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LUCIAN M. KILBURN
HISTORY
OF
ADAIR COUNTY
IOWA
AND ITS PEOPLE
LUCIAN M. KILBURN
SUPERVISING EDITOR
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME 1
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CHICAGO
THE PIONEER PUBLISHING COMPANY
1915
• •'•:..:
,THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
730348
ATTOR, LtNOX AND
T3UKN peUNDATWMI.
It 1615 I.
A PREFATORY REMARK
To the patrons and readers of this history we desire to explain our
connection with its production.
The manuscript of the general history was prepared by Mr. Gor-
don K. Miller, a man of much experience in similar work in other
places, and its promotion and publication was undertaken by the
Pioneer Publishing Company of Chicago, which has been in the busi-
ness of publishing histories for many years.
We were asked by the advance agent to verify and supenise the
manuscript of the history in the light of our experience of nearly fifty
years' continuous residence in Adair County and the years in which
most of its develo23ment has taken place. We have endeavored con-
scientiously to perform the task and to assist in securing facts which
are creditable to the jDresent generation and which should be recorded
for the benefit of generations yet to come. The biographical volume
should be especially interesting in years to come to the descendants
of those who have made history in these earlier times. The teachings
of the fathers and pride in their achievements have been mighty
factors in the world's advancement. The pioneers who builded states
were not the products of chance, but came from strong and vigorous
ancestry whose history their descendants should be proud to record
and perpetuate.
That much has been omitted which should have been preserved is
probable, that some statements have not been sufficiently extended is
likely, and that some generally accepted facts may not accord with
individual experience and preconceived notions is possible; but the
men who have prepared the work have done the best they could with
the means of knowledge at their command.
Histoiy is not like mathematics, an exact science. Witnesses in
court who see the same things rarely see them from the same angle or
testify alike as to the exact facts. Much of history is tradition ; tales
passing from mouth to mouth, from sire to son, from generation to
generation, and the truth never gains in the transmission of these
tales. We accept as facts a great deal of history which doubtless
iii
iv A PREFATORY REMARK
never occurred ; much that in the light of the larger experience of our
time we know cannot be true, but we take it with allowance and glean
from it what we can.
The 23ublic and written records are reliable as far as they go, but
are often defective or incomj)lete. The recollection of actors in past
events are of value as history, but their credibility must be taken with
regard to the accuracy of their observation and memory, the sound-
ness of their judgment and their reliability to relate the facts unbiased
by preconceived notions of personal interest.
From all available sources the historians have sought to gather
the facts for this work. The development of Adair County covers
less than three-fourths of a centuiy ; most of it has been accomplished
in the last fifty years. Fifty years ago there were four postoffices in
the county, served with a triweekly mail carried by stage coach from
Des INIoines to Council Bluffs. Now the mail is delivered daily in
proximity to every farmhouse. Then there were only one or two
buggies in the county; now they are numbered by the thousands, not
counting the vast number of automobiles which have become the prop-
erty of Adair County residents. Twenty-five years ago there was
not a telephone in the county, except two or three toll stations on a
new line just built; now nearly every farmhouse in the county is
connected with all the world. This wonderful progress almost equals
the imagination of the "Arabian Nights."
But in the brief space of time which historj^ covers, the early set-
tlers who have made history have nearly all gone. Many of the
pioneers moved on to newer scenes when population, as they felt,
began to crowd them. They were not content to be other than pio-
neers. The most of the first generation of settlers on the wild prairie
are dead. They were too busy making a living to leave much record
of their doings in the early times, and so the historian has to gather
as he can the materials for this work; and however incomplete his
record of the development may be, it will prove of value to genera-
tions yet to come. We hope it will prove on completion all that its
projectors have promised and that its subscribers will appreciate the
work tliat has been accomplished. All our judgment of our fellow-
men and of their w^ork may follow the old adage : "Be to their faults
a little blind: Be to their virtues very kind."
LuciAN Moody Kilbukx,
Supervising Editor.
Greenfield, la., May 5, 1915.
INTRODUCTION
The history of Adair County as United States territory reaches
back to that eventful day in JVIay, 1803, when the treaty was signed
by which France ceded the vast territory included in the Louisiana
Purchase to our Federal Government, The hand of Providence
seems j^lainly manifest in the course of events which led to its acquisi-
tion. It is said that the American envoys who conducted the nego-
tiations on behalf of the United States "spent no small part of their
time explaining that they only wished a little bit of Louisiana, includ-
ing New Orleans and the east bank of the ^Mississippi." Livingston
indeed went so far as to express a very positive disinclination to take
the territory west of the jNIississippi at any price, stating that he
should much prefer to see it remain in the hands of France or Spain,
and suggesting by way of an apology for its acquisition that it might
be resold to some European power. jNIadison, who was at the head
of the State Department at that time, "felt a strong disinclination
to see the national domain extend west of the INIississippi, and he so
instructed Monroe and Livingston," who were in charge of the matter
on our part. But Napoleon, harassed on every hand by the great
powers of Europe and fearful that the territory might fall into the
hands of the English, rapidly abated his demands from the exorbitant
sum first asked, finally offering to take $15,000,000 and forced Liv-
ingston and JNIonroe to become reluctant purchasers, not merely of
New Orleans, but of all the immense territory stretching vaguely
northwestward to the Pacific. Another strange thing about the
matter is that Jefferson, in whose administration the purchase was
made, "had led his party into power as special champion of states'
rights and the special opponent of national sovereignty. He and they
rendered a very great service to the nation by acquiring Louisiana;
but it was at the cost of violating every precept which they had pro-
fessed to hold dear. Thus came into the possession of the United
States a territory of vast and very ill-defiiied extent. Congi'ess
authorized a temporary government for the newly acquired province
V
vi INTRODUCTION
on October 31, 1803, but its jmisdiction was merely nominal, as the
French governor retained his power at the request and by the author-
ity of the United States. By further action of Congress the whole
of the province north of the thirty-third parallel was organized into
a court district and formed for governmental and judicial purposes a
part of the Territory of Indiana. This action was had JNlarch 26,
1804, and affected what are now the states of Arkansas, jNIissouri
and Iowa; also Southern JNIinnesota. It was called Upper Louis-
iana, and in this way the name District of Louisiana originated, by
which it ^vas known during the early history of the country.
On March 3, 1805, Iowa was included as a part of the Territory
of Louisiana, with the capital at St. Louis, and that part of the
Louisiana Pui'chase now known as Louisiana became Orleans Terri-
tory. The Territory of JNIissouri was organized June 4, 1812, and
Iowa was embraced in it. When Missouri became a state in 1820,
Iowa, with other territory, was detached and forgotten and "remained
a country without a government, either political or judicial, until
June 28, 1834, when the abuses of outlawry and crime became so
prominent and serious that, as a means of redress and correction, it
was included in the Territory of JNIichigan. During all these years
it is probable that the only civil law in force in Iowa was the pro-
vision of the JNIissouri act which prohibited slavery and involuntary
servitude in the territories of the United States north of thirty-six
degrees, thirty minutes, north latitude."
By 1836 the population of this region had so increased that the
territorial government of Wisconsin was organized, which at first
included a part of the upper peninsula of JNIichigan, the whole of
Minnesota and Iowa, and that part of Dakota lying east of the JNIis-
souri and AVhite Earth rivers. When the Territory of Iowa was
organized, July 12, 1838, it included the present State of Minnesota
and parts of North and South Dakota.
By an act of Congress, approved JNIarch 3, 184.5, provision was
made for the admission of Iowa into the Union as a sovereign state,
with boundaries extending on the north the parallel of latitude pass-
ing through the mouth of the Blue Earth River and on the west only
to seventeen degrees, thirty minutes, from Washington, correspond-
ing very nearly to the existing lines between Ringgold and Union
counties on the one hand and Taylor and Adams counties on the
other. This reduction of the boundaries laid down by the constitu-
tional convention of 1844 was very distasteful to the people, and the
admission was rejected by a popular election, and in 1846 Congress
INTRODUCTION vii
proj)osed new boundary lines, having the State of JNIinnesota for the
north boundary, Missouri for the south, the Mississippi River on the
east and the Missouri and Sioux rivers on the west. The date of
admission to the Union was December 28, 1846.
Comparatively few of the counties as at present established had
been organized previous to the convening of the First Territorial
Assembly. The three southern tiers of counties in Iowa at present
were carved from the original County of Des ^Moines. Des JNIoines
was the second county in Iowa to be established, Dubuque having
been the first. The limits of the County of Des JNIoines were defined
in section 2 of an act to lay off and organize counties west of the
IMississippi River. In the definition of the boundaries of Des Moines
County an error was made in that the county was not limited, in so
many words, to territory to which the Indian title had been extin-
guished. The intention of the framers of the act was to erect the
southern part of the Black Hawk Purchase into Des INIoines County,
but by the omission of a phrase the coimty was apparently extended
westward to the JNIissouri River. The territory enacted into new
counties was only the southern part of the Black Hawk Purchase.
It did not extend westward to the INIissouri River.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
FIRST INHABITANTS OF ADAIR COUNTY
rOREAAORD FIRST SETTLERS FIRST EVENTS
CHAPTER II
ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT OF ADAIR
COUNTY
CREATION OF COUNTY FIRST MEETING OF COUNTY COURT
LOCATION OF COUNTY SEAT FURTHER COUNTY COURT PRO-
CEEDINGS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SUMMARY OF
COUNTY OFFICIALS CLERKS AUDITORS TREASURERS RE-
CORDERS SHERIFFS CORONERS SURVEYORS REPRESENTA-
TIVES SENATORS SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS COUNTY AT-
TORNEYS COURTHOUSE HISTORY JAIL HISTORY 7
CHAPTER III
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR
THE COUNTY SEAT AVAR 25
CHAPTER IV
MILITARY HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
ROSTER OF MEN FROM ADAIR COUNTY ROLL OF HONOR SKETCH
OF TAA^ENTY-NINTH lOAVA INFANTRY xVDAIR COUNTY BOYS IN
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN AVAR REGIMENTAL SKETCH ADAIR
county's HONORED DEAD OF THE CIVIL AVAR AND THE SPAN-
ISH-AMERICAN AVAR 31
ix
X CONTENTS
CHAPTER V
PROGRESS OF EDUCATION
THE EARLY SCHOOI-S 1915 SCHOOL STATISTICS INDEPENDENT
CITY, TOWN AND VILLAGE DISTRICTS SCHOOL TOWNSHIPS
RURAL INDEPENDENT DISTRICTS TOTAL OF ALL SCHOOLS
EDUCATIONAL GREENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING A PIC-
TURE OF EARLY SCHOOLS 4<8
CHAPTER VI
THE BENCH AND BAR OF ADAIR COUNTY
«
THE DISTRICT COURT THE CIRCUIT COURT^ THE COUNTY
COURT IMPORTANT CRIMINAL CASES THE MENTGER MUR-
DER THE BAR THE MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT BAR 60
CHAPTER VII
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
FIRST PHYSICIANS ADAIR COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION REGIS-
TER OF DOCTORS 71
CHAPTER VIII
HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CONGREGATIONAL UNITED PRESBYTE-
RIAN CATHOLIC GERMAN LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN
ORIENT CHURCHES BAPTIST OTHER CHURCHES. 75
CHAPTER IX
GREENFIELD TOWN AND TOWNSHIP
ORGANIZATION— SETTLEMENT A SKETCH OF EARLY GREEN-
FIELD THE PRESENT CITY GREENFIELD BANKS EARLY FIO-
TELS MILLS FIRST ITEMS INCORPORATION POSTOFFICE
COMMERCIAL CLUB NEWSPAPERS GREENFIELD WATER
WORKS PAVING ELECTRICITY LIBRARY— LODGES, SOCIE-
TIES AND CLUBS THE CREAMERY INDUSTRY 92
*
CONTENTS xi
CHAPTER X
SUMMERSET TOWNSHIP AND FONTANELLE
SETTLEMENT FIRST THINGS ORGANIZATION BEGINNING OF
FONTANELLE EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS BANKS FONTAN-
ELLE OBSERVER DEFUNCT PAPERS MUNICIPAL GROWTH —
POSTOFFICE FIRST HOTELS FIRST INDUSTRIES INCORPORA-
TION ORGANIZATIONS 107
CHAPTER XI
ORIENT TOWN AND TOWNSHIP
ORGANIZATION EARLY SETTLERS NOTES OF HISTORY TOWN OF
ORIENT BANKS SOCIETIES NEWSPAPERS 121
CHAPTER XII
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF ADAIR
EARLY SETTLEMENT FIRST ITEMS ORGANIZATION ADAIR
GROWTH OF BUSINESS BANKS NEWSPAPERS MILLS AND
ELEVATORS HOTELS POSTOFFICE GROWTH OF CITY SOCIE-
TIES A TRAIN ROBBERY THE 1884 FIRE 127
CHAPTER XIII
BRIDGEWATER TOWN AND TOWNSHIP
ORGANIZATION^BRIDGEWATER TOWN BANKS 138
CHAPTER XIV
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
EARLY SETTLEMENT — ^EARLY DAY ITEMS MILLS POSTOFFICE
ORGANIZATION 141
CHAPTER XV
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP
EARLY SETTLEMENT HISTORIC ITEMS ORGANIZATION LODGES
AND CHURCHES BIOGRAPHICAL NEVIN 147
xii CONTENTS
CHAPTER XVI
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
EARLY SETTLEMENT FIEST ITEMS ORGANIZATION POSTOFFICE . 153
CHAPTER XVII
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP
EARLY SETTLEMENT ITEMS ORGANIZATION STUART 158
CHAPTER XVIII
HARRISON TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY EARLY SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATION PORT UNION
POSTOFFICE STORES NOTES 161
CHAPTER XIX
GROVE TOWNSHIP
ORGANIZATION^ — EARLY SETTLEMENT ITEMS 165
CHAPTER XX
EUREKA TOWNSHIP
FIRST SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATION ITEMS 167
CHAPTER XXI
PRUSSIA TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY EARLY SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATION ITEMS .... 169
CHAPTER XXII
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
EARLY SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATION PIONEER NOTES BIO-
GRAPHICAL 171
CHAPTER XXIII
GRAND RIVER TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATION ' 175
CONTEXTS xiii
CHAPTER XXIV
UXIOX TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY SETTLEMENT ITEMS 177
CHAPTER XXV
WALNUT TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY EARLY SETTLEMENT SCRAPS CASEY 179
CHAPTER XXVI
LEE TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY EARLY SETTLEMENT EARLY E\T:NTS ORGANIZA-
TION 182
CHAPTER XXVII
MISCELLANEOUS
RAILROADS TELEPHONES COUNTY BRIDGE AND ROAD WORK
THE GRANGE ROADS COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION FARMERS'
INSTITUTES AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT EARLY TIMES
IN FONTANELLE WILD GAME PRIVATIONS PANTHER
REMINISCENCES OF S. VT. PRYOR EARLY SETTLEMENT IN
NORTH PART OF ADAIR COUNTY A BAD WINTER CHAUTAU-
QUA MILLS COAL MINING STATISTICS OF POPULATION
THE ADAIR COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION AN
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION MARRIAGES TOWN
PLATS THE SILENT CITY EARLY FINANCE SHORT
SKETCHES 184
CHAPTER XXVIII
GEOLOGICAL REPORT ON ADAIR COUNTY
By James Willis Gow
PREVIOUS GEOLOGICAL AVORK ELEVATIONS EXPOSURES AND DEEP
SHAFTS EXPOSURES EAST OF THE DIVIDE THE DRIFT
SHEETS POST-PLEISTOCENE DEPOSITS ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
BOTANY 217
History of Adair County
CHAPTER I
FIRST INHABITANTS OF ADAIR COUNTY
FOREWORD
Pioneer history is in many respects an elusive subject. Records
of the days when the settlers hewed their homes from the unbroken
wilderness have not been adequately preserved and consequently the
sources of information which have survived are treasures which must
be kept and immortalized by the present generation and the ones to
come, lest the tales of the hardships and sturdy deeds performed be
lost to view forever. Such is the purpose of history. Pioneer his-
tory, as well as any other, grows with the telling. There is glamour
and interest centering around the hard-fought battles of the early
days which will bear the retelling many times over. What if bits of
imagination are introduced in the retelling? Any life is prosaic in
the stern reality — and narrative beauty is added by the coloration of
the bare facts; but, of course, strict adherence to these same facts is
the prime requisite.
In the beginning of Iowa history, and also that of Adair County,
settlements were miles apart and social intercourse was difficult.
Log-rollings, husking-bees, barbecues, cabin-buildings and other enter-
tainments significant to the pioneers supplied the only opportunities
for the people to congregate together and these periods were often
months apart. So the pioneer lived alone with his family in the silent
and mighty forest and on the monotonous level of the jDrairie, sally-
ing out before dawn to shoot the game for the day's food and to cast
a line in the nearby stream. The clothes were manufactured by the
good housewife, who sat for days before the loom and spinning wheel,
patiently working; linsey-woolsey and homespun, adorned with the
skins of wild animals, were the popular fabrics.
Vol. I— 1
2 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
An extreme hardiness of body and soul resulted from this life;
men were cast in steel. Writers of today lament the deterioration
of the twentieth century civilization, praying for the spirit of the
pioneer days. This may be true, but the eiFect of money and lux-
uries are too familiar to merit discussion in a work such as this volume.
It is to the first men of the county and their influence in building
up the community and to the men of the present generation who
are stolidly retaining this standard that this work must be dedicated.
Every authority will agree with the statement that the sole motive
of early settlement in any land or locality is an economic one. It is
when living conditions become difficult in larger settlements, when
competition becomes strong, and when the desire for larger space
becomes uppermost, that an exodus to a new land occurs. So it was
in the early settlement of Adair County. The emigrants came here
with the purpose of building new homes, raising crops and opening
up a new country for their children's happiness. They were but
following the law of existence and the survival of the fittest.
FIRST SEl^TLERS
The identity of the first settler in Adair County has been dis-
puted for many years, even since the first settlements were made. It
is impossible to state exactly who made the first home in this county.
Thomas Johnson, a native of Indiana, came from Page County,
la., in the spring of 1849 and settled on section 4 in Washington
Township. He had gone to Page County as early as 1841. He
constructed a log cabin, probably the first in the county, and cleared
a small patch of ground in order to raise sufficient grain and vege-
tables to supply himself and small family. His trips to mill were
made over long distances, and he soon grew tired, so in 1850 built a
small grist mill upon his farm and four years later added a sawmill.
In 1853 a mail route was established through Washington Township
on the road from Afton to Lewis, and the house of Thomas Johnson
was made a postoffice, he acting as postmaster. There is no doubt
but that he was the first gentleman in the county to act in this
capacity. After living here for about twelve j^ears Johnson removed
to the State of Oregon, where he lived until his death.
It is a notable fact that the first school in Adair County was
taught in Johnson's house in the winter of 1851-52 by INIiss Dianthe
Richardson.
In the month of April, 1850, James R. Campbell built a cabin
on section 3 in what is now Washington Township, and on INIay 11th
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 3
of the same j^ear he moved into the crude home with his family. He
afterwards moved to section 33. Until he had closer trading points
he bartered his goods at Savannah, the comity seat of Andrews
County, ]Mo., 120 miles from here, and he also took some of his goods
to St. Joseph, ^lo., even farther away from home. He had his
grinding done at Cox's mills, on River One Hmidred and Two, so
called, it was said, because it was the one hundred and second stream
crossed from the ^lississippi when traveling westward. This mill was
seventy-five miles from the Campbell home.
James R. Campbell was born in Bourbon County, Ky., on March
28, 1822, and was the son of James and Polly (Lock) Campbell,
natives of Kentucky. He remained in the Blue Grass State until
he was seventeen years of age, then went to Lawrence County, Ind.,
and thence in one year to Putnam County, where he stayed until 1841,
when he settled in Page County, la. He was married on March ] 4,
1850, to Susanna Johnson, of Lawrence County, Ind., and to this
felicitous union there were born four children: Emilv, Horant,
James H. and Robert.
In the autumn of 1849 William (Uncle Billy) 3IcDonald came
to this county from jNIissouri. His first trip was to search for a com-
fortable site for a home, which he evidently discovered, for in the fol-
lowing spring he moved here and settled upon section 26 in Harrison
Township. He was a native of Pike County, Ohio, and was born
April 20, 1809, the son of Charles and Nancy (Tubbs) McDonald.
His first removal was to Peoria, 111., and that place not proving a
satisfactory location, he returned to Ohio, but again went to Illinois
and made a trial of Sangamon Comity. From there he went to
Missouri and, as above stated, came to Adair County in 1849.
After the organization of the county iMcDonald was chosen as the
first recorder and was also one of the first trustees of his home town-
ship. For a time he served as a school director. INIr. McDonald
was married three times. On April 2, 1829, he was wedded to JNIaria
Kirkendall, a daughter of George and JNIary Kirkendall; no children
were born of this union. On November 5, 1836, he was married to
jNIary Dixon, daughter of John Dixon; two children, Emily and
Elizabeth, were born. In 1869 he was married to Letitia JNIcAfertv.
In the spring of 1850 William Alcorn made a claim on section 27
in Jefferson Township and constructed a cabin home. He lived here
until 1852, when he sold his property to John Febus, and took up
another claim on section 33. In 1854 he left the county.
4 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
With Alcorn came John Gilson and he made a settlement in the
same township. He was chosen as the first county clerk in Adair.
Daniel Vancil came to Adair County about the same time and
settled in Jefferson Township. He made no legal claim, but was
reputed to be a claim- jumper. Not finding himself in good standing
in this commmiity, he left in 1853 and returned to his native state of
Illinois, where he was afterward lynched.
Among the first settlers of Jefferson Township) was George M.
Holaday, who made a settlement on section 26 in 1853. Here he
built his cabin and resided for a time. Upon the organization of the
county he succeeded in obtaining the ofiice of county judge and served
the full time with little credit to himself or the community. At the
expiration of his term he left the county.
Azariah Root, afterward county judge, was one of the early set-
tlers of the county, together with his son, Abner. In 1853 he made
a settlement upon section 11, in Jackson Township, where he resided
for some time; then he removed to section 12, and later to the Village
of Fontanelle.
Charles Wilson, in the spring of 1853, made the first settlement
in what is now Union Township, on section 12, where he resided for
many years.
Christian Gerkin, a native of Germany, made a settlement on sec-
tion 2 in Union Township in the latter part of July, 1853. He came
here directly from the Vaterland.
Charles Wilson, a native of England, was born in 1816, the son
of Robert and Sarah Wilson. He resided in his native land until
eighteen years of age, w^hen he came to America, first settling in
Rochester, N. Y., and a year later he moved to Allegany County.
He then moved to Genesee Countv, Ind., and then to Lake Countv.
He remained there until the fall of 1852, when he came to Iowa,
spending the winter in JNIahaska County on the Des INIoines River.
In the spring following he brought his family to JNIadison County
and began work on a claim, his family occupying a tent. He came
to Adair County soon afterward and began the cultivation of. liis
farm. He was obliged to travel ninety miles to a mill. There were
but few^ houses between his home and the Town of Winterset. He
was married in October, 1838, to Sarah Brough, a native of England.
Eight children were born to them, namely: Thomas K., George,
AVilliam, Lewis K., John, IMary, Lizzie and Harriott. He held at
different times the offices of township assessor and justice of the
peace.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 5
John Gears, one of the best known of the early settlers of the
county, came here in the year 1854< and took up a claim on section 3,
in Jackson Township. He was born in Switzerland on October 18,
1820, and in 1823 the family moved to America, locating in Alle-
gany, where they remained until 1832, when his father died, and
then his mother and the children went to Monroe County, Ohio, and
there remained until 1850, when he came to Piatt County, ]Mo., and
one year later he came to Des ]Moines County, la., and there remained
until 1853. He then came to Dallas County, la., and after several
months came to this county. For a long' time after his comino- his
house served as a stage station. He was married in January, 181«1<,
to Phoebe Tucker, and again in ]March, 1858, to Miss P. J. Perry.
To this last union there were borfi the following children : William P.,
Joseph H., Martha C, George B., Jennie I., Frank E., Thomas J.
and Albert W. There Mere also several children born to ]Mr. Cears'
first wife.
John Febus made a settlement in Jefferson Township in 1853,
where he remained until the fall of 1855, when he removed to Win-
ters et.
John Gilman came here in 1853 and made a settlement on section
5 in M'hat is now Richland Township. With him came Harvey Fort-
ner, who shortly afterwards left the county.
Jefferson Township received another settler in the year 1853 in
the person of Jacob Bruce, who located upon section 33. He was
born on October 27, 1825, in Union County, Pa., and in 1835 moved
with his parents to Sandusky County, Ohio, and there remained until
the fall of the same year, when he went to Fulton County, Ind.,
where he was married in October, 1850, to Catherine Hoch, a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Rebecca (Kline) Hoch. Jacob Bruce served in
the war with ^lexico, having charge of a train of twenty-five teams
and participating in several skirmishes. During his life in Adair
County he served several times in official capacities.
Titus, Elijah, John and Jahu Sullivan located upon section 16,
Washington Township, in the fall of 1853, where the two first named
took up claims and the latter worked for them. In 1856 J. B.
removed to Jackson Township. Jahu Sullivan, a native of ^Monroe
County, Ind., was born on November 11, 1836, the son of Heniy S.
and Sarah Sullivan. His wife was INIargaret J. Roberts, also a
native of Indiana.
6 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Alfred Jones, Sr., settled upon a portion of section 12 in Jackson
Township on June 3, 1852. He was a native of North Carolina.
He made his home here until his death in 1881.
Willis Lyons also settled in Jackson Township.
FIRST EA-EXTS
The first white child born in what now comprises Adair County
was jNIargaret, the daughter of Thomas and Rosa Johnson, the pio-
neers of the county, in May, 1850. She later lived in the State of
California.
The first death in the county was that of John Gilson's child,
name unknown, in the fall of 1850.
The first marriage was that of J^oshua E. Chapman and Dianthe
Richardson, in 1853. These people were married in Tremont County,
but were residents of Adair County at the time of their nuptials.
The first marriage within the bounds of Adair County was that
of William Stinson and Elizabeth Fredonia Crow on May 7, 1854.
Judge George JNI. Holaday performed the ceremony.
The first school in the county, as before mentioned, was taught at
the house of Thomas Johnson.
The first mill in the county was the small grist mill erected by
Thomas Johnson on his farm.
CHAPTER II
ORGANIZATIOX AND GOVERX3IEXT OF ADAIR
COUNTY
CREATION OF COUXTY
At one time Adair County was a portion of the large County of
Des ]Moines, also the northern tier of townships was a part of Keokuk
County from December 31, 1837, until July 30, 184-0. Adair County,
as it now exists, was created by an act of the Third General Assembly,
approyed January 15, 18.51. The name of the county was giyen in
honor of Gen. John Adair, a distinguished officer during the War
of 1812 and the sixth goyernor of Kentucky. By chapter 8, acts of
the P^ourth General Assembly, the county was made a township of
Cass County for election and judicial purposes, but shortly afterward
Adair was fully organized within itself. The first election was held
at the house of Alfred Jones.
During the first years of the county's existence the control of the
goyernmental affairs was placed in the hands of a County Court,
instead of the board of superyisors, as is now in yogue. The County
Court consisted of a judge, a prosecuting attorney and a sheriff; the
heayiest work fell upon the shoulders of the judge. He had supreme
jurisdiction in all matters which could not properly be brought before
the District Court. The other members of the triumyirate were sim-
ply assistants to the all-important judge.
FIRST MEETING OF COUNTY COURT
The first regular meeting of the Adair County Court was held on
INIay 6, 1854, at the house of Judge George INI. Holaday. The only
business tranacted by the court at this meeting was the issuance of
a marriage license to William Stinson and Elizabeth Crow.
At the July term of the court it was ordered that "the County of
Adair be diyided into tw^o election precincts, the center line running
7
8 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
north and south to be the dividing line, the east half to be known as
Harrison Precinct and the west half as Washington Precinct.
Ordered, also, that Alfred Jones, Thomas N. Johnson and Nathan
Wooart be appointed township trustees of Washington Precinct."
At the September term of the court the first levy of taxes in the
county was made, the same at the following rates : For state revenue,
3 mills on the dollar ; county fund, 6 mills ; school fund, l/o mill ; road
tax, 1 mill and $1 poll ; county poll tax, 50 cents.
LOCATION OF COUNTY SEAT
At the time of the organization of the county Elias Stafford and
George B. Hitchock were appointed as commissioners to locate the
county seat. They were appointed by the General Assembly of
Iowa. On May 1, 1855, these commissioners returned the following
report to the county judge:
"State of Iowa,
County of Adair' — ss.
"In jDursuance of an Act of the General Assembly of the State
of Iowa, approved January 15, 1855, for the location of the seat of
justice of the aforesaid County of Adair; We, G. B. Hitchcock and
Elias Stafford, two of the commissioners appointed by the aforesaid
act to locate the seat of justice of said county, have met at Adair
PostofRce, on the 24th of April, 1855, and proceeded to locate the
seat of justice of said County of Adair, on the southwest quarter of
section 17, in township 75 north, range 32 west, as above directed by
the aforesaid act. We, the said commissioners, have been duly sworn
as above directed. This done in Adair County, this April 27, 1855.
The name of the county seat above described shall be Summerset.
"Elias STArroRD,
"George B. Hitchcock,
"Commissioners."
The town of Summerset is now known by the name of Fontanelle.
FURTHER COUNTY COURT PROCEEDINGS
The records of the coin-t, of the first Monday in July, 1855, contain
the following entry which may be of interest as showing the remuner-
ation of some of the early countv officers: "Ordered, that John Gib-
son, countv clerk, be allowed in all for fifteen months' salary as clerk,
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 9
$62.50. And that G. M. Holaday be allowed $52.50 as his salary for
fifteen months, from the 1st of April, 1854, to the 1st of July, 1855."
At the July term of the County Court a new township was set
off, consisting of congressional townships 74 and 75, ranges 30 and
31, which was called Grand River. Robert Wilson, Charles Wilson
and William Swears were appointed trustees of the same. Also,
townships 76 and 77, ranges 31, 32 and 33, were set off and formed
into a civil township under the name of Jeiferson Township, and
]M. Hollingsworth, Samuel ]Miner and William Tingbe were
appointed trustees thereof.
On August 1, 1855, J. J. Leeper became county judge. He
ordered that the court be held at his house until the necessary county
building at Summerset had been erected. At the session of the court
held January 7, 1850, the following order was made: "Ordered, that
there be a courthouse built in Summerset, Adair County, la.; and
ordered further, that the said house be advertised to be sold to the low-
est responsible bidder on the 10th day of February, 1856. The said
house to be 26 feet wide, 36 feet long, 10 feet high, and to contain
three rooms, all to be finished in good style." In accordance with this
order the contract was let to James Ray, upon the above date; he to
finish the courthouse and to have it ready for occupancy by October
1, 1856, for the sum of $1,250.
At the ^larch term of the court of this year congressional town-
ships 74 and 75, of range 32 west, and township 75, range 33, were
made a civil tow^nship under the name of Summerset.
The first petition for a road was presented to the court by
Mr. Cutler in October, 1856. The judge appointed James Walker
as a commissioner to view the same and report.
On the 25th of August, 1857, the court met, when IVIanning Drake,
the newly elected county judge, handed in his resignation, which was
accepted, and while D. M. Valentine, the prosecuting attorney, acted
as judge, the office was declared vacant. Mr. Valentine held the posi-
tion as acting judge until April 13, 1858, when a successor was sworn
into office. This was F. M. Corr.
At the July term, 1859, the judge, on a petition to that efi'ect,
set off a township consisting of townships 74 and 75, range 31, which
was to be known as Greenfield, and ordered that W. G. Bagg be
appointed organizing officer.
During the administration of Judge Corr, on October 18, 1860,
a petition was presented asking that township 76, range 32, be set
off and made into a new civil township under the name of Grove;
10 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
which the court granted, and ordered that the first election therein
be held at the general election in the following November.
It was not long after this that the County Court fell into disuse.
With the coming of the year 1861 the board of supervisors trans-
acted most of the business formerly the duty of the court, conse-
quently the latter department rapidly fell into decline. Auditing and
the paying of claims against the county and the granting of marriage
licenses comprised most of the business during these last months of
its existence.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The first regular session of the board of supervisors was held at
Fontanelle, then the countv seat, on Januarv 7, 1861. There were
present the following men, who were duly sw^orn into office : Mathew
Clark, Greenfield Towiiship; R. W. Champlin, Washington Town-
ship; Benjamin Minett, Richland Township; L. C. Elliott, Harrison
Township; John Loucks, Jefferson Township; James Thompson,
Walnut Township; Jacob Bruce, Grove Township; L. J. Wilson,
Grand River Township ; Azariah Root, Summerset Township.
The board proceeded to organize by electing Azariah Root chair-
man for the ensuing year and drew lots for the term of office for each
member, ]Much of the business at the beginning seems to have been
the straightening up of old matters. At their meeting upon the 4th
of June, however, in answer to a petition to that effect, set off a new
civil township which they called Lincoln Township. This comprised
congressional township 77 north, range 30 west. Zimri Horner M^as
by the same act made organizing officer and the election for the first
offices was set for October 2, 1861, the house of Dominick Nunon.
The board of supervisors for the year 1862 was composed of the
following: James C. Gibbs, Summerset; Azariah Root, Jackson;
S. C. Vance, Greenfield; L. C. Elliott, Harrison; Jacob Bruce, Grove;
John Loucks, Jefferson; A. J. Ross, Washington; Benjamin JNIinert,
Richland; L. S. Wilson, Grand River; James Thompson, Walnut;
JNIilton jNIills, Lincoln. These parties met at the courthouse in Fonta-
nelle on January 6th and elected James C. Gibbs as chairman. In
October of the same year James C. Gibbs resigned his position as
member of the board and Azariah Root, having removed from Jack-
son Township to Summerset, made a vacancy in the representation
of the former subdivision of the county.
On Januarv 5, 1863, the new board for the vear assembled at
Fontanelle and the following gentlemen were present: Benjamin
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 11
jNIinert, Richland; S. C. Vance, Greenfield; S. W. Armstrong, Sum-
merset; Milton jNIills, Lincoln; A. J. Ross, Washington; John
Loucks, Jefferson; Jacob Bruce, Grove; Abner Root, Jackson; L. J.
Wilson, Grand River; James Thompson, Walnut; Fielden Key,
Harrison.
On organization Benjamin ^linert was elected chairman for the
year and the board proceeded to business. Jacob Bruce was
appointed by the board as supervisor to fill the vacancy caused by
there being no election in Grove Township. But little of any interest
seems to have transpired at this term except the following action in
relation to the support of the families of the volunteers: At the fall
election of 1862 a special tax was voted by the people of the countj^
for the above purpose and the board of supervisors at the January
term appointed ^Messrs. Vance, Minert and Key a committee to
attend to the distribution of the same. At the June term the board
passed the following resolution:
Resolved, by the Board of Supervisors of Adair County, la.,
that resolution Xo. 13, appropriating the special tax voted for the
families of volunteers, be so amended that the committee therein
named shall not, in making said distribution, be confined or limited to
families of volunteers who enlisted in Adair County, but that they
shall act in good faith and relieve all families of volunteers residing
or that may reside in the county to the extent of the funds provided,
acting in their discretion in making the distribution.
At the October term of this same year a resolution was adopted
giving to each patriot who enlisted in the service of the United States
Government against the so-called Confederate States of America
between the 14th of December, 1863, and the 4th of January, 1864,
from Adair County, under the call for 300,000 men to fill up the old
regiments now in the field, to fill the County of Adair's quota, under
the same, the sum of $100 as a bounty; said sum to be paid in county
warrants on the treasurer of said county, when the said volunteers
shall have been mustered into the United States service and rendez-
vous set. On the 4th of January, 1864, the new board of supervisors
met at Fontanelle and the following mentioned, after due qualifica-
tion of the new members, took their seats: S. C. Vance, Greenfield;
Benjamin ^Minert, Richland; Jacob Bruce, Grove; John Loucks,
Jefferson; A. J. Ross, Washington; John Augustine, Grand River;
^lilton ^lills, Lincoln; S. W. Armstrong, Summerset; J. W. Stin-
man, Jackson; James Thompson, Walnut; Fielden Key, Harrison.
Benjamin Minert was chosen chairman for the ensuing year. The
12 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
various committees coming forward to report, among them was the
committee on rehef to families of volunteers which filed the follow-
ing account of receipts and expenditures :
Received from special tax of 1863 $224.57
Received from road fund by transfer 200.00
Received from bridge fund by transfer. . . » 24.00
Total $448.57
Amount expended to date $326.00
Amount on hand 122.59
The swamp lands of the county were at this time sold by the
county to B. F. Allen of Des ^Nloines for the sum of $1,500, which
was appropriated for the bounty of the soldiers. In October, 1864,
the board passed a resolution to pay the same bounty of $100 to
each and every one who had volunteered in the service of the United
States and who was credited to Adair County or to his heirs jf he
were dead, thus equalizing the bounty. At the same time a resolution
was passed that instead of the relief to the families of volunteers
being in the hands of a committee and irregular in its action, $12
per quarter be allowed to the wife of the volunteer and $6 per quarter
to every child of the same under tw^elve years of age. Besides this,
provision was made for any others who were dependent upon any
volunteer, so that none might suffer in their absence.
The first meeting of the board of supervisors for the year of 1865
was at Fontanelle on January 2d, when the following men were
present: Benjamin ]Minert, Richland; S. C. Vance, Greenfield;
J. W. Stinman, Jackson; S. W. iVrmstrong, Summerset; Fielden
Key, Harrison; Moses P. Stockwell, AValnut; Milton ]\Iills, Lincoln;
F. JNI. Corr, Washington; John Loucks, Jefferson; John Augustine,
Grand River.
Grove Township had no representative on account of there being
no poll book sent from that precinct. To fill the vacancy the board
appointed James IMc^NIasters as supervisor from that township.
JNIinert was chosen chairman for the year. In June S. W. Arm-
strong removed from the count}^ making thereby a vacancy in the
board from Summerset and it was filled by the appointment of A. J.
Ross.
It was upon the first of January, 1866, that the board of super-
visors for that year assembled at Fontanelle, when the following
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 13
gentlemen took their seats: F. ]M. Corr, Washington; T. M. Ewing,
Richland; J. W. Stinman, Jackson; A. P. Littleton, Greenfield; A.
J. Ross, Summerset; JNI. P. Stockwell, Walnut; John Loucks, Jef-
ferson; James McMasters, Grove; Fielden Key, Harrison; Jacob
Bally, Grand River; and J. R. Short, Lincoln. Stinman was made
the chairman.
At the September meeting a vacancy' was made on the board by
the removal from the county of J. R. Short, of Lincoln Township,
and Barnett Mills was appointed to fill the place. .
The board for the year 1867, was composed of: J. W. Stinman,
F. M. Corr, James C. Gibbs, A. P. Littleton, T. :M. Ewing, Barnett
Mills, John Loucks,' R. H. Marshall, James INIcMasters, Jacob Bally,
Solomon Garrett.
The board met on January 7, 1867, at Fontanelle and proceeded
to organization by the election of A. P. Littleton as permanent
chairman.
In 1868, the board of supervisors met on Januarj^ 6th, at Fontan-
elle, with the following membership: J. W. Stinman, James Mc-
Masters, R. H. IMarshall, S. C. Vance, T. M. Ewing, B. F. McMul-
len, John J. Hetherington, Jacob Bally, Orin Dinsmore, Robert
Snodgrass, Solomon Garrett. Stinman was chosen as chairman for
the year. In June INIcMasters resigned his position on the board and
Harrison Allspaugh was elected in his place.
The board of supervisors for 1869 met at Fontanelle on January
4th, and the newly elected members duly sworn, took their seats.
There were present the following: S. C. Vance, Robert Snodgrass,
T. M. Ewing, Orin Dinsmore, R. W. Marshall, John Shreves,
Joseph Smith, J. W. Stinman, L. C. Elliott, Jacob Bally, B. F.
McISlullen.
L. C. Elliott had the honor of being elected chairman for the
ensuing year on the organization of the county board. At the June
meeting, in the absence of Dinsmore and Snodgrass, their places
on the board were filled by the appointments of Ambrose Jenkins
and William Stevens. At this same time, township 74, range 31,
now known as Orient, was set off from the civil township of Green-
field and the board ordered that the county auditor place the nec-
essary papers for the organization and election therein in the hands
of Reinhart Schweers, and naming the Schweers schoolhouse as the
place of holding the election. This new township was to be known
by the name of Dayton.
u HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
The first regular session of the board of supervisors for 1870 was
held at Fontanelle on January 3d, with the following members pres-
ent: L. C. Elliott, J. W. Stinman, John Schreeves, R. H. Marshall,
W. jNI. Cady, S. C. Vance, Henry Fisk, A. Jenkins, L. R. jNIc-
Whinny, J. A. Jennings, James ]Mc]Masters, Joel E. Savage, R. C.
Hitchcock. Vance was elected chairman. At the June session there
was received by the board a petition from the legal voters that terri-
tory for the formation of a new township comprising all of congres-
sional township 76 north, range 3.3 west, which was to be called
Eureka. The board granted the petition, which had eleven signers,
and ordered an election to be held at the house of G. W. Snyder at
the time of the October election, 1870, and the warrant for the or-
ganization thereof w^as placed in the hands of H. Pangborn. The
board also passed the following resolution: Resolved, that the county
auditor is authorized to issue a county warrant for $100 in favor of
the first person that will deliver to the county treasurer, for the use
of the county, twenty bushels of good stone coal, dug from the coal
bank in Adair County, Iowa, and that any person finding a vein of
coal two feet thick, receive a county warrant for $200; three feet
vein, $300: four feet vein, $400; five feet vein, $500; six feet vein,
$600; and that sufiicient be produced to the satisfaction of the board
of supervisors that said coal has been found as above named and of
good quality.
With the year 1871 a new order of things came into existence in
regard to the composition of the board of supervisors. The cumber-
some machinery of one representative from each township being
entirely done away w^th and a board of three members elected at
large by the county substituted in its place. The new board for that
year met on January 2d and was composed of: A. P. Littleton, John
J. Hetherington and A. Osborne. Littleton was made chairman for
the ensuing }^ear. At the April session of this board, township 77
north, range 33 west, was set off and made a separate civil township
under the name of Summit, in response to a petition signed by twelve
resident citizens. The schoolhouse on section 17 was designated as
the place of holding the first election and Azariah Sisson the organiz-
ing officer.
Those composing the board for 1872 were A. P. Littleton, A.
Osborne and T. JNI. Ewing. Thev met on Januarv 1st. Littleton
was continued as chairman for the year.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 15
The board for the year 1873 was made of the same men, A. P.
Littleton having been re-elected and was for a third time made chair-
man.
For 187J? the board was composed of A. P. Littleton, T. ]M. Ewing
and J. W. Hastings; Littleton still occupying the place of chair-
man. It was during the term of office of this board that the petition
was brought up to remove the county seat to Greenfield and this
board ordered the vote of the electors thereon.
On January 4, 187.5, the new board for the year met for the first
time at Fontanelle and was composed of A. P. Littleton, J. W.
Hastings and George A. Davis, Littleton still in the chair.
The board of supervisors met for the first time in regular session
in Greenfield on September 6, 187.3, where they have continued to
meet ever since.
The board of supervisors for the different succeeding years have
been composed as follows:
1876 — J. AV. Hastings, George A. Davis, T. J. Graham, with
Hastings as chairman.
1877— G. A. Davis, R. H. ^Marshall, J. T. Graham, with Davis
as chairman.
1878 — J. T. Graham, R. H. jNIarshall, Josiah Arnold, with Gra-
ham as chairman.
1879 — R. H. ^larshall, Josiah Arnold, James H. Hulbert. Mar-
shall was chairman.
1880— Josiah Arnold, J. H. Hulbert, Thomas C. Neville.
Arnold was chairman.
1881— J. H. Hulbert, T. C. Neville, B. F. Childs. Hulbert was
chairman for the year.
1882— T. C. Neville, B. F. Childs, J. H. Hulbert. Neville was
chairman.
1883— B. F. Childs, J. H. Hulbert, E. M. Ford. Childs was
the chairman.
1884 — J. H. Hulbert, E. M. Ford, George Faga. Hulbert served
this year as chairman. On the 30th of INIay E. JNI. Ford resigned
his position and on August 4th John JNIcCrea was appointed to fill
the vacancy.
Since this time the following men have served the county as super-
visors, each being elected for a term of three years in the year named:
John McCrea, 1884; same, 1885; J. W. Rutt, 1886; W. B. Hoskins,
1887: Jeremiah JNI. Wilson, 1888; John Shaver, 1889; W. B. Hos-
kins, 1890; J. ]M. Wilson, 1891 ; David Eshelman, 1892; C. A. Ostran-
16 HISTORY or ADAIR COUNTY
der, 1893; E. N. Fanch^r, 1894; C. A. Ostrander, 1896; J. C. Lane,
1897; Jeremiah W. Evans, 1898; John L. Garrett, 1890; W. W.
Richey, 1900; J. W. Evans, 1901; John L. Garrett, W. R. Turner,
1902; W. R. Turner, 1903; George D. Musmaker, WilHam A. Green,
1904; W. H. Brinton, J. S. Carlyle, W. N. Green, 1907; W. H. Brm-
ton, H. H. Gerkm, 1908; W. N. Green, W. H. Brinton, 1910; H. H.
Gerkin, T. A. Robinson, 1912; F. W. Fitzgerald, H. H. Gerkin,
1914. The above dates are those of the election.
SUMMARY OF COUNTY OFFICIALS
(Dates of Election)
Clerks
Theodore Smith, 18o6-7; George B. Wilson, 1857-8; A. B. Smith,
1858; W. B. Hall, 1858-60; A. P. Littleton, 1860-2; W. B. Hall,
1862-4; W. B. Hall, 1864-6; W. B. Hall, 1866-8; James Raney,
1868-70; James Raney, 1870-2; John J. Hetherington, 1872-4; John
J. Hetherington, 1874-6; John J. Hetherington, 1876-8; J. N. Had-
dock, 1878-80; J. N. Haddock, 1880-2; J. N. Haddock, 1882-4;
Daniel A. Hites, 1884-6; Daniel' A. Hites, 1886-8; Daniel A. Hites,
1888-90; Seth W. Mount, 1890-2; Seth W. INIount, 1892-4; Seth W.
Mount, 1894-6; H. G. Lynch, 1896-8; H. G. Lynch, 1898-1900;
H. G. Lynch, 1900-02; J. C. Hoyt, 1902-4; J. C. Hoyt, 1904-6; E.
W. Adams, 1906-8; E. W. Adams, 1908-10; Walter C. Smith, 1910-
12; Walter C. Smith, 1912-14; C. F. Roark, 1914-16.
Auditors
N. S. Tajdor, the last county judge, elected in 1867, became the
first county auditor, ex-ofhcio, when the former office was abolished.
Following him came: J. H. Bailey, 1869-71; J. H. Bailey, 1871-3;
W. B. Martin, 1873-5; W. B. jMartin, 1875-7; D. W. Marquart,
1877-9; D. W. Marquart, 1879-81; D. W. Marquart, 1881-3; George
H. Smith, 1883-5; George H. Smith, 1885-7; D. W. Young, 1887-9;
D. W. Young, 1889-92; D. W. Young, 1892-4; L. B. Davis, 1894-6;
L. B. Davis, 1896-8; J. D. Friel, 1898-1900; J. D. Friel, 1900-02;
R. B. Oldham, 1902-4; R. B. Oldham, 1904-6; Charles E. Clark,
1906-8; Charles E. Clark, 1908-10: S. E. Alley, 1910-12; S. E. Alley,
1912-14; M. A. Gettis, 1914-16.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 17
Treasurers
The office of treasurer originated with the official position known
as "treasurer and recorder." Joshua E. Chapman was elected to fill
the dual position in 18.54 and was succeeded by Francis M. Corr,
1857; S. W. Armstrong, 1858; Dr. T. M. Moore, 1861; G. F. Kil-
burn, 1863. During the latter's term of office the position of recorder
was separated from that of treasurer and thus Kilburn becafne the
first county treasin-er. He served until 1866 and following him came:
T. M. Moore, 1866-7; James C. Gibbs, 1867-9; James C. Gibbs,
1869-71; John Shreeves, 1871-3; L. J. Gray, 1873-5; L. J. Gray,
1875-7; John E. Hill, 1877-9; John E. Hill, 1879-81; John E. Hill,
1881-3; S. M. Shattuck, 1883-5; S. M. Shattuck, 1885-7; James A.
Hetherington, 1887-9; James A. Hetherington, 1889-91; A. D.
Crooks, 1891-3; A. D. Crooks, 1893-5; J. S. Hulbert, 1895-7; J. S.
Hulbert, 1897-9; S. H. Moffitt, 1899-01; S. H. Moffitt, 1901-03;
G. W. Van Camp, 1903-6; G. W. Van Camp, 1906-8; S. M. INIercer,
1908-10; S. M. Mercer, 1910-12; R. M. Wilson, 1912-1-i; R. M.
Wilson, 1914-16.
Recorders
The office of recorder becoming separate from that of treasurer
in the latter part of 1864, at the election that fall W. H. Brainard
was chosen to fill the position for one term. Following him came:
Wesley Taylor, 1866-8; Wesley Taylor, 1868-70; Wesley Taylor,
1870-2; R. O. Brown, 1872-4; R. O. Brown, 1874-6; R. 6. Brown,
1876-8; John A. Easton, 1878-80; John A. Easton, 1880-2; E. S.
Chenoweth, 1882-4; E. S. Chenoweth, 1884-6; William Bacon,
1886-8; William Bacon, 1888-90; R. O. Brown, 1890-2; R. O. Brown,
1892-4; T. W. Brown, 1894-6; T. W. Brown, 1896-8; John Cham-
bers, 1898-1900; John Chambers, 1900-2; J. W. Roberts, 1902-4;
J. W. Roberts, 1904-6; J. W. Roberts, 1906-8; M. G. McCreight,
1908-10; M. G. McCreight, 1910-12; Mrs. Tillie Hoadley, 1912-14;
Minnie Barnett, 1914-16.
Sheriffs
Abner Root, 1854-7; Levi C. Elliott, 1857-9; John Ireland, 1859-
61; J. K. Valentine, 1861-3; John Shreeves, 1863-5; P. G. Sage,
1865-7; Abner Root, 1867-9; George Salisbury, 1869-71; Solomon
Garrett, 1871-3; C. B. Hunt, 1873-5; C. B. Hunt, 1875-77; C B.
Vol. 1—2
18 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Hunt, 1877-9; W. C. Libby, 1879-81; W. C. Libby, 1881-3; W. C.
I.ibby, 1883-5; G. A. Callison, 1885-7; A. J. Kingery, 1887-9; A. J.
Kingery, 1889-91 ; J. H. Curley, 1891-3; J. H. Curley, 1893-5; D. A.
Patterson, 1895-7; D. A. Patterson, 1897-9; Charles L. Swinehart,
1899-01; Charles L. Swinehart, 1901-3; B. H. Kenworthy, 1903-6;
B. H. Kenworthy, 1906-8; B. H. Kenworthy, 1908-10; H. J. Har-
bour, 1910-12; H. J. Harbour, 1912-14; J. W. Porter, 1914-16.
Coroners
Robert Wilson, 1857 (did not qualify) ; James P. Kenney,
1858; Philip Augustine, 1859-61; Philo G. Sage, 1861-3; Philip
Augustine, 1863-5; J. McMaster, 1865-7; G. F. Kilburn, 1867-9;
J. S. Waggener, 1869-70; N. S. Taylor, 1870-1; Joseph Gadd,
1871-3; N. S. Taylor, 1873-5; A. S. Carmichael, 1875-7; M. L.
Bates, 1877-9; A. E. Markle, 1879-81; N. S. Taylor, 1881-3; E. B.
Hicks, 1885-6; John C. Mason, 1886-7; E. B. Hicks, 1887-8; X. S.
Taylor, 1888-9; W. H. Romesha, 1889-91; W. H. Romesha, 1891-3;
W. H. Romesha, 1893-5; W. H. Romesha, 1895-7; W. H. Romesha,
1897-9; W. H. Romesha, 1899-1901; W. H. Romesha, 1901-3: E.
Babcock, 1903-6; E. Babcock, 1906-8; E. Babcock, 1908-10; E. Bab-
cock, 1910-12; E. Babcock, 1912-14; E. Babcock, 1914-16.
Surveyors
S. W. Pryor, 1857-9; Simon Barrows, 1859-61-3; S. W. Pryor,
1863-5-7-9; J. M. Joseph, 1869-71; Waldo E. Adams, 1871-3; a'. R.
Dew, 1873-5; W. A. Prior, 1875-7; W. D. McCollum, 1877-9; W. R.
Cochrane, 1879-81-3; F. M. Bates, 1883-5-7; George F. Clark, 1887-
9-91; Frank Sargent, 1891-3; Eugene Wilson, 1893-5-7; George F.
Clark, 1897-9-1901-3; A. C. Mayes, 1903-6-8-10-. The office of
surveyor at this time was abolished and a county engineer appointed
by the board of supervisors. C. H. Lehmkuhl has served contin-
ually as such.
Representatives
Joseph L. Sharp, 1852-4: Richard Tutt, 1854-6; M. L. McPher-
son. 1856-7; E. D. Smith, 1857-61: Collin Marshall, 1861-3; E. B.
Fenn, 1863-5; A. L. McPherson, 1865-7; G. F. Kilburn, 1867-9;
W. H. Merritt, 1869-71 ; Oliver Mills, 1871-3; W. H. Easton, 1873-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 19
.5; :SI. K. Campbell, 1875-7; J. A. Hallock, 1877-9; Piatt Wicks,
1879-81; Piatt Wicks, 1881-3; John A. Storey, 1883-5-7; A. D.
Crooks, 1887-9; P. JNIcDermid, 1889-91; George F. Clark, 1891-3;
W. B. ]Martin, 1893-5-7; K. R. :Madden, 1897-9; Jerry M. Wilson,
1899-1901; W. H. McClure, 1901-3; R. W. Hollembeak, 1903-6;
E. J. Sidey, 1906-8; J. T. Dalby, 1908-10; G. W. Van Camp, 1910-
12; E. J. Sidey, 1912-14; Pierre McDermid, 1914-.
Senators
James Redfield, 1861-3; B. F. Roberts, 1863-5; J. R. Reed,
1865-9; Benjamin F. Murray, 1869-73; Lafayette Young, 1873-77-
81; C. B. Hunt, 1881-5; Lafayette Young, 1885-91; A. L. Hager,
1891-3; L. M. Kilburn, 1893-5-9; J. J. Crossley, 1899-08; A. C.
Savage, 1908-.*
School Superintendents
George White, 1858-9-61; Simon Barrows, 1861-3; James Ewing,
1863-5; Wesley Taylor, 1865-7; C. J. Bowman, 1867-9; J. W. Peet,
1869-71; H. J. Morgan, 1871-3; ^Mary Childs, 1873-5; M. W. Haver,
1875-7-9; J. W. Boyer, 1879-81-3; M. W. Haver, 1883-5-7; C. L.
Wilson, 1887-9; Bessie R. WagstafF, 1889-91; C. L. Wilson, 1891-3;
A. A. Taylor, 1893-5-7-9; A. B. Chantry, 1899-01; Ella C. Chantry,
1901-3-6; Omer Vandivier, 1906-8-10; Adaline Brooks, 1910-12-.
County Attorneys
D. M. Valentine, 1856-62; John Leonard, 1862-4; H. W. Max-
well, 1864-6; S. D. Nichols, 1866-70; C. H. Gatch, 1870-4; H. Y.
Smith, 1874-8; William Connor, Jr., 1878-82; A. W. Wilkinson,
1882-6; C. W. Xeal, 1886-8-90; F. H. Gaines, 1890-2-4; F. E. Gates,
1894-6-8; C. T. Launder, 1898-1900-2; George D. Musmaker,
1902-6; Ed R. Brown, 1906-8-10; M. C. Atchison, term ending
December 31, 1910; O. W. Witham, term commencing January 1,
1911; O. W. Witham, 1912-14; D. A. Crowley, 1914-16.
COURTHOUSE HISTORY
The first courthouse in the county was located, of course, at
Fontanelle, the first county seat. It was constructed in 1856 by order
of the county judge, J. J. Leeper. The county owned a quarter
* In compiling the names of senators and representatives the names are those of
the men who received the largest nmnber of votes in Adair County and all were
elected bj^ the district vote and served their respective terms in the General Assembly.
20 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
section of land which was divided into town lots and sold and the
money derived therefrom devoted to the building of the house of jus-
tice. The house was twenty-six feet wide, thirty-six feet long and ten
feet high. When the building was ready for a roof it was decided
to add a second story. Xative lumber was used in the construction
of the building and the hardware fixtin-es were hauled from Keokuk
bv wagon. The courtroom was located on the lower floor and the
second story was used for the office rooms. After the removal of
the county seat to Greenfield the courtroom was used as schoolhouse,
church, bv fraternal societies and for entertainments. In fact, school
and church had been held there all the time. This old courthouse
was destroved bv fire on Januarv 5, 1910. It was in use at the time
as a town hall.
When the seat of justice was located in Greenfield court convened
in a large two-story frame building erected in 1874 by the Green-
field Building Association on lots donated by A. P. Littleton. This
building cost nearly eight thousand dollars and was located on the
east side of the square, where Warren's store is now situated. This
building served its purpose until September, 1883, when it was
destroyed by fire. The Transcript has the following to say of this
fire :
"At 5 o'clock on Thursday morning Joseph Valentine, brother
of James Valentine, proprietor of the Bon Ton Bakery, discovered
that the rear portion of the building was on fire. It was already well
under way and rapidly encroaching. The alarm was at once given
and as soon as possible the bells were rung and the populace aroused.
With no fire organization and no facilities for fighting the fire or
pulling down buildings in its path, it seemed almost inevitable that
all of the buildings on the southeast of the square would be burnt.
Indeed nothing but the fact that there was little wind and a slight
shower falling at the time, together with the almost superhuman
exertions of the citizens, saved the entire east business part of the
town.
"The fire soon spread to Bruce's stable in the rear of the Bon Ton
and also swept its way along the row of buildings consisting of Ran-
dolph's meat market, Porter Brothers' barber shop, and Martin &
Gray's land oflSce, to the courthouse which was soon wrapped in
flames. At the same time the fire leaped across the sixteen-foot alley
to the stable of the ]Metliodist E])iscopal parsonage. From this there
was almost a solid block of about twenty buildings westward along
the south side of tlie square to Adair Street, with here and there a
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 21
space of only three feet between them. It spread rapidly along this
row, taking John A. Storey's stable, John Shreeves' furniture store,
and C. N. Wilson's flour and feed store. Between this and the post-
office building there was a passage of three feet. If it could be
stopped there the rest might be saved; if not, the whole group must
go. JNIore heroic valor was never shown upon the battlefield than was
shown here. A line was formed and water in great quantities was
carried and thrown over the postoffice building constantly. And men
actually stood and w^orked in that narrow pass of three feet, throwing
water over themselves and the building until the Wilson building
burned down and the wall caved in, thereby saving the postoffice and
preventing farther progress of the flames. Some gave out exhausted
and others held their places until the victory was won.
" The courthouse had just been insured for $2,400 and the county
records were saved in the vaults."
Court was then held in* the opera house and in a small one story
frame building w^hich was erected to cover the vaults. In November,
1890, the people decided by a satisfactory majority to erect a new
building and on July 4, 1891, the cornerstone of the building was
laid. The stone was laid by the Masonic fraternity, according to their
rites and customs, the exercises being conducted by Grand IMaster
Bowen of Des Moines. The following articles were placed in the
cornerstone :
Holy Bible, donated by Teague and Sampson.
Constitution and by-laws of Ciaisade Lodge, 386, A. F. and A. ]VI.,
with list of officers and members.
Constitution and by-laws of Fontanelle Lodge, 138, A. F. and
A. M., with list of officers and members.
Officers and members of St. John's Chapter, 73, R. A. M., Fon-
tanelle, la.
List of officers and members Greenfield Chapter, O. E. S.
Abstract of history of Adair County, by J. M. Gow.
One bottle each of corn, wine and oil.
Brief history of the city of Greenfield, from December 10, 1856,
to date, by A. L. Hager.
History of Greenfield Transcript, by J. M. Gow.
History of M. E. Church, Greenfield, by Rev. A. W. Armstrong,
pastor.
List of county officers of Adair County.
22 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
History of the organization of the Citizens Bank of Greenfield,
with note, check, draft, notice and three pieces of coin, by J. J. Heth-
erington.
Letter by D. Heaton, to be opened by the oldest man present
when taken out.
Duplicate tax receipt, by James A. Hetherington, treasurer.
A letter to be opened by Crusade Lodge, 386, A. F. and A. M.,
on opening the casket, by E. H. Bickford.
A letter by the members of Crusade Lodge, 386, A. F. and A.
M., to the brethren who may open the casket.
A short business biography; also a record of the destructive fire
of 1889, to be opened by the oldest merchant present in business in the
City of Greenfield when opened, by E. E. Warren.
A piece of millstone, with liistory, by W. E. Chamberlain.
Professional card of T. W. ^Slulhern, M. D.
History of Greenfield schools from organization of town to date,
by ]M. W. Rodgers and S. C. Vance, to be opened by president of
school board.
Copy of the Greenfield Transcript.
Copy of Adair County Democrat.
Copy of Adair News.
Copy of Fontanelle Observer.
Copy of Des Moines Leader.
Copy of Des Moines State Register.
A nickel, issue of 1891, by J. JM. Timberlake.
History of Crusade Lodge, 386, A. F. and A. ^L, by J. E. Howe.
The building was completed and accepted by the board of super-
visors on March 25, 1892. It is located in the center of the public
square, with a frontage of fifty-seven and a half feet and a depth of
ninety-two feet, built of pressed brick and hewn stone. The total
cost, including furniture, was only $26,768.
JAIL
The new jail building was formally accepted by the Board of
Supervisors of Adair County on December 8, 1903. The contract
for the jail was let in April, 1903, to the Pauly Jail Building Com-
pany of St. Louis, the contract price being $11,990. The Pauly
people sublet the contract, excepting the cell w'ork and plumbing, to
M. D. Clark & Sons, local contractors, who did the masonry and
carpentry work on the structure. The plumbing was done bv the
1,^^-
ADAIR COUNTY COURTHOUSE, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 23
Creston Heating & Plumbing Company, which also put in the steam
furnace. The Pauly people sent one of their men here for about two
months to put in the steel work of the cells and to oversee the finish-
ing of the work.
The new jail contains seven living rooms for the jailer, three
rooms on the first floor and four rooms uj)stairs, ample closet room,
iis well appointed a kitchen, fitted up with range and hot and cold
water, as any housewife could wish, lavatory and bathroom, and is
in fact a model residence.
The residence portion is in the front part of the building. In the
rear, separated from the residence by a fire proof cement wall and
massive iron door, is the jail. Here as in the residence part every-
thing is up-to-date, and the best system known to the prison builder's
trade is used here. On the first floor of the jail are four cells. Two
of these, separated from the main cells, are for women prisoners.
They are fitted with folding wall bunks, have hot and cold water in
each cell and are so arranged that the occupants can shut themselves
from the sight of the public.
On the first floor are also two cells to be used for the detention of
desperate criminals. These cells are of hardened steel and completely
surrounded by a jailer's corridor. Opening from these two cells is
an exercise corridor for the prisoners, containing a lavatory and
water closet. The doors to these cells can be operated at will from
the jailer's corridor by means of levers which operate the doors either
singly or together as the jailer desires. The lock on these cells is a
combination and key aff*air. The key cannot be used without first
working the combination, thus making the locks doubly secure. There
are four hammock banks in each of these cells.
There are two cells on the second floor and these are also sur-
rounded by a jailer's corridor. The locking device for these cells,
while not the same as on the cells downstairs, is worked by combina-
tion and key. There is an aperature in each cell through which to
pass the prisoners their food. By this means a woman can feed the
prisoners without placing herself in the least danger.
The plumbing and heating seems to be perfect. Steam heat is
used and hot and cold water is furnished all over the building. There
is also a bathroom in the jail.
The masonry and brick work is said to be as fine work as can be
done. The walls in the residence portion are white finished and the
rooms are finished in hard pine, natural finish.
24 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
In the basement is a pressure tank which furnishes water for the
building. The furnace is of the latest, improved pattern and is more
than ample for heating the building.
Prior to the building of the new jail, jDrisoners were taken to sur-
rounding counties for safe keeping.
COUNTY POOR FARM
Prior to the acquiring of a county poor farm the care of the poor,
the destitute, the helpless and insane was a serious problem. Certain
families residing here were generally paid by the county for caring
for one or more unfortunates, a method which was not only expensive,
but often resulted in lack of care to the individual compelled to seek
assistance. At length, on February 4, 1885, a tract of ground on
the southwest quarter of section 32, Grove Township, was purchased
of D. Heaton and wife for the sum of $2,000. Buildings were added
to this farm and it was created a county poor farm. Samuel Ewing
was the first steward, receiving $500 per annum for his work, which
was just half of what is now paid. Usual farm occupations are
offered to the inmates of this institution.
CHAPTER III
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR
During' the first three decades of Adair County's existence con-
siderable strife occurred over the question of the location of the county
seat. Similar troubles have arisen in other counties of the state and
in each there has been for years an element of hard feelin^ which
refuses to be quenched. Whether this feeling has been eradicated
from Adair County or not, cannot be definitely stated. Among the
mass of the people the answer would be in the affirmative, but among
certain individuals there would be a decided negative. It is not the
purpose of this chapter to take one side or the other, but to observe
strict neutrality, to state the cold facts and permit the reader to form
his ow^n opinion.
When the county was organized in 1855 three commissioners were
appointed by the General Assembly of the State of low^a to locate
the seat of county government. The men upon this committee were
George B. Hitchcock, Elias Stratford and John Buckingham. In
pursuance of their assigned duties they selected the southwest quar-
ter of section 17, in township 75, range 32, as the point at which
the future town was to be laid out and considered the county seat of
Adair. To this place they gave the name of Summerset, which was
afterw^ards changed to the present title of Fontanelle.
The Town of Greenfield was laid out in 1856, located near the
center of the county. From this time Greenfield fought her hardest
to get the county seat removed from Fontanelle to her site. The
first time this was mentioned upon the records was upon ^larch 1,
1858, when S. W. Ai-mstrong, as attorney, appeared before the
County Court and presented a petition bearing the signature of ninety-
one of the legal voters of the county, asking the court to order that
a vote be taken at the following April election on the question of
the removal of the county seat to Greenfield. Immediately J. H.
Cooper presented a remonstrance to the above petition, signed by
137 of the legal voters of the county, asking that the question of
25
26 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
relocation of county seat be not opened nor voted upon. Thereupon
Mr. Armstrong presented a paper signed by seventeen of the legal
voters who had attached their names to both papers and asked that
their said names be i stricken off the remonstrance. Issue now being
joined, the court heard the counsel for both sides, and, being advised
in the matter, decided, that inasmuch as there was no proof of notice,
or that notice had been published twenty days prior to the presenta-
tion of the petition, that no vote should be taken upon this question
at the April election.
With this decision the people of Greenfield were compelled to be
content for a time. Shortly the Civil war opened and the attention
of the people was drawn to that conflict and the question of the county
seat location was shelved. However, in the fall of 186.5 the matter
was again brought into view and the board ordered the question to
be submitted to a popular vote of the people. This election occurred
on October 10th and resulted in a vote of 139 to 130 in favor of
retaining the county seat at Fontanelle.
At the June term of the board of supervisors in the year 1869
T. INI. Ewing, a member of that body, presented a petition praying
that the county seat of Adair County should be removed from Fon-
tanelle to Greenfield. This action natiu'ally created a great excite-
ment and it is said that a heated argument occurred betw^een Messrs,.
Shreves, Elliott and Vance, members of the board, with the result
that the matter was referred to a committee of three who were ap-
pointed to investigate the affair. This committee consisted of John
Shreves, William Stevens and S. C. Vance and after deliberation
they made the following report:
"We, the undersigned, a committee appointed to examine the
petition, together with the remonstrance, for the removal of the
county seat to Greenfield, after an examination, would report in
favor of granting the prayer of the petitioners."
This petition which was granted by the board was as follows:
"We, the undersigned petitioners, resident citizens and legal
voters of Adair County, State of Iowa, w^ould respectfully represent,
that the best interests and general welfare of a large majority of the
present citizens of said county demand a relocation of the county seat
of the said countv. That said county seat be removed from the Town
of Fontanelle, Adair County, State of Iowa, w^here the same is now
located, and that the same be relocated and established, permanently,
at the Town of Greenfield, which is situated in the south half of sec-
tion 7, in township 75 north, range 31 Avest of the fifth principal
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 27
meridian, in Adair County, State of Iowa, as is shown by the original
plat of said Town of Greenfield, now on record in the recorder's office
of said county. Your said x3etitioners, therefore, ask that your honor-
able board make an order that a vote be taken, at the next general
election between the above-designated places, to wit: Greenfield,
and the present county seat, to wit: Fontanelle; and that you cause
the proper notice, therefore, to be given in pursuance and according
to law ; and that, if the said Town of Greenfield shall, at said election,
receive a majority of all the votes cast, that you make a record thereof,
and declare the same to be the county seat of said Adair County,
State of Iowa, and that you cause the records and other documents to
be removed thereto, as early as practicable thereafter and for this
we sliall ever pray,"
To this petition there were signed about 443 names.
The board ordered at this time that the question be submitted to
a general vote of the people at the next election. This election
occurred on October 12, 1869: it resulted in a vote of 375 to 310 in
favor of keeping the county seat at Fontanelle.
This defeat of the Greenfield clan was but a prophecy of the
strife which was to come later.
At the June term of the board of supervisors, 1874, the follow-
ing resolution was passed by that body:
"It appearing to the board that a proper notice of the presenta-
tion of a petition for the removal of the county seat from Fontanelle,
where it now is, and to relocate the same at Greenfield, has been given,
and a petition praying that said county seat be removed from Fonta-
nelle and relocated in Greenfield having been presented, signed by
more than one-half of the legal voters of the county, as shown by
the last census,
"Therefore it is ordered, that, at the next general election, a vote
be taken between Greenfield and the said existing county seat at
Fontanelle."
In August of the same year a remonstrance was presented against
the ordering of the vote, based upon the legality of the notice given
of the presentation of petition. This remonstrance was signed by
about tw^enty of the citizens of Fontanelle. The board considered the
remonstrance and decided that the petition was legal, hence defeat-
ing the remonstrance.
Then there came a period of bitter strife which lasted until Octo-
ber 13, 1874, the date of the momentous election. This election
resulted 852 to 500 in favor of removing the county seat to Green-
28 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
field. The board of siiiDervisors immediately passed the following
resolution: "It is hereby ordered by the board of supervisors of
Adair County, Iowa, that the jmblic records and documents of the
different public offices, including those of the county treasurer, county
auditor, county clerk, county recorder, county sheriff, county sur-
veyor, county superintendent and coroner, together with all official
furniture, fixtures, and things of every descriptio'n pertaining to, or
belonging to said offices, be removed from Fontanelle to Greenfield,
the county seat of Adair County, immediately after the decision of
Judge Cole is received, refusing to grant an injunction restraining
the removal of the said records, etc."
However, Judge Cole granted the injunction asked for, but an
appeal was taken from his decision to the Supreme Court. The
appeal was argued before the court in December, 1874, and the deci-
sion rendered on ^Nlarch 18, 1875. At the time the argument on the
injunction was heard, it was the opinion of some that an action of
injunction was not the proper proceeding to test the merits of the
case, but that the proceeding should have been certiorari. Accord-
ingly a writ of that nature, accompanied by an injunction, w^as applied
for before Judge JNIitchell and granted by him.
As stated above a decision was rendered on the 18th of INIarch
by the Supreme Court, reversing the decision of Judge Cole. The
decision closed as follows: "But what we decide is, that since the
petition shows that an election ordered by the board of supervisors,
made upon a petition and notice therefor and a vote thereupon adverse
to plaintiff, they have no cause for equitable relief, justifjdng an
injunction, and the order for the vote being conclusive until set aside
by certiorari."
As an injunction of certiorari had already been started, it would
not be legal, of course, to remove the records, etc., as ordered by the
board of supervisors, until the matter was entirely settled and out
of the courts. A special messenger was sent to Council Bluffs to
obtain the decision and it was received in Greenfield INIarch 20th. The
people understood that this authorized them to move the county seat
and accordingly, on the morning of March 22d, about two hundred
fifty men in seventy-five wagons made the overland trip to Fontanelle
with the intention of hauling the county records and furniture back
to Greenfield. When the organization reached the courthouse there
the sheriff ordered them to cease their efforts to remove the material,
but they paid no attention to him, and in a short time the records of
the courtroom, the clerk's office and also the sheriff's, including the
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNT T 29
furniture, were loaded onto wagons. The Greenfield delegation then
went to the jail, where were the offices of the recorder, treasurer and
auditor, and here repeated their loading up process. The Fontanelle
people were bitter at the invasion of the Greenfield men, but they were
so completely taken by surprise that resistance was impossible. They
claimed that damage was done by the Greenfield people in their excite-
ment to remove the offices. The -following paragraph is from a local
paper at the time: "Where it was necessary to remove doors, in no
case were the hinges unscrewed, but the door was forced off, tearing
the door facings off also; which is but an illustration of the needless
destruction done to counters, platforms and other fixtures." Whether
much damage was done or not is a matter of two view^points.
There is no doubt that this action by the Greenfield people was a
little hasty. Proper confirmation had not yet been received. A party
of the citizens went to Judge INIitchell and told him to come to Green-
field to hold the Circuit Court, but he informed them that the county
seat was yet at Fontanelle and consequently proceeded to that place.
Arriving about three o'clock, he at once opened court and gave the
sheriff an order, directing the Greenfield people to bring back tlie
county records, etc. Several persons accompanied the sheriff to
Greenfield. On presenting his order to the chairman of the board of
supervisors the sheriff was told that he, the chairman, had not ordered
their removal, hence could not direct them to be taken back. During
the discussion that arose some person of Greenfield snatched the order
from Judge INIitchell and tore it up, denouncing him at the same
time.
On Tuesday morning the sheriff and posse were instructed to go
after the records and were given a warrant for that purpose. On
his arrival in Greenfield, however, he found he could do nothing so
returned to the court and reported that he had been resisted by a mob.
A messenger was sent to Des INIoines on Tuesday evening and
returned the following day with General N. B. Baker, the state adju-
tant general, who came with the authority to put down any hostile
demonstrations. He went to Greenfield and explained the situation
to the people and advised them to return the records, and finally, after
much discussion, succeeded in getting their consent to do so, although
they would not consent to return the records themselves. The records
were accordingly taken back to Fontanelle.
On June 24, 1875, the war came to an end, when a decision of
the Supreme Court was had, announcing that the election had been
30 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
sufficient and that Greenfield was the legal county seat. On June
22d, 1875, the board of supervisors ordered that the records, furniture
and all supplies pertaining to the countj^ seat should be removed to
Greenfield, the new seat of justice. This terminated the county seat
war.
CHAPTER IV
MILITARY HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Although the number of men enhsting from Adair County in
the Civil war was very small, the county is justly proud of the part
played by her few sons in the great drama of the '60s. Enshrined in
the hearts of the people, these men who resolutely faced the terrors
of the South, risking life, home, health and everything that was dear
to tliem, in order that the Union might be preserved, truly deserve
more than a few scattering words to their memory. It is true that
monuments may be erected, the deeds of the brave sung in immortal
verse and ennobled in the national literature, but the true memorial
the sanctity of the heart will enfold and by word of mouth from
generation to generation will the courage, fortitude and sublime self-
sacrifice of the "boys in blue" be transmitted in enduring form.
History has a purpose; it is to preserve fairly and justly the records
of the past, so that a guide may be supplied to the thoughts and con-
ceptions of future men and women when these white pages have
grown sear and vellow. There are many men living in Adair County
in 1915 who fought for their country in the troop ranks of other
states — New Hampshire, Indiana, New York, the Carolinas and
Ohio and other states. It is the least that Adair County can do, to
accord them the same honor and homage which she pays her own sons.
When the war first broke over the country there were but 984
people living in Adair County. With this small population it was
impossible for the county to muster a large number of soldiers for
the Union. There were exactly eighty-eight soldiers who went to
the war from this county that were accredited to it and several others
went outside of the county and were enrolled. Bounties were liberally
offered by the county for volunteers.
The general reader of today does not appreciate the scope of the
word "slavery," just what it meant in those days. The true mean-
ing has either been mercifully expurgated from the pages of modern
literature ; or, it may be said, it is unfortunate that more has not been
31
32 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
written of it, in order that the facts might be common knowledge.
The term "white slavery" is well known and the meaning of the
phrase brings to us a feeling of loathing and indignation. The slavery
of the South was little better, was even more universal and more
countenanced. In the ulterior character different in motive, it yet
embodied deeds and principles exactly similar to the modern slavery.
The inter-relation of the races meant commercial advancement on
the auction block, thus the justification. Rome and the other Latin
countries had their slavery and the national literature does not dis-
guise the dreaded institution.
The outbreak of the Civil war has been attributed to many causes.
These are all based upon the same thing — slavery. The political
differences and the intrigues and enmities rested on this issue alone.
In reading this deduction, many will disagree, for even at this late
day there seems to be incontrovertible argument on both sides of the
question. Slavery was distinctly out of tune with the times; the atti-
tude of the southerners was falsely aristocratic; all of which tended
to their inevitable downfall. The stirring times which followed the
Mexican Territory acquisition, the fugitive slave law, the INIissouri
Compromise, the struggle in Congress, the Lincoln-Douglas debates
and the election of Lincoln to the presidency, cannot be detailed in
a work of this scope, but a discussion is worthy of place.
A greater appreciation of Lincoln's worth is gained when we
contemplate the arena into which he stepped in 1860. The utter
confusion, the threatening war clouds, and the words of the people,
"Let's see what you can do," were stern tests for the backwoods
lawyer. The opportunity was given him and his accomjilishments
are history.
War might have been avoided had the Xorth recognized the slaves
on the same basis as cattle or any other common property, or, on the
other hand, had the South reverted to the sentiment of the Xorth and
pronounced slaverj^ an evil. It is evident, however, M'hen the tenor
of the day is considered, that these two theories M^ere impossible. The
mass of the j^eople on both sides were eager for the actual conflict;
mob spirit prevailed in many places; but the greater minds, the
leaders, entered the struggle with heavy hearts. Lincoln, Grant, Lee,
Jackson and Longstreet, and other foremost fig\n-es of the war, were
sad with the weight of unjust and useless carnage. The four years'
strife, the early success of the Confederate hosts, the high tide at
Gettysburg, the slow, merciless pounding of Grant's machine on the
LUCIAX M. KILBURN
As Corporal of Comjiany E. 16th Reoimeiit. Xe\v Hampshire
Voluiileer Infantry, in 1862
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 33
depleted Army of Northern Virginia and the final chapter at Appo-
mattox can be no more than mentioned.
The early days of the war were attended with much excitement
in Adair County. The toll of grim death which was to be exacted
bore no part in the thoughts of the people; they alone thought of the
pomp and circumstance of war, its glory, its martial spirit. The
county was strictly Union, in contrast to some of her southern sister
counties of the state.
Following is the roster of the men who went to war from this
L'ounty :
FOURTH INFANTRY
John C. Carpenter.
W. F. Adams.
Company B
Company F
TENTH INFANTRY
Company B
Andrew Aarons, Marion Farrell.
TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY
Company D
M. E. Black, second lieutenant.
E. G. Currier, Isaac Hoch, J. M. Stewart, F. M. INIcAfFerty,
Charles F. Currier, F. A. Buck, Jacob Augustine, P. C. Barrows,
A. D. Littleton, Joseph Clary, Benton Reid, G. W. Lents, Stephen
Bish, ^lyron Bunce, Stephen Carley, Joseph Dugan, C. H. Black,
Daniel Dugan, Bice Friend, Isaac Lents, Thomas Lucas, James S.
McCaW, W. B. Maxwell, S. H. Myers, W. M. Nelson, W. M. Rod-
gers, J. A. Robison, Jonathan Shreeves, W. B. Thomas, James ^I.
Witte, W. F. Adams, W. R. McCall, P. T. Davis, S. B. Easton,
^Miles Friend, G. W. Lucas, Edward Lee, Hugh H. McCall, George
McCartney, D. S. 3Moore, E. G. Pendleton, H. W. Rodgers, A. C.
Reid, G. W. Thomas, W. H. Wilson, John J. Myers, William L.
Bennett.
Vol. 1—3
34 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
FORTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY
Comj^any E
Theodore Brown, Frederick H. Gears.
SECOND A^ETERAN CAA^ALRY
Com J) any A
Joseph D. Davis.
Company B
John F. Camel.
Company I
Christopher JNI. Johnson, Thomas Kenberrj^ John S. King, M. P.
Shadlev.
NINTH IOWA CAVALRY
Company H
]\I. E. Black, sergeant.
FOURTH CAVALRY
Company I
J. R. Overmyer, lieutenant.
John H. White, Samuel M. Kendrick, S. M. McClure, Thomas
Miner, A. P. Codner, D. H. Chapman, T. M. Ewing, W. H. Pace,
Abner Root, R. E. Ewing, Thomas H. Atwood, W. A. Wilson, John
S. Winkley, John M. Crane, Pliilo G. Sage, John Schweers, JNI. T.
Crittenden, O. H. Colvin, E. C. Goings, F. Pace, Henry Stroup,
G. W. Atkins, J. H. While, A. B. Hubbard.
ROLL OF HONOR
W. A. Wilson, Company I, Fourth Cavalry, died of chronic
diarrhoea at Keokuk, November 11, 1862.
A. B. Hubbard, same company and regiment, died of pneumonia
at INIound Citv, 111., November 22, 1862.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 35
John ^I. Crane, Company I, Fourth Cavalry, died at Atlanta,
Ga., July 23, 1865, of chronic diarrhoea.
William H. Pace, Company I, Fourth Cavalry, died of typhoid
fever at ^lemphis, Tenn., May 6, 1864.
Henry Stroup, Company I, Fourth Cavalry, died at Mont-
gomery, Ala., April 28, 1865, of camp diarrhoea.
3Iiles Friend, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died at
Helena. Ark., February 4, 1863.
Isaac Lents, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died on Feb-
ruary 7, 1863, at Helena, Ark.
Thomas Lucas, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died at
Helena, Ark., February 5, 1863.
William B. jNIaxwell, died at Keokuk, la., July 16, 1863; was
member of Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry.
George ]McCartney, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died
February 2, 1863, at Helena, Ark.
D. S. ]Moore, same company and regiment, died at ISIemphis,
Tenn., ]March 27, 1863.
W. B. Thomas, same company and regiment, died INIarch 1, 1865,
at Xew Orleans, La.
James jNI. Witte, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died at
Helena, Ark., May 13, 1863.
John C. Carpenter, Company B, Fourth Infantry, died of camp
fever October 6, 1861, at Rolla, Mo.
Jacob Augustine, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died at
Helena, Ark., February 3, 1863.
C. H. Black, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died February
3, 1863, at Helena, Ark.
Stephen Bish, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died at
Helena, Ark., July 9, 1863.
Daniel Dugan, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died of
pleurisy, January 27, 1863 at Helena, Ark.
S. B. Easton, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died January
29. 1863, at Helena, Ark., of typhoid fever.
Bice Friend, Company D, Twenty-ninth Infantry, died of ery-
sipelas at Helena, Ark., January 29, 1863.
SKETCH OF TAVENTY-NIXTH lOAVA INFANTRY
As the majority of the men from Adair County enlisted in the
Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, the following brief sketch
of this regiment's part in the war is appended:
36 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
The regiment was organized at Council Bluffs and mustered into
the service of the United States at that place on December 1, 1862,
with the following officers: Thomas H. Benton, Jr., of Council
Bluffs, colonel; R. F. Patterson, of Keokuk, lieutenant-colonel; and
Charles B. Shoemaker, of Clarinda, major. The regiment was
ordered to Helena, Ark., but upon reaching that place was not
detrained, but ordered to join an expedition then being organized
by General Gorman, to go up the White River. This expedition
resulted in no good to anybody, but on the contrary, was the cause
of much suffering to the troops. In April and May, 1863, the Twenty-
ninth formed part of the expedition to Fort Pemberton and came
back to Helena in time to take part in the attack on that place on the
4th ©f July, 1863.
Helena had been made a depot of supplies and recruits and was
a source of much uneasiness and alarm to the rebels, still holding the
most of Arkansas, threatening, as it did, the more important points
therein. Brigadier General Holmes of the Confederate army was
ordered to take it. Re-enforced by the troops of Generals Sterling
Price, Fagan, INIcRae, Walker, Marmaduke and Parsons, until his
force numbered 7,646 men, he appeared before the place. Helena was
fortunately under the command of Maj. Gen. B. M. Prentiss, who
had 3,800 effective men behind strong earthworks, mounted with serv-
iceable guns, with the main approaches covered with abatis. The gun-
boat Tyler, under command of J. M. Pritchett, was also in hand
and played an efficient part in the defense. The Twenty-ninth was
drawn up in line of battle at dajdight and marched across the bottom
to their position on Sterling Road about 4.30 o'clock. Two com-
panies were immediately set forward to drive the enemy from their
position on the crest of the hill, but, finding them too strong, other
companies were sent to their assistance, until eight were thus
employed. In the meantime, the enemy had got two guns into bat-
tery, with which they opened a brisk fire and under which their line
])ushed rapidly forward, cheering and exulting as they advanced.
Our skirmishers met them with a galling and incessant fire, under
which they gradually fell back, contesting the ground inch by inch.
The skirmish line of the Twenty-ninth now pressed the rebels back
to the crest of the hill, previously held by the Confederates, compel-
ling them for a time to abandon their guns, which, however, after
several ineffectvial attempts, they recovered, leaving one caisson on
the field. The regiment, supported by the Thirty-sixth Iowa
Infantry, in this contest was pitted against one brigade of five regi-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 37
ments of infantry, one battery and two regiments of cavalry, and
reported a loss of seven killed and twenty-four wounded, some mor-
talh' and many of them severely.
On the 1st of August, 1863, General Rice's brigade, to which
the Twenty-ninth was attached, became a part of the expedition
intended for the reduction of Little Rock, Ark., under command
of ^laj.-Gen. Frederick Steele. Leaving Helena August 11,
1863, after a fatiguing march, they reached the front of the enemy's
works before the city on September 10th. Fully expecting a severe
contest for the possession of the capital of Arkansas, they were dis-
appointed, the enemy evacuating the place upon the charge of the
cavalry division under General Davidson, who was in the advance.
The Twenty-nintli was on duty in Arkansas with the remainder
of the division throughout the balance of the years 1863-4 and had
several engagements with the rebels. On the morning of the 2d of
April, 1864, the Twenty-ninth was assigned the position of rear
guard to the supply train, together with a section of Captain Vogler's
battery. While the train Mas passing through a narrow, muddy
defile made by a small stream, about a mile beyond Terre Xoir
Bayou, a battalion of Shelby's cavalrymen made an attack on the
• • •
rear, but was held in check by the left wing of the regiment. As soon
as the advance had cleared the ravine Colonel Benton ordered the
line to be formed and tlie battery into position and opened upon
the advancing rebels. This was responded to with spirit and accuracy
with two pieces of artillery. The enemy fell back, but made dem-
onstration of a flank attack on the left, whereupon Colonel Benton
with his regiment returned to Terre Xoir Bayou, where the rebels
again renewed the attack. This was met as before by the fire of the
battery and a few rounds of musketry, which sufficiently discomfited
the rebels to enable the LTnion line to fall back under cover of the
fire of the skirmish line to a hill two miles distant. At this point the
regiment was deployed on each side of the road and the battery
placed into position and the enemy came up in force and made a
des])erate charge on our left wing, but was promptly repulsed, upon
w^hich he fell back, crossed the road, and attacked the right with no
better success. The engagement lasted about an hour and a half,
although the Twenty-ninth was not engaged any more, the brunt of
the balance of the conflict being borne by the Fiftieth Indiana Regi-
ment, which had just come up. The loss to the Twenty-ninth in this
battle was twenty-seven killed, wounded and missing, including
among the wounded three commissioned officers.
38 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
In the engagement of April 4th at Elkin's Ford on the Little
Missouri, this regiment was ordered forward by General Rice across
the bayou and drawn up in line of battle in the rear of four com-
panies of the Thirty-sixth Iowa, under the -command of Lieut.-
Col. F. INI. Drake. The left wing was subsequently ordered back
across the bayou under INIajor Shoemaker and drawn up in line in
the rear of the remaining six companies of the Thirty-sixth Iowa,
and the right wing was ordered to fall back to the bank of the bayou.
No part of the regiment was engaged with the enemy and the cas-
ualties were confined to one man wounded.
On the afternoon of April 10, 1864, another engagement was
had with the enemy at Prairie d'Anne, where the regiment was
ordered into position as reserve in the rear of the Thirty-third Iowa.
Tile line of battle having been formed, it was propelled forward,
skirmishing with the enemy, but driving them back at all points, and
the march resumed toward Camden.
On the morning of April 30, 1863, the Twenty-ninth was also
engaged in the battle of Jenkin's Ferry. The official report on this
battle speaks in glowing terms of the gallantry of this favorite regi-
ment. Colonel Engelman, commanding the brigade, thus officially
speaks of it as : "One of the most sanguinary engagements of the war
and was fought exclusively bv infantry, the section of artillery
brought into position by us firing but a single shot while the enemy's
battery of four pieces went into position only to be taken by a com-
bined charge of the Twenty-ninth Iowa and the Second Kansas. The
ground over which the battle was fought, with the exception of two
open fields near the road, was a majestic forest, growing out of a
swamp, which was very difficult to pass on horseback, the infantry
being up to their knees in water most of the time."
Between the 11th of August and the 10th of September, 1863,
the Twenty-ninth, with the balance of the army, marched with Gen-
eral Steele to Little Rock. The weather was exceedingly hot and
dry and there was little of any worth transpired except the difficulty
of the march. ^Slany were sunstruck and it was impossible to get all
the sick in the ambulance. This campaign ended in the occupation
of Little Rock, where the regiment went into winter quarters.
In the spring the regiment was unfortunate enough to be a par-
ticii)ant in the Red River expedition, following General Steele in
what was known as the Camden campaign.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 39
On the return of the army to Little Rock a reorganization was
effected and the Twenty-ninth was assigned to the First Brigade
of the First Division. It was afterward transferred to the Second
Brigade, Second Division, where it remained until the end of the
war.
The regiment remained at Little Rock nearly a year, except
about a month from the latter part of July to the 1st of September,
when it was stationed at Lewisburg on the Arkansas, fifty miles above
Little Rock.
When Gen. J. J. Reynolds assumed the command of the
Department of Arkansas, there was another reorganization of the
army. In this the Twenty-ninth was assigned to an organization
known as the "Detached Brigade of the Seventh Ai-my Corps" and
B]'ig.-Gen. E. A. Carr was made the commander. Under
this leader they received orders to proceed to New Orleans, on which
expedition they started on the 9th of February, 186.5. After a
tedious voyage the regiment reached New Orleans on the 14th and
16th of February. The Twenty-ninth was quartered in an old
foundry in Algiers, across the river from New Orleans. On the
20th the regiment moved by rail to Lake Port on Lake Ponchartrain
and thence by steamer to ^lobile Point, Ala. The vessel on
which they were embarked ran aground in Grant's Pass, one of the
inlets of the harbor of ^lobile, and thev had to be transferred to
another steamer. They were disembarked on February 2.3d and
without tents or baggage went into bivouac on the sands of Navy
Cove, three miles in the rear of Fort Morgan, one of the defenses of
^lobile.
The preparations for the campaign now commenced. On INIarch
17th the army proceeded toward INIobile. On the 25th it found itself
under the guns of one of the strongest defenses of the city, Spanish
Fort, and at once began its investment. After the capture of
Spanish Fort the regiment marched to the assistance of General
Steele, who was investing Fort Blakely, another of the defenses of
]Mobile. Later the regiment entered JNIobile and immediately left
for ]Mount Vernon arsenal. On the 1st of June the regiment sailed
for Texas. When General Sheridan assumed command of the INIili-
tary Division of the Gulf he directed the immediate muster out of the
Twenty-ninth. The regiment sailed for New Orleans in the latter
part of July and on the 10th of the following month was honorably
discharged from the service.
40 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
ADAIR COUNTY BOYS IX THE SPANISH-AMERICAX WAR
When President 3IcKinley issued his fost call for volunteers in
April, 1898, a score or so Adair County boys were upon their feet
and eager to enlist in the forces of Uncle Sam. They were accord-
ingly taken to Des Moines and were mustered into Company G,
Fifty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry. This company was mostly
raised in Creston. The men who comiDOsed this first enrollment from
Adair County were: J. F. Grounds, first sergeant; Daniel W.
Gaines, corporal; Ezra J. Brayton, Harry Carver, Leroy Darby,
]Martin G. Dunlaj), Charles E. Geesman, Herbert ^I. Griffith, G. B.
Hetherington, Fred M. Ickis, Ernest C. James, W. B. Martin, Jr.,
Fred Xeeley, Ernest O. Patterson, Roy Reno, Yern W. Shrader,
William Wallace, Wesley Witter. By the first of June many more
men were ready to enlist and Lieut. R. J. Gaines came up from
Creston to recruit them. Those who went at this time were: Fred
Lovely, Harry Wilson, Howe ^IcCollum, INIilo Witter, Will Stryker,
all from Greenfield; C. L. T. Herbert, George Sines, Richard Henr}^
William Arthur, Robert Eby, R. Y. Stevens, William ^McLaren,
Yess Fisher, Ed F. Ross, E. Spangler, W. Merrill, Ed Kempter,
Ed Sutphin, C. J. Cissne, Walter Hostetler, Frank Humphrey,
James Gillespie, James Needles, William Witter, L. Stoner, William
]McKelvey, Robert Britten and Fred Carver. Carver died of typhoid
fever at the Presidio and his body was returned to Fontanelle and
buried in Fontanelle Cemeter3^
Haves Hendry, son of J. G. Hendry of the L^nion Bank of
Bridge water, was a soldier in the Philippines and died there. His
body was returned by the Government and buried at Bridgewater.
REGIMENTAL SKETCH
The regiment was mustered into the service on May 30, 1898,
and directed to await orders from the War Department. On June
2d they received orders from the adjutant general, L^. S. A., assigning
them to the Philippine expeditionary forces and directing them to
proceed to San Francisco, Cal. On June 5th the regiment
was placed on three separate trains and reached San Francisco on the
morning of June 10th. Just before leaving Des Moines, which was
accepted into the service with sixty-five men to each company, was
ordered to be recruited to the maximum strength of 106 men to the
company. Recruiting officers were left in Iowa to enlist and forward
the requisite number of men.
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HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 41
By the latter part of June the regiment had been recruited to
its lull strength, 1,332 men.
The fact that the regiment was the last to be assigned to the Phil-
il)pine expeditionary forces and next to the last to reach San Fran-
cisco, and the further fact that it contained so many recruits and they
not properly and comfortably equipped, was the cause df its not being
sent to the Philippines in June or July. Camp jNIerritt was an
unhealthy camp, being located so near the ocean where the cold winds
and fogs were almost continuous. On July 29th the men were
moved to the Presidio, where they were more sheltered. During all
this time they were given daily drills and target practice.
On November 3d the regiment went aboard the transport Penn-
sylvania and the same day sailed for JManila. At this time the regi-
ment had been reduced from 50 officers and 1,332 men to 50 officers
and 1,040 men; 27 men had died of disease in San Fran-
cisco. All the men who were unfit for service and those having urgent
necessity for being relieved from the service were discharged.
]Manila Bay was reached on the morning of December 7, 1898.
The regiment was assigned to the First Separate Brigade, Depart-
ment of the Pacific, and Eighth Army Corps, Gen. M. P. INIiller
commanding. They departed for Iloilo, Panay Island, on December
26th, and by the 30th had moved to within one mile of the city.
Pursuant to special orders. No. 29, First Separate Brigade, Eighth
Army Corps, left the harbor at Iloilo and arrived at Cavite on Jan-
uary 31, 1899, remaining on the transport during the whole month
of January.
The last troops were not yet ashore when the storm of war
descended. At 11 o'clock Saturday night, February 4th, the call to
arms was sounded; word was sent that the insurgents had attacked
the Americans at ^lanila. From across the bay the thunder of guns
and the roll of volleys told that the outbreak had come at last. It
was expected that the natives would attack Cavite from San Roque,
but they did not and the men slept on their arms. For a few days
the regiment had only to do guard and outpost duty. On February
8th Admiral Dewey ordered that a flag of truce be sent to the insur-
gents of San Roque and that if the town was not evacuated by
9 A. ]M. February 9th he would bombard the town. When 9 o'clock
arrived San Roque was in flames. The natives had fled, firing the
town and thousands of doflars' worth of property. The following
troops were ordered to enter the town and save the capital: Third
Battalion, Fiftv-first Iowa, commanded by Islajor INIoore; California
42 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Heavy Artillery with three gatling guns, under INIajor Rice; Second
Battahon, Fifty-first Iowa, under Major Hume; and a troop of
Nevada cavalry. They advanced ahout three miles with slight skir-
mishing to the causeway beyond the town, across which the outposts
of the enemy were posted; there a strong position was taken. On
February 11th the Second Battalion returned to Cavite and the
Third Battalion remained on duty. It was a trying position. The
outpost duty was exacting and the troops were frequently exposed
to the enemy's fire. On February 15th the insurgents made an
advance, but were soon driven back by the fire from the artillery
and volleys from Company I. On February 11th a battalion of
the Fifty-first Iowa was ordered to JNIanila at once. The First Bat-
talion, Companies H, F, A and D, under command of Major Dug-
gan, was sent.
At nightfall tliis command embarked in lighters and were towed
across the bay. The battalion was landed on the luneta and received
instructions to report to General Anderson on the south line, about
five miles south of Manila. Assistant Surgeon INIacrae was detailed
to accompany this battalion. The First Battalion bivouacked for
the night near an old monastery at Pasai and here for a time
encamped. A few miles to the left there was frequent heavy firing
and night after night the troops were aroused by the booming of field
batteries and the rolling of machine guns and the sound of volleys.
Brisk firing in the immediate front was frequent and all the com-
panies soon knew the song of the jNIausers. For several days the
men were kept busy building trenches and otherwise strengthening
the lines. The battalion was attached to General Ovenshine's bri-
gade, the Second Brigade, First Division. Companies of battalion
served in the vicinity of Culi Culi Church, Pasai, and San Pedro,
INIacati. The service here was arduous. Day and night a harassing
fire was kept up by the sharpshooters of the enemy concealed in the
bamboos and jungles in front. Outpost duty was perilous and there
was constant hazardous scouting and patrolling. On ^larch 28th,
while with a scouting party from Company H, Private Fred Bordu-
wine was cut off in the midst of a hot fire from the insurgents.
Information gained later was that he was wounded in the leg, cap-
tured and taken to JNIalivay by the Philippine natives. Captain
Worthington at once took out a party of eighteen men from Com-
pany H and six from Company A, all volunteers, to search for the
missing man. The scouting party had been fired upon near a stone
culvert where the dry bed of a small stream intersects the road run-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 43
ning south from Ciili Culi Church. Captam Worthington's party
entered the creek bed a good distance east of the bridge and followed
it along until the scouts could reach the ground where Private Bordu-
wine was lost. Here the enemy was soon encountered. A sharp and
brilliant skirmish followed, in which the insurgents were roushlv
handled. ]Many were killed and wounded, wliile the Americans,
moving back by the left flank, retraced their course without loss.
Piivate Borduwine was never found.
The advance on Calumpit was planned to begin on ]Monday,
April 24, 1899. Fighting was precipitated a day before this, how-
ever. The day was intensely hot and in the open rice fields the men
suiFered greatly. For three hours the struggle lasted and then the
Filipinos were forced from their position, and Quingua captured.
That night the entire regiment was concentrated at Quingua and at
daybreak Hale's brigade crossed the Bagbag River, after slight
resistance, and moved down parallel with the right bank of that
stream toward Calumpit. The firing, 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 toilsome day's work
undei' a boiling sun, the brigade fought its way through miles of
rice fields and jungles, beset with trenches. Near the town of Pulilan,
a short distance from Quingua, the right of the regiment encoun-
tered a strong force. It was routed and eighty Filipinos killed.
That night the regiment bivouacked along the newly captured
trenches. The next day Calumpit was taken by storm. The natives
had built their trenches up with railroad iron and ties and had boasted
that they could not be taken, but, although the fortified position was
the strongest the Americans had encountered to date, they were
successfully occupied.
On ]May 4th the division advanced on San Fernando, the insur-
gents' capital. A day of unequaled toil and hardship followed. By
superluunan efforts the lowans plowed through the mud of the Can-
daba Swamp and drove the enemy in full retreat, through Santo
Tomas. Here the division bivouacked. The follo^Wng morning the
troops descended on San Fernando ; General Hale directed the troops
in person. The Iowa troops charged across the river before San
Fernando, scattering a force of insurgents left behind to burn the
town, and sent them flying across the fields. The Fifty-first claims
the honor of having been the first to enter the town. One man was
wounded. Beginning with June 16th there were frequent counter-
attacks bv the insurgents on San Fernando, but none were successful.
44 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
On August 9th ten companies of the regiment were formed and
marched to the outpost of the Seventeenth Infantry, where they
de])loyed as skirmishers on the right of the raih'oad, and advanced
on Caluhit, meeting with considerable resistance from the enemy.
So reduced was the regiment by hardships and so thinned were its
ranks by disease and wounds that but 236 men out of the ten com-
panies Avere available for duty when Calulut was reached.
After a period of provost, outpost and patrol duty in San Fer-
nando, the regiment was relieved by the Fourth Cavalry, and they
were assigned to quarters in the walled City of Manila. On Sep-
tember 22d the regiment sailed for San Francisco on the transport
Senator, there to be mustered out. Yisits were paid to Japan en
route. On October 22d the regiment went into camp at the Presidio
and there mustered from the service on November 2d.
The regiment was comjoosed of twelve companies, from A to M,
coming respectively from the towns of Des JNIoines, Villisca, Glen-
wood, Knoxville, Shenandoah, Oskaloosa, Creston, Des JNIoines,
Bedford, Corning, Council Bluffs, Red Oak. The Fifty-first Regi-
ment was the Third Regiment of the Iowa National Guard prior to
being mustered into the service of the United States. The Iowa
National Guard as an organization dated back to January 15, 1877,
but Company A of the Fifty- first had been organized as far back as
1869, at which time it was an independent company. Greenfield
once had a company known as Company B, Third Iowa National
Guard, which company was organized in 1879.
Of the 1,320 men who left Iowa in the Fifty-first only about
eight hundred names remained on the rolls when they returned.
Fifty- two men were invalided, 71 men and 2 officers re-enlisted in
the regulars and 40 were discharged. The continual skirmishing and
severe service that the regiment saw for about six months in laizon
Induced much sickness and Avhen the orders came to leave the front
for home only 218 men of the regiment were fit for duty.
On Tuesday morning, November 7, 1899, the train arrived in
Greenfield from Creston, bearing the boys back home. Bells were
rung, whistles blown, cannons fired and almost the entire town
cheered themselves hoarse as the soldiers alighted from the cars. A
parade Avas formed, headed by the band, then came the Grand Armv
of the Re])ublic, then the Philippine veterans, the mayor, the council,
tlie Iv. W. A. C, and students of the public schools Avith their teach-
ers. At the south entrance to the public square the procession passed
under the arch erected by the W. R. C. Avith the inscription, "In
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 45
Honor of Our Boys." They paraded once around the square and
entered the courtyard through the arch erected by the L. W. A. C,
bearing the inscription, "Home, Sweet Home." Once in the court-
yard the parade rested and everybody grasped the hands of the
bronzed soldier lads. When all greetings had been exchanged Mayor
W. W. Don Carlos, in a short speech, welcomed them home. Lieut.
R. J. Gaines responded with a short talk.
The banquet to the returned soldiers was held at the Warren
Opera House on Wednesday. People from all parts of the county
came, laden with food. The soldiers, their parents and relatives
occupied the tables on the south side of the hall. A few speeches
were made. In the evening a program of speeches and music was
held at the same place, the soldiers sitting across the front of the
stage.
The following are the names of the men who returned from the
Phihppines at this time: R. J. Gaines, Dan Gaines, Charles Geese-
man, Leroy Darby, Fred Lovely, Frank Humphrey, Ernest James,
Fred Xeeley, William Witter, Wesley Witter, Walter Hostetler,
William Wallace and Ezra Brayton.
The photograph accompanying this article was taken shortly
after the men returned to Greenfield.
ADAIR county's HONORED DEAD
The following are buried in the cemetery of Greenfield:
Civil War Veterans
E. R. Gantt, sergeant, Company I, Tenth Iowa Infantry. C. G.
Cleland, private. Company G, Seventh Wisconsin Infantry. W. V.
Hamlin, lieutenant, Company I, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. E. W.
Piper, private. Company B, Ninety-first Illinois Infantry. Nathan
Mason, private. Company A, One Hundred Forty-eighth Illinois
Infantry. S. G. Brown, private, Company B, Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
David King, private. Company H, One Hundred Forty-sixth Illi-
nois Infantry. T. ^I. Gile, private, Company G, Forty-fifth Illinois
Infantr3^ C. E. Sampson, sergeant. Company D, First Iowa Cav-
alry. Ed JNIorris, private. Company G, One Hundred Thirty-ninth
Illinois Infantry. W. M. Rodgers, private, Company D, Twenty-
seventh Illinois Infantry. Peter Hoover, private, Compam^ G,
Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry. William Romesha, sergeant. Company
C, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. H. P. Wobert, Company D, Seventh
46 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Iowa Infantry. J. P. Sinclair, private, Company F, Forty-third
Indiana Infantry. Abraham JNIiller, private. Company B, Fiftieth
Ilhnois Infantry. ^I. S. Doane, sergeant, Company K, Thirty-
ninth Iowa Infantry. J. A. Hetherington, drummer and private,
Company I, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry and Company K, Fifty-
sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. Oswin Cahow, sergeant. Company D,
One Hundred Twelfth Illinois Infantry. Zadock Perkins, private,
Company D, Second Iowa Cavalry. D. ^I. Priddy, Company L,
Sixth Iowa Cavalry. G. C. Havens, Company B, Twenty-fifth
Iowa Infantry. A. L. Harrison, Company B, Thirty-ninth Iowa
Infantry. Jasper Reno, Seventh Indiana Battery. T. J. Harvey,
Company E, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry. Franklin Letts, Com-
pany D, One Hundred Second Illinois Infantry. H. B. Goodman,
Company D, One Hundred Forty-fourth New York Infantry.
J. J. Hetherington, Company H, Twenty-fifth Pennsylvania
Infantry. Joseph Sevasin, Company E, Fifty-eighth Illinois
Infantry. J. G. Goodman, Company B, Ninety-fifth Illinois
Infantry. J. M. Bean, Company A, Ninth Kentucky Cavalry.
Fleming Bevens, Company C, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry. J. G.
Orr, drum major. Company H, One Hundred Twenty-sixth Illinois
Infantry. E. J. Stevenson, Company K, Seventh Illinois Cavalry.
James jNIcNair, Company A, Eighth New York Artillery. S. A.
Gordon, Company F, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry. William H.
Needles, Company I, Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry. Nathan
Wertman, sergeant. Company G, Ninety-third Illinois Infantry.
William INIitchell, Company K, Eleventh Iowa Infantry. Thomas
Kennedy, naval ship, Springfield Fairview Cemetery. J. U. Young,
Company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa. William H. Anderson, corporal.
Company H, One Hundred Nineteenth Illinois Infantr3^ Henry
Taylor, Company B, Thirty-ninth Iowa. Richard Wallace, Com-
pany F, Ninth INIichigan Infantry. William Bacon, corporal, Com-
pany E, Eighth Iowa Infantry. J. C. Mason^ corporal. Company
A, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. Charles Foster, Company K, Fourth
Iowa Cavalry. J. I. Calwell, One Hundred Sixty-sixth Ohio
Infantry.
Spanish-American War Veterans
LeRoy Darby, corporal. Company G, Fifty-first Iowa Infantry.
A. E. Bales, Company K, Fifty-first Iowa Infantry. C. D. Letts,
Company I, Fifth United States Infantry.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 47
THE LIVING VETERANS
The following are the names of some of the living veterans of
the Civil war in Greenfield: J. C. Wood, Washington Carl, J. A.
Patterson, Clark Chadwick, C. D. Knapp, Fred Cahou, S. N. Smith,
]Marion Young, J. J. ^Nlyers, Henry Booher, H. T. Wakefield, B. F.
Childs, R. 31. Quimm, William Gillham, J. Flemming, Joseph
Gillett, Kier Elliott, M. S. Ray, Abram Gordon, J. F. James, J. M.
Humphrey, J. C. Thompson, A. Phillips, J. I. Hillingsworth, S. F.
Shirk, W. G. Bell, J. A. Evans, C. D. Sackett, P. A. Bivington,
PI. ]M. Foreman, George Bennett, H. A. Gilbert, J. L. Pearce,
William ]McXay, H. C. Stuart, T. W. Brown, J. C. Lane, Austin
]Miller, D. D. Pettit, George Hanks, W. A. Hoskins, L. M. Kilburn,
William Johnston, L. S. Gatch and A. J. Kingery.
Yeterans living and buried in other towns of county may be found
in the storv of those localities.
CHAPTER V
PROGRESS OF EDUCATION
In regard to educational matters, Adair County has kept pace
with the majority of the counties in the state, but yet has room for
great improvement. The education in certain parts of the county
is better managed and housed than in other parts, as, for instance, in
Greenfield there is a handsome high school building, an account of
which is given further along, while in Fontanelle there is a sad need
of better quarters for school purposes. Just recently in the latter
place the proposition to issue bonds for the erection of an adequately
large school building was defeated by popular vote. It is reasonable
to suppose, however, that not many years will pass before the whole
of Adair County will be splendidly supplied with school facilities.
THE EARLY SCHOOLS
The first school in Fontanelle was held in the old courthouse in
the year 1857 and was taught by Miss Hulda Lee. School District
No. 2, which consisted of Sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, had a schoolhouse
erected on the southeast quarter of Section 4 in 1882, costing about
four hundred and sixty-five dollars, and Miss Minnie Patterson was
the first teacher. There was a house of frame erected on Section 2
in 1883. Miss Ella ISlay w^as the first teacher in this buildino-. In
Jackson Township the first schoolhouse was built on the farm of
Alfred Jones on Section 3 and was a small frame building which
was afterwards sold to Jones. The first officers of the district were
Alfred Jones and Azariah Root. The first teacher was John Flan-
nagan. In District 3 there was a school constructed in 1876 and
Nettie Simmons, later Mrs. William Green, was the pioneer teacher.
In District No. 5 the first school was put up in 1883 at an expense
of $480. The first teacher was INIalinda Barnard. A large house
was built on District No. 6 in 1872. jNIaggie Christie was the first
teacher. In 1873 a schoolhouse was erected in District No. 7, costing
48
HIGH SCHOOL, FONTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 49
$4,30. Lydia Priddy, later Mrs. Charles Burrell, was the first teacher.
A schoolhoiise was built in 1882 in District No. 8 and George Pratt
was the first instructor. District No. 9 had a schoolhouse erected
in 1882 and the first teacher was Eva Sears.
In the Town of Fontanelle a schoolhouse was erected in 1881.
This building stood on a hill in the southwest part of town. The
contract price for this structure was $10,400. The draft and design
were the work of Corrv & Loft of Sioux Citv, and J. B. Aldrich of
Atlantic was the contractor. At the time the edifice was the finest
in the county, but today it is not by any means and there is great
necessity for increased accommodations for the children of the town.
The first school in Jefferson Township was taught by Simon
Barrows during the winter of 18.56-7 in a cabin which then stood on
the farm of J. B. McGinnis on Section 35. The pioneer schoolhouse
in the township was erected in 1858 by John Loucks at a cost of
$800. This was built on Section 27 and was later used as a house of
worshijj by the Christian denomination. Judge Holaday and Stover
Rinard laid the foundations and the latter shaved the shingles for
the roof. The first teacher here was a man named William Crandall.
The second teacher was a JNIiss Cady. The first school officers were
the following named: John Easton, president: George B. Wilson,
secretary; John Loucks, treasurer. These all served during the year
1857. A schoolhouse was constructed on the northeast corner of
Section 11 in 1872 and the first teacher was Emma McPherson,
afterwards ^Irs. W. C. Pugh. The building cost $700. The first
teacher in the schoolhouse on Section 4 was W. B. Martin. In 1876
a building was erected on the northeast corner of Section 7. The
first teacher was John Nunan. In the school which stood on the
southeast corner of Section 18 the first teacher was Sue Holaday.
In 1872 a school was built on the southeast corner of Section 14 and
the first teacher was Sarah Sankurne. A school was erected in Dis-
trict No. 7 in 1869, in which J. S. Smith was the pioneer teacher.
Another schoolhouse was erected on the northeast corner of Section
36 in October, 1878. The first teacher in this building was O. W.
Baker. On the southeast corner of Section 28 a school was built
in the late '70s and the first teacher was Thomas Neville. In 1875 a
school was constructed on the northeast quarter of Section 31. Syl-
vester N. Crowell was the first teacher in this building. Prior to the
building of this house school was held in the district and Mrs. Jennie
Dutton was the first teacher. During the great wind storm of June,
1880, the schoolhouse in District No. 8 was blown down the hill
Vol. 1—4
50 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
upon which it stood, a distance of about one hundred and twenty
feet. The force of the wind turned the building half around and on its
journey it came in contact with some burr-oak hitching posts which
it broke clear with the ground. The chimney was destroyed and
quite an amount of damage done to the building. The teacher's desk
M-as turned over, but the side lamps upon the walls were not shaken
from their brackets, nor broken. The stove was distributed all over
the building. The coal house was torn to pieces and a piece of board
with the staple and padlock was carried half a mile by the wind to
the residence of John J. Pavne, at that time director of the district.
In Summit Tow^nship the first school was taught in the summer
of 1870 bv E. M. Day, in a small building owned bv himself on the
farm of Azariah Sisson on Section 16. This school was in operation
for three or four months. In the fall of the same year a schoolhouse
was built on the northwest quarter of Section 17 and in this JNIrs. L,
Allard taught the first school in the winter of 1870. This building
was afterwards moved from this location to the southeast quarter of
Section 18. The first directors of this district were L. Albee, Azariah
Sisson and Abner Sisson.
The second schoolhouse in the township was built on the northeast
quarter of Section 21. It was erected in 1874.
The first school taught in Adair was held in the upper story of
the D. W. JNIoss drug store in the winter of 1873-4. The teacher who
held it for three months was Mrs. H. P. Starr and she had about
eighteen scholars. The next term was at the schoolhouse in the
summer of 1875. ]Mrs. Starr taught this school also, as she did in
the summer of 1876, the latter year of which she had sixty-six pupils
enrolled. The next teachers were L. jNI. Hawes and his daughter.
The first officer in this district was John Chestnut, Sr.
The first schoolhouse in Washington Township was erected by
volunteer labor in 18.55 and was built of logs. This house was located
on Section 9. The first term of school was taught by John J. Leeper.
The first school taught in the tow^nship was at the residence of
Thomas Johnson during the winter of 1851-2. This was also the
first school taught in the county. The teacher was Dianthe Richard-
son, afterwards ]Mrs. Joshua E. Chapman.
The first school in Orient Township was taught in the cabin of
Reuben Dillow in the summer of 1863 by Kate Sawyer of Xevin-
ville. She also taught a school in 1864 at the same place, but in 1865
it was taught by a niece of Mr. Dillow. Old School District Xo. 1,
v/hich embraced all of sections 1, 2, 11 and 12 and the north quarters
EAST SCHOOL, FONTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 51
of sections 13 and 14, had a schoolhouse built in the summer of 1875
at a cost of $550. Ella Thatcher was the first teacher. District No.
2, including sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, had a building erected in the
summer of 1883. Lettie Hamilton taught the first term here. A
school was built on the southeast corner of Section 6 in 1872 and
W. E. Caton was the pioneer teacher. Stanley Milner erected a
schoolhouse upon the northeast corner of Section 19 in the summer
of 1870. J. C. Hoffstatter constructed a building on the southeast
corner of Section 30 in the summer of 1877. The first teacher in .
this district was Sylvia Hoffstatter. The same man built a school
on the northwest corner of Section 34 in the summer of 1879. Callie
Yeck was the first teacher. In the summer of 1878 Hoffstatter
placed a school on the northwest corner of Section 36. In the
summer of 1880 a school was built on the southeast corner of Section
14. J. C. Hoffstatter had tlie building contract. In the fall of
1880 a jNIiss Snodgrass taught the first term of school. The original
District No. 9 included the Town of Orient. The first schoolhouse
of this district was burned in INIarch, 1872, and a new building was
erected in the summer of 1873.
The first school in Lincoln Township was taught at the dwelling
of Robert Ewers prior to the completion of a schoolhouse. Rebecca
JNIacy was the teacher. The first schoolhouse in the township was
commenced in 1862 and completed in 1863. A school was erected
on the southwest corner of Section 3 in 1875 at the same time the
district was organized then known as the Independent District. Pre-
vious to this organization a rough dwelling had been used. The first
teacher was M. W. Haver. During the fall and winter of 1874 a
school was erected on the northwest corner of Section 20. The first
school held in this vicinity was taught in granary of James Birchard
bv Lvdia Clifford. The next term was taught at the home of Charles
I^ockwood on Section 18 by the same teacher. William Reynolds
was the director at the time.
Another school was built on the northwest corner of Section 24
in the fall of 1870. The first school in this district was held at the
dwelling of Joseph Barnett in the winter of 1869 with JNI. W. Haver
as teacher. In 1869 a schoolhouse was built on the southeast corner
of Section 16. When the school was first erected this territory was
a township district, and in 1870 two terms of school were taught by
Etta Steavens. At that time the district was discontinued for lack
of scholars and subdivided. A school was built on the southwest
corner of Section 25 in the fall of 1868. In the winter of the same
52 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
year a term of two months was taught by Reno Stevens, for which
he received $90, there being five scholars in the class. On the south-
west corner of Section 27 there w^as a house built in 1870. Prior to
this, however, a term of school had been taught by Mrs. Stevens
during the winter of 1869 in a small shed fitted up as a schoolroom on
the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 28. The first teacher
in the new school was Edward INIorris. A school building was con-
structed in the fall of 1874 on the southwest corner of Section 29.
Frank Gilpatrick taught the first term of school in the district in
the winter of 1874-5.
The first teacher in Grove Township was a INIrs. Lank, nee Addie
I-awson, who taught a term in a private house on Section 33 in 1862.
She later moved to Guthrie County. The first school erected was on
Section 4 in 1862. The first school directors of the township v^ere
Simon Bvers and J. R. Pierce. The other earlv teachers in this
township were: INIyrtle Crawford, ^Nlary Allen, Hannah Calkins,
JNIattie White and Julia Oliver.
The first school in Eureka Township was held in the residence
of George W. Snyder in the summer of 1871, the class being taught
by Emma Snyder Trowbridge, later JNIrs. Fred H. Cears. There
w^as at that time no school building in the township. The district was
first organized in the summer of 1870 and the following officers
elected: Orlando Howe, G. W. Snyder, Sr., and J. R. Patten,
directors; W. R. Snyder, treasurer; A. Wright, secretary. School
District Xo. 1, covering sections 1, 2, 11 and 12, had a schoolhouse
built in 187.5 and Clementine Yerkes was the pioneer teacher. Other
first teachers of the township were: J. H. Crowley, Jennie Sargent,
Stella Madison, Fred H. Cears, George Olmstead, James D. Law
and ]May Faurote.
The first school in Richland Township was built in 1858. It cost
$400 and was 20 by 24 feet in size. The first teachers in the township
were: Hulda Dorn, Lilly INIoyer, Sarah Jewett, Eliza Arnold, Nellie
Ray. Theresa Greene and Lue INIcClure.
Some of the first teachers in Walnut Tow^nship were: Mary
Tliompson of Winterset, George Pratt, William Armstrong, John
D. Keeney, Sallie Rutt, Joseph Lesher, Annie Sheltins, Mary
Duncan.
The first school taught in Harrison Township was in 1857 in a
building erected for a storehouse on Section 34. The first school-
house was erected in 1860 on Section 34. The first teacher was a
Mr. Carr, employed by the trustees of the township. Samuel W.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 53
Pryor was the first director, being elected in 18.59 or 1860. There
was no county superintendent at that time. Some of the early teach-
ers of the township were: Hattie Shober, Sally McCauley, Sally
flyers, Cornelius Smith, Emma Rush, Leonard Beard, Maffffie
Ralston.
The first school building in Lee Township was a small structure
erected in 1866 in the center of Section 16, 16 by 20 feet in dimen-
sions. About a year following its erection it was removed to the
northern line of Section 16, a distance of half a mile. There was no
school taught in the building until the spring of 1869, when Eliza
Wagner taught the first term, it being the first school taught in the
township. During the year 1876 this building was bought by Wesley
Rogers and removed to the Town of Greenfield, where it was used
as a residence. A new building was erected in its place the same
year. Some of the pioneer teachers of this township were: Eliza
Wagner, Sadie Dew, W. F. JNIason, Esther Ward, John Warner.
The first school teacher in Prussia Township was Jacob Sager.
Others were: JNIiss Sackett, — Walker, Mary Campbell, Anna Shet-
ters, Jennie Strauser, Miss Sergeant.
The first school in Union Township was taught by William
Kivett in 1857 in a schoolhouse built the same year on Section 12.
1915 SCHOOL STATISTICS
Independent City, Town and Village Districts
Adair has 1 male and 8 female teachers; an enrollment of 293
and a total average attendance of 245 ; there are 2 schoolhouses valued
at $34,000.
Greenfield has 1 male and 14 female teachers; 430 enrollment
and 363 average attendance; 2 schoolhouses worth $30,000.
Bridgewater has 1 male and 3 female teachers; 91 enrolled and
78 average attendance; 1 $4,000 schoolhouse.
Fontanelle has 1 male and 8 female teachers; 227 enrolled and
an average attendance of 187. There are 2 schoolhouses, valued at
$15,000.
Orient has 1 male and 6 female teachers; 166 enrolled and an
average attendance of 127; 2 schoolhouses valued at $16,000.
School Townships
Eureka: 1 male and 15 female teachers; 115 enrollment; 91
average attendance; 9 schoolhouses, value $4,500.
54 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Grand River: 2 male and 10 female teachers; 187 enrollment;
115 average attendance; 9 schoolhouses, value $7,200.
Grove: 3 male and 14 female teachers; 182 enrollment; 114
average attendance; 9 schoolhouses, value $45,000.
Harrison: 2 male and 14 female teachers; 194 enrollment; 127
average attendance; 9 schoolhouses, value $3,700.
Jackson: 2 male and 14 female teachers; 158 enrolled; 108 average
attendance; 9 schools worth $2,850.
Jefferson: 1 male and 13 female teachers; 240 enrollment; 137
average attendance; 9 schoolhouses, valued at $8,100.
Lee: 1 male and 11 female teachers; 111 enrolled; 22 average
attendance; 7 schoolhouses, valued at $5,178.
Orient: 10 female teachers; 114 enrollment; 90 average attend-
ance; 8 schoolhouses, value $4,000.
Prussia: 1 male and 16 female teachers; 153 enrollment; 122
average attendance; 9 schoolhouses, valued at $42,000.
Richland: 1 male and 13 female teachers; 151 enrollment; 86
average attendance; 9 schoolhouses, value $4,350.
Summerset: 12 female teachers; 140 enrollment; 84 average
attendance; 8 schoolhouses, value $3,600.
Summit: 1 male and 11 female teachers; 124 enrollment; 85
average attendance; 7 schoolhouses, value $3,700.
Union: 1 male and 15 female teachers; 195 enrollment; 95
average attendance; 9 schools, valued at $3,750.
Walnut: 15 female teachers; 194 enrollment; 174 average attend-
ance.
Washington: 4 male and 13 female teachers; 181 enrollment;
104 average attendance; 9 schools, valued at $3,250.
Rural Independent Districts
Bailey: 1 female teacher; 7 enrollment; attendance 4; 1 school,
worth $1,000.
Harmony: 2 female teachers; 15 enrollment; 9 average attend-
ance; 1 $600 schoolhouse.
Lincoln Center: no teachers; 1 $1,000 schoolhouse.
Mount Vernon: 1 female teacher; 12 enrolled; 8 average attend-
ance; 1 $600 schoolliouse.
North River: 2 male teachers; 20 enrolled; 16 average attend-
ance; 1 $1,000 schoolhouse.
ADAIR HIGH SCHOOL
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 55
Pleasant Hill: 1 female teacher; 13 enrolled; 9 average
iittendance; 1 $900 schoolhouse.
Pleasant Ridge: 1 female teacher; 11 enrolled; 4 average attend-
ance; 1 $9.50 schoolhouse.
Prairie Queen: 3 female teachers; 17 enrolled; 8 average attend-
ance; 1 $300 schoolhouse.
Washington: 2 female teachers; 17 enrolled; 13 average attend-
ance; 1 $500 schoolhouse.
Summit Independent: 22 enrolled; 1.5 average attendance; 1
$1,200 school.
Casey: 1 male and 9 female teachers; 473 enrolled; 395 average
attendance; 4 schoolhouses, valued at $48,000.
Stuart: 1 male and 7 female teachers; 222 enrolled; 193 average
attendance; 1 $8,000 schoolhouse.
Total of All Schools
Twenty-six male and 261 female teachers. Enrollment of 4,105 ;
average attendance of 3,219. Xumber of schoolhouses, 158; value,
$424,378.
EDUCATIONAL
The first school taught in the Village of Greenfield was in the
winter of 1859 in a room of the same old plank house which was
used as a stage station by M. Clark. A. D. Littleton was the teacher
of this pioneer school.
The first schoolhouse was erected in the summer of 1861 and in
this the first teacher was A. L. McPherson. This building was used
for school purposes for several years.
The old schoolhouse was built when the town was a sub-district
of the District Township of Greenfield. On April 24, 1877, a peti-
tion was presented to the board of directors of the district, asking
that sections 7, 8, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of Greenfield Township and 12
and 13 of Summerset be set off and formed into an independent dis-
trict. This petition was signed by the following: A. J. INIears, T. A.
Wilson, H. B. Rust, D. A. Coy, A. M. Hutchinson, J. W. Darbv,
John Burrell, Joseph S. Bartow, John Pegg, E. R. Olmstead, J. J.
Mvers, S. INI. Shattuck, L. A. Smith, L. W. Devine, A. S. Car-
michael, Charles Burrell, G. T. :McConnell, ]M. F. IMills, L. S. Myers
and Judson Morgan. In accordance with this petition the question
was submitted to a vote of the qualified electors of the district and
56 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
the election held at Dew's Hall on Saturday, March 10, 1877- and
resulted in a vote of 42 to 9 for separate organization.
An election was held for the purpose of choosing the officers of
the same on March 24, 1877, and the following were elected: S. M.
Shattuck, president; A. R. Dew, secretary; D. Heaton, treasurer;
S. C. Vance, John E. Hill, J. T. Harvey, A. Dwigans and J. G.
Culver, directors. Dew being absent from the county, J. A. Hether-
ington was appointed clerk in his place.
By this time the school accommodations had become so cram])ed
in the schoolhouse that rooms had to be rented in various parts of
the town. Therefore, the directors ordered that the question of the
district issuing bonds to the amomit of $5,000 for the purpose of
building a schoolhouse of larger capacity, be submitted to the people.
Accordingly, at an election held May 23, 1877, by a vote of 40 to 10,
the qualified electors ordered the issuance of the bonds.
The schoolhouse on the south side of Greenfield was built during
that summer. The contract for its erection was let to Stickel k.
Baldrick of Des Moines. The architect was W. K. Ball of Creston.
The total cost of the building was $5,230.
In the summer of 1883 another schoolhouse, costing $6,000, was
built on the north side of town.
At the first, as before mentioned, Greenfield was one of the sub-
districts of Greenfield Township. The following is a list of teachers,
with age of service: A. P. Littleton, 1859-60; Julia Taylor, 1860-1;
A. L. McPherson, 1861-2; Sallie Valentine, 1862; S. C. Vance,
1862-3; Ahce Lee, 1863; C. P. Gilbert, 1864-5; Mrs. Patterson,
1865-6; Doctor Edgington, 1866-7; AVesley Rodgers, 1867-8; Hattie
:Morris, 1868-9; Joseph McClain, 1869-70; H. J. Morgan, 1870-2;
Hattie M. Leonard, 1872-3. From 1873 the schools required a prin-
cipal. Dr. E. Spooner was the first. In the spring of 1877 the
present independent district was organized. W. A. Pryor was the
first principal. The history of the graded schools began with INI. W.
Haver. Principal C. E. Holland, 1882-4, completed the grading
and graduated the first class.
GREENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING
At a called meeting of the Greenfield Commercial Club held in the
courtroom, ^larch 19, 1906, the question of building a new $25,000
schoolhouse was discussed at length. There was a good attendance
of the club members as well as a number of other citizens. The meet-
NORTH SIDE SCMOOL, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 57
ing was presided over by O. A. Tattle, one of the vice presidents of
the chib. The discussion of the question was entered into by mem-
bers of the Commercial Club and others and members of the school
board. The testimony of various men was all to the same effect, that
the condition of the old schoolhouse was unsanitary and a menace to
the lives of the pupils and teachers. J. J. Hetherington talked at
some length against the proposition on the grounds of expense to the
taxpayers and W. W. Witham made a few remarks along the same
line, but aside from these two gentlemen the members present were
in fa\'or of the improvement. At the conclusion of the discussion
F. B. Wilson offered the following motion which was unanimously
carried: "Resolved, That it is the sense of the Greenfield Commer-
cial Club that we are in favor of building a new schoolhouse at a cost
not to exceed $25,000."
In July, 1906, the school board let the contract for the erection of
the proposed schoolhouse on the south ward school grounds. A num-
ber of bids were received on the work and upon opening the bids it
M'as found that the firm of McLead & Son, of Cedar Rapids, has
submitted the lowest figure for the work, $16,700, so the contracts
were accordingly awarded to this firm. The firm of W. R. Parsons
& Son Company of Des JNIoines prepared the plans for the building
on which the contracts were let. The architects made a blunder on
the first set of plans they made, which called for a building which
would have cost not less than $35,000, and a delay of about thirty
days was occasioned by the necessity of drawing a new set of plans.
The cornerstone of the new high school was laid on August 31,
1906, the ceremony of the laying being conducted by the Grand
I^odge of Iowa, Ancient Free and Accepted JNIasons. The orator
of the day was Hon. Edmund Nichols of Perrv.
A PICTURE OF EARLY SCHOOLS
]Most of the business men and women of today can remember the
district schools of fortv years ago and how their early days were
passed in the small cheerless schoolhouses of that time. JNIany of
them were made of logs and in the center of the small room would
be placed a large box-stove, capable of taking wood four feet in
length. ^lost of the seats were made of long boards or of slabs with
crossed legs for support. Several boards were placed end to end,
one side was fastened to the wall and the whole, supported at an angle,
was the w^riting desk for the big scholars while in front of these,
58 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
without desks or backs, were other seats for the smaller ones. When
writing hour arrived the puj^il was obliged to put his feet over the
seat and turn around to get the benefit of his desk. There were
two school terms, summer and winter, school ma'ams teaching in
summer and the school masters in the winter, the former receiving
about one dollar per week and the latter ten to twenty dollars per
month and "board around." In some of the districts even these stingy
salaries were paid in farm produce. An estimate of the amount of
fuel to be used was made, and each patron would be required to draw
a certain proportion of the wood. The boys were required to take turns
in building the fires and in sweeping the schoolhouse. At nine o'clock
the teacher would rap on the door-casing to call school. First in order
was roll-call, then the first class in reading, then the second class, the
third class and the A B C's. No classes were called in arithmetic but
from all parts of the room would come the request, "Do my sum."
The teacher was required to write all copies for those learning pen-
manship. Who among the pupils of that time does not remember
the copies? "Kings and Queens eat pork and beans;" "Command-
ments ten God gave to men;" "A man of words and not of deeds is
like a garden full of weeds;" "Many men of many minds," etc.
Teachers were obliged to make all of the pens from goose-quills and
during writing hour the snapping of pens on the desks and "JNIend
my pen!" might be heard frequently.
In those days Cobb's Readers, the English Readers and Hale's
History were the principal reading books and counting aloud for the
pauses — one for a conmia, two for a semicolon, foiu* for a period,
€tc. — gave a peculiar style of reading not popular at the present day.
The Columbian Spelling Book with its wooden covers and Noah
Webster's with its pictures of the boy stealing apples with the accom-
panying story of the owner trying grass and turf first, then stones,
to induce him to come down; the fox and the sour grapes; the farmer
and the lawyer in regard to the goring of the bull — these were the
spelling books.
Peter Parley's Geography, Mith the lessons illustrated, the first
one with the picture of a boy facing the sun, with his right hand
pointing east and his left pointing west, this and Olney's Geography
were the principal text books on the subject. In arithmetic. Dill-
worth, Adams and Dabol took the lead. Who cannot remember
Dabol's
Also
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 59
"Just fifteen yards of German serge
For ninety dimes had I;
How man}'^ yards of that same serge
Would fourteen eagles buy?"
"If to my age these added be
One-half, one-third and three times three,
Three score and ten the sum would be;
What is my age? Pray tell it me."
Examples in pounds, shillings and pence were given there also
in single and in double positions.
In grammar, Lindley JNIurray's and Kirkham's were used, while
the vounff orator of those days selected from the Columbian Orator,
the United States Speaker and the American INIanual and there were
few boys who did not wax eloquent on Friday afternoons with Hohen-
linden. The Greek and the Turcoman, The Burial of Sir John Moore,
Patrick Henry's Address, Pitt's Reply to Walpole, etc.
In those days the beech and the birch rods were known by all tlie
mischievous boys while standing on one foot and bending over to hold
down a nail with one finger. Standing on tip-toe and reaching a
nail-head on the wall, having a split goose-quill on the nose and a
paper cap on the head, standing on guard, hair pulling, ear boxing,
flogging, etc., were common punishments. Sitting with the girls was
dreaded more than it is now.
Spelling schools, arithmetic schools and debating societies took
the time of the long w^inter evenings, and going home with the girls
made the evenings much longer and decidedly pleasanter.
CHAPTER VI
THE BENCH AND BAR OF ADAIR COUNTY
THE DISTRICT COURT
In October, 1855, the clerk of the District Court of Adair County
received notice from E. H. Sears, district judge of the Sixth Judicial
District of Iowa, appointing court to be held in Adair County Novem-
ber 19, 1855, also ordering that a grand jury be summoned for special
term and a petit jury be also summoned, and that the clerk should
issue a venire to the sheriff for each of the juries. This order was
dated October 13th.
In accordance with this notice the court met at the residence of
Azariah Root, in what was then Washington Township, on Novem-
ber 19th as specified. There were present E. H. Sears, judge; D. M.
Valentine, clerk; and Abner Root, sheriff.
The first business transacted was the impaneling of a grand jury.
When completed the following men were listed: Charles Friend,
Alfred Jones, William Corr, James Roberts, James S. Ewing, John
Amnion, James Ray, Abraham Rutt, Titus Sullivan, John Ireland,
John Hillan, William Stinson, INIanning Drake, William Thomas
and Thomas Hodgson. John Ireland was appointed foreman.
It is said that this first grand jury retired to the cool shade of a
straw-stack to consider the business in hand. The first case brought
before the court was entitled State of Iowa vs. Larue Norris and was
an indictment for larceny. The defendant was called to court, but
failed to appear. In consequence, on motion of Boyd J. Stickel, the
district attorney, the sureties of Larue Norris, namely William P.
Norris and INIarshall T. Norris, were declared to have their bond for
his appearance forfeited.
The first civil case to come before the court bore the title of John
Gilson vs. John Stevenson. This was an action for damages and
was continued from this session to the INIarch term, at which time
it was stricken from the records by order of the judge.
60
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 61
Terms of the District Court were held twice during the following
year, 18.)6, one beginning on INIarch 30th and the other October 5th.
The business at both of these terms was very liffht. At the first term
there were present Judge Sears; Theodore Smith, clerk; and Abner
Root, sheriff.
On October 5, 1857, the District Court was held at the courthouse
in Fontanelle, with Judge Sears upon the bench. Cal Ballard was
clerk and Levi C. Elliott was sheriff. There being no district attor-
ney present the court appointed S. jNI. Tucker to act in that capacity.
Jolin H. Cooper, a licensed attorney of the state of Kentucky, sought
and obtained permission to practice at the bar of this state. The most
important case entered before this court session was a divorce pro-
ceeding, the first in Adair County. John Cears, by his attorneys,
JNIcPherson and Cummings, asked to be divorced from his w4fe,
Phoebe Cears. The defendant failed to appear at the trial, so the
court gave decision in favor of the plaintiff.
At the regular term of the court beginning INIarch 29, 1858, upon
the application of Henry Kinsinger and Christian Augustine, Judge
Sears granted them the necessary papers, and they being duly sworn,
became citizens of the United States. These were the first naturaliza-
tion papers granted in Adair County. In the case of INIunger &
Brother vs. William Schweer, the first petit jury was impaneled in
this county. It consisted of the following men: B. J. Stickel, fore-
man; E. B. Sullivan, James P. Kenny, James ^lurplw, Thomas ^I.
Jolinson, Andros Jenkins, Jeremiah Rinard, Fielding Key, W. H.
Easton, John JNIurphy, S. W. Pryor and J. P. Salmon.
E. H. Sears remained judge of the District Court until the spring
of 1859. when he was succeeded by J. H. Gray. The first term of
court held in Adair County by the latter commenced upon April 25,
1859. when there were present besides the judge, W. B. Hall, clerk;
Levi C. Elliott, sheriff; and P. Gad Bryan, district attorney. Judge
Gray held the regular terms of court until October 14, 1865, when
he died. He was remembered as one of the most efficient judges of
the early times and a man of great business acumen. The vacancy
caused by his demise was filled by the appointment of C. C. Xourse,
by the governor, and on April 9, 1866, he held a regular term of
tlie District Court in this county. This was the only time he held
the court here as he resigned his office on August 1, 1866. Hugh W.
Maxwell was elected to the office of district judge at the fall elec-
tion of 1866 and was re-elected in 1870, occupying the bench for a
period of eight years. He was succeeded by John Leonard. In the
62 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
year 1886 Adair County became part of a circuit, on which three
judges were elected to serve in the different counties. At this time
the Circuit Court as a part of Adair County became a thing of the
past. O. B. Ayers, A. W. Wilkinson and J. H. Henderson com-
posed the first triumvirate of judges chosen for the circuit of which
this county was a part. In 1891 J. H. Applegate took the place of
Avers. John A. Storey was on the bench in the year 1896. James
D. Gamble came in about 1896 also. Edmund Nichols came to the
bench about 1902. The judges now serving on the bench are J. H.
Applegate. L. X. Hays and W. H. Fahey. They were chosen in
1914. Adair County is in the Fifth Judicial District of Iowa for the
year 191.5, this district being composed of the following counties:
Adair, Marion, Warren, Madison, Dallas, Guthrie.
John Leonard served only one term and was defeated for re-elec-
tion by W. H. 3IcHenrv, who served two terms, 1868-76. John A.
Storey served as district judge part of one year by appointment of
the governor, to fill a vacancy. He afterward removed to Omaha,
where he had a successful law practice for some years and then bought
a large interest in a national bank of Indianola, where he still resides.
THE CIRCUIT COURT
By the year 1868 the business of the District Court had grown
to such an extent that it was nearly impossible for that court to
attend to all of it. Accordingly in the year mentioned the Iowa
General Assembly passed a law creating a new tribunal, which went
under the name of Circuit Court. This newly created court was given
the power to try all cases of appeal from justices, mayors and other
inferior courts, all civil cases of a certain character, and have general
supervision and control of all probate matters. By the law it came
into existence on the first ^Monday in January, 1869, commencing on
the 4th of that month. Frederick W. Mott, the first judge, was
elected in the fall of 1868.
The first case heard in this court in Adair County was a law case
entitled W. C. Warner vs. Charles Galbraith. Kilburn & Grass
appeared as attorneys for the plaintiff, and J. H. Bailey for the
defendant. A jury was called to try the case, composed of the fol-
lowing men: O. E. Brown, E. R. Paris, J. Noah, John Easton,
J. H. Standley, Daniel Smith, Jacob Bally, Gorton Shanklin, T. M.
Ewing and Samuel Thompson. After hearing the evidence in the
case they retired under the charge of Bailiff M. E. Black, and after
deliberation, returned to the court with a verdict for the defendant.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 63
In 1872 John ^litchell was elected to the office of ch-cuit judge
and in 1876 was re-elected. During his term of office the second
circuit was created by an act of the General Assembly and Adair,
with other counties, placed therein. This was at once organized and
S. A. Calvert appointed to the vacant judgeship, and at the next
general election was elected to the office and was re-elected in 1880.
In 1884 Calvert was again elected and served until the abolishment
of the office in 1886. He was the last to fill this position in xVdair
County.
THE COUNTY COURT
By an act of the General Assembly of Iowa in 1851 courts were
established in each county in the state which were at the time oroan-
ized and also provided for the institution of the court in every county
thereafter organized. The county judge, the head of this court, took
the position of the county commissioners and the probate judge, both
of M'hicli offices were abolished. The court was composed of the judge,
clerk, prosecuting attorney, and sheriff, and it was given all the juris-
diction and power now in the hands of the board of supervisors,
auditor, clerk of the courts, and the probate branch of the business of
the Circuit Court.
The first probate matter on record in this county is noted in the
minute book of the County Court. This was on Xovember 17, 18.57,
when at a session of the court, presided over by D. jNI. Valentine,
acting county judge, the following case came up for consideration:
James P. Jordan had died on October 12, 1857, without making a
will, nor having done anything about the administration of his estate.
His widow did not appear to claim the executorship and Josiah P.
Clark, his next of kin, appeared and asked the court to appoint him
as executor. After hearing his request the court appointed him to
settle the estate of the deceased.
The first to occupy the position of county judge was G. M. Hola-
day. who was elected to that office at the time of the organization of
the county in April, 1854. He seixed in this capacity for one year.
He settled in Jefferson Township in 1853, locating upon section 26.
He was from the State of Indiana. He, while acting as county judge,
with D. ^I. Valentine, county surveyor, and Abram Rutt, laid out
the Town of Fontanelle for the county. In the fall of 1856 he left
here for Des ]Moines, in order to educate his children. He deserted
his wife and children there and left the country with another woman,
presumably going to the western coast.
64 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
J. J. Leeper was the successor of Judge Holaday, being elected
in the spring of 18.55. He served for two years. He came here from
near Zanesville, Ohio, in 1854, and settled in Jackson Township on
section 34, where he lived for two years. He then removed to Wash-
ington Township and in 1865 removed to Afton, Union County. He
later removed to New Mexico.
At the August election of 1857 Planning Drake was elected to
the position of county judge by a majority of eleven votes. How-
ever, he failed to qualify and D. INI. Valentine, then prosecuting attor-
ney, acted as county judge until the election of 1858. Valentine was
the second settler in the Village of Fontanelle. He came to that place
in the summer of 1855. He was born in Shelby County, Ohio, June
18, 1830. After removing to West Point, Tippecanoe County. Ind.,
with his parents, in 1836, and to Wea Plains in 1837, staying
in the latter place until 1854, he removed to Winterset, la., and
from thence to this county. He was admitted to the bar at Winterset.
In 1859 he left Adair County and went to Leavenworth, Kan., and
in 1860 to Franklin County, in the same state. Here he remained
until 1875, when he went to Topeka. He was elected judge of a
district court in Kansas and also sei*ved as a member of the Legisla-
ture in Kansas from Franklin County in 1862. He also served as
state senator from the same district in 1863-4, He later was associate
justice of the Supreme Court of Kansas. He was married August
26, 1855, to INIartha Root of Adair County.
F. ]M. Corr was elected judge of the County Court in 1858 and
was re-elected in 1859, serving until 1861. He was born and reared
in ]Monroe County, Indiana, and came to Adair County in October,
1855. making his settlement in Washington Township. There he
resided until 1858, when he removed to Fontanelle, having been
elected county treasurer. He resigned this position to accept the
position of comity judge which he filled until the first of 1862. He
shortly afterward removed to Clark County, Iowa, and from there to
Pocahontas County, Iowa. At one time he taught school in Wash-
ington Township.
Azariah Root was the next to fill the position of county judge,
being elected to the office on October 8, 1861. At this time a large
part of the power of the office had been given to the newly created
board of supervisors. ^Ir. Root was re-elected in 1863 and served
until 1864. He was a native of Pittsfield, JMass., and was born there
in 1791. His father, whose name was also Azariah, was the descend-
ant of an old French family, a connection of Racine, and served in
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 65
the Continental Army under George Washington, and was present
at the hanging of JNIajor Andre, the British spy, and died at the age
of ninety-eight years. His mother was Ellen Barbour, of Scotch
descent. When Azariah was about twelve years of age his parents
moved to Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was a volunteer
under General William Henry Harrison in his campaigns against the
Indian allies of England in the War of 1812 to 1815. In 1839
jNIr. Root moved to Wyandotte, Ohio, and lived there until 18.52,
when he emigrated to Madison County, Iowa. In the spring fol-
lowing he came to Adair County and settled upon section 11 in Jack-
son Township. He then moved to section 12 and later to Fontanelle.
He was postmaster during the war and died in the town in 1874 at
the age of eighty-three. He was married in Ohio in 1824 to Myra
Case and to them were born nine children, namely: Abner, Clarissa,
Amanda, Elizabeth, Ellen, Parthenia, ^lartha Eby, Sarah and Myra.
JNIr. Root's wife died in the winter of 1860 at Fontanelle and is buried
with her husband in the cemetery in Jackson Township.
On the resignation of Azariah Root from this office the board of
supervisors appointed W. H. Brainard to fill the vacancy. He took
the position in July, 1864, and held it until the first of the following
year.
At the election of 1864 R. F. Murphy was elected to the office,
but refusing to qualify, the board of supervisors appointed James C.
Gibbs to fill the vacancy. In June, 1865, JMr. Gibbs resigned the
position and the board appointed R. E. Ewing to succeed him. At
the election of 1865 Ewing was elected, but on January 16, 1866, he
resigned the position and was succeeded by J. J. Hetherington, who
was also appointed by the board. In the autumn of 1866 Hether-
ington was duly elected to the same office and served until January
1, 1868, when he was succeeded by N. S. Taylor. N. S. Tavlor was
the last county judge of Adair County. During his term the office
was abolished by the General Assembly of the state, but the party
holding that position at the time of the change was made ex-officio
county auditor.
IMPORTANT CRIMINAL CASES
There have been many crimes committed in Adair County, but
very few of them are of enough importance to deserve lengi;hy notice.
The train robbery which occurred in this county and was supposed
to have been the work of the famous Jesse James gang of robbers
was one of the important. This is narrated in another part of this
Vol. 1—5
66 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
volume, Anotlier of the early crimes worthy of note was the murder
of Hemy D. Vandewater by Philip Augustine. In the District
Court which met on the 11th of February, 1873, and held until the
19th of the same month, this case came up for trial and occupied
nearly the entire session. The evidence introduced in the trial estab-
lished the deed to have occurred in the following manner: Henry
D. Vandewater, the victim, was notorious as a "bad man," one who
toted a gun and was continually looking for trouble. Augustine was
a brother-in-law of Vandewater and it is said was in continual fear
of him. In IMarch, 1872, a family quarrel arose and Vandewater
picked Augustine as the particular mark of his venom. At one time
he followed Augustine into the latter's house and wanted to fight,
backed by his brother. He picked up a stick and started to assault
Augustine. The aged father, however, interfered with the attacking
party, seized a butcher knife, and informed Vandewater that he would
kill him if he attacked Augustine. This caused the assailant to
retreat. He then took to annoying his brother-in-law in every pos-
sible way, dogging his cattle, and on the evening before his death,
when passing the house, while ]Mrs. Augustine was driving in a flock
of sheep, set his dog upon them. At her remonstrance he grabbed
a stick and drove her into the yard, saying at the same time that he
would thrash h — 1 out of her and kick her so that she could not stand
up. Shortly before this, while Vandewater was engaged in the
attempt to set fire to Augustine's fences about harvest time, and
being remonstrated with by the owner, he drew a revolver and drove
him into the house. On the day before the crime was committed he
had threatened a little boy of Augustine's, who was herding stock,
with cutting his throat.
On the morning of his death he rode over to Augustine's house
to see him about some disputed grass, making threats that he would
kill Iiim before he would let him have it, although it had been given
Augustine by his father. He rode up to the low fence before Augus-
tine's house, and setting sideways on his horse, faced the latter.
Augustine asked why he had dogged his cattle and was answered
tliat he would dog them whenever he pleased and that Augustine
could not help himself. The latter said that he could help himself.
Whereupon Vandewater replied, "If you have anything that will
shoot faster than I have, bring it out." With this he half drew his
revolver from his hip pocket. Augustine then warmed him away
from the premises and started toward the house. He reached into
the door, grasped his Enfield rifle, leveled it, and killed Vandewater
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 67
with the bullet. He was shortly afterwards arrested and lodo-ed in
jail. The attorneys for the state at the trial were: General Given,
the district attorney, Bailey & Grass, and J. C. Naylor. The defend-
ant had the services of Leonard & 3Iott, Gow Brothers and
Col. James Rany. The juiy in this celebrated case was composed
of the following men: S. C. Vance, A. L. Harrison, W. H. Aspin-
wall, J. Sias, L. C. Elliott, James Peters, E. L. Drake, A. J. JNIears,
^Villiam Rivenburgh, O. D. Foote, W. M. Stowell and J. L. Vert.
The jury, after hearing the evidence in the case, convicted Augustine
of second degree murder and the defendant was sentenced to the
penitentiary for a term of ten years, the lightest sentence which the
law permitted for the offense.
Augustine w^ent to Fort INIadison, la., to serve his sentence.
However, as public sentiment was entirely upon his side, a petition
for pardon, headed by the names of the judge, district attorney and
all the jury, was circulated, and obtaining the requisite number of
names, w^as forw^arded to the governor of the state. The governor
immediately pardoned Philip Augustine. This pardon was issued
six or eight years after Augustine was sentenced, just before the
expiration of his term.
THE MEXTGER MURDER
In ^larch, 1894, occurred the murder of ^lyer ^lentger at Fon-
tanelle by D. C. dayman, whose reputed home was in Des INIoines.
JNIentger was a merchant in the Town of Fontanelle and Clay man
was an unwelcome suitor of Ida Mentger, a daughter, who was also
a helper in the store, dayman procured a revolver and entered tlie
store just at evening. He fired his first bullet at Ida JNIentger, wound-
ing her in the arm, then turned the revolver upon himself, inflicting
a slight head wound. ^Ir. JNIentger came from the rear of the store
and attempted to wrest the revolver from dayman when he was shot
in the abdomen. He died in a very short time, dayman was tried
a month later and was convicted of murder in the second degree and
sentenced to fifteen years in the penitentiary. He served his full
time.
THE BAR
The Adair County Bar has ever been a reputable one. Lawyers
wlio have practiced their calling in this county have, with possibly a
few exceptions, been of high class and of recognized ability and
68 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
integrity. There has not been so many of the practitioners here as
in larger counties, but there has been a sufficient number to keep the
legal wheels of the county running smoothly.
The first lawyer to come to Adair County was W. H. Brainard.
He came to Fontanelle in the spring of 1858. He was elected
recorder in the year 1864 and served until 1866. He later removed
to Hopkins, Mo.
In the fall of 1858 James C. Gibbs and D. M. Valentine were
both admitted to the state bar at Winterset and were the next of the
profession to come to Adair County.
J. J. Cooper, an attorney, came to Adair County during the
winter of 1857-8 and located at Fontanelle. He was a first class
lawyer and came from Lexington, Ky., where he had studied his
profession with John C. Breckinridge. He was a native of Penn-
sylvania. After a few years' residence in Adair County he went to
Winterset.
G. F. Kilburn, an attorney, came to Fontanelle about the year
1858 and entered into the practice. His principal business was in
the way of real estate sales and collections. He moved to Creston
afterwards where he died in 1883.
S. W. Armstrong came to this county in 1858. He filled the
position of county treasurer at one time.
Waldo Adams read law here in the office of G. F. Kilburn and,
upon his admission to the bar, went into partnership with the same.
He afterwards removed to Creston with Mr. Kilburn.
T. W. Neville practiced law in Greenfield for about three years,
coming here in 1869.
M. M. Rutt practiced law in the Town of Fontanelle, beginning
about 1871. He built up quite a large practice here. He later
operated a lumber yard at Atlantic, Cass County, and later removed
to Salt Lake City, Utah.
James Naylor was admitted to the bar at Fontanelle in 1870 and
practiced until 1875, when he left. He was a man of dissipated habits.
He later forsook the law for newspaper work in Dakota.
James Rany practiced law at Fontanelle in connection with
various other lines of business. He was admitted to the bar in 1870
and in 1873 to the United States bar. He discontinued the prac-
tice in 1875 and entered other business pursuits.
J. C. McDermot, an attorney, came from Pennsylvania and
located in Greenfield during the year 1875 and engaged in the prac-
tice. He was a good lawyer and of good reputation. He remained
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 69
in the place until 1878 when he moved to Kansas, where he continued
the practice of his profession.
J. C. Naylor came to Greenfield from Warren County about
1876. He afterwards moved to Creston and also from that place to
whereabouts unknown.
About the same time George Seevers came from Winterset and
began practice, but not meeting with much success he returned to
Winterset.
John A. Storey came to Greenfield in 1875 and began practice.
Afterward removed to Fontanelle and went into partnership with
H. Grass. He was a very successful attorney, representative for
Adair County, later a judge of the District Court, a prominent
attorney at Omaha, Neb., to wliich place he moved, and now presi-
dent of a national bank at Indianola, la.
H. Grass came to Fontanelle in the year 1869 from Albany,
Richland County, 111. He had served six years in the State Senate
of Illinois, was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, and was at the cap-
ture of Black Hawk when he made his last fatal stand on the Bad
Axe in Wisconsin. He later moved to Corpus Christi, Tex., and
now lives at Alvin, near Galveston.
John ]M. JMoore, an early attorney in Adair County, was born
in Westmoreland County, Pa., on May 26, 1836. He came
Adair County in January, 1878.
H. B. Young came to this county in April, 1880, and in 1883
began practice at Fontanelle.
Harry E. Don Carlos came to Greenfield in 1883 and entered into
a law partnership with D. W. Church, which continued until INIay,
1884. He then practiced alone.
James E. Andrews began practice here in 1881.
Daniel W. Church was admitted to the bar in 1875 in Green-
field, Ind. He came to Adair County, la., in the same year. At the
time of his coming he was the oldest attorney at the county seat.
A. L. Hager came to Greenfield in November of the year 1875
and engaged in practice with his brother, C. E. Hager, and J. A.
Storey. In 1877 the firm became A. L. Hager & J. A. Storey and
in 1881 became Gow & Hager. George L. Gow came to Fontanelle
in 1870 and engaged in practice with his brother.
John G. Culver came to Fontanelle in 1873 and taught school
for two years and then commenced the study of law. He was
admitted to the bar at Greenfield in 1879.
70 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
John W. McCormick first went to Fontanelle to practice and in
August, 1882, came to GreenjSeld.
F. M. Brown came to Greenfield in 1874 after having been
admitted to the bar in Clinton County, this state.
Robert Mickey came to Greenfield in the fall of 1881 and at once
entered upon the practice of law.
Fred O. Hinkson began the law and real estate business here in
September, 1883.
William S. Wishard began practice here in 1880, having received
his legal education in Des JNIoines and Iowa City.
THE PRESENT BAR
The resident members of the Adair County Bar are: D. W.
Church, H. J. Chapman, Frank B. Wilson, George D. Musmaker,
J. C. Hoyt, D. A. Crowley, of Greenfield; Clarence Williamson,
O. W. Witham, also of Greenfield; George B. Lynch, F. E. Gates,
S. B. Gwin and Harry D. Byers, of Adair; Charles T. Launder and
E. W. Adams, of Fontanelle. The practicing non-resident mem-
bers of the bar are: F. O. Hinkson, Carl P. Knox, R. H. Dosh,
P. L. Sever, O. W. Morgan and Roy Knox of Stuart; C. E. Berry
and A. M. Fagan of Casey.
CHAPTER VII
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
There is no profession, no trade, no enterprise, which did not have
a beginning in darkness; there is no effort to which the forces and
energies of mankind have been directed but that did not first combat
the obscurity of ignorance, pardonable ignorance, it is true.
In this enlightened age of medical science one regards the early
doctor as a person with little knowledge of the profession, one who
applied the home remedies of calomel, castor oil and blue pill with
the abandon of a solicitous grandmother and one who wielded the
lancet with artistic indiscrimination. However one regards the early
physician, there must be taken into account the times in which he
worked, in other words the knowledge of medicine and surgery which
then existed in the world. Secondly, there are the physical conditions
under which the early doctor worked. Thirdly, there was distinct
character of disease among the early settlers, and, lastly, the reme-
dies with which the doctor had to work were scarce and many times
not the best antidote for the ailment.
In the matter of world knowledge of medicine at that time it can
safely be said that little or nothing was known in comparison with
the present status of the science. In fact, medicine has made more
rapid strides in the past decade than in the past century. In the
earlv davs of this state and count v the doctors had strong faith in
the use of the lancet, believing that by letting a copious amount of
blood from the patient, the object of which was to destroy the tene-
ment of the disease, a cure could be effected. Then there was the
Spanish fly blister which was applied for all sorts of ills ; there were
calomel and blue pills as the universal internal remedies. During
the convalescent period of the patient's disease, if such a period were
ever reached, gamboge, castor oil and senna were administered in
generous portions to work out of the system the effects of the first
course of treatment.
71
72 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
It would be difficult to describe in limited space just how far
the step has been taken from those early theories to the present day-
theories. A glance at the daily newspapers and magazines will
invariably j)rove by concrete instance the wonderful cures being
effected today, both in medicine and surgery. Operations upon the
heart, upon the brain, upon the other delicate and vital organs of the
body are becoming of daily occurrence, whereas a quarter century
ago they would have been ridiculed. The day of serums has arrived
and the disease is thus throttled in its inception. The present-day
doctor assists nature to repair the break and is a man of thought and
initiative.
The physical conditions under which the early doctor worked is
another point in his favor. There were no roads, bridges and in many
places there was not even a marked path of travel. His trips were
made on horseback through intense blizzards, soaking rains, bitter
cold and in the face of the high winds which swept across the prairie.
Oftentimes his sleep was snatched while in the saddle. In reward for
this torturous service he received a very meagre fee and the fact is
known today that in the majority of cases he received nothing, for
the settlers as a class were too poor to pay for his aid. Then again,
he would receive his fee in potatoes, apples, flour or whatever com-
modity the settler could most conveniently give him.
The diseases common to the early settlers were distinctive. The
rough life they led and the exposures they endured did not permit
entrance to the many ills and pains attendant upon civilization and
large urban communities. Fevers and ague, with an occasional
stomach ache, were nearly all the ills they bore. Accidents there were
which required the use of splints of wood and bandages and also the
early doctor needed a good knowledge of obstetrics, although the latter
skill was not always called into use. The hardy pioneer mother many
times endured the birth of her child without assistance. When sick-
ness broke in the family the doctor was called if within distance, but
if not, the stock of simple remedies in every cabin was put to use. If
it were nothing more than a cold among the children the application
of hot lard or bacon rind and the internal use of quinine or onion
juice completed the treatment. Sweet powders were also taken.
FIRST PHYSICIANS
In the year 18.57 there was a physician named Hinkle who came
to this county from Decatur County and located at Fontanelle. He
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 73
was a Mormon preacher and it is said that he had two wives with
him. He was an eclectic practitioner, also ran a small general store
for a time. In the fall of 1858 he returned to Decatur County and
there died.
Dr. Xelson Bates came to Fontanelle on August 1, 1866, from
Lewis County, N. Y. He was known as a good doctor and built up
a good patronage. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1813.
The first physician to locate in Greenfield was a Doctor Edinton,
who came here in 1864. He had a veiy poor reputation while here.
He taught the school for one term, but his drinking habits compelled
him to give this up. He shortly left the county.
Dr. Arthur R. Brackett and Dr. Charles E. Stoner also j^racticed
in Greenfield for a time. Dr. E. Spooner was another prominent
physician of the early days and also served as postmaster at Green-
field.
Dr. F. ]M. Culverson came to Greenfield in the spring of 1880
and entered the practice of his profession. Dr. John E. Howe came
to Greenfield in August, 187o. Dr. A. W. Vaughn, a native of
Rock Island, 111., began his work in Adair County in 1881. Hamlin
V. IMonnett moved to Fontanelle in 1881 and began his duty here
under great handicap, but persevered and soon built up a good prac-
tice. Dr. Peter McDermid came to Fontanelle in the early '70s, pur-
chased a large diaig store, pursuing this business in connection with
his medical practice.
Dr. T. M. Moore began practice at Fontanelle in 1856 or 1857.
Dr. Calvin B. Scott commenced his work in Fontanelle in 1879.
The first physician in the Town of Adair was Dr. T. D. Lougher.
He settled here in [March, 1875. Fayette Parsons, another early
physician of Adair, came in 1877, settling on eighty acres in Sum-
mit Township until 1880, when he went to Adair.
ADAIR COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
On December 17, 1903, the Adair County JNIedical Association
was organized at Greenfield, composed of most of the doctors in the
county. This organization is affiliated with the state association by
rule of the latter which considers the county association the unit of
their own organization. There are ten members of the Adair County
organization, namely: Drs. J. E. Howe, J. A. Harper, James Mac-
rae, F. B. Culverson, P. INIcDermid, Ira Gibson, Eugene Tinsman,
A. S. Bowers, R. R. Chapman and Preston Powell. The latter is
74 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
a resident of Adair and is the only doctor in the northern part of the
county who is a member, owing to the inaccessibility of the northern
towns to the remainder of the county. A regular meeting is held on
the second Thursday in December of every year and a call meeting
is generally held in June.
REGISTER OF DOCTORS
The following list is of the physicians who have registered at
the clerk's office in Adair County since the beginning: E. H. Adams,
1897; E. L. Asbell, 1899; M. I. Adams, 1914; J. H. Baker, 1895;
G. A. Broady, 1899; Martin Bower, 1901; Elmer Babcock, 1901;
A. S. Bowers, 1903; George Brooks, dentist, 1906; F. P. Culverson,
1887; H. L. Coleman, 1891; R. R. Chapman, 1894; W. W. Clay-
baugh, 1896; F. J. Correll, 1911; G. W. Deemer, 1894; S. O. Davis
1895; F. T. Dewitt, 1902; D. T. E. Kirkpatrick, 1903; E. J. Everett
1899; P. W. FHckinger, 1906; J. E. Howe, 1886; E. B. Hicks, 1888
J. R. Hughes, 1893; J. A. Harper, Jr., 1896; W. L. Hummer, 1905
Edwin J. Higgins, 1910; H. H. Hunt, 1913; J. W. Johnston, 1899
M. E. Johnson, 1899; Charles D. Knapp, 1887; J. F. Kempker
1893; W. K. Keith, 1894; J. W. Kelly, 1898; H. G. Lynch, 1887
T. D. Lougher, 1887; C. P. Liegerot, 1901; T. W. Mielhem, 1886
H. P. Monnette, 1886; P. McDermid, 1887; S. Mosher, Sr., 1894
C. O. Maloney, 1895; R. P. Miller, 1896; Pierre McDermid, 1898
C. A. Miller, 1902; J. H. Maynard, 1906; J. G. Macrae, 1912; S. D.
Packwood, 1896; Preston Powell, 1899; A. A. Potterf, 1901; Leslie
W. Scott, 1888; M. M. Schener, 1888; F. E. Sampson, 1891; F. A.
Saum, 1891; A. J. Scofield, 1893; A. B. Shideler, 1904; Hartford
Sweet, 1905; S. A. Sammons, 1905; J. R. Shike, 1911; I. F. Trum-
bull, 1887; J. Thompson, 1889; G. E. Thweatt, 1894; W. E. Turner,
1896; Eugene Tinsman, 1903; Samuel G. Wishard, 1887; H. A.
Weirick, 1889; A. H. Warren, 1891; G. W. Weddell, 1906; H. H.
Woodward, 1908; E. W. Wilson, 1910; C. N. White, 1915; D. S.
Ziegier, 1899; A. Zook, 1906. •
CHAPTER VIII
HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES
METHODIST EPISCOPAL ♦
For the early history of the church the best authority is an article
written in the '80s by Rev. J. A. Wilson. This story is as follows :
In 1858, when the population of the county was but 624, in the
midst of a winter which was unparalleled for its cold and snow,
Rev. J. INI. Rust came from Lewis, Cass County, and preached the
first sermon ever delivered in Greenfield. The place where the sendees
were held was the house of S. K. Mallory and the congregation but
a handful of worshipers. Reverend Rust was a graduate of the
University of Virginia and died at Vermillion, Dakota Territory, in
the winter of 1869 from exposure in attending a quarterly meeting.
During the summer of 1859 Reverend Hulbert, who was travel-
ing the Quinc}^ circuit in Adams County, came over and preached
several sermons in Greenfield. On one of these occasions he organized
the first class, composed of the following ten persons: S. K. Mal-
lory, leader ; Samantha ]\Iallory, Hugh W. Wilson, Sarah A. Wilson,
Seth Wilson, Emily A. Wilson, INIartha Wilson, E. V. Myers, Sam-
uel C. Vance and J. S. Rich. This little band of worshipers main-
tained regular services at the house of S. K. Mallory, or at the house
of Hugh Wilson, which stood just west of where the United Presby-
terian Church later stood. Rev. Samuel Osborn, a local preacher,
labored quite regularly for the little society.
The work as organized by Mr. Todd was named Adair Mission
and was composed of the following preaching appointments : Green-
field, Fontanelle, Roots, Wahtawah, Salem, Manchester, Nevinville
and INIiddle River. The charge thus formed was placed in the Coun-
cil Bluffs district. Rev. I. I. Stewart, presiding elder. The first
(quarterly meeting was held in Greenfield on December 17, 1859,
Rev. I. i. Stewart presiding; Rev. J. W. Todd, pastor; official mem-
bers, Samuel Osborn, William Shoemaker, S. K. Mallory and John
75
76 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Easton. At this meeting a committee, composed of the pastor, Wil-
liam Shoemaker and John Easton, was appointed to secure lots for
a church and parsonage in Greenfield. There is no record that they
ever made a report, but from incidental facts it is inferred that they
secured the lots now owned by the church in Greenfield, as it appears
tliat at the third quarterly meeting, an agreement had been made with
one Bennett Sparks to erect a parsonage, which agreement was after-
ward cancelled and the enterprise abandoned.
In 1860 Rev. Arthur Badley was chosen as the presiding elder
and Reverend Levan w^as appointed in charge of the circuit. As
Levan received only $13.46 as his salary for the first quarter, he lef 8
the charge, and was compelled to refund $6 of the small salary.
Samuel Osborn was then employed by the presiding elder to supply
the charge temporarily, which he held until ^Nlarch, 1861, when N. H.
Philhps was employed to serve out the year. At a meeting of the
board of trustees held in Greenfield jNIay 4, 1861, Samuel C. Vance
was chosen trustee to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of
Reverend Todd and held that official position for some years. Brother
Phillips was successful in pushing forward the completion of the
parsonage. This historic building was 18 by 24 feet in size and 1%
stories high. The carpenter work was done by W. T. Baggs of
Greenfield, and he received 10,000 of lumber for his pay.
]Mr. Phillips, who was a local preacher, reported two Sunday
schools this year, with thirteen officers and teachers and thirty-four
scholars, which is the first mention of this nursery of the church in
this denomination.
In 1861 and 1862 the Adair ^lission was a part of the Lewis
district, with Rev. Arthur Badley as presiding elder. Rev. S. W.
iNIilligan was the minister in charge. The appointments were Green-
field, Fontanelle, Salem, Wahtawah and ^lanchester. The first quar-
terly conference was held at Greenfi.eld September 27, 1861, when
the following members were present: J. S. Rich, Samuel Osborn,
S. K. Mallory, John Easton, Phillip Osborn and Hugh Wilson. The
receipts for the year, including a missionarx'- appropriation of $75,
was only $135.45 for presiding elder and pastor.
The annual conference for the year 1862 sent Rev. James Lisle
as pastor of the Adair Mission. The first quarterly meeting was
held at the house of Samuel Osborn on September 26th. Reverend
Lisle organized the first class at Fontanelle during his pastorate in
1862, which class consisted of the following members: Ozias Gibbs,
METHCJIJIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GREENFIELD
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 77
Sally Gibbs, Emily Wilson, Seth Wilson, JNIartha Root, Maria Snell,
Norman Xorton, Alvina Norton, Lemuel Lewis and Amanda Lewis.
In the fall of 1863 Rev. W. W. JMallory was sent to the Adair
Mission. The first quarterly meeting was held at Greenfield on
December 26th in the schoolhouse, the first time that it is recorded
that meetings were held any place else but in private homes, or groves.
At the third quarterly meeting the names of S. Wilson and J. Q.
Violet appear as members thereof, and J. W. JMcPherson was granted
a hcense to preach. At the fourth quarterly meeting held at the Salem
schoolhouse Alexander Easton was also granted a preaching license.
Reverend JMallory organized the Webster class which was for-
merl}' known as that of Manchester, with the following members:
E. Edmonds, O. Raymond, Henrv Raymond, Seth Pryor and Jane
Davis. During the year the following were added, making thirteen
members: Sarah Pryor, Lydia Davis, Sarah Witt, Ellen INIcEferty,
Patience Hadley, Elizabeth Etten, ^Irs. Bunce and Mrs. Dennis
Drake.
During the following year Adair jNIission was made a part of the
Winterset district and the place of pastor left to be supplied. Rev.
P. F. Brazee, the presiding elder, appointed Samuel Osborn to this
duty, ^\'hich he performed, although with but meagre results, but
the state of the public mind during those war days accounted for that.
Nothing of interest transpired during the year.
The annual conference of 1865 sent Rev. E. R. Rafter as pastor
of the Adair ^Mission, but he remained but a very short time. Rev. J.
E. Darby, a local preacher, was then employed. In his visits to Fon-
tanelle he found no organization nor any members of a former class
in that town, so he organized a new' class with the following first mem-
bers: Josiah Bennett, A. H. INIory, Margaret Mory, Sarah J.
Brown, A. W. Dorn and Laura Dorn.
In March, 1866, JNIr. Darby organized a class at Elliott's, com-
posed of members from the Webster and Wahtaw^ah classes. Forty-
five members were reported at the end of the year in the wiiole charge.
During the year the parsonage at Greenfield was rented to various
parties, the pastor not occupying it. In the fall of 1866 Rev. E. A.
Winning, a flying evangelist, with headquarters in the field, was
appointed to this mission. His labors, assisted by his wife, lasted for
three years. He organized the Jackson class on January 5, 1867.
On February 10th of the same year he formed the McClure class,
with B. W. McClure as leader. When his term of work had expired
he left the church with a membership of 163 and 32 probationers,
78 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
where he had found only 32 in all. Ahout 1871 he left this part of
the country for California seeking for health.
The conference for 1869 sent Rev. W. H. Records to the Green-
field charge, as this work was now called. It comprised appoint-
ments that year at Greenfield, Fontanelle, Pleasant Ridge, Nevin
McClure's and Hazel Green. JNIr. Records remained a year and at
the close reported a membership of seventy-eight and thirty proba-
tioners. The one church property in the possession of the denomina-
tion at this time was the parsonage at Greenfield, valued at $450.
Rev. A. A. Powers was the next to take charge of this w ork in
the fall of 1870 and the first quarterly meeting was held at I^on-
tanelle on November 19th of that year. The following board of
trustees was appointed for Fontanelle: W. R. Buell, H. H. Dart,
James Rany, Norman Norton, J. A. Daugherty, J. C. Gibbs and
J. J. Hetherington. These men contracted and had built during
the summer of 1871 the parsonage of Fontanelle. Powers resided
at the latter place and the parsonage at Greenfield was rented. In
May, 1871, Powers resigned as pastor and J. E. Jones served out
the remainder of the year. During this year the circuit was divided
and Greenfield and Fontanelle were made separate charges. At the
conference held in the fall of 1871 Greenfield Circuit was su]:>plied
by Rev. J. L. Walton and Fontanelle by Rev. F. A. Goodrich.
Rev. Mathew Mitchell was the pastor sent to Greenfield in the fall
of 1872 and his circuit comprised appointments at Greenfield, Sum-
mit. Orient and Nevin. The first quarterly meeting was held in
Greenfield December 28, 1872. Rev. jNI. Sheets was appointed to
the Fontanelle Mission in the fall of 1872. In 1873 he was succeeded
by Rev. Leon Shaw. In 1874 Rev. William L. Reid assumed the
pastorate of the Greenfield Circuit. Rev. J. A. Jefferson was sent
io Fontanelle at the same time. In the fall of 1875 Rev. L. Laverty
assumed the duties at Greenfield, but leaving during the year, J. W.
McPherson w^as appointed to the vacancy. Rev. Cyrus Smith was
sent to the Fontanelle Mission the same year. The year 1876-77
« «
found the Rev. G. F. CoufFer on the Greenfield Circuit. During
his pastorate a house of worship was erected at Greenfield. The lum-
ber for the house was hauled from Stuart and the contract for the
construction let to S. Parker of Greenfield. The total cost at the
time was about two thousand dollars and a debt of $400 hung over it.
Rev. C. L. Nye took up the work in the fall of 1877- During his
first year a Sunday school was organized. In this year the Nevin-
ville circuit was organized. Nevin was first organized as a class in
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 79
the winter of 1864 by Rev. P. F. Brazee, with the following mem-
bers: George W. Grant, Julia Grant, E. Sawyer, Kate Sawyer,
M. Covey, Ruth Cove}', N. E. Jewett, Oliver Jewett, Cordelia Jewett
and S. E. Gandy. In 1881 a fine church edifice was erected at this
place.
In the autumn of 1878 Rev. T. A. Lampman took charge of the
Greenfield Church. He had found the church in debt, but during his
term of service he reduced this debt besides making added improve-
ments. In the fall of 1878 Rev. C. L. Nye was appointed to the
charge at Fontanelle. A INIethodist Sabbath school was organized
this year in the latter place for the first time. In the fall of 1878
Rev. J. R. Welborn was selected to take charge of the new work
at Pleasant Hill. His appointments were Pleasant Hill, Eureka
Center, Oaks schoolhouse, Prussia Center and Willow Green. He
served one year and was succeeded by Rev. Austin Crooks. Rev. Jesse
Evans was sent in the fall of 1880 to succeed Reverend Lampman
at Greenfield and Rev. J. A. Wilson to Fontanelle. H. H. Badley
was appointed to the charge at Orient. L. W. Gary was appointed
to fill the rural appointments of the Fontanelle charge. One of the
first things done in Fontanelle was the healing of the breach between
this church and the Congregationalist, and accepting the invitation
of that body to worship in their house. Early in the spring of 1881
a location was selected upon which to erect a church edifice of their
own and upon June 24th the cornerstone was laid with great cere-
monies by the INIasons. But little else was done until the following
year, when the outside was erected and enclosed. The interior was
not finished until the winter of 1883-4. This church was dedicated
on January 2, 1884, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. H.
H. Oneal, the presiding elder. Rev. A. W. Armstrong came to the
Fontanelle charge in 1883.
On February 26, 1882, a class was organized at Brook's school-
house in the east part of Richland Township by Rev. J. A. Wilson,
w^ith the following members: Arthur Mays, Homer Brooks, ^lary
Brooks, Delilah Mays, IMays, five in all, w^hich class became
very prosperous.
The Rev. J. D. DeTar followed in the charge at Greenfield.
The church at Adair was organized by Rev. T. A. Lampman
with thirteen members in 187.5. Rev. Lampman was the first pastor
and remained in charge for three years. He was succeeded by
Revs. George Detwiler, E. Kendall, Edwin Holmes, Simms, A. H.
Murphy. The first services were held in the public school building
80 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
up until 1879, when, in the fall of the year, they began the erection
of a church building. This cost $2,000. It was dedicated on Febru-
aiy 6, 1880. The three lots wliere it stood were purchased and given
by the Ladies' Mite Society.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Jefferson Township was
erected in the summer of 1882, located upon the southwest corner of
section 14. The building cost about one thousand six hundred dol-
lars and was dedicated on Seiitember 10, 1882. The first religious
services in this denomination were held at the house of William Hol-
lingsworth in 18.57, at which time a church society was formed with
the following members: John and Ruth Easton, JNIrs. George B.
Wilson and Mrs. John Loucks.
At the first the Greenfield people met for worsliip in private
houses, then the old schoolhouse and after that the courthouse where
Warren's store now stands. As described before the church was
constructed in the town in 1877 and Rev. C. L. Nye preached the
first sermon therein. The old parsonage afterwards stood in the
role of a barn on the back of the church lot; it was constructed bv
Rev. E. A. Winning in 1868. The lumber for this building was
cut near Arbor Hill. The frame was hewn and pinned and the wal-
nut siding was made in Greenfield. The second parsonage was built
through the efforts of Rev. Homer Gaines. The present structure
was built in 1898. Rev. J. W. Meredith at that time being pastor,
most of the material of the original church building was worked up
in the new church. The dedication of this building took place on
AugTist 21, 1898.
The pastors who have served at Greenfield are as follows: Revs.
Hulbert, 1859; Levan, 1860; S. W. Milligan, 1861; James Lisle,
1862; Arthur Badley, 1863; S. Osborne, 1864; J. E. Darby, 1865;
E. A. Winning, 1866-9; A. A. Powers, 1870; W. H. Record, 1871;
G. A. Goodrich, 1872-3; William T. Reed, 1874-5; L. Laverty, 1876;
R. M. Couffer, 1877; C. L. Nye, 1878; T. A. Lampman, 1879; J. A.
Wilson, 1880-2; J. D. De Tar, 1883-4; A. E. Griffith, 1885; B. T.
Fassett, 1886-8; J. M. Conrad, 1888; C. W. Stewart, 1889; A. W.
Armstrong, 1890-1; J. F. Campbell, 1891-3; William M. Todd,
1893-5; W. J. Meredith, 1896-8; J. W. Matheny, 1899; Fred Harris,
1900-2; Conrey, 1902-4; W. H. Cable, 1905-8; H. P. Dudley,
1908-10; Enoch Hill, 1910-12; J. S. Young, 1913-14; J. E. Lom-
bard, 1915-.
The Grove Center church was started in 1878, when D. C. Frank-
lin, then pastor at Menlo, came to the old schoolhouse where Grove
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 81
Center school now stands and held the first revival meetins" ever
held in all the country. After Doctor Franklin organized the class
Revs. Hohenshelt, Voorhees and J. J. Varley were pastors. In 1887
Rev. Yarley, assisted by O. W. Lippincott, had the second great
meeting. At the close of the meeting a board of trustees consisting
of H. F. Hodges, J. :M. Humphrey, W. C. INIcCrea, H. Horn, J. D.
Mclntvre, W. Plymesser, F. Shirk and Xeal Yreeland was formed
and in 1888 they secured the money and built a church on the lot
where the present structure now stands; This building was struck
by lightning in the summer of 1912 and was burned to the ground.
After Grove Center became a regular preaching place it was first
placed with one charge and then another until at different times it
belonged to JNIenlo, Casey, Prussia, Stuart Circuit and Greenfield,
and at these different times was served by the pastors of those charges.
Part of the time the charge was with ]Menlo, Rev. W. W. BoUinger,
now of Winfield, Kan., was pastor. He, too, has always been an
indefatigable worker and a great revivalist and as usual held a meet-
iuQ" at Grove that resulted in eighty conversions and many additions
to the church. After Brother Bollinger's removal the church suffered
greatly by removals and was about to be given up as a preaching
point when Rev. Alonzo Pruitt took charge. The effects of the great
meeting at Hoadley and the building of the new church there rein-
spired the people and thirty new members were added to the church.
The work remained with the Stuart Circuit until 1904 when
Brother Hohenshelt took charge and placed Grove Center with
Greenfield, Rev. A. F. Conrey then being pastor. The elder speaks
in highest term of Brother Conrey's work. After Conrey came Rev.
W. H. Cable, three years; Rev. H. P. Dudley, two years; Enoch
Hill, two years, and then the present pastor.
After the loss of the building by lightning there was some dis-
cussion about rebuilding and as to location, but a building committee
was finally selected consisting of Loren Sulgrove, H. F. Shirk,
Edwin Horn, W. Plymesser, James ^fasten and A. J. Bruce, and
with the assistance of David Wilson the money for the new building
was subscribed in one week. These men have labored with untiring
energy and as a result one of the most convenient and beautiful
country churches in the district now occupies the former site. There
was an unusually good meeting during the winter of 1913, but the
following spring a number of families moved away, and this loss was
felt. Some of these have returned and others have become more
Vol. I- 6
82 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
active and the church at jDresent is in good condition. It was dedi-
cated June 14, 1914.
The church at Clara Chapel had its beginning in 1877. In that
year, at the request of John Gillis, preaching was conducted and a
Sunday school organized at the old Bethel schoolhouse. During
1878 Rev. C. L. Nye held a revival meeting and secured a number
of converts. From time to time preaching w^as conducted by the
different circuit riders and in 1885 Rev. A. E. Griffith organized the
first ^lethodist class, the following persons being the charter mem-
bers: John Hooj) and wife, J. ^I. Humphrej^ and wife, J. P. Clair
and w^fe, J. S. Sweeney and wife, C. H. Nieley and wife, and Jacob
Wolf. Preaching was held at tliis point for years, the pastor at
Greenfield supplying the work. Later the point was turned over to
the Atlantic District and made a part of the Stuart Circuit, and the
Hoadlev schoolhouse two miles north was used for the services.
Here, as at the other point, many precious meetings were held and
frequently large numbers taken into the church, j^erhaps the greatest
ingathering being during the ministry of Rev. T. W. Tippett in 1890.
The first Sunday school superintendent in Hoadley was J. M.
Humphrey, who after one year's service moved to Grove Center.
As the class grew the agitation for a new church building was
pushed. One effort w^as made to build Clara Chapel, and the cyclone
came and the work w^as abandoned, but on February 2, 1902, Rev.
Fletcher Brown dedicated the present structure while Rev. Alonzo
Pruitt was j^astor and the building was named after Clara (Nelson)
Frizell, a sainted soul who had at about that time passed to her reward.
Clara Chapel remained as part of the Stuart Circuit until 1904,
when through some mistake the charge was left without a pastor.
The next year Rev. W. H. Cable took charge; since then the church
has prospered, thirty-nine of the sixty-three members having joined
during the present pastorate. The church has recently been painted,
l^apered, new light plant, walks and everything is in a flourishing con-
dition, the League averaging fifty in attendance and the Sunday
school seventy-five. It is a dehghtful place in which to preach, and in
a few minutes the speaker readily realizes he has the sympathy of the
audience. Of the forty-three who joined church last winter every
one held out, and practically all were young men and women.
The church at Penn Avenue, Richland Township, was dedicated
in August, 1896. The cost was $1,600. This society was started in
1881 by the organization of a Sabbath school, through the efforts of
a school teacher, ^Miss Peters, at the Gem Point schoolhouse. Homer
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FONTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 83
Brooks was the first superintendent. Gary, Williams, Wilson,
Gaines, jNIaybee, Bishop, Palmer, Hamilton, Pain, and Taylor were
the names of some of the early members. It was called the Penn-
sylvania Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Fontanelle class w^as first organized in 1862 by Rev. James
Lisle, it being a part of the Greenfield Circuit. In 1871 it became
a separate mission. In 1866 the society w^as reorganized with twenty
members, and in 1867 Jackson and Richland congregations were
formed. Then by the withdrawal of two members, Fontanelle was
left without a JNIethodist organization. In 1868 Rev. E. A. Winning
re-formed the class with two members and twenty probationers. In
1870 Rev. W. H. Records took up the work and in 1871 Fontanelle
was detached from the Greenfield Circuit and the first ])arsonage built.
The Rev. F. A. Goodrich was the first regularly appointed pastor to
this charge. He was followed in 1872 by Rev. M. Sheets, then Revs.
L. A. Shaw, J. A. Jefferson, C. Smith, C. L. Nye. In 1880 an
addition to the parsonage was constructed and an organ purchased.
The JNIethodist Sunday School was organized for the first time then
and in the winter the members withdrew from the Congregational
Church and w^ent over to the German Church for worship. In 1879
they transferred their services to the old courthouse. In 1880-1 Rev.
J. A. Wilson held the pastorate. In 1881, in the spring, $1,200 in
subscriptions w^as given for the erection of a new church building.
The cornerstone was laid on June 24, 1881, by the Masonic Order.
At this time the Richland society became dissatisfied with the occu-
jiation of the Union Church by the ^lethodists and withdrew, forming
a Congregational Church at Pleasant Grove. After Wilson as
pastor, there came A. W. Armstrong in 188-t; E. E. Ilgenfritz, 1886;
Asahel Thornbrue, 1889; A. G. Forman, 1890; Socrates Weaver,
1892; John C. Hall, 1895; M. R. Harned, 1898; S. W. Maine, 1901;
A. H. Rusk, 1903; W. H. Doyle, 190.5; E. Voorhees, 1907; A. Bree-
ling, 1909; J. W. Harwood, 1912; and the present pastor, J. Owen
Smith, in 1913. At present there are 200 members in the Fontanelle
class, and in the Highland class, also supplied by Rev. Smith, there
are 100 members.
CONGREGATIONAL
The Congregational Church of Fontanelle is one of the oldest
religious societies in the county, having been organized in 1856 with
the following members: J. J. Leeper, Mrs. J. J. Leeper, Robert
Snodgrass, Mrs. Robert Snodgrass, Cal Ballard, Mrs. Cal Ballard,
84 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Mrs. Nancy Parr, G. F. Kilbiirn, D. L. Smith, Evan Evans, Mrs.
Mary Evans, James Ewing and Mrs. Margaret Ewing. Rev. J.
Mather was the pioneer pastor and mider whose instruction the
church was formed. The following clergymen have filled the pulpit
since: J. S. Davis, A. V. Horn, J. W. Peet, G. M. Orvis, A. W.
Archibald, H. S. Fish, G. W. Dungan, P. R. Adams, William
Brooks. The present pastor is Reverend Blakely.
The church edifice, the first in the county, was erected in 1871 at
a cost of $1,700 and was dedicated on June 4th of that year. The
American Congregational Union donated $500 toward the building
of that stiTJcture and the balance of the amount was raised here and
the entire indebtedness paid before the dedication of the church. In
1883 a fine bell was j)urchased at a cost of $75. The first officers
of the church organization were : J. J. Leeper and Robert Snodgrass,
deacons; D. L. Smith, clerk; G. F. Kilburn, trustee.
There are now 120 members of the Fontanelle charge and a good
Sunday school of 100. The pastor also attends the Pleasant Grove
church four miles south of the Town of Fontanelle. There are but
fourteen members in the latter congregation. >
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN
The United Presbyterian Church of Greenfield had its beginning
in the '70s. A number of families of this religious faith settled in
Adair Countv during the years 1875-6-7 and occasionallv held serv-
ices, being supplied with preachers at intervals by the Des INIoines
Presbytery during the fall of 1877. A church organization was,
however, effected on February 16, 1878, through the labors of Rev.
S. W. Lorimer, of the Presbytery of Nebraska, with the following
members: W. L. Linn, INI. A. Linn, J. H. Giffin, W. D. Giffin,
J. INI. Ross, INI. J. Ross, Sarah Paisley, A. R. Morrison, ]M. A. Mor-
rison, J. R. E. Sterrett, INI. E. Sterrett and E. L. Rust. The first
officers were: W. L. Linn, ruling elder; S. M. Paisley, J. M. Ross
and A. R. INIorrison, trustees. This church was supplied with preach-
ing by the presbyter^ until the latter part of 1879. J. F. Martin was
then installed as pastor by a commission of the presbytery on Decem-
ber 29, 1879, but had really presided over the church since the first
of ]May previously. A church edifice was erected during the summer
of 1881 and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on August 21st of
the same vear bv Reverend IMcJNIichael of INIonmouth, 111. The
building was a frame structure, 38 by 60 feet in size, with 18-foot
CONGREGATIOXAL CHURCH, FONTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 85
ceiling, and cost $3,000. The building was afterwards remodeled and
was rededicated on Januaiy 11, 1899. This society has now become
non-existent, and on February 10, 1914, the church property was
sold to the Presbyterians and then moved to the lot four blocks
southeast.
PRESBYTEEIAN
The Presbyterian Church of Greenfield was organized on May
17, 1874, and incorporated on June 5th following. The organization
was brought about through the labors of Rev. H. H. Kellogg, then
the pastor of the church at Menlo, or rather Guthrie, as it was then
called. The following were the first members: A. S. Carmichael,
R. A. Carmichael, A. ]M. Hutchinson, Ellen Hutchinson, Adeline
JNIorris, John Paulus, Elizabeth Paulus, Jane Reed, JNIartha Reed,
Ellen Reed, JNIary Reed, Asa Wilson, Hannah Wilson, Samuel
Wilson, Mary Wilson, C. P. Gilbert and wife. The first officers
chosen were: A. S. Carmichael, S. E. Morris and C. P. Gilbert,
trustees; Asa Wilson, elder. The first pastor was Rev. C. Merwin,
who attended from about the 1st of September, 1875, and consid-
erable interest was awakened. Rev. C. H. DeLong commenced
preaching to this society April 1, 1877, and remained for a year.
About this time a colony separated from the parent church and
organized a class at Orient. Rev. W. P. Earth was the next to fill
the pulpit, serving for two years beginning in the spring of 1879.
Then Rev. C. H. DeLong returned from Creston and preached
alternately between there and Greenfield during the summer. On
the 1st of Xovember, 1881, he again took charge alone and served for
several j^ears.
In 1882 the matter of erecting a church edifice was taken up for
consideration. In the spring of 1883 this movement became a strong
one and $3,000 was raised by subscription. A building was then
erected, and dedicated in October, 1884, costing about five thousand
dollars.
Reverend DeLong remained in the field until 1886. Rev. K. J.
Duncan came in April, 1889, and stayed until September, 1890.
Rev. J. W. Knott acted as supply until October, 1892. Rev. John
Young came in June, 1893, and was pastor until he resigned in
September, 1901. Reverend Patterson acted as supply during the
summer of 1901 and then Rev. G. M. Tourtelott acted in the same
capacity until December, 1904. Reverend Carlstrom was here for
86 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
one year and Reverend Buchanan came in March, 1907. Rev. A. A.
Sniidt came in July, 1909.
The Presbyterian Church of Adair was organized on April 13,
187.5, at a meeting held at a residence of Henry P. Starr by the Rev.
J. C. Hanna. Ten members formed the first class, namely: P. M.
Crawford and wife, J. R. Porter and wife, J. McKenzie and wife,
Henry P. Starr and wife, James Campbell and D. W. Moss. H. P.
Starr and D. W. ^loss were elected elders for the first year; James
Campbell, John McKenzie and Philander Crawford, deacons; D. W.
Moss, P. ^I. Crawford and James Campbell, trustees. Rev. J. C.
Hanna preached here for a period of two years, on alternate Sun-
days, and was succeeded by Revs. J. A. Walker, W. R. Smith,
W. ]M. Graham, Bruce, Rankin, Kephart.
The Presbyterian Mite Society attached to this church at Adair
was instituted at a meeting at the house of Mrs. R. B. Brown on
October 4, 1877.
CATHOLIC
The Catholic Church at Greenfield was started about twenty-
seven years ago, meetings being held at irregular intervals at the
home of JNIrs. Homeyer. In 1908 a church building was constructed
and later a parsonage. There are forty-five families in the con-
gregation. Father Albin was the first pastor to serve this church,
and the second and j^resent pastor is Rev. J. P. Danahy.
The Catholic Church at Adair was organized in the late '70s, with
a frame building south of town. In 1895 a handsome church building
was constructed in town and in 190.5 a parsonage adjoining. The
present membership includes about four hundred souls. The pastor
is Reverend Mullen.
GERMAN LUTHERAN
The first services of the German Lutherans at Fontanelle were
held in 1870 by Revs. Gottlieb Schenerle and Weiss, missionaries
from Fort Dodge, la. Services in German were held at the court-
house at regular intervals, amounting in all to about three or four
weeks, from that time until 1873, when a church and congregation
was formed with the following members: John Ehrenfried, Fritz
Kreis, George H. Bauer, Ed H. Heiman, Arnott Wiihman, John
^Mangels, John Bohling, Henry Welscher, Henry Krooss, Nik
Leuthhauser, Fred Winter, August Fust, Jacob Bahlmann, Wil-
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH, FONTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 87
helm jNIehl. The first trustees were as follows: Edward Heiman,
John Bohlmg, Henry Welscher, W. Mehl and George Bauer. The
congregation, which was known as the German Evangelical Lutheran
Emmanuel Church, erected a beautiful edifice for worship in the fall
of 1873 and spring of 1874 at a cost of about $2,000. The building
was dedicated on May 26, 187'!. The pastors have been: Revs. G.
Schenerle, L. C. Neumeyer, J. W. C. Noll, Joseph O. Zwicker,
H. Freytag (1885-1902), Ernst Lehman, 1902, A. Zimmerman,
1909. There are at present 335 members of this congregation, of
which number 227 are communicants and 71 voting members.
During the Lehman pastorate a new $1,800 schoolhouse was built
and a new parsonage, the latter costing $2,800.
At a general meeting of the church on January 1, 1914, it was
decided that the old church building w^as becoming too small for the
needs of the congregation and that a new house of worship should
be constructed. Accordingly all plans were made for this building.
The drawings of R. T. Simmon of Bloomington, 111., were accepted
and the contract let to Heinz & Maloy of Creston for the sum of
$10,282. The building was started on August 1st and the corner-
stone laid on September 20th. The whole improvement cost some-
thing like thirteen thousand dollars, most of which was given by
voluntary subscription. The pastor and the young people pur-
chased the pulpit, the stained glass windows and the altar; the ladies
bought the pews and other furniture; while the magnificent pipe
organ was the gift of ^Ir. J. F. Baudler and the First National Bank.
The church has just recently, April, 1915, been dedicated.
The cornerstone of the Lutheran Church, Immanuel's Congrega-
tion of Prussia Township, was laid September 7, 1913. This society
was started in 1875 by the erection of a small frame church, 30 feet
by 42 feet, on the Julius Sieg farm, where the new building is now
located.
The Anita ]Mission of the Evangelical Church of Jackson Town-
ship organized in 1874 with the following original members: G. H.
Metzgar and wife, ]\Iargaret and Rosa ^letzgar, August Rechten-
bach and wife, Theodore and John Rechtenbach.
The Anita ^Mission of the same church in Prussia Township was
organized in 1876, with the following members: George Farewell
and wife, John Erbes and wife, C. Schwambeck and wife, Ernest
Funk and wife. The first pastor was J. P. Pflame.
88 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
CHRISTIAN
The Christian Church of JeiFerson Township was organized in
Augvist, 1865, by William Deal and J. B. McGinnis. The first meet-
ings were held at the Watawah schoolhouse, which was shortly after-
wards purchased for church purposes by John Loucks and J. B.
^IcGinnis. The building stood on the southeast corner of the north-
west quarter of the northeast quarter of section 27, on land belonging
to John Loucks. It was 20 by 30 feet in size. The original members
of this class were: J. B. JNIcGinnis and wife, John Loucks and wife,
Francis and Hill Darnill, William Deal and wife. J. B. McGinnis
was the first elder. William Deal and William Hopkins did the
first preaching in this township.
The Pleasant Christian Church of Jackson Township was organ-
ized INIarch 23, 1880, with the following members: J. B. Sullivan
and wife, W. J. Simpson and wife, A. E. Jackson and wife, L. Ban-
ister and wife, O. O. Farnham, A. Beaver and wife, Martha J. Law-
rence, A. Lawrence, Edith Lawrence, E. H. Sullivan and Laura B.
Stoner. The church w^as organized under the labors of Rev. William
Gadd. Rev. O. E. Brown was installed as the first minister, being
succeeded by Rev. Henry Davis. Meetings were first held at the
Pleasant Valley schoolhouse.
OEIENT CHURCHES
The Congregational Church of Orient was organized October 11,
1881. As they had no church building at that time, services were
held at Sprague's Hall. In the early '80s a church building was
moved into Orient from the country and is now used by the society.
Rev. R. R. Adams was the first minister to preach after the organ-
ization had been effected and Rev. James Orvis preached the first
sermon in the new building. This was on July 6, 1884. The follow-
ing were the first members of the church : J. N. and Mary A. Colby,
:Mr. and Mrs. Batie, Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Garlock, Mr. and IMrs. C. H.
Slocum, Herman D. Stowell, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Collins. The
church was incorporated January 27, 1882. The Congregational
Society in Orient at the present time has a good membership, about
200, and hold regular services.
The Methodist Church at Orient first effected an organization
about the year 1870 or 1871. Services were held first at Sprague's
Hall every two weeks. The following are the names of the first
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 89
members of this church: JNIaria Hastings, John Gannon, Mary
Gannon, Hilda Spencer, D. E. JNIitchell, Ahnira Witham, Caroline
^litchell. Rev. John Walton was the pioneer minister of this organ-
ization. In 1900 a new church building was constructed by the soci-
ety. There are 200 members in 1915 and the church is in good
financial condition.
The church building of St. Mark's Catholic. Church of Orient
was built in 1901. At this time there were about twentv-five mem-
bers. This society had been in existence for about twenty years j)re-
vious to this time and had held bi-weeklj^ meetings at the home of
M. Hennessy, one of the strongest supporters of the church. Father
McKeever was the first pastor to hold services in the town. There
are 100 members at the present time and the church is supplied by
Father Danahay of Greenfield.
BAPTIST CHUECH
The Baptist Church of Greenfield was organized during the year
1874. Among its first members were found William Rodgers and
wife, A. L. Harrison and wife, Ranson Patrick and wife, G. E.
Hamlin and wife and possibly others. Reverend Birch was its first
pastor and under him and his immediate successors, services were
held in the courthouse, in the schoolhouse, and in 1882 with the IVIeth-
odists.
In 1883 they built the house of worship they noAv own and which,
together with the lot on which it stands, cost $4,000.
Among its first pastors were the following: Revs. Birch, Barnes,
Williams, Wm. Carpenter, Berry, Burr and Anthony Jacobs.
The largest growth in membership to date seems to have been
during the pastorate of A. Jacobs when the previous membership of
about sixty was more than doubled.
About the year 1882 services were discontinued, the house remain-
ing closed until September 14, 1890; a little band met for the purpose
of organizing a temporary Sundaj^ school, G. E. Hamlin in the chair.
The following officers were elected: Miss Alice Taylor, Mrs.
W. G. Bell, IMiss Mabel Jones, jNIiss jNIay Sampson, INIinnie Hether-
ington, Abe Swisher and Emma Vincent. The Publication Societj''
furnished the first quarter's supplies. The attendance, September
28th, was twenty-eight, thus the number increased until a j^ermanent
Sunday school was organized by R. A. Smith, district missionary,
on February 28, 1892. This time the officers were: J. F. Walter,
J^TA^
90 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTS
Clara Bell, ]\Irs. W. G. Bell, J. C. Crawford, Maud Carson, Stella
Rice and INIinnie Hetherington.
At this time the property was about to be sold to satisfy judg-
ments for nearly five ihundred dollars. The misfortunes of the past
made all very much discouraged and many hopeless. Through the
advice of Rev. N. B. Rairdon, the secretary of the state convention,
plans were set on foot to clear the indebtedness. A sale of forty feet
off the north end of the church lot was effected to R. Wallace for
$200. Pledges for the rest were soon obtained.
A meeting was called and a resolution adopted as follows : "For
the purpose of assuming a new name and commence work without
any of the old obstacles in the way that surround the Baptist Church
Association of Greenfield, therefore be it Resolved : That this church
disband looking toward an immediate reorganization." The church
was disbanded and reorganized under the name of the Immanuel
Baptist Church of Greenfield. Rev. Harry Ferguson of Cumber-
land gave efiicient help during the last week in February, 1892. The
church adopted the New Hampshire Articles of Faith as a standard
of belief. On JSIarch 20, 1892, the church was incorporated. (See
records at courthouse.)
On Augvist 19, 1892, a council was called which consisted of dele-
gates from Creston, Liberty and Forest Avenue, Des Moines,
churches for the purpose of recognizing the new organization as a
regular Baptist Church.
The council organized with Rev. H. J. Powell of Creston, mod-
erator, and E. R. Daniels of Stuart as clerk. Others assisting in the
recognition services were C. F. Petzoldt. Rev. J. W. Knott, pastor
of the Greenfield Presbyterian Church, gave the charge to the church;
hand of fellowship by E. R. Daniels, and benediction by the supply
pastor, J. Y. Aitcheson.
Among the pastors who have sei'\'ed the church to date are: J. Y.
Aitcheson, W. C. Shepherd, E. B. Tucker, L. A. Lovelace, Geoj-ge
Kline, Amos Weaver, E. Bodenham, T. F. Clark, J. A. Armstrong,
H. ISI. Peterson, Amil A. Oestreich, Orr Campbell, R. T. Butler,
Charles H. Sloan. W. L. Anderson is just entering on his pastorate,
]May 1, 1915. Several of the above named pastors sensed only a few
months as supply pastors.
During the year 189.5 was a very trying time, but through the
faithfulness of a few the Sunday school, prayer meetings and B. Y.
P. U. were kept up.
BAPTIST CHURCH, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 91
Those who have served as superintendent of the Sunday school
are ^Nlrs. ]M. L. Hitchcock, INIaude Hitchcock, J. F. Walter, Dr.
G. E. Thweat, P. P. Clement, B. F. Gamier, Dr. E. Babcock, Myrtle
Rivenburg'h, Omer Vandivier, Dan Shaw, James Harrison, Alice
Taylor, W. G. Bell and A. J. JklcFarland.
The year 1903 is prominent in that there was the largest ingath-
ering of new members; 1906, repairs on the building to the amount
of $600 were made, and the pastor, H. jNI. Peterson, ordained to the
ministry.
In the vear 1914 two sides of the church lot, which is one of the
best located in the city, were paved and imposed quite a financial
burden upon the little flock of faithful workers.
The membership list was recently revised and numbers today
about forty resident members and twenty-five non-resident members.
That which deserves the most honor and which is worthy of the
most praise since its organization in the j^ear 1892, is the fact that
the church has kept up the work in its auxiliary societies and its mid-
week and Sunday services with the exception of preaching services,
even when pastorless for several years at a time. The most discour-
ao'ine feature has been the loss by removal of leaders and financial
supporters.
OTHER CHURCHES
Church buildings other than those mentioned before have been
erected as follows: Grand River Congregational, moved to Orient;
Plenron ^lethodist; Hill of Zion in Union Township; Christian,
Wilson Chapel INIethodist; Gem Point Summerset Congregational;
Brush Church Richland Congregational; Otis Chapel Methodist;
Avondale ^lethodist Washington; a Catholic Church in Jackson;
two churches in Eureka; ^lethodist at Highland in Prussia; and a
Quaker Church at Canby in Walnut Township.
A Christian Church was built at Fontanelle and a Seventh Day
Adventist Church, both of which had a strong membership for some
years, but most of the members either moved away or died and the
churches have been little used in recent years. The ^Mormons have
had an organization at Fontanelle, with occasional meetings for more
tlian fifty years, but have never erected buildings.
CHAPTER IX
GREENFIELD TOWN AND TOWNSHIP
ORGANIZATION
The territoiy which comprises Greenfield Township is in sections
7, 8, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of township 75, range 31. This subdivision
was organized in 1859 and originally constituted the territory now
known as Greenfield, Lee and Orient townships. Orient Township
was the first to withdraw from this territory, which occurred June
7, 1869. It was then organized as Dayton Township, but was after-
wards changed, by request of the citizens, to its present name. Lee
followed in the fall of 1880, leaving Greenfield as it now is.
SETTLEMENT
The first to make a settlement within Greenfield Township were
two men named Hodgson and Hillin. They came in 1854 and located
upon the southwest quarter of section 7- Here they constructed pole
cabins of the most primitive architecture. However, they made no
improvements and soon left the county, their lands falling into the
possession of Milton INIunger.
The next to make a settlement was S. K. Malleiy, who had made
some improvements and broken some land when the Town of Green-
field was laid out. Among the other old settlers of this part of the
county might be mentioned J. Myers, Matthew Clark and A. P.
Littleton.
A. P. Littleton opened the first store in the town, in the first
building which was erected in Greenfield. This was a small struc-
ture, built of planks, and had been used as a stage station. In June,
1859, he put in a small stock of general merchandise in a front room.
In the fall of the same year he removed to a small building which
had been erected on a lot on the east side of the square. This build-
ing was some time afterwards removed to near the hotel and here
92
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 93
Mr. Littleton ran his store until 1868, when he built a new building
on the same lot and in this continued until 1878. In December of
that year he sold his stock of goods to A. P. Stephens & Company,
who ran it until JNIarch, 1883, when it passed into the hands of Fuller,
Warren & Company.
The fourth place of business was opened by Hutchinson Brothers
in 1873, in a small building erected by C. P. Gilbert. They had a
general stock of goods in which dry goods predominated.
The second place of business in the town was that of C. P. Gilbert,
who opened a drug and grocery store in the spring of 1869. This
he continued until the autumn of 1873, when he sold out to Hutchin-
son Brothers.
The first blacksmith was H. W. Blakeley, who erected a building
directly opposite and west of where the Citizens' Bank later stood, in
the year 1859. Franklin Letts was another early blacksmith. The
pioneer wagon maker was Caleb Lyon, who had his shop in the same
building with Blakeley, the blacksmith. In 1870 Charles Bishop
established the first harness shop in the town.
HISTORY OF GREENFIELD
Written by Miss Pearl Oldham, a member of the Greenfield High
School.
The Town of Greenfield is situated about a mile and one-half
south of the center of Adair County, la. It is the county seat of the
county and has a population of 1,445.
A stage coach station built of logs and with a canvas roof at first
stood where the West Side Livery Barn lots now stand. It was run
by Matthew Clark. The old barn stood where Haven k Heifner's
livery barn now is. The present town was laid out in 1856 by ^lilton
C. Munger. The first building built was the Kirkwood Hotel, into
which Mr. Clark then moved his hotel. It stood where Whitnah's
store now stands. Among the first dwelling houses were those of
Mr. INIyers, standing where Coffey & Irwin have their implement
store; A. P. Littleton's, the present home of Vern Littleton, and a
log cabin east of where INIr. Sullivan now lives.
The first store was opened by A. P. Littleton in June, 1859. It
was in the same old log building in which INIr. Clark had had the stage
coach station. He ran a general merchandise store, having groceries,
dry goods, hardware, boots and shoes, and even keeping millinery.
94 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
He also had the iJostoffice in the same building. C. P. Gilbert had
the second store. It was a drug and grocery store, opened in 1869.
Charles Bishop ran the third store opened. It was a harness shop
opened in 1870. The fourth store was a general merchandise store
opened in 1873 by the Hutchinson Brothers. After this the stores
began to be opened quite extensively.
It was about this time that the county seat war was going on.
Fontanelle had been the county seat, but Greenfield wanted the honor
and for several years had been working toward that end. Finally,
jNIarch 22, 1875, the records were moved from Fontanelle to Green-
field, This was on Monday, and on the following IMonday Judge
Mitchell came to hold court and was invited to come to Greenfield, as
the county seat had been changed. He infomied the people that the
county seat was still at Fontanelle and went over there and directed
the sheriff to go and bring back the records. Several men went with
the ofiicer and they came over and tried to get them but could not do
it. He could do no more the next da}^ and so on Tuesday evening a
messenger was sent to Des JNIoines, who returned the following
evening with Gen. N. B. Baker, the state adjutant-general. He
finally persuaded the Greenfield people to let the records be taken
back to Fontanelle. But on the 24th day of June, 1875, the county
seat was again moved to Greenfield by a decision of the Supreme
Court, and here it has remained ever since. Greenfield then donated
a courthouse to the county and it stood where JNIr. Warren's store
now is. The following year, 1876, the town was incorporated.
On June 2, 1875, the first newspaper here. It was the Greenfield
Transcript, edited by Mr. Flynn.
In 1879 the railroad came through the town. It only went to
Fontanelle but was afterward extended to Cumberland.
The first school taught was in an old log house standing east of
where ^Ir. Burget's property now is. It was started in 1859. the
first teacher being A. P. Littleton. In the summer of 1861 the first
schoolhouse was built. It was situated on the west side of the present
South Ward school grounds. But finally there were so many pupils
that they had to rent rooms from other buildings and hold school in
them. The money was raised and in the summer of 1877 the South
Ward school building was built at a cost of $5,230. Again in 1883
more school room was needed and the North Ward School was built.
The first church erected was the JNIethodist Church in 1877; the
next was the United Presbyterian in 1881 ; the third was the Baptist
erected in 1883; and the fourth was the Presbyterian in 1884.
SOUTH SIDE SQUARE, GREENFIELD
. " • ■., .-■'^laaai^imLL-'^i'l.mthj.sui^ :,,. _■ •>: ..»«a.Tg.-'
NORTH SIDE SQUARE, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 95
In 1883 a fire broke out in J. W. Valentine's bakery, standing
where it now stands, which burned north and took all the buildings
along there, including the courthouse which the town had built.
Immediately another courthouse was built, but this time by the
county. It was not nearly so good as the one built by the town and
often went by the name of "sheep shed." In 1891 the present court-
house was built and the "sheep shed" was moved over on the west
side of the square where Green's store now is. It was afterward
moved again and was divided and now is used for a feed store and
poultry market.
On December 19, 1890, the electric light plant started up, which
was a great improvement to the town. Since then a new engine has
been put in which is much larger and better than the first one. From
that time to this many new buildings have been erected. The town
is well supplied with cement walks, which is a striking feature to
anyone coming into it. It also has a park donated to the town by
iNIilton C. INIunger, the same time that the city was laid out.
In 1903 the new jail was built, which is a large brick building sit-
uated in the east j^art of town. It is a great improvement over the
old one, which was a frame building from which criminals often
escaped.
From that time to this nothing of any great importance has hap-
pened to change the history of the town, and now the inhabitants
live in peace and happiness.
THE PEESENT CITY
Greenfield is justly noted as a city of beautiful homes and an
unequaled place of residence as well as where the occupants, more
generally than in other towns of like size, are owners in fee of the
homes which thej^ occupy. Here are to be found the homes of rich
and well-to-do and the cottages of those in the humbler, but no less
honorable, walks of life. Around and about them all is the air of
cheerfulness. A visitor to Greenfield will find a town which has had
a steady growth without the usual boom. They will find a town
Avhose property has been born by the energy, enterprise and enthu-
siasm of the West, guided and controlled by the safe conservatism
of men of wise perceptions. Business has extended and values have
arisen, but not more rapidly than the legitimate growth of the town
and the development of the surrounding country would justify.
Greenfield is a thriving little city of wide-awake, enterprising citi-
96 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
zens. It is the receiving and distributing point for a rich agricultural
and stock raising district. Greenfield is unlike most towns of its
size. Thrift and energy are noticed on every hand. The business
portion of the town never appears dull to the observer. Creditable
buildings and business blocks occupy the main street, and a tour of
the residence portions of the town will disclose many handsome
homes and well kept lawns. Greenfield has an excellent city gov-
ernment, the different officers being chosen from among the most
l^rominent citizens. Temperance is the watchword and no saloon is
to be found in the city, nor is drunkenness often seen among the
people. Life and property are valued and well established and
maintained, and with good society, healthy and delightful climate,
good location of the city as to drainage, railroad, telephone, telegraph
and mail facilities, good schools and churches and institutions, living
in Greenfield is a decidedly pleasant occupation.
GREENFIELD BANKS
The Citizens Bank of Greenfield was organized on January 2,
1880, with C. D. Bevington as president; A. P. Littleton, cashier;
and John J. Hetherington, assistant cashier. Tliis bank was at that
time run by a private banking company. In the year 1900 this bank
became the First National Bank of Greenfield, the charter issued
bearing the date of May 7th, that year. The organizers of the
National bank were: A. P. Littleton, Lewis Linebarger, H. N.
Linebarger, V. C. Littleton, and John A. Storey. A. P. Littleton
was the first president; Lewis Linebarger the first vice president;
H. N. Linebarger, first cashier; and V. C. Littleton the first assistant
cashier. The first and present capital stock is $25,000; the surplus
is $10,000; and the deposits average about $255,000. The present
officers and employes of the bank are as follows : Guy A. Lee, pres-
ident; J. C. Hoyt, vice president; John A. Barr, cashier; E. G. Bar-
rett, bookkeeper. The institution owns the bank building now occu-
pied, which structure was erected in 1898 at a cost of $6,100. This
bank has always been successful in its business transactions and has
merited the full confidence of the people. The financial condition
of this bank is open to the inspection of the public at all times and
every official examination has proved the books and accounts to be
satisfactory.
The Greenfield Savings Bank was organized in 1913, the charter
bearing the date of April 7, 1913. The following named men were
CITY PARK, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 97
the organizers of this institution: A. D. Crooks, C. K. Shreves,
C. H. Williamson, J. W. Valentine, H. H. Gerken, Solon J. Don
Carlos, W. W. Don Carlos, J. A. Harper, George D. Musmaker,
S. Y. Cornell, R. A. Shreves, John Eagan, W. L. Battin, J. M.
Adams, J. S. Carlyle, L. M. Crist and William Johnson. This
formidable list of men represent a great part of the wealth of Adair
County. The first officers and also the present are: W. L. Battin,
president; George D. jNIusmaker, vice president; R. A. Shreves,
cashier; W. W. Don Carlos, Jr., assistant cashier. The capital stock
is $30,000 and the deposits amount to an average of $135,500 at the
present time. The handsome building occupied by the bank was
erected by that institution in 1914 and cost $15,300, including real
estate, furniture and fixtures. The Greenfield Savings Bank is a
state institution and is subject to examination by the state depart-
ment and is also examined four times a year by the home board of
examiners. The bank is strong financially and is w^ell patronized by
the people of the county. It is young, but fast growing, and has the
excellent spirit of progressiveness which is becoming to dominate the
affairs of Adair County as a whole.
The Adair County Bank, the first one in the county, was estab-
lished by D. Heaton & Company on January 6, 1876, a building
having been erected for the purpose the previous September. This
banlv is a private institution, but beyond this nothing can be said.
For reasons best known to themselves, the officials of this bank refuse
to give any information regarding the financial conditions and history
of tliis institution for publication in this work.
EARLY HOTELS
In 1858 a hotel was erected in Greenfield by JMathew Clark and,
as this town was then an important station on the route to California
and then and subsequently a convenient stage station on the lines of
travel into Kansas, Nebraska and ^lissouri, this hotel was quite
popular. Clark ran it until the spring of 1861, when he traded it
to A. P. and A. D. Littleton. Clark moved to Colorado in 1863.
The new owners of the hotel ran it a short time and then disposed of
it to John Shreves, who kept it for several years. It then passed
through several hands, among the owners being N. C. Eaton and
E. R. Olmstead. The hotel had several names during its history.
There was another hotel erected during the latter part of the year
1883. known as the Wilson House.
Vol.1— T
98 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
MILLS
In 1877 a grist mill was constructed, operated by a windmill.
This stood opposite the residence of A. P. Littleton. The mill was
a complete failure and the $1,000 which had been subscribed by the
people was lost. It was afterwards sold at sheriff's sale and pur-
chased by A. P. Littleton. He tore the structure down.
J. R. Kearney commenced the erection of a steam grist mill on
April 1, 1884. It was 36 by 40 feet in ground area, three stories
high, had three run of buhrs, with a capacity of producing fifty bar-
rels of flour and grinding some three hundred bushels of corn. The
cost of this mill was about eight thousand dollars.
The Greenfield steam elevator was built in the spring of 1879 at
a cost of $4,000. The builders and owners w^ere the Scholes Brothers.
The Little Jay Creamery was an early industry, established as a
dairy in September, 1883, at which time the building was completed.
The dairy business was carried on until jNIay, 1884, when it was
merged into a creamery.
FIRST ITEMS
The first house erected in Greenfield was built by Mathew Clark,
for a stage station, in the year 1856. It w^as built of plank.
The first religious services were held at the house of S. K. jNIal-
lory, in the winter of 18.58, by Rev. J. M. Rush of Lewis, who was
a clergyman of the INIethodist Episcoj)al denomination.
INCORPORATION
In accordance with a petition signed by fifty of the leading citi-
zens of Greenfield and dated April 27, 1876, an election was ordered
to be held on the question of incorporating the town of Greenfield
according to the laws of Iowa. The notice for this election was signed
by S. C. Vance, E. Spooner, W. JNI. Rodgers, Richard Wallace and
T. M. Neville, commissioners, and the date for the election was set
for May 22, 1876. On this day S. C. Vance, W. M. Rodgers and
R. Wallace acted as judges and Thomas W. Neville and J. McDer-
mid as clerks of the election. When the ballots were counted it was
found that there had been 101 votes cast in favor of incorporation and
only 5 votes against it. It was then declared that the following terri-
tory was duly incorporated under the title of the Town of Green-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 99
field : the south half of section 7, together with the north ten acres of
the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 18, all in
township 75, range 31. The first officers of the town were the fol-
lowing: A. P. Littleton, mayor; L. E. Wilson, clerk; S. C. Vance,
Charles Burrell, J. A. jSIyers, T. J. Shinn and D. Patterson, council
members.
POSTOFFICE
The general knowledge as to the date of the establishment of the
postoffice in Greenfield places it as 1856 or very near that year.
31. Clark was the first postmaster and kept his office in his old plank
house used as a stage station. He later removed it to the hotel later
"known as the Kirkwood. He was succeeded in this office by W. G.
Boggs, who again removed the office to the house on the later site of
the Wilson House. A. P. Littleton was the next postmaster, and he
kept it in his store. He was succeeded by James Waggener, who
moved it to the hotel, but in a short time it passed back into the hands
of Littleton and he again took it to his store. Z. L. Eaton, James
Waggener and A. S. Carmichael in turn occupied the position until
1881, when Dr. E. Spooner was appointed.
The office was made a monev order office on July 1, 1877, and the
first order drawn was issued to INIary Winterburn of Greenfield for
$1.75 and in favor of J. W. Walker of St. Louis, Mo.
Some of the men who have served as postmaster since Spooner are :
J. S. Sidey, John J. Hetherington, H. P. Gow, R. B. Oldham,
Frank B. Wilson. The office in 1915 is in the third class. There is
no city delivery, but four carriers have rural routes. There are two
employes in the office besides the postmaster.
COMMERCIAL CLUB
The Greenfield Commercial Club was organized in July, 1905,
with the following first officers: E. J. Sidey, president; O. R. Yeager,
W. L. Battin, J. N. Haddock, vice presidents; G. D. Musmaker,
secretary; S. Y. Cornell, treasurer; S. D. Woods, corresponding
secretary. Others who took an active part in the formation of the
club were: J. T. Taylor, J. A. Burrel, W. W. Don Carlos, J. E.
Brooks, Theodore Coffey and E. M. Syp. The purpose of the
organization was to improve the city in every possible way.
4
100 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
NEWSPAPERS
After the countj^ seat controversy there was felt the need of a
paper in Greenfield which the people could trust and patronize with
satisfaction to themselves. The Reporter had taken such a course
in the matter of the county seat that it was not popular. Under
tliese circumstances Charles Stuart, who had considerable interest in
the county, resolved to establish a paper at this place. He accordingly
IH-ocured a press and type and an office outfit and shipped them
across the country from Stuart. J. J. Flynn, then editor of the
Stuart Locomotive, came down to sui^erintend the matter. The
press was established in the upper room of the A. P. Littleton Build-
ing. The type was hastily set up and on July 2, 1875, the first num-
ber of the Greenfield Transcript was issued. It was an 8-column
folio, one side of which was printed in Chicago. Mr. Flynn was the
nominal editor at this time, but owing, to the time taken by his inter-
ests in Stuart, the active work as editor was largely performed by
Joseph McDermid, a young lawyer of Greenfield.
Mr. Flynn continued as editor until November 24, 1876, and then
ISIcDermid assumed control as editor. He continued until April
20, 1877, at which time John W. Jones took his place. Mr. Jones
continued in editorial charge of the paper until it was purchased of
Stuart on March 1, 1878, by Dr. E. Spooner. In November, 1882,
he disposed of a third of his interest to A. J. Shrader. Spooner after-
wards sold out to C. D. Hunt and then the firm name became Hunt
& Shrader. About the year 1901 H. P. Gow bought Hunt's stock
and entered into partnership with Shrader, eventually taking over
the entire plant. In 1906 he sold to the firm of Lynch & Oldham,
which latter firm continued business together until 1913, when H. G.
Lynch purchased the entire paper and continues successfully at the
present time. The paper is now a 6-column quarto and maintains a
very high journalistic standard. It is a decided aid to the formation
of opinions in the county, besides being up to the minute from a news
value standpoint.
The old Reporter was merged into the Transcript in the year 1889.
The Free Press, at present the largest newspaper in Adair
County, was established in the year 1889 by Mr. E. J. Sidey, who
has remained the owner and publisher of the paper for the entire
twenty-five years, ^\inning a well-merited success in the journalistic
field and steadily increasing the circulation until now the paper has
over two thousand subscribers. The paper was for eighteen years
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY lOl
called the Adair County Democrat and then was changed to the
present full name of The Adair Coimty Free Press. The first
make-up was in the style of a 6-column quarto and this has been
retained without change. In the year 1903 the increased patronage
of the paper and the installation of modern newspaper machinery
made imperative the construction of a special building for the accom-
modation of the plant. In this above named year, therefore, a brick
})uilding was built, costing the sum of $6,000, being solid in construc-
tion and well adapted to its use. The machinery used in the produc-
tion of the Free Press is of the latest type and designed for efficiency
plus speed. The paper has been democratic throughout its life,
being defined now as an independent democratic sheet. Six employes
are retained by the management of the paper, to care for the extensive
job work as well as the regular publication. Considering the difficult
task the paper faced in gaining a foothold in the county, the growth
and increased popularity of the Free Press should be a fact worthy of
favorable comment and a record of pride for Adair County jour-
nalism.
GREENFIELD WATERWORKS
In the summer of 1906 a petition was circulated requesting the
city council to call a special election to vote on the proposition of
issuing waterworks bonds in the sum of $25,000. The city council
visited other towns for the purpose of inspecting the various water-
works systems and to ascertain the best in use. After the preliminary
arrangements had been made the mayor of Greenfield ordered a
special election to be held September 10, 1906. This was accordingly
held and resulted in a vote in favor of the proposition and the issu-
ance of bonds to the amount of $10,000, but owing to some techni-
cality in the preparation of the papers for the election the bonding
companies would not buy the bonds. At the first election 360 votes
were cast; 279 for and 81 against; 100 women voted for the works
and 4 against. At the second election held May 10, 1909, 304 votes
were cast, 2.53 of them being in favor of the proposition, and 235
votes were cast in favor of issuing the bonds.
The contract for the erection of the works was let to T. C. Brooks
& Sons Company of Jackson, Mich., in August, 1909.
Wells were dug in the southeast part of town, giving a good
supply of water, and main pipes laid in the principal streets, so that
the town is well supplied with water for house use and fire protection.
102 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
PAVING
In 1911 the town council of Greenfield let the contract for paving
the city square and adjacent streets to Beebe Brothers of Omaha,
Neb. About eight blocks were paved and the aggregate cost was
about twenty-three thousand dollars. The decision to pave the public
square in Greenfield was a welcome one to the citizens of Greenfield
and the countv, as well as to the manv travelers and visitors to the
city, for of all the unsightly places in the county the muddy, rock-
ribbed street around the courthouse was the worst. The paving is
of concrete and adds much to the appearance of the town.
In the summer of 1912 the town council decided upon an addi-
tional paving of about one mile, of concrete. The contract was made
with D. W. Wright & Company, of Bedford. This contract was
taken at ten cents less per square yard than that of 1911.
The City of Greenfield has altogether a little over two miles of
concrete pavement.
ELECTRICITY
The electric light plant of Greenfield first started operations in
1890. The following is the first report of the income and expense
of the plant from 1890 to January 1, 1892: Total cost of coal,
$681.60; freight on same, $362.79; hauling from depot, $103.33;
engineer's salary, $621.35; oil and waste, $72.34; supplies, $27.60;
hauling and pumping water, $22.22; insurance, $30; total, $1,921.33.
Lamp rentals collected, $2,598.09; lamp rentals uncollected, $74.25;
total, $2,672.34. The balance was $751.01 on the income side of the
ledger. The report was signed by A. Rivenburgh, the engineer in
charge. The electric light plant of Greenfield has gradually extended
its service, until now it is a very prosperous institution, supplying
light to Fontanelle as well as to Greenfield.
In October, 1912, the question of changing the current from
direct to alternate came before the people. The town believed that
the plant should be re-equipped to make provision for future demands
and to provide better service. An election was called to decide
whether or not to authorize the city council to issue $9,000 in bonds
in order to make the necessary changes. At the election 431 votes
were cast, resulting in a majority of 256 for the improvement and the
issue of the bonds. There were 159 men voting at this election and
161 women.
EAST SIDE SQUARE, GREENFIELD
OPERA HOUSE, GREENFIELD
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 103
In November, 1910, the City of Greenfield, by the medium of the
council, decided to erect ornamental electroliers around the public
square. The INIcDonald Iron Works of Des Moines supplied the
posts, each supporting five lights. There are sixteen posts around the
square with a total of eighty lights. It is the intention to continue
these lights into the residence districts at some future date.
LIBRARY
The first talk of establishing a free public library in Greenfield
occurred in July, 1896, but the plan never materialized. Although
there has ever been a need of a good library in the town, particularly
for its educational advantages, a certain proportion of the popula-
tion have been opposed to it. The reason for this antagonism is vague,
for it cannot be conceived how a progressive people, interested in the
welfare of their children and at all careful of their own enlighten-
ment in the way of world knowledge and progress of current events,
should be blind to the advantages of a public library. However, the
question was again agitated in the spring of 1915 and the proposi-
tion submitted to the vote of the people. The election was held in
the fore part of April of that year and resulted in carrjang the issue
by a majority of seventy-five. It is interesting to note that the vote
polled by the women was responsible for the needed improvement.
The women voted 180 to 68 for the library, while the men voted 158
to 124 against the same. It was indeed fortunate for the Town of
Greenfield that the women had the privilege of the ballot-box at this
time.
Steps are under way to organize the library under the regulations
of the statutes and funds will be obtained from Andrew Carnegie,
the steel king, who has financially backed thousands of libraries in
the United States.
LODGES^ SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
Crusade Lodge No. 386, Ancient Free and Accepted ]Masons,
located at Greenfield, was organized July 5, 1878, with the following
charter members: J. G. Culver, John J. Hetherington, J. T. Har-
vey. J. E. Howe, D. W. Marquart, J. A. Hetherington, S. ]M. Shat-
tuck, W. H. Romesha, C. B. Hunt, R. O. Brown, W. M. Rodgers,
A. J. JNIears, R. Wallace, E. R. Olmstead, W. B. Burget and Josepli
Raffensperger. The following were the first officers elected: J. J.
104 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Iletherington, worsliipful master; J. E. Howe, senior warden;
D. W. INIarqiiart, junior warden. The first regular convocation
was held on the evening of July 20th and the following aiDpointments
made to fill the other offices: C. B. Hunt, treasurer; J. G. Culver,
secretary; J. A. Hetherington, senior deacon; W. H. Romesha,
junior deacon; A. J. Mears, tyler; W. B. Burget, S. S.; J. T. Har-
vey, J. S.
Greenfield Council No. 2, O. U. A. M., was organized under the
jurisdiction of the national council on August 31, 1882, with about
eighteen members. The charter bears the date of August 18, 1882,
and is signed bv G. H. Burton, N. C. and James N. Caldv and has
the names of the following charter members: W. L. Scott, H. G.
Spooner, A. J. Shrader, W. H. Romesha, Adam Beck, D. A. Coy,
W. C. Carroll, D. A. Hites, C. E. Taylor, J. C. Purvis, J. C. Walker,
.Tames INIurray, H. D. Woodman, George F. Arnold, J. W. IMcCor-
mick, G. E. inlow, C. N. Wilson, D. D. Pettit, B. E. Keen, A. T.
Gregg, R. D. Critchfield, G. T. Porter, F. Hostetler, M. B. Packer
and W. E. Hetherington.
Greenfield Lodge No. 375, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
was instituted on January 30, 1878, by A. L. Tullus, most worthy
grand master, with the following charter members: James Patter-
son, P. Hillyard, A. F. Porter, J. A. Burrell, C. S. Burrell. The
first officers were: P. Hillyard, noble grand; C. S. Burrell, vice
grand; J. J. Hetherington, secretary; A. F. Porter, treasurer.
The INIasonic and Odd Fellows Building Association was incor-
porated on Februaiy 20, 1883, by the two orders. The following
were the first officers: J. J. Hetherington, president; A. E. Teague,
vice president; J. E. Hill, secretary and treasurer; F. M. Brown,
J. H. F. Balderson, D. W. INIarquart, J. J. Hetherington, J. N.
Haddock, P. Hillyard, W. C. Libby, A. E. Teague and J. E. Howe,
directors. Homer Gaines erected the first story of a brick building,
and the association built the second story, with the object of having
a lodge room of their own. A stage was fitted up and it was then
known as the Greenfield Opera House.
Garfield Encampment No. 110, of the same order, was organized
November 10, 1882. The charter members were: W. C. Libbv,
A. E. Teague, F. ^I. Brown, J. H. F. Balderson and S. Condon.
flyers' Post No. 39, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized
on April 28, 1881, with the following members: W. H. Romesha,
:M. W. Haver, J. C. INIason, J. C. Purvis, L. C. Elliott, Charles E.
Taylor, Myron Bunce, W. P. Robinson, C. B. Hunt, H. A. Gilbert,
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 105
T. A. Wilson, L. J. Gray, G. C. Havens, S. G. Long, T. M. Ewing,
R. M. Quinn, C. D. Knapp, M. S. Doane, C. E. Morris, F. Letz,
W. H. Anderson, A. L. Harrison, M. E. Black, J. T. Harvey, :M. N.
Boardman and J. A. Easton. The first post commander was W. H.
Romesha.
Legion of Honor was organized in Greenfield on January 24,
1881, with the following charter members: F. H. Wilson, A. R.
Dew, J. G. Goodman, Charles Arnold, M. W. Haver, J. A. McElha-
ney, F. P. Ciilverson, J. E. Hill, W. H. Anderson, W. H. Harrison,
John Derby, Charles Taylor, J. A. Easton, J. C. Trenor, Jolm H.
Stoey, J. B. Heacock, J. B. ^Mather, J. E. JNIather, N. T. Gadd,
J. A. Hetherington.
Company B, Third Regiment, Iowa National Guard, was organ-
ized in 1879 through the exertions of C. B. Hunt, the state senator
from this district. The first officers were as follows: C. B. Hunt,
captain; Thomas H. Ruth, first lievitenant; P. Hillyard, second lieu-
tenant; and W. H. Romesha, orderly sergeant.
The G. A. R. Circle was organized in Greenfield in January,
1914. It is composed of women relatives and wives of Civil war
veterans. The first offices were held by the following: Mesdames
C. A. Gibbs, R. ]M. Quinn, Robert Wilson, W. C. Smith, John Luers,
Clarion Young, B. H. Kenworthy, Lester Smith, and Misses Edna
Gibbs. jNIary Woods and Louise Gibbs.
jNIartha Rebekah Lodge Xo. 37 was organized on March o, 1890,
with twenty-one men and twenty-two women. Dr. T. W. Mulhern
was the first noble grand and ]\Irs. George Condon the first vice grand;
]Mrs. O. A. Tuttle was the first secretary. The order at present is the
largest in the City of Greenfield, having 150 members. This lodge
has also instituted lodges at Orient and Bridgewater. Several mem-
bers of the order haAX held state offices in the same.
INIyers Woman's Relief Corps was organized jNIarch 3, 1888,
with about twenty members. Ella C. Knapp was the first president
and served six years. The corps now has a membership of eighty-
four.
THE CREAMERY INDUSTRY
The first creamery for co-operative butter manufacture was estab-
lislied by Henry Wallace and Ross on land in Orient Township
o^Mied by the former, ^vhich creamery was managed by the latter.
]Mr. Wallace is now the veteran editor of Wallace's Farmer of Des
^Moines and was a member of the commission appointed by President
106 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Roosevelt to inquire into the conditions of the country life. He
owned at the time of the creamery building in 1881 several farms in
Adair County and published a farm paper at Winterset. The cream-
ery was not a success and was discontinued in two or three years.
George Hoisington built the second creamery at Fontanelle in
1882. He was an expert butter maker from Wisconsin, but the con-
ditions under which the business was conducted at that time were
unfavorable and after some years of strenuous endeavor the plant
failed.
The Stewart brothers and Shannon undertook to re-establish the
business and built fine brick buildings at Fontanelle and Bridgewater,
with several stations in the country. They did a big business for
several vears, but finallv went to the wall as a result of fierce com-
petition developed by the increased business.
On jNIay 14, 1900, the Greenfield Creamery Company was started,
with James F. Laude as manager. At this time there were several
other creameries in the county and at nearby points, but owing to
the large growth of the Greenfield plant all of these have ceased
business. The business for the first year amounted to $60,000 and in
1914 totaled the sum of $112,000. Four years ago the egg business
was added. The creamery is supplied with cream by the farmers of
the county. With the exception of small shipments to the towns in
Adair County all the products of this creamery are freighted to Xew
York, to the George ]M. Rittenhouse Company, commission mer-
chants. Four men are employed in the plant, including the efficient
manager, JNIr. Laude. The brick building was constructed in the
year 1900.
CHAPTER X
SUMMERSET TOWXSHIP AND FOXTANELLE
Summerset Township comiDrises all of Congressional Township
75 north, range 32 west of the fifth principal meridian. The sur-
face is generally rolling, with a few ravines in the vicinity of the
streams. The soil is rich and loamy and well watered. The east
branch of the Xodaway River enters it on the northwest quarter of
section 1, and intersecting sections 2, 11 and 14 in a southerly course,
it changes to a southwesterly direction and crossing sections 15, 22,
21. 28, 33 passes into Richland Township on the south line of sec-
tion 32.
SETTLEMENT
The first person to settle in tliis township was one Collins, wlio
located on section 2 in the spring or early summer of 1854. He did
not remain in this territory for very long, but a grove of trees in
that vicinity was named after him. He had signed a note with some
men in Madison before he came to Adair Countv, and the others
having fallen out with him, maliciously entered a suit for forgery
against him. They sent Otto Davis, the sheriff of IVIadison County, to
arrest Collins. He Mas incarcerated in the ^Madison County jail for
six months and then went to trial before the District Court, where
he was immediately found not guilty and discharged. On coming
home he found that liis wife had left him and was living with another
man. He then left the country and nothing more was heard of him.
James C. Gibbs was the first man to make a permanent settle-
ment in the township. On June 18, 1855, the sale of lots in the Town
of Fontanelle was begun and Gibbs purchased the lots on the north-
east of the square, where he at once constructed a large log cabin. In
August of the same vear he brought his familv here to live. For a
few years Gibbs ran a hotel in this log structure. This was the first
hotel in Fontanelle.
107
108 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
D. ]M. Yalentine bought the lots immediately west of those pur-
chased by Gibbs, built a residence, and thus became the second per-
manent settler. He was a prominent attorney of the county and
afterwards Mas upon the Sui3reme bench in the State of Kansas.
Gorton X. Bennett came to Adair County August 17, 185.5, and
was employed until 1857 by J. C. Gibbs as a farm hand. He mar-
ried Hulda Lee, the first school teacher in Fontanelle.
John Lockhart was the next to settle here, coming in the fall of
18.55. He located on section 6, where he lived a year or so, and then
removed to Kansas. He was a native of Ohio.
Azariah Root located in Fontanelle in 1855, where he lived for
some time. J. K. Yalentine came from Yigo County, Ind., in 1855
and settled in Fontanelle.
In 1856 Cal Ballard came and rented the building later used as
a postoffice, and placed therein a general stock of merchandise wliich
he had brought from Winterset. This building was constructed and
owned by J. K. Yalentine. The next year Ballard built a store of
his own. In 1859 he sold this to J. C. Gibbs and moved back to Win-
terset, remaining two or three years, then going to his former home
in Indiana for two years stay, when he returned to Winterset and
engaged in the dry goods business. When George B. Wilson was
elected clerk of the court in 1857 and refused to serve, the judge
appointed Cal Ballard in his place.
The next man to come was J. D. X'ichols, who located at Fonta-
nelle in August, 1856. He was a native of Massachusetts and a car-
penter by trade. He lived here for about three years and then went
to St. Joseph, jNIo. He enlisted in the army at the beginning of the
Civil war and won high honors, being placed in the service of the
regular United States Army at the close of hostilities.
About the same time Theodore Smith and his brother-in-law.
Rev. James Walker, came from Connecticut and took up their resi-
dence in the Yillage of Fontanelle. Walker was the first minister of
the gospel to make his home in this county. After living here for
about four years they left. Walker going to INIichigan and Smith to
Xew York.
W. B. Hall settled in Fontanelle in the autumn of 1856. He was
afterwards elected clerk of the courts and served for ten years. He
later went to Seattle, Wash.
A. B. Smith, a carpenter, came to Fontanelle in the winter of
1856-7 and lived here until 1860. In the spring of 1858 he was
elected clerk of the courts and held that position until the fall of
s
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF FONTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 109
the same year. He left here and went to Winterset, where he sub-
sequently died.
Samuel Marquart came from Wayne County, Indiana, in 1857,
and made settlement in Fontanelle.
AVilliam Lytle made a settlement on section 17 in 1857. He was
a native of Ohio. In 1861 he removed to JNIadison County, from
which place he enlisted in the army and during liis term of service
Avas fatally stricken with disease.
About the year 1857 Samuel W. Armstrong settled in the new
Village of Fontanelle. He was a native of Pottsville, Schuylkill
County, Pa., and in the year 1856 had come to Adair County from
Des ]\loines and had staj^ed for two years at Greenfield. He was an
attorney by profession. He served for four years as county treasurer.
JNIr. Armstrong committed suicide in 1866 or 1867. His wife was
a daughter of W. H, Brainard, another old settler.
J. J. Crittenden came to the township and settled in the Town of
Fontanelle in 1857 and was made postmaster. In 1858 he was arrested
for robbing the mail, was tried and convicted and sent to the peni-
tentiary for a term of five years. He was pardoned by President
Lincoln after he had served two years, whereupon he returned to
Fontanelle, lived three years, and then moved to INIissouri.
Abram Miller located in Fontanelle in the winter of 1857-8 and
lived here for several years. He finally returned to Indiana, his
native state.
Alden Smith came to the town in 1857, but after several years'
residence, removed to Winterset, where he died.
Abram Piatt located in Fontanelle in 1857 and constructed a
house which he afterwards sold, and he removed to Missouri.
Rev. Joseph jNIather, from West Virginia, came to Fontanelle
in the spring of 1878 directly from Clarion County, la. He was the
first Congregational minister in Adair County. He died in 1862 at
Fontanelle.
The next settler Avas Dr. T. M. Moore, who came in 1858, and
settled in the village, there practicing his profession.
John Lentz, a native of South Carolina, came from Indiana in
1860 and made a settlement near the Village of Fontanelle.
Titus Sullivan settled on a farm near Fontanelle in the early '60s
and raised quite a family. He was a soldier in the Mexican war.
Briggs Alden, a soldier of the War of 1812, and a Mormon
preacher, was an early resident of Fontanelle, where he preached
occasionally. He died when nearly one hundred years of age.
no HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
James Baker, anotlier ]Mormon elder and a lieutenant in a com-
pany of the Second New Hampshire Infantry in the Civil war, was
an early resident. He now lives in Lamoni, la. The INIormons at
Fontanelle helonged to the Joseph Smith branch of the church,
although for a time some of them were in Utah Territory.
Dr. Xelson Bates emigrated from New York among the followers
of Joseph Smith and located at Nauvoo, 111., and was there at the time
Josej^h Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were mobbed and murdered
at the Carthage jail. He, with his family, were among the crowds
which followed the fortunes of Brigham Young. They took the long,
toilsome journey across the plains to Salt Lake and there lived for
several years. Afterwards, repudiating Young, he was obliged to
fly for his life and with his family succeeded in getting away from
the INIormon rule and recrossed the plains by team some years before
the railroad was built west of Omaha. On reaching Fontanelle he
settled there. This was about 1866. He then practiced medicine
until his death. He had two sons in the Civil war, one of whom died
soon after his return from the army at Fontanelle ; the other, Francis
]M. Bates, became a teacher after the war in a high school in Shamo-
kin, Pa. He came to Fontanelle about 1880 and for a time taught
the high school here, also served as county surveyor for some years.
He now lives in Iowa City. His oldest daughter, born in the county,
married a INIethodist minister and the family for some years prior to
1914, were missionaries at Paraffuav, South America.
Samuel JNIarquart was long identified with the fortunes of Fon-
tanelle. He was a gold seeker in the Pike's Peak excitement, crossed
the plains with ox wagons like most of the gold seekers of that
time, and returned "busted." He stopped at Fontanelle, where for
many years he farmed, raised stock quite extensively, had a general
store and was one of the leading persons in business. In the early
days of the Klondike rush he, with D. W. ^larquart, his nephew,
ex-auditor of the county, undertook to get through to Dawson by
way of White Horse Pass, but the snows of the mountains proved
too great an obstacle. Some of the party gave out and the rest
finally got back, but D. W. ^Nlarquart did not long survive. Samuel
]\Iarquart went to Lake Arthur, La., where he bought a large tract
of rice land and engaged extensively in raising rice, irrigating with
large steam pumps. He also extensively developed his town prop-
erty, of which he is a large owner. He is represented to be hale and
hearty today at the age of about eighty vears.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY ill
Abrain Riitt helped to survey the Town of Fontanelle and was
one of the first carpenters to build houses from the native lumber.
He freighted supplies with several ox teams to Denver during the
Pike's Peak rush. He was a leading merchant in Fontanelle for
many years and was part proprietor of the Fontanelle Register, the
only paper published in Adair County for ten years, was owner of
a section of land in Walnut Township which he afterwards developed
into one of the best farms in the county. He bought a large interest
in a big distillery at Atlantic, la., but the law and sentiment of
prohibition put this out of business. He started and conducted dur-
ing his life a bank at Casey, first as a private bank, afterwards the
Abram Rutt National Bank, which was very successfuL He died
in 1914, leaving a large estate and large bequest to educational and
charitable institutions.
G. F. Kilburn came to Fontanelle in 18.58 from Des jMoines,
where he had studied law with C. C. Cole, afterwards a judge in the
Supreme Court. Kilburn practiced law, edited the Fontanelle Regis-
ter, the latted for ten years or more, or until the Greeley campaign
of 1872, when the paper w^as sold to a syndicate and run in the inter-
est of the democratic party for some years by James Rany. G. F.
Kilburn served in the Twelfth General Assembly, representing the
counties of Adair, Cass and JNIontgomery in the House of Repre-
sentatives. Upon the removal of the county seat he moved to Cres-
ton and there practiced law until his death in 1883.
Col. James Ranv, another early settler in Fontanelle, served in
%. ^ m.'
the War of the Rebellion and rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel
in an Illinois regiment. After the war he removed to Adair County
and was elected county clerk in 1868, beating W. B. Hall by one or
two votes and getting the office onlv after a contest and recount. He
remained in Fontanelle as a farmer, stock raiser and shipper, editor
and other positions until he moved to Marengo, la., where he died
several years ago. He was at one time democratic candidate for
representative.
G. F. Kilburn was born in Boscawen, N. H., in 1834. He came
to Des jNIoines, la., in the hard times of 1857, where he taught school
and studied law with C. C. Cole who was afterward Supreme Court
iustice. G. F. Kilburn moved to Fontanelle in the fall of 1858,
forming a law and land office partnership with S. W. Armstrong.
Later the partnership was dissolved and JNIr. Kilburn developed a
good business in land and tax paying in addition to the law business
to which he still clung. He was a partner in the general store of
112 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Kilburn, Rutt & Company for a year or more and for ten or a dozen
years was editor and proprietor with Abram Rutt of the Fontanelle
Register, the first paper published in the county. He was county
treasurer in 1864-65. He was elected representative to the General
Assembly in 1867 and served in the Twelfth General Assembly. He
was also for several years a trustee of the state agricultural college.
In 187.5 his wife, Jennie A. blather, was the victim of a fearful acci-
dent, being burned to death by a kerosene explosion. The same fall
he removed to Creston, where he opened a law office. He was largely
interested in the Creston and Northern Railroad, was secretary of
the company formed to build it, and was principal agent for securing
the rioht of way. This road was afterward taken over bv the Bur-
lington people. He died at Creston in 1883, from tuberculosis con-
tracted while working for the railroad people.
James Rany came to Fontanelle soon after the War of the Rebel-
lion. He had served in an Illinois regiment and rose to the rank of
colonel, but was obliged to resign before the close of the war on
account of ill health. He served two terms as clerk of the court for
Adair County. In the campaign of 1872 he joined the democratic
part}^ in support of Horace Greeley for president and in company
with several others purcliased the Fontanelle Register and changed
the politics of the paper. He was also democratic candidate for rep-
resentative in 1873. He later bought the interests of the other part-
ners in the paper and conducted it alone, finally moving it to Stuart
and published the sheet there for part of a year. After he had sold
the plant he returned to Fontanelle and engaged in shipping stock
for some years later going to INIarengo where he died.
N. S. Taylor was one of the very early settlers, for some years
keeping a stage station on the Des jNIoines and Council Bluffs route,
two miles west of what is now Fontanelle. He moved to Fontanelle
after its location and lived there many years. He and his wife cele-
brated their golden anniversary in 1889 and a few years afterward
he moved to Casey to live with his daughter, where he died. J. M.
Joseph came to Fontanelle from Ohio about 1866 and was deputy
treasurer under T. M. jMoore, and afterwards engaged in the land
business and as county surveyor. He moved to Creston and pur-
chased a large farm near there which he conducted for some years.
He was the populist candidate for governor in 1893. He served one
or more terms as clerk of the courts in Union County and later moved
to Colorado.
STREET SCENE, FONTANELLE
SOUTH SIDE SQUARE, FONTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 113
John H. Bailey was an early settler in Fontanelle, in law part-
nership with W. B. Hall who was clerk of the court in 1867. Mr. Bai-
ley was a strong democratic poHtician and was elected county auditor
in 1871. He was the principal in a famous lawsuit in which the
county sought to recover moneys which it is claimed he had failed
to account for. The trial lasted nearly three weeks and resulted in
only a small judgment against Bailey. After the removal of the
county seat from Fontanelle he emigrated to Kansas, where he became
a judge before he died.
One of the most prominent early settlers of Fontanelle was Henrv
Grass, an attorney, who came there in 1867 from Illinois. He was
a fluent speaker and strong political worker for the republican party.
He was very much interested in horticulture and town improvement
and served several terms as mayor. He moved to Texas where he is
still living at a ripe old age, and still active in public duties.
Weslev Tavlor served in a Pennsylvania regiment during the
Rebellion and came to Adair County at the expiration of his term
of service. He was comity superintendent one term and recorder
three terms, was engaged in business several times at Fontanelle and
had a farm at the edge of town on which he lived. He was part owner
of the Farmers Bank, a private institution which unfortunately failed
in 1890, a serious blow to the interests of Fontanelle. Mr. Taylor
emigrated to Oklahoma and was in the first run for locations when
that territory was opened for settlement. He secured lots in the new
plat of Perry, where he built a home and became quite prominent.
He met sudden death while on public duty in that state.
William B. jNIartin was a native of Vermont, was there reared
and educated, and followed teaching and farming until the spring
of 1867. when he went to Henry County, 111. In April, 1869, he
came to Adair County, and located on section 5, Jefferson Town-
ship, and there farmed and taught school until his election to the
office of county auditor in 1874, wherein he served two tenus. He
was clerk of Jefferson Township for several years and was for a
number of years a member of the city council of Greenfield. Mr. JMar-
tin was elected to represent Adair County in the Twenty-fifth and
Twenty-sixth General Assemblies, and subsequently was secretary
of the state of Iowa for three terms. He is ])resident of the Iowa
Trust and Savings Bank at Des Moines at the present time.
John A. Storey, attorney, is a native of Pennsylvania, farmed
and taught school in his home state, and in 1874 graduated from
Washington and Jefferson College, Pa. After leaving school he
Vol. I— S
lU HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
taught until the summer of 187o, then came to Iowa and located in
Greenfield, Adair County, and the next year was admitted to the
bar. He was sent to the Legislature in 1883, representing Adair
County tw^o terms there. He was also appointed judge to fill a
yacancy by Goad Jackson in 1898, sei-\^ing the balance of the term.
He afterward remoyed to Omaha, Neb., where he continued in the
practice of law for some years. He then went to Indianola, la., and
engaged in the banking business.
Captain Charles Stuart was born in Vermont and in 1867-68 he
purchased seyeral large tracts of land in Adair County. He laid
out the town which bears his name on the Rock Island Railroad in
December, 1867, and contributed much to the early growth of that
place. In 1873 he founded the Town of Adair, where for more than
ten years he carried on an extensive business. The deyelopment of
Lincoln Township in Adair County Avas largely responsible to Cap-
tain Stuart.
FIRST THINGS
The first marriage in Summerset Township occurred on June 15,
1857, and was that of Homer Penfield and Martha Campbell.
The first death was that of Justice A., the son of James C. and
Phoebe L. Gibbs, who died on September 29, 1860. This was the
first person buried in the Fontanelle cemetery.
The first school was taught by Miss Hulda Lee in 1857 in the
Town of Fontanelle.
The first sermon was preached in the fall of 1856 by Rev. James
Walker at his own house.
The first child born w^as a son of Daniel M. Valentine and wife,
in April, 1856, at Fontanelle.
ORGANIZATION
Summerset ToAvnship was organized in the spring of 1856 and
the first election was held on the first ^Monday in April of the same
year. This election was held at the house of D. ISI. Valentine, on the
north side of the square, in the Village of Fontanelle. The first
officers were as follows: Jacob Eby, Alfred Jones and Joshua E.
Chapman, trustees; D. M. Valentine, clerk; J. C. Gibbs and Azariah
Root, justices; Abraham Rutt, assessor; Gorton H. Bennett, road
supervisor; James S. Ewing and G. X. Bennett, constables. The
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 115
first meeting of the board of trustees was held on JNIarch 15, 18,57;
by many people this record is doubted.
BEGINNING AT FONTANELLE
The story of the birth of the Town of Fontanelle has been related
in another part of this history. However, the fundamental facts will
bear repeating. The General Assembly of Iowa appointed special
commissioners to designate a seat of justice for Adair County and
in the spring of 1855 these commissioners met and selected the spot
now knoMii as Fontanelle. The county judge, G. M. Holaday,
thereupon journeyed to Council Bluffs, to the land office, and entered
in the name of the county the southwest quarter of section 17, town-
ship 75, range 32. On this the original town, consisting of tliirty-one
blocks, was laid out and under the name of Summerset was platted
and placed upon the records of the county on May 30, 1855, in the
name of Adair County. On June 18th of the same year the lots were
placed in the market and the sale of them started. The name of
Summerset was shortly afterward discarded in favor of Fontanelle,
although the first time the town is mentioned by that name on the
records is under the date of June, 1857-
Tlie first house was constructed by James C. Gibbs in the summer
of 1855. It was built of logs and was for a time used as a hotel. The
second house to be built in the village was that of D. M. Valentine,
during the same vear.
EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS
The first goods to be sold in Fontanelle were owned by Cal Bal-
lard. He opened a general merchandise store in 1856 in a small
building built by James K. Valentine, and which was later used as
a postoffice. He conducted his business for about a year and then
sold out to Abram Rutt, of Casey, who moved the goods from the
town.
The second merchant was James C. Gibbs, who purchased the
Ballard store and stock and conducted the business during the years
1859 and 1860.
The first hardware store in the town was started in 1871 by F. A.
Blvstone.
116 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
John S. Sherdeman began the implement business here in 1879.
The pioneer blacksmith in Fontanelle was Charles White, who
opened a shop in the east part of the town. The second was Alfred
Jones.
BANKS
The Farmers' Bank of Fontanelle was instituted in the spring
of 1879 by James L. and B. Lombard, both gentlemen from Gales-
burg, 111. J. INI. Osterlind was their cashier. In 1880 they sold the
building to Wesley Taylor, R. E. Ewing and J. C. Gibbs and then
removed from this county. The three new proprietors at once started
upon the banking business and chose the following officers for the
first: James C. Gibbs, president; R. E. Ewing, vice president; Wes-
ley Tavlor, cashier. In the autumn of 1882 J. C. Gibbs sold his
interests in the bank to his partners, who continued it until Septem-
ber, 1883, when a new organization was effected by J. H. Hulbert,
of Fontanelle, and James Jackson, of Chicago, each purchasing a
fourth interest. In 1882 a fine building was erected on lot 1, block 26.
This bank failed in INIarch, 1893, with almost a total loss to depositors.
The Exchange Bank of Fontanelle wps started in the early '80s.
D. Heaton was the president and Alexander ]M. Gow the cashier.
In 1883 the institution constructed a bank building on the corner
of jNIain and Washington streets, at the southwest corner of the
square. This bank was reorganized as the First National Bank on
January 1, 1904, with first officers as follows: J. S. Hulbert, presi-
dent; J. H. Hulbert, vice president; W. F. Johnson, cashier; R. R.
Tuttle, assistant cashier. The bank has had a steady and reliable
•growth since this time and enjoys the fullest confidence of its patrons.
The capital stock is $2.5,000, the surplus $10,000 and the deposits
average $225,000. J. F. Baudler is president; C. D. Walsworth,
vice president; E. R. Faurote, vice president; and W. A. Addison,
cashier.
The State Savings Bank of Fontanelle was organized on August
26, 1905, by C. A. Baker, Charles T. Launder, Henry Hyda, W. J.
Simpson, Dr. C. B. Scott, L. M. Lyons and D. N. Dunlap. The
first officers were: L. M. Lyons, president; Charles T. Launder,
vice president; C. A. Baker, cashier. The present officers of the
institution are: Charles T. Launder, president; Henry Hyda, vice
president; C. A. Baker, cashier; H. J. Stuhlmiller, assistant cashier.
The capital stock is $10,000, the surplus $5,000, and the deposits
average $130,000. The building was erected by C. A. Baker prior
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 117
to the organization of the bank at a cost of $3,200. This young
institution has a good patronage and well merits the esteem and con-
fidence of the people.
THE rONTANELLE OBSERVER
In February, 1879, the Gow Brothers established a paper with
the above name in Fontanelle. The paper was a seven column folio
with patent outside and had a small patronage. James M. Gow,
who was at that time editor of the Adair County Reporter at Green-
field, had editorial charge of the paper. They continued as proprie-
tors until February 27, 1881, when it passed into the hands of M. A.
Rany. During his ownership Will Pruitt also ran the paper under
lease for a few years. In August, 1894, W. H. INIcClure became
the owner and publisher of the Observer and continues in this capacity
in 1915. Illness at this time prevents his active attention to the
"sheet, but this is ably supplied by his son, D. D. INIcClure. A hand-
some brick building, a cut of wiiich is appended, was erected in June,
1913, at a cost. of $2,000. The paper is issued on Thursday of each
week and is an eight page, six column sheet. The Observer plant
also does an extensive job printing business.
DEFUNCT PAPERS
The Fontanelle Register was first established in 1862 bv J. C.
Gibbs and soon afterwards was sold to Kilburn & Rutt who con-
ducted it vmtil 1872, when it went into the hands of James Rany and
others. It was edited for a few months by Mr. Caton, then county
superintendent of schools, afterwards by ]Mr. Rany who finally moved
the plant to Stuart. Later it was brought back to Fontanelle and
conducted bv ^I. A. Ranv, a son of the former editor, under the
name of the Observer. The story of the paper from this point is
in the leading paragraph.
Gow Brothers & Gibbs established the Fontanelle Reporter in
1879; J. M. Gow was the editor. A year or two later Gibbs sold
his interest to the Gows who removed the paper and press to Green-
field after the county seat was moved to that place and continued
its publication until some years after, when it was merged with the
Transcript and continued under that name.
118 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
MUNICIPAL GKOWTH
When the county seat was removed from Fontanelle to Green-
field there were many who predicted that it would mean the end of
the town, that it would deteriorate and crumble into decay. The
opposite has been the case. Business has thrived and has reached a
very high point, in fact, equal to any other town in the county. The
reason for this, XDrincipally, is the live spirit of the citizens, their desire
to make the town jDrosperous and to create a community of interest,
civic improvement and financial welfare. Illustrative of this pro-
gressive attitude was the formation of the Fontanelle Commercial
Club on July 1, 1914 by the business men. The first officers of this
organization were: E. W. Adams, president; W. A. Addison, vice
president; H. J. Stuhlmiller, secretary; and C. A. Baker, treasurer.
The club has continued to boost tlie town and is a strong factor in
the success of Fontanelle.
In 1913 the city erected a system of water works, which cost them
the sum of $20,000. The contract was let to the Alamo Engine and
Supply Company of Omaha, Xeb. Wells were dug and a water
tower erected which has a capacity of 50,000 gallons.
Electricity is supplied by the Greenfield plant. Fontanelle owns
its own transmission line and has the benefit of continual service.
There are forty-nine street lights and twelve five-light ornamental
electroliers.
Another notable improvement of the year 1913 was the erection
of a $2,500 town hall.
POSTOFFICE
The postoffice of Fontanelle was established in the s])ring of 1856
and James C. Gibbs was commissioned postmaster. The postmas-
ters since this time have been: Cal Ballard, J. J. Crittenden, R. O.
Brown, A. Root, F. B. Marquart, M. M. Rutt, F. B. Marquart,
M. A. Rany, J. Bahlman, George Rodgers, W. H. McClure for
sixteen years, and J. Sullivan.
The storv of the robbery of mails committed by Crittenden is
related elsewhere.
On July 1, 1884, the office was made an international money order
office.
FIRST HOTELS
It has been noted that James C. Gibbs kept a pioneer hotel in
his own house. The first hotel built for the purpose was the Pacific
EAST SIDE SQUARE, F'OXTANELLE
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 119
House erected in 18.59 by J. K. Valentine, who ran it for several
years. The Gibbs House was built by James C. Gibbs in 1870 and
conducted by him for about a year. The Bradfield House was erected
in :March, 1879, by A. N. Bradfield.
FIRST INDUSTRIES
In 1881 a steam elevator was constructed by Daniel X. Dunlap.
He came here for the purpose of purchasing grain and the first thing
he did was to erect this elevator. A flouring mill was built in 1880,
being a frame stiiicture, three stories in height. A creamer}^ was
started in 1882.
INCORPORATION
The Town of Fontanelle was incorporated in September, 1881,
and the following were the first officers elected: F. A. Bh^stone,
mayor: John J. Hetherington, recorder; A. A. Powers, J. Spain,
INI. L. Bates, George jNIiller and Samuel Marquart, members of
the council. The first meeting of the council was held at the office
of the mayor on September 27, 1871, and the first ordinance passed
was relative to the appointment of a marshal and a treasurer. Alfred
Drake was chosen as marshal and Xelson Bates as treasurer.
ORGANIZATIONS
Fontanelle Lodge Xo. 138, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
applied to the grand master for a dispensation to organize a lodge
on June 27, 18.58, signed by the following master Masons: Cal Bal-
lard. J. W. Stinman and Azariah Root. The first regular commimi-
cation of the lodge was held on August 21, 18o8, and the following
named were the officers: Cal Ballard, worshipful master; J. W.
Stinman, senior warden; Azariah Root, junior warden; J. C. Gibbs,
treasurer; F. H. Whitney, secretary; John Bixley, senior deacon;
William Lytic, junior deacon; Jacob Eby, tyler.
St. John's Chapter Xo. 73, Royal Arch Masons, was organized
under a dispensation granted ]May 22, 1874. The dispensation was
signed by R. F. Brown, G. H. P. of the R. A. C. of Iowa. The
first meeting was held on the evening of June 8th following. The
original members were: J. C. Gibbs, A. M. Xorman, W. M. Rodgers,
Fleming Saunders, John Taylor, W. Taylor, J. M. Gow, John J.
Hetherington and T. ^I. Moore.
120 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Fontanelle Lodge No. 250, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
was organized January 17, 1873, with the following charter mem-
bers: Abram Roberts, John Lattus, C. M. Staley, Peter L. Rice,
Samuel Maple. The first officers were elected as follows: Abram
Roberts, noble grand; John Lattus, vice grand; CM. Staley, record-
ing secretary; P. L. Rice, treasurer.
Rustic Lodge No. 98, Iowa Legion of Honor, was organized
on January 1, 1881, with the following as charter members: James
A. Wilson, P. JNIcDermid, L. J. Slocum, C. B. Scott, George A.
Davis, P. R. Adams, Robert H. Fox, W. O. Ludlow, W. H. Eng-
land, W. H. Simmons, A. W. Jacobs, J. W. Holmes, A. S. Venen,
Leander W. Wood, Benjamin F. BennighofF, L. S. Davis and A. O.
liOngnecker.
Lentz Post No. 121, Grand Army of the Republic, w^as organized
on April 6, 1883, with the following comrades as charter members:
Samuel B. Yeats, W. O. Ludlow, William Rife, Abner Root, Ithamer
"Watkins, James Ranev, Frederick Gerrv, John Puntney, Adam
Feiler, D. N. Dunlap, James INIcCampbell, W. F. Myers, W. E.
Duncan, C. C. Evans, E. W. Ward, Jonathan Childs. The first
post commander was D. N. Dunlap.
The soldiers of the Rebellion living in and about Fontanelle at
the present time are: J. J. Campbell, Flay Remine, D. Edwards,
L. W. Wood, D. C. Chapman, C. C. Evans, Caleb Eddy, Twombly,
Charles Scofield, J. F. Templeman and Robert Sproul. Those buried
in Fontanelle cemetery are: J. D. Hetherington, George Lents,
Jonathan Childs, Timmons, J. Watkins, C. B. Scott, B. Dwinnelle,
Egbert Hawks, Adam Feiler, D. W. Marquart, Art Colwell, Nelson
Bates, Jr., W. J. Jacobs, D. N. Dunlap, C. Pettit, Green, Harvey
Johnson, D. W. Prewitt, Willis, D. Carver. Those in other ceme-
teries are: Richland, Thomas Ewing and Abe Smith; Jackson:
Abner Root; Prussia, Henry Walton; Eureka, Henry Bloomfield.
There are also buried Briggs Alden, a soldier of the War of 1812;
Titus Sullivan, of the INIexican war; and Fred Carver of the Span-
ish-American war.
CHAPTER XI
ORIENT TOWX AXD TOWNSHIP
Orient Township occupies the space of a full congressional town-
ship. The watershed of the ^Mississippi and ^lissouri rivers traverses
the township from the northwest to the southeast corner and on either
side of this several streams find their source. The two principal
streams are the Nodaway and the Nine JNIile Run, together with
their branches. The Nodaway flows to the southwest, while Nine
^lile Run takes a northeasterly course. The only timber in the town-
ship is found along tlie banks of the Nine INIile Run.
OKGAXIZATION
The official organization of Orient Township occurred on June
7, 1809. It was organized as Dayton Township, but not long after-
wards changed to its present name, by a petition to the board of
supervisors of Adair County, in September following the organiza-
tion, and signed by the leading citizens of the township. The first
election was held in October, 1869, and the officers chosen were: Jud-
son ^Morgan and W. H. Strong, justices; J. L. Leggett, clerk; T. N.
Thatcher, W. A. Jennings, constables; R. Schweers, R. Dillow, H.
Launder, trustees; R. L. Johnson, road supervisor; there was a tie
vote between J. C. Hoffstatter and N. Harris for the office of
assessor.
EARLY SETTLERS
The pioneer settler of the territory now known as Orient Town-
slii]) was Reuben Dillow, a native of Ohio, who emigrated to Iowa
and entered land upon section 26 in July, 1860. Immediately he
constructed a small house for himself and family. The hardships
undergone by the pioneer and his family were many; their rude
dwelling afforded little protection from the wind and snow; for five
Years their nearest neighbors were fifteen miles distant. Thev went
121
122 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
to Winterset and Aftoii to do their milling and to get provisions.
Dillow never had any education, but learned to read and write after
he was thirty years of age. He .prospered in this county, however,
during the early years, but in later life lost his hard earned savings
through unfortunate circumstances.
Rhineheart Schweers was the second man to take up a residence
in the township, settling upon section 16 during the year 1865. He
remained in the township seven or eight years, after which he removed
to Oregon, where he died some years later.
The third person to come to the township was Edward E. Kates,
who came in the fall of 186.5 and located upon section 26. He only
remained here two years, when he emigrated to Tennessee.
Michael Smith came in the fall of 1866 and entered land upon
Section 25.
Dr. T. L. Andrews was the pioneer physician in the township.
He afterward practiced at Creston, la.
NOTES OF HISTORY
The first birth in Orient Township was that of a daughter of
James and Elizabeth Welsh, in the latter part of August, 1860.
The child died in October following, which was also the first death
in the township. The child bore the name of jNIary J.
The first marriage which occurred in the township was that of
William H. Tliompson and Ellen Dillow, on October 8, 1869.
Reuben Dillow plowed the first ground and sowed the first grain
in the spring of 1861.
The first funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. S. Elliott,
Methodist minister at Afton, over the remains of a child of Reuben
and Eliza Dillow in August, 1861.
The first house built in the township was that belonging to Dil-
low, which was erected in the summer of 1860.
The first Fourth of July celebration was held at a schoolhouse
on Section 16 in 1869. Mrs. Hannah H. (Thatcher) Armstrong
read the Declaration of Independence. She was the school teacher
at that time.
The first Sunday school in the township was organized in 1869,
at a schoolhouse on section 16. Dr. T. L. Andrews was elected
su])erintendent.
The chapter on education contains the story of the early schools in
Orient Township.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 123
TOWN OF ORIENT
The town of Orient is located almost in the geographical center
of the township from which it is named. In January, 1879, the rail-
road reached the point on Mhich the town was laid out in the spring
of the same year. A postoffice by the same name was previously
established not far distant from the place, and which was afterward
removed to Orient.
The first business established was by George Peet, who located
in January, 1879, erected a small elevator and began buying grain
from the farmers. He also had a lumber vard, the first in town. A
short time afterwards ^Marcus Hennesy located at this place and
engaged in the coal and grain business. Following him came Collins
& Young, who erected a building 22 by 46 feet, of two stories, and
opened a general merchandise store. Slocum & Stowell succeeded
this firm in 1880, carrying on the business until June, 1883, when
Mr. Slocum succeeded the old firm. Another general stock was
added to the town by Eugene H. Sprague in 1879. He previously
carried on business on JNIiddle River, but removed his stock to Orient
and erected a building.
The hardware business was first represented in Orient about Jan-
uary, 1882, by Frank Cobb. He carried on the business for about
a year, when John Peet purchased and took possession. George W.
Lewis was the first blacksmith in the town. John W. Banks opened
a harness shop in 1881. In 1880 John C. HofFstatter opened a wagon
and repair shop. Henry Schertinger entered the meat market busi-
ness in July, 1884. The station at Orient was completed and opened
for business on April 14, 1879.
iNIarcus Hennesy built the first dwelling house in the town. It
was 24 by 24 feet in size. Josiah R. Young and family were the first
to permanently locate. George Peat was the first business man to
settle down here. The first child born in the community was to J. N.
Colby and wife in the fall of 1879. Samuel Crumrine was the first
to get married, going to Ohio for his wife.
The ground for the Orient cemetery was purchased in the fall of
1869 of Judson Morgan for $25 and consisted of one acre, located
on the southwest quarter of section 16. The body of William A.
Hoff statter was the first to be interred there.
Orient is one of the bright, prosj)erous towns of Adair County.
In most cases the town is the outgrowth of agricultural fruition and
while Orient possesses some elements of growth independent of these,
124 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
it cannot be denied that to the utilization of Nature's advantages, so
plentifully distributed in its splendid surroundings, it is chiefly
indebted, not alone for its existence, but also for its past successful
accomplishments and its brilliant future prospects. Orient is sur-
rounded by a magnificent country and one has but to glance over the
broad expanse of the surrounding country to discover what is a truly
agricultural section, a large portion of which is tributary to this town
and for which it is the market place. The town is an index to the
character of the countrA^ There are hundreds of well tilled farms,
numerous herds of excellent cattle, handsome and substantial farm
residences, commodious stock barns and well filled granaries. As a
stock and grain country the territory immediately surrounding Orient
is equal to any in the state and is the reason for the large shipments
of stock and grain which go from this point.
Among the better things which the town may boast of are : Two
banks, three churches, several elevators and mills, a handsome new
school building for the high school which was constructed in 1912 at
a cost of $13,000; a grade school building built in 1894; good hotels;
and good railroad service. The business men of the town are wide
awake and filled with the proper civic spirit and there is every reason
to believe that in the future years Orient will have grown to be one
of the foremost towns in this section of the state.
BANKS
The character of the banks in any community is largely a gauge
to the prosperity of the people. The condition of the two banks in
Orient testifies strongly as to the solid foundation upon which the
community is built.
The First State Bank of Adair County, as it is termed, was
opened under the name of the Bank of Orient in the spring of 1894
by Lewis Linebarger and his son, H. N. On June 2, 189.5, the bank
Avas incorporated under the present name. Lewis Linebarger was
the first president; H. N. Linebarger, vice president and cashier.
The capital stock was $2.5,000, the same as in 191.5. In 1894 a sub-
stantial brick building had been constructed for the accommodation
of the bank and wliich cost about $3,700. D. G. Wiley came to the
bank as bookkeeper in 1896, in 1900 was elected assistant cashier,
and in ]May, 1901, was given the office of cashier. He resigned this
position in June, 1902, and C. A. Haynes was elected in the vacancy.
On December 1, 190.5, the interests of the bank were purchased by
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 125
the following directors and stockholders: J. T. Dalby, D. G. Wiley,
E. W. Wiley, H. A. Dalby, E. E. Dalby. J. T. Dalby was chosen
as president; D. G. Wiley, vice president; and C. A. Haynes, cashier.
In December, 1906, J. F. Kingery took the position of cashier. A. R.
Coif man is the present assistant cashier of the institution. In all
business dealings the First State Bank of Adair County bears the
confidence and respect of the people, which is proved by the average
total of deposits for the institution, which runs at about $170,000.
The Orient Savings Bank was organized on October 26, 1905,
and the charter was issued Xovember 7th of the same year. The
first stockholders and directors of the bank were: S. L. Shreves,
R. A. Shreves, C. K. Shreves, E. H. Shreves, Carrie C. Shreves,
B. F. Augustine and Annie Carlyle. The first capital stock was
$10,000. S. L. Shreves was the first president; E. H. Shreves, vice
president; and R. A. Shreves, cashier. On August 22, 1908, the
Slireves interests were principally bought out by other stockholders
and the following elected as new officers: ^I. W. Witham, president;
A. K. Reed, first vice president; John INIusmaker, second vice presi-
dent; S. R. Graham, assistant cashier. On February 14, 1910, R. B.
Farquhar became cashier of the bank, which position he holds at the
present time. On February 19, 1910, M. W. Witham resigned the
place of president of the bank and A. K. Reed was elected to fill
the vacancy. On October 1, 1910, A. E. Johnson became vice presi-
dent, the system of first and second vice presidents having been
abolished. On ^larch 4, 1912, the capital stock of the institution
was raised from $10,000 to $20,000. On January 8, 1913, S. R.
Graliam resigned as assistant cashier and T. C. Likens was elected,
who in turn resigned. There is no regular assistant cashier at the
present time, but Floyd G. Mason fills the position of bookkeeper.
On October 1, 1914, Eugene Tinsman was elected vice president.
The surplus carried by the bank at the present time is $6,000 and
the deposits average about $110,000. The bank building was con-
structed in the year 1906 and cost about $2,700. The fixtures cost
$2,100 additional. This bank is a rapidly growing one and is well
patronized by the people of Orient township and town.
SOCIETIES
As in most towns of the size of Orient the fraternal and social
life is one of the leading factors. Among the prominent lodges are :
the Ancient Free and Accepted ^lasons, the Order of Eastern Star,
126 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the 3Iodern Woodmen,
Yeomen, Rebeccas, Woman's Relief Corps, Woman's Christian
Temperance Union and the Ladies' ^londay Evening Club. The
latter organization has had, perhaps, more to do with the betterment
of the town than any other organization. The ladies composing the
membership of this small club are united to make Orient a clean city
for the youth and for their own home lives. This society is about
fifteen years old. The ]Masonic and Odd Fellows are united into a
Masonic and Odd Fellows Ruilding Association and have a building
in joint ownership, the upper part used as a lodge hall and the lower
as a store.
NEWSPAPERS
The first newspaper to be established in Orient was The Delib-
erator, by Homer Hewitt, in 1895. The office was conducted in the
room above the present Witham land office building. Hewitt ran this
publication for a few years and then suspended for about two years.
At this time A. T. Fetter came to the town, bringing his own office
machinery with him, and started the Reporter. In two years Frank
W. Sprague bought out the Fetter plant and continued the publica-
tion until 1901, when he sold to J. M. Triechler. J. E. Triechler
acted as editor. This owner handled the paper with good success
until jNIarch, 191,5, when he sold out to John U. Gitzy, the present
proprietor. The paper is issued weekly and is a five column quarto.
The circulation is about 700.
CHAPTER XII
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF ADAIR
The name of Siimniit Township was suggested by Wesley Tay-
lor, from the fact that the ridge forming the watershed between the
3Iississippi and ^Missouri rivers passes through this township from
southeast to northwest.
INIiddle River has a branch which has its source within the limits
of this township, on sections 3 and 10, and flows in a southeasterly
direction toward the main stream. The Middle Nodaway River
takes its rise in sections 11 and 14, and flowing southwesterly, crosses
sections 15, 22, 21, 28, 29, 32 and 31, passes into Eureka Township
on the south line of the latter section. Several other branches of this
stream also drain the south part of this subdivision. Turkey Creek,
rising in the northern central part of the township, waters with its
main stream and tributaries, sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17 and 18. Tim-
ber lias never been very plentiful in this township. The soil is rich
in most of the places.
EAKLY SETTLEMENT
Azariah Sisson and his son, William A., who came here in June,
1869, were undoubtedly the first settlers in Summit Township. They
made a settlement on the north half of Section 16. Wilham A. Sis-
son was train dispatcher for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rail-
road at Atlantic for about two years. Azariah Sisson w^as born in
Rensselaer County, New York, on September 16, 1822.
Tlie next settler was Abner Sisson, a brother of Azariah. He
came here from Bureau County, 111., in 1869, and located upon the
southwest quarter of section 17. This place he afterwards sold and
bought the southwest quarter of Section 27. He devoted most of
his life to farming and stock raising. Elmer, one of their children,
was killed by a runaway team.
127
128 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
Next came John Chestnut, Sr. In 1870 he made a settlement
on the south half of section 16 and later moved to the southeast quar-
ter of the same section. He was a native of Virginia.
Aurel Albee came to this vicinity in 1870. He came from Bureau
County, 111., and bought 600 acres of land and located upon the south
half of Section 9. About the year 1877 he moved to California,
where he died in 1883.
E. M. Day was a settler of the year 1870 and owned a small
building on the farm of Azariah Sisson, where he taught school in
the summer of the same year.
In the autumn of 1870 Richard and William Lynam settled upon
the northwest quarter of section 20. They came to this county from
Galva, 111., but onlv staved here for a short time.
A. ]M. Todd came here in 1871 and located upon the southwest
quarter of section 19. He remained here for a year and a half.
Among the earlv settlers of the vears 1870 and 1871 were: Rob-
ert Grant, C. Enright and several others. Grant was a native of
Ireland and emigrated to America when thirteen years of age. He
lived in New York and Illinois prior to coming to Adair County. In
1870 lie came to this county, and here lived until 187-5, when he went
to Eureka Township and improved a quarter section.
In the spring of 1872 Andrew and David Kingery came to the
south \s'est quarter of section 16. They came from Lanark, 111.
Samuel Knisely came to the township in 1880; Leroy Curtis came
in 1874; John KaufFman in 1869; Alvin Thayer in 1875; James M.
Johnson in 1881 and Frank Hern in 187o.
FIRST ITEMS
The first marriage in the township was that of Henry H. Blakes-
ley and JNIattie L. Sisson, on Feburary ,5, 187-3. Tlie ceremony was
performed by Elder C. P. West at the house of the bride's father,
Azariah Sisson.
The first death in the township was that of George, son of Rich-
ard Lynam. The second death was that of Elmer F. Sisson, son of
Abner Sisson.
ORGANIZATION
Summit Township was set oif from Walnut, to which it had been
attached in 1871. A petition to that effect M'as presented to the board
of supervisors of Adair Countv on ^Nlarch 11th of that vear, signed
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 129
by the following persons: W. A. Sisson, Azariah Sisson, DeKalb
Chestnut, A. Albee, Abner Sisson, William Lynam, John Chestnut,
J. W. Chestnut, Robert Grant, C. Enright, R. H. Lynam, and T. J.
Foster. In response the board granted the petition and designated
the schoolhouse on section 17 as the place of holding the first election,
and appointed Abner Sisson as the organizing officer. Accordingly,
in October, at the general election, the following officers were chosen:
John Chestnut and Aurel Albee, trustees; Azariah Sisson, justice;
John W. Chestnut, clerk; John Chestnut, Sr., assessor.
ADAIR
The point at which the Town of Adair is located was chosen on
account of it being the highest point on the Chicago, Rock Island and
Pacific Railroad when the latter was projected through the county.
It was laid out on land belonging to George C. Tallman, of Brooklyn,
New York, during the summer of 1872, and the name of Adair given
to it. The plat of the town was filed for record in the office of the
county recorder on August 20, 1872. The Tallman land, where the
town was first laid out, on section 4, was not used to any extent for
several years. The business portion of the town started on section
3, which is now the business section. The Tallman plat was called
West Adair and was composed principally of residences. Nothing
was done toward building the town, however, until the following
summer, when the railroad put in a station and Charles Stuart con-
structed a lumber yard. Since that time the town has had a very
comfortable growth. The census in 1873 showed a census of 18
people, and in the next year this had increased to 84, and to 150 in
1875. The present population of Adair is fixed at 1,012, census 1915.
The first dwelling house in the town was erected in the summer
of 1873 by Levi Clay in West Adair. The following autumn D. E.
Bancroft and John Henry son each built dwellings and in the winter
H. P. Starr built. James Miller erected a small house opposite that
of Starr in the same year.
GROWTH OF BUSINESS
The first store in the town was established by Moodv & Moran
of Casey in the early fall of 1873, in a building which they erected
for the purpose and which was among the first buildings in the village.
In 1874 the interest of S. B. Moody was purchased by James A.
Toi. I— g
130 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Parker and the firm name changed to that of Moran & Parker. This
continued until 1879 when JNIoran bought out his partner and ran the
business alone until 1882, when JM. L, McManus became a partner.
The next dealer in the line of general merchandise was V. M.
Lahman. In 1874 Frank Arnold put up a building w^hich was imme-
diately rented by Mr. Lahman, who put in a stock of goods. After
remaining in this for about a year he moved to Wiota. In 1875, just
after his removal, Wilson & Patton rented the same building and
put in a stock of the same line and continued until 1876, when Wilson
purchased the interest of his partner and took in John Hunter.
These men ran the establishment until 1878, when it was bought out
bv F. Furst.
On January 1, 1879, George Faga & Company commenced busi-
ness at this jDoint, opening a store for the sale of general merchan-
dise.
The pioneer dealer in agricultural machinery was J. A. Ramsdell,
who commenced business in 1874.
John Jackson began his career as agricultural implement dealer
in Adair in 1881, in a building which he erected for the purpose.
D. W. JNIoss constructed a building and placed therein a drug
stock, which he sold until 1881, when he traded it to F. L. Gordinier
for a quarter section of land and then moved to Kansas. The new
proprietor continued in the business until he sold out to Dr. ]\I. F.
Stults.
In June, 1877, INIoss & Baldwin opened another drug store, which
they later sold to Locker & Porter, who operated it until 1880, when
they disposed of the store to Fayette Parsons.
Charles Stuart shipped a quantity of lumber here in the fall of
1872 and started a yard which lie placed in the control of H. P. Starr.
F. D. Arnold entered the grain and lumber business at Adair in
1873 in company with Capt. Charles Stuart. W. R. Turner began
the lumber business in 1876. Frank McFarland began the same
business in 1873.
The pioneer jewelry store was established in 1882 by G. W.
Henkle, who put in a stock in a building on the south side of INIain
Street. He afterwards moved to another building a little west of
this and took Warren Swart in as a partner.
The pioneer milliners of Adair were INIisses Donahey and Moss,
who opened an establishment in 1876 in the drug store of Doctor
Parsons, but closed out after running one season.
STREET SCENES IN ADAIR
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 131
The first shoemaker of Adair was J. H. Henryson, who came to
the village in 1874 and worked at his trade in his dwelling house. He
afterwards constructed a small building. Here he continued in busi-
ness until 1878, when he disposed of the building, and became a
salesman in the store of F. Furst.
A harness shop was opened by Charles Camper in 1879 in a
building which he erected for the purpose.
The first blacksmith shop in the village was run by J. A. Beebe,
who came to Adair in June, 1874, and opened in a building which he
built at the foot of Main Street.
The pioneer physician was F. D. Longher, who settled in Adair
in 187.5.
BANKS
The Bank of Adair, a private establishment, was organized in
July, 1882, by G. H. Whitmore. Whitmore was a native of Ashta-
bula County, Ohio. A. C. Savage also had a private bank about the
same time called the Farmers Bank. '
The Exchange Bank, a private institution, was started about the
year 1879. The bank was housed in a frame building and was run in
conjunction with a general store where the Kelsey & Wagner general
store is now located. The store was sold in 1888 and in 1891 a brick
building was constructed and is now in use by the bank. F. Furst
is the president; JNI. C. Furst, cashier; C. Rochholz, assistant cashier;
and Vera E. Wark, bookkeeper. The responsibilities of the company
are fixed at about the sum of $150,000.
The First National Bank was started in 1903 as the Savings
Bank. W. R. Turner was the president of the Savings and jNI. R.
Porter was cashier. The building was purchased of G. H. Whit-
more, who had operated a private bank as mentioned above. This
bank was in the building now occupied by Lynch & Byers' law office.
On November 16, 1905, new interests took hold of the Savings
Bank and ran it as the same for 1^/2 years. In 1907 it was changed
to the First National Bank and the following were the first officers :
INI. H. Welton, president; M. L. ^NIcManus, vice president; Roy R.
Welton, cashier; J. F. JNIclManus, assistant cashier. These officers
are the same now with the exception of Thomas Robinson, vice presi-
dent, and D. H. INIueller, assistant cashier. The first capital stock
was .$12,000; this was raised to $25,000, and on June 20, 1913, was
again raised to $35,000. There is a surplus of about $10,000 and the
average deposits are $200,000. The new building was occupied by
132 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
the bank on August 1, 1914. There are sixteen stockholders at the
present tmie. The bookkeepers are Mabel Chestnut and Carrie
Anders.
NEWSPAPERS OF ADAIR
The Adair Reflector was a six-column folio established at Adair in
the spring of 1874 by Charles Stuart. The first issue came off the
presses May 28th of that year. This paper ran for several years and
then was abandoned.
The Adair News was established in the spring of 1882, the initial
number making its appearance on JNIarch 17th. G. W. Wilkinson
was the proprietor of the paper, and the office was located over
Moran's store. The subscription price at this time was $1.25 per
year. Adair was then not incorporated, being a part of Summit
Township. The paper was a four-column quarto and the pages were
834 inches by 12 1/3 in dimensions. In 1889 the News passed into
the hands of J. B. Richardson. On July 5th of the same year the
plant was sold to Charles C. Pugh, who later was associated with
W. C. Pugh in the ownership of the paper. F. Kingsbury was the
next owner and editor of the paper and sold it to J. W. Ivitch on
August 11, 1892. On May 8, 1896, G. L. Gillies bought the paper
and became editor and on January 1, 1897, A. P. McDowell bought
the plant. On January 1, 1906, Roy A. Stacey purchased the News
from INIcDowell and is in present charge. A new building was com-
pleted May 1, 1915, and the paper is now located in probably the
finest country newspaper office in the State of Iowa. The building
is 70 by 25 feet, with ornamental front, four columns being used as
shown in the picture. The press room is well equipped and the presses
and other heavy machinery are placed upon cement bases to insure
rigidity and non-conducting of sound and vibration. The windows
are of steel, with ribbed wire glass. The cost of the structure was
approximately $4,000. The present circulation of the News is 1,200.
MILLS AND ELEVATORS
In the spring of 1875 Heacock & Delaney erected a mill in the
vicinity of the town. They operated this for a time and then were
succeeded by Delaney Brothers, and in 1879 it was purchased by
Frank L. Gordenier and W. R. Turner. In 1881 Gordenier bought
the Turner interest and took in as a partner his brother, S. L., on
April 7, 1883.
VIEWS IN ADAIR
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 133
111 September, 1873, Charles Stuart commenced the erection of
an elevator at this place. He put this under the charge of Fran
Arnold.
HOTELS
In the fall of 1874 D. S. West constructed a hotel which was
known as the Adair House, but which was afterwards burned to the
ground. In the spring of 1875 P. Luckinbill built a hotel which
was called the Bear Grove House, which he ran until he sold out to
Thomas Rodda. This latter host ran the place for a time, then sold
out to Doctor Johnson, who leased it to John J. Irving. In 1878 it
passed into the hands of John J. Richardson. It was then known
as the Commercial House. Laban North built another hotel in the
spring of 1874, which was called the North Star Hotel. Poor busi-
ness compelled the closing of the doors of this place. The Reynolds
House was erected by Hiram N. Reynolds in 1883, at a cost of
$3,000, and was a first class establishment for the day.
POSTOFFICE
The postoffice at Adair was established in the spring of 1874 and
John E. JNIoran received the commission as the first postmaster. He
held this position, having the office in his store, until October 21, 1881,
when he resigned and Harvey Smith was appointed to his place.
GROWTH OF THE CITY
In the steady growth which has been the good fortune of the
City of Adair there has been nothing of the boom variety. The town
is founded on solid rock and its institutions, schools, churches, clubs
and financial activities, as well as merchandise trading, are well
organized. There is developing in the town in very recent years a
civic desire for improvement which first had its fruits four years ago,
in 1911, when the city water and electric plant was established. This
is just the beginning of further improvements such as paving and
sewerage and better curbing and walks. Being located on the main
line of the Rock Island Railroad has a great deal to do with the
success of the town as a shipping center. Quantities of grain and
stock are brought in here to be shipped to the eastern markets. The
White Way, a marked and improved highway from Chicago to Den-
134 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
ver, passes through this town and was largely promoted by one of
the enterprising citizens of Adair, Roy A. Stacey, editor of the News.
SOCIETIES
Beulah Lodge No. 449, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was
instituted on July 3, 1884, with the following officers: J. F. Wilkin-
son, worshipful master; James W. Moore, senior warden; L. M.
Hawes, junior warden; John Jackson, treasurer; J. H. Henryson,
secretary; J. E. Moran, senior deacon; A. M. Kibby, junior deacon;
G. T. Hendricks, S. S.; R. K. Eby, J. S.; Joseph RafFensperger,
tyler. Beulah Lodge, while under dispensation, admitted, passed
and raised the following named brothers: J. S. Shaver, M. F. Stults,
Thomas Fitzgerald, G. W. Henkle and Samuel Ewing. The orig-
inal charter members were: Levi Clay, J. F. Wilkinson, L. M.
Hawes, John Jackson, J. H. Henryson, J. M. Moore, W. S. Wish-
ard, A. M. Kibby, J. E. Moran, R. K. Eby, G. T. Hendricks, H. W.
Smith, J. H. Devault, Joseph RafFensberger, C. Pettitt.
Summit Lodge No. 348, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
was organized and instituted on May 17, 1876, with the following
charter members: D. W. Moss, C. H. Vancott, C. C. Washburn,
J. H. Henryson, Samuel Ewing, James Campbell and J. K. James.
The first officers elected were: D. W. Moss, noble grand; C. H. Van-
cott, vice grand; C. C. Washburn, secretary; J. H. Henryson, treas-
urer; James A. Parker, P. S.
Adair Lodge No. 205, Ancient Order United Workmen, was
organized and instituted November 17, 1879. The first officers of
the lodge were: J. H. Porter, P. M. W.; J. H. Henryson, M. W.;
C. C. Washburn, G. F.; W. R. Turner, O.; D. L. Wilson, Rec;
J. G. Watrus, Finan.; C. Pettitt, Recv. ; D. H. Kingery, G. ; J. J.
Beebe, I. W.; L. Clay, O. W. The charter members of this lodge
were: T. D. Lougher, H. P. Starr, John V. Brown, G. W. Dosh,
D. E. Bancroft, J. C. Gearheart and W. C. Libby.
Washington Post No. 13.5, Grand Army of the Republic, was
organized on February 22, 1883, with the following comrades as
charter members: D. E. Bancroft, M. Johnson, G. L. Blakeslee,
W. L. Dinsmore, J. M. Howell, C. Pettitt, H. P. Starr, J. H. Porter,
J. INI. :Moore, L. M. Hawes, C. C. Reynolds, G. M. Goforth, L. G.
Hesser, John Kaufman, N. Hopkins, V. H. Wright, J. Breinerd.
The follo^\'ing men are the veterans now living in the town and
township: John Coddington, Joseph RafFensberger, Joseph Fur-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 135
stenberg, Martin Brennan, J. H. Elliott, Wes McDowell, Farns-
worth, Powell, M. L. INIeManus, T. A. Whittam, S. H. Wark, David
Hammond, A. D. Arthur, Dan Largent, W. P. Cowden, J. H.
Porter, Frank Dutro and Elijah Brownlee. There are about twenty
veterans buried in the cemetery at the outskirts of the city.
A TRAIN ROBBERY
On July 21, 1873, at a point two miles west of Adair, occurred
a train robbery on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad.
Some men, supposed at the time to have been members of the noted
James brothers' gang, had been loafing around in the neighborhood,
spending their time doing odd jobs for farmers or anything to make
their j^resence appear an innocent one. On the day of the robbery
they procured a rope and going to the point of the robbery they
loosened the spikes in the ties and attached the rope to the rail without
moving it. The rope they carried up a high bank, behind which they
waited. About 8 o'clock the express came dashing along and just
before the engine came to the loosened rail the latter was pulled away,
and the train came to an abrupt stop with its nose buried in the bank.
The tender was thrown upon the cab of the engine and the engineer,
John RafFerty, was killed outright. The outlaws then descended
from the bank and rifled the express car of money, jewelry and other
valuables, making a haul of about $3,000, with which they success-
fully escaped. The conductor was slightly wounded by a bullet, but
none of the passengers was hurt in any wB.y. Levi Clay carried the
message to Casey and was instrumental in starting a pursuit of the
robbers. It was found upon investigation that the tool house of
the railroad company had been broken open and the tools taken there-
from with which to loosen the spikes. The pursuit of the bandits
was unsuccessful, as they reached the Missouri in safety. George
Sisson, son of Azariah, in company with H. H. Blakesley, followed
them into the latter state. The indications pointed to the fact that
the men were members of the James gang.
THE 1884 FIRE
On the night of Friday, April 18, 1884, a fire broke out in the
ToM^n of Adair. The local newsj^aper account of the disaster was
as follows:
136 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
"Tlie fire broke out in the clothing house of Myers, Schnier &
Company, and spreading west and southwest, consumed the hard-
ware store of Kelsey & Bodley, and the agricultural implement house
of John Jackson. Eastward it communicated to the residence of
William Inghram, the saloon of Charles Fisher, the livery stable of
R. S, Pinkerton, the agricultural implement warehouse of George
Ish, the dry goods store of E. Cate, and was at last checked iji its
progress by tearing down the building occupied by Henkle & Swart
as a jewelry and furniture store. In regard to the losses it is esti-
mated that John Jackson loses on his stock of agricultural imple-
ments about two thousand five hundred dollars. No insurance.
Kelsey & Bodley, on building occupied by Jackson, $250, and on
their own stock of hardware about two thousand five hundred dollars.
They had an insurance on the stock about enough to cover their loss.
James A. Parker, on the building occupied by Kelsey & Bodley,
about six hundred and fifty dollars. ]Myers, Schnier & Company, on
stock of clothing, boots and shoes, about two thousand five hundred
dollars. The stock was entirely destroyed, but entirely covered by
insurance. William Inghram lost on restaurant building, stock and
fixtures, and building occupied by Myers, Schnier & Company, about
one thousand six hundred dollars. Two show cases, with their con-
tents, were all that was saved from his stock. No insurance. Charles
Fisher lost on his saloon fixtures about four hundred dollars, on which
he had no insurance. ]Mrs. J. Reimers, who owned this building,
places her loss at $600, and also was without insurance. R. S. Pinker-
ton on his livery stable lost about eight hundred dollars. The contents
were all saved except about one hundred fifty dollars worth of feed
and trinkets, covered by insurance. George Ish reckoned his loss on
stock at $500 and had no insurance. The building he occupied was
owned by C. INI. INIyers and caused a loss to that gentleman of $250,
which was without insurance. E. Cate's stock of dry goods was all
saved, but in a damaged condition, causing him a slight loss of about
one hundred dollars, also without insurance. J. W. Dowdall, on the
building occupied by Cate and on household goods, incurred a clear
loss of $1,100, as he had no insurance either. The building was a
two-story one and the upper part was occupied by ]Mr. Dowdall as a
residence. Henkle & Swart, on their stock of furniture, lost about
four hundred dollars, not insured. A. Krudiner owned this building
and put his loss at $600, with an insurance of $400. John Sheran's
stock of groceries and dry goods was carried out and badly damaged,
probably to the extent of $300, which was fully covered by insurance.
?yijiApi
.Ar<'tii(.(ii>t cii
C'atliulic Cliiueli
Water Tower
I'rr.slntcriaii C'lunch
VIEWS OF ADAIR
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 137
M. Dunkin lost about two hundred dollars by the damage sustained
by his drug stock being carried out, with no insurance.
"The cause of the fire is not known, but is thought by all to be the
work of an incendiary, as ten of the citizens had passed there on their
way home from council meeting and a session of the township
trustees, not fifteen minutes, at the most, before the whole of the build-
ing was in flames, and they had not discovered anything in the shape of
fire, and, as it was a very dark night, the smallest light would have been
seen. If it had not been raining at the time and a strong wind from
the northeast blowing, there is no doubt but that the whole of the
business part of the to\\Ti would have been burned to the ground.
As it was, it was only by the superhuman efforts of the citizens that
it was saved. The Larson Building, the Sheran Building, the meat
market. Odd Fellows Hall and ]M. Dunkin's drug store were in the
line of the fire and only a vacant space of about ten feet remained
between the furniture store and the Larson Building, and here it was
by hard work the furniture store was pulled down and the fire
checked. The fire was first discovered by Frank Kingsbury and
Charles Fisher, but which saw it first is hard to determine, as they
raised the alarm about the same time. JNIiss Belle Kelsey, who was
staying at John Shaver's, was one of the first to be aroused by the
portentious cry of 'Fire!' and through rain and mud, with but one
shoe on, she went from one end of the town to the other, spreading
the alarm. The ladies took hold and worked in saving goods and
carrying water, and it was wdth their aid that a large quantity of
goods was saved. The residence of R. S. Pinkerton, just south of the
burned district, was set on fire several times by burning brands, but
was extinguished before much damage was done."
CHAPTER XIII
BRIDGEWATER TOWN AXD TOWNSHIP
OEGANIZATION
The Township of Bridgewater was set off from Jackson and
Washington townships in the year 1895. A petition was presented
to the board of supei'visors in that year, signed by the citizens of the
community, asking that all of sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and
34 in township 75, range 33, be set off and taken from Jackson Town-
ship and that all of sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in township 74, range .
33, be set off and taken from Washington Township and be formed
together into the new Township of Bridgewater. This petition was
presented in January, 1895, and approved by the supervisors, with
the order that same w^as to go into effect on January 1, 1896. This
strip of land, in plainer terms, runs 2^4 miles east and west and is
one mile wide, one-half extending into each of the townships of Jack-
son and Washington.
BRIDGEWATER TOWN
The Town of Bridgewater had its start in the year 1885 by the
building of the Chicago, Quincy and Burlington Railroad through
that territory. The railroad company purchased the main site of the
town from several gentlemen, their names and amount of land bought
being as follows: From J. B. Sullivan, 80 acres; from George F.
Clark, 20 acres; from INIatt Lednun, 10 acres; and from Thomas
Warrior, 10 acres. The plat was filed October 13, 1885. The name
of the town was probably given from the fact that the railroad at
this point had considerable difficulty in bridging the Nodaway River,
being compelled to construct a bridge 640 feet in length. This origin
of the name has never been verified, but is accepted as the most prob-
able of all sources.
The first store in the new Town of Bridgewater was started by
S. F, Peterson. He came from a distance of six miles and installed
a general stock of goods in a frame building constructed for the
138
BRIDGE WATER SAVINGS BANK
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 139
purpose. JNIr. Wolford came from the east side of the county at the
same time, if not shortly previous to Mr. Peterson, and also started
a general store. K. R. Madden was the first man to open a hardware
business in the young community and shortly afterwards E. Sulgrove
purchased a partnership in his business. The Fisher Brothers, J. W.
and J. H., were the next to start a general store. Soon after Andrew
Thompson went into partnership with Wolford in the merchandise
business. E. W. Regan was the first physician to locate in Bridge-
water.
Bridgewater was unfortunate in the first year of its existence
owing to the untimely visit of a terrific cyclone, which came one night
in the summer of 1886. The tornado was unheralded and swept its
vicious course straight through the few houses in the town, doing
considerable damage. The new 2-story residence of George Lilly
was completely demolished and distributed over several square miles
of territory. JNIr. Lilly stated that he was going upstairs to bed,
carrying an oil lamp when, suddenly, he found himself in the cellar.
The AVolford store was blown off the blocks upon which it had been
placed.
In 1890 two church societies were started in Bridgewater, the
Church of Christ and the INIethodist Episcopal. Both churches
erected houses of worship that year, which are in use at the present
time. The membership of each is close around 150.
There is a very good lodge spirit in the town and the different
orders active are united in helping the destinies of their community.
Perhaps the strongest organization is the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. The jNIodern Woodmen and Knights of Pythias have char-
ters here, but are not very active at the present time. The Commu-
nity Club, just recently organized, is a very strong factor in building
up the town and township. This club is the same as a commercial
club, differing only from the fact that it is formed so as to include
the farmers in the adjacent territory as well as the citizens of the
town. Their purpose is to accomplish everything which will benefit
the country in which they live.
Bridgewater is perhaps the chief live stock center of the county.
A fact that testifies to this is that nearly all of the grain grown in
the townships around is kept there and fed to the stock, which in turn
is shipped to the markets. The shipping from this point is very
heavy. The stock raised here comprises a large amount of prize and
fancy animals. There are a number of dealers in this class of stock
in the adjacent territory.
140 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
BRIDGE WATER BANKS
The Union Bank was organized on January 6, 1890, by J. G.
Hendry and G. G. Rechtenbach, as a private bank. Rechtenbach
died soon afterwards and Mr. Hendry became the sole owner, which
position he continues in 1915. The deposits of this bank run to the
amount of $200,000 and are protected by the interests of Mr. Hendry.
The building in which the bank is housed was constructed in the year
of its organization, costing $2,600. H. E. Hendry is the present
cashier of the institution.
The Bridgewater Savings Bank was organized in August, 1905,
by ]Messrs. Harlan, Turner and Castle, from outside points. The
first capital stock was $10,000, the same being the amount at present.
The deposits amount to $95,000 and $1,000 surplus is carried. The
handsome bank building was built in 1914 at a cost of $5,000.
The fixtures are worth $2,000 extra. E. Sulgrove is president of the
institution; E. H. Sullivan is vice president; P. P. Sullivan, cashier;
and F. R. Michael, assistant cashier.
Both of these banks are on solid basis and are well patronized by
the people of the vicinity. They testify to the financial strength of
the conmiunity.
CHAPTER XIV
JEFFERSOX TOWXSHIP
Jefferson TownshijD comprises all of congressional township 77
north, range 31 west. The surface of the township is of rolling char-
acter and the soil is rich and loamy. It is mostly prairie, with a little
timher located along the stream channels. At one time excellent
timber lined the banks of Turkey Creek. The township is watered
by Middle River, Turkej'' and many other creeks and their tribu-
taries. JMiddle River enters from the west, on section 7, and flowing
in a generally southeasterly course, intersects sections 7, 8, 17, 20,
21, 22, 27 and 35. In the northwest part of the latter it makes a
confluence with Turkey Creek. This latter stream, rising in Walnut
Township, flows into Jefl*erson on the west line of section 30, and
in an easterly course crosses sections 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and in 35 enters
the main stream as above mentioned.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The first man to make a settlement within Jefferson Township
was William Alcorn, who came in the spring of 1850 and took up a
claim on section 27, near the upper crossing of the Middle River.
It was not possible for him to enter land at that time, so he built a
cabin and became what is known as a squatter. Here he lived until
he sold out his holdings to John Febus, when he took up another
claim on section 33. In the fall of 1854, growing dissatisfied with
his surroundings, he removed to Winterset, JNIadison County. He
was a native of Illinois, but came here from Dubuque, Iowa.
With Alcorn came John Gilson, who made a settlement in 1850,
but afterwards moved to Harrison Township and then left the county.
Daniel Vancil came from Illinois in the spring of 1850 and settled
on section 35. He constructed a small log cabin on his land. He did
not enter anv land in this localitv, but made himself an unsavory
reputation as a claim jumper. In the fall of 1852 he returned to
141
142 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Illinois and, about a year afterward, was hung by a mob of citizens
for a series of crimes.
George M. Holaday came to the townshii) in the spring of 1853
and settled on section 26. Here he built a double log cabin, which
was said to have been the best house in the county at the time.
John Febus came to the township from Indiana in the spring of
1853 and bought the land of WilHam Alcorn on section 27 for $300.
He remained here until the fall of 1855 and then moved to Winterset
and later to Nebraska, where he died.
Jacob Bruce came to the township in the fall of 1853 and settled
upon section 33 in the following spring. In the late '60s Jacob
Bruce had one of the largest and best orchards in Adair County; in
fact, it was almost the only producing orchard in the county, except
one belonging to L. C. Elliot in Harrison Township and one belong-
ing to David Coffin in Washington Township, both much smaller
than Bruce's.
jNIahundry Hollingsw^orth came to this vicinity in 1854 and set-
tled upon section 27, where he built a cabin home. In 1856 he moved
to Winterset. He was a native of Indiana.
In 1854 Samuel JNIinert came to section 27. He was a native of
Indiana and became a tenant on the farm of INI. Hollingsworth. He
remained here about a year and then moved to Harrison Township,
some time afterwards leaving the county.
Among the arrivals of 1854 was David H. Shields, a native of
Georgia. He came here in the spring of the year and in the fall
purchased 240 acres of land on sections 27 and 34 from John Febus.
In A^jril, 1855, he sold this land to George B. Wilson and then
moved to Harrison Township and bought the claim of John Gilson.
Shortly, however, he left the county.
George B. Wilson, a native of Ohio, moved to Adair County on
June 16, 1855, having previously bought 240 acres of land from
David Shields. He filled the position of postmaster at Holaday's for
over twenty years. He became well known as a stock raiser.
Dr. William Tingle came from Indiana in the spring of 1855 and
entered land in section 36, on which he built a cabin. He afterward
sold out to Shreeves & Hollingsworth and moved to Winterset, where
he kept a hotel. He afterw^ards went to Audubon County, la.
Patrick Hugh (Hall), a native of Ireland, came here in the
s])ring of 1856 from Keokuk, la. He rented a farm, where he stayed
until he had raised a crop, and then removed to Walnut Tow^nship,
and later from the county.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 143
A man commonly known as "Old Glimt" came from Indiana in
18.36, rented the Holaday farm, and put in a crop. However, before
harvest time had come, he sold the crop to John Easton and returned
to the Hoosier State.
Stover Rinard made his appearance in this township in April,
1856, and located upon section 8. He was a native of Randolph
County, Ind.
In the summer of 1856 Jeremiah Rinard settled on section 5 with
his family. He built a cabin on the south half of the northeast
quarter of the section, where he lived for many years. He was a
native of Indiana.
George Welker came to Jefferson Township from Indiana in the
summer of 1856 and settled upon section 36 and put up a log cabin.
He lived here but a short time, when he moved to Madison Count}^
and then back to Harrison Township, Adair County. Before leaving
he sold his claim to John R. Short, who had just come to this place
from Indiana, of which state he was a native. Short settled down
upon the farm, but after the Civil w^ar he sold out to Barnet Isley
and went to Dallas County. He was not liked here for many reasons.
Stroud A. Petts made a settlement on section 3 in the summer
of 1856. He came from Lee County, la., and building a cabin
here, stayed until the summer of 1859, when he died at Greenbush,
Warren County, where lie had gone for medical treatment. His
widow afterward married a jNIr. Rich, who was killed two years later
by the caving in of a well.
Sino Sherer came here in the summer of 1856 from Lee County.
He was a brother-in-law of Stroud A. Petts. He settled on section 7
and built a cabin. In 1865 he sold out to B. F. Mc^Iullen and moved
to Andrews County, Mo. He was at one time road supervisor in
Adair County.
Simon Barrows, a single man, came here in the fall of 1856 from
Davenport, la. He was a native of Massachusetts and came to
superintend a large tract of land. He took possession of a cabin
which had been built on section 33. He taught the first school in this
township in the winter of 1856-7 and was elected to the office of
county superintendent of schools in 1861, but resigned before the
expiration of his term of office. He then removed to Des Moines
and shortly afterward was elected superintendent of common schools
of Polk County. Later he moved to Adams County and became a
preacher.
144 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
John Loiicks settled upon section 27 during the month of Decem-
ber, 1856. He was a native of IndianapoHs, Ind.
John Shreeves came from Winterset in 1857- He later engaged
in the lumber business at Greenfield.
John Easton located on section 22 and there farmed and raised
stock with success ; his first location, however, had been on section 26
in 1857. In the spring of 1858 he built a small log cabin on section
22, in which he lived until 1864, when he constructed a larger and
better residence.
William H. Easton, son of the above, entered 440 acres of land
in Jefferson Township in May, 1855. He also bought seventy acres
of timber land from G. M. Holaday on section 4, Grove Township.
In October he moved his family to his land and spent the winter in
a log cabin. He later built another log cabin and there lived until
1882, when he erected a better dwelling. During his life here he held
every township office and helped to make the first assessment while
in the assessor's office. He was the second representative from Adair
County, being elected in the fall of 1873.
Dillon Hunt, a native of Indiana, made a settlement in 1858 on
section 7, buving a farm of Stover Rinard. He shortlv afterward
sold the farm to Mr. Still and returned to his native state. Still
resold the place to the first owner, Rinard.
Samuel S. Beale, supposed to have been a native of Indiana, came
to the township in 1858 and rented a farm owned by William Hol-
lingsworth on section 35, where he resided for a year and a half, when
he moved to Andrews County, Mo.
James Hornback came from Winterset in the spring of 1859 and
rented the Hollingsworth and Holaday farms, where he remained
about a year, when he returned to Madison County. He was an
Indiana man.
Jonathan Shreves, a native of Clay County, Illinois, came to
Adair County in 1860 and settled in Jefferson Township.
Benjamin F. McMullen came to section 7 in 1864. William F.
Edgerly came in 1875; William A. Perkins in 1877; William Wilson
in 1880; Leander Jones in 1878; Charles R. Crabb in 1870; Alonzo
H. Rinard in 1875.
EARLY DAY ITEMS
The first ground broken in the township was on the farm of
William Alcorn by Thomas Wilkinson in the fall of 1852. William
Alcorn planted the first corn in the spring of 1852, which was planted
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 145
in the sod. Jacob Bruce started the first orchard with 200 apple
trees. G. JNI. Holaday sowed the first wheat in 1854. The first oats
were sown by G. JNI. Holaday and Jolin Febus in the spring of 1854,
the former on section 35 and the latter on section 27- Jacob cradled
the first oats raised in the township in the summer of 1854 for Hola-
day and Febus.
The first birth in Jefferson Township was that of Jefferson Hol-
aday. the son of Georoe INI. and Lvdia Holaday, in the fall of 1854.
The child died in the autumn of 1855 and was buried in a pasture
field.
The first death in the township was that of the seven or eight-
year-old son of William Alcorn. He was bitten by a rattlesnake in
the summer of 1853 and died a few hours afterwards. He was
buried in the same pasture which later held Jefferson Holaday.
The first marriage was that of William Stinson and Elizabeth F.
Crow. The ceremony took place upon ]May 7, 1854, and was per-
formed by the county judge, G. INI. Holaday, at the residence of
William Alcorn. This was also the first marriage in the county, as
shown by the official records.
The first religious services held in the township were held in June,
1854, at the log cabin of John Febus on section 27. These were held
by John Creager and Samuel Johnson, residents of Madison County.
They were of the denomination then known as the New Light Chris-
tians.
The first election was held at the house of G. M. Holaday on
section 35 in 1855.
The first log house was built in the spring of 1852 by Daniel
Vancil on section 35. The second, finished about the same time, was
put up by William Alcorn on section 27. The first frame house in
the township was erected by George B. Wilson in 1857 oti section 27.
In 1865 J. B. McGinnis donated two acres of land on his farm
in section 34 for the purpose of a cemetery and the same was sur-
veyed by George B. Wilson. Wesley Taylor, who was at that time
recorder, entered the plat upon the county records. The first burial
within this beautiful city of the dead was Eli Bruce, a son of Jacob
Bruce, who died about the time of the laying out of the grounds.
MILLS
In 1858 John Easton purchased the machinery for a sawmill in
Winterset and set it up on the farm of his son, William H., on section
Vol.1 —10
146 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
23. This was the first in the township. He operated the mill until
the breaking out of the Civil war and then sold to Jerry Barker and
William ^IcCollom. This mill was run by steam power and did
custom work.
In the spring of 1866 JNIarshall ISIcCollom started a steam saw-
mill near J. B. Bruce's place on section 24, which ran about one
season, when it was moved away. Some person drove a spike into a
log and when it was driven toward the saw the latter was completely
ruined.
The ISIiddle River grist mill, located on section 7, w^as built in
the winter of 1874 by Isaiah Hollingsworth, costing over four thou-
sand dollars. In September, 1876, Andrew J. Thompson bought
out Mr. Hollingsworth.
A mill known as the Chamberlain Mill was completed in Jan-
uary, 1879, and was what was then known as the "new process mill."
The dam was constructed during the years 1876 and 1877.
POSTOFFICE
The postoffice known as Holaday's was established in 1853 as
Wahtawa and William Alcorn was commissioned the first postmas-
ter. This was originated during the great overland travel to Cali-
fornia and was established mainly for the accommodation of tlie emi-
grants to the Pacific. It was located at the house of the postmaster
on section 27 and was named after a local Indian chief. G. M. Hola-
day was the postmaster during the years 1855 and 1856 and was suc-
ceeded in 1857 by William H. Easton, who in turn gave way to John
A. Easton. In the spring of 1864 George B. Wilson took charge of
the office. The name of the office was changed on the accession to
office of G. IVI. Holaday. During a short time the office w^as kept
at the house of Thomas Breen and INIary A. Breen acted as deputy
IDostmaster.
ORGANIZATION
Jefferson Township was organized in 1855 and the first election
held at the house of G. ^I. Holaday on section 35. The first officers
chosen were as follows : Jacob Bruce, William JNIcDonald and Robert
Wilson, trustees; AVilliam Hollingsworth, clerk; and Jacob Bruce,
road supervisor.
CHAPTER XV
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP
Within the boundaries of Richland Township axe fovnid two
streams of water, namely: the east branch of the Nodaway River
and Shanghai Creek. The former river flows through the northwest
corner, entering on section 5, flowing through sections 6, 7 and 18,
passing into Washington Township from the latter section. Shanghai
Creek traverses the township from north to south through sections
1, 12. 14, 23, 22 and 27, leaving the township on section 34. There
are also several small branches of these two streams. The land is
mostly open and rolling prairie, the only timber of natural growth
being on the banks of the Nodaway River.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The first man to see]^ a home within the territory now embraced
in Richland Township was John Oilman, who settled on section 5 in
1853 and erected for himself a cabin. Harvey Fortner settled at
the same time as Gilman.
The second settler of Richland was Joshua E. Chapman, who
came in 18.54 and entered land on section 5.
In the spring of 18.55 Thomas Ewing came. He was accom-
jjanied by James Ewing.
jMilton Chapman made a settlement in December, 1855. In com-
pany with his wife and five children he came all the way from ^lonroe
County, with an ox team, traveling about sixteen miles a day. When
they arrived at Twelve ^lile Creek in Union County, it was some
twenty-five miles across the open prairie without a house to be seen
anywhere in all that distance. As the nights were bright with moon-
hght they left Twelve Mile Creek about 10 o'clock P. M. and trav-
eled all night, reaching their destination about 3 o'clock in the after-
noon of December 7th. Two days later there came a terrible snow
storm and it was impossible for another person to cross the prairie
147
148 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
that winter. As Mr. Chapman and family were not heard of again
that winter, it was supposed that they had been lost in the snow
storm and frozen to death on the prairie, and, in fact, was so reported
in an Ottumwa paper.
HISTORIC ITEMS
John Gilman built the first cabin in the township. He also broke
the first ground and sowed the first grain.
The first schoolhouse was constructed in 1858 and cost $400.
The first birth in the township was that of a son to James and
jNIargaret Ewing on April 13, 1857, and named Winfield S.
The first death in the township was that of a child of some emi-
grants passing through. The second death was that of Mary A.
Ewing on Aug\ist 19, 1860.
The first religious services were of the INIethodist Episcopal
denomination. They were held in the house of T. JNI. Ewing in the
summer of 1855.
A cemetery was laid out in 1869 and was known as the Richland
Cemetery. The cemetery in connection with the Union Church on
section 15 was laid out March 3, 1871. The first interment was a
child of A. H. Fisk. Hiram Fisk was the first adult buried there.
In the summer of 1870 Fisk postofRce was established. George
H. Walford was the postmaster.
ORGANIZATION
Richland Township was officially organized in 1860. At the fall
election of that year the following officers were elected: James S.
Ewing, justice of the peace; Benjamin ^linert, supervisor.
LODGES AND CHURCHES
In 1872 an organization known as the Grange Lodge was effected
at the McClure schoolhouse. It attained a membershij) of about
thirty and flourished about ten years. The first officers of the society
were: T. M. Ewing, master; D. J. Ely, secretary. The last secretary
of the lodge was Alexander Evans.
The Congregational Church of the Township was organized in
1881. The church building Avas erected in the summer of this year
at a cost of $1,800. There was a cemetery laid out in connection with
the church.
EEV. JOSIAH W. PEET
One of the first Congregational ministers in Adair County,
under whom was erected the first church building in the county
in Fontanelle.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 149
Richland Union Church was organized in 1878 and during the
summer a church was constructed. The first officers of the orsaniza-
tion were: A. H. Fisk, president; H. H. Dant, secretary; Andrew
Clayton, treasurer; T. M. Ewing, J. D. ^McClure, trustees.
The JNIissionary Baptist Church of Richland Township was organ-
ized in 1871 with Reverend Johnson as pastor. Services were held
at first in the Union Church.
BIOGRAPHICAL
Thomas Ewing was another early settler of note who came in
the days of the ox team, 18.54, with his brother James, and settled in
Richland Township. He served for several terms as county super-
visor and was much interested in grange, alliance and temperance
work. He was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion and was dis-
charged for disabilities incurred in the campaign culminating in the
battle of Shiloh. He died at Fontanelle in 1908.
Rev. Joseph INIather was the first Congregational minister in the
county. He came to Fontanelle and organized a church about 1858.
He died at Fontanelle in 1862.
Rev. J. W. Peet, a graduate of INIiddleburg College, Vermont,
came to the county in 1864. He preached from Lincoln to Richland
Township, riding the circuit and preaching in Lincoln, Grand River,
Greenfield, Fontanelle and Richland. He was instrumental in build-
ing churches at Fontanelle, the first in the county built in 1870, in
Grand River and in Richland. He was county superintendent of
schools for one term. After several years of service here he moved
first to Prescott, Adams County, afterward to JNIonticello, Jones
County, where he died in 1892.
George R. Peet early developed a large farm near Nevin in Adair
County; later purchased and conducted a lumber yard in Prescott,
Adams County. Upon the location of the Creston and Northern
Railroad he purchased the first lot sold in Orient and opened the
lumber business which he carried on in connection with his Prescott
business and farm operations. He afterwards traded his Adair prop-
erty for a hardware business in Monticello, Jones County. He later
moved to Alden, Hardin County, where he died in 1893.
Henry and Hyram Fisk early settled in section 16, Richland
Township, and near one corner of that section laid out the first cem-
etery in the township. Hyram died in Adair County and Henry
moved West, serving several years as sheriff in Oregon, where he now
resides, enjoying the title of Judge.
150 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
John Coolbaugh settled on a farm which he named Penn Avenue,
from his native state. His brother, William, was a promiment banker
at Bm-lington and Chicago and owner of a large amount of Adair
County land. John Coolbaugh looked after the estate, together with
his own business. He gave the Penn Avenue Cemetery to the county
and largely contributed to the building of the Penn Avenue Church.
John Coolbaugh died at the home of his son. Prof. Melville Cool-
baugh, in South Dakota and was buried in Penn Avenue Cemetery.
Homer Brooks, whose ancestry traces directly to Jonathan Brooks
who landed from the ]Mavflower on Plymouth Rock, and whose wife,
^lary Kellogg, was a lineal descendant of Governor William Brad-
ford, also of the Pilgrim band and the second governor of the colony,
settled on land which he had owned some years in Richland Township
and developed a new farm in 1879. jNIr. Brooks' grandfather was
a soldier in the patriot army througli the Revolutionary war, after-
^vard settling on the frontier in Ohio, from which state Homer Brooks
and family came to Adair County. ^Ir. Brooks lived on his farm
until 1890, when he moved to Greenfield, there dying in 1905. Mr.
Brooks was active in grange and alliance work, was a prominent
member of the IVIethodist Episcopal Church, and was at one time
candidate from Adair County for the Senate, and always a man of
strong convictions, ripe judgment, and unblemished integrity.
Another prominent early settler of Richland Township was T. C.
Heacock, of Quaker ancestry, from Ohio, who with his wife, Rachel
]Mather, also of Quaker extraction, settled early in Adair County.
]Mr. Heacock was for many years prominent in political life; strong
in grange, alliance and farmers' institute work; vice president and
director of the Farmers INIutual Insurance Company; and always a
progressive man in every effort to better the condition of society.
He moved some years since to Harper County, Kan., and there has
followed the same lines of activity as he did in Adair County.
An early settler on the south side of Richland was George W.
Grant, who came to Iowa from ]Maine about 1857. He had quite a
local reputation as a poet and created some good verses. He died
several years ago.
L. J. Gray settled in Richland Township in 1868 and farmed for
two or three years, but having lost an arm in the Civil war, he was
unable to conduct the business with the vigor necessary to the greatest
success. He removed to Fontanelle in 1873 and entered the contest
as republican candidate for county treasurer and the same year w^as
elected. During his term, there being no bank in Adair County, he
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 151
was obliged to keejD the county funds in a bank at Des INIoines. The
faihn-e of B. F. Allen's bank in that city in 1874! left the county
treasurer out about five thousand dollars, which was an entire loss to
the county. JNIr. Gray served two terms as treasurer and was after-
wards engaged in the real estate business in Greenfield with W. B.
]\Iartin and later moved to Chicago, where he died some years ago.
William W. Peet, son of Rev. J. W. Peet, also of Richland, was
a young school teacher, and deputy treasurer in the office of L. J.
Gray for about a year ; then he secured a position with the Burlington
Railroad as land and tax clerk in the office of the superintendent, a
position wliich he held for several years, being advanced to a very
responsible position in the business of that road. About 1886 he
accepted the position of financial agent for the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign INIissions at Constantinople, Turkey, a
place of vast business responsibility, w^hich he still holds.
Rev. Josiah W. Peet, a graduate of ^liddlebury College, Vt.,
and a Congregational minister, was one of the early ministers in the
county and was instrumental in building the first church in the county
at Fontanelle. He purchased and improved a farm in the south
part of Richland Township, was pastor of the churches in Richland,
Fontanelle and Grand River and preached occasionally in Lincoln
and other townships in the county. He served one term as county
superintendent of schools and took great interest in educational
development. In those times the preacher's work was mostly a labor
of love; the pecuniary consideration being hardly enough to supply
a living for himself, let alone his family. The calls for help and con-
solation took him on long horseback trips over lonely trails, and over
flooded streams; a hard, dangerous and devoted existence which
dwellers of the present generation can scarcely comprehend.
NEVIN
An example of the land shark is given in the history of the Town
of Xevin, a portion of which lies in the south part of Richland Town-
ship. Long before the days of the railroad in Iowa, about 1855, some
speculators came out to Iowa from ^Massachusetts and located a large
tract of land in Adams and Adair counties. They contemplated
platting it into house lots about the center, surrounded by two and a
half, ten acre, forty acre and one hundred and sixty acre lots, and
showing on the plat a city some four miles square, with parks,
churches, streets, etc., in embryo. There was a small creek, dry a
152 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
considerable part of the year, which runs to the Nodaway, some miles
distant.
The promoters went back East and showed their fancy map of a
city of magnificent distances, located at the head of steam navigation
on the Nodaway River, and succeeded in disposing of some of the
land. A colony of settlers, lured by high promises, came on the long
journey by railroad and stage, and from the INIississippi River by
steam, to find in the place of a thriving town, an unbroken wilderness.
A few who were too poor to go farther stuck and in time, as travel
began to cross the prairies of Iowa, and conditions of settlement
improved, they succeeded in developing a fine little town, always
hoping for a promised railroad which never came, executing the New
England grit which built states. It is related in the Ellis History of
Nevin that the first party of colonists wandered around for several
days before they could find out where Nevin was located, and that
the first year or two the privations and discouragements were such
as were almost beyond the range of possibility.
CHAPTER XVI
JACKSOX TOWNSHIP
Jackson Township comprises the whole of congressional township
75 north, range 33 west. The surface of the township is very rolling
and is well adapted to stock grazing. It is well watered by the west
branch of the ]VIiddle Nodawa}^ River and its tributaries. The main
stream enters the township from the north, on the upper line of
section 4, and traverses that section, together with 9, 10, 15, 22, 27,
3-1 and 33, leaving on the south line of the latter. Rutt's Branch, one
of the affluents of this stream, enters the township from Summerset,
at the northeast corner of section 12, and flowing through sections
12, 1, 11, 14, makes a confluence with the main stream in the south-
east quarter of section 15. At one time there was considerable timber
within the boundaries of the township, but with the progress of agri-
culture this has been largely cleared away. Game was also abundant
during the early days. The bufl'alo were here before the first settlers
came, but long before the advent of the latter, had completely dis-
appeared. The wapiti, or elk, were here, however, as were the deer.
The elk were killed ofl* during the hard winter of 1856-7. It is said
that so great were their numbers at one time that Abner Root and
John G. Vawter marked a route from the east branch to the middle
branch of the Nodaway River, a distance of five or six miles, by plant-
ing elk horns which they picked up by the way within sight of each
other the whole distance. Deer remained for many years after the
wapiti had gone.
EAELY SETTLEMENT
The first man to make a home in Jackson Township was Alfred
Jones, Sr. He was a native of North Carolina, but came here from
Kentucky on June 3, 1852, and located on section 4, accompanied
by his family. Here he resided until his death on October 18, 1881.
About the middle of June of the same year, 1852, Willis Lyons
squatted upon section 12 and there built a home. He afterwards
153
154 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
abandoned this house and Hved in an underground dwelhng, cut into
a bank near the old spring on section 11. Lyons claimed much of
what was afterwards Vawter's Grove, which claim he later sold to a
]Mr. Taylor. Lyons did not stay in this county very long, but fol-
lowed the tide of emigration westward and lost himself to the knowl-
edge of people in this locality. Taylor was not a permanent settler
either, but had only stopped here while on his way to California with
a drove of cattle and purchased the interests of Lyons, where he kept
his stock until the spring, when he continued on his lonely trek across
the continent.
During the year 1852 John Cears, one of the best reputed men
of the township, came here and located on section 3.
Azariah Root settled on section 11 in the fall of 1853, together
with his family. He constructed a cabin of logs with a frame addi-
tion.
Abner Root settled on section 11 in the fall of 1853. Accom-
panying him was his father. Four years later he removed to section
12 and erected a frame house, in which he lived for several years. In
1876 he moved to Eureka Township. He served as the first sheriff
of Adair County.
In 1855 John JNIartin located upon section 12 and acted as the
agent of John G. Vawter, a merchant of Winterset, on this land,
which belonged to Vawter and a partner named Lansing. Martin
continued to live here until 1866, when he moved to Kansas and there
died.
J. J. Leeper, afterward county judge, made a settlement on sec-
tion 34 in 1854, but left here for Washington Township two years
later,
John Kenney located upon section 5 in 1855, where he lived until
1860, when he went to the State of Kansas. He later moved to Cali-
fornia.
William Johnson, a former resident of Michigan, was a settler
of the year 1856, locating upon the northeast quarter of section 4
during that year.
George Miller settled on section 23 or 24 about the year 1856.
He was from Wayne County, Ind., and wliile here followed the trade
of carpentering in connection with his farming.
J. P. Sullivan, a native of Monroe County, Ind., came here in
1856 and settled upon the northeast quarter of section 24, where he
lived for twenty years. In 1876 he left here and moved to Nebraska,
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 155
and later to Kansas, J. B. Sullivan located in this township on sec-
tion 34 in 1856.
John W. Stinman came to Adair County in 1857 and first rented
the farm of J. J. Walter on section 11, where he remained two years,
then removed to the farm of George Rider, staying there also for
two years. He then bought a piece of land on section 9, and there
built a log house, 16 by 18 feet, in 1860. In this he lived about eight
years. The house was torn down in 1884. He moved from his loff
house to a more commodious residence which he had constructed
in 1863.
Eli Roberts came from Clarke County, la., in 1857 and took up
his residence with J. B. Sullivan. He was engaged in breaking land
for other parties and in 1859 constructed a house on the Sullivan
place. In 1861 he moved to Oregon and from there to Colorado,
where he died in 1882.
G. P. Rider made a settlement on section 22 in 1858. He came
from Xew York State and returned there in 1860.
Aaron Codner made a settlement on section 15 in 1863 and
remained for many years, or until 1877, when he went to Kansas.
Lemuel Lewis came to this township in 1863 and located on sec-
tion 5. He was a native of Tompkins County, N. Y.
Among the settlefs of 1865 were John Hall Bryant on section 12
and F. V. Jeffreys on section 3. S. M. Kendrick settled on section
32 in 1866, lived there ten years, and then moved to Nebraska.
Joel A. Aspinwall moved to Adair County in 1869. He became
interested in this territory through his uncle. Doctor Bates.
August W. Rechtenbach, a native of Germany, came here in
1869, and became one of the foremost citizens in Jackson Township.
Gustave G. Rechtenbach, also a native of Germany, located here
in 1880.
Truman L. Lewis came to Fontanelle in 1863 with his parents.
He was a native of New York State. When he first came to Fon-
tanelle he clerked for J. C. Gibbs and worked in and about town
until the spring of 1866, when he entered the farming vocation.
Henry J. Roos came to Adair County in 1881 and located upon
160 acres of land in Jackson Township. He was a native of Ger-
many.
Henry Burg, born in Germany, served in the Civil, war in the
140th Illinois Infantry, and then came to Adair County and located
in Jackson Township.
156 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Jacob Burg, a brother of Henry, came to Adair County in 1879
and located on section 18.
Edwin R. Faurote located in Summerset Township, this county,
in 1871, and after several months there came to Jackson Township.
John Hall Bryant, a grandfather of Mrs. Faurote, came to Adair
County in 1865 and settled on section 12, Jackson Township.
Norman Norton came to the township in 1861 from Cass County,
la., and in 1864 settled on section 4. He was justice of the township
in 1862 and again in 1880-81, also has been township trustee.
John Latas came to Adair County in 1868. He was a native of
Poland, served in the Austrian army during the Hungarian war, and
in 18.50 escaped from the army to England, and from thence came to
America, where he wandered considerably over the country before
settling down in Jackson Township.
George Reis, from Germany, located here in 1880. Here he
became identified as a very successful farmer.
Josiah A. Daugherty came to this county on May 31, 1869, and
bought 175 acres of land from Truman Poce. He was a Pennsyl-
vanian, born in 1829.
Isaac Bailey, from Ohio, came to Adair County in the fall of
1873 and bought a farm.
FIRST ITEMS
The first election for township officers was held in October, 1861,
at the house of Abner Root.
The first j^reaching in the township was at the home of Alfred
Jones, Sr., by Rev. Harris Standly.
The first election in Jackson Township was held in 1853, while
this county was a part of Cass County, at which time Alfred Jones,
Sr., was elected justice of the peace.
The first marriage in the township was that of Joseph W. Betts
and Polly C. Thompson on August 18, 1856. The ceremony was
performed by Judge Azariah Root.
The pioneer steam mill of the county was built in Jackson Town-
ship by Mr. Vawter on section 11 in 1859. This was in what was
called Vawter's Grove, the greater part of which was claimed by
Willis Lyons in 1852, but which claim he sold out to a Mr. Taylor,
who in turn disposed of it to Vawter and Lansing, partners. The
mill was not a paying investment and was soon afterwards removed.
The first death in Jackson Township was that of Mrs. John Mar-
tin, which occurred on December 24, 1860. The body of the deceased
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 157
was interred on Azariah Root's farm, but in 1869 was disinterred
and placed in the cemetery on section 12.
The first child born in the township was that of Miniture Jones
in 1853.
For early educational statistics relative to Jackson Township, see
the chapter on the progress of education in Adair County.
ORGANIZATION
Jackson Township was organized in 1861 and the first election
occurred on October 8th at the house of Abner Root, at which time
the following officers were chosen: Abner Root, E. Whitney and
James Tolen, trustees; J. P. Sullivan, clerk; J. B. Sullivan, assessor;
N. Norton and N. S. Taylor, justices and road supervisors.
POSTOFFICE
There was a postoffice called Jackson established in 1872 with
Ed Bancroft as postmaster. He ran it for about two years when he
was succeeded by Lemuel Lewis in April, 1874.
CHAPTER XVII
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP
Like the other townships, Lincohi occupies the space of a full
congressional township. The only stream of importance is the North
River, which flows in a diagonal course through sections 18, 19, 30,
29, 28, 33, 34, 35 and 36, passing from the latter into the adjoining
County of jNIadison. On Section 36 it makes a confluence with Grassy
Run which rises on section 6 in the northwest corner of the township
and flows in a southeasterly direction through sections 5, 8, 9, 16, 21,
22, 27, 26 and 36. There are other branches and creeks, which supply
an ample quantity of water for all purposes. "
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The first settlement in the township was made by Zimri Horner,
who entered land October 24, 1854, on section 2, and moved on to it
a few weeks later. Horner was a native of Indiana. He afterwards
moved to Wyscotte, la., and erected a mill, selling his farm in 1863
to A. L. McPherson.
The next settlement in Lincoln was made by John F. Coppock,
shortly after that made by Horner, who purchased a farm near the
center of the township on Section 22 and constructed a small dwelling
out of the native timber. Coppock was a mechanic and made some
good improvements. He came from Indiana, to which state he later
returned.
Calvin Carson entered eighty acres of land in 1854, but did not
move upon it until 1855.
Albert Barnett came also in 1855 and settled on a farm on North
River.
Robert Ewers settled at an early date near Stuart on section 3
and kept the old house then known as the Octagon House.
Milton ^Nlills was among the early settlers of Lincoln and entered
158
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 159
land on the southeast quarter of section 3 or the southwest quarter
of section 2.
Another pioneer settler in this township was William Stevens,
who located on section 25. The farm was originally the property
of A. L. JNIcPherson, but the first improvements were made after
Stevens came into possession of the land.
Orin Dinsmore came the same year as Stevens. A man bj^ the
name of Garnett was also an earlv settler.
ITEMS
The first death in Lincoln Township was that of a son of Zimri
Horner, named William, who died January 7, 1862, at the age of
eight years, seven months and twenty days.
The next death was that of Robert Ewers on INIarch 16, 186-1.
The first ground in the township was broken by either Zimri Hor-
ner or John Coppock. They also planted the first crops, such as corn
and wheat.
The first schoolhouse in Lincoln was commenced in 1862 and com-
pleted in 1863.
The first marriage in the township occurred in July, 1868. It
was that of Charles Smith and Harriett Nelson, the ceremony being
performed by Rev. J. W. INIcPherson.
The first religious services were held during the fall and winter
of 1868 at a schoolhouse then known as the Lindley schoolhouse, but
which has long ago been removed and destroved. Reverend INIcPher-
son had several appointments during the fall and winter season of
1868.
OKGANIZATION
Lincoln Township was organized in 1861. The following were
the first officers elected: INIilton ]Mills, member of board of super-
visors; Robert Ewers, justice of peace; Zimri Horner, clerk; John
Compton, assessor.
L^nion Church of Lincoln Township was organized in the late
'70s and represented all denominations. In the early years of its
existence services were held every two weeks at the schoolhouse in
the independent district of jNIount Vernon.
North River Union Sunday School was first organized in the
summer of 1882, when B. F. Fry was elected superintendent.
160 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
STUART
A small jDortion of the Town of Stuart extends over the line from
Guthrie County into Adair County in this township. This portion
comprises the Third Ward of Stuart and has about four hundred
people living in it. This is mostly a residence district. For legal and
taxation purposes this strip of town is counted as a part of Adair
County.
Charles Stuart, in whose honor the Town of Stuart was named,
was a Chicago capitalist who purchased a large amount of land in
Lincoln Township and he was instrumental in persuading the Rock
Island officials to locate the Town of Stuart. He built an elevator
and for several years bought and shipped grain, while developing his
large farm in conjunction with George Gray. He did a large busi-
ness in that part of the country.
Alfred Osborn was an early settler of the township and served a
term as county supervisor. T. P. Neville and C. A. Ostrander were
also prominent early settlers of that township and each served several
years as county supervisor. George Smith, afterward county auditor,
was another settler of the township.
CHAPTER XVIII
HARRISOX TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY
This township is watered by the Middle River and its branches.
The stream enters the township on section 7, flowing in a diagonal
course through sections 18, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 35 and 36, leaving
the township on the latter section. At one time there was quite a
quantity of timber in this township.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
Harrison Township originally comprised all the territory con-
tained in Lincoln, Grand River and Union townships.
The first to seek a home in Harrison Township was William
jNIcDonald, who was also one of the first settlers of Adair Countv.
He settled upon section 26 in August, 1849, where he erected a small
log cabin. In the spring of 1850 he moved his family here. During
the same j'-ear he raised a small crop of corn, wheat, etc., which w^as
the first agricultural work accomplished in the township.
James Roberts was another of the first comers to tliis township,
settling with his family on section 36 on September 19, 1854. His
first dwelling was a small log cabin, with stick and clay chimney. At
that time they were compelled to journey to a point below Winterset
to get their corn ground and to Indianola for flour. Roberts was a
Kentuckian.
Robert J. Murphy came to Adair County on the 1st of Septem- '
tier, 1854, and located upon section 25 in Harrison Township.
Zebulon Hollingsworth made a settlement in the fall of 1854,
coming from his native state, Indiana. He died in 1858 in Madison
County.
In April, 1855, William Thomas settled upon section 32. He
was born in Madison County, Ky.
Vol. I— 1 1
161
162 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
During the summer of 1855 :Mamiing Drake came to the town-
ship. He kept a stage station in the eastern part for some time. He
was elected to the office of county judge, but did not qualify. He
afterward disposed of his property and left the county.
Charles Friend made a settlement in this township prior to the
fall of 1855. William Stinson also settled about the same time as
Friend.
Samuel W. Pryor, a native of Tennessee, came from Washing-
ton County, la., and made a settlement in Harrison on August 1,
1856, on section 34.
S. W. Pryor was for several years county surveyor and kept an
important stage station on the route between Fontanelle and Winter-
set. He was well known among the early settlers.
William ^IcAferty settled on section 20 in the year 1857.
Another of the pioneer settlers of the township was George
Wright, a Kentuckian. He came here in 1857 and entered land
on section 13.
Edward Lee made a settlement on section 34 in the fall of 1859.
He was native of England, coming to this country in 1849.
John B. Rodsrers is another of the first comers. He came in the
spring of 1861. He was deputy auditor for one year, after which
he engaged in the insurance and land business at Orient and Port
Union.
ORGANIZATION
The organization of Harrison County occurred in 1856, Charles
JNIcDonald being elected the first clerk.
PORT UNION POSTOFFICE
A postoffice was established in 1857 in Harrison Township, on
section 34, with Daniel A. Pooram as postmaster and was called
Arbor Hill. About a year afterwards he left the township and Sam-
uel W. Pryor received an appointment to the office by President
Buchanan, and he held the same until 1868. The highest salary
received either of these years was $28 and the smallest $4 per annum.
The office was on the Winterset and Greenfield route, but was after-
ward removed to Port Union. Dissatisfaction resulted from the
change, it being somewhat out of the way, and the carrier refused to
take the mail to the office. A petition was immediately circulated,
which resulted in a daily mail from Stuart to Greenfield.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 163
STOKES
A Store was opened at Port Union in January, 1883, by Fisher
Brothers, who carried a general stock. The postoffice was in this
building and J. W. Fisher was the postmaster.
There was also another general store at this point, owned and
operated by J. B. Bodgers.
Steward Fisher had the first blacksmith shop at this point and
Gottlieb Bornmann operated a wagon shop.
NOTES
The first mill in the township was erected in 1870 on section 20
by Beaman & Thomas, residents of the township. They died before
it was completed, there being but a week between the two deaths. It
was then sold at administrator's sale to Parrish & Headley, who com-
pleted it in 1872 and continued to operate it for a year and a half,
at the expiration of which time the former bought out the interest
of the latter and operated it for two years longer. The Beaman
heirs then purchased the mill, but retained it only for nine months,
when they sold to F. H. Parrish. On November 10, 1883, it was
sold at referee's sale to Thomas Salisbury and in January, 1884, he
sold to J. B. Rodgers.
The first child born in Harrison Township was a daughter to
John and Sarah J. (McDonald) Stinson and was christened Mary J.
The first death occurred in 1850, being a child of William McDon-
ald. It was buried in the Roberts cemetery.
William Stinson and a Miss Crow were the first people to be
married in the township.
William ^IcDonald broke the first ground in the spring of 1850
and planted the first corn, being seven acres in the sod. The year
following he sowed the first wheat in the township.
The first religious services were held in 1855, by the Christian
Church, at the houses of James Roberts and William ^IcDonald,
with Rev. Adam Kellison as the first preacher.
Blount Zion church of Harrison Township was organized in 1855
and was located on section 9. Services were held at first at the resi-
dences of the different members. A building was constructed in the
simimer of 1881. Rev. J. B. McGinnis was the first pastor after
the church building was constructed.
164 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
The cemetery in connection with Mount Zion Church was laid
out in February, 1876. The first interment was that of the body of
Joshua Jones, a brother of Ehjah Jones.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church started an organization
in the '70s, with a first membershij) of six people. Thej^ held their
first church services at a schoolhouse on section 8. The first pastor
of the church was Rev. James JMumford of Kansas.
CHAPTER XIX
GROVE TOWNSHIP
Grove Township is well watered by the INIiddle River, Grand
River, Turkey Creek and numerous smaller branches throughout the
township. There has never been very much timber of natural growth
here. The soil is of a rich, dark and sandy loam.
ORGANIZATION
The official organization of Grove Township occurred in 1860.
At the first election in November of that year the following officers
were elected: P. C. Barrows, clerk; S. Barrows, justice of the peace;
John Bruce, member of board of supervisors; J. M. Witt, Jacob
Bruce, S. Barrows, trustees; J. M. Witt, P. C. Barrows, constables;
Jacob Bruce, road supervisor; S. Barrows, assessor.
The name Grove was suggested by Jacob Bruce, one of the pio-
neers of Jefferson Township, and was adopted officially.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The first settlement in Grove Township was made by J. R. Pierce,
who entered land in 1856. He resided here about four years, wlien
he removed to Kansas.
W. H. Brainard entered land in Grove Townsliip in 1857.
James JMclNIaster, a pioneer settler of Grove Township, located
a claim on section 4 in an early day. He remained here for a num-
ber of years, after which he removed to Creston and there died.
John Wagner came in the spring of 1869 and settled upon sec-
tion 29. He remained here until 1875 and then went to Guthrie
County.
James ^lerritt also came in the spring of 1869 and settled upon
section 29. In 1875 he went, with his family, to the State of Kansas.
In April, 1869, Fred Schutze entered land on section 29.
165
166 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
P. O. Swisher came in ^larch, 1870, and entered land on sec-
tion 20.
Gordon Shanklin was among the early settlers of Grove. He
located on section 4, where he remained until 1882, then removing
to Guthrie County.
ITEMS
Groveland postoffice was established in 1870 with Frederick
Hodges as postmaster. He held the office until April, 1872, when
Asa Wilson was appointed. Following him came Hugh Gray, M.
Howell, and JNIr. Walbridge.
In June, 1877, five acres in the southeast corner of section 9 were
purchased from the heirs of H. N. Peck, for $45, for use as a ceme-
tery. The first interment was the body of Mr. Aiken.
In 1873 the Groveland Sunday School was organized with J. B.
Dunn, superintendent, and P. O. Swisher, assistant superintendent.
The first birth in Grove Township was a cliild to jNIr. and Mrs.
Daniel Smith.
The first death in the township was that of a IVIr. Taylor.
The first minister to hold services was Rev. J. B. McGinnis.
The first marriage was that of William Sproul and Elizabeth
Stuart in 1864. They afterwards removed to Kansas.
Mr. Brainard broke the first ground in the township in 1857. He
also sowed the first wheat and oats and planted the first corn.
The first house erected was by J. R. Pierce in 1856. He also
set out the first orchard in the township.
CHAPTER XX
EUREKA TOWNSHIP
Eureka Township embraces congressional township 76, range
33, and is one of the latest settled ci\41 divisions of the county. The
population in the year 1873 w^as but sixty-eight. The township has
an abundance of good streams, chief among them being the JVIiddle
Xodaway River, Xine jNIile Creek and the several affluents of each.
The ^Middle Xodaway enters the toA\Tiship on the north line of the
northwest quarter of section 6 and flowing at first southerly through
sections 6, 7, 18 and 19, changes its course to a southeasterly one and
crosses sections 29, 32 and 33, making its exit on the south line of the
latter. Xine ]Mile Creek passes through sections 1, 11, 12, 13, 11,
22, 23, 27 and 34. There never has been very much natural timber
within the boundaries of the county.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS
The first men to settle in what is now Eureka Township were
Henry and Xicholas Henning. They came in 1860. They pur-
chased the land on section 31 in 1857, but did not move on to it until
the first stated year, although they improved and cultivated it. They
were natives of Germany. These brothers started the first brick
vard in the countv in 1858. This was then in Washington Town-
ship. The next year they followed the same line of business in Jack-
son Township. For many years they were the only settlers in the
township and in 1867-68-69, when others began to come in they came
so rapidly that it is hard to learn the proper sequence of their arrival.
Among the more prominent ones at the time were: Darwin ^I.
Schenck, ^larx Hell, Christian and David Eshelman, Fred H. Cears,
Charles E. Schenck, Andrew J. Kingery, Albert Hadley, John J.
Stinman, Ferdinand A. J. AVarner, E. M. Smith, Lewis Daniels.
ORGANIZATION
In the summer of 1870 the township was set off from Jackson,
of which it had formed a part. The name, it is said, was suggested
167
168 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
by J. W. S tinman, on account of finding some indications of coal
within its borders. The first officers were as follows : James Tippin,
G. W. Snyder, Sr., and Orlando Howe, trustees; John J. Stinman,
clerk; B. F. Jones, justice; John Snyder, constable; Fred H. Gears,
assessor; Henry Henning, road supervisor.
ITEMS
The Henning brothers, as before stated, broke the first ground in
the township. They planted the first corn in 1859 and sowed the first
wheat in 1860. Thev set out the first orchard in 1869. Henry Hen-
ning erected the first frame house in the township on section 31 in
1860.
A round log house was constructed on section 33 by Miniture
Jones in the summer of 1856. This was the first house in the town-
ship.
The first marriage of a resident of this township was that of
Nicholas Henning to Eliza Little on Februarj^ 15, 1868. The cere-
mony was performed by Judge N. S. Taylor at Fontanelle.
The first to be married after the township had been organized
were Fred H. Gears and Emma Trowbridge. Rev. F. A. Goodrich
spoke the words of union on March 10, 1872.
The first deaths were those of two brothers, named Imus, about
Ghristmas, 1859, who were frozen to death.
The first religious services were held at the old Jones schoolhouse
by Reverends Peet and Thomas about 1859. The former was a Gon-
gregationalist and the latter was a Methodist.
Eureka Gemetery was surveyed in the fall of 1878 and originally
contained about three acres of ground. It is located upon the north-
west quarter of the northwest quarter of section 22. Nancy Daniels
was the first to be interred, having been buried a few days previous
to the survey.
CHAPTER XXI
PRUSSIA TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY
Prussia Township is watered by the east branch of the Xodaway
River which enters from the north on section 41 and running thence
in a southerly direction through sections 9, 16, 15, 22, 27, 26, 35 and
36, leaving the township from the latter section. A small creek
known as Rutt's Branch also waters the western tier of sections in
the townsliip. There never has been much timber in the township.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The pioneer settler of Prussia Township was James Hornback,
who settled upon section 16. His house at that time consisted chiefly
of a "dug-out," although there was a small shanty above. He came
here from jNladison County.
The next to come to this township w^as Peter Hoffman, who
located upon section 10 in 1868. He w^as a native of Germany.
J. X. Bittner located a claim in the fall of 1868 on section 2, com-
ing from Lee County, 111.
John G. iNIartin emigrated from Lee County, 111., in the fall of
1868 and settled on a farm in the township on section 10.
William and Fred Kiefer Avere also among the early settlers of
the township, coming in September, 1868, from Lee County, 111.
ORGANIZATION
Prussia Township was organized in 1870. A petition of the
prominent citizens of the township was accepted and acted upon at
the June meeting of the board of supervisors. Although it was the
will of the petitioners to call the township Clark, the board gave the
name of Prussia. The first election was held in the fall of 1870, when
169
170 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
the following officers were chosen: Charles Clark, clerk; Peter Hoff-
man, justice of the peace; John Vance, Charles jNIilner, Lee Tolen,
trustees; INIr. Sager, constable; Peter Hoffman, road supervisor; Lee
Tolen, assessor. There were only nine votes cast at this election,
seven of the republican and two democratic. Charles Clark disposed
of his property and left the township before the expiration of his
office term and Jerome Vance was appointed by the trustees to fill
the vacancy.
ITEMS
The first death was that of INIrs. J. G. JNIartin in December, 1868.
She was buried on her own premises.
The first child born was a son to Mr. and INIrs. J. G. Martin.
The first marriage was that of Albert Kalkofen and Elizabeth
Zornes. Peter Hoffman, justice of the peace, officiated.
The first organization of the ^lethodist Episcopal Church occurred
in 1879 at the schoolhouse in district No. 5. Reverend Wilburn was
the first pastor.
The first house which was erected in the township was destroyed
by a prairie fire in 1873. At the time of its destruction it was occu-
pied by George Coon and family, who barely escaped with their lives.
Peter Hoffman built the second house in the township.
A cemetery on Section 15 was laid out June 15, 1878, and con-
tained one acre. The first person to be bin-ied there was Margaret
Emmons, wife of J. Emmons, who died October 1, 1878. The Ger-
man cemetery on section 10 contained one acre and the first interment
was that of Mrs. Fred Kiefer.
CHAPTER XXII
WASHIXGTOX TOWNSHIP
Washington Township embraces all of congressional township
74, range 33. The township is well watered by the Nodawa}^ River
and its branches, along which at one time considerable timber was
found. Tlie soil is very rich and productive.
EAELY SETTLEMENT
Washington Township was the first in Adair County to be settled.
During the early days the pioneers were obliged to go to Marysville,
Mo., to do their milling, a distance of over one hundred miles. Dur-
ing the dry season, when the water was low, they had to go still
farther, to Rochester, Mo.
The first man to come to the township, with the intention of mak-
ing therein a home for himself, was Thomas Johnson, who settled
upon section 4 in the spring of 1849. He erected a small log cabin
and broke some ground, upon which he raised a small crop of wheat,
corn, jiotatoes, vegetables, etc., during the first year of his settlement.
He emigrated from Lawrence County, Ind., in 1841, to Page
County, la., where he remained until he came to this township. In
1861 he removed to Oregon.
James R. Campbell was another prominent early settler of this
township. He entered land on section 3 in the spring of 1850.
In June, 1854, a man named Bowers came to the township and
settled upon the farm afterward known as the Shelby Garner place.
Shortly afterwards he opened a blacksmith shop at this place, which
was the first business of the kind in the county.
In Julv, 1854, James and John Standley settled in the subdivision
of the county now known as Washingion, on section 3, but John
afterwards moved to Adams County. These brothers were natives
of Xorth Carolina. Their father was a minister of the Disciples
denomination.
171
172 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
At the same time as the Stanleys, Ambrose Jenkins made a set-
tlement in the township.
JMonroe Winn came in 1854 and settled on section 31. He was
a native of Hancock County, Ind.
During the summer of 1854 Thomas Thompson, David, Samuel
and Henry ^IcClure entered land in the township. Samuel moved
to Jackson Township, while the other two subsequently moved from
the county.
In November, 1854, Washington received another citizen, named
Shelby Garner. He was born in Wayne County, Ind.
Samuel Thompson, a native of Montgomery County, Ind., came
to Adair County in the fall of 1854 and located upon section 16 in
Washington Township. In the fall of 1865 he removed to Jackson
Township.
Elijah B. Sullivan, a native of Indiana, was another of the first
comers. In December, 1854, he entered land on Section 16 and
erected a log cabin and in January, 1855 he moved his family to the
township. With him came his brothers, Titus H. and J. B.
Peter Steckel and family made a settlement in the spring of 1855.
Boyd D., their son, was elected as the first prosecuting attorney of
the county, although not a qualified lawyer. He afterw^ard enlisted
in the army during the Ci\il war and gave up his life on the field of
honor.
J. J. Deeper, Robert Snodgrass and James Bradley came in
June, 1855. The two latter gentlemen afterward moved to Oregon.
John Amnion made a settlement during the year 1855. He was
a member of the first grand jury of the county. ' He afterw^ard moved
to jNIissouri, where he died.
Titus Sullivan was another of the early settlers of Washington.
He entered land in the summer of 1855. He then changed his resi-
dence to Summerset Township, where he passed his entire life.
In the 5^ear 1855 John Ireland settled in the township and was
sheriff of the county at one time. He left the township and while
on his journey to Washington Territory died.
William and Francis Corr made a settlement before the fall of
1855. Francis held the office of county judge and treasurer at one
time.
Hugh ^IcCall entered land on section 25 in 1855.
Joseph Dunlap settled on the northwest quarter of section 24 in
1855, entering the land. He was born in the State of New Hamp-
shire.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 173
Another settler of the township was D. ^I. Strong, a native of
New York State. He became a successful farmer in Adair County.
S. J. Casteel came to this county in 1865; B. W. Witt in 1875;
Thomas Kembery in 1861; J. G. Hendry in 1869; Henry Griffin
in 1864; Royal Guile in 1865; S. C. Bloom in 1865; James Moar in
1872; Benjamin Briggs in 1870.
ORGAXIZATIOX
Washington Township is one of the oldest townships of the
County of Adair, having been organized in 1854, the same year that
the county itself was organized. At that time the county was about
equally divided into two townships — Washington and Harrison.
Washington was gradually diminished by the setting off of other
townships, until it is now a congressional subdivision, technically
knoA^n as township 74 north, range 33 west.
PIONEER NOTES
A mill was erected at an earlv date by Thomas Johnson, which
was the first in the township. Their principal business at that time
was grinding corn, although there was a bolt for wheat, which was
operated by hand.
The first marriage in the township was that of Manoah S. Sulli-
van and Sarah A. Standley on November 7, 1855.
The first religious services were held at the residence of Thomas
Johnson on section 4 in 1858.
The first birth was that of a daughter to Thomas and Rosa John-
son. She was born in IMay, 1850, and was named Margaret.
The first death in the township was a child of Thomas and Rosa
Johnson.
The first postoffice in Washington was kept by Thomas Johnson
at his house on section 4. He received his commission in 1855. It
was known by the name of Adair postoffice.
The second birth in the township was that of Ann, the daughter
of John Gilman, in the year 1851.
BIOGRAPHICAL
James H. Hulbert was one of the early settlers in Washington
Township, where he improved a large farm and raised stock exten-
174 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
sively for a number of years. He had a store at his place, called
Av ondale, and bought corn in large quantities for feeding purposes.
He later moved to Fontanelle, about twenty-five years; ago, and
engaged in business, dealing in lumber, grain, stock and real estate.
He moved to Galesburg, 111., where he remained for two or three
years, returning to Fontanelle, where he built several fine residences
which he sold and a costly one for his own use. He bought a quantity
of land in Washington State and lots in Vancouver. To his Wash-
ington estate he bought in JNIichigan and shipped two carloads of
recorded Holstein cows and established a milk ranch. He was for
six years a member of the board of supervisors of Adair County and
carried on a larger business in various lines than any other man in
the county for many years. He died at Fontanelle in 1912.
Jay S. Hulbert was connected with his brother, J. H., in stock
feeding operations in Washington Township and conducted a large
farm there for twenty vears or more. He was treasurer of Adair
County for two terms, afterwards president of the First National
Bank of Fontanelle for some vears. He moved to the State of Idaho,
wliere he is now engaged in farming.
The Sullivan families, Elijah, John, Titus and Jahn were early
settlers of note. Elijah and Jahn settled in the timber of Washing-
ton Township; Titus and John near Fontanelle. Titus and John
were ^lexican war soldiers. All raised children and the families have
been prominent in the early history of the county. John and family
moved to Nebraska in the '70s. Jahn is still living at Bridgewater.
CHAPTER XXIII
GRAND RIVER TOWXSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY
The land in this township is of the finest quahty, the surface roll-
ing, and in the vicinity of the river, quite abrupt. It is one of the
best watered townships in the county, as three considerable streams
traverse it, together with many tributaries. Grand River, the largest
and most important, enters this township on the north and west lines
of section 6, in two branches which unite in the northeast corner of
that section. Flowing thence in a general southeasterly course it
crosses sections 5, 8, 17, 16, 22, 27 and 35. Xine Mile Creek, or the
south branch of Grand River, enters in the southwest quarter of
section 31, and flowing nearly east, traverses sections 31, 32, 33, 34
and makes a confluence with the parent stream in the southwest quar-
ter of section 35. Bush Branch, having its headwaters in Harrison
Township, enters on the north of section 3, and waters sections 3, 2>
1 1 and 13, on the latter of which it makes its exit.
SETTLEMENT
^lost probably the first man to make a settlement in the township
was James Bush, who located upon section 13 in June, 1854. He
was a native of Delaware County, Ohio.
In 1854 William Schweers, a native of Germany, located in the
township with his family. He died in 1880.
George Grimma was the third to make a settlement, coming from
Keokuk County, la., to this township and locating upon section 27
in October, 1855. He resided here until his death on September
18, 1879.
John Augustine, in the spring of 1855, settled upon section 29.
This was about INIay 1st, and after erecting a log cabin, he set about
to open a farm.
175
176 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Nelson Phinney located upon section 25 in 1855, where he
remained some years, then removed to Winterset.
William Shoemaker came here in 1855 and located upon section
25. He afterwards went to Union Township.
In 1856 Christian Augustine came to Grand River Township and
settled on section 29, where he took up a claim. He had come to the
county in 1855. He was a native of Germany.
George W. Hawkins, who served in the First Iowa Cavalry in
the War of the Rebellion settled on section 1 of Grand River Town-
ship in 1869. John W. Perry and George C. Sackett settled on sec-
tion 2 in 1870. About the only settlers in the present township of
Grand River at that time were James Bush, Joel Savage and pos-
sibly some of the Bunce brothers, three or four of whom came about
the same time.
ORGANIZATION
Grand River Tow^nship, m hich then embraced all of what is now
Union and Grand River, was organized in 1855 and the first election
was held at the house of William Schwxers on section 34. It is said
that there were only thirteen votes polled at this time. John Augus-
tine was elected township clerk and Alvin Greer, justice of the peace.
Robert Wilson, Alvin Greer and Nelson Phinney were the first
trustees.
CHAPTER XXIV
UNION TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY
The surface of Union Township is quite rolling and is well drained
by numerous streams. The principal one of these waterways is the
Grand River in the northeast part of the township, on sections 1, 2
and 12. The west branch having its headwaters in sections 9, 8 and
17 flows east and southeast through sections 9, 16, 15, 14, 13 and 24,
on the way to join the parent stream. Three Mile Creek, rising on
the township line near the west line of section 7, flows in a southerly
course, and makes its exit from Union Township and Adair County
on the southeast quarter of section 32. Numerous other streams run
through all parts of the township. The soil is rich and is of sandy
loam.
SETTLEMENT
The pioneer comer to this township was Charles Wilson, who
came here in the spring of 1853, being among the early settlers of
the county. He was a native of England, and came to tliis country
when he was eighteen years of age. In Adair County he located on
section 12 and pitched a tent in which he and his family lived for
four months, ^\'hen he erected a log cabin. He became well known in
the township and held several positions of trust.
The next to locate in this township was Christian Gerkin, a native
of Germany, having been born in that country in 1816. He located
on section 2.
William Schweers settled on section 34, this township, in 1854.
He was a native of Hanover, Germany. He died in the year 1882.
Robert Wilson was the next to locate here, taking up a claim on
Section 12, in 1854.
L. R. McWhinney, in 1867, settled in the township and developed
a large farm. He was a prominent member of the board of super-
Vol. I—] 2
177
178 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
visors and was much interested in progressive development. He was
afterward compelled to leave the farm and then moved to Creston^
where for a time he owned an elevator. He also built an elevator
at Spaulding. He died a few years ago.
Thomas K. Wilson, another early resident of Union Township,
served in the War of the Rebellion and afterwards in the Indian
Wars, winning commendation for bravery and gallantry. He mar-
ried a daughter of L. R. ^IcWhinney and retiring from the farm
which he still retained, moved to Creston and engaged in the insur-
ance business. He was a director in the Adair County Mutual Insur-
ance Association at the time of his death.
Jerry W. Wilson was another settler of the township, a man of
unquestioned integrity, prominent in every good work and a veteran
of the Civil war. He acquired a large amount of land when it was
cheap and became very wealthy. He served the county as super-
visor for several years and one term in the General Assembly, refus-
ing a second term. He was a large shareholder in the national bank
at JNIacksburg, Madison County, and was president of the board of
directors. He was largely instrumental in getting the railroad from
Creston to Macksburg. He was killed by a lightning bolt while
going to his home.
O. W. C. Brown, a Campbellite preacher, was an early resident
of Union Township, living here until his death.
Another prominent farmer of this township was A. S. Lj^nn. He
helped to raise an endowment of $50,000 for Palmer College, at
I^e Grand, near Marshalltown, la. He was the most important
factor in the building of the Creston and Macksburg Railroad. His
daughter, Victoria, is a noted elocutionist and has been in the employ
of a Lyceum for the past few years.
ITEMS
The first birth in Union Township was that of O. H. Greer, son
of Alvin Greer, in 1854.
The first death was that of R. A. Wilson, who departed this life
in December, 1855.
The first school was taught by William Kivet in 1857 in a school
house built the same year on section 12.
The first marriage in the township was that of George Harmon
and Anna Schweers.
In 1875 a cemetery of about six acres was set aside on section 16.
The first interment was that of the two children of George Schweers.
CHAPTER XXV
WALNUT TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY
There are two main streams of water in this township, Turkey
Creek and JMiddle River. Middle River enters at the northern line
of section 3, takes a winding course in an easterly direction, passing
out of the township at the northern line of section 2. It enters the
township again at the extreme northwest corner of section 1, flows
in a southeasterly direction, making its final exit into Jeff*erson Town-
ship on section 12. Turkey Creek has for its source sections 15 and
16, passing through sections 14, 23 and 25 into Jefferson Township.
The soil is dark and sandy loam. The surface is rolling and what
timber there is may be found along Middle River.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
Charles Smith, one of the pioneer settlers of Walnut Township,
emigrated with his family from Marion County, Ind., to section 4
in October, 1855. He was a native of North Carolina.
Lewis Underwood came to the township with his family in April,
1854, from Heniy County, la. He was a native of South Carolina,
but had lived for some years in Randolph County, Ind. He settled
upon section 12, where he built a cabin. He died here in 1867.
A. G. Weeks, a ^Mormon preacher, a native of Polk County, Ind.,
settled upon section 3 during the year 1855. He remained here until
1863, when he disposed of his property to R. H. Marshall.
James Thompson came to the township in 1855. He was a native
of North Carolina.
Isaac Arledge arrived shortly after the settlement of A. G. Weeks
during the year 1856.
In 1863 R. H. Marshall emigrated to Walnut Township, buy-
ing forty acres, of land on section 3 of A. G. Weeks.
179
180 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Abram Rutt, who came in 1866 and entered land on section 16,
was another of the early settlers.
Another early settlement was made in this township in 1868 by
Moses Stockwell. He was a Kentuckian. He settled on section 4.
SCRAPS
A cemetery was laid out in 1860 on section 2. The first inter-
ment was that of the body of Mary Thompson, March 16, 1860.
Tlie first marriage was that of Joseph Betts and Cornelia Thomp-
son, by Squire Root, in August, 18.56.
The first death was that of Mary Thompson, March 1.5, 1860.
The first log cabin was built by Lewis Underwood during the
winter of 1854. In 1855 James Thompson erected the second cabin.
The first frame building was a schoolhouse. Moses Stockwell erected
the second frame house.
In the spring of 1855 James Thompson planted the first corn.
Cliarles Smith sowed the first wheat in the spring of 1856.
CASEY
A very small strip of the Town of Casey overlaps into Adair
County from Guthrie. The major part of the town is on the latter
side. Capt. Joseph Rutt came to Casey about 1872 and for a time
managed the large farm belonging to his brother, Abram Rutt, after-
ward buying and developing a farm for himself. He served on the
county board of supervisors for two terms. He died in Casey some
years later. One of his sons is the manager of the Abram Rutt
National Bank of Casey.
R. W. Hollembeak settled early in Walnut Township and engaged
in raising fancy stock, having a large herd of Hereford cattle at one
time. He served as representative in the General Assembly. He
was accidentally killed at Casey by a railroad train while he was
crossing the tracks.
Abram Rutt was born in Lancaster County, Pa., October 3, 1831,
a son of Samuel and Susan (Whistler) Rutt. He was educated
there and in the fall of 1853 came west, and in the spring of the next
year located in Adair County. Here he helped to lay out Fontanelle,
the first county seat of the county. In the '70s he engaged in the
lumlier business. In February, 1906, he organized the Abram Rutt
National Bank of Casey and was the first president of this strong
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 181
institution. The bank opened for business in March, 1906. The
bank is now erecting one of the handsomest banks in the state outside
of the cities. INIr. Rutt married Sarah Valentine of Adair County
in 1866. He also founded the Farmers Bank, a private institution,
in February, 1886, which was merged with the Abram Rutt National
Bank in 1906. "Uncle Abe," as he was known, passed from this
earth on January 6, 1913, after an honorable and noble life. In his
will Mr. Rutt bequeathed several thousands of dollars to various
educational institutions.
William Valentine was born ^lay 6, 1843, in Tippecanoe County,
Ind., the son of John W. and Rebecca (Kinkennmon) Valentine. In
185.5 he went west and bought cattle on an extensive scale, and in
1863 came to Fontanelle, Adair County, with his brother, J. K. At
this time he pursued the agricultural vocation, continuing until 1877,
when he went to Casey and engaged in the lumber business, in which
he has remained until the present time. In 1866 he married Naomi
I. Taylor, of Fontanelle.
CHAPTER XXVI
LEE TOWNSHIP
TOPOGRAPHY
The land in Lee Township is rolling, consisting almost entirely
of prairie. The main waterways comprise three small creeks; the
Nine ]VIile, Marvel and Battle. These supply water for all practical
purposes. Nine Mile Creek rises in the southern half of section 19,
Greenfield Township, and flows in a southeasterly course through
sections 30, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36, Lee Township, and on to its
main body of water. Marvel Creek has its origin in section 17,
Greenfield Township, passing southwest into section 21, Lee Town-
ship, thence northeast through sections 22, 15, 14, 13 and 12. The
beginning of Battle Creek is traced to sections 4, 9, and 10, and also
takes a northeasterly course through sections 11, 2 and 1.
EAELY SETTLEMENT
S. K. Mallory and his son, Eri, w^ere the first to settle in the
territory now known as Lee Township, coming in the fall of 1857.
They moved a log cabin from Grand River Township to section 26,
where they took up their residence, this being the first dwelling house
in the township. Through some doubtful tactics the son succeeded
in getting possession of his father's property before a year had passed
and the latter, with his wife, removed to Greenfield. Eri continued
to farm the land for some time and later sold to a Mr. Marble. After
the removal of S. K. Mallory to Greenfield, he resided in rented
property. He grew very feeble and his wife was forced to make their
living, a very meagre one, by her knitting. Several years later, after
his son had left the country, the old man attempted suicide on Sunday
morning, by climbing upon the machine used for weaving and placing
a stick across a hole in the ceiling which led to the loft above. He
tied a rope to the stick and also about his neck and swimg from under
182
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 183
the machine. His wife came home from church in time to raise the
alarm and neighbors cut the old man down and succeeded in reviv-
ing him.
The second to seek a permanent residence in the township was
Samuel C. Vance, who came in the summer of 1859 and entered land
upon section 16. In the fall of this year he erected a house, which
was the second structure in the township. He afterwards moved to
Summerset Township, this county.
As the permanent settlement did not commence for several years
fifter those mentioned above, Thomas J. Shinn was probably the next
settler, coming in September, 1868, and locating upon section 16.
He was a native of Fulton County, 111.
S. E. INIorris was also among the early residents of the township.
EARLY EVENTS
The first house in the township was a log cabin moved onto section
26 by S. K. JNIallory and son, Eri.
The first death which occurred in the township was that of Mrs.
L. D. Parker in 1866 at her home in section 16.
The first election occurred in November, 1880, at Lett's school-
house.
It is not positively known who was the first born in the township,
Init probably in the family of S. K. Mallory.
ORGANIZATION
Lee Township was organized in the fall of 1880. It was for-
merly a part of Greenfield Township. A petition was granted at
the September meeting of the board of supervisors which took from
Greenfield Township the following temtory: All the territoiy within
the limits of the territory of Greenfield Township, outside of the
incorporated Town of Greenfield. Another change in the boundary
of Greenfield and Lee townships took place by petition at the Sep-
tember meeting of the board of supervisors in 1881. There was
taken from Lee Township and added to Greenfield Township sec-
tions 8, 17, 19, 20, north half of section 7, all of section 18, except ten
acres already a part of Greenfield Township. After the organiza-
tion of Lee Township was effected George C. Havens acted as first
constable, and E. S. Chenoweth was the first clerk.
CHAPTER XXVII
MISCELLAXEOUS
EAILKOADS
The development of railroad facilities in Adair County has been
very slow, owing to many circumstances. Many unsuccessful
attempts were made during the early days to get a road to run a line
through Adair County and on the 3d of September, 1866, the board
of supervisors passed a resolution approj^riating about $800 toward
maldng a railroad survey through the county of Adair and appointed
three of their number, A. P. Littleton, F. M. Corr and James
McMasters, as a committee to fix the time of the beginning of the
survey, superintend its execution and pay the bills. Xothing tangible
came of this, but in the year 1867 the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
laid out a road along the line dividing Adair from Guthrie County
and partially in both of them. This, which was built the following
year, became a great transportation medium for the stock and prod-
uce of the countv. This road continued alone in the countv until
1879, when the branch of the Burlington road was constructed from
Creston, entering the Town of Fontanelle in April, 1879. In the
year 1884 the line was projected on through to Cumberland in Cass
County and completed in the year 1885.
Xumerous attempts have been made in the last fifty years to run
east and west lines through or into the county, but railroad rivalry
has had largely to do with the failure of these enterprises. Also,
several interurban lines have been j)roposed, but for one reason or
another have been abandoned.
A railroad was projected from Creston to Macksburg in ^Madison
County, through Orient and Union townships in Adair County, in
the early years of the '00s. After many discouragements the farmers
along the proposed way determined to secure the desired outlet. A
tax was voted in Union Township, Adair County, and Grand River
Townshii^, in Madison County, and a company of farmers formed to
184
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 185
build the road. The Burlington road, with whom they were com-
pelled to make connection at Creston, refused any accommodation or
assistance, but the officers of the new road, notably A. L. Lynn and
Jerry Wilson and sons, were men of intense energy and they suc-
ceeded in putting it through at large personal sacrifice.
In 1902-03 a promoter at Des ^Moines organized a company with
the avowed object of building a railroad from some point on the
Great Western south of Des ]Moines to Greenfield via Winterset. A
survey and location was made and right of way secured, taxes voted
through Harrison, Grove and Lee townships, and property bought
in Greenfield for depot grounds in the north part of town. When it
looked as if it might be accomplished the Rock Island Railroad Com-
pany surveyed a line parallel to it and a few miles south of the line
chosen by the Des INIoines Southern, and purchased the right of way
through to Greenfield bv wav of Grand River and Lee townships.
They accumulated a large amount of material and to all appearances
were about to commence building, when the bottom dropped out of
the whole project; the promoters of the Des ^loines Southern had
sold out to the Rock Island and the latter had accomplished its object
of preventing a new road.
TELEPHONES
The growth of the telephone system in Adair County has been
remarkable in the last score of years. Now practically every person
in the county has telephone connection with the entire world, either
from his own telephone or public one. The first local telephone
system established in Greenfield was a private line connecting Ed A.
Teague's residence and his store. It was put in by A. Rivenburgh
and consisted of two cigar boxes and a string of wire. Some time
later a telephone line was strung between Creston and Macksburgh,
and later a line from Creston to Spaulding. The latter hne was
taken out and the line extended from Spaulding to Greenfield and
then on to Fontanelle, Stuart and Winterset. C. E. Hall from
Davenport engineered the work. A. Rivenburgh and others assisted.
The first long distance office was at the Teague drug store on the
Arest side of the public square and E. A. Teague was the operator.
Later on, as business increased, and Teague had moved to California,
the Bell telephone moved the office to a small building on the south-
east corner of the square where William Romesha conducted a news
stand and that gentleman, assisted by his daughters, operated the
186 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
system. This building burned and the long distance office was again
moved and later conducted by Beatrice Romesha in connection with
the Lincoln JNIutual Company.
The first local system was established by A. Rivenburgh in the
year 1896 and began operation in July of that year. It was a oO-drop
system and the office was at the Rivenburgh residence, the operator
being Myrtle Rivenburgh. This system operated for two years and
one month, when the expense of keeping up the phones and lines
became so heavy that it was discontinued. There were only four
patrons the first month, J. G. Culver, Darrah & Culbertson, O. A.
Tuttle and the depot. The number increased to twenty telephones
and about thirteen patrons. Several residence telephones were
included in this number.
The Hawkeye system and W. E. Rivenburgh, its first manager,
took charge from 1902 to 1909. His successor, Clyde Miller, served
after him until the present manager took charge, Mr. Belt. C. E.
Hall, who engineered the putting in of the first long distance tele-
phone line, later became manager of the whole southern Iowa system.
The first rural telephone company was the Farmers' oNIutual,.
formed at Adair to build a line south seven or eight miles. This com-
pany was incorporated January 26, 1900. The next company was
the Hawkeye, which built a line from Stuart to Greenfield with a
center at the latter place. They also built several rural lines. The
next company to be incorporated was the Lincoln INIutual in 1902.
There were twenty-eight different companies and individual lines
returned for taxation in September, 1914, aggregating 912 miles and
assessed at $38,575.2.5. As this assessment is supposed to be at less
than one-fourth of the real value and as the value of the telephone
instruments, of which there are several thousand in operation, is not
included, it is reasonable to suppose that there is at least $200,000
invested in the telephone systems in the county.
COUNTY BRinOE AXD KG AD WORK
One of the most notable facts concerning Adair County is that
all of the bridge and road work is done by the county itself; the
l^ridges are constructed and placed, ])aid for, and the roads improved
by county labor and money. It has been with no little profit to every-
one who lives in Adair County to know that officials of the state in
bridge and road work have selected this county as the main one that
is up-to-date and leading the procession along these lines, and have
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 187
sent the officials of several other counties of the state to Greenfield to
investigate the methods used here and view the county plant for the
manufacture of concrete culverts. To the members of the board
of supervisors and to Charles Lehmkulil, county engineer, also super-
intendent of the work, much credit should be given for the saving to
the county of thousands of dollars. The system has been in operation
for six years and during the first five years' operation 390 bridges
were constructed. In this time $111,562 was spent for bridges, but
a great part of the money went to citizens of the county for labor
given.
THE GRANGE
In the early '70s the Patrons of Husbandry had a remarkably
successful run in all the northern states of the republic, and especially
in Iowa hundreds of granges were formed and almost everj^ township
in Adair Countv had at least one. S. C. Vance of Greenfield, Thomas
Ewing of Richland, C. N. Schnellbacher of Grand River were prom-
inent in grange work. Co-operation in buying supplies was under-
taken to a limited extent, but the social features were the most impor-
tant. There were several conditions which combined to destroy the
efficiency of the order and which caused the granges to surrender
their charters, though one or two continued for a number of years.
In the early '80s a new order, the Farmers' Alliance, took the
place of the grange. This was not a secret order, but its object was
to consider and discuss in public meetings those things which would
make for the best interest of the agricultural community. There
were several alliances in this county which did good work in advancing
public opinion. The many co-operative insurance companies, cream-
ery associations and mercantile establishments in Iowa sprang from
grange and alliance teachings.
When the Knights of Labor were at the zenith of their prosperity
about 1890, several lodges were formed in Adair County, but they
were never very popular among the farmers and did not long survive
the drain for dues exacted by the supreme officers of the order.
The American Protective Association had a flourishing organiza-
tion in the northeast part of the county about 1894 and built a hall
for meetings in the south part of Jefferson Township near Turkey
Creek. This order never extended to other parts of the comity.
BRICK AND TILE INDUSTRY
The early settlers of Adair County were seriously handicapped
for building material on account of the lack of stone, and the distance
188 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
to haul brick for the foundations and flues of houses. There was
limestone along ^liddle River, but no^vhere else in the county was
there any stone to be found except a few scattering boulders left by
the ojlacial drift, and these were worn so smooth and round as to be
practically useless for any purpose. The first houses were of logs,
with stick and mud flues. When native lumber became obtainable
the houses were built on blocks of oak or walnut and the flues mosth^
stove pile, as stoves had then come into use.
About 1868 a couple of small kilns of brick Avere made in Jackson
Township about three miles west of Fontanelle. The whole thing
was crude in construction, but enough brick w^ere made to supply
material for flues to the houses then being built. A company with
H. Grass as the head worked one summer at Fontanelle and burned
several kilns of brick and constructed the brick block north of the
square, which was the first brick building in the county. The county
liired a geological expert to investigate as to the condition of the
various soils and their adaptability for use. Some beds of sand were
found underlying the surface soil, which was generally a black clay
loam of varying depth, but the sand was mostly too fine for cement
manufacture, although considerable has been used for plastering and
building chimneys. The clay which composes the substance of the
soil to a depth of several hundred feet was not workable to any large
extent for manufacturing purposes. Pockets of varying extent were
found which, under expert workmanship, made fairly good brick and
tile. About 1890 J. H. Day manufactured brick for several years
southeast of Fontanelle which supplied the local demand for the
product. About the same time several kilns of brick were made at
Greenfield and brick construction became the rule for business houses.
A little later J. W. Darby was extensively engaged in making brick
and tile for six or seven years in Greenfield. None of these efforts
to make clay products have been financially successful. A large busi-
ness in brickmaking has been carried on in Bridgewater for several
years. ]More of the brick industry may be found in the geological
chapter of this volume.
ROADS
In the early days there were few located roads ; the trails followed
as much as possible along the divides, which considerably increased
the distance between places. With the exception of the increased
distance, they made good roads with very Httle work. When com-
pelled to cross streams and sloughs they were bad, except during the
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 189
dryest weather. With the advent of the farmer the roads were forced
upon section lines, which meant hills and sloughs. Had the early
authorities had the good sense and foresight to locate roads as the
railroads do, where the ground was naturally adapted to good roads,
an immense cost would have been saved and all future generations
been benefited. As it is the roads have at large cost been gradually
improved and cement culverts gradually taking the place of the log
and lumber ones and steel bridges being constructed until the roads
of the county are very creditable.
COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION
Iowa has always been liberal in its encouragement of agricultural
fairs and has sjiven aid to countv fairs for more than fiftv years. In
the earlv years of Adair County an annual fair was held in the school-
houses of Fontanelle and Greenfield, alternately. After the removal
of the county seat to Greenfield, land was rented in the east part of
town and some buildings and a race track constructed and for several
years the fair was held there. Later this was bought and laid off
into lots by ^lartin & ^IcCollum, and no fair was held until 1892.
In the summer of that year the project was revived and an associa-
tion formed of which D. A. Patterson was president; T. ^I. Neely,
vice president; A. E. Teague, secretary; and A. R. Oldham, treas-
urer, with directors from the different townships according to the
number of shares held by the people in them. Between three hundred
and four hundred shares at $10 each were sold and forty-two acres
of land northeast of Greenfield purchased, permanent buildings con-
structed and a ©ood race track laid out. For a number of years very
successful fairs were held, with good exhibits of stock and agricul-
tural products, pantry stores and exhibits of school work. The
county contains a large number of excellent cattle, hogs and horses
and a good representation of these have always been exhibited at the
Adair County Fair. For several ^ ears the fair had hard luck owing
to rainstorms and fell considerably into debt, but in the winter of
1914, 240 additional shares of stock were sold, the floating debt cleared
off and the association is in good shape for future action.
farmers" institute
About 1890 some of the progressive farmers of the county formed
an association to hold an institute of several days' duration at Green-
190 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
field. A very successful session, with President Chamberlain of the
State Agricultural College, Henry Wallace and others prominent
in agricultural education present, was held. This association con-
tinued for several years to hold a successful institute, but farmers
found it difficult to get the time from their work and attend in suffi-
cient numbers, and wdth the feeling among the townspeople that the
institute did not belong to them, caused it to be discontinued, although
the state offered generous sujDport.
For two or three years since 1910 the i)eople at Adair and Fon-
tanelle have lield an annual corn show^ and institute which has aroused
considerable interest in the territory tributary to these towns.
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Previous to the coming of the railroad, the Rock Island on the
north and the Burlington on the south, in 1869, there had been very
little interest in crop production, the distance from market making
the raising of surplus grain a burden rather than an asset. The people
lived in, or in close proximity to, the strips of timber along the streams
and most of the vast prairie land was unbroken. Land sold from
two and one-half dollars to ten dollars per acre. With the coming
of the railroad settlement rapidly extended to the prairies, which
were found to be more desirable than the timber and rougher land
near the streams. The first settlers depended entirely on wild hay
and let their cattle range unrestrained, fencing their small cultivated
plats with rails. It was the accepted opinion of the early settlers
that the cultivated grasses would not grow on the prairie soil and
could not survive the rigor of winter freezing. But there are ahvays
skeptics, and soon some of the farmers found it necessary to find a
substitute for the wild hay and began to experiment with the tame
grasses. J. H. Hulbert in Washington Towaiship, L. ]M. Kilburn
in Summerset, and others, found that this was one of the best coun-
ties for tame grasses in all the world, just as natural for the cultivated
as for the wild grasses. Blue grass, the best of the pastm-e grasses,
came in naturally with civilized settlement until it covered all the
land not in cultivated crops; while clover and timothy meadows have
practically crowded out the wild grasses, and in some seasons a large
surplus of hay has been shipped for use elsewhere. The main crops
raised at first were spring wheat, oats and corn, with sufficient pota-
toes for local use; corn next to grass being the most important crop^
largely consumed on the farm and shipped out in the shape of cattle.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 191
hogs, horses, butter and cream. In the last few years whiter wheat
has become a very important crop, proving the most remunerative
for its cost of any crop raised. With the cultivated crops, however,
came evil weeds, formerly unknown, which like the last state of man
in the parable makes things worse than the first. Dandelions cover
the hills with a yellow bloom in the spring and defy all efforts at
eradication; the varieties of dock and cockleburr are ever increasing
in persistent occupation of the soil; while the native varieties of rag-
weed, foxtail, wild morning-glory and many others increase the
farmer's labors to preserve his crops; and yet the average product
per acre is considerably more than fifty years ago, owing to better
implements and more intelligent culture. Almost every settler put
out a grove of forest trees for a windbreak and a small orchard about
his dwellings. David Coffeen in Washington Township, Jacob
Bruce of Jefferson, L. C. Elliott of Harrison and J. Bush of Grand
River were among the first to have bearing orchards in the county.
AYhile many apples, plums, grapes and some peaches have been
raised in the county and while it is little trouble for any family to
grow more than they can consume of any of these fruits, together
with all the small fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blackber-
ries and currants, the conditions are not the best for tree growing.
High winds, lack of sufficient moisture and other conditions unite to
dwarf the size, and shorten the life of both orchard and farm trees,
except in close proximity to the flowing streams.
In the early days the sloughs, of which there was an abundance,
were very wet and such land was accounted almost worthless. Most
of these sloughs have been drained, some of the first with ditches
which proved a failure, and later with clay tile which has made the
slough land the most productive of all. With the coming of the years
and better improvements the value of land has advanced until an
average of one hundred dollars an acre is a very conservative estimate.
EARLY TIMES IN FONTANELLE
Every person in the AVest understands the danger of being over-
taken by snow storms in thinly settled country, where the ordinary
landmarks of the more thickly settled regions, houses, barns, fences,
groves and cultivated lands, are found only at long intervals.
There have been several such cases attended with fatal results in
Adair County, but the most interesting case of the kind, although
not attended with serious consequences, occurred in the Town of
Fontanelle in the winter of 1850.
192 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
The town in question at the time referred to was very thinly set-
tled, the number of houses perhaps not exceeding twenty, and placed
at long distances from each other.
The block north of the present public square is block 16, and near
its southeast corner stood the public house kept by J. C. Gibbs, and
in the same block a few feet west of INIr. Gibbs' residence was the
dwelling of Cal Ballard. Near the northwest corner of block 20,
which lies immediately west of the square, was a store originally built
bv J. K. Valentine, but at the time referred to was used by Ballard
as a storeroom. The public square at that time was treeless and
unenclosed and a liberty pole stood in its center.
On the site of the present residence (Frank Sears, 1915) of
E. H. Fuller (this was written in 1873), D. Mulford Valentine, now
chief justice of Kansas, lived, and the lots being then unfenced, he
had his stable near the spot where Isaac Cade's stable afterwards
stood.
Colonel Nichols, at that time, lived in a residence afterward occu-
pied by jNIr. Drake about one-quarter of a mile from Ballard's store.
Gibbs' Hotel was about eighty rods from the store.
On the afternoon of a cold winter day A. B. Smith, now of Win-
terset; James Minert of Eureka Township; Joe Clary, now in Wash-
ington Territory; J. S. Ellis, Marion Amnion and Colonel Nichols
and several others dropped into Ballard's store and whiled the after-
noon away in conversation, jokes and story telling. In the middle
of the afternoon the breeze from the northeast which had been blow-
ing all day grew into a heavy storm accompanied by a heavy snow.
The wind and snow had become so dense as to darken the air, and as
no business could be done Ballard proceeded to close his store. The
mud and snow beating with great force on his front door, which faced
the east, made it necessary for the company to retire through the
back door at the west end of the building. The company, including
Mr. Ballard, left the building together and all but Nichols proceeded
in the direction of Gibb's Hotel, where most of them boarded.
Having to face the cutting wind and the blinding snow that pre-
vented one seeing an object even at a distance of a few feet, they had
proceeded but a few steps when they became separated and realized
that they were lost and helpless. This conviction, to which was added
the suffering of several of them who lost their hats or scarfs which
had been carried away by the wind, induced a fright which took away
their presence of mind. They at once began calling to each other for
help and were finally rallied around the liberty pole in the center of
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 193
the public square by one who happened to reach it first. When once
congregated here various plans were suggested for reaching Mr.
Gibbs', which they knew to be distant not more than fifty yards,
among others the plan of separating short distances within sight of
each other and swinging around the pole; but the panic they had
already experienced prevented this or any other plan from being
adopted.
In the meantime Joe Clary and two or three others had succeeded
in retracing their steps to Ballard's door and breaking in a window
entered the building, where they remained all night, suffering con-
siderably with the cold.
A. B. Smith, however, retained his presence of mind, and being
able to keep the location of the various houses, took charge of the
party. He first took Ballard to his residence a few yards from the
pole. Ballard was so bewildered that when he reached his home he
failed to recognize it and was only convinced when Smith, opening
the door, pushed liim into the house. Smith then taking charge of
Colonel Nichols, whose house was a fourth of a mile distant, safely
piloted him home.
On his return from this duty he came across D. M. Valentine.
On the approach of evening this gentleman had left his house to go
to his stable, which situation has been described. In going the dis-
tance of eighty rods he had lost his direction and could not find his
stable or regain his house and he had wandered off in the face of the
storm about a half-mile from his residence and would probably have
perished but for the timely assistance of Mr. Smith, who conducted
him home. After all the party were safely housed except Clary and
his companions, who had found their way back to the store, Mr.
Smith hunted them up, but they were fearful of entrusting them-
selves to his guidance, preferring to remain where they were for the
night.
W^LD GAME
The rich rolling lands of Western Iowa, less than three-quarters
of a century ago, supported immense herds of buffalo, deer and elk.
The first of these to disappear was the buffalo, for within the recol-
lection of the earliest settlers none of these ruminants were found in
Adair County when they came here.
It is generally believed that the last wapiti, or elk, was killed in
Adair County by John Loucks in the winter of 1856. The facts as
given by John B. Wilson are as follows: The elk was discovered by
Vol 1—13
194 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Mr. Louck in 3Ir. Wilson's cornfield. There had been a heavy fall of
snow which had become coated with a heavy crust. Pursuit was
made by Messrs. Wilson, Loucks and P. Glunt and after an exciting
chase of two hours, during which time much powder was burned and
the elk lost much blood by the snow crust lacerating his legs, the
game was finally brought down by Mr. Loucks, wliich went far
towards establishing his reputation as a marksman, from the fact
that he never used the hind sights and shut both eyes when he pulled
the trigger. The elk was very poor and exceedingly tough.
PRIVATIONS
The privations to which the early settlers of our county were
subjected to and the dangers which they encountered are but faintly
realized by us who enjoy the benefits of their labors and sufferings.
One of the early settlers of Adair County was John Cears. Of course
every old settler in the county knew Mr. Cears and every person in
the vicinity of Fontanelle, which was his trading point, and near
which was his home for many years. Mr. Cears came to Adair
County at a very early date and settled in Jackson Township. As
many of the old settlers will remember, the winter of 1856-57 was
one of uncommon severity, with heavy falls of snow. At this time
Mr. Cears was keeping a stage station upon the stage road running
from Des Moines to Council Bluffs by Winterset, Greenfield, Sum-
merset and Lewis. In the latter part of December it became neces-
sary for him to go to David Thompson's for the purpose of obtaining
a supply of meat. Thompson lived two miles east of Pearson's mill,
which was situated four miles north of Stuart. Having obtained
his supplies, he left JNIr. Thompson early on the morning of Tuesday,
December 20th. At the time he started it was snowing heavily and
there was a stiff breeze from the southwest. Thompson remonstrated
with Cears for starting in such a storm, but he was anxious to reach
home, as he had left his three young children in charge of strangers.
Besides, it was his intention to stop at Jacob Bruce's on Middle River,
M'hich was twelve or fourteen miles distant. In going from Thomp-
son's to Bruce's he would have the wind directly in his face. The
storm increased in fury after Mr. Cears started and he was unable
to see 200 yards on account of the heavy fall and drifting of the snow.
The road even in summer was not very well marked and was entirely
obliterated by the snow in a very short time. The ordinary landmarks
could not be seen for the storm and the only guide left for ^Ir. Cears
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 195
was the course of the wind, which was blowing from the southwest.
Before reaching Mr. Bruce's the wind changed to the northwest and
imperceptibly the course of Mr. Gears was changed also. After the
lapse of a few hours Mr. Gears knew he was lost and reahzed fully
the danger of his position, but his anxiety for himself was much less
than that for his little children at home. He had reason to believe
tliat, like persons lost in the snow, he sometimes crossed his own track,
but from the fact that he continued to face the storm he finally found
himself so far from his starting point that his course was quite direct.
The storm raged with fury and without cessation. Day and night
from Tuesday morning until Friday noon following and during the
entire time there was no landmark visible by day nor stars at night
to reveal to him his course or position. During the daytime he con-
tinued to travel as well as he could, but the weakness of his horse,
his own fatigue, as well as the excessive darkness, rendered traveling
impossible. When he left Thompson's he had one bushel of corn
for his horses. Of course this small amount was soon consumed, and
as neither browsing or dry grass could be had, the horses soon showed
signs of weakness. After the corn was gone the horses ate the entire
sides of the wagon made of yellow poplar. During this entire time
Mr. Gears had no food whatever. He had fortunately supplied him-
self with a pint of whiskey before leaving Mr. Thompson's, which
was his only support during this time. Mr, Gears was for many years
a stage driver and a hard drinker, but he said this was the only time
in his life when w^hiskey proved of any benefit to him whatever, and
from that day until his death never drank a drop of intoxicating
liquor. ]Mr. Gears knew that his only hope lay in keeping his horses
alive, and to do this they must be exercised. Each horse had a blanket.
During most of the nights Mr. Gears kept his horses moving, leading
them to and fro. While not engaged in this occupation he sat
wrapped in his only protection from the storm, his buffalo robe, and
listened to the wolves howling upon all sides of him. At such times,
although it was "blue" cold, yet the anxiety for his children would
often induce a profuse perspiration. As the snow was at times
accompanied by rain, before long the wheels of the wagon became
a solid mass of ice, not a single spoke being visible, and long icicles
hung from the horses' bellies and from the wagon. As the horses
became weaker and weaker they often stumbled and fell while cross-
ing the gullies which could not be se^n and avoided on account of
beino^ filled with snow. From the first time that Mr. Gears discov-
ered that he was misled by the wind and lost he had no notion as to
196 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
where he was, but felt that his only safety was in moving on. As
he afterward discovered, he had changed his course and had traveled
northwest parallel with Middle River, but never so near it as to see
the timber on account of the snow. As he had matches with him, he
could have made himself comfortable had he reached the timber, but
where he was on the divide he was not able even to light a pipe. At
about 2 o'clock on Friday afternoon the storm had ceased to rage
and the sun came out. Mr. Gears saw at some distance a high hill
crowned with a single tree. Hitching the one horse to the wagon, he
mounted the other and rode to this point. From here he saw a shang-
hai fence, which was a very certain indication that a house was not
far distant. Going back for the other horse, he left his wagon and
made his way to the enclosure. Here he found a turf house, well
known at that time as Gopher Station. It was one of the stage
stations on the line from Des JNIoines to Council Bluffs and was kept
by a Quaker named Betts. It was situated on Bear Grove, near the
headwaters of Middle River, about twelve miles north of Adair
County. Mr. Betts brought the wagon to the station. Of course,
after such privations both Mr. Cears and his horses were prostrated.
Mr. Cears had an awful appetite, but could retain no food upon his
stomach for some time. One of his horses recovered, but the other
died within a few days after reaching the station. JNIr. Cears froze
several of his fingers and both of his heels. On Monday morning fol-
lowing, with a stage horse kindly lent to him by Mr. Betts, and his
stronger horse, he took the mail route to Anita and reached home
Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday he returned to Gopher Station,
to return the borrowed horse, expecting to return on the one he left,
but in the meantime the horse had died. On Thursday Mr. Cears
returned home on foot, coming by way of Jacob Johnson's near
Casey and taking dinner at Mr. Ray's, who lived where INIr. West-
man later lived. No one but a person of imperturbability, bravery
and indomitable resolution would have escaped from such peril with
his life.
PANTHER
In the spring of 1864 the eastern part of Adair County was much
excited by the inroad of a wild animal whose presence was first made
known by its depredations upon domestic animals of the farmers
of Harrison and Jefferson townships. It first made its appearance
u])on ^liddle River in Harrison Township. The groves bordering
the river were at tliat time much denser than now, and afforded it
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 197
an excellent shelter and place of retreat from whence it sallied in
search of something to devour. The report of its depredations
extended to the settlers upon the river, creating considerable uneasi-
ness. Before long the animal removed its quarters to Jefferson
Township and at once made its presence known by the destruction
of colts, calves, sheep and hogs. Not long after its arrival it was
seen and reported to be of a red color and as large as a small mule.
The animal was again seen by some women who were gathering some
gooseberries. It was lying stretched upon the dead limb of a tree
about twenty feet from the ground. The person who first discovered
it gave the alarm and the party retreated. She described him as
larger than the largest dog she had ever seen. Previous to this time,
in addition to his numerous attacks on domestic animals, he had made
the settlers aware of his presence by cries at night, which, except that
they were louder, resembled the cries of a cat. Doubtless it belonged
to the same family of animals. A hunting party at once sallied forth
in search of the animal, accompanied by the young lady who had seen
him, but without success. Traces of him were evident in the remains
of ten shoats which were discovered partly devoured. Besides these
another gentleman lost about forty pigs, some of them large enough
to weigh 100 pounds. The excitement aroused by the presence of
such a dangerous neighbor having become universal, a grand hunt
was organized to rid the country of his presence. All the men, arms
and dogs were in requisition. After beating the bush for a consid-
erable time the animal soon started from his lair, but breaking through
the lines he reached the dense timber and escaped. As he passed
through the lines he was plainly seen, but was enabled to escape
unhurt. After this he was seen no more, nor, we believe, heard from,
but the fear that he might be still lurking in the timber was for a long
time the cause of alarm and annoyance and deprived the good people
of Middle River country of many a gooseberry pie.
The animal was probably what is known as the American panther.
It is rarely found, and especially in the parts of the country so sparsely
wooded as Adair County.
REMINISCENCES OF S. W. PRYOR
On the 1st day of August, 1856, I arrived at a small settlement
in the eastern part of Adair County, one among the numerous paper
towns in Western Iowa at that time. This was the summer preceding
the winter still remembered by the old settlers as the hard winter of
198 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
1856-57. The seasons had been and were still very dry; crops of all
kinds were very light, prairie grass was exceedingly light, and still
it was about all the chance a newcomer had out of which to make
feed to winter his stock. The first thing for a man of a family to do
was to get a house to live in. Having done this I thought, as land
seemed to be on the rise, I would secure a piece of land on which to
make a home. Although I had before leaving Missouri, where I had
lived fourteen years, bought of different parties military land war-
rants amounting in all to 420 acres, intending to locate them on the
public domain in Iowa, unfortunately for me, when I arrived here
the land offices were closed with little or no hopes of being opened
soon, thus I was forced to pay my money for land instead of keeping
it for other uses. By the time I had selected and purchased what land
I wanted haymaking was well advanced. With scythe and pitchfork
I commenced making hay for between thirty-five and forty head of
stock, three head of which were only horses. Winter setting in rather
early, found me still unprepared in the way for shelter for my stock,
and on the very first day of December the stormy weather began.
My cattle were only partially sheltered from the storm by my hay-
rick and they began to freeze to death. The weather continued
exceedingly cold and stormy all winter. On the coming of grass in
the spring I had only two head of cattle living out of about thirty-six,
the others dying mostly for the want of shelter. That spring corn
sold for $1.50 per bushel and during the summer following flour
for $7.50 per hundred. Some time during the summer, I think it
was June, I wanted to see a man living in the southwestern part of
the county and knowing that he lived somewhere near Nevin, a small
colony from New England, accordingly one morning I struck out
on foot for that village. I knew I could get there some time on foot
and thought best not to start on horseback, knowing that the streams
were bad to cross with a horse, and I had also found it to be very
hard to find grain to feed an animal. I had no guide but a pocket
compass whicli I used to keep myself in the proper bearing when no
house or grove could be seen, which would answer the same purpose,
which was nearly all the time, however. After I had gone some ten
or twelve miles I could see Greenfield, or a barn and one house per-
ha])s all told, which was a very good guide, as I knew that Nevin lay
directly south from that town at a distance of about eleven miles.
Late in the evening, after wading several streams, and traveling
without a road, sometimes through grass and weeds higher than my
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 199
head, hungry and tired, I reached the colony where I remained until
the next day.
I could relate similar incidents enough to fill a volume, but I shall
relate but one more. In the latter part of June, 1858, I was called
upon to survey a road from Schweer's mill, now Hebron, in Grand
River Township, north to the line between Adair and Guthrie coun-
ties. I ran the road through by the second evening without any
unusual occurrence. We stopped with a widow just across the line
in the edge of Guthrie County, in quite a small log cabin, and I
thought that I never heard it thunder harder or rain more than it did
that night. In the morning, after waiting for the water to run down,
for some of the sloughs would swim a horse, we started homeward,
but in a few miles we came to North River, which had overflowed
its banks and spread from hill to hill. Seeing that we could not pos-
sibly cross there, a man living near by informed us that a man some
miles below owned a canoe. So we started with very little hope of
getting across to hunt the man with the canoe. Sure enough, when
we got there the canoe was gone. We got our dinner and after fur-
ther consultation I proposed to construct a raft that I thought we
could cross on if we could find a dead tree of sufficient size and very
dry and light, which would float well. We soon found a tree which
suited us and after cutting it down, cut off" four lengths and placing
them together side by side, fastened them together by pinning four
pieces of a sapling, cut and split, laying flat side down upon the logs,
holding them securely together. We all took hold, drew it into the
water until it would float, then with one of the men at a time with a
pole about ten feet long I began ferrying our company across, until
all were carried over but the teamster, who was to follow as soon as
the stream became fordable. This sketch illustrates but a part of
my experiences for the first few years in Adair County.
EAKLY SETTLEMENT IN NORTH PART OF ADAIR COUNTY
It is claimed and probably correct that William Alcorn and John
Gilson were the first settlers in the north part of the county, Alcorn
making a claim and building a house on section 27 and Gilson making
a claim and putting up a house on section 35, situated in what is now
known as Jefl*erson Township. About the same time or soon there-
after Benjamin Alcorn claimed and built a cabin on section 33, same
township. William Alcorn remained upon his claim for several
years, while Gilson, who had a child die, became discouraged and sold
200 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
out to Daniel Vancil. At the time that Alcorn and Gaston settled
on INIiddle River in Adair County, their nearest neighbors were
twenty-five miles distant. We give the names of those settlers in the
township previous to 1855 in their order: William Alcorn, John Gil-
son, Benjamin Alcorn, Crow, John Phebus, Pettus,
Collins, William Hollingsworth, George ^I. Holaday, Mahundra
Hollingsworth, Samuel Minert and Jacob Bnice.
The iDioneers as a class of people were generous and accommo-
dating, although deprived of many of the privileges and blessings of
an older settled country, yet their hearts were warm and sympathetic,
which was made manifest in sickness or in trouble. They also kept
the latch string hanging out to the wayfarer, that he might find shelter
and food. It was a custom of the early settlers when one went to the
nearest trading point to send word the day before to his neighbors so
that thev misht send for what they needed. The same in milling. One
would do the milling for several. At that day there was no class
distinction — all were on the same level. None rich, but all poor.
Though living twenty miles away they were our friends and neigh-
bors. Intemperance, profanity and Sabbath breaking was the excep-
tion. The young men of that day were not walking arsenals, with
their pockets loaded down wath revolvers, slung shots and brass
knuckles as at the present time, but they grew to be sturdy, indus-
trious, self-reliant young men, the pride of their parents, esteemed
by their neighbors and respected by all who came to know them.
While it may be said truthfully that the pioneers of Adair
County were a generous and hospitable people, it cannot be said that
they always made the best of their straitened circumstances in the
matter of cleanliness, as the following incidents will substantiate.
Two young attorneys stopping with mine host of the House,
after retiring for the night, heard the hostess making inquiry of her
daughters, who were in the kitchen, if they had "turned those chick-
ens," whicli gave those young disciples of Blackstone visions of nice
baked chicken for breakfast, which thought was transporting them to
the land of dreams when their repose was disturbed by the mother
making a loud call and the inquiry the second time, which elicited an
answer in the negative. They were then told to balance those chickens
with that part which is last getting in over the fence, farthest from
the flour in the barrel. The announcement caused a cessation of
saliva in the mouths of the young attorneys, which could be only
started again by the frequent use of a pint flask. On another occa-
sion at the same place the travelers were awakened by the landlady
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 201
pulling the children out of the trundle bed to get the sheet to do
service as a table cloth. And to show their down East friends how
biscuits were manufactured in the West thev carried a biscuit home,
and the tenacity with which it hung together was due to the fact that
a yellow dog had lost considerable of his hair whilst keeping watch
over the flour barrel and meal box. The reader must remember that
this was before the days of patent flour and meal chests and when the
family occupied one room of the house and dogs, cats and chickens
the other.
We will relate one or two incidents which will show the spirit of
accommodation that pervaded the hearts of the early settlers. On a
certain time when it was very disagreeable in traveling, when houses
were few and far between, and mine host had stowed away to the
best advantage all the humanity that beds and bedding would admit,
the landlord was heard to exclaim: "Xo room for another unless
he bunk with wife and me." Hardly had the words been uttered
when "Halloa!" was heard and a horseman claimed shelter and food.
The conditions were made known and accepted. The belated traveler
was fed and his clothes dried and then told to turn in, the host telling
his wife to lay over next to the wall and telling the traveler to pile in,
"but I swear you shan't sleep in the middle."
On another occasion, to show that where there is a will a way can
be found to do good to others, in a room less than fourteen feet square
sleeping room was had, although a little crowded, for ten full grown
men, two women and three children, by the good wife putting the
men, chairs and table outside, then spreading bedding on the floor
from wall to door ; the men being admitted one at a time, were stowed
away spoon fashion, which necessitated all turning at once when they
wished to change positions, which caused considerable merriment
which lasted well into the morning hours.
As there were many little incidents happening to the early set-
tlers which were of considerable moment to them, and of which it is
interesting for them in conversation to recall, it would be interesting
to relate them if space would permit. However, I will close by saying
that the happiest hours of my life were spent as a pioneer in Adair
County.
A BAD WIXTEK
The foflowing quotation of one of the newspapers in regard to
the severe winter of 1880, published at the time:
202 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
"The storm was the beginning of one of the longest and coldest
winters on record. It began snowing October 14th, and for three
days the blizzard raged, blockading the railroads and highways every-
where. The county was quite sparsely settled in this part of Iowa
then. The fine big barns and cattle sheds now so common were a
rarity. As a consequence the storm coming so early caught everyone
unprepared. Cattle and other stock perished by the thousands and
many travelers caught unawares lost their lives. There was no Indian
summer that year. The blizzard of October was followed bv more
snow and cold and there was almost no let up until April. Many of
the low, hay-thatched barns of that period were completely covered
with snowdrifts and it became necessary to cut holes through the
slough grass roofs to get feed and water to the animals within. At
other places tunnels were dug through the drifts to the doors leading
to the stables.
"Fuel was scarce and corn and weeds were often burned in lieu of
coal. Corn husking and plowing was postponed till spring, when it
was common to see farmers planting corn in one field and others
husking in an adjoining field."
CHAUTAUQUA
During the spring of 1908 the Redpath Chautauqua men induced
the business men of Greenfield to lend assistance to inaugiu'ate a
Chautauqua to be held at this place in August of that year. This
was the first movement in this direction ever taken in Greenfield.
It has never been materialized, however, until 1911, Avhen, and each
year since, the Redpath-Vawter Company has conducted successful
sessions at which some of the best talent in the country has con-
tributed. In 1913 and 1914 Fontanelle has also had successful Chau-
tauqua sessions.
MILLS
The first houses in the county were built of logs, but early a saw-
mill was built on jNIiddle River near what is now Port Union and
one on the Nodaway four or five miles west of Fontanelle, which
^vorked up some native lumber, mostly oak or maple, with some
basswood, elm cut along the streams. The yielding nature of the soil
along the stream banks and the immense volume of flood water caus-
ing tlie streams to overflow and spread over the bottoms in every big
rain, made it impossible to construct dams of any permanency, so
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 203
none of the mills were able to continue in business, although native
lumber was supplied for a considerable number of buildings, the
first courthouse and jail at Fontanelle being built almost entirely
of native lumber. Later portable sawmills made some lumber, but
the pine shipped in from abroad was preferred to the hard wood of
the forests and the demand for native lumber ceased.
In the days before the railroad the people had to haul their wheat
for flour to Lewis, Cass County; Mount Etna, Adams County; to
Cromwell or Creston, Union County; or to Pearson's, Guthrie
County, which meant a drive of from twenty to thirty-five miles for
almost all of the farmers of the county.
Upon promise of a bonus of $1,000 a man built a mill for grind-
ing grain near where the depot now stands, the power to have been
supplied by four huge wings after the style of the Holland mills,
but the wind was too uncertain and too erratic to accomplish any-
thing except to occasionally grind a little cornmeal. A mill was built
at Port LTnion, which did some business for a short time.
In 1881 Jacob Bahlman and Wendel JNIathes, farmers living not
far from Fontanelle, built a mill at that place, which cost about
seven thousand dollars, which has been operated continuously since,
doing good work. This is now owned and operated by J. F. Dory.
Bahlman was postmaster at Fontanelle during the first Cleveland
administration. He afterwards emigrated to Argentina, where it is
reported he died some years since. Mathes has been living in retire-
ment in Fontanelle for some years and owns a large farm in Jackson
Township.
A grist mill w^as built at Greenfield several years ago, but soon
failed, then sold and torn down.
A flour mill was built on JNIiddle River, a mile east of Casey, near
the county line, which did business for several years, but the uncer-
tainty of water power compelled a shut-down of the plant.
COAIi MINING
At several different times efforts have been made to find coal in
dift'erent locations in Adair County. A number of prospect holes
have been dug near Fontanelle, the deepest going down 400 feet
from the surface without finding any workable vein. Drilling was
carried on to between two hundred and three hundred feet in Jackson
Township without success. The supervisors had offered a bounty
of $300 for fifty bushels of coal mined in Adair County and delivered
204 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
at Greenfield. L. R. Cairns sunk a shaft in 1892 in Eureka Town-
ship six miles south of Adair Town and at a depth of 240 feet found
a three-foot vein of good quality coal. He claimed to have sunk a
prospect hole forty feet deeper and found a vein four feet thick,
hut this was never developed. From the state mine inspector's report
there were mined 2,000 tons in 1893. The report of the output for
succeeding years is not available, but there was an increase for several
years. However, the depth of the mine and the distance from rail
transportation prevented it from becoming a profitable business and
accordingly mining operations were suspended indefinitely.
STATISTICS OF POPULATION
The following statistics show that the county as a whole has had
a steady growth until the year 1900, at which time the number of
people began to decrease and has continued to do so every year since.
The Town of Adair had 463 inhabitants in 1885; in 1890 it had
722; in 1895, 8.53; in 1900, 879; in 1905, 961; in 1910, 900.
Bridgewater had 365 inhabitants in 1910.
Fontanelle had 923 inhabitants in 1885; in 1890, 830; in 1895,
859; in 1900, 853; in 1905, 847; in 1910, 789.
Greenfield, in 1885, had 1,100 inhabitants; in 1890, 1,048; in 1895,
1,244; in 1900, 1,300; in 1905, 1,445; in 1910, 1,379.
The population of the county as a whole for different years has
been: In 1854, 150; in 1856, 663; in 1860, 984; in 1863, 900; in
1865, 1,097; in 1867, 1,594; in 1870, 3,982; in 1875, 7,045; in 1880,
11,667; in 1885, 14,102; in 1890, 14,534; in 1895, 15,504; in 1900,
16,192; in 190.5, 15,110; in 1910, 14,420.
The present population of Adair County (1915) is 14,069. The
following is the 1915 population of the townships and towns: Adair
(town), 1,007; Bridgewater (town), 362; Bridgewater, 29; Casey
(town), 107; Eureka, 618; Fontanelle (town), 860; Grand River,
585; Greenfield (town), 1,615; Greenfield, 95; Grove, 608; Harri-
son, 667; Jackson, 597; Jefferson, 622; Lee, 467; Lincoln, 654;
Orient (town), 450; Orient, 595; Prussia, 635; Richland, 604; Sum-
merset, 554; Summit, 550; Union, 545; Walnut, 653; Washington,
585.
PRESIDENTIAL VOTE
In 1864 Abraham Lincoln received 119 votes in the county and
George B. :McClellan 47.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 205
In 187*2 U. S. Grant received 757 votes and Horace Greeley 211.
In 1876 Hayes got 1,334 and Tilden 593 in the county.
In 1880 J. A. Garfield received 1,606, W. S. Hancock 516, and
James B. Weaver, populist, 519.
In 1884 Blaine received 1,814 votes and Cleveland 1,318.
In 1888 Benjamin Harrison received 1,883 votes, Cleveland got
1,178, and the populist ticket received 108.
In 1892 Harrison received 1,836, Cleveland 1,264.
In 1896 William ^IcKinley received 2,127 votes and William J.
Bryan received 1,530.
In 1900 JNIcKinley received 2,327 and Bryan 1,618.
In 1904 Theodore Roosevelt received 2,303 and Alton B. Parker
got 895 votes.
In 1908 William H. Taft received 2,015 votes; WiUiam J. Bryan
1,323.
In 1912 William H. Taft received 1,248 votes; Theodore Roose-
velt, progressive, received 890; and Woodrow Wilson, 1,195.
THE ADAIR COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
In the last part of the year 1887 a few of the farmers interested
in mutual insurance met at Greenfield and organized a county asso-
ciation for the purpose of nmtual assistance in case of loss by fire or
lightning, and in JNIarch, 1888, the association first commenced busi-
ness with an insurable capital of about sixty thousand dollars,
which early in the year was increased to about one hundred
thousand dollars. The first officers elected by the association
were: L. ]M. Kilburn, president; E. C. Crawford, vice presi-
dent; T. C. Heacock, D. J. Eatinger, E. C. Duncan, directors.
The board elected J. E. Brooks as secretary and O. A. Tuttle as
treasurer. Some years later G. G. Rechtenbaugh of Jackson Town-
shij) became vice president in place of E. C. Crawford and upon his
decease T. C. Heacock was elected to the place which he held until
his removal to Kansas in the early years of 1900. The directors have
so far enjoyed the confidence of the membership of the association
that vacancies have been made only by death or removal from the
county in the twenty-seven years of active business. The president,
secretary and treasurer have occupied these positions since the begin-
ning. Other directors at present (1915) are: C. J. Eatinger, vice
president; J. G. Hendry, Fred Rohner and Loren Sulgrove. The
company was incorporated in the year 1888 and reincorporated in
206 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
1909. It has never had a "boom," but has maintained a steady,
average grgwth of around one hundred thousand dollars a year in
amovmt of its risks, until it now has over three million dollars in risks
confined to Adair and adjoining counties. It has paid over sixty
thousand dollars in over six hundred different losses and has effected
a saving of as much more to its patrons. It is distinctly one of the
live institutions of Adair County.
AN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION
In the earlv days of settlement of Adair County, between 1850
and 1861, old John Brown had a line of "underground railroad" from
Missouri to Canada, j^assing through this county, one station being-
kept by Azariah Root in the grove two miles west of Fontanelle.
Abner Root, son of Azariah, a young man, afterwards a soldier in
the War of the Rebellion, and later sheriff of Adair County, once
related the following incident of that eventful time which shows the
high courage, self-sacrifice and devotion to a high ideal in some of
the men of those days:
"A considerable part of the early settlers w^ere pro-slavery in
sentiment and the utmost secrecy had to be observed in passing fugi-
tive slaves from station to station along the line through Southern
Iowa. On one cold mid-winter evening, when there was just enough
snow on the ground to make good sledding, John Brown called at
the door of my father's house with seven negroes. He said, 'Take
these people to 's at Winterset before light tomorrow morn-
ing.' With these words he quickly drove away. While father was
hitching up the sled my mother took the cold and hungry negroes
into the kitchen and gave them some hot food and coffee. The sled
once ready the negroes were deposited in the bottom in a prone posi-
tion and then covered with heavy blankets, for fear some one would
see them while en route to our destination. In this manner we drove
the thirty-six snow-covered miles to Winterset and deposited our
human freight at the next station.
"At another time I took a load to Johnnie Pearson's, who was
an old Quaker with a grist mill several miles beyond what is now
Stuart in Guthrie County and whose house was another station on the
route. When I reached the mill the miller came to the waffon to
unload, but I had the negroes covered and said that the grist was not
for the mill but for Pearson alone."
If heroes ever lived, the man, who, living in a hostile neighbor-
hood, defying a vicious law which, upon discovery, would subject him
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 207
to a heavy fine and imiDrisonment, without hope of reward, would
take long drives of thirty or forty miles on a lonely trail, on winter
nights, to help his fellows from slavery to freedom, deserves to be
called a hero ; and of such material the pioneers w ere made.
BOEDER RUFFIANS
In the spring of 1864 occurred the murder of a soldier w^ho was
home on a furlough in Adams County. It was the result of a neigh-
borhood feud of long standing, intensified by the war spirit of the
times. The murderer w^as arrested, claiming that the act was in self
defense and justifiable, and was brought to the Adair County jail
at Fontanelle to be kept until the trial. As usual in such cases, the
clan to which the dead man belonged determined, right or wrong, to
avenge their comrade's death, without waiting for the law to deter-
mine the right of the matter. They came across country on horse-
back to the jail at Fontanelle and against the earnest protest of John
Shreves, the sheriff, who was powerless to resist the mob, they bat-
tered down the door to the cell, took the prisoner some distance out
of town, and hanged him to a tree, also riddling his body with bul-
lets. Efforts were made to bring the ruffians to justice, but so ter-
rorized were the people that no testimonj^ could be secured against
them.
MARRIAGES
The first marriage license issued in Adair County was dated INIay
6, 1854, and was issued to William Stinson and Elizabeth F. Crow.
The ceremony was performed on the next day, probably by Judge
Iloladay, although the records contain no record of the same. The
second license was issued June 9, 1855 to David McClure and Rheu-
hama Thompson, who were married the following day. Licenses
during the whole of the year 1855 were issued to the following couples:
D. ^I. Valentine and ^lartha Root; Samuel Thompson and Sarah
Garner; INIanoah S. Sullivan and Sarah A. Standley; Isaac J. Far-
low and ^lartha E. Bringham. There were only six marriages in
the county during 1856 and they Avere as follows: Natheldron Thomis
and Rebecca Tidd; John ^Murphy and Amelia J. Friend; William
Torrents and Ellen Hodson ; Joseph W. Betts and Polly C. Thomp-
son; John Johnston and Rebecca Davis; Sion Murphy and Polly A.
Roberts. In 1857 the following couples received licenses in the
county: John Tomkins and Nancy A. Kerby; Joseph L. Ellis and
208 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Theresa M. Trask; Homer Penfield and Martha Campbell; Philip
Augustine and Sarah E. Wilson; J. K, Valentine and Ellen Root;
J. R. Pierce and Ruth Love; Redington J. Shields and Mary J.
Aldridge; W. W. Starr and Elizabeth Aldridge. Ten marriage
licenses were issued during the year 1858 of which the following is
a list: Eri W. Chapman and jNIaria T. Richardson; James Minert
and Nancy J. McClure; Jonathan Glossup and Cynthia Love; Will-
iam Hiatt and Pamelia Johnson; G. W. Neal and Annie D. Zinman;
T. ]\I. Moore and Francis Parr; Leander Garrett and Emily J. Keen;
S. W. Armstrong and Celia Brainard; Sylvester Bennett and Dia-
dema Lee; Henry INIurphy and Susan Lucas.
TOWN PLATS
The following records from the plat book of Adair County give
the dates of the platting of the different towns and additions in the
county. Some of these towns were what is known as paper towns,
having existed on paper only.
Summerset, now Fontanelle, was laid out during the month of
May, 1855, and the plat recorded upon the 30th of the same month.
This belonged to the county.
Greenfield, the present county seat, was filed for record upon
September 30, 1856, by Milton C. Plunger.
JNIanchester was filed for record December 19, 1855, by Albert
W. INIathews.
Nevins was filed for record August 17, 1857, by Roswell W.
Turner and Richard B. Smith, both from Boston, Mass.
Rutt's Addition to Fontanelle was filed December 19, 1857, bv
Abram Rutt.
Arnold's Addition to Fontanelle was filed August 20, 1857, by
Douglas F. Arnold of Madison County.
Ballard's Addition to Fontanelle was filed by Cal Ballard on May
14, 1860.
Casey was filed for record October 20, 1868, by A. G. Weeks and
R. H. Marshall. ' ^
Union Addition to Stuart was filed by Henry Rovce, B. F. Allen
and Charles Stuart on December 29, 1870.
Adair was filed August 20, 1872, bv George C. Tallman, of
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Waggener & ]Morgan's Addition to Greenfield was filed ]May 20,
1875, by Judson ^lorgan and J. S. Waggener.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 209
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company's Addition to
the Town of Adair was filed October 28, 1873.
Second Union Addition to Stuart was filed August 3, 1874, by
Charles Stuart, B. F. Allen and H. F. Royce.
Patton's Addition to Adair was filed February 23, 1876, by J. M.
Patton.
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company's Addition to
Adair was filed August 24, 1876.
Patton's Second Addition to Adair was filed October 18, 1877.
Southwest Addition to the Town of Greenfield was filed INIay 6,
1880, by B. M. INIcArthur, W. M. Rodgers and D. W. Church.
Heaton's Addition to Greenfield was filed October 30, 1880, bv
D. Heaton.
Myers' Addition to Greenfield was filed by E. V. Myers on June
20, 1881.
John Don Carlos' Addition to Greenfield was filed August 2,
1881, by John Don Carlos and O. G. Pratt.
Hunt's Addition to Greenfield was filed January 11, 1882, by
C. B. Hunt.
Orient was filed for record jNIarch 12, 1879, by Charles E. Per-
kins.
Colby's Addition to Orient was filed October 21, 1880, by J. N.
Colby.
Henderson's Addition to Greenfield was filed April 10, 1882, by
Oliver S. Henderson, of Henry County, 111.
Taylor's Addition to Greenfield was filed :May 20, 1882, by Henry
Taylor.
Manning's Addition to Greenfield was filed October 31, 1882, by
Edwin JNIanning, of Van Buren County, la.
Clark's Addition to Adair was filed March 30, 1883, by Thomas
M. Clark.
The original plat of Bridgewater was filed October 13, 1885, on
land owned by C. E. Perkins. The first addition to this town was
filed on May 7, 1889; the second on April 29, 1890, and the third
on JNIarch 16, 1893.
Walsh's Addition to the Town of Adair was filed July 8, 1913.
Patten's Fourth Addition to the town was filed ^March 3, 1890. Eby's
Addition was filed September 7, 1896. Patten's Third Addition to
Adair was filed May 10, 1884.
The plat of the now defunct Town of Carbondale was filed Octo-
ber 12, 1892, by William S. and Caroline Chenoweth. It was located
Vol. J— 14
210 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 33, town-
shijD 77, Range 33.
Hetherington's plat of subdivision of out-lot 9 to Fontanelle was
filed August 27, 1908.
Sprague's Addition to Orient was filed April 19, 1897, by E. H.
and Martha A. Sprague.
Brown's Addition to Orient was filed August 9, 1901, by L. D.
and Rebecca B. Brown.
Miars' Addition to Orient was filed June 19, 1902, by Isaac and
Mary E. Miars.
Wiley's First Addition to Orient was filed April 27, 1900, and
Wiley's Second Addition was filed April 15, 1910.
^lartin & ^IcCollum's First Addition to Greenfield was filed
August 11, 1893; Martin & McCollum's Second Addition w^as filed
April 14, 1894; Martin & McCollum's Third Addition was filed April
4, 1895. Littleton's Addition to Greenfield was filed August 23,
1897. Littleton's Second Addition was filed November 9, 1899.
The plat of a town to be named Lieth City was filed July 22,
1902, by Charles L. and JNIary AValtz, John D. and Hannah S.
Showers. This was located in township 74 north, range 30 west,
between sections 20 and 21.
THE SILENT CITY
By Myrtle Rivenburgh
While in the employ of the Greenfield Transcript several months
ago I became interested in a special way in the Greenfield Cemetery.
One day as I walked among the graves on a visit to the cemetery and
read the inscriptions on the stones, they brought many questions to
my mind which bore no answer, also expressed a new and curious
meaning. I spelled out the names of some of the boys and girls who
had once attended school and skipped along these streets together.
Then there were others who had walked those paths with me in former
days without the slightest thought that they would so soon be sleeping
with the rest. As I beheld the city of the dead on South Hill and
the city of the hving on North Hill, I wondered which of the two
had the largest population.
Upon investigating the matter I found that there were over twice
as many graves on South Hill as persons residing in the Town of
Greenfield, on North Hill.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 211
From the time of the first settlers mitil April 6, 1877, the citizens
had used as a burial ground, with the permission of A. P. Littleton,
a space of land south of where the county bridge yard now stands.
During the intervening years, January 22, 1871, the county super-
visors had purchased forty acres of Mrs. Amy ^IcWhinnej^ the land
lying southeast of town, to be used as a county poor farm. However,
the supervisors decided later to buy northeast of town for this pur-
pose. They then sold thirty-five acres of the former tract to W. B.
Martin, April 8, 1885, for $2,450, reserving five acres, the southeast
quarter of the southeast quarter of section 18-75-31, which was sold
by warranty deed on April 6, 1877, to the Greenfield Township trus-
tees for the sum of $85, the small tract to be used as a cemetery.
Of the bodies moved from the former burial ground were those
of Isaac Myers (father), jNIrs. Maiy Vance (sister), Mrs. Valina
Myers (sister-in-law). Prentice Myers (nephew), Ida Littleton
(niece of Joe, Ham and James INIyers of this place) , Doctor Edging-
ton, Mrs. Dow Parker and child, jNIrs. Perry Parker, Mr. Bagg and
INIrs. Swan. Other citizens give the information that there were
probably not more than a dozen bodies buried at this place and so
far as possible all were moved to the new location.
In the year 1891 the township trustees (Richard Smith, O. A.
Tuttle and R. H. West) deemed it necessary to enlarge the boundaries
and, in order to meet the required wants, it became necessary to con-
demn the following tract of land : Commencing at the northeast cor-
ner of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 18,
in township 75 north of range 31 Avest, and running west 50 rods,
thence south 64 rods, to the place of beginning; except so much of
said land as is now occupied as a cemetery. This proceeding was
attended to at the November term of court, 1891. The verdict of
the jury set aside the sum of $917 as the price to be paid for the tract,
which includes fifteen acres. Since that date there has been no addi-
tional land purchased.
In June, 1892, County Surveyor Sargent and a force of men
worked several days surveying and plotting the new part. About
four hundred lots, fourteen by twenty-six feet in dimensions, were
plotted and the work of fencing began. The cemetery now includes
twenty acres of land and about one thousand two hundred lots, vary-
ing in size from ten to twenty-five feet. . A portion of it is not yet
laid out in lots.
212 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
EARLY FINANCE
Like most of the other counties in the state the early settlers got
the general idea that the "speculators," as the people who bought land
which they did not improve were called, were legitimate objects of
graft effected through taxation. Many of the early contracts of
county and township officers carried exorbitant bills for services ren-
dered. It is related as an instance of the way things were done under
the old system of county government, when each township elected a
member of the board of supervisors, and when each bill before
approved should be sworn to by the party making it, that at one time
the son-in-law of one of the members of the board put in a bill for
$10 for work rendered the county. The father took it and wrote
100 before the 10, but the son said that he could not swear to it. When
the bill came up for action the father said to the board, "Here is a
bill not sworn to. I move we cut it down $10 and allow it. We will
teach him not to put in a bill not sworn to." The board promptly
voted accordingly, thinking they had a good joke on the person pre-
senting the bill.
SHORT SKETCHES
A. p. Littleton was born in Fayette County, Ohio, and drove
from his home in Ohio to Greenfield with a single horse and buggy,
arriving here in June, 1859. He married Kate Myers of the County
of Fayette, O., in Greenfield, in September, same year. They were
the first to be married in the town. Mr. Littleton started the first
store in Greenfield, which was located on the corner lot just north
of the First National Bank. At that time he bought the goods for
his store in St. Joseph, JNIo., driving an ox team, loaded with products
grown here which he sold there, returning with a load of dry goods
and groceries. In this way it took two weeks to make the round trij).
For twelve years he had the only store in Greenfield and he con-
tinued in this line of business for a total of twenty years. In 1880
jMr. Littleton was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank, now
the First National. In 1898 he purchased the entire stock of this
institution and on June 1, 1900, the Citizens Bank became the First
National Bank, with Mr. Littleton as the first president. In the
early history of the town Mr. Littleton was often called upon to
manage the affairs. During the time the county seat was moved to
Greenfield from Fontanelle Mr. Littleton was chairman of the board
of supervisors and his position was a very important one during those
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 213
storni}'^ times. He was also postmaster for several years during the
early days, when the salary amomited to about ten dollars a year. He
also served as justice of the peace. JNIr. Littleton is still living at
Riverside, Cal., having retired from business several years ago.
D. N. Dunlap was born in Sangamon County, 111., on November
17, 1838, of English and Scotch stock. He served during the Rebel-
lion in Company B of the One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois Regi-
ment. He performed very meritorious service and saw much hard
action. In 1867 he married JNIarj^ A. Shannon of New York. Mr.
Dunlap lived for many years in Warrensburg and Decatur, 111.,
^\ here he was engaged in the grain business and farming and he then
came to Fontanelle, while this country was still new. He engaged
in the grain business at Fontanelle and built the lirst elevator there.
Two of the most notable characters in the history of Adair County
were JNIrs. Nancy Fort and jNIrs. Thankful Priddy, twin sisters, who
were born in Hancock County, Ind., in the year 1821, July 21, and
lived to be over ninety years of age. They were married in their
native county and then the two families came west and settled in
Jasper County. During October, 1867, they moved to farms in
Adair County, where their families were raised to manhood and
womanhood.
J. N. Haddock, an early citizen of Greenfield, was born in Phila-
delphia and in 1858 came to Iowa City, la., and there engaged in the
study of law until 1861 when he returned to Philadelphia and served
on guard duty. In 1865 he returned to Iowa and completed his law
course and was admitted to the bar. He was married to Ann J.
Smiley in May, 1862. He came to Fontanelle in 1873 and to Green-
field in 1875 when the county seat was moved to the latter place. At
Fontanelle he formed a partnership with J. H. Bailey. In 1878 he
was elected clerk of the District Court of the county and served six
years in this capacity. After leaving the clerk's office he formed a
partnership with A. L. Hager which continued until the latter's
removal to Des Moines. For a number of years he was member of
the board of insanity. He served as mayor of Greenfield for four
years. ^Ir. Haddock died July 1, 1911, at Cambridge, N. Y., at
the home of his daughter.
James M. Gow, a native of Washington, Washington County,
Pa., came to Adair County in the fall of 1870 in company with his
brother, George L. He first settled in Fontanelle and shortly started
the Adair County Reporter in partnership with James C. Gibl)s.
In 1875 this paper was moved to Greenfield, although jNIr. Gow still
214 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
resided in Fontanelle. In 1881 he removed to the county seat. In
1889 the Reporter was merged with the Transcript and the business
was carried on by Mr. Gow in partnership with C. B. Hunt and
afterwards with A. J. Schrader. In 1900 the Transcript was sold
to H. P. Gow and James M. Gow then devoted his time to his farm-
ing interests until the time of his death.
Franklin Letts, one of the very first business men to come to
Greenfield, was born in New York State in 1832. He moved to
^Michigan and afterwards to Ohio and Illinois. In 18.58 he married
Jane E. Raymond of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. In 1862 he enlisted in Com-
pany D, One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry and in 1868 he
came overland to Adair County and to Greenfield where he resided
until his death on April 9, 1911. When Mr. Letts first came to
Greenfield the A. P. Littleton store was the only one in the town.
He pursued the blacksmith trade most of the time here, in company
with Blakeley.
John J. Hetherington w^as a native of Pennsylvania and after
he received his education, engaged in clerical work in Pottsville. He
served during the Civil war in the Twenty-fifth Pennsylvania In-
fantrv and by his valorous services won a medal from the state. He
was married to Rebecca Stilwell at Chicago on April 21, 1864. To
them were born four children: Charles, Jessie, George and Bessie.
On oSIarch 17, 1863 he went to Atchison, Kan., where he spent four
and a half months, then came to Fontanelle, this county, where he
engaged in the abstract and land business and began the study of
law. He was admitted to the bar in 1869. He had seen considerable
service as deputy clerk when, in 1872, he was elected to the office of
clerk of the District Court, serving therein three successive terms.
In 1875 he removed to Greenfield and there continued in the land
and abstract business, the firm being Hetherington & McCollum. He
also filled the office of county judge, serving the unexpired term of
his predecessor and one full term. He engaged in the banking busi-
ness with Mr. Bevington and A. P. Littleton and helped organize
the Citizens Bank of Greenfield. He remained in the banking busi-
ness for seventeen years, and then retired, only to be appointed post-
master of Greenfield, which position he filled for four years. He
was the first worshipful master of the Crusade Lodge No. 386,
Ancient Free and Accepted :Masons of Greenfield. Mr. Hethering-
ton died in 1910.
Daniel Heaton, a Pennsylvanian, came to Adair County in 187.5
and started the Adair County Bank at Greenfield. It was the first
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 215
bank in the county. Mr. Heaton became sole proprietor of this
institution in 1887 and then built the structure which at present houses
the institution. He was also one of the organizers of the Exchange
Bank at Fontanelle and was at one time its president. INIr. Heaton
died at his home in Wichita, Kan., on June 17, 1907.
John G. Culver came to Fontanelle in the early '70s and took
charge of the high school. While teaching here he began the study
of law with Galen F. Kilburn and after two j^ears' time entered
Kilburn's office and took charge of the land business. On the removal
of the county seat to Greenfield JNIr. Kilburn took his office to that
place, leaving it under the management of INIr. Culver, he himself
going to Creston to reside. Shortly afterward Mr. Culver was
admitted to the bar and became one of the leading lawyers in the
county. His death occurred January 8, 1907, at the age of fifty-
eight years.
James C. Gibbs was born in the State of Xew York on Decem-
ber 3, 1820. He engaged in farming until 18.5o, when he determined
to come west and seek a home. In June he arrived in Adair County
and as they were just laying out the county seat he decided to cast
his fortunes in that place, then called Summerset, now Fontanelle.
He bought a lot and constructed a cabin and in August of the same
year brought his family to his new home. He was the first settler in
the township. He lived in the town for many years, being engaged
in the various businesses of hotel keeping, newspaper, mercantile and
real estate. In 1856 he was made postmaster of Fontanelle and held
the position for two years. In the spring of 18.37 he was elected
school fund commissioner and held this office also for two years. He
was deputy clerk at one time, county judge and in 1867 county treas-
urer.. In 1862 he raised a company in Adair County for service in
the War of the Rebellion, which was afterwards known as Company
D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, of which he was commissioned cap-
tain, but after being in camp for about six months he was compelled
to resign on account of sickness. He was married September 9,
1846, to Phoebe L. Filer and to them were born seven children, five
surviving him: Josephine, Alanson O., Gertrude I., Lillian A. and
Charles A., who were with him at the time of his death in 1907. Tlie
deceased moved his family to his farm in Summerset Township in
1878 and lived there until the fall of 1890 when he and his wife came
to Greenfield. They lived here until the death of Mrs. Gibbs in 1894,
after which he made his home with his many children. He was a char-
ter member of the Fontanelle ^lasonic Lodge.
216 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
William D. McCollimi was born in Vermont in 1856 and when
about eighteen years of age came to Jeiferson Township, Adair
County, where he remained one year and taught school during the
winter months. In 187.5 he was appointed deputy county auditor
and located in Fontanelle. When the county seat was moved he
also came to Greenfield He was elected county surveyor in 1877 and
served for two years. At the end of this time he engaged in the land
and abstract business in Greenfield. He served three terms as mayor
of Greenfield, and was city treasvu-er at the time of his death on
June 21, 1913. He was married in 1877 to Myra Peat of Greenfield
and four children were born to them : ISIarian C, Howe D., H. Glenn
and Fausta. This wife died in 1898 and in 1900 ^Ir. ^IcCollum was
married to Mary Romesha of Greenfield. Two children were born
to them: William D. and Mary Ellen.
CHAPTER XXVIII
GEOGRAPHICAL REPORT ON ADAIR COUNTY
By James Willis Gow
The following report by Mr. Gow was written shortly before his
death in 1913. The state department of geology did not know of the
existence of the manuscript mitil it was accidentally discovered among
his papers after his demise. The publishers of the Iowa County His-
tory are obliged to the Iowa State Department of Geology and to
Prof, George F. Kay, state geologist, for the use of this creditable
report.
Adair County is located in the third tier of counties north of
the southern boundary of Iowa, and in the third tier east of the west-
ern boundary of the state. It is a square, consisting of sixteen
geographical townships, and is bounded on the north by Guthrie
County, on the east by Madison, on the south by Adams and Union
and on the west by Cass. To the northeast and northwest it corners
with Dallas and Audubon, resi^ectively. Adair is essentially a prai-
rie county. Lying well to the south of the Wisconsin lobe, whose
moraine passes through Guthrie County, it shows no trace of con-
structional topography. It is thoroughly dissected by streams and
its drainage system is complete. Its soil consists of typical Kansas
till and its rolling topography is typically Kansan. The grand divide
between the JNIississippi and Missouri rivers passes through Adair
County in an almost due northwest-southeasterly direction, so divid-
ing it that approximately one-third of the county lies to the north-
east of the divide and two-thirds to the southwest. Owing to tlie
extremely dissected character of the topography, the "draws," or
shallow valleys in which the smaller streams take their rise, interlock
alonff the crest of the divide, so that the latter is very crooked. The
county drains on the north and east through North River, INIiddle
River and Grand River; on the south and west through the East and
Middle Nodaway rivers. North and Middle rivers flow into the Des
217
218 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
IMoines, and so form part of the Mississippi drainage system. Grand
River and the Nodaways flow into the INIissom'i. Of these streams,
^Middle River and Bush Branch (a small tributary of INIiddle River)
are the only ones that cut to bedrock in Adair County. Grand River
cuts through bedrock in ^ladison County not very far from the county
lines. The Nodaway cuts into bedrock near ^Mount Etna, in Adams
County, and north of that point flows over a clay bed.
PREVIOUS GEOLOGICAL WORK
In 1849 Owen probably passed through the southern part of
Adair County, or skirted along its southern border, on his way from
Des ^loines to Council Bluffs. In his "Report of a Geological Sur-
vey of Wisconsin, Iowa and jNIinnesota," published in 1852, Owen
thus describes this portion of the journey:
"On the Grand River, in the vicinity of Pisgah, nothing but drift
is to be seen. Some miles down the river, however, near a millsite,
I was told by the INIormons that a kind of "soapstone" could be found
at a low stage of water, which I supposed to be an indurated argil-
laceous shale ; these deposits being popularly known by that name in
the west. This I was unable to examine in person; indisposition,
from fatigue and exposure, having brought on a relapse of intermit-
tent fever, contracted while exploring the Des JNIoines.
The distances from Fort Des jNIoines to Pisgah are as follows:
To the crossing of North River 16 miles
To ISIiddle River 12
To the South or Clanton Fork of INIiddle River . . 2
To Clanton's 2
To Big Hollow 14
To forks of road leading to Bellevue 4
To Pisffah 6
a
a
it
Total distance 50 miles
"On the route from Pisgah to Council Bluffs, I crossed Grand
River, the Platte Branch of Grand River, two branches of the Noda-
way, A Hundred and Two River, and the east, middle and west
branches of the Nishnabotna River. It was only on this latter stream
that any rocks were found in place."
The writer cannot find that the memory of any such place as
Pisgah lives at this time, though he has not had the privilege of inter-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 219
viewing all the old settlers of the region in question. From the some-
what detailed tahle of distance given by Owen the place can be
approximately located and it must have been at or near the site of the
present Village of INIacksbin'g, in JVIadison County. Scattering
exposures of shale occur in that neighborhood. The reference to the
mill site would seem to indicate INIacksburg as the site of Pisgah.
Ow^en's journey from Pisgah to Council Bluffs probably took him
through the southern edge of w^iat is now Adair County, but in the
latter region he found no indurated rocks.
In 1868, White made some observations on the geologj^ of Adair
County, and these were published in his "Geology of Iowa," volume
I, pages 336 to 339. In this report he described in considerable detail
exposures of carboniferous rock found on sections 11 aild 12 in Grove
Township, a bed of modern peat in section 22 of Summerset Town-
ship, and other points of interest. White's work is useful to the
geologist of the present day and reference will be made to it in the
pages of this report.
In the late '70s a geological survey of Adair County was under-
taken by Fox, but the work w^as barren of results and was soon
abandoned.
In 1894, Keyes, in the Second Annual Report of the Iowa Geo-
logical Survey, reported on the presence of coal in Adair County.
Further reference wdll be made to this report.
In 1911 Norton and Simpson reported on the underground waters
and deep wells of Adair County, in volume XXI of the Iowa Reports.
This article embodies data with regard to eighteen deep wells in
various parts of the county.
The w^riter began work on the geology of Adair County in 1901,
under direction of the state geologist, the late Prof. Samuel Calvin.
In 1902 it w^as found necessary to drop the work for the time being
and it w^as not possible to take it up again until 1912, wdien it was
resumed and pushed to completion.
ELEVATIONS ABOVE SEA LEVEL
The official elevation as given for Greenfield was taken as a stand-
ard, the figures being supplied by the officials of the C, B. & Q.
Railway, and after the aneroid had been set in accordance with this
datum, readings were taken at the other points as indicated below.
The readings for Stuart, Casey, Adair and Fontanelle were verified
220 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
by comparison with Gannett's Index of Elevations, and were
found to be in substantial agreement.
Railway station at Stuart 1,216
" ^ " " Casey 1,248
" Adair 1,442
" Orient 1,334
" Greenfield ..1,368
" Fontanelle . 1,244 (old station)
. .1,282 (new station)
" Bridgewater 1,188
Summerset Township :
S. E. 1/4 sec. 14 1,278
W. line N. W. 14 sec. 13 1,388
N. W. corner sec. 13 1,298
E. line S. E. 14 sec. 18 1,282
Jackson Township:
S. E. 14 sec. 34 1,198
Washington Township:
S. E. 14 sec. 16 1,155
Union Township:
S. E. 14 sec. 16 1,312
S. E. 14 sec. 1 1,079
Jefferson Township:
S. E. 14 sec. 31 1,361
Grove Township:
S. E. 14 sec. 19 1,360
S. W. 14 sec. 1 1,098
N. W. 14 sec. 12 1,098
Harrison Township :
W. line S. E. % sec. 18 1,068
S. E. 14 sec. 20 1,060
S. E. 14 sec. 21 1,038
S. E. 14 sec. 27 988
S. E. 14 sec. 26 943
N. E. 1/4 sec. 36 940
EXPOSURES AND DEEP SHAFTS
The C, B. & Q. Railway in Adair County follows the crest of the
divide as far north as Greenfield. The track is very crooked, heads
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 221
practically every "draw" in the entire twentj^ miles from Creston to
Greenfield, and there are consequently no cuts in that distance. At
Greenfield it drops into the valley of the Nodaway, which it follows
as far as Fontanelle, there being some culverts and bridges but no
cuts in the seven miles between the two towns. West of Fontanelle
are a few shallow cuts in the drift.
The C, R. I. & P. Railway skirts along the northern edge of the
comity, and there are a number of rather deep cuts along its right of
way. These never extend below the Kansan drift, but are useful as
offering an opportunity to study the drift in vertical section.
The working of the roads in every part of the county has led to
the making of many shallow cuts of from two to fifteen feet in depth,
and much of the information with regard to the surface clays of the
countv has been derived from this source. As a rule it is best to studv
the cut immediately after it has been made, as a very few rains cause
a washing of the clay that obscures things, but very often a few min-
utes' work with a spade is sufficient to reveal the underlying materials
in their natural relations. Natural gullies developing in pasture and
meadows occasionally make it possible to secure information regarding
the underlying materials.
The various branches of the Nodaway dissect the western half
of the county but do not cut below the drift. At most points the drift
is masked by alluvium, but there are some good exposures. In the
eastern part of the county INIiddle River cuts through the Kansan
drift and into the carboniferous limestone below. At half a dozen
points between Parry's Quarry and the county line the river flows
over a rock bottom, the bottom at intervening points consisting of
clay, sand or alluvium. Between the disposition of the carboniferous
strata and the advance of the ice sheet was an immense interval of
elevations and consequent erosion, and the present exposures of car-
boniferous rock represent the summits of the hills of the old eroded
carboniferous land surface. The Kansan drift rests unconformably
upon this eroded surface. Nebraskan and Aftonian materials underly
the Kansan at many points in Adair County, but no trace of them is
to be found in the INIiddle River exposures.
* I^Iost of the wells in this county do not penetrate into the bedrock,
but merely reach "hardpan" or stiff, impermeable Kansan clay. The
writer secured data with reference to eleven wells which penetrate
below the level of the drift, reaching either carboniferous or creta-
ceous rock. Besides these eleven, eight more are reported by Simpson
in Norton's report on the ground waters of Iowa. With regard to
222 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
most of these nineteen wells the available data are extremely meager.
In only one case was a complete and accurate record of the section
preserved. Data regarding the shallower wells are more readily
obtained and throw some light on the relations of the various clays,
sands and gravels making up the complex Kansan drifts. It is
through an examination of these wells also that the evidence as to the
presence of the Aftonian in Adair County has been chiefly brought to
light.
There is but one mine shaft in the county, and while it is not now
accessible for examination, the writer has been able to obtain an
authentic record of this section.
EXPOSURES EAST OF THE DIVIDE
As has been said, the sections east of the divide include only two
classes of material, Kansan drift and carboniferous rock. The car-
boniferous rocks of Adair County belong to the Bethany or lower-
most member of the jNIissourian stage. Rocks belonging to this forma-
tion crop out at many points in Southwestern Iowa and Northern
^lissouri, the name being taken from Bethany, INIo., where they were
first studied and where typical exposures occur. They are charac-
terized by the nodular or fragmental character of some of the strata,
by the presence of soft clays and light shales in connection with the
harder nodular fragments, while interstratified with these materials
are bands of fairly hard massive limestone. Partings of dark blue
or black shale are common, separating the materials just mentioned,
and some coal is occasionally present. Fragmental materials are par-
ticularly abundant in the loM'er portion of the Bethany, the massive
limestone being nearly if not absolutely lacking, and this portion has
been named the fragmental limestone. Above the fragmental lime-
stone comes the Earlham limestone, a massive, light colored limestone
that breaks or weathers in rectangular blocks and has occasional part-
ings of light shale, while bands and nodules of chert are often present.
Above the Earlham comes, in ascending order, the Winterset, De Kalb
and Westerville limestones, these five members making up the Beth-
any. The JNIissourian rocks of eastern Adair County belong to tlie
two lowermost members, the fragmental limestone and the Earlham
limestone.
The first exposures investigated are on the west side of JNIiddle
River at Perry's Quarry in the northeastern corner of Grove Town-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 223
ship. The rock is exposed in a ravine which approaches the river
from the west. At two points, near the river on the north side of the
ravine, and about fifty rods back from the river on the south side of
the ravine, quarrying operations have been cari'ied on in the past but
were discontinued some years ago. The bottom of the ravine is flat,
being in fact the flood plain of an intermittent brook which has cut
in the middle of the plain a narrow gulley some three to five feet in
depth. In the bottom of this gulley is exposed a stratum of brittle
black slate. The section exposed on the south side of the valley,
including the slate found in the gufley, is as follows :
10. Kansan drift 5 feet
9. ^Massive limestone, non-fossiliferous, rec-
tangular weathering 4 "
8. Soft, light gray shale 1 "
7. Limestone, buff to white, with narrow
partings of light shale 2 "
6. Soft, light gray shale 10 inches
5. Limestone, similar to Xo. 7 3 feet
4. Soft shale, gray to brown 1 "
3. JNIassive limestone without shale 3 "
2. Hidden by alluvium 10 "
1. Hard, black slate 3 inches
Total 29 feet, 13 inches
The exposure nearer the river and on the opposite side of the
gulley is practically identical with the one just given, except that a
band of chert is found in the massive limestone five feet above the
foot of the cliff. At either end the chert is concealed by talus. It is
probably a lenticular mass of no great extent. Specimens of Athyris
subtilita, Spirifer cameratus and Productus nebrascensis were found
in the massive limestone of both of these exposures. The shale is non-
fossiliferous. Some calcite crystals are present in the massive lime-
stone. The Perry's Quarry exposures are mentioned by White in his
"Geology of Iowa," page 336 of volume I, but no details are given.
A third exposure, similar to those at Perry's Quarry, is found in the
same section (12, Grove Township) and less than half a mile down
the river. This is in the valley of the little tributary spoken of by
224 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
White as "Drake's Creek." The elevation is the same as that of
Perry's Quarry and the section is as follows :
4. Kansan drift 5 feet
3. Light buff limestone with frequent
shaly partings, varying in thickness
from 14 inch to 1 foot 12 feet
2. Heavy dark cherty limestone 5 inches
1. Darker limestone, without chert, and
without shaly partings 5 feet
Total 22 feet 5 inches
The Perry's Quarry and Drake's Creek limestones and shales are
referred to the Earlham formation, the nature and arrangement of
materials tallying with that observed in the limestones exposed at
Earlham in Madison County.
White, in the "Geology of Iowa," volume I, pages 336-339,
described another exposure on Drake's Creek, which, according to
his account, extended twenty-seven feet below the level of the expo-
sure at Periy's Quarry, and the one just given. Of this I have been
able to find no trace. The section as given by White is as follows :
6. Black carbonaceous shale, a few inches at top consisting
of impure coal 2 feet
0. IVIarly clay % foot
4. Hard, bluish, impure limestone 1 foot
3. Brownish clayey shale 1 foot
2. Hard, dark-colored, impure limestone l/o foot
1. Fine-grained, micaceous, sandy shale, becoming darker
and more clayey at the top 22 feet
Total 27 feet
White regarded this as equivalent with the fragmental limestone
of Decatur County, and this interpretation is doubtless correct, as
the latter includes more or less clay which is sometimes sandy. While
he does not report actual fragmental materials from the Drake's
Creek section, the materials reported are strictly similar to those
usually found in connection M'ith the fragmental materials at other
localities.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY 225
Following on down ^liddle River, the next exposure is on the
Keating farm just above Port Union, and within sight of the mill at
the latter place. On a sloping bank fifteen feet above the low-water
level stands a large boulder of hard, well cemented breccia. Although
the hillside is badly masked by drift, an examination shows that the
bedrock at this point consists of similar breccia, but the exposure is
so unsatisfactory on account of the mantle of drift that it is impossible
to say how far up and down the valley it extends. It appears to dip
sharply to the southwest. The fragments of which this breccia con-
sists are of a fine-grained, light buiF limestone, are quite angular, and
vary in size from a quarter of an inch up to eight or ten inches in
diameter. The cementing material is similar but somewhat coarser
in texture, and inclined to be crystalline. A few broken specimens of
Athyris subtilita appear in the angular fragments of the breccia.
The third exposure is at the west end of the dam at the Port Union
mill. The section is as follows:
5. Black alluvium 10 feet
4. Yellow^ till, somewhat gravelly 5 feet
3. Hard, light buff" limestone, varying to white or light gray,
richly fossiliferous 2 feet
2. Very soft, homogeneous, blue-black shale, richly fossiliferous 4 feet
1. Hard, light-colored, fossiliferous limestone 2 feet
Total 23 feet
Below the dam the stream flows over a rock bottom consisting of
limestone No. 1 of the section just given. At high water No. 2 is
covered. Strata Nos. 1 and 3 bear the following fossils:
Spirifer cameratus.
Productus ( fragments ) .
Crinoid stems in great abundance.
Rhombopora lepidodendroides.
Athyris subtilita.
Fenestalla — sp.
Derbya crassa.
Myalina subquadrata.
Number 2 of this section (which will hereafter be spoken of as
the "Port Union shale") bears the following:
Nucula (ventricosa [?]).
Aviculapecten occidentalis.
Vol. T— 15
226 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Monotis (gregaria [ ?] ) •
Nuculana bellistriata.
Unidentified gasteropods.
Numerous molluscs.
A complete list of the Port Union fauna must be reserved for a
future report. It is essentially molluscan in its character, and is char-
acterized by the absence of Productids, Spirifers, and crinoid stems,
all of which are present in the limestones both above and below, and
by the absence of Chonetes verneuilanus, a fossil that is characteristic
of the shales farther down the river.
Exposure No. 4 is on the south bank of the river, in section 21 of
Harrison Township. Twenty-two feet of Hmestone are here exposed.
6. Kansan till, blue below, yellow at surface, slightly
gravelly in places 5 feet
5, Light-colored massive limestone 1 foot
4. Fragmental limestone, fairly compact below, then
with frequent partings of soft clay, finally shad-
ing up into a soft purple clay in which but few
hard limestone fragments occur 14 feet 6 inches
3. Hard, light-colored f ossilif erous limestone 1 foot
2. wSoft blue-black shale 2 feet 6 inches
1. Light buff limestone, f ossilif erous, largely con-
cealed by talus 3 feet
Total 27 feet
Stratum No. 1 of this exposure bears Athyris subtilita and frag-
ments of an unidentified spirifer. The only fossil found in No. 2 is
Chonetes verneuilanus, but the search was not long continued at this
point. No molluscs were observed. In color and texture the shale is
precisely similar to that found at Port Union. The limestone frag-
ments of No. 4 are light in color, of variable hardness, and inclined to
be angular. The clay is of about the consistency of the harder Kan-
san till, or "hard-pan," breaks in the same way, checks on drying,
and loses color on exposure to the weather. The original color is not
the blue-black of the shale, but a blue-purple which approximates the
color of the deeper Kansan drift. On leaching it passes through the
various shades of purple-bi'own, dark brown, light brown and yellows-
brown. It is non-f ossilif erous, and contains no rock fragments other
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 227
than the nodular masses of limestone already mentioned. It seldom
shows distinct marks of stratification. Strata Nos. 4 and 5 are ao-ain
exposed in a ravine which comes down parallel with the course of the
JNIiddle River and enters the latter a few rods below the exposure
just described. The characteristics differ in no way from those already
given, except that stratum 5 is two feet or more in thickness. On a
small tributary in section 22 three feet of buiF limestone is exposed,
the underlying rock being hidden. In this exposure were found speci-
mens of Productus nebrascensis.
The next exposure is in a narrow ravine on the Pemberton farm
in section 27, Harrison Township. A second section is exposed some-
what farther down the ravine, and the two in combination give the
following:
10.. Kansan till, with small boulders 3 feet
9. Blue clay, similar to that found in stratum Xo. 4
of the fourth exposure 2 feet
8. Buff limestone 1 foot
7. Fragmental limestone, with much purple clay.. 6 feet 6 inches
6. Buff limestone 1 foot
5. Fragmental limestone 3 feet
4. Limestone, buff to dark brown 2 feet
3. Hidden by sand, clay and boulders accumulated
in stream bed 3 feet
2. Limestone, buff to dark brown 1 foot
1. Dark blue-black shale 2 feet
Total 24 feet 6 inches
Near the top of No. 9 is a band of very brittle black shale about
lialf an inch in thickness. No. 10 is unconformable upon No. 9, the
difference in color and texture being readily distinguishable at a dis-
tance of twelve or fifteen feet. The Kansan here is leached to a
light yellow, and bears a few pebbles and small boulders. The blue
clay is non-fossiliferous. The blue shale (No. 1) contains specimens
of Chonetes verneuilanus. This shale is almost black in color and
similar in texture to that found at Port LTnion. Limestone No. 4
contains an abundance of Rhombopora lepidodendroides. JNIany
crinoid stems are also present.
228 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
In section 26 of Harrison Township the following exposure is
found in the valley of a small brook putting into Middle River from
the south:
11. Gravelly, dark-colored Kansan till 3 feet
10. Hard brown-buff limestone 8 inches
9. Purple clay, weathered brown to yellow 1 foot 6 inches
8. Black, laminated shale, very soft 1 inch
7. Fragmental limestone, grading upward into clay. 10 feet
6. Buff limestone with two shale bands 5 feet
5. Fragmental limestone 5 feet
4. Very fossiliferous blue-black shale 2 feet
3. Hard bluish limestone 5 feet
2. Very soft blue-black shale 2 feet
1. Brittle black slate .- 6 inches
Total 34 feet 9 inches
Stratum 6 of this exposure contains quantities of Fusulina seca-
licus. No. 10 is entirely non-fossiliferous. No. 3 contains Spirifer
cameratus, Productus punctatus, P. costatus, P. longispinus, Derbya
crassa, Rhombopora lepidodendroides, many crinoid stems and other
fossils. No. 4 contains Chonetes verneuilanus. The last of the Mid-
dle River exposures in Adair County is near the east line of section
36, Harrison Township . Several feet of blue-black shale occur caj)ped
by massive limestone.
On Bush's Branch, in section 13, Grand River Township, occurs
the following exposure:
2. Alluvium 3 feet
1. Soft black shale 5 feet
The black shale is extremely rich in specimens of Chonetes ver-
neuilanus which, when the spot was last visited, had weathered out
clean and formed a small talus at the foot of the bank. This is the
last of the carboniferous exposures in Adair County. Near the old
mill at the Village of Webster, in INIadison County, something over
a mile east of the exposure found in section 36 of Harrison Township,
several feet of rusty-colored Fusulina limestone is exposed, but its
relations to the beds above and below have not been traced by the
writer. Probably this represents about the upper limit of the frag-
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 229
mental limestones and their associated clays, shales and massive lime-
stones, and the beginning of the Earlham and Winterset limestones.
As the name wonld indicate, the latter occur near Winterset, together
with the fragmental limestones. The relation between the three at
that point has been described by Tilton in the report on the geology
of JNIadison County, in the publications of the Iowa State Geological
Survey.
Except for the anomalous Port Union shales and Keating breccia,
the relations of the JNIissourian strata exposed in the eastern half of
Adair County are quite clear. In Grove Township occur the Earlham
limestones, resting on a foundation of fragmental limestone. (The
clay and shale described by ^Vhite evidently belong to the horizon
of the fragmental, though he does not describe the actual fragmental
materials. Their associated clays are characteristic.) How large a
territory is covered by the Earlham in Adair County is impossible
to say. Except at the points indicated it is completely masked by
the Kansan drift sheet. All that we know with certainty is that east
of Port Union it was eroded away previous to the deposition of the
drift ; the surface rock in all exposures from Port Union to the county
line belonging to the fragmental limestone, and closely resembling
the fragmental as described by Bain in Decatur County and by Tilton
in Madison. The exposures of Earlham limestone at Earlham, Win-
terset, Perry's Quarry and other locahties, are probably isolated out-
liers. In a region so completely covered by drift, the relations of the
underlying indurated rocks cannot be worked out with anything like
completeness.
In describing the type section of fragmental limestone at Beth-
any, INIo., Bain ("Iowa Geological Survey," volume VIII) mentions
that the lowermost portions of the deposit consist of a hard breccia.
This may be identical with the breccia found on the Keating farm,
but the elevation of the latter indicates that it corresponds with the
upper and not the lower portion of the fragmental. If it is to be
regarded as corresponding to the breccia as found at Bethany, the
relations of the deposits in Adair County would suggest a north-and-
south anticline whose axis would pass somewhere near Port Union.
On the other hand, the Keating breccia may be younger tlian tlie
Earlham, and may have been deposited after the erosion of the latter,
in which case the angular fragments of which it consists are frag-
ments of Earlham limestone weathered from the eroding surface and
the cementing material belongs to some later formation. If the
former view be adopted, one may well question the nature of the
230 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
process that led at one point to the formation of a breccia ( for such
the fragmental limestone is) whose cementing material is a soft clay,
while at the same time and only a mile or two away similar breccia
was being formed with a hard calcareous cement. The Port Union
shale, also, with its distinctive fauna, suggests an interval of time
between its deposition and that of the other shales here described,
which occur at about the same level. But the limited exposure both
of the breccia and the Port Union shale forbids the solution of this
problem at the present time.
The general dip of the Earlham limestone and the fragmental
limestone in Adair County is toward the south. Middle River, cutting
in a southeasterly direction through these southerly dipping strata,
gives them an apparent dip to the southeast. The apparent southeast
dip is of course less than the actual southerly dip. The former
amounts to about ten feet to the mile, or about the same as the gradient
of the bed of ^Middle River.
SECTIONS OF INDURATED ROCK AVEST OF THE DIVIDE
The west half of the countv is covered by a thick mantle of drift,
and no streams cut to bedrock. Consequently the only obtainable
evidence as to the nature of the indurated rocks is to be obtained from
deep borings, and the number of the latter records which have been
preserved is all too small. The results indicate that the surface of
the jNIissourian is at places covered by a veneer of Cretaceous sand-
stone belonging to the Dakota stage. The following shafts have
been investigated :
On the farm of J. A. Hulbert, in Washington Township, 4V>
miles southeast of Bridgewater, rock was encountered at a depth of
•27.) feet. After penetrating through twelve feet of soft sandstone,
further drilling was abandoned.
At the residence of J. G. Hendry, one mile south of Bridgewater,
a well was sunk some fifteen years ago, and the record, carefully
preserved by ]Mr. Hendry, reads as follows:
Blue clay 65 feet
White clay 40 feet
Gravel 1 foot
Dark, soft sandstone 12 feet
Hard clav, dark in color 2 feet
Sandstone 18 feet
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 231
Slate 2 feet
Coal 22 inches
Limestone 18 feet
Quicksand and water
Total 158 feet 22 inches
The gravel occurring just below the white clay is described as con-
sisting of pebbles which were much water worn and very hard, and of
rather uniform size. The white clay was of such a character as to
color the water milky when it was first drawn from the well. Both
it and the blue clay above contained few pebbles. Eighty feet lower
down the hillside and half a mile or less from the site of the first well
another shaft was put down with the following result:
Blue clay 177 feet
Red clay with many pebbles 3 feet
Blue-black carboniferous shale 40 feet
Total 220 feet
The black shale contained two or three narrow bands of coal, but
was otherwise homogeneous in its nature and of a smooth, even con-
sistency. The "red clay with many pebbles" is probably a phase of
the Dakota sandstone. In the first section the line of separation
between the Missourian and the Dakotan is the two feet of black
slate Iving immediately above the stratum of coal.
On the farm of E. Stacey, one mile northwest of Bridgewater, in
the digging of a well shaft a forest bed was struck at a depth of forty
feet. After taking out a section of a good-sized log, probably of
cedar, diasinff was resumed. Ten feet lower the auger entered black
shale. The water was dark in color and had a bad taste. No indica-
tion of the presence of cretaceous materials appeared in this well, the
drift lying in immediate contact with the JNIissourian shale.
On the farm of W. W. Witham, in Summerset Township, a short
distance west of Greenfield, a well was sunk to a depth of 27.5 feet.
At about two hundred forty feet the drill passed into limestone with
bands of black and blue shale. No Dakotan gravels or sandstones
were present. The INIissourian limestone was covered by 240 feet of
blue clay, with some small pebbles and boulders.
232 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
A shaft sunk by the City of Greenfield for the purpose of securing
a water supj)ly for the municipal electric lighting j)lant passed
through 208 feet of Kansan clay and thirteen feet of JNIissourian lime-
stone and shale. No gravels were encountered. A few small peb-
bles were found in the clay, and at one point a thin bed of sandy clay
was encountered. As usual, the complete record was not preserved.
A shaft sunk on the farm of F. H. Seers, five miles north of Fon-
tanelle, is reported as j^assing into soft sandstone at a depth of 260
feet. About twenty feet of the standstone was penetrated without
noting any change in the nature of the materials.
On the farm of Henry Rose, two miles north of Bridgewater,
JNIissourian limestone was struck at a depth of 270 feet, while a shaft
on the farm of Al Bowers, a mile or two north of the Rose farm,
passed into Dakota standstone at a depth of 260 feet. Forty feet of
fine-grained sandstone is also reported from a well bored by William
Turner near Adair.
The only record of Dakota sandstone east of the divide is given
by Simpson in Norton's report on the underground waters of Iowa.
This is a well bored on the Whittum farm in section 19 of Lincoln
Township.
Enough has been said to indicate that the surface of the ^Nlissourian
rock in Adair County is dotted with scattered outliers of Dakota sand-
stone. Probably no part of the county is covered with a sohd aiid
continuous mass of cretaceous rock. The variation in the depth at
which rock is encountered indicates two things : the depth of the ero-
sion to which tJie Kansan drift has been subjected, and the depth of
the erosion to which the underlying rocks were subjected before the
coming of the ice sheet.
The abandoned Eureka coal shaft, six miles south of Adair, passes
entirely through drift and ^lissourian rock. The shaft is now par-
tially filled, and is not in condition for examination, but was described
by Keyes ("Iowa Report," Volume II) as follows in the year 1894:
"The shaft is 262 feet in depth, the coal varying from 20 to 32
inches in thickness. The roof is bituminous shale. The bottom of
the shaft shows:
Clay shale (exposed) 2 feet
Coal 2 feet
Fire clay 8 inches
Shale, dark (exposed) 1 foot 4 inches
Total .6 feet
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 233
"The mine is worked on the long wall plan. There are a few
unimportant clay seams, but no other breaks in the continuity of the
bed. This is a new mine. The coal has been taken out only from
about one hundred fifty to two hundred feet to the east and west of
the bottom of the shaft. It is reported that there are two other seams
below the one now worked, one at a dej)th of about forty-five feet and
the other at a depth of about fifty-five feet from the bottom of the
shaft."
In June, 1892, a correspondent of the Greenfield Transcript wrote
as follows:
"The size of the shaft is 6 by 16 feet and is divided into three
apartments. At the depth of over a hundred feet they found a cedar
post. The dirt passed through was very hard and had to be dug with
a pick. Thence through diiFerent kinds of clay and into soapstone.
The caprock is four feet and nine inches thick. After passing that,
came into two feet of black looking substance which contained coal
blossom; passing on into slate, thence into a three- foot vein of good
coal. The shaft is 228 feet deep, and the coal is deposited 268 feet
from the top of the ground."
The evidence of a forest bed, in the shape of a cedar log, is signifi-
cant. The soapstone is probably a smooth, homogeneous shale, such
as is characteristic of the INIissourian rocks of this part of the state.
No cretaceous rocks appear at this point. The coal and associated
strata here and in the shaft near Bridgewater are probably to be
referred to the horizon of the Nodaway coal as described by Smitli
for the counties south and southwest of Adair, but the formation is
so scanty that no definite correlation is yet possible. If this supposi-
tion is correct, the Nodaway coal lies at a considerably greater depth
below the Nodaway Valley in Adair County than in Page and ^lont-
gomery counties.
THE DRIFT SHEETS
The Nebraskan drift sheet probably underlies the Kansan drift
in parts of Adair County, but it is impossible from existing evidence
to say anything definite with regard to its extent. Probably, how-
ever, the greater part of the Nebraskan material was eroded away
by the advancing Kansan glacier and incorporated in the Kansan
drift. The same may be said of the Aftonian gravels lying on top of
the Nebraskan. The summits of the carboniferous hills were denuded
of these materials by the advancing Kansan ice sheet, and they are
T
234 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
found today only in those places where the carboniferous rock lies at
a low level. There can be no doubt as to the identity of the Aftonian
gravels when found; but it must be borne in mind that the Aftonian
did not cover the entire surface of the Nebraskan, but was laid down
in the beds of the numerous streams by which the Nebraskan drift
plain was dissected during the gradual retreat of the ice sheet. Con-
sequently there may be many places where the Kansan drift rests
directly upon the Xebraskan. The only way to demonstrate such a
relation between the two is to find them exposed in section and dem-
onstrate the existence of an unconformity; and as the only evidence
upon the subject is that obtained from the record of well shafts, such
a demonstration is of course out of the question. Immediately above
the Xebraskan and Aftonian comes the Kansan drift. Through the
removal of the earlier deposits the Kansan frequently rests directly
upon the bed rock. Whatever the underlying material, whether
Aftonian gravels, Xebraskan drift, Dakota sandstone, or INIissourian
limestone, there is always of course absolute unconformity between it
and tlie Kansan. The thickness of the Kansan, and the nature of the
materials composing it, may best be indicated by the sections of a
number of well shafts investigated by the writer :
1. On the Conway farm, west of jNIacksburg in INIadison County,
but not far from the Adair County line, a well shaft was dug which
passed through fifty feet of alluvium and Kansan drift. For the
most part the latter consisted of a stiff, blue clay, unstratified, and
without boulders, though containing a few small pebbles. Below this
a bed of sandy clay was struck in which was imbedded a log of hard
wood, probably walnut, four feet in diameter.
2. On the same farm, at about the same depth, the auger entered
the bed of rather soft, ill preserved peat. The peat seemed to consist
principally of compacted grass and grass roots, and was roughly but
not inaptly described by the well digger as a "fossil haystack." Above
it lay a nodule of brown haematite the size of a goose ^^^.
3. On the farm of J. ^I. Wilson, in section 12, Union Township,
a well was dug with the follow^ing result: "*"
3. Black surface soil with much humus 1 foot
2. Stiff joint clay, yellow near surface, blue
beneath 49 feet
1. Black silt, with many small wood chips 3 feet
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 235
The yellow and blue clay was entirely unstratified, contained a
very few pebbles and small boulders, and in places numerous lime
concretions.
4. On what is known as the Ed Baker farm, northwest of blacks-
burg, a well was dug, the auger passing through twenty feet of stiff
joint clay, varying in color from yellow to blue-black. An impedi-
ment was then encountered in the shape of a mass of twigs and sticks
lying criss-cross and very slightly compacted. Associated with these
were pebbles and bog-iron nodules. The larger sticks were as large as
a man's arm, or larger, and were much broken and apparently gnawed
at the ends, but not decayed.
5. On the Funk farm, northwest of Greenfield, section 2, Sum-
merset Township, the well digger reports that at a depth of twenty-
three feet he was obliged to chop through a willow log six inches in
diameter.
6. Some years since the writer watched the boring of a well on
lot 3, block 36, original Town of Greenfield. The auger passed
through two feet of black surface soil, then entering yellow-brown
joint clay, the upper three inches of which had a slightly reddish cast.
It passed through fifty feet of stiff joint clay, varying in color from
yellow-brown to dark blue-brown, absolutely unstratified, and con-
taining no sand, gravel or boulders.
7. A second well on the same lot passed through thirty feet of
stiff blue joint clay without pebbles, sand or boulders. The lower
part of this was the so-called "stinking clay." The two wells were
about a hundred yards apart.
8. In the northwest corner of section 7, Jefferson Township, a
well was sunk to the depth of about thirty feet. The first twenty feet
passed through fine-grained black sand with an admixture of barely
enough clay to bind it somewhat. The auger then entered stiff blue
Kansan clay. The sand is doubtless post-Kansan, and was laid down
as part of the old flood plain of Middle River.
9. In digging a well on the Sears farm, in Jackson Township, a
number of logs were encountered at a depth of thirty or forty feet.
The overlying material is unstratified blue and yellow clay with many
pebbles and small angular fragments of quartzite.
10. In a well on the farm of E. Stacey the auger penetrated to
. the depth of forty feet through stiff blue clay. At that depth a section
of a good sized log of some coniferous wood was removed from the
shaft. After digging an additional ten feet through gravelly clay.
236 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
black carboniferous sbale was encountered. Tlie water was reported
unfit for use.
11. The city well at Greenfield is bored through 208 feet of stiff
blue joint clay, very slightly sandy in places, unstratified, and con-
taining a few small angular pebbles. This is four blocks distant from
tile Greenfield well already mentioned. The Kansan rests directly
on ]\Iissourian limestone.
12. In the well on the Witham farm, already mentioned, the clay
is reported as having a thickness of 240 feet and resting directly on
]Missourian limestone. The clay is blue, unstratified, showing typical
joint structure, and containing a very few small angular pebbles and
boulders.
13. In section 31, Jefferson Township, the writer watched the
boring of a well some fifteen years ago. The well was sunk to the
depth of about thirty-five feet, the material consisting of a stiif blue
clay, unstratified, and without pebbles below the first four feet, veiy
few being present there. The material from this well was piled near
the shaft and left there permanently. In 1911 it was examined by
the writer. The clay still showed the joint texture, but as a result of
leaching it crumbled somewhat more readily than it had when first
taken out, and the color had changed from dark blue to light brown-
yellow. In fact, as last seen, it was precisely the same soil that many
observers have mistakenly supposed to be loess, and that has occa-
sionalty been described as loess w^hen reported from Southwestern
Iowa. All that is necessary to the artificial manufacture of loess of
this sort is that typical blue joint clay be dug up from the lower por-
tion of the Kansan drift sheet and exposed to the action of the
weather for several years. The siu'face soil in many parts of Adair
County (i. e., wherever it is not covered by alluvium or blackened by
plant humus) consists of this leached Kansan clay. Sometimes it
contains pebbles or boulders, more frequently not. Rarely it is decid-
edly gravelly. Lime concretions are not infrequent. The well just
mentioned showed many of them.
14. Two wells were dug on section 26, Orient Township, under
the writer's immediate observation. The section of one is as follows :
5. Black soil 1 foot
4. Unstratified, yellow-brown joint clay, grad-
ing insensibly down into 3 feet
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 237
3. Unstratified, stiff blue joint clay, without
pebbles or boulders. This again grades
insensibly into 8 feet
2. Blue joint claj^ containing numerous angu-
lar pebbles and this in turn grades insen-
sibly into the next 3 feet
1. Blue joint clay without pebbles or boulders . 15 feet
The shaft of the second well is almost identical with the foreaoins^
except that a very few angular pebbles were scattered through strata
Nos. 1, 3 and 4. Stratum No. 2 shows no signs of stratification, but
consists of perfectly typical Kansan clay.
In addition to the foregoing data, the writer has made careful
observations wherever the working of the roads has exposed good
sections. The individual points at which observations of this sort
have been made it is unnecessary to catalog, since the entire county
lias been thoroughly covei'ed in this respect, and the results everywhere
agree. The siu-face soil, everyMhere except where covered by allu-
vium or modified by the presence of abundant plant humus, is a joint
clay, that is, a clay that when crushed dry in the fingers becomes
coarsely granular in texture. It is usually light in color, varying
through the shades of brownish yellow and brown. No surface soil
has been found that has the peculiar smooth "greasy" consistency
characteristic of the Iowa and the Missouri loess, nor has anv been
found that blows up in the fine, impalpable dust characteristic of the
loess. The granular surface clay, when exposed in a fresh cut, some-
times shows lime nodules, sometimes not. Where it has been pene-
trated by plant roots the latter are sometimes surrounded by iron,
and the soil at the lower limit of the portion penetrated by the grass
roots sometimes shows a reddish streak. It is never fossiliferous.
Pebbles and small quartzite fragments as large as one's two fists are
not uncommon, large boulders are occasionally present, and very fre-
quently it is — like the underlying blue clay — entirely without stone
fragments of any sort whatever. When pebbles and boulders are
present they are usually very angular. The largest boulder tlie writer
has seen was one about three feet in diameter on section 31, Jefferson
Township, and in Greenfield a number of quartzite boulders two feet
in diameter are used as cornerstones and hitching posts, but stones of
this size are extremely rare. This yellow joint clay grades down
insensiblv into the stiff blue clav beneath, and it is imjiossible ever to
238 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
d]-aw a definite line of separation between the two. In fact, when the
stiff bhie clay is exposed at the surface the action of the weather
leaches it out to a yellow tint, it becomes somewhat more porous and
takes on all the characteristics of the surface clay as here described.
In view of these facts the writer is driven to believe that they are in
fact identical.
To sum up : The lower Pleistocene of Adair County consists of a
thin sheet of Xebraskan till, most of which mav have been removed
or incorporated into the Kansan, and a sheet of gravels and silts rep-
resenting the Aftonian interglacial period. The latter is present at
many points in the county, under the thick Kansan drift, as evidenced
by the presence of a forest bed containing logs of a variety of species
of trees and also by the presence of stratified gravels, sand and peat,
and frequent iron nodules. The cases mentioned here in detail are but
a few of many that might be found. So general is this condition that
well diggers tell the writer that below a depth of thirty-five or forty
feet they "expect to strike logs," and the Aftonian gravel is well rec-
ognized among local well diggers as a water bearing stratum. INIr.
Jesse Hines, a veteran well digger residing in Greenfield and well
known to the writer for many years, writes thus: "We find pieces of
wood in this county anywhere when we go down through blue or black
clay." INIany other well diggers bear witness to the correctness of
this statement. Above the Aftonian lies the Kansan drift, of variable
thickness, depending upon the two factors of pre-Kansan erosion and
post-Kansan erosion, but at least two hundred seventy feet at its max-
imum. This is a heterogeneous mass of clays, sands, gravels and boul-
ders, the various materials being arranged in no discoverable order.
They never show signs of stratification, nor do they at different points
in the county sustain a uniform relation to each other. The materials
lie as the}^ were left by the ice, and are, as one would expect, absolutely
heterogeneous. Large boulders are rare, smaller fragments not
uncommon, the prevailing stone being Sioux quartzite. Sands and
gravels are not very common. The typical material is stiff blue joint
clay, which on exposure to the weather becomes lighter in color except
where stained by iron or darkened by products of vegetable decay.
The blue clav varies in densitv. When verv dense it becomes, when
once wet, impermeable by water from above, and is known as hard
pan. The hard pan grades insensibly into the softer clay above and
below. It sustains no constant to the other materials and may be
found at any depth.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 239
POST-PLEISTOCENE DEPOSITS
The post-Pleistocene materials occurring in Adair County may
be classified as alluvium, stratified gravels, stratified sands, and peat.
Of these, the first three belong together and are associated with the
flood plains of the larger streams. It should be added, however, that
many smaller streams, even of an intermittent character, have fairly
\vell defined valleys with flood plains a few rods in width, while others
have failed to broaden their vallevs in this way, and have cut mere
gulleys in the Kansan plain. It is of course impossible to indicate the
location of narrow alluvial bottoms along the course of the smaller
prairie streams.
Typical alluvium as found in Adair County is when dry a very
dark gray-brown; when wet it becomes black. It is usually more or
less distinctly stratified. Occasionally sand and alluvium are found
interstratified, the former of course representing an old bar, the latter
being laid down on top of the bar after it had become a part of the
overflow plain, through the deepening and shifting of the stream's
course. The flood plain is usually broader on the north and east sides
of the valley than on the south and west. In the former case it slopes
gently back to the hills bordering the valley; in the latter case it
usually forms a more acute angle with the hills at their base. The
hills to the south and west have a steeper gradient than have those to
the north and east. The latter slope southwesterly and face the noon-
day and afternoon sun. The former are shaded during much of the
day, and consequently hold the frost longer in the spring and are not
so subject to erosion. This variation in the contours of two sides of a
valley is constant throughout the county for all the larger streams.
The best sheltered flood plains are on the right hand side of the val-
leys, and it is there that the timber is densest and there the moisture-
loving and shade-loving plants flourish most luxuriantly.
An interesting deposit of stratified gravels and peat is found on
the Burrell farm, two miles southwest of Greenfield. At the extreme
edge of the flood plain of a small tributary of the East Xodaway, a
gravel pit has been sunk to a depth of eight feet. On the side toAvard
the hill the gravel is distinctly stratified with much cross-bedding.
On the opposite side, next the flood plain, the section shows a more
uniformly horizontal stratification without cross-bedding, the material
being the same coarse gravel mixed with many nodules and cysts of
bog iron, the whole bound together by layer after layer of coarse dark
colored peat. The peat is very recent, as is evidenced by the fact that
240 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
the topmost layer forms the present ground surface and shows the
hummocks characteristic of the slough grass growing here before the
bottom was sowed to blue grass. The peat consists merely lof layer
after layer of solidified or semi-solidified grass roots to the thickness
of about five feet. Many of the tinier roots are more or less intact
and are surrounded by red tubules of bog-iron. The hollow bog-iron
cysts so common at this jDoint are frequently filled with a matted
tangle of grass roots. The cysts vary in size from the size of a hazel-
nut up to ten or twelve inches in diameter. The pebbles making up
the gravel exposed at this point are extremely waterworn, more so
than those usually found in the beds of streams cutting through the
Kansan drift. Their rounded condition, and the fact that quartzite
fragments are not present, would suggest an Aftonian origin. The
writer suspects that this gravel deposit was originally an Aftonian
boulder, ploughed up by the Kansan ice sheet in its advance, and
buried in the Kansan till. Subsequent erosion cut the valley, and in
doing so cut through one side of the boulder. Owing to a local imper-
fection in the post-Kansan drainage system, however, the material
was not carried down into the Nodaway, but was caught in a small
bog at the foot of the hill and there re-deposited with horizontal
stratification. JNIuch coarse grass was growing in the bog, and the
peat thus formed was interstratified with the gravel washed down
from the hillside. Haematite cvsts and nodules would necessarily
form under these conditions. The area of the peat may be traced
to the alluvial bottom by the poor growth of the blue grass, and the
fact that it is of a much darker color than is the surrounding grass.
The little peat bog is only a few rods in diameter. It is interesting
to note that this tiny and inconspicuous peat bed was discovered by
White and is noted by him in his geology of Iowa. He did not, of
course, discover the gravels, as they were not uncovered imtil 1910.
Another peat bed is known to the writer, in the northeast corner
of Walnut and northwest corner of Jefferson townships. This is a
part of the flood plain of INIiddle River and was originally covered
with hummocks of coarse slough grass. It was an area of imperfect
drainage, about thirty rods in diameter, doubtless having been orig-
inally an ox-bow lake and having been filled up by successive crops
of grass. Years ago this was turned into a pasture and the blue
grass turf finally covered it. A well sunk in the turf to a depth of
three feet gave an inexhaustible supply of extremely clear water.
In wet seasons the place shoM^ed a tendency to revert to its boggy
condition, owing to the fact that the cattle tramped out the turf, and
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 241
it Mas decided to drain the bog into Middle River. The ditch was
dug to a depth of five feet, through a rather coarse, but densely com-
pacted dark brown jDcat. Doubtless many peat bogs of this sort might
be found along the alluvial plains of the larger streams.
PALEONTOLOGY
The shells of modern land snails are frequently found in the
alluvium of flood plains and terraces. No systematic investigation
of these has yet been made, and the subject must be reserved for a
future paper.
The joint clay which makes up the greater part of the Kansan
drift sheet is entirely non-fossiliferous. Many species of land mol-
luscs dwell on the surface of the drift and are often buried by caving
banks or become covered by the hmnus which forms a veneer over
the surface, but careful search has failed to reveal any imbedded in
the body of the drift. The leached portions of the drift sheet, which
has been sometimes mistakenly described as "loess" is non-fossiliferous
equally with the deeper and more compact clay.
Owing to the extremely limited opportunities for observation
nothing is known as to the fossiliferous character of the Dakota
deposits in Adair County. No fossils are reported from the few
shafts which penetrate this formation.
The Earlham limestone contains the following species:
Productus nebrascensis.
P. punctatus.
Athyris subtilita.
The massive ledges found below the level of the Earlham in con-
nection with the fragmental limestone, reveal the following fauna;
Productus nebrascensis.
P. cora.
P. costatus.
P. punctatus.
P. longispinus.
Spirifer cameratus.
Athyris subtilita.
Fenestella sp.
Rhombopora lepidodendroides.
Vol.1 —16
242 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
Allerisma terminale.
Derbya crassa.
Fistulipera nodulifera.
Fusulina secalicus.
The blue shale associated with the foregoing limestone is par-
ticularly rich in Chonetes verneuilanus.
The Port Union shale contains a rich and distinctive fauna, of
whicli only the following can be here given:
Aviculapecten neglectus.
A. sp.
Myalina subquadrata.
Owing to the extremely soft and brittle character of the Port
Union shale, the securing of perfect fossil remains from it is very
difficult, but it is extremely fossiliferous, and will repay future inves-
tigation on the part of the paleontologists. In the Keating breccia
were found remains of Athyris subtilita, and an unidentified Pro-
ductus.
ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
In an earlier day much limestone was quarried from the Earlham
and the thin ledges of massive limestone associated with the Frag-
mental, but the cheapening of cement construction has driven the
limestone out of use. For a limestone, the Earlham resists the action
of rain and frost excellently. INIany foimdations and one stone house
forty years old bear witness to its enduring qualities. For purposes
of construction, the Fragmental proper is of course worthless. The
massive limestone will be marketable for macadam and concrete con-
struction as soon as the Port Union country shall be opened up by
the advent of a railroad, but the Fragmental cannot even be used for
this purpose, since it contains too great an admixture of carboniferous
clay. The Port Union shales, and the other blue shales cropping out
farther down Middle River are of smooth, even consistency, without
grit, and with the limestone should make a cement of good quality.
This industry also awaits the coming of a railroad to make it
profitable.
The brick industry in Adair County goes back to the very early
times. At a very early day there were brickyards at Fontanelle,
Adair and Casey. About thirty years ago there was a brickyard
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 243
just west of Greenfield, north of the old Fontanelle road which is
now ]Main Street, and at the same time the Day Brickyard was in
operation a short distance east of Fontanelle in the Nodaway bot-
tom. In all these cases the brick was molded by hand, and was of
rather inferior qualit}^ as measured by the standard of today, being
rough and soft. About fifteen j^ears ago, a brickyard was estab-
lished in Greenfield by J. W. Darby, and for a decade an excellent
quality of brick and tile was manufactured at this point. The mate-
rial used in the early manufacture of brick in the county was the
black alluvium of sloughs and stream bottoms, since it was then
believed that the joint clay was useless for this purpose. In fact,
the latter cannot be used successfully where the method of molding
by liand is in vogue, since it will check in drying and experience has
shown that most of the brick are ruined. It often has the added dis-
advantage of containing many small pebbles, which of course makes
its use for brick making impossible. The material used by Mr. Darby
was a deposit of drift, or joint clay, lying just east of the railway
station in Greenfield. At this point the drift is practically free from
pebbles. One large boulder was uncovered in the diggings, and in
a search of an hour covering the exposure the writer found three tiny
flint pebbles. The brick and tile were molded by machinery and
it was found that there was but little checking and very few were
spoiled in the burning. ^Ir. Darby maintained a permanent equip-
ment of one large brick kiln and three tile kilns, the product being
taken as soon as made, and the demand usually exceeding the supply.
The establishment finally passed into other hands and the business
having become involved, was discontinued in a few years. The
machinery was bought by C. H. Cass of Bridgewater.
^Ir. Cass was a contractor and bricklayer and maintained a yard
at BridgeAvater where he manufactured the materials used by him.
The material used was ordinary Kansan drift clay, which in the
vicinity of Bridgewater was commonly free from pebbles and sand,
and burned into excellent brick.
The brick and tile industry in Adair County oflfers good possi-
bilities. There are large plants at Creston and Stuart, but owing to
railroad disadvantages there are no large ones in Adair County.
CHANGES INCIDENT TO HUMAN OCCUPATION
Open pastures in all parts of the county show much recent erosion,
the gulleys cutting from a depth of a few inches to fifteen or twenty
244 HISTORY OF ADAIR COUXTY
feet, and gradually backing up from the lowlands toward the higher
ground. So general is this process and so recent is it in all observed
cases, as to lead to the suspicion that the region may have undergone
recent rejuvenation. After careful examination the writer has been
led to reject the rejuvenation theory. It is noticeable that the process
of gully cutting takes place only in those places where the wild grass
has been replaced by the tame grass. Blue grass pastures are espe-
cially subject to dissection of this sort, wliile the process is absolutely
unknown in those places where the native slough grass still carpets
the soil. It must of course be remembered that the slough grass is
not limited to bogs and marshes, but is the normal ground covering
in all shallow sloughs and draws, even when the latter lays close to
tlie crest of the divide. Originally, therefore, every place that ^\ ould,
by reason of its lower level, be the natural starting point for the
development of a gully, was covered by the slough grass. This grass
grew in hummocks, which usually lie so close together that one may
step from one to the other. It roots veiy deep (three to six feet) and
the root system forms a dense spongy mass that absorbs and holds
Mater readily. The decay of the culms and the older roots forms a
very absorbent humus and because of the dense root mass this humus
does not wash awav, but remains and so increases the absorbent
capacity. The grass grows very thick, to a height of three to four
feet, producing a dense shade, and thus reducing evaporation. The
roots are not limited to the hummocks or stools, but penetrate between
and the whole slough thus becomes a great tough sponge for the
retention of moisture. Under these conditions rapid erosion is an
impossibility.
When the slough grass has been replaced by blue grass, most of
these conditions are reversed. The blue grass makes, it is true, a
dense ground cover, but it does not root deeply and it does not produce
a heavy humus. Especially is the latter true in the case of pastures
where the grass is continually eaten off short. Once erosion is started
at one point it proceeds w^ith great rapidity. The soil beneath the
turf (and the latter is but a few inches in thickness) is quickly washed
out. the w^ater excavates beneath the edge of the overhanging turf,
and tlie latter soon begins to break off of its own weigiit and fall
into the little guWy thus forming. Each rainstorm deepens the gully
a little, and backs it up a few feet, until finally the greater part of a
valuable pasture may be dissected by a series of several wide, deep
gTilleys and many square rods of pasturage destroyed. In the waste-
ful farming of the ]:)ast, farmers and agricultural teachers have alike
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY 245
failed to estimate at its full value the damage to the agriculture of
Iowa wrought by this process. In the more economical farming of
the future, effective means will have to be taken to check it. The
cultivation of the soil has, of course, greatly increased the factors
of creep and sheet-water erosion, denuding the higher ground of
mush of its humus, and increasing the thickness of alluvium on the
lower lands. To a certain extent this is unavoidable, but true economy
would suggest that the steeper hillsides should not be ploughed, and
should be kept in permanent meadow or pasture. The annual run-off
has also been greatly modified by cultivation. Under primitive con-
ditions the water of the spring rains w^as caught by every slough and
held through the season, gradually seeping out, as the summer w^ent
on, to feed the smaller streams. The whole land surface was dis-
sected by this network of reservoirs which, by reason of the conditions
of shade, humus, spongy consistency and depth of root mass, etc.,
juade an excellent series of feeders for the streams. Under present
conditions the run-off is much more rapid in the spring and this is
likely to be succeeded by a condition of semi-ariditv during July and
August. It is no unusual thing for jNIiddle River and the East Xoda-
way to cease flowing during August, the water being reduced to a
few shallow" pools. In the summer of 1911 the writer walked for
half a mile down the bed of Middle River and not only found no
water, but in that distance found the sand for the most part perfectly
dry and dust-like. Above and below" this half-mile stretch were
stagnant pools, and there may of course have been a little seepage
through the lower part of the sand, but could not have been much.
Such is the condition in a year of drought. Conditions of this sort
were unknown in the early days before the breaking up of the prairie
and the extirpation of the native grass.
The cutting of much of the timber has had a marked effect on
erosion and topography. It is true that much good land has been
added to the cultivable area. On the other hand, much land has been
cleared that ought to have been left in timber. The clearing of the
steeper hillsides has led to the washing away of the humus with which
they were once carpeted. This having once occurred the grass
becomes thin, gullies begin to develop, and soon the entire slope is
dissected by deep V-shaped valleys and is perfectly bare of vegeta-
tion. If, after clearing, the attempt is made to put a slope of this
sort under the plow, the process is of course hastened. In any case
land w^hich was originally productive becomes waste and then cannot
be farmed, nor can it be reforested without tremendous expense.
246
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
True conservation demands that the rougher land be kept in timber.
The destruction of the brush and the smaller forest vegetation has
led to much destructive erosion on the steeper slopes. A blue grass
surface, covered with sparse timber is readily cut into gullies in the
same way as are open pastures though not at the same rate. In clear-
ing ground the brush should be left on the steeper slopes. With the
increasing value of timber, and the advanced price of land, the prob-
lem of woodland conservation should no longer be ignored.
BOTANY
The relation of botany to geological conditions is always a close
one, since the nature of the plant covering and the distribution of
])lant species depends very largely upon the character of the mantle
rock. Conversely, the nature of the vegetation may profoundly
modify the ground conditions. The flora of the county comprises a
number of fairly distinct types, and these types conform in a general
way to tlie three conditions of moisture, shade and soil. In general
these types may be classified as follows:
Prairie
Upland prairie flora — xero-
X^hytic to mesophytic.
Slough flora.
Prairie stream flora.
Unforested alluvial bot-
toms.
High gravel points.
High exposed south and
west slopes — partially
xerophytic.
North and east slopes —
xerophytic to mesophytic.
Slight depressions in high
prairies — mesophytic —
and intermediate stages
down to wet bogs on low-
er levels — hydrophytic.
Hydrophytic flora, bor-
dered by thin fringe of
mesophytic flora.
Mesophytic on higher
ground. Hydrophytic in
bogs and oxbows, and
near streams.
HISTORY OF ADAIR COUNTY
247
Steep bluff flora, usually on
south or west bank of
larger streams — meso-
phytic.
Ravine flora, found low in
gullies cut in river bluff's,
Xative and at the base of bluff's
Forest — mesophytic to hydro-
phytic. This includes
much the same species as
the next.
Shaded alluvial bottoms —
mesophytic to hydro-
l)hvtic.
f
