Y
SN. \. .
HISTORY
OF
AUDUBON COUNTY
IOWA
ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
H. F. ANDREWS
Editor
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and
Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families
ILLUSTRATED
1915
B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY, Inc.
Indianapolis, Indiana
3258;^0B
'^X AND I
riATfO.NS I
-— — jj
DEDICATION.
This work is respectfully dedicated to
THE PIONEERS,
long since departed. May the memory of those who laid down their burdens
by the wayside ever be fragrant as the breath of summer
flowers, for their toils and sacrifices have made
Audubon County a garden of sun-
shine and delights.
AUTHOR'S FOREWORD
Time flies, never to return. Sixty- four years have flown since the set-
tlement of Audubon county. That period Hes behind; the future is before
us. Posterity will eagerly scan every source of information to be found
concerning the history of their forbears. It is the duty to future genera-
tions to perpetuate the history of our people. The best time to write history
is at the time of its passage; but, in large measure, this has been neglected
to the present time. Our people have been too busy in home-making and in
wresting sustenance from a new country; their lives too fully occupied with
the duties, necessities and cares of every-day life, and often too poor to
devote time or attention to preserving records of the events of their lives and
acts. When they passed away, perhaps brief obituaries or grave-stones
recited their names, ages, etc., all that is now known about them; even this
is often wanting. Some of the history of our people can be found in the
public records; the newspapers contain mention of individuals and events
that have transpired; church and society records tell of their memberships;
the monuments of the dead record names and dates of births and deaths of
those who lie in the cemeteries ; the family Bibles are repositories of the
records of others.
The unit of history is the individual; it proceeds into the family, the
neighborhood, town, county and state relations; the aggregate forms the
history of a given people.
Three principal events enter into the lives of persons — births, marriages
and deaths. The record of marriages were by law required to be kept before
the settlement of this county, and we find such records kept from the organ-
ization of the county. It is doubtful if all marriages which have occurred
here since then have been recorded here; many of our people were married
before settlement, and some were married outside the county. The records
of births and deaths were not required by law to be kept until long after the
settlement of the county, and were not kept for many years. Our public
vital statistics are far from complete. It is impossible at the present time to
discover accurate vital statistics of all people who have lived here, and this is
especially true of the early settlers. The current events of the daily lives of
the people have become in larj^a" measure obsolete ; ibe early settlers have
mostly passed away, and the memories of the few remaining with us are
imperfect, their recollections of early events l)eing often contradictory. Most
that occurred here in early times, except such as is of record, has been for-
gotten, never to be recalled. It is remarkable that so many events of early
times have been rescued from oblivion at this late day.
It has been the purpose of this work to compile and preserve some of
the principal events and affairs that have transpired in Audubon county since
its foundation, in the year 185 1, gathered from every available source dis-
covered, for future reference and use.
In its preparation the writer has been assisted by very many persons,
too numerous to mention even by name, who have been universally kind in
imparting information, and w^ho are entitled to my profound, kindest thanks,
as well as to the gratitude of the countless posterity wdio may rejoice in find-
ing their contributions.
Exira. Iowa, June, 1915. H. F. Andrews.
PREFACE
All life and achievement is evolution; present wisdom comes from past
experience, and present commercial prosperity has come only from past exer-
tion and suffering. The deeds and motives of the men who have gone before
have been instrumental in shaping the destinies of later communities and
state. The development of a new county was at once a task and a privi-
lege. It required great courage, sacrifice and privation. Compare the pres-
ent conditions of the people of Audubon county, Iowa, with what they
were seventy years ago. From a trackless wilderness and virgin land,
it has come to be a center of prosperity and civilization, with millions of
wealth, systems of railways, grand educational institutions, splendid indus-
tries and immense agricultural and mineral productions. Can any think-
ing person be insensible to the fascination of the study which discloses the
aspirations and efforts of the early pioneers who so strongly laid the founda-
tion upon which has been reared the magnificent prosperity of later days? To
perpetuate the story of these people and to trace and record the social, polit-
ical and industrial progress of the community from its first inception is the
function of the local historian. A sincere purpose to preserve facts and per-
sonal memoirs that are deserving of perpetuation, and which unite the pres-
ent to the past, is the motive for the present publication. A specially valuable
and interesting department is that one devoted to the sketches of representa-
tive citizens of this county whose records deserve preservation because of
their worth, effort and accomplishment. The publishers desire to extend
their thanks to the gentlemen who have so faithfully labored to this end.
Thanks are also due to the citizens of Audubon county for the uniform kind-
ness with which they have regarded this undertaking, and for their many
services rendered in the gaining of necessary information.
In placing the "History of Audubon County, Iowa," before the citizens,
the publishers can conscientiously claim that they have carried out the plan
as outlined in the prospectus. Every biographical sketch in the work has
been submitted to the party interested, for correction, and therefore any error
of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch was
prepared. Confident that our effort to please will fully meet the appro-
bation of the public, we are,
Respectfully,
THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I— GEOLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY, ETC. 33
Location of Audubon County — Area — Natural Features — Native Grasses —
Prairie Fires — The Soil— The Rivers and Water System— Timber and
Groves — The Indians — Their Habits, Customs and Sports — Incidents Con-
cerning the Relations of the Red Men and the Whites — An Indian Apollo —
Wild Animals — A Hunter's Paradise — A Pen Picture of Early Times Here —
Names of Rivers and Places.
CHAPTER II— ORGANIZATION OF AUDUBON COUNTY 46
How Named — Legislative Enactments Relating to Creation of the County
— Subsequent Changes in Boundaries — An Injustice to Audubon County —
First County Election— Locating the County Seat— Political Organizations
— Congressional Districts— Senatorial Districts— Representative Districts —
Judicial Districts— Constitutional Convention District— Civil Townships-
County Seat Aspirations — Organization of New Townships — Unsatisfactory
Boundaries — Subsequent Changes — Pioneer Conditions and Improvements —
Live Stock— First Death in the Settlement— Mills.
CHAPTER III— OFFICIAL ROSTER 63
Representatives in Congress — Judges of the District Court — Judges of the
Circuit Court — Attorney-General — State Senators — Representatives in Leg-
islature — County Judges — Treasurers and Recorders — Clerks of Court —
County Attorneys — County Auditors — County Treasurers — County Record-
e^rs — Sheriflfs — ^Superintendents of School — County Surveyors — Coroners —
Soldier Relief Commission — Boards of Supervisors.
CHAPTER IV— SETTLEMENT OF AUDUBON COUNTY 68
Before the Settlement — The Mormon Trail — Government Surveyors — First
Settlement — The Actual First Settler — Settlers Who Came Before 1861 —
Old Settlers Now Residing in the County — The Homesteaders — Railroad
Lands — Squatters — Contentions with the Railroads — First Events — Early
Marriages — First Settlers in the Several Townships.
CHAPTER V— THE FIRST SETTLERS 82
The Hamlin Family — Nathaniel Hamlin — William P. Hamlin — The Jenkinses
— Dr. Samuel M. Ballard — David Edgerton — Reuben Carpenter — The Heaths
— A Noted Character — The Herricks — Hon. Daniel M. Harris — The Lewises
— Rev. Richard C. Meek — The Hallocks — Other Prominent Pioneers of the
County.
CONTENTS,
CHAPTER VI— GOVERNMENT SURVEYS AND LAND ENTRIES 135
Dates and Location of Surveys, and by Whom Made — Surveyors' Notes —
Original Entries of Government Lands — Some Early Conveyances of Land.
CHAPTER VII— POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS 138
Origin of First Settlers — Trend of First Elections — Much Local Excitement
in Early Campaigns — Tricky Politics — County-Seat Contests and Other
Noteworthy Events.
CHAPTER VIII— COUNTY SEATS AND COUNTY SEAT CONTESTS 144
Dayton Chosen the County Seat — Sale of Town Lots — Holding of the First
Court — First Court Officers — First Jury — Petition for Removal of County Seat
to Viola — EflForts to Move it to Hamlin — "Woods Rats" — Contest Between
Exira and Audubon — Intemperate Newspaper Editorials — Election for New
Court House.
CHAPTER IX— RAILROADS, HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION 159
Old Mormon Trail and Other Early Highways — Laying Out of State and
County Roads — Bridges — Modern Road-building — Railroads — Hack Lines,
Stages and Mail Lines.
CHAPTER X— AUDUBON COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 164
Population in 1865 — Union Soldiers from this County — Drafts — Organization
of a Local Militia Company — Muster Rolls — The Audubon County Rifle-
men — War-time Incidents.
CHAPTER XI— THE BAR OF AUDUBON COUNTY 173
List of Audubon County Lawyers, Past and Present, with Residences and
Periods of Practice.
CHAPTER XII— THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 175
List of Physicians, Past and Present, Who Have Practiced in Audubon
County, with Residences and Periods of Practice.
CHAPTER XIII— THE PRESS 177
The First Newspaper — Papers at Exira, Audubon, Gray, Hamlin and Kim-
ballton.
CHAPTER XIV— BANKS AND BANKING 184
First Bank in Audubon County — Banking Institutions at Exira, Audubon,
Gray, Brayton, Kimballton and Hamlin Station.
CHAPTER XV— CHURCHES AND RELIGION _ 186
The Country Church — Religious Spirit Among the Pioneers — First Religious
Work in Audubon County — Establishment of Classes and Their Develop-
ment Into Churches — The Great Sunday Meetings — Congregational Churches
— Methodist Episcopal Churches — Presbyterian Churches — United Brethren
— Evangelical Association — Friedman's Evangelical Church — Christian
Churches — Evangelical Lutheran Church (German) — German Lutheran
CONTENTS.
Church — Danish Lutheran Church — Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church —
Seventh-day Adventist Churches — Baptist Churches — Church of Christ, Sci-
entist — Catholic Churches — Recapitulation of Church Statistics.
CHAPTER XVI— AUDUBON COUNTY SCHOOLS 238
The First School in the County — Location of Some Early County Schools —
First County Institute — County Superintendents — Children of School Age,
1905 — School Statistics for 1914 — Present Splendid Condition of Schools —
What School Houses Should Be.
CHAPTER XVII— LODGES AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 245
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Appendant Orders — Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows — Knights of Pythias — Grand Army of the
Republic — Woman's Relief Corps — Sons of Veterans — The Danish Brother-
hood in America — Danish Sisters' Society in America — Modern Woodmen
of America — Ancient Order of United Workmen — Knights of the Macca-
bees — Brotherhood of American Yeomen.
CHAPTER XVIII— TOWNS AND VILLAGES 256
Exira — Audubon — Brayton — Oakfield — Gray — Hamlin — Kimballton
— Ross — Obsolete Towns.
CHAPTER XIX— THE DANES 290
First Dane Settler in Audubon County — List of Early Danish Settlers, with
Places and Dates of Settlement — Desirable Immigrants — Building Elkhorn
College — Towns in the Danish Neighborhood — Worthy Citizens.
CHAPTER XX— AUDUBON COUNTY STATISTICS 296
Present Postoffices — Obsolete Postoffices — Census Statistics, 1856 — Improved
Lands — Occupations — Population of the County by Years — Population by
Townships — Male Population, by Years — Voters, by Years — Nativity of
Population — Natives of Iowa — Occupations, 1895 — Farm Productions — Cen-
sus, 1905.
BIOGRAPHICAL MENTION J 305
HISTORICAL INDEX
Acreage crop 297, 302
Agriculture 297, 302
Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons 245, 250
Ancient Order of United Workmen- 252
Andrews. Henry F 39, 64, 78, 138,
146, 149, 239, 259
Animals, Wild 40
Arable Lands 34
Attorney-General 63
Attorneys 173
Auditors, County 65
Audubon —
Banks 184. 274, 280
Becomes County Seat 158
Business Interests, Early 269
Business Interests, 1888 274
Business Interests, Present 279
Churches 194, 196, 209, 215
219, 225, 230, 235
County-seat Fight 149. 150
Court House 270
Description of. Early 267
Father of Audubon 271
Founding of 150
High School 277
Growth, Early 267
Homes 275
Incorporation 273
Laid Out 267
Lawyers 173. 269. 274, 279
Lighting System 274
Lodges 245
Newspapers 177
Officers, Early 273
Officers, Present 279
Physicians 175, 269, 274, 280
Population 298
Postmasters 274
Postoffice 296
Audubon — Continued.
Sale of Lots 267
Schools 239, 240, 241, 275
Sewer System 275
Values in 1879 270
Waterworks 274
Audubon Center 296
Audubon City 288
Audubon County Riflemen 169
Audubon Heights 296
Audubon Township —
Changes in 53, 55, 57
Churches 222
Creation of 52
Drainage 34
First Settlers 81
Original township 52
Population 298
Roads, Early 159
Schools 240, 241
Survey of 135
Timber 36
B
Ballard, Dr. Samuel M 62, 69, 70, 72,
79, 100, 136
Bank. First 79, 184
Banks and Banking 184
Baptist Churches 231
Bar of Audubon County 173
Birth, First 78
Blacksmith, First 79
Boards of Supervisors 66
Boundaries, Changes in 47
Boundaries of County 46
Bowen, William H. H. 112
Brayton —
Bank 185
Business Interests 281
Church 233
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Bray ton — Continued.
Incorporation 281
Laid Out 281
Lawyers 174
Lodges 249
Mayors 281
Named, How 45
Physicians 175
Population 298
Postoffice 296
Schools 240, 281
Brick Building, First 79
Bridges 160
Brotherhood of American Yeomen__ 253
C
Cameron Township —
Churches 214, 215
Creation of 58
Drainage 35
First Settlers 81
Naming of 45
Population 298
Schools 240. 241
Survey of 135
Carpenter, Reuben 111
Catholic Churches 234
Census Statistics 297
Character, A Noted 113
Christian Churches : 219
Church Edifice, First 79
Church of Christ, Scientist 234
Church, The Country 186
Churches 186
Circuit Court Judges 63
Civil Point 296
Civil Townships 52
Clerks of Court 64
Congregational Churches 192
Congressional Districts 49
Congressmen 63
Conkling 175, 296
Constitutional Convention District.. 52
Contests for County Seat 144
Conveyances, Early Land 137
Coroners 66
County Attorneys 64
County Auditors 65
County Institute, First 239
County Judges 64
County Roads, Early 159
County-seat .Aspirations 53
County-seat Campaign Literature.. 153
County-seat Commissioners 48
County-seat Contests 144
County Seat, Locating the 48
County Superintendents 240
County Surveyors 66
Court, First Term of 79
Court House Election 158
Court House, Proposed 259
Creeks ' 34
Crops 297
D
Danes, the 290
Danish Brotherhood __..248, 253,255
Danish Sisters Society 249, 253
Daughters of Rebekah 249,254
Dayton 144, 288
Death, First 60, 79
Deer Hunting 39
District Court Judges 63
Doctors 175
Douglas Township —
Church 226
Creation of 57
Danish Settlers, Early 293
Drainage 35
First Settlers 81
Hunters, Early 41
Population 298
Schools 240, 241
Survey of 135
Timber 36
Draft, Military 166
Drainage, Natural 34
E
Early Bridges 160
Early Improvements 58
Eastern Star, Order of 246,250
Edgerton, David 111
Education 238
Election, First County 48, 79
Election for New Court House 158
Elections 138
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Elkhorn College, Building of 194
Enlistments for Civil War 164
Enrollment of Pupils in Schools 241
Entries of Government Lands 136
Evangelical Association 21S
Evangelical Churches 218
Exira —
Additions 261
Banks 184
Bond for Court House 147, 158
Business Directory 266
Business Men, Early 257
Churches
188. 192, 193, 219, 227, 230, 234
Contest Over County Seat 150
County-seat Aspirations 53
County Seat, Chosen as 145
Court House Bond 147
Court Elouse, Proposed 259
Founding of 53
Growth, Early 257
Hall Company 159
High School Alumni 264
Incorporation 261
Industries, Early 257
Laid Out 256
Lawfyers 173, 259
Location 256
Lodges J 250
Made the County Seatt • 145
Municipal Items 261
Name of 45
Newspapers : 179
Notable Citizens 265
Officers, Municipal 261
Park 259
Physicians 175, 260
Population 298
Postmasters 257
Postoffice 296
Professional Men, Early 257
Residences 265
Sale of Lots 256
Schools 239. 240, 241,262
Survey of 256
Exira Township —
Changes in 53, 55. 57, 58
Creation of 52
Drainage L 35
First Settlers 81
Exira Township — Continued.
Hamlin Settlement 88
Hunters, Early 42
Indian Sepulchre 40
Mills 62
Population 298
Roads, Early 159
Schools 239, 240,241
Survey of 135
Timber 36
Exline 296
F
Fair, First County 79
Farm Products 297, 302
Fires, Prairie 34
First County Election 48, 79
First Death 60, 79
First Events 78
First Religious Services 187
First Settlement 69, 78, 81
Fiscus 296
Fraternal Societies 245
Freeman, Ethelbert J 271
Freemasons 245, 250
Friedman's Evangelical Church 217
Frost, J. Lyman 113
G
Game, Wild 40
Gault, Richard 114
Geography of Audubon County 33
Government Surveys 68. 135
Grand Army of the Republic 247, 252
Grasses, Native 33
Gray —
Business Interests, Early 284
Business Interests, Present 286
Churches 205, 214
Incorporation 286
Lodges 254
Mayors 286
Named, How 45
Newspaper 179
Officers 286
Physicians 175
Platting of 284
Population 298
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Gray — Continued.
Postmasters 285
Postoffice 296
Schools 240, 241,285
Settlers, Early 284
Greeley Center 207
Greeley Township —
Churches 207, 209. 2\», 2U
Creation of 57
Drainage 35
First Settlers 81
Population 298
Schools 240. 241
Survey of 1^5
Grove 296
Groves 35
H
Hallock Family 128
Hamlin —
Bank 185
Business Interests 286
.Churches 206. 218.227
County-seat Contest 149
Lodges 230
Xamed, How 4o
Newspaper 179
Physicians 175
Population 298
Postmasters 286
Postoffice 296
Hamlin Family 82
Hamlin Grove 144, 239,296
Hamlin Script 91
Hamlin Township —
Creation of 57
Danish Settlers, Early 291
Drainage 3d
First Settlers 81
■ Population 298
Schools 239. 240.241
Survey of 135
Timber 35
Hamlin.- William P 92
Hardships of Pioneers 98
Harris. Daniel M.
48, 53, 73, 79, 91, 118, 171, 238, 256,257
Heath Family HI
Herrick, Alvin 74, 115, 136. 160
Herrick Family 115
Highways 159
Homesteaders, the 76
Horace 296
Hotel, First 79
Houston, A. B. 258
Hunters, Pioneer 41
I
Illiterates in County 240
Improvements, Early 58
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
246, 249. 254
Indian Apollo 38
Indian Sepulchre 40
Indians, the 36
Institute, First County 239
Irwin 296
J
Jenkins Family__70, 78, 94, 136, 138, 145
Jobes 296
Judges of Circuit Court 63
Judges of District Court 63
Judicial Districts 51
K
Kimballton — ,
Bank 185
Business Interests, Early 287
Business Interests, Present 287
Church 227
Founding of 294
Laid Out 286
Lodges 255
Municipal Items 287
Newspapers 183
Physicians 176
Population 287, 298
Postoffice 296
Schools 241
Knights of Pythias 247
Knights of the Maccabees :_ 252
Knights Templar 245
L
Land Conveyances, Early 137
Land Entries 136
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Land Grants 76
Land. Improved 297
Lands, Arable 34
Lands. Railroad 76
Larland 296
Lawyer, First 79
La\v)-ers 173
Legislators 64
Leroy Township —
Changes in 57
Creation of 56
Drainage 35
First Settlers 81
Xamed. How 45
Population 298
Schools 240, 241
Survey of 135
Timber 36
Leroj-A-ille 297
Lewis Family 122
Lincoln Township —
Church 223
Creation of 58
Drainage 35
First Settlers 81
Population 298
Schools 240, 241
Survey of 135
Live Stock. Pioneer 60
Location of Audubon County 33
Lodges 245
Log Cabin. First 78
Louisville 53. 62. 288. 296
Lutheran Churches 225
M
Mail Routes. Early 162
Marriage, First 79
Marriages. Early 79
Masonic Order 245. 250
Medical Profession 175
Meek. Rev. Richard C 74. 126
Melville 297
Melville Center 207. 215
Melville Township —
Churches 207
Creation of 58
Drainage 35
First Settlers 81
Melville Township — Continued.
Xamed, How 45
Population 298
Schools : 240, 241
Sursej- of 135
Methodist Episcopal Churches 193
Military History 164
Militia Organized 167
Mills 60, 62, 79, 283
Modern National Reserve 253
Modern Woodmen of America
250, 251, 254
Mormon Trails 68, 159
Muster Rolls 168, 169
N
Xame of County 46
Xames of Rivers 44
Xathaniel Hamlin 53, 68, 69, 72, 73.
78, 79, 84, 136, 138, 144, 160, 238
Xatives of Iowa, by Counties 300
Xativit}- of Population 299
X'ewspaper, First 79
Xewspaper Salutatorj- 150
X'ewspapers 177
X'ishna Botna Rivers 34
Xoted Character, A 113
O
Oakfield—
Business Interests, Early 282
Churches 193. 196. 233
Founding of 54
Location 282
Mills 283
X'amed. How 45. 282
Ph^-sicians 175
Platting of 282
Population 298
Schools 239. 283
Settlers. Early 283
Oakfield Township —
Changes in 53. 55. 57. 58
Churches 228. 231
Creation of 52
Danish Settlers, Earh- 290
Drainage 35
First Settlers 81
Mills 62
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Oaklicld Township— Continued.
Population 29S
Roads. Karly 159
Scliools 239. 240. 241
Survey of '•'^
Timber 36
Obsolete Tfiwns 28iH
Occupations 298. 301
Odd Fellows. 246. 249, 254
Official Roster ^^3
Old ITanilin.___45, 54, 145. 146, 147, 214
Order of tiie Eastern Star 246, 250
Organization of County 46
Organization of Townships 54
Orleans 297
P
Petitions. County-seat 145
Physician, First 79
Physicians ^^^
Pioneer Conditions 58
Pioneer Hardships 98
Pioneer Hunters 41
Pioneers Now Living 76
Pioneers, Sketches of 82
Political History 138
Political Organizations 49
Poplar 297
Population, by Towns 298
Population, by Townships 298
Population, by Years 298
Population, Male, by Years 299
Population, Nativity of 299
Postmaster, First 79
Postof¥ices, Obsolete 296
Postoffices, Present 296
Prairie Fires 34
Presbyterian Churches 209
Press, the 177
Price 297
Pupils Enrolled in Schools 241
Pythian Sisters 251
R
Railroad Lands 76
Railroads 162
Recorders, County 64, 65
Religious Societies 186
Religious Statistics 236
Representative Districts 50
Keiiresentativcs in Congress 63
Ivepresentatives in Legislature 64
Revival Meetings, Great 189
Rivers, Names of 44
Kivers of Audubon County 34
Roads 161
Ross 205, 217, 288, 296
Roster of County Officials 63
Royal Arch Masons 245
Saw-mill, First
Scenery of Audubon County
School Age, Children of
School House, First
School Houses in County
School Statistics, 1914
School Teacher, First
School, the First
Schools, Condition of
Schools, County, Location of
Schools of the County
Secret Societies
Senatorial Districts
Senators, State
Settlement of Audubon County
Settlers Before 1861
Settlers Now Living
Seventh-day Adventist Churches-—-
Sharon Township —
Churches 227,
Creation of
Danish Settlers, Early
Drainage
Population
Railroad Tax
Schools 240.
Survey of
Sheriffs
Shoemaker. First
Sketches of Pioneers
Soil, the
Soldier Relief Commission
Soldiers in Civil War
Sons of Veterans
Spring Valley
Stage Lines, Early
State Roads Established
79
33
240
79
241
240
79
238
241
239
238
245
49
64
68
72
76
228
229
58
292
35.
298
294
241
135
65
79
82
. 34
. 66
. 164
. 248
. 220
. 162
. 159
HISTORICAL INDEX.
State Senators 64
Statistics, General County 296
Steam-mills, First 79
Store, First 79
Streams 34
Stuart Family 273
Sunday Meetings 189
Superintendents of Schools 66, 240
Supervisors, Boards of 66
Surface of Audubon County 33
Surveyors, County 66
Surveys, Government 68, 135
T
Teachers in County 241
Thompson 297
Timber 35
Towhead 45
Tovi^n Platted, First 79
Tow^nships 52
Townships, First Settlers in 81
Trails, Old 68
Treasurers, County 64, 65
Trees 36
U
Unimproved Lands . 297
United Brethren Churches 214
United Workmen 252
V
Value of Farm Products 302
Viola 144, 145
Viola Center 175, 206, 297
Viola Township —
Church 218
Creation of 57
Drainage 34
First Settlers 81
Named, How 45
Population 298
Roads, Early 160
Schools 240, 241
Surveys of 135
Voters, by Years 299
W
Water System 34
Whitted, Peoria I. 113
Wild Animals 40
Wild Grasses 33
Woman's Relief Corps 248
"Woods Rats" 145
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
A
Agnew, George 573
Aikman, Ambrose F. 788
Aikman, Robert F. 772
Alt, George J. 589
Alt, William, Jr. 679
Anciaux, Roy 454
Andersen, Jens C. 628
Andersen, Nels J. 582
Andersen, Nels P. 695
Andersen, Peter 669
Anderson, Abram R. 592
Anderson, Andrew F 781
Anderson, Doc B 709
Anderson, F. L. 522
Anderson, J. K. 674
Anderson, Peter H. 850
Andrews, Hon. Henry F. 840
Artist, Daniel 590
B
Bagley, Charles 321
Baker, Edward B. 568
Baker, J. Henry 800
Baker, William O. 564
Ballman, John 426
Barten, John W 375
Baylor, Andrew J. 759
Beers, Samuel 444
Bisom, Charles L. 739
Black, Benjamin J. 594
Bladt, Hans A. 837
Blake, James 792
Boehme, Charles 816
Bonnesen, Hans P. 653
Bonwell, John C. 528
Boyd, Mahlon 638
Brooks, Alfred, M. D 336
Burr, August 518
Buthweg, Fred A. 356
Butterton, John 581
C
Caldwell, Joseph A. 378
Callow, William J. 566
Campbell, George A. 542
Campbell, James A. 715
Campbell, Thomas 557
Carlson, James M. 399
Carter, Perry L. 718
Channon, James 827
Childs. Ratford F., M. D 871
Christensen, Chris 555
Christensen, Chris 819
Christensen, Christ 672
Christensen, H. N. 358
Christensen, Lars P. 450
Christensen, Matt 719
Christensen, Nels 498
Christensen, Thomas , 487
Christiansen, Chris H. 812
Christiansen, Rev. Gottleib B 608
Christiansen, Rev. Jens P 400
Christoffersen, Lars C. 480
Clark, Riley P. 675
Clark, William A. 435
Clark, William L 561
Clark, William M. 563
Clausen, Christen T. 826
Clemsen, N. P. 775
Cotton, Fred H. 361
Covault, William H. 491
Crees, Walkup M. 476
Culver, Anson S. 349
Curtis, Simeon C. 360
D
Darnold, Benton L. 397
Daugard, Soren P. 690
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
David, Albert 511
Davis, Frank 625
Davis, William D. 678
Deletxke, Rev. Alfred H. 801
Dennis, John S. 407
Dimick, Calvin I 685
Dimick, John M. 405
Doffing, Bernard 861
Donaldson, John K., D. D. S 337
Dreier, August 847
Dryden, Edward 472
Duvall, Frank E. 512
Duvall, Horace W. 640
E
Eagen, George 824
Egan, James F. 803
Engel, George J. 872
Esbeck, John N. 697
Essington, Thomas J. 603
Everts, George C. 649
F .
Faaborg, John 530
Faaborg, Soren S. 848
Fabricius, Hans 516
Farquhar, Arthur 332
Feltner, John 575
Foley, George A. 645
Forsbeck, Andrew G. 502
Forsbeck, Carl D. 438
Franklin, Daniel, M. D. 326
Frederick, Albert 832
Fredericksen, Hans C. 463
Frick, Edward 779
Fry, Robert F. 588
G
Garmire, Samuel F. 517
Garnett, Robert H. 543
Gebers, Fred 756
Gilro}^ Joseph G. 682
Goodwill, James 790
Graham, J. M. 380
Grant, C. J. 627
Green, Hon. William R. 464
Grinyer, Rev. Henry P 551
Groteluschen, Louis 394
H
Hahn, Chris 474
Hallock, Isaac P. 667
Hammann, Herman 753
Hansen, Christen 799
Hansen, Christoffer 440
Hansen, Hans 720
Hansen, Hans J. 546
Hansen, Hans P., Sr. 860
Hansen, Hans P. 576
Hansen, Hans R. 70S
Hansen, Henry 647
Hansen, Iver P. 519
Hanson, Andrew P. 658
Harmon, Arthur C. 385
Hartvigsen, Jorgen 641
Hartzell, Worth J. 773
Harvey, Alfred W. 724
Hays, Frew 804
Heckmann, Chris, Sr. 758
Heiken, John R. 716
Henriksen, Chris 862
Flensley, John I. 632
Hepp, Fred C. 389
Hight, Harvey 501
Higley, George N. 537
Hill, John F. 855
Hinricks, E. John 866
Hoegh, Niels P. 736
Hollenbeck, Plenny A. 580
Hoogenakker, Henry J. 829
Hoover, George W. 320
Hoover, Jerry S. 569
Horning, Fred H. 793
Hoyman, William H. 411
Humiston, Jesse A. 796
Hunt, Charley O. 630
Hunt, James 354
Hyen, Jens P. 414
J
Jacobsen, Jens 664
Jacobsen, Robert A., M. D 874
Jacobson. Hon. Ole H 784
Jenkins, Charles W 869
Jensen, Anders ' 538
Jensen, Carl M. 509
Jensen, Christ 657
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Jensen, Rev. Herman L. 822
Jensen, J. C. 585
Jensen, James W. 733
Jensen, Jorgen H. 636
Jensen, Nels C. 691
Jeppesen, Anders 851
Jessen, George, Jr. 696
Jessen, Peter M. 711
Johannsen, Ludwig H. 586
Johnson, Charles 392
Johnson, Charles L. 382
Johnson, Edwin F. 617
Johnson, Lemuel C. 505
Johnson, Samuel R. 853
Jorgensen, Albert H. 813
Jorgensen, George L. 810
Jorgensen, Hans 504
Jorgensen, J. L. 831
Jorgensen, Jorgen 836
Jurgens, Charles 468
K
Kester, T. C. 767
Kienast, August 660
Kitson, Arthur 544
Kline, Fred 744
Knudsen, Christ J. 613
Knudsen, Marius 761
Knudsen, Peter 701
Knutsen, Chris 735
Kreamer, Frank 319
Kuhn, Jacob 328
Kyhnn, George 507
L
Lancelot, William J. 823
Lange, Peter 445
Lantz, Roy A. 548
Larsen, Dan E. 485
Larsen, Jens 572
Larsen, Kristen 506
Larsen, Lars P. 655
Lauridsen, Peter N. 494
Lauritsen, Chris P. 858
Lauritzen, H. P 838
Layland, William 340
Leandrd, Val 867
Leffler, Bird 556
Liken, John F. 422
Lohner, J. B. J. 712
Loveland, Russell J. 339
Mc
McGaffin, Samuel 870
McLaughlin, Frank R. 768
McLeran, William P. 604
McMahon, Patrick 455
McMichael, Thomas 523
McMurphy, Abraham L. ' 859
M
Madsen, Hans 420
Madsen, Peter 477
Madsen, Soren 325
Mantz, Halleck J 308
Marcusen, Christian 535
Marcusen, Jorgen 808
Mardesen, Martin P. 539
Marquesen, Evans 334
Martin, John W. '694
Mason, Thomas E. 331
Masterson, Melvin L 430
Mathisen, Peter 402
May, Franklin L. 437
May, George A., M. D 419
Mayer, Rev. John 704
Mease, Ol. 510
Mendenhall, Hiram 342
Meurer, Anthony 661
Meyer, George J. 749
Miller, Alfred 865
Miller, Conrad 577
Miller, Frank L. 726
Miller, Jacob F. 583
Miller, Ludwig F. 404
Miller, Oscar 778
Miller, William 470
Minerman, Henry 656
Moller, Christian C. 729
Moore, John 600
Mortensen, Hans 732
Mortensen, Martin E. 391
Mortensen, Nels 482
Mullenger, Robert W. 496
Musson, John A. 370
Musson, Thomas F, 466
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
N
Xash. John A. 312
Nelson, Hans 623
Xelsen, Tver 597
Nelson, Anton 479
Nelson, Gilbert P. 683
Nelson, Hans A. 693
Nelson, John 635
Nelson, L. Peter 721
Nelson, Soren R. 570
Nielsen, Hans J. 500
Nielsen, Marinus 612
Niklason. Frank O 384
Nissen, John 752
Nissen, Peter R. 446
Northup, George C. 521
Northup, Harry A. 323
Northup, Jasper 434
Northup, William 365
Nymand, Hans 699
Nj'mand, Jesse 740
O
Oldaker, Leroy J., D. D. S 387
Olsen, Chris 327
Olsen, Wilhelm C. 484
Onken, Henry 700
Onken, William 700
Onken. William G 741
Owen, William 371
Owen, William S. 567
P
Pardee, Charles A. 743
Parkinson, George J. 620
Patty, Theodore 448
Paul, Herman 619
Paulsen, Henrick P. 601
Pedersen, Soren C. 410
Perrine. W. W. 558
Petersen, Anton 750
Petersen, Chris 689
Petersen, Chris C. 687
Petersen, Hans P. 432
Petersen, Henry C. 493
Petersen, Lauritz 663
Petersen, Nels P. 864
Petersen, P. C. 417
Peterson, Peter F. 764
Phelps, Ren 425
Porch, Elmer C. 708
Potter, Eugene 541
Preston, George W. 427
Q
Quinby, John J. 776
R
Rabe, Henry 598
Rasmussen, Hans P. 665
Rasmussen, Rev. Peter 616
Rasmussen, Tony M. 376
Reimers, Herman D. 766
Reynolds, Fred 388
Rice, Edward C. 396
Rice, Frank M. 374
Ridgley, F. W. 560
Riley, John, M. D. 526
Roberts, Alexander H. 344
Roberts, William S. 782
Roed, Chris 684
Ross, George M. 547
Rubel, Peter 460
Rucker, William 452
Rutherford, Robert 441
S
Sampson, Daniel D. 688
Schmidt, Nels C. N 666
Schouboe, Jens P. 610
Schrader, August 643
Schrader, William 490
Schreiber, Henry 562
Schroeder, Jorgen F. 373
Scotland, Walter 424
Shaw, William 364
Shoesmith, Howard G. 587
Shupe, Albert J. 606
Siemsen, John E. 525
Simonsen, Erik P. 821
Smith, Martin 362
Soar, David E. 351
Sorensen, Kristine M. 379
Sorrensen, Martin 611
Spencer, Robert C. 352
Starck, Rev. Ernest J. W. 652
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Stearns, Ella M. 315
Steere, Edmund H. 818
Stetzel, Ira 815
Stone, Abel S. 738
Strahl, James C. 552
Stuedeman, Ernest 857
Sunberg, Charles 317
Sunberg, Fred 565
Sunberg, Henry 367
Swinehart, Joel L. 615
T
Thomas, Maturon D. 771
Thomsen, Frank D. 429
Thomsen, Thomas B. 650
Thygesen, Ted S 670
Tibben, Henry W. 763
Tibben, John C. 747
Tibben, William C. 769
Topp, Andrew P. 807
Torpy, Henry 706
Tramp, Louis E. 531
Tunmann, Charles 413
Turner, Nathaniel 805
Turner, Roscoe T. 702
Turner, Thomas H. 553
Twist, John 549
U
Ullerich, Herman 723
Vanaernam, George M.
622
Van Gorder, Charles 305
Van Gorder, Edwin S. 383
Voss, Ernest B. 852
W
Wahlert, Fred, Sr. 746
Wahlert, Fred J., Jr. 495
Wahlert, George, Jr. 795
Wahlert, Jacob F. 416
Wahlert, John 514
Wahlert, Jurgen 633
Weaver, Samuel G. 461
Wedemeyer, Herman C. 755
Welch, Orrin S. 728
Weston, Albert W. 595
Weston, W. W 624
Wheeler, Joseph L. 676
White, James G. 786
Williamson, Thomas 457
Wilson, Charles R. 797
Wilson, Clark 488
Wilson, Eugene C. 368
Witthauer, Otto 310
Wolf, Christian J. H. 834
Wolf, Welberg 875
Wulf, George L. 671
Wulf, John E. 680
Y
Yager, William C. 578
Z
Zierke, August 357
HISTORICAL
CHAPTER I.
GEOGRAPHY^ TOPOGRAPHY^ ETC.
Audubon county is situated in the west central part of Iowa, the third
county east from the Missouri river, about fifty-four miles distant. Lying
almost wholly on the Missouri slope, its east boundary approximates nearly
the summit of the watershed dividing the Mississippi and Missouri water
systems. It is bounded on the north by Carroll, on the east by Guthrie, on thcj
south by Cass, and on the west by Shelby counties. Its area is four hundred
and forty-three square miles.
The general surface of the county is rolling, open prairies. The greater
and higher lying portions of its lands are of the drift formation and of great
fertility, even to the summit of the divides; the lower lying lands along the
river bottoms and their tributaries are alluvial deposits of marvelous, match-
less richness, often from five to ten feet in depth. The county is nearly free
from ponds or lakes. Magnificent stretches of landscapes can be viewed
from the high divides in every township in the county. It is rare to witness
such fine prairie scenery as abounds in Audubon county.
NATIVE GRASSES.
In its virgin freshness the prairies were vast billows of wild grasses,
waving in the wind; the home of the noble elk and graceful deer, but which
later became the pastures of numerous herds of horses and cattle, until th^
native grasses were upturned by the plow of the farmer and converted into
veritable gardens. The wild grasses began to grow about April and reached,
the height of eighteen inches on the hillsides and often six feet in the low-
lands. Such noble natural meadows have been rarely witnessed on earth.
Many a man remained poor at that period for want of stock to eat up, for.
his benefit, the wild, rich grasses.
(3)
34 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
About the month of October the grasses were killed by the frosts, and a
little later the ground was swept by prairie hres, leaving the face of the
country a bare, black, lonesome wilderness — a transformation from the beau-
tiful to an unsightly, desolate waste. One who has not witnessed such
sights can but partially realize them. Those prairie fires, marching and
advancing like an army over the hills and hollows in the night-time, illum-
inating the sky to noonday brightness, were truly wild, magnificent, grand
pictures, never to be recalled or forgotten. Those annual fires, destroying
vegetation, were the causes which prevented the growth of timber, except in
favored localities.
THE SOIL.
The soil is remarkably free from stone or gravel. There is no coal or
building stone found in the county. Sand is occasionally found. There is an
abundance of brick clay. The rivers and streams are deeply eroded into the
fine, black, alluvial soil and furnish an abundance of pure water. The rolling
surface of the country affords the best of natural drainage.
For agricultural purposes the soil of the county can hardy be excelled.
Its fertility is wadely and favorably known. Except what is occupied by
rivers, streams and highways, practically all the land in the county is adapted
to tillage or grazing. It would be difficult to find a country in the world
containing a higher percentage of arable lands. Horses, mules, cattle, hogs,
sheep, poultrv, cereals, grasses, vegetables and fruits usually found in this
latitude are produced in profusion and abundance.
THE RIVERS AND W^ATER SYSTEM.
Approximately the northeast half of Viola township is drained into
Brushy creek, a tributary of the Raccoon river system, which flows south-
east. A small area of eastern Viola township drains into the South 'Coon
river. The remainder of the county is drained by the Nishna Botna rivers
and their tributaries, which flow from north towards the southwest. The
East Nishna Botna rises in Carroll county and enters Audubon county at
section 3, in Cameron township: thence southeast into Viola township; thence
south into and across the extreme northwest corner of Melville township,
into Leroy township; thence south across Leroy, Hamlin and Exira town-
ships, leaving the county near the line between Exira and Oakfield townships ;
traversing the county its entire length from north to south. Its principal
tributaries are the East branch, which rises in Melville township and enters
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 35
the river in the northwest corner of the township; Blue Grass creeek, which
rises in Cameron township, and flows south across Leroy township and
enters the Botna on the west side in section 15, in HamHn township. Another
branch rises in the northwest part of Hamhn township, flows southeast and
enters the Botna on the west side in section 27, same township. David's
creek rises in the northeast part of Melville township, flows southwest across
Greeley township, and enters the Botna at West Exira. Anderson creek rises
in the northeast part of Exira township, and flows west into David's creek
at West Exira. Sifford creek rises in the south part of Hamlin town-
ship, flows south into the Botna on the west side, in section 17, Exira town-
ship. Buck creek rises in the north part of Oakfield township, flows south
and enters the Botna on the west side, near Lewis, in Cass county. Trouble-
some creek rises in the southeast part of Gree'fey and northeast part of Audu-
bon township, and flows southwest across Audubon and Exira townships
and enters the Botna near Atlantic, Iowa. Crooked creek rises in the south-
east part of A-udubon township, and flows southwest into Troublesome creek,
in Cass county. Indian creek rises in the southeast part of Douglas town-7
ship, flows south through Sharon township into Shelby county; thence south
into Cass county and enters the Botna near Elliot, Iowa. Little Indian creek
rises in the southwest part of Hamlin township and southeast part of Sharon
township, and flows southwest across the northwest part of Oakfield town-
ship, and enters the Main Indian creek in Shelby county. The East fork of
West Botna rises in Lincoln township, flows south across the northwest part
of Douglas township, and enters ^Shelby county at section 18, Douglas
township. Lone Willow creek rises in the east part of Douglas township,
flows west and enters the East fork of the Botna in section 9, of same town-
ship. Another tributary of the East fork rises in the southwest part of
Lincoln township, and flows south, reaching the river in section 18, near
where it leaves the county. Still another tributary of the East fork rises in
the southwest part of Douglas town.ship, and flows northwest into the
principal stream in section 18, same township. Thus the three tributaries
which form the East fork of the West Botna unite near together in section
18, in Douglas township.
TIMBER AND GROVES.
When the county was settled it contained some of the best timber in
western Iowa. It extended from the county line on the south, up the east
side of the Botna river north to the north line of section 14, in Hamlin
township. For about fifteen miles, it was an unbroken fringe of timber
^6 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. '
next to the river, enlarging into several extensive bodies of heavy, fine tim-
ber. One large grove on the Ballard land extended from the county line
up to the Mark Heath farm, embracing the heavy timber in sections 30 and
31, in Exira township, and in sections 25 and 36, in Oakfield township, about
eight hundred acres of timber and brush land in all. Another extensive
tract, called the "Big Grove," of about two thousand seven hundred acres,
extended from the town of Oakfield north to the Herrick farm and from
the river east two miles. It embraced lands in sections 15, 16, 17, 20, 21,
22, 28 and 29 in Exira township. It was the largest and finest body of
timber in the county. There were other smaller groves at Gault's, Milli-
man's. West Exira, at the Wilson and Dodge places, also in sections 27 and
14, in Hamlin township, and at Barlow's and Luccock's groves, in Leroy
township. Beginning again at the county line, the timber extended in
fringes up Troublesome creek, alternated with the groves of Bowen, Hamlin,
Lewis, Walker and Thomas, nearly to the north line of Audubon township,
about eight miles. There was a small grove in the extreme northeast of the
county and another in section 18, in Douglas township, later called Donald-
son's grove. A fringe of timber extended up the creek from the latter-
named grove to section 9, in the same township.
In the early days these groves contained many varieties of deciduous
trees, namely: White oak, burr oak, black oak, black walnut, shellbark
hickory, white hickory, white maple, linn or basswood, cottonwood, white
elm, red or slippery elm, aspen or poplar, wild or black cherry, hackberry,
willow, ironwood, wild crabapple, wild plum, hawthorn, black haw, occa-
sionally a buckeye, with wild grape and gooseberry. Majestic specimens of
the lordly oak and towering walnut were found in great quantities, as well
as enormous elms. The writer remembers to have seen here in the early
days an oak eight feet in diamter and a walnut which made three logs each
twenty feet in length, eighteen inches in diameter at the top and three feet
at the butt.
There is now growing on the ancient Nathaniel Hamlin estate a white
elm tree eight feet in diameter.
THE INDIANS.
As early as 1803 the Sac and Fox Indians possessed the greater part
of Iowa. Some of their celebrated chiefs in eastern Iowa were Blackhawk,
Pashapopo, Keokuk, Wapello, Appanoose. The lowas, who inhabited what
is now Van Buren county, on the DesMoines river, were nearly annihilated
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 37
by the Sac and Fox tribe. The Sioux, of Minnesota, who extended down
into northern Iowa, were a fierce, war-Hke nation, continually at war with,
the Sac and Fox tribe. They made war on the whites at Spirit and Okoboji
lakes as late as 1857, and it was necessary to call out troops against the
Sioux during the Civil War. The Pottawattamies, whose principal settle-
ment was at Trader's Point, in Mills county, went there soon after the In-
dian treaty of 1833. They had a settlement at Indian Town, near the pres-
ent town of Lewis, in Cass county. It is not improbable that they hunted
and trapped in this vicinity, but they had moved west about the time the
Mormons came, in 1846. A remnant of the Iowa Indians came back to
Tama county in 1842. They were called Musc[uakies, or mixed tribe,
and still live there.
There is nothing to indicate that the Indians ever made permanent homes
in this county. It was not favorable for such resort. The larger rivers,
where fish abounded, were better adapted for permanent abodes of the
aborigines. We do not find the remains of an Indian town here. Fish
never abounded here. The only source of food supply sufficient to sustain
a large body of people permanently was elk, deer, and perhaps buffalo at an
early period; small game could not be procured in sufficient quantity to sus-
tain a large population. The burning of the grass and herbage annually in
the fall destroyed most of the food supply for the sustenance of wild ani-
mals during the winter, and probably large numbers of elk and deer mi-
grated during those periods in search of food elsewhere. A limited number
only could subsist in the timber and brush lands. The migratory birds
did not winter here. But in summer when food for wild animals and
birds was abundant, this must have been the Indian hunter's paradise, and
the opportunity, no doubt, was improved. Game was abundant and the
Indians ate nearly all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as birds, for food.
The Indians continued to make hunting trips here annually in warm
weather as late as the year 1886. They were Musquakies, from Tama
county, known as "Jo^i^^'^y Green's Tribe." The last time Green himself
was seen here was in the fall of 1865, when he was very old. He was a
brother of Shabbona, who lived at a grove of that name in DeKalb county,
Illinois. Shabbona served with the Indian allies of the British in the War
of 18 1 2. As many as fifty in a band, bucks, squaws and pappooses, clad
in their peculiar array of shirts, leggings, blankets, etc., with numerous
ponies and dogs, came to hunt and trap from June until cold weather.
They lived in "wickeups," a frame of sapling rods, covered with mats woven
food, and were a nuisance on that account. They were excessively fond
38 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
of "hoggy meat," and not dainty about their food, if not too far decayed.
They hved in "wickiups," a frame of saphng rods, covered with mats woven
from flags by the squaws. The walls sloped and were open at the top for
the escape of smoke when fires were kindled near the center within. They
were cozy and comfortable, but not always clean. Later they lived in canvas
tents. Some of the Indians were drunkards, but not worse than some white
people. Many of them gloried in horse-racing and were not inferior to the
whites in that kind of sport. Their favorite camping places were near Wal-
ker's place, on Troublesome creek; near the Burton place, on the Botna; near
the mouth of David's creek, west of Exira; north of Exira in sections 21 and
2.J. in Hamlin township on the Botna ; at Blue Grass Grove, where the county
poorhouse is located; at Luccock's Grove ; and the groves on \\^est Botna,
in Douglas township, and at other places.
The late A. B. Houston, of Exira, once said that the Indians came to
his place about 1857, and were making free, without invitation, with his
little supply of corn, and broke up the nests of Mrs. Houston's sitting hens,
seeking food for themselves and ponies. The Indians were normally hun-
gry. Houston remonstrated with them and they departed grumblingly.
In 1 87 1, about harvest time, the Indians made a camp in the timber on
the Botna north of Exira, in Hamlin township, and were making havoc with
the deer. Several hunters, among them John Huntley, John Dodge, Sant.
Anderson, William Evans, the writer, and others, armed and mounted, went
to their camp. Huntley acted as leader. He drew the profile of an Indian
with charcoal on the bark of a tree; then pointing to the picture said: "Him
Indian! Indian kill white man's buck! White man skuddaho (whip) In-
dian like h — 1! Puckachee (go away) !" He then drew a revolver and shot
at the picture. The Indians observed him closely and held a consultation
among themselves, and one of them, pointing towards the place of sunrise,
said: "Morning, Indian puckachee way off.'' They kept their promise. I
have since thought that we treated the poor savages worse than the occa-
sion required ; but it was an aggravation for them to come into our settle-
ment and kill game under our noses, when there was plenty by going a little
farther away.
AN INDIAN APOLLO.
On one occasion, about that period, while the Indians were camped at
the same place, several of our young gentlemen took their lady friends and
sweethearts to see them on a friendly visit one evening. There was an
enormous young "buck" in the band named Jo, who stood six and a half
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 39
feet in height, and correspondingly proportioned, a young Apollo, and a skill-
ful hunter, who had been out for game that day and had retired to rest
for the night when the party arrived at camp. He was stretched out on
the ground near the wall of the tent at repose, enveloped with a blanket,
and presented an inviting prospect for a seat. Indians do not use chairs
or seats, but usually squat down on the ground or on mats when inside their
abodes. One of the young ladies present on that occasion, tired of standing,
spied the "seat." as she supposed, and proceeded to appropriate and sit
on it. Jo, good naturedly, stoically submitted, for a while, but finally moved
and rolled over, which startled the lady, who sprang up with a scream, to
receive a general shout of laughter at her expense, in which Jo heartily
joined, to the chagrin of the victim of misplaced confidence.
About that period I. K. Johnson employed the writer to survey his
land (in section 36, Lincoln township), which he was unable to find, and
where he afterwards settled. It was late in the fall of the year and, while
at work, I observed off to the east a strange performance which excited
my curiosity. There was a scarlet object, surmounted by a black spot,
moving along the ground and not far distant were two deer gazing at it,
alternately approaching and retreating as if trying to discover the nature of
the strange sight. I soon concluded that someone was trying to lure the
deer within gun-shot. The hunter was enveloped with a red blanket with
his black head showing above, a remarkable sight. I had known the trick
to succeed with antelope decoyed in that way, but never before or since
have seen it succeed with deer. But it worked all right in that case. The
deer got into range and the hunter shot and killed one of them, a fine doe,
but the other escaped. It was before the days of repeating rifles. I went
over to the scene, when, lo and behold, the successful hunter was the Indian,
Jo, who greeted me in a friendly manner. He prepared the deer by re-
moving its entrails and bound its feet together, swung it upon his back
with the legs across his breast, and started for camp several miles away,
which we also reached the same night, it being located in a small grove
where Air. Ellsberry had settled, in Douglas township, and where Johnson,
and myself also camped. We heard the bells on the Indian ponies nearly all
night. It snowed during the night, but we had improvised a shelter from a.
wagon-cover spread over a pole placed in the fork of a sapling near a large
tree then recently blown down. Next morning I went to the Indian camp
and got some venison for breakfast free of cost. When I arrived there the
Indians were at breakfast, eating from a large pan of colored beans and
40 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
corn, cooked with deer meat. One of the Indians performed a ceremony-
similar to saying grace before eating.
The first settlers found the place of sepulcher of an Indian chief named
Pymosa, soon after coming here. Possibly he was known to history. If I
ever knew, I have forgotten his tribe. The spot was in the timber on the
land of Doctor Ballard, in section 31, Exira township, east of the Ballard
bridge. The body was found in a sitting position on the ground, decorated
with ear-rings, beads, trinkets, etc., enclosed with slabs of wood (puncheons),
all being surrounded with a conical stack of saplings and logs to protect the
body from wild animals. He had been dead long enough for the flesh to
fall from the bones. His skull and some of the bones and decorations were
carried away by the whites as souvenirs. His name is preserved in the
name of the adjoining township of Pymosa, in Cass county, a fitting re-
buke to the settlers of Audubon for the sacrilege and desecration of the
red chief's sepulcher and remains.
WILD ANIMALS.
In the year 1870 the bones of a mastodon were found in the bank of a
small stream near the west line of what is now Lincoln township. The writer
obtained a portion of one of the ribs, nearly five feet in length, and a section
of the vertebra, six inches in diameter. The early settlers found the horns,
skulls and bones of buffalo here. William P. Hamlin killed a buffalo on
Buck creek soon after he settled there. Bryant Milliman and John Crane,
while traveling to Council Bluffs, about the same time, saw and chased
buffalo a short distance west of where Atlantic is now situated. A wild
buffalo was killed in Dallas county in the year 1865. It is well known that
wild buffalo were found in the northwest part of Iowa as late as 1866.
When the first settlers came, there were bear, panther, lynx, bobcat,
otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, gray wolf, coyote, elk, deer, fox and gray
squirrel, and, occasionally, a white squirrel, chipmunk, weasel, gray and
striped ground squirrel, pocket gopher, skunk, rabbit, sand hill crane, heron,
wild turkey, swan, wild goose, brant, several varieties of duck, prairie
chicken, quail, curlew, several varieties of snipe, plover, eagle, turkey buz-
zard, several varieties of hawk, robin, meadow lark, blackbird, crow, wood-
pecker, bluejay, yellowhammer, bluebird, sparrow, snowbird, several
varieties of owl, oriole, catbird, bee martin, swallow, martin, chimneyswal-
low, wren, bluebird. There were some small scale fish, sucker, chub, dace,
silverside, sunfish ; but they have all gone, and in their place have come bull-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 4I
head, catfish and carp. Snakes were quite numerous, among them being
rattlesnake, bullsnake, blue racer and gartersnake. The elk and deer
abounded and settlers took them in large numbers for food, and for their
skins, until the severe winter of 1857, after which they were not so plentiful.
"Uncle" John Jenkins once said that he counted over one hundred elk in a
band on the high point of land on what is now John I. Hensley's farm, west
of the Botna, near West Exira. In the spring of 1866 the writer visited that
spot and found there a large elk skull, with a noble set of antlers attached,
nearly six feet in length, partly decayed and gnawed by wolves. Elk horns
were found plentifully here at that time on the prairie, where they had been
killed or where they had shed them. A large set of elk antlers would weigh
as much as twenty-five pounds, and it is a fact that they were shed annually
about February. A new set grew each year during the summer. They were
at first about the consistency of cheese and very tender, being covered with
a beautiful, delicate purple membrane, called the "velvet," which material it
resembled. The deer had very much the same habit about the shedding and
growth of horns.
There were some hunters who lived in what is now known as David-
son's Grove, in section 18, Douglas township, who killed considerable num-
bers of elk and deer about 1867-8. One of them was said to have been killed
by lightning in the fall or early winter of 1867 in the west part of what is
now Lincoln township, several miles north of their camp. His body was
covered with snow and found the next spring, with his rifle near him. A
thunderstorm was known to have occurred at the time he was lost and from
the appearance of the body and gun, which was broken, it was reported that
he was killed by lightning. It was said that he appeared to have been fol-
lowing elk tracks when killed. There were also rumors that he met death by
foul means. No legal proceedings were ever taken about the event.
The last bands of elks in the county were on Indian creek. Blue Grass
and West Botna. Lone Willow was a favorite resort for them. Thev dis-
appeared about 1 870-1. The last hunters to kill elk were John Huntley, Edwin
C. Wadsworth, Stephen Bowdish and Frank Harrington. Possibly Christ-
opher C. Luccock and the Indians may have killed some about the same time.
The deer gradually disappeared, though a few have been seen here almost to
the present time; possibly there may be a few yet. In 1868 the writer took
thirty saddles of vension from Exira to Des Moines. The tracks of three
deer were seen near the railroad depot at Exira in 1880. The writer killed
several deer here before 1870. Being at "Uncle" John Jenkins's place in the
fall of 1865, I went with George Jenkins to hunt for some cattle. In a
42 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
brush patch we jumped up half a dozen deer, which scampered away. I
had a Colts' revolver, but was so much excited at my first sight of deer that
I forgot the gun entirely. Returning to the house, I related the experience to
Mr. Jenkins, who consoled me by remarking: "Well, sir, it's a mighty
pooty sight to the eye of a hunter — but you had the 'Buck Ager;' I've had it
myself before now and had to bite my finger till it hurt like the very devil to
steady my nerves." I thouglit it a novel method of quieting nervousness, but
do not remember ever practicing it. The theory seemed to be that the pain
of the gnawed finger exceeded the nervousness produced at the presence of
the game. It is a fact that old hunters sometimes become excited at the near
proximity of wild game.
William Powell, who lived where Ad. Seibert now resides at Exira,
while out hunting near "Towhead" (section i, Exira township), discovered
some bear, but, being alone, feared to attack them. He came home and
reported his find. Alex Kincaid, who lived in the Big Grove, south of the
Burton place, John Jenkins, John Hoggard and Philip Arthur Decker took
some dogs and went in pursuit. They found the bear and killed them, after
the old bear had killed one of the dogs. This account was related by John T.
Jenkins, of the hunters mentioned. A large bear skull was found many
years ago in a small stream in the "big grove" on section 21, Exira town-
ship, which is now in the museum of the State Historical Society. Howard
J. Green, Folly Herrick and others have told about killing wild turkey here,
saying that they were plentiful in early days. There was a well-defined
beaver-dam a mile above Exira, on the Botna, in 1866. Perk Smith saw
where the beaver had cut down trees there as large as a stove pipe. Swans,
wild geese, brants, ducks and sandhill cranes were plentiful in the spring and
fair for many years. Howard J. Green and Folly Herrick told the writer
that they had killed wild turkey in the timber where Walter B. Temple now
lives. Prairie chickens were very plentiful until after the railroad came in
1878, and large numbers of them were taken by sportsmen.
The following letter, written from Farrall, Wyoming, in 1909, by Mrs.
Cymanthia A. Smith, daughter of William P. Hamlin, gives a fairly good
picture of the early times here :
"I happened to see one of the Audubon County Journals, telling about
the early settlement of Audubon county. You say you have never seen
any one that claimed to have seen a panther there. There must have been
several there, or in Cass county. My father and a man named John Prat
saw one as they were going across the prairie from our place on Buck creek.
They were in a wagon and when the panther saw them it dropped down on an
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 43
ant-hill and witched them as they passed, only about ten steps from the road.
Father said he could have shot it if he had had a gun. And, as for bears,
they were plenty, at least on Buck creek. We lived at the lower grove, two
miles below Barney Harris' grove, and there was another between them,
called Middle grove. We used to hear the bears at night fighting and squall-
ing in the Middle grove. Father went at one time to move a man to
Nebraska, and Martha Johnston, afterwards Mrs. William Carpenter, stayed
with our family while father was gone. One night during his absence, we
heard something walking around the house and were greatly frightened.
There was no door to the house, only a quilt hung up, with chairs set against
it to shut the entrance. The next day we found bear tracks around the
house, which proved who our visitor was. It made no attempt to enter the
house. There were lots of wild turkeys in the Big grove; but father killed
only the 3^oung ones, which were nice to fry. I have seen my father chasing
hundreds of elk at a time, which came near our house. He killed nine elk
one Christmas and brought home a large one alive. We kept it until the next
summer, fattened and killed it to eat. There was a crust on the deep snow
which enabled father to kill those on that Christmas. Something funny
happened when we lived on the Goodale place. One night the hounds
wakened us by chasing something around the house. Father jumped up to
see what it was and just as he got out, a deer ran past him, which he caught
by the horns. He called to mother to bring the butcher knife, and with it
he killed the deer. One time, on Buck creek, when father was absent from
home, five wolves came close to the house. Our dog would chase them a
short distance ; then the wolves would turn and drive him back faster than
he had driven them away. When the dog got near the house he would get
brave and go after them again. Mother and us children watched the per-
formance from the yard.
"Father and Uncle Natty lived near each other on Skunk river, in
Mahaska county. Ben and Ike Jenkins helped to move us from Mahaska to
Cass county with an ox team in the fall of 1851. I was only three years
old, but remember it well. There was but one house on the hill east of the
river at Des Moines, and I think only three houses on the west side.
'T remember the ferry boat Avas so old and rotten mother was afraid to
go on it, and I think our only cow thought the same way, for she jumped
overboard and swam ashore.
"The first election in Cass county was held at our house on the old
Goodale place. We moved to Exira in the fall of i860 (from Buck creek).
"Mrs. W. F. Smith.''
44 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
NAMES OF RIVERS AND PLACES.
The Nishua Botna river probably received its name lower down its
course, near the Missouri river, into which it discharges. It is mentioned
in the diary of Lewis and Clark, kept on their expedition from St. Louis
to the Pacific ocean, as follows: "On the 14th (May, 1804) elk were seen
for the first time. Passed the Nishua Botna and Little Nemahaw rivers,
and found the former to be only three hundred yards from the Missouri at
the distance of twelve miles from its mouth," indicating previous knowledge
of the name. The writer is unable to recognize to what language it be-
longs; perhaps it is an Indian word, or it may be from the patois of the
old French voyageurs, who traversed the Missouri river country in earlier
times. Doctor Ballard once said that the word Nishua Botna signified "To
cross in a boat."
It has been said that the government surveyors gave the name to
Troublesome creek. While surveying the land through which it flows,
the water was high and they had frequent occasion to cross it, hence the
name. It should be remembered that the streams carried more water in
early times than at present.
Crooked creek, a tributary of Troublesome, undoubtedly received its
name from the form of its channel.
Unexpected creek (or Pleasant run), in section 35, near Hamlin's, was
named by the surveyors, who came upon it unexpectedly, and so gave it
that name.
Sifford creek was named for John Seifford, whosettled on its bank near
where T. J. Essington lived.
The name of Buck creek was suggested from the large number of deer
found there in early times, according to the account of Doctor Ballard.
David's creek was named for David Edgerton.
Anderson creek, at Exira, was named for David Anderson.
Four-mile creek was so called because it was four miles from Exira.
William- Brice, who lived in section 31, Greeley township, bestowed the
name Honey creek upon the little stream there where he resided.
The early settlers discovered a patch of blue grass in the little grove on
the present poorfarm in this county. It was supposed the seed was scat-
tered there by Mormons in their journey westward. The place was called
Blue Grass grove and the creek near it received the same name.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA, 45
East branch, in Melville township, received its name in early times from
its direction from the principal river of which it was a tributary.
West Botna, in Lincoln and Douglas townships, takes its name from the
principal river.
Indian creek and Little Indian probably received the name lower down
on the stream. There was an old town on the stream near the town of
Lewis, called Indian Town.
The name of Lone Willow, in Douglas township, suggests its origin.
Exira was named for Miss Exira Eckman. Her father, Judge John
Eckman, from Ohio, was here visiting his relatives, the Cranes, at the time
the town was laid out and platted. Mr. Edgerton, the proprietor, had in-
tended to name the town Viola, for his daughter. Mr. Eckman proposed if
Edgerton would name the town Exira, for his daughter, he would buy a
town lot, which was agreed to.
Viola township was named for the daughter of Arthur L. Sanborn, who
was a member of the board of supervisors when the township was organized.
Melville township was named for James Melville Graham, the lawyer
at Audubon, a son of Samuel A. Graham, who was a member of the board
of supervisors when the township was organized.
Leroy township was named for Leroy Freeman, a Union soldier, killed
in the Civil War, and brother of our well-known citizen, Ethelbert J. Free-
man, who was an early and prominent settler in that township. Leroyville
postoffice, now obsolete, was named after the same manner.
Hamlin Grove postoffice, now obsolete; the old town of Hamlin, also
obsolete; Hamlin township and Hamlin Station were all named in honor of
the first settler, Nathaniel Hamlin.
Cameron township was named in honor of the Cameron family, sev-
eral members of which were early settlers in Viola and Cameron townships.
Brayton was named for the civil engineer who worked on the rail-
road during its construction, 1878-79.
Oakfield was named by Flam W. Pearl, a resident there, after a place of
the same name in New York state.
Gray was named for its proprietor, George Gray.
Towhead was the name of the high point of land three miles east of
Exira. Years ago there were two oak trees there, which served as a land-
mark for miles around in most directions. The trees have long since van-
ished and the name is nearly obsolete.
CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
Auclnbon county was undoubtedly named in honor of the celebrated
ornithologist, John James Audubon, who died in the year 1851.
At the time of its organization by the state Legislature, it formed part
of Keokuk county, which eml)raced at one period the southern portion of
Iowa.
Audubon county was organized by provision of section 18, chapter 9,
acts of the third General Assembly of Iowa, a])proved January 15, 1851,
which provided : "That the following shall be the boundaries of a new
county, which shall be called Audubon, to-wit : Beginning at the northwest
corner of township 81 north, range 32 west; thence west on the line between
townships 81 and 82. to the northwest corner of township 81, range 36 west;
thence south on range line dividing ranges 36 and t^j to the southwest corner
of township 78' north, range 36; thence east on the line between townships
77 and 78 to the southwest corner of township 78, range 32 west; thence
north between ranges t^2 and T^;i^, to the place of beginning."
This boundary was changed a few days later by subsequent act of the
Legislature, namely, chapter 81, acts of the third General Assembly,
approved February 5, 1851, which provided: "That the following shall be
the boundaries of the county of Guthrie, to-wit : Beginning at the north-
west corner of township 81 north, of jcange 29 west; thence west on the
township lines dividing townships 81 and 82, to the northwest corner of
township 81 north, range 33 west; thence south to the southwest corner of
township 78, range 33 west ; thence east on the township lines between town-
ships yy and 78. to the southwest corner of township 78, range 29 west;
thence north to tb.e ])lace of beginning."
The cause of this change was remote. To adjust the boundaries of
Polk county in such manner as to make Des Moines nearer the center of the
county, a tier of townships was severed from the east of Polk and attached
to Jasper county. To compensate for the change, a tier of townships was
taken from the east of Dallas and attached to Polk county. Then a tier of
townships was taken from the east of Guthrie and attached to Dallas county,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 47
and a tier of townships was taken from the east of Audubon and attached to
Guthrie county.
There was no one hving in Audubon county at that time, and its inter-
ests were unprotected. The readjustment should have continued by adding
a tier of townships to the west of Audubon taken from the east of Shelby
county, and Shelby should then have received a like territory from the east
of Harrison county, which would have fairly equalized the counties.
The time for correcting the injustice to Audubon county has long passed.
To disturb the county boundaries, now that permanent county seats have
been located and public records of long standing have been established, would
work irreparable injury and damage to the people now residing where such
changes could and should have been made many years ago. We have since
lived to experience the many permanent disadvantages resulting from that
act of injustice. The relative expenses of county government must always
remain greater in a small than in a larger county. In political affairs, in the
distribution of state and district ofilcers, the rights of a small county have
frequently been disregarded and denied. The people of Audubon county
have repeatedly experienced such prejudice and injustice and will probably
continue to do so.
Doctor Ballard and Peoria I. Whitted took an active part in procuring
the organization of the county. At one time Mr. Whitted made a trip for that
purpose to Iowa City and return, on foot. The expenses were paid prin-
cipally by Doctor Ballard.
It was provided by section lo, chapter 8, acts of the fourth General
Assembly of Iowa, approved January 12, 1853. "That the county of Cass
shall be composed of three civil townships for the present organization, that
is : all the territory embraced in Cass county shall constitute one civil town-
ship; that which lies in the county of Audubon shall constitute one civil
township; and all that which lies in the county of Adair shall constitute one
civil township; the three for revenue, election and judicial purposes consti-
tuting the county of Cass. The first election to be held at Boshaw's [Brad-
shaw's] store, in Cass county, at Mr. Hamlin's in Audubon township, at
the house of /Vlfred Jones in Adair township." It does not appear that any
election was held in Audubon county under this law.
It was further provided by section 2, chapter 12, acts of the fourth
General Assembly, approved January 12, 1853: "Whenever the citizens of
any unorganized county desire to have the same organized, they may make
application by petition in writing, signed by a majority of the legal voters of
said county, to the county judge of the county to which such unorganized
48 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
county is attached; whereupon such county judge shall order an election for
county officers in such unorganized county. Notice of said election must be
given, the election conducted and the returns thereof made to the organized
county to which the same was attached, and canvassed in the manner pro-
vided by law for filling vacancies in county offices."
We suppose the county was organized under this statute. Peoria I.
Whitted bore the petition from the people of this county to the county judge
of Cass county at Lewis, praying for an order for the organization of the
county, and for the first election of county officers, as is supposed, in the
early part of the year 1855. No record of the transaction is to be found
at this time in this or in Cass county. It is traditional that the proper order
was made by Mr. Benedict, county judge of Cass county. The first election
was held at the house of John S. Jenkins, in section 29, Exira township,
April 2, 1855. John S. Jenkins, Walter J. Jardine and Isaac V. D. Lewis
were judges of election, and John W. Beers and Carlos E. Frost were clerks.
The first officers elected were: Thomas S. Lewis, county judge; John W.
Beers, clerk of court; Miles Beers, treasurer and recorder; David L. Ander-
son, prosecuting attorney; Benjamin M. Hyatt, sheriff; Robert Stansberry,
coroner; John W. Beers, sun-eyor; Urbane Herrick and Carlos E. Frost,
justices of peace; William H. H. Bowen, assessor ?.nd road supervisor.
In May, 1855, Hon. E. H. Sears, judge of the district court of Cass
county, appointed T. N. Johnson, of Adair county; T. Biyan, of Guthrie
county, and C. E. Woodward, of Cass county, commissioners to locate the
county seat of Audubon county. The last two named members qualified as
such, and reported on June 20, 1855, that they had located the county seat
on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 22, in township 78,
range 35. This land was then owned by Rev. Richard C. Meek, who con-
veyed it to Audubon county, retaining a share of the lots to be laid out.
Under provisions of the statute, it was laid out and platted for the county
by Thomas S. Lewis, county judge, as the town of Dayton, July 9, 1855.
It became the county seat only in name; but two houses were ever built
there, those of Norman Archer and Rev. Mr. Baker. The public records
were kept and business transacted at the places of residence of the officers
until the removal of the county seat to Exira in 1861. The town of Dayton
received some notoriety abroad, and quite a trade of its town lots was car-
ried on in other states, until its true character became known.
At the general election in August, 1855, the following named county
officers were elected: Daniel M. Harris, county judge; Nathaniel Hamlin,
M /\ P- O F
AUDUBONCOU NTY
CA fi f^OLL <^0.
V.
Ft36 kV
CASS
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AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 49
treasurer and recorder; Benjamin Hyatt, sheriff; Peoria I. Whitted, sur-
veyor. Peoria I. Whitted was appointed swamp land commissioner.
POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Since the organization of Audubon county, the districts of which it
has formed parts for election and governmental purposes, have been vari-
ously formed and frequently changed. In 1862 the fifth congressional dis-
trict embraced the counties of Adair, Adams, Audubon, Cass, Clarke, Deca-
tur, Dallas, Fremont, Guthrie, Harrison, Lucas, Madison, Mills, Montgom-
ery, Page, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Taylor, Union, Warren
and Wayne.
In 1872 the eighth congressional district embraced the counties of
Adams, Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pot-
tawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Taylor and Union.
In 1882 the ninth congressional district embraced the counties of Audu-
bon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Alills, Montgomery, Pottawat-
tamie and Shelby. Since 1886 it has embraced the counties of Adair, Audu-
bon, Cass, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie and Shelby.
Since 1886 it has embraced the counties of Adair, Audubon, Cass, Har-
rison, Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie and Shelby.
SENATORIAL DISTRICTS.
In 1855, the twelfth senatorial district in the Legislature embraced the
counties of Audubon, Buena Vista, Buncombe (now Lyons), Carroll, Cal-
houn, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Ida, Mon-
ona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie,
Sac, Shelby, Sioux and Woodbury. In 1858 it remained unchanged. In
i860, the thirty-first senatorial district embraced the counties of Audubon,
Cass, Guthrie, Harrison, Pottawattamie and Shelby. In 1862 the thirty-
first district embraced the counties of Adair, Audubon, Cass, Dallas, Guthrie
and Shelby.
In 1864 the forty-third senatorial district embraced the counties of
Audubon, Buena Vista, Buncombe (now Lyons), Carroll, Calhoun, Chero-
kee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Hancock, Harrison, Humboldt, Ida,
Kossuth, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac,
Shelbv, Sioux, Webster, Winnebago, Woodbury and Wright.
" (4)
50 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
In 1866 the forty-fifth senatorial district embraced the counties of
Audubon, Carroll, Cherokee, Crawford, Greene, Harrison, Ida, Lyon, Mon-
ona, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Shelby, Sioux and Woodbury.
In 1868 the forty-sixth senatorial district embraced the counties of
Audubon, Carroll, Cherokee, Crawford, Harrison, Ida, Lyon, Monona,
O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Shelby, Sioux and Woodbury.
In 1870 the forty-eighth senatorial district embraced the counties of
Audubon, Cherokee, Crawford, Harrison, Ida, Lyons, Monona, O'Brien,
Osceola, Plymouth, Shelby, Sioux and Woodbury.
In 1872 the forty-ninth senatorial district embraced the counties of
Audubon, Carroll, Dallas, Green and Guthrie. In 1874 the forty-ninth dis-
trict embraced the counties of Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Green, Guthrie
and Shelby. In 1876 the forty-ninth district remained unchanged.
From 1878 to 1882, inclusive, the Thirty-first senatorial district embraced
the counties of Audubon, Dallas, Guthrie and Shelby. Since 1884, and
including that year, the seventeenth senatorial district has embraced the
counties of Audubon, Dallas and Guthrie.
REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICTS.
In 1 85 1 the district for representative in the Legislature embraced the
counties of Adams, Adair, Audubon, Beuna V^ista, Buncombe (now Lyons),
Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Fremont, Harrison,
Ida, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth. Pottawat-
tamie, Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, Taylor, Union and Wahkaw (now
Woodbury).
In 1854 the fortieth representative district embraced the counties of
Adams, Adair, Audubon, Cass, Mills, Montgomery and Union.
In 1855 the sixteenth representative district embraced the counties of
Audubon, Beuna Vista, Buncombe (now Lyons), Carroll, Calhoun, Chero-
kee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Ida, Monona, O'Brien,
Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Shelby, Sioux and Wood-
bury. In 1858 the sixteenth district embraced the counties of Audubon,
Boone, Carroll and Greene.
In i860 the thirty-sixth representative district embraced the counties
of Audubon, Guthrie, Harrison and Shelby.
In 1862 the sixty-first representative district embraced the counties
of Adair. Audubon, Cass and Guthrie.
In 1864 the sixty-first representative district remained unchanged.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 5 1
In 1866 the sixty- fourth district embraced the counties of Audubon,
Carroll, Calhoun and Greene.
In 1868 the sixty-fourth district embraced the counties of Audubon,
Guthrie and Greene.
In 1870 the fortieth representative district embraced the counties of
Audubon, Guthrie and Shelby.
In 1872 the fortieth district embraced the counties of Audubon, Craw-
ford, Monona and Shelby.
In 1874 the twenty-first representative district embraced the counties
of Adair, Audubon, Cass and Shelby. In 1876 the twenty-first district
remained unchanged.
From 1878 to 1882, inclusive, the seventy- fourth representative dis-
trict embraced the counties of Adair, Audubon and Shelby.
From 1884 to 1886, inclusive, Audubon county formed the eighty-
second representative district.
Since 1888, and including that year, Audubon county has formed the
thirty-fourth representative district.
JUDICIAL DISTRICTS.
In 185 1 the judicial district embraced the counties of Adair, Adams,
Audubon, Buena Vista, Buncome (Lyons), Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay,
Crawford, Dickinson, Fremont, Harrison, Ida, Mills, Monona, Montgom-
ery, O'Brien, Osceola, Page, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Sac,
Shelby, Sioux, Taylor, Union and Wahkaw (Woodbury).
In 1853 the sixth judicial district embraced the counties of Adair,
Adams, Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Guthrie, Montgomery, Page, Ringgold,
Taylor and Union.
In 1857 the seventh judicial district embraced the counties of Audu-
bon, Cass, Harrison, Pottawattamie and Shelby.
From 1858 to 1862, inclusive, the fifth judicial district embraced the
counties of Adair, Audubon, Carroll, Dallas, Greene, Guthrie, Madison, Polk
and Warren.
In 1864 Cass was added to the fifth district.
From 1866 to 1868 the fifth district remained unchanged.
In 1872 the thirteenth judicial district embraced the counties of Audu-
bon, Carroll, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Greene, Mills, Pottawattamie and
Shelby.
Since. 1887 the fifteenth judicial district has embraced the counties of
52 ■ AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawatta-
mie and Shelby.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DISTRICT.
In 1857 the twelfth district in the third constitutional convention
embraced the counties of Audubon, Buena Vista, Buncombe (now Lyons),
Carroll, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison,
Ida, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Potta-
wattamie, Sac, Shelby, Sioux and Woodbury.
CIVIL TOWNSHIPS.
From 1853, when Audubon county was attached to Cass conuty for
civil purposes, it remained as but a single township called Audubon town-
ship, until 1862.
On June 3, 1863, the board of supervisors — consisting of but one
member, Boynton G. Dodge — entered an order dividing the county into
three townships as follows : Exira township, commencing at the north-
east corner of section 12, township 78, range 34 west; thence west to west
line of the county; thence north on the county line to the correction line;
thence west on county line to southwest corner of section 31, township 79,
range 36; thence north on county line to northwest corner of the county;
thence east on county line to northeast corner of the county; thence south
to the southeast corner of section 36, township 79, range 34; thence east
on line to northeast corner of section i, township 78, range 34; thence
south to southeast corner of said section i. place of beginning. Audubon
township, commencing at southeast corner of section 33, township 78, range
35; thence north to northwest corner of section 10; thence east to east line
of the county; thence south on county line to southeast corner of the
county; thence west to place of beginning. Oakfield township, commenc-
ing at southeast corner of section 33, township 78. range 35 ; thence north
to the northeast corner of section 9; thence west to west line of the county;
thence south on county line to southwest corner of the county; thence east
to place of beginning.
This division gave to Exira township the territory embraced in the nine
northern townships of the county, and also a strip two sections wide off
the north end of the other three townships. It was manifestly unjust. At
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 53
that time most of the residents of the county lived within the Hmits of
township 78, range 35, now Exira township.
On June 8, 1863, the board of supervisors entered another order, sub-
dividing the county into civil townships as follows :
Audubon township embraced the east half of township 78, range 35,
except sections i, 2 and 3, and all of township 78, range 34, township 79,
range 34, township 80, range 34, and township 81, range 34.
Exira township embraced sections i to 6, inclusive, in township 78.
range 35, and all of township 79. range 35, township 80, range 35, and
township 81, range 35. "
Oakfield township embraced the west half of township 78, range 35,
except sections 4, 5 and 6. and all of township 78, range 36, township 79,
range 36, township 80, range 36, and township 81, range 36, which was an
equitable division. It di^•ided the settled portion of the county fairly between
the several townships.
COUNTY SEAT ASPIRATIONS.
The town of Exira, being the county seat, was supposed to hold
advantages over other portions of the county, and jealousies arose which
continued as long as it was the county seat. Traces of heart burnings on
that account have not ceased at the present time. The causes were too
numerous to mention them all ; some were politic, some social, and others
from business competition, etc. Nathaniel Hamlin, who lived on Trouble-
some creek in the new Audubon township, was one of the wealthiest men
in the county. He lived on the route from Des Moines to Council Bluffs
and was the most widely known business man in the county for many years.
Hamlin and Hamlin's Grove were known state wide, and in other states
where Audubon county land was then owned. He had founded the town
of Audubon City, near his home, which had proved a failure from the start.
Daniel M. Harris (who at first had lived near Hamlin), in the year
1857, with David Edgerton, founded the town of Exira, which became
the county seat in 1861. Harris at once became popular, and was by far
the ablest business man in the county. He held the office of county judge
from 1856 to 1 86 1 inclusive, while Hamlin was treasurer and recorder,
the financial officer of the county, from 1856 to 1863 inclusive. They
became rivals in business and in local politics, although both were Demo-
crats. Mr. Hamlin became prejudiced against Exira, which continued as
long as he lived. In 1866 he founded the town of Louisville, and attempt-
54 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA,
ed to move the county seat there from Exira, but failed. In 1872 he
became interested in the town of Old Hamlin, and attempted to move the
county seat there. He was also a prominent factor in enjoining the build-
ing of a court house at Exira in 1872-3.
Oakfield was founded in 1858, and started the first store in the coun-
ty. It was a rival to Exira from its start until the advent of the railroad
in 1 87 1, when it was eclipsed by the town of Bray ton. It was the custom
of Oakfield people to assume superiority over the people of Exira in social
functions. They had a decided weakness in making themselves disagree-
able in that way. If Exira people got up a festivity or started some local
improvement, a new road, bridge, building, etc., the people of Oakfield
were prone to discount it and go one better. Their picnics, dances, etc.,
were foolishly "cracked up" to be in advance of anything Exira could pro-
duce; and so it went on, straining the cordiality and friendship that should
have existed between the little towns. It is justice to say that their people
did lay themselves out in their best style to entertain. But for political
meetings, Fourth of July celebrations and religious meetings Exira usually
came out "ahead of the hounds."
ORGANIZATION OF NEW TOWNSHIPS.
After the close of the Civil War, immigration flowed towards this
county; people came here in goodly numbers, and by 1870 the population
of the county had more than doubled in the previous five years. The
north end of the county settled up as never before, and was demanding
more rights for schools, roads, bridges, voting precincts, etc., to which they
were fairly entitled. The question of the organization of new townships
naturally arose. Mr. Hamlin and his followers, with the Oakfield contin-
gent, were ever ready to knife Exira in any public way. The growing
interests in the north part of the county presented an opportunity to strike
the fatal blow. The troubles that hovered around the fated county seat
opened in 1871. Several parties, about this time, set the ball to rolling
and agitated the reconstruction of the township organization in the county,
suggesting various plans, but without uniform action or support. There
were general demands for more voting places in the northern portion of
the county.
On June 7, 1871, that enterprising, progressive, genial, energetic citi-
zen, Ethelbert J. Freeman, the gentleman from Leroy, presented a petition
to the board of supervisors praying for the erection of new townships.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 55
And the board of supervisors, consisting of William H. H. Bowen, John
W. Dodge and John T. Jenkins, entered an order subdividing the county
into four civil townships, as follows : Audubon township, commencing at
the southwest corner of section 34 and southeast corner of section 33,
township 78, range 35, thence north to southwest corner of the northwest
quarter of section 10, same township; thence east to the southeast corner
of said northwest quarter; thence north to the section line; thence east
to the southeast corner of section i, township 78, range 35; thence north
to the connection line; thence west to the southeast corner of section 32,
township 79, range 34; thence north to the northeast corner of section 20,
township 80, range 34; thence east to the northeast corner of section 21,
same township; thence north to the northeast corner of section 28, town-
ship 81, range 34; thence east to the northeast corner of section 27, same
township; thence north to the northeast corner of section 22, same town-
ship; thence west to the northeast corner of section 21, same township;
thence north to the northeast corner of section 9, same township; thence
east to the county line; thence south to the southeast corner of township
79, range 34; thence east to the northeast corner of township 78, range
34; thence south to the southeast corner of said township; thence west
to place of beginning. Exira township, commencing at the northeast cor-
ner of section i, township 78, range 35; thence west to the southeast cor-
ner of section 32, township 79, range 34; thence north to the northeast
corner of section 20, township 80, range 34 ; thence west to the northeast
corner of section 24, township 80, range 35 ; thence south to the northeast
corner of section 36, township 80, range 35 ; thence west to the northeast
corner of section 34, township 80, range 35; thence north to the northeast
corner of section 27, same township; thence west to the northeast corner
of section 29, same township; thence north to the northeast corner of sec-
tion 5, same township; thence west to northeast corner of section 3, township
80, range 36 ; thence south to the correction line ; thence east to the northeast
corner of section i, township 78, range 36; thence south to the southeast
corner of said section i ; thence east to the northeast corner of section 9,
township 78, range 35 ; thence south to the southwest corner of the north-
west quarter of section 10, same township; thence east to the southeast
corner of the southwest quarter of said section 10; thence north to the sec-
tion Hne of said section 10; thence east to the southeast comer of section i,
township 78, range 35 ; thence north to the place of beginning. Oakfield
township, commencing at the southeast corner of section 33, township 78,
range 35; thence north to the northeast corner of section 9, same town-
56 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
ship; thence west to the southwest corner of section 6, same township;
thence north to the correction Hne; thence west to the southwest corner of
section 35, township 79, range 36; thence north to the northeast corner of
section 3, township 80, range 36; thence west to the northwest corner of
said section; thence north to the county hne; thence west to the northwest
corner of the county; thence south to the correction hne; thence east to
the northwest corner of township 78, range 36; thence south to the south-
west corner of the county; thence east to place of beginning. Leroy town-
ship, commencing at the northeast corner of Audubon county; thence south
to the northeast corner of section 12, township 81, range 34; thence west
to the northeast corner of section 9, same township; thence south to the
northeast corner of section 21, same township; thence east to the northeast
corner of section 22, same township; thence south to the northeast corner
of section 27, same township; thence west to the northeast corner of sec-
tion 28, same township; thence south to the northeast corner of section 21,
township 80, range 34; thence west to the northeast corner of section 24,
township 80, range 35; thence south to the northeast corner of section 36,
same township; thence west to the southeast corner of section ij, same
township; thence north to the northeast corner of said section i"] \ thence
west to the northeast corner of section 29, same township; thence north to
the northeast corner of section 5, same township ; thence west to the north-
west corner of section 3, same township; thence north to the county hne;
thence east to place of beginning.
The result of this action could not have been foreseen by the super-
visors, two of whom were favorable to the best interests of Exira. They
acted hastily, without proi)€r consideration of the subject, and were over-
reached and misled by the plotters against Exira. Their order was a con-
summate blunder. The boundaries as established were unsystematic, the
government township lines were ignored and without any valid reason, which
was calculated to throw the records into confusion for all public use and
utility. It would have required a corps of engineers to locate the limits
of the several townships as thus organized. It was utterly unpractical,
unsatisfactory and pleased no one, except those misguided people whc
rejoiced that Exira had received a "black eye." It was a ridiculous, con-
temptible performance, in light of subsequent events.
Two years later, when the system had been tried out, its defects seen
and the wants of the people better understood, the subject came on for
further consideration. The people had then l)een fightmg fiercely over the
county seat, and the building or non-building of a court house. Party
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. z^y
political lines, locally, were entirely wiped out. The people of Exira were
hostile and indignant against all its opponents, and vice versa. The super-
visors, as then constituted, were two to one against Exira. The matter
came on for hearing upon the suggestion of Arthur L. Sanborn, Esq., of
Viola, member of the board. O. C. Keith, of Oakfield, spoke in favor of
the proposition. At that meeting the present writer appeared before the
supervisors and advocated the organization of new townships according
to the wishes of the people of the county, upon the system of making each
government or congressional township a civil township.
•April 9, 1873, the supervisors, composed of John W. Dodge, John
Noon and Arthur L. Sanborn, entered the following orders in the mat-
ter: Township 78, range 36, and that part of township 78, range 35, as
now lays in the civil township of Oakfield, be made the civil township of
Oakfield ; and all that portion of said civil township as it now exists north
of the territory named be stricken from said Oakfield civil township.
Township 81, range 34, and township 81, range 35, organized as the civil
township of Viola. Township 81, range 36, and township 80, range 36.
organized as the civil township of Douglas. Township 80, range 34, and
township 80, range 35, organized as Leroy township.
As far as practical, Mr. Keith, who was a bitter partisan against
Exira, but a personal friend of the writer, adopted the same view, except
that he would not yield the favor to Exira township at that time ; although
he afterwards did so. We readily agreed together and the supervisors,
being favorable to the general proposition, in a short time made their
orders as appear below, with better feeling all around. All previous
efforts to accommodate the business along the proposed line had failed.
It was considered impractical. The Exira people hesitated about adopt-
ing the plan, but tacitly acquiesced, never to regret it so far as known. This
was the inside fact of the business, and it took place in the little old county
office on the east side of the public square, Exira, to the permanent bene-
fit of the people of Audubon county. It was a move in the right direction
— a big day's work.
Township 79, range 34, was organized as Greeley township. Town-
ship 79, range 35, and township 79, range 36, organized as Hamlin town-
ship. Township 78, range 34, organized as Audubon township. Sec-
tions I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, II, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35
and 36, in township 78, range 35, organized as Exira township. This was
manifestly unfair towards Exira township and was so intended. It was
58 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
gracefully accepted in this form by Exira people, believing that the injus-
tice would be subsequently remedied.
The following year, Isaac Thomas, one of the supervisors, caught the
right idea, and emphatically declared at a meeting of the supervisors that
he was in favor of making each "congregational"' township a civil town-
ship. His meaning was understood, adopted and followed until the entire
system was carried out.
September 8, 1874, township 80, range 34, was organized as Melville
township.
October 20, 1874, township 78, range 35, organized as Exira town-
ship; township 78, range 36, organized as Oakfield township; township
81, range 35, organzed as Cameron township.
September 6, 1875, township 79, range 36, organized as Sharon town-
ship.
June 5, 1876, township 81, range 36, was organized as Lincoln town-
ship.
As now organized, the civil townships of Audubon county are as fol-
low, with dates of organization :
Audubon, township 78, range 34. April 9, 1873.
Exira, township 78, range 35, October 20, 1874.
Oakfield, township 78, range 36, October 20, 1874.
Greeley, township 79. range 34. April 9, 1873.
*Hamlin, township 79, range 35, April 9, 1873.
*Sharon, township 79, range 36, September 6. 1875.
f Melville, township 80, range 34, September 8. 1874.
•f-Leroy, township 80, range 35, April 9, 1873.
§Douglas. township 80, range 36, April 9, 1873.
§Lincoln, township 81, range 36, June 5. 1876.
iViola, township 81. range 34. April 9, 1873.
JCameron, township 81. range 35, October 20, 1874.
*Sharon township was severed from Hamlin. September ' 6. 1875;
•fMelville township was severed from Leroy. September 8. 1874; §Lincoln
township was severed from Douglas. June 5. 1876; :}:Cameron township
was severed from \'iola, October 20, 1874.
PIONEER CONDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
It is impossible, at this time, for people who have not experienced
similar life and scenes, to realize correctly the privations and hardships
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 59
which confronted the pioneer settlers; and it is difficult to delineate by
pen or picture an accurate description of what they endured. It cannot
be fully accomplished. When they came here an unbroken wilderness
extended north to the confines of the Arctic ocean; they were twenty miles
from the borders of the most primitive civilization, without a human habi-
tation to shelter them, not a highway or bridge on which to cross the
streams within the limits of the county; only a few trails made by the
Mormons. It was a wilderness, but it was a beautiful one, not a desert.
The nearest grist-mills were Tam's mill, to the east, on the Coon river,
or to the south, on the Nodaway river in northern ^Missouri, manv miles
distant. The nearest stores where goods, groceries and family supplies
could be obtained were at Des Moines and Kanesville (Council Bluffs),
and the nearest postoffice was Des Moines.
The first demand on the settlers was to provide places of abode. They
brought only a limited supply of food and provisions, also seed for start-
ing their first crops, and the commonest articles for household use, plows
and implements for farming, and a few common mechanical tools. They
brought their trusty rifles, upon which to depend for defense, if necessary,
and upon which to depend for venison and game to supply them with meat.
After providing their shelter, the next serious claim was a supply of
food. Elk and deer were abundant, as well as many kinds of small game.
To the uninitiated this may, at first thought, suggest luxurious living and
a land of milk and honey, so to speak. It is far from the real fact. A
taste of venison or game now and then is a dainty; but. for steady diet, it
soon becomes unpalatable and tiresome. Then, a feed of bacon, salt pork
or most anything for a change is delicious. Still, people can exist almost
wholly on game, if it becomes a necessity.
PIONEER IMPROVEMENTS.
The first cabins were built of logs (timber was abundant) and with-
out floors. Afterwards, floors were made of "puncheons," split from logs
and hewed to place. Rock or mud and sticks were used in the construc-
tion of fireplaces and chimneys. The cooking was all done at the open
fireplace, even the bread being baked before the fire in tin "reflectors," arti-
cles unseen or unheard-of by the present generation, or in Dutch ovens.
Stables then, and many years later, were built by setting forked posts
in the ground, with a frame of poles for the roof, covered with wild hay,
banked up with manure, as it was used, which made comfortable shelters
6o AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
for Stock. When they became difficult of ingress and egress, from accum-
ulation of manure, the stable was moved, as it was cheaper and easier than
to move the manure. Verily, methods of agriculture have evolutionized.
The expense of erecting buildings, breaking out and fencing farms
greatly exceeded the first cost of the land ; but it was done by the bone
and muscle of the pioneer, which did not call for cash, a scarce item in
those days. Farms, at first, were usually fenced with high, zigzag rail
fences, split out from the finest oak and walnut timber. Such improvements
would be an expensive luxury now ; it was cheap then.
LIVE STOCK.
Hamlin and Jenkins both brought horses and cattle in 185 1. As the
settlers multiplied, stock increased and soon hogs and poultry became com-
mon. The Herricks, who came from near Beloit, Wisconsin, by way of
Dubuque and Des INIoines, brought several hundred sheep, in 1854. They
were the first sheep brought to the county. "Folly" Herrick says it was
his job to herd them along the ridge where John now lives. Uncle
"Natty Hamlin" brought a large hand-mill, which was used alternately by
the neighbors for grinding corn and buckwheat. Many people grated new
corn as a substitute for meal and flour.
FIRST DEATH IN THE SETTLEMENT.
The year of the first settlement had not ended when the little colony
was visited by the sad affliction of death in childl)irth of the wife of Philip
Arthur Decker, in December, 1851, which found them wholly unprepared
for the calamity. She was a daughter of the widow Hoggard and sister
of John and Betsy Ann Hoggard. There was not even lumber at hand
from which to make a coffin for burial of the poor lady. Then Nathaniel
Hamlin, John S. Jenkins and James Kincaid (perhaps others) split out
slabs from basswood timber and fashioned from it a rude box as best they
could, in which they placed the body, acted as pallbearers and buried it in
the field on top of the hill in the northeast quarter of section 17, now in
Exira township, now owned by Julius E. Herrick. The grave has been
unmarked for fifty years.
MILLS.
About 1852-3 John Countryman built a water-power saw-mill on the
east bank of Troublesome creek in section 13, in what is now Exira town-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 6 1
ship, near the Strahl place. It was the first power-mill of any kind in the
county, and was doubtless of valuable assistance to the early settlers, in
furnishing the first supply of sawed lumber produced within the county. It
was of short duration, and probably went out of use when the steam saw-
mills were erected in 1856 by Green and others, and by Ballard. We have
failed to discover when Countryman left the county. He built the first
frame house here, which he afterwards sold to Dawson Glasgow. The
building of the steam-mills in 1856 were most important events, and prob-
ably did more to develop the county than any previous enterprise.
Howard Jay Green and Franklin Burnham, who came here from
Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1856, were prominent in developing the business of
Audubon county. They came expressly to erect and operate a steam saw-
mill, and made a contract for the necessary materials and machinery there-
for before coming here, as follows :
"Contract
"S. S. Vail & Company agree to furnish Green & Burnham, of Maquo-
keta, Jackson county, Iowa, a steam engine of ten-inch bore and twenty-
inch stroke and a circular saw-mill complete, with the exception of boiler,
boiler irons, sheet-iron chimney and breeching, for the sum of ten hundred
and thirty-three dollars, or, provided Green & Burnham order the boiler,
boiler irons, sheet-iron chimney and breeching after this date, we agree to
furnish the same with the said engine and saw-mill fixtures complete for
the sum of seventeen hundred dollars. Said boiler to be forty-inch diam-
eter, fourteen-inch flues and twenty feet long. Said chimney to be twen-
ty-six-inch diameter, fifty feet long, with breeching to match same. The
above machinery to be completed on the first day of April next. Said
machinery to be made in a good, substantial, workmanlike manner.
"We, the said Green & Burnham, agree to pay to S. S. \^ail & Com-
pany the sum of one hundred dollars on contract and two-thirds at the time
of delivery of the machinery and the remaining one-third in four months
from the time of delivery.
"To this writing the different parties subscribe and agree.
"Keokuk, January 15, 1856.
"S. S. Vail & Company,
"By S. Armitage."
The huge boiler was brought up the Des Moines river from Keokuk
on a small steamer to near Fort Des Moines; thence by ox teams over the
6-2 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
old stage road, via Hamlin's Grove, to the mill site in section 17, now in
Exira township. The other machinery was shipped from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, down the Ohio river; thence up the Mississippi river to Keo-
kuk, and then brought here by teams. It is claimed that the road through
the Big Grove was specially prepared for hauling these heavy loads. Green
and Burnham erected the mill themselves, assisted by Charles L. Chapin,
in 1856. The three families at first lived near the mill in separate dwellings.
The mill was a success from the start, and turn out something like ten
thousand feet of sawed lumber a day, with its big circular saw. Green was
the sawyer for many years.
About the same time, Dr. Samuel U. Ballard erected a steam saw-mill
on the east side of the Botna river in the timber near his residence in sec-
tion 25, in what is now Oakfield township.
About 1858 Joshua A. and Elam W. Pearl, brothers, erected a water-
power saw-mill on the Botna at Oakfield. Alva B. Brown and Julius M.
Hubbard were also interested in this mill. The saw-mills supplied abun-
dance of lumber for building purposes, and the few people here then
improved the opportunity by erecting frame dwellings; a few of the more
enterprising ones built frame barns, and several frame school houses were
built at that period. Still the people had to go a long distance to get their
grain made into flour and meal. About 1859 Mr. Green, with John
McConnell and Henry S. Myers, who had secured an interest in the Green
& Burnham saw-mill, met the desired want by attaching a flouring-mill to
their business. From that time onward the steam flour and saw-mill was
one of the busy places in the county. In 1866 the town of Louisville was
laid out and platted there by Nathaniel Hamlin. The mill was then owned
by Nathaniel Hamlin, George T. Poage and Levi Zaner. An attempt was
made that year to change the county seat to Louisville, which failed of suc-
cess. It continued to remain one of the best business points in the county
until the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad w^as put through from
Des Moines to Council Bluffs in 1868. That event supplied the county
with pine lumber, which was preferred rather than the native lumber for
building purposes. Tlie old mill had its day in the economy of developing
this part of the country, and passed away. Its old steam boiler broke
through the bridge at Panora, while being hauled away for old iron, and
was dumped into the Coon river, where it found a last resting place.
CHAPTER III.
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
John A. Kasson, Des Moines, 1863-7; Grenville M. Dodge, CounciL
Bluffs, i868'-9; Frank W. Palmer, Des Moines, 1870-3; James W. McDill,.
Afton, 1874-7; William F. Sapp, Council Bluffs, 1878-81; William P. Hep-
burn, Clarinda, 1882-3; William H. M. Pusey, Council Bluffs, 1884-5; Joseph
Lyman, Council Bluffs, 1886-9; Joseph R. Reed, Council Bluffs, 1890-1 ;.
Thomas Bowman, Council Bluffs, 1892-3; Alva L. Hager, Greenfield, 1894-9;.
Walter I. Smith, Council Bluffs, 1900-11; William R. Green, Audubon, 191 1;
to date. [
JUDGES OF THE DISTRICT COURT.
E. H. Sears. Sidney, 1855-8; John H. Gray, Des Moines, 1858-65;
Hugh W. Maxwell, Indianola, 1866-71 ; Joseph R. Reed, Council Bluffs,
1872-83; Charles F. Loofborough, Atlantic, 1884-89; James P. Conner,^
Denison, 1887-90; Andrew B. Thornell, Sidney, 1887 to date; Horace E.
Deemer, Red Oak, 1887-92; Nathan W. Macy, Harlan, 1889-1909; Walter.
I. Smith. Council Bluffs, 1891-1900; William R. Green, Audubon, 1895 — ;.
Orville D. Wheeler, Council Bluff's, 1899 to date; Eugene W. Woodruff ,j
Glenwood, 1909 to date; Thomas Arthur, Logan; Joseph B. Rockafellow,;
Atlantic, 19 13 to date.
JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT.
Frederick Mott, Winterset, 1868-71 ; Thomas R. Stockton, Sidney^
1872-75; Charles F. Loofborough, Atlantic, 1876-83; Joseph Lyman, Coun-
cil Bluff's, 1884; James P. Conner, Denison, 1885-6; George Carson, Council
Bluffs, 1887-90.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
George Cosson, from Audubon county, 191 1 to 1914.
64 . AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
STATE SENATORS (fROM AUDUBON COUNTY.)
Henry F. Andrews, i8'92-5 ; George Cosson, 1909-12.
REPRESENTATIVES IN LEGISLATURE.
Daniel M. Harris, 1860-1 ; John A. Hallock, 1878-9; Jacob A. Over-
holtzer, 1882-7; \\^illiam \\'alker, 1888-90; Albert L. Brooks. 1892-3; Marion
D. Reed, 1894-5; Abner H. Edwards, 1896-7; Thomas L. Kelly, 1898-9;
Asmus Boylen, 1900-3; David C. Mott, 1904-6; John C. Bonwell, 1907-10;
Ole H. Jacobsen, 1911-14; Otto Witthaiier, 191 5.
COUNTY JUDGES.
1855, Thomas S. Lewis; 1856-9. Daniel M. Harris; 1860-3, Appolonius
B. Houston; 1864-5, Isaac P. Hallock; 1866. John S. Jenkins; 1867, John R.
Thacker; 1868-9, Amherst Heath; 1869, Henry F. Andrews; 1869, Albert
I. Brainard. The office was abolished, to take effect December 31, 1869.
TREASURERS AND RECORDERS.
1855, ]\Iiles Beers; 1856-63, Nathaniel Hamlin; 1864-65, Carlos E.
Frost. The offices of treasurer and recorder were separated in 1864.
CLERKS OF COURT. ,
1855-6, John W. Beers; 1857-60, Franklin Burnham; 1861-2, Richard
Gault; 1863-4, John A. Hallock: 1865, George W. Cannon (A. B. Houston,
deputy); 1866-8, Albert L Brainard; 1869-70, John \V. Scott; 1871-2, H.
Ransford; 1873, Thomas Walker; 1873-8, Alonzo L. Campbell; 1879-84,
Frank P. Bradley; 1885-6, Robert J. Hunter; 1887-94, Charles H. Vail;
1895-6, Joseph F. Garnett, 1897-1900, Harry D. Woodward; 1901-4, Lester
J. Hill; 1905-8, Charles S. White; 1909-12, Lewis A. McGinnis; 1913 to
date, Frank AL Rice.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS.
1887-90, Henry W. Hanna ; 1891-4. Richard C. Carpenter; 1895-6,
William Wonn; 1897-8, Frank E. Brainard; 1899-1900, James M. Graham;
^ AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 65
1901-4, Fred H. Blume; 1905-6, George Cosson; 1907-8, James M. Graham;
1909-12, Halleck J. Mantz; 1913 to date, John A, Graham.
COUNTY AUDITORS.
1870-1, Albert I. Brainard; 1872-5, Hubert S. Wattles; 1876-81,
Thomas Walker; 1882-5, William F. Stotts; 1886-9, John H. Rendleman;
1890-2, Frank P. Rees ; 1893-6, John E. McGuire; 1897-8, Thomas Lohner;
1899-1904, August F. Greenwaldt; 1905-8, Orrin B. Train; 1909-10, Edward
B. Cousins; 191 1-4, Otto Witthauer; 1915, Harry A. Northup.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
1866-9, Appolonius B. Houston; 1870-3, Charles Van Gorder; 1874-7,
William F. Stotts; 1878-81, Daniel W. Harris; 1882-5, Ethelbert J. Free-
man; 1886-7, William F. Stotts; 1888-91, John B. Doak; 1892-3, John C.
Dawson; 1893 (October), John B. Doak; 1894-9, Lewis D. Phelps; 1900-7,
Charles E. Breniman; 1907-10, George E. Kellogg; 191 1-2, Howard E.
Kittell; 1913 to date, Martin E. Mortensen.
COUNTY RECORDERS.
1865-6, John Crane; 1867-8, Henry F. Andrews; 1869-70, William F.
Stotts; 1870-2, Alonzo L. Campbell; 1873-4, Emerson H. Kimball; 1875-6,
John S. Toft; 1877-80, John M. Crocker; 1881-4, Samuel P. Rhoades; 1885-
6, Otto Witthauer; 1887-90, Adelbert L. Weaver; 1891-4, Timothy H.
Beason; 1895-6, John H. Scott; 1897-1900, Martin N. Esbeck; 1901-4, O.
C. Donaldson; 1905-8, Ed Wood; 1909-12, Lars C. Christoffersen ; 1913 to
date, Clarice Oelke.
SHERIFFS.
1855-6, Benjamin M. Hiatt; 1857-9, Charles L. Chapin; 1860-3, Urbane
Herrick; 1864-5, Elam W. Pearl; 1866-7, Andrew J. Leffingwell; 1868-9,
John Huntley; 1870, Samuel R. Thomas; 1 870-1, Lysannius M. Anderson;
1872-5, John B. Counrardy; 1876-9, Joseph L. Stotts; 1880-5, Henry B.
Herbert, 1886-9, William Mallory; 1890-5, William S. Armstrong; 1896-9,
John H. Jones; 1900-3, Fern L. Anderson; 1904-8, William Northup; 1909-
12, Walkup M. Crees; 1913 to date, Charles Sunberg.
(5)
66 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. ,
SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS.
1859-60, Levi B. Montgomery; 1861-3, Robert N. Day; 1864-5, Boyn-
ton G. Dodge; 1866-7, Benjamin F. Thomas; 1868-9, Boynton G. Dodge;
1870-1, David B. Beers; 1872-3, John Hunter; 1874-5, Harmon G. Smith;
1876-7, Benjamin F. Thacker; 1878-9, Albert K. Brainard ; 1880-3, Robert
M. Carpenter; 1884-9, Charles F. Willcutt; 1890-7. David P. Repass;
1898-9, Robert C. Spencer; 1900-6, Arthur Farquhar; 1907 to date, Ella M.
Stearns.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
1855, John W. Beers; 1856-75, Peoria I. Whitted; 1876-7, Robert T.
Smart; 1878-9, Luther C. Frost; 1880-3, Hubert S. Wattles; 1884-5, Luther
C. Frost; 1886-7, Hubert S. Wattles; 1888-9, J^^li^is M. Hill; 1890-3, David
B. Beers; 1894-1906. Hubert S. Wattles; 1907, Peoria L Whitted; 1907-10,
Carl D. Forsbeck. The office was discontinued in 1910.
County engineer, Carl D. Forsbeck, 19 10 to date.
CORONERS.
1862, Albert L Brainard; 1885, James Holliday ; 1886-7, W. D. Black-
wood; 1880-9, Daniel G. Lass; 1890-1, Albert L. Brooks; 1892, John H.
Rippey; 1893, Christian Eger; 1894-9, William R. Koob; 1900-2, A. R.
Herseman; 1903-4. Charles W. Baker; 1905-8, Nels C. Jensen; 1909-14,
Arthur C. Harmon; 1915, John C. Newlon.
SOLDIER RELIEF COMMISSION.
Charles Van Gorder, Har])er W. \\'ilson and William H. Bowman.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
1861, Julius M. Hubbard; 1862, Boynton G. Dodge; 1863, Boynton G.
Dodge, Julius M. Hubbard, Carlos E. Frost; 1864, Boynton G. Dodge,
Joshua A. Pearl, Nathaniel Hamlin; 1865, Albert L Brainard, Joshua A.
Pearl, Nathaniel Hamlin; 1866, Isaac Y. D. Lewis, Stillman H. Perry,
Washington Bartlett ; 1867, Isaac V. D. Lewis, Stillman H. Perry, Washing-
ton Bartlett; 1868. Isaac Thomas, David L. Anderson, Washington Bartlett;
1869, Isaac Thomas, Jacob Andrews, Washington Bartlett; 1870, Isaac
Thomas, Jacob Andrews (resigned), Joshua A. Pearl; 1871, John \\\ Dodge,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 67
William H. H. Bowen, John T. Jenkins; 1872, John W. Dodge, William H.
H. Bowen, John Noon; 1873, John W. Dodge, Arthur L. Sanborn, John
Noon; 1874, Isaac Thomas, Arthur L. Sanborn, John Noon; 1875, Isaac
Thomas, Arthur h. Sanborn, John Noon ; 1876, Isaac Thomas, S. A. Miller,
John Noon; 1877, James Davis, S. A. Miller, John Noon; 1878, James Davis,
S. A. Miller, John T. Jenkins, 1879, James Davis, Samuel A. Graham, John
T. Jenkins; 1880, William E. Hensley, Samuel A. Graham, John T. Jenkins;
1881, William E. Hensley, Samuel A. Graham, Benjamin F. Jenkins.
Boynton G. Dodge appointed to fill vacancy; 1882, William E. Hensley,
Samuel A. Graham, Benjamin F. Jenkins (Jenkins died and Isaac P.
Hallock appointed to fill vacancy ) ; 1883, William E. Hensley, Samuel
A. Graham, Isaac P. Hallock; 1884, William E. Hensley, Samuel A.
Graham, Thomas J. Essington ; 1885, William E. Hensley, Sparks P.
Baker, Thomas J. Essington; 1886, George McCain, Sparks P. Baker,
Thomas J. Essington; 1887, George McCain, Sparks P. Baker. Jasper Jen-
sen ( McCain resigned and Andrew F. Armstrong appointed to fill vacancy) ;
1888, Andrew F. Armstrong, Samuel Minser, Jasper Jensen; 1889, Andrew
F. Armstrong, Samuel Minser, Jasper Jensen; 1890, Andrew F. Armstrong,
Samuel Minser, Philip Bickelhaupt; 1891, Andrew F. Armstrong, Oscar
Hunt, Philip Bickelhaupt; 1892, Peter Mathisen, Oscar Hunt, Philip Bickel-
haupt; 1893, Peter Mathisen, Oscar Hunt, David W. Mathias; 1894, Peter
Mathisen, Samuel F. Garmire, Daniel W. Mathias; 1895, Nels P. Hoegh,
Samuel F. Garmire, Daniel W. Mathias; 1896, Nels P. Hoegh, Samuel F.
Garmire, William D. Stanley; 1897, Nels P. Hoegh, Samuel F. Garmire,
William D. Stanley; 1898, Nels P. Hoegh, Samuel F. Garmire, William D
Stanley; 1899, Nels P. Hoegh, Samuel F. Garmire, Jerome Shingledecker ;
1900, Nels P. Hoegh, John C. Bonwell, Jerome Shingledecker; 1901, Nels
P. Hoegh, John C. Bonwell, Jerome Shingledecker; 1902, Nels P. Hoegh,
John C. Bonwell, Jerome Shingledecker; 1903, Nels P. Hoegh, John C. Bon-
well, Jerome Shingledecker; 1904, Nathaniel D. Hamlin, John C. Bonwell,
Jerome Shingledecker; 1905. Nathaniel D. Hamlin, John C. Bonwell, Fred
D. Searles ; 1906, Nathaniel D. Hamlin, John C. Bonwell, Fred D. Searles;
1907, Martin N. Esbeck, George M. Ross, Fred D. Searles; 1908, Martin N.
Esbeck, George M. Ross, Fred D. Searles; 1909, Martin N. Esbeck, George
M. Ross, Fred D. Searles; 1910, Samuel McGaffin, George M. Ross, Fred
D. Searles; 191 1, Samuel McGaffin, George M. Ross, Edwin F. Johnson;
1912, Samuel McGaffin, Daniel D. Sampson, Edwin F. Johnson; 1913, Riley
P. Clark, Daniel D. Sampson. Edwin F. Johnson; 1914, Riley P. Clark,
Daniel D. Sampson, Edwin F. Johnson; 1915, Riley P. Clark, Edwin F.
Johnson, Benjam.in J. Black.
CHAPTER IV.
SETTLEMENT OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
BEFORE THE SETTLEMENT.
There was very little evidence that white men had visited this vicinity
before Hamlin and Jenkins settled here in the year 185 1. Possibly, hunters
and trappers had been here; it would have been remarkable if they had not,
but, if so, they left little evidence of it.
When the Mormons abandoned Nauvoo, Illinois, many of them crossed
Iowa to Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, in the year 1846. Some of them
settled at Indian Town and Ironiston, west of Lewis, and also farther north
in Shelby and Harrison counties. There is still an early Mormon settle-
ment at Galland's Grove, in the northwest part of Shelby county.
One of the Mormon trails crossed Troublesome creek where Nathaniel
Hamlin settled, which, undoubtedly, was the cause that led to the selection
of his claim there. Another Mormon trail crossed this county near the site
of the present poor farm. It is supposed that the Mormons dropped the
seed there which gave the name to Blue Grass Grove and to the creek of the
same name. Still another Mormon trail crossed the county through the
north parts of Viola, Cameron and Lincoln townships. The last two named
trails would have been on the direct route from Nauvoo to Galland's Grove
and vicinity, where the Mormon's settled. None of them settled in this
county, except John S. Johnston, who came here in 1855 and who had been
a Mormon. The purpose of the Mormons was to continue their exodus
beyond the Missouri river. After going on to Utah, many of them became
disgusted with polygamy and returned to Shelby county and vicinity. While
enumerating the United States census in 1870, the writer found one of them
in Shelby county named Joseph Hancock, then seventy years of age, who
claimed to be a grandson of John Hancock, the patriot governor of Massa-
chusetts.
The United States government surveyors had been here and sur-
veyed the lines of township 78, in the year 1849. Possibly Hamlin and
Jenkins had found some of the posts of that survey and the first settlers
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 69
may have selected their claims from that survey. It is certain that HamHn,
Jenkins, Decker, Powell, Mrs. Hoggard and Doctor Ballard selected their
claims nearly conformable to the section lines as afterwards surveyed.
FIRST SETTLEMENT.
Early in 1851, Nathaniel Hamlin, James Hamlin, William Powell,.
David Edgerton and Samuel Ogden went from Mahaska county to Kanes-
ville, now Council Bluffs, Iowa, then a new Mormon settlement. Nathaniel
Hamlin then lived in the extreme northwest part of Mahaska county. It is
supposed their route was through Marion, Warren, Madison, Adair, Cass
and Pottawattamie counties. They were in quest of new homes, and, after
reaching Kanesville, they traveled up the east side of the Missouri river, but,
not finding desirable locations, decided to return. In their exodus from
Nauvoo, Illinois, to western Iowa, the Mormons had made what were called
Mormon trails. One of those trails was taken on their return from Kanes-
ville and was followed back to the Nishna Botna river near Lewis, Iowa,
thence up the river and up Troublesome creeek, where they made a crossing.
The water was high and they first crossed the creek, one at a time, in a feed
box taken from off the wagon, and camped where Nathaniel afterward settled.
It was in the month of March, 185 1. Possibly the}^ had learned from the
Mormons of the fine, valuable groves of timber in this vicinity, and they
may have discovered some of the government surveyor's work on the new
township lines, which induced them to afterwards settle here ; but they do
not appear to have then discovered the "Big Grove" on the Nishna Botna,
The locality pleased Nathaniel Hamlin and he staked off a claim adja-
cent to the Mormon trail, where he decided to make his future home. This
was the initial act of the first settlement of the county. At that time there
was not a white settler within twenty miles of the spot selected by Mr. Ham-
lin. The party returned to Mahaska county, and Mr. Hamlin made prepara-
tions for his removal to his claim. Taking- his eldest child, Marv--, ten years
of age, leaving the remainder of the family behind, they, with seven yoke of
work oxen, wagon, implements and tools for labor and provisions, started
for his distant claim amongst the wild animals and wilder men. He was
accompanied by his brother, William P. Hamlin, and Philip Arthur Decker,
without their families, and by the brother-in-law and sister-in-law of Decker,
John and Betsey Ann Hoggard, young unmarried people. When they reached
Winterset, Iowa, they met and made the acquaintance of John S. Jenkins and
family, composed of his wife, Malinda, and children, Benjamin, John, Sarah,
70 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Isaac, Harriet and George, who were traveling westward in search of a new
home. Mr. HamHn told Jenkins about this place, its beautiful, fertile soil,
and noble groves of timber, and invited him to come and view it himself.
Mr. Jenkins decided to do so. On May 6 the little colony, with stout hearts,
willing hands and a hopeful future, reached the claim of Mr. Hamlin and
the first permanent settlement of Audubon county was an accomplished fact.
Isaac Jenkins once told the writer that he was then a small lad (about
eight years old) and that the next morning after their arrival, "Uncle Natty"
commenced cutting logs for his cabin, and that he, Isaac, hauled them together
with his father's yoke of stags, called "Buck" and "Brandy." x\fter erect-
ing his log cabin, with Mary to drive the team, Mr. Hamlin broke out forty
acres of prairie land, which he planted in sod corn, and amongst which
he sowed seven acres of buckwheat and planted some potatoes and turnips.
The land was not then surveyed, but Mr. Hamlin's claim afterward proved to
be situated in section 35, in what is now Exira township, a selection of first-
class prairie and timber land. To this he afterward added many other acres.
We are indebted to John T. Jenkins, Esq., of Brayton, the only survivor
of the Jenkins family, for some facts concerning the first settlement. He
says that when they arrived at Hamlin's claim. Troublesome creek was over-
flowing its banks. The next morning his father felled and lodged a tree
against another tree on the opposite bank and "crooned over" on the fallen
tree. His horse was led with a long rope and swam the river. Then he
mounted his horse and rode over to where the town of Oakfield is now situ-
ated and selected a claim for his home at the "big spring" in the timber, in
section 20, now in Exira township. To mark the site of his claim, he blazed
a basswood tree and wrote on it: "This is my claim."
Mr. Decker selected a claim in section 17, now in Exira township, where
Boy Herrick now resides. The Hoggards settled in section 26, where Isaac
Lewis afterward resided many years. William P. Hamlin immediately set-
tled in section 6, in what is now Benton township, Cass county, at the same
place afterward occupied many years by Almond Goodale. Later, Mr. Ham-
lin settled on Buck creek, in Cass county, afterward known as the Barney
Harris place. In i860 he moved to Exira, where he lived many years. W^ill-
iam Powell came the same year and settled in section 3, where Ad. Seibert
now lives.
An important addition to the new settlement, the same year, w^as Dr.
Samuel M. Ballard, a wealthy man for that period, and a physician. -then
residing at Iowa City. I was often entertained years ago by his graphic
recitals of earlv times and events in this countv. He was a rare storv teller.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 7 1
One event in connection with the early settlement is particularly apropos — •
his first meeting with "Uncle" John Jenkins. The doctor said that he had
heard of the fine land and timber on the Botna river in this county and decided
to examine it personally. He had also heard of the settlement here of Mr.
Jenkins, and, securing direction as to his place of abode, started afoot and
alone from Lewis to find the place. After traveling many miles, he reached
the foot of the hill south of the present town of Oakfield and supposed he
was near the place sought, and there discovered a new path leading north
into the timber. Soon he saw some white children, who fled at his approach.
Continuing his way, he soon met a man with a rifle, who demanded of him :
"Are you for peace, or are you for war?" "I replied," said the doctor, " 'I
feel very peaceful at this time, and I have been traveling since morning and
am getting hungry. I am wanting to find a man named Jenkins, who I sup-
pose lives somewhere in this vicinity.' " The doctor introduced himself, and
Mr. Jenkins invited him to his cabin and provided refreshments. Then the
doctor explained the object of his visit; that he was seeking a tract of prairie
and timber land for himself, and that what he had seen suited him if he could
secure it. ]\Ir. Jenkins informed him that the rules of the Settlers' Club
provided that no individual could take a claim for more than one hundred
and sixty acres of land. But the doctor expressed a desire to obtain a greater
amount. At that period the government land was not in market and had not
been surveyed. The settlers were clubbed together to make rules and regula-
tions regarding individual claims and for mutually protecting them. The
doctor suggested the advisability of having a physician in the settlement, also
the propriety of having a man possessed of wealth among them to assist in
developing the country, etc. And he told the story of a once famous doctor,
who, on sending his pupil out to practice medicine on his own account, gave
this advice: "If you shall ever discover in your practice that you can do
the patient no good, be sure that you do no harm." The story is too long
and too awfully funny to relate here. But the doctor averred that if he did
settle here he would endeavor to do the people no harm. The subject was
discussed among the few settlers, who consented to make an exception in the
case of Doctor Ballard and to allow him to select his claim as proposed, and
to protect him in it. The result was that he secured the beautiful tracts of
prairie and timber lands since known as the Ballard estate in Exira and Oak-
field townships and adjoining in Cass county.
John M. Donnel came in 185 1, or soon after, and lived in the vicinity
of Hamlin's Grove many years. He drove the mail hack in early days from
the east to Hamlin's Grove.
•^2 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
After Mr. Hamlin had finished his breaking and put in his crops, he
returned to Mahaska county, closed out his business there and returned with
his family, consisting of his wife, Margaret (Aunt Peggy), and children,
Mary, Hannah, Rose, Melinda and W. Allan. They arrived here on Septem-
ber 13, 185 1. With them came the widow Hoggard, the mother of John and
Betsey Ann, and the wife of Philip Arthur Decker. Probably John Hog-
gard and Decker went back to Mahaska county for their people with Mr.
Hamlin. Benjamin and Isaac Jenkins went back with an ox team at or
about the same time, to move the family of William P. Hamlin to Cass
county.
There has been contention as to who was the first settler, Nathaniel
Hamlin or John S. Jenkins. The honors are easy. Hamlin was here and
made his claim in March, 1851, and followed it by actual settlement on May
6, 185 1. He built the first cabin and broke out his land the same season and
his family came on September 13, 1852. Jenkins came May 6, 1851, and
decided to settle and made his claim not earlier than May 7. His family
came with him, so they were actually the first family settled in the county.
Hamlin himself must be held to be the first actual settler here.
SETTLERS WHO CAME BEFORE 1861.
The following is the list of settlers who came to Audubon county before
1861, with places of residence and dates of settlement: David L. Anderson
and family, Exira, 1855; William S. Anderson, Exira, 1855; Lysanius M.
Anderson, Exira, 1855; John A. Anderson, Exira, 1855; Samuel Anderson,
Exira, 1855; Adelbert Anderson, Exira, 1855; Norman Archer and family,
Oaklield, 1855; W. Herbert Archer, Oakfield, 1855; Thomas Archer, Oak-
field, 1855; Alonzo N. Arnold and wife, Oakfield, 1855; Rev. Baker and
family, Dayton, 1855; Dr. Samuel M. Ballard, Oakfield, 1851; Osceola R.
Ballard, Oakfield, 1852; Byron Ballard, Oakfield, 1852; William F. Ballard
and family, Oakfield, 1855; Darius Barlow and wife, Exira, 1857; Peter B.
Barlow, Oakfield, ; Washington Bartlett, Oakfield, 1856; Lee L. Bart-
lett, Oakfield, 1857; Hiram M. Beck and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1856; Will-
iam P. Beck, Hamlin's Grove, 1856; Miles Beers and family, Oakfield, 1854;
John W. Beers, Oakfield, 1854; David B. Beers, Oakfield, 1854; Bradley
Beers and family, Oakfield, 1857; Avery Belcher, Hamlin's Grove, 1857;
James W. Benedict and family, Dayton, 1855; Elijah Birge and family.
Troublesome, 1856; James M. Blackmar and family, Exira, 1857; William
H. H. Bowen and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1853; John Bowen, Hamlin's
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. J-^
Grove, 1853; Hugh L. Bowen, Hamlin's Grove, 1853; Erasmus D. Bradley
and family, Oakfield, 1855; Albert I. Brainard and family, Exira, i860;
J. C. Brown, Hamlin's Grove, i860; James M. Brown and family, Oakfield,
1856; Franklin Biirnham and family. Big Grove, 1856; Silas D. Burns, Oak-
field, i860; John D. Bush, Exira, 1856; Deacon Lyman Bush, Exira, 1857;
Mrs. Mary Bush (wife), Exira, 1858; William S. Bush and family, Exira,
1858; Mrs. Maria D. Butler, Oakfield, i860; John Calder, Hamlin's Grove,
1854; George Calder, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Stephen T. Campbell and fam-
ily, Oakfield, about 1855-56; George W. Cannon, Hamlin's Grove, 1855;
Reuben Carpenter and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1852; William Carpenter,
Hamhn's Grove, 1852; Elijah Carpenter, Hamlin's Grove, 1852; George Car-
penter, Hamlin's Grove, 1852; John Carpenter, Hamlin's Grove, 1852; Henry
Carpenter, Hamlin's Grove, 1852; David A. Carpenter, Hamlin's Grove, 1852;
W. S. Carter, Big Grove, 1855; Charles L. Chapin and family, Big Grove,
1856; John Countryman and family. Troublesome, 1852; Daniel Crane and
family, Exira, 1855; John Crane, Exira, 1855; VanBeuren Crane, Exira,
1855; John W. Davis, Exira, i860; Robert N. Day and family, Oakfield,
1857; Stephen Deborde, David's Creek, before 1856; Philip A. Decker and
family. Big Grove, 185 1 ; Boynton G. Dodge and family, Exira, 1856; John
W. Dodge, Exira, 1856; James B. Donnel, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; James
H. Donnel, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; John M. Donnel, Hamlin's Grove, 185 1;
Henry T. Eagan, Hamlin's Grove, 1855; James Eagan, Hamlin's Grove,
1855; Samuel Eagan, Hamlin's Grove, 1855; Leonard Earley and family,
Exira, 1859; Joseph Eaton, Big Grove, 1856; Alfred Eddy, Big Grove, 1856;
David Edgerton and family, Exira, 1852; Zel Edgerton, Exira, 1857; Will-
iam B. Felch and family, Exira, after 1856; J. Lyman Frost, Hamlin's Grove,
1853; Carlos E. Frost and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1853; Mr. Gage, Exira,
1853; Richard Gault, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Dawson Glasgow and family,
Hamlin's Grove, 1856; Edward Gingery, Oakfield, 1855; A. M. Graves, Oak-
field, about 1856; Howard J. Green and family. Big Grove, 1855; Isaac P.
Hallock, Sr., and family, Oakfield, 1856; Richard S. Hallock and family,
Oakfield, 1856; John A. Hallock, Oakfield, 1856; Isaac P. Hallock, Jr., Oak-
field, 1856; Nathaniel Hamlin and family, Hamlin's Grove, 185 1 ; William P.
Hamlin and family, Exira, i860; John Hammer, Exira, i860; Andrew M.
Hardy and family. Big Grove, 1859; George W. Hardy, Big Grove, 1859;
Daniel M. Harris and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; William J. Harris,
Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Daniel W. Harris, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Asa Has-
kins, Exira, 1857; Amherst Heath and family, Oakfield, 1857; Hiram Heath
and family, Oakfield, 1857; Mark Heath and family, Oakfield, 1852; Milton
74 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Heath and family, Oakfield, 1852; Hiram Heath 2d, Oakfield, 1852; Alvin
Herrick and family, Big Grove, 1853 ; Urbane Herrick and family, Big Grove,
1853; Edson Herrick, Big Grove, 1854; Augustus C. Herrick, Big
Grove, 1854; Coit Herrick, Big Grove, 1854; Curtis Herrick, Big Grove, 1854;
Elisha D. Herrick, Big Grove, 1854; Emerson Herrick, Big Grove, 1854; Jud-
son D. Herrick, Big Grove. 1854; Benjamin M. Hyatt and family, Oakfield,
1852; William H. Hyatt, Oakfield, 1852; Alexander High, Oakfield, about
1855; Franklin Hobbs, Exira. 1855; Mercy Hobbs (wife), Exira, 1856;
Moses Hockman, Hamlin's Grove, 1855; Samuel Hockman, Hamlin's Grove,
1855; Mrs. Hoggard, Hamlin's Grove, 1851 ; Betsey A. Hoggard, Hamlin's
Grove, 1851; John Hoggard, Hamlin's Grove, 1851; William Holcraft,
Troublesome, 1855; Samuel B. Hopkins and family, Oakfield, 1853; A. B.
Houston and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1856; Henry B. Houston, Hamlin's
Grove, 1856; Oswold J. Houston, Hamlin's Grove, 1856; Samuel Howlett and
family, Oakfield, i860; James Howlett and family. Oakfield, i860; Samuel
Howlett, Jr.. Oakfield, i860; Samuel Howlett, 3d, Oakfield, i860; Lambert
Howlett, Oakfield, i860; Julius M. Hubbard and family, Oakfield, 1857; Lud-
wig Hummel and wife. Troublesome, before 1857; Walter J. Jardine and
family. Big Grove, 1853; Lyman Jardine, Big Grove, 1853; John S. Jenkins
and family. Oakfield, 1851 ; Benjamin F. Jenkins, Oakfield, 1851 ; John T. Jen-
kins, Oakfield, 1851; Isaac H. Jenkins, Oakfield, 1851; George Jenkins,
Oakfield, 185 1; Samuel Johnson, Exira, 1856; John S. Johnston and fam-
ily. Big Grove, 1855; Giles N. Jones and family, Oakfield, 1856; James M.
Jones and family, Oakfield, 1856; Orlin E. Jones, Oakfield, 1856; George L.
Kellogg, Big Grove, 1856; Charles Kemp, Big Grove, 1856; Reuben C. Ken-
yon, Exira, 1855; Alexander Kincaid and family. Big Grove, 1855; James
Kincaid and family. Big Grove, 1855; Henry K. Kincaid, Big Grove, 1855;
Joseph S. Kirk and family. Big Grove, 1855; Andrew J. Lefifingwell and
family, Big Grove, i860; Horace F. Leffingwell and family. Big Grove, 1856;
William Leffingwell, Big Grove, 1856; Mrs. Sarah G. Lewis, Hamlin's Grove,
1854; Richard M. Lewis and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Thomas S.
Lewis and family, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Isaac V. D. Lewis and family,
Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Charles E. Marsh, Hamlin's Grove, 1855; Walter
Marsh, Hamlin's Grove, 1855; John McConnell, Big Grove, 1856; Allen
McDonnel, Troublesome, 1855; Rev. Richard C. Meek and wife. Big Grove,
1855; Bryant Milliman and wife, Exira, 1854; Levi B. Montgomery and fam-
ily, Exira, 1856; William N. Montgomery, 1856; George S. Montgomery,
Exira, 1856; John W. Montgomery, Exira, 1856; Joel B. Montgomery,
Exira, 1856; Eli Montgomery, Exira, 1856; Levi J. Montgomery, Exira,
AUDUBO-N COUNTY, IOWA. 75
1856; James Mounts, Big Grove, 1855; Henry S. Myers, Big Grove,
about 1859; William N. Nelson, Exira, 1856; Mrs. Margaret Nelson,
Exira, 1857; William C. Norton and family, Oakfield, 1856; John C.
Norton, Oaktield, 1856; Charles H. Norton, Oakfield, 1856; Robert A.
Oliphant, Hamlin's Grove, 1854; Ozro Othout, Oakfield, 1856; William
Pangburn, Exira, 1859; Dennis Parmeley and family, Troublesome,
1854; Richard E. Parmeley, Troublesome, 1854; Lemuel Parmeley,
Troublesome, 1854; John Patterson and family. Big Grove, 1856; James
Patterson, Big Grove, 1856; Elam W. Pearl, Oakfield, 1857; Joshua A.
Pearl, Oakfield, 1857; Hiram Perkins, Exira, 1855; Stillman H. Perry and
family, Exira, 1859; Zelotes A. Phelpes, Troublesome, about 1856; James
B. Pixler, Audubon township, 1859; James Poor, Hamlin's Grove, 1857;
Joseph Porter and family, Oakfield, after 1856; William Powell and fam-
ily, Exira, 185 1; W. Scott Rice, Oakfield, i860; Robert Robinson and fam-
ily, Exira, 1859; William Robinson, Exira, 1859; James Robinson, Exira,
1859; John Robinson, Exira, 1859; Hamilton Robinson, Exira, 1859; Lewis
Robinson, Exira, 1859; Palmer Rogers and family, Exira, 1856; Thomas
T. Rogers and family, Oakfield, 1857; Meridith Rowland, Big Grove, 1857;
Thomas A. Rowland, Oakfi.eld, 1856; Michael Scharff, Hamlin's Grove,
1855; John Seiford and family, Big Grove, 1853; Harry D. Shelley, Oak-
field, i860; William Shirley, Big Grove, 1854; Reverend Spooner, Big
Grove, i860; Brad. Spurling, Exira, 1853; George W. Sharp and family,
Exira, 1856; Samuel Smith and family, Oakfield, 1854; William F. Smith,
Oakfield, 1854; James S. Smith, Oakfield, 1854; John E. Smith, Oakfield,
1854; Samuel Smith, Jr., Oakfield, 1854; Samuel Smith, David's Creek, 1856;
Hendrick R. Smith, David's Creek, 1856; William E. E. Smith, David's
Creek, 1856; Andrew Smith, David's Creek, 1856; Oliver Smith, Trouble-
some, 1858-9; Robert Stansberry and family, Big Grove, 1854; William
B. Stone, Big Grove, 1853; Colbert Strahl and family, Oakfield, 1855;
Barzilla Sylvester, Exira, 1856; George W. Taylor and family. Big Grove,
1855; John R. Thacker and family. Big Grove, 1856; Isaac Thomas, Ham-
lin's Grove, i860; William Thompson and family, Exira, 1856; Thomas
Truman, Exira, 1858-9; Charles Van Gorder, Exira, i860; John J. Van
Houghton, Hamlin's Grove, i860; Asahel Wakeman, i860; Wilham
Walker, Troublesome, 1855; Chauncey E. Ward, Big Grove, 1856;
C. Dwight West, Big Grove, 1854; Peoria L Whitted, Hamlin's Grove,
1853 .• William Wiggins and family. Big Grove, 1855; Nathaniel Wiggins
and family, Big Grove, 1855; Charles Wiggins, Big Grove, about i860;
Whitman Wilcox and family, Hamlin's Grove, after 1856; John Wilcox,
76 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Hamlin's Grove, after 1856; Mr. Wilkins, , ; Mr. Wilkin-
son, , 1853; Joseph J. Williams and family, Brushy, 1859; George
Wire, , 1855; George Wise and family, Oakfield, 1855.
In some instances in the foregoing list, the dates of settlement are
given as before the respective towns were actually laid out and platted. In
such instances, the intention is to say that the parties settled at or near where
these towns were afterward located, respectively.
The following is a list of old settlers who came before 1861 and now
reside here, with places of residence and dates of settlement: Lysanius M.
Anderson, Audubon, 1855; Mrs. Nettie Bartlett, Hamlin township, 1855;
David B. Beers, Brayton, 1854; Frank Beers, Greely township, 1857; ^^s.
Mary I. Crane, Exira, 1854; Arthur Dodge, Hamlin township, 1855; Mrs.
Catherine L. Gearheart, Brayton, 1857; Mrs. Hannah M. Hawk, Exira,
1851; Hiram Heath, Exira, 1852; Lewis C. Heath, Brayton, 1857; Judson
D. Herrick, Exira, 1854; Mrs. Mary B. Hicks, Exira, 1856; John T. Jenkins,
Brayton, 1851 ; Mrs. Darthula Jenkins, Brayton, 1857; Irving Jones, Exira
township, 1856; George Leffingwell, West Exira, i860; Elbert M. Lewis,
Exira township, 185 ; Isaac V. D. Lewis, Exira township, 1854; Mrs. Jane
Milliman, Exira, 1854; William H. Milhman, Exira, 1855; Mrs. MaHnda
C. Radcliff, Exira township, 185 1; Horatio W. Rogers, Exira township,
1857; Hendrick R. Smith, Exira, 1856; Mrs. Ella M. Temple, Exira town-
ship, 185 ; Charles Van Gorder, Audubon, i860; C. Dwight West, Hamlin
township, 1854; Mrs. Louisa C. Whitted, Exira, 1856.
THE HOMESTEADERS.
The "homestead"' excitement of 1870 to 1880 was an era which brought
many new people to Audubon county, who would not otherwise have settled
here. The facts were substantially these : The title to the lands afterwards
mebraced in Iowa, was vested in the United States by the Louisiana Pur-
chase from France in 1803, and so remained when Iowa was admitted a
state in 1845, except a few small grants, notably Dubuque, etc., made by
Spain before the Louisiana Purchase.
In 1856 Congress granted large amounts of land in Iowa to aid in the
construction of railroads. One of those grants was for a railroad from
Davenport to Council Bluffs, made to the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad
Company. It gave to the company all land not then already disposed of,
in odd numbered sections on each side of the proposed route for six miles, or
not to exceed fifteen miles. The grant was in the nature of a float, the title not
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 77
fully vested, but conditioned upon future acts of the government, and of
their compliance by the proposed railroad company. The principal require-
ments were the survey of the proposed route, the selection of their lands,
and the building of the road. The survey was soon made by Granville M.
Dodge, of Council Bluffs, who is still living, and passed through the town of
Exira. It was called the Dodge survey. The lands were promptly selected
in conformity with the survey. Afterwards, the rights of the Mississippi &
Missouri Company were transferred to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad Company. A new survey was made, deflecting south from the
original line, the new line running from what is now the town of Adair, by
way of what is now Atlantic, thence on to Council Bluffs. The new line was
about thirteen miles south of Exira. A new and additional grant of land
was made by Congress to further aid in construction of the road, giving to
the company all lands not previously disposed of, for twenty miles on each
side of the route.
The railroad was completed through to Council Bluffs on the new route
in 1869, and the lands were certified by the government to the company in
conformity with the grants.
It was disclosed by the survey and selection of the lands, that most of
the government lands across Iowa along the route of the proposed road, had
already been disposed of at the time the grants were made. The bulk of
the lands actually selected for the company were found to be located in
Audubon and Shelby counties.
About 1870, a lawyer, named Joseph A. Straight, a pleasant, accom-
plished gentleman, located at Exira. He conceived the opinion that the
Chicago, Rock -Island & Pacific Railroad Company had forfeited its right to
the grants in question in so far as they related to lands lying more than twenty
miles from the line of the road as actually constructed. His opinion was
promulgated and caught like wildfire; people here and from abroad adopted
and acted upon it, and by the hundreds rushed to secure the unoccupied
railroad lands as homesteads. They settled and built upon the lands and
proceeded to improve and convert them into farms and homes. It was
the prominent theme of business in the northern portion of the county for
several years. Actions were brought against the so-called "homesteaders"
to eject them from the lands. George W. Capron came here from Illinois,
bought land from the railroad company, partially improved and built a house
upon it, then sold the house which was removed, and returned to Illinois.
Three forty-acre tracts of his land were settled on by William Emery, H. P.
Emery and Robert Campbell, respectively, who sought to hold the lands as
78 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
homesteads. Here was a dilemma. Capron did not desire to lose his prop-
erty and could not recover his purchase money from the railroad company
until he was legally ousted from the land. So he reluctantly brought actions
in 1874 against each of the parties to eject them from his lands. The case
of George W. Capron vs. William Emery involved the title to the south-
west quarter of the southwest quarter of section 27, township 80, range 35,
and was the first of the many homestead cases. It was tried by a jury,
before Hon. T. R. Stockton, circuit judge, and decree was entered for
plaintiff, October i, 1874. The other two cases were decided in favor of
plaintiff. H. F. Andrews was attorney for plaintiff, assisted by Thomas S.
Wright on behalf of the railroad company. Charles D. Gray was attorney
for defendants.
The contention of plaintiff' in these cases was that the conditions in the
grants to the railroad company, which had not been actually performed by
the company, had been waived by implication by the government, and that
the title to the lands had fully vested in the railroad company before the
attempted homestead entries.
A large number of ejectment suits were afterwards maintained against
the homesteaders by the railroad company. None of the homestead claim-
ants were successful, but they caused a world of trouble and unsettled the
title to the railroad lands for several years. A large number of claimants
were forcibly ejected and removed from the lands by the sheriff, who set
out their property and household effects into the public highway. Some of
the claimants yielded, compromised and bought their lands from the railroad
company.
Joseph Tharnish was the first homestead settler on Blue Grass creek
about 1871. His claim included part of the present site of the town of
Audubon.
These affairs engendered much bitterness against the railroad company;
but, on the whole, the contentions were conducted with decorum. Happily,
the whole of that unpleasantness has_long since vanished.
FIRST EVENTS.
First Settlers: Xatbaniel Hamlin, May 6, 1851 ; John S. Jenkins and
family, May 6, 1851 ; Philip A. Decker, May 6, 185 1 ; John Hoggard, May 6,
1851 ; Betsey A. Hoggard, May 6, 1851.
First log cabin, Nathaniel Hamlin, May 7, 1851; first birth, child of
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 79
Philip A. Decker, December, 1851: first death, Mrs. PhiHp A. Decker,
December. 185 1; first physician, Samuel M. Ballard, 185 1; first saw-mill,
John Countryman, 1852-3; first frame building, John Countryman, 1852-3;
first postmaster. Nathaniel Hamlin, December 5, 1853; first lawyer, Daniel
M. Harris, 1854; first school house, private, Hamlin & Harris, 1854; first
school teacher, Ellen Northgraves, 1854; first blacksmith. Charles Marsh,
1855; first store. Erasmus D. Bradley, Oakfield, 1855; first election, April 2,
1855 ; first town platted, Dayton, July 9, 1855 ; first term of court, November,
1855; first marriage, George L. Kellogg and Susannah Kenyon, April 16.
1856; first shoemaker, John S. Johnston, 1856; first steam-mills, Green,
Chapin & Burnham and Samuel M. Ballard. 1856; first public
school house, Hamlin's, 1856; first Fourth of July celebration, 1856;
first brick-makers. James Poor. Avery Belcher, Thomas Stevens, 1857-8;
first county fair, 1859; first newspaper, Audubon County Pioneer, J. C.
Brown and John J. A^an Houghton, i860; first hotel. Palmer Rogers, Exira.
1858; first harnessmaker, David E. Soar, Exira, 1866; first church edifice,
Exira, 1870; first brick building, H. F. Andrews, Exira, 1873; first pool hall,
John Hilton, Exira, 1874-5; first Imnk, Charles Van Gorder, Exira, 1876;
first notary public, Alonzo N. Arnold, Oakfield, 1855.
EARLY MARRIAGES.
George L. Kellogg and Susannah Kenyon, April 16, 1856; William
Carpenter and Martha H. Johnson, June 22, 1856; Barzilla Sylvester and
Beulah Thacker, April 13, 1857; William Walker and Nancy J. Bowen,
February iS, 1858; Charles E. Marsh and Elizabeth Millholland, November
28, 1858; Lee L. Bartlett and Sarah B. Jenkins, 1859; John C. Morrison and
Margaret L Robinson, December 15. 1859; John Crane and Mary L Harris,.
December 24, 1859; John A. Hallock and Katherine Crane, January 30,
i860; Peoria I. Whitted and Louisa C. Montgomery, February 28, i860;
John W. Dodge and Eliza Smith, March 12, i860; William Queery and
Sarah E. Firk, March 13, i860; Isaac Thomas and Mary M. Hamlin, March
14, i860; Thomas A. Rowland and Melvina C. Lewis, March 16, i860;
Richard Gault and Mary L. Herrick, May i, i860; George H. Calder and
Judith A. Howlett, April 14, 1861 ; Elam W. Pearl and Sarah F. Norton,
April 23, t86i ; Thomas W. Osborn and Lucy Dungan, May 5, 1861 ; James
B. Root and Martha L Donnel, October 19, 1861 ; Luke Imus and Caroline
Parmley, December 12, 1861 ; Richard F. Parmeley and Mary E. Johnston,
8o AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
August 26, 1862; Avery Belcher and Thersa Earley, March 14, 1863; OHver
Smith and Emily J. Beers, March 20, 1864; Christian J. Wyland and Amanda
H. Dunington, April 11, 1864; James A. Poage and Priscilla J. Hopkins,
July 28, 1864; George W. Cannon and Harriet Jenkins, September 27, 1864;
Samuel Howlett and Mary E. Brown, October 27, 1864; W. A. Ellis and
Caroline Earley, January 9, 1865; John T. Jenkins and Darthula Rogers,
January 19, 1865; Chauncey E. Ward and Maria A. Bowdish, February i,
1865; Washington M. Harmison and Sarah M. Bailey, March 7, 1865;
Franklin Salter and Mary A. Crane, August 27, 1865 ; Joseph Dungan and
Alice Carley, October 8, 1865; Jacob Lawrence and Martha Wilson, Novem^
ber 28, 1865; George Lawrence and Mary E. Wilson, November 28, 1865?
William Bice and Susan Wilson, December 6, 1865; Robert A. Oliphant and'
Mrs. Sarah M. Harmison, January i, 1866; Abram Van Winkle and Harriet
Schultz, April 18, 1866; Charles H. Norton and Charlotte Howlett, April
29, 1866; Charles E. Hawk and Hannah M. Hamlin, May 20, 1866; Xerxes
Knox and Nancy C. Smith, July 29, 1866; Judson D. Herrick and Mrs.
Louisa Strickland, November 8, 1866; Jaynes Robinson and Mary Heuthern,
December 30, 1866; George Gingery and Virginia Goodale, February 2,
1867 ; William Radcliff and INIalinda C. Hamlin, February 28, 1867; Ayers
D. Martin and Sarah L. Whitney, March 3, 1867; George W. Bowdish and
Ellen Clark, April 28, 1867; N. C. Maffitt and Josephine Lewis, June 3, 1867;.
James Luckenbill and Sarah A. Carpenter, June 19, 1867; J. H. Harrington
and Maggie M. Montgomery, June 31, 1867; Joel H. Basham and Melissa
Hallock, July 2, 1867; A^incent Bateham and Maria Paige, September 'j
1867; John C. Donnel and Hattie M. Donner, September 28, 1867; Edward
Calph and Martha J. Hamlin, November 17, 1867; Henry Decker and Mary
Wilson, December 25, 1867; John C. Norton and Susie M. Ostrander, Febru-
ary I, 1868; Isaac H. Jenkins and Clarissa W. Chase, March 15, 1868;
Henry D. Martin and Eliza V. Reynolds, March 28, 1868; Hugh E. McNutb
and Sarah A. Griffin, March 28, 1868; Joseph Walker and Juliet F. Bowen,
April 19, 1868; Isaac P. Hallock and Malinda A. Norton, May 10, 1868;
Samuel Smith and IMrs. Louann Bailey, June i, 1868; Henry T. Egan and
Mary A. Reynolds, July 6, 1868: David E. Soar and Rebecca N. Harris, July
17, 1868; Lysannius M. Anderson and Tryphenia Hopkins, November 12,
1868; Samuel F. Donnel and Mrs. Tamzey Flora, November 15, 1868; G. R.
Trowbridge and Elizabeth J. Hamlin, November 19, 1868; Adam B. Griffin,
and Sarah A. Wiggins, November 26, 1868; Daniel Heald and Mary J.
\\'ood, December 29, 1868.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 8l
FIRST SETTLERS IN THE SEVERAL TOWNSHIPS.
Exira, Nathaniel Hamlin and John T. S. Jenkins, 1851; Oakfield, Dr.
Samuel M. Ballard, 185 1; Hamlin, Hiram Perkins, 1855; Audubon, Daniel
M. Harris, 1856; Greeley, Samuel Smith, 1856; Viola, Joseph J. Williams,
1859; Leroy, Darius Barlow, 1863; Cameron, Robert Gunn, 1868; Douglas,
Thomas J. Ellsberry, 1870; Melville, Benjamin F. Miller, 1869; Lincoln,
Isaac K. Johnson, 1871.
(6)
CHAPTER V.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
THE HAMLINS.
The ancestry of the HamHn family beyond a certain hmit is unknown.
Nathaniel Hamlin, our first settler, supposed they were English, which is
probably true. It is an old English name, as early as the Norman conquest,
1066. Several of the names were among the very early settlers of New
England. Monmouth and other places in New- Jersey were settled by colon-
ists from New^ England before 1700. The discovery of Hamlins in New
Jersey at that period suggests their emigration from New England.
A man named Hamlin, perhaps John, lived in Suffolk county, New-
Jersey, as appears from the records of birthplaces of his children. He was
twice married and probably died in New Jersey. His children l)y his first
wife were: Nathaniel, who built the first house in Columbus, Ohio; John,
who is referred to in the following paragraph; Richard, who went to Ver-
mont. By a second wife, there were two children, James, who settled in
Lewis county, Kentucky, and a daughter.
John Hamlin, son of John ( ?) above named, was born in Huntington,
New Jersey, July 2, 1759, and married Mrs. Rosannah (Hayes) Lard,
widows of James Lard. By a former husband she had a son. James, wdio
was adopted by Mr. Hamlin. They moved to XVashington county. Penn-
sylvania; thence to Delaware county, Ohio. The journey was by flatboat
down the Ohio river. Later they lived at the Salt Licks, Lewis county,-
Kentucky. He was a Revolutionary soldier from Sussex county. New Jer-
sey: Private in Captain Hulick's company under General Dickensen, one
month, 1776; private in Captain Benjamin McCullough's company, under
General Dickensen, three months, 1776-7; private in Captain Lock's com-
pany, under General Dickensen, one month. 1777; private in Captain Hiler's
company, one month, 1777; private in Captain Ward's company, three
months, 1777. He w-as a powerful man physically and a noted athlete and
fighter in his day. few men being his equals in personal encounter. He
died at Columbus. Ohio, when over eighty years of age. His children were :
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 83
James, adopted, married Sally, daughter of Reuben Hamlin; William (see
record of him in the following paragraph) : Eleanor, married her cousm,
Charles, son of Nathaniel Hamlin.
William Hamlin, son of John, was born in Lewis county Kentucky, on
July 9, 1791. He married there, February 3, 181 1, Mary, daughter of
James and Sarah (Golden) Smith, who was born in New Jersey, May 21,
1786. He was a farmer. He built a log cabin at the Salt Licks, Kentucky,
and afterwards a more pretentious dwelling, where he lived and reared a
family. In later years he was deputy sheriff. He was a private in Captain
Seward's company, under General Shelby, Kentucky militia, August 28 to
November 3, 1814. These were mounted troops, each man furnishing his
own horse and equipment. His half-brother, James (Lard) Hamlin, served
with him. His father accompanied them ; having been an old soldier, he
said he would go along to take care of the boys. They participated in the
battle of the Thames in Canada, under General Harrison, in which Col.
Dick Johnson led an attack against the Indians under Tecumseh. A per-
sonal encounter ensued between Colonel Johnson and Tecumseh, who shot
at each other, and the colonel fell wounded. Capt. James Johnson, who
was present, saw his brother fall and supposed he was killed; he then
attacked Tecumseh. who fell mortally wounded. It is not settled who was
the slayer of Tecumseh. Nathaniel Hamlin told the writer that he had
heard his father say that he was present at the fight, and that he person-
ally captured the headdress and tomahawk of Tecumseh as trophies on
that occasion. On the return from Canada, the father, John Hamlin, fell
sick, and was conveyed home in a horse-litter, which required so much
attention that he (William) neglected his baggage, and the trophies were
stolen from him, as he supposed, and were lost. William Hamlin was a
strong man, with black hair and eyes and red whiskers. He died at Salt
Lick on November 25, 1837. His widow went to live with her son, Will-
iam, at Bethel, Ohio, then at Homer, Illinois, and came to Audubon county
with him in 185 1. She located the land warrant for the military service
of her husband on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 7,
and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter and the northwest quarter
of the southwest quarter of section 8, in township ']'], range 36, on Buck
creek, now Pymosa township, Cass county, Iowa. A patent was issued to
her for the same on September 20. 1861, signed by Abraham Lincoln, Presi-
dent. She lived with her son, William, at what was known as the Barney
Harris place, on Buck creek, and at Exira. She returned to Ohio and Ken-
tucky in 1865 with her daughters, Mrs. Beck and Mrs. Glasgow, but came
84 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
back to Audubon county in 1867. Here she lived with her son Nathaniel
until her death, June 30, 1866, aged over one hundred years.
To William and Mary Hamlin the following children were born in
Lewis county, Kentucky: Rosanna, born on January 18, 1812, married
Hiram M. Beck; Nathaniel, March 13, 1814, married Margaret Poage;
James, April i, 181 5, married Eliza Shearer; John, September 3, 18 16,
died on October 28, 1826; Sarah, January 12, 1818, married James H.
Denham; Christiana, December 7, 1819, married Dawson Glasgow; William
Parker, November 14, 1821, married Justenia Lafargee; Mary, March 23,
1823, married John Johnson.
We have given the lineage of the Ha'mlins and the record of the chil-
dren of William Hamlin with greater particularity, because several of the
family were among the early settlers of Audubon county.
NATHANIEL HAMLIN.
The prominence of our first settler merits a tribute to his memory.
Forming his acquaintance in 1865, and holding the relation of his trusted legal
adviser for years in many transactions, furnished the writer the experience
and opportunity to form an accurate estimate of his character as a leading
prominent man and citizen of this community for half a century. Our
political principles were diametrically opposed. Mr. Hamlin was a Ken-
tuckian, of mature age when I first knew him, imbued with southern ideas;
a believer in the Confederacy, so much so that he named a son for Robert
E. Lee. The writer was a Yankee boy from Maine, just from three years'
service in the Union army, a Republican, with all that it implied. During
war times here party spirit ran to extremes, and Republicans and Democrats
entertained bitter hostile relations, which had not subsided. The writer was
naturally prejudiced against the views of Mr. Hamlin, who was a party
leader, and with those who acted with him. Subsequent years of associa-
tion generated mutual respect for each other.
Perhaps others can tell the life of Mr. Hamlin better than the writer.
He was a man of honor and integrity, truthful in an eminent degree, and
generous to the limit — an old-fashioned gentleman. In mature life, he was
of erect figure, five feet and ten inches in stature; weight, one hundred and
fifty-five pounds; brown hair and eyes; light florid complexion, with thin,
full beard. In later life he became stooped, and his hair and beard were
gray. His book learning was limited and was received in the rude hut used
for schools at that period, furnished with desks and seats split and hewed
Tl.
PUT;
\RY
,\3
OLD HAMLIN HOUSE. WEST FRONT— Left to right: Hendrick 11. Smith, 1856;
Maturiii L. Thomas, grandson of Nathaniel Hamlin; present owner. Isaac V. D.
Lewis, is.",4. The building at the right was the oftiee of the Western Stage Co. up
to INUS.
OLD HAMLIN HOUSE. EAST FRONT— Left to right: Maturin L. Thomas, grandson
of Nathaniel Hamlin; Isaac V. D. Lewis, 1S54; Hendrick R. Smith, 185G.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
85
from logs, and secured by big wooden pins. His training was physical,
relating to the stern realities of pioneer life; hewing down the primeval
forests and forcing a home from the wilderness, rather than the pursuits
of literature. In youth he was an expert hunter, and, with gun and dogs,
roamed through timber and mountains in pursuit of bear, deer and other
wild game; and he was rewarded with trophies of his prowess in the chase.
In reminiscent moods, he sometimes related incidents in the lives of
himself and kindred, some of which have been preserved. He related the
THE FIK.ST SETTLER IX AUDUBON COUNTY
following: "I once killed the largest bear ever found in the neighborhood.
It stole in one night and destroyed several litters of pigs, and was discov-
ered next morning. A Mr. Carter, who had a large pack of hounds, cor-
ralled him in a thicket; but the bear dispersed the hounds. I was sent for,
and, with gun and dogs, hastened to the scene. One of my dogs attacked
the bear and was disabled. The bear escaped and crawled into a hollow
chestnut log, where I shot, wounded and enraged it. It made a rush,
knocked me down and escaped. A race of a quarter of a mile left me
behind, but the dogs followed and brought the bear to bay on a hillside,
86 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
where a terrible fight took place between the bear and dogs. I got there in
time to shoot and kill the bear." Mr. Hamlin's love for hunting continued
as long as game was abundant, and he kept a variety of guns, and several
noble hounds at his home up to the time of his death. The baying of
hounds was music to his ear.
Nathaniel Hamlin was born in Lewis county, Kentucky, March 13,
1814. On arriving at majority, he remained in his native place and worked
at whip-sawing in the timber at one dollar and twenty-five cents a day.
One season his crew got out the frame for a steamboat. He remembered
the first saw-mill set up in that county. Before that event they lived in log
cabins, floored with "puncheons," split out of logs and roughly hewed with
broad-axes. After his father's death, in the fall of 1837, he left the "old
Kentucky home" and went to Champaign county, Illinois, where he worked
a season on the Illinois Central railroad. Two outfits worked on the job,
one company being Americans, the other Irishmen. To his disgust he was
put to work with the latter gang; but he soon discovered information which
he turned to advantage. In addition to the regular wages paid, the labor-
ers were allowed several "jiggers" (drinks of whisky) a day. Mr. Hamlin
exchanged his share for labor with other workmen, and thus got to rest
while others worked — in the absence of the "boss."
On April 9, 1840, Mr. Hamlin married in Vermilion county, Illinois,
Margaret, daughter of Allan and Margaret (Terrill) Poage. She was born
in Greenup county, Kentucky, August 12, 1824. This proved the best
adventure of Mr. Hamlin's life. For several years after marriage they
had a struggle for existence. Times were hard, money scarce and farm
products commanded but low prices. They were not landowners yet, but
were obliged to accept indulgence for subsistence , which was obtained.
When the time for payment came thev were less able to pay than at the
start, so that a note for the debt, at twelve per cent, interest, was given for
extension of time. This was paid at maturity out of the proceeds of hogs
raised, fattened and marketed at one and a quarter cents a pound. About
this time he got a job hauling grain to Chicago, which furnished the neces-
sities for a living, and they secured a small lot of stock. They sold out in
Illinois at extremely low prices (the best cow brought only seven dollars),
and in the fall of 1844 went to Sand Ridge, near Trenton, in Henry county,
Iowa. The following year he returned to Illinois to collect the proceeds
of the sale of the previous year, and received pay in Indiana and Ohio bank
notes, or "wildcat" money, which proved to be of doubtful value. This
reverse brought them to the foot again financially. In the spring of 1845
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 87
they loaded their effects into two wagons and started for the new purchase
made from the Sac and Fox Indians, where he had bought from his uncle,
for thirty dollars on time, an abandoned claim of one hundred and twenty
acres of land, in the extreme northwest corner of Mahaska county, on the
Skunk river.
Mr. Hamlin related : ''When we got there I had but a five-franc piece
left. Our claim had a log hut on it, without roof or floor, and we used
the bark of basswood trees for a loft, the logs being split for rails. We
lived there until the following September. Some people claimed that our
'wildcat' money was worth fifty cents on the dollar, but I ga\e eighty dollars
of it on the Circleville, Ohio, bank for a squirrel rifle, which I still have
and with which we procured all the meat we had for two years. During
that time we lived on the scantiest fare, having neither coffee, except such
as we made from parched corn, nor sugar, nor even soda for our bread.
On a diet of cornbread and corn coffee, I have walked a mile and a half
and split two hundred rails a day. After we had been in Mahaska county
awhile, I went back to Henry county to mill, and while resting in an emi-
grant camp I found a half dollar, which was then more highly prized than
one thousand dollars would be today. There was no money in the country
until 1848, when a colony of Hollanders settled in Marion county. They
soon built a grist-mill, which was a great relief to the settlers. I was now
able to pay my claim. I might possibly have borrowed some money at very
high rates, but when I got out of debt in Illinois I made a vow never again,
if I could avoid it, to get into debt, and was determined to keep my word.
At the end of two years my clothes were in tatters; but of two deer skins,
which I tanned, I made, with whangs, a pair of pants and moccasins. With
another buckskin I got my first start of hogs by trading it with a neighbor
for a shoat, which I carried a mile and a half home on my back. A friend
loaned us a cow, from which we obtained milk and butter."
It was a common thing for Mr. Hamlin and his neighbors to grind
corn for meal in a hand-mill. He was elected justice of the peace in 1846,
and held the office until he came to Audubon county.
In 1848 Mr. Hamlin made a trip to Illinois to visit friends. He agreed
with a man to put up some hay for him while he was absent, which he
failed to do. The corn was frosted, and some of it was cut up and
shocked for feed. The snow came in October, before the ground froze,
and laid all winter, so that in the spring they were able to gather their pota-
toes and turnips, which had laid in the ground all winter, unhurt. They
suffered in Mahaska county from fever and ague, as they had in Illinois,
88 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
and decided to move again and make another trial for a home. So they
sold their land in Mahaska in 1850 for one thousand dollars, and took most
of the pay in oxen and young cattle.
We have previously given an account of the settlement of Mr. Hamlin
and his family in Audubon county in 185 1. The site of his home was on
the south side of "Unexpected creek," a tributary of Troublesome, in the
northeast quarter of section 35, now Exira township. This was on the
Mormon trail, and there he made his home and lived the remainder of his
life. It soon became the overland route to California, and later to Pike's
Peak and the west, and brought traffic to his very door. "Hamlin's Grove"
was known across the state of Iowa, from Davenport to Council Bluffs,
as well as outside the state. A postoffice of the same name was established
there and he was appointed the first postmaster in the county, receiving his
commission under President Zachary Taylor in 1853, and held the office
until removed by President Lincoln for political reasons, in 1861. The
Western Stage company afterwards established a station at his place, of
which he was agent, and continued until the advent of the railroad in 1869.
He acquired a large amount of land and was extensively engaged in
farming and stock raising. He employed many to work for him, and for
many years was one of the most prosperous men in the county and one of
the two most wealthy. His situation enabled him to dispose of his prod-
ucts to emigrants at good prices. In the early days he kept goods for sale.
He, with Charles Marsh, started the first blacksmith shop in the county.
He kept large numbers of horses and mules, which pastured over the prairies
about Indian Grove and Crooked creek, in what is now Audubon township,
and had many cattle and hogs. For several years at the close of the war,
and later, he, with G. T. Poage and Levi Zaner, operated the steam saw
and grist-mill, and did a thriving business at Old Louisville, the busiest
place in the county, then and up to about the time of the advent of the
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad to Atlantic. In 1855 he was
elected first treasurer and recorder of the county, and held the office until
1864. For several years he was trustee of Audubon township, when it
embraced the entire county. The following incident in his official career
illustrates his offhand, characteristic honesty and fairness. In 1868 he
was one of the judges of election. Audubon township was strongly Demo-
cratic, and the county was nearly divided in politics. The election board
convened in the schoolhouse near Lewis's, and received votes until noon,
when they adjourned for dinner at Mr. Hamlin's house. We suppose they
had a good dinner there, as was usual, with the "trimmings" that went
FIKEl'LACE IN OLD HAMLIN IIOT'SE. FIRST
COUNTY, 1858.
BRICK MADE IN ATDUBON
BIG TItEE, 23 FEET IX CIRCUMFEKEXCE. ON OLD HAMLIN ESTATE.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 89
with it. Walter J. Jardine, a Scotchman, was a member of the board. They
took with them the ballot box, which was fashioned from a cigar box, with
a slit cut in the top for reciving the ballots. It was a fragile affair, and
the custodian had too much dinner — or something — and crushed the box
while carrying it under his arm. Some of the ballots dropped out, unno-
ticed at the time, and were lost. On reassembhng at the voting place, the
accident was discovered and the judges were in a dilemma as to how to
proceed. "By gr-r-racious ! What shall we do?" said Mr. Jardine, and
they discussed the matter. "I'll be ganned, sir, I'll tell you what we will
do," said ^Ir. Hamlin. "Look at the names on the pollbook and see how
many Democrats and how many Republicans have voted (which was not
difficult to do, for voters did not scratch tickets much in those days) ; then
open the ballot box and see how many ballots of each kind have been lost,
and put in enough more of each kind to make the count good." And it
was so done. It was afterwards proposed to contest the election and throw
out the vote of Audubon township, which would have changed the result
as declared and have elected the Republican ticket by a handsome majority.
But better judgment prevailed. While the action of the judges was clearly
illegal in tampering with the ballot box, no actual fraud was intended. The
result was as the voters intended.
In 1854-5 Hamlin and his neighbors built a log building for a private
school house, the first in the county, and hired a private teacher to teach
his own children and those of Judge Harris. He was an influential man
in the early days, and if a school house, highway, bridge or other public
improvement was wanting, it was well to secure his assistance to insure
success.
In politics Hamlin was an old-fashioned, Andrew Jackson Democrat,
for whom he cast his first presidential vote, and he supported Stephen A.
Douglas for President in i860. A pro-slavery man, in his opinion it was
a more heinous ofi^ense to steal a "nigger" than to steal a horse or any
other kind of property. He strongly advocated opposition to the Civil
War and the Republican administration, during that period; but he never
committed any overt act of treason against the government. His senti-
ments were tinctured by the conduct of J. Lyman Frost toward himself.
Mr. Hamlin was a high-spirited man. a leader in public affairs, and held
prom.inent offices. Frost was a meddlesome, revengeful man, a dabbler in
partizan politics in a small way. He and his party spied upon Mr. Hamlin
and his party, and watched for an opportunity to injure and discredit him.
It came by the removal of Hamlin from the postoffice for political rea-
go AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
sons, and Frost was appointed in his place, which Mr. Hamhn keenly
resented, rightly believing it was accomplished by Frost to injure him in
public estimation. And it probably caused Hamlin to become a more bitter
partizan. It is justice to Mr. Frost to add that he was a zealous Union man,
and believed that he was doing his duty to the country.
In other respects Hamlin was a good citizen, and was deeply interested
in the progress and prosperity of the community in which he lived. A
prominent citizen once remarked concerning him : "He was a good friend,
but not a bad enem3^" If he disliked a person he let him severely alone.
Many a poor man in this county has received substantial aid and assistance
from Mr. Hamlin, and his kindness of heart many times led him into obli-
gations on behalf of his neighbors which left him many thousands of dol-
lars out of pocket. He possessed a keen sense of honor and integrity. "His
word was as good as his Ijond."
No little of Mr. Hamlin's prosperity was attributable to his excellent
wife. "Aunt Pegg}'" was admirably suited to pioneer life. The Hamlin
home was the synonym for hospitality. The hungry never left their door
unfed. No woman in Audubon county ever fed so many mouths, free
gratis, as did this good lady. It seemed to make no difference how many
dropped in at meal times, nor whether they came unannounced ; she was
equal to the occasion, and without excuses or ostentation, in a plain, com-
mon sense way, in surprising readiness, fed the multitude in a substantial
manner. Their ordinary household was large, with their many children
and hired help; then later, the employees of the stage company, who boarded
and lodged there, and the passengers on the stages, and other travelers
made uncertain numbers to feed and were numerous. People from all parts
congregated there socially and on business, and the young people on Sun-
days made Hamlin's a public resort.
A prominent citizen told the writer years ago that in early times here
money was very scarce : that he was una1)le for months at a time to obtain
enough specie to pay postage on letters to his friends. Mr. Hamlin was an
exception to this condition. The money which came into this county gen-
erally found its way into his hands as postmaster or county treasurer. To
facilitate the stringency of money, during war times, Mr. Hamlin issued
script money, written on pasteboard. The artist who made it was our old-
time friend, the late A. B. Houston, who ornamented the cards in his own
particular method with pen and various colored inks. The following is a
copy of a piece of the Hamlin script :
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
91
50
A. B
. HOUSTON
50
Pav
•>
Ham
the
lin's
bearer
Grove and E
XIRA.
in Currency
Fifty Cents
when
Dresented in
sums of Five, Dollars.
N
. HAMLIN.
Exira,
Iowa
, Jan.
15, 1863.
. 50
50
Mr. Hamlin was considered amply good, where he was known, for
everything to which his name was attached.
The following statement shows a difficulty with the money of those
early days :
"Fort Des Moines, October 25. 1854.
"This is to certify that I paid Mr. N. Hamlin for J. Frink & Co. a
ten-dollar bill on the State Bank of Ohio, which he cannot pass. It is said
to be counterfeit. I took the bill for good money, but do not know who
gave it to me.
"Edwin Taylor."
election certificate.
"State of Iowa, Audubon County, ss. :
"This is to certify that at an election held in the town of Dayton, in
said county and state, on the 3rd day of August, 1857, Nathaniel Hamhn,
was elected treasurer and recorder for said county for the term of two
years, he having given bond and taken the oath of office prescribed by law.
"Given under my hand and seal of office, August 8, 1857.
"D. M. Harris, County Judge."
Like many old-fashioned people, Mr. Hamlin was partial to the fa\or-
ite beverage of Kentucky, which he used in moderation all his life, and in
early times kept it for sale. He usually had a generous supply in his house,
which he was pleased to offer his friends and guests when under his hos-
pitable roof.
In 1870, before the resumption of specie payment, during an absence
of Mr. Hamlin in Colorado on business, the writer, who was his attorney,
92 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
had occasion to look among his private business papers. He was shown
into a secret place back of the chimney, and there, in a trunk, search was
made for the necessary papers. In examining the contents of the trunk
there were found two shot sacks, apparently filled with coins. Mentioning
the fact to Mr. Hamlin years afterwards, he admitted that he had kept
that specie on hand many years, all through the war period. He was one
of those who did not have faith in the paper money of the United States,
and believed that it would share the same fate as the old "wildcat" money.
Mr. Hamlin was not a church member, but favored the Baptist faith.
Mrs. Hamlin was a member of the Christian church. He died at his home,
of paralysis on April 17, 1897. After his death Mrs. Hamlin moved to
Exira, and died there on September 13, 1906. Most of the Hamlin estate
has passed out of the hand of his descendants. A grandson, Maturin L.
Thomas, owns the old homestead proper, on Troublesome creek.
The children born to this worthy couple were as follow : Mary Mar-
garet, who married Isaac Thomas; Hannah Maria, married Charles C.
Hawk; Sarah Rosannah, married Benjamin F. Thomas; Malinda Christi-
ana, married William Radcliff; William Allan, married Florence A. Lewis;
Martha Jane, married Edward Calph; Eliza Angeline, died in 1859; Susan
Parker, married John V. Plantz; Clara Harris, married John M. Allen;
Nathaniel Douglas, married Elva Crane; Fernando Burton, married Emma
E. Kilworth; Robert E. Lee, married Sadie J. Wheeler.
WILLIAM p. HAMLIN.
William P. Hamlin came with the first settlers in May, 1851, but
soon moved to Cass county, a short distance south of the Exira township
line. His place was afterward owned for many years by Almond Goodale.
From thence he moved to Buck creek, a short distance south of the Audu-
bon county line on the place owned for many years by Barney Harris. He
moved to Exira in i860 and bought the residence of Judge Harris, who
at once built a larger dwelling on the site of the present Park hotel. Hamlin
was a hunter ; had done a little farming ; kept a small stock of merchandise
in his dwelling for sale, brought by his own team from Des Moines, Council
Bluffs and other places ; and he sold liquors. He was conspicuous for quar-
rels and petty lawsuits, and was frequently prosecuted for illicit dealing in
liquors. He was a visionary man and dabbled in patent rights. He was
proprietor of "Hamlin's Omaha Liniment." In collecting testimonials for
advertising the nostrum, he solicited one from Peoria I. Whitted, who said
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 93
that he had used the article and appreciated its vakie, and that it would be
a pleasure for him to oblige Mr. Hamlin. Whitted said that on one occa-
sion a strange dog was harboring about his place, and in trying to drive
it away, he threw an ax at the dog, which cut off its tail; that he was sorry
for the suffering of the poor brute and bathed. the wounded stump from which
the tail was cut with "Hamlin's Liniment," and, behold, a new tail grew
out from it. He was surprised at the result, and some time later he discov-
ered the dissevered caudal appendage, and recalling the marvelous effect
of the liniment on the former occasion, he applied a dose of it to the defunct
member, when, wonderful to relate, a new dog was grown out of it. This
romance of Whitted's produced no small amount of merriment at Ham-
lin's expense, who did not take to it kindly. While a member of the grand
jury in 1869, he was himself indicted for selling liquor, and pleaded guilty.
On coming before Judge Maxwell for sentence, he was given permission
to make a statement in mitigation, and gave an ingenious excuse. He said
that he was the manufacturer of "Hamlin's Omaha Liniment," one of the
ingredients of which was alcohol, which he kept on hand, and that he had,
out of friendship, let his neighbors have some of it. The Judge first cau-
tioned him not to interrupt while he pronounced sentence; ordered him to
stand up and proceeded to censure him unmercifully and poured out the
vials of his wrath on the heinousness of rum-selling, until Hamlin could
stand it no longer, and he said : 'T did have a United States license, Judge."
"What did you get that for?" mockingly said the Judge. "I did it because
I thought it would be no child's play to get into the United States court,"
humbly replied Mr. Hamlin. "I will tell you now, Mr. Hamlin, before you
are through with my court that it is no child's play," savagely responded
the Judge. And a stiff fine was imposed.
In 1870 Hamlin resisted an officer who was searching his premises for
illicit liquors, and hid himself out for many days to escape arrest. His
liquor was seized and, pending trial, it was stolen and the receptacle filled
with water. Mr. Scott was prosecuting the case before Squire Dodge, who
solemnly condemned the stuff, and ordered it destroyed. The sheriff car-
ried it into the street, broke up the cask and spilled the contents. Mr.
Dodgre himself tried to set it on fire Avith a match, but it would not burn.
He remarked that any one who kept such miserably poor whisky ought to
be punished! But the way Scott and Griggs convulsed with laughter at
sight of the iustice trying to set water on' fire with a match, indicated that
they might have known what became of the whisky. It was pronounced
bonus by those supposed to be judges of the article.
94 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
A warrant was issued for the arrest of Hamlin, and delivered to Henry
Huyck, constable, for service, who was afraid, and consulted Mr. Leffing-
well, ex-sheriff, as to his duty in the matter. Leffingwell, observmg
Huyck's dilemma, and his fear and inexperience, saw a chance for some fun.
He caused him to believe that Hamlin was a dangerous man, and cautioned
him to be on the alert and to avoid injury. Huyck armed himself, prac-
ticed firing a revolver, called Lefiingwell out to witness his shooting and
requested his opinion as to his chances of arresting Mr. Hamlin. In firing
off his gun, one of the chambers missed. "There," said Lefiingwell, "What
could you do now if Hamlin was after you?," It so worked on Huyck's
nerves and alarmed him that he resigned his office, and Hamlin was not
apprehended. He sold out and went to Arkansas, but kept in hiding until
he got away. He had an idea that a Democrat was the salt of the earth
and could do no w^ong. His favorite appellation was to call Republicans
"Thundering Puritan Hounds." His favorite byword was "By gosh!"
which was the extent of his profanity. It is fair to say that he was hon-
orable and honest in financial matters and his word was considered good.
He had a strong dislike at that time for the writer, whom he classed with
the "Puritans," but, in later years, this attitude changed to that of firm
friendship and mutual confidence. If there w^as one thing more than
another which he despised it was a "Yankee." When leaving, he w^as
owing me a small sum, which he sent in and paid in full. Many were
delighted at his departure and would not have detained him for sake of
seeing him punished. He returned to Exira about 1874-5 and drove a hack-
line several years. During the same time he resumed selling wine and beer,
for which he was again prosecuted- He returned again to Arkansas about
1879. On a visit here a few years later, he said that he had modified his
political views, and that he strongly opposed the liquor traffic, having seen
so much of its evils. He also said to me : "Frank, you used to think I was
on 'Old Moss Back,' but I wish you could see some of the natives in Arkan-
sas. They called me a 'Yankee.' I tell you it was tough." He died on
January 17, 1909.
THE JENKINSES.
John Shacket Jenkins was born near Elizabeth, Meade county, Ken-
tucky, October 14, 1799. His father bore the same name. His wife was
Malinda Miller. He was a stone mason In- trade and a farmer. He lived
in Meade county until about 1838, when he moved to Perry county, Indi-
ana; thence to Dablonega, Wapello county, Iowa, in 1850. This place did
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
95
not please him and, in the spring of the year 1851, he started west again
without any particular place in view, to discover a suitable place for a home.
At the Quaker Divide, near Winterset, Iowa, he fell in with Nathaniel
Hamlin and his party, who were on their journey to settle in Audubon
county. As stated elsewhere, the company arrived at Mr. Hamlin's claim
on May 6. With him came his wife and children. He had three yoke of
oxen, a cow and a horse. The next morning after the arrival at Hamlin's
place he mounted his horse and rode over to the Nishua Botna river, to the
site of the present town of Oakfield, where he selected a claim for his home.
JOHN S. JENKINS
near the "Big Spring," and near where the old school house at Oakfield used
to stand. To mark out his claim he blazed a basswood tree and upon it
wrote, "This is my claim," and signed his name to it. Soon after a party
of men came there from down river about Indian Town or Lewis, among
whom was one Jerry Bradshaw, who took a fancy to the same location and
proceeded to blaze trees to mark out a claim.
Mr. Jenkins soon learned about Bradshaw's operations and went to
ascertain what he was doing. William Hamlin, who went with him, nar-
rated the event many years ago. They were at first in doubt whether Brad-
shaw was attempting to "jump" "Uncle Johnny's" claim, but found where
g6 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
he had blazed trees on Jenkins's claim and soon discovered that he had cut
down one of Jenkins's witness trees and thrown it into the river. This
aroused the ire of "Uncle Johnny," who said to Mr. Hamlin : "This shows
to me, sir, that they are not innocent progressors." Then they came to
"Uncle Johnny's'' blazed basswood, and found that Bradshaw had written
beneath Jenkins's claim : "This is my claim and you had better get off."
We shall have occasion to show later how Bradshaw was disposed of. Mr.
Jenkins held his claim and soon built a cabin on it. This claim he sold in
1854 to Samuel B. Hopkins and it subsequently became the Hallock place
and the town of Oakfield was located on part of it. Mr. Jenkins soon
located in section 29 in what is now Exira township. At first he built
another log cabin, later a commodious dwelling, which, if not the first, was
among the earliest plastered houses in the county before 1865. This place
he sold about 1870, and moved to near the present town of Brayton. He
was a Kentuckian of the old school, a stern man, physically and morally, and
of lofty sentiments; of the strictest integrity; honorable and trustworthy in
e\ery way. His word was reliable and always promptly defended and sus-
tained. Nothing insulted him more than to dispute or cast doubt upon it.
At the first election in the county, held at his cabin in April, 1855, he was one
of the judges of election. A dispute arose between him and Walter Marsh
over the candidates for county judge — Daniel M. Harris and Thomas S.
Lewis — during which IMarsh disputed his word and called him by a hard
name. "Uncle Johnny" at once seized his rifle and took it down from the
deer horns where it rested and attempted to shoot Marsh, but the bystanders'
prevented it.
In a large sense, Jenkins was one of nature's noble men. His marked
characteristics were worthy of record. His courage was undaunted; but he
was kind, friendly and courteous. In a rude way, his utterances often
approached remarkable poetic charm and force. His hospitality was of the
peculiar, old-fashioned Kentucky style, always with an open welcome, and
to offer recompense for entertainment, even by a stranger, was next to an
insult — never desired and almost sternly refused, if tendered. His book
learning was deficient ; he was evidently reared in the stern surroundings
of pioneer life — better acquainted with the methods of acquiring the neces-
saries of life than with the accomplishments of social enjoyment.
In his younger days it was considered honorable for men to engage in
contests for physical superiority, with only such power and advantages as
nature provided and for the mere gratification of deciding who was the
best man in a hand-to-hand fight. We have heard him relate taking part
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 97
in such contests. His friends and admirers once desired to match him with
a noted champion on a pubHc occasion for such a fight. He was then
recovering from an illness and did not consider himself in condition for
such a trial; but he was persuaded, against his judgment, made the fight,
and was defeated. It wounded his pride and injured his reputation, and
he decided to fit himself and fight the victor again. Another match was
arranged at a general muster of the militia, and a long savage fight was
pulled oft', in which the combatants used ex'ery effort of skill known to such
encounters, striking, grappling, wrestling, choking, gouging, etc. Mr. Jen-
kins won the victory and completely vanquished his antagonist. He added
after relating the story: "But, my God, sir, how he gouged me! And
my eyes have never been right since." The fact was noticeable that his
eyes had been injured. Gouging, which was employed in such fights, con-
sisted in the fighter forcing his thumb into the eye of his antagonist until
sometimes the eye was forced from the socket. Barbarous and inhuman
as this practice seems, such events were common in old times in Kentucky
and elsewhere. A champion in such aftairs was considered a popular, prom-
inent citizen, and excited admiration. An old Kentucky favorite once
remarked that in his youth every man was expected to be ready to fight at
the drop of the hat, and "that unless he was a fighter the girls wouldn't
have anything to say to him. That he was looked upon as a coward."
What a marked evolution in public opinion on the subject exists today.
After Mr. Bradshaw attempted to jump Mr. Jenkins's claim, his party
made claim to some of the land claimed by Doctor Ballard. The settlers
collected and proceeded to defend the rights of the Doctor. The meeting
was on the Botna, in the timber, near the county line. The Doctor was
present, addressed the meeting, and explained what he was doing and
desired to do ; that he proposed to become an actual settler and desired a
good-sized estate, which he had selected, and was able to pay for it, when
it came into market and requested protection, etc. Bradshaw and his
party urged that the action of the Doctor was unfair; that he was asking
too much ; that it deprived others from settling there, and added that they
had equal right to the land as much as the Doctor had; that they had
selected some of the land chosen by the Doctor, and intended to settle on
and hold it.
This brought the matter to an issue. Mr. Jenkins, who was "captain"
of the Settlers' Club, addressed the meeting and delivered an ultimatum.
Said he: "Men, we think we understand you. Now, if you are for peace,
(7)
98 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
we are for peace; but if you are for war, we are for war, by G , sirsi
Now, you get off from this land." It had the desired effect. None of the
Bradshaw party settled on the land claimed by Doctor Ballard.
The early settlers endured many hardships and privations. There was
hardly such a thing as sawed lumber in the settlement, unless it was a wagon
box or some article of furniture of that kind. Nearly everything, except
food or clothing, required for use had to be hewed from the forest trees
by hand work with axes, saws, etc., or had to be obtained from a distance.
There were neither mills, workshops or stores here, and the nearest were
many miles distant. The settlers ground corn, buckwheat, etc., in hand
mills, or grated new corn as a substitute for meal. On one occasion, about
1852, the supply of flour and meal was at low ebb. Mr. Jenkins and Ben-
jamin Hyatt took a load of corn and grain, with an ox team, and started
for mill in Missouri. Their route was down the Botna, and on reaching
Indian Town (near Lewis) they met a company of Mormons, who were
suffering for breadstuff, who requested them to set a price on their grain,
for they must have it. They sold the load at two dollars and a half a
bushel and returned home, took another supply of grain and proceeded to
the mill in Missouri. On arriving there they were told that there was a
large amount of custom work ahead of them, and that their grist could not
be ground for two weeks, but they persuaded the miller to grind it sooner.
Jenkins once related that the Democrats here during war times prophe-
sied that the "greenback" and United States bonds would become worthless,
as continental money did in time of the Revolution. That he then had a
few hundred dollars surplus money which he desired to invest for safe-
keeping. He consulted the county judge, A. B. Houston, Esq., for advice,
who recommended him to let the United States money alone and to invest in
Audubon county warrants, then worth seventy-five cents on the dollar, say-
ing that they would pay six per cent interest, and that he (Houston) would
assist him in getting them cashed. Afterwards Mr. Houston was elected
county treasurer, and occasionally Jenkins called on him and presented his
warrants for payment ; but there were always other demands for the county
revenue, and the warrants were not paid during Houston's term of office,
but were paid by his successor, Van Gorder. In mentioning the matter
years afterward. "Uncle Johnny" remarked: "I think that 'App' (Mr.
Houston) pulled the wool over my eyes."
It does not appear that Mr. Jenkins made any profession of religion;
but that he was liberal in religious matters. In 1865 Elder Richard C.
Meek, a noted preacher in his day, and his wife visited at the home of Mr.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 99
Jenkins several months, and while there held family religious services eve-
ning and morning. At bedtime good "Aunty Meek" would bring the large
Bible and place it before the elder, who would read a portion of Scripture
and then offered a prayer, in which he suggested, "We know not that we
shall live to see the light of another morning," etc. Next morning he
returned thanks for protection through the night, and again referred to the
uncertainty of life and recommended preparation for the future. This con-
stant reference at prayer time to the uncertainty of life went on with con-
tinual monotony for weeks, to the annoyance of Mr. Jenkins, until one day
the elder and "Uncle John" took a stroll together. The elder made the
mistake of again introducing the unwelcome subject, and advising the pro-
priety of preparation for the hereafter. "Uncle John" called a halt
abruptly. Said he : "Elder Meek, if you are going to die, sir, why don't
you die like a man, and not be dying every day of your life, like a d
coward?" He was a life-long Democrat; was elected county judge in 1865
and held the office one year. We shall have occasion to notice other events
in his career at other parts of this work. He died at Brayton on July 11,
1886, and his wife died on March 10, 1882. Their children were as follow:
Benjamin Franklin married Maria Byrd and Josephine Gilbert, John Taylor
married Darthula Rogers, Sarah Blauset married Lee L. Bartlett, Isaac
Hughes married Clarissa Chase and Mollie Devine, Harriet married George
Cannon, George Washington married Caroline Woody.
Benjamin Franklin Jenkins (son of John S.), came to Audubon county
with his father's family in 1851. He married, first, Maria Byrd. They
were divorced, and she became Mrs. Joseph C. Yetzer, of Atlantic, Iowa.
For his second wife he married Josephine Gilbert. He was a prominent
farmer, and lived near Brayton, Iowa. He was a member of the board of
supervisors. He died on December 24, 1887; his wife survived him and
died later. To Benjamin and Josephine Jenkins were born these children:
Olive, who married Clarence Keese Hallock; Charles W., who married Eva
Walker; Hayden; Margaret, who married Charles Sykes; May, who mar-
ried Ernest Cotton, and Pearl.
John Taylor Jenkins (son of John S.), was born in Meade county,
Kentucky, November 14, 1838. He married, in Audubon county, on Jan-
uary 19, 1865. Darthula, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Rodgers, who
was born in IHinois. He came to Audubon county with his parents in 1851.
He lived at home with his parents until he enlisted in the Second Iowa Bat-
tery on August 19, 1 86 1, and served in the Sixteenth, Seventeenth and
Eighteenth Army Corps, under Generals Pope, McPherson, Sherman and
lOO AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA,
Grant. He participated in the battles of Corinth, V^icksbiirg, luka and Tu-
pelo, and was mustered out on September 4, 1864. Upon the organization
of the Audubon county militia, the same year, he was elected second lieu-
tenant of the Audubon Mounted Infantry company, which saw no service
and became obsolete at the close of the war, the following year. Upon the
return of peace, he became a prominent farmer near his former home, and
is a large landowner. He was proprietor of the town of Brayton in 1879,
and was a merchant in Brayton from 1879 to 1887, afterwards being a
dealer and shipper of live stock. He was postmaster at Brayton. A life-
long Republican, he has been an active worker in the party, and many times
has been a delegate to Republican conventions. He has served as township
clerk, township trustee, member of the school board and member of the
board of supervisors. He has a fine home near Brayton and is the last
survivor of the little company which first settled in Audubon county on
May 6, 185 1. He is a member of Pymosa Lodge No. 18, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons; Audubon Lodge No. 217, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mrs. Jenkins was a popular school teacher before marriage. Their
children, born in Audubon county, are as follow : Jeanette, who married
Horace M. Bartlett ; Marion Elver, who married Mame Black, now
deceased, and Frank Granger, who married Josephine Cypher.
SAMUEL M. BALLARD, M. D.
One of the prominent characters in the early settlement of Audubon
county was Doctor Samuel M. Ballard. His ancestors were said to have
been Virginia Quakers. In youth he lived in Hillsboro, Ohio, where he
studied medicine under a preceptor in the old-fashioned way, and after-
wards attended medical lectures, perhaps at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was an
incomparable story teller and a delightful companion in some ways; but
some incidents of his life as told by himself will not, in the light of moral-
ity, bear repetition. He once related an amusing incident which occurred
during his early medical experience. A council of surgeons were convened
to perform an operation upon the patient of his preceptor, and through his
courtesy the student (Ballard) was invited to attend and witness the case.
A lady, who acted as nurse, prepared the room for the occasion and notified
the surgeons that it was ready for their reception. They proceeded to the
room, and Ballard followed until reaching the entrance where the others
had preceded him. Upon recognizing him, the nurse declined to let him
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA, IQI
pass. His preceptor, observing the interruption, said to the nurse : "You
may admit Doctor Ballard."' She acquiesced, but in a deprecatory tone
remarked: "Oh, you are a 'stujent,' are ye?" The memory of that event
was a pleasing recollection to the old doctor. He was a noble specimen of
manhood — six and a half feet in stature, and of powerful physique, a ver-
itable giant. His presence was at once noticeable, even in the largest assem-
bly. In early life his hair had been sandy; his eyes were flashing blue, with
an eagle gaze, and one of them was blind. When the writer first saw him,
in 1865, his hair and long flowing beard were snowy white. He v/as a
self-made man, largely; not classically educated and never a student of
books. His stock of sound, practical common sense was varied and exten-
sive. He was a thorough business man of the world among pioneers. His
reputation as a skillful, successful physician rested upon his own personal
experience, rather than upon any book knowledge. But few facts concern-
ing his life have been recorded in print. No biography of him has been
discovered. He once related that he came down the Ohio river on a steam-
boat to St. Louis; thence up the Mississippi river to Iowa. He was engaged
in the practice of medicine at Iowa City as early as 1842, and there he
established an extensive, lucrative business. He said that he kept relays of
saddle horses to carry him about the country ; that he would start from
Iowa City and ride north several miles; thence west to Oxford, and south
to the settlements on English river; thence east and north again to West
Liberty and then home, after visiting and prescribing for patients along the
route; that he made such trips in a single day and night and often rode
asleep in the saddle ; that for weeks at a time he slept but four hours out
of twenty-four on an average, sometimes falling asleep in the saddle against
his will power to keep awake. On such occasions as he was able to go to
bed, he would order that he be permitted to sleep but for a half hour, then
to be awakened at all hazards by dragging him from bed and throwing cold
water in his face. He would then eat something and drink some coffee,
and proceed to the next patient, taking another short sleep when wearied
nature would resist no longer. His fees sometimes exceeded two hundred
dollars in a day. He was a wealthy man before coming to Audubon county.
He came to Audubon county in 1851, and his meeting with "Uncle Johnny"
Jenkins is told in another part of this work.
Doctor Ballard owned thousands of acres of the best timber and prairie
lands in what is now Exira and Oakfield townships, and adjoining, in Cass
county. His dwelling, situated in section 25, Oakfield township, was a very
common aft'air. It stood in an open space in the timber on the north side
I02 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA,
of the old state road leading south from his dwelling place, and was a
one-story building, boarded up and down with rough, undressed oak boards,
fattened, unpainted and unplastered. It would not have been supposed by
strangers that it was the abode of the richest man in the county. Every-
thing about the house was of the most common kind, there being neither
fine furniture, books or anything to indicate elegance, refinement, luxury
or wealth, except the lands. Mrs. Ballard did not come to the country until
1855, and remained here but a short time, when she moved to Council
Bluffs, and was maintained there is good style the remainder of her life.
The relation which existed between the Doctor and Mrs. Ballard was never
understood by outsiders, but probably was not congenial. Hon. William P.
Hepburn, who was intimately acquainted with the family at Iowa City,
recently told the writer that the Doctor and Mrs. Ballard were members of
the Universalist church in Iowa City, and further related that on one occa-
sion Mrs. Ballard told him that she once believed she was a Universalist,
but that she doubted if God would pardon or save so wicked a man as
Doctor Ballard. Evidently she was aware of his wrong-doings. In his
last sickness Mrs. Ballard came to his residence and cared for him several
days until he was moved to her home in Council Bluffs, where he soon died.
The house above mentioned was claimed by him as his home and domicile,
and he voted in Oakfield township until his death. Many families lived
there and kept house for him, among whom were Benjamin M. Hyatt,
Samuel Smith, Stephen T. Campbell, Milton Heath and others in early
times, and many others afterwards.
Large areas of Doctor Ballard's lands in Audubon and Cass counties
were in cultivated farms, with the cheapest kind of dwellings and buildings
upon them. It was a small principality, partaking the appearance of ancient
times, when such estates were tenanted by serfs and peasants, rather than
a modern, up-to-date American settlement. His pastures were filled with
large herds of fine cattle, and droves of hogs. He received large quantities
of corn and grain from his tenants. He erected a saw-mill near his resi-
dence about 1855-56, and got out considerable lumber from his own timber
and for his neighbors, until after the railroad came to Atlantic, about 1869.
While surrounded by such wealth and advantages, he was unpopular with
his neighbors. He was not a public-spirited citizen, his ambition being to
accumulate lands and property for his own selfish aggrandizement, along
the primitive methods indicated. He did nothing for the upbuilding of his
neighbors, or of the community in which he dwelt, consequently he had no
friends, even among his kindred. He lived hermit-like, not allowing him-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. IO3
self a respectable subsistence, considering his wealth; only providing for
himself the bare necessities of life, food and raiment. Such methods of
existence failed to enlist the favorable opinions of the people among whom
he resided. In business affairs he was disagreeable and a hard man to deal
with. He constantly differed and quarreled with his tenants, hired help
and others who dealt with him. It was said that he was a hard master to
his sons.
He complained of losing many cattle and hogs by thieves, and to have
lost large amounts of wood and timber by trespassers. Once, when riding
with him near Oakfield, a man was met with a load of shoats. The Doctor
stopped and claimed them. The driver said he was delivering them to a
man whom he named. The Doctor said he had not sold any hogs to that
man, and directed him to return them to his place, and not take away any
more without his order. The depredations became so flagrant that he was
obliged to dispose of all the live stock on his estate. He negotiated the
sale of all his cattle, and they were turned into the woods pasture south of
the Ballard bridge, temporarily, for delivery a few days later. On the
day of delivery, fifty head of the cattle had disappeared, and no trace of
them could be discovered. It was supposed that some of the Doctor's
agents had made away with them. After he became too old and feeble to
superintend his business, for several years large amounts of boards from
his fences were stolen and carried away. A barn was discovered near his
estate built from such lumber, the marks on the boards plainly showing
where they had been fastened to fence posts. The owner of the barn was
accused of the theft, and admitted that he had bought the boards from an
agent of the Doctor; but he reluctantly paid for them, saying that the money
he paid was part of that stolen from the Doctor when he was robbed at
his residence in 1882-83, as hereafter related. In the fall of 1882 it was
discovered where nine of the Doctor's fat hogs had been stolen, killed in
the timber and carried away. It was supposed they went into the pork bar-
rels of his neighbors.
During the last winter of his life, 1882-83, while sick and confined to
his bed at his residence, one night two robbers, Northgrave and Van Winkle,
as was afterwards learned, entered the house, broke open his bedroom, and
robbed him of about two thousand seven hundred dollars in money, which
the Doctor had negligently allowed to accumulate in the house, the pro-
ceeds of rents collected, etc., which was contained in a leather valise near
his bed. The robber seized the valise containing the money and was about
getting away with it when the Doctor sprang from the bed, grasped the
I04 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
retreating robber around the legs, felled him to the floor and shouted for
help. The only other persons in the house at the time were the wife of the
Doctor's hired man and two boys. The latter fled, but the lady was plucky
and came to the rescue, beating the robbers with a club. In the struggle
the robber kicked himself loose and the Doctor was seriously injured in
the encounter, trying to defend his property; but the robber escaped with
the booty. The Doctor at once sent to Exira for his attorney, H. F. An-
drews, who promptly responded, although it was a bitter cold night, taking
Richard W. Griggs along with him. On arriving at the residence of the
Doctor, several of his neighbors, having learned of the outrage, were assem-
bled there. The Doctor privately informed the lawyers that he believed he had
a clue to the robbers, who had not then been identified; that in the struggle
with the one he had attacked he had torn off his suspenders and a button
with a strip of cloth attached, which he still possessed, and proceeded to
produce it from under his pillow. The trophy was examined and it was
thought it might lead to the identity of the culprits. Next morning the
tracks of the robbers and their horses were discovered in the snow. With
a team driven by Joseph Doner, the Doctor's hired man, Mr. Andrews and
Mr. Griggs followed the trail several miles into Cass county, when a snow
storm obliterated the tracks and the trail was lost. Returning to the Doc-
tor's place, the captured suspenders and bit of cloth were again examined.
It was thought that the cloth looked familiar and resembled the pants usu-
ally worn by the Doctor and which usually hung near his bed. Search was
made for them without success and it was concluded that the robber had
also stolen the Doctor's pants, and that the Doctor had pulled off the sus-
penders from his own pants in the struggle with him. which in the end
proved true. The stolen valise and the pants were afterward found together
not far from the residence, where they had been left by some one other
than the robbers. In following the trail of the escaped robbers, the saddle
cloth of one of them, which had been lost by them, was fortunately dis-
covered, and it subsequently led to their identity; other facts developed
which identified them beyond reasonable doubt. It appeared that others
were associated with them and that the money was divided between the
gang of villains who participated in the nefarious affair. One man who
was killed in the county soon afterwards was said to have received a fine
span of horses for taking the rogues from the county. The principal rob-
bers soon left the community, but the money was never recovered. Doctor
Ballard soon went to Council Bluffs and died there shortly afterward.
Nothing further was done about the crime. Near the time of his death, the
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. IO5
Doctor informed the writer that the amount of his losses by thieves, tres-
passers, robbers, etc., in the past twenty years would aggregate fully twenty
thousand dollars. And he also said : "Andrews, I am living a'mong the
wolves."
Hon. William F. Smith, late of Farrall, Wyoming, a few years since
described some scenes in the home life of Doctor Ballard. He said: "In
1854 Dr. S. M. Ballard came from Iowa to Ohio to place his sons, Byron
and Osceola, in school, and while my parents were visiting the family of
Frederick Ballard they met the Doctor. I should say that one of the objects
of the Doctor's visit was to purchase machinery for a saw-mill. My par-
ents were wanting to locate where land was cheap and secure a home. Doc-
tor Ballard gave a very glowing account of Iowa, and of Audubon county
in particular, and offered them work at good wages until they could
establish a home of their own, which was accepted. So, in the spring of
1854, we started down the Ohio river by way of St. Louis, and then up the
Missouri river to Council Bluffs, Iowa. On account of low water, we were
a long time making the trip, and then went to Doctor Ballard's place with
teams. We had expected to find a fine, large house in good shape ; but the
house was a small log cabin of one room, eighteen Iw eighteen feet, and he
had a fairly large log barn, where the men slept. When we arrived there,
my brothers and myself went to the house and looked in at the door and
the sight gave us a fright. The doctor was eating his supper out a pan,
and a woman, one of Mr. Hyatt's family, was waiting on him. The Doctor
spoke to us in a loud voice and said : "Come in. boys." But when we saw
those long white whiskers and the strange surroundings we beat a hasty
retreat for the wagons and told what we had seen. Our parents had to tell
the Doctor about it. and we had a good laugh over it. We stopped at the
Doctor's place. My father worked on the farm and my mother and sisters
cooked for hired help. That fall my folks and the Doctor disagreed, and
we quit him and moved to "Uncle Johnny" Jenkins's house, and soon after-
ward to Jimmy Bird's place in Cass county, where we lived that winter.
Early the next spring we went back to the Doctor's place. The machinery
for the saw-mill had arrived, ^^^ith the farmhands and our own family and
the mill crew, my poor mother and sisters had to work early and late to
cook and wash for the outfit, making butter and caring for the milk from
several cows. etc. The Doctor had put up several other buildings, so we
had more room. ]\Iyself and brothers and the hired men slept in the hay-
mow above the horses. * * * About this period the wife and family
I06 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
of Doctor Ballard came out from Iowa Gity to the farm in Audubon
county. (The sons of Doctor Ballard came to Audubon county in 1852.)
Doctor Ballard was lirst receiver of the United States land office at
Kanesville (Council Bluffs), Iowa, in 1853. It is said that he once carried
a large amount of public funds in specie from Kanesville to Iowa City
in the false bottom of his bugg}^ to conceal it and escape robbery. He was
one of the proprietors of the Council Bluffs and Nebraska Ferry Company
in 1853-54. He was a Whig, and a prominent man. The lozi'a Standard
was begun in 1841 at Iowa City, and suspended publication in 1848. It
was bought about that time by Doctor Ballard, the name changed to the
Iowa City Republican, and he continued its publication as the Whig organ
of the party in Iowa. Among those employed on the paper were William
P. Hepburn, Tom Ballard, a natural son of the Doctor; Clay Johnson, and
others. We are not fully advised as to the history of the paper under the
management of Ballard, or when he severed his connection with it.
Ballard was one of the founders of the Republican party in Iowa,
along with such men as Grimes, Lowe, Kirkwood and others of that period.
He was a member of the Republic state central committee in 1856. In 1859
he appears on the ticket for representative. He was of ability to have graced
high political offices, but does not appear to have sought such preferment.
He was patriotic and a sound Union man during the war, so far as his
voice and vote went, but did not contribute financially to the party cam-
paign expenses while residing in Audubon county. He sometimes attended
state, district and county conventions as a delegate. During the war at
one time he was sent by Governor Kirkwood on some mission to the Iowa
soldiers in the army down the Mississippi river.
A remarkable instance occurred in the Republican state convention of
1875, when Doctor Ballard was chiefly responsible for the nomination of
Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood for governor for the third term. Probably no
man ever went into a convention more confident of success than did Hon.
James B. Weaver on that occasion. Pie had been a brilliant, gallant soldier,
was justly popular as a politician, especially with the old soldier element of
the party, and richly deserved the office as governor of Iowa. Doctor Bal-
lard was a delegate to the convention. He and some of the old-guard
Republicans did not take kindly to the candidacy of General Weaver, or,
perhaps. Weaver did not sufficiently court their support. Their importance
and influence was probably overlooked, or not properly considered. Some
of the old-timers decided to give Kirkwood a complimentary vote for gov-
ernor. When the nominations came on, and after the name of Weaver had
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. IO7
been presented as a candidate, Doctor Ballard arose, a majestic figure, with
snowy-white hair, long flowing beard and eagle eye, his giant form tower-
ing above the assembly. With his powerful, leonine voice, he announced :
"I nominate for governor that old war boss, Sam J. Kirkwood." The mag-
ical effect attracted every eye and ear present. An alert supporter of Gen-
eral Weaver demanded : "By what authority does the gentleman from
Audubon present the name of Governor Kirkwood?" Others shouted:
"Governor Kirkwood is not a candidate. He won't have the office," etc.
The Doctor impressively responded : "By authority of the great Republican
party of Iowa." The psychological effect produced was instantaneous.
That patriarchical figure and voice in the midst of Iowa's sons assembled
won the contest beyond recall, and Kirkwood was promptly nominated, to
the disappointment and chagrin of General Weaver and his followers.
Never has a parallel to that act, of such momentous importance, occurred
in the political history of Iowa. The shock was directed by the extempo-
raneous act of a single man — Doctor Ballard. It was a powerfully dra-
matic scene, which arose spontaneously, without preparation, on the spur
of the moment.
Who can say that but for this act of Doctor Ballard, Hon. James B.
Weaver would not have continued an ornament to the Republican party.
Many years ago, at the Walker house in Audubon, during court time.
Doctor Ballard, Judge Reed, Judge Maxwell, the writer and others were
having a pleasant evening together. The Doctor, being in a reminiscent
mood, related a thrilling account of the experience of himself and "Uncle"
John Jenkins, who were once lost in a snowstorm while out hunting. The
story ran substantially in this way : "In December, 1852, the United States
surveyors, including myself, were camped at Blue Grass Grove engaged
in sudividing township 80, range 35 (now Leroy township). My friend,
John S. Jenkins, and his son John came up from Big Grove to our camp
for a hunt with me, game being plentiful. We two started off together,
westward from camp. During the day a heavy snowstorm came on ; we
got bewildered, lost all idea of direction and wandered around long into the
night, completely lost. At one time we heard a strange noise near us, as of
many large animals running through the snow, making the peculiar whist-
ling sound of the elk when startled. We supposed we had run into and
startled a band of those animals, but it was too dark to see them. (The
writer has heard this sound made by elk. By old hunters it is called
'Bugling,' and is made by the bull elk as a challenge or note of defiance. It
is a peculiar sound and somewhat resembles the notes of a bugle.) Con-
I08 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
tinuing our tramp later into the night, we entered a brush patch and stopped
to rest, being tired out and hungry. Mr. Jenkins was in worse pHght than
myself and complained that his feet were hurting him. I suspected that
his feet were frozen, which afterwards proved to be the case. We gathered
fuel and started a fire. Mr. Jenkins proposed to remove his boots and
examine his feet; but I persuaded him not to do so, as he would have dififi-
cutly in putting them on again. We made a bed of brush and dried grass
and he laid down and slept, while T watched and tended the fire. Towards
morning the clouds parted and I got a fair view of the Great Handled Dip-
per and the North star, and so fixed the direction in my mind. When morn-
ing came it was still cloudy and the sun was obscured all day. Jenkins
awoke very much discouraged, still complaining of his feet, and expressed
doubt that we should ever reach home again. I tried to encourage him and
pointed out the direction I thought we should travel. He disputed me and
said he thought we should travel in nearly the opposite course. I said,
'There is north,' pointing, as I believed, in that direction. He had no idea
that I knew the direction any better than he did, and he replied : 'And
who in h — , sir, told \-(m that was north?' I explained to him of my see-
ing the North star while he had slept, and he cooled down, but apparently
not convinced and despondent; said we were lost beyond hope of discovery;
that no one would know where to search for us, and that if anyone
attempted to find us there was hardly a chance of success, and that he
believed we must perish. I urged that w^e should succeed by following the
course I suggested. He admitted that he was in dou1)t what direction we
ought to travel, and finally consented to follow me that day, but did not
hope to succeed. We took up the march tow'ards the east, as it afterwards
proved. W^e came out on what must have been the main divide between the
w^aters of the East and \\'est Botna rivers, and there Mr. Jenkins rebelled
and became more obstinate than before. He insisted we were traveling the
wrong direction, and that w^e should change our course and proceed north-
west along the divide. I was confident we w^ere on the right course, Imt
pleaded with him in vain. We shook hands, parted, and each pursued his
chosen course, he to the northwest, along the divide, and I took a south-
east course down a ridge, until nearly out of sight of each other, when,
turning to take a parting look at him, I saw him wave his hat. I made a
similar response and waited for him to return. When he joined me he
said he had forgotten his promise to follow during the day, apologized and
promised to make his word good. We proceeded again until Mr. Jenkins
became more discouraged and complained. I carried his rifle to relieve him
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. IO9
and took him by the arm to encourage him to proceed. Late in the after-
noon, in crossing a slough, his feet became entangled in the long, wet grass,
matted down by the heavy snow, and he fell. I offered to assist him to
arise, but he refused; said it was useless; that we were lost beyond help;
that his feet were used up; that we were without food or fire and must
perish; that he might as well stop where he was to punish himself by
attempting to travel farther. I stooped down and struck him a smart blow
with the back of my hand on his face. The effect was instantaneous. He
sprang to his feet like a steel trap and demanded why I had insulted him.
I told him it was to show him that he was not so near dead as he imagined,
and that I had proved it. He accepted my explanation and we again pro-
ceeded. Upon reaching the top of another ridge I thought the surrounding
country and lay of the land looked familiar. I believed we were in the
vicinity of our camp and so informed my companion. I then remembered
my dog, a favorite white hound, who was at the camp, and told Mr. Jen-
kins that if I could make 'Zack' hear my voice he would come to us. So I
began to shout and halloo, long and loud, and kept it up. Soon I heard
the hound bay and called the attention of Mr. Jenkins to it, but he was not
convinced. He said we could not be near camp, and that i must have heard
a wolf howl. But soon the dog came over the hill in full cry. I saw him,
with the black spot on his head, coming towards us, and no mistake, and
he soon reached us, plainly expressing his pleasure at seeing us. A little
later Uncle Ben Hyatt, our cook, came following on the dog's track. When
he got near enough I shouted for him to hurry back to camp and prepare
some food for us. Uncle John clasped the dog around the neck and burst
into tears, and ever afterwards declared that the dog saved our lives."
I had previously heard the Doctor tell the story, and Mr. Jenkins had
also told it to me. When the Doctor's narrative was finished and his hear-
ers had expressed their appreciation. I said to him : "Doctor, I think you
told the story to a party of gentlemen at Exira several years ago." "Why
do you say so?" said he. "Since I first heard you tell it, I have heard Mr.
Jenkins tell it." "And don't he tell it as I do?" "Yes, with one excep-
tion." "And what is that?" "He didn't mention that you slapped him in
the face." "But I did," said the Doctor. John T. Jenkins, of Brayton, says
that he was at the camp at the time mentioned and well remembers the inci-
dent. He says that the people at the camp, Ben Hyatt, Byron Ballard, the
Doctor's son, and others, were alarmed for the safety of his father and the
Doctor, and were anxiously hoping all day for their return; that old "Zack"
was uneasy and whined at times, and that all of a sudden he bawled out and
no AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
broke away from camp on the run over the hills. No one in camp had
heard the Doctor's call, but the dog evidently had a keener ear, and dashed
away to find his lost master. Neither of the participants knew exactly
where their wanderings had taken them.
The writer surveyed land in this county for years in earlier times and
became well acquainted with the lands in the west part of the county where
this adventure took place. There used to be a little clump of hickory sap-
lings in a deep ravine near the line between Douglas and Sharon townships
near the west part of the county, which was, perhaps, the spot where Bal-
lard and Jenkins stopped on the night as related. Mr. Jenkins more than
onc/j referred to this adventure with gratitude towards Doctor Ballard, and
invariably expressed liis belief that the Doctor had saved his life on that
occasion. He was financially interested with Captain Perry and the Hen-
dersons in contracts for the survey of several townships of government
lands in Audubon county and perhaps elsewhere. His son Byron was actu-
ally engaged in the work as flagman and chainman. The Doctor was prob-
ably overseer of the working party.
During the last winter of his life he spoke about his son, "Bolly," as
he was familiarly called, and, like King David of old. lamenting over his
son Absalom, said that he could be a prince if he would be, intimating that
he would be pleased for him to have the home place, but feared that if he
should give it to him he would squander it. He suggested that there might
be some of his descendants some time who might make good use of his
property, if he only knew to whom to leave it. The terms of his will indi-
cate that it was perhaps framed with such ideas in view. He left a hand-
some estate. Besides his lands and property here, he had large possessions
in other places. At his death he gave his son Osceola a life estate in four
hundred acres of land in Cass county, which he soon lost. To his daughter,
Mrs. Robinson, he gave a life estate in nearly two thousand acres of land
near Marne, Iowa, with remainder to her children after her death. The
residue of his fortune went to his wife. The home place here has passed
entirely out of possession of his descendants. Doctor Ballard was unfor-
tunate in his family. Byron was killed by the falling of a tree ; Eugene was
drowned, and two daughters died young. He was the first senior warden
of Iowa City Lodge No. 4. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, which was
chartered on January 8. 1844.
Old settlers will recall the heroic figure of the old Doctor, with his
black plug hat. mounted on his favorite saddle horse. "Old Tige." as he. in
former times, rode about the county. He died at Council BlufTs in 1883.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. Ill
Mrs. Ballard survived him, but has been dead many years. Their children
were : Byron, unmarried ; Virginia, who married George Robinson and is
dead; Osceola is dead; Oletippe and another daughter are both dead.
DAVID EDGERTON.
David Edgerton visited Audubon county with Nathaniel Hamlin and
others in March, 1851, and settled here in 1852. His first residence was a
log cabin on lot 5, in section 3, Exira township. He had the title to the
land upon which the town of Exira was laid and was nominal proprietor
of the town; but Judge Daniel M. Harris was real owner of the undivided
one-half thereof, and conducted the business of laying out and platting the
town. Mr. Edgerton owned considerable other lands contiguous to Exira.
He reserved all of block 4, Exira, for his home, upon which he erected his
dwelling house and the present old barn on the same block. Part of his
old dwelling is now embraced in the present residence of Mrs. Sturgeon,
which, with the old barn, all on the same block, are owned by Mrs. Stur-
geon. Mr. Edgerton sold out in 1867, and he and his family went to
Kansas.
REUBEN CARPENTER.
Reuljen Carpenter came to Audubon county in 1852 and settled in sec-
tion 35, Exira township. He sold out there in 1853 to William H. H. Bowen
and moved to section 18, Audubon township. His children were, Elijah,
William (who married Martha Johnston), George, John, David, Henry, and
several daughters.
THE HEATHS.
Alilton Heath, a carpenter and farmer, married Elizabeth Parent. He
cam,e from Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1852, and lived first on Doctor Bal-
lard's place ; then moved a mile west of Ballard bridge, where he built a
dwelling, made of poles covered with hay. He went to Shelby county in
1855, and there laid out the now obsolete town of Simoda. He went back
to Indiana in i860, returned to Audubon county in 1869, and lived about
Oakfield and other places. He was a Republican. He died in 1897, and
his wife died in 1873. Their children were: Hiram, referred to in the
following paragraph; Josiah, who married Mary Huntsinger; Wilfred, who
married Sarah Eastis ; Albert, who married Caroline Goodale, and Arthur,
who married Mary .
I 1 2 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Hiram Heath came to Audubon county with his parents. He mar-
ried in 1871, Evahne, daughter of Henry and Julia A. ( Bolton) Grans-
berry. He was a farmer at Exira, and a Republican in politics. His chil-
dren were, Henry M., who married Mary B. Kline; Elizabeth J., who mar-
ried George B. Martin; Rosall, who married Monroe Higgins; Olga G.,
who married William Powers, and AA'innie I., unmarried.
Mark Heath, a farmer, who married Lucy Driver, came from Fort
Wayne, Indiana, in 1852. and settled on the hill south of Oakfield, in section
29. He lived there the remainder of his life and died there. He was a
Republican in politics and served as justice of the peace. His children
were, Marcellus, who married Emma Brinckley ; Lovice, married Chauncey
Aldrich; C. Adelbert. married Francina Pottle; Kittie, married Frank Lam-
bert.
Amhert Heath, brother of Mark and Milton, came from Indiana in
1857. He was a farmer and well digger. He was a Democrat and served
as county judge. He lost his life in a well at the Huyck place in 1868. He
married Loly A. Monts and after his death, his widow married David B.
Beers. He was the father of the following children : Catherine Lovetta,
who married \A^illiam Gearheart ; Rose Ella, married Henry Carpenter;
Lewis Comb, married Ina Smith ; Frank Byron, married Ida Merrick ;
Owen Elmer, married Grace Hawk; ]\[artha Almeda, married Lewis M.
Parrott.
William Henry Harrison Bowen married Eliza Watson. In 1853
he, with Walter J. Jardine and John Seifford and families, came here
from Jones county, Iowa. Mr. Bowen bought out the claim of Reuben
Carpenter and was a farmer. He went to Pikes Peak in i860 and moved
to Colorado in 1862. He returned to Audubon county in 1865, but later,
went to Nebraska, where he lived several years and then returned to Cass
county, near his old home. He was a Republican, a member of the board
of supervisors in 1871-2, and the first assessor of Audubon county. He
married for his second wife, Josephine Smith. His son, the late Hugh
Bowen, succeeded to the home place many years ago. To WiUiam and
Eliza Bowen the following children were born : Nancy Jane, who married
Hon. William Walker; Rachel Elizabeth, married William B. Stone; John
Wesley, married Nancy Cannon; Anna L., died unmarried; Sarah E., mar-
ried Wilham Bales; Hugh, married Alaggie Selladay; Juliette, married
Joseph W. Walker; Emma Caroline, married John Lorah; James W., died
unmarried; Charles E., married Mary Allen. By his second wife, Mr.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. II3
Bowen had four children, Kittie, who married Leonard J. Whitney, Burns,
Harry and Edward.
Peoria Irwin Whitted, son of WilHam and Armena (Howard)
Whitted, was born in WilHamsport, Tennessee, February 29, 1832. He
married in Audubon county on February 28, i860, Louise C, daugh-
ter of Levi B. and Fannie (Boyls) Montgomery, and who was born
in Hancock county, Illinois. Mr. Whitted accompanied his parents to
Vigo county, Indiana; thence to Parke county, Indiana, in 1833; to
Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1838; to Keokuk, Iowa, in 1845; to
Muscatine and Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1850; to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in
1851, whence he returned to Iowa City. In 1853 he came to Hamlin's
Grove, Iowa. In the spring of 1857 he came to Exira, where he hved the
remainder of his life. He was a Democrat, a member of the Christian
church and an Odd Fellow. He was eilected county surveyor in 1855, and
held the office many years; was deputy sheriff in 1869 and assessor for
several years. He was a prominent man and is frequently mentioned in
this work. He died at Exira on December 29, 1907. His children were as
follow : John Clinton, married Hester Coglin ; Florence May, married
Albert L. Sewell; Minnie Arena, married James D. Barber; Forest Bates,
married Mabel Dickay; Elbridge Irving, married Blanche Myers; Carlton
Calm, married Mildred Bechfold; Clara Bell, married Nels Johnson.
A NOTED CHARACTER.
J. Lyman Frost, with his son, Carlos, and Peoria I. Whitted, came
from Iowa City to Audubon county in 1853. He was an old man, a
widower, and lived alone in a shanty made of poles, near his son, Carlos,
in the northwest part of section 35, Exira township. He was a contentious
man and had a special faculty for stirring up the animals. He was an ardent
Republican, a strong Union man, had no use for anyone not strictly up to
the highest pitch of party requirements, and he practically demonstrated
his opinions on all possible occasions. (See account of him in sketch of
Nathaniel Hamlin.) He became postmaster at Hamlin's Grove during war
times. He was heartily despised by the Democrats and was not in unison
with many of his own party. He was a discordant element at best. One
of the patrons of his postoffice was one Martin Shults, whom Frost took
occasion publicly to call a "copperhead." Shults was a mild, inoffensive
man, religiously inclined, and, although the imputation was not wholly mis-
(8)
114 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
applied, from the standpoint of the times, the insult rankled in his bosom.
Later, at a public gathering in Oakfield, Shults spied his quarry, removed
his coat and handed it to his good old wife, "Aunt Julie," remarking that
he had a duty to perform, and then "waded in and proceeded to "tan Frost's
dog skin." That exercise performed, he proceeded to ride in haste to Exira
in search of a justice to whom he might "plead guilty." But he was pur-
sued by the constable, John Crane, and arrested for assault and battery.
It was said that Crane was so desirous of gaining popularity that he over-
rode and injured a fine horse in making the arrest. And it was also said
that his promptness in the matter afterwards cost him an election to office.
Mr. Frost was easily a party leader locally. -He held the ear of Gov-
ernor Kirkwood, with whom he was personally acquainted at Iowa City,
and stood in with the administration at Washington. He made the weather
and crop reports, etc. ; received his contingent of government documents,
seeds, etc., which he conscientiously distributed among the faithful. He
was one of the first to raise an apple orchard and other tame fruit in the
county. He was prompt and zealous in attending to party affairs and in
managing the Republican political machinery in the county, being sometime
chairman of the county central committee. But, after a disagreeable fac-
tional contest with the Ballards and others in a county convention at
Green's school house, in 1868, he soured on party work and ne\er after-
wards took an active part in politics. He went to Nebraska with his son,
Carlos, about 1884, when very aged.
Carlos E. Frost came here with his father from Iowa City in 1853, ^^^
was a farmer. He lived in the northwest quarter of section 35, Exira town-
ship. He ^\•as a Republican and a popular gentleman. He was clerk at the
first county election, April 2, 1855; county treasurer, 1864-5, and during
that period lived in Exira. in the Charles Chapin house, which was on the
site of the present John Mertis residence, block 16, Exira.
In 1883 he was a merchant in Brayton. where his store was burglarized
by the "Crooked Creek Gang." His son, Lew C. Frost, and son-in-law, Dan
P. McGill, held the office of count v survevor. He moved to Stuart,
Nebraska, about 1884. His children were, Lew C, who married Alice
Ilartman ; Salina ; Eva, who married Dan P. ]\IcGill ; Edward, Eliza and
another daughter.
Richard Gault, son of Francis and Deborah (Stewart) Gault, was
born in Belfast, Ireland, August 21, 1830, and was married in Audubon
county. May i, i860, to IMary Leffingwell. daughter of Alvin and Paulina
(Leffingwell) Herrick, and who was born in Massachusetts about 1832.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. II5
Mr. Gault came to Philadelphia with his parents, about 1837; thence to
Wisconsin in 185 1; to Appanoose county, Iowa, in 1853, and to Hamlin's
Grove in 1854. He served as clerk for Nathaniel Hamlin, and was clerk
01 the district court in 1861-2. About 1863 he settled on a farm in section
9, Exira township, where he lived many years and where his wife died.
During the last years of his life he resided in Exira. He was a Democrat
and Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. He died in Exira, April 13,
1904. His children, who were born in Audubon county, were : Henry
Franklin, who married first, Dora Smith, and second, Melissa Cook;
Augusta Collins, married Naomi Campbell ; Mildred Ann, married John B.
Hash; Charles Richard, who first married Maud Wilcutt, and second,
Anna Glasscock ; Caroline, married Ernest D. Powell ; Anna Belle, married
Charles W. Houston; Mary Leffingwell, married Albert Britner.
THE HERRICKS.
The Herrick lineage is a proud one. It is an old one, extending back
to the period when English people bore but a single name, and it was then
Eric. But, through \-arious transformations and the prefix of the Cockney
"h," it became (H)eyricke, which, in later times, became Herrick. It is
traditional that the very ancient family of the Ericks descended from Eric,
the Forrester, a great commander, who raised an army to oppose the in-
vasion of William the Concperor into England, 1066, by whom he was
vancjuished; but he was afterwards chosen to command some of the forces
of that king. In old age he returned to his estate in Leicestershire, where
the descendants became free tenants, holding two virgates, the fourth of
a hide, or about fifty acres of land, which they held on payment of an
annual quit-rent to the king of a pound of pepper. Eyrick, of Great
Stretton and of Houghton in Leicester, England, in time of King Henry
III, 1216-72, was a lineal descendant of Eric, the Forrester.
Henry Heyricke, or Herrick, was tenth in lineal descent from Eyrick
last named. He was born at Beaumont, England, August 6, 1604, and was
named by command of Prince Henry, eldest son of King James I. His
sponsors were Sir David Murray, Sir John Spellman and Lady Aston. He
emigrated to \^irginia ; thence to Salem, Massachusetts, where he married
Editha, daughter of Flugh and Alice Laskin. They were members of the
First church in Salem, 1629. He was made a freeman. May 18, 1631.
They moved to Bass River, now Beverly, Massachusetts, July 4, 1667,
where they joined the church the same year. They were founders of the
ii6
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Herrick family in New England. Their descendants are numerous and are
well settled over the Northern and Western states.
Alvin Herrick was supposed to have descended from Henry Herrick,
of Salem, Massachusetts, 1629, but his ancestry has not been traced. He
was the son of Elisha Herrick and was born in Westfield, Massachusetts.
He married Pauline Leflingwell. He was a dairyman at Westfield. He
moved to Chautauqua, New York, as early as 1844; thence to Buffalo,
New York; thence to Beloit, Wisconsin, about 1850. In the spring of
1853 he migrated again, and arrived in Audubon county in June, of that
AIAIN HKKItICK
year, accompanied by his son, Urbane, and family. He at once bought out
the claim of Ralph Arthur Decker, which had a cabin on it, and in the
same year entered the land from the government, it being the east half of
the northeast quarter of section 17, now Exira township, and also the south-
east quarter of the same section, embracing some first-class farm land and
the best timber in the county, which shows that he did not come here empty
handed. Part of the present farm of his grandson, Julius E. Herrick, is
situated in his original purchase. The remainder of his family came in
1854 and brought with them several hundred sheep, the first brought to
Audubon county. "Folly" Herrick. his son. says that it was his job to tend
the sheep, and that they were herded along the ridge north of the road,
which runs on the north line of section 16. Mr. Herrick sold his farm land
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. II7
to his son, Elisha, and about 1856 moved to a place half a mile north, in
section 9, where he erected a dwelling, built for him by Howard J. Green
and Alfred Eddy, which is still in existence. About 1863 Mr. and Mrs.
Herrick separated, and she, with several of the children, Coit, Curtis, Elisha,
Judson D., Orra and Lawrence, emigrated to Stockton, California. Herrick
sold his home place to another son, Augustus C. Herrick, and son-in-law,
Richard Gault, and it was known for many years as the Gault place. About
1865 his son, Judson D., called "Folly," returned from California, and the
father and son moved to Bear Grove, Iowa, but soon returned to Audubon
county, where he died in December, 1875. He was about five feet and six
inches in stature; dark complexion, hair and eyes. His descendants are
numerous, being mostly farmers and Democrats, and have been substantial,
prosperous citizens; people who attend to their own affairs and let others
alone; honest, honorable, kind, social neighbors — good types of old Yankee
stock.
Alvin Herrick's children were as follow : Caroline, married Lucius
Collins; Edson, married Mrs. Mary A. West, nee Bigelow; Sarah Ann,
married John Benedict; Urbane, married Charlotte Spurling and Keziah
Smith; Coit, married Helen Bartlett; Emerson, married Mary Seiford;
Curtis, married Hannah Holdcroft; Mary, married Richard Gault; Elisha,
never married; Augustus C, married Teters; Judson deForest,
married Mrs. Louisa Strickland, nee Roeser; Orra, married William Arnett;
Lawrence, married Helen Teters.
Edson Herrick married Mrs. Mary A. West, nee Bigelow, who had a
son, named C. Dwight West, by her former husband. They came here
from Beloit, Wisconsin, bringing with them her son, who still lives here.
But, fearing Indian troubles, they returned to Wisconsin, and came back to
Audubon county in June, 1856. He was a farmer and a Democrat. He
entered the northwest quarter of section 15, Exira township, but settled on
an adjoining tract in the northeast corner of section 16, where William
Carpenter and other afterwards lived. He next built a residence farther
west in the same section, which he sold to G. T. Poage. It contained one of
the first plastered rooms in the county. About 1864 he bought the farm
first improved by his brother, Urbane Herrick, in sections 8 and 9, Exira
township, where his son-in-law, Walter B. Temple, now lives, and where
he lived until near the time of his death. He was a medium-sized man,
with dark complexion, hair and eyes. His name may justly go down to
posterity as a model citizen. He was one who had no enemies. Neither
should his particular by-word, "By Jocks," be forgotten. He survived his
Il8 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
wife, but both have been dead many years. Their children were: Ella
Mary, who married Walter B. Temple; Ida F., married Henry B. Houston,
and is dead; Lilly Ann, married Elihu Myers; Emma P., married J. Mack
Love; Julius Earl, married Jessie Wilcutt; Cora, married, first, Grant
Brown and, second, Lloyd Hinkle, and Laura B. died unmarried.
Urbane Herrick married, first, Charlotte Spurling, who died, and he
then married Keziah Smith. He was a farmer and a Democrat. He came
from Beloit, Wisconsin, with his father in 1853. He entered and settled
on the place where Walter B. Temple, Esq., now lives, which he sold to a
Doctor Hager, in Illinois, who sold it to Edson Herrick about 1864. He
then settled on and improved the farm in section 36 in Hamlin township,
where Willie Jenson now lives. Then he moved to lot 12, in section 3,
Exira township^ and built the present residence in the northeast corner
thereof. It embraced the townsite of Exira Heights and the site of the
school house at Exira. He was justice of the peace and sheriff. He was
a small man, with dark complexion, hair and eyes. He died at Exira many
years ago, and his widow is now the wife of Frank Persing, of Exira. The
children by his first wife were, Urbane Scott, deceased, who married Clara
M. Blackmar; Orra D., married Samuel Beers; Lorinda D., married Hiram
Young; Rosa M., married Clark Gray. By his second wife, Mr. Herrick
became the father of three children : Robie K., who married first, John
Peterman and, second, jMichael Flynn; Mary E., married Hans P. Hansen,
and Maggie E., married Grant Smith and J. O. HoAvard.
Judson DeForest Herrick, who was born in Chautauqua, New York,
in 1844, came to Audubon county from Beloit, Wisconsin, in 1854. He
went to California in 1863; returned to Audubon county in 1865, and
moved to Bear Grove, Iowa, and there married Mrs. Louisa Strickland,
nee Roeser. He later returned to Audubon county and settled on a farm in
section 31, in Greeley township, where he lived many years. He is now
retired and lives in the town of Exira. He is a Democrat. Physically, he
is a small man, with dark complexion, hair and eyes. His children are :
Alvin, who married Sarah Winchell ; Lenora. married John Crees ; Curtis,
married Edna White; Herbert, married Harriet Jenkins, and Essie M.,
married George Scott.
HON. DANIEL M. HARRIS.
Judge Daniel M. Harris was a gentleman with whom it was a pleasure
to have been acquainted. No man in Audubon county, during the period
HON. D. M. HAlUtLS
/ ^
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. II9
of his residence here, from 1854 to 1862, did more than he, as a citizen and
pubhc officer, for the advancement of the community. He was worthy,
genial, friendly and a highly-intelligent gentleman. He was born in Day-
ton, Ohio, July 21, 1 82.1. In 1837 he went to Williamsport, Tennessee,
where, in 1841, he married Martha Minerva White. He was a carpenter
and merchant in Williamsport, whence he migrated and arrived at Hamlin's
Grove on November 8, 1854. He settled in section 36, now Exira town-
ship, improved land there and worked at his trade. In 1857 he moved to
section 14, now Audubon township, and improved land there.
He was elected county judge in 1855 and held the office until 1862.
It was the most important office in the county, its duties embracing many
now exercised by the board of supervisors, relative to elections, taxation,
roads, and the general county business, besides jurisdiction in probate mat-
ters, and concurrent jurisdiction with justices of the peace. Alost of the
public county records were installed under his direction, and many of the
first records were written with his own hand, showing very neat penman-
ship, and' intelligent, painstaking work, a monument to his memory. He
was the first lawyer in the county, and the factotum for all kinds of legal
and official business for the people of the county during the period from
1854 to 1861, inclusive, which compares favorably with that conducted at
the present time. This is remarkable when it is considered that Iowa was
then in its infancy and that the forms and methods of transacting such
aflrairs were not then well settled. Lawyers and officers were then required
to make their own forms of documents and legal records, without the aid
of the codes, hand books of forms, practice and procedure which are now
possessed.
Judge Harris was highly esteemed as a citizen and his friends were co-
extensive with his acquaintance. If he had enemies, they were few and
were confined to his rivals. His integrity was unquestioned. He was an
eminently public-spirited man. In 1855-6 he originated the idea and as-
sisted to build the first school house in the county, a log building at Hamlin's
Grove, a private enterprise, erected by the donations and labor of the set-
tlers. In 1856-7 he and Peoria I. Whitted erected the first public school
house in the county, at the cost of two hundred and sixty-five dollars, built
by subscription, at Audubon City (Hamlin's Grove).
In 1857 Judge Harris bought from David Edgerton for four hundred
dollars, an unrecorded one-half interest in the land upon which the town of
Exira was laid out and platted. And while the business was conducted in
the name of Mr. Edgerton, Harris was the real promoter and did the busi-
I20 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
ness. The first sale of lots was on May 7, 1857, ^^- Harris being the auc-
tioneer, and the sale aggregated one thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars.
He reserved all of block 8 in the town for his own home lot, and in the
same year built for himself the first dwelling in town. This he sold, about
i860, to William P. Hamlin, and then built for himself another dwelling,
which stood where the Park hotel is located. Soon afterwards he built
another building, about sixteen feet square, on block 8, for a carpenter
shop, where Ernest Voss's residence is situated, and which was afterwards
used for a postofiice. It was sold to the county, moved upon the public
square and used for the county offices until 1874, when it degenerated into
a beer saloon. The same year he originated a plan for building the first
school house at Exira, and which was erected with less than one hundred
dollars in actual cash. The contract price of the building was one thou-
sand three hundred dollars. The taxpayers brought to the contractor grain,
labor, lumber, etc., for which the county treasurer gave a receipt as for
cash, and the contractor receipted to the treasurer for it. And so the house
was erected and paid for.
Judge Harris served as postmaster at Exira from 1857 to 1861. He
was elected representative to the Legislature in 1859 from the twenty-
sixth district, composed of the counties of Audubon, Guthrie, Harrison
and Shelby, and served in the sessions of the ninth General Assembly. He
said: "I supported, as representati\e, all the war measures of Iowa, and
was as good a real Union man as any in Iowa. I was opposed to much of
the legislation of the Republican party of that day, believing then, as I do
now, that much of it was for the purpose of robbing the people of the
South, whom I consider as much entitled to the protection of the United
States government as the people of the North." He supported Douglas
for President in i860. It is said that at the beginning of the war. in 1861.
he made a strong Union speech at Exira, at which the Democrats, and
especially Uncle Natty Hamlin, were offended. John T. Jenkins, of Bray-
ton, says, that when he enlisted in 1861, Judge Harris praised his conduct
in going to war and said that it was the duty of young men to serve their
country in time of its peril. His son, William J. Harris, enhsted in 1862,
in Company B, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and was captured at Altoona
in 1864.
The Harris home at Exira was noted for hospitality and was the
favorite resort of the elite of Audubon county in early times, being the
scene of gayety, festivity and pleasure. The normal condition was that the
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 121
house was full to overflowing, and all comers were always made welcome
and happy. The family rarely set down to the table alone at meal time.
Judge Harris moved to Panora, Iowa, in the spring of 1862, and be-
came a member of the firm of Harris & Fogg, prominent lawyers there.
At the same time he was proprietor and editor of the Guthrie County
Ledger, notorious in its opposition to the Republican party and administra-
tion. In 1867 he was the Democratic candidate for lieutenant-governor of
Iowa. He moved to Missouri A'^alley in 1868 and there conducted the
Missouri Valley Times. Returning to Exira in 1873, he conducted the
Audubon County Defender, and later, moved to Atlantic, Iowa, and there
established the Cap Sheaf. He again removed to Missouri Valley, about
1876, and continued the publication of the Missouri Valley Times the re-
mainder of his life.
Exceptions were taken to Judge Harris along political lines, as a news-
paper editor and proprietor and politician, especially during war times and
the reconstruction period. He was prominent in the Democratic party
and in harmony with its doctrines, tenets and traditions. He denounced
the war in strong terms, and was in sympathy with the South. His paper
was considered detrimental to the Union cause. The soldiers, who were
then dodging rebel bullets in the army, looked with disfavor and hatred
upon those in the rear who were acting against their best interests, and re-
garded those who were not with them as against them. It was a desperate
situation — a case of life or death to the soldiers who were fighting in a
just cause for their rights — which is now the verdict of the world, including
the Southern people themselves. To err is human. Judge Harris probably
lived to regret some things he said and did. Near the time of his death
he published in his paper : "In looking back over the past ninety years'
history of our life, we feel that, with our experience, if we had the journey
to make over, we would shun politics as we would a plague." In the year
of his death there appeared in his paper an article from his own pen on the
centennial of the birth of Lincoln, the tenor of which was all that a patriotic
American could desire ; but in marked contrast with the sentiments ex-
pressed in his earlier writings. He was for many years a Free Mason and
an Odd Fellow. He died at Missouri Valley, October 9, 191 1. Mrs. Harris
died in 1898. Their children were as follow: Mary Isabella, married John
Crane; WilHam James, married Flora Townsend; Daniel Webster, never
married; Clarinda Campbell, married John Lahman; John Wiley, married
Hattie Toft; Robert Henry, married Frances Chapman; Ellis Nathaniel,
122 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
married Essie Rainberger; Edwin Freeman, married Emma Jones; Virginia
Tennessee, married Will Rutledge; Emma Eudora, married Charles Russell.
THE LEWISES.
Thomas T. Lewis married Sarah G. Meek, a sister to Rev. Richard C.
Meek. They lived in Wayne county, Indiana, whence they moved to Niles,
Michigan, in 1833. The family then migrated to Jones county, Iowa;
thence to Kansas. Mr. Lewis had died before the family came here, and
Mrs. Lewis lived with her son, Isaac, afterwards. The family, consisting of
three sons, Richard M., Thomas S., and Isaac V. D., and their families, and a
married daughter, the wife of Dennis Parmeley, came to Audubon county
in October, 1854.
Richard Meek Lewis, who married Elizabeth Lewis, sister of Hon.
William Walker, was a carpenter, who settled in section 26, now in Exira
township, and sold his place to Whitman Wilcox. It is now part of the
Benjamin F. Simpson estate. They then settled and lived many years in
Oakfield; moved to Sheridan, Wyoming; thence to Casper, Wyoming. He
was a class leader and prominent in the Methodist church many years. He
died at Casper. Before marriage to Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis had a daughter,
Malvina, who married Thomas Roland, who settled in Audubon county.
Mr. Lewis died in Casper. He had two daughters, Josephine, who married
H. Moffit, and Albertine, who married William Allan Hamlin.
Thomas Shelton Lewis, married, first, Josephine B. Caylor, and, second.
May Jorden. He was a farmer and a Democrat. He settled in section 25,
Exira township. After the death of his first wife he moved to another
place, about a mile west of his former home. He was the first county judge
in 1855. In his official capacity he laid out the town of Dayton, as the first
county seat of Audubon county, on July 9, 1855, on the land of his uncle,
Rev: Richard C. Meek, the east half of the northwest quarter of section 22,
Exira township. His first farm adjoined that of his brother, Isaac, and for
many years they were embraced in Audubon civil township as the county
was originally divided. The township was overwhelmingly Democratic
and it was his fortune for many years to hold the office of justice of the
peace; and he also often served as judge of election. In early times, before
he was admitted to the bar, he figured in actions before justices of the peace
and inferior tribunals. Some amusing incidents transpired relative to him
in his legal capacity. Once he was counsel for a party sued on a promissory
note. The defendant, under oath, denied his signature to the note, and the
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I23
affidavit was prepared by Mr. Lewis. The proof was overwhelming that
the signature to the note was genuine, and the man was afterwards prose-
cuted for perjury before John A. Hallock, justice of the peace, for making
the false affidavit, the present writer acting for the prosecution. Mr. Griggs
defended and the defendant made an affidavit for change of venue, in
which he swore that he could not obtain justice before Mr. Hallock, or Mr.
Harrington, or Mr. Smart, who were justices of the peace, or before any
other justice of the peace in Audubon county, except T. S. Lewis. And the
case was sent to Mr. Lewis for trial. Of course, the state could not obtain
a change of venue from him. The defense attempted to exclude from the
evidence the false affidavit of the defendant, in which he swore that his
name signed to the note sued on was not his genuine signature. The trial
took up a day and part of the night, and the contest was over the admis-
sion of the affidavit in evidence. It was repeatedly offered and admitted,
only to be stricken out on objection of defendant's counsel, the court being
too ready to accept any subterfuge offered. The affidavit was not only
false, but it compromised Mr. Lewis, who had prepared and filed it for the
defendant. The situation was uncomfortable for the court, as well as for
the defendant. Finally the court suggested — I believed to assist me — "Mr.
.Andrews, state your question thusly." And the interrogatory was framed
accordingly. Mr. Griggs apparently supposed that the court was about to
admit the evidence, but, out of abundant obstinacy and force of habit, ob-
jected, supported by the usual harangue, when, to the amazement of every
one present, the court sustained the objection to his own question, cun-
ningly observing: 'T suggested the question to enable the court to be con-
sistent with its former ruling." The laugh was certainly on me with a
vengeance. Uncle Charley Gray, a bright old lawyer, present, exploded with
laughter, and said that it was the most ridiculous performance he ever wit-
nessed in court. The prosecution was abandoned in despair.
On another occasion, Mr. Churchill, of Atlantic, was trying a case be-
fore Mr. Lewis, where Mr. Griggs and John W. Scott were defending. The
plaintiff sought to introduce the testimony of the wife of defendant against
her husband, to which proper objection was made, and a heated discussion
arose over it. The court ruled that the lady should answer, upon which
Griggs directed the witness not to answer. But she said : "The court orders
me to answer." "Never mind what he says. You are not compelled to
testify against your husband. Observe my directions and I will protect
3^ou." The court informed Griggs that he was in contempt, and that he
should fine him if he repeated his conduct. Mr. Griggs replied that he re-
124 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
spected the court, but that he had utter contempt for his ruhng, and the
court fined him. The contest continued along the same hne until Griggs
was repeatedly fined, when an adjournment was taken. During intermis-
sion J\lr. Lewis and Mr. Griggs, who were personal friends, had a private
interview, and when court convened "His Honor" announced: "I was not
aware of the position of counsel in this matter, and the fines for contempt
are remitted." Then ]\Ir. Churchill interfered and objected to the order of
court, when Mr. Scott took a hand, pointedly asked Mr. Churchill if it was
any of his business, and offered to whip him on short notice. Churchill
admitted that it was not his affair, and the case proceeded again, with ill
temper between counsel. Another question arose and was discussed pro
and con until the lawyers got weary and sat down, when the court inquired :
"What is the question, gentlemen?"
Years ago there was a place near the center of Audubon township,
called "Indian Grove," from the fact that it was a large tract of burr oak
trees, which were desirable for fence posts and were slyly sought and ap-
propriated by some of the new settlers in that vicinity by "jayhawking"
them. ]\Ir. Griggs was employed to prosecute the offenders and proceeded
to the scene of action, accompanied by the justice of the peace, Mr. Lewis,
and the sheriff', Mr. Comrardy. Arriving there, they surprised the tres-
passers at work and took them redhanded, cutting down trees and loading
timber, causing a panic and stampede. Some of the bushwhackers escaped,
but three were arrested, including a preacher, who in the "skeddadle" lost
his plug hat and, in attempting to rescue it, was nabbed. Court was held on
the field, occupying a stump for the forum. Fines and costs were assessed
calculated to discourage further transgressions. The court and counsel
returned well satisfied with their success. The affair was afterward styled
"The Circle Court of Audubon County." Mr. Lewis was admitted to the
bar along in the seventies. He moved to Atlantic, Iowa, where he died in
1904.
His children liy his first wife were, Emery V., who married Mary
; Eliza, deceased, who married Thomas Adams ; Eldora, who mar-
ried, first. Roland Strahl and. second, Smith Burton; Marilla. married Bert
Poaee; ]\Iinnie, married Samuel Crane. Bv his second wife. Mr. Lewis
became the father of Herman. Thomas S. and Todd.
Isaac VanDorsey Lewis, carpenter and farmer, married Mary Jane
White. He resided many years in section 26, Exira township, on the west
side of the highway opposite from his brother, Thomas S., and. later, a
short distance north in section 24. \^^hile living at this place, his house was
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I25
burned. He has since lived many years with his son, Elbert, in section 22.
He is a Democrat and has been a prominent citizen. He was one of the
judges of election at the organization of the county, in 1855, and has been
assessor, trustee, school director, school treasurer and county supervisor.
He was a member of the first Methodist church society organized in the
county, and the scribe, in 1855, and for many years a faithful worker and
supporter of the church. A large amount of information concerning the
history of Audubon county for this work was obtained from him. Mrs.
Lewis died years ago. Their children are : Elbert, who married Elizabeth
Slonaker; Edward, married Blanch E. Spry; Estella, married Ralph Hawk;
Henry Clay, married Bertha Spry; William E., married Winifred Hawk;
Malvina, married Charles Spry.
Bryant ]\Jilliman was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, November 16,
1828. His parents died when he was two years old and he lived with his
grandfather, near Niagara Falls, New York, until fifteen years old, when he
\\ent to Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was married there on December 5, 1852,
to Jane Heath, sister of Amherst, Milton and Mark Heath. Mr. Milliman
and wife came with a team from Fort Wayne and arrived in Audubon
county in June, 1854. He soon became owner of the northeast quarter of
ihe southeast quarter and lots 17, 18 and 19, in section 4, Exira township,
having bought the claims of William Powell and William Shirley to some
of thes^ tracts of land, and the remainder was entered from the govern-
ment. He owned over one hundred acres of this land and resided on it at
his death. His first house and barn were erected on lot 17. The old house
now forms the kitchen of the dwelling of Miss Amber Kelsey in the town
of Exira. He was a Democrat. He died in August, 1912. "Aunt Jane"
lives on the old homestead. Their children were : William H., unmarried ;
Frank, who went blind and died unmarried; Charles N., married lone
Brinkerhoff; George W., married Mrs. Maggie Johnson; Jessie M., un-
married; Marsh Edgar, married Lillie Johnson.
Miles Beers, wife and family, came from Delaware county, New York,
in 1854, and settled on section 18, Exira township. He was a farmer and
a Democrat. He was the first treasurer and recorder of Audubon county
in 1855. His farm is now owned by Owen F. Ide, Esq. He and his wife
died many years ago. Their children were, John W., unmarried; David B.
and Jane, who married Oliver Smith.
John W. Beers came with his father. He was one of the clerks at the
first election in Audubon county in April, 1855, at which he was elected
clerk of the district court and county surveyor. He died early.
126 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
David B. Beers and his father lived together many years, until his
father's death. He married, first, late in life, Mrs. Lowly A., widow of
Amherst Heath. For his second wife, he married Mrs. Leigan. He was
a farmer and a school teacher. He succeeded to his father's farm. After
marriage he lived in section 29, Exira township, on his wife's estate, but is
now living in Brayton, Iowa. He is a Democrat and served as county
superintendent and county surveyor. His children are, Eva, who married
Calvin Dimick ; Nellie, married ]\Ir. Badd, and Lona C, also married.
Samuel Smith was born near Liverpool, England, and married Mary
Farrell. He was a farmer and gardener. The family left Liverpool and,
six weeks later, landed in Xew Orleans ; thence he went to Cincinnati. Ohio,
during the holidays of that year, and located in Clifton, a suburb of that
city, and thence to Loveland, Ohio, two years later. In the spring of 1854
they came to Auduljo.n county. (See sketch of Samuel AI. Ballard.) He
bought land in section 14, Hamlin township, which he sold to Joseph us
Lewis. His wife died in 1856-7, and, late in life, he married Mrs. Louaim
Bailey, and went to live on her estate in section 14, Exira township, where
he soon died. He was an upholder of the Union and a stanch Repub-
lican. His sons, John, James and William, were soldiers in the Union army.
The children born to him were as follow : Betsey, who remained in Eng-
land, and died in 1856 or 1857; Sarah, who died in Ohio in 1856; Alary F.,
married James Dalton; John F., unmarried; Eliza, married John W. Dodge;
^Villiam F., married Cimanthia Hamlin; James, married Elizabeth O'Con-
nell ; Samuel, unmarried; a son who died at sea, and Lizzie E., who mar-
ried James Peaslee.
Rev. Richard Collins Meek was born in Kentucky, whence he went to
Wayne county, Indiana, where he was educated, taught school and enteied
the ministry in the Methodist church. He preached in Indiana until 1833.
ihen went to Xiles. Michigan, and continued preaching in northern Indiana
and in Michigan until 1850. When the Methodist church split, in 1844. he
joined the Methodist church. South. He went to Holt county. "Missouri,
whence he came to Audubon county in 1855. He bought his first home
here from Walter J. Jardine in section 27, in what is now Exira township.
He entered, and also secured by purchase, several hundred acres of brush
land east and south of the "Big Grove." The town of Dayton, in section
22. was laid out on his land. He was a Democrat, and his sympathies were
with the South. During the war he was at an Indian mission school in
Kansas, and returned here at the close of the war. in 1865. He was
deeply interested in religious affairs, and was a preacher of more than
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
127
ordinary ability, but exceedingly old-fashioned. He often preached here to
attentive audiences. His wife was Eliza Tatman, better known as "Aunty
Meek." They were truly pious people, and of most unblemished characters.
She was a homeopathic physician, but not a general practitioner. He bought
the old first school house in Exira, and converted it into a dwelling, where
he sometimes lived, and alternately on his farm. Once, in early times, there
REV. R. C. MEEK AND WIFE
was a log-rolling just across the county line south of Ballard's timber, to put
up a log cabin. As was usual on such occasions, they had some whisky to
help the job along. While the work was progressing, the crowd saw Air.
Meek approaching and proposd to joke him. Knowing that he opposed
tippling, they offered him the bottle and invited him to drink. Good
naturedly, he accepted the bottle, remarking: "Yes, I think I will. Airs.
Meek has been wanting some to make 'Camfine," and will 1)e pleased to get
it, thank you." And he put it in his pocket and rode away. The boys
128 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
concluded that the joke didn't work as intended. He died on his farm
about 1873-4. After his death, there was considerable controversy over
his estate. He attempted to convey a large part of it to the church and to
other kindred purposes, contrary to law, as it turned out. The provisions
of the will in that respect were defeated. John AI. Griggs displayed marked
ability in conducting the cases for the estate, and recovered most of the
property for j\Irs. Aleek.
Griggs's success with the business exalted him to the top' notch in the
estimation of "Aunty," besides netting him a handsome reimbursement for
his professional skill and service. And, perhaps, learning that he was the
son of a Methodist presiding elder, did not decrease her admiration. At
any rate, from that time onward he stood in "high feather" with Mrs. Meek
— so much so, that she made it a point to frequently consult his opinion on
divers subjects. During the "grasshopper year," 1875, the prospect of
losing the crops by those pests, looked probable. One day, in the worst of
the scare, "Aunty" called at John's office to take advice whether it would be
propitious to call the people together for a general meeting to pray to have
the grasshoppers removed, and earnestly sought his best judgment on the
subject in the very best of good faith. John was puzzled for once. It was
out of his line. So he cautiously told the old lady : "It can do no harm to
try." And then the spirit of mischief and mirth tempted him further to
advise : "When the people come to the meeting, let them all go down into
the timber and each secure a good brush, and then they can kill a great
many grasshoppers in that way." She accepted his remark with a cool-
ness which savored of her doubt of his sincerity. However, about that
time the hoppers unanimously rose up in a twinkling and flew away, never
since to return. Who can say whether the good intentions of "Aunty"
Meek did not hasten their departure? She was a strong temperance woman,
a thorn in the flesh in her day to the "booze venders," and she actively en-
gaged in prosecution of the dealers in intoxicating liquor. Mr. Meek and
his good wife were childless.
THE HALLOCKS.
Isaac Peter Hallock, Sr., was a lineal descendant of Peter Hallock,
who came from Hingham, Norfolk, England, to New Haven, Connecticut,
in 1640. and who settled at Southold. Long Island, New York. He was
born in Clinton, New York, January 6. 1802, and married Abigail Howland
Smith, a native of Massachusetts. He moved from New York state to
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I29
Chicago in 1830, and soon settled in Kendall county, Illinois, where he
lived many years. He then went to Earlville, Illinois, where he was en-
gaged in the lumber business a short time. In 1854-5 he and his son-in-law,
Erasmus D. Bradley, bought, from Samuel B. Hopkins, the John S. Jenkins
claim in section 20, now Exira township, and upon which Mr. Bradley and
his partner, Alva B. Brown, afterwards laid out the town of Oakfield upon
Mr. Bradley's portion. The balance of the purchase remains in possession
of the Hallocks to the present time. Mr. Hallock and his son, Isaac, and
perhaps other members of the family went to Omaha, Nebraska, about the
time of making this purchase, but returned to Oakfield in 1856, and per-
manently settled there on the site of the present Hallock homestead. They
resided with their son, Isaac, who succeeded to his father's estate, which
is now possessed by a grandson, Isaac Percy Hallock. They were Quak-
ers. He and his sons were stanch Republicans. He served as county
judge in 1863-4, and afterwards was postmaster and justice of the peace.
Both died at Oakfield years ago. Their children were as follow : Eliza-
beth, who married Thomas Dissmore; Richard S., married Julia Burr;
Julia Ann, married Erasmus D. Bradley; John Addison, married Catherine
Crane; Sarah Melissa, married Joel H. Basham, and Isaac Peter, married
Malinda Ann Norton.
Richard S. Hallock. M. D.. married Julia Burr. He came from
Omaha, Nebraska, to Oakfield, in 1856, where he was a successful physician
and surgeon many years. He owned several farms and timber lands. He
was surgeon of a United States colored regiment in the Union army. He
was a Republican in politics. He moved to Salida, Colorado, where he
died about 1890. He was the father of the following children: Robert
Burns, who married Ossia Orton; Kansas Irene, married Hardy M. Clark;
Julia, married George Simmons ; Jennie, married William Fuller, and Burr.
Hon. John Addison Hallock married Catherine, daughter of Daniel
and Ann (Eckman) Crane. He came to Audubon county about 1856, and
was a farmer and successful school teacher. He settled on lot 13, section
3, adjoining the town of Exira on the east. He taught school in Guthrie
Center, at Exira and at the Green school. As the town increased his land
was required for suburban residences, and now forms a large part of the
town. The Congregational church was built on his land. A Republican in
politics, he was clerk of the district court, 1863-4; justice of the peace,
1868, and later representative. In 1878 he was a merchant at Exira, but
moved to Salida, Colorado, in the eighties, where Mrs. Hallock died. He
(9)
130 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
was an agnostic. There was an unusual amount of gun play in this family.
The son, Charles, was accidentally wounded by a mob in Colorado; George
shot and killed Colbert Strahl and at the same time wounded Jesse Mill-
hollin near Oakfield, in 1883; Willis was shot and seriously wounded in
Elkhorn the same year, in the celebrated horse thief mob case, and Frank
was afterwards shot and killed in Colorado. The children were : Charles,
who married Anna Burbank; George, married Lucy Norton; Willis, mar-
ried Belle Overholt; Frank, Grace and Ray.
Isaac Peter Hallock, Jr., was born in Kendall county, Illinois, on
March 21, 1840. He married at Oakfield, Iowa, in 1868, Malinda, the
daughter of William Canfield and Harriet Ruth (Thayer) Norton, and who
was born at Springwater, New York, May 16, 1845. He was a farmer,
stock grower and merchant. He came to Oakfield in 1856, with his father,
before the town was laid out, and they afterwards lived there together the
remainder of their lives. He was a quiet, busy man, generally loved and
respected by his kindred and neighbors. He had a large landed estate and
was a wealthy man at his death. j\t one time he owned a flouring-mill at
Oakfield and had a general store there several years. He had a fine deer
park, containing a large herd of native wild deer, which finally escaped and
were lost. He was a Republican, was county supervisor in 1883, and held
local offices. His landed estate is now possessed by his sons, Keese and
Percy. He is dead and his wife died in 1907. Their children were:
Harriett Abbie, who married John Curry; Clarence Keese, married Olive
Jenkins, and Isaac Percy, unmarried.
Hon. William Walker, son of Joseph and Catherine (Sheridan)
Walker, was born in Huron county, Ohio, March 2, 1834. On February
18, 1858, he married Nancy Jane, daughter of William Henry Harrison
and Eliza (Watson) Bowen. His father was a native of England, and it
is traditional that he served in the British army under the Duke of Welling-
ton. William Walker was a farmer and stockraiser. He went with his
parents, in 1835, to Niles, Alichigan, and came to Audubon county in
1855. He was a Republican in politics and served as representative. He
was large landowner, and resided on Troublesome creek, in Audubon
township. He was also a merchant in Exira for several years. He was a
member of Exodus Lodge No. 342, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and
in religion was a Congregationalist. He died at Exira in 1899. His chil-
dren were as follow: John E., who married Ida VanSlyke; Charles W.,
deceased; Francis A., deceased; Laura A., married James D. Barhan;
Ulysses S., married Louisa Marsh; Lula May, married James B. Rendle-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I3I
man; Olive M., married Ralph D. Hawk; Eva J., married Charles Jenkins;
Jay Grant, married Jessie Pratt.
David L. Anderson, a native of Virginia, married in Highland county,
Ohio, in 1840, Mary Smith. He was a blacksmith and farmer. He went
to Highland county, Ohio, in 1839; thence to Wappelo county, Iowa, in
1849; to Marion county, Iowa, in 1851, and to Audubon county in 1855.
He lived at Exira before the town was laid out. He was a Republican and
served as justice of the peace, school director and first postmaster at Exira.
He was a famous hunter in his day. He and his son, John, served in the
Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Another son, William, was killed in the army. He
died at Audubon in 1901, and his wife died at Exira in 1900. Their chil-
dren were, William S., unmarried; Lysanius M., married Tryphena S.
Hopkins; John A., unmarried, murdered in 1883; Samuel, married Hannah
Hughes; Catherine, married John McFadden; Laura, married William E.
Hensley; Adelbert, married Elizabeth .
William Canfield Norton was born in New York state, January 26,
1811. He married on October 5, 1 831, Ruth Harriet, daughter of Roswell
and Mercy (Goodwin) Thayer, and who was born on September 11, 1813.
From Springwater, New York, he moved to Allen county, Indiana, before
1850, but returned to Springwater. He moved to Oakfield, Iowa, in 1856,
and built a two-story dwelling on block 10, Oakfield, where they lived the
remainder of their lives, and sometimes kept hotel. He was a carpenter by
trade. He was a Republican and served as postmaster and justice of the
peace. He and his wife were Methodists. He was seventh in lineal descent
from Thomas Norton, who came from Oakley, Surrey, England, to Boston,
Massachusetts, in 1639; thence to New Haven, Connecticut, the same year.
He was the ancestor of the Nortons of Guilford, Connecticut. Said Thomas
Norton was lineally descended from Le Seignior de Nourile (Norvile),
who came to England with William the Conqueror, 1066, and was his con-
stable. Also, seventh in lineal descent from Thomas Canfield, who came
from England to Connecticut, and was in Milford, Connecticut, in 1644.
His wife was seventh in lineal descent from Thomas Thayer, who came
from Thornbury, England, and settled in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1640.
Also, eighth in lineal descent from Ozias Goodwin, who came to Boston,
Massachusetts, in the "Lion," June 16. 1632, and settled in Hartford, Con-
necticut, in 1639. He died at Avoca, Iowa, November 29, 1884, and she
died at West Exira, Iowa, June 9, 1882. Their children were as follow:
Mary Elizabeth, born January 5, 1834, at Springwater, married James M.
Jones; John Chapin, born June 13, 1836, at Springwater, married Susan
132 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Ostrander; Charles Henry, born June 13, 1839, at Springwater, married
Charlotte Howlett; Sarah Fidelia, born March 16, 1842, at Portageville,
married Elam Wallace Pearl; Malinda Ann, born May 16, 1845, ^t Spring-
water, married Isaac Peter Hallock; Jennie Maria, born June 21, 1850, at
Allen county, Indiana, married H. F. Andrews; James Miner, born Decem-
ber 10, 1854, at Springwater, married Nettie Griffith.
Boynton G. Dodge, a farmer and stockman, came from Henniker, New
Hampshire, to Audubon county, in 1856. He bought the claim of Hiram
Perkins, in section 34, Hamlin township, where he lived the remainder of
his life. He was a Republican and served as a member of the board of
supervisors and as superintendent of schools. In religion, he was a Con-
gregationalist. He and his wife, Saphronia, died in Audubon county.
Their children were, Nettie M., married Charley A. Bartlett; Arthur C,
never married; Anna, died young; Capitola M., died unmarried; Roxie M.,
married Sanford Davis; Ida E., married William H. Dyer; Evalena, mar-
ried Isaac L. Statzell and W. F. Williams ; Carrie, died unmarried ; Ellen T.,
married John H. Rendleman; Merrill B., married Gertrude Gates.
John W. Dodge came with his brother, Boynton, from Henniker, New
Hampshire, to Audubon county in 1856, and settled in section 34, Hamlin
township. He was a carpenter, farmer and stockman. He was a Republi-
can and a member of the board of supervisors. He moved to California
and died there. His wife was Eliza, the daughter of Samuel and Mary
(Farrell) Smith. Their children were Carleton E. and Charles.
Samuel Smith was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and married
Gertrude Roseboom. He went from Pennsylvania to New Philadelphia,
Ohio; thence to Petersburg, Ohio; to Frankfort, Ohio; to Hartford, Iowa;
thence to Audubon county, in 1856, and settled in section 32, Greeley
township; he moved to the town of Exira, Iowa, in 1874. He was a
well-known gunsmith and farmer. He was a Republican and a Methodist.
He and his wife died at Exira in 1891. Their children were, Hendrich R.,
who never married; William F. E., married Amanda Roberts; Andrew R.,
married, first, Emma Williams and, second, Mary E. Ort; Mary Belle, mar-
ried John Hicks.
Levi B. Montgomery, farmer, was born in Lima, Ohio, in 1810, and
married Fanny Boyles at Erie, Pennsylvania. He moved from Ohio to
Noble county, Indiana ; thence to Hancock county, Illinois ; came to Audu-
bon county, in 1856, and settled in section 3, Exira township. He was a
Republican and served as county superintendent. He was a ^Methodist class
leader. He and his wife died at Exira, he is 1866 and she in 1873. Their
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 33
children were as follow : Eli, who married Catherine Barber ; William
Noble, who went to California; Phebe J., married George Sharp; Hannah
A., married Perriander Lewis; George S., married Harriet Stanford; John
W., never married; Louisa C, married Peoria L Whitted; Joel B., never
married; Minerva E., married Robert Edwards; Margaret M., married J.
H. Harrington; Levi J., married Emma Wiggins; Marion A., married
Louisa Erickson; Alice H., married William Rudge.
Daniel Crane, a native of Pennsylvania, and a blacksmith and farmer,
married Ann Eckman. He lived in Petersburg. Ohio, but moved to Marion
county, Iowa, in 1854, and to Audubon county, in 1855. He was a Demo-
crat. He and his wife passed away at Exira, he in 1876 and she in 1901.
aged ninety-seven years. To them were born four children : Mary Ann,
who married Frank Salter; John, married Mary L Harris; Catherine, mar-
ried John A. Hallock ; Van Buren, married Mary E. Bush.
Howard J. Green, son of Allen and Clarissa Green, was born in Ren-
sselaer county, New York, May 4, 1828. On November 28, 1850, he mar-
ried Cordelia M., daughter of Nelson and Theodosia (Holcom) Reed, and
who was born in Granby, Connecticut. He became a machinist, farmer and
millman. He lived at Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1844-7; moved
thence to Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he lived until 1850; thence to
Jackson county. Iowa, and came to Audubon county, in 1856. A Republi-
can 'in politics, he served as swamp land commissioner, township trustee and
subdirector. He was a member of the Loyal Legion in war time; secured
and secreted arms and ammunition in his house for the Union men; assisted
runaway negroes on their journey to liberty and was a big-hearted, generous
man and highly esteemed. The community suffered a great loss in his
death. He and his wife died in Audubon county, he on June 2, 1873. and
she on January 28, 1898. Their children were born as follow: Emma
Cordelia, married John R. Thacher ; Henry Howard, married Mary Keith ;
Clara Ellen, who married John I. Jones; Dewey Wells, died unmarried;
Walker Wallace, married Anna May Neff; Edwin Ellsworth, died unmar-
ried ; Mary Grace, married Jasper W. McClain.
Appollonias Bohon Houston, son of Oswald and Anna Louisa (Shaw)
Houston, was born in South CaroHna on February 16, 1823. In 1844 he
married Nancy, daughter of James C. Bridges. He was a carpenter and
merchant at Williamsport, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. He came from
Tennessee to Audubon county with a team in 1856, settling in Exira in 1857,
where he lived the remainder of his life. A Democrat, he rendered effi-
cient service as deputy clerk of the district court, county judge, county
134 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
treasurer, justice of the peace and mayor of Exira. He was a merchant
in Exira, and in partnership with Nathaniel HamHn, engaged in the real
estate business. He was proprietor of the Houston house, now the Park
hotel. He was a member of the Masonic order. He died in 1902. Their
children were as follow: Henry Bohon, who married Ida F. Herrick;
Eudora Indiana married William F. Stotts; Louise Blake married Matthew
Ragan; Oswald James married Mary Dissmore; William Walter married
Lora Fitch ; Flora Douglas married David B. Lyons ; Mary married Thomas
Bryant; Charles Washington married Anna Belle Gault; Robert Lee, un-
married ; Eliza Amanda married George H. Henshaw.
Washington Bartlett, who was born in Virginia on September 19, 1820,
married, first, Margaret Brier and, second, Martha E. Cuppy. He was a
farmer. In 1831 he went with his father to Warren county, Indiana, and
came to Audubon county in 1856, becoming a successful farmer. He was
a Republican, a member of the board of supervisors and justice of the peace.
His mother, Sabrina Hill, was a niece of Thomas Jefferson. He died at
Brayton, Iowa. He was the father of three chHdren, namely: Elbridge G.,
married; Lillie, who married Joseph M. Reynolds; Horace M., who married
Jeanette Jenkins.
Albert I. Brainard, a carpenter, was a native of New York, and mar-
ried Emily M. Lilly. He came to Audubon county from Geneseo, Illinois,
in 1859 or i860. He was a Democrat, and served as clerk of the district
court and first county auditor. He lived in Exira, but later moved to Audu-
bon, where he died. He was the father of the following children : Albert
Kirk, who married Emma Prather; Frank E. died unmarried; Emma mar-
ried Rev. Charles H. Mcintosh; Carrie L. married Hans A. Christiansen;
Fannie E. married George Ditzenberger ; Ethelbert died unmarried ; Walter
A. never married.
Leonard Early came from Henry county to Audubon county in 1859,
and here became a farmer. He settled in section 15, Exira township, and
afterwards moved to the town of Exira. He was a Democrat. He was
twice married. He went to California and died there, Mrs. Early dying at
Exira. His children by his first wife were: Thirza, who married Avery
Belcher; Mary, who married John E. McConnell; Caroline, who married
W. A. Ellis; Worth, who married Harriet Bruner; Ann, who married
Mr. James. By his second wife there were born four children, namely:
Sophia, who married Mr. Lincoln; Alvin; Olive, who married Mr. Trace-
well ; Lillie, who married William Chrisman.
CHAPTER VI.
GOVERNMENT SURVEYS AND LAND ENTRIES.
The following is a list of the United States surveys of government
lands in Audubon county, also by whom and when made:
The correction line, between townships 78 and 79, by I. Marsh, 184S.
The east, south and west lines of township 78, range 34 (Audubon)
by Andrew Leech, June, 1849.
The south and west lines of township 78, range 35, and the south and
west lines of township 78, range 36, by John P. Conkey, August, 1851.
The east lines of township 79, range 34; township 80, range 34, and
township 81, range 34, by I. Ellis, 1849.
The remainder of the township and range lines in the county, by A.
Anderson, 1851.
The following are the subdivisions of townships into sections, showing
by whom and when made : :
Township 78, range 34 (Audubon), by Elisha S. Norris, November
14 to 20, 1851.
Township 78, range 35 (Exira), by William H. Henderson, October
13 to 27, 1851.
Township 78, range 36 (Oakfield), by Daniel W. Henderson, October
28 to November 6, 1852.
Township 79, range 34 (Greeley), by Ambrose Carpenter, October 16
to 23, 1852.
Township 79, range 35 (Hamlin), by Adam Perry, November 8 to 20,
1852.
Township 79, range 36 (Sharon), by Adam Perry, May 16 to 23,
1852.
Township 80, range 34 (Melville), by Ambrose Carpenter, October 25
to November i, 1852.
Township 80, range 35 (Leroy), by Adam Perry, December 6 to 12,
1852.
Township 80, range 36 (Douglas), by Joseph H. D. Street and Rich-
ard H. Worden, June 13 to 18, 1853.
136 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Township 81, range "34 (Viola), by Ambrose Carpenter, November 3
to 10, 1852.
Township 81, range 35 (Cameron), by Joseph H. D. Street and Rich-
ard H. Wordenu, November 2 to 13, 1852.
Township 81, range 36 (Lincohi). by Joseph H. D. Street and Richard
H. Worden, June 6 to 12, 1853.
Dr. Samuel M. Ballard was financially interested in the Perry and
Henderson surveys. His sons assisted in making them.
The surveyors entered into their field notes mentions of some of the
early settlers, viz.: Monday. October 13, 1851, in running the line between
sections 35 and 36, in township 78, range 35, entered Nathaniel Hamlin's
field, forty acres. On the same day, widow Hoggard's house, five chains
vv^est of line between sections 25 and 26; cabin on the northeast quarter of
the southeast quarter of section 26. October 18. Powell's cabin, on section 3.
October 21, Philip A. Decker's breaking, three and one-half acres on sec-
tion 17. October 24, John Jenkin's cabin, on section 20. October 28, 1852,
Samuel M. Ballard has twenty-five acres broken on the northwest quarter
of the southeast quarter of section 36, township 78, range 36, and Benjamin
Hiatt resides on the northeast quarter of section 36.
The plat of the survey of township 78. range 35, shows that the section
line between sections 35 and 36 passed through Nathaniel Hamlin's field,
about half the breaking on each side of the line, being in the northeast
quarter of section 35 and the same amount in the northwest quarter of
section 36. Also, that the line between sections 16 and 17 passed through
Decker's field, his breaking extending from northwest to southeast, about
half in the northeast quarter of section 17, and a like amount in the north-
west quarter of section 16.
ORIGINAL ENTRIES OF GOVERNMENT LANDS.
During the year 1853. the following named residents of Audurx)n
county made entries of land at the United States land office, viz. : Reuben
Carpenter. Samuel M. Ballard, Nathaniel Plamlin, Mark Heath. Milton
Heath and Alvin Herrick.
During the year 1855 entries of land were made as follow, viz.:
Samuel M. Ballard, John W. Beers, George H. Calder, Reuben Carpenter,
John Countryman, James B. Donnel. Richard Gault. Nathaniel Hamlin,
Mark Heath, Alvin Herrick, Edson Herrick, Benjamin F. Jenkins, John
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 37
S. Jenkins, Isaac V. D. Lewis, Bryant Milliman, Daniel B. Reese, John
Seiford. \\'illiam Shirley, Robert Stansberry, Peoria I. Whitted.
During the year 1855 entries of land were made as follows, viz.:
Mary Anderson, Norman W. Archer, Samuel "SI. Ballard, William F. Bal-
lard, John W. Beers, William Carpenter, Michael Scharff, Daniel Crane,
Charles B. Cross, Howard J. Green, Nathaniel Hamlin, Daniel M. Harris,
Urbane Herrick, William Holdcroft, John S. Jenkins, \\'alter J. Jardine,
Alexander Kincaid, Charles E. Marsh, Richard C. Meek, Hiram Perkins.
George T. Poage. Samuel Smith, W^illiam Walker.
SOME EARLY CONVEYANCES OF LAND.
William Shirley to Bryant ]\Iilliman, July i, 185-I-; William Powell
to Bryant Milliman, August 16, 1854; Wm. W. Wilhngham to Thomas S.
Lewis, November 6, 1854; William W. Willingham to John S. Jenkins,
November 6, 1854; Samuel B. Hopkins to John S. Jenkins, August 16,
1855; Isaac P. Hallock to Erasmus D. Bradley, May 22, 1855; John Coun-
tryman to Nathaniel Hamlin, August 18, 1855; Wm. W. Willingham to
Howard J. Green, April i, 1856.
CHAPTER VII.
POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS
A majority of the first settlers were of Southern extraction. And so,
at the first presidental election, in 1856, James Buchanan received fifty-six
votes, while John C. Fremont received but twenty-nine votes. In i860
Stephen A. Douglas received eighty- four votes, and Abraham Lincoln, but
thirteen. In 1864 George B. McClellan received sixty-one votes, and Lin-
coln, but twenty-three.
It is a fact that there have been few exceptions since the organization
of the county when members of both parties did not hold some of the
county offices. The first acquaintance the writer had with political affairs
in the county was in 1865, when the Democrats made a clean sweep and
elected all of the county officers. In celebration of that event, the officers-
elect gave a supper at the Perry hotel. It was a merry affair, with a dance
attached. Some of those who attended the supper were: John S. Jenkins,
Benjamin F. Jenkins, Isaac H. Jenkins. Nathaniel Hamlin, Thomas S.
Lewis, A. B. Houston Daniel Crane, John Crane, Albert I. Brainard, P. I.
Whitted, Richard Gault, Urbane Herrick and Hendrick R. Smith. The
names of others are forgotten. They had not only a noble table spread, but
also an abundance of "liquid inspiration." When the company were about
to sit down to the "temporal blessings," "Uncle" John Jenkins, county
judge-elect, was called on for a speech. Now "Uncle Johnny" was not
noted for lengthy orations, and so he gave this sentiment: "I am Judge
Jenkins, from Kentucky, and the father of this supper, sirs, by G !
Now, gentlemen, take hold," and the supper proceeded.
Elections were held in the county annually until 1906. About half of
the officers, whose terms were for two years, were elected in one year, and
the remainder in the following year, and so on in succession. Not until
about 1878-9 was a delegate convention held in the county. It was the cus-
tom for any voter who desired, to attend and take part in the conventions' of
his party. The meetings were sometimes sparsely attended.
The first convention ever attended by the writer was at Exira in the
fall of the year 1866, wholly a novel experience, and without the slightest
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA, I39
idea of being a candidate for office. It was convened in the old school
house, with very few in attendance, among whom were the chairman, J. L.
Frost, Deacon Lyman Bush and Andrew M. Hardy. It was a very informal
meeting. Several were suggested and discussed as candidates. Mr. Hardy
asked me if I would accept the nomination for recorder. I said that I had
no knowledge of the duties of the office. Without much discussion, it was
put to vote and I was formally nominated. Darius Barlow, who was not
present, was nominated in the same manner for clerk, and the meeting
adjourned with an informal understanding that the ticket was to be filled
out later. Barlow declined to accept the nomination, and John A. Hallock
was afterwards substituted by common consent. Washington Bartlett was
put on the ticket for supervisor in the same way. The vote on recorder that
year stood seventy-eight to sixty-nine, in my favor, which was considered
overwhelming! Mr. Bartlett was also elected, but Hallock was defeated.
The ballots that year for Exira and Oakfield township were written by
hand with pens by John A. Hallock, George A. Dissmore and H. F.
Andrews.
In 1867 ^^^^ Republican ticket, so far as recalled, was: Charles Van
Gorder, for treasurer; David L. Anderson, for sheriff; J. L. Frost, for sur-
veyor. The Democratic ticket was : Amherst Heath, for county judge ;
A. B. Houston, for treasurer; John Huntley, for sheriff; P. I. Whitted. for
surveyor. The entire Democatic ticket was elected. The vote on the state
ticket stood ninety-two to eighty, in favor of the Democrats. The principal
fight on the county ticket was over the office of treasurer. Mr. Houston
was a wily, crafty, tricky politician. He had the rare faculty of concealing
his designs. No man in this county ever better understood the method.
He was experienced; had been in partnership with Mr. Hamlin for several
years; had held the offices of county judge and deputy clerk of court, and
was then holding the office of treasurer. He was backed by the Hamlin
influence, was the leading merchant in the county, and had many influential
friends by reason of business relations. Van Gorder was justly popular
as a young man, and especially on account of his soldier record ; but he
had no previous political experience, and had made no special canvass for
the office. While the party majority was against him, ninety-two to eighty,
he was defeated by twenty-six votes, a signal defeat at the time. It was
accomplished by a trick. Word was quietly passed around on election day
by the Democrats that he was not competent for the office, and was only a
brickmaker, etc., and that if elected, John A. Hallock, an unpopular man,
was to be appointed his deputy to conduct the business of the office. Not a
I40 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
word of it was true. The Republicans did not discover the fraud until too
late to remedy the attack. They were caught napping without a chance of
defense, and the scheme succeeded as intended.
In the spring of 1868 the Repuljlican convention was called by the
chairman, J. L. Frost, to meet at the Green school house. A few members
attended under the call, transacted the business, amongst which H. F. An-
drews was appointed chairman of the central committee, and adjourned.
Tn due time, the new chairman called the county convention for nomination
of county officers, etc., to meet at the Green school house, which was fol-
lowed by a similar notice given Ijv Judge Hallock, of Oakfield, purporting
to be county chairman, for the same purpose, to be held at the same time
and place. The double notice was a surprise to many. 1)ut brought out
an unusual attendance. Tt developed that there was a schism in the party,
previously unknown to the new comers to the county. INIr. Frost was on
hand to represent his faction, claiming that it had the only regular authority
to act, while Doctor Ballard and his brother, "Uncle Fred." insisted that
Judge Hallock was the only authorized chairman. Some of the Democrats
were present to witness the jangle. It was admitted that the previous con-
vention in the spring was regularly called by IVIr. Frost; and it fairly ap-
peared that Mr. Frost and his associates had attended the meeting, trans-
acted the business and adjourned. On the other hand. "Uncle Fred" Bal-
lard stated that he aj)peared at the meeting place — presumably after the
Frost meeting had adjourned — and observing the call posted there, and that
the hour of meeting had arrived, hitched his horse, went into the school
house, called the meeting to order, and proceeded to transact business.
Doctor Ballard and himself were appointed delegates to the state conven-
tion, and Judge Hallock was appointed chairman of the county central
committee. He said that he was the only one present and that he presided,
and averred that the meeting was perfectly harmonious, and that the busi-
ness was conducted by unanimous consent. And it appeared that Doctor
Ballard and "Uncle Fred" had attended as delegates to the state conven-
tion under authority of that "meeting."
Mr. Frost pointed out the absurdity of "Uncle Fred's" performance;
that is was a farce, and that, consequently. Judge Hallock had no authority
to act. in which he was sustained by most of those present. Some others
joined with the Ballards. right or wrong. The situation was serious and
protended danger to the party organization. Doctor Ballard harangued
the meeting and waxed eloquent. He said that he had been fighting Demo-
crats all his life. "I fought that old man (Frost) when he was a Demo-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I4I
crat. and he was the meanest one I ever knew." Ballard and Frost both
came from Iowa City, where the Doctor had been proprietor of the Iowa
City Re publican, the leading paper at one time in Iowa, and was in position
to have known Frost's political pedigree. That shot settled it. Mr. Frost
left the meeting in anger, and was never afterwards seen in a convention in
Audubon county. The meeting amicably recognized Judge Hallock as
county chairman, and proceeded to nominate a county ticket, viz. : John
M. Griggs, for county judge; John W. Scott, for clerk of court; H. F.
Andrews, for recorder; Boynton G. Dodge, for superintendent, and Jacob
Andrews, for supervisor.
On the Democratic ticket were: Albert I. Brainard, for county judge;
John Crane, for clerk of courts, and W^illiam F. Stotts, for recorder.
There was no newspaper in the county for publishing news at that
time. It was spread by word of mouth. Meeting Mr. Frost soon after-
ward, he inquired the result of the convention, and when informed about
the ticket selected, he angrily remarked : "Well, you have made a ticket, but
you will have a good time electing it." And he was right. Scott was
elected by four majority; Dodge and Jacob Andrews were elected; Griggs
was defeated by two votes and H. F. Andrews, by six votes.
The popular opinion was that \^an Gorder did not have a fair show
in 1867 ^"d it was determined to give him another race. The Republican
ticket for 1869 had Charles Van Gorder, for treasurer; Samuel R. Thomas,
for sheriff ; Boynton G. Dodge, for superintendent, and Charles FI.
Andrews, for surveyor. The Democratic ticket had A. B. Houston, for
treasurer; Colbert Strahl, for sheriff; David B. Beirs, for superintendent,
and P. I. Whitted, for surveyor. This time Mr. Houston was unfortunate.
Some time prior to 1869, one Darias Barlow obtained a judgment against
one Bradley Beers, who owned a farm near old Hamlin; but, to defeat Bar-
low, he put the title to his land in the name of Asahel Wakeman, who lived
in New York state, from whence Barlow and Beers had emigrated to
Audubon county. Beers sold his farm and the proceeds were deposited
with Houston pending the delivery of the deed. Wakeman came on to
Exira to make the deed. Barlow procured an execution and Houston was
attached as garnishee of Beers and delivered the purchase-money for the
farm to the officer, and in that way Barlow collected his debt from Beers.
Mr. Houston made the grand mistake of pretending to be the friend of
both Beers and Barlow ; but ended by making Beers his bitter enemy. Beers
was a prominent, leading worker in the Democratic party and from the
time Van Gorder and Houston were nominated for the race for treasurer,
142 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
he made it his business to visit all the Democrats in the county and ate with
them. He succeeded emphatically in putting out the poison which defeated
Mr. Houston. The party vote that year stood one hundred and eighteen to
one hundred and fourteen, in favor of the Democrats. Van Gorder was
elected by eleven majority. It was considered, under all the circumstances,
a famous victory. Van Gorder served four years. At the time he took the
office the records were in a deplorable condition, but he worked diligently
and straightened them out. He was the father of the financial system of
Audubon county.
The elections for county officers in 1870, 1871 and 1872 were not
particularly remarkable, except that the court-house and county-seat fights
waxed warm, and at the election in 1873 the question of moving the county
seat to Hamlin was submitted and defeated. In 1873 the whole people
of the county were bristling over the county-seat contest, and the north part
of the county was gradually receiving new settlers and gaining strength.
An account of this period will be found in the chapter on County-Seat
Contests.
Party lines were entirely lost sight of this year. The Exira party
met in mass convention of all parties at the school house and, having first
established the basis of selecting the candidates from both parties, alter-
nately, or nearly as convenient, agreed on the following ticket : H. S.
Wattles, Republican, for auditor; W. F. Stotts, Democrat, for treasurer;
John B. Counrardy, Democrat, for sheriff; Harmon G. Smith, Republican,
for superintendent, and P. I. Whitted, Democrat, for surve3^or. The op-
position put up the following nominees : Samuel A. Graham, Democrat, for
auditor; H. Ransford, Republican, for treasurer; Samuel P. Zike. for
sheriff; John A. Hallock, Republican, for superintendent, and Dan P.
McGill, Republican, for surveyor.
It was a fierce campaign and bitter, not so much for or against the
candidates, as it was for and against Exira. The people of the south part
of the county were far the more numerous, but were foolishly divided into
factions, by old grouches among themselves. The Exira ticket was elected
in toto, by majorities from seventeen to one hundred and four. For years
afterwards local party lines were shattered and lost. It established a pre-
cident in Audui^on county, the result of which has not disappeared at the
present time. It opened a gulf between Exira and the remainder of the
county, which shifted to Audubon against Exira in the county-seat fight of
1879, and which has never closed. An examination of the election returns
from 1873 to the present time will reveal the fact that candidates from
AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA. I43
Exira on the county ticket have too frequently gone down in defeat, engen-
dered by the old strife, and vice versa.
The scope of this work does not afford space for continuance of the
subject. From this period — 1873 — the county newspapers and the county
records afford fuller information, and to which the reader is referred.
What is here produced covers the period before the advent of newspapers,
1 87 1, and before the county records were so fully kept and preserved. A
complete roster of officials will be found elsewhere in the work.
CHAPTER VIII.
COUNTY SEATS AND COUNTY SEAT CONTESTS.
When Dayton was selected the county seat, June 20, 1855, there were
not to exceed seventy voters in the county and nearly all of these resided in
what is now Exira township; a few lived adjoining about Ballard's, in the
edge of what is now Oakfield township, and there was one settler in section
34, in what is now Hamlin township. Hamlin's Grove was then the center
of the business interests. Exira and Oakfield had not then been platted.
There were a few settlers living where Oakfield was afterwards laid out and
not to exceed half a dozen families about the future town of Exira.
At the time the commissioners located the county seat they visited the
settlement at Viola, now Exira, which was the extreme northern outpost of
civilization, with no immediate prospect of further extension in that direction.
The first sale of town lots at Dayton was advertised by Daniel M.
Harris, county judge, for November 22, 1855, at which time but one lot was
sold, the price being fifty cents. The sale was adjourned to June 3, 1856,
when eighty-five lots were sold, at prices ranging from one dollar and fifty
cents to nine dollars each. That was about the last public business trans-
acted at Dayton. The two residents of the town, Mr. Archer and Rev.
Mr. Baker, soon moved away, and no one has since resided on the place.
It is now occupied as a farm.
The first court was held in the log school house at Hamlin's Grove in
November, 1855. The personnel of this first court was as follows: Hon. E.
H. Sears, judge; John W. Beers, clerk; Benjamin M. Hiatt, sheriff; grand
jury, David L. Anderson, foreman, Charles E. Marsh, W. H. H. Bowen,
J. L. Frost, John Countryman, Ed. Gingery, John Crene, John Seifford,
Allen McDonnell, John S. Johnson, Nathaniel Hamlin, Joseph S. Kirk,
Richard M. Lewis. They found an indictment against Thomas S. Lewis
for illegal sale of intoxicating liquor.
The petit jury were, G. W. Taylor. ]\Iark Heath, Hiram Perkins, James
H. McDonnel, William Walker, William Carpenter, George Wire, Reuben
Kenyon, Bryant Milliman, Robert Stansbery and James Mounts. The first
case was Blanchet S. Shacklet vs. Richard C. Meek. The jury retired to
AUDUBON COUNTY COURT HOUSE
fi
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA, I45
the grove to deliberate on their verdict, and decided the case "according to
law and evidence."
On March 3, 1856, a petition was submitted to the county judge for
removal of the county seat to a place called Viola, now Exira. The prayer
of the petitioners was granted and the election held at the house of John S.
Jenkins on April 7, 1856. But the proposition was defeated. At an elec-
tion held in April, 1861, the proposition to change the county seat to Exira
prevailed. Old settlers do not recall any spirited contest on that occasion.
On June 6, 1862, a petition was presented to the sui>ervisors for the removal
of the county seat from Exira to Oakfield, which was denied. In 1866, a
petition was circulated asking the removal of the county seat from Exira
to Louisville, which failed for the requisite number of petitioners.
During the years 1872-3 a fierce, hot fight raged in the county over the
effort to remove the county seat from Exira to Hamlin. John W. Scott,
Esq., of Exira, was leader of the Hamlin forces, assisted by Freeman, San-
born, Kimball, Gunn and others in the north part of the county, by O. C.
Keith and others from Oakfield, and by Nathaniel Hamlin, Newt Donnel
and others from Troublesome. The people of Exira proper were united,
"tooth and toe-nail," to resist the effort.
Mr. Hamlin and an able array of associates iaid out an elegant town
site in sections t and 2, in what is now Hamlin township, called Hamlin, in
1872; but the plat was not recorded until the following year.
Petitions for the removal were circulated to all parts and corners of the
county, and remonstrances were, in like manner, circulated by Exira people.
The excitement was intense and the whole people were on the war-path, tak-
ing part in the controversy. Messengers of both factions were out canvass-
ing for signers, some on foot, some on horseback and others in carnages.
It was a livelv time and every voter in the county was interviewed, and some
of them many times. As soon as one party would secure a signer to the
petition or remonstrance, another canvasser would be after him to get his
name on the opposition paper. Printed slips were used declaring how the
signer desired his name to be counted, either for the petition or for the
remonstrance, as the case might be, bearing date, the day, hour and minute
when signed.
There were then living south of Exira some people called "Woods
Rats." It was a sort of neutral territory, the people of which did not seem
to have anv decided opinion on the question, but would sign any and all
papers, petition, remonstrance or printed slip, presented to them. They
(10)
146 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
vacillated back and forth from petition to remonstrance, and vice versa.
One man changed his mind eight times by signing the various papers and
slips. The law as it then stood made no express provision to cover such
case, and the contestants acted on the theory that the last signing indicated
the preference of the party signing; hence the importance of giving exact
date of signing to a minute. The law has since been changed in that respect,
declaring that where the name of the same person appears both on the peti-
tion and remonstrance, it shall be counted for the remonstrance onh^
During the last twenty-four hours of the contest all parties were
on the alert. The writer was directing the work of the remonstrators, with
headquarters at the Houston house. Messengers of both parties were run-
ning all night in all directions, seeking the very latest signatures to the
printed slips, before mentioned. Royal Lespenasse, the editor of the Sentinel,
was doing yeoman service on that duty for Exira, and Newt Donnel was
similarly employed for the Hamlin faction. The next day, September 5,
1872, the hearing for decision came on before the supervisors. John M.
Griggs was my law partner at the time, but declined to assist the Exira
people and professed to stand neutral. I believed that he secretly favored
Mr. Scott and the Hamlin faction. He took no active part in the contro-
versy. The board of supervisors were John W. Dodge, William H. H.
Bowden and John Noon.
When the petition and remonstrance had been canvassed it was found
that the petitioners exceeded the names on the remonstrance, and that the
signers of the petition were a majority of the voters in the county. It
appeared that the Exira people were in danger of defeat. Mr. Scott assumed
a triumphant attitude and attempted to inform the supervisors how they
should proceed, as if his case was won. I was absolutely alone, without any
one competent to advise me, a young man and quite a new lawyer. What I
didn't know would have made a big book. So I determined to fis^ht to the
end of the road and to the last ditch, as we had been in habit of doing in
the army. T objected that the supervisors should not submit the question
of the remo^•al of the county seat from Exira to the town of Hamlin to an
election, for the reason that it did not affirmatively appear that there was any
such place as the town of Hamlin in Audubon county, which was true, and
I so argued. The town plat of Hamlin had not then been executed or
recorded, so far as the records showed ; and I also claimed that it was uncer-
tain that the plat would be made and recorded. Mr. Scott asserted that the
town was surveyed and laid out on the ground, and insisted that it was
sufficient. He was surprised and taken off his guard. I feared that he
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. I47
would proceed to record the plat, nunc pro tunc, or that he would offer to
do so. But he did not, and the case was submitted to the supervisors for
their decision. They refused to grant the prayer of the petition, Messrs.
Dodge and Bo wen voting not to submit the proposition of removal to an
election, and Mr. Noon voting for the submission. The decision was a
glorious triumph for Exira, for the time being. The manner of its accom-
plishment was a surprise to everyone, except myself. I had not dared to
announce my plan of procedure to anyone before the hearing, for fear Mr.
Scott would take warning and attempt to cure the defect.
In 1873 the fight continued with renewed vigor. The plat of the town
of Hamlin was executed and recorded in April, 1873, and another petition
was presented to the supervisors asking for an order to submit the question
to an election whether the county seat should be changed from Exira to
Hamlin. The proper order was made for such election and another active
county-seat fight campaign ensued. By this time it was the general desire
that the question should be settled. From an estimate of the number of
voters in the county, it then appeared that a majority of them resided south
of the correction line and Exira people went into the contest anticipating
success. A better feeling existed between the people of Exira township,
although some of the people of Oakfield and Troublesome were still hostile
to Exira. During the campaign a bond was given by Exira parties, of which
the following is a copy, with the action of the supervisors thereon :
"Auditor's ofifice, Audubon county, Iowa.
"September i, 1873. Board of supervisors met according to law, mem-
bers all present. John Noon in the chair.
"On motion, the following bond was ordered placed on record and
printed as a part of the proceedings of the board :
"Know all men b}- these presents, that we. Charles \"an Gorder, A. B.
Houston, J. D. Bush, J. A. Hallock, P. I. Whitted and A. Campbell, are
held and firmly bound unto the county of Audubon and state of Iowa in the
penal sum of five thousand dollars, well to be made out of the goods and
chattels, lands and tenements.
"Dated at Exira, Audubon countv, Iowa, this ist day of September,
1873- ...
"To be void upon the following conditions : Whereas, the honorable
board of supervisors of .Vudubon county, Iowa, did, at the June meeting in
1873, order an election to be held in said county, on the day of the general
election in 1873, ^o determine the voice of the people for and against the
removal of the county seat from Exira to the town of Hamlin.
148 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
"And whereas, the citizens of Exira being opposed to the removal of
the county seat, and therefore offer and bind themselves unto the county of
Audubon, and state of Iowa, to furnish to said county, free of expense, a
good and sulxstantial building for the use of the county offices of the county,
a room for the holding of the district and circuit courts of the county, and
the meeting of the board of supervisors, so long as they may be occupied
by the county as pubHc offices, upon the condition that the said county seat
remain at Exira, as now located. And in case the said county seat remain
at Exira, and the said bonded parties or their representatives build or furnish
said offices for the use of the county, and also furnish court room and a
place for holding the meetings of the board of supervisors in accordance
with the stipulations of this bond, then these presents shall be void, but on
the failure to comply with the conditions of this bond on the vote of the
people refusing to relocate the county seat, then this obligation be and remain
in full force in law, said bonded parties to have a reasonable time after the
general election in which to build said offices, and the time to be determined
by the board of supervisors on their acceptance of this bond.
"Tn witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands the day and date
first above written.
"Charles Van Gorder,
"John D. Bush,
"P. I. WniTTED,
"A. B. Houston,
"J. A. Hallock,
"A. Campbell."
"The above bond is hereby accepted and ordered placed on record and
the time for the erection of said building is hereby limited to the first day of
June, 1874.
"John Noon,
"Chairman Board of Supervisors."
The giving and acceptance of this bond undoubtedly controlled many
in favor of Exira. The times were then hard and ready money was difficult
to obtain. Prices of farm products were then low in comparison with the
prices of store goods, building materials, fence wire, hardware, farm
machinery, etc. Many people, and especially new settlers, found it difficult
to make a living and many were in debt for their lands and farming outfits.
Taxes were burdensome even as low as they were at that period. There was
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. I49
but one newspaper, the Sentinel, conducted by Royal Lespenasse, and located
at Exira. It stood for the interests of Exira, so there was no newspaper
fight at that time.
When the election was held the proposition to change the county seat
was defeated by a handsome majority, greatly to the disappointment of the
Hamlin faction. The contest caused bitterness and many old grudges were
harbored and laid up on account of it, which have never subsided. It flamed
up again in the county-seat fight of 1879, between Audubon and Exira, with
Avicked hatred and fury on all sides and between all factions. Politics, while
partially observed on the national and state tickets, were entirely lost sight
of in the selection of county and local officers for years from and after 1872.
It is not difficult to believe that periodical eruptions of the disease have since
occurred.
It was discovered that my partner, Mr. Griggs, stood wnth the Hamlin
faction. We had been happily and prosperously associated together in the
law and real estate business for four years ; but the county-seat fight wrecked
the partnership and it was severed. But we have long since forgiven each
other.
In 1874 the Exira Hall Company was incorporated at Exira, and erected
a building for a courthouse and county offices.
The records of the supervisors on June 30, 1874, show the following
busines.5 was transacted :
"On motion, the following was adopted : The Exira Hall Company
hereby tender to the board of supervisors of Audubon county, Iowa, the two
south rooms and the north room down stairs of the company's building for
the use of the county officials exclusively, and the main hall upstairs of the
company's building, at such times as it may be required to hold the district
and circuit courts, provided the county will repair all injuries while in use
for said purposes.
"W. F. Stotts,
"H. F. Andrews."
"Voted by the board of supervisors of Audubon county, Iowa, this 30th
day of June, 1874, to accept the above proposition of the Exira Hall Com-
pany in fulfillment of the bond of Charles Van Gorder, et al. to furnish
offices and court room for the county in case the county seat should remain
at Exira."
Thus the contest ended and the county occupied the building for court
house and county offices at Exira until 1879.
150 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
The county seat fight of 1879, between Audubon and Exira, yet lingers
in the memories of those who participated in it. The advantage was with
the north half of the county. Back of it all was the railroad company, with
Bert Freeman and Captain Stuart as chief fuglemen, who were too adroit to
resort to the vulgarity of personal broils, but had tools to do their bidding.
Many new settlers had come to the county since 1873. The Danes had made
large settlements in Oakfield and Sharon townships, and the so-called home-
steader movement brought a large number of people into the north of the
county, who were naturally an increase to the interests of the new town of
Audubon. In 1878 the Rock Island Railroad Company built the road from
Atlantic and founded the town of Audubon in the midst of their land.
Settlers poured in from the start. During the summer of 1879 the town of
Audubon was a busy place. The railroad company employed a large num-
ber of workmen to erect the new court house. Stuart & Son employed many
others to build their elevators at Audubon and Exira, as well as other build-
ings there and to work on their extensive farms. People at Audubon and
the farmers in the north part of the county found . employment for all the
extra men they could use and accommodate. It was reported that men could
readily obtain free board and lodging there for the sixty days before the
county-seat election, as they were expected to vote for Audubon for the
county seat. There were lots of new faces seen in the north part of the
county and about Audubon, who were not seen there after election. The
writer had occasion to examine a denizen of Audubon as a witness, who
was a new comer at that time, and in answer to an interrogatory as to his
place of residence he said that he was at home in any place where his hat
was on. The same condition probably applied equally well to others stop-
ping about Audubon at that period. On the day of the county-seat election
the railroad company conducted a free train from Atlantic to Audubon and
towns along the line to carry voters to the election. Our old friend Jack
Lemon, who is still conductor on the Audubon railroad, was the conductor
who had charge of that election train in 1879. It was current talk at the
time that any man could vote at Audubon that day and no questions asked.
The newspaper clash during the campaign was something remarkable.
The Advocate was at first conducted by Kimball. Here follows his saluta-
tory in the Advocate, on January i, 1879:
"Good morning. The Advocate has but little to offer in the way of
introduction. The circumstances that combined and created a demand for
another paper, the building of a new railroad and town, are all well known
to the public ; therefore it has no excuses to ofi^er for its appearance in the
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I5I
crowded field of journalism. Neither does the editor of this paper need
an introduction to the majority of the citizens of Audubon county. We first
came here in 1869, on the 2d of April. * * * During these years we
have formed many pleasant acquaintances and made many warm friends
* * * and we have made a few, and we think a very few, just as warm
enemies who have made known their position in an unmistakable manner.
Entering- the newspaper field as we did five years ago, inexperienced, it is
only surprising to us that we did not make more mistakes and alienate more
friends during the three 3^ears and five weeks that we published a paper in
this county. Not that we do not expect to tread on somebody's toes in the
future, either intentionally or otherwise, but we hope our past experience
may profit us to a certain extent and help us to make the Advocate' a wel-
come visitor in nearly every household in the county.
"We are probably well acquainted with at least three-fourths of the
citizens of this county and we think we know the character of a paper that
will meet their demands, but whether we are able to furnish such a one is
for them and the future to determine. They know our faults and foibles,
peculiarities, eccentricities and idiosyncrasies, and with such knowledge they
do not act blindly when they subscribe for, and pledge a hearty support" to the
Advocate, as scores of men belonging to all shades of political parties and
members of every sect have voluntarily done. * * * Our duties are to
control the editorial columns. * * * Jt is, of course, necessary to state
that the Advocate will be, politically, a Republican paper and will support the
Republican ticket and every candidate who is fairly and squarely nominated
by a regular Republican convention, but should some demagogue, a member
of another party, by trickery and chicanery, or, even a pretended member of
the Republican party, succeed in capturing a Republican nomination by run-
ning in Democrats, Greenbackers and what-nots, in Republican primaries,
the Advocate will throw him overboard instanter. We are not preparing a
way to bolt nominations, by any means, for we expect to support the Repub-
lican ticket, pure and unadulterated, but we have in the past seen one or two
instances of such contemptible political trickery, where Republican conven-
tions were captured by outsiders and incompetent, unpopular, unprincipled
demagogues nominated, that we thought proper to state emphatically that the
Advocate will not countenance any such unwarranted proceeding. The
Advocate will support any and every competent and responsible Republican
candidate, regularly and fairly nominated, whether it likes him personally
or otherwise, but it will not be bound to support an unprincipled political
demagogue who obtains a nomination by chicanery and fraud,"' etc.
152 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
The tenor of Kimball's remarks indicated the animus of his intentions
and purposes. He had been forced out of Exira a year before and was
employed for the purpose of fighting Exira; he was more than hungry for
revenge. With blood on fire, his tongue and lips dripped with venom at
every utterance and he spared no opportunity to pour out his vials of wrath
upon the editors of the Exira Defender, Hallock and Campbell, especially
upon the senior editor. Mr. Hallock was unfortunate in bearing a soiled
reputation for morality and chastity, which laid him open to the shafts of
Kimball's vengeance. Before the campaign closed, Kimball was ousted from
the Adzfocate by his partner, who continued the fight for Audubon, as
appears from the following:
"The Advocate.
"B. F. Thacker, Editor.
"salutatory.
"\\t can now announce to the people of Audubon county, that we have
purchased all of ^Ir. Kimball's right, title and interest in the Adz'ocate ofifice
and peace is at last restored.
"WHiatever action may have been taken in this fight by the citizens of
this town in the past, we are willing and ready to let everything drop, from
this date, and throw our whole mind and energies into the paper and the
interests of the county, and we will fight to the death all factions, rings
and cliques, that are not working in the interest of the public good.
"We shall advocate the removal of the county seat from Exira to Audu-
bon next fall, all reports to the contrary notwithstanding, and shall tr}- to
do it in a fair, square, manly way, excluding, as far as possible, all slang and
personal abuse from our paper.
"Hoping that we may retain the present friendship and supix)rt of our
patrons, we remain, etc.
"B. F. Thacker."
Mr. Thacker conducted the paper on more respectaljle and temperate
terms. But Kimball secured a new organ — The Times — supplied by his
backers, and continued his lampoons upon Hallock & Campbell to the end
of the campaign. The articles and poems (?) by Kimball were outrageous
and indecent. To have sent them through the mail would have been con-
trary to the law. They were too obscene to be here repeated. The Sentinel,
edited by H. P. Albert ("Pinkey''), threw its influence for Audubon. The
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 1^3
only paper in favor of Exira was the Defender. It is doubtful whether
any of the newspapers were influential in the fight. They were all disgraces
to journalism in that affair. Kimball's character was such that he could
not even believe his own word, so it was said. Several local orators
harangued the people on the county-seat issue, during the campaign, notably,
Melvin Nichols for the x^udubon faction. It was difficult to keep track of
him or determine which side he did espouse ; l^ut he ended up for Audubon.
John M. Griggs espoused the cause of Exira.
Here is some of the literature of that county-seat campaign:
"Don't! Don't! Don't! Ilallock, in the last Defender, puljlished a little
of his l^iography, and, mentioning some gentleman he met forty years ago,
says: 'Our own history since that time would make a volume; the history
of those with wdiom we then enacted would make many volumes.'
"Holy mother of Moses ! Don't publish it. Please don't. Give us
something else; but, if }'ou have any respect for the rising generation, don't
publish your own history. Don't you know there is a law against the publi-
cation of obscene literature?
"And then the falsehoods in connection with your 'Great transgressions.'
Only think of it. You ha\'e told lies enough during this county-seat fight
to 'make a volume' larger than Webster's Unabridged. Don't attempt such
a thing. It would ruin society and break your press. A man who would
attempt to contaminate society by circulating such vile literature ought to be
kicked into the middle of the next century by a steam mule.
"Only think of that (obscene) ; and those (obscene) ; and (obscene) ;
and your conduct while at Des Moines; and that fifty-dollar transaction with
; and your fight in the church ; and your infidelity ; and your telling
a lie and laying it to old Aunty Meek ; and your writing silly stories and sign-
ing your name 'Aunt Gertie' ; and your selling your vote to the railroad com-
pany while you were in the Legislature ; and your abuse of the homesteaders
while you were selling land for the railroad company; and your abuse of the
company since they gave you the grand bounce ; and your lies about Drew
and Van Tuyl ; and your abuse of Freeman and Brown ; and your forging
a county warrant ; and your contemptible falsehoods about the Audubon band
matter; and your accusing the people of the north of being poor and having
no teams ; and your loaning your railroad pass ; and your writing to Drew
and offering to sell out your friends in Exira and publish a paper in Audu-
bon if he would give you a town lot; and your sticking your dirty nose into
everybody's business, particularly church matters; and your attempt at smart-
154 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
ness, when if your head had been an eighth of an inch nearer flat you would
have been a monkey ; and your scratching tickets and then lying about it ; and
your misrepresentations of this town and its citizens; and your general
cussedness ; and, worst of all, your villainous lies about the pious editor of
the Audubon Times. And so on. ad infinitum.
"Don't attempt such a thing! Reproduce the worst immoral work
extant; publish a history of John Allen, the 'Wickedest Man in New York,'
but don't, please don't, corrupt society by publishing the first volume of your
own horrible demoralizing biography. Spread the yellow fever, smallpox,
or any other fatal epidemic, for they will only kill the body, but such a work
as you propose to inflict upon mortality would damn the very soul."
Here is another : "On Monday evening last there was a meeting of
the citizens of Oakfield, called by Elder Crocker for the purpose of present-
ing some of the reasons why the people of this county should not remove
the county seat to Audubon, at this time and under the present existing cir-
cumstances. The railroad tools and yelpers of Audubon, hearing of it, came
down to wool the people into their snares. Elder Crocker generously divided
the time with them. They set Elder M. Nichols, Esq., M. D., up as their
spokesman (we won't say anything about how he came to be on their side)
and Elder Crocker chose J. M. Griggs to close the debate. Crocker led off
and ga\e the voters present a chain of facts and circumstances concerning
the workings of this great soulless monopoly, that caused their eyes to open
and set their thoughts at work. He showed them that a vote to remove the
county seat to Audubon and thereby accept the cunningly-drawn lease, the
deed of trust to the public square, and the bond of Audubon's forty-two
citizens to build a house in that town in 1884, 'If the board of supervisors
at that time required it,' was involving this county's finances in a ruinous
struggle with a self-created ring, consisting of forty-two men of wealth and
influence, backed by the railroad company as an interested party. Elder
Crocker made many other telling points and unanswerable arguments why
removal should not take place at this time.
"Nichols then followed with the piece he had prepared against Audubon
and which he was to have delivered at that place last Saturday, substituting
the name Exira for Audubon. His talk fell upon the ears of his hearers
with the deadness of conscience-stricken, benumbed, though eliciting nothing
but terse cuts from the friends of a fair vote of the actual citizens of the
county on all questions of financial interest to the people.
"J. M. Griggs followed with one of his soul-stirring "appeals for justice
to all. showing that Exira was less than two miles further from the center
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 55
of the county, by section lines, than Audubon, and refuting many sophistries
offered by those who are hired to assist the railroad company in robbing the
poor man of his lands and home. The railroad hirelings were so dissatisfied
with the results of the meeting that they determined to have another at Audu-
bon, where they can call in their subsidized voters and supporters to enthuse
for them, and where they suppose Messrs. Crocker and Griggs dare not put
in an appearance. But they will find that these gentlemen are not afraid
'to beard the lion in his den,' or the liar in his kennel."
And here is still another : "Eds. Defender — Fearing you might not
hear of it in any other way (?), I write to say that Elder Crocker had an
appointment to speak at Oakfield, on the county-seat question, and some of
the friends of Audubon announced that D. W. Powers would answer him.
Last night (Monday) when Mr. Crocker came, others came also. Audubon
was represented by several of her citizens, viz : E. H. Kimball, E. J. Free-
man, B. F. Thacker, M. Nichols and others unknown to your correspondent.
There were present also, J. M. Griggs, Charles Van Gorder, John Crane,
and a house full besides. In due time the house was called to order and
Washington Bartlett was elected chairman for the evening. Elder Crocker
came forward and expressed himself as ready for the discussion with Mr.
Powers ; but, although he was present, the railroad company were not inclined
to trust their case with an untried man, and he probably, not desiring to
speak, an arrangement was entered into by which a debate was had between
Mr. Nichols, on the one hand, and Messrs. Crocker and Griggs on the other.
Mr. Nichols opened with a very fair speech, considering he had so lately got
on that side of the fence, having, but a short time since, been employing his
tongue and pen in favor of Exira, on which side I believe he did better work
than he is now doing for Audubon. Query: What force was it that lifted
him over the fence so suddenly?
"Mr. Crocker followed, completely refuting, as we think, the argument
advanced by Mr. Nichols, who, at the conclusion of Mr. Crocker's remarks,
again took the floor. His speech was of course, much like the first, but,
seeing the 'cattle', as he called the opposing speakers, were somewhat stub-
born and hard to handle, he 'shed his woolen' and went at them in his shirt
sleeves.
"Mr. Griggs followed him with a complete refutation of his arguments.
A number of happy hits were made on either side, and the speakers were
all repeatedly and vociferously cheered. One or two things occurred that,
to one not versed in matters of this kind, looked a little singular. Why was
it that Kimball took a front seat, and occasionally, when he imagined he saw
156 . AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
something funny or of particular interest to their side, clapped his hands
wildly, at the same time raising them high above his head and casting 'sheep's
eyes' at his Audubon chums? Was it because he was the 'bell wether,' and
when he jumped they were expected to follow? They followed any way."
It appears that Kimball stirred up Elder Crocker in his paper; but we
are unable to discover what he said about the elder, which moved the
reverend gentleman to wrath. But here is what Crocker said about Kimball :
"skinning a skunk!
"The Audubon Daily Times , which was probaljly already in process of
incubation, bursts its shell and comes to life immediately after the warmth
of the Oakfield discussion. The first issue of the daily wreaks its vengeance
upon one J. M. Crocker, and merits only silent and supreme contempt, but,
for the sake of the respectability whom he disgraces, by being their repre-
sentative, we consent to answer. He proceeds to answer our arguments by
his well-known method of warfare, by vomiting upon their author. He has
not time to expose our fallacies but will after election; until then we must
be silent by the ipsi dixit of a man who was never known before to tell the
truth, when a lie would serve as well. For proof of my statements in the
Defender, I refer to any correct county map. He states that in that article
signed 'Goose Quill' T assailed him in an uncalled-for and ungentlemanly
manner. Far from it. Everyone knows our attack was upon the only
worthy and able editor in .\udul)()n, the editor of the Advocate. We knew
before that he could tell a lie; we know now that he can't tell anything else.
He savs the loan agents have trouble to get their papers promptly. Anyone
who knows anything about the office work of the recorder knows that the
supply of work is irregular, sometimes nothing to do for days at a time,
then a rush and an overwhelming amount of it for a few days. It not
unfrequently happens that amid this rush of work a half dozen long loan
mortgages are handed in by nearly as many different firms, each wanting his
work fi.rst. Now to do all this with entire satisfaction to all is perhaps an
impossibility. But I apprehend that the firm to whom we have given the
greatest dissatisfaction is the one we have most frecpiently and fruitlessly
dunned for their long-standing arrears. But my chief sin is in making
county speeches. Ah, tliat's the rul). I was not aware that it was any worse
for the recorder to attend a meeting at Oakfield (leaving Exira at dark),
than it was for editors, bankers, real estate agents, et al., from Audubon;
and if their unconcealed ill-humor was an index to their moral consciousness,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 57
they were guilty of a greater sin than those of Exira, who seemed to be well
satisfied and in good humor. 'He has always been our friend.' That is the
most disgraceful thing he says or could say. I flatter myself that this is
also false. But at least whatever contumely we have been entitled to in the
past by his friendship, we are at last relieved.
"He says we sold out to J. B. White. This is an infamous falsehood,
that would stain the character of a demon. J. B. White lost his cause in
Audubon county, as everyone knows, l^y his affiliations with the edtior of
the Times. But bad and imbecile as I am, I only lack one thing of being
a saint, a scholar and a gentleman, and that one thing needful is to sell out
to Audubon, body and suffrage; it is a transformation process. The idiotic
editor of the Sentinel became a sane and sensible man; the violent Anti M.
Xop, against the most scathing vindictives were already in type, surrenders
his manhood in time to save his character, the type is distributed and the
editorials do not appear and he becomes at once the spokesman for the
removal cause, and their orator on high occasions. Indeed it is a transform-
ing process. It would cover all our remissness and convert the viper to
the dove. But. alas, we are not susceptible of the change ; our evil is incur-
able because we cannot be bought, intimidated, nor l)ulldozed into favor with
their lofty measures that involve our county in the liability for thousands of
dollars; Ijecause we will not pander to their whims nor be awed into silence
concerning their selfish schemes ; because we dare to look with suspicion upon
their proposed offers and expose the emptiness of their gulled gifts. But to
sum it all up, he has told who and what we are. We will not attempt a like
favor in his behalf for two reasons: First, the people of this county
know him of old; second, no language is equal to the emergency; decomposi-
tion has proceeded so far in his case as to render dissection impossible ; we
can onlv trim him off a little around the eyes. W^ho is he ? The man ( for-
give the false appellation) whose only aversion to farming is that his wife
can't do the work; who was once recorder of Audubon county, to the sorrow
of all who shall search the records, to the end of time; who left a fair picture
of himself upon the records, in which the back ground of illegibility is only
relieved by the abundance of palpable and glaring blunders, and but for his
industrious wife, who did most and best of his work that outlived his official
career, would only have been equalled by his moral lustre ; who sold out J. B.
White by staining the garments of a pure man by his own putrid impurity;
who is a vulture of old upon the county treasury; who is now seeking to leap
into the realization of his long-cherished desires for rapine and plunder upon
the county; who has sold himself at every opportunity and never failed to
158 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
cheat the purchaser out of the full price paid ; who is now spreading his
feathers over his newly hatched daily, and would like to write an article for
it if he had sufficient sense; in whom the vacuum of intelligence and refine-
ment is filled with vileness and vulgarity; whose hatred of all that is lovely,
excellent and pure, is only equalled by his ardent love of all that is villain-
ous, vicious and mean; in whose estimation the sum of infancy is the free-
dom of unfettered manhood; whose papers, daily and weekly, are a mass of
maggotty rottenness, that the vultures would disdain; a stain on the history
of barbarism, an insult to civilization, and a stench amid the breezes from
the bottomless pit; as an encomium and abuse as our highest praise.
"J. M. Crocker.^'
The local newspapers of that period were filled with this style of
effusions by the respective editors, sometimes better and often worse. These
samples will suffice to indicate the abuses by which people were afflicted
during that unhappy period.
During the campaign one of the Audubon papers gave out the following
statement: "Captain Stuart authorizes us to state that if the people of
Audubon county want the county seat at Audubon he will furnish a good,
subsantial building for court house purposes, much better than the county
ever had, free of any expense to the county or taxpayers, and that he will
enter into writings to that effect. He further says that the building shall
be provided with fire-proof vaults for the county records."
But we have seen that the railroad company built the present court house
for use of the county before the county-seat election came off. At the elec-
tion the contest was decided by a vote of eight hundred and forty-one votes
against six hundred and twenty, in favor of removal to Audubon. And the
county records were immediately transferred to Audubon.
In 1905 an election was ordered to test the proposition of issuing bonds
in the amount of sixty-five thousand dollars for the erection of a new court
house at Audubon. It brought out violent opposition from people of various
parts of the county. A number of business men of Exira executed a bond
in the sum of forty thousand dollars, binding themselves to build a new
court house at Exira, if the people of the county would re-locate the county
seat there. The movement indicated that the memory of the old fights
lingered in the breasts of the sons of the old contestants who were defeated
in 1879. The bond operated as a bluff and the bond issue was defeated by
nearly four hundred votes. The present year, Exira has built a costlv new
school house at their own expense. It is not clear what position the people
of Exira may take when the time arrives for building a new court house.
CHAPTER IX.
RAILROADS, HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION.
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
The first traveled highway was the old Mormon trail, coming from the
way of Des Moines, Adel, Redfield, etc. It entered the county near the
"Divide," not far south of the northeast corner of Audubon township;
thence down the divide between the water sheds of Troublesome and
Crooked creeks, through Indian Grove (section 14, Audubon township),
to Hamlin's Grove; thence down Troublesome to Grove City and Lewis
and on to Council Bluffs. It was not a legally laid-out highway and ran
across the country without following section lines.
It will not be amiss to notice some of the first legally established roads,
which were generally laid out across the county without conforming to
section lines, but conforming to the divides and highlands.
Old State road No. i was laid out by Dr. Samuel M. Ballard and
Thomas Seely, as commissioners, in 1855. It commenced at the west line
of Dallas county, at the terminus of a road laid there in 1849; thence by
way of Bear Grove, entering Audubon county at the half-mile post on the
north line of section 2, Audubon township ; thence southwesterly down
Troublesome to the township line at the corner of sections 7 and 18, same
township; thence to Dayton (section 22, Exira township); thence through
sections 28, 29 and 30, same township, to Ballard's bridge in section 36, in
Oakfield township; thence by way of the Eorks of the West Nishua river,
in township yy, range 39, in Shelby county; thence to Council Bluffs. The
portion of the road east from the old town of Dayton is practically obsolete.
County road No. 2 was located in December, 1855. The petitioners
were : Daniel Crane, David L. Anderson, Hiram Perkins, David Edgerton,
William Pangburn, John Sifford, Reuben Kenyon, Nathaniel Wiggin, John
Crane, and Bryant Milliman. Nathaniel Hamlin was commissioner and
Peoria I. Whitted, surveyor. Beginning on the east line of section i, Audu-
bon township ; thence to the upper grove on Troublesome, in section 4, in
Audubon township; thence to David's creek (Exira); thence to the Shelby
county line, twenty rods north of the northwest corner of Sharon township.
l60 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
County road Xo. i was laid out in 1855-6. The petitioners were:
Nathaniel Hamlin. John Crane, Thomas S. Lewis, Isaac V. D. Lewis, O.
Everett r^Iarsh, Oliver Smith, Alonzo N. Arnold, Jonathan Decker, William
Carpenter, Peoria L Whitted. Richard M. Lewis, Daniel Crane. Robert A.
Oliphant. Urbane Herrick and David L. Anderson. David Edgerton was
commissioner and Peoria L \\'hitted. surveyor. Beginning on the south
line of section 31, Exira township; thence east across Troublesome, by
Hamlin's Grove, and ending at the Guthrie county line at the corners of
sections 12 and 13, Audubon township, the site of the present Lutheran
cemetery.
County road Xo. 7 was located in 1857. Alvin Herrick was commis-
sioner and Peoria L Whitted, surveyor. Beginning at State road Xo. 2, in
section 28, Exira township; thence north through Big Grove, Exira. High-
land Grove, and termination on the Guthrie county line, eighty-five rods
south of the corner of sections 24 and 25. Viola township.
County road Xo. 9, was located in 1859, being petitioned for by John
E. McConnell, J. E. Ham. William S. Bush, Lyman Bush, William P. Ham-
lin. Avery Belcher. James Eagan. Charles Wiggin, William X^elson. Leonard
Earley. Stillman H. Perry and Xathaniel Wiggin. Beginning at the east
end of Depot street, Exira; thence east and ending at Judge Harris' break-
ing, near to countv road Xo. i, on the Guthrie countv line.
These were the most important roads in the county up to i860. The
routes of travel were mostly confined to the high lands, across countr)^
without following section lines in the first instance. Miles of road wound
along the ridges, to avoid the streams and low. wet lands, and to avoid the
building of bridges as much as possible. They were the natural ways for
travel and soon became ideal highways. As the country settled up, they
have been -changed, mostly to conform to the section lines.
BRIDGES.
Bridges were then an expensive claim upon the limited resources of
our thinly-settled county, but the people were equal to the demand. They
could not build the costly structures we are erecting today ; indeed, a
single bridge such as we now build costs more than all the bridges built in
the county for the first ten years. The first bridges were constructed by
placing long, strong logs across the stream from bank to bank, the ends
firmly buried in the ground, and were covered with poles and dirt. The
SCENIC VIEW, AUDFBOX
/■•
^l^flktmmt « ■ • ■ «
■t
WHEAT HARVEST SCENE
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. l6l
upper side was lowest, in order that the high water would pass over it
entirely, and the weight of the water pressed the bridge covering firmly to
the stringers, and thus prevented it from being swept away by the current.
Such bridges had to answer their purposes, and they were convenient and
safe, except in high water. Several accidents have occurred from these
defective primitive bridges. About 1873, Hiram Jellison lost a valuable
horse in attempting to cross the bridge west of Old Hamlin during high
water, and the same year a traveler in attempting to cross Four Mile creek,
east of Exira, had a span of horses drowned, where the bridge had been
swept away by high water.
The next important change in bridges was by bedding heavy mud-sells
in the stream, or near the edges, and erecting upon them heavy frame works
high above the water, and covering them with plank for a roadway. They
were not a success and were constantly swept away by high water, resulting
in heavy losses.
In 1872 Mark Frary, of Atlantic, introduced the system of pile bridges,
which was adopted by the county and used extensively to the present time.
In recent years corrugated metalic tubes are being successfully used for cul-
verts, instead of the small wooden bridges. The county has already
replaced many wooden structures with concrete and iron bridges and cul-
verts, and these improvements bid fair to be continued and increased.
ROADS.
For many years roadbeds have been graded, the hilltops cut down and
hollows filled. Since the advent of automobiles, roads have been vastly
improved and made better and smoother by a uniform system of road drag-
ging. Under recent laws, the prospects are that in the near future defective
highways in Audubon county will be a thing of the past. The River to
River road, through the county east and west, passes through Exira. It
would require a volume to enumerate the roads and bridges in the county,
a very complete record of which is found in the county auditor's office,
showing four hundred and seventy-five roads, ramifying all parts of the
county, aggregating eight hundred and thirteen miles of roads.
There are now in the county five hundred wooden bridges, each over
thirty-two feet in length; five hundred wooden bridges and culverts less
than thirty-two feet in length ; ten concrete and steel bridges, and three thou-
sanci corrugated metallic tube culverts.
(II)
1 62 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
RAILROADS AND TRANSPORTATION.
There was not a railroad in Iowa when Audubon county was first set-
tled. In 1865 the Rock Island railroad reached the town of Kellogg, and
the Northwestern railroad reached the town of Boone the same year. In
1866 the Northwestern reached Council Bluffs, and one railroad got through
to Des Moines the same year. At that period the people of Audubon county
first began to realize that they were in touch \\ith railroad facilities.
The first pine lumber for building purposes was brought to Audubon
county in 1866 for erection of the school house near Bradley Beers (Old
Hamlin). In December, 1868, the Rock Island railroad was continued
from Des Moines to Council Bluffs. In December, 1878, the branch rail-
road came from Atlantic to Brayton, Exira and Audubon. In 1882 the
Northwestern railroad came from Carroll, by way of Manning, to Gray
and Audubon. The Atlantic Northern railroad was built from Atlantic to
Elk Horn and Kimballton in 1907.
HACK LINES, STAGES AND MAIL LINES.
John M. Donnel, called "Milt," came to Audubon county with
Nathaniel Hamlin in September, 1851, and at first lived about Hamlin's
Grove. Soon afterward, at least as early as 1853, he carried the mail from
Adel to Hamlin's Grove, using some kind of wheeled conveyance. We are
unable to learn how long it continued. At an early day the Western Stage
Company established a line of coaches through Iowa by way of Des Moines
to Council Bluffs. As early as 1857 the route was from Des Moines, by
way of Adel, Redfield, Dalmanutha, Morrisons (Anita), Grove City and
Lewis, to Council Bluffs. The exact date when the route was first changed
from Morrison's to Hamlin's is uncertain. In June, 1865, it was running
by way of Morrison's. Charles How, who now lives at Exira, drove the
first coach from Bear Grove to Hamlin's Grove, July 18, 1865, when that
change was made. It is not certain if the route had previously run to Ham-
lin's.
In October, 1865, the writer was a passenger in the Western Stage
Company's coaches from Kellogg to Hamlin's Grove. The route then ran
from Des Moines, by way of Adel, Panora, Guthrie Center. Bear Grove, to
Hamlin's Grove; thence to Grove City, etc. Those coaches were the old-
fashioned Concord, closed stages, with leather thorough braces (for
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 63
springs), and were drawn by four powerful horses. The drivers were
veterans in their business and expert whips. With their long, graceful
lashes, they could fleck a fly from the ears of their lead horses without
touching the horse, and could perform all other expert stunts peculiar to
their calling. The coaches went out of use when the railroad reached
Atlantic in 1868-9. While the stages went by way of Morrison's, mail was
carried from that point to Hamlin's on horseback.
Before the town of Exira was founded, and as early as 1856, a man
named Adams carried the mail, some times horseback and at other times
with a buckboard, from Adel, by way of Exira, to Magnolia, giving service
once a week each way. About i860, E. B. Newton, of Guthrie Center, car-
ried the mail by hackline, from Adel to Magnolia; but he changed the route
by going from Bear Grove to Bradley Beers' (Old Hamlin) ; thence to
Bowman's Grove, leaving Exira six miles to the south, and the mail was
supplied to Exira from Beers.' In 1864, Newton was succeeded by John
Crane, who carried the mail from Bear Grove, by way of Exira, to Mag-
nolia, twice a week. This line was discontinued when the railroad reached
Atlantic in 1868-9. I^^ 186S a hackline was established by David L. An-
derson from Exira to Atlantic, with service twice a week. In 1875, he
was succeeded by W^illiam P. Hamlin, who conducted a hack line over the
same route until the railroad reached Exira in 1878.
About 1868 .another mail line was established by William Thompson
from Anita, by way of Hamlin's, to Exira, which was discontinued in 1878.
A line was established in 1871, by John McFadden from Exira, by way of
Leroyville, Irwin, Thompson and Elba, to Carroll. He was succeeded by
William Thompson, he by John Robinson, and he by Sylvester K. Landis.
This line was discontinued about 1880-2. Another line was established by
William Gransberry, from Exira, by way of Leroyville, Irwin and Viola
Center, to Coon Rapids, during the period last above named.
CHAPTER X.
AUDUBON COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
The population of Audubon county averaged less than five hundred
during the War of the Rebellion. It had five hundred and ten inhabitants
by the census of 1865. There were about one hundred men subject to mili-
tary duty in the county during the war, thirty-one of whom served in the
army during that period. About fifteen unmarried men did not go to the
war, several of whom were not able-bodied and were unfit for military duty.
AUDUBON COUNTY UNION SOLDIERS.
David L. Anderson, private, Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, enlisted
March 6, 1863; discharged January 10, 1866.
John A. Anderson, private, Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, enlisted
February 13, 1863; discharged May 17, 1866.
William S. Anderson, private, Company B, Fifth Iowa Infantry, enlisted
December 18, 1862; killed July 22, 1864.
William P. Beck, First Sergeant, Company C, Fourth Iowa Infantry,
enlisted May 26, 1861 ; discharged December 10, 1862.
Silas D. Burns, private. Second Iowa Battery, enlisted August 26, 1861 ;
killed June 19, 1863.
John W. Davis, sergeant. Company L, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, enlisted
November 25, 1861 ; deserted December 22, 1863.
Henry T. Eagan.
James Eagan.
Richard S. Hallock, surgeon, United States Colored Infantry.
George W. Hardy, private, Company I, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry,
enlisted August 15, 1862; died October 19, 1862.
James Howlett, private, Company D, Second Iowa Infantry, drafted,
1864.
Samuel Howlett, private, Company D, Second Iowa Infantry, drafted,
1864.
Lvman Jardine. private. Company I, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry,
enlisted August 14, 1862; died June 27, 1865.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 1 65
John T. Jenkins, corporal, Second Iowa Battery, enlisted August i8,
1861 ; discharged August 30, 1864.
James M. Jones, private. Second Iowa Battery, enlisted March 30, 1864;
discharged August 7, 1865.
Orlin E. Jones, private. Second Iowa Battery, enlisted August 18, 1861 ;
killed June 20, 1863.
John W. Montgomery, corporal. Company E, Third Iowa Infantry,
enlisted May 21, 1861 ; wounded April 6, 1862; discharged June 17, 1864.
William M. Nelson, private. Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry,
enlisted August 13, 1862; discharged August 10, 1865.
Charles H. Norton, corporal, Second Iowa Battery, enlisted August 18,
1861 ; discharged August 30, 1864.
Robert A. Oliphant, corporal. Company B, Eourth Iowa Infantry,
enlisted July 10, 1861 ; discharged August 30, 1864.
James A. Robinson, private. Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry,
enlisted August 15, 1862; discharged August 10, 1865.
W. Scott Rice, sergeant. Second Iowa Battery, enlisted August 26,
1861; discharged August 7, 1865.
Harry D. Shelley, sergeant, Second Iowa Battery, enlisted August 26,
1861 ; discharged April 3, 1863.
James Smith, private. Company I, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry,
enlisted August 8, 1862; discharged July 26, 1868.
John F. Smith.
William E. Smith, bugler, Company L, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, enlisted
October 7, 1861 ; discharged August 8, 1865.
William E. E. Smith, private, Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry,
enlisted February 13, 1863; discharged May 17, 1866.
George R. Stephenson, private. Second Iowa Battery, enlisted March
30, 1864; discharged August 7, 1865.
Charles Van Gorder, captain, Company B, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry,
enlisted August 22, 1862; wounded October 5, 1864; discharged June 5, 1865.
Nathaniel Wiggin, drafted.
John M. Wilcox, private, Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, enlisted
April 10, 1864; discharged May 17, 1866.
Of these soldiers, three were killed, two wounded, two died of disease
and one deserted.
John Crane, Richard Gault and James A. Poage were drafted and fur-
nished substitutes.
1 66 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
An incident of the early recruiting in the county for the war is the
circumstance of the enHstment of John T. Jenkins, who still lives at Brayton,
Iowa, being the last survivor of the little company of settlers who first came
to Audubon county on May 6, 1851.
Several young men about Oakfield, in August, 1861, had agreed to enlist
in Captain Spoor's Second Iowa Battery. "Uncle" Johnny Jenkins, who was
a Kentuckian, a Democrat and opposed to the war, having heard that his son
had so enlisted, spoke to him on the subject. "John," said he, "did you
sign that paper to go to the war," or words to that effect. "Yes, sir, I did,"
said John. "Well, John, I don't want you to ever show yourself here with
a hole in your back." Which ended the interview.
By the year 1864 the war was realized forcibly by the people of Audubon
county. Many of its young men were in the army, and some had been killed
or had died there ; many at home felt that duty required their presence there
to support their families, and some were violently opposed to the war. Party
spirit was at extreme tension and people were hopelessly divided in political
opinions. Volunteering had almost ceased ; a draft for soldiers was ordered
and actual strife at home was imminent. Some men said that if they had to
fight, they would fight at home — or, in other words, resist the draft. It was
a time that "tried men's souls." Some of the patriotic citizens organized the
Loyal Legion, to try to influence public opinion and to enforce the law. The
spot where they met, in an obscure ravine on section 21. Exira township,
was many years ago shown to the writer by Howard J. Green, Esq., who then
pointed out a tree under which he stood sentinel while good old Deacon Bush
prayed for the Union cause. At the same time others were plotting and lay-
ing plans to defeat the Union cause. The Democrats then in the county were
in the majority, while Republicans were in the Union army. We recall a story
about a "secesh" in Exira, who became elated because he believed that Price's
9
raid might reach Iowa, and he said that he would go to Missouri and meet
Price's army and guide it here. Darius Barlow, who then lived in Exira, told
him to go, and that he would see to it that he should never reach Price or his
army.
The draft was peaceably enforced. John Crane, Richard Gault, James
A. Poage, Urbane Herrick, George W. Sharp, Nathaniel Wiggin, James and
Samuel Howlett were drafted ; Herrick and Sharp were exempted ; Crane,
Gault and Poage furnished substitutes, and the others served their terms in
the army.
The draft was conducted by John A. Hallock, then clerk of the district
court, who was accused of making a false return of men who were drafted.
AUDUBON COUNTYj IOWA. 1 6/
Those drafted were all Democrats, except two, Sharp and Wiggin, and one
was his brother-in-law, John Crane.
About the same time. Governor Kirkwood ordered the organization of
the militia. John T. Jenkins and Charles H. Norton had recently returned
from the war ; Horatio P. Smith, who had previously lived in the county, but
had served in the Seventh Iowa Infantry, Benjamin F. Thomas and John S.
Wright, who had both served in the army, also came to the county in 1864,
all of whom were looked upon as suitable candidates for offices in the militia.
There appears to have been a rivalry to secure the organization of the militia
on a political basis, as if there was an advantage to be so obtained. An old
man, J. Lyman Frost, a strong Republican and zealous partisan, took a hand
and was a leader in the affair. He had been a Democrat in his day, accord-
ing to Doctor Ballard, and, as if to emphasize his loyalty and patriotism,
became vastly obnoxious to the Democrats in turn. He had ousted "Uncle"
Natty Hamlin, first postmaster in the county, appointed by President Taylor
in 1853, from the postoffice at Hamlin's Grove, on political grounds, Hamlin
being a Kentuckian. and a strong pro-slavery man and Democrat, and had
secured the postoffice for himself. Frost was a disagreeable man and had
a penchant for getting into hot water with his neighbors, loving nothing
better than to be in trouble with them. It is said that he was once a preacher.
But he took part in the organization of the militia in favor of Smith and
against Thomas, as appears from the records of the adjutant-general of
Iowa. The following record shows the details of the organization of this
military company :
"At a meeting of the citizens of Exira, Oakfield and Audubon townships,
in the County of Audubon, State of Iowa, to form a military Company under
Chapter 84, Laws of loth General Assembly of the State of Iowa, the Fol-
lowing was the result of the election for Commissioned Officers of the Com-
pany.
Captain Horatio P. Smith
1st Lieut. Xerxes Knox
26. Lieut. John T. Jenkins
"Name of company adopted by meeting "AUDUBON MOUNTED
INFANTRY.
"J. Lyman Frost, President.
"Carlos E. Frost, Secretary,
1 68 audubon county^ iowa.
"muster roll.
"Of the Mounted Infantry Company of Audubon County, organized
under Chapter 84, Laws of the Regular Session of Tenth General Assembly
of the
State of Iowa.
"We, the undersigned do hereby acknowledge to have entered thq
service of the State of Iowa, as provided in the afore-mentioned law and
hereby subject ourselves to all the rules, regulations, provisions and disciplen
as therein set forth, and all rules and regulations which may be hereafter
promulgated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Militia of Iowa.
Name. Rank. Age. Postofflce. Residence. Nativity.
Horatio P. Smith Captain .31 Oalifleld Oalifield Ohio.
Xerxes Knox First lieutenant 30 Exiia Exira Ohio.
John T. Jenkins Second lieutenant 25 Oakfield Oakfieid Kentuck.v.
Charles H. Norton First sergeant 27 Oakfield Oakfield New York.
Dawson Glasgow Second sergeant 40 Hamlin's Grove — Hamlin's Grove Kentucky.
Benjamin F. Jenkins Third sergeant 27 Oakfield Oakfield Kentucky.
George H. Simmons First corporal 22 Exira Exira England.
Andrew J. Linn Second corporal 30 Exira Exira Ohio.
Howard J. Green Third corporal 33 Exira Exira New York.
Andrew Lefflngwell Fourth corporal .37 Exira Exira Massachusetts.
Anderson, Lesanthers Private 18 Exira Exira Ohio.
Bateham, Vincent Private 22 Exira Exira Indiana.
Barlow. Darius Private 3.3 Exira Exira New York.
Bartlett, Washington Private 43 Oakfield ^r)akfield Virginia.
Blackmar, James Private 27 Exira Exira New York.
Bush. John D. Private 3C Exira Exira Massachusette.
Davidson, Levi B. Private .37 Oakfield Oakfield Ohio.
Deeds, Cornelius W. Private 27 Hamlin's Grove — Hamlin's Grove Ohio.
Dodge, Boynton G. Private 3."> Exira Exira New Hampshire.
Donnel, John M. Private -38 Hamlin's Grovp_-_Hamliu's Grovc-Ohio.
Donnel, James N. Private 34 Hamlin's Grove— -Hamlin's Grove... Ohio.
Edgerton. David Private 37 Exira Exira Indiana.
Frost, Martin Private 41 Oakfield Oakfield Ohio.
Frost, Carlos E. Private .37 Hamlin's Grove.. -Hamlin's Grove Ohio!
Goodale, Almon Private 36 Oakfield Oakfield Ohio]
Hardy, Andrew N. Private ^ 44 Hamlin's Grove — Hamlin's Grove New York.
Hallock, Richard S. Private .32 Oakfield Oakfield Illinois.
Hallock, John A. Private 29 Exira Exira Illinois.
Hallock, Isaac P. Private 20 Oakfield Oakfield Illinois.
Heath, Mark Private ...' 41 Oakfield Oakfield Ohio.
Hyatt, William Private 18 Oakfield Oakfield Kentucky.
Lewis, Richard M. Private 43 Oakfield Oakfield Indiana.
Montgomery, Joel Private 18 Exira Exira Illinois.
Norton, John Pi'ivate 27 Oakfield Oakfield New I'ork.
Pearl, Wallace E. Private .3.5 Oakfield Oakfield New York.
Pearl, Joshua A. Private 34 Oakfield Oakfield New Y'ork.
Porter, Joseph Private 30 Oakfield Oakfield Canada.
Sharp, George W. Private 34 Exira Exira Kentucky.
Tingle, John Private IS Oakfield Oakfield Iowa.
Tyler, Oliver P. Private 25 Exira Exira England.
Wilcox, Whitman Private 40 Exira Exira Pennsylvania.
Wiggin, Nathaniel Private 28 Exira Exira New York.
Walker, William Private 30 Hamlin's Grove — Hamlin's Grove Ohio.
Men over age who have joined the company, and if furnished arms
will do as good service as they can :
Bush, Lyman Private 50 Exira Exira Massachusette
Beck, Hiram M. Private .55 Hamlin's Grove.. .Hamlin's Grove... Ohio.
Frost, J. Lyman Private 70 Hamlin's Grove.. -Hamlin's Grove.. -Connecticut
Hallock, Isaac, Sr. Private 02 Oakfield Oakfield New York.
Lynn. John, Sr Private 50 Exira Exira Ohio.
Montgomery, Levi B. Private .55 Exira Exira Ohio.
Norton, William C. Private 50 Oakfield ...Oakfield New York.
Wilson, James Private 48 Hamlin's Grove-. -Hamlin's Grove...Kentucky.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 69
Capt. Horatio P. Smith, sworn in, November 19, 1864.
First Lieut. Xerxes Knox, sworn in, December 17, 1864.
Second Lieut. John T. Jenkins, sworn in, December 3, 1864.
It further appears from the records of the adjutant-general of Iowa
that another company of mihtia was attempted to be organized in Audubon
county about November 8, 1864.
"muster roll.
"Of Audubon County Riflemen, Organized in the County of Audubon
under Chapter 84, Laws of the Regular Session of Tenth General Assembly
of the State of Iowa.
"We the undersigned, do hereby acknowledge to have entered the service
of the State of Iowa, as provided in the afore-mentioned law, and hereby
subject ourselves to all the rules, regulations, and discipline as therein set
forth, and all rules and regulations which may be hereafter promulgated by
the commander-in-chief of the militia of Iowa.
Name. Rank. Age. Postoffit-e. Residence. Nativity.
B. F. Thomas -Captain 22 Hamlin's Grove Audubon Township Ohio.
John S. Wright First lieutenant 21 Hamlin's Grove Audulx)n Township Indiana.
Isaac Thomas Second lieutenant 27 Hamlin's Grove __ Audubon Township Ohio.
John Crane Fir^t sergeant 30 Extra Bxira Ohio.
James Poage Sc<'ond sergeant Hamlin's Grove Hamlin's Grove Illinois.
Isaac V. D. Lewis Third sergeant ."tS Hamlin's Grove Audubon Township Indiana.
Richard Gault Fourth sergeant 31 Exira Extra Pennsylvania.
William P. Hamlin First corporal 42 Exira Exira Kentucky.
Amherst Heath Second corporal .39 Oakfield Oakfield
John M. Donnel Third corporal 34 Audubon Kentucky.
Peoria I. Whitted Fourth corporal 3.'> Exira Bxira New York.
Samuel G. Haywood Fifth corporal 33 Hamlin's Grove — Audubon Ohio.
Beers, Bradley Private 40
Ballard, O. R. Private 2.5 Oakfield
Birge, James Private 2.5
Brainard, A. I, Private 38
Bartlett, Washington Private 43
Blackmer, J. M. Private
Beers, David B. Private 25
Barlow, Darius Private 33 :
Bush, John D. Private 36
C'alder, George H __ Private 36
Carley, Lehman Private 39
Carpenter, William Private 32
Dodge, Boynton G. Private 34
Davidson. L. B. Private 41
Eagan, Samuel Private 22
Edgerton, David Private 36 —
Early, Leonard Private 44
Eagan, James Private 28
Frost, Martin Private 41
Frost, Carlos E. Private .37
Green, Howard J. Private 36
Goodale, Almond Private 36
Herrick, Edson Private 44
Herrick, Urbane Private 40
Herrick, J. D. Private .
Hubbard, Julius M. Private 33-
Hiatt, William H. Private _
Heath, Mark Private 40_
Howlett, Samuel, Jr. Private 20.
Howlett, Samuel, Sr. Private .30-
Heath, A. Private 39_
Houston, A. B. Private 40-
170 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Hallock. Isaac P., Jr. Private 24_
Hallock. John A. Private 28-
Hardy, Andrew M. Private 44_
Howlett, James Private 40-
Jenkins, Benjamin F. Private 26-
Johnson, Samuel Private 29-
Jones, Giles N. Private 33-
Jenkins, Isaac H. Private 21_
Jardine, Walter J. Private 19-
Lewis, Richard M. Private 42-
Lefiingwell. A. J. Private -
Lewis, Thomas S. Private 37_
Milliman, Bryant Private 36-
Mullinger. William R. Private 32-
Xorton, John C. Private -
Poage. George T. Private -
Parmley, Richard F. Private 23-
Pullam, R. F. Private 33-
Pearl, E. W. Private 35-
Pearl, Joshua A. Private 33-
Paige. J. A Private 21-
Scharff, Michael Private 27-
Sharp, George W. Private 34-
Smith, Oliver Private 30-
Ward, Chauncey E. Private 30-
Wiggins, Nathaniel Private 38-
Walker, William Private 30-
The names of this roll show that all the officers of Captain Thomas's
company, except one, and fifty of the privates were Democrats, some of
them emphatic anti-war men. It appears that the commissions of the officers
were sent by the adjutant-general to J. Lyman Frost, the then postmaster
at Hamlin's Grove, a rigid Republican, to act as mustering officer, and to
deliver them to the company officers-elect upon taking their proper oaths of
office; but that he declined to muster them or to deliver the commissions,
presumably because he knew many members of the company to be anti-war
men, and of questionable loyalty or patriotism to the country.
Captain Thomas, who is now living, says that his commission was not
delivered to him, but was found on the prairie, having evidently been thrown
away. And he further says that arms were not issued to his men, as it was
considered dangerous to do so, fearing that the men would fight among
themselves, as the excitement was intense between the Union and anti-war
men. He wrote recently that he was nominated for captain by John A. Hal-
lock, and further says that one of the members of his company waylaid for
John A. Hallock in the Big Grove, but failed to meet him. "Some things I
would scarcely dare to write. It will take generations to blot out the evil that
was sown in those days. When the draft was riot, started for
'Uncle Natty's' by night to organize against it, but got lost in the darkness and
returned. One night I had a dream that my company were rebels, dressed in
butternut uniforms, — so I resigned." It has been stated that arms and ammu-
nition were sent to the county and were secreted in the chamber of the house
of Howard J. Green, to be used by the Union men if necessary; but this is
doubtful.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I7I
An old settler, who is a Christian gentleman and a lifelong Democrat,
recently told the writer that at the time President Lincoln was assassinated
he met a man in the timber on the road from Troublesome to the steam mill
(at Louisville), and, in conversation, asked him if he had heard the news.
The man asked to what he referred, and he then informed him that it was
reported that Lincoln had been assassinated. "Thank God for that," he
fervently responded. The gentleman reproved him and said that he should
not make such remarks.
The same gentleman also said that another prominent man on the same
occasion set out free whiskey all day at his residence to any one who would
drink it, in approval of the event, and was apparently rejoiced that Lincoln
was gone.
The writer recalls that in 1865 it was currently rumored and believed
that the anti-war party in Audubon county were elated at Lincoln's death.
But in later years that fact has been disclaimed.
During war times Judge Daniel M. Harris published a violent anti-war
paper, the Guthrie County Ledger, which was generally circulated and read
in Audubon county. It was the Democratic organ in this part of Iowa.
At a political meeting in the old school house in Exira in 1866, the Judge
said that two things should be found in every family, the Bible and the
Guthrie County Ledger. The latter part of the statement was literally
observed by his followers.
The Judge once told the writer that, as a member of the Iowa Legisla-
ture, he supported every war measure passed by that body in 1861. He cer-
tainly changed his political sentiments soon afterwards. In later years his
political utterances were greatly modified. Not long before his death he
wrote and published in his paper, the Missouri Valley Times, on the occasion
of the anniversary of Lincoln's birth, an encomium of Lincoln not surpassed
for patriotism by anything then published.
The following letters from the adjutant-general of Iowa, confirm the
statements of Captain Thomas, relative to the action of J. Lyman Frost and
the militia.
"State of Iowa,
"Adjutant-General's Office,
"Davenport, October 15, 1864.
"Benjamin F. Thomas,
"Sir : Your letter to the Governor has been referred to me for answer.
"Your muster roll has not been received from Frost as vet. Get
172 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
proper blanks, make out your roll and certificate of election and forward
direct to me, and your commission will be forthcoming in due time.
"They will be sent you through J. L. FroSt, who will deliver them to
you upon your taking the required oath.
"Yours etc.,
"N. B. Baker,
"Adj.-Genl., Iowa."
"State of Iowa,
"Adjutant-General's Office,
"B. F. Thomas, "Davenport, December 5, 1864.
"Hamlin's Grove,
"Dr. Sir : I have given J. L. Frost a peremptory order to issue your
commissions after you have taken the oath — which may be done before any
notary public or justice of the peace. Enclosed find blanks for the purpose.
Write me if further delay is experienced.
"Yours etc.,
"N. B. Baker,
"A. G."
The records of the office of the adjutant-general show that commissions
issued for the officers of Captain Thomas's company on November 19, 1864,
but it does not appear that they were delivered to them. Captain Thomas now
says that he and his commissioned officers were sworn in.
Notwithstanding the unhappy events related, which transpired locally
at home during that period of hardships and distress, the soldiers who went
to war and gave their lives and services to perpetuate the government, estab-
lished a proud record and inheritance for the people of this county which is
most estimable and should ever be profoundly cherished and never forgotten.
They are richly entitled, as always has been the custom of the country, to
have erected to their memories, elaborately carved in stone, at some con-
venient place, a monument, consecrated to their fidelity, patriotism and loyalty
to the cause of the Union, and for which they served, fought, bled and died.
Some of the people, who, in their short-sightedness, at that period opposed
the war, some of whom are now alive, lived to witness their folly and to
observe the great value and prosperity of this great undivided country, the
best on earth ; the home of teeming millions of prosperous, happy, intelligent,
liberty-loving people ; and great and powerful enough, and willing, to protect
its citizens anywhere on earth. From such small beginning, the county
reached its present, happy, prosperous position in the galaxy of sister counties
in the great, proud state of Iowa.
CHAPTER XL
THE BAR OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
The following list includes the lawyers, past and present, who have been
admitted to the bar of Audubon county, with residences and dates of practice :
Daniel W. Harris, Exira, 1854-1861, 1874.
Thomas S. Lewis, Audubon township, 1854.
John A. Hallock, Exira, 1863, never practiced.
John W. Scott, Exira, 1868.
John M. Griggs, Audubon and Exira, 1869 to date.
Daniel W. Scribner, Exira, 1869.
Henry F. Andrews, Exira and Audubon, 1870 to date.
Charles D. Gray, Exira, 1871-1875.
John Southwick, Exira, 1872- 1874.
Emerson H. Kimball, Exira and Audubon, 1872, never practiced.
Richard W. Griggs, Exira, 1874-83.
Henry W. Hanna, Exira and Audubon, 1874- 1902.
Melvin Nichols, Exira and Audubon, 1877-1885.
J. Mack Love, Exira and Audubon, 1878.
Frank M. VanPelt, Exira and Audubon, 1878- 1884.
John A. Nash, Exira and Audubon, 1878-1913.
Byron S. Phelps, Exira and Audubon, 1878-1905.
Joseph L. Stotts, Exira and Audubon, 1878- 1885.
Matt Matthews, Exira and Audubon, 1878. -
Benjamin F. Thacker, Exira and Audubon, 1878, never practiced.
Henry U. Funk, Audubon, 1878- 1903.
T. J. Reigart, Audubon, 1878.
J. O. Andrews, Audubon, 1878- 1884.
Robert C. Carpenter, Audubon, 1878-1896.
Andrew F. Armstrong, Audubon, 1880- 1893.
Robert G. Cousins, Audubon, 1881-1883.
E. E. Byrum, Audubon, 1884-90.
Charles Bagley, Audubon, 1882 to date.
K. O. Holmes, Audubon, 1882- 1884.
174 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
John W. McCord, Audubon, 1879-84.
E. H. Hurd, Audubon, 1888.
Frank E. Brainard, Audubon, 1884- 1899.
Theodore F. Myres, Audubon, 1884.
Isaac L. Statzell, Exira, 1884-97.
George Love, Audubon, 1884.
William R. Green, Audubon, 1 886-191 4.
A. F. Bell, Audubon, 1880-3.
Walter R. Copeland, Exira and Audubon, 1890- 1894.
Virgil E. Horton, Exira and Audubon, 1890-1910.
Daniel M. Reynolds, Brayton, 1890.
WiHiam Wonn, Audubon, 189 1899.
Bernard Noon, Audubon.
Henry M. Gray, Audubon, 1893.
James M. Graham, Audubon, 1894 to date.
John Mosier, Audubon, 1895-1901.
George F. Kapp, Exira, 1898-1905.
John A. Graham, Audubon, 1897 to date.
George W. Cosson, Audubon, 1898 to date.
Joe H. Ross, Audubon, 1899 to date.
William C. Elliott, Audubon, 1900-1912.
T. M. Rasmussen, Exira, 1904 to date.
Halleck J. Mantz, Audubon, 1904 to date.
Charles S. White, Audubon, 1904 to date.
Sidney C. Kerberg, Audubon, 19 13 to date.
Lewis C. Bagley, Audubon, 191 o to date.
CHAPTER XII.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
The following physicians have practiced, at one time or another, in Audu-
bon county, the record also giving their residences and dates of practice :
Samuel M. Ballard, M. D., Oakfield, 1851-1883.
Richard S. Hallock, M. D., Oakfield, 1856- 1882.
James E. Ham, Exira, 1858-1863.
Arlington M. Harrington, Exira, 1865- 1902.
William Johnston, Oakfield and Bray ton, 1868- 1883.
Cyrus Ingham, 1869.
Charles W. Jackson, Exira, 1869- 1876.
James M. Rendleman, M. D., Exira and Audubon, 1872 to date.
Scott, Exira, 1874.
Charles H. Andrews, M. D., Exira, 1875-1896.
J. M. Louthan, Exira and Hamlin, 1875- 1879.
J. H. Wheelis, Exira. 1875-1878.
John D. Holmes, M. D., Hamlin and Audubon, 1877- 1890.
Hugh Bell, M. D., Audubon, 1878-1880.
John F. Cloughley, M. D.. Audubon, 1878-1889.
John Riley, M. D., Exira, 1880 to date.
Peter M. Sheafor, Audubon, 1879-83.
A. T. Yeager, Viola Center, 1880.
R. H. Brown, M. D., Audubon, 1879.
Joseph T. Breniman, M. D., Audubon, 1879-1885.
S. H. Phelps, Audubon, 1880.
T. N. Kirkpatrick, M. D., Brayton, 1880-1883.
Ransom L. Harris, M. D., Audubon, 18S1-1908.
Charles W. Ullrich, M. D., Audubon, 1881.
Frank L. Hinsdale, M. D., Gray, 1882-1883.
J. M. Guild, Exira, 1882-1886.
William A. Welch, Conkling and Exira, 1882-1885.
Robert Evans, Audubon, 1883.
Alfred L. Brooks, M. D., Gray and Audubon, 1883 to date.
C. D. Calkins. Brayton, 1883.
J. H. Schenck, Brayton, 1884- 1886.
176 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Daniel G. Lass, M. D., Audubon, 1885-1886.
Charles J. Saunders, M. D., Audubon, 1885.
Charles W. DeMotte, M. D., Audubon, 1886-1 897.
Lawrence A. Beers, M. D., Gray, 1886-1912.
J. H. Kern, M. D., Brayton and Kimballton, 1 887-1 891.
H. E. Jewell, M. D., Viola Center, 1887-1894.
E. E. Sprague, Audubon, 1887.
Warren A. Sayers, M. D., Brayton, 1887.
Howard D. Miller. M. D., Audubon, 1 889-1902.
George W. A. Yates, M. D., Brayton, 1889-1890.
Fred Steffensen, M. D., Brayton, 1891-1902.
William R. Koob, M. D., Brayton, 1892 to date.
Christian Eger, Audubon, 1892- 1896.
D. H. Lewis, Audubon, 1892.
John C. Newlon, M. D., Exira, 1893 to date.
N. P. Lauretsen, M. D., Exira and Audubon, 1894-1909.
D. W. Layman, Exira, 1894.
Jens Molgaard, Audubon, 1895-1898.
Thomas M. Jewell, \l. D., Viola Center, 1895.
George W. Gleason, M. D., Audubon, 1895.
James A. Somerville, M. D., Audubon. 1897.
Ratford F. Child, M. D.. Audubon, 1898 to date.
A. J. Beebe, M. D.. Viola Center, 1898- 1899.
Daniel Jackson, i\L D., Audubon, 1899-1905.
John M. Fulton, M. D., Audubon, 1899 to date.
L. Slamborg, M. D., Kimballton, 1899.
Peter E. James, M. D., Kimballton, 1902 to date.
Fritz Rosenbladt, ■NL D., Audubon, 1904-1912.
Robert A. Jacobsen, M. D.. Exira, 1905 to date.
James Richards, M. D., Audubon, 1905-1907.
William B. Thornburg, M. D., Gray, IQ05.
Charles L. Smith, Gray and Audubon, 1907- 19 10.
George A. May, M. D., Audubon, 191 1 to date.
J. E. Myers, M. D., Gray. 1912-1913.
Peter Soe, M. D., Kimballton, 19 12 to date.
James P. Miller, M. D.. Gray, 191 2.
Eva D. Mosteller, M. D.. Gray, 1912.
Daniel Franklin, M. D., Audubon, 1914 to date.
William H. Halloran, M. D., Audubon, 1915.
Charles L. Downer, Gray.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PRESS.
The first newspaper in the county was the Audubon County Pioneer,
started at Audubon City in December, i860, by John C. Brown and J. J.
Van Haughton. It was Democratic, and pubHshed the deHnquent tax hst
for that year. It was moved to Lewis, Iowa, where the same proprietors
started the Cass County Gazette, in January, 1861. Both were Democrats,
but their paper stood for the Union, and in September, 18-62, both became
members of Company I, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry. Brown became
captain and was killed at Milliken's Bend, June 7, 1863; Van Haughton
succeeded to the captaincy, served through the war, and returned to Lewis.
About 1 87 1, Lafe Young, editor and proprietor of the Atlantic Tele-
graph, devoted a page of his paper to Audubon county affairs and news,
edited by H. F. Andrews. It was Republican. The Telegraph was selected
by the board of supervisors as the official paper of Audubon county, on
April 4, 1 87 1, and, for the first time in the county, the proceedings of the
supervisors were printed in a newspaper.
In the winter of 1870-1, the Democrats organized a printing company
at Exira and started the Audubon County Sentinel, edited by Royal
Lespenasse, a French gentleman. He was succeeded by James P. Lair, as
editor. Later Lespenasse purchased the plant and continued it until 1873.
The materials of the of^ce were old-fashioned, badly assorted and worn,
but its genial editor was an enterprising, energetic gentleman, who gathered
and spread the news industriously, and let it be known that Audubon
county and Exira were on the map. It served to advance public atfairs
as a resident newspaper. In the spring of 1873, Judge Daniel M. Harris
came back to Exira, bought out the paper and changed the name to Audu-
bon County Defender. He managed it a year and sold out. In 1874
Emerson H. Kimball took charge of the Defender as a Democratic paper.
He was a New Hampshire Yankee and first approached Audubon county
by way of Carroll, settling in section 16, Viola township. His acquaintance
with Exira was as Democratic candidate for recorder in 1872. While
electioneering that year he met a crowd in front of the Houston house in
(12)
178 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA,
Exira one evening, among whom were A. B. Houston, Albert I. Brainard,
P. I. Whitted, the Cranes, and others of the most bitter types of the then
Democracy. To attract their attention and enhst their support, Kimball
blackguarded General Grant, and held him up to ridicule and derision as an
incompetent and a butcher, comparing him with most uncomplimentary
terms with that arch traitor and rebel. Gen. Robert E. Lee. John M.
Griggs, who was present, became disgusted and insulted, and "called him
down." He said, "Mr. Kimball, you were a soldier and should not speak
in that way." "Yes, I was a soldier, but was never in a fight," answered
Kimball. It appears that he served in the Thirteenth Maine Infantry,
which, of all the Maine regiments, did not "smell powder." It was com-
manded by Neal Dow, of temperance fame, who was captured by the rebels
at Port Hudson. But, upon finding what they had caught, they were dis-
gusted with his lack of soldierly qualities, and sent word to the Federal
authorities that if they did not send supplies for Dow, they would turn him
loose.
So it is probable that Kimball was not a prize soldier. Perhaps he
would have succeeded better under more favorable opportunities. He
served two years as recorder, but failed of re-election. When he took over
the Defender he erected a new printing office building and residence com-
bined; and equipped the office with new materials in fairly good style. He
conducted the paper and business strictly in the interests of the opponents
of Exira, which arrayed the people of Exira'and their friends against him.
In 1877, through the influence of Joe Stotts, Kimball was bought up to sup-
port Hon. William F. Sapp, of Council Bluffs, Republican candidate for
Congress. His paper changed on the instant, chameleon-like, to a Republi-
can (?) organ. He came out with a statement that he was happy to live to
see and reform the errors of his past political mistakes, etc., but that his
paper henceforth would be Republican with, a big R. No one believed his
hypocritical cant and in the winter of 1877-8, he transferred his interest m
the paper and left the county, despised alike by saint and sinner. To
emphasize his disgrace, he was arrested on the charge of stealing a hog.
He did not have friends enough in the county to float his disgraceful sheet
longer.
In the winter of 1877-8, John A. Hallock and A. L. Campbell took
charge of the Defender and conducted it as a Repul)lican paper at Exira,
successfully for several years, until after the removal of the county seat to
Audubon, when they sold it to William A. Millerman and William A.
Crane, who conducted it as a Democratic paper. Milliman sold his interest
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 1 79 '
to Van Buren Crane, and the proprietors, Crane & Crane, moved the con-
cern to Audubon and the Defender was merged with the Audubon Advo-
cate. Then Van Buren Crane sold his interest to Frank D. Allen and the
firm became Allen & Crane. William A. Crane soon retired from the part-
nership.
About this time, 1888, the Western Blizzard, of Gray, was merged
with the Advocate, and Frank D. Allen became sole proprietor and editor
of the paper. It was not an influential journal under the management of
Mr. Allen.
At some time after the Cranes obtained the Defender, Richard W.
Griggs and Hiram Statzell published a "one-horse" sheet at Exira, called
the Defender, which was sold to Bert Simmons, who turned it back to
Griggs, and he took the outfit to Kansas in 1883.
In 1876 Mr. Lespenasse set up a new printing office at Exira and
revived the Sentinel, under the management of D. D. StandifT, but Les-
penasse did not then reside here personally. Typographically, it was in
advance of any newspaper that had previously been printed in the county.
It was a decided factor in driving Kimball out of business, by decreasing
the circulation of his paper. The Sentinel was not a financial success and
collapsed in 1877, for want of proper management, when Hallock and
Campbell obtained control of the Defender.
In 1878 Harlan P. Albert started a Democratic paper at Hamlin,
assuming the name and serial number of the defunct Audubon County
Sentinel, which was soon moved to Exira and conducted there until the
following year. It was then removed to Audubon and continued there until
about 1884. This paper attracted some attention. Mr. Albert was a man
with a head of red hair; hence was called "Pinkey." He gave to his paper
the sub-title, or motto, of "Pinkey's Pious Paper," which, for notoriety,
was sometimes printed on pink colored paper; but its character was far
from any idea of piety. It was funny and witty; often obscene and inde-
cent; not a choice article for family reading, nor suitable for Sunday school
literature. Albert was industrious, persevering and freely catered the news.
At one time he became fiercely hostile against John M. Griggs, the lawyer;
loaded his paper with bombastic slurs and malicious comments and slan-
ders about him ; adorned himself with belt and pistols ; wore Indian moc-
casins, and made loud threats of what he intended to do, etc. Griggs bore
with him a while, but getting tired of the abuse, put a gun in his pocket and
called upon Mr. Albert at his office. Upon meeting Albert, Griggs drew his
revolver and announced: "I understood you were looking for me, and here
l80 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
I am." Albert, who was engaged in locking up a form, promptly threw an
iron "shooting stick" at Griggs, but missed him. The sheriff and Mr.
Nichols seized Griggs by his gun arm, but could not disarm him until he
had emptied the contents of his gun into the ceiling. Albert would not
stand fire, but fled, and Griggs was arrested. Not long afterwards the
Sentinel was merged into the Advocate, and Albert left the county.
Like a bad penny, Kimball returned and, on January i, 1879, on bor-
rowed capital, under opposition, issued the first number of the Audubon
Advocate at Audubon. As "Uncle Jim" Davis once said: "The cuss had
talent." His aggressive, extravagant style took with the progressive ele-
ment, who were promoting the young city and who had not yet learned his
character. Benjamin F. Thacker soon became associated with him in the
concern, under the firm style of Kimball & Thacker, but it was of short
duration. Before the end of the year Seth Paine, who had furnished the
capital for the enterprise, came on from Chicago and took possession of
the plant, to obtain his pay. Under the management of Mr. Paine, the
paper was improved and secured a reliable standing. He was energetic and
sought the improvement of the community. On January i, 1881, he issued
an edition of four thousand five hundred copies of the paper, giving the
county, and especially the town of /Vudubon, a grand boom, which was sent
broadcast over the country and even to Europe. This effort was supposed
to have brought the result of many new settlers to the county. In 1882 the
paper was sold to R. Moore Carpenter, who conducted it successfully, as
a Democratic organ. In 1888 it passed to Crane & Crane and in the same
year Van Buren Crane sold his interest to Frank D. Allen of the Western
Blizzard, and the firm became Allen & Crane. Mr. Allen soon became sole
proprietor. Under his control it was a failure, and exerted but little influ-
ence.
In 1879 Emerson H. Kimball again entered the journalistic field as
proprietor and editor of the Times at Audubon, virtually a gift from the
railroad company. His prospects were the brightest of anyone who had
ever started in the newspaper business in the county. But he had not
yet learned the faculty of success. He turned the paper to the abuse of
those with whom he did not agree, and the kindnesses of his friends
were devoted to promote his own selfish ends. He stirred up and kept alive
the antagonisms between Audubon and Exira, and spared no efforts to
slander and scandalize everybody with whom he disagreed. He kept slan-
derous effusions standing in the columns of the paper against those he dis-
liked for pure devilishment, until people became tired and disgusted with
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. l8l
him and his paper. On one occasion his firm and fast friend, Arthur L,
Sanborn, postmaster at Audubon, fell into some difficulty with the post-
office department, and Kimball went to Washington, ostensibly to accom-
modate the matter for his friend, but returned with a commission to himself
as postmaster at Audubon. Of course, friendship ceased between Kimball
and Sanborn.
In 1885, when the Jellison murderers were taken from the jail and
lynched at Audubon, Kimball gave an account of the affair in his paper,
indicating approval of it, saying that at the time of his writing, parties
were in an adjoining room to his office discussing and arranging- for the
lynching. There were rumors at the time that Kimball was present at the
lynching, but those who knew him believed he was too big a coward to risk
getting hurt by taking an active part in it. His decline was as sudden as
his rise had been. The paper flattened out in 1886, and he shipped his office
materials away from Audubon in the name of another than himself, pre-
sumably to avoid creditors. When he left he was owing one party several
hundred dollars, which has never been paid. He went to the wilds of
Wyoming, and was soon in difficulty there. High officials in Wyoming
wrote to parties in Audubon seeking to learn Kimball's character.
About 1 88 1 -2 a man named Jones puljlished a newspaper at Gray, the
name of which is forgotten. It was continued by Hiram Statzell a short
time.
In 1885 Timothy Y. Paine, a crippled youth, son of Seth Paine, Esq.,
for pastime, published the Liberator, a weekly paper, at Audubon. At first
it was a folio, about a foot square, which was increased to a four-column
folio, all composed by the proprietor, and printed by him on a hand-press.
It contained a neat directory of the professional men and business houses
of Audubon, with the current news, witty, spicy paragraphs, and a few
specially selected "ads." It was the pet and pride of the owner, whose life
was attached to his little paper, and it was generously patronized for his
sake. Poor little Timmy died suddenly in 1888, and the paper ceased with
his death. It was one of the bright spots in the history of Audubon.
In September, 1885, George W. Guernsey established the Audubon
County Journal at Exira. It was independent and non-partisan, and took
the serial number of the former Exira paper; but was virtually a new enter-
prise. ]\Ir. Guernsey was a practical printer and journalist. He gave one
of the best newspapers ever published in the county. It continued after
his death and was published by his widow, who in 1899, sold it to C. A.
1 82 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Marlin, who conducted it as an independent Democratic organ. He turned
it over to his brother, Chester A. Marhn.
Samuel T. Thompson published the Gray Eagle about 1889-90.
The Audubon Republican was started by Ed B. Cousins and Sidney
Foster at Audubon in December, 1886. The firm was Cousins & Foster.
Foster was succeeded by William H. McClure about 1888, and the firm
became Cousins & McClure. In February, 1894, they sold the business to
James E. Griffith, who sold it to David C. Mott in the spring of 1897. O^^
July I, 1905, Mott sold it to Albert C. Ross, who continued the business and
sold the paper to the present proprietor, Henry J. Hoogenakker, October
I, 191 1. It has been a straight RepubHcan journal from its organization
and the leading party organ in the county. It is an ornament to journalism
and has always wielded a healthy influence in the political, social and busi-
ness affairs of the community.
The Western Blizzard, an independent journal, was started by Allen
& Waitman, at Gray in 1887. Frank D. Allen soon became proprietor. Its
motto was : "It blows for humanity." Its character was suggested by its
name — bizarre, boisterous, sensational, extravagant and lurid; but it did
not appeal to the tastes of people generally. It merged into the Audubon
Advocate about 1888-9. ^"^ 1889 the Aubudon Advocate was sold by Mr.
Allen to Robert C. Spencer and James M. Graham. It was edited a short
time by John A. Graham, when Mr. Graham's interest was sold to S. C.
Curtis and the proprietors have since been Spencer & Curtis, with Mr.
Spencer as editor and manager, and Mr. Curtis as publisher and foreman.
It is Democratic in politics and is a leading, popular newspaper.
In 1891, Nis Larsen, now of Brayton, established a non-partison
paper at Audubon, printed in the Danish language, called the Dansk
Folketidende (Danish People News). It continued two years and was
transferred to Elkhorn, Iowa.
H. F. Andrews started a job printing office at Exira, in 1900, which
continued until 1905.
On January i, 1905, the Lancelots became proprietors of the Audubon
County Journal, and have since added to the already well-equipped plant
of the paper. It is one of the up-to-date journals of western Iowa. The
proprietors have adhered to the original policy of the paper of making it
strictly a newspaper, and have not hesitated to speak out on national, state
and local issues when vital to the interests of good citizenship. It is an
independent paper.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 83
The Kimballton-Elk Horn Record was founded at Kimballton, by G.
R. Osborn, January i, 19 13, and is a non-partisan paper. It was incor-
porated in March, 191 5. The present editor is Fred N. Harmon.
Audubon county was cursed at times by some of its newspapers, as has
been shown, but for many years they have been all that could be desired in
any community. By their untiring efforts and public spirit they have been
prominent, influential factors in promoting the social affairs of the people
and in developing the business interests of the county.
CHAPTER XIV.
BANKS AND BANKING.
The first bank in Audubon county was organized by Franklin H. Whit-
ney (of Atlantic, Iowa), and Charles Van Gorder, at Exira, in July, 1S76,
and was called the Audubon County Bank. It had a capital of one thous-
and dollars. Whitney was president and Van Gorder, cashier. About 1882
it was sold to Louis E. Brown and Erwin Watson, who changed the name
to the Bank of Exira. They closed out its business by an assignment for
the benefit of creditors about 1888. In 1878 Whitney and Van Gorder
started a branch of the Audubon County Bank at Audubon, from which
Mr. Whitney retired about 1884-5 and Mr. Van Gorder became sole pro-
prietor. It was succeeded in 1893 by the First National Bank of Audubon
— Charles Van Gorder, president; Frank S. Watts, cashier — which has
continued until the present time. The present of^cers are : E. S. Van
Gorder, president; Frank S. W^atts, cashier.
The Citizens Bank of Audubon was incorporated in 1881, by Nathan-
iel Hamlin, William Walker, A. L. Campbell, Frank P. Bradley, John M.
Griggs, William F. Stotts and Joseph L. Stotts, and was sold in 1884 to
Ethelbert J. Freeman and Andrew F. Armstrong. It passed out of exist-
ence in 1893 ^^y ^1^ assignment for the benefit of creditors.
About 1883, William Leet founded the Commercial Bank at Audubon,
which continued, with various cashiers, until 191 o, when it was bought and
merged in the First National Bank of Audubon.
On February 5, 1889, Charles Van Gorder, as president, and John
Gray, as cashier, started the Exchange Bank of Exira. Mr. Gray retired
from the firm, since which Mr. Van Gorder has been sole proprietor, with
Edwin Delahoyde as cashier.
The Farmer's Exchange Bank was established at Gray, Iowa, about
1893 by George P. Wiley, who sold it to Mr. Creglow about 1897. ^^ was
conducted by William Linderman, cashier. About 1900 it was sold to Leet
& Boysen, of Audubon, and was conducted by Ed Beason as cashier; after-
wards by John E. McGuire, cashier, and, later, by Ed C. Rice, cashier.
About 1907 it was sold to Lida L. and Helen Leet, and conducted l)y Ed
C. Rice, cashier. On January i, 19 12, it was incorporated as the Farmer's
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 185
Savings Bank, of Gray, and has since been conducted by Ed. C. Rice,
cashier.
In 1893-4, Lois G. Stuart founded the Corn Exchange Bank at Audu-
bon, which continued, with various cashiers, until 1907, when it was bought
and merged in the First National Bank of Audubon.
In 1894 Lois G. Stuart organized the Stuart Bank at Exira with P. M.
Christensen as cashier. It was sold and was succeeded by the First
National Bank of Exira, which was incorporated on July 7, 1903, and
which still continues the business. James M. Carlson is cashier.
In 1895 James E. Bruce, of Atlantic, Iowa, established the Bank of
Brayton. at Brayton, with Walter Falkner as cashier. It was sold in 1897
to Pollock Brothers, Henry Pollock, cashier. In 1900 it was sold to Charles
Van Gorder, John McDaniels and Edwin Delahoyde, with L. F. Miller as
assistant cashier and manager. It was succeeded by the Brayton Savings
Bank, which was incorporated in 19 13, with L. F. Miller, as cashier, and
which still continues in business.
In 1907 Emil Bilharz organized the Farmer's State Bank at Audubon,
which still continues in business.
On September 3, 1907. the Landsman's Bank was founded at Kim-
ballton, with Charles Van Gorder, president, and Hans Madsen, cashier.
It was incorporated on December 27, 1907, as the Landsman National
Bank, with Hans Hadsen, president, and Alma Madsen, cashier.
On October 25, 1907, the Danish Savings Bank was incorporated at
Kimballton. with S. C. Pedersen, president, and Peter Lykke, cashier. The
present cashier is Math Nissager.
The Farmer's Sa^'ings Bank was incorporated at Hamlin Station in
1913. L. C. Christoffersen is cashier.
CHAPTER XV.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION.
THE COUNTRY CHURCH.
By Jeannie Pendleton Ewing.
Clear-eyed and prim, with walls of white
Among the leaves of birch
That tinged but did not stem the light,
Nestled the little church,
'All summer open to the air
And all that green a-quiver there.
About were tender, dreamy sounds:
The stamp of horses' feet,
The mumbling bees upon their rounds
Where clover nodded sweet,
A piping quail — the grain low-bent
Showed where her furtive flutterings went.
Next father in the i)ew's long row
Came urchins sternly shod;
Next mother — for she planned it so —
The child who first would nod,
Laying, when sermon-time oppressed,
His poppy cheek upon her breast.
Bare stretched your aisle and long your hour
To many a childish wight.
Wee church ! yet, rich in holy power,
You blessed as angels might.
Long years have gone — our faith is true:
Long years we've prayed, because of you !
By Alexander Holt Roberts.
Justinian, the Roman lawyer, in defining the highest duty of man to
man. said, "The perfection of human duty is, to do good to all men; injure
none; and to render to every man his just dues." Confucius, the great
Chinese philosopher, expressed a similar thought in a different form, when
he enjoined upon his followers the following negative rule, "Whatsoever ye
would not that others should do unto you, that do ye not unto them." These
are both good in so far as they go, but it remained for a young Hebrew,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 187
whose spotless life, teachings and character gained for him, among his fol-
lowers, the name "Divine Lawgiver," and who was the original of the Chris-
tian religion, to give affirmative expression to the great law of human action
in a form now called by all men, the Golden Rule, "Whatsoever ye would
that others should do unto you, do ye even so to them," and then that other
great commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart"
and "thy neighbor as thyself." Each has his adherents, and fortunate indeed
were the American people to have such ancestors as the Pilgrim Fathers,
who, upon Plymouth Rock, acknowledged their thankfulness, and allegiance
to Almighty God.
As civilization marched westward, in the front ranks of the pioneers
have always been found the followers of the "Man of Galilee," and it is not
surpassing strange that so early in the life of our county we find, assembled
in a log cabin, those who were desirous of clearing the w^ay, and casting up a
highway for the Master's army to pass over in coming years.
The presence, or absence, of churches in a community is of great signifi-
cance, and reveals at once to the observer the general character and makeup
of its people, for the highest civilization is only to be found where church
spires abound.
To those pioneer men and women of God, those first sowers, preachers
and teachers of the Word, we acknowledge our obligation and cherish their
memory. We regret that, after the lapse of sixty years, one who endeavors
to record their deeds finds himself handicapped for want of records.
Our state has such a complete system of records, that the writer of civil
history has little difficulty in ascertaining and establishing certain facts,
whereas, the records of the average church are so meager, and so little effort
is made to preserve what they do have, that the historian is compelld to
search for oral testimony where he may find it. And so, in this way, we find
that in 1855 Rev. Moses F. Shinn, presiding elder of Council Bluffs district
in the Methodist Episcopal church, delegated Rev. James S. Rand, a Meth-
odist, to organize the work in Audubon county. Hence we find Reverend
Rand, in the first week in June, 1855, preaching in the first public religious
service held in the county, in the pioneer cabin of Walter J. Jardine, on
section 28, now Exira township. After the service he organized a Methodist
class, with Walter J. Jardine, as class leader and William H. H. Bowen as
steward. The following were enrolled as members : W. H. H. Bowen and
wife, Eliza; Walter J. Jardine and wife, Jane; Isaac V. D. Lewis and wife,
Mary J.; Thomas S. Lewis and wife, Josephine B. ; Richard M. Lewis and
wife, Elizabeth: Mrs. Sarah G. Lewis; Mrs. Miles Beers; Emily J. Beers.
1 88 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Isaac V. D. Lewis, to whom we are indebted, and to whom we extend
thanks, for this information, is the only Hving member (1915) of that first
class, the others having all been "gathered to their fathers."
At variance with this, is "A History of Audubon County," published
by W. S. Dunbar & Company, Chicago, in 1889, its editor being anonymous,
which says: "A Rev. Mr. Mann came to the county as early as 1854 and first
sowed the seeds of Methodism. He gathered a few of that faith together
at the home of William H. H. Bowen, one mile southwest of Hamlin's
Grove. Later on. quite a number of Methodists settled about Exira and a
class was duly organized at the home of Levi Montgomer}^ near the present
plat. Rev. James Rand was the first preacher, coming in 1856-57. The
names of those forming this first class, which was also the first in Audubon
county, are as follows: Levi Montgomery and wife," etc.
This "history" is undoubtedly in error, as Isaac V. D. Lewis, who still
lives on the old place south of Exira (his postoffice is Brayton), insists that
Rev. Mr. Rand Avas the first preacher, and it appears reasonable that a mis-
take may have been made, as the sound of the names "Mann" and "Rand"
are so similar, that evidently the party who gave the information as to Mr.
"Mann," had forgotten the real name, or the reporter to whom the informa-
tion was given misunderstood the name.
This view of the case is further supported by the fact that the records
of the Iowa conference, which had jurisdiction over all Iowa at that time,
did not contain the name "Mann" at that time.
This, without reasonable doubt, establishes the fact that the minister
referred to was Rand, as he had charge of the Cass mission at that time.
The first quarterly meeting was convened in the first w^eek in September,
1855, in the grove at Mr. Jardine's place (section 28), and was presided over
by Reverend Shinn, I. V. D. Lewis being elected recording steward. The
residence of Peter Sylvester now- stands upon the very ground on which those
meetings were held.
Later, a class was formed at Exira, and one at Oakfield, with Richard
M. Lewis as leader. This class became obsolete many years ago.
The work continued, under direction of those in charge, taking up new
points and forming new classes as opportunities presented, until about 1870,
when the Exira circuit was formed, which continued to cover the whole field
of the county until the annual conference of 1875, when Exira circuit was
divided into two separate works in regard to preaching, but left united with
regard to quarterly meetings. Rev. E. M. H. Fleming Avas presiding elder;
Rev. W. T. Reed, pastor for Exira circuit, and Rev. J. M. Bay, pastor for
Hamlin circuit.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 1 89
At the first quarterly meeting held at Luccock's Grove, November 13,
1875, Joseph McFadden, H. K. Emory, D. E. Rich, W. C. Luccock and F. A.
Cobb represented Hamlin circuit, Exira circuit not being represented. The
pastor's salary for Exira circuit was fixed at $240, apportioned as follows :
Exira, $110; Louisville, $45; Grove, $40; Oakfield, $25, and Thomas Grove,
$20. The salary for Hamlin circuit was placed at $200 and apportioned,
Hamlin, $65 ; Luccock's Grove, $65 ; Sanborn, $40, and Graham, $30.
The next quarterly conference met at Exira, January 22; 1876, with T.
A. Lampman, presiding elder. A class of ten was reported organized at the
Green school house.
At the next quarterly conference, held April 28, 1876, at Hamlin, E.
Weaver was elected steward and two new points were added, Earhart's and
Diggs'. Charles Walker was recommended for license to preach.
In 1877 we find Rev. John Histwod as presiding elder, Rev. G. H. Det-
wiler, pastor, and the following classes represented : Hamlin, Miller's, San-
born's, Diggs', Graham's, Earhart's, Viola and Baker's. The following official
members were in attendance : Charles Walker, P. McKinley, E. S. Weaver,
F. A. Cobb, C. H- Earhart J. C. Bonwell, L. Miller, William Wilde, S. D.
Conrod, H. C. Diggs, W. S. Smyth, A. Dixon, J. W. Brackney. Auntie
Meek, C. H. Sampson, Aaron Eby, George Eby, C. H. Cross, J. T. Bell,
A. Hollenbeck, William McAfee, D. C. Bartshe.
Up to this time, aside from the Methodists, these were but two other
denominations holding services in the county, the Congregationalists and
Christians, both at Exira. 'Up to 1877 there had been but two church
buildings in the county, to wit, the Congregational church, in Exira, and the
Methodist church, in Exira, the religious services at all other points having
been held in school houses or in the homes of some of the members.
About this time, with a large influx of settlers and immigrants, the
various preaching points took on new life and pretensions, and this was
especially true in 1878 with the incoming of the Chicago, Rock Island &
Pacific railroad, and for some years following, so that we will now take up
the individual churches of the various denominations. But, before doing
so, we wish to record two especial events affecting the religious life of the
county. These were the revival meetings held by Rev. W. A. Sunday in
Exira and Audubon.
SUNDAY MEETINGS.
The meetings at Exira were held in September, 1901, and the following
comments upon these meetings appeared in the Audubon County Journal,
published at Exira :
190 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
"big CROWDS AT THE TABERNACLE.
"Never in the history of Exira has the attendance and interest been so
great as in the union meetings now in progress at the tabernacle in the park,
conducted by Rev. W. A. Sunday. Each evening the large crowd begins to
assemble early, and by the time the song service ends every seat is taken. * * *
"The principal and, we might say, the only subject among all classes
of people is the meetings now being held in the tabernacle in the park, and the
marvelous results that have been achieved and the potent influences for good
that have been accomplished. * * * "Yhe men's meeting, Sunday after-
noon, presented a scene that words cannot express and the seed sown at the
meeting will, in years to come, show itself in the lives of those present.
Twenty-nine men, in the prime of youth and noble manhood, went forward
and turned their backs upon sin and worldly amusements. * * '-^
"Sunday evening closed the meetings that have been in progress for the
past three weeks in the tabernacle in the park, and Rev. W. A. Sunday
departed for his home in Chicago on the Monday noon train.
"As a result of the meetings, two hundred and sixty people were con-
verted and will at once unite with the church of their choice. The greater
part of the work has been accomplished during the past week. No one pre-
dicted such a complete and overwhelming victory for the united efforts of the
various churches of the town.
"At the closing service, Sunday night, over one thousand people were
present to listen with marked attention to the matchless elocjuence, and his
fearless and forceful, logical and consistent argument. At the close of the
last service, when the invitation to come forward was" given, forty-eight
people went forward.
"A free will offering was taken at the Sunday service, to remunerate
Mr. Sunday for his tireless efforts, which amounted to eight hundred and
seventy-three dollars, being one of the largest collections ever taken to sup-
port him in his laudable and commendable work.
"No one who has listened to his burning words of truth has any fault
to find with his methods, and heartily endorse his work; and no one can
tell the appreciation as expressed by the general public for the valuable
services he has rendered this community by teaching the higher and noble
virtues in the various walks of life's duties.
"At least two hundred were at the depot. Monday noon, to bid Mr.
Sunday and his singer, Mr. Fisher, goodbye. A chorus of voices sang song
after song, and as the train pulled out the crowd sang, 'God be With You
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA, IQI
Till We Meet Again.' Mr. Sunday will ever be held dear to the people of
Exira and the many warm friends here will fondly cherish the memory of
him who worked so hard for their joy and comfort, and for the eternal
peace and happiness of their homes."
While the meetings were in progress in Exira, a committee went from
Audubon to Exira and arranged with Mr. Sunday for a series of meetings
in Audubon.
Satisfactory arrangements having been made, on January 21, 1902, Mr.
Sunday and helpers arrived and began what proved to be the greatest meet-
ing ever held in the town, four churches, the Methodist, Presbyterian, Chris-
tian and Evangelical, uniting and becoming responsible for the financial part
of the meetings.
The following quotations from The Audubon Advocate express the
sentiment of the community with reference to the meetings.
"the revival.
"When we say revival, we have no fear of contradiction, for it is really
and truly a revival. Evangelist Sunday has been at work in our midst a
little over two weeks, and the old town is not what it used to be. We have
seen some pretty warm political campaigns in Audubon, but the present
religious campaign makes all those very tame indeed. Sunday's meetings are
talked on the streets and in every place of business. It is the main, and
almost the only, topic of conversation. Snow drifts and cold weather are no
obstacles when people are headed toward the great revival. The interest is
daily increasing. Many who but seldom if every are seen at church, are
now regular attendants and many have gone forward. Many who bitterly
opposed Evangelist Sunday, or scoffed at his work, are now his most ardent
supporters, and are seen on the streets, as well as in the meetings, urging
others to attend and unite with the many who have gone forward. * * *"
"The Union gospel meetings, which have interested the people of Audu-
bon for the past two months, are now closed, and a matter of history. They
began on January 21 and closed on Februan^ 16. From the very start, they
were largely attended, filling the large Methodist Episcopal church, and
later, when they were removed, the larger Presbyterian church was crowded.
The men's meetings were the marvel of the series. There were three of
them, and the attendance w^as about seven hundred at the first to nine hun-
dred at the last. Such a concourse of men was something new" to Audubon.
A sight such as many a person never saw before. All this is evidence of
the power of the subject of religion on the hearts and minds of men.
192 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
"There is no other subject that the greatest men might discuss, with
the best skill of modern learning and oratory, that would have drawn and
held one-tenth of the people one-half so long as the subject of re-
ligion. * * *
"The last Sabbath services were interesting throughout, when one thou-
sand five hundred and forty-one dollars were given as a free-will offering
to Mr. Sunday. Also a purse of thirty-four dollars to Fred Fisher, his
singer, from the choir.
"The total number of conversions was four hundred and thirty-four.
The attendance Sabbath evening was fully one thousand three hundred and
many were turned away for want of room."
Thus, by these meetings were all of the churches strengthened, their
membership increased, the moral tone of the whole county elevated, and
among the strong and active workers and supporters of the churches today,
many date their interest and consecration to the work from the time of the
Sunday meetings.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF EXIRA,
About the year 1858, Deacon Lyman Bush came to Exira from North
Brookfield, Massachusetts. On April 9, 1859, the First Congregational
church of Exira was organized, and at about the same time a Sunday school
was organized at Exira by Deacon Bush. The remainder of Deacon Bush's
life was principally devoted to the advancement of this church, holding
Sunday meetings and preaching when obtainable, prayer meetings, Sunday
schools, funerals, looking after the employment of preachers and raising
subscriptions to pay them.
Preaching and Sunday schools were usually held in the old school
house, and prayer meetings often in private houses. About 1870 the dea-
con visited his old home in Massachusetts and, while there, collected from
his old neighbors and friends more than one thousand dollars for a church
building at Exira. The building, thirty-two by forty feet, was erected in
1870-71, John W. Dodge and H. U. Hansen being the principal carpenters
and builders. The church was reorganized on May 10, 1871. The church
edifice was dedicated on July 16, 1871, Revs. J. W. Pickett, C. D. Wright
and John F. Taft being the officiating clergymen.
This was the first church edifice in the county and is still occupied by
the church. The first resident pastor was Oren Cummings.
At the death of Deacon Bush he left one thousand dollars as a perma-
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 1 93
nent fund, the interest of which, only, was to be devoted perpetually to sup-
port the ministry, and this fund is now intact. The present membership
is about seventy- four.
• The deacons have been Lyman Bush, Boynton G. Dodge, Enoch Croy,
David Sewell, William C. Sturgeon, John D. Bush, Henry Seibert, Louis
E. Borne, William Wissler and Frank Heath. The church has been faith-
fully served by the following pastors : Oren Cummings, E. S. Hill, C. D.
Wright, John S. Taft, A. J. R. Smith, R. W. Burgess, J. M. Cummings,
J. A. Hallock, A. W. Thompson, D. M. Hartsough, Q. C. Todd, A. M.
Beman, Joseph F. Roberts, M. D. Reed, H. L. Wissler, E. H. Votard,
W. W. Hartsough, J. L. Fisher, F. H. Richardson, W. L. Holly, James
H. Mintier, Noah A. Hollingshead, and Rev. Jessie Gettys, who is the pres-
ent pastor.
Today this is the only Congregational church in the county.
OAKFIELD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
About 1866-8 a Congregational church was organized at Oakfield, Exira
township. The following were members of this church: E. W. Pearl and
wife, William C. Norton, James M. Jones and wife, Herman G. Smith,
Marianne Smith, Joe Barham and wife, John C. Norton.
This church was supplied by Rev. Edwin S. Hill, from Grove City,
and Rev. C. D. Wright, from Exira. This church is now extinct.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, EXIRA.
The birth of the Methodist church in Exira properly dates from the
organization of the Levi B. Montgomery class in 1855. The members of
that class were Levi B. Montgomery and wife, George W. Sharp and wife,
Nathaniel Wiggins and wife, Mrs. Mary Anderson, Mrs. Ann Crane, with
Rev. J. S. Rand as first pastor.
At the twelfth annual session of the Iowa Methodist Episcopal Con-
ference, in September, 1855, Exira was included in the Cass mission, Coun-
cil Bluffs district, and Rev. Rand was again appointed pastor and seventy-
five dollars appropriated from the missionary funds of the conference toward
his support.
At the conference in September, 1856, Audubon and Shelby counties
were united, under the name of Audubon and Shelby mission, and Rev.
(13)
194 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
J. M. Baker appointed pastor, with seventy dollars from the conference
missionary funds toward his salary.
In 1857 Audubon mission stood alone, with Rev. J. M. Baker again as
pastor, who, at the end of the year, reported sixty members and thirteen
probationers. Also one Sunday school, with five officers and teachers and
twenty scholars. This was the first Sunday school in the county.
At the conference in September, 1858, Audubon and Lewis were united,
under the name of Lewis and Audubon mission, and fifty dollars appro-
priated from the mission funds to apply on the salary of Rev. J. M. Rust,
who was appointed pastor, with residence at Exira. At the end of the year
Rev. Rust reported sixty members and ten probationers, one church build-
ing, four Sunday schools, twenty-four officers and teachers and one hun-
dred and fifty scholars.
At this time the development of the country had become so rapid, the
trail of the Indian having given place to the steel rails of the railroad now
pointing to the Missouri river; the hunting grounds having become fields
of waving grain; the tepee and Indian village being supplanted by com-
fortable homes and thriving towns; the population becoming more dense,
and the territory of the conference being so great, consisting of all of Iowa,
all settled portions of Nebraska and part of Missouri; that at the sixteenth
session of the Iowa annual conference at ]\Iuscatine, held in September,
1859, it was deemed the wise thing to divide the conference, and the West-
ern Iowa conference was organized. Audubon county was included in the
Audubon and Lewis mission, Council Bluffs district, and Rev. D. B. Clary
was appointed pastor, with residence at Exira. At the end of the year Rev.
Clary reported eighty-seven members and fourteen probationers, five Sun-
day schools, with two hundred and two members.
In September, i860, at the first session of the Western Iowa confer-
ence. Rev. C. F. Spooner was appointed to the Lewis and Audubon mission,
and^ at the end of the year reported ninety-eight members, forty probationers
and four Sunday schools, with one hundred and sixty members.
At the annual conference in September, 1861, a new district was formed,
called the Lewis district. Lewis was detached from Audubon and made a
station. Audubon was called Audubon mission, Lewis district, and Rev.
C. F. Spooner was appointed as pastor, with sixty-two dollars and fifty
cents appropriated from the mission funds to apply to his support. At the
end of the year, Reverend Spooner reported seventy-six members and seven
probationers, two Sunday schools, with seventy-nine members.
In September, 1862, Rev. S. W. Milligan was appointed pastor to
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. I95
Audubon mission, with sixty-five dollars appropriated from the Mission
funds. He reported sixty-seven members and nine probationers, three Sun-
day schools, with ninety-eight members.
In September, 1863, Audubon and Lewis were again joined as Audu-
bon and Lewis circuit, and Rev. S. W. Milligan was appointed pastor. The
circuit was then composed of the following classes : Lewis, Grove City,
Middle Grove, Audubon (city), Exira, Oakfield and Buck Creek, including
one hundred and three members, thirteen probationers and four Sunday
schools, with one hundred and eighty-two members.
In September, 1864, the name Western Iowa annual conference was
changed to Des Moines annual conference, and a new district formed, called
Wintust district, of which the Lewis and Audubon circuit was a part, with
Rev. N. L. Phillips as pastor. At the end of the year. Rev. Phillips reported
one hundred and five members, twenty-one probationers and four Sunday
schools, with one hundred and forty-four members.
In September, 1865, Rev. John G. Gates was appointed pastor and
reported one hundred and thirty-one members, fifty probationers and seven
Sunday schools with two hundred and thirty members.
In September, 1866, M. Sheets was appointed pastor and reported two
hundred and eight members, fifty-one probationers and eight Sunday schools
with three hundred and fifteen members.
During the years 1867-8-9 the circuit was known as the Grove City
circuit and was composed of the following classes: Grove City, Audubon
City, Exira and Oakfield, with the following pastors : Rev. William Abra-
ham, in 1867; Rev. W. H. Records, in 1868, and Rev. Jacob Levan, in 1869.
In 1870 the name of the circuit was changed to Exira, Atlantic dis-
trict, and included all of Audubon county and some points in Cass. Prior
to this time, services had been held in private homes or the school house.
From 1870 to 1873 they were kindly permitted to use the new Congrega-
tional church at Exira. The pastors were Rev. J. G. Gates, 1870-71, and
Rev. George W. Saint, 1872.
Reverend Saint died just after the fourth quarterly meeting and just
before the annual conference. Then came Rev. George W. Gauffer in 1873.
During this year a church edifice twenty-four by thirty-two was erected on
the site where Squire James P. Lair now resides. This was the second
church building in the coiinty, the other being the Congregational church
in Exira. Rev. B. L. Jackson (supplied) in 1874, and Rev. W. T. Reid
served in 1875.
In 1875 Exira circuit was divided and a new circuit, called Hamlin,
196 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
formed, embracing the north nine townships of Audubon county. Rev. John
W. Hardin came in 1876; Rev. W. R. Douglas, in 1877; Rev. O. E. Moore,
in 1878; Rev. C. H. Mcintosh supphed in 1879; Rev. D. C. Adams supphed
in 1880; Rev. J. W. Bott was pastor in 1881 and 1882.
In 1881, the church not being large enough to accommodate the grow-
ing congregation, plans were laid and steps taken, money solicited, and a
new building, of larger proportions, was erected and dedicated by the presid-
ing elder, Rev. W. T. Smith, on January 22, 1882.
The next pastor was Rev. W. W. Dauner in 1883, after whom followed
Rev. F. T. Stevenson, 1884-5; L. C. Burling, 1886-7; R. T. Leary, 1888;
A. B. Shipman, 1889; J. S. Morrow, 1890; D. H. K. Dix, 1891-92; Rev. W.
J. Richards, 1893; Rev. C. H. Miller, 1894; Rev. L. H. Humphey, 1895 and
1896; Rev. O. T. Nichols, 1897 and 1898; Rev. R. C. F. Chambers, 1899;
Rev. J. M. Whitehead, 1900; Rev. J. E. Nichol, 1901 and 1902; Rev. E. C
Holliday, 1903; Rev. T. G. Aten, 1904; Rev. A. Dove, 1905; Rev. J. A.
Howard, 1906; Rev. E. W. Bates, 1907; Rev. W. E. Harvey, 1908; Rev.
John Harned, 1909-1910-1911 ; Rev. George A. Lawton, 1912; Rev. Henry
P. Grinyer, 1913-14, who is the present pastor.
The present membership is about forty. The church maintains a flour-
ishing Sunday school and a splendid Ep worth League.
Since 1896, the Hamlin class has been affiliated with this charge, and
at present Buck Creek class is also a part of the work.
OAKFIELD CLASS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
A class was formed in about 1856-7 at Oakfield, with Richard M. Lewis
as leader, and was a part of the Audubon and Lewis circuit. This class is
now extinct.
Audubon and Lewis circuit, in 1864, was composed of the following
classes: Lewis, Grove City, Middle Grove, Audubon City (in section 25,
Exira township), Exira, Oakfield and Buck Creek, and at other times the
preaching points changed.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AUDUBON.
In giving a history of this church we find that we cannot do better
than copy a historical sketch written by A. H. Roberts and read at an
anniversary meeting of the church held in December, 1913. It is as follows:
"At the meeting of the Des Moines conference in 1875, Exira circuit
was divided and a new circuit formed named Hamlin, and including all of
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. I97
Audubon county north of Exira. Rev. J. M. Bay was sent as pastor and,
at a salary of two hundred dollars, served one year. Then came Rev. G. H.
Detwiler, who served very acceptably two years. By reference to minutes
of the fourth quarterly conference, held August lo, 1878, we find that S. D.
Coonrod was appointed a committee to secure church property in the new
town (as Audubon was then called). At the conference of 1878, Rev.
Detwiler was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Lewis, under whose pastorate the class
in Audubon was organized. At the first quarterly conference of this year,
held at Irwin, November 7, 1878, the pastor's salary was placed at $500, and
apportioned as follows: Irwin, $225; Viola, $200; Audubon, $100; Diggs,
$30. This would indicate that the membership of that quarterly conference
had faith in the new town ; for there had not up to this time been any religious
service in the town, neither was there a public building in which services
could be held. But the school building on Davenport street was then in
course of construction and on December 15 following, the first service was
held, being a sermon by Rev. J. W. Lewis, the congregation consisting of
fifteen persons, viz : Frank Hobart, J. W. Pollet, W. E. Campbell, E. M.
Funk, A. H. Roberts, John Schaly, J. H. Thorp, M. Leach, Peter Theilen,
Doctor Brown, William Cloughly, P. McKinley, W. H. Scott, Noah Keller,
and George A. Atkinson.
"The unique thing about this congregation was that it was composed
entirely of men, not a woman being present. When we remember that in
the ordinary congregation women are largely in excess of men, this strikes
one as being at least peculiar, but the explanation is, there were not at that
time to exceed five women in the town.
"From this time on, services were held every two weeks. First in the
above mentioned school house, then in the court house, and later in the new
school building, and finally in the new church. As time passed the services
were increased to one service each Sunday, and later to two services.
"The second quarterly meeting for the year of 1878-9, was held in
p3;33p s^M s;j3qo>j -j^ "V ^^"P qoiqAV ;^ '6Zgi '6 puB g Xj^njqa^ 'uoqnpny
trustee for Audubon and a committee appointed to solicit funds for the
erection of a parsonage in town. The committee did not meet with the suc-
cess deemed necessary in order to undertake the work, so the matter was
dropped.
"The first communion service held in the town was at this meeting and
Audubon was reported as having paid five dollars to support the ministry.
"On April 13, 1879, a Sunday school was organized and the following
officers elected : Superintendent, A. H. Roberts ; assistant superintendent.
198 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Chester Wheeler; secretary, Miss Kate Cameron; treasurer, E. W. Beghtol.
Number of scholars present, twenty-three. For more than a year this was
the only Sunday school in town. Some time during the same month the
society, or class, was organized and M. D. Bailey appointed leader.
"x\t the third quarterly meeting at Irwin, May i, E. W. Beghtol, S. H.
Schryver and Chester Wheeler were added to the board of trustees. At the
fourth quarterly meeting a resolution was passed, requesting the name of the
circuit be changed from Hamlin to Audubon. Accordingly the annual con-
ference, in September, 1879, changed the name to Audubon circuit and sent
Rev. A. W. Armstrong as pastor, whose salary was placed at $500, appor-
tioned as follows: Audubon, $150; Irwin, $150; Viola, $150; Cameron,
$50 ; the Diggs appointment being dropped. On September 22, the board of
trustees, composed of P. McKinley, Chester Wheeler, J. A. Miller, S. H.
Schryver and A. H. Roberts, executed articles of incorporation as provided
by the laws of the state, and steps were taken looking toward the erection of
a church edifice, a subscription being started, headed with three fifty-dollar
subscriptions. The first money paid toward the enterprise was two dollars
by S. W. Smith, September 26, 1879.
"After the completion of the court house, we were permitted to use it
until January, 1880, when through the kindness of the board of directors
we were permitted to furnish and use the east upstairs room in the new
school building. This we continued to use the balance of the year. The
trustees having put in the foundation on May 17, the contract for enclosing
the church was awarded to R. A. Chaplin for one thousand three hundred
and seventy-five dollars.
"At the fourth quarterly conference, held July 17, the trustees in their
report said : 'We have during the year incorporated according to law and
have received as a donation from the Rock Island Railroad Company, lots
26 and 27, block 7, of Audubon, upon which we have in course of construc-
tion a church thirty by fifty with a corner tower ten by ten. The contract
for enclosing the same, including laying the floor, was awarded to R. A.
Chaplin for one thousand three hundred and seventy-five dollars. We have
received from the Church Extension Society five hundred dollars. Two
hundred dollars as a donation and three hundred dollars as a loan,."
"Although Bro. A. W. Armstrong had been in the ministry but one
year, yet he took hold of matters with a master hand, doing a great amount
of hard and faithful work during the summer in soliciting, collecting, etc.,
and even to performing of manual labor on the building. For well do I
remember having seen him seated upon a scaffold near the top of the belfry,
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 1 99
with brush in hand, doing the work of an artisan. He closed a very accept-
able year in September, in proof of which he received from the class in town
$223.95, being $75.95 in excess of, our apportionment, the outside points,
however, not having paid their apportionment in full. Thirty-eight were
received by letter on the circuit during this year. Rev. W. C. Smith was the
next pastor, coming in September, 1880, whose salary was fixed at six hun-
dred dollars and one hundred and twenty dollars for house rent, the preach-
ing points being the same as in the previous year.
"After many hard struggles by the official members, for you must
remember we had no wealth in the church then, unless it was a wealth of
perseverance and trust in God, the church was in December, ready for dedica-
tion, having cost about two thousand three hundred dollars. Presiding Elder
Smith conducted the dedication services on December 12, at which time seven
hundred and fifty dollars were raised and the church cleared of indebtedness
excepting the three hundred dollars due the Church Extension Society,
which was paid in annual payments. At the expiration of the first year,
Reverend Smith, in accordance with the wish of the charge, was returned,
his salary this year being $800 including house rent. The apportionment
was as follows: Audubon, $600; Irwin, $120; Lone Willow, $80; Viola and
Cameron having been cut off and made the nucleus for a new circuit. Dur-
ing the two years' pastorate of Reverend Smith, the church gained strength
quite rapidly by accessions by letter, also twenty were received on probation.
The conference of 1882 sent Rev. L. M. Campbell as pastor, who served one
year, at a salary of six hundred dollars and one hundred and ten dollars for
house rent. The circuit at this time consisted of but two points, Audubon
and Lone Willow. Sixteen were received on probation this year and a goodly
number by letter. Rev. J. W. Bott was appointed pastor in September, 1883,
and served three years. The first year the salary was six hundred dollars
and one hundred and forty-four dollars for house rent. The second year
six hundred dollars; the third year five hundred dollars, and parsonage rent.
During the year 1884, Lone Willow as a preaching point was dropped, the
membership having moved away and dissensions having arisen within the
class to such a degree that it was impossible to keep up the organization, thus
leaving Audubon a station. During the year 1885, our parsonage was bought
and moved to its present location and repaired, at a cost of about four hun-
dred dollars. Three hundred dollars of this debt was paid by borrowing
from the Church Extension Society, and this obligation was canceled in
December, 1890. From the pastor's report to the last quarterly conference
of his pastorate we glean the following : Probation record during the three
200 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
years, 2,2; received by letter, 32; total accessions during the three years, 64;
removals in various ways, 69 ; removals in excess of accessions, 5.
"In September, 1886, Rev. J. B. Harris came as pastor and Methodism
at once began an advance movement. Members were seen in the pews who
had not been there for months and the outside world began moving our way.
Brother Harris remained three years, the salary being six hundred and fifty
dollars and parsonage rent the first year ; eight hundred and fifty dollars and
rent the second ; and one thousand dollars and rent the third year, all of which
was paid in full. In 1887 repairs were made on the church, including the
putting in of the gallery, painting, papering, etc., at a cost of some six hun-
dred dollars, and in 1889, a kitchen was added to the parsonage, at a cost
of about one hundred and thirty-five dollars. There were received during
the three years eighty-two probationers, the church experiencing some
gracious revivals, the membership quickened and the attendance at the social
meetings increasing to a fair-sized audience, the membership at the close
of the third year being one hundred and forty-three. It was the wish of
Presiding Elder Blodgett that Brother Harris be returned for the fourth
year, but being fearful that his physical strength would fail, at request of
himself and nearest friends, a change was made and in September, 1889,
Rev. E. E. Ilgenfritz was assigned to Audubon and remained four years,
under whose ministrations the church continued to prosper. Many of us
remember him as a tireless worker, and one whose ability to get to the bottom
of our pockets has seldom been equalled, and never excelled. We had for
some time felt the need of more room in order to accommodate those who
desired to attend our services, and had at various times discussed the matter
of adding to the old church or building a new one, but the old building being
in such shape that it could not well be added to, and the cost of building a
new one so great, the matter was put off from time to time, until at a meeting
of the official board held January 26, 1891. the members of the board pledged
two thousand five hundred dollars, and a committee was appointed to solicit
subscriptions.
"The members and friends responded so readily and liberally, that the
trustees, on Eebruary 9, voted to at once make preparations for building.
Foster & Libbe, of Des Moines, drew the plans and bids were asked from
contractors. Closing services in the old church were held from April 8 to
12, a number of former pastors participating and 'goodbye' was said to
the old church, Sunday, April 12. The building, exclusive of foundation,
tower and furniture, was sold to T. J. Campbell for two hundred dollars.
"On April 27. Hart, Markley &- Eddy were awarded the contract for
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 20I
building the church above the foundation, and Cavinaugh, of Atlantic, given
the contract for the foundation. The corner stone was laid by P. E. Frank-
lin, assisted by Rev. Ilgenfritz, and in it was deposited a Bible, hymn book,
discipline, history of the Audubon church, names of presiding elder, names
of pastors, names of trustees, roll of membership of the church, copies of the
Audubon Republican and Advocate and North Western and Central Chris-
tian Advocates, etc.
"While erecting the new church, our services were held in the court
house and on October 25, the church, being complete excepting the basement,
was dedicated by P. E. Franklin, assisted by Revs. Ilgenfritz, J. B. Harris,
A. W. Armstrong, E. Dickinson, pastor of Presbyterian church, and R. A.
Smith, pastor of the Baptist church. The cost of the church was $8,042.
$1,752 was needed to free the church of debt. A subscription was taken
and $1,949 was pledged. In 1893, the basement was finished and in Septem-
ber of that year the annual session of the Des Moines conference was held
in Audubon and, although our resources for entertainment were taxed to the
utmost, by the help of outside friends and the members of the other churches,
we were enabled to win the praise of the ministers for our hospitality, and
in this connection, I am sure we owe our Presbyterian friends a debt of
gratitude for the royal manner in which they assisted, opening their homes as
freely as our own members.
"This conference assigned Rev. A. T. Jeffrey to Audubon, who remained
with us one year, and spiritually, this was one of the best years in our his-
tory ; prayer meetings being very large and the attendance at Epworth League
being so large the rear room would not accommodate them, but were held in
the basement.
"In September, 1894, Rev. W. M. Dudley was assigned to Audubon
and did excellent work for three years and was sent back for the fourth
year, but was soon promoted by the presiding elder to fill a vacancy at Atlan-
tic and Rev. W. H. Shipman was transferred from Dexter to Audubon.
Brother Shipman remained two years. It was during his pastorate that the
saloons were opened, under a petition that the board of supervisors declared
sufficient, but which the courts declared insufficient. I am of the opinion
that the saloons would still be here were it not for Brother Shipman's
courage in fighting them.
"In September, 1899, Rev. R. W. Matheny was assigned to Audubon
and rendered two years of acceptable service. Especially were the evening
congregations large, the young people flocking to hear him. It was during
his pastorate (in 1900) that the present parsonage was bought at a cost of
two thousand dollars, one thousand two hundred being paid on it.
202 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
"The salary from Brother Harris up to this time was one thousand
dollars per year and parsonge rent, excepting the last year of Brother Ship-
man the salary was placed at eight hundred and fifty dollars, but nine hun-
dred and thirty-seven dollars was paid to him.
"In September, 1901, Rev. P. J. Vollmer was sent to Audubon and
remained two years. In January and February, 1902, the 'Sunday meetings'
were held and one hundred and eighty probationers received into our church ;
one hundred and twelve of these were received into full membership. Rev.
Vollmer's salary was placed at one thousand one hundred dollars, but only
one thousand twenty-nine dollars was paid the first year and one thousand
forty-seven dollars the second.
"In September, IQ03, Rev. A. A. Walburn was sent to us and remained
two years. Under his able preaching and wise administration the church
again began the advance movement, but Brother Walburn was very seriously
handicapped first by the illness, and later by the death of Sister Walburn,
who was taken home July 5, 1904. Brother Walburn's salary was one thou-
sand two hundred dollars per year and parsonage rent.
"In September, 1905, Rev. A. R. Grant was assigned to Audubon, and
under his ministration our church continued to prosper and take on new life
and activity in all departments ; the prayer meetings showed increased inter-
est and attendance, perhaps more than any other service, and the raising of a
subscription of one thousand two hundred dollars, with which to liquidate
the debt of eight hundred dollars on the parsonage and four hundred dollars
to provide a steel ceiling for the auditorium of our church indicate that our
members and friends were still very much alive. The salary remained at
one thousand two hundred dollars and parsonage.
"At the annual conference in September. 1907, Rev. P. V. D. Vedder
was assigned to Audubon and did efficient and acceptable service until August,
1908, when, while taking his vacation, which he was spending on his farm in
North Dakota, Brother Vedder was stricken with paralysis and from that
time on was unable to preach. At the annual conference in September, at
the request of our fourth quarterly conference. Brother Vedder was again
assigned to Audubon and his salary again placed at one thousand two hun-
dred dollars and parsonage rent, which was paid in full, notwithstanding he
was never able to preach, but the pulpit was supplied by neigJiboring pastors
by arrangement with Brother Vedder until the first of May, 1909, when he
secured Rev. D. B. S. Prather, who had just graduated from Northwestern
School of Theology at Evanston, as assistant pastor until conference in
September, 1909.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 203
"Brother Prather had done such acceptable service and had so endeared
himself to our people that a unanimous request was made, and a committee
consisting of E. Bilharz, W. C. Elliott and A. H. Roberts, was appointed and
went to Ames to plead for the appointment of Brother Prather as our pastor,
but the plea was refused and Rev. J. P. Morley assigned to Audubon, who
served one year. In September, 1910, Rev. J. H. Freedline was sent us and
is now serving his fourth year, this being only the second time in the history
of the charge where a pastor has remained longer than three years and our
church now thinks we have one of the best preachers in the Des Moines con-
ference.
"For some time we had felt the need of some improvements at the par-
sonage and of a choir room. So, in 191 1, we boldly waded into the matter
and made improvements costing three thousand dollars, consisting of a choir
room eighteen by twenty-two, veneering the foundation and basement story
of the church with Des Moines flint brick and painting the outside. The
addition of the choir room fills a long-felt want, for it not only means a
comfortable, commodious and pleasant place for the choir to meet, but is
also used for other small meetings as well as making a new and needed
entrance and vestibule to the church parlors.
"While upon the subject of choirs, it is but proper to say that our large
chorus choir is one of which our church is proud, and has been one of the
strong elements in our work since the organization of our church, the best
musical talent of the town having been associated with us in our choir.
"At the parsonage the one-story kitchen was raised to two stories and a
modern bath room installed above, a porch built in front, a hot-air furnace
put in, the whole parsonage repapered and painted outside and in, and this
year the Ladies' Aid Society has refrescoed and decorated the church inside,
and recarpeted, with Wilton velvet Brussels carpet at an expense of five hun-
dred dollars.
"Revival meetings have been held at various times, and at the meeting
this fall upwards of sixty decided to live Christian lives and forty-three were
added to the church. Our Sunday school, Epworth League and other socie-
ties of the church have all been helpful factors in carrying on the Master's
work, and as we enter upon the thirty-sixth year of our work as a church,
we do so with a firm faith that the Master will still use us for the advance-
ment of his cause.
"The presiding elders serving during the existence of the charge are:
Rev. John Hestwood, September, 1876 to 1880; W. T. Smith, September,
1880 to 1882; W. C. Martin, September, 1882 to 1885; C. W. Blodgett,
204 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
September, 1885 to 1890; D. C. Franklin, September, 1890 to 1896; W. W.
Ramsey, September, 1896 to 1899; W. O. Allen, September, 1899 to Janu-
ary, 1904; William Stevenson, January, 1904, to the time of McDade's
appointment; Rev. E. W. McDade, 1909 to 1915.
"The Sunday school has during these years in the main continued to
prosper, although, being a branch of the church, has, of course, felt the waves
of depression that have come to the church, yet it has had no small influence
in sustaining and upholding the church and moulding Christian character.
In fact, twice in the church's history, we believe the Sunday school was the
principal factor in binding and holding our people together. Our Epworth
League was organized in 1891 and has been a strong factor in training our
young people to be Christian workers and loyal supporters of the church.
The first cabinet was : A. H. Roberts, president ; M. Johnson, first vice-
president Ella Van Scoy, second vice-president; Ellis Harper, third vice-
president ; Myrtle Sharp, fourth vice-president ; Myrtle Wilson, secretary ;
Hettie Van Scoy, treasurer. The present cabinet is : President, John M.
Renftle; first vice-president, Gladdys Fancher; second vice-president, Hazel
Mooreman ; third vice-president, Lucile Wright ; fourth vice-president, Vina
Fancher; secretary, Margaret Weston; assistant secretary, Wanda Wright;
treasurer, Etta Kennells ; organist, Eloise Buck ; chorister, W. W. Smith.
The Junior League, Ladies' Aid Society, Women's Foreign Missionary Society
and Women's Home Missionary Society have each done their share in sus-
taining and carrying on the work, although I have not the statistics of their
work at hand.
"God has been gracious in sparing the lives of our members, and yet,
while the shadows have been falling on homes all around us, we could not
but expect that some of our members would be called from the church
militant to the church triumphant. Some have peacefully fallen asleep,
others have died triumphantly, and because of these bright examples of
Christian living and dying; because of the severing of heart strings, many
of our members feel that they have stronger ties to bind them to the eternal
world than before. There are many who, by their lives of piety, Christian
zeal, liberality and devotion to the cause, are worthy of special mention,
but time forbids, and although their good deeds may not be recorded here,
there is the assurance that in the record written on high, the}^ will receive
the proper recognition and there will be no errors there."
Since the above was written, the church has continued to prosper. Rev.
Freedline completed his four years of very successful pastorate in Septem-
ber, 19 14, and the conference sent Rev. Jackson Giddens as pastor, who is
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA, 205
giving very acceptable service. The present membership of the church is
three hundred and forty-five, and of the Sunday school over three hundred.
A. H. Roberts is now serving his thirty-seventh year as superintendent of the
Sunday school.
At her death, in 19 13, Mrs. Lois G. Stuart remembered this church in
her will by a bequest of one thousand dollars, which is greatly appreciated by
all the members. The following have served as lay delegates to the lay
electoral Conferences: 1879, Charles Walker; 1883, A. H. Roberts; 1887, A.
H. Roberts; 1891, John Van Scoy; 1895, Dr. C. W. DeMott; 1899, A. H.
Roberts; 1903, A. H. Roberts; 1907, Mrs. A. L. Brooks; 191 1, A. C. Ross;
191 5, A. H. Roberts.
In 1900 A. H. Roberts represented the Des Moines conference as a lay
delegate in the general conference at Chicago.
ROSS M. E. CHURCH.
The Ross class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1892
as a part of what was then Audubon circuit, the other points on the circuit
being Bethel, Melville Center and Sunny Side. The charter members or
Organizers were: J. J. Quimby and wife, Charles Kibler and wife, A. J.
Eddy and wife, and others. The church building, which is twenty-four by
thirty-six in size, with vestibule and spire, was erected in 1892 under the
ministrations of Rev. A. V. Knepper and cost one thousand two hundred
dollars. It was dedicated on June 4, 1892, by Rev. E. E. Ilgenfritz.
The following is a list of those who have served as pastors : Rev. A.
V. Knepper, Rev. W. J. Richards, 1893; Rev. T. W. Tippet, 1894; Rev.
I. H. Elliott, 1895; Rev. Samuel Krell, 1896-7; Rev. C. H. Miller, 1898;
Rev. O. T. Nichols, 1899; Rev. M. F. Loomis, 1900; Rev. George Wey-
rauch, 1901-2; Rev. E. W. Bates, 1903; Rev. E. H. Moore, 1904; Rev. B.
Shinn, 1905; Rev. M. L. Hill, 1906; Rev. E. B. Scoggen; Rev. C. S.
Lyles, who is the present pastor. The class is now a part of the Manning
charge. The present membership is fifteen.
GRAY M. E. CHURCH.
Fray Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1885, ^s a part of
the Manning charge, with seven charter members, J. M. Greenlee, Mary J.
Greenlee, Russell A. Steere, Alice J. Steere and three others. The church
edifice, thirty-two by forty feet in size, costing one thousand five hundred
206 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
dollars, was built in 1886. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev.
H. J. Everly.
Rev. I. H. Elliott was pastor from 1885 to 1887; Rev. J. S. Throckmor-
ton, 1887 to 1888; Rev. J. W. Eckels, 1888-9; Rev. I. M. O'Flying. '89 to
'91; Rev. S. O. Elliott, '94 to July, '95; Rev. W. B. Cox, July, '95, to Sep-
tember, '95 Rev. G. W. Wood, '95 to '98; Rev. S. T. Weaver, '98 to 1900;
Rev. F. T. Stevenson, 1900 to 1901 ; Rev. A. A. Bennett, '01 to '04; Rev. J,
N. McCurdy, '04 to '05 ; Rev. A. L. Golden, '05 to '08 ; Rev. R. E. Harvey,
'08 to '10; Rev. J. A. Hosier, '10 to '11 ; Rev. E. B. Scoggen, '11 to '14. The
present pastor is Rev. C. S. Lyles. The membership is thirty-four.
VIOLA CENTER M. E. CHURCH.
The Viola Center Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1880
and was connected with the Dedham charge, with which it has been identified
since. The church building, which was erected in 1887, is a frame structure,
thirty-two by sixty feet in size. The membership is not large, on account of
its proximity to other churches. The ministers who served as pastors are : Rev.
J. S. Morrow, 1882; Rev. S. Mihigan, 1883; Rev. J. S. Hall, 1884; Rev.
D. W. Henderson, 1884; Rev. W. Stevenson, 1885; Rev. Charles Brown,
1886; Rev. F. J. Brown, 1887; Rev. R. R. C. Grantham, 1888-9; Rev. A.
Adair, 1890; Rev. F. M. Carpenter, 1891 ; Rev. I. M. O'Flying, 1892; Rev.
R. E. Harvey, 1893-4-5-6 and 7; Rev. W. L. Cox, 1898-9; Rev. J. W. Lucas,
1900; Rev. W. H. Doyle, 1901-2; Rev. A. J. Mathews, 1903-4; Rev. W. T.
Rink, 1905-6; Rev. W. E. Shugg, 1907-8-9; Rev. J. H. Frail, 1909-10; Rev.
E. R. Stroud, 1911-12; Rev. C. S. Lyles, 1913. The present pastor is Rev.
C. W. Peer.
HAMLIN M. E. CHURCH.
We have not the data as to the first organization of the Hamlin church.
However, we find that in the early seventies, it was the center from which
radiated the religious influence for the north nine townships in the county,
but after the building of the town of Audubon that center was transferred,
and by death and removal the membership in Hamlin became so weak that
services for a time were almost, if not wholly, abandoned. -In 1896 the
class was reorganized with the following members and connected with the
Exira charge: William L. Clark and wife, James McNutt and wife, Frank
White and wife. George H. Morey and wife, R. J. Fullerton and wife, Emily
Godwin and Frank Godwin.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 20/
In 1898, during the pastorate of Rev. O. T. Nichols, the present church
edifice, a structure twenty-eight by thirty-six feet in size, was erected, at a
cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. The building committee was
W. L. Clark, James McNutt and George Lafoy. Andrew Dove did the
carpenter work and Lyman Kelley the mason work.
The following have served as pastors : Rev. L. H. Humphrey, O. T.
Nichols, R. C. F. Chambers, J. E. Nichol, T. G. Aten, E. W. Bates, W. E.
Harvey, John Harned, George A. Lawton and H. P. Grinyer, the present
pastor. The present membership is about forty-five. A flourishing Sunday
school is maintained under the superintendency of John H. Parnham.
GREELEY CENTER M. E. CHURCH.
The Greeley Center Methodist Episcopal church, located in section 22,
Greeley township, was organized in 1886, with the following membership:
John H. Reynolds, Lucy Reynolds, Fred Reynolds, Samuel W. Reynolds
and Katie V. Reynolds. Services were held in the Greeley Center school
house until in 1898, when the present church was built, its size being twenty-
four by thirty-six feet, and cost one thousand eighty dollars. The present
membership is twenty-six. A Sunday school and Epworth League are main-
tained a greater portion of the time.
The first pastor was Rev. Lewis Tabor, a local preacher ; then followed
Rev. F. B. Dunn. Rev. William Mercer, Rev. W. J. Richards, Rev. L. D.
Bartley. Rev. M. T. Brown. Rev. J. F. Davis, Rev. T. G. Clark, Rev. G. E.
Nichols, Rev. W. T. Rink, Rev. Elliott Voorhees, Rev. R. B. Hughes, Rev.
T. G. Aten, Rev. P. A. Smith, Rev. L. D. Gager, Rev. F. C. Whtiney, Rev.
R. P. Roberts. Rev. Robert Swick, Rev. F. C. Taylor and the present pastor,
Rev. H. T. Young. This church has always been associated with, and a part
of, the North Branch circuit.
MELVILLE CENTER M. E. CHURCH.
The Melville Center class of the IMethodist Episcopal church was organ-
ized in 1892 as a part of the Audubon circuit and is located in section 22,
Melville township. Among the early members were James Hunt, P. J.
Keith and wife and A. B. Hunt and wife. The church building, twenty- four
by thirty-six feet in size, with vestibule, was erected in 1892, at a cost of one
thousand two hundred dollars.
Rev. A. V. Knepper was the first pastor and was largely instrumental in
the building. He was followed by Rev. W. J. Richards, Rev. T. W. Tippett,
2o8 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Rev. I. H. Elliott, Rev. Samuel Krell, Rev. C. H. Miller, Rev. O. T. Nichols,
Rev. M. F. Loomis, Rev. George Weyrauch, Rev. E. W. Bates, Rev. E. H,
Moore, Rev. B. Shinn and Rev. M. L. Hill.
Owing to removals and other causes, the membership became reduced
to two or three members, and not being able to support a pastor, no services
were held for three or four years, but a Sunday school was maintained a por-
tion of the time, until the spring of 1914, when, largely through the influence
of Rev. J. H. Freedline, then pastor at Audubon, services were renewed and
since that time has been supplied by the pastor in Audubon. During the fall
of 1914 a revival was held by Rev. Jackson Giddins, and accessions were
received until now the membership is twenty-two, with preaching every Sun-
day afternoon and a flourishing Sunday school, superintended by Mrs. W. A.
Hollister,
BETHEL M. E. CHURCH.
Bethel Methodist Episcopal church is located in section 5, Melville
township. It was organized in 1887 by the following members, a portion of
whom came from Viola church, and others who resided at too great a dis-
tance to attend any church : C. H. Sampson and wife, W. W. Weston and
wife, Charles J. Johnson and wife, Otis Morey and wife, L. M. Carper and
wife, D. D. Sampson and wife, H. Byrd and wife, William Wilde and wife,
Mrs. Olive Beason, Ella Beason and Lewis Beason.
A Sunday school was first organized, with C. H. Sampson as superin-
tendent ; afterward a class was organized and attached to the Audubon cir-
suit. Arrangements were made with Rev. F. M. Carpenter to supply the
church until the annual conference convened in Septeml^er, when Rev. Will-
iam Mercer came as pastor, under whose pastorate, in 1888, a neat church
building, twenty-eight by thirty-six feet in size, was erected, at a cost of one
thousand five liundred dollars. The class continued as a part of the Audu-
bon circuit until 1907, with the following pastors serving: Rev. F. B. Dunn,
Rev. A. V. Knepper, Rev. W. J. Richards, Rev. T. W. Tippett, Rev. I. H.
Elliott, Rev. Samuel Krell, Rev. C. H. Miller, Rev. M. F. Loomis, Rev. G.
W. Weyrauch, Rev. E. W. Bates, Rev. E. H. Moore, Rev. B. Shinn, Rev.
M. L. Hill.
In 1907 the class was detached from the Audubon circuit and annexed
to the Dedham circuit, the following pastors serving: Rev. W. E. Shugg,
two years; Rev. J. H. Prall, two years; Rev. E. R. Stroud, two years; Rev.
C. S. Lyles, one year, and the present pastor. Rev. C. W. Peer. The present
membership is about forty. The Sunday school has continued to do excellent
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 209
work all these years, at times the membership running up to one hundred.
Since C. H. Sampson's removal, D. D. Sampson has been superintendent.
SUNNYSIDE CLASS OF THE M. E. CHURCH.
About 1 89 1 a class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized at
Sunny Side school house, Greeley township. Some of the leading persons
in its organization were David Sheets, Col. E. G. White and wife, R. H. Gar-
nett and wife, W. C. Rice and wife and Mrs. F. M. Rice. The first pastor was
Rev. L. Tabor, a local preacher, who supplied for a time. Afterward the .
class was attached to the Audubon circuit and the following served as pas-
tors : Rev. A. V. Knepper, Rev. W. J. Richards, Rev. T. W. Tippett, Rev.
I. H. Elliott, Rev. Samuel Krell. By removals and death, this class became
so weakened that services were abandoned in 1897, those remaining taking
their membership elsewhere.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUDUBON.
On July 7, 1899, at the time of the laying of the cornerstone of the
new church, Rev. E. B. Cousins gave the following historical sketch of this
church up to that time, which is the best obtainable :
"An encouraging prospect appearing for the organization and establish-
ment of a Presbyterian church in the new town of Audubun, which had just
become the terminus of the railroad, located centrally in Audubon county,
with assuring promises of soon becoming the county seat; and with an
urgent demand for such a church being manifest, on the part of a large
number of the business men and citizens of the surrounding country the
presbytery of Council Bluffs, at an adjourned meeting, held in Council
Bluffs, November 12, 1878, appointed a committee, consisting of Rev. John
Herron and Elder J. G. Cotton, both of Atlantic, to look over the field, and,
if the way be clear, effect an organization at their earliest convenience.
"That committee at once proceeded to a more thorough canvass of the
field during the following winter and early spring, while the young town was
growing rapidly, and, after a number of services, held in the school house
in town by Rev. John Herron and Rev. Ed. B. Cousins, of Clarence, Iowa,
the prospect brightened, the demand on the part of the people became more
urgent and the way appeared clear to effect the formal organization.
"A public meeting of the congregation was held in the school house on
(14)
2IO AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Monday, April 14, 1879, at three P. M., and after a sermon by Rev. John
Herron, the committee proceeded at once to the organization.
"It was found that only seven were then fully prepared to become mem-
bers of the organization, five by letter and two by examination and confes-
sion of faith. Three others reported having sent for their church letters, but
had not yet received them and only one of that number ever received his
letter and formally united with the church. So this church was organized
really with only seven members. The roll of original membership is as fol-
lows : By letter, E. C. Brown, Alex. A. Campbell and wife, Mrs. Maggie
Ross, Evan Davis; by examination and confession, Robert Henderson and
Mrs. Janet Grifiin, and George W. Newcomer by letter, April 28, fourteen
days after organization. The membership thus constituted chose the name
by which the new church should be known and enrolled upon the records of
presbytery as the First Presbyterian Church of Audubon. This was also the
first and only Presbyterian church in Audubon county.
"E. C. Brown and A. A. Campbell were elected and ordained the first
ruling elders. Capt. Charles Stuart, A. A. Campbell, E. C. Brown, Wilson
Burnside, Evan Davis, Robert Henderson, John L. Dynes and George W.
Newcomer were elected as a building committee, the latter five of whom
were also elected as the first trustees. The newly organized church at once
made a pastoral call and extended the same to Rev. Ed. B. Cousins, of Clar-
ence, Iowa, to become its first pastor.
"The formal organization, thus completed, was reported by the com-
mittee to the presbytery in session at Walnut, Iowa, April 18, 1879. The
report was approved and the church enrolled by presbytery.
"The pastoral call previously made by the church was presented to
presbytery by Elder E. C. Brown. That body, according to form, placed said
call in the hands of the pastor-elect, who accepted it formally, but, on due
deliberation, it was thought best, both by himself and the presbytery, to delay
the consummation of the pastoral union until reasonable time and oppor-
tunity were granted for pastor and people to become better acquainted. On
motion, the call was returned to the church, with the suggestion that, Tn
view of the youthfulness of the church, the formation of a pastoral relation
be deferred until the next stated meeting of the presbytery.'
"The church then engaged the services of the pastor-elect for one year
as stated supply. Services were held in the school house each alternate
Sabbath until the new church could be erected and completed, which occurred
about one year later. The building committee diligently prosecuted their
work. The required funds were readily raised, the people generallv respond-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 211
ing liberally according to their means. Plans and specifications were pro-
cured and adopted. The contract was let so that, early in June, 1879, the
building (thirty-eight by sixty feet) was raised and rapidly approaching
completion when a severe wind storm leveled the entire structure to the
ground. After a serious delay, however, the work was taken up again with
renewed vigor and zeal and, with a force of twenty or more men, from the
ruins of the old, a new structure was soon erected upon the original founda-
tion. The work was carried along to completion at an extra cost of about
four hundred dollars, and on Sabbath, January 18, 1880, the first service
was held in the church. The text of the discourse was Psalms 122:1, "1 was
glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord," and the
appreciation of the truth of that text was greatly attested by an immense
audience, both morning and evening, with congregations who appeared glad
to be permitted to again attend divine service in a church building. After
holding service the next Sabbath, the building was closed for inside painting
and finish, until Sabbath, March 28, when it was again occupied, and after a
sermon by the pastor-elect, the sacrament of the Lord's supper was observed,
with a number of accessions to the church membership. Regular services
were held until the day of formal dedication, May 9, when Rev. Thomas H.
McClelland, D. D., of Council Bluffs, preached the dedicatory sermon. The
dedicatory prayer and address were made by Rev. Ed. B. Cousins, pastor-
elect, and the house was formally dedicated to the service and worship of
Almighty God, free from debt. The entire cost was something over four
thousand dollars, of which the presbytery board of church erection gave
seven hundred dollars. The two valuable lots, each fifty by one hundred and
fifty feet in size, were donated by the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Com-
pany. The magnificent gift to this church of the premium four-hundred-
dollar Mancely & Kimberly Troy bell is due to the good offices of Capt.
Charles Stuart, since deceased, who not only secured the donation of one
hundred dollars each from three of the prominent officers of the railroad
company with free freight from Chicago, but generously footed the balance
of the bill himself.
"After nearly one year's services as stated supply, a new call for the
pastoral services of Rev. Edward B. Cousins was issued and forwarded to
the presbytery in session at Emerson, April 16, 1880. The same was accepted
by him. Rev. John Herron preached the installation sermon. Rev. S. L.
McAffee charged the pastor. Rev. Thomas McClelland charged the people at
installation day. May 9, 1880. On April 4, 1880, the Sabbath school was
organized, with a membership of fifty, which, within one year, about doubled
212 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
itself in numbers and during two following years grew to and sustained an
average membership of one hundred and twenty-five. A choice library of
two hundred and sixty-four volumes was put in, at a cost of one hundred
and fifty dollars.
"From its organization until the present time (July 7, 1899), a little
over twenty years, only six different ministers have been engaged to serve
this church for regular stated term. Of these, three have been regularly
installed as pastors, and the other three served as stated supplies. The first
pastorate closed on May 13, 1883, after a little more than four years'
service, by Rev. E. B. Cousins. After trying the weekly supply system, on
October 25, 1883, Rev. D. A. Blose was installed as pastor, and served until
the spring of 1885. In May, 1885, R^v. J. H. Bartlett came as stated supply
for one year and in January, 1886, left the field and presbytery. The church
then remained vacant until September, 1886, when Rev. Edward Dickinson
came and engaged as stated supply. He continued in that capacity for nearly
ten years, an able, efficient preacher and successful laborer in the Master's
vineyard, until the close of August, 1896. He v/as followed by Rev. Joseph
Austin Cahill, who, in September, 1896, engaged as stated supply for one
year and again the church was vacant. In 1897 Rev. John F. Hinkhouse
began serving the church as stated supply, the engagement being for twelve
or fifteen months, with a view to settlement as pastor, if the way appear clear.
He came from Lenox, where his labors had been abundantly blessed, and his
cordial greeting in this new field gave encouraging promise of successful
work and blessed results in the Master's cause among us. That promise has
been verified even in a much larger measure than could be hoped for, even
by the most sanguine. During the winter of 1897-8 he secured the assistance
of Evangelist Foot in conducting a series of meetings of two weeks, with
blessed results, some of the precious fruits of which were the gathering into
church of many by letter and by confession of faith in Christ. His ministra-
tions, thus proving so satisfactory to the church and congregation, also
accomplished another most important result of effectually bringing to a pre-
mature end the un-presbyterian stated supply system so long in vogue in this
church.
"On April 3, 1898, a formal ballot was taken with a view to calling
Rev. Hinkhouse to a pastorate of the church, resulting in one hundred yeas to
one nay. The call, after the usual form by the presbytery, was accepted by
Rev. Hinkhouse. The formal installation ceremony occurred on May 13,
1898. Under the new pastorate the work has gone forward very encourag-
ingly for more than a year, showing in good results a steady, healthful
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 213
growth and a continued increasing interest on the part of the membership
and congregation.''
The old building proving to be inadec^uate for the needs of the con-
gregation, a congregational meeting was held on February 15, 1899, to con-
sider the question of building a new one. It was unanimously voted to pro-
ceed to the erection of a new edifice. A building committee was appointed,
consisting of Rev. J. F. Hinkhouse, Thomas Oliver, W. Burnside, R. L.
Harris, H. A. Arnold, W. H. Cowles, J. M. McKarahan and Samuel Switzer.
The committee at once proceeded to the work of soliciting funds and select-
ing plans for a beautiful and commodious (seventy by eighty feet in size)
building, which was built of frame, veneered with pressed brick, at a cost o'f
twelve thousand dollars. This is the largest and best appointed church
building in the county. It was dedicated on the loth of December, 1899,
free from debt, through the generosity of Mrs. Lois G. Stuart, who gave one
dollar for each dollar subscribed, and then made up a deficiency at the end;
recently this church has also received five thousand dollars, bequeathed to it
by Mrs. Stuart in her will.
During the pastorate of Rev. Hinkhouse the "Sunday Meetings" were
held, from which this church received a wonderful inspiration, gathering in
about two hundred new members, some of whom have proven strong factors
and burden bearers in the church work.
Rev. Hinkhouse remained as pastor till January 17, 1904, when he
removed to Sioux City. The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Conybeare, who
began his work on the first Sunday in May, 1904, and continued the work in
a very acceptable manner until February 24, 1907, when he severed his con-
nection to accept a call to Cedar Rapids. The services of Rev. D. C. Mcin-
tosh were then secured, he beginning his labors on March 31, 1907, and con-
tinuing until January 24, 1909. The next pastor was Rev. A. B. Miller, who
came on April 11, 1909, and continued until September 8, 1913, when he
accepted a call to Tarkio, Missouri. The next to accept the pastorate was
Rev. Thomas B. Greenlee, who begun his work on January 25, 1914, and
who is still pastor, doing acceptable service and under whose ministry the
church still prospers.
A strong and active Ladies' Aid Society and Woman's Missionary
Society have done and are still doing excellent service in carrying on the
work of the church. A Christian Endeavor Society has also been no small
factor in helping the young people in the Christian way, and the Sunday
school, a greater portion of the time under the superintendency of Rev. E. B.
Cousins, has been a power for the building up of Christian characters among
the children and young people.
214 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
In 1 89 1 this congregation purchased a two-story, eight-room house,
across the street, for a parsonage, which was remodeled, a hot-air furnace
put in, and other improvements made, at a total cost of about three thousand
dollars. This church also organized what was known as the "Old Hamlin"
Presbyterian church, a branch of this church, the membership there being
members of this church. The present membership of the church is two hun-
dred and ten.
OLD HAMLIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
•
As a branch of the Audubon Presbyterian church, an organization was
effected at Old Hamlin in 1893, J- T. Bell, D. L. Thomas and W. D. Stanley
being largely instrumental in the movement, as, on account of the distance
to Audubon, they were not able to attend worship regularly. In the same
year a neat church, twenty-eight by thirty-six feet in size, was built, at a cost
of about one thousand five hundred dollars. Services were held and also a
Sunday school conducted for a number of years, the following doing pastoral
work: Rev. E. Dickinson, Rev. J. A. Cahill, Rev. J. F. Hinkhouse, Rev. J.
T. Ragan, Rev. W. Graham, Rev. Hamilton, Rev. Samuel Boyce, Rev. Paul
Nailor, Rev. Montgomery, Rev. Coneybeare, Rev. Archie Mitchell. Since
1909 there has been no pastor and no services. The building has recently
been sold and removed.
UNITED BRETHREN.
There are two United Brethren churches in the county. One is located
at Gray and the other at the northeast corner of section 23, Cameron town-
ship, both comprising one circuit, with one pastor.
GRAY U. B. CHURCH.
The society at Gray was organized in 1889, with twenty-one charter
members. The church edifice, erected in 1890, is twenty-eight by thirty-six
feet in size, and cost approximately one thousand five hundred dollars. The
present membership is fifty-one. The following have served as pastors of
this church : Revs. N. F. Hicks, A. J. Patterson, J. H. Young, H. M. Potter,
Rev. Wickwire, L. Nichols, J. M. Harper, J. L. Hayden, G. N. Porter, G. E.
Bertch, H. G. Hicks, L. A. Fleming, H. A. Hayes, C. J. Stark, G. N. Arnold,
A. H. McVey, F. M. Boyd and J. A. Mitchell, who is the present pastor.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 215
EDEN VALLEY U. B. CHURCH.
The Eden Valley United Brtehren church is located at the northeast
corner of section 23, Cameron township, and was named by T. J. Sheley.
The class was organized about 1883. and among the early members were
Joshua Rodgers and wife, Myrtle Rodgers, James Kilpatrick and wife, W.
R. Neitzel and wife, William Ballou and wife and William Pangborn and
wife. Not one of these charter members is now living. Services were held
in Sands' school house until the erection of the present church building, in
1 90 1, during the pastorate of the Rev. G. E. Bertch. The size of the build-
ing is tw^enty-eight by thirty-six feet, with vestibule and spire, and the
cost was one thousand five hundred dollars. Sunday school is held each
Sunday, followed by preaching. The present membership is about forty, and
the pastor in charge is Rev. J. A. Mitchell. The list of pastors who have
served the charge is the same as the Gray list, is being a part of the Gray
circuit. This church is well located and occupies a splendid field for active
Christian work.
AUDUBON MISSION EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.
In 1880 Rev. J. H. Yaggy came to Audubun county and purchased a
tract of land in Douglas township. Through Rev. Yaggy's influence, the
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company donated forty acres of
land adjoining his, to the Evangelical Association for church purposes. A
number of families, members of the Evangelical Association, having settled
near, the Audubon mission was formed. Pleasant Hill class being one point
and Rev. Yaggy preaching the first sermon. Fairview class, two miles south-
west of Audubon, was organized on July 2, 1882, and at the end of that
year the pastor reported a membership of thirty-seven, and fifty members of
the mission.
During that year services were also held at Melville Center and at
Morlands school house, one mile south of Viola Center, also at Winter's
school house. In 1883 Rev. J. W. Hamilton came as pastor. During that
year Fairview class was moved two miles west, and the class thereafter
known as the Pleasant Hill class; a new class was organized at Hamlin.
Rev. G. F. Heilman was assigned as pastor in 1884 and returned in
1885. During this year a new appointment was taken up, being the Aikman
school house in Lincoln township. Rev. J. H. Yaggy, who was then presid-
ing elder, moved to Audubon. The net gain in membership that year was
2l6 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
thirty-five. In 1886 Rev. C. Knoll was appointed as pastor. During that
year the congregation at Viola became too large to be accommodated in the
school house and plans were laid and money subscribed for a new church.
In 1887 R^"^'- L. N. Day was assigned as pastor and served two years. The
Mt. Zion church, in Viola township, was built, and dedicated on June 28,
1887, Rev. J. H. Yerger officiating, assisted by Revs. Yaggy, Knowl, Urbino
and Day. Services having been held irregularly at Aikman's school house in
Lincoln township, it was now taken up as a regular appointment and in
1888' a class of nine members formed. In 1888 about fourteen of the mem-
bership of the Mission moved away, a total loss of one-third of the member-
ship, making, above the gains, a net loss of nine. In 1889, Rev. J. H. Yaggy
was assigned as pastor and served two years. A new appointment, Highland
Grove, seven miles south of Audubon, was taken up and a class of forty-
five organized; also Lone Willow and Diggs were supplied.
In 1 89 1 Rev. Arthur Lyttle came as pastor and two new appointments
were taken up, Hamlin Center and Greeley No. 4. Excellent revivals were
held this year, fifty conversions reported and a net gain in membership of
twenty-three. In 1892 Rev. G. F. Heilman was pastor and Rev. A. W.
Lyttle assistant. Pleasant Hill. Highland Grove. Terry and Easts were
detached and formed a new mission, called Hamlin mission, both being
served by the pastor and assistant. Revs. Heilman and Lyttle were again
assigned to the work in 1893 and had a large increase of membership at ^It.
Zion and Aikmans. New appointments. Prairie and Swaney school house,
were taken up. In 1894 Rev. Heilman was again assigned as pastor. Mt.
Zion was detached and Pleasant Hill added and the town of Audubon taken
up as a new appointment.
BETHANY CHURCH EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION, AUDUBON.
The Audubon mission of the Evangelical Association, having long had
an organization doing Christian work around Audubon, but having no
organization in the town, in 1894 it was thought expedient to organize a
class in town, which was done with the following charter members : Joseph
Kopp, Louisa Kopp, Mrs. G. W. Hoover and J. W. Richards. A building
committee, consisting of Rev. J. H. Yaggy, Rev. W.^ R. Astleford. J. Kopp,
John Ott, Charles Evans and Rev. G. F. Heilman, was appointed and the
work of building a church at once began. On September 3. of that year, a
comfortable church, with a seating capacity of two hundred and costing two
thousand dollars, was dedicated, free from debt.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 21 7
In 1895 the charge was served by Rev. L. N. Day,, alternate Sundays;
when away attending district work, R. H. Lint, G. M. Thorp, W. R. Astle-
ford and W. C. Lang snppHed. Rev. Day was returned for the years 1896
and 1897, with Rev. M. J. Conner as assistant. During this year a comfort-
able parsonage was erected, adjoining the church, and made ready for occu-
pancy by Rev. G. L. Wilson, who served as pastor for the station in 1898.
In 1899 Rev. L. J. U. Smay served as pastor, when Mt. Zion was again
attached to the charge. In 1900 Rev. M. J. Conner came as pastor and good
revivals were held at Audubon, Fairview and Pleasant Hill.
In 1 90 1 Rev. Conner, having been returned, a good-sized front was
built to the parsonage, the old one forming a dining room and kitchen. In
1902, also in 1903, Rev. Conner w^as returned. In the latter year Fairview,
in Douglas township, was discontinued and Champion Hill added. Rev.
C. D. Wendel came as pastor in 1905 and served until 1907. In 1908 Rev.
C. H. Schlesselman was assigned and served during 1909 and 1910. Rev.
J. C. Schwab was pastor in 1911-1912 and 1913. In 1914 Rev. Clinton F.
Smith was assigned and is the present pastor. He also serves the church at
Ross, the two constituting the Audubon circuit.
The present membership is sixty-five and the church is stronger today
than ever before, both in ability as workers and financially. A good Sunday
school and a strong Young People's Society are supported. Mrs. Lois G.
Stuart remembered this church in her will to the amount of one thousand
dollars.
FRIEDMANS EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF ROSS.
Friedmans Evangelical church, at Ross, was organized in March, 1900,
with the following charter members : Rev. A. Raecker, Chris Bauer, Will-
iam Weiderstein, John Nakies, John Koenig. Charles Heuss, William Deist,
William Lhrenkransz, Christ Mack and Egbert Drussel. They erected a
church edifice the same year, with a seating capacity of one hundred and fifty,
at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. The present membership is
fifty.
Those who have served as pastors are: 1899- 1900, A. Roecker; 1901-
1903, H. J. Faust; 1904-1906, M. J. Knolls; 1907-1908, E. C. Granner;
1909-1910, R. J. Simon; 1911-1914, O. Mehnert. The present pastor is Rev.
Clinton F. Smith. The services are held in the German language, excepting
that every two weeks, at night, the Rev. C. L. Fuller, from Mt. Zion, preaches
in English language.
2l8 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
MT. ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
Mt. Zion Evangelical church, located in section 27, Viola township,
was organized in school house No. 8, in the year 1883. The leading mem-
bers in organizing were William Morland, Nels Olsen, James Yeager, Jesse
Snively and Harve Gipple. The church building, a frame structure, thirty-
two by forty-four feet in size, was erected, with a vestibule eight by fourteen
and spire twenty-three feet high, in 1887, at a cost of two thousand dollars.
The pastors who have served this church are the Revs. Knoll, Day,
Heiliman, Astleford, Throp, Plummer, Buttman, Lehman, J. H. Yaggy,
Fickinger, O. M. Yaggy, C. D. Wendel, H. Alber, M. O. Mehnert and the
present pastor. Rev. C. L. Fuller. The present membership is forty-one.
The church has a good parsonage property adjoining the church.
FAIRVIEW CLASS, EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
Fairview class of the Evangelical church is located in the school house
in district No. 4, Greeley township. Having no church building, they wor-
ship in the school house. The class was organized in 1891, with a mem-
bership of ten, and the present membership is fourteen. A large portion of
the time this class has been idntified with the Evangelical church in Audubon,
but a portion of the time it has been connected with Mt. Zion, as at present.
Rev. J. H. Yagg}'- was instrumental in organizing the class and was
its first pastor; then followed Rev. Astleford, Rev. M. J. Connor, Rev. J,
Wirth, Rev. George Heileman, Rev. O. M. Yaggy, Rev. C. D. Wendel, Rev.
C. H. Schlesselman, Rev. J. C. Schwab and the present pastor. Rev. C. L.
Fuller.
HAMLIN EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
A class of the Evangelical church was organized at Hamlin Station
about 1 89 1 and a church building erected. Some of the charter members
were Robert Campbell and wife, D. Brandstatter and wife, H. Young and
wife and J. Skinner and wife. This church never had a large membership,
and their ranks were so depleted by removals that it was found difficult to
keep up the organization ; consequently, it was decided to sell the building
and disband the organization, which was accordingly done. The building
was sold to the Danish Lutherans in 1906, who have since occupied it and
have a flourishing membership.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 219
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EXIRA.
About 1 86 1 Elder C. P. Evans preached several times in the school
house at Audubon City, near Hamlin Grove, in Exira township. His efforts
were rewarded by the conversion of Hanna M. Hamlin, Malinda C. Hamlin,
John Wilcox and Joseph Wilcox, who were then baptized in Troublesome
creek. Elder Evans is still preaching at Arapahoe, Nebraska, at the age of
eighty-seven years. Benjamin F. Thomas settled at Hamlin Grove, Febru-
ary 20, 1864, and preached occasionally in Exira and vicinity until 1868,
when he went to Missouri. James Wilson settled near Exira in 1865 and
preached there several years. In 1866-7 Elder J. C. White, from Adel,
Iowa, preached several times in Exira, and in April, 1867, he baptized
tv/enty-two converts and formed a temporary church organization in Exira.
The meetings were held in the old school house.
In 1876 a permanent organization was effected, with twenty-two mem-
bers, and Elder J. M. Crocker became the first regular pastor. Melvin Nichols
also preached there occasionally. In 1877 a church edifice was erected,
thirty-eight by fifty-four feet in size, at a cost of one thousand four hundred
dollars. Elders Crocker and Nichols contributed their personal labors to
the enterprise. This building was destroyed by fire in June, 19 10, and a
more pretentious and modern building was erected the same year upon the
same ground. The present membership is about one hundred.
There have been as elders, Joseph Clure, William R. Botts, James P.
Lair, W. C. Mitchell, Charles W. Johnson, Joseph H. Bell, Fred Anderson,
Oscar Hunt ; deacons, Joseph H. Bell, Jesse E. Miller, Burt Anderson, Charles
Clure, Samuel D. Ham, Charles McCord, Nels H. Johnson, Okey Hendrick-
son, George Milliman, W. W. Hammer, John Stoner, Ola Christensen, Roxy
Huyck, N. P. Christensen, Charles E. Hawk, John Porter, Hans Nelson,
George Gore, Hugh Smith, P. Frederick, Elmer Heath, P. I. Whitted ; pas-
tors, James Wilson, J. M. Crocker, G. W. Hamilton, J. A. Walten, Charles
A. Lockhart, J. C. McOuarry, L. H. Humphreys, E. C. Whittaker G. E.
Nichols, H. A. Pallister, C. A. Poulson, T. A. Manley, S. M. Smith, Charles
. S. Linkletter.
CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The Church of Christ, at Audubon, was organized in 1894 by the fol-
lowing charter members : Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Aldrich, Mr. and Mrs. T. H.
Beason. Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Burrows, Mrs. T. V. Belles, Mrs. Rachel Cole,
Mr. and Mrs. John Dawson, Mr. and Mrs. C. Gates, Mr. and Mrs. J. C.
220 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Keith, Mr. and ]\Irs. George W. Ellis. The church edifice, forty-six by forty-
eight feet in size, was erected in 1900, at a cost of five thousand dollars. The
membership at present is about forty.
These have served as pastors : Elders C. A. Lockhart, W. B. Clemens,
R. Y. Leeson, J. H. McSparran, A. A. Holmes, H. C. Littleton, W. H.
McCormick, H. Wilson, I. E. Carney, P. J. Pond, Frank Maples, C. A.
Vonnay, J. J. Ruppert, F. E. Glendenning, William P. Hauser.
A Young People's Society and a flourishing Sunday school are main-
tained. Carl Xeilsen is the present superintendent. The following have
been elders: J. C. Keith, W. H. Aldrich, T. H. Beason and C. Gates;
deacons, J. W. Landerman, Carl Xeilsen, James Hollenbeck and James Gray.
Mrs. D. C. Ross is president of the Ladies' Aid Society; Miss Mabel Keith
is clerk.
Rev. D. Y'. Bryant, from luka, Illinois, has recently taken charge of the
church as pastor, and now devotes half his time to this pastorate and the
other half to Planning.
yirs. Lois G. Stuart also bequeathed this church one thousand dollars.
FISCUS CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The Church of Christ, at Spring Valley — later known as the Fiscus
Church of Christ — was organized, February 5, 1882. The charter member-
ship was composed mostly of families formerly from Indiana, who were the
first settlers of that neighborhood. Their names were, Adam Cain Fiscus,
who was the first, and continued as their preacher for a number of years;
Wilson Fiscus and wife, Emma Fiscus, Albert Fiscus and wife, Eliza; Isaac
Fiscus and wife, Melissa; Elias Fiscus and wife, Harriet; Levy Fiscus;
Sarah J. Fiscus; Adeline Fiscus; Mrs. Martha Somerlot; Mrs. Ruth Duling;
Mrs. Paulina Wiley; Mrs. Eliza J. Rinehart; Mrs. Elizabeth Spear; J. F.
Conrad; Henry Hauser; Nelson Hon and wife, Mary; E. J. Arney and wife,
Lucinda; Hannah Hilsabeck; Mrs. Ann M. Speas; Jesse Hon and wife,
IMatilda, and Mrs. Mary Mitten. A number of these people had formerly
been members of the old Bethel Church of Christ, in Owen county, Indiana,
and others had been members of the Bethel Grove church, of Marshall
county, Iowa. The elders were A. C. Fiscus, Wilson Fiscus and Elias Fis-
cus; deacons, E. J. Arney and Albert Fiscus.
Other members were added from time to time, until a large congrega-
tion was built up, with a good Sunday school, and regular preaching services
were held for a number of years. This was the only organized Church of
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA, 221
Christ in that part of the county, and its membership finally included almost
the entire community, people coming a long distance in their farm wagons
to attend these services. Protracted meetings were held from time to time,
when great crowds would fill the school house at night to overflow. All the
spring-seats from the wagons would be carried in to seat the women and
children, the men standing in the doorway and at the open windows, eager
to hear the preached word. All-day basket-meetings were often held at
some grove near by (a church building was never erected), and always drew
large crowds of people, who were welcome and well fed, for the friendship
and hospitality of the people was unlimited and their faithfulness and loyalty
never questioned.
Brother A. C. Fiscus served this congregation for a number of years
as pastor and, as the membership were of rather limited means he depended
largely upon his farm for support of himself and family. Later, came
Brother W. N. Littell, who served for some time, and who also started the
first store and the postof^ce at Fiscus. Then came Brother Tibbitts, of
Botna, Iowa, followed by Brother D. H. Reagan, of Indiana, and Brother
F. A. Sheets, of Manning, who was followed by Brother C. A. Lockhart, of
Exira.
During all these years, death called the members one by one, to cease
their labors and answer the call to the Great Beyond, and, like other country
churches, there was great loss by removals. Thus the membership of what
was once a prosperous church gradually weakened until it was difficult for
the few struggling members to keep the work going, so that all efforts finally
ceased, and the organization was abandoned.
Of the charter members, there are but four now living, and only three
now reside in Audubon county. Elias Fiscus, one of them, also one of the
elders, now has his home with his daughter, Mrs. Speas, in Lincoln town-
ship, who kindly furnished many of the facts for this little history of this
church and who knows the history of the county almost from the beginning,
he being one of the first settlers in that part of the county; also, Mrs. Ruth
Duling (now Mrs. Hilsabeck) still lives in Douglass township, and Mrs.
Eliza Rinhart, who lives in Audubon.
Those of this congregation who still survive and have found homes
elsewhere, no doubt still remember the joys and sorrows and the struggles
of the organization that sprang up, bore its fruit, brought souls into the
kingdom, nurtured the children into manhood and womanhood, saw lover
and sweetheart made one, saw father and mother pass to the Great Beyond,
held friends and neighbors together in love and friendship, made the com-
222 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
munity better for its influence, and finally, after having lived its life, to
slowly fade away and pass into history. But the great good that it accom-
plished and the influence that it shed abroad in the world, eternity alone can
tell.
ST. John's evangelical Lutheran church ( German).
On August I, 1875, a few German Lutheran families residing in Audu-
bon township, Audubon county, and in Grant township, Guthrie county, met
for the purpose of organizing a Lutheran congregation. Those participating
and who became charter members were Henry Nesack, who, at the age of
eighty- four, is still (191 5) an active member and the only charter member
remaining a member of the congregation; George Faga, now in Chicago;
John ]\Iueller, now in Adair, Iowa; Henry Gerbol(;it, Fred Fienen, and the
late Henr}' Faga.
A constitution was adopted and the little band organized for effective
Christian work. No meeting was held until the spring of 1876, when the
congregation was increased by the addition of six new members, and from
that time on the congregation continued a steady and healthy growth, the
present membership being eighty-five, a majority of whom are heads of
families.
Rev. John Horn, at that time of Dexter, Iowa, was secured as the first
pastor of this little flock. Services were held every four weeks in the public
school houses, or in the homes of the members. In 1880 Rev. Fred Ehlers,
a young man and a graduate of one of the Lutheran colleges, was called to
take charge of the congregation. He accepted and proved to be such an
energetic and faithful worker that in a short time the congregation grew to
such proportions that the school houses would not accommodate it. In 1884,
at a special meeting called to consider the matter, it was decided to erect a
church edifice. Accordingly, plans were laid and a site selected, being the
one where the church now stands, on the east side of the public highway
between Audubon and Guthrie counties, in Grant township, Guthrie county.
A church, thirty-six by fifty feet in size, was erected that year and has been
in continuous use since. A few years later the congregation built a school
house adjacent to the church, where both English and German languages are
taught.
After ten years of faithful and successful service. Rev. Ehlers was
called to another field of labor and was succeeded by Rev. O. Clocter, who,
for nineteen years, continued to minister to the flock, sharing its joys and
sorrows, and adding many new members during his pastorate. In 1905 the
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 223
congregation built a fine parsonage on a site on the west side of the pubhc
highway, in Audubon township.
Five years later, Rev. Clocter accepted a call to Minnesota and Rev. A.
H. Deletzke, the present pastor of the congregation, who at that time held a
charge in Ft. Dodge, was called, and has very successfully continued his
ministrations up to the present time. About two-thirds of the membership
of this congregation live in Audubon county, principally in Audubon town-
ship, the remaining members living in Guthrie county. The present value of
the church property, including the parsonage and school, is about ten thou-
sand dollars. Regular services are held in the English and German languages.
AUDUBON TOWNSHIP CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
A Sunday school was organized in school district No. 2 about 1899,
which was changed to district No. 3. About 1903-5 a church society was
organized, consisting of Mrs. F. W. Hocamp, Mrs. Alonzo F. Littlefield,
Mr. and Mrs. John Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Baker, Mrs. William Van
Aernam. A large church edifice was then erected in the northeast corner of
section 8. The pastors were supplied from Exira and were the same as at
that place, Rev. E. C. AVhittaker being the first. It never had a resident
pastor. Most of the members have removed and regular services are no
longer maintained. The present membership is about six.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TRINITY CHURCH, LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.
During the years 1870 to 1879 a number of German Lutheran families
having settled in Douglas, LeRoy and Cameron townships, but more in Lin-
coln township, they were spiritually advised by Lutheran ministers who hap-
pened in this vicinity. The first Lutheran minister who regularly attended
these widely scattered Lutheran people was Rev. F. J. Oehlert, of Walnut,
Iowa, who, from April, 1879, to March, 1880, held regular services, admin-
istered the communion and baptized their children.
On January 2, i88'i, under the supervision of Rev. W. Mallon, mis-
sionary of the German Evangelical Lutheran Missouri synod, these people
organized the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church of Lincoln township.
This congregation has, through all these thirty-four years of its existence,
stood devoutly in practice as well as in theory, for the true Lutheran doc-
trine, as contained in the Bible and preached by Dr. Martin Luther and his
followers. The congregation is a member of the well-known Evangelical
Lutheran synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States, consisting of 2,978
organized and 1,127 unorganized congregations, a total of 4,105, with 2,535
ministers and professors.
224 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
The first board of trustees and elders elected were, Aug Polzin, Hum
Polzin, John Polzin, Hy Borkowski, Alb Polzin, Kienst Sen, George Bald-
sen and George Schroeder. Subsequent to the work of Revs. Oehlert and
Mallon, the congregation called, at intervals, Rev. Fred Ehlers, of Adair,
Iowa, on June 20, 1881 ; Rev. Jul Dickman, of Atlantic, Iowa, on August 13,
1882, then, after a vacancy of four months. Rev. Anthon Ehlers, of Elling-
wood, Kansas, on December 26, 1886. He served the congregation with
great faithfulness and satisfaction for a period of nearly nineteen years,
finally resigning on account of nervous prostration. Rev. J. P. Guenther,
of Boone, Iowa, was then called and served for six and a half years, when,
in the latter part of 1912, the present pastor, Rev. E. J. W. Starck, was
called.
The membership of this congregation underwent the trials and hard-
ships incident to the early settlers of the county, but, true to their aim to
serve in this their adopted country, not only their families, but also their
country as good and law-abiding citizens and Christians, they strove with all
their power to uphold, build up, enlarge and strengthen their church for their
own eternal blessing. So, on January 20, 1884, they began building, on
section 27, Lincoln township, their first church edifice, a structure thirty by
fifty feet in size, which was dedicated on July 6, 1884. This building was
twice damaged by storm. The congregation, having outgrown this building,
it was turned into a school house and, on the 2nd day of June, 1901, it was
replaced by a larger and more costly church edifice, thirty-six by seventy-
two feet in size, with a spire ninety-two feet high. The cost of the first build-
ing was eight hundred dollars and the new one about five thousand dollars.
This church, after being in use twelve years, was razed to the foundation
and totally destroyed by the tornado that laid Omaha in ruins, on Easter
day, ]\Iarch 23, 1913, nothing but a glass picture and the bell being unbroken.
But, with a large faith in God, this people again went to work with a will and,
Phoenix-like, there arose from the ruins another beautiful edifice, and on the
26th of October, 191 3, a grand dedication of the new church took place. It
is a more costly structure, costing nine thousand dollars, with inclined floor
and very finely decorated, and equipped with furniture to the amount of
two thousand dollars.
In 1884 a well-appointed parsonage consisting of nine rooms and hall
was built near by on section 22.
The regularly attended school of the congregation is taught by the pastor
from September till June of each year, excepting one month allowed for
cornpicking. The attendance the past year was forty-seven scholars. With
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 225
the number of four hundred and fifty souls, there are about two hundred
members and the voting members number thirty-six. Under the supervision
of the Rev. E. J. W. Starck, the elders are Ludw Borkowski and William
Berg; the board of trustees are Aug. Brown, Alb Rudwick and Aug. Kienast;
cashier, G. F. Borkowski ; secretary, Otto Rudnick ; chairman, Louis Grote-
keschen. A number of the members of this congregation having residence
in Audubon, services are held there every two weeks on Sunday aftrnoon,
in the Danish church. All worship is conducted in the German language.
In the school, both English and German are taught.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Evangelical Lutheran Friedens church of the German Evangelical
synod of North America is located in Audubon, having been organized in
1 89 1. Among the active and leading members in pushing the organization
and building were Christ Hahn and Conrad Burkhardt. The church edifice,
which was erected in 1891, is fifty by twenty-eight feet in size, and cost two
thousand five hundred dollars. The present membership is ten. The fol-
lowing here served as pastors; Reverend Strange, Reverend Herman, Rev-
erend Rounthal, Reverend Dollman, Reverend Seek, Reverend Jansen, Rev-
erend Braun and the present pastor. Reverend Gust Tillmanses. Services
are held irregularly.
DANISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, AUDUBON.
The Danish Evangelical Lutheran church, of Audubon, was organized,
February 9, 1909, under the leadership of Rev. G. B. Christiansen, R. D.
However, the church work among the Danish people in Audubon was begun
about 1884. As most all of the Danes belong to the Lutheran church in
Denmark and wished to continue the same relationship, the work was taken
up among them, not by the mother church in Denmark, but by men whom
God called to the ministry in this country, and who gladly took hold of the
work among their countrymen in the United States.
Rev. Mr. Auker, now (1914) located at Lincoln, Nebraska, was the first
who held a Lutheran meeting in the Danish language in Audubon. He came
here in 1884 from Elk Horn, Iowa, where he, at that time and for about
thirty years, was located. He served the people for about two years.
From 1886 to 1888, Rev. C. Falck, now (1914) located in Jewell, Iowa,
but who at that time held a charge in Oak Hill, came here and held services
(15)
226 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
once each month. After some interruption in the services. Rev. A. C. Weis-
mann. from Jacksonville, Iowa, came and held services from 1894 till 1902.
Following him came Rev. Brede Johnson, from Biithana, Iowa, who served
two and one-half years. In 1905 Rev. G. B. Christiansen, from Ebenezer,
took lip the work and continued to preach here until 1909. During the years
prior to 1909, the church had no building of its own. but held services in
the Evangelical church a large part of the time. Now it became more
thoroughly organized with a membership of about one hundred and, oppor-
tunity presenting itself, bought the Baptist church, at a cost of three thou-
sand dollars. The church has a seating capacity of four hundred.
At the same time, the congregation bought a house located next to the church
on the north, to be used as a parsonage. This house was rebuilt and modern-
ized in 1 9 14, so that now the church owns a splendid property, including a
fine home for the pastor. In November, 190S', Rev. J. P. Christiansen, then
in Lincoln. Nebraska, accepted a call here and, with his family, came here
]\Iav 14. 1909, and has continued the work since.
The present membership is two hundred and seven. The Sunday school
has ten teachers, with sixty-five children. The Young People's Society was
organized, December 9, 1909, with twenty-eight members. The present
membership is seventy-two. The Ladies Aid Society, which was organized
some years ago, number forty-five. All of the services are conducted in the
Danish language and, as one-fourth of the population of Audubon is Danish,
there is a great field for work.
EBENEZER DANISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Ebenezer Danish Evangelical Lutheran church, which is located in
Douglas township, was organized in 1895, the following persons uniting m
the organization: Nels C. N. Schmidt and wife, Peter N. Schmidt and wife,
Ham N. Schmidt and wife, Ham Nelson and wife, Peter Andersen and wife
and Nels Andersen.
In 1896 a church edifice, twenty-six by forty feet in size, was erected,
at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. In 1908 the growth of the
congregation compelled the providing of more room and an addition and
improvements were made at a cost of two thousand dollars, the present
church being twenty-six ])y fifty-two feet in size. In 1904 a fine parsonage
was built adjoining the church, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dol-
lars. Rev. A. C. \\'eismann was the first pastor, continuing until about
1905, when Rev. G. B. Christiansen became pastor and remained with the
church, giving excellent service.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 22J
Reverend Christiansen is president of the Danish Evangehcal church
in America, his work occasionally calling him to the Atlantic or Pacific coast.
A good Sunday school, with a membership of about forty, is maintained,
also a Young People's Society. The present membership of the church is
thirty-two families and over one hundred and fifty members.
OTHER DANISH CHURCHES.
The Danish Evangelical Lutheran church of Exira was organized on
]\Iay 19. 1905. and in 1907 erected a substantial church edifice, at a cost of
three thousand five hundred dollars. This is a flourishing society, with a
membership of ninety-eight. Those who have served as pastors are Revs.
Thomas Jersild, James K. Jensen, Jens P. Christensen and Peter Rasmussen,
the present pastor.
The Danish Evangelical Lutheran church of Hamlin was organized in
1904 and in 1906 bought its church edifice from the Evangelical church. The
value of its building is one thousand five hundred dollars. The present mem-
bership is one hundred and fifty-two. The following have served as pastors :
Reverends Johnson, James K. Jensen, Jens P. Christensen and Peter Ras-
mussen, the present pastor.
Immanuel church of the Danish Evangelical church of America, located
at Kimballton, was organized in 1897. The church edifice, which has a seat-
ing capacity of four hundred, was erected in 1904, at a cost of seven thousand
five hundred dollars. The membership of this church is one hundred, and
the church being located in the very heart of the Danish settlement, is favor-
ably situated for doing a large amount of good. The following have served
as pastors : Revs. C. Sorensen. J. ^L Gregerson and J. Jorgensen, who is the
present pastor.
DANISH LUTHERAN CHURCHES.
Bethany Danish Evangelical Lutheran congregation was organized in
1890. During the same year five acres of land, located on a beautiful hill
two and a half miles northeast of Kimballton, on section 16, Sharon town-
ship, were purchased and a church, thirty-two by forty feet, costing one
thousand five hundred dollars was built on this land. This church stood
only eight years, when it was destroyed by fire caused by its being struck
by lightning. Neither discouraged nor down-hearted, the congregation
immediately set to work, contributed liberally of their means, and had a new
church edifice built upon the same site in the fall of the same year — 1898.
228 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
The next year, 1899, a comfortable and convenient six-room parsonage was
built. The church is located on one side of a public highway and the par-
sonage is on the other side. The cemetery adjoins the church grounds.
At the beginning of this congregation, there was no church in Kimball-
ton, so that a number from that place belonged to Bethany church. Later,
when a church was built in Kimballton, these withdrew, but, notwithstanding
their leaving, this congregation has made steady progress and today numbers
fifty-four families, comprising three hundred souls.
Rev. Christian Auker, Rev. P. S. Vig, Rev. Frimodt Moller, Rev. N. P.
Simonson, Rev. Buda Johansen and Rev. Christian Hansen have served as
pastors of this church, Rev. H. L. Jensen being the present pastor. This
church is splendidly located for doing a great work among the Danish people.
Oak Hill Danish Lutheran church in America is located on section 21,
Oakfield township. It was organized about 1895 by a number of Danish'
families who had settled west of Brayton. From the first, this has been a
flourishing congregation. The church edifice, which is twenty-four by forty-
eight feet in size, was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars.. Among
those who have served as pastors are, Rev. Skovgaard, November, 1890, to
November, 1893; Reverend Gravengaard, 1894; Rev. N. P. Hold, May, 1900,
to June, 1903; Reverend Jensen, 1903 to 1907; Reverend Jorgensen, 1908-9;
Rev. H. E. Raven, 1910-13. The present pastor is Rev. H. C. Strandskoo,
who has a catechetical class of thirty-six children. The pastor of this church
also serves St. Johannes church in the northeast part of Oakfield township.
The two churches pay a salary of seven hundred and fifty dollars per year
and the free use and occupation of the parsonage and eight acres of land.
The present membership is fifty families or two hundred members.
St. Johannes Danish Lutheran church of the Danish Lutheran church in
America is located near the northeast corner of Oakfield township and was
organized about 1905. This church is affiliated with the Oak Hill Danish
church and is served by the same pastor, Rev. H. C. Strandskoo being the
present minister. The church, which was built in 1905 and is twenty-eight
by fifty feet in size, cost two thousand dollars. The congregation consists
of about fifty families, or two hundred souls and is in a flourishing condition.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCHES.
In the winter of 1885-86, Elder O. A. Olson came to the small settle-
ment of Danes living in Indian Creek valley, and began a series of religious
meetings. These were the first religious meetings held in this neighborhood.
There were but a few families living there and they were somewhat scattered
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 229
but an interest was soon awakened, the meetings being held in the small and
humble homes of the people. Success attended the labors of Elder Olson,
and a large portion of the community accepted his teachings. On March 17,
1886, at the home of Peter Axelson, in Sharon township, the first church of
Seventh-Day Adventists in Audubon county was organized with a member-
ship of twenty-three. About the same time occurred the first baptism in
Indian Creek.
Only four of the original members are now living in this vicinity, a num-
ber having passed away and others having found homes elsewhere. During
1886 seven more joined the church and, early in 1887, another seven joined,
making thirty-seven members at the end of the first year. During this year
(1887) this church was received into the Iowa conference of Seventh-Day
Adventist. The first officers were, elder, John H. Johnson; deacon and
treasurer, Nels J. Boose; secretary, Peter Axelson. These have all passed
away. Jens Sorensen was the next elder. Many years of his life were given
to the work, and, by his labors, example and influence, he did much to build
up this church. For four years after the organization, services were held in
the Stanley school house, but, in the spring of 1890, the first Seventh-Day
Adventist church in the county was built, on section 36, Sharon township, at
a cost of eight hundred dollars. Although the members were poor, the church
was dedicated free from debt. Since that time, J. M. Peterson, Chris Juhl
and H. C. Peterson have served as elders. The church has steadily grown
in numbers and now there is a membership of seventy-four.
In 1909 an addition was built to the church, to be used for school pur-
poses, at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. This school is sup-
ported by the church and in it the children are educated in hand, mind and
heart, the Bible being a part of their daily studies. The enrollment the first
t
year was about thirty. After two years of successful work, two years were
added to the eighth grades, making ten years in all. Miss Anna Johnson was
the first teacher. Then Miss Marion Johnson was selected to take charge
of the advanced work. Following the retirement of Miss Anna Johnson
from school life. Miss Iva Dike filled the vacancy. In 1913-14 Miss Jennie
Nelson assisted Miss Marion Johnson and, this year. Miss Delia Jensen is
teaching the lower grades. The earnest, faithful and efficient efforts of these
God-fearing girls have greatly assisted the young people of this church in
avoiding many of the evils existing today; not one of the young men is
addicted to the habit of tobacco or liquor. Thirteen have graduated from
this school, having passed the examination given by the county, and three
more will receive the eighth grade diploma this spring.
230 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Thousands of dollars have been raised by this church in tithes and
offerings for the support of missionary work in this country, and in China,
Africa, India and in other mission fields abroad. In 1914 the sum of three
thousand seven hundred ninety-three dollars and fifteen cents was paid in
tithes and offerings for foreign fields, besides maintaining the expense of
both church and school. Several hundred dollars have been given for churches
and schools located elsewhere. The ofticers of this church for 191 5 are:
Elder, A. P. Hansen; deacon, Henry Andersen; treasurer, Lawrence Axel-
son; secretary, P. C. Knudson. These men have held these offices a num-
ber of years.
One young lady, Miss Rose Boose, has been sent from this church as a
foreign missionary, and is now laboring in India. Others of the young people
of the church are in training for like service. The work of this church is
surely equalled by few and, we are inclined to believe, surpassed by none,
taking into consideration size of membership and opportunity.
If each organized church in the county would do a proportionate amount
of good, according to their ability, what a mighty force for righteousness
our churches would be.
The East Exira Seventh-Day Adventist church was organized in a
school house, about nine miles east of Exira, on April 21, 1900, by Elders
E. G. Olson and William Johnson. There were eight charter members, as
follows : Mr. and Mrs. Chris Juhl, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Bascom, Mr. and
Mrs. Chris Berthelsen and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Jensen. Chris Juhl was
elected as the first elder, which position he filled for a number of years until
he moved to Stuart. Since then J. \V. Jensen has served as elder. The
meetings were held in various school houses at different times until Februar}^,
1913, at which time the Christian Science people of Exira kindly consented
to rent their church to the Seventh-Day Adventists for Sabbath services, and
whenever not in use. Meetings were held here for one year. Then the
congregation became t6o large for the little church and a larger building was
needed. The Congregational people then kindly consented to lease their
church for services, when not needed by themselves, and the East Exira
Seventh-Day Adventists church now meets regularly there. There are forty
members in the organized church and about sixty in the Sabbath school.
The Seventh-Day Adventist church in Audubon was organized on May
15, 1887, by Elder J. W. Wiloby and Ira Hankins, the following being
enrolled as charter members: Mrs. R. G. Ping, Mrs. J. N. Brockway, Mrs.
George Keene, Mrs. F. Trude, H. Johnson and wife and Mr. Martin and
his mother. The first meetings were held in the school house, until 1889,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 23 1
where the present church was built, being in size twenty-four by thirty-six
feet and costing one thousand dollars. The present membership of the
church is fifteen. The church has not maintained a regular pastor, but the
following have served : Rev. J. W. Wiloby, Rev. Ira Hankins, Rev. E. G.
Olson, Reverend Starr. E. G. Olson, W. A. Frederickson and Chris Juhl
have served as elders. A sabbath school has been maintained regularly, Mrs.
Rose Brockway being superintendent. Mrs. Alice Esbeck is secretary of the
church.
BAPTISTS.
The First Baptist church of Audubon was organized on April i, 1881,
at a meeting presided over by Rev. D. D. Proper. The charter members were
E. F. Fales, Mrs. C. A. Fales, H. M. Talbot, Mrs. M. Scott, Mrs. E. J. Ford,
Mrs. V. Sands, Mrs. S. Davis, Rev. H. F. Sharpmack and wife, F. M. Van
Pek, Mrs. Mary J. Van Pelt, Mrs. Elnora Howald, V. Sands, Lsabel Harris
and Mrs. E. M. Funk. The first deacons were E. F. Fales and F. M. Van
Pelt; the first clerk and treasurer was H. M. Talbot. Rev. A. F. Sharp-
nack was engaged to preach once in two weeks for the first year. The first
covenant meeting was held on April 27, 1881. The church did not advance
rapidly. Some removed, while others seemed for a time to slacken their
former zeal for the cause they had once espoused. Hence, the society has
but little history to record until October, 1887, when it was reorganized,
embracing some few of the remaining charter members. In September,
1888, plans were matured for the erection of a church. Lots were purchased
of the railroad company, directly opposite the court house. During the
winter of 1888-9 ^ good-sized edifice was erected at a cost of three thousand
dollars. Rev. A. C. Zollhoffer was pastor when the plans for the building
were made, but, in October, 1888, he resigned. He was succeeded by Rev.
Richmond A. Smith, under whose pastoral labors the work prospered for a
time. The church was completed and dedicated. After Reverend Smith,
came Rev. Mr. Parsons. A number of active and influential members moved
away, the services finally ceased and, after some years in 1909, the church
was bought by the Danish Lutheran, who still own and occupy it. After the
discontinuance of the services, some of the remaining members joined the
Christian church, some the Methodist and others the Evangelical church.
OAKFIELD DANISH BAPTIST CHURCHES.
The Danish Baptist church in Oakfield township belongs to the Danish
Baptist denomination, or church, affiliated with the Danish Baptist general
232 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
conference and the various connections of the Baptist denomination of
America and the world. It is located five miles west and two miles north
of Bray ton, section 5, Oakfield township. It was organized in 1888, with
twenty-four charter members. Among the old members yet belonging to
the church are Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Kragelund, Mr. and Mrs. Jens Christensen,
Messrs. O. H. Jacobson, Nels Hansen, Chris Jorgensen and others. The
church grew for some years, had large congregations and exerted a good
influence. Later, some of the members moved away and others live at some
distance from the church, necessitating the taking up of an outstation, eight
miles southeast, in Cass county, where many attend the meetings. The pres-
ent membership is fifty-five. The church edifice was erected in 1893, its
seating capacity being about three hundred.
One quarter of a mile west of the church the parsonage, a six-room
house, with barn and other buildings, and five acres of land, is located. The
value of the property is about three thousand five hundred dollars and is free
from debt.
The pastors who have served are Revs. F. M. Andersen, C. Pedersen,
C. L. A. Christensen, A. P. Nielsen, C. Andersen and the present pastor, Rev.
P. C. Larsen, who serves the church, together with an American church in
Shelby county. Besides these pastors, other men who have done good work
are Revs. A. C. Nasby, F. Olsen, H. A. Richenbach, M. A. Wesgaard, C. H.
Bobirg and M. U. Sorensen. The present pastor has been on the field about
two years, coming from Cuppy Grove Baptist church in Shelby county. He
uses the English language in his services, not only in the American church,
but also in his two out-stations. He has held rural pastorates in Iowa for
the past thirteen years; is vice-president of the Danish conference; a member
of the Iowa Baptist board and of the Baptist state commission.
The majority of the Oakfield church members are quiet, devoted, indus-
trious people, who are some of the best citizens of the community, and, as this
church is located in a good field, it is undoubtedly doing a good work for
the saving of souls.
The Union Baptist church of Greeley township, located on section 23,
was organized in 1882 by the following charter members: Rev. and Mrs.
Charles Berry, S. S. Berry, Hugh McClaren and wife, Henry Mapes and
wife, Adolphus Burtt, Mrs. Harriet Burtt, Mrs. Hannah Cox, Mrs. Margaret
Huston, Henry Snowgoose and Maggie IMcClaren, thirteen in all. For
several years, meetings were held in the school house, but in 1891 the present
church, a comfortable frame building, was erected, at a cost of two thou-
sand dollars. The following have served as pastors : Revs. A. F. Sharp-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 233
nack, Charles Berry, Reverend and Mrs. Mackey, F. Reed, D. D. Downs,
George Hickok, C. V. Bentley, Charles Sloan, H. H. Cross, L. L. Smith and
Eli Loney, who is the present pastor. The present membership is forty-one.
A very interesting Sunday school is maintained. Also a Baptist Young
Peoples Mission, with a good membership, is in a flourishing condition.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BRAYTON.
By reference to the history of the Oakfield Methodist Episcopal class, it
will be seen that religious services were held in Oakfield as early as 1856-7,
and also by referring to the Oakfield Congregational church, it will be
observed that about 1866-8 the congregationalists organized there, and later
the Evangelicals also, held services there. These services were held in the
school house, where a Sunday school had been maintained during all these
years. The successful continuation of these services and the Sunday school
during many years can be credited to the untiring effort of Prof. H. G.
Smith and family and J. M. Hill and family, both of whom have passed to
their reward. It was reserved for the Baptists to erect the first church edifice
and to organize the first denominational church in Brayton. That the Bap-
tists should have secured a footing there is, perhaps, due to the efforts of one
man, A. T. Horton, familiarly known as "Uncle Ace," more than any other
one. In the spring of 1880 he with his family, removed from Marion
county, Iowa, and settled about two miles northwest of Brayton. He was at
this time fifty-eight years of age. but "Uncle Ace" had always been a Bap-
tist and could not be anything else. No sooner had he became established
in his new home, than he began efforts to secure religious services iii the
school house nearest his home and, although there was no formal church
organization, religious services were conducted there more or less frequently
by the Baptists for a number of years. These efforts, with the assistance and
cooperation of others heretofore mentioned, crystalized the religious senti-
ment of the community and rendered it possible to cement it together in one
organization. In the winter of 1893 three Baptist ministers, Reverend
Downs, Reverend Hickock and Rev. Harry Ferguson, conducted revival
services in the old hall at Oakfield. At first, their efforts were fruitless, but
they persevered with a trust in God. Ferguson was a host within himself,
talented, tactful, resourceful, sincere, an excellent judge of human nature, a
good "mixer," plain and unassuming, the friend of everybody. To the
people, he was just Harry Ferguson. Incidentally, he was the pastor of the
Baptist church at Cumberland. Iowa, and his church had sent him to Bray-
234 ' AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
ton for a season of missionary work. No task was too arduous for him to
undertake ; he never became discouraged, nor was any service too humihating.
He subsequently became district missionary and afterwards removed to
Oregon. Together with his two assistants, they assailed the enemy in mass
formation until they penetrated the lines. The results of the meetings were
many converts and the formal organization of the church. Some of the first
members were, J. S. Harter and wife, A. T. Horton and wife. J. G. Chamber-
lain and wife, O. F. Ide and wife, Mark Heath and wife, W. R. Koob and
wife, J. O. Cotton and wife, L. B. Clark and wife, I. H. Jenkins and wife,
Mrs. Fanny Howell, W. Brinkerhoff, Curt Cotton, Grace Clark, Maria
Jenkins, Frank Jenkins, Pearl Jenkins, May Jenkins, and there were many
others whose names are not available for the reason that the records of that
church, like the average church, have been imperfectly kept.
A commodious and comfortable church edifice was at once erected in
Brayton. Soon afterward there were enrolled about eighty members, and
the congregation was in a flourishing condition. The first minister called as
pastor was Reverend Doane, who was ordained subsecjuent to taking up the
pastorate. Among the other pastors who followed him — and there were
many — were Reverend Jewell, Reverend Brown, Reverend O'Connor, Rev-
erend Sloan and Reverend Wilcox. There were others whose stay was of
short duration. The church, like many other churches, has had its "ups and
downs" and some of the members think that during the last few years the
"downs" have predominated. Many of the members have died and others
have moved away, until there appears to be not enough left to carry on the
work. They have a fine church building, free from debt, recently lighted
with electricity. The field is white, already to harvest, but the reapers are
few, and the remaining members are praying that the Lord of the harvest
will send forth laborers into his harvest.
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, EXIRA.
The First Church of Christ. Scientist, was organized at Exira, on May
15, 1897, with twelve members. The following have been first readers in the
church : John G. Gates, R. Ella Hensley, William R. Bruner, Flora B. Hens-
ley, Isaac Statzell. The church edifice was built in 1906-7, at a cost of
seven hundred dollars. The present membership is seven.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
Holy Trinity Roman Catholic church, at Exira, was organized as St.
Boniface church in 1879. the following persons being charter members:
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 235
John Martes, William Bintner, Peter Tharnish, John Rieff, Frank Dorr. The
first church building, a wooden structure, was erected in 1879. Having out-
grown this building, the present church, a brick edifice, eighty by forty feet
in size, was erected in 1902, at a cost of ten thousand dollars.
The Holy Trinity school has also been connected with this church, but
has been temporarily discontinued. The present church membership is one
hundred and seventy, or about forty-five families. The list of pastors who
have served the church is Rev. Father Gaul, Rev. Father P. Daley, both from
Atlantic ; Rev. Father P. J. Morin, Rev. Father Bernhard Jacobmire, Rev.
Father J. J. Moran, from Audubon, and the following resident pastors, Rev.
Father H. J. Zaiser, May, 1894, to August 18, 1898; Rev. Father Julius
Farlenschmid, August 18, 1898, to 1902; Rev. Father S. F. Wieland, 1902
to 1907: Rev. Father Charles F. Hundt, 1907 to 191 1; Rev. Father James
McDonald (from Audubon), 191 1 to 1913; Rev. Father John Mayer, 1913
to date.
ST. Patrick's roman catholic church, at audubon.
Early in the history of Audubon there settled in the town, John Holland
and family, Nicholas Roth and family, John Ballman and family, J. P.
Thanish and family, John Martin and family, and, in the country adjacent to
Audubon, B. Cunningham and family, E. Roche and family and possibly
other Catholic families whose names are not recalled.
In about i88'i, Rev. Father Gaule came from Atlantic to look after these
families and, at the first meeting, celebrated mass at the home of John Hol-
land. Later, the meetings were held in the public school house. Father Gaule
continuing his visits every four or six weeks until 1883. In the spring of
1882, under the direction of Father Gaule, a church, twenty-eight by forty-
five feet in size, was erected on the brow of the hill, two blocks east of the
park. Soon after its erection the church, during a severe storm, was moved
from its foundation, but was replaced, with much efifort and expense.
In 1883 Rev. Father Daly, who was then stationed in Atlantic, began
visiting Audubon, as a successor to Father Gaule, about every four weeks,
and continued to do so for six vears.
Rev. Father P. J. Morin was the first resident pastor, coming in 1889
and serving one year. He was followed by Rev. Father Bernhard Jacob-
meier, who, in 189 1, built the comfortable parsonage just north of the church.
He served three years and in 1894 was succeeded by Rev. Father J. J. Moran,
whose pastorate lasted one year. In 1895 ^^^'- Father Mathew Gleason
came as pastor and rendered the church six years of very acceptable service,
236 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
being a very popular pastor and building up the church till it became neces-
sary to enlarge the structure to its present size, building an addition, twenty-
eight by forty feet. He was followed by Rev. Father Loftus, whose pastor-
ate lasted till 1901. During his time the parsonage was remodeled and
rebuilt to harmonize with the ability and needs of the parish. Rev. Father
Flavin succeeded Father Loftus in 1901 and remained until 1904. During
his pastorate, a two-story school building, thirty-two by forty-eight feet in
size, was erected, east of the church, and a parochial school opened under his
direction, assisted by two Sisters; this after an existence of some years, was
discontinued.
In 1904, the present pastor. Rev. Father James McDonald, was assigned
to the parish and has done faithful and efficient service for his church dur-
ing these twelve years. He is very popular with both Catholics and Protes-
tants, his congregations being large and harmony prevailing between pastor
and people. The present membership is fifty families, or more than two
hundred members, many of them being families of wealth.
RECAPITULATION.
The following table shows the number of churches, their value and the
number of members of the various denominations :
Bldgs. Value. Members.
Adventists 2 $3,000.00 129
Baptists 3 7,500.00 106
Congregational i 1,200.00 74
Catholic 2 1,500.00 300
Christian 3 1,000.00 160
Evangelical 3 5,500.00 170
Lutheran (Danish) 8 21,000.00 1.407
Lutheran (German) 2 11,500.00 210
Methodist Episcopal 9 24,800.00 587
Presbyterian i 15,000.00 210
Scientist (Christian) i 700.00 7
United Brethren 2 3,000.00 91
The foregoing figures as to valuation and membership are approximate
only, as. owing to incomplete records, it is impossible to be exact. It should
also be borne in mind that some denominations include all members of the
family in their roll of members, while others do not.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 237
The number of church buildings in each township is as follows : Viola,
2; Cameron, i; Lincoln, 3; Douglas, i; LeRoy, 10; Milville, 2; Gurley, 2;
Hamlin, 2 ; Sharon, 3 ; Oakfield, 4 ; Exira, 6 ; Audubon, i ; total, 37.
The rise and fall of so many places of religious service in the county
indicate this one thing, that these churches apparently have not been able to
solve the ever-present problem in all denominations, namely, the conservation
of our rural churches. The constant ebb and flow of the rural population
renders, this one of the live questions of the day in the religious world. The
removal of a single family, and, not infrequently, of one individual, from a
community ofttimes so cripples a church congregation or class, as to almost
compel the abandonment of the work at that point.
Thus we find that, especially, Protestant churches have here and there
been compelled to drop one-time flourishing points and take up new points
where the promise appeared good for greater usefulness.
The proposition to make the rural church a social center for a neighbor-
hood or community, now being tried in many places, may prove of great value
in solving this problem, but, with the present-day means of transportation, the
fleet automobile, with ordinary roads, hardly a family in the county would
be more than a half-hour's ride from a place of worship. Especially does this
appear true when we consider the churches and places of worship that are just
beyond our borders in adjoining counties and where many of our people hold
their membership and are accustomed to worship. These places are not men-
tioned here, as this history is confined to Audubon county, excepting a few
instances in its early history.
CHAPTER XVI.
AUDUBON COUNTY SCHOOLS.
THE FIRST SCHOOL.
Daniel AI. Harris and Peoria I. Whitted are said to be entitled to credit
for starting the first school in Audubon county. At their suggestion, in the
spring of the year 1854, they, with Xathaniel Hamlin, Richard AI. Lewis,
Thomas S. Lewis, Isaac \\ D. Lewis, \V. H. H. Bowen, John M. Donnel,
and perhaps others, met in Mr. Hamlin's dooryard and agreed to erect a
log room for a private school house. Mr. Hamlin and Mr. Bowen agreed
to give the timber in the tree for the building. The Lewises, Elijah and
William Carpenter and Mr. Bowen cut the logs and Bowen hauled them
with an ox team. The people assembled on a day set, made a log rolling
and put up the walls of the building on the land of Mr. Hamlin, in the edge
of the timber on the west side of the road leading south from near Hamlin's
house, about a quarter of a mile distant.
Some of those who performed the work were John S. Johnson, Reuben
Carpenter, John M. Donnel, Daniel M. Harris, James Eagan, Walter J. Jar-
dine, W. H. H. Bowen, and perhaps others. Air. Hamlin was the "boss,"
and Richard M. Lewis, Isaac V. D. Lewis, William Carpenter and Peoria
I. Whitted were axmen, and each carried up a corner of the building. The
walls were rough hewed inside and chinked, and a roof put on. As was the
custom, and to encourage the workmen, a supply of "liquid inspiration"
was on hand, but tradition does not mention the "bottle holder." Reuben
Carpenter gave an oak tree for the "shakes," or long shingles, to cover the
roof, which were "rived" by him and the Lewises and were laid on by Ham-
lin, Whitted, the Lewises, and perhaps others.
A half-sash window, with ten by twelve lights, was placed in the north
and south sides, and a door in the east end of the room. Mr. Bowen got
boards at Iraniston, Iowa, for the door and writing desks, the latter being
formed by stout pins in the wall, upon which boards were fastened. The
floor was made of split basswood logs, called "puncheons," and the benches
for seats were made in the same manner, with pins for legs.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 239
Miss Ella Northgraves, of Cass county, taught the only term of school
in this room, which began in March, 1855. She was hired and paid by Ham-
lin and Harris. The pupils were Mary, Hannah, Rose, Malinda and W.
Allan Hamlin; Belle, James, Clarinda and Daniel W. Harris; Nancy Stan-
ley and another pupil from Grove City, name unknown. Such was the foun-
dation of school instruction in Audubon county. The Hamlin children,
except Mary, and the Harris children mentioned are now living. Hannah
Hamlin, now Mrs. Hawk, and Rose Hamlin, now Mrs. Thomas, became
school teachers. John F. Wallace afterward taught a term of private school
in Nathaniel Hamlin's old first log dwelling.
LOCATION OF SOME COUNTY SCHOOLS.
In 1865 there were but five school houses in Audubon county, viz. :
one at Exira; one at Audubon City (Hamlin's Grove) ; one on section 27,
Exira township, known as the Frost school ; one on the northeast corner of
section 17, Exira township, where the present school house is situated, known
as the Green school house, and one at Oakfield.
The following year there was a new school house built at Jobes, on
section i, Audubon township; one near Ballards, on section 36, Oakfield
township; and another near Beerses, on section 2, Hamlin township. From
that time onward school districts and school houses increased, until at the
present time ever}^ part of the county is well supplied.
The youths of Audubon county have first-class opportunities of obtain-
ing primary education, and the high schools of Audubon and Exira furnish
extra facilities for pursuing higher branches of study.
FIRST COUNTY INSTITUTE.
In 1866, while Benjamin F. Thomas was county superintendent of
schools, a teachers' county institute or convention was held at Exira for a
week, conducted by Professor Enos, from Cedar Falls, Iowa. This was the
first meeting of the kind in the county attended by the writer. It is tradi-
tional that there had once been previously a teachers' meeting, when Robert
N. Day was county superintendent. Those in attendance at the institute in
1866 were Benjamin F. Thomas, Clara Barlow, Malinda A. Norton, Jennie
M. Norton, Jennie McCowan, Susan Ballard, Carrie Ballard, Helena Dela-
hoyde, Laura Delahoyde, Julia Delahoyde, Tryphenia Hopkins, Edna Prior,
H. F. Andrews, Charles H. Andrews, Van Buren Crane and probably others.
240 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
It was a pleasant occasion and highly enjoyed by the teachers and citizens in
attendance. Among the teachers conspicuously absent were John A. Hal-
lock, Beulah Sylvester, George A. Dissmore and Juliette Bowen.
In 1878 there were forty-nine school houses and one thousand two
hundred and five pupils of school age in Audubon county.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS.
Charles F. Wilcutt was county superintendent from 1884 to 1889, inclu-
sive. He had been at the head of the Exira school several years. He graded
the school and brought it up to standard requirements. He was an impor-
tant factor in establishing the county school system on a modern basis. In
1888 the system of the rural school districts and school houses was com-
pleted about as we have it at the present time, with three thousand two hun-
dred and eighty-three pupils of school ages. David P. Repass was the next
superintendent, from 1890 to 1897, inclusive, another model school officer.
He was followed in turn by Robert C. Spencer and Arthur Farquhar, who
were also able and efficient officers.
Miss Ella M. Stearns, the present incumbent of the superintendent's
office, was elected in 1906, practically as a nonpartisan candidate, and was
re-elected successively several times in the same manner. This unusual com-
pliment and courtesy suggests her ability and popularity as a practical, pro-
gressive, up-to-date educationalist, and head of the present county school
system.
CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE IN I905.
The enumeration taken in 1905 showed the following number of chil-
dren of school age in Audubon county : Independent Districts — Audubon,
542; Exira, 242; Gray. 64; Brayton, 76. Townships — Audubon. 377;
Cameron, 234; Douglas, 370; Exira. 348; Greely, 278; Hamlin, 376; Leroy,
255; Lincoln, 358; Melville, 203; Oakfield, 376; Sharon, 504; Viola, 247.
Total, 4,850. Illiterates in the county, 97.
SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR I914.
The following table shows the school enumeration for the year 19 14,
in the independent districts and in the respective townships of Audubon
county :
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
School houses. Teachers.
Audubon 2 16
Exira i 9
Gray i 3
Kimballton i 3
Audubon township 9 16
Cameron township 9 13
Douglas township 9 15
Exira township 10 18
Greeley township 9 15
Hamlin township 9 13
Leroy township 8 12
Lincoln township 8 11
Melville township 9 14
Oakfield township 9 14
Sharon township 9 13
Viola township 9 20
Totals __: 112 205
Value of school houses in 191 5, $141,950.
241
Pupils enrolled.
503
301
67
72
225
150
220
200
176
230
183
141
155
195
225
171
3.214
REPORT SHOWS GOOD CONDITION OF SCHOOLS.
In her report for the year 1914, County Superintendent Ella M. Stearns
included the following:
"Born in rejoicing and cradled in hope,
Pointing new paths for adventurous feet,
Promising power with the future to cope.
Whispering low of the summer-time sweet
Camest thou hither. Now nearing thy bier.
What dost thou leave us, Oh, vanishing year ?"
"In accordance with the time-honored custom, this is where the business
world is getting ready to take its annual inventory of its resources and liabil-
ities, and so we believe this may be a fitting time for a brief review or inven-
tory of our schools.
"Our commission of education has recently said, 'Among the greatest
(16)
242 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
needs of rural schools of the United States is that of better houses. Most of
the older houses are cheap, ugly, uncomfortable, badly ventilated, poorly
heated and lighted, with no conveniences for school work and many with
inadequate and filthy outbuildings. In many places, abandoned churches and
cabins, no longer fit for use as homes, are given over to the schools — some-
what as out-grown, out-worn and cast-off clothing is given to paupers.
CONDITIONS IN AUDUBON COUNTY.
"The first part of this statement will apply to some of the schools in our
county. The 'vanishing year' will leave us with some 'ugly, uncomfortable,
badly ventilated, poorly heated and lighted school buildings and some wrecked
and filthy outbuildings, that are both a physical and moral menace to the
pupils of those districts. \A'hile these are classed as liabilities, we have a
goodly number of resources to place on the other side of the balance sheet.
"The year 19 14 has added several new and sanitary school buildings to
our capital stock of new buildings given in at the beginning of the year.
WHAT SCHOOL HOUSES SHOULD BE.
"School houses are not onlv the temples which we erect to the god of
childhood ; they are the homes of our children for a large part of the day,
through the most plastic years of their lives, the years when they are the
most responsive to impressions of beauty or of ugliness, and when their
environment is. therefore, most important. The houses should, therefore, be
planned and built not only with the feeling of reverence with which all tem-
ples and other sacred buildings are erected, but also with that care for health,
comfort and convenience which we exercise in the building of our homes.
It is economic waste of the worst type to spend annually large sums for
schools, perhaps larger sums in the time of children and then fail of the
best results because of bad construction and poor equipment of school houses.
It is worse than an economic waste to destroy the health and lives of children
through failure to observe simple and well-known sanitary laws. The school
improvement leagues of some of our states have taken for their motto, 'For
Our Schools : Health, Comfort and Beauty.'
HEALTH, COMFORT AND BEAUTY.
"This has been the motto taken for our new buildings in this county and
has been carried out to the best of our ability in several of the older buildings
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 243
in the county. 'Health and Comfort' have been looked after in lighting,
heating and ventilating of the buildings, in the heated cloak-rooms, in the
handy arrangements of the fuel room, right-sized desks and proper arrange-
ment of them and in the use of the sweeping compounds to guard against an
undue amount of dust in the school rooms. There are also many schools
using the stone water jars and individual drinking cups. One of the most
difficult problems of hygiene in the rural school is that connected with the
water supply.
THE BEAUTY SIDE.
"And now for the 'Beauty' side. The walls of several school rooms
have been tinted a subdued but pleasing color, and treated with a flat or oil
paint, devoid of gloss, washable without injury, the effect of the decoration.
This has been done at comparatively slight expense. There have been put up
picture rails in order to protect the walls, if for no other reason. The school
rooms have been supplied with a few good pictures suited to the age of the
pupils; many of these are worthy copies of the great masterpieces. And we
will also say here that several of these have built-in book cases, filled with
suitable books and supplementary readers, along with other suitable furni-
ture.
"In many other districts having the older buildings, the room furnace,s
have been installed and the school rooms have been made cheerful and com-
fortable. The large majority of Audubon county rural schools are kept in
very good condition. In talking with other county superintendents, we have
come to the conclusion that we rank well with the other counties of the state,
yet there is still room for improvement.
"The town schools in the county are well housed and equipped consider-
ably above the average towns of their size. One of our towns is putting up
a new school building which is modern in every respect and certainly reflects
credit upon the community, school board and city superintendent.
"In listing our resources, we have kept close to the physical or material
equipment of our schools, but there are other resources, did space permit, we
might mention such as the home credit work, the spelling contests, etc.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS.
"The work the young people, and older people, too, have been doing in
lyceums, debating clubs and country life clubs, must at least have mention.
The work for the coming winter has already started. There used to be the
244 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
husking bees, the barn raisings, the threshing days and even the log-rolHngs.
There used to be the spelHng bees, the old-time 'Hterataries,' the 'heated'
debates. We hope to hear of every community having some kind of organia-
tion this winter whereby the people may come together for profit and amuse-
ment. We have considerable material accumulated in our office just waiting
to be used in such ways, and we want the young people to feel free to come to
the office for this material.
"The school house door must swing open freely for all who would work
for the public good and for everything that may contribute to community
welfare. Above the door of every rural school house in the land should some
such sentiment as this be written : 'This Building is Dedicated to the Service
of this Community and to a Common Cause of a Better Life for All.' "
CHAPTER XVII.
LODGES AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.
ORGANIZATIONS AT AUDUBON.
Veritas Lodge No. 392, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. Dispensa-
tion dated February 18, 1879. Charter dated June 4, 1879. First meeting
March 7, 1879. Charter members : Ehas W. Beghtol, Emerson H. Kimball,
Arthur L. Sanborn, Joseph Snyder, William L. Swaney, A. A. Campbell,
John C. Bonwell, Robert M. Hubbard, William Wilde, Chester Wheeler,
Cyrus H. Earhart, Frank H. Burr, Robert G. Sands.
These have held the office of worshipful master: Elias W. Beghtol,
Ethelbert J. Freeman, John D. Holmes, Marion Johnson, Andrew F. Arm-
strong, Henry W. Hanna, John H. Scott, John McKarahan, James L. Rippey,
Daniel L. Freeman, A. M. Currier, Joe H. Ross, Walter A. Brainard, Edward
B. Cousins, William R. Smith, Abner H. Edwards, Halleck J. Mantz, George
Scott, George G. Wever.
Present membership, one hundred and thirty-six.
Amity Chapter No. 93, Royal Arch Masons. Dispensation dated April
18, 1881. Charter dated October 28, 1881. Charter members: Thomas
Chadwick, Elias W. Beghtol, Andrew F. Armstrong Henry Young, Alpheus
F. Rogers, Philip Young, Isaac A. Shingledecker, Francis M. Jones, Robert
G. Sands, George E. Hastings.
These have held the office of high priest: Thomas Chadwick, Elias W.
Beghtol, Andrew F. Armstrong, Henry W. Hanna, Alexander H. Roberts,
Charles W. DeMotte, Edward B. Cousins, Daniel L. Freeman, John M.
McKarahan, Frank S. Watts, Abner H. Edwards, George W. Preston, John
Weighton, Charles L. Tramp, Earl Maharg.
Present membership, ninety-three.
Godfrey Commandery No. 44, Knights Templar. Dispensation dated
April 15, 1882. Charter dated June 22, 1882. Charter members : Elkanah
S. Foster, Isaac A. Shingledecker, Ethelbert J. Freeman, Elias W. Beghtol,
Andrew F. Armstrong, Henry W. Hanna, William H. Scott, Edward B.
246 ' AUDUBON COUNTY, U)\VA.
Cousins, Wilson Biirnside, John Norris, George E. Hastings, Francis M.
Jones, Alphens F. Rogers.
These have held the office of eminent commander: Elkanah S. Foster,
Ethelbert J. Freeman, Isaac A. Shingledecker, Daniel H. Walker, Andrew
F. Armstrong, William H. Scott, Alexander H. Roberts, John A. Nash,
Edward B. Cousins, John B. Doak, Cyrus H. Earhart, James E. Griffith, Dan-
iel L. Freeman. John M. McKarahan.
Present membership, ninety.
Audubon Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Instituted November 21,
1888, with sixty-one charter members. First officers: Mrs. Gertrude R.
Nash, worthy matron; Mrs. A. H. Roberts, worthy patron; Mrs. B. W.
Brown, associate matron; Eva Freeman, treasurer; Mrs. H. W. Hanna,
secretary; Mrs. H. W. Wilson, conductor.
Audubon Chapter No. 421, Order of the Eastern Star. Organized June
15, 1908. Chartered October 29, 1908. Charter members: Harriet M.
Bilharz, Martha A. Bryant, Christine Christensen, Agnes Cole, Lucile Cole,
Ada Currier, Drucca Davis, Nellie Farquhar, Alice Layland, Clara E. Mc-
Leran, Bertha Musson, Eva Eearls, Kathryn Simpson, Villa Talbott, Anna
Tramp, Nettie L. Ward, Ada K. W^ever, Emma K. Wilson, Walter A. Brain-
ard, Daniel L. Freeman, John A. Musson, Will R. Smith, Harper W. Wilson,
A. M. Currier.
These have held the office of worthy matron and worthy patron, respec-
tively: 1908-9 — Harriett M. Bilharz, worthy matron, Daniel L. Freeman,
worthy patron; 1910 — Clara E. McLeran, Arthur Fanjuhar; 191 1 — Anna
Tramp, Adam M. Currier; 1912 — Nellie Farquhar, George G. Wever; 1913 —
Etta Kennels, Joe H. Ross; 19 14 — Kathryn Simpson, George W. Wever;
191 5 — Ada K. Wever, Daniel L. Freeman.
Present membership, eighty-seven.
Aretas Lodge No. 396. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Instituted
August 17, 1879. Charter dated October 23. 1879. Charter members : Henry
E. Cole, William Mallory, S. B. Johnson, Samuel P. Rhoads. T. M. Acres,
George W. Myers.
These have held the office of noble grand : Henry E. Cole, Seth Paine,
J. F. Wells, J. W. Rosenburg, Evan Davis. Thomas J. Stafford, E. M. Funk,
Fred A. Buthweg, Joseph H. Breniman, O. A. Overfield, George W. Ellis,
William Cloughley, H. M. Stuart, Andrew J. Bailey, James R. Chandler,
John H. Frahm, Charles T. Tramp, Thomas J. P'rederick, Peter M. Sheafer,
Peter I. Drury. Melvin Nichols, Eugene M. Johnson, S. A. Aikeman, James
H. Baker, Harlan P. Albert, James L. Rippey, John F. Consigney, Henry J.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 247
Cooley, Henry Rohrbeck ; William H. Kelley, Jr., Joseph Dixon, William P.
McLaren, John T. Chapman, John Kennedy, Joseph Moody, George W.
Hoover, Roy L. Hibbs, William Hamilton, C. E. Delahoyde, Jens O. Christ-
ensen; Joe H. Ross, William Blohen, O. C. Donaldson, Harry Parrott, A. H.
Delahoyde, J. H. Freedline, William A. Thompson, George W. Oelke, John
M. Hite, Charles E. Nelson, H. M. McLuan, Howard E. Kettell, Jesse Graves,
John A. Graham, A. M. Carrier, George W. Dye, F. J. Schwardt.
Present membership, one hundred and five.
Allison Post No. 34, Grand Army of the Republic. Organized March
19, 1881. Re-organized May 4, 1883. It was named for Capt. Robert Alli-
son, Company C. Sixth Regiment, Iowa \^olunteer Infantry, who was killed
at Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863. Charter members: Elkanah S.
Foster, Seth Paine, H. C. Paul, W. P. Roades, Emerson H. Kimball, D. H.
Walker, Ethelbert J. Freeman, Elias W. Bechtal, J. B. Roades, John F. Con-
signey, Henry E. Cole, J. P. Gray, B. P. Schovill, Arthur L. Sanborn, J. C.
Williams, James Pollett, P. H. Anderson, David Adams, John Both, Robert
C. Cobean, Henry Newmire, C. P. Maple.
These comrades have held the office of post commander : Elkanah H.
Foster, 1881 ; Ethelbert J. Freeman, 1883; Melvin Nichols, 1884; J. W. B.
Cole, 1885; Clark H. Cross, 1886; J. Mai Bryan. 1887; Elisha Baxter, 1888;
Harper W. Wilson, 1889; Henry E. Cole, 1890; John S. Dennis, 1891 ; Henry
F. Andrews, 1892; Ed. B. Cousins, 1893; Jo^^ E. Sharp, 1894; A. S. Culver,
1895; Abner H. Edwards, 1896; G. H. Jones, 1897; George Agnew, 1898;
Charles Wilkins, 1899; Hiram M. Talbot, 1900; Joseph Ridpath, 1901 ; Mar-
tin Smith, 1902; J. W. Baker, 1903; William Lyman, 1904; John Ott, 1905;
Daniel L. Thomas, 1906; John C. Willson, 1907; Clark Wilson, 1908; Lewis
A. McGinnis, 1909; Ethelbert J. Freeman, 1910; Wesley H. Jay, 191 1 ; John
N. Brockway, 1912; George Agnew, 1913; Anthony N. Detwiler, 1914; J. C.
Fisher, 191 5.
Audubon Lodge No. 164, Knights of Pythias. Organized October 7,
1886. Charter members : William Cloughley, J. W. Rosenburg, Seth Paine,
Harlan P. Albert, Peter Book, H. H. Willis, William H. O'Connell, J. A.
Wheatley, Edwin Delahoyde, Peter W. Ledyard, Lewis D. Phelps, Alfred
L. Brooks, E. J. Smith, W. H. McClure, John Intween, Benjamin F. Howald,
C. H. Colson, W. D. Blackwood, John F. Consigney, Melvin Nichols, Hans
A. Christensen, S. A. Aukerman, G. R. Darlington, John A. Nash, Adelbert
L. Weaver, Henry B. Herbert, John H. Kate, John H. Rendleman.
Past chancellor commanders : Harlan P. Albert, P. W. Ledyard, Will-
iam H. O'Connell, John A. Nash, W.' H. McClure, Adelbert L. Weaver, W. H.
248 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Negley, J. A. Wheatley, Seth Paine, John Weighton, Frank E. Brainard,
Simeon L, VanScoy, Charles Vail, Frank Fish, Frank P. Rees, Harry D.
Fish, John H. Hosier, Ed. Dickinson, Ed. S. VanGorder, Robert C. Rice,
David, C. Mott, Orrin B. Train, Fred H. Blume, George E. Kellogg, Charles
E. Breniman, Arthur Farquhar, Peter A. Rasmussen, Hans Albertsen, Will-
iam J. Hamilton, Vern L. Culver.
Present membership, forty-two.
Audubon Woman's Relief Corps No. 38. Auxiliary to the Grand Army
of the Republic. Organized May 26, 1885. Charter dated September 15,
1885. Charter members: Lizzie Kimball, Emma Mathias, Esther Bryan,
Maria Needles, Almeda Nichols, Fannie E. Talbot, Myrtle Cole, Lydia E.
Rosenburg, Rachel Cole, Alice M. Consigney, Anna Edmondson, Sarah A.
Gardner, Delia Ott, Sarah G. Cason, Martha Peck, Mary Mathias.
Past Presidents : Emma Kimball, Alice M. Consigney, Lydia E. Rosen-
burg, Fannie E. Talbot, Ella L. Bell, Delia Ott, Lydia A. Chandler, Eliza
I. Moyer, Minerva Cole, Mina Bartch, Charity Aldrich, Agnes Cole, Mary
Kraus, Levina McGinnis.
Present membership, sixty-five.
Charles Stuart Camp No. 50, Sons of Veterans. Organized October
13, 1885. First officers: Daniel L. Freeman, first lieutenant; Charles H.
Rollins, second lieutenant; Edwin Delahoyde, first sergeant; Wilson S. Kim-
ball, cjuartermaster. Daniel L. Freeman, major of Iowa division, June, 1888.
It had a membership of fifty. Capt. Charles Stuart presented the camp
seventy-two breach-loading Springfield rifles and equipment. The camp
was disbanded years ago.
Audubon Lodge No. 158, The Danish Brotherhood in America. Organ-
ized December 17, 1902. First officers: Peter A. Rasmussen, past presi-
dent; J. P. Kilgar, president; Chris Hendricksen, vice-president; Nels Han-
sen, secretary; Hans Albertsen, treasurer; Ed Ruiss, Rasmus Rasmussen,
Jens C. Christensen, trustees; Henry Jacobsen, guide; Jacob W. Andersen,
inner guard ; Chris H. Berg, outer guard.
Charter members : N. G. Nelsen, Anders Lastine, Knud Fredericksen,
Chr. J. Roed, Ludvig Gamrath, Jens O. Chritsensen, Julius Rasmussen, L.
C. Larsen, Lawitz Madsen. Walter Jensen, Rasmus Sorensen, A. J. Jensen,
Chris Olsen, Steffen Mathisen, Niels Top, Lars O. Petersen, Mathias John-
son, Nels P. Petersen.
These have been president: Peter A. Rasmussen, J. P. Kelgar, Chris
Hendricksen, Jas Lang, Rasmus Rasmussen, Peter Mathisen, Jacob M. Ander-
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 249
sen, Haas Albertsen, Lars C. Christoffersen, Lars O. Petersen, Lars J.
Larsen.
Present membership, seventy-eight.
Freja Lodge No. 97, Danish Sisters Society in America. Date of
charter, February 22, 1907. First officers: Anna M. Vosmos, ex-presi-
dent; Neorline Kellogg, president; Christine Berg, vice-president; Jakoline
C. Rasmussen, secretary; Kirstine A. Christensen, treasurer; Kirstine M.
Christensen, Anna AL Olsen, Celia M. Johnsen, trustees; Lina Albertsen,
marshal; Kirstine H. Petersen, imier guard; Kirstine M. Knudsen, outer
guard.
Present membership, twenty-six.
ORGANIZATIONS AT BRAYTON.
Audubon Lodge No. 217, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The
oldest lodge in Audubon county. Organized at Louisville, Iowa, October
19, 1871. Removed to Oakfield, Iowa, 1874, and in 1882 to Brayton, Iowa.
Charter members: Daniel W. Miller, Orris C. Keith, Francis J. Shrauger,
Richard Gault, J. F. Low, John B. Connrardy.
These have held the office of noble grand: Daniel W. Miller, Francis
J. Shranger, Orris C. Keith, Isaac V. D. Lewis, Giles N. Jones, Samuel
Minser, John B. Conrardy, John T. Jenkins, Joseph Doner, Peter F. Howell,
Isaac H. Jenkins, C. Adelbert Heath, Horace M. Bartlett, Thomas J. Essing-
ton, Joseph Reynolds, Charles L. Bison, James L. x\nderson, Erwin A. Jones,
Walter Brown, Evelyn Wood, Ward B. Smith, William R. Koob, Ed. Cot-
ton, Sidney McGuire, Jacob P. Bendixen, Ludwig F. Miller, Hans Nymand,
Jacob Blom, Silas B. Clark, Lewis P. Rasmussen, John Lorah, Samuel B.
Green, Hans Hansen, Peter Beck, Warren G. Chase, John W. Cannon,
N. M. Nelson.
Present membership, forty-eight.
Brayton Lodge No. 567, Daughters of Rebekah. Chartered February
14, 1907. Charter members: Horace W. Bartlet and wife and daughter,
Mildred; Charles L. Bisom and wife and daughter, Imo; Hans Hansen and
wife and daughter, Alma; Erwin A. Jones and wife; Samuel B. Green and
wife; Lewis P. Rasmussen and wife; Ward P. Smith and wife; Clyde
Bowen, Evelyn Wood, H. S. Burton, Peter F. Howell.
These ladies have held the office of noble grand: Jeanette Bartlett,
Mrs. Charles L. Bisom, Mrs. Lewis P. Rasmussen, Ray Miller, Vivian Bart-
250 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
lett, Ardine Bartlett, Gladys Chamberlain, Ethel Bisom, ]\Irs. B. M. Gross,
Minnie Aliller. Airs. Warren G. Chase, Edna Hansen.
Present membership, forty-one.
Brayton Camp No. 2900, Modern Woodmen of America. Charter
dated April 17, 1895. Charter members: Jacob P. Bendixen, Hans Xymand,
Peter C. Knudsen, Jacob Blom, Jesse Nymand, William R. Koob, David A.
Carpenter,. P. C. Petersen, Ludwig F. Miller, Peter J. Hansen, John A.
Stender.
These have held the office of venerable consul : Jacob P. Bendixen,
William R. Koob, Thomas J. McGovern, Daniel W. Chamberlin, Ray G.
Chamberlin, Raymond Miller, John A. Johnson, Ludwig F. Miller, Howard
M. Parrott, and others.
Present membership, one hundred and twenty.
Danish Brotherhood Lodge No. 297. Organized September i. 1913.
Officers: Peter Beck, president; Hans Anderson, secretary; Martin L.
Beck, cashier; Peter Christensen, R. Nielson and Chr. Hansen, trustees.
Present membership, thirty-two.
ORGANIZATIONS AT EXIRA.
Exodus Lodge No. 342, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Charter
dated June 3. 1875. Thirteen charter members. First officers: William
J. Harris, worshipful master; Thomas Walker, senior warden; Edwin C.
Wadsworth. junior warden; Alonzo L. Campbell, secretary; Appolonius
B. Houston, treasurer; H. Ransford, senior deacon; James P. Lair, junior
deacon ; George Colph, tyler.
These have held the office of worshipful master: \\"illiam J. Harris,
Thomas ^^'alker, Ethelbert J. Freeman. George Hardenbrook, Francis J.
Shrauger. W. \\'. Sickles, Erwin \\'atson. John Riley. Thomas H. Allen.
Thomas J. Coglan, William H. Jones, James P. Lair. Hiram H. Dimick, Al
Voorhees, Leroy J. Oldaker. John Schlater, Ernest D. Powell, B. F. Kreamer,
J. B. J. Lohnor.
Present membership, seventy-two.
Exodus Chapter No. 313, Order of the Eastern Star. Charter dated
October 23, 1901. Charter members: Jennie M. Andrews, Alice Conn-
rardy, Lucille Connrardy, Jane V. Dimick, Iva Erickson, Sadie Hamlin,
Nola Hamler, Jessamine Hunt, Anna ]McAninch, Mar\' J. Riley, Dena Stat-
zell, Sadie Shrauger, Eva Voorhees, Ida Wissler, Claude N. Andrews, John
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 25 1
B. Connrardy, Hiram H. Dimick, John J. Dimick, Robert E. L. Hamlin,
John Riley, Alfred Voorhees, Henry L. Wissler.
Present membership, about eighty.
Exira Lodge No. i8i, Knights of Pythias. Organized August 31,
1887. Charter dated October 6, 1887. Charter members: Francis J.
Shrauger, Henry F. Andrews, Erwin Watson, F. W. Shaw, Charles H. An-
drews, William E. Coleman, John Hunter, William Carpenter, Albert C.
Andrews, William H. Alilliman, George C. Jeffries, Otto Witthauer, Fred
L. Andrews, Theodore Patty, John Crane, Horace M. Bartlett, Charles N.
Milliman, Nels P. Christensen.
These have held the office of chancellor commander : Henry F. An-
drews, 1887, 1900; Erwin Watson, 1888; William E. Coleman, 1889;
Charles H. Andrews, 1890; Otto Witthauer, 1891 ; J. Mack Thomas, 1892;
George Henshaw, 1893; George Conklin, 1894; Samuel Brown, 1895; Alfred
Voorhees, 1896; J. O. Howard, 1897; Norton J. Marietta, 1898; John C.
Newlon, 1899; Chris. A. Rasmussen, 1900; Henry L. Wissler, 190J; Perry
Hansen, 1902; Victor E. Gearheart, 1903; Chester W. Marlin, 1904-5;
Fred A. Nims, 1905; Leroy J. Oldaker, 1906; Theodore Patty, 1907;
Charles Findley, 1908; Ernest D. Powell, 1908-9; John M. Dimick, 1910;
Peter M. Christensen, 191 1; Charles O. Hunt, 1912; Albert C. Andrews,
1913; John K. Vander Brake, 1914.
Present membership, seventy-two.
Exira Temple No. 245, Pythian Sisters. Charter dated September 3,
1912. Charter members: Mrs. May Dimick, Mrs. Maud Oldaker, Mrs.
Anna \ ande Brake, Mrs. Elizabeth Rethmier, Miss Lillian Dyer, Mrs.
Viola Christensen, Mrs. Katheryn Cotton, Mrs. Genevieve Harv^ey, Mrs.
Katheryn Kroeger.
These ladies have held the office of most excellent chief : ]\Irs. Katheryn
Kroeger, Mrs. May Dimick. Mrs. Katheryn Cotton, Mrs. Maude Oldaker.
Present membership, sixty- four.
J. C. Newlon Camp No. 2820, Modern Woodmen of America, organ-
ized March 20, 1895. Charter members: George L. Knapp, Thomas H.
Allen, Jacob Bauer, William W. Marietta, Robert L. Houston, John L
Hensley, August Heckman, Bert Hardenbrook, Benjamin F. Davis, W. D.
Stanley, Charles W. Houston, John P. Aupperlee, John C. Newlon, John
Peters, Otto Witthauer, S. Frank Wilcox, Fred Bartlet, H. A. Peters,
William F. Davis, William Woodward, W. C. Aupperlee, D. D. Hunt,
George W. Conklin, Frank L. Odell, Frank M. Hensley.
These have held the office of venerable consul : Otto Witthuaer, Frank
252 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
L. Odell, Charles M. Oberholtz, Charles T. Waits, Abel S. Stone, Thomas
H. Allen, John C. Newlon, Grant Jones, Ernest B. Voss, John Vander
Brake.
Present membership, fifty-nine.
Exira Lodge No. 251, Ancient Order of United Workmen. Insti-
tuted June 28, 1884. Charter dated July 15, 1884. Charter members and
first officers : W. W. Banner, past master workman ; George Hardenbrook,
master workman; Benjamin F. Thomas, g t ; George C. Jeff-
ries, overseer; Thomas G. Bryant, recorder; William W. Sickles, financier;
Charles F. Willcutt, receiver; Charles F. Howlett, guide; Thomas H. Allen,
inner watchman; Charles H. Howe, outer watchman; John W. Freeland,
William H. Millerman, Webster Heath, John Riley.
These members have held the office of master workman : George Har-
denbrook, Benjamin F. Thomas, George C. Jeffries, Thomas G. Bryant,
William W. Sickles, Henshaw, Charles F. Willcutt, Thomas H. Allen, Rob-
ert C. Watterson, John Riley, Wesley C. Smith, William H. Jones, Andrew
J. Bruner, William Milliman, John C. Newlon, George Leffingwell, Henry
L. Wissler, George W. Kreamer, George Milliman, Fremont Anders,
Present membership, thirty-one.
Oliver P. Morton Post No. 35, Grand Army of the Republic. Char-
ter granted by P. V. Cary, department commander, dated September 21,
1881. Charter members: Richard W. Griggs, Benjamin Elcenhover, H.
S. Cisney, George W. Bailey, John B. Connrardy, John T. Hill, W. R.
Dafford, A. J. Brown, Peter Tharnish, Frank Dorr, Joseph H. Bell, H. F.
Andrews. Reorganized February 19, 1884; December 2, 1889; and October
16, 1903.
These have been past commanders: 1881, Richard W. Griggs; 1884,
Benjamin F. Thomas; 1884, James P. Lair; 1889, William H. Seavey;
1891, Samuel D. Harn; 1892, William H. Bowman; 1893-5, John B. Conn-
rardy; 1895, Hiram H. Dimick ; 1906, H. F. Andrews; 1907, Joesph H.
Bell; 1909, William Bintner; 1910, John T. Hill; 191 1, William C. Stur-
gen; 1912, William E. Davis; 1913, Thomas J. Adair; 1914, Hugh W.
Copeland; 191 5, Daniel Artist.
Exira Tent No. 41, Knights of the Maccabees. Organized November
30, 1894. Charter dated March 19, 1895. First officers: George C. Kerr,
past sir knight commander; Bert R. Leaman, sir knight commander; B. E.
Breniman, sir knight lieutenant commander; Frank B. Kerr, sir knight
record keeper; Thomas Lohner, sir knight finance keeper; E. A. Tarnish,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 253
sir knight chaplain; John Burmister, sir knight sergeant; N. P. Lauritzen,
sir knight physician; Wilham Mogg, sir knight master at arms; Charles
N. Milliman, sir knight first master guard; Albert C. Andrews, sir knight
second master guard; Dim. Rieff, sir knight sentinel; George W. Guernsey,
sir knight picket.
These members have held the office of sir knight commander: Bert
R. Leaman, Charles E. Breniman, Al Voorhees, O. B. Breniman, J. G.
Wheelock, Thomas Dustin, C. E. Drake, Charles Fulton, S. A. Hicks, W.
F. Williams, John Riley, Jr., Henry F. Bush.
Present membership, forty-four.
Brayton Lodge No. 31, The Danish Brotherhood in America. Organ-
ized at Brayton. Charter dated December 20, 1888. Transferred to Exira.
First officers: Hans Hansen, past president; Jacob Bloom, president; Jacob
P. Bendixen, vice-president; Peter Jacobsen, secretary; Chris Christensen,
treasurer; Peter Neilsen, guide; Hans Symand, inner guard; Nels L. Beck,
outer guard.
Present membership, fifty-one.
Denmarks Lodge No. 108, The Danish Sisters Society in America.
Charter dated February 28, 1908. First officers: Sine Gude, past presi-
dent; Marie Lohner, president; Eline M. Hansen, vice-president; Marie
Hansen, secretary; Kathrine Hansen, treasurer; Karen Andersen, guide;
Alma Hansen, inner guard; Christina Nelsen, outer guard.
Modern National Reserve. Organized at Exira, October, 1903. Its
officers were: William E. Brinkerhoff, president; Mary Fulton, vice-presi-
dent; Hattie Witthauer, secretary and treasurer; Amber Kelsey, chaplain;
William Milliman, guide; Adam Seibert, inner guard; Charles Milliman,
outer guard.
It had a large membership, who were transferred to the American
Nobles. They were again transferred to the Fraternal Aid Union, of Den-
ver, Colorado, in 1913. Present officers: Adam Seibert, president; Mary
Fulton, secretary and treasurer.
Present membership, thirty-five.
Exira Homestead No. 805, Brotherhood of American Yeomen.
Organized October 18, 1901. Officers: Norton J. Marietta, foreman; John
Martin, master of ceremony; Elizabeth Martin, correspondent; George Mar-
tin, master of accounts; Arthur Hawk, physician; D. R. Simpkins, watch-
man ; Fred Bechtold, sentinel ; Charles McCord, guard.
Present membership, thirteen.
254 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
ORGANIZATIONS AT GRAY.
Utopia Lodge No. i6i, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Organ-
ized April 20, 1888, by D. W. Powers. Chartered October 18, 1888. Char-
ter members : O. B. Francisco, James S. Fisher, Samuel F. Donaldson,
John T. Day, Thomas J. Spilker, H. W. Lebeck, Joseph E. Freetly.
These members have held the office of noble grand: 1888, Joseph
E. Freetly; 1889, James S. Fi.sher, Thomas J. Spilker; 1890, O. B. Fran-
cisco, Cash U. Taylor; 1891, Walter J. Audas, Samuel F. Garmire; 1892,
J. A. Campbell, Frank P. Huffman; 1893, Frank R. McLaughlin. William
T. Emily; 1894, Mills E. Greenlee, George Wever; 1895, William L. Hamil-
ton, Charles Tucker; 1896. Samuel C. Randalls, Milton D. Crow; 1897,
William J. Lancelot, Samuel Keat; 1898, William H. Lancelot, William Z.
Scott; 1899, John C. French, Lewis E. Edwards; 1900, Lawrence A. Beers,
Wallace Bolton; 1901, Theron B. Crevling, Lawrence A. Beers; 1902, L.
B. Graves, Joseph L. Xedrow; 1903, K. G. Lancelot, Horace B. Shelley;
1904, Frank R. McLaughlin, August G. Fosbeck; 1905, William Barger,
Fred Baumann; 1906, Chris. Jensen, D. O. Corner; 1907, D. C. Chirsten-
sen, Elmer Dyer; 1908, Charles Garmire, Louis Hansen; 1909, Ralzo Rol>
inson, George Wever; 1910, George Garber; 1911, William Brandherst,
Charles E. McLaughlin; 1912, Ira Miller, Ray McLaughlin; 1913, A. G.
McMullen, D. O. Corner; 1914, Robert L. Clark, Ralzo Robinson; 191 5,
Frank R. IMcLaughlin.
Present membership, forty-eight.
Canterbury Bell Lodge, No. 506, Daughters of Rebekah. Charter dated
December 9. 1900. Charter members: Theron B. Creveling, Mrs. Lou
Creveling, William J. Lancelot, Phoel^e A. Lancelot, J. A. Nelson, Horace B.
Shelley, Mrs. H. B. Shelley, J. L. Nedrow, Anna Nedrow, Mollie E. Barger,
Bertha Shelley, Clara Shelley, Thomas S. Wilson. ]\Iaggie E. Wilson, Charles
Tucker, Walter J. Andas, Jennie Andas, Henry F. Wolf, Jr., William Z.
Scott, L. E. Edwards, J. C. Hensch, Tillie Hensch.
These ladies have held the office of noble grand: Phoebe Lancelot,
Lou Creveling, Marguerite Wilson. Jennie Audas, Eva Beers, Anna Nedrow,
Bertha Shelley. Lizzie Heff, Cora McLaughlin, Mable Barger, Ella Denton.
Sadie Denton, Myrtle Corner, Ella Forsbeck. Cora Weaver, Matilda Jensen,
Grace Cameron, Nettie Wernig. Lillian Farrell, Mary Wever, May I.
McLaughlin. ]\Iay Shingledecker. Marie Jensen. Gayetta Farrell, Jessie Bar-
ber, Bessie Bunker.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 255
Present membership, thirty-nine.
Gray Camp No. 2952, Modern Woodmen of America. Chartered May
9, 1895. Charter members : Lawrence A. Beers, R. D. Henderson, Frank
P. Huffman, LoveU Estes, A. Kitson, J. F._ Benson, J. A. Campbell, Fred C.
Hepp. Oliver Bicknor, Samuel F. Garmire. Frank R. McLaughlin, George
Chamberlin, W. A. Dewitt, Charles Rogers, James Barnack, Frank Ginthers,
J. J. Stuart, A. B. Comstock, Harlan Kennells, D. H. Steere, William J.
Lancelot.
ORGANIZATIONS AT HAMLIN.
Hamlin Lodge No. 256, Danish Brotherhood in America. Chart-
ered March 25, 1907. Charter members and first officers : Niels A. B. Jen-
sen, ex-president ; Peter J. Juel, president ; Vilh Olsen, president ; Jens F.
Petersen, secretary; Jorgen R. Petersen, treasurer; Olaf N. Olsen, Fredrick
C. P. Nissen, John E. Tvenstrup, trustees ; Carl C. Tvenstrup, conductor ;
Rasmus Nielsen, inner guard ; Fred Christensen, outer guard.
These members have held the office of president : Peter J. Juel, Peter
N. Olsen, N. J. Jensen, Fredrick C. P. Nissen, Jacob Andersen, Johan
Petersen.
Present membership, twenty-seven.
ORGANIZATIONS AT KIMBALLTON.
Fremad Lodge No. 21, The Danish Brotherhood in America. Chartered
May 13. 1913. Charter members; P. J. P. Kelgor, Anders Hansen, Rasmus
Broker, Laurids Theodor Jensen, Oscar E. T. Hartel, Ole Jansen, Lars Ras-
mussen, Lars Peter Nielsen, Knud Jorgensen Petersen. Conrad Nielsen,
Johannes Vester.
These have held the office of president ; Jens J. P. Kelgor, Rasmus
Broker, Andrew Hansen.
CHAPTER XVIII.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
EXIRA.
Exira is the oldest town that has survived in the county. It was laid
out on lot i6 and the south one-fourth of lot 9, in section 4, Exira town-
ship, comprising fifty acres of clean prairie. Its location was all that could
have been desired, being situated on a beautiful elevated bench, half a mile
east from the fork of David's creek, with the Nishua Botna river, with
groves up to the very borders of the town. It was surveyed and platted by
Peoria I. Whitted, under direction of David Edgerton and Judge Daniel
M. Harris, on the land of Mr. Edgerton, who owned a large tract of the
adjoining premises. Judge Harris is entitled to credit for founding the
town and was owner of the unrecorded, undivided half of the enterprise.
It was first intended that its name should be Viola, after a daughter of Mr.
Edgerton, but Judge John Eckman, from Ohio, a kinsman of the Cranes,
being here at the time, proposed to buy a lot if the proprietors would name
the town after his daughter. Miss Exira Eckman, which was accordingly
done. The name is of Spanish origin. One cause for the foundation of the
town was that the Dodge route for the railroad was surveyed through the
town site. It proved an ignis fatuits, which lured many people, first and
last, to settle in the vicinity, and the influence continued down to the time
of building the railroad, 1878.
The town had an auspicious opening by a sale of its lots at public auc-
tion. Mr. Harris cried the sale, and the proceeds for the first day aggre-
gated one thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars. It was easily the lead-
ing town in the county from its start, and held its prestige against all com-
ers until the town of Audubon succeeded to the honor in 1879. Mr. Edger-
ton reserved all of block 4 for his homestead, and Judge Harris reserv^ed
block 8 for a like purpose for himself and erected thereon his dwelling
house, the first in town. This was quickly succeeded by the erection of
dwellings the same year by John R. Thacker, Franklin Hobbs, A. B. Hous-
ton and David Edgerton. During the succeeding year a commodious school
a
NORTH SJIDE OF WASHINGTON STREET. EXIRA.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 25/
house was erected (see sketch of Hon. Daniel M. Harris). A hotel was
b^uilt by Palmer Rodgers, and other residences were erected by Charles
Chapin, Zel Edgerton, Asa Haskins, William Nelson and Urbane Herrick.
A workshop was also built by Mr. Harris, but was soon converted into an
office.
In 1859 other residences were erected by Harriet McGinnis, William
Pangburn, \\^illiam Bush, Doctor Ham, and perhaps others. Deacon
Lyman Bush came here in 1857 ^^^ purchased the residence built by his
son-in-law, Franklin Hobbs. He was the shoemaker. Daniel Crane and
his sons, David L. Anderson, Bryant Milliman and Levi B. Montgomery
lived near the town. Crane and Anderson were blacksmiths. Palmer
Rodgers came in 1856 and built the hotel the following year, on the south
side of block 2, which he sold to Franklin Burnham, and moved away. Burn-
ham sold to Stillman H. Perry and moved away; Perry kept the hotel until
about 1872, and was succeeded by Mrs. Mattie L Luccock until 1874.
About 1875, ^t was occupied by William P. Hamlin. The old house and
barn were torn down as early as 1879.
POSTMASTERS.
David L. Anderson was the first postmaster of Exira, before the town
was laid out. The subsequent postmasters have been: Daniel M. Harris,
Franklin Burnham, Carlos E. Frost, John D. Bush, Benjamin F. Thacker,
Caleb Bundy, George Hardenbrook, W. A. Mills, William Millerman,
David Workman, Hugh W. Copeland, John B. Connrardy, Ernest D.
Powell and B. F. Kreamer.
EARLY PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS MEN.
Judge Harris was the first lawyer in the county, as well as in Exira,
and was county judge from 1856 to 1861, inclusive. See sketch and men-
tion of him in other parts of this work.
Peoria L Whitted settled at Exira when the town was started, and
lived there the remainder of his life. He was county surveyor many years;
surveyed several of the towns and additions thereto; also, many of the
county roads ; retraced the lines of the original surveys and subdivided
large areas of the lands in the county and in adjoining counties. No sur-
veyor of Audubon county ever did more of such kind of work.
(17)
258 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Darius Barlow kept merchandise for sale in his dwelling house (die
old Pangburn house), on the northwest corner of block 11. He was a
boisterous character, but a stout Union man, who refused to sell ammuni-
tion to Southern sympathizers in war times.
Carlos E. Frost was county treasurer and lived in Exira in 1864-5.
Wi'-liam P. Hamlin came to Exira in i860 and bought the residence of
Judge Harris. (See personal sketch of him elsewhere in this work).
About 1864 A. B. Houston brought a good line of merchandise and
kept store in a shanty on the site of the Millie Hash residence in block 12,
and continued the business with some changes until 1870, his son, Henry,
and John R. Thacker being associated in the business part of the time.
During the period from 1866 to 1869, inclusive, Mr. Houston was county
treasurer; county judge during 1862-3; deputy clerk of court, 1865. From
1856 to about 1866 he was associated with Nathaniel Hamlin a portion of
the time in the real estate agency. He did the largest business in the county
from 1865 to 1870, and was agent for a large amount of lands, includmg
the Imsiness of the American Emigrant Company, who had many sheep
let out in Audubon, Cass and Shelby counties. He had l)y far the best busi-
ness opportunities of any man in Exira up to liis time, but was not equal to
the demand, and let it slip through his fingers. He lost heavily by extend-
ing credit in his business. In 1870 he built the Houston house, on the site
of the present Park hotel, conducted it for several years, and sold out. It
burned down and on the same spot a new hotel was erected, which is now
standing. Several men engaged in the l)lacksmith business in a small way
for a dozen years. In i86q, Aljram Campbell came here frc^m Wisconsin
and started a gocjd blacksmith shop ; and in connection with it. a wagon
and repair shop, conducted for several years by John Cannon and Luke
Knapp. Campl)ell was succeeded, aliout 1879, by John Hicks. Many others
have since engaged in the business.
In 1865 John D. BusTi, who was a Massachusetts Yankee, kept goods
for sale in a rented house used as a residence. In 1866 he put up a good-
sized store building, with residence attached, on the northeast corner of
block 6. where he kept the l)est and largest assorted stock of merchandise in
the county up to that time. His boots and shoes and codfish were unex-
celled, and he was postmaster. He hauled his goods mostly from Des
Moines by teams, and Charley Van Gorder was his clerk and was the dravv-
ing card in the concern. He sold out in 1873-4 to Harris Brothers, and
they sold, in 1875, to Stotts & Houston, who moved t(j West Exira in 1879.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 259
The old store burned down in 1899, and the present building was erected
by James P. McAninch.
About 1858 a one-story building, about sixteen feet square, was built
by Judge Harris for a shop, on block 8, and used by him for an office a
short time. It was sold to the county and moved to the east side of the
public square, where it was used for the county offices, and where the county
records were kept until 1874. The county then owned no other building,
and the courts were held in the school house.
On September i, 1873, A. B. Hanston. John A. Hallock, A. Campbell,
Charley Van Gorder, John D. Bush and P. I. Whitted executed a bond
to Audubon county in the sum of five thousand dollars binding themselves
to furnish a building for courts and county offices free, so long as the county
seat should remain at Exira. Early the next year the Exira Hall Company
was incorporated, and sold its stock sufficient to erect a building to be used
for court house and county offices, which was l^uilt on the southwest corner
of block I, at the cost of over two thousand two hundred dollars. The
same building is now owned and occupied by the Knights of Pythias lodge.
It was occupied by the county until the county seat was removed to Audubon
in 1879.
PROPOSED COURT HOUSE.
On September i, 1871, the board of supervision appropriated six thou-
sand nine hundred and forty-eight dollars for the erection of a court house
at Exira, and a tax of four mills was levied for that purpose. Plans were
gotten out and brick were bought from Van Gorder and heaped up in big
piles on the public square preparatory for erecting the building. Then a
court house fight began. The supervisors were enjoined from building
the house, and on January 18, 1873, the case was settled, the injunction
acquiesced in. and the court house tax refunded, all of which involved several
law suits, and which ended the building of a court house at Exira.
H. F. Andrews, in 1873, built the first brick building erected in Audu-
bon county. It was built for an office and was eighteen by forty feet in
size, and was located on block 6.
In 1876 the trees were planted in the "public park, being donated by
Alfred E. Bartlett and Thomas Walker. The plan was laid out by H. F.
Andrews and Samuel D. Harn.
John A. Hallock was admitted to the bar in 1863, but never practiced.
In 1868 John W. Scott, a lawyer, came here from Bloomfield, Iowa, and.
in connection with the office of clerk of the district court, to which he was
26o AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
elected in 1868, practiced his profession. In iSyirZ he was in charge ol
the Hamhn Town Company, and put up a vigorous fight to change the
county seat to Hamhn, but met with signal defeat. In 1869 Daniel W.
Scribner and John M. Griggs were admitted to the bar in Exira and formed
a partnership with H. F. Andrews in the law and real estate business.
Scribner withdrew from the firm the same year. In 1870 H. F. Andrews
was admitted to the bar and a law partnership formed by Andrews &
Griggs, which continued until October, 1873; during which period they
established a lucrative business and had an extensive acquaintance.
In 1872, J. M. Rendleman, M. D., came here from Atlanta, Ga., and
at once established an extensive practice. He still resides here, but lived
several years in Audubon. Charles H. Andrews, M. D., a popular physician,
settled here in 1875. He died in 1896, regretted by a wide acquaintance.
John Riley, M. D., came in 1880, and John C. Newlon, M. D., in 1893.
Both live here at present, in regular practice. Charles Van Gorder, Esq.,
is deserving of more than passing notice. (See sketch of him elsewhere
in this work and in the chapter on political parties.) He came here by
way of Missouri, in red hot abolition times, during the Kansas-Nebraska
troubles. He was an utter stranger and some speculation was indulged as
to his business in coming here. "Uncle Natty" Hamlin was suspicious and
did not fancy him, and volunteered the opinion: "I can tell what he is; he
is a ganned nigger stealer, sir!" But Charley was clear of any such impu-
tation. He found employment with "Billy" Nelson in the brick yard at
Exira.
AN UNAPPRECIATED JOKE.
Perk Smith tells of a good incident which happened at that time. Nel-
son was burning a brick kiln, and some of the boys met there one evening,
John R. Thacker among them. It was suggested that the fires in the kiln
offered a fine opportunity to roast chickens. Thacker was in for it, and
suggested that Deacon Bush had some chickens which would be just the
thing. He proposed that some of the bo5^s should procure the chickens ana
that he and Van Gorder would prepare the mud for roasting them. The
process consists in covering the chicken, feathers and all, w'ith a casing of
soft clay, and placing the mass in a hot fire until cooked. It is then removed
from the fire, the crust of clay, feathers and skin removed, leaving a
tootlisome morsel, which can hardly be excelled by any other style of the
culinary art. The boys returned with a sackful of chickens, which were
cooked a la proper, and the feast was enjoyed. Thacker was merry over
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 261
it, and wondered what the deacon would say in the morning upon missing
his chickens. But the event never happened. When Thacker went to his
own chicken house it was empty! He considered himself the victim of a
dirty, unpardonable trick, and treated his late companions with unmitigated
scorn and contempt. He failed to see the beauty of the joke.
In 1862 Van Gorder enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry as a
private, and served in the Western Army. He participated in the battle of
Altoona Pass, under the gallant General Corse, where he was wounded.
He filled all offices up to captain in his company, was discharged at the
close of the war, and returned to Exira in 1865. In 1866 he made a freight-
ing trip to Denver with ox teams and returned. Afterwards he was a
brickmaker in Exira on his own account. During 1867 to 1869, inclusive,
he was clerk in the store of John D. Bush, at Exira.
After serving four years as county treasurer, 1870-3, he organized the
Audubon County Bank at Exira, the first banking house in the county, and
has continued in the business to the present time.
MUNICIPAL ITEMS.
Exira was incorporated on December 13, 1880. These have been may-
ors of the town: John R. Ridge, 1881 ; David L. Anderson, 1881 ; Erwin
Watson, 1 881; Richard W. Griggs, 1882; John B. Connrardy, 1883-4; A.
B. Houston, 1885; Joseph E. Toft, 1886-9; Charles T. Wilcutt, 1890-1 ;
James P. Lair, 1892; Isaac L. vStatzell, 1893-4; Van B. Hellyer, 1895;
Charles T. Breniman, 1896-8; C. A. Marlin, 1900-1 ; George F. Kapp,
1902-3; Leroy J. Oldaker, 1903; H. F. Andrews. 1904-5; Charles E. Nichols,
1905; John O. Howard, 1906-7; Nels Hansen, 1908-9; John H. Rendle-
man, 1910-11; T. M. Rassmussen, 1912-15.
Houston's addition was laid out by A. B. Houston on September 2,
1878, on lot 15, section 4, Exira township.
West Exira was laid out by H. F. Andrews, William F. Stotts, Henry
B. Houston, John M. Griggs and L. C. Van Hook, on March 29, 1879, and
is situated on lots 5, 6, 11 and 12, in section 4, Evira township.
Exira Heights was laid out by U. S. Herrick, James F. McAnnich
and Edwin Delahoyde, on March 13, 1894, on lot 12, section 3, and lot 9,
section 4, Exira township.
Gates' addition was laid out by J. E. and J. G. Gates on July 9, 1894,
on lot 13, section 3, Exira township.
On May 11, 1887, a big fire destroyed the buildings on the south side
262 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
of block 3, Exira, the main business street, which was rebuilt with remark-
able rapidity and replaced by brick business houses.
SCHOOLS.
The schools of Exira, from the beginning, have been justly celebrated
for excellence. Their early equipments, while not equal to present condi-
tions, were up to the standard of neighboring pioneer facilities. The first
school house, twenty-four by thirty feet in size, was built in 1858. The
seats, of different lengths, were clumsy furniture, made of stout, dressed
walnut plank, with open rail backs of the same material. The desks, of
the same material, were huge, four-posted boxes, with hinged tops, and
were not fastened to the fioor. The manufacturers were supposed to have
been Judges Harris and Houston, and, like the fellows dancing, if not pretty,
they were strong. The house was remodeled and has been used as a dwell-
ing for many years, on its original site.
In 1 87 1 four thousand dollars had been appropriated for a brick school
house at Exira. But, by some kind of shuffling on the part of the school
officers, the first warning that Exira people had, a contract was let to John
Cannon for the erection of a frame school house at the cost of two thou-
sand three hundred dollars. It was clear that Exira had been tricked out of
their brick school house. A two-story, two-room pine box was erected on
the present school house premises. It was not a thing of beauty, nor a joy.
In 1884 the school house was enlarged l)y the erection of an impos-
ing two-story edifice of six rooms, adjoining and in front of the for-
mer building, at the cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. It was
fairly suitable for the town schools until recent years. It was torn down
and removed in 191 5, after the erection of the present new school house.
During the year 1914-15, additional ground was procured, and a new
brick school house, fifty-nine by ninety-nine feet, two stories and basement,
was erected and equipped, at a cost of thirty-eight thousand dollars. It is
modern in every detail ; equipped with steam heating system, thermostatic
ventilation, waterworks, and fire hose, fire escapes, fire alarm and electric
lights, telephone, sanitary drinking fountains, bath rooms, closets and ward-
robes. It contains boiler room, with coal and ash bins ; engine room; a
gymnasium in the basement, thirty-two Ijy sixty feet, eighteen feet high;
domestic science room, with dining room and pantry attached ; manual train-
ing room ; assembly room ; seven grade class rooms and three recitation
rooms ; superintendent's office, library, laboratory, rest rooms and lunch
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 263
rooms. The school grounds are ample, with agricultural building in the
rear. Also there is a septic tank in the rear for receiving the sewer drain-
age from the building. School experts pronounce it the best-appointed and
equipped school house of its size in the state at this time.
The corps of instructors consist of a superintendent and nine subor-
dinate teachers. The payroll for the present year is $6,500. In addition
to being a fully accredited high school, it has been designated a teacher's
training school by the state superintendent of public instruction, and, as
such, receives state aid of seven hundred and fifty dollars a year. Non-
resident pupils are in attendance annually. The number of such pupils for
1914-15 was thirt)^-seven. The total number of pupils enrolled for the cur-
rent year is two hundred and sixty-hve.
The independent district of Exira embraces the west half of section
2, all of section 3, all of section 4, except the south half of the southwest
quarter, and the west half of the northwest quarter of section 10, all in
Exira township.
About 1879-80, Professor Wilcutt, who was then principal of the
school, prepared a plan for grading the school and a course of study appli-
cable to the work. The school board, then consisting of George Harden-
brook, William J. Harris. Dr. James M. Rendleman, Hon. John A. Hallock
and H. E. Andrews, made the proper order establishing the various grades
for the school, also the course of study, in harmony with the recommenda-
tion of Professor Wilcutt.
The teachers employed from the first have been usually of good ability
and their efficiency advanced in harmony with the public demand. Those
who have been in charge of the school have been : Louis Harvout, Edwin
S. Hill. Mary Crane, David B. Beers, George S. Montgomery, Benjamin
E. Thomas, John A. Hallock, Beulah Sylvester. Samuel E. Smith, Daniel
\\'. Scribner, John M. Griggs, Charles H. Andrews, Charles D. Gray, George
Lindsey, A. E. Clarendon, Harmon G. Smith, George I. Miller, Curtis,
Charles E. Wilcutt, Carl Ross, David P. Repass, Elva Thompson. W. H.
Fort. William H. Brinkerhoft', John ]\I. Crocker, Louie Sorensen, Charles
W. Johnson, John L. Conger, P. M. Hersom. Ered A. Sims. B. J. Gallag-
her, Helen Carson, J. L. Harper, William H. Hoyman.
It is impossible at this time to even name the subordinate teachers.
Among them were Mrs. Beulah Slyvester and Mrs. Margaret J. Roseman,
who should be remembered with affection and gratitude for their untiring
efforts to assist the boys and girls who attended under their instruction.
264 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
THE HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI.
For most years beginning with 1889, the high school has graduated a
class, to wliom regular diplomas have been issued. The following is a list
of graduates to the present time:
1889. Jessie M. Shaw.
1 89 1. Thomas Dustin, Frank Shranger, Fred Gates, Verna Croy,
Rosa Powell.
1892. Walter Marietta, Roxie Huyck, Charlie Gates, Louie Welch.
1893. Ross Hardenbrook, Anna Carpenter, Gertie Gates, Trola Born,
Beth Henry.
1894. Anna Hanson, Margaret McNally, B. F. Kreamer, \\'ill An-
ders, Edna McAffee, Charles Kommes.
1895. Nettie Bruner, Cecelia Peterman, Edith Davis, Stella ]\Iaster-
son, Florence Rathburn, Florence Hill, Chalmer Sturgeon.
1896. Hattie Huyck, Ola Williams, William Deweese.
1897. Albert Guidinger, Samuel Hicks, Connaught D. Hunter, Frank
Guidinger, Peace Hayes, Kittie Jobes, Charles Fulton, Randall Hunter,
(orrove Rathburn.
1898. Harriet Jenkins, Jennie Bennett, Ella McNallv, Lee McAninch,
Will Wissler.
1899. Ethel Riley, Ethel Hicks, Rose Faust. Lucille Connrardy, Myr-
tle Hellyer.
1900. Maude Campbell, Amy Conger, Eva Tulbert, Berta Gano, Susie
Huyck, Lester Peterman.
1902. Martha Bruner, Lillian B. Dyer, Kathryn Connrardy, Florence
E. McAnnich, Gretchen Delahoyde, Zilpha M. Gault, Otto Born.
1903. Elizabeth Jones, Grace West.
1904. Kathleen Delahoyde, Charles E. Herrick, Harold Sturgeon.
1905. Mertie Bruner, Gertie Bruner, Bessie Ide, Grace Hensley, Ber-
tha Young, Lucile Herrick.
1907. Grace Huyck, Elsie Hunt.
1908. Delia Hicks, Mabel Hall, Ruth Statzell.
1909. William A. Nelson, Charles L Ide, Pluma Freeman.
1 9 10. Carrie Gault, Mary Powell.
191 1. Dena Hensley, Muriel Koob, Ora Hicks, Ellowene Dimick,
Ethel Bisom, Winnie Heath, Florabelle Houton, Frank Hall.
OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, EXIKA. BUILT IN 1858: REMODELED FOIl DWELLING.
NEW SCHOOL HOUSE, EXIRA. 1915.
DEACON LY:MAX BUSH HOUSE. EXIKA. BUILT IN 1857. MAIN BUILDING IS
THE OKKilNAL HOUSE.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 265
1913. Flora Rendleman, Geraldine Rendleman, Dena Nelson, Vivian
Heath.
1914. Mary Lamsen, Kathleen Hunt, Alice Hay, Kathryn Thielen,
Harvey Jensen, Norman Hensley.
191 5. Mabel Ide, Leila Kline, Goldie Chase, Agnes Nelsen, Madea-
line Essington, Mrytle Grinyer, Genevieve Wright, Marie Freeman, Frank
Dimick, Henry K. Petersen, Theodore Nelsen.
EXIRA NOTABLES.
Some of the prominent people who have lived in Exira, not otherwise
mentioned in this work, have been : Jacob Andrews, Nathan W. Andrews,
Will E. Andrews, Albert C. Andrews, Free Anders, L. E. Born, Henry T.
Bush, W. H. Bow^man, Jo. Chase, GeOrge Chase, A. L. Campbell, William
Carpenter, Enoch Croy, John Crane, Samuel Crane, John G. Gates, Stephen
Gano, Henry B. Houston, John Hicks, Urbane Herrick, Julius M. Hubbard,
Charles O. Hunt. George Hunt,, Hans P. Hansen, Nathaniel D. Hamlin.
Charles C. Hawk, Samuel D. Ham, J. D. Herrick, Perry Hansen, Nels
Hansen, Charles Houston, A. W. Harvey, V. B. Hellyer, W. E. Brinker-
hoff, N. P. Christensen, George W. Guernsey, Frank Gault, Richard Gault,
John Gray, Xerxes Knox, Peter Kommes, Charles Kommes, William
Kommes, Luke Knapp, Noel Jobes, W. J. Lancelot, John Mertes, Daniel
W. Miller, James F. McAnninch, Bryant ]Milliman, Charles Milliman, John
Noon, George Paige, Ernest D. Powell, Theodore Patty, John Peterman,
James B. Rendleman, William C. Sturgeon, Isaac Statzell, Samuel Smith,
Hendrick R. Smith, Thomas Walker, William Walker, Otto Witthauer,
Fred Wahlert, George Wahlert, William F. Stotts, Jo. Gearheart, Andrew^ J.
Leffingwell, Nick Thielen. Francis J. Shranger, John S. Toft, James Holli-
day, James Willox, John Nelsen, Erwin Watson, Lester Gransberry, Perry
Bateman, George W. Bailey, W. R. Bruner, Joseph H. Bell, W. R. Cope-
land, Hiram H. Dimick, William H. Seavey, Peter Tharnish.
Some of the best residences in Exira are those of Eugene C. Wilson,
Ed. Cotton, James Channon, Mrs. Alice Connrardy, William H. Voss,
Ernest B. Voss, Fred H. Cotton, Dr. Leroy J. Oldaker, John L Hensley,
John M. Dimmick, Edwin Delahoyde, William. Bintner, Henry and Lena
Bush, John H. Randleman, Otto Witthauer, Hans P. Petersen, Dr. John
Riley, Lars P. Christensen, William E. Varney, Chris. Jacobsen, Dr. J. C.
Newlon, Perry Hansen, P. M. Christensen, Mrs. Lissa Gault, Mrs. Charles
Klever, Mrs. Jens Jepson, Nels Hansen, George Milliman, Frances L. Voss.
266 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
OFFICIAL AND BUSINESS DIRECTORY, IQIS-
Population, eight hundred and thirty-seven.
Mayor, T. M. Rasmussen ; to^vn clerk, George C. Corl ; marshal, Roy
McLain; assessor, Robert C. Watterson; justice of the peace, James P.
Lair; constable, John C. Coe; postmaster, Frank A. Kreamer; mail car-
riers, Frank Basham, Ad Seibert, James Hicks, Harry Hockenberry, An-
drew C. Jensen; principal of school, \\'illiam H. Hoyman.
Attorneys — H. F. Andrews, T. yi. Rasmussen.
Clergymen — Catholic, Rev. Father John Alayer; Congregational, Rev.
Jessie Getty; Alethodist, Rev. Henry P. Grinyer; Christian. Rev. Charles S.
Linkletter; Lutheran, Rev. Peter Rasmussen.
Physicians — J. AL Rendleman, John Riley, John C. Newlon, Robert A.
Jacobsen; dentist — Leroy J. Oldaker; railroad agent — W. O. Griffith; Iowa
Telephone — Ola Willis; electrician — Louie Petersen; veterinarv surgeon —
Roy A. Lantz. Banks — Exchange Bank. Edwin Delahoyde, cashier; First
National Bank, James AL Carlson, cashier; land agents — John H. Rendle-
man, J. B. J. Lohner, Lawrence Hansen, Lee McAnninch; insurance agents
— Theodore Patty, A. W. Harvey; life insurance — Albert C. Andrews;
druggists — Nels Hansen, Exira Drug Co. ; general stores — Ed Cotton. Hans
P. Petersen, Erke Brothers, A. L. Hamon ; grocer — Fred H. Cotton ; hard-
ware — John Nelson, William E. Varney; variety store — Peter R. Jorgen-
sen; meat market — Peter Hassenfeldt; grain elevator — Herman Barnholdt;
creamery — Exira Creamery Company, Chris Petersen ; produce — Exira
Produce Company, George W. McNary; agricultural implements — Kommes
Brothers; harness makers — Jack \Y. Alsup. Hans Miller; livestock dealers
- — Hensley & Dimick; Livestock and grain — Exira Co-Operative Co., W.
F. Williams ; oil — Standard Oil Company, Mike Harned ; hotel — Park
Hotel, Mrs. D. V. Wright; boarding houses — ^Irs. Stella Gearhart, Noel
Jobes; restaurant — 3>lrs. Susan Spoo ; cafe — Wagner Brothers; jeweller —
Peter ]\f . Christensen ; lumber — Green Bay Lumber Company, Merle R.
Terhune. manager; Fullerton Lumber Compan}-, H. P. Hansen, manager;
liveryman — Daniel Branstater; garage — Hans P. Hansen, \\'esley Donald-
son, Johnson & Westphalen ; auto repair shop — Nelson & Phillips; machin-
ists — Exira Auto and Alachine Works, P. K. Jensen; blacksmiths — Andrew
A. Andersen, Nels L. Beck ; lightning rods — John Miller ; contractor and
builder, and planing mill — George C. \"oss; Palace Theater. Joe Meurer;
undertaker — George L. Gore; billiard hall — Hunt Brothers; dressmakers —
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 26/
Amber Kelsey, Mrs. Cannon; pantitoriam — Earl Thomas; shoemakers —
David Workman, Gerald Hensley, Hans Miller; coal dealers — George B.
Gill, ]Mrs. Keziah Pesing, Peter Goode; masons — Joseph Gearheart, Jack
Hinckle, George Leffingwell, Frank Leffingwell ; carpenters — Robert C.
A\'atterson, Ad Watterson, Grant Jones, William H. Voss, Charles C.
Johnson, ^^'illiam Fulton, Thomas Murphy, Willis Hinkle, J. W. Kline;
painters and paper hangers — Kirk Knox, William O. Scott, Frank Schmidt,
A. M. Larsen, Walter Larsen, AI. W. Xelsen, Robert L. Houston; barbers
— Hugh Smith. Bishop & Statzell ; popcorn — Roy Bolton ; bus drivers —
George Milliman, Joseph Shaw; draymen — Frank B. Heath, George Chase,
F. H. Watson; house movers — Joe Chase, George Chase; Commercial Club,
F. J. Oldaker, secretary; Exira Fady Boosters, Maude Oldaker, secretary;
Thursday Club, Mrs. Dolly Newlon, president; Treble Clef, Airs. Hattie
Witthauer, president; Dressmaking College, Mrs. Alice Connrardy; tailor.
A. W^olcott.
AUDUBON.
The town was laid out by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Company, on the southwest quarter of section 21, Feroy township, Septem-
ber 2T„ 1878. This land was claimed and squatted on as a homestead by
one Edward Robinson. The growth of the town was phenomenal. It was
promoted not only by the prestige of the railroad company, but also, among
others, by the influence of Ethelbert J. Freeman and Capt. Charles Stuart,
public-spirited gentlemen, who devoted their energies to building a town in
the then wilderness. It started with an auction sale of its town lots on
October 15, 1878; and the first day's sales aggregated six thousand one hun-
dred and ninety dollars. Before night work was begun building business
houses, which continued vigorously through the winter; and for several
years afterward, and even to the present time, periodically.
Alex H. Roberts, who has since continuously lived at Audubon, and
who attended that lot sale and then bought the lot upon which his store is
now situated, on December 16, 1878, wrote to his home paper at Mt. Pleasant,
Iowa, an account of the new town of Audubon, describing its progress, con-
ditions, prospects, etc. It is the best account of Audubon at that period yet
found. Mr. Roberts wrote :
"When I first visited this place, October 15, the day the lots were first
offered for sale, there was not a completed house in the place, and but three
or four in course of erection. Today we have over fifty houses and the
dififerent businesses are represented about as follow : One bank, five general
268 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
stores, one jewelry store, two hotels, one restaurant, three meat markets,
three blacksmith shops, one harness shop, one livery stable, two coal yards,
two lumber yards, one elevator, three grain dealers, etc. A school house,
twenty-two by thirty feet, was completed ten days ago, and school opened
last Monday, with fourteen scholars and Bob Hunter, teacher. * * *
The county seat is located at Exira, a village thirteen miles from here, near
the south end of the county, and will, I think, without doubt, be removed to
this place next fall. (Which proved to be prophetic.) Although it is now
mid-winter and the mercury lingers near zero, yet the sound of the saw and
hammer is to be heard on all sides, and only last week three large business
houses were commenced, and I understand another banking house and hard-
ware store, two-stories high, besides many smaller ones, are to be built this
winter. * * * -pj^^ railroad was completed December 6, and since that
time not less than ten thousand bushels of corn have been hauled in here, and
four carloads of wheat shipped. A depot twenty-four by one hundred feet
is now being built."
A month later a local newspaper contained a flaming description of the
new city :
"then and now.
"Don't it beat the royal star spangled American! But a few short
months ago, in the place where we now sit, encircled by all that exalts and
embellishes civilized life (perhaps), the rank thistle nodded in the wind, and
the wild polecat flipped his caudal appendage in the prairie grass, or words
to that effect. Pshaw ! We thought we were running a Sunday school paper
in Exira! It is not often that we get sentimental! But what we started out
to say is this : Less than four months ago we roamed around over this town
plat, trying to trace out the streets and alleys by the short stakes planted a
short time before in the high prairie grass. Not a building had been erected,
and in fact there were no signs that any would be erected for some time to
come. The grass had already been killed by the autumn frosts, and the cold
wind betokened winter at hand. . Nearly every one predicted that nothing
would be attempted in the way of building until springtime. Today (Janu-
ary 22, 1879,) we are sitting in a handsome two-story building. In the rear
room two presses are running, and their incessant click ! click ! click ! an-
nounces that the 'art preservative' has found its way to the 'new town,' as
it was then called. Around us are papers and books, in profusion, and sev-
eral persons — strangers to us then — some reading, some talking; but all here
to make a home. In front is a fine street, and scores of teams and busy people
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 269
hurrying to and fro ; the iron horse is snorting and puffing beside a magni-
ficent depot, and passengers are leaving the train and hurrying to hotels and
other places. Half a dozen dray teams are hauling goods up the streets; the
hotel bells are ringing to call the many new-comer guests to dinner ; the sound
of the tools used in nearly all trades can be heard; upward of a hundred build-
ings, many of them magnificent ones, adorn the town plat, and we see Audu-
bon, then a naked tract of prairie, now a veritable and flourishing young city,
the liveliest of its age in Iowa — as hundreds who see it every day freely admit.
We venture the prediction that in one year from today the population of the
place will reach nearly one thousand. And why not? It is tributary to, and
will command, the entire trade of as beautiful country as the sun ever shone
on, for a distance of fifteen miles, east, north and west, and about half that
distance south."
FIRST BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
During the winter of 1878-9 the following professional firms and busi-
ness houses were established: Land agent — Ethelbert J. Freeman. Law-
yers — Henry W. Hanna, Joseph L. Stotts, Melvin Nichols, Nash & Phelps,
J. Mack Love, Frank M. Van Pelt, Matt Matthews, Benjamin F. Thacker,
John H. Carroll, all from Exira; H. U. Funk, John W. McCord. J. O.
Andrews, T. J. Reigart. Physicians — John D. Holmes, from Hamlin;
Hugh Bell, John F. Cloughly, Joseph T. Breniman, Peter M. Sheafor, R. H.
Brown. Jeweller — Elias W. Beghtol. Railroad agent — Ebenezer C. Brown.
Hotels — D. H. Walker, from Exira; Reynolds House; Matthias & Gaylord,
from Arcadia. Boarding house — John Steiner, from Carroll. Bank —
Van Gorder & Whitney, from Exira. Drug stroes — Alex. H. Roberts, from
Mt. Pleasant; William Claughly, from Mitchellville. General stores — Ben-
jamin F. Howald, from Atlantic; E. H. Ryan, from Council Bluff; E. M.
Funk; Wilson Burnside, from Carroll. Grocers — Gleason & Liindy, from
Red Oak; J. F. Wells, from Anita; A. S. Hatch. Hardware — Martin &
Keller, from Atlantic; Stephen H. Shryver, from Bloomington, Illinois.
Furniture and undertaking — Horace Prentice, from Mechanicsville. Meat
markets — Chester W. Wheeler, from Viola; Samuel Hunter, from Exira.
Livery stable — Gardner & Baxter, from Arcadia. Harness maker — David
E. Soar, from Exira. Shoemaker — John Both. Graindealer — Wilson Burn-
side, from Carroll. Grain, lumber, lime and coal — Charley Stuart & Son,
from Neponset, Illinois. Lumber — A. A. Hubbard, from Atlantic. Coal
and grain — Frank H. Burr, from Atlantic. Contractors and builders —
J. H. Carruthers, H. C. Paul, P. McKinley. Drayman— James A. Pollett.
2/0 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
Saloons — Sanford Boatman, from Atlantic; John Frahm, from Davenport;
J. E. Tucker, from Boone. Public buildings — Railroad depot, school house.
During the year 1879 the present court house was erected by the rail-
road company and its use was tendered to the county for five years free of
cost, in case the county seat should be brought to Audubon. Charles Stuart
& Son erected the finest brick office, for their extensive business, of the kind
to l)e found in Iowa. At the general election the same year it was voted
that the county seat be changed from Exira to Audubon, which was accord-
ingly done.
The following new business interests were also established in 1879:
Lawyers — John M. Griggs, from Exira; A. E. Bell. Dentist — Doctor
Hoover. Hotels — E. Weston, J. H. Grant. Restaurant and bakery — Emil
Bilharz, from Seneca, Illinois. Drug store — Joseph T. Breniman. Mer-
chants — Lundy Brothers, C. Egbert, Elkanah S. Foster, John F. Consig-
ney, Frank Gleason, Evan Davis, John H. Kate, Mallory & Jay, Noah Kel-
ler, Shryver & Mundy. Furniture — O. C. Jewett, \\\ H. Miller, Scott
Brothers. Agent for implements — A\'illiams & Morrow. Meat market —
A. A. Zaner. Liverymen — I. N. Simpson, W. P. Gardner, Goodwin Thomp-
son. Harness maker — Louis Tramp. Shoemaker — John Ott. Barl^er —
Wilson D. Blackwood. Blacksmiths — Neil Ross. Keen & Jump, R. G.
Sands, H. B. Wilson. Milliners — Mrs. Frank Gleason, Mrs. Newmire, Miss
Donaldson. Photographers — T. B. Mendenhall, I. E. Hilsabeck. Grain
dealer — George Gray, from Gray. Lumber dealer — H. Umphrey. Dray-
men — James Bennefield, Joseph Allee, A. H. Herring, Joseph Heath.
Saloon — Henry Rohrbeck.
ROSTER OF VOTES.
List of men entitled to vote in 1879: George Atkinson, J. W. Bacon,
F. A. Hacker, H. C. McMillan, Henry Welch. I. N. Simpson, Charles H.
Tefft, J. T. :^Iinor, J. H. Keese, J. H. Thompson, W^illiam Noel, J. H.
Whitman, L. M. Anderson, N. R. Simpson, I. W. Baker, Van Horn,
John Ewing, Ed. Robinson, Henry McGuire, John Steiner, A. F. Loomis,
George Frederick, John Hoffman, William Mallony. W. R. Collins. \\'ilson
D. Blackwood. John Frahm. William Speas. Sylvestor Ary. J. H. Gardner,
M. T. Adams. John W. Griffin. Nick Roth, James Holland, Wilson Burn-
side, S. W. Smith, Daniel \\\ Matthias, John Gorner, Ed. McMahon. W.
D. Bates. J. Bartlett. W. C. Lleckendorn. A. M. Smith. J. C. Shutes. Arthur
L. Sanborn, J. Schryver, J. H. Thorpe, J. H. Brayton, William J. Myers,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. . 27 1
J. F. Wells, E. F. Fales, Frank Hobart, N. T. Fraker, Harry Collins,
Charles Newmire, R. A. Chaplin, John Cartwright, A. A. Zaner, F. M.
Ellis. Ed. B. Cousins, Frank H. Burr, J. D. Sleeper, J. F. Ford, E. M. Funk,
William Hastings, H. A. Arnold, John Martin, Henry Atkeson, J. W. Pol-
lett, Joseph L. Stotts, Henry Hester, Gideon Williams, H. G. Walters, M.
W. Decker. M. D. Baily, Henry E. Cole, I. L. Dermond, C. C. Ellett, E. C.
Honewell, James A. Scott, J. W. Lewis, I. P. Baker. W. Tulbert. J. O. And-
rews. E. C. Meacham, H. H. Willis, J. F. Esty, Harry Loomis, Charles
Buck, Michael Boust, J. T. Pryor. Samuel Hunter, James McVay, Hans
Frahm, I. E. Hilsabeck, John Coquillett, Elisha Baxter, Neil Ross, John
Schreck, John Holland, Mixe Loy, Ebenezer C. Brown, George Cox, A. C.
Gaylord, H. C. Paul, Sylvester K. Landis, — Rutherford, P. Kearney,
John C. Wilson, C. M. Maddox, O. W. Andrews, Stephen H. Schryver,
Benjamin F. Thacker, Eaton, Emerson H. Kimball. D. A. Rails-
back, Charles Knox, George S. Knox, J. C. Williams, J. E. Tucker, Henry
Newmire, John Dunn, M. N. Marble, Charles Mesorve, George W. Ellis,
Alex. Fowler, W. P. Clark, Chester W. Wheeler. H. U. Funk, George N.
Funk, Lee Funk, Sammie P. Rhoads, Joseph Gaylord, Henry Engleking,
J. H. Grant. J. W. Louder. P. McKinley, D. H. Walker, Robert M. Hub-
bard. Byron S. Phelps, A. F. Rogers, H. W. Van Gorder, Emiel Bilharz,
T. V. Donovan, Louis Meyer, Benjamin F. Howald, Conrad Reinhart, D.
F. Shocklin, William Cloughly, Frank Ewens, James Chandler, James Mc-
Canna, Evan Davis. Thomas C. Lundy, Johnson, Daniel Lynch,
C. G. Moore, Hiram M. Talbot, John Both, J. M. I. Bryan, Alex. H.
Roberts, John D. Holmes, G. W. Newcomer, George Keene, James B. Elrod,
Lewis Watson, Robert Cobean, Noah Keller, Del Graves, T. T. Reigrart,
David Newport, James Warke, Hugh Bell, J. A. Miller, Ethelbert J. Free-
man. John F. Cloughly, E. Krollman, L A. McKinney, S. W. McManegal,
George W. Myers, Frank Gleason, William H. Scott, A. C. Lewis, Bruce
Moore, Elias W. Beghtol, John Burnes, M. Dubois, James T. Bell, S. B.
Johnson, L. Smith.
FATHER OF AUDUBON.'
While the town was laid out and owned, primarily, by the railroad
company, the genius who presided over it, directed and promoted its rise and
progress was Ethelbert J. Freeman. He was born at Flatwood, Pennsyl-
vania, September 22, 1840, and was reared a farmer until sixteen years of
age. In 1857 he went to McDonough county, Illinois, where he worked
two years as a carpenter. He returned and remained in Pennsylvania one
272 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
year, and then went back to Illinois. On May 24, 1861, he enlisted from
Vermont, ihinois, as a private in Company A, Sixteenth Regiment, Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Second Brigade, Second Division,
Fourteenth Army Corps, under Gen. John M. Palmer, and Generals Pope
and Rosecrans. Mr. Freeman participated in the battles of Blue Mills,
Island No. 10, Tiptonville, Farmington and Stone's River. He was dis-
charged for disability, February 5, 1863, returned to McDonough county,
and engaged in farming.
Ethelbert J. Freeman was married in McDonough county on Septem-
ber 2^), 1862, to Nancy L., daughter of Daniel L. and Mary (Hamilton)
Leighty. In 1867 he moved to Exira, and the following year settled on and
improved a one hundred and sixty-acre farm in section 24, Leroy township.
In 1878 he established his home in Audubon. He was justly styled "father
of the town," if any one was ever entitled to such an appellation; and has
been so regarded to the present time. He was first and foremost in most
public, social and political affairs; at least one of the most popular men who
ever lived in the county. His influence was extensive and controlling in
many ways. He was prominent in the incorporation of the town, and was .
its first mayor, without a dissenting vote; and was very efficient in estab-
lishing the schools at Audulx)n. He was agent for the sale of the railroad
lands and the town lots; assisted in the establishment of lodges; the Grand
Army post, the band and drum corps, the fire department, county fair; and
in installing the water works and the electric light plant.
Mr. Freeman was county treasurer in 1882-5. Andrew F. Armstrong
and Mr. Freeman were owners of the Citizens Bank from 1885 to 1893.
For many years Mr. Freeman was manager of the waterworks and electric
light plant; chief of the fire department; member of the band and drum
corps. He was a member of V'eritas Lodge No. 392, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons; xA.mity Chapter No. 92, Royal Arch Masons; Godfrey
Commandery No. 44, Knights Templar; Allison Post No. 34, Grand iVrmy
of the Republic.
At the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, at
Minneapolis in 1906, ]\Ir. Freeman was elected president of the National
Association of Civil War ^Musicians, and was afterward annually re-elected
until the encampment at Rochester, New York, 191 1, when he was elected
to the same office for life. This is an unique society, composed of veteran
drummers, fifers, buglers and bandmen, of the Civil War, from all over
the United States ; who play the same old tunes after which the Union
soldiers marched from 1861 to 1865. Mr. Freeman has marched with his
^
^
>*iaS,^
BKICK AND TILE WOKKS. ArDIT.ON
^
CANNING FACTORY. AUDUBON
L
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 273
musicians at the head of the parade at every National Encampment from
Denver, in 1905, until the present time.
THE STUART FAMILY,
Another prominent patron of the town was Capt. Charles Stuart. He
was born in West Barnet, Vermont, June 7, 1826. On December 23, 1852,
he was married to Lois Gray, of Ryegate, Vermont. He was reared a
farmer. In 1848 he established a general store at South Ryegate. In
1855 he went to Chicago, where he was employed by Fairbanks & Company,
the famous scale manufacturers. During the same period he opened a farm
in Elmira township. Stark county. Illinois, near Neponset, which he owned
until after coming to Audubon county. He was founder of the town of
Stuart, Iowa, where he was a large landowner, and conducted an extensive
business. Before the town of Audubon started he and his son, William G.
Stuart, were owners of several thousand acres of the best farm lands in
Audubon county, which they put under a high state of cultivation ; stocked
it with horses, cattle, hogs, etc., and conducted farming on an extensive
scale. Charles Stuart was captain of Company B, Nineteenth Regiment,
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted on July 30, 1861 ; resigned July
15, 1862. He was full of activity, progressive, public spirited, and gen-
erous. His name stood foremost as a business man in Audubon county.
To Ethelbert J. Freeman, Capt. Charles Stuart, the railroad company
and the Audubon newspapers was largely due the credit for the removal of
the county seat from Exira to Audubon.
Charles Stuart & Son were among the first and ablest promoters of the
town. They were the leading dealers in grain, lumber, lime and coal, and
erected the largest grain elevator in the county, and built one of the finest
brick offices for that kind of business in the state of Iowa. They extended
branches of the same kind of business to Exira, Gray, and other places in
Iowa, outside of the county. Mrs. Lois Stuart was the most wealthy person
who has lived in the county, and was the most generous patron of the Pres-
byterian church, at Audubon. Captain Stuart and his wife and their son,
William G. Stuart, are all buried in the cemetery at Audubon.
EARLY OFFICERS.
The town was incorporated in 1886.
The following named men have served as mayor of Audubon: Ethel-
(18)
2/4 AUDUBON COUNTY. IOWA.
bert J. Freeman, J. Mack Love, John D. Holmes, Charles Bagley, Andrew
F. Armstrong, Henry W. Hanna, Ransom L. Harris, John A. Nash, Robert
C. Spencer, Halleck J. Mantz.
The first postmaster was Arthur L. Sanborn, appointed February 15,
1879, succeeded by Emerson H. Kimball, Elkanah S. Foster, Robert M.
Carpenter, Ed. B. Cousins, William H. O'Connell, George B. Russell,
Harper \Y. ^^"ilson, Robert C. Spencer.
The Northwestern railroad came from Carroll, by way of Manning and
Troy, to Audubon, in 1882.
The waterworks was established in 1882. Ethelbert J. Freeman was
the superintendent for many years, and was succeeded by Benton L. Dar-
nold, the present manager. The town is now supplied with water from an
artesian well made in 19 13-14, two thousand five hundred feet deep, at the
cost of elevent thousand dollars.
The electric light plant was installed in 1891, by Ethelbert J. Freeman,
and was transferred to Nancy L. Freeman in 1897. It was superintended
many years by \It. Freeman ; and was transferred to A\\ G. \\'ieland, the
present owner. It furnishes electric lights for the towns of Hamlin and
Exira.
The business interests in 1888, were as follow : Attorneys — H. F.
Andrews. John 'M. Griggs, H. W. Hanna. Nash, Phelps & Green, Henry U.
Funk, A. F. Armstrong. Charles Bagley, E. H. Hurd, Frank E. Brainard,
Theodore F. Myres. E. E. Byrum. Physicians — John D. Halmer, John F.
Cloughly, Charles W. DeMotte, James ]\I. Rendleman. Alfred L. Brooks.
Jewellers — ^^'illiam H. O'Connell. \\'illiam H. Cowles. Hotels — Walker
House, Stuart House, Grant House, Weston House, Northwestern. Res-
taurant — ^^'illiam Rosenberg. Banks — Audubon County Bank. Commer-
cial Bank. Citizen's Bank. Drug stores — Alex. H. Roberts, O. J. Houston,
A\'illiam Cloughly, John F. Cloughly. General stores — Russell & Son, Ben-
jamin F. Howald. John Van Scoy, R. Lenox. Grocers — John F. Consig-
ney, Frank Gleason, Emiel Bilharz, Fisher Brothers, Will D. Forl^es, T. S.
Francis. \\\ Talbot. Clothing — John H. Kate, Evan Davis, D. C. Abrams.
Hardware — Jones &: McKarahan. John Rinemund. Furniture — Scott
Brothers. ^^^ H. ]\Iiller. Boots and shoes — J. Forbes & Son. Millinery —
Miss Dix, Miss Walker. Photographers — C. C. Harper, T. B. Mendenhall.
Opera house — George B. Russell. Harness makers — David E. Soar. Harper
W. Wilson. Shoemakers — John Ott. John Both. Blacksmiths — ^^James
Pound. George Keen. H. B. Wilson, H. A. Jump. Liverymen — Joseph P.
Tharnish. Isham Brothers, Charles Benton. Meat Markets — Prather
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 2/5
Brothers, Doak & Company. ^Marble works — H. W. Van Gordon. Flour-
mill — Kuhn, Culver & Company. Machinery and implements — McFarland,
Dickey and Company, Clark H. Cross. Grain dealers — Charles Stuart &
Son, George Gray, Wilson Burnside, Henry Gravesmuhl, Herbert & John-
son. Lumber dealers — Charles Stuart & vSon, Green Bay Lumber Company.
Brick yard — Charles Tramp.
HOMES IN AUDUBON.
Some of the best residences in Audubon are those of : Belle Arnold,
Alex. H. Roberts, Charles Van Gorder, Charly S. White, Robert C. Spencer,
William J. Laubender, Daniel L. Freeman, Charles Bagley, Joseph H. Ross,
Alfred L. Brooks, George A. Alay, George W. Weighton, Ed. B. Cousins,
x\rthur Farquhar, Ed. S. Van Gorder, George W. Hoover, A. C. Harman,
John Weighton, Frank O. Niklason, Mary Plaehn, John Ebert, Joseph Kopp,
Lois Asby, Ed. F. Bilharz, A. S. Culver, T. H. Turner, R. G. Wieland,
George W. Preston, Mr. Hermansen, Samuel A. Graham, J. J. Ruhs, Levi
Kopp, John Wagner, Frank M. Rice, Ed. F. Johnson, C. L. Christinsen,
I^ewis C. Bagley, Charles Ping, Anna Fancher, George Scott, L P. Hansen,
Mike T. Foley, Ed. A. Bates, W. S. Hansen, M. O. Kingsbury, William
Layland, Frank C. ]\Iiller, William G. Wilson, W^ H. Cowles, William
Berg, Elmer E. Bailey, Fred A. Buthweg, James E. Griffith, Charles Rey-
nolds, F. S. Stone, C. H. Wilde, R. F. Childs, Fideler Schmidt, George
Wever, P. A. Rasmussen, Ed. A. Beason, Sarah Munson, J. J. Haals, Owen
Davis, Anthony N. Detwiler, Thomas J. Stafford, Samuel Weaver.
During the current year, 191 5, the city is installing a substantial, up-to-
date sewer system, at the cost of about thirty-five thousand dollars.
SCHOOLS.
The school system of Audubon is very satisfactory and up-to-date. The
first school house was a one-story, wooden building, built in 1878, and now
owned by John Graham, on Tracy street. Robert Hunter was the first
teacher, 1878-9. He was succeeded by Kate Cameron.
At a special election held at Audubon, at five o'clock in the afternoon
of May 31, 1879, with Elisha Baxter, Elias W. Beghton and M. H. Marble,
judges, and Emerson H. Kimball, clerk; it was voted to organize the inde-
pendent school district of Audubon, embracing sections 20, 21, 28, 29, south
half of section 16, south half of section 17, south west quarter of section 15,
276 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
west half of section 22, and west half of section z'j; all in township 80, range
35 west; by a vote of one hundred and seventeen to one.
At an election held at Audubon on July 5, 1879, the first board of
directors of the independent district was elected, viz. : E. M. Funk, Thomas
C. Lundy, Alex. H. Roberts, Noah Keller, Wilson Burnside and Frank
H. Burr. The board met and organized on July 11, 1879, and selected Ethel-
bert J. Freeman, secretary, and Elias W. Beghtol, treasurer.
Late in 1879 or early the next year, the district completed a new wooden,
two-story, four-room building, on the site of the present school house.
George N. Funk was the next teacher, assisted by Sarah Dustin. George
I. Miller was superintendent from 1882 to 1884, inclusive, probably. It is
supposed that the school was graded under his superintendency. J. A. Horn-
berger was superintendent from about 1885 to 1887, inclusive. During his
term a brick addition was erected in the rear of the former wooden struc-
ture, and the wooden front of the house veneered with brick. The first
high school class was graduated under him in 1886.
In the fall of 1887, Z. T. Hawk became superintendent, and served four
years. There were then eight school rooms and four hundred and sixteen
pupils enrolled. The subordinate teachers were : Ella M. Stearns, Lura
Beason, DeEtta Foster, Oma S. Yaggy, Emma Hawk, Ada Funk, E. H.
Hurd, Miss S. E. Turner and Cora Ott.
Frank P. Hocker succeeded Mr. Hawk, in the fall of 1891, and served
fourteen years. His assistants were : Miss S. E. Turner, Ella M. Stearns,
Lura Beason, DeEtta Smith, Mrs. E. J. Brown. Vesta Baxter. Cora Ott,
Ada Funk. Effie Rogers, Harriet Bilharz, Jennie F. Riggs. C. K. Lancelot,
Miss Green, Miss Norris, Miss Culver, Miss Musson, Mrs. Rosemond, Miss
Shellenberger, Miss Detwiler, Mrs. Buthweg, Mrs. Fish, Miss Lundy. Alta
Crow, Miss Morrissey, Miss Wilson, Belle Lancelot. Eva Luce, Beulah Soar,
Helen Dickinson, Mary Davis, Miss Doak, Orpha Baxter, Ella Hurd, Bertha
Ferguson, Lillian Ott, Dora Larson, Elizabeth Carmichel. Frances Burns,
Ada Kuhn, ]\Iildred Smith. Vera Miles, Mae Mcllvain.
In 1893, a new brick building of two rooms for a primary department
was erected. During Mr. Hocker's superintendence the school became an
accredited high school in the state.
In 1903 a new brick building was erected in place of the old veneered
part of the former structure. The school house as then constructed gave
very general satisfaction.
Frank J. Mantz succeeded Mr. Hocker in the fall of 1905 and served
four vears. His assistants were : Ella M. Stearns, x\vis Gordon, Nellie
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 277
Wicker, Mable Keith, Anna Weaver, Ruby Fatten, Elizabeth Harris, Fan
Lilly, Nellie Tomkins, Miss Low, Miss Brown, Marie Wolff, Miss Yokum,
Patience Ellett.
Harry P. Smith succeeded Mr. Mantz in the fall of 1909, and served
until 1915. His corps of assistants have been: F. W. Johansen, Caroline
Schictl, Isa Lighthall, Theo Vedder, Mable Keith, Mary Davis, Ella Hurd,
Patience Ellett, Ethel Glass, Goldie Cozine, Marie Wolff, Sarah Edes, Maud
McAllister, Jennie Cook, Mae McClure, Georgia Lloyd, Grace Hollway,
Coleen Pa;tterson, Helen Turner, C. E. Latterback, Bertha Ross, Carrie
Berger, Lillian Stetzler, Lenore Buckner, Ella McGuire, Lura Preston, June
Gray.
The kindergarten was added to the school system in 1909.
The high school was admitted to the North Central Association of
Colleges and Secondary Schools, in 191 1. Fred W. Johansen is the present
superintendent (1915) and the school now employs a corps of subordinate
teachers. Beginning with the year 1886, the high school has subsequently,
each year, graduated a class of students. The citizens of Audubon are now
agitating the question of erecting a new high school building.
GRADUATES OF THE AUDUBON HIGH SCHOOL.
Class of 1886— Eva Freeman, Nellie Cole, James M. Graham.
Class of 1887 — Bonnie Stotts, Mertie Gleason, Lena Rosenberg.
Class of 1888 — Edwin Van Gorder, Edward Bilharz, Lillian Ott,
Maggie Gleason.
Class of 1890 — Vesta Baxter, William Oliver.
Class of 1 89 1 — Mary Davis, Mary DeMotte. Fred Gleason, Oscar
Overholtzer, Pearl Roberts, Clara Blakeslee, Laura Musson.
Class of 1892 — Samuel Yaggy, Agnes Wolf, Myrtle Wilson, Har-
riet Bilgarz, Frank Cross, Maggie DeMott, Mollie Delahoyde, Harry Dickin-
son, Laura Forbes, Roy Funk, Katie Overholtzer, India Poulson, Ralph Rob-
erts, Myrtle Sharp, Lizzie Schreiber, Beulah Soar, Flettie Van Scoy.
Class of 1893 — Mamie Baxter, May Bonwell, Gertrude Bonwell, Car-
rie Cooley, Irene Crocker, Will Cunningham, Sarah Holmes, Mabel Keith,
Albert Mathias, Rosie Mendenhall, Jennie Oliver, Kittie Schrieber, Eva
James.
Class of 1894 — Jessie Andrews, Fred Blume, Orpha Baxter, Rena Car-
roll, Emma Culver, Patience Ellett, Ellis Harper, Earl Jump, Frank Mantz,
Ethel Reese, Charles Bradley, Rose Sharp, Julia Wilson.
278 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Class of 1895 — Lena Drury, Ollie Fergusen, Charles Huntsburger, Gus
Keith, Eva Luse, Bertha Mussen, Woods Soar.
Class of 1896 — Will Baylor, Grace Creveling, ]\Iae Schreiber, Myrtle
Stotts, Charles Tramp, Nellie Wicker.
Class of 1897 — Nelson Cowles, Dora Detwiler, Maude Doak, Bertha
Fergusen, Frank Green, Edith Harris, Lillian Hays, Louis Roberts; Clara
Luse, Loween Van Gorder, Anna Wever, George Wever.
Class of 1898 — Myrtle Brown, Maurice Carpenter, Walter Haynes,
Auda Kelly, Nora Oelke, Bodo Oelke, Harry Sampson, Irma Tharnish.
Class of 1899 — Disy Anderson, Charles Burnside, Hugh Delahoyde,
Orren Eddy, Frank Drake, Ada Kuhn, Alice Aloon, William McFarlane,
Roy Smith.
Class of 1900 — Harvey Delahoyde, Don Drake, Wren Graham, Mabel
Hays, Nora Hunt, John Lohner, Jessie Luse, Capitola Mathias, Grace Miller,
Susie Musson, Alma Oelke, Lovise Overholtzer, Clarence Shingledecker,
Mary Smith, Teressa Stanton, Edna Webster.
Class of 1 90 1 — Ruth Anderson, ]\Iay Hoover, May Hunt, Charles
Johnson, Wiliner Kester, Ethel Kuhn, Earl ]\laharg, Russell Mott, George
Oelke, Eleanor Ohm, Mildred Smith, Gay Thomas.
No 1902 class because the course was lengthened to four years.
Class of 1903 — Ray Dryden, John Horning, Isalielle ^IcFarlane,
Elmer McKarahan, Mamie ]\lichaels. Frank Mott, Nettie Pearson, Matt
Rippey, Frank Sampson, Edith Tovvnsend, Harry Watts, Marie Wolff.
Class of 1904 — Grace Cameron, John Cameron, Ruby Currier, Jason
Imes, John Krick, Murtle Ross, Cora Sampson, Louis Watson.
Class of i905^Franc Anderson, Anna Artist, Annetta Earhart, Curtis
Earhart, Oliver Gardner, William Kile, Veda Masterson, Clara Oelke, Drusa
Ross, Helen Walburn.
Class of 1906 — Lucile Brooks, Clifford Brooks, John Donaldson, Alice
Eddy. Ray Green, Martha Hubbold, IMarion Jones, Mae Layland, Mabel
McKarahan, Lena Pound, Bessie Rippey, Ruth Watson.
Class of 1907 — Mae Johnson. Charles Watts, Belle Donaldson, ]\Iiles
Gardner, Charles Nelson, Earl Kile, Frank McFadden, Louis Bagley, Jessie
Hoover, Ethel Eckles, Lula Doak, Minta Eddy, Bonna Sherman, Thressa
Gaston, ]\Iarie Adams.
Class of 1908 — Inez Gates, Frank Hays, Augista Hecker, Julius Hecker,
Fred Jones, Grace Kibby, Bonna Jones, Wren Lane, Harr}^ Laubender,
Hazel Law. Agnes Lutwitze, Theo. Mantz. Fern Parnham, Garcia Swartz.
■ AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 2/9
Augusta Tennigkeit, Faye Titterington, Bessie Watson, Anna Wilson,
Bessie Harris.
Class of 1909 — Fannie Ditzenberger, Anna Henriksen, Glen Hunter,
Glen Johnson, Hazel Kellogg, Clyde Keith, Warren Leonard, Edith Leighty,
Clara Lutwitze, Florence Marriott, Elloween Phelps.
Class of 19 10 — Clark Arnold, Simon Foley, Hazel Gates, Alarch Jones,
James Law, George Laubender, Edith Phelps, Julia Preston, Lela Zaner.
Class of 191 1 — Harley Boyer, Eugene Christensen, Ahce Gardner,
Daniel Hecker, Edward Heuerman, lola Johnson, Olive Kopp, Gibson Law,
Oliver Lovelace, Ruth Preston, Lula Sheets, Hazel Steere, Hazel Weldy,
Leona Wilson.
Class of 191 2 — Frank Bagley, Alma Christensen, Elvin Cole, Lucile
Culver, Lillian Foley, Lorraine Graham, Alice Kraus, Lorena Marriott, Ila
McFadden, Edwin Preston, Blair Rice, Genevieve Roth, Effie Skinner, Eva
Smith, Helen Ward.
Class of 19 1 3 — Emma Boust, Thomas Blake, Tressa Brady, Lorenzo
Brooks, Mildred Buck, Ava Buthweg, Helen Conway, Veire Cozine, Am-
brose Foley, Marguerite Foley, Mabel Hood, Leonard Keese, John Kerwin,
Alice Kester, Clarence Niklason, Freda Schwab.
Class of 19 14 — Escol Baker, Olga Christensen, Edith Culver, Ellen Gra-
ham, Carrie Herndon, Florence Hood, Leon Johnson, Cecil Keith, Esther
Keith. Alichael Kerwin, Laura Kraul, Marie Kraus, Florence McLeran,
Louis McLeran, Reuben Musson, Eldo Potter, Esther Rasmussen, Pearl
Reinemund, Myrtle Roth, Freda Ruhs, William Spilker, Helen Stearns,
Earnest Steere, Glenn Turner, Lucile Wright.
Class of 19 1 5 — Marion Bagley, Eloise Buck, Arthur Cole, Genevieve
Foley, Jennie Hollenbeck, Esther Jacobsen, Roy Jensen, Holger Jensen,
Walter Kester. Bessie Miller, Harry Nailor, Ella Petersen, John Rutherford,
Vera Rutherford, Bessie Turner, Rose Weighton, ]\Iabel Weldy.
DIRECTORY FOR I915.
At the present time Audubon has a population of two thousand and
eighty. The following is a business directory of the city: Mayor — Halleck
J. Mantz. Marshal — Benton L. Darnold. Clerk — William J. Laubender.
Assessor — A. L. Weaver. Treasurer — Charles L. Johnson. Justice of the
peace — Charles S. White, Daniel L. Thomas. Constables — L. AL Anderson,
Wesley H. Jay. Township clerk — Daniel L. Freeman. Postmaster —
Robert C. Spencer. Lawyers — John 'M. Griggs, Charles Bagley, James M.
28o AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Graham, John A. Graham, Joseph H. Ross, Charles S. White, Halleck J.
Mantz, Lewis C. Bagley, Sidney C. Kerberg. Physicians — Alfred L.
Brooks, Ratford F. Childs, John M. P'ulton, George A. May, Daniel Frank-
lin, William H. Halloran. Chiropractor — M. O. Kingsbury. Dentists —
Carrie Wood, Charles S. McLeran, John K. Donaldson. Veterinary surg-
eons — George W. Weighton, Will Ellery, James Hollenbeck.
Clergymen — Rev. Ed. B. Cousins, Rev. Thomas B. Greenlee, Rev.
Jackson Giddens, Rev. Clinton F. Smith, Rev. Father James McDonald,
Rev. D. ^V. Bryant, Rev. J. P. Christensen. Railroad agents — W. W.
Smith, Jesse A. Hunniston. Photagraphers — Thomas Mason, Sorensen Stu-
dio. Music store — J. W. Landrum, manager. Cornet band — D. F. Gifford.
Music teachers — D. F. Gifford, Bessie Wilde, Martha Dunn, Mrs. George
Green. Public library — Laura V. Delahoyde, librarian. Milliners — Long
& Burr, Mrs. L. E. Kline, Mrs. Ben Carr. Dressmakers — Mary McGuire,
Mrs. Hecker, Mary McCarthy, Mrs. E. E. Weeks, Clara Anderson, Mrs.
J. H. Thorp. Dressmaker colleges — Belle B. Smith. Frances Morrissey.
Jewelers — William H. Cowles, J. S. Johnson. Tailors — J. R. Best, C. J.
Thomsen. Abstracters — Charles Bagley, Arnold, Ross & Rasmussen. Insur-
ance agents — Ralph D. Hawks, S. B. Morrissey. Life insurance — Arthur
Farquhar, V. M. Jones. Real estate agents — Frank M. Herndon, E. H.
Jacobsen. Popcorn — Alex. Ferguson. Barbers — Bert A. Keith, William Bai-
ley, Jens J. Haals, E. E. Weeks.
First National Bank — F. S. Watts, cashier. Farmers State Bank —
H. M. Bilharz, cashier. Blacksmiths — E. M. Johnson, Rasmus Rasmussen,
B. F. Wilson, P. Fredericksen. Carpenters — Hermansen & Stone. Jens
Loss, Walter Fredericksen, Jacob Mogg, A. H. Dollahide, James Petersen,
John Hepp, George Green. Painters and paper-hangers — E. E. Bailey, J. K.
Jensen, Ping Brothers Mumfgaard & Kjer, Clem McCuen, D. J. Conklin &
Son, Harry Gleason, Nels Paag. Colonel Fenney. Plumbers — Test Plumb-
ing Company, A. T. Smith. Masons — Robert G. Ping, Kelley & Gaston,
Koch & Lund. Harnessmakers — David E. Soar, A. M. Currier, Martin
Larsen. Electric lights — R. G. Weiland. Hotels — Park Hotel, Arlington
Hotel, Farmers' Home, Boston House, L. O. Petersen.
Boarding house — Charles Reynolds. Restaurant and bakery — Turner
Brothers. Cafe — "The Booster," Ralph Garnett. Drug stores — Alex. H.
Roberts, Frick Drug Company. F. W. Smith, Griffith & Company. Gen-
eral stores — Evan Marcjusen, Chris Olsen. Wilson & Freeman, Renftle &
Reed, James H. Baker. Grocers — Hans Albertsen. George W. Preston.
Hardware — Audubon Hardware Company, Rinemund Hardware Company,
HIGH SCHOOL. AUDUBON
PUBLIC LIBRARY, AUDUBON
u
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 281
Oelke & Company, Ruhs & Carter. Clothing — Jensen & Weaver, Fred A.
Buthweg. Furniture — George W. Hoo\er, A. C. Harmon. Variety — L. E.
Wray, W. H. Simcox. Meat market — J. F. McCort. Boots and shoes —
Matthias & Hansen, Rasmussen & Jensen. Tobacco — Dennis & Company.
Flour mill — Culver & Son. Laundry — Charles H. Stocking. Machinery
and implements — Johnson & Buck. Billiard parlors — Barentsen & Dye, Jen-
sen & Madsen, Vern Snellbaker, Ray Booton.
Garages — Pete Jensen, John Markinsen. Machine shop — Shrader &
Marsh. Bridge contractor — Ward & Weighton. Liveryman — Park Liv-
ery. Feed stables — George Brady, Nels Sorensen, Andrew Christensen.
Sale stable — F. O. Miklasen. Cream station and produce — Charles Wilde,
Audubon Produce Company. Standard Oil Company — Olaf Jensen, mana-
ger. Cedar Rapids Oil Company — Ren Phelps, manager. Audubon Can-
ning Company — R. J. Loveland, manager. Stock food — Martin Mogg, Jr.
Live stock dealers — Northup Brothers, O. L. Lane. Green Bay Lumber
Company — F. H. Adams, manager. Dixon Lumber Company, W. J. Lau-
bender, manager. Grain dealer — A. J. Leak. Walter Roth, manager. Opdyke
Grain Company — D. C. Hart, manager. Johnson Grain Company — Charles
L. arid Alva Johnson. Brick and tile works — L. E. Tramp & Tramp. Dray-
men — J. S. Dennis, W. S. Roberts & Son, L. C. Johnson, Ralph Garnett,
Mike Ceronek, Roy Prather.
BRAYTON.
The town of Brayton was laid out by John S. Jenkins and John T.
Jenkins on the northwest quarter of section 19, Exira township, December
16, 1878. It was incorporated in 1899. These have held the office of
mayor : Dr. William R. Kool), .Frank G. Jenkins, Nis Larsen, Lewis C.
Heath.
The first school in Brayton was in 1896. The teachers have been:
Francina Heath, Anna Stender, Lucille Connrardy, Maye Jenkins, Miss
Noalty, Nellie Boockout. Ida Cannon and Vivian Bartlett.
OFFICIAL AND BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Population, two hundred and thirty-five.
Mayor, Lewis C. Heath ; marshal, L. M. Parrott ; clerk, Lewis P. Ras-
mussen ; justice of the peace, Thomas J. McGovern; constable, Calvin I.
Dimick.
282 AUDUBON COUNTY. IOWA.
Postmistress — Vivian Bartlett ; railroad agent — Lloyd Drew ; physi-
cian — William R. Koob; hotel — David B. Beers; restaurant — C. P. Peter-
sen ; barbers — William Clemensen, Clyde Freeman, Jensen ; garage —
Anton Juhl ; blacksmiths — Ben Gros, Nick Skanning ; live-stock dealer —
Thomas J. JNIcGovern; Princess Theatre — Chris Hoegh; drug store — Harry
Miller & Co. ; grain dealer — Hans Hansen, manager ; public hall — Jens P.
Juhl; billiard parlors — Frank P. Freeman, George Hardwick; pumps and
repairs — ]\Iolgaard & Nelson ; electric lights — George ^^^ Hoegh ; bank —
Brayton Savings Bank. L. F. Miller, cashier; produce — Brayton Produce
Company, Ed. Brown, manager; lumber — Brayton Lumber Company,
Lewis P. Rasmussen, manager; cement — Brayton Cement Works — A. T.
Rasmussen. manager; general stores — Jacob Andersen. Henry Hansen &
Company, Nis Larsen & Son ; hardware and implements — Nelsen Brothers ;
telephones — Nora Larsen, Amelia Andersen ; drayman — Garner A. Bart-
lett.
OAKFIELD.
It was situated on the southwest quarter of section 20, Exira town-
ship, on the claim first taken up by John S. Jenkins in 185 1. who sold it to
Samuel B. Hopkins, and he to Isaac P. Hallock. Sr.. in 1855. About the
same time Hallock sold it to Erasmus D. Bradley, his son-in-law% who came
from Illinois, and was the first merchant in the county. He built the first
store house here in 1855, which stood on or near block 9, Oakfield. The
town was laid out and platted Ijy Erasmus D. Bradley and Alva B. Brown.
The name was suggested by Flam W. Pearl, who settled there, in honor of
his former home, a town in New York named Oakfield. Bradley and Brown
soon moved away and the Bradley store was succeeded by Flam ^^^ and
Joshua A. Pearl and with them was associated Julius M. Hubbard. They
w^ere succeeded by Almond Goodale, about 1863-4. His store stood on the
corner next north of the present store of Ward Smith. In 1866, Goodale
was succeeded by Norton & Jones, who built a new store building on the
opposite side of the street. They sold to Keith & Ransford about 1867-8,
and moved to Avoca, Iowa. Their successors did a thriving business, which
they transferred to Hallock, Jenkins & Powers about 1875. They later
closed out to Earl Cotton, who moved the stock to Exira.
About 1874, William Essington and Thomas Walker started a hard-
ware store at Oakfield. They were succeeded by Rudol])h Kremmling, who
continued the business but a short time. About 1889. Dan Zentmeir started
a small store in the Hallock store building. He was succeeded about 1892,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 283
by Frank Greer, who was succeeded by Thomas McGuire about 1893, he
by Sykes & Greer about 1895, and they by Frank Greer in 1896. The con-
cern was closed out by Isaac P. Hallock, Jr., and the stock sold to Ward
Smith in 1904.
In 1 89 1 a firm was started by a man and wife and their son, styled
Three Smiths, which was succeeded, in 1908, by William Pardee, and he
by Ward Smith in 19 10.
In the early days of Oakfield, a water-power saw-mill was built, in
which Alva B. Brown, Julius M. Hubbard, Elam W. Pearl and Joshua A.
Pearl were owners at different periods. About 1870 Henry Kincaid was
the proprietor and conducted it several years, when it was torn down. Then,
on the same site, a company erected a fine flouring-mill, which was sold to
Isaac P. Hallock, Jr. George E. Cotton succeeded him in 1878 and con-
tinued the business several years, when it was converted into a sorghum
manufactory. The entire business has been obsolete many years.
Until the railroad came to Brayton, Oakfield was the second best town
in the county. It was a busy place. Among its citizens were some of the
most progressive, enterprising men of the county. Some of the old settlers
were : John S. Jenkins, Benjamin F. Jenkins, John T. Jenkins, Isaac H.
Jenkins, Samuel B. Hopkins, Alva B. Brown, Isaac P. Hallock, Sr., Richard
S. Hallock, Isaac P. Hallock, Jr., Erasmus D. Bradley, William C. Norton,
John C. Norton, Charles H. Norton, Julius M. Hubbard, Giles N. Jones,
James M. Jones, Mark Heath, Norman Archer, Richard M. Lewis, Elam
W. Pearl, Joshua A. Pearl, A. M. Graves, Thomas Roland, Alonzo N.
Arnold, Robert N. Day, Thomas T. Rogers, James Howlett, Samuel How-
lett. Airs. Maria D. Butler, Joseph Porter. Mrs. Julia Delahoyde," Peter
Delahoyde, Almond Goodale, Henry Kincade, Orris C. Keith, H. Ransford,
Dr. Tingle, Harmon G. Smith, George E. Cotton, James W. Brown, Will-
iam S. Ordway.
Oakfield's first school house must have been built as late as 1858, prob-
ably by Alonzo N. Arnold, on the east side of town, on the hill in the edge
of the timber, about block 13 or 14. In 1871-2 a new two-story school
house was built, which is still doing duty.
It is impossible to ol^tain an accurate list of the teachers who have
taught school there, or the order in which they were employed. Some of
the teachers were : Miss Disbrow, Jane Beers, Mar}^ Crane, Hattie Beers,
Mary Beck, John A. Hallock, Darthula Rogers, Arabella Macomber (she
was the famous Major Belle Reynolds of Shiloh fame), Robert N. Day,
Harmon G. Smith, Julius AI. Hill, E. S. Fales, Mr. Farrell, William H.
284 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Brinkerhoff, Claude N. Andrews, Clara Ordway, Miss Derby. J. O. Cotton,
Ernest Smith, Moses Brinkerhoff, Air. Enenbeck, V. Roberson, Mr. Stiles,
Mr. Koob, Air. Eversol, Lettie Smith, Air. Vanderlin, B. O. Spillman, Miss
Alaulsby, Aliss Anderson, Francina Pottle, Nettie Bnmer. Pearl Jenkins,
Gladys Chamberlain, Edith Brown, Alaye Jenkins, Nellie Boockout, Pluma
Freeman, Alary Curry and Vivian Bartlett.
About 1874 a public hall was erected, which was occupied by the Odd
Fellows lodge. It waf, moved to Brayton in 1882. The coming of the rail-
road in 1868 carried most of the business to Brayton. The only remaining
business house is the store of Ward B. Smith. Dr. Richard S. Hallock was
the resident physician many years, except when he was in the army. He
went to Salida, Colorado, in 1882.
GRAY.
Gray was laid out by George Gray in section 12, Lincoln township,
on August 10, 1 88 1. The Northwestern railroad came into the town from
Carroll, by way of Manning, early in 1882. George Gray was for many
years the most prominent business man here. He built a grain elevator,
office, hotel and residence. He was not only proprietor. Init o\\ ned thous-
ands of acres of the 1)est farms in the A'icinity and was the first grain and
stock dealer in town.
Among the early business men in 1881 were: Air. Alotter, general
store, who sold to William R. Johnson the same year; Air. Reeves, hard-
ware, who sold to Stotts & Myers the same year; George Eby. liveryman;
George Farmer, meat market ; Air. Smith, boarding house ; Doctor Warner,
physician. Other settlers the same year were : A. G. Forsbeck, Charles
AIcLaughlin and George McLaughlin.
In 1882 Stotts & Gifford started a general store; David DeGood.
blacksmith; L C. Whipple, hotel; Dr. Frank Hinsdale, physician; Green
Bav Lumljer Co., with O. B. Francisco, manager, succeeded 1)y Air. Wake-
field, he bv P. C. Aloeller and he by Henry Alohr; Charles Stuart & Son,
grain and lum1)er dealers, with W. H. Kellogg, manager, succeeded by W.
H. Stowell in 1883; Audas Brothers and Railey Brothers, merchants in
1885; B. and H. W. Lel^eck, general store; Lancelot & Rees started a gen-
eral store in 1886. Fred C. Hepp started the blacksmith and hardware
business in 1886; Welty & Crow, hardware, in 1888.
Other old settlers were A. F. Aikman, Frank P. Rees, Seth Gifford,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 285
Thomas J. Spilker, Dr. A. L. Brooks, Samuel T. Thompson, Horace
Shelley, Dr. Lawrence A. Beers.
The first postmaster was Willis P. Stotts, 1882. Other postmasters
have been : Mr. Jones, Walter J. Audas, William J. Lancelot, Fred C. Hepp,
A. F. Greenwalt, C. Eugene Mertz, Elmer Audas, B. A. Swart and Clar-
ence Shingledecker.
In 1888 one of the country school houses was moved into town. The
present independent district of Gray embraces the west one-half of sec-
tions 6 and 7; the northwest one-quarter of section 18, Cameron township;
all of section i ; east one-half of sections 2 and 11 ; all of section 12; north
one-half of section 13, and northeast one-quarter of section 14 in Lincoln
township. A new school house was erected in 190 1 at the cost of two
thousand five hundred dollars. The school is graded and employs three
teachers; sixty-eight pupils are enrolled in 191 5. These have been teach-
ers: Etta Barrich. principal; Anna Bovaird, primary; Aeta Crow, principal;
Lillian Ott, primary; Nora O'Leary, principal; Miss DeMotte and Alta
Crow, primary; Will H. Lancelot, principal; Mrs. J. A. Crow and ^label
Swaney, primary ; William Meek, principal ; Mabel Swaney, primary ; Will-
iam Cunningham, principal ; Mabel Swaney, primary ; Charles Ford, princi-
pal ; Emerson Shelley, intermediate ; Mollie Barger, primary ; K. G. Lance-
lot, principal ; Emerson Shelley, Arden Shelley, Howard Kittell, interme-
diates ; Mollie Barger and Ella Denton, primaries ; Belle Lancelot, princi-
pal ; Grace Swaney, intermediate ; Ella Denton, primary.
These have also been teachers : Ella Forsbeck, Bessie Bunker. Maude
Carpenter, Blanche Shaffer, May Delaney, Anna O'Leary, Matilda Jensen,
Frank White, Will Hammond, Lucille Snyder, Raba McVey, A. J. Albin,
Lillian Hal ford, C. R. Wiseman, Mildred Bowen, Bessie Ross, Emma
Wickwire and perhaps others.
The town was incorporated in 1897 and embraced all of section 12,
Lincoln township. The following named gentlemen have held the office
of mayor of the town: Walter J. Audas, William J. Lancelot, C. Eugene
Mertz, Frank J. Rogers, Fred C. Hepp, Harry A. Bates, A. G. McMullen,
A. G. Forsbeck.
OFFICIAL AND BUSINESS DIRERTORY.
Mayor, A. G. Forsbeck ; clerk, Charles C. Linn ; marshall and con-
stable, Frank J. Rogers ; assessor, Lloward Rogers ; postmaster, Clarence
Shingledecker; mail carrier, George Garber; principal of school, Leo Bruce.
Clergyman — J. A. Mitchell ; railroad agent — Thomas J. Spilker ; bank
286 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
— Farmers Savings Bank, Ed. C. Rice, cashier; hotel — Mrs. Garber; drug
store — Elmer Audas; restaurant — Frank J. Rogers; general store — James
A. Rutherford; hardware — L. Groteluschen Company; harnessmaker — D.
C. Ross; garage — John Shaw; blacksmiths — Fred C. Hepp, Link O'Con-
nell ; liveryman — L. L. Farrell; barber — Guy E. Farrell ; stock-buyer — D. O.
Corner; grain — Opdyke Grain Company, Austin L. Linn, manager; Trans-
Miss. Grain Company, D. J. Sweeney, manager; Green Bay Lumber Co.,
Frank Murphy manager ; carpenter — John Markley ; painter and paper-
hanger — B. A. Swart; drayman — Chris. Jensen.
HAMLIN STATION.
The town of Hamlin Station was laid out on the southeast quarter of
section lo, Hamlin township, by J. Lewis Drew, on November lo, 1890.
The following named persons have been among the residents of the
town : Mordicai Hutton, Henry Young, Samuel Atkinson, John E. McGuire,
Charles Higgins, Nels Rattenborg, J. P. M. Jensen, Simon Christensen,
Peter Reisgaard, Hans P. Mortensen, Mrs. Petersen, Chris. Johnson, Fred
Heilman, Philip Young, S. D. Coonrod, Hans J. Hansen, Hans Aagaard,
Wilhelm Olesen, Victor Nelson, Jacob Sandbeck, Mrs. ]\Iary C. Haahr,
Soren Sandbeck, Hans Carstensen. John McNutt.
These have been postmasters : James Elrod. William AIcGuire, Chris.
Justensen, Thomas Brahn, Robert H. Garnett, Knut J. Petersen.
Population, eighty-five.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Postmaster, Knut J. Petersen; railroad agent — T. O. McCarthy; school
teacher — Grace Lee; hotel — Karen ]\Iortensen; Farmers Savings Bank —
L. C. Christoffersen, cashier; garage — Cal Belcher; blacksmith, Rasmus
Johansen; general stores — Hans J. Johnson, C. P. Christensen; hardware —
Nels Mortensen; barber and billard parlor — A\'ill Krohn; lumlier dealer and
cement works — Fred O. Anderson, manager; creamery — Marinus Nielsen,
manager; grain and stock dealer — Peter Nelson; drayman — Gill Petty.
KIMBALLTON.
The town of Kimballton was founded and laid out by Hans J. Jorgen-
sen on the northeast quarter of section 30, Sharon township, in 1883. The
AUDUBOK COUNTY, IOWA. 287
first merchant was Louis Hansen, in 1883. The business interests in 1889
were represented by Marquesen & Mehard and A. Bergreen, general stores;
Eveck & Gray, hardware and farm implements; Carl Johnson, blacksmith,
and L. C. Johnson, carpenter.
Hans J. Jorgensen was the first postmaster, in 1883, and was suc-
ceeded by Hans Marquesen, in 1888. The Atlantic Northern railroad w-as
built from Atlantic to Kimballton in 1907.
Kimballton was incorporated on June i, 1908. The mayors of the
tow^n have been P. E. James and Thomas Thompson. It is an independent
school district, and its teachers are the Dallinger sisters. Flora, Bertha and
Margaret. Its waterworks system was established in 1912, and its elec-
tric light plant in 19 13.
OFFICIAL AND BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Population, three hundred and fifty.
Mayor, Thomas Thompson; clerk, Hans Madsen; marshal, Conrad
Nelsen; justice of the peace, Chris T. Christensen; constable, Jens Smith;
postmaster, Frank Thompson.
Clergyman — Rev. J. Jorgensen; physician — Peter Soe; photographer
— Mads Knudsen; bankers — Hans Madson and Math. Nessager; news-
paper — Fred N. Harmon; hotel — Alarie Rasmussen; restaurant — Peter'
Kirk; drug store — Jorgensen & Thompson; jeweller — S. H. Sovensen;
musical instruments — H. M. Nordley; picture show — A. J. Mautz; real
estate agents — George Nelsen, Martin Frederickson, Hjalmar Rasmussen;
tailor — Walter Madsen ; barber — J. E. Tvenstrup ; blacksmith — Jens West ;
harness sho^D — Evald Trukken ; public library ; mason — Nels B. Bennedsen ;
carpenter — -Hans P. Hansen ; liveryman — Lars Rasmussen ; auto livery — A.
J. Winther; painters and paper-hangers — Chris Hansen, Randolph,
Andersen; general stores — Faaborg & Co., Larsen & Jorgensen;
grocer — G. G. Muller & Co.; hardware — H. P. Bonnesen; hardware and
implements — Hansen & Sorensen; grain elevator — Andrew Rattenborg,
manager; live stock dealer — Chris O. Jensen; Farmers Shipper's Union — -
Paul Bjorn, manager; furniture — Nelsen & Andersen; electric lights — John
Nelsen ; garage — Martin N. Esbeck ; motor and auto supplies — Henbusker
& Larsen ; creamery — Peter Thuesen, manager ; construction company —
Thorwald Jensen; lumber dealers- — Olaf Hansen, manager; Hans Boldt,
manager ; Standard Oil Co. — Peter J. Bertelsen, manager ; meat markets —
Magnus Nelsen, Jens Nelsen ; railroad agents ; brick and tile works — Ole
Jacobson.
288 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
ROSS.
The town of Ross was laid out in section 4, Leroy township, and was
platted on July 28. 1882. A postoffice was established there in 1883. The
former postmasters were L. D. Thomas and John W'agner. The railroad
depot was built in 1885, and the first merchants were Fox & Johnson. J. F.
Luse had a store there in 1889. Charles Stuart & Son and George Gray
were formerly engaged there in the grain and coal trade. Other residents
have been Mr. Zebol, Jesse Neitzel. Mr. Keonick, John Petersen, John Wag-
ner. John ^IcKee. John Ehlit, Xels Olsen and George I^IcEwing.
The business directory of the town in 1915 is as follows: Postmistress.
Lena Mack; railroad agent. Inman Sherman; store. Max Ehlert ; black-
smith, William Smith; lumber dealer. Fred Jones; grain elevators, Jesse
Ferguson and Bert McNutt; implements, machinery and harness, William
Bauers; drayman, John Bonnett. There are Methodist and Lutheran
churches.
OBSOLETE TOWNS.
Dayton was platted on July 9, 1855. It was the first county seat, but
contained only two buildings, and the county seat was changed to Exira in
1861. It was \acated man}-, many years ago and is now embraced in a
farm.
Audu1:)on City was platted and laid out by Thomas S. Lewis and
Nathaniel Hamlin on the southwest quarter of section 25. Exira township,
on September 3. 1856. It was a failure from the start. It contained a
residence or two and a store. The first school house was there, all before
1861. It was all vacated many years ago and is now embraced in a farm.
Louisville was laid out and platted by Nathaniel Hamlin on the north-
west quarter of the southeast quarter of section 17, Exira township, on
October 23, 1866. It was the site of the Green & Burnham steam-mill in
1856. Howard J. Green, Franklin Burnham and Charles L. Chapin lived
there in 1856, and others lived there subsequently, before 1865. In
1866 it was the busiest place in the county, with saw and flouring-mill, store,
blacksmith shop and quite a number of residences. It continued to be a
busy place as late as 1874. During its business career its residents, besides
those mentioned, v.ere : Levi Zaner. Nathaniel Hamlin. John B. Connrardy,
Adonijah J. Harris. James Harris, Horatio P. Smith. Leman Carley.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 289
Francis J. Shrauger, Robert T. Smart. Daniel W. Miller, John S. Wright,
Charles E. Hartman, Kizer, Robinson and others.
It is now embraced in the farm of Julius E. Herrick, Esq. Audubon
Lodge No. 217, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the oldest lodge in the
county, was organized at Louisville, October 19, 1871, and built an Odd
Fellows hall. The lodge was moved to Oakfield in 1874 and the hall was
torn down.
Hamlin was laid out by the Hamlin Town Company, consisting of
Nathaniel Hamlin, I. N. Donnel, P. Gad Bryan, George W. Seevers, Hugh
W. Maxwell and H. Devere Thompson, in sections i and 2, in Hamlin
township, in 1872. The plat was filed on April 29, 1873. It was the fairest
townsite ever founded in Audubon county. It contained a hotel, several
stores, a school house and several dwellings. It was defeated for county
seat in 1873, a lamentable event and to the lasting injury of the county that
it was not selected for the permanent county seat. It was vacated many
years ago and is now^ embraced in a farm.
(19)
CHAPTER XIX.
THE DANES.
Between Exira and Harlan in the west part of Audubon county and the
east part of Shelby county is a large settlement of Danish people. Their
rise and progress have been something remarkable and interesting. The first
of these people settled in Shelby county, and came later to Audubon county.
As early as 1863, Chris Johnson, better known to old setlers as "Big Chris,"
lived on a homestead in Shelby county, near the northwest corner of Oakfield
township, about two miles south of the present town of Elkhorn. In the
early days he was instrumental in settling several Danish people in the west-
ern part of Audubon county. These people came direct from Denmark to
his place and lived with him to learn the language of the country and the
methods of agriculture. He assisted them in buying and improving their
lands, and in making their initial start at home making and farming, in
many ways.
The first Dane who settled in the county was Jens U. Hansen, who came
in 1869 from Shelby county and lived temporarily in a shanty in the north
part of section 5, Exira township, near John W. Dodge. He was a carpenter
and a very industrious man; worked with Mr. Dodge and helped build the
old big barn on the Pray place, now owned by Martin P. Mardensen, on
section 27, Hamlin township. He also helped build the Congregational
church in Exira, in 1870; built a house for Charles Van Gorder, in Exira,
in 1 87 1, and built the John D. Bush house in Exira. He improved a farm
in section 36, Sharon township, in 1870, upon which he settled in 1871, and
lived there many years. He now resides in the same vicinity. During suc-
ceeding years many Danish people setled in Audubon county.
Following is a list of the early Danish settlers in Audubon county, with
places and dates of settlement :
OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP.
In Section 2. Lorenz P. Nelsen, 1883.
In Section 3. M. Ballmus, 1880; C. Christensen, 1880.
In Section 4. A. P. Hansen, 1878; Rasmus Axelsen, 1875; Andrew
P. Hansen, 1878; Jens Hansen, 1878; Chris Hansen, 1878; Lars N. Esbeck,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA., 29I
1882; Christian N. Esbeck, 1881 ; John Sorensen, 1882; John N. Esbeck,
1883.
In Section 5. Nels J. Boose, 1881; Nels B. Christensen, 1887; Andrew
Sorensen, 1882; Drace Sorensen, 1882; Chris Jensen, 1881; Chris Hansen,
1878; Andrew N. Esbeck, 1879; John Petersen, 1885; Jacob Beck, 1885;
L. P. Miller, 1883.
In Section 6. A. C. Nelsen, 1880; Lars Hansen, 1875; Nels J. Nelson,
1883; Tore Toresen, 1871 ; Lars Hansen, 1875; Paul Boyeson, 1880; Aug.
L. Boyeson, 1880; Chris Petersen, 1878; Nels C. Christensen, 1885; Charles
J. Shack, 1875; H. F. Shack, 1875; J. P. Nielsen, 1886.
In Section 7. Simon Everson, 1875; Chris Qlsen, 1885; Nels Bollesen,
1878; A. P. Poulsen, 1880; Elias Jacobsen, date unknown.
In Section 8. Peter Nelson, 1882.
In Section 10. Niels Hansen, 1883; Lars Christensen, 1875; Nels J.
Petersen, 1883.
In Section 14. Jens U. Petersen, 1872; Peter Hansen, 1873; John
Johnsen, 1872.
In Section 15. Hans Nymand, 1881; Jesse Nymand, 1880; Jacob P.
Bendixen, 1881 ; Carl F. Nelsen, 1872.
In Section 16. Knud Knudsen, 1875.
In Section 17. Jens P. Christoffersen, 1872; B. H. Christensen, 1876;
John P. Hoegh, 1881; S. P. Daugard, 1882.
In Section 20. Hans C. Hansen, 1882.;
In Section 21. Nels P. Hoegh, 1875; George Hansen, 1875; H. C.
Nielsen, 1872.
In Section 22. Chris Christensen, 1883; Hans P. Hansen, 1880; Ebbe
J. Hansen,, 1880; Peter Jacobsen, 1877.
In Section 2^. Peter Albertsen, 1881 ; H. P. Larsen, 1875.
In Section 28. H. C. Nielsen, 1873; William Erickson, 1880.
In Section 33. N. P. Petersen, 1871 ; Peter Nielsen, 1871 ; Niels Ander-
sen, 1871.
In Section 34. N. C. Nielsen, 1871; Martin Nielsen. 1871.
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP.
In Section 29. J. H. Johnson, 1880.
In Section 30. Chris Petersen, 1886; Peter Wilson, 1885; Peter Mad-
sen, 1880.
In Section 31. Jens P. Wilson, 1885; Nels Petersen, 1881.
292 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
SHARON TOWNSHIP.
In Section 7.' Peter F. Pedersen, 1880; Andreas C. Sorensen, 1881;
Jens Rosenbeck, 1886.
In Section 14. Christian M. Hansen, 1882; Charles Petersen, 1878.
In Section 15. Jasper Jensen, 1880; Martin N. Esbeck, 1879; Chris L.
Hansen, 1880.
In Section 16. Alartin Larsen, 1882; Jens Marcussen, 1882; Anders
Christoffersen, 1882; Hans Marcussen, 1882.
In Section 17. Hans Petersen, 1876; Xels Petersen, 1880; George L.
Jorgensen, 1879; Chris J. Christensen, 1881 ; Henrick J. Ipsen, 1880; Albert
H. Jorgensen, 1880; Peter Rasmussen, 1880.
In Section 18. Chris T. Christensen, 1880; Chris L. Petersen, 1881 ;
Peter Nissen, 1885; Lars Jensen, date unknown; Xiels H. Nielsen, 1878;
Niels J. Meng, 1880; Chris Larsen, 1880.
In Section 19. Andreas Petersen, 1881 ; Albert C. Christensen, 1880;
Ole Ericksen, 1877; Peter Olsen, 1877.
In Section 20. Peter N. Jorgensen, 1874; Thomas Smith, 1880; Hans
Larsen, 1880; Nels Petersen, 1880.
In Section 21. Jens Larsen, 1880; Hans Petersen, 1883; Peter H.
Andersen, 1883.
In Section 23. Willads Rattenborg, 1883.
In Section 27. Rasmus Petersen, 1885; Soren S. Faaborg, 1882;
Simon Christensen, 1879.
In Section 28. John Faaborg, 1881 ; Chris Montensen, 1879; Peter N.
Esbeck, 1878; Chris Mascussen, 1882; Peter Johnsen, date unknown.
In Section 29. Jens T. Larsen, 1874; Erik P. Simonsen, 1878.
In Section 30. Hans J. Jorgensen, 1874; Chris P. Madsen, 1874; Jens
Christensen, 1878; Hans Madsen, 1874: Mads Madsen, 1874; Ole H. Jacob-
sen, 1875; Ole H. Jacobsen, Jr., 1875; Clarence Jacobsen, 1875; Chris Jacob-
sen, 1875; Ole Olson, 1873.
In Section 31. John Andersen, 1878; Hans P. Christensen, 1877; Lars
Mortensen, 1878; Hans Rasmussen, 188 1.
In Section 32. Jens C. Hansen, 1880; Niels Hansen, 1880; Soren
Sorensen, 1880; Svend Larsen. 1883; Chris Christensen, 1881 ; Lars Nelsen,
1881 ; Jens Carlsen, 1882; Jens C. Kjar, 1880.
In Section 33. Lars C. Jensen, 1883; Jens M. Rasmussen, 1880; Carl
Iversen. 1882; Chris Iversen, 1882; Anton Christensen, 1877.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 293
In Section 34. Chris Thomson, 1880; Nels P. Jensen, 1882; WilHam
Christensen, 1881 ; Lars Sorensen, 1883; Chris Henclriksen, 1883; Soren
Sorensen, 1880.
In Section 35. Peter Axelsen, 1875.
In Section 36. Jens Sorensen, 1881 ; Jens U. Hansen, 1871.
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP.
In Section 35. Chris Justesen, 1880.
DESIRABLE IMMIGRANTS.
These people have greatly multiplied and now number many thou-
sans. But few of them possessed more than the common necessities of life.
The lands where they settled were mostly hilly, rough, and brushy, and not
of the best quality; but they were well adapted as colonists in a new country,
a strong, hardy, healthy race; intelligent, honest, industrious, patient and
progressive — just what were required to subdue the wilderness, and build
up a prosperous community.
The writer well recalls their first coming, and sold land to some of
them. Many at first purchased but forty acres — usually paying down about
$70 — upon which they built a board shanty, ten feet square, barely suffi-
cient to hold a bed, table and a few necessary household articles. The cook-
ing stove was set up outside under a board shed, next to the living room.
Then they obtained a cheap team, wagon and plow, a cow, an old sow and
some chickens and proceeded to break out th^- farm. Sometimes they planted
sod corn the first year and prepared for a crop the next year. After about
this fashion they began life in this new country. Times were hard and ready
money not to be had. No banks, and farm loans not to be obtained here at
that period. Farm products were low in price, and the markets many miles
distant. But they had come to stay. By industry and patient perseverance
they worked and paid for their homes and increased their possessions. Their
financial integrity as compared with that of the average western man was
remarkable from the start. There were very few rogues among them. The
writer found that when a Dane was given credit for any kind of purchase
that he usually met his obligations promptly to the day, which was not true
of many other people in the community.
In 1894 the writer had occasion to mention them in the senate of Iowa,
citing the founding and progress of their community, and contending that it
294 AUDUBOX COUXTY/ IOWA.
compared favorably with anything of the kind of its age in the world; which
was true, and it has since continually been progressing;
BUILDING ELKHORN COLLEGE.
In 1878 Rev. Olav Kirkeberg, pastor of the Lutheran church at Elkhorn,
founded Elkhorn College, built by subscription; the Danish people in the
vicinity contributing liberally for the purpose. It was out in the wilderness,
but the Danish farmers turned out with their teams and hauled the material
for the erection of the building from the railroad, and the coal with which
to heat it when completed. There was a college mess-hall for the students,
the food for which, meat, flour, milk, vegetables, etc., was supplied by the
neighboring people. They sent their boys and girls to this school. The
students printed and published a college journal — Danncvirkc — proclaiming
that Elkhorn College was the only Danish college in America. Students
attended from all over Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, ^linnesota, Dakota,
Nebraska and other states, and some even from Denmark.
It was a common occurrence at that time to observe the old, heavy,
wooden chests and trunks of the Scandinavian emigrants marked: "Elk-
horn. Iowa. U. S. A."' The college was burned down twice, but a better
building was erected on the original site in 19 10.
TOWNS IX THE DANISH NEIGHBORHOOD.
In 1888 the town of Kimballton — named for an official of the railroad
company — was founded in the southwest quarter of section 30, Sharon town-
ship, and another town, Elkhofn. is situated two and one-half miles south,
in Shelby county. These towns, situated well back in the hills, are strictly
up-to-date, with commodious dwellings, business houses and modern im-
provements, new and tidy. A spirit of rivalry exists between the two little
cities, while the people are mostly Danish.
After living in the country for more than thirty years without a rail-
road the citizens rallied and built one themselves, from Kimballton to Atlan-
tic. Sharon township voted a railroad tax of five mills on the dollar, and
another township in Shelby county voted a like tax. for building the road, and
private citizens along the line subscribed for the railroad stock for the same
purpose. In such way the railroad was accomplished.
These Danish people have become an important factor in the affairs of
Audubon county. They are largely devoted to agricultural pursuits, for
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 295
which they are pecuharly well qualified. As farmers they are not excelled.
Starting as poor men, they now own hundreds of magnificent farms, under
a high state of cultivation, with handsome dwelling and home lots, fine barns
and farm buildings for sheltering stock and housing grain and hay; fields
and pastures thoroughly fenced and stocked with the best breeds of horses,
cattle, hogs, poultry, etc. The tidy, thrifty appearance of their farms attest
the industry and prosperity of the owners.
As business men they rank favorably with the same classes of people
elsewhere. In the learned professions we find among them lawyers, doctors,
clergymen, and school teachers. They have represented the county in the
Legislature, and in the county and local offices. Others are bankers, mer-
chants, agents and representatives of nearly all lines of trades and special
callings.
WORTHY CITIZENS.
The Danish people in this county aspire to become thoroughly American-
ized, to assume the best types of American manhood and womanhood, and to
conform themselves to American laws and customs. Nearly all of the male
portion of them as early as convenient become naturalized citizens and readily
assume their duties as such. They are patrons of schools and education. It
is a rare thing to discover one of these people who cannot read and write.
In politics they are remarkably independent about local affairs, generally
favoring their own race of people. In this particular they are inclined
to be clannish. Religously many are Lutheran, the church of their nativity.
Quite a number are Adventists, and some are members of other denominations.
Honest "Pete" Christiansen once in discussing the Danish social proposi-
tion said that the Danish boys should marry American girls, and vice versa.
He put the theory into actual practice, with success as it appeared.
To sum up in a nutshell — there are no better or more worthy people in
the county than the Danes; and there are many other people here who are
equally worthy.
CHAPTER XX.
AUDUBON COUNTY STATISTICS.
PRESENT POSTOFFICES.
Names. Established.
Audubon May 12, 1871
Brayton February 27, 1880
Exira June 27, 1856
Gray January 30, 1882
Hamlin June 24, 1873
Kimballton January 16, 1882
Ross August 23, 1883
OBSOLETE POSTOFFICES.
Names. Established. Discontinued.
Audubon Center December 13, 1877 September 30, 1867
Audubon Heights June 13, 1877
(name changed to
Conkling) February 28. 1881
Civil Point January 8. 1879 July 26, 1880
Conkling ^ June 14, 1894
Exline (site changed to
Appanoose county) January 14, 1878
Fiscus (site changed to
Shelby county) September 8, 1898 March 15, 1908
Grove (late Hamlin Grove) August 30, 1888
Hamlin Grove (name
changed to Grove) October i, 1853 June 24, 1873
Horace March 19. 1878 September 26, 1894
Irwin June 6, 1871 March 26, 1879
Jobes (site changed to
Guthrie county) January 2. 1877 January 17, 1903
Louisville I^^bruary 6, 1872 January 21, 1880
Larland \]:iril 30. 1890 May 15. 1902
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 297
Leroyville May i6, 1871 November 8, 1878
Melville February 19, 1878 October 24, 1891
Oakfield October 22, 1858 November 29, 1881
Orleans (site changed to
Appanoose county) ^lay 4, i860
Poplar March 30. 1892 March 15, 1908
Price February 9, 1886 August 17, 1889
Thompson October 7, 1872 February 24. 1880
Viola Center March 6, 1878 March 21, 1903
CENSUS STATISTICS 1 856.
Dwelling houses 49
Families . 50
Males 150
Females 133
Married 93
Widowed 5
Voters 69
Aliens 2
Militia 60
Land owners 51
Acres. Bushels.
Improved land 701
Spring wheat 115 i)97i
Oats 28 1,405
Corn 334 10,720
Potatoes 12 1,927
Number. V^alue.
Hogs sold 223 1,916
Cattle sold 132 4,3/6
Manufacturers 1-335
Butter, pounds 3,656
Wool, pounds 375
1875 18^0 1885 1890 1895 1900 1905
acres acres acres acres acres acres acres
Improved land --21,046 94.723 165,672 248.276 244,169 272,197 264,749
Unimproved land 257,368 36,587 44,406 19,530 18,698 10,259 19,842
298 AUDUBON COUNTY/ IOWA.
OCCUPATIONS.
Farmers 32
Laborers 12
Blacksmith . i
■Carpenters . . 5
Machinists ^^_ . 3
POPULATION OF AUDUBON COUNTY BY YEARS.
1856, 283; 1859, 365; i860, 453; 1863, 388; 1865, 510; 1867, 790;
1869, 1.032; 1870, 1,212; 1873, 1,873; 1875, 2.370; 1880, 7,448; 1885,
10,825; 1890, I2;4i2; 1895, 12,836; 1900, 13,625; 1905, 12,937; 1910,
12,671.
POPULATION BY TOWNS.
i860 1870 1880 1885 1890 1895 1900 1905 I9IO
Audubon 792 1.152 1,310 1,585 1,866 1,764 1,928
Brayton 38 124 141 196 137
Exira 83 160 604 552 575 748 851 828 787
Gray 172 180 191 148
Oakfield 88
Kimballton : 271
POPULATION BY TOWNSHIPS.
1890 1900 1905 I9IO
Audubon 953 953 917 825
Cameron 756 708 619 550
Douglas 783 848 870 848
Exira, except Brayton and Exira town 1,040 1,034 909 836
Greeley 779 766 714 651
Hamlin . 806 962 961 918
Leroy, except Audubon town 858 795 753 820
Lincoln, except Gray town 907 827 713
Melville 729 618 565 590
Oakfield 1,004 1,065 95i 99^
Sharon 972 1,233 1,223 1,210
Viola . 709 699 648 6^7
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
299
MALE POPULATION, BY YEARS.
1856, 150; 1859, 198; 1869, 239; 1863, 194; 1865, 240.
VOTERS, BY YEARS.
1856, 69; 1859, 93; 1863, 88; 1865, no; 1867, "^71; 1869, 248; 1873,
430; 1875. 527; 1885, 2,514; 1895, 3.091; 1900, \ 1905, 3,415.
NATIVITY OF POPULATION.
1856 1895
Austria
Bohemia
Belgium 2
Canada i 74
Denmark 1.252
England 10 134
France 7
Germany i 953
Holland 3
Ireland .111
Norway 18
Russia
Scotland i 27
Sweden 44
Switzerland
United States __ 10,104
Wales 7
Other European
countries 39
Asia I
Unknown 30 60
Alabama 2
Arkansas 2
California 4
Colorado 5
Connecticut 4 10
Delaware i
1905
10
14
31
1,469
71
8
786
69
15
2
21
42
4
2
6
8
1856 1895 1905
Georgia 5 ___
Illinois 12 937 688
Indiana 10 279 177
Indian Ter. 2 ___
Iowa 48 6,989 8,103
Kansas 2 59 62
Kentucky 17 58 34
Maine i 21 12
Maryland 2 16 5
Massachusetts 16 20 12
Michigan 8 28 49
Minnesota 18
Mississippi 2
Missouri 76 80
Montana 12
Nebraska 84 132
New Hampshire 5 15 11
New Jersey 2'j 24
New York 34 244 149
North Carolina _ 21 6
North Dakota __ 14 —
Ohio 47 506 309
Oregon i
Pennsylvania 7 309 219
Rhode Island 4
South Carolina _ i
South Dakota __ 11 22
300
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia _
1856 1895 1905
2 II II
2
4 37 26
17 46 25
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
1856 1895 1905
10
18 ' 12
4 129 124
NATIVES OF IOWA, BY COUNTIES.
Adair 18
Adams 12
Alamakee 3
Appanoose 8
Audubon 4,245
Benton 40
Black Hawk 9
Boone 15
Bremer 2
Buchanan 3
Beuna Vista 2
Butler 3
Carroll 126
Cass 256
Cedar 52
Cherokee i
Chickasaw i
Clarke 9
Clay '. I
Clayton 34
Clinton 59
Crawford 49
Dallas 37
Davis 5
Decatur 13
Delaware 3
Des Moines 31
Dickinson i
Dubuque 36
Emmet i
Fayette 19
Floyd
Franklin
Fremont
Green
Grundy
Guthrie
Hardin
Harrison
Henry _
Ida
Iowa
5
II
5
113
2
9
40
9
140
Jackson 46
Jasper 89
Jefferson 16
Johnson 217
Jones 25
Keokuk 35
Lee 9
Linn 17
Louisa 8
Lucas 2
Lyon I
Madison 38
Mahasha 47
Marion 56
Marshall 43
Mills II
Mitchell I
Monona 3
Monroe 5
Montgomery 19
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
301
Muscatine 53
O'Brien 3
Osceola i
Page 5
Palo Alto 4
Plymouth 3
Pocahontas i
Polk 87
Pottawattomie 78
Poweshiek ill
Ringgold 5
Sac 5
Scott 102
Shelby 205
Sioux 7
Story 23
Tama 21
Taylor 18
Union 2
Van Buren 4
Wapello 21
Warren 28
Washington 27
Webster i
Winneshiek 4
Woodbury 4
Others 54
OCCUPATIONS — 1895.
Agents 8
Insurance 5
Land 4
Railroad 6
Auctioneers i
Bakers i
Bankers 6
Barbers 13
Beekeepers • i
Bihiard men 9
Blacksmiths 28
Bookkeepers 7
Brickmakers 4
Brokers 2
Butchers 15
Carpenters 1 60
Civil officers 5
Clergymen 19
Clerks : 46
Contractors i
Cooks I
Creamery i
Dairymen 6
Dentists 4
Doctors 13
Domestics 41
Draymen 12
Dressmakers 24
Druggists 8
Editors i
Engineers, stationary 4
Farmers 2,072
Farmers, retired . 13
Gardeners 9
Graindealers 7
Harnessmakers 20
Hotel and rest, keepers 9
Housekeepers 26
Jewelers 5
Laborers 4-5
Laborers, farm 74
Lawyers 15
Liverymen 7
Machinists 3
302
AUDUBON COUNTY,. JOWA.
Mail carriers _
Marble cutters
Manufacturers
Mechanics
4
19
4
Merchants 73
Millers
Milliners
Miners
Musicians
Nurses
Opticians
Painters
Photographers
Plasterers
Printers
Railway employes
Seamstresses
12
9
I
10
8
4
I
5
Shoemakers
Spinners
Stock dealers
Stonemasons
Students
Surveyors
Tailors
Tanners 3
Teachers 126
Teamsters
Telegraph operators
Tinners
Traveling salesmen
\"eterinarians
Wagon makers
Weavers
10
6
4
I
3
I
I
\\'ell diggers
FARM PRODUCTIONS. I905.
Acres.
Corn 91,969
Wheat 1 1. 714
Oats 31.575
Barley 7.256
Rye 125
Buckwheat 2
Clover 4.421
Timothy 25.554
Millet and Hungarian 363
Alfalfa I
Wild hay 4.287
Clover seed 826
Timothy seed I.79I
Potatoes
Bushels.
Value.
3.797.856
$1,203,141
94,260
67.037
857.125
180,583
194,806
57.349
2,006
1,181
Z7
26
Tons.
6.539
27.589
42.545
172,638
812
2.690
2
8
8,091
Z^Ay:>
Bushels.
971
5.865
10.347
9.515
105,265
26,752
AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
303
Sweet potatoes
Sweet corn
Apples
Peaches
Plums
Cherries
Berries
Grapes
936
5>22I
875
1,897
13.590
136
2,687
2,871
7oo8
2,074
CENSUS 1905.
Cattle 47,850
Horses and mules 11,485
Swine 63,439
Sheep 1,538
Wool, pounds 4,118
Chickens 184,439
Other fowls 7,748
Eggs, dozens 623,758
Dairy products
Vegetables
Value $946,829
Value 686,798
Value 392,782
Value . 9.304
Value 822
Value 53,587
Value 5.540
Value 79'377
Value 276,971
Value 11,652
County revenue for year ending December 31, 1904 $162,598.01
County expenses, same period 155,710.48
Militia, 1905, 2,540.
BIOGRAPHICAL
CHARLES VAN GORDER.
We of a later generation who are enjoying the comforts and even the
luxuries of this modern-day civilization owe much to the earlier pioneers;
in fact, it is difficult to place a proper estimate upon their services for the
benefit of the generations who follow after them. They blazed the trails
and bore the brunt of the first hard and difficult battle in the redemption of
a wilderness. Their foresight and optimism enabled them to see into the
distant future and vision the productive and fertile farms, the beautiful
towns and cities, the grid-ironing the country with the steam railroads ;
all of which were to transform the wide stretches of prairie lands and the
rolling hills into a veritable storehouse of wealth which would afford sus-
tenance for innumerable thousands. It was the pioneer who transported
his family and meager possessions by horse-wagon or slow-moving ox-team
from the haunts of civilization across the lonely stretches to the far-distant
uninhabited country and there erected his cabin on the spot of his choice.
He came, he saw, he conquered, despite the vicissitudes and hardships which
of necessity were the lot of him and his family. He likewise reaped his
reward in the inevitable prosperity which followed in the wake of the settle-
ment of the new country. This was no more than his just desert. A high
type of the pioneer is found in the person of the man whose name heads
this review, Capt. Charles Van Gorder, one of the pioneer settlers and
bankers of Audubon county, who has resided in this county for fifty-
four years.
During his long residence in Audubon county Captain Van Gorder has
seen the land transformed from grass and flower-covered prairie and hill
lands into a smiling landscape of fertile farms and thriving towns. He has
seen the trail succeeded by the old stagecoach; in turn he has seen the
stagecoach supplanted by the steam railway and the automobile coming as
a more modern means of conveyance, and very properly is one of the most
highly honored and respected citizens in the county.
(20)
306 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA,
Charles Van Gorder, vice-president of the First National Bank of
Audubon, this county, was born in Delaware county, New York, on Jan-
uary 23, 1837, the direct descendant of an old Holland family which figured
in the colonial life of the Empire state. He is the son of Simon Van
Gorder, whose grandgather, John Van Gorder, was born in the Dutch settle-
ment of Delaware county. New York, in the ancestral home of the family.
John Van Gorder was the father of William, John, Abram, Isaac, Law-
rence, Albert and Manuel Van Gorder. Lawrence Van Gorder, the father
of Simon Van Gorder, resided in Orange and Ulster counties of New York.
His other sons were Hiram, Charles, John, Lawrence and Calvin, all of
whom lived to be over ninety years of age. Four of the sons of John Van
Gorder settled in the Lake county of New York state.
Simon Van Gorder, upon attaining his majority, moved to Delaware
county. New York, and thence, in 1843, to Bradford county, Pennsylvania,
where he died in October, 1890. His wife was Jane Fish, a native of New
York, daughter of Isaac Fish, a native of Connecticut, who settled in Dela-
ware county. New York, early in the nineteenth century. To Simon and
Jane (Fish) Van Gorder were born the following children: Maria
Antoinette, deceased; Mrs. Lorane Hodge, deceased; Billings, of Chemung
county. New York; Charles, of whom this chronicle treats; John, deceased;
R. B., a resident of Chemung county. New York; Mrs. Sarah J. Kirkpat-
rick, residing in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and H. Wallace, a citizen
of Chemung county. New York.
Charles Van Gorder was reared on a wilderness farm, he having been
but six years of age when his father removed to the wilds of Bradford
county, Pennsylvania, and entered on the task of carving a farm from the
dense forests. There were no school facilities in this primitive country and
Charles did not attend school until he had attained the age of seventeen
years. This schooling was very limited, however, and he did not succeed
in securing the education which his ambition craved. It is a fact that he
did not finish his education until after he came to the West, and he attended
school for two years after he had attained the age of thirty years. When
he was nineteen years of age. Charles Van Gorder left home with the par-
ental blessing and little else to fortify himself with, and migrated to Henry
county, Illinois. In the spring of 1857 he made the long overland journey
to Kansas. Kansas, at this period of her history, was earning the sobriquet
of "bleeding Kansas" and was the fighting ground of Abolitionist and slave-
holding advocate. The young adventurer saw troublous times during his
stay in that territory, and after traveling over the western country for some
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 307
time he settled in Bates county, Missouri. He resided in Missouri for three
years, or until i860, in which year he came to Iowa, choosing Audubon
county as his place of residence, and settled in the town of Exira. During
his long residence in Audubon county, Mr. Van Gorder has made three
trips across the plains to Pike's Peak and return.
In 1 86 1 Charles Van Gorder engaged in the manufacture of bricks
in Exira and was doing a thriving business in the sale and manufacture
of his product to the incoming settlers and homesteaders, when the Presi-
dent called for troops with which to quell the rebellion in the Southern
states. Mr. Van Gorder, in whose veins flowed the blood of a long line
of sturdy American ancestors and lovers of the Union, was one of the
brave sons of Iowa to respond in 1862. He enlisted on August 22, 1862,
in Company B, Thirty-ninth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served
for two years and ten months. His field service was with his regiment in
Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The principal engagements
in which he fought were at Parker's Cross Roads, Tennessee; Cherokee
Station, Alabama; Resaca, Georgia, and Altona Pass. During the latter
engagement he was wounded in the left foot and invalided for six months.
Entering the service as a private, he presently was promoted to the posi-
tion of a corporal and rapidly rose to be a sergeant, then a lieutenant
and finally a captain, which was his rank when he was mustered out with
Sherman's army at Washington, D. C, following the grand review. Cap-
tain Van Gorder was paid off and received his final discharge at Clinton,
Iowa.
After the war Captain Van Gorder resumed the manufacture of bricks
in Exira, varying the time with a trip across the plains to Pike's Peak in
1867. He also for a time clerked in a general store in Exira. In the year
1869 he was elected to the office of county treasurer and served for two
terms of two years each. From 1874 to 1876 he was engaged in the real
estate business. In the year 1876 his banking career began and he started
the Audubon County Bank at Exira. In 1878, when Audubon was laid
out and building had commenced in the new county-seat town, he decided
that it would prove to be a better location for his banking business. Con-
sequently the business was moved to the new city. Captain Van Gorder
erected a building in Audubon and conducted a private bank until 1893,
when the First National Bank succeeded the Audubon County Bank. Cap-
tain Van Gorder also is interested in the Exchange Bank at Exira, and for
some time he has occupied the post of vice-president of the institution of
which he is the founder. He has large land holdings in Iowa, the Dakotas,
Canada and Texas.
308 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
On November 28, 1869, Charles Van Gorder was married to Laura
J. Delahoyde, daughter of an early settler in Audubon county, and to this
union have been born four children, three of whom are yet living, namely:
Edwin S., president of the First National Bank of Audubon, this county;
Sydney S., also of Audubon, and Lowene J. Kirk, the wife of Willing D.
Kirk, of the great soap manufacturing company of the same name, and a
resident of Glencoe, near Chicago. Robert Bruce Van Gorder, the deceased
son, died in Audubon in 1907.
Politically, Capt, Charles Van Gorder, estimable gentleman and pioneer
settler, has always been allied with the Republican party, and takes a keen
interest in political affairs, though never having been a seeker after public
office, except on the occasion of his election to the office of county treasurer.
He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which
order he has attained to the chapter and the commandery, and takes a just
pride in his membership in Allison Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of
Audubon.
All honor is due this citizen who assisted in settling up the county in
the pioneer days and was one of the few men to enlist in the service of
the Union during the days of the civil conflict. This volume would cer-
tainly be incomplete were not the foregoing tribute and review inserted in
its pages. The biographies of such men as Charles Van Gorder, pioneer
settler and banker, Union veteran and public-spirited citizen, but enhance
the value of a work of this character and serve and as inspiration to encour-
age the young men of the present and coming generations.
HALLECK J. MANTZ.
The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article is
replete with well-defined purposes which, carried to successful issue, in con-
nection with the development of inherited talents, have won for him an
influential place in the ranks of his profession and high personal standing
among his fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing industry
and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable methods which he has
ever followed have resulted, not only in gaining the confidence of those with
whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a remunerative
legal practice. Well grounded in the principles of jurisprudence, and, by
instinct and habit, a constant reader and student, Mr. Mantz commands the
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 309
respect of his professional colleagues, while his career as an attorney and
public official has reflected honor upon himself and dignity upon the vocation
to which he has devoted his efforts.
Halleck J. Mantz, attorney and mayor of Audubon, this county, was
born on September 23, 1877, in Iowa county, Iowa, the son of Samuel L. and
Harriett (Eddy) Mantz, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Sam-
uel L. Mantz was born in Pennsylvania in 1848, the son of Jonas Mantz, who
is still living at the great age of ninety-four years, he having been born in
1821. The Mantz family is of colonial descent, a very old American family,
the grandfather of Jonas Mantz having fought in the American War of Inde-
pendence, a soldier under General Washington. His great-grandfather was
a soldier in the French and Indian War.
Jonas Mantz and family migrated from the ancestral home in Pennsyl-
vania to Iowa in the early fifties of the last century. Jonas and a partner
tramped afoot across the state, from Rock Island to Kanesville, or Council
Bluffs. After viewing the country around about he decided to settle in
Keokuk county and removed his family to Iowa in 1859. For a great many
years Jonas Mantz has been engaged in the live-stock business and his
activities have ranged over the entire country. He specializes in fine-bred
stallions and has been thus engaged since the late fifties.
Samuel Mantz made his home in Iowa county until 1881, in which year
he came to Audubon county and bought a farm in Leroy township, on which
he lived until 1902. He was the owner of a half section of land, which he
sold upon his retirement in 1902 and moved to Audubon. To Samuel Mantz
and wife were born eight children, namely : Everett, a farmer of Hobart,
Oklahoma ; Frank, a publisher at Manning, Iowa ; Halleck J. ; William a
farmer of Belle Plaine, Canada ; Clara, who married Frank Taylor, a farmer
located near Guthrie Center; Theodore, a practicing attorney, located at
Des Moines, Iowa; Mrs. Sadie Schmidt, of Leroy township, this county,
and Albert, a railroad telegraph operator at Kimballton, Iowa.
Halleck J. Mantz was reared on a farm and received his primary educa-
tion in the district school, following which he completed the course in the
Audubon high school. He then taught school for three years and in 1901
entered the law school of Drake University, graduating from this excellent
institution in the spring of 1904, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
After his admission to the bar, Mr. Mantz began the practice of law in Audu-
bon and has achieved a gratifying success.
In August, 19 10, Halleck J. Mantz was married to Dorothy Sandberg,
which union has been without issue. Mr. Mantz is a Republican in politics
3IO AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
and is prominent in the councils of his party. He was elected to the office
of county attorney in 1907, and after serving for a term of two years he was
re-elected in 1909, serving from January, 1908 to January, 1912, inclusive.
His faithful discharge of the duties involved in this official position was such
as to commend him favorably to the people of the county. He was appointed
mayor of Audubon in July, 1913, and was elected to the office in the spring
of 19 14. Mayor Mantz is an aggressive and energetic public official, who is
strongly in favor of municipal improvements, and is a constant and con-
sistent "booster" and advocate for a greater and better Audubon. He is a
member of the Presbyterian church and is fraternally connected with the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, having attained to the chapter in that
order, and is a member of the Eastern Star lodge. He is also a member of
the Modern Woodmen and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
OTTO WTTTHAUER.
In nearly every community are individuals who, by innate ability and
sheer force of character, rise above their fellows and win for themselves
public honors and preferment, occupying conspicuous places in the public
esteem. Such a one is the well-known gentleman whose name, appears
above, who has been prominently identified with the history of Audubon
county for a number of years, during which period his life has been closely
interwoven with the growth and development of the county. He has been
active in business affairs, as well as having taken a prominent part in the
official administration of the county government, and his career as a pro-
gressive and enterprising citizen has been synonymous with all that is honor-
able and upright in citizenship.
Otto Witthauer, former county auditor of Audubon county and present
representative from this county in the Iowa General Assembly, was born in
Woodward, Center county, Pennsylvania, on October 11, 1857, ^he son of
Herman and Louisa (Flahl) Witthauer, both of whom were natives of Ger-
many, where they were married, emigrating to America in May, 1854. They
resided in Pennsylvania until April 5, 1865, at which time they set out for
the long trip to the newer and cheaper lands of western Iowa. The family
located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Guthrie Center, Guthrie
county, and resided thereon until 1884, in which year Herman Witthauer
purchased the adjoining farm, where he spent the rest of his life, his death
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 3II
occurring in 1905. Mrs. Witthauer died in 1901. They were the parents
of eight children, namely : Louis, who is tilling the home farm in Guthrie
county; Ida, who died in infancy; Otto, with whom this review directly
treats; Hugo, who died in infancy; Bruna, who died at the age of six years;
Thomas, a resident of Council Bluffs; Udo, of Wellsville, Missouri, and
Edward, formerly a citizen of Olathe, Kansas, now deceased.
Otto Witthauer was reared to young manhood on the pioneer farm in
Guthrie county, and after receiving what instruction was available in the
local district school, he attended the county high school at Panora, Guthrie
county, Iowa. He fitted himself for the profession of teaching and taught
for four years in his home county, after which, in the fall of 1880, he entered
the employ of Captain Stuart, an extensive grain and lumber merchant. Mr.
Witthauer first began his work for Captain Stuart in the latter's lumber
yards at Guthrie Center, but was soon afterward transferred to Monteith.
In April, 1881, he was placed in charge of Captain Stuart's business at Exira,
this county. The nature of his occupation gave him a wide acquaintance
throughout the county and he made many warm and faithful friends. He
became his party's candidate for county recorder in the fall of 1884, was
elected to this office, and served for one term of two years. Upon the expira-
tion of his term of office he returned to Exira and engaged in the mercantile
business on his own account. He was unfortunate, for in 1887 fire destroyed
his building and wiped out the stock of goods. He did not attempt again to
start in business, but re-entered Captain Stuart's employ and was thus
engaged until Stuart disposed of his business in the fall of 1888, at which
time Mr. Witthauer embarked in the lumber business for himself, continuing
that business until 1890, when he sold out and engaged in the hardware and
harness business for two years, after which he was employed by the Daven-
port Syrup Refining Company as grain buyer at Exira. He remained in this
latter position for six years, or until 1898, the firm in the meantime being
incorporated with the Davenport Elevator Company. For a period of one
and one-half years, following 1898 Mr. Witthauer was employed as manager
for the Fullerton Lumber Company at Exira. From 1899 to 1909 his occu-
pations were varied and he then made a trip to Montana, where he was
superintendent of a saw-mill and lumber company for one year. He returned
home in 1910 and in that year was elected to the office of auditor of Audubon
county.
In June, 1883, Otto Witthauer was married to Hattie Bowman, of this
county, to which union three children have been born, Bessie, a teacher of
music in the public schools of Corwith, Iowa; Omar, at home, and Leo, who
died in infancy.
312 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Mr. Witthauer is a member of the Christian church and is a consistent
supporter of that faith. He is fraternally allied with the Knights of Pythias
and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Witthauer is a stanch Democrat
in his political affiliations and stands high in the councils of his party. He
was elected to the office of county auditor in the fall of 19 lo and was re-
elected in 1912, serving two full terms. He was a most capable official and
enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the people of Audubon county, not only
in his capacity of commissioner but as a citizen who was held in high regard
by all who knew him. Mr, Witthauer is now a representative from Audubon
county in the state Legislature, having been elected in 1914, in which honor-
able public capacity he has made a fine reputation throughout the state.
JOHN A. NASH.
With affectionate and tender interest men and women of the present
generation, who are enjoying the comforts and advantages made possible
by those whose works have ended, revert to the salient points of their
careers. The service of one's fellows is the keynote of honorable and effi-
cient citizenship, and when we turn the pages of personal history and realize
for the first time how far one noble man or one noble woman may influence
for good the currents of life in a community, we are struck with a sense
of our own personal responsibilities as citizens of this republic and as
factors in the community life of whatever sphere we may dominate. It is
not the man who makes the loudest pretentions of greatness who is really .
great, but rather the man who in a modest and humble spirit meets the
obligations which opportunity puts in his pathway. These thoughts are
especially suggested by the career of the late John A. Nash, who, until
his death on October 28, 191 3, was properly regarded as the first citizen
of Audubon.
The late John A. Nash was fortunate in having been born of par-
ents who during his youth set for him a worthy example of service. Fur-
thermore, he was fortunate in having been provided in his youth with
exceptional educational advantages, which equipped him for a large career
of influence. IMoreover, in Audubon county at least, he had the advantage
of having come here as a young man at the very beginning of the county's
settlement, the beginning of its agricultural development; the beginning of
its rise to distinction among the sister counties of the great Hawkeye com-
£,-^.ic,s.£:.itf/i<am:s ^^i-ej\nr
lOy C
AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA. 313
monwealth. What he did, however, from the beginning of his career in
this county is what hundreds of other men similarly situated might have
failed to do. He was able to see his opportunities and he was possessed
of the inclination and ability to take advantage of them.
Though his last days here were darkened by personal sorrow at the
loss of a loved member of his family, he nevertheless bore with fortitude
the exacting demands of the omniscient and omnipotent Father and
remained until his death an optimist in sorrow, one who could see behind
the dark clouds the silver lining that lay beyond. John A. Nash excelled
as a lawyer, he was superb as a citizen, patient, kind and unselfish as a
father and husband.
Born on May 9, 1854, at Des Moines, Iowa, the late John A. Nash
was the son of Rev. John A. Nash, D. D., a Baptist minister who came to
Iowa, locating at Des Moines about 1850, when that splendid city of today
was no more than a trading post on the outpost of civilization. There he
lived for many years, and there the greatest work of his life was performed.
He went to Des Moines as a miinister in the church, and after some years
established Des Moines College, an institution which has had a profound
influence on the life of this section, and of which for many years he was
the president. Both he and his good wife, whose maiden name was Mary
E. Hepburn, were natives of New York state and migrated from New York
to Iowa. Both are now deceased. But their good work goes on, not only
in the reflected goodness of their distinguished son, the subject of this
sketch, but in the lives of their other children and in the lives of the hun-
dreds who came under the spell of their beneficent influence. To Rev. John
A. and Mary E. (Hepburn) Nash were born three children besides John
A., namely: Janet C, Nettie M. and Harriet N.
John A. Nash, who was the eldest of these children, received his
elementary education in the schools of Des Moines, and was graduated from
Des Moines College. It was there, under the tutelage of his father and the
influence of the church that his early ideals, aspirations and ambitions were
formulated. Naturally the influence of Christianity was predominant in
Des Moines College, and as a student in the institution of which his father
was president John A. Nash came under this influence. It is no doubt
true that there, in association with his fellow students, his notions of real
life and the purposes of the individual in society became fixed.
Early in life John A. Nash decided to equip himself for the law,
and, after completing the classisal course at Des Moines College, he entered
the Iowa College of Law, now a part of Drake University, and subsequently
314 " AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA,
was graduated with high honors. When his collegiate training was finished
he was equipped to practice his profession in the largest cities of the East,
since his training was in no wise inferior to that given in the larger univer-
sities of the East. But instead of returning to the home of his father, as
many other boys might have done, he choose the little town of Stewart,
Iowa, as a place where he might begin his practice. There for one year
he read law with a Mr. Fogg, and, after gaining some practical experience,
the next year formed a partnership with B. S. Phelps and removed to Exira,
this county. But Exira was to be only a temporary seat of his professional
activities. Audubon at that time was not counted as a city, but upon its
establishment as the county seat, Mr. Nash removed to Audubon and con-
tinued in the practice of his profession until July, 1913, when he sold the
practice and office to Arnold, Ross & Rasmussen.
Two years after beginning the practice of law at Exira, John A. Nash
was married on September i, 1880, to Gertrude Russell, daughter of George
B. and Jane (Hutchinson) Russell, who were natives of Scotland and New
York state, respectively. Mrs. Nash's father came to America when a mere
lad, and after remaining for a time in New York, moved to Wisconsin,
where he married and eventually, in 1871, settled at Exira, this county.
George B. Russell was a pioneer merchant in what was then a straggling
village on the broad prairie. Some years ago he passed away in Audubon,
but his widow is still living in California. They had four children: Mrs.
Agnes R. Stotts; Charles H., who died in 1898; Mrs. Gertrude Nash, who
was born on February 3, 1863, and James F., of Ft. Dodge, Iowa.
To John A. and Gertrude (Russell) Nash two daughters were born,
Beatrice, born on June 11, 1881, and Gretchen Russell, August 25, 1883.
The former is the wife of Nelson W. Cowles, of Ottumwa, Iowa.
The last years of the late John A. Nash were darkened by the
sickness and death of his younger daughter, Gretchen Russell, who died at
Monrovia, California, on ]\Iarch 23, 1913, after an illness of two years.
It was only seven months later that Mr. Nash himself died. Mrs. Nash
spent the last two years of her daughter's life with the latter in California,
during which time Mr. Nash made several trips to that state. The news of
Gretchen Nash's death brought sorrow to a large circle of friends in Audu-
bon, Iowa. The remains were brought back to Audubon by her parents
and the funeral services were conducted by A. B. Miller.
The late John A. Nash will go down in the history of this section as
one of the leading citizens of Audubon, where he had a host of friends.
Having gone to Audubon in the first place in the employ of the Chicago,
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 315
Rock Island & Pacific Railroad to quiet the titles to land owned by the
company, in Audubon, Shelby and Carroll counties, Mr. Nash had enjoyed,
up to within a few months before his death, when he abandoned the prac-
tice of law, a large legal business in this section of Iowa. He was a man
of quiet and unassuming manners and retiring disposition, who avoided all
display of whatever kind. He did much for the city where he lived so
long, which his surviving fellow townsmen remember with personal admira-
tion for the memory of the man. Although he served with distinguished
ability as mayor of Audubon, perhaps his most helpful service was per-
formed as a private citizen. He was prominent in the fraternal circles of
the city, having been a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
in which order he had attained to the chapter and commandery, the Scot-
tish Rite and the Mystic Shrine. He was also at the time of his death a past
chancellor of the Audubon lodge of the Knights of Pythias. Though his
wife and daughters were Presbyterians, Mr. Nash himself was not a mem-
ber of the church. Mrs. Nash, who survives her husband, is a fine type of
the broad-minded, cultured and refined woman, who enjoys the sincerest
respect and esteem of the entire community.
Other men perhaps will perform worthy service in this great county;
men are doing it today, in fact, but it is doubtful whether any other man
will ever perform a service greater than that of the late John A. Nash, who,
a man that might have fitted into the cultured and exacting social life of the
East, chose as his sphere of action a straggling village on these broad
prairies. His work is done, but his influence will live as long as this favored
section endures.
ELLA M. STEARNS.
The peculiar rewards accruing to a person who follows the profession
of teaching for a long number of years are not great, but the honor and
satisfaction of knowing that one has accomplished a great deal of good and
molded many minds to the right way of living and thinking, more than
compensates for the lack of large compensation. While it is true that the
rank and file of teachers are not paid in the same ratio that those who follow
other learned professions are rewarded, yet there are, as in other vocations,
high places for those who are deserving. 'There is always room at the
top," is a tried and true saying, and it might be added that the top is never
overcrowded with the really capable. One of the recognized leaders in the
3l6 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
teaching profession, one who has risen to a high place in her chosen life
work, is Ella M. Stearns, county superintendent of schools for Audubon
county.
Ella M. Stearns was born in Oxford county, Maine, daughter of
Stephen B. and Mary (Gordon) Steams, the former of whom was a native
of Oxford county, Maine, and the latter a native of Freyburg, Maine. Fol-
lowing the death of Stephen B. Stearns, his family, in 1874, emigrated to
Michigan, and two years later, in 1876, the sons, Stephen, Sewell and H.
Wilbur, came to Audubon county in order to make a permanent home.
Mrs. Stearns came on later to join them in making a home and died at the
home in Luccocks Grove not long after her arrival in the county. Stephen
and Sewell went further west after some years of residence here and Stephen
now resides in Kansas City and Sewell is located in Tacoma, Washington.
There were nine children in the Stearns family, all of whom but four re-
mained in the East. These children, besides the subject of this sketch, are
George, residing at Spring Creek, Pennsylvania; J. C, living at Lovell
Center, Maine; Mrs. Carrie Leighton, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Belle Hurlman,
of Great Falls, Maine; Mrs. Sarah Stearne, of Lovell Center, Maine; Stephen,
a resident of Kansas City; Sewell, of Tacoma, Washington, and H. W.,
formerly a resident of Audubon county, who recently died, was one of the
well-known citizens of the county, and left four children, Virgil, Mereber,
Helen and Russell.
Ella M. Stearns was educated in the high school of Ludington, Michi-
gan, the Bloomfield Normal School, and the State Teachers College at Cedar
Falls, Iowa. She studied in the various schools and colleges while teaching
and practically made her own way. Miss Stearns taught her first school in a
board shanty in Douglas township, Audubon county. This shanty was put
up roughly and was covered with tar-paper roofing, a good example of the
makeshift school buildings of the time. Her next school was taught in an
old granary, which sufficed for a temple of learning in Viola township.
She also taught the "J^ck Whipple" school in Lincoln township and taught
likewise in rural schools in Leroy and Melville township. She became so
well and favorably known throughout the county as an able and forceful
teacher that her services became greatly in demand and positions were ofifered
her in various parts of the county. While teaching in the Exira schools,
a position which had come without solicitation on her part, she was offered
a situation in the Audubon schools. She accepted and for a number of
years was at the head of the city grammar school, later serving as principal
of the high school and teacher of English. Miss Steams served for twenty-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 317
three years in the Audubon schools, and it was only natural that she should
eventually assume the highest position in educational circles possible within
the gift of the people of Audubon county. In January of 1907 she became
county superintendent of schools for Audubon county and has since then
continuously served in this important capacity. During her administration
the public schools have made marked progress and modern methods are in
evidence in practically every district in the county.
Miss Stearns is a member of the Presbyterian church. She takes an
active part in the affairs of the "P. E. O." and the Columbian Club and
the Woman's Club of Audubon and is universally esteemed by all classes
in Audubon county for her many excellent qualities and her ability as an
educator. Despite the fact that her teaching experience has been longer than
most teachers of the county, she has never allowed her energy and determi-
nation to flag, or herself to retrogade intellectually or mentally, and she has
kept pace with the latest developments in her profession..
CHARLES SUNBERG.
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Audubon
county, Iowa, within the pages of this book. Citizens who have figuerd
in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests
are identified with its every phase of progress. Each has contributed in
his special sphere of activity to the well-being of the community in which
he resides and to the advancement of its moral and legitimate growth. Among
this number is Charles Sunberg, to whose career peculiar interest attaches
from the fact that a good part of his life has been spent in Audubon county
and that he is now filling one of the responsible offices within the gift of the
people of this county, being the present efficient and popular sheriff of Aubu-
bon county.
Charles Sunberg was born on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa, on
September 9, 1871, son of Henry and Hannah (Ahrend) Sunberg, natives
of Germany. Henry Sunberg was born in 1843, the son of a farmer, and
with his wife came to America in the spring of 1871, settling on a farm near
Iowa City, in Johnson county, this state, where he resided until 1885, a
period of fourteen years, after which he came to Audubon county and settled
on a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Melville township. In 1907
he moved to a farm south of Audubon and in the spring of 19 14 retired
3l8 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA,
and moved to Audubon, at that time being the owner of two hundred and
eighty acres. The children born to Henry and Anna (Ahrend) Sunberg
were seven in number, namely: Fred C, who lives near the old home place;
Charles, the subject of this sketch; Frank, now living retired in Audubon;
Mrs. Minnie Owen, living in Viola township; John, living in Hamlin town-
ship; Henry, Jr., of Viola township, and Mrs. Anna Leflar, who lives on the
old home place.
Charles Sunberg attended school in Johnson county, and on coming
to Audubon coimty assisted his father on the farm until he attained his
majority. He then rented a farm in the eastern part of Melville township
for four years, after which he took up contracting and building, with head-
quarters in Audubon. In 191 1 he was appointed deputy sherifif, and served
two years in that office. In the fall of 1912 j\Ir. Sunberg was selected
sheriff and was re-elected for the second term in the fall of 19 14, now filling
that office very efficiently.
On June 21, 1905, Charles Sunberg was married to Clemency Leib,
the daughter of Ernest and Louisa (Frieberg) Leib, natives of Germany,
who settled in Michigan after coming to this country and were there married.
iM-om that region they removed to Montgomery county, Iowa, and in 1844
they came to Audubon county, locating on the farm, where Ernest Lieb
died in 1902. His widow, who lives in Audubon, was born in Germany in
1838, and emigrated to Michigan with her mother when a young woman
and was there married. Mrs. Sunberg is one of ten children, four sons
and six daughters, as follow : Leopold, who lives in South Dakota ; Robert,
of Guthrie county, Iowa; Richard, of Audubon county; Otto, of Guthrie
county; Frank, who was killed in Audubon in the spring of 1.904; Mrs.
Emma Lee, who lives in Guthrie county; Mrs. Dena Lee, of Sac City;
Mrs. Anna Brown, of Sac City; Mrs. G. C. Dettmann, of Valley Junc-
tion, Iowa, and Clemency, who married Mr. Sunberg.
Charles Sunberg is an ardent Democrat and for many years has been
active in the councils of that party in Audubon county. He is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen
of America. Mr. and Mrs. Sunberg are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal church, and are active in the affairs of that church and of the Sunday
school.
Sheriff Charles Sunl)erg naturally is well known throughout the length
and breadth of Audubon county, and is a man highly respected for his
many good qualities of head and heart, being held in the warmest esteem
by all who know him.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 319
FRANK KREAMER. .
Not too often can be repeated the life history of one who has hved
so honorable and useful a life as Frank Kreamer, the present efficient post-
master of Exira, Iowa. As a private citizen and as a public official, he has
been a pronounced success. There are individuals in nearly every com-
munity who, by reason of their ability and force of character, rise above
the heads of the masses and command the esteem of their fellow men.
These individuals are characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit,
two virtues that never fail. They always make their presence felt and the
vigor of their strong personalities serves as a stimulus to others. To this
enterprising and energetic class, Frank Kreamer very properly belongs.
Frank Kreamer was born in Cass county, Iowa, on August 23, 1879,
the son of George and Elvina (Cahoon) Kreamer, both natives of Penn-
sylvania. George Kreamer left Pennsylvania when a young man with his
parents, and located in Illinois, where he farmed with his father. When the
Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Forty-sixth Illinois Regiment, Vol-
unteer Infantry, and served about a year. He then returned home and after
his marriage came to Iowa, settling in Cass county, where he purchased a
farm, remaining there until 1891, in which year he moved to Exira, this
county, where he purchased a grocery store, in partnership with F. L. Odell,
the business being conducted under the firm name of Kreamer & Odell for
nine vears, at the end of which time Mr. Kreamer retired, his death oc-
curring in 1904. His wife had preceded him to the grave in 1893. They
were the parents of four children, Ida, who married F. L. Odell; Edna,
who married Clarence Maisling; Salome, who married Frank Shranger, and
Frank, who is the subject of this sketch.
Frank Kreamer received his "elementary education in the schools of
Cass county, and at Exira, and was graduated from the Exira high school,
after leaving which he attended Ames College for three years. After leav-
ing college, he enlisted as a soldier in the Spanish-American War, enlisting
at Des Moines, Iowa, in Company F., Fifty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
in which he served six months, being mustered out on November 30, 1898.
Upon his return home he went west, where he remained for a few years,
after which he returned to Exira, where he had charge of a mail route for
three years, at the end of which time he engaged in the coal and feed
business for one year, and on August i, 191 1, became postmaster of Exira
and is still occupying that position.
On August 8, 1908, Frank Kreamer was married to ]Maude Hamlin,
320 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
daughter of Nathaniel Douglas and Elva (Crane) Hamlin, to which union
three children have been born, Elva, Mona and Kathleen.
Mr. Kreamer is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
He is an ardent Republican and is influential in the councils of that party
in this county. He is a good citizen and well deserves the words of com-
mendation, confidence and esteem which have been bestowed upon him by
his fellow citizens.
GEORGE W. HOOVER.
George W. Hoover belongs to that class of men who win in life's battles
by sheer force of personality and determination, coupled with soundness of
judgment and keen discrimination. In whatever Mr. Hoover has under-
taken, and he has been engaged in many lines of activity, he has shown him-
self to be a man of ability and honor. He is always ready to lend his aid in
defending the principles affecting the public good. He has ably and con-
scientiously performed all the duties of a public and private citizen, and has
conducted himself in such a manner as to win the unqualified indorsement
and support of his business associates and his fellow citizens.
George W. Hoover was born in Johnson county. Iowa, on January 14,
1856, a son of George and Catherine (Horton) Hoover, who were both
natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in the latter state and came to
Iowa, shortly after their marriage, settling in Johnson county, where they
spent the rest of their lives. To George and Catherine (Horton) Hoover
were born five children, Charles, Emily, Levi, George W. and Maria, all of
whom are living with the exception of Levi.
George W. Hoover was educated in the common schools of Johnson
county, Iowa, receiving a good common-school education, and after leaving
school, took up farming as a vocation, which he followed for several years,
being also incidentally engaged in carpenter work and contracting for some
time. Mr. Hoover was not only a successful farmer, but he made a success
of the contracting business as well. In 1888 he engaged in the hardware
business in the city of Audubon and continued in this line for twenty years,
at the expiration of which time he disposed of his hardware business. In
the meantime he had built up a large and lucrative trade in the retail sale of
hardware and implements under the firm name of the Audubon Hardware
Company. At the present time ]\Ir. Hoover is engaged in the furniture and
undertaking business, and has one of the best stores in Audubon.
'-^ 32,1" a TI^^A-r^i ^Sr^ ^nr
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i.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 32 1
George W. Hoover was married in 1880 to Maggie Reynolds, the
daughter of John and Lucy Reynolds, both natives of Johnson county,
Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are the parents of four children: May, who
married W. W. Waldron, and Karl, Jessie and Jessamine, who are at home.
Mr. Hoover is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at
Atlantic. He is a Democrat, but has never been active in political affairs,
and has never held office. He has been largely and actively interested in
public affairs, however, and was president of the Audubon County Agricul-
ture Society for thirteen years, during which time he developed it into a
strong organization. Mr. Hoover also has had charge of Maple Grove
cemetery for the past eight years and has cleaned it up and added very much
to its attractiveness.
CHARLES BAGLEY.
Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial
life one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance
or gift, but in what is known as the learned professions advancement is
gained only through painstaking and long-continued effort. The lawyer or
physician does not enjoy the privilege of exploiting his profession in order
U) gain a clientele. He must thoroughly prepare himself and be educated
broadly ''n order that his mental development may be such as to enable him
to quickly grasp the points of a cause presented for his consideration. He
must be well grounded in the deep, underlying principles of his profession;
whereas, the business man or merchant often engages in trade or commerce
with little or no preparation other than his native ability. It frequently
happens that members of the legal profession are called upon the take charge
of extensive business undertakings, lawyers being required in the conduct
of great corporations and kindred concerns on account of their thorough,
and well-grounded knowledge of business law and ethics. As a general
rule, they are excellent financiers and not infrequently achieve success in
other lines which may properly be conducted along with their legal busi-
ness. A high type of successful attorney, a prominent member of the bar
of western Iowa, is found in the person of Charles Bagley, of Audubon,
whose name forms the caption of this biographical sketch.
Charles Bagley was born on May 29, 1854, in West Liberty, Cedar
(21)
322 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
county, Iowa, son of William A. and Lucretia (Burgan) Bagley, natives
of the old Buckeye state. The Bagley family is a very old one in America,
Charles Bagley tracing his lineage back to Mary Chilton, who came over
from England in the "Mayflower." The father of William A. Bagley
emigrated from Vermont to Ohio and thence to Iowa, where he became
the owner of the land on which the city of West Liberty was built. This
tract was deeded to William A. Bagley by his mother after his father's
death. William A. Bagley, after he grew to manhood, married and settled
on a farm in Muscatine county, after a residence in Cedar county, where
Charles was born. In 1873 he removed to Cass county and tilled a fine
farm there until his retirement to the city of Atlantic, where he died in
1909.
To William A. and Lucretia (Burgan) Bagley were born the following
children: W. F., of Topeka, Kansas; Bert, a farmer near Atlantic, Iowa;
Mrs. Mary Smedley, of Randolph, Nebraska; Mrs. Hattie Alexander, a
resident of Colby, Kansas; Mrs. Kate Alexander, of Atlantic, Iowa; Mrs.
Sallie Ellett, living at Guthrie Center, Guthrie county, Iowa; Charles, the
subject of this sketch; Emma, who died at the age of twenty-five years;
Louise, of Atlantic, and Scott, residing in Oregon.
Charles Bagley was educated in the district school and at a select
school at Walton Junction, Iowa, later attending the high school at At-
lantic. From his boyhood days, he practically made his own way and edu-
cated himself in preparation for the practice of law. The only assistance
that he received from his father was a team of horses. This team was given
him to assist him in farming. After attending the high school, Mr. Bagley
taught school and farmed in order to raise money with which to defray
the expenses of a higher education. He managed to gain a liberal educa-
tion, not only in literature and the sciences but in the legal department
of the State University as well, and was graduated from the collegiate
department of the State University, and also was graduated, with the de-
gree of Bachelor of Laws, in the State University at Iowa City in 1881.
He taught a term of school in Nebraska in 1881 and then located in Audubon,
where he became one of the pioneer attorneys of the new and growing
town. He began the practice of law and also took up the real estate and
insurance business and has been successful in his various enterprises. He
also added an abstract department which he is yet conducting with the
assistance of his two sons, who are now associated with him in the offices.
Mr. Bagley has prospered and has a fair share of this world's goods. He
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. ' 323
is the owner of a farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres in Audubon
county, in addition to being the owner of considerable real estate.
In 1888, Charles Bagley was united in marriage with Amanda Williams,
of Audubon, a native of Jasper county, Iowa, daughter of Richard Will-
iams, to which union four children have been born, namely: Louis C. a
graduate of the Audubon high school and the law college of the State
University, who is now with his father in the law ofiices; Frank, also a
graduate of the Audubon high school, likewise associated with his father,
and Marion and Russell, students in the high school.
Mr. Bagley is a member of the Presbyterian church and contributes
of his time and means to the support of that denomination. He is a
member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican, but has never
been an office seeker nor sought political preferment to any extent. How-
ever, he fulfilled his civic obligations to his home town by serving two
terms as mayor of Audubon. Otherwise, he has been content to take his
place in the ranks of the mass of voters and vote for his favorite principles
of government and for the most capable candidates who, in his estimation,
were best fitted to fill the offices sought. Mr. Bagley is a cultured, well-
read and broad-minded gentleman, who is highly esteemed by all who know
him in his home community.
HARRY A. NORTHUP.
To write the personal records of men who have raised themselves from
humble circumstances to positions of responsibility and trust in a community
is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success
by reason of their personal qualities and who have left the impressions of
their individualities upon the business and political life of their community;
men who affect for good such institutions as are embraced in their spheres
of usefulness unwittingly, perhaps, built monuments more enduring than
marble obelisks or granite shafts. Such a man is Harry A. Northup, the
present auditor of Audubon county, Iowa, member of the firm of Northrup
Brothers, dealers in grain and live stock, one of the best-known citizens
of Audubon county.
Harry A. Northup was born on February 7, 1876, on a farm in Johnson
county, Iowa, son of Nathan and Harriet (Sherlock) Northup, the former
of whom was a native of Vermont, and the latter a native of England.
324 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Nathan Northup was bom in 18 17 and died in 1891. He was reared in
Vermont and in early manhood migrated to Ohio, where he married, and
in the sixties came to Iowa, locating in Johnson county, where his wife
died and he married, secondly, Harriet Sherlock, who was born in England
in 1835, the daughter of Thomas Sherlock, who located in Johnson county,
Iowa, upon coming to this country, where he spent the rest of his life.
Nathan Northup came to Audubon county in 1882, settling on a farm of
eighty acres in Douglas township, where the remainder of his life was spent.
To Nathan and Harriet (Sherlock) Northup the following children
were bom : Ernest, deceased ; Edwin, who lives at Vallesca, Iowa ; Richard,
ex-sheriff of this county; Mrs. Martha Oxer, of Franklin, Nebraska; Mrs.
Mary Myers, deceased; George, who is a partner of his brother, Harry, in
the grain and live stock business at Audubon; Mrs. Myra Holcomb, of
Spokane, Washington; Jasper, of Audubon; Harry A., the subject of this
sketch, and Mrs. Emma Norton, of Yale, Iowa. The mother of these
children died on August 30, 1909, having survived her husband nearly
twenty years.
Harry A. Northrup was educated in the public schools of Douglass
township, this county, and farmed with his brother on the home place,
renting land until he became eighteen years of age. He then managed the
farm until his widowed mother sold it, and after that returned to Johnson
county, this state, where he worked for one season. In 1897 M^- Northup
married and moved to a farm in Cameron township, this county, where
he remained for ten years. He then, for a little more than three years,
bought and shipped grain at Ross, Iowa, for the Trans-Mississippi Grain
Company, and in the spring of 19 10 moved to Audubon, where he formed
a partnership with his two brothers, George and Richard, in the grain
and live-stock business, under the firm name of Northup Brothers.
On March 10, 1897, Harry A. Northup was married to Cora A. Mc-
Cristal, of Audubon, daughter of William and Martha McCristal, both
of whom are now deceased. To this happy vmion two children have been
born. Hazel, born on January 24, 1898, and Merrill, July 2^, 1900.
In the fall of 19 14 Harry A. Northup was a candidate on the Demo-
cratic ticket for auditor of Audubon county and was triumphantly elected.
He took the office of county auditor on January i, 19 15. and is now
filling that office with credit to himself and with satisfaction to the people
of Audubon county who elected him. Mr. Northup is a stanch Democrat
and for many years has been active in the councils of his party^. He is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern
Woodmen of America.
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 325
SOREN MADSEN.
The career of Soren Madsen, a retired farmer of Greeley township, this
county, and the president of the First National Bank of Exira, should serve
as an inspiration to every young man. Mr. Madsen's youth was filled with
few of the joys which fall within the experience of most boys of today.
From the time he was eight years old he was compelled to support himself by
the labor of his own hands. Coming to America when he was twenty years
old, he took up quickly with the ways of his adopted country and in a com-
paratively brief period became a successful farmer and banker. He is now
known throughout Audubon county as one of the most successful citizens of
this part of the state. His career only goes to show what determination,
industry and personal economy will accomplish. Many of Soren Madsen's
fellow countrymen have made good in America, and they deserve unfailing
credit for their achievements.
Soren Madsen was born in Denmark on February 7, i8'6i, son of Nels
and Marie (Jacobsen) Madsen, both of whom were native-born citizens of
Denmark. Nels Madsen was a farmer and worked as a farm hand until he
came to America in 1885, joining his son, Soren, in Hamlin township, this
county, where he purchased forty acres of land, which he farmed for a time.
His wife died in 1887, and two years afterward, in 1889, he passed away.
Nels and Marie (Jacobsen) Madsen had only two children, Soren and Marie,
the latter of whom' married Hans Rasmussen, who is now deceased, his
widow living in Hamlin township. From the time Soren Madsen was eight
years old, and after leaving school, he worked out as a farm hand until he
came to America.
Upon arriving in this country, in 1881, at the age of twenty years, Soren
Madsen located first at Avoca, Iowa. After working there for eleven months
on a railroad, he went to Utah. In the fall of 1882, one year after his arrival
in America, he began working in a smelter and mining camp, a position he
held for two and one-half years, at the end of which time he came to Audubon
county, where he purchased eighty acres of land in Hamlin township. By
characteristic energy and' good management, Mr. Madsen was able to increase
his farm holdings to one hundred and sixty acres, after which he moved to
Sharon township, where he lived for eleven years. Selling his farm property
in Sharon township, Mr. Madsen purchased two hundred and forty-six acres
in Greeley township, and engaged in general farming and stock raising until
he retired. During all this period Mr. Madsen raised from a hundred and
twenty-five to a hundred and fifty head of hogs every year, besides a carload
326 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
of cattle. In fact his experience in raising hogs and cattle was the basis of
his success as a farmer.
On May 15, 1888, Soren Madsen was married to Christina Wolf, the
daughter of Peter and Margaret (Petersen) Wolf, both natives of Schleswig,
Germany. Peter Wolf was a farmer in his native land, and was also engaged
in purchasing cattle. He came to America in 1883 and located in Audubon
county, purchasing land west of Exira, living there until 1903, in which year
he retired and moved to Exira. He prospered and increased his original
holdings of ninety-one acres to one hundred and fifty acres. Peter Wolf and
wife were the parents of eight children, of whom Christina, wife of Mr.
Madsen, was the fourth born. The others were Welberg, Jens, Chris, Botilda,
Margaret, Mary and Lena.
To Soren and Christina (Wolf) Madsen four children have been born,
Marie, Anna, Nels and August. All of these children are unmarried, and all
the living at home with their parents.
Mr. Madsen is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
He is county supervisor of Audubon county and a member of the Exira town
council. In politics he is an ardent and enthusiastic Democrat. For some
time Mr. Madsen has been serving as president of the First National Bank of
Exira, and has proved himself to be a man capable of performing the import-
ant and highly technical duties of a successful banker.
DANIEL FRANKLIN, M. D.
The world has little use for the misanthrope. The universal brotherhood
of men is widely recognized, as is also the truth that he serves God best
who serves his fellow man. There is no profession, business or vocation
which calls for greater sacrifice or more devoted personal attention than
the medical profession. The most successful physician is he who, through
love of his fellow men, gives his time and earnest attention to the relief
of human suffering. The successful physician is bound to make friends
wherever he is known and he will retain the respect and esteem of all
classes of people. Among the able young physicians of Audubon, this
county, is Dr. Daniel Franklin, a young man who deserves great credit
for his accomplishments.
Daniel Franklin, the youngest son of Harry and Bessie Franklin, was
born in Russia on July 27, 1893. His primary studies were directed by a
private tutor and when ten years of age he entered the gymnasium. After
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 327
four years of study there he came to America, landing in New York City
on December i, 1907. Spending only a few days in the cities of New York
and in Chicago, he heeded the advice of Horace Greeley, and came west,
locating at Omaha, Nebraska, where he entered the public schools, and, by
the diligent study of English, qualified himself for admittance to Creighton
Medical College. During his period of attendance at this college, in order
to defray his college expenses, he worked as chemist for a creamery, and
during the last year of his attendance at the medical school was a resident
interne at the Omaha general hospital. He was graduated from the Creigh-
ton Medical College on April 30, 19 14, and immediately after receiving
his diploma came to this county, locating in Audubon on May 9th of that
year, at once entering on the active practice of his profession. Although
he is a young man, Doctor Franklin's practice is growing rapidly, and, by
his courteous manners, his careful practice of the ethics of his profession
and the high standard of his professional skill, he is fast gaining the confi-
dence and respect of the people of Audubon county.
Doctor Franklin is a member of the Audubon County Medical Society,
the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, in
all of which organizations he takes a deep interest. Fraternally, the doctor
is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
Doctor Franklin is one of the rising young physicians of Audubon
county, and his career forcibly illustrates what can be accomplished by the
worthy sons of foreign countries who come to our land, and by persistent
energy and determination win merited success.
CHRIS OLSEN.
This country takes great pride in the citizens of other lands who have
come to these shores and who, with rare energy, industry and management
have built up profitable and popular businesses in the various communities.
The career of Chris Olsen, a well-known general merchant of Audubon,
this county, is worthy of being heralded to the native-born sons of this land.
The story of his life is more like a romance than a statement of real fact,
since he has been able since coming to America, at the age of sixteen, to build
up one of the most prosperous and flourishing enterprises in Audubon county.
Mr. Olsen's success is not a matter of accident. He has given his labor
ungrudgingly and deserves the large success which he has attained.
Chris Olsen, a well-known merchant of Audubon, Iowa, was born in
328 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Denmark on October 31, 1872, the son of Peter P. and Anna (Christensen)
Olsen, farmers in their native land. His father, who served in the Danish-
Prussian War of 1864, died unexpectedly in 1895. The mother, who has had
ten children, six of whom are still living, is still living in her native land.
Chris Olsen is the only member of this family living in this country. He was
educated in his native land and after leaving school clerked in a store for two
and one-half years. Coming to America in 1888', he located at Harlan, in
Shelby county, Iowa, and for two years worked out as a farm hand, attending
school in the winter. Coming to Audubon county at the end of that period
he worked as a farm hand in Cameron township for a short period and then
went to Audubon, where he clerked in the general mercantile store of E.
Bilhars & Sons for some years. About 1895 ^^^- Olsen started in business
in a small way for himself. He established a general mercantile store on a
small scale, and has increased his stock from time to time as his patronage
has grown, until he now has one of the best stores and perhaps as good a
stock of general merchandise as is to be found anywhere in Audubon county.
Mr. Olsen handles a complete line and today his trade is larger and more
profitable than ever before.
In 1902 Chris Olsen was married to Marie Mathisen, daughter of Peter
and Sophia Mathisen, and to this happy marriage have been born four chil-
dren, Peter P., Anna Marie, George and Carl, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Olsen affiliates with the Danish Lutheran church and is foremost in
every worthy movement in this county. In his toil and struggle for success
he has not overlooked the larger and greater purposes of life, but has given
the attention of a loving father to his children and has always been and is
regarded as a good citizen, keen and alert.
JACOB KUHN.
There is nothing which stimulates a man to deeds of worth and a life
of uprightness and rectitude more than the recollection of the strength of
character and examples of right living which have been shown by his forbears.
In this respect Mr. Kuhn is fortunate beyond the majority of men in being
descended from forbears who were men of strength and influence in their
community, men who performed well their duties, whether in the peaceful
pursuits of ordinary life or in positions of public trust. In the business
affairs of Audubon, Iowa, Jacob Kuhn. a well-known retired miller, has
always occupied a position of importance among those who have conserved
and promoted the commercial and industrial prosperity of this community.
JACOB KUHN
Pl'1'1 l!
xi:.:
RY
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 329
Jacob Kuhn was born on August 31, 1844, oi'^ ^ farm near Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, the son of Archy and Mary (King) Kuhn. Archy Kuhn,
who was born and died in Pennsylvania, was the son of Archibald Kuhn.
The family dates back to the seventeenth century when a Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn
were among a shipload of emigrants captured by the British and taken
into Port Derry, Ireland. A son, Adam, was born in Derry. Later this ves-
sel proceeded to New Amsterdam, but the Kuhns did not go. Adam became
a traveling merchant in Europe. He was the great-great-grandfather
of Jacob Kuhn, the subject of this sketch. Eventually he came to New
Amsterdam, now New York, and married a Scottish woman named Eve.
They went to New Jersey, where three children were born, Mansfield, Michael
and Nicholas, the latter of whom was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
The family eventually moved to the Wyoming county settlement in Penn-
sylvania. At the close of the Revolutionary War, Michael Kuhn settled in
Patten township, Allegheny county. Adam Kuhn later went down the Ohio
ri\er to Fishing creek and settled below Wheeling, where Eve, his wife, was
killed by the Indians. Adam Kuhn remarried and lived to be a ver}- old
man. His son Michael, the great-grandfather of Jacob Kuhn, married
Catherine McClarty, a daughter of Archibald McClarty, a native of Scot-
land, who settled on the Susquehanna river in the Wyoming settlement.
Michael Kuhn and his family had several thrilling experiences and he fought
in the Indian wars. He died in 1800, at the age of seventy-three years.
Nicholas Kuhn had no children. Mansfield Kuhn settled in Kentucky.
Michael Kuhn was born on April 5, 1747, and died on January 30, 1820.
His wife. Catherine McClarty. was born March 3, 174^, and died July 12,
1823. They had eight children, Eva, Archibald, Adam, Samuel, John, Mary,
David and Nancy. Archibald Kuhn, the grandfather of Jacob, was born
on August 28, 1771, and died on December 13, 1831. He was married on
May 16, 1799. to Martha Stotler, who was born on February 7, 1781, and
who died on June 17, 1818. They were the parents of Michael, Jacob, Nancy,
Archy. David, Catherine, John M. and William H. H. Archibald Kuhn was
a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, 1816-1820. His son, Archy
Kuhn. the father of Jacob, was born on September 2, 1805, and died on De-
cember II, 1889. He married Mary (Craig) King, who was born on August
18, 1812. and who died on March 28, 1904. Their children were as follow:
Mrs. Nancy D. McCready, who was born on October 22, 1837; ^^^illiam,
May 28, 1839, died on January 15, 1863, a soldier in the Civil War, serving
in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment. Pennsylvania A^olunteer
33^ AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Infantry, was mortally wounded at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862,
having been shot through the right lung; Mrs. Martha S. Stotler, March 6,
1841, died on March 28, 1897; Robert, December 12, 1842, died on Septem-
ber 28, 1843; Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was born on August 31, 1844.
Jacob Kuhn was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of the Third Penn-
sylvania Heavy Artillery, Light Battery H, One Hundred and Fifty-second
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was a prominent member of
the Twentieth Iowa General Assembly in 1884. The sixth child of Archy
and Mary (Craig) Kuhn was James King Kuhn, born on February 18,
1846, and died November 17, 1879. The other children were: Mrs. Eliza
Ann Dildine, March 3, 1848; Mrs. Susan Alter, June 24, 1850; Mrs. Mary
L. Spraul, June 2, 1852, and David B., June 20, 1855.
Jacob Kuhn was educated in the common schools of his native county
in Pennsylvania. On February 13, 1864, he enlisted in Light Battery H,
commonly called Rank's Battery, and connected with the Third Pennsyl-
vania Heavy Artillery and the One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He served one and one-half years and
was discharged at Philadelphia on July 25, 1865. One section of Battery H
was engaged in the battle of Gettysburg. While in the reserve artillery he
took part in the battle of Monocacy, near Frederick City, Maryland. After
the war Mr. Kuhn learned iron making in Pittsburgh and worked there until
1868. In March of that year he came West and located in Grove City, Cass
county, Iowa, where, for the first year, he followed carpentry work. He
was then married shortly, after which he mo\'ed to Anita, Cass county,
where he resided for fifteen years, being engaged in carpentering during
that time, with the exception of six years, during which time he was engaged
in the milling business. In 1884, Mr. Kuhn located at Manning, in Car-
roll county, this state, and there engaged in the milling business for six
years. He then lived in Des Moines eight years, and was there engaged
in the milling business. In 1898 he came to this county, locating at Audu-
bon, and there engaged in the milling business for sixteen years, or until
October, 1913, when he sold out to his partner, A. S. Culver, having been
engaged in the milling business for nearly thirty-six years, during which
period he became very wealthy. Mr. Kuhn is the owner of a large ranch
and town property near Billings, Yellow Stone county, Montana, and for
twenty-five years has been a stockholder and director in the First National
Bank at Manning.
On May 26, 1870, Jacol) Kuhn was married to Minnie C. Taylor, who
was born on September 20, 1851, the daughter of William and Martha Tay-
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 33 1
lor, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers in Cass county, Iowa. To this
happy union the following children have been born : Mrs. Eva M. Rey-
nolds, born on July 5, 1871, died on August 31, 1893; Mrs. Ada M. Wever,
June 16, 1881, who, on October 24, 1906, married George B. Wever, who
was born on December 27, 1880, to which union three children have been
born, George Kuhn, December i, 1907; Alice L., August 18, 1910, and
Ethel Mary, March i, 191 3; and Ethel L., September 13, 1884, married on
June II, 1914, Dr. Charles Burnside, who was born and reared in Audubon
county, and who practises medicine at Los Angeles, to which union one
child has been born, Harriett Elizabeth, born on October 13, 1914.
In politics Jacob Kuhn is an ardent Republican. In 1883 he was elected
a member of the Iowa Legislature and served in the twentieth General As-
sembly. Fraternally, Mr. Kuhn is a member of Allison Post, Grand Army
of the Republic. All of the members of the family attend the Presbyterian
church.
THOMAS E. MASON.
Thomas E. Mason, who, by his own unaided efforts, has gradually
worked his way up from a modest beginning to a position of influence in the
community where he lives, is a well-known photographer of Audubon, this
county. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and
the systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won for him the
unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens in Audubon county, whose inter-
ests he has ever had at heart. As a photographer, Mr. Mason is one of the
best in the county. He understands the technique of his profession, and in his
dealings with the public has been especially fair and square. Although Mr.
Mason has been in Audubon but a few years, yet within that time the merit
of his work has had a telling effect upon his business.
Thomas E. Mason was born in Jones county, Iowa, on December 29,
1868, a son of William J. and Clemma (Finch) Mason, natives of Ohio, who
came west when both were young and settled in Jones county, Iowa. They
were married in Jones county, and lived there for three years, at the end of
which time they moved to Cherokee county, Iowa, where they are still
residing. William J. Mason is a well-known farmer of Cherokee county,
having been a farmer all his life. He and his wife are the parents of five
children: Thomas E., the immediate subject of this brief review; Jesse O.,
of Jefferson, Iowa; May, the wife of B. F. Mason, of Meridian, Iowa; Hattie,
332 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
the wife of Harry Phelan, of Cherokee, Iowa, and Bessie, who is the wife of
Elmer Phelan, of Aurelia, Iowa.
Thomas E. Mason received his education in the common schools of
Cherokee county, Iowa. After leaving school he took up farming and was
engaged in that occupation for two years in Cherokee county. Subsequently
he was engaged in the clothing business in Webster county, Iowa, for one
year and then followed various pursuits for the next five years. At the end
of that time he engaged in the business of commercial photography, and con-
tinued in that business at Jefferson, Iowa, until 191 1, when he came to
Audubon county and opened a photograph gallery in Audubon.
On March 7, 1894. Thomas E. Mason was married to Julia Swanson,
the daughter of Swen Munson. Her parents were both natives of Sweden,
but they never came to America, she having come alone to the United States,
following, at the age of sixteen, three sisters who had come to this country,
one of these sisters now being deceased. Mr. Mason and wife are the parents
of three children. Earl, Blanche and Lester, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Mason is a Republican in politics, but has not taken an active part
in political matters. He and his wife are earnest and loyal members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which they take an active part and to which
they are liberal contributors. During his residence in Audubon, Mr. Mason
has built up a large circle of friends, who are ardent admirers of him and his
work, and he is regarded as one of the most popular and public-spirited citi-
zens of Audubon.
ARTHUR FARQUHAR.
This utilitarian age has been especially prolific of men of action, men
of high resolves and noble purposes, who give character and stability to the
communities honored by their citizenship, and whose influence and leadership
are easily discernible in the various enterprises that have added so greatly to
the reputation which Audubon county enjoys among her sister counties of
this great commonwealth. Conspicuous among this class of men in Audubon
county is Arthur Farquhar, former county superintendent of schools of
Audubon county, and at present a well-known business man of Audubon,
who is engaged in the life insurance business.
Arthur Farquhar was born on March 2"/, 1868, in Knox county. Ohio,
a son of F. P. and Lucena L. (Bagly) Farquhar. both natives of Ohio.
Lucena L. Bagly came to Iowa in 1837 with her parents, who located at West
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 333
Liberty, her father homesteading the land where the town of West Lib-
now stands. Mr. Farqiihar's father came to Iowa and settled at West Lib-
erty, where he met and married Lucena Bagly. After living in Iowa for some
years they returned to Ohio, where they lived until 1873, in which year they
returned to West Liberty, where they remained until they came to /Vudubon
county in 1886, and here they spent the remainder of their lives. They were
the parents of eight children, namely: Ada, deceased; Ella, who is living in
Audubon; Horace, who lives at Lincoln, Nebraska; George, who lives at
Villisca, Iowa; Fred, who is a resident of Winterset, Iowa; May, living at
Audubon; Arthur, the immediate subject of this review, and Mary, deceased.
Three of these children were born in this state and four after the family's
return to Ohio, and the youngest was born after the return to Iowa. F. P.
Farquhar was born and raised a member of the Quaker church.
Arthur Farquhar received his early education in the common schools of
Muscatine county, this state. He same with his parents to Audubon county
in 1886 and taught school here for ten years. In 1899 he was elected county
superintendent of schools and served in that capacity for seven years, or until
1907. After retiring from the office of county superintendent, Mr. Farquhar
opened a life insurance agency, and is still a general agent in nine counties
for the Register Life Insurance Company, of Davenport, Iowa. During the
time he was engaged in teaching school, Mr. Farquhar occupied his summers
in farming, and in 1891 bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in
Melville township, which he still owns.
On January 17, 1892, Arthur Farquhar was married to Nellie Leach,
the daughter of James and Mary (Dean) Leach, natives of England, who
came to this country and located in South Dakota, where they spent the rest
of their lives. Mrs. Farquhar came to Audubon county in 1881, and made
her home with her sister, Mrs. James Hunt, until the time of her marriage.
To Mr. and Mrs. Farquhar two children have been born, Aubrey L., deceased,
and Wynona L., who is living at home with her parents.
For many years, Arthur Farquhar has been prominent in the councils of
the Republican party, and for the past eight years has served as chairman of
the Republican central committee of Audubon county. He is a member of the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and belongs to the chapter and the com-
mandery at Audubon. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr.
and Mrs. Farquhar attend the services of the Presbyterian church, although
neither is a member of any church.
Arthur Farquhar, by virtue of his long service as county superintendent
of schools and by virtue of his present business as well as his activity as chair-
334 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
man of the central committee of the Repubhcan party of Audubon county, is
well known in this section of the state. He is an enterprising and progressive
citizen and entitled to rank among the leading men of his county.
EVANS MAROUESEN.
It is the progressive, wide-awake man of affairs who makes the real
history of a community. His influence as a potential factor in the body
politic is difficult to estimate. The example such men furnish of patient pur-
pose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power of each
to accomplish. There is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting
even in a casual way to their achievements in advancing the interests of their
fellow men and in giving strength and solidity to the institutions which make
so much for the prosperity of the community. Such a man is Evans Mar-
quesen, a well-known merchant of Audubon, this county. As such it is
proper that a review of his career be accorded a place among these biographi-
cal sketches of many other representative citizens, of the city and county
where he has lived for so many years.
Evans Marquesen was born on September 3, 1884, in Audubon, Iowa,
the son of Hans and Laura (Peterson) Marquesen, the former of whom was
born in Denmark on November 12, 1855, the son of Jens Marquesen, born
on November 12, 1830. Jens Marquesen came to America in 1862 and
located in Washington Island, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming.
He came to Audubon county in 1876 and located in Sharon township, where
he lived for years, but now resides in Elkhorn. Jens Marquesen and wife
had three children, Hans, Mrs. Julia Gray, of St. Louis, and Laura, the
wife of Jacob Esbeck, of Elkhorn. Hans Marquesen was employed in Glea-
son's store in Audubon for one year and then engaged in the lumber business
for nine years, subsequently moving to Kimballton. where he engaged in the
general mercantile business for twelve years. After a short time spent in
Exira he then moved to a farm east of Exira, in Audubon township, and
lived there for five years, after which, for four years, he engaged in the
general mercantile business in Exira. In 1908 he removed to Elkhorn and
engaged in the general mercantile business. To Hans and Laura (Peterson)
Marquesen were born three sons and eight daughters, namely : Evans, the
subject of this sketch ; Edmond, a merchant at Avoca ; Storm, who lives with
his father; Pearl, who also is at home; Olga, who married Thomas Olsen,.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 335
and lives on a farm in Hamlin township ; Myrtle, who married James Heinick,
of Hamlin township; Gudrun, who married Harry Larson, near Elkhorn,
and Hansie, Frances, Katherine and Gladys, who are at home.
Evans Marqiiesen was educated in the Audubon public schools and at
Exira. He engaged with his father in the general mercantile business and was
with him for four years. After his marriage, in 1906, he moved to a farm
near Brayton, owned by his father-in-law, and for five years operated this
farm. In 19 14 Mr. Marquesen moved to Audubon, where he engaged in the
mercantile business, in partnership with M. J. Frabicuis, and on the first of
October, that year, purchased the entire business and now has the largest
storeroom in the city, eighty- four by sixty feet and containing two floors,
lighted by the company's own gas plant. Mr. Marquesen carries a general
stock of merchandise and the stock is arranged under the departmental plan.
Mr. Marquesen employs nine assistants, six women and three men, and
carries a thirty-five thousand-dollar stock.
On January i, 1906, Evans Marquesen was married to Christine Nelson,
daughter of L. P. Nelson, of Oakfield township. L. P. Nelson is a native of
Denmark, who came to America in 1869, and lived in Minnesota until 1877,
in which year he came to Audubon county. Not long ago Mr. Nelson dis-
tributed ten farms among his ten children, this distribution being made at a
Thanksgiving Day family reunion at his farm home near Lorah. The ten
children made their own selection of the farms, at the suggestion of their
father, each one selecting the place which he or she thought more nearly met
with his or her ideal of a farm. The distribution was happily made. The ten
children had planned an elaborate surprise for their father, which took the
form of a reception to his daughter, Mrs. Harry Traum, and husband, but
recently married. Mr. Nelson, upon coming to this country, first settled in
La Crosse, Wisconsin. He came to Iowa by the first passenger train that
came over the Rock Island railroad from Des Moines to Atlantic. Mr. Nelson
settled eight miles north of Atlantic, where the surrounding country was all
open prairie, with but one or two houses between his home and Atlantic,
and by enduring all the discomforts of the early pioneer, by unceasing indus-
try and by the highest integrity and the exercise of shrewd business judg-
ment, accumulated one of the largest estates in this part of the state. Mr.
Nelson's children are as follow : Gilbert P. Nelson, of Exira ; John C. and
Edward M. Nelson, of Brayton; A. A. Nelson and Mrs. Harry Traum,
living north of Atlantic; J. A. Nelson, south of Atlantic; Mrs. Evans Mar-
quesen ; and the Misses Rose and Martha Nelson, all of Audubon, and L. A.
Nelson, Jr., of -Atlantic.
336 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
To Evans and Christine (Nelson) Marpuesen four children have been
born, namely: LaRue, born on November 15, 1907; LaVonne, November 4,
1910; Thelma, June 22, 1912, and Dale, September 13, 1913.
Although a comparatively young man, Mr. Marquesen has made a splen-
did start in life. He has attended strictly to his own business and has never
found time for activity in politics, although he is identified with the Demo-
cratic party. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and
are earnestly interested in all good works hereabout, being held in the highest
esteem bv all who know them.
ALFRED BROOKS, M. D.
The life of the physician and public-spirited man of affairs, whose name
appears above, affords a striking example of well-defined purpose. Dr.
Alfred Brooks is also possessed of a purpose to make his ability serve not
only his own ends, but the ends of his fellow men as well. He has built up
for himself a distinct position in the medical profession, a vocation which
requires for its basis sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high
order.
Alfred L. Brooks was born on June 6, 1858, at Vinton, Iowa, the son
of Lorenzo and Jane (Peace) Brooks, natives of New York state. Lorenzo
Brooks was born in 1821 and died in 1901. He was a farmer by vocation,
who came to Iowa in 1854 and settled in Benton county, where he spent the
remainder of his life. His wife was born in 1823 and died in 1903. They
had five children, two of whom are living. Dr. Alfred L., the subject of this
sketch, and C. B., who lives in Iowa City.
Dr. Alfred L. Broooks is self-made and self-educated and deserves a
great deal of credit for his achievements in the world. He received his ele-
mentary education in the common schools and subsequently, attended the
Blairstown Academy. After this he taught school and worked on the farm
during vacations, later taking up the study of medicine, and was graduated
from Rush Medical College, at Chicago, with the class of 1883. Upon re-
ceiving his diploma. Doctor Brooks commenced to practice his profession at
Gray, in Audubon county, and was there for five years, at the end of which
time, in 1888, he moved to Audubon and has there built up an excellent
practice. Doctor Brooks is a member of the Audubon County Medical
Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Associa-
ALFRED L. BROOKS. M. I».
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 337
tion, and is active in all of these bodies. He is also a member of the Inter-
national Association of Railway Surgeons, having been appointed some
years ago as surgeon for the Northwestern Railroad.
Dr. Alfred L. Brooks was married in 1887 to May Langworth, who
died in 1898, leaving one child, Lucile, who married Dr. W. E. Kimbell, of
Des Moines, Iowa, to which union has been born one son, William Brooks,
On June 20, 1901, Doctor Brooks married, secondly, Caldona Young, of
Grand Junction, Iowa, to which union two children have been born, Emmett
F. and Jane C.
Doctor Brooks is identified with the Republican party and has served
as coroner of Audubon county for three terms, his first service in this
capacity having begun in- the eighties. In 1890, Doctor Brooks was elected
to the twenty-fourth Iowa General Assembly and served during the session
of 1 89 1, filling places on many important committees and assisting materially
in passing much important legislation. Fraternally, Doctor Brooks is a
member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is a member of the
Knights Templar and the Mystic Shrine at Des Moines. He is also a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias. Doctor Brooks and family are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church.
JOHN KIRKWOOD DONALDSON, D. D. S.
Success in what are popularly termed the learned professions, is a legiti-
mate result of merit and painstaking endeavor. In commercial life, one may
come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift, but
professional advancement is gained only by critical study and consecutive
research, long continued. Proper intellectual discipline, thorough profes-
sional knowledge and the possession and utilization of those qualities and
attributes essential to success have made Dr. John Kirkwood Donaldson one
of the leading dentists of Audubon county. Though Doctor Donaldson is a
comparatively young man, he is widely known for the high standard of his
professional attainments and since establishing himself at Audubon has built
up an extensive and lucrative practice in his profession.
John Kirkwood Donaldson was born on July 28, 1885, on a farm in
Audubon township, Audubon county, Iowa, the son of Orlando Chester and
lantha (Rutan) Donaldson,, natives of Johnson county, Iowa. Orlando
(22) ■
338 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Chester Donaldson was born in 1845, ^he son of James and Jane Donaldson,
natives of Pennsylvania, who were early settlers in Johnson county, this state,
lantha Rutan was born in Johnson county in 1841, the daughter of early
settlers and pioneers in Johnson county, her mother having been a sister of
the wife of Governor Kirkwood, Iowa's war governor. Mrs. Kirkwood
is still living (1915), at Iowa City, at the age of ninety-seven, and
is quite hearty. Orlando C. Donaldson and lantha Rutan were married in
Johnson county and came to Audubon county in 1878, settling in Audubon
township. Orlando C. Donaldson served as county recorder of Audubon
county from 1900 to 1905, during which period he resided in
Audubon. From Audubon he moved to Shenandoah and there was engaged
in the clothing business. One year later he engaged in the general mercantile
business at Defiance, Iowa, and after being in business there for two years,
removed to Exira township, this county, where he lived on a farm for one
year, at the end of which time he moved to a farm near ^Manchester, where
he is now living.
To Orlando Chester and lantha ( Rutan) Donaldson six children were
born, two daughters and four sons, namely : Elverton Orlando, who lives at
Defiance, Iowa, where he is owner of the gas plant; Wesley Samuel, a
mechanic, who lives at Exira. where he is proprietor of the Ford garage;
Mrs. Janette Burbridge, who lives at Palo Alto, California, and whose hus-
band is an instructor in Leland Stanford, Jr., University; Dr. John Kirk-
wood, the subject of this sketch; James William, of Palo Alto, California,
who is in the motorcycle business, and Clara Belle, who married Ray Zollin-
ger, a ranchman of Montana.
John Kirkwood Donaldson was graduated from the Audubon high
school, after which he attended the Northwestern University Dental School,
graduating with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 19 10, immediately
after which time he began the practice of his profession in Audubon and
during the years in which he has been engaged in practice has made rapid
progress.
Doctor Donaldson is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, having attained to the chapter in that order, and is also a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America. While at Northwestern University,
Doctor Donaldson was a member of the Delta Sigma Delta, the popular
dental fraternity. He is identified with the Presbyterian church, and. politi-
cally, classes himself as an independent Republican, being independent in
local politics, but supporting Republican principles and Republican candidates
in national politics.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 339
RUSSELL JAMES LOVELAND.
It is a well-attested maxim that the greatness of a community or state
lies not in the machinery of government, nor even in its institutions ; but rather
in the sterling qualities of the individual citizen, in his capacity for high and
unselfish effort and in his devotion to the public welfare. In these particulars
Russell J. Loveland, one of the partners in the Audubon Canning Company,
has conferred honor and dignity upon his locality by his persevering and
close application to his business, and it is fitting that there should be recorded
in this volume a brief resume of his career, with the object of noting his
connection with the advancement of this flourishing and progressive section
of the Hawkeye commonwealth. As one of the partners in the Audubon
Canning Company, Mr. Loveland has built up a large and lucrative business,
this being one of the large commercial enterprises in the city of Audubon,
enjoying the liberal support of the people of Audubon county.
Russell James Loveland was born on January lo, 1875, in New York
state, a son of James H. and Catherine (Dickson) Loveland, the former a
native of New York, and the latter a native of Canada. They were married
in New York state and are still living there. James H. Loveland has been a
farmer all his life, and has been unusually prosperous and successful in his
chosen vocation. He and his wife are the parents of eight children, Minnie
A., Josephine M., Russell J., Adelber F., Howard R., Elizabeth E., Grace F.
and Chester.
Russell James Loveland was educated in the public schools of his native
state of New York, and after finishing the course in the common schools,
entered the academy at Utica, New York, where he further pursued his
educational training. After leaving school Mr. Loveland took up the canning
business in Iowa, Indiana and Ohio, and has been engaged in this line for the
past seventeen years, during the last five years of which time he has been
located in Audubon, Iowa. The firm with which Mr. Loveland is connected
is known as the Audubon Canning Company. It is a partnership, Mr. Love-
land holding an equal interest in the company with Charles Van Garder.
On July 16, 1907, Russell James Loveland was married to Edith L.
Denslow, the daughter of L. S. and Sarah (Benton) Denslow, both of whom
are natives of Utica, New York, and are still residing in that city. Mrs.
Loveland was born in Utica and was there married to Mr. Loveland. To this
union three children have been born, Ford Dickson, Katherine Mabel and
Russell James, Jr. '
The canning factorv in which Mr. Loveland is interested has a capacity
340 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
of one and one-fourth million cans annually. The output is sold largely in
the west. The company cans all kinds of vegetables and fruit, and its brand
is well known throughout the section of the countr}^ in which its sales have
been made.
Mr. Loveland is not a member of any lodge, but has devoted his time
rather to his business, to his home and to his family, being a man of decided
domestic inclinations. Mr. and Mrs. Loveland and family are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Loveland is a Republican, but he is
not active in politics and has never held office nor cared to do so.
WILLIAM LAYLAND.
The best history of a community or state is that which deals most with
the lives and activities of its people, especialty of those who by their own
endeavors and indomitable energy have forged to the front and placed
themselves in positions entitling them to the respect and emulation of pro-
gressive men. In this brief review will be found the record of one who
has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life and who has
achieved a success surpassed by few of his immediate contemporaries, his
career in agricultural affairs having earned him a name which all men who
know him delight to honor, on account of his upright life and his habits
of thrift and industry.
William Layland, a well-known retired farmer of Audubon, who came
to this county in 1880, was born on March 18, 1854, in Holmes county, Ohio,
the son of William and Nancy (Crozier) Layland, natives of Ohio. William
Layland died in Ohio in 1861 and his widow died in Iowa county, Iowa,
about 1886. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Mrs. Sarah
Givin, deceased; Mrs. Ehzabeth Williams, of Ohio; Mrs. Margaret Gilmore,
of Ohio; Mrs. Mary Tealond, of Ohio, who died in 1912; William, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Isaac, who died in this county, and Jacob, who lives two
miles south of Audubon.
In 1869 the Layland family left Holmes county, Ohio, and settled in
Iowa county, this state, where William Layland finished his schooling, he
having been but fifteen years of age when he came to Iowa. After his mar-
riage William Layland began farming in Iowa county and in 1880 came to
Audubon county, settling in Hamilton township, where he bought sixty or
seventy acres of wholly unimproved land, at nine dollars an acre. Mr. Lay-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 34 1
land put up a small two-room house, twenty by fourteen feet, living in the
barn for six weeks while building the house, all the work on which was done
by himself. He lived on that place for five years and then rented the farm
and returned to Iowa county, where he spent one year. Two years later he
sold the farm for twenty-four dollars an acre and bought one hundred and
sixty acres in Sharon township, for eighteen dollars an acre. One year later
he rented this land for four years and then sold it. He then moved to the
Kibby farm, on which he lived for one year, at the end of which time he
purchased a farm of eighty acres in Leroy township, on which he lived for
many years, making many changes and improvements on it. Later Mr. Lay-
land purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Audubon township and lived
on this latter farm for one year. He next bought one hundred and sixty
acres in Hamlin township, improved the farm, rented it out and finally sold
it. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Layland moved to Exira and in the fall of that
year bought property in Audubon and has since resided in that city. He is
the owner of two farms, totalling two hundred and thirty-six acres, including
one hundred and sixty acres east of Audubon and nearly eighty acres near
Casey, in Guthrie county. For many years Mr. Layland has been a breeder
of heavy draft horses, and until recently was very active in that line, having
been quite extensively engaged as a buyer and seller of horses.
William Layland was married on December 27, 1891, to Mary Elizabeth
Riley, who was born in Newark, New Jersey, on May 16, 1856, the daughter
of John and Catherine (McCann) Riley, natives of Ireland, who came to
America, with their first child, about 1846. In 1863 John Riley settled on a
farm at the end of the railroad in Iowa county, this state. He rented land
for some years, but subsequently bought a farm and in old age retired to
Victor, Iowa, where he died in 1896, his widow surviving him ten years, her
death not occurring until 1906. They were the parents of the following
children: Mary, who died in infancy; Rose, who died at the age of two;
John, who died at the age of forty-five ; Mrs. Catherine Gannon, of Victor,
Iowa; Mary Elizabeth, who married Mr. Layland; James E., who lives in
Sioux City, and Patrick, who lives in Victor, this state.
To William and Mary E. (Riley) Layland four children have been born,
an infant, who died at birth, Charles, Cora and May. Charles, who was
born on April 27, 1877, married Alice Moon, to which union four children
have been born, as follow: Evelyn, born on October 10. 1902; William,
November 8, 1903; Genevieve, June, 1908, and Margaret Fay, April 27. 191 1.
Cora, born on July 8, 1881, is the wife of Charles Elliot, of Creston, Iowa,
and has one child, John Calvert. May, born on November 9, 1885, is the
342 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
wife of Frank Sampson, and has one child, Mary Louise, who was born on
May lo, 1911.
Wilham Layland for years has been identified with the fortunes of the
Democratic party, but he has never been active in its councils and has never
been a candidate for office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church and their children were reared in that faith, all adhering
to the same, the family being highly respected throughout the county.
HIRAM MENDEXHALL.
The career of Hiram Mendenhall has been a strenuous and varied one,
entitling him to honorable mention among the representative citizens of his
day and generation in the county with which his life is so closely identified.
Although his life record is chiefly written and the period of his active career is
nearing a close, Mr. Mendenhall, as an inventor, is known to countless thou-
sands throughout this country, the story of his successs reading more like a
romance than a statement of facts. Mr. Alendenhall is one of the wealthiest
men in this section of Iowa and he has done what few men are able to do,
make an inventive turn of mind pay handsome royalties. His success may be
attributed to his ability to discern what things were most needed and he has
been possessed of the mechanical genius to turn out those devices. Through-
out the many years of his active career he has applied himself diligently to
his business interests and is one of the best-known and most highly respected
citizens in this section of Iowa. Hiram Mendenhall owns a whole city block
in the city of Audubon and two hundred acres of land in Douglas township
and has spent fifteen thousand dollars in improving his two farms.
In 1886 Hiram Mendenhall patented and sold the Mendenhall hog trough,
of which he sold thousands of dollars' worth. Later he patented the gravity
lock and is one of the patentees of the Boss hog trough and the Daisy hog
trough. He is the patentee of the Dandy pig taker and the owner of the Boss
pig taker and has shipped his products to Central America and throughout
Canada. Mr. Mendenhall was one of the patentees of the One-Minute wash-
ing-machine. There are at the present time twelve different companies pay-
ing him royalties on the manufacture of this machine. The first company
which began manufacturing the One-Minute washing-machine paid ]\Ir. Men-
denhall over thirty-five thousand dollars in four years and this was only one-
half of the royalty paid by that company. Mr. Mendenhall is secretarv and
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 343
treasurer of the Iowa Washing-Machine Company, which controls the patents
which pay Mr. Mendenhall his royalties. He has recently patented an ironing
board which he expects soon to market. This last device he has promoted in
company with his son-in-law, Albert Killinger. Mr. Mendenhall also has
pending a patent for a folding workbench, which he expects to put on the
market very soon.
Hiram Mendenhall was born in Randolph county, Indiana, on August 2,
1848, the son of Nathan and Mary (Beach) Alendenhall, natives, respectively,
of Clinton county, Ohio, and of New York state, who were married in Ohio
and from that state moved to Indiana, where they spent the remainder of
their lives. Nathan Mendenhall was a farmer and miller and died on April
27, 1861, at the age of fifty-two. At the time of his death he was the owner
of two hundred and forty acres of land in this county and two hundred acres
in Dallas county, this state. Nathan Mendenhall's first wife was accidentally
killed in 1858, whereupon he married again. By the first marriage he was
the father of ten children and one by the second, the children of the first mar-
riage being Thomas, Hannah, Amanda, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Nathan, John,
Hiram, George and Timothy, of whom Thomas, Hannah, Amanda, George
and Timothy are deceased. The child by his second marriage was Rebecca.
Hiram Mendenhall was educated in the common schools of Indiana and
Iowa. He began working out by the month when he was thirteen years old
and has been an industrious worker ever since. He took up farming early
in life and has been active during the entire period of his life. He is an
extensive breeder of Poland-China hogs, having been active in the hog busi-
ness since he was eighteen years of age. Mr. Mendenhall came to Audubon
county in 1877 and has been here since that time. The first spring Mr. Men-
denhall spent in this county he had his corn in bv the nth of May. On that
date six inches of snow fell and froze so hard that for three days Mr. Men-
denhall could not take out a team.
On October zy, 1872, Hiram Mendenhall was married to Angeline John-
son, who was born in Indiana, her parents having been natives of Ohio, and
to this union five children have been born. Rosa, Nora, Alda B., Hiram,
George and Myrtle. Rosa married William Brockway, a carpenter and
painter, of Audubon, and has four children, Lawrence, Mabel, Hiram G. and
Kenneth. Nora married Thomas Sw^ezey, a livery man of Audubon, and has
six children, Leola, Dollie, Wa3me, Wilma, Wyman and Thelma, the last
three named being triplets. Alda B., who lives in Douglass township, mar-
ried Maude Burkey and has two children, Margarette and Frederick. Hiram
George married Alta Berger and has four children, Lester, Pearl, James and
344 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Olivine. Myrtle married Albert Killinger and has three children, Albert M.,
Velma and Francis W.
Hiram Mendenhall is independent in politics. He believes more in the
virtue of measures and men than he does in parties and party emblems. He
served as trustee of Douglass township at one time. Mr. and Mrs. Menden-
hall and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Mendenhall is not a member of any lodge.
ALEXANDER HOLT ROBERTS.
Fortunate indeed is the family which can trace its history back for more
than three generations, and there are very few in this country that can do
more than trace their genealogy back as far as four generations. The Rob-
erts family history has been traced in an unbroken line to the eleventh cen-
tury and investigation has shown its descendants by the thousands. They
are found scattered over Europe and over many of the states in this country,
and wherever they are found they rank among the best families of the com-
munity. It is not strange to record, therefore, that the representative of this
family in Audubon county is one of the leading citizens of the county and
ranks high as a member of the community, who is active in civic, religious
and business affairs. A famous historian once wrote, "Show me a people
that has no pride of ancestry^, and Pll show you a non-progressive and back-
ward race." This is quite true. The investigator and writer has found, as a
result of years spent in historical and genealogical work, that the best and
most progressive communities are those which take pride in keeping up the
family records and keeping alive the family traditions. Culture, knowledge
and pride of family and community go hand in hand and they are one and
all inseparable.
Alexander Holt Roberts, president of the Audubon Commercial Club,
and pharmacist of Audubon this county, was born on August 26, 1848, in
Des Moines county, Iowa, the son of James Dorsey and Susan (McDonald)
Roberts. He was born on a farm which was entered upon and settled by
his grandfather, Reuben Roberts, as early as 1838. Mr. Roberts, therefore,
enjoys the distinction of being a descendant of one of the oldest families in
the state of Iowa. Reuben Roberts came from Elizabethtown, West Vir-
ginia, at a time when the greater part of the country that he traversed was
a wilderness. The banks of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers were not then
ALEXANDER H. ROBERTS
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 345
lined with great cities and towns as now and Indians yet roamed the great
forests and the plains. Wild animals were plentiful and settlers were few
and far between. This brave pioneer was made of stern material, however,
and his vision enabled him to see far into the future and determine that the
vast stretches of unpeopled territor}'- would in a generation or so swarm with
millions of industrious inhabitants.
The Roberts family traces its origin back to the eleventh century in
Wales, the family being of Welsh origin. The family properly begins with
(I) Colwyn of Langno, in the eleventh century; (II) Meredith of Colwyn
(meaning that Meredith was the son of Colwyn of Llyn) ; (III) Gwegan
of Meredith; (IV) Einion of Gwegan; (V) Meredith of Einion; (VI)
Howell of Meredith; (VII) Griffith of Howell; (VIII) levan; (IX) Rhys;
(X) levan; (XI) Griffith; (XII) Morris; (XIII) Thomas; (XIV) Robert
Thomas Morris of Cowyne; (XV) Richard Roberts — Margaret Evans, wife;
(XVI) Richard Roberts, wife. Elizabeth; (XVII) Richard Roberts, wife,
Margaret; (XVIII) Reuben Roberts, wife, Elizabeth Barton; (XIX) James
Dorsey Roberts, wife, Susan McDonald; (XX) Alexander Holt Roberts,
wife, Elizabeth Pritchard.
Colwyn, with whom this genealog}' originates, was the Lord of Llyn,
Wales. His coat-of-arms was: A, sable; a chevron, between three fleurs-
de-lys, arg. The descent of Richard Roberts is as follows, according to a
genealogy compiled from a pedigree chart by Lewis Down, deputy herald for
Wales (by patent under seal of Clavencieux and Norrey, kings-at-arms),
made in the year 1588, from a manuscript pedigree by John Roberts, brother
of Richard Roberts, compiled about 1704 from manuscript in Harleion col-
lections, British Museum, and from wills and deeds in Pennsylvania, and
from official records in Wales.
Colwyn was the ancient lord of that portion of the promontory of Llyn
in Carnarvonshire which included, among others, the parish of Llangin,
Llanengan, Llabedrog and Llanarmon. These several parishes are on the Bay
of Cardigan. Colwyn lived in the eleventh century and was ancestor to most
of the families in that part of Llyn. In later years the lordship of a greater
part of Llyn belonged to the Princes of North Wales and their descendants,
among whom was Trahairn Goch, who held the title to a considerable por-
tion thereof in the fourteenth century. Notwithstanding this fact, the imme-
diate possessions of the descendants of Colwyn do not seem to have been dis-
turbed. Down to 1700 there was scarcely a freehold in the parishes men-
tioned not held by the posterity of this Welsh princeling. Colwyn was the
father of a son, Meredith, etc., down to Morris of Griffth, who held the lands
346 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
of Pencold, near Plasdlu, in the parish of Llanarmon, and other detached
farms, about the year 1500 and later. Morris Griffith had issue as follows:
Griffith Morris, John Morris, William Morris, Thomas, Hugh. Richard,
David, Robert and Meredith Morris. Thomas Morris had (beside a son
Richard) a son Robert, called Robert Thomas Morris of Cowyns, who was
the father of Richard Roberts, who married Margaret, a daughter of Rich-
ard Evans, and was the father of John Roberts, born in 1648 of Richard
and Ann Roberts. From the record of the Richard Davies Company (1682)
we find that "John Roberts, one of the twenty-seven grantees, on the thirtieth
and thirty-first of July, of Llagian parish, Carnarvon, gentleman," the grant
comprising one hundred and fifty acres of land in Pennsylvania. It likewise
appears that both his brother Richard and his sister Ann removed with John
Roberts to Pennsylvania on September 16, 1683. John married Gainor Rob-
erts, a daughter of Robert, son of Hugh and Elizabeth Williams, his wife.
John Roberts died on June 6, 1724. A record of his will is in existence, dated
July 3, 1722, and probated at Philadelphia, August 31, 1724. Richard Rob-
erts, a brother of John Roberts of Pencoyd, removed from Pennsylvania to
Maryland in about 1862. Bartholomew, the son of Richard, was born on
August 24, 1 701. Richard Roberts, whose wife was Margaret, was evi-
dently a younger son in a large family of children. Pie was born in 1728
and enlisted in the First Regiment of Maryland troops in the Continental
service from Anne Arundel county, April 23. 1778. He died in August of
1778. His issue was as follow: Thomas, Richard, John, Edward, Gainor
(born 1766, died 1856), David, Abner, Jonathan. Elizabeth, Reuben, the
last named the direct ancestor of A. H. Roberts, being born in 1772 and
died on March 9, 1850.
Reuben Roberts married Elizabeth Barton, a daughter of John and
Sophia Barton, in 1779. John Barton was a member of the Third Haven
Meeting (Friends' Records of Talbot county, volume 5, page 311). Reuben
and Elizabeth (Barton) Roberts had issue as follow: John; Jonathan, born
in March, 1801, and died on September 3, 1849; Penelope, 1803, died on
August 16, 1839; Gains, an infant; Sophia, February 29, 1809, died on Jan-
uary 29, 1885; Jehu, 181 1, died in 1884; Reuben P., 1813, died on Decem-
ber 10, 1854; Martin S. ; Rebecca J., March 21, 1818, died on June 10, 1894;
Josiah, October 24, 1820, died on August 2S, 1870; James Dorsey, father
of A. H. Roberts, July 25, 1823, died July 2"/, 1903; Alexander Holt, 1826.
died November 15, 1847.
It is a matter of record that Reuben Roberts removed from Maryland
to Virgfinia in 1802 and settled in Marshall countv, near Grave creek. In
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 347
1838 he migrated to Iowa and settled on a farm twelve miles west of Bur-
lington.
A recapitulation of the history of the Roberts family in America reveals
the following authentic facts : Forty-two enlistments are recorded from
among the members of the Roberts family in the American War of Inde-
pendence, Continental army, from Virginia alone, and there were eighteen
members of the family enlisted in the state of Maryland. Richard Roberts,
the great grandfather of A. H. Roberts, was a Revolutionary soldier. His
great-grandfather. Barton (on his mother's side), was also a Revolutionary
soldier. The famous Bishop Roberts, of pioneer missionary fame, was a
cousin of Reuben Roberts. Richard Roberts, from x^nne Arundel county,
Maryland, enlisted in the Continental army for a term of three years, in the
First Maryland Regiment of Volunteers, and died during the same year of
his enlistment. Additional genealogical facts, which will have a tendency to
make clear some previous statements of this chronicle follow: Richard and
Margaret Roberts were the parents of Reuben, who married Elizabeth, the
daughter of John and Sophia Barton. Reuben was the tenth child of Rich-
ard and Margaret Roberts. He was born in 1772 and died on March 9,
1850, and was the father of James Dorsey Roberts, the father of Alexander
Holt Roberts, with whom this review is directlv concerned. The grand-
father of A. H. Roberts, on the maternal side. Captain Barton, fought in the
War of 1812.
Reuben Roberts, as recorded, in 1838 settled on a farm twelve miles
west of Burlington, Iowa, where he died. James Dorsey Roberts, his son,
was born on July 25, 1823, and died on July 27, 1903. His wife was Susan,
a daughter of Alexander and Mary McDonald. She was born in August
of 1826, and died on October 18. 1894. The children of James Dorsey and
Susan (McDonald) Roberts are as follow: William Barton, of Texas;
Alexander Holt, of Audubon, Iowa; Theodore Lang, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa;
Martha Malvina Weller, of Long Beach, California.
Alexander Holt Roberts was educated in the common schools of Henry
county and Howes Academy at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was reared to
young manhood on a farm and learned to till the soil as had his forbears
for generations before him. He was graduated from the Bryant & Strat-
ton Business College at Burlington, Iowa, in 1869, and for some time there-
after was employed in the office of the Burlington Hawkeye, and thereafter
taught school for a time. For some time succeeding his work in Burling-
ton, Mr. Roberts was engaged in the general merchandise business at New
London, Iowa. In 1872 he embarked in the drug business at Mt. Pleasant,
348 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Iowa, and in 1878 he came to this county, locating at Audubon at a time
when the country was a prairie and the city was in the embryo stage of
development. He purchased a lot in the newly-platted town and erected a
building in two months' time. Within three months from his advent there
he was doing business. He is still conducting his business in Audubon and
has the oldest established business in the city of Audubon. During his long
residence in the county, Mr. Roberts has been closely identified with the
pioneer life of the city and county and the later improvement and upbuild-
ing of the city.
On September 14, 1871, A. H. Roberts was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Pritchard, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, daughter of Thomas and Sarah
Pritchard, who came from Philadelphia and settled in Henry county in
1834. She was born on a farm entered by her father. The patent given to
Thomas Pritchard by President Tyler in 1841 is now in the possession of
Mr. Roberts. To this marriage have been born two children, Ira Pearl, a
practicing dentist of Sioux City, Iowa, and Ralph Pritchard, a practising
dentist at Falls City, Nebraska, who is the father of two children, Thelma
Millicent, aged fifteen years, and Ralph Pritchard, Jr., three years of age.
A. H. Roberts has always taken a great interest in church and Sunday
school work and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an
active layman and has represented his church many times as a delegate to
lay conferences, in 1900 having been a member of the general conference at
Chicago, being widely known as one of the leaders in church and Sunday
school work m the county. For the past thirty-six years he has been the
efficient Sunday school superintendent in the Methodist school at Audubon.
He is actively interested in civic affairs and is found in the forefront of all
movements intended to advance the interests of his home city and county.
For the past two years he has served as president of the Audubon Commer-
cial Club, an organization which is "boosting" the city and pushing public
improvements. In politics, he is a Republican. He is fraternally connected
with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, having attained to the chapter
and the cpmmandery in that order, and has the distinction of being the
commander of the local Knights Templar organization for sixteen years.
His membership is with the Veritas Lodge No. 392, Amity Chapter No. 93
and Godfrey Commandery No. 44.
There are few more public-spirited citizens in Audubon county than
. Mr. Roberts. He was the first treasurer of the Audubon Agricultural
Society, in which capacity he served for six years. He was a member of the
first tOAvn council, also of the first city school board, in both of which pnsi-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 349
tions he has given years of active service. When the Belgian Relief /Asso-
ciation was organized for the purpose of extending relief to Belgian vic-
tims of the European war, Mr. Roberts was elected chairman of the asso-
ciation, and none worked harder than he to extend the cause of .this asso-
ciation, there having been sent from this county, besides more than three
hundred dollars in cash, one car of shelled corn, one car of flour and one
car of canned corn, for the relief of the stricken Belgians.
There is a special satisfaction in offering in the foregoing life record
justification for issuing such a compendium as the one in hand. It is not
necessary to record that the career of men of the type of Alexander H.
Roberts has been such as to gain wide reputation or the plaudits of men,
but that such as he have been true to the trusts imposed in them and to
such attributes of character as entitle them to the regard of all. Mr. Rob-
erts has been a very useful citizen in his sphere of action, and has won the
confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
ANSON S. CULVER.
The history of every man is an account of his life work, of his up-bring-
ing, his youth, his early struggles to gain a livelihood, his successes and fail-
ures and his rise to affluence and prestige in the community, in whatever
vocation he has selected as best fitted to accord with his temperament and
abilities. The gentleman of whom this chronicle is written seems to have
been adapted to the trade of miller, from boyhood having followed that
vocation from choice, and has made a success of his calling. Anson S. Cul-
ver likewise enjoys the distinction of being the only Union naval veteran in
Audubon county. Speaking of this important part of the life of ]\'Ir. Culver
it can truly be stated that too much honor cannot be given the boys in blue
who fought in the long and bloody struggle in the sixties. When they heard
their country's call they forsook their ordinary vocations, enrolled under the
Stars and Stripes, and with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm braved all the
dangers of the battlefield in order that our beloved flag might continue to
wave from the lakes to the gulf. The homage of a grateful people is theirs
and we delight to accord them all the praise so justly due them. Among the
few veterans left in Audubon county none is more deserving of a worthy
place in this volume than A. S. Culver, only naval veteran of the county.
A. S. Culver and his son are the proprietors of the Audubon flour-mill,
350 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
which began operations in August of 1887 ^^^ ^''^s continued to grind unin-
terruptedly since that time. This mill was under the ownership and manage-
ment of Kuhn & Culver until 19 13, in which year the son of Mr. Culver, Vern
Culver became his partner. The capacity of the mill is seventy-five barrels
daily and the two principal brands are "A No. i" and "Straight."
Anson S. Culver was born on October 3, 1841, in New York state, son
of Lemuel and Patience Culver, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts,
respectively, agriculturists in New York state, in which state their last days
were spent. They were the parents of seven children, of whom A. S. Culver
is the only one now living. Mr. Culver learned his trade of miller in New
York when a boy and worked at his trade in St. Lawrence county. New York,
until 1872. In the meantime the great Civil War came on and it was not to
be expected that a young and vigorous man of his calibre would fail to listen
to the call of his country for assistance in quelling the rebellion. Anson S.
Culver enlisted in the Union navy in 1863 and was detailed for duty on the
"Susquehanna." His vessel participated in the five days" battle and bom-
bardment of Ft. Fisher and in many blockades on the Southern coast. He
served until the close of the war.
Mr. Culver came west from New York in 1872, locating for a time at
Anita, Iowa, and in August, of the same year, journeyed to Nebraska, where,
at Ft. Calhoun, he followed his trade of miller for nine years. In 1881 he
became the proprietor of a flour-mill at Anita and operated the same for six
years. In 1887 he disposed of his interests there and came to this county,
locating at Audubon, where he engaged in the milling business and where he
has since resided, being accounted one of the county seat's foremost citizens.
In 1866 A. S. Culver was married to Celeste Rose, who departed this
life in 1900. To this union three children were born, namely: Vern, partner
in the milling business with his father, the father of six children, Lucille,
Edith, Catharine, Helen, Mary and Alice ; Genevieve, at home, her father's
housekeeper, and Mrs. Emma Dickinson, of Saskatoon, Canada, the mother
of one child, Ruth.
Mr. Culver is a Republican and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
He is allied with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Grand Army
post at Audubon. Mr. Culver is a man who by his own unaided efforts has
worked from a modest beginning to a position of affluence in the community.
His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the syste-
matic and honorable methods which he has followed have won for him the
confidence of his fellow citizens of Audubon, whose interests he has ever had
at heart.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 35 1
DAVID E. SOAR.
A review of the life of David E. Soar, a pioneer harness-maker of
Audubon, Iowa, must of necessity be brief and general in its character. To
enter fully into the interesting details of Mr. Soar's career, touching the ear-
nest and persistent efforts of his earlier years and the successes of his later
days, would far transcend the limits of this article. He has filled a large
place in the ranks of the enterprising and public-spirited men of his day and
generation and has been an important factor in the growth and development
of Audubon county's industrial and commercial interests. He is a representa-
tive of that type of the world's workers which has furnished much of the
bone and sinew of the country and added to the stability of the county and its
institutions. And yet, in spite of the multitudinous activities of his life, he
has never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature. He has
preserved his faculties ,and the warmth of his heart for the broadening and
helpful influences of human life and is a genial friend, a gentleman whom it
is a pleasure to meet.
David E. Soar was born in Nottingham, England on x\ugust 15, 1843,
the son of Charles and Sarah (Taylor) Soar, the former of whom was a lace
manufacturer in Nottingham. The family came to America in 1850 and
settled in Kanesville, Iowa, now Council Bluffs, Charles Soar there engaging
in the mercantile business, the rest of his life being spent there, his death
occurring in 1906, he being then ninety-six years of age. Charles and Sarah
(Taylor) Soar were the parents of thirteen children, two of whom are still
living, Ezra, who lives at Council Bluffs, and David E., the subject of this
sketch.
David E. Soar received his primary education at Council Bluffs. His
mother died when he was thirteen years old and he came to this county and
began doing farm work near Exira, meanwhile continuing to go to school
until he was eighteen years of age. He learned the harness-maker's trade in
1862, and in 1864 started out as a journeyman harness-maker. In 1868 he
opened a harness shop in Exira, the first shop of its kind in this county. In
1879 Mr. Soar opened a harness shop in Audubon, the first shop of the kind
in the new county seat, and in 1881 moved to Audubon and has since that
time made his home there. He kept the shop in Exira until 1883. In the
summer of 1902 Mr. Soar erected in Audubon a large brick building and has
it completely stocked with products made both by hand and by machinery.
During late years his assistants have done the work and he looks after the
retail department of the business. Mr. Soar owns a fine farm of one hun-
352 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
dred and twenty acres in Greeley township. He has seen Audubon county
grow from a treeless prairie waste to a prosperous and thriving agricultural
and industrial community.
On July 19, 1868, David E. Soar was married to Rebecca N. Harris, of
Exira, who was born in 1848 and died on January 12, 1904. She was a
native of Braxton county, West Virginia, the daughter of Adonijah Harris,
a very early settler in Audubon county. To this union four children were
born, Cecilia I., Charles H., Beulah O. and Edward W. Cecelia 1. has been
married twice, first to Walter Connrardy, by whom she had one daughter,
Beulah. She is now the wife of L. A. Jensen and they have two daughters,
Audrey and Lucille. Charles H., who is a bookkeeper, married May Murray
and lives at Butte, Montana. Beulah O. is the wife of J. S. Small and resides
at Hudson, South Dakota. Edward W. lives at Butte, Montana.
David E. Soar is an ardent Democrat, and served as township clerk at
Exira and as a member of the city council at Audubon, the latter important
service covering a period of nine years. Air. Soar is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Atlantic
and is well known throughout the length and breadth of Audubon county as
an honored and respected citizen of this community.
ROBERT C. SPENCER.
It is generally acknowledged that journalism is one of the most impor-
tant factors in twentieth century life, exerting as it does an influence in
practically every department of society. This relation is just as actual and
potent in the smaller cities and towns as in the large cities, and he who
directs the policy of a newspaper or wields the pen which gives expression
to that policy, exerts a control over local thought and action that is not
equalled by any other profession. Among the newspaper men of Audubon
county who have, by their progressive attitude toward local affairs, contrib-
uted in a definite measure to the welfare of the community, is the gentle-
man whose name appears above, who is successfully publishing the Audu-
bon Advocate, in addition to his duties as postmaster of the city of Audu-
bon. He is not only a successful editor and pubHsher, but is one of the
most efficient and accommodating postmasters that the city has ever had.
Robert C. Spencer, son of William and Esther fOsborn) Spencer, was
born in Jasper county, Iowa, on October 13, 1872. His father was a native
ROBERT C. SPENCER
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 353
of West Virginia and his mother was born in the old Buckeye state. Will-
iam W. Spencer was born in 1842 and died in 1897. He was the son of
William Spencer, who moved to Indiana from his birthplace and there
resided a while, but later migrated to Jasper county, Iowa. He was mar-
ried in Jasper county and came to Audubon county in- the spring of 1881.
William Spencer was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil
War and served for three years and three months in the Fiftieth Regiment
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He responded to President Lincoln's first call
for troops to serve three months, and at the expiration of his first enlist-
ment he signed the roster for three years longer. He fought under General
Rosecrans and his record as a brave soldier was an enviable one, of which
his sons and daughters have the right to be proud. William Spencer set-
tled in Hamlin township when he came to Audubon county and bought a
farm of two hundred and eighty acres, on which he spent the rest of his
life. He was the father of five children, namely: Madison, a farmer resid-
ing north of Audubon city; Albert, proprietor of a farm near Audubon;
Robert C, with whom this chronicle is directly concerned; Charles, -a citi-
zen of Audubun; Mrs. Arabelle Siemsen, wjfe of C. F. Siemsen, a resident
of California. The mother of these children departed this life in 1899.
Robert C. Spencer received his early education in the district school
of the neighborhood in which the family resided. After completing the
courses afforded by the local school he studied for two years in the National
Normal and Business College at Glidden, Iowa, and was graduated from
this institution. He taught school in his home county for four years, or
terms, and was elected to the office of county superintendent in 1897, enter-
ing upon the duties of that position on January i, 1898, and serving for
one term.
Upon the expiration of his term as county superintendent of schools,
R. C. Spencer purchased a half interest in the Audubon Advocate, or rather,
while he was still serving his term as county superintendent he formed a
partnership with J. A. Graham in the ownership of the Advocate. Four
months after this partnership became an actuality, Mr. Graham retired from
the editorial management of the newspaper, and S. C. Curtis became a
third owner in the enterprise, which has since been conducted under the
name of R. C. Spencer & Co. The Advocate is one of the flourishing busi-
ness institutions of Audubon county and an ably edited and influential news-
paper, which reaches practically every home in the county.
Robert C. Spencer is a member and a ruling elder of the Presbyterian
(23)
354 AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA.
church and contributes of his time and means to the support of this denomi-
nation. He is fraternally connected with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and the Knights of Pythias. He was married on September 13, 1899, to
Clara Hansen, of Audubon, a daughter of Ivor P. Hansen, to which union
two children have been born, Arnold H., born in 1901, and Roland E.,
born in 1904.
Mr. Spencer is a Democrat in politics and stands high among the lead-
ers of his party. For the past seventeen years he has taken a very active
part in Democratic politics and has served as chairman of the county cen-
tral committee. During the campaign and election of 1908 he was the can-
didate of his party for Congress and made a good race for the position. He
served eight years as mayor of the city of Audubon and it can be said of
him that he made a faithful and conscientious public official and in every
way possible enhanced the reputation of the city. He was a strong advo-
cate for public improvements during his term as mayor, and when he left
the office the city was in excellent shape in every way. He received the
appointment of postmaster of Audubon and took up the duties of that office
on August 16, 1913. He is faithfully performing the duties of this office
and is serving the public in a thorough and painstaking manner, which is
a characteristic of his nature — to do everything he undertakes to the best
of his ability, and to give the best service he possibly can give. Mr. Spencer
is naturally gifted with those attributes of character which go far toward
raising him in the esteem of his fellow citizens and enhancing his great per-
sonal popularity. He is genial, kind and obliging, ever ready to do a friend
or acquaintance a favor, and is held in high regard throughout the county.
JAMES HUNT.
In the following paragraphs specific mention is made of one of the
worthy citizens of this county, who has figured in the growth and develop-
ment of the agricultural and financial interests of this favored locality, and
whose interests have been identified with its progress, he for years having
contributed, in his particular sphere of action, to the well-being of the com-
munity in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legiti-
mate growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with mature
judgment and every-day common sense, have been among his most prominent
characteristics and he has merited the respect and esteem which are accorded
him by all who know him.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 355
James Hunt was born in New York state on December ii, 1850, the son
of Jonathan and Mary (Fletcher) Hunt, both natives of Lincolnshire, Eng-
land, who came to the United States shortly after their marriage and located
in New York, where they remained one year. They then came west, locating
in Grant county, Wisconsin, where they lived for six years, after which they
removed to Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where they spent the remainder of
their lives, both dying of typhoid fever just one month apart, Jonathan
Hunt's death occurring on August 26, 1862, his wife dying September 26,
of the same year, their son, James, being then but twelve years of age. Jona-
than Hunt was a farmer all his life and he and his wife were the parents of
seven children, James, Mary, Robert, John, William, Albert and George, all
of whom are living save the latter.
James Hunt received his early education in the schools of Lafayette
county, Wisconsin, and after the death of his parents continued attending
school until he was eighteen years of age, working in the summer seasons
and doing chores during the winters for his board and room. Until he was
twenty-one years of age he worked as a farm hand, receiving from twelve to
twenty dollars a month for his labor. In 1871 Mr. Hunt came to Audubon
county and purchased eighty acres of land in Melville township. When he
first came to Iowa he had about eight hundred dollars, which he had man-
aged to save from his labors while in Wisconsin. With this money he bought
his first land in Audubon county, and has gradually added to his land hold-
ings until he is now the owner of three hundred and eighty acres of fine land
in this county, a part of which is in the corporation of Audubon. Besides
this he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in South Dakota.
On September 9, 1829, James Hunt was married to Elizabeth Leach,
the daughter of James and Mary Leach, at that time residents of South
Dakota. In later years James Leach and his wife came to Audubon county,
where they remained one year, at the end of which time they returned to
South Dakota, where James Leach died, his widow, still surviving him, mak-
ing her home with her children. To James and Elizabeth (Leach) Hunt three
children have been born, Nora and May, living at home, and one who died in
infancy.
Besides general farming, Mr. Hunt has made a specialty of the breeding
and raising of high-grade live stock, especially Shorthorn cattle and Poland-
China hogs, and has been very successful in this line of endeavor. He has
bred, fed and shipped two carloads of cattle and hogs each year, and still
owns a fine herd of fifty-two head of Shorthorn cattle, and sells from twenty-
five to thirty calves yearly, which add no inconsiderable amount to his yearly
356 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
income from his farm. Mr. Hunt is still actively engaged in his agricultural
work, at this time operating one hundred acres of land and personally looks
after his live stock. Mr. Hunt decided to retire from active farm work at
one time, but his health became impaired through lack of exercise, having
always been a man of untiring energy and ceaseless activity, and upon his
physician's advice he resumed his former active labors in the management
of his farm, since which time his health has been perfect, and he is strong and
sturdy today.
Mr. Hunt is a Republican and has always taken a keen interest in local
public affairs. He has served his township as trustee and also as road
supervisor, in both of which offices he discharged his duties to the entire sat-
isfaction of the citizens of his township. He and his family are earnest and
devoted members of the Presbyterian church, in whose welfare they are
deeply interested and to the support of which they are liberal contributors.
FRED A. BUTHWEG.
The career of Fred A. Buthweg, a well-known clothing merchant of
Audubon, this county, contains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is
replete with well-defined purposes which, carried to successful issue, have
won for him an influential place in the business circles of Audubon, and high
personal standing among his fellow citizens of Audubon county. His life has
been one of unceasing industry and perseverance. The systematic and hon-
orable methods which he has ever followed have resulted not only in win-
ning the confidence of those with whom he has had business dealings, but
also in building up a large and profitable business.
Fred A. Buthweg is a native of Germany, born in East Prussia on
September 9, 1865, a son of Gottfried and Elizabeth (Wohlgemuth) Buth-
weg, who arrived in America on October 10, 1880, later settling on a farm
in this county, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were the par-
ents of but two children, both sons, of whom Fred A. is the elder, the other
son, John, being now a prosperous and well-to-do farmer of Leroy township,
this county.
Fred A. Buthweg was educated in the public schools of his native land
and after coming to this country took a course in the high school at Audubon,
brushing up his English. Subsequently he took a business course in the
Omaha Commercial College at Omaha, Nebraska, and on February 25, 1884,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 357
began his business life as a clerk, at which work he continued for three
years. He then went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he lived for one and one-
half years, during which period he was employed as a clerk in a grocery
store, attending school at the same time. In 1890 he returned to Audubon
and engaged in the grocery business for himself, continuing in that line until
1904, in which year he disposed of his business to Hans Albertson, and
engaged in the clothing business, which line of business he still continues,
making a specialty of men's furnishings. He has built up a large and lucra-
tive business in the city of Audubon and the surrounding country, and his
store is one of the most popular in the county-seat town.
On June 27, 1895, Fred A. Buthweg was married to Mary Musson,
daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Boone) Musson, early settlers in Audubon
county, they having come to the county in 1876. and to this union two chil-
dren have been born, Harold and Florence, both of whom are living at home
with their parents.
Mr. Buth\yeg has never held any public ofifice and has never been espe-
cially interested in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
AUGUST ZIERKE.
No land has given to this country better citizens or more successful
farmers than Germany, and many of these have come to Audubon county.
Among the sterling citizens of German birth in this county is August Zierke,
a well-known farmer of Cameron township, and the owner of one hundred
and twenty acres of land in that township. Mr. Zierke was born on Febru-
ary 7, 1850, in Germany, the son of Gottfried and Anna (Karl) Zierke, both
of whom were born in that country. Gottfried Zierke was a farm hand in
his native land and was so engaged all his life. He and his wife had eight
children, only three of whom are living, and August is the only member of
the family living in this county.
August Zierke received his education in Germany, and after leaving
school worked out as a farm hand until he was twenty-six years old, when
he decided to come to America. Upon arriving in this country he located
near De Witt, Iowa, where he worked for one year for the Rock Island
Railroad Company. He then removed to Poweshiek county, where he
worked as a farm hand for four years, and then, in 1881, came to Audubon
3^8 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
county. At that time the settlement of certain sections of this county had
scarcely begun, and Mr. Zierke found himself among pioneers. For sev-
eral years he worked in Cameron township, and then located on eighty acres
of land, which he had purchased for nine dollars an acre before he came to
Audubon county. He broke the sod, reduced the soil to a fine state of cul-
tivation, and has made many improvements upon the farm, the same costing
in the neighborhood of six thousand dollars. Mr. Zierke raises annually
about forty acres of corn, and small grain amounting to at least fifteen or
twenty acres. The corn usually yields not less than forty bushels to the
acre. All of the grain raised on the farm is fed to hogs and cattle.
In 1887, August Zierke was married to Bertha Neitzel, daughter of
Henry and Matilda Neitzel, to which happy union eight children have been
born, Albert, Clara, Henry, George, Elmer, Carl, Ora and Ella. Only one
of these children is married, Clara, who married Roy "Somers, and has one
child, Harold. The remainder of the children live at home with their par-
ents. Mr. and Mrs. August Zierke are members of the German Lutheran
church, in which faith their children have been reared, and Mr. Zierke is a
Republican.
August Zierke is not only one of the substantial farmers of Cameron
township and one of its good citizens, but he is also popular in Cameron
township. Though he has never held office, he is a man who is well informed
on public questions, and is considered a wide reader. His primary inter-
ests, however, are his family and his farm, and to these he devotes most of
his attention.
H. N. CHRISTENSEN.
One of the most extensive farmers of Cameron township, this county,
if not the largest landowner in that section of the county, is H. N. Chris-
tensen, who, coming to America with little or no means at his disposal, set
to work diligently as a farmer, and during a period of less than thirty years,
which he has spent in this country, has become one of the most skillful farm-
ers in Audubon county. Trained for the vocation of farming in his native
land, he was well equipped to take up this occupation scientifically upon com-
ing to America, and this accounts to some extent for his large success in
farming.
H. N. Christensen was born on October 13. 1865. in Denmark, the
thriving little kingdom which has given to this countr}', and especially to
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 359
Audubon county, so many of her enterprising and successful citizens. Mr.
Christensen's parents, Peter and Kate Christensen, were farmers in Den-
mark and are still living in that country. The father served in the Dan-
ish-Prussian war of 1848 and has a splendid military record as a conse-
quence of that service. He and his wife have five children, four of whom
are living in this country.
H. N. Christensen received practically all of his education in Denmark
and upon leaving school took up farming with his father and was engaged
in this vocation until 1887, when he came to America. His education, how-
ever, has been supplemented by home study and wide reading, and he is
regarded as one of the well-informed men of Cameron township today.
Upon coming to America Mr. Christensen located in Cameron township, this
county, and worked as a farm hand until 1899. Being frugal and economi-
cal in his habits of living, he naturally saved some money during this period
of twelve years when he was working on various farms in Cameron town-
ship, and presently was able to make a start as a farmer on his own account.
From the very beginning of his farming operations Mr. Christensen has
prospered, and now owns sixteen hundred acres of land. He raises four
hundred acres of corn and two hundred and fifty acres of small grain each
year, besides annually feeding from two hundred and fifty to three hun-
dred head of cattle and at least two hundred head of hogs. More than
thirty thousand dollars has been invested in improvements on the Cameron
township farm of Mr. Christensen. Of the total acreage, at least one hun-
dred and sixty acres is in hay, and Mr. Christensen also keeps a consider-
able acreage in pasture, which he finds necessary on account of the great
number of cattle he raises.
In 1897 H. N. Christensen was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Cameron,
nee Grife, daughter of John Grife, a well-known and successful farmer of
this section of Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Christensen have no children.
Mr. Christensen is a Republican and takes a keen interest in political
matters, but he has never been a candidate for ofifice, his large farming inter-
ests having kept him so busily engaged that he has had little time for politics.
He is deeply interested in civic movements and worthy public enterprises,
however, and his support may always be depended upon when private assist-
ance is needed.
Mr. Christensen is a man of charitable and humane impulses, friendly
and cordial in all of the relations of life. He is not only well known in
Cameron township, but well liked by all the people of this section of the
county. Mr. Christensen deserves great credit for the zeal, energ}' and deter-
360 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
mination with which he attacks the problems of farming and for the hon-
orable, upright character of all his dealings with the public. He is a worthy-
citizen of this great county and state.
SIMEON C. CURTIS.
It is a well-known fact that public opinion expressed through the
medium of the all-powerful press, rules this country. It was the insistent
cry of the public that forced through the last two amendments to the Con-
stitution of the United States. Public opinion, however, would be useless
unless it had the opportunity to find expression, and there is no way in
which public opinion can expend its full power and wield its tremendous
influence except through the newspapers. For this reason it is not too much
to say that the newspapers of the country are the real rulers ; that they have
more power in shaping the destinies of the nation than Congress itself. It
was a very wise provision which was inserted in the Constitution by the
fathers of this great republic that freedom of the press should be assured
for all time to come. There are few towns in Iowa today that do not have
a publication of some kind, and the newspaper directory gives several hun-
dred publications of one kind or another in the state. Among the induen-
tial Democratic newspapers of the western part of the state is the Audubon
Advocate, which stands as an excellent and influential medium for the
expression of the voice of the people of this county.
Simeon C. Curtis, manager of the Audubon Advocate, was born in
Galesburg, Illinois, on June 30, 1869, the son of S. R. and Bersheba (Hef-
hn) Curtis, natives of Illinois, who removed from Illinois to Iowa in 1871
and located in the town of Avoca, Pottawattamie county. They purchased
a farm near Avoca and resided thereon until 1899, in which year the fam-
ily took up its residence in Audubon, S. R. Curtis having lost an arm
through an accident, it l>eing necessary for him to retire from active labor.
S. R. Curtis died in Audubon in 1909. He was the father of nine children,
four of whom are still living, Ned, of Audubon, Robert, Grace and Simeon
C. The mother of these children lives in Audubon.
Simeon C. Curtis attended the district school and the Avoca high school.
For some time after the ending of his school days he traveled in the West,
and on his return home engaged in the printing business with A. P. Cramer,
of Avoca, in the office of the Avoca Herald. He worked in that office for
8IME0X C. CURTIS
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 361
three years, and in 1888 came to this county, locating at Audubon, where
he entered the employ of Frank D. Allen, publisher of the Advocate. In
the fall of 1900, R. C. Spencer and Mr. Curtis purchased the Advocate and
became the sole owners, with Mr. Spencer holding a two-thirds interest in
the business.
On November 27, 1895, Simeon C. Curtis was married to Ada May
Dennis, a daughter of Charles A. Dennis, to which union three children have
been born : Mildred, deceased; Garland H., aged fourteen years, and Thelma,
who is twelve years of age.
S. C. Curtis is politically allied with the Democratic party. He is a
member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, being a member of the Audubon blue lodge and the
chapter of the latter order. He is painstaking and thorough in all he under-
takes and is generally found in the forefront of all matters which are
intended to advance the best interests of his home community.
FRED H. COTTON.
The biographies of representative men of a county bring to light many
hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse
the pride of their families and the community. It is a source of regret
that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men,
in the ranks of whom may be found farmers, mechanics, teachers, lawyers,
physicians, bankers, and men identified with other vocations and profes-
sions. Fred H. Cotton is distinctively one of the leading citizens of Exira
township, and as such has made his influence felt among his fellow men,
having earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor as the proprietor
of a grocery store at Exira, which has a large and liberal patronage from
the people of Exira and vicinity.
Fred H. Cotton was born in Mitchell county, Iowa, on September 7,
1874, a son of Henry and Christina (Huyck) Cotton, natives of New York
state. After his marriage, Henry Cotton located in Madison county, Wis-
consin, where he took up a land warrant which his father had given to him.
He broke the sod on this land and was very successful during the short time
he remained there. He subsequently returned to the state of New York,
but after remaining there a short time returned to Wisconsin, remaining
there a few years, at the end of which time he came to Iowa, locating in
362 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Mitchell county, where he conducted a grist mill for many years, later mov-
ing to Vinton, Iowa, where he took up the agency for the sale of the Fair-
banks scales. Henry Cotton and wife were the parents of seven children,
namely: Charles E., who lives at Cheyenne, Wyoming; Edwin D., a resi-
dent of Exira; Dell, who married William Ouinn; Anna F., who lives at
Atlantic, Iowa; Fred H., the subject of this sketch; Earl, deceased, and
George M., a resident of Auburn, Nebraska.
Fred H. Cotton attended the public schools at Vinton, Iowa, and after
leaving school took up farming, later clerking in a general store for a time.
When the Spanish-American War broke out he enlisted for service, in April,
1898, in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and
was mustered out at the close of the war. Shortly afterward he came to
this county, locating at Exira, where he clerked for his brother, Edwin, until
1908, in which year he started in business for himself. He has increased
his stock and business each year, and altogether has been very successful.
In May, 1907. Fred H. Cotton was married to Catherine Crane, the
daughter of John Crane, and to this union one child has been born, Chris-
tina. Mrs. Cotton was born in Exira, this county. Her parents were
natives of Ohio and Tennessee, respectively, who moved to Audubon county,
Iowa, during pioneer times. Her father followed farming pursuits all his
life and died in 1907. John Crane and wife were the parents of five chil-
dren, Harry, Catherine, Dell and two who died in early childhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Cotton are members of the Congregational church, and
Mr. Cotton is identified with the Masonic fraternity and with the Knights
of Pythias. He is an ardent Democrat, but has never held ofiice, the cares
of his business having been too great to permit his active participation in
political affairs.
MARTIN SMITH.
One of the well-known and highly respected farmers of this county, now
living retired, is Martin Smith, who was born in County Galway, Ireland,
on May i, 1838, the son of Patrick and Anna (Lutney) Smith, the former
of whom was a road contractor and followed this business all his life, dying
in Ireland in 1844. His wife, who was the mother of five children, of whom
Martin Smith is the only one now living, also died in 1844.
Martin Smith came to America with his sister when he was eleven years
old and located in New York City, where he attended school, selling news-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 363
papers to assist in paying his way. After leaving school he took up the car-
penter trade and followed that until the Civil War broke out. On August
17, 1861, Mr. Smith enlisted in Company E, Ninth Regiment, New York
Volunteer Infantry, and, serving in three different regiments, was in the
service of the Union army continuously until the close of the war. He was
engaged in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and
a number of skirmishes, and when mustered out of the service was attached
to the army of General Burnsides. Mr. Smith has an honorable military
record and performed brilliant services in behalf of his adopted country
during the period of civil strife. He was one of the guard during the execu-
tion at Washington of the conspirators connected with the assassination of
President Lincoln.
Returning to New York City at the close of the Civil War, Mr. Smith
resumed work at his trade and was thus engaged until 1867, i" which year
he moved to Aledo, Illinois, where he rented a farm, remaining there until
1880, when he came to Audubon county, locating in Lincoln township, where
he purchased eighty acres of virgin land at six dollars and twenty-five cents
an acre. After breaking the sod, Mr. Smith moved to Melville township,
where he bought eighty acres of land at fourteen dollars an acre. He later
increased his holding to one hundred and sixty acres and was actively
engaged in farming until 1899, when he retired and moved to Audubon,
having acquired a substantial competence for his declining years.
In i860, Martin Smith was married to Julia McCarty, to which union
two children were born, both of whom died early in life. After the death
of Mrs. Julia (McCarty) Smith, Mr. Smith married Anna Welsch, who
died a few years later, whereupon Mr. Smith married Mary Lowmer, daugh-
ter of John F. and Mary Lowmer, natives of Bavaria, Germany. No chil-
dren were born either to the second or third marriage.
Martin Smith is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic and has served as commander and delegate to state conventions several
times. He has been officer of the guard in the local post for twenty years.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Smith is
identified with the Republican party.
Few men deserve more credit for their part in the growth and develop-
ment of this country than Martin Smith, who, during the Civil War, gave
four of the best years of his life to the service of his country, and who,
since the end of that great war, by his labors has assisted in the develop-
ment of this great agricultural region. Martin Smith is a good citizen, a
credit to the community in which he has lived for so many years.
364 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
WILLIAM SHAW.
The following is a brief sketch of a man who, by close attention to
business, has achieved marked success in the world's affairs, and has risen
to an honorable position among the enterprising farmers of Audubon
county. His record is a plain one, rendered remarkable by no strange or
mysterious adventures, no wonderful and lucky accidents and no tragic sit-
uations, he being simply an estimable citizen, whose integrity and strong
personality have forced him into an admirable notoriety, which his modesty
never would have sought, and he commands the respect of his contempo-
raries, he having created a deep impression upon the life of the community
in which he has lived for so many years.
William Shaw is one of the largest landowners in Audubon county, if
not the largest. He owns over seventeen hundred acres of land, ten hundred
and seventy-three acres of which are in Cameron township, two hundred and
thirty-eight acres of which are in Lincoln township, and a hundred and six-
ty-six and five-tenths acres of which are in Leroy township. Mr. Shaw at
present is farming four hundred and twenty-five acres, which comprises the
home farm. He has a fine house of eighteen rooms, thoroughly modern,
situated on a hill, surrounded by trees and shrubbery and flowers. All of
the out-buildings are neat and well kept, the whole place bespeaking the pros-
perity and good taste of its owner.
Mr. Shaw feeds annually sixty head of cattle and at least one car-load
of hogs every year. He raises one hundred and twenty acres of corn, which
yields him fifty bushels to the acre. Mr. Shaw has six sets of buildings on
his estate, and altogether carries on the most extensive operations of any
farmer in Audubon county.
William Shaw was born in Scotland on March i, 1850, the son of
James and Elizabeth (Rennie) Shaw, farming people in that country, both
of whom are now deceased. Robert, a brother of William Shaw, lives in
Ohio. A sister, Mrs. Alice Schooler, lives in Canada. William Shaw was
married in Scotland on June 26, 1878, to Margaret Taylor, who was born
on September 17, 1853, in Ayrshire, made famous by Robert Burns, Scot-
land's national poet. She is a daughter of James and Agnes (Foote) Tay-
lor, also farming people, and she had two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Wallace and
Mrs. Isabelle Dikes, who also came to America, but both of whom are now
deceased. In 1880 William Shaw and wife came to America, coming west
with little delay. While Mrs. Shaw stopped for a time at her sister's home
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA, 365
in Illinois, Mr. Shaw came on to Davenport, Iowa, finally coming to Audu-
bon county, where he purchased one hundred and thirty-five acres of raw
prairie land in section 19 of Cameron township, at fifteen dollars an acre,
and from that time he prospered. In 1890 he purchased more land and has
continued buying land ever since, having been remarkably successful in his
farming operations. His land has cost him fifteen, twenty, one hundred
and forty and one hundred and seventy-five dollars an acre, the latter price
having been paid when he purchased land in 19 15.
To William and Margaret (Taylor) Shaw eleven children have been
born, all of whom are living save one, as follow: Agnes Fulton, born on
June 21, 1879, married Ora Mischler, of Cameron township; James Taylor,
February 22, 1881, married Nettie Wenig, of Cameron township; Elizabeth
Rennie, February 22, 1881; WiUiam Wallace, May 5, 1883, died on April
17, 1889; John Slimen, November 20, 1884, residing in Gray, married Mabel
Welsh; Margaret, November 5, 1887, wife of Charles King, of Cameron
township; Isabelle, May 5, 1889, wife of William Summerville, of Carroll
county; Jessie, July 10, 1891 ; Archena, May 24, 1894; Pearl, February 25,
1897, ^nd Effie, August 20, 1899.
It is a noteworthy fact that William Shaw purchased the first groceries
and merchandise ever sold in the town of Gray. He also purchased the first
pair of trousers sold in that town. Mr. Shaw is a Republican, and served
as trustee of Cameron township for six years, giving a most efficient and
satisfactory administration. He also has been school director for twelve
years, his service in this connection having done much for the betterment of
the schools. Though Mr. and Mrs. Shaw and family are members of the
Presbyterian church, they all attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM NORTHUP.
Among the worthy citizens of Audubon, whose residence in this county
has contributed in no small degree to the prestige of the vicinity, is William
Northup, ex-sheriff and well-known live-stock dealer, familiarly known as
"Dick" Northup. While laboring for his individual advancement, Mr.
Northup has at the same time contributed liberally of his time, energy and
ability to worthy public movements, and has been honored by the people of
Audubon county with election to one of the most important offices in the
gift of the people of this county. Aside from his political service, Mr.
366 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Northup has been successful in a business way, and is known as one of the
substantial citizens of Audubon county. He is enterprising, progressive and
broad-minded, possessed of pleasing and agreeable manners, and is, from
many standpoints, a man who must be pointed out as one of the leading
citizens of this section of the state.
William Northup was born on August 18, 1859, in Iowa county, Iowa,
the son of Nathan and Harriet Northup, who are referred to elsewhere in
this volume. When eight years old, William Northup moved with the fam-
ily to Nebraska, where he lived for eight years. The family then returned
to Iowa county, where they lived until 1880, in which year they came to
Audubon county, and here William Northup began life for himself. He
assisted his father on the farm, breaking the raw prairie land, and also
worked for the neighbors during the first season after coming to this county,
and in 1881 rented land in Leroy township, after which he returned to Iowa
county, where he worked in a brick plant for one year, but after his mar-
riage, in the fall of 1882, came back to Audubon county and rented a farm
for three years. At the end of that time he purchased eighty acres of im-
proved land in Cameron township, upon which he lived for two years, at the
end of which time he sold the farm and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres in Douglas township, on which he lived for thirteen years. In 1901
]\Ir. Northup sold this latter farm and purchased two hundred and forty
acres in Cameron township, where he lived for two years, or until his elec-
tion as sheriff in 1903. He took his office in 1904 and served two terms
and an extra year, making in all five years. Since his retirement from office
in 1909 he has been engaged in the grain and live-stock business and has
been very successful.
On July 15, 1882, William Northup was married to Myra Smith, of
Juhiisun county, Iowa, who was born on October 14, 1861, the daughter of
Edwin and Sabina (Bird) Smith, natives of Indiana and of England,
respectively. To this union three children have been born, namely : Her-
bert, who married Florence Buckner and is a farmer in Cameron township;
Harold, a farmer of Cameron township, who married Kathleen Dimmick,
and Ruth, who is at home. To Herbert and Florence (Buckner) Northup
three children have been born, Winifred, Frank and Richard.
William Northup is a Democrat and has been one of the leaders of his
party in Audubon county for many years. Besides his service of five years
as sheriff, he has served as trustee of Douglas township and on the city
council of Audubon. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and of the Ancient Free and Accepted ^Masons, in the affairs of
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 2i^'J
both of which orders he takes a warm interest. There are few, if any, men
in the county who enjoy a wider personal popularity than former Sheriff
Xorthup, who is held in the highest regard by his many friends.
HENRY SUXBERG.
In the United States there are more persons engaged in farming than
in any other business or vocation. The United States census reports for
1910 show that there are about one hundred and fifteen thousand lawyers,
one hundred and fifty thousand physicians and surgeons, one hundred and
eighteen thousand clergymen, something over sixty thousand engineers and
some six hundred thousand school teachers, but there are twelve million men
living in the United States engaged in farming. It therefore appears that
farming is one of the most important vocations known to mankind. Farm-
ers, industrial workers and commercial and transportation workers consti-
tute ninety-five per cent, of the population, and control an even greater per-
centage of the wealth of the country. One of the enterprising and successful
farmers of this county, now living retired, who has succeeded in his chosen
vocation as a consequence of his own courage, persistency and good manage-
ment, is Henry Sunberg. Air. Sunberg believes in lending what aid he can
to his neighbors and the general public, and is regarded as one of Audubon
county's best citizens.
Henry Sunberg was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, on May
12, 1844, the son of Christ and Paulina Sunberg. With his wife and first-
born son, in 1871, he crossed the Atlantic on the voyage to America, locat-
ing, shortly after his arrival, in Johnson county, Iowa. Mr. Sunberg came
to this country on borrowed money, and for five years after arriving here
worked for one dollar a day as a farm laborer. He then rented land for ten
years in Johnson county, and in 1886 came to Audubon county and pur-
chased eighty acres of splendid partly-improved land in Melville township,
for which he paid twenty-five dollars an acre. Mr. Sunberg paid half of the
purchase price of the farm in cash and gave his note and mortgages for
the balance. His affairs prospered, and five years later he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres additional, wholly unimproved, for which he paid
twenty dollars an acre, later buying forty acres in Leroy township, at eighty-
seven and one-half dollars an acre, making in all two hundred and eighty
acres. He resided in ]Melville township until 1906, and then moved to his
368 ' AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
forty-acre farm in Leroy township, where he lived until March, 19 14, at
which time he retired from the farm and moved to i\udubon, where he has
since resided.
On May 14, 1868, Henry Sunberg was married to Hannah Ahrand,
who was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, on September 16, 1839,
the daughter of Christ Ahrand, and to this happy union seven children have
been born: Fred, a farmer; Charles, sheriff of Audubon county; Frank, a
farmer ; Mrs. Minnie Owen ; John a farmer ; Henry, also a farmer, and Mrs.
Anna Lefler, the wife of a farmer of this county. Henry Sunberg has thir-
teen grandchildren, Fred Sunberg having four children, May, Carl, Milton
and an infant; Mrs. Minnie Owen, three children. Henry, Grace and Helen;
John, two children; Henry, two children, Edward and Gertrude; Mrs. Anna
Lefler, two children, Gladys and Dessie.
Henry Sunberg is a Democrat, and at one time served as trustee of his
township. Mr. and Mrs. Sunberg and family are all members of the Luth-
eran church, and are active in the affairs of that denomination, being inter-
ested in all good works throughout the community in which they reside.
EUGENE C. WILSON.
Eugene C. Wilson, a retired farmer living at Exira, Iowa, who owns
a farm of two hundred and eighty-five acres in Exira township, besides four
hundred acres in Minnesota. Mr. Wilson has had a varied career. He is
a skillful carpenter and for many years worked at that trade. While living
in California he was the proprietor of a bee ranch. He was also engaged
while a resident of that state in mounting birds, and besides a choice col-
lection which he sold to a college museum in Turkey, Mr. Wilson has an
extensive private collection. For many years he was one of the foremost
farmers of Audubon county, raising thousands of head of hogs and buying,
feeding and shipping many carloads of cattle. Mr. Wilson has lived retired
since 1904, in which year he moved to Exira, built a fine home at a cost of
ten thousand dollars, a house which consists of ten rooms and is strictly
modern in every respect, and there he has been living for the past eleven
years.
Eugene C. Wilson, a retired farmer of Exira township, now living in
Exira, was born on January 21, i860, in Geneseo, Illinois, the son of Isaac
N. and Ann Eliza (Joslin) Wilson, both natives of New York. When he
EUGENE C. AVILSON AND SON.
Piir
YORK
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 369
was thirty years old, Isaac N. Wilson moved to Illinois and purchased a
farm, on which he resided for a few years, after which he moved to Gen-
eseo, in that state, where he engaged in the grain business, and was thus
actively engaged for thirty-six years, at the end of which time he retired,
his death occurring in Geneseo in 191 1. Isaac N. Wilson was born on May
7, 1824, and was therefore eighty-seven years old at the time of his death.
During all of his residence in Geneseo he was prominent in the commercial
and financial affairs of the city, and for forty years was connected with
the Geneseo First National Bank. He was also a member of the board of
supervisors in Illinois. Isaac N. Wilson became a resident of Ihinois in
1853. The following year he was married to Ann Eliza Joslin, to which
union five children were born, Ida, Eugene, Frank, Edward and Emma.
Ida died at the age of eighteen. Eugene is the subject of this sketch. Frank
died in infancy. Edward married Elma M. Henney, and Emma married
F. L. Smith.
Edward Wilson was associated with his brother, Eugene, in farming
from 1886, when they came to Audubon county, until 1893, during which
time they were engaged in farming two hundred and forty-seven acres of
land. They were accustomed to feed four hundred head of hogs, and at
least a hundred and twenty-five head of cattle annually. Eugene Wilson
bought out his brother Edward in 1893 and continued the operation of the
farm alone until his retirement in 1904.
Eugene C. Wilson attended school at Geneseo, Illinois, and for some
time was a student in the high school at that place. He then entered the
Davenport Business College, from which he was graduated, and after com-
pleting the business-college course returned to his home in Illinois and there
took up farming and carpentry work. After having been engaged in this
for one year he went to California and there operated a bee ranch for two
years. Selling out his California property, he returned to Illinois, and in
1886 came to Iowa, locating in this county. While in California Mr. Wil-
son trapped birds and mounted them. One of his collections was sold in
Turkey, and he brought back to Illinois about six hundred specimens of
birds. After his return to Illinois and until his removal to this county, he
was engaged in carpenter work. He also engaged in raising fast horses for
a long time, and for thirty years was an advocate of good roads, doing
much to improve the highways at his own expense. Mr. Wilson is also a
musician and was a member of the band at Exira for a great many years.
Eugene C. Wilson was married in 1896 to Jennie M. Bliss, the daugh-
(24)
370 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
ter of George and Jane Bliss, to which union one child, Irving N., was born.
Mrs. Wilson died in 1904, and ]\Ir. Wilson married, secondly, Belle B.
Lancelot, daughter of ^^^ J. and Phoebe fCrow) Lancelot. Two children,
both daughters, have been born to this second union, Alarjorie and ]Mar-
guerite, twins, both of whom are living at home.
]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Wilson are members of the Congregational church. Mr.
Wilson served as township trustee for three years having been elected on
the Republican ticket.
JOHX ADAMS MUSSON.
A review of the life of the honored subject of this memoir must of
necessity be brief and general in its character, for it is impossible in this
instance to enter fully into the details of his life, touching many of his
earlier struggles, and only a general perspective of a life which has closed on
earth can be had. Mr. Musson still Hves in the memories of many friends
and neighbors in Audubon and was known Iw all as a kindly and honest man
whose best thoughts and efforts were for the happiness and well-being of
his family.
ml"
John Adams Musson, a native of the state of Iowa, was born on Octo-
ber 5, 1868, at Earlham, Madison county, and died at his home in Audubon,
Audubon county, on July 4. 19 12. His father was Thomas Musson, and
the two were associated together in their grain business in Audubon, the
father being well remembered by many of the older citizens of the town.
John A. Musson came to Audubon county when a boy of ten years old ( in
1878). l)eing brought here by his parents. He remained here until 1890,
when he went to Salem. South Dakota, where he remained for five years,
at the end of which time he returned to Audubon, and it was then father
and son became associated in the same business.
While in Salem. South Dakota, on October 12. 1894. John A. Musson
was united in marriage to Bertha M. Schneider, a daughter of Joseph and
Frances (Ringer) Schneider.
Mr. Musson and his father were not long associated together, for the
father soon died with heart trouble, and the son then continued the busi-
ness alone for the balance of his life.
John Adams Musson was a type of perfect manhood, and. while he
was fond of life and the pleasures which it afforded, he also looked well
to the more serious issues, and on February 4, 1906, united with the Pres-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 37 1
byterian church, of which he remained a faithful member until his life here
on earth was closed. He was also a man in whom the fraternal spirit was
strong, and was an enthusiastic member of the ancient order of Freema-
sonry, having attained to the chapter and the commandery in that order, and
was a member of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
Za-Ga-Zig Temple, at Des Moines, this state. He was also a member of
the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and both
he and Ishs. Alusson were members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Beside
his widow, Mr. ]^Iusson left three children, Reuben J., a graduate of Audu-
bon high school and at present a student at the Iowa State College at Ames,
and Dorothy and Thomas F., both attending high school in Audubon.
WILLIAM OWEN,
Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages, and
as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as of energy
and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free out-of-door life of
the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of
mind and self-reliance which characterizes true manhood. No truer blessing
can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful
life and inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil
from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the
majority of the nation's great warriors, renowned statesmen and distin-
guished men of letters were born on the farm and were indebted largely to
its influence for the distinction which they have attained.
\\'illiam Owen, one of the well-known farmers of this county, who is
now living retired, was born in Lincolnshire, England, on May i, 1841, the
son of Richard and Isabelle (Spencer) Owen, who emigrated to America
about 1869, coming to Iowa and settling on a farm in Melville township,
Audubon county. They remained there for one year, at the end of which
time they removed to a farm on the Botna, where they remained two years,
subsequently moving to a farm at Lucketts Grove, where they remained for
one year. They then moved to a farm in Viola township, later purchasing
land in section 26, near Williams, in Leroy township. Richard Owen and
wife improved this latter farm and in 1889 sold it, after which they made a
visit to England. Upon their return to this county they located at Exira,
where Richard Owen died at the home of his son, William, in August, 1895,
2^^^ AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
his Avidow surviving for three years, her death not occurring until 1898.
Richard and Isabelle (Spencer) Owen were the parents of the following
children: William, the subject of this sketch; George, deceased; Thomas,
who lives in Oklahoma, and Mary, the widow of William \Vildey, who now
lives in the W^est.
William Owen was educated in the English schools. He married in
1866, and in October of that year he and his wife set sail for .\merica, land-
ing in New York City, whence they went to Cleveland, where they remained
until 1870, in April of which year they came to xVudubon county, a few
months later purchasing land in section 26, Leroy township. This farm,
consisting of eighty acres, was purchased at five dollars and fifty cents an
acre. William Owen erected a small house on this farm, and for a time he
and his wife experienced some pretty hard times. Atlantic was the nearest
market, and to Ft. Dodge there were nothing but trails. Jefferson was
another market, but it required three days to make the trip and blizzards
sometimes intervened. Mr. Owen prospered, however, and presently added
eighty acres to his first eighty-acre farm, gradually increasing his holdings
until now he owns two hundred and forty acres. Besides this, he has given
to his four elder sons forty acres each, together with teams, wagons, har-
ness and feed to give them a start. Mr. Owen's eldest son, Robert, owns
two hundred and forty acres adjoining the old home place. The second son,
William S., owns a half section in \'iola township, which is worth two hun-
dred dollars an acre. The third son, Richard, owns one hundred and eighty
acres in Hamlin township and two hundred and eleven acres in Exira town-
ship. The fourth son, George, now deceased, owned eighty acres.
On Februar}' 3, 1866, William Owen was married to ]Mary Ann Clifton,
who was born in Lincolnshire, England, on April 18, 1844, the daughter of
George and Jane (Spencer) Clifton, to which union were born the follow-
ing children: Robert J. F., William S., Richard. George Edward. Charles
Clark. Worthy Earl, Carrie C, Lillie, Nancy A., Ethel M., and Jane Eliza-
beth and George Washington, twins, the two latter of whom are deceased.
Robert J. F. Owen married Frances Ston^ and they have two children. Lela
and Floyd. William S. married Minnie Sunberg and they have three chil-
dren, Henry, Grace and Helen. Richard married Myrtle Frye and they
have tsvo children, Leland and Ellawene. George Edward (now deceased)
married Josephine Wilson, to which union two children were born, Lucille
and Bernard. Charles Clark, who lives on the home farm, married Lula
Carter and they have two children, Virgil and Donald. Worthy Earl lives
on the home place with Charles. Mrs. Carrie C. Frye lives in Melville
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 373
township and has three children, Marie, Harry and LiUie. Mrs. Lilhe Hig-
gins Hves in HamHn. Mrs. Nancy A. Sunberg hves in Hamlin township and
has two children, Leverne and Merle. Mrs. Ethel M. Smith has one child,
Mary Ann.
William Owen is a Republican and has held several township offices
with credit. The Owen family are all members of the Presbyterian church
and are active in the work of the church and the Sunday school, all being
held in high esteem throughout the section of the county in which they reside.
JORGEN F. SCHROEDER.
Jorgen F. Schroeder, who owns a splendid farm of three hundred and
twenty acres in Lincoln township, this county, was born in Schleswig, Ger-
many, in 1844, the son of Peter and Anna (Tames) Schroeder, natives of
the same place. Peter Schroeder was a farmer and laborer and lived in his
native land all his life. He and his wife were the parents of three children,
Margaret and Anna, who are still living in Germany, and Jorgen P., the sub-
ject of this sketch.
After leaving school, Jorgen P. Schroeder began working as a farm
hand in his native land and when he was twenty-six years old joined the
army, in which he served for two years. A few months after the end of the
Franco-Prussian War, he came to America on the ship "Harmonia," locating
in Davenport, Iowa, shortly after landing. From Davenport he moved to
Muscatine county, this state, where he worked as a farm hand for three
years, at the end of which time he rented one hundred and twenty acres and
farmed for himself until 1878, in which year he came to Audubon county,
locating in Audubon, where he worked with his teams, hauling sand which
was used in the construction of the new court house. After two years' resi-^
dence in Audubon he removed to Gray, Iowa, where he operated a tavern for
five years, at the end of which period he moved to the farm where he now
lives, first purchasing eighty acres. This original holding he graduall}'
increased until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres, which he
devotes to general farming, at the same time feeding about seventy-five head
of hogs annually.
In 1876 Jorgen F. Schroeder was married to Mary Schluntz, daughter
of Gottlieb and Anna (Jungjohan) Schluntz. Of the eleven children born
to this union, only nine are living, Peter, Cleveland, Bismark, Anna, Ricka,
374 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Doris. Rosa, iMargaret and Elsie. Of these children, Peter married Mae
Stribe ; Anna married Charles Ross and has five children ; Ricka married
Peter Ohrt : Doris married Fred Sievers ; Rosa married Jack ]\Ioore, and
has one child. Jack. Jr. Airs. Schroeder was born in Holstein, Germany, her
parents also having been natives of that place. She came to America when
ten years old with her parents, who settled on a farm near Davenport, Iowa.
A Democrat in ])olitics, Mr. Schroeder ser\ed as township assessor for
eieht years. He also has served as member of the school board and as school
director, and otherwise lias been prominent in the educational life of his
community. The Schroeder family are all members of the German Lutheran
church.
Jorgen F. Schroeder has been an industrious farmer and an enterprising
and successful citizen of this great state. He is a worthy representative of
the many German families of this section, who have carved out comfortable
homes and become the possessors of much wealth. Xo word of suspicion
has ever been raised regarding the high character and sterling integrity of
Jorgen F. Schroeder, and he enjoys the esteem and confidence of all his neigh-
bors.
FRANK M. RICE.
Frank AI. Rice, clerk of the district court of Auduljon county, Iowa,
was born on April 26. 1854, on a farm in Rock Island county, Illinois, son
of Warren C. and Rachel (Marshall) Rice, natives of Ohio. Frank M.
Rice came to Audul)()n county. Iowa, in September. 1879, and his parents
came here to make their ])ermanent home in 1883. They settled on a farm
in Greeley township, where Warren C. Rice died in 1905. his wife having
departed this life in 1888, five years after coming to the new home in the
West. \\'arren C. Rice and wife were the parents of three children, Mrs.
Emma Moore of Omaha; Edward C, a resident of Gray. Iowa, and Frank
]\I., the subject of this sketch.
In September. 1879. Frank AI. Rice migrated from Illinois to Iowa,
locating on a farm in Greeley township, this county. He invested his sav-
ings in eighty acres of raw prairie land and erected a small house which
served as his habitation for a tiiue until he could make additions thereto. He
resided on his well-tilled acres until January, 1895, when he moved to Audu-
bon to take up his duties as deputy clerk of the district court, which ofiice he
filled for a period of two years. He then engaged in the bakery and rcstau-
AUDUBOX COUNTY, IOWA. 375
rant business for a period of thirteen years. His next business venture was
buying and selling of horses and conducting a sale barn in Audubon, in which
business he has been successful.
On March 19, 1876, Frank 'SI. Rice was married to Lucy Mulhollen of
Rock Island county, Illinois, to which union two children have been born,
Eva, born on March 19, 1878, died on December 6. 1903, and Blair E., August
12, 1893. "^^'ho is deputy clerk of the court, and who was educated in the
Audubon high school and the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames.
F. M. Rice is a Democrat and takes a prominent and influential part in
the political affairs of the county. He was elected to the office of clerk of
the district court in the fall of 1912 and faithfully performed the duties of
his office. Mr. Rice is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Audu-
bon and is one of the best known citizens of Audubon county.
JOHX W. BARTEN.
A well-known farmer of Lincoln township, this county, of German and
Swiss descent, who, by reason of his great personal energy, frugal living and
good management has Ijeen very successful, is John W. Barten, who owns a
splendid farm of two hundred acres.
John W. Barten was born on December i, 1871. in Jackson county,
Iowa, the son of Chris and Anna (Joss) Barten, the former a native of
Beckenburg, Germany, and the latter a native of Switzerland. Chris Barten
left Germany when twenty-two years of age and came to America, shortly
afterward locating in Davenport, Iowa, where he v/orked on the Rock Island
railroad for five years. Subsequently he located in Jackson county, Iowa,
and there purchased a small farm and engaged in general farming until
1909, when he retired and moved to Belleview, Iowa, where he is now
making his home with his children. To Chris and Anna (Joss) Barten were
born eight children, of whom John W. is the only one living in Audubon
county.
John \\\ Barten received his education in Jackson county, Iowa, and
after leaving school, worked as a farm hand until 1897, ^r until he was
twenty-six years old. at which time he came to Audubon county, locating m
Lincoln towmship on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he pur-
chased.
There Mr. Barten kept bachelor's quarters until 1901, when he was
376 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
married to Ada Meyer, daughter of August and Mary (Wehlenberg) Meyer,
both natives of Germany, who married in Beecher, Illinois, later moving to
Carroll county, Iowa, where they remained for thirty-eight years, at the end
of which time they came to Audubon county, settling in Lincoln township,
where they now reside. To John W. and Ada (Meyer) Barten have been
born three children, Richard, Walter and John, all of whom are living at
home with their parents. Mr. and ]\Irs. Barten attend the German Lutheran
church and their children are being reared in that faith.
John W. Barten has invested more than ten thousand dollars in improve-
ments on the farm which he owns in Lincoln township. He annually raises
more than one hundred head of hogs and at least sixty acres of corn, as well
as thirty-five acres of small grain. ]\Ir. Barten, who classes himself as an
independent voter, has served as trustee of Lincoln township for two years,
and also as school director.
One of the features of Air. Barten's farm is his large barn, which is
sixty by sixty feet, and one of the most completely-equipped barns in Lincoln
township. Mr. Barten believes in following the most up-to-date and
approved methods in farming, and uses only the most improved devices and
equipment in his farm work. Like so many farmers in this section, he
devotes much attention to raising hogs and cattle in connection with the
raising of corn. John \\'. Barten is one of the highly-esteemed citizens of
Lincoln township, who is admired and respected by his' neighbors and by
the host of friends he has made in this section.
TONY M. RASMUSSEX.
The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this review, mayor and
well-known attorney of Exira, this county, did not come to this county from
his native land of Denmark until he had attained the age of seventeen years,
yet he has won for himself an enviable reputation as an attorney of force
and abilitv and a public official of keen administrative capacity. The life
story of Tony M. Rasmussen, mayor of the city of Exira, is an example of
what can be accomplished by an immigrant boy in this land if given an
opportunity and the possession of native talents.
T. M. Rasmussen was born in Denmark on March 26, 1872, son of
M. P. and Elsie Rasmussen, natives of that kingdom. In the year 1889,
when T. M. Rasmussen was seventeen years of age, the family emigrated to
TONY M. RASMUSSEX
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 377
America and came to this county. After residing one year in Exira, they
settled on a farm in Hamlin township. The mother of T. M. Rasmussen
died in Denmark in 1876, and the father married a second time before com-
ing to America. M. P. Rasmussen died in Seattle, Washington, in October,
1909. There were two sons by the first marriage, Anthony M., or "Tony"
M., the subject of this review, and C. M., a resident of Spokane, Washing-
ton. By the second marriage there were six sons, namely: E. I., who was
drowned during the summer of 1899, while in bathing; Chris, a citizen of
the state of Washington ; Martin, deceased, and Andrew and Gerlow, both
residing in the state of Washington.
After coming to Audubon county with his parents, Tony Rasmussen
assisted his father upon the farm and attended the district school in the
neighborhood of the farm home. The young man was ambitious and had a
desire to advance among his fellows ; consequently, he studied diligently,
preparing himself for the vocation of teaching, and taught for four years in
the schools of Audubon county after he had attained the age of twenty-six
years. In fact, the career of this Danish-American citizen did not properly
begin until after the time when most boys of American birth are fairly well
established in their callings or professions. Tony Rasmussen landed upon
the shores of America at an age when American-born youth are almost
through the high school. He was handicapped by not being able to speak our
language ; yet, in spite of this and the other handicaps of being poor and
having to make his own way in the world, this immigrant boy quickly
acquired a speaking knowledge of the English language and educated him-
self while working in the fields. His ambition did not stop at becoming
proficient in the art of teaching, but he began the study of law while engaged
in his school work. He saved his money, entered Drake University and was
graduated with honor from the law school of that excellent institution of
learning in 1904, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Thus admirably
equipped he was admitted to the bar and at once began the practice of his
profession at Exira. Mr. Rasmussen is recognized as one of the ablest legal
lights in the county and has met with gratifying success.
In 1906, T. M. Rasmussen was united in marriage to ]\Iartha E. Nelson,
daughter of Lorenz P. Nelson, of this county, to which union two children
have been born, Chester Cole and Elsie. ^layor Rasmussen was reared in
the Danish Lutheran faith, but is not now a member of any religious denom-
ination. He is fraternally connected with the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, a member of the lodge at Exira. He is a Democrat in politics and
for years has been regarded as one of the leaders of his party in Audubon
378 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
county. He is now serving his second term as mayor of Exira and it is said
of him that he is one of the most capable and progressive executives that the
city has ever had. Mr. Rasmussen's success is the outcome of patient pur-
pose, backed bv the exercise of native abihty. and is all the more striking
when adverse conditions under which he labored from the outset of his
career in Audubon countv are taken into consideration.
JOSEPH ALEXANDER CALDWELL.
While success cannot be achieved without unflagging industry, the futil-
ity of effort is often noticeable in the business world, resulting from the fact
that it is not combined with sound judgment. Many a man who gives his
life to earnest and unremitting toil does not acquire a competence, but when
his labors are well directed, prosperity always follows him. Mr. Caldwell's
work has been supplemented by careful management, and today he is num-
bered among the successful men of Audubon county.
Joseph A. Caldwell was born in Virginia on November 27, 1854, the
son of Lewis and Julia (Shepherd) Caldwell, the former a native of West
Virginia, born in 1830. and the latter a native of Belmont county, Ohio, born
on November ly, 1831. Lewis Caldwell and his wife were married in Vir-
ginia and migrated to Illinois when their son, Joseph A., was only six years
old. Mr. Caldwell was a farmer and remained in Illinois the rest of his
life. He and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom Joseph A.
was the eldest, the other five being Mary, Hortense, Isaac Franklin, William
and Lewis, Jr. Of these children Hortense and Lewis, Jr., are deceased.
Lewis Caldwell died in Illinois and his widow, who is still living with her
son, Joseph A., is now eighty-four years of age.
Joseph A. Caldwell received his education in the common schools and
took up farming in Illinois, which vocation he followed in that state until he
was twenty-seven years of age, at which time he came to this county, locating
in Sharon township, where he purchased eighty acres of land. Later he sold
this tract and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Leroy township,
which he later sold, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in a different
part of Lerov township, to which he later added forty acres, still later
adding another forty, and is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres
of fine farming land in that township.
On May 7, 1878, Joseph A. Caldwell v,as married to Hattie E. Godwin,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 379
who was born on May lo, 1854, a daughter of John and Anna (Tong)
Godwin, the former of whom was a native of' Canada, but who was reared
in Ohio. His wife was born in England and came to this country at the age
of ten years, her parents setthng in LaSalle county, Ilhnois.
To Joseph A. and Hattie E. (Godwin) Caldwell one child has been
born, a son, Chester Arthur, born on August 17, 1880. He married Anna
Anderson, to which union four children have been born, Dick, ]\Ierle, !Mil-
dred and Harriet.
Joseph A. Caldwell is the present street commissioner of Audubon.
During the time that he was living in Leroy township he served as trustee
of that township. Mr. Caldwell is a man who is keenly interested in educa-
tion and good roads and in public improvements of all kinds. As a progres-
sive citizen, who has stood as a stanch advocate of improvements, he has
contributed much to the development of Audubon county. He is a Republi-
can and has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of his party in this
county. The Caldwells are all earnest and faithful members of the Meth-
odist church, and are active in the affairs of this church.
KRISTIXE M. SOREXSEX.
Kristine ]\1. Sorensen, a well-known photographer of Audubon, has
made a remarkable success of her vocation. It is customary to speak of this
man or that man as self-made, and in this respect Kristine M. Sorensen is
well entitled to rank as a self-made woman, having worked her way unaided
through the vicissitudes and adversities of life to an admirable and influential
position in the business life of Audubon. Her success in business affairs
has been due to her steady persistence, her unfailing integrity and excellent
judgment qualities, which always assure success. Miss Sorensen enjoys the
confidence and esteem of the public to a marked degree.
Kristine M. Sorensen was born in Denmark on February 7, 1886, daugh-
ter of Jeppe and Johanna (Madsen) Sorensen, natives of that splendid little
kingdom, who were married in their native country. Jeppe Sorensen, who
now is practically retired from the more arduous duties of life, was a farmer
and was also engaged in fishing, which vocation he carried on during the
summer months. He also carried the mail across to the mainland, his home
being on an island. Jeppe Sorensen and his wife were the parents of ten
children, Soren Peter, Bodel, Marie, Mads, Olie, Kristine, Claus, Jens, Christ-
380 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
ian and Johanna, all of whom are living with the exception of Bodel and
Marie. Mrs. Johanna (Madsen) vSorensen died in her native land, while her
husband, who survives her, is still living in Denmark.
Kristine M; Sorensen was educated in the public schools of her native
county, and after leaving school took up the profession of teaching, which
she continued for seven years in Denmark, after which she came to America,
arriving in this country in September, 191 3. She proceeded almost imme-
diately to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she remained for six months, at the end
of which time she came to this county, locating at Audubon, where she
opened a photograph gallery, and has been active as a photographer since
that time. No better work in photography is done in Audubon county than
that done at the studio of Kristine M. Sorensen, which enjoys a large and
lucrative patronage, not only from the people of Audubon, but from the
people of the county and surrounding country as well. ]Miss Sorensen's
brothers, Christian, Mads, Olie and Claus, came to America some years
ago, but they later returned to Denmark. Miss Sorensen is a member of the
Lutheran church, and takes an active interest in this denomination in Audu-
bon, as well as in all good works hereabout, and is held in the highest regard
in her large circle of friends and acquaintances.
J. M. GRAHAM.
J. M. Graham, a well-known attorney of Audubon, Iowa, a member of
the firm of Graham & Grahani, has been a resident of this county since 1871,
having come here with his parents at the age of three years, when they
removed from Washington, Iowa, to this county. Few attorneys in this
part of the state received a more thorough and extensive training for the
law than J. M. Graham, whose ability and talents were quickly recognized
bv the people of this county, and who, during a practice here of twenty
years, has built up a large and lucrative law business. Like so many lawyers
of the present generation, Mr. Graham came from the school room into the
court room, having, after being graduated from one of the leading institu-
tions of learning in this state, served two years as the principal of the
Bayard high school.
J. M. Graham was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on October 25, 1868,
the son of Samuel A. and Ellen (Hunter) Graham, both natives of that
county, who, in 1870, removed to Washington county, Iowa, and one year
later came to Audubon count v. Samuel A. Graham was a well-known
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 381
farmer in Ohio, and enjoyed a remarkable success in farming after coming
to this state. He taught several terms of school in his native state, and at
one time was school commissioner in Monroe county, Ohio. He also was a
member of the board of supervisors of Audubon county for six years after
removing to this state. In 1871 he and his wife and family located in the
southwest quarter of section 16, Melville township, and there he engaged
in general farming until 1899, when he retired and moved to Audubon. He
owned at one time three hundred and twenty acres of land. To Samuel A.
and Ellen (Hunter) Graham were born two sons, J. M. and John, who are
now in partnership in the practice of law in Audubon.
j. M. Graham received his preliminary education in the common schools
of Melville township, and in the high school at Audubon, having been a
member of the first class that was graduated from the Audubon high school,
in 1887. After finishing high school he attended Ames College and in 1890
was graduated from that institution, taking the degree of Bachelor oif
Science. Upon leaving Ames College, Mr. Graham taught school for two
years, serving as principal of the high school at Bayard. In 1893 he entered
the law school of Drake University at Des Moines, from which institution
he received the degree of Bachelor of Law in 1894. Upon leaving Drake
University, ]\Ir. Graham returned to Audubon and began the practice of
law. He formed a partnership with his brother, John, in 19 10, since which
time the brothers have been practicing under the firm name of Graham &
Graham and have been very successful.
On July 19, 1894, J. ]\I. Graham was married to Catherine Brown,
daughter of Leonard and Nancy Brown, to which union six children have
been born, Lorrain, Ellen, Margaret, Maxine, Catherine and Mabel, all of
whom are living save the latter.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Graham served two terms as county attor-
ney of Audubon county, which is the legal limit for such service in this state.
He has been a member of the school board for eleven years. Mrs. Graham
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Graham is a Mason
and a Knight Templar, a member of the commandery at Audubon and of the
Shrine at Des Moines. He also is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Maccabees at Audubon.
An earnest and sincere counselor in the law, a learned and capable prac-
titioner in court, Mr. Graham is a well-known citizen of Audubon county
and popular with all classes. His pleasing and agreeable personality has
been no small factor in the building up of the extensive practice which he
enjoys, and the firm with which he is connected has the full confidence of
both bench and bar, as well as of the general public hereabout.
382 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
CHARLES L. JOHNSON.
It is not an easy task to describe adequately the man who has led an
eminently active and busy life, and who has attained to a position of relative
distinction in the community with which his interests are allied, but biography
finds its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in tracing and recording
such life histories. It is with a full appreciation of all that is demanded, and
with the painstaking scrutiny which must be accorded each statement that
the writer has essayed the task of touching briefiy upon the details of Mr.
Johnson's career. Charles L. Johnson, a well-known member of the Johnson
Grain Company, of Audubon, Iowa, has achieved a notable success in life,
and is one of the best-known citizens of this county.
Charles L. Johnson was born on October 19, 1884, in Dallas county,
Iowa, the son of 'Ma.n and Alaria ( Christensen) Johnson, the former of
whom was a native of Schleswig, Germany, and the latter of Denmark.
Alatt Johnson came to this country when he was twenty-seven years of age,
and located first at Des Moines, Iowa, where he was married. He worked
for a time in the coal mines near Des Moines, and from that place removed
to Dallas county. Iowa, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and
sixty-two acres. This farm he later sold for thirty-five dollars an acre, and
in 1 89 1 came to this county, locating in Audubon, where he engaged in the
grain and live-stock business, which he continued successfully for twelve
vears, after which he added coal to his business, and huih up a large and
lucrative patronage in grain, live stock and coal in Audubon and the sur-
rounding community. Alatt Johnson died on December 26, 191 1. He and
his wife were the parents of eight children, Anna, Lena, Mollie. Elda. Emma,
Charles L., May and Ah'a, all of whom are living, with the exception of
Anna and ^Mollie. Mrs. Johnson is still living in Audubon.
Charles L. Johnson spent one year in the public schools of Dallas county,
Iowa, afterwards finishing his education in the schools of Audubon county,
and after leaving school entered the grain and coal business in Audubon
with his father, and has now been engaged in this business for fourteen
vears, at present being associated with his brother, Alva, also a well-known
and progressive business man of Audubon county.
On April 16, 1907, Charles L. Johnson was married to Jessie Mushruch,
daughter of Michael and Eliza ]\Iushruch. The Mushruch familv is one of
the oldest in Audubon county, having come here when most of the farming
land was a raw prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of two chil-
dren. Rubv and Marv.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 383
]^Ir. Johnson is a Re]mblican and was elected city treasurer of Audubon
several years ago, and is now serving in this office for the third term, this
fact alone speaking well for the manner in which he has discharged the
duties of this responsible office. He has been prominent for many years
in the councils of his party in the city of Audubon and in the county.
The Johnson Grain Company is well known throughout Audubon
county, and has built up an enviable reputation for honest and scrupulous
dealing, the 'reputation of this firm being founded upon the upright charac-
ters of the two brothers. Charles L. and Alva Johnson, who have so suc-
cessfully carried out the sterling business principles adopted by their father
when he established the business many years ago.
EDWIN S. VAX GORDER.
Edwin S. Van Gorder. now president of the First National Bank, of
Audubon, this county, was born on July 6, 1871, in Exira, Audubon county,
Iowa, son of Charles and Laura J. (Delahoyde) Van Gorder, the former of
whom is vice-president of the First National Bank, of Audubon (a bio-
graphical sketch of whom, with portrait, is presented elsewhere in this
volume), and educated in the common schools and at Grinnell College, at
Grinnell, Iowa, from which latter institution he was graduated with the class
of 1893, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. In 1894 he took a
post-graduate course in Harvard University, and a short time later entered
the banking business, Avith his father, in Audubon, becoming president of the
First National Bank in 191 1, having begun his service with that bank as
assistant cashier. He has been engaged in the banking business throughout
his entire business career, and is generally recognized as one of the most
careful bankers in this section of the state, holding a high place in the regard
of those connected with banking circles hereabout.
On June 28, 1898, Edwin S. Van Gorder was married to Helen Get-
chell, of Des Aloines, Iowa, daughter of Charles Getchell, a prominent lum-
berman of that city. To this union two sons have been born, Edwin S., Jr.,
and Charles G.
Mr. Van Gorder is a heavy land-holder, owning large tracts in Iowa and
in the northeastern part of South Dakota. Fraternally, he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias at Audubon and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. In politics, he is a Republican.
384 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
FRANK OSCAR NIKLASON.
The history of a county or state as well as that of a nation, is chiefly
a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and
dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by
those of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and
respect to those whose words and actions constitute the record of a com-
munity's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of this county,
who are known because of their success in its affairs, and the part they have
taken in the civic life of Audubon county, is Frank Oscar Niklason, who is
a well-known horse dealer and real-estate man of Audubon.
Frank Oscar Niklason was born on June 13, 1869, in Gullspong, Sweden,
the son of Niklas and Matilda (Hajlund) Niklason, who were farmers in
their native land. Niklas Niklason was a dealer in live stock, also, and was
a very well-to-do man, owning a fine estate in Sweden.
Frank Oscar Niklason was educated in the schools of his native land,
and when a little past fifteen years of age came to America, where he joined
his uncle, John Swansen. After arriving in this country he was engaged in
farm labor for one year on his uncle's farm, and also worked for two years
for a man by the name of Yaggy. Mr. Niklason began farming for himself
in Douglas township, this county, where he rented land for two years, after
which he purchased two hundred acres of land at twenty dollars an acre,
and operated this land for fourteen years, at the end of which period he
bought one hundred and twenty acres east of Audubon, in Leroy township,
where he lived for one year. After owning this latter farm for two years
he disposed of it and in the fall of 1903 purchased six hundred acres of land
in Douglas township. In the spring of 1914 he bought a tract of eighty
acres located east of. Audubon, in a good farming community, and now
owns altogether six hundred and eighty acres of well-improved land.
Frank O. Niklason moved to Audubon in the spring of 1905, and has
been engaged in buying and selling horses for the past ten years. He ships
annually something like one thousand head, which amounts practically to a
carload of horses weekly. Mr. Niklason purchased a fine modern house,
and has lived in this home since the fall of 191 1.
On February 15, 1893, Frank O. Niklason was married to Martha
Stetzel. the daughter of George Stetzel, an early settler in Douglas town-
ship, this county, who is now deceased, to which union three children have
been born : Clarence Ravmond. now a student at Leland Stanford Uni-
FRANK O. NIKLASOX
AUDUBOX COUNTY, IOWA. 385
versity, in California, and Harold Franklin and Donald Niklas, students in
the Audubon high school.
Mr. Niklason is identified with the Republican party and has served in
the city council of Audubon for two terms, but with that exception has not
been especially prominent in politics. The career of Mr. Niklason shows
what may be accomplished by a young man of upright habits and strong
determination. Having come to this country from a foreign land with no
resources, Mr. Niklason is now one of the wealthy and substantial men of
Audubon county, and has accumulated all of his property within a compara-
tively few years. Mr. and Mrs. Niklason and family are members of the
Evangelical church, and Mr. Niklason is a member of the Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
ARTHUR C. HARMON.
The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a
chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and
dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by
the enterprise and progress of its citizens and yields its tributes of admiration
and respect to those whose words and actions constitute the record of a state's
prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Audubon county
who are well known because of the part they have taken in public affairs and
because of a long residence in the county, from boyhood to the present,
Arthur C. Harmon, successful merchant and county coroner, concerning
whose life this review is prepared, occupies high rank.
Arthur C. Harmon was born on June 9, 1873, in Henry county, Mis-
souri, son of George and Seretta (Newell) Harmon, natives of Kentucky
and Ohio, respectively. George Harmon was a Union soldier who served in
the Fourteenth Kentucky Cavalry for four long years during the Civil War,
in which ser^•ice he took part in many hard-fought battles and engagements.
His command was part of the army under General Sherman and he saw the
hardest kind of fighting under this brave and intrepid commander, his last
service being in the final fighting around Richmond. After the war, George
Harmon migrated to Illinois and thence to ^Missouri. From Missouri he
came to Iowa, about the year 1S75. and purchased a farm near the town of
Avoca, in Pottawottamie county. In 1880 he came to Audubon county and
(25)
386 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
settled on a farm three miles west of Audubon, in Douglas township. In 19 10
he retired from active farming operations and moved to Audubon, the county
seat, where he died on August 20, 191 2, his wife having departed this life
but few days before, on August 12, of that same year. George and Seretta
(Newell) Harmon were the parents of three sons and three daughters, as
follow: Arthur C, the subject of this sketch; Albert M., a farmer living
near Exira, this county; Mrs. Mary Hollister, of Guthrie county, Iowa; Mrs.
Daisy Fairholm, of Messina, Iowa : Mrs. Lulu Gray, residing in Audubon,
this county, and Frank C, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking
business at Mingo, Iowa.
Arthur C. Harmon was educated in the district schools of Audubon
county and followed the vocation of farming until about three years after his
marriage, in 1898. In the year 1901 he left the farm and moved to Audubon,
where he has since resided. For a period of eight years after moving to
Audubon he was employed in a furniture and undertaking establishment and
in 1909 engaged in the furniture business for himself. In November, 1910,
he moved his furniture stock into his present commodious quarters, his store
occupying a large brick structure on South Park place, twenty-five by ninety
feet in extent, filled with a modern stock of goods suitable for his extensive
trade. Mr. Harmon's store was visited by a disastrous fire on February 3,
1913, and the entire stock of goods was destroyed. Undaunted by this dis-
aster, the owner immediately restocked his place and was soon doing busi-
ness again.
On January 15, 1898, Arthur C. Harmon was married to Lola B. Cham-
berlain, daughter of George and Rhoda (Mallett) Chamberlain, natives of
Virginia and New York, respectively. Mr. Harmon was born in Powieshiek
county, Iowa. In 1880 the Chamberlain family settled in Guthrie county,
this state, where they resided until 1893, in which year they came to Audu-
bon county, Mr. Chamberlain still residing on the farm he bought at that
time. Mrs. Chamberlain died in May, 1909. Mrs. Harmon is a member of
the Pythian Sisters and of the Eastern Star lodges and is popular in the
social life of Audubon. She is an intelligent and capable woman, an excellent
and faithful helpmeet to her husband. To Arthur C. and Lola B. (Cham-
berlain) Harmon one son has been born. Harold George, born on February
17, 1900, who now is attending the public school.
Arthur C. Harmon is a Progressive in his political views, having cast
his lot with the Roosevelt party in 1912. He and his family are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is fraternally affiliated with the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of the chapter and the
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 387
commandery of that order. He also is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
Pythian Sisters, and the Fraternal Union. Mr. Harmon was elected to the
office of county coroner in 1906 and served continuously for eight years, his
years of service in that office speaking well for the esteem in which he is
held in the community. Mr. Harmon's first official duty in the coroner's
office was to hold an inquest on the body of Theodore Martin, and his last
official act was to hold an inquest on the body of William jMartin, son of
Theodore ]\Iartin. In every phase of life's activities in which he has been
engaged, Mr. Harmon has been true to every trust and because of his genu-
ine worth and upright character he has earned and retains the sincere regard
of all who know him.
LEROY J. OLDAKER, D. D. S.
Leroy J. Oldaker, now a well-known dentist of Exira, who, in a com-
paratively brief period, has built up a large and flourishing practice in Exira
and surrounding country, was born on June 24, 1873. in Johnson county,
Iowa, son of James W. and Adelaide (Crosby) Oldaker, and received his
elementary education in the public schools of that county. After finishing
the course prescribed in the common schools, he took a course in the acad-
emy at Iowa City, after which he decided to take up dentistry, with which
end in view he matriculated for the professional course in the Iowa State
University, and was a student in this institution when the Spanish-American
War broke out. He enlisted for service in Company D, Fiftieth Regiment,
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, on June 23, 1898, and was mustered out of the
service in November of the same year. Returning to college, he completed
his course and was graduated in 1900, immediately thereafter beginning the
active practice of his profession in Exira.
On July 13, 1904, Dr. Leroy J. Oldaker was married to ]\Iaude Camp-
bell, daughter of Silas and Adell Campbell, and to this union was born one
child, James Phillip, now deceased. Doctor and Mrs. Oldaker are members
of the Congregational church.
Doctor Oldaker is a Republican and is one of the leaders of his party
in this county. He has served as mayor of Exira and also as a member of
the city council, and discharged the important duties of these offices to the
entire satisfaction of his fellow townsmen. Doctor Oldaker is a Mason of
high degree and is a member of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, at Des Moines. He also is a member of the Knights of
Pythias.
388 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
FRED REYNOLDS.
Born in Johnson county, Iowa, on August 16, 1856, Fred Reynolds, one
of the older residents of Audubon county, has lived in this county during
the period of its greatest growth and prosperity and is widely known and
highly respected. Mr. Reynolds is the son of John H. and Lucy (Seamons)
Reynolds, natives of Suffolkshire, England. The father was a laborer in
the old country, who came to the United States in the spring of 1856, landing
at New York city. He did not remain long in New York, but started west,
proceeding as far as Iowa City, at that time the terminus of the railroad.
There the father secured work on the farm of Samuel J. Kirkwood, later
governor of the state of Iowa during the time of the Civil War. He worked
there for several years and then, for a few years, rented land. In 1867 he
purchased forty acres of land, on which the family lived until 1880, in which
year they came to Audubon county, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres
of land in Greeley township, where John H. Reynolds and his wife spent the
rest of their lives. They were the parents of eight children, who lived to
maturity, as follow: Fred, the subject of this sketch; ^Marguerite, wife of
George Hoover, of Audubon, and Samuel W., Mrs. Mary J. Hunt, Mrs.
Katie V. Bell, Mrs. Esther M. Barrack, Mrs. Lillian L. Stonebrook and Ida.
Fred Reynolds lived with his parents until he was married. Several
years before his marriage he had purchased eighty acres of wild prairie land,
without fences or any other kind of improvement. Shortly before his mar-
riage he built on this place a small house, sixteen by twenty-four feet, con-
sisting of three rooms, which served as a home until 1912, in which year he
built his present commodious eight-room house. This house is entirely
modern in its construction, except for the furnace, and is equipped with gas-
lights, bath and waterworks.
On January i, 1888, Fred Reynolds was married to Savilla Paige, of
this county, who was born on ]March 6, 1862, daughter of Jerome B. and
Sarah M. ( Durfee) Paige, natives of Ohio, who moved from Ohio to Illi-
nois, and from Illinois to Guthrie county, Iowa, where their daughter.
Saville, was born. The family came to Audubon county in 1864, and here
Jerome B. Paige and his wife spent their last days. They were the parents
of nine children, Mrs. Mariah Bateman (deceased), George, IMalachi, ]Mrs.
Ruth Currier, Mrs. Sylvia Carley, Mrs. Levina McMullen. Mrs. Fred Rey-
nolds, Mrs. Matie Herron and Mrs. Laura Judea.
To Fred and Savilla (Paige) Reynolds have been born two children.
Lulu L., born on August 19. 1890, and John D., ]\Iay 12, 1892. both of whom
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 389
live at home with their parents. Lulu is a teacher in the schools of Greeley
township, this county, and has been very successful in her useful calling.
One of the organizers of the Greeley Center Methodist Episcopal church
and a charter member of that congregation, Fred Reynolds has been quite
prominent in the ailairs of the ]\Iethodist church in Greeley township. His
father and mother also were charter members of this congregation. Politi-
cally, Mr. Reynolds is a Republican and for nine years served as township
trustee. He previously had served for four years as township clerk, and is
now serving his second term in that office. For twenty years Mr. Reynolds
has been township committeeman of the Republican party and has taken a
very active part in local politics. Long before the days of rural delivery,
when the mail was carried on horseback or on foot, Mr. Reynolds was post-
master at Horace, in Greeley township, serving for seven years in that
capacity.
Xot only from the standpoint of long residence, but from the stand-
point of the many friends he has made since coming to Audubon county,
Fred Reynolds deserves to rank among the leading citizens of Greeley town-
ship.
FRED C. HEPP.
The following is a sketch of a plain, honest man of affairs who, by
correct methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons, has made
his influence felt in the town of Gray, this county, having won for himself
distinctive prestige in the business circles of that pleasant village. He would
be the last man to pose as a subject for romance or to court fanciful encom-
ium ; nevertheless, his life presents much that is interesting and valuable and
which may be studied with profit by the young men whose careers are yet to
be made. Mr. Hepp is one of those men whose integrity and strength of
character inevitably force them into an admirable notoriety which their
modesty never would seek; who command the respect of their contemporaries
and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality deeply stamped
on the community where their la]x)rs have been performed.
Fred C. Hepp was born on February 21, i860, in Bureau county, Illi-
nois, the son of John C. and Margaretta (Sopf) Hepp, the former of whom
was born in 1828 and died in the fall of 1895, and the latter in June, 1833,
and died in June, 1882, at the age of forty-nine years and nine months. John
C. Hepp was a native of Germany, who immigrated to Bureau county.
390 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Illinois, when a young man, and was married there. In 1865 he came to
Iowa, settling in Poweshiek county, where he bought a farm. In 1872 he
moved to Jasper county, Iowa, where he farmed until 1881, in which year
he came to Audubon county, settling in Lincoln township, where he bought
one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he spent the rest of his life.
To John C. and Alargaretta i^Sopf ) Hepp were born eight children, namely:
Fred C, the subject of this sketch; John E., a contractor in Audubon, Iowa;
Amelia, who died in 1886; Carl, who died in Illinois; Delia, Charles and
Ida, all of whom live on the home farm in Lincoln township ; and Ida, who
died while the family was living in Jasper county. John C. Hepp served in
the German army during the rebellion of 1848 and came to America after-
ward. He enlisted in the L^nion army in the fall of 1863, serving until the
close of the Civil War. He then moved to Poweshiek county and purchased
land at two dollars and fifty cents an acre.
Fred C. Hepp remained on the home farm with his parents until he had
reached manhood's estate and then came to this county, opening a black-
smith shop in the town of Gray in the spring of 1887. He established a hard-
ware store in the same town in 1909 and has built up a large and lucrative
business. From the point of years of service, he is the oldest blacksmith in
Audubon county, having served at this trade for more than twenty-seven
years. He began as a blacksmith on the farm when a boy, doing work for
the neighbors. He has a large and complete stock of hardware and is con-
sidered one of the successful men of that section of the county.
On March 23, 1883, Fred C. Hepp was married to Elizabeth Staum-
baugh, and to this union three sons and four daughters have been born, as
follow : Alahlon, a graduate of Iowa State University, who is now principal
of the manual-training department of the Minneapolis schools; Stella, who
is the wife of William Thompson, a bank cashier of Correctionville, Iowa;
Florence, a student in the Chicago Musical Conservatory, who has been a
teacher in the schools of Audubon county for several years ; Esther, who is
a teacher in the Ross schools ; George, who is attending manual-training
school in Minneapolis, and Zola and \^irgin, who are pupils in the schools of
Gray.
Fred C. Hepp is identified with the Democratic party and was post-
master of Gray during Cleveland's last administration and served as mayor
of Gray for two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Hepp and family attend the United
Brethren church, although they are not members. Fraternally, Mr. Hepp
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern
Woodmen of America. Mr. Hepp is widely known and deservedly popular
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 39 1
in that part of the county. He is generous in his dealings with his neighbors
and friends, genial in his manner and upright and honorable in all of the
relations of life.
MARTIN E. MORTENSEN.
The large Danish- American element of the population of Audubon
county is active in agricultural pursuits, prominent in the professions and
successful in the marts of trade. The people from the little kindgom of
Denmark quickly assimilate American ideas and customs and become active
and component parts of the body politic in a short time after landing on the
shores of this country. The Danish people of Audubon county are noted for
their progressive attitude toward all things tending to improve the condition
of all the people and have become thoroughly Americanized. Not a few of
them have achieved wealth and local distinction since taking up their resi-
dence in this county, and the individual referred to at the head of this article
has not only succeeded in firmly establishing himself on an excellent financial
footing in the land of his adoption, but has received distinguished political
preferment from the people of Audubon county and is now serving the public
very acceptably in his second term as county treasurer.
Martin E. Mortensen was born in Schleswig, Denmark (now a German
province), on February 3, 1856, son of Peter and Bodel Marie (Schmidt)
Mortensen. He was educated in the schools of his native land and was
reared to perform farm work. The labor on the little farm which his people
cultivated was all done by hand and was of the hardest kind. When he had
attained the age of twenty-four years, Martin E. Mortensen emigrated to
America and came to Iowa, locating at Atlantic, in the year i88'o. For two
years after his arrival at Atlantic he worked at various forms of labor in the
city. In 1882 he came to Audubon county and "worked out" at farm labor
in Lincoln and Cameron townships, being thus engaged for some years, at
the end of which time he rented a farm for one year. This venture prosper-
ing, in the year 1889 he purchased from Mr. Neff a farm of eighty acres in
Sharon township, at a cost of twenty-five dollars an acre. After tilling this
farm for some time he sold it and invested in two hundred acres of excellent
land in Hamlin township, which farm is now tilled by his son, Peter E.
Mortensen. In 19 12 Mr. Mortensen retired from the farm and moved to
the town of Hamlin and in the following autumn was elected to the office of
county treasurer on the Democratic ticket, being re-elected in 19 14.
392 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
In 1882 Martin E. Mortensen was married to Sine Marie Rattenborg,
to which union have been born six children, two of whom are deceased, the
surviving children being as follow: Mrs. Mary Aagaard, of this county;
Peter E., who lives on the home farm in Hamlin township; Mrs. Inger
Aagaard, of this county, and Hans, formerly bookkeeper in the Bank of Gray,
this county, now deputy county treasurer. Mr. Mortensen's mother came to
America and resided with her children until her death, her husband having
died in Denmark.
Mr. and Mrs. Mortensen are members of the Lutheran church. He is
a stanch Democrat and for years has taken a prominent part in the political
affairs of the county, being regarded as one of the leaders of his party,
having filled various township offices in Hamlin township before his election
as county treasurer. A perusal of the foregoing paragraphs, which tell the
story of the rise of a poor Danish immigrant to a position of affluence and
standing in the community, will convince the reader that America, more than
ever, is the land of opportunity. The foreign-born citizen will seize at any
honest labor in order to gain a livelihood during his first years of residence
and this industry accounts in great measure for his success. Mr. Mortensen's
striking success may l^e attributed to industry, perseverance, keen financial
aliilitv and the inherent frugality which is a national attribute of the people
of Denmark.
CHARLES JOHNSON.
The respect which should always be accorded to the brave sons of the
North who left home and peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their services
and their lives, if need be, to preserve the integrity of the American Union,
is certainly due the memory of the late Charles Johnson, to a brief review of
whose life the following lines are devoted. He proved his love and loyalty
to the government on the long, tiresome marches, in all kinds of situations,
exposed to summer's withering sun and winter's freezing cold; on the lonely
picket line a target to the unseen foe; on the tented field and in the flame
and smoke of battle, where the rattle of musketry mingled with the terrible
concussion of the bursting shell, and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar,
which made up the sublime, but awful, chorus of death. Among these
valiant defenders of the Union and of Old Glory, the late Charles Johnson
was one.
Charles Johnson, one of the pioneer settlers of Audubon county, Iowa,
72
o
V.
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 393
was born on February ii, 1823, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When a
young man he removed from Philadelphia to Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
where he was reared to young manhood. Subsequently he removed to
Princeton, Illinois, where he worked as a farm laborer for the same man
who had employed him in Pennsylvania.
The late Charles Johnson was married on April 20, 1858, to Barbara
Ball, and after their marriage they settled in Putnam county, Illinois, where
they lived until the outbreak of the Civil War. After the close of the war
they moved to Macon county, Illinois, and lived there for eleven years on
a rented farm. In 1875 they moved to Greene county, Iowa, and in 1882
sold their fine farm in Greene county and came to Audubon county. Here
Mr. Johnson purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, raw prairie
land, wholly unbroken, for which he paid seven dollars an acre. Here he
erected a small house, consisting of one room down and two rooms upstairs.
He later added five rooms to this house, and this became in time a good
house. Subsequently, he erected a fine barn on this farm, and the family
lived on that place for twenty-one years, at the expiration of which time
they moved to Audubon and bought a comfortable residence. Mr. Johnson
also became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Guthrie
county, Iowa, and was accounted a very substantial citizen. Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson began life with nothing, and during all of their early struggles,
Mrs. Johnson practically supported the family from the proceeds of her
poultry and the dairy. Mrs. Johnson now cultivates three lots in Audubon,
and is hale and hearty despite her seventy-seven years.
In 1862 the late Charles Johnson enlisted for service as a Union soldier
in the Civil War, in Company C, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment,
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served eighteen months. He contracted
lung fever during his service and was not able to perform strenuous war
duty, part of the time being detailed to hospital duty. Charles Johnson was
a Republican and served as constable while living in Illinois, discharging
the duties of this ofifice in a creditable manner. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were
lifelong members of the Presbyterian church, and Mrs. Johnson is still an
active worker in this church, in whose welfare she is deeply interested. Fra-
ternally, Mr. Johnson was a member of Allison Post, Grand v\rmy of the
Republic. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and filled all the chairs in that lodge. His death occurred on December 20,
1910, and he was buried on December 22, 1910, under the auspices of tlie
Grand Army of the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Charles Johnson's widow, Mrs. Barbara (Ball) Johnson, was born on
394 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
September 9, 1837, in Belmont comity, Ohio. She is a daughter of Vachel
and Frances (Everett) Ball, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respec-
tively. Vachel Ball was a descendant of the Ball family of Virginia, which
was related to George Washington. In 1849 the family wen^- ^-
to La Salle, Illinois, and then by train they remo /ed to 1
state, and settled on a farm four miles west of Princeton. D,
Vachel Ball removed his family to Poweshie' comtv Tow nis
death occurred at the advanced age of nir
To Charles Johnson and wife we^ two .^uns, Charles, Jr., and
Eugene M. Charles, who lives '^ear ,^ ., Iowa, married Nora Reddy.
and they have five living children;, N<.llie, Grace, Wilbur and Willie (twins)
and Gerald. Eugene M. lives at x\udubon, where he is engaged in the auto-
mobile and garage business. He married Mary Snyder, to which union
three children have been born. Glen, lola and Charles Leon.
Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps and also
belongs to the Daughters of Rebekah, and takes an active interest in both
these organizations.
LOUIS GROTELUSCHEN.
The success of men in business or in any vocation depends upon charac-
ter as well as upon knowledge, it being a self-evident proposition that hon-
esty is the best policy. Business demands confidence and where that is
lacking business ceases. In e^'ery community some men are known for their
upright lives, strong common sense and moral worth. Their neighbors and
acquaintances respect them, the younger generation heeds their example;
and when they wrap the draperies of their couches about them and lie down
to pleasant dreams, posterity listens with reverence to the story of their quiet
and useful lives. Among such men in this county, Louis Groteluschen,
merchant and president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Gray, takes high
rank. Though Mr. Groteluschen has been successful in material pursuits,
he is a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, a fine type of the reliable
self-made American; a friend of the poor, charitable to the faults of his
neighbors and active in his support of laudable public enterprises. Mr.
Groteluschen is proud of Audubon county and of the great state of Iowa,
and is zealously concerned in their progress and prosperity, being a man who,
in every respect, merits the high esteem in which he is held by the business
men and all the people of Audubon county.
Louis Groteluschen was born on April 29, 1868, in Platte county,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 395
Nebraska, the son of John and Anna (Loseke) Groteluschen, natives of
Oldenburg, Germany, 'vho were married there in 1866. They immigrated to
America, proc^-f 'uvvnet once to Nebraska, driving from Omaha to Platte
I •;, aer"^ becar ety-three miles, their journey to Omaha having
■ ^ivin from Pittsburgh. Upon reaching Platte county
Vl'.^' ection of land and for a time lived in dug-out
tn prospered from the start and eventually
owned sever /aska, becoming quite well-to-do. He died in
1904, at the age o. /' - - ^ars. He and his wife were the parents of
the following children: ^OL.is, Ida 'eceased), Adolph, Lena, Elizabeth,
Amil, Otto, Bertha and Minnie ^^' hom 'v'e in Platte county, Nebraska
save the subject of this sketch.
In 1894 Louis Groteluschen left Nebraska and came to Audubon county,
locating at Gray, where he engaged in the hardware business, and has thus
been engaged very successfully since that time. Mr. Groteluschen at first
was associated with A. F. Greenwalt, who later became county auditor^ under
the firm name of Greenwalt & Groteluschen ; later the firm being known as
Groteluschen & Newell. Since 19 10 the firm has been known as L. Grotelu-
schen & Company, dealers in hardware and agricultural implements. A. F.
Greenwalt, formerly associated with Mr. Groteluschen, is now cashier of the
First National Bank of Coon Rapids. For ten years Mr. Groteluschen
bought and shipped live stock in addition to his other business. He has a
well-stocked store at Gray and owns a tract of two hundred and forty acres
of land in Nebraska. Mr. Groteluschen has been connected with the Farm-
ers Savings Bank three years, and was originally partner with Mr. Wiley.
On May 22, 1895, Louis Groteluschen was married to Anna Ahrens,
daughter of Edwin and Anna (Loseke) Ahrens, natives of Oldenburg, Ger-
many. Edwin Ahrens located in Nebraska in 1855. an early settler of the
section in which he homesteaded a farm. Anna Loseke came to this country
in 1859 with her parents, who bought a team of oxen when there was no
longer opportunity for transportation by water and actually walked across
the state of Iowa, the party including the father, the mother, three sons and
Anna. Edwin Ahrens, now deceased, pro3pered in his pioneer farming and
became a very substantial and well-to-do citizen. His widow is still living.
To Louis and Anna (Ahrens) Groteluschen eight children have been
born, Arnold (deceased), Elma, Rosa, Walter, Carl, Theodore, Herbert and
Ruth, all of whom are at home and attending school.
Mr. Groteluschen is independent in his political views, supporting meas-
ures of men rather than parties and party emblems. He has never been
identified with any lodges.
396 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
^ EDWARD C. RICE.
The character of a community is determined in" ^ , ' neasure by the
lives of a comparatively few of its members. If it^"^* ^ ;a ^and intellectual
status be good, if in a social way it is a pleasant pla n which to reside; if
its reputation as to the integrity of its citizens has extended to other locali-
ties, it will be found that the standard set by the leading business men is
high and their influence such as to mold the character and shape the lives of
those with whom they mingle. In a general way, all this may be claimed
for Audubon county, Iowa, and in placing Edward C. Rice, the cashier of
the Farmers Savings Bank, of Gray, Iowa, in the front ranks of the citizens
of this part of Audubon county, recognition is accorded a very worthy citi-
zen. Although a quiet and unassuming man with no ambition for public
position or leadership, he has contributed much to the material, civic, moral
and financial development of his community. His admirable qualities of
head and heart, and the straightforward, upright course of his daily life,
have won for him the esteem and confidence of his business associates.
Edward C. Rice, cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank, of Gray, Iowa,
was born on November 10, i860, in Port Byron. Rock Island, Illinois, the
son of Warren C. and Rachel (Marshall) Rice, natives of New York and
Ohio, respectively. Warren C. Rice came west when a young man and
settled in Illinois. He emigrated to Iowa in 1884 and settled in Audubon
county, where he followed the vocation of a farmer. After he retired from
active farm life he moved to Audubon, where his death occurred. Warren
C. and Rachel (Marshall) Rice were the parents of four children: Mrs.
Emma R. Moore, of Omaha, Nebraska; Frank M., who is clerk of the courts
of Audubon county; Edward C, the immediate subject of this review, and
Millie, who died at the age of five years.
Edward C. Rice was educated in the schools of Port Byron, Illinois,
and came to Audubon in the fall of 1881. He purchased a tract of eighty
acres of land in section 8, Greeley township, for which he paid seven dollars
an acre. This land was raw prairie and had never been touched by a plow.
Mr. Rice hauled corn to Exira, which he sold for fifteen cents a bushel, and
during a part of the time when this corn, the product of his first farm, was
being hauled to Exira, the snow was up to the bottom of the wagon bed.
During this period, Mr. Rice boarded with his brother, who lived about a
half-mile awav. He farmed here for five years, and then for the following
five years, he clerked in a grocery store in Audubon. Subsequently, he
worked for a pioneer clothing merchant of Audubon, for twelve months,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 397
after which he engaged in the mercantile business at Alta, Iowa, for four
years. On December 3, 1901, Mr. Rice took charge of the Farmers
Exchange Bank, owned by Messrs. Leet and Boysen. After Mr. Leet's
death, the partners became Lida L. and Helen C. Leet.
The Farmers Savings Bank, of Gray, Iowa, of which Mr. Rice is the
cashier, was first established in 1892. It was founded by George P. Wiley,
as the branch bank of Remsen, Iowa. Mr. Wiley was succeeded by Mr.
Greglow, of Remsen, Iowa, and later by Leet and Boysen, and then by Lida
and Helen Leet. In 191 2 it was organized as the Farmers Savings Bank,
and Mr. Rice took a \'ery active part in the organization of this bank.
Edward C. Rice was twice married, his first marriage occurring in
February, 1883, to Hattie E. Mulhollen, who died in January, 1887. Mr.
Rice was afterwards married, on July 10. 1896, and to his second marriage
two children were born. Homer and Raymond, twins, born July 12, 1901.
Mr. Rice is a Republican, but his many business interests do not permit
of his taking a very active part in political matters. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, at Audubon, and takes an active interest
in the welfare of this organization.
BENTON L. DARNOLD.
The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch belongs to
that class of men who wins life's battles by sheer force of personality and
determination, coupled with soundness of judgment and keen discrimination.
In whatever Mr. Darnold has undertaken, he has shown himself to be a man
of ability and honor, always ready to lend his aid in promoting principles
affecting the public good, having ably and conscientiously served the city of
Audubon as marshal and water commissioner, while in other phases of social
and political life, he has so conducted himself as to win the uncjualified
endorsement and support of his neighbors and fellow townsmen.
Benton L. Darnold was born on January 3, 1843, ^^^ Madison county,
Virginia. He is the son of William and Lucinda (Quinn) Darnold, natives
of old Virginia. William Darnold was born in 1808 and was a son of
William Wallace Darnold, also a native of Virginia. Lucinda Quinn, who
married William Darnold, was of Scotch-Irish parentage and was born in
1 81 2. The family came to Iowa in 1858, driving overland, and located in
Wapello, Louisa county, Iowa, where they settled on a farm and were among
398 AUDUBON COUNTY. IOWA.
the pioneer settlers. In 1878 they went to Kansas with a son and the father
died in that state; the wife dying in 1879, soon after the death of her hus-
band. They reared a family of twelve children, Joseph A., who is a con-
tractor in Kansas City; Richard, who is a government contractor in Wash-
ington; Donald, who lives at Villisca, Iowa; John H., who also lives at
\^illisca; Edward, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Lookingbill, who lives in ^lediapolis,
Des Moines county, Iowa; two, who died in infancy; Benton L., the subject
of this sketch, and Thomas W., who was a member of the Eighth Iowa
Cavalry and later enlisted in the regular army under General ]\Iiles, and is
located in the W^est.
Benton L. Darnold was thirteen years of age when his family cam.e to
Iowa, v^'here he assisted his father on the home farm. He enlisted when
nineteen years old at Burlington on January 2^, 1862, in Company K, Second
Iowa Cavalry, and served until the end of the war, when he was mustered
out at Salem, Alabama. He was engaged in the battles of Black River, luka
Springs, Shiloh. Nashville and A\>st Point. He was also in many minor
engagements and was wounded at Farmington. Mississippi, in a charge, his
right wrist being struck by a bullet which plowed through the flesh to the
shoulder. A brother, Thomas X., was taken prisoner and kept in Anderson-
ville for a short time.
At the close of the war, Mr. Darnold operated an engine and a saw-
mill for two years. He then farmed for about ten years and came to
Audubon county in 1875. He owned a farm in Hamlin township, but moved
to Audubon in 1883 and operated a grain elevator for three years. Since
1886 he has been city marshal and street commissioner and for several years
has been water commissioner of Audubon.
Mr. Darnold was married in 1866 to Martha Barton, who was the
daughter of Josiah Barton, and was born in North Carolina in 1841 and
died in October, 19 12. She was left an orphan early in life and was adopted
by a ]\Ir. Sheets, who brought her to Iowa. Seven children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Darnold, Nettie, the wife of Charles Lefoy, of Melville town-
ship, Audubon county, who has four children; Sarah, the wife of Louis
Jones, of Audubon; Mrs. Lottie Ralph, of Audubon; Mrs. Elsie May Mertz,
of Sioux City; Mrs. Daisy Carper, of Audubon; William Hutton and Anna,
both deceased.
Benton L. Darnold is a Republican and has been afiiliated to this party
during his entire life. He is a member of Allison Post, No. 34, Grand
Army of the Republic. All of the members of the Darnold family are con-
scientious and devout members of the Baptist church.
AUDUBON COUNTY,, IOWA. 399
JAMES M. CARLSON.
It is not an easy task to describe adequately the career of a man who
has led an eminently active and busy life, and who has attained a position
of relative distinction in the community with which his interests are allied.
Biography, however, finds its most perfect justification in tracing and record-
ing the facts of such a life history. It is. therefore, with a full appreciation
of what is demanded, and with the painstaking scrutiny which must be
accorded each statement, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the
details of the career of James 2vl. Carlson, a well-known banker of Exira,
are here briefly set forth.
James M. Carlson, the cashier of the First National Bank, of Exira,
Iowa, was born on December 17, 1884, in Denmark, the son of Hans P. and
Oline (Petersen) Carlson, both of whom were born in Denmark, the former
in 1839, and the latter in 1851. Hans P. Carlson died in 1904. He was a
farmer in Denmark and came to America in 1892. He located near Elkhorn,
Iowa, where he rented a farm for ten vears. He then moved to a farm near
Atlantic. Iowa, where he lived for a short time, after which he moved to
Shelby county, Iowa, where he lived until his death.
Hans P. and Oline (Petersen) Carlson were the parents of five chil-
dren: Chris, deceased, was married to Lena Petersen, who is also deceased;
Nels, immarried, lives in Canada; Anna, the wife of Walter E. Potts; James
]\I.. the immediate subject of this sketch; Alfred, unmarried, lives at home
with his mother at ]\Iarne, Iowa.
James M. Carlson received his education in the public schools of Shelby
county, Iowa, and after leaving his home township schools, he took a course
at the Capital City Commercial College, at Des Moines, Iowa, and was grad-
uated from this institution with the class of 1904. He then took a law
course in the Lincoln-Jefiferson LTniversity at Hammond, Indiana, and from
this institution, which is a correspondence school, he received the degree of
Bachelor of Laws. After completing his law course, ]\Ir. Carlson engaged in
the banking business at Marne Savings Bank, at Marne, Iowa, where he
remained for five years, and -then located in California for one year. He
came to Exira and was elected cashier of the First National Bank in 191 1.
Air. Carlson was married in 19 12 to Ethel Musselman, the daughter of
Millard and Dora (Cumpston) Musselman, and to this union one child, Mar-
jorie, has been born. Mrs. Carlson was born in Warren county, Iowa, and
her parents were also natives of this state. They were the parents of six
children, Carrie, William, Ethel, John. Scle and Vera. Mrs. Carlson is a
4O0 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
member of the Primitive Baptist church, of which the family are regular
attendants.
Mr. Carlson is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belong-
ing to the Blue Lodge Xo. 342, at Exira, and is also a member of the Mystic
Shrine at Des Moines. James M. Carlson is a Republican, and is at the
present time a memljer of the Exira city council, and has made a splendid
record in this office. Mr. Carlson has been very successful as a banker, and
much of the success of the First National Bank, of Exira, Iowa, is partially
due to b-is efforts. He is popular with the patrons of the bank and with the
officers and directors of the institution as well. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are
popular socially in Exira, and well known to a large number of people.
REV. JENS PETER CHRISTIANSEN.
The life of the minister of the gospel, with its requirements for personal
sacrifice, does not attract the a\erage man. To the lay mind, it is some-
times incomprehensible that a man should voluntarily give up much of his
personal freedom in order that he may minister to the spiritual, physical or
material welfare of those in need of him. Although the minister's chief
concern is for the spiritual uplift of the community which he serves, his
duties and his thought are not nowadays limited to this sphere of life. The
modern minister must constantly respond to demands of which his prede-
cessors knew nothing. Not only must he be always ready with advice and
encouragement for those who seem worsted in life's battle, but he must also
render financial assistance to many causes and indixiduals. Otherwise, he
would, no doubt, lose his infiuence as a preacher. Not a calling, indeed, to
appeal to any but the unselfish and altruistic. But here and there we find
men and women who have discovered that happiness for them lies along this
way, and to such, ministry is not a sacrifice, but a joy. A stranger in
Audubon county would not have to remain here long to hear the name of
Rev. Jens Peter Christiansen, pastor of the Danish Lutheran Church, in the
town of Audubon. Reverend Christiansen is a native of Denmark, having
been born there on November 17, 1876. in a town called Ruds-\''edby.
Rev. Jens Peter Christiansen is the son of Nels and Anna Metta (Fred-
ericksen) Christiansen, both natives of Denmark, the father born in Jerslev,
the mother in Kallenborg. The father was engaged in farming both in
Denmark and in this country, he having come here in 1893, settling in Win-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 4OI
throp, Iowa, where he bought a farm, retiring from active labor some years
before his death, which occurred in August, 1912. Upon retiring from the
farm, Nels Christiansen moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where his widow still
resides. Both were stanch Christians and energetic workers in the Luth-
eran church. They were the parents of the following children : Christian
Valdemar, a farmer living in Cedar Falls; Johannes Christiansen, a machin-
ist in Philadelphia; Laurits Christiansen, who is also a machinist, but who
lives in Kansas City, Missouri; Martin Christiansen, who is employed by
the Gas and Electric Light Company at Cedar Falls, and Rev. Peter Chris-
tiansen, the subject of this sketch.
Jens Peter Christiansen was graduated from the schools of Denmark,
and upon coming to the United States attended Trinity Seminary at Blair,
Nebraska, from 1899 until 1906, in which latter year he was graduated.
His first charge was in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he remained from 1906
until 1909, coming thence, in the latter year, to this county, in response to a
call from the Danish Lutheran congregation at Audubon, and has lived
ever since in that city, serving very acceptably as pastor of the Danish Luth-
eran church.
On June 6, 1906, the year of his graduation. Rev. J. P. Christiansen
was married to Nora Jensen, who was born in Kundby, Denmark, the daugh-
ter of Jens and Marie (Olsen) Jensen, who came to America in 1873, locat-
ing at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Jens Jensen died on May 4, 191 5, his wife
having preceded him to the grave many years, her death having occurred on
June 30, 1898. Mrs. Christiansen is the sixth child born to her parents, the
others being: Jens S., who lives in Kansas; Maria, deceased; Christine, of
Cedar Falls; Line J., also of Cedar Falls; Christian J., of Waterloo, Iowa;
a daughter, Ida, who is now dead, and Alfred J., of Sioux City, Iowa.
It is only natural that a man of Reverend Christiansen's profession
should be well educated. But it does not follow that he, as a minister, should
keep abreast with the times, as this is not an invariable rule. It is true, how-
ever, in the present case, for one element of Mr. Christiansen's marked suc-
cess in the ministry is his interest in modern thought and modern activities.
To Rev. J. P. and Nora (Jensen) Christiansen three children have been
born: Rudolf Paulus, born on June 29, 1907; Phillip Wilhelm, July 17,
.1909, and Noomi Damaris, July 9, 1912.
Since their residence in Audubon, the Reverend and Mrs. Christiansen
have become important factors in the life of the town in which they live.
Not only as a minister does the former find and fill his place in the com-
(26)
402 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
munity, but as a man he is respected and admired. Nor is this respect and
admiration hmited to the congregation to which he ministers, for his range
of influence extends beyond. As a minister's wife, conscious of the high
calhng of her husband, Mrs. Christiansen has seconded all of her husband's
efforts in Iniilding up strong Christian manhood and womanhood in this
community, and both would be greatly missed should they leave Audubon.
PETER MATHISEN.
Not only those whose lives are spent in the teeming cities, and in the
world's centers of industry and commerce, are worthy of classification among
earth's great and useful, but he who has Ijeen a good husband, a loving father,
a true neighbor and a lo}'al citizen is great as a man, e\-en though his praises
have not been sung in press and pulpit. Every man who has held public
office and who is honest, has given to his community time, attention and ser-
vice which the salary paid him cannot cover. Many are the demands made
upon such a one. and yet would not come to him as a private citizen or busi-
ness man. When, therefore, it is said of a man that he has filled anv office
with credit, this may be taken to mean that he has given the best that was
in him for the public good.
Peter Mathisen, ex-supervisor and retired farmer of Audubon, Iowa, is
a native of Denmark, having been born there on October 21, 1845, ""i ^^e
province of Schleswig.
His parents, Peter and Christina (Stephensen) Mathisen, also were
born and brought up there. The father, a farmer, died when he was sixty
years of age, and the mother came to this country in 1877, lived with her
children in Sharon township, this county until her death in 1903. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Mathisen were members of the Lutheran church. Peter, whose
name appears at the head of this brief record, was the eldest. The others
were: Catherine, who died in Davenport, Iowa; Carrie, now the wife of
Jens Werner of Audubon, Iowa ; Sophia, who passed away while the family
lived in Davenport; Jorgen, a farmer living in Sharon townshi]). Audubon
county, Iowa, and Maria, the youngest daughter, who died in Denmark.
The eldest son, Peter, was ambitious for education, and received his early
schooling in Denmark, Imt he was compelled to leave school for the farm, and
as a yoiing man, worked out on a farm. Being ambitious to advance, and
while still a young man of twenty-two, he started for America, at first tak-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 4O3
ing up the occupation he had followed in the old country, this time, in Daven-
port, Iowa. From 1869 until 1872, he lived in Cass county and worked on
the Rock Island railway.
In 1870, he was married to Sophia Sorensen, who was born in Denmark
and who came to this country in 1869. In the year 1872, preferring the
farm to railroad work, Mr. Mathisen purchased a tract of prairie land
belonging to the railway company four miles north of Atlantic, Iowa, and
began clearing his forty acres. Four years later he removed to Jackson
township, Shelby county, the same state, bought one hundred acres, and made
this his home for seven years, living on the farm which he improved. In
1883, Sharon township attracted him, and he became the possessor of a piece
of unimproved land, a portion of which was partially improved, and after
expending several thousand dollars for improvements, began stock raising.
He specialized in a good breed of cattle, Poland China hogs, and draft horses.
For the two years following 1896, he lived on a farm which he owned in
Leroy township. Audubon became his home in 1900, and it was on the west
side of the town that he built his present home. Besides the site on which it
is situated, he owns two other lots. A farm which he owns in Cameron
township is rented to tenants.
Owing to having held three prominent county offices, Mr. Mathisen is
unusually well known, not only in the vicinity of his own home, but in adjoin-
ing neighborhoods. For several years, he was trustee of Sharon township,
and a school director, and was elected county supervisor in 1891 ; he served
in this latter capacity for three years. An active politician, he was a leader
in the Democratic party, and his judgment was relied upon by other poli-
ticians. He has been identified all of his life with the Danish Lutheran
church. In matters concerning current events, Mr. Mathisen is always well
informed, and his interests are not limited to local subjects.
The children born are four in number. The eldest, Christina, is mar-
ried to Andrew Knudsen of Sharon township, and they live on the old home-
stead of her father. Their children are Mary, Johanna and Sophia. The
second child of Mr. and Mrs. Mathisen died in infancy, and Maria, the next
in order of birth passed away while young. Stephen is a farmer in Sharon
township. He married Christina Nelsen, and their children are named Anna
Marie and Laura.
These are the important facts concerning the life of Peter Mathisen,
but one must read between the lines to realize that success and honor among
his fellow men did not come without effort and just cause. Those pioneers
who have become prosperous, are strong, sturdy characters, undaunted by
404 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
conditions which would dismay less stalwart minds, and so when the goal
has been reached, and they can cease the more strenuous activities, it should
not be forgotten that the way has not always been so easy, nor the conditions
of life pleasant. No one more deserves a life free from care, comparatively
speaking, than he who has known what it means to work for long hard hours,
and to keep at it when the end seemed far away.
LUDWIG F. MILLER.
Ludwig F. Miller, cashier of the Brayton Savings Bank of Brayton,
Iowa, is one of the well-known citizens and business men of Audubon county.
Engaged in the grain business in this community for many years and at
different times in the lumber business, he has many friends in this part of
Audubon county, men who know him for his worth as a citizen and for his
honorable and upright dealings with the public generally.
Mr. Miller was born on July 27, 1858, in Denmark, the son of M. F. and
Maren (Larson) Miller, both natives of Denmark, the father having been a
school teacher and having taught school for thirty-eight years. He died in
1878, his wife survi\ing him many years, passing away in 191 2. They had
six children : Frederick, Lawrence, Peter, Minnie, Laura and L. F., the sub-
ject of this sketch.
It was Mr. Miller's good fortune to have the opportunity in his native
land, to obtain a better education than most of his fellow countrymen who
have come to America from that country. After finishing the course given
in the public schools, he attended college and upon leaving college, spent
eighteen months in the Danish army.
Coming to America in 1882, L. F. Miller located at Brayton, Iowa,
where he worked as a farm hand for two years. Subsequently, he took a
position with the D. W. Powers Lumber Company, which he held for three
years. In the meantime, he also bought grain and operated an elevator for
two years. He then worked for the Green Bay Lumber Company for one
and a half years and finally engaged in the grain business himself under the
firm name of Worthing & Miller. For ten years Mr. Miller was engaged
in the grain business at Brayton, but sold out to the Rothchild Grain Com-
pany and worked for this company for two years at Brayton and also two
years at Laura, Iowa.
In 1 90 1 Mr. Miller became engaged in the banking business at Brayton,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 405
Iowa, in the bank owned by Delehoyde & Van Gorder and served as assistant
cashier of this bank until 19 13, when it became a state bank and he was
elected cashier. The Brayton Savings Bank has had a very satisfactory
growth, and no small part of its prosperity is due to the zeal, wisdom and
energy of its cashier.
On May 29, 1882, Mr. Miller was married to Olena Hansen, the daugh-
ter of Hans and Mary Ann (Rasmussen) Hansen. Of the children born to
this marriage, six are now living: Raymond, Harry, Einer, Minnie, Agnes
and Edna. Raymond married Ina Bisom and has three children, Lucile,
Cosetta and Carl L. ; Minnie married Reed Walker and has one child, John
Dale. The remainder of the children are single and live at home. Mrs.
Miller is a native of Denmark, as were her parents, and she came to America
in 1882, the year she was married to Mr. Miller. Her parents lived and died
in their native land. They had three children : Olena, Jens R. and Karen
Marie.
Fraternally, Mr. Miller is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of which he is now a past grand. He is also a member of the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America at Brayton. In politics, he has always been
identified with the Republican party since coming to this country. As a
public-spirited citizen, Mr. Miller is well known in this section of Audubon
county, not only for his wide and diversified career in business but for his
interest and support of public movements. He is very popular among the
people of this community, being affable and agreeable, honorable and straight-
forward in all the relations of life.
JOHN M. DIMICK.
John M. Dimick is a well-known cattle buyer and feeder of Exira, Iowa,
who, after farming with his father for ten years, purchased the homestead
farm in Audubon county and began life for himself. Mr. Dimick began life
with eighty acres of land, for which he paid twenty-two and one-half dollars
an acre. Now, he is perhaps the most extensive stock raiser in Audubon
county. He has increased his land holdings from eighty to five hundred and
thirty-five acres and raises on an average five hundred head of live stock
every year. He buys between twenty-five and thirty thousand bushels of
corn and feeds from fifteen to twenty carloads of cattle, and from five hun-
dred to six hundred head of hogs each year. The immensity of these opera-
406 AUDUBON COUNTY, . IOWA.
tions is immediately apparent to any one who is at all familiar with farming.
Mr. Dimick has the reputation of feeding prime cattle, which the Chicago
buyers are always anx'ious to get, and for which they are always willing to
pay top prices. He deserves much credit for the great progress he has made.
John ^I. Dimick was born in Johnson county, Iowa, February 27, 1869,
and is a son of John J. and Fannie (Mitchell) Dimick, both of whom .were
natives of Erie county. New York. John J. Dimick was born January 24,
1825, and his wife, who, before her marriage, was Fannie Mitchell, was born
March 31, 1837. John J. Dimick grew to manhood in Erie county, Xew
York, and there lived upon a farm. Before his marriage he made a trip to
California during the historic gold-strike of 1849-50. He was farily. suc-
cessful in his cjuest for fortune and after remaining in California for three
years he returned to \\'isconsin, where he remained until 1858, when he came
to Johnson county, Iowa. While living in Wisconsin he conducted a hotel.
After coming to Johnson county, Iowa, he first purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Johnson county. Subsequently, he increased his hold-
ings by one-half. After being well started in farming, he engaged in the
lumber and stock business, in which line he remained for five years, at the
expiration of which time he sold out and came to Audubon county, Iowa, in
March, 1881, locating four miles northwest of Exira. Here he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land and was engaged in general farming
until 1 90 1, when he moved to Exira and took up cattle buying, following
this business until his death, January i, 1910. His wife had died more than
a quarter of a century previously, ^larch i, 1879.
John J. and Fannie (]\Iitchell) Dimick were the parents of ten children,
eight of whom are now living, and in the order of birth were as follow :
George G.. Elvira, Horace, ]\Iary, Calvin I., John i\I., Julia, Jesse, Ella and
one who died in infancy. George G. is living on the old home farm in Ham-
lin township owned by John ^I. Dimick; Elvira is living in Syracuse, Xew
York; Horace is deceased; Mary is the wife of Edward Dryden, a farmer
of Hamlin township; Calvin I. lives in Exira township; Julia is the wife of
\\'alkup ]\I. Crees, of Hamlin township ; Jesse and Ella live at Boone, Iowa.
John ^I. Dimick entered the public schools of Johnson county, Iowa,
and was enabled to secure a good education, which has been of great assist-
ance to him in all of the business of his life. He was married on July 20,
1 889, to ]\Iaretta Cook, the daughter of Charles Cook, and to this union three
children were born, Clyde J., Ellowene and Frank. Clyde is manager of the
Tabor Lumber Company, of ^^^infield. Iowa, and is married to Pearl Sewel
of Henrv countv, Iowa ; he has built a fine residence at Winfield at a cost of
AUDUBON COUNTY. IOWA. 4O7
three thousand dollars ; Ellowene is in attendance at Ames University and
Frank is also a student at Ames University.
Mr. Dimmick has always been more or less acti\e in Republican politics,
and has ser\ed in se\eral offices. He has served as trustee of Hamlin town-
ship for six years, discharging the duties of this office in a very satisfactory
manner to his fellow citizens. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and the ]\Iaccabees. ]\Ir. Dimick is not a member of any church,
but his wife holds membership in the Congregational church, in which she
takes an active interest, and of which the family are regular attendants.
TOHN SMITH DENNIS.
Many elements enter into the growth of a community, or into the
development of a small community into a larger one. .A city does not just
happen ; it exists because certain conditions have brought it into being. The
majority of cities and towns are located largely according to the adaptation
of natural resources and the population, an instance of this being found in
the fact that many towns have grown up around a mill. Assuming this to
be true, there are other causes for the growth of cities and towns, and these
are found in the efficiency, enterprise and courage of its business men. For
unless there are unusual and overwhelming natural advantages, no com-
munity will thrive, unless its business men are far-sighted, energetic and
progressive. In Audubon, Iowa, there are a number of such men. none of
whom is better known than John Smith Dennis, who was born on March ly,
1848' in Oberlin, Ohio. The life of ]\Ir. Dennis has been more varied than
that of the average man. He was a dutiful son, and for a time was a soldier,
and later a railroad employee and, finally, a business man and member of
various organizations, and worthy, therefore, of record in a volume such as
the present one.
John Smith Dennis is the son of John and Lucy (Smith) Dennis. The
paternal grandfather was John Dennis, the first member of this family to
come to America from Ireland. He and his wife located on a farm in New
Brunswick, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Their children
were two in number : John, father of the subject of this biographical notice,
and a daughter who died in a fire on board a Mississippi river packet boat.
The son studied dentistry in Oberlin, Ohio, and practiced there until 1856,
when he went to live in Muscotine. Iowa. After a residence of five vears in
408 AUDUBON cot; NT y, JOWA.
Muscotine, he removed to Irontown, Missouri, where he remained for one
year. Hearing of Cincinnati as a growing commercial center, he started
there to seek a suitable location when he was stricken with ship fever, and
died on the boat. He had been a Democrat, a member of the Odd Fellows
lodge, and a Catholic. His wife was Lucy Smith, a daughter of Rev. Henry
Smith of New York state, her father being a Presbyterian minister.
The children born to Air. and Airs. Dennis were nine in number. The
eldest daughter, Tillie, is deceased. The first-born son, Henry Page, enlisted
in the army in 1861, and served until 1865. He distinguished himself by
being a m.ember of Company A, Yates Sharp-shooters, later enlisting in
another company. At the close of the war, he went to work on the Missouri
Pacific railroad, first as conductor, and afterwards as yard-master at Kansas
City. His death in 1870 was due to an accident. While an employe of the
railroad, he was caught in a "frog," and his foot so badly crushed that it
resulted in his death. John was the third child born in this family. Then
came Albert, now a farmer in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Bell, widow of Sid-
ney Whittmore of Anamossa, Iowa. Bird, the next daughter, married
Charles Damon of Mason City, Iowa. Lucy passed away in Chicago, and
two sons died while young. The mother passed away in February, 1898, at
the age of seventy-four.
Because of the death of his father, John had little opportunity for obtain-
ing the education which he desired. After his father's death in 1859, ^^h^n
the boy was only eleven years old, he continued to live at home with his
mother, until his enlistment on April 10, 1864. Although he was mustered
in at Quincy, Illinois, he enlisted from La Salle county in Company K, One
Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment. The company were sent first to Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, and later to Springfield, Illinois, but they rebelled, and
wanted to go to the front, but were sent to St. Louis barracks. However,
they were sent out for a distance of about fifty miles on the Iron Mountain
railroad to guard a bridge. When the company was mustered out later at
Springfield, Illinois, John Dennis obtained employment as a brakeman on the
Rock Island railroad, and later worked for the Missouri Pacific. He returned
to the employ of the Rock Island railroad where he worked until 1869, when
he went to Cheyenne, W^yoming, to work for the Union Pacific railroad.
He remained with them only a short time, going back to his former employ-
ers of the Rock Island road, his headquarters then being Stuart, Iowa. In
1885, he took up residence in Audubon, Iowa, and was conductor between
there and Atlantic, the same state. After serving in this capacity for three
years, he bought out a dray line and an ice business, and since that time, has
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 4O9
been engaged in these enterprises, together with his interests as owner of a
confectionery and cigar store.
Mr. Dennis became the husband of Xettie J. Dunham, of Benton county,
Iowa, on April 2, 1874. Mrs. Dennis, who was born on September 20, 185 1,
was the daughter of John Addison and Lucinda (Birdsell) Dunham, of New
York state. Both were natives of that state, and came of Quaker stock,
arriving in Benton county in the pioneer days of 1850. Besides owning and
running a farm, Air. Dunham kept a hotel in Iowa City, called the "half-way
house.'' Later, they lived in Merango, and then made their home success-
fully in Grinnell. Newton, Desota, Casey, Avoca and Stuart. In these vicin-
ities, they were the pioneer hotel people of those days. Their children were
Ella, widow of John Ripp of Canyon City, Colorado, and Mrs. Dennis. Mr.
Dunham died in 1898'. in Canyon City, Colorado, his wife having died in
1873 while they lived in Stuart. Iowa.
Since 191 3. ^Ir. Dennis has been engaged principally in looking
after his confectionery and cigar store, in which he is ably assisted by his
son Will, and daughter, Mattie, who is the youngest child born to Mr. and
]\Irs. Dennis.
The other children are: Charles H.. of Carroll, Iowa, cashier for the
Chicago & Northwestern railroad ; Robert Page, a carpenter in Los Angeles,
California; John, the husband of Abbie Prepley. and who was drowned July
5, 1913; Lucy, who died while single; George, agent for the Great Northern
railroad at Sea .Side. Oregon ; Frank B. who lives at home, and who manages
the transfer and ice business which liis father started ; Ella, now Mrs. George
Cummings of Atlantic. Iowa.
Evidence of the trustworthiness of the subject of this sketch, as an
employee, is shown by the fact that for twenty-five years, he has been on the
pay-roll of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad in the express and mail
department.
Mr. Dennis is a prominent member of the Grand Armv of the Republic
at Audubon, Iowa ; a Mason, blue lodge, chapter and commandery ; a charter
member of the Modern \\^oodmen of America, and a strong Republican.
Mrs. Dennis is, like her husband, interested in patriotic societies, and has
been for years an active worker in the Relief Corps No. 38.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are popular people, which accounts for their
large circle of friends and acquaintances. Both are remarkably well pre-
served, this being due perhaps to the fact that their interests in life have been
varied. They have been among those whose energy and activity along prac-
tical lines have helped materially to build up the substantial growth of the
town in which thev have made their home.
4IO AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
SOREX C. PEDERSEN.
Of the well-known bankers and prominent business men of Audnbon
county, Iowa, Soren C. Pedersen, the president of the Kimballton-Danish
Savings Bank, of Kimballton, Iowa, must not be overlooked. Mr. Pedersen
has been one of the influential factors in the commercial and financial develop-
ment of this part of Audubon county, and associated with him in the active
management of the bank, is his brother. Math Nissager, and his son, Alfred
M., the former of whom is cashier and the latter is assistant cashier. John
Pedersen is vice-president of tlie bank, which has a capital of twenty thou-
sand dollars. Since the organization of the bank in 1907, it has enjoyed a
wonderful growth and now has a substantial patronage, not only from the
business men of Kimballton and community, but from many different parts
of Audubon county.
Soren C. Pedersen, the president of this institution, was born in Novem-
ber, 1868, at Mariager, Denmark, and came to America in 1892, locating at
Ruskin, Nebraska, where he farmed for about seven years. In 1899 he
located at Elk Horn, where he engaged in the hardware and implement busi-
ness. Previously, in 1892 he had organized and started the Elk Horn Bank,
of which he is the cashier and John Pedersen is the president. Since 1907
Mr. Pedersen has divided his time between the bank at Elk Horn and the
bank at Kimballton, and he is also treasurer of the Elk Horn & Kimballton
Lumber Company and of the Marne and Elk Horn Telephone Company.
As president of the Atlantic Northern Railroad Company, he has had much
to do with the development of this section. He is interested in the Danish
Lutheran College at Elk Horn, and a director in the Dana College at Blair,
Nebraska.
Mr. Pedersen's wife, who Ijore him four children, died on March 26,
19 1 4, at the age of thirty-eight. She was a good woman of broad and intel-
ligent sympathies and one who had been of great assistance to her husband
in his battle for success. Of their children, Alfred M., born December 8,
1894, at Elk Horn, Iowa, was educated at Elk Horn and at Dana College at
Blair, Nebraska; he is now assistant cashier of the Kimballton-Danish Sav-
ings Bank, which position he has occupied since October, 1914; Edith A.,
Ejnar and Sigurd, the other three children, are all at home.
Mr. Pedersen's lirother. Math Nissager, is somewhat older than Soren
C, haA-ing been born on November 30, 1861, at Mariager. Denmark. The
parents of these two well-known business men of Audubon counf\' were
Math and Anna (Peterson) Moller, who were natives of Denmark. The
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 4II
father was a carpenter and farmer and came to America in 1892, settling
first at Ruskin, Nebraska, where he was a farmer for thirteen years. He
then located at Elkhorn, Iowa, and later returned to his native land, remain-
ing for thirteen years. Xot long after his return to this country, he passed
away quietly at Elkhorn in June. 191 1. His wife, the mother of Math and
Soren C, is still living. They had one other child, the second born, Mrs.
Mary Miller, who is the wife of Jerry Miller, of Elk Horn.
Math Xissager was married November 23, 1891, to Anna Jensen, of
Skive, Denmark. They have had two children: Esther Anna, of Des Moines;
and Freda D., of Ames, Iowa.
Ever since coming to America. Soren C. Pedersen and Math Xissager
have been associated together in business. That they have prospered exceed-
ingly in their adopted country goes without saying. In a way it seems that
everything to which they have turned their hands has resulted favorably and
today they are among the best known business men of Audubon county.
WILLIA^I H. HOYMAN.
The life of the scholarly or professional man seldom exhibits any of
those striking incidents that seize upon the public feeling and attract atten-
tion to himself, but when such a man has so impressed his individuality upon
his fellow men as to gain their confidence, and through an expression of that
confidence be elevated to an important public position, he becomes a con-
spicuous figure of the body politic. The subject of this review is one of the
scholarly and able men who have made striking successes in their work as
educators. He has succeeded as an instructor and executive, and has kept
abreast of the times in educational matters to such an extent that he has
raised the schools of Exira, this county, to a high and definite standard of
efficiency.
William H. Hoyman. now superintendent of the Exira public schools,
was born on X'ovember 27. 1883, at Clarence. Cedar county, Iowa, son ot
Henry S. and Mary (]\Ialey) Hoyman, the former a native of Holmes
county, Ohio, born in 1848, the latter of Warren county, Illinois, born in
1853. Henry S. Hoyman was the son of John Hoyman, born in Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, who migrated to Holmes county, Ohio, where
Henry was born. John Hovman left the Buckeye state and moved to Iowa
in the earh^ fifties, traveling on foot the greater part of the distance; walking
412 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
to Fort Dodge and thence to Des Aloines while looking over the country and
seeking a location. He had saved about three thousand dollars, and this sum
he invested in Cedar county land, on which tract he erected his home and
established the nucleus of a famous stock farm which the son, Henry S. Hoy-
man, developed into what is now widely known as "Stanwood Stock Farm."
This fine farm consists of three hundred and sixty acres and is noted for its
fine thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses, and Duroc-Jersey
swine. Xot long ago, Henry S. Hoyman disposed of this farm and his live
stock and retired to a residence in the town of Stanwood, Cedar county. It
was in Stanwood that Henry S. Hoyman was married, his wife having moved
from Warren county, Illinois, to Cedar county, Iowa, with her parents, S. H.
]Maley and wife, in the early sixties. S. H. Maley platted the town of Stan-
wood in the fall of 1869, and it is a matter of note that Henry S. Hoyman
hauled the first load of stone used in the building of that now thriving little
city.
• To Henry S. and Mary (Maley) Hoyman were born eleven children as
follow: C. E., a farmer living in Stanwood, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Davidson,
also of Stanwood ; F. S., a missionary at the head of the United Presbyterian
missions in Egypt; Mrs. Joseph O'Brien, of North English, Iowa; Dr. H. J.,
of St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. Henry A. Warmuth, wife of Doctor Warmuth,
of Stanwood; Prof. William H., of Exira, this county; Mrs. H. H. Hamil-
ton, of Stanwood, and Avis, a teacher in the Tipton, Iowa, public schools.
William H. Hoyman received his elementary education in the public
schools of his native locality and studied for four years in Monmouth Col-
lege. In preparation for undertaking the profession of teaching, he com-
pleted his education in the Iowa State Teachers' College, at Cedar Falls,
from which he was graduated in 1909, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts,
following which he pursued post-graduate work in the Chicago University
and began teaching in the fall of 1909, for two years serving as superintend-
ent of the public schools at Clarksville, Iowa. In the fall of 191 1 Professor
Hoyman was called to take charge of the Exira public schools and has been
verv successful in the performance of his duties as superintendent of that
excellent educational plant. He has placed the schools in the front rank of
the public schools in the county and his administration has been marked by
progress, harmony among pupils and patrons, and the high class of the
student work being done in the schools.
In August, 1913, Prof. W. H. Hoyman was married to Deana Merrick,
daughter of H. N. Merrick of Floyd county, Iowa. Professor and ^vlrs.
Hovman are members of the United Presbyterian church and are warmly
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 4I3
interested in all good works hereabout. Professor Hoyman is independent
in his political views, casting his ballot for the men who seem to be best fitted
to serve the people. This successful educator comes of an intellectual family,
every child in the Hoyman family of nine members who grew to manhood or
womanhood was educated in the high school. Four of the sons are college
graduates and three daughters of the family were college students.
CHARLES TUNMANN.
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an
intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein.
Charles Tunmann, one of the best-known and most highly respected farmers
of Audubon county, now living retired, has resided in this locality most of his
life. His career has been commendable in every respect and well deserves
to be recorded in the pages of such a work as the one in hand. He hais
always been a man of well-defined purpose and has never failed to carry to
successful completion any work or enterprise to which he has addressed him-
self. Knowing that Audubon county was destined to take high rank among
the rich and productive localities of the state, Mr. Tunmann applied himself
very closely to his work and waited for the future to bring its reward, with
the result that today he is one of the substantial citizens and farmers of
Audubon county.
Charles Tunmann was born in Germany on July 7, 1841, the son of Fred
and Millie (Markvardt) Tunmann, natives of that country, the former of
whom, now deceased, was a laborer on a big estate in Germany. Charles
Tunmann was married in 1865 and worked as a teamster on an estate. He
saved his money and in 1869, with his wife and two small sons, came to
America, landing in New York City on October i, of that year, having left
Germany on September 16. He immediately came to this state and located
in Iowa county, where he worked as a farm laborer for two years, at the end
of which time he rented a farm on which he lived for seven years, later pur-
chasing one hundred and twenty acres, which he improved and sold back to
its former owner. After again living on rented land for two years, he came
to Audubon county and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres
of raw prairie land at nine dollars an acre. On this farm Mr. Tunmann built
a small house sixteen by twenty-two feet, which in 1907 he replaced by a fine
house, twenty-eight by twenty-two feet. Mr. Tunmann owned two hundred
414 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
and forty acres at the time of his retirement, of which he gave eighty acres
to his son and still owns one hundred and sixty acres in section 27. Mr.
Tunmann retired to Audubon in May, 1914, after having spent thirty years
on the farm.
On November 15, 1865, Charles Tunmann was married to Fredericka
Keakbush, who was born in Germany on September 18', 1838, the daughter
of John Keakbush, to which union five children have been born, namely :
William, born on September i, 1866, who lives on the home farm; Charles,
October 18, 1868; Minnie, June 19, 1871, who married Fred Sundberg and
has four children, Carl, May, Mildred and an infant; Hilary, August 2, 1877,
died on November 12, 1910, and John, December 12, 1878, who married
Mary Law and lives in Melville township.
Charles Tunmann is a Republican and for years has lieen more or less
active in the councils of his party. For twelve years he was trustee of Mel-
ville township and for ten years served as a school director. He also served
as road supervisor for many years.
Although Mr. and Mrs. Tunmann were reared in the Lutheran faith,
they and their family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are promin-
ent in the work of this church and Sunday school. Few men in this county
are more highly respected than Charles Tunmann and few men, within the
same length of time, have accomplished more.
JENS PETER HYEN.
The occupation of farming, to which the major part of the active life
of Jens Peter Hyen has been devoted, is the oldest pursuit for a livelihood
known to mankind, and the one in which he will ever be most independent.
Mr. Hyen has been connected with the general growth of Audubon county
for many years, although he is a native of the little kingdom of Denmark.
He is a well-known and popular citizen of Hamlin township, Audubon
countv, Iowa. While primarily attending to his agricultural interests, his
life has been somewhat devoted to his fellow men, and he has been untiring
in his efforts to inspire a proper respect for law and order. He has been
ready at all times to uplift humanity along civic and social lines.
Jens Peter Hyen, whose name in his native country was Jens P. Peter-
son, was born September 18, 1871, in the part of Denmark known as Ven-
sysel, Jylland. He is a son of Peter and ]\Iary Ann (Nelsen) Paulsen, who
were born at the same place where Jens Peter, their son, was born. The
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 415
father was a laborer and he and his wife were the parents of eight children,
of whom Jens Peter was the fifth.
Jens Peter Hyen received a good education, attending school during the
week days in the winter and during the summer he herded cattle. He
took up farm work later in life and was able to finish his education. He fol-
lowed farming until he came to America, with the exception of one year
which he was compelled to spend in the army. In 1903 Jens Peter Hyen
came to the United States, bringing his family with him. He landed at
Quebec, Canada, first, and came from Quebec to Audubon county, Iowa. He
first worked by the month from June 20, 1903, when he arrived in Audubon
county, to October of that year. After this he purchased a milk route and
hauled milk to a creamery for two and one-half years. In the meantime he
purchased some calves and pigs and rented a small farm. He received his
first two pigs for two days work in helping a man put up hay. The pigs
were small and sickly and he thought they would die. That winter Mr.
Hyen killed one for his meat and the other one he kept for a brood sow, and
in the next spring he had eight pigs from this sow. Mr. Hyen rented land
only two years and then purchased a hundred and twenty acres of land in
1908. This land was located in Hamlin township, and he was compelled to
pay a hundred dollars down as a first payment. One year later he bought
forty acres more, and now has a hundred and sixty acres. When Mr. Hyen
left Denmark he had only a hundred dollars in money. He has lived here
for twelve years and done more in that period than most men do in forty
years.
On November 8', 1898, Mr. Hyen was married in Denmark to Anna
Kattrina Madsen. who was born on September 13, 1879, in Himmerland,
Denmark. She is the daughter of Ole and Susanna Mary (Fredricksen)
Madsen, who were also born in the same place as their daughter, whose
father was a farmer and shoemaker by trade.
Mr. and Mrs. Jens Peter Hyen are the parents of eight children, seven
of whom are living. Four of the children were born in Denmark. They
are as follow: Magner. born on October 20, 1899; Olga, September 2y,
1901 ; Mary, September 26, 1902; Pauline, December 25, 1903, died iii
infancy; Elmer, May 4, 1905; Violet, April 12, 1907; Ester, June 12, 1909;
Nels P., October 4, 1912; Mamie, February 4, 1915. All of the children
live at home with their parents.
Mr. Hyen assisted in the organization of the Farmers Savings Bank at
Hamlin and is one of the stockholders of this bank. He is also a stock-
holder in the West Hamlin Creamery Company. Mr. Hyeri does general
41 6 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA,
farming and stock raising. He owns a gas engine with which he shehs his
corn, saws wood, grinds feed. etc. He also has an interest in the Elkhorn
Telephone Company.
Mr. Hyne is a Democrat, though he has never been active in political
affairs and has never held office. The family are all members of the Danish
Lutheran church.
JACOB F. \\^\HLERT.
Jacob F. W^ahlert. for man}- years a farmer in Greeley township, and
one of the prosperous and highly-respected citizens of Audubon county, was
born on July 4, 1846, in Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, the son of John and
Arsby (Starmann) Wahlert, natives of the same place. The father was a
laborer in the old country, who came to the United States some ten years
after the arrival of his wife, and both spent their last days in the home of
their son, Jacob F. They were the parents of nine children, of whom
Jacob F. was the fifth child.
Jacob F. Wahlert received but a limited education, his attendance at
school having been limited to a few months during the winters until he was
about fifteen years, after which he worked out as a farm hand until 1870.
in w^hich year he came to the United States. Upon landing at New York
City, he proceeded directly to ]\Ioline, Rock Island county, Illinois, where
his brothers, George and Fred, previously had located. On the day after his
arrival in Moline he obtained work on a gravel train on the Chicago, Rock
Island & Pacific railroad, and continued at this work for five or six months,
after which he went to work on a farm. During the last five or six years
of his residence in Rock Island county he rented land.
In 1 88 1 Jacob F. ^^'ahlert came to Audubon county and purchased two
hundred and forty acres of land in section 35, in Greeley township. Land
was cheap in those days and Mr. Wahlert paid Mr. Harter, the owner,
seven to eight dollars an acre for it. A fourteen by twenty-four foot house
and a lean-to-kitchen, ten by twelve feet, was considered very good for those
times. About 1902 Mr. \\'ahlert built a comfortable seven-room house. In
addition to this house he also erected a new barn, cribs and hog houses. As
he prospered he purchased additional land, the greater part of which he has
since disposed of to his children, and now retains but one hundred and sixty
acres. Since retiring from active farm work he has rented the remainder of
the land to the children.
On December 16, 1874, Jacob F. Wahlert was married in Rock Island
L±^
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 417
county, Illinois, to Ernestine Fritche, who was born on May i6, 1854, in
Atkinson, Rock Island county, Illinois, the daughter of Frederick and Min-
nie Fritche, natives of Germany, who came from Saxony. To this mar-
riage nine children have been born, seven of whom are living, as follow :
Jacob, who married Elizabeth Bartell, daughter of Fred Bartell, and has
two children, Mildred and Robert ; Anna, who married William Porter, and
has five children, George, Gretchen, Floyd, Verla and Verna; Mary, who
married Howard Shoesmith and has four children, Stella, Virgil, Marvel
and Rollo ; Edward, who married Ida Jacobsen and has four children, Flor-
ence, Ruby, Marvin and Ramona ; Sadie, who married Follie Littlefield and
has three children, Gladys, Kenneth and Zola ; Ernestine, who married Roy
White, and has two children, Alvin and Marvin ; Fred, who married Bertha
Bartell and has two children living, Carl and Leona, Richard Robert dying
in infancy ; Franklin, who died when thirteen years old, and another child
who died in infancy. On February 18, 1890, the mother of these children
passed away, since which time Mr. Wahlert has been making his home with
his children.
Jacob F. Wahlert is a Democrat, Ijut has never been active in political
affairs and has held no offices. He is a member of the German Lutheran
church, of which Mrs. Wahlert also was a member, and their children were
reared in that faith. Fraternally, Mr. Wahlert is a member of the Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons. Although his productive period now is past,
Mr. Wahlert has been a highly successful farmer and a good citizen, and in
all of the years he has lived in Audubon county has been highly respected
by his neighbors. Enjoying the satisfaction of ha\'ing reared a large family
to useful and honored lives he may look back upon his career as a distinct
and unqualified success and mav also rest assured of the warm esteem of his
neighbors, all of whom hold him in the highest regard.
P. C. PETERSEN,
One of the most enterprising of the present generation of farmers in
Audubon county, Iowa, is P. C. Petersen, of Hamlin township, who has
believed from the outset of his career that the wisdom of yesterday is some-
times the folly of today, and that while the methods of our grandfathers in
tilling the soil were all right in their day, yet in the twentieth century we are
compelled to adopt new methods and farm along different lines. He has
(27)
41 8 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
been a close observer of modern methods; is a student at all times of what-
ever pertains to the farm and farm interests, and has, therefore, met with
encouraging success all along the line and, judging from his past record, he
is entitled to rank as one of the most representative citizens of Audubon
county. He has taken his place among the leading farmers of the county,
which is noted for its fine farms and adroit husbandmen.
P. C. Petersen was born on August 3, 1863, in Vensysel, Denmark, and
is a son of Jens C. and Elsie (Christensen) Petersen, who were both natives
of Denmark, born near the same place as was their son, the subject of this
sketch. The father was a farmer and followed that occupation until his
death. Jens C. and Elsie (Christensen) Petersen were the parents of nine
children, of whom P. C. was the second in order of birth.
P. C. Petersen attended school until about fourteen yars of age, when
he began working out by the day, doing farm work. When about twenty-
three 3'ears of age he came to the United States, landing at Xew York city,
and then coming direct to Audubon county, Iowa, where Mr. Petersen had a
cousin living. He worked at farm work for one year and then went to
Omaha, Nebraska, where he was employed in the roundhouse of the Chicago,
Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company as a wiper. After one year at this
employment he decided to return to the farm and removed to Audubon,
where he purchased a team and plow and commenced breaking the prairie
land, which he continued for several months. His father and the rest of the
family had in the meantime come to the U^nited States, and P. C. and his
father farmed together for about two years.
Mr. Petersen then rented a farm for one year and then went to Brayton,
where he purchased a butcher shop, remaining in this business for three
years, and at the expiration of this period, having been married in the mean-
time, he moved to a farm belonging to his father-in-law and hauled milk to
the creamer}^ in Hamlin for four years. He then rented a farm of Calvin
Demick for one year, and then purchased eighty acres of land in Hamlin
township. He lived on this place for five years, and then rented his father-
in-laws"s farm, until the latter's death, at which time the farm was inherited
by Mr. Petersen's wife.
On March 15. 1893, P. C. Petersen was married in Brayton. Iowa, to
Sophia Petersen, who was born July 25. 1872. in Shelby county, Iowa, near
Avoca, who was a daughter of Nels P. and Johanna M. (Wolf) Petersen.
Mrs. Petersen's parents were born in Schleswig. at that time a part of Den-
mark, and came to the E^nited States about 1869 or 1879. the father coming
first, and they were married in Shelby county, Iowa. In 1893 "they came to
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 4I9
Audubon county, where they purchased a farm, and the site of this farm is
the site of the present creamery at Hamlin. They lived on this farm for
seven years and then sold out and purchased a general mercantile store at
Brayton. Xels P. Petersen was in business in Brayton for about nine years
and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where his son-in-
law, P. C. Petersen, now lives. He lived on this farm until 1907, when he
retired from active farm life and moved to Exira, where he lived until his
death during the summer of 19 14.
Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Petersen are the parents of eight children, Jensene
C, Nels C, John M., Johanna M., Jens P., Henry H., Carrie M. and Peter,
Jr., all of whom are living at home with their parents.
P. C. Petersen is engaged in general farming and stock raising.
He oversees the operations on both his farms, which lie in sections 28 and
22 of Hamlin township. Mr. Petersen is one of Audubon county's most
progressive citizens ; he is a Republican in politics, but has never desired to
hold office. The Petersen family are all members of the Danish Lutheran
church, of which they are regular attendants ; are active in the work of this
congregation, and are liberal contributors to its support.
GEORGE ALBERT MAY, M. D.
George Albert May was born on February 21, 1884, at Russell, Lucas
county, Iowa, the son of James Madison and Mary E. (Werts) May, natives
of Ohio and Indiana, respectively, of German ancestry. James Madison
May, who was a farmer, died in November, 1912. His wife is still living
in Lucas county, Iowa.
George Albert May was educated in the Russell schools and spent two
years at Simpson College in the undergraduate department. Subsequently,
he was graduated from Iowa State University with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 191 1. After
graduating from the medical department of the State University, Doctor
May located at Audubon, Iowa; later he took a post graduate course in the
Xew York Post Graduate College, specializing on the eye. ear, nose and
throat. He completed this course in the spring of 1913 and after this
returned to Audubon, where has has, in a comparatively short time, built up
an excellent practice.
Doctor May was married in June, 19 13, to Beulah Hayden, of Wall
420 AUDUBON COUNTY. IOWA.
Lake, Iowa, the daughter of Dr. A. S. Hayden. Doctor and ]\Irs. May have
been the parents of one child. Carl Hayden.
Doctor May is a member of the Audubon County ^Medical Society, the
Iowa State JMedical Association and the American Medical Association.
Fraternally, Doctor May is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons. He is a member of the chapter at Audubon. Iowa, his home.
Doctor and ^Irs. ]\Iay are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics,
Doctor 'Slay is independent.
HANS MADSEX,
No better indication of the solidity and permanency of a city's progress
is afforded than by a glance at the status of its financial institutions. Banks
are the thermometers which register the rise and fall of a city's credit. The
stability of the commercial and industrial interests are, to a large extent,
dependent upon the policy and the condition of the local banks. The heart
of commercial life, they are also the avenues of trade, and the arteries through
which flows the financial current of business. Among Audubon county's
financial institutions the Landmands National Bank of Kimballton stands out
prominently, having an unbroken record of progress since its organization
about six years ago. In this brief period the bank has developed into financial
strength and secure position among the banking houses of this section of the
Hawkeye state, and occupies the largest banking building in the city. The
leading figure in the inception of this prominent institution was Hans Mad-
sen, who is now its president, and who is one of the best-known citizens of
this section.
Hans Madsen. the president of the Landmands National Bank, of Kim-
ballton, Iowa, was born, August 19, 1865, in Aro, Denmark, the son of C.
P. and Kristine (Albertsen) Madsen who were natives of Aro, Denmark,
where the former was a ship and mill builder. The father, after coming
America in April, 1874. located one-half mile west of Kimballton, Iowa, in
Sharon township, and purchased land and was one of the first settlers on
Big Indian creek. After clearing the land and making extensive improve-
ments he lived on the farm continuously until his death, July 4, 19 14. His
good wife, the mother of Hans Madsen, died about six years previously, on
January 17, 1908. The late C. P. Madsen was well known and highly
respected at the time of his death when he was eighty-three years old. His
wife died at the age of seventy- four. A skillful carpenter, he followed his
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 421
trade at odd times after coming to Audubon county, did very much toward
building up this part of the county. His beloved wife, who was a great
church worker, helped to organize the Danish Lutheran church at Elk Horn,
Iowa, and was known for miles around. In the early days the families who
first came to this community to settle, were accustomed to make their homes
with the JMadsen family until they could get a start in the world. The late
C. P. ]\Iadsen and wife started in life in a small way. and during -their career
made consistent gains on the highway of success. Only once in his life was
the late C. P. JMadsen a passenger on the railways of this country. He and
his wife had six children, of whom Hans, the subject of this sketch, was the
third born. Of the others, Albert, the eldest, died in Denmark; 'Si. H. owns
the old home place in Sharon township; Alaren is the wife of Clans T. Peter-
son, of Shelby county, Iowa: Albert is deceased; Anna Sophia is the wife of
the Rev. J. ]\I. Gregersen, of Solvang, California. Reverend Gregersen is a
Danish Lutheran minister and the founder of a Danish colony in that state.
Reared on his father's farm, Hans Madsen attended the common schools
of this section, and also the Danish Lutheran sectarian school at Elkhorn,
Iowa, in 1885 and 1886. He was a student at Drake L'niversity during
1886 and 1887, and then began his active business career as a clerk for Emil
Bilharz at Audubon, where he remained for eight months. After this he
was employed by ^I. X. Esbeck initil January 12, i88'8, when he engaged in
the harness business at Shelby and Harlan, Iowa, for a year. In the spring
of 1 89 1 he engaged in the harness business at Kimballton, Iowa, and after
following this business for eleven years purchased the general store owned
by H. Alarquesen, of Kimballton. During the first administration of
McKinley, and the succeeding period of eight years filled by ]\IcKinley and
Roosevelt, Air. Madsen was postmaster. In 1907 he sold the store to Thomas
& Larsen, and on October 3, 1907, opened the Landmands Bank with Charles
Van Gorder, of Audubon, as president, and himself as cashier. For two
years it was a private bank. At the end of this period, Air. Aladsen bought
out Air. A^an Gorder, and organized the Landmands National Bank of Kim-
ballton, which opened for business, September 4, 1909. Air. Aladsen is
president and his daughter. Alma, is cashier.
The bank has been conducted upon the soundest and most conservative
business principles. Its management is characterized by sagacity, energy
and ability, coupled with liberality and honorable methods. Xo other bank
has been more closely identified with the many movements that have helped
in the growth of Kimballton and its institutions. The Landmands X^ational
Bank has excellent facilities for giving the most prompt and satisfactory
422 AUDUBON COUNTY_, IOWA.
service in all departments. Insurance is written at the very lowest rate ;
foreign and domestic exchange dealt in; steamship tickets sold, and all
accounts, large or small, are handled with equal care. ]*ilany new customers
are constantly opening accounts at this bank, on account of its well-known
facilities ; its strong financial backing of wealthy stockholders ; its central
location on the busiest street ; its superb system of protection afforded by a
strong vault and insurance ; its policy of keeping business private, and the
highly popular personnel of the banking force. As a bank president, Mr.
Madsen is known as one of the most courteous and affable of men. and is
constantly on the lookout for the interests of his customers. His daughter,
Miss Alma Madsen, who has been the cashier for five years, has proven a
painstaking, trustworthy business woman.
On November 27, 1887, Mr. Madsen was married to Johanna Ebbesen,
of Jylland, Denmark, who came to America in 1878, and who was one of the
first Danish school teachers in America. She taught school for three years
in Elkhorn, and has always taken a keen interest in educational work. Mr.
and Mrs. Madsen have two daughters. Alma E. and Lydia L.
In additional to his heavy business interests, Mr. Madsen is president
of the Danish Lutheran church at Kimballton of which he and his family are
members. He is president of the commercial club, and is a stanch Repub-
lican. In a larger way he is interested in all good movements that has to
do with the growtli and prosperity of Kimballton and vicinity.
JOHx\ F. LIKEN.
Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails to bring
success. It carries a man onward and upward and brings out his individual
character and acts as a powerful stimulant to the efforts of others. The
greatest results in life are often attained by simple means, by the exercise of
the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day
life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunity for
acquiring experience of the best kind and its most beaten paths provide a true
worker with abundant scope for effort and self-improvement. John F.
Liken, the subject of this sketch, is a well-known farmer of Gray, Iowa. He
is one of the largest farmers in this section of the state and is well known
throughout Audubon county.
John F. Liken was born on February 6, 1857, in Allegheny county,
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 423
Pennsylvania. He is the son of Thomas and Sarah Ann (Sands) Liken,
natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish parentage. The parents of both
Thomas and Sarah Ann Liken came from Ireland. Thomas Liken was born
in 181 5 and died in June, 1891. His wife, the mother of John F. Liken, was
born in 18 18 and died in 1892. Some time after their marriage, they settled
in Henry county, Illinois, where they farmed from 1865 until their death.
They were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Florence Huffman,
of Los Angeles, California; Thomas Porter and Samuel, of Geneseo, Illi-
nois, and John F., the subject of this sketch.
John F. Liken farmed in Henry county until 1900, residing in Geneseo,
Illinois, during this period. He was the owner of five hundred acres in
Henry county. He began life on his own account when he had reached his
majority and was operating a great body of land. On one of his trips to
Kansas, Mr. Liken was married and in 1900 came to Gray, Audubon county,
where he invested in fourteen hundred and thirty acres of land in Cameron
and Lincoln townships. The land was all in one tract and contained five
sets of buildings. In 19 10 Air. Liken moved to Gray from his farm home
in Cameron township. He has sold two hundred acres recently, but still has
twelve hundred and forty acres.
Mr. Liken is one of the most extensive breeders and raisers of cattle
and hogs in this section of Iowa. His annual output of cattle numbers
approximately one hundred and fifty and he raises and sells each year more
than three hundred head of hogs. Mr. Liken has a nice home in Gray and is
one of the most highly-respected citizens of Audubon county.
John F. Liken was married on December 9, 1880, in Kansas, to Mary
Brush, who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, November 27, 1856. She is
the daughter of Baptist and Alary (Spratley) Brush, natives of Pennsyl-
vania, who were early settlers in Johnson county, Iowa. They were married
in Burlington, Iowa, in 1874 and, subsequently, moved to Harvey county,
Kansas. Baptist Brush was born in 1828 and died on March 2, 191 2. His
wife, Mary Brush, the mother of Mrs. Liken, was born in 1828 and died in
1898. . ,
John F. Liken has always been identified with the Republican party
but he has never been active as a partisan and has never cared to hold politi-
cal office. Mr. and Mrs. Liken and their family attend the Presbyterian
church. Mr. Liken is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
at Geneseo, Illinois. He is a member of the Knights Templar at Rock
Island, Illinois, and also of the Kaaba Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
at Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Liken is vice-president of the Farmers Savings
4^4 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Bank at Gray and has been ver\- prominent in this business since moving to
this place.
Mr. and Mrs. Liken have two sons. Thomas FrankHn. bom on August
5. i8S'3. who married Iva King and has two children. Gladys and Llovd;
and John Marvin, bom on March 15. 1894.
WALTER SCOTLAND.
Among the earnest men whose enterprise and strength of character have
gained a prominent place for them in the community', as well as the respect
and confidence of their fellow citizens, is Walter Scotland, a well-known
farmer of Hamlin township. Audubon county. Iowa. Mr. Scotland is a
leading farmer and stock raiser in Hamlin township, where he resides, and
a man of pronounced views and laudable ambitions. His influence, although
a young man, has been exerted for the advancement of his vocation, and for
the development of an active and alert community spirit in Hamlin township.
He ranks among the representative farmers of Hamlin township.
Walter Scotland was bom on February 14, 1883, in Denmark, in the
part of that country known as Jylland. He is a son of Jens and Mena
( Christensen ) Scotland, who were also natives of Jylland. The father was
a farm.er and a carpenter, and he and his wife were the parents of five chil-
dren, of whom Walter was the fourth.
Walter Scotland attended school in his native land until fourteen years
of age, and when si.xteen years old he came alone to the United States, where
he had som»e friends. He landed at Xew York city and came direct to
-\udubon county, locating near Exira. where he has since lived.
Mr. Scotland began by working out by the month, and continued at this
for four or five years, afterwards taking up ditching and tile laying, and fol-
lowed these vocations for about four years. In 1907 Mr. Scotland rented
a farm and in 1909 he purchased eighty acres of land in Hamlin township.
He never lived on that farm, renting it to others, and in the meantime renting
land for himself. In February, 19 14, he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land in section 2"/, of Hamlin township, and here he makes his home
at the present time.
On November 4, 19C9. Walter Scotland was married at Audubon to
Sophia Johnson, who was bom April 21, 1887. in Sjaelland. Denmark, the
daughter of Jens C. and Christina (Hansen) Johnson, her parents being
AUDUBOX COUXTY, IOWA. 425
farmers in their native land and she was one of nine children. Her father
died when she was about seven years old, and her mother married again
just before coming to the United States in 1896.
Mr. and ]Mrs. Scotland are the parents of three children : \'ema, born
September 19, 1910; Francis A., born October 18, 191 1, and Olive L., born
on April 7. 1913.
Walter Scotland is engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mrs.
Scotland has been a great help to her husband and has been a loving wife and
devoted mother. Her mother and step-father. Chris Sorensen. are residents
of Audubon count}' at present, having located here after coming to America
in 1896.
Walter Scotland is a Republican, but he is not active in political affairs,
and has never been a candidate for office. The fam.ily are all members of the
Seventh Day Adventist church, and are active in the affairs of this denomina-
tion, and Mr. Scotland is a liberal contributor to its support.
REN PHELPS.
It is interesting to note from the beginning the growth and development
of a community: to note the lines along which progress has been made, and
take cognizance of those whose industrj- and leadership in the work of
advancement have rendered possible the present prosperity of the localit}-
imder consideration. Ren Phelps, the manager of tlie Cedar Rapids Oil
Company at Audubon, and the proprietor of a popular garage in this city,
is one of the strong, sturdy individuals who has contributed largely to the
material welfare of the cit}' of Audubon where he resides. He is an up-to-
date business m.an. a public-spirited citizen and progressive in all that the
term implies.
Ren Phelps was born on August 23, 1879, at Atlantic, Iowa. He is the
son of Alvin and Sarah (Usher") Phelps, natives of near Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, where they lived upon a farm. The ancestors of Alvin and Sarah
Phelps were old settlers in the vicinit\- of Cedar Rapids. Alvin was born
in 1843 and died in 1907. and throughout his life was engaged in farming,
and owTied a great deal of real estate and was knoA\-n as a capitalist in his
later years. He came to Cass county, Iowa, in 1872 and became a well-to-
do citizen. During the last seven years of his life, he was ill practically all
of the time. His widow is still living in Atlantic. They had seven children.
426 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
Mildred, deceased; Loretta, the wife of Francis Kreamer, of Atlantic; Eliza-
beth, the wife of Charles Whitcomb, of ^lason City, Iowa; John, deceased;
Ernest and Alvin, both of whom live in Atlantic, and Ren, the subject of this
sketch.
Ren Phelps was educated in the public schools of Atlantic and finished
his education in the Atlantic high school. After leaving high school, he
engaged in farming for one year and was then connected with various occu-
pations. He was later in the oil business for two years and came to Audubon
in October, i'9i3. However, he had first come to Audubon in 1903 and had
worked in the Bilharz store three years. During part of this period he was
also retailing oil. He also operated a moving picture show. Air. Phelps
returned to Atlantic in 1910 and after living there for three years, returned
permanently to Audubon and purchased the garage in Alarch, 19 14. He has
been engaged in the retail oil business and in the operation of the garage
since that time.
]\Ir. Phelps was married on April i, 1901, to Daisy Johnson, the daugh-
ter of L. C. Johnson, an old resident of Audubon, who has operated a dray
in this city for thirty years. To Mr. and Airs. Phelps, one child, Lefevre,
aged eight years, has been born.
In politics, Ren Phelps is independent. He votes for measures and men
rather than for parties and party emblems.
JOHN BALLAIAN.
One of the best-remembered men of the past generation of Audubon
county, Iowa, is John Ballman, who at the time of his death, was living
retired in Audubon on nine acres of land. Of Air. Ballman personally, it
may be said that he was a man of strong and active sympathies, his tem-
perament was warm and ardent, his feelings deep and intense. These and
other attractive characteristics unconsciously drew him an unusual number
of devoted friends, upon whom, under all circumstances, he could rely and
who, now that he has past from all earthly scenes, revere his memory. He
was a close student of human nature and comprehended with little effort the
motives and purposes of men. He was a lover of truth and honesty; in
brief, is remembered as a manly man of pleasing but dignified presence, a
student of many subjects and an influential man in the circles in which he
moved. Of sound character and unflagging energy, he stood as a conspicu-
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 427
ous example of symmetrically-developed manhood and his position as one of
the community's representative citizens was conceded by all.
The late John Ballman was born on August 22, 1836, in Germany and
died in October, 1900. John Ballman came to America in 1868' and located
first in Chicago. Illinois, where he kept a boarding house and a restaurant.
He was married in Chicago, JNIay 18, 1868, to Elizabeth Bobet, who was
born on June 23, 1844, in Germany, and who came to America in 1868.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ballman, they moved to Fond du
Lac, Wisconsin, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for three or four
years. They then located in Pottawatomie county, where he taught school.
Mr. Ballman then bought a farm in Shelby county and lived here for five
years. At the end of this period he sold the farm and moved to Fonda, in
Pocahontas county, and after one year there, came to Audubon county in
1885. Mr. Ballman lived retired in Audubon county on nine acres of land.
Mr. and Mrs. Ballman had twelve children, only five of whom are living,
Mrs. Mary Plaehn, who lives in Audubon ; Mrs. Anna Coleman, who lives at
Bridgeport, Nebraska ; Paul, who lives in Chicago ; Michael, who lives at
North Branch; Mrs. Sophia MacNair, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska. The
deceased children are Katie, Peter, Lena, John, and three others who died in
infancy.
The late John Ballman served three years and eight months in the
Danish War of 1866, then came, in 1868, to America, where he remained for
one year and a half. He went back to Germany for one month when the
Franco-Prussian War broke out and he returned to American to escape
service.
He was well known in Audubon county, Iowa, and especially in Audu-
bon and vicinity. Mrs. Ballman, who lives on the home place, is a refined
woman and takes a keen interest in the welfare of Audubon county and who
is admired and respected by all of her neighbors.
GEORGE W. PRESTON.
It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking,
that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation, and
that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the
historian, or the appreciation and plaudits of mankind. A greater mistake
never was made. No man is great in all things. Many, by a lucky stroke,
achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of
428 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
their immediate neighborhood. It is not a histor)^ of a hicky stroke which
benefits humanity most, but the long, steady effort which made the kicky
stroke possible. It is the preliminary work, the method, which serves as a
guide to the success of others. One of the citizens of Audubon county,
Iowa, who has achieved success by conscientious and persistent effort, is
George W. Preston, the well-known merchant of Audubon.
George W. Preston was born on March 12, i860, at Atalissa. Muscatine
county, Iowa, the son of Charles N. and Mary (W'orrall) Preston, natives
of New York and Iowa, respectively. Charles N. Preston, the father of
George W., was an early settler in Iowa, emigrating to this state in 1854,
and was a harness maker by trade. In 1870 he moved to Villisca, in Mont-
gomery countv, Iowa, where he operated a grocery store for some years, and
died there in 1908. George W. Preston's mother died in 1865, when he was
but five years of age. He was one of three children, the others being Will-
ard, deceased, and William, a farmer in northern Iowa. Willard and Will-
iam were twins. Charles M. Preston was a member of the Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons.
George W. Preston was a resident of Villisca. Montgomery county,
until thirty-one years of age. He was educated in the public schools of that
place and assisted his father in his Inisiness for three years. Mr. Preston
came to Audubon in March, 1891. and here established a grocery. In June,
1894, he moved to his present location, where he has a large room twenty-
five by eighty-five feet, and a basement. He carries a complete stock of
standard groceries and has a large trade in Audubon and vicinity ; he employs
three assistants in his store, which is one of the best of its kind in the county.
George W. Preston was married on September 13, 1883, to Lucinda C.
Spargur, of Villisca. the daughter of Henry \\\ Spargur. and to this union
ten children have been born: Donald J., who is assisting his father in the
store; John A. and Edwin Lee. also assisting their father in the store; Mary
E., the wife of D. C. Bell, of Anita. Iowa; Ruth, living at home with her
parents, is a graduate of the Audubon high school; Henry, Helen and
George, Jr., are students in the high school; Harold and Louwene are living
at home.
Mr. Preston is a Republican, but his large business interests have pre-
vented his taking a very active part in political matters. He and his family
are earnest and devoted meml^ers of the Presbyterian church, in which they
take an active interest, and to the support of which they are liberal contribu-
tors. George W. Preston is popular in .\udubon among all classes of people.
He is a man of genial manner, courteous, affable and sincere in his dealings
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 429
with men. and naturally, he is a man who is well liked. Mr. Preston is a
member of the bine lodge, chapter and commandery at Audubon; also of
Amity chapter, Godfrey commandery, Za-ga-zig temple. Mystic Shrine, at
Des Moines.
FRANK D. THOMSEN.
The Kimballton Drug Company, of Kimballton, Iowa, of which Frank
D. Thomsen and Thomas Jorgensen are the proprietors, is one of the leading
mercantile institutions of this section of Audubon county. In the latter part
of 19 12 this store was purchased by Mr. Thomsen, Mr. Jorgensen and Chris
Larsen. Ten months later, however, Mr. Larsen sold out his interest, and
the store is now operated by two of the original owners. The company car-
ries a large and complete stock of drugs, paints, wall paper, school books,
cigars and tobacco, and has an enormous trade in this section, a trade which
is due somewhat to the splendid personal attainments of Mr. Thomsen, who
is a fine man to meet, clean in his morals, up-to-date in his business methods,
and who for all of these reasons has made many warm friends since coming
to this city. Mr. Thomsen has also just begun a term as postmaster of this
town.
Frank D. Thomsen, postmaster and druggist of Kimballton, Iowa, was
born, March 28, 1889, the son of Christian and Hanna Andersen, natives of
Denmark, who came to America in 1882, and settled at Rockville, Nebraska,
where the father took up a homestead, which he later lost. Subsequently,
he purchased a farm, improved it, and operated it until his death. May 11.
1904, at the age of seventy-two years. His beloved wife who survived him
is now living at Rockville, Nebraska. An ardent Democrat, he was also a
member of the Lutheran church. He and his wife had twelve children, nine
of whom are now living, as follow : Thomas, a farmer of Rockville.
Nebraska; Anders, a farmer of Loop City, Nebraska; Nels, a ranchman of
Big Creek, Nebraska; Mary, who married Frank Thomsen, at Big Creek,
Nebraska; Andrew, of Reno, Nevada, and foreman of the Southern Pacific
railroad ; Chris Jens, a farmer of Loop City, Nebraska ; Elva, who married
Walter Lange, of Cherry county, Nebraska; and Frank D., the youngest and
the subject of this sketch.
Educated in the common schools of Nebraska, Mr. Thomsen spent
three years at the Kearney, Nebraska, Normal School, and two years at
Creighton College of Pharmacv at Omaha, graduating from this institution
430 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
with the class of 19 12. In that year he located at Elkhorn, Iowa, where he
worked for nine months for the Larsen Drug Company. At the end of this
period he came to Kimballton, and in association with Chris Larsen and
Thomas Jorgensen, as heretofore noted, purchased the drug store now oper-
ated under the name of the Kimballton Drug Company.
Earlier in his life Mr. Thomsen worked for one year as a clerk for the
Southern Pacific Railroad at Sparks, Nevada. A Democrat in politics, he has
always taken an active interest in this party's welfare, and having been
appointed postmaster at Kimballton, Iowa, took that office, January i, 1915.
He is a member of the Kimballton band and plays alto, also a member of the
Kimballton volunteer fire department, and formerly was assistant chief.
A man of most gracious and pleasing personality and, unless present
signs are wrong, Frank D. Thomsen will in time become one of the most
influential business men of Audubon county. He is already well started in
life, and with the momentum in business which he already has acquired
should achieve even new and greater success.
MELVIN 1. MASTERSON.
This sketch concerns a man who, though not seeking for, nor aspiring
to, worldly honors, has lived among his family and neighbors as a quiet,
honorable. Godfearing man, doing his work conscientiously, and achieving
such success in business enterprises as any man might envy. It may be that
for some of the hardihood of his nature he is indebted to his father, who
possessed the stalwart qualities found in pioneers ; but assuming this to be
true, there still remain many admirable characteristics which could have been
developed, it is believed, only through "overcoming obstacles, and keeping ever
in mind the goal to be reached.
]\Ielv!n I. ]\Iasterson is a well-known farmer of Leroy township, this
county, who was born on February 24, 1872, at Oil City, Pennsylvania, son
of \Mlliam and Mary A. ( Carter) Masterson, both natives of Venango
county, Pennsylvania, where they grew up and married. William was per-
mitted to acquire only a limited education, and was but a young man when
he liecame a driller in the oil fields of his native state. Like so many other
young men of his time, however, the West and its promise of opportunity
attracted him with irresistible force, and in 1879 he came to Iowa and
located in Greeley township, this counly. He bought an eighty-acre tract from
AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA. 43 1
the railroad company and went to work to build a home. He gradually-
added to this land, as he prospered, until he had, in all, three hundred and
twenty acres of as good land as there is in the county. Besides his agricul-
tural activities, William Masterson raised many cattle and hogs. As a
Republican, he held several township offices, and was a Mason, belonging
to the lodge at Exira. Well known and respected, he died on November i8,
191 1, at the age of sixty-eight. His wife died on July 13, 1901, aged fifty-
three. One of the enterprises with which William Masterson's name is still
connected is the /\udubon County Telephone Company, which he helped to
organize. The four children born to William and Alary A. (Carter) Mas-
terson were Melvin I., the subject of this sketch; Stella L., born on October
26, 1 88 1, now Mrs. B. S. Huston, of Guthrie county, Iowa, and the mother
of three children, Helen, Hubert and Lucile ; Earl, April 18, 1884, died on
October 17, 1900; Vida, April 25, 1889, married C. J. McCall, of Coon
Rapids, Iowa.
Melvin I. Masterson attended the schools of Audubon county, and then
for one year attended the Iowa Commercial College at Highland Park, On
January 13, 1897, he was united in marriage to Flora A. Shoesmith, of
North Branch, Iowa, daughter of James and Sarah J. (Lawhorn) Shoe-
smith, the former a native of London, England, and the latter of Kentucky.
James Shoesmith came to America with his parents when only five years of
age, and was reared in Illinois. Later he went to Guthrie county, Iowa,
being one of the pioneers of the section in which he located, and is still
living at the age of seventy-six years. His wife passed away in 1895. They
were the parents of six children, namely: William, a farmer at Hartman,
Colorado; Reuben, a farmer at North Branch, Iowa; Fred, a ranchman at
Nampha, Idaho; Flora A., the wife of Melvin I. Masterson; Arthur, a
farmer at North Branch, Iowa, and Olive E., wife of Ernest Hawley, who
died in 1903. To Melvin I. and Flora A. (Shoesmith) Masterson two chil-
dren have been born, Harold O., born on November i, 1897, and Wynona
M., May 7, 1905.
After his marriage, Melvin I. Alasterson bought eighty acres of par-
tially-improved land in Greeley township, this county, lived there for five
years, and then sold it and removed to Guthrie county, where he bought
three hundred and sixty acres and remained for eight years. Selling this
property, he then bought two hundred and forty acres in section 35, Leroy
township, this county, three miles south of Audubon, on which he now lives.
He also owns two hundred and forty acres near Redfield, Spink county,
South Dakota.
432 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
Mr. and Mrs. Masterson now live in a splendid modern house, erected
in 191 1. All of its eleven rooms are lighted with electricity, and have fur-
nace heat. The farm has had over nine thousand dollars" worth of improve-
ments placed upon it. The barn, built in 1909, is fifty-six by sixty feet in
dimensions. The hog-house, which is twenty by forty-eight feet, is equipped
with a cement floor and running water. A modern ice-house is one of the
latest additions to this attractive farm. Among the possessions of which
Mr. Masterson is very proud are twenty-fi\'e head of registered Hereford
cattle, as well as graded stock, and Poland-China hogs. He ships three car
loads of live stock annually and has made a specialty of raising Belgian
horses, the average number kept on the farm being twenty head. The splen-
did condition in which this expert in agriculture has kept his farm, as well
as his progressive policy of administration, are evidence of the fact that the
owner lives a very busy life.
Mr. Masterson is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church of Audubon. Socially they are very well known
and highlv esteemed, and their home is one of the most hospitable in the
neighborhood.
HANS P. PETERSEN.
The following paragraph contains briefly the salient facts of the life
of a plain, honest man of affairs, Hans P. Petersen, the proprietor of a
well-known mercantile establishment at Exira, this county, who, by correct
methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons, has made his
influence felt in that section of Audubon county, having won for himself
distinctive prestige in the business circles of this community. Hans P. Peter-
sen would be the last man to l)ecome the subject of fulsome eulogy. Ne\'er-
theless his life presents much that is interesting from the biographer's view-
point, and which may be studied with profit by the }'oung men whose careers
are yet to be achieved, i\Ir. Petersen himself being a comparatively young
man, whose integrity and strength of character call for public notice which
his modesty never would seek. Mr. Petersen commands the respect of hi?,
contemporaries and has left his individuality deeply stamped upon the com-
munity in which he lives.
Hans P. Petersen was born in Denmark on December 16, 1871, the son
of K. S. and Carrie (Sorenson) Petersen, both natives of that country, the
latter of whom died in 1879 and the former in 1886. K. S. Petersen was
IIAXS I'. I'lrrKKSEX
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 433
a farmer in Denmark and farmed there all his life. He served throughout
the Danish-Prussian War in 1864. At the time the war broke out he was
living near the Danish-Prussian border. He and his wife were the parents
of ten children, seven of whom are now living, Peter K., Christena, Mar-
garet, Soren, Hans P., Minnie and Chris. All of these children are living
in America except Christena and Minnie, who still live in Denmark.
Hans P. Petersen attended school in Denmark until he was fifteen
years old, after which he worked out as a farm hand, receiving a very small
amount of money for wages, just about enough to clothe himself. In 1889
he came to America and located near Minden, Nebraska, on a farm. He
worked there for ten dollars a month during the first summer and the fol-
lowing summer he received thirteen dollars. After working there for a
year and a half, he went to Shelby county, Iowa, and took a course in the
Danish Lutheran College at Elkhorn. After completing that course, he
engaged in the creamery business at West Hamlin, Iowa, where he worked
for sixteen months, and then removed to Marne, Iowa, where he operated
a creamery for a short time, after which he returned to West Hamlin and
about one year later took charge of the Elkhorn creamery. Later, returning
to West Hamlin, he managed the creamery there for three years and then
took charge of the Audubon township creamery, of w^hich he was manager
until 1901. In that year he moved to Exira and engaged in the implement
business with H. P. Hansen, being thus engaged for a year and a half, at
the end of which time he bought one-third interest in the Hansen-Lohmer
Company, dealers in general merchandise, and in February, 1910, took over
the entire business. Mr. Petersen handles a complete line of general mer-
chandise, occupying three storerooms on the north side of Washington
street, at Exira, and has built up a large and flourishing business.
On December 7, 1895, Hans P. Petersen was married to Catherine
Jessen, daughter of Peter A. and Maren (Jessen) Jessen, to which union
three children have been born, Henry, Carrie and Milo, all of whom are
living at home. Mrs. Petersen was born in Schleswig, Germany, and her
parents also are natives of that country. They came to America in 1893
and after a time located in Audubon county, where they took up farming,
which they followed until 1904, in which year they retired and moved to
Exira. They are the parents of nine children, Jens, Peter, Marten, Chris,
Mary, Katherine, Lena, Andrew and Nis.
Mr. and Mrs. Petersen and family are members of the Danish Luth-
eran church. At one time Mr. Petersen served as councilman at Exira. He
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434 AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA.
is independent in politics, having lost all faith in the promises of political
parties. Mr. Petersen believes in supporting men for what they are and for
what they have done, rather than voting in a blind, partisan sense. Since
coming to this country, Hans P. Petersen has worthily discharged his duties
as an American citizen and has become a potent factor in the civic life of
Exira township.
JASPER XORTHUP.
Jasper Xorthup is generally recognized as one of the energetic and
well-known business men of Audubon county, w^ho, by his enterprise and
progressive methods, has contributed in a material way to the commercial
advancement of the locality where he lives. In the course of an honorable
career he has been successful in the manifold lines to which his efforts have
been directed, and enjoying, as he does, distinct prestige among the repre-
sentative business men of his community, it is proper that attention be called
to his achievements and due credit be accorded to his worth as an enterpris-
ing citizen of this great county.
Jasper Xorthup, a well-known building contractor of Audubon, Iowa,
was born on March i8, 1873, in Johnson county, X^ebraska. He is the son
of Xathan and Harriet (Sherlock) Xorthup, early settlers of Audubon
county. Jasper Xorthup resided in X^braska with his parents until 1877,
and then came witli them to Iowa county, Iowa. In 1882 he came to
Audubon county and settled in Douglas township, where he was reared and
attended school. Since his boyhood, Mr. X^orthup has worked at the brick-
and stonemason's trade. He learned the trade early in life and in 1899
began contracting on his own account. In 1903 Mr. Xorthup went west and
located in X'^ebraska. Here he followed construction and building for six
years and worked principally in ]\IcCook, where he erected several brick
business blocks. Mr. Xorthup also did extensive work in towns not far from
McCook. In 1909 he was engaged in construction work in Denver and
along the Pacific coast, in \\'ashington and in Idaho. He returned to Iowa
in the fall of 191 2, and resumed his trade in this state. In the spring of
1914, Mr. X^orthup engaged in some construction work for Audubon county
and is now engaged actively in the erection of concrete bridges.
Jasper Xorthup was married, June 7. 1892, to Elizabeth Quinn. of
Johnson county, Iowa. To this happy union four children have been born,
Edna, the wife of William Liberty, of Denver, Colorado. They have one
AUDUBON COUNTY, IOWA. 435
child, Richard Francis; Roy is at home; Elsie is the wife of Benjamin
Liberty, of Denver, Colorado, and they have one child; George lives at
home.
Mr. Northnp is identified with the Democratic party, but although he
supports the candidate for the Democratic party in national politics, he is
more or less independent in local affairs. Jasper Northup is a man who is
well known in Audubon county. He is a progressive, wide-awake, up-to-
date business man who believes in twentieth-century methods. He is genial
in his manner and is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances.
WILLIAM A. CLARK.
^^'hatever may be their circumstances or conditions in life, the widow
and children of a war veteran have a noble heritage which the wealth of a
king cannot buy. The man who has made the supreme sacrifice, willingness
to give his life for a great cause, and the woman who has shared the sorrow
and the suffering necessary to such a sacrifice, have experienced an exaltation
that only those capable of heroism can know or understand. He who has
fought a single battle when that battle has been in the cause of right, is
indeed, worthy of a crown of laurels. What, then, shall be the tribute worthy
of the man who has offered his life in sixteen battles? Great and sublime
must be the courage of the man who can say, not once, but many times. "If
my country needs my life, here it is.' The biographer regards it as an honor
to record even briefly the chief events in the life of such a man, for in doing
so, not only is that life commemorated but it is held up as an inspiration to
high and patriotic endeavor.
William A. Clark was born in New Jersey on January 20, 1842, the son
of John and Mary (Allen) Clark, who migrated to Illinois at an early date,
and later made their home in Poweshiek county, Iowa, where William A.
Clark was living when, in 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Tenth Regiment
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, at Victor, Iowa, for service in the Union army
during the Civil War, and for three years and three months this young
patriot saw service in the Army of the Cumberland. Many are the interest-
ing stories Mr. Clark used to relate concerning the sixteen battles in which
he took part, the most tragic of which was the battle of Vicksburg, where
he had a narrow escape from death.
For a while after the war, William A. Clark located in Poweshiek
436 AUDUBON COUNTY^ IOWA.
county, Iowa, and then went with his family to Kansas, where they liyed
three years. The journey was made in a wagon drawn by oxen, and it
required three weeks to coyer the distance. Part of the worldly wealth
which Mr. Clark transported West were several horses and six cows. Locat-
ing in Republic county, the family were carrying out plans for a permanent
home there when they were overtaken by a serious drought which drove them
back to the state they had previously left. After living near Avoca, Iowa,
for a pe 
