THE HISTORY OK HUMBOLDT COUNTY WITH A HISTORY OF IOWA ILLUSTRATED HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICACH, ILLINOIS CKDAR KAI'IDS, IOWA REPUBLICAN PRINTING CO. ABLE OF CONTENTS. PART I. HISTORY OF IOWA. Chapter I. — The Discovery of Iowa. Chapter II. — The Mound Builders. Chapter III. — The Indians of Iowa. Chapter IV — Titular Succession of Iowa. Chapter Y. — The Exploration of Iowa. Chapter' VI. — The Black Hawk War and Iowa. Chapter VII. — Iowa's Territorial Government. Chapter YIII. — Voluntary Law and Volunteer Executioners. Chapter IX.- — The Land Claims Associations. Chapter X. — The Territorial Governors. Chapter XL — The Capitals of Iowa. Chapter XII. — Iowa Constitutions and Codes. Chapter XIII. — Iowa the State. Chapter XIV. — The Governors of Iowa. Chapter XV. — Iowa and the War. Chapter XVI. — The First Regiment and the First Battle. Chapter XVII. — The Iowa Infantry Regiments. Chapter XVIII. — Iowa in Spanish-American War. PART TI. HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Chapter I. — Changes of Fifty Years. Chapter II. — Humboldt County and the Indian Outrages. Chapter III. — Spirit Lake and Little Sioux Outrages. Chapter IV — The March of the Troops. Chapter- V. — Inkpadutah and the Sioux War of 1862. Chapter VI. — Geology of Humboldt County- Chapter VII. — Early Settlement and Pioneer Life. Chapter VIII. — The Old Settlers' Association. Chapter IX. — The Early Courts. Chapter X. — The County Press. Chapter XL — Medical Profession. Chapter X II.— The Civil War. Chapter XIII. — Educational Growth. Chapter XIV.— Church History. Chapter XV. — Spanish-American War. Chapter XVI. — Political History. Chapter XVII. — Histories of Railroads. Chapter XVIII. — Town of Humboldt — The Founding of Humboldt — Biographies. Albert Martin Adams Hiram Lane Joseph Albee George B. Dovrien O. F. Avery O. M. Marsh Anson Dodge Bicknell Hugh McKinstry ¦ M. A. Benton Clarence Messer C. R. Burkhardt R. F. Oestrich W. E. Callahan A. A. Pinney Rev. Adolph Carlson J. N. Prouty Carlos Combs T. T. Rogers A. D. Cromwell christian J. Schneider John Cunningham Harwood Sharp D. A. De Groote Sumner "Warren Smith P. M. Dickey William J. Taft A. H. Duncan Charles Thomas Hon. Parley Finch George La Fayette Tremain Franklin Fredus French Frank P. Walter George Selwyn Garfield Tra L. Welch, M. D. C. S. Hanes William B.- West Baron H. Harkness A. B. White Gamaliel Jaqua Cyrus B. Wilson. E. H. Kinney, M. D. E. K. Winne Chapter XIX. — Towns and Villages — Bode, Bradgate— Dakota City — Gilmore City — Hardy — Livermore — Ot- tosen — Pioneer — Renwick — Rutland— Sumner — Thor. Ole K. Grefstad J. N. Johnson S. T. Hopkins Mrs. Charity Jarvis John W. King BODE. T. O. Hanson Rev. J. E. Jorgenson BRADGATE. William Lancaster L. O. Sherman Dr. Wm. H. Stokes Jerome Tilton Mrs. Edna Blake A. X. Bull S. P. Harvey DAKOTA CITY. H. J. Ketman GILMORE CITY. . C. B. Fitch Henry C. Marmcn F. J. Tishenbanner HARDY. Henry Rhiner B. J. Saxton LIVERMORE. J. C. Bergen Frank M. Miles Rev. Father M. McNearney Anton Rossing J. Vought, M. D. A. G. Cooper L. J. Clave J. M. Anderson A. H. Ehmke Harry Fraser T. A. Greiner W. F. Bacon R. J. Griebel G. K. Groth L. Kallem J. E. Lanning Christian J. Lund OTTOSEN. M. F. Kenyon C. Ottosen PIONEER. H. M. Heptonstall James Murray S. Narbo C. F. Wittman J. F. Wittman RENWICK. George Fairiday Richardson A. B. Richardson THOR. Samuel J. Lund Stewart Olson Louis Olson O. A. Opheim Chapter XX. — Avery Township. L. L. Buck W. C. Carpenter Stephen Nelson S. Van Alstine Chapter XXI. — Beaver Township. C. D. Boore Dominique Ehleringer L. J. Fevold Frank A. Gotch Bert Horner Abraham Ketman Manus Ketman John H. Ketman Robert Sayers Augustus P. Webber Chapter XXI 1. — Corinth Township. Peter Anderson William Gamble L. H. Barber T. H. Gamble George L. Cruikshank Amos Wood Chapter XXIII. — Delana Township. L. B. Gangestad Christopher Olson C. F. Gullixson Mrs. Karen Olson John Johnson Henry C. Olson Christian Ingvarl Larsen L. K. Opheim Mrs. Magdelina Marso Niels Pahus Capt. T. A. Rossing Chapter XXIV. — Grove Township. Hiram Arnold Joseph Kollasch Chapter XX Y — Humboldt Township. Frank Devine Alexander McLaughlin Daniel Harris M. Melaven F. S. Loomer William Murray Theodore McGee Hon. J. M. Schleicher Peter Thompson Chapter X XVI.— Lake Township. J. E. Gangestad O. T. Ramsvig W. H. Notestine Isadore Rogers Notesline Chapter XXVII. — Norway Township. John Kiichhof Martin Larson Chapter XXVIII. — Rutland Township. George A. Bail- William H. Locke S. S. Hartley Mrs. J. Maloney L. B. Converse Alichael Osia E. A. Cook William Strack Nelson Eastman William Thompson Chapter XXIX. — Vernon Township. John Biegger Chester Stoddard August Griebel Edward Spalinger John Rhiner J. Edwin Wood Chapter XXX. — Wacousta Township. Alexander Coffin R. M. Hewitt Perley G. Davis J. J. Jolliffe L. D. Fawcett Louis Larson Henry Hanson Ole M. Olsen Olaf Halsrud Henry Schump R. W. Struthers Chapter XXXI. — Weaver Township. Mrs. Katie P.rarnblee Fred C. Shuttler S. H. Grove J. B. Springer Theodore L. Jennings John Strait D. R. Miles W. \>. Weir H Irani H. Rove John Wittman A HISTORY OF IOWA Copyrighted, February. 1901 By the Historical Publishing Company Cedar Rapids, Iowa "Taking this district all in all, for convenience of naviga tion, water, fuel and timber, richness of soil, beauty of land scape, and climate, it surpasses any portion of the United States, with which I am acquainted." — Albert M. Lea in his "Xotes on Wisconsin Territory, Iowa District," 1836. -^par^ PART I History of Iowa CHAPTER I. THE DISCOVERY OF IOWA. The story of the discovery of Iowa is one of the most interesting accounts in middle American history. It is one of romance and adventure, of religion and primitive trading. On June 14, 1671, Saint-Lusson took formal posses sion of the vast Mississippi basin. Jean Talon was intendant of Canada. He was an industrious and ambitious man. He aimed at confining the English and the Dutch to the sea coast and to hold the Spaniards in check on the south. It became necessary to take possession of the great interior of the continent. The Mississippi river was an unexplored stream, although De Soto and his followers had touched it during their perilous journey inland. It was in obedience to the commands of Jean Talon that Saint-Lusson proclaimed French ownership of the land which included what is now Iowa. It was what the French themselves called a mere verbal process of taking possession. The actual possession had to follow. It took place at Saut Ste Marie, between Lakes Superior and Huron. "In the name of the Most High, Mighty and Redoubted Monarch, Louis, Fourteenth 6 HISTORY OF IOWA of' that name, Most Christian King of France and of Navarre, I take possession of this place, Sainte Marie du Saut, as also of Lakes Huron and Superior, the island of Manatoulin, and all countries, rivers, lakes, and streams contiguous and adjacent thereunto; both those that have been discovered and those which may be discovered hereafter, in all their length and breadth, bounded on the one side by the seas of the North and of the West, and on the other by the South Sea" -—so ran the remarkable declaration of possession. Saint- Lusson pronounced it holding his sword in one hand and in 'the other hand a piece of sod. All the inhabitants of the territory were declared to be the vassals of the king of France i'nd all "other potentates, princes, sovereigns, states and lepublics" were warned not to trespass. Following this taking of possession, Talon was deter mined to discover and explore the Mississippi. La Salle had been pushing his explorations down the Ohio and on the Illinois rivers, but he had not succeeded in reaching the Mississippi. The big river was the key to the vast wilderness which had been annexed to France. Just at this time Fron- tenac became governor of Canada, and it fell to him to carry- out the plans of Talon, which he did. One of the men selected for the undertaking was Louis Joliet, the son of a Canadian wagon-maker. He had studied for the priesthood under the Jesuits, but had abandoned that career. Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest, was selected as one of the men to accompany Joliet. Thus trade and religion were combined in the discovery of Iowa. Marquette was a devout votarv of the Virgin Mary. The journal of his voyage he began with these memorable words: "The day of the Immaculate Con ception of the Holy Virgin; whom I had continually invoked, since I came to this country of the Ottawas. to obtain from MARQUETTE AND JOLIET 7 God the favor of being enabled to visit the nations of the river Mississippi." It was a long journey in those days. They followed the north shore of Lake Michigan; they crossed Winnebago lake and paddled on the Fox river. They carried their boats to the Wisconsin river and down that stream they floated until they reached the Mississippi, which they did on the 17th of June, 1673. "Before them a wide and rapid current coursed athwart their way, by the foot of lofty heights wrapped thick in forests. They had found what they sought, and 'with a joy', writes Marquette, "wdiich I cannot express', they steered forth their canoes on the eddies of the Mississippi." As they looked across the Mississippi, from the mouth of ihe Wisconsin, the land they looked on was Iowa, near the present town of McGregor* in Clayton county. It was the discovery of Iowa. Marquette and Joliet, with their companions, floated down the Mississippi, "through a solitude unrelieved by the faintest trace of man." The river seemed to flow through a great and uninhabited meadow. They had been told of warlike bands of Indians, of wild beasts and river monsters, but none of these were encountered by the voyagers. Never theless they took every precaution against surprises. After their evening meals they carefully extinguished all fires, and anchored in the middle of the stream, leaving one of the party on watch during the night. In the course of a few days they- began to see the buffalo grazing on the prairies. Marquette wrote of them as very stupid animals. It was not until the twenty-fifth day of their journey that they discovered the first traces of human beings. In the mud on the western bank of the river they found footprints of men, and a path leading to the prairie beyond. Marquette and Joliet deter- 8 HISTORY OF IOWA mined to follow the path and, if possible, learn something of the inhabitants of the beautiful land. It was a hazard in the wilderness. The missionary and the trader walked about six miles before they found what they were seeking. They came suddenly in sight of an Indian village. A little farther up the river was a second village. The villages were named Peouaria and Moingouena. Marquette located the villages on what is now the river Des Moines, "though the distance from the Wisconsin, as given by him, would indicate a river farther north," says Parkman. The landing and meeting may have been at the mouth of the Iowa river. Parkman has given a good account of the meeting with the Indians, who belonged to the Illinois nation. "Now, with beating hearts, they invoked the aid of heaven, and again advancing, came so near, without being seen, that they could hear the voices of the Indians among the wigwams. Then 1hey stood forth in full view, and shouted to attract attention. There w-as great commotion in the village. The inmates swarmed out of their huts, and four of their chief men presently came forward to meet the strangers, advancing very deliberately, and holding up toward the sun twro calumets, or peace-pipes, decorated with feathers. They stopped abruptly before the two Frenchmen, and stood gazing at them without speaking a word. Marquette was much re lieved seeing that they wore French cloth, whence he judged that they must be friends and allies. He broke the silence and asked them who they were; whereupon they answered that they were from Illinois, and offered the pipe; which having been duly smoked, they all went together to the village. Here the chief received the travellers after a singular fashion, meant to do them honor. He stood stark naked at the door of a large wigwam, holding up both hands as if to MARQUETTE AND JOLIET 9 shield his eyes. 'Frenchmen, how bright the sun shines when you come to visit us! All our village awaits you; and you shall enter our village in peace'." The clay was spent in feasting and the two Frenchmen slept that night in one of the wigwams on buffalo robes. The next morning the Indians escorted the two voyagers back to the river. Six hundred Indians watched Marquette and Joliet resume their journey down the Mississippi river. They kept on their journey until within about seven hundred miles of the Gulf. They satisfied themselves that the great river empties itself into the Gulf of Mexico and not into the Gulf of California. On the 17th of July, just one month after the discovery of the Mississippi, they started on their return journey. They went up the Illinois and thence across to Lake Michigan. The}' reached Green Bay by the end of September, having been gone four months. Such was the discovery of Iowa. But almost another century had to elapse before any efforts were to be made to form permanent settlements on the west bank of the Missis sippi. During those one hundred years, the geography and history of the world underwent many and far reaching changes, changes that affected the primitive land of Iowa. In these intervening one hundred years, the French lost even-thing that they had gained in America, Canada and the Mississippi valley, and the English gained all the land from the Gulf to the North, and West to the Mississippi river. France in America expired on the Heights of Abraham where Montcalm was defeated by Wolfe. The treaty of j 763, made at Paris, was of the widest significance to the states of the great west. For a time the Latins held 'Louisiana, west of the Mississippi river, but that treaty determined the fact that Western America was to be Anglo- Saxon rather than Spanish or French CHAPTER II. THE MOUND BUILDERS. The Indians found by Marquette and Joliet were not the first possessors of the soil. The numerous and well authenti cated accounts of antiquities found in various parts of the country, clearly demonstrate that a people civilized, and highly cultivated, occupied the western continent before it passed into the possession of the Indians; but the date of their rule of the Western world is so remote that all traces of their history, their progress and decay, lie buried in obscurity. Nature, at the time the first Europeans came, had asserted her original dominion over the earth, the forests were all in their full luxuriance, the growth of centuries, and naught existed to point out who and what they were who former!}' lived, and loved, and labored, and died on the continent of America. This pre-historic race is known as the Mound Builders, from the numerous large mounds of earth-works left by them. The remains of the works of these people are of more than passing interest as antiquities. Their character can be partially obtained from internal evidences and peculiarities of the only remains left — ¦ the mounds. They consist of remains of what were appar ently villages, altars, temples, idols, cemeteries, monuments. THE MOUND BUILDERS n camps, fortifications, pleasure grounds, and all evidences of an approach to civilized life. Their habitations must have been of perishable materials such as tents or dwellings of bark, otherwise their remains would be far more numerous. Who were the Mound Builders? The darkness of the past has closed over them so completely that only conjecture can be given in answer to the question, leaving" a great field for future anthropologists. Those who do not believe in the common parentage of mankind conclude that they were an indigenous race of the Western hemisphere, others think that they came from the East and confess to see similarities to the religion of the Hindoos, and Southern Tartars. They were apparently idolators and approached pantheism, and wor shipped the sun. The mounds were generally built in a situation commanding the rising sun, their gateways were towards the east, bodies were buried lying east and west, medals were struck representing the sun. When they inhabited this country is a matter of speculation. From the comparatively rude state of the arts found among them, it has been inferred that the time was very remote. Their axes were of stone. Their raiment, judging from fragments which have been discovered, consisted of the bark of trees, interwoven with feathers. Their military works were such as. a people would be likely to build who had just passed to the pastoral state of society, from that dependent upon hunting and fishing. The mounds and other ancient earth works- constructed by this people are far more abundant than generally supposed, from the fact that while some are quite- large, the greater part of them are small and inconspicuous. Along nearly all of the water-courses that are large enough to be navigated with a canoe, the mounds are almost invariably found, covering the base points and headlands of the bluffs- 12 HISTORY OF IOWA which border the narrower valleys, so that when one finds himself in such positions as command the grandest views of river scenery, he may discover that he is standing on or in close proximity to some of these traces of the labors of an ancient people. On the top of high bluffs which skirt the west bank of the Mississippi, near Wilkins, Iowa, are a number of these silent monuments of a prehistoric age. The spot is one of great beauty. From that point may be obtained a view of a portion of three states, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. A hundred feet below the trains of commerce and civilization pass in ever restless industry, the portage is in full view, and the "Father of Waters" with its numerous bayous and islands stretches away into the vast distance, a panorama of Nature. Here, probably, thousands of years ago, a race of men now extinct, and even unknown in the traditions of the Indians who inhabited that section for centuries before the discovery of America by Columbus, built these unique and enigmatical mounds. At this point these mounds are circular and conical in form. The largest is at least forty feet in diameter at the base and not less than fifteen feet high, after having stood the weathering and storms of centuries. On its top stands the stump of a large oak tree which was cut down about seventy years ago, and its annual rings indicate a growth of about two hundred years. Many of the mounds found resemble some huge animal hundreds of feet in length, with head, ears, nose, legs, and tail and a general outline which is as perfect as if made by men versed in modern art. The general outline of some of these figures most nearly resembles the extinct animal known to paleontologists as the Megatherium. For what purpose was this earth figure raised? It is thought by some that this animal roamed the prairies of Iowa contem- THE MOUND BUILDERS 13 poraneous with the Mound Builders and by its colossal dimensions excited their admiration and caused them to copy it in earth. The bones of some similar gigantic animal were exhumed on the Illinois side. It is possible that the Mound Builders constructed their mounds after suggestions given them by the finding of a skeleton. Mr. Breckenridge, wdio examined the antiquities of the Western country, speaking of the mounds, in the American Bottom says: "The great number and extremely large size of some of them may be regarded as furnishing, with other circumstances, evidences of their antiquity. I have some times been induced to think that at the period when they were constructed there was a population here as numerous as that which once animated the borders of the Nile or Euphrates, or of Mexico. The most numerous, as well as considerable, of these remains are found in precisely those parts of the country where the traces of a numerous popula tion might be looked for, namely, from the mouth of the Ohio on the east side of the Mississippi, to the Illinois river, and on the west from the St. Francis to the Missouri. I am perfectly satisfied that cities similar to those of ancient Mexico, of several hundred thousand souls, have existed in this country." Whatever the use of these mounds, whether for dwell ings or burial places, the race who built them had vanished ages before the Indians pitched their wigwams on supposedly virgin ground, and the date of the going of the Mound Builders has probably forever sunk into the great unknown abyss of human endeavor. It is quite often difficult to distinguish the places of sepulture raised by the Mound Builders from the more modern graves of the Indians. The tombs of the former 14 HISTORY OF IOWA were in general larger than those of the latter, and were used as receptacles for a greater number of bodies, and contained relics of art, evincing a higher degree of civilization than that attained by the Indians. The ancient earth works of the Mound Builders have occasionally been appropriated as hurial places by the Indians, but the skeletons of the latter may be distinguished from the osteological remains of the former by their great stature. What finally became of the Mound Builders has been widely discussed. The fact that their works extend into Mexico and Peru has induced the belief that it was their posterity wdio dwelt in those countries when they were discov ered by the Spaniards. The Mexican and Peruvian works, with the exception of their greater magnitude, are similar. Relics common to all of them have occasionally been found, and it is thought that the religious uses wdiich they subserved were the same. If such were the case, and if the Mexicans and Peruvians were the descendants of the Mound Builders. Spanish rapacity for gold and the Spanish sword blighted them, and caused their final extermination. Nations now repose under ground of which we know little and the most searching investigation can give us only vague speculations for answers. No historian has preserved the names of their mighty chieftains, or given an account of their exploits, and even tradition is silent respecting them. CHAPTER III. THE INDIANS OF IOWA. The Indians with whom Marquette and Joliet had their meeting on Iowa soil belonged, as they themselves stated, to the Illinois nation. The Illinois at one time lived on Lake Michigan, which the French called the lake of the Illinois. Before starting on their journey Marquette had heard of these Indians, at La Pointe, where they were in the habit of coming once a year, to trade. They lived thirty days' journey away, across the great river. They had been driven out of their own homes by the Iroquois who had been forced westward. As has been noted, they were friendly to the whites and in close relations with the French. But between the time of the early explorations and the early settlements of Iowa, the Illinois disappeared almost as completely as the Mound Builders before them. In their places the more powerful Sacs and Foxes were found living, hunting and fighting. Sentimentalists look upon the white people as intruders and despoilers, but the same processes of conquest were in vogue among the Indians. It was one conquest after another and one despoliation after another. The strongest held the best hunting grounds. Of all the Indians with which Iowa history is concerned the Sacs and Foxes are the most important. The Sacs and Foxes belonged to the Algonquins, and the Sioux to the Dakotas, who came out of the north and west. To the Dakotas belonged also the Iowa Indians, who lived princi- 16 HISTORY OF IOWA pally on the banks of the Des Moines in Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties, and the Winnebagoes who lived in northeastern Iowa. The other Indians within the state belonged to the Algonquins and included the Pottawattamies and remnants of the Chippewas, Delawares and Ottawas, all of whom had been forced westward either directly by the Europeans or indirectly through the westward movement of the eastern tribes. The Sacs and the Foxes were once two separate tribes. Their first homes were on the St. Lawrence river. The Foxes were the friends of the British and the enemies of the French. With the latter they fought a running battle along the great lakes until they w-ere forced down the valley of the Mississippi river. The expulsion of the Foxes covered many years. The most determined contest between the French and the Foxes was probably the siege of Detroit, from which trading post the Foxes tried to drive the French. The siege lasted nineteen consecutive days. They escaped to Lake St. Clair where they again entrenched themselves. It took the French five more days to dislodge them. The Foxes! then took up their abode in the Fox river country, where they sought redress by molesting communication between Canada and Louisiana, committing" many outrages upon traders and trappers as well as upon other Indians who were on friendly relations with the French. In 1714 the French made a formal determination to exterminte the Foxes, but it was not until 1746 that they succeeded in their undertaking. The Foxes were pursued down the Mississippi valley. The succeeding events in their history until the Iowa settlers arrived on the scene, are more or less indistinct. On their way down the river it is known that they were opposed by the Mascoutins, who had their headquarters on what is now THE INDIANS 17 Muscatine island. The Mascoutins seem to have been successful and to have repelled the invaders, but when the Foxes, jointly with the Sacs were found in possession of southern Iowa, the Mascoutins had ceased to exist. The Sacs, whose history is blended with the Foxes, contested with the Iroquois and were greatly weakened before they started westward. Both the Sacs and Foxes boasted that they had come conquering from the great lakes to the great river. When the Sacs and Foxes reached the Mississippi to cross it, they united their forces, probably to expel the more easily the Illinois. They made thorough work of that under taking. They took possession of a large area of territory. They had their important villages near the site of what is now Davenport. When the white settlers came in contact with them their most powerful chiefs were Black Hawk and Keokuk. The former was the enemy of the Americans, but the latter did not believe it wise for the Indians to oppose a great government. The Black Hawk war had, as will be seen, important bearings on Iowa settlements. The Sacs and Foxes were removed from Iowa in accordance with a series of treaties for the possession of their lands. The Indians who gave their name to the state were first called the Ayouways, then the Ioways and finally the lowas. They belonged to the Dakotas. The lowas were one of the two or three Dakota tribes wdiich succeeded in getting a foothold east of the Mississippi river, from which, however, they were in due time repelled. The lowas had their principal villages south and east of where Ottumwa now stands. For a long time they seem to have lived on friendly terms with the Sacs and Foxes, but gradually the tribes became estranged. After years of friction between them, the Sacs and Foxes met 18 HISTORY OF IOWA the lowas at what is now lowaville and almost exterminated them. The Sacs and Foxes took advantage of the lowas, who were attending horse races and other Indian sports. They had left their arms at their village. The Sacs and Foxes w ere led by P«shepaho, a noted warrior, and by Black HawK. who was then a young man. Pashepaho and Black Hawk approached the lowas in the night time and concealed them selves in the brush along the river. When the Indians were in the midst of their sports, Black Hawk with a band attacked the village where they committed great slaughter and Pashepaho at the same time made an onslaught on the unarmed warriors at the horse races. Hundreds of the lowas were slain. It was one of the bloodiest Indian battles fought on Iowa soil. The lowas were broken in strength and never recovered from the attack. They became wanderers in the land, remnants of a once powerful tribe. To the northeastward, the Sacs and Foxes disputed with the Winnebagoes who- like the lowas belonged to the Dakota Indians. The Winnebagoes were once a powerful and rumerous tribe. They have left many names clinging to the natural and geographical divisions of the part of Iow-a wdiich they inhabited. They took part in the Fort Dearborn massacres of 1812, as did also the Pottawattamies. At the lime of the white settlements Winneshiek and Waukon- Decorah were the best known chiefs among them. They were opposed to each other in about the same way that Rlack Hawk and Keokuk were opposed to each other, Waukon-Decorah believing it useless to oppose the govern ment of the United States. The Winnebagoes seem to have suffered more from contact with the whites than from their wars with the Sacs and Foxes. Whiskey and diseases practically exterminated them. From 1829 to 1845 they THE INDIANS 19 decreased in numbers from nearly 6,000 to less than 500. The remnants of the tribe were finally forced out of Iowa into Minnesota.The Pottawattamies did for southwestern Iowa what the Winnebagoes did for northeastern Iowa, enriched it with many musical names. The Pottawattamies were Algonquins and came from the country east of the Mississippi, near the lakes. The United States government settled them in southwestern Iowa in 1833. They occupied the beautiful and fertile Nlshnabatona country. But they did not tarry long among the fine surroundings. In 1846 the United States government prepared for their removal to Kansas, Iowa being opened for settlement to the Missouri river. The Pottawattamies seem to have been greatly dissatisfied with Kansas, for in 1850 a number of them under Chief Chemeuse returned to Iowa. In 1859 they were joined by a band of Foxes under Mawmewahnekap. These Indians remained in Iowa. In 1866 when the United States government paid them their portion of the Indian annuities, they invested part of their money in a tract of land in Tama county where they have since been known as the Musquakies. Chippewas, Ottawas, Delawares and remnants of other tribes continued to roam through southwestern and central Iowa until they were all forced out by the United States government. By 1850 the Indian had disappeared' from all except the northern and northwestern counties of Iowa, which were occupied by the troublesome Sioux. The Sioux Indians of the northwest were divided into five bands. In 1805 Lieutenant Pike estimated their number at 21,000. The Dakotas to wdiich nation they belonged occupied a large extent of American territory. They were found from the Red River of the North to the headwaters 20 HISTORY OF IOWA of the Red River of Louisiana and from the Rocky mountains- to the Mississippi. The early French voyagers likened the Sioux to the Iroquois. The French came into contact with them as early as 1640, as traders. On account of wars they were driven into northern Iowa and had their headquarters about Spirit Lake and the Okoboji lakes. They were also found in large numbers along the upper Des Moines and the Little Sioux valleys. Waneta was their most noted chief, during their contact with Iowa history. He succeeded in uniting all the Sioux bands and made a successful warfare against the lowas and the Chippewas with whom they had come into frequent conflicts. Many of the Indian battles in .vhich the Sioux took part were blood}- ones. During the fifties the Sioux made many attacks on the whites who were moving into northern and western Iowa at that time. The entire wdiite settlements on Lakes Okoboji and Spirit were wiped out at one time. After the Sioux had been driven out of Iowa, northward, they continued to be troublesome to the settlers in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Such were the principal Indians with whom the whites came into contact during the settlement of Iowa. The Indians have long ago ceased to be a part of the land but they have left their names and their legends attached to places and streams. These names are a rich heritage from the past. "Not only," said Hon. Robt. G. Cousins in the address for Iowa at the Omaha Exposition Sept. 21, 1898, "did the red man give our state its beautiful and poetic name, but Indian nomenclature runs like a romance throughout the counties and communities. What infinite meaning, what tokens of joy and sadness, of triumph and of tears, of valor and of vanquishment, of life and love and song there may be in these wierd, strange words that name today so many of THE INDIANS 21 our towns and streams and counties: Allamakee, Chickasaw, Dakota City, Sioux, Pocahontas, Winneshiek, Keosauqua, Sac, Winnebago, Tama, Nodawa, Competine, Chariton, Commanche, Cherokee, Waukon, Muchakinock, Waslita, Monona, Waupeton, Onawa, Keota, Waudina, loka, Ottumwa, Oneska, Waukee, Waucoma, Nlshnabotna, Keo kuk, Decorah, Wapello-, Muscatine, Maquoketa, Mahaska, Ocheyedan, Mississippi, Appanoose, Missouri, Quasqueton, Anamosa, Poweshiek, Pottawattamie, Osceola, Oskaloosa, Wapsipinicon." These beautiful names are the most lasting and most potent of all that the red man left to the white man. CHAPTER IV. TITULAR SUCCESSION OF IOWA. In 1 67 1, France had taken verbal possession of the Mississippi valley, including Iowa. Possession by discovery followed in 1673 during the voyage of Marquette and Joliet. On the 9th of April, 1682, a more formal possession was taken of the territory which included Iowa, when La Salle. D'Autray and Tonty had reached the mouth of the Missis sippi river and erected a column, bearing the arms of France and the inscription, "Louis the Great, King of France and Navarre, reigning; the nineteenth of April, 1682." La Salle, standing near the column, proclaimed the formal "possession of this country of Louisiana, the seas, harbors, ports, bays, adjacent straits, and all nations, peoples, provinces, cities, towns, villages, mines, minerals, fisheries, streams and rivers, within the extent of the said Louisiana." Then followed the boundaries of the annexed territory, "as also along the river Colbert, or Mississippi, and the rivers wdiich discharge them selves thereinto, from its source beyond the country of the Nadouessioux — as far as its mouth at the sea," etc. This possession was proclaimed ostensibly "upon the assurance we have from the natives of these countries, that we are the first Europeans who descended or ascended the said river Colbert." The next step in the possession of Iowa was to be worked out in other places. The destiny of the Mississippi valley was determined by a series of events in which the most TITULAR SUCCESSION 23 striking one is the victory of Wolfe over Montcalm on the Heights of Abraham. The peace of Paris which was con cluded in 1763, ninety years after Talon had taken possession of the Mississippi valley, gave Canada and all the territory east of the Mississippi river, with the exception of a portion of Louisiana, to the British. France at the same time ceded the territory west of the Mississippi river to Spain. In 1800, France under Napoleon having conquered Spain, retook Louisiana and made it again part of the French possessions. But Napoleon did not know what to do with the great country he had taken. He was afraid that it might fall into the hands of the British and so he entered into negotiations with the LTnited States for its sale. This sale was completed in 1803 and is known in American history as the Louisiana Purchase. During the next thirty-five years, or until 1838, when the Territory of Iowa was formed, Iow*a was succes sively under the governments of Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan and Wisconsin. This completes the title as far as the white men are concerned. There was still another title to be considered. Even La Salle in 1782 in his grandiloquent proclamation of possession had condescended to take the Indians into consid eration and alleged some consent of the governed. But though little attention had been paid to the natives up to the time of the Louisiana Purchase, the government of the United States proceeded scrupulously to- acquire, piece by piece, the lands from the Indians. It may be true that the Indians were not always willing parties to such concessions, but the government did no more than exercise the right of eminent domain on behalf of civilization. The first grant from the Indians was obtained by Julien Dubuque in 1788, from the Fox Indians. The grant extended 24 HISTORY OF IOWA nine miles into the country and seven leagues up and down the river. It included nothing" but the right to work the lead mines, which had been discovered by the wife of the Indian chief, Peosta. Dubuque thought the grant was tantamount to a title to the lands. The Spanish government granted him a title in 1796. In 1804 he sold the title to Auguste Chouteau, a wealthy trader of St. Louis. In 1853 the United States supreme court set aside the title as void, ending a long and costly litigation. In 1799 Louis Honore Tesson obtained permission from the government of Louisiana to form a settlement which he did at what is now Montrose, and Bazil Girad obtained a grant of land in Clayton county. The heirs of Tesson and Girad succeeded in making good their claims to the lands, the former in 1836 and the latter in 1844. The first treaty between the United States and the Indians for possession of Iowa lands was made in 1824, on the 4th of August, between William Clark, United States Commissioner, and the Sacs and Foxes. The treaty was made and signed in Washington. This treaty set aside a piece of land in southeastern Iowa for the half-breeds of the Sacs and Foxes and became known as "The Half Breed Tract," the half-breeds holding title the same as the Indians. In 1830, July 30th, the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States a strip of land twenty miles wide along the boundary between the Sioux and the Sacs and the Foxes, established in 1825, "commencing at the mouth of the Upper Iowa river, on the west bank of the Mississippi, and also along said Iowa river to its west fork; thence up the fork to its source; thence crossing the fork of Red Cedar river in a direct line to the second or upper fork of the Des Moines river; thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the Calumet river, and down TITULAR SUCCESSION 25 that river to its junction with the Missouri river." At the same time the United States obtained from the Sioux, who were parties to the boundary, a strip twenty miles in width on the north side of the boundary. Thus the United States came into possession of a strip of ground forty miles wide from the Mississippi river to the Missouri. It became known as The Neutral Ground, and both the Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux were permitted to use it for hunting and fishing. In 1841, these rights of the Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux were curtailed, for the ground was made a Winne bago reservation and the Winnebago Indians were placed on it. At the same time The Neutral Ground treaty was negotiated with the Sacs and Foxes, the United States obtained from them "and other tribes" a grant of land in western and southern Iowa, "beginning at the upper fork of the Des Moines river, and passing the sources of the Little Sioux and Floyd rivers," and thence to the Missouri and thence down to the Missouri state line, and east as far as the ridge between the Des Moines and the Missouri rivers. These lands, it was understood, were to be allotted to the Indians then living 011 it, or such others as might be located thereon by the President of the United States. The United States paid the various tribes which were parties to this treaty from $2,500 to $3,000 each, to be paid annually for ten successive years. The government also agreed to furn ish some of the tribes with various implements of agriculture "to the amount of $200" : and to set aside certain moneys for the education of the children of the tribes. All these treaties had to do with locations for Indians. It was not untill 1832, following the Black Hawk war, that the United States made provisions for the settlement of Iowa bv white settlers. In that year General Winfield Scott 26 HISTORY OF IOWA and Governor Reynolds, of Illinois, on part of the United States and Keokuk, Pashepaho and other chiefs on behalf of the Indians, assembled in council where the city of Davenport has since been built, and obtained for the white settlers the land of the Black Hawk Purchase. The boundaries of this purchase are interesting, if not important in the history of Iowa. They read: "Beginning on the Mississippi river at a point where the Sac and Fox northern boundary line, as established by the second article of the treaty of Prairie du Chien, July 1830, strikes said 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, fort}' miles from the Mississippi; thence in a right line to a point in the northern boundary of the state of Missouri, fifty miles, measured on said boundary, from the Mississippi river; thence by the last named boundary to the Mississippi river, and by western shore of said river to the place of beginning." Out of this grant four hundred square miles on the Iowa river were reserved for the Indians. The government out of the same purchase gave to Antoine Le Qlair, in fee simple, one section of land opposite Rock Island, and one section at the head of the first rapids above the island, on the Iowa side. This was the first land granted to an individual by the government in Iowa. Le Clair was an Indian interpreter and his services had been valuable. The Black Hawk Purchase was such in fact. The United States agreed to pay the confederated Sac and Fox tribes, the sum of $20,000 annually for thirty consecutive years, and also to pay the debts of the tribes, amounting to $40,000 to Farnham and Davenport, Indian traders. The government also gave the wives and children of Indians who had fallen in the Black Hawk war "thirty-five beef cattle. TITULAR SUCCESSION 27 twelve bushels of salt, thirty barrels of pork, fifty barrels of flour, and six thousand bushels of Indian corn." In 1836 the Indians sold their reservation of four hundred sections on the Iowa river for $30,000 and an annuity of $10,000 for ten consecutive years. By the treaty of 1837, with the Sacs and the Foxes, the United States obtained a strip of land containing 1,250,000 acres lying west of the Black Hawdc Purchase. This strip coincided in length with the Black Hawk Purchase and at its widest point, opposite Davenport, was about twenty-five miles wide. This treaty was ratified February 21, 1838. At the same time the Sacs and Foxes entered into< a treaty of relinquishment by the terms of which the government paid them $160,000 for all right and interest in their lands between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The final dispossession of the Sacs and Foxes of their Iowa lands, was by treaty of October 11, 1842; ratified March 23, 1843. The treaty was made at Agency City, between John Chambers, Commis sioner on behalf of the United States and the chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes. In this treaty these Indians "ceded to the United States all their lands west of the Mississippi to which they had any claim or title." The government agreed to remove all the Indians at the expiration of three years. Those who remained after that were to remove at their own expense. The provisions of this treaty were carried out, the Indians going to Kansas in the fall of 1845 anc^ the spring of 1846, thus freeing all southern Iowa from Indians. In Northwestern Iowa, the Sioux Indians remained until in 1857, when they were guilty of the most horrible massacres about the Okoboji and Spirit Lakes. The Sioux were very reluctant to give up their lands in Iowa. They entered into a treaty with the government to relinquish them in 185 1, but 28 HISTORY OF IOWA bands of the Indians returned to worry the settlers, to pillage -and often to kill. In 1857 there was an effort on the part of the Sioux Indians to exterminate all the hardy settlers who had gone into northwestern Iowa. These massacres had their origin in the wanton murder of Sidominadotah, his aged mother, wife and several children by a white desperado named Henry Lott. The brother of the murdered man was Inkpadutah, who became the scourge of the northwest settlements. Inkpadutah bided his time until the winter of 185^-57, wdiich was a severe one with a heavy fall of snow, making communication between the various settlements difficult. In February of 1857 with a band of thirty of his bravest warriors Inkpadutah entered on his series of massa cres. They went from one settlement to another, and from cue cabin to another, murdering the men and taking the women captives. When the news of these massacres reached F'ort Dodge, a call for volunteers was issued and three companies, A and B commanded respectively by C. B. Richards and J. F Duncombe, were organized at Fort Dodge, and one company, C, at Webster City, commanded by J. C. Johnston. Another relief expedition was sent from the Indian Agency on the Yellow Medicine river. In all forty-one whites, men, women and children were murdered. Many of the Indians were killed, but Inkpadutah himself escaped unpunished. IOWA AND HISTORY. (ALLEGORICAL FIGURES) CHAPTER V. THE EXPLORATION OF IOWA. After the purchase of Louisiana by the United States, for thirty years Iowa was wholly and solely reserved for the Indians. It was the policy of the government not to open the lands to settlers, but to hold them as hunting grounds for the many tribes which had gradually been forced westward and finally across the Mississippi river. It did not take long for the fame of the new country to become wide spread. The settlers wanted to push on across the great river. It was with some difficulty that the rights of the Indians were preserved by the government. As late as 1832 the army of the United States was used to keep the land cleared of enterprising settlers. Until 1833 there were no recognized settlements within the present area of Iowa. In Dubuque the mines had been worked as early as 1788, and Julien Dubuque held a permit granted by the Indians and sanc tioned by the government. After Dubuque's death, 1810, others came to work in the mines, among them James L. and Lucius H. Langworthy, beginning their operations about 1829. There was a small settlement at Montrose and a smaller one, opposite Prairie du Chien, where in 1805 three small houses were found. The Indian traders had established themseh'es at many points, but they are hardly entitled to be called settlements. But although the government did not open the Iowa EARLY EXPLORATIONS 31 lands for settlement, it caused a number of explorations to be made of the entire Louisiana Purchase. These explorations were primarily for the conciliation of the various Indian tribes and for the location of military posts, and for the collection of information of the new lands. The headquarters of the Army of the West were at that time in St. Louis, under General James Wilkinson. It was from that army that the president of the United States drew men who achieved fame as explorers. Captains C. Clark and M. Lewis were selected to explore the Missouri river, and Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike was selected to ascend the Mississippi river to its mouth. Both expeditions touched Iowa, although they did not penetrate the state, and thus are part of the history of this state. On the 9th of August, 1805, Pike, accompanied by one sergeant, two corporals and seventeen privates started up the Mississippi river in a keel boat. They took with them provisions for four months. Eleven days later or on the 20th of August, they reached the Des Moines rapids where they were met by Indian Agents and traders. Indians came to assist them over the rapids. Pike gathered many of the Indians in a council above the rapids and made a statement affecting the purposes of the government. "Your Great Father, the President of the United States," he said to them, "wished to be more intimately acquainted with the situation and wants of the different nations of red people in our newly acquired territory of Louisiana, and has ordered the general to send a number of his warriors in different directions, to take them by the hand and make such inquiries as might afford the satisfaction required." It is worth while to note that Lieutenant Pike, after having made his speech, presented the Indians with knives, whiskey and tobacco. 32 HISTORY OF IOWA Passing up the river. Lieutenant Pike reached the present site of Burlington three days later, and recommended it for a fort. The fort was subsequently located farther down the river, at Fort Madison. He selected the site because of the big hill, fronting the river, and the level prairie in the rear, fit for gardening. Fie also mentions a spring which furnished water in sufficient quantities to supply a garrison. On the first of September the exploring party reached the lead mines where Julien Dubuque and his associates gave them a cordial welcome. On the fourth of September, they reached Prairie du Chien, there being at that time three houses on the Iowa side of the river. The population, on both sides of the river, was about 370, most of the white men having Indian wives. At this point, Wabasha, the chief of the lower tribes of the Sioux, met Lieutenant Pike, and mutual assurances of friend ship and peace were exchanged. Pike's party ascended the Mississippi river, holding many peace councils with the Sioux. The explorers reached St. Louis, on their return, in the spring of 1806. Captains Clark and Lewis started on their expedition the 14th of May, 1804. On the 18th of August they reached a point on the Missouri opposite what is now Woodbury county, Iowa, where the}- held a council with Indian chiefs. On the 1 9th they landed on the Iowa side of the river, where Sergeant Charles Floyd died. Flis remains were buried on a high bluff which bears his name and where the government has since erected a monument to his memory. The Floyd river, which empties into the Missouri near by, was thus named in his honor. It was the first discovery of north western Iowa. Another military exploration of a portion of Iowa that is important enough to be noted here, was the one sent out EARLY EXPLORATIONS 33 in 1834, from the old Fort Des Moines, near the rapids of that river. Lieutenant Colonel Stephen W. Kearney chose Captain Nathan Boone, a son of the famous Kentucky explorer to visit the interior of Iowa. They set out on the 6th of June, 1834, on horses. They ascended the divide between the Des Moines and Skunk rivers. They struck the Des Moines river in Boone county and on the 22nd of the month reached the river which they named Boone. They spent many weeks traversing the beautiful country going as far north as Humboldt county and as far east as Cerro Gordo county. They were opposed by the Sioux who made a fierce attack on the little party, causing them to make a retreat in the night time. On the 8th of August they reached the Raccoon forks of the Des Moines, the site of the city of Des Moines. There they established a camp and carried on their explorations and investigations in various directions. Lieut. Albert M. Lea, an officer in the Boone expedition, made a map of the regions explored, which he published, together with descriptions, in 1836, usder the title of "Notes on Wisconsin Territory, Iowa District." After that publica tion the use of the name Iowa became general, and when the territory was finally separated from Wisconsin, it was called Iowa, the name which was borne by one of the leading tribes of Indians in the early territory. The meaning of the name has been variously given, but the one that has been accepted as final is "This is the place," said to have been uttered by the Indians as they crossed the Mississippi river. As early as 1836, Lieut. Lea, summed up all Iowa in the sentence, "Taking this district all in all, for convenience of navigation, water, fuel and timber, richness of soil, beauty of landscape, and climate, it surpasses any portion of the United States with which I am acquainted." 34 HISTORY OF IOWA Thus, during the first third of the century, Iowa was being explored and advertised. When it was finally thrown open for settlement, thousands rushed in, and, as if in a day, a string of settlements from Prairie du Chien down to the mouth of the Des Moines, sprang into existence. The progress that has been made in the twice thirty-three years of settlement and state building is a record which wall remain the boast of the people. CHAPTER VI. THE BLACK HAWK WAR AND IOWA. The Black Hawk war was not fought on Iowa soil. It was an Illinois war, but it affected greatly the course of Iowa history. It is therefore a part of the history of this state. It led to the opening of the first Iowa lands to white settlers. There is the additional historical fact that the famous Indian ieader died on Iowa soil and was buried on the banks of the Des Moines. Black Hawk, or Makataimeshekiakiah. was born in the principal Sac village near the junction of Rock River with Mississippi in the year 1767. His father's name was Pyesa. Black Hawk early distinguished himself as a warrior and at the age of 15 was permitted to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783 he went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one of whom he killed and scalped and for this deed of Indian bravery he was permitted to join the scalp dance. Three or four years afterward, at the head of two hundred braves, he went 011 another expedition against the Osages to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors a fierce battle ensued in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. Fie next attacked the Cherokees for similar cause. In a severe battle with them near the present site of St. Louis his father was slain and Black Hawk, taking possession of the "Medicine 36 HISTORY OF IOWA Bag," at once announced himself Chief of the Sac nation. He had now conquered the Cherokees and about the year 1800, at the head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes and one hundred lowas he waged war against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled successfully with other Indian tribes, all of which he conquered. The treaty of 1804, at St. Louis, whereby the Indians agreed to vacate all their lands east of the Mississippi river, was declared by Black Hawk to have been the beginning of all the troubles with the whites of which he was a part. The Indians who negotiated that treaty were sent to St. Louis on another mission. Black Hawk held that they had no right to cede the lands in question. The lands ceded comprised fifty-one million acres, stretching along the east shore of the Mississippi river from Missouri to the Wisconsin river. For this tract the Indians who went to St. Louis took $2,240 in goods then delivered, and an annuity of $1,000, in goods at first cost. Zebulon M. Pike succeeded in quieting the Indians who were indignant over a treaty which they held had been extorted from drunken delegates. But the year following the treaty of St. Louis, when the United States government erected a fort near the head of Des Moines rapids, called Fort Edwards, the Indians took offense. It enraged especially Black Hawk who at once determined to capture Fort Madison standing on the west side of the Mississippi above the mouth of the Des Moines. The fort was garrisoned by about fifty men. The Indians made an attack in which they killed two soldiers, but were defeated. The difficulties with the British government arose about this time and the war of 181 2 followed. The British extended aid to the western Indians and induced them to remain hostile to the Americans. In August, 1812, at the head of about five BLACK HAWK 37 hundred braves. Black Hawk started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on his way the site of Chicago' where the famous Fort Dearborn massacre had a few days before been perpetrated. Of his connection with the British, history is exceedingly silent. In the early part of 18 15, the Indians west of the Mississippi were notified that peace had been declared between the United States and England. The Indians were notified to appear and sign treaties of peace, because of their participation in the war with England. On the 13th of May, 1816, a treaty was signed ceding all the lands east of the Mississippi, as provided for in the treaty of 1804, the provi sions of which had not been enforced by the whites and which had been resisted by the red men. Black Hawk signed the treaty, or merely touched the goose-quill, as he put it. He was not disposed to regard it in a friendly spirit. That he did not begin to make serious trouble until 1830 is due to the fact that the whites did not take immediate possession of the ceded lands. The Indians were allowed to remain on them until they were required for actual settlers. The student of history will find in the war in which Black Hawk was the central figure a recurrence of the long cher ished dream of the Indians to repel the white invaders and drive them from the continent. Black Hawk did not realize the size or the power of the government in Washington until after his capture when he was taken to Washington and back, in order to impress him with its resources. After seeing the populous cities of the east, he was disillusioned. He realized how hopeless was the struggle against the invaders, Keokuk, another Sac chief, was wiser in his day and genera tion than Black Hawk. He was philosopher enough to accept the inevitable. He wanted to make the best of the 38 HISTORY OF IOWA conditions that confronted the savages. Keokuk was a famous orator. He thought far beyond and above his fellow red men. No interpreters could catch the higher meanings of his speeches, but the fragments of his oratory w-ere enough to stamp him as the possessor of a great mind and an eloquent tongue. Black Hawk was under the spell of the Shawnee Prophet who claimed he was the reincarnation of the Manitou or Great Spirit. "I am the father of the English, of the French, of the Spaniards and of the Indians," proclaimed the Prophet. "I created the first man, who was the common father of all these people, as well as of yourselves; and it is through him, whom I have awakened from his long sleep, that I now address you. But the Americans I did not make; they are not my children, but the children of the Evil Spirit. They grew from the scum of the great water when it was troubled by the Evil Spirit, and the froth was driven into the woods by a strong east wind. They are numerous, but I hate them." This message made a deep impression on the mind of Black Hawk. The Black Hawk war began in the spring of 1831, when the Sac and Fox warriors, returning from the hunt on the Iowa side of the Mississippi, found the whites in possession of their villages on the Rock river. The settlers had turned the Indian women and children and aged ones out of their homes. Black Hawk determined to cross the river and drive the whites out. A general Indian uprising was feared and Governor Reynolds of Illinois declared the state invaded and called out the militia. The volunteers w-ere anxious to be led against the Indians. Gen. Atkinson with the regulars came down the river and conferred with the commander of the state troops, Brig.-Gen. Samuel Whiteside. The volunteers were sent up the Rock river to look for the Indians. Black BLACK HAWK WAR 39 Hawk was at that moment considering terms of peace and sent a flag of truce toward the whites, but the latter in their enthusiasm began hostilities before the flag was brought close enough for them to realize its purport. The Indians then threw themselves on the volunteers with great force and completely routed them. The detachment which was under command of Major Stillman, lost eleven men. The next day Gen. Atkinson came with the regulars and with provisions. The volunteers were tired of the Avar and in May were mustered out. The mineral regions, in the vicinity of Galena were exposed to attack and Col. Dodge raised a band of volunteers, upon the appeal of Governor Reynolds, and led them against the Indians. The result was the battle of Peccatonica in which the reputation of the volunteer troops was re-established. Seventeen Indians were killed in what was practically a hand to hand fight, the volunteers, twenty-eight in number, losing only three killed and wounded. A new volunteer force was collected, consist ing in all of 3,200 inert, besides three companies of rangers left behind to protect the settlements. On the 22nd of June ihe whole force, under command of Gen. Atkinson, of the regulars, was put in motion and concentrated at Dixon. The Indians had left there and were pursued. The forces met on the Wisconsin river, opposite Sauk Prairie, where a battle was fought in which the Indians lost more than sixty warriors. Black Hawk had bravely made a stand to protect the women and children who were trying to cross the river. The Indians were followed toward the Mississippi river. On the banks of the Mississippi near the mouth of Bad Axe river, occurred the last battle, which was turned into an Indian slaughter. Women with children on their backs, tried to cross the river and were drowned or clubbed to death by hostile Sioux 40 HISTORY OF IOWA Indians as they succeeded in reaching the west bank. The Indians were attacked on all sides, including fire from a steamboat which had been dispatched up the river to aid the troops. Gen. Dodge was in command and Col. Zachary Taylor supported him with the regulars. Black Hawk made his escape to the Winnebago village of Prairie La Crosse. On the 27th of August, two Indians, Decorah and Chaetar, delivered the defeated warrior to the whites. By order of the president, Black Hawk and his companions were confined at Jefferson barracks and afterwards at Fortress Monroe. They were set free on the 4th day of June, 1833. Before leaving the fortress. Black Hawk made the following farewell speech to the commander, which shows his attitude of mind: "Brother: I have come on my own part and in behalf of my companions to bid you farewell. Our Great Father has at length been pleased to permit us to return to our Hunting Grounds. We have buried the tomahawk and the sound of the rifle hereafter will only bring death to the deer and the buffalo. Brothers, you have treated the Red man very kindly. Your squaws have made them presents and you have given them plenty to eat and to drink. The memory of your friendship will remain till the Great Spirit says, it is time for Black Hawk to sing his death song. Brother, your houses are as numerous as the leaves on the trees and your young warriors like the sands upon the shore of the big lake that rolls before us. The Red man has but few houses and few warriors — but the Red man has a heart which throbs as warmly as the heart of his white l.u-other. The Great Spirit has given us our Hunting Grounds and the skin of the deer which we kill there is his favorite, for its color is white and this is the emblem of peace. This hunting dress and these feathers of the eagle are white. Accept them, my brother. DEATH OF BLACK HAWK 41 I have given one like this to the White Otter. Accept it as a memorial of Black Hawk when he is far away. This will serve to remind you of him. May the Great Spirit bless you and your children. Farewell." After their release from prison they were conducted, in charg-e of Major Garland, through some of the principal cities that they might witness the power of the United States and learn their own inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes flocked to see them wherever they were taken and the attention paid them rendered their progress through the country a triumphal procession instead of the transportation of prisoners by an officer. At Rock Island, Illinois, the prisoners were given their liberty with a great and impressive ceremony. Black Llawk passed the remaining days of his life in Iowa, living in the Iowa River Reservation and then until his death on the Des Moines Reservation. He died October 3, 1833. A number of accounts have been given as to the manner of Black Hawk's burial but nearly all of these are erroneous. After much research and corroboration of the facts as to Black Hawk's burial, that which comes nearest to it in a historical sense and judgment is given by Mr. James F. Ward, now residing at Humboldt, Iowa: The followers of Black Hawk first dug a grave fifteen feet long, five or six feet deep and about seven feet wide. One end was inclined upward from the bottom to the surface of the ground so that one could easily walk into the opening. Black Hawk was then placed on his pony and securely tied there. He was furnished with provisions enough to last him through his journey to the Happy Hunting Ground, with utensils and other articles for his convenience, all securely fastened to the pony. The animal was then led into the grave and poles were placed around it, tepee fashion. These were covered 42 HISTORY OF IOWA first with prairie grass, then with dirt, the whole thing form ing" a mound about twenty feet long. This mound stands on a beautiful eminence and was carefully inspected by Mr. Ward at the time of the treaty between the government and the Sacs and Foxes at the signing of which he was present. Black Hawk belonged to the line of great Indian fighters who unsuccessfully resisted the advance of civilization. The Sacs and Foxes not only lost their lands on the east bank of the Mississippi, but in the treaty that closed the war, the Indians ceded a strip on the west bank of the river which became known as The Black Hawk Purchase. This treaty was signed on the 23rd of September, 1832, on the present site of Davenport, General Winfield Scott acting for the United States government. CHAPTER VII. IOWA'S TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT. From 1803 to 1833 Iowa was switched from one terri torial jurisdiction to another. But such changes had little or no effect within the present area of the state, for the simple reason that the Indians were the sole possessors of the soil, and, except a few traders and half-breeds, there were none but Indians within those borders. The first territorial juris diction that is at all important was that of Michigan. Con gress passed the act extending the government of that terri tory over Iowa in June, 1834. One of the first acts of the Michigan government was to divide the present state of Iowa into two counties. A line was drawn from the lower end of Rock Island to the Missouri river. All south of that line was called Des Moines county and all north of it was called Dubuque county. In this manner what had been without form and void was assuming geographical form and acquiring political importance. A court was organized in each county, in order that law and order might be enforced in the new land. The courts were to be held at Dubuque and Burlington. The judges for these courts were appointed by the governor of Michigan. Isaac Leffler was appointed for Des Moines county and John King for Dubuque county. The first court was held in Burlington April, 1835. In October, 1835, George W. Jones, a resident of Wisconsin, was elected delegate to congress for Michigan territory. His election proved a good thing for 44 HISTORY OF IOWA Hie future state of Iowa. His first efforts were for a separ ation of Wisconsin from Michigan. He secured the passage of a bill creating the Territory of Wisconsin, wdiich included Iowa, and thus brought the government closer to the Missis sippi river. The act was approved April 20, 1836. General Henry Dodge, a regular army officer, was appointed gover nor of Wisconsin. He caused to be taken the first census of the two Iowa counties. This was clone to ascertain the num ber of representatives in the Wisconsin legislature Iowa was entitled to. Iowa was given six members of the council and thirteen members of the house. The first Wisconsin legisla ture met at Belmont, Wisconsin, on the 25th of October. Peter H. Engle was elected Speaker of the House. Des Moines county was divided into seven counties, named Des Moines, Lee, Van Buren, Henry, Louisa, Musquetine and Cook. The Wisconsin legislature which met in Burlington in 1837, divided Dubuque county into ten counties, named Dubuque, Clayton, Jackson, Scott, Clinton, Linn, Johnson, Jones, Benton and Delaware. The permanent capital was located at Madison, but temporarily it was fixed at Burl ington. In 1837 the people of the Iowa district began to think actively of a separate territorial government. The Sacs and F'oxes had yielded another strip of laud and immigration had received a new impetus. On the 6th of November, a con vention was held at Burlington to petition congress for such separate government. George W. Jones, although then residing east of the Mississippi, was an active champion for the separation of Iowa from Wisconsin, in order that the country west of the Mississippi might be more adequately governed. Before the convention met in Burlington, he had introduced a bill to bring about the desired separation. WISCONSIN TERRITORY 45 The act to> divide the territory of Wisconsin, and to es tablish the territorial government of Iowa, was approved June 12, 1838. The territory of Iowa came into actual ex istence on the 4th of July of the same year. Iowa territory. in this organic law, included nearly all of the present state of Minnesota, and extended to the line of British America. The government of the territory was vested in a governor to be appointed by the president for thrte years, a secretary to be appointed by the president for four years, and a legislative assembly, to be elected by the people of the territory. The legislative assembly was to be made up of two houses, a coun cil of thirteen members, holding office for two years, and a house of twenty-six members, holding office for one year. The members of the council and the representatives were to be apportioned, as nearly as possible, among the various counties of the territory. All laws were to be submitted to congress for approval, and the governor had an unqualified veto. The judicial power of the territory was vested in a supreme court, district and probate courts and in justices of the peace. The supreme court was to consist of one chief justice and two associate judges. There was also a provision for a territorial attorney, for a territorial marshal, and for other civil officers. The salaries provided for the different territorial officers were as follows: For the governor, $1,500 a year as gover nor and $1,000 as superintendent of Indian affairs; for the judges of the supreme court, $1,500 a year; for the secre tary of the territory, $1,200 a year; for the members of the assembly, $3 per day for each day in attendance and $3 for every twenty miles traveled in going and coming. There was an allowance of $350 to the governor for contingent ex penses. A capital for the new territory was to be selected by 46 HISTORY OF IOWA the governor and the legislative assembly. The United States government appropriated $20,000 for the erection of a suit able building for the territorial offices. Congress also appro priated $5,000 to be expended under the direction of the governor for the purchase of a library for the use of the ter ritorial officials, and for such others as might be designated by the legislative assembly. President Van Buren appointed as the first territorial officers. Governor, Robert Lucas of Ohio; Secretary, Will iam B. Conway; Chief Justice, Charles Mason of Burlington; Associate Justices, Thomas S. Wilson of Dubuque, and Joseph Williams of Pennsylvania; Attorney General, M. Van Allen of New York; Marshal, Francis Gehon of Dubuque; Recorder of the Land Office, Augustus C. Dodge at Burling ton, and Receiver of the Land Office, Thomas McKnight at Dubuque. Theodore S. Parvin of Ohio was selected by Governor Lucas as his private secretary. On the 10th of Sep tember the first territorial election was held. There were no regular party organizations at the time, but the first legisla tive assembly elected had a large Democratic majority. At- this first election, for delegate in congress, 4,492 votes were. cast, of which William M. Chapman of Des Moines county had 1,490; Peter H. Engle of Dubuque county, 1,454 votes. In spite of the democratic majority in the first legisla-. five assembly, a Whig, Gen. Jesse B. Browne of Lee county,, was elected president of the Council, and another Whig, Wil liam H. Wallace of Henry county, Speaker of the House. The first session of the assembly was held at Burlington. Considerable opposition as aroused against Governor Lucas. because of his use of the veto power. The fact that he was a non-resident, no doubt, added to the feeling. But, in spite. of these differences, the work of the first legislature was IOWA TERRITORY 47 !such as to commend itself to all students of Iowa history. The first act was in recognition of the civil rights of women. Religious toleration, purity of elections, good roads and free public schools were among the subjects that received atten tion from the pioneer law-makers. In 1839 the Second Assembly as elected. But little interest seems to have been taken in the election. In 1840, a remarkable year in the political history of the United States, Iowa felt some of the national enthusiasm. The can didates for delegate in congress were Augustus C. Dodge for the Democrats and Alfred Rich for the Whigs. In all 7>595 votes were cast, of which Dodge received 4,009. In 1 84 1, John Chambers was appointed governor of the terri tory. He is referred to as a Democratic-Whig, whatever that may have meant at the time. He was succeeded by James Clark in 1854 completing the list of territorial governors. Augustus C. Dodge served as delegate until the admission of Iowa as a state. In 1839 the office of territorial treasurer was created and Thornton Bayless was appointed to fill it. The office of auditor was created in 1840 and Jesse Williams was appointed to fill it. The territorial government was not destined to last long for the new country was fillling up rapidly. During the first decade the population increased to over 100,000. Congress expedited settlements by providing military roads and bridges. The foundations of the population of Iowa were laid in the best brain and brawn of the eastern states. Set tlers came from New England states, from New York and Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio. They were the sturdy, progressive sons of American freedom, who were ever in the van of civilization as it penetrated into the wilderness. The men and women who came from the older states were soon 48 HISTORY OF IOWA followed by the most desirable classes of foreigners, the land- seekers and land-settlers of northern Europe. No one who studies the early immigration across the Mississippi can won der at the marvelous progress that has been made here in succeeding years. CAPITOL BUILDING AT BELMONT, WHEN IOWA WAS PART OF WISCONSIN TERRITORY. CHAPTER VIII. VOLUNTARY LAW AND VOLUNTEER EXECUTIONERS. Iowa was fortunate in the character of its early settlers. The men who so eagerly crossed the Mississippi in order that they might possess the beautiful land on the sunset side of the great river, came, with few exceptions, from law-abiding peoples. But there were exceptions. The unscrupulous and the desperate came also. The fringe of civilization is apt to be blood-stained. The pioneers had, often, to depend on themselves. The courts were few and they were apt to be impotent. Recourse to legal justice was not always possible, nor always expedient. The people of a neighborhood had to be their own judges and their own law-enforcers. The first trial for murder in Iow-a was held before a self-appointed court in Dubuque. 1834. In May of that year Patrick O'Connor shot George O'Keaf. Asked why he had done it, O'Connor replied that it was his own business. The more discreet residents, succeeded in having O'Connor taken to jail and the 20th of Ma}- was set for his trial. There was a prosecuting attorney and an attorney for the defense. The man on trial selected his own jury. The following was the verdict of the jury: "We, the undersigned residents of the Dubuque Lead Mines, having been chosen by Captain O'Connor, and empanelled as a jury to try the matter wherein Patrick O'Connor is charged with the murder of George FIRST JURY TRIAL 51 O'Keaf, do find the said Patrick O'Connor guilty of murder in the first degree, and ought to be, and is by us sentenced to be hung by the neck until he is dead; wdiich sentence shall take effect on Tuesday, the 20th day of June, 1834, at one o'clock P. M." In the meantime the Governor of Missouri, to which territory Iowa was then attached, was appealed to, but he said he had no authority in the matter and referred the petitioners to the President of the United States. President Jackson replied that the laws of the United States had not been extended over the newly purchased territory, and that he had no authority in the case. President Jackson suggested that the pardoning power rested with those who had passed the sentence. At the appointed time, Patrick O'Connor was hanged, in the presence of armed citizens. A collection was taken up to pay the expenses of the trial, imprisonment and execution. No court of justice could have acted more decorously in the case, or brought surer justice. But if many mob juries had been empanelled, justice might have easily miscarried. The early settlers organized themselves, especially against two classes of men, the claim-jumper and the horse- thieves. The horse-thief was the desperado of the prairies. and the desperado was nearly always a horse-thief. The man who went to another man's stable in the night time and took from it his horse, was regarded worse than the murderer and his punishment, when caught, was apt to be more summary, because the murderer might have had provocation for his deed. The horse, moreover, was almost the most valuable asset of the early farmer. Without his horses he was helpless on the prairies. The horse was not only valuable, but the thief could ride away on the stolen property. Horse-stealing 52 HISTORY OF IOWA was more or less prevalent throughout early Iowa, but the operations of a band, or bands, of thieves and desperadoes in certain eastern counties of the state, were so extensive that they may be considered historic especially since they illus trate certain means and methods of law-enforcement in the territory and afterwards, in the state. These bands operated in Jackson, Clinton, Jones, Cedar, Linn and Benton counties. They seem to have had their headquarters at Bellevue, twenty-two miles south of Dubuque, which was a noted crossing on the Mississippi. Benton county, which was the debatable ground between barbarism and civilization, named those years "the dark ages." In Jackson county conditions were finally improved by "the battle of Bellevue" which was a hand-to-hand contest between desperadoes and vigilantes. Formal associations were formed to clear the counties of the bands. In 1839, at Linn Grove, in Linn county, an association was formed, the members of wdiich pledged them selves to protect each other in their property and lives. In Benton county an Iowa Protection Company was organized with rules and regulations to govern the members. Their avowed purpose was to protect their property, "especially horses." In Bellevue it was found that a certain house was the place of rendezvous of the thieves. The Regulators surrounded it. The desperadoes retreated to a room up stairs and put up a defense. The Regulators finally set fire to the building, whereupon the desperadoes jumped out of the building, like so many rats. Some were shot and about twelve were captured. Many of the captured men were "rivered," that is sent down the river with solemn warnings not to come back. But finally it seems to have become necessary to regulate the Regulators. The self-appointed law-enforcers, no doubt, THE REGULATORS 53 committed many outrages against innocent, but suspected residents. Designing men got into the organizations and used them to punish those who were objectionable to them. Horse-thieves were sometimes among the most vigorous of the vigilantes, for purposes of their own. There are instances on record in which men unquestionably innocent, were made the victims of the Regulators. In this way these organiza tions illustrated that it is dangerous to place the administra tion of criminal justice in the hands of mobs, however good the men or their intentions. The case of Alonzo Page may be cited in illustration. He wras an intelligent young man who lived on a farm near the eastern line of Cedar county, southeast of the present town of Lowden. He had incurred the hatred of a man named Corry, who had joined the Regulators. Corry spread the report that Page had connections with a gang of horse- thieves. Believing the report, in June, 1857, a body of Regulators rode up to his cabin and warned him to get out of the country. Conscious of his own innocence he refused to obey them. Sometime afterwards, one night Page heard the tramp of horses. He looked out of the window and he saw that his cabin was surrounded. They knocked at the door, but he refused to open for them. He told them in vain that his wife was very sick. They broke down the barricaded door and shot him down in his own house. The Regulators rode away, leaving the sick wife with her dying husband. Upon the testimony of participants in the raid, Corry was the man who did the shooting. The Regulators often proceeded with all the formalities of courts of justice. In the cases of Edward Soper and Alonzo Gleason, July 2, 1857, the, men, who confessed to their guilt, were taken from the Cedar county jail, at Tipton, to the scene of their last theft and put 54 HISTORY OF IOWA on trial. Two hundred Regulators collected for the work of justice. The two men were tried before a jury and convicted and hanged, all in one night. As lynchings by the Regulators multiplied, the good people began to realize they were face to face with a new- danger and efforts were made to bring the Regulators to justice, but they were as successful in escaping as the desper adoes before them had been. On the whole, the work of these law and order associations is to be commended for they eventually and effectually cleared the afflicted counties of the bands wdio had instituted a reign of terror. For many years there was no other law in the territory. CHAPTER IX. THE LAND CLAIMS ASSOCIATIONS. The operations of the Claim Associations, scores of which existed in early Iowa, were confined wholly to the protection of the rights of squatters. Many of the lands were settled on before the title to them could be obtained from the government. The Claim Associations were formed to see that such settlers were not despoiled of their lands when they were finally placed up for sale. These associations were organized on the lines of union and arbitration. On the 17th of June, 1830, the miners who went to Dubuque, through a committee of five drew up these articles of a rude, but effective government for themselves: "Article 1. That each and every man shall hold two hundred yards square of ground, working said ground one day in six. "Article 2. We further agree that there shall be chosen, by a majority of the miners present, a person who shall hold this article, and grant letters of arbitration on application having been made, and that said letters of arbitration shall be obligatory on the parties, concerned in so applying." These articles are believed to be the first laws for the government of white people in Iowa. The lands they appropriated belonged to the Indians and they were restrained from living on them by the United States troops, but the claims they established in this crude way they, for the most part, made good afterwards, when the lands were 56 HISTORY OF IOWA thrown open. Each man took his claim, according to their primitive code and they all saw to it that each one was protected in his claim. Similarly settlers came into other parts of Iowa before the lands were thrown open. In 1833 these articles of a local government were drawn up, in the vicinity of Burlington : "Resolved, That any person or persons allowing the Indians to have whiskey on any account whatever shall forfeit all the whiskey he or they have on hand, and likewise the confidence and protection of this Association. "Resolved, That any person harboring or protecting a refugee who, to evade justice, has fled from other sections of the Union, shall be delivered with such refugee on the other side of the river." For more than a year after the opening of the Black Hawk Purchase, Iowa was absolutely without "even a shadow of government or law." In 1834, Iowa was attached to Michigan territory, the facilities for dispensing justice made legal justice almost impossible. Under the AYisconsin jurisdiction, Iowa went for sixteen months with but a single term of court, although there were at that time more than 25,000 people, wdiose lives and property were involved. But the people were Americans and they were able to help them selves. They had voluntary local associations of various kinds. The laws were just, suited to the times and they were speedily enforced. The most interesting local self-governments set up in Iowa were the Land Leagues, Clubs or Claims Associations. Prof. Jesse Macy of Iowa College, who has made a study of these and other institutional beginnings in Iowa, says of the associations that they differed in minor details, but that in their main features they were the same. (1) There were LAND CLAIMS ASSOCIATIONS 57 provisions as to the amount of land in a claim, varying from one hundred and sixty acres to four hundred and eighty- acres; it was also stipulated as to what portions should be prairie and what portions timber. The theory was to give with each prairie farm a strip of timber land, generally in the river bottoms, so that the farmer might provide himself with fuel. (2) There were provisions as to the amount of improve ment required to hold a claim in cases where the claim was not occupied. (3) There were provisions as to occupancy. Desertions or failure to make improvements worked a forfeit. (4) Claims were negotiable, that is they could be sold, on the approval of the association, and the buyer acquired all the privileges and obligations of the original claimant. The association gave deeds and recorded them. (5) Provisions were made for the settling of disputes between claimants. The associations virtually established courts of their own. with judges and arbitrators. In some cases neighboring associations were called in as peace-makers. The adminis trations of these courts were generally successful. (6) Provisions for enforcing the decisions of the courts and for protecting their claims against outside parties. Prof. Macy says that he has not been able to find an authenticated case in which blood was shed in the settlement of land difficulties. In other words, the associations were not only complete in form, but they worked out the ends sought. peacefully and successfully. The Claims Associations were debated in Congress in 1838, when a bill to grant pre-emption rights to actual settlers came up. The associations were greatly misunder stood by some, presumably because they did not understand the conditions in Iowa or the character of the early settlers. On January 27, 1838, John C. Calhoun, in a speech, 58 HISTORY OF IOWA said: "If he was rightly informed the Iowa country had already been seized by a lawless body of armed men, who had parcelled out the whole region, and had entered into written stipulations to stand by and protect each other — and who were actually exercising the right of ownership and sovereignty over it — permitting none to settle without their leave — and exacting more for the license to settle than the government does for the land itself." Calhoun's statement was a gross libel on the squatters. Their associations had no other objects than to do what was right. In 1841, in spite of such misrepresentations, Congress passed the general Pre-emption Law, giving the actual settler the right to purchase the land at the minimum price of $1.25 an acre, one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he had lived for a year and had erected a log cabin. The Claim Associations did not go out of existence imme diately after the passage of that law, but they were continued in existence, to supplement the law. The test of the power of the associations came when the lands were put up for sale, generally public sale. Some of the lands had become valuable on account of nearness to towns, or by reason of improvements and the object was to prevent strangers from bidding them in. All the members of the Claim Associations were expected to be present and "do their duty," even if that duty meant "to knock a stranger sensible." The claimants generally had a representative who transacted all the business for them. They stood by to see he was not interfered with. Under a statute of the United States, 1807, settlements on lands ceded to the United States were forbidden, until such lands were legally opened for settlers. The Claim Asso ciations had been dealing in lands owned by the government of the United States, the settlement of which was forbidden. JUDGE MASON SUSTAINS CLAIMS 59 The legislature of Wisconsin, in one of its first acts, legalized the sale of' land "owned by the government of the United States." Here was a conflict between the territory and the national government. A case involving the validity of the ter ritorial statute came before the Supreme Court of the Terri tory in 1840. The case was Hill vs. Smith. It involved a "claim" which had been sold for $1,000, payment of wdiich was resisted by Hill, who had given a note, under date of Jan uary 23, 1837. It as contended that the whole contract was void because contrary to laws of the United States. Judge Mason wrote the decision for the Supreme Court. He held that the whole act of Congress of 1807 "seems to have been intended merely to prevent the acquirement of title by occupancy, and to authorize the removal of intruders in those cases wdiere public policy should require; but never to disturb the peaceful and the industrious, whose labor was adding so much to the public wealth, changing the barren wilderness into fertile fields." Judge Mason went into an extended discussion of the matter. He cited the cases of Empson and Dudley, in English history, who were executed and exposed to infamy because they executed too rigidly obsolete and forgotten laws. "Fortified by this authority," said the Iowa judge, "we pronounce it contrary to the spirit of that Anglo-Saxon liberty, which we inherit, to revive without notice, an obsolete statute, one in relation to which long disuse and a contrary policy had induced a reasonable belief that it was no longer in force. If custom can make laws, it can, when long acquiesced in, recognized and countenanced by the sovereign power, also repeal them." He declared the statute of 1807, so far as it would have gone to drive the people from their 60 HISTORY OF IOWA homes, or to punish them as criminals, as "wholly inoperative and void." The decision of Judge Mason was good common sense, even if it was not good law, as that is interpreted strictly. It went to the heart of the question and meant the welfare of the settlers went before forgotten statutes. tsti OLD CAPITOL AT IOWA CITY 62 HISTORY OF IOWA CHAPTER X. THE TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS. Iowa, as a territory was short-lived, only eight years. During those years three governors were appointed by as in- ny presidents. First governor, Robert Lucas of Ohio, was appointed by President Van Buren. He was removed by President Harrison in 1840 and John Chambers of Kentucky was appointed in his stead. In 1845, Governor Chambers was superseded by James Clark of Iowa. Clark was the last of the territorial governors, and probably the best. He had in a measure learned the needs and aspirations of the new- territory. Two of the territorial governors were Democrats, and one, Chambers, was a Whig. I—ROBERT LUCAS. Robert Lucas came to Iowa an old man. Pie had been governor of Ohio only a few years before he came to preside Over the western territory. He had also been an Indian fighter, one of the bravest in the long struggles in the making of Ohio. It was said of him that he had been in almost every battle on the Ohio frontier. He fought the "British" Indians during the war of 1812. One who knew him in Iowa says that "he was engaged in almost every battle from the Huron to the Thames" and that "his history was full of romantic incidents and hair-breadth escapes and bold and daring adventures." Of his civil life after the wars and skirmishes, the same writer savs that "his name was connected with TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS 63 almost every public act of that great state, (Ohio) which gave her prosperity and greatness; and as a tribute to his worth and a reward for his services, she conferred upon him, in his declining years, the office of governor." One of the first things wdiich the new governor did was to make a trip through the settlements "to spy out the land." One of the men who accompanied him on that journey was Hon. T. S. Parvin, private secretary to the governor, who has made a record of the official visits. They went up the Mississippi from Burlington to Dubuque. Returning they went by wagon through the settlements farther removed from the river. Upon the governor's return to Burlington he was tendered a banquet by the citizens of the then capital of the territory. In his speech he said that he "had supposed that the population of the territory was the same as is generally found in frontier settlements — hospitable, yet rude." In this, he said he had been agreeably deceived. Pie confessed that in intelligence and enterprise the people of Iowa would compare favorably with the people of any western state, or even of some of the eastern states. These utterances may have been conventional ones, such as are made at all banquets, but there is no doubt as to the high character of the early settlers of Iowa. It was during the administration of Governor Lucas that the Missouri boundary question came up for the first time. The constitution of Missouri defined the northern boundary of that state to be the parallel which passes through the rapids of the Des Moines. There are two rapids, one in the Mississippi river and the other in the Des Moines river, just below Keosauqua. The latter is about six miles farther north than the former. The question turned on whether the 64 HISTORY OF IOWA Missouri constitution meant the Des Moines rapids, which are in the Mississippi, or the rapids of the river Des Moines. The Missourians contended for the latter, and the lowans for the former. The question came up through efforts of the Missouri county officers to collect taxes on the Iowa side of the boundary. Governor Lucas was the right man to contend with the Missourians. As governor of Ohio he helped to solve the question of the boundary between Ohio' and the Territory of Michigan, which at one time threatened to make serious trouble. Michigan had been pacified by the gift of the peninsula of Michigan, lying across the lake, cold and friend less. Governor Lucas was determined to render Iowa the same service he had Ohio. The lowans resisted the Missouri officials. The sheriffs of Davis and Van Buren counties had actually arrested the officials who had come across the boundary line. Governor Boggs of Missouri called out the militia of his state to< protect the officers in the discharge of their duties. Governor Lucas replied in kind and called out the Iowa militia. Some twelve hundred men w-ere enlisted and five hundred were encamped in Van Buren county, armed and ready for the civil war. The Iowa-Missouri war is a seriously funny page in history. It is a subject that Washington Irving would have delighted in. The humorists and rhymsters seized upon its incidents at once. One of the former was guilty of the following" doggerel: "Missouri shall many a day Tell of the bloody fray When the Hawkeyes and Pukes First meet on her border." ¦ The Iowa legislature happened to be in session when the war was at its height and in a preamble and resolutions GOVERNOR LUCAS 65 requested the governors to suspend hostilities until it was ascertained what it was all about. The bellicose governors heeded the advice and the threatened war was averted. The Iowa-Missouri contest dragged through many more years of history, but it is sufficient here to state that the boundary contended for by the early Hawkeyes was finally and fully sustained. The expenses of the militiamen who encamped in Van Buren county were never paid either by the territorial or the state government. It is recorded that Governor Lucas never forgot the incidents of the Missouri war and whenever the subject was mentioned to him he flew into a passion. The Missourians were always "Pukes" to him. The first governor of the territory of Iowa seems to have been as irascible as Governor Stuyvesant of New Amsterdam. He had hardly emerged from the Iowa-Missouri war when he entered on a series of contests with the "young men" who sat in the First General Assembly of the Territory. The men who sat in the legislature were full of personal and political ambitions. "They looked upon Iowa as their own," writes a man who was an eye witness, "and each of them looked upon himself as a future senator, governor or chief justice of a state, which he himself was then laboring to bring about. The governor was not only an old man, but, in their eyes, was tinctured with old fogyism. They viewed with boundless enthusiasm a boundless future, while the governor was practical enough to take the expense into consideration. They felt that he was in Iowa merely as an office holder; that he had no other interest in the territory and that when his days of office holding were over he would return to Ohio. The governor called the legislature a set of profligates. A dispute having arisen as to the authority of the governor, 66 HISTORY OF IOWA the legislature appointed a committee of which the future Senator James W. Grimes was chairman, to inquire into his powers and define his duties. The committe reported that the governor had authority to veto all acts of the legislature "except acts for the appropriation of money." On the 6th of January, 1840, largely to emphasize the displeasure with the Ohio man who was governing Iowa, W. W. Chapman, delegate in congress from Iowa, was instructed by the legis lature to use his influence to procure the passage of a law permitting the people to elect their own governors. II— JOHN CHAMBERS. John Chambers, the second governor of the territory, like Robert Lucas, before him, was an old man when he came to Iowa to fill the office of governor. He had been a soldier in the war 0/ 1812 and in many skirmishes with the Indians on the Kentucky frontiers. He was regarded as a brave and honest man. In politics he was so conservative that he was sometimes referred to as a Whig-Democrat. He came to Iowa as one of the first results of the triumphant election of William Henry Harrison in the memorable campaign of 1840. He found every office in the territory in the hands of the Democrats, who had controlled every function of the new territory. "So that when the new governor arrived," writes an eye witness and life long Democrat, "he found Iowa in the hands of a joint stock company, with the shares above par, and none to dispose of at any price." If the "shareholders" in the young territory had looked with distrust upon Robert Lucas, they turned the cold shoulder upon John Chambers, because he was not only a foreign governor, sent to them, but he was of the opposite political faith. GOV. CHAMBERS. 68 HISTORY' OF IOWA Concurrently with the coming of John Chambers there came into Iowa a desire for statehood. That was looked upon as the one sure escape from governors who were not of the people's own making and who were not even identified with Iowa. "A plan was therefore set on foot by those who owned the largest shares in the company, to bring about a revolution, to change the form of government, to establish a state." So on the 16th of February, 1842, the territorial legislature voted to submit to the people at the coming August election, the question of holding a constitutional convention. But when August came the people rejected the proposition for a convention and statehood. "At this time the general government had paid ail the expenses of the Territory in hard money. At every session of every court, in every county throughout the whole Territory, the judge, the district attorney, and last, but not least, the district marshal or one of the deputies, always appeared together. As soon as the court was over, and justice meted out with an unsparing hand, the marshal called up the grand and petit juries and the witnesses upon all criminal trials, cashed all their accounts in half dollars, and they went their way over the. broad prairies, whistling or singing that good old tune, 'Uncle Sam is rich enough to give us all a farm.' And when the August election came, the people voted against a convention, and wisely concluded to remain a few years longer in a state of dependency, in order to enjoy, as long as possible, the benefits showered upon them by the general government." It was during the administration of Governor Chambers that Iowa increased its bounds and its people. It was an era of stupendous immigration. Governor Chambers may not have been entitled to the credit for the rush of new settlers, but he, GOVERNOR CHAMBERS 69 at least, prepared the way for those who came. He was diligent in the business of the territory. He opened the nego tiations which on the nth of October, 1842, at Agency City, resulted in the cession of all the territory west of the Missouri river belonging to the Sac and Fox Indians. This was a vast piece of land, stretching from Van Buren county to the Missouri river and as far north as the "Neutral Ground," between the Sacs and Foxes and Sioux Indians on the north. By the terms of the treaty, the lands as far west as a line running through Red Rock, in Marion county, were to' be opened, May 1, 1843, and the remaining lands were to be opened October n, 1845. Long before the successive strips of the "New Purchase" were thrown open, squatters had staked off their claims. Troops were sent to drive off the "sooners," but there were not troops enough to restrain the impatient and impetuous people. The Indians did not have time to get out of the way. "It was no uncommon thing for the inhabitants of an Indian village to wake up in the morning and, to their utter consternation and surprise, find a log cabin or 'claim shanty' which had been erected in their town during the night, while upon the door, perhaps with chalk or coal, the unmistakable pictures of the bowie-knife and revolver, indicating, as the Indian well knew, the desperate character of him who sleeps within, upon that pallet of leaves and grass." When at midnight the signal gun was fired, throwing open the lands, the inrush all along the line made the prairies look like a pandemonium. With axe and torch and stake, the pioneers marked and blazed their way. The men who were politically opposed to Governor Chambers together with the men who believed the hour for statehood had arrived united forces in the legislature and on February 12, 1844, for the second time the question of a 70 HISTORY OF IOWA constitutional convention was submitted to the voters. In April the election was held and a majority was returned in favor of the convention. "For a convention'Avasat that time a test of true Democracy. In the following August the election of delegates to the First Constitutional Convention w;as held and the convention met the first Monday in October. The constitution submitted was rejected because it was weak and because of the boundary disputes. In the succeeding legis lature the Democrats secured the passage of a bill resub mitting the constitution to the people. Governor Chambers vetoed it. The legislature then passed the bill over his veto and at the August, 1845, election the constitution went before the people again and it was again rejected by them. In the meantime President Polk had been inaugurated and in May, 1845, Governor Chambers was removed. "Take him all in all, he wa° about the most perfect specimen of Kentucky gentleman that was ever my lot to fall in with," wrote Hon. Samuel Murdoch of him many years afterwards. "The longer he remained in Iowa, the more the people loved him. When he left Iowa for his own bright and sunny land, he left no enemies behind him." He died, in Kentucky, shortly after his removal from office by the president. Ill— JAMES CLARKE. James Clarke, who was appointed by President Polk to succeed Governor Chambers, came to Iowa in 1837. He was one of the pioneers and had thoroughly identified himself with the New West. He had been the secretary of the Territory of Iowa and understood its government. He had been a delegate to the First Constitutional Convention and had contributed greatly to its work. By trade he was a printer and by profession, an editor. Fie wrote many articles GOVERNOR CLARKE 71 on early Iowa which furthered its development. His first message, December, 1845, was delivered at Iowa City where the territorial legislature met for the first time. Governor Clarke was from the first in favor of Iowa for the lowans. He emphasized this policy. He was in favor of the extinguishment of the Indian title to all Iowa lands. When the Black Hawk Purchase was opened, the National government had reserved for itself certain lands which were thought to contain valuable minerals. The government leased these lands for profitable rentals. Governor Clarke thought this system would work an injustice to the people of Iowa and he was influential in overthrowing it. But the most important thing in which Governor Clarke was instrumental was the admission of Iowa into the Union. From the first he seems to have been in favor of that consum mation and he strove to build the foundations of the new- state wisely and firmly. On the 16th of January, 1846, the territorial legislature once more passed an act for the holding of a constitutional convention. In April, of the same year, delegates were elected to the memorable convention which met in Iow-a City, the first Monday in May, 1846. It required only eighteen days to frame the first Constitution of Iowa. Governor Clarke was one of the valued advisers of the constitution makers. He had been identified with the previous conventions and he knew the needs of the coming state. The constitution was no sooner submitted to the people than it was adopted. When the result of the election was known, without waiting for the Congressional ratification Governor Clarke issued a proclamation for an election to elect state officers. As soon as the first governor of the state could qualify, Governor Clarke turned the office over to him and returned to his labors on the Burlington Gazette. 72 HISTORY OF IOWA Mr. Murdock, from whom many quotations have_ been scattered through the sketches of the three territorial governors, says that as ex-governor, Mr. Clarke "appeared at the capitol at the first session of the State Legislature under the new constitution, to which body he delivered an affecting and interesting farewell letter, then stood back quietly during the whole session, and gazed, with indignation upon his countenance, at the dreadful strife, storms and bitterness which were manifested during the entire session." The new state, legislatively speaking, came into existence through terrible convulsions. "Never since the organization of the territory, had any man seen, or even dreamed of anything like it; every man seemed to look upon the other as being in his way to places of honor and profit, and it became a cut and thrust game. Both parties were without leaders, or if they had them, the leaders themselves stood in great need of being led. Neither party did anything — neither could do. anything. When one party made a move it was instantly checkmated by the other. Speech after speech was made, each declaring himself a patriot and true lover of his country, ready at all times to- bleed and die for her. * * * They instituted a court for the trial of any offender who should attempt to bribe any one of any number; and whenever such a tribunal is instituted, there is always sure to be some one to try." Mr. Murdock, who wrote this from notes taken at the time, says that members seeking notoriety had themseh'es tried by this court "in order to bring themselves into notice, and thereby claim themselves to be the victims of a cruel persecution." Legislative bodies are apt to have such diseases. They are probably no better now than they were then, but they could not be much worse than the description of the First THE FIRST STATE LEGISLATURE 73 General Assembly of the State. As a result of the party and personal strife, the legislature adjourned without electing either judges of the Supreme Court or United States senators "and the state toddled along very well, half state, half territory." NEW CAPITOL AT DES MOINES. CHAPTER XL THE CAPITALS OF IOWA. The first territorial legislature which made laws for Iowa met at Belmont, in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, in 1836. Iowa was at that time a part of Wisconsin Territory. It was convened by Henry Dodge, governor. The building that was used for the temporary government was unpretentious even for those days. The next session of the legislature, x&37-3&> met at Burlington. The sessions were held in a frame building. During the winter the building was des troyed by fire and the subsequent meetings were held in a Methodist church, known as Old Zion Church. On the 4th of July, 1838, Iowa Territory became a sep arate organization, and there was immediately talk of a per manent capital. Burlington was too far removed from the center of population to be considered for that purpose. On the 21st of January, 1839, the legislature, meeting at Burling ton, created a commission to select a site for a permanent seat of government. The commissioners were instructed to select the site within the County of Johnson. The commis sioners selected the site and laid out the town, and on the 1 6th of August, 1839, the first lots in what is now Iowa City, were offered for sale. The proceeds of the sales of lots were used to pay for the new building. In the organic act, con gress had appropriated $20,000 for the capitol. The legis lature instructed its agents to keep the cost of the structure 76 HISTORY OF IOWA within $51,000, but as a matter of fact, before it was ready for use considerable more had been expended, and the total final cost of the old capitol building was $123,000. On the 6th of December, 1841, the first legislature was convened at Iowa City. It was the Fourth Territorial Assembly. A temporary frame building had been erected for the meeting, the capitol building being still in an incompleted condition. On the 5th of December, 1842, the legislature met, for the first time in the new capitol building, which is now known as the Old Capitol, in the State University group of buildings. At the first session of the state legislature, following the admission of Iowa as a state, $2,500 were voted for repairs on the public building. But even that paltry sum raised the question of the re-location of the capital. The western boundary had been extended to the Missouri river, and there was a general feeling that Iowa City was too far from the geographical cen ter of the state. The First State Assembly accordingly ap pointed a commission of five to locate a new capital and to report to the next General Assembly. The commissioners selected five sections in Jasper County. The lands were situated between Prairie City and Monroe, on the old Des Moines Valley Railroad. The loca tion was sightly and the surrounding country is one of the finest portions of Iowa. Monroe City was laid out and four hundred and fifteen lots were disposed 01 at low prices. The cash returns fell short of the expenses of the sale, including the cost of the services of the commissioners. When the re port of the transactions at Monroe City was made to the General Assembly, it was moved facetiously to refer the report to a committee of five, with instructions to re port how much of said Monroe City was under water and how much was burned up. The report was re- IOWA CITY AND DES MOINES 77 ferred without the instructions, and Monroe City, as the capital of Iowa, died an ignominious death. The money taken for the sale of the lots was refunded. But the question of a permanent seat of government was not settled. It came up again in 185 1, when bills were intro duced in the House of Representatives to remove the capital to Pella and to Fort Des Moines. Pella was at that time a flourishing young town which was attracting much attention. A few years later the Baptists of the state selected it as the site of their first institution of higher education. Fort Des Moines had the support of a large number of representatives, but it was defeated at that session. In 1853 a second attempt was made to locate the permanent capital at Des Moines, but again without success. In the session of 1855, the advocates of Des Moines were more successful. The governor ap proved the bill for such re-location, January, 1855. Two years later, upon the showing that a temporary building had been completed at Des Moines, Governor Grimes formally proclaimed the City of Des Moines the capital of Iowa, 19th of October, 1857. The removal of the state property and papers was not completed until in December. There was no railroad between Iowa City and Des Moines. The safe of the treasurer of state, containing a part of the state's wealth was the last of the effects conveyed to Des Moines. It was carried on two bobsleds, drawn by five spans of oxen. The old capitol building in Des Moines was built by private par ties and leased to the state. The state acquired the building by purchase, in 1864. The Seventh General Assembly, 1858, was the first to convene in Des Moines. Iowa soon outgrew the old building. It was at the same time felt that a growing state should have a capitol building of greater dignity. State pride and state business both urged 78 HISTORY OF IOWA the members of the General Assembly, in 1870, to- enter on the work of building the present state capitol. The legisla- ture that, year created a commission, of which the governor of the state was ex-officio chairman, and made an appropria tion for the preliminary work. The present capitol building, or state house, has been completed at a total cost of about $3,000,000, every dollar of which, is the state's boast, has been honestly expended. CHAPTER XII. IOWA CONSTITUTIONS AND CODES. In 1840 the first vote was taken on a state constitutional convention, as a step toward statehood. There were 2,097 votes cast against the proposition and 937 votes for it, and it was declared defeated. The legislature in 1841-2 again sub mitted the question of statehood and a constitutional con vention to the voters and it was again defeated. In 1844, February 12, the legislature passed another act re-submitting the question of a constitutional convention. The election ¦was held in April of the same year and resulted in 6,719 votes for, and 3,974 votes against. In August the delegates to the convention were elected, and on October 2 the convention met at Iowa City and framed a constitution which was sub mitted to congress. Congress, accordingly, passed an act admitting Iowa as a state, March 3, 1845. The Iowa constitution makers in cluded within the proposed state all the territory west to the Missouri. The north boundary was fixed so as to include i" early one-third of the present state of Minnesota, the north eastern corner of the proposed state being at the mouth of the Minnesota river. The act of congress, March 3, 1845, curtailed both the northern and western boundaries. For the northern boundary congress named a line running through the mouth of the Blue Earth River, and for the west ern boundary a line seventeen degrees and thirty minutes west from Washington, which cut off from Iowa the entire 80 HISTORY OF IOWA Missouri river slope, or nearly one-third of what is now in cluded in the state. The voters refused the proposed bound aries and rejected the proposed constitution, at an election in April. After another attempt, in 1846, congress met the wishes of the people and fixed the boundaries of the pro posed state as they have since stood. On the 4th of May another constitutional convention met at Iowa City. A con stitution was framed, and adopted by the people, August 3, 1846, the vote being 9,492 for and 9,036 against it. This constitution was agreed to by congress, and on December 28 Iowa was admitted into the Union. The act of congress by which Iowa was admitted into the Union is entitled "An Act for the Admission of the States of Iowa and Florida into the Union." The northwestern state came into being yoked with the southeastern state, in accordance with the policy of compromise which was at that time prevalent in congress. Nothing was done to give either the free or the slave states an advantage. As far as possible, the balance of power between the two sections and two ele ments was to be maintained. The contrast between Iowa and Florida was as marked then as it is now. The time was not far off when Iowa and Florida were to bear each its share of the burdens of a great civil war. The people of Iowa had anticipated the admission of the state. The first state election was held on October 26, 1846, two months before the state was formally declared to be part of the Union. At the election there was a close di vision between the Democrats and the Whigs and the former elected their state ticket, which was as follows: Governor, Ansel Briggs of Jackson county; Secretary of State, Elisha Cutler, Jr., of Van Buren county, and Treasurer, Morgan Reno of Johnson county. The proclamation for this election CONSTITUTION OF 1846 81 was issued by Governor Clark of the territory. At the same election, members of the First General Assembly were elected. The assembly convened at Iowa City, November 30, of the same year, and adjourned, February 25, 1847. This assembly failed to elect United States senators on ac count of which Iowa was not represented in that body until 1848, when, on December 7, Augustus C. Dodge of Burling ton and George W. Jones of Dubuque were elected. The state was entitled to two representatives in congress and S. Clinton Hastings of Muscatine and Stephen Leffler of Burl ington were elected the first representatives in congress from the state. The first legislature fixed the salaries of the state officers and did it modestly. The governor's salary was placed at $1,000, the judges of the supreme court, $1,000 each, the auditor, $600, the secretary, $500, and the treasurer, $.400 a year. The state's earliest history is marked by few im portant events. The whole energy of the people was put into the great work of state building. Farming was the great oc cupation of the people. The trades and professions were fol lowed in more or less crude ways and merchants and shippers conducted their business under difficulties. The growth of the state in population was almost unprecedented in the de velopment of new countries. When Iowa was made a terri tory in 1838, the population was 22,589. In 1846 when the state was admitted, the population had increased to 97,588 and in 1850, after four years of statehood, it had reached 191,- 982. The legislature of 1850, in order to keep up with the wave of settlement, created and named forty-nine new coun ties. • In the course of a few years, the California gold fever subsided and the rush of immigrants into Iowa increased ac cordingly. From 1850 to i860, the population of Iowa al- 82 HISTORY OF IOWA most trebled. Iowa had a third of a million population be fore the first railroad reached the Mississippi river, in 1854. The constitution of 1846 was unsatisfactory. In 1854 a new spirit came into the political life of Iowa, bringing to the front a number of important questions, among which were questions growing out of the slavery struggle between the north and the south. The legislature in 1855 submitted to the people the question of a new constitution. It was carried. The new constitutional convention met in Iowa City, Jan uary, 19, 1857, and at once proceeded wdth its important work. The work was completed on the 5th day of March. It was submitted to the people at the regular August election of that year, and adopted. The new constitution was fuller and richer than the old constitution, in every way. It cre ated the office of lieutenant governor, who was to preside over the sessions of the senate; it provided for the election of judges of the supreme court by a vote of the people; it limited the number of senators to fifty and the number of representatives to one hundred; Des Moines was made the permanent capital of the state and Iowa City the permanent seat of the State University. The constitution makers at the same election submitted a proposition to strike the word "white" from the article on suffrage, showing the extent to which the slavery agitation had been carried on in the new state. At the time of the adoption of the constitution, 1857, Iowa had a population a little in excess of half a million. The word "white" as a qualification for suffrage, was not stricken from the constitution until 1868. The most notable effort to amend the constitution was made in 1882, the culmination of a long agitation, when the prohibitory liquor amendment was submitted to the people. The legis lature of 1855 submitted a prohibitory liquor law to the peo- THE VARIOUS CODES 83 pie, which was carried by a majority of 2,910. The law was afterwards modified. The prohibitory amendment of 1882, was voted on at a special election, May 27, and adopted by a large majority. By a proclamation of the governor, July, 7:887, it was declared adopted. On account of irregularities in entering this amendment upon the journals, the amend ment did not become a part of the constitution. Every ten years the question whether there shall be an other convention for the revision of the constitution, is sub mitted to the people, at the regular election, but it has every time been rejected. In 1900 there was a close vote, due, however, not to a desire for a constitutional revision, but to confusion, resulting over the proposition for biennial elec tions, known as the Titus amendment, submitted at the same time. The first code of Iowa was enacted in 185 1. It was drafted by a committee appointed by the Extra Session of the First General Assembly, approved January 25, 1848. After the adoption of the new constitution, in 1857, the Seventh General Assembly appointed a committee of three to report on needed changes in the code. The committee re ported to the Eighth General Assembly. Their work is known as the "Revision of i860." The Thirteenth General As sembly appointed a committee to make another revision of the code, an act approved, April 7, 1870, and the report of that committee was the basis of the code of 1873. The Twenty-fifth General Assembly took steps for the revision of the code, which work was completed by the Twenty-Sixth General Assembly, which met in extra session in 1897, upon the call of Governor Drake, to complete the code. The new code went into effect October, 1897. Between the codes of 1873 and 1897, McClain's and Miller's codes were authorized by General Assemblies and had come into general use. CHAPTER XIII. IOWA THE STATE. Iowa had its state government organized before Con gress passed the act of admission into the Union. The Constitution was adopted in August, 1846; the first state election was held in October and the First General Assembly of the State met in November. In December, Congress caught up with the spirit of the trans-Mississippi common wealth by admitting Iowa as a State, which was completed on the 28th of that month. Iowa came into the Union with 98,588 people. Ansel Briggs of Jackson county was the first Governor of the State. He was a Democrat who had been elected on a platform which endorsed the conduct of James K. Polk as president of the United States, the Mexican war, a low tariff, the settlement of the Oregon Question, with a parenthesis like this: (Though the people of Iowa would have preferred 54:40). The platform closed with "few lawrs, strict obedi ence to them, short sessions, light taxes, and no state debt." It was a beautiful collection of ideals which did not fail to appeal to the people. The man who was elected governor of the new state owed his popularity partly to an expression which became politically historic, to-wit: "No- banks but earth and they well tilled." The new constitution was interpreted to be "a decisive indication of public sentiment against all banking institutions of whatever name, nature or description." EARLY STATE GOVERNMENT 85 The First General Assembly was composed of nineteen- senators and forty representatives. The Whigs had a majority of two in the house and the Democrats a majority of one in the senate. The result was a disagreement on every question, of a political nature that came up. The session was full of wrangling, causing some people to lose confidence in the young state. No legislature, size considered, has been more stormy than that memorable first one. On United States senators it was impossible for the two parties to come to an agreement and the result was that Iowa was not represented in the senate of the Nation until later. But the members did agree on the question of raising revenues to pay the salaries of the new- officers and the expenses of the Constitutional Convention. The revenues were raised by making a loan of $50,000. A public school law was passed and at a subsequent election James Harlan, afterwards United States senator, was elected first State Superintendent of Public Instruction. But Mr. Harlan was not allowed to fill the office by virtue of that election, the law, it was alleged, had not gone into effect, because no publication clause was attached to it. The supreme court sustained the action of the governor and secretary of state in refusing to issue the certificate of election. For a number of years the Free Soilers held the balance of power politically, until the slavery question came to the fore when they threw their influence with the Whigs which finally resulted in the founding of the new Republican party. The succeeding elections turned largely upon National issues which were then becoming prominent. The State questions had to do with land grants, the improvement of the rivers and the development of the highways of the state. The most remarkable of the early campaigns in Iowa was 86 HISTORY OF IOWA probably the one of 1854, when the Whigs for the first time were successful in Iowa, and that on a platform that opposed the extension of slavery by legislation into the free territories. The Whigs the same year resolved in favor of a new constitu tion, one more suited to the needs of the people, that would make internal improvements possible and that would confer upon the people of the state authority to do their own banking, thus freeing them from the bondage to banks of other states whose currency was being circulated in Iowa. A new constitution came in 1857 and with a rapid succes sion of events the new state, having increased its population to more than half a million found itself among the states loyal to the Union and face to face with a great Civil war. During the years of the war the great energies of the young people were exerted in military preparations and in sustaining the losses. Iowa sent forty-eight regiments of infantry, nine of cavalry and four batteries into the war and more than a tenth of her population volunteered. The record which the Iowa soldliers made is one of which the state is increasingly proud. It will be noted in detail in another chapter. But while political contentions are of some importance, there were movements under way wdiich were of much more immediate benefit. The people continued to pour into Iowa and in the course of a few years the entire area of the state was covered with the evidences of settlement and civilization. Before the War of the Rebellion, practically every portion of Iowa had been invaded, although the development of the northern and western countries was to be made after the war. After spending land grants and time in efforts to develop the water ways of the state, steamboating being attempted on all the principal rivers, the rivers were gradually aban- PERIOD OF GROWTH 87 doned as the avenues of commerce and the work of building railroads was commenced in earnest. In 1854 the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific had reached Davenport and an Iowa company was organized to extend it into the interior of the state, as far as Iowa City. In the same year the corner stone of the first bridge to span the Mississippi was laid, opposite Davenport. The commercial interests of St. Louis solemnly resolved that such a bridge was "unconstitutional" and attempted to stop its completion by the use of injunctions. It was unconstitutional for commerce to- come into the West except by way of St. Louis, that is what the constitution meant to St. Louis. The railroad was completed to Iowa City in 1856. In a short time two other railroads had reached the Mississippi and not less than half a dozen roads across the state of Iowa had been projected. In the eager anxiety for railroads, counties and communities vied with each other and voted taxes and made corporate subscriptions. Negoti able bonds were issued and in a short time enormous debts of a public nature were piled up. Afterwards many of the counties and cities sought to evade the payment of these obligations and legal proceedings were instituted which were generally disastrous to the communities and counties. The "boom" years in the early development of the State came to an end in the Panic of 1857. Iowa was hard hit with the rest of the United States. There were at that time no banks in Iowa permitted to issue bills for currency, and it was impossible to procure money to carry on the most trivial or the most important transactions of commerce. To relieve the situation, Iowa parties had established banks in Nebraska, whose bills were circulated in Iowa. In Davenport one firm issued promises to pay which passed current in business. Taxes had to be pair! in gold or silver, which were the only 88 HISTORY OF IOWA legal tenders in Iow-a, and it can readily be seen that the payment of taxes fell heavily on the people who had nothing but produce, which they could not get to market. The Constitution of 1857, permitting Iowa to establish statutory banking institutions, came at an opportune time and the Seventh General Assembly made judicious use of the new power conferred upon it. When the financial depressions and the battles of the civil war were over, Iowa entered on the newer era of development with redoubled energies and the population of the state increased with leaps and bounds as the vast tide of immigration poured into the remote counties of the state. The Germans had commenced to come to the state before the war and afterwards came the great rush of Scandinavian immigrants, together with larger or smaller followings from many other European countries. But at no time or in no place, perhaps, did the foreign immigration signally over balance the immigration that came from the older states of the Union. Throughout there has been a blending of racial elements which has resulted in the building up of a state of harmonious proportions and harmonious sentiments. HON. THEODORE S. PARVIN CHAPTER XIV. THE GOVERNORS OF IOWA. The governors of Iowa have been faithful representa tives of the state, its conditions and its sentiments. A review of the administrations of the governors is, therefore, to a large extent a review of the state. The men who have been from time to time chosen to represent the state in its highest administrative capacity are more or less interesting as his torical quantities, depending upon the amount of their indi viduality. Under the first constitution, the term of office of gover nors was four years. The rule was four years and out, and not even the popularity of Governor Grimes would have been sufficient to overcome that limit. The constitution of 1857 shortened the term of office to> two years. The first man affected by the new constitution was Governor Lowe, who, after serving the two years, tried in vain to secure a re-nomi nation, being beaten in the convention by Samuel J. Kirk- wood, who proved to be the strong man needed for the great impending times. Under the constitution of 1846, Iowa had three four year governors. I— ANSEL BRIGGS. The first state governor was Ansel Briggs. As has already been stated, he was elected before Iowa had been formally admitted as a state. Ansel Briggs was a native of Vermont, born in 1806, who went first^ to Ohio, where he THE STATE GOVERNORS 91 participated, unsuccessfully, in politics, and then came to Iowa, making his home in Jackson county. In Ohio he was politically a Whig, but in Iowa he identified himself with the Democrats and soon was marked for political preferment. In 1842 he was elected a member of the territorial house of representatives. He was nominated for governor, September 24. 1846. He was elected October 28, 1846, receiving 7,626 votes as against 7,379 cast for his competitor, Thomas Mc- Knight, the Whig candidate. Iowa as a state, therefore, started with a Democratic majority of 247. Ansel Briggs had been engaged in operating lines of stage coaches and- mail-carrying contracts, but he had many well defined ideas of money and banks, the principal issue in the first cam paign in Iowa, the state. He owed his nomination largely to a speech he made shortly before the nominating convention met, in which he declared that the new state wanted "no banks but earth and they well tilled." As governor he was faithful to the duties and details of the office. The state, however, lived a commonplace life, simply growing. Ansel Briggs died in Omaha, May 5, 1881. II— STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD. The second governor of Iowa was Stephen Hempstead, a Democrat. He was a native of Connecticut. When the Black Hawk war was ended, he was among the first to settle in the newly opened up territory. He was one of the first men to practice law in Dubuque. When the Territory of Iowa was organized, he was one of the two men elected to represent the northern county in the first legislature. He served in that body with distinction and was president of the council in the second legislature. He was one of the authors of the code of 185 1 and had been one of the framers of the 92 HISTORY OF IOWA constitution of 1846. He was elected governor in 1850, re ceiving 13,486 votes as against 11,452 cast for his opponent, James L. Thompson, Whig. Governor Hempstead was a man of education and many attainments and he exercised a helpful influence in the affairs of the young state. His admin istration was marked by a continuation of the prodigious growth of the state. The state census showed an increase in population, during one year, of 37,786. Fifty-two new coun ties were organized during his term of office. The control of corporations was one of the issues of the time, an issue that grew out of the rapid development of the railroads of the state. After he retired from office Stephen Hempstead served for twelve years as judge of Dubuque county, under the old county judge system. He died in 1883. Ill— JAMES W. GRIMES. The third governor of Iowa, and the last of the four year governors, James W Grimes stands out in the history of the state as one of Iowa's most conspicuous men. He brought new ideas and he inaugurated a new era in the pol itics of Iowa. Like his predecessors, he was a native of New England, born in New Hampshire, 1816. He studied Greek and Latin and was graduated from Dartmouth College in his sixteenth year. At the age of twenty he was a lawver, and already noted for his legal learning and the judicial quality of his opinions. The next year, 1837, he was made a so licitor for the town of Burlington. In 1838 he was elected police judge of the city, and thus learned the law and its en forcement, from the ground up. In the same year he was elected a representative in the first territorial legislature, and served as its chairman of the judiciary committee. He was elected also to the fourth territorial legislature. ^^> /^^£S^ , 94 HISTORY OF IOWA Politically Mr. Grimes was a Whig in a Democratic state. He was prominent in politics as well as in law and in Feb ruary, 1854, he was made the Whig candidate for governor. The convention in which he was nominated was the largest and also the last of the Whig conventions in Iowa, Mr. Grimes leading the way into the Republican party. The state was at the time of Grimes' nomination, Democratic in politics. Stephen Hempstead had received a majority of more than two thousand, out of about twenty-six thousand votes cast. Mr. Grimes started out to change the political com plexion of the state, and he did it. He made a speaking tour of the state which has never been forgotten in Iowa. T. S. Parvin says "he traveled on foot, a wise and shrewd scheme of his to win the country vote, in which he was remarkably successful." In the same place Mr. Parvin says that he was "the brainiest and ablest man that Iowa has produced," a "man of eloquence and great tact, with large knowledge of human nature." Even "Andrew Jackson Democrats" fell victims to the wisdom and eloquence of James W. Grimes. At the conclusion of his campaign, Mr. Grimes was elected by a plurality of 2,123, receiving 23,325 votes as against 21,202 cast for his opponent, Curtis Bates. While much of this remarkable result may be attributed to the eloquence of the candidate for governor, it was, no doubt, largely due to the issues which Mr. Grimes so ably and courageously espoused. Those issues included a new state constitution. The old constitution was an old legislative straight jacket. It was an instrument in restraint of the development of the young state. It permitted no internal improvements and it prohibited the establishment of state banks. The platform on which Grimes ran demanded relief "from the onerous and oppressive burdens they now suffer in the shape of indirect THE STATE GOVERNORS 95 taxation paid to the banks of other states, whose money is in circulation among us." The platform, on national issues, contained a ringing declaration against the introduction of slavery into the free territories. It stood for the integrity of the Missouri Compromise. It also demanded internal im provements and denounced the Douglas proposition of "tonnage duties" to pay for such improvements, declaring the same to be entirely inadequate and an imposition on the people of the West. There was also a plank pointing to liberal homestead legislation for "actual settlers." An elo quent man going before a young and vigorous people with such positive policies was easily able to> effect the radical changes in the political course of the state. Mr. Grimes, almost immediately after his election, saw that the United States senatorship was within his reach, but he determined that he should first fill out the term as gov ernor for which he had been elected. He retired from the governorship January 14, 1858, and on the 4th of March of the following year he entered on his duties as United States senator. He was re-elected to the senate in 1864, receiving all but six votes in the joint session of the legislature. In the senate he exerted a powerful influence as chairman of the naval committee. He voted against the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, in which matter he followed his own judg ment rather than the sentiment of the state he represented. He retired from the senate at the end of his second term and died in 1873, after having spent several years abroad. It is hard to overestimate the influence which he had exerted on his state — he prepared Iowa for the administration of Samuel J. Kirkwood and the war. 96 HISTORY OF IOWA IV— RALPH P. LOWE. With James W. Grimes not only the governors under the old constitution came to an end, but the new issues which culminated in the War of the Rebellion came into being. The first candidate of the Republican party for governor was Ralph P. Lowe of Muscatine. He was nominated on a plat form which declared that "freedom alone is national." Lowe was a native of Ohio. He came to Iowa Territory in 1838. He sat in the constitutional convention of 1844, and, re moving to Lee county, served as district judge for five years. At the election he received 38,498 votes as against 36,088 cast for his opponent, Benjamin M. Samuels, Democrat, and 1,006 cast for the Know-Nothing candidate, W. P. Henry. During Governor Lowe's administration the state re cuperated rapidly from the effects of the panic of 1837. The state entered upon a more aggressive policy, under the new constitution. Banking institutions were established to relieve the financial stringency, and various state institutions were commenced, including the State Agricultural College at Ames. Land grants and other internal improvement affairs also received a great deal of attention. The Indian troubles in the northwestern portion of the state called for the use of the state troops. At the conclusion of his two years. Governor Lowe was a candidate for re-nomination, but the Republican party in stinctively felt the need of a stronger man in the office of governor. Governor Lowe was a man of the most scrupu lous attention to details, faithful in all public respects, but there were issues and events impending wdiich required a man of different mettle, and the result was the nomination of GOVERNOR RALPH P. LOWE 98 HISTORY OF IOWA Samuel J. Kirkwood of Johnson county. Mr. Lowe was made one of the three judges under the new constitution, and after eight years' service on the bench, returned to the practice of the law. He died, December 23, 1883. V— SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD. Samuel J. Kirkwood, the fifth governor of Iowa, was a native of Maryland, born in 1813. He studied in Wash ington, D. C, and in 1835 went to Ohio, where he assisted in the clearing of a farm, but he had other ambitions. He studied alw and was admitted to the practice of the pro fession. He was elected prosecuting attorney and later a delegate to a constitutional convention. In 1854 he changed his politics, allying himself with the Republican party. He had been a Democrat up to that time. The next year he came to Iowa and made his home near Iowa City. He left law and politics and devoted all his time to the milling business. But he was not able to conceal himself. In 1856 he was sent to the state senate, representing the district com posed of Iowa and Johnson counties. Before his term was out he was nominated for the higher office of governor. The Democrats nominated Augustus C. Dodge, one of their ablest men in early Iowa history. The contest was largely over national issues and of these slavery in the territories was the principal one. Kirkwood was elected by a majority of 3,170 votes, receiving 56,502 as against 53,332 cast for his opponent. Before the expiration of his first term, Governor Kirk wood became "a war governor," one of the ablest of the governors of the loyal states who were called in frequent con sultation with President Lincoln. Governor Kirkwood was a vigorous supporter of the president and he prepared the GOVERNOR SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD ioo HISTORY OF IOWA state for its heroic part in the war with alacrity and effective ness. Though Iowa furnished more men, according to- its population, for the war than any other state in the Union, no draft was required in the state. The loyalty and effectiveness of the young state, the first and only freeborn of the Missouri Compromise, were in a large measure due to the strength which Governor Kirkwood had with the people. The history of his administration is the history of Iowa in the war. It is a record of which the state is proud. At the expiration of his first term, Governor Kirkwood was re-elected, receiving a majority of 17,058, or 60,303 as against 43,245 cast for his opponent, William H. Merritt, a brave soldier in the war. Before the expiration of his second term he was appointed minister to Denmark by President Lincoln, which he refused, desiring to fulfil his duties as governor to the end of the term for which he had been elected. He remained in private life until 1866 when he was elected United States senator for a short term of two years, a vacancy made by the resignation of James Harlan who had been called to- the president's cabinet. In 1875, there was a spirited contest in the Republican convention and Kirkwood was again nominated as candidate for governor. He was elected, but before his term expired he was chosen United States senator. Before he had filled his term as senator he was made Secretary of the Interior in President Garfield's cabinet. VI— WILLIAM M. STONE. Governor Kirkwood was succeeded by Wm. M. Stone of Marion county. He was a native of New York and came to Iowa in 1854. He was a lawyer by profession and was serving as a judge on the bench when the news of the out- 102 HISTORY OF IOWA break of the Rebellion came. He resigned to enlist as a private. He was subsequently made colonel of the Twenty- Second Iowa Infantry. He was wounded in the assault on Vicksburg on the 22nd of May. He came home with his wounds and captured the Republican convention of 1863 and was made the nominee for go-veriior. He*was elected by the largest majority in the state's history up to that time, 29,975, receiving 86,107 votes as against 56,132 cast for his oppo nent, James M. Tuttle, who was one of the ablest men Iowa sent into the war. He was re-nominated in 1865 and re- electedfi though by a decreased majority, 16,371, receiving 70,461 votes as against 54,090, cast for his opponent, Thomas H. Benton of Pottawattamie county. The reduction in his majority was due to policies and views growing out of the problems of reconstruction. As a governor Stone was efficient. His administration came at a vital time. He returned to the practice of the law, upon the expiration of his term of office and in 1877 ne was elected a member of the general assembly of the state. Before his death he filled other public offices, but of minor importance. VII— SAMUEL MERRILL. The arbitrary division of time, which has been named the Second Period in the state's history, may be assumed to have closed with the administration of Governor Stone. The Third Period, opens with the seventh governor of the state, Samuel Merrill of Clayton county. It is a period of compara tive dullness in administrative duties. The war was over and Iowa had not yet assumed a place of vital importance in the affairs of the Union. It was a period of development in pop ulation and material prosperity and many able men labored GOVERNOR SAMUEL MERRILL 104 FIISTORY OF IOWA faithfully in the affairs of the state, among whom Cyrus C. Carpenter was, perhaps, the most conspicuous. Samuel Merill was born in Maine. He came to Iowa in 1856, making his first home at McGregor. He became ..en gaged in mercantile business. His abilities were soon dis covered and he was sent to the legislature, which was con vened in extra session in 1861. The next year he was made the colonel of the Twenty-First Iowa Infantry and became conspicuous as a commander of both ability and courage. He was nominated for governor in 1867 and was elected by amajority of 27,240, receiving 90,206 votes as against 62,966 votes cast for his opponent, Charles Mason of Des Moines county. He was re-elected in 1869 by a majority of 39,956, receiving 97,243 votes as against 57,287 cast for his opponent, George Gillespie. It was during his term of office that the state entered on the work of building the new capitol at Des Moines,- in which Governor Merrill was an important factor. He brought to the office a rare business ability and transacted the business of the state with great fidelity to the interests of the people. Upon the expiration of his term of office he returned to McGregor, then to Des Moines where he was engaged in the banking business and finally to Cali fornia, wdiere he died. VIII— CYRUS C. CARPENTER. Cyrus C. Carpenter, the eighth governor of Iowa was elected in 1871 by a majority of 41,029, receiving 109,228 votes as against (18,199 votes cast for his opponent, J. C. Knapp. Pie was the first candiate for governor of Iowa who received a total of more than ioo.coo votes, and his majority was also the largest, up to that time. He was re-elected in 1871, by a majority of 24,112, receiving 105,132 votes as GOVERNOR CYRUS C. CARPENTER io6 HISTORY OF IOWA against 81,020 votes cast for his opponent, Jacob V. Vale of Van Buren county, wdio was the candidate of a coalition known as the Anti-Monopoly Democrats. Cyrus C. Carpenter was a native of Pennsylvania, who through a series of western immigrations found a final home in Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1854. He found employment as a surveyor, first in the employ of the national government and afterwards in the employ of the state government. He was also active in land transactions and in other occupations indi- also active in land transactions and in other occupations in digenous to new countries. He was sent to the legislature in ability, most of the time in the commissary department. He was twice elected register of the state land office. As gover nor he was conspicuously faithful and unselfish. He was plain and unassuming in office, as he was out of it. He estab lished a reputation for sincerety and faithfulness to duty which has survived in the traditions of the state. He has been referred to as the kindliest and goodliest governor of the state. He was a man of courage withal and accomplished many reforms for the people. After his retirement from the office of governor, he served as second comptroller of the United States treasury and spent the closing years of his life on his farm near Fort Dodge, wdiere he lived a most beloved life. IX— S. J. KIRKWOOD AND J. G. NEWBOLD. Samuel J. Kirkwood was elected ninth governor of Iowa, but his term of office was filled out by the lieutenant gover nor, Joshua G. New-bold. Joshua G. Newbold was the second Pennsylvania bom governor of Iowa. He came to Iowa in 1854 and made his home on a farm near Mt. Pleasant, Henry county. He enlisted for the war in 1862, as GOVERNOR JOSHUA G. NEWBOLD io8 HISTORY OF IOWA a captain. He was elected to the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth General Assemblies, and in 1874 was temporary speaker, during the legislative deadlock. The next year he was elected lieutenant governor. His time in the governor's chair was short. X— JOHN HENRY GEAR. John H. Gear was a native of New York. He was born in 1825. At the age of 18, or in 1843, he came to Iowa and made his home in Burlington. He worked as a clerk in -a mercantile house. He rose in business life and finally became known as the oldest and one of the most successful wholesale grocers in the state. Success in business in his case did not mean indifference to public affairs. He always took an in terest in them, and the interest was a helpful one. In 1852 he was elected an alderman in Burlington. In 1863 he was elected mayor of the city. In 1871 he was elected a member of the house, Fourteenth General Assembly. In 1873 he was re-elected. He was elected speaker of the house, after a prolonged contest. So well did he serve that body that at the close of the session he was presented with an engraved resolution of thanks signed by all the members of the house, without regard to party affiliations. In 1875 he was again re-elected to the house, although his county was Democratic. He was again elected speaker, his opponent being John Y. Stone, afterwards attorney general of the state. At the close of the session he again received a unanimous vote of thanks of the house. In 1877 he was nominated for governor. His opponent was John P. Irish, the well known orator. He was elected by a plurality of 42,012 votes, receiving 121,316 votes as against 79,304 cast for his chief opponent. The Green- backers that year polled 34,316 votes and the Prohibitionists 1 10 HISTORY OF IOWA 10,565 votes. In 1879 ne was re-elected, receiving 157,408 votes as against 85,365 cast for his chief opponent, H. H. Trimble, being a plurality of 72,043 votes. Governor Gear brought to bear on the affairs of state his business training and his love for the details of public affairs. He earned the title of "Old Business" and he seems to have deserved it. In his last mesage to the legislature he was able to say: "The expenses of the state for the last two years have been less than those of any other period since 1869, and this notwithstanding the fact that the state is today sustain ing several institutions not then in exitsence." Governor Gear's guidance in state affairs enabled the state to clear itself of indebtedness. He filled the governorship at a time when Greenbackism and other isms became prominent in state politics, and his sound common sense did much to maintain the honor and the integrity of Iowa political affairs. John H. Gear's political life, however, only had its begin ning with the governorship. He afterwards became one of the most influential of Iowa congressmen and in 1893 he succeeded in his long cherished ambition to go to the United States senate. He was re-elected in 1899, but died in 1900 before his first term in the senate had expired. XI— BUREN R. SHERMAN. Buren R. Sherman of Benton county was elected the eleventh governor of the state. He was a native of Ohio. He was admitted to the bar and in 1859 carr>e to Vinton, Iowa, to practice his profession. He was one of the first men to enlist for the war, in 1861. He went as a private and came back as a captain. After the war he filled a number of political offices in Benton county. In 1874 he was elected auditor of state. He was twice re-elected. He was so sue- GOVERNOR BUREN R. SHERMAN 112 HISTORY OF IOWA cessful in the administration of his office that, in 1881, he was made Republican candidate for governor. It was an im portant year in Iowa politics. His Democratic opponent was L. G Kinne and Gen. James B. Weaver was the candidate on the Greenback ticket. Mr. Sherman received a plurality of 59,984. The votes were divided as follows: Sherman, 133,328; Kinne, 73,344, and Clark, 28,112. He was re-elect ed in 1883, when he received 164,095 votes as against 140,032 cast for Kinne and 23,089 cast, for J. B. Weaver. It was also the year of the submission of the prohibitory amendment, which became the uppermost issue in the minds of the people, and threatened, at times, to- make serious inroads on the or dinary political divisions and affiliations. One of the excit ing incidents in the administraton of Governor Sherman was a dispute with the auditor of state, J. L. Brown, over certain insurance questions, which resulted in an impeachment trial and impeachment of the auditor. Governor Sherman pur sued a vigorous policv which made him some enemies and many friends. In the details of his official life he was faithful and efficient while in the governor's chair. XII— WILLIAM LARRABEE. Buren R. Sherman was succeeded by William Larrabee as governor. Mr. Larrabee was born in Connecticut. He came to Iowa in 1853. He took, from the first, a keen interest in public affairs, but until he was named for the state senate public affairs, but until he was named for the state senate in 1867 he had held no office of any kind except that of treasurer of the local school board. Plis services in the sen ate were so satisfactory to his district that he was re-elected until he had filled it for eighteen consecutive years, breaking the record for length of service in the Iowa senate. Dur- GOVERNOR WILLIAM LARRABEE ii4 HISTORY OF IOWA generally came to him buy acclamation and the Democrats occasionally forgot to name a candidate to oppose him. Dur ing his career in the senate he was a member of the important Ways and Means committee, and generally its chairman. In 1885, Mr. Larrabee received the Republican nomina tion for governor. The Democrats placed in nomination Charles T. Whiting, a man who was popular with his party following. Prohibition and other internal disaffections in the Republican party made the contest that year, and in the succeeding years, more or less uncertain. It was a hard fought campaign from first to last, and resulted as follows: Larrabee, 175,605; Whiting, 168,619. Mr. Larrabee was renominated in 1887 and received 169,595 votes as against 153,706 votes cast for his opponent, T. J. Anderson, Fusion- Democrat. Governor Larrabee's four years in office were stormy ones in Iowa politics. After the defeat of the prohibitory amendment by the supreme court, the legislature had enacted a stringent prohibitory law which was to be state wdde in its application regardless of local sentiment. Mr. Larrabee him self had been a vigorous opponent of such legislation. He had opposed the prohibitory amendment While a member of the senate. He was now face to face with a sworn duty. He entered upon the work with vigor, more concerned about his oath to see that all the laws were impartially enforced than about his own convictions or the political effects of such enforcement. In most of the larger cities, especially the "river" cities, the law was flagrantly violated. The radical friends of temperance at last proposed to resort to a state constabulary, but gradually the people drifted into' the atti tude of indifference and the prohibitory law was finally modi fied, through an enactment known as the mulct law, which THE STATE GOVERNORS 115 establishes virtual local option with high license. This law, however, was not enacted until after Governor Larrabee had retired from the governorship. Governor Larrabee's admin istration also resulted in great friction between the legislature and the railroads, resulting finally in the enactment of a maximum freight bill. This contest had its origin in certain inequalities in freight rates, by which, it was alleged, cer tain communities and individuals profited to> the disadvant age, if not the expense, of others. In the administration of the ordinary affairs of the state, the administration of Governor Larabee was conspicuous for fidelity and effectiveness. As senator the governor had thor oughly acquainted himself with the workings of the state government, its resources and its obligations. This acquain tance extended to all the various state institutions. To the latter he gave very close attention. If anything he went farther into the details of the state's business than did Gov ernor Gear who earned the title of "Old Business." When the State Board of Control, for state institutions, was created by the legislature in 1898, Mr. Larrabee was appointed by Governor Shaw its first chairman, because of his familiarity with the institutions of the state and because his presence on such a board would establish it in the confidence of the peo ple. The two years he served on the board constitute his only office holding since his retirement from the governor ship. XIII— HORACE BOIES. The last years of Governor Larrabee's administration were years of political uncertainties. It was an era of pros perity, and of revolt. The people, like Jeshurun, had been waxing fat and they kicked. Tariff reform and other national /y^io^u^ 6 ]^)J^a^ THE STATE GOVERNORS 117 policies announced by the Democrats, found many adherents. In Iowa this political disaffection was, if anything, more marked than in many other states, because in this state many local irritations had been applied. There was much dissatis faction with prohibition and certain corporate interests were full of grievances, believing that the newdy enacted legislation in restraint of freight charges would work them great injury. These and many other minor causes prepared Iowa for a political surprise which amounted almost to a revolution. Since the days of Grimes, there had been no> break in the Republican line of governors. In 1889 the Democrats nominated for governor one of the shrewdest men in Iowa politics, Horace Boies of Black Hawk county. Mr. Boies had been successful in the practice of the law and in various business enterprises. He was a Republican, but dissatisfied with the prohibitory legislation -for which his party made itself responsible, after the defeat of the constitutional amendment in the courts. He was practically an independent or anti-prohibition Republican when the Democrats nominated him. He accepted the nom ination which came to him unsought and his political clean liness and fearlessness won him favor at once. The anti-Pro hibition Republicans and the railroad influences generally aligned themselves with the new man in politics. The Re publican nominee was J. G. Hutchison of Wapello county, who had a long career in the state senate to his credit. Mr. Hutchison's attitude toward prominent public questions was more or less indefinite. He was attacked from all sides. The "grangers" and the railroads both doubted his sincerity. The result was the election of Horace Boies by a majority of 6,560 votes, receiving 180,106 votes as against 173,540 cast for Hutchison. 1 18 HISTORY OF IOWA In 1 89 1, the Democrats flushed with victory in the na tion, in the preceding Congressional elections when even William McKinley failed to carry his district in Ohio, renom inated Horace Boies. The Republicans placed in nomina tion, Hiram C. Wheeler of Sac county, a man identified with farming and stock raising. By that nomination the Republi cans hoped to regain their prestige. The resultant campaign was vigorously fought on both sides and brought out an unusually large vote. Horace Boies that year received 207,594 votes as against 199,381 cast for Wheeler, giving him a majority of 8,213. Two years later the Democrats once more attempted victor}- by nominating Horace Boies, but that time he failed of election. The administration of Horace Boies was clean and cour ageous. He impressed men of all parties as a sincere and able governor. He attracted considerable attention out side of the state, both on account of his ability as a thinker and speaker and on account of his success in a state that had been regarded as thoroughly and safely Republican. As an orator upon special occasions Mr. Boies attracted National attention and in the Democratic National convention of 1892, it is conceded, he might have had the nomination for vice- president, wdiich he refused. Four years later he was pre sented as a candidate for president before the Democratic convention which finally nominated William J. Bryan. XIV— FRANK D. JACKSON. In 1893 the Republicans were determined to retake the state government. In looking about for a man to iead the party, the choice fell on Frank D. Jackson of Polk county. He was one of the most popular young party men. He had been secretary of the senate for four years and secretary of state during three terms. He had spoken in the interests of GOVERNOR FRANK D. JACKSON 120 HISTORY OF IOWA the party in almost every county in the state. He was born in New York state in 1854, but he came to Iowa at so early an age that he was thoroughly identified with its people and its interests. Such was the man whom the Republicans put into the field in 1893. After years of strife wdthin the party over questions of liquors and transportation, there was a wide-spread desire to get together. Frank D. Jackson be came the beneficiary of this spirit. The Democrats renomin ated Horace Boies for the second time. His four years in the governor's chair had been marked as successful. The liquor question was pushed aside by what became known as the "thirteenth plank" of 1893, which made an exception of prohibition in counties and communities where the majority sentiment was opposed to such restrictions. The questions discussed in the campaign were largely national. The "hard times" were in the violent beginnings and the party in power had to1 bear the burden of them. The result of the campaign was the election of Frank D. Jackson by a plurality of 32,- 161, he receiving 206,821 votes as against 174,660 cast for Mr. Boies. As governor Frank D. Jackson had no serious questions to' confront him, except the Kelly "Industrial Army Invasion." This "army" was made up of men out of em ployment in the western states, who marched in a body east ward, their destination, presumably, being" Washington where they wanted to influence congress. At the conclusion of his first term Frank D. Jackson retired frim office in order to devote himself to his private business. He had refused to- be a candidate for re-nomination. XV— FRANCIS M. DRAKE. In 1895 the Republicans nominated for governor one of the ablest of the state's heroes of the war, Gen. Francis M. THE STATE GOVERNORS 121 Drake of Appanoose county. He was born 1830, in the state of Illinois, but at an early age came wdth his father to Southeastern Iowa, the town of Drakeville owing its name to the family. Young Drake was of a daring and enterprising spirit and when the gold fever raged in California, two times crossed the continent with wagon transports. When the war came he enlisted and went to the front as a captain. For bravery at Mark's Mills, where he had a colonel's command, he was brevetted a brigadier-general. After the war he en tered into more active business life and in time he achieved great success. He operated large enterprises and became one of the most successful railroad builders in the west. Pie gave liberally of his means to religious and educational so cieties and is the founder of Drake University, Des Moines, which he has liberally endowed. He has given, however, to many other educational institutions in the state, and more than one church has been given the impetus which led to success at the hands and purse of General Drake. His prominence as a soldier, business man and philanthropist gave him the nomination for governor in 1895. Although not in robust health at the time he entered into the canvass with great ardor, he made no less than one hundred cam paign speeches. He was elected by nearly 60,000 plurality. receiving 208,714 votes as against 149,428 cast for W. I. Babb. Governor Drake did not seek a renomination at the hands of his party. His health was poor and his business affairs urgent, but during the two years he filled the gover nor's chair he made a good impression on the state. He entered into- the spirit of Iowa and fitly represented the state on many public occasions. He called the legislature in extra session, in order that the work on the new code might be 122 HISTORY OF IOWA properly completed. Since his retirement from office he has been devoting himself to his business affairs, without a break in his traditional success. XVI— LESLIE M. SHAW. When Governor Drake made announcement of the fact that he would not stand for a re-nomination, many candidates entered the contest for the Republican nomination. The nomination fell to a political "dark horse," Leslie Mortier Shaw of Crawford county. Mr. Shaw had attained no promi nence in Iowa politics. He had hardly participated in it, until 1896, when he enlisted himself as one of the speakers for the gold standard. The sixty odd speeches that he made that year drew to' him many delegates in the Republican con vention and was an important factor in his nomination. The Democrats nominated as his- opponent Fred E. White of Keokuk county. The campaign of 1897 was one of the most spirited in the history of state politics. It was the first elec tion since the Republican success of 1896, and both parties wanted to show their strength. Shaw's majority was 29,876 receiving 224,729 as against 194,853 cast for Fred E. White. In 1899, Governor Shaw was re-nominated and re-eelcted, his opponent again being Fred E. White. Governor Shaw has had a number of important ques tions to deal with during his administration, including those growing out of the Spanish-American war and the fitting out of the Iowa troops. Governor Shaw has during" the last year of his administration especially made for himself a place in national politics, and he is much sought after as an orator for historic occasions. He is concededly one of the ablest advo cates of the gold standard in contemporaneous public life. IOWA SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MONUMENT CHAPTER XV. IOWA IN THE WAR. Iowa was "the only free child of the Missouri Compro mise" and the issue between; slavery and emancipation, involving ultimately the existence of the Union of the States, was early defined in Iowa politics. Governor James W. Grimes in his first Inaugural Address, 1854, said: "The removal of that great land mark of freedom, the Missouri Compromise line, when it had been sacredly observed until slavery had acquired every inch of soil south of it, has presented the aggressive character of that system broadly before the country. It has shown that all compromises with slavery, that were designed to favor freedom, are mere ropes of sand, to be broken by the first wave of passion or interest that may roll from the South. * * * It has forced upon the country an issue between free labor, political equality, and manhood on the one hand; and, on the other, slave labor, political degradation, and wrong. "It becomes the people of the free states to meet the is sue resolutely, calmly and with a sense of the momentous consequences that will flow from that decision. To every elector, in view of that issue, might appropriately be applied the injunction ancienty addressed to the Jewish king: 'Be strong and show thyself a man'." In the same address. Governor Grimes had appealed to the people of Iowa to let the world know that "she will never! THE AVAR LEGISLATURE 125 consent to become a party to the nationalization of slavery."1 The time came sooner than was expected, even- by prophetic men like Governor Grimes, when Iowa had to choose and having chosen had to make good that choice on the field of battle. But her people went farther than the Compromise, of which Iowa was the first and only born; they went to the extent where there was no longer either room or spirit for compromise with evil. All party ties were forgotten in the great and momentous times. When the General Assembly upon the call of Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood, met in extra session on the 15th of May, 1861, party feelings were entirely obliterated. At the opening session of the house the Republicans who had a majority in both houses, voluntarily abandoned party lines and while they elected a Republican, John Edwards, Speaker, they elected a Democrat, William Thompson, Chief Clerk. No sooner had Governor Kirk- wood's brief message been read, then R. D. Kellogg, the Democratic member from Decatur county, arose and offered the following resolution: "Whereas, The President of the United States has appealed to all loyal citizens to aid the efforts to maintain the honor, integrity and existence of the National Union, and suppress treason and rebellion against the Federal Government; therefore be it "Resolved, By the House of Representatives (the senate concurring) that the faith, credit and resources of the state of Iowa, both in men and money, are hereby irrevocably pledged to any amount and extent which the Federal Government may demand, to suppress treason, subdue rebellion, enforce the laws, protect the lives and property of all loyal citizens, and maintain inviolate the Constitution and sovereignty of the Nation. 126 HISTORY" OF IOWA "Resolved, That the Governor and Secretary of State be and they are hereby authorized to forward a certified copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States." The resolutions were unanimously adopted in the house and the next day they were also adopted by the senate. Certified copies were immediately forwarded to President Lincoln. Iowa was one of the first states to assure the president of the loyalty and support of its people. But the extra session did better than pass resolutions. It immediately went to work and made it possible for the state to make good its promises. The session lasted only fourteen days, but during that time were passed acts for the following purposes: To organize the militia of the state; to provide for two regiments of infantry, one batallion of artillery, five companies of cavalry and one regiment of mounted riflemen to protect the southern border from invasion and the northwestern counties from the Sioux Indians; to authorize the governor to buy arms, ammunition and supplies for the troops of the state; to issue bonds for $800,000 to provide a war and defense fund; to provide for the payment of the volunteers until mustered into the service of the National government; to authorize the counties of the state to provide aid for the families of soldiers at the front; to forbid the commencement of civil suits against any soldiers during their terms of enlistment. The work of that extra session was writ in loyalty. No legislative body in Iowa ever wrought better. CHAPTER XVI. THE FIRST REGIMENT AND FIRST BATTLE. But Iowa had not waited for special authority from the legislature. There had been a response to the appeal of the President before the extra session was convened. On the 1 2th of April General Beauregard fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor; on the 15th President Lincoln called upcn the loyal states to furnish the government 75,000 volunteers, and on the 17th of April, Governor Kirkwood issued a proclamation, calling upon the people of Iowa to volunteer and furnish one regiment of ten companies of seventy-eight men each. There was an immediate response to- the call and several regiments could have been offered to the government. The ten companies finaHy accepted! came from the following counties: Two from Dubuque, two from Muscatine, two from Des Moines, and one each from Scott, Linn, Henry and Johnson. The companies were immediately sent forward to Keokuk, the rendezvous of the regiment. There was great excitement through the state and especially in the counties which furnished the first companies. The soldiers were everywhere met with the greatest demonstrations of interest and gratitude. Yrast crowds escorted them on the way and women worked to supply them with the necessities and some of the luxuries in the way of clothing and food. At Keokuk the regiment selected its own officers. John F. Bates of Dubuque, was elected colonel and William H. 128 HISTORY OF IOWA Merritt of Cedar Rapids, lieutc.iant-colonel and Asbury B. Porter of Mt. Pleasant, major. This election took place on the nth of May. The men had been put through severe drilling daily and on the 14th of the month they were mustered into the service of the United States. In order to provide money for the first expenses of the troops and for their equipment, Governor Kirkwood and a number of his friends, Ezekiel Clark, Hiram Price, J. K. Graves and W. T. Smith, provided the money required, relying on the legisla ture, some time in the future, to reimburse them. Nathaniel B. Baker had been made adjutant general and Hiram Price paymaster-general. Both men worked diligently, but the success of the Iowa organization was especially due to the untiring efforts of the adjutant-general, who was one of the most competent military men ever in the service of the state. He was at the time of the extra session, to' provide for the war, a member of the House of Representatives and, like Mr. Kellogg, was a leader on the Democratic side. It did not take the Iowa soldiers long to see their first fighting. At the opening of the war there was a determined effort to force Missouri and other border states, into- the Confederacy, and there was an equally determined effort to hold them in the Union. Upon the success of the early operations much depended. They were, in fact, vital beginnings in the war. General Lyon, a regular army officer was holding Missouri in line for the Union. He had only 6000 men. On the 9th of August he found himself confronted with an army of 2o,coo men under General McCulloch, occupying a strong position on Yv'ilson Creek, near Spring field, Missouri. The First Iowa Regiment was sent to reinforce General Lyon. The Union general decided to stand his ground in spite of the smallness of his force, for, he THE FIRST BATTLE 129 reasoned, that a retreat would have the effect of encouraging the rebellion and might lose Mis'ouri to the Union. He decided to try to surprise the enemy. He started his army in the evening and by two o'clock in the morning was within reach of the enemy. General Sigel attacked them in the rear, while General Lyon attacked them in front. General Sigel was routed and lost five pieces of artillery. But General Lyon did not give up. Hour after hour the battle continued. The Union troops repeatedly charged upon the enemy. Finally he ordered a bayonet charge, which he led in person, the First Iow-a and a Kansas regiment leading the way. The retreating army poured a galling fire into the Union forces. Among the mortally wounded was General Lyon. The First Iowa Regiment came out of that first battle, a battle that has been likened to Bunker Hill, wdth a total loss of 155 killed, wounded and missing, which was almost one-sixth of the entire strength of the regiment. Their con duct was all the more remarkable and praiseworthy because the regiment went voluntarily into battle, the terms of their enlistment having expired some time before. There was no authority to call the regiment into battle. It went in because it was composed of patriots. The battle of Wilson's Creek fought so heroically by a small army, had an electric effect upon the Nation. It showed what might be expected out of the loyal West. The number of officers and men in the regiment was 959, of whom thirteen were killed, thirteen died, 141 were wounded and three were missing. INFANTRYMAN CHAPTER X > THE IOWA INFANTRY REGIMENTS. The Second Iowa was organized in May and was the first of the Iowa regiments to be enlisted for three years service. It is a regiment that was remarkable for two things, the number of prominent men who had command in it and the gallant services rendered at Fort Donelson. It was organized with Samuel R. Curtis of Keokuk, as colonel, James M. Tuttle of Keosauqua, as lieutenant-colonel and M. M. Crocker of Des Moines, as major. All of these men were promoted to generalships during the war, and Crocker who began as major of the regiment, was referred to by General Grant as an officer fit to command an independent army. As promotions made vacancies, Gen. J. B. Weaver worked his way up to colonel of the regiment, adding another name illustrious among Iowa soldiers in the War of the Rebellion. When General Grant ordered an assault on the works at Fort Donelson, Col. J. G. Lauman of the Seventh Iowa led one of the brigades and Colonel Tuttle at the head of the Second Iowa led the advance on the works. It was a hazardous undertaking, but it was so unflinchingly carried out that the enemy were dismayed and during the night some of the rebel troops fled. The next morning General Buckner surrendered the fort, together with 13,000 men and many cannon. General Halleck sent the following dispatch to Adutant-General Baker of Iowa: "The Second Iowa Infantry proved the bravest of the brave; they had the honor 1 32 HISTORY OF IOWA of leading the column, which entered Fort Donelson." There were 630 officers and men in the Second Iowa at Donelson. Of these forty-one were killed and 157 wounded. The Second Iowa went from Donelson to Pittsburg Landing. It did valiant service at Shiloh during the two days fighting, and lost there more than seventy of its men. On the 3d and 4th of October the regiment was at Corinth. At Corinth the regiment was in command of Col. James Baker. It lost nearly one-third of the men it had in that engagement. Among those wdio fell mortally wounded were Colonel Baker and Lieut. -Col. N. W. Mills, and thus the command devolved on James B. Weaver who was soon made colonel of the regiment. The regiment closed its service with the memor able March to the Sea under General Sherman. The total number of officers and men enlisted was, 1,247, °f whom sixty-five were killed during the war, 134 died, 330 were discharged, 268 were wounded, 14 were missing, and 24 were captured. THE THIRD IOWA INFANTRY The Third Iowa Infantry was mustered into the service of the United States on the 10th of June, 1861, at Keokuk. The regiment left for the seat of war on the 29th. It was officered as follows: Colonel Nelson G. Williams of Du buque county; lieutenant-colonel, John Scott of Story, and major, Wm. M. Stone of Marion county. The regiment did service in eastern Missouri until in the fall. On the 17th of September the regiment lost 118 men by coming in contact with a superior force of the enemy near Blue Mills Landing. Lieutenant-Colonel Scott led the 500 men who so bravely fought, for a time against a force of 4,000. In the following March, the regiment was attached to Grant's army at Pitts- IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 133 burg Landing and fought bravely during the battles of Shiloh. In those battles Colonel Williams was disabled and Major Stone was taken prisoner. The regiment fought bravely at the battle of the Hatchie river. Colonel Williams resigned in November, 1862, Scott resigned in June and Lieutenant-Colonel Trumbull also resigned. Aaron Brown was elected colonel, James Tullis, lieutenant-colonel and George W Crosley, major. The regiment was conspicuous at YTcksburg and in the battle before Jackson it suffered a heavy loss. In 1864 the regiment was divided and part of it went with General Banks on the unfortunate Red River expedition. The other battalion of the regiment fought bravely in the battle of Atlanta, where Colonel Abernethy fell mortally wounded. The battalion fought itself literally out of existence. One of the last acts of the survivors was to tear the flag into pieces, which were hidden in their cloth ing, so that the colors of the regiment were not captured. The total number of officers and men was 1,074, of whom fifty-seven were killed, 133 died, 231 were discharged, 269 were wounded, ten were missing, ninety-three were captured and nineteen were transferred. THE FOURTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Fourth Iowa Infantry was organized during the summer of 1861 and was mustered into the service in August with Grenville M. Dodge of Council Bluffs, colonel; John Galligan of Davenport, lieutenant-colonel, and Wm. R. English of Glenwood, major. The regiment was employed in southwestern Missouri under General Curtis and it took part in its first battle at Springfield, Missouri, February 12, 1862. General Curtis, an Iowa man, was attacked by General Price, with reinforcements, and the battle of Pea Ridge was 134 HISTORY OE IOWA the result. The battle was largely an Iowa affair, Curtis being the commander and General Dodge being in command of a brigade. The Fourth Iowa was fought under the lieutenant-colonel. The battle of Pea Ridge resulted in a most brilliant Union victory against a superior force. Two of the brigades were under the command of Iowa colonels, Dodge and Vandever; Hayden's and David's batteries, from Iowa did valiant service and the Iowa cavalry under Trimble and Bussey, made many gallant charges. The Fourth Iowa lost in the battle nearly one-half of all the men engaged. After the battle J. A. Williamson was promoted to colonel and Captain Burton to lieutenant-colonel. The Fourth was with General Sherman at Vicksburg, the 29th of December, 1862, and was engaged in an unfortunate assault upon the works. Nearly one-fourth of the men engaged in it fell. The regiment was with Grant at Vicksburg and in the campaign against Chattanooga. It fought on Lookout Mountain. On the 1st of January, 1864, the terms of enlist ment having expired, the regiment re-enlisted and were given furloughs to visit Iowa before re-entering active sendee. The veterans were given a brilliant reception in Des Moines. Returning to the service they started with General Sherman on his famous march and after the war took part in the Grand Review in Washington. It was mustered out in July, 1865, at Louisville. The regiment was composed of 1,184 officers and men, of whom sixty-one were killed, 205 died, 299 were discharged, 338 were wounded, 5 were missing,, 44 were captured, and 37 were transferred. THE FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY. - The Fifth Iowa Infantry was mustered into the service on the 17th of July, 1861. It was organized with Wm. H. SAILOR 136 HISTORY OF IOWA AVorthington of Keokuk, as colonel. C, S- Mathias of Burlington, as lieutenant-colonel and W. S. Robertson of Columbus City, as major.' The regiment was sent to Lexington, Missouri, and was attached to General Pope's army. Colonel Worthington was accidentally killed and the lieutenant-colonel was promoted. On the 19th of September, 1862, the regiment bore a conspicuous part in the battle of Iuka. General Rosecrans had been sent by General Grant to attack Gen. Sterling Price who had seized Iuka. General Price came out and attacked General Rosecrans. After a hard fought engagement in which each side lost more than a thousand men, General Rosecrans marched into Iuka. The Fifth Iowa regiment was one of two that won the highest honors of the day — the other being the Sixteenth Iowa — and was especially mentioned by General Rosecrans in his report. The Fifth Iowa lost 220 in the battle of Iuka. The Fifth was in the battle of Corinth and in 1863 took part in Grant's famous Vicksburg campaigns. The regiment also took part in the Chattanooga campaign. After three years faithful service, on August 8, 1864, the remnant of the Fifth was consolidated with the Fifth Iowa cavalry. As part of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry the veterans of the Fifth Infantry were mustered out in August after the war, at Nashville. The total number of officers and men were 1,037, of whom 65 were killed, 126 died, 244 were discharged, 288 were wound ed, 103 were captured and 50 were transferred. THE SIXTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Sixth Iowa Infantry was organized in June and July of 1861, and was made up of companies from the counties of Linn, Lucas, Wayne, Clarke, Monroe, Hardin, Franklin, Appanoose, Johnson, Lee and Henry. It was IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 137 officered as follows: John A. McDowell of Keokuk, colonel; Markoe Cummins, lieutenant-colonel, and John Corse of Burlington, major. It was mustered into the service July 6, 1 86 1, and it was sent to General Fremont's army. In 1862 it was sent to Pittsburg Landing, and did its first fighting at Shiloh. The regiment was on the extreme right of the army, where it fought with great bravery. The regiment was commanded by Capt. John Williams until he was wounded, when Capt. M. M. Walden took command. In 1863, Colonel McDowell resigned, and J. M. Corse was made colonel of the regiment. The regiment did good service at the siege of Jackson. When Colonel Corse was made a brigadier general, the Sixth Iowa was placed in the Fourth Brigade, which Corse commanded. At the battle of Missionary Ridge where it was commanded by Col. J. A. Miller, the regiment lost sixty-nine men. In May, 1864, the Sixth was attached to Sherman's army, and started on the famous March to the Sea. The regiment did good service at Resaca, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro. Colonel Miller was wounded at Dallas, and the command devolved on Major Ennis. At Atlanta, Ennis was wounded, and Capt. W. H. Chime took command. After the campaign the regiment, reduced in numbers, marched to Richmond and participated in the Grand Review at Wash ington. In Washington only 284 out of 900 who- had enlisted responded to the roll call. The total number of officers and men in the regiment was 1,013, of whom 109 were killed, 157 died, 265 were discharged, 355 were wounded 3 were missing and 8 were transferred. THE SEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Seventh Iowa Infantry was mustered in July, 1861. The officers were J. G. Lauman of Burlington, colonel, GENERAL MARCELLUS M. CROCKER IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 *39 Augustus Wentz of Davenport, lieutenant-colonel, E. M. Rice of Oskaloosa, major. It had become necessary to hold Missouri in the Union by military force. To aid in this the Seventh regiment was sent to the front in great haste. The regiment had the good fortune to be sent to General Grant's army, the headquarters of wdiich were, at that time, at Cairo. The Confederates had a camp at Belmont, Mo. On the 7th of November, Grant sent two brigades by steamer to Belmont. The Seventh was in the Second Brigade. General Grant's force captured the camp. The fighting at Belmont was the first engagement of the Seventh Iowa. General Grant wrote of the regiment that "It behaved with great gallantry and suffered more severely than any other of the troops." The engagement at Belmont is historic because it was General Grant's first battle. The colonel of the regiment was wounded, the lieutenant colonel was killed, and the major was wounded. After Belmont, Captain Parrott was made lieutenant-colonel. The regiment fought after wards at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, and shared in the glories of Sherman's March. In January, 1864, thlree-fourths of the members of the regiment re-enlisted, and 200 recruits joined it. The regiment took part in the Grand Review at Washington. The Seventh was composed of 1,138 officers and men, of whom 98 were killed, 178 died, 291 were discharged, 354 were wounded, and 29 were transferred. THE EIGHTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Eighth Iowa Infantry was mustered into the service September 12th, 1861, at Davenport, with the following officers: Frederick Steel, Regular Armv„ colonel, James L. 140 HISTORY OF IOWA Geddes of Vinton, lieutenant-colonel, J. C. Ferguson of Knoxville, major. The companies came from the counties of Clinton, Scott, Linn, Benton, Washington, Marion, Keokuk, Iowa, Mahaska, Monroe and Louisa. The regiment was sent to join General Fremont's army. In February, 1862, Colonel Steel was made a brigadier-general, Geddes was promoted to colonel, Ferguson to lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. Joseph Andrews was made major. In March the regiment was sent to re-inforce Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing. The Eighth did valiant fighting at Shiloh. It was on the extreme left of General Smith's division, and fought desperately for ten hours on the first day of the battle. It was finally surrounded on three sid°s, and while retreating slowly was forced to surrender. It lost nearly 200 men in killed and wounded. It became necessary to re-organize the regiment at St. Louis early in 1863. The regiment took part in Grant's Vicksburg campaign, where Lieutenant-Colonel Ferguson died. In 1864 it helped to defend Memphis and in 1865 was in the campaign against Mobile. Colonel Geddes led the assault on the Spanish Fort, being in command of a brigade. The Eighth Iowa in that attack captured several hundred of the enemy. It was on duty in Alabama nearly a year after the close of the war, being mustered out April 20, 1866, at Selma, Ala. The regiment was composed of 1,027 officers and men, of whom 53 were killed, 187 died, 314 were dis charged, 288 were wounded, 8 were missing, 394 were cap tured and 38 were transferred. THE NINTH IOWA INFANTRY'. The Ninth Iowa Infantry was organized in the fall of 1861. William Vandever was at that time the representative IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 141 'in Congress for the Second Iowa district. After the defeat of the Union Army at Bull Run, while the country was filled with disma}-, Yandever went to the Secretary of War and tendered a regiment to be raised by himself. His offer was accepted, and the Ninth regiment was the result. The officers of the regiment w-ere William Vandever of Dubuque. colonel, Frank G. Herron of Dubuque, lieutenant-colonel, and William H. Coyle of Decorah, major. The regiment was kept in camp at St. Louis until October, when it was sent to guard the southwestern branch of the Pacific railroad. Early in 1862 the regiment went with General Curtis' army, which was pursuing General Price. At Sugar Creek the regiment was, for the first time under fire, and behaved handsomely. Colonel Vandever was placed in command of a brigade. The Ninth took part in the bat"e of Pea Ridge, being commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Herron. The loss of the regiment was nearly 200. "The Fourth and Ninth Iowa," wrote General Curtis in his report, "won imperish able honors." The regiment remained at Helena, Ark., for five months, where it was thoroughly drilled. At the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, and at the battle of Arkansas Post the regiment fought bravely. Capt. David Carskaddon became colonel and the regiment joined Grant at Vicksburg. The regiment was with Sherman before Jackson, and in the campaign of Chattanooga, and in the battle of Lookout Mountain. The Ninth was with General Sherman on his March to the Sea, and participated in the Grand Review. It was mustered out at Clinton, la., on the 24th of July, 1865. The regiment was composed of 1,090 men and officers, of whom 84 were killed, 275 died, 274 were discharged, 385 were wounded, 32 were captured, and 30 were transferred. The regiment was drawn from the counties of Jackson, Jones, 142 HISTORY OF IOWA Buchanan, Clayton, Fayette, Bremer, Black Hawk, Winne shiek, Howard, Linn, Chickasaw and Dubuque. THE TENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Tenth Iow^a Infantry was mustered in September 6, 1 86 1, at Iowa City. Its officers were as follows: Colonel, Nicholas Perczel of Davenport, lieutenant-colonel, W. E. Small of Iowa City, major, John C. Bennett of Polk county. The companies were drawn from the counties of Polk, War ren, Boone, Tama, Washington, Poweshiek, Greene, Jasper and Madison. The regiment spent its first winter in Missouri. It participated in the siege of Corinth, at Iuka, Fort Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg and Mission Ridge. At the battle of Champion Hill, the Tenth made itself conspicu ous. The brigade of which it formed a part was thrown in to check the rebels' advance, when Hovey's division was borne down by superior numbers. The brigade met with a fearful onslaught and the Tenth lost nearly one-half of its men. P. P. Henderson was made colonel upon the resignation of Perczel, and Major Mc- Calla was made lieutenant-colonel, and Robert Lusby, major. In February, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and marched through Georgia with General Sher man. It was in the Grand Review at Washington. It was mustered out on the 15th of August, 1865. It was composed of 1,027 officers and men, of whom 63 were killed, 170 died, 256 were discharged, 277 were wounded, 17 w-ere captured, and 49 were transferred. THE ELEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Eleventh Iowa Infantry was mustered into service at Davenport in September, 1861. It was officered as GENERAL GRENVILLE M. DODGE i44 HISTORY OF IOWA follows: Colonel, A. M. Hare of Muscatine; lieutenant- colonel, John C. Abercrombie; major, William Hall of Davenport. The companies of the regiment came from the counties of Muscatine, Louisa, Cedar, Henry, Linn, Marshall, Keokuk, Washington and Van Buren. The Eleventh was the first regiment which received uniforms from the government before leaving the state. It was sent to St. Louis on the 16th of November and on the 1 8th of December moved to Jefferson City. The regiment joined Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing and was in the battle of Shiloh. This was its first engagement, and the regiment bore itself bravely, while 200 of its number were killed and wounded. William Hall became colonel of the regiment, Flare having resigned. The regiment was engaged afterwards in the battles of Corinth, Vicksburg, and Atlanta. In February, 1864, the regiment was attached to Sherman's army, and was in the meridian expedition. In the battle before Atlanta, Maj. Charles Foster received the wound from which he died. The regiment was present at the surrender of Gen. J. E. Johnston's army, and after the war participated in the Grand Review. It was composed of 1,022 men, of whom 51 were killed, 178 died, 158 were discharged, 234 were wounded, 63 were captured, 42 were transferred. THE TWELFTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Twelfth Iowa Infantry were recruited under the proclamation of President Lincoln following the disaster at Bull Run. It was organized with J. J. Wood of Maquoketa as colonel, John P. Coulter of Cedar Rapids as lieutenant- colonel, and Samuel D. Brodtbeck of Dubuque as major. The companies were drawn from the coun ties of Hardin, Allamakee, Fayette, Linn, Black IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 145 Hawk, Delaware, Winneshiek, Dubuque and Jackson. It was mustered into the service in October and November, 1861. It was moved to Benton Barracks near St. Louis, where, in a single month it lost seventy-five of its members from sickness. It joined Grant's army and assisted at Fort Donelson. At Shiloh the regiment fought bravely on the first day, and was compelled to surrender to overwhelming numbers. The prisoners taken at Shiloh were sent south, but in May about one-half of them were paroled and sent to Benton Barracks. The rest of the prisoners passed through terrible sufferings in southern prisons until in November, when they were paroled. In April, 1863, the regiment was re-organized, Major Edgington became lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. J. H. Stibbs was appointed major. The Twelfth was now placed in the Fifteenth Army Corp. In January, 1864, most of the men re-enlisted, and it became a veteran regiment. The regiment fought bravely in the Meridian expedition and in the vicinity of Tupelo. It was with the army in the pursuit of Price, and with General Thomas in the siege of Nashville. It participated in the siege and capture of Mobile. The regiment was composed of 981 officers and men, of whom 33 were killed, 285 died, 258 were discharged, 222 wrounded, 404 were captured, and 2^ were transferred. THE THIRTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Thirteenth Iowa Infantry was recruited from the counties of Linn, Jasper, Lucas, Keokuk, Scott, Polk, Benton, Marshall and Washington. It was mustered into the service November, 1861, with the following officers: M. M. Crocker of Des Moines, colonel; M. M. Price of Daven port, lieutenant-colonel and John Shane of Vinton, major. 10 146 HISTORY OF IOWA The colonel of this regiment became a major-general and was regarded as one of the most competent of the minor generals of the war. The regiment was taken to Jefferson City, Missouri, where Colonel Crocker put it through hard drilling during the entire winter. It is recorded that the men at first rebelled against the heavy discipline, but it told in the work clone by the regiment. In March it was ordered to report to General Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing. It was soon rushed into the battle of Shiloh, where it sustained itself bravely, although it was the first time the men were under fire. For ten hours on the first day it resisted the onslaughts of the enemy. The loss in killed and wounded was 172. Shortly after the battle, Price resigned and Major Shane was promoted. Captain Van Hoesen became major. When Crocker was given command of a brigade, Shane became colonel of the regiment and James Wilson succeeded as major. The regiment went to Corinth and Vicksburg and was engaged in both places. In 1864 it was with Sherman on the Meridian campaign. The regiment was veteranized and before it started with Sherman on his march, the men were given time to visit their homes. At the battle of Atlanta the regiment lost 113 men. On the second day of the battle the regiment lost even more, having been in the thickest of the fighting. Wilson become lieutenant-colonel and W. A. Walker, major. In the fighting at Atlanta, Walker was killed and Capt. Thos. P. Marshall was promoted to major. At Pocataligo, James Wilson was promoted to the colonelcy and J. C. Kennedy lieutenant-colonel. Under Colonel Kennedy the regiment was the first to enter Colum bia, South Carolina, and hoist over that city of secession the Stars and Stripes. The regiment was composed of 989 officers and men, of whom 68 were killed, 224 died, 270 were IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 *47 discharged, 313 were wounded, 6 were missing, 88 were captured, and 34 were transferred. THE FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Fourteenth Iowa Infantry which was largely drawn 'from Des Moines, Plenry, Lee, Van Buren, Jasper, Tama, Linn, Dubuque, Jones and Johnson counties, was organized in the fall of 1861, November 6th, and was officered as 'follows: Colonel, William T. Shaw of Anamosa; lieutenant- colonel, Edward W. Lucas of Iowa City, and major, Hiram Leonard of Des Moines county. The regiment was small, consisting at first of only seven companies, three of tht companies having been sent to Fort Randall, Dakota Territory. This batallion was at no subsequent time attached to the main regiment. Like so many other Iowa regiments it was sent to Pittsburg Landing and it fought in the battle of Shiloh under Brigadier-General Tuttle. After the memorable ten hours' fighting on the first day the regiment was for the most part taken prisoners and it was not until late in the fall that they were exchanged. It was necessary to reorganize the regiment, two new companies and many recruits being added to it. Colonel Shaw continued in command, and Capt. J. H. Newbold and Edgar A. Warner were made lieutenant-colonel and major respectively. In thd spring of 1863 another company was added to the regiment which then for the first time had its full strength. In January, 1864, Shaw was placed in command of a brigade and Newbold was made colonel. The regiment was with Sherman in the Meridian campaign and with General Banks on the disastrous Red River expedition. The regiment did some fine fighting during the retreat and it lost many of its men. Later it did gallant fighting at Pilot Knob and otheri 148 HISTORY OF IOWA points. The regiment was composed of 840 officers and men, of whom 31 were killed, 148 died, 191 were discharged, 186 wounded, 1 missing, 269 captured, and 23 were transfer red. THE FIFTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The first fourteen regiments were all put into the field before 1861 expired. The Fifteenth regiment was drawn from Linn, Clinton, Polk, Mahaska, Wapello, Van Buren, Lee, Warren, Pottawattamie, Harrison and Clarke counties. It was organized during the winter of 1861-2 with Hugh T. Reid of Keokuk, colonel; William Dewey of Fremont county, lieutenant-colonel and W. W. Belknap as major. Belknap became one of the most noted of the Iowa men in the war. The regiment was literally hurled into the fighting at Shiloh where it suffered heavy losses. Colonel Reid and Major Belknap were both among the wounded. At the battle of Corinth the regiment fought under Belknap, Reid being sick. Belknap was afterwards made colonel, J. W. Hedrick, lieutenant-colonel and George Pomutz, major. The regiment was with Sherman on the Meridian expedition and afterwards in Georgia. At the siege of Atlanta the regiment was under fire for eighty-one days and made a record of which the state is proud. At the battle before Atlanta, Colonel Belknap captured the Confederate colonel, Lam ply, seizing him by the collar. Soon after, Belknap was made a brigadier-general and Major Pomutz took command of the Fifteenth. The regiment continued with Sherman to the end of the war and was mustered out in July, 1865. The regiment was composed of 1,196 officers and men, of whom, 58 were killed, 277 died, 306 were discharged, 416 were IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 149 wounded, 7 were missing, 83 were captured, and 27 wrere transferred. THE SIXTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Sixteenth Iowa Infantry was recruited from the counties of Scott, Clinton, Dubuque, Clayton, Muscatine, Hamilton, and Boone. It was mustered into the service un der the first call of 1861. It was supposed that it would be the last regiment that Iowa would be called upon to furnish. It was organized with Alexander Chambers, of the regular army, as colonel, A. H. Sanders of Davenport, lieutenant- colonel, and Wm. Purcell of Muscatine, as major. The Sixteenth Iowa participated in many of the great battles of the war. Its first engagement was at Shiloh. In spite of the lack of training and experience the regiment fought bravely. Colonel Chambers was wounded at Shiloh. After the battle the Sixteenth was assigned to the Iowa Brigade, which became famous. It was in the defense of Bolivar in September and in the battle of Iuka. General Rosecrans in his report says: "The Sixteenth Iowa, amid the roar of battle, the rush of artillery horses, the charges of the rebel brigade, and the storm of grape, cannister and musketry, stood like a rock holding the center." The loss of the regi ment was sixty-five. The regiment was at Corinth, where its commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Sanders, was severely wounded. In January, 1863, Colonel Chambers, having re covered from his wounds, again took command of the regi ment. Soon after, however, General Crocker took command of a division and Colonel Chambers was placed in command of the Third brigade, leaving Colonel Sanders in command of the Sixteenth during the Vicksburg campaign. The regiment upon the expiration of its time, re-enlisted as veter- 150 HISTORY^ OF IOWA 'ans, and early in June, joined General Sherman's army in Georgia. The Sixteenth was compelled to surrender in the battle before Atlanta on the 22nd of June. The officers were sent to Macon and finally to Columbia. The men were sent to Andersonville where they suffered greatly. They were exchanged on the 22nd of September. A remnant of 100 men who were not among those who surrendered fought through the campaign under General Sherman. The regiment was mustered out on July 19, 1865, at Louisville. It was composed of 819 officers and men, of whom 62 were killed, 255 died, 211 were discharged, 311 were wounded, 14 were missing, 257 were captured, and 29 were transferred. THE SEVENTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Seventeenth Iowa Infantry was mustered into the service at Keokuk, in April, 1862. The companies were drawn largely from the counties of Lee, Van Buren, Des Moines, Wapello, Decatur, Pofk, Jefferson, Washington, Appanoose, Marion, Dallas and Warren. It was officered when it was organized as follows: Colonel, John W. Rankin of Keokuk, lieutenant-colonel, D. B. Hillis of Keokuk, and major, Samuel M. Wise of Mt. Pleasant. The regiment was sent to join General Halleck's army. In the battle of Iuka the regiment met with some reverses, being thrown into confusion for wdiich it was greatly blamed by the command ing general. Captain Rankin resigned and the lieutenant- colonel commanded the regiment. On the 3d and 4th of October, at Corinth, the Seventeenth regiment did more than retrieve itself. The critical point in the battle was wdien the Confederates made their way into the city. The Seventeenth made a fierce charge on the advancing column and drove it back. The regiment was undoubtedly spurred f«#' GENERAL SAMUEL R. CURTIS 152 HISTORY OF IOWA by the recollection of the confusion at Iuka. The Seven teenth captured a flag which General Sullivan sent to Gover nor Kirkwood, with the following message: "I have the honor to present to you the colors of the Fortieth Mississippi regiment, captured by the Seventeenth Iowa on the battle field of Corinth, in a gallant charge on the advancing column of the army, which the Seventeenth alone met, broke and pursued. I have never led braver men into action than the soldiers of the Seventeenth proved themselves in the desper ate and bloody battle of Corinth." General Rosecrans, who had censured the regiment at Iuka, said: "The Seventeenth Iowa Infantry by its gallantry on the field of Corinth, charging the enemy and capturing the flag of the Fortieth Mississippi, has amply atoned for its misfortunes at Iuka, and stands among the honored regiments of this army. Long may they wear with unceasing brightness the honors they have won." At Lookout Mountain the regiment lost fifty- seven men. In 1864, July, the regiment occupied Tilton, Georgia, wdiere it was captured by overwhelming numbers after a brave defense. The regiment was disbanded August, 1865. It was composed of 956 officers and men, of whom 45 were killed, 121 died, 222 were discharged, 245 were wounded, 8 were missing, 278 were captured, and 28 were transferred. THE EIGHTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY. The Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, like the Seventeenth, was a voluntary offering on the part of Iowa, the regiments not being called for under any proclamation of the president. It was recruited in the counties of Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Keokuk, Iowa, Mahaska, Muscatine, Louisa, Linn, Wapello, Appanoose, Marion, Warren, Polk, Fayette, Benton, Clinton IN THE WAR OF 1861-1865 153 and Washington, a wide range of country. It was mustered into the service in August of 1862, with the following officers: Colenel, John Edwards of Chariton; lieutenant-colonel, T. Z. Cook of Cedar Rapids, and major, Hugh J. Campbell of Muscatine. The regiment was sent to Missouri. It was in a gallant action at Springfield, Missouri, which w as were also men under the age of twenty-one years who could not procure the written consent of parents or legally constituted guardians. Company commanders were ordered to enlist their companies up to not less than forty-five men, who, if ordered into the field, would go, enlistments being confined to ex-members of the guard and men who- had received military training. The state fair grounds were secured for the mobilization or camp of the troops. Gen. J. R. Lincoln, inspector general, had been selected as commander of the camp, and Maj. J. T. Davidson, assistant inspector general, as assistant adjutant 200 HISTORY OF IOWA general, and the barns and grounds were cleaned up and made ready for the reception of the troops. On April 23, 1898, the president of the United States made a call for 125,000 volunteers, yet Iowa had not been called upon. On April 25, 1898, the companies of the Iowa National Guard had been assembled in their armories await ing orders to move, each company provided with two days rations. Train service had been arranged for over the rail roads of Iowa, and cars were in waiting". On the evening of April 25, 1898, telegrams were sent to all the forty-eight companies composing the four regiments of the National Guard, and of the regimental officers, to report without unnecessary delay at Camp McKinley, Des Moines, Iowa, state fair grounds, which was an ideal place for rendezvous, being supplied with good water and shelter. All the regi ments reported on April 26, 1898, and the work of organiza tion at once began. Capt. J. A. Olmsted, Ninth United States cavalry, on duty with the Iowa National Guard, wras * appointed by the war department mustering officer of Iow^a. First Lieut. H. E. Ely, Twenty-second United States infan try, offered his services and was at once placed in charge of the organization of the two light batteries. As the call provided for three regiments of infantry, and the state had four regimental organizations in camp, some difficulties arose as to- which of the organizations should remain at home until the second call. This, however, was changed on April 30, by the government requesting four regiments of infantry. This, however, caused two weeks delay in beginning to prepare the Iowa troops for muster in. The regiments were finally sent to the front in good shape, well drilled and well equipped. On the issuance of the second call for troops the regiments were all filled to the SPANISH-AMERICAN AA^AR 201 regular army standard of 1,336 men each. This resulted in further delay because of the taking in of raw recruits who were entirely unequipped. In addition to these four regi ments there were two batteries of artillery accepted: Fifth Iowa Battery, Cedar Rapids, Capt. George W. Bever, commanding. Sixth Iowa Battery, Burlington, Capt. Frank S. Long, commanding. These batteries were rendezvoused at Camp McKinley, June 30, 1898, and mustered into the United States service July 8, 1898, They consisted of three officers and 106 enlisted men each. They were never equipped, and were held in this rendezvous camp until mustered out September 5, 1898. These batteries were composed of an exceptionally fine class of young men, and their drill and discipline in camp were most excellent. In June, 1898, Capt. Frank E. Lyman, Jr., recruited in the state a volunteer signal company of fifty enlisted men. Their rendezvous was Des Moines, and they left the state June 25, 1898, for Washington, D. C, and were discharged from the United States service April 18, 1899. June 28, 1898, Amos AAr. Brandt was commissioned captain and authorized to organize a company of colored immunes, wdiich he did, and the organization left Des Moines on July 17 and arrived at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., on July 18, and was mustered into the United States service as Company M, Seventh United States Infantry Volunteer Im munes. The organization was discharged at Macon, Ga., February 28, 1899. The Spanish-American war was of short duration. It was the first time in fifty years that the country had measured 202 HI STO R Y O F I O W A swords with a foreign foe, but it proved to the entire world that the United States is a first class power. THE FORTY-NINTH IOWA INFANTRY. On the evening of the 25th of April, 1898, Col. Wm. G. Dows received a telegram from the adjutant general to report immediately with his command at Des Moines. Early in the afternoon of the following day the regiment was assembled at Camp McKinley. It was assigned to various buildings on the fair grounds. Daily drills were held. Everything was done to prepare the regiment for active service and hard work. The feeling was of the very best, the spirits of the men were excellent. On the second clay of June, 1898, it was formally mustered into the United States service. On the 9th day of June, 1898, the regiment was ordered to report to Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee at Jacksonville, Fla. On the way from Des Moines to Jacksonville the regiment wras hailed at every station by cheering and enthusiastic crowds. On "its arrival there it was assigned to the Third brigade, Second division. The regiment's first camp was at a distance of about a mile and a half from the center of the city of Jacksonville. This was at first thought a very desirable place but after a few heavy rains the company streets ran almost knee deep with water. The regiment then moved to the neighborhood of Panama Park. The army corps being re organized it became a part of the Second brigade, Second division, under the command of Brig. Gen. Henry C. Has- brouck. On the 25th of October, 1898, the regiment was removed to Savannah, Ga. On the 19th of December, it was ordered to embark on the transport "Minnewaska" for Havana, Cuba. On entering the harbor at Havana, the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 203 enthusiasm of the men wras unbounded, the band playing the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Yankee Doodle." This was the 2 1 st of December, 1898. During the regiment's stay in Cuba it furnished companies for the purpose of guarding the water supply of the city of Havana and performing provost duty, as well as taking charge of some of the forts and prop erty that had been surrendered by the Spanish. The regi ment also participated in the parade following the lowering of the Spanish flag and the raising of the United States flag in the city of Havana on January 1, 1899. During its stay in Cuba the brigade to wdiich it belonged was ordered on a march through a part of the island, which took some days, and was a change from the tiring monotony of camp life. On the 4th of April, Colonel Dows received an order for six companies to proceed to Savannah, Ga., on the transport "San Antonio." The colonel ordered the first battalion, consisting of Companies F, H, K and C, and two companies of the third battalion, A and I, under command of Lieut. Col. Clifford D. Ham. They left Havana on the 5th day of April, 1899. Cm tne 6th day of April, 1899, Colonel Dows received an order to proceed with the remaining six companies of his regiment on the Ward Line steamer "City of Havana" to Savannah, Ga. Immediately on the regiment's arrival at Savannah, work commenced on the muster out rolls which was finished on the 13th of May, 1899. The regiment, during its brief career, received a great many complimentary notices as to its officers, its discipline and its efficiency. The conduct of its men fully demonstrated that Iowa soldiers were among the very best and were a credit to the tSate and to the organ ization of the Iowa National Guard. 204 HISTORY OF IOWA THE FIFTIETH IOAVA INFANTRY. This regiment, Col. D. V. Jackson commanding, arrived at Camp'McKinley at 4 o'clock P. M., the 26th of April, 1898. It was organized into a brigade under the command of Gen. J. R. Lincoln. It held daily drills and prepared for the real work of war which seemed impending. On May 17 and 18, it became the Fiftieth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. On May 19, Colonel Jackson received orders to report with his regiment at Tampa, Fla. On reaching Thomasville, Ga., Colonel Jackson was again ordered to proceed to Jacksonville, Fla., instead of Tampa. Jacksonville was reached Sunday night. He reported to Gen. H. AAr. Lawton, commanding. The camp which was afterwards designated as Camp Cuba Libre was situated on a flat tract of land, convenient to steam and electric cars, about one and one-half miles from the business center of Jacksonville, and while comfortable at first, afterwards be came a veritable swamp, when the rainy season set in. Gen eral Lawton was succeeded in command of the camp by Gen. Fitzhugh Lee on May 31, 1898, and June 13, General Bancroft of Massachusetts arrived and assumed command of the brigade. Recruits began arriving June 23 and much time and labor were spent in drilling them. Notwithstanding the heavy ' and frequent rains, which soon converted the ground into a lake, the men maintained their high spirits. There never was a day from the time the Fiftieth Iowa Vol unteer Infantry left Des Moines until Spain sued for peace in the latter part of July, that enthusiastic cheering would not have greeted the announcement of an order for the regiment to embark for Cuba. Col. D. Ar Jackson was granted a sick leave for thirty days, whereupon Col. E. E. Lambert took command of the SPANISH-AMERICAN AVAR 205 regiment on July 27, 1898. On July 31 the regiment received orders to move camp August 1, and the joy and gladness that permeated the entire command were most remarkable. The new camp was located about three-fourths of a mile west and a little south of the old camp. The regiment broke camp September 17. On its arrival at Des Moines, carriages and hospital wagons were in waiting to transfer the sick to Hyde Park Sanitarium which had been previously prepared to be used as a hospital. On the 30th of November the work of mustering out had been completed and the entire regiment paid off. Each officer and enlisted man departed for his home, again to fit in to the social and business life of his own community. THE FIFTY-FIRST IOWA INFANTRY. The Fifty-first went into camp at Des Moines on April 26, 1898. On June 2 orders were received for it to- proceed on the Philippine expedition. On June 10 Col. John C. Loper of the Fifty-first reported to- Gen. E. S. Otis at Camp Merritt, San Francisco, California. The regiment was rapid ly recruited to its full strength, 1,332 men. On account of the unhealthiness of Camp Merritt, the regiment was moved to the Presidio-. The men were drilled daily. A picked team proved superior marksmen to a like team from each of the First Tennessee, Twentieth Kansas, Seventh California and the Twenty-third Infantry. On November 3, the regiment went aboard the trans port "Pennsylvania," and on the same day sailed for Manila, P. I. On entering the harbor at Honolulu, the evening of November 11, the ship struck a coral reef, and it took some time and a great effort to relieve her. Four days were spent at Honolulu and the men were given shore leave each day. 206 HISTORY OF IOWA Thirty-three men were left there in the military hospital. The regiment arrived at Manila Bay on the morning of Decem ber 7, 1898. It was assigned to First Separate Brigade, De partment of the Pacific, and Eighth Army Corps, Gen. M. P. Miller, commanding. It departed for Iloilo, Panay Island, December 26, 1898, and arrived at Iloilo December 29, 1898. It arrived at Cavite January 31, 1899. It remained on the transport "Pennsylvania" awaiting orders during the month of January. On February 2 the first battalion went ashore together with companies E and M, Second battalion. It was February before the last troops left the ship, Companies C and L being the last to disembark. The landing at Cavite closed in some respects the most remarkable experiences of the regiment; for ninety-four days it had lived on the "Penn sylvania" amidst all the hardships and monotonous inactivity incident to troopship existence. In that period not a death had occurred. Only two- men went to the hospital when the regiment landed. The last troops were not yet ashore when at 11 o'clock Saturday night, February 4, word was sent from Manila that the insurgents had attacked the American army. From across the bay the thunder of guns and the roll of vollies told that the outbreak had come at last. It was expected that the natives would attack Cavite from San Roque. On Feb ruary 8, Admiral Dewey asked Colonel Loper to send a flag of trace to the insurgents at San Roque advising them to evacuate the town by 9 o'clock A. M., February 9. When 9 o'clock arrived, San Roque was in flames, the natives had fled, firing the town and thousands of dollars worth of prop erty. The regiment was broken up into battalions wdiich were employed in provost duty, scouting and patrolling and skirmishing. An advance on Calumpit was planned to be SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 207 begun on Monday, April 24. Fighting was precipitated a day before this however. A party of scouts and a small body of the Fourth cavalry under Major Bell, became entangled wuth a strong force of the enemy, well posted behind trenches at Quingua, six miles east and north of Malolos. A hot action followed, resulting in the rout ot the insurgents from their works, and the capture of Quingua by the troops. The day was intensely hot, and in the open rice fields the men suffered greatly. For three hours the struggle lasted. Then the Filipinos were forced from their position. Seven men were wounded in the action at Quingua. Lieutenant-Colonel Miller with Companies M, K and B came up in time to join Major Hume's command, and participate in the fight. That night the entire regiment was concentrated at Quingua. At daybreak Hale's entire brigade crossed the Bagbag river, near Quingua, after slight resistance and moved down parallel with the right bank of that stream toward Calumpit. The firing line, from two- to- three miles in length, swept the country clean as it advanced. The Iowa troops were on the extreme right. In the course of a toil some day's work, under a boiling sun, the brigade fought its way through miles of rice fields and jungles, beset with trenches. The right of the regiment encountered a strong force of the enemy a short distance from Quingua. The enemy was routed and eight Filipinos killed. Towards even ing the first battalion under Major Duggan, joined the South Dakota in driving a body of the enemy out of a long trench reaching far out from the Bagbag river, four miles from Calumpit. That night the regiment bivouacked along the lately captured trenches. At 10 o'clock the following morning Hale's and Whea- ton's brigades were ready for the joint attack on Calumpit. 208 HISTORY OF IOWA The artillery with both brigades opened, and from the whole line, lying in the fields along the Pampanga branch in front of the defences, a heavy musketry fire was soon thun dering forth. The lowans pressed close to- the river bank, and, owing to the peculiar bend of the stream there, the second battalion and the right of the first were enabled to pour in an efficient fire. At first the answering storm of lead was heavy, but the insurgents could not stand the struggle and fled from their trenches with great loss. The trenches and defenses of Calumpit were the most formidable encoun tered up to date. They were covered with port holes. Some were built up with railroad irons and ties, and the insurgents had boasted they could not be taken. The loss was small, three being wounded. The regiment went into temporary quarters at Calumpit. On May 4 the division advanced on San Fernando, the insurgents' capitol. The first and second battalions led the advance of Hale's brigade. A day of unequalled toil and hardship followed. By superhuman efforts the lowans ploughed throiigh the deep mud of the Candaba swamp and drove the enemy in full retreat. Here the division bivouack ed. The following morning the Iowa troops charged across the river before San Fernando scattering a force of insurgents left behind to burn the town. The Fifty-first claims the honor of being the first to enter the rebel capitol. On June 16, a general attack was made on the American forces at San Fernando. The Iowa outpost was on the north front of the town. The first and second battalions held the left, with headquarters at an old sugar mill. The third battalion was 011 the right, centering on the Mexico road. The regiment took part in various insipid attacks and skir mishes, but the climate was rapidly getting away with its SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 209 men. On September 4 the regiment was relieved by a battalion of the Twenty-second infantry and proceeded to San Fernando. At this time fifty-three per cent of the regi ment were sick. It did provost duty until September 6. On the 22nd of September it sailed for San Francisco. After a hard voyage it reached the Presidio-, October 22, where it was mustered out November 2. As a regiment it soon learn ed the art of fighting and it was always ready and willing to perform any duty, however hazardous or irksome it might be. On all occasions, whether in the United States or in foreign ports, the men, when off duty, were given the greatest liberty possible, but these privileges were never abused. They were gentlemen as well as soldiers, and did not fail to- uphold the honor of the regiment and the dignity of the State, from which they were sent. THE FIFTY-SECOND IOAVA INFANTRY. On April 25, 1898, the Fifty-second regiment was or dered to report at Des Moines, Iowa. It arrived there on the 26th and was comfortably quartered. During its stay in Des Moines, the regiment was fully equipped with all the neces sary clothing and camp equippage possible to- obtain, includ ing rubber blankets, which, by the persistent effort of adjutant general, arrived and were issued on the train after troops were loaded. When it is taken into consideration the vast amount of troops from each state, calling for everything needed, and the United States government practically with out any surplus of these goods, it shows persistent work and untiring energy to have accomplished what was done. The regiment was ordered to report at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga. The regiment arrived at Chatta nooga on May 30, arriving at Camp Thomas the morning of 210 HISTORY OF IOWA the 31st. The place proved to be a very good camp. This regiment was a part of the Third brigade, Second division, Third army corps, Maj. Gen. James F. Wade commanding. During the month of June, the regiment was recruited up to its maximum strength. This regiment was selected to go to Porto Rico, but just as it was ready to move the protocol was signed and it was obliged to settle back into the old camp routine again. The regiment broke camp August 29, with orders to proceed to Des Moines, Iowa, and report to the commanding general, department of the Missouri at Omaha. At this time the regiment had lost but fourteen men from all causes, but up to the time of mustering out October 30, the number was increased to thirty-two. The State of Iowa will look with pride on the record made by this regiment and feel satisfied that had the opportunity presented the regiment would have acquitted itself with lionor and credit to the state. History of Humboldt County, Iowa PART II History of Humboldt County CHAPTER I. SETTLING OF THE WEST. Changes of Fifty Years — Life in the Crowded East — - Courage of the Pioneers — Their Labors and Rewards. Within one brief generation a wild waste of prairie has been transformed into cultivated and improved farms, with evidences of thrift and prosperity, by the untiring zeal and energy of an enterprising people. The trails of hunters and trappers have given place to railroads and highways. The cabins and garden patches of the pioneers have given place to comfortable homelike houses and broad fields of waving grain, with school-houses, churches, mills, and other institu tions of convenience for each community. The record of this great change is history, and the most important which can be written. For fifty years the people of Humboldt County have been making a history that for keen interest, grand practical results and lessons which may be read with profit by citizens of other states, will compare HUMBOLDT COUNTY 215 (favorably with the narrative of the history of any county in the great Northwest. The first Europeans were content to occupy a small portion of the New World, and the West was not opened to industry and civilization until a variety of causes had combined to send annually westward great numbers of resolute men and women to find for themselves new homes by conquering and subduing the wilderness. Not so much from choice as from enforced necessity or religious ideas did the old pioneers bid farewell to the play ground of their childhood and the graves of their fathers. Generation after generation in old settled communities had given too much of their service to landlordism. From the first beginnings of the dawn of day until the last ray of the setting sun they had toiled unceasingly on, from father to son. Money and pride and power had begun to be factors in these older communities, while unceasing work and poverty and obscurity had commenced to be the lot of the poorer conditioned worker. Not only did the pioneers from the century-settled communities of the United States figure in the settling of the AVest, but those who looked longingly from the monarchical countries of continental Europe toward a land of liberty, a land of government "for the people and by the people" who on account of restraint, religious persecutions and many other causes emigrated into this part of the AVest. in the countries from which they came it was not industry, nor intellect which gave them a place in society. It was money, and jewels, and satins, and rank and imperious pride which triumphed. Children of the rich and poor were not permitted to mingle with each other. Courtship was more the work of the parents than of the sons and daughters, and 216 HISTORY OF IOWA Imoney and rank were the requisites to marriage. To perpetuate a self constituted aristocracy, cousin was united with cousin in marriage. For the sons and daughters of the poor man to remain there was to follow forever as their fathers before them had followed, and never to lead, to submit but never to rule, to obey but never to command. Without money, or prestige, or influential friends, these seekers from Europe and the old pioneers drifted along from state to state until in Iowa, the garden of the Union, they found inviting homes and room for all. To secure and 'improve these homes more than ordinary ambition was required, greater than ordinary endurance demanded, and unflinching determination was written over every brow. It was not pomp, or parade, or glittering show that the pioneers were after. They sought for homes which they could call their own, for themselves and their children. Their's has been success after years against adverse tides, as the broad acres of grain, the fruit bearing orchards, the cattle which graze upon a thousand hills and the rushing wheels of commerce all bear witness. There were times when the pioneers, the true aristocrats of Iowa, waded through deep snows, swam bridgeless rivers, and took more time to go and return from market than it now takes to cross the broad Atlantic. These were the times when palaces were constructed of logs and covered with "shakes" from the trees of the forest. These were the times when the children were stowed away for the night in low, dark attics, among the horns of elk and deer, and where through the chinks in the "shakes" they could count the twinkling stars. These were the times when chairs and bedsteads were hewn from the forest trees, and tables and bureaus made from the boxes in which their goods had been HUMBOLDT COUNTY 217 packed. These were the times when men worked six days in the week and often seven, and all the hours there were from sunrise to sunset. Whether all succeeded in what they undertook is not to be considered here. The fact remains that as a people they did succeed as the wealth of the country clearly shows. Many were disappointed. Success is not for all. In looking at this success we should give credit to those who have made it possible and ever be grateful in memory to the sturdy old pioneer and his log cabin. One familiar with the log cabin of half a century ago contrasts it with the home of to-day — "Before us stands the old log cabin. Let us enter. To the left is the deep, wide fire-place in whose commodious space a group of children may sit by the fire, and up through the chimney may count the stars, while stories of witches and giants, or more thrilling stories of Indians and wolves, are told and timidly heard. On the grate crane hangs the old tea-kettle and the great iron pot. The huge shovel and tongs stand sentinel in either corner, while the great andirons patiently wait for the huge back-log. Over the fire-place hangs the trusty rifle. To the right of the fire-place stands the spinning wheel, while in the farther end of the room is seen the old fashioned loom. Strings of dried apples and poles of dried pumpkins are overhead. Opposite the door which you enter stands a huge fleal table, by its side the side-board whose pewter plates and 'shining delft' catch and reflect the fire-place flames as shields of armies do the sunshine. From the corner of its shelves can be seen the relics of former china. In a curtained corner and hid from casual sight we find the mother's bed and under it the trundle-bed, while near them a ladder indicates the loft where the older children sleep. To the left 218 HISTORY OF IOWA of the fire-place, and in the corner opposite the spinning wheel is the mother's work-stand. Upon it lies the Bible, evidently much used, its family record telling of parents and friends a long way off, and telling, too, of children 'Scattered like roses in bloom, Some at the bridal, some at the tomb.' "Her spectacles, as if but just used, are between the leaves of the Bible, and tell of her purpose to return to its comforts when cares permit and duty is done. A stool, a bench well notched and whittled and carved, and a few chairs complete the furniture of the room, and all stand on a coarse but well scoured floor. "Within this chinked and mud daubed cabin we read the first pages of our history and the cabin and our more pretentious homes contrasted show our progress. They are a history and a prophecy in one. The settling of the great West will in time to come furnish themes for romance, and poetry and song. It is a subject worthy of a Homer or a conception of a Michael Angelo." THE OLD OAK CHAPTER II. BEGINNING OF INDIAN TROUBLES Humboldt County the Pivotal County of the Indian Outrages in Northwestern Iowa — Lott. (By Anson Dodge Bicknell.) Humboldt county has a direct and very close connection with the Indian war of 1862 and the massacre at Spirit Lake in March, 1857. One of the leading causes of those out breaks, is directly traceable to the murder of the Sioux Chief, Si-dom-i-na-do-ta and most of his family, by Henry Lott, in January, 1854, on the banks of Bloody Run in Humboldt county. From a mass of conflicting printed stories and as conflicting individual memories, I have sorted such state ments as seem most probable. I have given preference to the version told me thirty-five years ago by Major Williams and John Hefly of Fort Dodge. Lott was a rough, daring, wdly frontiersman. When the soldiers located at Fort Dodge in the summer of 1850, Lott had preceded them several years, and was then located at the mouth of Boone river wdiere he had been two or three years, trading to the Indians whiskey and trinkets in exchange for furs and gold. He had a masterful will and a genius for command. As a rule he did not have much trouble in handling his wicked wares and his savage cus tomers. But before this time, and probably in 1848, the Indians came in force to his cabin and accused him of having HUMBOLDT COUNTY 221 stolen their ponies. This time he failed to pacify them. They filled themselves with his whiskey, had a very high old time, became vicious, drove Lott and his family out into the snow and a zero atmosphere, looted and burned his house, and Lott's little boy got lost and perished in the snow. Lott charged his ruin to the chief, Sidominadota. He did not parade his grief, but he quietly swore vengeance. The Indians moved a little north of Fort Dodge when the troops came, and so did Lott, and in 185 1 he squatted near Fort Dodge in the region of the gypsum beds. While there he made a few fraudulent deals in land claims, and still traded with the Indians on most friendly terms. The next year he moved his barrels and his beads into Humboldt county, girded a couple of acres of timber on the northwest corner of section sixteen in Humboldt township east of the river and opposite to the mouth of Lott's Creek, built a cabin and kept his eye on Sidominadota. His clearing and his cabin were a great resort for the thirsty braves. His first invoice included three barrels of wet goods; and yet the supply soon ran dry. Thus he established unlimited confidence in his friend ship and integrity, and thus he watched and waited till Janu ary, 1854. The entire band under Sidominadota had then just broken camp on Bloody Run and moved away to winter quarters. But Sidominadota still lovingly lingered with his friend and his jugs. He had with him his own squaw, his \ ery old mother, his two or three children and a young squaw with her two children. They occupied a couple of tepees on the right bank of Bloody Run, about half a mile south west of its mouth on the farm now owned by A. B. Miner and about eighty rods northwest of his house. 222 HISTORY OF IOWA The time for which Lott had so long and so patiently waited had come. He laid his plans with cunning care and careful detail. First he selected such of his own property as would not impede rapid flight — his furs, his guns and his ammunition, his knives and his blankets, and placed them where they could be quickly tossed into his camp wagon in case his plans should work as he hoped down at the tepee by the run. Next he took his step-son — his wife had died some years before — and they two went down to Bloody Run to the big bend on the west one-half, southwest one-quarter, section 32, on the farm now owned by Theodore McGee ; and selected the place where they thought it would be convenient for Sidominadota to die. Here the son secreted himself in the brush while Lott went down to the tepees and enticed the fated chief to ride up to his own execution. He rode maudlin and happy, expecting great sport killing elk; a great herd of which Lott had told him was on the bottom in the bend. Lott led the way. Soon after they had left the tepees two shots were heard in quick succession, by the squaws at the camp and at the same time Sidominadota rolled off from his pony with two bloody holes through his body. The sun w^as just going down. The expectant squaws and the hungry children waited for 'their venison and their lord, while Lott and his son waited for night and the greater carnage. Meantime, fearing that some victim might escape and witness against them, they bedaubed and bedecked them selves in imitation of the savage on the war path. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 223 When darkness came they crept up to the tepees, and falling upon the unsuspecting inmates they butchered them all but two. During the confusion of the first part of the slaughter, the aged squaw and a little boy and a little girl, children of Sidominadota, escaped into the darkness, but Lott overtook them, killed the old squaw, and supposed he had killed the boy. While Lott was at work with these two-, the little girl got away and hid in the brush. The boy recovered from the blows he had received and with the little girl he skulked in the grass wdiere they were found by the Indians a few days later. This little boy was Jospadota, or Jos. as the whites afterward called him. When Lott had made certain that all the others were dead, he made diligent search for the little girl and, not finding her, he thought best to get away from there as soon as possible. He destroyed all the belongings of his victim except some furs and the pony that Sidominadota had ridden, all of which he took with him. In like manner he destroyed bis own household goods, and set fire to- his cabin and fled southward. In all this work of ruin and death he had tried to> imitate the style of the savage, and so make it appear that hostile Indians had done all the mischief, and had murdered him and his son as well. The two children so reported and for a short time the Indians so believed. But the absence of the dead bodies of white men, and Lott's oversight in leaving bright tin utensils behind, disputed the theory that it was the work of Indians. For, at that time, tin was not as plenty as now, and the Indians rated it next to silver for ornamental purposes, and 224 HISTORY OF IOWA they never failed to take it along. Lott's trail was also plain to be seen, and it told the story of a white man's flight. Lott was traced south as far as Saylorville, just north of Des Moines, where he was last seen by Mr. Saylor. He still had in his possession, old Sidominadota's pony and other of his property. The next news of him came from California from where he had his son write to Fort Dodge that he had been killed in some kind of a quarrel. As he has not adver tised his death for the last thirty years, it is supposed that he is now, possibly, quite dead. Inkpaduta was a brother of Sidominadota, and after the death of the latter, he rallied the band that had been led by his brother and demanded that Lott be delivered up. The whites would have gladly complied, but it was impossible. Several councils were held between the Indians and the settlers at points along the Des Moines and between Dakota City and Fort Dodge, but they failed to- satisfy the Indians and they kept this part of the state in fear of their vengeance for the three years that followed and up to' the massacre at Spirit Lake. Inkpaduta was a very familiar figure during these three years, and the lodges of his band were pitched all about here at times, and especially at Glen F'arm and "up the Indian trail" across from the mill dam. Drunk or sober he talked of his murdered brother; and in his indiscreet moods he hinted of sure revenge, and he headed frequent parties that went out to plunder, but they did not murder. Jospadota had been cared for by Ben Carter who still resides at West Bend. Little Jos. warned the wdiites, just before the Spirit Lake massacre, that trouble was close at hand; but it did no good. Jos. knew that if he stayed and the place was sacked he would be killed as a renegade, and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 225 he did not think his chance much better at the hands of the whites, in the hurly burly of a hand, to hand fight between the reds and the whites. So he fled to his kindred and was known no more to history. Then followed the massacre at Spirit Lake. Inkpaduta led the assault. The foregoing is an introductory to- all the Indian history of northwestern Iowa and it will be seen that the scenes as enacted in Humboldt county were the first causes of the Indian troubles which followed. It must be remem bered in connection wdth the facts in the next chapter that Humboldt county was first established in 185 1 by an act of the legislature, that it was temporarily attached to Boone county in 1853 and that by an act of 1855, it was divided and attached to Webster and Kossuth counties respectively and was re-created Humboldt county in 1858. CHAPTER III. The Indians who Inhabited the Northern Portion of Iowa When Fort Dodge was Established; Their Character; the Outrages Committed by Them; Their Haunts. Spirit Lake and Little Sioux Outrages. The Spirit Lake Expedition. Recovery of the Prisoners Taken. Mrs. Marble's Statements. The Seizing Upon the Claims of the Murdered Families at Spirit Lake. The Names of the Men Composing the Battalion who Marched to the Lakes. [From Manuscript of Major Williams.] When we were ordered to march from Camp Buckner (twelve miles north of Marengo on the Iowa river) to estab lish Fort Dodge, the Indians generally were removed from the state. The Sacs and Foxes, Pottawatomies and lowas, who had inhabited the east, south and southwest portions of the State of Iowa, were all removed west of the Missouri river. The Winnebagoes had been for some years oc cupying, by permission, a district on Turkey river, near Fort Atkinson on the neutral ground established between the Sacs and Foxes, and the Sioux of Minnesota. The Sioux Indians had possession of and roamed un disturbed over all the northern part of Iowa, from Cedar river to the Missouri; all their former enemies having left the state. The principal bands of the Sioux who made the Des Moines river their home, were the Red Top band, headed by Sidominadota. The Little Rock band, headed by Sleepy Eyes or Ishtohaba, with parts of the Yankton and Sisseton HUMBOLDT COUNTY 227 bands — all rogues and thirsty robbers from all bands located in Minnesota, rallied around these Des Moines bands of outlaws. AA'hen we arrived with the troops at the Des Moines, we found they had been living all around the site selected for the fort; but, on our approach they had deserted their en campment and fled to the west side of the Des Moines, which was then Indian territory, and continued so until the treaty of 1852. We found quite an encampment of them just de serted where John Shaffner's brick house and Todd's saw mill stand; another on the Des Moines bottom between Sol dier Creek and the ferry ; a large encampment on Section No. 16, on Soldier Creek; one about half a mile, or over, east of it on the bank of the Soldier; quite an encampment on the east side of Elk Run, near where Thomas Holliday lived. A very large encampment on the forks of the north and south Lizard; one on the east side of North Lizard up to the lake and at Lizard Lake, where Sidominadtoa had his encamp ment. (Near the forks of the stream below the lake). Inkpa duta had his camp about nine miles north of the fort on the east bank of the Des Moines where there is a maple grove nearly opposite to the claim of A. Miller. Quite a large en campment was located on Deer Creek, seven miles north of the fort, near where the road crosses the creek, there they had buried a number of their dead. When we first explored the country it was very common along the Lizard and Des Moines to find the remains of their dead suspended from the limbs of trees, laid out in rude boxes made of bark, and in some instances forks set up and scaffolds erected on which they laid the dead. Wherever we found them, they were left undisturbed; the Indians, no doubt, removed them, as they soon disappeared. 228 HISTORY OF IOAA'A After the troops arrived and began to reconnoiter and inquire as to their locations and numbers they appeared to be alarmed, and fell back some distance up the Des Moines to Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake and more distant points, removing all their squaws and children, and some thing like nine months elapsed before we could have any communication with them. They were to be seen frequently on the hill west of the fort reconnoitering and taking a view of us; but would retreat when any attempt would be made to approach them, or when they would see that they were dis covered. They were on all occasions mounted on horse back. It was no unusual occurrence when the officers or men would be out hunting to- see fifty or sixty of them sweep ing over the prairies on their ponies, and on getting sight of any of our men, they would reign up, take a look at them, then wheel off and disappear; they appeared to be very much afraid of the troops. After they began to- come in and we could have a fair view of them, by hunting them up and visit ing their encampments, we found them to- be a very wild, restless looking Indian. A portion of them armed with guns, a smooth bore gun, suitable for either buck shot or balls. These guns were furnished them by French traders. But the great majority of them were armed with bows and arrows and a murderous looking spear, with a red streamer attached; a heavy tomahawk, scalping knife and war club. Their appear ance differed very much from the Sacs, Foxes, Pottawatomies or any of the other Indians we were acquainted wdth. After hunting them up and ascertaining their different rallying points or villages, and talking with their principal men they began to have more confidence, and in parties would frequently come into the fort, professedly to trade and obtain the necessaries they wanted; but, it was soon found HUMBOLDT COUNTY 229 they were treacherous. Some of their leading men were sure to pay us a visit and spend some time with us. when another portion would put out on a robbing expedition. The leading spirit of the Little Rock band was Ishtohaba and of the Red Top band, Sidominadota and his brother, Inkpaduta. Subordinate chiefs or leaders, were: Umpasho- tah (or Smoky Day), Tixtonka (Big Buffalo), Makokaquo- mon, Mokopokomom, Wakonsa (Who- Will Be Heard From or AArho AArill Go- Ahead), Hapwahamukpiere, Haphama, Ten- eah, Chaskanah, AArahkoosa, Montecoka, Cosominah. These Sioux bands were known as the most rapacious among all the Sioux tribes, indeed, they were originally formed by a band of murderers and renagades and vidians from all the other bands of Sioux. Like all the Sioux tribes, they waked a war of extermination against all the other tribes of Indians, exterm inating or driving before them all others, and taking posses sion of their country. No tribes were able to contend with them until the Chippewas came in contact with them. The Sioux who are a very powerful people as to num bers, spread out and claimed the country generally west of the Mississippi, including Iowa, but they were met by the Musquakies or Sacs and Fox Indians, indeed a powerful peo ple, and formerly ranked as the greatest warriors, or most warlike Indians on the continent, who, after exterminating the Missouries, the Illinois, Cahokies, Kaskaskias and Pe- orias, removed to the west side of the Mississippi, where they settled along the Mississippi from Keokuk to the northern line of the state of Iowa; they soon came in contact with the Sioux and beat them back to the northern portion of the state. The most murderous warfare was kept up between the Sacs, Foxes, Pottawatomies, Winnebagos and Sioux as long as they remained in the state. After all these Indians 230 HISTORY OF IOWA were removed from the state the Sioux began to renew their attacks and follow up the Omahas, Poncas and Mahas west of the Missouri, and commenced robbing and driving away frontier settlers. Forts Atkinson and Des Moines being abandoned, and their old enemies all removed from the state, gave them fair play at frontier settlers and they became very bold. The first outrage they committed after the troops came to Fort Dodge was in the spring of 185 1. A man by the name of Greene, with three young men, ventured up the Coon river hunting and trapping, they left him and his party alone until they were pretty well supplied with furs and elk meat and venison, when they surprised them and robbed them of everything, including two or three fine horses, abused them and started them for home, giving them to know if they went to the fort to report, they would kill them before they reached there, and consequently the men went to their homes about forty miles below Fort Des Moines, before they dared report to the fort, which gave the Indians time to escape. The next was the attack on Captain Galcott and his party, engaged in running the state line north of us; His company consisted of over eighty men, wdio were in two divisions of about forty men each, and were armed. The two divisions were generally about from eight to ten miles apart. The front division in the neighborhood of Granger's Point on the Upper Des Moines followed a herd of buffalo and shot one or two. Next morning about sunrise Tshtohaba, or Sleepy Eyes, with a considerable force of Indians, well armed, came rushing on their encampment, and demanded of the captain, pay for the buffalo- they had killed, claiming that they were their cattle, and they must have some of his oxen in lieu of them; they made the demand in a very hostile manner. The captain knowing his rear party at that time HUMBOLDT COUNTY 231 was not far off, kept up a talk with the Indians to kill time, having dispatched a messenger to hurry up- the rear of his party. Just when the chief and his warriors became very urgent and threatening, his rear party was seen hurrying up to his aid, and those with him seized their arms. By the time the Indians could recover from their surprise, the whole party was up and ready to fight. The Indians, completely surprised, changed their tone and became very mild in their course. After they had taken a look at Talcott's men, they cautiously and quietly left. No doubt the intention was, on their part to' attack and rob the front division, but on dis covering the rear of his force coming up, thought it prudent to withdraw. This being reported to the officers of the fort, they dispatched thirty men to reconnoiter and find where Sleepy Eyes w^as, and ascertain what he was about, lest he might gather larger forces and prevent the captain from prosecuting his work. The detachment sent out found Sleepy Eyes encamped at Big Island Grove, with about sixty or seventy warriors with several squaws and children. After letting him know that if he disturbed those men again they would rout him out of the country, as all of those Indians will, he denied any intention of harming them, repeated their old story, that they never shed a white man's blood, and promised good conduct. In the fall of 185 1 the Indians made an attack on the settlers on Boyer river, about sixty miles southwest of the fort. A little colony of five or six families from New Eng land had settled on Boyer river and were engaged in im proving their claims. The Indians, after watching them for some time, took advantage of the four families who lived furthest up the river. When they had all, but the upper family, gone for some miles down the stream to help a neigh- 232 HISTORY OF IOWA bor raise a house, they attacked the lower house of the four, broke it open, and carried off, or destroyed all their property; passing up the stream from house to house, they being from a half mile to a mile apart, robbing all as they went. AAdien they reached the upper house, they secured the young couple who- occupied it and took them along as pris oners. On the return of those who were absent, they found everything they had, carried off or burned, even the clothing of their young children, as well as horses. The men set out on the trail of the Indians in pursuit of them; they found the party consisted of thirty or forty, who had, from the signs, been lying for some time about a half mile from one of the house, no doubt watching their movements. The settlers followed their trail about fifty miles and then came to- the fort to report, being satisfied that they had the young man and young woman with them, finding their tracks where they crossed sloughs and damp places. Three men came to' the fort about dark on a Saturday evening, their names were — Durham, Butler and Reed; from their state ments it was evident that the Indians had gone in the direc tion of Spirit Lake or Lizard Lake. On Sunday morning by eight o'clock a detachment was under way in pursuit of them, consisting of thirty men and six volunteers; the vol unteers were two- French officers, Col. Duprea and Capt. Cares, and two other gentlemen from St. Louis, wdio were on a visit, and Reed and Butler from Boyer river, all under the command of Major Olmsted. It was a forced march up the north Lizard, with the hope of heading the Indians a few miles north of Lizard Lake. Umpashotah with a party of Indians was overtaken, the greater number were squaws, all of whom were loaded with traps of furs. The squaws, as well as the men, were all armed with guns. The HUMBOLDT COUNTY 233 whole country was scoured, examining every Indian encamp ment on the Lizzard and Des Moines. Finally they discovered their trail, and found they had gone in the direction of Chain Lake. In pursuing the trail great difficulty was experienced, as the streams and ground were frozen over, being the close of the month of November, it was very cold weather and no snow. As is their custom in fleeing or when they wish to con ceal the direction they have traveled, they traveled by keeping generally on the high grounds, frequently when they have traveled for some distance and made a fair trail, they make for a high gravelly point from which they scatter in every direction, making a dozen trails in as many different direc tions, which all come together again at some point agreed upon. This robbing party carried out their trick frequently, which we understood, and succeeded without much difficulty in tracing them until we reached a point between the Des Moines and Spirit Lake, about four miles west of the Des Moines, nearly opposite Granger's point, there they appeared to have separated finally; the greater number appeared to have taken an eastern course across the Des Moines. At this point our provisions and horse feed ran out, having been out ten days scouring the country and examining Indian encampments, and learning from Umpashotah that there was quite an encampment a few miles clown the Des Moines, the detachment made a rapid march to it, taking the Indians by surprise. There we found Inkapadutah and Chaskanah, with quite an encampment snugly fixed in winter quarters, and very much alarmed; all professed innocence Not being able to find any of the property that Reed and Butler could identify, and then having as prisoners, three of 234 HISTORY OF IOWA their leading men, Inkapadutah, Umpashotah and Chaskanah and our provisions out, it was concluded to return and hold these three leaders as prisoners until the young man and young woman, together with the horses and property, would be returned. This determination being made known to- the Indians, they became very much alarmed, and they promised to hunt up and deliver up the bad Indians, as they called them. Adopting this policy, the detachments returned with their hostages. This course had the desired effect, about ten days after the young man and the young woman with the horses and a part of the property were brought in and restored. The Indians who brought them in professed to have recovered them after great exertions; said they had caught the bad Indians far out on the prairie; but they took good care not to deliver up any who could be charged with the robbery. No doubt the very party we seized upon, at least a part of them, had a hand in the robbery. This treatment of them and so determinedly hunting up the depredators on this occasion, together with the threat that all or any of them would be held accountable for any depredation committed had the effect to intimidate them very much. Great pains were taken before releasing the hostages to exhibit the force of the garrison to them; the number of arms and equipments to use against them in case they should commit any further outrage; at the same time letting them know they should be well treated if they behaved themselves well. After this occurrence a scout was pretty generally kept out watching their movements, and their location, as they were generally changing and roving about from place to place, following up the buffalo and elk. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 235 In the early part of the summer of 1852 it was found that the Indians had generally disappeared; their encamp ments generally deserted with the exception of a few squaws and children and some old men. It was suspected that they had put out on some robbing excursion. Great vigilance was used by the officers in scouring the country to ascertain where they had gone. It was ascertained that they had gone westward. The supposition then was, they had gone to wage a war against some of the tribes west of the Missouri. They did not return until late in the fall, after their return, upon visiting their encampment, it was found they had a number of mules with white men's brands on them, also all kinds of mechanical tools, hatchets, saws, augers, planes, chisels, and tools of all kinds, which they did not know the use of. Upon: inquiring where they got the mules and various articles, they pointed westward, and said they traded for them with the white man far west, said they swapped ponies for them. AA'e had no doubt about their being out on the plains on the route of the Californians, plundering and stealing from the emigrants, but could not establish the fact. During the balance of the time the troops remained at Fort Dodge, they kept off some distance, and did not openly rob any one that we heard of, they being closely watched by the troops. They frequently came in small parties to trade, behaving very quietly and appearing very submissive, particularly so, after they were informed that the Government had purchased all the land between the Des Moines and Missouri rivers. In the fall of 1853 the troops left the fort when the Indians began to close in upon us and resume their old positions, encamping around us on their former camp and hunting grounds, asserting that there was no game up north. 236 HISTORY OF IOWA About sixty or seventy of them came down and encamped on the east side of the river below us on Section No. 32; they annoyed us very much for a time. To get clear of them, the boys told them that the Sac and Fox Indians were a few miles below them. On being told this they pulled up stakes and fled up the river to the main body. Late in the fall of 1853 a party under Inkpadutah went over to the Cedar river, and took prisoners, an old gentleman by the name of James Chambers of Linn County, and a Mr. Madden of Muscatine, who ventured up to the head waters of the Cedar river to hunt. Mr. Chambers being a very early settler and well acquainted with the Indian character, induced the Indians to believe that he and Madden had gone up to see them and trade with them, telling them they had, some miles from there, a wagon loaded with flour, bacon and whiskey, which they would bring up to them, if they would let them go for them. This story took the ears of the Indians and they consented to let them go, but were unwilling to let them take their horses with them. Chambers satisfied them that they must have the horses to bring up 'the wagon, then they consented to let them take the horses, provided that four Indians, armed should accompanv them. For the purpose of throwing the Indians off their guard, Chambers took off the saddle, blanket and other matters, a hatchet, etc., and handed them to the Indians to keep till they would return. They mounted their horses bare-back and started professedly for the wagon, guarded by four Indians. They talked to and amused the Indians, hoping to put them off their guard, but failed in doing so, until they had traveled about six miles. On approaching a grove, they pointed out about where the wagon and the balance of their party were, and told the Indians they had better stay back a short HUMBOLDT COUNTY 237 distance until they would go forward and tell their friends how matters stood, professing to fear their friends would fire on the Indians. The Indians agreed to the arrangement. As soon as Chambers and Madden reached between one and two hundred yards from them, they put the whip to their horses and fled, having good horses the Indians were unable to' reach them. In this way they escaped from captivity and saved their horses. After this affair I was called on to attend to these Indians being appointed by Governor Hempsted, an executive officer, to keep them in order on these frontiers, and if necessary raise men to chastise them. I called on several of the leading Sioux and made known to' them my authority; they promised to be orderly and in the future, prevent their young men, as they professed were behaving badly, from doing so. Putting very little faith in their promises we kept strict watch on their movements, being but three or four of us at the fort we had to be at all times on the look out for them; kept a good supply of arms and ammunition on hand in case we should be attacked by them. We were frequently, by reports circulated in the country south of us, represented as all killed and the fort burned. Nothing of a very exciting character took place however until January, 1854, when Henry Lott and son murdered Sidominadutah and his party on Lott's creek. The Indians were very much excited. Nothing, I believe, kept them from retaliating upon the settlers but the efforts made to apprehend Lott, and the promises made by the officers at Fort Ridgely that he should be taken if possible; they indulged in the hope that he would be taken and given up to them. While they were waiting for his apprehension, they, in connection with the Minnesota Indians, took the warpath 238 HISTORY OF IOWA against the Omaha Indians. Immediately after their return from that expedition they made a descent upon some Sac and Fox Indians, who- were with a party of Winnebagoes at Clear Lake, and alarmed all the settlers on the Iowa and Cedar river and caused many of them to abandon their claims and leave the state. On hearing of this affair I set out for the Iowa river, where I found Cosmerry, with about seventy young warriors. They had killed and scalped one of the young Sac Indians of Minnesota. After this affair Governor Grimes renewed the appointment I held under Governor Hempsted, and I made arrangements for raising men to repel any attacks they might make. In the fall of 1855 a party of Indians attacked and robbed a man residing near Lizard Lake by the name of Broadskeuk, a German. I raised a party of men and pursued them, but as is generally the case, they fly when they commit an outrage and before the news or alarm is given they are out of reach. We failed to overtake them. They fled in the direction of Spirit Lake; finding that we had a sufficient force to meet them, they generally fell back and kept aloof from our neigh borhood at the fort. But little was seen or heard from them during the year 1856. Small parties only occasionally were seen on or about Lizard Lake, on Indian Creek and along the west branch of the Des Moines above McKnight's Point and at Big Island Grove. The winter of 1856-7, was a very hard winter and of very deep snow, so much so that it was difficult to travel. The snow was from two and a half feet to three feet on the level and very much drifted, with a hard crust formed on it. So bad was the traveling that the frontier settlers were for two or three months entirely cut off from any intercourse with the more thickly inhabited districts of the country. The HUMBOLDT COUNTY 239 Sioux taking advantage of this state of affairs, commenced depredations on the Little Sioux River, about seventy miles west of Fort Dodge, a band of them (about eighteen lodges) headed by Inkapabutah and Utankasapa, or Black Buffalo, a brother of Sleepy Eyes, commenced depredations by robbing the inhabitants of provisions, horses, etc., and in a most inhuman measure misusing the women. They continued their course up the river to its sources Okoboji and Spirit Lake. The first murder they committed was at Gardner's at Spirit Lake. They murdered Mr. Gardner and his wife and son; one daughter, about fifteen years of age, they took with them as a prisoner. Close to Gardner's was the dwelling of his son-in-law, Mr. Luce. They murdered Mr. Luce, his wife and two child ren. Next they attacked Mr. Mattock and family, about one mile from Gardner's, where they murdered Mr. Mattock, his wife and five children and a Mr. Matteson, who- boarded with him. About 100 rods from Mattock's, across the outlet of the Lake, was the house in which Messrs. Granger, Snyder and Harriott resided. From the indications it appears that Granger, Harriott and Thos. Harshman (a young man from Emmett City there on a visit) had proceeded to' the assistance of Mr. Mattock's family, B. Snyder remaining to defend their own residence. It appeared that they had left their house to save Mr. Mattock's women and children, the position the bodies were found in justifies this conclusion. The women and children were some distance from their own home, apparently running on the path to Snyder's. The men were found between them and the house from which they fled. Mr. Harriott was in a sitting position on the snow, his Sharp's rifle broken and a Colt's revolver in his hand, only one charge having been fired. The men were all killed within 240 HISTORY OF IOWA a short distance of the house before mentioned. Mr. Snyder was found before his own door. Everything indicated a severe fight. From appearances in the snow, three Indians must have fallen. It is somewhat strange the Sharp's rifle and the Colt's revolver were not taken by the savages; they were all numbered, but what could an Indian know of that. This is another proof that some of the half-breeds from Missouri were engaged in those murders. All the persons forming Mattock's family were found and interred, but two children, who- it was supposed, were consumed in the house, the appearance in the ashes favoring such belief. About three miles from Mr. Mattock's they murdered Mr. Howe, Mr. Noble and four children, taking Mrs. Thatcher and Mrs. Howe as prisoners. In these two houses the bodies w^ere arranged in a pile and hay from the beds was thrown over them. Mr. Marble lived two miles north of Howe's. They killed Mr. Marble and took his wife captive. At the house it presented the appearance of a hard fight, as numerous balls had penetrated the door and the wash boiler on the stove was pierced by four balls. Near the Lake the bodies of Mr. Luce and Mr. Clark of Waterloo were found murdered; several others were subsequently found murdered in the vicinity of the Lake. The murders must have taken place about the 8th or 9th of March, 1857, as near as we could judge. This horrible massacre was discovered by Morris Markman, who- had been absent from the Lake and on his return to Gardner's found all murdered there and at Howe's. He left and concealed himself in a snow bank all night and next day proceeded to Emmett City. On the 15th of March a Mr. Howe and Mr. Snyder from Newton arrived at the HUMBOLDT COUNTY 241 Lake (also a Mr. Parmenter in company with them) with provisions. When they found all the inhabitants murdered, they immediately hauled their load of provisions into the prairie, turned their team loose and fled, reaching the Irish colony the next morning, from thence to Fort Dodge. Just before the arrival of these men, two men from Little Sioux River succeeded in getting in; their names were Ball and Williams, who reported the outrages on Little Sioux River. Upon being satisfied of the truth of the statements made by those men, dispatches were immediately sent to Webster City and Homer to turn out men to march immediately to the relief of the frontier citizens. I also commenced to enroll men at Fort Dodge. AArebster City responded promptly, so did Homer; between the two places they furnished about forty men; Fort Dodge about eighty men. The second morning, the 25th day of March, 1857, 1 had three companies organized and fitted out. The battalion consisted of 120 men, divided into' three companies. Company A commanded by Capt. C. B. Richard, Company B commanded by Capt. John F. Duncombe, and Company C by Capt. I. C. Johnston of Webster City, Surgeon C. C. Bissell, Comissary, George B. Sherman. On the morning of the 25th of March I moved up the west branch of the Des Moines river to intercept the savages, who, reports said, were about to sweep all the settlements on the river. Mr. Carter of Palo Alto county reported that some weeks before a young Indian named Josh, who had for sometime been living with him, absented himself for several days in company with Titonka (Big Buffalo) and returned to Carter's about the last of February, and told Carter that he had better leave, as the Indians were going to kill all the white people at the Lakes and then cross over the Des Moines 242 HISTORY OF IOAVA and come down that river, killing all the white people as they went. After giving Carter this information Josh left and the murders at the Lake followed. By forced marches through the snow banks 15 to 20 feet deep and swollen streams, we forced our way up to the State line, where we learned the Indians were assembled two or three hundred strong at Spirit Lake and Big Island Grove. Never were harder services rendered by any body of men than by the one hundred and ten men under command who were able to reach the State line. Ten men of the 120 who started with me gave out after the first and second days' march and were discharged, some from becoming snow blind and others w^ere discharged for want of boots and shoes; two or three for their insubordination and bad conduct. After the detachment was thus purged, never was there a better set of men marched on any expedition than the no men left. We had to ford streams breast deep every few miles, and at all snow banks or drifts had to shovel out roads and draw our wagons through by hand wdth tug ropes; also- the horses and oxen. All were out all day up to the middle, at least, and lay out on the open prairies at night without tents or other covering than a blanket or buffalo robe. About eighty miles up we expected at furthest to- meet the Indians in force. After leaving Dakota we found all the settlers from the country above were fleeing as far as they were able to do so. With the report of Indians in the rear we were very confident of meeting them, and took every precaution, keeping out an advance guard and scout constantly. No signs of them were discovered until we approached Big Island Grove, oh this side of which we met two men who had settled near the grove, who were fleeing from the Indians whom, they said, were at the grove, and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 243 from their appearance and conduct they had become alarmed and fled. They reported, as well as some trappers we met, that Sleepy Eyes was there with quite a band of warriors. A\re labored under great disadvantage on our march from the depth of snow and high waters, which obliged us tO' move slowly; consequently we found it difficult to approach the enemy suddenly or take them by surprise; the country being prairie they had the advantage of seeing us a great distance off, giving them time to escape before we could reach them. In approaching this grove I threw forward scouts and an advance body of twenty-five men to- stealthily creep up and discover the position of the Indians, if there, and if they should discover them, report to me. Keeping the main body stationary, supposing the Indians would watch it; but it was discovered by the advance that the Indians had fled. On reaching the grove and surrounding the lakes we found that they had left, probably the day previous, from the signs. We found where their tepees had stood, and on the ice where they had been fishing, they had left a lot of fresh fish, a half finished canoe, etc. We also found they had plundered the settlers' house and killed his oxen, cutting off a portion of their flesh and knocking off their horns. From their trail it appeared generally they had left in a hurry in the direction of Chain Lakes. Our march on these lakes was made early in the morning, under cover of a drizzling fog. But finding the body of Indians posted there had fled, we proceeded by a forced march for Granger's point. About three o'clock that evening our advance guard discovered in the distance what they took to be Indians; and by series of outflanking and maneuvering, commenced to get at them. Our men succeeded in getting close to them, when they were discovered by the party, who taking our 244 HISTORY OF IOWA men for Indians began to prepare for defense as well as they could. When, after watching our men, a man by the name of Bradford, wdio was with the fleeing party, raised a white flag, expressing the opinion that our men were not Indians. This was answered by our men who then approached them, and found the supposed Indians to be a party who had es caped massacre at Springfield on the Des Moines. The In dians had made Josh's story good. They had commenced on the upper settlement on the river, and no doubt were to be joined by Sleepy Eyes and his party as they came down, had we not interferred with their arrangements and broken up their plan of operation. This fleeing party from Springfield was composed of three men unhurt, namely: Granger, Bradshaw and Mark- man, two men, Thomas and Carver, and a young woman wounded and several other women and children, in all numbering about twenty persons. Thomas had his arm broken. Carver was shot through the left arm, the ball lodging in the left side, a dangerous wound. The young woman was shot in the shoulder. They had escaped in the night, carrying nothing with them but what they had on them when they were attacked, and had been wandering about among the snow banks with nothing to eat but some shelled corn, for two days and nights. They were about exhausted and the Indians on their trail pursuing them, had not our scouts discovered them and reported, there can be no doubt, but that they all would have been murdered that night. We found them in a miserable condition, destitute of everything like clothing and food, three of them badly wounded, and several of the women without bonnet or shoes, the poor women wading breast deep through snow and water, carrying their crying children. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 245 AAre pushed as fast as possible for timber, made fires and warmed them; also- furnished them with provisions, gave them blankets and clothing to shield them from the severe winter; gave them all the relief in our power. Our surgeon dressed the wounds of the wounded, which were in a bad state. I expected to be attacked that night, as those people said the Indians had been seen by them following them that day. I caused but one fire to be made that night, posting silent sentinels and pickets, hoping to induce them to' attack under the belief that the flying party wras alone. Next morning we sent the party with an escort tO' the Irish settle ment to remain until we would return, as all the settlers above that point had fled to that point, where they were engaged in building a block house. We proceeded by as rapid march as possible, keeping scouts out in advance, reconnoitering and examining every point of timber, lake and stream where Indians might possibly be concealed, and found many fresh tracks of the Indians throughout the day. From these tracks or trails, they had all taken the direction of Spirit Lake. AAre reached the state line near Springfield about sunset, and encamped in the margin of a grove* cooked the supper, and I gave orders to prepare for a night's march. I detailed sixty men with rifles and six shooters and divided them in two divisions of thirty men each, with the intention of surprising the Indians before day next morning, having guides provided, as the information just furnished us that the Indians were encamped at or near the trading house of a half breed by the name Caboo. We had great hope that we would be able to overtake them and give a good account of them, but to' our great mortification, we found they had all fled upon the approach of fifty regulars from Fort Ridgeley under the command of Captain Bee. Had it not been for 246 HISTORY OF IOWA these troops approaching, we certainly would have overtaken them. The conduct of Captain Bee is hard to account for. On Thursday, the 27th of March, the Indians attacked the town of Springfield and neighborhood. The citizens defended themselves as well as they could. The battle and pillaging lasted until nightfall. When the Indians withdrew on Friday afternoon Captain Bee, with fifty men mounted on mules, lay at Springfield all day on Saturday and assisted in burying some of the dead. He counseled with Caboo, the half-breed trader, who was the only one in the neighborhood left un harmed and known to- be identified with the Indians and whose squaw was at the time wearing the shawl of Mrs. Church, with other articles taken from the citizens on Sunday morning, without making any effort to pursue the Indians, whom he must have known had taken off four white women as prisoners previous to that time. He set out on the trail and followed them half of the day, finding their fresh campfires and overtaking three or four straggling squaws, let them go, also finding their trail covered with all kinds of goods, thrown aside by the Indians, to lighten their loads, and expedite their flight. Miss Gardner and Mrs. Marble who were wdth the Indians as prisoners, stated after their return that he was so- near to- them when he stopped and returned that they occasionally saw his men in their rear. AVhen he ordered his men to return it is stated several of them expressed a wash to proceed, when his reply was he had no orders to pursue them. It appeared afterwards that he was sent to protect Springfield from an attack after the news of the Spirit Lake massacre. The Indians attacked Springfied before he reached there. He said he had no orders to follow them, although it was HUMBOLDT COUNTY 247 in his power to overtake them had he done his duty, and those Indians would have been overtaken and the prisoners and a great part of the property recovered, at least. Springfield is situated on the west side of the Des Moines river about eight miles north of the Iowa line. The Indians attacked this place on the 28th of March in the afternoon; they commenced by sending Humpashotah (whom the inhabi tants all knew) forward, who called Mr. Stewart out of his house, said he wanted to buy a hog. They went to the pen to look at it, when four other Indians showed themselves, and shot Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart ran out and endeavored to drag her husband into the house, but was shot by the Indians. Two little children were then destroyed, all of which was observed by a little boy about eight years old, who was concealed at Smith's. They fired about fifty shots, killed their dogs and oxen, and withdrew. During the time they were firing at Smith's rapid firing was heard at Wood's trading house; also at Church's and Thomas'. In the attack after the first onslaught, the inhabitants rushed into houses and secured the doors and windows, having heard of the Spirit Lake massacre, they were in some measure prepared for defending themselves. At the houses of Mr. Church and Mr. Thomas they defended themselves bravely. Mrs. Church and her sister loading guns, Mr. Brad- shaw and others firing whenever a chance offered. The fight continued for some time. A son of Mr. Thomas was killed, and Mr. Thomas, David Carver and the sister of Mrs. Church wounded, having but one man left to fire, Bradshaw, Mrs. Church fired until the Indians withdrew. It is asserted positively that she killed one Indian. The Indians continued the attack on the different houses in Springfield and vicinity until dark, when they withdrew. At 248 HISTORY OF IOWA this point they killed nine and wounded three, and twelve were missing, some of those were afterwards found. They robbed Wood's store, and killed the two Woods brothers. At Spirit Lake and Springfield they killed forty-one, wounded three and took four prisoners, twelve were missing, who, without doubt, were killed, probably in attempting to escape were killed some distance from the scene of action. These Indians on Little Sioux river at Spirit Lake and Springfield killed all the cattle, destroyed all kinds of property they could not carry off. On arriving with the detachments in the neighborhood of Springfield we found that the United States troops under Captain Bee had arrived before us. The Indians had all fled in the direction of the Big Sioux river. Our horses and cattle were exhausted, and our provisions short. We were in a country where no supplies could be had. We had one hundred and ten men to- feed. The weather was extremely severe, and our provisions reduced to about one hundred pounds of flour, sixty or seventy pounds of rice, and a few biscuits. We had also a bushel or two of frozen potatoes. We were unable to procure any feed for our oxen or horses. Finding this state of affairs, I concluded to return and leave Captain Bee to manage the balance of the difficulties, being satisfied there were no Indians in that part of the country. They had all fled on the approach of Captain Bee's detach ment, and were too far ahead for us to have the least hope of overtaking them. Ascertaining that the troops from Fort Ridgley had not buried the dead at Spirit Lake, at Granger's point, I asked for volunteers to proceed to the lakes, a distance of about twelve miles, and bury the bodies if they could be found. At once more men offered to go than were required. I started HUMBOLDT COUNTY 249 twenty-five men on that duty, with instructions to reconnoiter that district, and if no Indians were discovered, to bury the dead, as an act of humanity. Guides were furnished, and they set out under the command of Captain Johnston and Lieutenant Maxwell, who applied for, and were anxious to go on the duty. They found no Indians, but found where they had encamped. They found also a dreadful destruction of life and property. They buried twenty-nine bodies. They found the skulls of two men who had been burned in a house. This detachment was instructed, after performing the duty, to join the main body of our battalion, by crossing the county to the Irish colony. I returned with the battalion to the Irish colony, having had a very difficult march. The snow had been melting very fast for two days; all the streams were very high and all the low ground covered w-ith snow and water. After arriving at the Irish colony and obtaining some provi sions, as the men were entirely out, I purchased an ox and had him slaughtered. AAre found that the wounded and destitute folks we had sent there w7ere doing as well as we could expect. After remaining there one day and night, on Saturday evening, we became uneasy about our Spirit Lake party, as on Friday morning, it commenced storming. The wind from the northwest was very high and cold, and it snowed very rapidly part of the time. I looked for Captain Johnston and his men very anxiously all day Saturday, but at dark on that evening they had not returned. About nine o'clock that morning I had started with the main body of the men, taking along the women and children, and leaving the wounded with a few men to take care of them. AA^e had eaten all the provisions the poor Irish people at the colony had, they sharing to the last with us. I concluded it would 250 HISTORY OF IOWA be prudent to push forward for home, and as soon as possible send back provisions to them, as they must have relief in some way. AVe succeeded in getting as far as Cylinder Creek, ten miles, wading and swimming through sloughs and streams of water. About one o'clock a dreadful snow storm came on. Arriving at Cylinder Creek we found the whole valley cov ered with water, better than half a mile wide, ranging from two feet to fifteen feet deep and terribly agitated by the strong wind. After making every effort, by examining up and down the valley, we found it impossible to get across. After wading through snow up to the middle, Lieutenant Linn accompanied me, we returned to the main body so completely chilled that we could not talk. I found the women and children crying and exclaiming that they were freezing. I directed that they should be headed b^ck to the Irish colony, which was speedily done. They launched one of the wagon bodies. Captain Duncombe and th.ee others floated across with the wind. It was found impossible to get back against the wind. Three or four of the men, amongst whom I recollect James Sweeney of AA'ebster City, seized hold of me and forced me on a light wagon seeing me off to the Irish colony, where we landed after a hard ride. We were very much exhausted. After recovering a little we found all the women and children safely landed, with the exception of some frozen feet and faces. The main body of the men were left on the north bank of Cylinder Creek with out food, there being but a peck of raw rice on hand. There was no wood to make a fire. They were completely cut off by water from all timber and a terrible storm of snow and wind was raging. They lay there from Saturday about two o'clock until Monday morning" about one o'clock when they HUMBOLDT COUNTY 251 succeeded in crossing on the ice. They cut up all of the wagons and made camp fires. On returning to the Irish colony I could learn nothing of our Spirit Lake party, under Captain Johnston. I found that the provisions were all ex hausted. I purchased another ox wdiich was slaughtered and divided among those in charge and the citizens, who had divided their last with us. We saved a portion for our friends whom we had been so anxiously expecting from the lakes. A short time after dark one of Captain Johnston's men came in very much excited, young Spencer, who could give no account of the other men. He reported that he was sepa rated from them in the snow storm and after meandering about until he was exhausted he dug a hole in the snow where he remained for some time. He finally set out and fortunately struck our trail which he recognized and suc ceeded in reaching our camp. At nine o'clock while we were warming him up Jonas Murray, who had been lost, came in. The opinion of both of these men was that the rest of the party would be in during the night. We sat up waiting for them but no one appeared. In the morning Silas Van Cleave came in badly frozen. A little later George Smith arrived at our camp. He had parted with Captain Johnston and William Burkholder the night before leaving them ex hausted and despairing of getting any further. We became alarmed for the rest of the party and a number were sent to reconnoiter a little in the direction in which they should come from. During the day, which was Sunday, we found several men badly frozen. We succeeded in getting in all but four or five. When Mr. Carse was found he was delirious. His hands, feet and face were badly swollen. The flesh was entirely off his heels and the bare bone protruded. On this expedition fourteen 252 HISTORY OF IOAVA men were badly frozen. Captain I. C. Johnston of Company C, and William Burkholder of Company A, were lost Every search has been made since but no- trace of them has ever been found. After making every arrangement possible for the wound ed, frozen and sick we started on Monday morning to join the main body of the expedition at Cylinder Creek. It was thought that their exposed situation and the unusual severe storm would compel tliem to retreat. On arriving at the creek where they had been left it was found that they had all retreated. Evidently they had crossed to the opposite side of the ice. Arrangements were made with the people at the Irish colony to take to Fort Dodge the wounded men, the women and the children. AA^e reached Fort Dodge the second day after. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on the men who took part in this expedition. The officers and men endured the greatest privations and fatigue without a murmur. After seventeen days they passed forward on their march, waded rivers and creeks breast deep and tugged wagons through snow banks, sleeping on the prairie in their wet clothes, with out tents or covering. AVe expected to meet the Indians every mile after we reached McNight's Point, as their threats on Sioux river was, that they would sweep the Des Moines river settlement. Our men suffered owing to the severe snow storms and cold weather. After having moderate weather sufficient to- melt the snow, we made arrangements to have all the wounded and frozen men brought to Fort Dodge. Immediately after, all the inhabitants on the north bank of the Des Moines, and many from the east branch, as well as from the upper country generally, deserted their homes and fled to Fort Dodge for safety. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 253 A perfect stampede took place. Constant alarms were raised. Every object the timid could see on the prairies was made out to be Indians. Every sand-hill crane seen was reported to be an Indian. At Algona the citizens built a fort and kept their ground. Every part of the country else where was deserted, and it took sometime to allay the fears of the people, although we gave them every assurance that we had scoured the whole northern and northwestern coun try, and that all the Indians had fled from the state. Still, the argument was, that they would come back again. This alarm and massacre by the Indians injured the northern portion of Iowa, as it intimidated immigrants and prevented a great many of the settlers from getting in crops that season. It was something like a year before the people would become reconciled or settled down with any kind of confidence in being secure from the attacks of Indians. As near as we could ascertain the Indian force engaged in these massacres must have been from one hundred and fifty to two hundred warriors, judging from their deserted encampment. And from reports and appearances the struggle or fight, both at the Lakes and at Springfield, must have been very severe. From every appearance, there must have been fifteen or twenty Indians killed or wounded, judging from the num ber seen to fall at Springfield and the bloody clothes and pools of blood found where their tepees stood at the lakes. The conflicts appeared to have been very severe at the house of Mr. Mattock at the Lake. Eleven dead bodies were found there together, with several broken guns. There they appeared to have fought hand to hand. It is very certain that many of the Indians engaged in those attacks were from the Missouri River, from the Yankton bands, as several of them were at Springfield a day or two 254 HISTORY OF IOWA before the attack. After the attack at the Lake they wanted to buy powder from Mr. AVoods, the trader, who refused to credit them. Failing to get it on credit they bought to the amount of $80.00 and paid gold for it. These and others with them were strangers to the people of Springfield, who were told by Umpashota that they were Canada Indians. Several of them were said to be dressed in frock coats with red sashes around their waists, and had the appearance of half-breeds. AVoods stated that he inquired of them where the Indians were who attacked the settlers at the Lake. They replied, "at Swan Lake, burying their dead." He improperly told them that they had sent to Fort Ridgely for troops, which statement, no- doubt, hastened the attack on Spring field. On the return of our battalion to Fort Dodge, and the arrival of the wounded and disabled with the destitute who had been rescued from the savages, every attention and kind ness was bestowed on them by our citizens. They were assisted to their relatives and friends east. There were some who had no relatives. I never witnessed a more affecting scene in my life than I witnessed when we found those desti tute people on the prairie. AVe hurried them to a point of timber then in sight, the men assisting to carry the children. On reaching the grove the men piled their arms, and flew to cutting wood and build ing fires to warm the half naked party. Every man in the detachment busied himself to relieve them and make them comfortable. Soon fires were started and provisions turned out to relieve the hungry. Blankets, buffalo robes and over coats were freely furnished them. The generous and noble feelings of the men caused many of them to literally strip themselves to supply the wants of the distressed. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 255 AVhile they were preparing a meal for them I inquired more particularly into the situation of affairs, and found it distressing; destitute mothers, with three or four little children hanging to them, all crying— some with their little feet and hands frozen, each mother gathering around her little flock that belonged to her, shedding tears over them. AArhen their meal wras prepared, I discovered for the first time, two children whom no one claimed. Upon inquiring I found that they were the only survivors of their families — little boys, John Stewart, about eight year old, and John Sheigley, a child about three or four years old, the latter particularly, a very fine child, but very lightly clothed and his little feet frozen. I noticed him first wandering about around the fires, wanting something to eat. Upon inquiring I found he had no protector left. I took the two boys in charge and had them attended to. Next morning, after having clothed and fed this dis tressed party we sent them on with an escort to the Irish colony. When we marched in pursuit of the Indians, never did a body of men more anxiously desire to' overtake an enemy. After the scene they had witnessed, they were so much aroused, that could they have met the Indians a good account would have been given of them. Through the exertion of the Indian agent, Mr. Elandreau of Minnesota, and the officers at Fort Ridgely, aided by friendly Indians of the Laqui-Pearl or Laqui-Parle band, named Roaring Cloud and Gray Foot, they succeeded in rescuing two of the prisoners taken, Mrs. Marble and Miss Gardner, after a captivity of about three months. The other two prisoners, Mrs. Thatcher and Mrs, Noble were murdered by the Indians. The following is the statement made by Mrs. Marble after her return: 256 HISTORY OF IOWA MRS. MARBLE'S STATEMENT She stated that on the 13th of March, 1857, a party of Indians came to the residence of her husband at Spirit Lake, Iowa, murdered him and took her off as a prisoner to their camp in the vicinity of the Lake. At the camp she found a Mrs. Thatcher, a Mrs. Noble and a Miss Gardner, all of whom had been taken prisoners by the Indians in their attack on the settlers at the Lake. Mrs. Thatcher's husband had escaped by a temporary absence from home, as we believe had Mrs. Noble's, but the entire family of Miss Gardner had been murdered. The Indians broke up their camp at Spirit Lake imme diately and proceeded to Herron Lake, a distance of about twenty-five miles, where they encamped. Leaving their squaws and prisoners, they started on an expedition with Mrs. Marble, supposedly, to the Des Moines at Springfield. They returned to camp in about ten days with a large lot of powder, dry goods, guns, and horses. All of which had probably been secured in their attack on Springfield. On the next day after their return the Indians broke up their camp and started westward. They were on the march every day upwards of a month and only rested at Skunk Lake, west of the Big Sioux river, and about one hundred and twenty-five miles north west of Spirit Lake. Mrs. Marble estimated the distance traveled at four or five hundred miles, probably owing to the torturous course pursued by the Indians to avoid pursuit. She thinks they arrived at Skunk Lake about the first of May, here they remained five days when the fortunate cir cumstances transpired wdiich resulted in the release of Mrs. Marble from captivity. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 257 In relation to the trials and sufferings of the unfortunate women during the journey to Skunk Lake, her narrative was deeply interesting, and calculated to thrill the hearts of the most indifferent with feelings of horror, indignation and de sire for justice, if not revenge upon the cowardly murderers. Immediately on starting from Herron Lake, she stated that, herself and associates were forced to carry heavy packs and perform degrading and menial services in camp. She stated that the pack she was compelled to carry consisted of two bags of shot, each weighing twenty-five pounds and a lot of camp furniture, increasing the weight of the pack to one hundred pounds. On top of this heavy load, which this weak, ill used and distracted woman was forced to carry was placed the additional weight of an Indian urchin of some three or four years of age. The snow was very deep. The prisoners were but thinly clad and most of the time suffering from hunger. The warm clothing they had on when they were made prisoners was taken from them by the squaws and in its place they received but a scanty supply, ill suited to the weather and the exposure they were forced to undergo. At times the unfortunate captives would fall to the ground exhausted and utterly unable to> proceed farther. Then the inhuman wretches would place the muzzle of a loaded gun at their heads, and threaten them with instant death unless they would immediately continue their weary march. When a horse stolen at the settlements would die, or was killed by the Indians for food, the prisoners would be allowed to recruit their exhausted strength by a supply of horse-flesh. With these exceptions they suffered greatly for want of food and were glad to snatch up the bones thrown down by the Indians after their repast. Mrs. Marble stated 258 HISTORY OF IOWA that they were forced to eat the wing feathers plucked from the ducks shot by the Indians and shrivelled before the fire to save themselves from starvation. When the Indians would encamp for the night the cap tives were compelled to carry wood and water, build fires and put up tepees. They were, however, never allowed to pre pare the food. At first they very naturally rebelled at the treatment they received, but the Indians beat them with clubs into submission to their orders. Mrs. Marble stated that she soon discovered the only way to secure herself from ill treat ment was to perform the duties assigned her with cheerful ness and alacrity. Herself, Mrs. Noble and Miss Gardner pursued this course and were treated more kindly than their associate, Mrs. Thatcher, who was in delicate health and utterly unable to- do the amount of labor or work required of her. This lead to a most tragic and horrible occurrence. When the party crossed the Big Sioux, they arrived at this stream about fifteen clays after leaving Herron Lake, the Indians cut down several trees on each side of the river, and this made a bridge across it, wdien Mrs. Thatcher attempted to cross she was thrown into the river. She succeeded in swimming to wdthin a short distance of the opposite shore, when one of the Indians deliberately shot her through the head, killing her instantly. The body of the unfortunate woman was left floating in the stream. Her death was hailed by the Indian women with loud shouts of joy and exultation. The feelings of the surviving prisoners at this horrid murder cannot be imagined. They beheld in Mrs. Thatcher's death the fate reserved for them. About five days after they reached Skunk Lake the two Lacquiparle Indians made their appearance at the camp of HUMBOLDT COUNTY 259 Inkpadutah band. They were well received by the chief and his followers. A feast followed at which the Indians related their exploits at Spirit Lake, boasting of the murders they had committed and the goods they had stolen. The Lacquiparle Indians remained in the camp all night, keeping a very sharp lookout on the movements of the chief, Inkpadutah, whom they apprehended would attempt violence. The next morning, having previously learned that the Indians had the three white women in camp, they made a proposition to purchase one of the captives. After considerable negotia tion Inkpadutah's band consented to- part with Mrs. Marble in consideration of receiving one gun, a lot of blankets, a keg of powder and a small supply of Indian trinkets. The two Indians immediately started homeward with Mrs. Marble and arrived at Lacquiparle on the 20th of May. On the journey they treated Mrs. Marble with great kindness, fur nishing her with warm clothing, carried her over streams, and providing her with food. It took them ten days travel, after they left Inkapudatah's camp to reach Lacquiparle. On their arrival the two' Indians, who were brothers and known as Gray Foot and Roaring Cloud, placed Mrs. Marble in their father's lodge, where she was treated with equal consideration and kindness until Messrs. Williamson and Rigg arrived and took charge of her. Roaring Cloud and Gray Foot reported the band of Inkapadutah to number about fifteen lodges. These Indians were well armed, each of them possessing a revolver, and a rifle. Through the exertions of the Indian agent at Lacqui parle and the governor of Minnesota, Governor Madera, the Indians of Lacquiparle succeeded in purchasing from Inkpa dutah's band another prisoner, Miss Abigail Gardner, the remaining one, living about one month after the rescue of 260 HISTORY OF IOWA Mrs. Marble. Miss Gardner's statements agreed with the statements of Mrs. Marble with the addition of what trans pired after Mrs. Marble left. She stated that after the de parture of Mrs. Marble, the Indians changed their location and proceeded to Jacques or James river, where Mrs. Noble, from exhaustion and weakness gave out, and sunk down in despair. After dark one evening Mrs. Noble came into the tepee, where Miss Gardner was placed in charge of one who claimed her. Mrs. Noble appeared greatly distressed and stated that she would rather die than longer submit to the treatment she was receiving. Immediately after an Indian, the older son of Inkpadutah entered the tepee and ordered Mrs. Noble to come out. She refused, saying they might kill her but go she would not, when he seized hold of her, dragged her out where other Indians were heard talking. Miss Gardner very much alarmed covered her face and crept into one corner of the tepee, when she heard the screams of Mrs. Noble, followed by blows with a club. The Indians beat her brains out along side of the tepee in which Miss Gardner lay. Next morning she lay murdered, her head literally beat to- a jelly. This left Miss Gardner, a young girl about fifteen years of age, alone in the hands of the savages, her ransom was soon after effected. Colonel Lee of Massachusetts, wdio- was at St. Paul when she arrived there, brought her to Fort Dodge, wdiere the means were furnished to convey her to her relatives. The whole history of our country does not furnish an account of so great an outrage as that committed by these Sioux Indians from the time they commenced on the Little Sioux river until they fled from Springfield on the approach of the troops. There can be but little doubt but that these attacks and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 261 acts of barbarism were committed by Inkpadutah and his band in retaliation for the murder of his brother, mother and others by Lott in January, 1854, together with the facts that the white settlers were rapidly encroaching upon them by settling on the Little Sioux river, Coon river, the Okoboji Lake, Spirit Lake and the Upper Des Moines, their old and favorite haunts and hunting ground. From the course they pursued, by not only killing the inhabitants, but also all the cattle and breaking up and destroying all farming utensils and furniture, it would seem they intended to exterminate all and lay the country waste, wdth the hope of preventing fur ther settlement, or they intended to do all the harm they could and forever quit the country. If they thought to pre vent the wdiites from going into the country they were mis taken, for scarcely had the troops returned and reported that all Indians had fled from the country, when a party of the Yankee abolitionist tribes from the east, no doubt some of the descendants of the old Mayflower crew, rushed to Spirit Lake and seized upon the claims of the poor murdered families, ap propriating their improvements to their own use. These plunderers were headed by a certain Dr. Prescott whose religion sanctioned him in the attempts to rob the poor children of the murdered fathers of their right and make way for a colony of negroes, which afterwards he was endeavor ing to bring on. This Prescott was an abolitionist preacher and belongs to that class of incendiaries that are a curse to any country. There can be no doubt as to the intentions of the Indians to sweep the Des Moines river settlements and murder all the settlers on both branches of the river had it not been for the prompt action of the citizens of Webster and Hamilton counties in flying to their rescue. Sleepy Eyes with a band of his Indians were in waiting at Big Island 262 HISTORY OF IOWA Grove, ready to join the party, led by Inkpadutah, and assist in carrying out the design as made known by Josh to Carter. The approach of our battalion was discovered by Sleepy Eyes in time to enable him and his party to- fly, and communicatt the fact of our approach to Inkpadutah and his band. I come to this conclusion from the fact that Sleepy Eyes had, from all appearances of his camp, left it the day before we reached it, and from the trails they left it in a hurry, and took the direction that would lead them to the point where Inkpadu tah was at the time. I will record the names of the men composing the bat talion who marched from Fort Dodge on the 25th of March, 1857, to the rescue of the frontier settlers at Spirit Lake ana Springfield : Major, William Williams, commander. C. R. Bissel, Surgeon. George B. Sherman, Commissary. COMPANY A. Captain — Charles B. Richards. Lieutenant — Franklin A. Stratton. Sergeant — S. K. AATight. Corporal — Solon Mason. Privates — Wm. Burkholder, lost in snow storm, never found. George W. Brazee. Cyrus C. Carp-enter. L. D. Crawford. Julius Conrad. Henry Carse, very badly frozei:. Chatterton. Wm. Defore. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 263 I. W. Dawson. AVm. Ford, badly frozen. John Farney. John Gails. Andrew Hood. Angus McBane. William McCauley. Michael Mahar. E. Mahon. AVm. T. Pollock. AArm. F. Porter. B. F. Barmester. L. B. Ridgeway. AA'inton Smith. R. A. Smith. Geo. P. Smith, frozen slightly. O. S. Spenser, badly frozen. C. S. Stebbens, badly frozen. Silas Van Cleave, badly frozen. R. W. Wheelock. David AVesterfield. This Company A was composed of men, citizens of Fort Dodge and vicinity and Webster County, with the exception from the Upper Des Moines, viz: R. W. Wheelock, B. F. Parmenter, M. Maher, E. Mahan, John Farney, John Gails, W. McCauley and Chatterton. COMPANY B. Captain — John F. Duncombe. First Lieutenant — James Linn. Second lieutenant — S. E. Stevens. Sergeant — Wm. M. Koons. 264 HISTORY OF IOWA Corporal — Thos. Calligan. Privates: Jesse Addington, badly frozen. A. Burch. Hiram Benjamin. D. H. Baker. Orlando Rice. Richard Carter. A. E, Crouse. R. F. Carter. Michael Cavanaugh. Jermiah Evans. Orlando C. Howe. Daniel F Howell. Albert Johnston. Jonas Murray, badly frozen. Daniel Morrissy. Geo. F. McClure. A. H. Malcombe. Michael McCarthy. J. N. McFarland. Morris Markham, frozen slightly. Daniel Okeson. discharged, snow blind third day. John O'Loughlin, third day at Dakota, discharged. Guernsy Smith. John M. Thatcher. Robert McCormick, frozen slightly. W Searls. John AAdiite. AAril1iam B. AAMson. AVashington AA^illiams. Reuben AVhitstone. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 265 This Company B was composed of men, citizens of Fort Dodge and vicinity and AA^ebstei county, with the exception of nine who were from the LTpper Des Moines, viz: Richard Carter, R. F. Carter, Jermiah Evans, Orlando C. Plowe, Morris Markham, J. M. Thatcher, Robert McCormick, W. Searls and AA^illiam B. AArilson. COMPANY C. Captain — J. C. Johnston, lost in snow storm and never found. First Lieutenant — John N. Maxwell, badly frozen. Second Lieutenant — F. Mason. Sergeant — H. Hoover. Corporal — A. N. Hathway. Sherman Cassady. A. F. Fellis. Elias D. Kellogg, frozen slightly. A. S. Leanord, snow blind, discharged at Dakota. John Gage. F. B. Barebone. Michael Sweeny. James Brainard. Humphrey Hilliton. M. W. Howland. R. M. Moody. AAr K. Loughlin. E. AAr. Gates. Wm. Church. J. C. Pemberton, badly frozen. Alonzo Richardson. Thos. Anderson. John Noland. 266 HISTORY OF IOWA James Hickey. Patrick Conlin. John Erie. Patrick Stafford. Jared Palmer. This Company C was composed of men from Hamilton county, wdth the exception of six men who belonged to Palo Alto county, who were attached to it, viz: John Nolin, James Hickey, Patrick Conlin, John Erie, Jared Palmer, Patrick Stafford. The foregoing three companies composed the battalion, the battalion numbering ninety-nine men. AVe marched with 1 20 men. The second and third days of march proved several men were not made of the right kind of stuff, who were discharged and their names stricken from the roll. Two became snowr blind so that they were unable to do duty, viz: Daniel Okeson and A. S. Leanord. Four wrere discharged for insubordination and bad conduct, and their names strick en from the roll. We were joined on the Upper Des Moines by several trappers and others, wdiich in part made up numbers. One hundred and ten men marched to the line, including those who so joined. The foregoing rolls include those wdio joined the battalion after discharges as above stated, and included the names of those who- faithfully did their duty, in what was certainly one of the severest expeditions ever made in the country. The fatigue and suffering was much greater than any one can conceive of, who was not along to- experience it. I can testify that a better body of men cannot be raised than those whose names are included in the foregoing rolls, wdio served to the end of the expedition. The morning of the third day, we purged the battalion of all drones and worth- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 267 less men, and sent them back. Those who were retained and whose names are on the above roll as serving throughout were choice men. Governor J. W. Grimes and Governor Lowe both used their influence with our state legislature to have them make an appropriation to pay those men for their services, and refund to them money actually spent in the expedition, which they failed to do. The next session they again made the effort, when, after meeting with great opposition, they got a bill through allowing them seventy-five cents on the dollar. This much was accomplished by Messrs. Duncombe and Reese, who were opposed most violently by members for no other reason, evidently, than political opposition. The opponents were headed by John Scott of Story county. They opposed giving, for three years, these men any compensation, and where they wrere literally forced by public opinion to grant something, they passed a bill that obliged every man to expend the greater part of his allowance by traveling after it to the seat of government, and before they granted it even on these terms, some of the men were dead and some had left the country. The whole amount required was only between three and four thousand dollars, yet they opposed the appropriation, and for political effect, passed a law authorizing the governor to raise a company of men to be stationed on the frontiers, which Company they kept out parts of two years at a cost of from $10,000 to $12,000 and that Company mustered into the service armed and equipped in a manner that rendered them useless. The men were very good men, who-, with offi cers qualified to lead them, would have rendered good ser vice; but from the manner they were armed and mounted, they were, or would have been totally useless for any purpose 268 HISTORY OF IOWA other than to give an alarm in case the Indians should ap proach. They were mounted on horseback, with a heavy cross belt and cartridge box, and musket and bayonet. The men were altogether untrained. The greater por tion did not know how to sit on a horse, and in case of an attack would have been obliged to abandon either their horse or their musket, one or the other, for it would have been impossible to load and fire and manage their horse at the same time. The Company was composed of a set of fine young men, who were crippled and disabled by the way they were equip ped and required to act. Again when they marched to the frontier, they were posted in squads, three squads of ten or twelve men each, and the squads from twenty to twenty-five mlies apart, subject to be cut off in detail, and a sufficient opening left between each squad to enable a thousand In dians to steal through and pass them without their notice. But, fortunately, the Indians were gone, not to return. No attack was made on the Frontier Guards, as they were term ed. These Sioux Indians under Inkpaduta and Sleepy Eyes did not make their appearance in the state after they com mitted the massacre at Spirit Lake and Springfield and fled to the Yankton country. Small hunting parties of the Little Crow- band and of the Red Iron band were seen in the north west frontier counties, but perfectly peaceable and orderly. There can be but little doubt, but that the murder committed by Lott, was one of the causes for Inkpaduta and his friends committing the outrages they did. It is the nature of an Indian to retaliate, to- have revenge. All Indians murdered by Lott were relatives. Sidominadotah was their chief and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 269 brother to Inkpaduta, and the aged squaw was Inkpaduta's mother. They were also relatives of Sleepy Eyes. I am of the opinion from their wdiole conduct after that murder by Lott, that they were determined to- have revenge. CHAPTER IV. Incidents That Occurred After the Troops Left Fort Dodge to Suppress the Indian Rising — The Jury Trial — A Ret rospect — As Told by Major AVilliams. In the fall of 1853, the county seat of AA^ebster county was located at Homer. Nearly all the population of the coun ty was in that immediate vicinity, and principally made up of Missourians, North Carolinians and Indianaians; they had held their elections and were filled with importance. Copies of the Code of Iowa were procured and everyone took a deep interest in the law7. At any time, from ten to fifteen might be found congregated, reading the code and arguing points of law, and comparing the law of Iowa wdth the law as they had it in Missouri and elsewdiere. The officers elect felt their importance. Each one drew up his shirt collar, placed his finger on his nose, shut one eye and looked wise. When Lott committed the murder of the Indians in January, 1854, it caused great confusion among them, they greatly feared the Indians would retaliate; for a time they put aside the code and stopped law debates. It was some time before the remains of Sidominadotah, the murdered Indian, were found. Finally the Indians found it and reported. Then some exciting scenes occurred. The constituted au thorities of the county, as they styled themselves, took up the case, and after fully arguing the case, aided by the coun selor, who was afterwards admitted to the bar, they decided that it was within their jurisdiction where the body was HUMBOLDT COUNTY 271 found. The case was in due time taken up by the legal au thorities embodied at Plomer, or rather around Homer, who decided that a coroner's inquest should be held over the re mains of the murdered Indians. A jury was summoned and up they went to Inkpadutah's encampment, which was near where William R. Miller formerly lived. Mr. B was the lawyer and interpreter for the party, as he claimed to under stand the Sioux language. The bones of the old Indian, Sidominadotah, were produced and laid before the jury. The Indians gathered around at a loss to know what was to be done. No doubt, they expected that Lott and his son had been taken and that a grand pow-wow was to' be held before they were delivered over to them, which they had been so anxiously expecting. The jury looked grave and eyed the red men with the greatest curiosity. After a full examina tion of the bones and an explanation by their attorney, they proceeded to- take testimony. Mr. Miller was requested to act as master of ceremonies, as he was best acquainted with the Indians and had previously heard all their story. One after another the Indians were called up, a most laughable scene. To all questions put to the Indians, but one answer was given, generally, "Ho, AVa see cha, Nepo' Dacotah, Ho Sidominadotah Nepo." Which interpreted is, "Yes, white man killed Dacotah, yes Sidominadotah killed." Great dif ficulty arose among the jury, and the attorney and Miller disagreed as to the interpretation. Some of the jury were of the opinion that they meant to say that some Indian whom they called Waseechee Nope, had killed him. They had heard Indian names in Missouri that sounded very much ilke that. Others contended otherwise. Mr. B gave his interpretation. Mr. Miller pronounced it wrong and gave his, he w'as best posted and so they disagreed. The jury 272 HISTORY OF IOWA requested Mr. Miller to get the Indians to say wdiich was right, the only answer that he could get was, "Ho." Some warmth ensued between the two interpreters, Mr. B held he was right, Mr. Miller disagreed, Mr. M. always had on the King's English, pronounced his interpretation a d — d proposition. Mr. B quoted Dick's works, and insisted that the word Nepo was derived from the Greek; that he had studied the Sioux language and traced it back to its roots. He commenced to' parse the words and compare them. He stated that the word Nepo was from a Greek word, Nep, and triumphantly exclaimed, Nep, Nepo, Nepos. This silenced Miller and he left swearing that it was a damned proposition (imposition), and he would exterminate and leave them; also some of the jury left with him. Mr. B was left to close the affair. He succeeded in getting the Indians to let him take the head of Sidominadotah with them. It was asserted that the promise was to- bury it, they, however, took it to Homer and hung it up at the corner of Mr. B's house where it hung for nearly a year. No doubt many yet resid ing here, as well as myself, saw it hanging there. Mr. Miller after he saw the use they had made of the head, was very fearful, that the Indians would find it out, and give trouble. I never learned that any report of the finding of that jury was made. After the troops left Fort Dodge we, but seldom, saw the face of a white man for better than a year. The folks in the south part of the country finally began to- feel a little secure in venturing up. One day we discovered smoke be low us, and upon inquiring found four Missourians, by the names of Eslicks and Howard, who were on a hunt. They came into the Fort for powder and lead, inquired about In dians and desired to know if deer were plenty in the Lizard HUMBOLDT COUNTY 273 Forks. They ventured across the river with their wagon, drawn by two oxen. They had a horse, which one of them rode. They crossed over in the morning and about noon the next day they came flying back and reported that they were attacked by Indians and robbed. AVe, at the time, doubted the story, having a perfect knowledge of the Indians who were in that neighborhood and district. We offered to cross over and see the Indians, if they would go- along and point them out. No, we could not even get them to' stay any time with us. They were so much alarmed that they put out, and soon had all the lower part of the country in a fever. AVe, however, to allay the excitement, sent for the Indians, whom they said robbed them of their shirts. Next day after we sent word to them, several came in, and sure enough, one of them had on a white man's shirt. We challenged him, and told him what the white man stated. He said the white man gave it to him, and he at once delivered it up. We found the true story to be this: The Missourians set out to hunt between the Lizard and the Des Moines and the course they pursued was to fire the prairies to scare up the game. How ard, one of the party, crossed over toward the Des Moines, and the Eslicks took along the Lizard, leaving one with the wagon, which they had left some distance back. Howard stooped down to fire the prairie. Not very far from him one of the Indians was secreted, watching a deer which was coming toward him. He feared Howard would frighten it away. Howard happened to get sight of the Indian with his gun. He jumped and ran calling for his companions. The Indian put after him, calling to him to stop. Howard gave out and stopped — gave up. The Indian went up to him, and gave him his hand, but Howard was out of breath. The Indian saw that he was very much alarmed, threw the powder out 274 HISTORY OF IOWA of his pan and laid his gun down. He then tried to get Howard to understand that he wanted to trade with him. All efforts were in vain. All Howard could do was to shake his head. The Indian wanted to trade for a coat or shirt, and by signs endeavored to make Howard understand that he was cold and wanted first a coat and then a shirt. Howard had on two coats- and three shirts at the time. All poor Howard could do was to stand trembling and speechless, and shake his head. Finally the Indian, after many efforts, endeavored to make him understand what he wanted, by putting his hand to his forehead and drawing it down, meaning thereby that he and the white man were half and half, two- friends together, which Howard took to mean, that if he did not give him a shirt, he would tomahawk him. He commenced stripping off his clothes. The Indian took a shirt and put it on; urging him to go with him tO' his camp, and he would give him fur for it, but Howard would not be prevailed upon to go. The Indian picked up his gun, shook hands and left him highly pleased with the shirt which he considered wras given to him. While this was going on, those who had taken along the Lizard ran foul of some of the young Indians, who, as it happened got between them and their wagon. So much were they alarmed, that they attempted to fly, when they ran right towards several Indians, who- seeing their flight, and at all times being fond of such fun, raised a yell and one of them ran after the party, who- was on horseback, for some distance. When the party came in, they stated that the Indians ran after the one on horseback and caught the horse by the tail and kicked him. The whole chase was a mischievous trick of the young Indians. But seldom has there been seen HUMBOLDT COUNTY 275 a worse frightened set of men than the four Missourians. This put a stop to coming up to hunt in this quarter for sometime. The boys at the fort got the shirt from the In dian. It was very dirty, greasy and smelled of skunk. Car penter, James Williams and John Miller put it up in very good style and sent it to' Homer P. O. for Howard, with a letter, stating that they had after great effort, recovered it from a young squaw, wdio had taken it from Howard, which exasperated him very much. The terror of the Indians kept away what is generally called, the first run of immigrants, or those who have kept on the frontier all their lives. Generally a class of people who don't profit any country. The Homerites did us a great service in circulating Indian stories, and keeping such away from the upper country. Occasionally two or three hard looking customers would cautiously come up to' us and hang around ; inquiring how the land lay. Generally the first ques tion would be, "Are there many Indians around here?" We would tell them, "Yes, a great many." Next question would be, "Ain't you afraid to stay here?" We would answer, "Yes, sometimes we feel afraid, but we keep a good supply of arms to fight them if they come on us. Then show them our arms and tell them how we calculated to defend ourselves. By this time they would begin to run to the door to- take a look around. We would tell them, there was no knowing what moment they might come on us. If this had not the effect, one of us would pretend to go> out to the bank back of the building to take a look around, see if all was right, and feign an unwillingness to venture out unarmed, this was sure to start them. You would see them making a straight coat tail over the hill in short order. In this way we kept off a class of settlers whose appear ances we did not like. Knowing they had been talked to 276 HISTORY OF IOWA before they came up, Ave knew how to operate on them. On the other hand, when men came in whose appearance we liked, we urged them to settle and ridiculed the idea of danger. During the year 1854, about March and April, settlers began to come in. We were constantly annoyed by some who settled with us at the fort. They were in constant dread of the Indians, At the hour of one and two o'clock at night, they would be found at our door, praying for us to get up, that the Indians were all around us. And if an Indian would make his appearance all the doors w'ere nailed up and feather beds used for batteries to guard against attacks. Several of the families were from Indiana. Their women were all the time in terror of the Indians. They had neArer seen an Indian until they came to the fort, and belonged to- a genera tion that had been raised in Indiana and Ohio, where they had by their forefathers been told over and over again of the cruelty of the Indians and the outrages committed by them in former days in those states, when they were frontier states. Such were the impressions made upon them, that it was hard to reconcile them in any way. In 1854 several companies of surveyors went north and west of the fort to survey and sectionize the land in the new counties. The Indians were sure to visit them .and hover about them. Several of the surveyors had to quit their work for a time, as their hands would not stay with them. Several stampedes of the hands took place. Messrs. Leech and Bell had a contract on the north branch of the Des Moines in what is now Kossuth, Humboldt and Pocahontas counties. The company went up armed to the teeth, put everything in good repair before they left the fort, purchased two or three additional guns, and were, as they said, ready for any HUMBOLDT COUNTY 277 emergency. After they got up to1 their work, the Indians began to come in to them, begging for provisions, and using a good deal of freedom in handling matters, while others were seen in the distance on their ponies, galloping around reconnoitering. The appearances so alarmed them, that about a week after they Avent up, the party broke and fled for Fort Dodge. The first one whom AA-e saw was Leech. He pased doAvn and said but little. After him, a day or tAvo, came the balance, in a terrible state of alarm. TavO' or three were so much alarmed that they could not sleep, and Avhen they arrived at the fort, they dared not leave for home. Bell was compelled to suspend the Avork for sometime. In this way, there Avere continual alarms and stories that would stir up and frighten our citizens, and cause a great deal of trouble to reconcile them, and not until Ave had a force of twenty or thirty men, well armed, could Ave get them to have any con fidence in security. AAre had several who came here to settle, avIio- Avere such consummate cowards ,that Ave arranged to run them off en tirely. The greatest of Avhich was a young married man named George Warner. He Avas so cowardly that he would not venture out three hundred yards to drive his cows in. The boys became tired of him and his alarms. In the dead of night he was seeing and hearing Indians and raising alarms. frightening the women and children. It was finally concluded that he had better be frightened off. He came clown to the store one evening, as he was in the habit of doing, wanting some one to go> Avith him and hunt the coavs. All declined, and told him that they had a short time before seen his coav in the timber on the hill, near Avhere Mr. Humphrey lived, that he need not be afraid to go there for her. Being assured of this, he hung about for sometime. At length he very 278 HISTORY OF IOWA cautiously started for the cow, looking all around him. John and James Heffley anticipating him, threAv blankets over their shoulders and tied handkerchiefs around their heads, and with their guns posted themselves in the woods, near the place he Avas directed to- look for the coavs. As he enter ed the woods very cautiously, the two- boys raised the Indian yell and fired a gun, when Warner broke and ran. Never has there a man made better time than he did back to the fort, raising the alarm, insisting upon it, that the Indians were all around us, and no doubt, he believes to this day, that he was fired at by the Indians. Soon after some doubts Avere entertained about the Indians seeking revenge for the murder committed by Lott. The boys, several of them, went out, as they professed, to reconnoiter, to see if any Indians Avere lurking about. They returned, reporting that about six miles north of the fort there were about seventy tepees of Sioux warriors, all armed and painted for Avar, avIio- were determined to- be revenged on the Avhites, if Lott were not given up immediately. This report was too much for AArarner. The next that Avas heard of him, he had all his effects loaded in a wagon, and was putting for the south with all possible speed, reporting all the Avay down to AVes Moines that Fort Dodge must be taken and all killed. In this Avay, we disposed of all such. In the spring and fall, in the fall particularly, the Indians north and Avest of us would put fire to the prairies, which would be seen for several nights before it would approach us. The reflection or light ould be seen for some time in the distance. This, to man}- of our first settlers, caused great alarm, knowing that there were no whites in that direction. It marked out where the Indians were, and as the fires ap proached us, the greater the alarm and uneasiness. On one HUMBOLDT COUNTY 279 occasion a smoke was noticed on the south Lizard. It re mained stationary for some days. It was watched very close ly, by several of our settlers, who finally concluded it was Indians, and that nothing was surer than that we would be attacked. To allay the excitement, we raised a party of eight, in cluding some of the timid ones, and crossed the river to see what it meant. After approaching cautiously, and putting to test, some of the party, Ave found a hut built and a large fire before it on the bank of the stream, but no person to be seen. The idea at once seized upon the minds of some of the party, that the Indians had hid, and would cut off their retreat; Avith this belief, three or four of the party began to fall back. After retreating three or four hundred yards, they discovered a short distance from them in the bushes, two men Avith blankets over them, approaching them. This was enough.. They made for the fort with all speed, giving the alarm. On seeing the objects Avho alarmed them standing looking after them, we called to them, when they approached us, Ave found them to be trappers, an old man named James Merritt, and a lad about fifteen years old. We persuaded the old man and his companion to come into' the fort to satisfy the folks and allay their fears. This occurred in February, 1855, when Ave first saw old man Merritt, who spent the greater part of his life secluded from the world, engaged in trapping. He died on South Lizard in the fall of 18:8. FORKS OF THE DES MOIXES NEAR HUMBOLDT CHAPTER V. INKPADUTA AND THE SIOUX AVAR OF 1862. New Ulm — Frontier Forts — One Thousand Settlers Killed — The Lott Murders Again the Direct Effect — Point of View by A. D. Bicknell. The general opinion seems to be that the massacre was confined to the locality of New Ulm, and that the extent of the mischief clone, the people murdered or carried captive away, Ave re about the same as in the previous massacre at Spirit Lake. Yet at Spirit Lake only forty-one Avere mur dered and only four women carried off, while in this Avar it is estimated that 1,000 settlers Avere killed and after the battle of Wood Lake, General Sibley rescued, in that locality alone, 107 white captives, mostly young women, besides 162 friend ly half-breeds. The country depopulated during the forty days Avar, Avas half as large as the state of Iowa, being 200 miles long and 150 miles in wddth. At the time of the uprising the Chippewa Indians oc cupied the eastern portion of Minnesota along the timbered regions of the Mississippi river, and the Sioux were mainly located along the Minnesota river, and up along the head 282 HISTORY OF IOWA waters of the Red River of the north. As these two tribes hated each other wdth deadly malice, the government kept them as far apart as possible. The whole state west of the Mississippi Avas nominally defended by the little garrisons at Forts Ridgely, Ripley and Abercrombie. Fort Ridgely was located on the Minnesota river, about eighty miles soutlnvest of St. Paul. Fort Ripley was about 150 miles north of Ridgely, on the Mississippi river, and Fort Abercrombie was 120 miles west of Ripley and between Breckenridge and Fargo, on the Dakota side of the Red river. For some reason that never could be under stood these frontier posts Avere always built close to a ravine or in the edge of the brush, or both, so as to facilitate the easy and protected approach of a skulking foe. Notice Fort Dodge. It was typical. All the forts above named Avere constructed just as they should have been if intended to invite assault. The garrisons spent their time in hunting, fishing and in having a good time generally. The government was kept busy finding men, money and rations for its army in the south that during the summer it had very materially reduced its frontier garrisons, and had been very slow in sending the annuities due the Sioux, both in goods and money. Mr. Lincoln called for 300,000 more men July 1, and August 4, he called for 300,000 more. More than 650,000 men were already in the field. This immense number stag gered the understanding of the saA-ages, and they concluded that the government had gone to pieces and Avould be unable to give them further support even if it should Avish to do- so. But there was great opposition to a revolt among" the Indians themselves and especially among the old, the experienced, HUMBOLDT COUNTY 283 and the half-breeds. The young bucks and the marauders were eager for Avar. But threats of violence were the annual accompaniment of the great gatherings of the Indians at the agencies Avhen they came to receive their annuities. There were two agencies established for the distribution of annui ties to the Sioux, one at Yellow Medicine, fifty-two miles nortliAvest of Fort Ridgely, and the other at Redwood, on the Minnesota river, twelve miles above the fort. Why the agencies Avere located so far from the protecting forts is an other of the mysteries of Indian management. As early as the 14th of July there had congregated at Yellow Medicine 659 lodges of the Sioux and 120 lodges of Yanktons, Cut Heads and Winnebagoes. They were very threatening even then. Ten days later 1,200 braves, stripped and painted, 400 of them mounted, swept howling past the agency in pursuit of a band of Chippewas that had just way laid and killed a couple of Sioux. They failed to catch their foe, and came back sullen and bloodthirsty. For several months, bands of Indians, led by Inkpaduta and his son, Scarlet Point, had been raiding the country, stealing horses and other property. Inkpaduta had been a virtual outlaw ever since the massacre at Spirit Lake. These raids had become so troublesome that the Indian agent at Yellow Medicine, T. J. Galbraith, proposed to put an imme diate stop to them by the apprehension and punishment of the leaders, and the method he employed precipitated the war. And here it is that Ave see again the direct effect of the killing of Sidominadotah by Lott. July 27, Galbraith ordered out an expedition against Inkpaduta and his followers with orders to bring them in "dead or alive." He so undersized his job that in his order he says, "Ten or twelve men will, in my opinion, be sum- 284 HISTORY OF IOWA cient." The soldiers went on their mission secretly and at night, but the Indians had learned of the order before their departure. Thus Inkpaduta and his family were outlawed and under virtual orders to be shot on sight, and from that time till the beginning of the massacre they felt that their only safety lay in a general uprising, and they bent all their ener gies in that direction. The only just cause for complaint that the Indians had Avas the long delay of the government in sending" in their money annuity. This fact Avas used by Inkpaduta Avith telling effect, and thus it was that he suc ceeded in starting the massacre. But on the very day of the outbreak four men, unsuspecting and all alone, came leisurely into Fort Ridgely Avith the $71,000 in gold, Avhich would haAre been distributed next day had not this outlaAvry of Ink paduta so prematurely forced hostilities. Had this money been distributed before August 18, Inkpaduta would have been powerless for any great mischief, and no Avar would have folloAved. In the meantime the Sioux, under Little Crow, and the Chippewas, under the able chief Hole-in-the- Day, had formed an alliance against the Avhites, the plan being to fall upon the three forts above named, and after haA'ing killed the garrisons they intended to murder and lay waste the whole frontier. The situation at Fort Ripley was like that at the other forts. The garrison Avas Avithout suspicion. The four can non had long stood unused at the river bank, and only one of the soldiers had ever helped load such a gun. Bad Boy, a friendly sub-chief, Avho refused to join Holeintheday, fled from the wrath of the Indians and reported the situation to the soldiers. They then pulled their cannons into the fort, and Holeintheday thought best to wait for a reinforcement HUMBOLDT COUNTY 285 of Red Lake allies before he ventured an attack, though he had 275 warriors and the garrison numbered only thirty. When his allies came and he had 500 under command, he wisely deemed discretion the better part of valor, and treated for peace directly Avith Mr. Lincoln's Indian Commissioner Dole, Avho had been sent up from Washington for that pur pose. Thus the Indian's holy horror of a cannon and the shrieking, bursting shell saved the garrison, and cut the Chip- peAvas off from further mischief, and saved the valley of the Mississippi from the horrors that befell the west part of the state. This treaty with Holeintheday took place a feAV days after the battle of Redwood. Inkpaduta had so worked up the wrar spirit of the young bucks that they could not wait for a general attack, and they broke loose on the 18th of August and began a promiscuous slaughter of private citizens. On that day a Avounded citizen was brought to Fort Ridgely. He gave the surprised garrison its first hint of danger. Captain Marsh, with a company of fifty-four men started at once for Redwood agency to investigate the dif ficulty, and though he found burning houses and dead and horribly mutilated bodies all along the road, beginning at a point six miles out from Fort Ridgely, and though all the bodies Avere still warm, he permitted himself to- be ambuscad ed at the river and more than half his comand was slaugh tered. Next day, August 19, and again on 23rd and 24th, the bloody battles of New Ulm Avere fought, followed September 2nd and 3rd by the battle of Birch Collie and September 23rd the final battle of the war, as far as Minnesota was concerned. was fought at Wood Lake. 286 HISTORY OF IOWA In all the great battles of this war, the Indians were led by the chief, Little Crow, who escaped the conflict and was heard from later on. So-, too, in all the battles the Indians were defeated. All the forts Avere saved because of the Indians superstitious fear of a cannon. Nothing else so terrified them as when the big guns sent old iron and spikes Avhistling their wild music amongst them. After the last named battle, Gen. H. H. Sibley induced the Indians to come in and surrender, when he proceeded to try them by court martial, and soon he had 300 of them condemned to hang. But Mr. Lincoln wisely concluded that such a Avho-lesale execution would do no- good — that it would be rank barbarism and in every way work mischief. So at the hanging in Mankato, December 26, only thirty- eight Avere swung off. CFIAPTER VI. GEOLOGY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. Introduction — Physiography — ¦ Topography — Drainage — Stratigraphy — Formations Represented — Synoptical Table — Geological Formations — Mississippian Series — Kinderhook — St. Louis— Upper Carboniferous — Des Moines — Pleistocene — Kansan Drift — Wisconsin Drift — Soils — Economic Products — Building Stones — Lime — Sand — Clays — Fuel — Water Supply — Water Power — Forestry Notes on Humboldt County — From Iowa Geological Survey — Work of T. H. MacBride. Humboldt county belongs to that group of Iowa coun ties known in the various publications of the state as north- central. It lies in the third tier of counties south of the Minnesota line and is almost equally distant from the Mis souri and Mississippi river, some twenty-five or thirty miles nearer the former stream. The surface is an almost perfect plain; the highest elevation within its limits rises not more than thirty or forty feet above the general level. Neverthe less the west side of the county, as at Gilmore, is higher by about ioo feet than the eastern, and the north side is likewise higher than the south, so that the general drainage, as affect- 288 HISTORY OF IOWA ed by streams, is from the north and the west. The only streams of any importance are the forks of the Des Moines river with their tributaries. These occupy comparatively narrow channels, cut down from tAventy to seventy feet below the level of the general plateau. To the early pioneer the whole county must have appeared an absolute plain — a prairie, covered Avith grass and flowers, dotted everywhere by unnumbered lakes, or marshes, darkened by their sombre- tinted vegetation, varied with Avoodland only within the nar row limits of the flood-plains of the streams. Noav the Avhole landscape is that of a cultivated field, adorned on every side with grove and orchard ; the ponds and lakes have vanished, or show as mere depressions, where Avaving harvests of Avheat and corn attest the marvelous fertility of the prairie soil. The native woods have been, in large measure, still preserved, at least in area, and, thickened by a growth unchecked by fire, they border the river channel in many localities much as of yore, contributing wonderfully to the general beauty and at tractiveness of this fortunate county. Owung to causes to be set forth by some future student of the political history of the state, the county is among the smallest, includes but twelve congressional townships, while most counties of the state have sixteen and many, tAventy. Kossuth, to the north, has tAventy-eight, AArebster, to the south, twenty, and AATight and Pocahontas, to the east and west, respectively, have each sixteen. Nevertheless, within these narrow limits Humboldt county does not lack biologic, geologic and topographic problems of peculiar interest. These Avill come out as occa sion offers, in the pages to- follow. The lack of coal in the county and the scantiness of rock exposure have combined to make this county hitherto less attractive to those sent by the state to report on her resources. Prof. James Hall, Avhose HUMBOLDT COUNTY 289 name will be forever associated with all the geologic science of his country, studied Iowa, it is true, but never saw the northwest counties. Worthen, in 1856, under Hall's direc- rection, followed the Des Moines river and proceeded as far as Fort Dodge. Dr. White, Avho, as state geologist, succeeded Hall, visited Humboldt county in 1867, remained for a few days only and made a hasty examination of its rocks and soils. His report, published in 1869-70, is still the only account we have been able to find of the problem before us. Dr. White visited the exposures in the town of Humboldt along the bank of the river, the oolitic beds, the point known since as Dr. AArelch's quarry, of which he gh^es a section, the expos ures at Rutland, and certain exposures just west of the Hum boldt county line, in Pocahontas county, on Lizard creek. From a mere cursory examination, Dr. White recognized in general, the true stratigraphy of the rocks he saw, and point ed out the fact that their character did not lend much en couragement to those AAdio even then were seeking coal with in the limits of the county. PHYSIOGRAPHY— TOPOGRAPHY. The topography or surface character of Humboldt coun ty is, as already stated, for the most part extremely simple. Nevertheless, its very simplicity must be explained, and for thorough explanation, as men look at such problems today, it requires the consideration and study of not less than three determining factors; these are the Kansan drift, the succeed ing Wisconsin drift, and the erosion effected by the Des Moines river and its branches and tributaries. The Wisconsin drift, — for so we name the latest surface deposit by which the entire north-central portion of Iowa has 290 HISTORY OF IOAVA been more or less completely covered, — has been so thor oughly described elsewhere in these reports that simple mention would seem perhaps sufficient here. To the Wis consin drift we owe the peculiarly level upland so characteris tic of the county. To the same deposit belong, as a distin guishing character, the thousand diminutive, circular lakes or pools which mark everywhere the open prairie; nor less in the southern and eastern townships the undrained swamps and peat-beds, until recently, so uninviting to the farmer; as, also, the larger lakes that once lent their sheen to the beauty of the landscape. Indeed, almost the entire topography is typi cal Wisconsin, recognizable from the car windows by the intelligent passing tourist. Not only is the surface drainage of the county thus im perfect, incomplete, but the erosion effected by the smaller streams is in many places likewise peculiar, indicating in unexpected places the comparative newness of the process. For instance, the banks of the Des Moines in Beaver tOAvn- ship and elsewhere show, instead of the usual tributary val leys, singular precipitous ravines cut almost perpendicularly into the body of the drift. These extend back from the river only the shortest distance, sometimes failing- to reach the margin of a marsh or lakelet lying only a few rods distant. The processes of erosion here, as such things go, are plainly new and recent. But, however striking such features of Humboldt topog raphy may thus appear, there are some others that are still more remarkable. A moving glacier is nothing if not a gi gantic plane which tends to obliterate completely all surface irregularities and to leave just such a landscape as has been described. But to do its work completely the amount of drift carried by the glacier must be large; enough, practically, to HUMBOLDT COUNTY 291 fill up the depressions of the topography pre-existeing. In the case before us that condition failed. The amount of detritus carried doAvn was small. In Humboldt county the Wisconsin drift-sheet is remarkable for its thinness. Not withstanding the fact, therefore, that for the county as a whole the Wisconsin determines the dominant landscape type, there are, nevertheless, numerous special localities in which the deposit is either wanting or so thin, so very thin, as hardly to affect the topography upon which it came. It is but a veil, through which an earlier, older sculpture exhib its still its ancient features. This older topography is that of the Kansan drift, carved by all the erosion which everywhere mark that time-worn stratum. The hills in Humboldt county in general, except as otherwise noted, may be said to' repre sent the pre-Wisconsin or Kansan surface. Those near the mouth of Bloody creek may be taken as example, stretching back northwesterly, with long, low valleys between them. The steep river banks everywhere, such as that near the bridge on the east side of the East Fork, in section 10 of Grove township, or that immediately south of the railway tracks in section 24, Corinth township, are Kansan, and have, in all probability, suffered little change in all the years since floods from retreating Kansan ice-fields passed down the valleys. The ridge north of "Owl lake" is Kansan with a veneer of Wisconsin on its steep northern declivity. There are even a few scattered hills (or kames?)in the western part of the county probably referable to the same formation. The highest noted is in Corinth township, Nw. qr., Nw. \, Sec. 4. This is a gravel knoll, capped by Wisconsin bowlders. It seems to bear no relation to the local drainage system, but the gravel, though not freshly exposed, may be put down as Kansan, judging from what is observed elsewhere. Further 292 HISTORY OF IOWA details will be given later, when Ave come to discuss the Kansan drift as such. As referable to glacial action it remains to mention one further topographic feature marking the surface of Humboldt county. This is a Ioav ridge, generally breaking off rather abruptly on the south, extending east and west across the northern half of the county. To be more explicit the high land referred to is traceable from Wacousta through Delana and across Grove and Humboldt townships; it forms the di vide between Bloody and Trullinger creeks; rises abruptly just north of Hardy and forms the plateau on which stands the town of Renwick. This highland carries up the general level of this part of the county some twenty or thirty feet and seems to be morainic in character; referable probably to the retreat of the Wisconsin ice. The third factor to be considered in discussing the to pography of Humboldt county, is erosion, as affected by the principal streams. The two principal branches or forks of the Des Moines river meet to form the main stream near the southern bound ary of the county. The East Fork enters almost exactly at the center of the north line of the county, bends exactly at the center of the north line of the county, bends slightly to the east, and flowing southwardly turns west at length to meet the West Fork at a point almost directly south of the point of entrance first mentioned; so> that the East Fork divides the county from north to south into- two almost equal sections. For nearly its entire course through the county the East Fork flows above sandy bottoms. There are no rock exposures until Ave reach the south line of Grove town ship where the stream cuts into the St. Louis limestone, as will be hereafter noted. The vallev of the East Fork is nar- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 293 row, its banks often Ioav and Avooded, the erosion of its flood- plains referable in some places at least to' waters from the Kansan ice. A good illustration is seen near the town of Livermore. The flat land on the west side of the river is the old Kansan flood-plain, while the hill east of the bridge is a steep bank of Kansan gravel covered by a veneer of AViscon- sin drift. The situation is much like that often observed in the loess-covered regions farther south, with the exception that the AArisconsin here takes the place of the loess. The AArest Fork enters the county near its northwest corner, folloAvs the county line southwardly for about one mile, then turns Avest into Pocahontas county, only to reap pear and re-enter Humboldt county five or six miles further south, at Bradgate. The course of this stream, unlike that of the East Fork, is everywhere marked by rock-exposures; the channel is almost uniformly rock-paved and strewn with granite bowlders from the drift, so abundant as to suggest some New England mountain channel, rather than the quiet, creeping river of the level prairie. The sides of the stream are limited by rocky walls which become more and more picturesque, more and more prominent topographic characters, as we pass east and south. The banks are, there fore, generally Avell defined; floods seldom rise above them, and the valley across which the present channel passes, now to this side, now to the other, seems old and long unflooded. In fact, the flood plain, nowhere wide, perhaps less than a mile at its widest point, southwest of Rutland, shows everyAvhere a shallow deposit of sand and gravel referable again to the Kansan drift, with only here and there a scattered bowlder or group of bowdders, to- indicate that ever the Wisconsin had come and gone. It is difficult to- reconcile the situation thus described with our pre-conceived notions of glacial activity. 294 HISTORY OF IOWA It may be, however, suggested, that the on-coming of the Wisconsin ice Avas slow; the valleys in question were slowly filled, while later accumulations, moving southwards, .passed over the valleys entirely. At any rate, the later ice-sheets in many parts of the Humboldt county valleys, seem hardly to have moved at all, and in such places the deposits of drift are insignificant. The secondary streams of the county present few topo graphic features of special interest. They are in general typical prairie streams, with shallow channels, Ioav gradient, and accordingly sIioav erosive characters only as they near the flood-plain of the receiving rivers, as already mentioned in the case of Beaver creek and Bloody run. The principal secondary stream of the county is Lott's creek, which, Avith its tributary Trullinger, drains the northern part of Delana township, and is reported to> be a perennial stream, especially below its junction with Trullinger. Lott's creek empties into the East Fork just north of the town of Livermore, and its banks, especially Avest of that village, exhibit the character istics already described as forming a Kansan landscape. DRAINAGE. As already intimated the drainage of the county, as af fected by natural channels, is quite imperfect. The general slope of the Avest half of the county is from Avest to east. Gilmore is more than a hundred feet higher than Dakota City; the east half sIioavs little variation, is almost level, with only a slight fall towards the Des Moines river to the south west, and toAvard the Boone river to the southeast. The ear ly settlers occupied the higher ground to the north and Avest, leaving the great swamps of the east and south as a problem for later comers. It is hardly necessary to say that the prob- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 295 lem has been quite effectively solved. Ditches and tile drains have worked marvels, and will no doubt eventually bring almost the entire prairie under the plow. Even considerable lakes, respected of the United States surveyor, which might have remained to lend charm and attractiveness to the other- Avise monotonous landscape, have yielded to the spirit of con quest Avhich avouM bring every foot of nature's domain under man's control. Owl lake seems to have been a beautiful and permanent sheet of Avater, covering several hundred acres, ten or fifteen feet deep, bordered by beautiful groves of native trees. In draining a great marsh which lay to' south and which, if reports are true, might better have found outlet by Beaver creek, OavI lake was put in the line of the ditch, and the waters from both regions carried into Boone river. The fact illustrates well the topography of this part of the county; the drainage canal might have gone at least equally well east or west, and there is not in either direction sufficient fall to have brought about natural drainage. The drift is, in the neighborhood, very deep. A well, wholly in the drift, near the south margin of the lake-bed, is 118 feet deep. The AA-ater rises from beneath a bed of organic matter, which doubtless represents here the pre-Kansan surface forest-bed. A well in the middle of the former bed of Owl lake is said to be sixty feet deep. Drainage by ditches is, however, characteristic rather of the eastern and southern portion of the county. The west ern, and especially the central townships, exhibit a very different system, in some of its features unique. The lime stone which underlies the region now in question appears to be full of fissures, and as a result we have subterranean drain age. In numerous places, instead of the ordinary lakelet or pond characteristic of the AVisconsin drift, we have a sink- 296 HISTORY OF IOWA hole. The lakelets ("kettle-holes") are not wanting; but the great majority of them leak, and drain effectively the contig uous lands. Within the past few years the farmers, taking their cue from the natural state of affairs, have begun boring holes in the bottoms of the marshes or lakes not having such outlets by nature. It is found that a well deep enough to furnish an inexhaustible supply of water will also, on the other hand, receive any amount of water that may be poured into it, and deep-well drainage has become a singular char acteristic of the agriculture of Humboldt county. Once a well is sunk in some particular slough, other wet acres in the neighborhood are, by tiling, brought into connection, so that sometimes a single well will drain a very large area, several hundred acres. In every case, of course, the well must reach an aquifer, or water-bearing stratum. The depth to Avhich such Avells are sunk varies but little in a given area; the aArer- age depth of a large number sunk by Mr. Charles De Groote is about 100 feet. On the other hand a -well sunk in the toAvn of Humboldt, to drain the stone quarry operated there, is 185 feet deep, and inefficient. Drainage wells are five inches in diameter, cased from the surface to the rock, and often with out so much as a screen at the top. Soil, sand, clay, and detritus of all sorts seem to be receiAred with impunity. The propriety of sending the discharge of unfiltered surface Avaters into the water couches that must supply at the same time the wells and springs of the county, is, perhaps, a matter that will one day merit consideration at the hands of the sanitary engineer. STRATIGRAPHY— FORMATIONS REPRESENTED. The geological formations represented in Humboldt county are not numerous, and yet more so than one might at HUMBOLDT COUNTY 297 first suppose. Here and there within the county appears the edges (outlying traces) of several of the paleozoic formations that are well developed, and Avell exposed further to the south. In general, hoAvever, vast beds of drift cover all. the older formations of Humboldt county, removing them entirely from ordinary exploration, leaving us to guess the extent of their presence from the few exposures along the rivers, where recent erosion has uncovered for a little way these ancient layers. Sometimes, also, the comminuted drill-chips, pre served by an intelligent well-digger, are brought to our assist ance, but the data so obtained are not very helpful in identi fication, and can do no more than confirm conclusions else where more happly formulated. In any event the distance between exposures is, in the case before us, so great that the identification of strata, on grounds lithological only, becomes a matter of some uncertainty. Added to this there is every indication that in the inteiwals of deposition the succeeding paleozoic strata suffered enormous erosion; everywhere is want of conformity, continuity, offering to' the student a problem of no little complexity. So far as at present appears, the geological formations of Humboldt county may be tabulated as follows: GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS. Carboniferous System — Mississippian Series — Kinder- hook Limestone. — The Kinderhook limestone was recogniz ed in Humboldt county by Dr. AVhite. This observer, how ever, included under the name all the stratified limestones of the region. Facts now patent to' every student, but inacces sible at the time of Dr. AA^hite's visit to the county, make it plain that the Kinderhook is really much more narrowly limited than was at first supposed, and is in fact represented 298 HISTORY OF IOWA by the lowest strata only of the Humboldt county limestones. For its identification we must depend upon lithological characters chiefly; organic remains being few and poorly pre served. But the beds in question are oolitic, and in this respect resemble beds of recognized Kinderhook age in Des Moines and Marshall counties. Besides, the organic remains, such as they are, are undoubtedly such as characterize the Kinderhook strata of Illinois, Avhere these were first describ ed. In the University geological collections may be seen Loxonema yandellana, Hall?, Straparollus macromphalus, AVinchell, S. obstusus, Hall, S. planispira, Hall?, Omphalo- trochus springvalensis, White, Bellerophon sublaevis, Hall, a small Allorisma and some other undetermined species. These specimens are from the Humboldt beds of oolite, and Avere deposited at the University by Dr. Clark, of Humboldt, Avho collected them. Oolite limestone, as the name suggests, is composed in large part of minute ovate, or egg-shaped calcareous grains or granules, held together by a cement or matrix of similar material. The granules show a concentric structure, and seem to» have been formed from Avhat may be termed calcare ous- sand, each grain first rounded by attrition, then coated by successive layers of lime precipitated from solution. Oolite is forming today along many tropical shores. The process takes place chiefly in the littoral zone, betAveen high and Ioav tide, wherever the beach is covered with fine calcareous sand. Such sands originate along the beaches of low islands, or other land areas that send no gross products of mechanical erosion to the sea, provided the adjacent sea bottoms support coral reefs or other profuse growth of lime-secreting organ isms. WaA-es pound to pieces the structures reared by living forms; and the fine calcareous grains to Avhich these struc- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 299 tures are evidently reduced, are strewn over the sea bottom up to the limits of high tide. Winds may carry them inland and pile them up in heaps and wreaths, far beyond the limits of tidal movements; but between tide-marks the grains are alternately moistened and dried, a pellicle of lime carbonate is left upon each calcareous sand grain as a result of evapor ation of the saturated sea water, the grains grow by accretion after each retreating tide, and are at length converted into the perfectly rounded ooliths that give character to- this particu lar type of limestone. The very processes, however, which produce calcareous sand, Avould destroy as Avell the remains of all forms of living things, and the paucity of fossils is, perhaps, in this way expalined. Exposures of Kinderhook limestone occur at intervals along the banks of the west fork of the Des Moines river, from Humboldt city to Rutland. Within these limits the rock varies in character, very often and very much. These variations depend upon the relative amounts of cement and oolitic material present in the several cases. Thus the rocks by the river at Humboldt, near the abandoned limekiln, show the following section: FEET. 6. Drift, with gravel and rotten bowlders 1-2 5. Traces of ferruginous sandstone 1 4. Oolite; the ooliths fewer, irregular, uneven; the rock crystalline 2 3. Oolite; the ooliths of great uniformity, comprising nearly the whole mass of the stone 8-10 2. Oolite; the granules of uneven size, irregular 2 1. Fine-grained "lithographic" limestone, of unknown thickness, at the water's edge. The term lithographic, as here used, was employed by Worthen in describing Avhat is deemed a similar rock in the Kinderhook of Missouri and Illinois. The rock is an exceed ingly hard, fine-grained limestone, of a pale drab or bluish- 300 HISTORY OF IOWA gray color, breaking with irregular, angular or conchoidal fracture and remarkably smooth surface. It appears to have been laid down in deep water, is only rarely fossiliferous, and is composed entirely of only the finest sort of calcareous detritus. In its pure form this kind of rock occurs again and again in the Saint Louis beds, as Ave shall presently show; in the Kinderhook it seems to be affected generally with oolitic concretions. SPECIMENS OF OOLITE. The oolite in the vicinity of Humboldt affords beautiful illustrations of rock of its type, but the beds exposed are of very limited extent. Along the river front they are traceable for a short distance only, within the city limits, and are well seen where the rock has been extensively used for lime-burn ing. North of the town, in a field adjoining, on the east, the city cemetery, is a small quarry of oolitic stone, but here the oolites are much larger, and the rock of coarser texture. In fact as Ave go north and west from Humboldt the oolites become larger. At the same time they become feAver in pro portion to amount of cement material present, until they cease to be a conspicuous feature of the rock at all. The conditions of rock formation seem to have varied evervwhere AA'ithin a short distance. THE RUTLAND EXPOSURES. At Rutland, along the south bank of the river, is one of the most conspicuous rock exposure in the county. The strata here are also believed to be Kinderhook, and prob ably correspond to the lower bed in the Humboldt section. The beds are nearly horizontal, dip perhaps a little HUMBOLDT COUNTY 301 to the east, may be followed for about half a mile eastward Avhere they disappear, probably having been removed by pre- Carboniferous erosion. AVestward the same beds may be traced for some distance along the stream, but are replaced by Saint Louis at the water's edge in section 23 of Avery township. South of Rutland there are outcrops of the same rock here and there on the old flood-plain of the river, espec ially in the northeast quarter of section 30 in Rutland town ship. The Rutland limestone is not bedded, at least not evidently, it checks and cracks in all directions on exposure to the weather. The rock is, nevertheless, very hard, and erosion proceeds but slowly. Under the lens very large oolitts, or pisoliths, appear, from a quarter of an inch to half an inch in diameter, but no traces of organic remains were discovered. The total thickness of these rocks, as exposed at Rutland bridge, is about twenty feet. SAINT LOUIS LIMESTONE. Exposures of rock provisionally referred to the Saint Louis age occur in Humboldt county from the mouth of Beaver creek, near the south line of the county, north to Humboldt, and west to Bradgate. All the exposures visited are situated in the valley of the Des Moines river, and have been uncovered by erosion effected by that stream or its tributaries. For determinations of the horizon of these ex posures we must again be guided by characters lithological, and by stratigraphical position ; no fossils are discoverable to guide us in our researches. Unfortunately, too-, the rocks in question occupy a position which everywhere marks a period of transition, between the two great series of the Carbonifer ous system; they are accordingly mixed in character. In the same quarry we have sandstones, or arenaceous limestones, 302 HISTORY OF IOWA evenly bedded limestones, lithographic limestone, generally in thin, hard seams, pockets of shale and clay. Nor is lack ing the peculiar brecciated limestone which, in all other western localities, is held to be a sign of the Saint Louis stage. Notwithstanding all this diversity the various exposures A'isited are in general consistent with each other; their strata are, in the main, comparable and lie all above the oolite, and where contact can be observed are plainly unconformable with it. An exposure along the east bank of the river, near the south line of the county, shows the section folloAving: FEET. 10. Drift, probably Kansan covered by Wisconsin; sev eral feet. 9. Traces of Des Moines sandstone 6-7 8. Thin layers of arenaceous-calcareous rock 6-10 7. Irregular, heavy-bedded limestone, containing angu lar fragments of lithographic rock 5-7 6. Shale, with pockets of clay; of variable thickness. 5. A thin parting layer, very hard, dense limestone 4 4. Regularly bedded limestones, more or less arenace ous; about 2 3. Regularly bedded limestones, some lithographic; about 2 2. Talus covering the layers to the water's edge, say. ... 4 1/ Soft, whitish or bluish limestone in the bed of the river. On exposure turns brown or yellow, and washes readily under the rain. Occurs in layers six or eight inches thick, and is said to overlie blue shales. Bed number i, in the above section, has been extensively quarried from the river channel, and used in construction of d\Arellings in the vicinity. It is said to be Avhite Avhen fresh, and is easily Avorked. On exposure to the Aveather it assumes a yelloAV color and a chalky surface. The succeeding layers up to number 5 are, as far as observed, alternating beds of lithographic stone and rock of softer texture. That called HUMBOLDT COUNTY 303 lithographic corresponds with rock so named in other expos ures, is exceedingly hard, fine-grained, breaking with angular somewhat conchoidal fracture. Number 6 is shale passing into clay, and varies in thickness from two- to eighteen inches. Number 7 is the most characteristic and clearly defined mem ber of the Avhole series. It occurs in layers three to four feet thick, unevenly bedded, more or less brecciated, and breaks off in large blocks as undermined by the erosion of the thin ner beds beloAv. On the east side of the river this particular layer may be traced to near the mouth of Beaver creek; it is probably represented by the heavy upper rocks exposed east of the bridge over Beaver creek, in section 32 of Beaver township, and again appears in connection with exposures along the east fork, in section 31 of Grove township. The same rock appears also at one or two- points on the west bank of the Des Moines, as in section 31, Beaver township. From the point last mentioned, northward, the line rocks in question are seen no> more until Ave reach the south limits of the town of Humboldt. Any limestones that may have occupied the interval have been completely removed by ero sion, and their place supplied by drift or deposits of sand stones and shales representing the Des Moines stage. On the river bank, near the fair grounds, a quarry has been opened which shows an unevenly-bedded blue limestone affording abundant evidence of flexure, and dipping rapidly southward under the black shales of the coal measures. Near the mill on the east fork, east of Dakota, is another exposure of similar limestone, associated with beds of shale and clays. Both these exposures represent beds beloAv number 7 of the section on page 128. A very much more satisfactory view of these particular strata is obtained at Dr. Welch's quarry in section 31 of 304 HISTORY OF IOWA Grove township, above referred to. Here we have an ex posure of some sixteen or eighteen feet. Heavy, rather even ly-bedded limestone at the bottom, yields a superior quality of quarry stone. It is impossible at present to determine the thickness of these beds; the expo-sure at present reveals no more than two or three feet. Above comes a course of shale followed by other courses of thin-bedded limestone, the first of which, about seven feet up, is lithographic. The courses above the lithographic seam show traces of oolite. At length appear sandy fragments, probably of the Des Moines, capped by Kansan drift, one or two- feet in thickness. The eastern end of the exposure, only a short distance east, dem onstrates the unreliable nature of these strata, and the insta bility of the earth's crust during the period in which they Avere laid doAvn. Here the strata of limestone pass into beds of tAvisted, contorted shale, mingled with blocks of sandstone, loose pieces of limestone, angular fragments, imbedded in clay. Even the best defined strata are traceable for a short distance only. Similar rock underlies nearly all of the Avestern part of the city of Humboldt. An exposure is seen in Mr. Bull's quarry near the center of the town. Here Ave have the sec tion following: FEET. 3. Kansan drift, with bowlders, soil, etc 1-2 2. Thin-bedded, flinty layers of limestone, passing into beds of clay 2 1. Evenly-bedded, blue limestone, of variable texture... 6 Number i rests unconformably upon subjacent lime stone rock, and is evidently here, if our conclusions are right, the lowest member of the Saint Louis stage. The uneven floor of the Humboldt quarry is the eroded upper surface of the Kinderhook. The limestone is in some places shaly, but HUMBOLDT COUNTY 305 at its best is of good quality, dark blue in color, weathering to buff or pale yellow. It is in many places much seamed by vertical fissures of greater or less extent. In some instances these are packed with crystalline calcite; in other cases the rock is simply oxidized and discolored for the depth of an inch or tAvo on each side of the fissure. Number 2 is variable in the extreme, and apparently valueless. Other exposures-, which we refer to the Saint Louis horizon, are found in the so-called "sandstone quarry" in Rutland, and in Mr. Finch's quarry, at the river's edge, in the Sw. qr. of Ne. I, Sec. 23, Avery township. The same rock crops out at the Avater's edge for the last time on the west fork, just below the bridge, in the Ne. qr. of Nw. 4, Sec. 17, Avery township. Loose rocks of the same character cover the bottom of the present river channel, from the point last named eastward, nearly, to the town of Rutland. Some of the exposures mentioned show, in more or less abundance, the curious structure called, by Worthen, crystallites. There is probably nothing of crystalline nature about these forma tions. They resemble crystals in form only, are like the casts of crystals, but more probably represent slight faults in the material of the rock, faults formed while the material was as yet plastic. The axis of the crystallite is always perpendicu lar, or nearly so, to the plane of bedding. These forms are now known as Stylolites. At various points in Weaver township, as in the Ne. qr. of Sec. 9, there are exposures of limestone rock which must be considered here. These are mostly in the form of quarries, originally sink-holes, which have been developed to meet the local demand for rubble stone. From the exposure in sec tion 9, just mentioned, a large amount of rock has been taken. The quality seems to be excellent, and the bedding is such as 306 HISTORY OF IOWA to make comparatively light the labor of the quarryman. The rock is a rather coarse-grained, crystalline, encrintal limestone, reminding one of rocks elsewhere referred to the Augusta stage, unlike any seen anywhere in the river expos ures. Open sink-holes in this neighborhood show almost everywhere rock of the same character, so that it is probable that all the southwestern part of the county is underlain by similar strata, except where removed by pre-glacial erosion. In the town of Gilmore, for instance, a similar rock in the northeast part of the Aullage comes to the surface of the ground, while a few rods west, the town well goes down sixty feet before encountering rock at all. Nevertheless, we may consider this peculiar encrinital limestone as the surface rock for all that part of Humboldt county lying south of the Avest fork, except the flood-plains immediately adjacent to the stream. The same rock extends far into Pocahontas county, and is there exposed in precisely the same way. Thus in Clinton township, in Pocahontas county, one mile west of Gilmore, and one and one-half miles north, is a sink-hole quarry, which for years has been very extensively worked. The Gilmore quarry presents the folloAving section: FEET. 10. Alluvium, surface soil, etc 6 9. Coarse sand and gravels, Buchanan gravel 3 8. Red clay and rotten bowlders of various sizes, repre senting the Kansan drift 2-4 7. Heavy-bedded, coarse-grained limestone, crystalline, encrinital 20 6. Blue shales, limestone and clay; very fossiliferous. ... 2 5. Lithographic limestone, much inclined to angular fracture 1 1-2 4. Heavy-bedded, fine-grained limestone, no fossils 3 3. Shaly, thin-bedded limestones, with fossils 1 2. Coarse-grained, fossiliferous limestone, containing fragments of No. 1, but separated from it by a parting of shale 1 1. Lithographic limestone, fine-grained, and very hard.. 2 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 307 If we may judge from characters lithological chiefly, and from comparative position, the surface rock of the southwest part of Humboldt county is identical with number 7 in the above table. The strata exposed in the Gilmore quarry are the only beds above the oolite which contain fossils suffi ciently Avell preserved to give the student any assistance in determining the geologic horizon. But the fossils in this, our only locality, are poor; those of the limestone imbedded so firmly as to> be difficult of extraction, those of the shale fragmentary, flattened and generally imperfect, though very abundant. Long and patient search will be required to secure anything like a satisfactory series. The specimens collected were sent to Mr. Stuart Weller, of Chicago, and identified in part as follows: Eumetria verneuilana, Athyris subquadrata (?), Spirifer increbrescens (?), Rhynchonella — Sp. Concerning their horizon or ^eologic age, Mr. Weller says: "All these forms indicate a younger age than the Osage, or Augusta, as some prefer to call it, and I think they can safely be referred to the Saint Louis." This accords entirely with the view we have expressed as to the age of the upper formations in the southern part of the county, as at Humboldt and Beaver creek. The strata ex posed in Dr. Welch's quarry, for instance, are the equivalent of the very lowest beds in the Gilmore quarry, or, more likely, of beds still lower down. This conclusion accords likewise with the topographic evidence. The difference in level be tween the river channel at Bradgate and the Gilmore quarry is at least twenty-five feet; i. e, the last exposure at the river, supposing the strata level, is still thirty or more feet below the bottom of the Gilmore quarry. The encrinital limestones of the Gilmore quarry, and of Weaver township, resemble very much in texture the limestones long known in Iowa 308 HISTORY OF IOWA geology as Burlington, but the reference of the Gilmore shales to the Saint Louis in so far excludes the Burlington from our problem. UPPER CARBONIFEROUS. Des Moines. — There is every reason to believe that the Saint Louis strata were no sooner deposited than they be came forthwith subject to long continued and enormous erosion. The scant deposits which we have been tracing along the rivers, from the county line north to Humboldt, Rutland and Bradgate, are doubtless but remnants of beds once continuous over the entire region, and possessed of thickness possibly only partially indicated by the piled up strata of the Gilmore quarry. The valleys and irregularities, left as a result of erosion, are now in general buried beneath various sheets of drift; some of them, however, were filled long ages before by the sand and shales of Carboniferous waters. One such erosion valley lies immediately south of the town of Humboldt, and extends nearly to the county line. In the southwest corner of the Nw. qr. of the Se. ^ of Sec. 12, in Corinth township, is a limestone quarry, as already stated.. Within a feAv rods south occur beds of black shale, and no more limestone appears until near the mouth of Beaver creek, as heretofore described. Along the east fork the situation is exactly the same, and AAre have here an interval more than four miles in extent occupied, so far as indurated rocks are concerned, wholly by sandstones and shales. These represent the upper Carboniferous, and are apparently to be correlated with beds of the Des Moines stage, abundantly exposed immediately above the limestone along the river, south of the county line. Here, again, our decision rests upon relative position and characters purely lithological. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 309 Most of the material representing the coal measures has also been carried off by long erosion, so that the outcrops are nowhere important or extensive. We may, however, trace them quite continuously along both forks of the river, espec ially within the limits above described. Beginning at the south, the first coal measure exposure within the county is found on the west side of the river, in the soutliAvest quarter of section 29, in Beaver township. The outcrop here is sufficiently remarkable to- have long attracted general attention. It is known as the "ore bed" or "lava bed." Contrary, hoAvever, to the generally received opinion, the "ore beds" have probably never known heat more intense than that of the Humboldt August sun. The ore, however, is real; it is a form of hematite, iron ore con taining aluminum, traces of arsenic, zinc and other impurities. The folloAving analysis made by Mr. T. E. Savage, at the University laboratories, shows the content of our "lava": PER CENT. Iron 50.256 Silica, approximately 15 Aluminum, approximately 4 Zinc Trace Arsenic Trace Other substances, oxygen, etc., estimated 30 99.256 A similar ore is not uncommon in rocks of this horizon throughout the world. In the particular case before us the iron was doubtless brought down and deposited with the sand, obtained from the waste and decomposition of older rocks not far away. The sandstone so formed later became checked and cracked in every direction, by slight local dis turbances, flexures, etc., Avhile the contained iron Avas in part leached out in the presence of decomposing organic matter, 310 HISTORY OF IOWA only to be redeposited as hemitite where oxygen was abun dant, as in the cracks and fissures just referred to. Subse quent erosion and washing of the sandstone left the hardier ore behind in angular blocks and plates, box-like cavities, etc., the shape determined by the fissures in which concentration originally took place. The ore contains impurities of such character and amount as to make it intractable, and these, together with the small extent of the ore body, render it of little or no value. A characteristic exposure of Des Moines sandstone may be seen on the east fork, in the southwest quarter of section 19, Beaver township. Here the Minneapolis & St. Louis railway crosses the stream, and the sandstone outcrop is sufficient in extent and solidity to Avarrant its use to form the abutment for the west end of the railway bridge. The rock is coarse, heavy-bedded, hard, ferruginous, yellow, and furn ishes the best illustration seen in the county of the formation now considered. The same rock crops out along the river, on the west bank, in the southeast quarter of section 18, Beaver township, at the upper end of Riverside park, in the town of Humboldt, and on the opposite side of the river, at various points; also in the northeast quarter of section 34, Rutland tOAvnship. At the point last mentioned the very ferruginous coal measure sandstones are succeeded on the north by a bed of remarkably clean, sharp, white sand, oi unknown depth and extent. This, though closely associated here with the coal measure outcrop, represents evidently an entirely different period of deposition. It is probably refer able to the overlying Kansan, and is a most noteworthy deposit. On the east side of the east fork, in the southeast quarter of section 18, Beaver township, the Des Moines is repre- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 311 sented low doAvn along the water edge, and for some distance up and down the stream, by the characteristic black shale of the coal measures. This on the land of Mr. Hermanus Ket man Avas explored some years ago for coal. A drift was run in some distance from the river, and some imperfect shaly coal seems to have been taken out, but the prospect was on the Avhole unsatisfactory, and the work was soon abandoned. On the AA'est fork, in the southAvest quarter of section 12, Cor inth township, AA-ithin the limits of the incorporated town of Humboldt, a similar exposure of shale occurs along the river. This, also, was at one time the subject of experiment, and several tons of coal are reported to have been taken out. But the vein seems to have been fragmentary, the coal was soon exhausted, and the enterprise was abandoned. At pres ent there are no exposures by which one can judge as to- the real character of this particular member of the coal bearing series. The black shales seem to be capped by soft, sandy material, which speedily weathers to rounded slopes, and the whole surface in the localities mentioned is now grown over with grass and shrubs, down to the water's edge. In fact the sandstones and shales of Humboldt county, so far as studied, seem simply to fill up the erosion valleys of the older strata. They are nowhere continuous for any great distance. They are a part only of the northern most edge of the productive fields of Iowa, and it seems probable that any coal that may once have found place here was swept away by erosive agencies, acting prior to and during the invasion of the Kansan or pre-Kansan ice. From none of the exposures of coal-measure rocks and shales were fossils collected. Fragmentary plant-remains are said to have been encountered by those who explored for coal, but no trace of these can now be found. 312 HISTORY OF IOWA PLEISTOCENE SYSTEM. The Pleistocene deposits in Humboldt county, as else where generally in Iowa, consist of sheets of drift, beds of gravel, clay, sand, soil, alluvium, etc. Two distinct forma tions of such deposits may everywhere be easily discovered, an upper and a lower, or, as sometimes described, a younger and an older. The younger, newer, deposits in Humboldt county belong to what has been already called in this report the Wisconsin drift, the older to the Kansan. KANSAN DRIFT. The vast body of all the soils, sands and clays, which almost entirely bury the indurated rocks of Humboldt county belong to the Kansan age. Even Avhere the soil is thinnest, and underlying limestones come nearest to the surface, even there, remains of the Avork of the old Kansan ice sheet are not lacking. From the reports of Avell diggers Ave may gather that, in some parts of the county at least, a deposit older still intervenes between the Kansan and the limestone rocks be low. Such deposits doubtless represent the famous pre-Kan san formations revealed, Avith more or less clearness in various parts of the state, elseAvhere. Our data for Humboldt county, however, are insufficient to- justify more than this simple mention, and in Avhat folloAvs Ave may consider all the drift underlying the Wisconsin as Kansan. In Humboldt, as elsewdiere, the Kansan drift takes on different aspects, according as it has or has not been exposed to the action of the elements. Originally in large part a blue clay, Avhere long exposed to the Aveather it becomes brown or ferruginous. In many localities the upper portion of the Kansan consists of beds of sands and gravels, and such HUMBOLDT COUNTY 313 deposits are ahvays reddish-brown in color, very unlike the pale yellow of the overlying- Wisconsin clay. It folloAvs from this that the natural exposure of the Kansan are brown, while the same formation may and does furnish the blue clay of the Avell digger. In the particular case before us the only natural outcrops of the Kansan occur along the river valleys, as already intimated, and here they seem to represent the drainage deposits left by the abundant south-flowing waters of the retreating glacier; they are the Buchanan gravels and alluvial sands. The sandy plains about Bradgate, the flat valley opposite Rutland, the town site of Humboldt, the sandy fields south of the mouth of Indian creek, all represent the old Kansan alluvium, over Avhich the later drift passed like a shadoAv, leaving only here and there the slightest im press. On the other hand there are no finer exposures of Buchanan gravel than may be seen in the gravel pits of the Minneapolis & St. Louis railway, near the west end of the railroad bridge across the east fork, or one-half a mile further west, Avhere the gravel is excavated for road material to improve the public highways. Similar exposures occur at several places along the river valley in Beaver township, as near the center of section 17, on the north side of Coon creek, near the mouth, in the northwest quarter of section 20, and even on the top of the hill in the northwest quarter of section 30. In all these cases we find the peculiar orange- brown, ferruginous, coarse sand and gravel formed from decomposing pebbles, Avhich are today so- near disintegration that they crumble in the fingers of the collector. The extent of these deposits is very difficult to estimate. They probably underlie in considerable depth all the upland south of Dakota City and between the two forks of the Des Moines, south to their union. Reports of deep wells indicate 314 HISTORY OF IOWA the presence of the gravels all over the western portion of the county. At the Gilmore quarry there is an exposure of the same deposits, about three or four feet in thickness, and along the road running east and west immediately north of the quarry there is a prominent ridge of sand and gravel, referable to the same origin. The ridge north of what was once Owl lake is also chiefly Buchanan gravels and wind- driven sand. Elsewhere our knowledge of the Kansan is limited to reports of Avells; but these uniformly report blue clay, in greater or less thickness, beloAv the Wisconsin or "gravel dirt," so that Ave may reasonably infer the presence of the Kansan drift over the Avhole country. WISCONSIN DRIFT. Except as noted, this is the surface deposit over the whole county. It is generally pale yellow, almost Avhite in color Avhen dry, contains abundant calcareous pebbles, gener ally small, but sometimes of considerable size, Avhen they often show to- perfection the evidence of glacial planing. The granite boAA-lders are also fresh, untouched by decomposition or decay, generally of medium size, those of reddish color predominating. The deposit is not only remarkable for uni formity of composition, but of distribution also. NoAvhere very thick, yet it covers the surface nearly everywhere, con forming generally very closely to the eroded features of the underlying Kansan. Hillsides are often as Avell and evenly covered as hilltops, showing that erosion since the AArisconsin has been slight. For these reasons natural exposures of con tact betAveen the tAvo drift sheets are seldom to- be observed. One such, however, is at present shown near the mouth of Coon creek, and one east of Rutland, just north of the ford on HUMBOLDT COUNTY 315 the west fork. Railway cuttings and road gradings some times here serve the purpose of the student, but unhappily in Humboldt county there is little grading of any kind neces sary, and artificial exposures are not numerous. The railroad cuts immediately north of Humboldt show fine exposures of Wisconsin, here probably tAventy feet in thickness. When fresh these excavations probably revealed the contact in ques tion, but at present, in consequence of erosion from rains, all such features are obliterated. An exposure of typical Wis consin may be seen immediately south of Rutland, where the road leading south has recently been graded, directly up the face of the hill. Similar exposures are thus in evidence in various parts of the county. From what may be observed in cuttings, and from Avell records, the thickness of the Wiscon sin probably noAvhere in this county exceeds fifteen or twenty feet, and is often very much less. It is but a thin veneer, as said before, everywhere immediately capping the Kansan. At Livermore, at the site of the tOAvn well, the surface clay does not exceed two feet in thickness; near the mouth of Beaver creek it is about sixteen feet in thickness, where the underlying Kansan is some seventy feet in depth; an expos ure in WeaA^er township showed for the same deposit a thick ness of perhaps eight feet, humus and all, while along the alluvial plains by the river, as already remarked, and some times on the upland, there is no trace of the pale deposit at all, only here and there a cluster of smooth, hard, recent bowlders to give evidence that the Wisconsin ice once did in reality visit the locality. Taking the Pleistocene deposits throughout, their aver age depth is hardly fifteen feet. The greatest depth reported to which a well has been sunk, is 135 feet. This is the well at Livermore. The drift here is 132 feet. South of Owl lake 316 HISTORY OF IOWA wells ioo to 1 20 feet deep encountered no rock. At Remvick rock is 125 feet below the surface of the ground. In the west half of the county, as already stated, the depth of the drift is far less, ranging from nothing to twenty or sometimes fifty feet. As far as now knoAvn the rocky foundation of the county is strikingly even and uniform, dipping to the east and south only a little more rapidly than the clayey mantle of the drift. SOILS. The soils of Humboldt county are strikingly uniform. Except the alluvium along the rivers, Avhich in some parts is sandy, we have in general the rich black loam of the prairie, of great depth and of seemingly exhaustless fertility. The topography of the Wisconsin lends itself everywhere to the formation of marsh; and sedges, SAvamp grasses, rushes and mosses seem to have covered this latest till from the very beginning. The perennial moisture checked the Avaste by fire, and the amount of organic material and vegetable detri tus, contributed to the surface soil has been immense. The present methods of drainage bringing all nature's marsh lands under the ploAV, place at the service of the farmer the accu mulated wealth of ages. Nor is this all. The unusual amount of lime, pulverized or in rapidly decomposing pebbles which form so prominent and conspicuous an element in the Wisconsin soils, seems to offer an exceptional foundation for the cultivation of cereals of every description, especially wheat. Humboldt county, therefore, joins itself to the great wheat raising region of the Avorld, a region Avhich stretches far north and west, including, in the United States, northern Minnesota and the Dakotas. Along the rivers there are a few steep banks and sharply eroded, short ravines, which are HUMBOLDT COUNTY 317 unsuited to cultivation, and have been Avisely left to grow up to timber, but aside from these limited areas, once the present system of drainage is completed, there will be left of untillable land inHumboldtcountyscarcely an acre. ECONOMIC PRODUCTS. The natural products of Humboldt county include lime stone, suitable for building purposes and for the manufacture of lime, native Avood for fuel, and peat. These we may now consider briefly. BUILDING STONES. The exposures of Kinderhook and Saint Louis lime stones already described have, from the earliest settlement of the county, furnished an abundant supply of rubble-stone, much of it of a superior quality. From Dr. Welch's quarry were taken stone for erecting the fine buildings- of Humboldt College, this in the early history of the town. From the same quarry came the rock for the piers of the bridge of the Chicago & Northwestern railway, erected in 1881, so'tith of Dakota City. In the city of Humboldt quarries are common, and numerous handsome stone business blocks attest the activity and energy of its people. Indeed, it is said that the rock necessary for the erection of the walls of a business house in Humboldt may aften be obtained in excavating the cellar. A beautiful stone schoolhouse, of which we present an illustration in another chapter, attests the excellence of the local supply for quarry stone. Mr. Bull's quarry is the only one now operated in the city. The rock over the area uncov ered has been removed, down to what appears to be the old surface of the Kinderhook limestone. According to reports given by workmen the deeper layers are less valuable. In 318 HISTORY OF IOWA fact, here, as often elsewhere, the strata of quarry rock are not uniform, and for practical use the rubble must be care fully culled. Reference has been made, also, to the excellent lime stone in Weaver township, in the northeast quarter of section 9. No- better stone for general use can be found than this. It is a crinoidal limestone, occurs near the surface, and is quarried with little trouble. The flourishing town of Gilmore uses rock from the Gilmore quarries. This rock, which is certainly, in its upper beds at least, the same as that last mentioned in Weaver township, is widely known, has been quarried and shipped in hundreds of carloads, having the advantages of railway transportation. This quarry is in Pocahontas county. It is mentioned simply to show the possibilities in Weaver town ship if supplied with equal transportation facilities. The Stearns quarry, in the northwest quarter of section 3, Corinth township, is another excellent exposure of build ing stone. The beds here are much heaAder than in most of the neighboring quarries, and rock suitable for bridge piers may be easily obtained in unlimited quantities. LIME. Lime has been manufactured from stone taken from all horizons of the Humboldt county limestones. The oolite in particular was at one time extensively quarried at Humboldt for this purpose, a fact attested by several Avell constructed kilns still standing, but unused. The lime produced senses excellently for local and immediate use, but is said to be ill adapted for shipment, on account of rapid air-slacking. It appears that at present, even for local use, lime manufactured from the magnesian Niagara limestones is generally import ed. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 319 SAND. Sand, suitable for building purposes, is not lacking, and is obtainable at various points along the river. The peculiar bed of Avhite sand referred to- on page 135 has been exten sively excavated for this purpose, and deserves more thor ough exploration. CLAYS. The clays of Humboldt county are not generally well adapted to the manufacture of brick or tile. The Wisconsin contains in general too much lime. Nevertheless, brick making has been successfully conducted at Dakota, and the court house and jail are built of brick, said to' have been burned near by. This was many years ago. At present the only kilns operating in the county are at Livermore, where the Stitch Bros, have been engaged some years in the manu facture of brick and tile. The clay made use of appears to be Wisconsin. It is found in a marshy region, and close to the surface. EA^ery effort is made to' free the clay from peblfes, but, nevertheless, a sufficient number remain to make the manufacture of brick uncertain. Messrs. Stitch manufactured soft brick only, and many of these were ren dered worthless by pebbles of limestone, which in process of manufacture burn into quicklime. But, notwithstanding all difficulties, the firm manufactured brick and sold them at the rate of from 200,000 to 300,000 per year. The company was more successful with tile, which require it appeared, less burning. Tile were burned at the rate of 300,000 or 400,000 per year, and the demand exceeded constantly the capacity of the plant. Ft. Dodge coal was the principal fuel used. Taking into account the unusual difficulties to be overcome the enterprise was a remarkable success. 320 HISTORY OF IOWA FUEL. The fuel of the pioneer was wood. The forks of the Des Moines and the larger streams of the county were originally, more or less, continuously fringed with native woods. This native forest afforded the early settler at once shelter and fuel in advance of the advent of railways or the possibility of supplies from without. The original trees are mostly gone, but in their places stand luxuriant groves of "second groAvth" which, by judicious cutting, furnish their owners an abundant supply of the finest fuel, and may continue so to- do for indefinite years to come. Besides these natural timber sup plies, the results of almost universal tree planting on the farms are now apparent. Everywhere are groves, many con taining trees of considerable size, so that the artificial forest of the county today furnishes no- inconsiderable amount of the fuel used by the agriculturists. Humboldt county can easily raise its own fuel without seriously trenching at all upon its tillable land, at least beyond that which is necessary to afford the shelter of trees to the homes of its people. The prospect that coal may be mined in the county is not encouraging. The coal measure exposures, as Ave have seen, are very narrow in extent, and even then are, for the most part, barren. It is possible that coal might be found in one or other of the localities where the coal measure shales crop out, but the chances are that the quantity discovered, if any, would be insufficient to' pay the expenses of exploration. At least, so long as abundant supplies can be obtained with so much convenience in the adjoining county south, it is not likely that much effort will be made to use Humboldt county coal. There is,however,another natural fuel supply present in considerable amount in the eastern part of the county which HUMBOLDT COUNTY 321 seems to merit greater attention than has hitherto been ac corded it. I refer to fields of peat. Almost every marsh in Lake and Norway tOAvnships contain peat, in several places in quantity sufficient to' be Avorth considering as a fuel supply. Geologically considered, peat is the youngest member of the coal series, anthracite, soft coal, lignite, peat, i. e., coal is a consolidated peat, peat an imperfect coal. Its combustibility has been abundantly shoAvn in Plumboldt county. The drain ing of Owl lake has left a large body of peat to- dry along Avhat Avas the north shore, and this has taken fire and burned over many acres, to the depth of several feet, leaving vast beds of ashes and half-burned organic matter. A similar combustion has recently taken place on the Avest side of sec tion 2 of Lake township. It will surprise some people to learn that peat has a higher heating power than dry wood. The distinguished chemist, Remsen, estimates the calorific energy of bituminous coal at 75, dry peat at 48, and dry wood at only 28; peat is, pound for pound, 75 per cent better than wood. Unfortunately, in this country, peat has never been widely utilized, and a supply of fuel, which certainly will one day be needed, is noAv suffering indiscriminate waste. WATER SUPPLY. The two branches of the Des Moines river are unfailing sources of water supply for the Avestern and central portions of the county. Indian creek, a perennial stream, finds its source in a beautiful spring, Indian spring, which, with a temperature of 540 F., wells up through a bed of white sand, in the Nw. qr. of the Sw. \ of Sec. 21, in Corinth township. The spring is on a level prairie, only about twenty-five feet lower than the highest land in the neighborhood. Wells on the adjoining farms furnish unfailing supplies of water, from 322 HISTORY OF IOWA a depth of fifty feet. An effort was made some time ago, by filling up the spring, to make the water rise higher. The re sult was to convert what was formerly a beautiful pool into' a miry morass. The spring might be made an attractive resort. Another spring of considerable volume furnishes the principal water supply of the town of Humboldt, and all along the west fork, at least, springs are abundant. However, for the county at large, the water supply is from deep wells, general ly sunk in the drift, though, in the western townships, often in the limestone rock, as heretofore described. WATER POWERS. Both branches of the Des Moines afford Avater pOAver and convenient mill sites. Mr. C. H. BrOAvn owns a fine flouring mill at Dakota, an excellent water power, Avhich has been in use a great many years. A similar poAver drives the mills of Humboldt. Rutland, as it appears, once possessed a like advantage, and is now attempting to restore it. In short, from an economic standpoint, the county be fore us is abundantly furnished Avith all that may contribute to the wealth and prosperity of a happv people; soil of excep tional depth and fertility, remarkable even in fertile Iowa, water abundant and pure, springs and perennial streams, limestones to furnish building material for all time, native groves to beautify eArery stream and furnish, if cared for, fuel for generations to' come, planted groves that well might make the prairie AArooded, — such a county needs no praise; it is it self its own encomium. FORESTRY NOTES FOR HUMBOLDT COUNTY. A glance at the accompanying list of forest trees native to Humboldt county is sufficient to sIioav that we have here nearly all the species commonly occurring in other more def- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 323 initely wooded regions of the northern United States. This of itself is enough to refute the old but yet persisting opinion which avouM maintain that the prairies have in themselves, in their very make-up, something inimical to the growth of AA-oodland species. Humboldt county is a typical prairie county, and yet certain localities were, until recently, covered Avith heavy timber. AA^alnut, oak, elm, linden and ash greAV to dimensions suitable for the mill. Trees enghteen to' thirty inches in diameter were not uncommon. These were in the rich soil of the creek and river valleys, the finest, perhaps, near the mouth of Beaver creek. Certain species of trees have been planted over the prairie and have, in the main, done well; but the drought of recent years has destroyed some of those thought to be most suitable for prairie plant ing, notably cottonwoods and poplars. But trees will grow in Humboldt county anywhere, if planted and protected. The fact remains, too-, that the trees in every way best adapted to general planting in Humboldt county are those originally found growing there. For ornamental trees, for instance, none are more beautiful than wild plums and crab apples, ana these are native. Hawthorns and sumac may be used effect ively for the same purpose. These will all grow anywhere, and it is a matter of wonder that for decorative purposes they are not more generally employed. The native oaks, hickories and walnuts cannot well be transplanted from the woods, but in good soil, if cultivated, they groAV from the seed much more rapidly than is generally supposed. The hickories, and especially the bur oaks, have, in Iowa, been so' far proof against all drought. The bur oak grows sloAvly, but it is by all odds the hardiest tree we have. Since our agriculture is now becoming established, our occupancy of the country per manent, as we begin to, build permanent houses and barns, it 324 HISTORY OF IOWA is at least time to inquire whether our temporary tree plant ing, which involved the use of soft woods, rapid growers only, should not now begin to give Avay to something permanent and enduring? Is it not proper to introduce in appropriate places on our farms, and especially about our homes, trees of slow grOAvth indeed, but trees which will endure to the enjoy ment and shelter of the generations to- follow us, which shall form part of our real estate, permanent, abiding as the soil itself? In the older parts of the Avorld, primeval forests are few; all, or nearly all, of present forests are artificial. We are rapidly, in the United States, approaching a condition of affairs Avhen the same thing will here be true, and trees of the more valuable sorts Avill characterize, not forest reservations only, but be, in fact, a part of the product of every well tilled farm. When that time comes the trees which the pioneer found growing in each locality will doubtless be found the most valuable species for permanent and profitable planta tions. The peculiar distribution of forest and prairie in Hum boldt county today corresponds probably prettyr closely Avith that discovered by the earliest civilized residents. Before the advent of civilization the principal check to the general ex tension of forest domain Avas found, not so much in the vari ation of the soil, as in the prevalence of prairie fires. The trees were limited to the occupancy of those parts of the country less severely visited by the perennial conflagarations. The present distribution of Avoodland and prairie in Hum boldt county affords a striking illustration of this fact. Some times prairie fires came late in the fall, after the forests had thoroughly killed the prairie vegetation, or in the spring, after the siioavs Avere nearly gone. They moved in general from the west. In such conflagarations seedlings and small HUMBOLDT COUNTY 325 trees universally perished, where exposed to the fires' full heat. Special localities, howeA^er, favored trees. Thus a sandy or rocky hilltop afforded no fuel, and the young tree survived. Lowlands generally were unfavorable to fire. Sometimes too Avet to burn; sometimes subject to overflow, and deposition of new soil covering all fuel. In Humboldt county, as the present distribution of the timber shows, it was sometimes the river, sometimes a marsh, sometimes a steep bank, sloping to the north or east, and on this account more moist, longer covered with snow in spring, that ga\'e refuge and respite to the trees. In Wacousta township the Avoods are mostly east of the river, near Bradgate they are on both sides, protected on the west by bluffs, on the east by swampy or marshy ground. In the central part of AArery, doAvn about to the west line of Rutland, the fires seem to have SAvept everything on both sides of the stream, crossing readily by the generally low banks. Further east, and in the vicinity of Humboldt and Dakota City, steep bluffs again gave foot hold to the Avoods. The mouth of Indian creek, on the west fork, and the lower valley of Beaver creek, wdiere that stream enters the east fork, offered to the trees the advantage of both conditions favorable to the retention of moisture, the steep bluff and the lowland. There are beautiful groves along the east fork, successors of primeval forest areas, whose existance in the midst of a prairie county must be explained by reference to similar topographic conditions. The folloAving list of the trees and shrubs of Humboldt county is believed to be reasonably complete. For its accuracy the author is much indebted to the assistance of Miss Mae Webber, who- has long enthusiastically studied the flora of the county. Tilia americana L. The Linwood or Basswood tree; 326 HISTORY OF IOWA common in all the native groves of the county, and occasion ally planted. Xanthoxylum americanum Mill. Northern Prickly ash. Quite common. Abundant near the mouth of Beaver creek. Sometimes attains a height of ten or tAvelve feet. Orna mental; othenvise of small value. Acer saccharinum Wang. Hard maple, Sugar maple. Scarce, occurring chiefly along rocky banks, and in rich allu vial soils. Acer dasycarpum Ehrh. Soft maple, Silver maple. Com mon along streams, and everywhere planted for artificial groves. For this purpose the most useful tree in IoAva. Its rapid growth and hardy vigor adapting it particularly to- our prairie conditions. Negundo aceroides Moench. Box elder. Common everywdiere, along streams, also universal in cultivation, though not so* general in plantations as the last species. Less hardy, also-, than the Soft maple; more sensitive to drought and to winter changes. Rhus glabra L. Sumac, Smooth sumac. Common on hillsides near the Avooded regions. Small in stature; not attaining anything like the vigor exhibited in some quarters, but manifestly holding its oavii. Robinia pseudacacia L. Locust, Black locust. Common in cultivation, or escaped from early plantings. Probably not indigenous. Gymnocladus canadensis Lam. Kentucky coffee tree. Planted for ornament. Not native. Gleditschia triacanthos L. Honey locust, not native. Occassionally seen in cultivation. Prunus americana Marsh. Wild plum. Common. Prunus virginiana L. Choke cherry. Not uncommon along the rivers, especially in rocky places. - HUMBOLDT COUNTY 327 Prunus serotina Ehrh. Wild cherry. Not common. Here and there along the rivers. Pyrus coronaria L. American Crab apple. Everywhere common on hillsides, especially in the neighborhood of the streams. Sometimes forming small clumps or thickets where there is no other tree, by the smaller streams, or even in ravines. One of the most delightful native trees. The Ameri can forest shoAvs nothing more beautiful, nothing sweeter than crab apple in the perfection of its bloom. Cratoegus coccinea L. Common hawthorn. Not rare along the sandy flood plains of the rivers. Cratoegus coccinea L., var. mollis, Torr & Gray. Red haAvthorn. Not rare. Recognized in latter summer by its large, edible, bright scarlet fruit. Cratoegus tomentosa L. Occurrs sparingly in the southern part of the county. Reported, alsoi, from the northeastern corner of the county. Fruit larger, dull red or orange. Amelanchier canadensis Torr &Gray. Shadbush, Service berry, Juneberry. A few along the river near Beaver creek. Cornus asperifolia Mx. Dogwood- Reported not rare. Cornus stolonifera Mx. Red-osier dogwood. Reported from the southern part of the county. Sambucus canadensis L. Common everywhere, especially in hedgerows,, gardens, etc. Viburnum lentago L- Black Haw, Sheep berry. Not infrequent in thickets along the streams. Viburnum prunifolium L. Black Haw. Occurs sparingly with the other. Both species of haw are becoming extinct in Iowa, unable to endure the close pasturage, and the browsing to which, in our torrid summers, all shrubby vegetation is more and more subjected. 328 HISTORY OF IOWA Cephalanthus occidentalis L. Buttonbush, not rare in wet places by the rivers, and on sandy islands. Fraxinus americana L. White ash. Not uncommon in all the Avooded region, and not infrequently planted. A most valuable tree. Ulmus fulva Mx. Slippery elm, Red elm. Not uncom mon. Ulmus americana L. American elm, White elm. Very common along all streams, and now everyAvhere planted. Specimens south of "Owl lake" were observed, eighteen inches in diameter. Our most valuable street and general shade tree. Ccltis occidentalis. Hackberry. Rare. A lew reported from the southern part of the county. Mortis rubra L. Not indigenous. Planted in some localities for liedgerows and wind-breaks, Avhere it appears hardy and efficient. Juglans cinerea L. Butternut, AVhite Walnut. Not uncommon along hillsides and by the streams. This tree groAvs rapidlv from the seed, in good soil, and would make a valuable shade tree as oart of a plantation. luglans nigra L Black Avalnut. Not common. Re ported at once abundant along all the streams of the county. This species also- comes on, in good soil, rapidly from seed, but does not bear transplanting. Carya alba Mott. Hickory. Small trees of this species are not uncommon on higher ground, in the Avooded regions, especially along the east fork. A very hardy species. Stands the drought and abuse of all kinds remarkably well, and fur nishes most valuable timber for wood. Carya amara. Bitternut, Pignut. Common in similar locations Avith the last species. By far less valuable. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 329 Betula papyrifera Marshall. White birch. Occurrs in cultivation, and is reported "abundant along the Boone river, east." Perhaps comes Avithin the limits of the county in the northeast corner. Corylus americana AAralt. Hazlenut. Very common, especially on hillsides. Ostrya virginica Wild. . Ironwood, Hop . horn-beam Occurrs sparingly along hillsides, on both forks of the river. Carpinus caroliniana Wild Ironwood, Blue beech, AA^ater beech. On rocky banks, near the water's edge. Reported formerly common. Certainly less common than the preceeding. Quercus alba L. White oak. Not uncommon on the high ground near the rivers. Quercus macrocarpa Michx. Burr oak. Very common, by far the most common oak in the county, as it is the most hardy. Found eAreryAvhere, in good soils and poor. A fine grove of them in the sandy soil north of the ford in Rutland tOAvnship, section 34. Often makes a grove of more or less stunted trees, far from any other trees, and SO' everywhere constitutes, toward the west especially, the van-guard of the forest. Excellent, both for wood and lumber, for all purposes requiring strength and durability. A tree of slow growth. Quercus coccinea Wang. Scarlet oak, Black oak. The form occurring is that common throughout Iowa. This is neither Q. coccinea, as described, nor yet Q. coccinea, var. tinctoria. The scales of the cup are yellowish, downy, instead of being glabrate and close adpressed, as the type should be. Common in all the native groves. Quercus rubra L. Red oak. Not infrequent on uplands in all the wooded districts. Large trees of this species are reported from the valley of Beaver creek, and from the east fork. 330 HISTORY OF IOWA Quercus coccinea Wang., var. tinctoria Gray. Is re ported to have been represented, not long since, by large trees. Salix nigra Marsh. Black willow. Common along the streams. Salix cordata Muhl. Reported rare; "a few specimens only." Populus tremuloides Michx. American aspen, Quaking asp. Common all through the Avooded portion, especially at the edge of the woods, and in low grounds. Populus grandidentata Michx. Large-leafed aspen, poplar, Quaking asp. Common on high ground everyAvhere in the native groves. A tree of rapid growth, short-lived, but useful as a nurse for more valuable and enduring species. Populus monilifera Ait. CottomA-ood, Necklace poplar. Common throughout the county, and commonly planted. Surprising to relate, some of the planted trees in the higher situations have, in later years, succumbed to- drought. Populus dilatata Ait. Lombardy poplar. Is commonly planted. The species is not native to the United States, and, although a favorite ornamental tree in many localities, is, nevertheless, short-lived, and, on the Avhole, unsatisfactory. Juniperus virginiana L. Red cedar, Juniper. Reported formerly common; not rare. THE ISLAND ABOVE THE DAM, AT HUMBOLDT. CHAPTER VII. EARLY SETTLEMENT AND PIONEER LIFE. Zahlten — Bergk — Hackman — Mengler — McKnight — In dians — The Sioux — An Ancient Battle Field — A Chief tain's Captive Daughter — The Changes of Time — Pion eer Life as Observed by A. D. Bicknell — Dr. Welch's Experiences. The influence of events in far distant countries often has a direct bearing on the early history of remote and unknoAvn localities. This was true of the German Revolution of 1848. As a direct result of the Revolution of 1848, Humboldt coun ty numbered one of the participants of that Revolution as one of its first settlers. August Zahlten left Germany in the night time and as he himself said, "There came a knock at the door — Ave Avere Avarned — we hurried away Avith the night and came to Amer ica." America, the asylum for political and religious ref ugees! After landing in America, Zahlten made his Avay to Cin cinnati. On arriving there he found a number of his country men organizing a colony to- go to Kansas. Many of those men were revolutionists of 1848, and, as such, made first class abolitionists. Kansas at that time was well on its way HUMBOLDT COUNTY 333 toAvards the "bleeding" period. The slavery question was being agitated. And those former revolutionists conceived the idea of establishing a colony in Kansas and to make eA^ery effort to do their share in Avresting that greatly growing state from slavery. The colonists organized and began prep arations for the long journey to- Kansas. Zahlten, not being particularly enamored Avith the abolition promulgation idea, thought it avouM be a good plan to set out ahead of his felloAv countrymen, reach the locality where they intended to settle, secure as much land as he could and then sell it to them on their arrival, at an advanced figure. This he did — that is he started. Zahlten, in company Avith Charles Bergk, Christian Hackman and Joseph Mengler, landed at Pellaa, Iowa. There they found a settlement of sturdy, thrifty Hollanders. The Hackman and Joseph Mengler, landed at Pella, Iowa. There left Holland on account of a desire for a larger religious and civil liberty. The Hollanders were exclusive. When the German revolutionists saAV the potatoes, the grain, the stock and plenty everywhere they thought it must indeed be a rich, fertile country and concluded to secure for themselves a home. They sought some of this AArealth producing land but the foxy Dutch told them there Avas none on the market and no government land to be had. They had now abandoned the idea of going to Kansas because a few days after their arrival at Pella they saw for the first time a "prairie schooner" driven by a man who w^ore long hair, kept an unshaven face and was of an ill-fed appear ance. His tales of hardships, of grasshoppers, of burned up crops and of the desolations of Kansas, caused the wrould-be speculators to resolve to find a home in Iowa. With a covered Avagon and a team of oxen the home- 334 HISTORY OF IOWA seekers struck for northwestern Iowa. They traveled on day after day over the new born prairie. On the nth day of November, 1854, they arrived at a spot which they considered a suitable place for a camp. This spot proved to be on the east branch of the Des Moines river where Dakota City now stands. The landscape and the surroundings appealed to them and there the party of four, Zahlten, Bergk, Hackman and Mengler, resolved to settle. Night came on and with it a terrific storm of snow and wind. The morning aw^oke them to the necessity of the hour — a shelter. The near by woods suggested a house of logs. They at once begun Avork. Their progress was handicapped by not having the proper tools. They had a hammer but no nails, an ax but no cross-cut saw. Being discouraged by the slowness of their progress, they sought a temporary shelter by digging a hole, four feet Avide, into the side of the hill. This answered their purpose until their house of logs and earth Avas completed. Their cabin when finished Avas 14x18. The front part was of logs. The rear half dug out of the hill. It was thatched with grass known as "blue shine." Having no bricks the built the chimney of sod. The "blue shine" Avas gotten from the slough as the Indians had burned the grass from the near by prairie, making feed scarce for their oxen. To these men, this was indeed a new world. To their knowledge there was no Avhite man near them. There Avas big game on every hand but they had not the means to readily secure it. Groups of deer appeared almost daily. And it was not a rare occurrence for them to see as many as a hundred elk in a single drove. Avhile to look out of the cabin at any time was to- see the proAvling, howling, hungry Avolves. They lived, for the most part, on corn meal, and what few supplies they got, they had to' go to> Fort Dodge to HUMBOLDT COUNTY 335 secure. At this time they found one settler between their cabin and Fort Dodge. One day while Hackman Avas hunting he discovered, about one mile from their cabin, a couple of men building a log house. It proved to be Edward McKnight and two companions. McKnight and Bergk fraternized but Zahlten and Hackman saw very little of McKnight. It was evident to the German revolutionists that their neighbor was better equipped than they were, because he always had plenty to eat and AA-hisky to- drink. INDIANS— THE SIOUX. The Indians troubled them but little. The Sioux at this time laid claim to this section of the country. "The Sioux or Dacotah, as they call themselves, were a numerous people, separated into three great divisions, which were again sub divided into bands. Those to the far north and east Avere the Issanti. The other great divisions, the Yanktons and the Tintonwans, lived Avest of the Mississippi, extending be yond the Missouri and ranging as far as the Rocky Moun tains. The Issanti cultivated the soil. The extreme western bands subsisted on buffalo- meat. The Issanti had two kinds of dwelling, the skin lodge and the bark lodge. The skin lodge used by all the Sioux, consists of a covering of dressed buffalo hide stretched on a conical stack of poles. The bark lodge was peculiar to the Eastern Sioux. Examples of it might be seen among the bands on the St. Peter's, at that time. In its general character, it was like the Huron and Iroquois houses, but was inferior in construction. It had a ridge roof, framed of poles, extending from the posts which formed the sides and the whole was covered with elm bark. 336 HISTORY OF IOWA The name Sioux is an abbreviation of Nadouessioux, an Ojibwa word, meaning enemies. The Ojibwa used it to designate this people and occasionally also- the Iroquois, be ing at deadly war with both. It was the custom of many Sioux bands to- retire for the winter into the ice bound fastnesses above St. Anthony's Falls and there rest secure from their enemies. It was to that far north that a band of Sioux warriors took Father Hennepin, as a prisoner in the winter of 1 680-81, keeping him for some months on an island in Lake Buade. Again with the summer they came south on their hunting excur sions. It Avas the Sioux Avho came and went and frequented this early settlement at Dakota City. It was the Sioux whom Edward McKnight and Charles Bergk knew best. The branches of the Des Moines were the highways for the In dians in their goings and comings, their huntings and their pitiless battles. AN ANCIENT BATTLE FIELD. Not far from the Dakota settlment and just above the forks of the Des Moines river is Glen Farm. On this farm is one of the most ideal rendezvous' and Indian battle grounds in the state. The external evidence all goes to prove it a spot of many hard fought struggles. Many pieces of chipped flint struck from the arrow head can yet be found there. And it has not been many years since Hiram Lane discovered the bones of departed Indians, in numbers. He has in his possession an Indian pipe wrought from pipestone and delicatlely patterned,' found on this aboriginal battle field. He found but did not preserve other pipes and tomahawks. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 337 A CHIEFTAIN'S CAPTIVE DAUGHTER. Tradition has it that it Avas on this ancient battle field that the Sioux were defeated by the Sacs and Foxes and the daughter of a Sioux chieftain taken prisoner. It is a well knoAvn fact that the fierce Sioux at first refused to- trade with the Avhites. The French and the coureurs de bois did some trading Avith them along the Mississippi but had not pene trated northwestern Iowa with their articles of barter. Ac cording to the traditional story the Sacs and Foxes Avith other captives took the chieftain's daughter to- southeastern IoAva, not far distant from Fort Madison. They had brought furs to barter and sought a trader at Indian Agency. This trader had long been trying to- open up trade with the Sioux. On learning to whom the captive Indian maiden belonged he offered to buy her. The Sacs and Foxes gave her up upon receiving seven ponies loaded with various trinkets. The trader alone accompanied the Indian girl back to her people. The Sioux chief rewarded the trader by not only giving him seven ponies but also giving him all the furs the ponies could carry and it was thus, so- says tradition, that trade was opened up Avith the Sioux in northwestern Iowa. THE CHANGES OF TIME. Mengler remained but a short time at Dakota City. In about a Aveek after their arrival he left for Fort Dodge and did not return. After Mengler left the three remaining re solved to take a claim of 160 acres each. Not being able to agree as to choice on land near by they drew cuts. Zahlten fortunately drew the quarter section where Dakota City noAV stands. He later sold it for $100. Bergk's cut placed him 338 HISTORY OF IOWA just west of Dakota and Hackman's cut placed him north of Dakota. Hackman sold his claim later for $80. Zahlten having no money, no work, nor any feed for his oxen, left Dakota on the 20th of May, 1855, for Kossuth county. He is the only survivor of the four. He lives on his farm a short distance from Algona. He was born in 181 7 and has seen the many changes of a great century. Hack- man moved to Kossuth county and died there. Bergk re mained for many years in Humboldt county and served it in many ways. McKnight Avas of reticent disposition and liter ary likings. He knew much of the early history of the county but imparted little of it in any way. PIONEER LIFE AS OBSERVED BY A. D. BICKNELL In 1862 Frank Rist of Algona, carried a tri-Aveekly mail from Fort Dodge to Algona, using a covered, two-seated spring wagon and from Algona north, one Henderson con tinued the route across a staked plain of thirty odd miles up through Iowa and to' Blue Earth, Minnesota; so that we were in quick communication Avith the frontier post of Fort Ridgley and the settlements thereabouts. Because of the comparative abundance of timber in Minnesota, the nearness to the Mississippi river; its thousand lakes and the liberal terms offered to settlers by Minnesota, the southern part of the state Avas settled, down to the very line, many years before any house appeared in sight across the border, in Iowa, and in August, 1862, thriving settle ments and villages had sprung up all along the streams and lakes in that part of the state and the settlers came in touch with thousands of Indians Avithout much fear and with little loss except that of an occasional horse or other personal property. The only serious exception had been the local HUMBOLDT COUNTY 339 massacre at Spirit Lake in March, 1857, Avhich had been dis owned by the Indians in general, and Avhich Avas charged to the personal account of the semi-chief and all-around cut throat, Inkpaduta. Though the best judges of the Indian mind then on the ground saw evidences of a possible uprising verily like the terrible scenes that folloAAred, the settlers were kept in pro found ignorance of the threatening symptoms, and even the officers and soldiers at the military posts and Indian agencies throughout the state refused to believe that any danger existed. A trusty sense of security deluded all classes, so that Avhen the scalping knife Avas unsheathed and the toma- haAvk fell they came Avith a SAvift surprise that found no one — not even the garrisoned soldier — in condition for defense. In Iowa this feeling of safety was absolute, except at and near Spirit Lake, because of the great northern belt of unoc cupied prairie that stretched from a point east of here on the state line AvestAvard across the state. Such Avas the state of things at midnight about August 20 AA-hen Frank Rist came in from the north, lashing his weary horses and wrarning everybody on the road to Avarn everybody else that several thousand Indians had taken the war path — had captured Fort Ridgely — murdered its garri son — burned NeAv Ulm — murdered its people and others all about there, sparing only a few young women who had been carried captive aAvay/ — that they Avere then sweeping every thing before them, that they were approaching Estherville, and that the people there Avere out of poAvder; that the In dians were likely to move down both forks of the Des Moines and Avipe us all out. He told us that the vanguard of a great crowd of refugees was just behind, and that every locality north was preparing for defense and providing for a siege. 340 HISTORY OF IOWA Frank Avas both truthful and a teetotaler, yet we did not quite credit the full horror of his story. And still, we saw that it might be true, and before night time I do not believe there Avas a tranquil mind in the county. Every gun was carefully cleaned and loaded, bullet moulds were hunted up and everything that avouIc! melt Avas run into bullets. Or ders \A-ere sent to' Fort Dodge for pOAvder and lead, but every merchant had "just sold the last" he had. The chinking between the logs of the houses Avas examined Avith care. In short, Ave Avere badly scared. And well might be, for, though Rist had mixed some fancy with his facts, the truth was as frightful as his story. Except a small garrison at Spirit Lake there Avas no military protection in the state north of us. Between the rivers nothing prevented easy approach for a daybreak am buscade. At that time all the people in the county Avere scattered along the two rivers and the timbered creeks floAv- ing into them. Most of the houses Avere built of logs, Avhich was an advantage, but their location in the timber Avas not so fortunate, as it Avould conceal the approach of the enemy and protect him from our fire. When Rist returned from Fort Dodge next day he re ported a great gathering at the court house, met to- devise means of defense, and the next Aveek, about August 28, a great mass meeting was held in that city, Avhich Avas attended by nearly every man in the county and many from other counties. A careful inventor}- Avas taken of all guns and ammunition and the names of all men willing- to take the field on a moment's notice. Fear still so dominated the many that they brought their entire families to this meeting for protection. The great civil Avar was then raging and McClellan was HUMBOLDT COUNTY 341 in the heat and carnage of his masterly failures. But all these great events Avere lost sight of for the time in the closer and more savage clanger that threatened us, This was the situation for a distance of more than thirty miles south of here. HoAvever, Avhen Ave had recovered a little from that mid night shock, Ave reasoned that in Indian Avarfare things hap pen Avith a fierce rapidity and Ave concluded that the chances were against an attack, since it was tAvo or three days after the first hostilities. But the people at Estherville drew heavily upon our sympathies and Ed. Snook and Charlie Bergk volunteered to risk the journey up there and take such pOAvder and other ammunition as the people here dared donate. They started on horseback just before noon after the news by Rist, taking about a dozen pounds of pOAvder and arrived at Estherville the next forenoon and found the people building a stockade. But no Indians Avere near. During the day about a dozen horsemen arrived from Fort Dodge with Ed McKnight of Dakota City, all under command of John Hefly. Next morning A. F. Blackshear of Fort Dodge, was chosen as the leader of a party of six who volunteered to go- up into Minne sota to the scene of the nearest massacre and render any aid that might be demanded. These volunteers were A. F. Blackshear and a Mr. Sherman, both of Fort Dodge and Charles Bergk, Ed McKnight, Ed Snook and one William Foster, all of Humboldt county. A Norwegian refugee act ed as guide. They came upon the first scene of murder and desoaltion at a point on the Des Moines about four miles above Jackson and about a dozen miles north of the Iowa line. Desolation, destruction and the mutilated dead were everywhere in sight. 342 HISTORY OF IOWA Little children, brained and naked, lay around the cabins and women had been murdered in a manner too shocking to describe. They rescued one little boy Avho- had been wound ed and left for dead. They found him hidden in a manger, where he had been for several days fasting, without water or food. He was taken to Fort Dodge and recovered. They sighted and ran down a terrified maniac Avhose family had all been murdered in his absence. His reason had fled at the first sight of his beloved dead. That day a few soldiers came over from Spirit Lake and buried the dead. Our boys followed the outgoing trail for several miles toward Lake Shetek, Avhere the next massacre occurred, and as the trail was- rapid and without any divergence, they con cluded that the enemy had gone to stay and so they turned back and came home. At the time Ave had a very high re gard for the nerve and self devotion of this daring six and time has not changed our opinion. Their report Avas very assuring. Still we did not lessen our vigilance and waves and babies often kept company with the head of the family as he made his hay, and the loaded gun leaned conveniently against the hay cock. DR. WELCH'S ENPERIENCES. I came to this county first in the spring of 1867 on a tour of inspection, as I had some lands in the county that I wanted to see. My plan was to go first to Omaha, Nebraska, and take in Humboldt county on my return. AA'hen I reached Clinton, I learned that a portion of the C. & N. AV. R. R. near Council Bluffs had been washed aAvay by the unprecedented floods that had prevailed all over this part of the west. I was detained in Clinton a week, unable to> get any further west HUMBOLDT COUNTY 343 on account of the Avashout. At the end of that time passen gers Avere taken as far Avest as Montana, then a small railroad town where Boone now stands. At Montana I took the stage the next morning for Fort Dodge, reaching there late in the evening. The next day I came by stage to Dakota City. I immediately made the acquaintance of Mr. Charles Bergk, Avho Avas treasurer of the county, for the purpose of learning something about the lands I came to see. I soon learned from him that it would be impossible for me to go out to them alone. He took me out and introduced me to Mr. AArm. Saxton with whom I rode out as far as Avhere Air. Galligher lived, now the F. H. Cooper farm. John Hughes Avas also a passenger. When we reached the Galligher home Mr. Saxton Avent in for his wife who was there visiting while he Avent to town. Mr. Hughes and I went on foot, expect ing that Mr. Saxton, as he said he would do, would soon overtake us and take us in again but we saw nothing more of him. AA^e reached Mr. Hughes' place a little before dark. I began to feel uneasy about where I could find a place to rest my weary frame that night. Mr. Hughes told me that he would do the best he could for me but that his mothei was very feeble and he thought I could be better accommo dated at Mr. John Murphy's place nearly a mile away. I went to Murphy's and found a woman with a family of small children hovering over a cook stove in a hurriedly built log house without door or floor, and on inquiry learned that Mr. Murphy was away from home at work to- obtain means with which to feed his family. I very naturally did not ask to stop over night. She directed me to Mr. Hoy's farm where she thought I could be accommodated. I ought to say that Mr. Murphy had lost his house and all that was in it, but a short time before, by fire and the one JOHN JOHNSTON HUMBOLDT COUNTY 345 his family Avas then living in was hastily erected out of the most easily attainable material but was not early enough finished to make his Avife and children at all comfortable, when he Avas forced to go out to work to earn them bread to eat. I Avalked on to Mr. Hoy's place and found him with a family of children, his wife being in Dakota City visiting their eldest daughter Avho Avas then working in the hotel. He took me in and gave me the best he had. A king or a lord could have clone no more. In the morning he directed me to- the land I came out to see. I Avandered around sloughs, wading through narroAv necks of Avater that connected the sloughs, not certain that I had seen what I Avas in pursuit of at all, until nearly nooii Avhen I discovered, some distance from me, a small log build ing, built up as high as the eves and two men at work on it. I Avent to it and there foundMr. Edson and Mr. Lyth at work on the house, which was Mr. Edson's future home, and har- roAving in three or four acres of Avheat Avith a pair of tw^o-year- old steers. One of them would go out and drive the poor little creatures, hitched to a crotch of a small tree Avith a few teeth in it, once around the field and then go to work on the house again until they thought the steers Avere rested, when one of them Avould repair to their farming operations again as before. Air. Edson's hospitality, for Avhich he Avas always noted, did not forsake him on this occasion to my great satis faction and comfort. He invited me tO' stop and take dinner with him. I made no excuses nor needed a second invitation. AVe rested, talked and did ample justice to a sumptuous dinner — as good as I ever ate anywhere in my life; I Avas very hungry and never so tired. 346 HISTORY OF IOWA Then the walk to Dakota City was before me. I started, going around the deep water and wading through the shallow until I reached Mr. Bellow's lane, I felt that I could never make the rest of the journey. In this lane I met a short, stout looking woman carrying a big, fat baby about ten months old. She walked with firm, timveary step, not shoAving the least signs of being tired. I concluded it must be Mrs. Hoy, for Mr. Hoy had told me in the morning that he expected her home that day and I would probably meet her. Ashamed of myself I took new courage and resolved to be as good a man as she Avas a Avoman and she carried the baby. I think, hoAvever, if I had been as well acquainted with Simon Pure Bellows as I have since become, I would have inflicted myself upon him for the night. Finally, reaching the ferry landing at dark, the climax of the day was reached. The water had carried out all of the bridges and mill clams and the streams were bank full of Avater and could be crossed only by boat. The ferryman Avas tieing up his boat for the night on the opposite side from me. I called to him and made my wants known in the most amiable and consider ate manner I kneAV how, but he chided me severely for not coming earlier, during business hours, and that he Avould not untie and cross the riA-er again 'until morning for anybody, that I might go to- h — 1 or any other place I had a mind to. There was not a house on that side of the river nearer than four miles, and it uoav being after dark, I realized myself as being in a fix. After a moment's deliberation I attempted to make a virtue of necessity and began to- talk very prettv to him, much more so than I Avas Avont to do, Avhen he finally and kindly crossed the stream and ferried me over; but such profanity as he indulged in made my hair stand on end. He HUMBOLDT COUNTY 347 swore by rote and by note and called me everything but decent and human. Realizing the situation I kept cool and continued to talk to him in the most unirritating way possible even after being safely landed. When I left him and he again reiterated his opinion as to where I might go, the situation seemed so peculiar to me, that I thought best not to take the chance of still further enraging him by saying that I looked wdth disfa\'or upon his advice. I felt about as the doctor did who' was once traveling in a railroad car in England in the same compartment with a melancholy appearing gentleman, dressed in black, who in quired, '\vas he saved," to which the doctor answered, "yes, but it Avas a very narrow squeak and I don't like much talking about it." I parted with my navigator and have never seen him since, that I know of. The next day, May 3, I went to Fort Dodge on my re turn home. I left Iowa in great disgust, with all the inspira tion Horace Greely had given me to go- Avest and groAV up AAUth the country, taken out of me. I could not see how it could ever again become possible in this country for the frost to get on the pumpkin or the farmer be able to> raise any fod der to put in the shock. In the morning of May 4, just as the sun was rising, we left Fort Dodge for Iowa Falls by stage. When we reached Webster City I was so cold that I could not unbutton my overcoat alone and accepted the volunteer services of the landlord. In about three-quarters of an hour we started for Iowa Falls, which place we reached about an hour after dark. I was so cold I could not eat my supper until about bed time. The only remarkable thing about this trip was that it 348 HISTORY OF IOWA was the 4th day of May, 1867, and that all of the preceding days, after I reached Iowa, were equally inclement. The balance of my journey home was uneventful. About the first of June, 1868, I left northern Ohio wdth the family and that of Mr. Cook's to come to Iowa by team. The first night after we left, after everything Avas arranged for the night Ave Avere agreeably surprised by several loads of friends and acquaintances driving up and taking our camp by storm. A\re spent the major part of the night visiting Avith them. Nothing eventful occurred until we reached Du buque. AA'e crossed the river at that point on a ferry boat, the 4th of July. The usual demonstrations of the day seem ed magnified several fold so that our teams Avere very nervous about river navigation in such confusion. AA^e reached Hum boldt the evening of July 17, camped in Mr. Bergk's mill yard near the ford of the river. In a few days we began to get settled in a hole in the bluff east of the N. AV R. R. crossing. AA'e spent a very comfortable winter in our small quarters. It did not take much fuel to keep us warm. The countv Avas building a bridge across the river and Mr. Bergk Avas rebuilding his mill dam. Bridge and mill dam timbers occupied all the available space, even encroaching upon our front yard. Tt Avas soon known that two new families from the east had arrived in Dakota City and the farmers came from every where to sell us vegetahles. As I was going out into the country one morning I met a man from the east homestead, who asked me if we did not Avant to buy some cucumbers for pickles. I told him yes, that I thought thev were very essen tial to the Avelfare of a family, that he might stop on his Avay to town and ask my Avife how many we Avould be likely to want. In a few days he came, in my absence, with a small HUMBOLDT COUNTY 349 barrel of them and left them at the house. He waited for me to return, met me in town, and very pleasantly informed me that he had left my pickles at the house. I said, "All right, how much are they Avorth?" He said, "$9.50 Avithout the barrel." I felt a little imposed upon and remarked, "My God, man! Ave cannot live on pickles alone in as cold a climate as this." He informed me that my wife had engaged that amount and that settled it. AA^e soon adapted ourselves to conditions as philosophically as possible, realizing to some extent Avhat was probably before us. Our emuronments were dame nature, plain with few trimmings, unfrilled Avith polished and social conditions of the refined and aristocratic east or the Avell appointed condi tions of a first-class summer resort, but Ave were as close to nature as the most romantic cared to- be, all alike roughing it, with no intermediate grade in the formation of social cir cles or an opportunity to decide for ourselves, whether to go' or stay, and buy our tickets accordingly, for most of us were here to stay, some from choice but most from force of circum stances unable to get away. Those who' took the solid reali ties of life philosophically, found many things to' comfort and cheer. Everybody's latch string Avas out and there existed a hospitality found noAvhere, to so single a degree, as on the frontier, a hospitality that prompted them to- divide the last loaf Avith a sojourner Avithin their gates. If a neighbor or stranger called at meal time he was invited and urged to eat, no matter how plain or scanty the meal. If he suggested that he was thirsty some member of the family Avould imme diately hie himself or herself to a hole dug in the edge of the nearest slough and give him a drink of the freshest and best water they had to give. If at night, he was never turned 350 HISTORY OF IOWA aAvay with the excuse that they were not prepared with con veniences to keep him, but without a word of apology or a moment's hesitation the beds were torn apart and a division of bed clothing made and an additional bed improvised for the night on the floor. In the morning when the cock began to crow, the family- began to stir, each member finding his appointed task before him, proceeded willingly and cheerfully to the performing of it. The sojourner taking his departure, happy that he had met such people, and the family happy that an opportunity had presented itself to- them to do a kind act. Among the early settlers many vague and erroneous no tions crept into- general acceptance Avhich impressed me quite forcibly. For instance, it Avas the almost universal opinion that fruit, except the small varieties, could not be success fully grown, that the tame grasses would not prove a success, and that it was impossible for a family to keep a house free from bed bugs; yet now the growdng of fruits is attracting commendable attention Avith flattering promise of success, yielding a fine; profit tO' the producer AA-ith incalcuable promises for the future. The tame grasses, timothy and clover especially, are making the farmers smile, improAung their herds and swelling their bank accounts year by year, and not a bed bug to be found in the county. Farmers burned their straAv to be rid of it, moved their stables Avhen they became so surrounded Avith filth as to make their future use uncomfortable, and kept their tires tight by standing their Avagons in a. slough Avhen not in use. Many families Avere not able to be from home late at night in the winter season for the reason that their bed covering was used for wraps and at the end of the journey for horse HUMBOLDT COUNTY 351 blankets. Men Avore sheepskin overshoes and overcoats, muskrat caps and mittens and could endure as much ex posure to cold as a Laplander. In those days it was often said that this was a hard country for women and horses, that men and oxen took life easier, but to a casual observer judging from appearances, one Avould not conclude that rest and freedom from care Avas per petual even with men and oxen. Byrond being fed and kept warm the necessities of life Avere feAV and luxuries Avere only dreamed of. In 1868 there Avas not a house of any description in Nor- Avay or AA'eaver townships and a very feAV in Lake and Wa cousta. There Avas no school house in Humboldt, and, I be lieve, not to exceed half a dozen in the county. Yet schools were maintained in settlements Avhere there were children of school age to attend. There was not a church edifice in the county. Settlers Avere so far apart that they Avere willing to dis regard the limitations of creeds, meet together at some neighbor's house, and praise and worship the same God in the same Avay. The next thing to do, of a public nature, Avas to erect school houses as fast as the revenues would permit, which served the multiform purposes of schools, churches, halls, entertainments, debating clubs, singing schools, shows and political places. Now there are in the neighborhood of one hundred school houses in the county, doing duty only as school rooms, and in some instances as polling places, churches be ing so numerous and conA^eniently located as to afford ample opportunity for all adherents of creeds to be fully accom modated. 352 HISTORY OF IOWA Whether or not there exists now, a purer Christian feeling, a higher ideal of Christian worship, a greater charity or a more acceptable Avorship of God, with our modern facil ities and conveniences for Avorship, I leave for others, more competent than myself, to judge. Soon after my arrival I was called to treat a fatal case of "walking typhoid fever." He Avas at the hotel and a stranger in Dakota City. He insisted, in his delirium, upon getting up and walking about. The day before he died, Avhile his attendants were relaxing somewhat from their hitherto constant vigil, he Avent out of the house and doAvn the bluff east of the town, fell from exhaustion and Avas helpless and unconscious Avhen found and carried back to- the hotel. The fact that a man had died in Dakota City Avas soon known by every man, woman and child in the county, and the character and competency of the neAv doctor discussed by all. The incident created such curiosity to' knoAV what I Avas like, that in a Aveek's time I had a Avider acquaintance than six months of ordinary practice would have given me. Just at night on the second day of August, 1868, I Avas called to see Captain John Berry, reaching his house be tween nine and ten o'clock. The night being so very dark I did not dare to drive back over a meandering prairie road I had never been over before, I remained until morning, started back as soon as it Avas light enough to see the Avay. When down by Avhat is now knoAvn as the Benton farm I met a man on horseback avIio seemed fatigued and very much excited, avIio asked me if I was the Dakota doctor. On re ceiving an affirmative answer, he immediately gave his horse a sudden turn, galloping off at a lively rate, saying, "Come with me in a hurry.' He did not wait to- ascertain Avhether I Avotild go or not, but I went. In due time Ave reached his HUMBOLDT COUNTY 353 house, Avhen he hurriedly dismounted, took my team and told me to go in without delay. When I reached the door an elderly lady of rather more than average physical proportions stepped into' the door and stood there, extending to me a welcome as follows: "Well, I suppose you are the doctor. Do you know anything or don't you ? If you know anything Ave want you, and want you bad, but if you don't know anything we don't want you at all, and you may as well get into your buggy and go- home." After a moment's pause and perfect silence on my part, she stepped back into the house, at the same time saying to me, "You may as Avell come in." Going in I found her daughter lying on a couch quite ill and suffering pain. The mother had gone into the kitchen. As I was talking with the sick woman the old lady opened the kitchen door and said, "Well, I suppose you have had no breakfast and that I must now go and get you some." To- Avhich I meekly replied that I had not. In due time I was informed that I could go into the kitchen and "eat my lunch." I went out and sat down to a delicious breakfast which I dispatched with the gusto of a hungry man. I was considerably in doubt as to the exact spirit and intention of this peculiar and unexpected reception. I was in a quandry what it all meant. I was not at all used to such an introduction and my first impression was to say to her, "I am not the man you want," bid her good day, get into my buggy and go home. Why I did not do so has always been a mystery to myself. I was there nearly all day. Somewhere about noon the old lady came from the kitchen into the sick room, weeping and making more ado> than I thought proper on such an occasion, when I took her by the arm, led her into the kitchen, told her to stay there until we wanted her when we would let her know it, and shut the 354 HISTORY OF IOWA door. She did not make her appearance again until one of the ladies present invited her in to see her first grandchild. While I felt that honors were easy between us and rudeness about even, yet I expected I had made a life long enemy about which I cared but little. To my great surprise I afterwards learned that the old lady thought Avell of me, thought me considerable of a man and a good doctor. A subsequent acquaintance with her led me to appreciate her sterling worth, to value her friendship, love her womanly qualities and esteem her as a noble woman. When in her declining years as I watched over her daily and fully realized that she was slowly but surely slipping away, I felt bereaved as one who was about to loose a dear friend. She died peacefully expressing solicitude only for those she Avas about to leave. CHAPTER VIII. THE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. The Pioneer AVoman — Organization — The Old Settlers' Cabin- — Addresses Characteristic of the Settlement and GroAvth of Humboldt County — Rules and Regulations. THE PIONEER WOMAN. In the winning of the west the pioneer woman must not be forgo! ton. She shared all the uncertainties, hardships and dangers of first sel tlements. She often left her eastern home as a young bride, undertaking with her husband a long journey by rail, and water and stage-coach. Or by the side of her husband she rode through Indiana and across the bound less prairies of Illinois, in a covered wagon which contained all that they possessed. Her very resolution to come into this unpeopled west showed her to be a brave AVoman, fit to be the mother of a race of courageous, undaunted, noble men. The first few years of her life in her little prairie home, were years of pleasure, of real living. The world was new and fresh, as though just given from the hands of God. To her then, the early morning hours were her delight. The rising sun, the songs of the wild birds, the cooing of the prairie chickens, the freshness of the dews, odors of the wild 356 HISTORY OF IOWA grasses and the wild flowers, the beauteousness of nature, caused her to rejoice in living. As the years went by her duties multiplied. More of the farm was put under cultivation. This meant a hired man to cook and wash for. Children came and their wants must be looked after, and their little garments made. Such a thing as a hired girl to assist her with her manifold duties was almost unknown. Her husband was much away from home because as the farm increased in size and the crops in quantity, he was obliged to make long trips to market, leaving her many nights with the darkness, the children and the distant howl ing of the wolves, to await his home coming. The pioneer woman was wife, mother, teacher, seam stress, dairy-Avoman and tailoress. Her hours commenced with the rising sun, continued all day and far into the night. Many and many a time when the midnight hour struck she was to be found working Avith her needle in order that her family might be cleanly and w^armly clothed. Days often came when, Avith throbbing brow and aching head, she some times wondered whether the growing son and busy father ever thought of the heavy burden she was carrying. She many times longed for sympathy, but without a murmur, and with new born resolution, fortitude, and noble courage she still went on doing things in a sweet, motherly way. As the years went by and the grandchildren came she did less, and less Avork. Her age and failing health caused her to no longer rise with the sun. The joys of her youth in reveling in the gladsome, beatific sun-burst of nature, had forever passed away. The sunset hour had come to be the time when her thoughts Avandered back over her life so nearly gone. Memory recalled the pleasures of her early married life, the vastness of the prairies, the beauty of the HUMBOLDT COUNTY 357 landscape, the sublimity of nature, while thought reviewed hardships and trials Avith a serenity wrought of experience. Such Avas the pioneer woman who will be given a place in literature and in the distant future become a subject of art. ORGANIZATION. The old settlers, to the number of about fifty, met at Livermore, Iowa, on Friday, September 25th, 18S5, for the purpose of organizing an Old Settlers' Association. After dinner in the grove at Livermore the meeting Avas called to order by G. C. McCauley and "Attld Lang Syne" was sung in old style. After this Rev. A. S. Zimmerman led in prayer, Avho was followed by S. H. Taft, who spoke upon the object of the meeting. The committee appointed for formulating a constitution and by-laws reported and with some alterations their report was finally adopted. The mem bership roll was then circulated and forty-five names were enrolled as members of the association. The following were the first officers of the Old Settlers' Association of Humboldt county. President, Hiram Fleming; Vice-President, George C. McCauley; Secretary,A. H. Knowles; Treasurer, James A. Hunt. The association continued to grow and at the Sep tember meeting in 1889 thirty new names were enrolled at one time, the total enrollment up to that date being 147. The total number of deaths four. It was about this time that someone had conceived the idea of having the ground and a building for the especial use of the association. The log cabin was suggested to- answer the purpose of a building as a meeting place and a committee was appointed to carry out this idea. They were to buy ground and build an Old Set tlers' Cabin at Livermore. A draught was drawn up and the number and length of the logs indicated. This committee 358 HISTORY OF IOWA met January 25th, 1890, and decided that the building should be 16x24 feet and 10 feet high. The committee met again at Livermore, Iowa, February 8th, 1890. It was at this time that the Farmers' Alliance offered a number of their association to help build the cabin, but it Avas decided by the Old Settlers' Association Committee that they had no authority to accept any such generous offer by an outside organization. At this meeting the committee decided that the logs Avere to be heAved, to be six by eight inches square and of these logs, eight Avere to be twenty-four feet long, fourteen six feet long, forty-four eleven feet long, thirty-two seven feet long, all of hard wood. These Avere to be delivered at Livermore on or before the 1st of May following. Very little was done until May 17th, 1890, Avhen the committee again met in the Gazette office in Livermore at which time the offer of a half acre of ground Avas made by George W. Bassett. The committee at first was inclined to accept this, but it Avas later refused as the Old Settlers desired that the cabin should be situated in a grove of natural trees. There Avas a meeting again at Livermore, IoAva, May 31st, 1890. A motion Avas passed that established three trustees, one for three years, one for tAvo years and one for one year, who Avere to receive and hold deed or deeds to any or all property Avhich may be acquired by the Old Settlers' Associ ation and for such other duties as may be required of them in a business way. At this time some logs for the building had already been delivered and it Avas at this time that dis satisfaction Avas expressed and the half acre of land offered by Mr. Bassett Avas rejected. There Avas finally bought a half acre of land covered Avith Avoods and o\Aiied by R. Sanderson for the sum of $75.00. This gave all universal satisfaction. At the annual meeting" in September, 1890 the Old Settlers' HUMBOLDT COUNTY 359 Cabin was unfinished and arrangements were made for its completion. The first meeting Avas held in the Old Settlers' Cabin September 5th, 1891, but at their meeting on Septem ber 3rd, 1892, they found the dimensions of their building too small and Avere obliged to- adjourn to the church on account of bad Aveather. At their meeting in September, 1894, a com mittee previously appointed reported having collected sufficient money for the opening and extension of their place of meeting, the Old Settlers' Cabin. At the Old Settlers' meeting in 1894 Mrs. A. D. Hunt gave the following address on early social life : It is not to' be expected that an old settler could be a proper judge whether our present surroundings or early pioneer life was most enjoyable, as eager, hopeful youth does not look at things through the same glasses as does chastened age. But I have sometimes feared that our oft repeated re citals of our manifold trials and tribulations, annoyance by flies and mosquitos, our sufferings by blizzards and intense cold, our perils from rattlesnakes and Indians, might cause our listeners who did not share our hardships to either doubt our veracity, or think we Avere greater martyrs than we really AArere. So while I admit that all these things were endured, in fact the "half has not been told" that some of the early set tlers suffered. I will try to recall some of our pleasures and privileges which are among our most cherished memories. When we came to Iowa there were several settlers in this vicinity, and it was a great encouragement to us to visit their homes, made comfortable and attractive by neatness and industry though lacking in almost everything that eastern people thought indispensable. We gazed with won der and delight at the vast expanse of prairie Avith its count less variety of wild flowers, the innumerable flocks of birds 360 HISTORY OF IOWA that flew fearlessly about not having learned to dread the hunter, at the prairie fires by night so grand and beautiful when not too near and so exciting when they were. It was to us a new world, fresh from the hands of its Creator and a goodly heritage it seemed. Our first housekeeping in the tiny cabin seemed children's play, but as cares and duties multiplied it was anything but play, as any old settler's wife can testify. But I am to' tell you of our pleasures. I suppose the young folks of the present day Avonder what Ave did for so ciety. Well, we met our friends and neighbors and enjoyed their company none the less because it required a little effort to get together. The people here were not barbarians. I have often Avondered if Ave had emigrated to any other part of the west if we would have found as companionable people as Ave did in Humboldt county and I am wondering still. It is true, perhaps, that the active business men were not repre sented here then, as there was no scope for their energy, but it is also true that there were no attractions for those that gain a livlihood by "wrays that are dark and tricks that are vain," so Ave Avere spared the infliction of their presence. The settlers who came first and remained after they realized the difficulties and deprivations to be encountered Avere men and women who saAV the promise of a noble and prosperous community in this beautiful, fertile region and who- Avere willing to "labor and to Avait," bravely overcoming the ob stacles in their Avay and enjoying their rare seasons of rest and recreation as only the industrious can. The men had great sport in hunting and fishing, as game and fish were abundant and excellent. Then they had trials of strength and skill in divers games and met in agricultural meetings and had lyceums Avhere, if my memory serves me right, the HUMBOLDT COUNTY 361 speeches were not inferior to those of the present day and of which Ave are justly proud. The woman's share in these meetings was to listen, Avonder and admire, and we acted our part Avell. Occassionally we used to spend a day visiting, and Avhat visits they Avere! A hearty Avelcome always awaited the guest, as women are social creatures and cannot be really happy without opportunities for gossip, but there was not much available, as they lived too far apart to watch each other closely, besides they Avere all too- busy providing for their families to need watching. So Ave contented ourselves in that line with sharp criticisms of the other neighbor's way of doing things if it AA-as not just like ours, and a few specula tions as to the old bachelors' matrimonial prospects which naturally interested us, as Ave pitied their forlorn condition, Avhich, by the Avay, they made haste to change as soon as possible. But Ave had the brilliant sayings and doings of our re spective infants to discuss and our last letters from the east to relate and there was time to admire the various ingenious substitutes for furniture every family learned by necessity to make, to tell of some triumph in preparing some toothsome dish from our very limited resources, or to sympathize with each other over our failures in making old clothes look as well as new, OAving to the perversity of the barks we tried to color with, or lack of skill in making over. And the dinner — how good it tasted! — no matter of what it consisted. It was ahA-ays the best the house afforded and seasoned with the grace of true hospitality. AVe would always gO' home cheered and encouraged, wiser by learning some new method of work by our neighbor's example, and ready to- take up our burden with a lighter heart next clay. Our church privileges were sadly missed at first and perhaps I may be pardoned for telling of my first attendance 362 HISTORY OF IOWA at public Avorship. We had been here about three months when the settlers Avere notified that there would be a meeting held in the log school house south of us. A preacher of the "Society of Friends" from New York was visiting relatives here, and Avotild be present. I Avas very anxious to go, and as our brother was the fortunate possessor of a horse, but no vehicle, Ave borrowed the horse and I rode while husband dutifully walked by the side as guard and guide. It was a lovely June morning and I do' not think I ever enjoyed a more pleasant ride. The settlers were nearly all present when Ave got there. I had seen but few of them before, and during the silent part of the services I could not resist scrutinizing the congregation. As I noted their kindly, in telligent faces and reverent demeanor I felt that they would prove friends in deed as Avell as in name, as in truth they did. I do not recall the subject of the discourse, but I think it must have been "Peace on earth and good will to men," for that seemed the pervading feeling and Avhen at the close of the service each had a cordial hand shake and pleasant Avord of Avelcome for the stranger, I felt that I Avas a stranger no longer, and Avas thankful that my lot Avas cast in this land and with this people. Soon after Ave had preaching here at intervals and a Sun day school organized and kept up nearly all the time. AAre did not have the comfortable church or the excellent pastor we are favored with, but as compensation Ave had more unity of feeling. There Avas.no question, "AAlio shall be the great est?" or "To- what denomination do you belong?" but all Avho loved the Master met and Avorshipned Avhenever opportunity offered. Surely Ave had much to enjoy and be thankful for. The children that came here at an early day may have missed some educational advantages, but the schools do not furnish HUMBOLDT COUNTY 363 all the discipline of life and they learned priceless lessons of 'mdustry, Jseflf-reliance and helpfulness to others in their humble homes. AA^e do not look for them among dudes and tramps, those pests of modern civilization. I do not think any young person with good health and hopeful, cheerful spirit need dread a frontier life if it is necessary or desirable, for they would carry the elements of happiness Avith them, and if energetic and persevering wall achieve success. To us Avho are past the meridian of life there is rest and enjoyment in our comfortable homes, but Ave Avould not Avillingly blot out the memory of those early days. Our lives are richer for the experience gained. AAAe have, or ought to- have, warmer sympathies, larger charity and a more abiding faith in the Power that has led us to this favored land. At the same meeting in 1894, Mrs. G. C. McCauley talked on the "Bachelors of 58-9:" As the women have possession of the speaker's stand at this old settler's meeting, we propose talking on a subject we have not heard before, and that is the bachelor of '58-9. AAre think Ave are right in saying that there were more bachelors in the county then than old maids iioav, for in nearly every other cabin there were two-, three and sometimes four living together. The man of the house usually did his OAvn cooking, but I do not know who' Avashed the dishes. I think they washed them only on extra occasions, for I have heard some of them say they Avould turn them over to keep them clean to eat on the next time. I think that a good plan and I do not see Avhy Ave have not adopted it long ago instead of making such slaves of ourselves for the past thirty years. It was amusing to see a man going about frying bacon, boil ing potatoes, making coffee and often biscuit. They were 364 HISTORY OF IOWA very clean, however, and kept their cabins swept carefully. Their beds were made like the berths on steamboats, one above the other; that Avas to save house-room, as they had but one room you knoAv. Chas. Bergk commenced baching in a cave on the east bank of the Des Moines not far from the county seat. He was postmaster, recorder, and treasurer. Geo. Cruikshank was a merchant at Dakota City. Ed. McKnight and Geo. Cass are the only ones Ave knoAv of avIio still lead a single life. Further up the river lived the three Bellows brothers. They were so fortunate as to have a good sister to- keep house for them until Simon found his better half. At Hand's Grove there were three Cusey brothers. John Ford Avas the school master, and Geo-. Mann the county superintendent. AAre Avere present at a teachers' examination in company wdth Eliza Knowles and Flora Flemming. It w^as about the time the state capital Avas moved from Iowa City to Des Moines. Cal Beers gave the oration at the first Fourth of July celebration held at Dakota City. He Avas barefooted Avith patches on his knees. Bradford Avas the first county surgeon. Across the river from Hand's Grove was McCauley's bachelor hall AA'ith Henry Badger and John Crose. AA' nen calling there one day the first object to meet our eyes Avas a roasted chicken hang ing on the Avail tied to a nail. His dishes and cooking utensils Avere piled on the floor in a corner of the room. Eber Stone was one of the favored ones, as he had tAvo sisters to keep house for him. Next then Avas Dave Niver and Steve Crook. From them a mile or so Avas George Hart and brother, with Lewis Vought and brother, with whom, in company with my parents, I had the pleasure of eating sup per one evening, and enjoyed it very much. It seemed quite a funny thing to me to visit a bachelor, but they Avere our HUMBOLDT COUNTY 365 neighbors and nothing was thought of it. Those fellows were very hospitable. You could never pass their cabins near meal time without being urged to' stay and eat with them. It was no uncommon thing for them to come home from a hard day's work and find their roast chicken eaten and nothing left but the bones, for anyone traveling about the country getting hungry, would enter a cabin and finding no one at home would help themselves to everything in the shape of eatables. There were no other tramps then. To keep things lively they often had little parties, and would while away the short hours of the night in dancing for there was a most ex cellent violinist by the name of Lawrence Vought. I think if he should shoulder his violin now as of old, we would almost recall the joyous days of yore. What became of these old bachelors? We will tell you by and by. There was a party larger than all the rest held at Wash Hand's on Christ mas Eve, when sleighs were sent out in all directions. The girls and bachelors were all gathered in, an elegant dinner Avas served. Then all went to the school house to play games, as that was a Methodist settlement and dancing was not alloAved. Wash Hand staid to see that all things were in order and all should start for home before twelve as this was Saturday night. A merry crowd were they as their sleighs flew over the snow on their homeward way and each one was left at his or her door. As time went on quite a number of matches were made. They said they were tired of washing dishes, so when a girl would promise to' get three meals a day 365 times a year, she was the one chosen. But one of our crowd would make no such promise, and is today an old maid, and I will not say but that she is better off. Some went to California, others to the war, and then came back and married the girl left behind, others are gone, we know 366 HISTORY OF IOWA not where, and others are dead. But today as we look over the crowd Ave see many Avhite-haired fathers and grand fathers who were the bachelors of the early clays of '58-9. Some points in the growth and development of Hum boldt county are given in the folloAving address by A. D. Bicknell, at Livermore, September 3rd, 1898: I am told that a residence of fifteen years in the county gives a citizen the right to be styled an old settler; but in my opinion, the date should be fixed at the time when we secured our first railroad. The railroad not only changed our methods of transpor tation, but it changed our manner of doing all kinds of busi ness. Up to- that time farming formed almost the only occu pation of our people. It also changed the occupation of many of our people, and sent into the dozen little towns that sprang up by the railroad tracks, a goodly number of our peo ple, to try their hand at new schemes in the struggle for the material things of life. As a natural result, and on account of the sudden increase in our population, a great social and intellectual change began, and a vim and push entered into life, that modified the life of each individual to some extent, or if he should not change, he was fated to be distanced or run down and out. Prior to' the railroads our public interests Avere more co extensive with the county limits than now. The voice of every prominent person in the county Avould be readily recog nized out of the darkest night, and no introductions Avere necessary. With the building of the railroad tOAvns, little sections of territory lying adjacent to each depot became segregated from the mass of the county in interest and in business, and in the neAV and larger life a family of communi ties has since flourished, where only one had been before. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 367 This radical change began in August, 1879, and its effect is more and more visible as the years go- by, and each year more clearly than the one before shoAvs that the date just named is a point of time from which old things passed sud denly aAvay and a neAV day daAvned. Ancient history lies on the other side of the line and modern history on this side. Among the people Avho struggled and quarrelled and enjoyed that novel and far off time, there has grown up a feeling of friendship, akin to that of people who have come to us from beyond the seas. AVe feel for each other a kind friendship and tenderness, a kind of family feeling, that does not apply to any other people. Out of this sentiment, and from the memory of past mutual hopes and efforts, this Old Settlers' Festival came into being. There is no part of our life that Ave review Avith greater pleasure than that of our pioneer pilgrimage. Time is such a healer, and the back ward view is so mellowed and chastened by the shortage of memory, that the very hardships of the past come to' us shorn of all unpleasantness. Memory, standing near the top of the list in God's good gifts to man, is good, in that most of us have but little of it, and the little we remember is the good we have known, and the great mass of the unpleasant, we quickly forget. It is hard work to remember the bad, and very easy to remember the good. Only an evil and vindic tive mind retains the bad. For a couple of years past, the rehearsal of pioneer days has become quite a fad, and the ground has been so thor oughly worked over that I will not tire you at this time with a re-hash of the history of those days, except in so far as it may be useful in order to judge of the future. The great effort of all civilized people is directed toward the betterment of the future, and love for their children is a 368 HISTORY OF IOWA spur to all those parents who sacrifice the present for the benefit of the future. Though provision for declining years enters largely into the case, yet it is true that the children, with the possible grandchild, are the greatest features that catch the eye in the picture we paint of the future. So that whatever the old settler may have ventured, whatever he may have suffered, and sacrificed, he was daily sustained and rewarded therefore by this hope and love, that bore him steady company and lent a hand as he struggled on. In looking backvvard as I do today, over a period of more than thirty-six years residence in this part of the state, I find that a greater measure of success has attended the la bors of the pioneer than the most hopeful of the old dreamers ever foretold. Travel and railroad facilities are a fair type of the manner in which material groAvth and opportunity have crowded upon us. Even as late as tAventy years ago, only the few whose business demanded it, ever indulged in a ride on the cars, but now the excursion trip and the summer outing have become so common that even a trip across the Atlantic creates no surprise, while a sojourn of sixty days on the Atlantic or Pacific coast is an every day affair, and is often made by such ordinary people, that they are never missed till they come smiling back. Twenty years ago Minneapolis and St. Paul were farther from our knoAvledge than San Francisco is today while the falls of Minnehaha floated in our minds as a poetic dream. Now, for a couple of dollars and a good deal of fatigue, the twin cities and the falls can be done up and the worn-out victim of too- cheap a ride Avill be landed at home, after only a single day's absence. The great national problems that vexed us in the sixties and in the seventies: Slavery, the War of the Rebellion, HUMBOLDT COUNTY 369 reconstruction, the national credit and collateral issues, all seem to have been settled permanently and exactly to' our liking, so that now, for the first time in our national exist ence, there seems to be no real hostility between the different sections of our great and complex nation. At divers times since July 4, 1776, our statesmen have patched up agreements intended to bind together all classes of our people and all localities, but not till this blessed year of 1898 have the people with one acord thrown aside all malice, that sin that has so long beset us, and having turned their backs to the past and their faces to the future, they give as surance that an era of good feeling and unity of purpose has come at last and come to say. I do not believe it was the late Avar with Spain that brought about this change. The good work was accomplished when the war began, and the war only brought into clear view conditions already existing. The last vicious battle of ideas between the north and the south Avas fought in 1892, and was known as the "Force Bill." In that battle, a solid south met a divided north, and, in my opinion, the nation was a great gainer in the defeat of the bill. For then, another new day seemed to dawn upon our people, which has been made glorious in the manifest patriot ism of our late enemies in grey. When the Force Bill Avent to its grave, there was buried with it the mischievous and impractical idea begotten of the Avar and harbored by a large majority in the north, namely, that it is the duty of the general government and within its physical power to enforce drastic measure at arms' length and by military power, in localities overwhelmingly hostile to a statute defied. With the defeat of the Force Bill, the north, as if by universal accord, dropped all thought of further inter- ference in the local affairs of the south, and though lamenting 370 HISTORY OF IOWA certain barbarisms still there remaining, the south has been unmolested, and we have been content to take such results as her groAving sense of justice may dictate. At the close of the Civil War, the last regiment furnished by the State of Iowa, Avas the Forty-eighth, while the next two are the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth, which were sent south last June, are now serving their country under the banner of the Ex-Rebel General Fitz Hugh Lee, Avhile on his staff is the grandson of General Grant himself. We know that this is according to> the eternal fitness of things. But what Avor- shipper at the shrine of the miraculous in 1865, would have dared to stretch his credulity to the belief of such a possibility in 1898? This happy conclusion of a sectional war. of thought that has been raging in our land Avith more or less vigor for more than 200 years, has not been brought about solely by our statesmen and our armies. They are simply the visible forces that have caught their cue from the hand of the people. Every soldier in the late war has been stimulated to deeds of valor by the recollection of the tender care Ave have gh^en to the old veterans. Wherever they have been permittd, they have faced the carnage of battle Avith a courage that Avas never surpassed. Our history has held them up and intensified their courage. They have made it safe to predict that no foreign war will ever be forced upon us. If Ave fight again, Ave shall have to gi\re the Avord ourselves. Every man, woman and child in our entire land who has performed the simplest duty and has performed it well, has done his share in the good work, and it is no- mark of vanity for such an one to boast of that work. Shall the members of this society take some modest credit to themselves for the part they have had in this great HUMBOLDT COUNTY 371 material and moral gain? AVhen they broke the virgin soil in this wilderness of possibilities and pinned their faith to the uncertain future; when, almost alone, they delved and drudged and suffered want, yet fainted not, they caught some glimmerings of the good to be, and so, being faithful unto this very day, they may rightfully claim their share in the creation of the national prosperity as Ave now see it. Great credit is due the members of this society for the intelligence shown in the selection of this locality for a home. I knoAv that sentiment warps most minds, and roseates every thing touching the home and its environment, wherever the home may be; and perhaps that is for the best; but I have noticed that such sentiment is strongest Avith those persons \A'ho have kept closest to their homes. As we travel more and more, we are able to judge and compare with greater accuracy and justice, and I believe that he who has seen all parts of our country and has carefully noted the advantages in each locality, will conclude that for all around business opportunity, where every legitimate calling, from the laborer to the capitalist, finds a profitable opening for his muscle, his brain and his money — Iowa leads all other states, and Hum boldt county is as good as the best. I have often heard our climate wretchedly abused. But though I am familiar with every climate in the nation, ex cepting only Alaska, I would not trade this climate off for any other. It is true that our Januaries are a little cold and our Julys a little hot, but climate includes rainfall as well as temperature, and in all the delightful length and breadth of boastful California, the shortage of moisture grinds the nose of the tiller of the soil, and he is very seldom able to lift himself up to affluence. California, Florida, the Gulf States, all worry in fear of frost more than does Iowa, for when it 372 HISTORY OF IOWA comes to them it is terrible in its results. Of the hundreds you have known who- have migrated to- those warm regions, you can count on the fingers of one hand all who have added to the funds they carried away, and many have lost and have not recovered; while on almost every section of land in our county, there reside from one to four thrifty proprietors, who have created a little fortune right on the spot, and are now in shape to buy any comfort that prudence demands. Our banks are stuffed with the deposits of the farmer, and our merchants profit because of his success. Soil and climate and intelligent labor are the basis of it all. Our drouths and our rainy seasons are never so severe as to destroy our crops. Frost never disturbs our grass and small grain, and it seldom touches our corn. We have never suffered a total failure of crops. So with good cause we may boast of our climate, and when we are touched by the heat of the summer, or feel the gentle breath of the blizzard, we should not grieve, but spend our sympathy on the unfortunates who dwell in less favored places. Time forbids that I should even index the special lines where, within the last few years, by means of neAV inventions and scientific discovery, labor has been relieved of half its severity, the average duration of human life has been in creased several years, and life has come to have a new mean ing, especially beneficial to the great majority who toil with their hands. Rapidly as the world has moved since the United States built its first railroad seventy years ago-, the last two decades have been the swiftest of them all, and thus they prophecy of the certain and glorious betterment yet to be. In the single science of medicine and surgery, such knowledge and skill have been attained, that no longer do such diseases as scarlet HUMBOLDT COUNTY 373 fever and diphtheria run riot in the land, terrifying all the people and sending to the grave a multitude of our innocent little children. Among the novelties of the most novel war in all history, just happily closed, one feature has scarcely been mentioned. Up to the time of this war, it has been the history of battles that more die of wounds received in battle than die upon the battle field. Thus, in the AVar of the Rebellion, the Federal Army lost 44,000 killed in battle, while 49,000 died of wounds received in battle. It is now a little early to fix the propor tion of the war just closed. But you who may have read the daily lists of those who have died in camp since the mem orable first three days in July, will remember that nearly all of them died of fever. The intelligent surgeon is now able to save the lives of nearly all the wounded, with their arms and legs as well. Antiseptics and a larger skill on the part of the surgeon, together Avith a better knowledge on behalf of the common soldier, have reduced to> a minimum that fatal com plication blood poisoning, that heretofore was so terribly fatal to the soldier. And this is only a fraction of the advance made in a single profession. The total advance in this pro fession during the current century has been so great, that whereas when a child was born in the year 1800 its expect ancy of life was only thirty-three years, now, a new born babe can just as safely count on a life of forty-three years. Yet, as before hinted, this is only one of the items in a long list of benefits that have accrued to us during the century. This backward glance is of no use to us, except as it gives us hope and courage for the conflicts yet to come. It tells us more clearly, I think, that the heritage we leave to our children is rich beyond compare, and that they who cele brate this day twenty years hence, will still count a marvelous 374 HISTORY OF IOWA progress in all moral, social, intellectual and material things, but that no halt Avill be made in any single year. Then all the world will be glad that the United States has cut loose from her ancient exclusiveness, and has snatched from Span ish barbarism some of the fairest islands of the sea, and given them safety in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Then the Nicarauga Canal will float an ihimense com merce Avith our island possessions, and it will be under the control of our people. Our Philippine Islands will know no flag but the stars and stripes. They will be happy in their neAV found opportunities, while we shall have shown the world once more, that wherever Ave plant our banner, law and order take up their abode, and life is made larger and better for all the people. Then as now, our new learned words, Porto Rico, San tiago, Manila, Schley and Dewey, will be household words, and still the proudest boast will be, "I am an American citizen." A memorial address delivered by G. S. Garfield, at the Annual Reunion at Livermore 1898: It is Avith no little hesitancy and someAvhat of misgiving that I respond to' the invitation of your committee to- address, for the first time, at your annual reunion, the "Old Settlers" of Humboldt county. I am not given to the Avorship of an tiquity, nor have I a marked reverence for the ancient, but I feel a sincere and ardent admiration for the early settlers upon these fertile IoAva prairies — for those progressive men and Avomen who left their eastern firesides, denied themselves the social, educational and religious advantages of the older communities — those who sacrificed the environments of wealth and prosperity to penetrate the wdlds theretofore un trodden except by the savage and the brute — those sturdy, HUMBOLDT COUNTY 375 rugged pioneers who girded their loins for the battle Avith the elements and the aborigines, and courageously submitted to the hardships and privations of uninhabited regions and bravely endured the perils to which frontiersmen are of necessity subjected — those enterprising farmers who, ill-con tent with tilling the rock-bound hills and unproductive fields farther east, came to break the virgin soil of the new west. That unique and ubiquitous individual, facetiously re ferred to as "the oldest inhabitant," is probably imperishable and irrepressible. He is indigenous to the soil of every community and flourishes in every clime, but the early set tlers of Humboldt county, Ave are admonished by the annals of each successive year and impressibly so- by those of the past tAA-elve months, are rapidly becoming fewer in number. The day of the pioneers is swiftly and irrevocably passing into history, neither can the ranks be re-enforced. Boys like me may become old men, but though we surpass Methuselah in years Ave can never know the experiences of the early set tlers. AVe may and shall continue to listen with wonder and admiration to the legends of that early past, but only by proxy can we ever lay claim to the seats among you that year by year become forever vacant. We can never in Humboldt county be counted among those graduates of well developed civilization nearer the At lantic, or mayhap across its Avaters, who grappled with the problems of organizing and promoting civilization where it was yet unknown, constructing out of barbarism something of enlightenment, out of chaos somewhat of kosmos. We can but pay our respects with reverence and gratitude to those forefathers who stood resolutely by the wheels in that struggle against the tide, tiring not, flinching never, through ill winds as well as fair, loyal to the last. Such an one was 376 HISTORY OF IOWA Charles Bergk. It was not my pleasure to know him person ally, as did many of you. He had sought a sunnier clime, as for him well he might, before I came among you, but possi bly I am a not less- competent witness, though I testify from the footprints he left behind him and the impress I see upon the hearts and minds of those who' were his compatriots. Coming here in 1854 among the earliest of the early, he saw days of prosperity, but what is more to the point as proof un impeachable of his genuine probity of character, he passed through the fires of adversity. It is in this crucible that the inferior metals reveal their baseness, but the purity of gold is demonstrated. S° m this severe test did Bergk demonstrate that whatever his infirmities, he had through all trials sterling integrity and true and honest manhood. This immortal ele ment of the man I have found still living in Humboldt county though the mortal has within the past few months, at the age of seventy-three, been laid to its long rest by those peaceful shores rightly named the Pacific, as also have the mortal remains of one of the rare and noble Avomen who made pion eer life here sweeter and purer, lighter and truer — a woman whose genial presence was Avelcome at every fireside, Avhose inspiring A^o-ice aided every public enterprise, whose angel face was familiar at every bedside, Avhose Avilling hands helped at every scene of distress. You knoAv her name aftd hoAV much she did in this county from the early date of 1863, to mould and maintain our social life and our educational, relig ious, temperance, and other reformatory organizations — Mrs. Mary A. Taft. Another honored member of that band of very earliest settlers in this fair country of ours was Roswell S. Flower. In 1857, he planted his home near the southern border of the county and for full forty years was universally respected and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 377 loved as one of ountnast worthy and substantial citizens. At the ripe age of ninety years we have been called to- mourn his departure. Few will be mourned more generally than this exceptionally good and exemplary man, for he had no ene mies — he Avas everybody's friend. In these surroundings especially, we are vividly reminded that Ave are almost on the very spot where Harrison M. Burn- ham and Peter Hutto-n were for about thirty years conspicu ous landmarks. They too' have passed from our earthly view. Mr. Hutton died at West Superior, Wisconsin, July 1, and Mr. Burnham at Livermore, August 7, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. You have so recently listened to their funeral obsequies from those much better qualified to speak them that I will attempt no> addition to' their eulogy. The names of two Livermore women have also been given me as of the number whose death we mourn today, Miss Kate Dumphy and Mrs. Maria Zentz, both for thirty-four years well known and respected as useful and worthy mem bers of society in this community. Near here also until a few months ago lived, for thirty- five years and upwards, William Rummins, whose familiar figure we shall see no more. Samuel Pearsons, an old settler of Vernon township, this county, is another very substantial resident, a citizen Avidely respected and honored by all who knew him, whose loss Ave record as occurring about a year ago. Mrs. Mary Spohn of Wacousta township, was one of the early settlers whose husband, Samuel Spohn, took a promin ent part in the affairs of that township after locating there in 1872, and whose several sons have been well known to' us for many years. She is another of those who passed to the other 378 HISTORY OF IOWA shore at a ripe old age within the twelve months since-we last met. Mrs. Kimble, the wife of that well known resident of Grove township, Elias A. Kimble, but a few weeks since join ed her husband, who has preceded her across the river. Still more recently Mrs. Mary Emery, who came here in 1 87 1 with Andrew Clark, her former husband, long known in Humboldt, the mother of a large family of worthy sons and daughters, in her sixtieth year suddenly closed her extended career of exceptional usefulness, and almost simutaneously wdth her demise was that of Mrs. Merchant, the widow of James Merchant, Avell known as an early settler in Avery township. There are several others of our old familiar friends, who, Avithin the past year, have been laid to their last rest on the sunny shores of the Pacific. E. A. AVilder, for many years, beginning as early as 1866, prominent in the life and affairs of Rutland township; Mrs. Ward, the AA-ife of James F. AArard, the earliest tinner and hardAvare merchant in the town of Humboldt, and Mr. James Taylor, who settled in the north ern part of this county thirty-tAvo years ago, are among those who sought the sunny western slope to- spend their declining years and have been there lain to rest by loving hands since our last reunion. Mrs. Goodyear, the wife of Samuel Goodyear, an early merchant in Dakota City, opening his store about 1866, Avho after a feAV years of pioneer life here, sought a home further west, but tAvo years ago- returned AA'ith his Avife to spend their declining years amid the scenes of their earlier life. This good woman has also joined the majority on the other shore since we last met. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 379 Within the last few days there have been two' names added to our list. Mrs. Sarah J. Midler, wife of William H. Midler, well and favorably knoAvn for twenty years as one of the reliable residents of Grove township, at the age of sixty- one has just retired from a worthy life. You knew her well. 1 need not speak of her many estimable qualities. Benjamin H. Smith, who settled in AVeaver township in 1873, is one more of our old friends who had sought relief from failing health in the mild climate of southern California, but even there was unable to longer baffle the diseases of the flesh, and at the age of sixty-two years passed to his peaceful rest, but a few days ago. Thus Ave record in all the names of nineteen old asso ciates and friends whom we have been glad to count among our number in the past, but who since we have last gathered here have been called to their promotion. Others too- there doubtless are who have escaped my knowledge, and whose names my inquiries have not revealed. I have mentioned those residents of the county for twenty years or upward of whose departure I have been able to learn. An extended memoir of much personal and historic interest might be written of each of them. I have only attempted such brief mention as my limited acquaintance and the time allotted me would allow. Would that better justice might be clone them. The feebleness of our efforts, however, finds some atonement in the thought that their lives and deeds still speak for them to an infinitely higher purpose than any eulogist can. Ever respected and revered be their memory. They have served their day and generation and gone to their reward whence we all one by one must sooner or later follow. While we pay them such poor tribute as our words afford, let us remember that a higher and better honor can be 380 HISTORY OF IOWA manifested by performing a more nobble mission in fife. Let us take a lesson from the useful and serviceable lives led by these pillars of activity and helpfulness in the world and show a quickened spirit of like devotion and service to humanity in our own lives. Let us realize that loving, needful service to the living is the highest and most effective honor we can extend those dear friends whose departure we mourn. In no way can we so well show our appreciation of their lives and precepts as by emulating their example. RULES AND REGULATIONS. We, the undersigned residents of the county of Hum boldt and state of Iowa, for the purpose of renewing old as sociations and refreshing the memories of our early pioneer life, do hereby form ourselves into a society to be known as the Old Settlers' Association of Humboldt County and agree to be governed by the following rules and regulations: i. Any person may become a member of this Associa tion, when he or she has been a resident of the county for 20 years, by signing these Articles of Agreement. This first provision was amended September 5, 1896. The amendment reads : Any person can become a member of our Association who has resided 15 years in the county and Avho has signed our rules and regulations. 2. The officers of this Association shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer and they shall be elected at each annual meeting thereof for the fol lowing year. 3. The duties of the officers provided for in the second article shall be the same as is usual in similar organizations with such additional duties as the Association may from time to time require of them. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 381 4. The regular annual meeting of this Association shall be held in each and eArery year hereafter on the last Friday in September, sufficient notice of which shall be furnished by the secretary to the several neAvspapers published in the coun ty and each annual meeting shall by vote decide upon the place at which the next regular meeting shall be held. This article was amended September 30, 1887, changing the time of the annual meeting to- the first Saturday in Sep- temper. This article was again amended September 1, 1900, making the time of the annual meeting the first Friday in September. 5. The president, vice-president and secretary shall constitute the executive committee of the Association and shall provide for its annual meeting by arranging program, seats and stand and whatever may seem necessary to its comfort and success but the executive committee may, if they find it necessary, appoint a local committee to aid in carrying out the provisions of this article. 6. The funds necessary for the use of the Association shall be obtained by voluntary contribution and shall be paid out on the order of the president and secretary. 7. These articles may be amended or added to at any regular meeting of the society by a two-thirds vote of the members present. iiiisBlwiii " ^^»# HUMBOLDT COUNTY COURT HOUSE CHAPTER IX. THE EARLY COURTS AND THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY BAR. Establishment of Courts — The County Judge and His Ar bitrary Powers — Swamp Land Act — The County Judge and the Prohibitory Liquor Law — Decline of the Pow ers of the County Judge — Newspaper Subsidies — The Ethics of those Days — The District Court and the Cir cuit Court — The District Attorney — The County At torney — The Humboldt County Bar. [By Anson Dodgfe Bicknell.] One of the most fertile sources of information in the study of the progress of our state and incidentally of the progress of the world is to be found in the examination of old laws and especially the laws creating the courts that adminis ter those laws. With the admission of Iowa as a state in 1846 came the supreme court, the district court, the probate court, the police court and the justice court, all of which had jurisdic tion, much as they severally have today. The probate court was established in the early days of the territory (1838). The general county business was un der the control of a board of three commissioners for each county. Their powers were such as are now vested in the board of supervisors, but in 185 1 the Code was adopted and 384 HISTORY OF IOWA the office of county judge was created. (Sec. 103 et seq.) The board of commissioners and the probate court were both swept away and their numerous powers, as well as most of the duties now devolving upon the county auditor, were given to' the county judge. He was "to take the management of all county business and the care and custody of all county property * * * to audit all claims against the county." To draw "all warrants on the treasurer for money to' be paid out of the county treasury. To audit and settle the accounts of the treasurer * * * and those of any person entrusted to- expend any money of the county * * * to' institute and prosecute civil actions brought for the benefit of the county. To superintend the fiscal con cerns of the county and secure their management in the best manner." He was required also to furnish by erection or lease all buildings and rooms for county offices and for the district court, including the erection of a court house, jail and poor house. He deeded all lands sold by him on behalf of the county. After he had loaded the county with depreciated county warrants that had found their Avay into his pocket and the pockets of his associates, he was authorized to submit to a vote the question whether or not a special tax should be laid for the redemption of such AA-arrants, such tax to be paid always in money. Almost all questions tried in his court were tried without a jury. At this time, 185 1, only thirty- three counties had been organized and the other sixty-six counties were attached in large groups to' the organized counties that lay upon the border. The Code (Sec. 100) gave the county judge a little chance here also. He A\ras "required to divide the attached county into townships and to determine the place for holding HUMBOLDT COUNTY 385 elections in each and to appoint the judge of election." So, too, it Avas his duty (Sec. 219) to' divide his own county into townships and he might alter the boundaries at will. In those counties where poor houses had been established he might appoint (Sec. 830) directors to run the business or he might retain "all the authority" himself, including amongst much other very arbitrary power (Sec. 839) the poAver "to bind out such poor children of the poor house as they believe are likely to remain a permanent charge on the public; males until 21 and females until the age of 18, unless sooner married." The judge had the power to' terminate the apprenticeship of the ward if the ward in his opinion was ill used. Such Avards thus encouraged generally married quite young. Bastardy proceedings were within his jurisdiction (Sec. 848). He had "jurisdiction over insane persons" (Sec. 857) and he appointed guardians for the care of their property, their children and their persons with power to commit to' jail on the order of the judge. The court had almost absolute control through his creature guardian (Sec. 868) of the per son of the insane, the support of his family out of his estate for Avhich purpose the court might, after exhausting personal property "order a mortgage, lease or sale of the whole or such part of the real estate as may be necessary" and give deed for the same. In his field as court he could remove the guardian and appoint another in his place and he was sole judge of the patient's sanity after commitment and could release him on his own motion. He had a hand in the laying out of towns and in the incorporation of villages and towns. He licensed ferries and at his option forbid competition within a mile each way and he might revoke such license for cause. Such monopolies 386 HISTORY OF IOWA were to run from three to ten years. In conjunction with the county judge of an adjoining county, he could establish toll bridges over line streams and grant a fifty year franchise. (Sec. 729). It is difficult to' believe that such powers would be conferred as Ave find in Sec. 735 — "The county court may also grant licenses for the construction of any canal or rail road or any macadamized or plank road or any other im provement of a similar character or any telegraph line to keep the same up for a period not exceeding fifty years and to use for this purpose any portion of the public highway or other property, public or private, if necessary." He also fixed "the maximum rates of toll to be charged on any such work and may render the same unalterable for a period of not exceeding tAventy years." But if anyone was dissatisfied Avith the action of the court an appeal to the people might be taken Avithin thirty days "by any Avhite male citizen of the county." His reign extended also over the levy of taxes for state, county, poor, poll, road and schools (Sec. 454). He had "the general supervision OA^er the rail ways of the county with poAver to establish a change as herein provided" (Sec. 514) and he settled accounts Avith all road supervisors (Sec. 580). Such is a partial list of the poAvers given to' the county judge by the Code of 185 1. At first blush it would seem that he had been loaded up with all possible authority but not so for the state continued to add to his arbitrary SAvay at nearly every session of the legislature until January, 1861, when the board of supervisors absorbed all of his dangerous poAvers. (Ch. 46, 8 G A.) It would be hard to discover another officer so tempted and so surrounded on every side Avith opportunity to reap a golden harvest. The salary Avas only $50 to $800 a year, yet HUMBOLDT COUNTY 387 many great fortunes were gleaned from the office during the single tenn of three years. Although the county judge took quick rank as the most corrupt official in the state, the legis lature, Avhich met December 6, 1852, passed the famous swamp land act (Ch. 13, 4 G. A.) which provided in part that the county judge, as a court, should "appoint some com petent person" to select the swamp lands; that the judge should set a valuation upon each tract not "less than twenty cents per acre"; That he should sell said lands and take pay in cash or labor as he saw fit. As to lands not sold by the county court at auction "the clerk of the county court is authorized and required to sell all such lands at private sale." It Avas made the duty of the county surveyor to examine the lands within his county and plat the swamp lands, filing his report Avith "the clerk of the county court giving names of all parties employed by him in such work, including cost of teams and other expenses" and when "satisfactory to the county court" the said clerk was "required to issue a county order for the amount thereof." Sec. 23 provides that "coun ty court shall have power to allow drainage commissioners, surveyors, clerks and all others employed, such fees as they may deem just and right." A drainage commissioner was also provided whose only duty, in the first period of his existence, was to draw his pay. In later years when the boodle was gone, the place was given to the persistent office seeker. This legislature had a high sense of the humorous. After adding the temptations of this statute to' those already existing, after inviting easy frauds and conspiracies, such as no great body of office hold ers had ever been able to resist, it was provided that if any body was dishonest, he should be imprisoned in the peniten tiary for a term of from one to five years. This provision, 388 HISTORY OF IOAVA along with that which required the swamp lands to be drain ed, was also- and everywhere treated as a good joke. Imme diately after the passage of this act combinations and con spiracies arose all over the state for the purpose of defraud ing the several counties out of their swamp lands, which, in most cases, were attended with great success. In a few cases the county secured some benefit from their swamp lands but the benefit Avas exceedingly small when compared with the great acreage deeded. The state claimed four mil lion acres of SAvamp lands. All northwestern IoAva was then practically without settlement so that even three years later (Ch. 142, 5 G. A.) AVright, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Palo Alto, Kossuth, Hancock, Winnebago- and Emmet counties were attached to Webster county, which included Hamilton coun ty, for judiciary purposes and yet these Avere Avell east of a great part of the northwestern part of the state. A scheme soon developed and was speedily carried out to- "organize the unpeopled counties." This Avas done by a feAV daring spirits, just enough to hold the county offices, Avho actually residing in an organized county secured for themselves from the county judge the appointment of judges of election in the county they wished to work, after which they proceeded by a campAvagon to that county, held the pretended election, elected themselves unanimously to all the offices, built imag inary bridges, drained on paper great SAvamps, made great higliAvays on the map, perpetrated other great and valuable improvements and voted in payment, warrants, bonds and SAvamp lands to supple friends avIio shared in the conspiracy. In a few days all Avere back home bus}' in printing and sign ing the obligation. Soon after a trusted confederate Avas sent to Chicago or New York or Boston where he generally succeeded in unloading his grip full of fraudulent paper upon HUMBOLDT COUNTY 389 the confinding good "get-rich-quick" victim. Such work was not rare. It was very common. Except what is given here does not give the full history of many extreme cases which are to be found in many counties. It is greatly to the credit of Jonathan Hutchinson, Hum boldt county's first county judge, Chas. Bergk and EdAvard McKnight, Avho had first control of the business of Humboldt county, that they resisted these great inducements so allur ing, so general and so safe. They started the county on clean lines, kept it free from large indebtedness, held on to the SAA-amp lands and the county retained them until 1879 when they Avere traded to the Minneapolis & St. Louis rail road company in part consideration for the building of the first railroad through our county. THE COUNTY JUDGE AND THE PROHIBITORY LIQUOR LAW. In the early months of the fifth year of the state (Sec. 924 to 936, Code of 1 851) the people showed their good intentions and their high moral aim by the passage of the prohibitory liquor law. It contained several provisions that have followed its successors down to the present time. The first section reads (924) "The people of this state will here after take no share in the profits of retailing intoxicating liquors, but the traffic in those commodities as articles of mer chandise is not prohibited." This section is a type of the mildness of the short two paged statute. But people Avere on the one hand just as greedy then as now and just as thirsty. The law failed to enforce itself and the legislature came to the rescue four years later. In a thirteen paged statute with attached penalties (Ch. 45, 5 G. A.) being "An Act for the suppression of intemperance," which put the 390 HISTORY OF IOWA whole business into the hands of that over-burdened and already over-tempted official, the county judge. Here again we are put to wonder as we read the strange provisions of the statute and the added inducements that defied the integrity of the county judge. The counties took literal charge of the liquor traffic by way of the county judge. He was authorized to appoint one or tAvo- persons in his county to sell intoxicat ing liquor within the county "for medicinal, mechanical and sacramental purposes only and the state judge may remove such agent at his pleasure and appoint another in his stead * * * and no two agents will be allowed to- sell such liquor in the same township. He shall in the purchase and sale of such liquor conform to such rules and requirements as shall be prescribed by said county judge * * * he shall sell such liquor at such prices as shall be prescribed by the county judge, not however to- exceed twenty-five percent, upon the cost thereof * * * such agent shall receive for his services a fixed and stipulated compensation to be prescribed by the county judge." Pie Avas also permitted (Sec. 16) "from time to time to draw from the treasury of said county such sums as in his judgment shall be necessary for the purchase of intoxicating liquor" to- be sold under the statute. This power conferred, it can be readily seen that it made it very easy for the county judge as an official, if he Avere not a man of sterling integrity, to profit by the granting of these monopolies, the fixing of prices, the purchase of goods, in the watering of stock and through legitimate methods might easily succeed by letting pass and conniving at the violation of the laAv. It avouIcI seem as though the legislature had bestowed sufficient power upon this county official but a great deal of criticism had been visited upon him and he felt the need of the support of the press so three years afterwards HON. ANSON DODGE BICKNELL 392 HISTORY OF IOWA (Ch. 151, 7 G. A.) an act was passed that in a large manner assisted him. It was enacted that the county judge should publish in two newspapers in each county seat "such of said general laws as he may consider of interest to the people of his county." The judge was judge of almost everything that could be named excepting law, so he naturally considered one law of equal interest with all others and he generally published the most of them. It had a peculiar effect. The newspapers of that day Avere generally small and in the lesser county seats there would be two papers, a representative of each party. Their space was soon so crowded that there was no room to insert hostile items about the short-comings of their county officials. In 1868 (Auditor's report, page 324, 12 G. A.) the state paid for such publication of the laws for .the tAvo previous years $26,442.65 and for postage for the assembly of t866 $13,021.15. The house had made an objection on the small allowance made it for postage and at the quality of the pens received and had had the audacity to resolve (House resolu tion No. 2, 11 G. A.) "That the Secretary of State be directed to furnish to the members of this house the same amount of postage as furnished to the members of the senate" and "that the members return to the Secretary the pens furnished said members and ask to be furnished with good gold pens." DECLINE OF THE POAVERS OF THE COUNTY JUDGE. Other considerable poAvers Avere given to the county judge from time to time until he became such a scandal that in 1861 (Ch. 46, 8 G. A.) he Avas stripped of his powers and left with little excepting the authority of probate judge wdiich did not mean much at that time because the country was HUMBOLDT COUNTY 393 new and probate matters of importance were in their infancy and death seldom came to give him any power to exercise. Thus ended the most anomalous official that has ever existed in a democratic form of government unless it be later in our history during reconstruction after the civil war. He had had a ten year's run. The boodler that flourished in the vicinity of his court was so scattered about that officials and jurors were generally his co-workers. Wielding such an immense power this judge should have been a profound law yer but in fact he seldom, if ever, pretended to any knowledge of law. KnOAAdedge of law Avould have been quite inconven ient. The less he knew the easier he was to be handled by industrial interests. NEWSPAPER SUBSIDIES— ETHICS OF THOSE DAYS. But as we rummage through those time-worn books and study those past statutes we must exercise great caution and be guided by that charity which considers the conditions of the times. We must ever bear in mind that ethics and mor ality are always held in the clutch of environment. That they bend and yield to the fashions of the day and the temp tations of the hour and locality. Then and for a dozen years before that time the press all over the state had been tenderly cared for and practically subsized. In 1868 (Ch. 167, 12 G. A.) the legislature fol lowing a well-established custom had subscribed for 160 newspapers for the use of its members and paid for the same out of the peoples' money, the entire amount reaching the sum of $23,702.29 or an average of $158 to each of the 150 members of the two houses. One Des Moines paper alone receiving the sum of $7,482.75. Such wholesale confiscation 394 HISTORY OF IOWA of public funds evoked little protest for surely the legislature and the beneficial papers, being almost the entire press, were in no condition to raise the alarm and the donated papers were scattered all over the state having been sent to small local politicians Avho Avere flattered because of the distinction and proud in the belief that they were really leading citizens. This same legislature of 1868 (Ch. 9, 12 G. A.) voted itself $10,000 "for the payment in part" of its postage. Such fashion had long been current and still continued until that much abused, much ridiculed, and yet most efficient reform er, the granger, came to the rescue in the early '70's and Avith ungloved hand began his telling Avork. Fashions changed and out of the hurly-burly of the grange movement and its legitimate children, the anti-railroad party and other minor and major eccentric movements, there has been gleaned much valuable and lasting reformation. THE DISTRICT COURT AND THE CIRCUIT COURT The Constitution that was adopted Avith the admission of this state in 1846 provided (Art. 5 Sec. 4) that "the first session of the general assembly shall divide the state into four districts Avhich may be increased as the exigencies require." It was marvelous how the "exigencies" did require. In a little while (1857 Ch. 81, 6 G. A.) with less than half the state holding any court whatever and with half doing less business than is now done in Polk and AA^oodbury counties, fourteen judicial districts had been established, and there seemed some danger that the district judge would compete with the county judge in falling into disrepute as the county judge had in the past. That individual, knOAvn as the re former, about this time protested and such re-action set in that the new constitution adopted in August, 1857, and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 395 proclaimed September 3rd of the same year cut the districts doAvn (Art. 5 Sec. 10) to eleven districts and forbade any in crease of the number until i860 and then permitted an increase at any single session of the legislature or a maximum of five additional judges to a decade. The increase of the number of judges in the supreme court was also- limited to one judge at a single session. The pendulum had swung backAvard Avith great force. This excess of caution was partly owing to a thick gloom Avhich pervaded all parts of the United States during that year of panic which had de stroyed confidence in the future, but the impetus of the civil Avar, the Homestead Bill and extension of railroads poured into IoAva, immigration so great that the population increased from 674,913 in i860 to 1,191,792 in 1870. Both the supreme court and all district courts had, in the meantime, become over-run Avith business and all were badlly in arrears. There were then only twelve judicial districts so the legislature of 1868 (Ch. 86, 12 G. A.) under took to relieve the congested condition Avithout actual defi ance to the constitution. The case was too pressing for the sole constitutional remedy amendment with its years of delay and possible defeat at the end, so the circuit court was devised and here again the pendulum took a SAving backward. The said statute provided for one district judge and two circuit judges for each of the twelve judicial districts, thirty- six judges in all. At least four terms of the circuit besides the one or two terms of the district court were to be held in each county annually. Two or three days of active work would have done the annual business in each of the twenty counties in northwestern Iowa but it was a great opportunity for the briefless attorney. The jurisdiction of the circuit court was made co-extensive with that of the district court 396 HISTORY OF IOWA in most civic cases and it was given exclusive jurisdiction in probate matters and appeals from the justice court, both civil and criminal and in all "actions and proceedings of which the county judge or county court" had jurisdiction while the grand jury and all indictable crimes and trials thereunder remained with the district court. Other minor jurisdiction was also given to the circuit court. This statute also attempted to relieve the supreme court by checking the great number of cases that Avere submerg ing that body. It provided that each year in each judicial district from two to four "general terms" should be held at which the district judge and the two circuit judges should sit as a court of review to determine all appeals from the two courts of the district and this decision at this term Avas to be final in all cases begun before a justice of the peace unless two or more of the judges should certify that a question of law was involved upon which it was desirable to have the opinion of the supreme court. All appeals to the supreme court were to be "heard in the first instance by said general term." The same legislature (Ch. 160) created the office of the county auditor and made the county judge ex officio auditor after January i, 1869, until such time as a newly created official should be elected and qualified, and thus the lingering, feeble and yet tenacious life of the countv judge Avas finally snuffed out. The general term proved to be a cumbersome, expensive nuisance and was promptly repealed by the next legislature (Ch. 41, 13 G. A.) Four years trial quite satisfied the state that it had badly over-done the circuit judge business and (Ch. 22, 14 G. A.) it reduced the number to one judge for each district and created the Thirteenth district, thus giving HUMBOLDT COUNTY 397 the state twenty-six judges for both courts, instead of thirty- six as theretofore and gave the circuit judge the same civil jurisdiction then exercised by the district judge while the said circuit judge retained the probate business and lost all criminal jurisdiction. The farce of holding five or six terms of court annually in each county, even in those counties where no business Avas expected, had a run of four years when this same statute came to the rescue and provided that "at least one term of each court shall be held in each organized county in the state" thus cutting off a possible three-fourths of the terms in districts sparsely settled. But the unfortunate victim of his own vice and crime awaiting the action of the grand jury at the next term of court felt justly aggrieved and he counted off the long days until the next term of court, often fifty weeks aAvay, all of which time he was doomed to remain behind the bars of some distant jail as the county where he had committed his crime often had no such place to keep him. So' too' it was often found a great hardship for all litigants to' Avait the slow passage of a year between terms and the next legislature (Ch. 12, 15 G. A.) doubled the terms giving two to each court. The fact must not be lost sight of that each court Avas separate and distinct and wholly independent of the other SO' that even after the last amendment above named a case continued went over an average of six months less a few days and before the amendment it had to wait one year. These two courts did business side by side without fric tion or further material change in the law until the constitu tional amendment adopted at the election of 1884 which gave the legislature power to divide the state "into the necessary judicial districts for district court purposes * * * 398 HISTORY OF IOWA and the number of the districts and the judges of said courts increased or diminished" which amendment was followed by legislation in 1886 (Ch. 134, 21 G. A.) that abolished the cir cuit court after January 1, 1887, and gave us the present district court system. The circuit court had been in exist ence eighteen years and none of the many judges in the state had ever doubted its constitutionality though they seemed to stand almost alone with such belief. During the circuit court period it Avas a little awkward for all parties to avoid confusion as to Avhich court their cases Avere pending in and the litigant and attorney of easy conscience Avhose cases had no merit Avere often tempted to rare and daring acts of perjury in order to continue such cases. Tavo such continuances by a defenseless defendant carried the case over a year and many times, OAving to the removal or death of Avitnesses or failure of memory or through intervening circumstances or all combined, justice failed to reward the Avorthy litigant. THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY— THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. In criminal procedure conditions Avere more discourag ing than in civil practice. When the circuit Avent out of business January, 1887, the newly created (Ch. 73, 21 G. A.) official, the county attorney came into office in each county taking the place Avithin his county of the district attorney whose office Avas abolished by the same act. Prior to this time and ever since 1858 (Ch. 102, 7 G. A.) there had been in office one district attorney for each judicial district Avho Avas required, amongst other things, "to appear for the state and several counties comprising his district in all matters in which the state or any such county may be a HUMBOLDT COUNTY 399 party or interested in the district court of his district," except that in justice court he might appear in the initiatory pro ceedings or not at his option. Treating the subject from a local standpoint and view ing it as it operated in this district it is doubtless a little too extreme for the older and thicker peopled parts of the state but in this district the district attorney was not often selected because of his legal knoAvledge or because of his vigor or because of his superior shrewdness or intelligence in any line. Until the last ten years of the office he went about the dis trict by private conveyances or by stage and his interest in criminal prosecutions lacked all the zeal of local motives and there Avas not that determination to- wdn that comes to him who works up his own case and knows it in detail from the very beginning and whose livelihood was at stake as well. Almost always when he reached the case it had been already through the justice court and he was obliged to rely upon the local attorney or perhaps the pettifogger who had put up the case, there being no official whose bounden duty it was to prosecute small offenders in justice court. That branch of the service was in a deplorable condition and prosecutions were begun on the motion of any informer who dared brave frequent local hostility and the personal malice of the de fendant and his friends. Appeals were taken to the district court. When the district attorney took up the trial of a case in the district court he was confronted with the ablest criminal lawyer in several counties near by who, in addition to the practice now available took full advantage of the rigid jury system then in vogue. About fifteen jurors composed the regular panel. In the majority of cases not more than a dozen appeared while 400 HISTORY OF IOWA of that dozen one or more of the very best men in the list got excused by the court on account of pressure of business thus leaving in many instances less than the twelve jurors necessary in the trial of a case. Talesmen to fill up the gap were called into the box by the sheriff who selected any by stander Avho might be sitting in the courtroom and this was continued as jurors Avere challenged until the jury was com plete. The court room always contained a number of friends of the defendant and his attorney and all anxious for the acquittal of the defendant and frequently it had been Avhis- pered to discreet numbers of them that they "had best come to court today because you wall probably get a chance to sit on the jury." Then, too, there was no assignment of cases in civil cases for a certain date as the practice is noAv, but all litigants were expected to be ready for trial Avhenever the cases chanced to be reached. AVitnesses were required to be in court the second day of the term, the first jury day, where with the parties to- actions, they awaited the day of trial. This was added grief for the district attorney because his able antagonist was also leading attorney in many civil cases and his witnesses and clients found their Avay also into the jury box as talesmen. Then too the defendant had a double opportunity in peremptory challenges (Sec. 4413 Code 1873), the number being six, twelve and twenty according to the grade of the offense charged while the state had in each case just half as many. Noav when all the peremptory challenges had been exercised, scarcely a fragment of the original panel of fifteen remained. The typical jury already for the trial of a state case would generally be made up about as follows. Tavo of the clients of defendant's attorney, two- or three of his witnesses in other cases, two or three Avho- had come in on purpose HUMBOLDT COUNTY 401 to sit in the case and the balance friendly acquaintances of said attorney, while the entire twelve were strangers to the district attorney. The case was virtually won and the de fendant acquitted before the indictment had been read to the jury. Such condition bore so heavily upon the district at torney that he had little spirit for the one-sided contest and he tried few cases that he could properly dispose of some other way. His fixed salary was $600.00 per annum and the fees for trial were fairly good considering the ability at his command but the current fees in private practice were much greater in proportion and he was very naturally tempted to make his official Avork quite a secondary matter of business, and he continued his cases or permitted the defendant to plead guilty to' the smallest grade of crime that could be carved out of the indictment so that generally after a day or two spent about the court room he returned to his home. If the county clerk should inform him before the next term of court six months away that new business awaited him, he came back for that term. Otherwise he did not return. But it is hardly fair to censure this official or the juries of that period for the conditions and the results of said trials. The trouble lay in the system. The same system would give us about the same results today nor would it be right to suppose that crime flourished. The inherited virtue of the people and a healthy public opinion attended every community and misdemeanors and crimes were no more common than now. With the coming in of the county attorney in 1887 and the changes made in the jury law in 1894 and in 1896, the difficulties above named were all swept away and convictions, where the guilt was plain, have ever since been the rule. We now look backward and wonder why we did not do this sooner. 26 402 HISTORY OF IOWA This backward glance has been taken and the facts detailed with absolute verity and without an attempt to ex cuse and apologize. From our point of view of today we can see how readily and steadily Ave have advanced along mor al lines since that time. This gives us that hope and confidence in a future still far more satisfactory and complete — a pro gressive evolution of the spirit of laAV. THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY BAR. Among those who have practiced before the Humboldt county bar and are practicing today are: A. AV. McFarland, Jared M. Snyder, J. H. Prouty, Hon. Parley Finch, W. N. Beer, J. N. Weaver, I. Van Metre, A. E. Clarke, James Winters, Hon. A. D. Bicknell, O. R. Ho-yt, A. R. Starrett, G. S. Garfield, AV. W. Quivey, G. H. Shellenberger, C. A. Babcock, M. F. Westover, William Thompson, AV H. Locke. Hammond & Lyon, J. H. Gurney, AV. J. Taft, D. F. Coyle, D. B. Hanan, John A. Walter, C. R. Burkhardt, Fred C. Lovrien, Miss Edith Prouty, F M. Miles, L. E. England. CHAPTER X. THE COUNTY PRESS. The Public Press — The Influence of the Newspapers of To day — Character of Local Newspapers Forty Years Ago — Histories of the Press at the Towns and Villages in Humboldt County, the Past and Present — The First Newspapers — The Humboldt County Independent — The Humboldt County Republican — The Renwick Times — The Livermore Gazette — The Bode Bugle — The Bradgate Bee— The Herald Democrat— The Gil more City Herald. The public press is one of the most potent factors in our present civilization. It is the daily bread of our literary life. And while everything is classed as newspaper, this is not essentially true. There is the field which is occupied solely by the newspaper, the aim of which is to- furnish all the news in the most reliable form and distribute it as rapidly as possi ble; then there is that other function of the press, which is still broader and greater than that of furnishing the news, and that is, a journalistic effort. There are some issues of the press which combine both journalism and the distribution of news. The issue of the press which merits the title of a journalistic effort stands for some fundamental principles of 404 HISTORY OF IOWA government, policy or politics. And by giving its OAvn views and editorials and attempting to- lead in thought and by the reaction of public opinion upon these ideas of policy as brought forward, it formulates a definite lead, which guides public opinion. The pulpit and the bar and the bench have each their places in which to protect and benefit society, but their influ ence is by no means commensurate with that of the press. The talented lawyer, or the learned divine, may be able to impress some important truths on the minds of the few hundreds composing his audience, while the press on the other hand, reaches out every day and every week to thousands; and this continual working along some line leaves a more lasting impression than even that of the orator. The best newspapers, aside from performing their im portant mission of keeping the public informed of the con temporary events, also reflect a popular sentiment upon relig ious, social and economic questions. It is a receptacle of all the best thoughts that are uttered at the bar, from the pulpit, or on the platform, and but for its agency these discourses of wisdom and eloquence would reach but a limited number of the public, to Avhom they are addressed. Looking at it from these several sides, it can be readily seen how soon they be come moulders of public opinion. The wants of the public are often forseen, and important reforms brought about through the agency of the newspaper. The best class of journals are invariably the friends of religion, education, temperance and morality; they are the defenders and the safeguards of our liberties, exposing cor ruption in office and defeating the Aviles of scheming politi cians. In county, state and nation the ever free and inde- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 405 pendent press is a friend of good government, and the guard ian of the best interests of the people. At the time of the establishment of the newspaper in Humboldt county, the country weeklies were at that time but feeble imitators of their larger city contemporaries. But since that time great changes have taken place, and the prov ince of the local country newspaper has been firmly estab lished, and it has been found that it is entirely distinct from the field covered by the general newspapers of a metropolis To give home news, to protect home interests, to foster home industries and to encourage needed reforms in the commun ity these are today the well understood functions of the local newspaper. Since this fact came to be generally understood the country weekly has become a power in its county and locality having an influence upon civilization such as it could never have secured under the old system of management. The record of events at home is prized by the former citizen of the county, now living in a distant state, and he eagerly scans the pages of the familiar sheet to' glean intelligence of his old friends, neighbors and associates, while to' the people living within the teritory from which the news is gathered, the contents of the local journal are scarcely less important. Preserved volumes of the paper will, in coming years, be examined with interest by the antiquarian and the statistician who will find in them an authentic record of every important event in the history of his city and county. Every citizen, who is interested in his town or county in which a good newspaper is published ought to take pride in giving his support to it, and justly consider the local press to be among the most important institutions of his neighborhood. The newspapers of Humboldt county have kept pace A. M. ADAMS, EDITOK HUMBOLDT COUNTV INDEPENDENT HUMBOLDT COUNTY 407 with the march of improvement and with the growth of population, and the development of material resources, and are today worthy exponents of the best interests of the community. The first paper of Humboldt county was the Moccasin. It AA-as a manuscript sheet and was kept in circulation from house to house. The first copy bears the date, December, 1856. It contained four pages, and Avas Avritten by M. D. Collins, avIio- lived at Collins' Grove on Lott's creek. This unique journal was issued for several months and then dis continued. The Humboldt County True Democrat was established in 1866, the first issue appearing on June 1 of that year. It Avas a neat, seven column folio, with S. H; Taft as editor. It was published weekly. The following from the editorial of the first issue, gives the outline of the paper's policy: "Its object shall be to promote the material, social and moral interest of that portion of northwestern Iowa Avhere it may circulate * * * and to- become, in a large sense, a county paper. * * * On the question of temperance, we shall stand irrevocably committed against rum drinking and rum selling. Politically, we hope to make the True Democrat what its name indicates. * * * As Ave are to preserve our country and increase her glory only by electing men governed by princi ple, measures, not men, shall be our motto in political can vasses." The True Democrat was printed at Fort Dodge on the press of the Iowa Northwest until November, 1869. At that time, J. N. Weaver, afterward circuit judge, bought an inter est in the paper and the name was changed to the Springvale Republican. A new press was purchased, and the paper was 408 HISTORY OF IOWA thereafter printed in Springvale, as Humboldt was then called. The politics of the paper were changed as the name indicates. In January, 1870, Mr. Taft sold his share of the paper to Mr. Weaver, thus severing all connection with it. Mr. Weaver owned and published it until May, 1872, when Mr. Taft again purchased it. About that time, however, he went east in the interest of Humboldt college, and left the paper to be edited by several persons, among them were: A. M. Adams, now editor of the Independent; Frederick H. Taft, J. Dixon, Rev. Julius Stevens, and George Elliot. AVhen the name of the town was changed toi Humboldt, the name of the paper was changed tO' the Humboldt Kosmos. June, 17, 1874, Frederick H. Taft, then seventeen years of age, received the entire office and outfit from his father, and became editor and manager. He continued so until November 23, 1882, when he sold it to' Bissell & Kenyon. October 1, 1883, Mr. Kenyon sold his interest to his partner, Mr. Bissell. Later Mr. Bissell sold the paper to Mr. J. B. Swinbourne. April 1, 1893, the paper was sold to Frank Jaqua, owner and editor of the Republican, and Avas incor porated Avith that paper, under the name Humboldt County Republican. The Humboldt County Republican Avas established at Livermore, Iowa, April 17, 1889. It Avas published by a stock company, with J. L. Berkhimer as editor. It was a seven column folio-, all home print, and republican in politics. August 3, 1889, the plant Avas removed to Humboldt. Later the company sold out, and the paper changed hands several times, at one time the office being closed by the sheriff. March 1, 1893, tne entire plant was sold to J. Frank Jaqua, and was continued without radical change in policy. It has HUMBOLDT COUNTY 409 steadily increased in circulation, in 1893 it was 560, and at present, 1,460. It is the official paper of Humboldt and Humboldt county. The editors are J. Frank Jaqua and G. Jaqua, the former being owner and manager. The Humboldt County Independent was established at Dakota City in August, i860. The equipment was brought from Fort Dodge by an ox team by A. S- White and Chas. Bergk. Besides its few cases of type it consisted of a Wash ington hand press, one of the oldest types of the Washington- Franklin press, made of iron principally. The first issue was a six column folio-, a copy of which can still be seen framed in the editorial office of Mr. A. M. Adams. It was continued as a six column folio until January 1, 1880. After the Independent's first few issues at Dakota City, it was discontinued because of lack of patronage, there being at that time only about 100 people in the county. The paper's equipment was then taken back to Fort Dodge in the same manner in which it came to Dakota City. At Dakota City in 1868, the 31st of July, it was re-established by Chas. Bergk with M. D. Williams as editor. Its existence now was an assured fact. Among the several editors were Ed ward Wood and M. H. Day. The next proprietor Avas I. Van Metre, who had William Thompson as an assistant who retired in a short time. Mr. Van Metre remained in sole charge until September 1, 1874, when it passed intoi the hands of the present proprie tor, A. M. Adams. Mr. Adams had had experience in the newspaper business as associate editor of the Springvale Republican. The key note of his policy was expressed in his first edition where he says, "Local interests shall receive our first and most careful consideration." 410 HISTORY OF IOWA The Humboldt Independent started first as republican in politics and continued as such under Bergk & Wood. Under the administration of Mr. Van Metre it was democratic. Under Mr. Adams ownership it remained democratic until the spring of 1896, when the editor believing that the demo cratic party Avholly abandoned the true principles of democ racy he changed its politics and the paper again became republican. It circulates all over the county and it has been its aim to promote eArery interest in the county. Everything in the line of improvement Avhether business, educational, social or religious, receives careful consideration. THE RENAVICK TIMES. The first issue of the Remvick Times AA-as dated May 16, 1884. The paper at that time Avas only a six column folio'. The Times was started by a company of Renvrick's business men, A. B. Richardson, Cyrus Smith and W. T. Drennen AA'hose purpose was to advertise the village and the business opening in the nearby farming country. The paper Avas not printed in Remvick until several years after it Avas started. The manuscript and advertising matter was sent to AVebster City Avhere the Freeman Printing force did the work and sent the papers to- the Remvick postoffice for distribution. In May, 1885, the Renwick Publishing Company disposed of its interest to A. M. Packard, a practical neAvspaper man Avho after a trial of about six months sold it to AA111 L. Clark of Webster City. Mr. Clark continued to run it along the same lines as his predecessors had done but evidently the field Avas small and he sold Avhat interest he had in the Times to S. C. Higbee of AA'ebster City, a man of considerable ability, both as editor and printer. On securing control of the plant he purchased an outfit and commenced printing the HUMBOLDT COUNTY 411 Times from an office of its own in Renwick. As business increased it Avas enlarged to a six column quarto and the subscription price raised from $1.00 to $1.50 per year. The Times Avas then prosperous when Mr. Higbee was troubled Avith ill health Avhich compelled himself and family to move to Florida. The paper was leased to his predecessor, AV. I/. Clark, Avho managed it until April, 1896, when Mr. Higbee returned from the south and again took charge of it but after his return he took little interest in the paper and in the fall of 1897, sold it to A. S. Fulton then principal of the Renwick public schools. Mr. Fulton Avas not a newspaper man and as a result the paper soon ran down and became an undesirable piece of property. In January, 1899, the present proprietor, M. D. Morgan, a practical printer purchased the plant and commenced the Avork of re-building a dilapidated business. Since that time the Times has been improved — its office fix tures have been increased — additions have been made so- that it is on a larger scale than any time since its start. It is one of the few papers in the state which believes that it is for the community first and its editor next. However by this method and attending closely to- the news features of the locality it is sIoavIv gaining a reputation that will stand the criticisms of all and secure the approval of nearly all. The present editor Avas born in Dubuque in 1876. He was raised and educated in the town of Dows. At fourteen years of age he entered a newspaper office of that place and thus began what he considers to' be his life work. After completing his trade he spent several months working in different offices in the western part of the state, being for some months in Council Bluffs as compositor on the daily papers there. After returning home and failing to secure work he turned his attention to railroading and while work- 412 HISTORY OF IOWA ing as a hustler secured sufficient knowledge of telegraphy to' enable him to handle the night agent's place in his home town, which position he secured and held for two years. At the first opportunity he again ventured into the newspaper work in which he has remained and expects to- follow and around which his ambitions are centered. THE LIVERMORE GAZETTE. The Livermore Gazette was started September 30, 1882, by C. B. Hull. It was first printed at Lake Mills and Avas a seven column folio. On January 19, 1883, there was a change in management wherein Jay Boright became its editor and it was printed in Humboldt. On May 11 of the same year it again changed hands and W. H. Teachout edited and con tinued to print it at Humboldt. The first issue of it published in its own town and with its own outfit was advanced by George Tillson of Livermore and the management Avas un dertaken by M. A. Bancroft of Independence who Avas to become proprietor when all debts were paid. On these same conditions November 9, 1883, Oscar Lathrop of Belmond, became proprietor. In a like manner on February 1, 1884, the present editor and proprietor, AV. F. Miller, took posses sion of it and issued it as an independent republican paper, the policy by the Avay which has been pursued from the first. It ran for a few years as a six column quarto but during the past few years has been a five column quarto. W. F. Miller, the present editor of the Livermore Ga zette, was born in Fayette, Iowa. He has followed the newspaper business since he Avas ten years of age. He has no doubt inherited editorial genius, if such a relationship can be traced, from his step mother's uncle, "Petroleum V. Nasby" (David P. Locke) of well-known national reputation and one HUMBOLDT COUNTY 413 time writer on the Toledo Blade. Mr. Miller came to Liver more from Independence and bought the Gazette. As he had but little capital "to carry on the work the same was advanced to him by George Tillson on very favorable terms but it required only a short time for the plant to- pay for itself and become one of the papers of Humboldt county. BODE BUGLE. About ten years ago, a number of Humboldt county's leading citizens, including Messrs. Bicknell and Coyle of Humboldt, Carson and Ford of Livermore, Captain Rossing and A. Gullixson of Bode, formed a stock company with the intention of publishing a newspaper which should be the republican organ of the county. J. Berkheimer Avas secured as editor and manager, and the paper Avas first published at Livermore as the "Humboldt County Republican." Later it Avas removed to Humboldt. Mr. Berkheimer was retained as editor for three years. AVhen his connection with the company was severed, he at once bought an outfit and started another "Humboldt County Republican." The orig inal paper was discontinued for a time, then for a while it was published as "The Blade" with Mr. Coyle of Humboldt as editor. Later the company sold the entire plant to John Biegger, Jr., Avho moved it to Bode and started what is now the "Bode Bugle." Mr. Biegger was a republican, but issued an independent paper. He was editor and publisher for four or five years and then leased the plant to A. J. Burk. Mr. Burk not proving a successful editor, the paper was again leased to P. Iverson who conducted it successfully for a year. December 1, 1900, the outfit was bought by A. H. Olson and is now under his management and promises to become a prominent paper of the county. 414 HISTORY OF IOWA THE BRADGATE BEE. The newspaper beginning in Bradgate Avas on November 13, 1891. At that time J. S. Plopkins, the present editor of the Humboldt Herald-Democrat, started the Bradgate Her ald. He started it as a seven column folio and in unqualified terms announced its politics as democratic. For six years he continued as editor of the Bradgate Herald, but desiring to publish a county paper he Avent to Humboldt and begun the publication of the Herald-Democrat. Bradgate was without a ne\ASpaper until the spring of 1898, when Will T. Hill, a man of considerable experience in newspaper Avork, established the Bradgate RevieAv. This paper was a six column folio. In politics, it was independent. Mr. Hill ran the RevieAv for about one y/ear Avhen he sold out to W J. Davis. Mr. Davis remained about one year Avhen he sold his interest to W. H. Higby of Bradgate. Mr. Higby, after a feAv months, disposed of his interest to L- O. Sherman. Mr. Sherman continued to publish the ReAaew until September 1, T900, Avhen he sold the entire plant to Sam T. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins being a practical printer made a number of changes by the Avay of putting in an entire neAV plant, transferring the same to a different and much better suited office. On September 27, 1900, he issued the first number of the Bradgate Bee, a five column quarto. In politics the Bee is independent. It has a fine equipment for job printing of all kinds and, due to its enterprise for the short time the Bee has been established, its circulation has grown very rapidly. Its advertising pages have even- appear ance of a prosperous newspaper and it is on the alert for the business interests of its community. Mr. Hopkins, the present editor, is a young man 24 years of age, avIio spent his early life in Tama county, IoAva. AAHiile securing his educa- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 415 tion and following the profession of a printer, he became interested in bicycle racing. He holds several state, district and county records. For two' years he held the professional championship of IoAva-distance one-half mile. Mr. Hopkins Avas married on December 6, 1900, to' Miss Nellie Whitmore of Sheldon, Iowa. HERALD-DEMOCRAT. This paper Avas first started as the Bradgate Herald, on November 13, 1891, by J. S. Hopkins. It was issued as a seven column folio Aveekly. Its purpose and policy Avere for the quickening and upbuilding of the interests of the com munity in AAdiich it circulated. On January 1, 1898, the paper Avas removed from Bradgate to Humboldt in order to utilize a larger field and to become a county newspaper. The name Avas changed to Plerald-Democrat and the size increas ed to a six column quarto. In politics it was started as an independent newspaper. AVith the birth of the People's party came a change in its politics and it lined up with the party of protest. In 1896 when the democrats adopted all. the practical issues of the People's party, the paper's politics became democratic and is noAv the only democratic paper in Humboldt county. Mr. Hopkins always takes an active part in the county campaigns for president and usually at tends the national conventions. In local matters he is al ways willing to give his time and space for any legitimate enterprise Avhich tends tOAvard the good of his town and his county. The Gilmore City Herald was established by W. S Grove in November, 1883. It was published in Pocahontas 416 HISTORY OF IOWA county, but circulated in Humboldt county. It was after ward changed to the Globe, and is now owned and published by Mr. Marmon. The Livermore Independent was an adjunct of the Da kota City Independent. Its first number appeared January i, 1 88 1, with W. M. Brackett as local editor. It was after ward discontinued. <;. JAOUA, AGRICULTURAL EDITOR AND EDITORIAL Wit ITER OF THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY REPUBLICAN. CHAPTER XI. MEDICAL PROFESSK )N. Life of a Pioneer Physician — A'alue of liealth — Sickness in Earl}- Days — Malaria — Past and Present Physicians of the Count}-. The life of a medical practitioner in a neAvly settled coun try is generallv one of toil and hardship. Compensation is usually meager, and however extensive the physician's prac tice may be, much of it must be rendered gratuitously on account of the poverty of his patients. A strong constitu tion and abundant perseA-erance are requisite to success and success frequently means on the part of the pbvsician. the consciousness that he has performed his dutv Avell. Good health is a good thing, but to the settler in a neAv country, with few neighbors, and Avhose home and surround ings are barely served in a time of health, sickness conies to him in a more disheartening aspect, and it is ever the lot of a neAV country to have its double amount of sickness. There are but few localities in the United States Avhere malarious disease is not developed by clearing off the timber or breaking the prairie sod. Billions fevers and agues are the most common form, and hoAvcver exempt anv localitv may be from these diseases after a few vears of culture, the HUMBOLDT COUNTY 419 pioneer, always had to face them. Aside from the suffering and discomfort, Avhich are not light, the loss of one's business, Avant of care to stock and crops Avas heavy, at a, place where no help could be hired and Avhere the few and distant neigh bors Avere Avilling to aid a brother immigrant, Avere most likely in the same circumstances at the same time: and the unfortunate invalid had to sweat it out alone. Sometimes his whole family, as his unhappy companions, and he quite often at these times resolved to return to the home Avhich he had left as soon as returning strength Avould enable him to do so: but, Avith the returning of health and the opening of spring, his views radically changed. The Avorld bare and gloomy seen through billions eyes, Avith a throbbing head and aching back, iioav assumes the brighter hues to the land of promise. The suffering- of the past are forgotten and the ploAv is again cheerfully followed. It Avas Avell understood that the first attack of ague, Avas the Avorst and after the first seasoning, as it Avas called, there Avas not so much fear. It was found too, that there Avere but feAV deaths compared \vith the amount of sickness, and it Avas a common remark by the sick, homesick and discouraged invalid, that Avas the Avorst feature in the case; that death Avould be a relief. Such sickness Avas confined to the last of summer and fall. There Avas but little sickness in Avinter. except a feAV lingering fall cases that had become chronic; there Avere but feAV neAV cases after a seA^ere frost, and the spring and summer were perfectly healthy. It Avas a common remark that Avhen the bloom of the resin leaf and other yellow floAvers appeared, it Avas time to look for the ague. The first spring flowers on the prairie Avere mostly pink and AAdiite. Then folloAved purple and blue and about the middle of August yelloAv pre dominated, and that is about the season for ague to com mence. 420 HISTORY OF IOAV \ While the immense amount of vegetation Avhich covered the prairie Avas rapidly growing, it doubtless purified the air, and made that season healthful, but Avhen that mass of veg etation ceased growing it reversed the process; it imhided oxygen and exhaled nitrogen, and the atmosphere became impure and a source of disease. Added to this was the decay of the prairie sod, which Avas easil}- turned in June, and each settler commenced his improvement near the house. Walk across such a breaking in a Avarm evening in August or Sep tember and the affluvia from the decaying sod Avas found to be quite offensive and Avould eventually send sickness and suffering to the little cabin near by. High Avater in spring, flooding the bottoms and flooding the lagoons and low places along the streams and then drying off Avith the hot sun in Jul}- and August, was a fitful cause of disease, and in such localities it Avas often quite sickly, while the high prairie Avas comparatively exempt. At this day people can hardly appreciate the trying scenes through Avhich the pioneers have passed. Most of them made their improvements Avith their oavii hands, and when prostrated bv disease, those hands ceased their busy toil, and the Avork of the half open farm Avas at a standstill. The family, if not themselves ill. might go on Avith the chores and necessary Avork, if the incom-eniences Avere not too great. The doctor, the mill and the store Avere too far distant; they had kind friends that Avould gladly sympathize Avith their sufferings, care for their business and administertotheir\A-ants but they Avere far away. Hundreds of AA-eary miles intervened between them and their kindred and lonely they lay listening to the howling of the Avolves and reflecting on the wasting crops and their hapless situation. Occasionally a neighbor would look in and attend to the most pressing necessities; HUMBOLDT COUNTY 42r tell of his experience, and how he conquered all, and was now prosperous and promised them that they would soon exper ience the same thing. One Avho has not been in that situa tion cannot begin to appreciate the cheering influence of a neighborly friend after days of lonely despondency and heart sick forebodings for the future. In some Avay. that can hardly be explained, the sick soon rallied from their disease and recuperated not only, their bodies, but their business, and in after years they would re count the desperate determinations that they had formed and laugh at their experiences. An instance of one elderly lady, who had been Aveak and petulant from a long siege of ague, looking out on the prairie after a heavy rain, exclaimed: "This is the most God-forsaken country under the sun. It is only fit for Indians, prairie Avolves and rattle snakes, and they have about got possession. I wish it Avas sunk!" and then checking herself, said: "But that ain't much of a Avish. for it Avould not have to go clown over fifteen inches to be all under Avater." AAmen the land around the residences had become thor oughly cultivated, the residents ceased to have the ague; the tilled soil readily absorbed a rain fall, and no doubt the deleterious gases of the atmosphere, but Avhatever the cause, the annual sickness so annoying for many years gradually disappeared as the country became improved. Malarious disease has nearly ceased, and the county is one of the most comfortable locations in the state. Although sickness is a great evil, yet there Avere many deprivations and annoyances that put the endurance of the most patient and uncomrilaining to a severe test, and yet the evil Avas many times more imaginary than real, from the fact that a luxury once enjoyed in imagination becomes a neces- 422 HISTORY OF IOWA sitv. Our real wants are few and easily supplied, Avhile lux urious habits engender tastes and Avants Avhich the Avorld can hardly supplv. The folloAving experience of Dr. Ira L. AAYlch, one of the pioneer doctors of the county, illustrates the hardships and actual dangers attending practice at that time. This happened in the Avinter of 1871-2. Dr. AYelch had two patients to visit, one fifteen miles up the east branch of the Des Moines river, and the other eigh teen miles up the west branch. He drove up the east branh first, and reached his destination in the evening. He re mained there over night, and next morning, knowing that it would be impossible to drive back to Humboldt and then to his patient on the Avest branch the same day. he decided to drive across the prairie. The distance Avas much less, but the roads Avere so filled with drifted shoav, that he did not reach the Avest branch until late in the afternoon. After eating supper, his first meal since morning, he started for Humboldt, although it had begun to snow a little. The roads Avere heavy, but the track was discoverable and he followed it until he reached a point a short distance from Avhere Rutland hoav stands. Here, he thought to gain time by taking a less traveled course across the prairie, for a few miles. He had not gone far when the track became entireh" obliterated. He A\as not sufficiently acquainted Avith the countrv to make his way in the dark, and he had completely missed the road. It Avas now about to o'clock and the storm was in creasing rapidly. He stopped the team and called loudly several times. In a feAV minutes he saw a light and sending his voice in that direction, received an answer. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 423 His alarm had been heard by the Dayton family and Joe Dayton started out Avith a lantern to investigate. Dr. Welch spent the night there, and reached Humboldt next day. PHYSICIANS. The first doctor in Humboldt county was Dr. Darmon Williams, avIio Avas located near Lott's Creek, practiced a few^ years and died there. The first doctor in the town of Humboldt was Dr. D. P Russell. Next was Dr. AA' PI. Locke. The next was Dr. AA elch. He took the entire practice, the other men going into business. He came in 1868. Dr. AA' M. D. Van Arelsor. Dr. E. P Van Yelsor, a brother of the above. Dr. Edward L. Baker. Dr. AY. M. Brackett. Dr. Porter. Dr. O. Harron. Then at about the same time came Drs. E. H. Kinney, H. C. Doan, Gilbert Hogarth, G. Hardy Clark. Dr. G. AA' Field came about two vears ago. Profession hoav represented by Drs. AA'elch, Doan, Kin ney, Field. At Bode, Drs. LiAingston and AAratson. At Gilmore City, Drs. Belt, Bracken, Grigsby, McManus, Mat- son. At Livermore, Drs. DoAver, Malin, Vought. At Hardy, Dr. Hall. At ReiiAAdck, Drs. Cunningham and Sherman. At Bradgate. Drs. Stokes and Baker. At Rutland, Dr. Hill. CHAPTER XII THE CIVIL W \R. The First Gun — Springing to Arms — Patriotism in Hum boldt County — First Troops Raised — Departure for the Front — Action of the Board of Supervisors — Camp Franklin — Sketch of the Thirty-second Infantry — Ros ter — Sketch of the Fourth Cavalry. On the morning of the T2th of April. 1801. the stillness of Charleston Bay AAas disturbed by the firing of a large mortar; the shell burst OA-er Fort Sumter, and the Avar of the Great Rebellion Avas begun. In the north the hope had been tenaciously clung to that the peace of the country Avas not to be disturbed. But, this outbreak of the rebellion had been surrounded Avith conditions Avhich made the war inevitable The north suddenly aAvakened to the fact that a great civil Avar had begun. There Avas a deep feeling of indignation at those Avho Ave re Avilling to risk- a disunion of the republic in order that they might make slaA-eiw secure. There was a full appreciation of the danger and an instant universal deter mination that at whateA'er cost the national life must be maintained. The war spirit was everywhere, individual interests quickly merged into one great resolution for the public good; HUMBOLDT COUNTY 425 political differences were effaced. Nothing was of interest but the facing of the question of suppressing the rebellion. Tavo days after the fall of Fort Sumter, President Lin coln, pointed out by proclamation the transgression of the laAvs of the United States, and made a call for 75,000 men. The free states responded enthusiastically. So prompt Avas their action that on the Aery next clay several companies arrived in AA'ashington; in a very short time there were 50,000 men ready to prevent any advance that might be made on the Capitol. The north pushed fonvard Avith boundless energy, for warlike preparations; contributions Avere so liberally offered that Avithin a few days $25,000,000 had been raised. The income to the support of the government while the Avar should last. All over the country the excited gathered themsehes into croAvded meetings and set forth determined resolutions to spend their fortune, and offer themselves in defense of the Uhion. Atolunteer companies were every- Avhere formed. In the cities the women began to organize themselves for the relief of the sick and wounded soldiers. It had been said the north Avould not fight; AAath a remarkable promptitude, unknown before in modern history, the entire north was under arms. Immediately after the news Avas flashed throughout Humboldt count}' that the civil Avar had begun, public excite ment ran high, and at once action Avas begtui for the raising of volunteers. Business Avas nearly suspended; all the talk of the people Avas Avar; their occupation, recruiting and get ting together clothing, eager for any telegraphic news, and reading the latest papers. Tn the way of an official record the first mention of Humboldt countv's action in the Avar was. that of the September session of the board of supervisors 426 HISTORY OF IOWA in iX(>2. The board passed a special tax levy of four mills in order that the count}- might pay bounties. This proposi tion Avas submitted to the people at the October election and ratified by them. In December, 1802, the board resohed that a bounty of $ioo be paid to all soldiers, avIio had volunteered since the first day of August, and the board at this meeting provided for the drawing of warrants on the count}- for the same. The spirit of the times is further indicated 1>a- another resolution by the same board of supervisors, this Avas for the purpose of paying $5 per month to the wife of each volunteer. a\1io at the time of his enlistment Avas a resident of Humboldt coun ty and for each child of such volunteers an alloAvance of Si. 50 was made; provided, however, that the sum paid to the wife should not exceed $10 per month for any such family. The board of supervisors in 1S64 met on the 4th of Januarv. The members of the board Avere Alexander Coffin of AA'acousta tOAvnship, EdAvard Snook of Dakota tOAvnship. and AAllliam AAr Dean of Humboldt tOAvnship. This board went on further in meeting the exigencies of the civil Avar; the}- offered a bounty of $200 to be paid to an}- person volun teering in the United States arnw under the president's call of 1803; but, at this time not onlv Humboldt county, but all Iowa had been prettA- thoroughh- drained of her able bodied men, and had furnished troops after troops until it Avas diffi cult to find an}- one suitable for the front. The board failing to secure anv A'olunteers bv offering a bountv of $200. raised this offer to $400; this, in view of the fact, that a draft Avas to take place on the same day that this offer aa;is made, the 5th of September, 1804. The countv having come forward to make everv provi sion possible and the alleviation of the families of the vohm- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 427 teers, it is well to turn and to follow the men of the count}- in the Avar. The greater number of volunteers in any one regi ment Avas that of the Thirty-second Infantry. THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. The companies forming the Thirty-second Infantry. Iowa Atolunteers, Avere recruited in Humboldt and neighbor ing' counties, the latter part of the summer of 1862. On October 6. 1862. the}- Avere sworn into the service of the United States at Camp Franklin, near Dubuque. The colonel of this regiment Avas John Scott of Storv count}-; the lieuten ant-colonel. E. E. Mix of Butler county; the major, G A. Eberhart of Black Hawk count}'; the adjutant, Charles Aldrich of Hamilton count}-. As it Avas the custom during the civil Avar, the raAv re cruits were kept at this cam]) for several weeks and thorough- lv drilled. The earl}- misfortunes of the Avar, having taught the Avar department that to rush green volunteers to the front Avas to only invite defeat and disaster, but this camp had the natural history of most of the camps of all of our Avars at the beginning in handling volunteers. The volunteers not know- ing how to care for themseh'es. and their officers knoAA'ing little more, thev became an easv preA- to disease; a malignant form of measles broke out Avhich was fatal in many instances. From the 14th to the 18th of November, the regiment em barked by detachments for St. Louis. It numbered at that time about 020 men; it Avent into Avinter quarters at Benton Barracks. It remained there a short time, under orders from Major General Curtis. It Avas divided, six companies under Colonel Scott went fonvard to NeAV Madrid, Missouri. The other four companies, under Major Eberhart, went doAvn the river to Cape Girardeau. The regiment Avas thus separated 428 HISTORY OF IOWA in 1862, and the companies remained apart until the spring of 1864. This caused a great deal of annoyance in securing stores and getting mails, and receiving orders. It caused the affairs of the regiment to become mixed on account of this separation. At headquarters Avere Companies B, C, E, H, I and K. Under Major Eberhart, Companies A, D, F and G. Major Eberhart in obedience to the orders of General Curtis proceeded to Cape Girardeau and assumed command of that post on the 1 st of December, 1862. The garrison consisted of this detachment of the Thirty-second Infantry and one company of the Second Missouri Heavy Artillery. They re mained there all Avinter doing provost and garrison duties. The First Nebraska reinforced them on the 10th of March. On the 14th of March Major Eberhart marched his detachment to Bloomfield, accompanying a regiment of AA'isconsin Caval ry and a batter}' of Missouri Artillery. Avhere he remained until the 21st of April, Avhen they moA-ed to Dallas, fifty-six miles uortliAvard, this march was a round about route and made it necessarv for them to traA-el about sixty miles. Marmaduke, the rebel general, threatened Cape Girar deau. He Avas at that time at Fredericktown. northwest of Dallas, \A-hile another force was preceeding along the Bloom- lield road. General McNeil marched at once to Cape Girar deau by the way of Jackson. Major Eberhart's detachment was guarding the train from Dallas to Jackson, a distance of twenty-two miles, which the detachment covered in less than six hours, reaching there the evening of the 24th. The following da}- Marmaduke advanced 14)011 the place Avith about 8,000 men. He at once sent a flag of truce, demand ing unconditional surrender and giving the Union comman der but thirty minutes in Avhich to decide General McNeil prompt!}* refused and politely requested a credit of tw entv- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 429 nine minutes by General Marmaduke. The attack did not commence until Sunday morning, the 26th, at 10 o'clock, Avhen the rebels retired with considerable loss just as General \'andeA-er came up with reinforcements. In this fight Major Eberhart's command Avas stationed on the right, in support of a section of Meltfly's battery. Its loss was but one man captured on picket. On the 28th the major's detachment was ordered to Bloomfield. It left Cape Girardeau at 5 in the afternoon and marched fifty miles by sunset the next day and Avent into camp near Castor River, completing the bridge over the stream it returned to the Cape, reaching there May the 5th. The detachment remained on garrison duty until the nth of July, Avhen it again marched to> Bloomfield. Hav ing remained there a few days, at Avork on the fortification, it AAas attached to the Reserve Brigade, First Cavalry, Division Department of the Missouri, and on the 19th started on that memorable march Avliich ended Avith the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas. The command reached Clarendon on the 8th of August. On the morning of the 13th it started up White River, their' s Avas a brilliant success. The gun boats then Avent up the AAmite river to the mouth of the Little Rock river; then they went up the Red river to the town of Searcy, where two steamers were captured and a pontoon bridge destroyed. The fleet on its return Avas attacked by about 300 rebels, some ten miles from Searcy. The enemy directed its fire on the prize Kaskaska, which Avas manned by Company D, un der Lieut. W D. Templin, the steamer made a strong de fense. The enemy Avas driven off with the loss of about twentv killed. Company D lost one killed and five wounded. This little fleet Avas again attacked before it reached White riA-er, without any losses though Avhatever. This expedition 43" HISTORY OF K AAA ii]) the Red river resulted in the destruction of much public property and the taking of a number of prisoners. On the 27th, the detachment was engaged in a skirmish at Bayou Metoe, losing" one killed and tAvo Avounded. There Avas much hardship suffered by the detachment on this expedition be cause of the intense heat. The day the command reached "Dead Man's Lake" the air Avas filled Avith flying dust and Avater was a scarce article. This so-called lake Avas nothing more than a stagnant pond covered AA'ith green scum, which was readily drank In- the over-thirsty troops. Also the tAvo trips from Din-all's Bluffs to Brownsville as guard to the cavalry train Avere trips of hard marching and suffering from heat and lack of Avater. Man}* of the troops A\ere unable to stand the climate and the result Avas that a great man}- of the soldiers became unable to march and Avere in a place Avhere there Avas little opportunity for them to receive the care Avhich sick men need. .About the 21st of August a small side Avheeler sailed up the AA'hite river, -loaded Avith sick and com-alescent sol diers. It was aii intenseh hot day in August. In the run from Clarendon to Duvall's Bluffs, a distance of forty-fh-e miles, there Avas not a spot on that boat from deck to deck but Avhat Avas covered bv sick soldiers. TheA' Ave re piled aAvay on the hurricane deck in the hot southern sun. wherever it was possible to lay them. TAventy-six men died on the trip, one of them a corporal of Company G (Carter). These men belonged to the army of the frontier and Avere in a section of the country Avliere everything Avas inconveni ent and Avhere, Avith the Aveather and the ill conditioned ac commodations, it made those expeditions among the hardest trials of the Avar. On August the 25th they marched across Prairie county, Arkansas. About n o'clock that night thev II U M BO LDT C O U NT V 43 1 arriA'ed at the little court house yard at Brownsville. General Davidson commanding", recpiested the boys to take some rest as soon as possible, because lie Avould no doubt need them early in the morning. These volunteers had marched 500 miles and kept up with General Davidson's cavalry. At 4 o'clock the next morning theA- Avere on the march. Nine miles brought them to the rebel outpost. The Avhole movement during the day was of little consequence. In the evening the}- fell back to support a battery, the batter}' and all other troops had left. One detachment alone Avas on the field and the enemy Avas drawing closer Avhen they Avithdrew and fell back near Brownsville. The detachment that night slept in a cornfield, Avithont an}" effort being' made to observe a military encamp ment. The night proved to lie a very stormy one, leaving them in a sorry condition as the morning came, Avithout ra tions and mud eA-eryAvhere. Finding a patch of sweet potatoes the}' finally succeeded in making out a breakfast. The detachment remained tAvo days in the camp in the timber near by, and then moved to the old cavalry camp north of toAvn, Avhere the sick had been kept in a double log house, near a pond of stagnant Avater. On the 31st of August, 1863, the train Avas ordered to go through to Duvall's Bluffs in the night, entire detachment Avas ordered to go as guard. Everyone able to go was order ed up, but only forty men could be raised and fifteen of them Avere not fit to march; but, they Avere placed on the wagon for purpose of preventing an attack. This camp proved to be like many another southern camp in our Avar history, for it was not long until there Avas not a Avell man in the entire rendezvous. Everything possible under the circumstances, was done, but the detachment was already far in advance of 432 HISTORY OF IOAYA the main army and its supplies. No sanitary or suttlers stores had reached them and much of the ordinary soldier's fare was unfit for use. Under removal of the detachment to Little Rock, it was bv the order of General Davidson they Avere relieved from all guard or other duty, excepting the care of its oavh sick. Here the detachment lost several more of its members. General McBherson, medical director, said that the send ing" of those four companies through on that campaign to keep up Avith the cavalry was one of the outrages of the Avar. The detachment remained at Little Rock until the middle of October Avhen they removed to Benton, about tAventy-five miles aAvay. They again returned to Little Rock, where they remained until January, 1864. Avhen it started to Memphis, which place it reached the 5th of February. It was there ordered to report to Gen. H. A. Smith at Vicksburg. It reached Vicksburg on the (jth and remained there until the 27th, A\'hen it marched to Black RiA-er to aAvait the army on its return from the interior. Colonel Scott had established his headquarters in the meantime at New Madrid. On the 17th of December. 1862, he sent out a detachment of 100 men under Captain Peeble, avIio went as far as St. Francis river, bringing back several prisoners and much public property. On the 28th of Decem ber, Colonel Scott destroyed all public property and evacuat ed New Madrid by order of General DaA-ies, after Avhich he proceeded to- Fort Pillow, at Avhich place he remained six months, doing garrison duty. On the 17th and 18th of June, 1863, the command started in detachments for Columbus, Kentucky, going- into camp there on the 19th, and it was at that place that regimental headquarters remained for more than seven months, Colonel Scott being most of the time in command of the post. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 433 Union City, Tennessee, being captured by the rebels on July ioth the command marched to that place, but arrived too late to find the enemy. After burying the dead and car ing for the Avounded they returned. The command was soon afterwards again divided into fractions. Companies B and I under the command of Captain Miller alone remained at regimental headquarters. Company C was detached to the Fourth Missouri Cavalry; Company E was placed at Fort Quimby; Companies H and K, Captain Benson commanding, went doAvn the river to Island Number 10. From this time until January, 1864, there Avas very little history connected with these detachments. Company C was an exception to this, as they scouted a wdde expanse of country, infested by guerrillas, and at times marched a considerable distance from Columbus and endured many hardships. In January, 1864, the six companies were brought to gether and embarked from Vicksburg, where they were as signed to the Second brigade. The regiment was again united at this time, being the first time that Major Eberhart and his four companies had been Avith them since 1862. Short ly after the regiment Avas ordered to the department of the Gulf and there accompanied the disastrous Red River expedi tion. On this expedition the Thirty-second suffered severely. It formed a part of Gen. A. J. Smith's command, consisting of 10,000 infantry, and three batteries of artillery, which left Vicksburg March 9th, on transports, accompanied by gun boats. At the mouth of the Red river this fleet was joined by Admiral D. D. Porter, with a large fleet, including several ironclads. The fleet entered the Red river by the southern stream and passed thence into Achafalaya, proceeding as far 434 HISTORY OF IOWA as Seemesport, where the troops disembarked on the night of the 13th, and inimediateh' commenced a march on Fort DeRussy; it Avas tAventv-eight miles from there to the fort, and the army marched that distance the next day, although they Avere continually harassed by the rebel cavalry, and de layed once for two hours in building a bridge over a stream; they, however, attacked the fort and carried it bv storm be fore sjuidown and before the gunboats bad arrived. In this asatilt the Thirty-second A\as on the right, and "the men on the right took the fort" said the prisoners. The Thirty- second lost one man killed and two Avounded. At Fort DeRussy theA- re-embarked and proceeded to Alexandria, Avhere the troops again embarked and remained nearly tAvo Aveeks. It Avas at this point that the column un der General Smith formed a junction Avith the column Avhich had marched from New Orleans. The boats could not be taken over the Rapids Avhile laden, so the troops marched to Cotile Landing, some tAventy-five miles up the river. Here the Thirty-second regiment had its first battalion drill, Avith all the companies in line, since leaving Dubuque in Novem ber, 1862. On the 3d of April the command again embarked and reached Grand 'Ecore on the next evening, Avhere it remained until the morning of the 7th, Avhen it marched to the front in the battle of Pleasant Hill, Avhere the brigade to wdiich the Thirty-second belonged, commanded by Colonel Shaw of the Fourteenth IoAva stood the brant of the fight, being the first in the battle, the last to leave the field and losing three times as many officers and men as any brigade engaged. The regiment here fought with sublime courage, and its heroism Avas Avorthy of a better fate than a retreat from the battle field. Lieutenant-Colonel Mix Avas slain. The regiment lost 210 officers and men killed, Avounded and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 435 missing. Colonel Shaw's brigade covered the retreat of the army to Grand Ecore when the Thirty-second regiment, after a movement up Red river to aid the fleet in escaping from imminent peril Avent into encampment. It joined in the retreat doAvn the Red river on the 21st, and frequently met the enemy in skirmishes. The retreat from Alexandria to the Mississippi Avas also harassed by the enemy. Colonel ShaAV in bis report of the skirmish at Bayou de Glaize. said : "To Colonel Gilbert. TAventhy-seventh Iowa, Major Eberhart of the Thirty-second Iowa, Captain Crane of the Fourteenth Iowa and their commands, is due the safetA* of the army." The regiment reached Memphis on the 10th of June from there the command moved to Moscow, and thence to LaGrange in the latter part of June. From this point it marched AA'ith General Smith's forces on the Tupelo cam paign. It returned to Memphis and having encamped there about ten days, joined in the Oxford expedition. The active campaign in Avhich the Thirtv-second took part Avas in Mis souri in the pursuit of Price. That Avas a campaign of march ing". The regiment marched about 650 miles. It marched across the state and back again, going from St. Louis to Cairo bA' steamer. From here it moved to Nashville. Avhich is soon after besieged by General Flood. In the battle of Nashville December 15th and 16th, the Thirty-second, fight ing" in General Gilbert's brigade was hotly engaged and Avon great credit for daring and efficient behavior. It captured a battery- of five guns and many prisoners and lost about tAventy-fh'e killed and wounded. In 1865 the regiment marched to Clifton, Tennessee, Avhence it moved by steamer to Eastport, Mississippi. Its last campaign Avas that of Mobile, under General E. R. S. Camby. It remained in Alabama sometime after the fall of Mobile and Avas mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, August 24, 1865. 436 HISTORY OF IOWA The adjutant general's report has been carefully gone over in regard to the name of every soldier from Humboldt county and the following is the roster: THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. Major — Jonathan Hutchinson. COMPANY A. Levi Scurlock. COMPANY I. Jasper Scurlock. John H. Ford. Henry C. Cusey. George W. Planchett. John Means. John N. McHenry. Matthias Hutchinson. John R. Mayberry. George T. Cass. Francis W. Russell. John McKitrick. Isaac McHenry. James A. Rowley. Hiram Hulsizer. SIXTEENTH IOAV A INFANTRY (Unassigned.) Alexander Coffin. \A llliam Murray. Captain John Berry. COMPANY C. COMPANY D. FORTY-EIGHTH IOWA INFANTRY. COMPANY B. Amos A. Hewitt. EdAvin F AArilliams. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 437 SECOND IOWA CAVALRY. COMPANY F. Albert M. Adams. FOURTH IOWA CAVALRY. COMPANY L. Harry P Cragg. John W. Fairman. Valentine Renter Cassius P. Snook. Abner F. Davis. James H. Hinton. LeAvis Vought. John M. Thomas. COMPANY B. Charles Jarvis. FIFTH IOAArA CAVALRY. COMPANY B. Benjamin AVilliams. NORTHERN BORDER BRIGADE. COMPANY A. Lieut. Edward McKnight. Dennis Hogan. Henry Archer. ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY. COMPANY A. Thomas J. Forbes. FORTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. COMPANY G. Lewis Richmond. Soldiers, whose Company and Regiment is unknown: William Sherman. Hiram Evans. Lemuel Young Alexander McLean. Andrew Mills. Peter Bower. Harrison Wentworth. AA^illiam Hamilton. 438 PITSTORY OF IOAA'A FOURTH IOAA'A CAVALRY. Most of those from Humboldt county avIio enlisted in cavalry companies Avere in the Fourth IoAva Cavalry. The first enlistments in this regiment Avere made in July, 1861, and the first company AAas sworn into state service in Au gust of the same year. Three cavalry regiments had already been raised in IoAva and the Avar department was of the opinion that any more enlistments should he made in the infantry. However, through the intervention of Senator Harlan, special authority AAas given in a letter from Secretary Stanton to Governor Kirkwood, dated October 12, 1861. authorizing the raising" of a fourth regiment of cavalry, to be rendezvoused at Mount Pleasant. Companies from different parts of the state began to arrh-e at Mount Pleasant, forming Camp Harlan, as it Avas called in honor of Senator Harlan. About the 20th of November, 1861, the work of organization being" practically completed, a mustering officer appeared in camp, and on Saturday, November 2T,, began to muster the companies into the army of the United States. The officers AA'ere: Colonel, A shiny B. Porter; majors, Simeon D. SAvan, Joseph E. JeAvett, and George A. Stone; adjutant, George W. AA'aldron. The lieutenant-colonelcy was to be given to some officer of the regular arniA-, avIio should lie instructor in tactics and discipline and Lieut. Thomas E. Drummond of the Fifth United States Cavalry Avas chosen, and began his work in January. The regiment after being ordered, first, in December, 1861, to Ncaa- Albany (Louisville), where it Avould have been in the Department and Ami}- of the Ohio, and next, in January, 1862, to Fort Leavemvorth, Avhere. likely, it would have had to take part in the cruel and fruitless border Avar- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 439 fare, A\as at last, tinder a third order, sent to General Halleck, then at St. Louis in command of the Department of the Missouri. The regiment left Camp Harlan the latter part of Feb ruary, i8f>2, and reached St. Louis early in March. General Halleck at once ordered it into the field, to reinforce General Curtis, who with the Arm}- of the Soutfnvest, was then con fronting a superior force of rebels under Van Dorn and Price, in the nortliAvest corner of Arkansas. On the 10th of March the regiment started from St. Louis. It reached Springfield, Mo, Avhere it was stopped by an order from Curtis, his cam paign having been just ended by his victory at Pea Ridge. In April, 1862, its first regular campaign Avas begun, in Curtis' movement against Little Rock. The first engage ment of any part of the regiment Avith the rebels, occurred April 18, 1862, Avhen a detachment from Companies E, F, G and K, commanded by Captain Drummond seized a nitre caAre on AAdiite RiA-er, Ark. The next day a detachment un der Lieut. AA' A. Pleacock attempted to seize a boat at Tal bot's Ferry on AVhite River. The rebels resisted and Lieu tenant Heacock Avas killed. He Avas the first man of the regiment killed in battle. The marches in the campaign against Little Rock occupied from April 14 to- July 15, 1862, and led from Springfield, by Ozark, Forsyth, and Vera Cruz, to AA'est Plains, Mo.; thence by Batesville to Searcy, Ark.; thence bv Batesville, Jacksonport, and Clarendon, to Flelena on the Mississippi, Avitli many minor expeditions, scouts and foraging-trips. Some part or all of the regiment met the enemy ten or twelve times in this campaign. From July 15, 1862, to April 28, T863, the regiment Avas near Helena, Ark., part of a constantly changing force Avhich held the riglit bank of the Mississippi there, while Grant and 440 HISTORY OF IOAVA Sherman Avere trying to reach Vicksburg by Avay of Corinth and Grenada. There Avere many petty engagements in this service by different detachments of the regiment. Near the end of April, General Gorman, at Helena, re ceived orders to send one cavalry regiment to join Grant at NeAV Carthage, in his campaign against Vicksburg. The Fourth Iowa AAas selected, and started on its march. It reached Grant's army at Cayuga, Miss., May 10, and was assigned to Sherman's Fifteenth Corps, and placed in ad vance. The Fourth IoAva was the only regiment of cavalry in Grant's army in the Vicksburg campaign, until about the middle of June, and the service required of it Avas very great. On May n, Grant's army was prepared for action and moved forward toward Vicksburg. The Fourth IoAva, in front of Sherman, came upon the enemy at Fourteen-Mile Creek, on the 12th. The battle resulted in the loss of one man killed and three Avounded. The cavalry moved on to ward Jackson Avith one or two engagements. Sherman entered and destroyed all supplies at Jackson and marched Avestward toward Clinton AAith the Fourth Ioav a as rear guard. The next important Avork of the Fourth IoAva was the capture of Haines' Bluff, with its guns and ammunition. The siege of Vicksburg began soon after this and the regi ment Avas kept hard at work. For fiftv-fonr days the effec tive force of the regiment was in the saddle a large part of the time. The service Avas all Avithin the country between the Yazoo and the Big Black, Avhich Avould be the route taken by General Johnson, should he andA-ance to the relief of Vicksburg. But one notable engagement took place. A detachment of the regiment blockading a road, Avas surprised by a larger party of rebels and defeated, with a loss of eight men killed, and seventeen Avounded. The rebel loss Avas much greater. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 441 The fall of A'icksburg marked the close of a campaign in Avhich the Fourth IoAva Cavalry had taken an important part. The old officers of the regiment resigned about this time, and neAV ones Avere appointed. They Avere Colonel, E. F AA'inslow; lieutenant-colonel, John H. Peters, and adjutant, Ambrose Hodge. The Fourth IoAva Avith all the other available cavalry regiments Avas formed into a brigade under command of Colonel Bussey, and marched Avith Sherman in a campaign against Johnston. Avhich lasted from July 5 to July 20, 1863. The next important movement of the brigade Avas in the campaign of Grenada, August 10 to 25, 1863, which was eminently successful. General Grant avIio was at Memphis, recognized their bravery, and on account of their condition, ordered them back to A'icksburg, for rest. Only part of the Fourth IoAva Avas at that time in the brigade, but the other members joined it later. Frcm September 1, 1863, to February 1, 1864, the head quarters of the regiment Avere near Vicksburg and there were some minor movements in Mississippi. December 25, 1863, the F"ourth IoAva Cavalry was re-enlisted as Veteran Volun teers, being the first veteran regiment from Iowa. The next movement of importance in which the regi ment participated, Avas Sherman's campaign against Meridian in Avhich the cavalry made some brilliant moves. Returning to Vicksburg, the Fourth IoAva received a furlough of thirty days, beginning March 15, 1864. During their absence the camp Avas removed to Memphis and they reached here April 24. The stay at Memphis Avas marked by several important engagements in which the Fourth IoAva distinguished itself, among them being Price's Cross Roads, campaigns against Forrest, and at Memphis. The campaign against Price wras 442 HISTORY OF IOAVA the next important move and began Sejitember I, 1864. Price, with several other confederate leaders, had planned to occupy and hold the state of Missouri. The union troops included about 500 of the Fourth IoAva. The route lay from Memphis, by Clarendon and Little Rock, to St. Louis, Jeffer son City, and Independence, Mo.. Trading" Post and Fort Scott, Kan., Pea Ridge and Fayetteville, Ark., Talequah and AA'eber's Falls, Ind. Ter., and back to St. Louis, Mo., ending November 30, 1864. During the early part of the campaign, the Fourth IoAva did some exceptionally brilliant Avork in several battles on the prairies of Kansas and Missouri. After a Aveek's rest at St. Louis, the regiment Avith others Avas ordered south. Grierson's campaign, in Avhich the Fourth IoAva took part was directed from Memphis to Vicksburg. It took place December 21, 1864, to January 5, 1865. March 20, 1865, began the last campaign of the Avar. The Fourth IoAva Avas now a part of AAllson's Brigade and distinguished itself in the engagements of that Avell known division. Among the more important battles, Avere Monte- vallo, capture of Selma and of Columbus. It was the inten tions of Wilson to march to Richmond to assist Grant in his campaign, but neAvs of a cessation of hostilities changed his plans. No more actiA-e Avork A\as done by the regiment. It was mustered out at .Atlanta. Ga., .August to, 1865, and dis charged at Da\enport. Ta., August 24, of the same year. CHAPTER XIII. EDUCATIONAL GROWTH. Early Schools — Country Schools — A Comparison — Graded Schools — Humbodt Public Schools — Humboldt College The early- schools of Humboldt county Avere character ized by no especial features that would differentiate them from other schools of a neAvly settled community. Here was the lack of school houses, the scarcity of teachers, the engrossing interests of the people in the occupation that meant life itself to them, and the man}- other drawbacks common to all pioneer education. But here too Ave find the interest taken by every American in his public schools. Here as elseAvhere the early settlers labored and sacrificed, to ob tain educational advantages for their children. Schools were held in buildings designed for other purposes. Those who were best educated among the settlers, Avere selected as teachers. As soon as the government of the community Avas organized, the means provided by laAV for defraying school expenses, Avere collected and used. From such a starting point sprang the public schools as Ave have them today, a monument to the progressive spirit of the county. The present state of excellence has come by the usual process 444 HISTORY OF IOAVA of school evolution Avhich it is our purpose to study in this sketch. The first superintendent that the county had Avas elected in 1858, but the records of the schools necessary to a careful comparison of Avork done in successive years, extends back only to 1883, and our account of the growth must date from that year. The following table will give a correct idea of the growth of the schools from a numerical standpoint: j 1883 1890 1900 No. of ungraded schools . . | 79J No. of graded schools. . ' 3 Total No. of rooms . . . . 87 School population ! 2592 No. of pupils enrolled . . . j 2098 Variation of school houses|$46730.oo Amount paid teachers. . . . [$15827.27 86| 104 4I 9 96| 142 319°! 4282 2705! 3^79 $535 55.oo|$83395.oo $233 25.48IS36228.25 It Avill be seen that the different terms have increased throughout the list. In 1883, 80 9-10 per cent of the child ren under school age were enrolled, in 1890 this had in creased to 84 4-5 per cent, and in 1900 it was 85 9-10 per cent. This Avould indicate, as far as we are able to judge from such a source, that school advantages grew better. This Avas probably due to the increase in the number of school houses. Then too, there Avas more interest taken in educa tional matters, for the increase in enrollment from 1883 to 1890 Avas 28 per cent, while the increase in school population was only 23 per cent. From 1890 to 1900 the increase in enrollment Avas 36 per cent and in school population 35 per cent. This is the natural result of conditions, for during the earlier times many children Avere obliged to remain out of school to assist in the home Avork. The numbers of school houses built during the last ten years is much greater than the number built the same length HUMBOLDT COUNTY 445 of time previous to that. This is due largely to the introduc tion of graded schools. No definite ratio of the condition of school houses can be gathered from the figures of valuation, OAving to the fluctuating price of building material, but ob servation would show that school houses of today are for better than those of twenty years ago. Then, too, they are much better epuipped with apparatus, especially wdth maps and charts. The rural school seems to be aAvakening to the fact of its many advantages and the directors throughout the county are taking a marked interest in their work. This is shown by the libraries that are being introduced. There is no other way that an equal expenditure will do the same amount of good as the investment of it in a care fully selected school library. It will do- more toward arous ing interest, awakening thought, and making good citizens of the pupils than any other department of the school. Its A*alue, especially in the country districts cannot be overesti mated. The teachers and patrons of the county are becom ing aware of this fact. Every township has some school libraries, and in tAvo, Norway and Beaver, every school is provided, by the board, wdth a library worth $25. In many instances this amount has been increased by the work of the teacher and the school. At present there is a prize offer open to the district schools of Humboldt county. It con sists of a first prize of $30, a second prize of $20, and fifteen prizes of $10 each, to be given the schools that will raise the largest amount for libraries, between September 1, 1900 and July 1, 1901. Uniform text-books are used in the townships, but not in the county. In some of the country schools, classes have been organized in algebra and one or tAvo- more of the higher 446 HISTORY OF IOAVA branches, but the Avork is for the most part confined to the common studies. The graded schools of the county have nearly all been established within the last ten years. In 1883 there were three, one at Humboldt, containing four rooms, one at Da kota City and one at Livermore, each containing two. In 1890 there were four, Humboldt having six rooms, Gilmore City, Livermore and Dakota City, tAvo each. In 1900 there Avere nine graded schools containing 38 rooms, divided as folloAvs: Humboldt 10, Bode 3, Dakota City 4, Gilmore City 5, Livermore 6, Remvick 4, Rutland 2, Thor 2, Brad gate 2. The Humboldt school is the best in the county, it iioav having a tAvelve year course. The teachers of Ffumboldt county compare favorably Avith the average teacher of the state. In 1883 the average age of the teachers in this count}- Avas 25 years, in 1900 it Avas 23 years. At present the county superintendent, Mr. Mes- ser, is raising the grade of the Avork by cutting out inexper ienced teachers. In 1900 there were tAventy certificates granted to applicants avIio had never taught, in 1899 fifty- four, in 1895 twenty-six, in 1890 thirty-eight. In 1900 there were in all 172 certificates granted, of these, fifteen Avere first grade, ninety-one second, and sixty-six third. A movement of great benefit to the teachers, is th*. teachers' library, which Avas started in 1899, Avith books worth $100, $50 of this was donated, and the teachers raised an equal amount. The same sum Avill be donated each year, the teachers to furnish an equal amount. The board of super visors has also voted a sum of money for it. The library is in sections which are stationed at different towns in the county. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 447 During the past ten years a marked change has taken place in methods, especially along the line of primary work. Many fads have been introduced that have proved impracti cable, but on the Avhole a notable progression has been made from the antiquated a-b-c-methods of our early pedagogics. Institute is held in the countv once a year, and there is a live Teachers' /Association that has sectional meetings. At present the superintendent is arranging for a series of meetings in the different toAvnships to bring together teach ers and directors. Tavo points that will be especially urged are the need of supplementary reading for younger pupils, and the hiring of teachers by the year instead of by the term.' There is a demand throughout the county for a better class of teachers, and this alone would sIioav the interest taken in educational development. Another indication of this, is the increase in teachers' Avages. In 1883 the average yearly salary was $183.07, in 1890 it Avas $238.01, and in 1900, $255.13. OAving to the increase in population, this has come about with a decrease in the average monthly tuition, Avhich in 1883 AA"as $2.61, in 1890 $2.34, and in 1900 $1.94. AA^e have said that the schools at present were "excel lent." This may have been prompted by a comparison with those of twenty years ago. The schools of today are fat hom perfect. One of the serious drawbacks is the employ ment of many teachers that are not fitted, either by nature or education, to fill the positions. These are for the most part confined to the country schools and it is this, that keeps the country schools from attaining to the condition that might be theirs. For an ungraded school of average size, if man aged by a good teacher, is capable of doing better Avork than a graded school. oc scu•T. Xc CO HUMBOLDT COUNTY 449 Teaching is too often a "mean-while" occupation. It is taken up Avithout special preparations as something that "anybody Avith a little education can do." However this is noAv being obviated by the increased requirements of teach ers, and by the advantages offered in our many normal schools of obtaining training at a merely nominal expense. These conditions exist Avith some modifications, throughout the state. Humboldt county is about an average. With the other counties of the state, it promises to make a marked groAvth in the future. The reform in methods so well begun, will be carried out Avith excellent results to- all concerned, and another generation will render thanks to the men and women Avho gave them the educational advantages they en joy. HUMBOLDT PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Among the marvelous changes that took place in the nineteenth century, those along the educational line hold a prominent place. A hundred years ago, free public schools existed only in America, and they were in a crude condition. In Europe education was a luxury indulged in only by those especially favored. It was deemed unwise to- permit the Avorking classes to receive an education. Even the univer sity graduate of those days, lacked the education and culture of many of our high school pupils. Much of this progress has taken place in the latter half of the century. One of the leading educational reformers in the United States during the early part of the century was Horace Mann. The last fifty years developed scores of men who devoted their energies to carrying out the best ideas of former educators, and advancing many improvements of their OAvn. 29 450 HISTORY OF IOAA'A The growth of the Humboldt schools extends over less than half a century. During the pioneer times it consisted of the usual ungraded school. Fallowing the customary evolu tion, the increased number of pupils necessitated larger ac commodations and with new school rooms came a system of grading. In 1882 the school employed three teachers. The following vear two more rooms were added and in 1884 there Avere six teachers. About the year 1883, Miss Elinor Gordon Avas marie principal of the schools. During the sev eral years preceding her coming the schools Avere in a rather unsatisfactory condition, but under her administration there Avas a marked improvement. A neAV regime of management was put in operation, and a ten year course of study adopted. The number of pupils enrolled at that time Avas 290. This course of study Avas carried on aa ith some changes made by different principals until 1890. At that time, Prof. Messer, iioav count}- superintendent, took charge of the schools. One of his first changes Avas to revise the course of stud}-, making" it cover tAvelve school years. The first class under this course Avas graduated the folloAving A-ear. Pro fessor Messer remained as principal for nine years and under his excellent management, the school deA'eloped rapidly along all lines. Full credit Avas given in all the principal col leges of the state for Avork done here. The attendance began to increase about the year 1890 by the addition of non resident pupils. At present there are over fifty in attend ance. In 1S93 tne district erected a new- school house. It is a stone structure of thirteen rooms, built in modern style and provided Avith approved systems of heating" and ventilation. The folloAving from the president's report in 1900, -will give HUM BOLDT COUNTY 45 i the A-alue of the school propertA'. Some imj)rovements have been made since then. "The school building a\ as erected from the finest build ing stone to be found in this part of the state, at an actual cost of $15,051.35. The heating" and ventilating plant cost $2,200.00, making a total cost of $17,861.35. The improve ments and fixtures that have been added, make the building and contents cost $20,000.00. The school house block with no building" on it, is fairly estimated at $4,000.00, the school district property thus being Avorth $24,000.00." In 1899 the board secured the services of Prof. R. E. Towle as principal. He again revised the course and noAv it covers the same number of years, but is in accordance Avith the standard established by the state university, its' graduates being admitted to the freshman year in that institution. It is Professor ToAvle's aim to employ the best methods and to keep the school progressive along all lines. In the grade work, the best among the man}* new meth ods are used, chief among' these being the vertical Avriting, and the Speer SA*stem of number Avork. Music is taught in all the grades by a teacher engaged for that purpose. The high school course is characterized by the same thoroughness of work that marks the grades. The recitation rooms are fit ted Avith apparatus for experimental work in the sciences taught. A library of about 300 volumes furnishes supple mental-}- work for most of the studies taught .and also gives the pupils good recreative reading. It is a justly popular de partment of the school and merits the liberality shown by the citizens of the tOAvn. In the athletic line, the school has progressed rapidly Avithin the last feAV years. The boys are organized into three teams, the basket-ball, the foot-ball, and the track associa- 452 HISTORY OF IOWA tions. Each is an independent organization and elects its officers for one year. The girls are organized in an athletic association, which has a basket ball and a tennis court on the school ground. The boys also have a basket ball court. All pupils belonging to the different associations must maintain a grade of 85 per cent in all studies pursued. All athletics are under the supervision and management of the principal. Rhetoricals are required in the grades, and the high school has a debating society composed of the pupils in terested in that line. The following from the report of the president, Dr. Welch, conveys a correct idea of the feeling of the town toward its schools: "The cheerfulness with Avhich our heavy tax-payers re spond to the demands made upon them to contribute their share to the support of the public schools, is truly commend able. * * * The needs of our school are numerous and seem to be ever present. * * * The co-operation of all parties inter ested; tax payers, patrons, teachers, and pupils in a united effort to advance the welfare of the school Avill meet all con tingencies and provide for every Avant. Such co-operation has existed in the past to- a commendable degree. If this is continued in the future, and the efforts of the teachers and the school board are supplemented by moral support and financial aid, we shall have just cause to rejoice that Ave have in our midst, a system of public instruction that "will bless the Avorld." The development of the Humboldt schools is character istic of that of the graded schools throughout the United States. It lacks many advantages of schools better equipped these being for the most part in large cities, but for a tOAvn of this size, the school stands Avell to the front. It is the best HUMBOLDT COUNTY 453 in the county, but as the other towns increase in population, it is probable that educational facilities will be better. HUMBOLDT COLLEGE. In a country where distance is one of the important factors to be considered in the attainment of a desired end, an advantage near at hand is given its full valuation. Such a country is the United States, such a desired end is an edu cation and the near-by advantage is the small college. To many students of our smaller schools, a course at one of the larger institutions would be attended with many difficulties, if not Avholly impossible. The cost of traveling, the tuition, and other expenses Avould prevent the attendance of many AA'ho desired to do so and the remoteness and lack of definite knowledge concerning the large university, would, in a large measure, '/lessen the desire. The small college furnishes board at a reasonable figure, and the tuition is merely nom inal. If the school is judiciously advertised, there are few residents in its territory that are not made aware of its exist ence and many are induced to take advantage of its oppor tunities. The financial advantage, although the principal one, does not stand entirely alone. To a student first entering college, the smaller school has much to commend itself to his notice. The change from home to college life is a mark ed one, especially to a student coming from the country dis tricts and entering a large university. This change comes at a time when his ambitions and ideas are in a plastic condi tion and much of the success of his subsequent life depends upon the form into which they are molded. In a small college the change is mitigated to a certain extent, for while college 454 HISTORY OF IOAVA customs are necessarily and properly different, the}- are mod ified by the locality until they haA'e some familiar characteris tics. Then in a small college, the faculty, having feAver de mands made on their time, are able to mingle more freelv AA'ith students outside the class-room. Their influence along the line of morals, education and culture, especially oa er those first in college, is important. The student who has spent a few years in one of our smaller schools and then enters a large university, appreciates the ach-antages of the latter institution more fully than one aaIio has received his entire education there. The founding of a college is attended Avith man}- diffi culties. In a newly settled community the inhabitants are usually content Avith the establishment of the public schools, and eAen these are often conducted at a sacrifice. AA'hen, then, a pioneer settlement has sufficient educational spirit to establish a higher institution of learning, it is worthy of especial commendation. It Avas this spirit that prompted the early New England settlers to establish those schools, that today are the intellectual center of this continent. But this spirit must be guided by some hand skilled in managing and executing. To be successful, this leader must not only haA-e a proper end in view, but must also possess the business ability to gain the support necessary to acquire that end. Humboldt college Avas founded during the pioneer days of the county. The educational enthusiasm of the settlers found a leader in the person of Rev. S. PI. Taft, the founder pf the town. Although Rev. Taft Avas occupied Avith his oavh business, he nevertheless found time to devote to this work. He was heartily in sympathy with the movement. It Avas his purpose to found a college Avhere religious but not sec- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 455 tariaii principles should be taught. AAdiere a broad study of the Bible could be made unhampered by sectarian restrictions The first meeting called to consider the question of es tablishing a college, Avas held in Humboldt (then Spring vale) June 22. 1866. The enterprise was approved, and an organization entered into under the name of "Springvale Collegiate Association." Rev. S. H. Taft was chosen presi dent; Hon. B. F Gue, vice-president; J. A. Averill, recording secretary: A. AA". McFarland, corresponding secretary; A. E. Lathrop, treasurer; Judge Dickey and N. S. Ames, auditors. Committee on constitution and by-laAvs, A. AA". McFarland, Charles Lorbeer, D. P. Russell, Charles Bergk, S. H. Taft. A second meeting Avas called July 23 of the same year, at which a committee Avas appointed to prepare articles of incor poration. HoAveA-er the floods Avhich occurred soon after this, inflicted such losses upon those interested in the move ment, that nothing further Avas done until July 17, 1869. On that date, a Avell-attended meeting was held at Russell's hall, at which the committee appointed three years before, report ed a constitution AA-hich AA-as adopted and the association Avas formed in harmony Avith the original plan, except that the name Avas changed to "Humboldt Collegiate Association." The following clause from the articles of incorporation, will give an idea of its purpose: "The fundamental object of this association is to establish and maintain an educational institu tion which shall be forever free from sectarian control." The folloAving AAere the officers of the association: President, Rev. S. H. Taft; vice-president, Ira L. AVelch; secretary, J. N. Prouty; treasurer, John Dickey. Mr. Taft then set to work to raise the necessary funds for the erection and equipment of school buildings. In the fall of that v*ear, the association asked of the county an ap- 456 HISTORY OF IOWA propriation of half its swamp lands in aid of the institution. Failing to obtain this, Mr. Taft, in behalf of the association, contracted for 240 acres of land lying north of and adjoining the town of Humboldt. He received such contributions as could be obtained in the vicinity and himself gave eight blocks of town property. In the spring of 1870 he Avent to the Atlantic states to obtain financial aid from the men in sympathy. The folloAving selections from an address de livered later, Avill give an idea of his Avork and success there. "My first hundred dollars Avas from the hands of Hon. Peter Cooper of New York. AVeeks and months passed by and no adequate amount of funds had been secured. * * * I had made Mr. Hale's acquaintance and found that he most fully comprehended the importance of my enterprise; over- Avhelmed with work as he ahvays is, he nevertheless gave me the forenoon of Monday and secured for me the favor and confidence of Hon. Oliver Ames, avIio let me have between five and six thousand dollars." The necessary funds thus being proA-ided, work Avas be gun on the college building, in July, 1870. The corner stone Avas laid September 28, of that year. The building AAas com pleted and opened September 18, 1872. In the fall of that year, Mr. Taft again Avent east and remained nearly two years He succeeded in securing the SA'mpathy and co-operation of many leading educators and capitalists. The Boston fire occurred while he was aAvay from home and this not only frustrated many of his plans, but made some of the creditors anxious for their money. In a speech delivered later, he said: "At this time I received a letter post-marked Provi dence, R. L, on opening which I found a contribution from Mrs. Anna Richmond, that noble christian woman, Avho Avill HUMBOLDT COUNTY 457 always stand associated Avith Edward Everett Hale, and Oliver Ames, as pre-eminent among the friends of Humboldt College." He afterward went to Pennsylvania Avhere he was aided by Rev. Dr. Furness, Rev. C. S. Ames, John Shippen and others. The panic of 1873 was discouraging to- his efforts, but he persevered Avith characteristic tenacity and Avent to NeAV York and the NeAV England states. Below is a report: "The pecuniar}- result of my prolonged labors is as follows : "$14,000 in cash, above all expenses and $1,800 worth of books besides many valuable pictures." During Mr. Taft's absence, the trustees Avere active in furthering the interests of the college at home, chief among the Avorkers, being J. N. Prouty. A catalogue of the school for the year 1873-4. gives the folloAving faculty: S. H. Taft, president; D. B. Stone, professor of mathematics and princi pal of normal department; J. Stevens, professor of ancient languages; F. L. Harvey, professor of natural science; G. H. HorsAvel!. assistant pupil. There Avere 1 1 1 students enrolled. Thus far Mr. Taft had been for the most part successful in his undertaking. By his untiring energy and optimistic vieAvs of the future, he succeeded in the face of many diffi culties. He met Avith persistent and often bitter opposition both at home and in the east. The home opposition was composed largely of personal enmity, Avhile that of the east Avas due to his religious teaching". The men Avho still re mained loyal to the institution Avere unable to support it and the attendance was not large enough to furnish a revenue sufficient for that purpose. Mr. Taft Avas not longer able to devote his Avhole energy to the Avork, OAving to more urgent private business. The resources gradually diminished until 45* HISTORY OF IOAA'A the doors Ave re finally closed. The school had been open about ten years. The building remained idle, except for chvelling pur poses, until 1895. At that time Professors J. P. Peterson and A. L. Ronell made a proposition to the citizens of Hum boldt to open the school on the folloAving conditions: "t. To establish a non-sectarian school of at least seven departments and to emploA' not less than seA*en teachers. "2. To erect two dormitory halls for the accommoda tions of students. "3. The citizens to make a donation of the college property, consisting of 80 acres of and and the main college building and give a Avarranty deed to Messrs. Peterson and Ronell, before breaking ground for the new building. "4. Professors Peterson and Ronell to give a mortgage on the property to secure the performance of their pledges; said mortgage to expire Avithout payment in five years." The money Avas subscribed by the public-spirited citizens of Humboldt, the property Avas purchased of Mr. Roach of Massachusetts and delivered to [Messrs. Peterson and Ronell on July 20, 1895. Tavo (lavs later, ground AAas broken for the east dormitory and the Avork of renovating and repairing the college building w;ys begun. School opened October 1 with an enrollment of seventy-five. Tn the spring of 1896. work Avas begun on the Avest dormitory, Avhich Avas reach* for occupancy in the fall. The usual collegiate courses of studv are obtainable here comprising most of the ancient and modern languages, many of the sciences, mathematics and literature. The musical department is in the hands of a competent teacher, as are also the normal and the business departments, the latter tAvo being the most successful in the school. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 459 The attendance has increased steadily. In the fifth school year, it reached a total of 352. The present acommo- dations are too small and a neAV building will be erected the coming summer. The school is self supporting, is practical ly out of debt, and tinder the excellent management of the president, Profesor Peterson, promises Avell for future groAvth CHAPTER XIV CHURCH HISTORY. The church is the religious, social and literary center of all communities. It is one of the greatest functional parts of civilization. It retrogrades, changes, evolutes and grows, but it has performed its functional part in government in dif ferent degrees from the beginning of civilized times. Theo logy, however, at this present time is in its greatest transi tional stage since the Reformation. The Reformation mark ed a neAV epoch in religious thought in the freedom of thought and in theology. At this distance in time we see that Erasmus was the mind of the Reformation, Luther the preacher and AAarrior, Calvin the logician and stern enforcer. Luther could not tolerate Calvin, because Calvin could not either see or harmonize AA'ith Luther in his ideas embodied in consubstantiation. Calvin regarded the bread and Avine used at the Lord's supper as symbolical. A Anew rather removed from consubstantiation and not in line Avith the rather indefinite idea of transubstantiation. To-day we are in a troubled state in theology and for the past ten years AA-e haA*e heard of and read about the New Theology. Still being in that period Ave shall not attempt an analysis of it in this brief work on church history. There HUMBOLDT COUNTY 461 has been little evidence of the New Theology in this county excepting in Unity and Congregational churches of Hum boldt. CHURCHES OF HUMBOLDT. Unity, Congregational, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Norwegian Lutheran, Norwegian Lutheran of Corinth town ship. UNITY CHURCH. The Unitarian society of Humboldt, known as the Unity church. Avas organized January 9, 1875. The first minister was Rev. Julius Stephens, Avho', after three years' service, re signed, in January, 1878. Rev. S. H. Taft then took up the work of the minister. It had been largely through his instrumentality that the church was organized, and during his pastorate he was untir ing in his efforts to' build up the society. He was successful in his work. The church spirit was effectually aroused and the work took definite shape. In 1880 the present house of Avorship was erected. It Avas dedicated in June of that year. "To the one true God, our Heavenly Father, who is above all and through all, and in all." During the conference Avhich was held in connection Avith the dedication service. Rev. Mary A. Safford was or dained, and June 3, installed as pastor of the church. At this service, Rev. J. L. Jones preached the sermon, a fellow mem ber gave the charge, and Rev. Oscar Clute gave the right hand of fellowship. Miss Safford began her Avork as pastor September 1, 1880, but gave only half her time to Humboldt, preaching every alternate Sunday at Algona. Influenced by her mark ed executive ability, her magnetic power in the pulpit, but 462 HISTORY OF IOAVA probably most of all by her sweet spiritual personality-, the society took on neAV life. A Unity club Avas organized, which attracted man}- of the young people of the tOAvn and a re- neAved interest was taken in the Ladies Unity circle. In 1883 the society was strong enough to hold services ever}* Sun day, thus taking all of Miss Safford' s time. In June, 1885, Aliss Safford accepted a call to Sioux City, IoAva. During her five years' pastorate the debt of $1,520 Avas reduced to $300, thirty new members Avere added to the church, the Sunday school Avas increased and a Unity club Avas organized. The last named society, in addition to its Aveekly meetings, took charge of a course of Sunday evening lectures at the church and also planned a series of lectures that brought some of the best talent of the country to the tOAvn. Miss Safford Avas immediately succeeded by the ReA*. Marion Murdock avIio Avas just finishing her theological course at Meadville, Pa. She Avas the first woman in the Avorld upon who-m the degree. Bachelor of Divinity. Avas con ferred. She received this degree at Meadville in June, 1886, after one year's Avork at Humboldt. Miss Murdock Avas ordained to the ministry and installed in the pastorate of the church in August, 1885. She Avas Avell educated, progres sive in purpose, refined in culture, and of unusual poAver in the pulpit. Her pastorate continued five years and Avas at tended throughout Avith a remarkable degree of barmony and good will. Like her predecessor, she Avon and retained the love of her parish oners. AAdien at the end of five years unremitting' labor, failing health compelled her to resign, her resignation Avas accepted Avith sincere regret. During her pastorate the remainder of the church debt Avas paid and twenty-seven hcav members Avere added to the societA*. Rev. Thomas P. Byrnes of Illinois began his Avork Sep- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 463 tember 1, 1890, and continued five years. In the summer of 1891, the society erected a parsonage at a cost of $1,600, including the site. During the first three years of his pas torate, forty-nine members Avere added to the church. In 1895 Rev. Charles Graves succeeded ReA*. Byrnes. One of the noteAvortliA* features of his pastorate Avas the or ganization of the Young People's Social Union, an auxiliary composed of the voting people of the church. This society soon attained a membership of seventA--five and became an important factor in the church activities. In 1897 it erected an addition to the church consisting of several rooms known as the church parlors. In 1808 Mr. GraA*es was called to other fields and terminated bis successful pastorate. In September, 1898. ReA-. E. M. S. Hodgin was called as pastor. He came directly from the Meadville theological school. He Avas called to California in the spring of igoo and took Avith him the benediction of the community. He was unanimously recalled and entered upon his Avork October 21. 1900. The condition of the church at present is good. It has a membership of 200, is active in all departments and prom ises Avell, for future groAvth and development. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. Prior to 1871, the only religious services conducted in Humboldt Avere held in the Union church. In that year a number of citizens began to express their dissent from the theological vieAvs adopted by that church, and to take action toward the establishment of a Congregational society. A council of Congregational officials from neighboring towns was called, and met at the home of Mr. John Dickey, Sep tember 27, 1871. The action of this council Avas favorable, 464 HISTORY OF IOWA and a church was therefore organized with a charter mem bership of twenty-tAvo. These were the folloAving men with their wives: John Dickey, Henry L. Joiner, Samuel Aman- don S. J. Blanchard, T. D. Stafford, Lorenzo Webb, Augus tus Webber; Mrs. C. A. Cadett, Abagail Blanchard, E. M. Wharton, Emily K. Jones, Arzella C. Harran, Francis Dean, M. Helen Willey, E. P. Fuller. The first pastor was Rev. Alexander Parker and the deacons Avere John Dickey and S. J. Blanchard. The members at once began to raise the necessary funds and in 1872 the church was built. Rev. Parker remained as pastor until 1876. Following him came Rev. Wiley for one year, Rev. McLeod for two and Revs. Gurney and St. Clair for one year each. Then for a time the church was without a pastor, but in 1884 came Rev. Moulton, who remained a year, as did also his successor, Rev. Carr. The next pastor, Rev. Douglas, came in 1886 and remained four years, a pastorate marked by the establish ment of the Weaver Congregational church. Then came Rev. Boardman, under whose efficient Avork extending over four years, the membership of the church was trebled. Many of the neAV members were in favor of a less conservative policy on the part of the church and accordingly during the pastorate of Rev. Marsh, 1896- 1899, the statement of faith Avas revised and unanimously adopted. As it now reads it makes the Humboldt church representative of the newer and more lib eral Congregationalism. This spirit Avas carried out by the next pastor, Rev. Harris. The church at present has a membership of 294, and is developed in missionary spirit, Sunday school, and young peoples circles. It has entrusted to its keeping three funds, one of $4,800, the gift of Mr. David AVhite, and tAvo of $1,000 each, one from Mr. Laurence Whine, the other from Mr. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 465 John Dickey. A part of the interest on these funds goes to IoAva college at Grinnell and the remainder to the church. The AA'eaver Congregational hcurch is situated in Weav er township about nine miles southwest of Humboldt. As mentioned above, its establishment was largely due to the efforts of Rev. Douglas. The society was organized by him in 1889 and in that year a house of worship was erected. The church has a membership of 108 and is served by the Congregational pastor of Humboldt. BAPTIST CHURCH. In February, 1881, Rev. Sunderland, then state conven tion secretary, traveling over northwestern Iowa, reported favorably regarding the establishment of a Baptist church in Humboldt. There were at that time four Baptist societies in the county supplied by two ministers, one living at Rut land and the other at Livermore. Rev. E. G. O. Groat took cognizance of the advice given by Rev. Sunderland and in 1883 made arrangements to hold a service, and this, the first meeting of Baptists in Humboldt was held in Harkness Hall, the last Sunday in April, 1883. At that time a date Avas named for a future meeting and on June 10, 1883, the Humboldt Baptist society was founded Tavo more meetings however were necessary before the or ganization was complete, and they were held June 23, and July 24, of the same year. The first pastor Avas Rev. Groat and the members, Delia Groat, L. A.Rolfe , Carrie Barbour, F F. French, Eliza T. and Mida French, Ada Bortle, Elmer French and J. Hultsizer. The church was organized Febru ary 2, 1884, and Avas incorporated in March, when the follow ing trustees were elected: Thomas Lovell, H. A. French and Charles Phelps. Under the zealous leadership of the 46)6 HISTORY OF IOAA'A pastor, the necessary funds Avere raised and Avork was im mediately began on the church building. This Avas cmpleted and first used for service Jul}- 6, 1884, but was not formally dedicated until tAvo Avceks later. ReA-. D. D. Proper preached tlie sermon and at the same time tlie first Sunday school AAas organized under direction of Rev. Gillman Parker, state Sun day school secretai'A'. The first deacons Avere H. J. Ketman and H. J. French and were elected < 'ctober 7, 1884. ReA*. Groat remained as pastor of the church until Sep tember, 1885. ItolloAving him Avas Rev. Mooney, and later came Rev. Bodenham. the two pastorates covering one year. The church Avas then without a pastor until July. 1887, Avhen Rev. Carroll came and remained until February, 1888. The next minister to remain longer than a few months was ReA*. Palmer, avIio stayed one year, as did also his successor. Rev. Schootz. Then for a year the church was supplied by dif ferent preachers, until Rev. Moxie came in April, 1892, and remained until October, 1893. Another year of supplied pastors, then came ReA-. Kingsbury avIio remained nearly two years. The next regular minister AA'as ReA-. Morgan a resi dent member of the Humboldt church, who held the place from July, 1898, to October, 1899. In June of the next year Rev. J. AV- Cathcart responded to the invitation of the church and is hoav pastor. Under his Avork the church has prospered and is at present in good condition. The soviet}- has not been lacking in evangelical zeal nor in missionary spirit. Rev. Toney Ketman pastor of a large Baptist church in Omaha, Neb., Avas converted and taken into membership here, as was also Miss Lucy Ketman, avIio Avas sent by the church as a missionary to Africa in 1893, mit 'Uio lived only a few months after reaching her destination. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 467 FIRST METHOD! ST CHURCH. The First Methodist church of Humboldt was organized in 1881, under the leadership of Rev. S. C. Bascom, who was then pastor of the Methodist church ofDakota City. The church was built in 1888. It is a frame building and cost about $2,500. Among those who were the original founders, the names of Mrs. Emery, Mr. D. Schenburger, Air. F C. Brown, Miss Etta Nickson, Miss Jessie Statt and Mrs. D. Harvey are Avorthy of mention. The ground upon Avhich the church stands Avas donated by Mr. and Mrs. Starrett. The organization of the church and the erection of the building were largely due to the efforts of Rev. George Fos ter, a retired local preacher, avIio is still living, and is in his eighty-sixth year. Though blind at the time of the erection of the church lie raised nearly all the money for the enterprise. The parsonage Avas built in 1896, at a cost of $1,500. The pastors avIio have served the charge since its organization are: Revs. Bascom, Grace McFarlin, AAr A. Black, J. F. Black, Glasco, Kirk, Slessor, S. R. Beatty, R. M. Kiernan, Jesse Cole and P. C. Money. The last named is the present minister. The present membership of the church is 150. It is acth-e in all departments and is in a prosperous condition. NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. The Humboldt congregation of the United Lutheran church, Avas organized in December, 1895. The organizing pastor Avas Rev. O. Shefveland of Badger. The church, a frame building costing about $2,000, Avas built in 1896. Rev. Shefveland is still pastor and regular sendees are held every third Sunday. There are about fifty members and Sunday- school is held during the summer months. 468 HISTORY OF IOAVA NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF CORINTH TOAVNSHIP. The Corinth congregation of the United Lutheran church Avas organized in 1892. Tavo years later the society bought the Weaver Methodist church building and moved it to its present place in Corinth township, about seven miles sontliAvest of Humboldt. Rev. O. Shefveland was organizer, and is still pastor. The membership is about 100 and the church is active in all departments. CHURCHES OF LIVERMORE. Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist, Roman Catholic. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. One of the first Methodist ministers to hold services in Avhat is iioav Livermore, Avas ReAr. Billings from Irvington, who preached there about the year 1862. Among the first members were the McCauley, Collins, Ford, Stark, McGee, Hunt, Sanderson and Martin families. Other early ministers were Revs. Dorland and King. ReA'. Martin a local preacher often supplied the pulpit and was for a time regular pastor. In 1871 Rev. Robinson from Dakota City preached and after him ReA-. RoAven from the same place. Aftenvard Revs. Shessler and Fancher Avere pastors. In 1880 under Rev. Bascomb of Dakota City the church Avas built. The ground Avas donated by Geo. McCauley and the building cost $1,500. The next pastor Avas Rev. Clifton and folloAving him, Rev. Jeffrey, who Avas stationed at Lu- verne. Next came Rev. Hanna and Rev. Carver. The latter Avas the first minister to reside in Livermore. In 1891 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 469 during the pastorate of Rev. A. AAr Luce, the parsonage was built. The pastors since that time, in their order Avere: Revs. S. Callen, two years (1891-1893), I. A. Bartholomew one year; J. R. Faus, one year; N. L. Hotchkiss, two years; Indn Green, three years and Rev. Joseph Jeffrey, who is iioav pas tor. The church has 112 members and is active in all de partments. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Presbyterian society of Livermore was organized November 12, 1870, at Lott's Creek school house, under the leadership of Rev. Lyons. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. James D. Sinclair, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Rutherford, Mrs. Barbary Batten, Mrs. Agnes Taylor, Mrs. Dora C. Miller and Mrs. Elizabeth M. Davidson. The second min ister was Rev. Dodd and the next Rev. Gray, aaLo1 lived at Ft. Dodge. Following" him came another Rev. Gray who resided in Livermore and died there during his pastorate. The church building was commenced during his and finished during his successor's, Rev. Zimmerman's pastorate. It cost about $2,200. The parsonage also was built while Rev. Zimmerman AA*as pastor. The next minister was Rev. W. E. Colwell, under whom the parsonage Avas re-modeled. Following him came ReA*. John AAraite, then Rev. Rainier, and after him Rev. A. Lin coln Berry, the present pastor. The name of the society Avhen organized was the Bethel Presbyterian church; but this Avas changed in 1897 to the Presbyterian church of Livermore. There are about 100 members and the church is well developed in all lines, 47° HISTORY OF IOAYA BAPTIST CHURCH. The exact date of the organization of the Baptist society of Livermore is unknown, it was probably October. 1880. Among the first members Avere J. R. and C. F. Tyler, C. and C E. Brooks, E. J. and A. A.Spafford, F. F. and E. F. French H. M. Howard, T PI. and A I aggie Adams and Lucy Stone. The organizer and first pastor was Rev. Brooks. FolloAving him, Avas Rev. A. Plumley from 1881 to 1884. The next pastor was Rev. Bodenham. During his pastorate of four years and as a result of his untiring efforts, the church was built. It Avas dedicated Ala}- 1, 1887. Previous to that time, services had been held in the school house and in the Metho dist church, after it Avas built. The next ministers were Revs. AA'ebster and Fowler. each remaining less than a year, then came ReA*. AA nitman in 1890 and preached until his death in i8<)i. Rev. Sherman AAas the next pastor, and following him AAas Re\\ Dakin. Then came ReA*. Sonnor for one year. In 1894 Rev*. G. AA". Pearce Avas called from England by the church and Avas baptised and ordained as minister by the Livermore society. In J 895 Rev. Stiles came as pastor and remained until i8(>8. Avhen he Avas succeeded by Rev. Callahan, the present min ister. The society has owned a parsonage from the time of its organization. ReA'. Brooks Avas the first occupant, then during Rev. Plumley's pastorate it Avas Aacant, lie residing at Coldfield. It was remodelled during Rev. Bodenham's stay. ( hi April 8, 1X1)4, the church Avas struck bv lightning and burned to the ground. This happened on a Sundav evening as the janitor, Mr. Spafford Avas ringing the bell. Howc\ci" no one a\ as seriously injured and the church Avas HUMBOLDT COUNTY 471 rebuilt and dedicated in November, 1894. The society now has a membership of about sixty-iiAe and is active in all departments. ROMAN CATHOLTC CHURCH. The Roman Catholic society of Livermore Avas organ ized in April 1881, by ReA-. Father Zigrang, at that time pastor of the church at St. Joseph. Among the first mem bers Ave re the families of J. M. .Meagher. E. Hines, J. Mur phy, P. O 'Toole, John Devine, John Berry, AA'm. Cox. Matt. Redmond, John Dumphy, F„ Sherman, F. Daly. The first church Avas built in 1882, services being first held in August of that year. It Avas a frame building and cost about S2000. Father Zigrang resided at St. Joseph, and held services in Livermore alternate Sundays. In 1881; Rev. Father McNearney came as resident priest. and has -Ince remained. The parsonage Avas built shortly after his arrival. The church now has about eighty families in regular attendance. In i8q6 the society erected a new house of Avorship, the Church of the Sacred Heart. Tt is a large building of pressed brick, Avith stone trimmings and slate roof. It cost over 810,000 and is now the finest build ing of its kind in the countv. CHURCHES OF RENWICK. Baptist. Methodist Episcopal, German Lutheran. Ger man Evangelical. BAPTIST CHURCH. The first Baptist societv organized in Humboldt countA- Avas at Prairie Creek school house, about three miles north of Renwick. The pastor AAras Rev. Plumley, then of Eagle 472 HISTORY OF IOAYA Grove, who was sent out as organizer by the Baptist society of the state. The date of organization is September 22, 1872. The charter members were the folloAving men Avith their Avives, O. E. French, J. R. Tyler, Samuel Ylerithew, Miner Scofield and Miss Lucy Stone. Later the society held their meetings in a hall in Remvick, and there was built the church Avhich Avas dedicated December 23, 1883. The name of the church Avhich at the time of organization Avas "The First Baptist Church of Humboldt County." was changed in 1883 to the "Baptist Church of Remvick." Rev. Plnmley Avas stationed as pastor at Goldfield and Remvick, living at the former place. He preached at Ren- Avick for fourteen years, a most successful pastorate. The next regular pastor Avas Rev. AA'ilcox, avIio resided in Ren- Avick. During his stay of five and one-half years, the parson age Avas built. The next minister Avas Rev. Hudson. Avho re mained three and a half years, and folloAving him Avas Rev. BraitliAvait for one year. Rev. Reinking. the present pastor, came next. Mr. Ernest Mills, a former member of this church, has entered the ministerial field, and is now a licensed preacher. The church has about seventy members, and com prises a Sunday school and a missionary society. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.. The first Methodist preacher to hold services in Ren wick was Rev. Black from Goldfield. The society was organ ized and the church built in 1802, under Rev. AAr.G. Baker as pastor. The charter members number about thirty, some of them being former members of the Vernon Methodist church. [See M. E. Church of Hardy.] The parsonage Avas built in 1895 while ReAr. H. I,. Case AAas pastor. The min isters in order since that time are: Rev-s. Irwin Green, two HUMBOLDT COUNTY 473 years, H. L. Smith, one year, G. B. Malone, two years, Thomas P Potter, who is hoav in the first year of his pas torate. The church building is A-alued at $2,500 and the parson age at $1,000. The church is developed along all lines, and the pastor holds services in tAvo school houses near the town. GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. The German Lutheran society Avas organized about 1880. Among the first members were the families of Paul John, P. Helmke, C. Helmke, Gus. RoAver, Hans Tank, Mr. Griebel and Mr. Clausblock. The first pastor was Rev H. C. Winter, and since that time, Revs. Shumaker, Sheffleman, Siefkers and BelloAv, have followed. The last named was unable to finish his pastorate and his place is to be filled by Rev*. Reinnicke. These ministers have all lived near Cor- Avith, of which church, this is a branch. In 181)6 the society bought the old school house, and iioav uses it for a church. The membership is a bout sixteen families, and services are held every alternate Sunday. GERMAN EV ANGELICAL CHURCH. The German EA-angelical church of ReiiAAick Avas built in 1891, Avhen ReA*. Scheible Avas pastor. The society, Iioav- ever, had been organized before that time. The present min ister is Rev. Raecker, and preceding" him Avas Rev. Grobe. Another Avas Rev. AA^iewisick. The society is a part of the Luverne circuit, where the ministers reside. The member- ishp is made up of about eighteen families, and sendees are held every Sunday afternoon. 474 HISTORY OF IOWA CHURCHES OF RUTLAND. Methodist Episcopal, FYee AA'ill Baptist, Baptist, Dan ish churches. Al ETHOl )IST El'ISC* )PAL CH URCH. The first church sen ice in the town ol" Rutland Avas held at the home of P Sheridan by Rev. Atkinson, a pioneer Methodist preacher stationed at Dakota Citv. He held services irregularly here and at other points in the countv- , and a\ as succeeded bv ReA-. Martin, a lay-preacher residing at Lott's Creek. The first Methodist society aatis organized by Rtv. John RoAven. Among the members Avere the Barclays. Deans. Marshes. Shermans, Bairs and Ames. This a\ as the first protestant soviet A', and members of other denominations a\ orked with the Methodists. Following Rev. Rowen were a number of ministers under Avhom the church did not flourish, but in ~t&yj came Rev. ]ohn A\"oolerv, avIio built the first parsonage. He was popular with all classes and under his pastorate of three vears, the church prospered. The folloAving ministers came in the order named. Revs. Clifton, Flint. Snvder. Smith, Londale and Fawes, the last named remaining but three months. His place was filled by Rev. E. P Robbins, 1 888-1801. under whom the society increased along all lines. The present church Avas built dur ing' his pastorate. The ministers since then were Revs. Bate- man, Cannon, Johnson, Messenger, BristOAV Hastings and Alartindale, the last named being the present pastor. For some time the circuit included Bradgate. Unique and Rutland, but now consists of the two latter. The church HUMBOLDT C< )UNTY 475 is a frame building worth about $2,500. Since it was built the society has groAvn steadily, and now consists of about eight}- members. FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. The Free AA'ill Baptist Church of Rutland was organized in 1881. The first minister was Rev. Moxum, and the char ter members, Eli Pavey and family, Daniel De Groote and Avife, Capt. Locke, Avife and daughter, Delia. Eli Pavey was the first deacon and Capt. Locke was one of the trustees, and has held that office continuously up to the present time. The church was built in 1882. The constitution provides that Avhen the Baptists do not use it for worship, it shall be opened to an a* orthodox societA-. The second minister Avas Rev. Hayden, and following him came Rev. Bullock, Avho Avas the first to live in Rutland. Next came Rev. Felt, avIio lived in Eastern Iowa, then Rev. Smith of Curlew, Iowa, and following' him Rev. Stevens. Then for a time the church Avas without a minister until ReA'. Murphv moved into the town, and during his pastorate of six months the membership increased. Following him came Rev. Day, under whom the church made a marked growth. Rev. Benson Avas the next pastor and bis term expired in i8q have the doctrine of non-interference of slavery in the states and territories incorporated in the plaform but they did not pre vail and all reference to the slavery question was omitted. The 502 HISTORY OF IOAVA AA'higs nominated General Zacharv Taylor on account of his military achievements in the Alexican Avar and his consequent availability as compared Avith Clay, AA'ebster and Scott, avIio Avere his antagonists before the convention. Alillard Fillmore Avas selected as his running mate. They declaraed in their platform that it Avas the duty of the government to prevent the spread of the institution of slavery into the territories. but admitted that slavery Avas in the states protected by state laAvs. A third convention Avas held by the disaffected Demo crats from NeAV York, avIio nominated Alartin Aran Buren. The principles of this platform Avas that congress should abolish slavery wherever it constitutionally had the power to do so. This Avas intended to- apply to the District of Col umbia. That it should not interfere Avith slavery in the states, and should prohibit it in the territories. This party AAas known as the Free-soilers, and on account of their presence m the campaign, and thus dividing the vote, the result was that Taylor Avas elected. The presidential election of 1852 was the last campaign in Avhich the AA'hig party appeared in national politics. It nominated a ticket Avith General AA'infield Scott as its candi date, General Franklin Pierce a\ as his opponent. A third ticket appeared in the field and Avith the heading", "abolition party" and Avith John P Plill as candidate for president. The platform and declaration of principles of the AA'hig party Avas in substance a ratification and endorsement of the measures embraced in Henry Clay's compromise resolutions of the previous session of congress and the policy of the revenue for the economic administration of the government to be derived mainly from duties on imports and by these means to afford protection to American industry. The main plank of the platform of the abolition party, the independent democrats HUMBOLDT COUNTY 503 as they Avere somestimes called, Avas for the non-extension and gradual extinction of slavery. Never was a party that had hoped for success so overwhelmingly defeated as the AA'higs avIio obtained about 42 electoral votes against 254 for Pierce. After this Ave come to- the origin of the Republican party. This party Avas launched on American politics with standards of high integrity and ideals of government born of the vigor of reform Avhich appears again and again in resolu tions passed by various meetings held throughout the country. As for instance — "The Republican party originated from the belief that the institution of human slavery was a great wrong and because of strong disapprobation of the re peal of the Alissouri compromise, and of the conduct of southern politicians who- Avere disposed to tolerate slavery in consideration of the assistance which thev hoped to receive from the people of the slaA-e states in obtaining the honors and emoluments of office." "Believing that the time has iioav arrived when the opponents for the further extension of slavery, driven by a common and pressing danger, should waive the differences of opinion which has heretofore ex isted betAveen them on other points and which haA-e now nearly ceased to exist, and should hoav unite in resisting the unjust demands and wanton encroachments upon freedom which have been submitted to for the sake of peace until sub mission has ceased to be a virtue." The first national conven tion of the Republican part}* nominated John C. Freemont for president and AA'illiam L. Dayton for vice-president. The folloAving principle AAas in their platform — "That Ave deny the authority of congress, of a territorial legislature, of any ndividual or association of individuals to give legal assistance to slavery, to any territory in the United States while the present constitution shall be maintained." The Democratic 504 HISTORY OF IOWA convention nominated James Buchanan and John C. Breck- enridge. It adopted a platform which contained the material portions of all its previous platforms, and it is Avell to note these as it was the very discussion of these principles wdiich brought about the great straggle later. Thev declared that the revenue to be raised should not exceed the actual necessary expenses of the government. That the constitution does not confer upon the general gov ernment the power to commence and carry on a system of internal improvements. That congress has no poAver to in terfere Avith slavery in the states and territories, the people of which have the exclusive right and pOAver to settle that ques tion for themselves. This campaign resulted in the election of Buchanan. The four vears of Buchanan's administration were full of political discussions on the slavery question. The status of the negro — the troubles in Kansas. The southern Democrats, true to the supposed interests of their section be came more aggressive in their attempts in behalf of slavery, while the men of the north folloAved the lead of Douglas in attempting- to compromise this slave question. Thev drifted wider and wider apart and signs could iioav be seen of the nn- avodable on-coming struggle. At their national convention the southern Democrats AvithdreAA*. The convention re-as sembled at Baltimore and after a protracted struggle nomin ated Stephen A. Douglas and Herschel A" Johnson. Their platform declared that the decisions of the supreme court re specting the status of slavery in the territories should be re spected. The Democrats held another convention and nom inated John C. Breckenridge. The platform adopted de clared that slaves in the territories should be recognized In die government as property. The Republicans assembled and nominated Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin. They HUMBOLDT COUNTY 505 declared first of all that Kansas should be admitted as a free state and that the government should effectually prohibit slaA-ery in the territories. A so-called constitutional union convention Avas held which nominated John Bell and Edward Everett. The conclusion of this many sided political fight Avas the election of Lincoln, who, however, received but two- fifths of the popular vote. During Lincoln's administration the Republican party Avas the Avar party. Northern Demo crats as citizens and in official capacities lent their support to the government. The Democrats for the most of the time Avere in favor of a change in policy and peace on any terms that would saA'e the Union. The Republican co-m-ention of 1864 re-nominated Lincoln. The Democratic convention Nominated George B. McClellan. Lincoln received 212 electoral votes and McClellan only 21. It is not the intention to go into the Avar history at this point as that has been covered in another portion of this work. Will turn our at tention to the election of 1868 at which time General Grant was nominated by the Republicans with Schuyler Colfax as his running mate, while the Democrats nominated Horatio Seymour with Frances P. Blair. Grant carried all the states save eight, receiving an electoral vote of 214. as against 80. An issue raised during the time of re-construction in Missouri gave immediate rise to the liberal republican party. This was at the time when Horace Greeley by his efforts in journalism Avas making himself felt throughout the entire United States. This had been one of Greeley's ideals and it also pointed to an opportunity for him to become its candidate for the presi dency. In 1870 the Republican party in Missouri, then in control of the legislature, split on the question of the removal if the disqualifications imposed upon rebels against the state constitution during the Avar, those favoring the removal of 506 HISTORY OF IOWA disabilities were headed by B. Gratz BroAvn and Carl Schtirz, and they were called liberal republicans. Those opposed Ave re called radical republicans. The former quickly allied themselves with the Democrats and they carried the state, though Grant's administration was for the radicals. Florace Greeley Avas nominated for president with B. Gratz Brown as his running" mate. The Democratic convention endorsed those nominations, but a feAV dissatisfied Democrats named Charles O'Conner and John Ouiiicy Adams. The Republi cans nominated Grant and overwhelmingly defeated the field. In 1876 the troubles in the south and the scandal aris ing" out of the so-called carpet-bag government caused man}* to believe that the Republican party had become rot ten, so much so, that it was readily conceded that the elec tion Avould be a close one. The Republicans nominated Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel A. AA'heeler. The Demo crats Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. Hendricks. The green-backers had sprung into existence. They Avere anx ious to relieve the financial crisis of 1873 hv a large issue of fiat paper. They nominated Peter Cooper and Sam F Care}*. After a contest for months over the election returns in congress, Plaves Avas declared president. In i88othenominees were James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur for the Re- bublican party and AA'infield S. Hancock and AA'illiam H. English for the Democratic party Avith James B. AAreaver of Iowa for the Green-back partv. This Avas a AvalkaAvaA- for the Republicans due to the popularity of the protective tariff policy. In 1884 the nominees for president of the Demo cratic party were Grover Cleveland and Thomas \. Hend ricks. The Republicans nominated James G. Blaine and |ohn A. Logan. The Prohibitionists and the Nationalists each had a candidate in the field. This is one of the campaigns HUMBOLDT COUNTY 507 Avhich is to' be remembered Avith little pride OAving to the bit ter personal matter used during the presidential campaign and which, perhaps, has not been equalled before or since, for the many methods resorted to for blackmailing the two nominees of the tAvo great parties. In 1888 the three issues which confronted the great parties Avere taxation, tariff reform and the surplus. The Republicans nominated Benjamin Plarrison and Levi P Alorton. The Democrats, Grover Cleveland and Allen G. Thurman. The Prohibitionists, the United Labor party and the Union Labor party had candidates in the field. The Re publican party Avas again successful. It AAras during this ad ministration that some new features came into our political life. The Farmers' .Alliance had sprung into existence. It Avas becomming thoroughly organized It Avas to be found all over the west and the nortlnvest. Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota was Avhere this organization flourished most. The Farmers' Alliance not only advocated and insisted on the abolishing of the "middle-man" in business and buying direct from the Alanufacturer, but they also had a great many ideas and departures from the old established routine of the two great parties in matters of interest, taxation, loans and mortgages. In 1891 a convention Avas held at Cincinnati, at Avhich time the Farmers' Alliance adopted a neAV name and became known as the Peoples' Party. The Peoples' Partv promulgated a free and unlimited coinage of silver and gold at a ratio of sixteen to one, a graduated in come tax, the government ownership of railroads, telegraphs and telephones, the restriction of immigration, a national currency to be loaned to the people at two per cent interest per annum, secured by land or produce, all lands held by aliens or by railroads in excess of their actual needs to be re- 508 HISTORY OF IOAVA claimed and held for actual settlers. The campaign of 1892 AAas one of mixed conditions. There is no question but Avhat this neAV party of protest, the Peoples' Party, Avas one of great influence in the Avesterii states in disaffecting old line Republicans. The nominees in 1892 were Grover Cleve land and A. E. Stevenson, representing Democracy; Ben jamin Harrison and AAdiitelaAV Reid leading the Republicans; John Bidwell and J. B. Cranfill, advocates of the Prohibi tionists. The result of the election of 1892 was of universal surprise. The press of the country shoAved A-ery clearly the morning after the election had been held that a great ma jority of the states had turned into the Bourbon Camp. It aa as the first time that the Democratic party had had control of the house and the senate and the presidency since 1861. After the inauguration of President Cleveland the Demo cratic part}-, instead of proceeding to much needed legisla tion and the business of the country, began quarrelling over the spoils. The result was disorganization in both the house and the senate. National business Avas at a standstill and for two years no move forward was made. At the end of that time the house lost its majority by the election of Republi can congressmen and for tAvo years more there Avas lack of progress in national legislation. These facts all bear upon the result of the election of 1896. For two years prior to the election of 1896 the Peoples' Party had been groAving stronger and stronger. The Apostles of free silver had be gun Avork all over the country. They organized clubs, sent out literature and started their best speakers on the lecture platform. In this way the}- had carefully prepared the ground for the election harvest of 1896. The Republican part}- Avas even affected in its national convention bv this sil ver movement, a number of its delegates AvithdraAving Avhen HUMBOLDT COUNTY 509 a majority of the party refused to insert a free silver plank. The Republicans nominated AArilliam McKinley and Garrett A. Hobart as liis running mate. The Democratic party took up and incorporated the free silver issue in its platform. They nominated William J. Bryan and Arthur Sewall, but they did this at a great cost to their party. The convention Avas almost equally divided on the free silver issue. The re sult Avas that those leaders of the Democratic party avIio were not in favor of free silver held a gold standard convention later and nominated John AL Palmer and Simon B. Buckner. The campaign of 1896 has so far been the great "campaign of education." A publicist of national reputation said that the campaign of 1896 showed the capacity of the American people for self-government more than any campaign in the history of the United States. The Republican party was triumphant. The issues of the campaign of 1900 Avere anti- imperialism and the trusts. The Republicans re-nominated AA'illiam AlcKinley for president and selected Theodore Roosevelt for vice-president. AA'illiam J. Bryan and A. E. Stevenson Avere the nominees of the Democratic party. The Populists, the Aliddle-of-the-Road Populists, the Prohibi tionists and the Socialist Labor party all had candidates in the field. The Republican party succeeded in carrying more electoral votes than it had in 1896. AVith this brief revieAv of national politics, the results in Humboldt county can be much more readly and intelligently followed. No record of the vote was kept for the first three years in this county, so- it a\ ill be necessary to begin with the November election of i860. The first election, however, took place on the second Alonday in April, 1857. The officers elected at that time failed to- qualify and this first effort at organization Avas a failure. In August of 1857, an 5io HISTORY OF IOAA'A election was held and the legal organization of the county effected. In this first election the successful candidates were Jonathan Hutchison for county judge, John F. Williams for clerk, A. AIcLean for treasurer and recorder, D. PI. Nivers for sheriff, G. S Ellis for prosecuting attorney and W. J. Bradford for surveyor. It is just possible that these first records were entered upon the books of AA'ebster county. It is a notorious fact that the early records of all of the counties of the Avest and the northwest were loosely kept. HoAA*eA*er. beginning Avith the November election of i860 an abstract is presented from that time until the November election of 1900, which folloAvs: — 19 ELECTION, 1860. President. Abraham Lincoln 25- Stephen A. Douglas 2 John C. Breckinridge.... 4 Secretary of State. Elijah Sells 25— 19 John M. Corse 6 State Auditor. Jonathan W. Cattell.... 25— 19 G. W. Maxwell 6 State Treasurer. John W. Jones 25— 19 John W. Ellis 6 Register State Land Office. Amos Miller 25 — 19 Patrick Robb 6 Attorneg-Cenerul. Charles Nourse 25 — 19 William M. McClintock. 6 Judge of Suvrcmc Court. George G. Wright.. ».. .. 25— 16 J. M. EllAvood 5 Daniel P. Miller 4 Member of Congress 2d District. William Vandever 25 — 19 B. M. Samuels 6 County Judge. G. W. HancheU 24 Clerk of Court. John E. Cragg 29 Meiulier Board of Education. Lewis H. Smith 25— 23 H. P. Williams 2 ELECTION, 1S61. County Judge. G. W. Hanchett 50— 47 T. Stewart 2 J. Doe 1 J'cronlrr and Treasurer. Charles Bergk 49 — 47 George Ellis 2 Sheriff. G. C. McCauley 41— 33 W. F. Hand 4 Dean 2 J. Berry 1 W. Dean 1 Drainage Commissioner. Ebev Stone 54 Suycrtnteudcnt l amnion Schools. J. A. Ford 52— 51 Richard Roe 1 County Sitrrci/or. N. S. Ames 51— 49 B. Cronin 1 J. Berry 1 Coroner. Alexander Coffin 48 — 45 T. Cordle 1 B. Cronin 1 N. S. .'mes 1 ELECTION. 1862. District Judge. Isaac Pendleton 43— 24 John Currier 19 District Attorney. Henry Ford ' 34— 7 H. C. Crawford 1 Jacob S. Smith 26 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 5" Member Board of Education. AA'illiam J. Wagner 46 Representative in Congress. A. W. Hubbard ' 48— 34 John F. Duncombe 14 Clerk of District Court. John E. Crag-g 35— 6 M. D. Collins 23 Eber Stone 6 Siraiup Laud Proposition. Against contract 41 — 24 For the contract 17 Extra County Tu.e. For tax 35 — 15 Against tax 20 ELECTION, 1863. Governor. William M. Stone, rep.. 51— 21 James M. Tuttle, dem.. 30 Lieutenant -Governor. E. W. Eastman, rep 52— 22; John F. Duncombe, dem. 30 Judge of Sunveme Court: John F. Dillon, rep 53— 25 Charles Mason, dem .... 28 Senator 43d Senatorial District. George W. Bassett, rep. 54 — 32 C. Whiting, dem 22 Representative -jstli District. Edward McKnight 67— 56 Lewis H. Smith 10 L. Smith 1 (Jaunty Judge. Nathaniel S. Ames 72 Recorder and Treasurer. Charles Bergk 78— 77 E. McKnight 1 Sheriff. James C. Cusey 72 Surveyor. Thomas E. Collins 71 Crjroner. T. J. Smith 78— 76 T. E. Smith 2 Drainage Commissioner. Eber Stone 69 Superintendent of Schools. Dearman Williams 65 ELECTION, 1864. President. Abraham Lincoln, rep.. 74 — 43 Geo. B. McClellan, dem 31 Congressman 6th District. A. W. Hubbard, rep.... 74— 43 Leander Chapman, dem 31 Judge of Supreme Court. Chester O. Cole, rep.... 74 — 43 Thomas M. Monroe, dem 31 Secretary of Stale. James Wright, rep 74 — 43 John H. Wallace, dem... 31 State Auditor. John A. Elliott 74— 43 E. C. Hendershot 31 State Treasurer. W. H. Holmes: 74— 43 J. B. Lash 31 Aiiorueg-Ceneral. Isaac L. Allen, rep 74 — 43 Charles M. Dunbar, dem 31 Register State Luntl Of/ice. Josiah A. Harvey 74 — 43 B. D. Holbrook 31 ELECTION, 1865. Governor. William M. Stone 96— 65 Thomas H. Benton, Jr.. 31 Lieutenant-Governor. Benjamin F. Gue 93— 67 W. W. Hamilton 26 Juage of Supreme Court. George G. Wright 97— 67 H. H. Trimble 30 Supt. of Public Instruction. Orin Faville 98—68 J. W. Sennett 30 Rep'ntatire in Assembly 59th Dist. George W. Hand 139 County Judge. John Dickey 122 County Treasurer. Charles Bergk 121 Sheriff. J. C. Cusey 124 Superintendent of Schools. G. D. Coyle 125 County Surveyor. T. E. Collins 123 Dra inage Com miss loner. Eber Stone 122 Coroner. E. T. Hartwell 122 Bridges over East Fork Des Moines River. For the bridges 67— 28 Against 39 ELECTION, 1866. Secretary of State. Edward Wright, rep 121— 76 S. G. Van Anda, dem.... 45 State Auditor. John A. Elliott 191— 146 Robert W. Cross 45 ;r2 HISTORY OF IOWA State Treasurer. Samuel J. Rakin 191—146 George A. Stone 45 Register Stale Laud Office. C. C. Carpenter 190—145 Linus McKinnie 45 Cirri; of Supreme Court. Charles Linderman 191 — 146 Frederick Gottschalk. .. . 45 Rcgtii ter of Supreme Court. E. H. Sliles 191— 146 Albert Stoddard 45 Attorney-General. F. E. Bissell 191—146 W. Ballinger 45 Congressman 6th District. A. W. Hubbard, rep 193— 151 J. D. Thomson, dem 42 Judge District Court, .'/111 District. Henry Ford 199— 162 O. C. Treadway 37 District Attorney. Orson Rice 141 — 95 G. D. Mickel 46 Clerk of Court. A. W. McFarland 223—218 Scattering 5 Recorder. Charles Bergk 130 ELECTION, 1S67. Governor. Samuel Merrill 249— 178 Charles Mason 71 Lieut cnunt-Gorcc nor. Joseph M. Scott 252— 184 D. W. Harris 68 Judge of Supreme Court. Joseph M. Beck 248— 177 J. H. Cragg 71 Supt. of I'uhtf Instruction. D. Franklin VA*-I!s 242—215 M. L. Fisher 27 J tlorney-Gcncral. Henry O. Connors 247—176 \V. F. Baker 71 Senator, fith District. Theodore Hawley 241—166 Charles C. Smeltzer 75 Rcprrsculatiee, tj.td District. L. S. Coffin 168— 19 Samuel Reese 149 Couulu Judge. Jared M. Snyder 2S3— 262 H. G. Bicknell 19 Scattering 2 County 'treasurer. Charles IVrgk 166— 15 John H. Ford 150 F. West 1 Sheriff. H. C. Cusey 194— 72 George F. Cass 122 Superintendent of Seliools. Eber Stone 316 County Surveyor. T. E. Collins 315 Drainage Commissioner. John Bartholomew 318 Coroner. A. N. Coffin 318 ELECTION, 1868. Electors at Large. Samuel L. Glasgow 271 Joseph B. Young 271 John H. O'Neil SO M. V. B. Bennett SO Electors 1st Congressional District Hiram Scofield.. 271—191 M. M. Bleakman 80 Electors .id Congressional District. James T. Lane 271—191 J. E. Wallace 80 Electors 3d Congressional District. J. M. Rogers 271—191 J. T. Stoneman 80 Electors .'/tli Cong) essional District John Meyers 271 — 191 C. H. Mackey SO Electors 5th Congressional District William Hale.." 271—191 D. VI. Harris 80 Electors 6th Congressional District Stephen H. Taft 226—146 Thomas Sargeant SO Secretary of Stale. Edward Wright 271— 191 Da\'id Hammer 80 State .Auditor. John A. Elliott 271—191 H. Dunlavey SO state Treasurer. Samuel E. Rankin 271— 191 L. McCarthy 80 Register Slate Land Office. Cyrus C. Carpenter 270— 190 A. D. Anderson SO .1 Homey-General. Henry O'Conner 270—190 J. E. Williamson 80 Congressman lith District. Charles Pomeroy 272 — 193 Charles A. L. Rozell 79 Judge of Circuit Court. Jared M. Snyder 1S5— 25 James P. White S3 Marcus Robbins, Jr 77 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 513 First Constitutional Amendment. For 217— 101 Against 116 Second Constitutional Amendment. For 217— 101 Against 116 Third Constitutional Amendment. For 217— 101 Against 116 Fourth Constitutional Amendment. For 217— 101 Against 116 Fifth Constitutional Amendment. For 21 T— 101 Against 116 Clerk of District and Circuit Court A. W. McFarland 223— 9S Eugene Tellier 125 Recorder. William H. Locke 18S— 23 A. B. West 164 A. W. McFarland 1 sheriff— Unexpired term of Cusey Miner Scofleld 183— 17 M. H. Day 165 John Radcliff 1 Drainage Commissioner to fill vacancy. John W. Hewitt 197— 51 L. H. Brink 146 For and Against E.vtra County Tax Against 122— 4 For US ELECTION, 1869. Governor. Samuel Merrill, rep 330— 219 George Gillaspy, dem .... Ill Lieutenant-Governor. Madison M.Waldron, rep 335— 224 A. P. Richardson, dem.. HI Judge of Supreme Court. John F. Dillon, rep 335— 224 W. F. Brannan, dem.... Ill Supt. of PuM'ie Instruction. A. S. Kissell, rep 335— 224 H. O. Dayton, dem Ill Representative 39th Legislatire Dis H. G. Bicknell 192— 24 G. S. Tolliver 122 J. J. Hutchinson 46 County Treasurer. Charles Bergk 258— 74 John H. Ford 184 County A uditor. A. W. McFarland 269— 100 Dwight Flower 169 Sheriff. Charles Simmons, Sr.... 226— 15 G. D. Coyle 211 33 Superintendent of Schools. Harlow Miner 220 E. G. Mills 220 Surveyor. W. Thompson 219— 3 T. E. Collins 216 Coroner. Albert Harvey 220— 13 W. M. D. Van Velsor... 154 E. Van Velsor 52 E. A. Wilder 1 Drainage Commissioner, L. M. Brink 224— 22 E. F. Hartwell 202 On Question of Siramp Land Ap propriation. Against approprjation.. 252— 66 For the appropriation.. 186 On Question of Special Tar. For the tax 326— 230 Against the tax 96 ELECTION, 1870. Judge of Supreme Court. C. C. Cole, rep 329— 219 Joseph C. Knapp, dem . . 110 Judge of Supreme Court to fill vacancy. William E. Miller, rep.. 335— 225 Reuben Noble, dem 110 Judge of Supreme Court to fill vacancy. James G. Day, rep 338— 228 Henry Smith, dem 110 Secretary of State. Edward Wright rep.... 338— 226 Charles Doerr, dem 112 State Auditor. John Russell, rep 336 — 225 W. W. Garner, dem Ill State Treasurer. Samuel Rankin, rep 337— 227 W. C. James, dem 110 Register State Land Office. Aaron Brown, rep 337 — 227 D. F. Ellsworth, dem 110 Attorney- Gen cral. Henry O'Connor, rep 331— 221 H. M. Martin, dem 110 Reporter of Supreme Court. Ed. Stiles, rep 337—227 C. H. Bane, dem 110 Clerk of Supreme Court. Charles Linderman, rep. 337— 224 W. McLenan, dem 113 For State Convention to Raise Constitution. Against the Convention.. 94—72 5M HISTORY OF IOWA For the Convention 22 ' ongrcssmuu Gtli District. Jackson Orr, rep 328 — 210 C. E. Smeltzer, dem 118 Judge District Court, '/til District Henry Ford 337 District Attorney. < ' H. Lewis 338 Recorder. AA*. H. Locke lxy— 55 ( ). Harinn 134 J. J. ( I'Toole US Clerk of Court A. AV. McFarland 2US— xl ( \ Freeman 127 AA'. Thompson 105 Drainage Commissioner. E. Coffin 189— 62 J. Butler 127 J. Merchant 11T Coroner. William Edson 185 — 20 H. Halailing 165 E. S. Hinton 96 ELECTION, 1871. Gorei nor. Cyrus C. Carpenter, rep 397 — 266 J. C. Knapp, dem 131 Lieutenant-Governor. H. C. Bullis, rep 395—262 M. M. Ham, clem 133 Judge of Supreme Court. James G. Day, rep 393— 257 John F. Duncombe, dem 136 Supt- of Public Instruction. Alonzo Abernathy. rep.. 397 — 25S Edward Jlumm, dem.... 139 Slate Senator '?//( Disliict. W. H. Fitch, rep 397— 265 H. A. Ciappen, dem 132 Representative li'/tti Leg. Dist. S. B. Hewitt, Jr., rep.... 361— 200 J. Van Meter 158 L. L. Estes 3 County Treasurer. Chniles Bergk 217— 13 J. N. Prouty 204 VI. H. Day 101 William H. Locke 1 County A uditor. A. AA*. McFarland 517— 516 Eber Stone 1 Sheriff. Charles Simmons 270— 25 M. Scofield 242 Scattering 3 Superintendent of Schools. A. D. Bicknell 289— 51 Eber Stone 238 Surveyor. J. A. Averill 515— 513 B. H. Harkness 1 T. E. Collins 1 Coroner. William Edson 221 Cn issuing bands for a bridge al Rutland. Against bonds & bridge 388 — 288 For bonds and bridge . . 100 Cn tlie Question of an Extra Coun ty Tux. Against the tax 285 — 98 For the tax 187 t'n lite tjuesliitu of the Prohibition of Alt . Wine and Peer. Fin Prohibition 247— 6 Against Prohibition 241 SPECIAL ELECTION, SEPTEM BER 14, 1872. Cn the Question of Ratifying the Railroad Sivump Land Contract. For the contract 250 — 227 Against the contract. .. 23 ELECTION, 1872. President. Ulysses S. Grant, rep.. 403 — 287 Horace Greeley, Lib & D 116 Secretary of State. J. F. Young, rep 410—289 E. A. Guilbert, dem 121 State Treasurer. William Christy, rep.... 411— 290 M. J. Rolfs, dem 121 stale Auditor. John Russell, rep 411— 291 J. P. Cassady. dem 120 I'egisler slate Land Office. Aaron Brown, rep 411—291 Jacob Butler, dem 120 Attorney-Heneral. M. E. Cutts. rep 410—291 H. E. Carr, dem 119 Memlnr oi Congress 9th District. Jackson Orr, rep 373 — 202 John F. Duncombe, dem 171 Judge District Court, \th District. Addison Oliver 541—540 B. H. Harkness 1 Recorder. S. K. Winnie 386—236 A.H. Hnlden 150 clerk of Court. William Thomp^n 345—156 John Dickey 189 supei visor. J. J. Johnson 522—521 A. West 1 Coroner. AVilliam Edson 532 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 515 Cn the Question of Increasing the Board of Snpe, risors to Five. For the increase 446 — 369 Against the incn ase.... "7 Cn the Slock Act. For the act 417— 303 Against the act 114 ELECTION, 1873. County 'treasurer. Ira L. Welch! 325— 50 Charles Bergk 275 — County A udilor. A. AA'. McFarland 452—315 John N. "Weaver 137 Sheriff. John Ratcliff 330— 71 Charles Simmons 259 Superintendent of Schools. Julius Stevens 359 — 119 Eber Stone 240— Surrcyor. T. Elwood Collins 595— 594 J. A. Averill 1 Coroner. AVilliam Edson 497— 496 Ira L. Welch 1 ELECTION, 1874 Secretary of State. Josiah T. Young, rep 322— 216 David Morgan, dem 106 Stutc Auditor. B. R. Sherman, rep 322— 216 J. M. King, dem 106 State Treasurer. William Christy, rep 321— 215 J. W. Barnes 60 H. C. Hargis 46 Register State Land Office. David Secor ,rep 322— 216 K. H. Rodearmel, dem.. 106 Attorney-General. M. E. Cutts, rep 322— 216 J. H. Keatley, dem 106 Clerk of Supreme Court. Edward J. Holmes, rep.. 322— 216 G. B. Ball, dem 106 Reporter of Supreme Court. John S. Runnels, rep.... 322— 216 James M. Weart, dem... 106 Member of Congress 9th District. Addison Oliver, lep 309—190 C. E. Whiting, dem .... 119 Judge District Court, .',lh District. C. H. Lewis 336— 244 P. D. Mickell '.)2 Judge of Circuit Court. J. R. Zuier 323 — 216 F. E. Chamberlain 106 C H. Lewis 1 District A tlorucy. George B. McCarthy.... 316— 206 M. AA'akeHeld 110 ('/(/¦/,- of the Courts. William Thompson 312—197 Miner Si-ofield 115 Recorder. S. K. Winne 3S7 Coroner. William Edson 30 — 24 F. Owens 3 John Berry 2 Miner Scofleld 1 On the Question of Special Tu.v. For the tax 206— 55 Against the tax 151 On the Question of Restcaining Stock Froml'unniug at Large. For restraint 319 — 291 Against restraint 28 GAL FOUR On tlie Question of Restrainina stock From Jtunning ut Large Between Sunset and Sunset. For restraint 152 — 151 Against restraint 1 SPECIAL ELECTION, June 5, 1875. For the railroad swamp land contract 280 — 155 Against the railroad swamp land contract.. 125 ELECTION, 1875. Governor. Samuel J. KirkAvcod, rep 388 — 256 Shepherd Leffler, dem.. 122 John H. Lozier 8 W. R. Parks 2 Lieutenant-Governor. Joshua A. Newbold, rep 385 — 260 Emmett B. WoodAvard, dem 12ti Judge of Supreme Court. Austin Adams 387 — 264 W. J. Knight 123 Supt. of Public Instruction. Alonzo Abernatby 387 — 263 Isaiah Doane 124 — State Senator, 'pith District. Lemeul D welle 383 — 256 James M. Elder 127 — Representative. lt)1h Leg. District. Rome N. Woodworth, dem 295— 79 John M. Morse, rep 216 County Treusurcr Ira S. Welch 501 Auditor. :HarloAV Miner 299— 91 A. D. Bicknell 20S 5^ HISTORY OF IOAArA Sheriff. A. B. West 272— 34 John Rate-lift 237 West 1 Superintendent of Schools. L. J. Anderson 274— 52 Charles B. Dean 222 J. A. Marvin 4 Mrs. Blanchard 1 Surveyor. T. Ellwood Collins 496—493 S. B. Bellows 1 J. A. Avi-rill 1 AA". Thompson 1 Coroner. AV. M. D. Van Velsor.... 356— 205 AA'illiam Edson 145 William Adams 6 Supervisor, Dist ret Xo. 1. B. H. Harkness 7 7— 31 Hiram Lane 46 Supervisor, District No. 2. W. J. Coon 91 ELECTION, 1876. /'resident. R. B. Hayes, rep 523— 337 Samuel J. Tilden, dem.. 183 Peter Cooper, greenback 3 Secretary of Slate. Josiah T. Young, rep 523— 337 J. H. Stubenrach, dem.. 1S3 A. McReady, greenback 3 State Treasurer. George W. Bemis, rep. . . 523 — 337 Wesley Jones, dem 1S3 G. C. Frye, greenback 3 State Auditor. B. R. Sherman, rep 523— 337 AVilliam Cronwig, dem.. 1S3 Leonard Brown, green back 3 Register Slate Land Office. David Secor, rep 523 — 337 N. C. Ridenour, dem 183 George M. Walker, gree nback 3 Attoruey-Ccuerul. J. F. McJunkin, rep.... 523 — 342 J. C. Cook, dem 181 ¦Judge of Supreme Court, to fill Vacancy. AVilliam H. Seevers, rep 523— 342 Walter I. Hayes, dem. . . 181 Judge Supreme Court, full term. W. H. Seevers. rep 5:13— 339 W*alter I. Hayes, dem... 181 O. R. Junes, greenback.. 3 Judge Supreme Court until /,s'?,'). James H. Rothrock, rep 523— 340 William Graham, dem . . 181 Charles Negus, green back 2 Supt. of Publi- Instruction. Carl Von Coelin, rep.... 542 — J. A. Nash, dem 149 Member of Congress 9ih Distr Addison Oliver, tep 524 — Samuel Reese, dem 183 Judge District Court, ].',th Distr Ed R. Duffee, rep 698— John N. Weaver 1 District Attorney. J. M. Tolliver 705— Lott Thomas 1 Clerk of the Courts. Carlos Combs 354 — I. Van Meter 343 Recorder. E. Emerson 398— AA*. H. Raymond 268 ELECTION, 1877. Governor. John H. Gear, rep 382 — John P. Irish, dem 149 Daniel P. Stubbs, Green back 115 Elias Jessup, proh 64 Lieutenant -G a ninor. Frank T. Campbell, rep 465— AY. C. James, dem 142 A. MeReady, greenback. 118 Judge of supreme Court. James G. Day, rep 467— H. E. J. Boardman, dem 142 John Porter, greenback. 115 Supt. of Public Instruction. Carl Von Coelin, rep.... 427 — S. T. Ballard, dem 116 Representative, llith Leg. Dist) John J. Wilson, clem 477 — Lewis H. Smith, rep.... 257 County Auditor. Alexander McLaughlin.. .388— H. Miner 343 Treasurer. J. AA*. Foster 456— John Johnston 276 Sheriff. C. F. Gullixson 303— A. B. AVest 224 C. C. Coyle 199 Superintendent of Schools. J. A. Marvin 395— Oliver Stanley 335 Mrs. B. Blanchard 1 John Johnston 1 Surveyor. T. Ellwood Collins 375— AA'illiam Thompson 322 393 ict. 341 ict. rot n 130 54 110 311 ict. 220 45 ISO 58 53 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 5U Coroner. E. A. AVilder 734 ELECTION, 1878. Secretary of State. John A. T. Hull, rep 366— 36 E. M. Farnsworth, dem. 330 state Auditor. Buren R. Sherman, rep. 367 — 38 Joseph Eiboeck.dem 329 State Treasurer. Geo. AA'. Bemis, rep 366— 36 M. L. Devine, dem 330 Register State Land Office. James K. PoAvers 366— 36 M. Farrington 330 Attorney-General. John F. McJunkin 367 — 38 John Gibbons 229 Judge of Circuit Court. James H. Rothrock 365 — 35 Joseph C. Knapp 330 Clerk of Supreme Court. E. J. Holmes 366— 27 Alexander Runyon 339 Reporter of Supreme Court. John S. Runnell 367— 38 John B. Elliott 329 Representative in Congress. C C. Carpenter, rep.... 372— 55 L. Q. Hoggatt, dem 317 Clerk of the Courts. Carlos Combs 359— 35 George Head 331 Amos Fox 3 Recorder. Edward Emerson 378 — 59 B. F. Barclay 319 On the Question of Railroad Suaiup Land Contract. Against the contract.... 386 — 346 For the contract 40 SPECIAL ELECTION, FEB RUARY 18, 1879. On the Question of Railroad Siramp Land Contract. For the contract 555— 416 Against the contrace 139 ELECTION, 1879. Governor. John H. Gear, rep 540—265 H. H. Trimble, fusion.. 275 Lieutenant-Governor. Frank T. Campbell, rep. 540— 265 J. A. O. Yeoman, fusion 275 Judge of Supreme Court. J. M. Beck, rep 540—265 Reuben Noble, dem 275 Supt. of Public Instruction. Carl Von Coelin, rep 540— 265 Irvin Baker, dem 275 Representative. G. C. McCauley ..green back 440— 57 A. D. Bicknell, rep 383 Auditor. Alexander McLaughlin, rep 475— 260 Samuel Stanley, ind 215 Treasurer. J. W. Foster, rep 551— 251 A. E. Wilder, ind 300 ELECTION, 1880. President. James A. Garfield, rep.. 669 — 382 AVinfield S. Hancock, dem 251 James B. Weaver, green back 26 Seorctary of State. John A. T. Hull, rep 674— 395 A. B. Keith, dem 255 G. M. Walker, G'enback 24 State Treasurer. E. H. Conger, rep 674 — 395 Martin Blim, dem 255 M. Farrington, G'enback 24 State Auditor. W. V. Lucas, rep 676— 399 Charles J. Barker, dem.. 253 G.V. Swearingen, G'back 24 Register State Land Office. John K. Powers, rep 626— 360 Daniel Dougherty, dem.. 243 T. Hooker, greenback... 23 Attorney-General. Smith McPherson, rep.. 675— 397 Charles A. Clarke, dem. 254 W. A. Spurrier, ge'nback 24 Judge of Court, l.'/th Judicial Dist. John N. Weaver 939— 93S C. C. Coyle 1 Judge of District Court. E. R. Duffle 951 District Attorney. J. M. Tolliver 949 Representative in Congress. C. C. Carpenter 672—397 P. M. Guthrie 262 Daniel Campbell 13 On the Question of having a Gou- rention to Revise State Constition. In favor of a convention 100 — 5 Against a conA^ention. . . . 95 On the Question of Amending the Constitution by striking out the ivovds "Free irliite" from article 3, sceiton J/. For the amendment 320— 258 Against the amendment 62 5i8 HISTORY OF IOAA'A Clerk of the Courts. F. F. French 726— 509 George Head 217 Recorder. Edward Emerson 473— 2 A. D. Franklin 147 A mos Fox 23 C. E. Sinclair 1 Surveyor. George W. AA'elch 666— 391 John A. Koob 275 ELECTION, 1881. Governor. Buren R. Sherman, rep. 694 — 495 L. G. Kinne. dem 192 D. M. Clark, greenback. 7 Lieutenant-Governor. O. H. Manning, rep 694 — 495 J. M. Walker, dem 192 J. M. Holland, greenback 7 Judge of Supveme Couvt. Austin Adams 694—494 H. B. Hendershott 193 W. W. Williams -1 A. D. Dabnev 3 Supt. of Public Instruction. J. W. Akers 60S— 500 W. H. Butler...,. 195 Mrs. A. M. Swain 3 Representative in Assembly. J. J. Wilson, deui 533 — 176 L. A. Sheetz. rep 357 Auditor. William Thompson 551—208 T. A. Rossing 340 A. H. Knowles 2 W. Williams 1 Treasurer. N. R. Jones 5X3—269 W. M. D. A'an Velsor.. 311 W. M. Green 2 C. Climbs 1 Sheriff. D. R. Miles 570— 245 D. Ray 325 H. Lane 1 J. H. Ford 1 Supcriulcndcht of Schools. John Mi-Lend 89(1—880 M. L. French 6 O. C. Coyle 2 It. Whitbeck 1 J. Beebe 1 Surrcyor. George AA*. AA'elch X96 — 892 John Koob 3 E. Marsh 1 Corouor. J. E. Barker S85— 881 Scattering 4 SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE 27, 1SS2. On tin' question of adding un amendment to the Stale constitu tion, prohibiting the sole of iu- loxiealing iiijiiors in loivu, to tie used as a bereruge. For the amendment 615 — 254 Against the amendment 361 ELEI'TH iN. 1882. Seorctary of State. John A. T. Hull, rep.... 762— 534 T. O. AA'alker, dem 202 A\". J. Gaston, gYenback 26 State .\ nd i tor. John L. Brown 565 — 15 AA'illiam Thompson 497 Lee S. Brown 35 G. S. Wyant 18 State Treasurer. E. H. Conger 762—404 John Foley 332 Geo'-ge Doerr 26 Attorney-General. Smith McPherson 760—402 J. H. Brennerman 332 J. A. Rice 26 Judge of Suprimc Court. AA*. H. Severs 721—323 Charles E. Bronson 332 J. H. Sea vers 40 M. A. Jones 26 Clerk of Supreme Court. Gilbert B. Pray 763— 406 H. F. Bonarden 331 E. M. Clark 26 Reporter of Supreme Court. Ezra i '. Ebersol? 763— 406 L. A. Palmer 331 J. H. AA'illiamson 26 Representative in Congress, tilth District. A. J. Holmes 747— 376 John Cliggett 341 Isiah Doane 25 C. C. Carpenter 4 Thomas Scott 1 Clerk of the Courts. F. F. French 1112—1111 F. n. Plumb 1 Rccovdi'V. B. F. Simons 630— 132 R. J. Johnson 495 Scattering 3 liU.AIBOLDT COUNTY 5i9 ELECTION, 1S83. Gorei nor. Buren R. Sherman, rep 848 — 379 L. G. Kinne, dem 442 J. B. AA'eaver. greenback 27 Lieutenant-Governor. O. H. "Manning, rep 862 — 403 D. M. Clark, dem 435 Kirkpa trick, greenback. 24 State Senator. C. C. Chubb, rep S50— 389 Alexander Mitchell, dem 461 Representatire in Legislature. AA'. T. R. Humphrey, rep 694— 76 AA'illiam Thompson, dem 618 Comity Auditor. Moses Hoover, rep 820— 330 C. B. Tillson, ind 490 Treasurer. N. R. Jones, ind 656— 5 A. H. Knowles, rep 651 Sheriff. D. R. Miles, rep 1011— 716 John Rateliffe, ind 295 Superintendent of Schools. John McLeod 1290 Surrcyov. George AA'elch i 1303 Coroner. AA'. o. Beam 1313 ELECTION, 1884. /'resident. Jam-'S G. Blaine 1043— 478 Grover Cleveland 559 John P. St. John 6 Secretary of state. Frank D. Jacks.. i- 1049— 492 James Donley 557 State Auditor. J. L. Brown 1049— 192 J. E. Henriyues 557 Slate Treasurer. V. P. Twornbly 1049— 492 G. Derr 557 .1 Itorni y-Geueral. A. J. Baker 1049—492 M. Ar. Garmon 557 Judge of Supreme Court. J. H. Rothrock 1038— 473 E. L. Barton 565 Representative in Congress. A. J. Holmes 1046—188 H. C. McCory 558 District Judge. Lott Thomas 1000— 400 A. W. McFarland 600 Circuit Judge. L. A. Berry 571 J. H. McComber 1034— 4 62 Lott Thomas 1 District A llorney. J. AA'. C01 y 1030— 458 AA'm. Hay ward 572 Clerk District and Circuit Courts. James S. Fletchtr 948—385 Samuel Lucksingtr 563 Recorder. B. F. Simmons 961— 338 J. A. Marvin 623 Supervisor, Distrct Xo. 1. John D. Foster 242 Supcrrisor. District Xo. 2. Ed Snook 182— 64 F. C. Cooper 118 ELECTION, 1885. Governor. AA'm. Larrabee 917—326 Chas. 10. Whitting 591 Lieutenant-Governor. J. A . T. Hull 932— .",45 E. H. Gillette 538 Wm. M. Steers 4 Judge of Suprime Court. Joseph M. Beck 935—347 AA'm. F. Brennen 584 Jacob Rodgers 4 Supt. of t'ublic Instruction. J. W. Akers 933— 347 F. M. Moor 586 Representatire. 85th District. I. L. Welch 922— 326 AA'm. Thompson 596 County \11ditor. Moses Hoover 870— 220 H. L. Joiner 650 County Treasurer. A. M. Adams 7S4— 47 A. H. Knowles ','-,', Sheriff. J. AV. Fairman 774— 31 S. H. Miner 479 Al Davenport 262 Scattering 2 Superintendent of Schools. John McLeod 1487—1474 Scattering 13 Surreyor. Ed D. Harvey 788— 67 John A. Koob 721 Coroner. W. O. I learn 963—403 G. W. Field 560 Supcrrisor, 5th District. E. A. Wilder 208- 142 W. O. Atkinson 66 Supervisor. .'/Hi District. J. M. Schleicher 162 S. F. Hoyden 179— 17 520 FHSTORY OF IOWA ELECTION, 1886. Secretary of State. Frank D. Jackson 1009— 508 Cato Sells 485 D. G. Fanihan 16 State Audi lor. James A. Lyons 1003— 506 Capt. J. J. Lyons 9 Paul Genlich 4X2 J. L. Mc Reynolds 6 State Treasurer. X. P. Twombly 1011—522 Daniel Campbell 48.: James Mickelwait 6 Attorney -Geui nil. A. J. Baker 1011—522 C. H. Mackey 483 Rogers 6 Clerk of Sunreme Court. G. B. Pray 1012— 524 Frank P. Bradley 482 H. B. Howard 6 Reporter of Supreme Court. E. C. Ebersole 1011—522 AVm. Theophelus 483 J. AA*. Wolf 6 RcpvescutuUvc in Congress. A. J. Holmes 1020— 539 Geo. Wilmot 481 Judge District Court, l'/th District. Geo. H. Carr 1500 County Attorney. C. A. Babcock 945—395 F. M. Miles 541 Scattering - 3 clerk of tlie Courts. J. S. Fletcher 1069—646 S. E. Rollins 422 Scattering 1 I'ecoi tier. J. B. Swain 953— 410 A. F. Hawkins 543 Supevvisov, ,itl District. L. Michaelson 148— 15 Wm. Stanley 133 ELECTION, 1887. Govcvuov. AVm. Larrabee 10 IS— 545 T. J. Anderson Full M. J. Cain ¦¦ Lieutenant-Governor. John A. T. Hull 1019— 547 J. M. Elder Sail Scattering 2 •Indue of Supreme Court. Gifl'onl S. Robinson 105::— 551 Charles T. Fogg 500 Scattering 2 Supt. of Public Instruction. Henry Sabin 1050— 34S H. W. Sawer 501 Scattering 1 Senator, 50th Senatorial Dist. A. O. Garlock 906— 300 Wm. Thompson 603 Scattering 3 Representative, 76tli District. J. M. Schleicher 825— US I. L. Welch 702 Scattering 5 Comity Auditor. Geo. C. McCauley 845— 148 D. L. EA-ersole 696 Scattering 1 ¦ Treasurer. A. M. Adams 799— 44 Andrew Gullixson 754 Scattering 1 Superintendent of Schools. John McLeod 710 Mrs. C. P. Clark 601 Mrs. B. M. Simmons 222 Scattering 2 County Surveyor. Frank P. Bellows 786— 26 John A. Koob 760 Coroner. Dr. E. H. Kinney 1530—1519 Scattering 11 Supcrrisor, 1st District. John Johnston 277 — 274 Scattering 3 Supervisor, .id District. J. C. Johnson 178— 103 T. F. Sullivan 75 Sheriff. John AA". Fairnun 823 — 109 T. H. Hart 714 Supervisor. 5th District. (To fill vacancy.) J. AA*. Campbell 291 ELECTION, 188S. 1'rcsidcul. Benjamin Harris m 1237 — 559 GroA-er Cle\-eland 641 A. J. Steeter 3 Clinton B. Fisk 24 Secretary of State. F. D. Jackson 123:) - ."60 AA'. "McHenry 646 J. 11. Van Court I Jas. Mickelwait 29 State Auditor. J. A. L>rons 1237 — :,.-,() D. J. Ockerson 645 C. M. Farns worth 4 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 5-'i Malcom Smith 29 State Treasurer. A*. P. Twornbly 1239— 560 Amos Case 646 James Rice 4 E. O. Sharp 29 Judge of Supreme Court. C. T. Granger 1231— 554 P. H. Smyth 673 M. H. Jones 4 Attorney-General. J.Y.Stone 1260— 610 Jos. C. Mitchell 646 D.H.Williamson 4 Railroad Commissioners. Spencer Smith 1279 Frank T. Campbell 1295 John Mabin 1085 Peter A. Day 821 Christian L. Lund 673 Herman E. Wills 617 Congressman. J. P. Dolli\-er 1229— 557 J. A. O. Yeoman 669 O. Lyson 3 Judge of Court, L',th Judicial Dist. Lott Thomas 1883 County Attorney. C. A. Babcock .".1182— 465 A. R. Starrett 715 Scattering 2 Clerk of District Conn. J. S. Fletcher 1020—150 H. S. Cadett 730 H. A. French 140 Recorder. J. B. Swain 1293— 676 E. S. Frank 615 H. S. Cadett 1 H. A. French 1 Supcrrisor, !,th District. Pat O'Neal 429— 427 J. H. Ford 2 Supervisor, 5th District. C. E. Wilson 350— 272 C. AA'. Adams 78 ELECTION. 1889. Govevnov. Joseph G. Hutchison 1027— 412 Horace Boies 594 S. B. Downing 6 Malcomb Smith 15 Lieutenant -Govevnov. Alfred Poymer 1038— 432 S. L. Beston 585 Ezra Brownell 5 J. W. Murphy 16 Judge of Supveme Court. (.To fill vacancy.) Josiah Given 1046 — AVilliam F. Brennan 581 L. H. Weller 5 J. AA'. Rogers 16 Judge of Supreme Court. Josiah Given 1046 — William F. Brennan 581 M. H. Jones 5 J. W. Rogers 16 Supt. of Public Instruction. Henry Sabin 1045— Thomas M. Irish 581 Harriett J. Beelanger.. .. 5 Mrs. M. C. Dunham.... 16 Rait road Commissioners. Spencer Smith 1079— David Morgan 549 L. H. Griffith 5 J. W. Noble 15 Senator. Edgar E. Mack 1032— Wm. Thompson 606 Scattering 1 Representative. D. L. Coyle 921— A. M. Adams 715 Scattering 1 County Auditor. G. C. McCauley 1052— Jerome Lilton 5S5 Scattering 1 County Treasurer. D. R. Miles 1099— W. O. BroAvn 530 Scattering 7 Sheriff. F. J. Weir 890— P. M. Wilson 683 B. F. Simmons 54 Scattering 1 Surreyor. F. P. Bellows 845— John A. Koob 781 Scattering 2 Superintendent of Schools. L. Hezzelwood 948 — John McLeod 687 Scattering 1 Coroner. E. H. Kinney 1065— C. S. Bliss 576 Supcrrisor, .'.d District. Jacob Opheim 174 — O. H. Korslund 134 Supcrrisor. [tli District. T. J. Smith 372— Scattering 8 444 444 510 425 466 5K2 162 2611 489 40 164 HISTORA" OF IOWA ELECTION, 1890. Secretary of Stale. AA*. M. McFarland 1093—488 AA*. H. Chamberlain 678 E. P. Brown 7 C. It. McFarlin 20 Auditor. Jain-s A. Lyons 1094—391 Geo. S. Witters 676 C. F. Davis 7 Ira Dorcas 20 Stale 'Treasurer. B. A. I Season 1096—393 AA*. L. White 6,6 A. J. Blakely 7 J. ( * Reed 20 Judge of Supreme Court. J. H. Rothrock 1095— 391 P. B. Wolfe 677 Geo. D. Porter 7 D. B. Turney 20 Attorui y-Gcm ml. John V. Stone 1095— 392 C. H. Markey 677 T. F. Willis 7 J. L. Warren 19 Clerk of Supreme Court. G. B. Pray 1096—393 E. J. Sankey 676 Alf. Wooster 7 S. F. Spurrier 20 Reporter of Supreme Court. N. B. Uaymond 1096—393 T. AA'. Ivory 676 D. J. Morris 7 O. P. Crawford 20 Railroad Coiuiuissioue:'s. John AA'. Luke 1092— SSI Peter A. Dey 6X5 J. M. Joseph 7 C. Dailey 19 Congressman. J. P. Dolliver 1(134—270 I. L. Woods 719 Willis Weaver 15 Judge of District Court. Geo. H. Can- 1259—1257 Scattering 2 Clerk of District Court. L. K. Baker X93— 7 Thus. Sherman SX6 County Recorder. J. B. Swain 1772—1770 Scattering: 2 County Altovueg. c A. I'.abcock 8,1 F. .Al. Miles '.ill— 37 Si-a tiering 2 Supervisor, 1st District. O. F. Avery 216— 91 C. M. Hill 125 Supcrrisor, .id District. AA'm. Young 189— 88 J. H. Callahan 101 ELECTION, 1891. Governor. Hiram C AA'heeler 1259—506 Horace Boies 735 A. J. AA'estfall 9 Isaac T. < libson 9 Lieutenant-Governor. George AA'. A'an Houten.1274 — 531 S. L. lieston 723 AAralter S. Scott 10 J. G. Little in Judge of Suprtntr Court. Silas VI. Weaver 1276— 535 L. G. Kinne 720 T. F. AA'illis 9 Daniel B. Turney 12 Supt. of I'ublic Instriietitm. Henry Sabin 1282— 549 J. B. Knoepfler 711 C. AA*. Bean 9 Mrs. E. G. Cline 10 Rn it road Co >n m issioners. Frank T. Campbell 1284— 554 Peter A. Dey 710 D. F. lingers 9 B. A'. Draper 11 Repicscnlutirc, lli/h District. Frank E. Carpenter.. ..1282 — 555 Montague Hokes 727 Conntg Tvcusuvev. D. R. Miles...' 2013—2012 P. F. Saul 1 Sheriff. F. J. AA'cir 1308—603 It F. overholt 704 Chas. Sherman 1 Supcriuleudeitt of Schools. Loren Hezzlewood 130S— 624 E. Dell Dickey 6X3 F. J. AA'eir 1 County Surveyor. John A. Koob 2004— 2001 Scattering 3 Coroner. E. H. Ivinnev 1177 — 364 C S. Bliss 812 John A. Koob 1 Supervisor, .'/Ih District. AA'm. H. Tpham 307— 105 J. M. Schleicher 201 Then. J. Smith 1 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 5^3 Supervisor, 5th District. • Chas. Jarves 285—136 C. N. King 149 ELECTION, 1S92. 1'rcsidcnt. Benjamin Harrison 13S2 — 550 Grover Cleveland 742 James B. Weaver 44 John Bidwell 46 Secretary of State. AA". M. McFarland 1368—523 J. H. McConlogne 759 E. H. Gillette 42 S. H. Taft 64 Auditor. ( '. G. McCarthy 1380— 547 S. P. Van Dike 743 A. J. Blakely 43 F. E. Whitmore 47 state Treasurer. Byron A. Beeson 1379— 546 Charles Ruengnitz 713 Justin Wells 43 R. M. Dihel 47 Attorui y-Gcucval. John Y. Stone 1377— 542 Ezra AA-illard 744 Charles MacKenzie 43 William Orr 48 Ra it road I 'am m issionecs. George W. Perkins 1381— 548 AA'illiam G. Kent 742 J. H. Barnette 44 Malcom Smith 47 Congressman. J. P.Dolliver 1369— 559 J. J. Ryan 761 John E. Anders m 49 Judge. Lott Thomas 1398 Con n1 y Auditor. Hugh AA'. McCauley 1200—202 J. H. Callahan 997 L. R. Baker 1 Clerk of District Court. L. R. Baker 1463—1458 Scattering 5 County Recorder. Geo. D. Osborne 1401—616 D. A. De Groote 779 L. P. Crandall 6 Comity Attorney. W. L. Smith 1222— 257 F. M. Miles 964 J. H. Callahan 1 Supervisor, 3d District. W. T. Drennan 250— 70 Thos. J. Smith 180 ELECTION, 1893. Governor. Frank D. Jackson 1390— 679 Horace Boies 585 J. M. Joseph 65 Bennett Mitchell 61 Lieutenant-Governor. Warren S. Dungan 1393— 707 S. L. Beston 570 J. T. Anderson 72 J. C. Reed 44 Judge of Supreme Court. Gifford S. Robinson 1395— 709 John Cliggett 571 A. W. Weeks 69 J. A. Harvey 46 Supt. of Public Instruction. Henry Sabin 1399— 716 J. B. Knoepfler 571 Mrs. E. J. Woodrow.... 64 Belle H. Mix 48 I'a it road Commissioners. John AV. Luke 1393— \ OS Thomas Bowman 572 John Idle 66 G. W. Dutton 17 Scua'nr. Geo. W. Henderson 1364— 672 Thos. S. Higgs 604 Richard Olney SS Representative. Parley Finch 13S1— 693 T. E. Beers 575 A. R. Starrett 113 County Treasurer. J. \V. S. Lindley 1410— 730 Ole Sween 680 Sheriff. F. J. Weir 1397— 721 J. J. Hiserodt 610 Paul Arnold 66 Siipeviiitendcut of Schools. L. Hezzlewood 1446—863 L. D. Hack 575 Scattering 8 County Surveyor. Geo. S. Foster 1371—682 John A. Koob 6S9 Coroner. E. H. Kinney 1507—1506 Scattering 1 Supcvvisov, 1st Dislvii 1. o. F. Avery 311— 221 P. M. Wilson 90 Supcvvisov. id District. A. S. Ketman 174— 61 B. T. Overholt 113 HISTORY OF IOWA ELECTION, 1894. Scoreiary of State. AA*. M. McFarland 1336—768 Horatio F. Dale 447 Sylvanus B. Crane 77 Bennett M. Mitchell 44 Auditor. C. G. McCarthy 1324—770 Bert C. Benham 435 J. Bellanger 77 C. H. Gordon 42 State Tr< usurer. John Herriott 1322— 759 L. AV. White 445 Aaron Brown 76 Mrs. A. E. McMurray.. 42 Judge of Supreme Court. C. T. Granger 1323— 772 John Oliggitt 508 Jacob W. Rogers 43 Judge of Supreme Court. (To fill vacancy.) H. E. Deemer 1324— S09 AA*. E. Mitchell 434 J. E. Anderson 81 Attorney-General. Milton Remley 1324— 772 J. D. T. Smith 433 A. W.C. Weeks 78 W. A. Maginnis 41 Clerk of Supreme Court. C. T. Jones 1326—774 T. F. AA'ard 433 Chas. A*. Farber 78 M. W. Atwood 41 Reporter of Supreme Court. B. I. Salinger 1323— 782 J. J. Shea 499 Mrs. M. H. Dunham.... 42 Railroad Commissioners. C. L. Davidson 1323 — 770 John C. Cole 432 W. W. Pattee 78 Malcolm Smith 42 A. Rindler 1 Congressman. J. P. Dolliver 1329—80:', T. C. Baker 526 Judge of Court, l.',th Judicial Dist. William B. Quartern 1335— S19 C E. Cohoon 516 County A uditor. Harwood Sharp 1308— 744 o. H. Korslund 490 Charles Prindle 74 County Recorder. Geo. D. Osborne 1356—850 S. E. Rollins 409 A.»J. Erickson 77 Clerk of District Court. L. R. Baker 1354— B. F. Overholt 436 George Metcalf 79 County Attorney. W. L. Smith 1338— A. R. Starrett 515 Charles Lentz 1 Supervisor, J/th District. John Merrill 220 W. H. Upham 234— Supcrrisor. 5th District. G. F. Root 224— S. H. Kinney 204 ELECTION, 1895. Governor. F. M. Drake 130S— W. I. Babb 390 S. B. Crane 31 Francis Bacon 56 Lien te nil n*-c, ore rnor. Matt Parrott 1296— Samuel L. Beston 3S2 A. R. Starrett 39 M. AA*. Atwood 46 Judge of Supreme Couvt. Josiah Given 1313 — Thomas G. Harper 381 T. W. Ivory 39 Jacob AV. Rogers 40 Supt. o] Public Instruetiou. Henry Sabin 1312— Lyman B. Parshall 382 L. S. Tabor 8S Mrs. L. D. Carhart 39 Roil road Commissioners. George W. Perkins 1310— George Jenkins 381 E. J. Stason 91 H. F. Johns 40 Rcjivescntalive. Parley Finch 1161— James Mercer S3 George H. Case 287 J. S. Hopkins 148 County Treasurer. J. AA*. Lindley 1373— S. H. Kinney 397 Sheriff. F. J. AA'eir 1268— Z. M. Williams 516 Superintendent of schools. o. S. Opheim 1304— Ed A. Sherman 390 County Surveyor. Geo. S. Foster 1331— John A. Koob 420 839 1420 769 so:; 79S 643 976 974 911 HUMBOLDT COUNTY 525 Coroner. E. H. Kinney 1314—887 G. AV. Field 427 Supcvvisov, 3d District. Jas. A. Nervig. . . .' 298— 186 N. C. Durst 112 ELECTION, 1896. President. William McKinley 2010—1196 AA'illiam J. Bryan 783 John M. Palmer 10 Joshua Levering 17 Charles E. Bentlty 3 Charles H. Mattchett.. .. 1 Scorctury of State. George L. Dobson 2006—1202 H. L. Karr 785 William G. Wright IS J. B. AA'etzenbach 1 Auditor. C. G. McCarthy 2007—1202 George W. Davis 786 J. W. Wonders 18 J. B. Travis 1 State Treasurer. John Herriott 2005—1201 John Foley 785 E. J. Bye 18 AA*. A. Westphal 1 Judge of Supreme Court. Scott M. Ladd 2005—1204 Lemuel R. Bolter 7S4 Samuel Holmes 17 Attorney-General. Milton Remley 2003—1197 W. D. Boies 788 C. E. Boardman 18 Railroad Commissioners. Edward A. DaAvson 2003—1198 Amos Steckel 786 William S, Peile IS A. Rindler 1 Couyressman. J. P. Dolliver 1986—1164 John B. Romans 806 M. AA*. Atwood 16 Judge District Court, l.'/tli District. Lot Thomas — (Error in printing, no votes cast.) Railroad Commissioners. (To fill vacancy.) Edward A. Dawson 2003—1197 Thomas J. Densoi, 787 AVm. S. Peile 18 C. H. Jensen 1 County A uditor. Harwood Sharp 2027 — 1264 T. L. Jennings 763 County Recorder. G. D. Osborne 2020—1259 Chas. L. Nelson 761 Clerk of Court. O. T. Gullixson. 2011—1231 Wylie Thompson 780 County Attorney. AV. L. Smith 2031—2031 Supervisor, 1st District. O. F. Avery 410— 410 Supcrrisor, 5th District. R. H. A^an Alstine 4)2— 216 Mike Ossia 196 Supcvvisov, 2d Distviet. A. S. Ketman 276— 173 B. F. Overholt 103 The above tables bring the presidential returns up to 1900. The presidential returns of 1900 were not obtainable in full when this work was completed. CHAPTER NYII. RAILROADS AND SWAM!' LANDS. The Importance of Railroad Building — Histories of Rail roads in Humboldt Count)' — The Short Lines of Earlv Davs — The Northwestern Railroad — The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad — The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. Compilation of S. H. Taft. Rapid development of a new country is only possible through a system of railroads, affording speedy, regular, safe and economical transportation. A generation was re quired to open up the older states like Ohio and Indiana, but noAv by the aid of railroads, the A*ast territory of the northwest has been so rapidly opened up and capital so rapidly drafted in, that Avithin a feAA" years a million of in habitants have been distributed over its broad prairies. Bv this same agency Asia, Australia, South America and South Africa are being rapidly civilized and developed. In short, the knoAvn Avorld is being Avonderfully enlarged; steam and electricity have annihilated distance, and after countless gen erations Africa can no longer be counted as the dark conti nent. All of the great trunk lines of to-day have at one time been composed of a dozen or more short lines; but combi- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 527 nation and the factory system is the spirit of the times. These short lines haA-e been converted into one continuous line. Avhich has eventually reached from San Francisco to Omaha, Omaha to Chicago and Chicago to New York. Humboldt county is no exception to possessing an early history of short line railways. The country com menced to be settled at a time when even-body even-where aa anted railroads, and it did not make much difference how they g-ot them. It was at a time Avhen the states gave aAvay lands as inducements for new railroad lines, Avhen tOAvns easily gave up bonuses, in order that a railroad might come its way; Avhen farmers parted Avith their money, and invested in bonds for the purpose of getting some sort of a railroad through their section of the country. The reaction came later, but in the meantime the railroads had been built, and all had profited by their convenience. In Humboldt county the SAvamp lands had something to do Avith influencing the building of the first raibvav. In if3 50 the general government granted to the state of IoAva. cer tain lands knoAvn as swamp lands, Avhich the state distributed among the seA*eral counties, under provisions that thev were to be used for drainage purposes, or other public improve ments. Humboldt county received betAveen fifteen and tAventy thousand acres. The people at first did not appreciate the value of these lands. In 1862 the American Immigrant Company came along, and desired to get possession of the swamp lands of Humboldt county; they offered to the Board of Supervisors the payment of a thousand dollars in some substantial improvement. It is to the credit of Humboldt county, that when it came up for vote in 1862 it was rejected; because it Avas by the later use of these lands as a subsidy, that the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Avas induced to 528 HISTORY OF IOAVA build straig-ht from Britt tO' Fort Dodge, running midway be- tAA-een the Boone and Des Moines rivers. , The building of the Minneapolis & St. Louis gave to the town of Humboldt and Dakota City an importance Avhich Avas no doubt a great factor in inducing the Northwestern Railway to come through Dakota City. In 1869 there was a proposition for the disposition of some of these swamp lands for conveying one-half of the same to- Humboldt college, Avhen ten thousand dollars should be raised from other sources, and the other half was to go to the common school fund of the county, but this Avas defeated. The DesMoines Valley Railroad Avas the first to secure action on the swamp land. General Reed, Avho Avas president of that short line in 1870 made a contract with the board of supervisors for the conveyance of tAvo thirds of the SAvamp lands to that company, Avhen a road should be built to a depot between Springville, iioav Humboldt, and Dakota City, and one-third when built to a depot in the town of Rutland. This contract Avas ratified on the 9th of August, 1870 at a special election, at which time the vote stood three hundred fifty-six for and sixty-eight against. The Des Moines Valley Com pany failed to fulfill its contract in the time specified. The board of supervisors again got to Avork, and in 1872 entered into a contract Avith J. T. Ross, president of the loiva & Dakota Railroad Companp, S. H. Taft, president of the Fort Dodge, Humboldt & Southern Minnesota Railroad Com pany, and Avith Mr. Mershon, president of the Iowa, Min nesota tv North Pacific Railroad Company. According to this contract one-fourth of the swamp lands Avere to be conveyed to the first named Company when it should be built to a depot betAveen the towns of Springville and Dakota City; one half the lands when the second named HUMBOLDT COUNTY 529 Company should build to a depot between the towns above named, and one-fourth to the last named Company, when it should build to a depot in Vernon township, with a provision that the railroad should be built within two years, and that in case one company should succeed in building, and the others fail, all the lands were to be conveyed to- the successful company. This contract Avas ratified by a special election in 1872, by a vote of two hundred fifty for, and tAventy-three against. In 1873 S. H. Taft went east to negotiate funds for the purpose of building from Fort Dodge on the basis of the ¦SAvamp lands, and a fiA-e per cent tax voted by the toAvnships in the south half of the county. Mr. Hewitt of Wright -county, visited Springville and Dakota, and promised the building of the IoAva & Dakota road Avithin six months, if the towns would transfer the five per cent tax voted to the com pany represented by Mr. Taft, to his company. The toAvnships made the transfers asked for. Mr. Taft discontinued his negotiations for funds. Neither company accomplished anything in the time stipulated by the contract. In 1874 Mr. HeAvitt came before the board of supervisors, and requested an extension of time for the Iowa & Dakota Company, Avhich was refused. In 1875 a company was or ganized in Humboldt, known as the Des Moines, Humboldt & Minnesota Company. B. H. Harkness ivas chosen presi dent. A special election was held on the 5th of June. SAvamp lands Avere voted Avith authority to use them in securing the building of a road either from Webster City in Hamilton county, or from Fort D°dge in Webster County. The vote stood two hundred eighty for, and one hundred twenty-five against the contract. This, like all former efforts failed. 53o HISTORY OF IOWA In 1876 J. J. Smart, a man knoAvn all over the state at that time and ah\ays an enterprising citizen, Avas general superintendant of the Des Moines & Minnesota Narrow Gauge Co. His attention Avas called to the valuable subsidy Avhich Humboldt county had to gLe a company, building the first railroad to its principal business tOAvns. Mr. Smart at once begun to look into this proposition. A meeting Avas held at Avhich Avas present Messrs. B. H. Harkness, J. N. prouty, Dr. Ira L. AVelch and J. D. Cragg and S. H. Taft. An agreement Avas reached which provided that the road should be extended from Ames in Story County, by the way of Webster City to Humboldt, then to Rutland and that the AA'hole of the swamp lands Avere to be conveyed to the Com pany when the road reached Humboldt; this energetic move ment alarmed the Fort Dodge business men, a meeting Avas (Called, a company Avas organized, called the Fort Dodge & Fort Ridgely Railroad & Telegraph Company. George R. Pearsons Avas appointed as general superintendent. The city and tOAvnship v-oted a tax in aid of the enterprise, and the proposed line of raihvay Avas run to the south line of Hum boldt county, from AA-hich point three lines Avere run north through the county of Humboldt, all of which was done be fore the 15th of June, the day set for the people to act upon the contract with J. J. Smart. Much electioneering was clone by the people of Fort Dodge against this contract; the ex pectation of the contract Avith the narroAv gauge and the lack of confidence in the purpose of the Fort Dodge capitalists, made it impossible to defeat the completion of the contract, Avhich Avas endorsed by a vote of five hundred seventy-eight to forty-eight. This caused the Fort Dodge Company to commence building operations at once. Mr. Pearsons Avas aroused and HUMBOLDT COUNTY 531 determined that the road should go through, and the road Avas granted and tied to Humboldt county before Avinter set in, the completion of this road into the county detracted from the importance of the NarroAv Gnage Road and interfered with the sale of its bonds, so it did little. Rivalry sprang up betAveen the tAvo companies; letters Avere exchanged through the Fort Dodge Messenger and the Humboldt Kosmos; public sentiment finally veered in fa\ror of the Narrow Gnage Road. Again sentiment changed, and the people of Hum boldt looked AA'ith more favor upon the enterprise of the Fort Dodge Company, due to the energy of Mr. Pearsons. Find ing the people of Humboldt Avere looking with more favor on its enterprise, the Fort Dodge Company asked of them to make known the terms on which they Avould co-operate with them. A committee composed of A. D. Bicknell, S. H. Taft, AAr H. Locke, Andrew Gullixson and H. J. Ketman were ap pointed at a public meeting to represent the people's interest. This committee made satisfactory terms with the Company and asked the board of supervisors to submit to a vote the terms agreed upon bettveen the committee and the Company, but the board of supervisors refused to order a vote on the question. A public meeting was called in May to consider the request of the Fort Dodge Company, and the same com mittee was here again appointed to arrange terms of co-oper ation Avith the Company. A petition signed by two- hundred fifty voters was presented to the board of supervisors at a ¦special meeting held July 1st. The board again refused to order a vote on the proposition. The board met again in three tveeks, when another petition was presented with a larger number of names, and was again denied. Finally at ¦the September meeting the board did submit to a vote at the general election in October a proposition to- give the Com- "10- HISTORY OF IOAVA pany half the SA\-amp land Avhen the road should be extended to the oft named depot, betA\een the tAvo towns, providing, also, that the road shold be built across Section seventeen on the east side of the East Des Moines River. This proposition Avas rejected by the company, although it received a majority of the votes cast at the election. Things Avere at a stand still. Mr. Pearsons appeared before the board of supervisors at its January meeting, at AA'hich time terms Avere agreed upon and a A*ote ordered to- be taken on the contract, at a special elec tion to be held on the 14th of February folloAving. This con- /tract conveyed half of the swamp lands to the company when Jthe road AAas completed to a depot between the tOAvns, and the other half AA'hen it should extend its lines six miles north. The result of the election Avas the endorsement of the contract by a vote of five hundred fifty-five to one hundred thirty-nine. The next morning after this victory, Mr. Pear sons ran the engine, Avhich had been locked up for months to the end of the road, about six miles south of Humboldt; work Avas resumed, and the grading was nearly completed to the Des Moines River, when the Minneapolis & St. Louis an nounced that it intended to extend immediately, its line from Forest City to- the coal fields of AVebster county. This cre ated quite a little uneasiness for the people of Humboldt and the Fort Dodge Company. The directors of the last named company made overtures to their northern neighbors for the fale of the road. In 1879 there Avas an attempt for all in terested to get together. After careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed line, Governor AArashburn, whose vote Avould decide the question, decided in favor of making the extension of the Fort Dodge Company, Avhich Avas done. The road reached Humboldt early in Sep tember, and Livermore three months later. After the build- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 533 ing of this line, these tAvo towns became such important trade centers that the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad ran into Dakota City in 188 1. The other branch of the North western crosses the northeastern corner of the county, having a station at Renwick. * In 1882 the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, which in all of its business relations has been noted for its enterprise, its encouraging the upbuilding of towns, its 'favors for getting and transporting produce and stock to market and its hearty co-operation in all business enterprises, ¦ran through the north end of the county. The Des Moines & Fort Dodge, or more properly the Des Moines Valley Railroad, passes through the southwest ern portion of the county, and was built in 1882. This is now a part of the great Rock Island Route. Humboldt county had been scheming for a railroad for years; but let it be re membered, that it only succeeded in getting the initial line in 1880. and that it now has five lines, traversing its territory, and all of these A\ere built Avithout any subsidy, excepting that given to the Fort Dodge Company, AAdiich is now the Minneapolis &St. Louis Railroad Company. And as the countA* continues to increase in wealth and production, the people will be more grateful for the effort of the pioneers in railroading. I-H w 7- CHAPTER NATII. TOAVN OF HUMBOLDT. Founding' of Humboldt — Biographies. It is the natural history of all first beginnings of settle ment in every locality on the North American continent, that the characteristic markings of the first settlers of every com munity persist and remain centuries after those pioneers have passed aAvay. Their habits, their moral and spiritual life, be liefs, their marriage relations, their energy and thrift, or their incompetency and shiftlessnesss are indelibly stamped for generations. As an instance of this, Ave cite the state of Rhode Island. It Avas first appropriated by a man Avho be lieved in the freedom of expression of religious belief, but he was folloAved into his territory and neAV home by a radical element which up to this time has left its impression on the state in vario-us ways, noticeable especially in the Havs of the state and noticeable in a more minor Avay in the values placed upon past history. If a community is settled by a colony strong in religious belief, forceful in morality and eager in industry it can be depended upon that those characteristic first markings will perpetuate themselves. Fortunately the tOAvn of Humboldt was founded by a people vigorous in re ligion, active in industry, intolerant as to immorality. 536 HISTORY OF IOAVA The founding of Humboldt Avas at a time when Horace GreeleA" Avas a marked character in the newspaper world, and his advice "A'oung man go- Avest," had become a household saying. Many people of the eastern states profited by this advice by coming into the unpeopled empire of the west. One morning T. T. Rogers, Avell known in his home toAAii of Humboldt and his county for his long and faithful career, drove up to the door of the ReA-. S. H. Taft at Mar- tinsburg", N. Y , Rogers Avas then living in the state of NeAV York, and said "I am going west." "Going west." interro gated the Rev. Taft, that is just what I Avant to do." It Avas then agreed to go Avest at an early date and to meet at some point on the Mississippi. In harvest time 1862, Taft and Rogers started from AYaterloo and drove through to Fort Dodge, they Avere looking for a desirable place to locate and build up a settlement. After arriving at Fort Dodge they took a trip up the Lizard, but not being favorably impressed they started for Dakota City expecting to find a toAA*n, but they only found a feA\- board shanties Avith stOA*e pipes sticking 'through the roofs, there Avas not a chimnev in tOAvn. They had a heart)* laugh over Dakota City and started out the next morning prospecting. The)- Avanted to find a suitable place for building a mill. In driving up and doAvn the river looking for a Avater power, they concluded to look for gov- ernment land. John Craig Avent out with them taking along surveyor's instruments for locating corners. Thev made a number of entries for themselves and their friends. They marked these entries by laying four stones and then laving four rails on top of the stones. They spent the Aveek driving over the country and entering claims, they then Avent to Fort Dodge and filed their claims. On examination it Avas found that the question of title to the land was in dispute, being HUMBOLDT COUNTY 537 claimed by the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad Company. Mr. Taft therefore contracted Avith Piatt Smith, vice-presi dent of that company for ten sections at $1.25 per acre, con veyance to be made as soon as the land should be certified to 'the company. Taft and Rogers returned to Dubuque, both returning" to New York. The following December, Mr. Taft again returned to Humboldt, Avhich Avas then knoAvn as Springvale, and began active operations for getting out lum ber for a flouring and satv mill. Their accommodations were not of the best, yet everyone was interested in the enterprise. During the Avinter Mr. Taft learned from Piatt Smith, that the land for Avhich he had contracted lay outside of the limit of the grant of that road, and suggested that they Avould fall to the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines & Minnesota Railroad Company. Mr. Taft Avent to Keokuk to look into the matter. He secured from the railroad company a contract for ten sections of land in consideration of Avhich he Avas to pay the government price, put up a grist mill with no less than tAvo run of buhrs; said improvements to cost not less than S3 ,000.00, and the purchaser to sell a large portion of the land at such reasonable prices as should induce early settle ment. Mr. Taft again returned to NeAV York, returning to Humboldt on the 17th of May, accompanied by about forty- four others. These settlers were Mrs. C. A. Wicks and family; C. A. Lorbeer and family; Russell H. Norton and family: John G. Lorbeer and family; O. AAr Coney and Jamily ; Sylvester AAr. Jones, H. Bills, D. G. Pinney and family of ten; Balser Linstruth, LeAvis Lorbeer, Theresa Lor beer, Fred Herman, M. D. AAllliams and David .Abbey. The first lumber for the mill Avas drawn to the site by John Johnson's team in January 1863, and piled up AA'here River Park is hoav located. The foundation of the mill and a 538 HISTORY OF IOWA portion of the dam Avas put in during the summer and autumn of 1864. G. W. Mitchell of Fort Dodge and A. D. Bicknell put up the Avails of the mill. The piers and dam were completed during the winter of 1864-5, but before the head gates Avere put in place, a February freshet under mined the soutliAvest corner of the Avail. The people not de siring to get their titles for their land from the railroad com pany, preferred a title front the state. The legislature passed an act authorizing the governor to convey to Mr. Taft the lands on the same conditions embraced in the contract Avith the railroad company, he to pay the money into the state treasury Avhen it became due. This resolution passed March 26th, 1864. A part of these lands were paid for and patented under Governor Stone's administration, and the rest under Governor Samuel Merrill's. In the summer of 1864 the tOAvn was surveyed and platted, and the name Springvale given to it by Airs. Taft on account of the natural springs in the locality. During" this time the Avork on the mill had pro gressed, the saAA" mill Avas in operation. An iron corn cracker Avas placed at the south end of the saAv mill and run from the same poAver. AA'ith this thousands of bushels of corn and Avheat Avere ground, and the settlers came from great distances for their grinding. At the begining of the Avork on the mill, NeAvton Northam of Port Leyden, N. Y. had been part o-Avner, but sold his interest to D. G. Pinney and T T. Rogers. On the 14th of February, 1865 the mill -was started, Avhich event AAas soon after celebrated by a sup per, to Avhich more than one hundred came to eat biscuit made of flour manufactured in Humboldt county. Toasts were drank in cold Avater and coffee, speeches Avere made and cheers given in honor of the occasion. There Avas an attempt made about this time, to unite Dakota Citv and Humboldt. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 539 This Avithout question was a rational thing to do. It was proposed that the "whole tOAvn from East branch to AA'est branch be called Dakota. To this Mr. Bergk, one of the pro prietors of Dakota City consented, but the other proprietor, Air. McKnight refused. Then followed a period of rivalry, jealously and bickerings betAveen the two prospective tOAvns. AA Tide giving- their energy and attention to disturbing the peace of the community, the spring freshets came on and carried away the dam, aaIucIi meant so much to Humboldt. This occurred on the morning of the 13th of April, and the same day flour advanced from $6.00 to $10.00 per hundred. The year 1867 has been referred to as the "starving time," as there was not bread enough in this part of the state to feed 'the people, and there was little with which to buy it. In June Avork Avas begun cutting a mill race 160 rods long and putting in a dam at the head. This Avas a great undertaking, considering the time, the tools with Avhich they had to Avork, the scarcity of labor, the limestone rock through Avhich they must cut, and the long distance incurred a heaA-y expense, and it is estimated that by the time it Avas finished it cost in the neighborhood of $17,000.00. Thus the town of Hum boldt was founded. Characterized at first by its enterprise and activity, it has continued along the same lines ever since. It is the leading town of the county and it Avell deserves its place, because it has rightfully and persistently fathered and favored every opportunity for progress. ALBERT MARTIN ADAMS. The subject of this sketch was born on a farm in Orange, Orange county, Vermont, April 16, 1843. His early life Avas the natural history of most men brought up on a NeAV England farm. Life meant hard work, few pleasures. 540 HISTORA" OF IOAVA Some schooling, daily lessons in being eco-no-mical and a care ful regard for the religious beliefs and moral ideals of the community. On the call for troops in 1861 he tried to enlist in the Third Vermont Infantry, but was rejected. However, on August 20th, 1862, he Avas successful in enlisting" in Co. E. Fourth Massachusetts Infantry. Leaving Massachusetts with the "Banks Expedition," he landed at NeAV Orleans January 2nd, 1863. Four companies of the regiment Avere captured at Galveston, Texas, by McGruder. Having served one year he returned home in August, 1863. In 1864 he started with his father's family for Dakota Territory, changing his mind he came to Humboldt countv and took up a homestead in Avery township. Becomming dissatisfied Avith the unsettled condition of the country he again enlisted in the army at Fort Dodge, joining Co.F, Second IoAva Cavalry at Memphis Tennessee. He fought in the battles before Nashville December 15-17, and on the 19th AAas taken prisoner in the battle of HoIIoav Tree Gap. After experiencing the sufferings of Andersonville prison he was finally discharged in NYav York City July 12th. 1865. In 1866 he returned to Humboldt and for a feAV vears had a varied business experience. In 1871 he started his netvspaper course as an apprentice in the office of the Inde pendent. After a wider experience in the offices of other IoAva neAvspapers he became proprietor of the Humboldt In dependent in 1874. In 1876 he was married to Airs. Maggie (Chauvet) Little, daughter of B. Chauvet. an early settler of Dakota City. Mr. Adams has held a number of offices of trust and re sponsibility. He taught the first term of school in Avery tOAvnship, AAas the first mayor of Dakota City, and was a member of the cornet band in Humboldt in 1867. He has served as county treasurer, as captain of Co. G, Seventh regi ment, I. N. O, receiving his commission in 1878 from Gover nor Gear. He has been commander of the Albert Rowley Tost G. A. R. and has held many offices in the different. lodges. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 541 In the journalistic field he has made a success, being tolerant and public spirited his columns haA"e ahvays been open for the discussion of any recognized subject. He is one of the chief promoters of the Upper Des Moines Editorial Association which Avas organized at Humboldt in 1890. In 1895 Air. Adams became president of the association and in 1897 he Avas elected secretary and member of the executiA*e com mittee which offices he still holds. The association now -covers the entire state of IoAva. Through Air. Adams' efforts the Upper Des Moines Editorial Association became con nected by delegates with the National Editorial Association in 1897. at Avhich time he was elected, member of the execu tive committee of the National Editorial Association. Air. Adams has been intimately connected AA'ith the early history of Humboldt county and has given his support to every meritorious enterprise for the advancement of the county. JOSEPH ALBEE, ( )ne of Humboldt's old and respected citizens, Avas born in Oswego county, N. Y., October 16th, 1821. AVhen thirty years of age he AA-ent to Anondaga county of the same state, but after living there four years, returned to- the county in which he Avas born. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. C. One Hun dred First N. Y. Infantry, and served three years as wagon master, being mustered out at Ft. Hill, Va. Fie returned to his home in New York, where he remained until 1866, Avhen lie came to Humboldt, Iowa. He was married March 7, 1871, to Sarah O. Lavey of Humboldt, and to these tAvo children were born,B. L., and Bessie M., In 1877 attracted by glowing descriptions of the Avest, he Avent to California, but returned to Humboldt the year folloAving, Avhere he has resided since. Mr. Albee is a prominent republican, having been elected by that party to the office of supervisor. He is a member of the Unity church and is prominent in the Hum boldt post of the G. A. R. 542 HISTORY OF IOWA O. F AVERY, AA'as born in Herkimer county, N. Y., July 20, 1833. His parents, Billions and Lavinia (Bartlett) Avery were natives of NeAV England, and his ancestors took an active part in the Revolutionary Avar. A great uncle died of starva tion on the prison ship "Jersey" in 1777. His grandfather, Captain Archibald Bartlett, led the American forces in the charge at Plattsburg Bridge. In 1850 Mr. AA-ery Avas grad uated from the state normal school at Albany, N. Y., and taught for two years in Michigan and AA iscoiisiii. In May, 1858, he married Sarah J. Harvey, a distant relative of Governor Afarcy of NeAV York. Tavo children Avere born to them, Eugene H., Des Moines, Iowa; Mary Gertrude, Hum boldt, IoAva. In 1859 the family came to Humboldt county and were the first permanent settlers in AA-ery township. Here he remained until 1878 Avhen he moved to the town of Humboldt, Avhere, in 1892, Airs. Avery died. Air. Avery still lives in Humboldt, Avhere he deals in stock, grain and lumber. In religious belief he is a Alethodist, and in politics, a Repub- lcan. He has held office as county superintendent of schiols. and as county supervisor, retaining the latter for tweh-e years. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is a prominent Mason. M. A. BENTON, AAras born October 14, 1S53, in Kane county, 111., Avhere he lived with his father on a farm until 1872, when he came to Humboldt county, IoAva. For seA*en years he engaged in farming, and at the end of that time he became interested in the milling business in Humboldt, and for one year gave his attention to that occupation. In 1881 he entered mercantile lines as a hardAvare dealer, and continued as such for three years. After that he spent ten years in the western states as a traveling photographer. Returning to Humboldt in 1898, he became secretary and treasurer of the Mineral Springs Bottling Company." Mr. Benton is a member of the Knights Templar. In HUMBOLDT COUNTY 543 religious belief he is a Universalist, and politics, a Republi can. He Avas at one time deputy sheriff of Humboldt county. ANSON DODGE BICKNELL, One of the prominent lawyers of Humboldt county, Avas born December 30, 1838, in AArestmorland, Oneida county, N. Y. His family is one of the oldest in the United States- it being" descended from Zacharv Bicknell, an English naval officer, his wife and son, natives of Somerset, England, who emigrated to America in 1835 and settled in Weymouth, Mass. They were dissenters from the established church, and like others at that time, sought religious freedom in America. The family is a large one, but is strongest in New England, where the Bicknell family association with head quarters in Boston, preserves the history and notable events of its members. The subject of this sketch is of the eighth genera tion in America. His father, James Bicknell (1795) was a famous Baptist preacher, avIio was born and lived all his life in Oneida count)*. N. \r. His mother, Rebecca Ruth (Brooks) Bicknell (1812). also a native of Oneida county, tvas keenly sympathetic and devoted to her family and her church. She died in 1862, and her husband in 1884. The only full brother and sister living are James Y., of Buffalo, N. Y., and Mrs. Jane E. Coats, of St, Paul Park, Minn. A. D. Bicknell received his early education in the district schools near his home, and later took a course in the Rome, N. Y., academy, Avhich prepared him for the sophomore year in Hamilton College, but studied law for two years (i86ck 1862), in the office of K. Carroll and J. B. Elwood. In 1862 he started for Iowa. The railroad stopped at Cedar Falls and he walked first to- Ft. Dodge, then to Dakota City, where he met one of the pioneers of that region, Simon B. Bellows, and went to work for him on his farm. That winter he taught school in Dakota City for five months, at $24 a month. In the spring he went to Ft. Dodge and 544 HISTORY OF IOAVA there successfully followed the mason's trade until 1868. At that time- in company with another man he bought a forty- acre timber tract on AAdiich Avas a limestone quarry. They built a kiln and the sale of lime proved a prosperous business. In the winter of 1864 he tvent back to- NeAV York, Avhere he Avas married December 30, to Miss Sarah Ann Mills, daughter of .Allen and Sarah Ann (Lee) Mills, of Oneida county. They returned and AA-ent to housekeeping at Ft. Dodge. She has been a capable helpmeet and is accorded a good share of credit, by her husband, for all he has accomplished. They are the parents of four children: — Frank AA'ade, born March 20, 1866; Clara Rebekah, born December 30, 1870; Charles Alills, born March 22, 1875, died August 5th . 1900; and George James, born August 4, 1885. In 1868 Air. Bicknell sold his interests in Fort Dodge and bought a quarter section of land in Humboldt county, on the Des Moines riA-er. eight miles west of Humboldt. He farmed Avith exceptional success until 1877, when he re moved to the town of Humboldt and resumed the practice of laAV. He Avas successful also in this line, and soon held a prominent place among the lawyers of the county. He is a member of the Unitarian church and contributes largely toAvard its support. He has ahvays been an active Republi can. He Avas county superintendent of schools in 1872-3, and AAas a member of the house in the eighteenth general assembly, in 1880, and has twice been mayor of Humboldt. He owns considerable town and country property and in 1899 added a large stone store building- to- the business houses of the town. The family home includes an entire block and is a. natural park. He owns Riverside Park, a favorite place of resort in the town, and also the land for half a mile on the A\est side of the west branch of the river, also some 011 the east side, including part of Lake Nokomis. This is a beautiful piece of river scenery and has been thrown open for public use by. the owner. Mr. Bicknell is interested in science and in literature. Fie has Avritten many articles for the press, which are char- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 545 acterized by their logical thought and clear, terse style. Flis integrity has commanded the esteem and respect of all avIio know him, and his activity in advancing the interests of his home town has made him prominent in its history. C. R. BURKHARDT, AA'as born August 26. 1878, in Morgan county, Indiana. His parents, Henry and Alary (Guthridge) Burkhardt, were also born in Morgan county, Avhere they still live and are en gaged in farming. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the Martinsville (Ind.) high school. Later he entered the Indiana State University, from which he was graduated in 1897, Avith the degree, A. B. He then entered the Northern Indiana LaAV School, at Valparaiso, from Avhich he was graduated in 1899, Avith the degrees A. M., and LL, B. He Avas the youngest member, and president of a class of sixty. He came to Humboldt, IoAva, in January, 1900, and began the practice of law. He Avas married June 16, 1899. to Miss Grace Bryarly, of VMaparaisO', Ind. One child has been born to them, Beulah Grace. In politics, Mr. Burkhardt is a Republican, and in re ligious belief a Protestant. He is a member of the S. of V. During the past campaign he took an active part in the cam paign in the county. AV. E. CALLAHAN, Of the firm of Callahan Bros., was born in Humboldt county, IoAva, December 17, 1862. His father, B. O: Calla han, was born in Ireland, and came to America in 1855- settling first at Iowa City, Iowa, and later at Ft. Dodge, in the same state. He married Bridget Healy, a native of Ire land, and to them eleven children were born, nine of whom are living, B. J., Des Moines, Iowa; Alary A., J. H., W. E., T. F., AL C Nelly, J. V., and M., residing in Flumboldt county, Iowa 35 54'' HIST* )RA' ( )F K )AA'A The subject of tin's sketch worked on his father's farm until iS()S, when he came to llumlioldt. In 1900 he liought a half interest in his brother's clothing store, and Avith him carries on a successful business. Fie married Nellv Sherman. and to them one child, Catherine, has been born. Mr. Calla han is a Catholic, and in politics a democrat. He belongs to the Forester's lodge No. "22. and owns, beside his'interest in the store, two quarter sections uf land in Flumboldt COlllltA*. KEY Alx >L1'H CARLSON. AYas born in Denmark, April 4, 1840. Fie received his education in that country and in 1S05 emigrated to America. Two A-ears later be removed to La Crosse. AAis. where he Avorked as a carpenter, and also preached. Later he left AA'iscoiisin for Clarke's Grove, Freeborn county, Minn. Here he remained for more than tAventy years. In iSiji he Avent to Pine Creek. Iowa, and four years later came to Flum boldt, Avhere he now resides. He married Dotha Everson, a native of Denmark, in i8f.fi. To them eight children were born. Daniel Thorwald, Robert. Henry, Arthur, Christopher, Alexander. Carl, and Esther. Mrs. Carlson died in 1881. Air. Carlson's seeond marriage Avas to Jennie Opesahl, and to this union five children have been born, tAvo of Avliom. Adol])h and Kuth are living. In politics ATr. Carlson is a Republican, and in religion, a minister of the Danish Baptist church. Since his arrival in America he has helped organize eight churches, some iioav holding a prominent place among the societies of this de nomination. I le is at present pastor of the Flumboldt circuit, which includes the church in Flumboldt, IoAva, one seven miles from Humboldt, b>wa. and one at Gilmore City, Icwa. I luring his career he has acquired a competency. C \RLOS C( DIBS, A well known business man of Humboldt- Avas born i Oneida countv, New A'ork, in 1838, and is the son of Rock well and Anna ( 1 I ill) Combs. Airs. Combs died Avhile Carlos 11 HUMBOLDT COUNTV 547 Avas Aery young, but the father married again and he remained at home until his ninth year. At that time he Avent to live Avith an uncle and there remained until he grew to manhood. He was educated in the public schools and at W'hitestown, ( N. V.) seminary, hit- began his business career in Cortland county, NeAV York in i8fifi bv engaging in the hardware business. In 1870 he came to Humboldt county, Iowa, and settled on a farm in Grove township. Later be removed to Hmnlioldt Avhere he opened a furniture store. In 1802 he married Jane R. Raymond, and to them five children were born. Emma, hoav Mrs. John Ketman; Anna, Airs. Ben Alorris; Carlos, associated in business Avith his father; Minnie and Bessie: all residing in Flumboldt. From 1870 to 1880 he Avas clerk" of courts and in 1881 was elected mavor of Humboldt. Mr. Combs is Congregationalist in religious belief. He is a charter member of the A. O. U. AA'., and belongs to the Masonic fraternit\" and to the I. O. O. F A. D. CROMWELL, Professor of history and pedagogy in Flumboldt college, AAas born in Oakland. Ioaah, in i8f>o. His father, Avho li\-es Avith him, settled in Franklin county, Iowa, in 185 1. He en listed in the TAvelfth IoAva Infantry at the beginning of the Avar, and served until its close. He Avas at one time a prisoner for six months at Macon, Georgia. The subject of this sketch attended the Ackley, (IowaA, high school, the lotva City academy, and the Hastings, (Neb.), college. He began teaching in 1888 and has been instructor in Ellsworth college at IoAva Falls, Iowa; in the Baptist college at Grand Island, Neb.; and in Tobin college, Fort Dodge, Iowa. He married Sarah AA riglit. avIio was born in Stratford, England, in 1872. They have three child ren, Helen, five years old; Seymour, two, and Gertrude, six months. Air. Cromwell is a republican in politics and the family belong to the Presbyterian church. Prof. Cromwell is especially interested in the branches 548 HISTORY OF IOWA that he teaches, and his library is the most complete in the count)- in these departments. He Avrites for the educational press and has published a Avork on child study, and also a historical outline that is used in some of the schools of the count)". He is president of the university extension class of Humboldt, Avhich, under his supervision, has spent three Avars of profitable stud)- in economics, political science and s< iciolo-gv. JOHN CUNNINGHAM, The auditor of Humboldt county, Avas born February 28, 1870. in La Salle county, Illinois. His father AA-as James Cunningham, Avho was born in Ireland in 1801, and emi grated to America in 1836. Two years later he married Anna Anderson, and to them five children were born. Those living are, Grant, a farmer living at AA'ebster City, IoAva; Charles, vice president of the Inter-state Debenture Co., Chi cago-, Illinois; Minnie, iioav Airs. Fevold, of Flumboldt county, and the subject of this sketch. John Cunningham came to Humboldt county in 1882. He worked on a farm until his nineteenth year, when he en tered the normal school at Dixon, Illinois. After graduating from that institution he taught school for several terms in Humboldt county. April 1, 1893, he married Anna Johnson. and to them four children have been born, Lawrence, Char lotte. Pearl C, and Arthur C. In politics Air. Cunningham is a Republican and in religion a Protestant, but non-sectar ian. He oavus a farm in Beaver tOAvnship, where he has held office as trustee and as assessor. D. A. DE GROOTE, AA'as born in Sheboygan County, AA'is., Feb. 4, 1801. His father, D. A. De Groote, was born in Holland in 1821. Fie married Clara Alyers in 1852 and to them twelve children AA'ere born, eight of whom are living: — George, a prosperous farmer, Charles, Bert, Mrs. Man- Davenport, and Airs. ATat- tie Cook, reside at Rutland, Iowa; Airs. Clara Anderson, P. M. DICKEY 550 HISTORY OF IOAA'A Fargo, North Dakota; Airs. Alinnie Jergens, living in Hmn lioldt countA". The subject of this sketch came to Humboldt county with his ]iarents in i8f;fi. He spent his early life on a farm. and in 1883 married Ella Jane Boyle. As a result of this union five children were born, three of whom are living: — Oliver Howard, Inez Louise, and ('.race Oeraldine. Mr. De Oroote started a general merchandise business in Rutland in 1884. In i8 he moved to Humboldt and Avent into the same business and In- his strict busine^ integrity and industry he has become one of the leading merchants of the town. In religious belief he is a Protestant, and in politics. independent. Fie Avas postmaster at Rutland during Cle\-e- land's lirst administration, and Avas a town councilman of Humboldt in 1800, '97- and '08. Fie Avas one of the organ izers and is an officer of the Flumboldt electric light plant. Flis has been a successful business career, and one that has given him at an earlv time in life a competency. He owns the store building that his business occupies, and other dwell ing and farm property. Fie is especially interested in the up building of the public schools. I- AL DICKEY. AAas born Now 3. 1843 T Orange CountA-, AYrmont. His father, I 'eter At. Dickey was a prosperous farmer of that county and held many offices of trust in the towns where he lived. His children had but lew educational advantages, onlv such as the district schools of that time afforded. The subject of this sketch remained at home on the farm until eighteen years of age, Avhen he began life for him self, lie went to Boston, Mass., and secured employment as conductor on a street railway. Here lie remained until 180'), when he went to Aledford, Mass., and engaged in the hard ware business. In 1877 the death of his father and his onlv brother made it necessary for him to return to A'ermont to look after his property interests there. In 1884 he moved to Humboldt, Iowa, Avhere he has since resided. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 551 Soon after reaching Humboldt he became identified with the Flumboldt County Bank, (now the Flumboldt State Bank) of which his uncle- the late Judge John Dickey, was president. After his uncle's retirement in 1888, he Avas sel ected to take his place as president, and has continued to hold the position since that time. In politics he Avas a Democrat from his youth and always took a great interest in the success of his party until i8:;(>, when he identified himself with the gold-democrats and was a delegate to the national conven tion which nominated Palmer and Bnckner for their candi dates. In 1891 he Avas elected as a member of the Humboldt school board, and during his term the neAV school house Avas built. In 1899 he Avas elected to the office of countA' super- A'isor. Air. Dickey Avas married July 24, i8f>7 to Aliss Alattie P Fernald of Portland, Alaine. They have but one child livint-". Airs. J. N. Austin of Clarksville, Iowa. Mr. Dickey is a member of the ALasonic fraternity hav ing joined the Alt. Herman lodge of Aledford, ATass., in 1868, and being now a member of the Eastern Star lodge of Flum boldt. He Avas the promotor and superintended the building of the first sanitary sewer of Flumboldt, Avhich was successful in draining some of the best store buildings. This, has proved a desirable and profitable enterprise, and one that has been carried on with great benefit to the town. A. II. DUNCAN, AAras born at Blueville, Canada. Dec. 1. 1851). Llis father, Frederic Duncan, and his mother, Christina Moffatt. both natives of Scotland, were married in Canada. In 1866 the famih" left Canada, going to the state of New York, and three years later to AArarren, Illinois. The subject of this sketch spent the summer of 1870 near Canvon Cit\-, Colorado, from Avhich place he returned to AA'arren. Illinois, and being attracted by the opportunities in northwestern lotva, he came to Humboldt count)- in 1880. Air. Duncan received his education in the public schools 552 HISTORY7 OF IOAA'A and on arriving in Humboldt county, engaged in farming. On March 12, 1885, he married Alag-gie J. Johnston and to them has been born one child, Mae Marguerite, living at home. In 1889 Air. Duncan moved to the town of Hum boldt and bought an interest in the furniture and undertak ing- business, the firm becoming Combs & Dnncan. On Jan. 1, 1900, this firm dissoh-ed partnership, Mr. Combs retiring, and Air. Duncan taking entire charge of the business, thus becoming the head of the oldest business of its kind in the countv. By virtue of the several first class certificates Avhich he holds for embalming, this part of his business has increased rapidl)*. Fie takes an acthe part in education, being iioav a member of the school board, Avhich position he has held for nine years. He is a member of the AL AA'. A., the K. P and the Ancient ( )rder of Alasons. He has held the office of A*ice president of the State Funeral Directors' Association, and at the last election of officers he Avas honored with the presidency of the same association. In politics he is a Repub lican and in religion a Congregationalist. In both branches of his business he has built up a good trade and is known as one of Humboldt's solid merchants. having acquired a competency during" his brief business career. HON. PARLEY FINCH, Is a son of James and Lucia (Johnson) Finch. He tvas born September 24,-1844. at AAnidham, Bradford County. Pennsylvania. He received his education in the common schools of his county and at the early age of eighteen com menced teaching. He taught nine terms in the state of Penn sylvania and NYav A'ork, during which time he read Liav three months in the office of Orin Miller at Bradford, Pennsylvania. He later studied Avith his brother Ira Finch, and was ad mitted to the bar in September, 1871, thus practically pro viding for himself his own education. He came to Flumboldt County, ToAva in the fall of 1S71 HOX. PARLEY FINCH 554 HISTORY ( >F IOWA and there decided to locate. Fie left the count)- for a short time, but returned again in the spring of 1872 and com menced the practice of law. I lis constant attention to busi ness and his continuous efforts to work for the interests of his clients caused him to build up a large and lucrative practice. Ffe married AIar\- 1). ( Wait ) Finch April 14, i8(><>. As a result of this marriage two children were born: — AA'illiam J.; .A 1 ina 11., now living at Nieholls, Tioga Count)-, New York. Mrs. Finch died June 12, 1882 Senator Finch begun his public career by serving" as mayor of the town of Humboldt three terms. He also held other minor offices, such as trustee one term and councilman one term. In 1803 he aaus elected representative and was re elected to the same office in 181)3, serving in the Twenty- Fifth and TAventv-Sixth General Assemblies. During the session of the TAventv-Sixth General Assem bly he Avas selected chairman of the third division of the Code Committee. Owing to the illness of Representative Corn- Avall, Senator Finch acted as chairman of the Judiciary Com mittee. At the extra session of the legislature, called for the purpose of adopting" the Code in 1X07. he look- a vcrv active part. Near the close of the session, he was selected by the house as a member of the Code Supervising Committee, of which he later became secretary. This committee bad charge of the publication and annotation of the Code, and it AAas in this Avork that he snent most of the summer of T807. Dur ing the session he was one of the most actiAc members of the legislature, taking part in all of the committee work and personally AAinning several important points which cyme be fore the legislature. In 1S07 he was elected state senator. which office he still holds. In religion he is a Protestant, and in politics a Republi can. He is a member of the Masonic Order of Humboldt. 1 owa. During his career, by his own efforts, be has acquired an unusually large competency, owning about 1800 acres of land HUMBOLDT COUNTY .VO and a number of most prominent business buildings in the town of Flumboldt; having in addition to property already named, a number of invested interests, being" a stock-holder in the People's Bank at Humboldt, IoAva. and for a number of years a director and stock-holder in the Humboldt State Bank. AA'hile he was a member of the IoAva legislature, the records of the house journal show that he was on more im portant committees, offered more resolutions, and carried more motions than any other member of that General Assem bly. By close attention he learned the section number of al most every important provision in the Code, and seldom failed to remember just Avhat the statute provided in a given ease. Thus Senat; r Finch has, bv his own efforts, Avon emi nence among" the prominent men connected with the' history of Flumboldt countv. FRANKLIN FREDUS FRENCH AAas horn ( )ct. 2j- 1845, in Fond du Lac, AA'is., and AAas the first white child born in Meltomen township. His father, Samuel LI. French, was a New Yorker, a descendant of a Massachusetts pioneer of 1630. His mother was Phebe Lilly. a native of Vermont, of Scotch parentage. The subject of tin's sketch enlisted in Company C, Twenty-Ninth AYisconsin Infantry in 1803. and served tAvo years in the department of the Gulf. He participated in the many sharp engagements of the Red River expedition in Louisiana, in the Clinton 'Raid in Mississippi, and in the siege and capture of Mobile. His regiment was the first to enter the city after its surrender. He was one of the famous "Lost Detachment," a band of ttventv-five soldiers of Compam- I, who, in November and December of 18(14 were absolutely lost for forty-three 'lays. The)- Avere in western Arkansas surrounded by guerillas and rebel soldiery, but finally all rejoined the Union ami) Avith nine prisoners. He was married March 24. 18O7, to Aliss Eliza R. Tyler, a daughter of Roval Tyler, one of the first settlers of AA'is- 556 HISTORY OF IOWA consin. Four of the five children born to them are living. Mrs. H. C. Doan. Humboldt, IoAva; Mrs. Ella W Robinson, Alexander, IoAva; Royal F. and Miss Frank., who reside with their parents, in their pleasant home at Humboldt. Air. French emigrated to Vernon township, Humboldt County, Iowa in 1868, Avhere he resided until his removal to Flumboldt in 1880. Fie served as mayor, as clerk of courts for two terms and on the board of education many years. Fie has also occupied many minor offices and positions of trust. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R., of the Masonic Order, and of the United Sons of America. In politics he is noAA", as ahvays, a staunch Republican. In religion, he and his wife are Baptists. GEORGE SELAA'YN GARFIELD, Is of Vermont parentage, though born in Kane County, Illinois, Avhile his parents Avere temporarih* sojourning in that locality on the nth of June. 1856. His father tvas Benjamin Franklin Garfield, a genuine NeAV England ATankee character, folloAving by turns A-arious vocations as is the Yankee's traditional reputation. He was intellectual in his tatstes, and taught school during" his early life, studied law later, and Avas admitted to the bar, but never engaged in the practice of the profession. He AAas a soldier iu the Alexican AAYr, also seiwed in the Eighth Illinois cavalry during the ci\il Avar. He was a "forty-niner" in California, and at different times engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits. In August, 1855 he was married to Marietta Clement, a daughter of Capt. Sew all Clement, of AA'eatherfield, Vermont. She Avas of sterling Puritan stock, of strong moral sensibil ities and intellectual inclinations. Earlier she had been a suc cessful teacher for many vears. George S. was the elder of tAvo sons. The younger, James AYeslev, died some years since in Lawrence, Alass. The sons Avere orphaned Avhen the elder Avas fifteen years of age, and earned their own way in the world thereafter. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 557 George received his early education in the common schools. supplemented by the Vermont State Normal school at Ran dolph, and later a course in the law- department of the Iowa State University at which the degree of LL. B. was conferred upon him in June, 1880. Afeantime he had taught in the pub lic schools of Vermont, Iowa, and one year in Pennsylvania. He opend an office for the practice of his profession in Humboldt in October, 1880, Avhere he has continuously re mained since. He is a Republican in politics and a Unitarian in religion. Has not sought or held office, except that he was for nine years president of the School Board of Humboldt. It was dur ing his service upon the board that the large neAV school building in ivhich the tOAvn justly takes pride, was erected. He A\-as in 1884, married to Alary F. AVhite, daughter of G. B. AA'hite, a leading merchant of Humboldt. She had for a number of years been a successful teacher in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa, Avas of strong moral, intellectual and literary tastes, and like her husband, inter ested in the promotion of liberal religion. To them tAvo sons haA'e been born, Clement W., in 1891. and Theodore G, in 1894. C. S. HANES. AAas born in Kane County, Illinois, June 2^, 1859. His father, James Hanes, tvas a member of the Twenty-Fourth Illinois infantry, and died in the south in 1863. Flis mother, Lydia Al. (McKinley) Hanes, is still living and resides in Humboldt. His parents were natives of NeAV York. When twelve years of age the subject of this sketch came to Hum boldt, IoAA*a, Avith the rest of the family. He spent his early life on a farm. Later he Avas engaged in the livery business in the west, and in 1890 started in the same line in Humboldt, tvhere he is still in business. He Avas married Jan. 10, 1877- to Cornelia AIcKinley, and to them three children have been born, Floren, Alyrtie, and Letha. In politics, Mr. Hanes is a Republican. He oavus besides 558 HISTORY OF IOAVA his barn and livery outfit, a house and lot. In iooo he re built and enlarged his barn, adding many modern convenien ces, lie now has one of the best in Humboldt, and does a good business. BAR( )N LI. HARKNESS, Born A I arch 6, 1830. in Kioka County, Pennsylvania, is the son of Dr. Joel H. Harkness and Elvira Chase. In 1850 he Avent to Fond du Lac, AA'is., and from there to Fairwater of the same state- Avhere for fifteen A'ears be Avas postmaster, and ran a general merchandise store. In 1864 he Avent into the United Stats sanitary commission at Indianapolis, Ind. Re turning at the close of the Avar, he moved to AA'apOAv, AAris., where he Avent into business. In 1807 he came to Humboldt, IoAva, and here he Avent into a general merchandise store. Mr. Flarkness married Clara F Pierce, Nov. 1, 1855, at AVapov, AA'is. Four children resulted from this marriage, two of Avhom are living, Rachel B., Cripple Creek, Colo.; Cor- rina FL, hoav Airs. Theo. L. Ashford, Boone. IoAva. Air. Harkness Avas an honored and influential citizen of Humboldt, fn politics he Avas Republican, and was post master from 1869 to 1885. In 1890 he retired from active business. He Avas a member of the A. O. U. AA' and of the Alasonic Order, being treasurer of the last named lodge for a number of A-ears. Lie was greath" interested in education, being an officer of the school board for some time, and for nine years chairman of the board of supeiwisors. The tem perance cause found in him an ardent supporter, and he AAas treasurer of the Uhiity church for six a ears prior to his death, which occurred Jul)- 0, 1900. Clara F. (Pierce) Flarkness was born in Augusta, Alaine, Sept. 23, 1830, and is the daughter of Air. and Airs. Chas. Pierce. She Avent to AA'isconsin in 1845, Avhere she taught school for several A'ears, and was married as mentioned above. Airs. Flarkness was her husband's assistant during the years he was in aeti\ e business, and at one time operated a millin ery store in Humboldt. She has ah\-avs been interested in HUMBOLDT COUNTV 550 movements that tended to the development and education of women. She is a charter member of the W C. T. U of the Unity club, < f the Humboldt political equality club, and the I. E. S. She has been a member of the C L. S. C. for seA'en- teen years, a Good Templar since T857. and for two A'ears was patriotic instructor of the slate AA' R. C. Airs. Harkness is very pleasantb' situated in Flumboldt, owning, 1 eside her residence, a store building", and a farm of 240 acres. She has been tA\ice to Europe, the last time being- sent as a delegate to the Paris Exposition. She is a woman of education and refinement, and desenedly well known in her home town. GAMALIEL JA(JUA. AA'as born in Preble Count)-, Ohio, Dec. 30, 1828. FT is mother Avas Freelove (Gnstin) Jaqua, and his father, Darius Jaqua, Avas a Alethodist exhorter, and a man of strong char acter. The subject of this sketch received his education in Ins native county, that then had a system of graded pnblic schools. He taught school for ten years, being engaged as assistant principal of the Eaton graded schools, principal of the Lewisburg graded school, and was for four years county examiner. Lie Avas married March 18, 1855, to Christine Thomas, and they are the parents of seven children: — Eloise, hoav Airs. H. A. Owens, Traer, IoAva; Lydia, died at seven \-ears of age; Florence, iioav Airs. J. C. Owens, Traer. IoAva; Reuben Mon roe, St. Francis, Kan: Cassius Alarcus, Ridgewa\-, AIo. ; Leonard D., Eagleville, AIo. ; John Franklin, Flumboldt, IoAva. In 1857, Air. Jaqua came to Iowa and settled in Tama county. He opened up a farm there, and taught school for tAvo A-ears in the village of Buckingham. In 1800 he was made justice of the peace, and during his long residence in that county was always looked up to as an arbitrator of difficulties. He Avas a member of the board of supervisors for ten years, from i8(if> to 1876. Tn 1876, he Avas elected by the 560 HISTORY OF IOAVA Republican party as a state representative, being a member of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth General Assemblies. He was chairman of the state board of charities, and a member of the Avays and means committee. He dreA\' up a bill similar to the measure that provides for our present state board of con trol. It Avas passed by the house, but defeated in the senate. In 1882 he bought the Traer Clipper of James AA llson, now secretary of agriculture. He continued the publication of the paper, in partnership with O. J. Smith for one year. Fie then bought Smith's interest, and four months later, as sociated his paper Avith the Star under the name "Star-Clip per," and published it in connection Avith Air. Taylor, Air. Jaqua taking charge of the farm and the political depart ments. He continued as editorial writer until 1894, and dur ing this time the Star-Clipper became one of the best country papers in the state. In 1894 he became editorial writer of the Humboldt Republican, published by his son. AAdiile her husband was joint editor of the Star-Clipper, Mrs. Jaqua had charge of the woman's department, also of that in the Journal, (RidgeAvay, AIo.,). She now conducts a similar department in the Humboldt Republican. Mr. and Airs. Jaqua hoav live in Humboldt. Ah. Jaqua takes no part in the management of the Republican, having retired from active life. JOHN FRANKLIN JAQUA. Son of Gamaliel and Christine (Thomas) Jaqua, was born in Tama Count)*, Iowa, January 6, 1870. He received his education in the public schools, afterward taking a home study university course. He Avas married October 9, 1895, to Aliss Alice AlcCaffrey of Livermore, IoAva. They are the parents of two children, Gamaliel Lawrence, born September 6, 1896, and John Franklin born August 8, 1899. Air. Jaqua is a Republican in politics, and in religion, a Protestant. He is a member of the M. AA^ A. Fie has been editor and proprietor of the Humboldt County Republi can for a number of A'ears, and has made a success of the HUAIBOLDT COUNTY 561 paper, it iioav being the leading publication of the county. He owns beside his business, his home in Humboldt, and has acquired some property. E. H. KINNEY, M. D., AA'as born December 24, 1857 in Defiance, Ohio. His parents J. R. and Julia (Hinman) Kinney Avere both natives of Schenectady, N. Y. AA'hen the subject of this sketch was six years old. he Avent to New Y'ork, and from there to San Francisco by Avay of Panama. Later he went to- Honolulu, where he remained eight years. Returning to the United States he came by overland route to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There he entered Coe College, from Avhich he Avas graduated. He took up the study of medicine in his father's office in Cedar Rapids, and later attended the Bellevue Hospital Medi cal College, of NeAV Y^ork, from which he graduated in 1883. He settled in Humboldt the same year, where he has since .resided. He was married September 22, 1886, to- Aliss Emma H olden, and they have one child, Hugh R. In politics, Dr. Kinney is a Republican. He is at pres ent coroner and health officer of Humboldt County, and also surgeon for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. He is a member of the Knights Templar Chapter and Commandery at Ft. Dodge, and Blue Lodge at Humboldt. In profes sional circles he belongs to the IoAva State Medical Associa tion, the Iowa Railroad Surgeons, the Moon Valley Medical Society and the Ft. Dodge District Medical Society. Dr. Kinney has built up a large and lucrative practice in Humboldt, and his success has Avon him a reputation that places him among the prominent physicians of the County. HIRAM LANE, Hiram Lane was born at Leyden, Lewis County, NeAV York, August 11, 1834. His father, Valentine Lane and his mother Sallie (Leonard) Lane Avere both natives of New York. Air. Lane has tAvo brothers and three sisters living, Carlos E. Lane of this County, David Lane of Bonnville, 36 $C>2 FHSTORY OF IOAA'A New Y-ork, Mrs. Lofs (Lane) Fox of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Mrs. Alary (Lane) Aliller and Airs. Emma AAYist of Leyden, NYav York. Hiram Lane when tAvelve A'ears of age started out to seek his fortune and during the next eight A'ears visited many important points in the then sparsely settled west. During that time he was variously employed, doing everything from clerking in a hotel to assisting in the construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Oiiincy Railroad, and finally return ing- to NYav A'ork. He aa;is married Eebruan- 6, 1856 to Miss OliA'e AT. Jones, daughter of Selleck B. and Nancy Jones, both natives of that state. The young couple settled on a NYav York farm where they remained until 1865, tvhen they came to this County and settled in Cornith ToAvnship. To them four children tvere born, Byron, employed bv the Deering" Harvesting ATachine Company, Ahs. Nettie AL Rus sell, Airs. Ella Haynes and Clark A. of this city. Air. Lane is now engaged in the flour and feed business in Flumboldt. GEORGE H. LOA'RIEN. The father, George AA'ashington Lovrien, was born in 1812, the mother, Sophia Bixby. in 1822. The subject of this sketch is descended from the early settlers of NYav Eng land and Avas born January 14, 1845. I" 1863 be enlisted in Company G, Ninth AYrmont Infantry. Fie took part in the following engagements: Young's Cross Roads, January 2y , 1864; Gail's Creek and NeAvport Barracks, February 2, 1864; SAvansboro, April 29, 1864; Jacksonville, Alay 9, 1864; Redoubt and Dutton September 24, 1804; Chapen's Farm, September 29, T804; Fair Oaks, October 27, 1864; Fall of Richmand, April 3, 1805. His regiment was the first to enter Richmond. Companies G and D tore doAvn the rebel flag, Company G getting three stars. He tvas mustered out in December, 1865, and immediately aftenvard returned to his home in AYrmont and worked one year on the farm. In the fall of j 886, like many NYav Englanders, he went to Lowell, Massachusetts, a great manufacturing center, and Avorked HUMBOLDT COUNTY 563 in a carpet factory. In the fall of 1867 he Avent to Elgin, Alinnesota, returning to AYrmont, the fall of 1869 and on December 28 of that year married FYances A. (AA'illey) Lov- rien. To them four children have been born, Irvin LI., mar ried Grace Sigsby, and hoav resides on a farm at Rutland, la. ; Alary, hoav Mrs. Burns, deputy in the post office at Humboldt; Rose E.. lh'ing at home; Emma J., died Septem ber 6, 1879. Air. Lovrien came to Humboldt County in February, 1870. He at that time had accumulated $2500. He at once began farming- and tvas the first farmer avIio raised one hundred and fifty bushels of apples in Rutland Township. In 1889 he moved to Humboldt, IoAva. Air. Lovrien has a fine farm of 240 acres in Rutland Township, a residence and seven lots in Flumboldt, IoAva. In politics he is a Republican, in religion a Methodist. He has held many public offices and trusts. In 1899 he received under President AIcKinley the appointment of post master at Hum boldt, Iowa. He held the offices of assessor, clerk, trustee, school director and trustee of the Alethodist Church at both Rutland. IoAva. and Humboldt, IoAva, being instrumental in the organization of the Alethodist Church at Rutland, Iowa. He is a member of theAncient Order of United Workmen, Eastern Star and Grand Army of the Republic. He is inter ested in education and all things Avhich pertain to the welfare of the Countv. O. Al. MARSH. AA'as born in Jefferson County, NeAV York, January 7, 1829. In 1855 he moved to AA'isconsin and later to Ft. Dodge, IoAva, and from there in 1866 to Humboldt, Avhere he iioav resides. He was married to Julia A. Rowley, May 14, 1856. They are the parents of five children, three of whom are living, George, Frederic, and AAYllace, all of whom reside in Humboldt, IoAva. Mr. Marsh has been a member of the school board hvo years and town councilman for the same length of time. He is interested in education and helped organize the Union Church, now the Unity Church of Humboldt, Iowa. 564 HISTORY OF IOAVA HUGH ALKINSTRY. Air. AlcKinstry Avas born in Ireland, September 10, 1837. He came from Kane Count)-, Illinois, to- Humboldt County, Iowa, in June 1865. On Alarch 27, 1870, he mar ried Frances (Blackmail) AlcKinstry, daughter of Myron Blackman. To- them three children Avere born, Esther J., and Francis AL, reside Avith their parents; AA ni. John, (de ceased). The subject of this sketch is a mason by trade and as a contractor has put up many of the buildings in the town of Humboldt. Being interested in education he has been a member of the school board a number of years; he Avas on the city council nine years; Avas mayor of Humboldt in 1877, and at present is president of the Alineral Springs Bottling Company, and treasurer of the Humboldt Electric Light Company. He is a member of the Masons; Alaster Alason of the Eastern Star and a member of the Ancient Order of United AAYrkmen. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Protestant. During his career he has acquired a competency Avhich consists of tOAvn property and invested interests. CLARENCE AIESSER, Superintendent of Humboldt County schools, Avas born in Rochester, Vermont, March 28, 1854. He is descended from old NeAV England stock, his ancestors settling in Haver hill Alassachusetts, in 1671. He received his early education in the district and the tOAvn schools of his home, and later entered the State Normal school at Randolph, AYrmont, Avhere he took a four A'ears' course and Avas graduated in 1871. He married Ida R. Spanieling, of Bethel, Vermont, August 10, 1882. She died Alay 11, 1885, at Early, Iowa. For his second Avife he married Alice AL Beaton, of Chicago, July 11, 1894. She Avas born in Canada February 1.4, 1870. They are the parents of tAvo children, Angus Edwin, born September 22, 1896, and Frances Ida, born Ooctober 21, 1898. Mr. Messer came west in 1880, stopping first in Kane HUMBOLDT COUNTY 565 County, Illinois, and later in the same year, in Sac Count)', IoAva. Here he was principal of the Odebolt schools for four years, and of the Early schools one year. He was then superintendent of schools of Sac County, for four years, and during this time he published a newspaper. In 1890 he came to Humboldt, where for a number of years he was principal of the schools. In 1899 ne ^vas elected county superin tendent. Air. Alesser is a Republican in politics, and the family attend the Congregational Church. He is a member of the Alasonic Order. It has ahvays been Mr. Messer's aim to raise the educational standard of the community wherein he resided. His Avork both in the public schools of Humboldt, and as county superintendent, has been characterized by this idea, and has proved satisfactory in all respects. R. F. OESTRICH, Was born in AVatertown, Wisconsin, June 12, i860. His father, Henry Oestrich, Avas born in Germany, and emigrated to Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1853. His mother, Allie (Rail) Oestrich, was also a native of Germany. Eight children AArere born to them: Otto, R. F., Ida, Frank, Almil, Emma, Rhinart, John. The subject of this sketch started in life as a farmer. He moved to Howard County, IoAva, in 1874, and in 1887 came to Humboldt, IoAva, Avhere he has since resided. He went into the liven* business Avith O. C. Oestrich, and also bought the bus line. He has run the bus line since. He continued for three years as a partner in the livery business, then bought the entire stock, and continuel alone for three years. He then sold the livery to Hanes and Robinson, and three years aftenvard bought Robinson's interest, and noAv, in partnership Avith Mr. Hanes, owns and runs one of the largest and best equipped livery barns in Flumboldt. He married Miss Lucia Stoddard, October 24, 1888. One child has been born to them, Gladys. In politics, Mr. Oestrich is a Republican, and in religious belief a Protestant. 566 HISTORY OF IOWA He owns 120 acres of land in Humboldt County, 185 acres in AA'right County, Iowa, and his residence property, in addi tion to his business interests. A. A. PINNEV, AA'as born in LeAvis County, New A'ork, and is the son of I). G. Pinnev and Esther Fruen. hi the spring of 1864 the family came Avest and settled in Flumbold, IoAva, Avhere the seven childern now reside. Air. Pinnev married Lvda AIcKetree, and to them one child, Nelly, has been born. The subject of this sketch is, by trade, a carpenter, but for a number of A'ears has been successfully engaged in the lumber business in Humboldt. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is a staunch Republican. He is com- fortabh* situated in Humboldt, OAvning besides his residence. other tOAvn propertA". For nine vears he has creditably discharged his duty as town councilman, and is considered a good business man. J. N. PROUTY. One of the leading laAvvers of Humboldt County. Avas born in Bradford Countv, Pennsvl\-ania. February 9, 183R Fie is the oldest son of Jeptha and Jane (AA'heeler) Prouty. In 1856 the family settled in Stephenson County, Illinois. Avhere it engaged in farming". In earl)' life Ah. Prouty's father Avas a Democrat, but in the Fremont campaign he affiliated with the Republicans and has since remained Avith that party. The subject of this sketch received the foundation of his education in his native state. AA'hen nineteen vears of age he moved with his parents to Illinois, where he attended the Rock River Seminary at Alt. Morris for two years, and Clark- Seminary at Aurora for one. In 1862 he enlisted in Com pany A, ()2 Illinois Infantry in which he served until A larch 18(13, when he was transferred to the Alississippi Alarine Brigade, being Sergeant of Company I. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 18(14. HUAIBOLDT COUNTY 567 Previous to entering the arm)- he had studied laAV in the office of Bright & Brawley in Freeport, Illinois. After his discharge he entered the office of Bailey radgate, Iowa; John and Fred, Humboldt, IoAva. By trade, Air. Schneider is a stone mason, and in politics, a Republican. He has been an acth*e member of the Evan- gelical association since 1854, and was instrumental in establishing the society in this locality. The first Sunday School AA*as held in his house in Corinth ToAvnship, a log cabin near the river, still standing. The first church service of this denomination Avas also> conducted there. Airs. Schneider died in 1899. Mr. Schneider still lives in his house in Humboldt. He oavus besides this, four farms in Flumboldt county. HARAVOOD SHARP, The auditor of Humboldt County, Avas born in England and is the oldest son of William and Martha (Jackson) Sharp. The other children are: William, Humboldt, Iowa; Eliza beth, now of Santa Clara, California. The Sharp family came to America in 1856. The subject of this sketch came to Humboldt, Iowa, in 1881 and went into the machinery business, which he carried on successfully for six years. Then, after selling his stock, he became a traveling salesman and continued as such for eight years. November 6, 1894, he was elected county auditor by the Republican party and has held that office for six years. Air. Sharp is now* A-ery comfortably situated in Humboldt. He is a member of the Unity Church and of the Grand Arm)* of the Republic. He enlisted in the Civil War at Freeport in Company B, 26th Illinois Infantry. By his first wife, Alary E. Symons, he was the father of ttvo children, only one of whom is living, Mary E., who resides in Hum boldt. By his second wife, Gizette Stevens, he has four children, Ruth, Joela, Sehvyn Jackson, and Gratia, all living Avith their parents. 57o HISTORA' OF IOAVA SUMNER WARREN SAIITH. Of the firm C. ,8. Almith and Company, was born Sept ember 17, 1863, in Jefferson County, NeAV York. His father, C. S. Smith, Avas born in the same county, January 26, 1835 His mother, Eugenia (AA'arren) Smith, Avas also born in that County, June 17, 1837,. The family consisted of tAvo chil dren, the subject of this sketch, and Florence E., born November 2(1, 1805, in Jefferson Count)*, New York. She was married to C. H. BroAvn, Jr., and hoav lives in Humboldt. In 1 881, the famib' came west, and settled in Humboldt. Here, the father, C. ,8. Smith, went into partnership Avith J. B. Smith in a blacksmith shop, under the firm name of Smith and Smith. In 1882 their building burned, and the firm erected a neAA" brick building and began handling implements. In 1892, J. B. Smith sold out his share to ,8. AA'. Smith, and the firm became C. ,8. .Smith & Co. In 1898, C. S. Smith died, and his interest in the firm was taken up and is still carried on by his Avife, Eugenia AA' Smith. C. S. Smith Avas a man interested in the upbuilding of his native tOAvn. He was mayor tAvo terms, and tOAvn coun cilman six years. His son S. AA' Smith, is also a progressive citizen, and is at present tOAvn councilman. He is a Unitarian in religious belief, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is unmarried and lives Avith his mother. Thev own their liome, the business, including the building" and lot, and also stock in the Flumboldt creamery. The firm has gradually increased it business, until it is noAv one of the best in Humboldt. The lines dealt in, are implements, vehicles, pumps, harnesses, and plumbing, and the stock is Avell selected in all departments. WILLIAM j. TAFT, A prominent lawyer of Humboldt, is the oldest living son of S. H. and AT. \. (Burnham) Taft, and av;is born at Pierre Pont Alanor, Jefferson County, NYav York. < )ctober 7. 1855. In 1837 the family removed to Alartinsbnrg, LeAvis County, New York, Avhere they remained five vears, confine HUA1BOLDT COUNTY 571 then to Humboldt, IoAva. Here the subject of this sketch attended the public school until he was seA'enteen years of age. He then entered Humboldt College, from Avhich he A\as graduated in 1879, taking the degree Y. B. During his college course he taught school for several terms and in 1876 he spent three months in Pennsylvania, NeAV York and Alas- sachusetts, attending" the Centennial Exposition for se\*en weeks as a correspondent of the Humboldt "Kosmos." In 1879 he entered the law department of the State University of Iowa and completed the course in 1881. He was one of the ten commencement orators chosen from a class number ing nearly a hundred. Returning to Humboldt, he began the practice of laAV. forming a partnership Avith J. N. Prouty, November 15, 1883, he married Alice E. Tibbetts, daughter of Thomas J. and Helen (Harkness) Tibbetts. Aliss Tib betts was a graduate of the AA'isconsin State Normal School, and a successful teacher of several years experience. Air. and Mrs. Taft are the parents of tAvo- children, ThurloAV T. and Gertrude H. In 1886 the family removed to Ft. Dodge, IoAva, Avhere Mr. Taft Avent into partnership Avith A. E. Clarke, who was division attorney for the Iowa, Alinneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. Tavo years later Air. Taft was appointed general solicitor for the Alinneapolis &- St. Louis Railroad. This necessitated his remoAal to Alinneapolis, Alinnesota, and the firni was therefore dissolved. In 1888 Air. Taft returned to Humboldt and opened a law office. In 1892-3 he Avas mayor of Humboldt, and 1898 he Avas elected county attorney by the Republican party, and re-elected in 1900. He is a member of the United Sons of America, the Alodern AAYod- men of America, and the I. O. O. E.. In religious belief he is a Unitarian. Air. Taft is a man of strictly temperate habits, and is well liked by all avIio knotv him. He is an able laAvyer and has built up for himself a large practice. 572 HISTORY OF IOAVA CHARLES THOMAS, AA'as, born in Dakota City, IoAva, April 25, 1859. His parents, AA'alter and Mary (McDougal) Thomas were natives of New Y'ork. Thev came to IoAva the year of the Spirit Lake massacre, and settled in Dakota City, being proprietors of the first hotel there. The subject of this sketch was married January 1, 1884. to Eva A. Miner, and they are the parents of iavo children, Edna and Shirley. Air. Thomas started in life as a day laborer, A\orking a number of years for the American Express Company. In 1886 he started a dray line in Hum boldt, and has since continued successfully in that business. In politics he is a Republican and is a member of the Meth odist Church. He is interested in education and owns his home in Humboldt. GEORGE LA FAYETTE TREMAIN, AA'es born in Chautauqua County, N. Y. in 1833. His mother, Harriet Turner, was a native of NeAV YYrk and his father, Joseph C. Tremain, Avas an active lawyer and member of the Massachusetts bar. In 1845 the family removed to P.iyson, 111., Avhere it remained five years, going from there to Clayton County, Iowa. Here the subject of this sketch broke soil and built the first house on what is iioav Strawberry Point. He is recognized as the father of the town and was the founder of the Republican part)- in Clayton County. In 1855 he married Minnie Blake, daughter of Alexander Blake, a prominent merchant of StraAvberry Point. Six children were born to them, four of Avhom are living, AA'. D., Ft. Dodge, Iowa; Emma J. now Airs. AAr AAr Sterns of Flumboldt County, Iowa; Harry J. proprietor of a hotel at Algona, Iowa; Alyra E., residing Avith her parents. /After living on his farm in Clayton count)- for ten vears, the subject of this sketch began traveling for the AlcCormick Co., and continued in their employ for twenty-one vears. From 1878 to 1881 he Avas engaged in the manufacture of machinery at Alinneapolis, Afinn. In 1881 he located at HUMBOLDT COUNTY 573 Humboldt, Iowa, erected a substantial stone building and es tablished the People's Bank, of Avhich he became president. Air. Tremain is a member of the Alasonic fraternity and of the A. O. U. W He is still a staunch Republican and takes an active interest in public affairs. FRANK P AA'ALTER, The subject of this sketch was born August 4, 1854, in AA'arren County, Ohio. His father, George Walter, Avas a native of German)* and his mother, Elizabeth (Little) AA'alter, a native of Kentucky, but of English descent. Mr. W alter Avas the youngest of a family of nine of whom J. W. Walter is a resident of Minneapolis, George W. Walter resides at Hartley, IoAva, Charles Walter, at Ocheyedan, Iowa; Warren AA'alter at Green Mound, Iowa, Mrs. Thomas Jones at Ven tura, California; Airs. J. F. Curtiss, at AlarshalltoAvn, IoAva; Airs. Joseph Haven, at Connard, Iowa, and Mrs. H. I. Jones, at Beman, IoAva. Mr. AAralter's parents removed to Iowa when he ivas seven months old, and settled at Marshalltown. He was mar ried July 7, 1881, to- Miss Ella Friesner of Humboldt, daugh ter of David and Rebecca Friesner, both natives of Ohio. To this pair three children have been born, Clarence D , George Alilton, and Royal Keith, aaIio has since died. On their marriage the young couple first settled on a farm near Marshalltown, but in February, 1883, came to Humboldt county and settled on a farm in AVeaver township, purchased by Mr. Walter the previous year. Later they removed to Humboldt township, and finally purchased a farm of 160 acres in Rutland township, which he still owns. For the past four years Mr. Walter has been in the stock business in Hum boldt, and for the past year and a half has been a member of the firm of Smith and Walter, dealers in coal and live stock. Air. AAYlter is a member of the Alethodist church and is a Republican in politics. Although denied the privileges of a good education, he is interested in the welfare of his family and his oldest son, avIio was graduated in 1900 from the 574 HISTORY OF IOAA'A Flumboldt High School, Avill take up a course in civil en gineering at .Ames College. IRA L. WELCH, AL D., The oldest practitioner of medicine in Humboldt county, AAas born December 18, 1S28, in Cortland County, N. Y His parents. Cornelius and Sally (Lucas) AAYlch, Avere prosperous farmers. His father was a AA'hig", and an ardent admirer of Henr)- Clay. In 1831 the family moA-ed to Ohio, settling first in Cleveland, later in AA'ayne county, and finally in Afedina county. Here the mother died in 1864 and the father in 1876. The subject of this sketch AAas the second son in a familv of twelve children, eight of Avhom reached adult age, and four hoav .survive, one sister and three brothers. Three of the brothers took part in the civil Avar, one of whom was mortally Avounded in the battle of Gettysburg. Dr. AAYlch was edu cated at Seville (Ohio) Academy, and at Oberlin College. Lie started upon a regular course of study at the last named in stitution, but Avas obliged to abandon it after two years, on account of ill health. Later he began the study of medicine. He took a course of lectures at Charity Aledical hospital, and after a number of years' practice, entered the medical depart ment of AA'ooster university, at Cleveland, Ohio, and Avas graduated in 1879. From that time he Avas in constant practice until 1899, when he Avas confined to his bed by dis ease of the bone of the left leg, and in Alarch. 1900 under- Avent the amputation of that member. He recovered and is now in good health. He is not a member of any church, his religious vieAvs tending tOAvarcl liberal Christianity. Fie is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge No. 195 A. F. and A. AL, Humboldt, IoAA*a; Delta Chapter No. 51, Ft. Dodge. IoAva; Cavalry Commandery No. 24 Ft. Dodge. IoAva, and of O. E. S. Humboldt Chapter No. 147. In politics he is, and ahvays has been a Republican. He was treasurer of Flumboldt County from 1874 to 1878, and is now serving his eleventh year as member of the Flumboldt HUMBOLDT COUNTY .->/.-) school board. He Avas a member of the Twentv-First Gen eral Assembly of IoAva, sent from AA'right and Humboldt counties. April 19, 1854. lie married Aliss Susan E, Dix, at Seville, Ohio. They have three children all of whom are liA-ing, Frances AL, hoav Airs. Fred H. Taft, Santa Monica, Cal. ; George AAY mail clerk on the C. & N. AA\ railroad; and Sarah C, who is unmarried and resides Avith her parents. Dr. AA'elch came to Humboldt in 1868. He has at all times striven to keep abreast of the times in his profession, and is a successful physician. Bv a close and conscientious attention to the Avants of his patients he has secured a reputa tion and practice of which he may justly feel proud. He is A*ery comfortably situated in Humboldt and has the respect and esteem of all aaIio know him. WILLIAM B. AVEST, The recorder of Humboldt county, was born May 1, 1871, in Dakota City, Iowa. Flis father, Arthur B. AAYst Avas born Alarch 24, 1839, in New Y'ork. In 1861 he enlisted in the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. He Avas Avounded in a battle near Chattanooga, Tenn., and at the siege of Vicks burg escaped death in a peculiar manner. He had raised his haversack till it covered the back of his neck, Avhen it Avas struck by a bullet, but not penetrated. In 1865 he moved to Dakota City and October 24 of that year he married Ella A. Benton of New Y'ork. Tavo children Avere born to them, Edgar, Avho died in infancy, and AA'illiam. Air. AAYst Avas at one time sheriff of Humboldt county, elected by the Republi can party. He took a prominent part in the town affairs of Dakota City and Avas highly respected. Fie died' February 20, 1891. The subject of this sketch received his earl)- education in the public schools of Flumboldt. At the age of eighteen he began the study of telegraphy. Later he Avas operator and agent for the M. & St. L. R. R. at Humboldt, holding the position for five years. In politics he is a Republican and in 576 HISTORY OF IOWA the last election, when he was made recorder, he ran ahead of his ticket. He is a member of the K. P. and is a Past Master of the Masonic Order. He has acquired a comfortable prop erty and owns his home in Humboldt where he lives with his mother. A. B. WHITE, Son of G. B. and Olive (AAYbb) AA'hite, natives of Maine, Avas born in a log-cabin in Floyd County, Iowa. De cember 2j, 1869. He came Avith his parents to Humboldt, where he went into business with his father. He was married Alay 10, 1893, to Aliss Esther H. Hess. In the spring of 1899 Air. AAdiite bought his father's interest, and started in business for himself. He built a store building which is the best in Humboldt. It is a two- story corner block of stone, with all modern appliances, and is the product of Humboldt labor. The building is used for his business. This is composed of three departments, each of which is run separately in every Avay. The first floor is occupied by the grocery department, the boot and shoe department, and part of the dry-goods department, the car pets and draperies in the last named, occupying the second floor. Personally, Air. AA'hite is a man of genial temperament and is a well liked by all with whom he comes in contact. His popularity as a salesman, coupled with his marked business ability and energy, has enabled him to build up an extensive business, and one of which he may justly feel proud. CYRUS E. WILSON, AA'as born in Bureau Count)-, Illinois, January 8, 1845. In 1869 he spent part of the summer in Marshall, Boone, and Story Counties in Iowa. In the fall of that year, in company Avith his father and brother he made an extended overland trip across the soiitliAvestern part of Iowa into Nebraska, thence to Kansas, visiting Topeka and Ft. Scott. From there through Missouri into- Illinois and back to the home in Bureau county. In 187 1 he came to Humboldt County. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 577 IoAva, and secured a farm of 200 acres in Weaver township, but returned to Illinois. In 1872 he spent the summer on his farm and returned to his native state to teach school during the winter months. This he did for fifteen years, teaching first in Illinois and later in Humboldt county, AA-here he lo cated permanently in 1879. He married Ada I. Gillett, June 29, 1882. and to them three children have been born. Roy G, Anna C, and Partha H. A., all living at home and attending the public school. Mr. AA'ilson is a Republican and has held office as tOAvn- ship clerk, and as supervisor. In religion he is non-sectarian, but took an active part in the establishment of the Methodist church at Unique. He owns 600 acres of land in Weaver tOAvnship and is numbered among the prosperous farmers of the county. E. K. AVINNE, AAras born in Humboldt, Iowa, November 25, 1873. His father, S. K. AA^inne, came to Humboldt in 1869, and engaged in the real estate business. He Avas elected county recorder in 1873, and served tAvo terms. Afterward he tvas interested in the hardAvare business, continuing his work in real estate and loans until his death, May 13, 1896. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools until his eighteenth year. At that time he went to Mason City and took charge of theMason City Bottling Company's plant, which had been bought by a Humboldt company, and managed it until it Avas moved into its new buildings. He then attended the IoAva Business College at Des Moines, from which he Avas graduated in June 1893, having made an exceptionally good record while there. Returning to Hum boldt he worked for the People's Bank until the fall of that year, he then took a position as book-keeper for A. R. Loom- is. In A larch, 1895, he became book-keeper for the Mineral Springs Bottling Company, Avhere he remained until July. He then became interested in the implement business, the firm name being AVinne & Bennett. January 1, 1897, he sold out his interests to Mr. Bennett. In company with his brothers he 378 HISTORY OF IOAA'A has successfully carried on a real estate and loan business, the firm name being W'inne Brothers. Air. AA'inne was appointed clerk of the fourth division code revision committee, in the extra session of the TAventy- Sixth General Assembly. Here again Mr. AA'inne distin guished himself ])v demonstrating his executive ability. After committee Avork \Aas practicalh* ended in the extra ses sion he was delegated to do special work for the speaker in the Ava\- of tracing all house bills, seeing that theA" were properly engrossed in both houses. This Avas an especially important Avork because it necessitated seeing that all amend ments Avere properly attached as designated by the Senate and House Journals. Had as careful a AA'ork been done in the final passage of the Titus Amendment, the great state of IoA\*a would not haA'e been charged AA'ith negligence after the proposed amendment had been voted upon and carried by the people. He AAas imanimouslA* elected as Journal clerk of the House in the Twenty-Seventh General AssembL. He has already sIioavh that he possesses a keen insight into politics and is eminently successful. He Avas chairman of the Humboldt county Republican committee in 1900, and in con sequence of his efficient Avork the majority of the Republican party in Humboldt county Avas increased 400 votes over the Republican majority in the county for i8(j<). Air. AA'inne is president of the Humboldt Creamen- Company, and secre tary of the Humboldt County Agricultural Society. He Avas one of the originators, and is hoaa- one of the directors of the Humboldt Electric Light HISTORA' OF IOAVA Hongen of Bergen Norway. He is bv her. the father of three children, Eugene, Daisy, and Victor. Rev. Jorgenson is a Republican in politics. He is a man of good education and is a satisfactory pastor in every way. He is instructor in the catechism and in Ifible history, in the Lutheran parochial school at Bode. BRADGATE. The town of Bradgate was laid out by the AAYstern Town Lot Company, in the Avinter of i88t-2. and the plat filed for record on the 7th of March 18S2. it is located on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. The first store Avas opened before the village Avas platted, by C. XL King in the fall of 1876. S. T HOPKINS, The editor of the Bradgate Bee, is the son of J. LI. Hopkins. The latter was born March 4, 1842. In 1855 he came Avest and later married Alary Frances Alesser. Xine children blessd this union. F F. Hopkins. Chicago. Ill; AP's. AA'. Lancaster, Airs. AA'ill Hoag. Airs. D. AA'hite. Bradgate, Io\A-a; Miss Aland, Traer. Iowa; AA'ilson, Lucinda, and Clif ford, Bradgate, IoAva. The subject of this sketch was born December 6, 1876, at AA'aterloo, loAA'a. AA'hen fourteen years of age he left school and became an apprentice of his father in the printing busi ness, where he remained until 181)7. Then, haA-ing proA'ed his ability as a bicycle racer in local circles, he entered the state circuit, and afterward the national. He became Avell and fa\-oral>]y knoAvn as a rider, A\inning the half-mile champion ship of IoAva, and holding the tandem record for the same distance. In Kjoo he again entered the neAvspaper Avorld as editor and proprietor of the Bradgate Bee. The paper is a neat specimen of the typographical art and Avill Avin a prominent place in the ranks of count)- neAvspapers. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 583 AIRS. CHARITY JARAHS. AA'as born January 10, 1842 at Alii ford. Ind.. her parents being James C, and Elizabeth Vannatta, natives of Ken tucky. Her husband to Avhom she was married September 18, i860, was Charles Jarvis. a native of Somersetshire, Eng., born September 14, 1836. At the age of seventeen he came to America and joined his brothers in Illinois, Avhere he re mained until 1 86 1, when Avith his Avife he came to Tcwa and settled on his farm in Aaxi'v township, Humboldt county, AAliere they lived until his death in 1899. They had seven children, five of whom are living, James, Humboldt, Iowa; Elmer, George, Nellie AL, hoav Airs. Atherton, and Mamie, hoaa* Airs. John Boyden, all residing in AA'ery tOAvnship. Airs. Janis has tAvo brothers and four sisters, George Vannatta, Ashton Ore.; John, Eagle Grove, Iowa; Airs. Rhoda Lothin, Rolfe, Iowa; Airs. Martha Stevens, Plover, IoAA-a; Airs. Alary Galsbury, AAYst Bend, IoAva; and Airs. Nellie Alartin, LiA-ermore, IoAva. Charles Jarvis enlisted December. 1863 in Company B, Fourth Io-Ava Cavalry, and served till the close of the Avar. Fie was acth*e in looking" after the Avelfare of churches and con tributed liberally to the establishment of Humboldt College. He held many local offices and Avas a trustee in the AL E. church for thirty years. JOHN AA' KING, AA'as born November 1, 1841, in Bo-one County, Illinois. His father, John N. King was a native of AYrmont, and his mother, Alartha Sweet, of Ohio. This couple Avere the pa rents of four children, tAvo of aaIiohi are lh'ing, Afar)* J, Inde pendence, IoAva, and the subject of this sketch. By the second marriage of the father, there Avere born five children, George L., Ft. Benton, Alont.; Albin E., of Jewell County, Kansas; Ehvin, deceased; Agnes, living now in Kansas; Clara, now Mrs. Letvis of Ft. Benton, Mont. In 1853 the subject of this sketch moved to Independ ence, IoAva. In 1 86 1 he enlisted in the Ninth Iowa Infantry. 584 HISTORY OF IOWA and served until 1865. In the fall of that year he came to Humboldt county. He Avas married October 17, 1869, to Annie E. Averill, and to them six children were bom, Fred O., Grand Junction, Col.; Airs. C. Al. Nichols of Avery town ship; Airs. John Henderson of Pocahontas county; Bertha, Bessie and Aland, Avho reside with their parents. Mr. King owns a half section of land in Humboldt County and has other property. He has held a number of minor offices and since 1897 has served as postmaster of Bradgate. WILLIAM LANCASTER, Son of Richard and Ann Lancaster, was born in Canada, Alay 21, 1858. He learned telegraphy, but never practiced it. In his sixteenth year he spent the summer in England, and upon returning to Canada tvent into a hotel with his par ents, and continued three years in that occupation. About the age of tAventy-one be became interested in long-distance skating and in three years he had Avon tAvo silver cups, a gold medal, and held the championship of Avesterii Ontario. In his tAventy-fourth year, his parents died, both Avithin six months. He then spent several years in different parts of the Avest, California, Vancouver's Island, and Oregon, and in 1886 came to Humboldt County to visit a brother. From here he Avent to Canada and later returned to Alichigan Avhere he took a business course in Fenton College. Fie then came to- Humboldt County and in the spring of 1887. went into the grain and stock-buying- business Avith R. J. Reed as a partner, in the town of Bradgate. He still carries on that business and is numbered among the leading mer chants of Bradgate. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Alethodist. He has been maxor of Bradgate for three years and secretary of the school board since 1805. He owns a house and tAvo lots in Bradgate and belongs to the I. ( ). O. F and to the U S. A. of which he is secretary. Air. Lancaster Avas married to Aliss Mary C. Hopkins, oldest daughter of Mr. and Airs. J. S. Hopkins of Humboldt HUAIBOLDT COUNTY 585 County. They have four children. Irene, Amy, Dora, and Kenneth, all living Avith their parents. L. O. SHERMAN, AA'as born in Sabula, IoAva, February 14, 1868. His father, George Sherman Avas born in North Adams. Mass., December 30, 1836. He married Emley Meachun and to them eight children were born, six of Avhom are living. L. O., Alinnie, and Airs. Bessie Huffman of Bradgate, Iowa; Belle, now Airs. Fredericks, Buffalo City, la.; Hettie, now Airs. Higby of Eagle Grove, la. The subject of this sketch started to work for himself in his seventeenth year. He folloAved various occupations until February, 1898, when he came to Bradgate and began work as printer on the Bradgate Review. A year later he bought the paper and became editor and manager. In September, 1900, he sold out the business. In politics, Air. Sherman is a Republican. He is interested in educational lines, is a member of the Alethodist church and of the I. O. G T. DR. WM. H. STOKES. Has been located in Bradgate since iSqi. Fie was born in Van Buren County. Illinois, Ala)" 21, 1853, and in 1855 came with his parents to Tama County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. His father, AA'm. Stokes, was born in Jeffer son County, Ohio, Decembr 28, 1822, and his mother, Caro line (Householder) Stokes, in the same county in 1827 To them, thirteen children were born, of whom, AL Stokes, J. XL, Alason C, Bennett R., Edward R., Belle and Carrie "(Mrs. Thomas), reside in Tama County, Iowa; Jennie (Airs. Mc- La\-ay), lives in Sioux City, Iowa, and Walter in Cedar County, Alissouri. Tavo sons and one daughter are deceased. The subject of this sketch AA*as married in 1876 to Alice Jameyson, daughter of Mr. and Airs. Chas. Jameyson hoav residents of Denver, Colorado, but then of Tama County, Iowa. Seven children Avere born to them, Irene, Ralph C, Howard AAA Roger, Hazel, Lee and Ruby, all born in Tama 586 HISTORY OF IOWA Count)- except the last named, who is a native of Flumboldt County. Until 1888 Dr. Stokes' life Avas spent upon a farm, lint -in that year he took up the study of medicine at the State University of Iowa, and since his graduation three years later, has practiced successfully at Bradgate, IoAA*a. JEROME TILTOX. AAras born in NYav A'ork, September 30, 1842. He Avas married to Mary Sherman, ( >ctober 30, 1862, and to this union three children Avere born, Alyron, J. AA'estley, and Charles, all living at Bradgate, Iowa. In 1866 the family came to Humboldt Count)- where Mr. Tilton took up a homestead in A\-ery township. Fi.-r the first five years he labored by the day for the Murray brothers and other neigh bors, but after that he worked his oavh farm. In 1893 he moved to Bradgate where he went into the lumber business and opened a bank, knoAAii as the Lumber Exchange Bank of which he Avas president. Tavo years later he sold his in terest in the bank and opened a grocery store, which he still operates. Air. Tilton is considered one of Bradgate's lead ing merchants. He has dealt in real estate and has acquired a comfortable property. He holds stock in the Bradgate creamery of which he is treasurer, and in the bank of which he is a director. He has built man)* of Bradgate's best build ing's. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held office as tOAvn councilman, as school director and as mavor. In reli gion he is non-sectarian but was active in the establishment of the Bradgate ATetlu dist church and contributes toward its maintenance. He is a member of the Legion of Honor. the Yeoman and K. P lodges. DAKOTA CITY Dakota City lies on the high bluff Avhich divides the two forks of the Des Moines ri\-er. It AAas here that Berek, Zahlten and their tAvo companions settled on November n, 1854. The town was laid out by EdAvard AfcKnight in 18; 3, but AAas not filed for record until the 71I1 of Tune. 1838. It HUMBOLDT COUNTY 587 is the judicial seat of Humboldt Countv. It adjoins the cor porate limits of the town of Humboldt. In 1873 a substantial court house tvas erected. The first log building in Dakota was erected in 1855 by Harlow Miner, AA'm. Miller, B. Trel- linger and J. and F. Johnston. The first building" of pine, in the A'illage, was put up for a school house. It was a small frame structure, the lumber for Avhich was hauled from Cedar Falls. The first birth in Dakota Avas in ,1857, the child of AA'ashington and Jane Clark. This child was called Dakota. A steam saw mill AA'as erected in 1855 by Edward McKnight which Avas a very important factor in the earlv settlement of the community. Dakota City is finely situated, and should be a very attractive residence town. H. J. KETMAN, AAras born in Holland, July 31. 183 1. He came to She boygan Count)-, AA'is.. in 1847, where he lived until 1866, coming then to Humboldt Count)-. Iowa. He Avas married October 18, 1854, to Frances De Smidt, who Avas born in Holland October 14, 1835, and came to Sheboygan Count)*, AA'isconsin, in 1848. Fourteen children have been born to them, tAveh*e of whom are fixing. Alary E., now Airs. Elem- ing; Abraham, Dakota City, Iowa; John, Humboldt County. Iowa; Adrian, Flumboldt County, Ioxva; Martenus A., Hum boldt County, Iowa; Louis, fixing in Nebraska: Frances, now Mrs. Morgan, living in Illinois; Peter, Dakota Citv, Iowa; Jennie, iioaa* Airs. Carpenter, Ironton, Towa; Mantis, Hum boldt Count)', Iowa; Eva, living with her parents. Mr. Ketman began life as a farmer and continued with marked success in that occupation. He has been one of the most successful farmers of the county, at one time owning 830 acres of land, nearly all under cultivation. In town property he now oavus five lots with dwellings, and his resi dence in Dakota City, Iowa. Fie is a Republican, and the offices he has held show how he is regarded by the count)-. He was a member of the board of superxisors for a number of vears, assessor several terms, councilman, and treasurer of 588 HISTORY OF IOAA'A the township school board. Air. Ketman has also taken a prominent part as a member of the Baptist church. He helped organize a number of Baptist societies in Iowa, and for a number of years was a member of the Baptist Mis sionary board. Flis daughter, Lucy Ketman, went as a mis sionary to Africa, where she died, January 13, 1894., at the age of 32 years, 2 months and 7 days. Her Avork Avas at Mica Fica in the Congo- Free State. GILMORE CITY. This toAAai AA*as platted on the 15th of July, 1882. The plat Avas filed for record by E. L. Garlock and L. L. Taylor. The first building put up on the site of the present town, in Humboldt County Avas a store building" in 1882 by E. P. Jackson. Gilmore City is situated at the corner of four townships on the Rck Island railrad and in a position to command good trade from both Humboldt and Pocahontas Counties. AIRS. EDNA BLAKE, AA'as born in Wisconsin, June 26, 1862. She came to Humboldt County in 1882 and in 1883 was married to George Blake. They had one child, Miss Jean, iioav living Avith her mother. Airs. Blake received her education in the Lyons high school, Clinton Count)*, IoAva, of AAdiich she is a graduate. She took a course in methods at the Le Alars Normal school and has been a successful teacher of thirteen years' experience. For six years she has been principal of the Gilmore City schools. In religions belief she is a Pres byterian. A. N. BULL. Son of Angevine and Alinerva Bull, natives of Pennsyl vania, was born October 16, 1859, in Grundy County, Illi nois. In 1869 the family came to Iowa and settled in Hum boldt County. The subject of this sketch spent his early years on a farm, receiving his education in the public schools, and in the high school at Ft. Dodge. He began life as a HUMBOLDT COUNTY 589 farmer, and in 1896 moved to Gilmore City Avhere he still lives. He married Cora Tellier, a native of NeAV York. In politics, Air. Bull is a Republican. He has held of fice as township trustee, as member of school board, and is noAv member of the town council. In 1896 he went into the stock buying business in Gilmore City, Avhich he carries on Avith marked success. He also runs a first class meat mar ket. He put up a three story, stone, business block in Gil more City which is one of the best buildings in the town. The first floor is used for his meat market, the- second as living rooms, and the third as a hall for the I. O. O. F., and for the M. AAr A. He has acquired a competency, owning 270 acres of land in Humboldt County, and is one of the leading business men of Gilmore City. C. B. FITCH, AA'as born Alay 27, 1858, in Butler County, Iowa. Flis parents, George E., and Julia Fitch, Avere natives of New- York. The mother is still living, and resides with her son in Gilmore City. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on a farm He received his education in the common schools, and also attended the state normal school at Cedar Falls, and a busi ness college at Dubuque, Iowa. In 1882 he moved to Gil more City, Iowa, where he went into the hardware business in partnership with Geo. F. Root. -Four years later the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Fitch again went into business in the same town. He was married to Julia A. AAYlker, a native of Ver mont, and they are the parents of one child, Rollo-11 Walker, living at home. In politics, Air. Fitch is a Republican, and has held office as secretary of the school board since 1890, and as city treas urer since 1892. He was the first mayor of Gilmore City, xvhich office he held two terms. In religion he and his Avife are members. of the Presbyterian church, being among the organizers. He belongs to the K. P. and the Modern Wood- 59'J HISTORY OF IOAA'A men. Fie has acquired a competency, and in real estate, oaaiis a farm of 150 acres in Pocahontas County, Toiva, in addition to his comfortable residence in Gilmore City. HENRY C. AIARMON, Born in Jamesfield, Logan Count)*, < )hio, September 22, 1856. Flis parents, now deceased, A\-ere .Asa and Alan* Alarmon, the father being a natiA'e of Ohio, and the mother of Alichigan. Tlie subject of this sketch received his educa tion in the public schools, and was married Xovember 19, 1889, to Ina A. Balcome, a natLe of Rhode Island. They are the parents of two children, Harold R., and Ethel. In politics, Mr. Alarmon is a Republican. He has nev er been an office seeker, but has held seA-eral minor offices. In religion he is a Presbyterian, and is trustee and elder of the church in Gilmore City. He belongs to the K. P.. and to the Afodern Brotherhood of America. In 1883, he entered the printing- business, and AA'ith his brother, E. P. Alarmon, started the Alitcheh'ille Index, Axhich is still published bv his brother. In 1893 he bought the Gilmore City Globe of AY R. Prexvitt, and has OAvned and published it since that time. The paper has made a stead)' growth, and is hoax- printed in a Avell ecpiipped country office. Axhich Air. Alarmon oxxns, in addition to his comforta ble home. E J. TISHENBANNER, AA'as born in AAdfiteside County, Illinois, July 8. 1863. He came to Ft. Dodge, IoAva. in 1870, and lived there tAvo years. In 1882 he moved to Gilmore CitA-; then in 1885 he started the first newspaper in the town, and published it for a year and a half. At the end of that time he sold out the business and began quarrying Avith an engine. He Avorked at this until 1888 Ax-hen he Avent to Chicago. There he was married to Alinnie AA'illette, in Alareh, 1800. Tavo children, Lena and Floyd have been born to them. Later the family returned to Gilmore Citv. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 591 In politics, Air. Tishenbanner is a Republican, and in religion a Catholic. He Avas appointed postmaster of Gil more City in 1897, and still holds that position. He belongs to the following lodges: K. of L., M. AA' A., K. P., and U S. A. He oavus eight)- acres of land on which his resi dence is situated, also the property Avhere the post office is located. HARDY. Hardy Avas laid out on the 3th of August, 1881, by the Cedar Rapids, Ioxva Falls and North AAYstern Toavii Lot company. The plat Avas filed for record on the 20th of Feb ruary, 1882. In the fall of 1881, the first building in the place Avas put up, this Avas the railroad depot. The first business building tvas put up by AAr. PI, Foley & Co., in April, 1882. S. P. HARVEY, AA'as born October 13, 1853, in Indiana. His parents. J. G Harvey and Avife, settled in Des Moines, IoAva, in 1873. In 1879 the subject of this sketch joined his parents in Des Aloines, and in 1887 moved to Hardv. He married Alice ShiA*ers and is bv her the father of four children, Arba, Aland, Wilber, and Helen. Air. Harvey began life as a farm er at the age of fifteen. He is a member of the Christian church and of the Knights and Ladies of Security. In pol itics he is a Republican. He has been a member of the school board for seven years and is hoav justice of the peace. In 1887 he Avas appointed postmaster of Hardy and still holds that position. He oaa*iis his residence and three store build ings in Hardy. HENRY RHINER, Son of John and Anna (Schnider) Rhiner, Avas born in SAvitzerland, September 28, 1851. Fie came to Green Coun ty, AAfisconsin, xvith his parents in 1853 and remained there until 1864, when he came Avith his family to Flumboldt County, Ioxva and settled in Lake township. Fie Avalked the entire distance, driving a herd of cattle, and was one 592 HISTORA' OF IOWA month making the journey. In 1878 he Avent to Dodge Center, Alinnesota, Ax'here he remained three years. Return ing to Hard)-, IoAxa, he worked for the B., C. R. & N. railroad company for three yars. He Avas next employed by a grain elevator company for nine years, but is iioaa* in the railroad Avork again. He married Rosa Blume, a native of SAvitzer- land, in September, 1876, and five children have been born to them, three of Axliom are living: Fred AAY Samuel A., and George A. Air. Rhiner is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Alethodist church and of the AL AAr. A. He has held office as road supervisor and as school director. He owns his residence and four town lots in Hardy. B. J. SAXTON, AVas born June 28, 1868, in Vernon tOAvnship, Hum boldt County, IoAva. His father W. S. Saxton, is a native of NeAV York, and his mother, Helen (Allen) Saxton, of Ohio. They Avere among the early settlers of Humboldt County, and are the parents of nine children: AAmliam, Al fred, Eva, Edgar, J. G, Rosilla, Charley, and Emma and Rickie, deceased. The subject of this sketch started in life as a farmer and later bought a half interest with J. H. Saxton in a general merchandise business in Hardy, and has since been in that business. He married Ella Carr, October 14, 1892, and to them have been born three children, Raphael, Pierce, and John. Mr. Saxton is a member of the Alethodist church. In politics he is a Republican and is interested in education. In real estate he owns a residence in Hardy, also the building that his store occupies. LIVERMORE. LiA-erore Avas laid out in the fall of 1879. It Avas platted and filed for record on the 24th of January, 1880, by G AV. Bassett, A. AIcBane and AAr AL Grant, all of Ft. Dodge. George C. AlcCauley and George Tillson, a little later laid HUMBOLDT COUNTY 593 out an addition to the town. Livermore is beautifully locat ed at the junction of the Alinneapolis and St. Louis Railroad and the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway. Five buildings Avere started here about the same time, in December, 1879. The Alinneapolis & St. Louis railroad Avas finished as far as Livermore the same year. The first station agent Avas AA". J. Taft, avIio had his office in a car for about six Aveeks. The Burlington. Cedar Rapids & Northern reach ed the town the fall of 1881, the first accommodation train arriA-ing at 10 A. AL, October 14. The first birth in Liver more Avas John Walbillig, in January, 1880. He died in infancy. The first marriage Avas on the nth of September, 1881, the parties to the contract being Charles Weed and Gertie Tyler. Livermore at once became a very important trade center. And for a stranger to be in Livermore on a Saturday, he would be impressed Avith the large amount of business AA-fiich this town handles. J. C. BERGEN, AA'as born in Franklin, Ind., August 19, 1854. He came to IoAva with his parents in 1858 and settled in Benton County, and in 1882 moved to Humboldt County. By his first Avife, Jennie Burris, Avho' died in 1882, he had two child ren, Bertha and Stella. He married for his second wife, Id.il- la Brooks, and they have one child, Lawrence. Air. Bergen was for twelve years agent for the B., C. R. & X'. railroad. He was proprietor of the St. James hotel for a time, and has been postmaster of Livermore since 1897. He is a Republican in politics and the family are all members of the Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Old Settlers Association, and also to the Masonic Order, Jasper Lodge, Xo. 424, having been AA'orshipfnl Master for two years. REV. FATHER Al. AlcNEARNEY, Was born in Ireland in 1863, and received his early education in the common schools near his home. He pur sued his classical studies at St. Alary's College and St. Mel's Seminary in County Longford, Ireland, and took his philoso phical and theological courses at All HalloAv's College of Dublin. He was ordained June 24, 1888. He emigrated to America in the fall of that year and was assistant, for a time, in a cathedral. He Avas then stationed at St. Raphael's 594 HISTORY OF IOAVA cathedral at Dubuque, Iowa, and came to Livermore in the fall of 1889, Avhere he has since remained. The Mission church at Dakota City is also under his charge. Father ALcXearney Avas the first resident priest of Liv ermore and is closely connected with the groAvth and pros perous condition of the church there. He is a man of good education, and holds the respect not only of his parishioners, but of all avIio knoxx* him. FRANK M. MILES, AAas born in AYrmont in 18O1, and came from there to Humboldt, Iowa, in 1884. He received his early education in the district school near his home, and aftenvard attended the Vermont conference seminary at Montpelier, Vt. He studied laAV in the east, also with Senator Finch after com ing to Humboldt. He was admitted to the bar in Humboldt County, in Ala)*, 1884. He married Alary Farrell, a native of AAfisconsin, and they are parents of one child, Robert AYilliam, three A'ears of age. In politics, Air. Aides is a Republican, and in religion a Catholic. He was county attorney of Humboldt County from 1890 to 1892. Air. Aides has been very successful in his practice. He is hoav located at Livermore, and is one of the prominent laAvyers of the county. He is a conscientious and progressh-e citizen and xvins the confidence of all who Liioav him. ANTON ROSSING The landlord of the St. James Flotel at Livermore, is knoAvn all over the count)". The St. James is owned and operated by the Rossing family. Under the popular man agement of Mr. Rossing, his place of business has avoii merit ed support by the traA-eling public. He is continually im proving his property by putting in modern conveniences adorning" the ground with shade trees and making it a de sirable center for commercial and local travelers. J. A'OUGHT, AL D., An old and respected resident of Livermore, xvas born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, in 1841*). He was raised on a farm, where he received the rudiments of his education from the district schools. He afterward attended the Rome (Pa.) Academy, also a singing school conducted bv P P. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 595 Bliss the noted singer and composer of sacred music. He studied medicine at the Medical College at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later at the St. Louis Homeopathic College, from which he xvas graduated. He settled in Livermore June 1, 1880. hie had previously A'isited Humboldt county in 1869, when it was for the most part unsettled. In 1877 he was seriously ill of typhoid fever, and gangrene setting" in, in one of his legs, amputation became necessary. He married Lena Afaynard in 1879. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1850. They haA'e one adopted son, Earl, now fourteen years old. Dr. Yought is a Republican in politics, and the family are members of the Baptist church. He has served on the town council for nine vears, and as school director for six years. He belongs to the Old Settlers' Association, to- the Yeoman's Lodge, to the Alystic Toilers, and for twenty-nine A-ears has been a member of the I. O. O. F In professional circles, he belongs to the State Aledical Society, and the St. Louis Homeopathic Aledical Society. By his ability and close attention to business he has built up for himself a lucra tive practice, and his kindly manner has Avon him many friends. OTTOSEX. In August, 1895, Air. C. Ottosen commenced buying grain at Russell's Siding on the B., C. R. & XL Railway, in AA'acousta township. Finding it a good business point, he requested the division superintendent, AA'. P. AVard to furnish a telegraph operator, this request xvas readily granted. Mr. Ottosen then put up a store building" for the purpose of car rying on a general merchandise business. He then petition ed Congressman Dolliver for a postoffice, Avhich petition was granted. The name Avas given to the postoffice by Con gressman Dolliver without the solicitation of Air. Ottosen, and since that time has been called Ottosen, the town receiv ing the same name. Air. Ottosen conceived the idea of build ing up a successful trade center. Through the influence of Air. AAL P. Brady, general agent of the B., C. R. & XL Railway, he succeeded in getting the railroad officials to look over the location in Alarch, 1896, with the end in view of getting their co-operation in securing land for a town site. After some difficulties all interests xxere harmonized and Ottosen was surveyed and platted in ATay, 1896. The lots at first were 5oh HISTORY OF IOWA owned by a few men but have since passed into the hands of different individuals. The founding of the town was due to the energy and industry of Air. Ottosen Avho Avas ever ably assisted by Mr. WL P. Brady, Wm. Werhspann, and Horace Gage. The town now has a constantly increasing popula tion. The first building put up was a hotel, erected by C. M. Ouinby. The second building put up Avas the office of the Ottosen Boomer, which AA-as published for tAvo years with Andrexv Hanson as editor. Ottosen is iioaa* well equipped in the ax ay of stores, representing almost ever)' line, banking facilities, grain elevators and accommodations for stock ship ping-. It well deserves its success. A. G. COOPER, AAras born in Scotland, in 1853. He emigrated to Cana da, and remained there two years, coming then to Iowa. He settled first in Clinton County, later in Boone County, and in 1883 came to Humboldt County and located in Lake township. In 1893 he moved upon his farm in Wacousta township, near AlcKnight's Point, and in 1898 came to Otto sen, where he went into his present business of stock buying. He married Lydia BroAvn, xvho was born in Alassachu- setts, in 1855. The)' are the parents of eight children, Ella, a teacher in the Ottosen public schools; Alary, Lydia, George, AA'illiam, Annie, Lizzie, and Gertie. In politics, Air. Cooper is a Democrat, and has held of fice as trustee and clerk in Lake township, and first as presi dent, and now as treasurer of the school board of AA'acousta township. In religion, he is a Presbyterian, and Avas one of the organizers of the church at AlcKnight's Point. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Air. Cooper is successful in his business, and is one of the most prominent stock buyers of the count)'. L. J. CLAVE, Was born in Lodi, Columbia Count)-, AALsconsin. No vember 20, i860. His parents, O. L. and Agatha Clave, were natives of Xorway. The father is dead, but the mother is fixing, and resides at Bode, Ioxva. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the public schools near his home. Later, he attended Xorthfiekl (Minn.) College for one term, and Decorah (Ta.) College two' terms. He mar ried Rosalia J. Sheldon of AA'isconsin, Alarch 24, 1890. Six HUMBOLDT COUNTY 597 children have been born to them, Alfred O., Clarence O., Agnes AL, O. L., James E., Gertrude H. Mr. Clave started in life as a farmer, and spent eighteen years in that occupation in Humboldt and Kossuth Counties, Iotva. In politics, he is a Republican, both his father and his grandfather having been affiliated with that party. In reli gion he is a Lutheran, and has been secretary and treasurer of the church at Bode, for a number of years. He has been cashier of the Farmers' Savings Bank of Ottosen, since its organization, and is also secretary of the Wacousta creamery. He owns 400 acres of land in Kossuth County, eighty in Humboldt County, besides his home place of fifteen acres in the edge of Ottosen. He deals largely in real estate, and is one of Ottosen's most prominent and influential citizens. AL F KENYON, AA'as born in Boone County, Kentucky, January 1, 1851. He is the oldest of txvelve children. A sister, Airs. E. T. Grigg, lived in Humboldt County for some time, but is iioaa- in Kokomo, Inch, Avhere her husband is pastor of the Metho dist church. Mr. Kenyon moved to Felicity, Ohio, and in 1872 came to Ioxva and settled in Tama County, Avhere he taught school for several winters. In 1882 he came to Hum boldt, settling" first in Humboldt township, and moving af- terward to Ottosen, where he now resides. He Avas educated in the public schools, and at a normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. He was married November 16, 1876, to Aliss Ida AA'ilson, who was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, No vember 15, 1855. Five children have been born to them, Edith Lillian, born November 5, 1877, now Mrs. Chas. Stone of Ottosen; John AL, born April 16, 1879; D. Elbert, born September 16, 1880; Lucy A., born July 15, 1882; Ida Orilla, born August 23, 1884. Mr. Kenyon held office as clerk of Humboldt tOAvnship for seven years. The family are all members of the I. O. G. T. and are interested in all temperance Avork. They also be long to the Presbyterian church and are very active in all work connected with it. Mr. Kenyon is now proprietor of the hotel at Ottosen, and both he and his wife are members of the Old Settlers' society, and are well known and respected in their community. C. OTTOSEN. Was born in Norway September 26, 1862. He is one of a family of four boys. The father, who xvas a ship-builder 598 HISTORY OF IOAA'A and contractor, died in 1865, and the following year the fam ily emigrated to America, and settled in Creston. Illinois, where the mother still lives. Air. Ottosen received his edu cation in Illinois, and started in life as a sheep raiser. Later he engaged extensix'ely in the same occupation in Graham County, Kansas, A\here he remained nine years, after that he spent a year in Denver, Colorado, and returning to St. Louis, Alissouri, attended a laxv school for a time. Eater he came to Humboldt, lotva, Avhere he Avas manager of the Ottosen grain and coal company. He sold out to the Great AAYstern Elevator company, of Alinneapolis, and xvent to Russell's Sid ing in 1895, xvhere he xvas instrumental in founding the town of Ottosen. In politics he is a Republican, and has always been very acth-e in party affairs. Fie is now postmaster of Ottosen. PIONEER. Pioneer is known for being a great grain center, as it hoav has large elevators for the accommodation of thou sands of bushels of grain. In the spring of 1890 J. AL An derson opened a general merchandise store. In 1803 the Wisconsin Lumber compaiiA* opened for business. AT. AL Heptonstall, belieA*ing it a successful point for banking open ed the Farmers' Bank in 1898. J. E AA'ittman e\: Co. have put up a pleasing solid store building in which they conduct a general merchandise business. They began business in 1899. Other stores have started and Pioneer has made a remarkable success during its brief career. J. Af. ANDERSON, Postmaster of Pioneer, xvas born in Ohio. October 24, 185(1. The family remoxcd to Pennsylvania Avhere the sub ject of this sketch received his early education in the schools at New Brighton. Later he xvent to Cambridge, Illinois, re maining" there one and a half A'ears. Fie then lived succes sively in Summerset, AA'arren County, ToAva, in Barton Coun ty, Alissouri, and in Summerset again. Here he xvent into the general mrchandise business and continued two years in that occupation. From there he came to- Humboldt Count)' and settled in AYeaver township, before the town of Pioneer aa as laid out. In the spring of 1890 he opened a general merchandise store in Pioneer. SeA-en vears later he suffered misfortune in the loss of his house and contents bv HUMBOLDT COUNTV 599 fire. He has been engaged in the grain, live-stock and coal shipping business for eleven years, iioav having for a partner, Harry Fraser. He xvas married February 24, 1881, to Mag gie Jackson, a native of Iowa. They have two children, Catherine and Alabel, both living at home. In politics. Air. Anderson is a Republican and in reli gion a Alethodist. In lodges, he belongs to the Yeomen and the AL AAL A. Lie has held office as toxvnship trustee for four years and has been postmaster since the establish ment of that office in Pioneer. The firm of xxdiich he is a member does a good business, and is counted one of the best in the town. A. H. EHMKE, AAas born in Samonauk, Illinois, September 19, 1865. He moved to IoAva, locating in AA'eaAer township, Humboldt County, in 1892. He xvas married to .Amanda AAfittman, daughter of John AA'ittman of AA'eaxer toxvnship, and they are the parents of tAvo children. Air. Ehmke started in life as a farmer but later engaged in the coal and grain business in Pioneer, being at first in partnership xvith J. Al. Anderson, and at present with C. F AA'ittman. In politics he is a Republican, and belongs to the German Evangelical church. He has held office as road supervisor, and as constable. He is a stock holder in the creamery and the Farmers' Bank of Pioneer, and owns a farm of 160 acres in Weaver toxvnship, besides his comfortable home in Pioneer. The firm of which he is a member, does a good business and Air. Ehmke is a respected citizen of the tOAvn. HARRY FRASER, AA'as born in De Kalb County, Illinois, April 6, 1871. His father, Edwin I. Fraser, is a prominent stock-raiser of that county. The subject of this sketch came to Humboldt County in 1894 settling in Weaver township on a farm. Lat er he Avent into business in Pioneer, the firm being Ander son & Fraser, dealers in grain, live-stock, and coal. He mar ried Vina Shultz, a native of Ioxva, Alav 10. t8q2, and to them two children hax*e been born, Erhvin D., and Mary L. Mr. Fraser is a Democrat in politics, and in religion a Protestant. He belongs to the M. AAr A. He started in life on a farm and was also engaged in the general mercantile 'business in De Kalb County, Illinois. He now oaatis a farm 600 HISTORY OF IOWA of 240 acres, his residence, and is a stockholder in the Pioneer bank, and in the creamery of that place. In his line of busi ness he is successful and is numbered among" the leading citizens of Pioneer. T A. GREIXER, AAras born in Otsego County, Nexv York, November 10, 185 1. In 1876 he came Avest and settled in Mills County, IoAva, Avhere he remained until 1882, moving then to Sioux County, Avhere he lixred until 1900. In June of that year he came to Pioneer, xxhere he still lix'es. He xvas married No vember 29, 1S79, tfl Emma J. Alason of New York. Tavo children have been born to them, Howard I., and Ada May. In polities, Mr. Greiner is a Republican, and now holds office as justice of the peace. In religion, the family are Congregationalists, and hax-e alwax-s taken an acth'e part in church Avork. The)* hoav attend the Alethodist church of Pioneer. Air. Greiner started in life as a farmer, and at the age of tAventy-five, entered a general merchandise store as clerk and book-keeper. He bought the general merchandise business, including the building and lot, of C. L. Stearns, in Pioneer, in June, 1900, and although he has been in business but a short time, he has built up a good trade and is one of the leading- merchants of the tOAvn. His son, Howard, is clerk and assistant manager. AL AL HEPTONSTALL, AAas born September 14, 1872, at Rensselaer Falls, St. Laxvrence County, New York. Fie attended the common schools during- his boyhood, and at the age of sixteen, began life for himself. He determined to get a college education, and with that end in viexv, xvorked on a farm for three years. He then entered Canton University, of St. Laxvrence County, New York, and xvas graduated from that institution having Avorked his xxay through the entire course. He had taken a course in methods, and after graduation, taught school for five years. After that he xvent to De Kalb Countv, Illinois, where he represented an implement house for a time. Later, he moved to Alason City, IoAva, where he taught in the nor mal department of a business college, and at the same time, learned stenograph)- in another department of the school. He then read law for six months in the office of Stanburv & Clarke, and later entered the real estate and banking- business HUAIBOLDT COUNTY 601 under the firm of Shaible & Hill. In 1898 he settled in Pion eer, xvhere he still resides. He AA*as married May 26, 1898, to Aliss Lizzie Fleece of Lake City, IoAva. She Avas a book-keeper in a bank before her marriage, and is noxv notary public, and an assistant in the bank at Pioneer. In politics, Air. Heptonstall is a Republican and in reli gion, both he and his Avife are members of the Christian church. In lodges he belongs to the I. O. G T., to the M. AAL A., and to the Royal Foresters. His characteristic am bition marks his business- career, Avhich has been very success ful. He is cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Pioneer, and owns controlling stock. He oxvns a general hardware store, and some real estate in Pioneer, and 480 acres of farm land in Ioxva and South Dakota. JAMES MURRAY, AA'as born in AAfisconsin, June 4, 1863. He came to Humboldt County, Ioxva, in 1881, and settled in AVeaver township. He Avas married October 10, 1884, to Aliss Lizzie Murray of AA'isco-nsin, and they are the parents of two child ren, Leon J., and Alertie R., both living at home. Air. Alurray started in life as a blacksmith. Fie learned the trade in Humboldt of Smith & Smith, and opened a shop in Pioneer, September 23, 1899. By his ability and strict at tention to business, he has built up a good trade, and is a xvell knoxvn citizen of Pioneer. In politics he is a Republican, and he and his Avife are members of the Christian church, be ing among the founders of the society there. He belongs to the AL AAr A., and oaviis his shop and the lot upon which it is situated. S. XARBO, AA'as born in Ndnvay, September 14, 1872. He came to America and settled in Humboldt, xvhere he clerked in a general merchandise store for a year. He then went to Chicago, and in the fall of 1898 returned to Humboldt Coun ty and settled in Pioneer. Here he went into business as a member of the firm, John Wittman & Co., dealers in general merchandise. In politics, Mr. Narbo is a Democrat, and in religion, a Congregation alist. He is a member of the M. W. A., and of the Yeoman lodge. Beside his interest in the firm, he oxvns stock in the Pioneer creamery of which he is (>02 HISTORY OF IOWA secretaiy. Air. N'arbo is an enterprising and popular citizen of the town. C. F AVITTAIAX, Oldest son of John AA'ittman, a nathe of Germany but nox\- living in Weaver township, Humboldt County, xvas born in De Kalb County, Illinois, November 20, 1869. He set tled in AA'eaver township in 1892. He xvas married January 24, 1894, to Florence Peisha, of Leland, Illinois. She is of French descent. They are the parents of two children, Leon ard and Howard, a\1io live at home. Air. AA'ittman started in fife on a farm, and later xvent into business with j. A I. Anderson of Pioneer, dealing" in coal and grain. Ta\o years later the firm became AA'ittman & Ehmke, and now deals in coal, grain and farm implements. In politics Air. AA'ittman is a Republican, and the family are Protestants. He is now township trustee, and school direc tor. He is a member of the Al. AAL Y., and both he and his wife belong to the Yeoman lodge. In real estate he oxvns a farm of 160 acres in AA'eaver township and his pleasant home in Pioneer. He also holds stock in the Farmers' Bank and in the creamery. He is one of the prominent business men of Pioneer. J. F AA'ITTMAN, Son of John and Albertina ( Brandenberger) AA'ittman, xvas born January 2, 1873. He received a common school education and later entered Humboldt college, taking a business course, and xvas graduated in 1898. He started in the general merchandise business in Pioneer, September 21, 1899, and has continued in that line xxith marked success. He is a Protestant, and in politics a Republican. He is a mem ber of the Alodern AAYodmen of America, and of the Alodern Brotherhood of America, and oxvns a store building, a lot, also a site for another building, all in Pioneer. RENWICK. Remvick xvas platted by the AAYstern Town Lot company and the plat filed for record the 24th of January, T882. It is on a branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. The first building put up in Remvick was in 1882 bv Henrv Met calf. AY F BACON, AA'as born in .Adams Count)-, AA'isconsin, October 23. 1830. Ffis father, E. I* Bacon, xvas born in New York, H U M BOLDT C O U N'T Y 603 August 21, 1830. His mother Avas Adelaide- S. (Baker) Bacon, and the family consisted of seven children, Lillian, Alary, AAL PL, J. D., Mildred, F. C, and Katie O. The par ents remained in Xexv York until 1843 when they removed to AA'isconsin Avhere they lived until 1864, coming to Iowa at that date. X. B. Bacon, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, is still living and resides xvith his son, E. F., at Des Aloines, Iowa. He is 101 years old and has the full use of his mental faculties. The subject of this sketch started in life as a farmer. In his tAventy-first year he Avent into the general mercantile business at Sanborn, Iowa, xvhere he remained fourteen years. At the end of that time he moved to Ren- xvick where he became cashier, in his father's establishment, the German-American bank of Remvick, Avhich position he still holds. Fie married Rosa C. Shaffer, and they have tAvo children, E. Fremont, and Willie C, both living at home. In politics, Air. Bacon is a Republican. He is interested in church work, but is non-sectarian in religion. He has held office as school treasurer and as toxxn councilman for four years. In lodges he belongs to the AL AAL A., the U S. A., and the K. P. He owns a residence in Sanborn. Towa. and a section of land in Minnesota. R. J. GRIEBEL, AA'as born in German)-. February 20, 1850. His parents, C. and Christina (Dehn) Griebel Avere natives of Germany and had six children, AAfilliam, John, Refiner, Louis, August and R. J. The mother died in Germany in 1880. In 1885 the subject of this sketch came xvith the rest of the family to DaA*enport, IoAva. Here he learned the harness-maker's trade and in the fall of 1894 moved to Humboldt County, and opened a harness shop in Remvick. He married Alargaret RoliAver. Alarch 11, 1882, and they have three children, all living with their parents, Almina, Elsie and Ernest. Air. Griebel started in life as a farmer. He is a Demo crat in politics, and Avas postmaster of ReiiAvick under Cleve land's administration. In religion he is a Lutheran and helped organize the Renwick Lutheran church. He owns the store building which he occupies, and carries on a very snccessful business. GEORGE FATRIDAY RICHARDSON, AA'as born at Harxvood Place. Canada, in 1827. He spent the first nineteen years of his fife on a farm. Later he G04 HISTORY OF IOAA'A attended the Provincial X'ormal school, from which he xvas graduated in 1848. Fie then took up teaching as a profes sion. He married Sarah J. AAYters, and seven children were born to them, four of Avhom.are living, Nellie, noxv Airs. Bell; Austin B., living at Remvick; Mabel Estella, and Henry Custer, at present pastor of the Universalist church at Mar- shalltown, Iowa. Mrs. Richardson was born in Rye, Sussex County, England, in 1831. Mr. Richardson spent thirty-five years of his life in ac tive school Avork. He lived tAventy-three years in Webster City, Ioxva, being principal of the schools there part of that time and superintendent of AAYbster Count)- schools for six years. He spent ten years in institute Avork in Minnesota, AA'isconsin and IoAva. Fie xvas instrumental in establishing Inter-County Teachers' .Associations, and in introducing xx'ritten Avork in schools. Mr. Richardson served in the Com missary Department at Louisville, Ky., for eight months. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion, a Universalist. He belongs to the I. O. O. F He has retired from active public life, and lives at Remvick. He is Avell known and re spected in both Ffnmboldt and AAYbster Counties. A B. RICHARDSOX. AA'as born in Portage City, AA'is., in 1859. In 1874 the subject of this sketch came AA'ith his parents to AAYbster City, Iowa. In 1882 he moved to Remvick, Humboldt County, and opened a general merchandise store. He married Candace A. Parr, Jan. 1, 1883, and three children have been born to them. Alariette B., Carroll A., and Grace B. In politics Mr. Richard son is a Republican and in religion a Baptist. He has held of fice as tOAvn councilman is a member of the board of education He belongs to the B. A. AAL lodge and oxvns a residence and a store building' in Remvick. He started in life as a clerk in the mercantile business. He opened his store in Renwick xvith a very small capital, but through his business energy he gradually increased this, until he is now one of the leading merchants of the toxvn. RUTLAXD. Rutland is on a branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and xvas laid out in the fall of 1869 by H. G. Bick nell, the plat being filed for record on the 4th day of Decem ber of that year. The first store building AAas moA'ed from Mr. Bicknell's farm. In this, in 1870 J. C. Flelm opened the HUMBOLDT COUNTY 605 first stock of general merchandise, Avhich invoiced at about S300.00. The venture xvas unsuccessful. Several other ven tures xvere made Avithout any better success until about 1880 xvhen AA'ilder & Britten established themselves. In 1871 a flour and grist mill Avas put up. This enterprise has gone on through various changes until the coming of the Rutland Roller mills, AAhich are very successful. Rutland has the usual line of stores which are suited to a rich farming district. It has good grain accommodations, banking facilities, and a successful creamery. SUMNER. In Delana township in 1857, there was laid out on the southwest quarter of section 12, a village called Sumner. The plat of this was filed for record on the 19th of September, 1857. The original proprietors of this, the pioneer village of Humboldt County xvere Herman Alunson, AV. M. Wheel er, Peter and T. Elwood Collins. The first frame building on the site of the village was put up by Peter Collins in the fall of 1857. At the same time T. E. Collins built a frame house Avhich was used for a dwelling, meeting house and school house. M. D. Collins opened a store in 1857 and ran it for two years. Isaac Palmer built a cabin and black smith shop and remained about txvo years. This village en terprise xvas unsuccessful. The buildings xvere moved away and the village of Sumner blotted off the map. THOR. Thor Avas laid out by the AAYstern Town Lot company in 1881, the plat being filed for record on the 7th of March, 1882. The first store building was a small shack built by L. and S. Olson, who in December, 1881, put in a general line of merchandise. From this time the town has continued to grow, has several well equipped stores, a strong savings bank, handles lots of grain and is an all around trade center. G. K. GROTH, Was born in Clayton County, Ioxva, April 29, 1866. He came to Humboldt County in 1873, settling on a farm in the southeastern part of Norxvay township. In 1890 he moved to Thor and went into the gneral merchandise business. June 24, 1897, he married Clara Olson. She died July 1, 1898. In politics, Air. Groth is a Republican, and in religious belief a Lutheran. He owns 250 acres of land, all under cul- (xx > HISTORY OF IOAVA tixation, and in jiartnership with Stewart Olson, runs the largest general merchandise store in Thor. L. KALLEA1, AAras born in Norway, September 14, 1862. His parents were R. and Elizabeth Kalleni. He settled in Livingston County, Illinois, and came from there to Humboldt County in 1884, settling in Norway township. He married Bertha Iverson July 12, 1895, and they have tA\*o children, Roy L. and Ida M. Air. Ivallem started in life as a farmer. In 1898 he moved to the town of Thor and opened a harness shop and has carried on a x-ery successful business. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran. He is interested in education and oavus a store building in Thor. J. E. LAXXIXG. AA'as born in Nonvay, November 9, 1871. In 1887 he emigrated to Flumboldt County settling in Norway township on a farm. Three years later he moved to Thor and xvent into the hardware business as a partner of O. A. Opheim. His first tvife Avas Selma ( )pheim and In* her he is the father of one child, Selma, avIio fixes at home. He married for his second xvife Anna Nelson, and to them three children have been born, only one of whom, Edna, is living and resides with her parents. In religion Air. Lanning is a Lutheran and in politics a Republican. He has been constable for tAvo A'ears. He is still in partnership xvith Ah. Opheim and is doing a x-erv successful business. CHRISTIAN J. LUND, AA'as born in Norx\-av, ALiy 3, 1857. In i860 he emi grated to America with his parents, settling in Clinton Coun ty, Ioxva, and four years later moved to Benton Count)*. In 1879 he came to Humboldt County and located in Xorxvay toxvnship. Here in 1880 he opened a small general merchan dise store. One year later, the railroad being completed, he mox-ed his stock to Thor and continued in business until 1890. At that date he accepted the position of cashier in the bank at Badger, Ioxva, xvhere he remained two years. Returning to Thor he became cashier of the Thor Savings bank. He xvas married Januarv 18, 1882, to Alartha Olson Beveland, and to them five children haA*e been born, all living at home. Georgiana T., Jens C, Christina AL, Peter S., and Osmond. HUM B( )LDT COUNTY 607 Air. Lund is a Republican in politics and a Lutheran in religious belief. He has held office as justice of the peace, toxvnship clerk and school director. He owns a farm of 120 acres in Norway township, and beside his office of cashier of the Thor bank, he is vice-president of a bank at Hartland, Alinnesota, is president of the Thor Lumber & Grain Com pany, and a partner in a general merchandise business in Thor. SAA1UEL J. LUND, AA'as born August 8, 1861, in Clinton County, IoAva, of Norwegian parents. In 1865 the family moved to Benton County in the same state and in 1878 to Llumboklt County, settling in Norxvay township. October 21, 1883, he married Hannah Korslund and to them nine children have been born, all living with their parents, Oliva C, Joseph H., George A., Sarah, Julia, Clarence, Edxvin, O. Anna, Hendrick. Air. Lund started in life as a farmer. In 1885 he moved to Thor and Avent into the general merchandise business and still continues in the same dealing also in real estate. In politics he is a Republican and has held the follotving offices: ToAA'iiship clerk, assessor, member of school board, constable. He is at present tOAvnship clerk and postmaster of Thor. He opened the Thor Savings bank, and has been a director and assistant cashier for ten years. He is a member of the A. O. U. AAL, and of the Lutheran church of Avhich he is a trustee, also secretary and treasurer. STEWART OLSON, AA'as born in Norway, June 17, 1849. Fie emigrated to Lee County, Illinois, xvhere he received his education. In 1871 he came to- Norway toxvnship, Humboldt County. Fie married Aliss G. AL Kluga, December 24, 1873, and tAvelve children have been born to them, nine of whom are living, Alelinda, iioav Mrs. Alaklabust of Thor, Iowa; Olaus, Alletta, Amanda, Antoine, Stena, Edxvin, Floranus and Levey, living at home. In 1880 Air. Olson moved to Thor, being one of the first settlers in the tOAvn. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran. He Avas for many years presi dent of the school board, and justice of the peace. Previous to Cleveland's administration he Avas postmaster of Thor and is noAv mayor. He oxvns a farm of 280 acres, all under culti vation, his residence and a business block in Thor. In 1880 he opened a general merchandise store and is still in business. 608 HISTORY OF IOAA'A In company with Air. Groth, he operates the largest and best stocked store in the town. LOUIS OLSON, AA'as born in Norway in 1838. He settled in Benton Count)', Iowa, in 1869, and in the fall of 1871 came to Hum boldt county and remained in Norway township- two years, going from there to Ft. Dodge, IoAva. Later he returned to Humboldt County, from Avhich place he Avent east and spent two years. In 1880 he again settled in Norway township, xvhere he still resides. He married Evelyn AA'arner in 1868 and to this union tAvo children xvere born, Oscar, of Thor, Iowa; and Henrietta, hoax* Airs. Rogdo of Norway township. Airs. Olson died in 1894. The subject of this sketch started in life as a farmer. He has dealt in grain for thirty-seven years, and from 1880 to 1894, operated a general merchandise store. Fie is at present secretary of the Thor Co-operative Creamery, xvhich xvas organized in 1891. In politics he is a Republican and has held office as school director, as toxvn ship clerk, and as trustee. He is interested in education and keeps himself informed concerning- affairs of the times. He is a member of the Lutheran church of which he has been secretary for a number of years. ( ). A. OPHEIAI, AA'as born in Benton Count)*, Ioxva, April 2, 1870. He came to Humboldt CountA- xx-ith his parents xvho settled on a farm in Norxvav toxvnship. In 1896 he mox-ed into Thor and bought a half interest in a hardxvare store, and still continues in that business. He Ax-as married June 7, 1809 to Gunda Dahlen. He .is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church. In company xvith his partner he does a first class business in the hardware line, and oxvns a resi dence and txvo town lots in Thor. CHAPTER XX. AVERY TOWNSHIP. The first individual who settled in Avery Township was a man by the name of Fenton, who located upon a portion of section eight in 1857; he did not remain long, but soon removed to Fort Dodge. During the same year AVilliam Beers made claim to a portion of the same section, where he lived for some time. The following year another Beers made a claim near by, xvhere he resided until i860. Henry Beers, who is no relation to the other two, put up a log cabin in Avery Township in 1857; the same year two men by the name of McClellan and Royal entered claims. None of these people were actual settlers. The first bona fide settler, who came with the intention of opening up a farm, was Oscar F. Avery, after Avhom the ToAvnship was named. He was a native of Herkimer County, New York, and before his death acquired considerable wealth. In 1861 Charles Jarvis, an Englishman, settled on section seventeen, there he home- steaded it, and made for himself a home. Charles Sherman came in October, 1861, and located upon section fifteen. Fie was also a native of New York state. The same year G. WL Ryder, came driving a drove of cattle and sheep. The first birth in the Township- was that of Minnie G. Avery, who- was born the 21st of July, 1866. The first marriage was that of Charles Sherman to Sylvia Ingham, which took place in November, 1864. The first corn was planted, and the first wheat was sown by Oscar F. Avery. The first school was taught by Mrs. Ellen Ryder in 1864. The first school house was a temporary one, erected in 1864 by Oscar F. Avery at a cost of $35.00. A. M. Adams xvas the first teacher in this school house. The first log cabin xvas built by Fenton in 1867. The first frame building was erected by D. W. Ryder, the stockman, in 1863. The postoffice was established in 1864 and Oscar E. Avery was appointed the first postmaster. 610 HISTORY OF IOWA It was first called Humboldt and afterwards Park Grove. Avery Township was organized in 1873. The election for the first officers taking place at the general election in the fall of that year. L. L. BUCK, Is a son of Abner L. Buck, a native of New York, and Delilah (Pinkley) Buck of Indiana. He has one brother, Taylor Scott Buck of New York City, N. Y. ; and two sisters Mrs. Dunker of Lincoln, Neb., and Mrs. Rich of Waukee, Iowa. The subject of this sketch Avas born in Rock Island County, Illinois, December 31, 1851. March 8, 1872, he married Ida C. Tillman, Avho was born in New York and came to Illinois in her ninth year. In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Buck came to Humboldt County, Iowa, living at first in a tent on the farm that is still their home. The family have several times removed from Iowa, but have always returned to' their home in Humboldt County. They have three children, Hat- tie L., Ida Myrtle, and T. S., all living Avith their parents. W. C. CARPENTER, Who has been assessor of Avery ToAvnship for twelve years, is the son of J. P. and Elizabeth (Gassett) Carpenter, both of New Hampshire. Airs. Carpenter is still living and resides in her native state. But one other child survives, Mrs. Cora D. Huntly of Vermont. The subject of this sketch was born near AVhalon, N. H., March 16, 1852. He came to Humboldt County, IoAva, in 1870, where he has since resided. In 1878 he married Amanda Longerbeam, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Longerbeam of Humboldt County. Taa*o children have sprung from this union, Elsie and Chester xvho reside xvith their parents. Air. and Mrs. Carpenter have lived successively in Rutland, Grove and Av ery ToAvnships. Mr. Carpenter is a Republican and has held many toAA*n offices at different times. STEPHEN NELSON, Nels Nelson, father of the subject of this sketch xvas born in Nonvay in 1839, and his mother. Bertha Jensen, at the same place in 1828. Three children Avere the offspring of this marriage, the first tAvo of which, Jens Nelson and Martha Nelson still live in Norway. Stephen Nelson, the third, was born at Bergen, Norway, July 16, 1867, came to Iowa and Humboldt County in 1885, and was received into HUMBOLDT COUNTY 611 the household of C. N. King and his estimable Avife, Sa,rah Ann Jane King, Avho had come in 1855, from their home at Barre, Vermont, and settled on their Humboldt County farm. They had no children of their own but they treated their foster son as their oxvn and on their decease, within a few weeks of each other, in 1899, left him their entire prop erty including one of the finest stock farms in Humboldt County. S. VAN ALSTINE, A name of interest in the vicinity of Gilmore City, is that of S. Van Alstine. His father, Leonard B. Van Alstine, was born in Columbia County, New \tork, in 1803, and his moth er, Sophia Pratt, in Aladison County of the same state, two years earlier. The subject of this sketch was born in Chau tauqua County, New York, October 24, 1824. He xvas mar ried in Illinois, December 6, 1848, to Ellen C. Hawley, who was born near Arlington, Vermont, in 1830. To this couple seven children have been born, six of whom are living, Inez, now Mrs. Ira Scranton of Polk County, Missouri; Clarence, Rollin H., L. H., Blanch A., and H. S. living in Gilmore City, the four sons being engaged in business there. The family came from Illinois to Iowa in 1871. Mr. Van Alstine first took up a half section of land and later bought more, so that at one time he owned nearly all of the town site of Gilmore City, and still retains 580 acres of very good farm land. Mr. Van Alstine took part in the civil war serving from 1862 to 1865 in Company K, 95 Illinois Volun teers and acquiring the rank of orderly sergeant. He still personally superintends his work and takes an active interest in .he welfare of his community. CHAPTER XXI. BEAVER TOWNSHIP The first settler was Robert Marshall, who came in March, 1859, and located a claim upon section thirty-three. He was followed by A. P. AAYbber, xvho' located upon section thirty-two, in May, 1863, who> is now the oldest inhabitant of the Township. The first birth in the Township xvas that of Valentine Driscoll. The first death occurred in 1866, Avhich was that of Mrs. Vandrist. The first grain soavii in the Township was in 1861. The first marriage took place in 1857, the contract being betAveen Miss Evans and an individ ual, whose name is unknown. Beaver Township xvas organ ized in 1878 and the first general election took place in the fall of that year. The first school taught in the Township was by Ophelia Jinks, at the house of Robert Marshall in 1865, this is now what constitutes the sub-district No. 2, but xvas then the sub-district No. 6 of the county. The first regular school house xvas erected in this district in 1868 and Sarah. Seegar taught the first term. C. D. BOORE, Was born in Blackhawk County, Iowa, January 28, 1873. In 1884 he came to Humboldt County AA'here he be gan farming. March 10, 1897 he married Mary Penoyer, and to- them one child, Edna, has been born. Mr. Boore is still engaged in farming, he owns 212 acres of land and makes a specialty of stock-raising. In politics he is a Republican and the family are Protestants but non-sectarian. DOAHNIQUE EHLERINGER, Was born December 1, 1858. His parents, Nicholas and Suzanna (Hommel) Ehleringer were natives of Holland. The subject of this sketch came to Rutland Township, Hum boldt County, in 1876. He started in life as a farmer living two years in Avery township and the same length of time in HUMBOLDT COUNTY • '613 Dakota City. For four years he was superintendent of the Humboldt county-farm. He married Helen Welter Febru ary 5, 1889. They have no children. Mr. Ehleringer has dealt in real estate and now owns a farm of sixty acres in Corinth Township. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion Roman Catholic. L. J. FEVOLD, Was born in Fayette County, Iowa, May 30, 1875. His father, J. E. Fevold, a native of Norway, settled in that coun ty in 1870. He married Walburg Stensland in 1869 and to them seven children were born, Even and L. J., living in Beaver Township, Humboldt County; Amie, deceased; Mar tin, Badger, Iowa; Andrew, deceased; Annie and Myron liv ing xvith their parents. Mr. Fevold moved from Fayette County to Humboldt County and is noxv engaged in the general merchandise business at Badger. The subject of this sketch settled in Beaver Toxvnship on a farm. He married Mary Johnson, April 17, 1897, and two children have been born to them, Bessie, deceased, and Bert. In 1899 Mr. Fevold AA-as in the implement business at Badger. He now owns a farm of 240 acres in Beaver Township, and deals in stock. In politics he is a Republican and in religions belief a Lutheran. FRANK A. GOTCH, AVas born in Humboldt County, Iowa, April 27, 1877. His father Frederick Gotch xvas born in Germany, April 7, 183 1, and his mother, Amelia Gotch, in the same country, April 28, 1834. They xvere married July 11, 1855. In 1863 they emigrated to America, and settled in Lewis County, NeAV York. In 1864, Frederick Gotch enlisted in Company A, 186th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was in the army of the Potomac under Grant, took part in the capture of Petersburg and other notable battles, and was mustered out in 1865. Later in that year, the family came west, and settled in Humboldt County, Iowa, in what is now Corinth Township. In 1875 they moved to- Beaver Township, xvhere they still live on a farm of 320 acres. Seven children xvere born to them, Mary, Anna A., F. W., C. F., Millie, George E., and Frank A. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on a farm, and received his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty he began life as a farmer, but two years later, ABRAHAM KETMAN HUMBOLDT COUNTY 615 concluded that he had some ability as a wrestler, he decided to take training in that line. His second match was xvith McLeod, a former champion of the United States. It was wrestled upon the ground and resulted in a defeat for Gotch, but the time for the first fall was one hour and seven minutes and for the second, forty-five minutes. At that time Gotch had had no training. Later he became a pupil of "Farmer" Burns, and has made a notable record. He is now champion wrestler of Iowa. Among those whom he has met and defeated, are Ole Shellenberger, state champion of Michigan, and D. A. McMillan, champion all round wrestler of America. Mr. Gotch is an unassuming young man, of temperate habits, and conducts himself in such a manner as to win re spect. BERT S. HORNER, Was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, and is the son of J. A. Horner. The latter is a Canadian, having been born near Montreal, in 1847. In I&72 he moved to Hum boldt County, Iowa, xvhere his three children, Bert, William, and Alberta, now reside. The subject of this sketch came to this county with his parents and has lived here since. In 1896 he married Alice Heatherington, and to them three children have been born. In politics, Mr. Horner is a Re publican, and in religious belief, a Alethodist. He owns and operates successfully a farm in Beaver Township. He is progressive in educational lines and is ranked among the enterprising farmers of Humboldt County. ABRAHAM KETA1AN, Was born September 14, 1856, in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, and came to- this county in 1867. He married Miss Jensen and to them five children have been born, Harry, George, Frances, Mary and Anthony, all of whom live with their parents. In politics Mr. Ketman is a Republican and has held offices as school director, road commis sioner, and vice-president of township board of di rectors. At present he is chairman of the Dakota City school board. He is a Baptist, and is trustee and deacon in the Humboldt church. Mr. Ketman has a fine farm, and his barn is one of the best in the county. It was built entirely from his own designs and is a model of comfort, cleanliness and convenience. 616 HISTORY OF IOWA MANUS KETMAN, Son of H. J. Ketman, Avas born July 26, 1872, in Beaver Township, Humboldt County, IoAva, where he spent the years of his early life. He was married September 30, 1896, to Aliss Helga Johnson. FolloAving the occupation SO' success fully carried on by his father he became a farmer and has dem onstrated his ability to succeed. He now owns a fine farm of 270 acres in Beaver Township, 170 acres of which are un der cultivation, the remainder being timber. In Mr. Ket- man's own Township he has very creditably discharged the duties of school director. He belongs to the Mod ern Woodmen, and is an active member of the Bap tist church. He is highly respected by all aa*1io know him and is one of the prominent farmers of the county. JOHN H. KETMAN. AA'as born in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, May 15, 1858. He came to Humboldt County in 1867. He married Emma J. Combs, and to them two children have been born, Jennie and Dorothy. Mr. Ketman is interested along educational lines. In religion he is a Christian Scientist, and in politics a Republican, having held office as justice of the peace, as road commissioner, and as trustee for three terms. He is a member of the AL AV. A. and is one of the prominent farmers of Beaver Township xvhere he owns a farm of 280 acres, 170 acres being under cultivation. In farming lines he is especially interested in stock-raising. ROBERT SAYERS, AAras born in Ireland, September 11, 1853. In 1876 he emigrated to- Tama County, Ioxva, and remained there for seven years after xvhich he came to- Humboldt Count)' and settled in Beaver Township, where he noAv lives. He married Maggie Kerr March 21, 1882, and to' them four children have been born, William A., Maggie E., Robert J., and Charles E., all residing Avith their parents. Mr. Savers is a Protestant, and in politics a Republican. He has been school director for three years and is at present secretary of the school board. He oxvns a farm of 220 acres and pays considerable attention to the raising of live stock. He Avas one of the organizers of the Humboldt creamery, and is noxv a stockholder and a di rector in the same. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 617 AUGUSTUS P. WEBBER, Is the son of Lorenzo- and Sophia (Pease) Webber, and was born October 6, 1832, in Hamden County, Massachu setts. In 1839 he Avent AA'ith his father to Huron County, Ohio, Avhere they lived tAvo years, going then to Steuben County, Indiana. In 1850 the subject of this sketch came to Clayton County, Iowa, and xvorked there at farming and -mining until 1857. Then attracted by the opening of Chero kee County, Iowa, he moved there, being one of the pioneers. He lived on a farm near Cherokee, and was trustee and post master of that town. He dreAV the designs for the first court house erected in the county, and as road supervisor, located the first road from Cherokee to the junction of the Floyd river in AAYodbury County. In 1858 he moved to AVebster City, IoAx-a, AA'here he remained five years, coming then to Humboldt County, Avhere he settled on his present home stead, a farm of 228 acres. He xvas married April 6, 1856, to Clarissa F. McCleland, a native of Pennsylvania, and has three children. Irilla May, for a number of years a teacher in Humboldt County and now matron of the Kune hospital at Et. Dodge, Iowa; Kendrick E., Logan, Iowa; Myron A., xvho resides with his parents. The last named was a member of Company D, Twenty-second IoAva Volunteers in the Span ish Avar. Mr. Webber's mother Avho has reached the ad vanced age of ninety-six, lives xvith him. Mr. Webber is a prominent Republican, having been a delegate to the county conventions many times. He has been a member of the board of supervisors and now holds the presidency of the Humboldt County Old Settlers' Society. In his own town ship he has been school director almost continuously since the district AA*as organized. In religious belief Mr. Webber is a Congregationalist, having helped organize churches of that denomination in AVebster City and in Humboldt. He is a prominent and successful farmer and a popular citizen. CHAPTER XXII. CORINTH TOWNSHIP. William Miller was the pioneer of this Township, who took up a claim on section twenty-four in the spring of 1854-. he here built the first log cabin in the Township; being of a social nature, he kept open house for travelers, but had a keen dislike for paper money, which he refused to take in pay ment of any kind. John McKitrick and John Means came into' the Township in 1856. Mr. McKitrick came without his family and settled on the southwest quarter of section two, where he built a log cabin and was assisted in putting it up by the Indians, who shoAved him many faA'ors. Mr. Means located upon the southwest quarter of the same sec tion and also persuaded the Indians to' help him put up his cabin of logs. John Farney, another old settler, came to the Township in 1856, but died in 1857 during the time of the excitement of the Spirit Lake massacre. John Johnston, an other of the pioneers of this Township, came to Corinth and located a claim on section two in 1856. Alexander McLean took up a claim on section fourteen in 1856, Mr. McLean xvas the first county treasurer and recorder. The first mar riage in the township took place on the 16th of March, 1859, between Alexander AAL Marsh and Rachel A. Miller. The first death was that of A. AAL Alarsh in 1859, xvho xvas killed by a runaxvay team, at the time of his death he xvas county judge. The first school xvas taught on Glen farm. William Miller, AvliO' lived there at that time, employed Peter C. Mc- Clennan to teach his children in November, 1857. The first district school Avas taught in a small frame building on the northeast quarter of section twenty-three during the sum mer of 1859. William Miller broke the first ground and put in the first wheat and corn in the spring of 1856. Corinth Township was organized in .April, 1879; the first election tak ing place on the 14th of October. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 619 PETER ANDERSON, Was born April 4, 1838, in Norway of Norwegian par ents, Andrew and Inga (Rodger) Anderson. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and received his early edu cation in his native country. In 1852, the family emigrated to America, and settled in La Salle County, Illinois. Here the subject of this sktch xvorked as a farm hand, until 1862, xvhen he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, un der Colonel T. Lyle Dickey. He was in numerous skirmish es and engagements in xvestern Mississippi, and eastern Ten nessee. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the Mississippi Marine Brigade, and was stationed on the gunboat Cairo, remaining until the boat was blown up. He took part in engagements at Ft. Donelson, Ft. Henry, and Arkansas Post. At the close of the war he returned to' La Salle County, Illinois, where he remained until 1869, coming then to' Web ster County, IoAA-a. He lived in different parts of AVebster and Humboldt Counties at different times, and in 1891 bought a farm of 160 acres in Corinth Township, Humboldt County, Avhere he lived until his death, March 11, 1900. He AA*as married in 1873 to Betsy Knutson of Humboldt County. Seven children were born to them, Andrew (de ceased), Osmund, Charles, John, Carrie, Inga, Malinda. Mrs. Anderson died January 2, 1897. The children are all living on the home farm. Air. Anderson Avas a Republican, as are also the sons, and the family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Anderson was a well known and respected citi zen of Corinth ToAvnship. L. H. BARBER, AVas born October 26, 1847, in Lewis County, New York. In 1870, he came to Humboldt County, Iowa, and settled in Humboldt Township on a farm. He remained there several years and then moved to Humboldt and Avent into the draying business, in Avhich he continued for twelve years. He sold the business to S. Taft, in October, 1900. August 10, 1874, he married Miss Carrie Scribner, of Oswego, New York. Three children were born to them, one having died in infancy. The two living are, Charlotte, now Mrs. M. S. Barrett of Humboldt; and Catherine, now Mrs. Augustine, who is teaching school at Thor, Iowa. Mrs. Barber has one sister, Catherine, now Airs. Tollman of New 620 HISTORY OF IOWA York. Her mother married for her second husband, Mr. Richard Rolfe of Oswego, New York. They settled in Hum boldt County, IoAva, in 1871. Two children were born to them, Fannie, who died at the age of twenty-one, and Charles also deceased. Mr. Rolfe took part in the civil Avar, enlisting in the Twenty-fourth New York Cavalry, and serving till the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Rolfe own several lots in the town of Humboldt, and also a comfortable residence property in Corinth Township, xvhere they live. In politics, Air. Bar ber is a Republican, and in religion, a Unitarian. Mrs. Bar ber was a charter member of the Baptist church of Humboldt. Mr. Barber held office as president of the school board in Humboldt Township' for three years. He has acquired con siderable residence property in Humboldt, but at present lives on the Rolfe farm in Corinth Township. GEORGE L. CRUIKSHANK, AVas born in Flat Lands, King's County, Long Island, in 1834. His great grandfather settled at an early date in what is noAV Salem, New York, xvhere his grandfather xvas born, lived, and died. His father, Rev. AVilliam Crnikshank, the second of a family of eight children, was born March 12, 1798 and was married in Xtovember, 1824, to Jane B. Delaplane of Salem. She died at Newburg XYav York, January 17, 1836. His father died at Corn Avail, Orange County, New- York, February 20, 1854. In 1835, Air. Cruikshank re moved xvith his parents to XYwburg, and in 1838 to Hyde Park, Duchess County thence to Cornwall in 1841, where they remained fifteen years. In July 1856, he removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and in the spring of 1857, came to- Hum boldt County. In 1859 he returned to Fort Dodge, and en gaged in partnership with S. B. Avers, in the mercantile bus iness, in Avhich he continued until August, 1861, when he en listed in the Independent Light Cavalry, afterward known as the Eleventh Pennsylvania. He served until September 20, 1864, and at the time of his discharge, was first sergeant. On his return from the war, he engaged in business at Dakota City, for a few months, then went again to Fort Dodge, where he xvas a member of the firm, Crnikshank & Riddle, for three years. In 1868, he returned to Dakota City and en gaged in mercantile trade which he discontinued in 1875, and removed to the farm xvhere he noxv lives. He was married December 24, 1864, to Esther M. Floxv- HUAIBOLDT COUNTY 621 er, daughter of R. S. Flower of Humboldt County. Seven children have been born to them, Eleanor, Catherine E., George F. (died 1890), Roswell D., Mary, Robert, AVilliam D. (deceased). In politics, Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican. He has held the following offices: Township clerk from 1879 to> 1897; secretary of the school board for eighteen years; postmaster at Dakota City from 1870 to 1875; chair man of the Humboldt Creamery Company in i892-'93, and secretary since; county supervisor; deputy-postmaster of Ad dison from 1876 to 1884, and postmaster since then. Mr. Cruikshank is one of the early settlers of the county and has long been a Avell-known and influential citizen. WILLIAM GAMBLE, AAYs born July 5, 1838, in Ireland, of Irish parents, An- dreAV and Sarah Gamble, who came to America when William AA'as five years of age, and located at Skaneateles, Onondaga County, Nexv York, Avhere they were engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools near his home until his tAvelfth year, when he entered the office of the Skaneateles Columbian, and remained until the paper was purchased by the Skaneateles Democrat, and stayed with that paper until 1862. He filled every position, from devil to foreman. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, 149th New Y'ork Volunteers. He was in the battles of Chancelorsville, Gettysburg and xvas xvounded in the night attack at Wauhat- chie Valley, at the foot of Lookout Mountain, in October, 1863. He was sent to the hospital at Nashville, and later was removed to Jeffersonville, Ind., then to' Madison, Indiana, and afterward to Elmira, XLew York, where he was discharg ed in 1865. He returned to his home in Onondaga County, AA-here he remained until 1871. At that time, in company with his father, his mother, and a sister, Mary, he moved to Iowa, and settled on a farm in Corinth Township, Humboldt County, where his brother, T. H. Gamble, lived. He owns a farm of sixty-six acres, and is engaged in farming and stock- raising. He is unmarried, and in politics, is a Republican. He is not a church member. His father died in October, 1876, his mother in March, 1888, and his sister, Mary, in June, 1889. T. H. GAMBLE, Was born November 23, 1846, at Skaneateles, Ononda ga County, New York. His parents, Andrew and Sarah 622 HISTORY OF IOWA Gamble, were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1843. The subject of this sketch was raised in town, and was educated in the public schools. He worked for two years in a general merchandise store, and one year in a hotel. In 1864 he moved to Iowa and located in Webster County where he was engaged in farming. In 1871 he came to Hum boldt County, and settled upon his present farm in Corinth Township. He was married March 26, 1883, to Miss Julia Taylor of Humboldt County. Six children have been born to them, Edith J., Ray A., Emma A., Catherine, Ruth M., Helen N., all living at home except Emma, who attends school in Humboldt. In politics, Air. Gamble is a staunch Republican. He owns a farm of 260 acres, and is engaged in farming, stock-raising and dairying. He has one of the best orchards in the county, growing apples, cherries, grapes, and small fruits, and has taken several premiums at the coun ty fair, for the best collection of fruits. Mr. Gamble has harvested thirty-six consecutive crops in Webster and Hum boldt Counties, and is a popular and influential citizen. AMOS AVOOD, Was born Octobr 21, 1847. He married Eritha Pratt of New York, and eight children have been born to them: C. Z.; R. B., noxv Mrs. Hall, residing at Humboldt; G. A., O. J., Floy, Alaud, Pearl, and Merton, living at home. In politics, Mr. Wood is a Republican, and in religion, a Prot estant. He is an old resident of the county, and lives upon his farm of 198 acres in Corinth Township. With the help of his two sons, he is successfully engaged in general farming. CHAPTER XXIH. DELANA TOWNSHIP. The first inhabitant of this Township was a man by the name of Eastman, who located on the east half of section thirteen; he kept some groceries and whisky for sale at his cabin; he was later compelled to leave by Hugh Johnston and his sons, Avho claimed the land. Early in the spring of 1856 Enos Bond is claimed to have built a cabin on the northwest quarter of section thirteen; this same year quite a number of settlers appeared, and commenced to open up farms, among whom were Hiram Flemming, S. H. Church, D. W. Trelling- er, Edwin France, T. Elwood Collins, Hewitt and Wil liam Dean. Hiram Flemming purchased of the John stons' and the fall of that year built a log cabin; his home became a noted stopping place for all who traveled the road from Fort Dodge to Algona. The first marriage of resi dents of this Township was in 1857, the contract being be tween T. J. Smith and Roxa Flemming, the couple going to Algona to get married. The first birth was that Allie Collins in 1856. The first land was broken by D. ML Trellinger in the fall of 1856, and he raised the first crop of corn the fol lowing year, the first postmaster was George W. Hanchett. The first class of the Methodist Episcopal church in Delana Township was organized by Rev. E. E. Drake. The pioneer school of the Township was taught at Sumner in the summer of i860 by Flavia A. Flemming. This was a district school, the district being a sub-division of the Township of Flum boldt. The first regular school house was erected in 1866, and is that now constituted in District number one. L. B. GANGESTAD, Was born in Norway, in 1866. His father, Lars J. Gangestad was born in Norway in 1830, and his mother, Maline Olson, in 1829. The family consisted of six child ren, Mary, now married and living in Norway; James, in the 624 HISTORY OF IOWA lumber business at Bode; Louise, Mrs. L. K. Opheim of Bode; Amelia, now Mrs. John Peterson, living in Wacousta Township; Severen, in business at Bode; Ludwig B., the sub ject of this sketch. In 1872 the family emigrated to- Ameri ca and settled in Humboldt County, Iowa. The father died December 8, 1895, and the mother January 31, 1896. The subject of this sketch now lives on the home farm of 152 acres the Park Lawn Farm. He also owns twelve lots and a house in Bode. His home residence is one of the finest and is fitted throughout with modern conveniences. He was married to Matilda Helmen, March 26, 1893. She was born in Green County, Wisconsin, in 1871. They have one child, Hattie Viola, who was born March 6, 1896. C. F. GULLIXSON, Was born in Norway, August 23, 1844. The family emigrated to America in 1856, and settled in AViota, La Fay ette County, Wisconsin. In 1868 the parents moved to Iowa and settled in Delana Township-, Humboldt County, where they lived until their demise. The subjct of this sketch work ed in the pineries of Wisconsin from his seventeenth to his twenty-first year, and suffered the usual hardships of that oc cupation. In 1866 he came to Humboldt County, Iowa, and took a homestead in Delana Township. Txx*o years later he sold his claim, and went to Warren, Illinois, Avhere he clerked in a general mercantile store. In 1869 he returned to Iowa, and worked in a store in Ft. Dodge for tAvo years. He then went into the implement business in Dakota City, where he remained six months. Afterward he settled on his present farm of 200 acres. In 1872, he Avas married to Eliza Mc- XLelly, who was born in Canada, in 1850. They have eight children, Austin, Sidney L., Arthur, Willie, Edgar, Marcus, Herbert, Burtis. In politics, Mr. Gullixson is a Republican, and in religion, a Lutheran. In 1878, he was elected sheriff of Humboldt County, AA-hich office he held two- terms. He xvas appointed deputy oil inspector of IoAva, and in 1894 xvas made district state oil inspector, xxdfich position he still holds. JOHN JOHNSON, Was born in Norway, February 17, 1870. His parents were John and Hejestina Johnson. Tlie subject of this sketch received his education in Norway, and emigrated to America xvith his parents in 1889. They settled in Shelby County, HUMBOLDT COUNTY 625 Iowa, where they remained one year, coming then to Hum boldt county. Mr. Johnson was married March 23, 1898, to Mary Enger, of Bode. In politics he is a Republican and in religious belief a Lutheran. He began life as a farmer, and is still engaged in that occupation. CHRISTIAN INGVARD LARSEN, Was born near Thisted, Denmark, July 5, 1874. His parents, Jens and Margaret Larsen, were natives of Den mark. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and received his education in his native country. He emigrated to America in the spring of 1890, and settled at Wilton Junction, Cedar County, Iowa. In 1895, he came to Hum boldt County, and lived for a short time in Vernon Toxvn ship, and then moved to Delana Township, where he still re sides, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married December 2, 1894, to Anna C. Mickelsen, of Wilton Junction. Three children have been born to them, Jens C, Marius, and Lavris. The family are Lutherans in religious belief. MRS. MAGDELINA MARSO, AA'as born in Luxemburg, Germany, July 4, i860. Her parents were John and Annie Atemon. Mrs. Marso was raised on a farm, and received her education in the home schools of her native country. The family emigrated to America in 1881, settling in Kossuth County, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was married June 20, 1882, to- Peter Marso, a native of Luxemburg, but at that time a prosperous farmer of Humboldt County, Iowa. They Avere the parents of ten children, Alichael, Justina, Susey, John, James, Alathias Nicholas, Lizzie, Charles, and Lena (deceased). Mr. Alarso died January 13, 1896. The family now live in a pleasant home near St. Joseph, and are all members of the Catholic church. They own a farm of 200 acres in Kossuth County, and two farms of 160 acres each in Humboldt County, all of xvhich are xvorked by tenants. CHRISTOPHER OLSEN, Was born in Norway in 1840. He came to the United States in 1867, and lived in Wisconsin until 1870 when he came to Humboldt County, and settled in Delana Township near xxdiere he noAv resides. Mr. Olsen had only a $1.00 gold (.20 HISTORY OF IOAVA piece and a $5.00 gold piece when he landed in America. Fie still keeps the $1.00 gold piece as a reminder of those days. By management, foresight and economy he has acquired a competency consisting of his home place of 600 acres, 280 acres in the east portion of Delana Township, 175 acres in the northwestern part of Delana Township, 160 acres in sec tion thirty-six, AA'acousta Toxvnship. Fie is a share-holder in the Bode creamery, and owns toxvn property in Bode. He is now one of the xvealthiest men in this part of the county. He has always taken an active interest in the Avork of both church and school, and is considered a liberal man. He serv ed in the army in X'orway for five years. He has held offices of trust in his community and is one of the organizers of the large Lutheran church of Bode. Before coming to America he xvas married to Ingu (Hanson) Olsen. To them seven children were born, Ole Alartin. died in 1890. at the age of txventy-two; Henry: Alina Hansina, now Airs. Hoff of Bode; Alaria, noxv Airs. Halsrud residing in AA'acousta Toxvnship; Clara, noxv Mrs. Grefstad; Julia and Amanda. In politics Mr. Olsen is a Republican, and in all local matters an enter prising citizen. AIRS. KAREN OLSON. AA'as born in Rock County, AA'isconsin, April 22, 1852. Her parents, Harold and Christina Olmstead, Avere natives of Norway, and xvere raised and educated in that country. The subject of this sketch xvas married to Alartin Olson of Rock Count)-, AALsconsin, June 9, 1871. Eight children xvere born to them, Henrv. deceased; Henrv Olans, deceased: Carl M.; Oscar H.; Eniike Al. ; Oliver AL : Severen AL; Clifford H. In 1873 the family came to Humboldt County and settled on their present farm, renting it for three years and then buying it. Afr. Olson died October 24, 1898, of consumption. The family are all members of the Lutheran church. The child ren all live at home and carry on the xvork of the farm, being especially interested in stock-raising. HENRY C. OLSON, AAYs born February 2y, 1871. in Humboldt County, Iowa. His parents xvere Christopher and Ingar Olson. Fie xvas raised on his father's farm and received his education in the common schools, and the Lutheran Academy at Bode. In 1897, he purchased his present farm of 440 acres in Dela- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 627 na Toxvnship. He xvas married June 21,, 1897 to Miss Dina Kirkeberg of Thor, Iowa. Two children have been born to them, Clayton Alelbourn and Irwin Martin. In politics, Air. Olson is a Republican, and in religion, a Lutheran. He has been township clerk for six years and is at present in office. He has made many improvements on his farm, and is one of the prominent young citizens of the township. L. K. OPHEIM. AA'as born July 19, 1855, in A'ass, Norway. His father, Knucl Larson Opheim, Avas born in the same toxvn, Decem ber 6. 1833, and his mother, Anna C. Hoode, January 14, 1833. They xvere married in 1852, and six children Avere born to them, four of whom are living. Lars K., born July 19, 1855; Brvngel, born September 18, 1857; Bertha, born February 20, 1865; Johanes, born May 4, 1871. The father took an active part in political and educational matters in his native country. In 1868 the family emigrated to- America, settling first in Columbia County, Wisconsin, Avhere they remained about a year. In 1869 they came to Humboldt County, IoAva, and settled in Beaver ToAvnship, being among the first settlers in the township. Later, the parents moved to their farm of 200 acres in Delana ToAvnship, and later still settled in Bode, xvhere the father still resides. The mother died April 14, 1899. Lars K. Opheim, the subject of this sketch, receix'ed his earlv education in the district schools near his home. At the age of txventy-one, he decided to enter the ministry. He attended the Rnshford (Minn.), grammar school for txvo years, studied under his uncle, Rev. B. C. Hoode of Kilbourne City, AAfisconsin, for one year, then entered the Practical Seminary at Aladison, A'Visconsin. On account of failing health, he Avas obliged to abandon his ca reer. He xvent to Ft. Dodge, Ioxva, xvhere he clerked for a number of years, and in the spring of 1883, in company xvith J. G. Gangestad, built the second store-building in Bode, Humboldt County. They engaged in a general mercantile business for eleven years, Avhen Air. Opheim bought his part ner's share, and has since continued in business alone. He AA'as married June 24, 1883, to Miss Maren Louise Gangestad, avIio xvas born September 28, 1859, near Fred- erikstad, Norway. Six children have been born to them, Anna Maria, born May 15, 1884; Laurence Martinus, born October 6, 1886; Laura Bertine, born July 19, 1888; Cora 628 HISTORY OF IOWA Sigvor, born May n, 1890; Carl William, born March 12, 1892; Edwin Francis, born November 17, 1895. The fam ily are members of the Lutheran church. Air. Opheim is one of the solid merchants of the town. NIELS PAHUS, Was born in North Schleswig, Germany, March 5, 1864, of Danish parents. He Avas raised on a farm, and received his education in the public schools of Germany. He emigrated to America in 1882, and settled in Cedar County, Iowa. Fie remained there one year, then Avent to Muscatine County, where he lived for six years. He spent the year 1889-90 in the old country and returned to Muscatine County. In the spring of 1894 he moved to Kossuth County, and four years later bought his farm of 120 acres in Humboldt County where he now lives. He xvas married June 21, 1890, to Anna Christenson of Muscatine County, Iowa. Four children have been born to them, Hans, Mary, Anna and Elmer. Mr. Pahus is a Republican in politics and the family attend the Lutheran church. He is at present, road supervisor. CAPT. T, A. ROSSING, Was born in Norway, in 1840. In 1857 the family emi grated to America, and settled on a farm near Argyle, La Fayette County, AA'isconsin. At the breaking out of the civil Avar, Mr. Rossing was attending- the Warren (111.), Col legiate Institute. He enlisted in 1861 in the Fifteenth AALIs- consin Scandinavian regiment. On account of superior edu cation, he tvas made sergeant major July 1, 1862, and first lieutenant in September, 1862. He participated in the fol- loAving battles: Perryville, Ky. ; Stone River, Chickamauga, and Knoxville. After the battle of Chickamauga, he xvas promoted to the position of captain, being then but twenty- four years old. In 1869, the subject of this sketch came to Iowa and settled in Flumboldt County, near xvhere he now resides. In Ala)', 1882, he built the first store building in Bode, and car ried on a general mercantile business until 1886. He also built a steam grist mill and another store building-. Later he moved upon his farm adjoining Bode. In 1867, he xvas mar ried to Betsy Johnson, Axdio died in 1868. For his second Avife he married Sophia Enger, a native of Norway. Mrs. Rossing is now deceased. They had six children, Bertha, HUMBOLDT COUNTY 629 Amanda, Andrew, Oscar, Clara, and Emma. In politics Cap tain Rossing is a Republican and in religion, a Lutheran. In real estate he owns a farm of 400 acres near Bode, upon which he lives, also 400 acres in Wacousta Township. His home, the Spruce Lawn Stock Farm, is one of the finest farms in the county, the improvements alone being worth $15,000 The improvements are fitted with modern conveniences, and tiling is employed xvhere it is needed. Captain Rossing is an old settler of the county, and is well known and respected. CHAPTER XXIV. GROVE TOWNSHIP. The first birth in the Toxvnship was that of Frank P. Bel lows. The first marriage was that of Thomas J. Forbes to Sarah Rebecca Cusey on the 19th of November, 1858. The first death was that of Harrison McHenry in 1859. The first justice of the peace was W. F. Hand. The first school was taught by G. W. Mann in the fall of 1858. The Township of Grove was organized in 1873. The first school house was frame built of native lumber on section four, and xA*as sixteen by twenty-four feet in dimensions. HIRAM ARNOLD, Is the fourth child of John and Lucinda (Dewey) Arnold both of whom xvere born in Washington County, New York, and died in Taswell County of the same state. Six children were born to them, Chloe, now Airs. T. J. Annis, Manchester, Iowa; John Dexvey Arnold, late of Peoria, Illinois, a promin ent physician, member of the Illinois legislature, mayor of Peoria, and consul to St. Petersburg, Russia, under Lincoln; Polly A., now Mrs. Joseph Jennings, deceased; Melinda, now Mrs. H. G. Anderson, Peoria, Illinois; James W. Arnold, killed in a railway accident at Fresno, California. The subject of this sketch was born in Collins, Erie County, New York, in 1825. He was married in 1852 to Laura Carr Alger of Buffalo, New York, Avhere they lived until they came west, Mr. Arnold during this time was deal- 630 HISTORY OF IOAA'A ing in horses. The west at this time was opening up offering places for young men and men, desiring to accumulate rapid ly on small capital. In 1871 they moved to Humboldt where they lived nine years, Air. Arnold here practicing suc cessfully his profession of veterinary surgeon. In 1880 they moved to their present place, a farm of 140 acres, which is now rented, Air. Arnold being deputy postmaster under his son. Five children haxe been born to them, three of whom died in childhood. The living are, E. H. Arnold, Ogden, California; Frank Dewey Arnold, Arnold, Iowa. The Arn old's are staunch Republicans and are directly related through Lucinda Dewey Arnold to Admiral George Dexvey of Manila fame. Frank Dexvey Arnold was born in Buffalo, Nexv York, in 1865. He came with his parents to Humboldt, and later with them to Arnold. He married Amy Clark in 1892, and has one child Laura May. Air. Arnold xvas made first post master of Arnold. The town then called Grove, xvas in 1900 named Arnold, in honor of the Arnold family. At the time of the establishment of the opstoffice, Mr. Arnold built and equipped a general merchandise store, which, in connection Avith the postoffice, he has run successfully since. For eleAen A'ears he was in the employ of an elex'ator company, after Avhich he built an elevator and xvent into business for himself with the Buell & Alorse Grain Company, of xvhich firm he is still a member. He xvas the originator of the Grove Co-operative Creamer)' company, and is hoav secretary Alr. Arnold, belongs to the I. (). O. F. at Humboldt. is still a young man. but his untiring energy and foresight haA-e gix-en him a considerable competency. He is comfor tably situated at Arnold and makes the grain trade his prin cipal business in which he is eminently successful. JOSEPH KOLLASCH. AA'as born in Germany. He emigrated first to Illinois and came from there to Humboldt County, settling in Grove Township in 1895. Fie married Christina Salz of Illinois, September 24, 1877. Eleven children xvere born to this cou ple, all living with their parents, Joseph, Charley, Ross, Lena, Peter, AVilliam, John, Paul. Alinnie, Annie and Eddie. Air. Kollasch is independent in his political views and in religion is a Roman Catholic. He began life as a farmer and by his industry and good management has acquired a comfortable HUMBOLDT COUNTY 631 property. He owns a farm of 400 acres, 300 acres of which are under cultivation, and is especially interested in stock- raising. CHAPTER NXV. HUMBOLDT TOWNSHIP. Henry Lott was the first to settle in the Township; he located upon section sixteen, and like most pioneers, he de sired to get near the woods, so that fuel would be convenient. Here in a grove he built the first log cabin in the county and broke the ground for a garden. The first permanent settler xvas a man by the name of J. D. AlcCormick, avIio located upon a portion of section six in 1855. The previous year in the fall Thomas Scurlock, Alichael and John Johnston came into this Toxvnship and took up claims. The Johnstons were young men, and they did but little in the way of opening up a farm; they, however, returned when spring opened. The first child born in Humboldt Toxvnship xvas Ila AAfilliams in 1857. The first death was that of Mrs. Henry McLean in 1855. The first marriage xvas that of M. D. Collins to- Kate AVilliams in September, 1858, they xvere married according to the rules of the Society of Friends of xvhich thex- Avere members. The first school in the Town ship Avas held in a small log cabin built by Patrick Burns on his land, this was the winter of 1857-8. The school contained sixteen scholars and xvas taught by Eliza D. KnoAvles. The first school house was built by pri vate subscription in i860 in which T. E. Collins taught the first school. The first log cabin was built by Henry Lott in 1852 on section sixteen. Michael and Frank Johnston in the spring of 1855 sowed the first wheat in the Township. The first frame house erected in Humboldt Township xvas put up by Dr. Dearman Williams in the fall of 1856 on sec tion eighteen. The first religious meeting was held by the Quakers in 1856. The Frinds also initiated the first Sabbath school the same year. The first election was held in 1856 while Humboldt Toxvnship Avas a part of Kossuth County, the voting place xvas held at Johnston & Basham's mill. The 632 HISTORY OF IOAA'A first mill was built in the Township in the summer of 1856 by Johnston & Basham. The first postoffice was establish ed in the fall of 1857, and was then known as the Lott's Creek office. Air. AlcKee being the first postmaster. FRANK DEVINE, Was born in Kossuth County, Iowa, October 14, 1858. His parents, John and Ann (Maher) Devine, were natives of Ireland. They emigrated to Canada where they lived txvo years, then moved to Kossuth County, Ioxva. The subject of this sketch left home at the age of sixteen and spent nearly eleven years in Mexico and Nexv Mexico. He worked at various occupations, among them, mining. He returned to Kossuth County in 1887. In the spring of 1900 he bought a farm of 200 acres in Humboldt County, xvhere he noAv lives. He also owns eighty acres in Kossuth County. He xvas married January 8, 1890, to Nelly K. Deen, and they are the parents of five children, Mary, Margret, Sadie, Elizabeth, and Edward S. Mr. Devine's farm is one of the best in Humboldt County, and has exceptionally good buildings. He is especially interested in stock raising. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion a Catholic. DANIEL FIARRIS, AVas born in AA'eaver ToAvnship, Humboldt County, April 6, 1876. His parents G. R. and Jane E. (Page) Harris Avere natives of New York. The subject of this sketch received a common school education and Avas married October 4, 1899, to Miss Mary Fox. They are the parents of one child, John C. In politics, Mr. Harris is a Republican, and in religious belief, a Baptist. He started in life as a farmer and is still successfully engaged in that occupation, paying especial attention to cattle raising. F. S. LOOMER, AVas born in AAlsconsin in 1862. He moved from there to Alinnesota, and in 1878 came to Humboldt County, Iowa, Avhere he noxv lives. He xvas married to Eva M. Thorn, and they are the parents of txvo children, Libbie, eleven years of age; Percy, nine years. The family attend the Methodist church. In politics, Air. Loonier is a Republican, and is also a member of the A. O. U. AV. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 633 THEODORE AIcGEE, Was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1836. He moved xvith his parents to Indiana, and later to Illinois. From there he came to Iowa and settled on his present farm in Humboldt County, in 1867. He married Sarah L. Wright, who was born in Decatur County, Illinois, in 1846. They are the parents of fifteen children, James F., Carrie M., Annie B. (deceased), Richard T., AVilliam, Minnie A., Janette, Theo dore C. Leon C, Amelia, Lizzie, Cora, Lulu, Frank, and Benjamin H. In politics, Mr. McGee is a Republican, and the family attend the Methodist church. They are active in church x\*ork, having- helpd to organize several societies. He oxvns a fann of 120 acres and is successfully engaged in general farming. He is a member of the Old Settlers' So ciety of Livermore. Mr. McGee took part in the civil war, enlisting at Clinton, DeWitt County, Illinois, in Company E, TAventieth Illinois Infantry. He Avas mustered into ser vice April 27, 1861, and served three years and four months under General Logan. He participated in the following bat tles: FrederickstoAvn, Missouri; Shiloh, Ft. Henry, where he was Avounded; Ft. Donaldson, siege of Corinth, Briton's Lane, Raymond, Aliss. ; Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg, siege of Jackson, and Hillsborough. He xvas honorably dis charged at Chattanooga, Tennessee, June 12, 1864. ALEXANDER McLAUGHLIN, AA'as born in Washington County, New York, in 1843. He received his education in his native state, and when eigh teen years of age enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fourth New York Infantry, and served until the close of the xvar. He Avas AA'ith Gilmore in front of Charlesto-wn. In 1869 he came to Iowa and settled in Humboldt County. He mar ried Aliss Nancy E. Eells, a native of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two children, Lena, hoav Mrs. Reagen, and James who died in 1895, being at that time engaged in the jewelry business at Whittemore, Ioiva. He was educated at Highland Park college, and the daughter was a student in the department of music at Cornell college. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics, and xvas elected by that party as auditor of Humboldt County, serving two terms, 1878 to 1882. The family are members of the Old Settlers' Association, and in religious belief are Christian 634 HISTORY OF IOWA Scientists. Air. AIcLaughlin is one of the early settlers of the county, and is a xvell known and respected citizen. M. MELAVEN, Was born in Canada in 1832. In 185 1 he moved to Vermont and one year later to La Salle County, Illinois. In 1856 he came to IoAva, settling first in Allamakee County, and in 1865 locating in Humboldt County. He was married to Bridget Corcoran, a native of Canada, in 1858. Twelve children were born to them, nine of whom are living, Ann, now Mrs. Berry; David, living in South Dakota; Alice; Mary, now Mrs. Musey; Joseph; Josephine; Lawrence; Thomas; Kate. Mrs. Melaven died in 1880. In politics. Air. Mela- ven is a Democrat, and has held office as tovx*n trustee, and road supervisor. In religion he is a Catholic, being one of the charter members of that church at Livermore. AALhen he first settled on his present place, there Avas no school in the township, and he was instrumental in establishing the first one. He oxvns a farm of 160 acres, and is one of the oldest settlers of the county. WILLIAM ALURRAYL AA'as born in London, England in 1843. AVhen four years of age, he emigrated to America xvith his parents, who settled in Illinois, xvhere the father died in 1863. In 1873 the subject of this sketch moved to Goodland, Indiana, and came from there to Humboldt County in 1882. He xx-as married to- Elizabeth Malcolm, xvho xvas born in Scotland in 1850, and died in T892. The)- xvere the parents of eight children, Charles Henry, Rose Alice. Alaria Elizabeth, Anna Belle, Lillian Marian, Jessamine, AA'illiam Benjamin, and Margaret (deceased). Air. Alurray is a Republican in poli tics, and the family attend the Presbyterian church. He is interested in the improvement of his township and county, and has been road supervisor and school director for eight vears. Fie is a member of the I. O. O. F. He oxvns a fann of 240 acres and has greatly improved it by putting in a system of drainage tiling, it now- being one of the most valuable farms in that xicinity. HON, J. AT. SCHLEICHER. AYas born in Baden, Germany, Alarch 10, 1840. He came to America with his parents in 1850, and settled in HUMBOLDT COUNTY 635 Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1854 removed to Dubuque County, Iowa. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company E. of Fre mont's Hussars, and afterward in Company E, Fifth Iowa Cavalry. He was honorably discharged August 10, 1865. The following- xvritten on the back of his discharge gives his army record: "The within named Sergeant Schleicher has been regi mental color bearer since the regiment veteranized and in all engagements has carried them in the front of battle. The following are the engagements in which Sergeant Schleicher especially distinguished himself, AlcCook raid, Duck River, Nashville, Pulaski, Montavallo, Ebenezer Church. J. AIORRIS YOUNG, Col. 5th la. Cav." After the war he returned to his home in Dubuque county, and in 1867 came to Humboldt County. He formed a partnership and continued in business one year with B. Chauvet at Dakota City. He then took a homestead in AA'acousta Toxvnship, and in the spring of 1869 bought 160 acres in section 32, Humboldt Toxvnship, and later 152 acres in the same Toxvnship. On January 8, 1871, he was married to Lavina Robertson, daughter of Peter Robertson of Dako ta. City. Six children were born to them, five of whom are living, Elmer, De Maude, Bertie, Elbert, and Ethel. All the children haA*e received a liberal education, and his son is hoav an attorney at Garner, Ioxva. Mr. Schleicher has taken an active part in the affairs of the county. He was elected county supervisor in 1882, and xvas chairman of that body. In 1887 he xvas elected to the state legislature as a representative of the county on an independent Republican ticket. He assisted in the organization of the G. A. R. posts at Dakota City, and at Livermore. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W In religious belief he is non-sectarian, but has assisted materially in the organization of churches in his vicinity, and contrbutes towards their support. He is at present engaged in farming and is especially interested in the raising of graded stock, some of his specimens being the best in the county. He is a representative man of Humboldt County and is re spected by all who know him. PETER THOMPSON, Was born in Nexv Jersey in 1854. He moved Avith his parents to Fulton County, Illinois, in 1855, anc^ remained there until 1871. At that date he came to Totx-a, settling first 636 HISTORY OF IOWA in Grundy County, and in 1884 in Humboldt County, where he has since resided. He xvas married to Sarah E. Merriam and to them have been born seven children, Charles Edward, John Albert, AVilliam AL, George P., Fay Wessley, Allen Arthur, and a baby not named. In politics, Mr. Thompson is a Republican and in religion a Alethodist. He is a mem ber of the M. AAL A., and is a director of the Luverne cream ery. He is very nicely situated on a farm of 518 acres, and is numbered among the successful farmers of the county. CHAPTER NNVI. LAKE TOAVNSHIP The first to settle in Lake Toxxmship and to open up a farm was Samuel Luchsinger, xvho located upon section ten in 1865; he was followed by Peter Blatta and Edward Hart- well in 1866. The first birth in the Township Avas that of Mary Blatta in 1865. The first death was that of a Mr. Bar rett in 1866. The first marriage xvas that of R. Roberts and Emma Brookins in 1875. The first ground xvas broken by Samuel Luchsinger in 1865 on section ten. The first school xvas taught by Mary Farmer in a granary belonging to Samuel Luchsinger in 1870. The first religious service xvas held in 1868 at the residence of Samuel Luchsinger by Her man Brauer of the German Evangelical church. J. E. GANGESTAD, Was born in Norway, December 22, 1858. His parents Erick and Annie Gangestad, AA-ere natives of Norway. In 1870 the family emigrated to America and settled in Webster County, Ioxva, xvhere they resided for one year, moving then to Humboldt County and settling in Norway Toxxmship. In 1887, the subject of this sketch bought a farm in Lake Town ship, on which he has since resided. He was married June 3, 1888. to Rosa Knntson, and they are the parents of five children, Annie, Izadore, Jessie, Arthur, and Joseph. Mr. Gangestad is a Republican in politics, and in religion a Luth eran. He oxvns a farm of 160 acres and is especially inter ested in stock-raising. AV H. NOTESTINE. Was born September 28, 1858, in Ohio. His father John Notestine xvas born in Pennsylvania in 1835. He mar- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 637 ried Aiandy Flemming and to this union, four children were born, John, Joe, William and W. H. The subject of this sketch came to Humboldt County in 1865 and settled in Vernon Township. In 1888 he moved to Lake Township and bought a farm of eighty acres. He married Hannah James and they have four children, Archie, Harry, Harley, and Glen, all residing xvith their parents. In politics, Mr. XYtestine is a Republican and in religion a Alethodist. He has held office as school-director and is now road supervisor. He is a member of the M. W. A. and at present is interested in stock raising. O. T. RAMSVIG, AA'as born in Norway, August 8, 1850. He came west in 1882 and settled in Story County, Iowa, remaining there eight years, and coming then to Lake Township, Humboldt Count)*, where he has since resided. He married Anna D. Larson, a native of Norway, June 13, 1884, and to them five children have been born, three of whom are living, and reside xvith their parents, Theodore, Lewis and Ellen. Mr. Rams- vig is a Republican in politics, and a Lutheran in religious belief. He owns a farm of 160 acres in Lake Toxvnship on AA-hich he lives, and is interested in stock-raising. ISADORE ROGERS NOTESTINE, The subject of this sketch, Isadore Fisk, was born in Ohio-, in 1840. In 1856, she came xvith her parents to Iowa. She taught school for one year, and at the age of sixteen years, was married to George Rogers and eventually settled in Belmond, IoAva. In 1884, her husband's health became so poor, that they concluded to go to southern Kansas, hop ing the climate would be beneficial. But it did not prove so, and he died a few months later. She then decided to take a claim in Kansas, and traveled ninety-five miles by wagon, to Wichita, to take out the papers. Some trouble ensued, through the illegal action of a man xvho had abandoned the claim, but at last the secretary of the interior decided in her favor. She afterward sold the land, and went to Colorado, hoping that the climate would benefit the health of her two sons, Avho were suffering from consumption. Flere she taught school for several years. For some time she was en gaged as a teacher in the private school of Bill AVilder, a well known outlaw of that state. Mrs. Rogers' two sons 638 HISTORA' OF lOAYA ISA DO RE ROOERS NOTESTIN'E died, her daughter xvas married and had moved to Oklahoma and she returned to Ioxxa. Januarv n, 1894, she Avas mar ried to Mr. Notestine, an early settler, a member of the Meth odist church, and an influential citizen of Humboldt Coun ty, Ioxva., living near Hardy. Airs. Xotestine early developed a taste for writing. J ler first story xvas published when she xvas eighteen years of age, and her next, a story of pioneer life, was accepted by T. S. Arthur. She received ten dollars for it, xvhich xvas the first money she earned by writing. She has kept up her literary xvork throughout her life. Alost of it xvas published by T. S. Arthur, xvho xvrote in a personal letter, "your articles are xvonianly." She has also written many stories and other articles for the local press. CHAPTER XX\ 11. NORWAY TOWNSHIP In the spring of 1870 Ole S. Tang located a farm upon section thirty-one; he built the first house and broke ground for farming. H. Douglas settled on the southeast quarter of section sixteen in 1870. The first birth xvas that of Cor nelius Halgrims in 1872. The first death in the Township was that of Ole Johnson in 1873. The first school Avas taught by Ole Halgrims at the house of Ole T. Thompson in the fall of 1872. The first marriage xvas that of Sander Glea- son and Cecilia Groth in 1872. The first sermon in the Township xx-as delivered by ReA-. Aaserod in 1871. The first house AA'as erected by Ole S. Tang in the spring of 1870 on section thirty-one. The first farm improved in the northeast portion of this Toxvnship Avas the northeast quarter of section twelve by A. Hoover. The land xvas there broken in the spring of 1871. Norway Toxvnship xvas organized in 1875, and the first election xvas held in the fall of that year. JOHN KIRCHHOF, Son of G. and Gustix-e (Fleming) Kirchhof, xvas born in Beaver Township, Humboldt County, Iowa, January 31, 1879. He settled in Norxvay Township in 1896. In politics he is a Republican, and is non-sectarian in religious belief. He started in life as a farmer and now oxvns 120 acres of land in X'orway Township and is interested in stock-raising. MARTEN LARSON, Was born in Nonvay, Aiay 17, 1850. In 1871 he emi grated to Chicago, Illinois, later settling in Lee County of the same state, where he remained until 1877. At that date he came to Humboldt County, Ioxva, and located in Badger ToAvnship. Six years later he moved to Nonvay Township and settled upon his present place, a farm of 120 acres nearly all of xvhich is under cultivation. In 1877 he married Matil da Johnson, noxv deceased. They had four children, George, Mary, Linda, and Walter. September 20, 1885, he married Alartha Erickson and to them nine children have been born, six of whom are living, Edward, Lars, Alfred Al., Andrexv D., Alatilda E., and Aleta G. In politics Mr. Larson is a Re- 640 HISTORY OF IOWA publican and in religion a Lutheran, being one of the organ izers of the Lutheran church. He is especially interested in education and is one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of the countv. CHAPTER XXVIII. -RUTLAND TOWNSHIP. In 1856 William Burkholder and his sons came into the Township from Ohio, and took up the whole of section twen ty-eight, as homesteads on which they built a cabin; they, however, never resided in the Township. The first actual settlers were Jonathan Hutchinson and H. A. Cramer. Hut chinson was the first county judge of Humboldt County. In 1856 Washington and Albert Clark, Thomas Reed and Am brose Booth made settlements in the Township. The same year Leander Chase took up a claim on section thirty. In 1857 Patrick Sheridan took up 160 acres on section twenty. The first death was that of Mrs. Jane Hinton, Avho was drowned in the river in the spring of 1862. The first marriage was that of Michael Boyle and Margaret Sheridan. The first religious exercises were held at the funeral of George Eli- thorpe in 1862. The first school xvas taught in the summer of 1863 by Cyrus C. Wickes. GEORGE A, BAIR, AA'as born in Craxvford County, Ohio, in 1847. He came to- IoAva and settled on his present farm in 1873. He spent the first winter there in a house 12x14, boarded up, but neither lathed or plastered, and hauled his coal thirty- eight miles. Airs. Bair's maiden name AA-as Mary B. Hinkle. She was born in Germany in 1848. Mr. and Airs. Bair are the parents of eight children, Minnie, iioav Mrs. Hedge; Levi, now in Dickinson County, Iowa; Cora, Helen, Susie, Daisy, Rose and Philip. Four of the daughters are engaged as teachers. The family attend the Methodist church, and Air. and Airs. Bair and two daughters belong to the Old Settlers' HUMBOLDT COUNTY 641 Association of Livermore. Mr. Bair has always been a Re publican in politics, and is interested in educational matters. He has been a member of the school board for fourteen years, served as township constable for eight years, and Avas assess or four years. He took the township census in 1895. At that time Rutland Township contained 155 families, a total population of 775. Air. Bair is one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of Humboldt County. He has an or chard that contains txventy varieties of apples, most of xvhich are hardy Russian seedlings. He raises seventeen varieties of plums and all kinds of small fruit. He is especially inter ested in raising blooded stock. His large flock of sheep are Shropshire grades and his herd of Duroc- Jersey swine, known as the Elm Lawn herd, is the finest in this part of the state. S. S. BARTLEY, AA'as born in the province of Ontario, Canada, in 1858. He came to Humboldt County, Iowa, in 1880 and bought eighty acres of land, paying $50 and his first summer's ivages. In 1882 he married Ella Gideon, a native of De AVitt County Illinois. They are the parents of eight children, Florence, Walter, AA nlie (deceased), Ray, Thurlow, Hazel, Cecil and Fay. Mr. Bartley is a Republican in politics and the family attend the Methodist church. He owns 160 acres of land in Rutland Township, part of which is the land he bought when he first came into the county, and 320 acres in North Dakota. He has a comfortable home and is a prosperous and progres sive farmer. L. B. CONVERSE, AAras born in Tama County, Iowa, in 1868. His xvife Cora (Davis) Converse xvas born in 1866. They were mar ried in 1890 and the same year came to Humboldt County. They have one child, Myme, eight years old. In politics, the subject of this sketch is a Republican. He is nicely located on a farm of 160 acres one and one-half miles south of Rut land, and is interested in stock raising in which he is very successful, as he has been in all his ventures. E. A. COOK, AA'as born in Canada in 1856, and twenty years later came to Humboldt County, Iowa, and in 1878 settled on his present farm in Rutland Township. He married Hattie De (iA2 HISTORY OF IOAA'A < Iroote, and nine children have been born to them, Clara, Catherine, Ala)- Agnes, Aland Adell, Alfred Ernest, Frank Grover, Leon HarrA", George Carlton, Edna Pearl and Hattie Leona. Air. Cook is a Republican in politics and is a mem ber of the AL AA" A., and of the K. P. He has held the of fices of assessor, tOAvn trustee, treasurer of the school board, and is now secretary of the Rutland creamery company. He owns 316 acres of land, has a comfortable home and substan tial farm buildings. He makes a specialty of feeding stock, also dairy farming". Airs. Cook xvas born in Illinois in 1859 and in 1864 came xvith her parents, the De Grootes. to the toxvn of Humboldt, Iowa. The family lived for a time in a house 10x12 made of slabs, it was the sixth house built in the town. She has thus been able to note the development of the county from its natural state to the present prosperous condition. NELSON EASTMAN, AA'as born in AALashington, AYrmont in 1843 and lived there until 1869, Avhen he moved to Illinois. He came from that state to Flumboldt County, IoAva in 1883, and settled on a farm in Rutland Town ship where he still resides. He married Helen Beard and to them seven children xvere born, five of AA'hom are liv ing. Air. Eastman o\x*ns a farm of 160 acres valued at $60 per acre, and is numbered among the successful farmers of Rutland toxvnship. WILLIAAI Ft. LOCKE, An old and respected citizen of Humboldt county, Avas born October 4, 1828, in South Kingston. Rhode Island. His parents Henry B. and Alary A. Locke emigrated to Nexv Hampshire at an early date. His mother xvas born in Glas gow, Scotland and his grandfather married a cousin of Daniel AAYbster. Air. Locke resided in his native state until 1856 when he moved to' Willimantic, Connecticut. He xvas by trade a carpenter but worked in the cotton factory in AALllimantic until 1862, A\hen he enlisted in Company H, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry. Fie xvas orderly sergeant from the time of enlistment until November o, 1S62, when he was promoted to first lieutenant of his company. He was taken prisoner at Jordan Springs, June 15, 1863, and xvas con fined in several different prisons, among them, Libby, Dan- HUMBOLDT COUNTY 643 ville, Alacon, Charlestown, Columbia, Raleigh and Goldsboro xvhere he was parolled Alarch 1, 1865. He was discharged from service on account of ill health caused by his imprison-' ment. He then returned to his home in Connecticut where he remained until July 1865. At that time he came to Iowa and settled in the town of Humboldt. Here he was proprie tor of the Fremont House for Iavo years and then took a claim of 160 acres in section nine, township ninety-two, range twenty-nine, Rutland Township, and lived there until 1877, xx-hen he purchased txvo and one-half acres of land in Rutland. He moved there and Axorked at his trade of plasterer and car penter. He xvas married in November, 1849, to Sarah F. Gaffet, daughter of AA'illiam C. and Susan (Pettis) Gaffet of Rhode Island. They xvere the parnts of nine children, four of whom are living, AA'illiam H, Byron U, Mary A., now Airs. R. C. Bair, all living in Rutland Toxvnship; and Walter, now of Mankato, Alinn. Mr. and Mrs. Locke Avere members of the Baptist church of Rutland. Mrs. Locke became blind sev-eral years prex-ious to her death xvhich occurred January 11, 1899. In politics Air. Locke is a Republican and has al ways taken an active interest in the affairs of his county and toxvn. He studied law and xvas admitted to the bar but never practiced. He Avas county recorder from 1867 to 1871. He was appointed county superintendent to fill a vacancy and served as a county supervisor one term. In toivnship offices he has served in every capacity excepting road supervisor and Avas for twenty-three years a member of the Rutland indepen dent school board. He was postmaster of Rutland under Harrison's and AIcKinley's administrations, but was obliged to retire on acount of ill health. He noxv resides xvith his daughter, Airs. Bair. AIRS. J. A1ALONEY, Widow of J. Alaloney, xvas born in Dubuque County, Ioxva, in 1844. Her husband xvas born in Ireland in 1843. anc^ they were the parents of three children, txvo of whom are living, Fred J. and Nellie. Mr. Maloney took part in the civil xvar, serving until its close. He was ahvays a Republi can and the family are Baptists. They settled in Humboldt County in 1870 and are now located in Rutland Township on a farm of ninety-eight acres, which the son xvorks. 644 HISTORY OF IOWA MICHAEL OSIA, AVas born in Denmark in 1844. He came to' Iowa in 1870 settling first in Henry County, and txvo years later mov ed to Humboldt County and located upon his present farm. In 1872, he married Katherine Axilson, xvho was born in Denmark in 1844. They have one child, Katherine, thirteen years old. Mr. Osia is a Democrat and the family are members of the Lutheran church. He oxvns 160 acres of land in Rutland Toxvnship, and by hard labor has placed him self in good circumstances. He is interested in education and in ex*erything that pertains to the xv elf are of his Toxvnship and County. He is at present superintending the building of the Danish-Lutheran church in that vicinity. WILLIAM STRACK, AA'as born in Texas in 1855. His parents, natives of Ger many, settled first in Illinois and later moved to Texas, Avhere the fathr died while the subject of this sketch was but a boy. The family moved back to Illinois, lived there for a time, and then xvent to Alinnesota, from xvhich place they again returned to Illinois. In 1885 they came to IoAva and settled in Kossuth County where they liA-ed until 1897. At that date Air. Strack came to Humboldt County, and event ually bought his farm of eighty acres in Rutland Township xvhere he noxv lives. He married Agnes Skilling in 1889, and they are the parents of two children, Eveline Beatrice aged ten years and Mabel Elizabeth eight years old. Airs. Strack xvas born in Perth County, Canada, in 1867, and when three years old came xvith her parents to Kossuth County, Iowa. Here she taught school for ten terms. She is a woman of good education and is much interested along that line. Air. Strack is a Democrat in politics, and has held office as school-director. He is a member of the Lutheran church and his xxife of the Presbyterian. He deals in cattle and is especially interested in Clydesdale horses of xvhich he is a successful raiser and breeder. AATLLTAAI THOMPSON. One of the best known residents of Humboldt County, xvas born June 22, 1835, in Portage County, Ohio. His parents John and Elizabeth (Cockburn) Thompson, natives of Scotland, came to America in 1833 anc^ settled in Ohio. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 645 AVilliam is the fourth of a family of nine children. Fie re mained on a farm during his boyhood and in 1856 went to Livingston County, Illinois, xvhere he remained one year, going then to' Champaign County in the same state. In 1859 he went to Pine Bluffs, Arkansas, xvhere he acted as steamboat agent, and engaged in the forwarding commis sion business until 1861. Then in consequence of difficulties resulting from the civil war, he AA*as obliged to- return east. He spent a feAV months in his old home in Ohio, then xvent to Champaign County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. He continued in this occupation until 1869, when he came to Humboldt County. He xvas civil engineer for a railroad company for three years, then resumed his former occupa tion of farming, settling on an excellent farm in Rutland ToAvnship, Avhere he still resides. February 18, 1863, he married Emma A. AALood, a nathe of Lake County, Ohio. They have five children, Charles AAL, Bertha E., Lydia A., AALIley, and Laura. Air. Thompson is a Mason and is con nected xvith the Eastern Star lodge of Ft. Dodge, IoAva. He is a Democrat and has ahvays taken a prominent part in poli tics. He has not missed attendance at a state convention for twenty-eight years. In the fall of 1869 he was elected county sun-eyor, AA'hich office he held tAvo years. In 1873 he AA*as elected circuit clerk, and served in that capacity two terms. In the fall of 1881 he became county auditor. He was appointed deputy revenue collector for the Third district and served three years. In 1889 he Avas nominated state senator on the Democratic ticket, and in three counties that returned 1,600 Republican majority, cut this majority down to 700. CHAPTER NXIX. VERNON TOWNSHIP James Edward Flaherty located upon the southeast quarter of section thirty-four, Avhere he lived until the spring of 1872. Daniel Zimmerman settled upon the southeast quarter of section thirty-five, Avhere he opened up a farm, and b46 HISTORY OF IOAA'A where he lived until the spring of 1877. John A. Foley fo-1- loAved them in 1863. Tlie same year Alexander Usher, D. C. Starr, John Hughes and Thomas Hoy settled in Vernon Toxvnship. The first birth in the Township xvas that of AAril- liam Zimmerman in 1863. The first death xvas that of the infant Ellen Flaherty in 1864. The first marriage xvas be tween AA'ashington Barrett and Lilly Pierce. Rev. Snyder of the Methodist Episcopal church performed the ceremony. JOHN BIEGGER. AA''as born in 1849, 011 board a ship three days out of New A'ork. His parents John and Alar)* Biegger were emi grating from Germany. They settled in Kentucky, moving from there to Rock Island, Illinois, the next year, and to Clayton Countv, Iowa, a short time afterward. There they located on a farm, Avhere the mother still resides. The sub ject of this sketch came to Humboldt County in 1882 and rented a farm in Lake Township. He remained there four years, then purchased his present place, a farm of 400 acres in Vernon Township. Mr. Biegger is a Republican and a member of the Catholic church. He married Alary Nienan of Clayton County, in 1872, and to them six children have been born, John, A. J., Frank, Carry, George, and Henry deceased. These hoav reside with their parents, except John, who married Maggie Hogeson, and lives in Sioux Falls. South Dakota. YUGUST GRIEBEL, AA'as born in Germany in 1857 an(' came to America ft-ith his parents, axIio settled in Scott Count)-, Ioxva. In 1880 he married Katrina AA'ass, and to them fix-e children have been born, three of xxdio-m are lixfing. In 1883 the fam ily moved to Humboldt County and settled on a farm in Vernon Toxvnship. In 1899 he xvas made secretary of the creamery company and moved to Renwick, xvhere he noxv re sides. Mr. Griebel is also school director and town council man. JOHN RHINER, AVas born in Green County, Wisconsin, September 27, 1859. His parents, John and Anna (Schnider) Rhiner, xvere natives of SAvitzerland. In 1864 the family moved to Iowa and settled in Lake Township, Humboldt Countv. In T884 HUMBOLDT COUNTY . 647 the subject of this sketch bought a farm in Lake Township xvhere he remained for some time. Then he bought a farm of 160 acres in Vernon Toxvnship. He married Ella Zluber- buhler, a native of Switzerland, November 14, 1898, and to them two' children have been born, Dexvey and John E. Mr. Rhiner is a Republican in politics and a Protestant in relig ious belief. He has held office as toxvnship trustee, supervis or and road commissioner. He is a member of the Al. AV. A. He is interested in stock raising and is one of the prominent farmers of Vernon Toxvnship. CHESTER STODDARD, AA'as born in Ontario County, New York, in 1835. In company xvith his parents, Azel and Susan Stoddard, he mov ed to Columbia County, Wisconsin, in 1852. In 1871 he xvent from there to AAYight County, Ioxva, xvhere he remained until the fall of 1872, coming then to Humboldt Count)' and settling on his farm in Vernon Township, xvhere he still re sides. He married Katherine Bootz, and to- them five child ren xvere born, Almira, Bert, Corte, Chester, AVilliam. Of these, the four boys live with their parents. Almira married Fred Behm in 1896, and they are noxv living in AYrnon Township. Mr. Stoddard is a Republican in politics, and held the office of constable txvo years, 1878 and 1879. He took part in the civil xvar being in Fremont's Division, in Alissouri and Kansas. EDAVARD SPALINGER, AA'as born in Switzerland in 1863. He spent his youth and Avas educated in that country, and served four years, (1883-1889), in the Saauss army. In 1889 he emigrated to Green County, Wisconsin and began farming. Four years later he moved to Kossuth County, Iotva, and in 1894 came to Humboldt County, settling in Vernon ToAvnship. He married Louisa Schweitzer, a native of SAvitzerland, in 1894, and to them three children have been born, Edxvard, AVil liam, and Mary. In politics Mr. Spalinger is a Republican. He attends the reformed church but is not a member. He owns a farm of eighty acres in Vernon Township, on Avhich he resides. J. EDWIN WOOD. Was born April 5, 1.846, in Steuben County, New York. xvhere he lived xvith his parents on a farm until his fourteenth 6»48 HISTORY OF IOAVA year. His father died while Edwin was young. His moth er, Mrs. Mary Wood was born October 20, 1808, and is still fixing, making" her home xvith her son. Their family con sisted of six children, four of whom are living, J. Edwin; Mrs. Libbie Crosse, iioav living in Michigan; Airs. Mary B. Butler, Renwick, Iowa; Airs. Emma Stanley, Garden Grove, IoAva. From Nexv York the family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and settled on a farm, xvhere they remained until" 1865. In that year they came to Humboldt County, Ioxva, making the trip overland xvith a team. Mr. AAYod married Hattie Nowlin of Vernon Township, February 9, 1882. They have four children, Guy E., aged 17 years; Mary E-, 16 years; Winnie W., 9 years, and Flora, 3 months. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics and is interested in edu cation. In religion he is a Methodist, belonging to. and con tributing toward the support of that church. He oxvns a farm of 160 acres.. CHAPTER XXX. AA'ACOUSTA TOWNSHIP Edward McKnight was probably the first xvlfite man who came to this portion of the count)', excepting- the hunt ers and trappers that precede civilization. He located a trading post at McKnight's Point in 1854, xvhere he remained part of the year. The first steps made towards opening up the farming resources of the Township xvere taken by Hiram Evans, xvho located on section six in 1856. He came from Pennsylvania, and immediately after arrixing here, built a double log cabin. In 1857 Seth G Sharpe located on the northxvest corner of section thirty; he came to AA'acousta Township from AA'ashington Count)', New York. A. Hoag came in 1857 and pre-empted the northeast quarter of section thirty. Edward Hannon and James Dean both came in 1857. The first birth in AA'acousta Township xvas the daughter of John AlcNelly, xvho xvas born in 1858. The first marriage of the rsidents of this Toxvnship occurred in 1866 between Charles Emerson and Mrs. Alan- E. (Webb) Emer- HUMBOLDT COUNTV 649 son, xvhich took place outside of the Township. The first death was that of Hiram Evans in 1858. The first religious service was held at the house of Seth G. Sharpe in i860 and Avas conducted by the ReA". L. D. McComb. Alexander Cof fin AAas the first postmaster, being commissioned as such in 1863. The first ground xvas broken in the summer of 1856 by Hiram Adams. The first wheat sown was in the spring of 1859 by Alexander Coffin and Seth G. Sharpe. The first frame house was erected on section thirty-two in 1858 by Alexander Coffin. The lumber for this was drawn from Reed & Thurston's mill, twelve miles below Fort Dodge. AALacousta Township was organized in 1858. The pioneer school was taught at the residence of Seth G. Sharpe in the summer of 1863 by Sophronia Coulee. ALEXANDER COFFIN. AA'as born in the state of XTew YLork, in 1834. He xvas educated in the public schools near his home, one of his school mates being ex-President Arthur. He came to Ioxva in 1858 and settled on his present farm in Wacousta Town ship, Humboldt County. He married Miss Mary Allen, xvho was born in New York, in 1837. They are the parents of three children, Allen A., Ruth C., now Airs. Frank Merchant. and Albert B. In politics, Air. Coffin is a Republican, and in religion, a Baptist. He has held office as toxvnship treas urer, and as county supervisor. He assisted in the organ ization of AA'acousta Township in 1858. In 1864 he xvas drafted into the army, serving in Company G, Sixteenth IoAva Infantry. He was under Sherman and General Thomas, and participated in the battle of Nashville, and in the engagement at Kingston, XLorth Carolina. He served until the close of the xvar. Air. Coffin noxv owns 570 acres of land in Wacou sta Toxvnship, and is successfully engaged in managing his Avork of general farming. PERLEAr G. DAVIS, AA'as born August 7, 1870, at Sabula, Jackson County, IoAva. His parents, Byron and Caroline (Wood) Davis, are Americans, and still reside at Sabula. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools, and start ed in life as a farmer. In 1891 he came to Humboldt Coun ty, and worked in Avery Toxvnship for sex-eral years. In 650 HISTORY OF IOWA 1898 he moved to AA'acousta Township. He xvas married December 21, 1893, to Carrie AA'allace, then of Avery Town ship, but formerly of Green County, Iowa. Three children have been born to them, George C., Hazel A., William B. In politics, Mr. Davis is a Republican, and is at present road supervisor of AA'acousta Township. Fie is engaged in farm ing and raising graded stock. L. D. FAAA'CETT, AA'as born in Ohio, in 1854. Later he removed to Wis- consin and after his marriage, to Humboldt County, Ioxva, on his present farm in AA'acousta Township. He was mar ried to Eva Kirkpatrick, xvho was born in AA'isconsin, in 1854. They are the parents of eight children, five of whom are liv ing. Floyd V. born in 1873, in AA'isconsin; Le Roy, born in 1875, m Wisconsin; Clarence, born 1888; Ruth, born 1893; Kirk AL, born 1896; (the three last born in Humboldt Conn ty, Iowa), Robin, Alary and Frank, are deceased. In politics Air. Fawcett is a Republican, in religion, a membr of the Alethodist church. Fie belongs to the Yeoman lodge, and to the Old Settlers' Society of Livermore. He owns a farm of 160 acres and is successfully engaged in farming. HENRY HANSON, AA'as born in Algona, Iowa, January 20. 1874. His parents, natives of Norxvav, migrated to America and settled in Kane County, Illinois, in 1869. Thev remained there one year and then moved to Palo Alto County, Ioxva, xvhere they lived untill 1884, xvith the exception of the xvinter of 1873-4, which xvas spent in Algona. In 1884 they settled in AA'acou sta Toxvnship, Humboldt Countv. The farm is noxv xvorked by the son, the subject of this sketch, the parents living in Bode. Mr. Hanson Avas married Alay 20, 1896, to Lillie Flolden of Jackson Count)', Alinnesota. Tavo children have been born to them, Laxvrence H. and Alice. In politics. Air. Hanson is a Republican, and in religion, the family are Luth erans. He successfully carries on the xvork on the farm of 180 acres, which belongs to his father. Hans Hanson. OLAF HALSRUD, Was born October 30, 1872, at Nordland, Norway, of Norwegian parents. He xvas raised on a farm and received his education in the public schools of Norxvav. In 1891 he HUMBOLDT COUNTY 651 emigrated to America, and came direct to AA'acousta Town ship, Humboldt County, Ioxva, xvhere he noxv resides and is engaged in farming. He xvas married, Alarch 15, 1900, to Maria Olsen of Delana Township. In politics, Mr. Hals- rud is a Republican and both he and his xvife are members of the Lutheran church. R. Al. HEWITT, AA'as born Nox-ember 6, 1849, m Osxvego County, New York. His parents, J. W and Sarah (Gates) HeAvitt, were natives of New A'ork. The father xvas a cooper by trade and operated a saxv mill in Oswego Count)'. The mother is still living, and resides at Livermore. In 1855 the family came Avest, and settled in Flumboldt County, taking up 160 acres of land in Delana Township, from the government. Later they moved on a farm near Livermore, and in 1883, the sub ject of this sketch bought and moved upon his present farm of eighty acres in AAYcousta Toxvnship, xvhere he is engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married November 15, 1875, to Aliss Julia Robinson of Humboldt County. Sev en children AA'ere born to this marriage, Grace M., iioav Mrs. Oliver Storehouse, Britt, Ioxva; Iva G., now Mrs. Chas. Zutz of Kossuth County, Iowa; Millard AL, living in Delana Toxvnship; Estella G, living at Livermore; Victor, Channcey, and Lott, living at home. Mrs. Hexvitt died of consumption Alay 2, 1894. For his second wife, Air. Hexvitt married Mrs. Alary Sween of Humboldt County. One child Avas born of this union, Harry Edward, deceased. Mrs. Hexvitt had three children by her first marriage, Henry, Gertrude and Alfred, living at home. In politics, Mr. HeAvitt is a Republican and has held office as road supervisor and school director. He and his children attend the Alethodist church, and Airs. HeAvitt, the Lutheran. J. J. JOLLIFFE, AAYs born at Stratton, Devonshire, England, in 1846. He came Avith his parents, James and Mary Ann (Blake) Jolliffe, to Ontario, Canada, in 1852. He was one of a fam ily of fourteen children. The home was on the frontier, and he Avas almost entirely Avithout educational advantages. However he made the most of his few opportunities, and by diligent study, acquired an education. In 1872 he came to (>5-> HISTORY OF IOWA Humboldt County, Iowa, and settled on his present farm in Wacousta Township. He married Ella Sharpe of Humboldt County, and eight children have been born to' them, seven of xvhom are living, Francis Ehvin, Ethel Leone, Charles Simp son, Warren Vincent, Harvey Finamore, Clark Griffith, Alan- Matilda. Mrs. Sharpe, mother of Mrs. Jolliffe, lives with her daughter. She has been a resident of Humboldt County for forty-three years and tells many interesting ex periences of pioneer life. Mr. Jolliffe taught school seven teen terms in Humboldt County, and has alwys been deeply interested in educational lines. In politics, he is a Republi can and has held several township offices. In religion he is a member of the Methodist church, and has ahvays taken an acth*e part in religious work. He is interested in everything that pertains to the upbuilding of his community. He is a speaker and writer of some ability, and is one of the popular and influential citizens of the county. LOUIS LARSON. A\Las born in Nonvay, August 10, 1857. His parents, George and Annie Larson, are natives of Norway. In 1868 the family emigrated to America and settled in Webster County, Ioxva xvhere the parents still reside. The subject of this sketch xvas married November 3, 1889, to Hattie Alux- ter, a native of Nonvay, but at that time living at Sioux Rap ids, Ioxva. Four children have been born to them, Rov, Aiabel, Lauren and Alma. In politics, Mr. Larson is a Re publican, and in religion a Lutheran. He AA'as a member of the I. O. O. F at Badger, AAYbster County. In 1891 he moved to Wacousta Toxvnship, on one of his father's farms, a place of T98 acres xvhich he has xvorked since. OLE AL OLSEN. AA'as bom in Lands-Parish, Nonvay, Alarch 28, 1855, of Nonvegian parents, Ole C, and Alarit Larstnen. The father xvas a farmer and the son grew up on a farm and xvas educat ed in the public schools of his native country. In i88t the family emigrated to America. They belonged to a party of twenty-four emigrants xvho left the same parish in Norway and reached Humboldt County June 24. The family at that time consisted of the father and mother, and Ole Al.. Olive. and Bertha. V daughter. Alary, remained in the old country HUMBOLDT COUNTY 653 until the following fall, and an older son, by a former mar riage, Ole, died there about five years ago. Txvo other sons by this former marriage, Chris and Martin, had come to Humboldt County some years before, and Hans, another son had followed them a few years later, but died twentv-eiglit years ago. The father lived with Ole AL, after coming to America, and died November 20, 1899, at the age of eighty- eight. The mother is still living, at the age of seventy-nine, and resides with her son. The first year the subject of this sketch xvas in Ioxva, he worked for his brother, Chris, and the second year for his brother, Alartin. In 1883 he pur chased his presnt farm in AA'acousta Toxvnship. He was married February 4, 1881, to Malene Anderson of Valders- Parish, Norway. Ten children have been born to them, all living at home, Olaf Alfred, Amanda Mary, Luchvig, Oscar, Henry, Andy, Olga Margaret, Alma Tone t a and Ingeburg Matilda (twins), Alalvern. In politics, Mr. Olsen is a Repub lican, and in religion, the family are Lutherans. He has held office as school director for a number of years, and" is at present township trustee. His farm of 418 acres was un broken when he bought it, and he pastured cattle on it the first year. It is noxv entirely fenced, and has extensive im provements, and Mr. Olsen is very successfully engaged in ¦farming and stock-raising. HENRY SCHUMP, Son of Henry and Catherine Schump was born April 5, 1838, in Du Page County, Illinois. He received his educa tion in Illinois, and started in life as a farmer. In 1882 he came to Ioxva, and settled in Humboldt County. He xvas married November 24, 1874, to R. Burckal, a native of Du Page County, Illinois. Seven children have been born to them, Mary, now Airs. Dusold of Ottosen; Ida B., Joseph H, Frank, Harriet, George AL, and Edward M. In politics, Air. Schump is a Democrat, and has held office as road super visor for a number of years, and as treasurer of the school board for thirteen years. In .religion he is a Catholic and was one of the foremost in establishing the Catholic church at Ottosen, the first meeting for that purpose being held at his home. He owns 280 acres of land in Wacousta Town ship, three lots in Ottosen, and is a stock holder in the Otto sen creamery. He is a prosperous farmer and one of the xvell known citizens of AVacousta Township. 654 HISTORY OF IOAVA R. AV STRUTHERS, Was born in Flumboldt County, Iowa, in 1872. His parents settled in the count)- in 1856. The father died in 1899 at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother is still living, and resides at AA'est Bend, Iowa. The subject of this sketch married Aliss Ada Brown, xvho was born in Illinois, in 1880. They are the parents of txvo children, Ona and Orva. Mr. Struthers is a Republican in politics and a member of the f. O. O. E. The family attend the Presbyterian church. Mr. Struthers oxvns a farm of eighty acres in AA'acousta Toxvnship, and is successfully engaged in farming. CHAPTER XXXI. WEAVER TOWNSHIP. The ToxA'iiship of AVeaver Avas organized in 1874. The first steps towards the settlement in this part of the county xvas made by D. L. Eversole in 1869, xvho located on the northeast quarter of section two. Georg'e Hornbeck settled xvith his father on section fourteen the same year. In 1870 S. H. Brewer. H. S. Cadett, AALdliam and Alexander Gregg, AAL J. Lang, Air. Rice, Air. Bnshnell. J. T. Campbell, Enos Ward, A. Amidon, Charles Lindsay, John Springer, Sr., John Springer, Jr., G. AA'' Blaisdell, John Strait and C. AAL Adams all opened up farms in 1870. The first birth xvas that of H. E. Eversole in 1870. The pioneer school Avas taught at the house of Jesse B. Jackson in 1873. The first teacher Avas Adelaid Jackson. The first postoffice in AAYaver Toxvnship xvas established April 16, 1878, and Jesse D. Jackson xvas commissioned postmaster. MRS. KATIE BRAA1BLEE, The genial postmistress of Unique, xvas born in IoAva, June 5, 1869. Fler maiden name xvas Katie A. Gallogly. and she married G. A. Bramblee, then of Humboldt. Txvo child ren have been born to them, Nova and Alonzo. Mr. and Mrs. Bramlee are both members of the Yeomen lodge. Mrs. IiUAIBOLDT COUNTY 655 Bramblee has held her present position since 1894 and has gLen general satisfaction. S. H. GROVE, AAYs born in Johnson County, Iowa, March 22, 1863. He received his education in the schools of that county and in 1894 moved to Humboldt County and settled in AVeaver ToAvnship. He Avas married December 8, 1885 to Emma Pisel of Johnson Count)". They are the parents of four child ren, AA'liliam, Etta, who died at the age of two yars; Lee, and a baby not yet named. In politics Air. Grove is a Republi can, and both he and his xvife are members of the Unique Methodist church. Air. GroA'e is a trustee of the church and has been Sunday school superintendent for several years. He also belongs to the YYoman lodge. He oaviis a farm of 240 acres and deals largely in cattle, doing his oavh shipping. THEODORE L. JENNINGS, AA'as born in De Kalb County, Illinois, December 12, 1865. He came to AAYaver Township, Humboldt County, in 1878 and lived for a number of years xvith M. V. Reed. He Avas married Alarch 24, 1891, to Rosebelle Seaver, a native of AAYbster County, IoAva. The)" are the parents of five child ren, Adella, Raymond, Oliver, Harvey Bryan and Alay Belle. In politics, Mr. Jennings is a Democrat and in religion a Congregationalist, being one of the organizers of the Weav er Congregational church. Fie has held office as road super visor for a number of years and as assessor txvo years. He started in life on a farm and is still successfully engaged in that occupation. D. R. MILES, AAras born at Albany, Vermont, October 6, 1851. At tracted by the opportunities in northwestern Ioxva, he came to Humboldt County in 1873. Later he went to Algona where for two years he ran a livery barn, and returning then to Humboldt, continued in the same business for eight years. He xvas deputy sheriff of Humboldt County from 1879 to 1882, and in 1882 xvas elected by the Republican party as sheriff, serving two terms. He then accepted the position of assistant cashier of the bank at Livermore, xvhere he re mained until 1890. At that date he xvas elected treasurer 656 HISTORY OF IOWA of Humboldt County, which position he held for four years. He then moved to his farm in Weaver Township, and re mained there three years, when he xvas appointed to fill the vacancy caused by a defaulting treasurer. He was again elected treasurer in 1898, and served one term. In the spring of 1900 he returned to his farm, where he now resides. In 1900 he was elected supervisor, and while living in Humboldt was for a number of yars a member of the school board. Air. Miles was married April 28, 1886, to Grace E- Parker of New York. They are the parents of two children, only one of whom is living, Editn O., xvho resides at home. Air. Miles oxvns a farm of 200 acres. He is a Protestant and a member of the K. P lodge. Airs. Aliles belongs to the Congregational church of Humboldt. HIRAM H. ROWE, Was born December 7, 1861. His father, Franklyn Rowe, xvas born December 20, 1836, in Onondaga County, XYw York. He came to Wisconsin in 1857, and lived there eight years. June 15, i860, he married Mary E- Xoyes, of Wisconsin. In 1866 they moved to Iowa, settling first in Webster County, and in 1874 on his present farm in Hum boldt County. The family consisted of seven children, Hi ram U, the subject of this sketch, Percy A., who married Flora Knowles, and lives in Humboldt County; Edith Em ma, living at home; Alice Augusta, now Airs. Johnson of Tripp, South Dakota; Louise FYances, who' xvas married to Henry Stone, and lives at Livermore, Ioxva; Clarence A., who married Pearl Goodell and lives in Humboldt County; Ruby B., living at home. The subject of this sketch married Minnie Dodson, a nathe of Indiana, and five children have been born to them, AYlma AL, Bessie A., Edith, Ethel, and Gladys, all living xxith their parents. Mr. Rowe settled on his present farm of 240 acres in AA'eaver Township in 1888. In politics he is independent. He is a member of the Con gregational church and has been Sunday school superinten- ent for nine years. He is also president of the Sunday School association of the township. He belongs to the Yeoman lodge and to the AL AAL A. He is interested in education, and Is numbered 1, among the prosperous farmers of the coniitx-. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 657 FRED C. SHUTTLER, Was born in Illinois, January 21, 1846. He has lived at Storm Lake, Iowa, at Jefferson, Green County, and set tled in Humboldt County in 1893. He married Lo'tiise Hersiem, January 19, 1871. Nine children have been born to them, Oscar, died November 6, 1900; Lilly May, died June 10, 1885; Minnie, now Mrs. Wiley, Laurens, Iowa; Em ma, living at Gilmore City; AVilliam at home; Nettie, attend ing the Manson High school; George, Bertha, Dora, living at home. In politics, Mr. Shuttler is a Republican, and the family are members of the Christian church of Pioneer. Mr. Shuttler was one of the organizers and is now elder of the church. He owned until recently, a farm of 160 acres in Weaver Township. He has sold this, and bought a farm in Kansas, where he will move. He has been a prominent and respected citizen of the township. J. B. SPRINGER, Was born in Pennsylvania, June 4, 1849. His mother, Sophia Bretz, was born January 13, 1816, in Pennsylvania. She is the only survivor of a family of thirteen children. Mr. Springer moved to Humboldt County in the fall of 1868 and two years later settled in Weaver Township. He married Isabel Rice, a native of Canada, and they are the parents of three children, two of whom are living, Clarence and Estella, both residing with their parents. In politics the subject of this sketch is a Democrat, and in religion a Lutheran. He has always been a farmer and is now interested in stock-rais ing, having a number of full-blooded cattle. JOHN STRAIT, Was born in Allegheny County, New York, December 26, 1836. His great-gralidfather on his father's side was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Strait went to La Salle County, Illinois, in 1857, where he remained until 1871 when he came to Humboldt County and located in AVeaver Township. He was the first settler in the southern part of the Township, and helped organize and name it. His place was a stopping point for hunters and for travelers from Ft. Dodge to Rolfe and other points. For a number of years Ft. Dodge was his nearest postoffice. He has a number of Indian curios, the most valuable one being a Sioux pipe made 658 HISTORY OF IOWA of red stone and picked up a mile east of his house, during the winter of 1871-2.- Mr. Strait married Miss Orra M. Hall, a native of New York. They had five children, four of whom are living, Luther Joshua, Humboldt, Iowa; Edward F., liv ing in Minnesota; George S., and John, Jr., living at home. Mrs. Strait died March 3, 1893. In politics, the subject of this sketch is a Republican and in religion a seventh day Adventist. He has been justice of the peace several years also school director. He owns 160 acres of land, all under cultivation. Among the improvements might be mentioned a good orchard. W. D. WEIR, Was born July 18, 1833, in Cattaraugus County, New York. He is one of the old settlers of Humboldt County, and has lived on his present farm since 1880. He was mar ried February 4, 1856, to Frances Vansteenburg of Utica, New York. She was born June 1, 1834. They are the par ents of four children, Fred J., Will B., Laura May, and Char ley L. In politics, Mr. Weir is a Republican. He held office as justice of the peace for a number of years, but has now retired from active work, his farm of 240 acres being worked by his sons, Fred J. and Will B. Fred J. Weir, was born in Bureau County, 111., January 19, 1858. He came with the rest of the family to Humboldt County, in 1880. He married Ida M. Tollman, of AVisconsin December 23, 1885. Two children have been born to them, only one of whom, Richard Lloyd, is living. In politics Mr. Weir is a Republican. He has held such minor offices as township trustee and constable, and xvas sheriff of Humboldt County for ten years, from 1890 to 1900. During that time he resided in Humboldt, but at the expiration of his office, he moved to' the parental farm, where he now lives. He is a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the K. P., the U. S. A., all of Humboldt, and the M. W. A. of Gilmore City. William B. Weir xxras born September 1, 1859. in Jack son County, Ioxva, and settled xvith his parents on their pres ent farm, in 1880. He married Florence Hammersly of In diana, and they have txvo children, Francis F., and Norman D., both living with their parents. In politics Mr. Weir is a Republican and has held office as township trustee and as school director. HUMBOLDT COUNTY 659 JOHN WITTMAN, Was born in- Germany, August 8, 1841. He emigrated to La Salle County, Illinois, in 1858 and remained there until 1892 when he came to Humboldt County and settled in Weaver Township, February 12, of that year, on his present farm. He married Albertina Brandenberger March 4, 1868. They were the parents of nine children, Amanda, now Mrs. Emke, Pioneer, Iowa; John, Pioneer, Iowa; Charles, Annie, Albert, Edward, Alma, Emiel, Georgia, living at home. Mrs. Wittman died in 1896. Mr. AVittman took part in the civil war enlisting in Company H, 156th Illinois Infantry, in the year 1864. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran. He helped organize a church of that denomina tion in La Salle County, Illinois, and was for three years pres ident of the society, for two years secretary and treasurer. He still holds his membership and also belongs to the G. A. R. He oxvns a farm of 1 60 acres all of which is under culti vation and which xvith its improvements, makes him a very comfortable home. «7