previously unprofitable farm. The old dilapidated buildings, one after the other soon disappeared, and in their places new and larger ones have been erected that are kept nicely painted. The places once oc- cupied by rank and unsightly weeds have beefi Invaded with the plow that leaves a neatly turned furrow and prepares the way for a sure and profit- able crop. He is an intelligent and progressive farmer, a staunch repub- lican and was elected a member of the board of County Supervisors in the fall of 1900. His family consists of three children Marion G, Alice H. anid Ida. Munson Swan Peter (b. Aug. 27, 1831), owner of a farm of 360 acres in Colfax township, is a native of Swed- en, where in 1858 he married Lena Johnson. Ten years later they came to America with a family of three children and lived the next eighteen months in Illinois and Indiana. In September, 1870, they located on a homestead of forty acres on secticin 18, Colfax township. The first improve- ment on it was a sod house, 16x18 feet, and it was the home of the family un- til 1873, when it was replaced by the purchase of the second building erect- ed in Fonda and used there for school purposes. The latter now forms the dining room of the large two story building occupied by the family. In 1883 he built a large barn for horses and in 1888 another one for cow;!. lie has become a prominent and success- ful farmer, and has increased his farm to its present size by the purchase of only forty acres at a time, except i'n one instance. He is a well built man and has en- joyed the reputation of being the strongest man in the township. Dur- ing the seventies he worked eight years on tho track of the I. C. R. E. under Wm. Bott, and it was not an uncommon occurrence for him to lift a steel rail 32 feet long and weighing 500 pounds. He never attended school a day in his life, but learned to read his native language in the home of his parents. The only office he has bfeen willing to hold has been that of road supervisor. He is a highly es- teemed member of the Swedish Luth- eran church, having been choten a deacon in the church organized at Ft. Dodge in 1871, where he continued to attend until the organization was ef- fected in Colfax township, when he was again chosen one of the first dea- cons. His family consisted of five children. Hilda, who in 1880, married August Samuelson (see Samuelson.) Charles August (b. Sweden 1863) came with his parents to America at the age of five years, and inl8701ocat' ed with them in Colfax township. In 1894 he married Belma Johuson (b. 550 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. 1875) and occupies a farm of 160 acres on section 19. He has two daughters, Esther and Ellen. Christina (b. 1860) in 1889 married Andrew Gilbert, from whom, after the birth of two children, Adaand Arthur, she was divorced. In 1892 she mar- ried Peter Palmer. Tiiey now live on her father's farm and have a family of tliree children, Elizabeth, Rosa and August Walter. Anna (b. 1871) in 1888 married Gus- tave Palmer, who died in 1890, leaving one child, Frederick. In 1901 she married Albert Johnson, afarmer,and lives in Colfax township. Emily in 1898 married Peter E. Bacljstrom, lives on the farm and has two children, Alflld and Helen. Murphy PatriclJ (b. 1836), owner of a farm of 600 acres having the home buildings on the SEi Sec. 11, is a na- tive of Ireland and in 1851 came with his parents to LaSalle county. 111. In 1861 he married Ellen Cunnoii, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and locating on a farm in Bureau county, 111., remain- ed there until the spring of 1873 when he located on 200 acres of raw prairie In Colfax township that he had visit- ed and purchased in September 1869. He came to the frontier w ith an out- fit that filled two cars aiid proved of great advantage to him. He hiid previously been engaged in raising Durham cattle and brought with him some thoroughbreds of this strain. By maliing frequent purchases as the years have passed he has maintained a prominent position as one of the leading fine stocli raisers of Colfax township. He has become the owner of 600 acres of land and the fine per- manent improvements erected there- on discover both his thrift and excel- lent judgment. His dwelling house is a commodious structure flfty-one feet in length. He has half an acre planted with currants and grapes, 50 apple trees in good bearing condition and a grove of ten acres of forest trees, of which four acres are black walnuts. Peace and good will have been his watch words and he has never been a party to a lawsuit, He has served manj years as a school di- rector and has endeavored to give to all the members of his large family the heritage of a good education. His family consists of nine children. John (b.' 111. 1864), in 1894 married Elizabeth Taylor and occupies the NWiSeo. 15, Grant township. Pat- rick (b. 111. 1866), in 1890 married Mary Kennedy of Caihoun county, occupies the SWi sec. 3, Grant township and has two children, Mary Agnes and Maude. Michael (b. 1873), Mary, Ambrose, Elizabeth, Philip, Agnps and Jamds are pursuing their educa- tion or are at work on the farm. ©Isson Rev.C. E. (b. Apr. 17, 1866), pastor of the Colfax Swedish Lutheran church, is a native of Sweden, the son of Peter and Anna Olsson, with whom he came to America in 1869 and locat- ed at Moline, 111. His mother died a few months after their arrival and his father the following spring, at which time he was only four years of age. He was taken to the orphan home of the Swedish Lutheran church at Andover, 111. He received his ed- ucation at Rock Island, graduating from Augustina College in 1890, and from the Theological Seminary in 1894. Two mouths later he became pastor of the Swedish Lutheran churches in Colfax township and Man- son, living in the parsonage at the former. During his pastorate of seven years tlfese churches have made a gratifying growth, both in numbers and resources. On Jan. 29, 1896, he married Hannah E. Fair, of Andover, IlMnois. Parker Frank J. owner and occu- pant of a farm on Sec. 28 from April 1, 1879 to 1896, was a good citizen and fairly successful farmer. He com- menced with 80 acres and was ttie happy owner of 240 acres in 1896 when COLFAX TOWl^SHIP. 551 he moved to Pomeroy. He has since been engaged In the life insurance business. Securing recognition fl,rst as a constable, he rendered faithful and efficient service in all the town- ship offices, serving eight years as a justice and fourteen as secretary of the school board. His family consists of six children: Carrie, Frederic, Boy, Niles, Howard and Pearl. Perkins Charles Gustavus (b. Mar. 17, 1841), one of the early pioneers of Colfax township, is a native of Wood- stock, Oxford Co., Maine, the son of Bev. Charles and Amazina (Cushman) Perkins. On August 28, 1861, at the beginning of the civil war, he enlisted and on Sept. 2d following he was mus- tered in at Canton as a member of Co. F. 9th Maine infantry. On Dec. 31, 1863, in South Carolina, he re-enlisted as a corporal in the same company and regiment for three years. He was honorably discharged at Baleigh, N. C, Aug. 3, 1865, after nearly four years of faithful service in the army of his country. His regiment formed a part of the tenth army corps and served in the department of the Gulf under Gen. Sherman, on the James Biver under Gen. Butler and in the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant. It traversed every state along the At- lantic coast from Maine to Texas and participated in a larger number of en- gagements than any other. He par- ticipated in those at Moore's Island, Siege of Ft. Wagner, Port Wallhall, Arrowfield Church, Drewry's Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Ware Bottom Church, Cold Harbor, Chapin's Farm, Darby House Boad and Wilmington. In June 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va., he was wounded and taken to the hospi- tal at Alexandria, thence to German- town and later to Camp Keys at Au- gusta, Maine, where he remained until Aug. 22, 1864, when he returned to his regiment. In 18fi5, at the close of the-war, he came with his parents to Winthrop, Buchanan Co., Iowa, where on March 28, 1870, he married Sarah J. Pierce. Two months later they came to Poca- hontas county and located on a home- stead of 80 acres on the Si SEi sec. 32, Colfax township, which they still own and occupy. The farm has been in- creased to 260 acres and all the im- provements upon it are in excellent condition. His buildings being in the course of the terrible tornado of 1893, were completely destroyed, and only the twisted trunks or broken stumps remained of the many rows of beauti- ful shade trees planted around them. He has become widely and favorably known ny reason of his intelligence, uprightness of character and long res- idence in the same place. He has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the Fonda G. A. B. Post and served as its commander three successive years, 1898-1900. In the history of Colfax township he has left more foot- prints than any other. He was secre- tary of the school board in 1872-1873, and president of it in 1875. He was assessor in 1875-1876, and a justice for thirteen years, 1874-1886. He was a trustee in 1873 and '94-97 and has been clerk since 1900. He was a member of the board of county supervisors in 1884. His family consists of one daughter, Grace A., and she is still at home. Perkins Charles Be v. (b. Feb. 22, 1815), father of Charles G., was a resi- dent of Pocahontas county most of the time from 1870 to 1887, and lived in Fonda from 1874-76. He received his early education in the public schools of Maine and at the age of nineteen became a member of the Calvanistlc Baptist church. About the year 1852 at Androscoggin- he was ordained a minister of the Baptist denomination and served pastorates at North Paris, Bridgeton and Hartford in Maine, and Eandolph in New Hampshire. In 1865 he was appointed a missionary by the Cedar Valley Baptist Association 552 PtONEEE HISTORY Ot* POCaSONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. of Iowa and was located at Winthrop four years. In 1869 he relinquished his commission and located on a farm in that vicinity. The next year he came with his son, Charles G., to Po- cahontas county and preached as he had opportunity. He delivered the first sermon in Butler township, Cal- houn county, in a temporary school house on section 3, in 1872, and held the first public services in English in Colfax township that same year, in the Stewart-Brownell school house on section 34. His wife, Amazina Cush- man (b. 1817), was of Puritan descent, came to this county in March, 1872, and died in December following. Two years later he married Mrs. Elizabeth Bicknell, of Pomeroy. About the year 1887 he returned to Paris, Maine, and died there July 6, 1892. Perry Clark (b. 1844), resident of Sec. 5 since 1886, is a native of Winne- bago county, 111., the son of David and Charity Perry. On TSTov. 27, 1877 he married Alice Lamb and located on a farm at Cherry Valley. In 1881 his father visited Pocahontas county and bought 480 acres on Sec. 5, Colfax township. Five years later Clark and family located on this farm and began the work of its improvement. Hand- some buildings have been erected on a beautiful elevation and the place has been made very homelike by the planting of an orchard and several groves. The apples from this orchard are large size, excellent quality and demand a ready sale on the market. His family consists of five children: Maude, a teacher, David, Ethel, Frank, and Earl; Jessie Mabel having died at sixteen in 1899. Peterson Alexander (b. Jan. 16, 1850), one of the supervisors of Poca- hontas county 1892-97, is the son of Andrew Peter (b. May 18, 1818), and Charlotte Kauntson (b. Kept. 8, 1823) Peterson. His parents were united in marriage in 1848 and their family consisted of two children, Alexander andMatilda who became the wife of John A. Holmes (see Holmes). In 1867 they came together to America and located at Andover, Henry Co., 111., and three years later in Henry Co., Iowa. Here Alexander on March 22, 1879 married Sophia Swanson(b. Swed. Aug. 27, 1858), who, as the only rep' resentative of her family, had come to America in 1875. Two years later he bought 160 acres of prairie on Sec. 16, Colfax township and bringing his wife and parents located on it and be- gan its improvement. By frequent subsequent purchases this farm has been increased to 600 acres;, and the first set of buildings have been re- placed by new- and larger ones that rank among the largest and finest in the township; In 1891 a large two story mansion house was built and in 1893 a barn 56x80 feet that has a capa- city for 90 tons of hay. Several other important buildings have been erected and all are kept brightly painted. He keeps his farm well stocked with hogs and cattle and milks about 25 cows. In 1883 he planted six acres of forest trees and 80 fruit, trees that are doing nicely. The marked success achieved by Alexander Peterson is a practical il- lustration of what an Iowa farm will do when rightly managed. No one can pass his premises without observ- ing the manifest evidence of careful management. Everything about the farm suggest s a systematic and orderly arrangement of facilities for caring for a sufficient amount of stock to con- sume all the grain raised on tlie farm. Andrew P. Peterson his father died Dec. 22,1900 at the age of 82 years and, including his children and grandchil- dren, this was the first death in the family. When he read his first ac- count of the United States, giving a glowing description of the vast do- main of rich and fertile prairies that awaited new settlers, he experienced a. desire to emigrate to this great DBS MOINES TOWNSHIP. 553 land. As the years passed away and he had opportunity of witnessing the increasing prosperity of his children in their new homes, often did he ex- press his gratitude to the favoring providence that led him and his fam- ily to Iowa and in particular to Poca- hontas county. Alexander, by his intelligence and thrift, has forged his way to the front and secured recognition as one of the leading and most influential men of the township. He has been a trustee of the Swedish Mission church of Col- fax township since the time of its or- ganization in 1882. He was a trustee of the township from 1883 to 1890, a justice of the peace 1896 to 1899 and a member of the board of county super- visors six years, 1892-97. His family consists of four children, Melvin Oliver, Alice Matilda, Emma Cecelia and Elmer Alexander. Peterson Charles P. (b, 1844), own- er and occupant of a farm in Colfax township since March 17, 1869, is a native of Sweden, came to America in 1868 and lived one year in Boone coun- ty, Iowa. On March 3, 1869, he en- tered and two weeks later began to occupy, as a homestead, the Si NWi section 12, 80 acres. Four other young men from Sweden that were his personal friends, name- ly, John A. Johnson, Gust H. John- son, John A. Nelson and Harry August Nelson (died the next year), entered homesteads on the same section the same day with him, all having walked together from Des Moines. When thee went to locate their claims there was no house west of the Blandon farm, eight miles east. They had to have their claims surveyed three times at a cost of $20 each before they got their boundaries satisfactorily located. Each built a sod house on his claim before the end of that summer and worked on the railroad when not need- ed on Ms homestead. At the time of the great snow storm, MarcU 8-10, 1870, they were all at the cabin of John A. Johnson, and iiot until the third day were they able to return to their own homes to feed and water their stock. The first home of Charles P. Peter- son was a sod house, or more correctly, a dugout, 12x16 feet, excavated two feet below the surface, built with sods three feet above it and covered with a roof of boards. It had one window in the rear gable facing southward. He occupied this humble but comfort- able dwelling until 1871, when he built a frame shanty that lasted the next eight years. In 1879 he married Hilda Nelson (b. Sweden 1857) and be- gan to occupy a new house' completed at that time. In 1891 he sold the homestead and bought 240 acres on section 26. He has here a beautiful home with attractive surroundings, he has met with a good degree of suc- sess on the farm, raising good crops and raising stock with profit. He is a man of intelligence and strict integ- rity. He is a liberal supporter of the Swedish Lutheran church and has taken an active part in the manage- ment of the most important affairs of the township. He was president of the school board four years, 1893, '95- 97, and a trustee six years, '93-98. His family consists of five children, Alfred, Prank, Henry, Melvin and Amy, four having died in childhood. Peterson Frank (b. 1851), in 1873 secured as a homestead the Si SWi section 12, improved and occupied it until 1892. He then sold it and bought 160 acres on the NWi sec. 23, which he has improved and still occupies. He is a native of Sweden, came to America in 1869 and located first near Des Moines. He has been a trustee of Colfax township since 1897. In 1875 he married Turina Henricks, a step- daughter of Nels Anderson. She died May 2, 1899, leaving a family of eight children, Hilda C, Ida, Ina, Amanda, Veruer, Carl, Lawrence and Nellie. 554 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, JOWA. Peterson John (b. Sweden 1875), brother of Peter, in 1881 married Catli- erine Larson and located on section 24. She died in 1887, leaving two children, Anna S. and Minnie M. In 1889 he married Martha Johnson and their family consists of two children, Esther W. and Arvad. Peterson Peter (b. Sweden 1842), in 1869 located on a homestead on sec- tion 24, which he improved and in- creased to 160 acres. He married Christine Welander and occupied the homestead until the spring of 1901, when he moved to Pomeroy. He was a mason as well as a farmer. Prange August (b. -1835), who in June 1869 entered as a homestead the Si NEi section 20, is a native of Prus- sia. Coming to America in 1867, he located first in Webster county, Iowa, and two years later in Pocahontas county. His first improvements were a cabin and a blacksmith shop, the walls of the latter being built of sod. This was the second blacksmith shop established in this county, and it was maintained on the farm for 15 years, the sod building after four years be- ing replaced by one of lumber. He occupied the homestead, farming and blacksmithing until 1883. when he es- tablished a large shop at Pomeroy and supplied it with the most im- proved machinery. He is still the , proprietor of it and enjoys the reputa- tion of being a very skillful workman. In 1874 he married Augusta Zimmer- man, relict of a brother killed in the Prussian army. His family consists of five children, Albert, Alma, Wil- liam, August and Emma. Frank Prange, son of his brother, deceased, married Rose Randall, lives at Pomeroy and has two children. Bertha and Charles. Prange William (b. Sept. 6, 1830), in July 1882 bought and began to oc- cupy the Ni section 19. He improved this farm with buildings that cost $3,500 and planted pretty groves around them. In 1895 he moved to Cedar township, where he has nicely improved a smaller farm. He is a na- tive of Prussia where in 1851 he married Ida Mallest. The next year they came to America and located in Chicago, where for twenty-six years he continued in the same grocery store. In 1868 his wife died and he soon after- ward married Agnes Zimmerman, who died in 1873 leaving two children, William and Frederic, who are resi- dents of Chicago. In 1874 he married Emma Storch and their family con- sists of three children, Emma, George, who in 1899 married Anna Hout, and Lizzie, an adopted daughter. Russell Henry (b. Dec. 31, 18341, who secured a homestead on section 6 in 1870, was a native of Yorkshire,' England. He came to Canada with his parents and on Aug. 19, 1862, mar- ried there. In 1870, accompanied by his brother John and his own family consisting of his wife and five children, he located on his homestead in Colfax township, and his brother Jolin on an adjoining one. They built a shanty on the line between them and occu- pied it together one year. After a residence of thirteen years on this homestead he sold it and bought 160 acres on section 6, Grant township, which he improved and increased to 440 acres. In 1899 he sjld this farm and moved to Oklahoma. He was a man of considerable ener- gy and was very positive in expressing his convictions. He was the first to cast a democratic vote in Grant town- ship, became an ardent advocate of the people's party and heartily en- dorsed ttie cause of free silver. He was a trustee of Grant township six years, 1893-98. His family consisted of thirteen children of whom James, the oldest, died in 1883 at the age of twenty. Those that are living are William, Nellie, Mfiry, Lizzie, Hattie, Chris- COLFAX TOWNSHIP. 555 topher, John, Harry, Eose,Effle, Alice and Carrie. Nellie married Claude Kay, a farmer lor a few years, but now an engine hostler at Rockwell City, and has a family of four children, Ernest, Guy, Rose and Paul. Mary married Charles Brown and lives in Grant township. Lizzie married "Wesley Ellison and lives in Grant township. Uattie married David Shippen and lives in Kansas. John married Mary Coykendall and lives in Grant township. Rose married Fred Coykendall and lives in Colfax township. Effle married Hartley Roberts and lives at Fonda. Russell John, brother of Henry, in 1870 built a sod house on his own homestead and occupied it alone for several years. . In 1876 he built a frame house and married Sarah Lovering. He continued to occupy the homestead until 1883, when he died, leaving a family of Ave children, Arthur, Wil- liam, Elijah, John and Mary. Two years later their mother became the wife of Henry Bentz, and they now live in the southern part of the state. ^samuelson August (b. Aug. 22, 1813), who secured a homestead on section 18 in 1869, is a native of Sweden, came to America in 1868 and located at Rockford, 111. The next year he found employment on the I. C. rail- road and located his homestead. He has Improved it with good buildings, increased it to 200 acres, and still oc- cupies it. In 1876 he married Hilda, daughter of Swan P. Munson, and has a family of nine children, Selma, Min- nie, Otella, Esther, Mabel, Emil and Freda, twins, Genie and Lorence. Samuelson Peter Otto (b. 1832) an older brother of August, is a native of Sweden, where he married Caroline Albertina, and about the year 1884, with a family of six children, all born jn Sweden, located on section 17, He was the first to occupy this farm of 80 acres and has finely improved it. Of his family of seven children, four are living, Ernest, Charles, who married Ida, daughter of G. B. Carlson of Col- fax and. lives in Texas; Anna, who married Edward Barrett and lives in Manson, and Henry, who in 1896, mar- ried Amanda Haag of Colfax township. Otto Arvid in 1898, died at the age of 22. Smltli (Schmidt) Fred C. (b. June 7, 1837), one of the first two men to lo- cate in Colfax township and who turn- ed the first furrow in it, is a native of Germany, came to America in 1867 and located in Wisconsin. Two years later he came to his homestead on sec- tion 28, accompanied by Fred Mat- theis, who took an adjoining home- _ stead and at first shared with him his cabin, which was built on the line be- tween them. Improving and enlarg- ing the old homestead to 160 acres he occupied it until 1897, when he moved to Pomerny. He was highly esteemed as a citizen and served six years as a trustee of the township. On Nov. 15, 1869, he married Eliza Briggs of Cal- houn county, and his family consisted of two children, Louie, who died in 1896 at twenty-six, and Emma. Stewart Robert Charles (b. Sept. 10, 1829), who in 1870 secured a home- stead on section 34, and located upon it with a family of five children, was the son of William M. and Mary Stew- art and a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He grew to manhood in the state of Maine and in 1855 married Lucy Ann Lander in Massachusetts. He then located at Fulton, 111. In the spring of 1870 he drove across the country, secured a homestead in Colfax town- ship, and built a small cabin on it. This work of preparation occupied about six weeks. Returning to Fort Dodge he met his family and they came together to Pomeroy on the con- struction train that carried the first mail from Fort Dodge to Pomeroy. 556 PIONEBB, HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNIY, lOWA. At that time the town of Pomeroy did not exist except as the name of the terminal station of the railroad, and where we now see cultivated fields and comfortable homes there was naught but a treeless, trackless prai- rie profusely covered with ponds, sloughs, and the slough grass houses of the house-building muskrats. Only those who experienced the trial can tell of the hardships endured by the early settler in the effort to found a home and provide for a large family on the frontier. In the fall of 1870, in order that he might supplement the summer's earnings he started a shoeshop at Pomeroy. He occupied a little corner in the general store of Nicholas Kiefer, the only business house in the place. Deriving a small revenue from this source he continued to work at the shoemaker's trade the remainder of his days, walking or driving to and from the homestead until 1883, when he sold it and moved to Pomeroy, where he died April 17, 1899. He was a man of excellent spirit and took such an active part in the organization first of Cedar township in 1870 and of Colfax in 1871 that his name will always be remembered. By previous appointment he served as one of the judges at the first election held in Cedar township and was that day elected one of its first trustees. In the fall of 1871, when Colfax was set off from Cedar, he was again appoint- ed and served as one of the judges at the first election. He was thRn riect- ed and was the first to hola tnree of the township offices, namely; assessor, justice and trustee. He served as as- sessor three years, as a justice eight years, clerk one year, president of the school board two years and secretary of it seven years. After his removal to Pomeroy he continued his interest in public affairs, national as well as local. He was an enthusiastic repub- lican, and manifesting pleasure in giv- ing the reasons for his own political views, he recognized it as the privil- ege of those who differed from him to do the same. His family consisted of four child- ren. Charles Edwin, in September 1883, married Relief B. Mackey and died one month later at 2.5. Herman William, a druggist, in 1884 married Elizabeth V. Gould, lives at Omaha, Neb., and has two children, Bay and Genie. George, a painter and paper hanger, in 1888 married Mary J. Frost, lives at Pomeroy and has two child- ren, Irwin W. and Ray Frost. Eliza- beth died in 1883 at 15. Swanson Joseph Rev., pastor of the Uolfax Swedish Lutheran church from March 1876 until the fall of 1880. was a native of Sweden, came to America in his youth and locating in Illinois married there Betty (Eliza- beth) Anderson. In 1875 he located on section 13, Colfax township, and re- ceiving a license to preach the gospel, served as pastor of the Swedish Luth- eran churches of Colfax township and Manson from 1876 to 1880. In 1885 he located on section 14 where he died in 1895, at the age of .58, and was buried. He left a family of nine children who still own and occupy his late home on section 14, namely, Elmer, Martin, Elizabeth, Justus, Richard, David, Mary, Hannah and Esther. Turner Ludwig D. (b. 1841), who in 1869 secured a homestead in Colfax township, was a native of Warren county, N. Y., where in 1868 he mar- ried Eliza J. Russell (b. N. Y. 1845) and located in Jones county, Iowa. The next year, accompanied by Mrs. Julia A. (Turner), widow of Marshall Johnson, they came in wagons to Po- cahontas county and located on home- steads on section 6, Colfax township. Ludwig began the work of improving his homestead and occupied it until June 6, 1877, when he died from par- alysis. His family consisted of three children, two of whom, Gertrude and iDES MOINIIS TOWNSHIP 557 Johti, at the ages of 14 and 13 years died of diphtheria in 1886. MatieL., a teacher, in 1891, married Frank B. Bailey, and lives at Fonda where her mother also resides, L. D. Turner participated in the organization of Colfax township, and in 1872 served as a member of its first school board. During the civil war he enlisted twice and served over four years in the army of the Potomac un- der Generals McClellan and Grant, first as a member of the 2d Reg. N. Y. Infantry and later of the 22d TST. Y. Cavalry. He had four brothers, An- drew, George, Joseph and John that also enlisted at the beginning of the war, and rendered patriotic service during»ats continuance. Mrs. Julia A. (Turner) Johnson was a native of New York, where she mar-: ried Marshall Johnson. At the out- break of the civil war he enlisted and died in Andersonville prison, leaving a wife, two sons, George and William, and two daughters. After the war was over Julia A. came to Iowa and assisted by her two sons, secured a homestead on section 6, Colfax town- ship, erecting first a sod house. Four years later she became the wife of Robert, a brother of Henry Eussell, and built a good frame house that they continued to occupy until 1894, when with two daughters. Nettle and Mary, they located in Oklahoma, George Johnson, her oldest son, about 1881 married Ida Willard and lives at Laurens where be is engaged as a mason and plasterer. William, his brother, a carpenter, about 1881 married Eunice Pierce and lives at Laurens. Lourinda, the eldest daugh- ter of Mrs. Johnson, lives in New York state, and Lillias, her sister, in Jones county, Iowa. Walker Thomas (b. 1820), owner and occupant of a farm of 80 acres on section 28, from 1870 until the time of his death in 1889, was a native 'of Eng- land, where in 1840 he married Eliza- beth May (b. 1820). Two years later they came to America and lived in Ohio and other eastern states until 1870, wben they located in Colfax township. They had one daughter and she died in Ohio. Mrs. Walker continued to live on the farm until 1895, when she moved to Pomeroy. Thomas and EUzabeth Walker are kindly remembered by all who knew them. Wallace George (July 29, 1836), re- corder of Pocahontas county 1879-80, was a native of Summit county, Ohio, the son of James Waugh and Adahne (Hancher) Wallace. He wasraised on a farm near Boston and received his education at Northtteld, Ohio, where in 1861 he married Cassandra McKes- son. In 1871 he located on section 13, Colfax township, erected some good improvements and experienced all the vicissitudes and trials incident to frontier life during the hard times in the seventies. In 1871 he was elected and served three years as one of the justices of Colfax township. He was two years president of the school board and three years clerk of the township. In 1878 he was elected recorder of the county and held this important olBce until the time of his death, Aug. 20, 1880. He was a capable and efBcieht public ofQjer, a man of unquestioned integrity, a devoted Christian and for many years an honored member of the Presbyterian church. In 1881 his family moved to Pome- roy, where Cassandra, his wife, re- mained until 3892, and then went to the home of her son, James, at Ober- lin, Ohio. His family consisted of four children, one of whom died in childhood. James Waugh, after taking a thor- ough course in instrumental music, in 1891 married Lenora Mershon, of Des Moines, and located at Oberlin, Ohio, where he has since been engaged as an instructor in music, Evalina mar- 558 PIONEER HISTORY OF POGAHONTASiOOUNTY, lOWA. ried Foster E. Blackinton, for a num- ber of years an implement dealer at Pomeroy, but now a resident ot Og- den, Utah. William R., a carpenter, married Martha Hank, and lives at Platteville, "Wisconsin. Zieman "William, and his two sons, Rudolph (b. 1844) and Amandus {b. 1851) in 1869 located three homesteads of 80 acres each on section 20. They were all natives of Germany and the two brothers worked several years on the track of- the I. C. railroad. Their mother died soon after they came to Pocahontas county and "William, their father, in 1895. Amandus in 1885 sold his homestead and bought another farm on the same section which he im proved and occupied until 1898, when he sold it and moved to Murray coun- ty, Minn. Rudolf after some years sold his homestead to his sister, Mrs. Lu- zetta "Valentine, and they continued to live on it until 1900, when they moved to Matlock, Minn. Sod Shanties, ijod shanties were built or occupied in Colfax township from 1869 to 1873 by the followiBg early settlers: Fred 0. Smith, Fred Jentz, John A. Johnson, Gust H. Johnson, JohnSoder, Peter Gustaf son, Charles P. Peterson, Swan P. Mun- son, August Prange, Henry A. Nel- son, John A. Nelson, John Russell and Mrs. Julia A. Johnson. IN PURGATOKY. Unpleasant experiences that come unexpectedly and are not attended with any serious consequences often become the occasion of considerable merriment when the story of them is told. Of this fact the following inci- dent in the early experience of two of the old settlers of this township, both of whom are still living, is a good il- lustration. "When Patrick Murphy and John Barrett made their first purchases of land in this county in September 1869, they undertook to walk the entire dis- tance from Fort Dodge to Colfax township. "When they came to Purga- tory slough, which is now dry nearly all the year, the water was then about sixty rods wide. An Irishman, who had found employment on the rail- road agreed to ferry them safely across it on a raft made of a few fence boards. "When they got about the middle of it the raft sunk to the bottom with all on board, and they realized ;what it was to be unceremoniously duckgd in a slough (Purgatory). In order to get them out of it the Irishman helped Barrett to get on the top of a musk- rat mound and left him there while he took Murphy to the other side. He then returned to the rescue of Barrett, who, in his lonely situation in the meantime, had endured all sorts of dire forebodings, not so much because he was helplessly surrounded by so much water, but because of the omin- ous movements that he occasionally detected as taking place underneath him among the musky proprietors of the frail house, the top of which he was occupying as a place of refuge. COUNTY OFFICERS. Colfax township has furnished the following county oflBcers: SuPERYisoRS— Ray C. Brownell 1873- 75; Charles G. Perkins '84; Alexander Peterson '91-97; S. "W. McKinney 1901. Recorders— Jason H. Lowrey 1878; Geo. Wallace '79-80. RESIDENCE OF S. H. KERR, ROLFE. RESIDENCE OF DUNCAN FERGUSON, ROLFE. X O H m 2 W M Q S M U W a; o Z o X H o I m Q z <: z XVII. DBS MOUSES TOWNSHIP. Hail to the hardy pioneers! The men that cleared the forests, And built log cabins rude; The wives that shared the hardships Of toil and solitude; Founders of institutions, Upholders of the right; Reformers brave, and leaders From darlsness into light. Hail to the hardy pioneers! SURFACE FEATURES, TIMBER, ETC. l^^^^^^jTies Moines township i^TTlB^^l^ii was named after the river that flows south- easterly through the eastern part of it. The following notes made by the government surveyors in 1854 are suggestive of the erroneous notion that prevailed in their minds in regard to the value of treeless prairies: "Des Moines township is principally prairie; its surface is generally rolling and the soil is mostly flrst-rate. There is some timber on the west branch of the Des Moines river, which enters the township on section 3 and leaves it on section 36. There is sufBcient timber In this township to warrant only a few settlers, at least for some time to come. There are a few marshes in the northwest corner of the township. If there was more timber it would be excellent for agri- culture." The belt of timber along the west branch of the Des Moines river in this township was very much larger than any found elsewhere in this county, and the timber was superior in size and quality. Many of the larger trees in 1860 were utilized in the erection of the first court house, the first bridge over the Des Moines ri ver and numerous other structures built about that time. The logs were sawed at the saw mill of W. H. Halt, which was located near old Kolfe and was t he only one ever set in this county. The value of this timber for fuel 560 i^IONEER aiSTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, TOWA. and building purposes to the settlers who came before the arrival of the railroad may not be too highly esti- mated. One section of it, commonly called the "Cabbage Lot," was owned by a non-resident, and for many years the settlers traveled long distances and got all they wanted for nothing, save the labor of cutting and hauling it. The annual supply of fuel for the old court house was 25 cords and dur- ing its existence about 400 cords were used in it. The history of this township ante- dates that of all the others in the county except that the early settle- ment of Lizard township precedes it about one year. The stream of immi- gration moving westward from Fort Dodge passed up Lizard creek to the southeast part of the county in 1856, and up the Des Moines river to the northeast part of it in 1S51. The early settlers of this township takiiig the lead at the time of the county's organization in 1859, secured most of the public ofiBces and the next year the public buildings of the county. The pre-eminence thus gained by this extreme corner of the county was maintained for a period of seventeen years, or until 1876, when the public records and offices were moved to Cen- ter township. Tor an account of the early settlement of this township the reader is referred to page 169. PKE-BMPTOES AND H0MB8TEADBBS. The first settlers in this township were pre-emptors* who secured their claims under the act of congress ap- proved Sept. 4, 1841. Among the number of these were the families of A. H. Malcolm, Guernsey Smith, Rob- ert Struthers, Wm. Struthers, Wm. Jarvis, Henry Jarvis, Samuel N. Har- ris, David Slosson, Orlando Slosson, John Strait, James Smith, John A. James, James Edelman, Perry (Julia A.) Nowlen and Daniel W. Hunt. The homestead act of May 20, 1862, *See Pages 236 and 237. went into eflect Jan. 1, 1863, which was a national holiday and the land offices were not op'ened. One claim and so far as known only one claim was filed that day. This was done by Dr. Daniel Freeman at the land office at Brownsville, Neb., for a homestead five miles west of Beatrice on Cub Creek, Gage county. Meeting the clerk of the land office a little before midnight of the day previous he pre- vailed on him to go to the office and at 12:05 on the morningof Jan, I, 1863, secured the first homestead, to which he had previously acquired a squatter's right by building a log cabin, stable, a little fence and plow- ing about 20 acres of the land. The drift of settlers to the public lands that commenced at the close of the civil war and continued during the remaining years of the 19th cen- tury greatly surpassed that of any previous period in our national his- tory, and has never been equaled in the history of the world. Hundreds of thousands of claims have been lo- cated, millions upon millions of acres of the public lands have been taken by homeseekers, and states and terri- tories have been created out of the public domain— all in half the lifetime of one man. Those that secured homesteads in Des Moines township were Beriah Cooper and his two sons, Henry and Thomas, Roswell Drown, Richard Chatfleld, Wm. Clason, Robert Loth- ian and his two sons, JohnW. and Wm. Lothian, Roderick Harris, Chas, J. Campbell, Benjamin L. Inman and David Bishop, his brother-in-law. StrCCESSION OF OFFICERS. Des Moines township was organized at the home of Henry Jarvis, section 24, on March 15, 1859, the same day the organization of the county was effected. No record was made of the trustees elected at this time, but from some very suggestive data we infer that those who served in this capacity DES MOllSTES TOWNSHIP. 561 in 1859 were Wm. Jarvis, Perry Now- len and Robert Struthers, Robert Struthers and S. N. Harris were elect- ed justices and W. H. Hait clerk, soon afterward W. H. Hait was ap- pointed assessor for the county, and later a justice in place of S. N. Harris. The records of the trustees of Des Moines township from the time of or- ganization in 1859 to 1874 are no longer available for reference. The succes- sion of officers for this period has been gleaned, with a great deal of labor, from incidental references to them in the various county records. The succession was as follows: Tkustees— Robert Struthers 1859, •'61-64, '67-71; Wm. Jarvis ,59-65, '67- 72, '75-77; Perry Nowlen '59-60, '80-82; Oscar Slosson '60, '66-69; Isaac N. Bel- knap '62-63; Henry Jarvis '64, '68, '72- 73; Orlando Slosson '64; Jeremiah Young, Henry Thomas '65-66; Henry Cooper, B. C. Brown, Geo. Vannatta '70-71; B. L.Inman '72^78; J. A. Heald '73-74; W. H. Halt '73-77, '94-99; Thos. Baker '75-76; Alfred Hewlett, Robert B. Lothian, Ora Harvey' 78-79; J.J. Bruce, Glaus Johnson '79-81; Thomas Cooper '80-84, '95-97; Peter Williams '82-84; John W. Broadwell '83-85, '87- 95; Peter Jensen '85-94; Ed Hammond '85-86; Henry Ham '86-93; P. H. Sher- ' man '96-98; Geo. F. Smith '98-1900; W. S. Butler '99-1901; I. F. Fisher, Clarence Jensen and Litteny Webb. Clerks— W. H. Hait 1859-63, '78-79, '84-90; Fred A. Metcalf '64-65; W. S. Fegles '66-74; John W. Farmer '75-76; B. L. luman '77-82; A. H. Lorimer '80- 81; Claus Johnson '83; 8. J. Ritchey '91-1900; A. J. Struthers. Justices— Robert Struthers 1859-93; W. H. Hait '59-71, '79-80, '91-93; A. H. Lorimer '72-74, '82-85; Owen Bromley '74-75; S. N. Harris '77; R. Mather '81; R. B. Fish '85-86; Henry Cooper '87-90; I. C. Thatcher '94; S. J. Ritchey, M. Lathrop '95; J. Warford, Wm. Mc- Aneny '99; I. F. Fisher '97-99; L. How- ell, W. S. Dean '98-190O; Peter Jensen, W. Hansen and A. W. Ralph. AssESSOKS— W. H. Hait 1859; Oscar Slosson, Henry Jarvis '61-63; Fred A. Metcalf, Robert Struthers '65, '68, '77- 80, 84-92; W. H. Metcalf '66; Lot Fish- er, B. L. Inman '69, '71, '76; D. J. Bishop '70; Owen Bromley '72-73; B. B. Frost '81-83; J. J. Rufl '93-96; J. Hollenbeck '97-1900; H. Miller. It is worthy of note that during a period of seven years, 1887-93, the af- fairs of this township were managed by the same persons as trustees, John W. Broadwell, Peter Jensen and Henry Ham. W. H. Hait served eigh- teen years as a justice, and Robert Struthers fifteen as assessor and about thirty-flve as a justice. These long terms of service are very creditable to the incumbents and suggest an era of good feeling. On May 23, 1881, a special election was held at old Rolfe to vote aid to the Des Moines & Fort Dodge R. R. Of the 58 votes cast, 50 were for, and 8 against the proposed aid. SCHOOL OFFICBES. Des Moines township, embracing the northern half of the county, was organized for school purposes in the spring of 1861. The population of Clinton to-Tyn- ship, not as at first organized, but as embracing only township 92-31, during the sixties was as follows: In 1859 to 61, 6; in 1862, 10; in 1864, 17; in 1866, 24, and in 1867, 42. Owing to the fact there were so few children in the township and some of these were able to attend school at old Rolfe, the Clinton township school district was not organized till the spring of 1869. Previous to this date it continued to to be included in the Des Moines dis- trict and was represented in that school board. The school records of this township previous to 1870 are no longer availa- bje for reference. The data during this period has been supplied by inci- dental references in the county records 662 PioSfeijR HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUiSTTt, IOWA. and by the recollections of those who were unconsciously making history at that time. The succession of school oflBcers has been as follows: Pkbsidents of the Boaeb— Ora Harvey 1860-62; John A. James '63; Robert Struthers '64-71, '78-81; Wm. D. McBwen '72-75; J. J. Bruce '76-77; Glaus Johnson '82; A. E. Dickey, Per- ry Nowlen '84-85; Lot Fisher, Henry Ham 87, '96-98; R. B. Fish, Thomas Rogers, R. H. GifCOrd '90-91; J. J. Ruff '92-94; W. N. McAneny, J. A Budolf- son '99-1900. Seceetaeibs— Roderick Harris 1860- 65; W. S. Fegles '66-74; J. W. Farmer '75-77; J. J. Bruce ,78-80; Geo. W. Hor- ton, B. L. Inman, Glaus Johnson '83- 88; Wm. E. Struthers '89-1901. Teeastjeees— "Wm. H. Hait 1860-63, '83-88; Fred A. Metcalf '64-65; Mat- thew Tilley '66; Wm. Jarvis '67-82; Glaus Johnson '89-1901. The board of directors in 1900 con- sisted of nine members who repre- sented the districts in the following order: J. A. Murray, G. J. Peck, J. A. Budolfson, Hiels Truelson, I. F. Fisher, S. J. Ritchey, O. Glapsaddle, Thomas H. Fisher and Geo. F. Smith. EAELY TBACHEES. The district of old Rolf e, which was the first one organized in the north- east part of the county, was called Highland, and this name occurs fre- quently in the early county records. The first school in this district' was taught in 1860 by Miss Helen M. Har- vey in the home of W. H. Hait. In 1861 a brick school house was built near the court house and she taught school in it th at and the next t^o years, when she was succeeded by Mrsi Agnes Kinney, sister of Fred B. Metcalf. Wm. D. McBwen taught it thret! win- ter terms, from Jan. 1, 1866, to ihe spring of 1868. Of the other teachers that taught in this township during the 70s the names of the following have been preserved: Jane Hammond, Ann E. Slosson, Jane Hargrave, J. W. Farmer, Mattie A. Wilson, Hattie B. Barnes, Mrs. Rebecca W. MacVey, Mrs. Mary A. Umbarger, O. W. Strong, Orrin Keeler, L. Keeler, J. J. JoUiffe, O. I. Strong, Ellen Porter, "W. B. Esk- ridge, Hattie Drown, S. A. Smith, Owen Bromley, Martha B. Rowley, Phoebe G. Hewlett, Delilah Hamble, Mrs. Sarah P. Farmer, L. M. Harris, Maggie J. Lind, Anna B. Campbell, Sarah Slosson, Kate Mattern, Carrie Haviland and Fannie Barnes. DBS MOINES VOLUNTEBES. Des Moines township did her full share to put down the rebellion by furnishing alone more volunteers than was required of the entire county, ac- cording to its population. This facf has always been a just source of pride to the citizens of the township. The list includes all that entered the army of the civil war from this county, and is as follows: A. H. Malcolm, Co. A Uth Penn. Cav. Henry Cooper, " 11th '• " Oscar Slosson, " 11th " " Hiram Evans, " 11th " " These, the first to enlist were sworn in at Fort Dodge Sept. 2, 1861. Others that followed in 1862 were: James Hood 11th Penn. Cav. Andrew Mills 11th " John Gaylor 11th " Wm. H. Sherman, Delaware Infantry Eichard Barnes. Others that followed later were: Wm, S. Fegles 4th Iowa Infantry Ghas. W. Jarvis.. 4th " Henry Tilley 4th " " Dennis Quigley. .24th " Cavalry Thomas Quigley. 27th " Infantry Whole number, 14. In the fall of 1860 there were only nine votes cast in Des Moines town- ship and 28 in the county. In 1862 the population of the county was 122, and tlje whole number of votes cast was 24. There were then three town- ships in the county and the fourteen volunteers furnished by Des Moines township alone was just one half -t)J2S MOINES TOWNSSlt. 563 the whole number of votes cast in the county at that time; It is only when these facts are recalled that one is able to rightly estimate the patriot- ic spirit developed in Des Moines township during the civil war. Bach man had caught' the patriot spark; old man and stripling, priest and clerk. The absence of so large a portion of the able bodied men of the township completely checked the work of im- provement and their families being left on the extreme frontier, at a great distance from all sources of supplies, experienced a recurring series of trials and privations in summer and of se- vere exposures in winter. For an account of the 11th Penn. Cavalry, to which seven of them be- longed, the reader is referred to page 215. Eichard Barnes was killed at Pe- tersburg. Andrew Mills was wounded and cap- tured at the time of the Wilson Raid, near Eichmond, the object of which was to prevent the enemy from receiv- ing further supplies on the south side or Weldon railroad. He was impris- oned at Andersonville from June 1864 to March 1865, and died soon after his exchange. Of the survivors A. H. Malcolm, Henry Cooper, Henry Tilley, Oscar Slosson, Wm. S. Fegles, Dennis and Thomas Quigley returned to this county. Wm. H. Sherman located in Dela- ware, John Gaylor in Kansas and Charles W. Jarvis just across the line in Humboldt county. Hiram Evans located in Montana, married and died there. Wm. S. Fegles previous to his en- listment, married Elizabeth Harris and theirs' was the first wedding in Pocahontas county. He had learned to set type and while in the army he was often detailed for that purpose. He owned and occupied all of section 13 east of the Des Moines river until 1878, when he moved to Holt Co., Neb. He was clerk of Des Moines township nine years, 1866-74, and secretary of the school board from 1867-74. Dennis Quigley married before en- listing and after his return engaged in farming in Des Moines township. He is now living near Mallard in Palo Alto county. OLD E0LFJ5, THE FIKST COUNTY SEAT. The site of old Eolfe, the first coun- ty seat, was on the northeast corner of the SWi of section 26, Des Moines township, which was entered by Wm. E. Clark and soon afterward conveyed to John M. Stockdale of Fort Dodge, his brother-in-law. The knoll at this place is a very pretty one and the highest in that locality. The first name suggested for this place was Highland or Highland City, and the use of this name prevailed during the year 1860, when the court house was built and the first session of the court was held in it. In January 1861, Stockdale employed Egbert Bagg of Fort Dodge to survey and plat the town around the court house. At the request of W. H. Halt and with the approval of the people the name of the town platted was called Milton, after the town in New York from which Mr. Halt had come. The pub- lic records show that the use of this name prevailed as late as Jan. 2, 1866, (p. 217) but when application was ma,de for a postofflce by that name the re- quest was refused on account of the previous establishment of an ofBce by that name in Van Buren county. In the fall of 1862 the name of Eolfe, who married Pocahontas, was adopted at the suggestion of Charles Crozat Converse, who in May that year pur- chased several thousand acres of land in this county, principally in Des Moines township, resided in it that and the next year and by appointment served as county judge from June 2, 1862 to Oct. 19, 1863. This name, by hei PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS OOUNTY, 10 WA. reason of Its brevity and historic in- terest, received popular approval and was supposed to be a permanent fix- , ture, but In 1882 when the railroads crossed each other at a point four miles southvyest of it, a fatality sim- ilar to that which in 1876 robbed the township of the county seat ruthless- ly robbed the town of its pretty, ro- mantic name and left it to be called by another new one — Parvin. No letter however ever came to Par- vin. This accumulation of vicissi- tudes was too much. Too many changes will kill any town. This last one proved to be the "last straw that broke the camel's back." After it Rolf e, the pioneer town of Pocahontas county, was dead. "Behold I go the way of all mankind; I've done the work by changeless fate assigned. I've been a city, but now my finished towers— Oh, that the Trojan had not touched these shores. " —Virgil. The plat of the town contained eight blocks east and west and seven north and south. On the second avenue from the east side, called Des Moines, there was a square embracing the avenue and half the adjoining blocks on the east and west sides of it that was called the "Stockdale Reser- vation." This he gave and granted to Pocahontas county to be used as a site for the court house and other public buildings, but with the proviso that if the county seat should be changed the grant should be void. On May 20, 1862, Mrs. Leida Lewis, wife of C. C. Converse, purchased 26 of the 56 blocks of this town for $268, and 'on Feb. 8, 1864, sold them to Je^ mima Thallon of New York City for $300. Later W. H. Hait became own- er of the entire site, with the excep- tion of the school house grounds, and also of the land owned by Stockdale around it; and it is all now, though once an Indian burying ground, (p. 132) a part of his large farm. PALMY DATS. The palnly days of old Rolfe began with the erection of the court house and the establishment of the saw mill in 3860, and continued until the re- moval of the county records in 1876. The brick school house built In 1861, the residence of W. H. Hait, one blo^ck east of the court house site, the old store building of McEwen & Bruce and a few clumps of trees are now the only reminders of those historic times. During that period in addition to the county officers the business inter- ests of the place were represented by two general stores, two blacksmith shops, a hotel, a printing and a post- office, a resident physician and clergy- man. The store of McEwen & Bruce was established in the spring of 1870 and Geo, W. Horton became their suc- cessor in 1876. The other store was established by Andrew G. Lorimer, also in 1870, and E. C. Brown became his successor in 1874. The hotel was built by Albert Davy in 1872. The first smith shop was established by Wm. Matson in 1867, and he was suc- ceeded by Thomas B. Nixon la 1874. The other shop was established by Peter Williams. Peter Williams was a native of Den- mark, where he learned his trade. He was remarkable for his ingenuity in repairing broken machinery. He died several years ago and his son, Niels H. Williams, is proprietor of one of the leading shops at Rolfe. He enjoys the reputation of being an expert in shoeing horses. Andrew H. Lorimer was a sea far- ing man in the early part of his life. During the period of the civil war he was on a merchant vessel carrying lime and cement to the dry Tortugas that was captured by the rebel barge, Alabama. The vessel and cargo were burned and the crew were taken pris- oners. He was first mate on the ves- sel and spent several months In cap- tivity. After the war he located at DBS MOINES TOWNSHIP. 565 old Eolfe and in 1874 bought and moved to the farm of E. C. Brown on section 34. He served as a justice of the peace of Des Moines, township- 1872-76 and as clerk '80-81. Dr. J. C. Maxwell, the first resident physician and surgeon, left in 1876. He was succeeded by Dr. J. C. Carey in 1878-79, and Dr. W. W. Beam In 1880. The first religious services were held by Eev. David A. McComb (p. 219) of Algona in 1859, when the Unity Pres- byterian church was organized. Oth- ers that held occasional services were I. N. Belknap, Fred E. Metcalf , resi- dent farmers, and Rev. Franklin. The succession of resident pastors of the M. E. church dates from the year 1869 and was as follows: Revs. D. M. Beams, John E. Eowen, Rutus Fanch- er, Wm. McCready, K. W. Thornberg, C. W. Clifton and F. J. Cuthbert. POST MASTEES. The list of post masters at old Rolf e was as follows: W. H. Halt. . . . :1862 to March 29, 1867 E.C.Brown.... '67" Sept. 30,3869 Wm. D. McEwen '69 " Jau, 1, 1877 James J. Bruce '77" March 1,1879 Geo. W. Horton '79 " March 31, 1882 The name of the town was then changed to Parvin and E. B. Fish was appointed post master, but he did not open an ofiflce, Henry Tilley having re-established the Eolfe office at the new town of Eolfe, April 1, 1882. COUNTY OFFICERS. Des Moines township, taking the lead at the time of its organization, has furnished more officials for Poca- hontas county than any other town- ship in it. The list is as follows: Kbpresentativb— Eobert Struth- ers 1872-73. County Judges— David Slosson '59; Isaac N. Belknap '60; Perry Nowlen '61; C. C. Converse '62-63; Fred E. Met- calf '64-65; Samuel N. Harris '66-68; Wm. D. McEwen '69, the last one. Auditor— Wm. D. McEwen '69-73, Clerks of the Court— A. H. Mal- colm 59; Samuel N. Harris '60-61; W. H. Halt '65; Wm. D. McEwen '67-72. Treasurer and Eecoeder— W. H. Halt '59-60. Treasurer- Wm. H. Halt '66-69, Wm. D. McEwen '74-83, '86-87. Eecorder— Robert Struthers '65 66; E. 0. Brown '67-68. Sheriff— Oscar Slnsson '59, '68-71; Henry Jarvis '60-63, '65-67. Superintendent— Perry Nowlen '59; Oscar F. Avery '60; W. H. Halt '61; Fred B. Metcalf '64-65; Wm. D. McEwen '66-67. Surveyor— Guernsey Smith '59; Eobert Struthers '60-69. County SuPERvisoBs—David Slos- son elected. Perry Nowlen served '61; Isaac N. Belknap, David Slosson '63- 67, '70, '7<-79; David J. Bishop '6'--'i9; JohnA. Heald '71; E. B. Fish '72-73; Claus Johnson '98-1900. . DES MOINES FAMILIES IN 1880. Humpty Dumpty, a correspondent of the Times in 1880, gavea list of tlie families residing in the township in the following interesting paragraph: "Let it Hale as long as we have plenty of Wood to burn. Hams to fry, •a Baker to bake our bread, and Fish- ers to catch. Fish when the water is D3t to deep too Drown. Although we would Halt to see a flood we think we would come out all right as the bot- tom is Sandy. We have a good Sea- man, Campbells to ride and Porter to drink, which, if freely indulged in will Heal (d) all misfortunes. Plants of Sweet Williams just at the foot of the Clifton which we must ascend with Care and Prudence lest we fall into the Broad-well and be Eaton up. A Mason that always rises at Cox-crow to commence the labors of the day. Then we are blessed with plenty of Hay-wood always at hand without money and without Price. Wc never considered ourself very Sharp, not quite sharp enough to be a doctor like 566 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. our Sharp neighbor over in Clinton* but he may make a mistalie some day and be obliged to call for a Coffin. When we are afraid of bursting we send for our Coopers." COOPEKTOAVN. The locality of the school house in district No. 3 has been called Cooper- town since the early settlement of the township. This was due to the fact that Henry Cooper located on a home- stead in that vicinity in 1861, and his brother, 'I'homas, and their father, Beriah, located on two others in 1865. eooper Beriah (b. 1807— d. 1873), was a native of Vermont, the son of Thomas E Cooper. He grew to man- hood in New York state, where he married Joanna Vaughn (b. 1812 — a. 1883) and located on a farm. In 1853 he moved to DeKalb Co., 111.; two years later to Clayton Co., Iowa, and in the spring of 1865 to the home of his son, Henry, in 3'ocahontas county, having wife and two other children, Thomas E. and Caroline. He secured a homestead on section 6, adjoining that of Henry, his son. The first shanty was constructed by placing up- right pieces of timber close together for the interior lining, covering them with a roof of boards and surrounding them with walls of sod. It had one window in the rear gable. Ttie next year a log house was built that lasted till 1875, when it was replaced by the large building that is now occu- pied by Thomas. He was a man of excellent principles, a member of the Methodist church, and very soon se- cured the establishment of public worship in the community where he lived. His family consisted of six children. 1. Elizabeth, married Joiin Barker, lives in California and has raised a family of three sons and four daugli- ters. 2. Hiram lives in Oi;i,vton county, Iowa. *Page 483. 3. eooper Henry (b. N. Y. Sept. 18, 1837), has been a resident of the township since May 1861. On Sept. 2d following he enlisted at Fort Dodge as a member of Co. A, 11th Penn. Cav- alry (p. 215). After completing his term of service in the army he mar- ried Mary M. (b. 1840),' daughter of Roswell Drown of Ogle Co , 111., and relict of a soldier by the name of Wells, who died in the army. He then located on a homestead of 160 acres on section 6, Des Moines town- ship, which he has finely improved with good buildings, groves and orch- ard, and still occupies. He has been a trustee of the township and has served as a justice four years. His wife died in 1891 and in 1897 he mar- ried Clara, daughter of James and Harriet (Nichols) Grant. His family consisted of six children of whom four died in early youth. Helen B., in 1889 married David Rud and lives at Dow City. Orrin Alburtis (b. Dec. 3, 1875) is at home on the farm. 4. eooper Thomas E. (b. N. Y. 1844), at the age of 17 in Clayton Co. enlisted in the 18th Missouri Infantry in Oct. 1861, and served three years under Gen. Sherman in the valley of the Mississippi. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and the battles of Chattanooga and Atlanta. On his return from the war he came to Poca- hontas county with his father and se- cured a homestead of 160 acres on sec- tion 6, Des Moines township. He im- proved and held it many years. He now occupies tiie homestead left by his father. He served as a trustee of the township eight years. 5 Lois married Robert Lowrey and they live with her brother Thomas on their father's homestead. 6. Caroline married A. II. Ilaocher (see Hancher). Fisher Lot (b. June 30, 1835), resi- dent of Des Moines township from 1864 to 1895, is a Dative of Somerset shire, England, where in 1850 he mar- DES MOINES TOWNSHIP. 567 ried Sarah Peters and soon afterward located in Dubuque Co., Iowa. In 1864 he located in Des Moines town- ship and the next year permanently on a farm of 129 acres on section 2, which he improved, increased to 240 acres and occupied until 1895, when he moved to Eolfe. He was president of the school board in 1886 and a'^sessor in 1887. Of his family of eight children seven are living. Mary Ann In 1877 married Niels A. Lind (see Lind). Su^anoain 1879 married Thomas Rogers, who lo- cated first in Linn Co., then in Des Moines township and in 1893 in Rolfe. He owns two farms containing 400 acres in Des Moines township and was president of the school board in 1889. His fardily consists of three children, Mabel, Rose and Lulu Viola. ThomHS Fisher (b. Iowa 1861), a larmer, mar- ried Cora Harris, owns and occupies a farm of 160 acres in Des Moines town- ship, and has a family of three child- ren. Earl, Lee and Ray. .John (b. 1866), in 1894 married Emma Cline, occupies a farm of 120 acres in Palo Alto county, and has a family of two children, Susanna and Joiin Walton. Henrietta in 1893 married Harry Sea- man, lives on a farm of 120 acres in Humboldt county and has one child, Leonard. Eosalina, a millinpr, and Lottie, a Rolfe graduate in 1898 and a teacher, are at home. Jensen Peter, owner of a farm of 200 acres on section 8, is a fine repre- sentative of Denmark, his native land. He came tothis country in the fall of 1869, accompanied by his neighbor, Glaus Johnson, and together they leased the farm of Perry Nowlen for the next year. la the fall of 1870 Peter Jensen married and rented an- other farm. The next year he bought 80 acres on section 8 and broke as much of it as possible while he worked the rented farm. The next year he erected buildings and moved to his own farm. He has been industrious. attentive to his own interests and quite successful as a farmer. He was a trustee of the township ten years 1885-94, and a justice in 1900, His family consists of four children, Anna, a clerk; Mary, a teacher; Clarence and Peter. Johnson Glaus (b. 1847), ex- county supervisor and owner of a tine farm on section 6, is a native of Denmark and came to America in 1867. In the fall of 1S69 he came to Des Moines township with Peter Jensen and I'ourid employment as a farm laborer. In the fall of 1870 he bought 80 acres on section 8, located on it the next year and began the work of its improve- ment. After the lapse of thirty years he is still living on this farm, but it has been increased to 240 acres and improved with fine buildings. He has become prominent as one of the lead- ing stock raisers of the township, es- pecially of thoroughbred Short-horns. His sales of them to private purchas- ers in 1900 amounted to $3,000 and at a public sale in September 1900, 44 an- imals brought $6,835, an average of nearly $160 each. . < He began life without a dollar and the success achieved Ijas been the re- sult of his industry and excellent management of the farm. He served as a trustee of the township three years, 1879-81, as president of the school board in 1882, as secretary of it 1883-88, and as treasurer of it since that date. These 23 years cJf consecu- tive service in the most important of- fices of the township tell of his public spirit and the esteem in which he is held. He was also a member of the board of county supervisors 1898-1900. On Feb. 19, 1877 he married Claud- ina C. Lind, of Powhatan, and his family consisted of six children, Em- ma F., who in 1897 married George Hewlett and resides in Des Moines t«wnshlp; Andrew W., a jeweler at Spencer; Fred J., Claus C., Christina and Albert Jj, 568 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. eonverse Charles Crozat, ex-coun- ty judge, was a native of Massachu- setts, a graduate in music at Leipsic in 1857, and in law in 1861. Accom- panied by his wife, who was a south- ern lady, he spent two years, 1862-63, at Milton, the first county seat in Des Moines township. To him belongs the honor of proposing and also of se- curing the adoption of "Rolfe" as the name of the post office at that place in 1862. He was appointed county judge of this county June 2, 1862, and held the office until October 19, 1863. At the close of the war he became a teacher in an educational institution in Virginia and is now located at Highwood, N. J. He is the author of the familiar hymn, "What a Friend We Have 1q Jesus," of the Standard Hymnal, published by Funli & Wag- nails, and of several other publications ,on musical g,nd literary subjects. Lind Hans Anderson (b. 1831), Rolf e is a native of Denmark, the son of Niels Anderson and Mary Holm Lind. In 1856 he married Christina Buclj and engaged in the jewelry business un- til 1871, when, he and his family came to America and located on a farm on section 9, Powhatan township. In 1876 he moved to section 3, Clinton township, and in 1883 to the town of RoKe where he resumed the jewelry business;. He is now the owner of sev- eral business blocks and four good dwelling houses in that city. He was a trustee of Clinton township -eight years, 1878-85; treasurer in 1884 and a member of the Rolfe school board 1889- 90. His family consisted of six chil- dren of whom Christina, the fourth, died at twenty. 1. Lind Niels Anderson (b Denmark 1857), farmer and fine stock breeder, in 1880 married Mary, daughter of Lot Fisher, and located in Des Moines township. He is now wid<'ly known as the proprietor of the Beaver Creek stock farm, containing 40(» acres and locuU'd on sections 19 and 20. He has planted on this farm a large number of shade trees, distributed in several groves, so as to provide shelter for stock; also a large orchard that is now bearing fruit. His home is ample for the needs of his family and farm, and in the fall of 1900 he erected a large stock ibarn, 64x100 feet and 24 foot posts. An elevated tank filled by a windmill furnishes the supply for a system of water works that extends to all the buildings and yards, all of which are very conveniently arranged. During the last ten years he has been raising fine stock, showing a pref- erence for the Cruickshank, Bates and Scotch-topped Shorthorn cattle, Po- land China hogs and Shropshire she ap. In starting his herd of Shorthorns he spared neither trouble nor fexpense and has now some of the finest stock in this country. He is the first citizen of it that has gone to the old country and imported pure bred cattle directly to Pocahontas county. In May 1900 he started on a trip that occupied 100 days, during which he traveled nearly 4,000 miles in France, England and Ireland, and imported 18 head of pure bred Short-horns fi'om the famous herds of Deane Willis, Philo Mills and Robert Bruce of Scotland, returning via Quebec, where they were quaran- tined ninety days. Later that year he paid $1,040 for a cow in whose veins flows the very finest Short-horn blood in the world. In I'ebruary 1898 he bought the entire herd of Charles Stuckey, Lincoln, 111.-, a breeder who had been in the business twenty years. At his second public sale held April 4, 1900, 53 head brought $11,880, an average of $22* each. At his third or last annual sale, March 14, 1901, near- ly a hundred buyers were attracted from a distance in this and neighbor- ing states, and 58 head sold for $8,500. an average of «148 each. For this oc- casion a large tent was erected and Col. F. M. Woods, of Lincoln, Neb., who cried the sale, in his preliminary DBS MOINES TOWNSHIP remarks, said: "Gentlemen, we have before us an example of what a young man may do on these Iowa prairies, fifteen years ago Mr. Lind was work- ing on a farm for $15 to $20 a moBth. Today he is on this finely improved farm of 400 acres, stocked with the finest of cattle, and, no matter how this sale may go, the proceeds will pay every dollar he owes and leave him a nice balance in the bank. He has achieved success on the farm not by selling grain or raising scrub cattle, but by planting that golden seed- rich blood— from which the crop is al- ways golden. A man in Colorado may dig in the right place and strike it rich, but while one is lucky thous- ands toil on fruitlessly. But these Iowa prairies are every where under- laid with golden ore waiting for the well-directed hand and the shaft sunk with a check-rower to bring it forth. When you pass the rich ore, the ears of the golden corn, through the.stamp- ing mills and refineries— the cattle, hogs and sheep— you take the finished product to the market and receive your gold." By improving the quality of its stock Mr. Lind has done much to pro- mote the prosperity of this section. His ambition is commendable and he has already attained an enviable rep* utation as one of the successful and reliable stock breeders of the west. His success has been achieved by ad- hering to these maxims: "Buy good cattle but no more than you can take care of. Take good care of them, in- crease their number as fast as possible and keep posted on the quality and treatment of the kind you are raising. It you are trying to make money by raising grain and scrub cattle you will make more by selling half your land and putting good stock on the other half." His family consists of four chil- dren, John, Agnes, Bessie and Cora. 2. Claudina married Claus Johnson (see Johnson). 3. Mary in 1879 married Anton Williams, proprietor of the Fairview stock farm on section 27, Clinton town- ship. At a public sale of pure bred- Shorthorns April 5, 1900, 40 animals brought $5,750, an average of $144 each. They have one child, Bertha. 4. Christina in 1893 married Ed- ward McMahon, who for a number of years, occupied his farm on section 3, Clinton township, but is now a resi- dent of Rolfe, where he found employ- ment as a harness maker. Their fam- ily consists of five children, Leila, Jay, Gladdis. Esther and Chester, twins. 5. John Maurice, a graduate of the Parsons Horological and optical insti- tute, Laporte, Ind., in 1889, found em- ployment as a jeweler, first with his father at Eolfe, three years in Ne- braska and in Eolfe since 1894. In 1898 he completed a post graduate course in optics in Chicago, and since 1900 has occupied his father's old place of business in the Masonic building. Metcalf Fred E. Rev. (b. 1817— d. 1873), county judge and superintend- ent, 1864-65, was a native of Connecti- cut. He taught school in his youth and at 21 commenced preaching in the M. B. church. In 1854 he located in Clayton county, Iowa, and in 1862 on section 27, Des Moines township. He was the first M. E. minister to hold public services in the north part of this county and served as county judge and superintendent of the pub- lic schools of this county two years, 1864-65. He died while on the road, as a missionary, to Kansas. In 1840 he married Euhamah Pary and his family consisDed of four chil- dren of whom Jane Etta, the third, married J. B. Jolliflfe (see Jollifle) and still lives in this county. Wm. Henry married Lois Cooper; Harriet Louise married Dennis Quigley, and Corintha married Wm. H. Nading, who is now living in Clayton county. Ritchey Solomon J. (b. 1849) owner 570 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. and occupant of a farm of 240 acres on section 24, is a native of Wisconsin, the son of Josiah and Clarissa Ritch- ey. At two years of age his father died and at 24 he came to Grundy Co., Iowa, where in 1878 he married Nettie Munson. Twoyears later he located in Butler county, and in 1883 on his present farm in Pocahontas county, which he has finely improved. He has been clerk of Des Moines town- ship during the last twelve years. His family consists of four children, Carria, Frank, Daisy and Fay. Drown Roswell (b. 1806, d. 1894), was a native of New Hampshire. In 1865 lie entered a homestead of 80 acres on the SEi Sec. 6, Des Moines township and the next year located on it with a wife and family of five children, who had grown to manhood in Jeflerson county, N. Y. He began the work of improvement by the erec- tion of a frame shanty, a stable and the planting of a grove. He continu- ed to live on ttis homestead until his decease in his 89th year in 1894. His wife died in 1881. Their family con- sisted of seven children: 1. George (b. Can. 1837), married in .Jefferson county, N. Y. and in 1866 located on a homestead on Sec. 10,^ Powhatan township which he improv- ed and occupied many years. He then moved to Merrimac, "Wis., where he died in 1891 leaving a large family. 2. Mary Ann (b. N. Y. 1840), mar- ried Henry Cooper. (See Cooper). 3. Benjamin enlisted in Jefferson county, N. Y. as a soldier in the civil war and died in a hospital at New- bern, N. C. 4. James in 1876 married Elizabeth Vanderright and for a number of years occupied (he Barney Hancher farm on Sec. 34, Powhatan township. He then moved to Palo Alto county and in 1894 to Missouri, where he died in 1896 leaving a family of ten 'chil- dren, two of whom were married. Tbe next year his wife and family return- ed to Powhatan township. 5. Eliza married Orlando Strong. (See Strong). 6. William H. 7. Hattle married Philo M. Waite and they located on Sec. 12, Powhatan township, where he died in 1895 leav- ing two children, Iva and Irvin. BEAVJiU CBEEK. Beaver creelf, that flows in a south- easterly direction through the south part of the township, to the Des Moines river on section 36, derived its name from a large beaver dam near its outlet. The trail from Fort Dodge to Spirit Lake crossed this stream near this dam, and a temporary bridge was built there before Pocahontas was de- tached from Webster county. XVIII. D0YER TOWNSHIP. "Where the soil produces free and fair, The golden, waving corn; Where fragranr, fruits perfume the air And fleecy flocks are shorn." he first assignment of the territory included in Dover tov?nship,91- 34. was made on June 4, 1861 (p. 194), when for the purpose of taxation, the north half was assigned to Des Moines township and the south lialf to LiZi^rd. Dec. 1, 1862, the north half was assigned to Clinton, and this assignment continued until it was es- tablished as Dover township, Sept. 6, 1870. The petition of request for its establishment was circulated by Alex K. Hubbell, the first settler in it, and the pri vilege of naming it was accorded to him, liis brother Charles and Bern- ard Reilly, the oldest settler in it at that time. Marsliall township, (92-34), was at- tached to it from June 7, 1871, to .June 5, 1882, and during this period it was palled jS^orth Dover, The first entry of lands in Dover was made by Hans C. Tollefsrude for the SEi'and Si NEl section 12 on Oct. 6, 1868, when he secured other lands in Grant township. FIRST SETTLERS. The first settler in Dover was Alex. F. Hubbell, who purchased sectitm 26 In May, 1869, and accompanied by Charles F. Hubbell, his brother, lo- cated upon It in April, 1870. In May following Alvin C. Blakeslee located on section 32 and D. M. Woodin on section 24, both of them having fam- ilies and entering their lands as home- steads. Others that arrived and were enrolled as voters previous to the es- tablishment of the township, Sept. 6, 1870, were Bernard E. Eeilly and his father, Bernard Reilly, Wm. W. Bath- bun, Wm. M. Carpenter, A. C. Clos- son, James O'Niel and John B. O'Niel, ti's brother- 512 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. SUCCESSION OF OTFICBKS. The first election was tield at ttie home of A. F. Hubbell on Oct. 11, 1870, when by previous appointment A. r. Hubbell, B. B. Eeilly and A. C. Closson served as judges and O. F. Hubbell and W. W. Rathbun as clerks. A. F. Hubbell, B. B. Reillyaiid W. W. Rathbun were elected trustees; A. F. Hubbell and B. E. Reilly, justices; Charles F. Hubbell, clerk, and B. B. Beilly, assessor. The succession of officers has been as follows; Tbtjstebs: Alex F. Hubbell 1871- 75; Bernard B. Reilly '71-74, '76-77; W. W. Rathbun -'71; W. H. Sherwood '72; John J. Brower '73; Rufus Greene '74; Wm. Fitzgerald '75-84; Wm. Gilson '75; Harvey Baton '76; James H. Cole- man '77; Frank Hogan '78; J. E. Moore, Geo. O. Pinneo '79-80, '85-87; D. M. Woodin '79; M. J. Lynch '80-85; A. F. Burdick '81-84; T. F. McCartan '85; Wm. Eaton '86-88; M. J. Kearns '86- 87; Clark R. Lampman '88-97; Frank A. Thompson '88-91; Edward Lilly '92- 97; J. P. GrifBn 98-1901; Benj. Grote '98-1901; J, T. Fitzgerald '98-1901. Clbkks: A. F. Hubbell 1871, '76-80; W. W.. Rathbun '72-74; B. E. Eeilly '75; J. H. Barnes '81-84, '91-94; M. W. Linnan '85-88; J A. Carroll '89-90; M. J. Lynch *95-1901. AssESSOES-: B E. Reilly '71-72; J.. J. Brower '73-75; Wm. Gilson '76; W. W. Rathbun '77-78, '80-84; C. H. Hough '79; J. H. Coleman '81-82, '91-92; M. J. Kearns '83-84; J. H. Barnes' 85-90; J. J. McCartan, J. D. Fitzgerald '94-1800; foseph Lilly. Justices: A. F. Hubbell '71-83; W. W. Rathbun '74-77; John A. Belden, John Buokner '82; Wm. Gilson '81-88; George Watts '85-91; F. A. Thompson '92-95; J. J. McCartan '96-97; J. D.. Fitzgerald 1901. This township during the 80's was divided into only two road districts. The annual tax levied for road pur- poses was four mills and the two su- pervisors, using this entire l;ax \n t]:\e township, constructed all the grades in their respective districts instead of having them done by the county. The township is traversed by both branches of the Cedar and this circumstance made necessary more grades and bridges than in some of the others. Drainage district No. 2 (p. 307) is in the western part of it. SCHOOIi OFFICEES. Dover township was organized for school purposes in the spring of 1872, and the first board of directors con- sisted of A. F. Hubbell, D. M. Woodin and Wm. H. Sherwood. W. W. Rath- bun was elected clerk and Charles F. Hubbell , treasurer. The succession of school ofQcers has been as follows: Pkesidents of the Board: A. F. Hubbell '72; J. J. Brower, Harvey Eaton, Geo. O. Pinneo '74; Wm. Gil- son '75-81; B. E. Reilly '82-83; George Watts '84-85; C. R. Lampman, J. A. Carroll, Horace M. Needham, S. P. Lampman '89, 95-97; J. H. Barnes '90- 94; Joseph Morrison '98-1901. Seceetabibs; W. W. Rathbun '72- 81; M. J. Lynch '82 190L Tebasubbks: Charl6s F. Hubbell '72; A. F. Hubbell, Rufus Greene '74- 77: J. H. Coleman '78-81; Wm. Fitz- gerald '88-1901. The first school house in Dover was built in 1872 in the Hubbell district and the first teachers in it were Julia Kearns (Lynch) and Frances M. Hub- bell. In 1878 three new houses' were built. In the one on section 31, Pin- neo district, W. W. Rathbun and Mrs. Geo. O. Pinneo were the first teachers. The other buildings were located in the Gombar (section 36) and Gilson (section 17) districts. Another build- ing was erected by the board that year but it was near the Thornton & Greene farm in North Dover. In 1886 five teachers were employed. Now ten teachers are employed in as many buildings, Varina having two. Among others that taught in the early day wefe Sfir£|,b Wells, Lymai^Clafk, Kate DOVER TOWNSHli"'. ^73 Reilly, Fanaie Thorntoo, Wm. Wells and James H. Osborne. The first-annual commencement of the rural schools of Dover township was held at Varina In June, 1901. The graduates were Lura P. Thornton, Eunice L. FitzgeTald and Nellie R. Fitzgerald, from sub-district No. 6, Janie Fitzgerald, teacher, and John Olampitt, Odell Metcalf , Bertha Mor- rison and Leah B. Morrison from sub- district No. 9, Bertha Thompson, teacher. COUNTY OFFICERS. Dover township has furnished three representatives for the board of county supervisors: Wm. Fitzgerald 1889-91 ; Frank A. Thompson '92-94; M'. A. Ho- jan '95-1900; and J. F. Clark, superin- teodent, '75-77. CEMETERIES. The Dover township cemetery, con: raining five acres, was located on the lorthwest corner of section 22 in 1880, md to this date only three persons aave been buried in it, namely: Mar- iin Bergren, a Swede stone mason sub- ect to epilepsy, who, while blasting •ock, blew off his head by putting a lynamite cartridge In his mouth, at ihe age of 31; Mrs. Sarah Smith, wife )f Charles Henderson, and a child by ihe name of Netrick. It is probable ihat this site will soon be disposed of md a new one selected near Varina. The Calholic church (p. 373) a^d ;emetery are Ideated on the SEJ of ection 34. This has been a popular jurying ground ever since it was es- ablished. Many of the settlers of 3over township and vicinity were latives ot Ireland and members of the catholic church. Many of those that lave passed away are buried here and leautiful monuments mark their last arthly resting place. Rev. J. F. {rennan, of Fonda, has supplied the hurch at this place since the removal f Rev. S. Butler in the spring of 1901. LILLY CREAMERY. In the spring of 1897 a number of the farmers in the northeast part of Dover township formed an incorpora- tion, known as the Lilly Creamery Co., for the purpose of establishing and operating a creamery in their midst. The incorporators were M. W. Linnan, Wm. Fitzgerald, F. A. Thompson, Edward Lilly and John P. Griffin, trustees. The officers chosen were Theodore Lilly, president; John D. Fitzgerald, secretary, and Joseph Lilly, treasurer. The capital stock of $2500 was divided iflto shares of $10 each. A building 26x40 was erected on the farm of John Eichler, SWi section 11, and it was opened for busi- ness June 3, 1897. This creamery is located in a section of country where a number of intelligent farmers have permanently located. They have been developing and improving their farms finely and have discovered the ability and energy to make this undertaking a floancial success, and a source of profit to all who patronize it. M. W. Linnan has been secretary since 1901. Joseph T. Reagan, in the spring of 1897, established a store and postoffice at this place, and, in the fall of 1899. the young men of the neighborhood organized a cornet band of sixteen pieces, under the leadership of B. M. Lamb, butter maker at the creamery. VARINA. The town of Varina was located on the lands of Jacob Hauser, NBi Sec. 31, along the survey of the C. M. & St. P. By., about July 1, 1899. Its pretty and romantic name was adopt- ed one month later by the railway company at the suggestion of the au- thor of this work. He noticed that in the nomenclature of this county the names of Rolfe and Powhatan, her husband and father, had been ap- propriated from the story, of Pocahon- tas. Varina was the name given to her home after marriage, on the James 'river, Virginia. The use of this name tends to complete the list of proper names found in. her story. 574 PIONJEBB, HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. The track-laying machine {p. 301) reached Vai-ina Nov. 23, 1899. The first train load of stock was shipped southward from there Dec. ITth, 1899. It consisted of three c^rs of cattle sent by M. W. Linnan and four cars of hogs sent one each by Thomas Fitzgerald, Joseph Lilly and F. Pick- ing, W. T. and James Fitzgerald, and Mullen, Mayo & Co. The train was gaily decorated with banners upon which were printed in large letters: "First consignment of stock from Va- rina.!' Regular train service was es- tablished Dec. 25th, 1899, and mail service March 5, 1900. Frank A. Thompson was appointed postmaster Feb. 1, 1900, and the office was opened in Pilkington's hardware store. The plat of the town was filed by the Milwaukee Land Co. , Oct. 2, 1899, and'fqur days later the town was opened to the public by the public sale ;,of, twenty-six lots. August Poraljh.. J)0ught the first business lot, 25x142 feet for $92.50. Among others who made purchases that day were B. W. Pilkington, Mullen, Mayo & Co., Johp Taylor, J. D. Fitzgerald, Her- man Schiiltz, J. A. Thompson, Thom- as Tliprnp^on and James Keefe. On Dec. 26, 1899, Jacob Hauser filed the plat of Hauser's First addition, and the public sale of these lots occurred Jan. 2, igpQ. Tljie first buildings erected were a lumbe.r office by Orville U. Miracle and a bl,acksmith shop by John Tay- lor, both being movable buildings that awaited location after the town should be platted. When the track was laid Miracle had his sheds com- pleted and a fine stock of lumber on hand hauled from Fonda. Loren Green and wife were occupying their new house,, the first one in the town, now owned and occupied by Allen F. Thompson, and Carl Peters and fam- ily wgre occupying the rear of his store building. Wm. Morrison had the third hou^e enclosed and about fifteen other buildings were in process of erection, VAKINA IN 1901. Mayor— Edward B. Wells. Bank— Bank of Varina established July 20, 1900; E. B. Wells, president; Allen F. Thompson, cashier. Blacksmith— Harry Waterman, in 1901, successor of Edward Durkee and John W. Taylor. Gakpentebs— Ulyses S. Reed, Chas. J. Moore. Henry L. Ellis of Newell, built most of the first buildings. Churches— Presbyterian and Meth- odist, both built in 1901. Draymen— John Carroll, Thomas J. Logan. Druggist— B. Bevelhymer, 1901. Elbtators- Wilson & DeWolf , 1899, Frank A. Thompson, Mgr.; Pease Bros., 1900, J. D. Fitzgerald & Co., Mgrs. EtTRNiTURE-Geo. W. Clampitt, 1900. General Merchants— Carl Peters & (Wm. 0. H.) Son, 1899; D. Z. Roland, 1900; Guy Blair, 1901. Grocery— George A. Secord, 1899. Hardware— B. W. Pilkington; Au- gust Porath, successor to John A. Thompson in 1901. Harness- Maker— L. S. Maulsby, at Pilkington's. Hotel- Varina Hotel built by Wm. Kenyon, 1899; Mrs. J. F. Newland, 1900; JVm. French, 1901. ImAbments— J. D. Fitzgerald & (W. T. and Thos.) Co., successors to Mullen, Mayo & Co., in 1901. Liver \'—Wm. Morrison, in 19C0 successor to T. J. Logan. Lumber and Coal— J. & W. C. Shull 1899, Patrick Shanley, Mgr.; Frudden Lumber Co., in 1900, suc- cessors to Miracle & Miracle, A. In- gooldstadt, Mgr. Postmaster- Frank A. Thompson, since March 6, 1900, office in Pilking- ton's hardware store. Physicians- Andrew Emmett Car- ney, since 1900; W. C. Porath. Railway Agent— O. M. Conner, DOVER TOWNSHIP. 5t5 3ec. 1, 1899; R. Wright, Oct. 1, 190). Shoemaker— N. W. Raines. FIRST OFFICERS. At a special election held Dec. 28, .900, the incorporation of the town, ncludlngallof the NEi of Sec. 31, md NWi of Sec. 32, was approved. The first officers, elected March 25, 90), were: Edward B. Wells, mayor; 'acob Hauser, John A. Thompson, totthew L. Chase, John D. Fitzger- ild, George W. Clampitt and George I. Hecord, councilmen; R.' W. Pilking- lOn, treasurer; Allen E. Thompson, ecorder; W. C. Peters, assessor; Wm. dorrison, marshal and street com- Qissioner. RELIGIOUS SERVICES. The first Protestant services in Do- er township were held in the Pinneo Qow Varina) school house. As early ,s 1871 occasional services were held a the Sunk Grove school house, two ailes south, by Rev. L. C. Woodward, M. E.) of Newell. Two years later n aged resident of Buena Vista ounty by the name of Clothier, as- iste(J by Rev. Mr. Johnson, endeav- red to organize an M. E. class after ne week of special meetings. In 376 these occasional services were ransferred to the Pinneo schoolhouse y Rev. A. J. Whitfield of Fonda, nd continued by his successor, Mr. [enyon. Revs. Faus and Winter, aeir successors, transferred them to tie Gombar school house. In 1879 at the request of W. H. Bur- ett, a First-Day Advent, Rev. Mr. r illoughby of Jefferson, began to hold Jcasional services at the Sunk rove school house and the next year e was succeeded by Rev. George Em- •y of Sac City, who organized a class ! eighteen members and served them ice a month. In 1882 these services ere transferred to the Pinneo school Duse and maintained during the immer seasons until 1886, when they ere discontinued. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. In 1887, Rev. R. B. Flickinger of Fonda, began to hold occasional serv- ices during the summer season in the Pinneo school house. In the spring of 1893 he began to hold the services on alternate Sabbaths and has con- tinued to do so since that date. On May 12, 1889, a Sunday school was organized that was maintained several summers under Geo. O. Pin- neo as superintendent, and from 1893 to 1896 under Mrs. Sarah T. Pinneo. After a lapse of three years this Sun- day school was reorganized in the school house April 22, 1900, by the election of Carlos E. Pinneo and Em- ory R. Fox, superintendents; Hattie Pinneo, secretary, and Ai Watts, treasurer. In January, 1901, the services were transferred to Pilkington's hall, Va- rina, and on the 29th of that month a Presbyterian church was organized with seven members, of whom Carlos E. Pinneo and Ai Watts were or- dained elders. Geo. Watts, (president), Hattie Pinneo, (secretary), Ai Watts, (treasurer), C. E. Pinneo, E. R. Fox and Mrs. E. B. Wells were elected trustees. It was then decided to erect a church building on the three lots secured by the pastor January 2, 1900, and donated by him for that purpose. The contract for the erec- tion of a building 28x48x14 feet with tower and pulpit extensions was given to Ulyses S. Reed for $1,660. It was completed, furnished and dedicat- ed December 8, 190), at a cost of $2,000. METHODIST CHURCH. Occasional services by the M. E. church were held in the Pinneo school house in the fall of 1900 by Rev. J. M. Tibbetts, of Pomeroy. In January, 1901, Herbert J. Calkins, a stu- dent, located in the town and began to maintain the services on alternate Sabbaths in Pilkington's hall. A class was organized a few months later and a church building was erected that year for vfhich the corner-stone 576 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. was laid July 11th, 1901. It was dedi- cated September 22d, following. The first board of trustees consisted of Jacob Hauser, Thomas J. Logan, L. A. Robbins and George A. Secord. LEADING CITIZENS. 6arey John, (b. 1843) is a native of Made county, Ireland, and coming to America with his parents in 1846, lo- cated in Massachusetts and two years later near Rome, Oneida county N. Y. In 1857 they came in wagons to_ the vicinity of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they remained during the next twenty-seven, years. John was the oldest member of a family of six chil- dren, of whom Matthew and Lawrence and their families came with him to Pocahontas county in 1884. Ann, his sister, married Thomas Lynch, Mary married Thomas Jones and Bridget married Garrett Mackey. All are members of the Catholic church. John in 1873 married Maggie, a sis- ter of John McCafferty, and she died in 1883 in Linn county, leaving a family of live children; Maggie, James, Law- rence, John and Mary. The next year he purchased and located on a farm of 320 acres on section 15, Dover township, which he improved and still owns. Soon after his arrival in this county in the spring of 1884, three of his children, James, Law- rence and John, died of scarlet fever. On May 2, 1887, he married Mary, a sister of Jerry S. Sullivan, and their family consists of one daughter, An- nie. In 1898 he built a house and lo- cated in Fonda. Maggie, his eldest daughter, in 1894 married James Webb, an express messenger on the C, M. & St. P. Ry., and lives in Chicago; Mary in 1899 married James, a son of Matthew Burns, and lives in Omaha. earey Matthew, (b. Ireland, 1845; d. 1889) in 1867 married Bridget Lally and located on a farm in Linn county, Iowa. In 1884 he located on a farm of 160 acres on section 25, Dover town- ship, which he improved and occupied until his death in 1889. It is still oc- cupied by his family which consisted of five children. William, (b. Iowa, 1871) in 1900 mar- ried Susan Marx, lives on his own farm on section 34. which he bought in 1896 and improved by the erection of a new house and barn since his marriage. He has a good orchard and vineyard, and a large plot planted in small fruits. He has one child, Margarite. Mary married William T. Fitzger- ald and lives at Varina. Maggie, John and Hazel are at home. earey Lawrence, (b. 1847) is a na- tive of Massachusetts. In 1874 he married Mary, sister of John McCaf- ferty, and located on a farm in Linn county, Iowa, and in 1884 on 160 acres on section 16, Dover township, which he improved with good buildings, in- creased to 240 acres and still occupies. Three of his children died of scarlet fever in the spring of 1884, soon after his arrival in this county. Eight children are living: Annie, William, Frank, Joseph, Nellie, Raymond, Jen- nie and the baby; 6oIeman James Henry, (b. 1850) resident of Dover township from 1876 to 1892, is a native of Derby, Conn., the son of William and Margaret Coleman. In 1868 he came with his parents to Allamakee county, Iowa, wherein 1876 he married Kate Mc- Guire and settled on a farm of 80 acres on theSBi Sec. 13, Dover town- ship, this county. He improved this farm with good buildings, enlarged it to 200 acres, .still owns it, but moved to Fonda in 1892. His administrative ability was immediately recognized in Dover township by his appointment as treasurer of the school funds in 1876, a few months after his settle- ment there. He held this responsible office nearly four years and during the winters of 1876 and '77 made several trips across the prairies covered with DOVER TOWNSHIP. 577 snow, on foot, to Pocahontas and Fonda for school funds or necessaries iQ the home. He was also assessor of the township four years, 1881-82, '91- 92. In Fonda he has been a member of the school board since 1894 and was elected president of it in 1901. His wife died in 1880, leaving three small children, all of whom died of scarlet fever in the spring of 1881. That same year he married Victoria Leslie and their family consists of four children: Lottie, a Fonda grad- uate in 1901, George, Allen and John. Elsasser .John, (b. 1841) owner of a farm of 280 acres on sections 5 and 8, is a native of Germany and one of the most influential of his country- men in the township. On comin'g to America he located at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he married Kate (b. Ger. 1851), sister of John and J'eter Fix, who are also now residents of Dover township. After a few years he lo- cated in Sac county, and in 1890 on a farm of 80 acres on section 5, Dover township, which he increased to 280 acres and improved with good build- ings and grove. In 1899 he moved to Pocahontas, leaving the farm in care of his sons. His family consisted of Ave children: Mary in 1895 married Patriclc Ryan who occupies a farm of 160 acres in Marshall township, and has a family of four children; William, Edward, Estella and Ethel. John G. and Hugo M. occupy their father's farm, the latter in 1901 having married Adelia, daughter of Edward Gerrick. Emma and Clara live with their parents. All are members of the Catholic church. English Joseph H., (b. 1849) owner of a line farm on section 6, is a native of Germany, where in 1872 he married Sophia English. Six years later he came to America and located near Odebolt, Iowa, and engaged in rais- ing sheep, keeping usually 1,500 head. After four years he moved to Nebras- ka and in 1885 to his present farm, which he was the first to occupy and improve. He has now a fine dwelling house, large barn and a number of other smaller buildings. He keeps about 150 head of sheep and raises considerable stock. His family consisted of five chil- dren. Charles in 1895 married Bertha Geddesand lives in Marshall town- ship; Annie in 1893 married Wenzel Geddes, who works her father's farm, and has three children, Maggie, Ada and Clara;- Michael, Mollie and Millie are at home. Fitzgerald John and Margaret, parents of Patrick, John, William and Daniel Fitzgerald were natives of Ireland and members of the Catholic church. They were married about the year 1833 and with a family of five sons and one daughter, in 1850 came to America and located near Bridge- port, Conn. In 1857 they moved to Allamakee county, Iowa. Here their children grew to manhood, married and two of them, Margaret, who mar- ried Thomas Reagan, and David, per- manently located. During the years of 1873 and 1874 four of their sons, Patrick, John, William and Daniel lo- cated in Pocahontas county and in 1879 they also came and lived here the rest of their days. Both are buried in the Dover Catholic cemetery. Their family consisted of five sons and one daughter. 1— Fitzgerald Patrick (b. 1834; d. 1898) was a native of Cork county, Ire- land, came with his parents to Amer- ica in 1850 and to Allamakee county in 1857. In 1871 he married Mary Mackey. Two years later he located on the SEi Sec. 23, Dover township, which he improved and occupied until the time of hia death in 1898, when he was the owner of 320 acres. His fam- ily consisted of eleven children, two of whom died in childhood. William Timothy (b. Iowa, 1871) in 1894 married Mary J., daughter of 578 PIONEER HISTORY OI^ POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Matthew Carey. In 1900 he moved to Varina and engaged in the implement business as a member of the firm of .I.D.Fitzgerald & Co. His family consists of four children: Margaret M., Matthew, John P. and William E. Maggie E , Maiy A. James Edward, Sarah Jane, a Fonda graduate in 1899, John P., Hannah, a Fonda graduate in 1901, Catherine, Nellie R. and Charles Lewis are at home. 2— PitZflerald Jolm (b. Ireland, 1836) in 1862 married Mary, daughter of Philip Quillian, of Allamakee county. In 1873 he located on the NWiSec. 23, Dover township, which he lias finely improved and increased to 3-10 acres. Hisfamily consisted of eight children. Margaret Ann in 1888 married M. W. Linnan, (see Linnan); Mary Ellen in 1888 married John Bichler, owner of a farm of 160 acres on section 11, Dover township, and has a family of three children, Lucy, John and Ray. John David, (b. Iowa, 1867,) secretary and business manager of the Lilly Creamery Association 1897-1900, and dealer In implements and grain at Varina since the spring of 1900, in 1896 married Ann Quinlan of Fort Dodge and has a family of two chil- dren, John Vincent and Mary Ethel. He was assessor of Dover township from 1894 to 1900, and a justice in 1901. Elizabeth in 1899 married Joseph Eichler, who lives on his own farm of 160 acres in Dover township, and has one child, John Francis. Thomas Philip In 1900 married Mary, daugh- ter of Terrence Mullen of Fonda, and located at Varina; where he is en- gaged in the implement business He has one child, Mary Genevieve. Agnes and Winnifred are 'at home. 3— Fitzgerald William, (b. Ireland Mar. 11, 1840) in 1862 in Allamakee county, enlisted as a member of Co. F, 6th Iowa Cavalry, (pp. 43-45) and spent three years in the frontier serv- ice of his country. In 1866 he mar- ried Ann Jane Williamson and lo- cated on a farm. In the spring of 1874 he located on the SWi Sec. 13, Dover township, his three brothers, Patrick, John and Daniel having pre- ceded him one year. He has im- proved this land by the erection of a fine dwelling house, two large barns and other outbuildings, and by plant- ing several groves. He is now the owner of 240 acres that is in a high state of cultivation, having been thoroughly tile drained. He was a trustee of the township nine years, 1876-84, treasurer of the school fund since 1882— nearly twenty years— and was a member of the board of county supervisors three years, 1889-91.. Hisfamily consisted of flvechildren. MargaietE. in 1891 married Martin F. White, who located on section 12 and remained there until 1900, when he moved to Perry. Their family consists of five children, two sons and three daughters. Esther Ellen is at home. Mary Jane married Andrew White, who died in October, 1897, from injuries received in an effort to stop a runaway team at Laurens, leaving one child, Charles W. Isa- bella Ann and Edward are at home. Mrs. Margaret, A. Williamson, mother of his wife, has made her home with William' since 1878. 4— FStzgerald Daniel, (b. Ireland, 1844) in 1867 in Allamakee county, married Margaret Coleman (b. Maine, 1849) and in June, 1873, settled on his present farm on the NEi Sec. 23, Do- ver township. He lias improved this land with good buildings and is now the owner of 320 acres. His family consisted of ten chil- dren, one of whom died in childhood. Mary Agnes in 1890 married Joseph D. Reagan, (see Reagan); John T. was a trustee of the township 1898-1901. and has been business manager of the store since the death of Joseph D. Reagan. Margaret H., after spend- ing three years pursuing special stud- / DOVEH TOWNSHIP. 579 iesal Cliilicothe,-Mo., and Washing- ton, la., in 1901 married Hugo Fix andlivesin Dover townstiip. Cathe- rine Ellen in 1898 married Henry Dor- ton, (see Dorton); Alice Theresa, Daniel Edward, James J , Eunice L., and Lewis Patrick are at home. Fix John, wife and family, natives of Germany, in 1885 came with Em- manuel Gerrick and located on a farm of 80 acres, now increased to 120 acres, ontheNWiSec. 8. He has a line grove and is now in very comfortable circumstances. His family consisted of live children. George in 1893 mar- ried Lehina jSTace and lives in Mar- shall township. Alfreda in 1890 mar- ried Christ Toma, (seeToma); Hugo in 1901 married Margaret H. Fitzgerald and lives in Dover township. Joseph- ine and Rudolph are at home. Garton William Henry, owner and occupant of a farm of 200 acres on section 17, in 1865 in La Fayette county, Wis., married Sarah Josephine Latin and located at Williams, Iowa. Returning to Wiscoosin for a short period, in 1880 he located on his pres- ent farm in Pocahontas county, which he has improved and since occupied. His family consisted of six children. Jennie In 1889 married William Sel- lick and after six years' residence in this county moved to Buffalo county. Neb., with two children, Izaand Etta. In 1901 they returned to this county and began to occupy a new house built on her father's farm. Clifford R. in 1897 married Irene Titus and ocoupies a farm of 80 acres on section 18. He has one child, Alice. Inez M. in 1896 married Frank M. Titus and lives in Calhoun county. Ida Ellen, Eunice Edith and Anna are at home. Garvey John, (b. May 5, 1848) is a native of Ireland. In 1864 he came alone to America and located in New York state, and in 1867 in Allamakee county, Iowa, where in 1873 he mar- ried Sophia Williamson. In the spring of 1873 he located on his pres- ent farm' on the NEi Sec. 21, which he has finely improved and increased to 240 acres. His family consists of live children: James, a well-digger, Jane and Eliza, teachers, Henry and Albert. Gerrick (Gehrig) Emmanuel and family accompanied by his brother Edmund and family, all nutives of Germany, in 1885 came to Pocaliontas county and located on section 8, Do- ver township. Two years later their brother Nicholas and family arrived and located on tlie same S'^ction. These three brothers have become permanent residents of the township, have erected good improvements and are all members of the Catholic church. The family of Emmanuel consists of five children of whom the names of the four oldest are Frank, Annie, Takala (Adelia) and Edmund, Gerriclf Edmund, married Takala (Adelia) Swink and has one daughter, Adelia. Gerricli Nicholas (b. Ger. 1814) in 1874 matried Johanna Dabors, who came with him to this country in 1887 and died In 1901 leaving a family of three children. Kate in 1892 married Michael Schneltter, lives in Dover township and has two children, Dora and Lois. Dora in 1900 married Con- stantine Schneltter, lives in Dover and has one child, Katie. Emmanuel is at home Gotnbar Frederick Michael, (b. 1853) is the son of Frederick and Rosa (Steiner) Gombar. He is native of Broadhead, Wis., where he grew to manhood and in 1873 married Alice McCarl. In 1878 he came to Po- cahontas county with the family of David Steiner and lo2ated on section 30, Dover township. Two j ears later he located on his present farm on sec- tion 35, which he has improved with good buildings. dls family consisted of nine chil- dren, one of whom died in childhood. Rosa in 1894 married James Dough- 580 PiONEEE HISTOKY OF POCAHQNTAS COUNTY, IOWa. erty, a barber, lives at Pocahontas and has four children: May, Lilian, Eugene and Gladdis. Jennie, Lilian, Trussie, Grace, William, Frank and Hazel. Hauser Jacob (h. Germany 1864), came to Americi in 1879 and located at Odebolt, Iowa, and three years later at Correctionville, where in 1890 he married Minnie Porath, of Buena Vista County. In 1895 he located on the NEi of section 31, Dover town- ship, on which the town of Varina was located in 1899. Hauser's first addition to Varina was platted by him Dec. 26, 1899, and in 1901 he was chosen a member of the first town council of Varina. He is a son of David Hauser who, with wife and three other sons, David, Nicholas and Matthew, in 1880 came to this country and located in South Dakota. His family consists of four children, Alice, Edmund and Edwin A., twins, and Janet. Hogan Michael Augustus (b. 1855), ex-County Supervisor, is a native of Delaware county, Iowa, the son of Patrick and Catherine (McNamara) Hogan. In 1877 he located on a farm of 80 acres on the NWi of Section 23, Dover township, which he improved and occupied until 1896 when he moved to Fonda. He was a member ot the board of County Supervisors six years, 1895-1900. In 1886 he married Catherine, daugh- ter of Michael and Catherine Cullen, of Dover township, and she died in 1894, leaving a family of three child- ren, Frank, Nellie and Edward. His two sisters, Catherine and Mag- gie, a teacher, have been residents of this county many years. Catherine married Hugh J. Murray, an insur- ance agent, and Margaret married Jacob Coyle, a merchant, and both live at Pocahontas. Hubbell Alexander Fullerton (b. March 28. 1844; d. Dm. 7, 1894), was the first settler in Dover township and a prominent resident of it from the spring of 1870 until the spring of 1894, when he moved to Cedar Falls, where he died a few months later in his 51st year. He was the fourth son of Frederic A. and P'rances L. (McNeil) Hubbell and was a native of Champlain, Clin- ton, county, N. Y. ' His father was an eminent attorney but died in 1853, when Alexander was only nine years of age. He was of Welsh descent and they are able to trace the family line on his side not only to Wales but as far back as the Danish conquest of England, a period of 800 years. His mother (b. 1808) was of Scotch descent and made her home with Alexander in Dover township from 1872 until her decease, May 29, 1890. She was a native of Charlotte, Vermont, in 1833 married F. A. Hubbell, Esq., and lo- cated at Champlain, N. Y. Their family consisted of six children, four sons and two daughters. The early death of her husband left her respon- sible for the care and training of this family. In this respect she perform- ed her duty so nobly and well as to give the fullest proof that she belong- ed to that grand army of mothers who, years before the civil war began, were preparing for the nation's crisis by teaching the lessons of piety and patriotism in the home. When the call was issued for volunteers she had the patriotic pleasure of sending to the front ranks four loyal and brave sons with her most gracious benedic- tion. Two of them died during the war; Henry at Antietam, and James at the Military hospital at Albany, on his way home; and Charles F. died a few years later from the disease then contracted. Throughout the long struggle of the war this patriotic mother gave her unceasing support to the cause of the Union, and never complained of her own costly sacrifice. She became a member of the Presby- terian church in her 16th year and the sweet influence of her piety and ALEXANDER F. HUBBELL MRS. LOIS A. WOOD HUBBELL tmmiMiiimmDi>'SXMii. MRS. FRANCES McNElLL HUBBELL MR. AND MRS. W. J. CURKEET Fonda and Vicinity. RESIDENCE OF A. S. WOOD, J896. RESIDENCE OF R. F. BESWICK. Fonda. DOVER TOWNSHIP. 581 patriotism was felt tliroughout a cir- cle that was much wider tlaan her own home. Alexander owed very much to the good iijflaences of his mother and united with the church at fourteen. On Sept. 21, 1861, in his 18th year, at Ogdensburg, he became a member of Co. H, 60th N. Y. Volunteers. When fully equipped for service he was sent with the regiment to Wash ington, D. C., and ten days later to Baltimore to guard the railways in that vicinity. In the soring of 1862 he and six com- panies of his regiment were sent to Harper's Ferry and later into the Shenandoah Valley under Gen. Mc- Dowell. During one terrible week the two armies were in constant col- lision and battles were fought at Oak Grove, Mechanicsville, Gaines Hill, Peach Orchard, Savage's Station, "White Oak Swamps and Malvern Hill, in which the Uniuo army lost 15,000 men. At the time of Pope's defeat at the second battle at Bull Run, Aug. 30th, he was guarding supplies at Bristoe Station, was cut off from the main army by its precipitate retreat and to avoid capture was compelled to make a detour of twenty miles. In the battle of Antietam, Henry, his brother, fell and he was wounded in the limb. The next engagement was at Fredericksburg, Dec. 12-I3th. Af- ter these engagements he remained with the army of the Potomac until the fall of 1863, participating in the battles at Chancellorsville and Gettys- burg, serving at the latter under Gen. Slocum. In the fall of 1863 he was sent with the 11th and 12th army corps under Generals Howard aud Slocum to Chat- tanooga, Tenn., to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans, whose line of communica- tion and supplies had been cut off. He was then in the army of Gen. Grant, and soon afterwards partici- pated in the battle at Waubatchie, when several regiments under Gen. Geary were nearly annihilated re- sisting a night attack by the rebels under Longstreet. On Nov. 24th he was in the storming column that led the way in driving Gen. Bragg and his forces from the summit of Look- out Mountain and in this "battle above the clouds" received his second wound— a severe injury in the left side. In December he re-enlisted for three years and was granted a brief furlough. In 1864 he belonged to the 20th army corps under Gen. Sherman and participated in his campaigns in Ten- nessee, Alabama and Georgia, follow- ing him as far as Atlanta. On ac- count of sickness he was there sent back to the hospital at Chattanooga and remained seven weeks. He was then sent under Gen. Steadman to the battle of Nashville,' where, after a two days' fight, Dec. 15-16, 1864, Hood's army of 30,000 was completely annihilated hy the Union forces un- der Gen. Thomas. In the spring of 1865 he participated in Sherman's famous march from At- lanta to the Sea and arrived at Char- leston in time to see Major Ander- son's old flag re-hoisted over Fort Sumpter, on the day that Henry Wai d Beecher delivered a patriotic address at that place by request of President Lincoln. A few days later Gen. Joseph B. Johnson and his army of Confederates i&urrendered near Ral- eigh and then he started on one of the hardest and most forced marches of the war from, that place to Wash- ington, where he participated in the grand review in May following. On July 31, 1865, he was honorably dis- charged, having rendered his country nearly four years of faithful service. His experience as a soldier, com- mencing with the first year of tliR war and lasting until, its close, took him over the whole scene of the con- flict. . He made the circuit of the Confederacy and it often seemed to 582 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. him tbat he was always in that por- tion of the army that was doing the tigliting. After the war he attended the busi- ness college at Schenectady, N. Y., and served three years as a book keep- er fur Sturges c& MacAllister, whole- sale dealers in Chicasio. In May, 1869, iie visited Pocahontas county, riding horseback from Fort Dodge, and purchased all of section 26, Dover township, later called the "Large Pasture." In the spring of 1870 he and iii.s brother Charles F., became residents of the township and each the next ye.iir secured a soldier's claim ot 160 acres on the Wi of sec- tion 24, on which they located their home. In the spring of 1872 they vveie joined by their mother and sis- ter, Frances M. A few jears later another quarter section was purchas- ed, making him. after the death of liis brother, Charles, iu 1875, the owner of 1120 acres. His large man- i-ion was built in 1883. In 1870 he took the lead in propos- ing the name and effecting the organ- ization of Dover township. Tne first election was held in hi> home on sec- tion 26, Oct. 11, 1870, wh'H he served as one of the judges and Charles, his brother, as one of the clerks. The latter served as the llrst treasurer of the school funds in 1872. Alexander, at the first election, was chosen a trustee and s-erved 1871 7-5; a ju'-tice, and served 1871-83: clerk, and served 1871, '76-80, lie served as the first president of the school board in 1872 and as ireasurer of it in 1873. On Jan. 2, 1877, he was appointed deputy County Superintendent on the recom- mendation of Supt. J. F. Cl-irk, and received $9 60 for the s rvices thus I'endered. In 1886, wlicn the Presbyterian cliurch in Fonda was organized, though living eight mi es dista:it, he, his sister and mother gave it their liearty co-operation, tbeieb'y euabling It to secure so soon its fine church ed- ifice and comfortable parsonage. The encouraging growth of this church was lai-gely due to iheir continued fidelity, energy and liberality. He served as one of its trustees and as secretary of that board 1886-94; as superintendent of the Sunday school Jan. 1, 1887-Mar. 1, 1894; and as an elder of tlie church 1888-94. Its silver com- munion set is a souvenir from his mother and sister; and the latter, who was one of the Urst teachers in Dover township, taught a class in the Sun- day school 1886-93 Alexander's loy- alty to the church embraced all its Interests, and his liberality was meas- ured only by the enlarging demands of the work, his last gift being a legacy of $200.00 that covered a deticit on the Manse. His uniform kindness, ster- ling integrity, excellerrt judgment and firm adherence to the right won for him the confidence and re- spect of all who knew him. He be- lieved "That right is right since God Is God, And right the day must win; To doubt would be disloyalty, 'J'o falter would be sin," In 1887 he married Lois A., daugh- ter of A. B. P. Wood, (see 'Wood) and at the time of his decease, at Cedar Falls, left a family consisting of four children: Frederic Augustus, Affa, Wolcot Wood and Helen. His sister Julia died in 1859. Lampman Clark B. (b. Dec. 16, 182.3), resident of section 29 since 1883, is a native of Oswego Co., N, Y., tlie son of Stephen P. and Susan (Lowing) Lampman. He was one of ten soirs in the same family, all but oire ot whom grew to ujanhood. Freeman, a youniier brother became a minister of the M. E. church and lives at Greeu- castle, Jasper county. Two others, Wilson and Durell live in Ohio. In 1850, while living at Seneca, O., Claik married Eunice Baker and two years later lojated in Iowa, first in Decatur DOVER TOWJSSHIP. 583 county and in 1883 in Pocabontas Having acquired a l n „^a J T,- 4. v, -j^ 1 J \o ian Queen. It is dated 400 B. C. and caused him to be widely and favor- " muccu. ably known. It was called "Eake's directs that dogs' paws and asses' hoofs Salve," was of good quality and sold be boiled with dates in oil. XX. LAKE T0WNSHIP. I count this thing to be grandly true; That a noble deed i^a step toward God, Lifting the Houl from the common clod To a purer air and a broader view. —Holland. GENERAL FEATURES. I AKE township (91-31) is situated in the east tier of the county, and received its name [ from the fact that it I included several small lakes, of which the largest is called Lizard lake. This lake is located on sections 22 and 27, and is about one mile long and a half mile wide. It is a body of fresh water and has a fringe of natural timber along its eastern shore. The other lakes are located on sections 10 and 20, two on each. The surface of the township is principally a rich ajid fertile prairie and it is traversed in a southeasterly direction by the north and west branches of Lizard creek. On Sept. 15, 1860, the territory in- cluded in this township was assigned to Clinton. On Dec. 1, 18(12, the south row of sections, and on Sept. 6, 1870, the remainder of it was assigned to Lizard. June 5, 1877, it was estab- lished under the name of "Burke," but on Sept. 3rd following the name was changed to "Lake." It was organ- ized Oct. 9, 1877. On Sept. 12, 1894, it was divided into two voting precincts, designated Lake No. 1 and Lake No. 2, the latter Including only the Ei Sec. 1, on which the west half of Gil- more City is located. (619) 820 PIOlJEEa HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA, EARLY SETTLEMENT. As the advance guard of the pioneer settlers moved westward from Fort Dodge, it reached the southeast cor- ner of Lake township in 1856, when Caspar Henry Brockshink (p. 161) and family located on Sec. 36. On July 8, 1856, he entered the first claim for lands in the township, a preemption claim for 160 acres on the SWi. He built his house, 20x24 and 18 feet high, in 1857, from timber obtained along the north branch of Lizard creek, which crossed the farm; During their first two years his family was the only resident one in the township. In June, 1858, the remainder of this section was entered by Patrick Forey, Edward Quinn, John Martin, H. M. Whedon and Thompson, Martin, Sam- uel and Marselaer Eea. The Eeaa and Whedon were purchasers and did not become residents. Forey, Quinn and Martin filed pre-emptor's claims. The only other pre-emptor's claim in the township was filed by John W. Russell June 7, 1858, for the SEi Sec. 34. There wereno homesteads in this township. All of the odd numbered sections on D^c. 27, 1858, were assign- ed to the grant to the Dubuque & Pacific railroad and nearly all of the remaining lands were bought by non- resident purchasers in July and Aug- ust, 1858. Of the pre-emptors last named only Forey and family resided any length of time in the township. John W. Russell secured the patent for his land in 1861 taut lived most of the time with his brother, Philip, in Lizard township, enlisted in the civil war and died soon after it. John Martin entered the Wi NEi and Ei NWi Sec. 36, and after a resi- dence of a few months, moved to Fort Dodge, where for many years after- wards he kept a boarding house. He had been preceded on this claim by a German whose name has been forgot- ten, and who lived in a cave he bad constructed in a clump of timber. One day in 1858, when his wife was at home alone, some troublesome Indians surrounded the place, sounded the warwhoop, danced about an hour, • shot the dog at the door of the cave, and then sauntered off in the direction of the Des Moines river. The poor woman was so frightened that when her husband returned they lefr, the frontier. A few years after Martin left this farm, it was purchased by Michael Fitzgerald, who still owns and occupies it; Edward Quinn, who entered the Si SEi Sec. 36, 80 acres, was a brother of the wife of Patrick Forey, came with him from St. Louis in 1856, and had also his experience in locating on rail- road lands in Jackson township, Web- ster county. He was one of the few rrien among the early settlers that had a team of horses. He secured a pat- ent for the land but resided on it only a very short time. He moved to Fort Dodge and began to keep hotel. Three years later he moved to Colorado and it is believed that he and wife were murdered by the Indians on the plains in 1865, while returningto Fort Dodge. He was a graduate of Dublin college and a good performer on the piano and violin. Patrick Forey (p. 165) moving to his claim on the Ei SEi Sec. 36, in the spring of 1858, a few months later that year, leased and began to occupy the home of the Brockshinks who then moved to Clay county. He continued to reside here until the year 1865 when he moved to Sec. 2, Lizard township. During the last six years of ♦his per- iod he and his family were Lhe only residents of the township. He was a man of intelligence and influence and became well known to all the early settlors in this county. He participated in the first election held in this county and in 1860 assisted in the organiza- tion of Clinton township in which he was included. He was elected one of the first justlcesof Clinton township LAKE TOWNSHIP. 621 and as one of the first trustees of that township served four years, ] 861-62, '64-65. In 1865 Dennis Mulholland, who bought the Brockshink farm, became the successor on it of Patrick Forey, and during the next five years, he and his family were the only residents in the township. In 1870 Joseph S. Thurber and Michael Fitzgerald (b. Ireland 1837) became residents, the latter oh the Martin farm on the NWi Sec. 36. The next year Michael McCormick (Ireland 1857) located on Sec. 22. In 1872 John Oldaker (Ohio 1839) located on Sec. 6. About this period John W. O'Keefe (Ireland 1848) located on Sec. 34, George Dickinson (N. Y. 1852) on Sec. 30, and John Don- ahoe (Ireland 1828) on Sec. 25. In 1876 H. A. Chipman (Vt. 1843) located dn Sec. 17, Edwin D. Dunn (Ireland 1847) on Sec. 26, and Charles Rahdohl on Sec. 3. In the spring of 1877 Gerd and Charles Elsen located on adjoin- ing farms on Sec. 33. There had also arrived during these years preceding the organization of the township, John Buckner, James Cook an& Uriah Elliott, all of whom were leading and influential citizens at that time. Other permanent residents that came soon afterwards were John Lotz (Mich. 1851) who in 1880 located on Sec. 8: E. S. Whittlesey (N. Y. 1853) who in 1881 located on Sec. 34; Thos. Nolan, Levi' Garlock and F. E. Beers who located at Gilmore City about the same time. In 1883 Hugh Ovens (Ireland 1824) located on Sec. 6, and John Weaver (Ohio 1843) on Sec. 14, and Will E. Campbell, who has be- come widely known as a breeder of Polled Angus cattle and English draft horses, on Sec. 15, but now at Gilmore City. In 1884 A. Guernsey located on Sec. 12, G. N. Tedford on Sec. 8, Geo. B. Jordan and E. H. Osborn on Sec. 24, and Geo. Landmes&er on Sec. 35. In 1885 there was a large number of new residents among whom were Richard Mullen, Albert Eohl, J. H. and George Schnug, J. W. and Sam- uel Wallace, Ludvig Doeringsfeld and James Steele. OEGANIZATION AND OFFICEBS. Lake township was organized at a public meeting held at the home of Uriah Elliott Oct. 9, 1877, James Cook acting as chairman. James Cook, Joseph S. Thurber and John Mulhol- land were appointed judges of the election held that day, and twelve votes were cast. The following ofB- cers were then elected: John Mulhol land, Charles Elsen and Uriah Elliott, trustees; H. A. Chipman, clerk; J. S. Thurber and James Cook, justices; James Cook, assessor. The succession of officers has been as follows: Tkustbes— John Mulholland, 1878, '88; Charles Elsen '78-79; Uriah Elliott, '78-79, '83; LaPayette Chipman, '79; Gerd Elsen, '79-84, '97-1902; J. S. Thur- ber, '79-83; D. B. Hallock, '^Ci; R. J. Weber, '81, '84-85; J. W. O Keefe, '82; John Oldaker, '84-88; J. Melsen, '85-87; David Mulholland, '86-87; George Schnug, '88-90; Wm. Minkle, '89-90; M. T. Sinnott, '89, '91-93; Henry E. Weber, '90-92, '95-97; Wm. Pahre, '91- 92; Geo. McCormick, '93-94; John Mc- Cormick, '94-96; Wm. Doeringsfeld, '96- 1902; Denny Donnelly, '98-1900; H. C. Wiegert, 1901-02; E. A. Daniels, 1902. Clbhks— H. A. Chipman, 1878-79; Uriah Elliott, John McCormick, '81- 84; Edward D. Dunn, '85 92; John Lotz, '93-94; Aaron Cook, '95-99; Peter H. Bendixen, R. E. Stamper, 1901-02. Justices— J. S. Thurber, 1878-79; Seymour Chipman, '79-80, '83-85; M- Leahy, '79; John Buckner, '81-82; Geo. Dickinson, '85-86; F. E. Beers, '83-90; John Lotz, '87-92; D. Mulholland, '91- 93; M. Shioe, Herman Weigert, '94-98; H. C. Jordan, '95-98; E. A. Daniels, '95- 96; John Oldaker, E. S. Whittlesey, John McCormick, H. C. Jordan, E. F. Forey, P.'H. Bendixen, John Crowell, J. M. Resh, T. J. Calligan. Assessors— James Cook, '78; H. A. 622 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Chipman, John Buckner, '80-81; F. E. Beers, '82-3; J. W. 0'Keefe,'84-6; Wm. Nolan, '87-88; P. H. MoCormick '89; Chris Cain, '97-98, 1901-02; E. G. Fargo, '99-1900. At a special election held Aug. 20, 1881, to vote aid to the St. Louis & North-Western B. B., 23 votes vyere cast, 8 for and 15 against it. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. During the year 1877, when Lake veas still included in Lizard township, the citizens met several times as elec- tors of Lizard township to attend to the school interests intrusted to them. The first meeting was held March 5, 1877. At this meeting nothing more seems to have been done than to elect John Buckner chairman and J. S. Thurber secretary of the meeting. One week later, pursuant to adjournment, they met again and on motion of Geo. Dickinson, it was decided to levy a tax of $300 on the taxable property of the township for school purposes. One week later, March 19, the directors previously elected met at the home of Geo. Dickinson and organized by the election of John Buckner, chairman; H. A. Chipman, secretary ; Gerd El- sen, treasurer. On Oct. 23, the di- rectors met at the home of Uriah El- liott, one of their number, to arrange for one or more schools that winter. After the discussion of several propo- sitions, however, it was decided to have none. On Dec. 29, Thurber plead for a three months school at liis home, but liis request was not grant- ed. On Jan. 19, 1878, the directors met again at the home of Uriah El- liott and closed a contract with E. K. Cain for the erection of three school rooms, all to be completed by April 1. He employed Joseph Osborn to assist him to build them, and they were lo- cated. No. 1 on Sec. 17, in the Thurber settlement; No. 2 on the farm of Michael McCormick, Sec. 22,. and No. 3 on the Mulholland farm on Sec. 36. On March 4, 18t8, the township hav- ing been organized the previous fall, the electors of Lake township met at the home of Uriah Elliott, John Buck- ner serving as chairman, and H. A. Chipman as secretary. John Buckner, J. S. Thurber and Michael Fitzgerald were elected as the first board of di- rectors of Lake township. At another public meeting held one week later at the same place it was decided to levy a tax of $150 for building pur- poses. The powers and duties con- ferred by law on the district meeting were then delegated to the board of directors, who met one week later and organized by electing John Buckner, president; H. A. Chipman, secretary; and Gerd Elsen, treasurer. Three schools were established that spring and the teachers employed that year were J. Sinnott, Lillie Chipman, Mary Walsh and Mary E. Mulholland. In 1879 they were M. Fitzgerald, Jos. S. Thurber, Mary Griffin, Mary 0. Conley and H. A. Chipman. In 1882 the little pioneer school rooms were replaced by larger and better buildings. In 18S5 M.. A. Leahy was employed to plant shade trees around No. 2 and No. 5, and the next year Gilmore Oity was set ofE as an independent district. In 1893 the board was increased from 3 to 9 members and the next year the seventh building was built by E. G. Fargo. In 1897 all the districts had been supplied with good buildings and the term was increased from 7 to 8 months. Among the teachers that taught during the 80's were A. B , C. E. and Mary Condon; Annie Kelly, M. J. Cal- ligan, W. F. Mulholland, W. F. Por- ter, Mary Torpy, Mary and Annie McCormick, Addie B. Cain, Florence M. Thurber, Wm. Nolan, Lizzie M. Ryan, Maggie C. McLarney, Mary J. Weaver and B. F. Ford. The succession of school ofBcers has been as follows: Pkesidents of the boaed— John LAKE TOWNSHIP. 623 Buckner, 1 877-78; James Mulhollaod, '79; D. B. Halleck, J. S. Tburber, '80; Uriah Elliott, '81; John McCormlck, '82-83, '96-98; John Oldaker, '84, '87; Charles H. Halleck, '85-86; M. Wolfe, '88; Wm. Pahre, '89-90; E. G. Fargo, '91; Aaron Cook, '92; Michael Donelly, '93; Geo. McCormick, '94-95; J. F. Eine- hart, '97; J. M. Kesh, 1900-01; H. C. Weigert. Sbceetakibs— H. A. Chipman, '77- 78; M. P. Leahy, Uriah Elliott, John Buckner, Charles Elsen, '81; John W. Kief, '82-85; John McCormick, '86-90; E. A. Daniels, '91-93, '95-1900; B. G. Fargo, '93; P. H. McCormick, J. J. Donohoe, 1901-02. Tebasuebbs— Gerd Elsen, '77-78, '80- 84; E. D. Dunn, Levi Garlock, '85-88;. D. Mulholland, '89-91; John Lotz, '92- 95; E. S. Whittlesey, 1896-1901. GILMOEE CITY IND. DISTEICT. Peesidbnts— F. M. Coffin, '86-87; P. J. Gaughen, F. W. Coffin, L. E. Eng- land. '90-92, '95-96; B. H. VanAlstine, W. VanSteenburg, A. L. Belt, '97; W. E. Campbell, L. E. England, A. Guernsey, 1900-01. Sbceetaeibs— F. G. Wright, '86-87; C. B. Moyer, '88-89; C. B. Fitch, '90- 1902. Tebasubees— Levi Garlock, '86-87; E. P. Jackson, L. E.- England, John Weise, '90-92; L. H. VanAlstine, '93- 1901. The first teachers in this district were Capt. F. E. Beers, In a room over Conn's store in winter of 1882-83; and in the school house, Angeline Jackson, Charles Sargent, Ida Garlock, Miss McCormick and Mrs. E. Blake. Eecent teachers in this district have been: Principals— B. J. Stell, '97; Mrs. E Blake, '98-1902. Assistants— Har- riet Eversole, Mrs. Wagner, Ida Por- terfleld, Mattle Alexander, Mrs. Kate Melson, Ida Wallace, Mrs. Beguin, Mrs. Harrison and the Misses Wool- man, Connor, Jenson and Cowie. GILMOEE CITY. Gilmore City, a pretty town of 700 people, is located on the line between Pocahontas and Humboldt counties, on Sec. 1 of Lake, and Sec. 6 of Wea- ver township. The site of the town is an elevation so high that before the view was obstructed by artificial groves, there could be seen from it the three neighboring county seats — Pocahontas, Humboldt and Fort Dodge. ' It is on the line of the Des Moines and Ruthyen branch of theC. R. I. & P. Ry., and was named in honor of its superintendeilt, C. If. Gilmore of Des Moines. The track was laid to Gilmore City about June 1, 1882, and this event led to the found- ing of the town. It is 18 miles north- west of Tara and is in the center of a rich agricultural section of country that at that time was comparatively unsettled, so that only here and there could be seen a spot of cultivated ground. The prairies, covered with a luxuriant growth of grass and flowers, and stretching away in every direction a<4 far as the eye could reach, like a rolling sea of green and yellow hues, presented to the observer a scene as beautiful as the eye of man ever rested upon. It was a splendid range for stock and game, and a sporting engineer thought it not inappropriate to com- memorate this fact in the names of the towns further north— i^lover. Mal- lard and Curlew. The few old settlers of this section, who previously had to haul their lumber, coal and other necessities from Fort Dodge and other distant places, and did not leave their farms in grasshopper times, because they could not sell them for the price of government land, are now happy in the possession of valuable farms and comfortable homes. About one third of the town of Gil- more City, including the depot, three grain elevators, two churches, the postoffice, a number of fine business blocks and dwelling houses, is in Lake township. The first part of this por- tioq of the pity waS sUtvfeyeiJ. ap(|. 624 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. platted in May, 1884, by Lute C. Thornton for the North-Western Land Co. The street running north and soutli on the county line is called Gjlmore street. ■ It is intersected by Main street ashort distance north of the depot. North of it are Whitehead and Spafford streets. Iq June, 1893, H. C. Jordan platted Jordan's Addi- tion on Outlet No. 3, north of White- head street. On Nov. 15, 1895, G'ris- wold's 2d Addition was platted on Outlot No. 4, south of the railroad, by M. W. Eitz, cashier of Griswold's banlt at Manson, having Highland Avenue parallel with Gilmore street, and View, Fitz and Eunk streets inter- secte'd by the avenue. Near the city is a splendid quarry of limestone, that furnishes an inex- haustible supply of good rock either for building purposes or for use as a fertilizer. Many of the business blocks have been built oif this substantial material and the large number of line buildings erected would prove a credit to a town of much larger size, One of the largest general stores in the county will be found here. The first store building was erected by L. E. Childs in 1882 aud soon after its completion he was appointed post- master. Tdis was a frame building, and after the site of the town was per- m^inently arranged, it was moved to its present, location, where since 1891, it has been occupied by the Collins Bros. POSTMASTERS. In March, 1878, when the mail route from Pocahontas to Humboldt was established Mrs. E.G., wi-fe o£ Sewall YanAlstine, was appointed postmistress of "Blooming Prairie" ofiBce at their home on Sec. 25, Clinton township. This office was maintained until about July 1, 1882, when it was transferred and the name changed to Gilmore City. The office here has al- ways been in Pocahontas county and the succession of postmasters has been as follows: L. E Childs, Rep., July 1, 1882 to May 1, 1886; Francis E. Beers, D., May; 1, '86 to Oct. 1, '89; Hfenry C. Jordaih, R., Oct. 1, '89-93; Joseph Collins, D , Oat. 1, '93-97; F. J. Tishenbann^, Oct. I, '97 to date. ''j^ KAILBOAD AGENTS. The succession of railroad- agents has been as follows: C. S. Uooley, 1882-90; George Ogilvie, '90-92; E; A. Folsom, '92-94; M. A." Henry, '94-99; I. W.'Brokaw, '99 to date. 'srjfiWSPAFBRS: The first newscaper was the Gil- more City Times established by 0. B. Moyer in June 1884. It was printed in Sioux City and, after March 1885, was edited by Theo. Dunn, who as editor was succeeded by Wm, Grove, who changed its name to the Gilmore Breeze, which, was continued only ■ a few months. The Gilmore Gazette was establish- ed by F. J. Tishenbanner Nov. 10, 1886, and he conducted it until Sept. 20, 1888, when it was purchased by L. A. Woodward, Fred L. Ellis and, John P. Pederson, each successively serving as editor a few months, pre- vious to this change. W. A. Howel-li . became the successor ot Woodward and in 1891 sold the outfit to Bruce & Lighter, proprietors of the Reveille at Rolfe. The Gilmore City Globe was estab- lished in 1892 by W. R, Prewett,, Ixj; 1893 he was succeeded by H. C. Mar-j mon, who is still its editor and pro- prietor. BANKS The first bank was established In'' 1886 by Levi Garlock under the name of the Exchange Bank of Gilmore. The next year it was purchased by Leslie H. and Howard VanAlstine, its present proprietors. The other bank, the Security, is oWhed by their broth- er, Rollin VanAlstine and Lyman Beers. DR. F. W. McMANUS. k PERCY M. BEERS, Clerk of District Court. i HENRY C. MARMON, Editor, Gilmore City Globe. QILMORE CITY. REV. STEPHEN BUTLER. Catholic. FRANK TISHENBANNER. INTERIOR OF ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, GILMORE CITY. LAKE TOWNSHIP. 625 CHTJECHBS. Presbytekian :— During the sum- mer of 1887 Rev.- Geo. H. Diity, of Eolfe, began to hold services on alter- nate Sabbath afternoons at Gilmore (Jity. In Aug , 1888, a Ladies' Aid society was organized and on Oct. 15tli following, the walls of a church build- ing having been nearly completed, a Presbyterian church of 15 members was organized by a committee of the Presbytery consisting of Rev. R. E. Flickinger, Rev. Geo. H. Duty and W. C. Kennedy of Rolfe. The char- ter members were James Steele, Chas. P.Shaffer and Robert Hunter, who were elected elders; Mrs. Anna Steele, Mrs. Mary J. Shaffer, Mrs. Jennie Hunter, Mrs. Mary H. Oampb°ll, Mrs. Ida Enttland, Mrs. Mary A. Bigelow, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew O. Bobel, Mr. and Mrs. Randall Reed and their daughter, Blanche. On Feb. 3, 1889, a church building 26x36 feet and costing $1750 was dedi- cated. This was the first church building in Lake township. In 1900 a good parsonage was built and the congregation is now in a very flourish- ing condition. The succession of pastors has been as follows: Ilev. G. H. Duty, 1887— Oct. 1890; Rev. A. 0. Keeler, Rolfe; Rev. J. Malcolm Smith, Pomeroy; Rev. Norman McLeOd, D. D., Fort Dodge; Rev. O. F. Wisner and Rev. J. R. Vance, Pomeroy; Rev. W. C. Pinker- ton and Rev. Frank E. Hoyt— 1901. Catholic— The St. John's Catholic church at Gilmore was organized July 4, 1889, by Rev. John Hennessey, Arch-bishop, Dubuque, of the families of P. J. Gaughan, T. C. Connelly, P. J. Kelly, J. J. Griffin, D. Mulholland, M. McOormick, J. .1. Sinnott, N. Myers, M. 'Fitzgerald, T. Comminskey and others. Soon afterward they erected a church building 72x38 feet, costing $2,576, and a parsonage 32x82 feet, costing $1,873. This church has had a steady and substantial growth and Rev. T. D. Sullivan was the popu- lar pastor ot it from the time it was organized until April 1, 1901, when he was succeeded by Rev. Stephen But- ler. County Officer — Charles Elsen, supervisor since 1897, chairman of the board in 1902, GILMORE CITY IN 1901. Postmaster— Frank J. Tishenban- ner. Mayor — Lesl'e H. VanAlstine. CouNCiLMEN — Andrew Bull, Tho.s. J. CaiUfctan, W. A. Pollock, John Mc- Bride, Jackson Hunter, Lyman Beers. Assessor, 0. A. Belt; recorder, Geo. W. Spurger Attorneys— L. B. England, Percy M'. Beers. Banks— Exchange (E-it. 1886), L. H. VanAlstine, cashier; Security (Est. 18911, Roliia H. VanAlstine, presi- dent; Lyman Beer.^, cashier. Bakery— A- H. Keck, since 1896. Barber— Charles Kennedy, since 1888. Blacksmeths- I. B. Long, since 1887; Geo. Lyst, (1895), Williams & Lyst. Coal— Robert Gibson. Creamery— A. A. Briggs. Carpenters- Wm. Barker, C. L. Belt, Albert Freeman. Clothing Store— U L. Hal field, since 1893. Churches— Methodist Episcopal, built 1888, Rev. Arthur Ward, pastor; Presbyterian, 1889, Rev. Frank E. Hoyt, successor to Rev. W. E. Pinker- ton, pastor; Catholic, 1889. Rev. Steph- en Builer, pastor; Christiiin Church, 1896, Rev. B. F. Shoemaker, pastor. Dentist— J. T. Hambly. Dress Maker— Mrs. Hattie Hogan. Draymbn— McQuarrie & Brown, Wm. Rice. Druggisti— Gilmore City Drug Co., L E England, I'isq., proprietor, since 1885; John McCormick, 1899. Elevators— C. W. Edgington, since 626 PIOIfBBR HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA- 1891; Mullen & Hunter; Counselman & Co., Thomas Maher, manager. FcTBNiTUBB— C. W. Smith, since 1896. General Merchants— Charles L. Hatfield, large department store since 1893; Guernsey & Spargur, 1895; J. J. Mulholland, 1899. Grocers— Pollock, since 1895; Green & Hartnelt. Grain Dealers— Mullen & Hunter, since 1887; T. F. Maher, 1892. Hardware— E. P. McEvoy in 1901, successor of C. B. Fitch. Harness Maker— C. L. VanAl- stine, since 1883. Hotel— Gllmore House, E. L. Weir. Implement Dealers— Mullen & Hunter, since 1887; C. W. Bdgington, 1898. Insurance— Frank J. Tishenban- ner. Jewelry — I. P. Davidson, since 1896. Livery — Wm. Cavanaugh, since 1894. Live Stock— Andrew Bull, since 1894. Lumber & Coal— B. L. Willis Lum- ber Co , A. L. Gill, manager; Black & Neel. Masons and Plasterers— Wilkes Woolman, O. A. Willard. Meat Market— City, T. McMahon &Co. Mill— Horace Keller, since 1896. MiLLiNBiiS— Mrs. M. J. Wood, Mrs. A. Brown. Newspaper- Gilmore City Globe, H. C. Marmon. Painter— Mark Whitcomb. PouLTBY— John McBride. Photogkafhbr— D. A. Rice. Physicians— A. L. Belt, M. D., since 1891; U. G. Grigsly. 1896. Telephone— N o r t h w estern Co. , Emery Eversole, operator; Iowa Co , L. E. England, operator. railroad— C. R. I. & P., I. W. Brokaw, agent. Real Estate— Rollin VanAlstine, F. .T. Tishenbanner, T. J. Calligan. Restaurant— The Farmers— Ben- jamin Kidd. Shoe Maker— Joseph Hocking. Undertaker— C. W. Smith. Wagon Maker— I. B. Long, since 1887. Well Driller— Henry Hocking. Veterinary Surgeon— Wm. Sax- by, 1879. RURAL FREE DELIVERY. On Feb. 1, 1902, two rural free de- livery routes were established from Gllmore City. J. C. Smith was ap- pointed carrier for route No. 1, which runs through south Avery, west Cor- inth and Weaver townships, Hum- boldt county, and D. A. Rice carrier for route No. 2, which passes through south Clinton, Lake and north Lizard townships, Pocahontas county. This last route rendered the Lizard ppst- oCflce unnecessary and it was discon- tinued Feb. 1, 1902. To keep them warm on cold days each carrier is provided with a muffled heater, that has the form of a small flat muff and is dropped on the floor of the conveyance. The fuel for this unique contrivance consists of a small cake of material resembling carbon, that,, when heated in a stove a few minutes and placed in the center of it by means of a drawer, continues to burn without flame or smoke an en tire day. LEADING CITIZBKS. Bendixen Peter H, (b. 1837), a resi- dent successively of Des Moines, Clin- ton and Lake townships, is a native of Denmark, the son of Niels and Martha M. (Buck) Bendixen. His father, from his earliest recollection, was the owner and captain of a mer- chant vessel, which lie sold in the spring of 1864, when the family came to America. Peter, coming to Mc- Henry county. 111;, in 1861, found em- ployment as a farm hand and clerk in a grocery store until the fall of 1863, when he returned to Denmark and LAKE TOWNSHIP. 627 married Petra Alberta Svendson. The next spring, accompanied by his wife, a sister and his parents, he located in Mc Henry county. 111. In the spring of 1869, making the trip in a lumber wagou, he moved to a rented farm in Des Moines town- ship, this county. The next year he bought 80 acres on Sec. 33, Lake town- ship, and his father 80 acres on Sec. 28. Later Peter bought 80 acres more OQ Sec. 27. Their nearest market then was Fort Dodge, afterward Manson, Humboldt, Algona, Kolfe and finally Giimore City. The visits of the grass- hoppers made it necessary for him to live two years on cornmeal, and to keep his horses the same period with- out grain. His father died on his farm in 1881 at 81, and his mother in 1898 at 87. Botti were devout members of the Lutheran church and are buried at llolfe. After his father's death Peter be- came the owner of 2 to acres, which he occupied until 1893, when he moved first to southern Missouri and the next year to a farm of 160 acres in El- lington to wnship, Palo Alto county In 1898 he moved to a farm in Lake township and three years later to an- other one adjoining Giimore City on the east, where he is now living. He is a man of considerable intelligence and rendered thirty years of public service in CUnton township, as fol- lows: Assessor one year, a justice two years, a trustee two years, clerk four years, and secretary of the school board twenty,-one years. In Lake he served as a justice and clerk in 190i). By his strict integrity and faithful performance of every duty devolving upon him he has won and held the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. His family consisted of elsven chil- dren. 1— Erasmus Nelson (b. 11'. 1864) married Elizabeth Ctiristenson, occu- pies a farm of 160 acres on Sec. 28, Clinton township, and has a family of six children. 2— William (b. 111. 1866) married Minnie Thompson, lives in Minnesota and has one son. 3— Charles E. (b. 111. 1888) mirried Carrie Ken- nedy, lives on 80 acres on Sec, 32, Clin- ton. 4— Maggie (b. Poc. Go. 1870} mar- ried Peter Hendrickson, a farmer, and has five children. 5— Alice B. married Charles Borg, owner of 80 acres on Sec. 32, Clinton, and has two children, 6— Matilda B. married Anton Peter- sun and lives at Giimore City. 7 — John (b. 1876) in 1901 married Emma Han- son and is proprietor of a blacksmith and wagon-maker shop at Westbrook, Minn. 8— Minnie B. married John Lynch, a farmer. Albert G., Peter Hansen and Nellie B. are at home. He died Feb. 11, 1902, three days after reading this sketch in The Fon- da Times. Buckner John, who acted a very prominent part in the early history of the township, was a professional trap- per and fisherman, and also a squat- ter. He neither bought nor rented any land in Lake township, but built a shanty on the bank of Lizard lake and occupied it about seven years, from, abouii 1876 to 1883. He caught and sold fish to the early settlers in that vicini ty and marketed annually a large amount of fur. He was a man of considerable influence and was accorded the honor of serving as chairman of several meetings of the citizens in 1877 and 1878 for the purpose of organizing the school district of the township. He served two years as the first pressident of the school board and two years also as a justice. Daniels Emmet Abram (b. 1860), owner and occupant of the SWi Sec. 21 Si'nce 1885, is a native of Webster county, Iowa, the son of David M. and Sarah Daniels. In 1884 he married Ida Hayes and tiie next year located on his present farm. He was secre- tary of the school board seven years. His family consists of five children, 628 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Martin F., Emmet G., Joel V., Clinton D. and Frederic J. Elsen Henry, accompanied by wife and two sons, Gerd and Charles, in 1870 came from Germany and stopped In Lizard township. Three months later he located on a homestead of 80 acres on the Wi SBi Sec. 2, Bellville township, which he improved and oc- cupied during the next seven years. Here in 1876 his wife died at the age of 58. In the spring of 1877 he moved to a farm of 120 acres on Sec. 33, Lake township, where he died in 1884 at the age of 62. His family consisted of two sons and two daughters, the latter coming to this country in 1893. BIsen Gerd (b. Ger. 1852), occupant of theSWi Sec. 33, Lake township, and owner of a farm of 738 acres in that vicinity. Is one of the moat suc- cessful men in the township. His subsequent purchases have averaged 80 acres every three years since that date, and the buildings he has erected are among the largest and best in the township. He is a fine illustration of thrift on the farm and the success that has constantly crowned his labors has been ho doubt due in great meas- ure to the valuable co-operation of his excellent wife and family, as the latter have become able to render as- sistance. He was treasurer of the school funds seven years. He has been an active member and a trustee of the German Lutheran church of Lizard township since it was built in 1885. In 1877 he married Louisa Redman, a native of Wisconsin, and of their family of thirteen children eight are living; Charles, William, Gerd, Har- mon, Emma, Henry, Louie and Bern- hard. Elsen Charles (b. Ger. 1855), chair- man of the board of county supervi- sors in 1902, became a resident of this county with his parents in 1870, flrtjt in Lizard and Bellville townships and of Sec. 33, Lake township, since 1877 Beginning with a small farm of wild prairie he improved it, and, turning his attention to raising and fattening stock, has now a finely improved farm of 480 acres. He assisted in the or- ganization of Lake township, served as one of its first trustees in 1878-79, and as secretary of the school board in 1881. He is now serving his sixth year as a member of the board of county supervisors. In 1879 he married Caroline Kron and his family consists of eight chil- dren, Mary, Henrietta, Louisa, Annie, Carl, Bertha, Lena and Gerhard. Elsen Carl B. (b. Ger. 1862), mer- chant and postmaster, is the son of Herman Gretjelina (Mueller) Elsen, and on coming to this country in 1881 located in Lake township. In 1891 he married Gerhardina Janssen and in partnership with Otto Siebels, estab- lished a store and postofHce at the old Schoonmaker place on Sec. 4 Lizard township. In 1893 he became sole proprietor of the store and so con- tinued until 1900, when he moved to Plymouth county. Elliott Uriah, at whose home the first elections in the township were held in 1877 and 1878, was the owner and occupant of 40 acres on Sec. 22 from about 1875 to 1883. His family consisted of a wife and two children. He served two years as one of the first trustees, was township clerk and sec- retary of the school board in 1880, and was president of the latter in 1881.. He was a very successful trapper and spent much of his time trapping around Lizard lake on the bank of which he lived. Hatfi«ld Charles L. (b. 1859), mer- chant, is a native of Evansville, Wis , the son of William H. and Margaret (Evans) Hatfield. In 1881 he married Seba Shaw, of Dayton, Wis., and, lo- cated on a farm near Evansville. In the spring of 1892 he moved to Scran- ton, Iowa, and a few months later to a farm in Humboldt county. In 1893 LAKE TOWNSHIP. 629 he bought a half interest in the gen- eral store of W. T. White, Gilmore City, and has since been engaged in the mercantile business. In 1900 he became sole proprietor of this store, the largest in the city and one of the largest in this county. He Is a mod- est, unassuming man and gives his undivided attention to his business. During most of the year a half dozen clerks are kept busy arranging the goods and waiting on the customers that daily throng this popular empor- ium of trade. His family consists of one child, Harold C. Leahy Michael Anthony (b. 1818), resident of Gilmore City and owner of a good farm on Sec. 22, Lake town- ship, is a native of Ireland and, com- ing to New York state in 1847, married there tbat year Cktherin Eoache (b. Ireland 1820). He found employment in railroad building, which was then a new enterprise. After a few years he moved to Michigan and two years later to a farm in Fayette county, Wis. In the spring of 1869 he located on 40 acres on Sec. 10, Lizard town- ship, making the journey in a wagon, and ten years later on Sec. 22 Lake township where the family has secur ed many acres of land. His sons are practical and successful farmers. A few years ago he moved to Gilmore City. He and his wife are both four score years of age. His family con- sisted ol eleven cbildren, five of whom died under 16. Nora married Michael Higgios, and Jane married James Saddler, and both live at Gilmore City. Michael P., a mason, married Ella Growder and lives at Pocahontas. Thomas J. and Anna are at home. John, who mar- ried in 1895, and. Agnes, who married Kobert Hanke, a farmer, live in South Dakota. Marmon Henry C. (b. 1856), editor of the Gilmore City Globe, is a native of Zanesfleld, Ohio, the son of Asa and Mary Marmon. He was brought up on a farm and there became inured to steady employment and hard work. In 1871 he moved with an uncle to Crawfordsville, Ind., and two years later to Polk county, Iowa, where in 1883 he found employment in the office of the Mitchellville Index. The next year he moved to Holt county, Neb , where in 1888 he married Ina A. Bal- come. The next year he returned to Mitchellville and resumed work in the offlue of the Index. In 1893 he moved to Gilmore City where he has since been the editor and proprietor of the Globe, a five-column quarto- He has greatly improved this paper by adding to its outfit a good cylinder press and increasing the home print from two to four pages. He has one of the neatest and cleanest offices in the county and is an elder in the Presbyterian church. His family con- sists of two children, Harold A. and Ethel. Mceormick Michael (b. 1829; d. 1898), one of the early pioneers, was a native of Ireland and in his boyhood came with his parents to upper Can- ada, now the province of Ontario. In 1854 in Gray county he married Honora Kearns, and in 1871 located on Sec. 22> Lake township. He was a lonely set- tler on the frontier for a number of years but did not become discouraged. He improved his farm on the prairie, increased it to 320 acres, and occupied it until the time of his death. He participated in the organization of Lake township and two of his sons, John, and Patricia, have been promi- nently identified with its history since that event. His wife who was a native of Clare county, Ireland, died in 1889 in her 54th year. Their family consisted of eleven children, two of whom, Anna and Mrs. Mary Walsh, died in 1895. John (b. Can. 1855), owner of the old home farm in Lake township, oc- cupied it until 1899 when, accompanied by Elizabeth and Nora, two of his sis- 630 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ters, he moved to Gilmore City where he has since been engaged in the drug business. In Lake he was a trustee two years, clerk lour years, president and secretary of the school board each live years. Michael M. is the owner and occupant of 240 acres on sections 21 and 22. Patrick-H. married Bridget, daughter of John Cain, and lives at Pocahontas. Mary married Philip Walsh, a farmer, and died in 1895, leaving live children, Margaret, Thom- as, Philip, Edward and Nora. Thom- as P. is the owner and occupant of 80 acres on Sec. 21. Margaret married William Bollard and lives on the old farm. Nellie lives with her sister Margaret and Rosa with her brother Patrick. Mulholland Dennis (b. 182o), one of the most prominent of the pioneers of Lake township, was a native of Ire- land. In his youth he came alone to Massachusetts, where he found em- ployment in connection with the iron industry and married Margaret Mc- Bwen. A lew years later be moved to St. Louis and In 1857 to a farm in Al- lamakee county, Iowa. In 1865 he lo- cated on the Brockshink farm on the SWi Sec. 36, Lake township, with a family of six children, and during the next five years they were the only resident^ of the township, the next to arrive being the families of Joseph S. Thurber and Michael Fitzgerald in 1870. He was a member of the Cath- olic church and lived on this farm un- til he died in 1873. His wife died at 72 in 1892. Their family cuasisted of live chil- dren: 1. John J. one ot the first trus- tees of the township, later became an invalid and died at St. Louis in 1897. 2. James J. in 1883 married Mary J., daughter of Nicholas Nolan, and located first on the old home farm, which he still owns. Later he moved to Gilmore City and engaged in the hardware business, and since 1901 in general merchandise. His family con- sists of three children, William, Erank and Christopher. 3. Mary E., a teacher, is now a dressmaker at Dubuque. 4. David, a real estate agent, in 1886 married Maggie Condon and be- came proprietor of a general store in Gilmore City. In 1891 he embarked in the land, loan and insurance busi- ness, in connection with the purchase of hay and grain. Since 1901 he has devoted himself to the real estate business alone. He is the owner of 320 acres ot land on Sec. 11, Lake township, and of other lands in that vicinity. He has become well and ■ favorably known as one of the leading business men of. Gilmore City. He served as a trustee and justice of "the peace of Lake township. His family consists of four children, Matthias, Mary, Emmet and Clement, 5. William F., an insurance agent, in 1889 married Catherine, daughter of John Cain, and since 1891, has been engaged in the insurance business at Gilmore City. His family consists of four children, Frances, Margaret, Lu- cile and William. 01daker John (b, 1839), a promi- nent farmer and stock raiser of Lake township for many years, was a native of Ohio and located on Sec. 6 in 1872. He and his son Andrew became the owners of all of Sec. 7 and 80 acres on Sec. 6, making altogether 720 acres. He was highly esteemed as a citizen, and served two years as president of the school board and five years as a trustee. In the spring ot 1900 this large and excellent family moved to Geddes, S. D. Tishenbanner Frank J. (b. 1863) postmaster, is a native of Whiteside county. 111., the son of Peter and Catherine CWiseman) Tishenbanner. In 1870 he nfioved with his parents to Chicago, where he went to school and worked in a factory. In 1879 they LA.:g:E TOWNSHIP. 631 tnoved to Webster county, Iowa, and two years later to Sec. 27, Clinton township, Pocahontas county.- Nov. 10, 1896, he began the publication of the Gazette, the first newspaper print- ed in Gilmore City, and continued its publication about eighteen months. He then returned alone to Chicago and found employment as a school teacher, traveling salesman and fore- man of a machine shop. In 1889 he married Minnie Willette and two years later returned to the farm In Poca- hontas county. He has been postmas- ter at Gilmore City since Oct. 1, 1897, and in this capacity has rendered the community a very efficient and accept- able service. His family consists of two children, Floyd and Lena. He had two sisters, Lena and Susa, that came with him and his parents to the farm. Lena in 1889 married Eugene W. Otis and located in Des Moines, where she died in 1895. Susa died in 1891, and his mother in 1893. Frank now owns his father's farm and the latter lives with him. Thurber Joseph S., one of the first justices, teachers and school directors, was the owner and occupant of 80 acres on Sec. 17 from 1870 to 1884. He served two years as a justice and five as a trustee. He came from Straw- berry Point, Iowa, with a family con- sisting of wife and one son, and after a residence of about fourteen years in the township moved to California. Beers Francis B. Captain (b. 1833), one of the most widely known of the citizens of Lake township, is a resi- dent of Gilmore City and the owner of 360 acres of land adjoining that tawn. He is a native of Cayuga county, N. Y., the son of Lyman and Sally (Ever- ett) Beers. His mother died when he was four years of age. Seven years later he moved with his father to Fairfield county. Conn., and in 1854, In his 21st year, graduated from the civil engineering department of the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn. Soon afterward he came west and found employment as a railroad agent at Dunton, twenty-two miles from Chicago, but now called Arling- ton Heights and near the center of the city. He was compelled to re- linquishthls position on account of sickness and on recovery taught a term of school. May 1, 1856," in search of other employment, he came to Fort Dodge. In the fall of 1857 he was ap- pointed surveyor of Webster county and rendered almost constant service in this capacity until some time in January, 1858 when his work was in- terupted by heavy rains and a per- sistent overflow of water. CAPTAIN OF WHEELBOAT— THE ROLL- ING WAVE. The incidents that led to his being the captain of the first wheelboat and also of the first steamer that plied on the Des Moines river from Des Moines to Fort Dodge have their beginning at this period. The story of these boats and his connection with them not having been published hitherto, except a few brief references thereto, some of which are incorrect or wholly ignore Captain Beers, it has been deemed not inappropriate to present herewith a correct and quite full ac- count of these interesting pioneer in- cidents. In February 1858, F. E. Beers, Wil- liam Beers, a carpenter, and an ac- quaintance that had come with him from Connecticut, and Oliver Ryall, who bad entered a pre-emption claim up the river near Bradgate, were liv- ing together in a cabin in the edge of the timber on the river land claim of Aaron F. Blackshire, about two miles southeast of Fort Dodge. Not one of them had anything special to do. The financial panic of the previous year had put a sudden check on every new enterprise and closed nearly every avenue of employment. There was no railroad, no employment, no mon- ey, and the flooded condition of the 632 PIONEER HISTORY OFjPOCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. streams macie travel by team almost Impossible. As a matter of diversion F. E, Beers proposed that they join together and build a boat. Ttiough not one of them had ever been a iaoat- man, the proposition met vpith favor and a rude plan of a sidewheeler was soon approved. About six weeks were occupied, in Its construction, as the timber had to be cut from the stump, and when completed It was 40 feet long and 5 feet wide. Two side wheels, 5 feet in diameter and having paddles 6x22 Inches, were located at the cen- ter, .and they we'e connected by a crank so that four men standing i n the middle of the boat might propel It. It was built in the ravine opposite the gypsum quarries, a mile from ihe river, and was drawn to the latter on a pair of bob sleds by Jacob Miracle about the first day of April, 1858. All efforts to maneuver it that day proved a disappointment. One week lai.er they returned to the boat and, eleva- ting the wheels so they would not dip so deep in the water, made a trip three miles up the river to Fort Dodge. Here their boat, the first one that had been built on the river north of Des Moines, was an object of curiosity to the entire population and awaken- ed interest in river navigation. It was called the Rolling Wave, and Howe, a merchant in Fort Dodge, be- ing out of flour and having no pros- pect of getting any soon by convey- ance, proposed to F. E. Beers, captain of the boat, to bring him a cargo of flour from Boone. He finally gave him an order on the miller there for forty sacks or 4,000 pounds of flour. The trip to Boone was made in two days, but when the miller learned there was no flour at Fort Dodge, its high price and the tonnage offered the captain, he accepted the order but loaded the flour on three wagons in- stead of the boat. Not daunted by this disappointment, Capt. Beers went further down the river to Elk Rapids and, passing to the mill at Swede's Point, now Madrid, obtained 40 sacks of flour, paying for them with gov- ernment scrip. As the boat sunk deeper into the water under this load it leaked considerably, until the water swelled the timber, and the wind was against them at first, so that at the end of the firth day, they had gotten only live miles from the mill. After- wards they made better speed and on the sixteenth day, when they were within five miles of their destination, the wind changing to the south, they hoisted their sail and moved up the river to Fort Dodge at a pace that re- lieved and gladdened every man oh the boat. The view of the river was not ob- structed then f>s it is now, and when about noon the boat was anchored at' a point south of the place now occu- pied by the Minneapolis depot, a crowd of men were waiting who took the flour as fast as it could be deliver- ed to them and the change made, at $6.00 per sack, Towards evening on that same day the three teams from Boone arrived with their 40 sacks of flour for Howe. They were sixteen days in making the trip, and, according to their own ex- planation, over a good part of the dis- tance they had to hitch the three teams to one wagon and, drawing it a short distance, had to return and bring the other two wagons one by one in the same way. A few days later he returned to the mill at Swede's Point and brought 6u sacks of flour, making the round trip in ten days. He then went to Des Moines and brought five tons of freight, making the round trip in six- teen days. THE STEAMBOAT— CHABLES ROGERS. During his absence on this last trip the citizens of Fort Dodge, under the leadership of A. F. Blackshire and Henry Carse, became so much inter- ested in the boat enterprise that they LAKE TOWNSHIP. 633 began to subscribe stock at$25 a share, and after his arrival organized a com- pany for the purchase of a steamboat to ply on the Des Moines river be- tween Fort Dodge and Des Moines. A F. Blackshire, who was elected presi- dent of the company, subscribed $250; Henry Carse, who was elected secre- tary and treasurer, subscribed $500 at first and later paid $500 more; F. E. Beers subscribed $200 and later paid a good deal more; S. C. Hinton sub- scribed $100; John P. Duncombe, Ghas. Band and others subscribed $25 each. It was estimated that $1700 would be required to purchase such a vessel as was needed, and when a little more than $400 of the stock was paid, it was placed in the hands of F. E. Beers and he was commissioned to go to Pittsburgh to secure the steamboat, of which he was to be the captain. Once more F. E. Beers started down the Des Moines river on the Rolling Wave, its last trip, taking with him four passengers to Des Moines. At this place he encountered a bridge so low that he had to remove the upper half of the side wheels in order to pass under it. Here he also received a number of passengers some of whom went with him as far as Bentonsport, the terminus of the railroad from Keokuk, where he left the boat .forty miles above the latter place. Passing to St. Louis by rail and packet he se- cured a passage toPitsburgh where he arrived Aug. 6, 1858. Three days after his arrival he con- cluded a contract with a ship builder at Manchester, a suburb of Allegheny City, for the construction of a rear- wheel steamboat 90 feet long, 19 feet wide and o feet deep at the bow. It was completed Oct. 14, 1858, at a cost of $2,250 and was called "Charles Eog- ers" in honor of Its builder. It was a powerful boat for its size, being equip- ped with steam and engine power sufficient to send it wherever it was wanted. It was bqilt for river work and set low in the water so as to pass under bridges. Henry Carse, who arrived just be- fore its completion with more money, was appointed clerk and he held that position as long as F. E. Beers con- tinued as captain. Ed. Bntwistle, of Des Moines, was appointed fireman. They employed pilots on the Ohio biit when they arrived at St; Louis Capt. F. E. Beers took the wheel and be- came steersman. When they arrived at Keokuk, two days later, or about- Nov. 1, 1858, Lord & King, general merchants, gave them a cargo of meat and groceries for Des Moines, the freight bill of which was $500, and King arranged to go with them to pay the bills along the rou'te. The trip down the Ohio river had been attended with no small amount of troublesome anxiety, thrilling in- cidents and practical experiehce. Having nearly exhausted their cash in paying for the boat, they had to trust to a favoring providence to re- plenish their treasury along the route. Beers and Carse were wholly inexper- ienced as boatmen, and having to em- ploy pilots with whom they were un- acquainted, this was done with a vary- ing success. The first one soon ran the boat aground. Soon afterward the fireman reported that one of the grate-bars in the fire box of the en- gine was burned out, and the only available substitute was a stick of hickory wood, which had to. be fre- quently replaced, until they came to a sunken vessel from which they ob- tained a half dozen grate-bars of a size that happened to suit them ex- - actly. At length their supply of coal became exhausted and they had to stop and gather driftwood for fuel. After a few stops for this purpose they were so fortunate as to find and secure about fifteen cords of good hickory coidwood that had lodged on an island in the river. They had no passengers at first, and the fares re^ 634 PIOSTBER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ceived from those that were carried further down the river scarcely paid the wages of the pilots. When,, there- fore, they had secured a valuable car- go, andi Mr. King was on board to pay thejribills, they indulged in a sigh of relief, fanciedi their troublesi were over and believed they were now ohj the highro^ldito success. The lirstitrip f rom Eeokuk to Des Moines was successfully! made in five days, and' greatly , relieved .the finan- cial embarrassment of the proprietors ot the boat. They passed through three looks, aamelyj at Croton, Bona- parte and. Ben tohsport, where dams had: been built across the river, all within ;fortyi miles ofEeokuk. The locks had been constructed by the Des Moines Eiver Navigation &. Im- provement Co.,, about the year- 1854.: Abouitifbrty miles below Des Moines A. F. Blaekshiire joined the boat to act as.a haiClSiter on it, having come down the riter from Port Dodge in a little skiff, which he. then turned adrift. Returning to Keokuk they received andi delivered another cargo of goods for Lord & King at Des Moines. They immediately returned to Keo- kuk and received a third cargo, but this trip was not so successful.. When they, arrived at Bentonsport the cold weather set in and they became ice- bound opposite the home of Thomas Cooper, near Ottumwa. The cargo, first transferred to Cooper's barn, was later delivered by means of teams sent from Des Moines. David Nash, the engineer, and James Jolley, the mate, then returned to their homes. Henry Carse, the clerkj engaged a school in that vicinity and began teaching, and Gap*. Beers remained with the boat to guard it from the Ice and look after the cargo. On Feb.' 23, .1859, the ice on the pre- cediingKday having left the. river at Ottumwa, Cflptj Beers secured some new employees and resumed opera- tions -with the boat. Henry , Carse re- mained to complete his term of school and then joined him. James Drake- was employed as engineer, and, at Keosauqua, Mr. Foote as pilot. A few miles above Keosauqua thei ice had formed a great gorge and as it passed further down the river it left on each side of the channel a wall of broken ice that ranged from ten to twenty feet in height. . They had to cut a channel through this barrier. of ice before they could get to the shore at that place. Inasmuch as the locks below were reported in bad condition he did not go further down the river than Bentonsport, and after making two trips between that place and Ot- tumwa, went to Keokuk and returned to Des Moines with 50 tons ot freight, arriving there March 9th, a short time before the Clara Hine, they being the first arrivals at that place in 1859. This was the "boss year" for steam- boats on the Des Moines river. There were many heavy rains and they ocr curred at the right intervals to keep the river in good condition for boat- ing. The season opening early; did not close until the first of September, and two of the steamboats, the Charles Rogers and De Moine Belle made trips from Keokuk to Fort Dodge. * RACE WITH CLAKA HINE. For some reason unknown to Gapt. Beers, about a dozen passengers that had engaged passage on the Charles Rogers from Des Moines to Keokuk disappointed him by getting aboard the Clara Hine at the time of det)art- ure. This was exasperating and led to a test of the speed of the two ves- sels. Leaving Des Moines about the same time the Charles Rogers soon out-distanced the Clara Hine and ar- rived at Keokuk five hours before it. Both vessels were unloaded and re^ loaded as speedily as possible, and starting about the same time, the Clara Hine managed to get first into the look at Keosauqua. Considerable * Tacitus Hussey. LAKE TOWNSHIP. 635 difflculty was experienced in passing, ttirough tlie locii, and Oapt. Beers, be- coming impatient at the delay, decid- ed to try tlie experiment of running his boat up over the breast of the dam in the middle of the river, and, per- forming this feat successfully, passed the Clara Hine while it was still in lock. The latter, however, overtook; the Charles Kogers about fifty miles above the lock and arrived first at Des Moines.. This race served to show that a, /Steamboat that could easily outrun another one going down might not be able to keep pace with it when going up the stream. TRIP TO FOET DODGE. As the "Charles Rogers" was. a Fort Djdge enterprise, and those in charge of the boat had now gained some ex- perience in its management, it was decided to make a trip to Fort Dodge. For this trip it was loaded with a car- go by Chittenden & McGfavie, whole- salers at Keokuk, who sent Mr. DaviS; with it. In order to pass under the bridge at. Des Moines the upper half of the wheel and the top-of the pilot house had to be removed to the shore and afterward be replaced. Another serious barrier at this place was the mill'dam, the danger from which was increased by a ferry rope that was stretched across the river only a few rods above the breast of it. Oapt. Beers requested Hall, the ferryman, to lower this rope so tha boat might pass over it; but as he could not be persuaded that it was possible for a boat to surmount the dam, he made no promise, save to await the out- come of affairs. To avoid the danger incident to being checkmated by the rope, a man with a hatchet was sent from the boat to the place where the rope was fastened on the bank, oppo- site' the ferryman, with instruction to sever the rope when the sigbal should be given. As the boat crested the dam the signal was given and the ferryman was about as muSh surprised and: exasperated at the sudden fall of> rope as he was astonished at the xm^ expected and wonderful feat; of 'the boat* The Charles Biogers.i on.;thas! trip, arrived at Des Moines March 27th and at Fort Dodge April 6th, 1859;' As It came steaming, up the ri-yer near the; latter place, fehe' whistle wasbiowniSQ longhand loud that the ci'tlzens4mag-< Ined a Mississippi riyer fleet had'ar- rived. Before the bowliife. had,, bpeij, fastened, to the. levee, the banfcotithe river was lined with a mixed" multi- tude, consisting of merlf women and- children, every one of wtuom was anx- ious . to get a sight i ofi this pludkyi^ noisy new-comer. ThiB arrival of this flTst steamiboafc, with 40.' tons of freight 'for the; mer- chantsiof FOrt Dodg;ey was regarded as a very auspiciousievemtiby the am^ bitious citizens of that: loniely viMiagc on the frontier. Iti was graptoioaily' described by John F. Dunoombejedw itorof the Fart Dodge Sentinel,' in the issue of April 7, 18S9, as^fol'lawg; "Yesterday will bevretnembftiedi bjs nj^ny of our. citizens, with feeliwgis of. extreme delight, for mapy years, tq come. By thie politeness of;0a!pc. J?". E. Beers of -the dhfarles Eogersv in company with abou/t one hundiredramd twenty ladies and g^ntleiaen o^ itJjB tQjyn,, we enjoyed, the, iQrst,stQ^,mljpafe pleasure excursion on the ir{);perD,e8 Moines river. Thesteamboat left tlie landing at Colburn's ferry about i two o'clock and, after , crossing the riysj5 and loadijQg, with coal from the,jaipe^, started for the upper ferry. AU.'our citizens are well aware of the shallow' ford OQ the river at the rapids .at this place, which is at the, head of the is- land at the mouth of Soldjles.. cre^k,, where the river divides into two eq.ual channels. The steamer passed upoVer the rapids (in the west chainnel i wiittoi perfect ease. 4t tll§,mQuthieileric Beneke, Martin Bral, John Eartok, Frank Hronek, Bernard Schmaing, Wm. Barger and' Mr. Enfield. ,The next arrivals-ini the, early : 80?s were Asa F. Embree, S. E. Keiahpltz, John F. pattee, F. F. iFit^igerald, Joseph S. Pulley, John W. Eeioaer, Patrick Eussell, W. D. Paddock land Theo. Miller. SUCCESSION or OFItlCBRS. The first election was held Nov. 5, 1872, when John Dooley, John Kreul and. John Harrold were electtid as'lhe first trustees;. C. Mi Sajlorj'Cleark;iT. L. Dean and C. M. Saylor, justices, and Abram Hoover, assessor. The succession of oflBeers has been as follows: Trustees— John Dooley, ISTS^S; Bernard Stegge, '73, '76-80? Wm./ Boog, John Kreul, '74-94; John- Harrold, 74- 77; John Bantok, '76-77; Peter H.:Nie- mand, '79 84; Diederic Braeke, '81-«2; Frank Hronek, ?8?; > W. . D. Paddock, '84; John Stegge, '85-86; P. F^ «•-•!, \ ■-^ - , . .4 ' ^-v -^ Aji^^M^Bfe, F / ''•^'^^^ M^^^^^^H^H 1 • ^ j^' !fc — __^^^^^ feta K ■ '!# ^ '^"W^^* In filrsf^'rt;^ v'r t»J m il* '.^Mi^^Hai^^^JMHl ^!0^^i^ ^'^^ f'-ffj^^^ '^^1 if. ^^^^H w:w ''] ^pST'- ' -. ^'Vrk^#*'i'^^^^^H^^W^^9i 4Mk'-&^:, - » RESIDENCE OF JACOB CARSTENS, LIZARD TOWNSHIP. LIZARD TOWNSHIP AND VICINITY. LIZAED TOWNSHIP. 665 feirry travelers across it in his dugout wliich was tiewn from a basswood tree. His services were always grat- uitous." When be left Pittsburg, Pa., for Iowa in 1855 he was accompanied by bis younger brother, Hugh (single), and James Hicliey. Sooa afterward he was followed .by: his elder brother, Patrick and, their cousin, Eoger Col- lins. Michael, lived on the farm until 1877. He then moved to Manson and in 1891 to Clare, where he died in 1898. His family consisted of three sons, Patrick arid James, who died young in Ireland, Bridget, who cared for him after his retirement from the farm . and Michael T. , , eollins, Michael Thomas, (b. Dun- beg, Ireland, 1744), at 12, in 1855, be- came a resident of Pocahontas county. In 1865, he married Fannie Haire, a teacher, and after two years' resi- dence in Port Dodge bought a farm of 200 acres on sec, 12, which be has im- proved with good buildings and still ; occupies. He has served as trustee and assessor in the township, and, as a county supervisor in 1887-92, was the last representative of Lizard ■ town- ,shlp pn that board. His wife in Janu- ary to May, 1865, taught the second .term ot school in the Oalligan district in the Ipg, cabin of Dennis Connor. She was a refined, cultured christian woman whose life, as a.wife and moth- er, was a gracious benediction in the home and family circle. , She endured patiently the trials Incident to pio- neer life, the rearing of a large fam- ;ily,and in ,1900, passed to her reward. JHis family consists of nine children one having died in ir^fancy; . ■ Michael Joseph (b. 1866), in 1894 mar- , ried Annie Cain, and lives at Clare, where he is engaged in; land, insur- ixince and , auctioneer business. He has one son, Harold David, and one daughter, Fannie. William John (b. 1868), graduate of the law department of the Iowa State University in 1895, began the practice of law at Glare that year.' Sept. 20, 1897, he established the Clare Exam- iner and continued as its editor until 1900. He is now devoting himself to the practice of his profession and has a promising future before him. ' Fannie in 1900, married M. J. Mc- Mahon. Thomas {b. 1869), Elizabeth M., David J., Maggie, Bridget C. and John Herbert are at home. Maggie and Bridget have been at- tending the Convent schools at Fort Dodge and Clare; and seven of them —Michael J., William J., Elizabeth, Fannie, Maggie, Eobert and John have met with good success as teach- .ers. Catherine Kionerk, daughter of the wife of Michael Collins, Sr.:, came with her to the Lizard settlement in .1855. She married. Thomas J. Calli- gan'of Webster county and raised a family of two sons and four daughters. She now lives on her farm south of :Clare, her husband having died in 1882. eollins, Patrick (b. 1819, d. 1897), elder brother of Michael, after his marriage to Nora Green in Ireland in 1853, came to Pennsylvania and re- mained four years. In the fall of ,1857, with wife and three children he located on the sei sec 12, Lizard town- ship, and the next year secured the nei sec. 24. ; After a residence of five years in this county he sold his farms to his brothers, Michael and Hugh Col- lins, and moved to Webster County, where he died at 78 in'1897..' eollins, Hugh (b. Ireland 1833; d. 1889; p,156) younger brother of Michael came to America in his youth and lo- cated at Pittsburg,. Pa. In 1854 he came to Iowa and to the Lizard set- tlement the next year in company , with James Hickey. They were the first two settlers in. the Lizard settle- ment, Hickey locating on the sei sec. 13, Lizard township and Collins on the 666 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. 8wi sec. 18, opposite In Jackson town- ship. In 1871 he bought the farm of his cousin, Roger Collins, containing the Collins grove of natural timber on sec. 24, and it is now owned by his son, Michael J. Collins, of Clare. eotllns, Roger, cousin of Michael Sr., coming to America at 32, lived in New Yor]£ and Ohio till 1856, when he l(3cated on a preemption on the nei sec. 23, 160 acres. Lizard township. Later he also secured the ni nwi sec. 24. In 1871, after a residence of 14 years he moved to a farm near Fort Dodge and later to that town where he died at 78 in 1900. His family con- sisted of one son, who died about 1888, and six daughters, all of whom are married, namely, Mrs. M. English, Mrs. Matthias Hanrahan of Clare, Mrs. Franlc Hogan, Mrs. Frank Mc- Namara of Fort Dodge, Mrs. Robert McNamara of Belmond and Mrs. Thomas F. McCartan of Pocaho'ntas. 6onnora, Michael, who bought the claim of Dennis Connor, whose vacant cabin built in 1856, was used for school purposes in the Calligan district 1863 to 1866, came to Lizard township in the summer of 1857 with wife and one child and located on the swi sec. 1. After two year's he moved to Inde- pendence where he died in 1862. His wife held the farm until her death in 1890, and it is now owned and occu- pied by her daughter Alice. Their family consisted of four children, Michael and Mary, who have died, Margaret and Alice. erahan, Patrick (b. 1832; d. 1898), founder of the Crahan Place on swi sec. 8, Lizard township, was a native of Clare county, Ireland, and was left an orphan at nine. Going to the Low- lands of Scotland at fifteen he found employment as a ditcher, and during the next six years earned his passage money to America. At 21 he came to Elmira, N. Y. and engaged in railroad constructionr In 1854 he married Margaret McMahon, and soon after- ward located at Winona, Wis., and then in Iowa along the Illinois Cent- ral R. R., successively at Julian, Man- chester, Elk Run, Iowa Falls and in the spring of 1869 in Lizard township. Here he secured the homestead right of J. J. Bruce and began to farm. He returned to the railroad, however, when he sufEered the loss of crops by the grasshoppers or other causes. Al- though he worked on the railroad more than twenty-five years he proved an aggressive and very successful farmer. As the years passed he added 460 acres to the homestead, making 620 acres in the Crahan Place, which he made a beautiful home. His wife in whose honor the Rolfe Catholic church was named "St. Mar- garet," died in 1895. He died at 66 in 1898. His family consisted of eleven children of whom seven are living. Michael, Crahan, (see page 513). Mary in 1894, married Michael Fitz- gerald, located on sec. 1, and died in 1895. Thomas is owner of a farm of 120 acres on sec. 18. In 1891 he married Maggie Bradigan. John in 1897, married Sadie Tierney and occupies a farm of 120 acres on sees. 6 and 18. Nellie, in 1897, married Patrick Con- ners, and lives on a farm near Bar- num. Katie, in 1896, married Wm. Tier- ney, and lives at Rolfe. Bridget and William are at home. Patrick died at 20 in 1896, and Maggie at 17, in 1899. 8oyd, James, after whom the Boyd school district. No. 4, was named, was a native of Ireland, where he married and raised two sons, Arthur and Wil- liam. On coming to this country he lived several years ia the Province of Ontario, Can., and in 1866, located In Lizard township, where he and Arthur secured homesteads on sec. 34, and William on sec. 36. All of them left the county about the year 1874. LIZARD TOWNSHIP. 667 Donahoe, James, (b. 1814), one of the early pioneers of Lizard towhshlp, (p. 163), had a family of nine children, of whom the five eldest came with him to Pocahontas county in 1856. Two of these Charles and Mary died during the seven years of his residence in this county. Thomas is cashier of the State Banli at Clare. Peter M., owner and occupant of 320 acres on sees. 36 and 25, Lizard township, is the only member of the family now living in this county. He married Ellen Condon, the first teach- er in Lizard township, and she died in 1879, leaving two children, Joseph, who lives on the farm with his father, and James, a clerk at Clare. Later he married Annie Carey, and their family consists of Thomas, Mary, Eichard, Elizabeth and Annie. Rose Ann, (see p. 163). Mary Jane is at home. Chq,rles, the youngest, is a member of the firm of Donahoe & Wood, general merchants, Clare. He married Agnes Calligan and has one child. Donataoe, John, who, in 1865, lo- cated on sec. 14, after a few years re- moved to Lake township, where he died. His wife is dead also. Their family consisted of four sons, Michael, an Invalid, John and William, who are residents of Lake township, and Wallace, who lives at Lincoln, Neb. Ford, Walter, (b. 1833; p. 159), one of the most prominent and successful pioneers of Lizard township, and hon- ored by a seat on the Board of County Supervisors 1874 to 1876, was a native of Ireland. At the age of 17 he came to America with his elder sister, Ellen —Mrs. Patrick McLarney— and niece, and located at Ellsworth, Maine, where he found employment in the pineries and remained four years. In April, 1856, he came to Pocahontas county and located a claim on the net sec. 13, Lizard township. In 1859 he went) to Louisiana, and the next year to Philadelphia, where in May, 1860, he married Mary, daughter of John Garvey. In 1861, returning to Fort Dodge and finding employment, first as a teamster and later as a contractor, he remained there until the spring of 1870, when he again located on his claim in Lizard township which, in the meantime, had been occupied by Michael O'Shea and William Price. He improved this farm with good buildings and occupied It for 24 years. His wife died in 1882, and in 1884 he moved to Clare where he still resides. In making his first frip to the fron- tier in 1856, he paid the Stagfe Com- pany at Dubuque $14.00 for his pas- sage to FoTt Dodge. When he arrived at Iowa Falls the Iowa river, which had no bridge or ferry, was overflow- ing its banks, and the stage driver in- formed the passengers they would have to wait there until the river could be forded before they could be carried to Fort Dodge. Three of them Messrs. Ford, Haney and A. T. Black- shire demanded the return of a part of their fares, but were refused with a repetition of the previous announce- ment. These three men, crossing the river in a skiff, walked the remaining 60 miles, carrying their valises, and ' received their trunks three months later. On his return to the farm in 1870 he again began to take a prominent part in the management of the public af- fairs in the township and county. He received a good education, was a neat penman and no one enjoyed more fully ■than he, the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. He served as County Supervisor three years, as As- sessor three years and as a Justice eleven years. He has been a raember of the Catholic church from his in- fancy, was a liberal supporter of the Lizard church and furnished the out- line of its history that appears in this volume. 668 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. His family consisted of nine chil dren: Walter P., in 1894, married Eliza- beth, daughter of John. O'Nell, and occupies the old home farm on sec. 13. He has taught several terms of school and engaged two years in general mer- chandise at Pioneer. Thomas Edward, married Catherine Malie, of Clare, and died at 27 in 1890, leaving one child, Edward. Celia Agnes, married James Cody, a painter, lives at Clare and has two children, Josie and John. Lillian E., in 1892, married John F. Dalton, editor and proprietor of the Manson Democrat, and has four chil- dren, John, Mary, Lillian and Alice. Mary, at the home of her father in Clare, died at 34 in 1900. John P., in 1893, married Nellie Howard, lives in Fort Dodge where he has served six years as Deputy Auditor and is now serving his second term as Auditor of Webster county. He has two children, Howard and Mary. Joseph, a resident of Gowrle, is own- er of a farm of 160 acres in Jackson township, Webster county. Catherine, married Maurice O'Hear- ne, a blacksmith, lives at Clare and has one child, Walter. Lottie, married Wm. J. Wood, a general merchant, lives at Clare and has two children, Hubert and Eulalia. Gorman, James, who preempted 120 acres on sec. 12, sold his interest to Thomas Cotter before he made any Improvements, and the latter sold it to Michael Collins for his son, M. T. Collins, its present owner and occu- pant. Helmick, Henry, who in 1869, se- cured a homestead on sec. 28, died about 1874, leaving a family who still occupy the old home. Henrlcks, John, who in 1865, se- cured a homestead on sec. 4, still owns it and lives in Manson. Hoeting, Dietrick, owner and oc- cupant of 720 acres on sees. 22 and SS, is a native of Germany and a nephew of Jacob Carstens. In the fall of 1866, he came and joined his uncle, who had preceded him in Lizard township one year, and they lived together during the next three years in a sod shanty that was built on the line between their homesteads on sec, 22. In 1869, the sod house was replaced by a frame building 12x18 feet that still forms the main part of the home of his uncle. In the fall of 1870 he returned to Germany and in February, 1871, he married Catherine Peters. Accom- panied by his wife he returned to his homestead and erected thereon a good house, 16x24 feet. His progress and development since has kept pace with the growth of the country. Com- mencing life in humble circumstances he is now the happy possessor of a large estate. During the years of 1873-8 the grasshoppers took from him all the capital he brought with him. These losses were very discouraging, but instead of yielding thereto, he put forth a noble endeavor to retrieve them in the best possible manner, and the success achieved became another practical illustration of the truth of the old adage, that, ''Patience and perseverance will perform great won- ders." He learned how to practice economy in the school of necessity. He has succeeded well in raising cat- tle and hogs, and by investing his sur- plus annual income in Pocahontas county land, he has found the latter a very profitable investment. Four hundred of the 720 acres now possessed were bought during the period 1890- 94. He has provided for his family the facilities for a good education and has been an efBcient member of the St. John's Lutheran church since its organization. His first wife died in 1872, leaving one child, Catherine, who is still at home. In 1873, , he married Nettie Webber and their family consisted of LIZARD TOWNSHIP. 669 eight children, Dietriclj; Annie, who in 1894, married Wm. Shroeder and lives on sec. 13, Bellville township; Henry, Mary, Frederjc, Frank and Nettle. Klingbeil, Gustave, came from Wisconsin in 1867, with Julius Sell and located on sec. 6. He is now the owner of 160 acres that are well im- proved and he has raised a large family. Johnson, John H,, who in 1866, located on sec. 10, and served as Jus- tice from 1867 to 1874, had a good team and did a great deal of breaking for the other settlers in Lizard and some of the neighboring townships. He is now living at Fort Dodge. Johnson, Daniel and Isaac W., who in 1866, located on sec. 10, were brothers. Isaac died some years ago and Daniel is now the owner and oc- cupant of a fine farm of 160 acres on sec. 16. Kelley Charles, {b. 1817, d. 1890,— p. 157) one of the most persevering and successful of the early pioneers of Lizard township, was a native of Ireland. Locating on sec. 12 in 1856, he improved his claim and occupied it until his decease in 1890— a period of 34 years. He was a man of noble im- pulses and possessed considerable na- tive shrewdness. He added acre to acre in the early days when land was cheap and ranked second among the early pioneers in the number of acres possessed. He was a devout member of the Catholic church, an enthusias- tic leader among the democrats and very nearly secured the erection of the lirst court house on his own farm. He raised a large and intelligent fam- ily of sons and daughters, to all of whom he afforded the opportunity of receiving a good education. His wife (b. 1834), who is still in the enjoyment of good health, and several of the younger members of the family still occupy the substantial log house built in 1856 in a beautiful grove of native timber along the North branch of Lizard creek. His family consisted of nine chil- dren: Henry (b. 1856), in 1889 married Agnes McKee and is now engaged in the drug business at Anselmo, Neb. Charles Joseph (b. May 6, 1858), the lirst boy born in Pocahontas county, after graduating from college at Ke- okuk, and in 1892 from the Rush Med- ical Institute, Chicago, has since been engaged in the practice of medicine at Burlington. Annie married Maurice Shine, liyes on sec. 18, Lake township, and has three children. Michael is owner of a farm of 120 acres near the old home. Mary married John Karnes, lives at the old home and has three children, Charles, Mary and Rhoda. Susanna married Daniel O'Hearn, occupies a farm of 120 acres at Clare, and has three children, Martha, Joseph and Homer. Rhoda married Michael Keenan, a blacksmith, lives at Fort Dodge and has two children, Veronica and Rob- ert. Martha, a dressmaker, lives at Fort Dodge, and John, the youngest, man- ages the home farm. Anna, Mary, Susanna, Martha and Henry spent more or less time teach- ing school. Edward, the fifth, died in childhood, and James E. died at 17, in 1885. Kenning Charles, a resident of sec. 29, from 1870 to 1877, was a native of Germany, where he married Mary Shroeder. Coming to America he located first in Wisconsin and re- mained there until 1870. He was very successful in raising stock and his farm of 160 acres was very soon in- creased to 240 acres. He is now a res- ident of Manson. His family consisted of fl ve children : Augusta married Rudolph Kelsow 670 PIONEBE HISTOBY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. a native of Germany. They occupy a farm of 200 acres on sections 19 and 30, and have four children, Martha, Otto, John and William. Martha married Frederic Welgert, owner and occu- pant of 160 acres ia Bellville town- ship. John, who is engaged in the hard- ware business at Manson, married Elizabeth Herbert and has a family of seven children. William is at home. Frederic J. has been engaged in the hardware business at Fonda since 1893 in partnership with A. L. Rob- erts. In 1896 he married Lulu Ellis and has two children, Grace and Ma- bel. Eudolph is engaged in the real es- tate business in Texas. Mceabe Patrick, an early pioneer that in 1856 located on sec. 24, was a native of Ireland. He improved and enlarged his pre-emption to 160 acres. He occupied it until his death, and it is still In the possession of his wife (Dempsey) and family. He was an honest and upright man, and enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was one of the first trustees of the township, and in 1862, becoming a member of the second board, served four years as a county supervisor. His family consisted of seven chil- dren: Annie married John Condon, a farm- er, who owns a large farm in Webster county, and has raised a large family; Kate is in a Sisters' school at Du- buque. Alice married Thomas Fitz, and lives on a farm in Jackson township. Peter, owner of 160 acres, lives with his mother at the old home. Margaret married Michael Fitz and located on a farm in Humboldt coun- ty, where she died about 1890. James J. married a daughter of Thomas Brennan, o w ns a farm of 80 acres on sec. 21 and has three children. Elizabeth married John Condon andj lives in Wisconsin. Miller David, superintendent 1870, 71, in 1865 secured a homestead of 80 acres on sec. 14, which he occupied until 1889, when he moved to Wash- ington township and soon afterward to Oregon. He was a good teacher, served as superintendent and also as a member of the board of county su- pervisors. He married a sister of George Spragg during his residence in Buchanan county and she died there. Josephine Russell, his second Wife died before he left the homestead, and he afterward married Mrs, Willey, who had two children by her first husband. McDermott Bernard, who in 1868 came to sec. 14, about 1876, moved to Lake township and in 1885 to Ne- braska. Nolan Christopher, still lives on sec. 3, where he located in 1869. Nolan Nicholas, who in 1869 came with his brother Christopher, and lo- cated on section 4, is still the owner and occupant of the old homestead which he has enlarged by the purchase ot 80 additional acres. His wife died a few years ago. Their family con- sisted of four children, three sons and one daughter, Mary, who married James Mulholland and lives at Gil- more City. John lives at Manson. O'NlelJohn, (b. 1819) owner of a farm of 160 acres on sec. 7, was a na- tive of Ireland. Coming to America at thirteen, he located in Canada where he married Constance Godrey and remained until 1871. Then with a family of eight children he located on the homestead in Lizard township, which he improved with good build- ings. He died at 81 in 1900. His wife and nine children, Mary, Alice, Kate, Thomas, Annie, James, Eliza- beth, Lucy, Theresa and Joseph are living. Alice died at Port Dodge in 1899. Annie married J. H. Caswell, a merchant and lives at LIZAED TOWNSHIP. 671 Grand Junction. Lizzie married Walter P. Ford and lives in Lizard township. Lizzie married and lives in Chicago, The others are at the old home. O' Boyle Michael, (b. 1826; d. 1897), resident of section 20, Lizard town- ship, from 1876 to 1890, was a native of Ireland, the son of John and Mary O'Boyle. He came to America in 1851, and in 1856 at Pottsville, Pa., married Mary Thompson. Later he located at Shenandoah, Pa., and in 1876 in Pocahontas county. He was a successful farmer and transformed the wild prairie on which he located, into a beautiful home. In 1890 he moved to Clare, where he died in 1897. He was an ardent democrat and a mem- ber of the Catholic church. His family (consisted of four chil- dren: Thomas married Alice Dalton and has been for many years the postmas- ter at Clare. Kate married JohnCoplee, a mer- chant, and lives at Manson. Mary married John Collins, a mer- chant, and lives at Gllmore City. Patrick died in 1881. O'Shea Michael (b. 1822), who oc- cupied the NEi Sec. 13, from 1864 to 1895, Is now a resident of Manson. He is a native of Ireland, came to America in 1850 and lor ited in Cler- mont county, Ohio, Wii3re he found employment boating between that place and New Orleans on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In 1855 he married Catherine Carrol), (b. Ireland 1824) and engaged in farming and rail- roading until he settled in this coun- ty. He experienced some disappoint- ments on the farm, but with the help of his son John increased the original 80 to 400 acres before he left it In 1895. By raising oxen and feeding stocli- cattle he usually fed more grain than he raised. He believes success on the farm can be achieved by any intelli- gent person, who practices economy in expenditures, abstains from the use of tobacco and iutoxicantSi works late and early and combines stock-raising and feeding with crop- ping. In Manson he has built a large residence and one of the finest double brick business blocks in the city. He is a member of the Catholic church and has been a republican since 1860. His family consisted of seven chil- dren, two of whom died in Ohio and three others in the short space of six- teen months after coming to Iowa, namely: Michael at 24, in 1889; Kate at 20, In 1890, and Maria at 28 in 1891. Maria in 1886 married Henry Gorman of Chicago, and left one son, Harry. John, a teamster, is at home. Bridget in 1882 married Joseph Price, a stock-dealer, and he died at Manson in 1895, leaving six children, Mary, Kittle, Nellie, Joseph, Eose and Maggie. Julius John, who in 1868, located on the Wi SWi Sec. 28, is a native of Germany, where he married Minnie Seeman. Coming to America he lived several years in Wisconsin and about fifteen in Clayton county, Iowa. His orchard of two acres planted about 1880 is now in fine bearing con- dition and one of the best in the township. His family consisted of three sons and three daughters: Matilda married Joseph Breitenbach (p. 661) who died In 1878, leaving three children, David, Hannah and Adam. Later she married August Miller, and their family consists of seven sons, Edward, John, Otto, August, Henry, William and Erick. Minnie married August Barthold and located In Calhoun county, where he died. Later she married August Haese and their family consists of two children. John B. married Bertha Miller, lives at Gilmore city and has a family of three children, Lydia, William and Matle. 672 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Edward B. Is engaged in the drug business in South Dakota, and Henry is at G^llmore City. Redman Carl, in 1888 located on section 6. In 1889 he met with a seri- ous accident while returning from Manson, that resulted in his death a few hours later. He left one son, Carl, who is still owner of the old homestead, and one daughter, Louisa, who became the wife of Gerd Elsen (p. 628). His wife died at the home of her daughter in Lake township, in 1892. Renken Michael, owner of 360 acres on section 20, is a native of Germany, where he married Antrim Weber. He came in 1868, has been quite success- ful as a farmer and has improved his farm with neat and attractive build- ings. His family consisted of five children: Anna, after her marriage located in California; Maria married John Jan- sen, a harness-maker, and lives at Manson; Henry married Hannah Saat- haf , lives on his father's farm and has two children; John and Frank are at home. Rost Arndt E., Mary Ann his wife, and four children, Benjamin, Maria, Anna and Ancke, in June, 1868, lo- cated on section 8, Arndt and Benja- min taking adjoining homesteads. Arndt died suddenly at 70, in the spring of 1869, while in the field for the cows. During that same year his three daughters became ill and died; Maria and Anna on the same day. His house was located on the line be- tween the two homesteads and his wife, while living with her son, se- cured his homestead. She died in 1882. Benjamin married Mary Weber and is now the owner and occupant of both homesteads. He served as a trustee five years. A sister of his became the wife of John C. Ever wine, who in 1869 located and still lives on section 20. Her family consists, of two sons and one daughter. Price, George, who in 1865 located ' on the Wi SWi SEC. 24, was h native of England where he married. He spent about forty years in America, locating first in Nova Scotia, then' in Dane county, Wisconsin, in Lizard township, 1865 to 1875, then in Young county, Texas, where he died. Price, William Perry, (b. 1819), youngest son ot George, came with' his father to America in his child- hood, and in 1849, married Mary A. Wade, of Hamilton, Can. In 1855 he moved to a farm in Dane Co., Wis., where in 1861 he enlisted as a member of Co, G,llbh Wis. Ihf.and spent three years in the army during the Civil war. In 1865 he located on a home- stead of 80 acres, on the SWi SEC. 24, Lizard township, which he improved and occupied until 1875, when he went to Texas, but soon afterward located in Dent Co., Mo. In 1880 he returned to Lizard township, where in 1882; his wife and daughter, Charlotte, died during a scourge of' malarial fever Accompanied by Joseph, his youngest son, he returned to Missouri, wherehe married again. His second wife died a few years ago and he is how at the home at his daughter, Mrs.' Ji J. Bruce, of Rolfe. It was just after the battle of Bull Run when the nation ' needed men, that he said, "take me." He has had the courage to express his convictions and his worth as a citizen has been recognized wherever he has resided. His family corisisted of four sons and eight daughters, ot whom Caro- line, the eldest, died at 11 in 1861, and Henrietta, the young est, in infancy., John W., a farmer, married Mary Holmes, lives near Rolfe and has two children. James II., a butcher, mar- ried Nancy Hale, lives at Rolfe and has two children. Robert G. married Winnifred Inman, daughter of an early settler of Des Moines township, . and Jives in the state ot Washington. LIZARD TOWNS:aiP. 673 Joseph the youngest, settled on a farm in Camden Co., Mo. Mary J. married James J. Bruce, (p. 509), Alice married Wm, E. Struth- ers (p. 529), Maria married Harry Ham, a farmer, and lives in Des Moines township, Elizabeth C. mar- ried Mels Lilligaard, a farmer and lives in Clinton township. Annie married Wm. Overmier (now deceas- ed) and lives at Valley Junction. Russell, Phillip, (b. 1823, d. 1893, p. 160) was one of the most intelligent and highly honored ot the early pio- neers of Lizard township and filled the ofifice of justice for eight years, township clerk, sixteen, county super- visor, two, and clerk of the district court four, 1861-ti5. He discharged his public duties with fidelity ahd was a devout member of the Catholic church. He died at 70 in 1893, leaving a good heritage for his children. His family consisted of eight child- ren, all of whom are living, except Thomas who died at 21, in 1895. John M. (b. 1861), owner of 160 acres on Sec. 3 and Clerk 1890-94, after teaching and farming a few years turned his attention to philosophical investigation and authorship. He furnished the author of this work most of the facts for the historical sketch of Lizard township. In 1899 he went to Colorado City and two years later to' San Francisco, where he is now carrying through the press a corrected edition of a volume first printed by the Ft. Dodge Post in 1898. entitled, "The Seven Ages."* *rhe Seven Ages, or a new system of science and theology, towit: "That the sun is the heaven of the solar system, the throne of omnipotence; tiiat it is a stupendous cosmic shell of gold whose interior is the empyrean, and its exterior the hell of the solar system; that the earth had five moons, now all fallen but one, that the fall of the fourth sunk the ocean beds and upheaved the continents and moent- Margaret Ellen is a teacher of many years experience. William P. (b. 1165) is manager of the home farm. In his earlier years he engaged in teaching, but now de- votes his spare time to the insurance business. Phillip F. (b. 1867) Mary Alice, a teacher and Lillian B. the youngest are at home. Michael J, Russell, (b. 1871) after teaching several years, graduated at the Iowa college of law, Des Moines, and in 1901, located in Manson, where he has since been engaged in the practice of law. James P. (b. 1876) in 1895 married- Minnie O'Connell, and occupies the farm of his brother, John M., on Sec- tion 3. Schoonmaker, Garrett, In 1865 located on the N4 SWi SEC. 4, where he established an inn, a store and a postofRoe. His house was on the government route from Ft. Dodge to to SIdux Rapids, and at the time it was built, there was no other one be- tween it and the latter place. His two sons, Alonzo and Luther located on farms on Sec. 5. About 1884 all moved to the vicinity of Manson and later to Sac county, where Garrett died about 1896. Schroeder, William, died about 1880 and his family still own and oc- cupy the old home on Sec. 29. Streckleberg, Henry, and his son Henry Streckleberg, Jr., in August, 1868 secured the homestead claims of Wm. B. and Chas. W. Lattin, on Sec. 14. A few years later Henry purchas- ains, and that the fall of the fifth at the end of time shall cause-the end of the world; that the invisible atomic element of infinite space is the ashes of fallen angels, which became the source of all creation; that as Lucifer became the "old serpent," .':0 sin traijsforms angeis and men to serpents and the the undying serpent, em- blem of the punishment of the wicked, is the end of all degradation." 674 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ed Sec. 25, Bellville township, and commenced to raise wheat on a large scale. Owing to the excess of mois- ture and the ravages of the grass- hoppers this proved an unprofitable venture. Henry Jr., still owns the farm on Sec. 14, now increased to 360 acres and lives at Manson. Stelnbrink, Carl, (b. 1838) one of the most prominent of the Lizard settlers that came after the Civil war, is, a native of Germany, the son of John and Sabine (Bartold) Steinbrink. His mother died when he was three years of age and his father when he was eleven. April 29, 1866, during .the Austria- Prussian war, he married Maria Kalsow (b. 1840). He was then a soldier in the Prussian army and when in September that year, at the close of the war, he was mustered out he had completed three years of military service in the Prussian or German army. Crossing the Atlantic he arrived at New York, October 28th, on his way to northwestern Iowa. Leaving his wife at Iowa Falls, the terminus of the railroad, he and Eudolph Kalsow, his brother-in-law, walked to the Ei SWi SEC. 22, Lizard township, (p. 664), a distance of 75 miles. In making this trip they saw only one farm house between Alden and Webster City. During the years that have passed since that date he has witnessed a wonderful transforma- tion in this section of the country. He, too, has been an ideal settler, selecting his homestead, occupying, enlarging and improving it as the years have passed. The sod shanty, 12x14 feet, occupied the first four years was then replaced by a story and a half log house, 16x20 feet, and twenty two years later or in 1893, it was replaced by the large frame man- sion he and his family have since en- joyed, . In 1888 he built a large barn to take the place of the first improve- ments for the care of his stock. Other new buildings have since been erected and all of them are nicely protected by a beautiful grove. His orchard is one of the best in the township. The homestead of 80 acres has been in- creased to 440 acres and in 1896 he added thereto some property in Man- son that cost about $2000. He has served as a member and secretary of the Boyd school board ever since it became an independent district, in 1875. He served as a mem- ber of the board 'of supervisors six years, 1878-83. He has been a leading member of theLizard Lutheran church since its organization. He has thus been prominently identified with the development of the material, politi- cal, educational and religious interests of that highly favored section of the land of his adoption. He is one of nature's noblemen and enjoys the reputation of being the largest man in the township, standing six feet, two Inches in height and weighing 225 pounds. The high esteem in which he is held, however, is due to the excellent qualities of character he has developed, the good record he has made and the success he has achieved. His family consists of three sons and three daughters. Matilda M. (b. 1867), in 1887 married William Onken, a native of Germany, who owns and occupies 160 acres on Sec. 25, and has a family of four children, Henry, Maria, Elizabeth and Martha. John F. (b. 1869), Carl F. (b. 1872), Rudolph Otto, (born 1874), Augusta and Emma E. are at home. Stenson, William W. (b. 1828), who in 1865 located on the WiSBi Sec. 14, is a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., where in 1851 he married Sarah M. Coller and located on a farm. In 1856 he moved to Adams Co., Wis., and In 1865 to Pocahontas county. He im- proved and occupied the homestead 28 years, and in 1893 moved to Manson. The first postofiBce in Lizard township Cp. 659) was established at his home in LIZARD TOWNSHIP. 675 186S. , He served three years, 1875-77, as a county supervisor of this county. His wife died at 48 In 1876. His family consisted of three children two of whom died in childhood. Ida, tfte second, in 1877 married Seymour Fer- rand, and, after a few years' residence in Calhpun county, in 1889 located on a farm on See. 9, Lizard township. They have one son, William, who graduated from the Manson High School in'1898. Van Valkenburg, A. H. who in 1£67 secured a homestead on Sec. 36 is still the owner and occupant of it. His sister who used to keep house for him died a few years ago. lie has filled the offices of trustee, assessor and justice. Wagner. Peter, who secured a homestead on Sec. 34, died about 1877 and his wife, who was a sister of David Miller, afterwards married A. M. Carpenter. Wallace, David (1805; d. 1885) an- cestor of the Wallace families of Liz- ard and Center townships was a native of Ireland, where he married Mary Bagdad. Both he and wife were of Scotch parentage and received their early training in the Established Church. In 1837, after the birth of their first two children, they came to America and located on a farm in Canada. In March 1866 his oldest son, John W. WallacCj Henry Shields.his broth- er-in-law, James Shields and James Connors came together to Lizard township and secured homesteads of 80 acres each on Sec. 8. They came by rail to Ackley and walked the re- maining distance. Bach of the first three men named built a sod house and began the work of improving their homesteads. Two months later David Wallace, a younger brother of John W, arrived, secured a homestead on the same section and built another sod house. In October 1866 David Wallace and family, which then in- cluded three of his grand children, Mary J. , Josiah W. and Francis H. Osborne, arrived, began to occupy Connor's homestead and built an- other sod house oq the same section. These settlers on Sec. 8, were among the number of those who had to take the lead in this county in erecting sod houses and planting artificial groves. They experienced no difficul- ty in getting sod for their houses, which were used about one year, but as there were no tree peddlers in those days, they had to go many miles to ob- tain the little trees or cuttings for the groves. David Wallace in 1869 served as superintendent of the first Sunday school in Lizard township. It met in the Johnson school house on Sec. 4. His wife died at 66 in 1871 and was buried in the cemetery in Jackson township, south of Clare. In 1876 he accompanied Henry Shields aiid fam- ily to the State of Washington where he died at 80 in 1885, He was a tall, large and strong man. His family consisted of eight children: Ellen in Canada married Frank Os- borne, who died in 1852, leaving three children; Mary J., Josiah W. and Frank H. She died in 1855. Their children found a home with their grand parents and in 1866 came with them to Lizard township. Mary be- came the wife of George Spragg and in 1869 located in Cedar township and twelve years later in Nebraska. Josi- ah married Ida, a sister of L. W. Moody and located atPomeroy. Frank went to Washington. Thomas H, in Canada married Char- lotte Carlisle and later located in Ft. Dodge, where she died in 1881 leaving three children. Eliza J. in Canada married Henry Shields who, in March 1866, secured a homestead on Sec. 8, Lizard town- ship. He improved and occupied this homestead until 1876 when, accom- 676 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. panied by David Wallace, he moved to Washington. John W., Clerk of the Court, 1875-86. See page 479. David (b. 1847: d. 1894) in 1870 mar- ried Rosa Dempsey, a native of Cana- da, and continued to live on the home- stead in Lizard township until 1884, vfhen he moved to Washington where he died in 1894 leaving four children; William, Ella, Maude and Dot. Samuel (b. 1851), coming with his parents to Pocahonbas county, in 1879 located with his brother John at Pocahontas. In 1881 he married Mary McLarney and a few years later loca- ted at Grilmore City. His family con- sists of six children. Walsh, Michael (b. 1830; d. 1900— p. 164), one ot the early pioneers after whom the Walsh (No. 2) school dis- trict was named, was a native of Cork Co., Ireland. In 1852 he came to New York and the next year to Butler Co., O., where in June 1856, he married Margaret Lully, a native of Dublin, and located in Rock Island Co. 111. He was not satisfied with his pros- pects there, and leaving his wife with friends he started afoot for the prai- ries of western Iowa and arrived in Lizard township in October following. Here he put a pre-emption claim on 160 acres on the NEi Sec. 14 and erec- ted a log cabin. The land was put on tlie market sooner than he expected and he was then able to buy only 40 acres of the amount claimed. When it was opened for homestead entry he secured 40 acres more and as the years passed he made other purchases so that at the time ot his decease in 1900, he owned 400 acres. His log cabin 16x18 feet is said to have been the first one covered with shingles west of Ft. Dodge. Ten years later it was re- placed by a large frame house the shelter and comforts of which were shared with many a wayfaring travel- er passing eastward or westwai-d on the amigrant route. He was a good farmer and succeeded well in his ef- forts to transform the wilderness into a cultivated and fruitful field. He was a member of the Catholic church, a A a man "universally loved and respected." His family consisted of seven child- ren all of whom have grown up; Mary, a teacher. Rose, Ann, Philip, Marga- ret, William and Thomas. Mrs. Daniel Lane, sister of Michael Walsh, and one of the old settlers in Lizard township, died at 72 in 1899 at Pomeroy where her husband still lives. Wiese, John (b. 1819), who in 1865 secured a homestead on Sec. 26, was a native of Germany where he married. In May 1865, with wife and three children, he located in Lizard town- ship. He was a good farmer and be- came quite prominent as a citizen. His wife died in 1887 and he died in 1893. Their family consisted of four children: Henrietta after her mar- riage moved to Kansas; Minnie mar- ried Henry Rawdell and in 1893 loca- ted in Minnesota; Emma married A. F. Habenicht and lives In Webster county; Gustave married Sophia Raw- dell and lives in Washington. Wiese, Michael (b. 1821; d, 1898), owner and occupant of the NEi Sec. 3 since May 1866, was a native of Ger- many where in 1844 he married Caro- line Hinz and remained until 1851, when he located in Wisconsin. Fif- teen years later he located on a home- stead in Lizard township, which he improved and enlarged as the years passed to 520 acres. He was prosper- ous as a farmer and very highly res- pected for his many excellent qualities of character. For many years he drove a bay horse to Hanson whose instinct seemed al- most equal to man's intelligence. When commanded to stand still by Mr. Wiese, no matter what the cir- cumstances were, he would not move until told to do so. The man and his LIZARD TOWNSHIP. 67'; faithful horse grew old together and when the latter died his master said, He would not long survive him. This prediction proved true, for he died soon afterward at 71 in 1898. His wife died at 79 in 1901. Both were mem- bers of the Lizard Lutheran church. His family consisted of ten children five of whom are still living. William G-., who owns a tine farm on the SWi Sec. 27, in 1881 married Caroline Siefert and has a family of five children; William, Etta, Caroline, George and August. Michael married Ellen Siefert and occupies the SEi Sec. 33. John E., occupies the old homestead and has a family of five children. Frederic owns and occupies 80 acres on Sec. 28. Etta married Adam Wassen, lives in Webster county and has a large family. Westlake, William W., who se- cured a homestead on Sec. 28, and served as a justice, 1871-74, died a few years ago and also his son Wallace. His daughter, Ella, a teacher, married William Merchant; her mother also married and both have left the coun- ty. His farm is now owned and oc- cupied by F.Vanderhdof. Zanter, Ferdinand, who in 1865 located on Sec. 22, is still a resident of the township. In August 1862 he en- listed as a member of Co. D, 27th la., and spent three years as a soldier in the civil war. His marriage to Caroline Fieldhabcr in September, 1866, is said to have been the first one in the town- ship. The Irish in Lizard Township. Nearly all the pioneers and many of the later settlers of Lizard town- ship were natives of Ireland, and their first rivalry was with the citizens of Des Moines township over the loca- tion of the first public buildings and county seat. It has been a source of profound pleasure to record their"foot- prints In the sands of time"-a story of voluntary and heroic struggle in the face of untold privations, hardships and dangers. Some facts that have been mentioned have so deeply impressed the author, by way of comparison and contrast, that he has deemed It not unwise to refer to them again, and he indulges the hope that every read- er will recognize and appreciate the broad and generous spirit that prompts the following comparisons. The people of this country have not been accustomed to look to Ireland for the best types of model and suc- cessful farmers, and during their first years the pioneers of Lizard township were not rated very high for their proficiency in farming by the dwell- ers in the other parts of the county. Many changes have been wrought dur- ing the last forty years, and the fore- going historic review of that town- ship discovers the fact, that if the farmers, representing other lands across the ocean, have done well, many of those that came from Ire- land have also done well. Several of them accumulated as many acres, and others improved their homes with as fine buildings as the leading . repre- sentatives of other distant countries, who reside in the township or coun- ty. During recent years some of the Germans, their nearest and most for- midable rivals, and some of the Swedes also, may have surpassed them a little in raising fine stock, but in one respect worthy of special com- mendation,-they have excelled, name- ly, in the education of their sons and daughters. This is all the more re- markable because the entire town- ship still remains a rural district, a circumstance that compelled them to send their youth away from home in order to secure the- facilities of a thorough and complete education, even in the common branches. As early as 1881 the fact was noted in the press of this county, that Liz- ard township had had, for several 678 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. years, a surplus of good teachers. This has been true of this township every year since. Then, the list of six young men furnished by this town- ship (p. 659), two to each of the three learned professions— the ministry, medicine and law— is at this date and to the best of our knowledge, with- out a parallel in the county. There is not another township in the county that can claim so large a representa- tion of young people in these three professions. On considering this matter a little more closely, it will be found that every one of these young men, in the llHt from Lizard township, represents a family whose parental heads came from the Emerald Isle. Here is a fact that is as sigulfleant as it is re- markable. That their most formid- able rivals in farming and stock rais- ing have been represented in the teaching force of the township by only a small proportion, and have as yet no representative in the circle of professional men raised in it, affords matter for profitable investigation and possibly of instruction. Results are the effects of causes. The contrast to which attention has been called is due to definite causes that may and ought to be perceived. We are not ready to believe that this contrast is due to a less interest in the education of their children and youth on the part of other nationali- ties represented in the township, for they have made liberal provision for the special instruction of their child- ren and youth and expended money freely for the erection of special buildings. If, however, a comparison be made of the courses of instruction, a slight contrast will be perceived. While the Irish, in the education of their youth, have been content to have them master the English language, the children and youth of their rivals, in the special schools provided for them, have been required to spend a great part of their time learnlnga "mother tongue," for use when they may visit the "Father Land". While many from other nationali- tiesbeyond the sea, in coming to This land of the free And home of the brave, retain a lingering hope of a future re- turn and discover a tendency to re- produce, as long as possible, the 'cus- toms with which they were familiar in the Fatherland, the Son of Erin, when he leaves the " Auld Counthry" he usually does so "for good," and be- fore he reaches the middle of the Atlantic has fully decided to "grow up with the country " in the land of his adoption. It is easy to see that these two ideas of life and education are quite different and the difference may ,be , sufficient to produce very different results in the education and development of children and youth. The Irish people in Lizard township are to be congratulated for their manifest interest in, and the success that has attended their efforts to edu- cate their children. XXIII; MARSHALL, TOWXSHIP. "There are countless heroes who live and diOj Of whom the world has never heard; And one of the bravest and best of all, Of whom the list can boast, Is the man who falls on duty's call, The man who dies at his post." I AESHALL township patriots of the Eevolution. Sept. 2, (92-34) is the third 18^*i ^^ the request of the citizens a *-«^ ♦!,„ „„,*i, I number of whom had come from Mar- irom the south in , ,, ^ ^, , , ^.y,„ , „x <.. _ „, <.,„ shall county, the name was changed the west tier of the . ,, ^ i, ,, ™, • ^. ^i county. The terrl- *° ^^^^^t.'' ^^^ °'f °''^*'°? °^ tory included in it SJo^^t^^'^ completed the list in was attached to Des Moines twp. until mu. * i,- . j- ii. T»„- 1 noeo I,- it, ii, V, 1. This township is crossed in a south- Dec. 1, 1862, when the south half was ,„ /ii,„„4.,„„ v„ u„*», i „u-.„ * -4.4. V. J 4. >ii- 4. -t » ,0.., 4.^ ly direction by both branches of attached to Clinton, June 7, mi the ^^^^^ ^^^^^ \^ ^^^ ^^, ^ slough existed along the Big Cedar In whole of it was attached to Dover and during the next eleven years It was 4. .1, 4. 4. 4.1. 4. 1 -KT 4.1. T^ -r ,r .„«„ the northeast part that was a very known as North Dover. June 5 1882, resort for trappers, John in response to a petition presented by ^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^ jj^l,^4 ^^^ A L. Thornton, it was established trappers who lived near Lizard Lake under the name of "Laurens," in dilrlng the TO's, built on the NWi Sec. taonor of Henry and John Laurens, 14 a sod stable for their team and a (679) 680 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. small shanty for tlieir own comfort and occupied them several seasons during the trapping period. Clear Lake, in the southwest corner of the township, is about a half mile wide and one and a half miles long, it was not known to be dry until the drouth period of 1894-5, but duringthe next few years the neighboring farm- ers cultivated and raised crops on the lake bed. It extends over portions of sections 5 and 6, Dover township. In August 1872 a town site was surveyed and platted on its northeastern shore, on lots 1 and 2 and the SEiSWi Sec. 32, Marshall township, by Fred Hess. This land was then owned by James and Mary Lombard, of Charles- town. Mass., who named the place, Lombard, and confidently expected a railroad would soon pass through' It. The latter, however, n§ver came and the town was not built. .Rufus Greene, who Sept. .25, 1871, entered the NEi See. 30, 160 acres, was the only homesteader in this township. W. F. Atkinson, while serving as county recorder, secured a tree claim of 40 acres on the SEi Sec. 4. THOENTON, GREBNB & CO. FARM. The first ten years of the history of this township clusters almost wholly around the company farm of Thorn- ton, Greene & Co. on Sec. 18. About the year 18Q^8 Albert M. Thornton, Alonzo L. Thornton, his son, and Rufus Greene, his brother-in-law, residents of Chatauqua Co., N. Y. formed a partnership under the name of Thornton, Greene & Co., and boughtthree sections of land, of which 1280 acres were on Sees. 18, 20 and 8 in Marshall township and 640 more were on Sec. 24 adjoining in Buena Yista county. This land was bought from Jasper county under the Swamp Land Act for $1 an acre and it was intended to be utilized for the promotion of three objects, agriculture, horticul- ture and forest tree culture. In 1870 Alonzo L. Thornton and family consisting of wife and three children, Lucius, Mary and Alonzo, located on Sec. 18, and during that season expended about $5,000 in build- ings and improvements, hauling the lumber from Pomeroy. The early part of the summer was wet, there were no bridges over the sloughs and 400 feet of lumber made a heavy load for four horses. The house built was a two story frame, 32x32 feet. Two stables and a large granary were also built that year. This was the first settlement in the township. During the previous year John W. Wallace and Isaac Parrish, residents of Lizard township, had broken for this com- pany about 15 acres on Sees. 18 and 24, adjoining. In 1870 this breaking was planted with forest trees, principally maples and elms. In the autumn of 1871, A. L. Thorn- ton, who had taken a regular course in civil engineering and was a skillful surveyor and maker of maps, moved to Des Moines in order that he might devote his attention to map work. Rufus Greene accompanied by his wife and two children, Rufus and Mary, then moved upon the farm and began to superintend the operations. The stock then consisted of 5 horses, 3 yoke of oxen, 20 cows, 50 head of stock cattle and 40 head of hogs. In 1870 no crop had been raised except a little sod corn and; in' 1871 the crop raised on 15 acres was but very little better. Fonda, the nearest postoiHce and market, was 14 miles distant. The situation was intensely lonesoa^e and the outlook anything but en- couraging. During the next year the situation did, not .change very mater- ially and in the spring of 1873 he loca- ted on a homestead on the NEi Sec. 30 and Albert M. Thprpton, who had become a resident of Webster county, moved upon the company farm. He remained on it until 18.76 vyhen he returned to Webster county. RUFUS GREENE MRS. KATE GOULD GREENE ALBERT M, THORNTON MRS. MARY §. GRPENE THORNTOl^ Marshall Township, MR. AND MRS. W. F. ATKINSON County Recorder, J 887 90 MR. AND MRS. CHARLES A, HAWtEY Marshall Township. MARSHALL TOWNSHIP. 681 The original plans In regard to the establishment of a nursery, etc., were soon abandoned and the partnership in the stock ended with its sale in the spring of 1874. Isaac Parrish the ten- ant in 1876, after seeing the grass- hoppers clean out everything, became discouraged and left. He was suc- ceeded the next three years by John plomberg and in 1880 by Marion Will- iams. In 1881 Alonza L. Thornton re- turned to the farm and remained a citizen of the township until his de- cease at Pocahontas, when he was serving his second term as recorder, in i885. In 1879 when the land was divid- ed he received, among others, section 18, on which the company buildings were located, and Rufus Greene the NEi Sec. 20, the SWi Sec 8, 80 acres on Sec. 30 Swan Lake township, and 240 acres on Sec. 24 in Buena Vista county. EAELY SETTLEMENT. 1870-79. Previous to the year 1877, the only residents of the township were those who occupied the com- pany farm on Sec. 18, namely, Alonzo L. Thornton 1870-71; Eufus Greene 1871,-7;i, ahd then to 1892 on his own farm on Sec. 8; Albert M. Thornton, 1873-76 and Isaac Parrish. .'In 1877 John and Andrew G. Blomberg located on 18, and Peter Johnson and his son, Charles A. Peterson, on 8. In 1878 there arrived Charles J. Blomberg and Louisa Jonson, and in 1879 Marion Williams. 1880. George A. Hawley on 14, Charles J. Bjorklund and J. W. Fur- ness. 1881. Alonzo L. Thornton returned to 18. 1882. In 1882 a large number of new families arrived among whom were those of B. M. Doty (b. Mich. 1849) and H. M. Doty {b; Mich. 1852) both on 14; O. P. Phillips (b. N. Y. 1815) on 1; W. F. Atkinson on 11; Lucian Scott on 20, and C. H. Hutchins. 1883. Anton Jonson, on 4; Alex McLain {b. 111. 1839) on 14, and A. F. Craig on 15. 1884. P. F. Carlson (b. Sw. 1844) on 5: John Boyanovsky (b. Boh. 1824) and J. J. Lindball (b. Sw. 1849) both on 7; E. M. McCombs (b. Ohio 1854) on 23; Eichard Kibble on 29, and Alvis, Anton and Chris Thoma on 81. 1885. August Gustafson (b. 1857) on 5, Julius Grund, A. A. and . A. L. Bunch on 10; D. W. Bently on 15; W. L. Mitchell on 22; Elhanan W. Eenlff on 23, W. F. Bovee on 26 and John Chamberlain (b. Mich. 1832) on 29. 1886. George Thomas on 22, and Edgar C. Scott on 27. OEGAHIZATION AND OFFICERS. The first general election was held in the school house on the N. W. Cor. Sec. 19, Nov. 7, 1882, Eufus Greene, C, T. Williams and W. F. Atkinson serving as judges, and C. H. Hutchins and O. P. Phillips as clerks, all of whom qualified before Justice Jere- miah Bronder. At this election fif- teen ballots were cast and by the fol- lowing persons: A. L. Thornton, Eufus Greene, Emery M. Dpty, J. W. Furness, O. P. Phillips, C. E. Herrick, Eri D. Anderson, George Hawley, L, C. Thornton, W. F. Atkinson, Henry M. Doty, L. S Scott, C. H. Hutchins, Charles Higgins, C. T. Williams. Every vote was cast for J. W. Wallace, candidate for clerk of the court, and the following township officers were elected: Eufus Greene, Henry M. Doty and George Hawley, trustees; L. S. Scott and C. H. Hutchins, justices; L. C. Thornton, clerk and O. P. Phillips, assessor. The succession of officers has been as follows: Tkttstees: Eufus Greene 1882-92, Henry M. Doty, 82-84, 96-1901; George Hawley, 82-85; Samuel Tibbetts, W. L. Mitchell, 85-96; J. K. Crura, 86-88, Axel Bloragren, 89-97; J. M. Spain, 93-95; Chris Larson, 97-1902; C. A. Hawley, 98-99; P. K. Eyan, O. A. Forsburg, T. C. Smith. 682 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ' Clerks: L. C. Thornton, 82-83; W. F. Atkinson, 84-86; C. J. Bovee, 87 -92; W. E. Craig, 93-94; L. J. Reed, 95-96, 1901-02; A. G. Blomberg, 97; A. F. Craig, J. F. McLain, 99-1900. JtrsTiCBS: L. S. Scott, 82-94; C. H. Hutcliins, 82-84; A. F. Craig, 85-86, 91, 95-97; 6. P. Pllillips, 87-89; W. D. Bently, 91-94; Henry Buett, G. W. Smith, A. L. Bunch, W. K. R. Merwin. AssESSOEs: O. P. Phillips, 82-84; R. N. McCombs, 85-86; B. C. Scott, 87- 88, A. G. Blomberg, 89-91; A. H. Ritchie 92, 95-98; A. L. Bunch, 93-94, C. N. Carlson, 99-1901; H. R. Pulley. PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS. Fannie B. Thornton taught the first school in the township, in the Thornton and Greene home during the winter of 1872-73. She was also the first teacher in the temporary school building built in that vicinity (Sec. 19) in 1873, but not used until the summer of 1874. The township Tvas then known as North Dover and this temporary school building was the fifth one built by the Dover school board. The second school building was built on Sec. 14, in the Hawley District in 1880, and the first teacher in it was Ida (Herrick, wife of Eri P.) Anderson. This was also a temporary building. In 1883 it was replaced by a good one and afterwards it was moved from place to place in the township as it was needed in some new district until 1894 when it was sold. The last dis- trict settled was supplied with a good building in 1897 and all have now good buildings, several of the older ones having been recently replaced by new ones. Rufus Greene served as a member of the Dover school board for that district in 1873, A. M. Thornton in 1874 and F. G. Thornton in 1875. Rufus Greene then represented the district until the township was regu- larly organized. The succession of school ofBcers since 1885 has been as follows: Presidents: C. H. Hutchins '85; A. F. Craig '86-87; O. V. Phillips; C. J. Bovee; D. W. Bentley '90-92; Geo. Thomas '93-96; E. F. Lynch; F. K. Hawley *98-99; T. 0. Smith; L. J. Reed; Thomas Eberle 1902. Secretaries: L. Clingman '85-86; W. F. Bovee '87-88; R. M. McCombs '89-92; Chas. A. Hawley '93-98; A. P. Craig '99-1902. Treasurers: E. M. Doty '85-88; A. F. Craig '89-93; W. L. Mitchell '94- 96; D. W. Coolr, J. H. Pulley, John F. Anderson '99-1902. The first teachers were Fannie B. Thornton, Emily R. Tinkcom, Mrs. Maria Sanders and her daughters, Lucia (Wilson), Carrie (Wells), and May, all of whom are now in Colorado, Mrs. Ida Arxderson, A. F. Craig, A. G. Blomberg, Mrs. Ruth Herrick, Mary B. Thornton, Eliza Gilson, Belle Tucker and G. M. Brown. Among recent teachers have been Venia Hawley, Albert L. Marshall, Maud McLain, Mrs. Fred (Boekenoo- gen) Hawley, Mabel Atherton and Cora P. Eaton. groves, roads, etc. The first grove was planted by Alonzo L. Thornton on 18 in 1871, the second one by Rufus Greene on 30 in 1873 and the third one by Chas. J. Peterson on 8 in 1876. The other groves planted in 1882 and previous thereto were on the farms owned and occupied by J. W. Furness, Ed D. Anderson and George Hawley. The road districts at first were ar- ranged to correspond with the school districts, and when these were com- pleted in 1894 there were nine of them. In 1895 a large grader was purchased and the next year the town- ship was consolidated and divided into two districts. Since that date the work on the roads has been let to the lowest bidders. This township has never had a postofBce or store and the early set- tlers of it had a long distance to travel MAESHALL TOWNSHIP. 683 to enjoy these conveniences. On Feb. 1, 1902 a rural free delivery route was established from Laurens to the south line of the township and Jared Hugh- es was appointed carrier. In 1886 five acres on the sw corner of sec. 20 were selected for a public cemetery. It was platted by H, W. Bissell and the first person buried in it was Mrs. Fred Delph in 1892. In 1871 a drove of elks were seen by L. C. Thornton and others passing leisurely in a southwesterly direction across sec. 19. The last deer was seen in 1882 and it v?as shot by Geo. Hughes. DuriQg the year 1881 J. W. Furness kept seven cows and received for but- ter sold at Fonda $178.00, an average of $25.43 a cow. Seven calves were also raised. As late as 1883, A. L, Thornton was the only resident who owned a vehicle. The first child born was Frank Wil- liams or the company farm July i, 1880. The first mawiage was in April 1878 when Chas. J. Blomberg and Louisa Jonson were married on the company farm. The first death occurred in 1879 when Peter Jonson died. Religious services have been held for a number of years in schoolhouse No. 2 by William Byers, of Marathon, and later by Peter Sutter, of Laurens-, ministers of the Dunkard or German Brethren church. Marshall township has furnished the following county ofiBcers: Ebcorders: Alonzo L. Thornton '83-85; Mary E. Thornton '85-86; W. F. Atkinson '87-90. Sheriff: W. L. Mitchell 1900-02. Supbrvisob: A. H. Richey '97-02, LEADING CITIZENS. Bentley Joseph (b. Iowa 1840), owner and occupant of 320 acres on sec. 1-5 from 1883 to 1900, is a son of one of the early pioneers of Marshall county and, in coming to this county, was accompanied by liis brother Da- vid W. Bentley with whom he lived. David had a family of six children and in 1894 returned to Marshall county. Joseph then began to live with his sister, Mrs. Nicholas Moore, on sec.23. In 1900 receiving the appointment of deputy sherifl he located at Pocahon- ta* He left home early in life and spent several years traveling and prospecting in New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. Bjorklund Charles J., owner and occupant of the company farm on sec. 18 since 1890, is a native of Sweden, came to America in 1889, lo- cated one year in Bellville and the next in Marshall township. His fam- ily consists of six children; Charlesi Adolph, Eric, Elias, David and Annie. Blomberg John (b. 1825; d. 1897), the pioneer owner and occupant of the sei sec. 30, was a native of Swed- en, came to America in 1877, and oc- cupied the company farm on sec. 18 during the next three years. In 1880 he moved to Bellville township but in 1883, located on the swi sec. 30, im- proved and occupied it until his death at 72 in 1897. He was a leading mem- ber in the Swedish Lutheran church, Fairfield township. His wife remains on the farm which she assisted great- ly to improve. Their family consist- ed of five children. Charles J. (b. Sweden 1853) in 1876 came to Pomeroy with his brother, August, and found employment as a blacksmith. In April 1878 he married Louisa Jonson, the marriage taking place on the company farm in Mar- shall township. After the death of his brother, August, in 1883 he loca- ted on the nwi sec. 30 which he im- proved and has since occupied. He now owns 200 acres. His family con- sists of seven children; Gothard E., Carl W., Elsa L , Edith V., Alma S. and Alphild. August Wilhelm (b. 1855; d. 1883), a blacksmith, came to Pomeroy in 1876. In 1881 he married 4ugusta, daughter 684 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. of Peter Jonson and died at 28 in 1883, leaving one son, David. Augusta later married Solomon Johnson, a merchant, and lives at Pomeroy. Johanna S. in 1881 married (Jhas. A. Peterson, son of Peter Jonson. (See Jonson). Andrevy G. (b. 1862; d. 1898) in ;877 came to Marshall township and in 1887 located on 80 acres, sec. 19 vyhich he improved, increased to 120 acres and occupied till his decease at 36 in 1898. In the spring of 1893 he moved to Pomeroy and the cyclone complete- ly demolished his home and furniture. Some of the members of his family v?ere carried tvyo blocks distant. His wife and three children were three weeks in the hospital at Sioux City, and he never recovered from the lung trouble that resulted from the ex- posure at that time. He taught school seven years in this county, served as assessor of Marshall town- ship four years and was clerk when he died. He left a wife and four chil- dren; Evelyn, Dina,Mabel and Walter. Ellen W. in 1890 married , Axel Shold (b. Sweden 1857), who owns and occupies a farm of 80 acres in Swan Lake township and has two children ; Edward and Melinda. The family of John Blomberg was one of the first to locate in Marshall township and it may be noted that two brothers and one sister in it mar- ried two sisters and one brother in the family of Peter Jonson, who loca- ted in the township the same year. The descendants of these two families in connection with others that came later, now form a colony of very in- dustrious and successful Swedish farmers, who have improved their homes with cozy buildings and sur- rounded them with pretty groves. Brockett William, owner and oc- cupant of 80 acres on the nwi sec. 15 from 1892 to 1900, is now a resident of Oarroll county. His family consisted of six children. His eldest daughter married Mr. Inkenbach, lives in Mar- shall township and has a large family. Ceena married Wm. Hoffman and lived in Marshall township until 1900, when they moved to North Dakota. Tama married Thomas Jerome and lives at Laurens. William married Emma Fearheller and in 1899 moved to North Dakota. Benjamin died at 22 in 1900. Amy, an adopted daughter, is at home. The pretty evergreens at the Brockett home con- sisting of white pine, Scotch pine and several other varieties were planted by Wilbur Craig in 1891. eraig Almaren F. (b. 1834), owner and occupant of a large and finely im- proved farm on the ni sec. 15, is a native of Farmington, Maine. His ancestors on his father's side were of Scotch descent, and of English on his mother's side. He was the son of Joseph S. and Dorcas D. (Wheeler) Craig. In 1854, at the age of 20, he came to Muscatine county, Iowa, and taught school along the banks of the Mississippi before any railroad had been laid in Iowa. In November 1855 he married Marietta L. Butler, of Maine, and returned to Muscatine on a railroad that had been completed during his absence. During the next two years he occupied a farm near Muscatine and then lived fourteen in Cedar county. In 1868 he moved to Benton county and iu 1883 to his pres- ent farm, which he was the first to occupy and improve. His improve- ments rank among the first in the township. He taught school two years and served many years as a justice in Marshall township. His family consists of five children: Celia H. in 1883 married Chas. King, lives in Minnesota and has a fam- ily of six children; Etta, George, Ma- bel E., Linn, Louisa and John. Wilbur B. in 1891 married Elizabeth Ryon, occupies a farm of 160 acres in Washington township, and has two children; Hattie and Alice. MARSHALL TOWNSHIP. 685 Louis B., a graduate of the Iowa State Agricultural College in 1894, spent the next two years in the Moody Institute, Chicago. Mary B., a teacher, in 1901 married Albert A. Bunch who lives on his own farm in Marshall township. Marietta B. is at home. Greene Eufus (b. 1830), the second settler in Marshall township and now a resident of Marathon, Is a native of Chatauqua county, N . Y. the son of Ruf us and Mary Sheldon (Boltwood) Greene. In 1857 he married Kate Lois Gould {b. 1830} of Brie county, N, Y. and engaged in farming. In 1871 he came to Pocahontas county and located on the Thornton, Greene & Co. farm of 1920 acres with its build- ings on section 18 Marshall township, then called North Dover. As the outlook on this farm was quite dis- couraging, he selected that fall a homestead of 1(50 acres on sec. 30, which was beyond the railroad limits, and located on It in the spring of 1873. He Improved and occupied this home- stead until 1892 when he moved to Marathon. When the company farm was divided in 1879 he was the owner of 960 acres in Pocahontas and Buena Vista counties. He received a good education in his youth and during the greater part of the period of his residence in Mar- shall township was its most promi- nent citizen. During most of the period that territory was attached to Dover he served as a school director for that district and was the first one elected to serve as a justice, but did not qualify. He took a leading part in the organization of the township and served as one ot Its trustees from that date to the time of his removal to Marathon. By his intelligence and integrity he won the respect and con- fidence of all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. His estim- able wife presides over his home with a queenly dignity, and both of them have identified themselves with the noblest and best interests in the various communities in which they have lived. His family consisted of two children, one of whom, Mary H., died at his home at 31 in 1898. Rufus Brwin {b. N. Y. 1865) .in 1887 married Frances Jane Kibble, a native of England, and, engagiag in farming and teaching, continued to reside in Marshall township until 1895 when he moved to Sioux Rapids where he has since been engaged in market garden- ing. He has one child, Francis Harold. Grand, Julius (b. 1852) the pioneer settler of the SB i Sec. 10, is a native of Germany, where in 1879 he married and located on a farm. In 1885 he came to America and located on his present farm, which he has finely im- proved. He is an industrious worker, a good neighbor and has a family of three children. Hawley, George (b.l843; d.l889),one of the first settlers in Marshall town- ship, was a native of Canada. In 1859 he moved to St. Lawrence county. N. Y., where in 1865 he married Mary Furness and located on a farm, In 1880 he came to Marshall township and began to occupy the N W i Sec. 14, moving into a. hunter's shanty and a sod stable that had been built on it by some trappers. At this particular date the only other American family inthe township was that of Rufus Greene. Mr. Hawley improved this farm with a fine dwelling house and other build- ings that are well adapted for handling a large amount of stock. A few rods south of the house, there is a flowing well that is a sourc3 of great conven- ience. In 1888, leaving the farm in .charge of his son, Charles, he moved to Rolfe and engaged in the livery business until his decease at 47 in 1889. His wife returned to the farm, but a few years later located at Laurens and in 1900 became the wife PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. of James M. Mick. Mr. Hawley as- sisted in tlie organization of Marsliall township and served several years as one of its first trustees. His family consisted of ten children. Salome Agnes in 1890 married Alex- ander Taylor, lives in Swan Lake township and has one child, Law- rence. Charles A. (b. 1869) in 1896 married Molly Weaver. He occupied the old home farm until 1900 when he moved to Des Moines. He was secretary of the school board six years. He is now at the head of the commercial depart- ment in Central University at Pella. He has two children, Gretchen and Sheldon A. Frederick (b. 1870) in 1893 married Hettie Boekenoogen and, locating on his own farm on Sec. 11, occupied it until 1900 when he moved to the old home farm. He is meeting with good success in raising thoroughbred hogs and Short Horn cattle. He has one child, Charles F. Esther in 1890 married George Tut- tle, a poultry dealer at Laurens, and has three children, Gordon, Leon and Warren. Venia, a teacher, in 1899 married Horace Cowan a telegraph operator and lives at Sioux Eapids, Albert, Hattie, May, Phronia and Seymour live with their mother. Jonson, Peter, the pioneer occu- pant of 80 acres on Sec. 8, was a native of Sweden where he married and lived until 1877, when with a family of wife, two sons and two daughters, he located in Marshall township. He died in 1 879 and his wife lives with her son- in-law, Charles J. Blomberg. His family consisted of six children. John in 1873 located in Pennsylvania and three years later in Calhoun county, Iowa. He is now section fore- man at Barnum. Charles A. Peterson (second son of Peter Jonson) owns and occupies a farm on the SWi Sec. 8. In 1881 he married Johanna S. Blomberg and has a family of seven children: Carl, Alma, Ida, Frantz, David, Blsa and Arthur. Louisa married Charles J. Blomberg and Augusta married August W. Blomberg. (See Blomberg.) Gustafva, in 1882 married Eric Aspholm and located on a farm in Swan Lake township, where she died in 1895, leaving a family of six chil- dren: Emma, Minnie, Anna, Theo- dore, Carrie and Albert. Andrew G. Peterson located in the west. Kibble, Richard, who occupied the NWi Sec. 29 from 1885 to 1895, was a native of Gloucestershire, England. In the fall of 1884 he visited his two sons, Richard D. and Percival, in Plymouth county, and his friend, J. C. Pegler, on Sec. 30, Marshall town- ship. He was so favorably impressed with the fertility and cheapness of the lands in this section that he pur- chased 240 acres on section 29, Mar- shall township. George F., a son who accompanied him, remained with his brothers near LeMars, when he returned to England. The next spring, accompanied by his wife, Susanna Miles, and eight other chil- dren, Reginald, Algfernon A., Septi- mus, Frank, Frances J., Ada J., Sus- anna and Mary A., he came to this county and located in Marshall town- ship. He improved and occupied the farm on section 29, until 1895 when he moved to Sioux Rapids. Ernest J. another son who soon followed him to this country, is also a resident of Iowa. Kintzley, William P., (b. 1859), owner and occupant of the NWi Sec. 36 since 1890, is a native of Story county, the son of Adolphus and Polly A. Kintzley. In 1882 he married Ella Hays and located at Ames, where, during the next seven years, he work- ed in the horticultural department of the State Agricultural College. In 1890 he located on 80 acres on section MARSHALL TOWNSHIP. 687 36, Marshall township, that he had bought four years previous. He has Increased this farm to 240 acres and the improvements on it are very con- veniently arranged aad fine in every respect. AN HOKTICULTUBIST. W. p. Kiotzley has here developed, in an admirable manner, the. advan- tages he enjoyed at the Agricultural College and has one of tne finest fruit farms in Pocahontas county. About 20 acres have been set apart for fruit and forest trees. He began with a small nursery that furnished a supply both for himself and a number of his neighbors. The encouraging success that has attended his efforts to raise fruit is in a great measure due to the fact he had previously gained a thorough and practical knowledge of the hardy, pro- ductive varieties that were suited to this climate, planted only these and then took an intelligent care of them. All the rows run north and south and to the visitor in autumn, the sight of so many trees of the same variety, loaded with rosy cheeked ap- ples, and of others covered with red, white and blue plumbs, affords a pleasure that is second only to that of being able to say, these are mine. That others may enjoy the benefit of his matured and successful experience in raising fruit in this county, we note some of the things he regards as es- sential and name some of the varieties he commends as hardy and profitable in this locality. Three things are essential in a good variety, namely, that the tree be hardy, a good bearer and its fruit bs valuable for use. The varieties of ap- ples commended are the Duchess, Wealthy, Longfield, Silken Leaf and Romaa. The last three are new Russian varieties and he expresses the belief that the Longfield will likely be the most profitable variety for this county. The trees are hardy and prolific bearers; the fruit is good for cooking and keeping; its size is above medium, and its color, a yellow tinge with pink blush on the side next the sun. The Silken Leaf re- sembles the Duchess, but flatter, and is also good for cooking. The Florence and Whitney No. 20 are crabs that have not suffered from blight. The Concord, Worden and Moore's Early, the latter a shy bearer, take pre- cedence among fifteen varieties of grapes that have been planted. Native plums are best for this northern part of the state, the Wolfe, Wyant, De Soto and Rolling Stone yielding the best results, and the Chickasaws proving a disappointment.. The Minor plum is large and excellent but, owing to Its imperfect blossom, is not sure to bear unless planted al- ternately with other varieties. Some of the essentials to successful fruit culture in this section are the the maintenance of a good fence, planting only those varieties that have done well in it, the cultivation of the soil, but so as not to injure their roots, when the trees are young, and an occasional application of manure to it when the tree begins to bear. A low growth insures freedom tipm sun scald and lessens the expos- ure to the wind. Mr. Kintzley has also a large num- ber of varieties of ornamental trees that include many kinds-of evergreens such as Fir, White Spruce, Scotch, Austrian and Mountain Dwarf Pines, the Laurel Willow, Wild Olive, etc. His family consists of six children, Agnes, William, Mary, Eugene, Hat- tie and Hazel. Lofquist Julius in 1886 located on 160 acres on sec. 20. He was the first to occupy and Im'prove this land. He died at 48 in 1892 leaving a wife and five children, —Julius, Josephine, Augustus, Victor E , and Elmer. McLain Alexander, owner and oc- cupant of a finely Improved farm of PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. 280 acres on sec. 14, has been a resi- dent of the township since 1886. In 1886, during his residence in Illinois, he married Eliza Ann, sister of A. J. Stover, and three years later located in Marshall township. He was the first to occupy and improve his present farm and he has it now in a fine state of cultivation and provided with good and substantial buildings. His family consisted of eight chil- dren. Eva married G-. Wallie Bellinger, who owns and occupies a farm on sec. 6, Sherman township, which he was the first to improve. Charles married Catherine Moore and located on a farm on section 16, Marshall township. Frank, Maud and Nellie, teachers; Oliver, Earl and Joseph. Mitchell, William L. (b. 1847) sheriff of Pocahontas county since 1900 and owner of the NEi Sec. 22, Marshall township since 1885, is a native of Ohio. He spent a part of his youth in Indiana and then came to Marshall county, Iowa, where in 1878 he married Emma Williams. In 1886 he began to occupy and improve his farm in Marshall township and since that date has become prominent- ly associated with the history of the township and county. He served several years as a township trustee and is now serving his second term as sheriff. His first house was struck by light- ning in 1892 and again in 1893 when it was burned. It was replaced by a fine residence. He was quite success- ful on the farm and has made a good record as a public officer. He moved to Pocahontas in 1900. Moore, Nicholas (b. 1846) owner and occupant of 160 acres on Sec. 23, is a native of Mahaska county. In 1858 he moved with his parents to Wright county, three years later to Marshall county and in 1892 to his present farm which he has finely improved. In 1867 he married Mary J. Bentley and seven of their nine children are living. FredW. (b. 1868) in 1892 married Minnie Marshall of Marshall county and occupies the SWi Sec. 25. Arthur C. (b. 1871) married Nellie McLaln, and Katie in 1894 married Charles McLaln. Both live in Clark county, S. D. William, Grace, Ernest and Edward are at home. Phillips, Oliver Perry (b. 1815) the first assessor of Marshall township, is a native of Chenango Co. N. Y. In his youth he located in Will Co., 111., where in 1840 he married Elizabeth Button (b. 1823), a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y. He has been a resident of Pocahontas county since 1882 when he located on Sec. 1, Marshall town- ship. He participated in the organi- zation of the township, serving as one of the clerks on that occasion. He served three years as its first assessor, and later three years as a justice. He is now living in Swan Lake township. His family consisted of nine children, three of whom are living. Orson D. is in southern Kansas. Ellen became the wife of W. F. Atkinson and lives, at Laurens. Edith E, married N. Morrison, who kept a hotel at Poca- hontas a number of years and now lives in Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were pioneers la the early settlement of Illinois, and were mar- ried in a log cabin, when even log cabins were not very numerous on the frontier. Their 50th wedding anni- versary was duly celebrated at the home of their daughter at the Morri- son House, Pocahontas, November 19, 1890. Richey, Alfred Hammond, (b. 1860) the first county supervisor from Mar- shall township, is a native of Marshall county, the son . of John and Nancy Richey. In July 1886 he located in Marshall township. In 1890 he mar- ried Ada E., daughter of Wm. F. MARSHALL TOWNSHIP. 689 Atkinson, whose farm he now occu- pies. He has proven himgelf a man worthy of public recognition. He served for four years as assessor of the township and, in January 1897 re- ceiving an appointment to serve as a county supervisor in place of Louie Lange who resigned, he has since been twice elected to that office. His family consists of two children, Mildred and Dorothea. Scott, Lucian S. (b. 1854), who in 1882 located on Sec. 20, was a native of Iowa. In 1878 he married Sarah J. Wells and located in Jasper county. He remained there until the date of his settlement in Pocahontas county. He met with good success as a farmer, assisted in the organization of Mar- shall township and as one of its first justices served thirteen years, 1882 to 1894. His family consisted of three children, Edith, Arwell and Lucian. He is now a resident of Sioux Eapids. Scott, Edgar C, owner and occu- pant of a farm of 160 acres on the NEi Sec. 20, since 1886, is a native of Jas- per county. He has improved this farm with good buildings and made it an attractive home. In 1892 he moved to Laurens, but after spending two years in a meat market and one sinking wells, he returned to the farm. In 1888 he married Anna Wells and has a family of four children, Eunice, Frank, Glenn and Nellie. Thoma, Anton (b. 1864) and his two brothers, Alvis A. and Christ, coming from Germany in 1884 bought the Ei Sec. 31 and divided it into three farms, one for each of themp These brothers were the first to oc- cupy and improve these farms. They have erected handsome buildings and secured a beautiful growth of trees around them. Katie Thoma (b. 1831) their mother, came with them in 1884 and lives with Anton, who occupies the south farm. In 1890 he married Emma Bitner and has a family of four children. Thoma, Alvis A (b. 1862) who oc- cupies the middle farm, in 1889 married Eosa Nace and has a family of three children. Thoma, Christ (b. 1866) who occu- pies the north farm, in 1890 married Alfreda Fix and has a family of three children. Thornton Albert Mortimer(b.' 1810; d. 1884), senior member of Thornton, Greene & Co., was a native of Ver- mont. In 18ii2 he married Mary Shel- don Greene (b. Amherst, Mass., 1816) and located in Chatauqua County, N. Y., and in 1868 in Webster County, Iowa. After living a year in Fort Dodge he located on Greenside farm near Otho and the next year returned to Fort Dodge. During the three years, 1873 to 1876, he lived on the company farm in Marshall Township, and then returned to Greenside Farm, where he spent the remainder of his days. His golden wedding was celebrated at this place under very delightful circumstances, August 12, 1882. On this occasion it was found the family represented 45 persons, which includ- ed 8 children, 22 grand children, and 3 great grand children. From his ex- cellent words of counsel on this occa- sion, we quote the following: "Re- member that the individual is an in- tegral part of the government and it is his duty as well as privilege to exer- cise the high function of the ballot in all matters wherein the weal or woe of the community is depending. Let thesonsof America, Man's last hope of universal freedom, be true to their inheritance and hand down to poster- ity the inestimable blessings of life, liberty, and an untrammeled pursuit of happiness." He did not vote for Butler, the first presidential candidate of the green- back party, but joining that party the next year and using both his voice and pen, he became one of its strongest advocates in this state. He received 690 PIOMEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. a good education and, being a man of strong convictions, like John Brown, he disregarded popular sentiment and even personal safety in advocating them. He wrote many articles for the public press in support of his money theory and they were remarka- ble for their number, scope, and per- suasiveness. July 4, 1879, he deliv- ered the oration at the patriotic cele- bration in Otho. Two months later he addressed the greenback county convention at Fort Dodge, on the right of a government to tax its citi- zens for its own support. He effected the organization of the Otho Farmers' Alliance during the early part of that year and, at each quarterly meeting, addressed that body on some agricul- tural or political topic, such as the soil, the horse, labor, money, the credit system and the prohibitory amendment He died on the farm, at 74, in 1884, and his wife died at 74, in 1890 at the home of her daughter Maria L. San- ders at Marathon. His family consisted of nine chil- dren, one of whom died in childhood. 1. Alonzo Lucius, see page 477. 2. Mary Rebecca, married Lucius Sanders, editor of the Boonesboro News, who died leaving three children, Carrie, May, and Lucia. She is now living at Grand Junction, Colo. 4. Emily, in New York married W. Frank Tinkcom, a blacksmith, and- later located at Red Lodge, Montana, where he owns a large stock ranch and has served as a county commissioner. Her family consists of three chil- dren, Minnie, Dallas, and Estella. 5. Irene married Capt. L. D. But- ton. In 1865 they located at Port Dodge, where he became principal of the public schools and she, a teacher also. She died there in 1869 leaving two children, Louis T. and Gertrude. Louis taught school three years in Pocahontas county and married Edith Cornick, of Powhatan township. Lat- er he married Mabel Swaim, of Hum- boldt, where he is now engaged as a solicitor of insurance. Gertrude mar- ried Charles E Herrick, a real estate agent, lives at Marathon and has sev- en children, Irene, Robert, Naomi, Louis, Glendolyn and Catherine. 6. Flora married Silas W. Swift, a lumber dealer, who died in 1900 at Yankton, S. D., leaving a family of five children; Eleanor, a teacher, is a graduate of Yankton and Oberlin Col- leges; Ruth, a graduate of the Han- neman Medical College, Chicago, prac- ticed medicine two years and then married Dr. Everett Marvin, Sioux City;Irene married Granville Standish and lives in New York City;' Eunice married Miles Standish and lives in Brooklyn; Gordon lives with his mother in Grand Junction, Colo. 7. Fannie married Frank Rees, for- merly a resident of Marshall town- ship, now of Grand Junction, where she died in 1897 leaving two children, Lucia and May. 8. Frank Greene Thornton (b. 1854) was auditor of Pocahontas county from 1893 to 1896. He is a native of Chatauqua county, N. Y., and at 14, in 1868 came with his parents to Fort Dodge, where he completed his educa- tion. In 1870 he became a resident of Marshall township and two years later married Naomi R. Herrick, an early Fonda teacher. During the grasshop- per period, 1873 to 1874, he moved to Fort Dodge and was conductor on the Illinois Central R. R. In 1882 he es - tablished a store in the new town of BLalo, south of Fort Dodge and the next year established a hardware and grocery store at the new town of Laurens. Two years later he was appointed and served three years as postmaster at that place. In 1887 he moved to Rolfe and engaged in the hardware business, moving to Pocahontas when elected to the office of county auditor. After his term of service as county auditor MARSHALL TOWNSHIP. 691 he resumed the mercantile business at Fonda until Sept. 1, 1900, when he moved to a fruit ranch near Grand Junction, Colo. His first wife died in 1885 leaving two children, Albert H. and Fannie B. Albert, after graduating from the State University in 1897, located at West Bend, where in 1898 he married Catherine L. Seymour. In 1900 he lo- cated at Pocahontas. Fannie in 1894 married Frank L. Dinsmore, an at- torney at Pocahontas, and of this union has one daughter, Lois. In 1900 she married James Calvin and lives at Miles City, Montana. In 1886 F. G. Thornton married Ma- ry L. Steward, of Marshalltown, and of this union has one child, Arthur M. Weittenhiller, Philip S. (b. 1859), owner and occupanc of a farm on Sec. 1, Marshall townshin, from 1893 to 1899, is a native of Platteville, Wis., where his parents were early pioneers. At 20, in 1879 he went to California, and in 1882 was among the first to go to the mining excitement at Silver- bow Basin, Alaska, where he. engaged in trading and mining until 1885, when he received the appointment of deputy U. S. Marshall. In 1888 he re- signed and accepted the position of inspector of customs at Juneau. In 1893 he located on his farm in Mar- shall township, which he improved and occupied until 1899, when he moved to Laurens, where he has since been engaged in the real estate busi- ness. In 1888, during his residence at Ju- neau, he returned to Platteville, Wis. , and married Nellie Jones. His fami- ly consists of two children, Clara May, born at Juneau in 1889, and Clyde Philip, bom at Platteville, Wis., in 1893. O. K. Jones, father of Mrs. Weitten- hiller, In 1882, bought sec. 1., Marshall township, and four years later divided it among his three children. He gave to Mary Lottie, wife of David Merry, the NEi, 183 acres. They were mar- ried in 1883, began to occupy and im- prove this farm, in 1884 and have a family of five children, Bessie, Frank, Nellie, Jennie, and Ernest. To his son, D. F. Jones, of Odebolt, he gave the NWi, 180 acres; and to his daugh- ter Nellie E., wife of P. S. Weittenhil- ler, the south half, 320 acres. XXIV. POWHRTflN T0WNSHIP. ■'The Indian must away; Not in tliis land anottier morn could heprolonghis stay." My country, I love thee, thy prairies and hills; Thy broad, flowing streams and murmuring rills: Thy greatness be sung to the true poet's lyre, In strains that such freedom alone can inspire. — L. Brown. OWHATAN/ town- ship (93-32), the sec- ond from the east in the north row of the county, was the fourth one organized in Pocahontas county. It was in- cluded in Des Moines township until September 3, 1866, when the territory included in It and the two townships west of it, was set off as "Nunda" township. It waa called "Nunda" after a town by .that name in western New York from which some of the settlers had emigrated. The ma- jority of the settlers, however were neither pleased with the name nor the method by which it was adopted, and as a result of a meeting held at the home of Henry Thomas, March 27, 1867, it was changed April 20th, follow- ing to, "Powhatan", in honor of the Indian chief who was father of Poca- hontas, and lived in Virginia from 1550 to 1618. His Indian name was "Wa hun-san", a cock, but the English erroneously called him "Powhatan", after the name of his residence. The latter consisted of twelve wigwams in which he maintained a body guard of fifty warriors and it was locatepl near the site of Richmond. He raised himself from the rank of tribal chief to the (692) POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 693 command of a confederacy that con- sisted of thirty three tribes, that numbered 10,000 persons who belonged ta the Florida or Southern branch of the Algonkin family and occupied Maryland and Virginia, He had con- quered most of the tribes over which he ruled and was about 60 years of age when the English first made his acquaintance. The beautiful form of his daughter, Pocahontas, as it has been perpetuated in sculpture by Gapellans may be seen over one of the dnors at the capitol at Washington. The plans of Powhatan for the decep- tion and destruction ot the colonists having been frustrated by Capt. John Smith and Newport, his comrade, he concluded to live at peace with them. A few years later when Newport brought him from England a crown, he was so delighted that he gave New- port his robe and old shoes. In 1871 Swan Lake township was de- tached, and in J une 1874, the name of the township was changed to Jackson, at the instance ot Andrew Jackson, a prominent citizen of the township, who was then a member of the board of county supervisors. Sept. 5, 1876, Washington township was detached, and on Jan. 8, 1878, the name of the township was again changed to "Powhatan," Andrew Jackson, who had been treas- urer of the school fund for several years, having suddenly left the county two months previous for parts un- known with about $1,000 of the public funds. The surface of this township is a gentlyirolling prairie that originally had a great many marshes. As the years have passed these have been drained to their natural outlets, Beaver and Pilot creeks, and the soil is splendid for corn and other cereals. The early settlers appreciated the value of trees around the home and on the farm; and beautiful groves sonn appeared that now look like bodies of native timber. In some of the old- er groves may be found some of the largest trees in the county. He who plants a tree beautifies to that extent his home and benefits every member of his family. A country home is never beautiful without trees. They serve as a protection, increase its comforts, and the love and sympathy that unite the family find in them one of their happiest forms of expxession. Whilst bleak, cheerless homes and fields are fhe natural con- comitants of extremepovertyorsorrow, wooded hills and shady slopes are the nursuries in which love of home and country germinates and grows strong, for they are the natural inspirers of reverence for Him who made the groves his first temples. "The groves ot Eden, though vanished long, live yet in prose and look green in song." EARLY SETTLEMENT. Tlie early settlers ot this town- ship were of Scotch and American birth and these nationalities continue to be the most numerous. 1864-65. The first homestead entry in this township was made by Barney Hancher, April 0, 1864, for the SEi Sec. 24. In September following his mo:.her, Nancy A. Hancher, entered the NEi, and Henry Thomas, his fatlier-in-law, the SWi of this same sec ion; and in April 1866 Ira Strong, entered the NWi of it, thus making it one of the first sections entirely taken by homesteaders. Henry Thom- as, wife and sons, Daniel and Joel, had locat(d in Des Moines township in the fall of 1863. In September 1861 Daniel and Joel selected claims on Sec. 23 and Jeremiah Young, their brother-in-law, on Sec. 25. Barney Hancher, who turned the first funow in May 1864, also built that Npring the first shanty, using native basswood sawed by W. H. Halt. In th'e fall ot that year he moved this shanty to the timber near old Eolte, where he and his family 694 PIOTJEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. spent the next winter. In the spring of 1865 be moved this shanty bade to his homestead. Others that erected shanties that yenr were Jeremiah Young on the NWi, Sec. 25, Henry Thomas on 24, Joel and Daniel Thomas on 23. The one built by Joel Thomas was a sod house and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Booth became its occupants. 1868. In 1866 a number of families located in the township, among whom were those of J. B. JollifEe and Samuel Umbarger on Sec. 2, James Henderson on 8, J. W. Brown on 10, Mrs. i'annie N. Strong on 12, Wm. Orcutt, Henry Tilley, Oscar J. and Geo. W. Strong on 14, Robert, Edward and John Ander- son and S. N. Strong on 15, C. L. Strong on 16, A. H. Hancher and James Drown on 24, George Hender- son on 26, Robert Lowrey on 28, Thomas L. MacVey and John Eraser on 36, William Stone on 25; and Rob- ert Lothian on Sec, 3u, Des Moines township. 1869. In 1869 George Stevens and Marcus Lind located on 16. 1870-74. During the early 70's there arrived Alexander Geddes on 29, Geo. and W. E. Goodchild on 20, John and Geo. W. Barnes on 12, Daniel P. Frost on 16, S. E. Heathman on 9, Geo, W. and Norman L. Rowley on 12, S. N. Pettit, J. D. Hilton, C. F. Barlow, B. H. Heathman, Thomas Fulcomer, Andrew Jackson and M. J. Youug. 1875-79. During the later 70's there arrived Alex McEwen, P. W. and Joel Smith, E. C. Fuller and Nels H. Shaver. 1880-86. Others that arrived during the early 80's were A. L. Whitiiey on 15, E. Northrop, Wm. Halsted, P. J. and Josiah Shaw, Ed, R, Trites, Frank Salasek, W. H. Baker, B, F. Bogus, F. 0. DeWolf, A. W, Ireland, D. D. Curnick, Henry Sternberg, J. H. Bellinger, F, 11, Piiugk; and at Plover J, T, (Jalhoun, Louis Brodsky, W. A. Ilubel, J, H. Blanchard, A, Eggs- puehler- In 1866 Henry Thomas built the first log house on the SWi Sec 24 and planted around it the first grove. The cottunwoods he then planted are still growing and they are believed to be the largest in the county at this time. A cut of his log house which is still standing within the grove and in use, may be seen in the frontispiece, where it is erroneously credited to Ira Strong due to the fact it has been^wned for some years by his grand daughter, Dora Strong. The log house built by Ira Strong in 1866 was replaced by a new one a tew years ago by his S'^n, Philander Strong. The first frame house was built by Thomas L. MacVey on Sec, 36 in 1867, and the lumber for it was hauled from Buone. A few sod houses were built in this township owing to the scarcity and high price of lumber. They were quickly constructed and ordinarily were used only one seasqn. The log houses rendered good ser- vice for many years and some of them were quite comfortable. Wood was principally used for fuel and it was obtained from the groves ot: native timber along the Des Moines river, frequently from the "cabbage lot" on section 37. A. H. Hancher helped to haul the lumber for five of the first frame houses from Boone, a distance of 80 miles. The houses though plain were expensive, for the lumber cost $70,00 per thousand feet and its transporta- tion with ox teams was exceedingly laborious. INTERESTING EVENTS. The first social was held at the home of Mrs. Nancy A. Hancher on Christ- mas day 18fi6. The first marriage was that of Henry Tilley and Belle, sister of A. H. Hancher, March 29, 1866, The first children born were twins \^ t-he home pt Paqiel Tfl0}n^§ POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 695 in March 1866, one . of them sleeps in the Powhatan cemetery and the other became the wife ot Harley Unbarger. The first death, save that of the- man whose body was found on the prairie by John Anderson in the spring of 1866, was that of a child in the family of Samuel Booth. I's coffin was made in the pioneer sohod house and the place of its burial, near the school house on sec 24, afterward became the Powhatan cemetery. The first crop of wheat was one of five acres by Thomas L. Mac Vey in 1868. The winter of 1866 67 was a very severeone. Although very little snow fell until the holidays, after that period blizzards were frequent and un- welcome visitors, often overtaking the settler at a distance from his home. The first bridge was built in 1870 over Beaver creek and it had an in- teresting history. In the fall of the years, it was taken down and placed beyond reach of high water; and then after the spring freshets had subsided, it was replaced in its former position. The lack ot bridges was the occasion of a vast amount of inconvenience and of many ludicrous episodes. All of sec. 25 was entered by four men on the same day, Sept 28, 1864. The men were Wm. Stone, Jeremiah Young, Sanjuel Booth and George Booth. Twenty-six of the early set- tlers of this township secured home- steads and nearly all of them included 160 acres. Homesteads were also se- cured in this township on the odd numbered sections, as 15, 23 and 25, on which the following persons secures homesteads: Robert and Edward An- derson and S. N. Strong on 15, Joel B. and Daniel Thomas on 23, and Wm. Stone., Jeremiah Young, Samuel Booth and George Booth on 25. These lands were claimed by the McGregor & Sioux City R, R- Co., but inasmuch as this company did not fulfill its part of the contract within the appointed time they reverted t0 the government and then to r,he settlers who had com- plied with the homestead law. The first public cemetery is located on the nw corner of the swi sec. 24, near the Strong schoolhouse. Henry Thomas, the first owner of this land, promised to donate it for a public cemetery and three persons were buried in it during his lifetime, name- \yy Ira Strong and Mrs. George Hen- derson, both in 1871, and a child of Samuel Booth previous to that date. He neglected to make the transfer and the donation was made by Alex- ander McEwen, who also had it plat- ted in 1876. In June 1876 the Sunday schools at old Rolfe and the Strong schoolhouse held a picnic in the grove of A. H. Hancher; and after addresses by Rev. Wm. McCready, George Metcalf and J J. Jolliffe they sat down around a table fifty feet long loaded with the substantials of life prepared for this notable occasion. January 25, 1879, "Mayview" post office was established at the home ot D. P. Frost on sec. 16 and he was ap- pointed postmaster; but owing to the fact he lived about two miles from the mail route between Pocahontas and Sioux Rapids and no provision had b:cn made for the extra dis- tance on the part of the mail carrier, no mail was received or distributed at this, the first post office in the town- ship. The early settlers of this township, appreciating the future value of the history of its early settlement, held a special meeting in the schoolhouse at Plover, Feb. 19, 1887, at which John Fraser served as chairman and Sam'l Smith as secretary. At this meeting historical addresses were delivered by John Fraser, A. H. Hancher and oth- ers, and papers were read that had been prepared by P. J. Shaw and T, 696 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. L. MacVey. Full reports of these ad- dresses and papers were afterwards printed in the Pocahontas Record and they have proven of great value to the author in the general part of thiS' volume as well as in the history of this township. The call for this meeting was issued Jan. 31, 1887 by P. J. Shaw, a leading citizen of the township, who therein stated very appropriately the import- ance and scope of the meeting. We quote from it as follows: "The object of this meeting is to bring to light the early history of Powhatan towhship, that it may be embodied in the future history of the county. The questions to be discuss- ed, are: (1) When, where and by whom were the lirst settlements m^de? (2) The state of the country, facilities for marJtet, grasshoppers, musicrats and blizzards. (3) Geueral discussion, his- torical incidents and reminiscences. "Let us preserve the past that we may profit by Its teaching. Let us keep in remembrance the brave deeds of our fathers, the noble pioneers who settled on the treeless prairies in the early days when the blizzard howled, or they traveled with no shelter save the prairie schooner, and no guide save the compass or the stais of heaveii. The world has no nobler heroes. They came from the stock that has lighted the watch fires of civilization and progress on this con- tinent. Some of them have already passed the boundary line of human existence and are citizens of that country which no human being has ever explored, whose wonders no ton- gue can tell. While some of them live to recite the details of their early struggles, let us record and preserve them for future generations. This is better than to depend on the mem- ory of their children, for the minor incidents are soon forgotten and the more thrilling ones become so chang- ed, that were the actors to rise out of their silent graves and hear them re- lated, they would not own that they were the principals. " This meeting was very devoutly opened by Mr. Fraser, who read the first chapter of Genesis and followed it with a prayer of gratitude to that favoring providence that had guided their foot-steps and guarded so au- spiciously their destinies. DIFFICULTIES AND TEIALS. The early settlers of this township, owing to their great distance from all sources of supplies and the lack of bridges over the streams, experienced ,with great severity, many of the trials and privations incident to pio- neer life. Their mail facilities were limited to one mail a week between Fort Dodge and Spirit Lake, and many of the trips to the postofflce at old Rolfe had to be made on foot. Fort Dodge was the nearest source of supplies for the table and home, while lumber had to be hauled from Boone or Iowa Falls, both 80 miles distant. They knew what it was to be beset with mosquitoes without any protection (p. 225); to be shut in for weeks at a time; to grind corn on their coffee mills for bread (p. 226), and the difficulty of finding one's home on the prairies in the abben'ce of roads and trees for land marks. In the spring of 1866 John Anderson found on the homestead of his broth- er the bones of one who had thus perished there two years before, and J. B. Jolliffe the next winter came near sharing the same fate (p. 229). They were also called upon to en- dure several visitations of the dread- ed grasshoppers (p. 255) that swept through that section, darkening the face of the sun as well as that of the farmer, and stripping the fields of their growing crops, the early settler'^ only hope of subsistence They ex- perienced three visitations that in- cluded the depredations of six years,' 1867 and 68, 1870 and 71, and in dimin- ished numbers in 1875 and 76. They came from a distance the first year and hatched out in the vicinity the second jearof each period. When they came on the wing everything was covered. They covered the roofs of the houses, clung to the outside PRENTICE J. SHAW. FRED. A. METCALF. FRANK L. MacVEY. WM. LEE MagVEY. POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. Mrs BARNer Hanchbr. ALExA'^i.M^EWEN Mrs.A.V.'.M^Ewen. John B.Jouffe. Miss Dora Strong. Geo.N.Lougmead. POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 697 of the walls and if the door was left ajar they took possession and refused to vacate ''under thirty days after written notice." Under these cir- cumstances the early settlers had an opportunity of displaying their true grit. Although inferior in numbers and comparatively helpless before those who devoured their hope of subsistence they achieved success by their superior power of endurance. This settlement prospered in the face of all these difficulties and trials. Tbe hand of affliction sometimes vis- ited them, but there were more oc- casions for the expression of joy than of sorrow. The rider of the pale horse seldom took more than one familiar face from the family circle while the angel of life very frequently brought two little strangers; so that on the whole they had more occasions fur smiles than tear-i, more christen- ings than burials. The muskrats and mink, that abounded in the numerous ponds and streams, served an important part in the commerce of that trying period. The early settler with his r,raps ob- tained his medium of exchange in the settlement. The hide of the musk- rat was a legal tender for all debts and his hindquarters were often found to be quite tender jvhen properly pre- pared for the table. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. The first election was held in the little schoolhouse on. sec. 24, Oct. 9, 1866, and 19 votes were cast. At this election Barney Hancher, Ira Strong and Oscar I. Strong served as judges and T. S. MacVey and Jeremiah Young as clerks. The officers elected were as follows: Ira Strong, Oscar I. Strong and Geo. W. Strong, trustees; Jerry Young, clerk, O. I. Strong and A. H. Hancher, justices; and Thos. L. MacVey, assessor. The succession of officers has been as follows: Trustees: Ira Strong, 1867; O. I. Strong, '67; G. W. Strong '67; Jere- miah Young, '68; D. Thomas, '68-71; Bobert Lowrey, Henry Tilley, Geo. VanNatta, S. Booth, Henry Thomas, '69-71; James Vosburg, Henry Ful- comer, '70, 72-74; Edward Anderson, J. F. Clark, J. W. Brown, Barney Hancher, '73, 75-76; S. E. Heathman, '73, 75-76, 88-93; Geo. Stevens, '74, 77, 93-95; C. F. Barlow, '74-75, 78-79; M. Waite '77-78; J. D. Hilton, '76-77; Jap. Henderson, '78-86; A. H. Hancher, '79-81; G. W. Rowley, '80-82; P. W. Smith, '81-87, 1900-02; J. B. Jollifle, '83-88; E. 0. Fuller, '87-89; E. H. Heathman, '89-91, 97-1900; D. P. Roberts, '90-92; Louis Brodsky, '92-93; S. J. Loaghead, '94-96; H. Fitzgerald, H. Truelson, '96-98; Rollo Postin, '99- 01; F. C. DeWolfj 1901-02; Geo. Fuller. Clerks: Jeremiah Young, '67-68; G. W. Strong, John Fraser, '70-71; Ed. Anderson, N. D. Herrington, '73-74; Alex. McEwen, '75-83,96-98,1901-02; J. T. Calhoun, '84-85; P. J. Shaw, '86-93; W. S. McEwen, '94-95; Albert J. Shaw, '99-1900. Assessors: Thos. L. MacVey, A. H. Hancher, A. Jackson, S. Booth, J. B. Thomas, D. P. Frost, Geo. W. Rowley, '73-75, 78-79; S. E. Heath- man, '76, 80-85; P. Waite, Edward Gibbons, '86-93, 96-98; J. O. Overholt, '94-95; F. L. MacVey, '99-1900; S. J. Loughead. Justices: O. I. Strong, A. H Han- cher, G. W. Strong, Geo. Henderson, J. F. Clark, A. H. Hancher, John Fraser, '71-73, 83; J. W. Brown, '71-77; S. Pettit, Alex. McEwen, James Hen- derson, P. R. Smith, G. W. Strong, '80-82; H. Heathman, F. M. Coffin, J. S. Smith, '83-85, 90-93; F. C. DeWolf. '84-89, 93-1900; P. G. Hess, P. W. Smith, '96 1901: Ed. R. Trites, A. J. Marshall, Alex. McEwen, P. R. Hen- derson, F. J. Brodsky,''1902. SCHOOLS AND OFFICERS. This township, including Washing- ton and Swan Lake, was organized as the Nunda township school district PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. in the spring of 1867, and the first board of directors consisted of Henry Thomas, Ira Strong and O. I. Strong. Geo. W. Strong was secretary and Henry Thomas, treasurer. The first school in the townshin was taught during the previous year by Sallie Thomas in a sod shanty loca- ted on sec. 23. The first schoolhouse was built in 1866. It was a temporary structure 10x16 feet, seven feet high and set on runners so that it might be moved from place to place. It was often called a shanty because of its flat roof resembling that of a freight car. Its furniture consisted of a wide desk board fastened to each side and one end of it, and three heavy oak benches of corresponding length. It was built by J. C. VanNatta and Ira Strong of native lumber sawed on Halt's sawmill; It was located first on the farm of Ira Strong on sec. 24 near the site later chosen for the Powhatan cemetery, and Caroline Strong taught the first school in it. The first election was held In it that fall. It was moved into several of the other districts as its place was supplied by permanent buildings. Mrs. Thos. L. MacVey taught several terms in it while it stood on the knoll north of Pilot Creek on the nwi sec. 36, prev- ious to 1873, when it was moved again. The earliest school records now available for reference are those for the year 1882. A plat found at the court house, however, shows that the first Bub-divlslon of the township for school purposes occurred Feb, 21, 18- 74. At this date Washington was still attached and the two townships were divided into three school dis- tricts of 24 sections each, so that No. 1 and No. 2 extended east and west over the entire width of both town- ships, the former Including the two north rows of sections and the latter the next two rows and all the southwest part of Washington. No schoolhouse had yet been erected in sub-district No. 1, but arrange- ments had been made for the erec- tion of one that year on the nei sec. 11; and no families were living in this district further west than the swi sec. 5. In sub-district No. 2 three school houses had been built, namely, on the nei sec. 23 and on the nei sec. 15 in Powhatan, and on the nei sec. 31, Washington township. Sub-district No. 3 shows one schoolhouse at the center of sec. 28. The succession of officers, so far as we have been able" to obtain them, has been as follows: Pbbsidbnts: Henry Thomas, '67; 0. I. Strong, '74; Henry Fulcomer, '75-76; A. H. Hancher, '82-83; John Fraser, S. E. Heathman, '85-89; Louie Brodsky, '90-92; Alex. McEwen, '93-02. Sbcebtakies: lieo. W. Strong, '67: C. R. Waterman, '74-75; O. I. Strong, '76-80; S. N. Strong, '81-83; C. F. Bar- low, J. T. Calhoun, '85-87; P. J. Shaw, '88-1902. Tebasurbes: Henry Thomas, '67- 69; Joel Thomas, '70-71; A^ Jackson, '72-77; Geo. Henderson, '78-84; J. B. Jolliffe, '85-86; John Fraser, '92-98; A. J. Eggspuehler, '99-1902. Among the early teachers In this township were Sallie Thomas, Caro- line Strong, Mrs. T. L.. MacVey, Oscar 1. Strong, Mrs. Abigail (Ira) Strong, Edwin J. Strong, L. M. Strong, Hat- tie Barnes, Peter E. Henderson and W. N. Glllls. Among recent teachers have been Dora Strong, Lucy Beam, Jennie Ged- des, Effle Mercer. Maud Heathman, Eva L. Hancher, E. L. Wallace, Mar- jory McEwen, Susan McEwen, E. D. Leonard, Ina Jolliffe, Irene Strong. PLOVER. Plover, the railroad and business center of Pow' atan township, is an enterprising village of 260 inhabi- tants. It is located near the center of the township, on the high ground midway between Beaver and Pilot POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 699 creeks, and on the nei sec. 16, which was the farm of Andrew Jackson from 1869 to 1877. The track of the Kuth- ven branch of the Des Moines & Fort Dodge, now the C, R. I. & P. R. R. was laid through this locality in June 1882, and the town was named by the president of the railroad company in memory of one of the common varie- ties of native birds. The depot was built in the fall of 1882, but the sta- tion was not opened until May 1883, when James y. Smith became its oc- cupant and the trains began to stop. In December 1883, the Northwestern Land Go. filed a plat of the town con- taining six blocks and four outlots, which had been prepared by Oscar I. Strong, surveyor. On Feb. 29, 1896, P. G. Hess filed the plat of the first addition consisting of six outlots on the northwest part of the town on the sei sec. 9. In the fall of 1883, J. D. Smith built the first residence, P. G. Hess a store, Blanchard & Son a blacksmith shop and J, T. Calhoun opened a coal and lumber yard. In 1885, McEwen & Garlock built the corner store, Louis Brodsky became its occupant, and residences were built by J. T. Cal- houn, W. A. Hubel and M.B. Haskins. In 1886 residences were built by John Campbell, Nils Lilligood, W. M. Hal- stad, L. Elkins and L. Brodsky; and the hotel by Chas. L. Strong. In 1887 the new families were Henry Fitz- gerald, A. K. Cleveland, Peter Toner, Samuel Smith, Ed. R. Trites, War- fleld Campbell and Bert Blanchard. Iq 1888 there arrived among others John Blanchard, Alex. Campbell, and Lew Jenniags; and in 1889, S. B. Heathman, S. D. Clifford, A. L Whit- ney and Geo, H. Loughead. The election was first held in Plover in the fall of 1884. PLOYBR IN 1902. Agents C. R. I. & P.Ry:A. G. Spill- man, F. E. Patton, E. E. Rector, B. B. Brown, successor in 1901 of Henry Fitzgerald '88-1901, and J. S. Smith '83-88. Bank: Plover Savings Bank, estab- lished in 1891, brick building built in 1900, W. S. McEwen, cashier; Joseph McEwen, assistant cashier. Baebbb: W. S, Chinn. Blacksmiths: Blanchard Eros., Al- bert and John, in 1890 successors of John Blanchard, Sr,, '83-90. Creamery: F. J. Brodsky success- or to L. Brodsky. Carpenters and Contractors: Charles Northrop and A. R. Camp- bell. Chttrches: Methodist, built in 1886, Rev. E. E. Rorick, pastor; Pres- byterian, built in 1888, Rev. Z. W. Steele, pastor; Free Methodist, built in 1898, Miss Winnie Miler, pastor. Doctor: J. D. Wallace, M. D. Druggist: Geo. W. Day, in 1896 successor of C. H. Beam. Elevators: Councilman & Co , built in 1891, G. N. Loughead, mana- ger till 1900; Des Moines Elevator Co , new building in 1901, L. Brodsky, manager to 1901, Alex. McEwen, pres- ent manager. General Merchants: Eggspueh- ler & Mueller, in 1887 successors of L. Brodsky; F. D. Hadden, since 1895; F. D. Northrop, T. E. Meredith. Hardware: W. A. Neelan in 1902 successor of Neelan & Roberts (1901); F. W. Shellman (1900), Samuel W. Powell (1897), Cox & Powell, L. E. Thompson and P. G. Hess, the pioneer merchant, who started the first store in his home on the farm and moved it to Plover when the town was started. Harness: Geo. Jeffries successor of H. P. Cobbs, F. C. Wanek, L. M. Par- radee and P. G. Hess. Hotel: Bert McKean, since 1901 successor of C. H. Nebel, Wm. Harder, Mrs. Robinson, Alex. Geddes and Chas. L. Strong. Implements: C. D. Hobbs, in 1900 successor of Geo. N. Loughead, Alex, ■700 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. McEwen, C. A. Charlton and Jas. T. Calhoun '83-90. Liteey: J. T. Mishler, in 1902 suc- cessor of J. S. Pirie and Ed, R. Trites '90-93. Lumber and Coal: H. L. Jenkins, in 1893 successor of Brodsky Lumber Co.; F. D. Calkins, since 1893; Brodsky Lumber Co., since 1899, H. Fitzgeiald, manager. Meat Maekbt: W. A. Mitchell, in 1901 successor of Chauncey Cox ('96), Samuel Miller ('94), S. E. Heathman, L. E. Jennings, A. K. Cleveland and John Campbell '85-92. Postmaster: Geo. N. Longhead, since Feb. 1, 1899 successor of Henry Fitzgerald '93-99, Edward Gibbons '89-93, A. J. Eggspuehler '85-89, and P. G. Hess '83-85. Newspaper: The Plover Review, by G. H. Liddell, since November, 1900; successor of the Times Gazette, established by F. M. Linehan in Jan- uary, 1896 and closed Sept. 22, 1898; and of the Plover Herald established by P. O. Coffin in the spring of 1895. Real Estate: J. S. Smith since 1889, and Geo. N. Loughead. Restaurant: Bert McKean, in 1901 successor of C. E. Heathman 1900, Chinn & Watkins '98-99, Chauncey Cox 1897, A. A. Loats, Tony Fisher. plover high school. The school in the Plover district was developed into a high school in 1893 and a good two stoj-y frame build- ing costing $4000 has been erected on a pretty elevation south of town. The first annual commencement was held in the Presbyterian church, June 16, 1899 when a class of six young ladies graduated, namely: Marjory McEwen, Sue McEwen, Bertha Blair, Estella Shaw, Estella Hancher and Edith Wallace. The next commencement was held in 1902 when Minnie Ander- son, Guy Meredith, Elsie Connor, Luella Shaver, Mamie Loughead, Emma and Arthur Fuller, graduated. The succession of principals has been Walter N. Gillis '92-94, E. L. Wal- lace '94-1901, E. D. Leonard. CHURCHES. Methodist: During the 70's the Methodist ministers at Old Rolfe be- gan to hold services in the Strong schoolhouse on sec. 24. In later years a class was organized at Plover con- sisting of Mr. and Mrs. William Alex- ander, Frank and Martha Beers, John, Betsey and Alice Barnes, Mr. and Mrs J. C. Strong and others. In September, 1885 the Plover and Have- lock classes were transferred from Rolfe to form with other classes the Curlew charge. In September, 1890 Plover and Havelock were united to form one charge. A church building costing $1500 was built in 1886 and the succession of pastors since 1888 has been as follows: F. L. Moore '88-91, L. F, Troutman '91-94, C. M. Phoenix '94-97, G. W. Shideler '97-99, A. E, Cuthbert ,99-1901, E. E. Rorick. Presbyterian: The first services in the township were held in the Strong schoolhouse during the later 60's by Rev. David S. McComb, pastor of the Unity Presbyterian church, (p. 218), that worshipped in the court house at Old Rolfe, The Presbyterian church at Plover was organized with 26 members on Oct. 11, 1888, after the labors of a few months on the part of Rev. George H. Duty, of Rolfe, by a committee of the Presbytery of Fort Dodge consisiing of Rev. R. E. Fllckinger, Rev. Geo. H. Duty, Rev, T. C. Bailey and Elder W, 0. Kennedy, of Rolfe, The original members were James and Beatrice Henderson and their five children, Janet, James, Jay W,, John and Char- les Henderson, Robert and Mary An- derson, Mr. and Mrs Alex. McEwen, Mr, and Mrs, S, J. Loughead, A, L, and Mary E Whitney, Mr. and Mrs. Alex, Geddes, Catherine Parradee, Elizabeth (Mrs, S. L.) Horsman, Rob- ert Lothian, Alice L, (Mrs, Nelson) Shaver and son Glenn Shaver, Mr,and POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 701 Mrs. Marcus Lind and their two dauKliters Maggie arid Marie, and Mrs. Peter R. Henderson. James Hender- son, Robert Anderson and Robert Lothian were elected elders; and Alex. McEwen, A. L. Whitney, S. J. Loughead, N. H. Shaver and Squire E. Heathman, trustees. A church building 26x40, having a lecture room, vestibule and tower, and costing $1800 was dedicated Dec. 8, 1889. A few years later a parsonage and other out- buildings were built at a cost of $1000. The two lots on which these buildings were erected, were donated by Sena- tor A. O. Garlock. This congregation has made a steady and substantial growth that for several years past has enabled it to support its own pastor. The succession of pastors has been as follows: Geo. H. Duty, A. A. Pratt, M. T. Rainier, W. N. Gillis a student, Wm. J. Fraser, J. W. Carlstrom and James Simpson, students, James Berry and Zadok W. Steele, who has served the church since 1900 and was installed June 10, 1902. FiiEE Methodist: The Free Methodists, July 10, 1898 dedicated a church building in Plover during the ministry of Eev. O. Peitsmyer, who was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. I. C. Grabil and Rev. F. E. Eaton each of whom served one year. Miss Winnie Miler, the present pastor, be- gan in 1900. This parish embraces a wide section of country. THE PLOVER POULTRY YARD. W. A. Hubel (p. 471) from 1892 to 1898 was the proprietor of the Plover poultry yards and by his large and fine exhibits at the Fonda and Ruthven fairs came to be recognized as the principal breeder of thoroughbred poultry in Pocahontas county. His exhibits included fourte n vnrieties, namely: Cornish Indian Games, Dark and Light Brahmas, Black Langshans, Buff and Partridge Coch- ins, Plymouth Rocks, Golden and Sil- ver Laced Wyandottes, Leghorns, Red Caps, Hamburgs and Houdans. As a result of his experience he found that the Leghorns were the best lay- ers, the Light Brahmas the best for the market, and the Plymouth Rocks the farmer's favorite, or the best for all purposes. No investment on the farm ordinarily brings so much clear profit as one prudently made for the purpose of raising poultry. The fol- lowing reasons have been suggested, to indicate that many farmers might profitably engage more extensively in raising poultry. They enable him to convert a great deal of otherwise waste material into eggs and chickens for the market and produce revenue all the year, except two months during the moulting sea- son. They yield a quick return for the capital invested and can be raised in all parts of the country, while fruit and cereals can be successfully grown only in certain sections. The hen is a sweet tempered, hard workingj productive creature that has become identified with our home life, and also our domestic and national prosperity. She lays $290,000,000 worth of eggs in this country every year, which is more than four apiece for each inhabitant. After a life of constant activity, laying eggs, cack- ling and hatching little chicks, she gives up her life for the table of the farmer or boarding house keeper. The Iowa hen crows the loudest and longest, because it was officially de- clared by the census of 1900, that her family in this state numbered 18,907,- 673, which was 2,300,000 more than Illinois, her closest rival. The peer- less Hawkeye state excels all others in cackling hens, quacking ducks and in the number of eggs produced. "Who has not read the lays that the poets sing of the rustling corn and the flowers of spring? But of all the lays of tongue or pen, there is none like the lay of the Iowa hen. The corn 702 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. must rustle and the flowers must spring, if they hold their own with the barnyard ring. Long before Maud rakes the hay, the Iowa hen has begun her lay; and ere the milkmaid has stirred a peg, the hen is up and laid an egg. If Maud is needing a new spring gown, she does not hustle the hay to town, but goes to the store and obtains her suit, with a basket full of fresh hen fruit; If the milkmaid's beau makes a Sunday call, she does not feed him on milk at all, but works up eggs in a custard pie and stuffs him full of chicken fry. All hail, to the Iowa hen, the greatest blessing to all men. Corn may be king, but it is plainly seen, tliat the Iowa hen is the Iowa queen." PUBLIC OFFICERS. The following county otBcials have been chosen from Powhatan township: SuPBRVisOKS: Henry Thomas 1867- 68, Ira Strong '69-70, Andrew Jackson '72-74, Alex. McEwen '86-94. Recordees: Thomas L. MacVey '69-74, Andrew Jackson '75-76, Oscar I. Strong '77. SuRVETOEs: Geo. W. Strong '70, O. I. Strong '71. Supeeintendbnt: Oscar I. Strong '74, '80-81. Treasurbe: C. A. Charlton '94-99. LEADING CITIZENS. nnderson. Robert R. (b. 1842), one of the sturdy and successful pioneers of Powhatan township, is a native ot Somerville, N» J., ason of James and Helen (Russell) Anderson. Oct. 26, 1865 he and his brother Ed- ward entered claims for the Ei Sec. 15, 160 acres each, making the journey up the Des Moines river from Fort Dodge to McNight's Point, afoot. In the spring of 1866 he built a shanty and in the fall of that year replaced it with a house built of willow logs, obtained from the grove along the Des Moines river. He endeavored to achieve suc- cess on the frontier by working single handed, but the experiment was not very encouraging. In September 1884 he married Mary McFadzen, a native of Ontario, Canada, and very soon the tide of success turned in his favor. At first he did a large amount of break- ing for his neighbors, but better times, were experienced when he was able to devote his attention to dairying and raising stock. When the grass hop- pers came, during the period from 1867 to 1876, they paid him their respects by discovering their keen relish for his growing crops. He has succeeded well on the farm and is now the owner of 330 acres. In 1901 he erected a fine dwelling house on the farm adjoining Plover, to which he moved the pre- vious year. He is a man of strict in- tegrity, devout and reverential in spirit and has been an elder in the Presbyterian church since 1871, under the rotary system. His family consists of three children, Minnie, a Plover graduate in 1902; James who works the farm near Plover, and Arthur, an adopted son. Edward Anderson who came with his brother Robert in 1865, and loca- ted on 15, married Elizabeth Gillis, of Ontario, and died in 1872, before he had secured the title to his home- stead. His death was the result of a lingering sore, caused by the kick of a horse. He served as a trustee m 1871 and was township clerk at the time of his death. His wife complet- ed the title to the homestead and, oc- cupied it until 1886,vWhen she became the wife of George Henderson who died in 1892. She died in 1899 leaving two children, James and Henry, by her first husband. James lives in Cali- fornia; Henry, a farmer, married Joan Steele, and after her death, Maggie Ballentine. He lives in Washington and has a family of five children. Mrs. Edward Anderson was one of earth's noblest women and still lives amid the scenes of her earthly career in the sweet influence and the frag- rant memories of a noble life. She POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 703 came to the frontier at a time when the extremes of cold and heat involved much of personal discomfort and the battle for bread was a long and hard one. The period of her life spent in Powhatan was one of constant and loving service for others, for whom she dranlf deeply from the cup of sorrow. When she perceived she could no longer serve, on account of indications of her own approaching end, she hastened to her old home in Canada, as Moses ascended the mount to die, gathered about her the dra- pery of her couch and peacefully passed to the better land, "A land of pure delight. Where saints immortal reign." John Anderson, another brother of Robert, who in the spring of 1866 found the bones of one who had got lost on the prairie and perished in a blizzard two -years before, near the corner of Robert's homestead, married first Isabella McGilvery and after her death Kate Gaffeny. He lives in Washington and has five children. Barnes, John (b. 1815), one of the pioneers of Powhatan, was a native of Pennsylvania. At the age of 22 he located in southern Illinois where he found employment as a carpenter. He spent two years logging at New Orleans and still has a tool ehest made there of cypress wood seventy years ago. In 1841 he married Betsey N. DeWolf, a native of Pennsylvania and located at Sterling, Illinois. In the spring of 1870 he and his son, William, came to Powhatan and be- gan to occupy the homestead taken by Wm. and Eliza (De Wolf) Stone (NEi SEO 25) four years previous. Later that year his wife and eight other children, John, Mary, Anna, Harriet, Fannie, George, Samuel, and Alice ar- rived. In 1872 he moved to Des Moines township and two years later to SEO. 14, Powhatan. About this time he bought the SWi SEC. 12 from Alex McEwen and, building a house. moved upon it. He improved and oc-. cupied this farm until 1896, the year after the death of his wife, when he went to the home of his daughter, Mary E. Frost, then at Mt. Vernon. Since 1898 he has lived with Alice, his youngest daughter, and family on the the old home farm. He was in the midst of adverse circumstances when he came to Pocahontas county, with a family of nine children, but after a few years the tide turned and noble persistent effort to provide for them was crowned with good success. He was a faithful member of the Methodist church and a zealous advo- cate of prohibition. His family consisted of nine chil- dren. Anna C, in 1874 married Rev. James S. Ziegler, a minister of the N. W. Iowa Conference. He is now a mail clerk ' on the C. & N. W. R'y., lives in Des Moines and has a family of four chil- dren, Lena, Lulu, Dora and Grace. Mary E. in 1875 married Daniel P. Frost, a farmer, and located on the nei sec. 16, Powhatan, where he died in 1882, leaving one son, Frederic. Mary then returned to the home of of her father where she remained until after the death of her mother, when she accompanied Frederic, pur- suing his education, to Des Moines and Mt. Vernon, and in 1899 returned to Plover, Frederic, after graduating at Mt. Vernon in 1899, served one yeai; as principal of the High School at Eddyville, and then located at Des Moines where he has since been en- gaged in the real estate business and reading law. Harriet E., who taught the first school at Pocahontas, married Edward Snell, a farmer, and located in Craw- ford county, where she died in 1884, leaving two children, Bertha and Wayne. WUliam L. in 1891 married Clara B. Hampdon, and located on a farm on section 11, which he was the first 704 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. to occupy and improve. In 1902 he moved to Palisade, Colorado to en- gage in raisiDg fruit. His family con- sisted of two children, Erroll and Leatha. Fannie E., an early teacher, is now an agent for a Des Moines firm and lives at Tama City. George W., in 1893 married Jem, daughter of Seoator G-eorge Hender- derson, widovy of George Bowen. He completed a course of theological study at Bvanstou, 111., and is now a minister of the M. E. church. His family consists of two children, Ruth and Joyce. Alice M., in 1893 married Joseph Dougherty, a baggage master on the C. & N. W. R'y. and located at Tama City. In 1898 they bought the old home farm and moved upon it. They have one child, Cora. John M. rendered military service in the war on the Phillipine Islands, and then returned to Plover. Samuel Howard, a Cuban soldier, died in 1902. Brodsky^ Louis (b. 1851) mer- chant, farmer and stock raiser at Plover, is a native of Dubuque coun- ty, Iowa, the son of Onifred and Mary Brodsky. His father was a native of Poland and, coming to this country located at Dubuque where he died when Louis was 15 months old. His mother afterwards became the wife of Vit Payer and in 1878 located at Pocahontas. Louis, that year en- gaging in store keeping, was the second merchant at Pocahontas. Nov. 20, 1876 he married Katy Sladek and the next spring located on a farm in D(jver township. In 1884 he moved to Plover and, engaging in general rherchandise, was the second mer- chant at that place. After a few years he relinquished his interest in the store that he might give his at- tention to other enterprises that had enlisted his interest, a farm, cream- ery, elevator and lumber yard. He is now the owner of 320 acres of land adjoining Plover known as the Ploverdale stock farm, that he has improved with a large dwelling house supplied with modern appliances for convenience and comfort, large horse and cattle barns, several hog houses, two silos that hold 200 tons of ensil- age and a number of other necessary outbuildings. The silos were the first built in Pocahontas county. He has erected ample buildings for rais- ing a large amount of stock and tak- ing good care of it from year to year. He built a'so a large hay depot at the railroad station that he might handle that commodity, buying or selling ic as circumstances might suggest. He received a number of premiums on his exhibits of pure bred cattle at the Iowa State fairs of 1892 and 93; and in 1895 was accorded 21 first premiums at Ruthven, and swept everything at the Big Four fair at Fonda. His large and fine exhibits on these occasions attracted wide at- tention and his annual public sales have attracted buyers from neighbor- ing states, including Keetucky, as well as from all parts of Iowa. The following exhibit of some r,f his public sales shows what he has ac- complished in the way of raising fine stock in this section and the substan- tial increase' in the prices received during recent years. PUBLIC SALES. Amt. Date. Cattle. Aver. Total, of Sale. 1894 45 head $5;!.60 $2,400 $3,620 1895 82 head 72.00 4,904 7,576 1898 40 head 167 CO 5,680 6,680 1899 49 head 226 53 11,110 15,547 1901 47 head 206:00 9,705 9,705 1902 30 head 275.33 8,260 8,260 At the time of the sale, March 15, 1899, which was held in a large tent, a special brought a train load of people from Rolfe. Col. F. M. Woods, of Lincoln, Neb , served as auction- eer, two of the cattle brought $410 each and two others $500 and $505, respectively. Sixteen Percheron horses were sold that day for $4,315, POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 705 three of thena bringing $300 each and two others $415 and $455, respect- ively. A set of herd books and a share of stock sold for $132, mak- ing the assets that day $15,547. At his first sale in 1894, 51 young hogs were sold for $1,020, an average of $20 each; and in 1895, 44 head were sold for $1,675 an average of $38 each. At his last sale, Oct. 8,1902,a cow, 7th Mysie of PleasantView brought $1090, and four others, $525, $560, $570 and $580, respectively. A special was run from E 'Ife and the bids were received by Col. Woods, Al. P. Mason and Ralph Barklay. Meredith Bros, sold at the same time and place 26 head for $2,970, an average of $114 23; making the gross receipts of the sale $11,230. At a combination sale at Rolfe on the previous day by Claus Johnson, N. A. Lind, Anton Williams, T. II. FiSher, M. P. Hancher, A. G Hewlett and W. J Price, 50 Shorthorns were sold for $7,600 an average of $152 a head. He has shown a preference for the Percheron horse.'?, Short-Horo cattle and Poland China hogs. Short-Horns of a very superior quality have been sold at his public sales, including Scotch Dorothys, Mysies, Marsh Vio lets, Lovelys, Scotch-topped Rose of Sliarons, and olher desirable families. His herd usually numbers about 100 head and three-fourths of them are thoroughbreds. He was the Urst in the northeast part of the county to embark in raising Short-Horns on a large scale, having commenced in 1889, and a large share of the credit of making Pocahontas county a well known center, where the bc'^t cattle in the land may be found, belongs to him; since most of the other breeders were encouraged by his example, prof- ited by his counsel and obtained their first supplies of stock from him. He and other farmers in that vicinity have Short-Horns that are not sur- passed any where in s'ze, quality and ped'gree. He has endeavored to raise as fine stock as can be done with the best blood and feed, and to secure speedy maturity. He has realized the im- portance and value of thorough dis- cipline in feeding and taking care of the stock, and never entrusts the care of the herd to a stranger nor ex- poses any of them for sale until they are in prime condition. Finding that public sales are somewhat ex- pensive he has concluded to adopt the plan of both buying and selling, as far as possible, at private sale^ in the hope, that he can make sales to his patrons wiih profit at a much lower rate. He is a man of excellent business habits and is held in h'gh esteem in the community. He is a good rep- resentative of thai class of enterpris- ing men, who build up a community and secure for it a good reputation abroad. He was president of the school board three years, 1890-92. His family consists of five children, Josephine, ITrank J., Louis, Frances and George. Frank and Louis at- tended the State Agricultural College at Ames, and the former is now pro- prietor of the Plover creamery. In 1900 his father re-opened this cream- ery, and it has been managed on the plan of each farmer having h's own separator and bringing only the cream to the creamery; and about ninety separators are now in use in that vicinity. ANGORA GOATS. Mr. Brodsky is the owner of a farm of 500 acres, on the triangular strip of land in Lee county, that is at the confluence of the Des Moines and Mississippi rivers. On this land he made an intelligent experiment, worthy of special notice This land, like otheis in that vicinity, was cov- ered with a natural growth of weeds, vines und shrubbery, that prevented agricultural operations and its re- moval with axe and brush hook-would have required a great deal of time 706 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. and money. Instead of pursuing this, the common method of clearing these lands, he enclosed it and put 400 An- gora goats upon it. The result was a surprise to the old settlers in that section, one of whom remarked, "your goats in one year have cleared more land and done it better, than we have done in forty. " Some of the people drove miles to see their worif, and the board of supervisors appointed a com- mittee to investigate and report the results of this novel and profitable experiment. The goats manifested a relish for every kind of young tree growtti, except hickory, and their clip yielded ninety cents each. It must always be remembered, that this admirable trait of the goat for clearing wild lands, tends to make him a dangerous visittir to the garden, grove and orchard. Day, George W. (b. 1875), druggist, is a native of Greene county. Wis., the son of D. D. and R. A. Day, who now reside at Rolfe. In 1884 he. came with his parents to Iowa, and in 1832 was a member of the first graduating class of the Rolfe high school. In September, 1896 he married Jennie M. Lindsay, of Montreal, Can., and in December following loca- ted at Plover where he has since been engaged in the drug business. In 1898 he was the democratic nominee fur county auditor and lacked only 17 votes of being elected. In 1902 he was re-nomin;ited. His family consists of two children, Grace and Norma. He has three brothers, W. D , who lives at Lawton, Okla , B. G. at Ha- warden and J. F. at Pocahontas; and three sisters, Mrs. A. T. White who livjs at Pocahonia^, Mrs. G. E. Boyn- ton, Sioux Rapids, and Mrs, L. A, Haines, Albert Lea, Minn. Egsspuehler, Albert J. (b. 1858), merchant. Is a native of Winneshiek county, Iowa. In 1885 he located in Plover and engaged in the mercantile business, first as a partner with Louis Brodskj and 18 months later with Jacob Mueller, his present partner. This is now the oldest business firm in Plover and its long continuance suggests the liberal patronage ac- corded to it by the community it has been serving so long. Mr. Eggspueh- ler is the owner of a good farm near Plover and several valuable properties in the. town; and has been treasurer of the school funds since 1899. In 1891 he married Cedora, a daughter of Wenzel Hubel, a pioneer of Center township, and has a family of two children. Florin and Gladjs. Mary A. Hubel, his wife's mother, died at his home at 79, Feb. 10, 1902. Pessenden, Bradley M., owner and occupant of a farm on sec. 25 from 1872 to 1889, is a native of Mont- rose, Pa., the son of Isaac B. and Lydia Fessenden. The early part of his life was spent at Pittston, Pa. In 1865 he came to Carroll county, 111., wherein 1866 he married Betsey B. DsWolf. In 1867 he looated in Cedar county, Iowa, and in 1872 in Powhatan township, where after a few years, he located on the nwi sec. 25. He improved and occupied this farm until 1899, when he moved to Sherburne, Minn. He was a man of strict integrity, a member of the Methodist church and served one year as president of the county Sun- day school association. He raised a family of ten children, three of whom are married. Henry E. married Minnie Grove. Mary E. , in 1890 married Samuel W. Lyman and lived on a farm near Plover until 1900, when they moved to McHenry, N. D. where she died at 31, in 1901, leaving five children. Clara E. mar- ried George L. Pirie. The others are Charles L., the oldest, Isaac B., Har- vey D., George, Bessie and Lydia. Praser, John (b. 1827), owner and occupant of a homestead on sec. 36 since 1866, is a native of the city of POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 707 Glasgow, Scotland. At fifteen in 1842 he came to Beavertown, Ontario, Can., where in 1859 he married Mary Bow, also of Scotch descent. In 1866, with a family of two sons and two daughters, John, Jessie, William and Mary, he came to Pocahontas county and secured a homestead of 160 acres on the Rwi sec. 36, Powhatan town- ship. He is one of the first residents of the township and in the frontis- piece may be seen a cut of the log house, built in 1868, that was the family residence for many years. He increased the farm to 250 acres and in later years improved it with good buildings and groves. It is located 2i miles west of Kolfe and is connect- ed with that town by telephone and a daily, free rural mail. He has been secretary of the Poca- hontas County Bible Society (p. 503) since its organization at Old Eolfe in 1867, and in October that year, carried from Fort Dodge the first lot of Bibles brought to this county. During the 35 years he has been secretary of this organization, there has been brought to this county through its instru- mentality. Bibles and Testaments to the value of $800, and in 1897 a canvass of the county was made to put a Bible in every home. He is one of the men who took the lead in having the name of the town- ship changed from '-Nunda" and "Jackson" to ".Powhatan, "and served twelve years as treasurer of the school funds. The large number of votes that have frequently been cast for the candidates of the prohibition party in this township has been largely due to his leadership and influence. He is a total abstainer and has supported the prohibition party since 1881. He is a man of firm convictions, knows what he believes and finds encourage- ment in the following lines: "For right is right, since God is God, And ritrht the day must win: To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin." He is a man of sterling worth and has rendered efBcient and constant service for many years as an official member of the M. B. church at Eolfe. He is a man of faith and piety and believes that, though He may seeai to tarry a little, God will accomplish all he has promised in regard to the over- throw of iniquity and the ushering in of a reign of righteousness and peace. His family consisted of five children, one of whom, Jessie, died at 23 in 1884, John T., (b. Can. 18S0) in 1883 mar- ried Ida M. Waite, occupies his own well improved farm on sec. 1, Center township, and has a family of seven children, Ethel, Mary, John, George, Frank, Lucile and Foster. Jessie F. (b. Aug. 1861) in 1880 mar- ried John Taylor and in 1884 died at Odebolt, leaving two children, Mabel L., who in 1901 married Milton W. Maulsby, a barber, at Fonda; and Charles, who lives with his father at Rolfe. William J. (b. Can. 1863) in 1888 married Laura, daughter of R. B. Fish and located at Rolfe where he continued to reside until 1900, when he went to LaConnor, and in 1902, to Mt. Vernon, Wash. His family con- sists of seven children, Bert R., Min- nie, Winnie, Vernon, Clare, Earl B. and Jessie. Mary E. in 1885 married John A. Vandecar and located on a farm near Livermore. In 1889 he moved to Rolfe and engaged in business, but a few years later purchased and now oc- cupies a farm of 180 acres in West Bend township, Palo Alto county. Their family consists of eight chil- dren, William, Frank, Gladys, Mary, Cora, Belle, Howard and Irene. Charles E (b. Aug. 1, 1868), -the only member of the family born in this county, was born in the log 'house and was one of the first children born in Powhatan. After attending the high school in Rolfe he graduated from the Iowa Business College at 08 PIOHEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. 3es Moiiies iQ 1889. During the sum- ner of 1891 he taught school in Clin- on township. Nov 16, 1891 he en- tered the employ of the State Savings Banli atRolfe as a boolikeeper, and in Jan. 1, 1899 became its assistant ;ashier. He has lived at Rolfe since ,he date of his birth and novf own3 ;unsiderable property in that town. ;n the fall of 1899 he effected the or- ;anization of the Rolfe Telephone Go. vith a capital of $10,00n, and served )ne year as its manager. It has now 160 phones in operation, many of vhicli are upon farms, and their num- )er is constantly increasing. He is ilso one of the organizers of the Rolfe Jas Co. and owns a block of its capital toclc. He was clerlj of Clinton town- hip five years, 1896-1900, and in 1902 vas elected a member of the Rolfe lOwn council. In 189) h3 mirriel Hittij L., ■oungest daughter of Dr. W. O. Beam if Hiimbaldfc, who, after hsr gr.ida i- iion at Toledo in 1890, moved to Rolfe ind taught twelve terms in the public chools of this county, including sev- iral at Rolfe. She has four brothers ind two sisters, aad four of them are ir have been residents of this county, lamely. Dr. W. >V. B3im and Mrs r. H. Charlton at Rolfe, and C. H. Seam at Pocahontas; Dr. W. O. Seam and H. A. Beam at Moline, III; Urs. A. Owen at Toledo, Iowa, and FennieG. who taught school several 'ears at Plover, in 1900 married Thomas Heather and in 1902 located It Bard, 8. D. Mr. and Mis. Fraser lave one son, Charles Halford. Geddes, Alexander (b. 1810), a jioneer of Bellville and a long time esident of Powhatan, is a native of Scotland, the son of .Jam"s and Jane stark Geddes. In 1861, he marriedCath- srine Lannieand worked in the mines intil the spring of 1836, when he )rought h's family to Braidwood, 111, Three years later he came in a prairie eh)oner tj Fort Dodge anl in 187U with wife and three children, James, Jane and Alexander, settled on a homestead of 80 acres on sec. 8, Bell- ville township. He improved and oc- cupied this farm until 1881, when he located on the nei sec 29, Powhatan township, which he was the first to occupy and improve. In 1887 he moved to Havelock and the next year to Plover, where he kept hotel; and his sons, James, Alexander and Wil- liam engaged in making hay and working on the rnads. In 1900 he moved to West Bend and the next year to Rolfe. His family consi-ted of nine chil- dren: James, a native of Scotland, is a dealer in liay; Jane has been a teacher for many years: Alexander is at Mallard; Catherine married Harry A. Hilton; Maggie, in 1901, married E. H. Post and lives at Rolfe; the others are William, John, Robert and Martha. Goodehild, George (b. 1818), the pioneer occupant of the swi sec. 20, is a native of England, where in 1846 he married Ursula Wilkinson. In 1849 he came to New ITork City, where he found employment as a shoe maker, and seven years later located on Long Island. In 1867 he came to Webster County, Iowa, and in 1869 located on a homestead of 16J acres in Powhatan township. He improved this farm with good buildings and occupied it until his death His wife died in 188i. Both he and hi3 wife were raised in the Episcopal church and b3oam.e active workers in the M. E. church in Powhatan. His family consisted of nine chil- dren, three of whom died young. Henry in 1833 married Nettie Spjn- cer, of Osceola county, located on the swi sec. 27, Washington township, improved and occupied it until 1901, when he mived one mile westof Have- look. He ha.s done considerable work as a CHrpetiter and mason, having learned both of these trades in his youth. His family consists of six children, Mary, Anna, Kate, Sarah, Edward and Jesse. POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 709 William A. in 1885 married Eunice, daughter of Elijah Chase, and Uvea on the old Chase farm, four miles njrth of Havelock. His family consists of six children, Ella, Elizabeth, Ursula Millie, William and Lester. Ursula in 1884 married Joseph O. Overholt, who owns and occupies a farm of 320 acres in Emmet county and raises thoroughbred stock. Her family consists of Ave children, Ira and Inez, twins, Siegel, William and Florence. Herbert in 1889 married Margaret LudiQgton, a farmer, lives in Palo Alto county and has three children, Mabel, Leon and Wayne. Hancher, Mrs. Nancy A. (1807-82), mother of Barney and Abel Hicks Hancher, was one of the early pio- neers of Powhatan township. Ac- companying her S'jns and daughters to the frontier in the early sixties, she shared with them the pleasures, pri- vations and hardships of the early days, when young men founded hum- ble homes, "Far out upon the prairie." Her husband, Joha Hancher, (1798- 1853), was a native of Jefferson county, Virginia, and a soldier in the war of 1812. After their marriage ia 1827, they located in Harrison county, Ohio, and remained until about 1850, when they moved to Kentucky and the next year to Brown county, Ind., where he died at 57 in 1853, leaving a family of four sons and five daughters. After a residence of six years at this place Mrs. Hancher and family moved to Bureau county, Illinois, where in 1862, Barney, her oldest son, married Ellen, daughter of Henry Thomas. In the fall of 1863 he and wife and Jerry Young, wife and six childre n came to Pocahontas county, and loca- ted for that winter, Hancher in Mills' cabin at McKnight's Point, and Young in Oscar Slosson's "shack" 6n sec. 24, Des Moines township. April 9, 1864 Barney filed a claim for the sei sec. 24, Powhatan township and begin- ning to occupy it May 10,1864, built a cabin and did some breaking that same month. In October following (1864) his mother, Nancy, his brothers, Abel Hicks and Thomas, and sister. Belle, arrived frcm Bureau county, Illinois. Sept. 29th, in anticipation of their ar- rival, Barney tiled a claim in the name of his mother, for the nei sec. 24, ad- joining his own. No others had filed claims in this township before her, ex- cept Barney and those who filed on the previous day, Sept. 28, namely, Henry, Daniel and Joel Thomas, Jerry Yojung, William Stone, Samuel and George Booth, and she located on her claim before the last three. Mrs. Hancher and family spent the first winter in the vicinity of Old Rolfe and, locating on her claim in the spring of 1865, improved and oc- cupied it until her death at 75, Oct. 2, 1882. Her home was, for many years, a favoiite place of meeting among the settlers. The first social and first Sunday school picnic were held here. She was a true mother and cared for the moral and spiritual, as well as temporal welfare of her children. She was a member of the Christian church and had the faculty of making her home a delightful place of meeting. Hancher, Barney (b. Harrison Co., Ohio, 1831), the first resident of Pow- hatan township, in 1862 married Mar- garet Ellen, daughter of Henry Thom- as during their residence in Bureau county, lllindis. In 1864 he built the first cabin and turned the first furrow in Powhatan. During the winter of 1864-65 he moved his cabin to the tim- ber in W. H. Hait's pasture southeast of Old Eolfe, but returned to his claim the next spring. He improved and occupied it until 1879 when he sold it to James Drown and moved to Ness county, Kansas. In 1881, ac- companied by Mr, and Mrs. Henry Thomas, he returned to this county and in 1883 located near Rolfe where he still lives. He served as one of the LO PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. idges at the first election in Powhat- a and later three years as a trustee. [e carried the mail between Fonda nd Pocahontas two years. His family consisted of five children ae of whom died in childhood. Susanna in 1885 married Albert G. leland, a mason, and died in 1888, John Henry, a mason, in 1887 mar- ed Allie Hoffman and located at iolfe. In 1895 his wife, her mother, [rs. Hoffman, and his three children, Irena, Pearl and Amy visited the aciflc coast and all of them were moDg the missing after the fire, that urned the hotel at Seattle that year, [e is now engaged in farming at Mc- [enry, N. D. Alva G. married Sarah Van Horn nd lives at Richards, Calhoun county, here he has charge of a lumber yard. Frank TV., a farmer, married Ida .rcher and in 1902 located at Mc- [enry, N. D. Hancber, Abel Hicks (b. O., 1845), iroprietor of the Spring Greek stock irm, sec. 24, Powhatan, is a native of [arrison county, Ohio, and in youth loved with his mother and her fara- y to Bureau county, Illinois. In the ill of 1864 he came with his mother, rother Thomas and sister. Belle, to 'ocahontas county, where in 3866 he uilt on sec. 24, one of the first cabins 1 Powhatan township. Oct. 6, 1868 e married Caroline, daughter of Be- iah Cooper of Des Moines township, [e occupied the old homestead of his lother many years, increased it to riS acres and improved it with sub- tantial and ample buildings for rais- ig a large amount of stock. He lade it a very beautiful home. Iverything about it suggests order, tirift, convenience and comfort. He as devoted his attention to raising nd feeding stock as well as farming, nd, during the 37 years he occupied he farm, did not sell over $300 worth f grain from it, but bought much pom his neighbors. He served one term as assessor and several as a trustee. In 1902, leaving the farm in care of his son, Adelbert, he moved to Eolfe. His family consisted of seven chil- dren. Adelbert E. lived several years with his uncle, Thomas Cooper,and bought a farm of 240 acres in Palo Alto coun- ty. In 1901 he took charge of his father's farm. He married Ollie Jinness and has one child, Luverne. Melvin Park, a farmer and stock raiser, in 1896, married Priscilla Han- Ion and located first in Clinton, and in ]901 in Des Moines township, where he owns a well improved farm of 160 acres adjoining Rolfe. His family consists of one child, Yirgll. Charles B, in 1897 married Jessie Shepherd, lives near Plover and has two children. Thomas in 1900 married Eva Grove, lives in Powhatan and has one child, Leta M. Stella in 1900 married Clarence D Hobbs, a stock dealer and manager of Counselman's elevator at Plover. EvaL. a teacher, and Edith are at home. Hancher, Thomas J. in October, 1864 with wife and two children, ac- companied his mother from Bureau county, Illinois, to this county and located on the nei sec. 14, Powhatan. The next year he moved to Jasper county and in 1884 to Des Moines. Belle in 1866 married Henry Tilley, (p. 530). Heathman, Squire Ephraim (b. 1846), a resident of Powhatan since 1873, is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, the son of David C. and Cathe- rine Heathman, In 1847 he moved with his parents to Wiscjnsin, where he grew to manhood. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a member of a heavy artillery company, but two months later was mustered out on account of being too small for that kind of service. In October, 1863, he POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 711 rc-enlisted as a member of Co. I, 2d Wis. Cav. and remaiaed in the service until Nov. 15, 1865, when he was mustered out at Austin, Texas, He was in the Western Department of the Army under Generals Osborne and Custer. In 1868 he married Phoebe J., daughter of Joel Smith and located on a farm in Greene county, Wis. In 1872 accompanied by Joseph D. Hilton he came to Powhatan township and located on the nwi sec. 9, and Hilton on 5. Squire improved and occupied his farm until 1892 when he moved to Plover. He has taken a very prominent part in the management of the affairs in the township, having served 12 years as president of the school board, nine as assessor and eight as a trus- tee. He has also taken a laudable in- terest in the work of the churches. His wife, who was a native 3f Greene county. Wis., died at 49 in 1900. His family consisted of 12 children, two of whom died youne, Mark at 15 in 1887. Willis D. married Ida Grove, lives at Plover and has three children. Lena, Squire and Myrtle. Frank E. la 1895 graduated from the medical college at Keokuk and soon afterwards located at Havelock.where he is still engaged in the practice of medicine. He married Maggie Fitz- gerald and has three children, Virgil, Lucile and Elmer. Calvin in 1899 married Maud Stevens lives at Plover and has one child, Cleetis. George in 1901 married Alice Pullan and lives at Plover. Arthur in 1899 married Maggie Pirie, located on a farm near Plover and has two children, Clarence and Margaret. Rosa in 1901 married Walter ,E. Chinn and lives at Plover. Carrie, Maggie, Ida and Ina are at home. neathman, Hiram [b. 1821], an uncle of Squire Heatbman, is a native of Ohio where he grew to manhood and married Priscilla Moody. In 1867 he located in Greene county, Wiscon- sin, and in 1872, coming with hia neph- ew to Pocahontas county, located on the swi sec. 9, Powhatan, which he improved and occupied until his death at 64, in 1885. His wife died at 70 in 1895. The farm still belongs to the family which consisted of ten children. Eosella, married Dwight Wood, a mason, and lived in Wisconsin until 1898, when they moved to Eolfe. Their family consisted of six children. Edward, Nettie, Addie, Bert, Ida and Almeda. Edward in Wisconsin mar- ried Amelia Wallace, who died in 1890, leaving one daughter, Edna. In 1898 he married Minnie Thompson and their family consists of three children. Nettie Wood in 1895 mar- ried John Albee, a farmer, lives in Powhatan, and has one son, Elmer. Addie in 1888 married Edward Gib- bons, a stockbuyer, lives at Eolfe, and has four children, Eoy, William, Net- tie and Dewey. Bert, a mason, in 1896 married May Spear and lives at Eolfe. Ida in 1893 married William Porter, a farmer, and lives near Eolfe. Vilinda married Charles Water- man, who in 1873 located on the nei sec. 8, I'owhatan, and now lives near Paullina. Her family consisted of three children, Emma, Eva and Mabel. Emma married Calvin Wells and lives in Dakota; and Eva married John Hodgden, a farmer, and lives in O'Brien county. Hiram married Viola Hilton, lives near Euthven and has three children, Marion, Myrtle and Elmer. Clara (b. Greene Co., Wis., 1845) in Wisconsin married Jacob W. Brown, who in 1866 filed a claim for a home- stead on the nei sec. 10, Powhatan. He died in 1880 leaviog three children, Aria, Susan and Alice. Thomas 712 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Beatty, a section foreman, lives at Perry and has two children. Susan married JohnBaird, a carpenter, lives at Eolfe and has three children. Alice married Edward Wasson, a brick moulder, lives at St. Joe, Mo , and has three children. In 1882 Clara married Wm. H. Drown, a barber, and in 1889 died at Rolfe leaving, as a.result of this union, one son, Clarence. Elmus H. is the ' owner and occupant of a farm of 160 acres in Powhatan. He has served seven years as a township trustee. He mar- ried Lucy Beam and has a family of four children. Maud, a teacher, in 1900 married Wm. Postin; Claude, Earl and Floyd. Samantha in 1868 married John Oonley, a farmer, and located in Wis- consin. In 1875 thoy located in Colo- rado, where he died in 1901 leaving an estate valued at $30,000. He left one daughter, Lilly, who in 1887 married Theron Northrop, a carpenter, and located at Plover. After her father's death in 1901 with a family of six children. Dart, Earl, Paul, Euphemiaj William and Lyle, they moved to the late home of her father at Hermosa, Colorado. Lydia married Jacob Strandberp, a shoe maker, and lived at Plover until they moved to Oklahoma. Her fam- ily consists of five children. Lizzie married Chas. Northrop, a carpenter, lives at Plover and has two children; Alvah, George, Cora and Paul. George married Lillian Wells and located on a farm in Powhatan, which he improved, enlarged to 200 acres, and occupied until 1900 when he mov- ed to a fruit farm in the state of Wash- ington. His family consis' s of live children, George, Lewis, Gould, Ver- ner and Esther.. Cora (b. 1860), in 1879 married Wm. Amos, a farmer, lives in Oklahoma and has a family of five children. Martha (b. 1862), in 1882 married Tbomas Meredith, a farmer, lives in Powhatan and has two children, Guy and Cecil. Henderson, James (b. 1836), owner of 460 acres, principally on sec. 8, is a native of Scotland, a son of George and Catherine Henderson. At 21 he came to Canada, where in 1863 he married Beatrice Penman and engag- ed in weaving cotton and woollen fab- rics for the farmers. In the spring of 1866 he located in Powhatan township making the trip with his family by rail to Boone and thence by prairie schooner. He had then three children, Catherine,' Mar- garet and George, and was acconlpan- ied by h's brother George H6ndeis6n, his wife and four children, Janet, Catherine, Margaret and George; and a young man, James Ploven. May 22, 1866 he, George, his brother and James Ploven filed claims for their respective homesteads and also their applications to become Ameri- can citizens. They received thtir naturalization papers in 1871and their patents in 1876. He lived during the first three years on sec. 26 and. in the spring of 1870 located on his homestead on ihe nwi sec. 8. He improved this farm with good buildings, fences, groves and orchard, remained on it when the times were hard and is now the owner of 462 acres in that vicinity. His suc- cess has riot been a matter of chance, but has been due to his constant en- deavor to give the land thorough cultivation, the crops careful protec- tion and all the interists of the farm his first attention, so that he might be able to push the work rather than have it crowd him. He has become one of the substantial and influential men in the township. He has served thirteen years as a trustee of the township, and, taking a leading part in eflecting the organization of the Plover Presbyterian church in 1888, he has served as an elder and clerk cf the session in it since that date and MR. AND MRS. PHILIP HAMBLE PIONEER HOME OF THOMAS L. MAC VEY The first frame house in Powhatan township, built in the spring of 1867 on N. E. )i Sec. 36. Powhatan Township. In front are Mrs. Frai& L. M^c Vey and her two cliildren, w g Q < z 8 [d Q Z 9! Q Z < i POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 713 and five jears as superintendent of its Sunday school. His noble wife lias been a faithful and efficient helper in all his plans to promote the welfare of his family and church. He has raised a family of eight children, five sons and three daught- ers. Elizabeth in 1886 married Samuel L. Horsman, owner and occupant of a well improved farm on sec. 7, and has a family of seven children, James, John, Myrtle, Glenn, William, Edith and Martha Belle. Catherine in 1886 married Louis Parradee, owner and occupant of a good farm on sec. 11. They have a family of six children, Mary, John, Eose, Eutb, Susan and May. George in 1893 married Blanche Miller, lives on his own farm in Palo Alto county and has three children, Eleanor, Agnes and Ellis. William works the home farm. John in 1898 married Ella, daughter of A. B. Harmon, lives in Palo .Alto county and has two children, Pearl and Eoy. James in 1901 married Eva May Harmon and lives on his own farm near Plover. Janet in 1902 married Harry Mc- Fadzen, a farmer, and lives near Plover. Charles in 1898 married Myrtle Bar- rick, lives on sec. 5 andhas one child, Hazel. Henderson, George (b. 1834; d. 1892), an elder brother of James, was a native of Fifeshire, Scotland, where he grew to manhood and in 1858 mar- ried Cecilia Somers. Later that year he came to Canada and accepted em- ployment as a weaver during the next eight years. In May 1806, he came to Powhatan to wnsiiip and se- cured a homestead of 160 acr£s on the neisec. 26, He improved and enlar- ged this farm to 240 acres and occu- pied it until his- death in. 1.892, He served seven years as treasurer of the school funds. His wife died in 1871 leaving a fam- ily of six children. In 1886 he mar- ried Elizabeth Gillis, widow of Ed- ward Anderson, and she died in 1899 at the old home in Canada. She left two children by her first husband and six step children. Jennie Henderson married S. E, Hamilton, a carpenter and is located at Los Gatos, Oal. Catherine and George still occupy the old homestead. Maggie married J. A. Wonderlich, a painter, and lived at Havelock. In 1901 she died leaving a family of six children, David, Kate, Jennie, Nina, Bessie. , James lives in Palo Alto county. William has been in the U. S. navy during the last five years, and served under Admiral Dewey at Manila. Hilton, Joseph D., resident of Pow- hatan since 1873, is a native of Maine. In his youth he moved to Wisconsin, where he enlisted and rendered a period of military service, during the civil war. At its close he returned to Wisconsin and married Alice Per- rington. In 1873 with wife and two children, Harry and Bert, he located on the swj sec. 5, Powhatan township. He improved this fafm with good buildings, increased it to 240 acres and occupied it until 1900, when he moved to Burlington, Wash. A few years ago his first wife died leaving a family of five children. Harry A. married Catherine Geddes, lives on a farm near Plover; Nettie married Henry ShrouJ and also lives on a farm near Plover; Bert, Ernest and Leslie. Mr. Hilton, after the death of his first wife, married Cora Northrop,and their family consists of three children Maud, Alma and Lois. Joliiffe, John Blake (b, 1845), own- er ana occupant of a homestead on the nei sec. 2, since April 25, 1866, is a native of England, a son of James and Mary Ann' Blake Joliiffe, ^Uo. 714 PIONEEE HISTOEY»OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. came to this country when John B. was about ten, and located in the province of Ontario, Canada. He was brought up on a farm, and whea he became of age, came to Pocahon- tas county and secured a homestead in Powhatan township. During the first season he lived a short time un- der a wagon box and did some break- ing. During this and the next few years he realized what it was to be on the frontier. He was seven miles west of the Des Moines river and, with the exception of Eobert and Edward Anderson, two miles south on 15, he was the furthest west of any of the settlers in that vicinity; and those at the Little Sioux river were thirty miles distant. At first he worked for Judge Slosson, Henry Jar- vis and Perry Nowlen, and occasion- ally went back and slept on his claim to hold it. During the second sum- mer he put in a small crop, oared for and harvested it, having a boarding place ia a little cabin two miles dis- tant. Potatoes that cost $2.00 per bushel at the nearest market cofisti- tuted the principal article of diet, and the only money available was the pelt of the muskrat. Oct. 14, 1867 he married Jane, daughter of Eev. Frederic Metcalf, of Des Moines towhship, and built first a sod shanty and later a log house. The latter was covered with a board roof that always leaked when it rained and both were very humble and un- satisfactory abodes. During the years that have passed since that date he has added acre to acre, so that he is now the owner of 782 acres of valuable farm land and the old home- stead has been improved with fine buildings, fences and groves. From a very humble beginning he has attain- ed a very high degree of success on the farm. He has rendered many years of faithful service in the various township offlces and has been a leader in 80Dg in religious an^ various other assemblies. He is a member of the Methodist church. His family consisted of twelve chil- dren, of whom Emma, the sixth' died at 18 in 1897, soon after the re- moval of a great tumor that weighed 100 pounds, Two others died before her, Cerinda at 15 in 18,90 and Ida in childhood. Eose Ella in 1890 married George Kinsey, a farmer, and has five chil- dren, Mary, Eva, Charles, Nellie and Edna. Mary in 1896 married Henry Tansey and located on a farm in Wright coun- ty. They now live near Plover and have one son, Lee. Albert in 1894 married Annie Grat- zen, a farmer, lives near Mallard and has four children, Eoy, Bessie, Sadie, and Mabel. Sarah in 1892 married Daniel Miller and located near Des Moines, where she died in 1898, leaving three chil- dren, J;tta, Eay and Glenn. In 1900 Sarah married Henry L. Eousb, a farmer, located near Plover and has one daughter,'Hazel. Ina, a teacher, Hattie, Clara, Wil- liam and George are at home. Jolliffe, James *J., a younger brother of J. B , in 1869 located in the Old Eolfe settlement and previous to the advent of the railroads was inti- mately connected with many of the leading events of that place. Per- ceiving at an early day, that the habit of drinking was on the increase among the young men, he united with J. J. Bruce and others in organizing a Good Templar's lodge at that place. In connection with its work and vari- ous other social gatherings in the north part of the county, he delivered a number of temperance addresses, by which he is still remembered. Believ- ing that the saloon is the greatest enemy o* the nation, church and home, he has stood ready to antagon- ize it with voice and pen. His faith in God, in tbe growing influence of POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 715 the church and the intelligence of the American people, leada him to helieve that the saloon, the only institution that now openly defies justice, violates with impunity police regula- tions, desecrates the Sabbath and con- tinually dishonors God, will soon he forever abolished. In 1878 he married the only (Ella) Sharpe girl in Humboldt county, an event he has never had occasion, to regret and located near Bradgate. His family consists of seven chil- dren. Frank, Ethel, Charley, Warren, Harvey, Clark and Mary. Llnd, Marcus (b. 1820), owner and occupant of a farm on the nwi sec. 16 from 1867 until his decease in 1897 was a native of Denmark. He went to Australia and there met and married his wife who was a native of Scotland. After their marriage they returned to Denmark and Scotland, then came to America and located in Powhatan township in the fall of 1869. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and died at 80 in 1900, leaving two daughters, Mary and Margaret Mc- Donald, who still occupy the old home. Longhead, George N. {b. 1866), postmaster, is a native of Greene county. Wis., where he grew to man- hood. In 1887 he came to Pocahontas county with his brother S. J. Longh- ead and bought 160 acres on sees. 3 and 4, Powhatan township, which he im- proved and occupied until 1892, when he moved to Plover and became mana- ger of the Counselman elevator. Feb. 1, 1899 he became postmaster at Plov- er and is still serving the people in •that capacity. In 1888 he married Jessie Kingdom, of Greene county. Wis:, and she died in 1891, leaving one child, Isabel. In 189'i he married Ida Charlton. Lyman, Samuel Bert (b. 1840; d. 1894), was a native of Southampton Mass. He enlisted as a soldier at the outlireak of ttse civil war and spent four years in the army. He then en- tered the detective service of the government. In 1865 in Cataraugus county, N. Y., he married Samantha Harris and soon afterward located on a farm in Ford county, 111. He served as sheriff of Ford county eight years. In 1883 he located on a farm of 183 acres in Pow- hatan, occupied it during the next seven years, moved to Rolfe and three years later to Madison Lake, Minn., where he died in 1894. His first wife died in 1873 in Illinois, and in 1874 he married Maggie Matthews. His fam- ily by his first wife consisted of three children, Lewis B. owns and occu- pies a farm near Mallard. Samuel W. in 1890 married Mary E. Fessenden and located on a farm in Powhatan. In 1900 he moved to McHenry, N. D., where his wife died leaving a family of five children, Samue), John, Grace, Clara and George. John H.is in Wash- ington. MacVey, Thomas Lord (b. Aug. 15, 1835), county recorder 1869-1874, is a native of TarifEville, Hartford coun- ty, Conn. He was the fourth child of Thomas and Elizabeth Lord MacVey. His father, of Scotch-Irish descent, came from the province of Quebec to Portland, Maine, where he married Elizabeth Lord, of English descent, and soon afterward located in Con necticut. Thomas spent his' boy hood on the farm and in thei woolen mills of his native town, where many children at that time helped to bear the family burden. At the age of 12 he was bereft of his mother and, the home being broken up, he was cast upon his own resources. Finding em- ployment for several years among the neighboring farmers he managed to provide for himself, aid two younger brothers and acquire a thorough knowledge of carpentering. In 1852 he became an agent for a prominent jewelry firm in Hartfotd, Uonn.i and spent the next three years 716 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS CODHTY, IOWA. in western Pennsylvania and New York. Attracted by the oil excite- ment, he became an engineer in the oil region and continued until the panic of 1857 put an end to all busi- ness enterprises in that section. Ac- companied by two friends, Solomon and Albert Fletcher, he traveled to Rogersville, Tenn., where, finding em- ployment on a large river bridge, he soon became a foreman and engineer and so continued, until the storm of secession was precipitated by the as- sault on Fort Sumpter. Previous to this date he had enjoyed no educational advantages, except a few months at the village school in his boyhood. He however formed the habit of reading some good book in his leisure hours, and, by persevering effort during these years of constant labor with varying fortunes, had ac- quired a vast amount of general infor- mation and formed the habits of a good student, so that in his later years he* proved himself to be a man possessing considerable intellectual ability and even literary attainments, He was an ultra republican and cast his first vote for Fremont. In Tennesee he became personally acquainted with Andrew Johnson and Thomas A. R. Nelson, the crippled statesman, who did so much at first to hold Tennesee in the Union, but afterwards went over to" the confederacy. He was one of those who with pistol in hand, help- ed to make it possible for these men to make some of their last speeches against the ordinance of secession. When the news of the fall of Fort Sumpter reached Rogersville, the men at work with him on the Slammon mill quit work to enter the confeder- ate army, and he and the Fletcher brothers began the construction of a flatboat to make their escape to the north. When it was completed and a month's provisions were obtained they and their families began a long and perilous voyage down the Holston to the Tennessee river, thence across the corner of Georgia, across the entire state of Alabama, the corner of Miss- issippi, through Tennessee and Ken- tucky to the Ohio. The country through which they had to pass was infested with home guards and de- tachments of the rapidly forming con- federate army. They were stopped by the provosts at Fort Henry, then • under construction, and -at several other places, but were allowed to pass as persons enroute to Arkansas. They arrived at Paducah on the Ohio after a journey of six weeks and just a few days before the battle of Bull Run. Here Mr. MacVey sold the boat for $75 and they separated, the Fletchers returning to Pennsylvania and Mac- Vey to Connecticut, his native state, expecting to enter the service with some of his old companions. Finding they had already enlisted he returned to Crawford county. Pa,, and became a member of Company K., 150th Pa. Volunteers, which formed a part of the famous Bucktail Brigade. His regiment saw some of the hardest fighting during the war, but his com- pany was detailed as President Lin- coln's guard and so continued through- out the war. He rose to the rank of first lieutenant and has several highly prized mementoes of the "late un- pleasantness," among which are his commissions as first and second lieu- tenants, a picture entitled "Home on a Furlough," presented by Mrs. Lin- coln after the assassinntion, and a cup decorated with the U. S. Coat of Arms, from the martyred president's tea service. Two of his brothers were soldiers in the civil war and his father served two enlistments. In the winter of 1863 he married Rebecca W. Noble of Carlisle, Pa., but remained in the army until June 17, 1865, when he located in Chicago and engaged in stairbuilding. Here his first child was born and named, Frank Lincoln, at the request of Tad POWHATAlil TOWNSHIP. 717 Lincoln, who, with his widowed mother, then lived in Chicago and oc- casionally visited the MacVey home. In March 1866 Mr. MacVey visited the prairies of northwestern Iowa, and tiled a claim for the nei sec. 36^ Powhatan township. That fall he and his family, making the journey from Ackley by stage coach and other hired conveyances, located for the winter in a part of the log house on an adjoining claim (swi sec. 25.) of Sam- uel Booth. He was then a skilled mechanic but bad a very limited out- fit, the latter consisting of a wife, a sick baby, a bureau, four chairs, a cookstove, a canary bird and $105.00. He immediately found employment with John Rogers and later with W. H. Halt, who was then building the first two story house in tlie coun- ty. In March 1867, with a sled and two yoke of oxen, he went to Boone, 80 miles distant, for lumber to build a house. He paid|out all the money he had, $100 00, for lumber, which then ranged from $30.00 to $90.00 a thous- and feet, put it on the sled and start- ed for home over the trackless prairie with streams unbridged save when covered with ice. The snow began to disappear quite rapidly under the in- fluence of a spring thaw, and eleven dav3 later he arrived home on foot, having experienced a "breakdown," a "stuck fast, "and having left piles of lumber at several different places along the route as the snow disap- peared and the oxen and sled at Mur- ray's on the east bank of the Des Moines river near Rutland. The steers were brought home a few days later and the lumber was gathered up after the spring freshets had sub- sided. Hewed oak sills and frame lumber were obtained from the native timber along the Des Moines river at old Rolfe, and the first frame house, 12ix20 feet and 12 feet high, in Pow- hatan township, was erected. It was the first building in the township to re- ceive a coat of paint and in 1902 it was still protected on the east side by the shingles that were hauled from Boone tbirty-flve years previous. During that spring he sowed by hand his first crop of wheat, five acres that had been broken the previous year. This work was done with a yoke of half-broken, unruly steers ob- tained from Samuel Booth, and their frequent attempts to run away were thwarted by riding the harrow, which was a wooden toothed affair belong- ing to Jerry Young. At the end of the day's work the field was subdued and so were the steers. During that summer he and W. D. McEwen ran a brealsing plow together, each furnish- ing a yoke of oxen and doing his own breaking. He participated in the organization of the township, served as its first assessor and received four dollars for that service. This assessment was made in one day, but it caused an attack of snow blindness that kept him in a dark room several weeks. It was largely due to his influence and effort that the name of the township was changed from "Nunda" to "Pow- hatan" and later from "Jackson" to "Powhatan" again. He served as one of the first school directors and as county recorder six years, 1869-74. He made several of the first coffins used in the township, one being for the child of Samuel Booth about the fall of 1869. He carried the tools and part of the materials for it frorn Old Rolfe and made it in the Strong school house by the light of a lantern on a cold winter night. The first one was for Mother Lowrey in the spring of 1867. From July 1871 to February 1, 1872, he v?as associated with James J. Bruce in the publication of the Poca- hontas Journal (p. 2i?6.), and his later contributions to the press of the county have done much to preserve 718 fiUJNJiJiJii HitsTOKY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. the early history of Powhatan town- ship. He was an enthusiastic Granger, master of Sumner subordinate lodge in Powhatan and twice a delegate to the state grange at Des Moines. He was for a number of years captain of the "Pocahontas Eifles" (1869-1814), a military company organized at JJoIfe and forming a part of the Iowa National Guard, and served as first commander of the G. A. R. post (Mill's) organized about 1884. In 1886, the farm having been in- creased to 320 acres and leased, he moved to Knoxville, Tenn., and the next year to China, Louisiana, where he has secured considerable land. Here he has made his influence felt to such an extent, by encouraging the black and enthusing the white voters, that the precinct, formerly demo- cratic, has become republican^ In 1892 he was appointed U. S. commis- sioner for the western district of Louisiana and still holds this position. He has several times been senior vice- commander of the G. A. E. depart- ment of Louisiana and Mississippi and was a delegate to the national encampments at Pittsburg and Louis- ville in 1894 and 95. In the spring of 1893 he was bereft of his wife, EebeccaW. Noble, who was one of the early teachers in Powhatan, teaching several terms in the pioneer school house while it was located on the swi sec. 25., and her last term in her own house on section 36 during the winter of 1873-74, the school house having been moved to another part of the township in 1873. • Among her pupils were Thomas Eogers, Charles E. Fraser, Mrs. W. D. McEwen, Mrs. Geo. Stevens, Mrs. Caroline Vaughn and Mrs. J. J. Jolliffe. She taught several terms at Old Rolfe, was one of the most competent teachers in the county, assisted Supt. Hathaway to conduct his institutes and was depu- tized by him occasionally to conduct teacher's examinations. She was a ready writer and a frequent contribu- tor to the columns of the Fonda News, Fonda Gazette and North- western Hawkeye. She was a native of Cumberland, Co., Pa., (b. 1835) the seventh child of Frank and Mary Brown Noble. Her father was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and her mother was a niece of Com- modore Joshua Barney, of revolution- ary fame, and a sister of Eev. George Brown, one of the founders of the Methodist Protestant church. She grew to womanhood at Carlisle, where she graduated from the high school p,nd also from the ladies' seminary. She began to teach at sixteen, was principal of the Plainfleld, Pa., high school, and was teaching near Harp- er's Ferry at the time of the raid of John Brown,- whom she met at the home of Dr. Leonard. In 1862 she went to Washington to care for a brother, who had been wounded in the second battle of Bull Eun. Here she met Thomas L. MacVey, who the next year became her husband. In Louisiana she engaged in teach- ing among the French Creoles, who appreciated her labors very highly. She loved to teach and was engaged in this, her favorite employment, when she was overtaken by her final illness, which came in the form of a stroke of apoplexy while at a public gathering. Possessing an indomitable will and unflinching courage, she knew not the meaning of the word "fail," and suc- cess was usually assured to whatever enterprise she lent her aid. She was a leader, whocould arouse enthusiasm in the most indifferent and incite them to action. She was a true and help- ful friend to the poor, and a lifelong member of the Episcopal church. In 1896 Thomas L. MacVey married Fannie Josephine Work, a native of Pennsylvania, and a teacher of many years' experience, first in Crawford POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 719 county, Pa., then in Illinois, twenty years in Nevada and one, 3895, in a mission school among the Indians on Douglas Island, Alaska. He is now living in very comfortable circum- staoces in Jennings, Louisiana. The success he has achieved has been largely due to his untiring in- dustry, thoughtfulness and economy. He has been conscientious and fearless in advocating and defending the rights of the people, and has made a good record as a citizen, soldier and public officer. He acquired consid- erable ease and elegance as a writer, enjoyed the discussion ot public ques- tions and won the esteem of the peo- ple in the several communities in which he has lived. His family con- sisted of two sons, Franli and Lee. Frank L., (b. 111., 1865,) on No- vember 24, 1893, married Elizabeth E., eldest daughtef of Gilbert N. Brown, a veteran of the civil war, who moved from Butler county, Iowa, to Louisi- ana in 1884. After the marriage of his father in 1896 he returned to the old homestead in Powhatan township, which he now owns together with 160 acres in Louisiana. During the last seven of the nine years he resided in Louisiana he was a member of the re- publican central committee of Cal- casieu parish, and a delegate to the state convention in 1892. He was postmaster at China, during Presi- dent Harrison's administration and ap- portioner of taxes in 1896. In 1899 he became assessor of Powhatan, and in 1900 was a delegate to the Baptist state convention at Des Moines. His family consists of four children: Bernice Rebecca, Noble LeSuer, Ruth Brown and Gilbert Niles. William Lee MacVey, (b. Oct. 10, 1867), in Powhatan went south with his father's family in 1886; first to Knoxville, then to China, Louisiana, where he resided until 1898, when he returned to Powhatan. He now owns and farms 160 acres of the old MacVey farm. His orchard is one of the larg- est and finest in the county. McEwen Alexander, {b. 1845), one of the pioneers of Pocahontas county and a leading citizen of Powhatan, is a native of Scotland, a son of Rev. John McEwen. His father was a min- ister in the established church of Scotland and served 45 years as pastor of the church at Dyke Forres, Mur- rayshire. In his youth he spent one year in Canada, crossing the ocean with his sister Margaret, mother of William D. McEwen, whose husband though of the same name, was no rel- ative of hers. During that, year all the family were in America— his fa- ther, mother, four brothers, Peter, James, Donald and William, and sis- ters, Grace and Janet. His father died in 1886, leaving a family of seven children— Alexander, Donald, Robert, Marjory, John, Mary and Henry. Donald, a surveyor in the British ar- my, died in 1886, having spent thir- teen years in India and passed through Soudan with the army under Gen. Chinese Gordon. Robert went to India, where he engaged in the in- digo trade and died at Edinburgh in 1893. Marjory married John Smith, a merchant at Hong Kong, China. John became an assistant to his father befSre his death and is now his successor as pastor at Dyke Forres. Mary married Rev. George Bisset of the established church, and lives in Edinburgh. Henry is superintend- ent of the electric lighD plant in Glas- gow. He received a medal for some astronomical drawings from the Lon- don Astronomical society at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, and was made a member of the Royal As- tronomical society of London. Alexander, the oldest member of the family, having acquired a good education in Scotland came to Can- ada, and in December, 1869, became a resident of Des Moines township, this county, where he found a home with 12a PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHOHTAS COUNTYs IOWA. Henry Jarvis and taught school dur- ing the next seven months in the Jar- vis school house, located near the county line, south of McNight's Point. He then prepared . a set of abstract books for W. D. McEwenat Old Rolfe, and took charge of the store of Mc- . Ewen & Bruce, when it was estab- lished in the fall of 1870, while they performed the duties of county au- ditor and treasurer. He remained in the store until the spring of 1875, when, having bought 204 acres on sec- tion 16, Swan Lake township, he gave his attention to their improvement and built thereon a house and barn. That fall he sold this farm to Alfred Strouse and bought the homestead of Henry Thomas, on the SWi Sec. 24, Powhatan. October 6, 1875, he married Delilah, daughter of Philip Hamble, one of the pioneers of Washington town- ship, and during the ensuing winter taught his last term of school in that township. In the spring of 1876 he located on his f.arm in Powhatan and occupied it until the spring of 1882, when he bought and moved upon 400 acres on section 26. He improved and occupied this farm until 1892, when he moved to his present farm on section 1.5, near Plover, ^e devoted considerable attention to raising line horses and, at the time of his sale in 1891, had 30 head of high-grade Nor- mans and English Shires. He is a man of excellent judgment, has always commanded the confidence and esteem of all who know him, and has rendered considerable public serv- ice. He was chosen clerk of Pow- hatan as soon as he became a resident of the township and has served twelve years in that capacity, ten as presi- dent of the school board and nine as a member ot the board of county supervisors. He has been a trustee of the Plover Presbyterian church since its organization. He has manifest- ed considerable interest in the educa- tion of his children and had tte pleasure of seeing two of them, Mar- jory and Susan, members of the first graduating class from the Plover high school in 1899. His family consisted of eight chil- dren. John P. and Mary A. are at home. Marjory, a teacher, in 1902 married E. L. Wallace, formerly principal of the Plover schools and now manager of a lumber yard at Schaller. Susan, a teacher, on the same day. April 16. 1901, married Fred 0. Chinn, a grain buyer at Wiola. Philip Hamble, Henry, Elizabeth and Robert Burns are at home. Mueller^ Jacob (b. 1854.) merchant, is a native of Switzerland, came to America and located in the eastern part of Iowa, where he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1888 he located at Plover, and since that date has been a general merchant, member of the firm of Eggspuehler & Mueller. In 1880 he married Bertha Myers, who died in 1881, leaving one child, Louis. In 1884 he married Minnie Herold and their family consists of eight children, Matilda, Elizabeth, Charles, Regina, Jacob, Joseph, Lenora and Homer. Northrop, Darius (b. 1829, d. 1889.) was a native of Vermont. At Buffalo, N. Y., he married Euphemia Dart and soon afterwards moved to Eon du Lae, . Wis. In 1881, with wife and four children, he located on the nwi sec. 17, Powhatan township. He improved and occupied this farm until his death in 1889. His wife died in 1884. His family consisted of four children. Charles, a carpenter, married Eliza- beth, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Heathman) Strandberg, lives at Plover, and has two children. Pearl and Alva. Theron D., a carpenter, married Lilly, only daughter ot John and Sam- antha (Heathman) Conley and located in Plover, In 1901, with a family of six children, he moved to Hermosa, Colo. iPOWfiATAN TOWNSHIP. 721 Clara, married EdTvard Mellick, one of the pioneer merchants at Bolfe, where he died in 1884 leaving one daughter, Lulu. Clara afterward mar- ried Albert Blanchard, a blacksmith, located at Plover and their family consists of six children, Roy, Charles, Ada, Simeon, Carl and Ray. Cora married Joseph D. Hilton. (See Hilton ) Pirie, James S., (b. 18S5.) for many years the popular livery man at Plover, is a native of Canada, where he spent his youth. In 1881, in Ben- ton county, Iowa, he married Jane R. Mitchell. In 1888 he located at Plover and, engaging in the livery busi- ness, continued until 1902. He has one daughter, Maggie Belle, who in 1899 married Arthur Heathman and lives on a farm near Plover. William E. and George L. Pirie, his brothers, are also residents of this county. William came with James In 1888, married Edna Barlow and is now living in Washington township. George in 1892 married Clara Fessen- den and lives on his own farm in Powhatan. Shaw, Prentice Josiah (b. 1849) secretary of the Pocahontas County Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Co:, is a native of Niagara county, N. Y. In 1856 he moved with his parents to Greene county, Wis. , where he re- ceived a good common school educa- tion, spent two years in select schools and then engaged in teaching. At 22 in J872 he came to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he entered a homestead and remained five years, teaching and working on the farm. During the winter of 1875 he taught the village school at Dayton, Wis , and in Novem- ber that same year married Jennie A. Marshall, who the next spring accom- panied him to the homestead. In the fall of 1876, after receiving several visits of the grasshoppers, he return- ed to Greene county. Wis., and re- mained there until the spring of 1882, when he returned to Iowa and located on the Clinton farm, north of Have- lock, which he and his brother-in-law, J. C. Potter were the first r,o occupy. In 1885 he located on his present farm on the nei sec. 14, Powhatan town- ship, which he has improved and in- creased to 200 acres. He has lived to see a wonderful development in this section of the country in the last quarter of a cen- tury. In 1872, when he made his first trip to northwest Iowa, crossing several counties, there were but few houses and many of them were built of sod. He traveled in a covered wagon, purchased baker's bread at the villages which were a long dis- tance apart, and supplemented the stock of provisions by shooting game. The mirage in the morning frequent- ly beckoned to cities, groves and beau- tiful lakes that appeared near the hori- zon, but which always vanished as the traveler advanced towards them. The Lone Tree, that stands eight miles west of Spencer, could some- times be seen in the early morning at a distance of three days journey, but as the sun rose it disappeared, and then the next morning reappeared, apparently as far distant as on the previous morning. Lone Tree was for many a year a land mark for surveyors and travelers. It may still be seen from passing trains irt Lone Tree township. Clay county, and looks very much as it did twenty-five years ago. He is proud to be a citizen of Iowa, a state that ranks among the first in intellectual progress, and boasts, "a school house on every hilltop and no saloon in the valley;" and indulges the hope she may continue to lead in the sisterhood of states, in the roll call of commonwealths. He served eight years as clerk of the township and has been secretary of the school board during the last 15 years. He was' the republican nominee for county auditor in 1889, and is an active worker in tha Methodist church. He is an intelligent unassuming farmer who has met with good suc- cess on the farm and has made the farmer's interests a life long study. He is one of the original fpunders of the Pocahontas County Mutual Fire and Lightning Association, (p. 502.) has been a director of it since its organization ia 1890 aod has been its efBcient secretary and treasurer since October 19, 1897. Through this asso- ciation he has helped to solve the problem of insurance for the farmers of this county. He has manifested great interest in the success of this organization and notes with a good deal of pleasure its rapid growth since he became its secretary, the amount of assessable risks having in- creased from $511,293, January 1, 1898 to $1,830,000, September 1, 1902. His family consists of Ave children: Albert Josiah, in 1901, graduated from the law department of Drake University and is now located at Cor- with, Iowa, where he is engaged in the practice of law and the real estate business. George Schee, a farmer, graduated from the business department of Drake University and in 1902 married Alma Rutledge of Des Moines. Stella E., a Plover graduate in 1899, spent the next year in the seminary at Evansville, Wis. Prentice F. and Lucy A. are at home. Smith, Joel (1811-1890.) was a native of Massachusetts, and at five came with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and in 1832 married Julia Dayton. Some years later he moved to Greene county, Wis. Here his wife died leaving six children, Harris D., Welton, Harriet, Sophia, William and Merritt, all of whom married and located in Wisconsin, except William, who with wife and three children in 1879 located in Powhatan township. In 1849 Joel Smith married Mary Marinda Pratt, widow of Joseph Kelley, whc died in Wisconsin leaving one daughter, Mary Emily, who be- came the wife of Alva L. Whitney. (See Whitney) . In 1879 Joel and wife came with their son, Calvin, to Pow- hatan and located on a farm of 80 acres, which he occupied until h's- death in 1890. Their family consisted of three children of whom Eunice the youngest died at 16. Phoebe in 1868 married Squire E. Heathman, (see Heathman.) Calvin, a farmer, married Susan Spangler and lives now in Minnesota, and has a family of five children, William, Frank, Calvin, Bay and Roy. Since the death of Joel, Mrs. Smith has lived with her daughter, Mrs. A. L. Whitney at Plover. William Smith, the older son is still a resident of Powhatan and has raised a family of eight children. Charles, a farmer married Etta Randall and lives in Powhatan. Olive married Oliver Goodlatson.a farmer, and lives in Palo Alto county. Joel, Cora, Edith, Fred, Etta and Blanch are at hpme. Smith, James S., Plover, is a na- tive of Illinois, the son of Andrew Smith. In 1869 he came with his parents to Pocahontas county where he grew to manTiood on the farm and received his education in the public schools. In 1880 he engaged in the mercantile business at Pocahontas. In 1881 he was appointed station agent at Fort Dodge and in 1883 at Plover. He was the first agent at Plover and served in that capacity until 1889. He has since been en- gaged in the real estate and insurance business. He built the first house in Plover and owns a fine farm of- 160 acres in that vicinity. He married Mary E. Hubel (p, 471) and has a fam- ily of three children, William, James and Albert. Stone, William (b. WOT; d. 1877.), who September 28, 1864 filed a claim POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 723 for the nei sec. 25, Powhatan town- ship, and died on it at 80 in 1877, was a brother of Mrs. John Barnes. He was a native of Bradford county, Pa., where he became a millwright and in 1828 married Eliza Ann, (b. Feb. 27, 1810 ) daughter of G. M. (1781-1865) and Anna (Spaulding, 17861872) De- Wolf,, for whose father he had first built a mill. After he mayried he built a factory for making window sash by machinery, but after a few years resumed his trade and located at Schoolcraft, and three years later at Sterling, 111. Here he worked at his trade and his wife taught several terms of school. At Elkhorn Grove, nearby, he secured a nice home and occupied it twenty years, but always suffered from lung trouble. In 1864 he came to Webster and in 1866 to Pocahontas county, where he had previously- secured a homestead which he improved and occupied until his decease at 80 in 1877. In 1890 Mrs. Stone married Ingham Stone, a native of Pennsylvania, and a nephew of her first husband; and that which was most remarkable about this wedding was the fact that both of the contracting parties , were , over eighty years of age. He died at 88 on Jan. 5, 1898. Mrs. Stone still lives on the old homestead which has heen owned and occupied for some years by her nephew, Frank C. De- Wolf, who is one of the township trustees (1901-02) and has a family of nine children. Mrs. Eliza Ann DeWolf Stone is now in her 93rd year and is believed to be the oldest person in Pocahontas county. In February, March and April 1900, when over 90 years of age she wrote three letters, that appeared in the Eolfe Tribune, giving sketches of family history, and making an ap- peal to the young not to use tobacco or strong drink. Later she penned another long letter to the author of this book. Few persons of her years have either the ability or inclination to write. She found a good and suffi- cient motive In the effort to trace the family history. Her father was the fourth child of a hatter in Brooklyn, Conn., where he received his educa- tion, and later taughtl "vocal music and public school. Her grand father emigrated from France at an early date. Her mother was the oldest daughter of Willard Spaulding, who, on coming to this country, located iirst in New Hampshire, but soon afterward Settled at Cavendish, Windsor county, Vt. He was a pio- neer in that region, a man of energy and at the time of his death at 70 was the owner of t,wo well improved farms, a grist mill, saw mill and a black- smith shop. His family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom survived him. Her parents were married in 1808, lived In Vermont, had a family of thirteen children, two of whom with herself located in Iowa, namely Dr. DeWolf at Vail and C. H. DeWolf at Denison. Her father was an elder in the Presbyterian church and, after their removal to Pennsylvania, oc- casionally read a sermon, when the minister was absent. Strong, Ira (b. 1811; d. 1871) one of the leading pioneers of Powhatan and a brother of Wm. B. Strong, was a native of Allegany county, N. Y., where in 1834 he married Abigail Cass (b. N. Y. 1816). In 1866 became to Pocahontas county and secured a homestead of 160 acres on the nwi sec. 24, Powhatan township. Four of his sons, Oicar, Philander, Edwin and Charles also secured homesteads the same year. He died at 60 in 1871 and his wife at 70 in 1887. His wife was a teacher in her youth and after the death of her husband resumed her favorite employment, taught several terms in the Strong schoolhouse and thus earned the m'oney that was used to erect a loving monument to his memory. Nearly i^t jr J.| J!JJ!iit JiiaXUUl Vh' Ji'UU AJiUJN TAS DUUJNXI, njir^. every member of the Strong families in their turn taught one or more terras of school in this district. Ira Strong was an intelligent, up- right man, and was the head of a fam- ily, that exerted a strong influence in Powhatan township and also in the county. They rendered many years of ofiicial service in the township and five of the eleven officials furnished the county by the citizens of this township, were from this family, namely, Ira, supervisor, 1869-YO; Os- car, recorder, '76-77; Geo W., (son of Wm. B.), in 3870 and Oscar I. in '71, surveyors; Oscar I., superintendent in '74, and '80-81. *" The only other family that can pre- sent a similar list in this county is that of Albert M. Thornton, an early resident of Marshall township. It was represented by Alonzo L. in 1883 to '85 and Mary E. in '86, recorders; Lucius 0. surveyor '84-85; and Frank G. auditor '93-96. His family consisted of eight chil- dren: Augusta married Milan Sharpe and located in Humboldt county. Orlando William married Eliza Drown and located in Palo Alto county. In 1877 he located on sec. 25, Powhatan township and occupied it until his death in 1885. He left a family of two children, Etta and Dora. Etta married Chas. Sroufe and lives on her father's farm. Dora, a teacher during the last ten years, lives with her sister, Etta. Caroline married Samuel N., son of Wm. B. Strong, during their resi- dence in New York. In Che fall of 1865 he came to Pocabontas county, secured a homestead on sec. 15, Powhatan and began to occupy it the next spring. His father also came and lived with him. His wife died in 1886 leaving a family of five chil- dren, Alice, William, Emma, a teach- er, Adelbert and Mary. Alice in 1893 married Wilfred Palmer and died the next year. Adelbert in 1902.marriei Grace Dawes and lives on a farm nea Plover. Oscar (b. N. Y. 1844; d. 1885), count; surveyor and superintendent, in 186 came with his father and secured as ( homestead, 160 acres on sec. 23. H taught school in winter and worke( on the farm in summer. la 1872 hi married Elizabeth L. daughter o Rev. John E. Rowen and a few yean later located at Pocahontas, H( served as county surveyor in 1871 and superintendent from Jan. 1, 1874 t( June 1, 1875, when he resigned. Ii the fall of 1879 he was re-elected anc served the next two years. He wai county recorder 1876-77. He receivec a good education in the high school oi Allegany county, N. Y., where h< graduated in 1865. He manifested i genuine interest in the cause of edu cation and filled the office of superin tendent with great credit to himself He read law and was admitted to th( bar in 1874. In the spring of 1876 h( went to California, but not liking that golden state, he returned anc soon afterward went to Washington D. C., where he opened a law anc claim office. Not meeting with the success he expected he returned tc this county. He possessed consider able energy and was highly esteemed for his manly character. He died it 1885 at Pocahontas leaving two chil dren, Irene, a teacher, and Rollin W The latter was for a number of yean foreman of the Belmond Herald anc is now a reporter for the Pionee: Press of St. Paul. Elizabeth latei married Editor Huntington of th( Belmond Herald and now lives ii Kansas. The following incident serves ti illustrate Oscar's cleverness. In 186^ when William Brownlee and anothe new settler passed from the lane office at Fort Dodge to their claim in Bellville township, he happened ti be teaching or otherwise engaged ii POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 725 Lizard township. They needed some- one to locate their clainas and called on him. He went with thena to the nearest corner stake with which he was familiar. There he tied a hand- kerchief to the rim of on 3 of the rear wheels of the lumber wagon on which they were riding and, showing them the direction, counted its revolutions. By this easy and novel method of measuring the distance, all the cor- ners of their homesteads were easily and quickly found. Edwin J., a teacher, secured a homestead on sec. 2.3. He has spent a considerable time in travel and has discovered some genius for invention. Lucius Milton, a teacher and far- mer, died in 1896. Philander (b. N. Y. 1836) is still the owner and occupant of his father's homestead, on the nwj sec. 24. Dur- ing recent years he has turned his attention to raising sheep and occas- ionally markets two carloads at a lime. He has adopted the plan or cropping his land for two years, then seeding and pasturing it the next two. There is usually not a weed left , on any tract occupied by the sheep two years, and when it has been ploughed and planted the growing crop has the advantage of a good start. Better crops have been har- vested since this method of rotation and treatment has been adopted. His flrst wife, Eva Rowley, died in 1883 leaving a family of three children, Frank, Charles and George. In 1885 he married Clara Bavard and their family consists of four children, Fred- eric, Florence M , Clarence and MabeL. Charles Lemming (b. N. Y. 1851) married Phoebe J. Hayes and located on sec. 25. He kept hotel in Plover five years 1886-91, and then, with a family of two children, Eugene and Lemming, located on a homestead at Gushing, Oklahoma. Strong, William B. (b. 1813; d. 18- 66), a younger brother of Ira, was a native of New York the son of Blisha and Eunice Strong. In 1835 he mar- ried Jane Davy in Allegany county, N. Y. and two years later she died there leaving one son, William Wal- lace. In 1840 Mr. Strong married Fan- nie (b. 1816), sister of Perry Nowlen, an early settler of Des Moines town- ship. In 1865 they came to Pocahon- tas county, Iowa, and in 1866 began the improvement of a homestead of 160 acres on the sei sec. 12, Powhatan township. He built a log house 16x28 feet, one and one-half stories high, and for it the flooring, shingles and finish lumber were hauled from Boone. He was then over 50 years of age and no longer enjoyed good health. By reason "f this fact the homestead was entered in the name of FannleJST. Strong, his wife, and she superintend- ed all the affairs of the family and farm. He died at 53 in 1866 and was buried at old Rolfe. He left a family of four children, one by his flrst wife and three by the second, and all of them came with him to Pocahontas county. William W., during his residence in New York, married Loveru Bradford. They remained in Pocahontas county but a short time and died later leav- ing one child wl.o lives in the South. Samuel N. (b. N. Y. 1843), in the spring of 1861 during their residence In Allegany county. N Y., married Caroline, daughter of Ira Strong. The next year he came with his paients to Pocahontas county and entered a homestead on the swi sec. 15, Powha- tan townthlp. After improving and occupying it a few years, he became the owner and occupant of his moth- er's homestead on sec. 12, which he soon enlarged to 200 acres. He has been a resident of the township thirty six years and has served several years as secretary of the school board. Caroline, his wife, died at 46 in 18- 86 leaving a family of five children. Alice in 1893 married William Palmer ■726 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. and located in Powhatan township, but died at 26 in 1894, leaving one child, Wilbur. Emma, a teacher, in 1887 graduated from the normal de- partment of Highland Park college. William (b. 1873) is at home. Adel- bert (b. 1875) in 1902 married Grace Dawes and lives on a farm near Plov- er. Mary lives at Rolfe. In 1896 Samuel N. Strong married Eliza Van Natta, relict of Andrew Lilie. George W. (b. N. Y. 1845), came to this county in 1865 and in 1866 mar- ried Sallie, daughter of Henry Thom- as. After a residence of ten or morfe years in Powhatan, he moved to Kan- sas and later to Oregon, where he died leaving a family of four daught- ersr who now live in the state of Washington. He secured and oc- cupied the nei sec. 14, as a homestead and was county surveyor during the year 1870. Elizabeth in 18'i7 married George Van Natta, and located in Powhatan township where she died at 27 in 1872, leaving two children, Jas. W., a resi- dent of Portland, Ore., and Cynthia, who married Keith and lives in Colo. Mr. Van Natta soon after the death of his wife moved to Oregon. Mrs. Catherine N. Strong in 1894, accompanied by Mary Strong, her niece, moved from the farm to Rolfe. She is 86 years of age and has been a member of the M. E. church 55 years. Shaver, Nelson H. (b. 1844), far- mer, keeper of meat market, Plover, is a native otLowville, N. Y. In 1858 he moved with his parents to Tay- cheedah, Wis., where Feb. 13, 1864 he enlisted as a member of Co. I, 5th Wis. and continued in the service until July 19, 1865, when he was hon- orably discharged at Jefifersonville, Ind., haying served in the 6th Corps of the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant, and partisipated in 13 battles including those at the Wilder- neas, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Winchester, Cedar Creek and Peters- burg. He was at Burksville at the time of Lee's surrender. His father and five of his seven brothers were soldiers in the civil war. Alfred who belonged to the 5th N. Y. died at Washington, D. C, Charles and Frank ■ who belonged to the 5th and 18th Wis. died soon after their return, George who belonged to the 12th Wis. was captured at Lookout Mountain and confined one year in Libby prison. His father belonged to the 18th "Wis., died soon after his return. Nelson, after the war, . returned to the home in Wisconsin, where in 1867 he married Alice L. Fenton. In 1879 he came and located on the sei sec. 2, Powhatan township and engaged in farming and blacksmitbing. The next year he located on sec. 17, where he improved a farm of 80 acres and oc- cupied it until 1893, when he moved to Plover where he has been successive- ly a miller, butcher and shoemaker. His family consisted of four chil- dren of whom Charles died at 13 in 1887. Glenn married Leora Thompson and lives near Rolfe. Jennie in 1896 mar- ried John Roberts and lives near Plover. Don is at home. Thomas, Henry, one of the early pioneers of Pawhatan, was a native of Virginia and about the time of his marriage located in Greene county, O., where all of his children except Joel were born and raised. In 1850 he located in Logan county and later the same year in Bureau county, 111., and about 1860 near Rochester, Minn. Nov. 25, 1868, accompanied by his family which consisted of sons,Daniel and Joel, and daughter, Sallie, he came to Pocahontas county and loca- ted at old Rolfe. Here he met again Barney Hancher and Jerry Young, sons-in-law, who had come from Bureau county, 111., with their fam- ilies. POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 727 Sept. 26, 1864, through Barney Han- cher, he had filed a claim for a home- stead of 160 acres on the swi sec. 24, Powhatan, Daniel and Joel similar claims on 23 and Jerry Young on 25. Others that located claims on 25 the same day were Wm. Stone, Samuel and George B )oth. Previous to this date Barney Hancher was the only one that had tiled a claim in this town- ship. In the spring of 1865 Henry, Daniel and Joel Thomas and 'Jerry Young began to occupy their homesteads and built temporary cabins. In 1866 Henry Thomas built the first log house in the township. This build- ing was still In use in 1900 and a cut of it may be seen in the frontispiece, there erroneously credited to Ira Strong. Mr, Thomas and family own- ed it until 1875, when he sold it to Alex. MoEwen. In 1882 it was bought by Thomas Merchant and soon after- ward successively by Joseph Egan and Nils Nelson, whose father-in-law, Henry Luff decupled It from 1883 until his death in 1894. It is now owoed by Dora, a granddaughter of Ira Strong. In 1871 Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thomas and Jerry Young and family moved to Ness county, Kansas, but in 1881 ac- companied by Barney Hancher, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thomas returned to Powhatan township where he died before the end uf that year and bis wife, Susanna, in 1883, both at the home of their son, Daniel. He par- ' ticipated in the organization of the township and being elected at that time served two years as a member of the board of countj supervisors. When the school board was organized in 1867 he was chosen its first president and treasurer. His family consisted of six children. Lydia, In 1857 in Bureau county, 111., married Jeremiah Young, who, in the fall of 1863, came to this county with a family oJ six children and located first at old Rolfe and in 1864 on the nwi sec. 25, Powhatan. He improved and oc- cupied this farm until 1869, when he moved to Nebraska and a few years later to Ness county, Kansas. In 1879 making the journey with teams, he moved to Washington and now resides at Springdale. His family consisled of eight children. Alva and Eva, twins, Frank, Nellie, Jacob and Au- netta, twins, (both ot whom are dead), Henry and Basil, twins born in Halt's cabin. Margaret Ellen, in Bureau county 111., married Barney Hancher, see Hancher. She is now the only repre- sentative of the Thomas family in this county. Daniel married Philena Foote and after a residence ot twenty-five years in Powhatan in 1889 moved to Wash- ington. His family consisted of thirteen children, five of whom are living. Joel in 1878 located in Kossuth county, later successively in Winne- shiek county, Oklahoma, Washington and Colorado, where he now resides. Joshua in 1864 came to Powhatan' and became owner of the nej sec. 25, (Wm. Stone homestead) but did not occupy it. After three years resi- dence near Fort Dodge he moved to Missouri where he died in 1881 leaving a small family. Sallie, who taught the first school in Powhatan, in 1865 married George, son ot Wm. B. Strong, and located in Washington, where he died. Trites, Edward Ryland (b. 1855.) owner and occupant of a farm on sec. 19 from 1882 to 1901, is a native of DeWitt, Iowa, the son of Job and Harriet Turner Trites. In 1881 he married Francis Flora Holcomb and the next year located on the farm in Powhatan township, which he was the first to occupy and improve. He improved it with good buildings and embarked in raising pure l}red caltle, •728^ PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. iQcluding Shorthorns of the Motte and Rosawood families. Berlfshire hogs, Norman horses and Mammoth bronze turkeys. In 1901 he mnvea to Cautril, Van Buren county. He has been a loyal republican, believes in prohibition, has taken an active part in local poliiics and filled several of the township offices including that of justice. His family consists of three children, Burness R., Job L. and Vivian Delia. Whitney, Alva Lewis (b.l826). Plover, is a native of Erie county. Pa. At 17 he moved with his parents, who were of Scotch descent, to Walworth county, Wis., and three years later to Dane couniy, wher3 in 1819 he married Lucy Colby and engaged in farming.. In 1861 he enlisted as a member of Co. E, 8th Wis. infantry and often carried the famous ^agle known as "Old Abe." At the end of three years of constant service he was mustered out, but two months later he re-enlisted as a member of Co. K, 42d Wis. infantry and remain- ed in the army until June 22, 1865, when he was mustered out at Madi- son, Wis. He belonged to the western department of the army, served un- der Gen. A. J. Smith and participated in thirty-two battles and skirmishes, including those at Corinth, Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing, and Island No. 10. At the close of the war he returned to the farm and in 1881 located on sec. 15, Powhatan township. He improv- ed and occupied this farm until 1892 when he moved to Plover where he owns several valuable' properties. He has been unwilling to be a candidate for even a township office but has been a trustee of the Presbyterian church of. Plover since its organi- zation in 1888. He is a patriotic, con- scientious and upright citizen, who stands ready to lend a helping hand to every movement that has for its object the moral advancement of the community. His wife died in 1864 leaving one son, Emmet J." (b. 1864), who in 1889 married Dora Kruse. He located first in Palo Alto county, but is now in Powhatan and has a family of six children, Ada, Bert, Oscar, Eunice, Carrie and John. In 1866 Mr. Whitney married Mary E. Kelley, of Greene county Wis., and her mother, Mrs. Mary M. Smith, has made her home with them since the death of her second husband Joel Smith. 01d abe, the War Eagle. The famous bird, "Old Abe,", was captured in 1861 on the Flambeau river by a Chippewa Indian, who sold, it to a farmer, at Eagle Point, for a bushel of-corn. This farmer sold it, to Mr. Willis, of Biia Claire, who pre- sented it to the 8th regiment then forming. The bird was "sworn in" at the camp at Madison by putting around its neck, red, white and blue ribbon, and the name "Old Abe" was given it in honorof President Lincoln. He always manifested great excite- ment during a battle by screaming and fluttering around the flag. The enemy tried to shoot him many times and he was wounded at Corinth and Vicl w p Q. (B •< m a o Bellvllle.... 91 83 Cedar 165 172 Center 93 212 Colfax 10 35 Clinton.... 165 178 1 ■ Des Moines 51 58 Dover 56 98 Grant 67 60 3 o 3 88 83 1 164 172 93 212 70 35 165 179 1 51 57 2 55 97 68 62 Lake No. 1. 60 50 5 58 47 Lake No. 2. 31 12 2 32 13 Lincoln 52 86 1 52 85 Lizard 46 100 46 100 Marshall... 69 36 1 68 36 Powhatan... 87 97 5 91 98 Sherman... 67 57 3 65 56 Swan Lake. 188 63 1 187 63 Washington 87 52 1 86 52 Total.... 1445 1449 11 19 1439 1447 Day's majority.. 4 8 This was the fourth and, in view of the questions raised and interests in- volved it was the most important election contest ever held in Pocahon- tas county. OTHER ELECTION CONTESTS. The first instance of a contest over an election occurred at old Rolfe, February 2, 1864, between the can- didates for the office of county treas- urer and recorder, then filled by the same incumbent. The candidates for the position, Michael Collins and W. H. Halt, received on the home vote, October 13, 1863, 16 and 14 votes, and from the soldiers in the army, 2 and 3 votes, making, 18 and 17 votes, re- spectively. The court consisted ol Fred A. Metcalf, county judge; John A. James, associate judge, and Philip Russell, clerk of the district court. Mr. Hale, the contestant, plead his own cause and John F, Duncombe ap- peared for Collins. A motion to dis- miss the case prevailed. The second contest occurred also at old Rolfe, November 25, 1868, when Philip Russell contested with J. J. Bruce for the office of county super- visor from Lizard township. The latter at the previous general election had been accorded a majority of the votes, but his opponent deemed his bond insufficient. The court consist- ed of J. N. Harris, county judge, W. S. Fegles and Patrick Forey, and their decision was in favor of J. J. Bruce, the previous incumbent. The third contest was held at Poca- hontas, November 23, 1877, and was between Joseph Breitenbach and POWHATAN TOWNSHIP. 731 Thomas L. Dean for the office of sher- iff of this county. At the previous general election they were accorded 266 and 269 votes, respectively. The court consisted of Wm.Brownlee, chair- man of the board of county super- visors; W. H. Halt and J. E. Pattee. Capt. J. O. Yeoman and Hudson & Grould, attorneys, appeared for the principils. The court, by a majority of one, decided in favor of Dean, the previous incumbent. It will be perceived, that in this county the official count, though close has never been reversed. The con- testant, whatever he may have gain- ed, has always had a "hard road to travel." A tie vote occurred October 8, 1867, when Oscar Slosson and George Sprapg each received 50 votes for sheriff. The matter was amicably decided October 26th following, by drawing cuts, and Slosson received the office. XXY. SHERMAN TOWNSHIP. You ask what land I love the best, The fairest state of all the West, Iowa, 'tis Iowa. From yonder Mississippi's stream, To where Missouri's waters gleam, O! fair it is as poets' dream, Iowa, O! Iowa. See yonder fields of tasselled corn, Where plenty fills her golden horn. See how her wondrous prairies shine. To yonder sunsets' purpling line; 01 happy land, O! land of mine, Iowa, O! Iowa. — s. H. M. GENERAL FEATUEES. BYERS. HERMAN township county and its surface throughout is (92-33) belonged to Des Moines town- ship until Sept. 5, 1876, when it was attached to Wash- ington. April 5, 1880 it was estab- lished in its present form and named in honor of Gen. Wm. T. Sherman, the hero of the "March to the Sea." ^'Hurrah! Hurrah! We bring the jubilee! Hurrah! Hurrah! The flag that makes you free! So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea, When we were marching through Georgia." It is located near the center of the a beautiful prairie. Pocahontas, the county seat, extends over part of sec. 36, and Ware was located on sec. 17, near the center of the .township, in 1900, when the C. B. I. & P. Ry. Vas built. The citizens of this township have now excellent railway facilities and occupy a section of country as attractive and beautiful, as that of which Hamlin Garland wrote: "I love the prairies; they are mine. Prom zenith to horizon line; Clipping a world of sky and sod. Like the bended arm and wi ist of God. I love their grasses; the skies Are larger, and my restless eyes Fasten on more of earth and air. Than sea shores furnish anywhere." (732) SHERMAN TOWNSHIP. 733 EARLY SETTLEMENT. The early, settlement of Sherman township was coincident with that of Washington that joins it on the north. In May 1870 the representatives of several families in Dubuqtue county, namely, James C. Strong, Jason N. Eussell, a brother-in-law, and Jona- than L. Clark, wife and three chil- dren, came to this county, making the journey on wagons, and secured farms. Strong and Clark in the south row of sections in Washington and Eussell in the north row of Sherman. Each began to occupy and improve his own farm but during that season all lived together in the house built by Clark on sec. 3, Washington town- ship. In 1871 Jason N. Eussell built the first cabin in Sherman township on the nej sec. 4, where during the pre- vious year he had done the first break- ing. He was then joined by his broth- er, Harvey S. Russell, 'Who lived with him one and a half years. In 1872 Morah F. Eussell, another brother arrived with his wife and he erected that year on the swi sec. 4, the first dwelling house. In "1873 the new residents were Maggie Hamble, the bride of Jason Russell, and Mr. and Mrs. John Sic, Bohemians, who built a sod shanty in the southeast part of the township. This was the period when the grass- hoppers drove many settlers from their claims and new ones were de- terred from going to tlie frontier. Those that had to locate in the north part of this township realized during this period the disappointments and the loneliness of living far out on the prairie. In making the trips to Fon- da, the nearest station and eighteen miles distant, the house of A. T. Omtvedt was the first and usually the only one passed. In 1875 Aaron Smith (b> N. Y. 1816.) « located on 3, and Jeremiah Barnes (6, Pa, 1814) OB §. In 1878 Joseph and Anthony Hudek located on 25 and John Kopriva on 36. They were followed by James W. Carson and C. F.'Alchon in 1879. In 1880 A. J. Stover, W. B. Starkey and E. C. Jones arrived, and they were followed by G. W. and J. W. Mills, J. W. O'Brien andB. T. Griffith the next year. In 1882 there came Thomas Barn- ingham and John H. Adams, and they were followed the next year by Joseph Bloudel, Boy C. Boyeson and C. L. Flint. Those that followed soon after- wards were Hans Tychsen, Frank Stacy, Rev. C. W. Clifton, Prof. James C , del and Fred Gilchrist, J. H. Euo, A. M. Ooville, Thomas M. Olson, A. J, Wonderlich, Martin L. and Jacob S. Stover, C. M. Doty, E. E. McCaslin and others. OEGANIZATION AND OEFICERS. The first election was held Nov. 2, 1880, when Morah F. Eussell, Aaron Smith and Thomas P. Clark were elec- ted trustees; AaronSmith, clerk; J. W. Carson, a justice; and J. W. O'Brien, assessor. The succession of officers has been as follows: Trustees: M. F. Russell, 1881-89, '93 94; Aaron Smith, Thos. P. Clark, '81-82; Anthony Hudek, '82-84; Jere- miah W. Barnes, J. W. Carson, '85, 92, 98-1900; A. J. Stover, '86-98; Joseph Hudek, '86-88; Jason N. Russell, '89-91; Clel. Gilchrist, '90-92, 98; M. L. Stover, C. C. Bovee, '93-95; E. R. McCaslin, '96-97; W. B. Starkey, '96-99; M. F. Eussell, 1900-02. Clerks: Aaron Smith, 1881; J. W. Carson, '82-84, 93-94; John H. Adams, '85-90; Anthony Hudek, '91-92; Frank Stacy, '95-96, B. T. Griffith, '97-1902. Justices: J. W. Carson '81-82; J. W. O'Brien '83-88; A. Hudek, '86-89, '98-1900; A. J. Wonderlich, Boy C. Boyesen, C. F. Boekenoogen, C. M. Doty, Rev. C. W. Clifton, A. Em- 734 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. bree, James Speer, C. L. Flint, 90-91. Assessors: J. W. O'Brien, '81-82; John H. Adams, '83-84; A. Hudek, '85- 88; C. L. Flint, '89-91; John Sic, M. L. Stover, Henry Bourret. PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND OrFICEBS. The lirst school house was built in 1877 on the nwi sec. 4, near the home of Philip Hamble, who lived across the line in Washington township, to which Sherman was then attached. The first teachers in it were Sarah Reamer (Hamerson), Samuel Smith, Hattie Drown and Mrs. Matilda Smith, the latter during the summer and winter of 1881 and summer of 1882. The first record of the school board is of date March 21, 1881, when the first school board consisting of C. F. Alchon J.W. Carson and Aaron Smith met and organized by the election of C.F. Alchon, president; Jason N. Rus- sell, secretary; and Morah F. Russell, treasurer. The second school house was built in the Hudek neighborhoodj district No. 7, by T. L. Dean in 1882, and the first teachers in it were James W. Carson and Cora Junes. In 1883 the third school house was built and the new teachers employed that year were Emma Pfeififer, Lulu C. Blake (Hamble) and Elizabeth O'Brien. During this and the next two years John W. O'Brien hauled three and one-half tons of coal to each of the school houses for $6 a ton. In 1893 the last district. No. 3, was organized and supplied with a school house, and the. pioneer building in the Hamble district was replaced by a new one located at the Center of the district. No. 2. The township then had nine districts and a good school house in each of t}}epi. AH the school houses in Sherman towqship are provided with good Storm QgiYgg, fl^gs mi fl^g^pQies; mi MvAif all 6l tliem have pretty groves, consisting of larches, maples, box elders and evergreens, planted around them. In 1897 an ad- dition of twenty feet was added to the center school house making it the largest rural school house in the county. The succession of school officers has been as follows: PfiBSiDENTS: C. F. Alchon, 1881; R. C. Jones, '82-85, 89; J. W. Carson, J. N. Russell, '87-88; J. M. Mills, J. H. Enn, A .M. Coville, M. L. Stover, '93-94; J. Marchbanks, W. B. Starkey, T. M. Olson, C. C. Bovee, J. M. Shull, '99- 1900; Peter Kemmer, '01-02. Becretakies: J. N. Russell, '81-83; B. T. Griffith, '84-86, 91-93; J. W. Car- son, '87-88; Clel Gilchrist, '89-90; Thomas M. Olson, R. R. McCaslin, '95-97; Anthony Hudek, '98 1902. Treasurers: Morah F. Russell, '81-86; J. W. O'Brien, '87-90; Morah F. Russell, '95-1902. Teachers: Among the early teachers in this township were Sarah Reamer, Samuel Smith, Hattie Drown, Mrs. Matilda Smith, J. W. Carson, Cora Jones, Emma Pfeiffer, who was the first in district No. 3; Lulu C. Blarke, Elizabeth and Stella O'Brien, Clara Gilson, Jennie Bishop, Lona Hawley, Louisa Benoett, Ida Crouse, Mary A. Dooley, Mrs Mary L. Eigler, Fretta Winegarden, Susie Clark, who in 1887 was the first in No. 4; Lillie Rose, Martha and Mary Kelly, Mary Clifton, Carrie Blake, Mary Bolton, Peter Donahoe, who in 1889 was the first male teacher em- ployed; Addie Newton, Myra Russell, Louis T. and Mrs. Edith C. Button, Frank C. Rogers, Louisa and Edith Ludwig. During each of the years, 1881 to 1884, the total enrollment of the children in the township was 7, 12, 17 and 20, respectively; and the num? Uer of them that attended school was 6, 11, la and 13, respeoiively. SHERMAN TOWNSHIP. 735 INTEEESTING EYBNT3. The first child born in Sherman, then a part of Des Moines township was Edith, daughter of Jason N. Russell, whose birth occurred March 31, 1875. At the time of her marriage in 1899 she had attained the reputa- tion of being the best teacher in the township. The first religious services were held in the pioneer or Hamble school house, on the nwi of sec. 4, about 1877; and J. W. Carson, who came in 1879, organized here the first Sunday school. The harvester was first used in Sherman township in 1883, when Clel Gilchrist and J . Flagler cut the crops of Morah and Jason N. Russell and others. The first postoffice was established in the store of W. S. Cox at Ware In 1900. During the early seventies mail was obtained once a week from Poca- hontas. The largest crchard was planted on the farm of Jason N. Russell on sec- tion 4. The finest corner markers in this county are found in this township, on sec. 32, and were placed there by F. M. Robinson in 1888. These markers are of dressed rock, six inches square at the top and show the number of the adjoining sections. They were dress- ed for but not used in building the station at Missouri Valley, where Robinson the owner of a farm on sec. 32 and who had the numbers cut on them, was serving as ticket agent. It was with stone posts, similar to these, but quarried, dressed and mark- ed in England with the letters P. and M. on their opposite sides, that Charles Mason and James Dixon in 1766-67 surveyed and marked the pre- viously troublesome boundary line, between Pennsylvania and Maryland, now commonly called the Mason and Dixon line. They placed a stone thus marfeed at the end of eacu wile, and at the end of every fifth mile a larger one, having on its other sides the arms of the Penn family in the days of Richard Penn and those of Lord Baltimore. May 14, 1893, a tornado that passed over Sherman, Grant and Lincoln townships destroyed the house of G. W. Madden on the swi 18, the barn and sheds of Frank Stacy on nwi 32 and a vacant house of Moody & Davy on the same section. It occurred about 10 o'clock p. m. and the darkness for a short time was relieved by the appear- ance of electrical sparks attended" with a snapping sound similar to the effect produced when the back of a cat is sometimes stroked in the dark. There was not very much rain but a vivid electrical display and the wind whirled the material of the buildings In every direction.* W^AEB. Ware, located on the nwi sec. 17 and the sei sec. S, along' the line of the Gowrie & Northwestern branch of the G. R. I. & P. Ry. is a thriving vil- lage of 150 inhabitants. This is the newest town in the county and was named in honor of Francis L. Ware, of Chicago, who, owning 1480 acres in that vicinity, donated to the railroad company the usual right-of-way across the nei sec. 17, and additional ground for depot and sidetracks at that place. The establishment of this town and Palmer was the result of a railroad passing through Pocahontas, the last county seat In Iowa, to be thus con- nected with the outside , world. It is six and a half miles northwest of Pocahontas and about the same dis- tance from Laurens. It is centrally located in a section of country that is comparatively new but as rich and productive as Ancient Egypt. Mr. Ware, owing to his absence on ,the Pacific coast during 1900; did not plat his land at the depot until after his return the latter part of October. In the meantime Aug. Hamfeldti of 736 PIONEBE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUSTY, IOWA. Ottawa, 111., owner of several hun- dred acres In this vicinity, through his agent, Paul Silberger, proceeded to plat and build up the town on the sei sec. 8, just north of the depot. He built several store buildings and dwellings in the fall of 1900 and they were occupied as soon as they were completed. The first buildings couapleted were the depot and the store of W. S. Cox, of Havelock, both of which were open- ed about Sept. ], 1900, About Oct. 1, following, Leonard Sease was appoint- ed postmaster and opened the Ware postofflce in this store. Wheeler's elevator was then completed and there were in progress of erection several other store buildings, a two story hotel, Counselman's elevator, the Jenkins-Hesla lumber sheds, and a number of cozy and comfortable homes. No other town in the coun- ty was growing so rapidly as Ware at this period, and the scene of so mady new buildings springing up in a corn- field was a very interesting sight to passengers on the passing trains. Feb. 18, 1901, before six monttis had passed after the completion of the first building, Hon. R. C. Barrett, state superintendent, visited the town and addressed the citizens of the community on the propriety of erecting a large central school build- ing and consolidating the aijacent rural school districts. The first public school was com- menced in April, 1901, in the Plam- feldc block by Olive Jones, of Laurens. The first religious services were held about this time in the opera house by Kev. C. W. Coons, of Havelock, and a Sunday school was organized. The Methodist Episcopal church was built that fall. Savings Bank. The Ware Savings Bank was open- ed March 1, 1901, by the Allen Bros., fOl.her bank consistent with safe and conservativi was reorganized as the State Bank of banking. Pocahontas and its capital increased During the years that have passed to $25,000. The officers then chosen the Allen Bros, have permanently in were 0. S. Allen, president, Terrence vested many thousands of dollars Doyle, vice-president and T. F. Mc- in the erection of some of the fines Cartan, cashier. buildings in Laurens and Poca In 1893 they had the Iowa Publish- hontas. Utilizing their lands fo Ing Co., of Dubuque, prepare and raising and feeding stock, the; print for free distribution, a large have become leaders in tha edition of a seventy page pamphlet, business, carrying each year severa that gave an excellent account of the thousand sheep, hogs and cattle agricultural resources, manufacturing Under their skillful matiagemen industries and business interests of their capital has rapidly increased Pocahontas county. They endeavor- If however they have reaped boun ed to attract to this locality new tifully during the recent year settlers and outside capital, by mak- of unrivaled prosperity, it is be ing known through this excellent cause they had previously sown witl advertising publication the oppor- a liberal hand. The times have beei tunities for safe and profitable in- prosperous and they were in a posi vestment, in the rich and productive tion to ride upon the crest of th lands of Pocahontas county. wave. Their names have become in December 31, 1896 the charter of seperably connected with the growtl the State Bank at Pocahontas was and prosperity of this county, espec surrendered and the business there lally of the cities of Laurens, Poca sold to Heald, Stegge & McCartan; hontas and Ware, but January 1, 1900 the bank of The banking institutions of a com "Allen Bros." was reestablished munlty indicate the character o there with a capital of $10,000 under development of its commercial inter the management of J. H. Allen, presi- ests better than any other, because dent, 0. S. Allen, vice-president, F. they constitute the medium of es W. Lindeman, cashier, and B. L. change, that supplies the life cui Allen, assistant cashier. They also rents to business enterprises. The established the same year (1900) the are as serviceable and indispensabl Savings Bank at Ware under the to commercial life as the veins an management of B. L.Allen, president, arteries, through which the bloo M. T. Nilsson, vice-president, and 0. circulates, are to the animal organisn SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 763 The people of Laurens are to be con- gratulated on tbe solid . and substan- tial character of their banking insti- tutions and the constant increase in the amount of their deposits. HAKES BROS., MONTAGUE AND JAMBS R., POtriiTRY DEALERS. Hakes Bros., merchants and poultry dealers, who used to make the sale of general merchandise their principal business, have made it easy for the farmers of Pocahontas county to realize a handsome profit raising poultry. They have studied the east- ern markets and learned what is want- ed. They laave also learned how to dress, pack and ship poultry so as to receive for it the highest price.- Perceiving that capons brought the highest price paid for chickens, they were not deterred by the difficulties incident to raising them and, believ- ing that Pocahontas county could produce the best, in the summer of 1894 they secured a man familiar with the art of caponizing roosters and sent him through the country to do this work for all their customers free of charge, the only condition being that they be allowed to handle their surplus poultry paying for it the high- est market price. This experiment proved so satis- factory that a large majority of the poultry raisers in the vicinity of Laurens adopted this method of rais- ing poultry and the Hakes Bros, in 1897 and 1900 extended their trade to Rolfe, Marathon and many other localities on the two lines of railway centering at Laurens. The price paid for capons varies ac- cording to the weight of the fowl, the heaviest ones bringing the highest price per pound. The following illus- trations, showing the experience of several of their customers living in the vicinity of Rolfe, have been noted by the Reveille and much of this article has been taken from the col- umns of that excellent paper. Harry K. Squires, who raises a good grade of Plymouth Rocks, sold the first year 23 capons that averaged 8i pounds and four of them brought $1.00 each. In 1901 Squires delivered 36 capons. Two averaged 13 pounds and brought $1.30 each; 18 averaged 10 pounds and brought $1.00 each; and 16 averaged , 8 pounds. Benjamin Ritters delivered 14 capons and re- ceived $14.00. W. S. Butler delivered 50 capons and received an average of 80 cents. James. Cunningham, who raised 200, Frank DeWolf, Robert Roy and Glaus Johnson received simi- liar prices for their fowls. These re- sults can be duplicated by any careful farmer who raises the larger breeds of fowls, such as Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, Brahmas or Langshans. Caponizing has the effect of extend- ing the period of growth and increas- ing the size. Capons therefore re- quire a little more time for full developnjent than roosters. The number of capons handled by this firm is steadily increasing. From five to seven thousand are annually caponized at Laurens. About 5,000 are annually caponized in the vicinity of Rolfe and at a number of the other towns where they purchase poultry. The annual income of the farmers in the north part of this county from poultry and their product is much larger than many suppose and capon- izing tends to greatly increase it with- out any extra expense to the producer. During the first season caponizing was a difficult undertaking. -The idea was new to the farmers and they looked upon the stranger with sus- picion. Some feared his contract would later appear as a promissory note, and others told him, "they would wiggle along the old way and let their roosters do the same." It is altogether different now. They have become acquainted with M. & J. R. Hakes and learned the value of 764 PIONEBR HISTOEY OF tOOAHOiTTAS COUNTY, IOWA. their work. They know what it means to receive 50 cents to $1.25 each for their roosters instead of the old price, 25 to 60 cents a head. In 1900 Hakes Bros, erected at Laurens a two story building, 40x96 feet, for dressing and packing poul- try. This is a substantial building that rests on a brick foundation, and adjoining it are large and commodious sheds and yards for live poultry. During the year ending June 30, 1900 they paid to the farmers in the vicinity of Laurens $17,000 for poultry and to patrons at Havelock, B.olte and other towns $40,000 more, making an aggregate of $57,000 for that year. On one day in December 1902 they paid $5,000 for the live poultry de- livered to them by wagon and rail at Laurens that day, and nearly $100,000 for the entire amount of it handled by them that year. There is perhaps not another town in the state that gives the farmers so much clear cash for poultry as this one firm pays its patrons at Laurens. During the packing period each year their establishment Is a very busy place. Twenty-five men are employ- ed in It. Thousands of chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese may be seen in the yards and sheds around it; also a procession of loaded wagons moving towards it, and on the side track car loads of live or dressed fowls arriving or ready for departure. In the spring of 1902 they had at one time twenty car loads, 225 tons, of dressed poultry In cold storage at Laurens and Kew York City. All the dressed fowls are assorted and graded as they are packed. A careful record is kept so that at any time they can tell the quantity, grade and cost of the stock on hand. Many patrons of the poultry dealer do not appreciate the loss to which he is exposed through a little negligence on their part. The most frequent and serious losses usually occur in con- nection with the shipment of live birds, through the neglect of some of their patrons to deliver their poultry on the appointed day. This seems a small matter, but it usually deter- mines whether the dealer shall have a profit or sustain a loss on that ship- ment. The dealer has secured a car for a certain date and contracted for the delivery of enough fowls to fill it that day, but a few farmers are either busy or negligent, and the car has to be shipped with a partial instead of a full load. The expense of buying and hauling and also of freight, is as great as if the full amount had been received, and the commission is about as great, so that in frequent instances the shortage in delivery changes the expectation of profit to a realization of loss. It has been truthfully said, that he who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, is a bene- factor to his race. When men of en- terprise build up a business, that brings clear profit to so many of the people of a community as the poultry business under the management of the Hakes Bros., they merit recogni- tion and public patronage. Buch men are public benefactors. None have been more grateful for the public patronage accorded to them than these men who have made Laurens the at- tractive center of the largest poultry trade in Northwest Iowa. HINN BROS., W. &J. G. Hinn Bros,, millers and butter manufacturers, Laurens, are men whose cleverness and ambition have enabled them to attain an enviable leadership in the lines of business they represent. In 1894 they erected a mill that does all kinds of mill work and has a capa- city of fifty barrels of flour per day. It is fully equipped with the latest improved machinery and its wheels are propelled by an engine of thirty^ five horse power. Their first and SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 765 second grades of flour are called "Fancy Patent" and "Snow Flake," and their respective merits have long since awalrened a demand for their sale in other and even distant local- ities.. In 1900 they established a feed mill at Pocahontas and, through it, have maintained a general exchange business in flour at that place. In 1897 they purchased of T. J. Beats & Co., the Laurens co-oper- ative creamery and moved it near the mill, Under the management of T. J. Beats It commanded a large patron- age and was one of the important in- dustries at Laurens. Important im- provements were made at the time of its purchase In 1897, and in 1902 its work was completely re-arranged by furnishing each of their patrons with a hand separator that they might do the separating at home. This plan lessens the cost of gathering the cream, enables the creamery to pay a better price for the butter and leaves the farmer his own skim milk fresh for feeding purposes. This creamery has the machinery and the proprietors have both the desire and the means to make it the strongest and best one in the county. In May 1902, wishing to extend their business into some new territory they purchased the creamery at Poca- hontas and supplying its patroBs with hand separators changed and greatly impro,ved the methbd of its operation^ They have creameries operated in the same manner at Havelock and Mara- thon. They are thus the successful man- agers of creameries at Laurens, Have- lock, Pocahontas and Marathon, and have the principal ofHce at Laurens. The patrons of their creameries and mill have become their best adver- tisers and it has been their good for- tune to witness a steady growth and enlargement of the butter and milling industries under their careful man- agement. PEOCESS BtTTTBK. In 1901 they obtained the machin- ery for renovating, or making anew, old butter. By means of it they are able to take the worst butter, found in the back-rooms of stores, and make it pure, clean and sweet. The new product is called, "Process Butter," and it is claimed to be cleaner and purer than either dairy or creamery butter, because every element of for- eign substance and even odor has been removed from it. Whilst the finishing process is a secret and gives to the product its name, "Process Butter," the- princi- pal operations are as follows: A barrel of old butter is dumped in- to a vat, brought to a boiling heat with hot water and steam, and then it is constantly stirred. The foul stuff, that gathers on the surface, and the sediment at the bottom are re- peatedly removed until nothing re- mains but the pure butter fat. This fat or oil is then placed in a large con- ical shaped rectifying vat, where it is again brought to a boiling heat with hot water in an outer vat. During the next five hours pure air.f orced into and sprayed over the bottom of the inner vat, comes bubbling up through the boiling oil and takes from it every element of odor. This chemically pure, odorless butter fat is then colored and allowed to cool and harden. It is then churn- ed with fresh milk to give it a butter taste, worked, salted and packed, the same as creamery butter, but it is marked, "Process Butter." On ac- count of its purity, it Is rated equal to creamery butter and brings a high- er price in the city market than the dairy product. The Iowa Dairy report for 1902 states that there are now twelve such factories In this state and nine of them during that year renovated 4,530,388 pounds of bad butter, of which, 991,333 pounds were sold in 766 PIONEEE. HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS GOUKTY. IOWA. Iowa, principally iu Des Moines, and the rest was shipped to New York City. In 1902 there was an average of 25 cows to the square mile in Iowa, and 40 in Bremer, the banner county. The creamery product was 77,885,696 pounds and its. average price was 241-6 cents, the highest in ten years. . In 1900 the value of the entire dairy product in this state was $27,516,870, and in the entire country $475,000,000, whicb is six times the value of the entire gold product in this coun- try during the same year. In ncr branch of industry has the use of improved facilities made great- er changes than in the manufacture of butter. The first creameries were established in this section, in 1880 at Fort Dodge and in 1882 at Fonda, on the plan of keeping the milk cold under water in Cooley cans. About 1885 the separator was intro- duced in the creameries and a new impulse was given to tlie manufac- ture of butter. In 1897 C. M. Saylor and his son, Calvin B. Saylor, began to use hand separators on their farms in Lincoln township. These were probably the first farm separators used in Pocahontas county. In three years from that time a complete change be- came necessary iu the management of the creameries to maintain tbem. The number of them in operation in Iowa in 1902 was considerably less than in 1900. Those that have sur- vived have had to adopt the plan of furnishing all their patrons with a hand cream separator. The latest phase or transition is in the direction of centralization, which means the establishment of large butter manu- factories in the larger cities and the shipment of the cream by rail from the localities thus directly connected. The creamery industry has develop- ed with great rapidity daring the last three years, and it has added greatly to the farmer's wealth by in- creasing his annual product of butter and bringing him higher prices for it. During the early 80's, thirty-six hours were needed to develop the cream, the farmer's wife spent a good share of her time skimming milk and washing cans, and the farmer niight have been seen in the woodshed laboriously working a dasher up and down in an old churn. The times have changed. Now the farmer spends a few minutes running the new milk through a hand cream separator, feeds it to his calves and sells his cream to the proprietorof the creamery. The introduction of new machinery and new methods has greatly Increased the product of the dairy, raised the standard of its quality and thereby increased the farmers annual income. The farmers, especially the dairy- men of the Mississippi Valley, have been styled, "Western Gold Bugs," because they have become not only self supporting, but the creditors of the east, and therefore not so liable to suffer from financial panics as formerly. It has been estimated that the dairy interests of the United States now represent an invested capital of one billion, and that the value of the annual dairy product is about one million dollars. This great development in recent years has been due to the general introduction of im- proved machinery and the adoption of new methods, on the farm. KREUL BEOS , CHEISTIAN F.& HENKY A. The smith, a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hands, And the muscles of his brawny arms. Are strong as iron bands; He looks the whole world in the face. For he owes not any man. —Longfellow. One of the oldest and most widely known of the business firms at Laurens is that of the Kreul Bros , C Fred and Henry A., who are general blacksmiths and manufacturers of wagons, buggies and plows, but make SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 767 a specialty of wagon and plow work. Their shop, 32x108 feet and two stories in height, is the largest one in this county. It is supplied with a large amount of new and improved machin- ery, consisting of forges, lathes, planers, borers, band and circular saws, etc., all of which are propelled by a gasoline engine of twenty-flve horse power. It is well provided for doing all sorts of iron and wood work. It is a regular manufacturing estab- lishment and gives employment to four to six men. As a good mill draws patrons and traders a long dis- tance, so has this industry of the Kreul Bros, tended to make Laurens great. In 1898 they made a traveling cart for some Swedish missionaries in China. Its axle was adjustable so as to suit roads of different widths. It was much heavier and stronger than the ordinary cart and had a regular buggy top. It was ordered through the missionaries from Fairfield town- ship, Buena Vista county, because such vehicles, when made by the natives, are very rude and clumsy affairs. In 1902 they built a large ditching machine for the G. W. Strickland Ditching & Grading Co., for use in the Red River Valley, Minnesota. This machine excavates a ditch 8 feet wide and 3i feet deep, and four cap- stans are used in propelling it. The successive steps in the enlarge- ment of this industry are illustrative of the growth of the town and sur- rounding country. It was started in a little blacksmith shop, built by C. F. Kreul in 1884, only two years after the town had been founded. Henry A., his brother, came two years later and began to work for him. In 1888 they formed a partnership under the name, "Kreul Bros." In 1890 they erected the spacious two story build- ing now occupied and in 1893 began the manufacture of plows. The upper story of their building was used several years as an opera house. This Arm represents one of the most important of the pioneer industries of the town. The proprietors are in- dustrious and skillful mechanics, they employ only courteous and trusty workmen and warrant all their work. EEED'S INDBPENDBKT TELEPHOKB. The Independent Telephone ex- change at Laurens was established by Charles G. Keed, druggist, in the fall of 1899, with a patronage of 30 phones. The number of phones the next year was increased to 60 and in 1902 to 135. It connects with all the Independent lines in the vicinity and renders a very efBcient and satisfactory service. As a public convenience it is a favor- ite with the people. Mr. Reed is ag- gressive in his methods and is en- deavoring to give his fellow citizens the very best telephone service at the lowest possible rate. Harriett Bell- man of Cherokee was the first opera- tor and in 1901 she was succeeded by Pearl Rickabaugh. KURAL TELEPHONES. In January 1902, the farmers north- west of Laurens organized the North- western Telephone Company by the election of W. D. Cottrell, president, Harry A. Moore, secretary, and W. F. Atkinson, treasurer. The aim of this organization is to extend the advan- tages of the Laurens Telephone Ex-, change into the rural districts. In the spring of 1902 they erected three rural lines from Laurens, each 8 to 10 miles in length, running, No. 1, north- west. No. 2, due north, and No. 3, northeast. In December 1902 anothir rural telephone company was organized by the farmers south and east of Laurens, of whom F. K. Hawley, president, George Asohenbrenner, Jr., secretary, H. M. Doty, treasurer, N. Moore and H. J)e Young were chosen a board of directors, and constructed a line from Laurens four miles southward thence east to Ware. 768 PIONEEK HISTORY OF lOCAHOSTAS COUKTY, IOWA. The rapid extension of telephone lines in the rural districts of Iowa during the years 1900 to 1902 was mar- velous. No other public utility of equal value and convenience is furn- ished the public at so trifling expense as the telephone, and hence the num- ber of lines has multiplied rapidly. In 1900 there was an increase of 138 companies and in 1901 an increase of 238 companies or a growth of 170 per cent. On Jan. 1, 1902 there were 651 companies having 22,409 miles that were assessed at $1,000,000. The growth in 1902 was even greater than in 1901. While the telephone is designed to annihilate distance, its greatest use is in direct ratio to its nearness, chief- ly because people are concerned most in their immediate surroundings. Whilst the long distance telephone has its limitations owing to the dif- ficulty of duplexing the circuit, the use of the short distance telephone is yet in its infancy. The Eolte Telephone Oo., (p. 505), which started July 1, 1900 with 85 phones, on Oct. 1, 1902 had constructed a number of rural lines over Clinton, Des Moines and Powhatan towDships and had a patronage of 383 phones. The Northern Telephone Oo., (p. 393), Sept. 1, 1899 opened an exchange at Fonda with 57 phones and built that season toll lines to Newell, Sul- phur Springs, Nemaha, Juniata, Storm Lake, Alta, Varina, Lilly, Al- bert City and Laurens. The next year it extended its lines to Aurelia, Cherokee, Pocahontas, Plover, Have- lock, Eolfe, Gilmore City and Palmer; and bought a line to Knoke, Jolley and Rockwell City that was later ex- changed for one in Pocahontas county. The toll lines of this company have been since extended to Sioux Rapids, Humboldt and Fort Dodge; and it is now building a copper circuit from Fort Dodge to Cherokee. It has ex- changes at Fonda, Newell, Storm Lake, Aurelia, Sioux Rapids and Gil- more City and many rural lines that altogether have a patronage of 1000 phones. The capital stock has been Increased from $10,000 to $100,000, and it is again under the general manage- ment of George Sanborn. THE POCAHOSrTAS COUNTY SUN. The Pocahontas County Sun, as a democratic local paperj was establish- ed by Louie E Lange, June 15, 1885. During the first six months the only room that could be obtained for the printing outfit at Laurens was the barn of Geo. W. Leverich. The outfit consisted of a Washington hand press and a few cases of type. The popu- lation was less than 200, and the older papers of the county could not refrain from poking a little fun at the new paper printed in a little barn; but its plucky founder worked hard, lived economically, dodged creditors and taught school until it became self- supporting. The outlook during the first two or three years was not very encouraging, but then an era of better times com- menced, many new settlers began to occupy the wild prairies, the town grew, the people saw the paper was bound to live and in one summer— 1887—400 new names were added to the subscription list. It lived to print sad obituary notices of some who predicted its early failure. When it was established there were no side- walks north of the track and the lit- tle school house on the hill was the only place for meetings. Only seven of the firms doing business in 1902 existed then, namely: Beardsley & Allen, M. Hakes, T. B. Steel, Geo. T. Johnson, C. F. Kreul, J. P. Shoemaker and Dr. J. M. Carroll. Mr. Lange continued in charge of it until Aug. 1, 1900, a period of more than 15 years. It had become one of the leading newspapers in the county, and occupied a fine office on Main street, that was furnished vjith a SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 769 splendid p.rinting outfit including a Sidney folder that folds, cuts, pastes and trims 30 papers in a minute. Geo M. Long, of Peterson, the suc- cessor of Mr. Lange, changed it from a democratic to a republican paper and in February 1902 sold it to R. C. Garver, of Cedar Bapids, the present proprietor. A new and very artistic headinsr was adopted for the first page Dec. 21, 1900, and continued the two years it was published by Mr. Long. It was a beautiful piece of pen work on the part of Roy Bouton, an employe of the oflnce, and its" presentation was a pretty compliment to the editor whose name it bore. It consisted of the great seal of the state, as a cen- tral sun sending rays of light in every direction, surmounted by an Ameri- can eagle with wings out-spread, and on the right and left hands the title, "Pocahontas County Sun," inter- twined with a streamer on which was iuscribed the Iowa state motto, "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." B. C. Garver, its present editor, ser- ved some time as a special reporter for the Associated Press, and thus ac- quired a wide and valuable acquaint- ance with the public men and affairs in this state. He Is a very capable man, a polished writer and is endeav- oring to malte the Sun a valuable ex- ponent of the sentiment.and progress of the northwest part of the county. THE STAHDAED. The Laurens Standard, the only other paper hitherto p>iblished at Laurens, was issued weelily from Oct. ], 1896 to Dec. 1st following by F. M, Lenehan. It was a six column quarto and its outfit was removed from the county when it was discontinued. LAUKBNS IN 1902. Agents: C. & N. W. By ,— L. G. Smith; C. B. I. & P- Ry- .-J- H. Mc- Kinney; Switch tower,— James H. Eiclcabaugh, in 1901 successor of Joseph Murray. Mayoii: M. M. Noah. Postmaster: Wm E. Atkinson. Attorneys: Hon, Fred C. Gil- christ; F. W. Paige, since 1892. Auctioneer: J. R. Tool. Banks: State, C. S. Allen, presi- dent; M. T. Nilsson, cashier; First National, F. H. HelseP, president; Wm. G. McNee, cashier. Baker: F. C. Manatt at Gem cafe. Barbers: A. E. Sawtell and Homer Bros., Charles and Geo. F. Blacksmiths: Kreul Bros., (0. F. and H. A ); C. E. Winsor, in 1900 suc- cessor of Winsor and {Geo. B ) Kreul. Bookkeeper: C. E. Narev. Broom Maker: John Workman (blind), since 1899. Carpenters: F. Orcar Youngren, C. F. Coleman, R. C. Hall, L. N. and Herbert Ellis, L. L. Cook. Chop House: John Sniggs. Clerks: Daniel Davis, John Miller, John Cromwell, John Jensen, Charles Swauson, Harry Ludwig, Herbert Babcock, Albert Kreul, Lettie Allen, Ralph E. Hughes. Clothiers: Thompson & Bellman, succeeded by V. A; Noble in 1902, who closed out the stock. Churches: Methodiht, (built 1888), —Rev, H. C. Chambers, pastor; Chris- tian, (1893),— Rev, J. C Uanna, Pastor; Swedish Lutheran, (1893),— Rev. R, Beckstrom. pastor; German Luther- an,— Rev. J. Pless, Pastor; Catholic, (1900),— Rev. Joseph Murtagh, of Rolfe, Pastor. Crbambky: Hinn Bros. (W, and J. G.). Dzntist: Dr. F. N. Beam. Doctors: J. M. Carroll, J. H. Hovenden, P. Gallaher, J. W. Hig- gins, and M. Moore, who in 1902 re- moved to Walnut, Iowa, Draymen: Mather Bros ,(J. T. and E,,K-), Daniel McAfee. Joseph Clan- ton, and E. H. Atwood. Djiessmaker: Marie Lundwick. Druggists: Dr. J. M. Carroll, since 770 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. 1882; 0. Gr. Reed, ia 1897 successor of Insubakcb: SamuelHarper, N. H. Paul Jones & Sterrett; J. W. Hlggins. White. Drainage Engineer: J . E. Peter- Jewelers: H. M. Spencer, in 1896 son. successor of P. J. Cilley; E. J. Nut- Bi.E\rATOBs: DeWolf & Wells, in ting, 1902. 1902 successors of Wilson & DeWolf Liverymen: Mather Bros., James (1895), Laurens Grain Co , Cowan & T. and E. Kenneth; W. H. Higgins Bardue, (1889-92), Cowan and Davis, and (Frank) Kendall; W. E. Crowder. ('87-89), D. J. Allen & Sons, F. G. Lumber & Coal: C. J. Bovee, Thornton and Eri D. Anderson; sue- since 1882; L. D. Beardsley and B. L. ce^sjrs also of (H. L. Bruett) Geo. H. Allen; Jesse Smith. Bunton ('93-1901), Allen Grain Co. Magnetic Healer: O.W.Adams. ('89-93); Northern GraiQ Co., in 1898 Meat Markets: Milton M. Noah successor of Johnson & Brown, and till 1902; Noer E. Bigglestone, sue- Lyman Johnson ('91-92); WUeeler cesser of J. M. Turner, Gus Ehlers Grain & Coal Co., since 1900. and John Schroeder 1886-97. Furniture Dealer: T. D. Lan- Millers: W. and J. G. Hinn since don, in 1901 successor of Eri D. Ander- 1894. son: Milliners: Mamie Johnson, Elvi- Gbnbral Merchants: Hakes na Stuhr, Erickson Sisters, Beda and Bros., (M. and J. B ), in 1885 success- Anna. ors of S. S. Sturdivan (1882); O. M. Music Teachers: Mrs. 0. J. Murphey in 1895 successor of August Bovee and Mrs. E. C. Winsor. Youngren (1890); M, T. Nilsson and Musical Instruments: Levi Joseph Peterson, in 1901 successors Dean, of Geo. T. and S. D. Johnson, (1886); Nurse; Myra Crandall. M. M. Noah in 1903. Variety store, Painters: Fred Post, M. H. Mur- —0. W. Erret. ray, Jesse Clifton, Fred Sawtell and Hardware: ShoemaUer J. P., in Frank Martin. 1901 successor of Shoemaker & Ander- Newspaper: The Pocahontas son, established by J. P. Shoe- County Sun, est. 1885, R. C. Garyer, maker in 1882; Stacy & Weaver, in editor. 1900 successors of Moore & Stacy, Optician: Harriet F. Spencer. Moore & Johnson, John Wells, and Poultry Dealers: M. and J. B. Frank G. Thornton (188i-87). Hakes. Harness Makers: Edwin H, Real Estate: B. L. Saum, H. L. Southworth, Geo. W. Wright. Bruett, J. J. Lynch, Samuel Harper Hotels; Adams Hotel, M. C. and and N. H. Wfiite, Allen Land & Loan C. W. Adara^, in 1903 succeeded by S. Co., P. S. Weittenhiller, Beardsley & D. Johnson. The Commercial House, Clanton. in 1902 was replaced by the Noble Op- Photogkaphbrs: C. F. Garrison of era House by V. A. Noble successor, Rolfe, and C. O. Brov»n. as proprietor of the Commercial Restaurant Keeper: M. C. and House, of Solomon Cundy, Nelson C. W. Adams, succeeded by S. D. Parker, Sherman Anderson, Geo. W. Johnson in 1902. Bellinger, William Diviggans, and Seamstresses; Mrs. Edward Gun- Robert Foust 1883-84. kel, Edith Ludwig. Implement Dealers: Jacob Bill- Sewing Machines: Levi Dean, man, in 1900 successor of W. E. Crowd- Shoe Dealers: V. A. Noble, Geo. er; V. A. Noble, in 1901 successor of Larson, Hakes Bros.,t). M. Murphey, H. L. Bruett. Nilsson & Peterson. SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 771 Stock Dbalbes: Robinson & Jones, and Noah & Wiss. Tbachbes: W. H. Reever, princi- pal, Kate Fowler, Tessa M. Douglass, Alice McDougal, Viola Blealsly, Flora Noble, Margaret MoOarty and Bertha Warren. Tblbphonb: Laurens Independ- ent, established 1899 by Charles G. Reed, proprietor, Pearl Rickabaugh, operator. Vbtbrinaky Stjbgbons: C. A. Clinton, M. D. 0. and P. E. Fagan, D. V. S.. VocAii iNSTRUCToa: J. p. Scott. Wbll Drillers: Lofqulst & Mattelin, Thomas Burke. School Board: M. M. Noah, presi- dent, Christ F. Kreul, Hon. M. E. DeWolf, O. M. Murphey, R C. Hall; E. G. Coll, secretary, B. L. Allen, treasurer. LKADING CITIZENS. HUen, Benjamin E. (b. 1842), lum- ber dealer, Laurens, is a native of Clinton county, N. Y. In his youth became to Kane county, 111., where in 1861 he enlisted as a member of Co. 11, 36th III. Inf. and rendered four years of military service during the civil war. July 2^, 1864 he was captured at Atlanta, Ga., and with other com- rades was confined- two months in Andersonville prison. He was then successively transferred to the prisons at Florence and Charleston, S. C, Wilmington and Goldsborough, N. C. He was paroled at Goldsborough, March's, 1865. In J872 at Huntley Grove, McHenry county. III., he married Fannie E. Knappen (b. N. Y. 1850) and engaged in farming;. In 1875 he located on a farm in Sac county, Iowa. In the spring of 1883 he came to the new town of Laurens and, forming a part- nership with L. D. Beardsley, has since been engaged in the hale of lumber and coal. Twenty years have passed since the firm of Beardsley & Allen began to do business at Laurens. They represent one of the oldest firms in the town. During these years they have witness- ed many changes not only in the development of the town and country but also in the management of the business interests of the town. The long and prosperous career of this firm is very creditable both to them and the community tbey have been endeavoring to serve. They have been equitable and prognssive in their methods and the name of the firm has become widely and favorably known. Mr. Allen was accorded the honor of serving two years, 1890-91, as the first mayor of Laurens. His family consisted of four chil- dren. The two oldest died in 1879 and the youngest in 1891. Maud E., a teacher, graduated from the high school in 1899. Hilen, Daniel Johnson (b. 1832, d. 1897), banker, Laurens, was a native of Columbiana county, Ohin. In 1853, locating near Marietta, he became one of the early settlers of Marshall coun- ty, Iowa. In 1855 he married Eliza- beth Holmes who, two years before had also come from Columbiana coun- ty, 0.| and, locating on a farm three miles west of Marsballtcwn, contin- ued to occupy it, raising and feeding stock, until 1886. Previous to that date the farm, known as the Strath- more stock farm, had been increased to 1,000 acres and he had improved it with large and ieaut if ul farm build- ings. It was then sold to Ex Gov. Packard of Lousiana. In 1890 he located at Laurens, where his two sons, Charles S. and Benjamin L., had preceded him four years and, through his co-operation, had estab- lished the Exchange Bank of Laurecs (p. 761) and the Land & Loan Agency of D. J. Allen & Sons. During the brief period of his resi- dence at Laurens he exerted a polent and beneficent influence in the devel- opment of its business interests, and 712 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. also in its moral and religious lite. During his later years he spent the wiQter seasons at San Diego, Gal. In the fall of 1897, while enroute to that place, he became sick and died Oct. 13_th, before he reached his destina- tion, at the age of 65 years. His wife died at Laurens at 59 in 1891, and both are buried in Riverside cemetery at Marshalltown. He was a kind and affectionate father, and manifested a desire to keep his family together as much as possible. He was a lifelong republi- can and a zealous defender of the rights of the negro in the south. He was a staunch advocate of the cause of prohibition and gave liberally to- ward the suppression of the saloon. He belonged to the Hicksite Friends by birthright and when possible at- tended their services. The gener- osity of his nature was manifested by his words of sympathy to those who were in trouble and by numerous gits of charity to the needy. He was unassuming in manner but ag- gressive in. spirit, and manifested a genuine interest in the public welfare of Laurens. He left a legacy of $1,000 to assist in establishing an Orphan's Home in the city of Laurens. His family consisted of eight chil- dren. All of them were born in Mar- shall county, Iowa, and two of them died in childhood. Charles Sumner (b. ,1856), banker, Laurenp, is a native of Marshall coun- ty, where he grew to manhood and, after acquiring an academic and busi- ness course of study at the Iowa State University, devoted his atten- tion to farming and stockraising. February 1, 1886, four years after the founding of the town, he and his brother, Benjamin L. Allen, located at Laurens. Aided by their father, Daniel J. Allen, they purchased and united the separate banking interests of George W. Levsrich and M. B. Cas- well in the Exchange Bank of Lau- rens, and established the real estate agency of D. J. Allen & Sons. Charles S. has been president of the bank ever since and in 1892 effected its in- corporation as the State Bank of Lau- rens. The same year through the co- operation of his father and brother, Benjamin, he effected the ' re- organization of the real estate agency as the Allen Land & Loan Company (p. 761.) and greatly in- creased its capital stock. To these important business interests be has been devoting .bis time and talents, and has had the privilege of seeing them greatly prosper under his skill- ful management. In 1891 he per- formed a leading part in the estab- lishment of the Allen bank at Poca- hontas, that the next year was incor- porated as the State Bank of Poca- hontas but was discontinued Decem- ber 31, 1896. He is the owner of a large amount of real estate in the vicinity of Laurens and in 1898 built one of the finest residences in that town. He has been a trustee and liberal supporter of the M. E. church of Laurens since its organization in 1891 and a loyal republican. In 1881 he married Martha E. Stew- ard of Marshall county and has a fam- ily of six ahlldren, Burritt S., Eliza- beth, a Laurens graduate in 1902, William J., Charles F., Martha Lucile and Eleanor May. Benjamin Lot, (b. 1858.) banker and dealer in real estate, Laurens, is a native of Marshall county where he grew to manhood and received his education. February 1, 1886, he located at Lau- rens, where he co-operated with his father and brother, Charles, in the establishment of the Exchange, now ttie State bank and a real estate agency. He has been a cashier of the bank at Laurens since it was founded and has been personally identified with all of the business interests establish- ed by D. .1. Allen & Sons at Laurens, SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 773 Pocahontas and Ware. He is presi- dent of the Savings Banls of Ware and its organization in Tebruary 1901 was largely due to his influence and lead- ership. In 1891 he succeeded his father as a member of the Laurens town council and served six years, 1891-96. He is a republican and is al- ways ready to do his part in promot- ing the public welfare of his home town, Laurens. In 1887 he married Lulu, daughter of Senator Mills, of Marshall county ■ and before the end of the next year she died of dlptheria. In 1892 he married Addie Coulson, of Hinkley, 111. His family consists of three children, Lenore, Thorena and Wil- mont. Byron J., (b. 1863, d. 1892.) after graduating from the law department of the Iowa State University in 1887, came to Pocahontas county that year and located at Pocahontas, where he began the practice of law and became local manager of the real estate and banking business of D. J. Allen & Sons. In 1888 he became the republi- can nominee for the ofiBce of County Attorney and, as the second Incum- bent in that ofiBce, served this coun- ty two years, 1889-90. In 1890 he married Anna Jackson and died at 29 in 1892, after an illness of three days from appendicitis at Fort Dodge, leaving one child, Eliza- beth G. Mary (b. 1861) in 1882 married Byron E. Whalen, a banker and dealer in merchandise and liye stock. They live at Galva and have a family of four children, Etlna, Bessie. Balph and Grace. Sarah, {b. 1867.) a skillful account- ant, after rendering seven years of faithful service as head bookkeeper and assistant cashier in the Laurens Exchange Bank, in 1895 married Kev. George F. Whitfield, a member of the Northwest Iowa M. E. Conference and is now located at Ruthven. Their family consists of one daughter, Rachel Elizabeth. Joseph Holmes (6. 1870), a regent of the Iowa State University, and banker at Pocahontas, is a native of Marshall county. He received his ear- ly education in the public schools of Marshalltown and graduated from the high school there in 1889. He then came to Pocahontas County and be- gan to fill a position in the land ofiBce of his father and brothers at Pocahon- tas at $50.00 a month. Two years la- ter he entered the Iowa State Uni- versity, completed the college course and graduated from its law depart- ment in 1895. At the University he enjoyed the . honor of being chosen one of the de- baters of the Irving society in the in- tercollegiate contest, editor-in-chief of the Hawkeye, the College Annual, and represented that institution in the all-around Western Football team. His first earnings of $500 in 1890 were invested as a payment on a half section of land in Emmet County; and this investment, suplemented by the earnings received during vacations, enabled.him to defray the expenses of his university courses and left him a surplus of several thousand dollars. Purchasing then a lot of stock in the Allen Land & Loan Co. he was elected president of it and gave the manage- ment of its affairs his closest atten- tion until June 21, 1898, when in re- sponse to the call of the president for volunteers in the Spanish American war he and nine other young men of Pocahontas county, going to Cedar Rapids, became members of the Tip- ton company (F) of the 49th Iowa, and rendered ten months of service at Jacksonville, Fla., Savannah, Ga.,and Havana, Cuba. Previous to his en- listment he had received from the governor of Iowa, L. M. Shaw, permis- sion to raise a company in this county. He did this but as no call was made *ni PIOHTEEB HISTORY Oi? POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. for additional companies he enlisted and served as a private soldier. In 190l» he located at Pocahonta". On Jan. 1. 1901, with the co-op- eration of his brothers, Charles S. and Benjamin L., he re-established the Allen Bros.' banlc at Pocahontas, and built for it one of the finest bank buildings in this state. The next year they built a large brick hotel at that place. He has also built a fine residence. Through these and other recent improvements he has contrib- uted greatly to the upbuilding of Po- cahontas, our county seat. In 1900 he vpas the delegate from this 10th congressional district in the national convention at Philadelphia that renominated President McKin- ley, and in January 1902 he was ap- pointed a regent of the Iowa State University by the General Assembly of Iowa. He is a young man, well equipped physically, intellectually, and morally for the best performance of the duties of life, public or private. He possess- es that sagacity that is needed to in- sure success in business and the cour- age to perform his duty conscientious- ly in any station. In 1899 he married Grace, daughter of Prof. James C. Gilchrist. After coinpleting her education at Wellesley College, Mass., she engaged in teach- ing and became a favorite in musical circles. His family consists of one child, Byron Gilchrist. Atkinson, William F. (b. 1840), county recorder and postmaster, Lau- rens, is a native of Palatine, Cook Co., III., the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Furness Atkinson. He lived with his parents, working on the farm in summer and attending public school until he became of age. Feb. 28, 1862 he became a member of Co. G.,18th, 111. Inf., and continued to render military service until March 15, 1865, when he was honorably dis- charged at Annapolis, Md, He par- ticipated in the battle of Chicamauga, Sept. 19 20, 1863, and.was there taken prisoner by the confederates. He was confined in Pemberton Castle and al- so in Libby prison, which were on op- posite sides of the same street in Richmond, until Dec. 1, 1883, and then, with most of the prisoners there, he was sent to Danville, Va. Here he was assigned the charge of the small- pox hospital and, during the following winter, cared for more than 600 pa- tients. In March in company with others from the hospital he was parol- ed and sent to Annapolis, Md, Dur- ing his imprisonment in Pemberton Castle he was tied up by the thumbs half an hour for refusing to give the names of other prisoners who tunneled a hole through under the wall of Pem- berton Castle. He belonged to the Army of the Cumberland and served under General Rosecrans. In the fall of 1865, having formed a partnership with Thomas Atkinson, his father, they came to Norway, Benton county, Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile business. He was im- mediately appointed post master at that place with a salary of $36 a year. In 1877, owing to ill health he sold his interest in the store and engaged in farming. In 1882 he came to Pocahontas coun- ty, and located on the sjsei sec. 11, Marshall township, which he was the first to occupy and improve. His household goods and stock , were the first freight goods unloaded at the Laurens station. There were only two buildings at the station, which was merely a freight car, in what is now the thriving and prosperous city of Laurens. Prarie wolves then sneak- ed through the tall grass at twilight in search of stray pigs and pullets, and, sitting on the hill tops, made the night hideous with long drawn wails, that never fade from the memory of the early settler. On the farm be kept a dairy of SWAN LAKfi TOWNSSlt. 775 twenty cows and achieved good suc- cess as a stock-raiser. He let the calves do their own milking until they were old enough to be separated from the cow, and thus secured as good cattle at two years of age as many of those raised on skim-milk are at three. He served four years as county re- corder, 1887-90, and has been serving as postmaster at Laurens since Oct. 1, 1897. During the period of his service as recorder he discovered that there were several small pieces of unpatent- ed lands in this county and secured one of them containing 40 acres on the sei sec. 4, Marshall township, under the timber culture act. In 1891 he located on sec. 16, Swan Lake town- ship and is now a resident of Laurens. He was a gallant soldier and has been faithful and efBcient as a public ofBcer. In 1867 while keeping store at Nor- way, he married Ellen, (b. Joliet, ID., 1848) daughter of O. P. and Elizabeth Phillips, and she has faithfully shared with him since the trials and triumphs of life. Their family con- sists of five children. Paul "W. (b. 1869), a farmer in 1902 married Minnie Thornton and is now a resident of Clavis county. New Mexico. Ada E.^ in 1890 married Alfred H. Eichey (see Eichey) and now resides at Laurens. Charles D. (b. 1877) after graduating from the law school at Dixon, 111 , in 1900 located at Poca- hontas and began the practice of law. In 1902 he was chosen chairman of the Bepublican County Central Commit- tee and in November that year went to Washington, D. C. to fill a position in the oflflce of the Clerk of the House of Eepresentatives. Previous to his departure he married Vina, daughter of Mrs. Mary E. (John W.) Wallace of Pocahontas. Elizabeth E. (b. 1880) is now assistant postmaster at Laurens. Oliver Perry (b. 1883) is a native of Pocahontas county, a graduate of the Laurens high school in 1902 and is now pursuing a business course in the Capi- tal City Commercial College, Des Moines. Bovee, Cassius Jacob (b. 1846), lumber dealer, Laurens, is a native of Caledonia Co., Vt., the son of Moses and Helen Warden Bovee. He was raised on a farm and received his education in the public school. In 1865 he moved with his parents to Green Mountain, Marshall county, Iowa, and there found employment in a hardware store. In 3878 he mar- ried Anna, daughter of Daniel Will- iams, a prominent farmer of that sec- tion, and located on a farm. Two years later he movfed to Marshalltown and served two years as clerk in a hardware store. In the spring of 1882 he located on a farm in Marshall township, this county, improved and occupied it-the next ten years. In 1892 he became a resident of Lau- rens, where, associated with M. Hakes, he became an extensive dealer in lumber, coal, brick and tile. He had extensive faeilities for carrying a large stock of building materials, and, as a purchaser, acquired the happy faculty of anticipating the coming needs of the local market. He is a well built man physically and morally and has a laudable ambition to confer a lasting benefit on the community by furnishing the people the largest pos- sible amount of the best building ma- terials. In 1900 he built a new resi- dence in Laurens and his son, Daniel, became a member of the firm in place of M. Hakes, who then withdrew. Jan. 1, 1903, they sold the business to the Lane-Moore Lumber Co. During his residence in Marshall township he served as president of the school board one year and six years as a trustee. At Laurens he has been president of the school board one year and a member of the council during the last eight years. 776 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. He has one son, Daniel W., a Lau- rent graduate in 1898, and a teacher. earroll, Joseph M., Dr. (b. 1848) Laurens, is a native of Laporte, Ind. He moved with his parents to Illinois in his boyhood and to a farm near Iowa City in 1855. After several years devoted to study at Iowa City he be- gan the practice of medicine, locating in 1873 in Fonda and the next year in Pomeroy. In 1874 he marric d Eva J. Brock of Calhoun county and in 1879 graduated from the Medical Depart- ment of the Iowa State University. In 1882, after a residence of nine years at Pomeroy, he located at Laurens, a new town founded that year. He established a drug store and office, the first in the town, and has enlarged them from time to time with the growth of the place. The building now occupied is a two story brick erected in 1893. He carries a large stock of goods and has acquired a very lucrative practice. He cared for all the sufferers in the track of the tor- nado in Colfax township in April, 1878, and was medical examiner dur- ing Cleveland's last administration. He served several years as county coroner, as treasurer of Swan Lake township and as the health physician for Laurens and the two adjoining townships. He owns a fine residence, located at the corner of the road south of Laurens. His family consisted of two children both of whom are married. Alma in 1897 married Edmund Plumb, a farmer, and lives in Colora- do. Flora B. in i89fi married Floyd Tool, a baiber, lives at Laurens and has one child, Helen. easwell, Elbert A., one of the pioneer lumber dealers at Laurens, lo- cated there in the spring of 1882 and found employment as a contractor and builder. In the spring of 1883, he formed a partnership with L. T>. Beardsley and bought out J. H. Queal & Co., who had established the first, and to that date, the only lumber yard at Laurens. A few months later he sold his Interests at Laurens to B. B. Allen, and, moving to Rolfe, open- ed a new lumber yard at that place. At the end of a year he returned to Laurens and resumed work as a con- tractor and builder. In 1887 he mov- ed to Pocahontas and became the suc- cessor of J. F. Harlan in the abstract and loan business. In 1890 he relin- quished his interests at Pocahontas to L. C. Thornton, and moved to Grand Junction where he has since been en- gaged in the clothing business. In 1883 he married Anna, daughter of John O'Niel, of Lizard township, and has two children, Flossie and Glenn. easwell, William E, (b. 1856) brother of Elbert, carpenter and salesman, Laurens, is a native of Sus- quehanna Co , Pa., where he grew to manhood. In 1879 he came to Sac county, Iowa, and in May, 1882, to the new town of Laurens where he found employment as a carpenter. He has continued to reside at Laurens since that date, except two years, 1888 and 1889, which he spent in Colorado. He has been a salesman in the lumber yard of Beardsley & Allen during the last eleven years. He has been a member of the Laurens school board two terms and of the city council the last twelve years. In 1884 he married Annie, daughter of T. J. Nelson, and has three chil- dren. Alma B., Carleton A., and Fan- nieC. easwell. Miles B., brother of El- bert, in 1884 came from Pennsylvania to Laurens and established the bank of Laurens. Two years later he sold the bank to D. J. Allen & Sons, went to Colorado and died there in 1889. eiifton, Jesse S. (b. 1852) painter and justice, Laurens, is a native of Whiteside Co.. 111., where he grew to manhood, la 1878 he married Ida SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 777 Dletz and engaged in farming and teaching school. In 1887 he came to Pocahontas county and located in Sherman township, and two years later in Laurens, where, as'a member of the firm of Cook & Clifton, he en- gaged in the implement business. At the end of the first year he severed his connection with this firm and has since devoted his time to painting and an oiBce business as justice of the peace. He became very popular as a justice, held the oflBce a long term of years, and served as secretary of the school board of Laurens nine years, 1893-1901. He owns a good residence and has a family of four children, Leroy E., Guy E., Ethel B., and Merritt Melvin. DeWolf, Merton B. Hon. (b. July 23, 1867), grain dealer, Laurens, and representative 1898-99, is a native of Cambria, Hillsdale Co., Mich., the son of S. P. and Martha J. DeWolf. He attended distrrict school until he was fourteen, and then began to work on a farm at $7 a month. This was a very satisfactory compensation and two of the lighter forms of employ- ment, incident to this situation, con- sisted in running a bucksaw and pick- ing stones from the fields. After one year's employment on the farm, an uncle, like a prince in disguise, afford- ed him an opportunity to attend the Hillsdale High school, by working evenings and mornings at his home for his board. The excellent course of study in this school placed it on the university list, so that its gradu- ates were admitted, without exami- nation, to the academic department of the State University at Ann Arbor. By close and faithful application he completed the three years course in this institution in two years, and taught school duriag the winters. In the fall of 1888, being under the necessity of replenishing his treasury and assisting some relatives, he nego- tiated a small loan to pay traveling expenses, packed his grip and came west, stopping at Eock Valley, Sioux county, Iowa. Here he found employ- , ment in the harvest fields and later "struck a job" on an elevator in pro- cess of erection. After its completion he worked for the grain buyer a short time and then became manager of an elevator at Inwood, Lyon county. While thus engaged he was offered and accepted a position as bookkeeper in the State bank of Hull, and seven months later became assistant cashier of the State bank of Rock Valley, where he remained eighteen months., Through the favorable mention of the state bank examiner, who was greatly pleased with the thoroughness of his work, he was offered several good po- sitions and at the end of eighteen months became cashier of the Savings bank at Marathon. In 1895, at the end of four years of service, he formed a partnership with A. J. Wilson, president of the bank, and engaged in the grain business at Laurens, un- der the name of Wilson & DeWolf, with the principal office at Laurens. During the seven years of their part- nership he enlarged the field of their operations so that on Oct. 1, 1902, when Hon. A. J. Wilson sold his in- terests to Anson E. Wells, they were operating seven elevators and one bank, In the spring of 1902 a new elevator was built at Laurens having a capacity for 60,000 bushels, modern hopper bins, conveniences for eleva- ting corn in the ear and a sheller that can shell 500 bushels in an hour. The new firm of DeWolf & Wells has its principal oflflce at Laurens. It has ether elevators at Havelock, Mara- thon, Varina, Albert City, Webb and Curlew. He has been accustomed to attend the county conventions of the republi- can party since he became of age, and had the good fortune to be elected to the first office to which he aspired 778 PIONEBE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. representative in the General Assem- bly of Iowa. He had the honor to represent the 76th district, composed of Pocahontas and Humboldt counties in the 27th assembly of Iowa during the years 1898-99; and in 1900 was a formidable candidate for congress in this district. He early learned the importance of performing every duty in the very best manner and always enjoyed the utmost confidence of his employers. In the managementof business activi- ties he has discovered the possession of that sagacity and executive ability that insures successful achievement. He is a man whose hands are clean whose ambitions have been noble and praiseworthy and whose sense of hon- . or and uprightness has been manifest in the good record he has made. During his service in the legislature he received considerable notice from the public press of the state as a man "whose pleasing yet fprceful person- ality and strong, vigorous style of de- bate raise him above the level of leg- islators, as a towering peak lifts itself above a plain. He is not only potent and graceful in debate, but there is an atmosphere of cleanliness, method and goodness of purpose, that even those, who difler with him in his views, accord him the recognition of sincerity, His argument on the build- ing and loan bill was conceded to be the strongest, most liicid and well ar- ranged of any during the discussion that preceded the passage of that bill."— Register, March 8, 1898. His rapid rise from an humble and contented farm hand to successful achievement in business, and to the honor of occiipying a seat in the legis- lature of Iowa at thirty, is a good practical illustration of the possibili- ties before our American youth in this section of our beloved country. In 1891, during his residence at Reels: Valley, he married Elizabeth Prentice, a classmate of his high school days, and his family consists of fojir chil- dren, Maris, Hester, Mabel and Gail. Dubbert, Fred (b. 1856) is a native of Germany. In 1872 he came to America and located in Wisconsin, where he married Lottie Roewe. In 1883 he located on the nwi sec. 36, Swan Lake towiiship. He was the first to occupy this farm. He has im- 1 proved it with large and well con- structed buildings, and surrounded them with a large grove. In 1889 he increased the farm to 320 acres. He served as assessor four years and has been secretary of the school board since 1896. He is a member of the M. E. church and has a family of four children, Louisa, Bernhard, Ulrich and Frederic. Parson, John H. (b. 1837-1895), doctor, Laurens, was a native of West Virginia, the son of William and Susan C. Farson. At eighteen he moved with his parents to Madison county, Iowa. After completing the common school course he pursued his education as a private student. In 1863 he was drafted and served until the close of the civil war, as a mem- ber of Co. I, 15th Iowa. During this period he served considerable time as a nurse and often performed the duties of the chaplain. He possessed considerable 'natural ability, and, after the war, engaged in the practice of medicine in Madison county. In 1884 he located in the new town of Laurens and continued the practice of medicine until his death at 58 in 1895. He was affable and pleasing in his manners and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. In 1859 he married Susan Kesler, who died leaving two children, John Wesley, a carpenter, who in 1884 mar- ried Nancy O. Olanton, and lives at Laurens; and Elizabeth Ann, who in 1880 married Stephen , Clanton, a farmer, Laurens. In 1892, Dr. Farson SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 779 married Louisa Bradshaw, who, with one daughter, Florence, survives him and lives at Laurens. Prost, Rachel D., wife of Robert S. Frost and widow of John Pettit, was a native of New Jersey. At thirteen she moved to Saratoga county, N. Y. where in 1835 she married John Pettit who died in 1874. Their family con- sisted of ten childrenaud six of them are settled in this county. In 1878 she married Robert S. Frost, a vet- eran of the civil war, and located in Swan Lake township. She died at 72 in 1890. She was one of nature's noble women whose heart beat, in sympathy with the sorrows of mankind and her hand was ready to relieve them. She exerted an angelic influence and the world was made better by her humble and kind ministries. Joiin Pettit, a son, who in 1879 lo- cated on sec. 19, was a trustee of the township in 1880—83, and R. S. Frost was president of the school board '85 — 87 and 90. He was the last mail car- rier on the route from Pocahontas to Sioux Rapids, 1880—82. Hakes, Montague (b. 1858] senior member of the firm of Hakes Bros., Laurens, is a native of Jones county, Iowa, where he was raised on a farm. In 1880 he graduated from the scien- tific department of the State Agri- cultural College at Ames. During the next four years he was in the employ of a railroad construction company and worked on the Oregon Short Line in Idaho, the Denver, South Park & Pacific in Colorado, and the extension of the B. C. R. cfe N. Ry. to Water- town, S. D. In December 1884 he married Hat- tie L. Arnold of Marion, Iowa, and in January 1885 located at Laurens, where he has since been engaged as a dealer in general merchandise and poultry. G-. J. Hakes, his father, was first as- sociated with him in the business un- der the name of G. J. Hakes & Son. Jan. 1, 1890 his brother, James R. Hakes, became a member of the firm in place of his father, and the name of the firm was changed to Hakes Bros. They have continued in the mercan- tile businsss until the present time save the brief period required to re- build after the great fire in 1898. They sustained a loss on that occasion of $20,000. This was a serious dis- couragement. They wasted no time, however, whining over their sad loss, but, rebuilding, they resumed with renewed vigor, the sti^iggle, for com- mercial supremacy. Their efforts have been handsomely rewarded. The volume of their merchant trade, that ranged annually from $25,000 to $30,- 000 before the fire, has since increased to as high as $85,000 in a single year. In the fall of 1885 they began to handle poultry, but only on a small scale. In 1894 they secured the serv- ices of Alva Marshall, an expert cap- onizer, (p. 763) as an experiment. Not yet being familiar with the best meth- ods of dressing and handling all kinds of poultry, tliey employed that year, to manage this part of the work, A. R. Loomas of Fort Dodge. During that and the next two years they made no effort to secure any trade outside of Laurens and vicinity, and they shipped annually about three carloads of dressed fowls. Previous to 1897 their poultry trade was managed as a sort of necessary adjunct to their mercantile business. During that year, however, they de- cided to greatly enlarge its scope, as a means of benefiting the farmers and for profit, and began to solicit patron- age in other communities. In 1900 they had extended their trade to all the towns on the C. & N. W. Ry. from Humboldt to Hawarden and to many of the new towns along the C. R. I. & P. railway. They built that year, along the Northwestern track, a large 780 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. establishment for handling and dress- ing poultry, that has a storage capac- ity sufficient to hold twenty car loads of dressed poultry and sheds for many thousands of live fowls. Since 1897 they have dealt extensively during the summer seasons in live poultry and their annual shipments of this pro- duct have ranged from fifteen to fifty car loads. Their poultry trade gives constant employment to ten men and to thirty-five during the busy periods of the year. The value of the poultry product handled annually ranges now from $75,000 to $100,000. These results serve to Illustrate what may be achieved by intelligent effort. The enterprise of these men has made the town of Laurens the attractive center of the poultry trade in a large section of country. Montague Hakes was associated with Charles J. Bovee in the lumber and coal business at Laurens from 1892 to 1900. He was one of the first coun- cllmen at Laurens and served as a member of that body five years, 1890— 94. In 1891 he was the democratic nominee for representative from this 76th district. His family consists of four children, Byron G. A., Karl M., Ledgard B., and Leland Paul. Hakes, James R. (b. 1868) junior member of the firm of Haltes Bros., is a native of Jones county, Iowa, where he received a good common school ed- ucation. In May 1885 he located at Laurens and worlied for his father in the store until Jan. 1, 1890 when he became his successor as a partner in the store, since known as Hakes' Bros. He was treasurer ot the Laureps school board in 1896 and has been a member of the town council during the last four years, 1899—02. In 1889 he married Gertrude E. Arnold of Marion, Iowa, and has three children, James Russell L. Catherine M. and Nona Caroline. Herrick, Alpha (b. 1823; a. 1898), who in 1870 located just across the line in Buena Vista county, was a native of Allegany county, N. Y. At an early age he moved with his par- ents to Massachusetts and at nineteen located in Chautauqua county, N. Y. Here in 1847 he married Ruth, daught- er of Asa and Eliza Comstock. He located in Houston county, Minn., in 1858, in eastern Iowa in 1868, and on a homestead, just across the line in Buena Vista county in 1870. The large grove he planted was the first one in a large section of the country and became a well known land mark. His commodious and comfortable home was famed far and wide for its ever open portals, where the weary traveler always received a friendly greeting and cordial hospitality. He was an honest, honorable and con- scientious man, a thorough and sue cessf ul farmer. After a residence of twenty-five years on the farm Mr. and Mrs. Herrick moved to Laurens. He died at 75 in 1898 at Humboldt. His family consisted of four sons and three daughters. Charles E. ,. in 1880 located in Washington township and is now a resident of Marathon. Frederic G. and Alonzo L. live at Humboldt. Nettie married J. E. Metcalf and lives at Storm Lake, Ida a teacher, married Eri D. Anderson, . Laurens. Naomi, a teacher, who be- came the wife of Frank G. Thornton, and Florence E. are both dead. The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Alpha Herrick was celebrated at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Eri D. Anderson, Laurens, Sept. 18, 1897. Hugbes, Jared (b. 1843), carpenter and mail carrier, Laurens, is a native of Ontario, Canada. In 1852 he came with his parents to Cedar county, Iowa, and in 1861 to Marshall county, where on Aug. 16, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Co. D. 33rd Iowa, and continued- in the service until the SWAN LAKE TOWNSHI]? 781 close of the war, serving under Gener- als Grant and Sherman in the 14th Army Corps, and passing through Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ar- kansas, Louisiana and Alabama. In 1866 he married Mary C. Williams and worked at carpentering. In 1880 he located on the Pease homestead on sec. 30, Swan Lake township, and oc- cupied it until 1888, when lie became a resident of Laurens. He has made bee culture a subject of special study and in 1898 had a fine apiary contain- ing 48 colonies. Feb. 1, 1902 he became the mail carrier on rural route No. 1, south of Laurens, at a salary of $500. His family consisted of six children. Balph E., a pharmacist, after grad- uating from the chemical department of Highland Park College, Des Moines, in 1889 graduated from the College of Pharmacy, Chicago, and has since filled a position in Dr. Carroll's drug store, Laurens. Rosa C. is a carpenter and Carl a telegraph operator. The others are Leona, a Laurens graduate in 1899, Roy and Logan E. Johnson, George T. (b. 1859) mer- chant, Laurens, is a native of Musca- tine county, Iowa, the son of Alexan- der and Nancy Ann Johnson, who were natives of Ireland and Indiana, respectively. He remained at home on the farm until he was of age and completed his education at Wilton Academy. In 1882 he went to Hol- stein, Ida county, and engaged in the lumber business. In 1886 he located at Laurens and engaged in the sale of general merchandise. He rebuilt after the great fire of 1898 and contin- ued in the mercantile business until the close of the year 1901. He was a member of the Laurens town council from the time of its in- corporation in 1890 until 1898 and has served many years as a member of the bgard of educatiOHj. He has been an official member of the Christian church and served three years— Jan. 1 1890 to May 31, 1893— under Harrison's administration, as postmaster at Laurens. In 1883, during his residence at Holstein, he married Mary C. Venard of Muscatine county, and his family consists of three children, Eoy A., Milo L., and Coral Amanda. Stephen D. Johnson, his brother, who was associated with him in business became proprietor of the Adams Hotel and restaurant in 1901. Kreul, Christian Fred (b. 1858) senior member of the Arm of Kreul Bros., Laurens, is a native of Wiscon- sin, the son of J. F. and Margaret (Schmahlenberger) Kreul. In 1883 he married Emma Munns and continued to work at his trade as a blacksmith. In 1884 he came to Laurens and by the erection of a small blacksmith shop laid the foundation for the large establishment now occupied by the Kreul Bros (p. 765). He is the owner of a fine residence at Laurens and has taken an active part In the manage- ment of municipal affairs, having served eight years as a member of the town council and two years, 1898-99, as president of the board of education. His family consists of four children, Albert A., Mattie L. Elgin A, and Mary C. Kreul. Henry August (b. Wis. 1860) came to Laurens in 1885 and three years later became a partner with his brother Christian. He is an excellent workman and has contributed much to- ward effecting the enlargement and promoting the efficiency of their large smithing and manufacturing estab- lishment. Kreul, George R. a younger broth- er of C. F. came to L'aurens in 1888 and 'learned the smithing trade with his brothers. In 1895 he became a member of the fli;m of Winsor & 782 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Kreul, blacksmiths, Laurens, and In the fall of 1900 moved to Pacahontas where he is still engaged in the smith- ing business. In the fall of 1894 he married Ros- anna F. Fuller, a teacher. She has been for several years the secretary of the Pocahontas County Sunday School Association. Lange, Louie E. (b. 1861), founder and editor of the Pocahontas County Sun, 1885 to 1900, spent fifteen of the best years of his early life at Laurens. He came to the town when it was new and connected it with the read- ing public by establishing the Poca- hontas County Sun, (p. 768) May 15, 1885, Finding that the patronage at first was not sufficient to support the paper he taught the Laurens public school four years, 1886 to 1889; and served as postmaster from Jan. 1, 1893, to Oct. 1, 1897. As a candidate for the postofBce during the last adminis- tration of President Cleveland, he received the unanimous endorsement of the people and a cordial recog- nition on the part of those who stood nearest the throne. In the fall of 1895 he was elected a member of the board of county supervisors, but re- signed after serving one year. He was well qualified for the work of teaching and rendered acceptable and efficient service as postmaster and supervisor, but it was as editor of the Sun that he became most widely known, exerted the strongest influence and will be longest remem- bered. He was not discouraged in the day of small things, when a contem- porary jokingly suggested that an ap- propriate name for the paper would be "The Laurens Lantern, "because it was a little light that shined in a barn; and when after fifteen years he relinquished it, he had. the satisfacj tion of seeing it occupy a large sun- shiny office, supplied with a complete modern printing equipment and re- cieving the official patronage of Poca- hontas county. He ebdeavored to give to the paper a high moral tone and did not hesitate to rebuke local evils with considerable severity. He strongly opposed the saloon, and on that issue was elected mayor of Laa-' reus four successive terms. In 1900 he entered the law depart- ment of the Iowa State University and, graduating from it in 1902, lo- cated at Apache, and in 1903 at Anadarko, Oklahoma, where he is now engaged in the practice of law. In December 1885 he married LiUie Olive Jennings, a native of Illinois and then teaching school in Clay county. She died at 27 in 1890, having previously sustained the loss of two little children. McNee, William Alexander (b. 1861) cashier of the First National Bank, Laurens, is a native of Benton county where he received his early education in the public schools. Later he at- tended the academies at Vinton and Blairstown. He left the farm at twenty-one and, becoming a tele- graph operator for the C. & N. W. By. Company, served as an agent forthat company at several of the stations from- Tama to Hawarden on the Toledo and Northwestern Branch of their road. In 1887 he was trans- ferred to the station at Laurens. In 1889 he resigned this position in order that he might become an assistant in the bank then established of which he has been the cashier since Its organi- zation as a national bank in 1891. He has served as clerk of Swan Lake township and treasurer of Laurens several years, and as the first recorder of Laurens thirteen years, 1890—1902. In 1899 he married Emma Wiss of Laurens and his family consists nf one son, Lawrence W. Metcair, Abraham (b. 1843: d. 1902), was a native of Belmont county, SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP 783 O., and at seven came with his par- ents to Illinois. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted in an Illinois regiment, but was soon afterwards transferred to Co. I. 8th Kansas, and served four years and four months. In 1864, while home on a furlough, he married Martha Sturdivaa of Illi- nois, and in 1870 located in Powe- shiek county, where he remained eight years. He then lived five years in Missouri, five years in Nebraska, and 1888 located in Swan Lake town- ship, where he died at 58 in 1902. He was a member of the M. E. church arhd left a family of six children, Frank C, William B., Albert I., Net- tie E. (Mrs. Sparks), Charles S., and Mary P. (Mrs. Ashmorej. Murphey, OttoMaynard, (b. 1855.) general merchant, Laurens, is 'a native of Indiana. In his boyhood he moved with his parents ' to Des Moines, Iowa, where he grew to man- hood. He then, located at Stuart, where he became a clerk in a store, and in 1880 married Mary E. Wells. He spent five years in the state of Washington. In 1895 he located in Laurens, where he has since been en- gaged in the sale of general merchan- dise. He carries a large and varied assortment of goods and his store- room always presents a bright and an attractive appearance. He is a liber- al supporter of his home paper, by making generous use of its columns to announce to the public the arrival of new or special goods in anticipation of approaching seasons. He is a mem- ber of the city school board and an elder in the church of Christ. He has become widely and favorably known over the county by his active inter7 est in the Pocahontas County Sunday School Association, having served as secretary of it one year and president of it. two years. His family consists of two children, Charles A. and Nellie; Francis, the youngest, having died at fifteen, in 1902. Noah, Milton M., (b. 1861), mayor of Laurens in 1902, is a native of Rock Island county. 111., the son of Peter and Mary A. (Sturdivan) Noah. In 1865 he moved with his parents to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and lived there the next twenty-two years. After receiving a good common school course he attended Iowa college at Grinnell and later completed a com- mercial course at Iowa City. In 1887 he located at Laurens and was engaged as a dealer in stock and proprietor of a meat market until 1902 when he became a dealer in general merchan- dise. He has acquired the reputation of being a good judge of live stock and the possessor of many of the qualifications of a good business man. There has been accorded to him the honor of serving as president of the Lanrens school board six years, 1893- 96 and 1901-02, and of serving as mayor of the city five years, 1896-99 and 1902. In 1890 he married Emma M. Ham- mer. She died in 1901 leaving one son, Muriel. Shoemaker, Jacob P. (b. 1855.), h'ardwarenian, Laurens, Is a native of Muncy, Pa. In 1866 he came with his parents to Cedar county, Iowa. In- May, 1882, accompanied by his brother, H. P. Shoemaker, both single, he came to Laurens, where they bought lots, built the fourth business house in the town and opened a hardware store. His brother in 1885 married Mattie Bellinger and in 1888 moved to Nebraska. In 1891 Mr. Shoemaljer took in Eri D. Anderson as a partner, another building was erected on an adjoining lot and it was supplied with a stock of furniture. Both of these buildings and their stocks of goods were distroyed by the fire of 1898. Later that year they were replaced by brick buildings and Messrs. Shoe- maker &; Anderson continued in the •784 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. furniture and hardware business un- til 1901 when E. D. Anderson with- drew and the furniture business was sold to T. D. Landon. The hardware store of Mr. J. P. Shoemaker is one of the oldest business enterprises in Laurens and he carries a stock of goods so large and well assorted that every customer finds here just what he wants. Mr. Shoemaker is a republican and has rendered efiicient service as a member of the town council a number of years. In 1883 he married Mollie S. Fisher, now occupies one of the good residences in Laurens and has one son, Horatio N. His mother, Elizabeth P.. wife of Horatio N. Shoemaker died at his home, December 12, 1902, at the age of 76 years. She was a native of Penn- sylvania and was married in 1848. In 1866 the family moved to Cedar coun- ty, Iowa, where her husband died in June 1900. Their family consisted of Maggie, Ella, Jacob, Harry, Anna and Lizzie. South worth, Joseph (b. 1832.), Laurens, Is a native of new Jersey. In 1856 he came with his parents to Buchanan county, Iowa, where in 1858 he married Augusta Hayes \h. 1834.), a native of New Brunswick, and en- gaged in farming. In 1876 with a family of three children, he came to Pocahontas county and located on the Osborn homestead, on the nei sec. 18, Dover township. He improved and occupied this farm until 1888, when he moved to Eonda and four years later to Laurens. He has frequently supported the candidates of the pro- hibition party, but in recent years has been a republican. He has been a life-long worker in the M. E. church and respect for his excellent judg- ment has enabled him to exert a potent influence in every community in which he has lived. The amiable companion of his wedded life died at 66 in 1901 at Pocahontasj Her life was one of beautiful trust in God and she exemplified in a happy manner the Christian graces of patience, kind- ness and loye. His family consisted of three chil- dren: Jessie F. (b. 1859) in 1882 married W. H. English, a traveling salesman, lives at Fremont, Neb., and has four chil- dren, Grace, Wallace, Nellie and Wil- lard. Edwin H. (b. 1862) a harness maker, in 1886 married Bertha B. Burnett and located at Laurens, where he still works at his trade. He is the owner of several properties at Lau- rens and a farm of 80 acres in Dover township. He has two children, Vin- cent and Archie B. Fred J. (b. 1870). also a harness maker located at Pocahontas, where he acquired considerable promin- ence by serving several terms as a justice of the peace. He married Bessie G. Wallace and has two chil- dren, Mabel and Verne. In 1902 Fred and family and his father, Joseph Southworth, moved to Boden, North Dakota. Strouse, John, (b. 1803; d. 1886.) one of the early pioneers of Swan Lake township, was a native of Penn- sylvania. In 1826 at Terre Haute, Ind., he married Mary Reed (b. 1806; d. 1881.) and locating on a farm lived there until 1844, when he moved to Milford, Iroquois county, 111. In 1865. accompanied by his two sons, Al- pheus and John B. and their families, he moved to Drakesville, Davis coun- ty Iowa. In the fall of 1875 he bought and located on 204 acres of land on sec. 16, south and west of Swan Lake in Swan Lake township, on which Alexander McEwen had erected new buildings that spring. After a few years he gave his farm to his son, Al- pheus. In 1876 he built a new house near the residence of his son, John B. Strouse, w^fch:V7h:om'he had previously SWAN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 785 lived, and occupied it until his decease at 83 in 1886. In 1890 his wife moved to the home of her son, John B., at Madrid and died there the next year at 85. Strouse, John B. (b. 1887.), younger son of John Strouse, and first settler of Swan Lake township, was a native of Indiana. In 1863 he married Cynthia J. Peed, at Milford, 111., and remained there' one year. He then moved to Davis county, Iowa. In May 1869, accompanied by his brother- in-law, Isaac W. Peed, he set out in a lumber wagon to find a home in the northwest territory. On June llth following he camped on the shores of Swan Lake. A beautiful skirting of timber, on the east and south banks of Swan Lake made its shores an at- tractive resting place and favorite camping ground to those who journey- ed east and west. Here he found a little log cabin called "Trappers' Hotel," and he and Peed began to oc- cupy it, as it was vacant at that sea- son of the year. Here they met two prospective settlers. Church and Col- lins, who went with Peed to the land office at Sioux City, to secure their claims while Strouse went to Fort Dodge for provisions. When they re- turned from these long journeys it was found that only two claims were available. Peed secured a homestead on sec. 14, Strouse the nei sec. 16, which included the hotel, and the other men left for the eastern part of the state. A few days later Strouse left his goods consisting of a cook stove, a table, some flour, me9,t and potatoes in the hotel, and returned with Peed to Warren county. Returning with his family and other household goods he arrived at his frontier home on the east bank of Swan Lake, July 7, 1869, and thus became the first settler in Swan Lake township. The entire country in that section was then an uninhabited waste, the nearest house being that of Samuel Booth in Powhatan, thirteen miles east. The trapper's hotel, which he first occupied as a dwelling place for his family, had been built of logs llx- 12 feet and flye feet high at the eaves. The roof was covered with clapboards and dirt, and the weeds grew upon it four feet high. It hart no windows, the floor was the soil of Mother Earth and the entrance was closed with a blanket. On his return from Warren county he was pleasantly surprised to flud that, though others had enjoyed it during his absence, his provisions had been left undisturbed and a note was left on the table that read, "We are much obliged for the improve- ment, all is well." Having frequent occasion to share the hospitality of this humble log cabin with those who were constantly passing, later that season he erected a frame house 14x16 feet and 6 feet high at the eaves. The frame lumber for this building was obtained from logs hauled from the banks of Swan Lake to the mill at Sioux Rapids, and the other materials were hauled from Fo-rt'Dodge. In this building he fur-, nished hotel accommodations as good as he could to the throngs of people that were constantly passing east and west on the mail route to Sioux Rapids. This humble hostelry was located about midway between the settlements along the Des Moines and Little Sioux rivers and as many as sixty wagons camped at the same time in his grove. July 5, 1872 his house and its con- tents were entirely consumed by a Are that originated from a defective flue. It was immediately replaced by a larger and better one that was con- sumed by an incendiary fire in April 1877, when he was on a trip to the grist mill at Rutland. This fire oc- curred at midnight and consumed also his barn and other outbuildings. These repeated and serious losses 786 PIONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. by fire and the slow progress of the settlement led him to seek an older community, and in November that year he moved to Madrid, and in 1900 to Luther, Iowa. His family consisted of eight chil- dren, Lee (b. 111., 1863), Mary (b. Davis Co. la., 1865), John W. (b. Cal- low, Mo., 1867), Montgomery C. (b. Indianola. la., 1868), Frank (b. Dec. 31 1870),the first child born in Swan Lake township, Noah M , Ann and Wilbur M. Lee in 1887 graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincin- nati, O., and has since been engaged in the practice of medicine at Coving- ton, Ky. JAMES C. STRONG AND FAMILY, HAVELOCK. Mary E., Alva A., Jason F., Myrtle L., Mrs. Strong, Mr. Strong, William A. PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, HAVELOCK. RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL H. GILL. HAVELOCK, (Mrs. Gill is on the Steps.) XXVII. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. " 'Tis splendid to live so grandly, That long after you are gone, The things you did are remembered, And recounted under the sun; To live so bravely and so purely, That a nation stops on its way, And once a year, with banner and drum. Keeps its thoughts of your natal day." — Maeqaket IE. Sanqstee, Talent develops itself in solitude; character in the stream of life.— Goethe. general featuees. ASHINGTON township (93-33) is the third from the eastjinthe north row of the county. It is ,^,__. throughout a gent- ly rolling prairie and the soil is splen- did both for I'aising stocic and agri- cultural purposes. It is traversed in a south easterly direction by three streams of water, of which the prin- cipal one. Lizard Creek, passes through the center of It and only a few rods west of Havelock. A part of Herman lake, that has its outlet through Pilot creek in the north east, extends a short distance southward on section one. These streams furnish a good supply of running water. The territory now included in Washington formed a part of DeS Moines township from the organiza- tion of the county in 1859 to Sept. 3, 1866, when it became a part of Pow- hatan, then called "Nunda." Wash- ington township was established Sept. 5, 1876, and the territory now included In Sherman was attached to it until April 5, 1880. The first sales of land in Washing- ton township were made Aug. 13, 1658 to non-resident purchasers. A large part of the township was disposed of in that way during the remainder of (787) 788 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. 1858 and ]859. On July 19, 1867, the unsold portions of the odd numbered sections were given as a grant to the McGregor and Sioux City, R. R. Co. No hrfmesteads were taken and no eodhouses were built in Washington township. During the year 1869 James 0. Strong, a resident of Dubuque county, effected the purchase of 2,200 acres in the vicinity of section 32, Washington township, at $4.00 an acre for himself and friends as follows: „. ^ James C. Strong, 560 on sec. 32V~Jona- than L. Clark, 320 on sec. 30; Benja- min Mather, 240 on sec. 30; John E. Russell, 560 on sec. 28, all in Washing- ton townsdip; and for Jason N. Rus- sell, 106 on sec. 4; Harvey S. Russell, 103 on sec. 4; Moiah F. Russell, 80 on /'sec. 4; Ephraim Smith, 80 on sec. 6; Lewis Foland, 120 on sec. 6, in Sher- man township. He purchased all of these lands from John E. Owens, a resident of Parkersburg and a bridge- builder for Butler county. Butler county h,ad received them from the stale of Iowa, in lieu of swamp lands in it, and then transferred them to Owens for bridges that he had built. EARLY SETTLEMENT. ^ The early settlement of Washing- ton township begins with the month of May 1870 when James C. Strong of Dubuque county located on 560 acres on section 32, that he l^ad bought the previous year. There came with him on wagons, Jason N. Russell, a broth- er-in-law, WHO had secured land on an adjoining s tt ■ * c rr ' clerk and M. D. Herrington, F. H. J. Tumbieson. Merchant and G. H. Hinckley as councilmen: J. a Strong, '92-94: judges. The general election on Nov. S. H. Gill, '92-96; C. J. Harvey, '92-95; 6th following was held in the depot. Edward Meredith, '92-95: J. W havelock schools. O'Brien, '92-93; Dr. D. Nowlan, '92; E. S. Hulse, '93-96; G. O. Spratt, '94- 99; J. C. Potter. '95-97; A. E. Wells, '98-98; U. S. Vance, '96-98; P. L. Christopher, '97; C. W. Miller, '97-99; W. O. Sidwell, '98-1902; T. G. Dema- ray^ '98-1902; J. B. Sheldon, '99-1902, L. D. Smith, '99-1901; J. C. Earth, 1900-'02; J. Pattersnn, 1900; J. W. O'Brien, 1901-'02, Dr. F. B. Heath- The Independent District of Have- lock was established April 30, 1891. The first board of education consisted of J. C. Potter, C. J. Gill, and W. H. Jarvis, who held their first meeting July 14, 1891, and elected C. J. Gill, president; L, M. Eaton, secretary; and C. H. Collins, treasurer. One week later it was decided to build a new school house costing $3,000 but in ™^°' ^^°^" March 1892 it was decided to sell the postmasters: S. H. Gill, March old property, and lots 1 and 2 in block 1882-86; E. A. Donahoe, June '86-89; 8, Jarvis addition were bought for S. H. Gill, April, '89-93; E. A. Dona- $250. A new four room building was 194 PlONEEE HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, lOWA. built that year by J. W. O'Brien, con- tractor, at a cost of $4,000. • The succession of school officers has been as follows: Pbbsidents of the board: C. J, Gill, '91-92; E. A. Donahoe, '93-97; J. C.Potter, '98-1900; E. A, Donahoe, 1901-'02; Seceetaeies: L. M, Eaton, '91-92 Anson B. Wells, '93-94; J. W. O'Brien '95-1902. Treasueeks: C. H. Collins,' 91-92; Edward Meredith, '93-94; J. B, Shel- don, '95-99; S. H, Gill, 1900-'01; J. B. Sheldon, 1902. Others that served as members of the board were W. H. Jarvis, J. H. Adams, A. 'A. Wells, Edward A. Meredith, C. H. Collius, G. O. Spratt, J. S. Cole, M. P. Weston, T. G. Dema- ray, W. H. Pool. The early teachers in the Have- lock school were Ursula Goodchild, '82; Eufus A. Brownlee, Elizabeth O'Brien, Stella O'Brien, and Addie Newton, Kittie Coutant, Since the organization of the inde- pendent district the succession of principals has been B. H. Bowman, 1892; M. P. Weston, '93; U. S. Vance, '94-97; M. P. Weston, '98-99 Frank Jarvis, 1900-1903. The assistants have been Hattie JollifCe '92-93, Laura E, Anderson, Anna B. Greensides, Ada Harvey, '94- 96; Sue M. Merriam, '95-97; Mamie Hammond, Little Tumbleson, Cilena G. Mercer, Ella Johnson, Mrs. M. P Weston, Ruth Seright, '99-1900; Mary Taylor, Kate Seright, Olive Wray, Stella Smith. Graduates: The following classes have graduated from the Havelock High School. Class of 1894: Burt C. Nowlan. 1896. Lucy W. Potter, Ella Har- mon, Myrtle L. Strong, Litta Tumble- son, Emma Gill, Grace Spear, Fay Thomas, Eay Tumbleson, Edward Nowlan, Ada Harvey. 1901. J. F. O'Brien, James Adams Nina Seright. 1903. Blanch Spratt, Anna Good child, Mary Donahoe, Clara O'Brien Lizzie Harmon. havelock churches. Methodist church— The first ser vice held in Washington twp. was i cottage prayer meeting which wher instituted in the summer of 1871 was maintained on alternate Sabbaths in the home of the people in the Strong neighborhood. The first preaching service was held in the home of J. 0. Strong in 1871 by Rev, John E. Eowen of the old Eolfe M. E, charge. On the occasion of his second visit a class was organized with J. C. Strong, leader, and Jonathan L.Clark, steward. After the erection of the Strong schoolhouse in the fall of 1871, the services were held in it. Thej continued to be held there until 188S when they were transferred to Have- lock. Mr. H. W. Wilcox, a local preacher living on the farm of Frank Williams, now owned by John A. Eyon, on sec. 19 held religious services in Havelocb in' the schoolhouse July 16, 1882. They were then continued on alternate Sabbaths until autumn byEev.Thomas J. Cuthbert of the old Eolfe charge. Then services continued to be held in the school house until 1890 when a church building costing $4,000 and a parsonage costing $1,000 were built. Since that date the congregation has had a resident pastor and their succession has been as follows: F. L. Moore Oct. 1. 1888-'91; L. F. Troutman '91-94; C. M. Phoenix '94- 97; G. W. Shideler '97-1900; C. W. Coons, W. O. Tomkins 1901-'03. The successors of Eev. T. J. Cuth- bert were Eev. A. W. Eichards '83-85; Mr. Doan '85-86; D. H Fosburg '86-88. Havelock was connected with the Eolfe charge until September 1885, and, including Plover and other classes, with the Curlew charge until WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 795 Sept. 23, 1890, wben the Havelbck and Plover charge was formed. The orig- inal members were James C. and Eliza M. Strong, William and Mary Alexander, Frank and Mlirtha Beers, John, Betsy and Alice Barnes, L. M. Foland and others. In 1902 the stewards were J. C Strong, Minnie V. Grill, Viola Clark, andOnie Jarvis. The trustees, L. M. Foland, W. O. Sidwell, G. O. Spratt, S. H. Gill, L. D. Smith, J. B. Sheldon, and'John Johnson. The class leaders, L M. Foland and W. C. Ellis, Presi- dent of the Epworth League, Leonard Sease. The Sunday school officers were, G. O. Spratt and W. H. Pool, superintendents; and Ina B. Smith, secretary and treasurer. Baptist: The Haveleck Baptist church was organized Feb. 10, 1893, with 21 constituent members, and it received formal recognition at a council held Dec. 2, 1893. The lirst officers were Rev. John A. Kees, P. S. Wilson, and Thomas Ward, trustees; Mrs. (Jora (W. S ) Cox, clerk; Thomas Ward, treasurer; P. S. Wilson, deacon. In 1895 lots were purchased for a house of worship, but no building was erected. The succession of pastors was as follows: John A. Kees, Feb.. 10-Dec. 31, 1893; Charles G. Wright '94-95; Frank A. D. Keys '96-uatil his de- cease; Geo. Yule '96 and 97. The services were then discontinted. Christian church: As a result of some evangelistic meetings held by Rev. G. W. Elliott, of South Dakota, the Havelock Christian churbh was organized March 29, 1896. The orig- inal members were John G. and Lucy 0. Potter, Mr. and Mrs. M. K. Butch- er, Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Grove, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Grove, Mr. and Mrs. U. S. VuDCCj Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith, Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Sly, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Merchant and other members of their families. The first officers were J. 0. Potter, Jason Smith, J. B. Smith, M. K. Butcher, and U. S. Vance, trustees; J. C. Potter, Jason Smith, S. T. Grove, and M. F. Sly, elders; I. L, Chandler, J. W. Groff, M. K. ButcTier, and John Lucas, deacons; U. S. Vance, clerk. In 1897 they bought the old school buiiding'and used it as a house of wor- ship, liev. S. T. Grove served as pastor during that year and in 1898 tlie services were discontinued. HAVELOCK IN 1902. Agent c. & n. w. kt.: William Deesen. Mayor: O. W. Gill. p'bsTMASTBR: David. Nowlan, M. D. Carrier R. Fi- D^ Route No. 1, Charles Kerer; route No. 2, William J. O'Brien. Councilmbn: T. G. Dema'ray, W. O. Sidwell, J. B. Sheldon, J. C. Barth, Df. F. E. Heathman. Recorder: J. H. Adams. Treasurer: A. F. Clarke. Ed J CATION AL board: E. a. Dona- hoe, Pres.; C. J. Gill, T. G. Demaray, J.S. Cole, W. H. Pool. Teachers: Frank Jarvis, Prin., Olive Wray, Ruth and Kate Seright, Stella Smith. Auctioneer: J. A. *Vonderlich. Banks: Citizens: a. H. Gill & Co. proprietors; S. H, Gill, A. F. Clarke, and W. H. Harris, managers. Bank of Havelock, Farmer, Thompson & Helsell, proprietors; T.' G. Demaray and W. H. Halverson, cashiers. Barbers: (Jej. Dickerson and A Holderness, Blacksmiths: Joseph B. Smith and A. F. Kinkade; Fred Deidrick and Roy Lucas, in 1902 successors to C. J. Harvey. Churches: M. E., built 1890, Rev. W. O. Tompkins, pastor. Clothiers: Gill Bros., W. S. Cox. CiiEAHBRY. Hinn Bros., proprietors. Dentist: A. D, Johnson. Draymen: J. C. Barth, Al. Wine- garten. Dressmaker: Mable Lockie. 796 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Dbuggist & jeweler: J. B. Shel- don. Elevatobs: DeWolf & Wells, J. A. Jameson, Mgr.; Wells-Hood Grain Co., John Dickerson, Mgr. General merchants: Gill Bros. (Charles J. and Osborne W.); W. S. Cox; W. O. Sidwell; Mrs. G. H. and Mamie Hinckley have variety store. Hardware andfuhniture: Smith Bros. (Lewis D and I. C.) Harness maker: James A. Scott, in 1902 successor of W. O. Sidwell. Hotel: Hotel Ellis, built 1902, W. C. Ellis owner and proprietor, J. S. Lutz, Mgr. Implements: John Dakin, in 1902 successors of E. M. Hamilton & E. A. Ponahoe, Henry Murray, Mgr. Jeweler AND optician: J. B. Shel- don. Lumber and coal: Jenkins Hesla Lumber Co., Lewis McDermaid, Mgr, Livery: J. C. Barth. Mason and plasterer: A. K. Cleveland. Meat market: J. Bradley Moore, Chauncey Cox, assistant. Milliners: Mrs. Annie J. Rodgers; Ina Smith with dress making de- partment by Mabel Lockie. NEwsPAPiiR: TheHavelock Item, Frank Jarvis editor and proprietor. Physicians: David Nowlan, F. B. Heathman. Poultry dealers; Gill Bros,, W. S. Cox. Real estate agents: S. H. Gill & Co} W. T. Kemp; John H. Adams; DeVaul Bros., F. T. Burdiok. Restaurant: Joseph B. Smith. Telephone: Havelock Telephone Co., established 1902; G. W. Smeltzer, president; Dr. F. E. Heathman, secre- tary and treasurer; Julia Fitzgerald, operator. Well-Driller: G. W, Smeltzer. HATELOCK BUSINESS ENTERPRISES. The citizens bank: The Citizens Bank of Havelock was established in 1887 by Samuel H. Gill and John C. Potter, two of the leading citizens the community. It was the first ba: in the town, and their aim was supply a convenience that was greal needed in the community. Its pi prietors have been true to this ai and the people of Havelock and ■ cinity have shown their appreciati of their endeavor by giving it a libei patronage. In addition to the usi; business transacted by such an ins tution, this bank handles a lar amount of real estate and f urnisli abstracts of title to all lands in Poc hontas county. Its proprietors ha alvvays performed a very promine part in the management of the affai of the town and none have done mo than they to promote its growth ai development. In 1899 J, C. Pott relinquisfied his interest in the ban Its present proprietors are S. H, G & Co., and itsofBcers are S. H. 6i president; A. F. Clarke, vice-pre dent and Wilbur H. Harris, cashi In 1900 they erected a new bri( building 25x40 feet, equipped wi' modern banking conveniences, inclu ing two vaults, one for their own u and the other for the use of the- patrons. Bank of havelock: The Bank of Havelock, established by Fanner, Thompson* & Helsell of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, was opened for business March 21st. 1891, with the following officers; J. P. Farmer, Pres., O. P. Thompson, vice-pres. ; P. H. Helsell, Cashier; C. S. Gibbons and S. P. Thomas, Asst. Cashiers. In 1892 they erected for it a two story bank building, the first brick building in the town, at the south- west corner of Main and Wood streets. Aug. 15, 1892, C. S. Gibbons was succeeded by T. G. Demarayas an assistant cashier. May 1, 1898, S. P. Thomas, an assistant cashier, was succeeded by J. E. Allison. , Jan. 1, 1900, he was succeeded by W. H. Hal' vorson. Since the death of 0. P. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, 797 Thompson, which occurred in 1902, the officers of the bank have been as follows: J. P. Farmer, Pres.; F. H. Helsell, vice-pres.; T. G. Demaray, cashier, and W. H. Halvorson, Asst. Cashier. This bank was established for the accommodation of the merchants and farmers in the vicinity of Havelock, and has received a large and profit- able patronage. The original plan of its founders has been conservatively pursued from year to year and it ranks as one of the solid financial in- stitutions of Pocahontas county. Havelock item: The Havelock Item (p. 319) is the only paper pub- lished in the town. It was establish- ed Aug. 1, 1893, by Fred J. Pratt, who conducted it about eight mionths and then sold it to E. A. Donahoe. Mr. Donahoe continued as its editor about four years and on Oct. 11, 1897, sold it to Prof. U. S. Vance, who had charge of it the next two years. Oct. 1, 1899, it was bought by Charles 0. Johns. Prof. Frank Jarvis. his successor and the present proprietor of it, has pub- lished it since July 1, 1902. In Novem- ber 1901 the office was equipped with a new press of modern mechanism, and the old Washington hand press, that had done trustworthy service during the previous years, was dis- carded. The aim of its publishers has been to make it a good local rather than a political paper. In this respect they have succeeded admirably. A high moral tone has always been a characteristic of its editorial columns. It has been loyal to local interests and has been accorded a large and profit- able advertising patronage. Gill bros., merchants: Charles J. and Osborne W., dealfers in dry goods and groceries, Havelock, represent one of the oldest and most popular firms in the town. Gill Bros., S. H. and O. W., eretfted the first store building in the town in 1882.^and put in It the first stock of merchandise. They have been identified with the mercantile interests of the town ever since. In 1887, S. H. relinquished his interest in the firm and soon after ward his place was taken by his broth- er, Charles J. Gill. In 1891, they erect- ed anew, two-story double brick build- ing at the north end of Main street, where they have a splendid location. As an emporium of trade their store has held the fore-most place in the town and it has ranked high in the es- teem of the citizens of the community. Here may be found an immense stock of dry goods, clothing, groceries, fur- niture, in fact every article included under the general classification of family supplies. The proprietors are conversant with every detail of their business and possess that sagacity that enables them to anticipate the wants of their patrons. They pay the highest market price for country produce, including poultry, and sell their goods on the principle of quick sales and small profits. They are old settlers, and by serving the interests of their patrons through a long series of years they have won the confidence and esteem of the community. Havelock creamery: The Have- lock creamery was established in 1892 by a cooperative association who or- ganized by the election of S. H. Gill, president; S. P. Thomas, secretary, J. B. Potter, treasurer. In 1898, owing to a laclf of patron- age, it suspended operations. It was then purchased by the Hinn Bros., of Laurens, who re-arranged the plan of its management by supplying each of its patrons with a hand cream-sepa- rator. The creamery continues to be operated under the new arrangement and receives a remunerative patron- age. RURAL free delivery. To the farmers of Washington township belongs the honor of taking the initiative and securing the first 798 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. rural free delivery route in Pocahon- tas county. In July 1901 W. E. ' Pirle mapped out a route, circulated a pe- tition and forwarded it to the author- ities at Washington. A few days later he and other residents of the township, including David Nowlan, M. D. , post master at Havelock, at- tended a conference,' at Rolfe, at which John T. Boylan, special agent for the rural free delivery routes, was present. Pirie prevailed on the latter to go home with him and the next day drove him over the proposed route. Later- he secured the service of a carrier and became one of his bonds- men. Route No. 1, extending north\vest from Havelock, was established. Nov. 1, 1901. Jesse C. Harriott was appoint- ed carrier and Edward R. Nowlan, a substitute. -The route is 25i miles long, covers 41 square miles, and serves 105 families, representing a population of 325 persons. Charles Kezer has been the carrier on this route since March 15, 1902. Route No. 2, extending southward into Sherman township, was established Jan. 1, 1903, John E. O'Brien, carrier. The growth of free rural delivery in Pocahontas county has been as fol- lows: Nov. 1, 1901, Havelock No. 1, Jesse C. Harriott, carrier. Jan. 1, 1902, Rolfe No. 1, south in Clinton and Center townsViips, Pat- rick H. Hanlon (deceased) carrier till April 1, 1902, Edward E. Bruce his successor. Rolfe No. 2, north through Clinton and Des Moines townships, Walter Spence, Harry S. Fain and Jerome Hollenbeck, successively, carriers. Feb. 1, 1902, Laurens, No. 1, soutb, Jared Hughes, carrier; G^ilmore City, No. 1, south east through Weaver township, Humboldt county, J. C. Smith, carrier; No. 2, south through Lake and Lizard townships, D. A. Rice, carrier. Aug. 1, 1902, Rolfe, No. 8, north west through Powhatan and Des Moines townships, Herbert E. Tubbs, carrier; No, 4, west from Rolfe through Powhatan and Center town- ships, Clarence U. Price, carrier. Jan. 1, 1903, Havelock, route No. 2, John F. O'Brien, carrier. •At the close of 1902 Iowa has more rural free delivery routes than . any state in the union, having 1,102, Illi- nois, 938 and Ohio, 885. In Iowa the work of establishing new routes has been more systematically prosecuted than in any other sta'.e. Those io charge of the work have pursue'd the policy of completing the service for an entire county at a time and nineteen counties are now fully supplied. The increase in the number of routes in this state during the last year was over 5!) per cent more than in 1901. Nevada is the only state that had no rural route In 1902. Nearly 2,000 post offices, rep- resenting an annual expenditure of $116,807.00, have been discontinued by reason of the rural free delivery serv- ice. The discontinuance of so many post offices encourages the belief that when the entire country is covered with rural routes the system, will be self sustaining. Robert J. Wynne, First Assistant Postmaster General, recently said, "I do not think that any development of recent years, not excluding irriga- tion and the opening of vast tracts by continental railroads, has done half so much for the farmer as rural free de- livery." In his recent message Presi. dent Roosevelt expressed his hearty approval of the rural free delivery system, because he sees in it more than the mere delivery of mail to the occupants of the farm. It is one of a number of modern conveniences, that tend to make life on the farm, away from the city, more pleasant and a't- tractive; and the hope is expressed that some day the constant flow of young men f^nd women from the farm WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, 799 to the over-crowded city will be checked. There is a manifest need for more successful raisers of good stock and progressive tillers of the soil, but this want cannot be supplied while the sons of the farmer, craving the excitement of the busy city, walk not in the footsteps of their fathers. More men have achieved good fort- unes on the farm than in the city, and in the soil is found the broad lounda tion of our nar,ional prosperity. What- ever science, invention and new laws can do to make life on the farm more attractive to the young people, will exert a favorable influence on the future welfare of this nation. Rural telephones, daily mails and electric railroads are bringing the best of city life to the farm and beneficial results will be sure to follow. BUBAL TELEPHONE. In November 3 902 some of the farm- ers of Washington township organized the Washington Center Telephone Co. by the election of Peter S. Shultz, president; J. D. Ward, secretary, and William Steen, treasurer. They immediately purchased poles and apparatus and have for their own convenience an eight-mile line con- necting with the Havelock Telephone Co. THE WILLIAMS NUBSEUY. In January 1881, D. 0. Williams and family, of Cedar Falls, located on the nei sec. 31, J60 acres, fur the purpose of establishing a nursery, (p. 312), and Frank Williams, his son, coming from the Rocky Mountain region, located on sec. 19, 640 acres. Inasmuch as their lands were un- broken and therefore unsuited for im- mediate planting. Mr. Williams leased for nursery purposes, five acres of cultivated land on the farm of James C. Strong, on sec. 32, and planted it in 1881. Three years later he planted ten acres on his own farm, now owned by Julia A. Edwards, and five acres on the farm of his son, Frank Williams, which was sold later that year, 1884. subject to the nursery lease, to John A. Ryon, its present owner and occu- pant. Previous to this date horticulture had received but very little attention in lihis county. There were only a few orchards in it. No general inter- est had been awakened or enthusiasm developed in the matter of raising fruit. The county had been annu- ally canvassed by itinerant tree ped- dlers, who exhibited highly colored pictures of their high priced fruits, or carried in glass jars, large samples of them as grown in California, or some other fruit growing section. They invariably claimed that their fruits were raised successfully in neighborr iog townships or counties, and fre- quently showed samples that they claimed -to have picked from , the orchard of some prominent man, usu- ally not very far distant but . always inaccessible for immediate reference. In the spring when the farmer found everything he had planted the previous fall was dead, he realized that a deception had probably been practiced upon him and frankly con- fessed he would never make a similar investment. But when the next oily- tongiied tree peddler came along with new pictures and samples the new bait for the purchase of hardy, iron clad frL(it trees was too tempting and again he would make an investment with the important stranger that promised a sure surprise to him and his neighbors, but ended in another complete disappointment. After several repetitions of this sort of experience with the stranger- tree-peddler, many of the early set- tlers declared it was no use to try to raise fruit trees in this locality and even refused to purchase the well- known, low-priced, hardy varieties; but a few others who had acquired a knowledge of the hardy and profitable varieties and protected them from the 800 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. depredations of their own stock, met with good success. In 1886 it was es- timated that nine-tenths of the fruit trees that had been planted in this county, had died before they came to maturity. D. C. "Williams was a practical horticulturist, having had thirty years' experience, and was not deter- red from his purpose of establishing a nursery in this county, by reason of the misfortunes of others. He planted 60,000 seedlings in the spring of 1880, and had a considerable quantity of stock ready for sale the next year. In 1884, he had 20 acres planted with nursery stock, and, leasing the culti- vated portions of his own farm to others, he gave his undivided atten- tion to the care and sale of the trees. The following varieties of apples, planted by him, have proved hardy and profitable in this county. The Duchess (summer). Wealthy (fall), Pewankee's, Bailey's and Talman's Sweets (winter), and Martha and Whitney No. 20 (crabs). Whoever plants these varieties, and also the Longfield, a new and prolific winter apple, Tetof sky (summer), Haas (large, red, fall) Waldbridge (fall) and Plum Cider (winter), will surely have apples. The Willow Twig, Spice and Straw- berry varieties are hardy and desirable but will yield only when sprayed. The Duchess may have to be replanted at the end of twenty years. The cost of the varieties of apples will not be ex- pensive. Hardy apple trees and grape vines are not expensive, while the high-priced ones are worth little or ' nothing in this locality. Through the columns of the Poca- hontas Record he endeavored to give the farmers of this county the benefit of his long experience in raising fruit trees. We reproduce some of his suggestions in regard to the planting of fruit trees in this locality. "Trees lifted in the fall and buried oyer winter, do better tftafi thps^ lifted In the spring. When trees are received keep the roots moist with wet hay or straw. When you reach home, open the bundles, separate and heel the trees in the earth, wetting and banking them eighteen inches. Dig as many holes as you have trees 2i feet square and H feet deep. Dig another hole close to the trees, fill it with water and mix in it clay or dirt until it becomes as thick as pudding Then, taking one tree at a time, when the sun is not shining, cut back the end of every root to the white wood and the top to suit. Immerse the roots of a sufficient number for one rowjin this pudding, and lay them one at each hole. Fill the hole about six inches with well pulverized earth, locate the tree, straighten the roots to their natural position and complete the work by filling in the earth. Plant between the trees any crop that requires cultivation such as po- tatoes, beans or corn, but do not plow so near or cultivate so deep as to in- jure the roots. About the middle of July mulch each tree six inches deep and three feet across with manure or straw as protection against drought. In the fall protect from rabbits by placing occasional bunches of hay among them, and from mice, by wrap- ping each, during the first three years, with a strip of tarred paper." More recent experiments have dem- onstrated that mulching apple trees, or manuring the ground occupied by them, may determine whether they will bear fruit luxuriantly or even live many years. Those who do not fre- quently manure their orchards can- not expect to see their trees growing so thriftily or bearing so bountifully as those of their more thoughtful neigh- bors. In planting evergreens or large trees, it is a good plan t o set at one side of the hole in a slanting position, a three inch tile, so that water poured into it the first season, may rea,chi the roots of the tree, - WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 801 In 1889, D. 0. Williams died, and, in October of that year, the surplus nursery stoclc was sold at half price, by J. T. Knapp & Co., by their agent R. R. Taber. Fine orchards may be seen, however, on the grounds occu- pied by him for nursery purposes. Many other orchards of less size in the north part of this county, were planted with trees raised by him. His experience served to show that apple trees may be raised in this county as surely and easily as ash, walnut, butternut, catalpa and even maples; but that it is unadvisable to send south or even very far east for them. This is no doubt due to the high altitude of this section, it being near the summit of the divide between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Some varieties that did well in the same latitude but on a lower level farther east, proved a disappointment on this higher altitude Small fruits in this section need a low wind break of willow or box elder on the south and west to protect them from the evaporating rake of the dry hot winds of summer. An orchard needs a similar protection and a northern slope is best for it, because Its colder and later soil will retard the blossom- ing period and thus lessen the danger from- spring frofti. Later experience and observation has demonstrated that even hardy apple trees will not bear good fruit unless they are protected from apple scab, fungus, and the apple worm or coddling moth; that cherries and plums must be kept free from rot; and the currant and goose beriy bushes free from mildew and worms. This is successfully done by spraying the trees and bushes, at the proper times, with a solution of paris green to des- troy the insects and of bordeaux mix- ture to destroy tlie fungus. The bordeaux mixture is made by mixing fouc pounds of unslacked lime and four pounds of copper sulphate with fifty gallons of water. Four ounces of paris green added in this mixture will kill the coddling moth as well as pre- vent fungus growth. The scab and coddling moth make their appearance at about the sime time and both can be successfully treated at the same time by spraying the trees or bushes just befjre the blossoming buds ex- pand and again just as the petals of the blossoms have fallen. It is often not unwise to make a third applica- tion two weeks later. To do this spray- ing the farmer needs a good barrel spray pump made entirely of brass ex- cept the head and handle, and having a large air cylinder within the tank, but no leather or rubber valves or iron screws. Horticulture is now aspecial branch of learning in our State Agricultural College. A quarter of a century ago many acted as if they believed that all that was necessary to raise all sorts of fruits was to plant the seeds, vines or trees and let nature do the rest. Now the importance of good judg- ment in the selection of hardy varie- ties and their subsequent care, is recognized. Nature, however generous her promise, is a coy maiden, a co- quette. Like any other maiden worth having, she has to be persistently wooed if lier smiles are to be secured. The horticultural swain must know and attend to his business or he for- feits the harvest. OLD SOLDIERS AND OLD SETTLERS KBUNIONS. The first large gathering at Have- L)ck was the patriotic celebration of July 4, 1882. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and it was pro- nounced a "grand success." Since 1896, Havelock's "big day "has usually been the annual reunions of the old soldiers and old settlers in the .fall of the year. Fur the first meeting, Aug. 21, 1896, the committee of arrangements, se- cured the big tent of Hon. J, P. 802 PIONEJDE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Dolliver that held 1,500 people. After a street parade in the forenoon it was filled to overflowing. Rev. C. M. Phoenix acted as president of the day and toastmaster. Addresses were made by editor Al Adams, of Hum- boldt, Hon. J. J. Bruce, Rev. C. W. Clifton and Rev. R. H, Dolliver, of Chicago. The music was furnished by the Havelock band, glee club, Grace Gilchrist, soloist, and the Po- cahontas band. After the speaking, some time was devoted to sack- races, apple races and other forms of amuse- ment. At six o'clock the town and tent were deluged by a heavy rain, hay was hauled into the tent and the large crowd listened to one of DoU- iver's great political addresses on the gold standard and free silver. At the meeting held Aug. 26-27 1897, J. C. Strong presided, and addresses were delivered by Swan Nelson, C. M. Sajlor, James Henderson, J. W.Car- son, Ex-Governor C C Carpenter of Fort Dodge and Major Bailey of Prim- gar. A large tent was secured for this occasion. Music was furnished by a drum corps, and the iEolian Warblers of Humboldt. J". W. O'Brien superintended the barbecue and even the neck of the ox was de- licious. The sports arranged for the next day were prevented by the rain. At the third annual meeting, Sept. 14, 1898, J. C. Strong presided, Mayor S. H. Gill delivered the address of welcome, and County Attorney, Will- iam Hazlett, the response. Rev. Jesse Cole delivered the principal address. Others that participated were J. W. Carson, James Rodda of Co. K, 52 Iowa (just returned from Chicamauga) A. II. Hancher and Frank L. MacVay. r The last speaker, as a barefooted boy had herded cattle on the prairies now occupied by the towns of Havelock, Rolfe. Plover, and Curlew, remember- ed when the ox teams in Powhatan out-numbered the horses, when John Fraser got the first spring seat in the township, and W. H. Halt the first carriage in the north part of the county. Aug. 22, 1899, the fourth annual meeting was another gala day at Havelock. The day was beautiful and the tentinadaquate to admit the crowd, J. C. Strong presided, Rev. J. A. Kees as usual led in the invoca- tion. Mayor S. H. Gill extended the welcome and Hon M. F. Healy of Fort Dodge delivered the address. Others that participated were J. J. JoUifle, J. W. Carson, Al Adam^, A. H. Hancher, George Goodchild, and Lee Anderson, of Bradgate. Previous to this occasion there had been no permanent organization to record events and preserve the min- utes. A permanent organization was that day effected by the selection of the following officers; J. C. Strong, president, E. A. Donahoe, secretary, A. J. Stover, treasurer, and a vice- president from each townsbip. In the evening a camp tire was conducted by Dr. David Nowlan, commander. The barbacue was prepared and serv- ed by Frank Stott, assisted by J. W. Carson and W. J, O'Brien. One cannot but admire the courage and perserverance of those who settled in the north part of this coun- ty in the early days of long distances and of exposure to hard winteis and stormy blizzards. When looking across the prairie they saw the smoke and heard the whistle of the locomo- tive, their loneliness departed and a new impetus was given tlie work of improvement. Their perseverance during the period, when they had to make briolss without straw, was the harbinger of their greater success after the dawn of the new era. The grateful sentiment prompting these reunions was neatly expressed" in an address of welcome by S. H. Gill "The younger generations realize WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 803 what they owe to the pioneers whose endurance of hardships opened the way for the grand poBSibiiities that have been abundantly improved. We also recognize the debt of-gratitude we owe the old soldiers whose valor on the battletleld made the blessiugs of freedom and the continuance of an .undivided county, the best on the globe. On behalf of the citizens of ilavelock, we greet all who have as- sembled to keep green the memory oC those who have done so much for the country and extend to you all aheaity welcome." In a response William IJazlett Esq. said: ' ' The old settlers and old soldiei s find added pleasures each year in these re- unions and 1 have the honor of ex- pressing to the people of Ilavelock the hearty thanks of the pioneers and veterans for your welcome and the freedom of your city. 1 speak also for others, the newer settlers and the younger generation— those who have never gone to war or made a county. We take gi eat pleasure in this day, be- cause we honor the men who saved the freedom and liberty of this coun- try and the men and womun who wrestled this beautiful country from the wilds of nature. We like to sit at their feet and learn the wisdom of the past. The old settlers t- 11 us of the hardships of leaving the old home, their aged fathers and mothers; their coming to a new country far from a railroad, crossing unbridged streams and undrained swamps, taming the wild soil through years of privations and how they made Pocahontas coun- ty productive and pr; sperous— an Eden with rapidly growlog towns, val- uable farms, beautiful groves and comfortable homes "When we, the younger generation, see what has been done for us, and hear of the hardships endured to do it, we say, 'AH honor to the old set- tlers who wrought and made a county for themselves, their children, their children's children, and the stranger within their gates ' It is well to meet with them and hear their stories, that with them we may appreciate the fruits of their labors." LEADING CITIZENS. eox, Willett S. (b. 1862), merchant, Ilavelock, is a native of Oquawka, Henderson county, II!., the bon of Chapman and Rebecca Cox, with whom at eleven, he moved to Wapello, Iowa. After completing his studies in the high school in 1878, he learntd the tinner's trade. In 1882, he en- gaged in the hardware business at Humboldt and remained ualil 1889, when he located at Havelock. Here he established a large hardware store and soon afterwards began to maintain branch stores at Plover and Mallard. In 1896, he disposed of all his interest in the hardware business and in 1897, resumed business at Havelock as dealer in general mer- chandise. In the fall of 19(10, lie erect- ed the first building and opened a store in the new town of Ware. He was appointed aud-terved as the first postmaster at Ware, from Oct. 7, 1900, ti> Dec. 1. 1901, when he relioquiihed his interests there .and built a large brick store room at Havelock to meet the demands of hia growing business at that place. This new building is one of the best store rooms in the county; it con taius 8,200 feet of fljor space, is finished in oak and heated with steam. 1 he .stock includes dry- goods, groceries, shoes, hardware, furniture and undertaker's supplies. He, is the owner of considerable land in Iowa and Minnesota, and a leading stockholdtT in the Havelock Tele- phone Company. He is an enter- prising and successful business man and stands ready to prom )te any en- terprise that will prove a permanent benefit to the town of his adoption. In 1886 he married Cora M. Potter, oC Rolfe, and his family consists of four children, Eva, Warren P , Sam- uel W. and Eldon. Demaray, Theron G. (b. 1866), cashier of tlie Bank of Haveluck, is a native of Niagara, Co., N, Y. In 1870, he came to Mitchell county, Iowa, where he lived on a farm till 1885, when h.j commenced working for Morgan & Faneghill and was with them till 1892, when he came to Have- 804 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. lock. After serving nine years as assistant, in 1897, he was appointed castiler of the Banlc of Havelock. He is a republican and has served as chairman of the county central com- mittee. In Havelock he has served as recorder and mayor, each two years, as a member of the council five years, and is now serving his third year as clerk of Washington township. He is also a mem' er of the Havelock school board. In 1894 he married Mattie, daught- er of Charles J. Gill, and has two children, Ruth and Richard. Gill, Samuel Henry (b. 1850), bank- er, Havelock, is a native of Ogle county. 111., the son of Thomas and Charlotte Plane Gill. His father (b. 1809; d. 1890), was a native of Nor- folk, England, and in 1836, emigrated to Nova Scotia, where, later that year he married Charlotte Plane, (b. 1820; d. 189?), who was also a native of Nor- folk. They located first at Geneseo, N. Y., and in )812, at Byron, Ogle county. 111 , where they remained un- til 1870, when they came to Fort Dodge, Iowa. In 1882, they' accom- panied their sons, Samuel and Os- borne W., to the nev town of Have- lock, where he died at 81 in 1890. After his decease, Charlotte, his wife, lived with her sifter, Sarah, widow of Benjamin Gill, who died at Havelock, in 1891. She died at 79 in 1889, and was buried beside her husband at Fort Dodge. Their family consisted of fourteen children, tjn of whom are still living, namely, Mrs. W. B. Harris, Jolle, ; J. B. Gill, Fort Djdge; Mrs H. A. Schoonmaker, Vincent; T. B. Gil], Byron, 111.; R P. Gill, Port- land, Oiegon; Mrs. J. W. Donald Fort Dodge; Mrs. Charlotte (Wright) Wolrod, Callender; Samuel H., Charles J , and Oiborue W. Gill, Havelock. Three children died in infancy and one son at sixteen at Fort Dodge. They encouraged, with unflinching Norman heroism, their three oldest sons to go forth and battle for the home of their adoption, during the war of the Rebellion; and under the good providence of God, all returned home; but one of them contracted seeds uf disease that have made bis subsequent life one of constant suffer- ing. Their three youngest sons have been prominently identified with the business interests and history of Have- lock, fince that town was founded. "He builds the state who to that task Brings strong, clean hands and purpose pure. Who wears not virtue as a mask; He builds the state that shall en- dure. " Samuel H. Gill was born and ra'sed near Byron, Ogle county, Illinois. In 1869, he came to Fort Dodge, preced- ing his father one year. In February 1872, having spent most of the pre- vious year in Pocahontas county, he located, temporarily, on sec. 24. Colfax township. That fall he married Ida D., daughter of Gad C. Lowrey, and in 1874, secured the homestead of Wm, R. Owen, brother of Mrs. Wm. Brownlee, on the ni swj sec. 18, Bell- ville township. He occupied this farm three years, spent two in Pom- eroy, and then returned to the farm. When the tornado of April 21, 1878, came one year later, destroying his house and causing the death of his wife (p. 359), he returned to Pom- eroy. During 1S79, he was engaged at Fonda and the next two jea'S at Fort Dodge. In January 1882, soon after its sur- vey, he came to the new town of Havelock, and, in partnership with his brother, Osborne W., erected a building and established the first store in the town. He c/jntinued a partner in the store until 1887, when, in partnership with John 0. Potter,he founded the Citizen's Bank of Have- lock, an institution with which he is WASHIlifGTOK TOWNSHm SOo Still identified as president and prin- cipal proprietor. He is tbe owner of a fine farm of 360 acres adjoining Have- lock. He has taken the lead in the devel- opment of other important interests at Havelock. He has been principal shipper of live stock and in 1892, when the Havelock co-operative creamery was established, he was chosen presi- dent of it. He was the first post- master of Havelock, March 1, 1882, to June 1886, and served a second term, March 1, 1889, to May 1, 1893. He was assessor of Washington township 1885-'88, four years, served five years as a member of the first council in Havelock and four years as mayor of the town, 1898 to 1901. In 1883, as an independent republican candidate he lacked only five votes of being elected sheriff of this county. He has dis- covered himself to be a broad minded, public spirited citizen, and has met with good success in his business en- terprises. In 1884, he married Minnie Perry, of Marshalltown. His family " consisted of two children, both by his first mar- riage, Viola C. in 1890, married Arthur F. Clarke, eleven years station agent at Havelock and vice-president of the Citizen's bank since 1899. They have two children, Maud and Beth. Etta J. in 1892, married John C. Barth, a livery man, Havelock, and has one child, Carl S. Gill, Charles J. (b.Ill., 1854), senior member of the firm of Gill Bros., came to Iowa in 1873, and located at Fort Dodge where he found employ- ment with the Fort Dodge Coal Com- pany five years, and then in the trans- fer business. In 1890, he and his younger brother, O. W., became deal- ers in general merchandise^ occupying the first year their mother's building, on the west side of Main street. In 1891, at the north end of Main street, they erected a two story frame building, the upper story of which is used as a town hall. Here they have a splendid location and one of the best department stores in the county. He served as president of the Wash- ington township school board in 1890 and the next two years as the first president of the Havelock school board. During his residence at Fort Dodge he married Anna, (b. 1854), daughter of A. W. and Cornelia Kingsley, and his family consisted of four children. Mattie {b. 1874) in 1894, married Theron G. Demaray, (see Demaray.) William (b. 1873), a druggist, in 1900, married Bertha Geise, lives at Terrel and has one child, Foster. Emma, a Havelock graduate in 1897, and a teacher, in 1899, married Clar- ence Lighter and lives at Rolfe. Carl, a druggist, lives at Terrell. Gill, Osborne W. (b. Ill, 1855) junior member of the firm of Gill Bros., in the spring of 1882, came to Havelock and at once became a mem- ber of the firm of Gill Bros., general merchants, his older brother, Samuel H., being the other member of the firm during the first six years or un- til 1888. He then engaged with his brother, Charles J., two years in the hay business, and then,re8uming with him his place and interest in the store, has continued in it until the present time. In 1883, he married Mary Jane Portz, of Fort Dodge, and has two sons, Earl and Brooks. He was mayor of Havelock in 1902. The other children of Thomas and Charlotte Gill were John B., who mar- ried Mary J. McClain, merc&ant. Fort Dodge; Thomas B., who married Agnes Barry and is engaged in the furniture business at Barron, 111.; Robert P. at Portland, Oregon, mar- ried Maggie McClain; Kate married Wm..B. Harris and lives at JoUey; Sarah E. married Henry Schoonmaker and lives in Webster county; Ida M. PlOlSrEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. married Joseph Donald, Fort Dodge; C.'iarlotte married S. P. Wright, who served as railroad agent at Tara eight- een years and afterwards died at Call- ander. In 1899 she married Jesse Wol- rod, a farmer, and still lives at Callen- der. Hamble, Philip (b. 1832), one of the early pioneers of Washington township, is a native of Hamilton county, Ind., the son of Anthony and Elizabeth (McPeelc) Hamble; who were natives of Virginia and New Jersey respectively. In 1854 he mar- ried Amanda Jane Burns and located on a farrn. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and Philip, enlisting in 1882 at Nashville, as a member of com- pany A. 6th Ind. Cavalry, served in the Civil war until its close, June 29, 1865. His first engae ment was with Morgan's raiders at BufBngtun Bar, Ohio, and the next were Biountville and Rheatown, Tenn, At Knoxville the regiment was dismounted and sent baclf across the mountains afoot through Cumberland Gap to Mount Sterling, Ky., where it was remount- ed. It then passed with Sherman's army to Atlanta and Macon, Georgia, where it was surrounded and captured . After their return a number of the men,including Philip, were dismount- ed and sent to the command of Gen. Thomas at Nashville. He spent the remainder of his time in the vicinity of that place.Ptouiski and Louisville. At the close of the war he returned to his farm in Hamilton county, Ind. In 1868, he located in Dubuque coun- ty, Iowa, and in 1873, on the swi sec. 33, Washington township. At this date there were only three other fam- ilies in the territory now included in Washington township, He and his family lived in their wagons and among their neighbors until their house was completed. He Imppoved his farm with good buildings and oc- cupied it until 1901, when he moved to Havelock and in 1902, to Long Beach near Los Angeles, Cal. He was a very highly respected citi- zen and participated in the organiza- tion of Washington township. He served as the first clerk of the town- ship, as the first president of the school board in 1877, and later four years as a trustee. He rendered cor- dial CO operation in the maintenance of public worship and in efforts to pro- mote the moral and educational inter- ests of the community. His family consisted of three chil- dren all of whom were born during his residence in Indiana and came with him to the frontier in 1873. Margaret Elizabeth, Dec. 18, 1872, in Dubuque county, married Jason N. Russell, (see Russell). Delilah, a teacher, married Alexan- der McEwen, (see McEwen). William Franklin, a carpenter, in 1883, married Lulu 0. Blake and lo- cated on a farm of 1'20 acres on sec. 33, In 1892, he moved to Havelock. His family consists of four children. Earl, Philip W., Medorah Vashti, and Amanda Eleanor. Masters, William Elmers (b. 1862), owner and occupant of nei sec. 33, 1890 to 1902, is a native of Buchanan county, the son of David and Ellen Gates Masters. In 1890, he married Lucy &. Hovey, and located in Poca- hontas county. He was very success- ful in raising hogs and succeeded finely on the farm. He was an active member of tfie M, E, church and en- joyed the good esteem of the com- munity. In 1902, he moved to Bu- chanan county, His family consists of four children, Charles Roy, Nellie F., Fannie E., Lewis David. ' Mather.Benjamin (b. 1820; d. 1888), a pioneer, Washington township, was a native of Darbyshire, England. He was bereft of his mother in infancy and of his father in childhood. At 15 he came to Dubuque county, Iowa, WASHINGTON TOWNSiSIP. 801 with an uncle and aunt, In 1845, he married Mary Spensley {b. Eag. 1829; d. 1888) and located on a farm. All the members ot his large family were born and raised in Dubuque county. In 1875, he located on sec. 30, Wash- ington township, Pocahontas county. Here he spent the remainder of his days. He died at 68 in 1888 and his wife at 59 one month later. He par- ticipated in the organization of Wash- ington township in 1876, and served as one of its first trustees. His family consisted of thirteen children, four of whom died in child- hood. Jemima, in 1869, in Dubuque coun- ty, married Morah F. Russell (p. 744). Richard S. (b. 1849), in 1878, married Ellen Watson, daughter of Robert Struthers, and located on a farm near Rolfe. His family consists of seven children, William, Susan E , Mary C, Robert B., James A., Margaret J., and Helen Jemima. James Thomas (b. 1851), in 1892, married Louise Ludwig. He is engaged in the livery business at Laurens and has two children, Edith and Clarion. William R. (b. 1860), in 1886, married Emma Bohn. He owns and occupies a farm of 160 acres near Laurens and has three children, Ray, Benjamin and Blva May. John (b. 1862), lives at Laurens. Emma K. (b. 1864), in 1897, married Dena Siemring. He is engaged in the livery business at Laurens and has two children, Helen and Rex. Frank B. (b. 1866), in 1892, married Florence Wells and lives at Laurens. Walter M. (b, 1869), in 1890, married Pearl Ellis, lives at Laureus, and has two children, Grace and Laurel. Nowlan, David, M. D. (b. 1842), post master at Havelock, is a native of Toulon, Stark county. 111., the son ot Michael and Florence Nowlan, who raised a family of ten sons. He grew to manhood on the farm and at nine- teen, in 1861, be enlisted as a m£mber of Co. B. 37th 111., Inf., and spent three years and three months, in the army on the frontier, along the Miss- issippi, under Gen. John G. Black. He participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and the battles at Prairie Grove and Pea Ridge. He was a member of the first G. A. R. Post, which was organized at Galva, 111., in 1866, and on coming to this county, became a member of the Andrew Mills Post at Rolfe. In 1867, he married Mary C. (b. Ohio 1849), daughter ot Alonzo Smead, M. D., of Fon du Lac, Wis., and located at La Fayette, III. In 1873, he lo- cated at Pomeroy, iowa, and two years later in Jasper county, where he completed a course in medicine under Dr. C. G.' Smead. his brother-in-law. In the spring of 1876, he received a medical diploma from the State Board ot Examiners and began the practice of medicine ?t Rensnor, Jasper coun- ty. In June, 1882, he located in the the new town of Havelock and very soon secured a lucratiye practice. He has served as a member of the town council of Hayelock, and has been in charge of the post ofiBce there since Oct. 13, 1897. There are few men in the town or township that have lived so long in it or become so widely and favorably known. He received a good education in his youth, and heartily supports the principles of the repub- lican party. He is also an advocate of total abstinense and woman suffer- age. His family consisted of two chil- dren; BreteCassius (b. 1878), after gradu- ating from the Havelock high school in 1894, and teaching five terms of school, in 1900, graduated from the Electrical Engineering department of the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames. Since that date he has been in the employ of the Western Elec- tric Company of Chicago, and is now at Farfjo, N. D. Edward R. (b. 1881), a Havelock 808 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COtJNTY, IOWA. graduate in 1898, after completing the course in Electrical Engineering at Ames in 1902, also entered the employ of the Western Electric (Jo., and is now at -Deaver, Colorado. ©'Br?en, John W. (b. 1848), Have- lock, is a native of White Oak (Springs, Wis. His father died when he was fifteen. This event caused an unusual responsibility to fall on his youthful shoulders, that of providing a home and support for his mother, eight sisters and one brother. His mother died when she was 74. In 1879 he married Alice Noonan and lived two years on a farm near Shullsburg, Wis, In 1881, he came to Pocahontas coun- ty, and located on the nei sec. 9, ShermaQ township", which he" improv- ed and occupied until 1890, when he moved to Havelock, where he has since been engaged, first as a coal dealer, and then as a contractor and builder. He built many of the fine residences and store buildings in Havelock and others in its vicinity. He has taught school many winters, and is now serving his eighth year as secretary of the Havplock school board and fourth year as a member of the town council. During his residence in Sherman township he served three years as a member of the board of county supervisors, 1884- '86, one year as assessor, and several terms as a justice,, and also as treasurer of the school board. In 1886, he was the democratic nominee for the ofBce of county recorder. His family consisted of seven chil- dren, two of whom died in childhood. Michael S. (b. 1880), a teacher, is clerking in a general store at Pocahon- tas. John E., Clara, Neal, and Mary Theresa are at home.. John E. has been the carrier on the Havelock R. F. D. No. 2 since its establishment Jan. 1, 1903. Potter, John Calvin (b. 1855), bank- er and farmer. Havelock, is a native of New York, son of Rev. W. A. Pot- ter, who served fifteen years as pastor of the Baptist church at Monticello, Wisconsin. He moved with his par- ents to Ohio and later to Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood on the frontier. In 1880, he married Lucy C. Marshall and located on a farm near Albany, Wis. In 1882, he came to Po- cahontas county, Iowa, and located on a farm of 200 acres 5n sec. 3, Washing- ton township, that he was the first to occupy and improve. CLINTON FARM. At the time of his arrival he had formed a partnership with James Campbell ^called R. R. Tim) of Madi- son, Wis., owner of 280 acres on sec. 3, for the purpose of raising stock on these lands. In 1883, Mr. Campbell died and his interest passed to his daughter, Charlotte, wife of G. O. Clinton, formerly a superintendent of the C, M. & St. P. Ry., and now a resident of Joliet, 111. The partner- ship was continued and J. C. Pot'er continued in charge of it six years. . During this period the farm was increased to 1,000 acres, splendid build- ings were erected and the Clinton stcc't farm became the most prominent one in the township. During the next seven years it was managed by Mr. and Mrs. G. O. Clinton, who were rep- resented on the farm by their son, C. A. Clinton, in 1888-'89. In 1890, they located on it. In 1895, it was divided into four farms and three other sets of farm buildings were erected. In 1887, J. C. Potter moved to Have- lock and became associated with S. H. Gill in establishing the Citizens Bank. He continued in the banking and real estate business until 1899, when he relinquished his interest in the bank to engage again in raising stock on his own farm east of Have- lock. He served six years as a' trustee of the township, '83-88, and in Havelock three, each as a member of the town WASHINGTOIf TOWNSHIi", 80i) council, treasurer of the school fund and president of the school board. His family consists of six cliildren, one of whom, La Verne, was born and raised in Wisconsin, the others, Wini- fred, Pearl, Lona, John C, and Mar- shall, in Pocahontas county. After the death of his father in 1880, his mother, Mrs. Harriet Capon Pot- ter, came to this county and lived seyeral years in Havelock. She then returned to Wisconsin and died in 1894, leaving one son, Elmer, who lo- cated at Monticello, Wis.; and three sons and two daughters, who are lo- cated in Pocahontas county, namely, John C, Havelock; Juliette, who mar- ried Ross Dennis, a painter, Bolfe; Cora, married W. S Cox, a general merchant, Havelock; Frank A., who Is in the grain business, Bolfe; and William A., the deputy sheriff of this county, Havelock. Ryon, John A. (b. 1836), owner and occupant of sec. 19, 640 acres, is a native of Wayne county. Pa., the son of William nnd Eleanor (Roberts) Ey- on. His mother was a descendant of Kev. Hugh Roberts, the first Quaker preacher in Philadelphia. His grand- father, William, was a native of Wy- oming, Pa., and his great-grand-father came from Connecticut to Wyoming a short.time previous to the massacre by the Indians of that place. A fam- ily bible, that his father purchased about th3 time of his marriage, while on a rafting expedition and carried home on foot, a distance of 100 miles, may be seen at his home. At the age of two years he came with his parents to Kendall county, 111., where he grew to manhood. In 1861 he engaged in farming in DeKalb county, where in 1863 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Dunbar. After his mar- riage he sold his farm and served in the army as a member of Go. K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, from Oct. 4, 1864, to July 22, 1865. His regiment, under Col. Clendenning, was assigned to the work of guarding Washington City and watching the movements of the guerrilla forces under Moseby and White. After the war he returned to De- Kalb county, Illinois, and in 1884 lo- cated on his present farm on section 19, 640 acres, which he purchased from Frank, a son of D. C. Williams, the nurseryman. The small house and barn that had been erected on this farm have been greatly enlarged, so that they are now among the largest in the township. In the spring of 1883, D. C. Williams started a nursery of live acres and an orchard of 200 apple trees on this farm. Many of the apple trees have been bearing during the last ten years. The varieties that have flone best are the Duchess (summer). Wealthy (fall), Pewaukee's, Bailey's and Talman's Sweets (winter), Martha and Whitney No. 20 (crab). The apple crop in 1896 was about 100 bushels, and much larger crops have been gathered since that date, Mr. Byon has been very successful in raising stock, both hogs and cattle, and is now in very comfortable cir- cumstances. He is a fine looking man, wears a full beard, takes littlo interest In politics and enjoys the confidence and esteerp of his fellow citizens. . He has secured a good heritage for his children. His family consists of four children : Lizzie in 1892 married Wilbur E. Craig (p. 684) and located on the nw i sec. 30, where they occupied the first house built in Washington township, by J. L. Clark in 1870. Her family consists of two children, Hattie and Alice. Andrew D., (b. 1868) in 1893 married Grace, daughter of William and Julia Edwards. He occupies the sw i sec. 19, His wife died in 1894, leaving one child, Grace. In 1898 he married SlOaPIONEEK HISTORY OF PO&AHOIirTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Mary Pooler (b. 1873) and has (jne son, John. Hugh L. (b. 1870) in 1898 married Alice Gertrude Moore. He occupies the nw i see. 19, and has two children, Bertha and Julia Etta. Jay (b. 1872) in 1900 married Lizzie M. Aschenbrenner, and is located on section 19. Sbeldon, John Burton (b. 1867), druggist and optician, Havelock, is a native of Illinois, the son of William A. and Sarah A. (Loverin) Sheldon. After completing a course in phar- macy at the Iowa State University in 1889, he became a member of the firm of C. D. Baker & Co., druggists, To- ledo, Iowa. In 1891 he married Myrtle StaufCer of Gladbrook and located at Havelock, where he has since been proprietor of a drug store and jewelry business. There is no occupation in which care, knowledge and experience are more essential than in that of the druggist, and the establishment con- ducted by Mr. Sheldon is one of the most reliable in the county. He has had many years of profitable experi- ence and carries a large stock of fresh drugs, medicines, oils, paints, school books and stationery. He is also an optician, having completed a course in optics at the college at South Bend. Ind. , in 1901, and carries a carefully selected stock of jewelry. He is serving his fourth year as a member of the Havelock council and sixth year as treasurer of the school funds. His family consists of two children. Olive B. and Lawrence Burton, one child having died at the age of two in 1895. Sidwell, William Onides (b. 1867) is a native of West Virginia. In 1873 he came with his parents to Marshall- town, Iowa, where two years later his mother died. Later he accompanied his father to Benton and also Grundy county. In 1886 he located at Have- lock and three years later established there a harness shop, which he main- tained during the next thirteen years. During this period he was industri- ous and earnest, and by cloaie atten- tion to business built up a good trade. He was a good workman and carried a large and varied stock of harness and other horse furnishings. His shop was the only one in the town and by employing skilful workmen and using only good materials he was enabled to draw trade from long distances. In the spring of 1902 he disposed of his interest in the harness business and became a dealer in general merchan- dise. He has carried into this new and wider field of business operations the good-will he acquired during his long previous residence in Havelock. He served as clerk of Washington township four years, 1893-96, and has beena member of the Havelock Coun- cil five years, 1898-1902. In 1892 he married Matie Webster of Hayelock and has a family of three daughters, Zella, Madge and Benita. Strong, James C. (b. 1834), a pi- oneer resident of Washington town- ship and a county supervisor, 1875-83, is a native of Branch county, Mich- igan, the son of John and Eliza (Moore) Strong, both of whom were of Scotch descent. His father died when he was four years of age, and s,ll of his brothers and sisters are also dead. In 1854 he married Ellen, sister of Morah and Jason Bugsell, and located on a farm. In 1858 they came to Du- buque county, Iowa, where he worked in the lead mines six years and en- gaged in farming the next five. In 1869 he came to Pocahontas county and made the purchase of 2,200 acres ot land for himself (560 acres), Jon- athan L. Clark, Benjamin Mather, Bphraim Smith, Lewis Foland, John, Harry, Morah and Jason Russell in Washington and Sherman townships. In May, 1870, accompanied by Jon- »tl#an L. Clark and Jason N. Russell, b« began to occupy and improve his WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 811 farm on section 32, and the next year built on it the second house aild planted the first grove in the town- ship. He improved this farm with good buildings and orchard and occu- pied it until 1888, when he moved to Havelock and became the proprietor of a lumber yard. After a lew years he relinquished his intsrest in the lumber business and has since been living in comparative retirement in the enjoyment of the well earned competency acquired during the early and prosperous years of his long, ac- tive and eminently useful life. He performed a leading part at the time the township was organized, and served two years as one of the trustees, six years as the first justice, and nine years— 1877-85 — as the first treasurer of the school funds. He served nine years— 1875-83— as a member of the board of county supervisors. He was mayor of Havelock in 1895 and served three years as a member of the first town council. He is president of the Havelock Old Settlers' association and has presided at all of their annual gatherings since the second one, held in 1897. Ever .since he located In Washington town- ship he has been the most prominent citizen of it. His long period of ser- vice as a member of the board of county supervisors is suggestive of the public confidence reposed in him. He has always endeavored to do his duty conscientiously, and the integrity of his motives has never been as- sailed. Buring his long and active career he has exerted a potent influ- ence in the township and county, and his memory will be cherished by his fellow citizens as that of an upright, honorable man. He is a good illustra- tion of the adage that "Patient plod- ding persistently prosecuted produces permanent prosperity." During the eighteen years spent on the farm he had his early experiences with the grasshoppers (p. 258) and with marauding trappers (p. 274). When the era of better times began, about the year 1880, he spent much time in the work of improving his land, and has erected the second and third set of farm buildings. Two of his farms have wells 300 feet deep, operated by windmills. Two of them have orchards in good bearing condi- tion, and one of them contains eight acres. The Wealthy, Duchess and a lew other varieties of apples have stood this climate well, and since 1895 have yielded several crops of 200 bushels or more. His family consisted of five children: Alva A. (b. Mich. 1854), a teacher in the early days, in 1874 married Marilda Pilgrim and occupies the old home farm three miles southwest of Have- lock. He served as a township trustee in 1879, and seven years as the first secretary of the school board. His family consists of eleven children, one having died in childhood: Etta May, James F., Elizabeth, Pearl W., Ida F., Elmer, John, Mary, Mildred, Wilbur and Archibald. William A. (b. Mich. 1857) married Mary Pilgrim, a cousin of Marilda, lives at Alida, 111., and has one daugh- ter, Lucile. Jason F. (b. Iowa., 1860) in 1889 married Amy Wilson and lives on a part of the old farm on section 32. Mary Ellen (b. Iowa, 1866) in 1893 married Rev. Joseph Herrington, a minister of the M. E. church, lives now at Barnum and has a family of two children, Luella Grace and Lois Maud. Myrta Luella (b. 1876), the only member of the family born in this county, in 1899 married George Dick- erson, lives at Havelock and has two children, James Claude and Burton Clay. Luella postofflce, the first one in Washington township, was named In her honor. Thomas, Sylvester P. (b. 1852), as- sistant cashier of the Bank of Have- 612 PIONEER HISTORY OF POGAHOlfTAS COUNTY, lOWA. lock, 1891-98, is a native of Mahaska county, the son of James B. and Irene A. Thomas. In 1875 he married Ella M., daughter of William and Mary Perry, and located on a farm in Mar- shall county. In 1887 he located in Havelock and , engaged in the mer- cantile business in partnership with 0, H. Collins. In 1891, when the Bank of Havelock was established, he relinquished his interest in the store and becoming an assistant cashier in the bank, continued to fill that posi- tion until 1898, when he moved to Humboldt county and became cashier of the Bank of Rutland. In 1902 he located at Hunter, Oklahoma, and as- sociated with Clark L. Thompson, bis son-in-law, became proprietor of the Bank of Hunter. Clark L. Thompson became its vice-president and Pay C. Thomas, his son, its cashier. At the time of his removal from Havelock he owned several valuable town proper- ties and about 780 acres of land in that vicinity. He served five years as treasurer of Havelock. His family consisted of two chil- dren: Bertha M., a graduate of Mt. Vernon collegSj became the wife of Clark L. Thompson, banker, and lives at Hunter, Oklahoma, Fay C, a graduate of the Capital City Commer- cial college, and cashier of the Bank of Hunter, died at the age of twenty- four in 1903. A SPBINGFIBLD SURVIVOR. It is of interest to note that S. P. Thomas was a survivor of the Spirit Lake massacre of 1857. His father and family, consisting of wife and six children— Frank, Albert, Emma, William, who was killed (p. 33), Syl- vester and Mary, the baby— in 1855 had located at Springfield, Minn., wherethe Indians arrived with bloody intent about 4 o'clock in the after- noon of March 26, 1857, after the mas- sacre at Spirit Lake. The log cabin of Mr. Thomas was located at the edge of some timber and 22 persons had sought refuge in it at the time the Indians arrived. When the In- dians came they hitched their ponies and secreted themselves in the tim- ber some distance from the cabin. Then one of the chiefs came to the cabin dancing and singing to attract the family out of it. William, about ten years of age and being in the yard, was the first to see the chief approach- ing and called to those in the house to see the "old chief," whom he rec- ognized, dance. This Indian had been at the Thomas home on several previous occasions to receive food and had smoked the "pipe of peace. " As soon as the family was attracted out- side the cabin the Indians rushed from the timber and as a result of their first volley William was shot in the head and instantly killed. Mr. Thomas received a severe wound in the right arm and two of the neigh- bor women were also wounded. Af- ter this onset the attention of the In- dians was occupied for a short time in getting the horses from the stable. This gave the family time to get Into the house and barricade the door and windows. Fortunately three hunters or trappers, who were well provided with arms and ammunition, were lodging with the family at this time, and Mr. Thomas had three rifles, though after his injury he could not use them. The fusilade of the hun- ters kept the Indians at bay until 11 o'clock at night when they withdrew, taking the horses but leaving about eight of their own. number who had been killed by the hunters. One hour later preparations were begun for the departure of the family and those that were with them to Ft. Dodge 75 milcS distant. To make this journey some of the cattle that were left were hitched to a sled, the women and children were loaded on it and the trip was begun in the dark- ness of the night. In the haste of leaving, supplies of food were forgot- WASHnfrGTON TOWNSHIP. 813 ten and they were nearly famished from hunger when met by the relief expedition from Ft. Dodge. Mary, the baby, died from the exposure in- cident to the journey, about the time of their arrival at Fort Dodge. Mr. Thomas had built the log cabin on his own homestead, but after this terrible experience, he never returned to occupy it. He engaged for a few years in the mercantile business at Nevada and then moved to Marshall county, where he died in 1866. Vance, Ulysses Samuel (b. 1868) county superintendent, was born near Indianapolis and at three years of age moved to Benton county, Ind., where he grew to manhood on a farm. He received his education in the public school, Oxford Academy and Purdue University at La Fayette, Ind. He began to teach scliool at seventeen and, with the exception of two years, has been engaged in teaching or edu- cational worK ever since. In 1894 he located on a farm in Washington township, this county, intending to engage in farming, but in less than a month he was induced to become prin- cipal of the Havelock schools, and held tbis position from April 1,1894 to July 1, 1898. He organized the high school and graduated the first class from it in 1898. In connection with his school worlc he served as edi- tor of the Haveloclr Item from Oct. 11, 1897 to July 1, 1898, and then gave his entire time as a moulder of public opinion to the paper until Oct. 1, 1899. In 1897, as a candidate for the ofBce of county superintendent, he gave his predecessor a close race for the nomi- nation and became his logical success- or, on the basis of skill as an educator and popularity among the teachers. In 1900 he began to perform the du- ties of the ofBce of county superin- tendent and is now serving his second term. He became a leader in town- ship institutes in Indiana and was an instructor in the county institutes in this county each year of his residence in it until he became superintendent. He is a man well qualified by educa- tion, experience and good character to perform efiiciently the duties of a teacher or superintendent. Encouraged by the generosity of Hon. George Schee of Primgar, as superintendent of the schools of Po- cahontas county, he has accomplished one thing for which he has often been congratulated and will be long re- membered, namely, the development of an interest in libraries, that has placed an assortment of good books in the rural schools of this county. He believes that when a child is taught to read, he should be encouraged to read good books, and he has put forth an honest endeavor to place good reading, through the public schools, within the reac6 of every child in the county. All the rural schools of this county, with four exceptions, now have libraries of 10 to 375 volumes each, and the town schools have larg- er ones. The annual report for 1903 will show that there are over 10,000 volumes in the schools of this county, instead of 1,021 volumes in 1900 when he became superintendent. Accord- ing to the last statistics issued by the state superintendent, Pocahontas county stands at the head of the list in reporting the largest Increase in the number of library books for the .public schools, and largest amount of money raised for that purpose. This is one of many evidences that he is laboring efficiently to promote the in- terests of our fpublic schools. He is held in high esteem by the educators of the state. In 1892 he married Ella Maud, old- est daughter of Geo. W. Kyle, who has been a resident of Washington township since 1893. Two of his fam- ily of four children are living: Emmet Lowell, the oldest, and Ulysses Sam- uel, the youngest. In 1901 he moved to Pocahontas. 814 PIONEER HISTORY OEIPOCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Ward, Thomas (b. 1835) is a native of Canada, the son of Calvin and Margaret Ward. In 1862 he married Rusanna Dorman and four years later located on a farm in Clinton county, Iowa. In 1891 he located on his pres- ent farm, the se i sec 28, Washington township, which he was the first to occupy and improve. He has increas- ed this farm to 400 acres and improv- ed it with good buildings. His family consisted of five child- ren: Jeremiah D. (b. Canada 1863) in 1887 married Nellie L. Hubbard and occu- pies the north part of sec 28. He has one daughter, Alice. Catherine in 1883 married William Steen, owner and occupant of the se i sec 16. He has been secretary of the School board since 1897. His family consists of seven children: Roy, Thomas, Arthur, William, Rose, Am- ber and Ellen. Margaret A. in 1887 married John E. Moats, lives at Boone and has one daughter, Blanche. Sarah Jane in 1887 married Mitchell E. Hoover, an engineer, and lives at Lake City. Thomas C. (b. 1872) io 1894 married Margaret Boekenoogen, occupies the nw i sec 28 and has two children. Hazel and Clifford. Rose and Philip Isaac are at home. Williams^ David C., nursery man, in January 1881 purchased the ne i sec 31, all of sec 19 and altogether 1280 acres of land in Washington township. He located on 31 and his son Frank on 19. That spring they broke 310 acres and planting it in flax secured a yield of 18 bushels to the acre from some of it. He built that year two sets of farm buildings, sunk three wells and planted five acres with nursery stock on the farm of James C. Strong on sec 32. In 1884 he enlarged the nursery to 20 acres (p. 997) but Frank leaving sec. 19 it was sold to John A. Ryon. His wife, Sarah M. Chapman, died at 57 June 17, 1887, and he died two years later. His wife was a native of Chautauqua county, N. Y. In 1847 she married D. B. Chapman and located at Mon- mouth, 111. Two years later they moved to Arkansas. About ten years later they returned to Illinois, and in 1864 he died at Eau Claire, Wis., leav- ing one daughter, Mary L. Chapman. In 1869 Mrs. Chapman became the wife of D. C. Williams and located at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he engaged in the nursery business and remained until 1881, when they came to this county. Mary L. Chapman, who became very prominent as a teacher in this county, in 1886 married Prof. Abbott C. Page, principal of the Waterloo high school. She was a graduate of the State Normal school and served as an instructor at several of the an- nual institutes in this county. XXTfll. Bie6R9PHIBS. "If you have a worfl of cheer, That may light the pathway drear, 01 a brother pilgrim here, Tell him so. Let him know How much you appreciate What he does; aed do not wait Till the hand of j'ate Lays him low. For the spirit that has fled Does not need, t« speed it on, Our poor praise, where it has gone." ■'Granite monuments may crumble but cherished memories endure while lite lasts." One of the chief glories of America is, that it is a country in which abili- ty and industry find their surest and speediest reward. Fame and fortune are open to all who are willing to work. Neither class distinctions, social prejudices, nor differences of birth or religion prevent the man of true merit from winning just reward of his labors in this favored land. The lives of great men, like great events, occupy a prominent place in the history of the world and they become our instructors. "The lives of great men remind us We can make our lives sublime; And departing leaye behind us Footprints on the sands of time." No man is born into the world w^hose work is not born with him; there is always work and tools to work withal, for those who will; and bless- ed are the horny hands of toil . Our lives are songs; God writes the words, and we set them to music at pleasure; and the song grows glad, sweet or sad, as we choose to fashion the measure. The following biographical sketches include some who have lived in one or more parts of Pocahontas county, and others who have come to it during recent years. The same motives that led us to make favorable) mention of Qtbers prompts us to place these also in loving]Temembrance. (815) 816 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. BIOGBAPHIES. Bailey, John W.. (b. 1835; d. 1893), was a native of West Chester, Pa. In 1860 he married Louisa Graham. He was a member of the 36th Wis. Inf. from Nov. 11, 1863 to Sept. 5, 1865. In 1874 he located at Fonda and, with the exception of two years in Williams township, continued to reside there until his decease at 58 in 1893. He was an honored member of the Fonda Gr. A. E. post, having held nearly every ofBce in that organization. His family consisted of five chil- dren. Nelson in 1886 married Mary Wood and lives at Marathon; Ida in 1887 married Frank Niece and died at Fonda in 1894; Frank in 1896 married Matie Turner and lives in Nebraska; Oscar iu 1892 married Hattie Hender- son and lives at Fonda; Myrtle in 1899 married '■Wallace Haven, a painter, and lives at Pocahontas. Behrendsen, George, (b, 1843; d. 1898), was a native of Denmark. In 1869 he came to America, located in Cook Co., 111. where he married that year Anna Nissen and found employ- ment as a carpenter. In 1875 he loca- ted on sec. 33, Clinton township, Poca- hontas county, and occupied this farm until his death in 1898. His wife, Anna, died in 1878 and three of her four children were living at the time of his decease, namely, Anna, Mrs. Meta Holmgren and B. G. Behrend- sen. In 1879 he married Mrs. Henri- etta Behrendsen, who with one daughter, Mary G., survived him. All of hiS'Children'arelstill residents of Clinton'towQship. He was a man of rugged honesty and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Blizzard, Harry A., (b. 1867), clothier, Fonda, is a native of Wilton, Iowa, the son of Augustus C. and Margarite (Ayres) Blizzard. At 17 he went to'Clarks, Neb., and;finding em- ployment as a clerk in a store, remain- ed there the next eight years. In 1895 he located ia;,Fonda and became proprietor and manager^of 'a'clothing store, under the name of Woodhouse (George) & Blizzard. By his uniform modesty and courtesy he has won the good-will of the people of Fonda and vicinity, and is now (1903) a member of the board of education. In 1892 he married Margarite But- ler, of Clarbs, Neb., and has a family of three children, Grace, Harold and Euth. Burnett, William H., (b. 1834), resident of Cedar township from 1877 to 1888, was a native of New Bruns- wick and a cousin of George Spragg. During his residence in Illinois he married Mary Vaughn and soon after- ward located in Buchanan county, Iowa, In 1877, after a short residence in Greene county he bought of Mrs. Eachel Hartwell the nisei sec. 6, Cedar towcship, improved and occu- pied it during the next eleven years, when he located first at Dana, then in Colorado and is now in Missouri. He was a first day advent and during his residence at Sunk Grove secured the maintenance of occasionalservices there and in the Pinneo schoolhouse in Dover township. His wife died during his residence in Colorado. His family consisted of niae children. Burpy died at 21 at Sunk Grove; Ida married James Rari- see, has two children and lives in Missouri; George is at Central City, Colo.; Wm. H., an attorney, lives in Colorado; Letitia married Milton E. Burkhalter and lives at Pocahontas; Bertha married Edwin J. Southworth and lives at Laurens; Alice died in 1895; Lula married Wm. Haller and lives in Des Moines. The others are Albert and Euth. Four of the daughters, Letitia, Bertha, Alice and Ruth, and their brother, William, were teachers in this county and rendered very acceptable service. Burson, Abram, (b. 1856), Carpen- penter, Fonda, ia a native of Greene Co. Pa., the son of James and Eebec- ca (Reynolds) Burson. His father's BIOGEAPHIES. 817 family consisted of five sons, John E , David, Abram, Alexander P. and James; and the three oldest, John, David and Abram became residents of Pocahontas county. David came to Fonda In 1881, found employment in a hardware store and two years later went to California where he still resides. Abram in 1879 married Margaret Ann Greenlee, of Greene Co., Pa , and in 1882 located at Fonda where he found employment as a car- penter and builder. During four years, 1896-1900, he was a partner with Elijah H. Anderson in a drug store. During recent years he has been en- gaged in the sale of real estate. He has served several terms as a member of the Fonda school board and town council. His family consists of five children. Albert G., a graduate of Fonda and of the pharmaceutic department of the Iowa State University, in 1902 mar- ried Mae Fitch and is now engaged in the drug business at Pierce, l!^ebraska; James is a bank clerlf; Frank, Rebec- ca and Madge are at home. Burson, John R., a carpenter, in 1882 located at Fonda where in 1884 he married Anna, daughter of Robert Leslie, of Cedar township. In 1887 he moved to Los Angeles, CaL.butis now in Pennsylvania. He has two children, Nellie and Ruth. Byrne, Wm. Michael, (b. 1858), is a native of County Roscommon, Ireland, the son of William and Mary (Kelley) Byrne. He was raised on a farm. lu 1878 he married Catharine Lynch and, coming to America, worked two months on a railroad in N. J., and then located in Cedar township, Poca- hontas county. In 1880 he bought a farm of 80 acres on sec. 14, Dover township, which he was the first to occupy and improve. He increased this farm to 240 acres, improved it with' good buildings, grove and or- chard and occupied it until 1896, when he built a house and moved to Fonda for the education of his children. He has managed the affairs on the farm several years since his first removal from it and usually carries about 70 head of cattle. In 1900 he formed a a partnership with his nephew, Thos. J. Byrne and has since been engaged in the stock, grain and implement business in Pocahontas. He is a democrat and a member of the Catho- lic church. His family consists of five children, Michael, Catherine, Anna Ellen, Mar- garet and Mary Elizabeth. William, the oldest, died from an accidental gunshot wound in 1896. Mary Byrne, his . widowed mother, came to America in 1880 and has been a residint of this county since that date. Slie has dwelt most of the time with her three sons, Thomas in Grant, Matthew in Cedar, and Wil- liam. Peter Byrne, who was a resi- dent of Grant township 20 years and moved to Minnesota in 1902, was also her son. He married Ann, sister of Jeremiah O. Sullivan, and raised a large family. Her other son, Michael, lives in England. earleton, Samuel M., (b. 1825; d. 1895), farmer, Cedar, .was a native of Salem, N. H., where in 1846 he mar- ried Lydia R. Sargent. He found em- ployment in the cotton mills at Sal- mon Falls, N. H., and remained there 35 years, serving as an overseer during the last ten years. In 1879 he came to Pocahontas county and loca- ted on a farm southwest of Fonda, which he improved and occupied until 1891 when. he moved to Fonda. He died at 70 in 1895 and his wife at 78, Jan. 1, 1902. , His family consisted of three chil- dren two of whom died in childhood. James S., the oldest, in 1874 married ElvaA. Mitchell and located at Sal- mon Falls. Five years later he and family came with his parents to Cedar township. He died at 28 in 1891,' one month after the death of his wife. 81* PIONEEte HISTORY OF PQOAHOlSfTAS COUNTY, IOWA. He left one daughter, Rena, a Fonda graduate in 1894. In 1896 she married Vernon W. Harris, a clerk, and in 1902 located at Anthon, Iowa. ehalland, George, (b. 1846; d. 19,00) was a native of Canton, England, and at four came with his parents to Shabbona Grove, 111., where he grew to manhood and In 1871 married Julia Alice, daughter of Montolbert Green- field. In 1872 he located near Clare, Iowa, and, a few years afterwards near Eolfe, where his wife died at 50 in February 1900. He died in Decem- ber following. Their family consisted of eight children, Mrs. Wealthy Smith, of Minneapolis, Terry at Rolfe, Mrs. May (Franl?) Neal, formerly of Poca- hontas (Des Moines), Clarence, Maud, Claude and Martin. eiark, Mrs. Sarah A., (b. 1822), Fonda, Is a native of Washing-ton Co., Pa., the daughter of John and Mar- garet Williams. In 1843 she became the wife of John W. Clark and located in the vicinity of Cincinnati, O. In 1853 they moved to Stark Co., 111., and in 1875 to Warren Co., where he died a few years afterwards. In 1889 Mrs. Clark became a resident of Fonda, where her daughter, Mrs. Emmet Kay had previously located. Dec. 14, 1900, at the end of ten years' service as president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the M. E. church, she ^as very pleasaatly surprised at a meeting held in her honor, by the presentation land adoption of the following resolutions: "In view of the fact that sister Sarah A. Clark, who has reached tlie advanced age of 79 years, has for more than ten years performed efficiently the arduous duties of president of this society, and has been a faithful member and an untiring worker in the M. E, Church for more than half a century, therefore. Resolved, that she be made an honorary member of our aid society, have a voice and vote therein, be free from the pajment of all dues and re- ce!v.e a complimentary invitatioji to all suppers served by th€ society. Attests: Mks. De. Leese, pres. Mrs. a. Btjeson, sec. Her family consisted oi five daugh- ters. Euphemia E. married Albert) Hillard and died sowi afteswards. Mary B. married Emmet Kay, (see Kay) Alice married Ja«ies B. Kffotts and lives in Lucas county. Emma died in her youth, and Georgia A., an assistant in The Times office many years, resides with her mothep. ehapman, Joseph^ (b. Nov. 3, 1806) resident alternately of Williams township and Fonda duriag recent years, is a native of Fairfield Co. Conn., the son of Phineas and Ruth Tread well Chapman. His father who was the seventh son of Phineas Chap- man, Sr., wai born, lived and died, at the age of 67 in 1821, In the same house. During the period of the war of 1812 he served as the sheriff of Fairfield cousty. His six older broth- ers, during the Revolutionary War, were in the TJ'. S. army, where John became a captain and Albert and James were promoted to minor posi- tions. Joseph was fourteen at the time of his father's decease. He had three brothers, John, Hiram and Charles, and seven sisters, Laura, Betsey, Ann, Eliza, Matsey, Lyflia, and Mary, and all of them died many years ago near the old home in Con- necticut, except Hiram, who died in Oregon. At sixteen Joseph was put out by his mother as an apprentice and worked during the next five years at the hatter's trade in Wilton. The next year was spent in a jewelry store at Albany, N. Y., where he learned to clean and repair the clocks in use at that time. As a book agent and jeweler he spent the next two years canvassing Culpepper, Madison and several other counties in Virginia. During this period he furnished many an evening^s entertainment playing on the flaigeolet, singing songs and BIOGRAPHIES. 819 telling witty stories. In 1835, in company with his brothers, Hiram and Charles, all single, he came to Peoria county. 111., where in 1837, he married Eliza Ann Sher wood and, lo- cating on a farm of 80 acres, improv- ed, enlarged and occupied it until 1872, when his wife died and he went to the home of his daughter, Rnbah Oakes. In 1887, he became a resident of Fonda and vicinity in the home of his son, Baxter S. Chapman. He united with the Presbyterian church in his youth, served fifty years as a teacher in the Sunday school and nearly as long as a deacon in the church. Such was his reverence for the Sabbath and love for the sanctu- ary, that when he had passed four score and ten he made personal sacri- fices to attend church. He passed his 94th birthday Wov. 3,. 1902, and has been the oldest resident in the vicinity of Fonda since 1900. He never used tobacco or liquor in any form and attributed his steady nerves and good health in old age to that fact. "I canuot tell," said he on one occasion, "what effect the use of tobacco or liquor might have had on me, for I never used either; but I have noticed tbe effect they have had on others, and have profited by their experience. I have taken some light from the lamp of their experience without diminishing their light In the least." He had an effective method of administering a gentle re- proof to those who were so irreverent as to use profane language in his presence. After reminding them that good people have no need to use pro- fane language, and that its use always makes the impression that there is something wrong with the user, he would illustrate the matter bv a refer- ence to the use of props. "When any one passes a house that is supported by props, it is not necessary that aaiother should tell him there was something wrong about it, for the use of the props show it. In like manner the use of profanity to support a man's veracity always shows where he is weak. Don't swear, if you ex- pect others to believe you." He was very CDtertaining, possessed con- siderable native wit, and ofteu sur- prised his listeners by beautiful and apt quotations, such as: "From others fields we grather flowers, The thoughts are theirs, the thread is ours." In his 93rd year he repeated several stanzas of the ode on Heaven. "The faithless world in ruin lies, Enwrapt in fancy's vision. Allured by sighs, beguiled by shows And enjpty dreams; nor scarcely knows There is a brighter heaven. "A lonely stranger here I roam, From place to place am driven,— My frieads are gone and I'm in gloom — Th'is world is all a dreary tomb, I have no home but heaven." He was accustomed to looking on the bright side of things, endeavored to make others happy, often referred to the secret of a happy life and kept a supply of the Shorter Catechism for free distribution. His family consisted of four child- ren: Mary married John Sullivan ana died in 1882, leaving, three children, Kittie Kinne, Bessie Orton and Hugh Sullivan. Baxter S., married Hattie Clemens, a pioneer and early teacher of Will- iams township. He is the ov?ner and occupant of a farm of 240 acres south of Fonda. He has served several years as justice and has two sons, Fred C, a teacher and fruit grower, and Cbarles. Robah married Wm. M. Oakes, a farmer, and lives at French Grove, 111., 820 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Joel died in his youtli. eoffin, Marcellua W. (b. 1842; d. 1902), editor of the.Rolfe Reporter, was a native of Glens Falls, N. Y. His father died when he was twelve, and in 1863, he married E-nma Warren (b. 1843). In 188fi, he moved to Maquo- keta, Iowa, and three years later to Grundy county. In December 1882, when the town of Rolfe was new, he located there and was proprietor of the Rolfe House ten years. As an editor of the Rolfe Reporter, the first paper established at Rolfe, he was associated two years with E. A. Duke and the next four years with Percy O. CoflBn, his eldest son, when (1890) the paper was discontinued. He wore a long black beard, possessed consider- able business capacity, and had the spirit of a leader. He served three years as a member of the first town couneil of Rolfe 1884-'86, as the first president of the school board and was a justice at the time of his death, Sept. 2, 1902. His family consisted of three sons. Percy O., who was associated with him in the publication of the Report- er, 1886-90, lived five years in Omaha, where he graduated as an electrician. In 1901, he returned to Kolfe. In 1886, he married Lena Fisk and has one son, Ray. Edwin G., a farmer, married Flora Butts and lives at Burwell, Neb. Clarence W. in 1891, married Lulu Belle Roberts and has three children, Harry, lona and Wayne. Lem C. Ciffla, a brother of Marcel- lus, was for many years the owner and occupant of a farm near Rolfe. Sept. 5, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Go. D. 175th N. Y. and served until t!}e close of the Civil War. He is now a resident of Lyons, Neb., where he has been engaged in the hardware business. eoleman, Michael G., (b. 1854) Fonda, is a brother of James H. (p. 576), the son of William and Mar- garet Cashman Coleman. He is a native of Derby, Conn., where he re- ceived his early education. In 1868, he came with his parents to Allama- kee county, Iowa, and settling on a farm, attended the high school at Lansing, spent two years at St. John's College at Prairie du Chien, Wis., and in 1877, completed a commercial course in the Bryant & Sbratton Com- mercial College, Davenport, Iowa. He taught school during the next seven years. In 1885, he married Emma Spelling and located at New Alb n, where he served as postmaster three years, 1887 to 1890. During the next three years he was engaged in the sale of general merchandise at West Bend. In 1892, he came to Fon- da, where he has since been engaged in the insurance and loan busi- ness. He served three years as a township clerk in Allamakee county, *wo years as a member of the council at West Bend, and seven years as city recorder at Fonda. He has been sec- retary of the Northern Telephone Co. since its organization in 1899. His family consists of two children, Hazel Leone and Helen. Deacon, John (b. 1846), owner and occupant of a farm of 160 acres on. sec. 5, Cedar township, is a native of Ireland. In 1865, he came alone to America, lived two years in Boston and then located in Jackson county, Iowa, wherein J 873, he married Mar- garet Mahoney. In 1883, he located in this county on his present farm, which he has improved with good buildings, groves and orchard. His family consists of six children, Mary A., Robert, Alia, Julia, Margaret and Henry. Dean, Thomas L. (1841), a pioneer of Lincoln, is a native of Ohio. In 1870, with wife and three children he located on a soldier's homestead of 160 acres, the sei sec. 34, Lincoln township, this county. He assisted in the organization of that township, BIOGRAPHIES. 821 Was elected the first justice, and served twenty-eight consecutive years, 1873 to 1900. He served as pres- ident of the school board two years, clerk four years, and treasurer six years. He also served as sherifl of Pocahontas county two years, 18'78-79. Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Co. D. 98th Ohio Infantry and served until the close of the war. He has made a splendid record as a sol- dier and citizen. He improved his farm with good buildings and occupied it until 1900, when he moved to Poca- hontas. His family consisted of tea children of whom the first born died in child- hood. Ellen M., a native of Mercer county. 111., In 1884, married William D. Pattee and died at 3S, in 1899, at Pocahontas, leaving four children, Mary, George, Minnie and Nellie. Mary E. in 1889, married George E. Hawk, a farmer, lives in Minnesota, and has two children, Arthur and Frank. Minnie O. in 1887, married Charles E. Andrews. They own and occupy a farm of 160 acres in Lincoln township and have four children, Lewis. Eoy, Mabel, and Lloyd. Martha A. in 1900, married Edward Challberge, a farmer, and together with her brother, George T., con- tinues to live on her father's farm in Lincoln township. James E., a car- penter, lives at Palmer. Frank In 1902, married Josephine Flaherty and lives at Pocahontas. John, the young- est, lives at Pocahontas. Dennis, Boss, painter, Bolfe, in 1872, married Juliette Garvis, daught- er of Rev. W. A. Potter, and located at Montieello, Wis. In 1884, he came to the new town of Rolfe, Poca- hontas county, where his wife died In 1900, leaving a family of three daught- ers, two children having died in childhood. Hattie May in 1894, married George Hauck, a merchant, Rolfe. Ida in 1895, married Joseph While, a grain dealer, Rolfe, and has one child, Elzabeth Lucile. Annie in 1901, married Wardale O. McKilvey, a druggist, Rolfe. Oetwiller, John (1887-1893) victim of the tornado of July 6, 1893, was a native of Caoada, where in 1897, he married Helen Stewart. In 1889, they located in the vicinity of Fonda and at the time of his death were living on the south part of thejWilliam Mar- shall farm. The house they occupied was well protected'On the west and north by a dense maple and walnut grove. They were not apprehensive of danger and were seated at the sup- per table. When the unusual roar of the whirling storm was heard, they hastily rose from the table and, open- ing the door, perceived that their barn and outbuildings had been car- ried away. The next moment the porch was wrested from its fasten- ings. Stepping quickly into the room it seemed to Mrs. Detwiller, who sur^ vived, to be unroofed and commencinK to revolve. Becoming unconscious, she knew not what occurred, until she was in the act of rising to her feet amid prostrate tree tops about twelve rods north of the place where the house had stood. No fragments of the shattered house were near her, but she soon beheld the prostrate form of her husband a few feet distant, and found him helpless and uncon- scious from terrible wounds about the head and limbs. As the shades of evening drew near, he breathed his last. Both had been carried north- ward over a tall maple grove, in which the trees had been broken by a blast from the north and lay one upon another in the rows facing southward. His wife sustained serious injuries, and in 1896, returned to the home of her mother at Carlingford, Perth Co., Ontario. John Detwiller lived but a few years at Fonda, but so excellent were his principles and so noble was his conduct that he won the esteem 822 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHOKTAS COUKTY, IOWA. and confide ace of all who knew bim. He was survived by five broibers and five sisters, of whom three brothers, Alexander, William and Gavin, and OQBsister, Annie, a seamstress, were residents of Fuuda a few years. William G. Djtwiller, in 1900, grad- uated from tbe Iowa State Normal School, at Cedar Falls, receiving the Master's degree. During his school days at Cedar Falls he won many hon- ors as an atiilete. In the fall of 1899 he was appointed a captain of cadets by Major Dinwiddile and received his commission from Gov. Leslie M. Shaw in the spring of 19110. He is BOW principal of the Webster school, Sioux City. Alexander Detwiller Feb. 3, 1892, began to work as a farm hand for his uncle, Hon. James Mercer, for $200 a year and at the end of five years his balance sheet was as follows: INCOME. Earnings for five years $ l,0o0.00 EXPBNDITUKBS. For support of the church and Sunday school 60.00 Sent home *o his mother 175.00 Paid current expenses 140.00 Spent in travel 75.00 Personal property acquired 150.00 Money at interest 400.00 This is a very interesting and sug- gestive statement. It tells its own story of success achieved by discretion), industry and economy. Nothing un- usual was undertaken when he coiu- menced to work for his uncle, but the results greatly exceed those of the average young man who at twenty-one begins life with no other capital than his brain and brawn. He discoyered himself worthy the confidence and esteem of his employer which was the secret of his long con- tinuance in the same 'position. Time was cheerfully given him to visit the World's Fair in 1893, and later a month was given to visit his old home. If the amount sent home for t.h^ support of bia mother be added to the value of the personal property ac- quired and money on interest it makes $725.00 saved by the industri- ous farm band In five years; and that during a period when every business interest suffered more or less from the serious financial depression, and the average farm renter made nothing wortiiy of mention. He is now mar- ried and the happy owner and occu- pant of a half section of land at Hay- field, -Manitoba. Doty, Henry M. (b. 1852), owner and occupant of a farm of 80 acres on sec. 14, Marshall township, is a native of Michigan. Locating in Marshall county, Iowa, he married there Mary E., sister of A. J. Stover, with whom in 1880, he came to Pocahontas coun- ty. He was the first to occupy and improve his present faim, and has met with good success as a farmer. He participated in *he organization of Marshall township, was one of its first trustees and served nine years in that capacity. His brother, Emery M. Doty, (b. Mich. 1849), who located near him on the same section, was treasurer of the school funds four years, 1885-88. His family consists of two children, Laura and Torah. Oower, Tomas J. Dr. (b. 1866) is a native of Williamsburg, Iowa, the son of John and Elizabeth (Ward) Dower. He acquired his special education by taking the scientific course at Val- paraiso, lud., the medical course at the Iowa State University, where he graduated in 1896, and two special medical courses in Chicago, one be- fore and one after bis graduation at Iowa City. He located first at Livermore and in February 1899, at Fonda, where he has been favored with a lucrative practice. In 1898, he became a member of the Iowa State and. also of the American Medieal Associations, In 1900, he married BIOGRAPHIBS. 823 Mamie 1. Lyons, of Webster City, and owas a pretty cottage home. Eberia, Thomas, one of the recent settlers of Marshall township, located on 860. 20 in 1899. He is meeting with good success on th@ farm and his capacity for managing the public af- fairs of the township has been recog- nized by making him president of the school board in 1902. His family consisted of nine child- ren. John in 1900, married Helen Holder and lives in Grant township. Mine iB 1899, married Clement Guth- rie and lives in Dover. Frank married Maggie Holder and lives in Marsha.ll. Charles, Clara,- Thomas, Annie, a teacher, Louisa and Edward are at home. Fitch, Samuel (b, 1822; d. Fonda, 1903), was a native of Wilburton, Eng- land. In 1S51, he married Elizabeth Hazel, and coming to America located in New York. In 1856, he eame to Clayton eounty, Iowa, and located on a farm. In 1893, he located in Fonda, where his wife died at 69 in 1895, and he at 80 in 1903. His family consisted of threechildren, Charles C. (b. N. Y. 1851) lives at Mt. Vernon, S. D. George H. (b. Iowa, 1858) in 1878, married Amelia Biggie and engaged in farming in Clayton county. In 1884, he moved to Calhoun county, and in 1891 to Fonda, where two years later he was joined by his brother, Fred, aad they became associated in the hardware business, under the name "Fiteh Bros." This partner- ship was maintained until 1903, when Georje and family moved to the state of Washington. He served several years a« a member of the Fonda coun- cil and as a steward of the M. E. church. His family consisted of four children, of whom the first born died at Fonda. Mae, a Fonda graduate in 1899, in 1902, married Albert G. Bur- son, a druggist, and lives at Pierce. IfTeb. Gi>a«e and Esther are at home. Ered W. Fitch (b. 1865), junlof member of the firm of Fitch Bros., Fonda, 1893 to 1903, is a native of Clayton county, Iowa, where in 1891, he married Elizib^th Broker and en- gaged in farming until 1893, when he came to Fonda and engaged in the hardware business. His family con- sists of three children, Eva, Leon and Elnor. PliBt, George W., resident of Will- iams township, 1868 to 1878, was the SOB of Silas Flint, who came with him from Benton to Calhoun county. After a few years his parents return- ed to Benton county and died there, his father at 84 and his mother at 82. George W, was a highly respeofted citizen and served as treasurer et Calhoun county two years during his Te.«idence in it. In 1878, he moved to Clay sounty, Neb., and died there in 1897. He married Sarah J., daughter of Joseph L. Flint, and his family con- sisted of six children, two of whom died during his residence in Williams township. Ines married Henry E. Spencer, a carpenter, and died in 1898, leaving two children. Lulu M. mar- ried Nathan C. Barker and lives at Geneva, Neb. Lenora M. in 1900, married Roy T. Carpenter, merchant, Fonda, and has one child, Horace. Georgia Grace is at home. Flint, William P., a pioneer of Williams township and later a resi- dent of Fonda, is the son of Joseph L. and Jane Curtis (Dickey) Flint. His parents were natives of Maine, where they married in 1842. In 1851, they came to IHIboIs and two years later to Johnson county, Iowa, where his father died in 1887. His mother and brother, Caleb, live at Barnum. In 1875, lie married Kate J. Clemens and his family consists of three child- ren, Mabel, Edith and Clarence. Ann Flint, who married Joseph Hay, who in 1868, made the first en- try of the Warner homestead, and Eaceba Flint, who became th« wife 824 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. of Wesley Hay, were both sisters of William Flint and early residents of Williams township. Forbes, John ({). 1858), merchant, Fonda, is a native of Dixon, 111., the son of Rev. Hugh W. and Mary (Broadwell) Forbes. In 1860, he mov- ed with his parents to Iowa, and has been a resident of the state ever since, first at Tama, and later in Car- roll, Buena Vista and Pocahontas counties. In 1887, uader the name of John Forbes & Company, he engaged in the sale of general merchandise at Newell. In 1895, he located at Fonda and continued as a general merchant until 1902, when he became associated with E J. Chingren in the real estate business. His father, who died in Fonda at 74 in 1896, was the first Presbyterian minister to preach in Dixon, 111. He served faithfully and well the church- es of Cambridge and Hanover, 111, and of West Irving, Millersburg, Deep River, St. Charles, Rock Oreeli, and Iowa Center, Iowa. Walter Forbes, an older bi other of John, was a resi- dent of Fonda and assisted in the store from 1895 to 1900, when he loca- ted in Colorado. John was a member of the Fonda council three years,. 1897-99. In 1885, he married Emma Woodring, of Car* roll, and his family consists of five sons, Judd, Bert, Linn, Newell and Donald. Pouch, Daniel, miller, Rolfe, is a native of Ohio. After a residence of five years in Carroll county, Iowa, where he was engaged in the milling- business, in 1895, he came to Rolfe ac- companied by his brother, Richard, and built a fine grist and feed mill. In 1898, this mill was nearly destroy- ed by fire but was rebuilt. In 1900, his brother relinquished his interest and Fouch & Patterson have been the proprietors since. Daniel Fouch has served a number of years as an elder of the Presbyterian church. His fam- ily consists of four children, Verdie, May, Helen, and Webster D. Griffin, James (b. 1848), resident of of Cedar, is a native of Cork county, Ireland. In I8661 he came to Dubu- que county, Iowa, and worked as a bridge carpenter for the I. C, Ry. Co., fifteen years. Here in 1872, he mar- ried Catherine, sister of Jeremiah Sullivan. In 1881, he located on sec. 4 Cedar township. He has improved this farm with beautiful buildings and increased it to 240 acres. His family consisted of seven child- ren. Michael in 1901, married Eliza, daughter of Patrick Kearns, and lives in Fonda, where he is engaged in the furniture business. James, Annie, Mary, Maggie, Julia, and Hannah are at home. Hanke. Albert (b. 1849), a pioneer of Cedar township, is a native of Germany. In 1871, he and his brother, Frank, located on homesteads in Ce- dar township. Albert married Augus- ta Stry and is still the occupant of a farm on sec. 6. His family consisted of seven children. Edward married Mary Netski, lives in Buena Vista county and has three children, Mar- tin, Ella and Annie. Bertha, Aman- da, George, Carrie, Lillie, Ethel and Albert are at home. Frank Hanke, his brother, in 1882, moved to Buena Vista county and died there in 1899. He married Min- nie Stry, a sister of Augusta, and five of his family of nine are living, name- ly, Rineholt, Olive, Nettie, Elizabeth and James, Hardy, Verlin Elijah (b. 1873), far- mer and stock breeder, Fonda, is a native of Richland county. Wis. in 1880, he located in Cherokee county, Iowa, where In 1886, he married Ada, daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Rice. In 1887, he located on his pres- ent farm, on sec. 31, Cedar township, three miles west of Fonda. He has improved this farm with large and BIOGRAPHIES. 825 substantial buidings and during re- cent years bas acquired considerable prominence as a breeder of tine stock. His family consisfs of two children. Mabel and Elby Ray. Harrington, Jeremiah W. (b. 1808; d. Mar. 26, 1901), was a native of Ire- land, aod coming to this country at 18, located first in New York and then further west. He served as a section boss nearly half a century, and continuously lor a quarter of a century on one section of the Colum- bus and Indiana railroad in Ohio. He resided at Fonda and vicinity during the last twelve years of his life, and died at 93 in 1901. He was a tall, strong and well preserved man, genial modest and dignified in his manners. He never used tobacco nor indulged in profanity. He was the father of a large family of children, who have married and established homes of their own. He was the oldest resi- dent of Fonda at the time of his death. His wile survives him. Hauck, Valentine (b, 1837), mer- chant, Rolfe, is a native of Coburg, Germany. In 1852, he came to Amer- ica and located in Jo Daviess county, III. In 1866, he married Maria Kehl (b. 1847), a native of that county, and two years later became proprietor of a grocery store at Marshalltown, Iowa. Later he located at Glenwood, Mo , and in 1882, as-ociated witli Martin Weible, a brother in-law, opened a general store in the new town of Rolfe. The firm, Weible & Hauck, have been doing business in Rolfe ever since, though August Wei- ble, in 1894, became the successor of his father as a member of the firm. This is one ol the oldest business firms in the county, and it has grown stronger financially and in lavor with the people as the years have passed. He is the owner of the store building, considerable other town property and 480 acres of farm lands most of it in the viclDJty of Rolfe, Jfe Jias served several years as a member of the Rolfe school board, and is a democrat. His family consisted of two children one ol whom died in childhood. George Otto Hauck, his son and associate in business, in 1894, married Hattie May, daughter of Ross and Juliette G. Potter Dennis, and his family consists of four children, Ida May, Esther, Margaretta and Valen- tine. Haven, James Henry (b. 1841), a carpenter, is a native of Rutland county, Vt., the son of Solomon and Ghariotte (Tower) Haven. At five he came with his parents to a farm near Rockford, 111. In 1857, he located in Clayton county, Iowa, where his lather purchased a tract ol land that had on it a saw-mill. July 18, 1861, he enlisted at Colesburg as a member of Co. G. 9th, Iowa, passed from Du- buque to St. Louis on the Mississippi, then through Missouri and Arliansas with the army ol Gen. Curtis, partic- ipating in the battles ol Pea Ridge, the siege ol Vicksburg and Lookout Mountain. Alter that he was in the army of Gen. Siierman until the close of the war, and altogether partici- pated in 28 ol 32 battk s in vphich his regiment or a part ol it was engaged. He was twice slightly wounded but was never marked "off duty." He vpas mustered out July 18, 1865, alter having rendered lour years ol military service. In 1866, he married Mary M. Bushee and located on a larm near Dyersville. After three years he learned carpen- try and pursued that vocation. In 1880, he located at Fonda,' where he has been prominently identified with the G. A. R. Post. His wife, while she lived, was an active member in the M. E. church. She died at 56 in 1900.' She was twice president of the Fonda W. U. C. and later, its treas- urer. Mr. Haven is a charter mem- ber Of Fonda G, 4- Ji- Post, m^ 9R 826 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. many public occasions has s'erved as leader of the drum corps. His family consisted of five children but the first born died in childhood. Wallace W., a painter, in 1899, mar- ried Myrtle Bailey and lives at Poca- hontas. Adah A. in 1892, married Trank Cheney and lives south of Newel!. Lurean and Albert are at home. Hawkins, R. K.(b. 1864), photog- rapher, was a native of Fountain Co., Ind. In the fall of 1865, he came with his parents to Polk county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and learn- ed photography. He maintained a photographic gallery at Fonda from 1892 to 1898, when he located at Poca- hontas. He was a good violinist and took the lead in organizing and devel- oping local musical talent. Hayden, TulliusC. (b. 1852; d. 1890) merchant, was a native of Union Co., Ind., and at twenty in 1872, located at Panora, Iowa, where he served successively as clerk in a store, depu- ty sheriff and deputy clerk. After three years service in a bank at Guthrie Center he became a member of the mercantile firm of Hayden & Ferree and established a store at Fon- da, where he died at 38 in 1890. In 1875, during his residence at Pan- ora he married Maggie Townsend, who with two children survives him. Blanch in 1898, married David Rose, an Illinois Central railway agent, and now in Washington. Teddie lives with his mother in the state of Washing- ton. Hewlett, Alfred (b. 1816; d. 1901) was a native of Somersetshire, Eng- land. In 1849, he came to America and located in Dubuque county, Iowa, where in 1864, he married Christiana Rigg. In 1873, with a family of five children, he located in Pocahontas county, near Rolfe. He died at 84 in 1901, leaving to his children the heri- tage of an honest, upright man. iimspi Jpb» »»d George K@wl@tt, their sister, Mrs. M. 0. Ransom, and their mother still reside at or near Rolfe, and Mrs. Geo. W. Horton lives at Cedar Rapids. Hornor. Squire Finley (b. 1845: d. Fonda, 1897), was a native of Boone county, Ind. In his youth he moved to Bloomington, 111., where in 1866, he married Harriett E. Crosby. In 1895, he moved to Iowa, and located near Fonda, where he died at 52 in 1897. He was held in high esteem and honored by all who knew him. He took the lead in effecting the or- ganization of the Christian church at Fonda and the erection of the taber- nacle in 1895. His family consisted of nine child- ren. Laura Jane in 1892, married Ira Hair and died at 31, at Fonda in 1898, leaving three children. Pearl, Ruth and Paul. Martha May, a graduate of the normal department of Drake University, and her sister, Anna P., are engaged in teaching. Cora S. la 1903, married Amos Eaton and lo- cated near Fonda. William N., a farmer, in 1898, married Edna J, Hef- lin and has one son. Perry E.,,Eber G., James F., and Russell are at home. Kay, Emmet (b. 1848), mayor of Fonda in 1903, is a native of Kewanee, Henry county, 111., the son of James and Julia Post Kay. In 1867, he mar- ried Mary B., daughter of John W. and Sarah A. Clark and located on a farm. In 1872, he moved to Warren county, Iowa, and in 1885, to Fonda, where he has been engaged first in the livery, and later in the real estate business. His family consisted of three child- ren. Claude 0., married Ellen Russ- ell and lives in Fonda. Maude mar- ried Albert Ehline, a tailor, lives in Fonda and has one daughter, Ethel. Zola is at home. L,eece, Samuel Edgar (b. 1863) den- tist, Fonda, is a son of John and Mary BIOGRAPHIES. 827 LaFayetfce county, Wia., where he grew to manhood, received his early education and began the practice of his profession. After taking a com- mercial course in the normal school at Valparaiso, Ind , he entered the Chicago Dental College and graduated from it in 1894. In 1895, he married Susie L. Benston of LaFayette, Wis., and located in Fonda, where he has since been engaged In the practice of dental surgery. He performs all dental operations without pain to his patients and has attained a high de- gree of skill as a workman. He has served as mayor of Fonda two years, 1900 and 1901. He has one daughter, Marie. Loats, Albert G. (1823-T895), Bell- ville, was a native of Germany, where in 1850, he married Sceta Shap (b. 1823). In 1868, they came to Amer- ica and resided two years in Living- ston couDty, 111., On March 4, 1870, where he still resides. In 1894, she died leaving a family of two sons and five daughters. George A. Loats (b. 1856) in 1882, married Gacha (Tessie) Weimers. They own and occupy the old home farm and an additional quarter on sec. 27, bought in 1881, making 320 acres. Both farms are improved with good buildings, fences and groves. The large new house on the home farm was built in 1898. Mr. Loats is a man who concentrates his Interest In his family and farm, and has been very successful in raising good crops. He was president of the school board in 1884, and a trustee three years, 1893-95, but has no desire to hold of- fice. He is a liberal supporter of the Emmanuel German church, and was one of its original members and first ofBcers. He has a family of six child- ren all of whom are at home, Sacba (Sadie), Garrett (Charles), Albert, with a family of five children. John Henry, Eicha (Frederika) and Jennie, A., George A., Albert A., Jennie A. Albert A. Loats in 1882, married and Folka A., they located on a farm Swancha (Susan) Dewall and two of 160 acres on sec. 28, Belville town- years later bought a farm of 160 acres, ship, which they were the first to oc- in Lincoln township, which they were cupy and improve. At the time of the first to occupy and improve. They their arrival all the money possessed was $84 00 and with this amount a frame shanty, 12x14 feet, was erected, that served as the home of the family more than ten years. During the thirty years that have passed since they began to occupy this humble structure, great changes have taken place. The country has developed rapidly, cozy and substantial improve- ments have been erected at the old home, and all the members of the family have married and secured comfortable homes of their own. The venerable patriarch died at 72 in 1895, and his aged wife lives in comfort at the old home with her second son, George A. Loats. John A. Loats (b. 1854) in 1881, mar- ried Irene Johnson and located on a Homestead in Turner eouotj. S, p., moved to South Dakota in 1898, to Havelock two years later and in 1897, located in Minnesota. They have a family of five cbildren, Albert, Mary, Hannah. Sadie and William. Folka A. Loats in 1889, married Gustave Boteen and located in Lin- coln township, where they own a farm of 160 acres on sec. 16 which they have improved with good build- ings. They have a family of four children. Lena, Sadie, Albert and August. Jennie A. (b. 1851), the eldest, in 1872, married Anton Ringering in Illinois. In 1884, she died leaving a family of seven children. The second initial "A" in the name of the children of Albert G. Loats, stands for Albert. It was not an un- usual eustom in Gerfflauy for aii t^§ 828 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. members of the family to have the same name, and in this instance no reason can be assigned for the use of Albert except that their father mani- fested a preference or fancy for it. Long, Andrew O. (b. 1837), Bell- ville, is a native of Svpeden and in 1864, married there Karin, John Peters' daughter, (b. May 30, 1842). Four years later, with two children, they came to America and located in Webster county, Iowa. In June 1870, they came to this county and began to occupy as a homestead, the si nwi sec. 8, 80 acres, Bellville township. Their first improvement was a little frame shanty, and the following incident, related by a neighbor, is suggestive of their early struggles to keep the wolf from the door. During the period of impassable roads in 1870, their supplies having become ex- hausted, he walked to Pomeroy, a distance of five miles, for a sack of flour. Having no money and being a stranger, his request for flour was refused and he was compelled to re- turn empty handed. Relating his ex- perience to a neighbor on whom he called, the latter said, "Why did you not call on me, I would have loaned you the money?" Mr. Long replied, "Perhaps you would let me have it yet." He gave him the money and, retracing his steps to Pomeroy, car- ried the flour all the way h me on his shoulders that same day. This act of kindness in the hour of need is still gratefully remembered and great are the change9 that have sipce occurred. The old homestead is still occupied but it has been en- larged from time to time by addition- al purchases, so that the home farm now includes 560 acres and the first, and even second, sets of buildings have been replaced by a large dwell- ing house in 1885, and several un- usually large barns for the care of horses, cattle and hogs. He has been yery sueeessful as a farmer anci stock raiser, and, by all who know him, is highly esteemed as an industrious, pro>. Bollard and has one daughter, Phyllis Roberta. Stephen Alexander, a graduate of the medical department of Drake University in 1902, in the same year married Alice Weaver and en- gaged in the practice of medicine at Buckeye. Philip Sheridan, a horse trainer, Affa Roberta, a Des Moines graduate in 1900, and Laora Bell are at home. Moulton, John (1828-1893), resi- dent of Cedar, was a native of Ohio county, Ind. In 1848, he married Nancy D. Brush (b. 1829) and located on a farm. In 1860, he moved to Livingston county, 111., and remained there until 1876, when he located on a farm of 80 acres in Cedar township, which he improved, increased and oc- cupied until his death at 6.5 in 1893. He left a family of nine children. Elizabeth (b. 1849) in 1870, in Peoria county. 111., married John Garton, and in 1881, located on a farm of 80 acres on sec. 18, Cedar, which he im- proved and occupied until his death in 1897, when he left a family of four children, Emma, whoinlS91, married Frank Hamilton, Cora, who i^ 1893, married Charles Moore, Isaac, who in 1900, married Clara Perry, and Pearl. Tbomas (b, lud. 184S), a farmer, ia 830 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. 1881, in Livinifston county, 111., mar- ried Elizabeth Dudley and located that year in Cedar township, Poca- hontas county. Three years later he located on sec. 18, Dover and remain- ed there thirteen years. His family consists of four children, Chester, Reuben, Walter and Charles. Delilah in 18'72, married Daniel Scribbins and located on a farm in Livingston county. 111., but later near Peoria, and died while visiting friends at Fonda in 1900, leaving a family of ten children. Arthur (b. Ind. 1854), in 1881, mar- ried Cora, daughter of John Lemp, and is now the owner of a farm of 400 acres in Cedar township, which he has recently improved with new and very commodious buildings. He has a family of eight children, George, John, Wilford, Roy, Grace, Henry, Fay and Nettie. Floyd (b. Ind. 1856) in 1889, married Ella Decorah. He is the owner of a a farm of 160 acres in Cedar township, and has two children, John A. and Elsie. Frank (b. 111. 1860) in 1881, married Lucy, daughter of William Eaton, who died in 1886, leaving two child- ren, John W. and Belle. In 1894, he married Pearl Shreves and is now a resident of Dover. Stephen J. (b. 111. 1863) married Bertha Walters, lives in South Dako- ta and has two children, Dottle and Mary. Mary Ann in 1886, married James Trude, a drayman, Fonda, (See Trude). Jared L. (b. 111. 1886) owner and oc- cupant of the old home farm in Cedar, in 1898. married Anna Larson and has one son, Clarence. In 1895, Nancy D. (Brush) Moulton married Americas V. Sargent and after a few years residence at Fonda, returned to the old Moulton home, west of town. Mullen Bros., Owen W. and John P., dealers in live stock and imple- meats at Pocahontas and Fonda, have been residents of Fonda and vi- cinity since 1879. Terrence Mullen (b. 1821), their father, is a native of Ireland, where in 1860, he married Margaret Ward (b. 1841) and located on a farm. In 1881, he came to America and located on a farm of 80 acres south west of Fonda, which he still owns, increased to 640 acres, im- proved with good buildings and oc- cupied until 1899, when he and fam- ily moved to Fonda. His family consisted of seven child- ren. Margaret in 1889, married Michael Kelly (b. Ire. 1848), who came to America in 1863, and located in New York state. In 1884, he came to Iowa and located on a farm of 160 acres south of Fonda. He improved and enlarged this farm, by the pur- chase of neighboring tracts, to 640 acres, and occupied it until 1900, when he moved to Fonda. His family consists of five children, John, Eva, Dennis, Terrence and Michael. Owen W. (b, Ire. 1863), senior mem- ber of the firm of Mullen Bros., in 1900, located at Pocahontas, where he has since been emjaged as a dealer in live stock and implements. John P. (b. Ire. 1864), junior mem- ber of the firm of Mullen Bros., has been a dealer in live stock and imple- ments at Fonda since 1899. He spent three and one half years at Buena Vista College and taught seventeen terms of school during his residence on the farm. In 1899, he married Rose Brady of Storm Lake and has three children, Margarite, Marie and Ed- ward. Rose, a dress maker, lives at Sioux City. Michael J. after taking a sclentiflo course at St. Mary's Academy at Omaha, Neb., in 1895, became a civil engineer fpr the Amalgamated Copper Company, of Butte, Montana. Dur- BIOGRAPHIES. 831 ing the war with Spain in 1898, eolist- ing in the vicinity of the Blacli: Hills, he rendered patriotic service as one of the rough riders under Col Griggs- by. Mary married Thomas P. Fitz- gerald, an Implement dealer, ana lives at Yarioa. Jettie E., a teacher, is at home. Murray, Hugh J. (b. 1859)Pocahon- tas, is a native of Sharpsburg, Pa., the son of Peter and Elien Murray, with whom in 1860, he came to Iowa and located south of Des Moines. In 1889, he located on the swj sec. 25, 160 acres, Marshall township, Pocahontas county, which he was the first to oc- cupy and improve. He herded cattle two years in Marshall and Sherman townships, having 350 head the first year and 800 the next. In 1893, he located at Pocahontas, where he has since been engaged in the insurance business. He is the owner of a fine dwelling and two business houses at Pocahontas, and a half section of land in Sherman township. In 1895, he married Catherine, sister of M. A. Hogan, and has one son, Yin- cent. Neal, Benjamin (b. 1828; d. 1903), farmer and drayman, Fonda, was a native of Richmond, Ya. At fifteen he moved with his parents to Mason county, 111., where in 1864, he married Eunice Howe. In 1875, he became a resident of Pocahontas county, loca- ting on a farm in the vicinity of Fon- da. In 1884, he moved to Fonda, be- came a drayman and continued in that employment until his decease at 75 in 1903. He was an industrious, honest and honorable man. His family consisted of one son and seven daughters. Susan Jane in 1883, married Lewis Dishoff,' a farmer, and lives in Greeley county, Neb. Cbarles B., a farmer, in 1885, married Clara Wright and lives at Cherokee. Sarah 0. in 1883, married Frank Messenger, a carpenter, lives at Fonda and has five children, Lena married Robert Boothby, a farmer, and lives at Chero- kee. Huldah in 1885, married Charles Woodward, a railroad agent, lives at Mount Yernon, S. D. Lydia, Hattie, and Yiola May, a Fonda graduate (1899) and teacher,. are at home. Nichols, Nelson Clark (b. 1828), farmer, Fonda, is a native of Union county. Conn., the son of Warren and Matilda Parrish Nichols. In 1846, he went to Worcester, Mass., and found employment as a machinist. In 1853, he married Lucy Jane Patch (b. 1830) and remained there until J858, when he came to Clayton county, Iowa. In May 1869, he located on a homestead- five miles south west of Fonda, and he is still its owner and occupant. He planted fruit trees suited to this sec- tion and has one of the finest fruit bearing orchards in this vicinity. He has not yet forgotten the experiences of 1869, when he and his neighbors, William Strauss, C. D. Lucas, and Orlando O. Brown, hauled the mate- rials, for their first buildings, from Fort Dodge. In October that year he paid the man that lived on the bank of the creek, on the Harvey Eaton farm, one dollar to ferry him across the Cedar at Fonda. The wagon box and fixings were put on the boat and the oxen swam after it pulling the wagon through the water with a slough rope. His family consisted of five child- ren. Nellie Marie in 1876, married Sam- uel Way, a telegraph operator, and located successively at Alta and Blairsburg, Iowa, and Glasgow, Mon- tana, where he died leaving four children, Frank, Howard, Nellie and Fred. She now resides at Fargo, N. D. George Newell, (b. 1861), a tinner, married Clara Roberts and located at Fonda. His family consists of five children, Lola, Yere, Opal, Claude, and Eoy. 832 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Charles Henry (b. 1863), a carpenter, married Theresa Dorton and lives in Clayton county. FranJi, a farmer, in 1898, married Pearl McGeary, lives on the old 'home farm and has one child Laura Jean- nette. Cora In 1886, married George Marsh, a painter and decorator, lives at Prim- ghar, and has a family of five child- ren, Harry, Phoebe, May, Dora, and Joseph. O'Donnell, Edward (b. 1853) Fon- da, Is a native of Schuylkill county, Pa. In 1855, he came with his par- ents to Allamakee county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. In 1877, .he located at Dyersville, where in 1878, he married Ellen Sayre. In May that year he located at Fonda, where he found employment as a carpenter. He was the postmaster at Fonda six years, April 1, 1883, to Oct. 15, 1889, and during this period built for the office a fine brick building. He has been the town assessor most of the years since that date. His wife died in 1887, leaving four children, Carl, a clerk, who in 1902, married Vina Kennedy and located in North Dakota, Edward, Hazel and Lewis. In 1898, he married Susan McCartan. 01son, John (b. 1826) occupant of the south part of the Wm. Marshall farm. Cedar, 1869 to 1885, is a native of Denmark, where he grew to man- hood and married Mary Jensen. In 1867, he came to America with a fam- ily of three children and located in Maine. Two years later he bought the swj, sec 33, Cedar township, this county, improved and occupied it the next six years. The buildings that he erected were completely demolished and the grove that he planted was partially destroyed by the tornado of 1893, During his residence here he returned to Denmark and brought his aged mother that she might spend ttie remainder of her days at his home. She died at 93 in 1880 and was buried on the south side of an eleva- tion on the south west corner of the farm near Cedar creek. He was a member of the Lutheran church but his children became Seventh Day Ad- ventists. In 1885, he moved to San Pasqual, Cal. His family consisted of three child- ren all of whom were born In Den- mark, and bear the name of Johnson, after the Danish custom of calling the children after the first name of their father. Henry Johnson in 1878, married Florence White, daughter of an Iowa clergyman, and in 1884, located in California. He taught several terms of school in the vicinity of Fonda and now has a family of six children. Frank, Harry, Arthur, Nellie, Roy, and Jessie. Lawrence Johnson, a teacher, after his removal to California married Viola Darling and has two children, Ineza,nd Glenn. Sophia Johnson, a teacher, pursued medical studies at Battle Creek, Mich., in 1895, graduated later from the California Medical College and has since been engaged in the prac- tice of medicine at San Diego, Cal. She grew to womanhood at Fonda and, having a conviction that there was a more advanced sphere for wo- man than mere drudgery, pursued her education, relying upon her own re- sources, The success that has attend- ed her unaided efforts is but another illustration of wbat a young lady may accomplish if her will and energies are rightly directed. Patty, Clay C. (b. 1866), druggist, Fonda, is a native of Benton county, Iowa, the son of Joseph M, and Rachel J. (Greenlee) Patty, who lo- cated at Carroll during his childhood. Here he grew to manhood and secured a good education. In 1888, after at- tending the Illinois school of Phar- macy at Chicago, he engaged in the BIOGRAPHIES. 833 drug business at Charter Oak. Com- ing to Fonda in 1893, he established a drug store, and, though Its location was changed several times; he has now one of the finest rooms in the town, the first floor of the brick build- ing built by Roberts, Kenning and Wood on the southwest corner of Second and Main streets, in 1901. In addition to the usual stock of drugs, stationery, school books, soda foun- tain, etc., he keeps a news' stand and a wholesale ice cream establishment. During recent years he has attained the reputation of making the best ice cream, not merely in the town, but In this section of the state. In order to supply the large demand for the smooth and velvety ice cream that he makes, he has provided facilities for Its manufacture, that are a credit to the town. They include, among other things, a pasteurizer, a cream separa- tor, a mammoth freezer, and a steam engine. He can easily make one or more hundred gallons of ice cream in a day. During the seasons of 1902 and 1903, the milk of 100 cows was receiv- ed daily, and the product, which is called "Velvet Ice Cream" was ship- ped to most of the towns along the Illinois Central and Milwaukee rail- roads within fifty miles of Fonda. In 1894, he married Ginevra Ballard of Odebolt, and has one son, Frank. Dr. Louis G. Patty, his brother, after a residence of five years at Fon- da, during which he was engaged in the practice of medicine, in 1898, re- turned to Carroll. Frank L., a young- er brother, after assisting him two years in the drug store, died at 20 at Carroll in 1898. Pfeiffer, Godfrey (b. 1837), miller, Fonda, is a native of Germany. He came with his parents in 1846, to Butler county, Ohio, and in 1860, to Keokuk, Iowa. In 1861, he married Sarah Farr, of Wapello county and located on a farm. In 1871, he became the principal owner and manager of a mill at What Cheer. Three years later he assisted in the erection and man- agement of a mill at Greencastle. Three years later he built a mill at Newton and when it was destroyed by fire three months after its completion he rebuilt it. In 1881 he moved this mill and its machinery to Fonda, erected there also the brick house known as the McKee home, and was a resident of that place until 1889, when he moved to Wilbur, Neb., and in 1893, toParkston, S. D. His family consisted of five daught- ers, four 01 whom engaged in teaching at Fonda and vicinity. Laura Bell in 1898, graduated from the classical department of the State University, Lincoln, Neb., and be- came principal of the historic depart- ment in the high school at Omaha. She is now teaching at Lincoln. Lousa Jaae, after pursuing a nor- mal course in Drake University and teaching several years, in 1895, mar- ried George H. Kerr, proprietor of a lineotype printing press and lives at Des Moioes. Emma Mary, teacher of the primary department Fonda two years, in 1888, married George Taylor, clerk in a shoe store, Omaha, and died there in 1899, leaving seven children. Rebecca Kate in 1891, married Bert F. Osborn, a clerk, lives at Parks- ton, S. D., and has two children. Estella, a graduate in 1891, of the high school at Wilbur, Neb., and in 1899, of the academic department of Yankton College, has since been en- gaged as a teacher. Postj Charles H., farmer. Cedar, was a native of Painesville. O., the son of Daniel K. and Charity Post, both of whom died at Painesville, the former at 79, and the latter at 91, af tjr raising a family of twelve child- ren all of whom grew to manhood. Charles H., the seventh son, in 1870, married Mary Matson and found em- ployment in a nursery. In 1880, ho 834 PIONEEE HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUKTY, IOWA. located on the nl sec. 36, Cedar town- ship, which he improved and occu- pied until 1891, when he moved to the vicinity of Newell. In 1901, he lo- cated on a farm near Burlington, Kan. His long experience in nursery work developed a taste for raising fine fruits and also the skill to do so successfully. He achieved good suc- cess in raising apples, plums, cherries and strawberries wherever he has been located. He received a good ed- ucation and both he and his estima- ble wife were efBcient and prominent helpers in the work of the M. E. church and Sunday school. His family consisted of three child- ren. Ella in 1890, married William Shorts, a farmer, and lives near Stuart, Iowa. Alice in 1899, married William Reed, a farmer, and lives near Burlington, Kan. Walter and Mabel are at home. Post, Wilbur Eugene (b. 1861), farmer. Cedar, is a native of LaFay- ette county, Wis., (near Warren, 111), the son of Alanson and Mary Post. In 1885, he married Julia M. Church and lived one year on his father's farm near Newell, Iowa. In 1886, he located on his present farm on sec. 25, Cedar township, which he has im- proved with good buildings and in- creased to 160 acres. He has taken an active interest in the management of the public affairs of the township and served as president of the school board three years, 1896-98. His fam- ily consisted of four children, Elliott, who was accidentally drowned at 17 in 1903, Clayton, Glenn and Stella. Reed, Joseph M. (b, 1842), Clinton, is a native of Pennsylvania and inl860 came with his parents to Delaware county, Iowa. In 1861, he enlisted as a member of Co. B, 4th Iowa Cavalry, and continued in the service until the end of the war, four years. In 1965, he married Arminta Hayden, and in 1871, located on a homestead in Palo Alto county. In 1874, he located in Clinton township, Pocahontas county, where he improved a farm of 120 acres with neat and handsome buildings, and oc- cupied it until 1900, when he moved to Laconner, Washington. His fam- ily consisted of three children. Amy L. in 1883, married F. F. Fitzgerald. Lena in 1891, married Charles A. Vaughn, a farmer. Ora married Miss Christianson, of Gilmore City. Rice, Walter (1845-1091), farmer, Fonda, was a native of Schoharie county, N. Y., where in 1866, he mar- ried Elizabeth Chrystal and located on a farm. In 1877, he moved to Iowa, locating first in Story and then six years in Cherokee county. In 1887, he located on the nei sec. 24, Cedar township, Pocahontas county, and occupied this farm until a week previous to his decease, which occur- red near Des Moines, March 9, 1901. During his long residence at Fonda he became well known as an enter- prising and successful farmer. His family still occupies the farm. It consisted of two sons and one daught- er. Fred in 1892, married May Bennett, occupies the old home farm and has two children. Ada in 1886, married Verlin E. Hardy, farmer, Fonda. Frank in 1903, married Olive, daught- er of Samuel S. Mariin, Fonda. Saunders, W. B. (1855-1901), deal- er, Bolfe, was a native of Rensselaer county, N. Y. At ten he came with his parents to Illinois and later to Black Hawk county, Iowa. In 1879, he married Alma Messinger and in 1886, located on a farm in Center township, Pocahontas county. After seven years he moved to Rolfe, where he became a dealer in hay and ice. He was a man of strict integrity and very highly respected. He left a wife, five sons and two daughters. Schoentahl, Henry, (b. 1844) farmer, Fonda, became a member of Co. M, 6th Iowa Cavalry, Oct. 16, 1862, at Dubuque, and went into camp at BIOGRAPHIES. 835 Davenport. He was mustered out at Sioux City,. Oct. 15, 1865, after three years of service on the northwestern frontier. He participated in the bat- tles with the Indians at Hart Mound, White Stone Hill, and the Black Hills, In 1868, he married Louisa Kruse, at Dubuque and they continued to reside there until 1890, when they lo- cated in the vicinity of Fonda. His family consisted of six children, Emil, Wilhelmina, Sadie, August, Ludic and Edward. Selfert, George Mrs. (1826-1902), Clinton, was a native of Germany. In 1848, at Schenectady, N. Y., she be- came the wife of George Seifert, who died in 1885, at DeWitt, Iowa, leaving a family of nine children. In 1889, Mrs. Seifert and her daughter, Anna, became residents of Clinton township, making their home with her daughter Catherine, wife of W. 0. Kennedy. Anna in 1901, married Edward H. Weigman and located at Barlow, N. D. Three of her sons, Charles C, John and Amos Seifert, are still resi- dents of Pocahontas county. The other children are Mrs. McKidd, Nebraska City, Mrs. Page, Chicago, and Henry Seifert, DeWitt, Iowa. She was a loving mother and a noble woman. She endeavored to exert a good influence over all with whom she associated. Shea, Patrick (b. 1837), owner and occupant of a farm of 240 acres on sec. 5, Cedar township, is a native of Ire- land. At ten he came with his par- ents to Canada and in 1862, located in New York. The next year he went to California and spent the next seven years mining copper at Stockton or doing other work at San Francisco. In 1869, he married there Mary Maher. In 1870, he left the Pacific coast, visited friends in New York and Canada, bought and located on 80 acres of his present farm which he has nicely improved and increased to 240 acres. He is an intelligent and highly respected citizen and has serv- ed several years as assessor, trustee and treasurer of Cedar township. His wife died in 1879, leaving four children, Richard, Joseph, Margaret and Mary. Patrick Shea, his father, who came to his home in 1882, died there at 74 in 1887. Sherman, Perry H. (1838-1902), Rolfe, waf a native of Cattaraugus county, N. Y. At the age of four he was bereft of mother and his deprived of a home,^ circumstances that com- pelled him to support himself as soon as he was able. He grew to manhood on a farm and in 1858, married Jerusha Smith. In 1865, he located in Jones county, Iowa, where he ex- perienced the hardships common to the pioneers of that section, one of which was the protection of their lives and homes against the depreda- tions of outlaws. During a part of this period he was captain of a band of vigilantes, who were organized for the purpose of apprehending and punishing horse-thieves and other violators of law. In 1892, he became the owner and occupant of a farm ad- joining Rolfe and died at 64 in 1902. By industry and frugality he acquired a comfortable competency. He was a man of sterling worth, truthful in his word and exemplary in his conduct. His family consisted of eight child- ren, namely, J. P. and F. H. Sherman, merchants, Mrs. O. B. Fuller, Nellie, Fred A. and Benjamin Sherman, all of whom reside at Rolfe. Fred and Benjamin in 1902, weie students of the State University at Iowa City, having in view the practice of law and medicine respectively. One of his children died in childhood and Alice, wife of F. F. Ellicker, died in 1900, at her home in Des Moines. Sinnett, James (b. 3836: d. 1903), one of the pioneers of Pocahontas county, was a native of Ireland. He 836 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. came to America in 1853, and after a residence of four years in New York located in Michigan, where he was engaged in the copper industry the next twelve years. In 18b9, he mar- ried Julia Ryan (b. Ireland 1840), and located in Pocahontas county, Iowa, first in Lizard, the next year in Bell- ville, and in 1878, on sec. 23, Lake township, where he secured a farm of 240 acres. In 1900, he moved to Rolfe and later to Gilmore City, where he died at 67 in 1903. His family consisted of twelve children, seven of whom survive him. M. T. in 1891, married Julia Murphy. Aftjr spending ten years in the min- ing districts of Colorado, he located at Pocahontas and has a family of four children. Maggie in 1883, married Thomas LaihofE, lives at Marysville, Montana, and has seven children. James in 1899, married Anna Kelleher occupies his own farm in Lake town- ship and has two children. Kate in 1892, married M. J. Ford, a farmer, lives in Webster county and has six children. Patrick in 1899, married Agnes Nugent, lives on his own farm in Lake township and has two child- ren. Mary in 1895, married J. 0. Hood, a farmer, lives in Webster county and has two children. Julia A,, a teacher in 1903 at Gilmore City, has been very succeesful iu her pro- fession, having taught three and one- half years In Rolfe. Her mother lives with her. Smith.ThomasBrennan (1855-1902), Clinton, was a native of Peoria, HI. He was the son of Andrew Brennan, who died when he was a habe. His mother soon afterward married An- drew S. Smith, father of James 8. Smith of Plover, and the name of Smith was adopted. In 1870, he came with his father to Pocahontas county and continued to reside in it until his death at 48 in 1902. In 1878, he mar- ried Julia Nemecek who di^d at his borne pn sec. 29, He left one daught- er, Mary, who lives with her grand- mother, Mrs. Nemecek. Tom Smith was a pioneer character whose acquaintance or fame was not confined to Pocahontas county. Dur- ing the early days lie kept large herds of cattle on the prairies and as the years passed became possessor of 560 acres in Clinton township. His tastes were extremely primitive and during the summer months he scorned to wear anything on his feet. He made his trips to the neighboring towns and even to the cities without any special change of clothing. As a trader in hay and cattle he did a large business each year. He was a hard and persistent worker, often dis- regarding the time of day. He experi- enced the hardships of the pioneer through many years of wearing and wearisome labor, He was a brother of Mrs. John H. Olduker and Mrs. John Bush, a half brother of James S. Smith, a cousin of H. C. Barnes, and was related to the Nemecek brothers and Volutka families. Smorkovski, Aiiton (1824-1881), Bellville, was a native of Bohemia, where in 1851, he married Dosa, who died a few years afterwards leaving one daughter, Mary. In 1856, he married Barbara Dosa, a sister of his first wife, and, coming to America in 1867, located in Livingston county, 111. In 1872, with a family consisting of wife, four sons and three daughters, he came to Pocahontas county, Iowa, and located on the ej swi sec. 28, 80 acres, Bellville township. He was an industrious and thrifty farmer, and improved his farm with good and sub- stantial buildings. At the time of his death at 57 in 1881, he was the owner of 320 acres, all of which are still owned and occupied by his wife and the younger members of his fam- ily. Mary, a daughter by his first wife, la 1875, married Peter Kemmer and BIOGRAPHIES. 837 located on a farm of 160 acres on sec. 13, Shermaa township, which they have improved, increased to 320 acres, and still occupy. Their family con- sists of three children, Peter, Annie and John. Anton (b. Boh. J857) in 1885, mar- ried Mary Stoley. He owns and oc- cupies a farm of 170 acres in Center township and has a family of five children, Mary, James, Elizabeth, Lois and Anna. Annie (b. Boh. 1858) in 1877, married Rudolph Beneke, (see page 345). John (b. Bob. 1860) owns and occu- pies a farm of 100 acres on sec. 16, which he has improved with good buildings. * Donna (b. 111. 1868) in 1890, married George Peters, vyho owns and occupies a farm near Havelock, which he was the first to improve. Their family consists of five children, George, Barbara, Anton, Joseph and John. Sophia (b. Iowa, 1872) in 1895, mar- ried John Clain, a farmer, lives in Washington township, and has a fam- ily of three children, Jennie, Anton and Joseph. Joseph, Frank and their mother oc- cupy the old home farm, Straight Bros., Lee S. and Guy H., manufacturers of brick and tile, Fonda, are natives of McLean coucty, III., sons of Rufus C. and Franciua E. (Abbey) Straight. They grew to manhood and received their early education at Fairbury, Livingston county. 111. Lrb in 1882 erected a tile factory at Manhattan, and two years later, selling this plant, bought an- other one at El Paso, 111., where Guy then became associated with him in business. In 1891 they came to Fonda and erected a brick and tile manufac- turing establishment (p. 388), that has since received their undivided at- tention and been successfully operated by them. Both are skillful mechanics and entirely familiar with every de- partmeat of their work. They have with their own hands erected not only their buildings, but also their most important and delicate machinery. The Industry they have established is one of the most important at Fon- da and its management, under their careful personal supervision, has been very successful. They are the owners of several hundred acres of land in the vicinity of Fonda, and leading stock- holders of the Northern Telephone Company. Lee S. Straight (b. 1860) completed his education at the Bryant & Strat- ton business college, Chicago. He is a director of the Northern Telephone Co. and has served several terms as a member of the Fonda council. In 1882, in Livingston county, 111., he married Ida Tanner, a teacher, and his family comsists of six children. Halver and Fleda, Fonda graduates in 1902 and 1903, respectively, Gladys, Ina, Merton and Alma. Guy H. Straight (b. 1868), junior member of the Ann of Straight Bros., in 1891 during his residence at El Paso, 111., married Ida B. Mahoney, a teacher and resident of Fairbury, 111. His family consists of three chil- dren, Oma, Leta and Lois, one having died in childhood. He is now (1903) a member of the Fonda council. Struthers, William (b. 1836), far- mer, Des Moines, brother of Robert, (p. 171) is a native of Canada where in 1860 he married Anna, daughter of John and Margaret Kilgour. Coming to Pocahontas county that year he located on the nwi sec, 13, Des Moines township, which he improved and occupied until 1877, when he located on the nei sec, 23, where he still re- sides and is the owner of 226 acres. His family consisted of seven chil- dren, one of whom died in childhood. John A. (b. 1862), a farmer, ii;, 1892 married Emma Norman, lives in Des Moines township and has a family of four children, VernoQ, Grordoa, Flofr ence and ^lOl^eri;, 838 PIONEER HISTORY OE POCAHONTAS COUHTY, IOWA. William J. {b. 1865), a railroader, in 1894 married Hulda Elg, lives at Gowrie aod has a family of four chil- dren, Donald, Pauline, Clifton and Carl Elva. Nellie in 1894 married Frank King, a dentist, lives at Rolte and has one daughter, Milfred L'uiis'",. Elizabeth in 1894 rniri-ri Prank Duvoe, a banker and iivts ui Jeffers, Minn. George D. (b. J876), is the owner and occupant of a farm of 170 acres on sec. 13, Des Moines township. In 1900 he married Natalia Julmi and has one son, Melvin. Leslie (b. 1879) is at home. Struthers, James, brother of Will- iam, after seven years spent in Aus- tralia, located across the line in Hum- boldt county near McKnight's P lint, a beautiful point of timber extending from the east bank of the Des Moines river out upon the prairie a few miles northeast of Rolfe. He improved and occupied this farm until his death in 1898, at which time he was the owner of a large and finely improved farm. In 18rtl he married Margaret Jane, daughter of John and Margaret Kil- gour, and his family consisted of eight children, five sons and three daugh- ters, namely, George, a farmer, Mag- gie, decea^ed, Andrew J. who located at Sioux Rapids and died at 36 in 1903 leaving a wife and two children, Bar- bara, Robert, Fred, Anna and Wat- son. Sullivan, Henry (b. 1854), Cedar, is a native of Wheeling, W. Va. At the age of one year he moved with his parents, John and Ann Gibbons Sulli- van, to Green county. Wis., where he grew to manhood. In 1880, be located in Pocahontas county, Iowa, in the vicinity of Fonda, and is now the owner and occupant of a farm of 160 acres near the town, on which he has erected all the improvements. In 1882, he . married Aofl Kniglit of Qfeen county, Wis. Sullivan, Jeremiah O. (b. 1840) is a native of Ireland. At the age of nine he came with his parents to Memphis, Tenn., and six months later to JacitsoQ county, Iowa. In 1870, he came to Pocahontas county and lo- cated on a homestead of 80 acres on sec. 4, Cedar township, which he still occupies, has increased to 430 acres and improved with good buildiags. In 1874, he married Mary Keefe and has a family of three sons and three daughters, Michael, Anna, Margaret, John, William, and Mary. John Carey, James GritHn and Peter Byrne, who reside in the vicinity of Fonda, are married to sisters of Mr. Sullivan. His parents lived and died in Jackson CO jnty. Swenson, Swen J. (b. 1840^, tailor, is a native of Sweden, where he grew to manhood and in 1867, married Al- berta Eigll (b. 1843). In 1869, he came to America and lived nine years In Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1878,, he located at Neweli and in 1892, at Fonda, Iowa, where he established tailor shops that at times, gave employment to several workmen besides himself and his two sons, Paul and Gustave. Nov. 1, 1900, he moved to Albert Oitj. He is an In- dustriuus worker, a man of sterling integrity and has raised a fine family. His family consisted of six children. Bertha in 1891, married Carl E. Thorpe, a tailor, lives at Manson and ha^ three children, Evelyne, Lloyd and Magarite. Swen N. (b. 1871), a drug clerk, St. James, Minn., in 1894, married Eva Alfreda Krohnand has two children, Irena and Marion. Paul (b. 1875), a tailor. Lake City, in 1896, married Edna Clearwater and has one child, Pauline. Gustave T. (b 1875), a Fonda gradu- ate in 1894, worked in the tailor shop several years, acquired a practical knowledge of electrical engineering and is now chief eleotrician for the rfteltte WiTdlm Telegrapii and Tele- BIOGRAPHIES. 83 phone Company, San Pedro, Cal. In 1902, he married Edith, daughter of William and Rebecca J. Busby, Fon- da, and lives in Los Angeles. MaryJohnson Swenson (1808--1897), his mother, in 1872, the year after the death of her husband, Swen Swenson, at the age of 64 years, came to Amer- ica and lived vfith her son, Swen J., at Brooklyn, Newell and Fonda, un- til her death at 89 in 1897. She was tbe mother of four children, one ot whom, the eldest, died in childhood; Anna Bertha married August Foegel- quist and lives in Minnesota; Augusta married 0. Ljungren lives in Sweden; and Swen J. Swenson. She was a de- vout member of the Lutheran church. Thatcher, Isham Clarence (b. 1845), county auditor, is a native of Williston, Vt., the son of Stephen and Helen Isham Thatcher. In 1853, he mos'ed with his parents to Indiana, in 1857, to Dudge county, Wis,, and in 1863, to Minnesota, where his parents still reside. In 1888, he located In De9 Moines township, Pocahontas county, wliere he soon won recognition as an enterprising and prosperous farmer. He was three times elected and served efflciently as auditor of this county six years, 1897-1902, Called from the plow to accept an important public trust he discovered to his friends that the man who auccessfuly stirs the sod can faithfully and efficiently perform the duties of the auditor's office, lie is now serving as a deputy in the auditor's office. In 1869, he married Helen A. Faster who died in 1871 leaving one daughter now Mrs. H. B. White, Houston, Minn. In 1878, he married Ella C, only daughter of Sanford and Chloe Brown Ritter, and their family con- sists of one daughter, Eloise, a teach- er. Trude, Solomon H. (b. 1816), car- penter, Fonda, was a native of Sara- toga, N. Y. In 1839, he married Raehel Bailey (b, 1820) and located ^t Erie, Pa., where he found employ- ment as a carpenter and later nine years as a ship builder on the lakes. In 1858, he moved to Johnson county, Wis. Oct. 4, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Co., H., 13th Wis. Inf. and continued in the service three years and two months. He belonged to the army of the Cumberland and served successively under generals Rosen- srans. Grant, and Sherman. His family consisted of eight child- ren, and three of his sons, William, George, and Marion, followed his pa- triotic example and rendered military or naval service during the civil- war. William served three years in the sathe compeny with his father and died at HiUsboro, Wisconsin, in 1880. George W. enlisted as a member of the 8Dh Wis. Inf., the eagle regiment and served nearly four years. He is a carpenter and lives at Des Moines. Francis Marion entered the navy and was under the command of Capt. Win- slow on the ill-fated Kearsarge. Solomon II. in 1880. came to Fonda, Iowa, where he continued to reside until 1900, when he and wife moved to Des Moines where he died at 85 in 1901. James J. Trude, his youngest son, came with him to Fonda and engaged in drayingmany years. In 1900. he located on a farm in South Dakota, In 1886, he married Mary A. Moulton and has a family of sixchildren, John, Nancy, Cora, Charles, Clarence and Arthur. Tucker, Seth Samuel (b. 1830), hotel keeper and dairyman, Fonda, is a native of Brie county, N. Y., the son of George and Susan Tucker, who were natives of that vicinity. In 1?50 he married Jane Coyle a native of Poughkeepsie. In 1878 he located on a farm in Cedar township, north of Fonda. In 1883 he became proprietor of the Central House and four years later of the JJwiDg Hotel, Fonda, He bas a}§l»i. McEwen, J. J. Bruce, David Miller and Geo. W. Hathaway, each two years. Oscar I. Strong, after serving in 1874, resigned and John F. Clarlj, being appointed and afterwards elected, served three years, 1875-77. David Miller and O. I. Strong then served successively each a term of two years. In 1882, they were followed by J. P. Robinson and J. H. Campbell, both of whom served terms of four years. Their successors have been Fred C. Gilchrist two years, 1890-91; del Gilchrist six years, 1892- 97; A. W. Davis two years, 1898-99; and U. S. Vance 1900 to date, 1903. O. F. Avery, the second incumbent, issued one certificate during his term of office. This was given to Helen M. Harvey and she taught the first school in 1860, in the home of W. H. Halt, at old Rolfe. During the fall of that year the first school house, a brick one, was built at old Rolfe. W. H. Halt, the superintendent in 1861, issued two certificates, and two schools were taught that year, one by Helen M. Harvey in the brick school house and the other by Ellen Condon in a vacant log cabin, later known as the "Pioneer School House," built by Patrick Collins on sec. 13, Lizard township. In 1866, W. D. McEwen Issued among others a certificate to James J. Bruce. At that date there were only six school houses in the county, namely, the "Brick" and (Robert) "Struthers" in Des Moines township, the "Calligan" and "Walsh" in Lizard, the "Malcolm" in Clinton and "Strong" in Powhatan. No others were built after the one at old Rolfe until the close of the war, or in 1865, and the first ones then were those in the Calligan, Strong and Malcolm districts. In 1869, when Mr. Bruce was superintendent, he is- sued certificates to Nellie Remtsma (Mrs. Fred Swingle), Mary Quinlan, Thomas Lumpkin, Henrietta Vaughn, Ella M. Butler and CUarles E, Tuttle. On April 21st that year lie selected the site for the school house at Sunk Grove, the first one in Cedar township and west half of the coun- ty. The report for 1860, when all the county was included in one district, shows 36 pupils in the county, thir- teen of whom were enrolled with an average attendance of eleven. In 1865. there were two districts, and they contained, Des Moines 61, and Lizard 39 children of school age. In 1870, there were in the county 591 children, of whom 307 were en- rolled with an average attendance of 159. In 1875, there were 13 districts and 902 children. In 1880, when Fonda appeared as the first Independent town district with 86 children, there were 15 districts and 1401 children. In 1890, when there were three inde- pendent town districts there were 19 districts and 3,339 children. The annual report for 1903, was as follows: Subdistrlcts, 128; inde- pendent, 17, of which 8 were in towns, 8 in Lizard township and one, a joint district at Gilmore City, where the school is in Humboldt county; 145 school houses, valued at $126,376; teachers' places 174, employed during the year 311, of whom 44 were males employed at an average of $40.15 a month, and 267 were females, at $34.26 a month; children of school age in the county 5,150, enrolled 4,681 with an average attendance of 2,756, and cost of tuition per month $2.43; value of apparatus $7,768; 218 certificates were issued, 16 teachers held state certifi- cates and the amount paid the teach- ers was $51,582; volumes in libraries 10,887. More than 9,000 of these have been obtained since 1900. The town of Ware had no school In 1903. It is located at the corner of four sections, that represent as many school districts each of which was supplied witb a good school bouse l:^e> 848 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. fore that town was founded in 1900. After maintaining several terms of school in town, it was decided to send the children to the school in the dis- trict to which they respectively be- long. Lizard township was divided into eigtit independent rural districts, as at present, in 1875. Each district has one school and elects its own direct- ors, secretary and treasurer. The first county institute was held In the briclc school house at old Rolf e in December 1870, by Superintendent David Miller, and thirty two teachers were enrolled. The second one was held in the Pioneer school house In Lizard township in December 1871, during the closing weeus of his term, and forty teachers were enrolled. The plan of holding district institutes, for the mutual improvement of the teachers and the development of an intelligent interest in the schools on the part of their patrons, was adopted during his second term, 1878-79, the first ones being held in Grant, Des Moines, Center and Washington townships. The annual institute has been a very Important factor in the develop- ment of the school work in this coun- ty. It has furnished many teachers the only means they enjoyed for pro- fessional advancement. As the years passed and new branches were added to the required list of studies the in- stitute has been supplemented by the normal training or summer school. The first training school was held at Eonda in the fall of 1877, during the term of Superintendent J. E. Clark. It lasted eight weeks and was followed by an institute of two weeks. The instructors were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ellison, Prof Hamill and Mrs. Bishop. After the lapse of twenty years, or during the summer of 1897, a normal Institute lasting six weeks was held at Fonda by Superintendent Clel Gil- christ. The new branches that had been previously added ard to which special attention was given at this meeting were algebra, pny^ics, civics, and economics. The instractors were Prof. James C. Gilchrist, Geo. B. Reed, D. K. Bond, A. W. Davis, U. S. Vance, A. T. Rutledge and Tillie Cramer. A summer scbcol lasting four weeks has been held in connec- tion with the annual institute every year since that date, except in 1899. Fonda was the first of the High Schools of the county to send forth a class of graduates. This class gradu- ated in 1894, and consisted of six per- sons: Gus T. Swenson, L. 3. Wright, Ada Hawkins (Bond), ilena Carlton (Harris), Lena Mercer, and Minnie Haffele (Adams). The f rst classes from the other High Schools of the county were graduated as follows: Rolfe in 1897, Laurens in 1898, Have- lock from the tenth grade in 1895 and from the twelfth in 1898, and Plover in 1899. Aggie Garlock of Rolfe, in 1887, was the first to graduate from the eight year course of study, estab- lished by the Board of Supervisors in 1886 for the district schools of the county. The principals of the High Schools, under the leadership of A. W: Davis, in March 18D7, organized a county oratorical association for the purpose of holding an annual contest between the pupils of their respective schools. Four contests were held and the winners in the dramatic a"d humor- ous exercises respectively, were as follows: At Fonda, Marsh 21, 1897, Jennie Eaton and Weaton Martin, both of Fonvia;at Rolfe in 1898, Abbie Davis, Fonda, and ArLhur Tumble- son, Havelock; at Havclock in 1899, Cora Mercer, Fonda, and Mabel Gibbs, Rolfe; at Pocahonti'S in 1900, Florence Coaroy and Mae Y. Wright, both of Fonda. The consolidation of the rural schools has recently becfjme the sub- ject of considerable discussion in this PtfBLIC SCHOOLS. 849 county. State Supe -intendent R. C. Barrett visited this county and de- livertd an importano address on that subject at Ware, Feb. 18, 1901, a few months after that tcwn was founded. The system has sinco been advocated in the public press oi! the county by Superintendent U. S. Vance and Prof. Frank Jarvis. Among the con- siderations that aire irged in favor of the system of consulidation are the following: It requires and makes possible build- ings that are larger and better sup- plied wli^h educational eciuipments and sanitary appliances. By the transportation of pupils to aud from school under the care of responsible parties, more of them attend and better protection is afforded, both to the health and morals of tli.i pupils. It reduces the cost of educating each pupil, secures better classification of them and better teachers fur them. It is also urged that iu tUe states where it lias been tried, Obio, Massa- eounty Teachers's Institutes and Normal Training Schools. Date Place Supt. 1870, Deo. Old Kolfs David Miller 32 1871, Deo. pioneer S H Lizard David Miller 40 1872, Dec. Garlook 8 H Oedar Geo. W. Halt away a.5 1873 Geo. W. Baihaway 1874 O. I. titroDg 1875 J . F, Clark 1876, Oct. Fonda J.F.Clark 40 1877, Sept. « Fonda J. F. Clark 43 1878, Oct. Pooahontss David Miller 39 1879, "ot, 1880, Nov. 1881, Sept. 1882, Oct. 1883, Oct. 1884, Sept. Pocahont,- s PocahontsB Fonria Fonda Pocahontas Koife David Miller O. 1. strong 0. 1. strong J. P. Robinson J P. Robinson J. P. Robinson 30 36 40 40 45 1886, Aug. Fonda J. P Pobinson 50 1886, Sept. Pocahontas J. H Campbell 50 1887, Aug. Pocahontas J H Campbell 60 1888, Aug. Pocahontas J. H. Campbell 1889, July Rolf 6 J, H. Campbell 1890, A ug. Fonda F. 0. Gilchrist 1891, Sept. Laurens F. C. Gilchrist 1892, Aug. Rolfe Clel Gilchr St ( 1893, July Fonda Clel Gilchrist 193 1894, July Havelook Clel Gilchrist 193 1895, July Laurens Clel Gilchrist 176 1896, July Rolfe Clel Gilchrist 2i6 1897, July" Fonda Clel Gilchrist 131 . l'i98, July» Pocahontas A. W. Davis 130 ' 1899, Aug. Havelock A. W. Davis 111 ■ 1900, Aug.* Laurens U. S. Vance 103 1901, Aug.* Rolfe U.S. Vance 111 1902, Aug.* Fonda U. S. Vance 131 1903, Aug.* Pocahontas 0. S, Vance 150 1 'Normal Training School. Teachers Instructors Prese;it David Miller Geo. W. tfalhaway, C. M. Saylor Prof. James £:nos Prof, and Mrs. Charles Ellison, Hamili aud Bisbop Prof. Hoy,pf Hamp'on and Prof. WeuiwuiLh, ol chica{;o Abbie Glllord, A. Cahoun Krwln baker Krwin Baker, R. A.Brownlee J. WeniLi Bennett Bigsby, Laura Pfelflfer J. W. McCleilan, Mary L. Chap- man, Jidna Blake FranK E. Plummer, Mary L. Chap- man, Anna E Brown J. Wernli, Alice L, Breuton, &nna E Brown U J Buck, Alice L Brentcn, Anna E Brown J BrecBenridge, Alice L. Brenton, Anna E. Brown J. Breckenrldge, AliceL. Brenton, Anna E. Brown Anna B. McGovern A. W. Sargent, a. A. Emery, J. C. Gilchrist Anna B McGovern, A. W. Sargent, «. A. Biuery, J. C. Gilchrist Geo. E. Reed, Nora Kelley J. C. Gilchrist (Jeo. E. Reed, Mrs. M. D. Fry, J. C. Gilchrist D. K Bond, Mrs. A. E. Thomas, J. C. Glirout /.dam Pickett, Frftd L. Cassidy, A. T. Rutledge, Frank Jar\ is C.J. Boyington, Fred L. Cassidy, W. H. Reever, Frank Jarvis 850 PIONEER StlStORY OJF POCAftONTAS COtJN^Y, toWA. chusetts, Maine and New York, it has been more beneficial to the children and more economical to the patrons than the old system. A County Teacher's Library Asso- ciation was formed in 1899, during the term of Superintendent Davis. This association contributed $50, and, re- ceiving $50 presented to this county by Hon. Geo. W. Schee, of Primghar, on Nov. 25, 1899, established a County Teacher's Library, containing 125 volumes. This library was divided into five sections and were located in different parts of the county as fol- lows: No. 1— Rolfe, care of A. T. Rut- ledge. No. 2— Laurens, care of E. L. Grout. No. 3— Pocahontas, care of W. B. Matson'. No. 4— Palmer, care of Minnie Han- son. No. 5— Fonda, care of D. E. Barnes. The books in each section are pass- ed in rotation from one station to the other every six months, on the first day of January and July. They are for the exclusive use of the teachers, who become members of the associa- tion by the payment of fifty cents a year. They may be retained three weeks, but must be returned before the semi-annual rotation of the sec- tions. The Board of Supervisors on July 18, 1900, decided to donate $50 a year for ten years towards the development of this library, in order to secure the proposed gift of the same amount for that period from Mr. Schee. This library, at the end of ten years, from these two sources, will have books costing in the aggregate $1,000. Our County Schools, a monthly pa- per, established by Superintendent A. W. Davis in July, 1898, is published by the superintendent as a means of communication between him and the directors and teachers on educational matters. The public school is the American method of solving the problems of human rights, individual liberty and popular government. Other countries have government, society and church schools; America alone has the peo- ples' schools in which is attempted universal education— one of the great- est movements of the age. Our pub- lic schools, as a means of developing general intelligence, constitute the hope of the nation and merit the liberal support of every citizen. XXXI. eODNTY ORGANIZaTieNS. "United we stand, divided we fall." eounty Medical Association. The physicians residing in different parts of this couniy assembled at Po- cahontas. Aug. 23, 1897, for the pur- pose of forming a county organization. There were present at this first meet- ing the following physicians* W. W. Beam, and Charles E. Leithead, of Eolfe; Drs. Charles R. Whitney and L. G. Patty, of Fonda; Dr. J. D. Wall- ace, of Plover, and Drs. O. H. Barthel and C. B. Lawrence, of Pocahontas. Dr. Whitney served as temporary chairman. The officers for the first year were chosen by ballot and as follows: Dr. W. W. Beam, president; Dr. C. R. Whitney, vice-president; Dr. O. H, Barthel, secretary; Dr. J. D. Wallace, treasurer. It was decided to call the organization, The Pocahontas District Medical Association. Drs. J. D. Wallace, L. G. Patty and A. L. Belt were appointed a committee on or- ganization, constitution and bylaws. It was decided to hold the ne;£t meet- ing at Pocahontas at 2:00 p. m., Sept. 28th following; and Drs. Chas. E. Leithead and C. B. Lawrence were ap- pointed a committee to arrange the program. The secretary was author- (851) S52 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. ized to procure such books and sta- tionery as were necessary to keep the records of the association. Drs. Belt, Matson and McManus of Gilmore City, Edgar of Focda, Carroll aud Higgins of Laurens, sent letters ex- pressing regrets that they could not attend this meeting. The object of this association was to promote the interests of the medical profession in this part of the state. Also to afford its members an oppor- tunity to become acquainted with each other, to compare notes and discuss matters relating to the work of their profession. As iodicatfed by its name its territory was not confined to i'ocahontas county. At the second meeting, which was held iu the County Auditor's ofBce. PocahoQtas, Sept. Ji8, 1897, the follow- ing new members were enrolled: Drs. O. W. Wright of Pomerov, A. L. Belt and W. F. Matson of Gilmore City, and F. E. Healhman of Havelock. At this meeting papers were read by Dr. A. L. Belt on "Diptheria," and "Hr Patty on the "Duties of one practitioner to another, "and President jjeam delivered an address on the wonderful progress made in the prac- tice of medicine aad surgiry during the last few years. At the next meet- ing held Jan. 18, 1898, Dr C. R. Whit- ney presided, "Anaesthesia" was the subject of a general discussion, and Dr. O. W. Wright read a paper on "Traumatic Surgery." Two subsequent meetings of this district association were held and the following physicians were added to its membership, viz: D. W. Edgar, Fon- da; J. M. Carroll and J. H. Hovenden, Laurens; E. W. Wilson. Rolfe; J. W. MacCreary, Pioneer; W. M. Shipley, Ottosen; and A. H. Thornton, Poca- hontas. In 1902, this association was practically disbanded when it was merged into the Fort Dodge District Medical Association. Aug. 25, 1903, the physicians of this county organized anew, as the Poca- hontas County Medical Society, ac- cording to the plan of the Iowa State Medical Society, to which it is subor- dinate. The object of this society is to abtena to the business of the medi- cal profession in this county, as the representative of the Iowa State Medical Society, to bring into one or- ganization the physicians of the coun- ty, so that by frequent meetings, full and frank interchange of views, they may secure such intelligent unity and harmony, in every phase of their labor as will elevate and make effective the opinions of the profession on all scien- tific, legislative, public health, ma- terial and social affairs. The first officers of this society, chosen in 1903, were Dr. A. L. Belt, Gilmore City, president; Dr. J. W. Wallace, Plover, vice-piesident; Dr. E. W. Wilson, Rolfe, secretary and treasurer. The other members of this society in 1903, were Drs. W. W. Beam, Rolfe; F. W. McManus, Gilmore City; A. H. Thorn- ton, O. H. Barthel and J. W. Starr, Pocahontas; D. W. Edgar, C. R. Whit- ney and T. J. Dower, Fonda; J. M. Carroll, J. W. Higgins, and J. H. Hovenden, Laurens; F. E. Heathman, Havelock; B. A. Smillie, Palmer. eounty Bar Association. The attorneys of this county met at the courthouse March 10, 1903 and or- ganized the Pocahontas County Bar Association with the following mem- bers; F. C. Gilchrist and F. W. Paige, of Laurens; C. C. Delle, Higby, S. H. Kerr, Robert Bruce, Fred Sher- man and W. H. Wilcox, of Rolfe; A. W. Davis, F. H. Bond, Z. C. Brad- sbaw, J. D. Wurtzbaugh, Frank A. Fairburn, and W. H. Healy, of Fonda; J. H. Allen, Wm. Hazlett, James Bruce, Geo. A. Heald, W C. Ralston, B. B, Foster, C. D. Atkinson, T. F. Lynch and J. M. Berry, of Pocahontas. Hon. Fred C. Gilchrist was elected president and J. M. Berry secretary. Messrs B. B. Foster, F. H. Bond and COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS. 853 A. W, Davis were appointed to pre- pare a code of rules and regulations for the government of the association. Messrs Wm. Hazlett, F. A. Fairburn and W. C. Ralston were appointed a committee to consider the feasibility of forming a common library and the preparation of rules for its manage- ment. These committes will report at the next meeting to be held during the session of the court in January, 1904, when it is expected the organi- zation will be completed. 6ounty Druggist's Association. The druggists of this county met at Rolfe, Dec. 31, 189t, and effected the organization of a county association, called the Pocahontas Pharmaceut- ical League, by the election of the following officers: L. E. England, Gilmorp City, president; C. H. Beam, Rolfe, secretary; R. E. Hughes, Lau- rens, treasurer. The membership in- cluded the following druggists: L. E. England, F. L. Colgau, C. H. Beam, G-ilmoreCity. " Geo. W. Gore, 0. M. Webb, Joseph Wiewel, H. W. Lohse, Rolfe. J. B. Sheldon, Haveloolf. R. E. Hughes, C. G. Reed, J. W. Higgins, M. D., J. M. Carroll, M, D., Laurens. C. C. Patty, Fonda. Geo. W. Day, Plover. S. C. Jones, Pocahontas. The next and last meeting was held at Pocahontas, Jan. 25, 1898. (bounty Press Tlssociation. The editors of the newspapers es- tablished in this county met in the Record office at Pocahontas, Nov. 24, 1902, and effected the organization of the Pocahontas County Newspaper Association by the election of the following officers: L W. Chandler, Fonda, president; W. S. Clarlf, Poca- hontas, vice-president; D. O. B'ake, Pocahontas, secretary; and A. R. Thornton, Rolfe, treasurer. The objects of this association are to af- ford an opportunity for better ac- quaintance on their part, and, by the friendly discussion of matters that are of common interest, to secure the best system in the management of their respective establishments. At a meeting lield in January 1908, the temporary organization was made permanent. The newspapers, their date of es- tablishment, editors and proprietors, tti.'.t were in this county at the time this association was organized were i^s follows: The Fonda Times, (1876), the Fon- da Publishing & Printing Co., pro- prietors since Jan. 10, 1901; L. W. Chandler, editor. The Pocahontas Record, (1884J, by D. O. Blake. The Pocahontas Sun, (1885), by R. C. Garver;U. S. Vance since Dec.1903. The Kolfe Reveille, (1888), by A. R. & Lottie Thornton. (By J. H. Lighter since Aug. 13, 1903.) The Gilmobe City Globe, (1892), by H. C. Marmon. The Havelock Item. (1893), by Frank Jarvis, and by G. E. & F. S. McCaflfree in 1903. The Rolfe twice a week Tri- bune, (1898-1903), by J, H. Lighter, (merged in Rolfe Reveille, Aug. 10, 1903) Thw Pocahontas IIbeald, (1899), by A. L. Shultz. Thb Plover Review, (1900), by G. H. Liddell. The Pocahontas Democrat, (1901) the Pocahontas Publishing Co., pro- prietors; W. S. Clark, editor. The Paltmer Press, (1903), by L. O. Hull. Our.County Schools, a monthly pa- 854 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA- per published by the county superin- tendent, is printed at Charles City. The newspaper press has become one of the seven wonders of the mod- ern world. As a controlling factor in siiciety it exerts an influence lilje that of the parent, teacher and pastor. In one view the newspaper reflects the character of its editor, revealing his thoughts, feelings and views on public questions; but in another sense it is a combination of labor, money, intelli- gence and principles, and has distinct objects before it. It is worthy of note that those who conduct them are learniog the dignity of their calling and are making strenuous efforts to place their papers where they belong — among the best agencies that are helping to develop a Christian civil- ization. The wide awake, local paper carries to the family circle information con- cerning local affairs that is of interest to every citizen In that locality. Its record of progress is an aid to popular education and an incitement to fur- ther enterprise too valuable to be lightly esteemed. It publishes the local news with a fullness of detail that invests it with an interest un- known to the average dally, while its brief parasraphs, and breezy columns •of personals have a charm peculiarly their own. So long as sociability, curiosity and sympathy distinguish human character it will continue to hold its oldtime place in the esteem of the community, while it serves as a faithful chronicler of passing events. One of the treasures of our daily life, like the water we so freely drink and the pure life giving air, "Is the newspaper, with its welcome message To matured age and youth, With pure bright thoughts from many minds. And many a pleasant truth, Breaking like a ray of sunshine, And almost magic charm. The monotony of the farm." Such is the nature of the tie that is developed between the good-natured and long-time editor and his readers, that he thrives with their prosperity, rejoices in their mirth and sympa- thizes in their sorrow. All the newspapers in this commu- nity, except the Fonda Times, have been established during the last two decades and they hays been greatly improved during the last ten years by Tihe use of improved presses and other printing uiilities. When it is mani- fest that the local paper is putting forth an honest and efBcient endeavor to promote the best Interests of the community, as an executor and pro- moter of good morals, every citizen of that locality should naturally feel that he has a certain degree of inter- est in its prosperity, and do all he can to sustain it and increase its useful- ness; for increased support always means enlargement of facilities and corresponding improvement of the pa- per. County Sunday School Association. The first Sunday school in Pocahon- tas county was organized at old Rolfe in 1864, and Rev. Fred E. Metcalf, a missionary of the M E. church, was superintendent of it the first two years. John Fraser had charge of it the next two years and then in 1868, organizing the second one in the coun- ty Jn the Strong scbool bouse (sec. 23) in Powhataa toWDSblp, served m its superintendent eighteen successive years. Other Sunday schools that were organized during the seventies were the M. E, at Fonda, Coopertown, and in G-rant township, and the union school in the Heathman neighborhood north of Plover. The flrot Sunday school convention of which any record has been preserv- ed was held Bt old Bolfe oa Saturday COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS. 855 end Sunday, May 26-27, 1877. It was called a county convention. The local workers were Rev. Wm. McCready, John Fraser, A. H. Lorimer and J. J. Jolliflfe; and the teachers were J. C. Miller of Nevada, J. A. Marion of Humboldt, and N. A. Price. A basket dinner was enjoyed by the visitors and workers on the Sabbath. On July 26th of the same year the Sunday schools of Pocahontas and Humboldt counties held a union cele. nately. In those days the devout pioneers, having a teeming soil be- neath their feet and a smiling heaven over head, when the Sabbath came, gathered in the wood, and lifted up their hearts in prayer to God, the giver of all good. "Their temples then were earth and sky. None others did they know. In the days when they were pioneers, Thirty years ago." REV. C. W. CLIFTON. bration or basket picnic in the grove of James Struthers near McNight's Point in Wacoosta township, Hum- boldt county. During the summer of 1880, services consisting of Sunday school at 10 o'clock a. m., followed by preaching, were regularly held in the grove of Mr. John Wilkinson on the old David Slosson farm, sec. 26, Des Moines township. The services were con- duoted'by Rev. Thomas Cutbbert and Bev< hi 0. Gray, wlao preaebsel altor- On Aug. 16, 1880, Rey. C. W. Clifton county secretary, issued a call for an all day Sunday school convention and picnic to be held in the grove of A. H. Hancher on sec. 24, Powhatan town- ship, for the purpose of organizing a County Sunday School Association, auxiliary to the Iowa State Associa- tion. Announcement was made that several Sunday school workers from abroad would be present, and every Sunday school in the county was re. quested to report Its oarae, denomi* 856 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. nation and membership, and to send ooe or radre delegates. Wm. L. Eraser was to have a fruit and confectionery stand for the purpose of raii-lng some funds to liquidate the debo und cost of painting the M. E. parsonage at old R .Ife. At the meeting held in response to this call, John Eraser presided and addresses were delivered by Mr. Clif- ton and Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Lorbeer,of Humboldt. The day was unfavorable and only a few persons were present. Oct. 28, 1880, John Eraser, president for Pocahontas county, issued a call to pastors, Sunday school superintend- ents and teachers in the county, to attend the second annual Sunday school cotivention of the Ninth Dis- trict Sunday School Association at Humboldt, Nov. 11, 1880. The meeting at which the Pocahon- tas County Sunday School Associa- tion was organized was held in the court ii JUS3 at Puoahoutas in Septem- ber, 1881. The Iowa State Sunday School Association was represented by Mrs. C. A. Lorbeer, of Humboldt, a district secretary. The county organi- zation was effected by the election of the foUovi'ing otti;;ers: John Eraser, president; Wra. C. Kenntdy, vice- president; R, rs. Sewell VaiiAlsline, secretary and treasurer. Others who were present and participated in the convention v;p:e James J. Bruce, J S. Hatton, !vlr< Eraser, Mrs. ICennedy, Mrs, W. G. Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Hastings, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Say- lor. There were then only eight Sun- day schools in the county, the new ones being those at Pocahontas and in the I'ilot Oeelc district in Clinton town.siiip. The seciuid county convention was held in tt r couri bouse at P(i(!ahonta8 June 10, 18'52, \ty the ^:uue oflicers. Tlie thirl cunty convtnuoii, the first one '"^Id in the new tovyn of Rolf'., met in S.u-e's hall iJaturday and Sunday, May 26-27th, 1883. John Eraser served as president, Mrs. Sewell VauAlstii e as secretary and treasurer, and "Wen. C. Kennedy as chairman of tht committee of ar- rangements. Tiie principal partici- pants in addition to those already named were Rev. C. M. Wood, J. J. Bruce, E. D. Seehsy, John Barnes, and J. S. Hatton. J. J. Bruce, B. D. Seeley and B. M. Fessenrien were appointed delegates to the State S. S. Conven- tion at Marshalltown. Inasmuch as the south and we t parts of the coun- ty had not been ri- presented either at this or preceding conventions it was decided to hold che next meeting at Eonda. Mr. W. C. Ker^nedy, president in 1903, has contributed greatly to the maintenance and jfflciency of this or- ganization. Locating in Clinton, now Garlield, township in 1881, he has at- tended and partiisipated in every one of the twenty-three annual meetings that have been h< Id since the time of its orgEnization in September that year, iin was then elected vice-presi- dent, and later, a i its president, has presided p.t thirteen of the annual conventions. Mr. J. H. ParkF, of Pocahontas, has manifested a similar devotion and in- terest in the Si nday school work. Tliough occasio lally changing his residence lie has 1 een a Sunday school superintendent aimnst continuously since the Civil wa: and in 1903, was made a member o; the executive com- miltpe of the Iowa State Sunday School Association. Every Si'nday s; is expected to c two cents a mem- as.^tociatiori, and tl Iribulicg 1 wenty- t-^' tht.' Stai.e Ass the:*', wiirt report' Sunday schools h of 2,o00 m!;(nbers. ation is now orgai hoolin the county jntribute annually er to the county e latter is now con- ive dollars annually elation. In 1903, d in this ctunty 40 ving an enrollment The county associ- lizing for another COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS. 857 house to house visitation throughout the county during September, 1904.* The object of this association is to disseminate and promote religious ia- fdrmatioD among Sabbath school workers. Its membership consists of the officers, delegates from township organizations and all Sunday school workers who are present and enrolled. The Iowa State Sunday School As- sociation, under which this county has been organized, is an interdenom- inational organization that endeavors to briiig every Sunday school in the state to greater efficiency and into helpful contact with every person. It is one of a series of SDat6, Provincial and Territorial organizations, that forms the Interaational Sunday School Association add maintains the International Series of Sunday School Lessons. It was organized in 1864. Its methods of work include* the or- ganization of coutities and townships for the purpose of holding an annual convention, to promote house to house visitation, the establishment of home and normal departments in each Sun- day school, primary unions in cities and the publication of a state paper. It aims to awaken a deeper interest in Bible study and to bring denomi- national workers into closer contact and harmony, believing that in the interdenominational co-operation of persistent chfistiaos lies the salva- tion of this country. The first Sunday school in the world was established by Bobert BaikeS in Grloucester, England, in February, 1781. Thei first one in London was established Sept. 7, 1785. The first one in the United States was started in Virginia in 1786; the first one in Philadelphia, by Bishop White, in' 1791; the first one in New York in the *<3ounty Sunday School Conventions. The date, place of meeting, succession of officers and special lecturers present, appear in the following exhibit: Date Place Cburch Pastor Fregident f^ec & Lecturers Treas John Fraser Mrs. S. Van Alstlne Mrs. C. A. Lorbeer 188 L Sept Pocahontas Court House 1882 Junn 10 Pocahontas ]8'<3May26-'? Rolffi Bruoe's Hall A. W. Richards " " Eev. C. M. Wood 1884 May 28-9 Fonda M. K. oh C. B Winter VT, O, Kenned y " Kev. Q, Oroat. 1885 May Pocahontas Court House —- H. W. HRy 1886 June 7-8 1887 May 24-5 Rolfe M. E. ch 1888 June 5-6 Fonda Pres ch 1889 May 21-22 Rolle " 1890 June 7-8 llaurpns M. E. ch 1891 May 19-20 Fonda M. E. ch 1892 Oct. 11-12 Pocahontas Baptist 1893 Oct. 11-ia Plover M. E. & Pres oh M. T. Rainier John A. Kees Fred Swingle " Cbas.Artman B.M.F^ssenden Mrs Nellie Swingle R. E. Pllokinger C.W.Olifton Becoa Pfeiffer Hon. B. F. Wright Geo. H. Duty Wm. C. Kennedy R; E. Fllckinger R. Burnip " ^ " W. H. Flint John A. Kees 1894 Oct. 24-5 Haveiock 1895 Oct. 22-8 Rolfe M. K. ch M. E. ch C M. Phoenix T. E. Carter 189e Oct. 11-14 Laurens 1897 Aug. 24-5 HavelooK 1898 Sept. 8-9 Fonda Mattie M. Bailey Mrs. W. C. Ralston Capt. Brown " Mattie M. Bailey Sylvester Smith Rev. C. W. Sweet C. 0. Wallace O. M. Murphy Kev. B. Chrlst'n ch C. R. Neel M. B. ch 0. M, Phoenix ' . ^ Kev. B. Ii. Marsh Presch R, E. Fllcklnger Sylvester Smith Mrs W. C. RalsJ on Rev. ". S. Thompson C. C: Wallace 1899 Sept. 25-6 Pocahontas Chrlst'n ch S. T. Grove O. M, Murphy Effie Mercer Mlds Mary Barnes 1900:Aug 21-2 Plover Pres ch Z. W. Steele Sylvester Smith O . M. Murphy Rev. C. W. S^veet 1901 Aug25-6 Rolfe M. E. ch O. 8. Bryan W. C. Kennedy Mrs. G. R. Kreul , . Mrs. Mary MltchgU 1802 Aug. 19-20 Gilmore Cy Pres oh P. E. Hoyt " " '■' 190i Sept. i-S Pocahontas M. & ch C. E. Van Horn '* Miss Inez Byerly B, F. Mitchell 858 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. autumn of]8"03. The first one in the dictionary could not then be found in Mississippi valley was organized by any of the cities of the west, and she Mrs. Margaretta Brown in 1818, in prepared' and published at her own connection with the Presbyterian expense a little concoi'dance for the church in Frankfort, Ky. A Bible use of her school. County Temperance Alliance. In accordance with the recommen- dation of the Iowa State Temperance Convention, held in Des Moines, Feb. 6--7, 1888, that the friends of temper- ance proceed to perfect a more thor- ough organization in all parts of the state, a call was Issued by the pastors of the churches and the representa- tives of the three temperance organ- izations at Fonda, and a convention was held in the Presbyterian church, Fonda, June 7, 1888, on the day fol- lowing the 8th annual meeting of the county Sunday school convention. J. J. Bruce, vice-president of the State Alliance for, this Congressional Dis- trict, acted as chairman and gave a history of the previous temperance work in this county. Reports of tem- perance organizations and their work were made by Mrs. Geo. Sanborn, Mrs. N. M. Peri'y and Anna Brown. Ad- dresses were delivered by Hon. S. H. Taft, of Humboldt, Revs. G. H. Duty and F. M. Quinn, of Rolfe; Rev. G. H. Hastings, Godfrey Pfeiffer, Geo San- born and others; and a permanent organization was effected by the elec- tion of J. J.Bruce, president; John Fraser, W. C. Kennedy, and A. F, Hubbell, vice-presidents; and Rev. R. E. Flickinger, secretary and treasur- er. The following resolutions were adopted: That we demand from our local noniinating conventions the placing of sober men in nomination, and that under no circumstances will we vote for an habitual drinker, or one who furnishes intoxicating liquors for othej-s to drink, or , advocates their use. II. That W3 demand from our local public servants tlje faithful enforce- ment of all laws, including those pro- hibiting the liquor traflc. Having tried moral suasion and found it inef- fectual, we believe the duty of the hour is the immediate enforcement of the laws of the state against the lawless liquor power, wherever that power may be entrenchea. On July 2T, 1888, the Powhatan Township Alliance was organized at a meeting held in Plover, bv the elec- tion of John Fraser, president; James Henderson, vice-president; P. G Hess, secretary, and Mrs. J. Strouzel, treas- urer. The second annual temperance con- vention was held at Rolfe, May 22, 1889, in connection with the county S. S. convention, and special address- es were delivered by Hon. B. F. Wright of Charles City, Hon. Geo. L. Dobson of Newell, and Rev. John Hamerson of Fonda. Rev. M. W. At- wood of Rolfe was elected president and the secretary was continued. At a meetirig of the executive com- mittee held at Rolfe, Dec, 9, 1889, $35 were pledged to the state enforce- ment fund. Another meeting of the executive committee was held at Rolfe Feb. 26, 1890. Rev. Charles Art- man was elected president^ and dele- gates were chosen to attend the state . convention. No county convention was held that year owing to the ab- sence of the secretary from the coun- ty at the time for holding it. The same cause prevented the meeting announced to be held in the M. E. church, Fonda, May 20, 1891. The work of the Alliance, for sever- al years after that date, was carried on by the members of the executive committee, the secretary of wtiich, at the state conveption, held in Des COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS. 859 ■ Moines, February, 1890, was elected a director of the Iowa State Temper- ance Alliance and urged to endeavor to close all the saloons in the sixteen counties of this Tenth Congressional district. During the next eighteen months six hundred and seveoty-flve dollars were solicited, the evidence was secured, and injunctions, or, tines and penalties for contempt of court, were obtained in 59 of 60 cases, insti- tuted in the courts of Carroll, Greene, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Pocahontas and Webster counties. This campaign was begun at Carroll, where fourteen cases were instituted, and it was rendered useless in that and Webster counties by the attitude of the Gov- ernor of Iowa (Boies), who remitted the fines and penalties as soon as re- quested and as fast as they were im- posed by the courts. After the enactment of the mulct law in 1894, two consent petitions were filed in this county for the es- tablishment of saloons at Fonda. The canvass for the first one was made In September, 1894, and after this petition was filed, three saloons, - two at Fonda and one at Gilmore City, were opened. The law did not then specify who should examine and approve the petition. J. J. Bruce, chairman of the board of superviso.'-s, made an examination, found it lack- ed the required number of signatures, and on application to Judge Thomas, injunctions were granted against two of them on July 30, 1896, and on the other one in September following. The second consent petition, which was circulated in Noyember following (1896), was signed by a sufBcient num- ber of voters and received the approv- al of the supervisors. Two saloons were immediately establised at Fonda, and one in Gilmore City; and wben in 1899, the new towns of Palmer and Yarina were located, a saloon was opened in each of them. To prevent the successful issue of this second canvass of this county, a union mass meeting was held under the auspices of the local Alliance in the Presbyterian church, Fonda, Sab- bath evening, Oct. 11, 1896, when the principal addresses were delivered and special songs were sung by five of the leading business men, of Sac City; who among others stated the fact that County Auditor Peck had found that the costs of criminal prosecutions la Sac county during the last year under license, ending Sept. 30, 1886, were $3,263.70; and during the next year ttie first one under prohibition, they were only $1,750.51, or a saving in one year in this one item of $1,513.19. Resolutions setting forth Fonda's previous unsatisfactory experience with the saloon and asking all voters in the connty to refrain from signing the consent petition, were adopted, published in the county papers and circulated in leaflet form by pastors of the churcheh.* The saloon was more persistent in appearing and reappearing at Fon..^, than elsewhere in the county, and this fact caused that place to be the storm- center of the field-operations of the County Alliance. Its work was made effective in the "early days," before Wm. Hazlett became the county at- torney in 1897, through J. J. Bruce, ■Esq., its attorney. The results achieved by him were as follows: In 1888, two saloons were searched and the keepers were fined in a justice's court and afterwards enjoined. In 1890, a lot of gamblers were routed from the fair ground, two places were closed and four barrels of beer were destroyed. In April, 1895, indictments were found against more than a half dozen persons in different parts of the county. In July, 1896, the consent petition in the auditor's office, having been examined was proven insufficient and injunctions were obtained against * Page 329. 860 • PIONEER HIS1?0ftY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, ^oW A. three saloons, all that were then in the county. During the years the consent peti- tion of 1896, was in force, the friends of temperance, though constituting a majority of the people of the cnunty, were powerless" to overthrow it, and the citizens in the townships, where the new towns were established, were powerless, either to prevent saloons from operating, or to close them. Fortunately the supreme court of Iowa, on Jan. 29, 1900, in the case of Lorenz 111, Polk county, decided that when the new code went into effect,- Oct. 1, 1897, it rendered insufiBcient all consent petitions filed previous to that date. This included the one in Pocahontas county and the county attorney, a few days later, notified all the saloons of the county of that fact. On March 28th, following, permanent injunctions were issued by Judge Helsell against all uf the five saloons, that had been operating under the petition of 1896. Temper- ance saloons were subsequently start- ed in most of the places that had been enjoined; but where evidence of the fact that the old keepers were at the "old business," was placed in the hands of the county attorney, they were easily and speedily closedi The local temperance Alliance at Fonda, in February, 1900, or as soon as the consent petition in this county was declared insuflHcient by the su- preme court, was reorganized as an Anti-saloon League, and began its campaign throughout the county to prevent the re-'establishment of the saloon in it. Anti-salcon meetings* were held in all the towns of the county, and a five year ,anti-saloon pledge was circulated and signed by voters in nearly every township. Pastors of churches and the public press of the county co-operated with the League, and as a result the effort to secure a consent 'petition in Novem- ber, 1900, was a dismal failure. The fact was noted in The Fonda Times of Nov. 12, 1903, that the vote of 1901, which was only 2,212, had in- creased to 3,092 in 1903, which indi- cated an increase of 760 citizens in the county in two years, a remarkable growth, and an increase in the popu- lation during the same time of 3,950 persons. It would be ditticult to find a better reason for letting "well enough alone," and for keeping Poca- hontas county on the high road to future and long-continued prosperity. It is also worthy of note, that they were the facts above stated in regard to the experience of the' friends of temperance in Pocahontas county, before and after their deliverance from the galling ' and unbreakable yoke of a consent petition, by the su- preme court decision in 1900, that suggested the propriety and reasona- bleness of the Time Limit Movement, which has for its object the enact- ment of an amendment to the Mulct law, so that all consent petitions shall expire at the end of a reasonable time, three or five years; and thus af- ford the citizens in all the Mulct counties an option, or opportunity, to dispense with the saloons, whenever a majority of them desire to do so. In other words, it is merely a request that the legislature, as a matter of justice to the good people in the Mulct counties, repeat in 1904, what it did with such good results, by a * The union meetings included those addressed by Mr. Flickinger in Fondai Varina, Laurens and flover; those addressed by the local pastors at Havelock, the Rolfe opera house and the Swede churches in Colfax township; and those addressed by Kev. H. H. Abrams at Gilmore City, Pocahontas and Foiida. Other meet- ings arranged and hand-billed by the secretary lor Mr. Abrams in this vicinity at that time were those at Pomeroy, where he addressed the Presbytery of Fort Dodge, at Manson, JoUey and Rockwell City. COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS. 861 slight amendment of the Mulct law in 1897. The question of prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors as a bever- age has been rwice submitted to the people of this county— Oct. 11, 1870, (P. 302), and June 27, 1882— and on both occasions a large majority of the voters were in favor of prohibit- ing their sale. In 1870, prohibition was adopted as the policy of this county by a vote of 123 to 25, and in 1882, the prohibitory amendment was carried by a vote of 407, to 246, . Josh Billings never uttered a truer sentiment than when he said "Whiskey is a good thing in Its place, but hell is the place for it." Robert G. Ingersoll, just as truly said, "The saloon is the sum of all villainies, the father of all crime, the mother of all abominations, the devil's best friend and God's worst enemy. " "He that any good would win. At his mouth must first begin." The benefits attending the practice of total abstinence and of practical prohibition have raised the giBueral standard of public opinion regarding the liquor traffic; so that In those states where^the saloon does exist, pub- lic sentiment is demanding a higher license and more stringent regula- tions, while the rising spirit of com- mercialism now- demands that only total abstainers be employed in all the important industries of the land. PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, FONDA. APPENDIX. Public Officers,— Supplemental List. SUCCESSION OF SUPBEVISORS. (SEE PAGE 202) 1900. Terrence Doyle, Lincoln, chairman; Claus Johnson, Des Moines; A. H. Richey, Marshall; M. A. Hogan, Dover; C. B. Elsen, Lake. 190L Terrence Doyle, Lincoln, chairman; Robert Hunter. Clinton; A. H. Richey, Marshnll; S. W. Mc- Kinney, Colfax; C. R EI'«en. Lake. 1902 ■ C B. Elsen, Lake, chairman; Robert Hunter, Clinton; A. H. Richey, Marshall; S W. McKinney, Colfax; Joseph Mikesh. Center. 1903. A. R Richev, Marshall, fhaif- man; Robert Hunter, Clinton; S. W. McKinney, Colfax; Henry Weber, Lake; Joseph Mikesh, Center. 1904 A. H Richey, Marshall, chair- man; Joseph Mikesh, Center; Henry Weber, Lake^ Frank White, Colfax; B C. Budolfson, Clinton. UNITED STATES SENATORS. Jonathan P. DoUiver, since 1900; William B. Allison. KEPBESENTATIVBS IN CONGRESS. J. P. Dolliver, Fort Dodge. 1889- 1900; J. P. Conner; Deniaon, 1900-1904. CENSUS BNUMERATOKS IN 1900. The census of 1900 was taken by the following enumerators: Bell ville township, Anthony Larson. Cedar, including Fonda, Geo. B. Sanborn. Lincoln and Center, including Poca- hontas, Frank M. btarr. Clinton, (92-31) including Rolfe and partof GilmnreOity, Fred A Malcolm. Colfax and Grant, John A. Crummer. Dover and Marshall, Benjamin Worley L'zard and Lake, Including part of Gi'more City, John B. McBride. Des Moines and Powhatan, includ- ing Plover, Alex. M^Ewen. Swan Lake, including Laurens, Roderick McCombs. Sherman and Washington, includ- ing Havelock, Horace E. Buck. Representatives in the General Assembly of Iowa. RBNATOKS KBPRESENTATIVKS n. A. Dlst. Name Connty Hist. Name County 1900 28t.h Both Parley Pinch Humboldt 76th John B Kent Pocahontas 1902 20th BOth EK Winnie " " Fred O Gilch'lst " 1904 30th 50th E K Winnie " " Montague Bakes " (Sounty Officers. SEE PAQE 21'.i, 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 Aurtttor I C Thatcher 1 C Thatcher Geo W Day Clerk of C ourt FH Plumb PH Plumb Percy M Beers Treasurer G S Boblnson G S Bobinsoa G S Boblnson eounty Officers eontinued. Sh'erlft W L, Mitchell W L Mitchell J J Kelleher Superintendent Surveyor U S Vance H W Blssell U S Vance U S Vance H W Blssell 11 ^ W Blssell (862) Coroner A H Thornton A H Thornton Benorder LE Hanson L E Hanson O E Cbrlsteeon Attorney Wm Hazlett Wm Hazlett Geo A Heald APPENDIX. 863 Spanish War Volunteers. SUPVLBMENT TO THE LATJRBNS. Joseph H. Allen, Esa, Co. F. 49th Iowa. Victor A. Sniggs, U. S. Navy. Fritz Linderaan, Co. F. " " Charles A. Homer, Co. F. •' S. A. > a S o a o S3 . rt CO Dqo o o so 3b CO (M« SggSS 00U3<««j from thfe various censusVejSorts.from the period of its early settlementt-lf*' •*?-^'>**'"«l( TgllSver, >* 600 872 PIONEER HISTORY OF i-OCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Clerk ofCourt: John W. Wallace, R 671 Recorder: Michael Crahan, D 349 H Joseph E. Pattee, R 338 Recorder, to fill vacancy: 0. A, Bryant, R 349 323 M. Crahan. D 26 Shall State Constitution be Amended? For, 173 54 Against, 119 At this election township clerks, assessors and road supervisors were flfst eilected for two years. ELECTION OCT. 11, 1881,-826 YOTBS. The People's party was organized in Pocahontas county this year. Governor: Buren R. Sherman, R 561 319 L. G. Kinne, D 242 D. M. Clark, Proh . 23 Representative, 72d District: Horatio Pitcher, R 250 S. A. demons, D 561 311 County Auditor: C. H. Tollefsrude, R 437 51 Theodore Dunn, Ind. R 386 Treasurer: W. D. McEwen, R 456 87 H. G. Tyler, Ind. R 369 Sheriff: Joseph Malllson, R 505 190 Anthony Hudek, D 315 T. L. Dean, 2 Superintendent: J. P. Robinson, R 421 19 Henry Kelley, D 402 O. I. Strong, 2 Surveyor: Wm. Marshall, R 475 131 Thos. L MacVey, Ind. R 344 Charles Briggs, 4 Coroner: J. C. Enfield, 466 108 John M. Brown, ' 358 SPECIAL ELECTION JUNE 27, 1882,-653 VOTES. Prohibitory Amendment: For, 449 . 245 Against, 204 ELECTION NOV. 7, 1882,-940 VOTES. Secretary of State: J. A. T Hull, R 618 306 T. O. Walker, D 312 Wm. GastOD, 10 Congressman, 11th District: Isaac L S'ruble, R 537 137 Jr.hnP. Allison, D 400 Clerk of Court: John W. Wallace, R 727 515 W. H. Halt, lad, R 212 Recorder: A. L. Thortftbh, R 494 53 Michael Crahan, D 441 Coroner: M. F. Patterson: 626 323 John M. Brown, 303 ELECTION OCT. 9, 1883. Governor: Buren R. Sherman, R 731 315 L. G. Kinne, D 416 J. B. Weaver, G 11 Senator, 47th District: C. C. Chubb, R 738 320 Alex. Mitchell, D 418 Representative, 78th Dlstdct: J. D McVay, R ' 734 326 L. T. Danforth, D 408' County Auditor: C. H. Tollefsrude, R 612 76 T. P. McCartao, D 536 Wm. Brownlee, Ind. K 037 132 Geo. L. Brower, R 50S Sheriff: John F. Pattee, R 568 4 , Samuel H. Gill, Ind. R 564 Surveyor: L. O. Thornton, R 595 52 C. P. Leithead, D 543 0. I. Strong, R 1 Coroner: M. F. Patterson, 611. 69 J. M. Carroll, 542 Superintendent: J. P. Robinson, R 687 226 W. F. Bowman, D 461 ELECTION XOV. 4, 1884,-1277 VOTES. President: James G. Blaine, R 775 279 Grover Cleveland, D 496 J. p. St. John, Proh 6 Congressman, 11th District: 1. S. Strubie, R 778 275 Thos. P. Barber, D 503 District Judge, 14th District: Lot Thomas, R 760 264 A. W. McFarland, D 496 Circuit Judge: J. H. Macomber, E 778 294 G. A. Berry, D 484 District Attorney: John W. Cory. R 719 203 Wm. Hayward 516 Cbunty Recorder: A. L Thornton, R 714 170 AmandusZieman, D 544 Clerk of Court: .John W. Wallace. R 740 218 Walter P. Ford, D 522 Scattering, 7 Amendments to the State Consti- tution: For: SfO. 1,29^! No. 2, 242 HISTOBf OF ELECTIONS. 873 Against, " 39 " 68 For, No. 3, 268; No. 4, 233 Against, '" 69; " 108 ELECTION, NOV. 3, 1885,-1354 VOTES. The Democratic party was organized this year in Pocahontas county. Governor: Wm. Larrabee, E 760 176 C. E. Whiting, D 584 James Mickelwaifc, Proh 10 Bepresentative 78th District; rhomas F. Kelleher, D 785 340 James J. Briice, R 445 Thos L. MacVey, Ind. Et, 92 Gounty Auditor: T. P. McCartan, D 774 208 John W. Gray, E 566 Treasurer: W. D. MoEwen, R 773 161 Carl Steinbrink, D 612 Recorder, to till vacancy: Mary B. Thornton, R 801 226 Frank B. Beers, D 575 Sheriff: John F. Pdttee, R 777 223 O. H. Hutchins, D 554 Superintendent: James H. Campbell, R 684 59 Prank DeKlotz'. D 625 H. J. Willey, Ind 15 Surveyor: John J. Cullen, R 946 572 Wm. Marshall, Ind. R 374 Coroner: J. M. CarroH, R 716 103 D. W, Edgar, D . 613 ELECTION, NOV. 2, 1886,-1358 VOTES. Secretary of State: Frank D. Jackson, E 779 200 Gato Sells, D 579 Congressmaln, 10th District: A J. Holmes, R 792 221 Geo. Wilmot, D ' 57 1 District Judge, 14th District: Geo. W. Carr, fi, 792 787 J. P. Harlan, 15 County Recorder: Wm. F. Atkinson, R 759 164 491 i 104 J. W. O'Brien. D W. J. O'Brien, D Clerk of Court: W. C. Ralston, R W. H. Ferguson, D W. H Healy, County Attorney: W. G. Bradley. R W. H. Healy, D Coroner: W. W. Beam, E 348 G. W. Bothwell, 4 ELECTION, NOV. 8, 1887,-1397 V0T?BS. Governor: Wm. Larrabee, B 808 199 ;,595 677 674 1 759 575 184 344 T. J. Anderson, D 609 Senator, 50th District: A. O. Garlock, R 878 488 Wm. Thompson, D 390 J. J. Bruce, Ind. B 123 Scattering, 6 Bepresentative,' 77th District: C. M. Fillmore, B 875 302 S. F. Sturdivan, D 973 County Auditor: T. P. McCartan, D 763 86 C. W. Clifton, R 697 Treasurer: J. N. McClellan, R 855 258 W. H. Ferguson, D 597 Sherlfl: John F. Pattee, R 830 246 Thos. J. Calligan, D 584 Superintendent: J. H. Campbell, E 805 178 L. E, Lange, D 627 J. L. "Warden, 17 Surveyor: ' Lucius C. Thornton, B 885 312 L. M. Eaton, D 573 Coroner: W. W. Beam, B 855 248 J. H. Parson, D 607 ELECTION, NOV. 6, 1888,-1785 VOTES. President: Benjamin Harrison, B 999 253 Grover Clevelandt D 746 ainton.B. Fisk, Proh 40 Congressman, 10th District: Jonathan P. Dolliver, B 1017 251 Capt. J. A. O. Yeoman, D 766 District Judge, 14th district: Lot Thomas, B 1024 County Becorder: W. F. Atkinson. B 907 42 M. W. Linnan, D 865 Scattering, 6 Clerk of Court: W. C. Ealston, B 1756 1753 Scattering,- 3 County Attorney: Byron J. Allen, B 1035 401 John P. Pederson, D 634 C. C. Delia, Ind 45 Bestraining Stock: Por, , 1510 1368 Against, 142 Lizard township opposed this meas- ure by a vote of 38 for, 61 against, ELECTION, NOV. 5, 1889,-1622 VOTES. Governor: Joseph G. Hutchinson, B 867 123 Horace Boies, D 744 S. B. Downing, 3 Ellas Doty, 8 Senator, 50th District: Edgar B. Mack, B 886 148 Wm. Thompson, D 738 874 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COtJNTY, IOWA. Representative, 17th District: James Mercer, R 915 §86 John Garvey, D *29 Scattering, 6 County Auditor: T. F. McCartan, D 975 339 P. J. Shaw, R 636 Treasurer: J. N; McClellan, R 1088 555 Eric Anderson, D 533 Sheriff: J. A. Crummer, R 856 99 0. P. Leithead, D 757 Joseph Mllsesb, 2 Superintendent: Fred C. Gilchrist, R 875 145 Walter P. Ford. D 730 Surveyor: H. W. Bissell, R 933 262 L. M. Eaton, D 671 Coroner: C. C. Delle, R 884 165 Henry Schroeder, D 719 Grade tax of two mills: For, 776 256 Against, 520 ELECTION, NOY. 4, 1890,-1795 VOTES. Secretary of State: W. M. McFarland, R 1005 215 W. H. Ghamberlin, D 790 Congressman, 10th District: J. P. DoUiver, R 952 114 1. L. Woods, D 838 District Judge, 14th District: Geo. L. Carr, R < 1015 County Attorney: C. C. Delle, R 1056 333 J. M. Bishop, D 723 Clerk of Court: W. C. Ralston, R J078 375 Franl£ E. Beers, D 703 Recorder: R. D. Bollard, R 954 133 M. W. Linnan, D 821 Scattering, 7 Coroner: J. M. Carroll, R ' 1005 To Revise State Constitution: For a Convention, 44 Against, , 66 12 ELECTION, NOT, 3, 1891,-2260 VOTES. Governor: Hiram C. Wheeler, R 1213 188 Horace Boies, D 1025 A. S. Westfall, 22 Representative, 76th District: Frank E. Carpenter, R 1235 215 Montague Hakes, D 1020 County Treasurer: J. N. McClellan, R 1365 478 Carl Steinbrink, D 887 Sheriff: •AU In Dover township. 1379 874 505 1298 934 5 364 1302 955 347 J. A. Crummer, E John M., Smith, D Superintendent: Cleland Gilchrist, R L. E. Lange, D Scattering, Surveyor: H. W Bissell, R P. A. Quinn, D Coroner: O. A. Pease, R 1256 284 A. S. Mygatt, D 972 ELECTION, NOV. 8, 1892,-2513 VOTES. President: Benjamin Harrison, E 1304 365 Grover Cleveland, D 939 James B. Weaver, Peo 210 William Bidwell, Proh 60 Secretary of State: ^ W. M. McFarland, R 1295 348 J. H. McConlogue, D 947 E. H. Gillette, Pop 212 S. H. Taft, Proh 57 Congressman, 10th District: J. P. Dolliver, E 1286 317 J. J. Ryan, D 969 John E. Anderson, Peo 225 District Judge, 14th District: Lot Thomas, R 1326 County Auditor:. Frank G. Thornton, R 1255 216 E. W. Clinton, D 1039 John Barrett, Peo 189 Clerk of Court: W. C. Ralston, R 1398 506 James Eral, D 892 J. D. Fitzgerald, Peo 200 Recorder: Richard D. Bollard, R 1412 523 J. A. Carroll, D 889 J. C. Brubaker, Peo , 189 County Attorney: F. L. Dinsmore, R 1255 179 W. H. Healy, D 1076 ELECTION, NOV. 7, 1,893,— 2416 VOTES. Governor: Frank D. Jackson, R 1283 419 Horace Boies, D , 864 J. M. Joseph, Peo 188 Bennett Mitchell, Proh 81 Senator, 50th District: Geo, W. Henderson, R 1284 408 T. D. Higtrs, D 876 . R. Olney, Peo 219 Representative, 76th District: Parley Finch, R 1261 862 P. E. Beers, D , 899 A. R. Starrett, Peo 216 County Treasurer: C. A. Charlton, R 1312 418 L. C. CofBn, D . 894 J, 0. Brubaker, Peo 187 :&isi'OEY OF ELfedTioiits. • 8'^5 Sheriff: J. A. Crummer.E 1346 M. J. Collins, D 877 L. J. Lleb, Peo ' 181 Superintendent: Cleland Gilchrist, B 1364 Maud Fuller, D 894 Surveyor: Fred A. Malcolm. R 1336 Patrick J. Quinn, D 858 Charles Brown, Peo 198 Coroner: Frank Eeyburn, R 1346 O.' H. Barthel, D 846 3. T. Sturdivan, Peo 192 469 470 Surveyor: F. A. Malcolm, B John ]!7elsoD, D B. A. Brown, Peo Coroner: Frank Reyburn, B W. J. Leib, Peo 1330 681 387 1354 417 649 937 ELECTION, NOV. 6, 1894,-2512 VOTES. Secretary of State: Wm. M. McFarland, R 1423 Horatio F. Dale, D 731 S, B. Crane, Peo 308 Bennett Mitchell, Proh 50 Congressman, 10th District: ELECTION, NOV. 3, 1896,-3274 VOTES. *'° President: Wm. McKlnley, R 1866 Wm. J. Bryan, D 1378 KQQ John M. Palmer, Nat. D 16 Joshua Levering, Proh 14 Secretary of State: Geo. L. Dobson, R 1866 H. L. Kerr, D 1381 Wm. G. Wright, Proh 23 „„„ Congressnlan, 10th District: 488 485. 460 J. P. Dolliver, R 1421 345 J. C. Baker, D 1076 District Judge: Wm. B. Quarton, R 1410 G. B. Cahoon, D 1049 County Auditor:' Frank G. Thornton, R 1305 E, W. Clinton, D 1118 Recorder: R D, Bollard, R 1555 D. K. Folk, D 949 Clerk of Court: Frank H. Plumb, R 1337 C. F. Linnan. D 1155 County Attorney: F. L. Dinsmore, R 1406 Wm. J. Collins, D 983 ELECTION, NOV. 5, 1895,-2449 VOTES. Governor: Francis M. Drake, R 1272 TY. J. Babb, D 686 S. B. Crane, Peo 418 Francis Bacon, Proh 73 Eepresenliative, 76th District: J. P. Dolliver, E 1853 John B. Romans, D 1393 M. W. Atwood, Proh 23 District Judge: Lot Thomas, R County Auditor: I. C. Thatcher, R OR, Henry Fitzgerald, I '"'^ Clerk of Court: F, H. Plumb, R Z. C. Bradshaw, D Recorder: R. D. Bollard, R Chas. A. Hawley, D County Attorney: Wm. Hazlett, R David Grier, D ELECTION, NOV. 2, 1897,-2864 VOTES Governor: Fred E. White. D Leslie M. Shaw, E Chas, A. Lloyd, Peo Samuel P. Leland, Proh M. J. Kremer, Soc 586 Senator, 50th District: Parley Finch, R 1447 M. V. Reed, D 1311 187 606 182 523 1919 1707 1554 1866 1393 1911 1354 1864 13'JO 1401 1384 25 51 3 153 473 557 474 17 138 Representative, 76th District: Parley Finch, R . 82 James Mercer, Ind. R 999 Geo. W. Gore, D 683 J. S. Hopkins, Peo 370 Treasurer: C. A. Charlton, R 1382 F. D. Hadden, D 646 J. O. Overholt, Peo 388 Sheriff: J A. Grummer, R 1233 M. J. Dooley, D 752 T. L. Dean, 447 Superintendent: eieland Gilchrist, R -1318 Mrs. Melissa Barnes, D 740 J. W. Ellison, Peo 373 M. E. Dewolf, R 1415 L. E. Lange, D 1339 316 County Treasurer: C. A. Charlton, R 1451 A; G. Wood, D 1346 Sheriff: 736 JohnRatclifl, D 1435 W.A. Grove, R 1342 Surveyor: H. W. Bissell, R 1440 481 A. B. Olson, D 1326 Superintendent: A. W. Davis, E 1572 , W. R. T. Meirwine, D 1201 578 Coroner: C. B. Lawrence, R 1420 O. H. Barthel, D 1315 76 105 93 114 371 10§ Hq flOmm HIST^ORY OF I*O0AflONTAS COUl^l^^, IOWA. ELECTION, NOV. 8, 1898,-2644 votes. Secretary of State:, Geo.. L. Dobsoa, R 1490 405 Claude R Porter, D 1085 Malcolm Smith, Proh 51 R. M. Daniels, Peo, 15 A. G;;Swanbolm, Soc 3. doilgressman, lOtti District: J. P. DoUiver, R 1419 266 :^dwin Anderson, D 1153 , P. J., Shaw, Proh 61 A. Noreliiis, Peo 9 District Judge, 14th District: W. B. Quarton, R l'373' 175 J. W. Sullivan, D 1208 District Judge, to fill vacancy: F. H., Heisel,!, R 1399 205 C. E; Cohopfl, D 1194 County Recorder: L. E. Hanson, R 1318 27 Franii Renlff, D 1291 Clerl£ Of Court: Frank H, Plumb, R 1418 207 Charles F. Pattee, D 1201 Auditor: T. C. Thatcher, R 1315 17 Geo. W.Day D 1298 CouDty Attorney: Wm, Hazlett, R 13S9 194 L. E; England, D 1205 Coroner: Frank Reyburn, 1444 284 O. H, Barthel, 1160 ' ELECTION, NOV. 7, 1899,-2959 VOTES. , Governor: Leslie M. Shaw. R 1686 474 F. E. White, D' 1212 M. W. At wood, ^TOh 48 Charlies A. Lloyd, 10 M. J, Ki-emer, 2 C. C.HeacQCk, 1 Representative: John B. Kent, R 1737 585 C. A. Rossing, D 1152 County Treasurer: Guy S. Roblnspn, R 1656 391 H. W. Lyon, D 1265 Sheriff: W. L, Mitchell, R 1624 327 M. J. Keenan, D 1297 Superintendent: U. S: Vance, 'R 1633 364 Cyrus Thompson, D 1269 Surveyor: H. W. Bissell, R 1701 496 W. P. Rude, D 1205 Coroner:' , Frank Reyburn, R 1732 575 , O. H. Barthel, D 1157 ELECTION,, NOV. 6, 1 900 j— 3517 VOTES. President: Wm., MoKinley, R 2176 889 Wm. J, Bryan, D 1287 John G. Wooley, Proh 53 ^ Martin Barker, Peo 1 Secretary of State: Wm, B. Martin, R 2156 869 S. B. Crane, D 1287 S. O. Pillsbury, Proh 51 Congressman, 10th District: J.P.Connor, R 2149 799 R, F. Dale, D 1296 P. J. Shaw, Proh 54 District Judge: A. D. Bailie, R 2150 844 I. W. Bane, D 1306 Countv Auditor: I. C. Thatcher, R 2072 686 J. A. Henery, D 1386 Recorder: Leonard E. Hanson, R 2082 686 Fred Bruns, D 1360 Clerk of Court: Frank H. Plumb, R 1976 488 Joseph DQOley, D 1488 County Attorney: Wm. Hazlett, R 1872 304 T. J', Lynch, D 1568 Coroner: A. H. Thornton, R 2069 688 T. J. Dower, D 1381 To Amend State Constitution: For Convention, 1204 148 Against " 1056 Biennial Elections: For, . 1355 432 Against,' 923 ELECTION, NOV. 5, 1901,-2274 VOTES. Governor: Albert B. Cummins, R 1496 780 T. J. Phillips, D 716 A. N. Coats, Proh 55 James Baxter, 6 L. H. Weller, 1 Senator: , E.K. Winnie, R 1475 720 B. P. Lfiyman, D 755 Charles Redman, 1 Representative, 76tli District: Fred C. Gilchrist, R 1411 566 C. P. Leithead, D 845 . County Treasurer: Guy S. Robinson, R 1550 847 Jonathan Pulley, D 703 Sheriff: Wm. L. Mitchell, R 1512 ' 772 A. W. Peterson, D 740 Superintendent: U, S. Vance, R 1582 1581 M. O'Malley, 1 Surveyor: H. W. Bissell, R 1496 753 F. J. Poduska, D 743 Coroner: A. H. Ttiornton, R 1521 807 T. J. Dower, D 714 , aiSTORY OE ELEdTlONS. 8^1 ELECTION, NOV. 4, J 902,— 2929 VOTES. hecretary of State: Wm. B. Martin. R 1767 698 Rlcbard Burke, D 1069 W. Howard, Proh 67 W. A. Jacobs, Soc 26 Congressman, 10th District 1751 1001 62 23 750 1561 1311 1514 1409 1449 1445 250 105 James P. Connor, R Kasper Faltinson, D W. D. Elweld, Proh F. D. Swiclr,.Soc CouE(;ty, Recorder: •Ol'e E. Christeson, R T. P. Fitzgerald, D Clerk of Court: Percy M. Beers, R Geo. F. Dean, D Auditor: Geo. W. Day, D R.,E. Postjn, R -. :This vote was recounted by the Contest board, Dec. 22-23, 1902, and the result was as follows: Geo. W.Day, 1447 8 R. B. Postln, 1439 County Attorney: Geo. .A. Heald, R 1589 281 T. F. Lynch, D 130.8 GENERAL ELECTION, NOVBMBBE 3, 1903. For Governor: Albert B Cummins, R J. B. Sullivan, D John F. Hanson, Proh John M Work, Soc L. B,. Weller, Peo Lieutenant Governor, John Herriott, R I860 1145 53 34 3 715 J. D. Butler, D 1149 James H. Scull. Proh 50 Judge of Supreme Court: Charles A, Bishop, R 1829 John R. Caldwell, D 1148 William Orr, Proh 50 Superintendent of Public Instruction: 681 John F. Riggs, R A. R. McOojk, D John S. Ward, Proh Railroad Commissioner: David Palmer, R W. S. Porter, D H. R. Bradshaw, Proh' State Representative: Fred C. Gilchrist, R Montague Hakes, D County Treasurer: Guy S. Robinson jR " " L. E. Streater, D SherifE: Wm. L Mitchell, R James J. Kelleher, D Superintendent of t^chools: 1831 1146 49 1832 1139 51 1487 1591 1813 1219 1527 1561 1752 1277 1756 1249 1837 688 U. S. Vance, R Nellie McLaughlin, D County Surveyor: H. W. Blssell, R A. B. Olson, D Coroner: A. H. Thornton, M. D. T. J. Dower, M. D., D Supervisor 1st District: W. S. Butler, R B 0. Budolfson, D Second District: S W. McKinney, R 309 Frank White, D 352 R1746 1257 284 , 421, 685 693 104 594 34 475 507 489 137 43 878 PIONEER HIS-fORY OP POCASOnI'AS (JOUNTY, IO#A. eeRRBerioxs. A, indicates the first cola'mn; B, the eecond column; and ," the v^ords, "instead of." Page Line Correctloa 6S B 18, Powers, - Bye's. 21, Onilt "visited."' 25, 1855, - 1SB4. 41, Nov. 19, ■•• 15. 4,.uec 17, - 20. 32, A dd "Croker" County. 24, Nov. 8, 1874, - Nov. 7, 1872. 44, 1873, - 1871. 9, David, ■'■ Mr. 10, 1887, - 1890. 4B; June 2, 1894, - Nov. 1, 1897. 29, In 1872, - 1880. 1-27, Omit. 38, F. H.'Plumb, - J. H. Lighter. 7, Say lor - .-layley. 6, Henry and H, A., — C. and A. 81, Svedjle, - Schwady. 50 J. P. Hoblnson, — J, B. Johnson. 43, McCarthy, ••• McCartan. 8, Aug. 16,— . 3, 1890, :•• 80. 2i, Norma, Ere(lly and Charlotte, — Norma and Emily. "Clinton," Oentei'," at the top, 21, Seely— '70, 75, - 70-75. 31,1896,-1886. "Clinton," ■•■ "Center," at the top. Footnote, 286, - 144. '• 606,- 300, 47, Add "Michael," after "Crahan." 14, ISldest, — youngest. 38, Seven, ■• six; and add"Fletoher S." after "Paul B." 47, Age of "19," •■■ 30. 1, 1887, - 1881. 12, His father, - Howard. 41, -74, 82, - '74-82.' 47, 6 — George, a son by /his first wlfa, lives In Minnesota and has three children. Colfax, ••• Des Moines, at the top. 12, 1882, - 1877. 22, iincis E Capt., 631, 307, 621 2- Argus, TheRolfe 506 3-4; Frank and Martha. 795; Armstrdng, David 83 - Lyman, 625, 637; Percy M., 637, Artman, Charles Rev 497 625, 862; Ralph W., 637. Aschenbrenner, Geo 749, 767 Bees ; - - .276, 865 Aspholm, Eric 686 Behrendsen, George. 816, 483; Mrs., 845 Asylum, County 315, 603 Behrens, Frederic W.. .350; Henry B., Atkinpon, Charles, D., 775. 457, 852; 350, 339; Herbert W., 35,0, 336, 839. William F , 774, 205. 212, 314,502, Belden, John A .572,593 681-2-3, 749, 761-2, 878. Belknap. Isaac F 197, .561, 56o Attorneys, County, 209, 212-3, 862; Bell, William 341,294,335,339 District, 210. Belt, A. L, Dr. ..... ......623, 851>2 Auditors. County 202,212,862 Bell ville Township, 335, 195; County Austin, H. 749, 760 Officers, 356; ^Creamery, 341; Em* INDEX. 881 manuel German Cburcb, 339; First Birth and Death, 339; Indians in, 134; Lone Bock, 149; Palmer, 356; K. K. Lands, 244. Bendlxen, Charles B. and Erasmus, 627; Peter H., 626, 483, 621. Beneke, Diederick, 641, 336, 639; Rudolph, 345, 336, 339. Bennett, J ames, 336, 339, 341; Pelatiah F., 252, 361. Beushoof, Louis 536 Benson, J. Z 490 Bentley, D. W., 681; Joseph, 683; J. M., 458; William D., 682. Berry, J. M 8.52; William A 339 Beswick, Robert F., 399, 366, 391-2, 397. Bible in the Public bchool, 103; County Society, 503; Fonda Society, 579. Bigglestone, Noer E 770 Biilmaa, Jacob 750-1; 770 Birds, Native 278 Bischofl, Charles A 537, 539 Bishop, David J. ...... . 2 )0, 560-1, 565 Bissell, Hiram W., 466, 137, 208, 212, 455, 461, 862. Blvans, L. S 336, 339 Bjorklund, Charles J 681, 683 Blackbirds 266 Blackhawk War, 23; Purchase, 58. Blair, John 1 248, 250 365 Blake, D. U 853 Blanchard, Albert, 721; Bros., 699; J. H , 694. Blanden, Col., 294; Stock Farm, 356; C. G.and L., 341. Blind, College for 89 Blizzard, Harry A 816, 397 Blizzards, The , 266 Blockades 269 Blomberg, Andrew G, 681-2; Charles J.,683, 686; John, 683. Blomgren, Axel 681 Blooming Prairie P. 285, 317 Bloomstrand, N. A. Rev 539 Bloudel, Joseph 738 Boekenoogen, C. F 327, 733 Bogue, B. F K94 Bohemians, the 454, 864 Bohn, B C V88 Bollard, Joseph B., 841, 366-8, 387, 395; Richard D., 468, 205, 212, 552, 456; Fred, 863. Bond, F. Hamilton 396, 419, 852 Boog, Charles G. & Frank W-, 639; James W., 639, 340-1; John W,, .341, 639. Booth, Samuel 694, 697 Buteen, Gustave 827 Bothwell, Geo. W. Dr 400 -Bott, William, 399, 201, 248, 361-2, 368 Boulders, 148; Hunter's & Lone Rock, 149; Pilot Rock. 151. Bountv, Gopher, 265, 871; Wolf, 199, 218, 273. Bouretl, Henry 734, 737 Bovee, Cassias J., 775, 682, 756, 760, 770-,. C. C, 733-4; William P., 681-2. Bowen, John C. Rev 519,704,878 Boyd, Daniel N., 536, 540; James, 666; SlmonP., 540,374, 536, 878; William, 654; William L. & E. C, 737. Boyeson, Boy E 733, 737 Bradley, William G., 209, 297, 455, 461, 465. Bradshaw, ZenasC, 401,361, 372, 396- 8, 862. Breitenbach, Joseph, 661, 206, 212, 654- 5-7-8, 671. Brennan, J. F. Rev., 374, 573, Thomas, 654. Bridges, First,.165, 187, 217; Commis- sioner to locate, 287; inspected, 217; iron, 279. Bridges, William F., 403, 368, 376; William H., 404, 376. Brieholz, William 536-7 Bright, W. F 487, 490-1 Brinkman, David 454-5, ,467 Bristow, E. J. Rev 757 Broadwell, John W 561,751 Brockett, William 684 Brockshink, Caspar H., 161, 620, 650-2 Broderick, Michael 157, 160 Brodsky, Louis, 694, 697-8, 704; Frank J., 697,699. Broleen, A. M., Rev 538 Brookside Creamery 296 Brower, Geo. L., 401, 366, 368, 391; Henry H., 749, 750-1; Jeremiah, 757; John J., 572; Joseph, 757. Bromley, Owen ; 561 Brown, Alphonso O., 397; Anna E., 368, 849, 857; Archibald, 654, 662: Benjamin, 749; C. E., 601-2; David W., 662, 655, 658; Edwin T., 654, 662;Elisha C, 205, 212, 404, 562, 565; E. L., 484; Ethan, 654; F. E., 756; Fred, 455, 654, 750; Geo. W., 750; Hank, 180; Henry A., 654, 662; Jacob, 694, 697, 711; James E., 4Q5; John, 662; John M., 662, 209, 212, 654-5-6-7; M. C, 485-6-, 491; Nathan L., 253, 455; Orlando O., 253, 404; OrvUle v., 654, 662. Brownell, NilesL, 537, 541; Ray C, 541, 201, -536-7; Thomas J., 541. Brownlee, William, 345, 134, 201, 204, 212, 336, 339, 356. 397, 502; Mrs., 338. Brubaker, L C 484 Bruce, James J., 509, 10, 200 3-7, 212, 283 6, 483-7, 490-6, 502-7, 561-2-5. 656- 7-8, 673, 847, 856-7-8; James, Jr., -852; Marion, 487, 511; Robert, 485- 6, 511. Bruett. H. L 770 Bruns, Fred 339 Bryan, O. S. Rev 371, 497 Bryant, C. A 205 882 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Buck, Horace E 788-9, 790, 862 Carson, James W 733-4-5-7, 789 Buckner, Jolin 572,627,679 Carstens, Gerhard B., 664, 654 6-8; Buckwalter, Roy 751 Jacob, 663; John H., 654-5-6, 664. Budolfson, B. C, 862; J. A 562 Carter, Henry C, 638; T. S. Eev., 497. Buell, Henry 682 Cartlidge, John 362,406 Buffalo Chase, 220; Wallows 221 Cariwright, J. W 750 Ball, Andrew 625-6 Caswell, Albert A., 749; W. E., 756 8; Bump, F. O. Rev 486,502 760. Bunch, A. A„ 681; A. L ti81-2 Catholic Churches 864 Bunton, Geo. H ....756-7, 761, 770 Cattle, 865; Fat, Charlton, 463; Fuchs, Burdick, Algernon F,, 593, 43, 46, 572, 316, 417; Shannon Bros., 463; Fine, 590; F. T., 796; Newman H. Rev., Brodsky, 704; Blanden, 357; Lind, ,498. 568. , Burgeson, Abraham 336, 341 Cavanaugh, William 626 Buck, Edward 760 Cedar Township, 360, 195, 252; Ceme- Burkhalter, H. C , 455, 458, Milton E., tery, 367; County officers, 452; , 456, 458. first death, wedding, 451; first Burlington, James 617 school house, 867; Fonda, 250, 364; Burnip, Robert, Rev 757 Pioneers, Sketches of, 399; R. R. Burns, Michael 451, 341 lands, 249; Schools, 362. Burson, Abram, 366-8, 816; John... .816 Cedarstrom, Rudolf F 542, 538, 596 Bushy, Eben J., 362; Jean, 402; William Cedarville Herald 251,287 J;, 402, 361-6-8, 387. Census takers in 1870, 291; in 1880, 292; Busbytown 365 in 1890, 314; in 1900, 862. Bush, Geo., 397, 432; J. M., 483-4; Wil- Center township, 452; County ofBcers, liam P., 2534. 465; First Sunday (School, 465; Buswell, William G 361 officers, 457; Pioneers, Sketches of, Butler, Stephen Rev., 374. 573, 625, 665; Pocahontas, 456: R. R. lands, 660; Joseph, 659; W. S,, 561. 244; Schools, 455. Butcher, M. K 790 Chalberge, Edward 821 Butter, process 765 (Jhalk beds 75 Buxbom. E 486, 499 Cballand, 483, 818; T. D 486 Byrne, Michael, 252, 361-2,405;Thomas, Chamberlain, John 681 602, 607; Wm. M., 458, 817. Chamberlin, Orlando E. & Percims 11., 593. e Chambers, John, 62, 681; H. C, 757, ' Cabinet officers from Iowa 110 p,, „'!'!?,' ^-'/^w oro Cady, Alonzo 336,339 342 ^^'^and'er L. W 853 Cain, E.K., 336, 340, 351, 64U; Chri., g^^P.^ fliers:,- SloVMam^etc! Calhoun, James T., 471, 694-7-8.9. 700 253 4; /o-eph 818, 254, 792, 866; ^""*ffi^.'7To%^'eJtMl?.ie'l47' Charut)n','chl']es'A., 512, 205. 212, S66r878fpa'tK'l^9':'f4?; 650'; J02; Jesse, 512; Jar^^es H., 512, 4^3, Thomas J., 201, 621-5. 666-7, 663, pj, ^^^V^t' u 40.. 052 361 789 Campbell, Alexander & WnrSeld, 699; ^^^5S'J''J±ba;d ' ' ' ' ' 560 Charles J., 560; James H., 207, 212, ^S^^^^'S" if '^J^^'Si- • " : " ' " ' " sr^ 48-8, 847-9; .roha, 703; WmiaTi E., ' ^f,^.\® f ^^^^^^y- ■P^°''^'^ ^^^ 511. 621-3, 845. Childs, L. E .- 624 n«,.W;t V r 484 Ohingren, Ernest J 398, 612 ■8arev James c' ' 'm-5-e ' 663- ' John Chinn, Fred C„ 720; Walter E 711 ^^^^|wi=, ^MatThVw^-^^ie; g--rs^%r^-^,-ofe E.;-6r- 'S^?iSSS^;o-F.;-749rc^^ ^H^^f^'^^iT '^iohf •^• J.,5l3;C.N..692;John,535;P. F., '^''"I^^j^'^^/gl' ®- ^•' ^^®' •'°^°' ^^^' Parnpv' A v' Dr " 863 Ohristnpherson, O. C 300, 455 Carpe%te1^:a C 36,-i38;i85V.John D Churchea in Iowa, 104, 292; in Poca- 406, 368, 397; Roy C, 406. hontas County, 864. Carroll, Joseph M. Dr., 776, 208, 212, Circuit, Court, 19Y, 210, 247; Eider, 373 749, 751, 769, 852-3; P. J. Rev., 373; Clviliz ition, American. ,. . . 18. Patrick H„ 863. Clainpitt, Geo. W ^IH IHDEX. 8SS Olancy, Gharles F., 542; James, 502,542; John yv., 536; Maurice, 350. Clanton, Soeptien. 788 Clark, E. B.,'36I; James, 62; John F., 207, 212, 573, 697, 947-9; Jonatban L., 733, 790-4; E. B.. 361; Sarah A., 8l8i Thomas P., 733; W. S. 398. Clarke, Arthur F. 793-5, 805 Olason, Josepd, 512, 209, 482 3.4, 497; William, 560. Clply 74 Clerks Of District Court, 202, 2i2, 865! Climate. : 77 .Clingnian, L 682 Clinton, C. A., 771, 789, 790; Farm, 808 Clintoa Township, 481; Assessment in 1870, 533; Cemetery, 488; County officers, 490; early sctiool district, 561; iMCidents, 489; officers, 483; Pioneers, sketches of, 508; post- offices, 507; R. R. aid electious, 488; schools & officers, 484; Name changed to Garfield, 844. ClossDil, A. C. . . ;. 571-2 Glute, Samuel 483 Ccikl famine, 270; fields in Iowa, 71; Chart of, 150. ' Coffin, Marcellus W., 820, 487, 490, 506; F. M: ,• 623; 697; Lem C , 820; Percy 0,820, 700. Cole, T. S. Rev., 497; Jesse, 757; J. S., 789,793-4. Coleman, James H., 572, 368; Michael &"., 820,- 368, 392^8. Colfax Township, 534, 195; County officers, 558; creamery, churches, schools, 537; R: R, lands, 244; sod houses, 558; sub-district, 362. Collins, Annie, 247, 653; 0. H., 789, 790-2-3-4; Hugh. 665, 156 9, 650; John, 671; Joseph, 624; Michael, 664, 156. 196-9, 200-2r3-7, 650-3-6, 846, 878; Michael T., 665, 159, 201, 656-7; Patrick, 665, 167; Roger, 666, , 159, 650-6-iS; William J., 665, 659, 678. -.Collins Grove 159, 649 Commercial facilities 80 Condon, Annie, 338, 660; Ellen, 657; Kate. 455; Jaimes, 650; John, 670. Conley, John: 712 Connelly, F. C 625 Connor, See O'Connor. Connor, J. P ' 862 Connors,' Dennis, 160, 650-6; Michael, 666. Conroy, Frank M 406, 398 Converse, diaries C, 197, 563-5-8; Roy C, 863. (jonvy, George 536 'Cook, Aaron, 621-2; D. W., 682; Ja,mes, 621; John, 749, 750-1. Cool, E. C, 757; E. G 756, 760 Coons, C. W. Rev 736, 794 Cooper, Beriah, 566, 560; Henry, 566, ' 215; 560-1-2; Thumbs E:, 561-6.' Coopertown ... ; '. . 566 Cure, Geo. W 513, 485 Corn, 309,315,791,865; used for fuel, 294 Corner Markers ;. . 735 Curnick, D. D , 694 Coroners 208, 212 Cottrell, W. D. 749, 751, 767 Counselman Grain Co .458, 699, 737 County Farm.: 315, 603 ;County, First division of, 193; ordfer for organization, 1'96; iodebted- neas, 282; Map of, 204; Officers, ^12, 862; Supervisors, 198; printing, 187, 214; Survey, 138; Bible Soci'ety, 503; Bar association, 862; Farmer's Mutual Ins. Co., 502; Medical Ass'n, 851; Press Ass'n, 853; Sun- day School Ass'n', 854; Temperance Alliance, 858. County Seat; 165, 185; relocated, 196, 279,870. '■ • Coustawa ; . . 129 Coville, A. M 733-4 Cox, Willett S., 803, 735, 795-6, 809, 878; Chauncey, 700, 796.' Ooxey's Army...... 326 Coykendall, Fred 555 Coyle, Jacob. 580 Orahan, Michael, 513, 666, 205, 212, 391- 7, 455; 4SS-7; •605^6,-490, 586, 656-7 8, 878; John, Patrick, Thomiis, 666. Craft, Geo. G......: 397 Craig, Almaren F., 684, 682; Wilbur E., 684, 682, 790. Cranes 277 Creamery, First, Brookside. ....... i. 297 Creed, A;,W. .....252,. 361, 419 Criminal' Conviction, first..... .'. 315 Crone, R. B 368 Crooks, C. H 371 Crops, good, 295, 308, 310, 316, 333, 86.". Crowder. W: E......... ...... ...756, 760, 770 Cfowell, John, 621; Thomas, 167, 650 Crum, JK , '.. 681' Crummer, John A., 607, 206, 212, 601- 2-3-4, 862, 878; John. Rev.. 604-7; Lem O., 708, 602; Wellington, 6(i7 CufE, James....;.-.;....,... 4P6 Cullen, John J „. 2(i8 Cundy, Solomon .'...458, 770 Curkeet, William J 448, '598, 601 Curtis, F. J.. .;..206, 361, 457 Custer, Gen 42 Cuthbert, A. R. Rev., 700; T. J. Rev., 496, 794, 855; Cyclones...... 319, 358 D Dady, D. B 455 Dahl, John 737 Dairy Products 865 884 PIONEllJR BtlStORY OF POCAfiONTAS COUJ^rTY, lOWA. Dakln, John 796 667. Dalton, John F : 668 Donnelly, Denny, 621; Michael, 622 Daniels, Emmet A 627, 621-3 Dooley, JohUj 642, 639, 640-1; Josepn Darcy, Matthew Rev 459, 660 J., Michael J., Patrick, 642-3 Darling, Sarah J,, 254; Charles S., 375; Dorton, Geo. M., 408, 288, 361-2 3-6; E. S'., 490; James, 374, Henry, 681; 4u8, 398. Darnell. Alfred ; 760 Doty, Emory M., 681; Henry M., 822. Dart, Amos W 407,361-2,372 Dover Township, 571, 195; Catholic Dash, L. A 486 church, 373, 573; county officers, Daubenberger, H. A 397 573; Cemeteries, Creamery, 573; Davenport Home 95 Variua, 573; Pioneer Citizens, 576. Davidson, I. P. , 626 T., 749 Dougherty, James W. , 457, 579; Davis, Arthur W., 408, 207, 213, 368, Joseph, 704. 847-9, 852; Daniel, 737, 756-7-8, 760- Dower, Thos. J. Dr., 822, 398, 457, 852 9; Homer A., 760. ' Doxsee, A. R., 483-4-6 C. J.. 491 Day, D. D., 487, 490, 706; Geo. W., 706, Doyle, Terrence, 643, 202, 440-1, 862; 699, 853, 862. John, 536; Michael M., Mrs., 397 Deacon, John.. 820 Dozycimski, Nicholas 644 Deaf, school for 168, 93, 99 Dralnage,Commlssioners. 209; district Dean, Thomas L., 820, 206, 316, 337, No. 1, 306; No. 2, 307; of county, 639, 640-1; George L., 640; Levi, 305. 770; W. S., 561. Drecssen, C. J 757, 789 Declamatory Contests 329, 848 Drift, Boulders 148, 155 Deer 277, 603 Droughts , 308, 319, 326-7 DeGrafl, Abram F 434, 398 Drown, Rosweli, 570, 560; James, 694; Deitrick, F. B 370 Wm H., 570, 749, 751. DeKlotz, Frank 749, 750-1, 761 Dubbert, Fred 778, 749, 751 Demaray, Theron G., 803, 789, 793-4 5 6 Dubuque Grant, 49 Treaty 48 Democratic Convention, tirsc, 297; Dubuque & Pacific R. R 243-9 party organized, 307, 330. Dubuque & Sioux City R. R 248 •Denend, A. J 487 Ducks, wild 277 Denman, Rebecca — , .584 Duer, C. E. , 788 Dennis, Ross, 821, 486, 809; C. H., 863 Dunkards 683 Des Moines Bridge Contract 187 Dunn, Alexander, 408, 361, 381; Edward Des Moines Township, 559, 184, 193; D., 621-3; Theodore, 361-6, 535-6-7 county officers, 565; families in Duty, Geo. H. Rey., 498-9; 514, 625, 700, 1880, 565; schools and officers, 560, 857. services, 565, 855; Civil war volun- Dwiggans, Wm. R 749, 770 teers, 562; R. R. lands, 245; old Rolfe, 201, 281, 563. E Detwiller, Alex & William G., 821; John, 821, 322-3. Eaton, Harvey, 409, 572; Amos, 409, DeWitt, Walker 368 826; F. E. Rev., 701; L. M., 789, DeWolf, Merton B., 727, 330, 748, 752, 790-3 4; William H., 410, 572. 760, 862; & Wells, 754, 770; Frank Eberle, Thomas 823,682 C, 723, 694-7. Edelman, James A 180, 209, 560 Dexter, Crolis 737 Edgar, David W. Dr. ,410, 296, 307, 366- Dickerson, Geo., 811 John, 796 7-8, 852. Dickey, A. B., 562 James. 789, 792 Edgington, C. W 625-6 Dickinson. Geo., 621; G. W., 490; Wm. Edmundson, J. M., 749 E. P , 789 B., 336-8 9, 342. Education 101,846 Dlesen, William 793, 795 Eggspuehler, Albert J., 706, 471, 694- Dilmuth, Fred....-^-- 600,613 8,700. • Dinsmore, Frank L 209, 691 Ehline, Albert 398. 826 District Court 210, 246 Eichler, John 573-8 Dlvlsh, John 454 Election Contests 198, 206, 729 Dodge, W. J. Rev. 602 Elections, History of, 861; special for Doe, Albertus 520 railroads, 299, 300, 622, 640. Doerlngsfield, Wm 621 Elk 276, 603 Dolliver, J. P 333, 862 Elliott, H. M. Rev., 378; Uriah, 621-8; Donahoe, E. >•. ^789, .790-3-4; James, William A., 316, 397, 603. 163, 667, 650; John, 667, 654; J. J„ -e,,„ ' " jnhn ' ' ' .,„ 623 Peter, 734; Peter M., 164, 656; E sasser, John. ••••••••• ••••...... 577 Rose Ann 163. 247, 653; Thomas, Elsen, Carl B., 628; Charles B., 628, INDEX. 202, 503, 621-3 5, 862; Gerd, 628, 315, ■ 621; Henry, 628, 336. Embree, Asa F 639, 733 Emery, S. A 491, 849 Enfield, J.C 2(J9 Eaglaod, Llewellyn E.... 514, 623, 853 Euglert, (English), Joseph H. & Charles, 577, 878 Eno, J. H 733-4 Eijright, Patrick, 351, 336; James, Joha, 351; Thomas, 351-3. Eral, John, 468. 454; James W., 468, 455 6; Franlc R., 469; Martin, 469, 639; Joseph L., 469, 841. Erickson, Aaron, 342; sisters, 755. 770 Erne, Booefacius 453, 469, 598 Erret, C. W 770 Eskimos 20 Evangelical Church 864 Evans, Hiram, 215, 562: Eugene, 411, 362; Orantre C, 411, 361; Elmer, "William, 398, 411. F Fagan, P. 10 771 Fair, Big Four District 315. 386 Fairburn, George, 411, 248, 366 8, 37o 4, 396; Edward H., 414, 396; B'rank A., 414, 852. Falrman, C. A 750 Fancher, Eutus Rev 496 Fargo, E. G 315, 622-3, 845 Farm, barns of state, 72; County, 315; Blanden, 356; Charlton, 463; Clint- on, 808; machinery, 295; Thornton, Grune & Co., 680; Farms in County, 865. Farmers' Alliance 313, 597 Farrell, Francis 588 Farson, John H. Dr. . . . ; . .778, 749, 756 Faus, O. H. P. Rev 372 Fegles, William S., 209, 215, 248, 294, 561-3. Fells, Joseph • • ■ 535-6 Ferguson, C. S., 458; Duncan, 514. 586; Ward, 515, 487, 505; T. E., 455. Ferrand, Seymour 675 Ferron, DeEtta 368 Fessenden, Bradley M 706, 856 Fiftieth Anniversary 9 Flnnicum, William 406 Finch, Parley 211, 862 First, Apples, 296; Arbor day, 311; brickyard, 192; cheese factory, 302; children born, 247; court session, 198, 246; at Pocahontas, 280; death, 247; deed, 160; flag day.313; gradu- ates, 848; iron bridges, 279; jurors, 191; marriage, 247; naturalization paper, 174; newspaper, 214, 248; pile driver, 279; printing of super- visors' proceedings, 287; public roads, 192-9; railroad, 248, 254; sawmill, 192;.schoolhou9e, 192; tax sale, 215; telephone, 308, Fish, A. E., 789, 792; domeyn B., 515, 200, 561-5, Fisher, Lot, 566, 561, 878; I. F., 561; M. L., 83; Thomas, 567. Fitch, C. B, 623-6: Fred W., Samuel, 823; Geo. H., 823, 367-8, 392; Bros., 397. Fitzgerald, Daniel {Dover Twp.), 578; Daniel (Lizard Twp.), 654; Francis F., 643, 639, 640; John. 578; John D., 574-8; Joan T., 572-8; Henry, 697-9, 700; Patrick, 597; Thomas P., 578; William, 578, 43, 201, 316, 572-3. Fix, Hugo, George & John 579 Flaherty, William 458 Flickinger, Robert E. Rev., 374-9, 499, 573-5, 700, 857 8; Mrs , 377. Flint, C E., 361; Charles L , 733 4, 789, 790 2; C. W. Rev., 458, 460, 641; Geo. W., William P., 823; W. H. Rev., 372; Silas, 253, Flowing wells 154 Flynn, F. M 487, 490 Foland, Lewis M. ; 788, 795 Fonda, 250, 364; in 1900, 396; agents, 370; creamery, 296, 310, 317, 390; churches, 371; fair, 315, 386; free mail delivery, 317; lire depart- ment, 385; fraternal societies, 383; Gazette, 296; G. A. R. Post, 380; I. O. G. T., 381; Review, 328; Times, 251, 281-6, 304, 394, 853; officers, 361; postmasters, 371; Schools, 367; shipments, 310; Town Lot Co., 365; Public School Build- ing, 861. Forbes, Hugh W..Rev., 824; John, 824, 367-8, 392-7. Ford, waiter, 159, 668, 188, 200. 650-6, 667; John F., 668; Walter P., 656, Forey, Patrick, 165, 191-6, 483, 620, 650- 3-6; Edward F., 621, 640. Forsburg, O. A 681 Fort Dodge 27, 127. 240, 637 Foster, B. B., 852; & Graves, W.A., 457 Fosburg, D, H 794 Fossum, N. 608, 597-8 Fouch. Daniel' 824, 487; Richard, 483, 506. Foust, Robert 770 Fox, Emory R ..575, 593 Fraser, John, 706, 386, 504, 697, 854-7; Charles E., 707. 483 6, 495; John T., Wm. J., 707; Wm. J., Rev., 701. Freelove, A. L 457 Freeman, F. E., 458; John; 483; W. J., 750. ■Fritz, (C. M.), & Fritz, (S. B.), 457-8 Froid, A. F : 339 888 PIONEER, HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. Frontier Soldiers 43 1902, 625; R. F. D. , 626, 797. Frontispiece, log & sud nouses ex- Gilson, j. William, 418, 572; Albert, plained, 228. Everett L , 398, 418. Frosc, Roberts, 779, 561. 7501-2, 760; Gish, S., 484 Daniel P., 694 5 7. 7u3 Glacial period 151 Fruit trees, 272, 865; Saylor, 647; Glass, R. C. Rev .497 Kintzley, 687; Tnompson, 591; Goats, ad gora 7(i5 Williams, 312, 799 Gombar, Fred M 579 Fucbs, Joseph, 417, 316, 388; Louis. Gorman, James 167,668 417, 362, 395 Goodchild, GeO;, 708, 794; Henry, 7«8, Fulcomer, Henry, 697-8; Thomas, 694 789; Wm. A., 7U8, 694, 790. Fuller, E. a, 694 7; Geo., 697; Maud, Gophers... 264,871 368; O. B., 486. bottfried, Geo. H. 418, 362 Furness, J. W 681 2, 760 Governors of Iowa 110 Gowrie & Northwestern R. R. 756 G Graduates 311,848 no^ A.,roi RMA. Gratton,' Peter 6u2 r Mria-w wVliiam 342 ^''•'''^' «Jy ?"»« A. , 516, 486 7, 495; rtnlkr P of ■■-■■■ 769 J°'^° T' ' Sn; Richard C. „ 455. ramp wnd27fi'7'52-'cVane''277--'dpe^^^ Grant Township, 595, 195; churches. Game, wiia, z/b, /OiS, ciane, z/(, uper, „„„. ,.„,„,(.„ „ffi„„.,, a.i^. carW 277, 603; aucks, 277; Elk, 276, 603; teacher^ 59S° Shf can 603^ Gee^e, 277, 603; muskrats, 275.697. Vf*^??®,^^' ^ f'^^^, ^^P"°^'''^°' ''"^' Gammm, G. H 749 R. R. lauds, 244. ^oH V. '^n '^^q Glrass, wild. . . . 225, 327 gS^ rr^V4iK-202:2i2;-S ^£ 1^-^: 3^^^''^^-- '^i '%:nS 'Hi: tt^^'Ll^; aree^eSuTasf 5?2. 680, 848; J. R., Garhlci^o'st^e"-''-' '''' '''- 749 GriSjames, 824; John A. Rev., 608, Garrahan^ Pefer^...:^ 164 596 8 6j1 2;. John P., 572 3; Robert Garrison, Charles F 521,486,878 n.;m'*HU 'r T^q-d ^'Thn''829"" "■ ''"^"'■' ""• ^^^' G^ton'tkr:::.::::::: ::::;,. 28 Rarver K O 768 853 Grute, .Beujamin ,. 572 G^rrey'.j'oh";-.-.-.-:;;.-.-.;.-.-.-;.-.-.-.'''' ^79 ^^°\^- v, ^r- ''''^■''■' "'' """ Gaylor, John 215, 262 3 „ ■'*■•• ^?^ 1'.*^^- „,c 9>7^ oqi Gearhart, Geo. W. 361, 536 G'^°^^ planting. . . . ... .235, 273, 291 Geddes, Alexander.... 708, 336 9, 694 9 Proves, bchool, Beliville, 338;, bher- Gegenhelmer, 0. F 789, 790 (.^^^^""a T" 759 Pohr-io- Kop ftpriiflr GrOUD, ill. J-i '"» Glologicaf formation : ... 146 Growth, Mai,er.al, 866; Religious, 864; ■Gerhart, W. F .458 p,„St"?,L"kf ^^ 486 German Church, Beli ville 1' 339 ^'^"'^l,®- ^^arles .486 ^'' Nichl.?a's' 57^ '^'"'°''^""'""'' Euernse'y? A : '. i .v:. '. :::::::: : :.■. e'll Gezy John& j'sephH ; 842 Gunderson, Charles L., 521. 455 6; G. Gibbons, Edward 697,700,711 „ ,, 'i „„ »„„,,cf rbi Gtflord,'R. H .....562 ^"Sj^^^O^'j^^g'^st 681 Gilbert, A. H 458 Gustas^.n, J. £ 536 Gilchrist. Clelatid, 742, 207, 213, 7.33 4- Guy, George ..-^ 0i6 5-7, 847-9; Frpd U., 742. 2^7, 212 3, Guyett, C. G 296, 418 491, 737, 752, 847 9. 852, 862; James Gypsum beds '* C. 739 88, 733, 849; Norma L., 742, H 737, 862. Gill Bros.. 797, A. L., 626; C E , 491; „ j. . . 535 Charles J , . 805. 789, 79') 3 4 5 7, 878; gackersun Gusi '794 Osborne W. , 805, 793 5 7; Samuel S^rtrttn F D 699 1= ^t''V^^«^« ^^^' ^^^' ^^^-^' ^'^' HaSFred.V.V.V.V.V.419V366-8;397 878; J. E., 486. Hagan, James 336,341 Gilmore, C. S 324 Hait, William H., 170, 161 9, 174, 185. Gilmore City, 623, 304; Globe, 853; In 191-9, 202-3-4-7, 212,- 220, 247, 561 2 INDEX. 887 3-4-5. Hakes Bros,, Montague & James E,, 763, 749, 754 5-6, 770; James R. 780, 756; iVloDtague, 779, 750 6, 775,' 862; A. '£. 790 I ; 1 Hall, J. l'., 485 6 L. D., 742 Hallock, Uliailes H., 336 9, 623; D. B., 342, 339, 621-3. Halstead, William, 694 HalversoD, W. 11 795.7 Hatu, Henry 561-2 Hamoie, Philip, 806, 788 9, 790, 878; William F., 806. 790. HamerBon, John Kev., 372 9,382, 614, '734. Hamtield, August 742,735 Hammond, Ea ward, 517, 170, 202 5 9, 212,' 223, 482 3, 504, 561. ' Hanciier, Abel Hicks, 71o, 697 8, 855; Barney, 7u9, 693-7; Juhn H., 710, 487; Nancy A , 7u9,69.3;Aclelbert E , Melvin P., 710. Hanke, Albert, Frank 824,. 252 Haana, J. <;. Eev....: 767 Hansen, W 561 Hanson, Glaus. 341; Lars H , 6 9 878;. Mrs., 606; Leonard B. 6 9 2 5, 212, 503, 6012 3, 863, 878; JNiels, 342, 335-9, Miunie, 356. Hard Times, early period, 225 294; in 1873-77, 261; in Lizard, 65.t Harder, Park U. . . . .528, 482-4.^ 749, 750 Hark, A. T 788 Harlan, J. T 455 7 Harp, A. S 578 . Harper, Samuel 790 Harrington, Jeremiah W 825, 792 Harris, Asa W., 609, 6012; Ua . Head, S. B. Bev 498 Heaid, Geo. A., 474, 456-7, 852, 862; Geo. W., 518; John A.. 518, 200, 565 Healy, William H., 420, 366, 371, 396 8, 698, 852, Heaihmaa, Frank E Dr., 711, 795-7 852; Squire E., 710, 694, 722; Elm us H., 712^ 697; Hiram, Hiram Jr., Arthur, caivin, George & Willis D., 711. Heilmlck, Henry 654, 668 Henderson, George, 713,. 697 8; Geo. W,, 519, 211, 483, 490, 502, 844; James, 712, 694 7, 878; J. G. Eev., 372; Peter B., 687 8; William, 713, 863; William A., 361, 381. Henery, J. A, 750 Henricks, Heury 654. 668 Herriclj. Alpha, 780; Charles E.,'7«0- 8 9, 681, 690, 750-1, 788, 790. HerringLon, JW. U, 697, 788 9, 790 2 3; J.U., 757;H. W.. 737. Herrold, Hiram, 749, 751 8; Philip, 759 Heisom, Samuel T., 420, 362; Syl- vanus, 420. Hewlett, Alfred, 862, 561; George, 567 Hickey, James ..156, 650 Higgins, J. W. Dr., 769, 852 3; W. H., 770; Charles, 681. Highland City 191, 563 Highways & bridges 216 Hild, Bhinehard Bev 757 Hil Strom, 0. F 538 HUtonf, J'^9Vc;a'^!f^- Sanborn, George, 438; editor Fonda 722mS fiw ' ' ^^^''^^^ ^ • Times, 289, 398, 853; publisher and Reaver Sm H 79fi au proprietor of Pioneer History, 10; Shpl Pair ok 'si' q«t G. A. R., 380; Mgr. N. T. Co., 392 o^een " ««^ M ^ 'I'll 'gbo' T' II2: wfmfn!' ^^^' '°"'' ■^■"^" B'Vsio: 789:- 793:4-5, 8 ^i 635 6 WillianQ, shellman, F. W. ......... ' 699 Sandv 'winiam wi ^ao f^heriff-i of county 212, 205, 862 SanaSist JenMe'3V4-'fnhnV^ ^'^^^^^^ Sherman,. Perrv H., 835. 56L; Franlc banqmst, Jennie, 314, John L., 536-8, h.. 835, 485-6, 528; John P., 835, Sargeni, Americus V., 441, 361; ifA wilfiat'H^'S ^"''^'^ ^•' 3tl!2°^la^Bu^fL^W^.-j\m^es^^: SherSV^I" ^ -^^' -' Z Saunders W B V^a Sl^'deler, Geo. W. Rev 700, 794 Sauter A J Iq7 ^^*^"^«' ^enry 675,654-8 Sa wmiil Hai t's ^97 gu i mon , A I bert, 455-6; Thoma«. 454 Sl^en/AT 769-.V.V.V.V.-. KreV ?7'o ^l' ^T' '''' !^ Saylor, Christian M., 646, 134, 2%, 300, Sh rfe'v P 2sV '337; Anton Jr., 837, 843. Snell, William 251, 361-2-6 SniKgs, John, 769 Tictor A., 863 Snyder, Judge ■. . 247 Sod, Thp, 43, 155; houses, 227, 337, 675, 733; school house, 601, Soder, John 525-6, 558, 598 boiestrom, John A 828 Soegde, John 458 Boil, The 183,309, 326 Soldiers, Civil war, 562, 660, 215; Spanish war in Cuba, 508, 863; Swedish,546; Home, 96;mnnumpnt, 109; Orphan's Home, 95; Vote, 206, 868. Sou'hworth, Joseph, 784; Edwin H., 784, 775; Fred J., 784, 480. Spain, J. M 681 Spargur, Geo. W 625 Speer, James 734 Spence, George F 529, 455, 490 Spencer, H. M 770 Spickler, S. H 749, 750 Spielman, David, 438. 361, 536; Fred, 438, 397; -Jacob, 438, 397-8; Wm , 252 Spillman, A. G 699 Spirit Lake Massacre 27,41 Spitsbarth, J. W 397 Sprijge, Geo 252, 361, 403, 654-6, 675. Spratt, Geo. O 789, 793-4 Springstuhe, Wm 639 Spurrinr, H. E 750, 789, 790-2 Squire, Geo. B 843 Stacy, Frank 745, 733, 747 Stahl, Hmry 389 Stamper, R. E 621 Starkey. W. B 733-4 Starr, H'rancis M., 476; 862; J. W. Dr., 852. State, Board of Control, 99, 104; Exam- iners, 99, 103. State Institutions, 83; Academy of Science, 98; Agricultural College, 64, 86; Capitol, 14, 83, 112; h'spi- tals, 97, 106; Historical and Horti- culMiral Societies, 98; Library, 97; Normal School, 88, 90; Indus- trial Home for Blind, 91; Peniten- tiaries, 97; University, 60, 85. Staynor, Geo. 490 Steckelburg, Henry C, 673,654; Henry A., 674, 337, 878. Steele, Zadok W. Rev 699, 701 Sl»een, Wm 814, 789, 790 Stegge, Bernard, 476, 639; Bernard H., 477; John H., 639, 457; Henry B„ 477, 639, 640. Stein. C. T 4J4 5 Steinbrink,Carl 67-1, 201, 654 6 7 Steiner, David aad Wm. i; 590 Steinhilber, S .^56-7-8 Stelpflug, N 456-7, 462, 477 Stemmin, Peter 761 Stenson, Wm. W., 774, 201, 654-5-6-7-8 Sternberg, Henry 694 Stewart, Robt. C 555, 361, 535-6 Stevens, Julius F., 252; Geo. 694; John C, 366; Jos. C, 361. Stickney, Abiel 205, 483 Stilts, Jacob 253 Stock Farms, Blanden. 356; Brodsky, 704; Charlton, 463; Clinton, 808; Fuchs Bros., 417; Lind, 568; Shan- non, 463; Swan Lake,749;Williams, 569. Stock, restrained, 312; sales, 316, 569, 704, 869, 870-1. Stockdale, J uhn M 190 Stone, William, 722, 694, 878; Eliza Ann, 723, 792; Ingham. 723. Stott, John arid' William H 253 Stoulil, Joseph, 843, 454; James, 455; Wencil, 843. Stout, F. L 750 Stover, Andrew J., 745; Jacob S., 746; Martin L., 746; Charles E., 745, 486. Straight Bri s., Lee S. and Guy H., 388, 837; John, 180. Strandberg, Jacob 712 Stream, Joljn H 361, 468, Strong, Ira, 723, 200. 697-8, 7(i2; ■ Charles L., 725, 300, 694-9, 749, 751; Fannie N.. 726, 694, 792, 878; Edwin J., 725, George W., 726, 208, 694-7-8, 702: Orlando W., 724, 751, Oscar [., 724, 205-7-8, 212, 694-7-8, 702; Philander P., .725; Samuel N, 724-5, 295, 698; William B., 725. Strong, James C, 810. 201, 258, 312, .504, 700, 733. 788, 793-8-9, 802; Alva A., 811, 751, 789, 790; J"a3on F., .811 Stroi g, Joseph 354, 336 Strouse, John, 784, -749; John B., .785, 748; Alpheus H., 749, 750-1. Struthers, Robert, 172, 529, 10, 169, 191, 205-8, 212-7, 229, 483. 497. 504, 560-1-2-5; Andrew J., 529; Ellen, 247; .lames, 838. 855; William, 837; William B , 529, 562, 573. INDEX, 897 Sturdl van, Stephen F , 749, 754-8, 760 Thornberg, E. W. Rev 496 Sullivan, Henry, 838; Jeremiah O., Thornton, Aiouzo L., 477, 205, 212, 838, 252, 361; T. 1>. JRev,, 459,625, 680, 724; Alonzo R., 479, 10. 5U7, Sun, The focahontas, Laurens, 305, 853, 878; Mary B., 478, 205, 212, 768, 853. 305; Lucius C, 478, 208, 212, 456, Sunday, W. A. Rev 378 681-2; Albert M., 689, 680-1, 724; Sunday school Association, 854; cun- Albert H. Dr., 691, 458, 852. 862; ventions, 857. Frank G., 690, 202, 212, 487, 603, Sunk Grove 396 749,750, 770; Greene & Co., 680, Superintendents of couuty schools, 878. 207,212,846. Thurber, Joseph 621-3,631 Supervisors, of county, 200; districts, Tibbets. J. M. Rev., 675, 641; Samuel, 204, 328; proceedings, 214. 681, 749. Survey ot county, 137; geological.. 99 Tillev, Henry, 530. 215, 490, 562-5; Surveyors, succession of county, 208, Edward, 530, Matthew, 530, 562. 212,862. Timjjer claims, 239; culture, 76; Svedjie. John 352,878 natural, 141. Swalin, Charles and Junn W., 828, 539 Time, standard adopted 304 Swamplands 186-9,870 Times The Pocahontas, Fonda, 286, Swan Lake, 747; f . O 285, 749 2ol, 281, 304, 394, 853. Swaa Lake township, 7i6, 195; county Timon, Adolpli 549 officers and schijols, 751; incidents Tinkcom, Frank 690 aud trapping, 752; Laurens, 762; Tlshenbanner, Frank J 630,624-6 R R. rands, 245; pioneers, 771. Tobin, William 645,639,640,654 Swansoc, Joseph Rev., 556, 538; John Tolan Bros 397 P., 556, 543; Toll'-fsrude, Christian H., 531, 10, 202, Swearingen, F. W 366 212, 455, 461, 595, 601-2-3, 878; Mrs. Swenson, Swen J., 838, 398, 87c; Gus- C. H., 606; Haus C, 616, 315, 571, taveT., 838, 382; Mary, 792, 838; 878; Mis. H. C, 606; Elisha M., John, 538. 616, 601-2; Mrs. E. M., 606. Swingle, Fred, 442, 394, 857; Nellie R., Toltecs 18 363, 373, 857. Tomklns, W. 794 Symes, A. B., 486-7, 491; F. H,, 487, Tool, J. R., 756; Floyd 776 490. Topography of county 141 Synstelien, Matthew J. and Nils C, Tornado, of 1898, 358; of 1882, 395; of 615, 878. 1893, 319. _ . Townsend, H. & Co 458 ^ Toy, James F., 446; Palmer C 368 Tabor, Edward B 289, 366, 443 Track laying machine. . . .301, 462, 574 Taft, Harrison 590 Trapping 235, 274 Talbot, Charles 789, 792 Tree exemptions 272 Tayl')r, William, 444; James W., 749, Treasurers, county 203,212 750-1; Edward, 863. Treaties, Indian 48 Telephone, Iowa & Minnesota, 308; Trenary. Charles, 617, 641; Edward, Northern. 393, 763; rural, 767, 7h9 617, 662; Leon C, 617, 640. Temperance Alliance 8i7 Trials, privations, 225, 282, 261,696 Terry David 615.611-2 Trites, Edward R 727,694 7 Thatcher, Islam C , 839, 202, 212. 561, Troutm>in, L, F. Rev 700, 784 862. Trude, Solomon H. and James J., 839 Thayer, David 253 Truelson, H 697 Thomi, Anton, Alvis aud (Jhnst, Trustp.es, township 871 689 681 Tucker, Seth S 839 Thome's. Henry. 726, 200, 561, 693-4-7- Tumbleson, W.J 793 8 702, 878; Daniel, 727, 697; C. H., Turner, Frank J., 397-8; Julia A. 7.50- F. C, 486 7, 490-1; George, (Johnson), 557; Lud wig D,, 556. 681-2; James B., 812, 33, 697, Joel, Twin Lak«s 748 698, 727; Joshua, 727; Robert, 458; Tychsen, Hans 733-7 Sylvester, 811, 789, 790-3. ^ Thompson, Albert, 591; Frank, 591, 202 314, 572-3-4; Allen F., 591, 574; Umbarger, Samuel 694 George E., 445, 252, 361; Cyrus, Underwood, H. M 485-6 445" George H., 445, 252; James, United Brethren church 864 445,' 397; John A., 362, 374, 445; Unity Presbyterian church, Old Kichard P., 445; Thomas, 590. Eolfe, 218, 898 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. University, state, buildings. . .78, 110 Water. . . .• 76, 329 Y Waterman, Charles, 711; Harry, 5J4 ^T r, r r, -D „.. Watts, George, 592, 313, 502; Ai J., Vahy, John Rev 659 592. Van Ahbine, Sewell, 531, 483, 878; Weaver, Abram B 249 446; James Mrs., 624, 856-7; Clarence L., 532, ■ B , 446 626; Rollin H., 532, 623-5; Leslie Webb, C. M., 485-7, 850, Litteny, 561 H., 532, 623-5; Howard S., 531, 637 Weber, Henry B,., 621, 862; Benkin J., Vance, John R. Kev., 625; Ulysses 8., 621, 654-5-6. 813, 789, 790-3-4-7, 847-9, 853, 862; Weddings 198, 247, 316, 451 William, 750. WeeliS, B. F 371 Vandecar, John A 707 Weible, August W.. 840, 487, 505; Vanderhoof, William 789, 790 Martin, 840; & Hauck, 486. Van Hooser, P. O. and a. H 397 Weigert, Fred 354 Van Natta, George, 726, 208, 212, 561, Weir, R. L 626 697. Wei ttenhiller. Philips., 691, 757, 770 Van Steenburg, W 623 Welander, Oavid 536-8 Van Valkenberg, Adam H., 675, 361 Wellington (W. E.) farm 603 654-6-6. Wells Bros., A, E and A. A., 760; Varina, 573, 334; Churches 575 Anson B., 756, 789, 793-4-6; A. A., VaughQ, Ira G., 617, 341; Harvey B., 794; Edward B., 574. 617, 654, Wells, flowing 154 Veazie. Elijah 789 Welsh, John N., 361; Mart'in, 264, 842 Vest, E. E 486 Wendell, Peter 354, 336-7 9 Vestrum, A, H 602 Wengart, George 486 Vetter, Fred W 654 W( stern Union Telegraph Co 249 Vlterna, John 454 Westlake, William W., 677, 654-6; Vittum, C. A 736 Ella, 585. Volunteers, llth Pa., 215, 562, 66J; Weston, M. P 794 Spanish war in Cuba, 508, 863. Wheat 295 Vosburg, James 697 Wheeier Grain & Coal Co., 761, ,458, Votlucka, B. C 484, 845, 878 737, 754, 770; Gilbert G , 748, 750; ^ F. B.. 457; W. P., 486, 490-1, 505. "' Whitaker, J. A 486-7 Waddell, Herman 863 White, Andrew and Martin F., 578; Wagner, Peter 654,675 C. J.. & Son, 486; Frank, 862; Waite, Philo M 570,697 Julius, 483-4; Joseph, 485-6; J. D. Walkenhaur, W. C 455-6 & Son, 394; N. H., 770; W. T., 629 Walker, Thomas 557, 535 Whitehead, Charles E 278 Wallace, George, 557, 205, 212, 359, 536; Whitfield, A. J. Eev., 371-5; George James W,, 557; John W., 479, 2(i3, F. Bev., 757, 773. 212, 314, 654-5-6; David W., 675, Whitman, M 483-6 479, 654-5; Samuel, 676; E. L., 720; Whitney, Alva L., 728, 691; Allen H., J. D. Dr., 699; Wm. D., 863. 593; Charles H , 446, 43-5, 361; Wall Lake 70 Charles R. Dr., 447, 398, 851. Wallow, Anna 617 Whittlesey, E..S 621-3 Walsh, Michael, 676, 164, 315, 650-3, Wiese, John, 676, 623, 654; Michael, 660; Mary, 247, 653; Philip, 676, 676, 654 6; John B., 677; William 656. G., 677, 654. Ward, J. D., 799; Thomas C, 790-5, Wiewell, A. L 505 814. Wilbur, Emma L., 338; R. M 548 Warden, J. L 487,490-1 Wilcox, H. W., 338, 789, 790-2-4; W. Ware, 735; creamery and Savings A., 852, Bank, 736. Wilde, Ray E., 397; William 840 Ware, Francis L., 735; J, A. Capt., Wilder, E. 371 460. Wilkinson, John 855 Warford, J 561 Willey, H. T 601 Warner, Isaac 2.'i3 Williams, Anton, 569. 483; David C, Warwick, J. H 361 814,312, 788-9, 792-9, 878; N. H., Washington township, 787, 195;county 485; Peter, 564; Major, 36. officers and schools, 790; Havelock. Williams township 253 791, 902; R. R. lands, 244: great Wilson, B. W. Dr., 486, 852; Peter, 789 longevity, 792. Winn, James P 863 Wass, Andrew 535 Winnebagoes, The 23, 125, 131 INDEX. 899 Winnie, E. K 862 Worral, J.T 750 Winaor, C. E 769 Wright, Charles G. Eey., 533, 501, 795; Winter, Peter S63 Edward Rev., 757; George H., 252; Wlawell, E. R 486-7 Rensselaer, 450. 361, 370, 395-7, Witoraft, George 425 575; Llewellyn R., 451; F. G„ 623, Wolf, bounty, 199, 218,273; The prairie, Geo. W. and Jacob, 749; Sidney ,„ 273. E., 252, 361; W. S., 251, 371, 388. Wolf, Jopeph 840, 455 Wurtsbaugh, J. D 386, 852 Wolfe, Maurice, 840, 623, 640; M., 623; Wykofif, William M 841, 264 John, Edward, Jerry, 841. Women, Pioneprs of Grant, 604; vote ^ at Fonda, 395. Vprkea Thomas 7qn Weed, A. B. P., 447. 361-8, 376; Adel- |-Xke Fre^ 536 bertS., 448, 366-8, 370, 387, 392; You ne ' Jerlmiah' '72^ " SeY" 693-4-^^^ AbramG., 448, 361-6-8; Lois A., mIViou 3^- M J 694 368;GeorgeW., 449, 361; John M., VounS August 77^PO 755 769 449, 361; A. L.. 749, 751-9; B. H. Yu?e Geo' Rev ' 502 795 483; Edward D., 486; O. C, 536. ^ "'®' ^^°- "'^^ ^"''' ^^^ Wood, from Wfills 46, 153, 473 Z Woodin, David M 449, 571-2 Woodward, L. C. Rev 575, 371 Zanter, Ferdinand 677, 654-5 Woolman, Lydia 792 Zeigler, Charles A., 387; James S. WooiLg a Railroad. 460 Rev., 372-8, 703. Workman, John 769 Zieman, Amandue, 558, 536-7; William Worley, Benjamin 862 and Rudolph, 558. 900 PIONEER HISTOEY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. o •a (9 o o o ADDENDA. Pocahontas County Farmers' Institute. meetin.fir was held Id the court house at Pocahontas, Monday evening, January 28, 1904, for the purpose of effecting the or- ganization of a far- _ mers' institute in this county. B. a. ifoster served as chair- man and W. S. Clarli as secretary of this meeting. After an address by Judge Quarton, ,B'. E. Freeman gave a report of the Calhoun County insti- tute, which he had attended the previous week. W. S. Clarif, F. B. Freeman, E. G. Fargo, J. A. Terry and O. P. Malcolm were appointed a committee of arrangements, with power to extend invitations to at least three representative men from each township to meet at Pocahontas on the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 9th, for the purpose of effecting a permanent organization. At the meeting held Feb, 9, 1904, the Pocahontas County Farmers' Institute was duly organized. Nearly every township in the county was represented. The meeting was call'^d to order by B. B. Foster, who briefly stated its object. Henry Parson^, secretary of the Calhoun County Far- mers' Institute, was present and made some timely suggestions in re- gard to organization. Sixty persons were enrolled as members'. The membership was limited to farmers, and the membership fee was fixed at fifty cents. About twenty live others paid a fee of twenty five cents and were enrolled as honorary members. The election of offlcers for the first year resultpd as follows: President, Anthony HudelJ, Pocahontas; vice president, Louis Brodsky, Poca- hontas; secretary, Rey. C. vv. Clifton, Havelock; treg,surer, J. M. Schall, Havelock. Executive committee: O. F. Olson, Washington township; Fred Hawley, Marshall; Charles L. Gunderson, Center; Raymond Lilly, Dover; Gerhard B. Carstens, Lizard township.- John Thompson, associate editor of the Farmer's TriDune, Des Moines, addressed the meeting on the se- lection and breeding of seed corn. March 4th and 5th were selected as the time for holding the first annual institute. The first annual institute was held at Pocahontas March 4th and ."-th, 1904. Anthony Hudek presided and the constitution and by-laws present- ed by Charles L. Gunderson were adopted. The program was one of interest and profit to every one present. It included several ad- dresses by Prof. James Atkinson of the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames, and a number of excellent papers and addresses by leading farmers of the county. Among the latter were M. W. Linnan, who aa- dressed the meeting on behalf of the Mpat Producers' Association, that had met to effect a county organiza- tiori ou March 3rd, previous; Charles L. Gunderson, on the new road law; A H. Richey. on taxes and assess- ments; Fred Hawley, on Poultry for I'rofit; J. C. Pattee, on the most rirofitable house for the farm; W. E. Pirie, on Rural Telephones; C. M. Savior, on Bee Culture; B. C. Boysen (if Sherman township, on tile drain- age: and J. H. Allen, Esq., on the new drainage law. Arrangements were made for the distribution of a peck of good seed corn, to the members of the organiza- tion soliciting it, on the condition that a bushel be returned from the crop thereof, accompanied with an account of its cultivation and results. Fonda and Palmer Rural Routes. D. W. Newell, of the postofflce de- partment, in January 1904, visited and approved two routes from Fonda, that were established as follows: April!, 1904, Fonda, No. 1,— J. R. Johnsim, carrier: North, through west Cedar and Dover, to the Lilly creamery; thence south by the Weaver school House to Fonda. Length 25 mile8,area covered 39 square miles, 105 houses. 525 people served. April 1, 1904, No. 2,— Aaron R. Peterson, carrier; South one half mile, east four and a half, north (901) 902 PIONEEE HISTORY OF J^OOAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. through Colfax and Grant to Rusk; one norbh, two west, thence south to ronda. Length 27 miles, area covered 38 square miles, 110 houses, 550 people served. April 16, 1904, Palmer, No. 1, v^as established, Anthony Larson, carrier. This route extends south tour miles to the south east coraer of section 29, Bellville; east two miles, north three, then three miles east to the south east corner of section 7, Lizard; one mile north, two west, four north, two west, thence two south to the south east corner section 28, Lin- coln; one west, two south and two ea'^t to Palmer. Length 30 miles, 125 houses, 625 people served. The First Graduates at Pocahontas. Pocahontas secured the erection of a tine brick public school building in 1902-3. It is 6tx76 feet and cost $2.), 000. The first class to graduate from this higb school consisted of four persons and they graduated May 27, 1904. The historic importance of this event appears in the statement of tbe fact chat Pocahontas was the last of the seven towns founded in Poca- hontas county during the period, 1870 to 1882, to send forth a class of graduates. It marks the end of a period ot ten years, 1894-1904, during which the high schools of the county in the older towns were sufBciently developed to send forth their first classes or pioneer graduates. The first class consisted of 6 persona and they graduated at Fonda in 1894. In 1904 tbe number that graduated from the high schools of Pocahontas county, including G-ilmore City, which is on the county line, was 47. Their names and the institutions represented were as follows: Fonda— Martha Eaton, Pearl Bacon. Anna Byrne, Velma Brown, Edith Brock, *'lo Sargent, Katie Fitz- gerald. Sarah Weaver, Daisy Farrell, May Farrell, Wilbur MofHtt.Guy Wilde, Verne Wood, Fletcher Herrald,— 13, GiLMOEB City— Gazella M. Warren, Florence Hogan, May lliggins, Guy E. Daniels,— 4. *Havelock— Walter Cleveland, Maud Smith, Mattie McCaflree, Jessie Poole, Gilford Greene,— 5. Laurens- Selma Carlson, Patricia Bunton. Dorothv Boehlk, May Arm- stead, Harold Winsor, David Beck- -strom, Arnold Hakes,— 7. I PLoyjsB— Lucy Shaw, Prentici' J. fShaw, Arlo Shaver, Wright Postin,— 4. " Pocahontas— Mary Ellen Simpson, Grace Kritz, Helen Lydia Fritz, Gene Estella Wallace,— 4. RoLFE— Blanche Cuff, Pearl Snyder, Fae Squires, Mayme Urahan, Mae Kent, Don McEwen, Frank Ritchey, Linn Jorgenson, Gustave Everson, Roy Campbell, 10. Total, 47. Buena Vista College, established at Storm Lake in 1891, having secured an endowment of $50,000 in 1902, sent forth its first class of four graduates from its Collegiate department, June 9, 19u4. This fact is noted merely as a coincidence. It is easy to see from the facts just stated that Pocahontas county has entered upon a new educational era that suggests greater general intelli- gence on the part ot the people. Almost forty years of the county's history had passed before the first higli school class was graduated. In ten years the annual output of gradu- ates has Increased from six to forty- seven, or more than seven-fold. It will continue to increase with passing years. This greater intelligence of the rising generation will find its exprpssion in even better educational facilities, in improved methods of road-makins, drainage, crop, stock and fruit raising and, no doubt also, in the general management of the public affairs of the county. The forward movement made by the farmers of thiscounrf.y immediate- ly after the tour of Prof. Holden in April, 1904, when, from a special oar *ff AVEIOCK Graduates. A correction of the list on page 794. 18915. Urete f!. Wowlan, from a ten-year course. 189B.— Lucy W. Potter. Arta Grace Harvey, Emma Cornelia Gill, Grace D. Bpeer, F^y C. Thomas, Myra Ella Harmon, John Raymond Tumbleson, Edward R. Nowlan, Lltta Tnmbleson, Myrtle LuellaStroncr: also from the ten-year course. The course was then In- creased to twelve years and there were no graduates in 1891, 1900, or 1902. 1898,— Lucy W. Pottnr, who continued her studies after completing the first course in 1896. She was the first full-course graduate. 1899,— Grace V. Smith, George A. Tumbleson,— 2. 1901,— James A, Adams, Nina R. Seeright, John F. O'Brien,— 3, 1903,— Blanche spratt, Clara O'Brien, Mary OoDOboe, Anna GoodcUlld, Lizzie Har- mour-B, Total, 21. ADDENDA. 903 he addressed them at Gilmore City, Rolfe, Plover, Laurens, Ware, Poca- hontas and Palmer on the importance of planting and raising good seed corn, so as to secure three corn-bearing stallfs at every hill and thereby in- crease the annual yield of that Im- portant cereal twenty to thirty bushels an acre, is a good practical Illustration of similar forward move- ments along other lines, that will soon be made by the Intelligent and enterprising people of Pocahontas county. As expressed by Cleveland Coxe: "We are living, we are dwelling In a grand and awful time; In an age on ages telling To be living is sublime. Oh, let all the soul within you, for the truth's sake go abroad; Strike! let every nerve and sinew Tell on ages, tell for God," A Legend of Pocahontas County. By G. M. Doxsee, Rolfe, Iowa. Not many hundred years ago, iiefore the white man came. To drive away the Indian Prom off this fertile plain, The red man's tribe, all up and down What now is Crooked Creek, Had staked his tents and lived on game Brought in from week to week. The elk and deer that roamed the field Soon fell an easy prey ; The muskrat and the prairie dog, Each had its own best dayj The cranp In summer left Its wing And filled the boiling pot; And when a special feast was asked A tender dog was shot. The tribe increased as years went by, And maidens fair to see Had never made a visit, to Another tribe's tepee, Except when they would go as wife Of some young Indian brave, Who had traveled miles these girls From maidenhood to save. They had not looked upon a face. Except a dusky red; And when the white man first appeared, In fear the women fled. Not so the braves. They stood their ground. And old chief Powhatan Gave orders for his warriors bold To seize and bind the man. The warriors did as they were told, And brought him strongly bound Before the king of all the tribes, And placed him on the ground. The king then ordered all hi" braves Around this man to dance. To ascertain by this rude means What decree he should advance. When they had danced some three whole days, The old king heard a cry From a spirit, deciding that This man must surely die. The block was brought, his head was laid Upon the icy stone. And as the club was raised aloft, From one there came a moan. 'Twas Pocahontas; to rescue The doomed she quickly rau. And in her Indian tongue exclaimed, "Kill me but spare this man." The king litood motionless and gazed; The hot b'ood warmed his heart; He motioned to his b.raves and said, "Take this young girl apart. "Unloose the cords that bind this man, We'll let our captive free, And Pocahontas, my own brave girl, This land your own shall be." So they ciiled it, Pocahontas, A name that stands today ; And the news of this girl's riches Beached white ears far away. Ere many moons had shed their light Upon this eventful place, The brave young girl of Crooked Creek Had married a pale fabe. John Bolfe is the name the pale face bore. And when he won her hand, He asked if she would notgive him One half her fertile land. This Instshe said I will not grant. And brought her small foot down. But if 'twill suit you Just as well I'll give to you this town. So Rolfe is the name they gave the town, To the county, Pocahontas With fertile fields and willing hands No power on earth can daunt us. S04 PIONEER HISTORY OP POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA. . Iowa. f iho Rolfe BbW Per favor of J. H. Lighter, editor and proprietor of 1°" " o ° '9fSMEROV B'Olti Reveille,— 1903. THE TOWNSHIPS. Arranged acxiordlng to the date of their estab- llshment, and their popnlatlon, Including their towns, In 1890 and 1900. Township Date Estab. 1890 Pop ,1900 Des Moines, 93-311 l^eb. 19, 1869 474 868 Lizard, 90-31 Feb. 19, 1859 624 682 Clinton, 92-31 Sept. 16, 1860 1077 1731 Rolfe 1881 629 994 Powhatan, 93-32 Sept. 3, 1866 648 920 Plover 1883 100 187 BellvUle, 90-32 June 6, 1870 srs 801 Palmer 1899 SO Blanden 1901 Cedar, 90-34 June 6, 1870 1069 1T75 Fonda 1870 626 1180 Grant, 91-33 June 6, 1S70 45S 695 Rusk 1892 16 Dover, 91-34 Sept. 6, 1870 £52 804 Lilly 1897 10 Varlna 1899 30 Colfax, 90-33 Sept. 4, 1871 621 765 Swan Lake, 93-34 Sept. 4, 1871 899 1661 Laurens 1881 318 853 Lincoln, 91-32 June 4, 1872 396 660 Center, 92-32 Sept, 8, 1874 506 1171 Pocahontas 1870 300 625 Washington (93-33) Sept. 5, 1876 450 1201 Havelock 1882 200 897 Lake, 91-31 June 5, 1877 490 776 Gllmore City 1884 100 204 Sherman, 92-33 Apr. 5, 1880 341 629 Ware 1900 20 Mnraball, 92-34 June 5, 1882 420 604 Garfleld,92-31,-sec 5 Sept 11,1903 648 737 Clinton, sec 5, 92-31 Nov 12, 1903 529 994 Pocahontas coun ty, Feb. 19, 1869 mm 15339 NATIVITY OF THE POPULATION OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY. 1880 1886 1895 1900 England 107 135 128 Ireland 188 208 226 Scotland SO 28 34 Wales 4 8 7 Canada 143 165 148 Norway 117 202 171 Sweden 282 581 496 Germany 433 781 988 Bohemia 144 145 116 Holland 2 5 9 Denmark 117 189 211 Other countries S3 43 91 Total foreign barn 1016 1565 2488 2623 " native born 2898 4587 9954 12716 " population 3713 6154 12442 15339 T Y MflNSON The Pioneer History of Pocahontas County Reviewed and (Commended. Mr. C. H. Tolletsrude, ex-County Auditor, and compiler of the early history or Grant township. „ EoLFB, Iowa, July 23, 1904. .Bev. E. E. Flickinger, My Dear Sir: Having had an opportunity to thoroughly examine the advance sheets of the Pioneer History ot Pocahontas County, and having followed with much interest the serial as published in the i'onda Times, I wish to say that 1 And It a meritorious worlj. Its fullness, accuracy, freedom from prejudice, literary style and the excellent character of the portrait work will malse it a volume of mnch worth to Pocahontas county people. It seems to cover, in a happy manner, every thiug desirable in a work of this kind, and places on record for the future an interesting and true story of our people, our past and present, our material, educational and religious growth to the present lime. Your labor, research and perseverance, 1 trust, will be correspondingly appreciated by our people, ii'or one I waot to tnank you very much for having undertaken and so excellently carried the work through. Personally I feel under obligation to you for the conscientious and thorough work you have done for our county and for future generations of our people. I shall certainly be delighted when the 'book Is in my hands. Yours Truly, C. H. TOLLEFSEUDE. Rev. J. F. Brennan, Pastor of Saint Mary's Catholic church, Fonda: Allow me to cong'ratulate you on the excellence of your Pioneer History of Pocahontas County, Iowa. This history interested me_ very much as it appeared from week to week in the columns of the Fonda Times. It must have taiien a vast amount of time and labor to accomplisb the work. Let me express the hope, that an educated and enlightened public, such as we have, will appreciate the great work you have done in rescuing from oblivion the early history of one of Iowa's fairest counties. With best wishes. Aug. 1, 1904. Respectfully yours, J, F. Brennan. Hon. James J. Bruce, Rolte, Representative in the 21st General Assem- bly of Iowa, and many years a member of the Board of <3ounty Supervisors: To the People of Pocahontas County: Rev. R. E. Flickinger has in course of publication a comprehensive history of Pocahontas county. I am well acquainted with the scope of the work from first to last, and cheerfully recommend the book to you as a very Important and Interesting history of the county and its people. Often we pay more than the cost of this history for a work of fiction to satisfy our natural desire for something new. Shall we not find in this record of facts and history of our people something inter- esting and valuable? Get a copy and you will appreciate it, as well as help a good work. Aug. 1, 1904. James J. Bruce. William D. McEwen, Esq., Rolfe, Ex-county Auditor, Clerk of the Court, County Judge and "Treasurer of Pocahontas County: The Pioneer History of Pocahontas County is a work of great merit. The author has displayed a thoroughness of research seldom equaled in a work of this kind. It is a clear, lucid and truthful history of the settlement and development of Pocahontas county. It is with pleasure, therefore, that I commend It to the people of Pocahontas county. Yours truly. Aug. 8, 1904. W. D. McBwen. (905) A] Pew I Unsolicited Testimonials, to the correctness, completeoess and general acceptableness of ihe Pioneer History of Pocahontas County, selected from many that have been received while the work was going through the press. Key. W. M. Bbaedshbab, D. D., L. L. D., Ames, President of the Iowa State Agricultural College: Many thanks for the copies of your historic serial. I appreciate most fully the good work you are doing in the historic line. Sincerely, Nov. 12, 1904. W. M. Beaedsheab. Ebv. William Y. BEOWiif, D. D., former pastor of the Boone Presby- terian church, tu a friend: I have glanced through the Pioneer History of Pocahontas County, a double column octavo volume, having now 800 pages printed, and I have been charmed with it. I have been perfectly amazed at the amount of work and its quality which Brother Flicklnger has been able to do. July 12, 1902. Fraternally, W. Y. Bkown. Rev. O. S. Brtan, Pastor of the M. E. church, Rolfe: Accept thanks for the copies of the Fonda Times, containing history of the Rolfe M. E. church. Your sketch is correct so far as I can see. I don't think I have anything to add. Your Bro., Jan. 15, 1901. O. S. Beyan. Ret. Geo. H. Duty, former pastor of the Presbyterian church at Rolfe: Lwas pleased with the history of the Rolfe (Presbyterian) church, and I must confess that the story as you have put it sounds much better than it seemed to me to be when those days were going by. I have passed through so many days since, which were so much harder, and with no seeming result, that the travels and the work of those days are accounted among my happiest. Very Truly, Feb. 20, 1901. Geo. H. Duty. Hon. Phinbas M. Gasady, Des Moines, ex-senator of Iowa: Copy of Fonda Times received. Accept thanks. The citizens of Poca- hontas county will certainly appreciate the well written history of their county. Yours Truly, Jan. 4, 1899. P. M. Casady. Hon. Samuel Calvin, Director of the Iowa Geological Survey, Des Moines: I have taken pleasure in looking over your manuscript; And it correct and think it will present a very clear and very short statement of the Pale- ozoic formations as found in Iowa. Very Truly Yours, Jan. 30, 1899, Samuel Calvin, State Geologist. Peop. Amos N, Cureiee, Acting President of the Iowa State University, Iowa City: I have looked over your description of the Iowa State University and find it correct. I send you the newly made cut of the old Capitol building for your County Histoiy. I am well pleased with the appearance of the other cuts in the papers you have sent me. Very -Truly Yours, "Nov. 21, 1898. Amos N. Cueribe, Acting President. Hon. Meeton E. DeWolf, Laurens, representative In the 27th General Assembly of Iowa: The proof you seat is very satisfactory. I hear many favorable com- (906) TESTIMONIALS. 907 ments on your work. I can but wonder how you find time for such exhaustive research. Yours Truly, Jan. 10, 1899. M. E. DbWolf. Mr. Geobqe Fairbuen, President and Proprietor of Pocahontas County Banlc, Fonda: I am very much pleased with the proofs of the portraits sent me for the Pioneer History. I have no doubt your history will be highly appreciated. Respectfully, Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 4 , 1899. Geo. Fairbubn. Mk. Walter Ford, Clare.a pioneer of Lizard township, an early member of the Board of County Supervisors: I am in receipt of a copy of the Fonda Times, showing the early (1859) transactions in Pocahnntas county. The article is very correct and the facts are carefully given. You surely ought to have great credit for your work and the pains taken. Respectfully, May 2, 1899. Walter Ford, Pbof. James C. Gilchrist, Havelook, ex-President of the Iowa State Normal School, at Cedar Falls: I cannot refrain from complimenting the good work which you have done and are doing for the Christian cause, for society and good government. May you have health and strength to continue. Very Cordially Yours, Feb. 18, 1897. J. C. Gilchrist. Hon. Fred C. Gilchrist, Laurens, Representative in the 29th General Assembly of Iowa: I am exceedingly well pleased with your account of my father's life and works. The facts are correctly stated. Yours Truly, Nov. 19, 1902. Fbed C. Gilchrist. Col. John B. Kent, Rolfe, Rapresentatiye in the 28th General Assembly of Iowa: I think you are doing a good work in writing an accurate history of Pocahontas county. A work such as you are writing, in which you gather the early history of our county before a great deal of it is forever obliterated, is of great value not only for the present but for future generations. Yours Truly, Feb. 21, 1901. J. B. Kent. Mr. Thomas L. MacVey, Jennings, Louisiana, ex-Recorder of Poca- hontas County: I have read your history of Pocahontas County up to date and must congratulate you on its correctness. It is a grand work and should be in the lihrarv nf every home in the county. Yours in Haste, Nov. 24, 1902, Thomas L. MacVey. Me. John M. Russell, San Francisco, Cal., a former resident of Lizard township: I sincerly wish your reverence much success in your laudable task of pro- ducing the History of Pocahontas County. It was much like a letter from my distant home to receive the Fonda Times with your interesting' narrative. April 2, 1902, . John M. Russell. Miss Margaret E. Rtjssell, Lizard township: I am so well pleased with the sketch of my father's life, Philip Russell, since he arrived on the Lizard, that I would like you would send rae several copies of the Fonda Times containing it. I have looked, "carefully over all the proofs of the portraits sent me and I think they are escellent. I hope 908 TESTIMONIALS. you will meet with success in your good work. March 8, 1899. Yours Respectfully, Makgaret E. Russell. Peentice J. Shaw, Secretary and Treasurer of the Pucahuntaa County Mutual Fire & Lightniog lusoranceCo,, Rolfs: The write up of the Pocahontas County Mutual Insurance Co. for the Pioneer History, as it appears in the copy of the Fonda Times, is correct and in good shape. Piease accept thanks not only from me but through me from our association. Yours Very Truly, Jan. 28, 1901. P. J. Shaw, Secretary. Capt. Fkancis E Bbbes, Gilmore City, captain of the RolliuK Wave and of the first steamboat to reach Fort Dodge on the Des Moines river: I hereby certify that the account, in the Pioneer History of Pocahontas County, of the trips of the Rolling Wave, a wheelboat, in 1858; and of the Charles Rogers, up and down the Des Moines river from Keolsuk to Fort Dodge, in 1859, are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. This cer- tificate is given because the accounts I have hitherto read have been inaccurate in many of their statements, Feb 3, 1902. F. E. Bbeks. Mb. C. H. ToLLBFSfiuDB, Rolfe, ex-Auditor of the county, and early resident and historian of Grant township: I am highly pleased at the way the Pioneer Women of Grant township appear in the history, and thank you very much for arranging the, matter relating to them so well. It seems to me that the Pioneer History, so far, has been admirably written in an exceptionally happy and pleasing style. It has been very interesting, and I am glad you took hold of the work as you did and at the time you did. The future at least will appreciate your work of compiling the early history of.the county and it will have a good and re- liable foundation on which to build continuations or future histories of Pocahontas county. Very Truly, June 10, 1901. C. H. TOLLEFSRUDE. Mr. John Fbasee, Rolfe, a pioneer of Powhatan township: You are taking an exceedingly great amount of labor in getting up this history of our county. I hope the citizens will appreciate your labor and interest. Yours Respectfully, May 26, 1898. John Eraser, The Fonda Times, Aug. 4, 1898, George Sanborn, Editor: It is not necessary that we should say, that ttie Pioneer History of Poca- hontas County will be as thorough and accurate as it will be pi sslble to make it. The Pocahontas Record, Pocahontas, Port C. Barron, Editor, 1893: Rev. R. E. Flickinger is now at work on a history of this county. There seems to be a demand for a complete history of the county and the old settlers have been so kind in furnishing facts in regard to" its early history that the volume will probably be double the size, it was first intended. Mr. Flickinger is an able writer and the book when issued will be well worth the price that may bv charged; for those interested will secure a volume that will not only contain the biographies of all the leading citizens, but will have much of the early history of the county never before seen in print. We hope this venture will prove a financial success. The Pocahontas Sun, Laurens, Feb. 16, 1899, Louie E. Large, Editor: We are in receipt of a neat' booklet, entitled, The Story of Pocahontas, from tlie pen of Rev. R E Flicliinger; the same beirg a chapter re- lating to Capt. John Smith and the Indian Princess, Pocahontas, from the forthcoming Pioneer Hiskory of Pocahontas County. Mr. Flickinger is a natural historian and a strong writer; no matter whether the subject re- quires the narrative or descriptive style, it is always interesting and in- structive. He is endowed with a happy faculty of knowing just what to retain and what to omit. His history of the county will be an Interesting one. FONDA TIMES. 909 TDn© PoDinidla Tnimes Published at Fonda, Iowa, by the Fonda Publishing and Printing Company, L. W. Chandler, editor is the The Oldest, Largest and 3est Newspaper in Pocahontas 6ounty. Established at Old Rolfe, April 6, 1876. Transferred to Pocahontas, Oct. I0< 1876. Transferred to Ponda, May 9, 1878. The name was changed from Pocahontas to Fonda Times, June 21, 1894. It has been published by the Fonda Publishing and Printing Company since Jan. 1, 1901. Pocahontas County is one of th'' fairest in the State of Iowa. The soil of her gently rollini? nrai.'es ts unsurpassed in productive- ness, and the people are both iabelligeui aud progressive. One factor that has contributed greatly to the realization of the present develop- ment has been the local countv newspuijer. When this county was a howling wilderness one local paper, THE POenHONTi^S, now PONOA TIMES raised its voice and predicted its crlnrious future. In later years other newspapers have been established and, swelling the chorus of praise, people seeising new and comfortiihle homes, have heard of the attractions of Pocahontas County, believed, located and are now the possessors of happv homes, productive farms, thriving herds or flour- ishing business enterprises. The rrmiT-ietors of the Times point with pride to the leading part perform^ d by the Times in former years in printing frequent special editions to promote the public welfare; and now notes its valuable contribution to the literature of the county in the completion of the splendid volume, entitled, The Pioneer IIIs> tory of Pocahontas eounty. The Fonda Times has the large^st and best equipped printing office in Pocahontas County. All job work is done in the neatest and prettiest manner. Special workmen are employed for doing book work. The members of the Fonda Publishing and Printing Con^pany are M. G. COLEMAM, President. A. S. WOOD. J. P. MULLEN, Vice President. L. S. STRAIGHT. CLAY C. PATTY, Treasurer. E. H. FAIRBURN. L. W. CHANDLER, Secretary and Manager. It shall be the constant aim of its present managers lo make The Fonda Times worthy the cordial support of every citizen and family in Pocahontas county. ' 1899. 1904. <^ 9&TveTaV Q^Yvce 3o^^a, ioxsa. Owns and operates the following exchanges: FONDA NEWELL STORM LAKE AURELIA SIOUX RAPIDS GILMORE CITY 500 Miles of Pole Line 1500 Miles of Wire Line Copper metallic circuit from Fort Dodge to Storm Lake. Toll lines in the following counties: POCAHONTAS HUMBOLDT WEBSTER BUENA VISTA SAC CHERuKEE 600 Parmer Phones are connected with these lines and exchanges of the Northern Tele- phone Company. Persons who want to secure good, prompt and reliable service should , talk over the Northern Telephone Company's lines. officers: LEE S. STAAIGHT, Fonda, - - - President. M. G. COLEMAN, Fonda, .... Secretary. A. S. WOOD, Fonda - - - Treasurer. EXECUTIVE committee: LEE S. STRAIGHT. GEORGE SANBORN. LOUIS A. ROTHE. .-—..,--,— ^.■^.. >.,..-. -,.„.-._^.„.^ ^ ilatloa b7 unties »V8 1«M tkee 30Be Blackhawk Boone Bremer Buchanan _.,._. Bnena Vista 16,97! Butler 17,95! Calhonn lg,569 Carroll 20,319 Cass 21,274 Cedar 19,371 Corro Oordo 20,678 Cherokee 16,570 Chickasaw 17,037 Clarke Clay , Clayton Clinton Crawford Ringgold Sao Scott Shelby Sioux Story Tama Taylor CJnlon Van Bnren IVapello Warretl, ITashington Wayno Webater Winnebago Yinneshfek IVoodbury IVorth Ifright Towns and General Btatlstles on Back. lED Towns and Cities .« .^m« CIAL U. S. CENSUS FOR 1900. ed. The Census Department has as yet issued only list of incorporated towns. ... M4 3,777 Packwood J6 284 ... E3 659 Panama D5 Z2i ... 13 573 Pauora . , P5 968 ... C3 718 ParUersburg 13 1.164 ... J5 8,007 ParneU...-." K5 318 ... K5 4,102 Paton , F4 328 ... D6 410 Paullina C3 617 ... 14 11,544 PeUa I6 2,623 ... J6 332 Perry P5 3,986 .. 16 322 Persia C5 361 ... Hi 6,740 Peterson D3 521 ... E6 475 Plerson ; C3 358 ... B3 280 Pilot Mound F4 315 ... H5 810 Plainfield 13 320 ... K3 495 ■ Pleasa;nt Plain KB 280 ... L5 703 Pleasantville H6 738 ... L7 725 Plover E3 200 .. H5 366 Pacahontas E3 625 ... H7 400 Pollc G5 438 ... F5 428 Pomeroy E3 910 ... C3 432 Portsmouth C'5 316 ... B3 389 Postville Ka 984 .. H3 200 Prairie City H5 808 ... N4 385 Prescott...; E7 446 ... D2 485 Preston....: N4 593 ... H6 685 Princeton N5 458 ... J7 849 Primgliar C2 814 ... G5 '317 Pulaski..! J7 302 ... 06 328 Radclifle. H4 645 . C5 4,010 Randolph C7 .373 ... 12 245 Kathbun : 17 '270 ... H5 768 Bedding.. F7 311 ... 05 383 Kodfleld P5 509 ... Bo 384 EodOak D7 4,355 ... iVI4 -281 Relnbeck , 11.1,203- ... L2 674 BBmseu 03 835 . . H5 917 Ehowick G3 350 ... J5 1,210 Rhodes H5 476 ... 14 2,104 Eiceville IS 804 ... 14 503 Richland J6 534 ... L8 748 Ridgeway 12 371 ... 05 200 Rippey F5 S95 ... 17 6:i2 Riverside... K6 698 . . L6 948 Rlverton 07 687 ... 14 200 Itockford H2 1,080 ... 17 1.420 Rock Rapids B2 1,766 .. F7 1,729 RockValley B2 1.054 ... K7- 4,109 EoclcwoHCity E4 1,222 .. L5 1.629 Roelcwell H3 830 ... B4 507 Roland H4 557 ... G7 949 Rolfe F3 994 .. L6 14.073 Rome K7 .255 ... 17 1,768 RoseHlU J6 253 ... 13 1,268 Rudd 12 .381 ... 06 921 Russell H7 636 ... H5 2,472 Ruthveu E2 787 ... L2 543 Sabhla N4 1.029 ...'E3 762 Sac City E4 2,079 ... J2 8,339 St. Ansgar.:... 12 698 ... 13 570 St. Charles G6 412 ... L7 1,003 Saiem .K7 548 ... E7 600 Sallx B4 387 ... H4 268 Sanborn 02 1,247 ... J6 1.252 Schaller ,U4 661 ... H5 3,082 Schleswig 04 ^ ... 1,6 398 Scranton.. .-... ES ■• 98J ... K 1,209 Searsboro 15 ^263 ... .J6 683 Seymour H7 1.703 ... L2 616 Shannon City F7 380 ... H2 1,271 Sheffield H3 ' 688 ... G6 287 Shelby D5 6^ .. KB 533 Sheldahl G5 200 .. 1J6 913 Sbeldon ...... ... 02 2,282 02 599 SliollRock 13 839 ... D4 1,432 SboUsburg .:« Stl K3 5,142 Shenandoah D7 3,573 ■ G4 991 Sibley 02 1.289 ". L5 692 Sidney 07 1,143 J6 238 Slgourney J6 1,952 B4 1,933 Silver Clly C6 438 "14 263 Sioux Center. : B2 810 ■■■ B3 1,457 SiouxOity B4 as,m '■■F6 359 Sioux Rapids .......: DS 1,005 ■■■ 12 27;M Slater G5 426 ■■■ G7 2.505 Sloan Bi 642 ■■.'. JO 9,212 Smithland 04 ^ K2 670 Solon K5 397 .:: ^ 398 south English J6 3W 17 18.197 Spencer U» 3,095 ■••M4 780 SplllvlUe Kg m ::: K5 664 S%ltlako K 1,^9 ... 07 732 SprlngviUe M 589 SE EASILY DETERMINEO. Stacyville 12 490 Stanhope 61 297 Stanton D7 404 Stanwood 15 415 StateCenter H5 1,008 Steamboat Rock 14 410 Storm Lake E3 2,169 StoryCity G4 1,197 Stratford. G4 458 Strawberry Point K3 1,012 Stuart F6 2,079 Sumner J3 1.437 Superior. D2 200 Sutherland.. D3 722 Swaledale H3 240 Swan , H5 406 SweaCity..: F2 322 Tabor 07 934 Tama 15 2,649 Templeton.. E5 321 . Thayer F7 394 Thompson G2 450 Thornburg J6 267 Thornton H3 299 Thor; ; F3 274 Thurman 07 409 Tiugley P7 488 Tipton L5 8,519 i Titonka F2 224 . Toledo 15 1,941 ^ Traer U 1,458 Tripoli J3 655 Union P6 589 Urbaua K4 223 Vail... D4 678 Valley Junction G5 1,700 Vanhorn J5 484 VanMoter G5 407 Van Wert G7 306 Victor J5 612 Villisca E7 8,211 Vincent F3 200 Vinton J4 3,499 VolgaOity K3 444 Walcott M5 362 Walker K4 505 WallLake D4 659 Walnut D6 878 Wapello 16 1,398 Washington K6 4,255 Washta 03 431 Waterloo J4 12,580 Waucoma J2 540 Wankoe G5 292 Waukon 12 2.153 Waverlyr.... V;.. J3 3,177 Wayland .*... K6 394 Webster City G4 4,613 WoUman K6 654 WoUsburg 14 203 Wesley G2 730 Wo-,t Bend F3 538 West Branch 15 647 West Burlington.... 17 1,044 Westchester K6 209 Westgate J3 260 H^''iK'^^r*y 1-5 1,690 West Mitchell 12 207 West Point 17 654 Westside D4 896 WestUnion K3 1,935 What Cheer J6 2,746 Wheatland M5 475 Whiting B4 572 Whittemore F2 622 Whitten.. 14 217 Williamsburg K5 1,100 Williams G4 600 Wilton M5 1,233 Winfleld. 16 820 Wlnterset G6 8,039 Winthrop K4 618 Wlota E8 218 Woodbine 05 1,255 Woodburn 67 467 Woodward 65 650 Woolstock 63 274 Worthlngton 14 m Wyoming U 7M Zearlng H4 388 2,216.i . ioi,7ra 1,470,495 2.147,11" 1,381 ' 694;' Population of ^^ "". ^' by States and Territones. STATES Alabama 1,311,54 Arkansas i'485,0S Oalifdmia ■■ * Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Idaho 4,821,Stl Illinois ^510,468 Indiana 2.^a.m Iowa Kansas Kentucky louisiana Maine 1 ion Maryland I'iSj,, Massachusetts o'Sn'a Michigan »i??' Minnesota ir^tms Mississippi \imM Missouri 3.106,^ «a%1cV;::::::::::: locih Nevada *?•?* New Hampshire |U,. New.Tersey IsSm NewYork VW^t North Carolina 1>S|'5 North Dakota 319.i' Ohio •*'157, Oregon *i|' Pennsylvania '?So' Rhode Island . ?S'.j„ South Carolina l'?S'S South Dakota „ ^l.»l Tennessee 2,020,M Texas 3'Ojg'S Utah 276,7f Vermont 343,6C Virginia l,854,iai Washington 518,103 West Virginia 968,80« Wisconsin 8,069,048 Wyoming 92,53^ Total for 45 states . . 74,610,523 TERRITORIES Alaska 63,441 Arizona 122,931 District of Columbia. 278,718 Hawaii 154.001 Indian Territory .... 391,960 New Mexico 195,310 Oklahoma 398.245 Total tor 7 territories 1,604.606 General Statistics for Iowa. Population 2,231,853 No. School Houses 13,861 No. Oolleees 20 Miles of Railroad 9.201 Head of Cattle 4,442,018 Head of Horses and Mules 1,010,621 No. Bushels of Corn raised per year — 346,055,040 No. B'lshels of Wheat raised per year .... 21,298,350 No. Bushels of Oats raised per year... 138,833,330 MBi 1 «■ Pi.*] Jig ^ nl 3fr< I'l L -J -dr rjif fm 1 ]4^ i^^hI f^^fl 1 r ' Jil m