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• 1842
HISTORY
OF
BUCHANAN COUNTY,
IOWA.
WITH
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches.
WILLIAMS BROS.,
PUBLISHERS,
1881.
m
^m
FROM PRINTING HOUSE OF W. W^. WILLIAMS, CLEVELAND, OHIO.
-62-7
ii
Prefatory Note,
The following history is the result of the joint
labor of its two editors, for about ten months;
together with that of several assistants in certain
departments of the work. W'ith two exceptions,
the editors hold themselves responsible for every
thing herein contained, for which no other author-
ity is expressly given. The first exception is that
of Township Histories. All of these but two were
prepared by a gentleman of indefatigable industry
and undoubted truthfulness, who spent several
weeks in visitinj the different townships, and col-
lecting from all accessible sources, but mostly from
the lips of old settlers, the material for his sketches.
That these are as reliable as anything based upon
human memory can be, we have no doubt. The
gentleman referred to has had considerable literary
experience; but in these Township Histories he
has aimed rather at brevity and clearness of state-
ment, than at anything like literary ornamentation.
The other exception is that of the Township Bio-
graphical Sketches. These were prepared by the
subscription canvassers, and were of course written
under great inconveniences and difficulties. They
came into our hands for revision. A few redundan-
cies were pruned away; some grammatical erroi^s,
incident to hasty composition, were corrected ; and
that was all the revision which, under the circum-
stances, was found practicable. We trust, however,
that few, if an)-, important errors have gone into
print, and that those specially interested in these
sketches will find them, on the whole, satisfactory.
The sources from which our information has been
derived for the preparation of this work have been
perhaps sufficiently acknowledged in those portions j
of the worl: in which the various items of information I
are embodied. But we desire here to make more
especial acknowledgment to the publishers of the
Consei~i'ative and the Bulletin for their kindness
in granting us free access to the files of their papers ;
to the clerg\-men who so cheerfully furnished us
with historical sketches of their several churches;
to all the county officers, not only for the unob-
structed use of their records, but frequentl}- for
their valuable assistance in examining them ; to
Mr" Charles H. Little for the use of the entire file
of the Buchanan Guardian of which he is the
fortunate owner; and to the Hon. Stephen W. V.
Tabor for admission, at all times cordially granted,
to his magnificent private library. If through
inadvertence, we have failed to mention, either
here or in the body of the work, an>- kind helpers
to whom we are specially indebted, let them be as-
sured that the omission is not due to any lack of a
grateful appreciation of their kindness.
Of the fidelity (or the want of itj with which we
have performed our work, our readers must be the
judges. Of one thing only are we at all inclined
to boast: we think we may safely say that no
count}', whose history- has as yet been written, can
point to so full and complete a record of the doino-s
and sayings of its heroes in the war for the sup-
pression of the Rebellion, as that contained in the
present volume. That no other county could fur-
nish the materials for such a record, we would not
presume to sa\- ; but certainlj- we know of no
county among \\hose soldiers there were so man}-
Xenophons, equally capable of wielding the pen
and sword, as among the .soldiers of "Old Bu-
chanan."
C. S. Perciv.a.1., It-,.
\ Edi
Eliz.\beth Pekcival, j
iitors.
CONTENTS
HISTORICAL.
GENERAL HISTORY.
PAGE.
CHAPTER.
I. — The Aboriginal Iiidabitants .
PAGE.
12
XIX.— The Buchanan Press .
XX. — General Biography
218
219
II. — Physical Features .....
23
TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES.
III. — Historical Address ....
42
'. Independence ....
230
IV. — Settlement and Population
48
Washington
281
v.— Early Mails and Means of Communication .
50
Liberty .....
29s
VI.— Early Commerce .....
53
Perry ....
311
VII. — Hunting, Trapping and Fishing
56
^ Fairbank ....
332
VIII. — Erection and Organization of Buchanan county .
61
Hazleton ....
337
IX.— The County Seat War
63
Buffalo .....
352
X. — The Court and the Bar of Buchanan County
64
Madison ....
362
XI. — Interesting Cases ....
71
Byron .....
369
XIa. — County Societies .....
80
Fremont . .' . .
377
XII.— Railroads .....
93
Westburgh ....
384
XIII. — Provision for the Poor ....
98
Sumner ....
389
XIV.— The Hospital for the Insane .
59
Jefferson ....
404
XV. — Buchanan County in the War of the Rebellion
103
Homer ....
413
XVI.— Buchanan County Schools
210
Cono .....
423
XVII.— Civil List of Buchanan County .
213
/Newton ....
430
ILLUSTRATIONS,
Insane Asylum
Map of Buchanan County
Residence of Z. Stout .
Portrait of Thomas Scarcliff
" Moses Little
facinj
PAGE.
: Title page
facing 9
facing 230
facing 271
facing 314
Portrait of Charles Melrose
" Prettyman King
Portraits of John and .\nn McCny
Residence (with portraits) of John B. Potter
PAGE.
facing 320
facing 341
facing 432
facing 437
BIOGRAPHICAL,
Barnharl, .■\. J . .
Barton, William H.
Bemis, Hon. George W.
Blood, Asa, jr.
Boggs. Rev. John M.
Boon, J. R. .
Brown, Mrs. Mary E. .
Cates, Valentine
Chamberlain, W. H.
Clark, O. B.
Clark, S. S.
Cobb, E.
Coy. Captain J. F.
Curtis, Simon B.
Curtis, Thomas F.
Deering, David S.
Durham, Charles M.
Ensminger Brothers
Few, William
Forrester, James
Frank, A. H. .
Herrick, C. F.
Hitchcock, M. S.
Holloway, Hon. John C.
Jones, William A.
Jordan, Lieutenant George
Kandy, C. B. .
King, Prettyman
Little, Captain E. C.
PAGE.
279
223
224
220
219
278
268
272
270
276
275
271
256
219
275
267
267
271
272
273
279
272
266
269
225
226
280
34 1
226
Little, John A.
Little, Moses
Luckey, Samuel C.
Morse, W. H. H. .
McCoristin, P.
McCay. John
Melrose, Charles
Myers, .August
Naylor, Samuel .
Patrick, C. L.
Poor, James A.
Potter, John B.
Ross, Edward
Scarcliff, Thomas
Sherwood, Thomas
Sherwood, Samuel .
Stewart, W. H. & Co.
Stout, Z.
Tabor. S. J. W.
Trask, A. H.
Travis, Judson J.
Turner, Hon. Thomas E.
Wallace C. R. .
Walker, Daniel
Warren, G. K.
Wilcox, Phineas C.
Wiley, John
Wackerbarth, Jacob
Woodruff, Lieutenant E. A
274
3'4
273
276
279
. facing 432
facing 320
277
272
278
268
437
,266
280
277
270
275
following 272
223
278
269
219
274
277
276
222
274
280
228
INTRODUCTORY.
ALL history is local. Even the strictest biography
interests itself, more or less, in the birthplace and
early home of its subject, and in all the scenes of his
later achievements. Every man is closely identified with
his surroundings. He becomes a part of them, and
they of him ; and it would be as easy for him to exist
separate from space as for a historian to write a history of
his life entirely disconnected with that of the place in
which he lives.
As with the history of individuals and peoples, so with
that of all popular movements, whether in civil, relig-
ious, military or political affairs. The history of a gov-
ernnient or a war, of a reformation in religion or a
revolution in party politics, can not be written separate
from that of the territories in which they occur. All
events are local, and so must their history be. But the
most of the great histories of the world are local in
name, as well as in fact. The history of France, of
England, or of America, pertains, if we follow the literal
sense, even more to the territory than to the nation.
We may say that the chief interest attaches to the peo-
ple; but it is only as the soul is more interesting than
the body. If the two could be separated, the history of
both, together with all human interest in them, as constitu-
ting a living entirety, would come to an end. But though
all history, strictly speaking, is local, yet the name "local
history" is applied exclusively, we believe, to those his-
torical collections which have of late become so com-
mon, and which are limited to small territories — those of
towns corporate, townships, or separate counties.
Local histories, therefore, do not differ from others so
much in kind as in extent. The history of a county
contains, or should contain, all the elements which enter
into that of a State, or of a nation. Every history per-
taining to a limited territory, whether great or small,
should contain a description, more or less minute, of its
physical features and natural advantages; an account of
its aboriginal inhabitants, of its settlement and subjuga-
tion by the people who now occupy it, of its gradual
development of its resources, of the growth and
extent of its internal improvements, of its advance-
ment in art, science, literature, morality and religion ; in
short, of the progress which its people have made in all
that goes to make up that complex social condition to
which we give the name of Christian civilization. As
subsidiary to all this, it must contain an account of its
civil divisions, and biographical sketches of those who
have occupied, within its borders, prominent positions
in social, financial, civil or military affairs. And if it
isillustrated with portraits of its deserving citizens and.
views of its finest edifices and most picturesque scenery,
these illustrations will aid the descriptions of the histo-
rian in producing their most vivid impression upon the
mind of the reader.
The history of a State can contain little, if any thing,
more than the expansion of the elements thus briefly
sketched; and the history of a county should contain
nothing less. There are, however, certain characteristic
differences between county histories and those which
embrace more extensive territories; but they are such as
should commend the former to the especial regard of
the people at large. All these differences, which it is
worth while to mention here, may be comprised in this
one statement : County histories can descend to a mi-
nuteness in details which is quite impracticable in Nation-
al or State histories. And this fact, we repeat, should
give to the former an especial value in the estimation of
the people.
In such histories there is room for descriptions and
illustrations of much interesting scenery, which State or
National historians, on account of limited space, must
necessarily pass unnoticed; for narratives of pioneer life,
which are of great interest to the descendants and suc-
cessors of those to whom they relate, but which, were it not
for the pen of the local historian, must slumber in oblivion ;
for biograpical sketches of many who were true
heroes in their limited sphere, who nobly wrought for
the good of their neighborhood, their town, or their
county, but who, nevertheless, would have gone down to
the grave and been forgotten, but for the local history
which, in preserving the memory of their deeds, has per-
petuated the beneficent influence of their example.
Local history, therefore, is emphatically the people's his-
tory.
But, though it is thus seen to be the peculiar province
of local history to preserve, in comparatively small local-
ities, the memory of events which more pretentious his-
tories must necessarily leave unnoticed, it must not
thence be inferred that the former is essentially less dig-
nified and important than the latter. It is a very com-
mon, but, nevertheless, a very great mistake to suppose
that only the history of the so-called great is worthy to be
written. Even the authors of the great world histories
are compelled to recognize this fact by the necessity they
are under of giving immortality to many subordinate
characters, from the mere accident of their coming in
contact with the more prominent actors in the great
events which they narrate.
But the difference between the great and the small, the
important and the unimportant in human history, is, to a
INTRODUCTORY.
great extent, fectitious. No human life is devoid of in-
terest. An eloquent modern writer has truly said: "It
is interesting to reconstruct any genuine life drama, to
pluck from time and oblivion the most inconspicuous
story that has a human soul for its basis." Every human
life is important, either as an example or as a warning;
and, painted in such colors as the touch of genius could
throw around it, every human life would be found
replete with incidents of historic, and even of romantic
interest. The possibility of everi what the world calls
greatness, lies hidden in every soul whose strength is un-
fettered, and whose light is unobscured, by some of the
various forms or degrees of idiocy. The influence of
what we call accident (which is but one of the forms of
divine providence), not only in developing human char-
acter and fixing human destiny, but also in lifting obscure
names into the sudden light of historic prominence, is
too often lost sight of. Of the many thousands of men
in the United States, who are capable of filling respecta-
bly the office of President, it is not unusually the one
who has the most prestige before the people, and in
whose behalf the most earnest, persistent and direct ef-
forts are made, that succeeds in securing the nomination.
And the influences which combine at last to secure it for
the fortunate candidate, are, for the most part, at least,
such as cannot be controlled and concentrated by man-
agement and foresight. And the favorite Presidents
have been those who have sprung up from among the
people, whose early lives were spent in the obscurity of
rural homes, and who, in the self-training which fitted
them for their high position, have literally been led, "by
a way that they knew not."
But not only the means of preparing for a high posi-
tion and the opportunities of securing it come through
the intervention of what we call accident. Almost every
page of history reveals the fact that combinations of
circumstances, entirely fortuitous, as far as the actors in
them are concerned, have often brought into permanent
celebrity the names of those who never enjoyed either
the necessary training for an exalted station, or the
opportunities for obtaining it. Williams, Paulding, and
Van Wert, the captors of Andre, were common militia-
men, who would never have been heard of in our Revo-
lutionary annals, but for the accident which placed them
in the path of the returning spy, just as he was on the
point of making good his escape within the British lines.
But the constancy and fidelity which prompted them to
spurn the offered bribes of their captive, and thus made
their names immortal among those of their country's
saviors, would have given their souls the stamp of genu-
ine heroism, even had no opportunity been offered for
rendering themselves famous. In the humble sphere
which they were called to fill, those noble qualities would
have found ample scope for exercise ; and their example
would have been just as beneficial to those who witnessed
it as it is now to the multiplied number who read it.
And herein is seen one of the important offices of
local history — and that is, to perpetuate the examples of
worthy men and women, in the locality in which those
examples were set. It aids the children of worthy parents
in obeying that most touching of all the Commandments:
"Honor thy father and thy mother," and affords thejn
the finest opportunity of securing the promised reward —
the prolongation of their days in the land which God
has given them, by the perpetuation of their own names
along with the memory of their parents' examples.
These observations, of course, apply generally to all
times and eras in a county's history. There is no genera-
tion that does not produce some men in every county
whose character and position justly entitle them to his-
toric commemoration, and give both to contemporaries
and posterity the right to demand that such commemora-
tion shall be made. In every generation too, there will
be, in every county, many events in all the departments
of human activity and interest, well worthy to be placed
on record by the pen of the historian. Striking events
in social life will occur. Important political crises will
be passed through. The march of improvement will be
kept up. New commercial thoroughfares will be opened.
Financial enterprises "of great pith and moment" will
be undertaken and carried on to success, or end in fail-
ure. Schools, churches, and charitable institutions will
be established. The great battle between right and wrong
will be fought and won; or lost and renewed again. Im-
migration and emigration will continue, and populations
will change. And all this is the stuff' of which history is
made.
As often, therefore, as once in forty or fifty years at
the most, the history of every county should be thor-
oughly written. Copies of every such work should be
preserved in all the public libraries and offices of the
county, and in all private houses whose owners can by
any means afford the necessary expense. No sentiment
of mock modesty should prevent prominent and wealthy
citizens from furnishing, for the illustration of such
works, both portraits, views of residences, and materials
for biographical sketches. The most generous encour-
agement should be extended to those who undertake the
labor and incur the risk of such publications, provided
ample guaranty is given of ability and fidelity in the ex-
ecution of the work. Local histories, thus patronized
and executed, to whatever era they may refer in the his-
torical development of the locality described, must be
regarded as second in importance to none that can be
written.
But the observations made above, in regard to the im-
portance of local, or county histories, refer especially to
those which are written first, while some of the early set-
tlers or their immediate descendants survive — or, at
least, while all the facts worthy of record concerning the
first settlement of the locality, are easy to be obtained.
The people have an instinctive desire to know as much
as possible concerning those who first opened up the
region in which they dwell, to the occupancy of civilized
men. The pioneers in the settlement of any unculti-
vated region, woodland or prairie, are always men of
mark. None but brave, hardy and energetic men would
undertake such a work. And it is the record of deeds
which spring from these qualities, that constitutes the
romance of history. It is true that the pioneers may
INTRODUCTORY.
not have possessed these quahties in a higher degree, in-
herently, than their successors; but the circumstances
surrounding them — the very necessities of their position
— were calculated to develope these traits in an extra-
ordinary degree, and thus to produce a type of charac-
ter not to be looked for in later and more quiet times.
But even if pioneers were commonplace men, the ac-
cident which made them pioneers would give them a
prominence justly entitling them to historic mention —
just as "the first white male child" born in a county,
though he may never do any thing worthy of fame, never-
theless becomes famous by the mere accident of his
primogeniture.
In speaking of the importance of local histories, we
must not omit to mention the fact that they often afford
valuable material for those more extensive historical
works, which pertain to the State or the nation at large.
Characters with only a local reputation, entithng them to
biographical sketches in county histories, may afterwards
win a national fame; and the subsequent historian, called
to write of their life and times, may be able to find in
such histories alone the record of their early career.
Events also having at first only a local significance, and
recorded only in local histories, may subsequently, by
their connection with later events, become of national
importance. And yet, if they had not been rescued from
oblivion by the local historian, no authentic accounts of
them would ever have been transmitted to posterity.
We will add but one other consideration showing the
importance of county histories, and that is the very obvi-
ous one that such histories, if written even with a
moderate degree of fidelity and ability, will increase more
and more in value, the older they become. Of most
other histories this is true only to a very limited extent ;
and of very many others it is not true at all. The history
of Ancient Rome, or of any modern nation, written at
the present time, will be no more valuable on account
of its age forty or fifty years hence than it is now. Any
such book, when it becomes very old, or very scarce,
may increase in value as a curiosity; but the history
which it contains will probably be no more highly prized
a hundred years from now than it is at the present time.
But the history of a county, going back to its first set-
tlement and organization; containing the names and
personal history of its early settlers, and a record of the
most interesting events that marked the first half century,
or so, of its progress, will be much more highly prized
by succeeding generations than by that to which, in part
at least, it relates.
'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.
Events which occur at or near our own time, are
commonplace as history, with whatever eagerness they
may have been devoured as news; and it is not until
they have become surrounded by something of the halo
of antiquity that we begin to appreciate their full value.
The writer of this might not, perhaps have set a very
high value upon a history of his native county ("Old
Oneida,'' in Central New York) if written thirty-five
years ago, while he was still a resident within its borders;
but if such a work had been written then, on the plan
and in the manner already described, containing sketches
of the county pioneers (among whom were his own an-
cestors) and embellished with portraits of individuals and
views of scenery familiar to his boyhood, he would now
consider such a work, if still accessible, cheap at double
the price set upon the present volume. A natural desire,
therefore, to gratify, instruct and benefit posterity, as well
as that (already mentioned) to bestow honor upon ances-
try, should induce all the citizens of a county to encour-
age, by every means in their power, any timely and
trustworthy effort to perpetuate, in a suitable form, the
history of the locality in which they live.
It cannot be denied, however, that this species of writ-
ing is the subject of a very common popular prejudice.
This fact is due partly to the lack of a proper apprecia-
tion of the importance of such works, and the general
repugnance toward all enterprises which are thought to
place the people under contribution — and partly, ic must
be confessed, to the well-nigh worthless character of
many of the works put forth under the name of "County
Histories." It is probably too much to expect that either
of these causes of the existing prejudice of which we are
speaking, will very soon disappear. But an intelligent
examination of the subject, in the light of the considera-
tions therein set forth, could hardly fail to prove an anti-
dote to the first ; and the second could not long survive
if every citizen would thoroughly scan both the creden-
tials and the antecedents of any parties proposing to is-
sue a county history, before giving them his sanction.
These remarks, by way of introduction, have seemed
to us important, in order to remove from the minds of
our readers at the outset, if possible, any indifference or
prejudice with which they may have been preoccupied,
in regard to the dignity and importance of a local his-
tory. Whether or not the present volume has to any ex-
tent realized the picture which we have drawn of such a
history, we shall leave them to determine.
HISTORY
OF
Buchanan County, Iowa.
CHAPTER I.
THE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS.
The question, '"What race of men first occupied the
territory now embraced within the Hmits of Buchanan
county?" is one that can be answered only by conjecture.
The immediate predecessors of the present white inhabit-
ants were the modern Indians or red men. The predeces-
sors of the latter, here as in the whole Mississippi valley,
if not throughout the entire central portion of North
America, from ocean to ocean, are now supposed, by
nearly all archaeologists, to have been a separate race of
men; to whom has been given, on account of the
works which have survived them, the name of "Mound
Builders." But whether they were really a different race
from the Indians; or, if they were, whether they were
actually the first human beings that ever occupied the soil
of our country, can never be certainly known. After
having read all the leading arguments in favor of the
commonly received hypothesis, we frankly confess that
we have never been fully convinced that the Mound
Builders were a different race from the modern Indians.
It is true that warlike instruments and domestic uten-
sils that are not now in use by the Indians, are found in
the mounds. But many of the implements found (no-
tably the spear and arrow heads, stone axes, hammers,
etc.), are the same as those used by the present race of
Indians for a hundred years, or more, after the continent
was discovered by Europeans ; and perhaps, by certain
tribes, even at the present time. And circumstances of
which we can know nothing may have caused the race
to give up the use of certain implements — just as many
articles of household furniture in common use among
the whites of this country a hundred years ago, now exist
only as curiosities.
It has always seemed to us that too great stress has
been laid upon alleged anatomical differences — in the
matter of stature, cranial peculiarities, etc — between the
Mound Builders and the Indians. It is known that the
modern tribes have often used the ancient mounds as
places of sepulture ; and hence it has often happened ■
that exhumed skeletons which some experts have pro-
nounced to be those of Mound Builders, have by others,
equally skilful, been declared to be those of modern
Indians. This, of course, proves conclusively that there
are no anatomical differences between the two alleged
races, which can serve as infallible tests of race identity.
But even if these differences were so radical and com-
prehensive that no expel t could ever be deceived in de-
ciding to which people any given skeleton belonged, that
would be no absolute proof that the modern Indians are
not the lineal descendants of the Mound Builders; since
all such differences may have been produced by natural
causes — such as changes in personal habits and modes
of life — operating through long periods of time.
Again, the fact that the present race of Indians have
never been known to construct mounds, since the dis-
covery of the continent by the whites; and that they
have no knowledge, nor even any national tradition as to
the origin of such structures, is regarded as a proof that
the Indians and the Mound Builders are different races.
But whoever constructed these works, ceased to construct
them when there was no longer any occasion for their
CQUstruction — just as log-cabins and "dug-outs" cease
to be built by pioneers, as soon as the pioneer days are
over. And it is entirely certain that the Indians would
have been quite as likely to know something about the
origin of the mounds, if their ancestors had driven out
or exterminated the Builders, as they would if the mounds
had been built by those ancestors themselves. But
where no written records are made, and no poetic narra-
tives are transmitted from sire to son, the memory of
events soon dies out. Thus we read that "the tribes of
the lake region so soon forgot thevisit of the Jesuit Fathers,
that their descendants, a few generations later, had no
tradition of the event." And a similar fact has been put
on record concerning the Indians of the Mississippi
valley, who soon lost all recollection of De Soto's expe-
dition, which, as Dr. Foster remarks " must have im-
pressed their ancestors with dread, at the sight of horses
ridden by men, and at the sound of fire-arms, which they
must have likened to thunder."
It is also stated by Sir John Lubbock that "the New
Zealanders, at the time of Captain Cook's landing upon
their island, had forgotten altogether Tasman's visit,
made less than one hundred and thirty years before.'
Whoever the Mound Builders were, therefore, it is not
to be wondered at that the present Indians have no
knowledge and no coherent traditions concerning them.
For these reasons the argument in favor of the theory
that the Mound Builders were of a different race from
the Indians has never seemed to us conclusive.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
«3
But there are positive objections, which shift the bur-
den of proof, and put that theory upon the defensive.
The weightiest of these objections clusters about the
question, "What became of the Mound Builders?" This
is a fair question, and one to which the theory is bound
to give a reasonable answer. But we confess we do not
see where any such answer can be found. Did they re-
tire of their own accord, and leave their beautiful and
fertile country (the fairest and richest country that the
sun ever shone upon) to be taken possession of peace-
ably by another race of men? Such a migration from
such a region would find no parallel in history; and we
cannot conceive of its taking place in prehistoric times.
Were they driven out by the ancestors of the present In-
dians? All the relics of the Mound Builders go to show
that they were much more civilized and powerful than
the red men who now occupy their places. And, unless
the latter are themselves the Mound Builders, degener-
ated during the lapse of ages, there is no reason to sup-
pose that they were ever any more powerful than they
are to-day. It is, therefore, contrary to all that we know
of the results of the collisions between opposing races
to suppose that the Mound Builders were conquered and
driven out of their territory by the Indians. But if, con-
trary to all that history teaches in regard to ethnic move-
ments, they were expelled by the Indians, or emigrated
of their own accord, the question still remains; Where
did they go? They have left no traces of their peculiar
civilization in any other region; nor has there ever dwelt
upon this continent any other known people to whom
they bore a closer resemblance than to the present race
of Indians. We are aware that an effort has been made
(notably by Mr. John T. Short, of Columbus, Ohio, in
his ingenious and very readable work, published during
the present year, 1880, on "The North Americans of
Antiquity") to show that the Aztecs of Mexico were the
descendants of our Mound Builders. But this hypothe-
sis presupposes that a conquered people, retiring to a re-
gion and climate less adapted (as all history shows) than
the one they left to the elevation and improvement of
the human race, nevertheless made a rapid advance in
civilization; building immense cities and establishing a
well-ordered government; while their conquerors, occu-
pying the more favorable territory upon which they had
seized, continued for untold centuries a nomadic and
barbarous race, without manifesting any desire or dispo-
sition to improve their condition. Of course this is pos-
sible; but it requires some degree of boldness to pro-
nounce it probable.
And beside all this, it is not consonant with the teach-
ings of history to suppose that a great and powerful race,
such as the Mound Builders are represented to have
been, either migrated en masse, or were expelled by a for-
' eign foe. Small tribes migrate, and great nations or
races colonize foreign territory; but the latter, even when
conquered in war, are never expelled or exterminated.
On the contrary, if the conquerors settle in the lands
they have subdued, both races ordinarily dwell together,
coalesce, and eventually form a new race. Thus, when
the barbarians of the north, the Goths and Vandals, over-
ran southern Europe, the nations which they conquered,
were not driven out, but became virtually the masters of
their conquerors; since the latter were forced to adopt
the civilization and the religion of the former, and so lost
not only their national characteristics, but also, in the
end, their identity. This must be the normal result when
the conquering race, though superior in physical vigor
and prowess, is inferior to the conquered in mental and
moral developinent. It is only when a powerful race,
highly developed morally and intellectually, takes pos-
session of a region occupied by rude savages, that its
former occupants disappear before the invaders, either by
emigration or extinction. And as this is not the kind of
collision that is supposed to have taken place between
the Indians and the Mound Builders, it is highly im-
probable that the latter disappeared at the approach of
the former. It therefore seems much more difficult to
guess what became of the Mound Builders, than to ac-
count for the differences between them and the Indians,
supposing the latter to be th? lineal descendants of the
former; since abundant examples might be cited of ex-
isting nations that differ as much, both in national cus-
toms and physical characteristics, from the races or tribes
from which they are known to have descended within
historic times, as the Indians differ from the Mound
Builders.
But there is another question to which, as it seems to
us, the advocates of the commonly received theory are
in duty bound to give a plausible answer, and which
nevertheless, we think will be found quite as difficult to
answer as the one just considered; and that is, "Where
did the Indians come from?" When it isborne in mind
that the Mound Builders are supposed to have occupied
nearly, if not quite, all the territory now embraced within
the limits of the United States, with the exception of the
Pacific slope, it will be found difficult to imagine in what
other part of the continent a people could have been
found sufticiently numerous and sufficiently vigorous not
only to defeat in war but actually to expel from this mag-
nificent domain such a race as the Mound Builders are
represented to have been. If we can imagine the pres-
ent race of Mexicans invading the same territory now,
and driving its inhabitants before them beyond the lakes
into British America, it will perhaps seem probable that
a race existed in the last named region (for, if not there,
surely nowhere) capable of driving the Mound Builders
out of their lands, across the Rio Grande and beyond the
Mexican Gulf
We have no theory of our own in regard to the early
inhabitants of this country ; but we deem it much more
reasonable to suppose that the Indians are the hneal de-
scendants of the Mound Builders, with national customs
and physical peculiarities changed through the lapse of
ages, by the operation of causes which we can never ex-
plain — but among which fractional or sectional wars may
have played a conspicuous part — than to suppose that
such a race as the Mound Builders must have been, were
driven out of such a country as they occupied, by any
people then living north of the Gulf of Mexico. Theo-
ries, against which insuperable objections can be urged.
14
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
are not of much importance, whether in archeology or
any other science ; but so long as such theories are ad-
vanced, and books are written in their support, the ob-
jections can never be out of order. This, we trust, will
be a sufficient justification for the space we have given to
the theory under discussion.
But whoever the Mound Builders may have been, and
in whatever age of the world they may have lived, they
were, so far as we have any means of knowing, the first
occupants of the territory now embraced in Buchanan
county. We might properly say this, even though no
trace of their works had been found here. Their an-
cient works are scattered so generally throughout the
Mississippi valley that there can be no reasonable doubt
that the people who built them once occupied the entire
country drained by the Father of Waters. But we are
not left to a mere inference, even though it be a necessary
one, to establish the fact that we here tread the soil of
the Mound Builders. A good many mounds have
been found in the county, which those well qualified to
judge of such matters do not hesitate to pronounce the
work of that ancient people. A circular mound, several
feet high, was leveled in preparing the foundation for
the county jail, in Independence. No relics, however,
worthy of note were found in it. Two circular mounds,
connected together by a straight embankment, were
found on the farm now owned by Mr. James Forester,
near Independence. Standing in a cultivated field, they
are nearly, if not quite, obliterated by constant plough-
ing. Several earthworks, mostly of a circular form, have
been discovered along the banks of the Wapsipinicon;
but none have been found of sufficient interest to attract
the notice of archaeologists. Some of the older inhabi-
tants have even doubted that these works were really
artificial. Not having seen them ourselves, and being
unskilled in the science of archaeology, we express no
opinion of our own, but give the facts as they have been
communicated to us by those whom we regard as com-
petent judges. As already stated, however, the question
whether the soil of Buchanan county was once occupied
by the Mound Builders, does not depend for its solution
upon the e.xistence here of unmistakable works of that
ancient race; since the contiguity of such works along
the Mississippi and elsewhere, and their general distribu-
tion throughout the western and northwestern States,
must be regarded as settling that question in the affirma-
tive.
THE INDIANS.
These, either as lineal descendants or as conquerors,
or as mere chance successors to lands left vacant, came
into the place of the Mound Builders. When this hap-
pened is as great a mystery as how it happened. It
must have been, at the very least, several hundred years
before the discovery of America by Columbus. At the
time of the discovery, and we know not how many ages
before, these people were divided into almost numberless
tribes, frequently hostile and always migratory. The
ownership of definite territories by the different tribes
was a thing unknown. The temporary occupancy of
grounds favorable for hunting, or for the cultivation of
maize, was often decided by bloody battles; but the per-
manent possession of lands, with metes and boundaries,
is an idea which none of these tribes have ever put into
practice, except at the dictation of their civilized con-
querors. The United States government, acknowledg-
ing theoretically the right of the Indians to the soil, has
at various times made treaties with them, whereby they
have ceded certain lands to the Government, and accept-
ed others as "reservations," to which they have agreed
to confine themselves, and the peaceable possession of
which the Government has guaranteed to them. Thus
an ownership, more or less permanent, has been estab-
lished, and the districts thus reserved have been regard-
ed as the special habitat of the tribes to whom they were
assigned.
But as Buchanan county was never embraced within
the limits of any such reservation, it cannot properly be
said ever to have been the special home of any particu-
lar tribe. Its abundant timber and fine watercourses,
however, have always furnished such excellent facilities
for hunting and fishing that the most of the tribes dwell-
ing in this vicinity must often have made it a place of
temporary sojourn.
As appropriate to this chapter, therefore, we will give
here brief sketches of a few of those tribes which, from
the known history of their wanderings, were most un-
doubtedly, at some time or other, denizens of this
county. And, on account of their historical prominence
in giving a name both to the State and its principal river,
(although they figured much less prominently in the his-
tory of this region than several other tribes) we will be-
gin with
THE io\v.\s.
This tribe is said to belong to the Dakota family, the
principal representatives of which have had their meeting-
grounds west of the Missouri. Unlike many of the other
tribes, therefore, that have inhabited this region, their
migrations were from the west instead of the east. They
originally called themselves Pahucha, which signifies
"Dusty Nose" — though from what peculiarity they were
thus called, we are not informed. They were first men-
tioned by Father Marquette, who, as early as 1673,
speaks of them "as the Pahoutet, back of the Des
Moines." Some of the tribes called them Mascoutin
which name is said to signify "Prairie," and which is
perhaps perpetuated in the name of the county and city
of Muscatine. They were divided into eight clans,
all named from different animals, of which the eagle,
wolf, bear, and buffalo still exist — the other four, which were
named the pigeon, elk, beaver, and snake, having become
extinct.
In 1675 their country was said to be twelve days'
journey west of Green Bay. In 1700 they were in what
is now Southern Minnesota, and, like the Sioux, were at
war with all the western Algonquin tribes. The cele-
brated Jesuif historian, Charlevoir, gives an account of
them at about this period of their history. He says that
the great pipestone quarry was then embraced in their
territory, and speaks of their celebrity throughout the
west as pedestrians, alleging that they were "able to
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
IS
travel twenty-five or thirty leagues a day when alone."
It is said that many of their early chiefs had names in-
dicative of their remarkable endurance in walking, and of
the pride which they took in their acknowledged supe-
liority in this respect. And one of their later chiefs, who
flourished as recently as 1825, was named Manehans, or
Great Walker. The name of their greatest warrior and
chief, Mahaska, or White Cloud, who flourished about
the same time, has been perpetuated in the name of the
county of which Oskaloosa is the county seat.
In early times the lowas were powerful and warlike,
and often came into collision with those greatest of Indian
warriors, the .Siou.N. At the beginning of this century
they numbered about fifteen hundred souls; but, what
with wars, smallpox and "fire water,'' their numbers have
been gradually reduced until 1872, when the last pub-
lished enumeration took place, the tribe consisted of only
two hundred and twenty-five. In 1803 they defeated the
Osages, at that time a powerful tribe, and this seems to
have been about the last of their military successes;
although their hostility to the Sioux continued as late as
1825, when Generals Clark and Cass made an attempt,
only partially successful, to establish peace between the
two tribes.
Few of the northern Indians have shown greater
aptitude for civilization than the lowas, although the evil
influences surrounding them have prevented this dis-
position from bearing very abundant fruits. The first
treaty of peace between them and the United States was
made in the year 18 15 — Wyingwatha, or Hardheart, and
some of the subordinate chiefs acting on the part of the
Indians. August 4, 1824, another treaty was formed;
General Clark acting for the United States, and the great
chief, Mahaskah, or White Cloud, and Manehana, or
Great \\'alker, representing the tribe. By this treaty all
the lands of the lowas in what was then known as the
Missouri territory, were ceded to the government for five
hundred dollars down, and the same sum to be paid an-
nually for ten years — the United States agreeing to
support a blacksmith at the headquarters of the tribe, and,
to assist them with agricultural implements, horses, cattle,
etc. They had at this time several villages on the Des
Moines and Iowa rivers — a part of the Sacs and Foxes be-
ing associated with them. As usual the intrusion of the
whites upon their lands led to trouble and complaints ;
and the influence of liquors, following that of war and
disease, was fast reducing the numbers of this once
powerful tribe.
By a treaty formed September 17, 1836, the remnant
of the tribe, then numbering nine hundred and ninety-two,
was removed to a reservation located on the west bank
of the Missouri, above Wolf river. But a part of them
bec'ame discontented, and, the very next year, abandoned
the reservation and took up the life of vagrants, subsist-
ing by theft, or hunting upon the grounds of other
tribes. Their numbers dwindled year by year, the chiefs
taking the lead in intemperance, from the effects of which
vice many died, and many others were killed in the fatal
quarrels to which it led. About the year 1835 'he Pres-
byterians established a mission and manual labor school
among these people, and kept it up with commendable
zeal for more than twenty years. Though much good
was accomplished, the effort failed to arrest the steady
decay of the tribe. By 1S46 they had become reduced
in numbers to seven hundred and six. At this time
their territory was bounded on the east by the Missouri,
and on the noith by the Great Nemahaw.
On March 6, 1861, a treaty was made by which the
tribe, then reduced to three hundred and five in number,
ceded to the United States all their lands, except a res-
ervation of sixteen thousand acres. In 1869 they
informally agreed to sell this and remove south ; but
afterwards retracted their agreement, but consented to
give part of their lands to the Sacs and Foxes, who had
parted with their reservation.
About the time the Presbyterian mission was aban-
doned, the tribe was placed under the care of the Qua-
kers, under whose influerice they have made considerable
advance in civilization, and have shown an increasing
disposition to become more sober and industrious. In
1872 their school numbered sixty-three pupils — more
than one-fourth of the entire tribe — and all clad in the
garb of civilized life. They had seven hundred acres of
land under cultivation, thirteen framed houses, and
twenty built of logs. Their produce was estimated at
two thousand six hundred and eighty-five dollars, and
their stock at seven thousand nine hundred dollars. The
Government of the United States holds fifty-seven thou-
sand five hundred dollars in trust for the lowas, the
interest upon which is paid annually to the heads of
families; and the almost useless ''Indian goods" formerly
furnished, are now replaced by articles af intrinsic value.
It is a remarkable fact, and one well worthy of record,
that in 1864, when they numbered in all only two hun-
dred and ninety-three, the lowas had forty-one men in
the United States military service — almost one-fourth of
their entire population! What white community at the
north could show any such ratio of soldiers as that? It
is said that these forty-one men were much improved by
our military discipline, and that they all adopted civilized
dress and customs. We greatly regret our inability to
give any personal incidents in the military record of
these men, or to trace their history since the war. It is
devoutly to be hoped that some of them, at least, re-
ceived the appropriate reward of citizenship in the nation
which they helped to defend.
A grammar of the Iowa language, composed by the
Rev. S. M. Irvin and Mr. William Hamilton, was pub-
lished at the Iowa mission in 1848.
THE WINNEBAGOES.
This tribe, like the lowas, belong to the Dakota fam-
ily, and, like them, migrated eastward from beyond the
Missouri, meeting the Algonquins in the region of the
lakes. The name which they have always borne in
history was given them by the last named Indians, and
signifies men from the fetid or salt water, whence the
name Puants, given to them by the French. They were
styled by the Sioux, Hotanke or Sturgeon. The Hurons
and Iroquois called them .\wentsiwaen, but they called
i6
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
themselves Hochungara. Of these last two appellations
we have never heard any signification given. In the
earliest historic times they were numerous and powerful,
and usually defeated the Algonquin tribes, with whom
they came into frequent collision.
Soon after the commencement of the French traffic
with the west, in the early part of the seventeenth cen-
tury, an alliance of the Algonquins and other tribes was
made, and the Winnebagoes were attacked by an over-
whelming force. They were besieged in a single town,
where they were greatly reduced by want and disease,
and, besides the women and children that died, over five
hundred warriors perished. Compelled to surrender,
and greatly reduced in numbers, they nevertheless con-
tinued haughty and turbulent. They recovered a part
of their prestige by making an alliance with the French,
fighting in their wars, and receiving protection in return.
During the Revolution the Winnebagoes were the
allies of the EngHsh. They were active in the Miami
war, taking part in the attack on Fort Recovery, in 1793.
After being defeated by the great Indian fighter, "Mad
Anthony Wayne," they made peace with the United
States. They, however, adhered to Tecumseh, the
Shawnee warrior, and sided with the English during the
war of 181 2, aiding in the reduction of Prairie du Chien,
in 1 814. Their number was then estimated at four
thousand five hundred. In 1820 they had five villages
on Winnebago lake, and fourteen on Rock river. After
the close of the last war with England, they made a
treaty of peace and amity with the United States, June
3, 1816; but, notwithstanding, they levied tribute on all
whites passing up Fox river, which, for some time, was
included in their territory. Treaties made in 1826 and
1827 fixed their boundaries, from which the whites were
by law excluded. But a portion of their lands were rich
in minerals, and this fact led to intrusions, and these to
murders, for which Red Bird and other members of the
tribe were arrested, tried and convicted. This led to ill-
feeling, and when a portion of the Sacs, under Black
Hawk, began the war for the recovery of their ceded
lands, on Rock river, in 1832, the Winnebagoes, or at
least a part of them, took the side of the hostile Sacs.
This led to an importunate demand for their removal.
In 1829 they had ceded to the United States their
land from the Wisconsin to the Rock river, for thirty
thousand dollars in goods, and an annuity of eighteen
thousand for thirty years. Finally, by the treaty of Fort
Armstrong, made in September, 1832, they gave up all
their lands lying south of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers,
amounting to two and a half millions of acres — the
United States agreeing to give them a reservation on the
west side of the Mississippi, in that part of the Wiscon-
sin territory which now forms the State of Iowa; and
also to pay them an annuity of ten thousand dollars for
twenty-seven years, and maintain schools among them,
free of expense. Here they became unsettled and ex-
travagant, and contracted a debt (though for what pur-
pose and to what party we are not informed) of a
hundred and fifty thousand dollars — for the payment of
which they were ready to cede more land to the Govern-
ment. It can well be imagined that their frequent re-
movals had had no tendency to check the nomadic dis-
position which they inherited from a remote ancestry.
They became restless and roving, and separated into
j small bands. In 1842 there were seven hundred and
fifty-six on the Turkey river, their new home in Iowa,
with as many more in Wisconsin, and smaller bands
elsewhere. All had become lawless and wandering.
By the treaty of Washington in 1846, they surrendered
their former reservation for eight hundred thousand acres
north of the St. Peters, and a hundred and ninety-five
thousand dollars. The site to which they were removed,
it is said, was not that which was promised them; and
it proved to be very unhealthy. They lost many by
disease and want, but were kept there by force. At
length, in 1853, they were again removed to Crow river.
Here schools were revived, attempts were renewed for
their improvement, but by the treaty of February, 27,
1856, they were once more removed to Blue Earth,
Minnesota. The climate here proving healthy and the soil
fertile, they began to habituate themselves to agriculture,
building houses, and sending their children to school.
To foster this disposition the Government formed a new
treaty with them in 1859, by which land was to be
allotted to them in severalty — eighty acres to a family
and forty to a single man. Several had taken up lots in
accordance with this plan, when most unfortunately the
Sioux war broke out, and the panic-stricken people of
Minnesota demanded that the poor Winnebagoes should
again be removed.. Though some of the tribe may, per-
haps, have sympathized with the Sioux, or even have
joined in the revolt, yet there can be no doubt that the
great majority were entirely loyal to the Government.
Yet such was the prejudice against them, and so pressing
was the demand for their removal, that the Government
at last felt constrained to yield. They were disarmed in
April, 1863, and removed to Crow creek, in the Dakota
territory, near the Missouri river, above Fort Randall.
The change proved to be very disastrous. The locality
was unsuited to their semi-civilized habits. It was im-
possible for them to make a comfortable subsistence, and
they were constantly exposed to the incursions of wild
and hostile neighbors. An attempt was made to keep
them here by force; but rendered desperate by famine
and disease — more than one third of the nineteen hun-
dred and eighty-five who came from Minnesota having
died — they left in a body and made their way to the res-
ervation of the Omahas, a friendly tribe, half civilized
like themselves, who gave them temporary shelter.
In May, 1866, they were again removed to lands as-
signed to them at Winnebago, Nebraska, where the sur-
roundings were favorable to their improvement, but
where every thing had to be commenced anew. In 1869
they were assigned, as were the lowas mentioned above,
to the care of the Quakers. The next year the agent,
finding it impossible to carry out his plans under the old
chiefs, forcibly set them aside and appointed twelve new
ones of his own selection — making the office thereafter
elective by the tribe. Lands were again allotted in sev-
eralty to such as wished to take up farms; and, in 1874,
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
17
they numbered in Nebraska fourteen hundred and forty-
five cultivating their farms, living in cottages, dressing
like the whites, and sending their children to the schools
— of which there were three, very well sustained.
AVhen the tribe removed from Minnesota, a hundred
and sixty of their number, chiefly half breeds, who had
taken up lands, were allowed to remain. These received,
as their share of the tribal funds, eight hundred dollars
each. But many of them spent this, lost their land, and
jomed the tribe in Nebraska. Besides these, portions of
the tribe had been left in different parts of Juneau,
Adams, and Wood counties, Wisconsin, who had become
self-supporting and remained unmolested. They num-
bered nearly one thousand; and, in the winter of 1873--4,
the most of them were removed to Nebraska, where a
smaller tract, near the Winnebago reservation, had been
purchased for them.
In the present condition of tliis tribe, as of the others
that have allowed the advancing tide of white emigration
and civilization to flow around them, after having for
some time receded before it, we may read the final des-
tiny of the Indians on this continent. The remnants of
the race are doubtless to become civilized; and then to
be gradually absorbed as one of the component parts of
the new race that will one day dominate the western
world.
THE POTTAWATOMIES.
This tribe, unlike the Winnebagoes, belong to the Al-
gonquin, or eastern family of Indians. Though warlike,
they are said to have had, at the advent of the whiles, a
less stable form of government and a ruder dialect, than
the rest of their race. At the beginning of the seven-
teenth century they occupied the lower peninsula of
Michigan, in scattered and roving bands, apparently in-
dependent of each other — there being at no period of
their history any trace of a general authority or govern-
ment. They lived, like the other tribes, mainly by hunt-
ing and fishing, and the occasional cultivation of maize.
Notwithstanding their scattered condition and nomadic
habits, whenever a common danger threatened them the
more influential leaders of the independent bands
seemed to find little difficulty in uniting them for the
common defence. They thus maintained their position
for a long time, often coming out victorious in their war-
like collisions with neighboring tribes. At last, however,
they were driven west by the united tribes of the Iro-
quois family, and settled on the islands and shores of
Green Bay. Here they were favored by the Jesuit
Fathers, who established a mission among them. Perrot
acquired great influence over them, by which they were in-
duced to take part with the French against the Iroquois.
Onanguice, their most prominent chief, was one of the
parties to the treaty made at Montreal, in 1701 ; and the
bands united under him, actively aiding the French in
their subsequent wars. Tlieir connection with the
French greatly increased their power, and they gradually
spread over what is now southern Michigan and north-
ern Illinois and Indiana — a mission on the St. Joseph
river being a sort of a central point.
The Pottawatomies joined Puntiac, the Ottawa chief.
in his great conspiracy against the English, in 1763.
They were prominent in the surprise of Fort St. Joseph,
on the twenty-fifth of May in that year, when the garri-
son was routed and the commandant, Schlosser, was cap-
tured. During the Revolution, and the Indian wars that
followed, they were hostile to the Americans; but, after
Wayne's victory, they joined in the treaty of Greenville,
December 22, 1795. The tribe was at this time com-
posed of three bands, each under its own chief, but all
united in a strong confederacy. These were called the
St. Joseph, the Wabash, and the Huron river bands.
There was, besides, a large scattering population, gener-
ally called the Pottawatomies of the prairie, who were a
mi.xture of many Algonquin tribes. From 1803 to 1S09,
the various bands sold to the Government a portion of the
lands claimed by them, receiving an equivalent in cash
and the promise of annuities. Yet, in the War of 181 2
they again joined the English, influenced by the Shaw-
nee ^arrior, Tecumseh. A new treaty of peace was
made in 18 15, followed by others in rapid succession, by
which nearly all their lands were at length ceded to the
Government. A large reservation was assigned to them
on the Missouri; and, in 1838, the St. Joseph's band was
removed by a military force, on the way losing a hun-
dred and fifty persons out of eight hundred, by death
and desertion. The whole tribe then numbered about
four thousand. The St. Joseph, Wabash, and Huron
bands had made considerable progress in civilization,
and adhered to the Catholic church, having been con-
verted by the Jesuit missionaries; but the Pottawato-
mies of the prairie were, for the most part, pagan and
roving. A part of the tribe was removed with some
Chippewas and Ottawas, but they subsequently joined
the rest of their tribe, or disappeared.
In Kansas the civilized band with the Jesuit mission
founded by DeSmet and Hoecken, made rapid improve-
ment, good schools having been established for both
sexes. The Baptists more than once undertook to estab-
lish a mission and a school among the less tractable
Prairie band; but meeting with little success, it was
finally abandoned. The political disturbances in Kansas
brought trouble to the Indians, as well as to the whites,
and made the Prairie band more restless and the civil-
ized portion of the tribe more anxious for a quiet and
settled abode. A treaty, proclaimed April 19, 1862,
gave to individual Indians a title to their several tracts of
land, under certain conditions; and, although the execu-
tion of this treaty was delayed by the progress of the
civil war, yet the policy was subsequently carried out in
the treaty of February 27, 1867. Of a population then
numbermg twenty-one hundred and eighty, nearly two-
thirds elected to become citizens and take lands in sev-
eralty. Some of the Prairie band were absent, and not
included in this arrangement. The experiment met
with varied success. Some did well and improved;
others squandered their lands and their portion of the
funds, and became paupers. Many of these scattered
in small bands, one company even going to Mexico. In
1874, the largest tompany of the Prairie band, number-
ing four hundred and sixty seven, occupied a reservation
i8
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
of seventeen thousand three hundred and fifty-seven
acres, in Jackson county, Kansas, held in common.
They, like the other tribes above-mentioned, were under
the control of the Quakers, who had established schools
among them, and reported considerable advancement.
There were, at that timid, sixty Pottawatomies of the
Huron in Michigan on a small tract of a hundred and
sixty acres, with a school and log houses ; a hundred and
eighty-one 9f the same tribe in Wisconsin, and eighty in
Mexico and the Indian Territory.
The history of this tribe affords much encouragement
to those who are looking and hoping for the civilization
of the remnants of the Indians in this country. So long
as any do well, there is ground for hope. That some
should turn out badly is no more than might reasonably
be expected. Let the Government persist in this plan
of conferring lands in severalty upon those who are will-
ing to become citizens ; but it might be well for the
Government to make these lands inalienable, except to
Indians, and to retain a reversionary right to them in
case they should be abandoned or sold to whites. This
would thwart the cupidity of white settlers, and tend to
the permanence of Indian occupation.
Although there is no mention in any of the accounts
we have seen, of the occupation of Iowa soil by any of
the Pottawatomie bands, yet the fact that the writer of
this once knew of a company of this tribe who made oc-
casional visits to the Iowa river, near Marshalltown — and
the further fact, stated above, in regard to their extensive
wanderings and their known occupation of lands in Wis-
consin on the north and Kansas on the south — these
facts, we say, fully justify us in reckoning the Pottawato-
mies among the tribes that doubtless, in historic or pre-
historic times, made occasional hunting grounds of the
woods and prairies now embraced in Buchanan county.
THE .SIOUX.
There is no western tribe of Indians, except possibly
the Shawnees, that have figured so largely in history as
the Sioux, and none whose history is more replete with
tragic and romantic incidents. They belong to the great
Dakota family, and so prominently do they represent that
family that they are sometimes called the Dakotas.
When first known by the whites they had their hunt-
ing grounds about the headwaters of the Mississippi. It
was in 1640 that the French were first informed of them
by the Algonquins, who called them Nadowessioux,
whence the name Sioux, given them by the French. The
meaning of the Algonquin name we have never heard.
About the year 1660 they became involved in war with
the Chippewas and Hurons, which continued, with only
occasional and comparatively brief interruptions, into the
present century. In 16S0 a French officer, Jean du
Luth, (from whom is named the Minnesota town Duluth)
set up the French standard at Izatys, near the St. Peter's
river; and the next year he rescued Father Hennepin,
the celebrated missionary and explorer, whom they had
captured during his explorations of the upper Missis-
sippi. Nicholas Perrot, in the name of France, took
formal possession of their domain in 1689, erecting a
fortification near Lake Pepin. About the same time Le
Sueur visited this tribe, which he describes as being com-
posed of fifteen sub-tribes, seven eastern and nine west-
ern. They joined the Foxes against the French; and,
in war with the Chippewas, many were forced down the
Mississippi and, driving other Indians from the buffalo
plains in Iowa, took possession of them. Several bands
wandered into the plains of the Missouri, and some re-
mained at or near the St. Peter's. The English emissa-
ries secured the services of the Sioux in the War of 181 2;
but most of the bands soon made peace. The treaties
then made were renewed in 1825 by the Tetons, V'ank-
tons, Yanktonais, Sioune, Ogallalas, and Oncpapas. At
this time the entire nation was estimated at twelve thou-
sand seven hundred and fifty, of whom five thousand
were located near the St. Peter's, and seven thousand
seven hundred and fifty near the Missouri. They were
divided into the following bands: the Aldewakantonwans,
or Spirit Lake village; the Wahpetonwans, or village in
the Leaves; the Sisitowans, or village of the Marsh, also
called Isantis; the Yanktonwans, or End villages; and
the Tetonwans, or Prairie village, which includes the
Ogallala and Oncpapa bands. Their territory extended
from the Mississippi on the east to the Black Hills on
the west ; and from Devil's lake on the north to the
mouth of the Big Sioux on the south. These confeder-
ated tribes ceded to the United States, September 29,
1837, all their lands east of the Mississippi for three
hundred thousand dollars down, and some minor subse-
quent payments. The Indians, however, did not for
many years retire from the lands thus ceded.
Few tribes have been the subjects of more persistent
missionary labors than the Sioux. The American board
began missions among the Wahpetonwans, near Fort
Snelling, in 1835, and the Methodists in 1836. Schools
were established among them, and elementary books
were prepared for them in their own language. As great
results, however, were not produced by these missions as
by some that were established later, and that will be brief-
ly mentioned farther on.
In 1 85 1 the Sioux nation ceded to the United States
all their land east of a line from Otter Tail lake through
Lake Traverse to the junction of the Big Sioux and the
Missouri, retaining a reservation a hundred and forty
miles in length by twenty in width. The Government
thus acquired thirty five millions of acres for three mil-
lions of dollars. But the neglect of the Government to
carry out the provisions of these treaties caused bitter
feeling among the Indians; which feeling awaited only
an exciting cause to break out into a warlike flame.
Such a cause was furnished in 1854, when Lieutenant
Grattan, attempting to arrest one of the tribe for some
misdemeanor, attacked an Indian village, but was cut
off with his whole party. Some of the warriors thereup-
on commenced a series of hostilities; but General
Harney defeated them on Little Blue Water, September
3, 1855, and a general council, held at Fort Pierce, con-
sented to a treaty of peace. But in 1857 the band of
Inkpadutas massacred forty-seven whites near Spirit
lake, Minnesota, and other murders of a like character
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
19
were committed at other places during the four or five
years followina; — five whites being killed at Acton, Min-
nesota, August 17, 1S62. Enraged by the failure of
annuities and the frauds practiced on them, the Sioux
then made a general uprising, and killed nearly a thous-
and of the settlers. The people of that district still
shudder when they speak of the horrors of that bloody
time. New Ulm, a town of fifteen hundred inhabitants,
was abandoned and almost destroyed. Fort Ridgley
was besieged, and was saved with difficulty. The Sioux
of the Missouri and the plains also became hostile, and
were reduced to submission by General Sibley, of Min-
nesota, and General Sully, of the United States army.
After a severe struggle, a number of white women and
children, who had been captured, were rescued, and
many Indians were captured and sent to Davenport.
Of more than a thousand Indians thus taken, many were
tried and condemned; but only thirty-nine, convicted of
specific crimes, were executed. The others were finally
released. Many bands fled into Dakota territory; and
the war, together with disease and want, greatly reduced
the nation. In 1863 the Minnesota Sioux were removed
to Crow creek. .About 1S66 treaties were made with
nine bands, promising them certain annuities, to be in-
creased as the Indians should give greater attention to
agriculture. An act of February it, 1863, had annulled
all previous treaties with the Sioux; but to the innocent
bands a part of the amount pledged was restored, the
Government reset ving compensation for damages. The
most guilty bands fled north, and are still in the British
territory. A few bands continued longer in hostility,
cutting off Lieutenant Fetterman and his party in Decem-
ber, i856, and besieging for a lime Fort Phil Kearny.
In 1873, the Government liabilities, to the different
bands of Sioux Indians, including payments not yet due,
were estimated at over ten millions and a-half of dollars,
with annual payments for their benefit of twenty-seven
thousand, four hundred dollars. A treaty, hastily made
by General Sherman, April 29, 1868, did not prove satis-
factory to either side ; and as gold had been discovered
in the Black Hills, the United States wished to purchase
the tract, and induce the Sioux to abandon their hunting
grounds south of the Niobrara, or even to emigrate to
the Indian territory. The Sioux were very reluctant to
treat. Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and Spotted Tail, with
other chiefs, visited Washington in May, 1875, but Pres-
ident Grant could not induce them to sign a treaty.
Commissioners appointed by him met an immense
gathering of the Sioux at the Red Cloud agency in
September; but as the Indians set an exorbitant price
upon their lands, the negotiation failed. Hostile feelings
were excited by alleged frauds at the Sioux agencies,
which were investigated; but no results, satisfactory to
the Indians, were reached. The feeling of discontent
increased, and finally broke out into open war. After
the expenditure of much blood and treasure, the Indians
were at last subdued — their principal warrior. Sitting
Bull, being defeated and escaping into the British terri-
tory, where he still remains. The Black Hills, which
were so long the bone of contention, have become the
peaceable possession of the United States Government,
which, as usual, proved the strongest dog in the fight.
In 1874 the Sioux nation was composed of the follow-
ing sub-tribes : The Santee Sioux on the reservation at
the mouth of the Niobrara, Nebraska, numbering seven
hundred and ninety-one, with five schools, principally
under the care of the Episcopalians, conducted by the
distinguished missionary, the Rev. S. D. Hinman; the
Yankton Sioux on the Missouri, with the same mission-
aries; the Sissetons and the Whapetons at Lake Traverse
and Devil's lake; the Oncpapas, Blackfeet Sioux, Lower
and Upper Yanktonais, Sans Arcs, Upper and Lower
Brule's, Two-Kettles, Minneconjous, and Ogallalas in
the Crow creek, Grand river, Whetstone, Cheyenne river,
and Red Cloud agencies — in all, forty-six thousand, three
hundred and forty-two, in Dakota territory: together with
the Santee, Yanktonais, Oncpapa, and Cuthead Sioux in
Montana, numbering five thousand three hundred and
nine.
Much attention has been given to the Dakota lan-
guage. A very good grammar and dictionary, prepared
by Mr. Riggs, have been issued by the Smithsonian in-
stitute. The missionaries have also supplied the Epis-
copal liturgy; portions of Scripture, hymns, catechisms,
and educational works in the language, and newspapers
issue lighter reading. The Rev. Mr. Hinman, who is
thoroughly familiar with the language, has probably been
most successful in his labors for the christianization and
civilization of this remarkable people.
THE S.^CS AND FOXES.
This tribe, which is the last of the Iowa Indians that
we shall notice, belongs to the State more distinctly than
any other tribe, and is the one of which, more positively
than the other, we can assert that some of its members
have trodden the soil of Buchanan county; since the
writer of this saw some of them treading its soil in the
city of Independence, during this very year, 1880. As
the name implies, the tribe is a union of what was orig-
nally two separate tribes. And the Fox tribe, of which
we find the earlier historic mention, was also, in ancient
times, the result of a similar union between two bands —
one calling themselves Outagamies, which means foxes,
and the other, Musquakinks, or men of red clay. It is
a notable fact that, although probably more than two
hundred years have elapsed since this union was formed,
and all lineal traces of the two clans thus united must
have been obliterated by intermarriages and by the sub-
sequent union with the Sacs, yet the small remnant of
the tribe of Sacs and Foxes now living on their own
lands in Tama county, about fifty miles from Indepen-
dence, call themselves Musquakies, which is evidently a
revival of their old ancestral name. But how little reli-
ance can safely be placed upon popular stories may be
seen in the fact that many intelligent people living in the
neighborhood of this band of Indians have been made
to believe, though probably not by the Indians them-
selves, that the name Musquiakies signifies men that
won't fight; and that this name was applied to them as a
term of reproach by the rest of the tribe, because they
26
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
refused, on a certain occasion, to take part in a war upon
which the majority had resolved.
About the close of the seventeenth century, before
the union of the Sacs and Fo.xes, the French came into
collision with the latter in the region about Lake St.
Clair. The Foxes were great fighters and were hostile
to the French, who found them the most troublesome
of neighbors. It was in the year 17 14 that a war of
extermination or expulsion was commenced against them
by the French — several other tribes having been induced
to make common cause with the French against the
Foxes. The command of the allied forces was first
given by the governor of Canada to De Louvigney. The
Foxes intrenched themselves on an elevated position
near the Fox river, which has ever since been called
Butte des Morts, or Hill of the dead, on account of the
slaughter which occurred there at that time. After a
desperate resistance they were forced to surrender; and
the victors, more magnanimous than the vanquished had
any reason to expect they would be, made a treaty of
peace with them. This treaty, however, the restless and
untamable Foxes soon violated; and another expedition
was organized against them in 1728, under the command
of a French officer by the name of De Lignerie. It
proved a protracted and bloody struggle, waged with
varying fortunes and occasional intermissions of truce,
for about eighteen years. At length, however, the
French and their allies gained a decisive victory in 1746,
and the Foxes were driven out of the beautiful valley to
whose river they had given their name, which it still
bears as a memento of their long supremacy in the region
about Green Bay.
When first known in Iowa the Foxes were found per-
manently allied with the Sacs, both tribes being united
under one government. When and upon what terms the
union was effected, is a matter of tribal history, which
has never been recorded. The fact that the name of the
Sacs stands first in that of the united tribe, may be taken
as a proof that they were at least as powerful as the
Foxes at the time of the union. Both tribes were a
branch of the great .■\lgonquin family, and must have
been closely related in language and habits of life, or
the union which finally absorbed the two could never
have been formed.
The Sacs, like the Foxes, came from the far east,
where they had many a warlike struggle with the Six
Nations. We first hear of them from the French writers,
by whom they were called Sauks ; but the meaning of
the name has not been transmitted to later times. The
union of the Sacs and Foxes made them a powerful
tribe, and they had many desperate conflicts with other
tribes of the west. Their first great war after the union
was established, was with the Illinois. United with the
Sacs and Foxes in this war were the Ottawas, a friendly
tribe, whose favorite chief, Pontiac, was killed by a
drunken Indian of the Illinois tribe, in 1796, at Caho-
kia, opposite St. Louis. This murder was the exciting
cause of the war, in which the Illinois were almost exter-
minated, and their hunting grounds were taken possession
of by the tribes that had been leagued against them.
The Sac and Fox nation, about this time, occupied a
large portion of the territory now embraced within the
two States of Illinois and Iowa. Some of their villages
were on Rock river, in the former State, and some on the
Des Moines, in the latter. Two of them were not far
from the present limits of Buchanan county — one being
about twelve miles this side of Dubuque, and one on the
Turkey river. Of course, Buchanan county was at that
time a part of their hunting grounds.
The Sacs and Foxes were for some time friendly to the
lowas, and occupied the same hunting grounds with
them. But after a while disagreements sprang up between
the two tribes, which at length led to hostile collisions.
The principal village of the lowas was on the Des Moines
river, where the town of lowaville is now situated, in
Van Buren county. Here was fought the last great battle
between the lowas and the Sacs and Foxes. The fol-
lowing account of the battle is quoted by W. W. Clayton
in his History of Iowa, as contained in the Iowa State
Atlas; but we are not informed from what work the de-
scription is taken:
Contraiy to a long established custom of Indian attack, this battle
was brought on in the daytime, the attending circumstances justifying
this departure from the well settled usages of Indian warfare. The
battlefield is a level river bottom, about four miles in length, and two
miles wide, near the middle, narrowing down to a point at either end.
The main area of the bottom rises, perhaps, twenty feet above the
river, leaving a narrow strip of low bottom along the shore, covered
with trees that belted the prairie on the river side with a thick forest,
and the immediate bank was fringed witli a dense growth of the willows,
and near the lower end of the prairie and near the river bank, was
situated the Iowa village, and about two miles above the town, and
near the middle of the prairie, is situated a small natural mound,
covered at the time with a tuft of small trees and brush growing on its
summit. In the rear of this mound lay a belt of wet prairie, which, at
the time spoken of, was covered with a dense crop of rank, coarse grass.
Bordering this wet prairie on the north, the country rises abruptly into
elevated broken river bluffs, covered witi; a heavy forest many miles in
extent, and portions thickly clustered with undergrowth, aflfordmg a
convenient shelter for the stealthy approach of the foe.
Through this forest the Sac and Fox war party made their way in the
night, and secreted themselves in the tall grass spoken of above, in-
tending to remain in ambush during the day, and make such observa-
tions as this near proximity to their intended victims might afford, to
aid them in their contemplated attack on the town during the following
night. From this situation their spies could take a full survey of the
village, and watch every movement of the inhabitants, by which
means they were soon convinced that the lowas had no suspicion of
their presence.
At the foot of the mound above-mentioned the lowas had their race
course, where they diverted themselves with various amusements, and
schooled their young warriors in cavalry e\olutions. In these
exercises mock battles were fought, and the Indian tactics of attack
and defence carefully inculcated — by which means a skill in horseman-
ship was acquired that had rarely been excelled. Unfortunately for
them this day was selected for their equestrian sports; and, wholly un-
conscious of the proximity of their foes, the warriors repaired to the
race ground, leaving most of their arms in the village, and their old
men and women and children unprotected.
Pashapaho, who was chief-in-command of the Sacs and Foxes, per-
ceived at once the advantage this state of things afforded for a com-
plete surprise of his now doomed victims, and ordered Black Hawk
(who, though but a youth at that time, was in command of one divis-
ion of the attacking forces) to file off with his young warriors, through
the tall grass, and gain the cover of the timber along the ri\er bank,
and with tlie utmost speed reach the village and commence the battle;
while he {the commander-in-chief) remained with his division in the
anibush, to make a simultaneous assault on the unarmed men, whose
attention was engrossed with the excitement of the races. The plan
was skilfully laid, and most dextrously executed. Black Hawk, with
his forces, reached the village undiscovered, and made a furious on-
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
slaught upon the defenceless inhabitants, by firing one general volley
into their midst, and completing the slaughter with the tomahawk and
scalping-knife, aided by the devourmg flames with which they envel-
oped the village as soon as the fire-brand could be spread from lodge
to lodge.
On the instant of the report of firearms at the village, the forces
under Pashapaho leaped from their couchant position in the grass and
sprang, tiger-like, upon the astonished and unarmed lowas in the
midst of their racing sports. The first impulse of the latter, naturally,
led them to make the utmost speed toward their arms in the viltage to
protect, if possible, their wives and children from the attack of a merci-
less assailant. The distance from the place of attack on the prairie
was two miles; and a great nuniberfell in their flight by the bullets and
tom.ihawks of their enemies; and they reached their town only in time
to witness the horrors of its destruction. Their whole village vvas in
flames, and the dearest objects of their lives lay in slaughtered heaps
amidst the devouring elements; and the agonizing groans of the dying,
mingled with the exulting shouts of the victorious foe, filled their
hearts with a maddening despair. Those of their wives and children
who h.ad been spared in the general massacre, were prisoners, and, to-
gether with their arms, were in the hands of the victors; and all that
could now be done was to draw off their shattered and defenceless
forces, and save as many lives as possible by a retreat across the Des
Moines river, which they effected in the best possible manner, and
took a position among the Soap Creek hills.
The date of this battle is not given, but it must have
been previous to 1824, since it was in that year, as we
have staled above, that the lowas ceded to the United
States Government all their lands east of the Missouri,
and accepted a reservation on the west side of that river.
The lowas and the Sacs and Foxes had, as we have seen,
long been friends; and this battle jjroves, what all his-
tory verifies, that there is no hostility so fierce and re-
lentless as that which springs from alienated friendship.
But it is worthy of note that, implacable as the Indian
character has the credit of being, the two tribes thus
bitterly alienated actually became friends again. The
lowas had several other villages which the Sacs and
Foxes left unmolested; and it is probable that the pris-
oners who had been taken were eventually restored, and
that a treaty of peace was renewed. At any rate, nearly
fifty years later, we find these same forgiving lowas actu-
ally sharing their lands with their ancient enemies, who
had been left homeless by parting with their reservation,
without securing suitable hunting grounds in its place.
Let us hope that even the northern and southern States
will, byand by, consent to learn from these untutored
savages the sadly needed but hitherto unheeded lesson of
reconciliation and forgiveness.
The Sacs and Foxes had also a fierce collision with
the Winnebagoes, subduing them and taking possession
of their lands on Rock river. But their longest and
most bloody war was with those terrible fighters — the
Sioux. The latter had their hunting grounds, in early
times, mostly in Minnesota, while those of the former
lay to the south and east. Northern Iowa and southern
Minnesota were the scene of many bloody battles ; and
as the Sacs and Foxes are known to have had villages
on the Turkey river, in the adjoining counties of Fayette
and Clayton, north and northeast of this, we may reason-
ably suppose that some of these battles occurred in this
immediate vicinity — perhaps in this very county.
With a view to putting a stop to this devastating war,
the United States appointed as commissioners William
Clark and Lewis Cass to negotiate a treaty with the con-
tending tribes, by which it was stipulated that the Gov-
ernment should designate a boundary line between the
hunting grounds of the Sioux on the north and the Sacs
and Foxes on the south, the Indians agreeing to restrict
themselves to the territories thus marked out. The line
designated by the Government is described as follows:
Commencing at the mouth of the Upper Iowa river, on the west
bank of the Mississippi, and ascending said Iowa river to its west
fork; thence up the fork to its source; thence crossing the fork of Red
Cedar river in a direct line to the second or upper fork of the Des
Moines river; thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the Calumet
(or Big Siou.x) river, and down that river 10 its junction with the Mis-
souri river.
This line commences in the northeast corner of what
is now the State of Iowa, and extends from the Missis-
sippi to the Missouri, on an average (we should judge)
of about twenty miles south of the present northern
boundary of the State. The treaty establishing this line
was made at Prairie du Chien, August 19, 1825. As
might have been foreseen, it failed to accomplish, for
any great length of time, the end desired. Complaints
were made of infractions on both sides, and the Govern-
ment again interferred with a well-meant endeavor to
keep the peace. This time, by a treaty ratified February
24, 1 83 1, the Government bought of the Sioux a strip of
land twenty miles wide, lying on the north side of the
line above described, but extending only to the Des
Moines river; and, on the south side of the same line,
a strip of equal width was purchased of the Sacs and
Foxes. The United States thus obtained possession and
absolute control of a territory forty miles wide and about
two hundred miles long. This tract is known in history
as the "Neutral Ground;" and while the United States
undertook to prevent the hostile occupation of it by
either of the belligerent parties, both were allowed to
use it for hunting and fishing so long as they respected
and maintained in good I'aith its neutrality. This arrange-
ment effectually put an end to the bloody encounters
between the Sioux and the Sacs and Foxes. The "Neu-
tral Ground" continued the common hunting ground of
the tribes for about ten years, when it was made a Win-
nebago reservation, and the principal portion of that
tribe was removed to it in 1841. They occupied it, how-
everj but about five years, when, as we have seen, they
were again removed.
The borders of the "Neutral Ground" were but a short
distance north of Buchanan county; and, doubtless, all
the Indians that were allowed the free use or occupancy
of the former, were at least occasional visitors to the
beautiful woods and streams of the latter. The Sacs and
Foxes, however, were here "on their native heath," and
the lands of this county were a part of the great tract
which they ceded to the United States after the close of
the Black Hawk war, and which first opened up the rich
prairies of Iowa to the permanent settlement of the
whites.
The tract here alluded to is known in history as the
"Black Hawk Purchase," — not because it was actually
purchased of Black Hawk (who was then a prisoner in
the hands of the Government), but because it was ceded
by the authority of his tribe, and was made a part of the
22
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
conditions of his release. The treaty by which this tract
was ceded to the United States was made on the spot
where Davenport now stands, September 21, 1832, Gen-
eral Scott and Governor Reynolds, of Illinois, acting as
commissioners on the part of the Government, and Keo-
kuk, Pashapaho and several other chiefs representing the
tribe. This treaty was ratified during the next session
of Congress, February 13, 1833, and went into effect the
first of the following June. The boundaries of the Black
Hawk Purchase were as follows:
Beginuing on the Mississippi river, at a point where the Sac and Fox
boundan- line, as established by the second article of the treaty of
Prairie du Chien, July, 1830, strikes said river: thence up said boundary
line to a point fifty miles, measured on said line; thence in a right hne
10 the nearest point on the Red Cedar of Iowa, forty miles from the
Mississippi; thence in a right line to a point in the northern boundary
of the State of Missouri, fifty miles measured on said boundary line
from the Mississippi river; thence by the last mentioned boundan- to
the Missisippi river, and by the western shore of said river to the place
of beginning.
By this treaty the United States obtained possession
of a tract of land nearly two hundred miles in length,
and averaging about fifty miles in width, lying along the
west side of the Missisippi river, and now constituting
the eastern part of the State of Iowa. For this tract the
Government stipulated to pay the Sacs and Fo.xes an
annuity of twenty thousand dollars for thirty years, and
to cancel the debts of the tribe which had been accum-
ulating with certain traders for the previous seventeen
years, and which amounted to forty thousand dollars.
From the date of this purchase white settlers rapidly
poured into the new territory ; and about five years
later, that is, in 183S, another treaty was ratified, by
which the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the Government
another tract bordering this on the west, of the same
length, about twenty-five miles in width at the middle
portion, and containing a million and a quarter of acres.
At the same date they relinquished all their lands lying
south of the "neutral ground," the United States pay-
ing them for the relinquishment of this territory one
hundred and sixty thousand dollars.
Since then other treaties have been made with the
Sacs and Foxes, and they have several times been re-
moved. They are now divided into three or four bands,
and are greatly reduced in numbers. In 1872, the
principal band, who had ceded their lands in Kansas to
the United States, first in 1859 and again in 1868, num-
bered only four hundred and sixty-three. They occupy
a reservation of nearly five hundred thousand acres in
the Indian country, between the North fork of the
Canadian river and the Red fork of the Arkansas. The
Sacs and Foxes of the Missouri, the band who remained
true to the Government during the Black Hawk war, are
reduced to eighty-eight, but occupy a large reservation
in southeastern Nebraska and northeastern Kansas.
Both these bands are making considerable improvement
in agriculture and the raising of stock.
In 1857, a party of nearly four hundred Sacs and
Foxes, calling themselves by their ancient name, Mus-
quakies, tired ot being moved from reservation to reser-
vation, bought a large tract of land in Tama county, un-
aided by the Government, which at first refused to assist
them in their separate condition. Since then, however,
they have received their share of the annuities. They
cultivate the best of their lands, and have raised in a
single year three thousand dollars' w-orth of produce.
They are also employed in the raising of stock, having
over ten thousand dollars invested in that business.
They frequently hire out to the neighboring white farm-
ers as laborers, and are thus becoming industrious and
self-sustaining. It is said that the farmers who at first
laughed at the idea of employing them now find them
good workers.
The Government has made several efforts to civilize
and improve the Sacs and Foxes by establishing schools
among them; and several religious denominations have
made overtures for the organization of missions in their
behalf. But they have clung to their Indian prejudices
with even more than the ordinary Indian tenacity.
In 1869, the writer of this was requested by the late
Bishop Lee, of the Episcopal diocese of Iowa, to visit
the Musquakies and ascertain how they would look upon
an effort to establish a mission school among them. He
complied with their request, but they firmly withheld
their consent to any such effort, alleging that if the Great
Spirit had wished them to be like white folks, he would
have made them white.
There are few, if any, of the Indian tribes whose his-
tory is more replete with romantic incidents than that of
the Sacs and F'oxes. Their great chief, Black Hawk,
was as brave as Tecumseh and as eloquent as Logan.
His address to General Street, after his capture in 1S32,
is well worthy of being preserved along side of that
which was delivered by Logan in very similar circum-
stances, and immortalized by Jefferson. The speech of
Black Hawk was as follows :
Mv warriors fell around me. It began to look dismal. I saw my
evil day at hand. The sun rose clear on us in the morning; at night it
sank in a dark cloud, and looked Uke a ball of fire. This was the last
sun that shone on Black Hawk, He is now a prisoner of the while
man. But he can stand the torture. He is not afraid of death. He
is no coward. Black Hawk is an Indian. He has done nothing of
which an Indian need be ashamed. He has fought the battles of his
country against the white man, who came year after year to cheat us
and take away our lands. You know the cause of our making war. It
is known to all white men. They ought to be ashamed of it. The
white men despise the Indians and drive them from their homes. But
the Indians are not deceitful. Indians do not steal.
Black Hawk is satisfied, he will go to the world of spirits contented.
He has done his duty. His father will meet him and reward him. The
white men do not scalp the head, but they do worse; they poison the
heart. It is not pure w iih them. My countrymen will not be scalped;
but they will, in a few years, become like the white man, so that you
cannot hurt them; and there will be, as in the white settlements, as
manv officers as men, to take care of them and keep them in order.
Farewell to my nation! Farewell to Black Hawk!
His proud salutation to President Jackson, on being
presented to him at Washington, has become famous — -
"I am a man and you are another." That he had a ten-
der place in his heart, notwithstanding liis many deeds
of cruelty, is evinced by his parting words to Colonel
Eustis, who was commander at Fortress Monroe during
the old chiefs confinement there — "The memory of your
friendship will remain till the Great Spirit shall say, 'It is
time for Black Hawk to sing his death song.'"
After his release, in 1833, he returned to Iowa, and
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
23
.emained with a portion of his tribe on the Iowa river res-
ervation until that was sold, in 1836. He then removed
to the Des Moines reservation, where he died October 3,
1838, aged seventy-one. He was buried on the bank of
the river in a sitting posture, after the manner of his tribe.
We. here bring to a close our sketches of the Indian
tribes whose contiguity to this county render it pretty
certain that, at some period previous to its settlement by
the whites, these tribes must at Last temporarily have
occupied its soil. We have no accounts of any Indian
villages having been located here, or battlefields, or per-
manent occupation by any of the tribes. Since the whites
began to settle here, companies of Sacs and Foxes, and
occasionally of other tribes, have been in the habit of
visiting the county, either for hunting and fishing, or in
making journeys from one part of the country to another.
The old settlers still relate anecdotes and incidents of
these visits, some of which may be found farther on in
connection with personal sketches. But here our Indian
history must terminate.
Note. — The most of the facts contained in the foregoing sketches
were found in the American Encyclopaedia. In transferring them to
our history we have sometimes employed the identical language of that
work. But so frequent have been the changes, additions and omissions,
that we could not in all cases have indicated this sort of transfer with-
out greaUy marring the appearance of the text, and putting the printer
to unnecessary trouble. We trust, therefore, that this acknowledgment
will be considered all that the equities of the case require. In piepar-
^ni the sketch of the Sacs and Foxes we have also been indebted to W-
W. Clayton's history in Andrea's Iowa State Atlas.
CHAPTER II.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
GEOGRAPHY.
The counties of Iowa lie in very regular tiers, running
east and west, and in tiers less regular (especially in the
southern half of the State) running north and south.
Buchanan is in the fourth tier north of the Minnesota
line, and in the fifth north of the Missouri line. It is the
third county west of the Mississippi River, and the tenth
east of the Missouri. Its central point, (which is a few
miles east of its capital, the city of Independence,) lies
very nearly in latitude forty-two and a half degrees north,
and longitude fourteen degrees and fifty minutes west
from Washington. It is a little over si.xty miles due
west of the city of Dubuque, and in an extension of the
line which divides Illinois and Wisconsin. Its latitude
is about the same as that of Beloit, Wisconsin; Allegan,
in the State of Michigan; Chatham, Canada West; Al-
bany, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Leon, in
Spain; Perpignan, in France; Porta, in the Island ot
Corsica; Civita Vecchia, Italy; Sophia, in European
Turkey; Sinope, Turkey in Asia; Derbend, in southern
Russia; Khiva, Tartary; Tchontori, (a little north of the
latitude of Pekin) China; Chickadado, Japan; and Jack-
sonville, Oregon.
This "girdle" (which we have beaten Puri- in putting
"round about the earth" in something less than "forty
minutes," and in which Independence, though one of the
least, is by no means the least glittering gem) fairly
marks the golden mean between the too freezing north
and the too burning south. Of the five million-peopled
cities of the world, the two largest, London and Paris, are
north of this tine, and the other three, Pekin, Canton
and New York, are south of it. And, among the re-
maining great cities of the Northern Hemisphere, Vien-
na, Berlin, St. Petersburg and Liverpool are on the north
and Calcutta, Constantinople, Chicago and San Fran-
cisco are on the south of the same line. It would
seem, therefore, that the human race, whose in-
stinct in such a matter may be regarded as in-
fallible, have come to the conclusion that the line
passing through Independence and the centre of
Buchanan county, is a very good one to cluster about;
and that, consequently, they have determined to fight
out the great battle of life as near as possible to this for-
tunate line. We know of no one that desires to emigrate
from this fair and fertile county; but if there is such a
one, and he is detennined to gratify that preposterous de-
sire, we advise him to steer his course due west or east,
if he expects to be in luck.
As to its immediate neighbors, Buchanan is surrounded
by a beautiful septer of sister counties, as follows: Bre-
mer (named for the genial and talented Frederika) on
the northwest ; Fayette, on the north; Clayton, on the
northeast; Delaware, on the east; Linn and Benton, on
the south; and Black Hawk, on the west. Such a
county, thus surrounded, may truly, if not quite originally,
be called "a beautiful gem in a beautiful setting."
A bird's eve view
of the territory, now comprising Buchanan county, must
have been a rare sight, during the season of vegetation,
even before the advent of its civilized inhabitants. Its
numerous streams revealed by the silver sheen of their
serpentine currents, by the white lines of sand drift, or
the beetling bluffs along their margins, and still more by
the wide belts of luxuriant timber by which they were for
the most part bordered; its limitless prairies, mostly un-
dulating, but sometimes stretching away in a broad and
level expanse, covered with grass and flowers, gleaming
in sunlight or flecked with shadow, and dotted here and
there with herds of buffaloes, grazing upon the slopes or,
perhaps, stampeding before pursuing wolves or Indian
hunters — all this afforded a picture which, if there had
been an artist's eye to behold it, would have filled his
soul with delight.
But civilization came, and a change has passed over
the scene, as if produced by the waving of an enchanter's
wand, or the utterance of a magical incantation. The
main outlines of surface and stream and forest belt con-
tinue, though the latter has been broken up in many
places to make room for human dwellings or cultivated
fields. Much of the original forest, too, has been re-
moved for fuel or building material ; but on a large por-
tion of the space thus cleared a second growth has been
24
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
allowed to spring up, which has become as beautilul and
luxuriant as the first ; and this, together with the almost
numberless groves and orchards that have been planted,
probably makes the present number of trees in the
county more than twice as great as when it first began to
be settled.
The multiplication of cultivated groves is, indeed, one
of the principal characteristics in the settlement of a
prairie country ; but, from a bird's eye view, there are
dthers which have, perhaps, even a more marked effect
upon the landscape. Such are the breaking up of the
soil, the enclosing of fields and their cultivation in vari-
ous kinds of grain, the multiplication of flocks of sheep
and herds of cattle, the erection of dwellings, school-
houses, churches, bridges, and other architectural struct-
ures, and the grouping of these together in hamlets,
villages and towns. All these have so changed the face
of the country now composing Buchanan county, that
the "century-living crow" which may have flown over
it fifty years ago, on one of his migratory flights, would
hardly recognize it were he now, for the first time since
that not very remote day, to fly over it once more. The
historical account of these changes will be given in its
appropriate place farther on; but we desire to present
here, a little more in detail, a picture of the ]iresent feat-
ures of the country, both natural and artificial, as seen
from above. Word-painting is not our forte, but if the
reader will accompany us in an imaginary balloon ascen-
sion, we will see what we can see.
Here we are, then, directly over the central point of
the county, at an altitude of two or three thousand feet;
from which the entire surface of its sixteen townships
lies clearly revealed to our vision, which has been sharp-
ened up for this special occasion. The point over which
our aerial car is suspended, is near the corners of the
four townships — Washington, Byron, Liberty and Sum-
ner, and would have been exactly the point where those
four townships would have touched each other, had it not
been for the "correction line " and the recent enlarge-
ment of Washington, made for the sake of allowing the
ambitious city of Independence to expand without cross-
ing a township line.
If the reader is as simple-minded as the writer, it has
seetned to him that we ought to be able to discern, from
our present lookout, those boundary lines and colors
which are so striking upon maps, and become so identi-
fied with all our notions of geography. The lines do,
indeed, exist, and are sufficiently visible to the imagina-
tion; but we now perceive, more clearly than ever before,
that, like the equator, tropics, parallels and meridians,
they are fw/y "imaginary."
It is an interesting coincidence that, from our lofty
altitude, we are looking directly down upon two objects
which stand as the principal symbols of American civiliza-
tion, and of the moral improvement and elevation of our
people. These two objects are a church and a school-
house. The former is the Bethel Presbyterian church,
situated on the main road, about three miles east of
Independence, in the southwest corner of Byron town-
ship; and the latter, located upon adjoining ground, is
one of the district school buildings with which, as we
can see at a glance, the whole surface of the county is
dotted over, there being seven or eight, on an average,
in every township. The location of these two structures
in such close proximity, at the very centre of the county,
is not only symbolical of the general intelligence and
virtue of the people; but it also seems to imply that
religion and learning are here regarded as the central in-
fluences to which all other beneficent influences are sub-
sidiary, and upon which the people are chiefly to rely for
securing their highest prosperity and happiness.
But we came here, not so much to moralize about the
people of Buchanan, as to study and enjoy the physical
features of their county. In furtherance of this design
let us direct our attention for a few minutes to
THE PR1NCIP.\L STREAMS,
by which, paradoxical as it may sound, the county is
both drained and watered. Drainage is here, of course,
the principal object of the streams; for imported as are
numerous living watercourses in a stock growing region,
still, in a territory like this, where the average annual of
rain-fall is forty inches, if there were not a sufficient
slope, and a sufficient number of stream-valleys to af-
ford timely escape for the surplus water, the whole sur-
face of the country would be one continuous marsh,
breeding pestilence for the destruction of men, rather
than furnishing arable fields for their support. As it is,
there are very few marshes in the county; and the most,
if not all of these can be artificially drained, and doubt-
less will be as soon as land becomes sufficiently valuable
(as it will some day), to insure a compensation for the
neces^arv expense; while on the other hand, there are
probably still fewer places which, except in very unusu-
al seasons, are ever seriously afflicted by drouth.
The general trend of the land in Buchanan county,
like that of the State at large, is from the northwest to
the southeast. Its principal valley, that of the Wapsipin-
icon river, stretches directly through its centre, in the di-
rection stated, receiving and carrying off all its waters,
with the following exceptions; Those of Jefferson and
Westburg, and of a part of Peiry, Sumner and Horner,
in the southwest corner of the county, flow into the Ce-
dar; while those of a part of Madison and Fremont, in
the northeast corner, make their way into the Maquo-
keta.
The most conspicuous object below us (for we hope
the reader will not forget, even if the writer should, that
we are "up in a balloon") — is, of course, the "VVapsie"
with its magnificent belt of timber, the largest originally
unbroken forest of which lies a little southeast of us, in
Liberty township. If we let our eye follow up the me-
andering course of the river till we come to the little
town of Littleton, in the northern part of Perry town-
ship, we find at that point the principal fork made by the
river in this county. The river a[)proaches the village
from the west, having entered the county at the north-
west corner of Perry township; while the stream with
which it forks (very respectable in size and named the
Little Wapsie) flows down from the north, having come
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
25
in from the county of Fayette, about a mile and a half
east of the northwest corner of Fairbank, and passes
completely through that township in a southerly direc-
tion. We are not certain but that the Wapsipinicon
might justly lay claim to the title, "Father of waters,"
since we know of at least two Little Wapsies — there be-
ing, besides the one here mentioned, another formed
very much in the same way in Howard and Chickasaw
counties. Our Little Wapsie receives several small
streams after entering the county — the largest, being on
its western side and named Buck creek, entering Fair-
bank township in section seven, and emptying into the
Little Wapsie in thirty-two of the same township.
Now let us retrace the course of the river from the
fork above described and note the streams that flow into
it. The first we come to is scarcely more than a brook,
flowing from the south and emptying into the river in
section fifteen, in Perry township. It looks like a thread
of silver winding through the green carpet of the prairie.
We consult the map, which we have not forgotten to
bring with us, and find that it has no recorded name.
As our eyes glance over the county they will fall upon
many such streams — some of them considerably larger
than this. And we desire here to say, that when we
come to the township histories, if we find any names of
streams that have been left hitherto unrecorded, we shall
see to it that the nameless ones are duly christened.
The next that we come to is a fine, large stream flow-
ing from the north through Hazletown and Washington
townships, and joining the river in section nineteen of
the latter. This is Otter creek, one of the most beautiful
streams in the county, and more copiously wooded than
any other, except father Wapsie himself. As our eyes
wander up through its charming valley, they discover
four branches emptying into it, all unnamed on the map.
Three of these are quite small, flowing from the east and
joining the creek in Hazleton township. The other is
larger, rising on the west side of the creek, a little north
of the county line, flowing almost due south through the
western part of Hazleton (the most of the way parallel
with the creek) and emptying into it in section six of
Washington.
Resuming our survey down the river we come to two
small streams which enter it about a mile apart, the first
in section twenty-eight, and the second in section thirty-
four of \\"ashington township, a little above Inde-
pendence. Neither is named on the map, but the one
nearest the city is called (so we are informed) Harter
creek. They both rise in the northern part of Washing-
ton, and flow nearly south.
Next passing down the rapids through Independence,
we come to the mouth of Malone creek, just below the
city, in section three of what was at first Sumner town-
ship, but is now a part of Washington. It also rises in
Washington (in the northeast corner) and flows in a
southwesterly direction. Two little streams, so small
that we can hardly discern them even with our sharpened
bird's-eye vision, rise almost directly below us — the first
in. section thirty-one of Byron, and the second in section
one of the addition to Washington. They are each
about two miles in length, flow southwest and empty into
the Wapsie, in section ten of Sumner.
Still passing on down the river, we see no entering
stream worthy of note till, about seven or eight miles be-
low those last mentioned, we come to the mouth of Pine
creek, not more than two miles above Quasqueton, in
section twenty-eight, Liberty township. This is a fine
stream flowing from the north like nearly all those which
empty into the Wapsie. It rises nearly in the centre of
Buffalo township, and flows south through Byron and
Liberty. It receives many small tributaries, mostly
through its left bank, like the Wapsie and all the other
streams in the county. It is about fourteen miles in
length — its lower half being well timbered, but the
upper half flowing through an open prairie region.
"Pilot Grove" which we see gleaming through the hazy
autumn atmosphere, seven or eight miles away to the
north, is about two miles from the source of this stream.
Although less than a quarter of a mile in diameter (on
an average) this grove is a very striking object, from the
fact that there is no timber within about five miles of it
in any direction.
But a few rods from the mouth of Pine creek is that of
Halstead's run, which has for an "occasional contribu-
tor" Dry creek; and about a quarter of a mile from the
mouth of this run is that of Nash creek, in section
twenty-seven in Liberty township. Each of these streams
is about five miles in length, rising in the southern part
of Byron and running nearly south. From the mouth
of Nash creek, which is about half a mile above Quasque-
ton, to the point where the Wapsie leaves the county,
we can count by close inspection eight tributaries to that
river — all but two on its left (that is its eastern bank.
None of these creeks are named on any map that we
have seen. The larger of the two on the right bank is
the largest entering the river on that side in its whole
course through the county. Yet it is only about four
miles in length, rising in the northwestern part of Cono,
and joining the river in section fourteen of that town-
ship. The largest and the last of these lower tributaries,
on the other side, is about eight miles in length, rising in
the southern part of Middlefield, flowing nearly south
through the centre of Newton nearly to the county line,
then turning abruptly to the west and entering the river
in section thirty-one of the last mentioned township.
But the largest tributary to the Wapsie (though it does
not enter the river within the limits of the county) re-
mains yet to be noticed. If the reader (still up in the
balloon, remember) will cast his eye toward the east, be-
yond Pine creek (as far east of that creek as we are west
of it, that is about three miles), he will observe a stream
flowing in a very straight course about south southeast,
parallel with Pine creek and the Wapsie, and bordered
by a very narrow belt of timber. That stream is Buffalo
creek, the longest branch of our Father of Waters, and,
with the exception of the river, the longest stretch of
water in Buchanan county. It rises in the southern part
of Fayette county, flows in the direction indicated above,
entering our county in section three of Buffalo township,
and continuing till, at about twelve miles from its source,
26
HIS1X)RV OF BUCHANAN COUNTY. lOAVA.
it reaches the northwest corner of section thirty-one in
Madison township. There it turns abruptly to the west,
makiug nearly a right angle, and continuing in that course
for about two miles, when it receives a branch which has
flowed parallel with it almost from its beginning. Then
it makes another sudden turn to the south southeast
again, taking the line of the branch, which it holds with
very little variation till it unites with the Wapsie in Jones
county.
This apparent turning aside from their own valley to
make a sudden debouche into that of one of their branches
is a frequent and singular freak of streams, both small
and great. There are no less than three other examples
of it in this county. The Little Wapsie does it when it
receives its Buck creek branch. Otter creek does it when
it receives that branch, unnamed on the map, which has
flowed parallel with it for six or seven miles. And Father
Wapsie himself does it, when he unites with Pine creek.
In the case of the first three pairs of streams mentioned
above, there is the singular additional coincidence that
the parallel streams, in each case, are just about two miles
apart.
Almost numberless examples of the above mentioned
fteak of watercourses might be given if we chose to go
out of the county; and we will do so just to mention
those of a single river — which we can do without lower-
ing our balloon. We refer to the Missouri, which per-
forms this freak at least five times: first, when it receives
the White river; second, when it receives the Niobrara;
third, when it receives the Jaiues ; fourth, when it receives
the Big Sioux; and last, but not least, when it receives
the Mississippi — for everybody knows that it is the Mis
souri that receives the Mississippi, and not the ^Nlissis-
sippi that receives the Missouri. To call the united
streams the Mississippi was the most stupid of geograph-
ical misnomers — was, indeed like setting the tail to wag-
ging the dog, instead of letting the dog wag his own tail.
In regard to the scientific explanation of these singu-
lar fluvial performances, we will state simply that they
are attributed by the learned to the action of the ice dur-
ing what is termed, in geology, the "glacial period.''
But their explanations, though plausible in certain cases,
are beset with difficulties.
To return (as the French say) " to our sheep" — that
is, to the streams of Buchanan county. If the reader
will turn his eye to the northeast, some five or six miles
beyond the abrupt bend in Buffalo creek, he will per-
ceive a large, isolated grove of native timber, with a
stream of considerable size passing through it to the
southeast. This stream is the south branch of Maquo-
keta river. It rises in the southern part of Fayette
county, and the part of it belonging there (being about
six miles in length) is called Prairie creek. Why this is
thus we are not informed. Sufl^ce it to say that this is
the unmistakable Maquoketa, which passes through
Manchester, in the adjoining county of Delaware; and
there, at the distance of twenty or twenty-five miles from
its mouth, proves to be an industrious and serviceable
mill stream. Its length in this county is about six miles,
passing through the northeast corner of Madison, the
northeast township, entering in section five and going
out in section twenty-four. It has several small branches.
South of the stream last described, and nearly east of
us, we perceive another and much smaller one, flowing
in the same general direction, through prairies and fields
entirely destitute of native timber. It rises in section
four of Fremont township, flows some nine miles in a
sort of circuitous course, and passes out through section
thirty-six of the same township into Delaware county.
It is there called Coffin's Grove creek, from the name
of an isolated body of timber through which it passes;
but whether or not it has that name in this county, the
mapmaker has not informed us.
If now we turn our eyes to the west and southwest,
beyond the watershed of the Wapsipinicon, we shall see
several small streams flowing in a southwesterly direction,
and also gel a glimpse of the Cedar river, which just
touches this county at its southwest corner, the same
being the corner of Jefferson township. Of these small
streams, the two that we see directly west are a couple of
small branches that unite to form Spring creek, which
lies wholly beyond our county, in Black Hawk. The
farthest of these small branches barely touches Perry
township. The other rises m section twenty of Perry,
flows south into Westburgh, and out at section seven of
the latter.
Passing south, the next that we come to is Little
Spring creek, a branch of the former, rising in sixteen,
Westburgh, flowing southwest and leaving the county at
six, Jefierson. Then comes a small stream unnamed,
rising in eight, Jefferson, and passing out at thirty-one of
the same. Turning east we come to Lime creek, which
rises in fourteen, Westburgh, flows south (with a slight
circuit to the east and then to the west) and passes
through Jefferson, leaving it at section thirty-three. Next
and last we come to Bear creek, which rises in seventeen
of the adjoining township of Sumner, makes a circuit
quite similar to the former, passes through a part of
Homer, enters Jefferson at twenty-five, and leaves it at
thirty-six.
Thus ends our survey of Buchanan waters. The bird's-
eye view would be improved with a lake or two, but they
are not needed for any other than esthetic purposes.
We fear the reader will think we are staying up in the
air a long time; but we are not yet quite ready to come
down.
FLUXIAL NOMEN"CL.\TL"RE.
Before we leave the subject of Buchanan streams,
however, we desire to say a few words in regard to their
names. All names are more or less significant; and it is
probable that no one was ever given without there being,
in the mind of the giver, a definite reason why that par-
ticular one, and not another was assigned to the object
named. The reason may never be announced, or, if
once made known, may become forgotten ; or it may be
thought too trivial to remember. But the fact remains,
that every object named must have both a namer and a
reason for its name. And the reason may continue to
be known long after the namer has been forgotten.
Thus it is probably at present unknown who first gave
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
27
the name of Bear creek to the stream last mentioned;
but there can be no reasonable doubt as to the reason
why that name was given. As it would be bare nonsense
to call a stream Bear creek if no bears had ever been
found upon its banks, so we may safely take it for granted
that the name was given to perpetuate the memory of
the fact that bears were once found there. This stream,
therefore, and also Buck, Otter, and Buffalo creeks, are
standing (or rather running) monuments to a fauna
which, in this county, has become extinct. And we
cannot help thinking that, if certain other species that
once abounded here, but have now disappeared or are
fast disappearing) such as the elk, beaver, muskrat, wolf,
wild turkey, grouse, etc.), could have been commemor-
ated in a similar way, it would have been a very graceful
thing to do.
What the names of the streams above mentioned have
done for the fauna of the county, the name of Pine
creek has done for the flora — that stream being so named
on account of the white pines which grow along its banks.
They are found mostly in Liberty township, with the de-
ciduous trees. It is believed that no native pines are
found anywhere in the county, except along this stream.
The name of Lime creek does not seem specially sig-
nificant, since limestone is the principal outcropping rock
found in the county. As a name, however, it probably
serves its purpose as well as another. The personal names
given to several of the streams are those of prominent j
individuals now or fortiierly living in their vicinity. These j
individuals will be suitably mentioned in the sketches of
their several townships. The name of the Mayuoketa
is evidently of Indian origin, but we have not as yet
been able to ascertain its meaning.
As to the Wapsipinicon, the Indian legend, said to be
connected with its name, is sufficiently romantic to satisfy
the most sentimental of novel readers. Wapsie and
Pinicon (so the story goes) were a brave Indian youth
and a beautiful girl of the same race, but of a different
tribe. We may suppose (for the location favors the sup-
position, and there is nothing in the legend to contradict
it) that Wapsie was one of the warlike Sioux, and that
Pinicon belonged to the equally warlike and hostile tribe
of Sacs. Love laughs at tribal prejudices; and so this
ill-fated pair, who had thus far resisted all amorous
attractions within their individual tribes, having met by
chance, the usual way, up somewhere on the neutral
ground, fell desperately in love with each other at first
sight. Both had the blood of a long line of chieftains
in their veins — which circumstance, while it gave a
heroic intensity to the ardor of their passion, interposed
a mountain of obstacles in the way of its gratification.
Love may laugh, as we have hinted, at tribal and family
prejudices, but parental authority is very apt to make an
inflexible religion out of those unamiable sentiments.
Thus it was in the present instance. When Pinicon's
father discovered that his daughter had turned a favor-
able ear to the addresses of a scion of a hostile house,
his rage knew no bounds, and he sternly forbade her to
have any further communication with the presumptuous
and impudent young warrior, or even to think of him
again as a desirable or possible husband. The law of
love, however, is stronger than that of a parent's will;
and the lovers still found means to continue their corres-
pondence — but with a circumspection that entirely eluded
the father's vigilant eye.
At length, weary of the long frustration of their hopes,
and despairing of the paternal consent, they determined
upon an elopement. Pinicon, though she could not tell
a lie, had not hesitated to let her father believe that she
had yielded to his wishes, and given up her ill-starred
attachment. By this he was led to relax his accustomed
vigilance, and he set out upon a hunt of several days,
without leaving anyone specially charged with the duty
of watching her movements. The faithful Pinicon con-
trived to inform her constant Wapsie of this favorable
opportunity, and he hastened to avail himself of it to
bear her away to his northern home. But as bad luck
would have it, the father returned unexpectedly, just as
they were preparing for their flight. Finding the hated
Wapsie under his roof, he exclaimed in a towering rage :
"Wah beh jobangunk! Kommen sie in diesen ort nicht
zuriick, wenn sie auch nicht hangen wollen, wo die
vogel ihre hirnschalenhaut picken werden!" Which '
means, freely translated, "Get out of this! And if you
ever darken the door of my wigwam again, I'll hang
your scalp on a crabapple tree for the birds to pick at!"
The brave Wapsie, though taken by surprise, was not at
all frightened; but he was too magnanimous to fight her
father in the presence of his adorable Pinicon. So he
retreated backward, bowing like a courtier as he went,
and calmly saying, as he left the door: "Auf wreder-
schen! Yach goonic Filippimini weeho!" That is
"good bye! We'll meet again at Philippi!"
We will not attempt to describe the scene which fol-
lowed — the angry rebukes of the father and the speech-
less grief of the daughter. Suffice it to say that the
former, when the storm had spent itself, apprehending no
further trouble, at least for the present, and remembering
his daughter's skill in the preparation of venison, bade
her in a kinder tone to dry her tears and get him his
supper. He was very hungry and very tired, and as
night had set in before the repast was over, it had not
long been finished when he lay down in his blanket and
went to sleep. The dusky Pinicon, with eyes red with
weeping, also retired, but not to sleep. She thought of
many things; but especially she thought of the trysting
place where she and her lover had so often met, and it
occurred to her that, led by the sacred associations of
the place, and perhaps by an undefined presentiment that
she would follow him, he might now be awaiting her in
that hallowed spot. At any rate it would not take her
long to visit it herself, as it was but little more than a
mile, partly through the oak openings and partly across
the prairie. If she found him not, it would at least af-
ford her a melancholy pleasure to be there alone, as she
had so often been ; and she could easily return to the
wigwam before her father would awake. So she arose,
wrapped her blanket around her and went quietly out.
The October moon was shining brightly, and she had no
difficulty in making her way to the well known spot. It
28
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
was just on the border of the grove where, in the shad-
ow of a spreading oak, lay a huge rock, on which they
were accustomed to sit in the deepening twilight, bewail-
ing their unhappiness or discussing plans for bringing it
to an end.
As soon as she came in sight of the tree she beheld a
dark object beneath it, which she soon recognized as the
form of her lover, the noble Wapsie. Almost at the same
instant, he, too, beheld an indistinct figure gliding in and
out among the shadows. At first he suspected that it
might be a deer, and immediately became convinced that
he was not mistaken — that it was his dear deer, Pinicon !
He flew to meet her, and clasped her in his arms, ex-
claiming: "Not even death shall ever part us more. Let
us fly to my northern home, where parental tyranny can
never separate us." And so, looking to the north star
for guidance, as many duskier fugitives have since done,
they set out upon their flight.
But they had not proceeded far when ominous sounds
were heard in the distance behind them. They paused
and listened, and soon distinguished angry voices. They
turned and looked, and at first could discover nothing;
' but a moment after they discovered four tall forms emerg-
ing from the grove. " It is my father and the other
chiefs," exclaimed the frightened Pinicon. "The river!
the river! Let us die rather than be taken!" The stream
was about a mile to the west of them, and toward it they
turned in eager flight, as if to reach it were life instead
of death. Their pursuers perceived them at the same
moment, and redoubled their speed. About half the
distance was across the open prairie, and the rest through
a grove of straggling trees. When the fugitives reached
this grove the pursuing chiefs were so near that the trees
afforded no concealment; and when the former arrived
at the bank of the river, the latter were hardly a rod be-
hind them. There was no time for the young hero (who
is said to have been the best soloist of his tribe) to sing
his death song, nor was any needed. The mui muring
river was singing it even then, and, without waiting for
encores, it was going to repeat it through all the coming
days.
With one backward glance of mingled despair and
forgiveness at the angry faces glaring upon them in the
moonlight, the devoted lovers, clasped in each other's
arms, leajjed into the stream. The enraged father
reached the bank only to behold them sinking, rising,
struggling in the waves. At once his anger was changed
to sorrowing love.
"Come back! come back! " he cried in grief,
"Across the stormy water;
And I'll forgive your Highland chief —
My daughter! O, my daughter ! "
Too late ! too late ! The eloquent Indian words,
reproduced centuries later in passable English by a
Scotch poet, had scarcely died upon the air, when the
two devoted lovers, casting another and more melting
glance of forgiving love at the poor old despairing
chief, weeping on the shore, sank in the engulfing waters
to rise no more. The broken-hearted chief returned to
his wigwam, a sadder and a wiser man. But his sadness
got the better of his wisdom, and end^-d his days. He
never smiled again. A settled melancholy took posses-
sion of his mind. The medicine men could do nothing
to arrest his malady, and before spring bloomed again
upon the prairies he sickened and died. But he left a
will (no copy of which, we regret to say, has been pre-
served) requiring that a memorial mourd should be
erected on the bank of the river, near where the lovers
perished; and that the stream itself should forever after
bear their united names, Wapsipinicon. The mound,
we believe, has been carried away by some of the tre-
mendous freshets which characterize the stream; but the
name, barbarous as it sounds to some fastidious ears, has
come down to the present day, and will probably never
wash out.
As this legend will suit any river whose name contains
the requisite number of syllables, we suggest that it may
be applied to the Maquoketa. We have not been able
to find any interpretation of the Indian name given to
that stream; but we have only to imagine that two Ind-
ian lovers, Maquo and Keta, drowned themselves in
its waters, and all the reasonable demands, both of ro-
mance and of etymology, will be met and satisfied.
We hope the reader will not get impatient: we will
try and let our balloon down in time for dinner. But
as we are speaking of rivers, we cannot think of leaving
the subject without saying a few words about
THEIR FREQUENT VARIATIONS.
What we have to say in regard to this matter will refer
principally to the Wapsipinicon river, but will, of course,
apply, imiiatis mutandis, to all the other streams. The
features of every landscape are always changing more or
less rapidly, under the action of its watercourses. Every
stream is liable to fluctuations. When rains are heavy,
and general and long continued, it rises, overflows its
banks or washes them away, changes its direction, makes
new bends or cuts off old ones, covers green fields with
beds of sand or gravel, washes away dams, bridges and
other artificial structures, and scatters their debris along
its banks. All of these changes, of course, tell upon the
landscape. If we could take an accurate photograph of
the scene that lies below us, and return again, in only a
year's time and take another, we should find the two very
perceptibly diflerent, in consequence of the fluvial chan-
ges brought about in that short interval.
Changeable as are streams in general, we think the
Wapsipinicon is exceptionally so. The soil through
which it flows is, for the most part, sandy, and there-
fore drifts readily with every overflow. This fact makes
it difficult to bridge in many places where bridges are
very necessary. The first crossing of the river below In-
dependence, is a place of this character. The stream,
before reaching this point, makes a sudden deflection
toward the east; and since the present bridge was built,
the stream has changed its bed to such an extent, and
the detrition of the bank has been so great at the south-
ern extremity of the bridge, that it has been thought
necessary (now that the old structure has become dilapi-
dated, and a new and more substantial one is about
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
29
to be built), to cross the river forty rods below — al-
though the road will have to turn that distance out of its
direct course in order to reach the new crossing.
The contrast which the Wapsie presents, between its
usual condition in midsummer, with the water shrunk far
within its banks; the cattle standing in the shade in the
middle of the current; and the entire stream passing
through mill-flume on its way — and the condition in
which it often finds itself in early spring, in the "June
rise," or in the "January thaw," — is about as great a con-
trast as can be imagined. The Wapsie "with his back
up" is always an imposing, and sometime seven a terrible,
sight. If the stream freezes in a time of high water,
and breaks up with heavy rains, look out for fearful
floods, and much damage from floating ice. The writer
of this will neter foiget the spectacle he witnessed at In-
dependence, in the spring of 187 1, in precisely such a
conjecture as the one above mentioned. It had been a
very cold winter, and the ice had formed to the thick-
ness of three feet or more; consequently, when the
"break up" came, the masses of ice that came crashing'
down the stream, were like floating islands.
The water was so deep that it made only a ripple as it
passed over the mill-dam, which is some ten or twelve feet
in height. Three or four ice breaks, placed above the
dam, and consisting of large cribs filled with bowlders,
were cut away by the immense ice shears that passed
over them, as if they had been so many muskrat houses.
The huge ice cakes, as they slid over the dam, just showed
their thick edges as a token of their power, then dipped
themselves gracefully, but majestically beneath the wave,
lifted their monster forms again to the surface, and hurled
themselves like battering rams against the piers of the
bridge below. These, like the ice breaks mentioned
above, were cribs built of large timber and filled with
bowlders. The principal attack was upon the pier near-
est to the eastern abutment. This, like the other (we
believe there were but two), was protected by a wooden
guard, built of heavy timbers and extending out into the
water in the form of an angular inclined plane. Against
this the huge masses of ice were hurled with such force
that, sliding up the inclined plane to its summit, they fell
back into the chaotic mass, sometimes with a dull, leaden
thud, and sometimes with an explosive sound, like that
of heavy ordnance. The guard was soon worn away,
and then the giant rams came butting directly against the
pier. The whole bridge trembled with every concussion.
A cry goes up from the vast crowd of people gathered on
the banks of the river, that the bridge is doomed. A
breach is made in the crib. The bowlders begin to tum-
ble out. The upper part of the pier settles down, and
the floor of the bridge tips in that direction. The whole
structure becomes more and more askew till suddenly the
rest of the pier gives way, and that part of the bridge
comes down with a tremendous crash. As the other
pier and the abutments stood their ground, less than half
the bridge was washed away; but the authorities wisely
decided to remove the rest of the old structure and re-
place it with another more substantial, and likely to be
permanent. The result is the present iron bridge of two
spans, strong and graceful, resting upon two abutments
and one immense pier, all of solid masonry, which, it is
reasonably believed, no ice rams will ever be able to bat-
ter down.
Having studied the Wapsie in his varying moods, all
of which, from the peaceful to the furious, are both pic.
turesque and poetic, we trust we shall be pardoned, even
by the prosaic reader (if we have any such) (or embody-
ing our impressions and recollections of those moods in
a rhyme which shall at least have the merit of appropri-
ateness.
SONG OF THE WAPSIPINICON.
When vernal rains descend no more,
And summer skies are luminous;
He glides along each verdant shore
With murmurs softly fluminous.
The children sport upon the brink.
While sultry noontide hies away:
The thirsty kine go in to drink,
."^nd stand and whip the flies away.
The love-boats kiss the water's cheek,
When moon-lit nights begin again;
And rustic joys play hide and seek
Along the Wapsipinicon,
The sliding Wapsipinicon —
The gliding Wapsipinicon:
The rolly-poly, cheek-by-jowly, strolly Wapsipinicon.
But when the lowering clouds come back.
And o'er the green earth frown again;
And all along his winding track
The summer rains come down again;
The waters, gathering from the hills
And upland pr.airies far away, ^
Descend in thousand swollen rills
That bear each hindering bar away.
The farmers round in terror wake
To hear the deluge din again,
.■\nd see a spreading, surging lake
Where rolled the Wapsipinicon,
The welhng Wapsipinicon —
The swelling Wapsipmicon:
The washy, swashy, splishy-sploshy, sloshy Wapsipinicon.
But winter comes with icy chain
To bind the north-land fast once more;
.•\nd Boreas, in a wild refrain.
Breathes forth his bugle blast once more.
Then Wapsie dons his cloak of ice.
Set round with snowy fur above;
And ne'er an ear, however nice,
Can hear the water stir above.
The skaters, shod with flashing steel.
Glide circling out and in again;
And joy, as sweet as summer's feel.
Broods o'er the Wapsipinicon.
The white-bound Wapsipinicon —
The tight-bound Wapsipinicon:
The snowing, knowing, stealthy-flowing, blowing Wapsipinicon.
But when he feels the touch of spring
Through all his kindling pores again,
.■\nd vernal clouds their treasures fling
.^long his loosened shores again;
Upspringing from his wintry lair
He hurls his frosty chains abroad.
Which tierce destruction madly bear
Through vale and flooded plains abroad.
In aspect wild, in gesture grand,
A blustering giant Finnegan,
With ice shillelah in his hand.
Goes forth the Wapsipinicon,
The roaring Wapsipinicon —
The pouring Wapsipinicon:
The dashing, clashing, wildly smashing, thrashing Wapsipinicon.
30
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
And thus, while seasons come and go.
Through all the years voluminous.
He marks their ever-changing flow
With his own changes fluminous.
The red men owned his verdant banks
But shortly after time began,
Which white men took with little thanks
Not long before this rhyme began.
But while the tide of time flows on,
Still, as old Saturn's minikin,
Till earth, sun, moon and stars are gone.
Shall flow the Wapsipinicon,
The changing Wapsipinicon —
The ranging W'apsipinicon;
The swopsy, whopsy, flipsy-flopsy, slopsy Wapsipinicon.
We fear that the reader may be getting a little weary
of being kept so long "up in a balloon;" but, before de-
scending to ierra Jirma, we desire to take a cursory
glance at the Buchanan
RAILROADS, VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS.
For a county whose chief town contains less than four
thousand inhabitants, Buchanan possesses more than
ordinary railroad facilities. The Dubuque & Sioux City
road, now a division of the Illinois Central, passes
through the centre of the county from east to west; and
the Milwaukee division of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids
& Northern passes through north and south, the most of
the way a little west of the Central line. These roads
furnish a convenient outlet for the surplus products of
the county; and a person wishing to make a journey in
any direction, has but a short ride by private conveyance
to reach one of these great public thoroughfares, which
make direct connection with others leading to all parts
of the country. In going from Independence, and parts
adjacent, to Chicago, the great metropolis of the west,
the traveller has choice of two competing routes — the one
by way of Dubuque, and the other by Cedar Rapids.
There are four ipassenger trains a day, two east and two
west, on the Illinois Central, and several freight and
mi.xed trains in each direction. On the Northern road
there is one passenger and two or three regular freight
trains each way. Besides all these regulars, there are
frequent "wild trains" on both roads; so that there are
not many minutes together, during the entire day, when,
from our aerial lookout, we should not be able to see a
train of cars, like some huge articulate animal, "dragging
its slow length along," in one direction or another. We
say "slow length," for, however swiftly a train may move
as it dashes past one standing upon the border of the
track, yet when the beholder is elevated, as we are, so as
to take in many miles of the space over which the train
is moving, its motion is retarded in proportion to the
distance — just as the motions of the planets, though im-
perceptibly rapid, are quite imperceptible across the in-
terstellar spaces.
While we are speaking a train of about thirty cars,
some of them loaded with produce and some with stock,
leaves the Independence station, about three miles west
and a little to the north of us. The huge engine comes
on puffing, wheezing and panting with its Brobdignagian
load. We hear the rumbling of the countless wheels,
like "the voice of many waters," and the squeals of the
poor hogs, crowded into their narrow and uncomfortable
encampments. The steam whistle, that agglomeration
of unearthly sounds, yells out its alarm as it crosses the
road below us; and vast clouds of stifling gas, belched
forth from the huge smoke stack, rise through the air
and envelop us in their sickening stench. Bah I We
wonder if the Lunarians smell it. If they do, they must
regard the earth as the very centre of the Stygian do-
minions.
The Illinois Central road, entering the county from
the east, passes through the southern tier of sections in
Fremont, Byron, Washington and Perry townships —
making a curve to the south, while passing through
Byron, so as to run, for about a mile, just below the
north line of Liberty. The Burlington road, as you en-
ter the county from the north, passes through the centre
of Hazleton, Washington and Sumner; deflecting toward
the east as it leaves the last-named township, cutting off
the northeast corner of Homer and the southeast corner
of Cono.
■ All the townships in this county coincide with the
national surveys, except that the north part of Sumner
(consisting of its upper tier of sections, together with a part
of sections twelve and thirteen) is added to Washington —
partly to accommodate the town of Independence, which
having first been laid out in the latter township, soon
extended itself across the line into the former — and
partly to accommodate the people living near the county-
seat.
The naming of the townships in this county presents
a singular poetic coincidence, which has no parallel in
the state; and probably none in the entire nation. The
county, twenty-four miles square, is divided into sixteen
townships, each six miles square. Hence there are four
tiers, each containing four townships. Every township
name consists of either two or three syllables with but
one accent ; hence, when arranged as they appear on the
map, they form a regular poetic stanza — what would
technically be called a dimeter quatrainthns :
Fairbank, Hazleton; Buffalo, Madison,
Perry, Washington; Byron, Fremont;
Westburgh, Sumner; Liberty, Middlefield;
Jefferson, Homer; Cono, Newton.
Of course, if these names are arranged in any other
order of fours, a similiar stanza will be formed ; but, after
ringing all the possible changes upon them, we are con-
vinced that the order in which they are found on the
map is the most musical. Surely, those who had the
charge of the township nomenclature in this county were
skilful prosodists, or else "they builded wiser than they
knew."
There are twelve villages in the county, including
towns corporate, and cities so called. Five of these rail-
road stations: viz.. Independence, the capital in Wash-
ington township, where the two roads cross, nestled among
the oaks of the Wapsie, just below us; Winthrop, in
Byron, toward the east, and Jesup in Perry, toward the
west; Hazleton station, in the township of that name, on the
north, and Rowley in Homer, on the south. Afar to the
northwest in the township of Fairbank, situated on the
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
31
Little Wapsie close to the Fayette county line, we see
the smart village of Fairbank, which is getting sufficiently
ambitious to look for a railroad in the near future. Let-
ting the eye turn toward the east, passing over the well-
wooded Otter creek, we come to the village, situated in
the midst of the timber, growing small by degrees and
beautifully less, from its contiguity (only about a mile
away) to the railroad station, which has stolen its name,
and is fast stealing its life. Passing on still to the east
across Buffalo township, we come to the village of
Buffalo Grove, situated in a fine belt of timber thus
named, extending along Buffalo creek. We reckon the
buffaloes must have been pretty thick here in early times.
At any rate they are so now; and the present herd, though
buffaloes only in name, will effectually prevent their
shaggy precedessors from ever being forgotten.
Turning again toward the west, and tracing up the
Wapsie from Independence for about ten miles, we come
to the little village of Littleton, just below the mouth of
the Little Wapsie. This is in the township of Perry.
Retracing the course of the river, we come to Otterville,
in Washington township, situated on Otter creek, about
a mile from its mouth. Perry and Washington are the
only townships that have two villages apiece, since Ha-
zleton and Hazleton Station can hardly be considered
two permanent and separate villages. Far down in the
southwest comer of the county, in Jefferson township,
near Lime creek, we espy the lonely little village of
Brandon, which is separated farther from neighboring
villages than any other in the county. And finally,
sweeping with our vision across the open prairie, past
Rowley Station on the Burlington road, in an eastly-
northerly direction, we come to the oldest and next to
the largest town in the county — the goodly village of
Quasqueton, picturesquely located on the Wapsie in the
township of Liberty, just within the southern border of
the finest body of timber in the county. Thus, in our
enumeration and location of the villages of the county,
the first is last.
There are seven of the townships (lacking but one of
being half of the entire number) that have as yet no
villages — at least, none with plats duly laid out and re-
corded. These are Westburgh, Sumner and Cono, and
the whole of the eastern tier, viz: Madison, Fremont,
Middlefield and Newton. Probably the time will come
when every township will contain one or more of these
centres of population and business. That time may be
somewhat remote, since at present the population of the
county is increasing very little, if at all; owing to the
vast quantities of excellent, but unoccupied, land now
being opened for settlement in the territories west of the
Missouri. When the desirable lands west of us are as
fully occupied as those of northern Iowa, the large
farms in Buchanan county will begin to be subdivided,
and the population will rapidly increase. Then the vil-
lages already existing will increase in size and impor-
tance, and new ones will_be established as centres of
commerce and manufactures, for the accommodation of
the rural districts. Additional facilities for the transpor-
tation of produce, and for intercommunication with oth
er parts of the country, will be needed; and the era of
free turnpikes will dawn upon Iowa, as it has already
dawned upon Ohio. New railroads will be built, some
of them crossing, as do the present ones, in the goodly
little city below us, which will have assumed by that
time metropolitan dimensions. The surface of the
county will be much more thickly dotted over with farm
houses and barns, half hid among their sheltering groves.
The State hospital for the insane, which now looms up
in such striking proportions on that fine eminence, a
little southwest of the city, will be no less conspicuous
an object then than now; but the trees about it, which
are as yet hardly perceptible in the distance, will have
grown into a leafy screen, which, though partly conceal-
ing, will only enhance, its beauty. The prairies will all
have become enclosed fields, and the prairie fires, once
so characteristic of Buchanan autumns, and now seen
but rarely, will then be only a matter of historj-.
Just how long it will be before all these changes will
occur, we would not undertake to predict ; but, proba-
bly, if we should return to our present serial out-look at
the end of fifty years, we should be as much at a loss to
recognize the landscape we should then see below us, as
an aged Indian would be were he now with us, to recog-
nize in the picture upon which we have been so long
gazing, the scenery with which he was familiar fifty years
ago.
The history of the railroad enterprises of the county
will constitute a chapter by itself farther on ; and addi-
tional notices will be given of the streams, townships
and villages when we come to the township histories.
But, for the present, we leave them, and relieve the
reader, by letting out gas from our balloon and descend-
ing once more to terra firma.
THE LAND SURVEYS.
The division of Buchanan county into townships is,
as we have seen, immediately connected with the origi-
nal survey of the land. A description, therefore, of the
method by which the United States land surveys are
made, will not be out of place in this chapter on the
physical features of the county.
For the description which follows we are indebted, in
part, to an article in the American Encyclopaedia, but
still more to an arlicle by Mr. C. W. Irish on the Gov-
ernment Surveys of Public lands, published as an appen-
dix to Dr. C. A. White's Report on the Geological sur-
vey of the State of Iowa. We have adopted the lan-
guage of each of these articles, whenever it has suited
our purpose; but changes and additions are so frequent
that we have not thought it worth while to disfigure the
page by the constant use of quotation marks. Some of
the changes alluded to are rendered absolutely necessary
in order to render the description intelligible without
the very instructive figures which accompany Mr. Irish's
article. And some of the additions are made for the
purpose of showing the relation of Buchanan county to
the base, meridian and correction lines. But, of course,
the most of the present section was only a general refer-
ence to the county.
32
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
The practice of the "Mother Country," says Mr. Irish,
in the manner of deahng in lands which she saw fit to
"sell and convey" to individuals, in the shape of "grants,"
was initiated by the colonies, and afterwards by the
States. These grants had no definite shape, but were
of all sizes and bounded in all manner of ways. The
boundary lines were made to conform to the windings
of any stream that happened to be favorably situated;
and in the absence of such convenience, the track of an
ancient highway, or any other landmark, natural or arti-
ficial, was taken as a boundary. The courses of the
boundary lines were magnetic, that is to say, the angles
or bearings of the lines were referred to the magnetic
meridian for direction. This system of surveying by
magnetic bearings had its origin at a time when the
belief was general that the direction of the magnetic
meridian, or, if you please, the direction of the compass
needle, was invariable. This, however, is not the case.
The direction of the needle is constantly changing ;
and as a consequence the magnetic bearing of to-day
from one given point to another, will not be the bearing
between the same points ne.xt year. Thus the attempt
to fix the boundaries of a tract of land by the use of
such variable means as those above described, resulted
in assigning variable boundaries, and consequently pro-
duced much perple.xity and vexatious litigation.
We have been informed that the Government is
indebted to General William Henry Harrison, afterward
President of the United States, for the convenient ingen-
uous, yet very simple method of land surveys which is
now in use, and which, for the past fifty years or more,
has taken the place of the old and cumbrous method
introduced by the English surveyors. Whether this credit
is really due to President Harrison or not we cannot
say; since neither of the articles above named contains
any allusion to the matter; and none of the authorities
that we have been able to consult, throws any light upon
the question. But, whoever he was, the man that con-
ceived the idea, involving the principles of the present
system of United States surveys, was indeed a public
benefactor, as well as a thorough scholar; for he brought
order out of the chaos of perplexities and vexations
involved in the plan of surveying just described. In
doing this he laid astronomy, mathematics, and mechan-
ics under contribution; and, at the same time that he
gave to the United States a regular system of surveying,
at once accurate and simple, his plan for getting the
direction of the lines used in bounding the lands sur-
veyed, necessitated the invention of a new surveying
instrument, the solar compass, the most accurate kind of
a compass used by surveyors. This new plan adopted
by the United States Government, has for its basis the
invariable direction of the true meridians. All bearings
taken from these meridians are called true bearings, to
distinguish them from magnetic bearings; and in their
direction are invariable as is the meridian from which
they are measured.
The parallels of latitude are also used in the new
system, as a basis from which to measure distances.
Consequently the United system of ])ublic surveys, con-
sists in the use of the true meridians from which to
get directions or bearings, and the parallels of latitude
from which to measure distances. It is called a rectan-
gular system — that is, all its distances and bearings are
measured from two lines which are at right angles to
each other; the two lines or bases being always a true
meridian, and a true parallel of latitude.
The piincipal lines used in government surveys are
five in number, and are called, in the order of their
establishment, base lines, principal meridians, township
lines, section lines, and correction lines. There are
several other lines used, but they are of interest only to
surveyors, and do not properly come within the limits of
this explanation.
By the rule, all north and south lines must be run
upon true meridians, and all east and west lines upon
true parallels of latitude. In locating the base (or east
and west) lines, and the meridians (or north and south
lines), which is the first step in a government survey, the
initial point, or the place from which the lines start, is
generally located at or near some natural landmark,
merely for the purpose of ready identification. But the
position of the starting point does not depend upon the
invariability of such landmark for its stability. For in
case of the removal of the landmark, the starting point
can be readily identified by its latitude and longitude,-
and the reference marks made near it. Hence the land-
mark, be it the mouth of a river or the top of a moun-
tain, is merely a reference point; but, whatever point is
chosen, the base line and the meridian start from that
point — the base running east and west, and the meridian
north and south.
The Government has established certain lines whose
intersections are to be regarded as starting points in all
government surveys. These lines are called principal
meridians and principal base Xxnti. There is, of course,
no absolute necessi/y of establishing more than one mer-
idian and one base, since all surveys could be reckoned
from the intersection of two such lines. But, if only one
starting point were used in all the United States, the
number of ranges — or rows of six miles squares, extend-
ing north and south of that point — and of townships or
rows east and west, would soon become inconveniently
large. Therefore several meridian and base lines have
been established by the Government. Of the meridians
thus established there were, in 1S75, as stated in the
American Encyclopsedia, twenty-four. Six of these, be-
ginning with the one furthest toward the east, are num-
bered, first, second, etc. The other eighteen have special
names, but all are designated by their longitude. The
first meridian is the boundary line between Ohio and
Indiana, longitude eighty-four degrees fifty-one minutes
west from Greenwich ; and the one further to the west
passes through Humboldt, Nevada, longitude one hun-
dred and twenty-four degrees, eleven minutes.
The number of principal base lines which had been
established at the date above mentioned, were twenty-
one — the northernmost being in latitude forty-five degrees
forty-six minutes twenty-seven seconds, which is about
the latitude of Minneapolis: and the southernmost, in
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
33
latitude thirty, twenty-five minutes, which is that of Tal-
lahassee, Florida.
The meridian from which the Iowa surveys are reck-
oned, is that which passes through the mouth of the
Arkansas river, in the State of Arkansas — being the
same as longitude ninety degrees fifty-one minutes. This
is the fifth principal meridian, which, being extended
north, passes through the eastern part of Iowa, about
twelve miles west of Dubuque.
The principal base line, from which also our surveys
are reckoned, is the parallel which passes through the
mouth of the St. Francis river, in Arkansas — about
thirty-four degrees, thirty minutes — a little south of the
line dividing the States of Mississippi and Tennessee.
The mouth of the St. Francis is about thirty miles east
of the meridian line passing through the mouth of the Ar-
kansas; and the base line drawn west from the former
point, crosses that principal meridian forty-eight miles
north of its starting point. The point at which these
two lines cross each other is the one from which the
Iowa surveys are numbered. And as our southernmost
tier of townships is numbered sixty-eight, there are sixty-
seven townships or four hundred and two miles from the
principal base to the line of Iowa's southern boundary.
After the establishment of the base line and meridian,
they are measured into half-mile, mile and six-mile
spaces, which are respectively the sides of quarter-
sections, sections and townships. The points at the
ends of these divisions are well marked, that they may
be identified and distinguished from each other years
after, and serve as starting points of other surveys.
The next step in the process is to divide the country
lying along these lines in spaces six miles square. This
is called townshipping the land; and all the townships
thus formed begin at the end of the six-mile spaces, on
the base and meridian, and are run parallel to these two
guides.
The law establishing this system, while it required that
the north and south lines should be run on true meridi.
ans, also required that each of the townships should be
six miles square. Exactly to satisfy both these require
ments is manifestly impossible. It is well known thaj
the meridians of the eanh are not parallel to each other •
for they begin at the equator, with a definite width be-
tween them — say sixty-nine and a half miles to a degree
— and gradually converge until they meet in the poles.
Now, these north and south township lines, being run on
true meridians, as a matter of course must converge ; and
in consequence the north side of a township must be less
in width than its south side. This is not the case with
the east and west lines, for they being run on true paral-
lels of latitude do not converge, but remain at equal
distances from each other, however far from the merid-
ian they may be traced. Then, for the want of parallel-
ism between the east and west sides of the townships, an
allowance must be made, as it amounts to about forty-
three feet to the township, between the parallels of
forty-one degrees and forty-two degrees north latitude.
That is to say, the north side of a township, between
forty-one degrees and forty-two degrees of latitude,
measures forty-three feet less than its south side. This
is partly allowed for by the use of "correction lines"
which are new basis run for about every tenth township,
parallel to the principal base. Upon each of these new
basis the half mile, mile and six-mile points are again
established, and from these points a new set of north
lines are measured.
Surveyors have been instructed that each range of
township should be made as much over six miles in
width, on each base and correction line, as it will fall
short of the same width where it closes on to the next
correction line north : And it is further provided that, in
all cases where the exterior lines of the townships shall
exceed or shall not extend, six miles, the excess or de-
ficiency shall be specially noted and added to, or
deducted from, the western or northern sections or half
sections in such township, according as the error may be
in running the lines from east to west or from south to
north. In order to throw the excesses or deficiencies on
the north and on the west sides of the township, it is
necessary to survey the section lines from south to north
on a true meridian, leaving the result in the north line of
the township to be governed by the convexity of the
earth and the convergency of the meridians.
There are two correction lines in Iowa, the second or
upper one passing through the centre of Buchanan
county, and constituting the southern boundary of the
townships Perry, Washington (as originally constituted)
Byron and Fremont.
Theoretically the townships are all six miles square,
and divided by lines running parallel with their sides
into thirty-six equal parts called sections. The dividing
lines being one mile apart each way, the sections are, of
course, one mile square and contain six hundred and
forty acres. The sections are always numbered from one
to thirty-six in regular order, beginning with the one in
the northeast corner, from thence to the west, thence
back to the east and so on — the southeast corner section
being always numbered thirty-six. The lines bounding
each section are called "section lines," to distinguish
them from the other lines used in the survey. They are
marked at the corners of each section by what are called
"section corners."
In subdividing a township, the measurement begins at
the northwest corner of section thirty-six, and progresses
northward and westward. This proceeding throws all
the errors of measurement (as we have seen) into the
lines adjoining the north and west sides of the townships,
giving what are called "anomalous sections " — they being
either greater or less than one mile square, by the
amount of the erior of measurement. These anomalous
sections, being on the north and west sides of the town-
ship, are numbered i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 18, 19, 30 and 31.
The rest of the sections in a township are taken to be
one mile square.
The government makes no smaller subdivision than
forty acres (the fourth of a quarter-section) except where
errors of measurement produce such a result, in the
anomalous sections.
Before concluding this brief, and necessarily imper-
34
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
feet, account of the manner of making government
surveys, it may be well to explain the different kinds of
corners used in running the various lines. They are the
"Initial Monument," "Township Corners," "Section
Corners," and "One-fourth Section Corners," each having
its own peculiar marks.
Township corners, when located in timbered lands, are
marked by a post. This post is about five inches square,
and set in the ground so as to project above the surface
about three feet. The corners of the post are set to the
north, south, east and west, each corner having six
notches cut in it, that being the number of miles, in
each direction, to the next township corner. Two trees
are then marked with a blaze facing the post — the bear-
ing and distance of each from the post being taken and
put in the notes. If the township corner is located in
an open field, with no timber near. A post is set as
above described, and a mound of earth, three feet high,
having a base, five feet square, and the top, two feet
square, is raised around it. The earth for this mound
is taken from two pits, one to the north, the other to the
south of the mound. They are square in shape, and,
like the mound, have their four corners directed to the
north, south, east and west.
Section corners, in a timbered tract, are marked by a
post, three inches square, and two feet high. The
corners of the post are set to the cardinal points, the
same as township posts; but the corners are notched so
as to show the number of miles which the post stands
from the township lines next north, south, east and west
of it. The position of the post is also marked by two
trees, as described for a township corner. In open
ground, with no timber near, the section corner is marked
by a post, as above described, and also by a mound of
earth. The pit from which the earth to form a section
corner is taken, is situated on the south side of the
mound, at a distance somewhat less than that in the case
of a township corner. The mound is also less in size
than a township corner mound, being at the base four
feet square, and two and a half feet high.
The post for a quarter section corner is only flattened
on two opposite sides, and, in timber, its position is
denoted by two bearing trees, and on open ground the
corner is marked by a pit and mound of the size used in
marking a section corner. The position of the pit differs
from that used in marking a section corner, by being
placed to the east of the mound. Its distance from the
mound, however, is the same as the pit from a section
corner mound.
Upon the sides of the stakes used in marking a town-
ship corner will be found the numbers representing the
adjacent townships. Upon the section corner stake will
be found the numbers of the adjoining sections; while
upon the quarter-section stake is marked simply ")^ S."
By the method of surveying thus imperfectly set forth,
a piece of land however situated within the bounds of
the United States surveys, can be referred lo and de-
scribed with the greatest certainty, and its dimensions, or
area in square miles or acres, be ascertained with all the
precision that the skill of the surveyor will warrant.
And further, the manner in which the boundaries are
marked and perpetuated, is such as to make the lines es-
tablished as immutable as the earth itself.
FLORA AND FAUNA.
We have neither the space, nor time, nor ability, to
give an exhaustive account of the flora and fauna of
Buchanan county; but a description of its physical
features would be imperfect, without at least some
general notices of both. We will therefore give, in a
desultory manner, such a description of them as we may
be able, relying partly upon our own study and observa-
tion, partly upon the accounts of early settlers, and partly
upon published scientific reports.
One of the most obvious reflections in regard to this
subject,, relates to the changes which have been produced,
both in the flora and fauna of this county (as of all other
newly settled regions), by the advent of civilized man.
These changes, which were quite unavoidable, have put
a new face upon almost every landscape. Hundreds of
vegetable species, and very many (though doubtless a
smaller number) of animal species, have become the
constant attendants of man in his improved condition,
and follow him in all his migrations. The most of these
(as the food plants and the domestic animals) he carries
with him, by design and of necessity, for the supply of
his various wants. A few (as certain song birds and
flowering plants) become his voluntary but welcome at-
tendants, and are never found remote from his dwellings,
which they cheer and gladden by their melody and
beauty. But many other (such as noxious weeds and
pestiferous vermin) throng about his pathways and
homes, and follow him with a sort of impish persistence,
in spite of all his efforts to shake them off
There is in these facts much that is mysterious, much
that is touching, and almost pathetic; and not a little
that is very humiliating and vexatious. Along the village
streets and country roads, and about dwellings, in gardens
or uncultivated places, may be found almost everywhere
throughout the county, the following, among other im-
migrating plants: The velvet leaf, or abutilon avicen-
nm; two or three species of mallow; the Jamestown
weed, or datura stramo7)ium ; several species of poly-
};onu/n, especially those called lady's thumb, and smart
weed; soapwort or bouncing bet; mag weed, or ma-
ruta cotula; several species of plaiitago, or common
plantain; stellaria, or chickweed; linaria, or toad
flax; purslane, or portulaca ohracea (of which Henry
Ward Beecher said, in one of his sermons, that he had
often ejected it from his garden "with maledictions" —
though what right he had to curse an innocent plant,
simply because it has a troublesome way of dying hard,
he has not yet informed the world); shepherd's purse
capsella hursa-pastoris) and other members of the
crucifera, or mustard family; burdock, or lappa major,
which has a most clinging affection for colts' tails;
stickseed and beggar's lice — species of eihinospermum,
which the amiable botanist, Professor Gray, calls "a vile
weed;" bur-marigold, or bidem frondosa, which the
children call pitchforks; and (where there is too much
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
35
sand for decent plants to grow) the sand-bur, burgrass,
or cenchrus tn'ludoides, which means, very appropriately,
thistle hedgehog, and which is the special tribulation of
barefooted boys and lady pedestrians.
None of these plants are indigenous in this county.
The first settlers found none of them on the prairies or
in the groves. They thought they had left them all be-
hind; but when they had got their houses built, their
gardens made, and their roads laid out, they awoke one.
morning to find them all here. How they came nobody
knows. The settlers would have been very glad to keep
the most of them away — though the chickweed, plan-
tain, knotgrass, and other humble and harmless little
weeds, so familiar in the olden times, did look natural
and friendly about the doorstep. As for the plants
themselves, they were all very much at home. They
seemed to say: "Thank you for getting things ready
for us. We have taken possession, and have come to
stay. Get rid of us if you can."
Of the animals which accompanied the early settlers
in the same unbidden and unceremonious fashion, the
birds that chirp or twitter or sing about the houses and
barns, and enliven the meadows with their beauty and
melody, are always welcome; notwithstanding the depre-
dations which a few of them make upon the fruit trees.
Among these we may enumerate the robin, the blue-jay,
the house-wren, the song-sparrow, the blue-bird, the ori-
ole, the swallow, the martin, the meadow-lark and the
bobolink, the finest of American songsters. Of these
the blue-jay is the only one who braves the severity of
Buchanan winters; and this constancy, together with his
gay and beautiful plumage, is more than a compensation
for his harsh voice — though even he has, occasionally, a
sort of soito voce warble which is by no means unmusical.
The instinct which leads these and other species to make
their abode about human dwellings, is not only interest-
ing, but wonderful. Some of them do it, probably, be-
cause they can find their food more readily there; others
because they are more safe from the attacks of hostile
species; while with some (or all) both these reasons may
have an influence. But it seems still more wonderful
that species which, for the most part, live remote from
the abodes of men, and are reckoned the most timid
and difficult to tame, occasionally manifest the same sort
of confidence in their civilized neighbors. The shy lit-
tle quail, regardless of the missies of boys and the guns
of older people, are frequently seen around our village
streets; and the brown rabbits, certainly the most timid
and untamable of our native quadrupeds, sometimes
brave not only these enemies, but their still more dan-
gerous foes, the dogs and the cats, by making their bur-
rows and rearing their young in our very door-yards ; and
yet, so secretive are they that they are seldom discov-
ered.
Of the more unwelcome species that followed the
early settlers to their western homes, are the rats and
mice and the various insects that prey upon their culti-
vated fruits, garden vegetables and grains. That almost
every plant necessary or desirable for the use of man,
should have its peculiar insect enemy, often becoming a
sort of epidemic, bringing poverty and distress upon
extensive agricultural districts by the total destruction of
some vegetable product largely depended upon for the
support of the people, is certainly a very great mystery.
The believer in Divine Providence and revelation can
hardly fail to see in this a proof of the reality of the
primal curse pronounced upon nature, as a penalty for
man's apostasy. But what a blow human pride must
experience whenever it is brought face to face with the
fact that, with all his boasted ingenuity, it is found utter-
ly impossible to exterminate one of these pests ! Scien-
tific societies and legislative bodies busy themselves
anxiously with projects for obviating the plague of grass-
hoppers. Prizes are offered, and the money paid for
costly inventions, having that object in view. But the
plague comes and goes; and when it comes again, it
finds them as unprepared as they were before. But if it
be thought less surprising that so small a creature, prop-
agating itself in such inconceivable numbers, and, for
the most part, in places so remote from those in which
it commits its worst depredations, and spreading with
such rapidity over large districts of country — if, I say, it
be thought less surprising that such a creature should
escape extermination by any means that man can devise,
who can avoid a feeling of surprise, mingled with humil-
iation (and perhaps just a trace of indignation), when
he contemplates the apparent impossibility of getting rid
of rats ? Here is an animal of comparatively large size,
propagating itself slowly (when compared with insects)
and always in the immediate locality of its depredations,
and surrounded by all sorts of destructive agents.
Against this animal man wages a ceaseless and relentless
warfare, exhausting his inventive genius in the production
of all sorts of traps and guns and deadly poisons, and even
allying himself with other hostile species, such as cats,
ferrets and terriers, whose hatred of race and power of de-
struction have been sharpened by ages of careful and inge-
nious training; but all to no purpose. Many individuals
have been killed — though not all on the side of the com-
mon enemy, for thousands of human beings have been de-
stroyed by rats — but the species thrives and manifests
no symptoms of approaching extermination. It multi-
plies quite as fast as man, and follows him, with a sort
of sarcastic fidelity, in all his wanderings, both by sea
and land ; and seems to repeat, with ironical emphasis,
the affectionate words of Ruth to Naomi: "Whither
thou goest I will go, and where thou lodgest I will lodge.
Where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried."
Man may as well give up all idea of success in his efforts
to exterminate the rats; and may think himself fortunate
if he is able to construct a cellar or a granary which the
cunning and persistent rodents are not able to get into.
But the new species, both animal and vegetable, which
were brought in by the settlers, and which have done
most toward changing the physical features of the coun-
ty, are, of course, those which they brought by design,
for their own sustenance, convenience, or pleasure.
They brought grains and grasses, esculent roots and
vegetables, and that sweet little conqueror, white clover,
which not only displaces most native weeds, but even
36
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
exterminates that odious usurper, May weed; and
these are now cultivated on the prairies and are fast
usurping the places of the wild species that once flour-
ished there. They brought many new species of flowers,
and these now decorate the grounds about their dwell-
ings, which are also adorned and shaded by ornamental
trees and shrubs, the descendants of those which once
adorned their ancestral homes in the east. Many of the
native groves have disappeared, to furnish fuel or timber:
but a still greater number, composed partly of native and
partly of foreign trees, have been planted here and there
for shade and protection from winds, and these now di-
versify and decorate the landscape, which but a few years
ago presented only an unbroken and monotonous ex-
panse of herbage in summer, and of snow in winter.
The settlers also brought with them their domestic
fowls — the common hen, the turkey, and (more sparing-
ly) the Guinea fowl — and these are taking the place of
the wild turkey (once so abundant in the timber, but now
seldom found there), and are fast taking the place of the
prairie hen, which for many years was the delight of our
sportsmen, but is now becoming comparatively rare
within the limits of the county, and may soon cease
to be considered game any longer. And they also
brought with them their domesticated quadrupeds,
their horses, mules, cattle, hogs, and sheep — as also
their dogs and cats — and these have usurped the places
of the buffaloes, elks, deer, and bears, once so numer-
ous, quite as completely as the white men have usurped
the places of the Indians. If any of the last mentioned
quadrupeds are now seen in this county, they have been
tamed and brought here as curiosities, just as any of the
Indian race that may now chance to stray across these
prairies, once the hunting grounds of their sires, are
tailie enough in comparison with those wild and warlike
progenitors.
It is sad to contemplate the extinction of a species,
whether animal or vegetable. The death of an individ-
ual, except one of our own race to whom we have borne
some intimate relation, affects us slightly. We look upon
it as a necessity, and have become reconciled to it. But
the death of an entire species, when once we grasp the
idea of it, seems something almost appalling. And the
nearer such an event comes to our own times, the more
sensibly we are affected by it. Thus we take a much
deeper interest in the remains of the mastodon, whose
era must have come very near, if, indeed, it did not over-
lap that of man, than we do in those which belong to the
earlier geological eras. And that interest measures the
regret we feel at the loss of a species. Much greater,
therefore, is our regret at the prospective extinction of
any species with which we have been familiar, or which
has lived during our own times. We suspect that even
the total extinction of rats would give us a pang of re-
gret, however much we might be glad to get rid of their
annoyance. However this may be, there is certainly no
man of sensibility who does not experience a genuine
sorrow at the almost certain prospect of the ultimate ex-
termination of the buffaloes, those shaggy lords of the
plains, who, with the Indians, for countless centuries held
joint empire in this western world. As they do not seem
to possess the qualities that would render them service-
able in a state of domestication, and as they cannot (or
will not) live in the midst of civilized surroundings, their
total e.xtinction seems to be only a question of time.
And that other species, both animal and vegetable,
that once flourished on the prairies, are doomed to fol-
low the buffaloes into a state of annihilation, seems only
too probable. The prairie hen is as incapable as the
buffalo of being domesticated, and may linger a little
longer than he on the borders of civilization. And
doubtless many of the prairie flowers and grasses will
also disappear before the plow and the cultivator and in-
truding species that accompany them. The legislature
seeks to protect certain animals, and prolong the duration
of their species, by the enactment of game laws. And
it seems almost a pity that the law could not accomplish
something in the same direction for wild plants — perhaps
by setting apart small tracts of land in favorable locali-
ties, as a sort of "preserves" or "reservations," in which
our aboriginal flora might find an unmolested home, and
there perpetuate itself through all coming time. But as
this idea would probably be thought "too sentimental for
anything," we have often looked with an eye of hope (if
not of faith) to the railroads, now so rapidly multiplying,
as a possible means for accomplishing this desirable end.
As we have been whirled along one of the earlier of these
tracks, through some of the cultivated portions of our
State, and have looked out upon the well-tilled fields,
smiling in the verdure of grains and cultivated grasses
which had completely usurped the place of the original
flora ; it has been with a feeling of actual delight that we
have observed on each side of the track, within the rail-
road fences, the strips of ground which have been kept
uncultivated and free from the inroads of cattle, still
covered with the native grasses and flowers, in all their
wild luxuriance and beauty. And it has seemed to us a
most interesting thought, that these steam ways, the type
and representative of modern progress, and prophecy of
still greater achievements in the future, should prove, at
the same time, the most efficient conservator of those
touching mementoes of a vanishing age. And when we
have seen a cabin set up on one of these strips of ground,
with its thread of a garden patch extending for rods in
each direction ; with all our sympathy for the poor, we
have not been able to repress a sort of indignation ; and
we have almost been led to think that if a man cannot
make a living, in a country like this, without invading
such a reservation as that, his continued existence in this
sublunary state, is a matter of less importance than that
of the aboriginal flowers which he thus lends himself as
a tool to exterminate.
The two railroads which now pass through this county,
contain about two hundred acres of ground in the strips
(as above described) along the sides of their tracks. If
all this ground could be reserved for the jiurpose we have
briefly hinted at, it would be sufficient to preserve from
extermination all the herbaceous plants which belong to
the original flora of the county. And the native trees
and shrubs, growing, as they do, in localities which will
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
37
be brought latest into cultivation (and some of which
will never be cultivated at all) require less care for their
preservation. Most of them, in fact, will be able to fight
their way unaided.
CH.\R.\CTERISTIC I-R.AIRIE FLOWERS.
To one coming to this State from the east, the first
sight of a prairie, with its most characteristic plants in
blossom, is a pleasure long to be remembered. Their
most attractive season is in early June; but midsummer
and autumn have also their peculiar blossoms, so that,
from early spring till "pale, concluding winter comes at
last and shuts the scene," the prairies are never devoid
of interest. If the newcomer is at all scientifically in-
clined, the sight of so many new floral faces will be likely
to stimulate his botanical curiosity to such an extent, that
he will not be able to rest contented till he has learned
their names and been formally introduced. This was pre-
cisely our case, and the most of the little we know
about botany, was learned from the prairies of Iowa — a
part of it from the prairies and groves of Buchanan
county.
As appropriate to this part of our history, we will give
here the names of a few of the plants which are most
characteristic of the Buchanan prairies, and whose blos-
soms, in the different seasons of bloom, do most to di-
versify and adorn them. Some of these are found
only on the prairies, while others are also found in forest
regions. To a professional botanist, the list we give
would seem very meagre. But we are not writing for
professional botanists.
The following are the most conspicuous flowers in
May and the first part of June:
Lithospcrtnitm caiiesans, with the common name of
Hoary Puccoon or Alkanet. A low plant, from six to
fifteen inches high, with large flowers of a deep orange
color.
Astragalus caryocarpus, or ground plum. Flower vio-
let purple.
Dodecatheon maedia, or shooting star.
Bapiisia lencophoea, or false indigo. Flowers cream
color and very showy.
Ranunculus r/w?nboideus, a species of crawfoot.
Delphiniun aziireum, or blue larkspur.
Froximon cuspidatuni, a low plant with large yellow
flowers.
Rosa blanda, the early wild rose — more attractive to
the botanist, in its simple beauty, than the finest double
rose of the gardens.
Mertensia rirginica, or lungwort, a low plant with
fine purplish blue flowers, often cultivated.
Two or three species of wild phlox, equal in beauty to
the cultivated varieties.
During the summer months the following characterif-
tic plants are in blossom :
Cacalia tuberosa, the tuberous Indian plantain, grow-
ing from two to six feet in height, and bearing large
heads of composite flowers, of a whitish color.
Cirsium altissimu/n, a showy thistle, sometimes ten
feet high.
Hieracium longipilum, or longbearded hawkweed — a
tall plant with yellow flowers.
Lilium philadelphicum, the wild orange — red lily — a
very conspicuous and beautiful flower.
Oxybaphus 7iyctagines, the only member of the Nycta-
ginaceae, or four-o'clock family, found in the north-
ern United States. It is represented in our gardens by
the common four-o'clock, or marvel of Peru.
Spiraea lobata, the "queen of the prairie."
One or two species of tradescantia, or spiderwort
Verbena stricta, or wild vervain, and perhaps one or
two other species of the same genus.
Petalostemon, or prairie clover. Two species, rose —
purple and white.
Amorpha canescens, or dead plant — the common
name having been given to it, from the early notion that
it indicated the presence of lead ore.
Calystegia, a plant resembling the morning glory.
Silphium laciniatum, commonly called rosin weed
from its copious resinous juice — also compass plant,
from being said to present the edges of its stalk (which
is of an eliptical shape) in a north and south direction.
Echinacea, or purple coneflower. Two species, tall
and showy.
Coreopsis palinata, a near relative of the showy species
commonly cultivated in gardens.
Liatris pychnostachia, commonly called button snake-
root, or blazing star. It is a tall plant, crowned with a
long spike of purple blossoms. It flowers, for the most
part in August, but frequently continues in blossom dur-
ing the following month.
The autumn prairie flowers are mostly yellow; and
though this color is not a favorite with the florists, it
seems most in harmony with the glorious sunshine of our
western autumns. The following are a few of the more
conspicuous flowers that adorn our prairies, just before
"the growing year is over:"
Rudbeckid, or yellow cone-flower — two or three species
belonging to the order of compositae (as do the most of
the late summer and autumn flowers) with very graceful
long and drooping rays.
Solidago, or golden rod, also of several species.
A showy, plum-like flower, common at the east; where
"we boys" were accustomed to use it in the olden time,
in "playing trooper."
Vernonia fasciculata, or iron weed.
Aster sericeus, which Professor Gray describes as "an
elegant silvery species; the large heads with twenty to
thirty rays, of a half inch or more in length." The last
named flower is blue — the one next previous, purple.
Boltonia glasiifolia. The rays white or purplish, and
the disk yellow — resembling some of the asters.
Heliantlius, or sun flower, several species, tall and
conspicuous — near relatives of the mammoth plant of the
same name, cultivated in gardens.
Nabalus, or rattlesnake root, several species. — Powers,
greenish-white or cream-color, often tinged with purple.
Gentiana, or gentian — also several species — among
which are the celebrated gentiana crinitia, or fringed
gentian ; and gentiana andrewsii, or closed gentian.
38
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Moiiarda punctata, or horse mint; "corolla nearly
smooth, yellowish, the upper lip spotted with purple —
very odorous and pungent. " This plant is also common
at the east.
As every way appropriate to the subject now under con-
sideration, we present here some reflections upon the
ORIGIN OF THE PRAIRIES.
These reflections are taken from the "Report of the
Geological Survey of the State of Iowa," published in
1870, by Charles A. AVhite, M. D., State geologist,— with
a very few modifications to adapt them to our use.
The question of the origin of the prairies, has become
more hackneyed, perhaps, than any other of the specula-
tive questions which North America geology affords; and
yet it seems to be no nearer a solution, satisfactory to all,
than when it first began to be discussed. It is not
proposed to discuss this question at length, nor to even
to present the different views that have been published
by different authors; but only to state a few facts, offer
a few suggestions, and perhaps leave the subject as un-
settled in the minds of others, as it was before.
By the word prairie we mean any considerable surface
of land that is free from forest trees and shrubbery, and
covered, more or less thickly with grasses and other
plants which, if not annual, survive the winter only in
their roots. This is also the popular understanding of
the term. It is estimated that about seven-eighths of the
surface of Iowa is prairie, or was so, when the State was
first settled. And that is about the ratio of prairie to
timber land in Buchanan county. 'I"he prairies are not
confined to the level surface, but are sometimes even quite
hilly and broken; and it is well known that they are not
confined to any particular variety of soil, for they prevail
equally upon alluvial, drift and lacustral soils. Indeed,
we sometimes find a single prairie whose surface includes
all these varieties, portions of which may be respectively
sandy, gravelly, clayey, or loamy. Neither are they
confined to the region of any particular geological forma-
tions which may underlie them, nor does their character
seem at all dependent upon any such formations; for
within the State af Iowa they rest upon all formations,
from those of the azoic to those of cretaceous age
inclusive, which etnbrace almost all kinds of rock — such
as quartzite, friable sandstone, magnesian limestone,
common limestone, impure chalk, clay, clayey and sandy
shales, etc. Southwestern Minnesota is almost one
continuous prairie upon the drift, which rests directly
upon, not only the hard Sioux quartzite, but also directly
upon the granite.
Thus, whatever the origin of the prairies may have
been, we have the positive assurance that their present
existence, in Iowa and its immediate vicinity, is not due
to the influence of climate, to the character or composi-
tion of the soil, nor to the character of any of the un-
derlying formations. It now remains to say, without the
least hesitation, that the real cause of the present exist-
ence of the ijrairies in Iowa, is the prevalence of the an-
nual fires. If these had been prevented sixty years
ago, Iowa would now be a timbered instead of a prairie
State.
Thus far we have stated facts and what are deemed to
be legitimate deductions from them. The following
statements are offered only as suggestions: We have no
evidence to show or intimate that any of the prairies
ever had a growth of trees upon them — notwithstanding
the fact that those, at least, of the eastern part of the
great prairie region, will support an abundance of timber,
after it is once introduced, if protected from the fires.
There seems to be no good reason why we should regard
forests, any nore than prairies, as the natural or normal
condition of the surface. Indeed, it seems the more
natural inference that the occupation of the surface by
the forests has taken place by dispersion from original
centres; and that they encroached upon the original sur-
face until met and checked by the destructive power of
the fires.
Then arise questions like the following, which are not
easily answered, and for which no answers are at present
proposed: When was fire first introduced upon the prair-
ies, and how? Could any but human agency have in-
troduced annual fires upon them? If they could have
been introduced only by the agency of man, why did the
forests not occupy the prairies before man came to intro-
duce his fires; since we see the great tendency of forests
to encroach upon the prairies, as soon as the fires are
made to cease? The prairies, doubtless, existed as such
almost immediately after the close of the glacial epoch.
Did man then exist and possess the use of fire, that he
might annually have burnt the prairies of so large a part
of the continent, and thus constantly have prevented
the encroachment of the forests? As the ice of the
glacial epoch extended across the continent, why was
the east covered with forests and the west with prairies ?
It may be that these questions will never be satisfac-
torily answered; but nothing is more evident than that
the forests would soon occupy a large proportion of the
prairie region of North America, if the prairie fires were
made to cease, and no artificial efforts were made to pre-
vent the growth and spread of trees.
We will bring to a close our chapter on the physical
features of the county by inserting here the article on
FOREST TREES,
taken from the work mentioned above, with still more
changes and additions than were found necessary in the
previous article, to adapt it to our use.
Although the use of coal, both hard and soft, has
greatly increased throughout our State, in the past ten
years, yet it is doubtless true now, as it always has been,
that wood is the principal and preferred fuel of our peo-
ple generally; and that, if it were everywhere found in
sufficiently large quantities, they would probably never
care to change their established habits in the use of fuel,
by discarding it for any other. It has been feared by
many that the amount of fuel which Iowa could be
made to produce would not be sufficient to meet the
wants of the prospective inhabitants that her fertile soil
is capable of supporting in plenty. But it is believed
that the discoveries already made of coal and peat have
demonstrated the groundlessness of such fears, even if
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
39
no other sources of supply were considered. In addi-
tion to these, however, it is proposed to show in this
place that a sufficient amount of fuel, at least for
domestic use, for all the present and prospective inhabit-
ants of the State, may be produced from the soil alone,
by the growth of forest trees.
It has been shown that the growth of forest trees can
be cultivated as successfully as a crop of corn, upon all
the varieties of our soil ; and, this question being settled
in the minds of those interested in the subject, it be-
comes necessary to consider the time within which the
result may be practically accomplished ; because, to meet
the wants of the rapidly increasing population, it is
necessary that some almost immediate supply be provided
in the case of the broad prairie districts. Some such
districts are upon, or adjacent to the coal fields. Some
are adjacent to considerable bodies of woodland, and
others have important deposits of peat; from all of which
sources immediate supplies of fuel may be obtained.
But besides these, there are other broad and fertile tracts
that have none of the advantages just named, and those
who occupy them must rely for their supply of fuel upon
distant sources or upon its production from the soil.
Railroads are being rapidly constructed which will carry
coal from distant coal fields to a large part of these prairie
regions; but a large proportion of the inhabitants of Iowa
must depend mostly for their ordinary fuel upon the
growth of trees.
As several years must elapse before even those trees
which grow most rapidly could become serviceable for
fuel, the question arises: "What could be done, in the
meantime, by those districts which should essay to de-
pend for their fuel upon the products of the soil?" To
this it may be answered that, even in as well wooded
a county as Buchanan, corn has more than once been
found to be cheaper fuel than wood. The writer of this
burnt several loads of corn in the city of Independence
in the winter of 1872-3, and found it both pleasant and
economical. Many conscientious people object to the
use of corn for fuel on the alleged ground that it is
wrong to burn up anything produced for food. But corn
is eaten to maintain the warmth (inseparate from life) of
the body; and when it is consumed in a stove, the ob-
ject is closely analogous if not identical. When it is so
abundant and so cheap that it can be economically used
for fuel, there is the best reason to believe that it is not
needed for food ; and, in any case, it cannot be so bad
to burn it up for the advancement of human comfort as
it is to turn it into a "liquid fire" for the destruction of
human happiness and virtue and life itself, in this world
and the next. And, besides, wood is as much a vege-
table product as corn. Sugar is a necessary article of
food; and hard maple, one of the most a]jproved trees
for fuel, produces an excellent sugar. If, therefore, it is
wrong to burn corn because it may be used for food, it
must be wrong, for a similar reason, to burn the sugar
maple. And so the argument against the use of corn
falls to the ground.
It is also said that the mammoth sunflower can profit-
ably be cultivated for fuel; and we see no reason to doubt
the truth of the statement. Of this, however, we cannot
speak from observation, and therefore proceed to consider
the subject already introduced, namely, the production
of fuel by the cultivation of trees.
By first planting those trees which have the most rapid
growth, to be followed immediately by those of the slower
growth and greater detisity of wood, one not acquainted
with the subject would be surprised to see how quickly a
supply of fuel may be obtained, and how a future supply
of the best kinds of wood can be established. The
principal kinds of trees indigenous to the State, which
are or may be used as fuel, are the following, given in
the order of their estimated relative abundance by natural
growth at present in the State at large: oaks — several
species — cottonwood, elm, white maple, linden, hickory,
sugar maple, black walnut.
The oaks form the greater part of the firewood now
used throughout tlie State. In some parts cottonwood
is scarcely used at all for fuel; but in others, better wood
being scarce, it constitutes the greater part of the fuel
used by the inhabitants. Other trees, such as hackberry,
ash, honey-locust, slippery elm, butternut, etc., are occa-
sionally used as fuel ; but they are comparatively so few
in number that they hardly deserve mention as varieties
of fuel. In the new natural growth of these trees the
relative abundance is somewhat changed, the black oak,
hickory and black walnut increasing. The trees named
as follows are those which will probably be most used for
cultivation — the names being given in the order of their
estimated rapidity of growth: cottonwood, white maple,
black walnut, oaks, sugar maple, and hickory.
The relative value of these kinds of wood for fuel is
estimated to be in the same order, cottonwood being the
poorest and hickory the best ; or in other words, the
slower the growth of the tree, the more valuable it is for
fuel. But taking into account the necessity that exists
for immediate supplies of fuel in many parts of Iowa, the
cottonwood becomes one of our most valuable trees,
because of its rapid growth. As soon as it has performed
this valuable pioneer service it should be laid aside to
give place to more solid and useful varieties.
The most congenial habitat of the cottonwood is upon
the sandy alluvial soils of the river valleys; but it grows'
with astonishing rapidity upon all varieties of soil in the
State, and flourishes as well upon the prairies as in the
valleys. Instances are numerous of the growth of this
tree from the seed, or from a riding stick stuck into the
prairie soil, to the size of from twelve to fifteen inches in
diameter, a foot above the ground, within the space of
ten or twelve years. So rapid is its growth that those
well acquainted with it, estimate that ten acres planted
with the seeds or young shoots will, at the end of five
years, supply a large family continually with all necessary
fuel — the wood being allowed to grow up again as fast as
it is cut away. Indeed a large number of persons have
practically proved the correctness of these estimates.
Cottonwood may be propagated either from the seed,
from cuttings, or by transplanting the young trees. The
seed, which is very light, and almost microscopic in size,
is sometimes scraped up from the sandy surfaces along
4°
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
the streams where it has fallen from the trees, the seed
and sand mixed together and sown broadcast upon ground
prepared for it, as small grain is sown. Sometimes the
slender poles are cut from the dense growth that often
springs up near the streams, trimmed of their branches
and notched with the a.xe at intervals of a few feet along
their entire length, then placed end to end in furrows at
proper distances from each other, and covered with soil
by the plow. Sprouts quickly start from the sides of the
notches and rapidly become thrifty trees.
The most congenial habitat of the white maple is also
upon the lowlands, but it thrives well upon the prairies.
For rapidity of growth it ranks next to the cottonwood,
and makes better and more durable fuel. It succeeds
well upon all varieties of soil, and may be readily propa-
gated from the seed, or by transplanting the young trees
from the places of their natural growth. The seeds
must be planted soon after ripening, as they will not
germinate if allowed to become dry.
The black walnut has been found to succeed well
upon the prairies by artificial propagation. It is raised
from the seed with certainty and little labor.
These three kinds of trees are now most commonly
used for the production of artificial groves and wood-
lands throughout the State since the failure of the black
locust, in consequence of its destruction by the borers.
It is well known that all the other indigenous trees may
be artificially cultivated, but these seem to have been
wisely chosen for the rapidity of their growth and the
small amount of labor required in their propagation and
cultivation. These tests, which the people have made
extensively in all parts of the State, prove beyond the
possibility of doubt that a sufficient amount of material
for fuel and fencing may be produced from the soil alone,
in any portion of Iowa.
People have hitherto been in the habit of regarding
the great proportion of prairie surface in our State as a
calamity; but, with a knowledge of the facts just stated,
it is evident that views directly opposite should be taken,
because the labor and expense of procuring all necessary
fuel by the means just explained is but a tithe of what
would be necessary to prepare the land for cultivation,
if it had originally been covered with forests, such as
formerly prevailed over a large part of the States of Ohio
and Indiana. In a prairie region like ours, the farmer
selects the finest lands for cultivation, every acre of
which is ready for the plow, and sets aside the more
broken and less tillable portions for his future woodlands.
Thus he may not only choose the location of his fields
and woodlands, but also the kinds of crops, whether of
grains or trees, that shall be grown upon each.
I'he following catalogue of the principal indigenous
forest trees of Iowa is here inserted as a matter of record,
taken from the same Geological Report from which we
have just made copious extracts:
Acer dasycai-pum. — A\'hite maple.
Ace}- saccharinum. — Sugar Maple.
Aesculus glabra. — Buckeye.
Beliila nigra. — Water birch.
Carya alba. — Hickory.
Carya amara. — Pig-nut hickory.
Carya olivaformis. — Pecan.
Celtis occidentalis. — Hackberry.
Cerasus serotina. — Black wild cherry.
Fraxinus Americana. — White ash.
Gleditsihia triacanthus. — Honey locust.
Gyinnocladus Canadensis. — Kentucky coffee-tree.
Juglans cinerea. — Butternut or white walnut.
Juglans nigra. — Black walnut.
Negundo aceroides. — Box elder.
Platanus occidentalis. — Button-ball or sycamore.
Populus monilifera. — Cottonwood.
Populus ttemuloides. — Aspen.
Querciis alba. — White oak.
Quercus imbricaria. — Laurel oak.
Quercus macrocarpa. — Bur oak.
Qmrcus tinctoria. — Black oak.
Tila Americana. — Linden, or basswood.
Ulnins Americana. — Common elm..
Ulmiis fulva. — Slippery elm.
All but three or four of these species are found in Bu-
chanan county. The list, however, does not profess to
give a complete view of the arboreous flora of the State,
and at least four species might be added that are also
found in this county. They are the following — the first
being found along Pine creek, the second in scattered
localities on the Wapsie, and perhaps one or two other
streams, and the second in the thickets or among other
trees everywhere:
Pinus strobus. — White pine.
Juniper us Virginiana. — Red cedar.
Pry us coronaria. — American crabapple.
Prunus Americana. — ^Vild yellow or red plum.
We close this chapter with a thought suggested by the
presence of so many species of oak growing together in
groves of this county, and of the State at large — a thought
which seems to justify a strong statement in the Teachers'
Institute address, inserted in another part of this volume,
to the effect that "all nature fairly swarms with the most
convincing arguments to disprove the truth of Mr. Dar-
win's theory of development."
One of the fundamental principles of that theory is
that species are not original and fixed creations, but that
they have been developed from what we now call varieties
— in other words, that what we now call genera were
once species, and what are now species, grouped together
under the names of the several genera, were then only
varieties which, in process of time, have become, so to
speak, hardened into species. According to this theory
the oak genus was originally a species, and all the kinds
of oak now existing were only varieties of that one species.
But we know that, at present, varieties mingle freely; and
that, unless they are propagated separately, their varietal
character is soon lost, and they revert to the original
form of the species. As the laws of nature are confes-
sedly uniform, there is no reason to suppose that this
rule with regard to varieties was ever different from what
it now is. But the four species of oak above mentioned
now propagate themselves in close proximity, and never
mingle; or, if hybrides are ever formed, they are sterile.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
41
and never perpetuate themselves at all. That there was
ever a time when these four species were not found in
the same proximity as now is very improbable, if not in-
conceivable. But if they had ever been mere varieties,
propagating themselves as now, they must, according to
the law above stated, have become mingled, thus losing
their character as varieties, and becoming absorbed into
the original species.
In the nature of thing?, therefore, the different species
of oak now growing together in Buchanan county could
never have been varieties, and the Darwin theory of de-
velopment cannot be true.
GEOLOGY.
We had made arrangements with a gentleman familiar
with the subject, to prepare, for this chapter of our work,
a section on the geology of Buchanan county. Circum-
stances prevented him from fulfilling his engagement;
and now, in the hurry of finishing up the general history,
we are thrown largely upon our own resources (which are
by no means extensive) for the collection of a few facts
upon a subject which, if left untreated, would leave our
chapter on the physical features of the county sadly de-
ficient.
We have, however, been so fortunate as to obtain
some valuable suggestions from two gentlemen, who have
been long resident in the city of Independence; and
who, though not professional scientists, have found time,
in the midst of active business pursuits, to make them-
selves familiar with the science of geology in general,
and with the geology of Buchanan county in particular.
We refer to Messrs. E. B. Olden and Dr. S. Deering, to
the former of whom we are indebted for information in
regard to the general geological features of the county,
and to the latter for an account of the principal fossils
found here. Mr. Deering has also placed in our hands
a pamphlet, of which we have made copious use, con-
sisting of an article extracted from the "United States
Geological and Geographical Survey," and entitled as
follows :
"On Some Dark Shale Recently Discovered Below
the Devonian Limestones, at Independence, Iowa; With
a Notice of its Fossils and Description of New Species.
By S. Calvin, Professor of Geology, State University of
Iowa."
This pamphlet, as will be seen, makes honorable men-
tion of Mr. Deering as an original discoverer in the do-
main of Paleontology.
The principal portion of Buchanan county is underlain
(in many places somewhat too near the surface) by the
rocks of the Devonian age. About one-fourth of the
county, however, on the east and northeast, is underlaid
by the Upper Silurian. Both of these groups of rocks
are composed largely of different varieties of limestone,
intermixed with shales. The different varieties receive
different names, from the different localities where they
were first observed — as the Hamilton and Chemung
shales, in the Devonian; and the Clinton limestone,
Niagara Group, and Trenton limestone, in the Upper
Silurian. Of the latter, however, there are few, if any,
6
outcrops in the county; while of the former there are
many, and some very striking ones, along the Wapsie
river and Otter creek.
The Devonian rocks, in this county, though easily
quarried, afford no valuable building stone — the most of
them being too friable, and all of them too irregular in
fracture.
The stone steps at the court-house in Independence
are of this rock, quarried near Littleton ; but after a few
years use they are fast going to pieces, and will soon
have to be replaced. The Upper Silurian abounds in
excellent stone for building purposes — the celebrated
Anamora stone (supposed to correspond with the Tren-
ton limestone) occurring in that deposit. But if, as is
possible, that same stone underlies the eastern part of the
county, it is too far beneath the surface to be available.
Buchanan is one of the richest counties in the State,
in the fossils of the Devonian age — the quarry about
half a mile east of Independence having become quite
noted for its rare fossil shells, and been visited by many
distinguished paleontologists from abroad. D. S. Deering
has probably the best collection of Buchanan fossils that
has ever been made. The specimens in his cabinet em-
brace eighteen genera, and twenty-six species, five of the
latter being pronounced by Professor Calvin, "new to
science." The following are the names of the genera,
with the number of species here represented in each:
Spirifer, four species; Orthis, three; Atrypa, Acervu-
laria, and Strophodonta, each two: Gypidnea, Produc-
tus, Euomphalus, Zaphrentis, Rhynconella, Pleuroto-
maria, Cyrtina, Conularia, Gomphoceras, Lituites, Cyrto-
ceras, and orthoceras, each one species. The four last
named are shells of very large size.
As the Devonian and Upper Silurian rocks are all
geologically below the coal measures, and even below
the sub-carboniferous group, it is as certain as anything
in science, that no coal beds can ever be found in Bu-
chanan county. But the dark, slaty shales that occur
in the Devonian, have often been taken by the unscien-
tific, as a sure indication that coal was near; and for-
tunes have been spent in a vain search for it, when "a
little knowledge" (not in this case "a dangerous thing")
would have shown the explorers the futility of their
efforts.
A similar misapprehension led to an attempt to dis-
cover coal under the quarries near Independence, about
the year 1877. No coal, except the merest trace, was
found; but, as so often happens, the honest elTort of
ignorance led to valuable scientific results.
We will let Professor Calvin tell the story in an extract
from the pamphlet above alluded to :
The Devonian deposits of Iowa as now known, may be roughly rep-
3
42
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
resented by the annexed diagram, in which i indicates the position of
a member of the group recently discovered at Independence, consist-
ing of a dark argillaceous, with some thin beds of impure, concretion-
ary limestone. It has been explored to a depth of twenty or twenty-
five feet. No. 2 represents all the beds of what have been termed
Devonian limestones in Iowa, and is made up largely of limestones,
with associated beds of light colored shales; estimated thickness, one
hundred and fifty feet. No. 3 is a bed of argillaceous shales exposed
at and near Rockford, Iowa, and is referred to in this paper as the
Rockford shales. It abounds in fossils, and weathers, on exposure,
into a stiff clay, that has been utilized in the manufacture of brick;
observed thickness, seventy feet.
Until quite recently Nos. 2 and 3 of the above section weie supposed
to make up the entire thickness of Devonian rocks in Iowa. No. 2 not
only varies, as already indicated, in lithological characters, but the
grouping of fossils differs widely in different localities, so much so that
competent geologists have referred certain exposures — for example,
those at Waterloo — to the Corniferous, and others — as at Inoepend-
ence and Waverly — to the Hamilton. Such leferences of the above-
named exposures will be found in the Twenty-third Report on the
State Cabinet of New York, pages 223-226; and in the same article
Professors Hall and Whitfield declare the Rockford shales to be the
equivalent of the New York Chemung. On the other hand, Dr. C. A.
White — Geology of Iowa, 1870, volume r, page 187 — is of opinion
that all the Devonian strata of Iowa belong to a single epoch.
Thus matters stood until a year or so ago, when D. S. Deering called
attention to the interesting fact-that a dark shale had been exposed in
working out the layers in the bottom of one of the limestone quarries
near Independence. The quarrymen penetrated the shale to a consid-
erable depth in the hope of finding coal. The shale varies somewhat
lithologically, but where it presents its most characteristic features it is
argillaceous, fine grained, and highly charged with bituminous matter.
In some of the beds there are numerous remains of plants — stems of
loepidodendron and sigiliaria that made up the forests of the Devonian.
The plants, however, are very imperfect; the form only is partially pre-
served, and that mamly by iron pyrite that replaced the original stem.
The woody tissue of the plants has been converted into coal that occu-
pies thin irregular seams among the laminae of pyrite. The little bands
of coal vary in thickness, but none of those observed exceed a quarter
of an inch. None of the plants are perfect enough to render either
generic or specific identification possible.
The discovery of shale charged with the carbonized stems of plants
below the Devonian limestone of Iowa is a matter of much interest.
Frequent reports have gained circulation of the discovery of coal in
drilling wells in regions occupied by Devonian rocks.
From Jessup, Janesville, Marion, Davenport, and
other places, such rumors have gone out. In one or
two cases, shafts have been dug at considerable expense,
necessarily ending in disappointment and failure.
The discovery at Independence accounts for these reports. In drill-
ing through the limestones, the lower shales, with their carbonized
plants, were reached, and the dark color of the borings, mi.xed with
fragments of real coal, naturally enough gave rise to the impression
that a veritable coal mine had been found.
It is 10 be noticed that all the places from which such reports have
come, stand near the eastern outcrop of the Devonian, where its en-
tire thickness could be pierced at a very moderate depth. The num-
ber and position of such localities would show that the shale in ques-
tion IS not a mere local deposit, but is distributed all along the outcrop
of Devonian rocks in Iowa.
The researches of Mr. Deering and myself have brought to light
quite a number of finely preserved Brachiopods, representing fourteen
species. Of these two are not determined and five are new to science,
but the chief interest attaches to certain species that have hitherto been
known only from the shales of bed No. 3, near Rockford. It will be
convenient to arrange the specimens in three groups, as follows :
I. Species limited in Iowa, so far as is known, to the Independence
Shales: Strophodonta variabilis, new species; Gypidula niunda, new
species, Othis in/era. nevi s\^iee\e^\ Rhynchon/lla amhigua, new spe-
cies ; Spiripera subumbona. Hall ?
II. Species ranging throughout the entire group, and so common to
beds I, 2, and 3 : Atryparcticularis, Lime.
III. Species common to beds i and 3, but not known to occur in
the intervening limestones: Strophodonta quadrata. new species; 5t
arcuata, Hall; .S. canace. Hall & Whitfield; 5. rcversa. Hall ; Atrvna
hystrix, Hall ; Productus {Productella) dissimilUs, Hall.
It is an interesting fact th.it of the twelve determinable species six
occur only in the shaly deposits at the opening and close of the Devo-
nian, notwithstanding these deposits are separated by one hundred and
fifty leet of limestone. Only one species is known to pass from the
lower shales into the limestones above, and even there it appears
under a form so altered that specimens from the two beds may be dis-
tinguished as really as if they were distinct species, if we take form
and surface markings into account, the Atrypa reiiculacs of No. r,
also finds its nearest representative, not in the limestones immediatelv
above, but in the shales at Rockford,
Obviou.sly, then, the Independence shales are more nearly related to
the Rockford beds than to any other formation in Iowa. The species
in group i, seem to have disappeared with the ushering in of conditions
under which limestones were formed; they maintained themselves in
some locality which has not been discovered, or from which the shaly
deposits have been entirely swept away, and returned with the condi-
tions favorable to their existence during the deposition of the Rock-
ford shales.
The intimate relation between the two extremes of the group, is
certainly a most interesting one, and can but strengthen the conclusion
of Dr. White, that all the De\'onian strata of Iowa, belong to a single
epoch.
Then follows a minute description of the individual
fossils mentioned above, for which we have no space,
and which would not have much interest for the general
reader. VVe will therefore omit it, and call our brief sec-
tion on Buchanan geology, finished.
CHAPTER III.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS.-
[As the author of the following address was a promin-
ent citizen of Buchanan county, and as the occasion of
its delivery forms an important landmark in the history
of the county, we have concluded to insert it entire; al-
though some of the details, given in other parts of the
work, will necessarily contain repetitions of many of the
facts herein recorded.
That this sketch may be read and heard on such an occasion, without
weariness beyond endurance, it is necessary to study brevity rather
than rhetorical effect. With scant space for facts, there is still less for
fancy, and many interesting incidents and individual experiences must
of necessity be omitted.
Beginning with the advent of the first permanent settlement in the
county, we are carried back aljout one-third of a century; for the
pioneer was one William Bennett, who settled where now is the thriv-
ing village of Quasqueton in the early spring of r842. Mr. Bennett is
said to have been the first settler in the county of Delaware also, and
had probably chanced upon the site of Quasqueton in some hunting ex-
pedition. The beauty of the locality captivated his fancy, and the
rapid stream showed that its power could be utilized. He at once laid
claim to the place, and proceeded to make his claim good by erecting
a log cabin on the east bank of the river, and occupying it with his
family.
It is almost as difficult for us to conceive the appearance which the
county then presented to its first citizen, as it would have been for him
to paint by aid of fancy, that which it now presents to us. .Approach-
ing his new home from the east, he had crossed many miles of prairie,
stretching away to the north beyond the limits of vision; looking across
the stream to the southwest, still the same undulating prairie; and if he
passed the river a little to the west he beheld still the same gently swell-
ing sea of treeless green extending toward the northwest to all appear-
ance boundless.
He might have caught some floating canoe drifted from its mooring
* By Hon. O. H. P. Roszell. Read at the Centennial Celebration at
Independence, July 4, 1876.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
43
far up the stream, and following the timber-skirted liver through the
entire extent of the county, no other trace of art or industry would
have met his gaze, save perhaps the lodge-poles of some deserted Indian
camp. But though he would have found the country a wilderness, it
was not a solitude. From every thicket on the river's bank, the dip of
his paddles would have startled the deer, and its splash been echoed by
the sudden plunge of the beaver and otter, while wild fowls,— ducks,
geese and the majestic swan, rose at his approach in countless thou-
sands, and mingled their scieams with the cry of innumerable cranes
wheeling their flight far up in the blue ether. The whole country was
as if just completed— fresh and new and perfect from the hand of the
Creator; an unpeopled paradise. Hardly had Bennett taken posses-
sion of his cabin before he was joined by one Evans, and by Ezra Allen
who settled about one and a half miles north of Quasqueton, and in
April the settlement was increased by the arrival of Frederick Kessler
and wife, Rufus B. Clark and family, S. G. and H. T. Sanford, a Mr.
Daggett and Simmons and Lambert and Edward Brewer; the latter,
who was then unmarried, made his home with Kessler. Clark and
Kessler each made claims, and built cabins about one and one-half mile
west of Quasqueton and near together, and as soon as possible com-
menced breaking prairie, so that in June they had ten acres broken
which they planted with corn and beans; but though frost did not appear
that fall till October loth, there was not sufficient time for the crop to
ripen. They all, men and women, went to work the day after the frost,
and gathered the crop so as to secure it in the best condition possible,
for corn and beans were important articles. For provisions during the
summer of 1842 it was necessary to go to the Maquoketa— a distance
of sixty miles. One person was sent with an ox team, and brought
supplies for the whole community. The land was yet unsurveyed, and,
of course, not in market. The government surveyors were engaged that
summer in making the subdivisions, and were in camp for some time
near Kesslei's. The sight of these and an occasional squad of cavalry
galloping across the prairie and fording the river at the rapids, served
to remind the settlers that they were not alone in the world.
During that summer a man named Stiles settled at Quasqueton ; and
to him belongs the honor of keeping the first whiskey shop in the coun-
ty. He called his place a "tavern" and "grocery." Some addition
was made to the settlers aside from emigration, for in May, 1842, was
born Charles Kessler, the first white child born in this county. In the
autumn of 1842 there arrived Nathaniel Hatch and family and Henry
B. Hatch without family. Nathaniel built himself a house and Henry
B. made his home at Kessler's. Mr. Bennett built a log dam across the
river and raised the frame of a saw-mill that fall. There were several
young men in his employ who never became permanent settlers. This
same season also one Johnson made his appearance and located on the
east side of the river, about halfway between Quasqueton and Inde-
pendence. He asserted that he was the notorious "Canadian Patriot,"
and that a young woman who accompanied him as his sole companion
was his daughter, Kate, and the veritable "Queen of the Thousand
Isles." His language and conduct excited the suspicion and hatred of
the settlers and a party of them seized Johnson, administered a severe
whipping and an admonition to leave the settlement, which he soon did.
This episode was long referred to by the settlers as the "Patriot War."
The winter of 1842-3 proved a very severe one, and the settlers en-
dured many privations. On the seventeenth of November a terrible
snow storm commenced, accompanied with wind which caused im-
mense drifts. Most of the houses having been hastily erected that
spring, of logs, were imperfectly chinked and plastered, and it was
impossible to keep out the drifting snow. — Kessler's was in this condi-
tion, and his family took refuge at Clark's, which was better protected.
On returning after the storm they found their house drifted completely
full and buried — even to the chimney, and had to dig out their furniture
piece by piece. They dug a regular stairway from the door to the
top of the snow ; and the same to reach the water in the spring close
by, through snow fourteen feet in depth. The storm ended in sleet,
which left a hard crust on the surface, which would bear the weight of a
man if not too heavy. It was almost impossible to get about except
on foot, and in that way the mail was carried to and from the "Col-
ony," near "Edes' Grove," in Delaware county, by Kessler, he being
selected for that service on account of being small and light. Deer
were abundant and easily overtaken, as their sharp feet broke through
the crust ; so venison was plenty. Bee trees also had been found in
large numbers in the fall, and there was a plentiful supply of honey.
Some families had three or four barrels of that commodity, but honey
and venison, though each delicious, were found hardly adequate food
for sole and constant use ; and grain there was none, nor other food of
any kind to be had short of a journey to the "colony."
H. B. Hatch was the first to venture out after corn. He went with
two yoke of oxen and on his return was overtaken by a storm of sleet
so severe that the freezing rain blinded not only himself, but his oxen.
But by walking on the off side of his cattle he managed to shelter him-
self somewhat, and after stopping many times to remove the ice from
his eyes and those of his oxen, he succeeded in reaching home with his
load of corn, much to the joy of the settlers, who had been greatly
alarmed for his safety. This corn was immediately distributed, and
when exhausted, Mr. Sanford went to the same place and brought an-
other load, which he carefully dealt out, sternly refusing any applicant
more than one peck at a time ; not from any want of kindness or gen-
erosity, but to enforce that severe economy in its use, which was abso-
lutely necessary. For several months during that winter, venison,
honey, and boiled corn constituted the only food of the settlers.
Wolves were numerous and bold, and often came to the springs within
a few steps from the doors of the settlers, to drink. On the first of
April, 1843. the river was still frozen and teams crossed on the ice.
In the spring of 1843, the land in the south part of the county was
put in market, and on the thirteenth of March of that year the first
entry was made by Edwin R. Fulton, the entry being the west half
northeast thirty-four, eighty-eight, eight, and eighty, which Bennett
had claimed and settled upon. Fulton was never a citizen of this
county, and was probably some friend of Bennett, whom he procured
to make the entry for him. lu May, 1843, Malcom McBane and John
Cordell— both with their families— settled in the immediate vicinity of
Quasqueton, on the east side of the river. They entered their first
land May 2, 1843. Sometime in the summer or fall of 1843, came
James Biddinger, S. 'V. Thompson, and W. W. Hadden ; the former
settled near, and the two latter at, Quasqueton. During the summer
of 1843, a flouring-mill was erected at Quasqueton by Mr. Stiles, but
was probably not completed until 1844, about which time a Mr.
Richards settled there and opened the first store. Up to this time the
place has been known only as "The Rapids of the Wapsipinicon," but
now it had a saw-inill and grist-mill, a store, tavern and saloon, and
had become quite a village, and was named "Trenton, " which name it
retained until about 1847, when it was regularly laid out into lots and
rechristened Quasqueton, which name is euphonized from Quasquetuck,
signifying in the Indian tongue "Swift Waters. "
The first settlers had now begun to raise wheat as well as corn, and,
with a mill in their immediate vicinity where it could be ground, were
in little danger of being again compelled to subsist on boiled corn.
Fish were abundant in the river, and it is told, and is undoubtedly true,
that they were caught of such size that, tied together by the gills and
thrown across a horse, their caudal fins touched the ground on each
side. It is surmised, however, that the horse was an Indian pony and
of not unusual height. The species of fish which attained to such size
was the " muscalonge," and some of the same species weighing twenty-
four pounds were caught at Independence as late as 1854. During the
year 1844 there seems to have been but little additional emigration to
the county; but in 1845 quite a number of families arrived, among them
one Abbott, James Rundle, and Benoni and Harvey B. Haskins, and,
I think, David Merrill; these families all settled near Quasqueton.
During that year, also, was made the first entry of land north of the
correction line. It was on section 25, 89, 9, a part of what is now
known as the "County Poor Farm," and was entered by John Kimmis,
December 4, 1845.
Rufus B. Clark, in his hunting excursions, had early visited, observed
and admired the site of Independence. He had no means with which
to purchase the land, but he laid claim to the place, and in the spring
of 1847 built a log house on the east side of the river, at a spot near
the present junction of Chatham and Mott streets, and removed his
family thereto. After making the claim he had visited Janesville,^Wis-
consin, and induced S. P. Stoughton and Nicholas A. McClure to pur-
chase the land. Stoughton came to Independence the same spring-
April, 1847— entered the land, and during that summer built a dam and
saw-mill, and brought also a small stock of goods. With him came
Samuel Sherwood, Mervin Dunton, and a Dr. Lovejoy. In July, 1847,
S. S. McClure. Eli D. Phelps, A. H. Trask, and Thomas W. Close ar-
rived, and all settled at Independence. In June of that year three
commissioners, appointed by the State legislature for that purpose,
visited the county, and on the fifteenth of June located the county seat
on section 34, 89, 9, and called it Independence. In 1846 John Boon
and Frank Hathaway had settled on the edge of the prairie two miles
northeast of Independence, so that the Fourth of July, 1847, saw at
Independence quite a little community of settlers, and if the celebra-
tion here on that day was not as largely attended as this, it was fully as
' enthusiastic as this can be. The location being made at a date so near
44
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
t.) the Fouith of July had probably a great influence in the selection of
the name of Independence for the future city. The overflow caused by
the erection of the dam produced malaria, and most of the settlers
suffered from fever and ague. Mrs. R. B. Clark and Dr. Lovejoy died
in the fall of 1847. In June, 1848, the colony was increased by the ar-
rival of Asa Blood, senior and junior, Elijah and Anthony Beardsley,
and a Mr. Babbitt. Dr. Brewer removed to Independence also that
year, having been elected clerk of county commissioners the year be-
fore, and consequently being required to be at the county seat. John
Obenchain had settled m the spring of 1848 two miles north of Inde-
pendence, on the farm now occupied by C. Dickson. Isaac Hathaway
also settled on section 36, 89, 9, about two miles east of Independence;
Thomas Barr, si.v miles north of Independence; Samuel and Orlando
Sufiicool, William Bunce, Daniel Greeley, and William Greeley, at
Greeley's Grove; John Scott, on what is now known as the Smyser
farm; Jacob Minton, William Minton, and Gamaliel Walker, on Pine
creek; B. D. Springer, half way between Independence and Quasque-
ton, on the place vacated by Johnson; Thomas E. McKinney, on Pine
creek; a Mr. Trogden. on the west side of the river, about five miles
above Quasqueton; and some fifteen or twenty others, mostly at or in
the vicinity of Qtiasqueton, among them D. S. Davis, George I. Cum-
mins, James Cummms, Charles Robbins, Benjamin Congdon, and
others, not forgetting to mention Hamilton Megonigle, who came from
the banks of the Juniata, in Pennsylvania, a regular, careless, jovial
free-hearted, open-handed backwoodsman, who was known to every-
body, and loved to be called "Old Juny."
Theta.ic list for 1847 shows eighty-one names as resident ta.x payers.
Among them are Thomas Barr, Samuel and Orlando Sufficool, Wil-
liam Bunce, I. F. Hathaway, John Boon, Gamaliel Walker, William
Biddinger, N. G. Parker, Samuel Caskey, Ami H. Trask, Thomas W.
Close, Samuel Sherwood and Edward Brewer, who are still living and
residents of the county. The same tax list shows that there were then
si.\ty forty-acre tracts of land entered in the county, being a little less
than four sections. The valuation of all property, real and personal,
was twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and nine dollars, and total
tax one hundred and sixty-seven dollars and forty cents. Of the eighty-
one residents seventy-four were voters. The total moneys and credits
assessed were three thousand, seven hundred and seventy-five dollars,
of which W. W. Hadden had two thousand, six hundred and seventy
dollars. There were two hundred and forty-nine head of cattle, four
hundred and seventeen hogs, sixty-eight horses, forty-two wagons, six
hundred and forty-two sheep, and not one mule. Few of the settlers
indulged in the luxury of watches, for there seem to have been but six
in the whole county. The mills and machinery at Quasqueton had at
this time become the property of D. S. Davis, and were valued at two
thousand dollars. The saw-mill at Independence is put down at nine
hundred dollars. W. W. Hadden paid the highest tax, the enormous
sum of twenty-two dollars and thirty-nine cents.
The first election of which I find any record was in August, 1847.
The county was then divided into two election precincts, one called
"Quasqueton" and the other "Centre" precinct. John Scott, Freder-
ick Kessler and B. D. Springer were elected county commissioners, and
Edward Brewer clerk ; and it is a conclusive proof of his worth and
ability that he continued to hold that office twenty-three years. On
the fourth of October, 1847, the county commissioners held their first
meeting at the house of Edward Brewer, in Independence. Their first
official act was to divide the county into three commissioner's districts^
The first district comprised all the north half of the county. The
south half was divided by a line running north and south about one
and a half miles west of Quasqueton.
Three road petitions were presented, and viewers appointed at that
session. One from Independence east to county line. One from Inde-
pendence east to intersect the territorial road from Marion to Fort At-
kinson, and one from Quasqueton to Independence on the west side of
the river. It was ordered also that a surveyor be employed to lay off a
town at the county-seat. On November 3, 1847, the commissioners
met and caused eight blocks of lots on the southeast quarter of south-
east quarter section thirty-four, to belaid off as the village of Inde.
pendence, and the county-seat. The land was still Government land
and not entered by the county until January, 1849, though it was legal-
ly pre-empted, and thus secured to the county in January, 1848. The
ots were ten rods in length by five in width, and the price fixed for
them was five dollars each. In January, 1848, also the three roads
first petitioned for, were declared public highways.
Up to that time there had been no regularly laid out roads in the
county, except a territorial road from Marion to Fort Atkinson, cross-
in" the river at Quasqueton, and running thence nearly north through
the county, passing near where is now the village of Winthrop. This
was know as the "Mission" road. And another from Marion to the
north line of the State laid out in 1846, crossing the river at the same
place and passing about two miles east of Independence, at the edge
of the timber. The settlers followed such routes as suited their con-
venience, from house to house and from neighborhood to neighbor-
hood. Indian trails crossed the prairie from stream to stream, leading
to fording places, and well worn paths led up and down the river,
touching, surely, every bubbling spring. Such trails, which recent
settlers suppose to be merely cattle paths, can be pointed out in many
places even to this day by the pioneers.
Though in the spring of 1848 several families came to Independence
the prevalence of fever and ague was so discouraging that not only
they, but most of those who came earlier, left the place, either in the
fall of 1848 or spring of 1849, so that in the summer of 1849 only four
families remained. In July, 1849, the first entry of land was made in
Newton township, by Joseph B. Potter. The first settlement in that
township was by Joseph Austin, in the spring of 1847, on section
thtrty-three. Reuben C. Walton was the next, and built his cabin on
the same forty as Austin, in 1848. In 1850 William P. Harris,
Aaron M. Long, Henry Holman and a Mr. Ogden settled in the same
vicinity on Spring Creek, and James MeCanna on section twelve on Buf-
lalo creek. John Cordell entered the first land in Cono township in
1843, and Leander Keyes and T. K. Burgess settled in that township
just below Quasqueton in 1848. No land was entered in Homer town-
ship till 1851, when John S. Williams entered forty acres on section
nineteen. The first actual settler in Jefferson township was J. B.
Stainbrook, in June, 1850, and his daughter, Martha, now Mrs. Mas-
ters, and residing in Brandon, was the first white child born in the
township. Mr. Stainbrook yet occupies the same farm he first settled
upon, and the first cabin he built is still standing. John Rouse and
.Abel Cox were the next settlers, and arrived in July, 1850, and in
September Nicholas Albert, Philip Zinn and Joseph Rouse. The next
year came John Rice, Thomas Frink, Mathew Davis and Hamilton
Wood.
In the fall of 1851 a State road was suiveyed from Quasqueton to
the county-seat of Marshall county. Two of the commissioners were
D. S. Davis and John Cordell. The party started from Quasqueton
to look out the route, and passed near Brandon, or where Brandon now
is. Xo one, even at Quasqueton, had ever visited Jefferson township,
nor did any one of the party know whether there was a settler there or
not. It was known that some persons from that direction had crossed
the prairie to the Quasqueton mill, but there was no road, not even a
discernible track of any kind. Aided by the compass, the party made
its way to Lime creek, and found nestled in the brush near that stream,
the cabins of Joseph and John Rouse, and close by them went into
camp the first night out. From Rouse it was learned that there were
two or three families a little south, and by strict search and Rouse for
a guide, they found their houses the next forenoon.
No settlement was made in Westburgh township till 1833; nor do I
know who was the first settler; but William B. Wilkinson must have
been among the first. In 1849 Michael Ginther settled in Sumner
township, and, being at a loss to describe the land he desired to enter,
he carried the corner stake to the land office at Dubuque, going there
on foot for that purpose. This entry was afterward found to be on the
wrong section entirely. He had intended to buy the land on which he
had settled, and on which is the famous spring known yet as the "Gin-
ther Spring," about half way between Independence and Quasqueton,
on the west side of the river; and when he found the entry he had really
made was one mile west, and out on the prairie, he was completely dis-
couraged, being a poor man, and believing that land so far out would
never be of any value whatever. The first settler in .Middlefield was P.
M. Dunn, who entered his land on section thirty-four, April 24, 1850,
followed soon after by Daniel Leatherman and Stillman Berry. Fre-
mont township remained unsettled till 1853, when Z. P. and S. W.
Rich located on Buffalo creek, near the southeast corner of the town-
ship. They were induced to venture so far out from the timber from
the fact that at that time the road direct from Independence to Coffin's
Grove, Delhi and Dubuque, had begun to be considerably travelled,
though almost up to that year the only travelled route had been via
Quasqueton; but in 1832 the few citizens of Independence and vicinity
had turned out voluntarily and built a bridge of split logs across Buf-
falo creek, near the correction line, making the route practicable. —
Robert Sutton settled in Byron, on section thirty-two, as early as 1850,
if not in 1B49; and Thomas Ozias in 1831. The first settlers in Perry
township were James Minton, Charles Melrose and Gamaliel Walker,
in r849. Martin Depoy and Jacob Slaughter entered land in that
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
45
township the same year, but did not become settlers till 1850; and in
that same year Alexander Stevenson, and [ohn and Thomas Cameron
settled in the same township, all in the northeast corner, near Littleton.
Melrose had made an error in his entry, entering in the north part of |
town eightv-eight, ten, instead of eighty- nine, ten, being near the pres-
ent village of J essup, and not supposing land in that locality would
ever be valuable, by much effort and the aid of the then United States
Senator, G. W. Jones, a special act of Congress was passed vacatmg
his entry and placing it on the section intended, where Mr. Melrose
now lives. Of the first settlement in Hazelton township I have already
spoken. William Jewell settled and made the first entry of land in
Buffalo township, in 1849, where now hves C. H. Jakeway. .Abiathar
Richardson and Silas K. Messenger came ne.vt, in 1850; and Thomas
and Rockwell )ewell and .A.. J. Eddy, in 1851. In Madison township,
Silas Ross, L. R. Ward, and Seymour Whitney settled at nearly the
same time, in 1853, and were the first comers. They located in the
east part of the township, near the place now known as Ward's Cor-
ners.' In Fairbank township, William S. Clark was the first to locate,
settling in the south part, just above Littleton, in 1R48 or 1849, and
was the very first settler in that region. He went to California about
1856, but the house he built is yet standing.— Thomas Wilson must
have found his way into the timber west of the little Wapsie very soon
fter, for I remember finding him and one McKinstry settled there in
1850. Robert Wroten located near Clark, in 1850.
In 1849, S. P. Stoughton and S. S. McClure returned to Independ-
ence, and with them came the writer of this sketch. There were then
in Independence only Dr. Brewer, Thomas W. Close and E. Beards-
ley and a Mr. Horton, each with their families. Samuel Sherwood,
though still reckoned a citizen of Independence, was absent that winter
building a mill at Cedar Rapids. There was an unenclosed saw-mill,
and no other building on the west bank of the river. On the east side,
besides the buildings occupied by the families named, a vacant black-
smith shop and three vacant dwellings, among them the house built by
Rufus B. Clark, who, after the death of his wife, had sold his interest
in the place to Stoughton & McCIure, and removed to the Cedar river,
in Chickasaw county.
The families in the north half of the county could almost be counted
on one's fingers. W. S. Clark, James Newton Charles Melrose and
Gamaliel Walker were up the river near where Littleton now is. Jacob
Minion, Thomas Barr, Joseph Ross and Isaac Hathaway, on the creek
five miles north of Independence; the Greeleys, William Bunce, John
Kint, and Samuel Sutficool, still further north in Hazleton township;
William Jewell, A. Richardson, and Silas K. Messenger, at Buffalo
Grove; and John Obenchain, Carmi Hicko-i, Frank Hathaway, John
Boon, Isaac Sufficool (who had bought the Isaac Hathaway farm), and
H. Megonigle, located around the edge of the timber north and east
of Independence, and that completes the list.
Quasqueton had become quite a village. It had a flouring-mill, to
which came settlers from the west and southwest with their grain, for
sixty or seventy miles; also a saw-mill, a store, grocery, hotel, and
blacksmith shop, and really was a growing, prosperous town. But In-
dependence was a forlorn looking place, indeed. Four families only,
and they anxious to leave, but too poor to get away; an idle saw-mill,
and not a store or shop of any kind and little prospect of either. The
county had laid out forty acres into lots, and Stoughton and McCIure
a few blocks on each side of Main street. There was nothing to dis-
tinguish streets from lots; even Main street was only a crooked wagon
path through the brush. There was a wagon road cut through the
timber to the Hickox farm (now known as the Smyser farm), and one
more crooked still, out to the prairie east, which crossed the first little
creek near the Brewer place, and the next at the old Sufficool place
(now occupied by Elzy Wilson), and from it followed the edge of the
timber down to Quasqueton, about wheie the travelled road now runs.
There was also a track north, z-Za of the Obenchain farm and thence
across the prairie toward Thomas Barr's and up Otter creek, but so
faint as to be haidly discernible. Neither road nor track up the river,
except an Indian trail, and not even that west across the prairie, nor
east beyond the timber, nor to, or toward Brandon or Buffalo Grove
To venture two miles west on the prairie was about as dangerous as
to venture to sea out of sight of land without a compass. Thomas
Close carried the mail once each week to Cedar Falls, on an Indian
pony. There were no marks of any kind to guide him, and if by care-
ful observation he kept within a mile of the direct course, it was quite
a feat of prairie craft. Wolves prowled about the houses, and bands
of them made night vocal with their howling. The east bank of the
river was where is now the middle of the bridge, and large trees were
growing where now stands the centre pier.
The assessment roll for 1849 shows ninety-seven resident taxpayers
of which about thirty lived in the north half of the county. That Of
1850 shows only eighty-three resident taxpayers in the county, thirty-
three being in the north half. .At the August election in 1848 Washing,
ton township polled twenty-three. Spring fifteen, and Liberty thirty-two
votes; and in August, 1850, Washington nineteen. Spring nineteen,
and Liberty thirty, in all sixty-eight votes. The tax book of 1850
shows the total valuation of property, real and personal, to have been
forty-six thousand nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars, and total tax
assessed, three hundred and seventy dollars and twenty cents. Twelve
thousand six hundred and eighty-one acres of land were entered —
about twenty sections in all. The total value of merchandise was
nine hundred dollars, and that was all at Quasqueton. Mills and ma-
chinery were valued at four thousand three hundred dollars; three
thousand dollars at Quasqueton, one thousand one hundred and sixty-
seven dollars at Independence, and five hundred and thirty-three dol-
lars at Pine Creek. There were six watches, valued at one hundred
and eighty-eight dollars; forty-three wagons, valued at one thousand
six hundred doll.irs; seventy-four horses, valued at three thousand
seven hundred and sixty dollars; two hundred and forty-one cattle,
assessed at three thousand six hundred and seventy dollars; two hun-
dred and eighty-eight sheep, valued at four hundred and three dollars,
and five hundred and fifty-five hogs, valued at eight hundred and sixty-
four dollars.
There was a post office at Quasqueton and at Independence, and the
mail came from Dlubuque once a week, via Quasqueton, in a one-horse
wagon. There was not a bridge in the county, nor across any stream
between this and Dubuque, nor any regular ferry. If streams were too
deep to be forded they must be crossed in canoes, or by swimming, or
by rafts. All houses in the county were of logs, save a few at Quas-
queton and at Independence. .Almost every farm thus far selected was
so located as to embrace prairie for tillage, and timber for fencing, fuel,
and shelter, and on some little stream, and a spring near which to
build. No special pains were taken to construct warm houses, and
fuel was used as prodigally as though the whole country had been tim-
bered. Pork and bread were abundant, and honey, venison and wild
fruits, in their season. There was no market for surplus produce, and
little surplus produce to market, except pork, and if that was hauled
to the Mississippi it would bring two dollars per hundred. But every-
body had plenty of good wholesoine food to eat, and they didn't
trouble themselves about luxuries. Everybody in the county knew
and was neighbor to everybody else, no matter how far apart they
lived.
In 1849, the California gold excitement prevailed, and the fever
siezed many of the settlers here, and in the spring of 1850 several of
them crossed the plains to that ElDorado. -Among them were William
Bunce, John Obenchain, Kessler, B. D. Springer, Trask and Phelps
and Stoughton. Some of them returned, others remained, and some
died there. Among the latter was Kessler. Stoughton returned the
next year, but died shortly after, of consumption, in the south, where
he had gone hoping to benefit his health. In .May or June, 1850, Hor-
ton and Beardsley left the place, and there remained but two familes.
Close and Brewer, and two young men, McCIure and Roszell, to keep
the village alive. McCIure caused the land belonging to Stoughton
and McCIure, on the west side of the river, to be surveyed into lots,
and named the place New Haven. In July of that year, William
Brazelton moved to Independence from Jones county, and soon after,
James .A. Dyer, and a young man, George Counts; and in September,
Thomas Denton and family arrived. John Vargason and James Bige-
low came to the county also that summer, and McCIure tried to induce
them to settle in Independence, offering to give them any lots they
might select, if they would build on them and remain there; but the
inducement was not sufficient, and they settled five miles north.
In June, McCIure traded fractional block number one and the east
half of block number two, on the west side of the river, to Andrew
Mullarkey for a barrel of gin and a bo.x of cigars, and thought it a
good trade. With this assistance, we had a grand celebration on that
fourth of July. Samuel Sherwood, Samuel S. McCIure, Dr. Brewer,
Alexander Hathaway, and O. H. P. Roszell were oflficers, orators and
procession.
Henry Sparling and family settled near the county poor farm that
autumn, and Philander French and Ephraim Miller and J. C. Neidy,
in the timber, between Independence and Quasqueton. John W. Me-
lone came during the winter of 1850-51; also William B.Wilkinson.
Melone entered the quarter section of land immediately east of Inde-
pendence, and Wilkinson the quarter section northeast.
In the spring of 1851 came Casper Rowse and family; and in the
46
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
summer, Charles W. Cummiiigs and family, and several others.
Among them, Francis Girten, Byron C. Hale, Amos B. King, Jacob S.
Travis, and one Evans, who settled where Lyman J. Curtis now lives.
In June, 1851, the river rose twenty-one feet above low-water mark —
the highest point it has ever been known to reach. The saw-mill on
Pine creek was washed away, and some injury done the fences. No
bridges were carried away, for there were none— and no great damage
done, for there was but little to be damaged. That summer, Samuel
Sherwood commenced the erection of a flouring mill at Independence,
and completed it the ne.\t season. The timbers were cut above Little-
ton and floated down the river, with incredible labor, such as none but
men of iron constitution and steel resolution could or would have per-
formed — Samuel Sherwood had both.
In the spring of that year, a State road was surveyed from Indepen-
dence to Cedar Falls, and persons crossing the prairie were enabled,
by following the line of stakes, to keep the same route, so that a visi-
ble trace was soon formed. The line of the route was a little north o(
where Jesup now is, and through Pilot Grove.
In 1851, William Brazleton erected a frame building on Main street,
in Independence, where now stands the First National bank building,
and opened a general variety store; and in 1852 built the first hotel, on
the opposite corner, where so long stood the "Montour house." C.
W. Cummings also brought a stock of goods here in the fall of 1851.
All goods were hauled from Dubuque, generally by ox teams. The
roads were in such wretched condition that it was no unusual thing for
teamsters to be compelled to unload their wagons and carry their pack-
ages singly across the sloughs, and even to take their very wagons
apart and carry them across in the same way. Such roads would now
be considered absolutely impassable. The price paid for hauling was
seventy-five cents to one dollar and a half }ier hundred weight: yet
goods were fully as cheap, and many of them cheaper, than now.
Brown sugar could be bought here at twenty pounds for a dollar, and
seven or eight pounds of coffee for the same amount.
From 1852 the village and county settled very rapidly, and it will be
hardly practicable to particularize individuals. In August, 1852, Jeff-
erson township was carved out of Spring, and in April, 1853, Perry
from Washington, and in August, 1853, Buffalo and Superior (now
Hazleton) were set off as separate townships.
In September, 1854, Messrs. Parker & Hillery commenced the publi-
cation of the first newspaper in the county, and named it the Indepen-
dence C/i77/ff«. In 1855, Samuel Sherwood built the first bridge in
the county, across the Wapsipinicon, at Independence. It was of
wood and paid for by subscriptions of the citizens of the county. In
April of that year, Newton and Alton (now Fairbank) townships were
set off; and at the election that year the county polled five hundred
and twenty-four votes.
In that year also, the first stage coaches were run from Dubuque to
Independence. Heman Morse had settled here in 1853, and bought
the hotel built by Brazleton, which he enlarged and kept until 1856.
One Gould commenced running a line of two horse hacks in 1854, and
during the years 1854-5-6, the "Montour" was crowded to its utmost
capacity with travellers, and its capacity being gauged more by the
number and necessity of the guests than by the size of the house, was
truly marvelous.
Coaches ran night and day, and were sometimes forty-eight hours
making the journey from Dubuque to Independence. Passengers were
fortunate if, in addition to walking across the sloughs, they were not
compelled to carry their baggage, and the coaches too, over the bad
places.
In 1855 W. H. Gifford & Brother commenced the erection of the
hotel now known as the Merchants hotel; completed it in the spring Oe
1856, and during the summer sold it to Carl White and Thomas Sher.
wood, who gave it the name of the " White House" and occupied it as
a hotel for several years, when they sold it to Leander Keyes. It was the
first brick hotel erected in the county, and gave the city quite a metro,
politanair.
In April, 1856, Byron and Prairie (now Fremont) townships were
set off, and at the spring election of that year seven hundred and eleven
votes were cast in the county. That spring also, the Dubuque & Pa-
cific railroad was projected, and efforts were made to induce this county
to issue two hundred thousand dollars m bonds to aid its construction.
The question was submitted to the people at a special election in May
and defeated; re-submitted in July and again defeated.
Speculation, especially in lands and town lots, ran wild. Gold
seemed a drug. The land office was crowded with purchasers. Any-
body could go to Dubuque, give their note for two hundred and eighty
dollars, due in a year, and get a bond for a deed for one hundred and
si.xty acres of land, on payment of the note. The county was full of
such bonds, and they were bought and sold as valuable property. The
most worthless \agabond could give his notes gel such a bond or bonds,
and trade it or them for goods stock, watches, jewelry, and sometimes
money. The last foot of land in the county was entered; lots and land
were bought and sold in many cases for more than they will bring now,
after the lapse of twenty years. In 1857 the bubble collapsed, and al-
most every business house failed in consequence. Expedients innumer-
able were devised to stay the disaster. "Wild Cat" companies were
organized, that issued "shinplasters" in the shape of bank notes, for
circulation in place of money. Early in 1857, a company was orga-
nized, with a project for a railroad up the Wapsipinicon, called the
W^apsipinicon \*alley railroad company. They, like the Dubuque &
Pacific company, asked the county to take two hundred thousand dol-
lars of stock, and issue bonds for the amount. The question was sub-
mitted at a special election in May of that year, and carried; but re-
submitted in June and defeated. Some members of the company then
organized what they called the Wapsipinicon Vallley Land company"
and issued scrip in the shape of bills, for circulation, absolutely
worthless, yet quite extensively circulated for a time, as money, such
were the desperate straits to which business men were driven.
The rapid influx of people, from 1834 to 1857, is shown by a com-
parison of the vote, which, in April, 1854, was only three hundred and
fifteen, and at the special railroad election in June, 1857, was twelve
hundred and sixty-eight, an increase of over nine hundred and fifty
votes, or four hundred per cent, in about three years.
The township of Madison was set off in April, 1S57, and also the
town of Sumner. That spring also, the erection of the first court house
(the same now used) was commenced by O. H. P. Roszell, who had
control of the county business from August, 1851, at which time he was
elected county judge, up to August, 1857, when he was superseded by
S. J. W. Tabor, who was appointed fourth auditor of the United States
treasury, in 1861, which position he now holds. The county finances
were in a healthy condition notwithstanding the general crash, there
being about six thousand dollars surplus county fund in the treasury*
The court house was completed by Judge Tabor in the fall of 1857.
The lumber was hauled by ox teams from Dyersville, that being then
the terminus of the Dubuque & Pacific railroad.
In December, 1856, Rich & Jordan commenced the publication of a
weekly newspaper called the Quasqueton Guardian, at Quasqueton,
and continued its publication there till June, 1858, when they removed
it to Independence and changed its name to the Buchanan county Guar'
dian.
In October, 1858, Cono and Middlefield were set off as separate
townships, and the boundaries of all the townships arranged about as
they now are. The population of the county continued to increase
with remarkable rapidity; so that in i860, at the Presidential election,
there were polled sixteen hundred and ten votes.
The Dubuque & Pacific railroad was completed to Independence the
last of December, 1859.
When the war of the Rebellion broke out Buchanan county was
among the foremost to respond to the call for troops, and continued
to respond with volunteers to every call during the war, raising her full
quota without draft. The first company was organized in June, 1863,
and was commanded by Captain D. S. Lee, who settled here in 1852,
and was the first regular professional lawyer who located in Indepen-
dence. His company was one of those composing the Fifth Iowa regi-
ment and infantry. I would like to honor this sketch by inserting therein
the names of the many brave citizens of the county, who risked and lost
their lives in defence of the national flag, but the list is too long; and
to make selections from the number would be invidious. Notwith-
standing the war, and the drain upon the population for troops, the
county continued to prosper and to increase in numbers. The Dubu-
que 6t Pacific railroad extended its line westwaid through the county.
The village of Winthrop on the railroad eight miles east of Inde-
pendence, which had been laid out by A. P. Foster in 1857, and in
which the first building had been erected by A. E. Dutton in 1859
grew to be a thriving town, with stores, shops, grain warehouses and
elevators, and a population of several hundred. Nine miles to the west
of Independence, on the same road, sprung up the village of Jesup in
the same manner.
On the night of March 16, 1864. the office safe of the county treas-
urer was broken open, and robbed of about twenty-six thousand dol-
lars in money. Two men — Knight and Rorabacher — were accused of
the crime, arrested and convicted, but no part of the money was ever
recovered. This loss, together with the large expense incurred in dis-
covering and trying the burglars, proved a serious inconvenience to the
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
47
county, and is the only loss ever occurring to the county through rob-
bery, or through defalcation of officers. In August, 1864, Independ-
ence was incorpoiated as a city, and Daniel S. Lee chosen its first
mayor. In 1868 an act of the legislature provided for the erection of a
hospital for the insane at Independence, and the erection of the build-
ing was commenced in 1869. In the summer of 1873 the Mihv.nukee
division of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota railroad was
completed through the county, and on the line of that road there at
once sprung up the flourishing village of Hazleton, nine miles north of
Independence, and of Rowley, about the same distance south. No
great disaster, either by fire or flood, occurred to mar the prospect of
the county, or any part of it, until 1873. In November of that year
quite a serious fire occurred in Independence, destroying nine buildings
on Main street, most of which were of wood. But on the twenly-fiflh
of May, 1874. a disastrous conflagration broke out which destroyed
about forty buildings, nearly all of brick, on Main and Chatham
streets, and mostly stores, filled with valuable goods. The total loss
on buildings and goods amounted to ne.ir half a million dollars; but
before the close of the year nearly all were rebuilt and the traces of the
conflagration almost obliterated.
I have now in a manner, necessarily imperfect, sketched the history
of the settlement and growth of this county. I( it were practicable
within the limits prescribed by time, space and your endurance, I
would add a more particular account of the schools, churches, etc. A
brief mention is. however, all that can be allowed.
The first school taught in the county was at Quasqueton, in 1844, by
Alvira Hadden. Some of her pupils are still living in the county,
among them Mrs. Norton, daughter of Frederick Kessler. The first
school taught in Independence was by Edward Brewer, in 1848-9. In
1850 there were not more than three school-houses in the county, all
log buildings. One of them was near John Boon's, built in 1848. and
a Miss Ginther taught there in the winter of 1848-9. The first houser
built in Independence for school purposes was in i85t, and William
Brazelton erected it at his own expense. It was of hewn logs, and
about fourteen feet by eighteen in size. O. H. P. Roszell taught the
first school in it. In 1852 a school-house was erected in Hazleton
township, at the place now called "Coy town." where the first white
men in the township — Samuel Sufficool and Daniel C. Greeley— had
located in 1B47.
At Spring Grove, in Newton town.ship, a school-house was built in
1853, near R. C. Waltons; and Ward, Ross and Whitney built a
school-house in the timber between their cabins, in 1853, the very first
year they settled in Madison township. In fact, the pioneers of this
county had hardly got a roof on their cabins to shelter their families,
before they began to think about schools for their children. These
first houses were all built either by some single individuals or by sub-
scription of communities, and the first schools were maintained in the
same way. Until 1847 there were no regularly defined school districts,
and up to 1859 the schools were supported by private subscription or
by rate bills against the patrons. In i860 there were about thirty
schools in the county. In 1875 the number of school-houses was one
hundred and thirty-si.x, valued at one hundred and fourteen thousand
dollars, and the last log house had disappeared, or ceased to be used
as such. The first union or graded school in the county, was organized
at Independence in 1867, with Professor Wilson Palmer, as principal;
the first building for that purpose being completed at the same date.
There are now two graded schools at Independence, one at Winthrop,
one at Jesup, and one at Quasqueton.
Of churches it is not easy to obtain statistics; but the first chtirch
building in the county was at Independence, and built by the Methodist
Episcopalians in 1855. and the next at Quasqueton in 1856. There
are now twenty-eight chuich buildings in the county, of which two are
in Newton township, one in Homer, three in Jeff'erson, three in Liberty,
two in Winthrop, eight in Independence, three in Jesup, two in Fair-
banks, and three in Madison. Three of them are Catholic — Fairbanks,
Independence and Newton having one each. The value of these
buildings is not less than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Of mills and manufactories. I have stated the value in 1847 to have
been two thousand nine hundred dollars, there being then but one
flouring-mill and two saw-mills. In 1848, another saw-mill was built
on Pine creek; in 1852 Daniel Greeley built another on Otter creek, in
Hazleton township; the same year Samuel Sherwood, a flouring-mill at
Independence. In 1854 Messrs. White & Little erected a saw-miU at
Littleton, and in 1863 a flouring-mill was erected at Littleton, and
about the same time one at Fairbanks and one on Otter creek. There
are now eight flouring-miUs in the county, and their value probably
about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars; one in Independence,
built in 1867, valued at seventy-five thousand dollars. Among other
manufactories there are cheese factories in Fairbanks and Byron town-
ships, and one near Winthrop; also three creameries in Madison town-
ship.
The mercantile interests has increased in a still greater ratio; for.
while in 1850. there was but one store in the county — that at Quasque-
ton — kept by S. V. Thompson, and with a stock of goods not worth
more than five hundred dollars, there are now mercantile houses
scattered all over the county, at least a hundred in number, and the
value of goods kept in stock must exceed half a million dollars.
Besides these, there are dealers in lumber, grain, stock, farm machinery
and produce, in Independence, Winthrop, Jesup, Hazleton, and Row.
ley, and each of these places have elevators and grain warehouses.
There were shipped from Winthrop during the past year five hundred
and seventy-four car-loads of grain, and one hundred of stock; and
from Jesup nearly as many, and as many more from the two stations of
Hazleton and Rowley; from Independence about one thousand cars of
grain and stock, one dealer, W. A. Jones, having shipped during that
time nearly three hundred cars of stock, mostly hogs.
Of the professions. Dr. Edward Brewer was the first practicing phy-
sician in the county; Dr. Lovejoy the first at Independence, and died
there in 1848. Dr. R. W. Wright was the third, having settled in
Independence in 1851. Dr. H. H. Hunt comes next in order, and has
practiced medicine in the county for over twenty years.
The pioneers among the lawyers were Captain D. S. l^e, in 1852;
James Jamison and J. S. Woodward, in 1853; Colonel Jed Lake, in
1855, and Vi. G. Donnan, in 1856. All are still residents of Inde-
pendence and practicing their profession.
In the ministerial profession the Methodists were, as usual, the first
in the field. I have not been able to learn what missionary earliest
penetrated the wilderness to this county. George I Cummings, Wes-
leyan Methodist, was one of the eailiest at Quasqueton, and was the
pioneer preacher in Independence. Rev. Mr. Brown was the first reg-
ular Me.hodist Episcopal preacher located here, and the Rev. William
Poor, whose son now fills the responsible office of county treasurer.
Of secret, social and benevolent societies, the first organized was Cf
Odd Fellows, in 1855 or 1856. at Quasqueton; and the next of the
Masons at Independence in 1856 with John Bogart as W. M. The
first chapter of Masons was organized at Independence in 1857, with
George Warne, H. P. There are now lodges of Odd Fellows and
Masons at Quasqueton and Independence; of Masons, at Independence,
Winthrop, Jesup, Fairbanks and in Cono township; of United W^ork-
men, at Winthrop and Independence; and of Granges, being organiza-
tions of farmers for mutual protection, improvement and enjoyment, in
every township in the county except Newton, having a membership of
over seven hundred and fifty. The first county agricultural society
was organized in 1858, dissolved and reorganized in 1870 as a joint
stock company, since which time it has been in successful operation
and holds annual fairs, and now owns forty acres of land and buildings
thereon, near Independence, valued at ten thousand dollars.
The earliest organization of fire companies in the county, was in
1862, when two hook and ladder companies were formed in Independ-
ence. One of them composed exclusively of Germans soon purchased
a hand engine, and became an Engine Co., but after a few, years dis-
banded and donated their engine to the city, but reorganized in 1874,
and now have charge of the same engine. The other, organized as
"Hook & Ladder Co., No i." maintained their organization till June.
1874; when, the city having in the previous month purchased a steam
fire engine, they reorganized as a Steamer Company, and have now
charge of the steam fire engine.
The first bank of issue in the county, was the "First National bank
of the City of Independence," which began business in December,
1865, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, since increased to one hun-
dred thousand dollars. A second, "The People's National bank," was
organized in the fall of 1874. The first bank of exchange was that of
Brewer, Bemis & Roszell," in 1854, and "Older. Lee & Co." in the same
year, both of which were drawn into the whirlpool of speculation in 1855.
-6.-7. and perished in the general wreck of 1857. -8.
The first post oflice in the county was at Quasqueton, established in
1843; the next, at Independence, established in 1848, with S. P.
Stoughton as postmaster. The total proceeds of the Independence
office in 1850, did not exceed six dollars. Now. there are fifteen offices
in the county, and the salary of the single office at Independence is
over two hundred times the total postage received in 1850.
Gas was first introduced into Independence in the winter of 1874--5.
In addition to the newspapers I have mentioned, both of which are
now published in Independence, one as the Independence Coiueri'ative
48
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
and one as the Buchanan County BiiUclin, a third is now published
at Jesup, styled The V'indicator.
In 1820, there was not a bridge of any description in the county.
Now, the Wapsipinicon is spanned with wrought iron bridges at Quas-
queton, built in 1874; Independence, built in 1872, and Littleton,
built in 1876. Besides these, there are two other, wooden, bridges
across the main river; and an iron bridge at Fairbank, andOtteiville; and
every stream in the county is substantially bridged at each highway
crossing.
The population of the county in 1846, wns one hundred and forty-
nine; in 1848, two hundred and hfty; in 1850, five hundred and seven-
teen; in i860, seven thousand nine hundred and six; and in 1875,
seventeen thousand three hundred and fifteen.
The total valuation of all property in 1850, was forty-six thousand
nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars; and in 1875, four million eight
hundred and twenty-ninethousand nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars.
The total taxes levied in 1850, were three hundred and seventy dollars
and twenty cents; and m 1870, one hundred and twelve thousand four
hundred and sixty-four dollars.
I would be glad to have written with more particularity of the
settlement and growth of the several townships and villages in the
county; but it wns impracticable in the time and space allotted. I
would that I could have graced these annals, not alone with the names,
but with a personal sketch of all those pioneers whose brave hearts led
them to this wilderness of prairie, which their sturdy hands have
converted into a garden of cultivated fields, glowing with golden grain,
— whose industry, intelligence, and taste have changed the very face
of nature, so that this endless expanse of treeless plain which they found
spread before them like a sailless sea. is now green, not only with the
verdure of meadow and the waving corn, but with the groves that the
hands have planted around each dwelling of the thousands which
every where adorn the lovelv landscape. I would I might have space to
write of the Menills, the Morgans. McKinneys, Beckleys, N'eidys, Wil-
sons, and Logans, whose dwellings were among the first along Pine
creek, and between here and Quasqueton; of Davis, Hadens, Thomp-
sons, Cummings and Parker, and Hastings and Mowrer, who wrought
so faithfully to build up the thriving village which marks the spot where
stood the cabin of the first settler in the county; of Foreman, and Glass,
and Hoover, and Holland and Carson and Cooper, who thirty years ago,
and more, settled where they or their children now reside, in the
township called Newton; of Everett, and Patterson, and Myers,
and Conable, and Wright, who created the village of Fairbanks,
and Clark, whose name leads all the rest in B'airbanks township;
and Melrose, whose name and speech reminds us of the ancient Abby
■ in "Old Scotland," where he was born, whose little dwelling of one
room above and one below, used, a quarter of a century ago, to accom-
modate twenty weary tiavellers and more, of a night, as I can testify;
and had it been as large as his heart, creation could not crowd it;
of Little, whose memory is perpetuated in Littleton village, and not
less worthily in the sons and daughters who have succeeded him. Of
the Greeleys, and Kints, and Bounce, and Phillips, and Barr, and Ross,
and Mintons, and Curtises, whose hearts and hands, and cabin doors,
were never locked; of Smyser and of Sparling, and of Isaac Sufficool
and his good wife, just gone together to a better land to receive their
records for the glorious virtues which their lives so nobly illustrated;
of Richardson, the sturdy representative of the pines of Maine, and
of Richmond, the compeer of Sevmour and Ross and Ward in the
early settlement of Madison ; of Elliott, whose shanty was the first
in the prairie sea in the north of Fremont ; of Leatherman and Rise-
ley, who were first to brave the mid-ocean of Middlefield ; of the
Greys, William and Henry, the hardy borderers the smoke from whose
cabins first floated over the timber of Spring creek in Jefferson;
of Day and Beach, whose dwellings first relieved the loneliness of
the road to Brandon; and of the Notions, who for twenty-three years
have tilled the soil of Sumner, Homer and Liberty townships ; of the
Boones, noble representatives of the family from which they sprung,
so famous in the early annals of Kentucky ; of Sherwood, as true and
trusty and indomitable as the granite of his native State ; of S. S.
Allen, and Olders, and Whaits, and P. C. Wilcox, and the Clarkes;
of S. S.|McClure, whose opulence in intelligence and wit and gener-
osity and frankness made every man his friend, yet whose poverty in
that worldly wisdom which acquires and retains wealth leaves him, in
middle age, a homeless wanderer from the city which he founded in his
youth, and fostered faithfully and fondly in his young and vigorous
manhood; and of many others, whose skill and labor and energy de-
serve a better monument than this, but it may not be.
The personal history of some of these early settlers would fill a vol-
ume, and read like a romance. Rufus B. Clark, who first settled at
Independence, was the first white child born in what is now the city of
Cleveland, Ohio. He wandered to the mines of Wisconsin: then here;
then northwest toward the head waters of the Cedar; thence farther
northwest into the wilds of Minnesota; thence across the continent to
the west of the Sierra Nevadas, and at last lies sleeping in death on
Whitby's island, in far-off Puget sound.
John Obenchain, bred among the mountains of Tennessee, imbibed
the wildness of his native surroundings; here in 1847; then across the
plains to California in 1850; back again in 1853 to find neighbors too
many and near to be endured; again to California; and now away in
the wilds of Oregon, with his cattle and savage bear dogs, his hair
long and white: a patriarch as rough and rugged and intractable, and
honest and sincere, as the mountains which surround him, and with
their friendly frown scare back intruders.
But mto this enticing field I must not enter. .A single glance dem-
onst."ates its extent and its romantic interest, and must suffice. The
brief outlines which I have sketched of the settlement, growth and
present condition of the county, is all that is possible, and will enable
us to note the progress we have made; and it may be the historian of
the day when the children of our children's children shall meet to com-
memorate the falling of another century from " His hand whence cen-
turies fall like grains of sand," may, in these annals, find material for
one page of his.
CHAPTER IV.
SETTLEMENT AND POPULATION.
There are those who profess to beheve that the coni-
monlv received chronology of the Bible, which represents
the entire human race to have sprung from a single pair,
created about six thousand years ago, cannot be true;
because, as they allege, there has not been time enough
according to that chronology, for the race to have
multiplied to its present e.xtent; nor to have accomplished
what their present condition, and the records and monu-
ments of the past, prove that they have, in fulfillment of
the command to "replenish the earth and subdue it." But
let any man, of ordinary observation and reflection, pass
through Buchanan county and witness its present condition
— its thousands of cultivated farms and commodious
farm-houses, many of them already, wearing the look of
age and surrounded by the large trees that were planted
for their protection — let him drive over its well-built
roads and across its many streams, everywhere substan-
tially bridged — let him note the school-houses that dot
its surface and the troops of children that gather there for
instruction — let him visit its score of villages, all vocal
with the sounds of industry; and especially its capital,
now a thriving city of nearly four thousand inhabitants —
let him observe its well-kept streets and side-walks; its
elegant public and private buildings, business houses,
churches and schools, which would do credit to any town
of its size in New York or New England — let him see all
this, and remember that it is less than forty years since
the first white settlers came to this county — that hundreds
of people are now living here who had passed their
majority before the first furrows had broken the virgin
soil af these prairies — and that many of these old settlers
assisted in laying the first foundations of the marvelous
civilization that everywhere meets his gaze — let him
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
49
remember all this, and, at the same time, recall the fact
that this astonishing change is only a sample of that which
has taken place, and is now taking place, throughout atl
our northwestern States and territories — a region greater
in extent than that of some of the most powerful empires
of the old world — and, while recalling this, let him not
forget that no country has been depleted to furnish
population for this vast region, and that a great majority
of the people now occupying it were born less than fifty
years ago — and he will be a willing skeptic indeed, if he
doubts that six thousand years are a period long enough,
not only to have produced from a single pair, all the race
of men that now exist; but long enough also to have
enabled them to produce all the wonderful works of
power and skill by which they have so far replenished
and subdued the earth.
History repeats itself; and the human race is doing
to-day, here in Buchanan county, and throughout the
west, only what it has been doing ever since the great
dispersion, four thousand years ago. Westward "the
star of empire" has ever taken its way, and when there
remains no more land "to be possessed" in this direction,
some new and startling crisis in the history of the world
will doubtless have been reached.
FIRST SETTLERS.
From Andreas' Historical Atlas, and from personal
information, we have gleaned the following facts concern-
ing the early settlements of this county:
The first white man that came here to reside, was
William Bennett, who had been a resident of Delaware
county, and had there also been the first white settler.
He brought his family here in February, 1842; having
built a small log cabin on the site of the present village
Quasquetown, at a point on the east side of the Wapsi-
pinicon, a short distance above the location of the flour-
ing mill recently destroyed by fire.
Bennett is believed to have been a native of New
England. He was a rough and restless character, and
remained in the county only about a year. Having con-
ceived a violent grudge against the adventurer Johnson,
whose arrival is recorded further on, he formed a con-
spiracy with five or six companions to waylay and lynch
him. They carried out their plot, whipping the man in
the most shameful manner. Fear of arrest compelled
them all to flee from the settlement on the very night of
the outrage, which was in the dead of winter, and fear-
fully cold. They set out for Coffin's grove, in Delaware
county, which they managed to reach — but all of them
except Bennett in a more or less frozen condition. Two
of the company died from the effects of their exposure;
but what became of Bennett and his family is not known.
About the same time with Bennett came S. G. and H. T.
Sanford and Ezra B. Allen. Early the same spring Dr.
Edward Brewer, now residing in Independence and the
oldest living settler in the county, came with Rufus B.
Clark and family, and settled about a mile and a half
from Quasqueton. William W. Hadden and Frederick
Kessler and family also came about the same time. A
man by the name of David Styles came with his family
during the summer of the same year, and opened a hotel
at the settlement.
Bennett was engaged in improving the water-power
and erecting a mill, and had several young men employed
who boarded with him. Their names were Jeffers, War-
ner, Day, Wall and Evens. At least one of these,
namely Warner, was an accomplice of Bennett's in the
lynching outrage, and had his feet badly frozen in the
flight to Coffin's Grove.
During the fliU of the same year there came, among
others, three young men — Henry B. Hatch, who made
his home with Kessler, and Daggett and Simmons, who
lived for a time with Mr. Clark. A few patches of land
were broken the first spring and cultivated for potatoes
and other garden vegetables, and perhaps a little corn ;
but no wheat was raised until the following year.
Some time during the fall or early winter of the first
year, a man by the name of Johnson settled at a point
about midway between Quasqueton and the present site
of Independence. He claimed to be the famous Cana-
dian patriot of that name, who had lived for years among
the islands of the St. Lawrence river. He was accom-
panied by a rather attractive young woman whom he
spoke of as his daughter Kate, the identical "Queen of
the Thousand Islands." Subsequent events, however,
proved that he was "an escaped criminal, and an adven-
turer of the worst sort." His stay was of short contin-
uance. The opening up of a new settlement always
attracts some disreputable adventurers; but it is greatly
to the credit of the first permanent settlers of Buchanan
county that they soon made it so uncomfortable for such
characters as to compel them to seek a more congenial
abode.
This chapter is designed to give one the commencement
of settlement. The settlements in the several townships,
and sketches of the first settlers, so far as materials for
them can be found, will be given in the several township
histories.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first store in the county was opened during the
first year, and in the first place of its settlement, by
"Old Dick" — that being all that is now remembered of
the name belonging to the first Buchanan merchant.
His stock was very "general;" one item being the best
brand obtainable of Old Bourbon whiskey.
The first sermon was preached in the Quasqueton
settlement, during its first summer, by a minister named
Clark. Let us hope that it proved something of an anti-
dote to Old Dick's influence.
The first mill was one built on the Wapsie — begun by
Bennett, in 1842, and finished by W. W. Haddon, 1843.
The first hotel was opened for the accommodation of
the first settlement, during its first year, 1842 — David
Styles being the proprietor, as stated above.
The first death in the new settlement was that of a boy,
seven or eight years old, who was a son of John Cordell,
and who died in 1843 or 1844.
The first post oflSce in the county was established at
Quasqueton, in the year 1845 ■ ^"d William Richards
was the first postmaster.
so
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
The first marriage was that of Dr. Edward Brewer
and Miss Mary Ann Hathaway, celebrated in March,
1846. The ceremony was performed by Joseph A.
Reynolds, then a justice of the peace, for Delaware
county.
The first white child born in the county was Charles
B. Kessler, son of Frederick Kessler. He was born
near Quasqueton, July 13, 1842; and his mother, now
Mrs. Heman Morse, still resides at Independence.
The first law office opened in the county, was that of
James Jamison, of Independence, recently deceased.
He commenced practice here in 1847 or 1848 — D. S.
Lee commencing about the same time.
The first school was taught by Dr. E. Brewer, in a
small log house in Independence, in the winter of 1848.
The building was afterwards used as a blacksmith shop.
The first Buchanan newspaper was the Independence
Civilian, a Democratic organ, the first number of which
was issued on the seventeenth of May, 1855, — B. F.
Parker and James Hilleary being the proprietors.
SOURCES OF POPUL.\TION.
The settlers immigating to Buchanan county, have
come mainly from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and
the New England States. There are, at present, a good
many persons of foreign birth in the count)', but they
did not come in very large numbers till after 1858. They
are mostly Germans and Irish ; but there are a few
Polanders and Scandinavians.
In the southeast corner of the county, in Newton
township, along Buffalo creek, there is quite a colony of
Irish. In Fairbank township, in the extreme northwest
corner of the county, there are a good many Irish and
Germans, and some Polanders. About one-tenth of the
present population is of foreign birth; but the foreign
element is fast becoming assimilated with the native, and
it would be difficult to find a more intelligent, enterpris-
ing, moral, and industrious class of people, than those
constituting the present population of Buchanan county.
The winters are too vigorous to be very attractive to
the colored people; but there are about half a dozen
families of that race now living in Independence, who
are honest, frugal, and industrious people, enjoying in a
good degree the confidence and respect of their neigh-
bors.
The Iowa census of 1875, taken by State authority,
gives Buchanan county seventeen thousand, three hun-
dred and fifteen inhabitants. The national census just
taken, gives it seventeen thousand, nine hundred and
seventy-two — an increase, in five years, of only si.\ hundred
and fifty-seven souls. If both these enumerations are
correct (and, of course, they must be accepted as such),
Buchanan has fallen considerably short of holding its
own, in the matter of population; for this five years' gain
is hardly more than the natural increase for one year.
This is to be accounted for by the recent opening up of
excellent farming lands in Dakota, and other western
territories. Not only have immigrants from the east
passed by or through our county, seeking homes further
west, but there has even been a considerable emi-
gration from the county for the same purpose.
Whether those who have left us have bettered their con-
dition, may well be doubted. But, however this may be,
the check thus given to our noble county, will doubtless
be only temporary. Only the very best lands west of the
Missouri can equal ours, and they will soon be occupied.
When this takes place, we shall not only keep the natural
increase of our own population, but emigration from the
still swarming hive of the east will again be directed to
our desirable, yet unoccupied, space; and the compara-
tively quiet, yet every way pleasant and prosperous times
of the present, will give place to the activity, enterprise,
and excitement that come with rapidly increasing popu-
lation.
CHAPTER V.
EARLY MAILS AND MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
It was three years after the first settlements began to
be made in the county before a regular post office was
established within its limits. During this time the settlers
had their mail matter directed to the most convenient
post offices, and thence it was brought by private con-
veyance, as opportunity afforded. The settlers about
Quasqueton, and farther north, obtained their mails from
the nearest office in Delaware or Dubuque county. In
the early part of the first winter (1842-3) there came a
heavy snow storm followed by sleet, which left a crust
over the deep snow, sufficiently strong to bear up the
weight of a man, if not too heavy. During this time
Frederick Kessler was selected, on account of being
small and light, to bring the mail on foot, once a week,
from a settlement in Delaware county, called "The Col-
ony," near Ead's grove. As there was then no post office
in the county of Delaware, the mail must have been
brought to this place from Dubuque by private convey-
ance, and the matter directed to the Quasqueton settlers
was held for them till they could find some means of
sending for it. The most of the mail matter, as well be-
fore as after the establishment of post offices within the
county, came by way of Dubuque; but some of the set-
tlers south of Quasqueton, previous to the location of
the post office at that place, were accustomed to getting
their mail from Marion, in Linn county. We are in-
formed that the first post office in Delaware county was
established at Delhi, in the fall of 1843 : and that it "was
supplied with mail once a week by William Smith, of
Dubuque, who had the first mail contract through the
county, from Dubuque via Delhi to Quasqueton, in Bu-
chanan county, which he carried on horseback." But if
he carried the mail to Quasqueton from the commence-
ment of his contract, he must have made a private ar-
rangement with the settlers of that place, since the post
office was not established there till 1845. D. S. Davis
was principally influential in securing it, and William
Richards was the first postmaster.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
SI
It is probable that Davis was the second mail con-
tractor, and that Malcom McBane was the second post-
master, for, early in 1847, when A. H. Trask came into
the county from Wisconsin, he found them occupying
those positions; and he himself "sublet " the mail con
tract of Davis, in the fall of that year. The contract
bound him to carry the mail from Quasqueton to Du-
buque and back, once every week, on horseback or by
any other conveyance he might choose. The "round
rip" occupied four days, and he received, as compensa-
tion, three hundred and sixty-five dollars a year. He
had a partner by the name of Eli D. Phelps, a brick and
stone inason by trade, who came from Wisconsin about
the same time with Trask. They took turns in carrying
the mail between Dubuque and (Quasqueton ; and after a
short time took a contract (this also from Davis) for car-
rying it between Quasqueton and Marion.
There were, at this time, but four post offices between
Quasqueton and Dubuque, viz., Coffin's Grove, Delhi,
Rockville and a farm house near Epworth. When the
travelling permitted (which was the most of the time, al-
though there were then no bridges and no roads kept in
order by the public) they went by wagon or sleigh, and
carried sometimes a large amount of express matter, in
addition to the mail. But sometimes, when the roads
were bad and the streams too high to be forded by a
wagon, they were compelled to go on horseback, and of
course carried very little besides the mails. In the win-
ter the snow was sometimes very deep — Mr. Trask hav-
ing, on one occasion, broken a track the entire distance
from Quasqueton to Farley, when the snow was nearly
three feet deep on a level.
A NARROW ESCAPE.
Some time in March, 1848, about the breaking up of
a hard winter, which is said to have resembled that of
1880-81, Mr. Trask was returning from Dubuque in a
sleigh, with the mail and the customary amount of ex-
press packages. Henry Biddinger, of Quasqueton, a
harncssmaker who had been at Dubuque during the win-
ter, working at his trade, was returning home with him.
A thunder storm came up just as they reached the divid-
ing ridge between Elk creek and the Buffalo. It had
been thawing and raining a little, but the sleighing was
yet quite passable. As the road turned to go toward the
creek, there came a vivid flash of lightning, followed
instantly by a terrific clap of thunder. The bolt must
have struck in the immediate vicinity, as both of the
men were stunned and momentarily prostrated. Mr.
Trask fell out of the sleigh, dropping the lines; and Mr.
Biddinger fell over backward, but remained in the sleigh.
The horses were frightened, and ran as if they thought
the lightning was after them. Both men, however, re-
covered in a moment. Mr. Biddinger first gathered up
himself, then gathered up the lines, and succeeded in
stopping the horses. He lost no time in turning them
about, and starting back to find the missing driver, seri-
ously apprehending that he should find him dead in the
road. He had proceeded but a rod or two, however,
before he saw him running toward the sleigli, as fast as
his legs could carry him. Almost doubting his senses,
Mr. Biddinger called out, as soon as the other came
within hearing distance, "Aren't you killed?" Mr.
Trask, though but partially recovered from his fright,
could not help laughing at the oddity of the question,
and replied: "You must, at least, admit that I'm pretty
lively for a dead man ! He then resumed his seat and
the lines, and proceeded toward Quasqueton, where they
both arrived without further mishap. This was thirty-
three years ago, the present month ; and both the men
are still residing in the neighborhood of their adventure,
and often take pleasure in relating to their friends the
incidents of their narrow escape.
After carrying the mail for nearly two years, Trask and
Phelps sold out to Thomas W. Close, who held the con-
tract only about a year, "carrying the mail and doing
the county shopping," when the business was resumed by
the original contractor, Davis, whose partiality for Quas-
queton led him to discontinue Independence as a part of
the regular route; and for some time the residents at the
latter place had to make private arrangements to get their
mails carried to Quasqueton and back.
The post office was established at Independence in
1848, S. P. Stoughton (the champion of that place, as
Davis was of Quasqueton) being the postmaster. After
holding, for a year, the place which brought more fame
than money, and not enough of either to boast of, he re-
signed, and Dr. Brewer was appointed in his stead. The
enterprising and public-spirited doctor assumed the
duties of mail carrier, as well as of postmaster, and some-
times, it is said, made the trip to Quasqueton on foot,
carrying the entire mail in his vest pocket. He paid the
first quarterage to the Government with a five-franc piece
—his own commissions amounting to forty-seven and a
half cents. He held the office for about six years, and
during no one of them did his income from commissions
amount to five dollars. After a time he put into the
office a few rows of letter boxes; and the rent of these
coming into his pocket, instead of the more capacious
pocket of the Government, increased his income a little.
The meagre income of the office is probably to be ac-
counted for, not so much by the small number of settlers,
as by their acknowledged lack of money. Their friends
at the east showed their generous appreciation of this
state of things by prepaying their postage; and the set-
tlers showed their equally feeling appreciation of it by
leaving theirs unpaid. Thus the letters, whether coming
or going, brought very little money into the office.
About 1850 the contest for postal supremacy, which
had been waged for some time and with some bitterness
between Quasqueton and Independence, was decided by
making the latter a point on the regular route west, which
was then extended to Cedar Falls, and placing the for-
mer on a side route southward.
A man by the name of Gould was the first mail con-
tractor on the route from Dubuque to Cedar Falls. Both
the roads and vehicles began to improve, though the for-
mer continued to be, at certain seasons of the year al-
most impassable. Mr. Trask, who, carried off by the gold
fever, went to California in 1850, found, on his return in
52
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
1854, regular stage coaches running east and west through
Independence, and southward from that point through
Quasqueton. The two railroads, passing through the
county east and west and north and south, have since
done away with the through lines of stage coaches; and
the improvement in the prairie roads, and the construc-
tion of substantial bridges over all the streams at every
crossing point, have made the short stage routes that re-
main comparatively safe and expeditious.
EARLY ROADS.
The private ownership of land is necessarily subject to
the convenience of the public, which demands that some
of it shall be given up for common highways. And one
of the first things claiming the attention of the authori-
ties, after a county is fully organized, is the laying out of
such highways, with due regard of course to private
rights, as well as public convenience. The State or Na-
tion often establishes roads through unsettled territory;
and these, when counties come to be organized, are
sometimes retained as originally laid out, but more fre-
quently, perhaps, are changed or given up altogether.
Two such roads were already in existence in Buchanan
county at the time of its organization. One of these
was established by the authority of the Territory of Wis-
consin, and extended in a southwesterly direction from
Fort Atkinson, its southern terminus being Marion, in
Linn county. Its course through the county was nearly
south, passing near the place where the village of Win-
throp now stands, and crossing the Wapsie at Quasque-
ton. It was called the "mission road," because, as w-e
are informed, it passed through an early Indian mission
in Wisconsin, and was designed in part for its accommo-
dation. The other was a State road from Marion to the
north line of the State, crossing the river at Quasqueton,
but running some three or four miles west of the mis-
sion toad.
The state of things which existed before the lands
were enclosed and county roads established, is pictures-
quely set forth in Judge Roszell's historical address.
"The settlers," he says, "followed such routes as suited
their convenience, from house to house and from neigh-
borhood to neighborhood. Indian trails crossed the
prairie from stream to stream, leading to fording places;
and well worn paths led up and down the river, touching
surely every bubbling spring. Such trails, which recent
settlers suppose to be merely cattle paths, can be pointed
out in many places, even to this day, by the pioneers.
Even after the county seat had been located, and the
town of Independence laid out, theoretically, into lots
and streets; there was nothing for sometime, as we learn
from the same address, to distinguish streets from lots;
even Main street was only a crooked wagon path through
the bushes. There was a wagon road cut through the
timber to the Hickox farm (now known as the Smyser
farm) and one, more crooked still, out upon the prairie
east, crossing the first little creek near the Brewer place,
and the next at the old Sufiicool place. From there it
followed the edge of the timber to Quasqueton, about
where the travelled road now runs. There was also a
track north, by the Obenchain farm and thence across
the prairie toward Thomas Barr's, and up Otter creek,
but so faint as to be scarcely discernible. There was
neither road nor track up the river, except an Indian
trail ; and not even that across the prairie to the west,
nor to the east beyond the timber, nor out toward Bran-
don or Buffalo Grove. To venture two miles west on
the prairie, was about as dangerous as to venture to sea,
out of sight of land, without a compass. The mail was
carried once a week to Cedar Falls, on an Indian pony.
But there were no marks of any kind to guide the car-
rier; and if, by careful observation, he kept within a mile
of the direct course, it was quite a feat of prairie craft.
The mail came once a week from Dubuque to Indepen-
dence, via Quasqueton, in a one-horse wagon; but there
was not a bridge in the county, nor across any stream
between Independence and Dubuque, nor any regular
ferry. If streams were too deep to be forded, they must
be crossed in canoes, or by swiramir>g, or upon rafts.
Such were the means and methods of intercommunica-
tion between the different parts of the county, as late as
1849.
Several county roads, however, had been regularly
surveyed and established, and travel in their several di-
rections was becoming chiefly confined to them. At
their very first meeting, October i, 1847, the ceunty
commissioners had received and granted three petitions
for the establishment of as many different roads within
the county. The first was for a road from Independence
east to the county line, in the direction of Cofiin's Grove.
Rufus B. Clark, James Collier, and John Boon were ap-
pointed viewers of the saine, to meet on the first Mon-
day in November. The second was for a road from In-
dependence to intersect the State road from Marion to
Fort Atkinson — John Obenchain, Edward Brewer, and
Elijah Beardsley being appointed viewers, to meet on
the date last mentioned. And the third was for a road
from Quasqueton to Independence, on the west side of
the Wapsipinicon river — the viewers, Rufus B. Clark,
Levi Billings, and John Cordell, being also directed to
meet on the first Monday in November.
At the same meeting it was "ordered to employ a sur-
veyor to do the surveying on the above roads, and to lay
off" a town at the county seat." And at their next meet-
ing, November 3, F. J. Rigand was appointed county
surveyor.
The next petition for a road was presented and
granted at a meeting of the commissioners, April 10,
1848, the route being from Quasqueton to Otter Creek
settlement. The viewers appointed were James Collier,
B. D. Springer, and John Obenchain, who were ordered
to meet at Quasqueton, on Monday, May i, 1848.
From that time down to the present, the laying out of
new roads has occupied much of the time of the county
commissioners, and, after them, of the supervisors; so
that now, roads have been established on a large majori-
ty of the section lines — besides a great many that do not
follow those lines. Some of these are kept in very good
condition the year round. Others, in the rainy seasons,
and at the breaking up of winters, are still well-nigh im-
passable.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOW.\.
53
The happy era of good roads has not yet dawned up-
on the county— an era which abundant gravelbeds and
outcropping ledges of friable limestone arc waiting im-
patiently to usher in. Let us hope that it will not much
longer be delayed.
CHAPTER VI.
EARLY COMMERCE.
The beginnings of commerce in a rural district, newly
settled, are usually marked by much rudeness and sim-
plicity. The pioneer merchant has not the capital or
the credit which would enable him to import a large,
diversified, and elegant stock of goods ; and his custom-
ers are too few and poor to purchase them, if he had.
Groceries, embracing only the commonest necessaries of
life (among which pioneers too often reckon a supply of
whiskey) take the lead; and dry goods, drugs, and hard-
ware follow as settlements increase — for money begins to
come in with the later settlers. There cannot be exten-
sive imports without exports to counterbalance them;
and for the first few years, pioneers have little or nothing
to export.
The beginnings of commercial enterprise in Buchanan
county were no exception to the general rule. At first
there was no attempt to separate, as now, the different
classes of commodities; since no one class could com-
mand sufiicient custom to support a separate dealer. It
was, therefore, not unusual to find even hardware and
drugs associated with the inseparable "dry goods and
groceries." The earliest dealers purchased their supplies
in Dubuque. Later, trips were made to Chicago and
New York for the purpose of making purchases. Some
bought their goods in St. Louis, from which place they
came to Dubuque by the river. From Dubuque they
were hauled to this county in wagons. The merchants
themselves often kept one or more teams, which were
constantly employed in hauling their own goods. The
independent teamsters, however, constituted quite a
large class of laboring men.
The round trip from Quasqueton or Independence to
Dubuque and back consumed an entire week. Most of
the vehicles were covered two-horse wagons; though in
bad weather, four horses were often attached to one wagon.
The teamsters always went in companies, not only for
the sake of mutual assistance in case of necessity, but
because there were so many of them that they could not
well go otherwise. When it is borne in mind that before
the railroad was built the population of Buchanan county
had reached seven or eight thousand, that Delaware and
Dubuque counties, between here and the city were still
more populous, that several other counties west of here
were rapidly filling up, and that the supplies for all these
people — largely the lumber for their dwellings, and their
household goods and furniture, as well as their groceries
and dry goods, were hauled over the same wagon route;
when all this is borne in mind, it will not be difficult to
fancy the number of men and teams and wagons that
must have been employed in this extensive carrying
trade. And no one will regard as extravagant the com-
mon statement that the lines of canvass-covered vehicles
often looked like the supply trains of an army.
For a long time most of the wagons went to Dubuque
empty, since there were no manufactures to ship to the
east, and the surplus products of the farms were either
consumed here or shipped to the settlers further west.
For a few years, however, before the railroad was built,
flour from the mill at Independence (and perhaps also
from the one in Quasqueton) and corn, wheat and pork
from the farms began to be sent to Dubuque in wagons,
but never in large quantities.
The usual price for freight was one dollar per hundred
weight. This, of itself, made the cost of heavy com-
modities very high. The freight on a barrel of salt was
three dollars; and the price of the article (including
freight) six or seven dollars. The best salt, as at present,
(and in fact, almost the entire supply) was brought from
Syracuse, New York — one of the principal salt centres
of the world.
Financial matters were managed quite differently then
from what they now ars. There being no banks to fur-
nish exchange, large sums of money were sent east
whenever goods were to be paid for. Dealers, paying
for their supplies in Dubuque, would often send money
by teamsters. And when they went to New York or
other eastern cities to make purchases, large sums were
taken with them — not to pay for the goods then pur-
chased, but to settle former accounts. For goods were
purchased upon four or six months' credit, instead of
thirty days, as at present.
The first bank (not of issue, but only for deposit and
exchange) was established in the old Brewer block on
Main street by Beemis, Brewer & Roszell, about 1856.
From that time remittances began to be made by mail;
and merchants going east, began to take with them drafts
instead of cash, or else leave their money on deposit,
subject to check.
THE PERSONNEL OF BUCHANAN'S EARLY COMMERCE.
If men need not be ashamed to own, according to the
teachings of Darwin and company, that they have been
developed from the monkey, the present dignified race of
Buchanan merchants need not blush to be informed that
they have been developed, so to speak, from " Bill Dick,"
sometimes called William Richards for long, who opened
the first store ever seen in the county, at Quasqueton, in
1843. His stock was not extensive, nor was his supply of
the minor necessaries of life always abundant; but his barrel
of whiskey, like the better barrel of the widow of Zare-
phath, "failed not."
We need not regret that this peculiar variety of the
genus merchant did not perpetuate itself. Unfortunately
the barrel of whiskey still lasts, and seeks to maintain a
respectable alliance with drugs; but it was, years ago, cast
ofT as an unfit associate for dry goods, groceries or hard-
ware.
54
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
D. S. Davis and S. V. Thoinpson were the first regular
merchants in the county, commencing their successful
career at Quasqueton about 1845 — a couple of years be-
fore the first beginnings at Independence.
The first merchant at the county-seat was Charles
Cummings, who had his store in a log building near the
lower end of main, just east of Chatham street. Wil-
liam Brazleton came next, in a store on the corner where
the First National bank now is. He put up the first
building on the corner south of the bank, and there kept
the first hotel of Independence, which was afterwards
changed to the Montour House.
Among those who may properly be called pioneer mer-
chants, the only ones (except R. R. Plane, to be mentioned
further on) who are still engaged in mercantile business
are the two brothers, A. H. and Orville Fonda, the former
of whom has a news stand and variety store in the Hage-
man building (Bulletin block), and the latter a dry goods
and grocery store at the corner of Main and River streets,
west of the bridge. Orville Fonda came from Janesville,
Wisconsin, in 1853. He was for sometime engaged in
the preparation of the buhr stones for the flouring mill,
then in process of erection. A. H., the elder brother,
came from the Stale of New York in 1854, and opened a
store in a wooden building, on the same corner where the
stone store of O. Fonda now stands. About 1856 the
two brothers went into business together, at the same
place. F'or some six years they were associated under
the firm name of A. H, Fonda & Co.
In i860 the old wooden building was moved east to
the bank of the river, where Mr. Clark's building now is,
and the present stone building was erected in its place.
After this Orville was out of the business for some years;
but, in i860, he bought out his brother, and has been
doing business there by himself ever since.
Among the merchants who were in business in Inde-
pendence when the Fonda brothers commenced, was
James Forrester, who, in the spring of 1852, opened a
general store (groceries, dry goods, hardware and drugs)
in the place where the "wigwam" now stands. He still
lives near the city limits, on Main street, east, where he
has a fine farm and attractive residence.
E. B. and P. A. Older also had a store at this time, on
Main, between Chatliam and Walnut streets. They, too,
are still living in town, but have retired from business.
R. R. Plane is the pioneer hardware merchant of the
county, coming to Independence from Belvidere, Illi-
nois, in 1854. He began in a small way on Main street,
where Davis' meat market now is. He was there about
ten years, then two years in the Wilcox block, then pur-
chased a lot in front of Chatham street, on which he
built a fine store. He was burnt out in 1874, and re-
built on the same lot the store he now occupies. His
business amounted to about eight thousand dollars the
first year, last year about forty thousand, and has reached
as high as seventy-five thousand dollars a year.
Mr. D. Smith, still living on the west side, commenced
the hardware trade about a year after Mr. Plane, but he
has been out of the business for several years.
The early commerce of the county embraces, besides
the mercantile interest, thus far mainly considered, the
milling interest and 'the shipping of grain and live stock.
The milling interest has from early times been largely
represented by a single name — that of Samuel Sherwood.
He came to the county in 1847, from Janesville, Wis-
consin, with Stoughton and his co-pioneers. He had
previously been engaged in the milling business, a mill-
wright by trade, having served his apprenticeship under
T. B. Hall, of Vermont. He came to Independence to
put up a saw-mill for Mr. Stoughton. The saw-mill was
built nearly upon the same ground where the present
flouring-mill stands. Two years later another was built,
a short distance lower down. These mills sawed a large
amount of lumber, all of which, of course, was used in
the immediate vicinity.
The first flouring-mill, the "old mill," as it is now
called, was built at Independence in 1854. The name
by which it was known in its own day and generation
was "The New Haven mills" — New Haven being the
name first given to that portion of the town west of the
river. Previous to this the people of Independence had
procured their flour mainly from Quasqueton, at which
place a custom mill had been in operation for several
years. The old mill, like the one at Quasqueton, did for
the most part a custom business, though it did at differ-
ent times ship considerable flour to the west, and occa-
sionally a little to Dubuque. The mill built in 1854 did
a fair business for about fifteen years, being owned dur-
ing all that time by Sanford Clark and Samuel Sherwood,
who then thought it advisable to pull down and build
larger. The present fine structure of stone and brick
was begun in the summer of 1868 and completed in two
years. It was built and has always been owned by a
stock company, the Hon. P. C. Wilcox, now deceased,
being at first the principal stockholder. A few years ago
the mill at Quasqueton (unfortunately burned last fall)
was purchased by the Independence company, and the
entire stock was increased to one hundred and twenty
thousand dollars. Of this, Mr. Sherwood is now the
largest owner. The property has always been lucrative,
realizing in one of its best years a net profit of eleven
per cent, to the stockholders. During the existence of
the old mill the supply of wheat was obtained entirely
from this county. But since the failure of wheat here,
their supplies have been obtained principally from Min-
nesota, but largely also from Dakota, from which terri-
tory the best wheat is now obtained. Their best market
is Chicago, the next St. Louis, and after that New Orleans.
Thomas Scarcliff is probably the oldest representative
of the grain trade in the county. He came through
this part of the country, on a prospecting tour, in 1851.
At that time he entered two hundred and forty acres in
Washington township; one hundred and sixty acres adjoin-
ing the original town plat of Independence, on the north,
and now called Scarclifls's second addition; the other
eighty acres one half mile east. He came from England
in 1847, spending two years in the State of New York,
thence two years in Janesville, Wisconsin, from which
place he joi.ied the caravan of immigration to Buchanan
county.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
5S
Having returned to Janesville, after locating his land
he came again in the spring of 1852; but there was so
much sickness (chiefly fever and ague) that he remained
only ten days. The next year he came and spent the
entire summer, but he did not locate himself here
permanently till 1854.
In 1856 he began grain buying in a small way — his
first operation being the purchase of five hundred bushels
of oats in Linn county, which he sold here at a price
ranging from ninety cents to a dollar a bushel. The
very next year the price dropped down to about ten
cents a bushel. During that year he made a nice little
speculation on two hundred bushels of oats, purchased
here at twelve cents a bushel; shipped by wagon to
Earlville, then the terminus of the railroad; thence taken
to Dubuque by rail, and thence by river to St. Louis,
where they were sold at seventy-five cents a bushel
Two years later (1859) when the rails were extended to
this place, he had two thousand bushels of wheat, and
as many of oats, ready for shipment by the first freight
train east.
The wheat crop began to fail about seven years ago —
and for the past five, very little has been sowed. Yet,
from the increased production of other kinds of grain
(chiefly corn, oats and flax seed) the grain trade is now
about as good as ever; while the profits of agriculture, as
a whole, from the more diversified pursuits upon which
farmers have entered (especially in the raising of cattle,
horses and hogs, and the manufacture of butter) have
become greater than ever before. Mr. Scarcliff now
ships about two thousand car-loads of corn per year;
whereas, during the wheat years, corn was hardly taken
into the account. He estimates the amount of corn now-
znnually shipped from this place, at a hundred thousand
bushels, that of oats two hundred. Flax seed began to
be raised, on a large scale, about three years ago. The
quantity shipped from here in 1879 is estimated at
forty thousand bushels — in 1880, at one hundred thou-
sand.
Mr. Scarcliff owns two warehouses, just east of the Illi-
nois Central Railroad station— both of them taken down
and brought h€re from the east, on the completion of the
railroad to this point — one from Dyersville, and the other
from Earlville. He thinks that, on the whole, these
warehouses, though involving much greater amount of
hand labor, have been more profitable, during the transi-
tion through which the grain trade has passed, than an
elevator '-'with all the modern improvements;" since they,
easily adapting themselves to the fluctuations of the trade,
have been kept constantly open and doing business;
while the elevators, owing to the heavy expense involved
in running them, have had to be shut up a good deal of
the time. Encouraged, however, by the revival of
business, he has recently purchased the elevator just west
of the depot.
William P. Brown, entered into the grain trade here
about the same time with Mr. Scarcliff; and, like him,
has been a very successful dealer. He owns a fine ele-
vator next east of Mr. Scarcliff's warehouses.
The pioneer dealer in live stock, in this county is
E. Cobb, who came to Independence in 1853, from Illinois
The first business he engaged in, after coming here, was
hotel-keeping in the house which he built and still occu-
pies, on Main street, west side, opposite the present public
school building. He continued in that business about
six years. Before quitting it, however, (that is to say, in
the year 1857,) he embarked in the business of buying,
feeding and selling cattle and hogs. His farm, which is
now mostly in grass for pasturage and meadow, consists
of nearly three hundred acres, adjoining the town on
the west. His cattle barn is a comfortable and commo-
dious building, forty-two feet wide by two hundred in
length. At first he dealt about equally in hogs and cat-
tle, but since about 1870 he has dealt in cattle mostly.
He shipped the first car-load of cattle that was taken
from here over the Illinois Central road, in 1859; and
also over the Burlington road, in 1873. He transported
no live hogs before the railroad was built, but many
large droves of cattle were driven east previous to that
time, sometimes being taken across the river on the ice,
and sometimes by ferry boat.
He has an effective and ingenious method of enrich-
ing his meadows and cultivating the grass, by a process
called "brushing," by which their productiveness is con-
tinued year after year without re-seeding. One of his
largest meadows has been constantly in grass for twenty-
six years.
J. D. Myers, now living in Nebraska, was connected
with Mr. Cobb in business for six or seven years, from
about the year r86o.
William A. Jones is also a pioneer in the live stock trade
in this county, commencing in that business about two
years later than Mr. Cobb — that is to say, in the year 1859
— on the completion of the Dubuque & Sioux City rail-
road. Like Mr. Cobb, he had been in the hotel business;
not, however, in this county, but Fayette. He came to
Independence from the State of New York in 1855; was
engaged for a few years in general merchandise, including
lumber; then opened a hotel in Fayette, which he con-
ducted for about two years more. Then he returned to
Independence and engaged in the live stock business,
which he has followed ever since. He was at first in
partnership with the late P. C. Wilcox, who, we are told,
"furnished the capital and shared the profits." These,
however, for the first transaction, were "a total loss to
the firm of about fifteen hundred dollars." But, on the
whole, the partnership proved successful; continuing
from 1859 to 1865, since which time Mr. Jones has
carried on the business alone.
His first shipment was of hogs, late in the fall of
1859, about a thousand in number, filling thirteen cars.
The weather turned suddenly cold about the time they
reached Dubuque, and, in forty-eight hours, the river
was frozen over with ice sufficiently thick to be safely
crossed with teams. Over this natural bridge the whole
herd of swine were driven, and, as it was very smooth
and slippery, it had to be sprinkled with sand to enable
the "porkers" to keep their perpendicular. At the close
of his partnership -with Mr. Wilco.x, Mr. Jones had real-
ized sufficient money to pay off, dollar for dollar, some
56
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
heavy debts incurred by previous losses, and to begin
business on his own account "with just one hundred
and fifty dollars in money."
He has dealt chiefly in hogs, but sometimes quite
largely also in cattle. He commenced shipping the lat-
ter in i860, the number that year being only two hun-
dred. The largest number since, in any one year, was
about five thousand. The largest number of hogs
shipped in one year was thirty thousand, in 1877. For
the first twelve years his average business was about sev-
enty-five thousand dollars annually; since then, about
two hundred thousand a year.
A more full biographical sketch of Mr. Jones (as of
some others mentioned in this chapter) will be given
elsewhere, those facts only being given here which serve
to illustrate the history of the early commerce of the
county.
CHAPTER VII.
HUNTING, TRAPPING AND FISHING.
Buchanan county constitutes a part of the great game
region lying between the Mississippi and the Missouri
rivers, whose plentiful supply of game, and I'ur animals,
and fish, won for it, in early times, the sobriquet of "The
Paradise of Hunters." Portions of this region may still
claim the old title as their chief glory; but Buchanan,
perhaps not without some regret, has given it up — for a
better.
THE GAME QUADRUPEDS,
(that is, the quadrupeds hunted for their flesh as well as
for their skins) that were found here at the first advent
of white men, were the elk, buffalo, bear, dear, rabbit,
and squirrel. Of these all have disappeared, except the
two last named, which, on account of their small size and
their habits of self-concealment, will doubtless resist suc-
cessfully all exterminating causes. The buffaloes had
already become somewhat "few and far between" when
the county was first settled, and the same is true of elks.
They were, however, quite plenty no further away than
Blackhawk county and throughout the northwestern por-
tion of the State. It is reckoned only about fifteen
years since the buftalo disappeared entirely from Iowa,
and the elk followed but a little later.
Asa Blood, jr., shot a fine elk on what are now the
cemetery grounds in Independence, on the second of
October, 1848. Mr. Blood was the only male adult left
in the settlement, all the others having gone off on an
elk hunt, which he was prevented from joining by an
attack of fever and ague. It would almost seem as if
the animal referred to, out of poor compassion for the
young hunter's privation, had come of its own accord to
give him a chance for a little sport, in spite of "Old
Shaky's" interdict. Be this as it may, when he heard
that the animal had been seen in the neighborhood he
shook off the shakes, seized his gun and went out in
pursuit. He had not been gone many minutes before he
came across his game in the locality just mentioned, and
succeeded in bringing it down. It was a doe, and
weighed, when dressed, six hundred pounds. By the
help of the boys who discovered it he managed to get it
up to the village and distribute it among the few families
which then constituted the population. The flesh of the
elk is said to be a very savory meat, resembling the best
two-year old beef
It was during the same fall that Asa Blood, sr., pur-
chased of the Quasqueton hunter, Rufus B. Clark, a herd
consisting of seven buffalos and seven elks, for about five
hundred dollars. Clark had captured them when calves
two or three years before, some twenty or thirty miles
west from here. His mode of operating was to go out
in the early part of the season, when the calves were
young, and on finding a herd, whether buffalos or elks,
to follow them till the calves got tired and lagged behind,
and then capture them with a lasso. He would take cows
with him on which the calves were suckled till they were
old enough to feed upon grass. After a few days they
would follow the cows wherever they went, and so he
would bring his captives home, where they soon became
as tame as their foster mother. Mr. Blood drove his
herd to Milwaukee and there put them upon exhibition.
To drive them across the country it was necessary to
lead in advance a couple of the cows with which they
were familiar. While in Milwaukee they were fed upon
malt from a still-house. This, although tolerably nutricious
food, contained more or less alcohol which intoxicated
them if they were isermitted to eat too much of it. One
of the Buffalo cows leaped upon a platform on which
were standing several open barrels full of this food, and
ate so much that she became furious, broke through the
fence into the pen in which the elks were confined, and
actually killed three of them before she could be got
away. From Milwaukee they were taken to Racine and
there exhibited four weeks. The avails of these exhibi-
tions fully defrayed all expenses, and the animals were
subsequently sold for one thousand one hundred dollars
to a Mr. Officer who took them east. Arriving in Chi-
cago at the time of some great political gathering, he
slaughtered one of the buffalo cows, which was very fat,
and gave a public dinner at which buffalo meat fried,
stewed and roasted was one of the principal attractions.
It is said that the sale of tickets to this entertainment
amounted to more than enough to replace the eleven
hundred dollars paid for the herd.
Deer were at first so numerous and so bold that they
would occasionally come into the settlement. Asa
Blood, jr., killed one on the spot where the Independ-
ence flouring-raill now stands. The animal had just
swam across the liver and landed near a saw-mill which
was then standing close by the site of the present mill.
He used to kill from ten to twenty-five every year, with-
out going out of the county. After a while, however,
they began to grow scarce and hunters had to go further
north and west to find them.
It is about ten years since deer disappeared entirely
from the county. Asa Blood, jr., and his brother, Amos
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
57
R., killed the last that were seen in this region in De-
cember, 187 1. There were three of them — two does
and a fawn, first seen in Ezra Wilson's fields, about two
miles southeast from Independence. The brothers
heard that they were there and went out after them
with rifles, but taking no dogs with them. Coming in
sight of them the two hunters, choosing each an animal,
fired, bringing down the two old ones; but the fawn es-
caped for that day. They returned the next day and
followed the track of the fawn — finally overtaking and
killing it on the premises of Ephraim Miller, about two
miles from the place where the others were taken. These
animals, it is believed, were the remnants of the native
deer of the county, and the last that have been killed
within its limits — unless one or two stragglers may have
been taken since, just across the northern line.
Bears were never numerous in this county. A forest-
covered land is the favorite habitat of bruin; and, when
found in a prairie region at all, he confines himself to
the larger bodies of timber. The flesh of the bear has
always been considered a great luxury by old hunters.
Dr. Brewer says that he knew personally of the killing
of but one bear after he came into the county; and that
was killed in 1843 or 1844 by his fellow-pioneer, Rufus
B. Clark, in the woods of the Wapsie, in Newton town-
ship, just below Quasqueton. Of course his old friend
sent him a nice portion of the steak. His father hap-
pened to be with him at this time, on a visit from the
east. As the father Iiad never tasted bear's meat, the
son contrived to have it brought upon the table without
his being aware of what kind of meat it was, that he
might see if he would notice any pecuharity in its flavor.
The meat was, therefore, brought upon the table and
served without comment. The old gentleman partook
of it heartily and with evident relish ; and, when he had
finished the first piece, inquired: "Is this the kind of
pork you raise here? It is the finest I ever tasted."
And when they told him it was bear's meat, he replied,
smacking his lips: "Very well; give us another slicei"
THE GAME BIRDS
found here by the first white settlers, were the wild tur-
key, prairie chicken, partridge or pheasant, quail, wood-
cock, snipe, wild goose, brant, swan, white crane, pelican,
sandhill crane, and ducks of several species. Of these,
the last seven are water fowl, and birds of passage. They
fly north in the spring and south in the fall, usually be-
yond gunshot range; at which seasons their cries (espec-
ially those of the goose and swan) have a peculiar, weird
effect, more particularly when heard in the night.
The pelicans probably never had their nesting grounds
here, and are now never known to light. Still they pass
over, more or less, every season, and sometimes fly so
low as to be reached by bird shot. An acquaintance of
ours in Marshall county, being out hunting with his bird
gun, in early spring a few years ago, fired at what he took
to be the leader of a flock of geese. To his great sur-
prise he brought him down, and to his still greater sur-
prise, he found on reaching the place where he fell, that
instead of a goose, he had actually killed a magnificent
white pelican, measuring full eight feet from tip to tip of
wings. Probably none of the other water fowl mentioned
now breed here, except some of the duck species; but
they all occasionally light in our waters for rest and food.
The wild turkey is getting scarce, and will probably
disappear in the course of a few years. The history of
this magnificent bird is very remarkable. It is well
known to be a native of this country. But so well
adapted is it to domestication, and such are the excellent
qualities of its flesh for food, that it has been introduced
into nearly all the civilized countries of the world; the
only game bird of America that has become cosmopoli-
tan. Its color has become variable by domestication
(the wild bird being black or very dark) but its size has
not increased, nor the quality of its flesh improved.
The mallard duck is the same as our principal tame
species, and can hardly be distinguished from it; but
the wild goose, though easily domesticated, is an entirely
different species from our common tame goose. And
when the two species cross, as they sometimes do, the
product, like the mule, is incapable of reproduction.
The quail, partridge, prairie chicken, snipe, and wood-
cock, are said to be more plentiful now than when the
county was first settled; but the prairie chicken is now
rapidly disappearing, both from a lack of safe hatching
grounds, and from the fearful slaughter to which it has
been subjected.
THE FUR ANIM.iLS
of this county, when the white settlers first came, were
the otter, beaver, mink, raccoon, muskrat, wolf, fox (rare
then but more frequent since) badger, occasionally a
fisher, lynx or wild cat, and (rarely) a |ianther.
Of these the only ones that remain, are the muskrat,
mink and wolf — with an occasional otter, wild cat, rac-
con and badger.
The otter is a short legged, long bodied animal — the
legs being about five inches, and the body about thirty
or forty in length, from tip to tip of nose and tail. It
lives on fish almost exclusively — which it must take alive
— pursuing its game by swimming under water; and out-
swimming (it is said) any fish that ever swam in the
Wapsie.
The otter is taken in a steel trap, that has to be made
for his especial accommodation. The jaws of the trap
mu.=t be low (about two and a half inches) on account of
the animal's short legs. The trap must be heavy, and
furnished with a stout spring, as the otter is as strong as
a bull-dog. Its fur is of the finest and most valuable —
eight dollars being the average price for otter skin.
An "otter slide" is a place where an otter habitually
brings its fish out of the water to eat them, and then
slides down into the water for more. It is generally on
a bank three feet high. Here the traps are set, buried
in sand, dried leaves and grass. To bring the animal
more certainly to the place where the trap is concealed,
it is frequently scented with the perfume of the skunk,
diluted with alcohol — an odor which seems to have an ir-
resistible attraction for the otter. The trap is fastened
by a long and strong chain to a small sapling, from six to
ten feet high, cut down and thrown into the water. Ash
58
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, lOAVA.
is preferred for this purpose, since it is easily split at the
but and then wedged, after the ring of the chain is
slipped over it.
When taken in the trap, the otter plunges at once into
the stream, dragging the trap after him. By the weight
of the trap and his entanglement in the chain, the
animal is very soon drowned. The sapling seldom gets
out of reach from the bank; and, by means of it, the
trap and its occupant are drawn safe to land.
The beaver is a much larger animal than the otter,
and • frequently weighs eighty or ninety pounds. Its
shape is almost precisely that of the muskrat. Its tail
is from ten inches to a foot in length, an inch in thick-
ness, and five or six inches wide— the appendage being
flattened horizontally. They live on the bark of the
willow, ash and aspen trees. They cut down these trees
when from four to six inches in diameter, trim off the
tender branches and drag them away to be stored up for
food in the pond, about which their homes are con-
structed, much in the manner of muskrats. The Bu-
chanan beavers made their ponds by damming the
small streams emptying into the VVapsie. Their dams
were constructed mainly from the branches of the
trees which they had cut down for food. These they
placed across the stream in a very scientific manner, mix-
ing in moss, leaves, mud, and even stones — some of the
latter weighing as much as twenty-five pounds.
The force of the adage, "Working like beavers," may
be appreciated by considering a fact vouched for by Mr.
Blood from personal knowledge. But a short distance
below Independence, near the mouth of a small stream
emptying into the river, stood a grove of young ash trees
averaging about six inches in diameter, and thickly cov-
ering about an acre of ground. All these trees were cut
down in about six weeks time, from the middle of August
to the end of September; and the most of the limbs
were cut off" and dragged into the beaver pond near by.
Mr. Blood's method of catching beavers was as follows:
He would cut holes in the dam to let out the water; and
about these holes he would plant his traps, prepared in
the same way as for otters. The beavers would come in
force to mend the dam, and some of them would be sure
to get caught.
The legs of the beaver are even shorter than those of
the otter. The trap, therefore, has to be made after the
same general fashion as that of the otter trap, though it
must be about twice as heavy, on account of the greater
weight and strength of the animal to be caught in it.
Although the beaver is caught principally for its fur,
which is much sought after and of great value, yet its
hind quarters (and especially the tail) are regarded by
epicures as a great luxury.
The mink, whose fur is highly prized, especially for
muffs and boas, burrows in the ground on the banks of
streams. Each individual has its own peculiar home, to
which it adheres with great tenacity. It lives on fish,
frogs and small birds; and sometimes, like the weasel (to
which it is nearly related) it is bold enough to invade hen
roosts.
In catching the mink a small trap, with only one spring
is ordinarily used. A place is cut in the mouth of its
hole (or burrow) and the trap is placed in it, covered with
leaves and grass. The mink is easily caught, as it has
no cunning to avoid the trap. Small as the animal is,
compared with the beaver or otter, its skin is very valua-
ble, having been sold as high as six dollars.
The fisher is an animal somewhat resembling the mink,
of similar habits, and taken in the same way. It is much
more rare, and its fur is quite as fine.
The muskrat sometimes burrows in the banks of
streams, having the entrance to its burrow beneath the
surface of the water, and coming up into the bank above
high water mark; and sometimes it builds conical houses,
composed of grass and weeds, in shallow ponds, the en-
trance, as in the case of a burrow, being below the sur-
face, and the house being built high enough to afford the
animal a dry nest above the water. It lives on roots, and
the trap in which it is taken is set near its burrow or
house, and baited with parsnip, of which it is very fond.
The animal is very prolific, and, like its troublesome
namesake, hard to exterminate. Its fur is common and
cheap, but profitable to the trapper on account of its
abundance. Mr. Blood has taken as many as three or
four hundred muskrats in this county in a single season;
while if he secured here, in the same time, ten otters, as
many beavers, and twenty or thirty minks, he thought he
was doing pretty well.
THE PREDATORY ANIMALS
which the county is at present seeking to exterminate by
offering a bounty for their destruction, are the wolf, the
wild-cat and the lynx. The State fixes the bounty at one
dollar, but permits the supervisors of any county to in-
crease it to five dollars. The Buchanan county supervis-
ors are at present paying three dollars for each scalp
("with the ears attached") of any one of the above named
species, provided sufficient proof is furnished that the
animal was killed in the county, and within a specified
time before presenting the scalp. The skins of these an-
imals are very valuable, especially those of the lynx,
whose fur is highly esteemed for muffs, etc. Wolf skins
are much sought after for sleigh robes and winter over-
coats.
It is doubted by some whether the lynx and the wild-
cat, as found here are really different species. Many
maintain that they are only different varieties of the same
species. However this may be, it is certain that the
names are frequently confounded.
At first there were found here three species of wolves;
the yellow, prairie wolf (much the smallest), the gray,
timber wolf, and the black (sometimes called the blue)
wolf The last two species were never numerous, and
have almost entirely disappeared. They were large and
powerful animals, and quite disposed to be friendly with
the settlers' dogs— sometimes coming among the houses to
play with them. The prairie wolves are much less
numerous than at the first; but, in spite of the bounty,
they have decreased but little, if any, during the past ten
years. In June, 1873, the supervisors paid the bounty
on thirty-five wolves; in January, 1879, on twenty-three;
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
59
and, in June, 1880, on forty-eight. During the whole of
the last mentioned year, they paid the bounty on sixty-
seven wolves, two wild cats and one lynx. In 1862
bounty was paid on eight lynxes; and, in 1863, on eight
wild-cats. These animals are sometimes killed with
poison; sometimes they are caught in traps, and some-
times (which is by far the most huntsman-like) they are
shot with rifles.
No bounty was ever offered here for the killing of bears,
foxes, or panthers. The first of these disappeared before
the county was organized. The second never became
sufficiently numerous to make their extermination a
matter of importance; and it is doubtful if an individual
of the third-named species was ever seen in the county,
after the advent of the first white settler. Mrs. Heman
Morse, who, as Mrs. Frederick Kessler, was one of the
earliest pioneers of the county, states that, soon after the
settlement was begun at Quasqueton, some of the men
who had lived among the mountains of Pennsylvania,
and had there often heard the scream of the panther
(said to be unmistakable by any one that has ever heard
it) declared that they had heard one at night, in the
timber near the Wapsie. This is the nearest we can
come to a panther story — but the animal was never seen.
The supervisors also attempted, for a number of years,
to exterminate those destructive little burrowers, the
"pocket gophers," by offering a bounty of ten cents each
for their scalps. It afforded a good deal of fun, as well
as profitable employment, to the boys, who sometimes
brought in as many as a hundred thousand scalps in a single
year. But a thousand dollars a year was quite a tax —
especially as there seemed to be no prospect of its dimin-
ishing. So the supervisors, concluding that the gophers,
like Sampson, were more destructive in their deaths than
in their lives, withdrew the bounty. We have never heard
that gopher skins were ever turned to any economic
account.
FISHING IN THE WAPSIE,
was most abundant at the time the settlers first came, and
continued good until dams were built, interrupting the
free passage of the fish.
The principal kinds of fish at first found here, together
with their usual weight, were as follows : Black-bass, from
two to eight pounds; pike, from two to eighteen pounds;
pickerel, from one to twenty-five; mullet (or red horse),
from one to ten pounds; suckers, two pounds; sunfish,
half a pound; rock-bass, from one-half to a pound; bull-
pout, from a half to a pound and a half; catfish, ten
pounds; striped-bass, from one to two pounds; muskal-
longe, from five to forty pounds. These are all found
here now (in reduced numbers) except the catfish and
muskallonge. One of the former was taken three or
four years ago; but it is ten or twelve years since the lat-
ter disappeared.
The usual method of taking all these kinds of fish, is
with a hook. The spear, however, is sometimes used;
and formally many were taken in nets. But as this
threatened extermination to the fish, it is now forbidden
by law. For taking the bass, pike, and pickerel, the
hook is usually baited with a minnow — or an artificial
minnow, or fly, or "spoon," may be used. These all
dart upon their prey, and seize it when in motion. The
sucker and mullet take their food from the bottom of
the stream. The hook therefore, is usually baited with
a worm and dropped down before them.
Some have regarded the catfish as a large bullpout,
and the muskallonge as a large pike. If this were really
so (and we are not scientific enough to say whether the
theory is correct or not), the fact would account for the
disappearance of those large fish — the only ones, in fact,
that have disappeared. From the constant capture of
the fish, it may be that those two species, the pike and
the bull-pout, do not get time enough to develop into
muskallonge and catfish.
Rufus B. Clarke, whose name appears so often in this
narrative, who was one of the pioneers of the county at
Quasqueton, and the first settler in Independence, was,
so far as we can learn, the only man in the county that
ever devoted himself so exclusively to the business of
fishing, hunting and trapping. He made a good deal of
money at these callings, but beyond supporting, in toler-
able comfort, his family consisting of himself, his wife,
and two children, he had little to show for it all. He
was a born pioneer, and felt like a fish out of water as
soon as the institutions of civilized life began to cluster
about his home. It would seem that he came naturally
by his love of frontier life; for as Judge Roszell informs
us, he "was the first white child born in what is now
the city of Cleveland, Ohio." The same writer graphi-
cally draws the following outline of his wanderings:
From Ohio "he wandered to the mines of Wisconsin;
then here ; then northwest toward the headwaters of the
Cedar; thence further northwest into the wilds of Min-
nesota; thence across the continent to the west of the
Sierra Nevadas, and at last lies sleeping in death on
Whitby's Island in far Puget Sound." While here his
reputation as a pioneer sportsman had become known
far and near — as may be seen from the following ac-
count of
A HUNTING, TRAPPING AND FISHING EXCURSION.
As Stated in the sketch of his life, which is given
elsewhere, Asa Blood, jr., first came to Iowa in the fall
of 1844, just after reaching his majority. He came from
Wisconsin, accompanied by a party of five other young
men, of similar tastes and about the same age, named
as follows; A. Brown, Charles Abbott, Leander Keyes
(afterward sheriff of Buchanan county), \Villiam Ham-
mond, and Titus Burgess, who subsequently became a
settler at Quasqueton. They had heard of the fame of
Rufus B. Clark, the great pioneer hunter of that place,
and came there to secure his services as guide and cap-
tain of the party. He consented to accompany them ;
and they set out, the latter part of October, the captain
on horseback and the rest of the party in a two-horse
wagon, carrj'ing their necessary utensils.
They proceeded as far as Clear lake, in Cerro Gordo
county, hunting, trapping and fishing along the streams
and lakes, and capturing, in about four weeks, nineteen
beavers, si.xteen otters, thirty or forty raccoons, and
plenty of other kinds of game for the sustenance of ihe
6o
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
parly. On their return, they struck the Cedar river in
Bremer county, near the place where the town of Wav-
erly now stands. Here the party divided. Clark
returned home with his horse; Blood and Keyes followed
with the wagon, and the rest of the party decided to
come down the river in canoes, which they had managed
to secure, and which they intended to abandon at the
point of the river nearest to Quasqueton. But soon
after this separation, the weather grew suddenly cold.
The ice became so thick in the river that our four roj-
agetirs were compelled to abandon their boats and take
to the Kind. Game di-wppeared, and, in addition to tlie
intense cold, they suffi.red all the pangs of hunger. For
two entire days their only food consisted of a few fresh-
water clams, which they succeeded in digging from the
edge of the stream. Luckily, no snow fell; and with
vigorous exercise by day and files and blankets at night,
they managed to keep themselves from serious freezing,
though their noses, lingers and ears were badly frost-
bitten. At length, after five days' heroic endurance,
they reached Sturgis' rapids (now Cedar Falls) in a hall"-
famished condition. As good fortune (or, rather. Provi-
dence) would have it, Mr. Sturgis had just slaughtered
a fine beef, and had left the quarters hanging from the
limbs of an oak tree near his house. The feelings of
the boys, on suddenly coming in sight of this plentiful
supply of meat, can better be imagined than described.
With a yell which made the frightened Sturgis think
that the Indians were coming, they rushed forward and
surrounded the prize with the most grotesque antics and
cries of grateful exultation. As soon as the proprietor,
having assured himself from a window that they were
not really savages, presented himself at the door, one of
them called out, with a tone of mingled supplication
and command: ''Cook us some of this, as soon as the
Almighty will let you!" This the hospitable man, see-
ing and comprehending their starving condition, was not
slow to do ; and the thankful boys were soon regaling
themselves right sumptuous!)'.
The next day, anxious to put an end to the painful
suspense of their friends, they set out for Quasqueton,
and were met at Pilot Grove, a little west of the Black-
hawk county line, by two men with a team sent out by
Clark for their rescue. The coldest night was that of the
twenty-fourth of November, and the one previous to the
arrival of Blood and Keyes at Quasqueton. They made
a fire and wrapped themselves in their blankets under the
wagon. By these means they managed to keep them-
selves from freezing, but got very little sleep. It was a
joyful meeting, we may well believe, when the friends all
got together again, safe and sound, at Quasqueton. In
a few days they started on their return to Wisconsin, and
all reached their homes without further mishap or ad-
venture.
Thus ended an exciting and meinorable excursion. It
was undertaken mainly from the love of adventure, but
proved to be quite remunerative in a financial point of
view, for the furs taken during the trip were disposed of
at Fort Atkinson for about three hundred and fifty dol-
lars.
IN AFTER YEARS,
Asa Blood, jr., and his brother, Amos R., together with
T. J. Marinus and Alexander Hathaway, all of Buchanan
county, constituted a sort of
OLD hunters' guild,
the members of which, for more than twenty years, never
failed on each recurring autumn to make a long trip to
gether, north or west, for the purpose of hunting and
fishing. Their last excursion of this sort was made in
1877, a little while before Mr. Blood removed to Colo-
rado to reside. They went north, and spent several
weeks roaming over the prairies, through the forests, and
about the lakes and streams of Minnesota. While out
they killed thirty-two deer, and took three thousand three
hundred pounds of fish. All this was sent by express
from St. Paul to Independence. It was stored in what
is now Asa Clark's grocery, and was disposed of at
wholesale and retail, realizing for the hunters about four
hundred dollais.
We will finish up our general chapter on Buchanan
game, with a brief section on
THE RETURN OF THE BEARS.
As an evidence that bar-barism is not easily uprooted,
and that savagery often lingers in the lap of progress and
enlightenment, may be mentioned the fact that in the
autuinn of 1859 several visits from members of the bruin
family were reported in different portions of northern Iowa.
Two were arrested and stopped short in their porcine
pursuit in Delaware county; one in Fayette; a fourth
was killed near Dyersville, Dubuque county, by a Mr.
Sinith; and the fifth, weighing over two hundred pounds,
met the fate which, sooner or later, is sure to overtake
all who set at defiance the principles which underlie the
institutions of civilized society, in Jones county, near
Anamosa. The historian regrets to be compelled to
acknowledge the truth of the assertion, if it should be
made, that no positive testimony exists that either of
these animals ever trod the soil of Buchanan county;
but, as no one will venture to claim that there is, on the
other hand, the least evidence to the contrary, and as
this county cannot well afford to lose the distinction en-
joyed by her sister neighbors, of having been favored in
this farewell visit from members of this classic race, so
long renowned in song and story, there seems to be the
utmost propriety in assuming that at least the last named
did pass through Buchanan on his way to Jones. The
reasons on which this probability is based may be briefly
stated thus: Bears are only one species of northern
barbarians. An incursion of Goths, Vandals, or bears,
from any other point of the compass would be an anomaly
in history, or in any other department of literature. The
bear is also remarkable for longevity, for a tenacity of
memory, and for a preference for night operations and
the additional protection afforded by a proximity to rocky
forests, not often ventuiing far from their sombre re-
cesses. In the vicinity of Anainosa, Jones county, which
lies to the southeast of Buchanan, and shares with it the
Wapsipinicon river, just such a region exists, and that,
too, in a continuation of a belt of woodland bordering
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
6i
the river, which takes its rise far to the north. This ro-
mantic and broken country was, no doubt, a favorite re-
sort if not the home of the ancestry and immediate fam-
ily of the individual in question. Here, probably,
clambering about these rocky defiles, his days of uncouth
gamboling had been spent; and when, in 1838 or 1840,
the presence of the hunters and trappers, and following
them the' pioneer settlers, had made his hitherto safe fast-
nesses no longer safe, instinct led the bear tribe to re-
treat, not in the direction of the flowing water, which
would have carried them into the very camp of their
enemies; but to return, ascending the streams to the
sources from which the water flowed, was their wisdom
and their safety.
Many moons had waxed and waned, and bears had
disappeared from the valleys and hills of Northern Iowa,
but in the autumn of 1859 they reappeared as far south
as the fourth tier of counties; and why? We cannot
answer for all; but, to the subject of this brief notice, it
is evident that this excursion southward was not for pur-
poses of marauding, or even foraging, else the suffolks of
the farmers of Fairbank would have proved too enticing,
and his progress south would have ended where it began,
so far as Buchanan is concerned, in the northwest corner
of the county. No; that hypothesis is not to be enter-
tained for a moment. This aged bruin was drawn irre-
sistably, as the Indian often is, to revisit the graves of his
ancestors. Entering the county by following the Wapsi-
pinicon, at its northwest boundary, and studiously avoid-
ing the abodes of men, and eschewing his fondness foi'
roasting pigs and "tame" honey, keeping within the
friendly shelter of the woodlands, and travelling at night,
he at last entered once more the enchanted wilds of rock
and river, which had visited him in dreams and compelled
him to undertake his last journey. How else should he
have been found in that spot? He did not come from
the south. To have reached the locality from either the
east or west, he must have crossed a long stretch of open,
thickly settled country. No; he was a Wapsipinicon
bear, and returned to end his life where it began.
We are encouraged to hope that none will feel called
upon to assail what they may choose to call the weak
points in this chain of evidence we adduce, as, after
patient research of early records, we have not been able
to discover any other ground for the claim, that Buchanan
county was not overlooked in this last incursion of the
northern barbarians.
Note. — " Since the above was in type." as ilie printers say, we have
learned that one of those northern marauders was intercepted and
killed in Jefferson township. The bear facts are stated in the history
of that township ; but Mr. James E. Jewel, who, though but a mere
boy at the time, joined in the chase and was " in at the death" of the
monster, has given us some additional particulars.
This bear was killed in October, 1859, about two miles east of Bran-
don, on the open prairie. About forty men and boys, all without guns,
joined in the pursuit. He was so fat and heavy that a man could
easily outrun him. But neither men nor dogs ventured near enough to
attack him. One dog, with an unusual reputation for ferocity w.as set
upon him; but, when at the distance of about ten feet, the huge planti-
grade rose in fierce majesty, standing si.t feet in height without stock-
ings, and showing his deadly teeth and claws. The canine, seeing that
death was brewing, and that bruin was death, gave one velp of mingled
fright and despair, turned and fled precipitately with his tail between
his legs.
However, the excited crowd managed to keep his beaiship in check
for about three hours, till Joe Allen, hurrying off to ]. Wilson's, bor-
rowed his rifle, and with it succeeded in despatching the dangerous in-
truder, though not until three balls had been fired into his huge carcass.
He weighed over three hundred pounds.
CHAPTER VIII.
ERECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF BUCHANAN COUNTY:
At ITS winter session of 1837-8, held at Burlington,
the legislature of Wisconsin Territory (which then em-
braced the territory now constituting the State of Iowa)
passed "an act to establish the boundary lines of the
counties of Dubuque, Clayton, Jackson, Benton, Linn,
Jones, Clinton, Johnson, Scott, Delaware, Buchanan,"
etc. The boundaries of Dubuque and Delaw.are having
been described in the first three or four sections of this
act, it proceeds as follows :
Section 5. That all the country lying west of the county of Dela-
ware and between the line dividing townships eighty-si.x and eighty-
seven, and the line dividmg townships ninety and ninety-one, north,
extended to the western boundary of the territory, shall be, and the
same is hereby constituted a separate county, to be called Buchanan.
Section 6. That the counties of Delaware and Buchanan shall,
for temporary purposes, be considered in all respects a part of the
county of Dubuque.
This act, which was approved December 21, 1837,
merely planted the seed of the new county. It gave it
"a local habitation and a name," but left its develop-
ment into a living organization to the operation of time
and its own internal, germinal forces. The subsequent
development of the county may seem to have been slow
to one who fails to realize the amount of embryotic growth
which it had to make. If it takes sixteen months for an
acorn to be developed from the blossom, and twice
that number of years for a blossoming oak to be de-
veloped from the acorn, it ought not to be regarded as
wonderful that it took Buchanan county ten years to
emerge fully from its embryotic condition. Especially
ought this fact excite no wonder, when it is remembered
that all the early development of Buchanan county had
to be made without any of that remarkable stimulus
which railroads have since given to the growth of new-
counties.
The act above cited fixed the eastern boundary of the
county as it now is, and designated the parallels along
which the northern and the southern boundary lines still
extend westward; but it extended those lines to the
western limits of the territory. That is to say, it consti-
tuted as the western boundary of the county, those
portions of the Big Sioux and the Missouri rivers included
within the two parallels mentioned. The county there-
fore embraced, theoretically, at that time, a strip of land
about two hundred and forty miles long and twenty-four
miles wide.
The act locating Blackhawk county, was passed by the
Iowa Territory legislature, about five years after this, viz.:
on the seventeenth of February, 1843 — the boundaries
63
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
beginning at the northwest corner of Buchanan county.
Between these two dates there must, of course, have
been an act designating the present western limits of the
last named county. When such an act was passed we
have not been able to ascertain.
As to the origin of the county's name we have also
made somewhat diligent inquiry, without being able to
obtain any satisfactory information. The prevailing
opinion is, however, that the name was given through
the influence of an ardent admirer of the Pennsylvania
statesman, James Buchanan, who afterwards became dis-
tinguished as the last Democratic President of the United
States.
The act of December, 1837, attached Buchanan and
Delaware to Dubuque, and that of February, 1843, at-
tached Blackhawk and Buchanan to Delaware, for elec-
tion, revenue and judicial purposes; and this latter ar-
rangement continued till 1847, when this county elected
its own officers, and assumed an independent jurisdiction.
The first election was held in August, 1S47, when
John Scott, Frederick Kessler, and B. D. Springer were
elected county commissioners, and Dr. Edward Brewer,
clerk — an office which the latter continued to hold for
twenty-three years. We have been informed by Dr. Brewer
(though we have found no record of the fact) that S. V.
Thompson was appointed by State authority, as organ-
izing sheriff", and that the election was called and man-
aged by him. Doubtless some of the preliminaries were
arranged by the authorities of Delaware county, under
whose jurisdiction Buchanan was at the time, and by
which the latter had been divided into two election pre-
cincts, one called Quasqueton and the other Centre
precinct.
The earliest record of the proceedings of the commis-
sioners' court of the county, shows that certain other
officers, besides those above named, were elected, or ap-
pointed, at or about the time of the first county election.
We transcribe the following entries:
September 4. 1847, John Scott (who was also one of the county com-
missioners) filed his bond and took the oath of office as justice of the
peace in and for the centre precinct of the county.
September 8th, Thomas S. Hubbard filed his bond in this office as
a justice of the peace in and for Quasqueton precinct, having taken
the oath of office before Esquire Holmes of the same precinct.
September 23d, Henry H. Baker fully qualified as constable, and
Thomas E. McKinney as a justice of the peace, in and for the centre
precinct of the county.
September 28th A. B. Hathaway took the oath of office for coroner
of the county.
On the fourth of October the commissioners held
their first meeting — their first official act being to divide
the county into "three commission districts" — that is (as
we suppose) districts from each one of which a county
commissioner was thereafter to be elected.
The first of these districts comprised the north half of
the county; or the eight congressional townships lying
north of the correction line. The second embraced the
four southeastern townships, with the exception of the
two tiers of sections lying on the west side of townships
eighty-seven and eighty-eight of range eight; and the
third comprised all the remaining portion of the county.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
January 3, 1848, the commissioners divided the county
into three civil townships, whose boundaries were made
identical with those of the three commissioner districts
already established. These townships, like the districts,
were first called simply from their numbers; and an elec-
tion for township officers was ordered to take place in
each of them, on the first Monday in the following
April. In township number one the election was to be
held "at the store in Independence;" Isaac Hathaway,
John Scott, and John Obenchain to be judges of elec-
tion. In township number two the election was to be held
"at the school-house in Quasqueton;" Benjamin Cong-
don, Levi Billings and Malcolm McBane to be judges.
In township number three the election was to be held
"at the house of Barney D. Springer;" and J. Monroe
Scott, Gamaliel Walker and B. D. Springer were named
as judges of election.
In July, 1849, t'i6 boundaries of these townships were
slightly changed, and number one was called Washing-
ton, number two Liberty, and number three Spring.
From this date until i860, the erection of new town-
ships and the frequent changes in their names and
boundaries, seem to have employed much of the valu-
able time of the county authorities. We can give only
enough of these to trace the formation of the sixteen
townships as they now exist.
The fourth township — Jefferson — was erected May 22,
1852; Buffalo (at first called Buffalo Grove), August 6,
1852; Perry was set off from Washington February 7,
1853; Superior (afterward called Hazleton), July 4,
1853; Newton, the first made conterminous with a con-
gressional township (the same as township eighty-seven,
range seven, which limits it still retains), was so erected
May I, 1854.
September 19, 1854, the eight townships then exist-
ing, viz.: Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Buffalo, Spring,
Washington, Superior, and Perry, were set forth anew,
as to their boundaries; all of them being more or less
changed, except Newton. At this time Spring township
was very irregular in its form, comprising the south half
of the present territory of Fremont, sections twenty-two,
twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-
seven, thirty-four, thirty- five, thirty-six, and one-half of
sections thirty-two and thirty-three, of the present terri-
tory of Byron, the west half of the present township of
Liberty, all of the present territory of Sumner, and about
three sections of the southeast corner of Washington.
At the same time Superior township consisted of the west
half of the present territory of Buffalo, and all of pres-
ent Hazleton except the western tier of sections.
Alton (the same as the present township of Fairbank)
was erected March 5, 1855. Prairie (afterwards Fre-
mont) was erected March 14, 1856; and Byron, March
20th, of the same year. The remaining townships were
erected as follows: Sumner, March 7, 1857; Madison,
March 11, 1857; Homer, July 29, 1858; Middlefield,
September 21, 1858; Cono, same date; Westburg, Au-
gust 6, i860. The name of Prairie township was
' changed to Fremont, September 5, 1859; that of Alton
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
63
was changed to Fairbank June 2, 1862; and that of Su-
perior to Hazelton, some time during the same year.
The last two changes were made by the board of Super-
visors — all the rest by the county court.
We will now give, for convenience of reference, the
names of the existing townships, in the order of the
dates at which they assumed their present form: New-
ton, May I, 1854; Fairbank (Alton), March 5, 1855;
Hazelton (Superior), same date. Madison, March 11,
1857; Buffalo, same date; Homer, June 29, 1858; Mid-
dlefield, September 21, 1858; Cono, same date; Liberty,
September 5, 1859; Fremont, same date; Byron, same
date; Westburgh, August 6, i860; Jefferson, same date;
Perry, same date; Washington, September 13, i860;
Sumner, same date.
CHANGES IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
The commissioners' court was abolished in i860,
and the board of supervisors was established in its
place. About the same time the office of county judge
was given up and that of county auditor was adopted.
The duties heretofore performed by the county judge
now fall in a great measure to the board of supervisors.
This body consisted at first of sixteen members, one
from each township. At present, however, the number
is reduced to seven — all being elected by a general vote
of the county. The first supervisors were elected in the
fall of i860, and entered upon their duties January 7,
1 86 1. Their names, with the township from which they
were elected, are as follows: Elisha Sanborn, of Alton,
(Fairbank); E. P. Baker, of Byron; C. H. Jakway, of
Buffalo; E. D. Hovey, of Cono; James Fleming, of Fre-
mont; S. S. Allen, of Homer; John Johnson, of Jeffer-
son; William Logan, of Liberty; J. B. Ward, of Madison;
James M. Kerr, of Middlefield; N. W. Richardson,
of Newton; D. B. Sanford, of Perry; V. R. Beach, of
Sumner; William C. Nelson, of Superior (Hazelton);
George W. Bemis, of Washington; William B. Wilkin-
son, of Westburgh.
PRESENT COUNTY OFFICERS.
The present officers of the county are as follows: Au-
ditor, George B. Warne; clerk of courts, O. M. Gillet;
treasurer, J. A. Poor; recorder, J. W. Foreman; sheriff,
E. L. Currier; school superintendent, W. E. Parker; sur-
veyor, J. N. Iliff; coroner, H. H. Hunt.
SUPERVISORS.
C. R. Millington, of Washington, chairman; H. M.
Coughtry, of Byron; G. M. Miller, of Hazelton; A. H.
Grover, of Homer; T. E. McCurdy, of Buffalo; W. H.
L. Eddy, of Liberty; W. H. Gates, of Perry.
CHAPTER IX.
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR.
It is said that an early History of Ireland contained a
chapter entitled: "The Snakes of Ireland"— the whole
of which consisted of six short words, as follows :
"There are no snakes in Ireland."
To those who have never written a history, there may
be nothing in that announcement but the cool, unimpas-
sioned statement of a historical fact. But to us who
have " been there" — i.e., not in Ireland, but in the his-
tory business — it is the laconic expression of an almost
inexpressible regret. We think that we can read between
the lines" — or, rather under the line; for there was but
one hne written — the confession of a sad disappoint-
ment.
We can fancy that historian — who was probably not an
Irishman, though he had learned to manage the vernac-
ular like a native — setting out upon the composition of
that chapter with high hopes of pleasurable excitement,
both for himself and his readers. With what marvelous
"snake stories" he was about to garnish his work!
Monsters of fabulous length and fleetness were to rush
out upon the defenceless inhabitants, from the reeds
along the banks of the Shannon, or from the peat bogs
of Kildare. Pitiless as an English landlord, they would
make nothing of distraining the last pig of some widowed
Kathleen; and only the valorous spades of the paternal
Patricks would save the infant Pats from a like tragic
fate.
He sharpens his well-worn pencil {we always write his-
tory with a pencil) sets down the heading of his chapter,
and then he thinks himself to consult authorities in
regard to the herpetology of the Emerald Isle. As he
reads, the fine (renzy disappears from his eye; and when,
at last, the utter snakelessness of his condition becomes
apparent, he closes the encyclopedia in despair. How-
ever, "what is writ is writ." The heading must stand;
and the few brief words written under it, while they em-
body an interesting historical fact (or fiction), shall, at
the same time, record his own grievous disappointment :
Alas! "there are no snakes m Ireland."
And so, when we recall the thrilling, warlike incidents
which, in so many counties, have attended the removal
of the county seat — the harsh clashing of pecuniary and
sectional interests — the vigorous political campaigns —
the fiery eloquence of orators, subsidized by the friends
of removal on the one side, and by its enemies on the
other — the gathering of the hostile clans around the
ballot-box — the frequent defeat and the final victory at
the polls — the refusal of obstinate (though obsolete) of-
ficials to deliver up the county archives — the siege of the
old court house by the new sheriff, with his comic posseiatus,
bearing the decree of the court as their banner with
its strange device— the defiance of the besieged who,
with guns in their hands, stand at the port-holes and hurl
back, as their war-cry, the legend on the banner of their
foes: "mandamus, if we yield!"— when we recall all this,
and think of the opportunities for fine writing which the
scenes thus hinted at afford, it is with a teeling of regret
similar to that of our Irish historian, that we find our-
64
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
selves compelled to set down, as the pith and marrow of
this chapter, an announcement which is only a parody of
his :
"There was never any county seat war in Buchanan
county."
Independence has been the capital ever since the
county was organized ; and there is not now, and prob-
ably never will bp, any other place that will be either able
or disposed to compete with it for that honor. The
county archives are there, and, in the language of the
immortal Webster, "there they will remain forever."
CHAPTER X.
THE COURT AND THE BAR OF BUCHANAN COUNTY.
In the year 1847, there stood a small wooden building
on the corner of Main and Court streets, in the city of
Independence, the spot where what is called the Brewer
block now stands. The small, dingy front room of this
building was used as the county cleik's office and court
room. The back end was occupied by Dr. Edward
Brewer and family.
In the fall of that year, a gruff-looking man, in a one-
horse buggy, drove up to the front door of this building
and from his seat called for the clerk of the court to ap-
pear. Dr. Brewer modestly stepped to the door, when
the following colloquy took place:
"Is this the clerk of the court?"
"It is."
"I am Judge Grant. Are there any cases on the
docket?"
"Yes; there are two. One an original case; the other
an appealed case from a justice of the peace."
"Bring the docket out here."
The doctor carried the docket out to the buggy. Says
the judge:
"Do you know anything about these cases?"
"I do. One is an original case against myself; that
is to be dismissed. The other is an appeal from a jus-
tice by the defendant. I am counsel for the plaintiff.
That is to be affirmed."
"All right. Enter them up accordmgly."
And the judge drove off. Thus ended the first court
ever held in Buchanan county.
Dr. Brewer had just been elected county clerk, the
first clerk of the county, and a position which he held
continuously for the next twenty-one years.
Couit was held the following year by Judge Grant, in
a log building just south of the Dr. House dwelling, in
what is now the street. The year following, it was held
in an old building occupying the ground where the First
National bank now stands. It was at this place that a
scene occurred which illustrates the practice of the
times, likewise the peculiarities of Judge Grant, and the
summary manner of dispensing with justice.
Two men from Black Hawk county were here on trial
for disturbing the peace. As was usual in those days, a
large number of neighbors and friends of the parties,
and a host of witnesses, were on hand. As the skirmish
was about to commence, the judge said to Dr. Brewer:
"Call out all the men from Black Hawk county, and
have them stand in a row."
This was done, and enough stood in the row to make
a good-sized militia company.
"Now," says Judge Grant, "put all those men under
bonds to keep the peace." It was done at once, and
court adjourned.
The next year T. S. Wilson was elected judge of the
district court. His first term was held in the old Meth-
odist church, just back of the present church. This
building resembled a nine-pin alley, and was just about
as large. The year following, it was held in the upper
room of the stone building now occupied by Tom Cur-
tis as a livery stable, and in a school building where the
jail now stands. It was altei wards held in a wooden
building just south of Orville Fonda's store, on the west
side of the river, and afterwards, in 1856, in the new
court house.
The first judge of the district court of this county
was James Grant, who held his position from 1847 to
1S53. The second judge was T. S. Wilson, of Du-
buque, who held his first term in June, 1S53, and his
last term in September, 1862. The third judge was
James Burt, of Dubuque, who held his first term in
April, 1863, and his last term in October, 1870. The
fourth judge was J. M. Brayton, of Delaware county,
who held his first term in April, 1871, and his last term
in April, 1872. The fifth judge was D. S. Wilson, of
Dubuque, who held his first term in October, 1872, and
his last term in September, 1878. The sixth and present
judge is S. Bagg, of Waterloo, whose term commenced
January 1, 1879.
The first term of the first circuit court of Buchanan
county was held in March, 1869, S. Bagg, of Waterloo,
judge. The first case tried in this court was D. D. Hol-
dridge vs. Andrew Nicolia.
B. W. Lacy was appointed circuit judge to fill the
vacancy caused by the resignation of S. Bagg to fill the
position of district judge, and held his first term in Feb-
ruary, 1879. He was reelected in the fall of 1880 for a
term of four years, commencing January i, 1881.
The first sheriff was Eli Phelps, term commenced Jan-
uary I, 1S49, expired January i, 1850. Second sheriff,
H. W. Hatch; term commenced January i, 1850, ex-
pired January i, 1852. Third sheriff, O. B. King; term
commenced January i, 1852, expired January i, 1853.
Fourth sheriff, Norman Picket; term commenced Jan-
uary I, 1853, expired January i, 1S54. Fifth sheriff,
Eli Phelps; term commenced January r, 1854, expired
January i, 1856. Sixth sheriff, Leander Keyes; term
commenced January i, 1856, expired January i, 1858.
Seventh sheriff, William Martin; term commenced Jan-
uary I, 1858, expired January i, i860. Eighth sheriff,
Byron Hale; term commenced January i, i860, expired
January i, 1862. Ninth sheriff, John M. Westfall; term
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
65
commenced January i, 1862, expired January i, 1866.
Tenth sheriff, A. Crooks; term commenced January i,
1866, expired January i, 1868. Eleventh sheriff, John
A. Davis; term commenced January i, 1868, expired
January i, 1872. Twelfth sheriff, George O. Farr; term
commenced January i, 1872, expired January i, 1876.
Thirteenth sheriff, VV. S. Van Orsdol; term commenced
January i, 1877, expired January i, 1880. Fourteenth
sheriff, E. L. Currier; term commenced January i, 1880.
Dr. Edward Brewer was elected clerk of the court in
1847, and served until 1868; D. L. Smith was elected
in 1868, and served until 1878; R. J, Williamson was
elected in 1878, and served until 1880; O. M. Gillette
was elected in the fall of 1880.
BIOGR.\PHICAL SKETCHES OF LAWYERS.
James Jamison was born, February 14, 1828, in the
county of Armstrong, Pennsylvania. Of his father we
can learn but little, except that he was very poor, and
died when James was two years of age, leaving a widow
and two children. James was given to his uncle with
w-hom he lived until he was eighteen years of age, work-
ing on the farm summers and attending school winters.
At eighteen he cut loose from his uncle and commenced
the struggle of life alone and unaided.
Like so many others, in the vast army of self-made
men, he gained discipline and money by teaching district
school winters. His summers were devoted to study.
In 1850 he entered Alleghany college, at Meadville,
Pennsylvania, where he remained for two years, working
his way. He then cotnmenced the study of law with
the Hon. David Derickson at Meadville, and was admit-
ted to the bar, Aug'ist 18, 1853. He immediately took
his diploma and started for the west. With no particu-
lar point in view, he threw himself into the great wave
sweeping toward the west, trusting move to chance than
to design, as to where he should land.
Independence was the place, and without hesitation,
but with an assurance that success awaited him, he at
once opened an office. His first law case was tried for
Orrin Lewis, October iS, 1853, for which he received a
fee of three dollars. His business for the first month
amounted to five dollars and seventy-five cents.
A more uncouth, awkward, unpromising young man,
in personal appearance, than Jamison was at that time,
never threw his shingle to the public. Tall and angular,
with light hair, a face not molden for beauty, awkward in
every move, a gesticulation that defied all rules, a hesi-
tancy of speech that was painful, he was at once, by su-
perficial observers, set down as a failure. To the young
men he was a subject of ridicule; to the young ladies a
curiosity.
The public soon began to observe that, from early
morning until late at night, he never left his office except
for meals. People soon learned that if they ever should
want anything of Jamison, they would always know
where to find him. The value of the adage, "Keep
your office and your office will keep you," was well
known and appreciated by him. Clients began to drop
in. Their business was dispatched with wonderful
promptness and accuracy. His knowledge of the law,
his sound judgment, and his keen insight into the affairs
of men, amazed the people. Beneath that ugly exterior,
a broad, comprehensive mind was discovered. Clients
thickened around him; business accumulated, and he
was soon in the midst of an extensive and lucrative prac-
tice. Fortune and fame increased. But few cases were
tried in our county in which he was not interested. He
was largely engaged in the real estate transactions of the
county. As a counselor he had but few equals in the
State. The quaint and witty sayings of Jamison would
fill a volume. One must be preserved. One of his ob-
jections was overruled by the court in a trial of a case.
Jamison very drily remarked "your honor is right and I
am wrong, as your honor most always is."
As a citizen he was just and honest. He set a noble
example of filial attachment. His widowed mother
presided over his home (for he never married), and her
lite was made happy by his constant love and devotion.
But for one enemy Jamison would have been living to-
day; have been in the front ranks of his profession, and a
highly honored and wealthy citizen. Having no family
to call forth and cultivate his domestic nature, his social
qualities gradually found relaxation in the society of
those whose tendencies were downward. The sequel
need not be told. It is useless to follow him down the
road we have all seen so many travel. It is the same
old path ; once entered it is seldom forsaken. It leads
all classes to the same goal. The talented, noble James
Jamison, died a victim to intemperance the second day
of August, 1878.
Captain D. S. Lee was born in Genessee county,
New York, October 16, 18 17. When he was sixteen
years old his mother died. The family was scattered,
and young Daniel was left to shift for himself. He was
employed as a farm hand summers, and attended school
winters, until he was twenty-one, when he entered Leroy
academy, where he remained for two years. The follow-
ing winter he taught school and, with his earnings,
started, in the spring of 1842, for the west. He made
his way to Akron, Ohio, where he studied law in the
office of the Hon. William C. Dodge, at the same time
teaching, until the fall of 1846, when he was admitted
to the bar. He practiced his profession at that place
until the summer of 1851, when he came to Dubuque,
Iowa, and in the winter taught Dubuque's first free
school. March 3, 1852, he was admitted to the bar of
the Iowa supreme court. In the same spring he com-
menced the practice of law in connection with the real
estate business at Independence. In 1855, in connection
with P. A. and E. B. Older, he established the first bank
in Independence. The latter business was very success-
ful until the year 1857, when the firm went down with
so many others in the general crash. All of Mr. Lee's
ample fortune was swept away, and financially he never
recovered. Lee attested his patriotism and fidelity to
the Government by being the first man to volunteer from
this county in the late war. On the organization of
company E, of the Fifth regiment Iowa infantry, he was
unanimously elected captain, which position he held for
66
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
three years. He was almost constantly engaged in active
campaigns, and participated in many hard fought battles.
On the field he was brave as a knight, in camp tender
and kind, beloved by all his men. In the fall of 1864,
immediately after his term of office expired, he was
elected the first mayor of the city of Independence, and
was reelected the year following. In the year 1869 he
was chosen a member of the Iowa legislature, and per-
formed the duties of that office with much ability. At
the close of the session he resumed the practice of law,
and continued in the same until he was prostrated by
disease in 1875. After a lingering illness he died. May
25, 1878. Captain Lee was married to Miss Fannie L.
Brooks, who is still living. In physique, the captain
was of medium height, straight as an arrow, with a well
developed head, and was a strikingly handsome man,
easy and graceful in every movement, affable and kind;
he was, in every sense, a gentleman. As a speaker he
was easy, fluent, and forcible. Had he confined himself
strictly to the profession of law, and applied himself
more closely to its study, he would have had but few
equals in the State.
O. H. P. RoszEi.L. — One of the most conspicuous and
remarkable characters identified with the history of our
county was the Hon. O. H. P. Roszell. With his com-
manding presence, superior ability and strict integrity, he
would have been a marked character anywhere. He was
born December 21, 1827, in Canandaigua, New York.
His father died when he was nine years of age. His
education was completed at the Cary Collegiate semin-
ary, where he attended for several years. When he was
twenty-one years of age he determined to find himself a
home in the great west. His first summer was spent
with a Government surveying party in Wisconsin. De-
cember, 1849, found him in Independence, where he
remained until his death. The first few years of his
western life were spent in various pursuits, principally in
teaching and surveying. In 1851 he was admitted to
the bar. In 1854 he was elected the first county judge
of Buchanan county, which position he occupied for six
years. The county judge at that time was a very impor-
tant functionary. His powers, in reference to all business
pertaining to county matters, were almost exclusive and
unlimited. In 1858 Judge Roszell was elected county
superintendent of public schools, holding the position for
two years. He was, also, in the same year, elected a
member of the State school board of education, and was
a member of that body when the present free school
system was adopted, and one of the committee who
drafted the original bill. He was elected mayor of the
city of Independence on three different occasions. He
was married in Independence, in 1852, to Miss Mary
E. Whait, by whom he had nine children. Judge Ros-
zell was of extraordinary personal appearance, tall, dig-
nified and commanding. The expression of his face
was always grave and thoughtful, but good humored.
His fine presence and brilliant talents at once commanded
respect, even among strangers. In his speeches he was
clear, logical and forcible, rather than abounding in
rhetorical embellishment. He was a strong partisan.
always taking great interest in political affairs, and always
an ardent Democrat, of the old school. Yet such was the
esteem in which he was held by his fellow-citizens, that
he was rarely beaten in a political race, although his
party was in a hopeless minority. As a lawyer, he did
not meet with brilliant success. His life was so much
taken up with other matters that others, with less ability,
outstripped him at the bar. Probably no man in Bu-
chanan county did so much for popular education as he.
He was always an enthusiast in advancing the efficiency
of our public schools. He died the fifth day of October,
1877. Avast concourse of people, from all parts of the
county, gathered at the funeral to shed a tear over the
remains of one of Buchanan county's greatest and best
men. He is one of the few, comparatively, who have
left their impress for good in the community in which he
lived.
Albert Cl.\rk.e was born in Conway, Massachusetts
in 1810. He was brought up in the old-fashioned New
England style, on his father's farm, with fair school ad-
vantages, until the age of eighteen, when, exhibiting
more than ordinary aptitude for an education, he com-
menced the study of the languages, preparatory to en-
tering college, which he did in 1830, when he entered
Amherst college, and was in the same class with Henry
Ward Beecher and Fowler, the phrenologist. His stand-
ing as a scholar was good, being most distinguished in
those branches that require close thinking and deep re-
search. He graduated in 1834. He was then principal
of the academy in Oswego, New York, one year, and af-
terwards filled a similar place in l)unkirk, where he also
gave considerable attention to the law, and filled for
some time the office of justice in that young and grow-
ing village. He then moved to Virginia, where he
taught in several institutions of learning, principally in
Smithfield, for about ten years. He then returned to
Massachusetts and completed his law studies in West-
field, with ^^'illiam G. Bates, and practiced several years
in his native town. He then for several years owned a
drug store in Worcester, Massachusetts, and from thence
moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he went into the land
business, (emigration then being nearly at its height), en-
gaging at the same time, more or less, in the law. Hav-
ing been interested, to a consideralile extent, in lands in
Buchanan county, in 1S54 he moved to Independence,
and gave his attention to its interests, and also to agen-
cies of land belonging to eastern men. and attending to
various public interests with which he was intrusted.
He accumulated a fair property, and was considered as
possessing good financial abilities. Being possessed of
stern integrity and good judgment, he was often called
upon to give counsel and aid to those who had come to
this land of promise with little means, and were strug-
gling to obtain a foothold; and he is still held in grateful
remembrance by many who have risen to prosperous cir-
cumstances. He took great interest in the growth and
development of the county, especially in its educational
and religious interests, and was one of the principal
founders and supporters of the First Presbyterian church
of Independence. He was married in 1847 to Miss
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
67
Elizabeth Adams, and left one son, who lives in Inde-
pendence. He died in the year 1868, aged fifty-eight
years.
J.AMES W. Weart was born in Hopewell, Mercer county,
New Jersey, in a house occupied by General Washington
as his headquarters during a period of the Revolutionary
war. He was lieutenant in the Twenty-first regiment
New Jersey volunteers. He came to Independence De-
cember 25, 1863, and at once coinmenced the practice
of law. He was city clerk for a number of years; also
clerk of the Iowa senate for three terms. He came to
his death by the accidental discharge of a gun while
hunting, on Thanksgiving day, which badly mutilated
both of his hands. He survived the accident about one
week, dying in December, 1874. He was married to
Jennie E. Taylor, of Philadelphia, in 1866, by whom he
had five children. We are very sorry that we are not
able to give a more complete history of this interesting-
young man, but the data are not at hand. He was ex-
ceedingly popular with all classes, especially the young,
and is held in grateful remembrance by the citizens of
Independence.
S. S. Allen", one of the oldest and most respected citi-
zens of Buchanan county, was born May i, 1828, in
Franklin county, Massachusetts. He resided there until
he was about nineteen years of age, when he came west,
stopping in Waukegan, Wisconsin, and engaging in teach-
ing. In 1S51 he entered the law office of Bennett &
Hudson, Janesville, Wisconsinsin, where he studied two
years. He was admitted to the bar in 1853. and imme-
diately came to this county and settled at Independence,
where he practiced law three years, exclusively, though
he was engaged in law and real estate business until 1875,
when he left Independence and moved to Homer town-
ship, upon the farm where he is at present. He has the
largest farm in the township, consisting of six hundred
acres of excellent land. He is principally engaged in
stock raising, keeping from one hundred to two hundred
head of cattle, and about the same number of hogs. He
has a pleasant and beautiful home surrounded by a "Cen-
tennial grove," set out by himself in 1876. Mr. Allen
was an early proprietor of the first newspaper in Inde-
pendence, the Civilian, with which he was connected
from 1855 to 1859. He built the first three-story brick
block west of Dubuque, also established the first broker's
office west of that place. Mr. Allen was in business as
a merchant from 1856 to 1859. He had a drug store,
hardware store, dry goods store, and a book store, the
latter the first in Independence. He dealt quite exten-
sively in real estate for many years, and many acres of
land passed through his hands.
Mr. Allen married Miss Martha Smiley, of Rock
county, February 21, 1854. They have had seven chil-
dren, six of whom are living: Emery S. S., born July 5,
1858; Charles, born February 2, i860, died when about
four years old; John B., born February 15, 1865; Willie
H., born December 15, 1866; Andrew J., born August
27, 1868; Mattie, born January 10, 1874; Augusta M.
W., born April 2, 1877. Mr. Allen is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a firm Demo-
crat, and has held several local offices, though he never
sought them.
J. S. Woodward, esq., was born in Middleburgh,
Schoharie county. New York, in 1830. He lived until
he attained the age of seven years at Hanover, New
Hampshire, the home of his father, Stephen Woodward.
He then went to Tunbridge, Vermont, where he lived
until he came west. His father died in 1865 ; his mother
is still living at Albany, New York. She is at present
over eighty years of age, and is healthy and active.
Mr. Woodward was educated at Kimball Union Aca-
demy, Meriden, New Hampshire, one of New England's
first-class schools. He fitted for Dartmouth college,
but he did not pursue the course, as he had made up his
mind to follow Horace Greeley's advice to young men.
When about twenty years old he went to Wisconsin,
where he read law in the office of George B. Ely, of
Janesville; and in August, 1853, was admitted to the
bar in that place. He came to Buchanan county the
same fall, and located at Independence, then a place of
perhaps twenty or thirty inhabitants. At the time of his
arrival his entire capital consisted of a yankee ninepence
and six law books. Of course his business was very
'• small at first, but by diligently attending to it, Mr. Wood-
j ward gained the confidence of the people, and rose rapidly
j as the county became more thickly settled. In 1854 he
I was elected prosecuting attorney, and from that time
j onward his business steadily increased. In 1857 he was
I elected a member of the State legislature, and represented
his district with much credit. In 1864 he was a delegate
to the Baltimore convention. He has twice been mayor
of the city of Independence. Mr. Woodward has done
a large business for many years. He has practised law
six years longer than any other lawyer in the city. Many
of the prominent lawyers of this vicinity have been students
in his office, as well as several who are now practising
in other States. Mr. Woodward has always been a
constant worker, and is at present doing as large business
as any lawyer in the county. It is unnecessary to add
that he stands high in the community, and possesses the
highest esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. In
physique Woodward is a little below the medium height;
sparely but well built ; coal black eyes and hair to match.
He has untiring energy, is ever active, never caught
napping, always on the alert and diligent. His char-
acteristics as a lawyer may be gathered from the above.
He is untiring and ceaseless in the cause of his clients,
and never forsakes them until he is victorious or hopelessly
defeated. In speaking, his whole body is in motion.
There is no circumlocution, no hitching and hesitating,
to pick out smooth and elegant expressions: the only
object is to hit the mark. If he sometimes scatters,
his shots are so rapid that some are sure to hit. When
Jamison was living, there was rarely a case in which both
were not engaged, and generally on opposite sides. A
detailed history of the legal contests between these two
men would fill a volume with rich and rare reading.
Woodward is the prince of good fellows, social, genial and
generous. His humor is proverbial. His organ of mirth
Is developed to such a degree that it has been said of him
68
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
that he would smile the longest and loudest of any man in
Iowa. Woodward's high standing at the bar, his integrty
as a citizen, his sparkling wit and social qualities would
have commanded for him almost any otificial position.
He has never asked, but steadily refused political prefer-
ment. Last year Mr. Woodward commenced building a
splendid residence, which, when completed, will be the
finest house in this county. It is very tastefully planned,
and is both beautiful and convenient. Mr. Woodward
was married, in 1855, to Miss Caroline Morse, who was
born at Rochester, New York, in 1835. They have
three children living and two deceased. Anna died
when nine months old; Jerome when nineteen months
old. Agnes was born March 26, 1861. Will M. was
born June 29, 1865; Katie, born March 21, 1872. All
are at home with iheir parents. Mr. Woodward is a
member of the Odd fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
He has been a staunch Republican since the organization
of the parly.
Hon. W. G. Donnan is one of the small number of
men whose names are not only woven into the history of
their own county, but of the State and Nation also. He
was born at West Charlton, Saratoga county. New York,
June 30, 1834. His parents were Scotch, and he inher-
ited all the strong, sturdy qualities of that people. At
seventeen years of age he entered Cambridge academy.
Two years later he commenced his collegiate course at
Union college, New York, and graduated in 1856, the
fourth in his class. He immediately started for the west,
and selected Independence for his future home. Here
he studied law with J. S. Woodward, and was admitted
to the bar in 1857. He has practiced law in this city
ever since, except when occupied with official duties. In
the fall of 1857 he was elected treasurer and recorder of
Buchanan county, was reelected and continued in that
office until 1862. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a
private in the Twenty-seventh regiment, Iowa infantry
volunteers, was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant,
and was brevetted captain and major, and served until
the close of the war. His meritorious conduct while in
the army received special mention on several occasions
from his superior officers. In 1867 he was elected to the
State senate for the term of four years. He was a very
popular and influential member of that body. It was
through his efforts, while senator, that Independence se-
cured the location of the State hospital fur the insane at
this place. He originated and drafted the bill which se-
cured us that great institution. A man of much ability,
who was in a position to know, thus writes of Mr. Don-
nan;
His services in the legislature were exceptionally noteworthy and
creditable. His practical good sense, fine social qualities, and thor-
ough knowledge of human nature, rendered him alike popular and in-
fluential with both houses. In council and debate his opinions were
sought after and respected. During his first session he originated and
was largely instrumental in securing the passage of an act locating a
State hospital for the insane at Independence. His peculiar fitness for
legislative woik, developed during his career in the State senate, so
recommended him to the favor of the Republicans of his district that
in the fall of 1870 they made him their candidate and elected him to
the Forty-second Congress by a majority of about five thousand votes
over the Democratic candidate.
Mr. Donnan's services in the Forty-second Congress
were so eminently satisfactory to his constituents that he
was renominated for the second term without opposition,
and was elected by a large majority. He could undoubt-
edly have been nominated for the third term, but he pos-
itively refused to become a candidate. At the end of
his second term he was offered a foreign mission to South
America, but declined. Mr. Donnan was a member of
the National convention at Cincinnati in 1876. He has
been treasurer of the Iowa hospital for the insane at In-
dependence, Iowa, since January, 1877. M""- Donnan
has performed the duties of all the high positions in which
he has been called to act, with eminent ability and satis-
faction to his constituents. He has developed an aptness
for legislative work rarely excelled. Physically he could
vie with the old Scotch Bruces and Wallaces, being six
feet in height, broad-shouldered, erect, strong, and
healthy. As an orator Mr. Donnan ranks high, being
always clear, logical, and forcible. Intellectually he is
strong and vigorous, grasping at once the main points
and the details of the question involved. Socially he
has no superiors. He ardently loves his home and fam-
ily, as well he may. He was married October i, 1857,
to Miss Mary E. Williamson, who was born in Kentucky.
His family consists of two boys — William W., born Au-
gust 20, 1859, and Donald D., born August 7, 1862.
Col. Jed Lake was born in Virgil, Courtland county,
New York, November, 18, 1830. His father, Jedediah
Lake, was the son of Henry Lake, of Montgomery
county, New York, who. served under General Washing-
ton in the Revolutionary war. He enlisted when seven-
teen years of age, and served four years. Jedediah
Lake settled in Virgil in 1822, at the age of twenty-four,
and was married to Patience Church, of the adjoining
town of Marathon. They had two sons and two
daughters. Our Jed Lake was the second son. His
father died when he was three years old, leaving his
widowed mother with four children, the oldest seven,
and the youngest less than one year old. The mother
kept the family together, and carried on the farm until
the oldest son was of age, when he took charge of it.
This threw Jed on his own resources. He had received,
at this time, no education except from common schools.
He hired out to a neighboring farmer for the summer,
but after working a month a disagreement arose, and Jed
left. While on his way to find employment he met a
man going to Ithaca to start for New York, with a canal-
boat. To him Jed hired out to drive a team on the Erie
canal at thirteen dollars per month. The Colonel says
he has always felt a little diffidence about telling this part
of his history, but since the election of Garfield he
speaks of it with pride. He laid up some money that
season, and the next spring went to the New York
Central college. By teaching and working on farms he
supported himself for two years at this institution. At
this time he would have been ready to enter college, had
he been prepared in Latin and Greek, but in his youth
he had been taught to despise these studies, and it took
him these two ye."irs to get over the prejudice. At this
time the Courtland academy was in the full tide of its
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
69
prestige. Here Jed took Mathematics under Pro-
fessor Lawrence, the author of Mathematical works, and
English Grammar under S. W. Clark (also author of a
text book), and German under Professor Maasburgh, and
Latin under Professor Sanford. In May, 1855, he was
taken with billious fever and paralysis of the right side,
and by the advice of physicians quit school. In the
fall of that year he engaged to travel with William Swift,
a cousin of the noted Professor Swift, of Rochester ob-
servatory. This Swift was giving lectures on electricity,
electro-magnetism, and an expose of spirit rappings,
which had just then come into notoriety. In this
capacity he traveled until 1855, visiting New York, Penn-
sylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio. At this time,
desiring to settle into permanent business, he packed
his satchel and started for Des Moines, Iowa, but landed
in Independence, in October, 1855, where he has
since resided. His health would not permit his engag-
ing in a profession, so he spent two years on a farm. At
the end of that time his cousin persuaded him to pur-
chase a half interest in a saw-mill, and then lit out
between two days, leaving Jed the sole proprietor. Jed
has not seen his cousin since. After a little he blew up
the boiler, sold the remnants, sold all he had and paid
his debts, as for as he could, came to town and com-
menced the study of law. He sometimes tells that it
looked awful dark to him, after he blew up his mill, but
he is now satisfied that it was the best thing that ever
happened to him. He was admitted to the bar in the
spring of 1859. He was examined by Honorable F. E.
Bissell, and D. S. Wilson, of Dubuque, and John H.
Pierce, of Anamosa, and they gave him a flattering
recommend to the court. Honorable George W. Bemis
tells that one day, meeting Jed, he said to him: "Jed,
I understand you are admitted to the bar. Now my ad-
vice to you is to go west and grow up with the country.
You can make something out there." Said Jed with
clinched fist, "I brought one thousand dollars in gold to
this place, and I'm not going to leave here until I can
take away as much as I brought." Mr. Lake then set-
tled down to the practice of the law. In the fall of 1861
he was elected to the State legislature. The following
summer he enlisted in a company then being raised by
Captain Noble, and was elected first lieutenant. He was
commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Twenty-seventh
regiment, Iowa volunteer infantry, by Governor Kirk-
wood. He served with his regiment during the w^ar.
Several of Mr. Lake's interesting war letters will be found
in another chapter of this work. His regiment was in
very many battles, and lost a large number of men. At
the close of the war he was colonel of his regiment. He
then returned to Independence and resumed the practice
of law. He has been urged by his friends to accept
many official positions, such as representative, senator,
and judge of district court, but he has positively refused
to accept any office that would take him away from his
business. He served as alderman for six years, as a
member of the school board for seven years, and was a
member of the board of supervisors two years. He per-
formed the duties of the above offices with admirable
skill and ability. He now holds the positions of Direc-
tor and attorney of the First National bank of this city;
also director, attorney, and chairman of the executive
committee of the Independence Mill company. In his
law practice he has been eminently successful, and has
secured an abundant competence. His firm, of which
he is the senior member, is now engaged in defending
about one hundred and twenty of the citizens of this
part of the State in the celebrated drive well suits. In
personal appearance the Colonel is a solid, well-built
man, weighing two hundred and twenty-five pounds; has
grey eyes, and coal black hair. By a strict observ-
ance of the laws of health he has preserved a re-
markably fresh and youthful appearance, for a man
of his years. As a lawyer he has but (ew equals in
this part of the State. He has a strong analytical mind
and a very retentive memory. Is a close student, not
only of law, but of general literature. He is not given
to ostentatious show and glitter. Everything is business
and matter of fact. His fine judicial mind and com-
manding presence, well qualify him for the bench. Jed
Lake was married June 2, 1861, to Miss Sarah E. Meyer.
He has two children. Rush C, born April 13, 1862, and
Hattie I., born February 7, 1S70.
Other attorneys in Independence are worthy of special
and lengthy notice, but space will not permit.
We have given a more extended liistory of the three last
mentioned, for the reason that they were among the
pioneer lawyers of the county, each having practiced
here for more than a quarter of a century.
The brief sketches following, of later attorneys, will be
as nearly as possible in the order of their residence in
Independence.
D. D. HoLDRiDGE was born in Madison county. New
York, September 3, 1835. He was educated at the
Cazenovia seminary, New York, and then studied law
two years with D. W. Cameron, at that place, after tak-
ing a full law course at the Law university at Albany.
He was married at Cazenovia, New York, March 16,
1858, to Miss Mary L. Loomis. He moved to Inde-
pendence, Iowa, in March, 1862, and immediately com-
menced the practice of law. He was elected to the
Iowa legislature in the fall of 1S63. He was afterwards
quartermaster of the Forty-sixth Iowa infantry volunteers.
During the war he received a commission from Abraham
Lincoln as captain and commissary of subsistence, but
declined to serve. He was three times mayor of the
city of Independence, twice by election and once by
appointment. He has four children — Fannie L., Mary
B., Kate P., and Harry H.
J. B. DoNNAN was born in Saratoga county. New
York, December 13, 1840; was educated at the Fort
Edward institute. New York. He came to Indepen-
dence in May, 1862. He was graduated at the law
department of the Iowa State university in June, 1868.
He had previously formed a partnership with his brother
Hon. W. G. Donnan in 1865, and they have continued
in partnership ever since. He was married in June,
1868, to Martha J. Ross; has four children — Lillian E.,
Ale.xander M., Abbie R., and Mary B.
7°
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Hon. M. W. H.i^RMON was born in Seneca county,
Ohio, June 25, 1844. His parents removed to Ingham
county, Michigan, in 1849, to Dubuque county, Iowa,
in March, 1855, to Hopkinton, Delaware county, Iowa,
in June, 1S56, where they now reside. In the fall of
1859 he entered the Collegiate institute at Hopkinton,
where he remained three years. July 28, 1S62, he en-
listed as a volunteer from Delaware county, Iowa. His
company was mustered into United States service
August 23, 1862, as company K, Twenty-first Iowa vol-
unteer infantry; was private eight months, corporal two
months, and sergeant. He served during the war and
was discharged with his regiment July 26, 1865. He
went south in the fall of 1S65 and lived a year at Mobile,
Alabama. He came to Buchanan in November, 1866.
Here he taught school two years, reading law at the same
time. He was deputy postmaster at Independence
under Captain Little, from April i, 1868, to April i,
1869. He then entered the law office of Hon. W. G.
Donnan and was admitted to the bar in October, 1869.
July I, 1870, he formed a partnership with Colonel Jed
Lake, with the firm name of Lake & Harmon, which
partnership still continues. Mr. Harmon .was married
in December, 1872, to Miss M. C. Carter of Independ-
ence. Iowa, by whom he has one son, Ray. At the gen-
eral election in 1875, Mr. Harmon was elected State
senator from Buchanan county for four years, and was
reelected in 1879. 1^'s present term expires January i,
1884.
J. E. Cook, esq., was born in Grafton county. New
Hampshire, July 8, 1847. His parents removed to this
county in 1856. Young Cook graduated at the Iowa
State University in 1870; studied law with O. Miller, at
Watertown, and was admitted to the bar in 1871. He
practiced at Jes/ip until 1877 when he came to Inde-
pendence. He formed a partneiship with J. S. Wood-
ward February i, 1879. He was married to Bessie P.
Johnson, from Decovah, Iowa, September 3, 1874. He
has one child — Roy. Mr. Cook and wife are members
of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity.
D. \V. Bruckart, Esg., was born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, April 23, 1851. He was one of a family
of eight boys. At the age of twelve he commenced to
work in the iron mines. He was afterwards newsboy on
the streets of Lancaster. He began teaching when
fifteen years of age. In the fall of 1869 he entered
Lafayette college, Pennsylvania, remaining there two
years. He graduated at the law school of the Iowa
State university in June, 1872, and the following fall
opened an office at Independence. He was married
May II, 1875 to Miss Sarah Williams, of Independence,
and has one child living.
M. R. Eastman was born in Hopkinton, New Hamp-
shire, in 1839. He was graduated from New Hamp-
shire seminary, July 20, 1859. He was admitted to the
bar in New Hampshire in April, 1864. He removed to
Waterloo, this State, in 1865; practiced law there until
1868, when he removed to Jesup, this county. He prac-
ticed in Jesup until the ninth day of May, 1874, when he
came to Independence, and has practiced here ever
since.
C. E. Ransier was born in New Woodstock, Madison
county. New York, April 4, 1854. His parents removed
to Indeijendence October 9, 1867. He took the full
course in the high school of this city; commenced to
read law April 4, 1874, on his twentieth birthday, with
James Jamison; was admitted to the bar in May, 1S76,
and has practiced law in this city ever since, being the
successor of James Jamison. He was married March
8, 1881, to Miss Delpha Tryon. He was city solicitor
for three years, and is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity.
Daniel S.mvser was born May 29, 1839, in Wayne
county, Ohio. He removed with his parents to this
county in 185 1. He studied law with James Jamison,
and was admitted to the bar September 10, 1877. He
was married July 9, 1878, to Miss Arvilla McFadden.
They have one son — Walter B.
Seth Newman was born in Herkimer county. New
York, December 7, 1836, and was educated at Fairfield
academy; studied law two years with Horace Boies,
and two years with Lawing & Lockwood at Buffalo, and
was admitted to the bar November 15, i860. He
practiced with Boies at Buffalo until 1861, when he was
compelled, by disease of the lungs, to relinquish the
practice for several years. Having recovered his health,
he returned to the practice in Independence in 1876,
and was elected justice of the peace the same year, which
position he held until January, 1880, when he resigned
and entered into partnership with W. H. Holman. He
was married March 14, 1866, to Miss Laura F. Hewell,
and has but two children, Sarah F. and Lizzie B.
John J. Ney, esq., was born at Sandusky, Ohio, June
8, 1852. He was educated at Notre Dame, Indiana,
graduating in 1875. He afterwards pursued a law course
at that institution. In 1875 ^^ came to Independence,
and entered into partnership with Lake &: Harmon.
He continued in that firm until the following year, when
he formed a partnership with D. VV. Bruckart.
In the spring of 1879 he withdrew from that firm, and
opened an office alone.
He was city attorney for Independence in the year
1876. In the spring of 1877 he was elected mayor of
the city by the Democratic party.
He was married October 3, 1878, to Miss Emily F.
Colby, of Chicago. They have one child, Marion F.
Captain H. W. Holman was born in Erie county,
Pennsylvania, August 22, 1841. He was in the army
from April, 1861, to August, 1865, enlisted as a private
and rose to lieutenant and signal officer. He removed
to Allamakee county, Iowa, in 1865. Was admitted to
the bar in 1868, and practiced at Wankon for two years,
then removed to Waterloo, Iowa, and formed a law part-
nership with Lichty, which continued for two years. In
1872 he was appointed reporter of the district court of
the nineteenth judicial district, which position he held
until April, 1877. He then resigned and commenced
the practice of law at Independence. In 1881 he was
elected captain of the Independence guards. He was
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
71
married October 22, 1867, to Miss Harriet Smith, by
whom he has three children, Gracie, Leta and May Bell.
J. E. Jewel was born in Montgomery county, Ohio.
October 19, 1847. Came to this county in June, 1854.
He enlisted as a private at the age of seventeen years,
and served as such to the close of the war, in company
C, twenty-seventh Iowa infantry volunteers. He attend-
ed Western college in Iowa for two years, and Cornell
college for two years. He was graduated from the law
department of the Iowa state university in 1877. Com-
menced practice in Independence in September, 1877.
He was married March 5, 1S71, to Miss Hala E. Ros-
zell, of Benton county, Iowa, her native place. They
have two boys, Fred B. and Jed Lake.
Fr.\nk Jennings, esq., was born in Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania, July 3, 1836; was educated at St. Vincent col-
lege, Cape Girard, Missouri. He studied law with H. T.
McNulty, at Dubuque, Iowa, and was admitted to the
bar in February, 1856. In the year 1859 he was elected
city recorder of Dubuque, which position he held two
years. He was afterwards deputy clerk of the county for
three years. The balance of the time he practiced law
in Dubuque county, until 1877, when he removed to In-
dependence. Mr. Jennings was married January 22,
1872, to Eliza J. Dow. They have three children living,
Charles B., Blanche and Edith.
J. H. Williamson was born February 7, 1855, at New-
burgh, Orange county, New York. He graduated at the
Lenox collegiate institute, in the same class with his
brother, in June, 1878. He was graduated from the
same department of the State university, June 21, 1880,
and was admitted to practice in all the courts of the
State and the federal courts. He commenced practice
at Independence in September, 1880, and entered into a
partnership with his brother, R. J., in January, 1881.
R. J. Williamson was born in Newburgh, Orange
county. New York, February 3, 1857. He graduated at
the Lenox collegiate institute, at Hopkinton, Iowa, in
June, 1878. In the fall of that year he was elected clerk
of the district court of Buchanan county, Iowa, and
served until January i, 1881. He was admitted to the
bar in November, 1880. He formed a law partnership
with his brother, J. H., in January, i88r.
O. M. Gillette was born March 12, 1850, in Bergen,
Gennesee county. New York. He first came to Inde-
pendence in 1865 ; was educated in the high school of Ba-
tavia, New York. He studied law with Lee and Weart,
and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He was first
elected justice of the peace in 1876, and held that posi-
tion until January i, 1881. Was elected clerk of the
court in 18S0. Was married November, 1873, to Miss
Emma Dyer, of Independence. Has one child, Mabel.
E. E. Hasner was born February 21, 1848, in Onan-
daga county, New York ; graduated at the Iowa state
university; was admitted to the bar in 1873; was city
attorney one term. He was married December 25,
1876, to Miss Nettie E. Bain.
Francis W. Comfort was born in Cook county, Illi-
nois, 1853. He was educated at Wheaton college, and
was admitted to the bar in 1880. He was married on
the third of June, 1878, to Miss Ella G. Aborn, of Inde-
pendence.
F. W, CJiFKORD was born March 8, 1854, in Manches-
ter, Vermont. Came to this county in 1858. He grad-
uated at Madison university, Wisconsin, in 1875. Studied
law with Lake .Sc Harmon, and with O. M. Gillette.
Was admitted to the bar in November, 1877 ; was elected
justice of the peace in the fall of 1880.
E. S. Gavlord. — This gentleman was admitted to the
bar three or four years ago, since which time he has been
practicing in Winthrop. A remarkable fact in his history
is the age at which he commenced his legal studies.
After having been a farmer till he was over fifty years
old, he became convinced that he was born to be a law-
yer. He therefore gave up his farm, studied law, was
admitted, and is said to be having an excellent practice.
Stephen Paul Sheffield. — This gentleman, who has
an office at Hazleton, was born at Palmyra, Wayne coun-
ty. New York, F'ebruary 27, 1833; received his early ed-
ucation at Walworth academy; studied law with the Hon.
Stephen K. Williams, and was admitted to the bar of the
supreme court of New York in June, 1855. He came
to Iowa the same year, but remained at that time only a
year and a half. He has been a great rover, and has
followed many avocations, among which, besides that of
the law, are those of civil engineer, newspaper corre-
spondent and novelist. He is a very graceful writer. He
returned to Iowa in 1873, ^"d in 1880 he settled in Hazle-
ton with his family, consisting of his wife and two daugh-
ters. Having fairly settled down to business he expects
to make Hazleton his permanent home.
CHAPTER XI.
INTERESTING CASES.
So.me of the legal cases that have come before the
courts in this county, or been taken from it to others by
change of venue, are sufficiently interesting to be included
among the "causes celebres" of the French bar. We
will give a brief account of a few of the most striking of
these, commencing with the
COVEY MURDER CASE,
which furnishes a remarkable instance of the failure of
justice, through the mere technical inability to prove
what the lawyers call the corpus delicti, or substance of
the crime. That a murder had been committed nobody
doubted. Who the murdered man was, and who the
murderer everybody knew. The corpus of the latter was
lying in jail — that of the former, nobody knewvvhere;
and so, the corpus delicti not being proven according to
the technical requirements of the law, the murderer
escaped unpunished.
A murdered human body has usually been regarded
as a very difficult thing to conceal, and a very easy thing
to find; but a few cases like the following would go far
72
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, lOAVA.
to establish the contrary notion, viz., that, of all things, a
murdered body is the easiest to conceal and the most
difficult to find.
The principal part of the following statement has been
kindly furnished by our friend Jed. Lake, esq., one
of Buchanan's best known lawyers; but we have added
some interesting facts derived from other sources —
especially from the verbal narrative of another friend,
Mr. D. W. Hammond, one of the pioneer settlers of the
county, and for many years in the employment of the
United States Government, as head clerk in the railroad
postal service.
Among the early settlers in and about Buffilo Grove,
or Upper Buffalo, as it was called, was a somewhat
numerous family by the name of Jewell. There were
the father and mother, who were then very old people,
and several sons who were married and had families, and
who had taken up land in that vicinity. One of these
sons was J. R. Jewell, who was then commonly known
as Rock Jewell, and who had taken a fine tract of land
on the west side of the grove, in what is now Byron
township.
In the spring of 1855 one J. N. Covey came here from
Vermont and made some kind of a trade with Rock
Jewell for this land. Covey had a large house built there
the same year, and moved into it in the spring of 1856.
lewell and his family still lived in a small shanty on the
place. Some time in May, of the same year. Covey fore-
closed a chattel mortgage that he had on a span of horses
owned by Jewell, and bid them in himself
It may throw some light upon the subsequent portions
of this history if we state, in passing, that Jewell con-
sidered himself wronged by Covey in these transactions,
and was harboring a sort of grudge against him, though
no open rupture had taken place between them. It may
also be proper to say that Covey and the Jew^ells ("Rock"
and "Tom,'" who figure in the story) were rather rough
and intemperate characters; but no one suspected them
to be capable of such a terrible crime as that of which
the two latter now stand convicted in th? popular esti-
mation.
On the first Sunday in June, 1856, Covey started with
the team above mentioned to go to Dubuque, avowing
his intention (as was alleged) of going from there to Ver-
mont, and of returning in about two weeks. As he was
about to start Rock Jewell came out. of his shanty and
asked the privilege of riding over to his father's, who
lived some two miles distant, in a northeasterly direction,
on the other side of the grove. The privilege was
granted, as from one neighbor to another, and the two
set out, crossed a bridge over Buffalo creek, and disap-
peared in the timber.
This was the last that was ever seen of J. N. Covey,
except by those who are believed to have put him out of
sight, effectually and forever, on that fatal morning.
At the time of which we are writing D. W. Ham-
mond, another settler at the grove, was boarding at the
house of a widow by the name of Watson, who lived on
the opposite side of the grove from Covey's, and about
a mile farther north. Mr. Hammond, who had been
recently married, and had made arrangements for going
to housekeeping, was expecting his wife at Dubuque
about the middle of the week following the events above
narrated, and had engaged to meet her there and return
with a load of household goods. Covey, ascertaining
this, persuaded Hammond to go with him that Sunday
morning instead of waiting till Monday or Tuesday, as
he had intended to do. Hammond, although he dis-
liked to make the trip on Sunday, yet, for the sake of
having company, consented to the arrangement. Covey
was to come up to Mrs. Watson's and they were to start
together from there about 7 o'clock in the morning.
At about 6 o'clock, while Hammond was getting ready
to start, Tom Jewell, who also lived on the east side of
the grove, some distance north of Mrs. Watson's, came
by on the horse of his brother-in-law, Starkey, going
south, with a spade on his shoulder. A few words were
exchanged, Hammond mentioning that he was going to
Dubuque with Covey, and Jewell passed on.
Seven o'clock came and Covey did not appear. After
Hammond had waited a half hour or more, Tom Jewell
returned without the spade, bare-headed, riding the same
horse at a full gallop. As soon as he came near Ham-
mond he called out: Havn't you gone yet?" Ham-
mond replied that he was waiting for Covey. "Why,"
said Jewell, "he went nearly an hour ago. He told me
to come and tell you, and I forgot it He had to go by
the south road, and wants you to go on to the crossing.
Perhaps he'll meet you there. If he don't, you keep on
to Coffin's grove, and wait for him if he hasn't got there.
If he gets there first he'll wait for you." Having said
this, Jewell went back, and Hammond started on as di-
rected.
The road he took was about a mile north of the one
he supposed Covey had taken — the two running parallel
for soiiiC distance, then converging, and finally crossing
each other on a ridge about three miles east of the
grove.
Hammond had not gone far when he saw Covey's
team on the south road, driven very rapidly. He
recognized them distinctly, notwithstanding the dis-
tance, by the flowing silver tail of the sorrel
horse on the near side. He supposed it was Covey
that was driving, but noticed that he sat crouched down
in the wagon in an unusual attitude. Thinking at first
that the rapid driving was a challenge to see which
should reach the crossing first, he put whip to his own
team and run them for some distance. But the other
gained upon him so fast that he soon gave it up, rather
than run tlie risk of injuring his horses.
Just before reaching the ridge Covey's team had to
cross a slough, which retarded them so much that when
they reached the crossing Hammond was not more than
fifty rods from them. The driver was still crouched
down in the wagon, as if desirous to avoid recognition;
and, instead of taking the road toward Dubuque, as
Hammond expected him to do, he turned directly north
and drove off over the open prairies as fast as the horses
could go. And as the wagon receded in the distance
Hammond saw distinctly that a buffalo skin was spread
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
73
over the bottom, and that some large, loose object be-
neath it was rolling or bounding from side to side. Much
puzzled, and not a little vexed by what he had seen, but
still supposing that the driver was Covey, and that he
had hastened off across the prairie to see an acquaintance
living somewhere in that direction, and that he had
driven so fast simply to gain time and not retard their
journey too much, Mr. Hammond went on to Coffin's
grove, and there waited several hours for Covey to come.
But, having waited in vain, he at last gave him up, and
started on to Dubuque alone.
He was there till the latter part of the week, his wife
not arriving till Thursday, and every day he looked and
enquired for Covey; but no Covey came. The latter had
said nothing to Hammond about going to Vermont; but
the understanding between the two was that they should
return together — each expecting to have a pretty heavy
load — that they might assist each other in case of neces-
sity. Mr. Hammond and his wife, however, returning
alone, reached the grove in safety.
Two weeks rolled around, and still Covey did not
return, nor were any tidings heard of him. Rock Jewell
was absent — no one knew where — and suspicion of foul
play began to be aroused, and search began to be made.
About the first of July, 1856, Charles H. Jakway,
then and now residing in Buffalo Grove, happening to
be in Dubuque on business, came across Rock Jewell,
sitting behind a pile of wood on the levee, with his hat
drawn over his face, as if not wishing to be recognized.
Mr. Jakway went up to him, and addressing him called
him by name. He looked up at Jakway and said, with
an oath: "I don't know you." Then another person
came up and inquired of Mr. Jakway if he knew that
man? whereupon Jakway received a warning from Jew-
ell, in an undertone, to say he did not. But when he
openly avowed his knowledge of him, Jewell, in a great
rage, and with many oaths, protested that he had never
seen Jakway before. No time was lost in sending back
word that Jewell was in Dubuque, and in having him ar-
rested by the officers on the charge of murder.
It was afterward found that Jewell had sold the team,
wagon and harness, with which Covey had started from '
home, at Potosi, Wisconsin; that he had tried to sell
two watches which Covey had with him when he left ;
and also tliat he had on many of Covey's clothes when
seen in Dubuque. It was to get these watches priced
by a jeweler that he had come to that city, under an
assumed name, along with the man who was going to
purchase them.
The whole neighborhood about the grove was aroused
when it was learned that Mr. Jewell had been arrested
with Mr. Covey's clothing on, and that he had the other
property in his possession. Letters were written and
telegrams sent to Covey's relatives in Vermont, and ans-
wer returned that he had not been there. After a while, a
large searching party turned out, and went up and down
through the timber and out on the prairie, and examined
every place where it was thought a body could be con-
cealed, but no trace of it was found. In a short time, a
smaller party of men, consisting of E. B. Older, R. J.
Thornton, Jed. Lake, W. S. Church, and some others,
started and followed the route which they supposed
Jewell took after leaving the grove, as far as Elkader,
searching through the bluffs and woods about Volga
City and in that region, spending several days in the
search, and going into caves and all sorts of out-of-the-
way places, and making inquiries of the settlers wherever
they went. All their searching, however, was in vain.
The feelings of Mrs. Covey, while all these events
were transpiring, can better be imagined than described.
^\'hen she saw Mr. Jewell going off with her husband,
she thought (as she afterwards declared) that something
was wrong. She had a presentiment that there would
be a murder. There were then boarding at her house
William S. Church, H. A. Robertson, and Jed. Lake,
who owned a sawmill situated near by. These men,
after breakfast, and before Mr. Covey had started away,
had gone to the mill. When she saw Mr. Jewell in the
wagon with her husband, and this presentiment came over
her, she started for the saw-mill, with the intention of in-
ducing them to follow the team and see what was done.
When she got to the mill, the men were all gone and off
on the prairie, some half a mile away. So she went back to
the house and remained there, with this terrible feeling
hanging over her. When, therefore, Mr. Jewell did not
return to his family, and her husband failed to come
back at the time he was expected, she persisted in saying
that Jewell had followed her husband and killed him.
But it was not until after Mr. Jewell was found in Du-
buque that people generally believed that Mr. Covey
had actually been murdered, so slow are people ordina-
"rily to believe others criminal.
After Mr. Jewell had been arrested in Dubuque, and
it had been ascertained that he had sold the horses, wag-
on and harness in Potosi, Wisconsin, D. S. Lee, esq., and
Jed Lake went to Potosi to recover the property.
The man who had purchased it attempted to secrete
what he could of it, but, after search, it was found and
the matter was compromised. The wagon, when found,
had a stain on the bottom of the box, about in the mid-
dle, that looked very much like blood; but so long a
time had elapsed that it could not be definitely proven
to be so.
Mr. Jewell had a preliminary examination at Indepen-
dence, when all the facts in regard to his going away
with Covey — his being in possession of the team, cloth-
ing and other property of the missing man — his sale of
the same, and his actions when discovered in Dubuque
— were brought out in evidence before the magistrate.
On this evidence Mr. Jewell was committed to jail to
await the action of the grand jury. That body, at its
next meeting in the fall of 1856, indicted him for mur-
der in the first degree, and he was again committed to
jail to await his trial.
While Jewell was in jail he was kept at Delhi, then
the county seat of Delaware county. At that time a
tnan by the name of Manchamer was confined with
him. This KLinchamer, on being released from jail, de-
clared that Jewell admitted to him the killing of Covey,
and told him where the body was buried. He also pre-
74
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
tended that he could go where the body was, if he should
be led into the woods and shown the route that was
followed by the team. This was done in the spring of
1857. Mr. Lake went with him, but on getting out into
the grove the latter was unable to recognize the place.
There were so many little clumps of timber, all so nearly
alike, that, after a half day's travel through the woods
he gave it up, and declared that he could not designate
the spot. He stoutly affirmed, however, that Jewell ad-
mitted to him the killing, and that Covey was buried
within a half mile of his own house.
The fact that all attempts to discover the body were
unavailing will not seem so wonderful when we bear in
mind that the deed was committed when the grass
and leaves had just started, and the search was not com-
menced until some four weeks later. Thus the rapidly
growing vegetation aided to conceal the place where the
ground had been disturbed so long before.
When the searching first commenced the people gen-
erally thought that Jewell went with Covey down beyond
Delhi in the timber, and committed the deed there: and
that, consequently, it was useless to search about Buffalo
grove. But when it was ascertained that, instead of
going east, the team had gone north on the prairie, to-
ward Taylorville, in Fayette county, and had then turned
toward Volga city, they concluded that the body had
been taken in that direction.
It may be proper to state here that what Mr. Ham-
mond saw, on the morning of the tragedy, convinced
him that Covey was shot by Rock Jewell while passing
through the grove; that Tom Jewell, and probably one
other confederate, were to have buried the body there
while Rock Jewell made off with the team; that for some
reason they changed their plan about burying the body,
thinking it would be more safe to leave it in the wagon
covered up in the buffalo skin, to be carried off and se-
creted in some unfrequented place upon the prairie; that
Jewell waited as long as he dared to for Hammond to
get out of sight, and that when he saw him on the north
road he ran the team to avoid being intercepted at the
crossing. That a conspiracy was formed for the murder
of Covey he thinks is rendered well nigh certain by the
fact that the two Jewells, and their brother-in-law, S.
Starkey, are believed to have been together at the house
of the latter till a late hour of the night previous to the
murder.
Another fact in connection with this matter is that
when Jewell was arretted, he had in his possession a re-
volving pistol, known as a Deringer, which Covey brought
with him from Vermont, and which he had loaned to
Jewell not long before the date of his disappearance.
However, some say that this pistol had never belonged
to Covey, but was loaned to Jewell by Samuel Burns on
the very Sunday morning on which the tragedy occurred.
Jewell was kept in jail about a year; when, as it ap-
peared to the court that the body had not been found,
and that there was no prospect of finding it, he was
released from jail and the case stricken from the docket,
so that, if the body should ever be found he could be
rearrested and tried. The law requires that, before a
man can be tried for murder, it must be proved absolutely
that the person supposed to be murdered is dead. In
this case, convincing as were the circumstances pointing
to the murder of Covey, there was still a doubt as to his
death. He might have given up his property and left
the country, although no cause for such a course and no
probability of it could be shown. There is, of course,
a necessity for the law to be thus stringent, in order that
men may not be convicted of a crime while there is a
doubt as to whether a crime has really been committed.
The principle has long been well established, that the
body must, save in very exceptional cases, be shown to
be dead before the accused can be convicted of murder.
Some people have thought that Jewell ought to have
been punished for murder, any way ; that the circum-
stances were so strong against him, and so long a time
had elapsed since the disappearance of Covey, that there
ought to have been a legal presumption that the latter
was dead.
On the other hand rumors have been started that
Covey has been seen in different places since the sup-
posed murder. So that, even in this case, it would seem
that all are not agreed that the missing man is really
dead.
At the same time the editors of this strange history
must be permitted to say that the common instinct of
human justice demands that one found in the possession
of the personal effects of a missing man, who was seen
with him the last time he was seen on earth, should al
least be kept in prison until he can give a satisfactory
account of the manner in which the property came into
his hands.
Mr. James Jewell, a brother of the two men whose
names are so unfortunately connected with the mysteri-
ous disappearance of J. N. Covey, still lives at Buffalo
grove; and it gives us pleasure to state that he has never
been suspected of having any knowledge of the crime
which is commonly laid to their charge. He enjoys in
the highest degree the confidence and respect of the
community.
M.^IL ROBBERY.
John M. Boyd, a young man of good family and of
pleasing address, came to Quasqueton from Montgomery
county, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1857. After a
time, having made a most favorable impression upon the
community, he was employed as deputy postmaster, and
continued to act in this capacity to the entire satisfaction
of the people of Quasqueton until about the first of
September of the same year, when he left for Nebraska.
A letter was mailed at the Quasqueton post office about
the last of August, by a Mr. Potterf, containing a draft
on a Boston bank for five hundred dollars, and one on a
New York firm for one thousand dollars. Mr. Potterf,
learning that they were not received at Pella, Ohio, to
which place they were directed, wrote to New York and
Boston, and was notified in answer that the five hundred
dollar draft had been ])aid. It was learned by inquiry in
Dubuque that the five hundred dollar draft, endorsed by
Boyd, had been sold to Taylor, Richards & Burden,
bankers, of Dubuque. In possession of these facts,
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
75
Sheriff Martin, of Quasqueton, was dispatched with a
warrant for the apprehension of Boyd, in Nebraska. He
was brought back, to Quasqueton about the first of De-
cember, and, after an examination, in default of two
thousand dollars bail for his appearance at the next term
of the United States district court, was committed to
jail. Boyd freely admitted, as of course he must, hav-
ing the five hundred dollar draft cashed, but said it was
sent to him by a friend in Wisconsin. The friend not
appearing to substantiate this statement, it fell to the
ground. About the middle of December Boyd was
transferred to the custody of Marshal Pierce, of Du-
buque, and taken to that city. A hearing was had before
Commissioner McKinley, who remanded him for trial at
the next term of the United States district court, on the
fourth of January, 1S5S.
Brought before the court at that date, he was, after a
somewhat lengthened trial, convicted of the crime with
which he was charged. He was ably defended by his
counsel, Messrs. Samuels, Allison, Adams, and Lovell,
Judge Love presiding. The testimony against him was
clear and convincing, and the sympathy which his youth
and previous good character were calculated to excite,
was neutralized by a bold attempt to implicate Mr. Har-
din, the postmaster at Quasqueton, a man held in uni-
versal esteem. The vindictiveness with which he pursued
this scheme, and the stolid indifference which he mani-
fested after his arrest, went far toward convincing many
that Boyd was not the tyro in villainy which his years
and manner would indicate. A most pitiable attempt
to extricate himself from the toils into which his own
folly and wickedness had betrayed him was made in the
court room, when asked if he had aught to say why sen-
tence should not be passed upon him. During his whole
trial his statements were contradictory, and proved their
own falsity; but with this privilege from the court, he
rose, and, weeping during the whole recital, gave the fol-
lowing account of his connection with the robbery: He
asserted his innocence of the charge, notwithstanding the
verdict of the jury, declaring that on the night of the
robbery he went into the office and found two men in the
act of appropriating the contents of the letter. He could
not tell where one of those men was, but the other was
in court. These men, when they found that they were
caught in the act, proposed to buy him off with the five
hundred dollar certificate. He refused it, saying he did
not want to be bought off, but they insisted on his ac-
cepting it, not as "hush money," but as a gift. In accept-
ing it he enquired whether they had come honestly by
it, and they assured him that they had. He counseled
them to destroy the one thousand dollar draft, as
he did not wish the parties to be losers by it. He left
Quasqueton and came to Dubuque to see a sick cousin,
and while in the place had negotiated the certificate of
deposit. He was innocent of the theft, and if the man
who was guilty had the spirit of a man in him, he would
never let another suffer by incarceration in the State
prison, but would confess the charge he then made. He
respected the man's family; they had nursed him when
sick in Quasqueton, and he didn't like the task imposed
upon him. Here, depending no doubt upon having made
a favorable impression upon his hearers, Boyd looked
around the court room until his eye rested on the post-
master at Quasqueton, S. W. Hardin, and pointing at
him, exclaimed, "There tits the man, brazen-faced, who
committed the crime for which I am to suffer." It is,
perhaps, needless to say that this weak and wicked har-
angue had an influence quite the opposite from that in-
tended by the unhappy culprit. It was indeed a sad sight
to all thoughtful persons — a young man endowed with so
many natural advantages prostituting them to the com-
mission of crime, when, rightly used, they would have
secured him a high place among the honored of the
land.
The jury having recommended him to the mercy of
the court, on account of supposed extenuating circum-
stances, he received the lightest sentence known to the
law for the offence — two years' hard labor in the State
prison.
AN ATTEMPTED MAIL ROBBERY.
The principal interest attaching to the following inci-
dent, at the present time, lies in two somewhat curious
coincidences — the locality being the same as that of the
more successful operation of Boyd, nearly three years be-
fore; and the sum which the last robber came so near
securing, being the same in amount as that realized by
Boyd. Since two coincidences suggest another it does
not seem improbable that the robbers were identical.
We do not know that this indeed was suggested at the
time of the latter occurrance; but, as this was several
months after the time of Boyd's sentence had expired,
the idea is by no means chimerical. Truth is stranger
than fiction, it is said; and what sometimes passes for
fiction, has more truth than that which sometimes passes
for history.
On Thursday, the fourteenth of June, i860, near the
hour of noon, the post office at Quasqueton was robbed
of several letters, by a stranger stopping temporarily at
the Hardin house, in the office room of which the mail
matter was kept. It is supposed that he secured them
by reaching through the delivery window; some of the
boxes being accessible from it; and, being in the house
for the purpose of effecting the robbery, the opportunity
for which he was waiting at length offered itself to him,
in the temporary absence of the postmaster. One of the
letters was addressed to a Mr. Smith, and another to Dan-
iel Stratton, a third to Mr. Sales, and one was from Ger-
many; having safely traversed the ocean, and two-thirds
of the continent, to be purloined by a petty villain, just as
it was to be placed in the hands of those who were wait-
ing for tidings from, "fatherland." These four, it is sup-
posed, he took first; carried them into a clump of
bushes several rods from the house, and opened them.
Finding no money, he twisted them into a roll and threw
them into the bushes, where they were afterwards found.
It is thought he then returned and took from another
box four letters belonging to B. G. Taylor, of Quasque-
ton. Mr. Taylor thought that in one of these there
might have been a small sum of money sent in payment
of taxes, but neither of the others were of special value.
76
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
In the same box, however, probably leaning close to
the side nearest the delivery window, so as not to be ob-
servable, was another letter which the thief did not se-
cure — and fortunately, as it contained a draft for five
hundred dollars. The robbery was discovered about
two o'clock p. M., and the thief had not been seen for
two hours; having left the place immediately, it is prob-
able, upon securing the second quartette of letters, which
he must have taken with him, fearing to risk another
opening in the near vicinity. Mr. Hardin made imme-
diate and active pursuit, tracing his quandom guest to
Independence. About eight o'clock in the evening he
was seen leaving that place, going north; and though
chase was made at once, he managed to reach the woods
and escape.
A NOVEL PROSECUTION.
On a pleasant morning in the early part of July, 1859,
a singular cavalcade passed through the streets of Inde-
pendence. The cortege was headed by Sherifif Martin,
whose air was not that of an officer who realized in his
demeanor the majesty of the offended law. Following
the sherifif came a large number of open wagons, filled
with men and boys of all ages, and at the rear rode the
deputy sheriff, his p3sition evidently designed to suggest
the idea of a rear guard. The apprehended zwd. witnesses
numbered over fifty persons, residents of Jefferson town-
ship, and parties in an action before Esquire Glynn — the
defendants being charged with disturbing a religious
meeting. The particulars, as they were developed dur-
ing the examination, were as follows :
Religious services had been appointed to be held on
the Sunday previous, in a grove in the aforesaid township.
Seats had been prepared, and the people, on assembling,
seated themselves as had been their wont, promiscuously,
or, more properly speaking, and with great propriety of
custom, families were seated together. The preacher,
whose name and denomination are not matters of record,
doubtless a well-meaning man, but possessing a zeal not
according to knowledge, insisted that the sexes should
occupy seats on the opposite sides of the speaker. This
"Shaker habit" not commending itself to a majority of
those assembled, the request met with a tardy compliance
on the part of some, and a positive refusal on the part
of others. The person who was to conduct the exercises
not being able to overlook so flagrant a departure from
what he esteemed of the gravest importance, the congre-
gation was dismissed; and, subsequently, the above
action was brought against some seventeen or eighteen
of the offenders.
The action was not sustained, however, and the pris-
oners were discharged. They left town as they had
entered it, singing with great heartiness, but, it is to be
feared, not in a frame of mind to be profited by the min-
istrations of one disposed to elevate matters of minor
importance into the ranks of fundamental doctrines.
As a matter of courtesy, we do not doubt that a sim-
ilar gathering of intelligent citizens of Jefferson at the
present day (which, as history repeats itself, may occur,)
would comply with the request, or even a demand,
though the inicard protest against the unwisdom of the
proceeding might be just as stout as that in the breasts
of the unyielding heroes of the novel trial of 1859.
COUNTY SAFE ROBBERY.
On the night of the seventeenth of March, 1864, the
safe of the county treasurer's office was blown open and
county, State and private funds to the amount of twenty-
six thousand dollars were stolen. The robbery was one
of the boldest and heaviest ever committed in the State,
and its announcement was a shock to the entire com-
munity. Everything indicated that the nefarious crime
was the work of a gang of old offenders.
The safe, which was one of the old Lilly Chilled Iron
patent, was a complete wreck ; the ponderous door was
thrown completely off, and fragments of the lock scattered
about the room. Cases of record books were thrown
down, and deeds, mortgages and other valuable papers
scattered over the floor. Under the debris were found
the implements used to effect their purpose, which had
been stolen from a blacksmith shop on Walnut street —
a sledge-hammer, tongs, punch and cold chisel. The
building was doubtless entered by skeleton keys, and the
safe opened by drilling a hole in the door and applying
a slow match to powder.
Five hundred dollars was picked up from among the
rubbish. None of the records or other papers were in-
jured. The money taken was principally county funds
and State taxes. The night chosen was exceedingly
cold, with a high wind prevailing, which, with the isolated
situation of the court house, prevented the explosion
from being heard.
E. B. Older, county treasurer, promptly telegraphed
to all available points, and one thousand dollars was
offered for the apprehension and conviction of the
thieves, or the restoration of the .money; and later the
sum was increased to three thousand dollars. Chicago
detectis'cs were employed under the direction of Cap-
tain Yates, but it was not until about the middle of the
July following that any arrests were made. Four pris-
oners were lodged in the county jail at that time,
charged with the great county safe robbery. One (Jones)
was discharged at the preliminary examination. In the
time which had elapsed between the robbery and the
arrest of these men. Captain B. C. Yates, of Chicago,
had been pursuing the matter with ceaseless vigilance,
travelling hundreds of miles and assuming all sorts of
disguises. He had been plow-boy, wood-sawyer, flat-
boatman, log rafter, and fisherman, following one of the
suspected parties in a skiff over one hundred miles.
The difficulties were greatly increased by the fact that
the three robbers pursued widely different routes after
the robbery. Such were the evidences that the right
clue had been taken which led to the apprehension, that
from the first, great confidence was felt that the true
culprits were in custody.
The prisoners were arraigned on Monday, July 2 5ch,
before Justice Barton, at the court house in Indepen-
dence. They gave their names as Christian A. Roher.
bacher (arrested at his home, near Pilot Grove, Black
Hawk county), William H. Knight (arrested in Du-
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
77
buquc), and Wallace R. Pollard (arrested at Marathon,
Cortland county, New York). C. F. Leavitt, esq., ap-
peared as counsel for the defendants, and Wednesday
following was assigned for an examination. The bail
was set at fifty thousand dollars, and the prisoners were
recommitted to the custody of the sheriff. The three
prisoners were brought before W. H. Barton, justice of
the peace, for examination, on Wednesday, the twenty-
seventh of July, the examination lasting nearly four days.
The State was represented by Messrs. Woodward, Jamison
and Chandler; and the prisoners had Messrs. Barker, of
Dubuque, and Leavitt, of Independence, as counsel.
The e.xamination ended in holding the prisoners for trial
in the sum of fifty thousand dollars each.
Near the last of the month, the prisoners had evi-
dently resolved upon effecting their escape, thus adding
to the evidence already strongly confirming their guilt.
Knight not only slipped out of his irons, but had escaped
through a window, and was discovered only in time to
prevent him from making good his escape altogether.
The other two were found during the same week with
their_irons off. Pollard showed himself a skilful mech-
anician in this line.
The trials took place in April and May of 1865, and
resulted in the conviction of Roherbacher and Knight,
each being sentenced to the State prison for the term of
six years. Pollard was acquitted, and returned to the
State of New York, where he is now living. Knight,
who was suffering from pulmonary consumption, was
pardoned after about nine months' imprisonment ; went
south in the vain hope of recovering his health, but
remained only a few months, when he returned to Inde-
pendence; died at the Montour house, and was buried
by the county. He died, it is said, protesting his inno-
cence of the crime for which he had been imprisoned.
Roherbacher was also pardoned, about six months after
Knight. He went to Kansas soon after regaining his
liberty; and there, as we are informed, established so
favorable an opinion as to his honesty and intelligence,
as to be elected to the legislatnre of his adopted State.
The fact that these men, to all appearances, never en-
joyed the money which they were supposed to have
stolen, joined to the further fact that they were convicted
mainly upon the testimony of paid detectives, who, how-
ever honest they may have been, could hardly fail to be
strongly prejudiced against the men whom they had fol-
lowed so long — these facts, it cannot be denied, caused
a strong reaction in the minds of many, after the excite-
ment of the trial was over. It is probable that a large
proportion of the community now have serious doubts
if the convicted men were really guilty. On this point
we have no opinion, but state the facts as they have
been stated to us.
SUSPECTED POISONING.*
In the year 1868 one Daniel Thomas purchased a farm
in the town of Hazleton, of Albertus Gillett, and moved
onto it. About the same time a Mrs. Fay, a widow
with a large family, moved onto a farm that she had
* Communicated by Jed. Lake, esq.
purchased from Mr. Thomas. The neighbors were not
long in coming to the conclusion that there was an un-
due intimacy between Mr. Thomas and the widow.
But as Mrs. Thomas made no complaint, and none of
the old residents of the neighborhood had any previous
knowledge of either party, nothing was said or done by
them, except to keep as far from them, in a social point,
as possible. Things went on in this way for about two
years. Mr. Thomas had received considerable money
due him from Wisconsin, and Mrs. Fay built a new
house, and fences, and outbuildings on her place.
Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Fay came to Independence to-
gether quite frequently, and purchased goods to a con-
siderable extent, for which Mr. Thomas paid. About
February, 187 1, Mrs. Thomas was taken sick with cramp-
ing in the stomach, and severe spasms. A physician re-
siding at Otsego in Fayette county, was sent for ; and,
at the time of his visit, he discovered no alarming symp-
toms, but thought she would get along in a few days.
In a day or two after this, however, Mrs. Thomas died.
She was buried in due course of time. On the day of
the funeral, it is reported, Mr. Thomas took the widow
Fay out for a ride. The neighbors became aroused, and
sent for the county coroner. Dr. H. H. Hunt, and filed
before him an information alleging, in substance, that
they believed Mrs. Thomas had been poisoned. Dr.
Hunt had Thomas arrested, his house searched, and
found in it a bottle containing sulphuret of strychnia.
He then had the body exhumed; a post mortem ex-
amination made; and the stomach taken out, placed in a
glass jar carefully sealed, and sent to a chemist for
analysis.
The coroner's jury spent some time in their examina-
tion, and finally found that Mrs. Thomas was killed by
poison administered by her husband.
An information was filed against Mr. Thomas; and,
after an examination that lasted about four days, the
justice held him to answer for the charge of murdering
his wife by administering poison, to wit: strychnine. On
the preliminary examination it was shown by the prose-
cution, that when Mrs. Thomas was first taken sick, she
and her husband were at home alone ; that he gave her
some chicken broth that had been prepared by some one
for her; that she complained of its bitterness, and shortly
after, went into spasms, and that he called in some of the
neighbors to assist in taking care of her. To them she
stated, on coming out of the spasms, that the broth was
very bitter. The physician that w^as called to see her
the next day, testified that Thomas told him that she had
these spasms and had been subject to them for some
time; that she would die in a spasm some day; that it
was no use to doctor her, as nothing could cure her, and
told the physician that he need not come again. The
doctor who made the post mortem examination, testified
that there were no indications that she died from disease ;
that her symptoms were those tetanoid convulsions.
That strychnine poison would produce tetanus, and the
convulsions as testified to by witnesses present when she
died, and as shown by the condition of the body when
e.xhumed, and by her general appearance.
78
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
The chemist, Professor Hinrichs, of Iowa State uni-
versity, who analyzed her stomach, testified to finding
strychnine that would indicate that she had taken about
one-half grain of the poison. The witnesses also testi-
fied to the facts as to the intimacy between Mr. Thomas
and the widow Fay: thai he gave her money frequently,
and built her house, and improved her farm. Others
that he ordered merchants at Independence to sell her
goods that she might want, and he would pay for them;
and the fact that he did pay for large amounts of goods
that she purchased.
Messrs. Lake and Horman, and Mr. Jamison were
employed on the defence by Mr. Thomas. They ex-
amined the facts of the case, aside from what was proved
on the preliminary examination. After a careful ex-
amination, ihey came to the conclusion that delay was a
good defence; and therefore, were not ready for trial.
The evidence for the prosecution was mostly circumstan-
tial, and the small amount of strychnine, as shown by
Professor Hinrich's analysis, left the case in some doubt;
so that the prosecuting attorney was not anxious to urge
the case to trial.
Mr. Thomas was confined in the county jail, but, be-
ing an old and feeble man, was allowed large liberty by
the jailors, and had a fail ly comfortable time. He was
in the jail where a large number of very tough customers
were confined then. They desired to try to break jail,
but did not dare to try to get Mr. Thomas to go with
them. So they contrived, in some way, to stupify him
in his cell. But their plan was frustrated by some other
means. They succeeded in getting out of jail, but were
all recaptured in a short time. After that, Mr. Thomas,
at another time, put the sheriff on the watch for tools
that had been prepared by a noted burglar, then confined
in jail, to get out. This so enraged the other prisoners
that it was deemed unsafe fir him to be with them, and
Mr. Thomas was removed to better quarters in the jailor's
house. His case, in the meantime, was not called for
trial, but was continued by consent of counsel. In the
spring of 1872 he was taken sick, and, in a short time,
died.
Thus the facts, as they might have been found by the
jury on a full trial, will never be known. If innocent,
the man was most unjustly dealt by. If guilty, he ought
to have been tried and punished. He has, however,
gone to his reward; and to be judged where all truth is
known. The willingness of his attorneys to allow his
case to linger on the docket, is evidence that they did
not have the most unbounded faith in his innocence.
DEADLY ASSAULT, MURDER, AND SUICIDE.
On Sunday evening, February 17, 1878, Mr. Sidney
Toman and Miss Matie Sherwood were returning to In-
dependence from Fairbank township, where the latter
had been stopping two or three days, visiting friends.
They were in a covered buggy, and it had become dark
(or rather, moonlight) before they reached town. Near
the southwest corner of the Catholic cemetery young
Toman stopped the horses for a moment to adjust the
buffalo robe, when some unknown person leaped upon
the back part of the buggy, thrust his hand through the
cover and discharged a pistol. The discharge not taking
effect. Toman attempted to whip up the horses, but
could not make them move — the supposition being that
an accomplice of the ruffian was holding them. There-
upon, resolved to sell his life as dearly as possible, if
killed he must be, Toman jumped from the buggy and
seized the man who had fired the pistok A scuffle
ensued, during which several more shots were fired, two
of them taking effect on the left side of young Toman's
head and face. One was slight, though causing the
blood to flow profusely. The other was more serious,
the ball lodging among the muscles of the face, where
it remained until removed by the physicians.
The would-be assassin, having emptied all the cham-
bers of his revolver, succeeded in releasing himself from
his intended victim; who though weak from his struggle
and the loss of blood, managed to get into the buggy
and drive into town. Strange to say, the assailant, as
the buggy started, leaped again upon the back part of
it and remained there until it arrived near the Central
depot, when he jumped down and disappeared. Whether
or not he tried to reload and finish his work, will never
be known.
The first suspicion, so far as the public knows, con-
cerning the perpetrator of this diabolical outrage, fell
upon a roving and dissipated character, named Jim
Strohl; who, with an unknown companion, was seen
near the Central railroad station, on the afternoon before
the occurrence. He had recently been in the peniten-
tiary, and it was said, was harboring a grudge against
young Toman for some things that had been said about
him in the Independence Bulletin, of which ])aper Mr.
Toman was local editor. One of the suspicious circum-
stances implicating Strohl and his companion, was the
finding of some wet handkerchiefs, one of them stained
with blood, in the pockets of their overcoats, which had
been secreted under the plank-way at the Independence
mill. Considering all the circumstances, it was thought
best to have them arrested on a charge of vagrancy, that
the authorities might have time for further investigation.
This was accordingly done, and they were sent to jail
for ten days. Before the ten days were up, it was thought
that sufficient facts had been discovered to implicate
them in the attempted murder. Being rearrested on
that charge, they waived examination and were recom-
mitted to await the action of the grand jury.
That body met about the middle of March; and, after
a three days' hearing, the two accused boys (for Strohl
had haidly reached his majority, and the other, Rourke,
alias Henderson, was only seventeen) were held in the
sum of three thousand dollars each to appear at the next
term of the district court. The chain of evidence which
led to this result was about as follows:
The boys left Raymond, the second station west of
here, between twelve and one o'clock, Sunday p. m.
While there they were seen to have in their possession a
pistol known as a "four shooter." They arrived here,
and were seen on Main street bridge about half past five.
About six, three persons were seen near the central
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
79
crossing, one of them identified as Henderson, and
another wearing a coat and cap similar to those shown
in court as the property of Strohl. About dusk three
persons (supposed to be the same) were seen going in a
northwesterly direction up the slough. Mr. Hayes saw
three persons, a little later, near the place where the
shooting occurred, but could not identify them. Mr.
Morse, living in that vicinity, heard the shooting — "four
shots in quick succession, and only four were fired."
This corresponds with the four-shooter shown by the
boys at Raymond, but not with the recollection of young
Toman. These circumstances, with the threats made by
Strohl against Judge Toman and family, made a bad
looking case for the boys. Still, many puzzling questions
were asked by those who doubted that the boys were the
guilty parties. Two things were evident: First, that the
motive of the assault was a grudge of some sort ; and
second, that the person or persons wOio planned and
perpetrated it, knew that Toman was to [jass that way
about that time. If, therefore, Strohl and his companion
knew it (arriving in town late as they did Sunday even-
ing) they must have been informed by some third party.
But no such party was ever found.
The case was called for trial at the next session of the
district court, on the seventh of May. Rourke had been
bailed by his friends, and was not to be tried at this
session. The case was managed, on the part of the State
by District Attorney Powers, assisted by Mr. Holman,
of Independence; and on the part of the defence by
Charles Ransier and an attorney by the name of Gannon,
of Davenport. The trial lasted four days — that is, until
Saturday night, the tenth of May, when the case was
given to the jury. After being in consultation over it all
night, they brought in a verdict of guilty. Strohl re-
mained in jail until the June session of the court, when,
on Saturday, the twenty-second of that month, the appli-
cation for a new trial having been overruled, he was
sentenced to five years imprisonment in the penitentiary
at Anamosa.
THE SEQUEL
of this strange trial is too tragic, the events which com-
pose it are too recent, and the living whose hearts bled,
and still bleed in consequence of it, are too numerous to
justify a minute description here. But this history would
be imperfect, and its patrons would have some right to
complain of injustice, if all allusion to these events, as
notorious as they are sad, were to be avoided. While,
therefore, any mention of them must doubtless be pain-
ful to some, we will endeavor to make our comments
upon them so brief, and withal so charitable, that none
shall have just occasion to censure us.
Miss Matie Sherwood, the young lady who was with
Sidney Toman at the time of the assault related above,
and who was commonly understood to be engaged to
him in marriage, had another lover, Clarence Shaw, who
seemed to be completely infatuated by her many attrac-
tions; and who, on the other hand; seemed to exercise
over her a strange sort of spell. It is not our intention
to give anything like a history of this ill-starred attach-
ment; but we cannot forbear to say that the terrible re-
sults of it should prove a warning to all young people to
keep the sentiment of love within the strictest bounds
of honor, morality and religion. Especially should
everything like love-making between two parties, either
of whom is affianced to a third party, be frowned upon,
not only as dishonorable, but as an actual crime against
society, by all, both old and young, who have the good
of society at heart.
It is not known that the rivalry of the two young men,
in regard to the young lady in question, had ever pro-
duced any open rupture between them ; but both must
have been either more or less than human, if it did not
cause at times, on the part of both, a pretty strong feel-
ing of jealousy.
During the trial, and after it, the feeling was general,
even among those who believed Strohl to be guilty, that
there was a third party yet undiscovered more guilty than
he. This feeling was so much intensified after Strohl's
conviction, that a detective was employed to f&rret the
matter out. Suspicions began to point to young Shaw
as this third party, and these suspicions coming to his
ears, annoyed and disquieted him greatly. His conduct
became more and more strange, and many of his actions
and words, on the day of the fatal deed, partook strongly
of the character of insanity.
But whether, or not, he was guilty of the shooting of
Toman, it is not probable that remorse, or the fear of
apprehension, alone, impelled him to the terrible act
which he finally committed. Toman was alive and well.
A frank confession that he had assaulted him in a mo-
ment of frenzied jealousy, accompanied by an openly
avowed resolution to atone, as far as possible, for his
crime, by a future course of virtuous living, would un-
doubtedly have saved him from the penitentiary, and re-
gained for him at length the good opinion of the com-
munity; whereas, the double crime with which he left
the world, would be looked upon by many as a confes-
sion of the smaller crime of which he was suspected.
No, the infatuation of a misplaced and hopeless love,
was probably the principal cause that goaded poor Shaw
to the commission of murder and suicide.
What little we have to say in regard to this fearful
tragedy, will be taken mainly from a long account of the
affair, published in the Independence Conser-daiive, of
July lo, 1878 — the Wednesday after the act was com-
mitted
To lay before the readers of the Conservative an account of the re-
cent sad occurrence, is, indeed a painful task. Last Saturd.iy night,
at ten o'clock, Clarence Shaw, aged nineteen years, and an employe of
this office, shot Miss Matie Sherwood, twenty years old, daughter of
Thomas Sherwood, and then shot himself. The shooting was done at
the residence of W. S. VanOrsdoI, sheriff of this county. They had
gone thither after tea, by appointment, to meet Miss Minnie VanOrs-
doI, and Mr. John Evers. After conversing for a while, the four start-
ed out for a walk. They had not gone far when the two couples sepa-
rated — Clarence and Matie proceeding to the river for a boat ride
During the walk the strange actions of both had ex-cited the
apprehensions of Mr. Evers and Miss VanOrsdoI ; and, after the for
mer had gone to the river against their expostulations, the two latter
hastened to the store, where Charlie Sherwood, a brother of Matie,
was employed, and informed him of their fears concerning his sister
and Clarence.
Charlie hastened to the river and got there just as Clarence was
pushing the boat off. Charlie rushed into the water and pulled the
8o
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
boat to shore. He then told his sister to go home, and she started,
Clarence accompanying her and Charlie following behind. They
passed directly along Genesee street until they arrived on the corner at
Dr. Hunt's. Clarence then said that they must go to Mr. Van
Orsdol's and get their things.
The narrative does not say whether anything had
really been left there, or whether this was merely a ruse
for the sake of carrying out the fatal programme.
However this may be, the three returned to Mr. ^'an
Orsdol's. Clarence and Matie went in and Charlie re-
mained at the door. After being admitted Clarence
asked Miss Van Orsdol t'or some water to wash his
hands, "as the rope on the boat had dirtied them." He
was shown to a bedroom, which he entered — Miss Sher-
wood following. Miss Van Orsdol, after pouring some
water into a bowl, stepped out for a moment, but scarcely
had she gone six steps when she heard the report of a
revolver twice. Charlie Sherwood rushed in and found
them both lying across the bed, shot through the head.
Matie lived about twenty minutes, and Clarence about
an hour after. Physicians were summoned, but nothing
could be done.
Messengers were sent to mform the parents of the unfortunate young
persons. We forbear to dwell on the sorrowful scenes witnessed when
tidings of the terrible tragedy were imparted to the parents. The
bodies, after being cared for, remained at Van 'Orsdol's until Sunday
morning, when they were taken home.
The funeral of Shaw took place Sunday afternoon at five o'clock;
that of Miss .Sherwood on Monday afternoon at two o'clock.
How the thouglits crowded in upon our minds. Two days before
who would have thought of such an event? Saturday evening on earth;
Monday, the souls in eternity and the bodies in the cold grave. Sad
the thoughts; sadder the scenes; saddest the stern reality.
Miss Matie Sherwood was a pleasant, interesting and engaging
young lady — romantic, sympathetic. She moved in the best society,
and had many warm friends. Her death, and the terrible tragedy con-
nected therewith, will long be felt in this community.
Of Clarence Shaw we wish to say a few words. Having been in
our employ for four years, we believe our opportunity for knowing his
character was better than that of any other person, excepting his par-
ents. He came to us a boy, in September, 1874. .\n almost daily
intercourse with him from that time forward, has led us to regard him
only with the kindliest feelings. He was stricUy honest and temper-
ate, and withal intellectual; and had he not become enmeshed in the
toils of an infatuated love, we believe he would have made more than
an ordinary man; but a morbid sentimentalism got the better of him,
and one thing led to another until he struck down himself and the girl
he worshipped. It was in this that he showed a sveakness that surprises
us.
Here ■we close our extracts from the Conservative, and
let the curtain drop upon the awful tragedy. Whether
it was Shaw who made the deadly assault upon Toman —
whether Matie Sherwood was consenting to the sacrifice
of her own life with his — whether he was of sound mind
when the dreadful act was committed, and what amount
of guilt rests upon the souls of both for its commission —
are solemn questions upon which the grave has set its
seal till the great day of final account. We shall not
attempt to forestall the decisions of that day.
Mainly on account of the evidence adduced before the
coroner's jury, Strohl was released from prison on his
own recognizance, pending an appeal which had been
taken to the supreme court. That court reversed the
decision of the court belov?, and sent the case back for a
new trial. But the district court dismissed the case
without a hearing. Rourke, of course, was never brought
to trial.
CHAPTER XI.
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
This chapter will comprise the history of all the asso-
ciations of a public character, whose membership ex-
tends over the entire county.
We begin with the
EARLY settlers' ASSOCI.ATION,
not because it is first in the order of time, but because
it seems more nearly related than any other to the first
settlement of the county.
Owing to the comparatively recent date of its organ-
ization, we are enabled to give our readers a fuller ac-
count of the meetings held, addresses delivered, etc.,
than would be practicable if its history extended over a
much longer period.
The first formal organization of the pioneers of the
county took place in the autumn of 1875. Several of
the old residents of Independence and vicinity united
in a call for a meeting, to be held on the ninth of Sep-
tember. It was intended to hold the meeting in a grove
near the town, but, the weather proving unfavorable, it
was held in the court house. Quite a good number of
the early settlers came together, and unanimously adopt-
ed the following
CONSTITUTION :
We, the pioneers in the settlement of Buchanan county, assembled
at Independence in said county, this ninth day of September, 1875,
having resolved for our mutual interest and happiness to imite ourselves
into a permanent organization, do hereby, for that purpose, make, or-
dain and adopt the following constitution, to wit :
Article I. This organization shall be known and desingated as
"The Early Settlers' Association of Buchanan county, Iowa."
.Article II. The officers of this society shall consist of one presi-
dent, one secretary, one treasurer ; and also one vice-president from
each township having resident members of this association.
Article HI. .•\11 officers shall be elected annually, at the regular
meeting of the association, as hereinafter provided; and shall hold
their office until their successors are elected.
Article IV. The president shall perform the usual duties apper-
taining to that office; shall countersign all orders drawn upon the treas-
urer; and, in case of his absence or inability to act, the duties of presi-
dent shall devolve upon the first on the list of the vice-presidents able to
act.
Article V. The president and vice-presidents shall constitute an
e.xecutive committee, whose duty it shall be to make all necessary ar-
rangements for meetings of this society; examine and audit all claims
against this society, and attend generally to all business thereof, not
otherwise provided for.
Article VI. The secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings of
the society and of the executive committee; also a record of all deaths
of members of the society, so far as shall come to his knowledge, and
attend to all necessary correspondence of the society, and draw orders
on the treasurer for the payment of all claims allowed by the executive
committee, keeping a record thereof; receive all money paid to the
society, and hand the same over to the tieasurer, keeping an ac-
count thereof.
Article VII. The treasurer shall receive all the money from the
secretary, belonging to the society, safely keep the same, and pay it out
only on orders of the secretary ; report to the executive committee, at
each annual meeting, the amounts received and expended, and pay
over to his successor in office any and all moneys remaining in his
hands, belonging to that society.
Article VIII. The society shall also report annually; and both
secretary and treasurer at any time when requested by the executive
committee.
Article iX. .Any resident of the county, who has resided therein
for twenty years, may become a member of the society by presenting
his name to the secretary for record.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUN TV, IOWA.
8i
Ahticle X. The expenses of the society shall be paid by voluntary
subsciiption, unless the society shall, at a regular meeting, provide
some other method.
Article XI. The annual meetings of the society shall be held on
the first Thursday of September of each year, at some place near the
centre of the county, designated from time to time by the executive
committee.
.•\rticle XII. The executive committee shall meet annually, at the
time and place of the meeting of the society, and shall hold such
special meetings as may be called by the acting president, or by a ma-
jority of the members of said committee.
Article XIII. This constitution, or any by-laws or rules adopted
thereunder, may be altered or amended at any annual meeting of the
society, by vote of a majority of the members present and voting.
After the adoption of the above constitution, the so-
ciety proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing
year, which resulted as follows;
O. H. P. Roszell, president; J. S. Woodward, secretary: James
Jamison treasurer; J. B.Ward, Madison township; C. H. Jakeway, Buf-
flalo township; Samuel Sufficool, Hazleton township; Francis Pingree,
Fairbank township; Charles Melrose, Perry township; Ephraim Miller,
Washington township; S. G. Pierce, Byron township; James Fleming,
Fremont township; A. Risley, Middlefield lownsliip; S. Swartzell,
Liberty township; A. C. Blakely, Sumner township; Peter Ham, West-
burgh township; George Frinke, Jefferson township; Eli Norton,
Homer township; John Newell. Cono township; Charles Hoover,
Newton township; vice-presidents.
The following names of members were taken at this
meeting, in accordance with article nine of the constitu-
tion:
William A. Jones, David Cill, B. C. Hale, S. Swartzell, E. A. Cam-
eron, C. Jakeway, J. G. Litts, C. Wilson, John Carson, D. L. Lee,
John Cameron. John H. Anderson, L. D. Ingall, Charles Melrose,
Jesse Ozias, B. B. Warren, A. C. Blakely, Joel Fisher, Thomas Scar-
cliff, D. Robinson, J. Slaughter, David .\gnew, S. M. Eddy, Peter
Ham, Harvey Norton, Ell Ozias, Thomas Ozias, Eli Norton, S. G.
Pierce, H. Sparling, W. O. Curtis, M. A. Glass, J. C. Glass, E. Cobb,
E. B. Older, Eben Little, J. J. Travis, M. Burbridge, J. M. Blakely,
John Logan, E. Miller, B. W. Ogden, J. W. Plumerfelt, A. M. Bryant,
Rebecca Chitistei. J. C. Neidy, Lovina Sparling, J. S. Woodward, O.
H. P. Roszell, James Jamison, Mary Jamison, John L. Frinke, J. R.
Megonigan, J. L. Norton, Charles Hoover, Rufus Brewer, F. W. Car-
don, E. Mosher, diarlotte Minton. Alice J. Burroughs, Charles A. F.
Roszell, Mrs. S. C. Little, C. H. Little, F. M. Curtis, Charles Kautz,
J. C. Wroten, James Poor, E. B. King, S. S. Allen, John .S. Bouck,
C. Gideon Ginther, Lyman R. V'arguson, George McFarland, William
Bunce, .Alexander Risk, J. Wiley, G. Walker, William Slaughter, Wil-
liam H. Gifford, A. E. Morphy, S. G. Gifford, Mrs. J. Wiley, Asa
Blood, W. G. Cummings, Z. P. Rich, Mailha Hoover, W^arren Chase,
Thomas Edie, D. G. Dunlap, Don F. Bissell, Samuel H. Miller, John
O. Cummings, William Waggner, Margaret .■\. Waggner, Mrs. Almina
Miller, J. C. Stevenson, Lovinia Edie, Mrs. E. M. Sampson, Lydia
Rich, Janet Glass.
The next year (September 7, 1876) the association
met in Dickinson's grove, on the west side of the river.
The meeting was called to order by O. H. P. Roszell,
president, and Z. P. Rich, of Byron township, was elect-
ed secretary Jiro ton., in the absence of J. S. Wood-
ward, secretary of the society. The weather was un-
favorable and the attendance consequently small.
The election of officers for the ensuing year, resulted
as follows:
O. H. P. Roszell, president; J. .S.Woodward, secretary; W. A.Jones,
treasurer.
The vice-presidents for the several townships were all
reelected.
W'. A. Jones, A. Risk, Elder Brintnall, IJr. H. Bryant,
and Judge Roszell, made brief addresses, replete with
interesting reminiscences ot f)ld times. Owing to the
small attendance, no additions were made to the mem-
bership of the association.
September 6, 1877, the society met on the same
grounds, and was called to order by B. C. Hale, of Perry
township. The president. Judge Roszell, was present
but too feeble in health to preside. This was the last
meeting of the society that he ever attended, his death
occurring before the close of the year. The weather
being propitious, the attendance was large; and the re-
sult, as will be seen further on, was a goodly number of
accessions to the society.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing
year: Henry Sparling, jjresident; J. J. Travis, secretary;
Byron C. Hale, treasurer.
The vice-presidents were all reelected, with the follow-
ing exceptions: Gamaliel Walker was elected for Perry
township in place of Charles Melrose, deceased ; James
Fleming for Fremont township; and A. Risley for Mid-
dlefield.
Colonel Jed. Lake, David Gill, Henry Sparling, Z. P.
Rich, and Mrs. B. N. Morse (the latter having been a
resident of the county for the past thirty-five years), made
appropriate addresses; and Samuel Harvey, an old resi-
dent of Delaware county, favored the society with a song,
entitled, "Thirty Years Ago." The following names were
added to the list of members:
Curtis Morgan, Mrs. N. Moshier, John McMillan, Mrs. J. McMil-
lan, J. F. Hathaway, Sarah Jane Hathaway, Jesse Kitch, Maftha
Jakeway, John Merrill, Moses Litts, John Slomens, Mrs. Mary Gates,
Mrs. Mary Edgell, Mrs. Dora Gregory, Mrs. Nancy Sheldon, Mrs.
Charlotte Potter, Mrs. T. M. Hunt, Mrs. Mary E. Kitch, Mrs. .Anna
Wagner. Mrs. Rebecca Miller, Mrs. Sarah E. Menshaw, Henry Bnrn-
ham, Mrs. M. C. Burnham, Norman Boyce, Rachel Boyce, Willi-im
Ramsey, Elizabeth Ramsey, Mrs. C. A. Ridinger, James Henry, Jesse
Merrill, Jube Day, George A. Jakeway, Mrs. Martha Logan, Mrs.
Ellen Stevens, Mrs. Elmira Hunt, J. B. Edgell, W. G. Miller, T. M.
Hunt, Amos R. Blood, M. V. Miller, Kate Frank, N. E. House, S. L.
Hastings, Mrs. .Amy Hastings, Sarah Biddinger, Elsa Biddinger, Lo-
vina Hathaway, Josiah Brace, Leonard Curley, James .Saunders, W.
W. Norton, Hugh Hursay, Enos A. Sheldon, Nathaniel Walker, J. E.
Cook, William Morgan, Z. P. Stoneman, Mrs. C. H. Stoneman, John
Moor, Sophia Moor, A. D. Stoneman, Mrs. Samantha J. Litts, Ella
Wilbur, M. S. Ozias, Mrs. J. Day, Mrs. Lovina Sparling, Maltha
Ozias, Mrs. Huldah Sherwood, Mrs. B. N. Morse, Mrs. Hannah
Phelps, Joseph E. Jewell, Mrs. Joseph E. Jewell, J. B. Potter, E. Dick-
inson, E. W. Purdy, Charles E. Purdv. Mrs. E. W. Wilson, Mrs.
Margaret Mann, Mrs. B. Slomers, S. H. Pierce, Mrs. Nancy A. Litts.
The meeting for 1878 (September 5) was held in the
same place (Dickinson's grove) and was opened with
prayer by William A. Jones. The exercises were enlivened
by music by the Independence cornet band. After the
reading of the minutes of the last meeting, the constitu-
tion of the society, and the list of members previously
enrolled, the Hon. W. G. Donnan was called out and
addressed the meeting at considerable length, giving
many interesting reminiscences of the early settlement of
the county. After some stirring music by the band,
Messrs. Asa Clark, Dr. H. Bryant, John C Neidy, Asa
Blood, and William A. Jones also made appropriate re-
marks. The following names were then reported, and
entered on the list of members:
G. W. Smyser. Susan C. Smyser, Mrs. George O. Farr, E. Zinn_
Mrs M. Zinn, Mrs. A. Zimmen, .Adolph Leytze, Mrs. C. Leytze, Louis
Melzmier, Mrs. .A. L. Metzmier. Charles Swartz. Mrs. B. Swartz. J. L.
82
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Bigelow, Mrs. Harriet Bigelow, J. R. Freeman, Mrs. Cora E. Free-
man, Mrs. Emily M. Rich. Mrs. D. M. Moore, Mrs. E. Ogden, G.
Dickinson, G. R. Smitli, Mrs. Elizabeth Heron, Mrs. Hannah Hay-
wood, Mrs. Cynthia George, R. J. Williamson, Mrs. Belle Fonda, C.
G. Woodruff, P. H. Goen, Mrs. S. Bitner, Mrs. L. C. Bryant, Mrs.
Mary Hathaway, Nicholas Bornheim, G. Walkins, Valentine Gates,
Alden Whitney, Mr. G. M. Goen, A. B. Black, Horatio Bryant, L.
Fonst, Mrs. .Amanda Cutler, Mrs. Susan Brace, .Alexander Brace, A.
S. Munshaw, John Briggs, Mrs. Ann Briggs, Mrs. Mary Jamison. D.
C. Hastings, Mrs. E.- D. Whitney, Charles L. Patrick, Mrs. M. A.
Patrick.
The following are the names of the old settlers that
died during the year:
Hon. O. H. P. Roszell, Captain D. S. Lee, James Jamison, Henry
Mead, Thomas W. Close, Mrs. Gaylord, Mrs. Frisell, Mrs. R. R.
Plane, Mrs. Baton, Mrs. Apple. Mrs. Beach, Mrs. Blood, Mrs. Croma '
—all of Washington township— and Mrs. Charlotte, of Perry.
The election of officers resulted in the following choice :
Dr. H. Bryant, president; J. J. Travis, secretary; Henry Sparling,
treasurer; J. B. Ward, Madison township; Nelson Bennett, Buffalo
township; Samuel Sufficool, Hazleton township; Charles Higby, Fair-
bank township; Gamaliel Walker, Perry township; A. H. Fonda,
Washington township; James Hamilton, Byron township; Joseph
Fleming, Fremont township; A. Risley, Middlefield township; Solo-
mon Swartzell, Liberty township; A. C. Blakely, Sumner township;
Peter Ham, Westburgh township; George Lauterdale, Jefferson town"
ship; Eh Norton, Homer tow-nship; John Newell, Cono township'
Charles Hoover, Newton township, vice-presidents.
The fifth meeting of the society, September 4, 1879,
in Dickinson's grove, was called to order by the presi-
dent. Dr. H. Bryant, and opened by prayer by Josiah
Brace. The Independence cornet band was again in at-
tendance. After the preliminary business several mem-
bers addressed the meeting, the last speaker being Perry
Munson, who related incidents in the early settlements
of the county, dating as far back as 1842, when he first
came here to reside.
The following names were added to the list of mem-
bers : •
Henry W. Oliver, George Mann, George Harriman,
Mrs. Antre Ring, Mrs. Doritha Mann, Mrs. Arvilla
Gregory, Mrs. Elizabeth Palmer. Mrs. Lucinda Bright.
The deaths of members reported for the past year
were as follows :
William Ramsy, September 23, 1878, having been a
resident of the county twenty-five years; Mrs. Merrill, of
Liberty township, and Adolph Leytze, of Washington.
The following poem, composed by Mrs. E. A. Wood
and dedicated to the society, was read by the secretary:
TO THE OLD SETTLERS OF BUCHANAN COUNTY.
Old settlers, wlio to-day have met
To take each other by the hand,
Whose hearts have never known regret
For all your toils in this fair land —
We welcome you to our glad throng.
Who, in the months and years gone by.
Have battled manfully and long —
Have bravely stood to do or die.
Strongmen, brave women — true hearts all —
A great State blesses you to-day.
That, from beginnings crude and small.
For empire you have cleared her way.
From eastern homes, with plenty blest.
By mountain-side, or sea, or rill,
* You left your dearest and your best,
The prairie soil untouched to till.
These prairies, as of old, to-d.iy
Spread their green bosoms to the sun;
But bearing, as they ever may.
The honest homes that toil has won.
Each year the harvest time pays back
For all the days of toil and pain;
And never is there any lack
Of stores of fruit or golden grain.
.And many a stream that winds its way
To join its "Father" of the west.
Is taught by skilful hands to stay
And turn a mill at their request ;
While daily, all the season round.
The yellow grain its hoppers fill.
There's nuisic in its cheerful sound —
O never may that sound be still !
Old friends, your monuments, to-day,
.Are scattered wide o'er all the land;
And you have built in such a way
That they forever more shall stand.
Your cities, manufactures, schools,
.And church spires pointing to the sky,
.All show that education rules.
And teaches how to live and die.
May coming years to you but bring
New scenes of joy and gladness.
Like the return of nature's spring
From out a winter's sadness.
And when your days on earth are o'er.
From far across Death's river,
May angel hands stretch from the shore
To help you home forever.
Last year, September 2, iSSo, the sixth meeting of
the society was held in the public park, east of the court-
house, Independence. The old settlers from all parts of
the county came together with baskets filled with choice
eatables from their well-stored pantries; and the usual
exercises were prefaced by a pic-nic, which was highly
enjoyable, not only as an occasion of gustatory pleasure,
but as a social reunion of old friends. The proceedings
of the meeting were, as usual, enlivened by favorite airs
from the cornet band, and, what was quite unusual, by
songs from a well-trained choir, under the leadership of
Mr. D. D. Holdridge.
The death of the late treasurer, Henry Sparling, was
announced, after which the society proceeded to the
election of officers for the ensuing year, with the follow-
ing result:
William .A. Jones, president; J. J. Travis, secretary; Colonel |ed
Lake, treasurer.
The vice-presidents elected from the several townships
were as follows ;
Madison, Alden Whitney; Buffalo, Charles Jakeway; Hazleton,
Samuel Sutficool; Fairbank, Charles Higby; Perry, Gamaliel Walker;
Washington, David Gill; Byron, James Hamilton; Fremont, James
Fleming; Middlefield, A. Risley; Liberty, John C. Neidy; Sumner,
George Wilson; Westburgh, Peter Ham; Jefferson, George Lauter-
dale; Homer, Eli Norton, Cono; John Newell; Newton, Charles
Hoover.
Mrs. Chandler, of Independence, read an appropriate
essay, dedicated to the society, after which addresses
were made by the following members: J. C. Neidy,
Charles Jakeway, James Ptaniilton, Martin Glass ("who
is never known to miss a meeting of the society"); Mrs.
Brooks, of Byron township; D. D. Holdridge (whose
humorous remarks about the establishment of the Inde-
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
8£
pendence churches proved conclusively that the "D. D."
prefixed to his name must have a different signification
from what those letters ordinarily have when used as a
suffix); Colonel Jed. Lake, and the Rev. Henry \V.
Bailey.
The Hon. S. J. W. Tabor, an honored pioneer of the
county, who had been absent at his post in the treasury
department, at Washington, ever since the organization
of this society, and who had returned during the past
year to take up again his permanent residence in Inde-
pendence, was present for the first time at this meeting
with his fellow pioneers, who naturally looked to him for
an address. It is no disparagement to the others to say
that his was the principal rhetorical attraction of the oc-
casion. The speech was without manuscript, and largely
extemporaneous, but the speaker having kindly consented
to write it out for our use, it will be found in full a little
further on.
At the close of Judge Tabor's address, the Rev. C. S.
Percival, county historian, who happened to be present
as a guest of the society, was called out and made a brief
extempore speech, the substance of which may also be
found after that of Judge Tabor.
The address of Mrs. Chandler was in manuscript, and
was quite brief, owing to the very limited time given her
for preparation. It has been kindly placed at our dis-
posal, and we insert it here. When it is borne in mind
that Mrs. Chandler is in her seventy-fifth year, the merit
of her address will be all the more highly appreciated.
Friends and Old Settlers; — It is with pleasure that I meet you
here to-day: and, as I look around, I see many old familiar faces that
brighten up this pleasant scene as with the last rays of the setting sun.
Time, with his silent footsteps, has led us down the long pathway of
our western life together: and, consequently, this friendly gathering
seems more hke a family reunion than like a public festival, and awak-
ens thoughts that perhaps have long been slumbering — thoughts of old
times, when this place was new. Many changes have occurred as the
years have glided along, with their burdens of life's heaiy cares.
Memory recalls the scenes of the past when we meet, as to-day, for
social enjoyment: and it recalls, too, painful hours of sickness and sor-
row, when death touched many a loved one with its iron finger, and
left its impress on form and feature, and a vacant chair stood by the
fireside, and we found
" That ties around our hearts were spun
That cannot, will not, be undone."
Many of the old settlers have passed away. We were with them at
the bridal and the burial, and still remember the warm pressure of the
hand as our tears were mingled together with words of sympathy.
They are gone: but their memory still lingers around us, and their
good works are embalmed in the hearts of their survivors. And many
of those sur\'Uors are here to-day, while the frost of old age lies while
upon their heads: but their faces are like autumn's ripened fruit set on
dishes of silver. Leaving the land of steady habits, they came, they
saw, they conquered. They saw that this was a goodly land, and
much to be desired. They found it lying like an infant asleep, while
the gentle Wapsie sang its lullaby. But while they tended this infant
soil, almost before they were aware, it became to them as a nursing
mother.
And these men went to work and built their shanties, saying by that
act, "We mean to possess this land. " Then they sent for their wives
and little ones. That was well : for it is these wives and little ones that
keep the hearts of men tender and true. But they found them true
helpers; and, by their aid, they at length conquered the difficulties that
invest pioneer life.
Most of these pioneers were manly and independent men; and so
they christened this young child of the west — this infant city which
owed its life to their energetic toil, "Independence." It grew so fast
that some said it came up in a night, like Jonas' gourd. But look
over this beautiful city, now so thickly dotted with comfortable and
elegant homes on its many pleasant streets, echoing with the footsteps
of the busy workers. Listen to the voice of the successful mechanic
and merchant. See the churches and fine school-houses and business
blocks. Listen to the rattle of the type in the prosperous printing-
oflices, and the pompous array of lawyers' signs, and the doctors'
mortars beside them, and all the other indices of civilized life — and then
say if it looks like magic or the work of a night. Does it not look
more like work done by energetic men who brought their brains with
them, when they left the old eastern States, and set their hands to work
under the direction of the brain, that skilful alchemist that transformed
this place into a thing of beauty, and we trust "a joy forever." Now
these old settlers are reaping their reward; for country and city have
flourished like a green bay tree.
"And the place has grown human in all the long years,
Has been brightened by happiness, hallowed by tears,
By the brides on the hearth, that bless it no more,
By the cradles kept rocking like boats on the shore,
By the touchlngs of hands and the whispers aside —
AH the charms that survived, when Paradise died."
All the events that have since transpired to make this a queen among
the many pleasant cities of the west, and have given it character and
prosperity, have come to pass through the guiding hand of the Supreme
Ruler of cities and of nations, who has guided heart and hand in all the
affairs of our social and religious life, up to the present time. Let us
render to Him, therefore, the tribute of prairie and thanksgiving which
is justly His due.
We are passing away, one here, another there; and soon the last of
the old settlers will be gone. Let us then plant around our homes the
fragrant Asphodel, that shall say to us here, and of us when we are
here no more, in eNpressive symbolical language — "Remembrance be-
yond the tomb."
The following is
JUDGE tabor's address.
Mr. President, L.\dies .\nd Gentlemen: An "old settler" who
has not only reached the age of three score, but has passed beyond
that boundary, is not so much given to blushes as when he was in his
vouthful prime. This being the case, I have heard with a comparative
decree of composure the encomiums which our presiding officer has so
generously showered upon me. He seems to follow the proverb of
judging others by himself, and in that manner discovers qualities in me
which are his own characteristics. We all know how excellent a repre-
sentative he is of the enterprise, the business tact, and the social amen-
ity of the county: and, knowing this, we have made him our president,
notwithstanding his easy elocution deals out compliments with the
same profusion as his purse scatters its contents among so many of
our farmers and stock-raisers.
It is with pleasure that I greet the assemblage around me. I see
many faces that are strange, but I also see many that are "familiar as
household words" — faces that carry me back to the old times, and re-
mind me of the great changes that have taken place among us during
the last twenty-five years. Now I see here a flourishing town, with a
thrifty, prosperous and enterprising population, and throughout the
county, fine residences, cultivated farms, good roads, numerous
schools, and many villages, full of activity, business, and all the
requirements of future growth and success. — I see the various Christian
sects represented, all with convenient houses of worship, and, some of
them of such elegance as would be no discredit to metropolitan congre-
gations. I see all these denominations living in the greatest peace and
harmony with each other. I see, too, the Israelite and the heretic
have here entire freedom of thought and liberty of speech, and that
equal rights are accorded to all, without social ostracism or theological
denunciation. Every man can truly sit under his own vine and fig
tree, and there is none to molest or make him afraid. This religious
brotherhood and this religious toleration has, indeed, ever been most
marked in Buchanan county, as none can be better witnesses than more
than one of us now in this assembly, who can gratefully testify that
neither heterodo.xy or orthodoxy were made texts by our citizens in
State or national politics, or in our civil government. But the mate-
rial prosperity of the various denominations, and of the community at
large, has increased and developed to an extent which is very gratifying
and which promises to be permanent and yet greater.
I came here from a busy, thriving, manufacturing village and county
in Massachusetts, where manners and customs were stereotyped, and
where precision and etiquette were the order of the day. The barber's
trade was there very flourishing, and tailors found plenty of employ-
84
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
ment for needles, shears and goose. A smooth-shaved face overtopped
an unexceptionable coat and a pair of fashionable pantaloons. A full
beard and moustache were unknown in that Massachusetts region, and
if an individual had made his appearance in the streets with his coun-
tenance so garnished and adorned, he would have frightened the child-
ren and been a spectacle of wonder to the adults. It would have
been doubted whether he wr.s Lorenzo Dow resuscitated, whether one
of the old Hebrew prophets was on a voyage of discovery, or whether
Satan himself was again going about, to and fro, and was hiding his
cloven foot in a well-shaped boot. What was my surprise, then, on
getting to Independence, to find four-fifths of the men with beards of
flowing luxuriance, and with mustaches worthy of a Hindoo devotee !
But, alas ! there is a certam book which tells us most truly that " Evil
communications corrupt good manners," and what is true of vice is
true of custom: "We first endure, then pity, then embrace." So it
was with the well-shaved Yankee who had always abhorred a full beard
and mustache, like a Roundhead in the time of Cromwell; but was
now viewing the unsightly enormity for the first time with his own eyes,
and was making his first acquaintance with western men and western
manners. He became a renegade. He joined the Philistines. He
enlisted in the army of Esau. Verily, he became a hairy man, and,
what is more, though twenty-five years have since passed over his
head, a hairy man he still remains, and now stands before you the
same, and yet changed. The "silver threads" are not the exception,
but the rule, m his locks; and his beard and mustache have taken that
hue which they will never lose. The fact of my so immediately adopt-
ing the full beard and mustache is a proof that I heartily relished
western comfort and western disregard of fashion, which interfered
with ease or business.
I found the same western style in regard to dress. While the ladies
—as a good Catholic on certain occasions always bows his head and
crosses himself, so when the fairest part of creation is mentioned, I al-
ways have an exclamation, "Bless the dear souls!" — the ladies did
then, as they do now, dress most bewitchingly, but the men were as in-
dependent of tailors as of barbers. It was almost a fact that every
raascuUne garment from the lime of Adam down to 1856 could be
found in Buchanan county. The craniums of the citizens weie adorned
by every variety of hats and caps — bell-crowned, peaked, broad-
brimmed, narrow-brimmed, beaver, felt, round, square, white, black
brown, and grizzled — and every man considered himself a Beau
Brummel in style and outfit. There were "long blue coats,'" like that
of old Grimes; there were short, jaunty coats, like that of an Irishman
at Donnybrook fair; there were tight coats, loose coats, swallow tails,
blouses — all sorts, and every one just fitted for the man who wore it, for
the time, and for the occasion. Other garments were after a similar
fashion — every man for himself, and God for 'em all.
Oh, you old settlers, those were the days worth livmg ! Those were
the days of hearty frankness, downright friendship, absolute equality,
and contempt of shams. Oh, how I enjoyed it! Freed from the restraints
of New England formality and staid exactions, I fairly rioted in the
universal sociability which here united one to another, where ceremoni-
ous introductions were unnecessary, where sight was acquaintance, and
acquaintance was friendship. For myself, though not "a native here,
nor to the manner born," if I may quote Shakespeare with a little vari-
ation, yet I took to these free and easy ways, this unostentatious and
cordial intercourse, as a duck takes to the water, or the red man to his
native woods. Yes, old settlers, I became one of you at once, and in
manners, garments, thoughts, and feelings, I was emphatically a pio-
neer. Never before had I enjoyed myself so well; never again do I
expect to experience the beatitude of being
"As free as Nature first made man."
Those were days that could not last. The increase of wealth, the
prevalence of comforts, the influx of newcomers, the greater and
greater number of persons with whom we had no intimacy, our appor-
tionment more and more into a larger number of sects, our devotion to
business, and various other social interests have assimilated us nearly
to the habits and customs of our eastern kindred and progenitors.
Farewell to the old pioneer days ! They are gone. But for one I am
glad that I participated in them, and if i cannot say with .^neas,
"£/ guorit}n pars magna ftii — "
"In which so large a part I bore — *'
I know that I was an Arcadian, that I was one that helped to develop
the resources of the county, and to aid in its culture, its affluence, and
prosperity.
I have some curious reminiscences of those old times which sharply
illustrate the difterence of then and now. W'helher my earnest and
cordial love of my pioneer environments, and my intuitive acceptance
of their social exactions — whether nature had no power to mold me
into a fashionable man — and so my fellow old settlers instinctively re-
cognized me as one of themselves, I know not; but I do know that
without solicitation or expectation on my part, and to my surprise as
well, they made me the recipient of their official confidence for a num-
ber of years, and in fact until our relations were terminated by Presi-
dent Lincoln assigning me to new duties and with greater responsibilities.
But as an example of the thoroughness of my pioneer habits, and of
the ways of those with whom I lived, I will relate a curious circum-
stance wjiich happened to me while I was county judge.
1 then lived on the north side of the railroad, in the house now
owned and occupied by Heman Morse, and which I built. It was a
warm summer afternoon, very near sunset, that I was out in search of
my cow; for I was then my own master, servant, chore boy, and man
of all work, from helping my wife to wash on a Monday morning to
milking my cow, sawing and splitting my wood, feeding my pig, and
looking after things generally. I had on a broad-brimmed palm-leaf
hat, a good honest shirt and a pair of blue overalls, warranted not to
fade in color, and like Washington's buckskin breeches, not to rip in
the seat. My feet were guiltless of shoes and stockings, and I was
striding off with the ease of a man untroubled with corns. While thus
engaged I noticed a handsome barouche approaching, drawn by two
fine bay horses, and occupied by an elegantly dressed gentleman and
lady. When the carriage came up with me the gentleman said:
"Can you direct me to the county judge? "
"Oh, yes sir; I can." I answered, "1 am the county judge."
" You the county judge !" exclaimed the gentleman in a tone of sur-
prise, and exchanging comical and rather astonished glances with his
female companion.
"Yes. sir," said I, " I am the man. according to the record."
"Well." said he, "my name is Griffith. I am a teacher of elocution,
and wish to procure the court-house for a series of lectures. Can I
have it?"
"Of course you can." I replied, "and I presume you will have a suc-
cessful course."
It was soon arranged, and Mr. Griffith proved a very excellent elo-
cutionist, and was the first man who ever made me really appreciate
the power of good reading. In fact, I have always given him the
preference of any elocutionist I have heard. Before he left he was
satisfied that blue-jeans and bare feet did not absolutely preclude some
knowledge of literature, and some acquaintance with books. But the
comical figure I cut on the prairie, among the hazel bushes, and in my
primitive costume, has always made me laugh whenever it has came
into my mind. The Griffiths doubtless thought they had reached the
outer-pos'.s of civilization.
Another similar, but more annoying occurrence, happened the sum-
mer before, when I was living in what had been Wilkinson's carriage-
shop, and which then stood about where the Tabor & Tabor drug
store is now located. I had been over the river to bring up my cow,
in the same identical costume I have described, and as I had waded
through the romantic and picturesque W^apsipinicon, I had taken an
evening bath suitable for a warm day; but the blue overalls were de-
cidedly bedraggled, and clung to my limbs with a tenacity not very
flattering to proportions thai I never considered "A glass of fashion,
and a mould of form." Desirous of changing my wet habiliments for
dry ones, I boiled unceremoniously into tKe only apartment we had
for kitchen, parlor and reception room, and there I was astounded to
find an elegantly dressed lady, who was making her first call upon my
wife. I own I did then wish for shoes and stockings, and consigned
the sticky, wet, clinging overalls to a place which has a reputation for
excessive heat. But there was no help for it. I was very politely in-
troduced by my wife to our visitor, and she, being a real lady, con-
trolled herrisibles, made only mental comments on the staturesque ap-
pearance of my limbs, comprehended the situation fully, and having
a fund of wit and sociability, soon placed me as entirely at my ease as
if I had been clothed in tiie purple and fine linen so noted in the days
of King Solomon. Perhaps it will not be too impudent for me to add
that I see the lady who then called on us now in this audience, and
many a hearty laugh have we had over our first introduction.
Such were the incidents of these old pioneer days, incidents full of
interest with the present improved state of things. Every man and
every woman was aUve then, all woiking with their own hands, and no
one feeling dispirited or degraded thereby. Every winter morning
when I went to my office I used to see the district attorney out-o'-doors,
axe in hand, cutting up wood for his stove, and taking it from a pile
where it lay sled length. Lawyers, merchants, doctors and ministers
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
8S
not only had ench a stalwart pair of hands, but they used them, and
honest hibor was respectable everywliere. But I cannot dwell longer
on the old scenes, which, however, have been more impressed upon me
than the rest of you, because I sojourned away from you for many
years, and have at length returned, as I hope, to spend the remainder
of my days among you.
I miss many old faces that would be with us were they alive. Judge
Roszell, my predecessor as county judge and my frequent competitor
in political contests, has gone to his long home. Never were we other-
wise than friends, and after our first canvass of the county, during a
political campaign and each evening a political discussion, I think we
each had a greater respect £br the other than ever before. I honor his
memory and mourn his loss. The Rev. Mr. Boggs is another who
comes vividly before me. Theologically we differed greatly, but our
personal friendship was never for a moment disturbed; and it is a
pleasing recollection with me that on one occasion, when his health
would not allow him to walk to the polls, he yet rode to them in order
to give me his vote. Samuel Parker, an old and honored citizen, has
recently left us, and so has Mr. .Sparling, both carrying with them our
tender memories and filling us with sorrow at their loss, .^mong those,
too, who were formerly my tried and true friends, I must speak of Mr.
S. B. Curtis, whose native good sense, strict integrity, and sterling
qualities would have done honor to any station in life.
But I must draw my desultory and disconnected remarks to a close,
and as hardly ever a man reaches the age of sixty without thinking
himself competent to give advice, I intend, old settlers, to exemplify
this fact. Yes, my friends, we are old, and even at the longest we can
maintain our hold on life but a short lime. Let us then, by cheerful-
ness, neatness and good temper, by a cultivation of youthful feelings,
by a constant interest in public affairs, by a love for progress and im~
provement, by resolutely banishing fault-finding and querulousness, by
abstaining from unreasonable laudations of the times when we were
young, and by duly appreciating all that is now better and more per-
fect than in former days — let us, I say, by these means, and by being
amiable both in our families and in public, endeavor to be happy our-
selves and to contribute to the happiness of those around us. Let us
keep our intellectual faculties bright by using them. Let us remember
that books are a great comfort for the aged and those deprived of gen-
eral conversation. Let us. one and all, be prepared for death. Let
us be so assured in our own minds in relation to that inevitable debt
that we shall be as ready to meet it now as to-morrow — at this
moment as at any future time. "So live," as I will quote in conclus-
ion what has been quoted before, but which will bear repetition,
"So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave.
Like one wly wraps the drapery of his couch
About him and lies down to pleasant dream.s.
MR. perciv.\l's address.
The remarks made by the Rev. Mr. Percival at this
meeting of the Old Settlers' association were substantially
as follows :
Pioneers of Buch.\nan Cou.ntv:— My friend, the president of
your society, has introduced me as the "county historian." It is not a
title that I am ashamed of, and yet I am almost sorry that he has ap-
pUed it to me on this occasion, for, above all things, I should have liked
to avoid the suspicion that I came here with an axe to grind. At the
same lime I may as well confess that, in a certain sense, the suspicion
would do me no injustice. It is not an entirely disinterested motive
that brought me here. It would not have been that, if I had come
merely to have a good time — to enjoy the pleasant excitement of ming-
Ung in a crowd — to gratify a natural curiosity to see, with my own eyes,
of what stuff the yeomanry of old Buchanan is composed — to avail my-
self of the rare opportunity of listening to the eloquence of your county
orators. All this was, in part, the attraction that brought me here. But
if I confess that my principal motive in coming was apparently more
sordid than that — that I had an eye to business, even more than to
pleasure — that I hoped to gather inspiration from what I should see and
hear on this occasion, that would render the task I have undertaken
(that of writing the history of your noble county) easier for myself, and
more satisfactory to those who may honor the work with their patron-
age, in short, if I own up. fiirly and squarely, that I did come here
"with an axe to grind," I trust you will judge me as leniently as the
demerits of the case will permit.
.^s I have been sitting here, listening to the graphic sketches which
the various speakers have given of eariy times in this county, and cast-
ing my eye over this assembly composed so largely of men and
women who weie actors in the scenes described, I have realized, as
I never did before, how noble it is to be a pioneer— to take the lead in
the great work of transforming a wilderness to a fertile and cultivated
land, and to assist in laying the foundations of a new empire. I feel a
sort of envy of these fortunate men, and a sort of humiliation when I
remember that I was never a pioneer anywhere, or in anything. It is
true that my parents were among the eariy settlers in central \ew York
in "old Oneida," which has sometimes been called the Empire county
of the Empire State; and if I had remained there until the present
time, I might perhaps have been admitted to the old settlers' associa-
tion of that county (should one still exist there) because I once lived in
a log cabin, helped to roll and bum log heaps, and planted and hoed
corn among the stumps.
But I was born too late to be considered a pioneer in my native
county, and I left it too soon to become an old resident in it; and were
I to return now, I should perhaps be looked upon only as a deserter.
Since leaving it. I have lived in four States; but they were al|
settled before 1 came, and, although I have been an old man in three
of them, I was never an old resident in any. Neariy ten years ago I
became a resident of your county and of this goodly town. Had I re-
mained here from that time to the present, I should now have, accord-
ing to your terms of admission, but about ten years more to stay before
I might enjoy the coveted honor of being enrolled in an old settlers-
society. But, alas, my nomadic habits had become too strongly fixed;
and so, after a two years' stay, I folded my tent like the Arabs, and as
quietly stole away! And now, although I should remain with you for
the remainder of my days, there is little probability that I should live
long enough to be reckoned as one of your "old settlers."
Since, therefore, this boon is denied me, I must content myself with
the best substitute that lies within my reach. Since the fates deny that
I shall ever be a pioneer myself, I will do what I can to perpetuate the
memory of them and of their noble achievements. Though I cannot
be remembered as an old settler. I will try to be remembered as the old
settlers' historian.
I deem myself fortunate in finding such an organization as this in ex-
istence here. It is a pledge beforehand, of public interest in the work
I have undertaken; and it will simplify and lighten my labor, by giving
me more ready access to the materials I need.
The county is fortunate in having such an organization within its
borders. It will do more than to furnish an annual festival, that shall
serve as the source of great social enjoyment to its members and their
friends; though that, of itself would be no unworthy object. But
what is far better, it will keep alive the old, healthful, vigorous pio-
neer spirit, and an honest county pride, both in yourselves and in your
children, which will prove, the sure promoter of material, social and
moral improvement.
And finally, my friends, you are, as a society, fortunate and worthy
of congratulation on more accounts than I have now time to enumerate,
but especially on these— that you have so goodly a heritage as this fair
land to transmit to those who are so soon to come after you — that you
have, within your own membership, so goodly a number with ready
wit and ready tongue to instruct and entertain you when you come to.
gether on occasions like this— and last, but not least, that you have a
president capable, energetic and public spirited; magnetic in imparting
his enthusiasm to others; skilful in arranging a bill of fare for an in-
tellectual festival, and well knowing when it is best (as in the present
instance) to observe that ancient rule, so often violated, viz., to reserve
the poorest wine until the close of the feast.
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY — FIRST ORGANIZATION.
The following "call" appeared in the Quasqueton
Guardian of February 25, 185S:
To the farmers 0/ Buchanan county, and all others interested in the
formatiou of a county agricultural society:
We, the undersigned, in view of the importance, as well as benefits,
derived from a properly organized and well regulated agricultural soci-
ety, would invite all persons who are willing to cooperate in such an
organization, and aid in sustaining the same when organized, to meet
86
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
at Morse's hall, in Independence, on Saiurday, March 20, 1858. at lo
o'clock, A. M., to perfect such an organization.
February 18, 18 =
David W. Gould,
R. Campbell,
Charles Crane,
L. B. Mellish,
S. S. McClure,
C. F. Leavitt,
J. H. Campbell,
H. S. Chase,
P. A. Older,
B. S. Rider,
C. 'W. Sellis,
S. "W. Cook,
L. Keys,
D. S. Lee,
S. V. Thompson,
E. A. Alexander,
J. M. Benthall,
T. A. Jernegan,
E. W. Whitney,
G. C. Jordan,
A. O. Davis.
E. B. Older,
S. J. 'W. Tabor,
C. 'W. ■Wilson,
Thomas Sherwood,
\V. D. Fisher,
A. J. Bowley,
William Miller,
John Burns,
G. P. Hayslip,
G. R. Smith,
Charles E. Kent,
J. Rich,
F. M. Lewis,
D. S. Davis,
E. J. Pratt,
S. W. Hardin,
B. F. Clark,-
James C. Henry,
M. N. Timson,
George P. Martin,
Pursuant to the above call, a meeting was held at the
court house on Saturday, March 20th, for the purpose set
forth in the call for the meeting, viz: The organization of
a county agricultural society. At 11 o'clock a. m., the
meeting was called to order by choosing Dr. H. S. Chase,
as chairman, and L. W. Hart, secretary.
A committee of five was then appointed by the chair
for the purpose of drafting a constitution for such a so-
ciety. The committee consisted of L. W. Cook, D. S.
Lee, M. Harter, H. S. Chase, Samuel Braden, and John
Merrill. The meeting then adjourned until i o'clock
of the same day, and at the same place, to hear the re-
port of the coinmittee. At i o'clock the committee
reported the following constitution :
Article I. — The name of the society shall be the Buchanan county
Agricultural society.
Article II. — The object of the society shall be the promotion of
agriculture and the mechanic arts.
Article IH. — The officers of this society shall be, a president,
three vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer, and five directors, all of
whom shall constitute an executive committee, with such other ofiicers
as shall be appointed by the society.
Article I'V. — The secretary shall keep ^record of the proceedings
of the society and of the executive committee, and make report thereof
at the annual meeting, or when requested by the society.
Article V. — The treasurer shall keep all moneys belonging to the
society, and pay out the same on a warrant of the president, counter-
signed by the secietary; and tnake an annual report to the society of
the finances thereof.
Article VI. — The e.\ecutive committee shall superintend and direct
the affairs of the society, from one meeting to another, and perform
such other duties as the by-laws shall direct.
Article "VII. — The officers of this society shall hereafter be elected
at the annual meeting, by ballot, and shall hold office one year, and
until their successors shall be elected.
Article VIII. — The annual meeting of said society shall be held on
the first Tuesday in January of each year.
Article IX. — Any citizen of the county may become a member of
this society upon the payment of one dollar into the treasury annually,
and having his name registered by the secretary.
Article X. — The society shall have power to adopt such by-laws
as may be deemed necessary to carry out the object of this constitution,
and to change the constitution and by-laws at any annual meeting of
the society.
This report was received and the committee was dis-
charged.
A motion was then made and carried unanimously, to
adopt the constitution as reported.
The following persons were then appointed a commit-
tee to report names for officers of the society : W. O.
Smith, O. H. P. Roszell, D. S. Lee, \Villiam Logan, H.
H. Hunt, who, after a short session, reported the follow-
ing persons to hold the various offices of the society, to-
wit: H. S. Chase, president; Abiathas Richardson, Da-
vid Merrill and Newman Curtis, vice-presidents ; L. W.
Hart, secretary; O. H. P. Roszell, treasurer; John Smy-
zer, William Logan, Rufus Conable, William Elliot and
Charles Hoover, directors.
The report was received and the committee discharged.
The motion to adopt the report was then put, and car-
ried without dissent. The following persons were then
appointed a committee to draft by-laws for the society,
to-wit: J. B. Thomas, S. S. Allen, Charles Kinckerbocker,
who were to make report at the next meeting. W. O.
Smith, D. S. Lee, and C. S. Leavitt, were appointed a
committee to enquire into and report what should be
done by this society to entitle it to share in the agricul-
tural fund. The secretary was instructed to notify ab-
sent officers of their election, by mail, or otherwise. A
motion was then carried to publish the proceedings of
the meeting in the Independence Civilian^ and the Quas-
queton Guardian. The society then adjourned to meet
on the second Saturday in June, at 11 o'clock a. m.,
at which time the several committees are to report.
With this brief account of the organization of the first
agricultural society, we pass at once to a description of
its first fair, held in October of the same year.
FIRST AGRICULTURAL FAIR.
From the columns of the Guardian of October 21,
1858, we condense an account of the "first fair." The
weather of the first day, October 13th, was cold, blustering
and somewhat stormy, and the entries and attendance of
that day was limited. The "fickle goddess," who, since
that time, has "poured cold water" on many a similar
enterprise, smiled propitiously on the second day, and
the influ.x of both entries and visitors was characteristic
of Buchanan outpourings of that early tinie.
The different committees were generally prompt and
attentive to their duties, making their awards iinpartially,
and to general satisfaction. It was the opinion of the
writer in the Guardian, that though several fine horses
were exhibited, the display was inferior to what the
county was capable of making. In cattle there were
thirty-two entries, some of them very fine, so that even
thus early one of Buchanan's specialties was fore-
shadowed. In sheep there was but one entry, a fine me-
rino buck and ewe, belonging to Mr. C. H. Jakway, of
Buffalo township; the man who once offered a pail of
fine butter in Independence, for four cents per pound,
without finding a purchaser. The display of swine was
quite creditable; Mr. Martin exhibiting the finest speci-
men of the Suffolk variety — the other exhibitors show-
ing crosses of that stock.
The display of poultry was not large, but the varieties
exhibited were fine. L. W. Cook showed a brace of
Chittagong fowls; which we mention in the interests of
science, fearing the name might become extinct as we
suspect the family has.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
87
In fruits and vegetables the exhibit was pronounced
excellent; but, in looking over the list, we are com-
pelled to notice a very remarkable omission — not a single
specimen of fruit being mentioned; unless the "large
and splendid looking sweet potatoes," displayed by Mr.
E. B. Older, and Mr. Romig's radish — two feet and
seven inches in length and twelve inches in circumfer-
ence, were thought by the committee worthy to be re-
garded as standard bearers, if not "standard fruits" of
Buchanan county soil. Mr. Romig also exhibited sam-
ples of white and yellow seed corn which had produced
seventy-five to eighty bushels per acre for him that year.
Some of the Chinese sugar-cane syrup presented was
pronounced equal to the best golden syrup then in mar-
ket. Mr. Lathrop's and Mr. Reed's were especially line.
In butter the entries seemed alike superior. Only one
sample of cheese was entered and that of excellent qual-
ity, made by Mrs. James Brooks.
THE PLOWING .\ND RIDING MATCH.
Passing over the notices of other departments, which
will sufficiently appear in the list of premiums which we
copy entire, a few words in regard to the plowing and
riding matches will suffice, with the list, to perpetuate the
memory of an event, which, at the time of its occur-
rence, was regarded by all classes of the population as
one of special interest. Not a household in the county,
if is safe to say, was not plea.santly and profitably stirred
from the dull monotony of ever recurring toils.
THE RIDING MATCH.
The great point of interest in the entire exhibition, at
least to the more youthful portion of the visitors, was
the riding match which came off at the race-course,
which then occupied the grounds of the west side
school building. About ten o'clock of the second day
a tide of men, women, and children, in wagons and on
foot, began to pour over the bridge towards the place of
exhibition. The plowing match had but a feeble attrac-
tion, except to the few. Farmers' wives and sons could
see plowing on their own broad acres at home; while
the element of novelty drew a large proportion of those
not personally interested in the awards, irresistably to
the race-course.
The entries for the riding contest were Mrs. Edge-
comb, Miss Freeman, Misses Clara and Mary Kipp, Miss
Clark and Miss Coleman. It was the opinion of the
judges, as well as of the spectators, that the horses were
generally inferior, while the riding was uniformly good.
Mrs. Edgecomb and daughter were awarded the first and
second prizes, Miss Freeman, of Byron township, taking
the third.
The exhibition closed with an excellent address de-
livered in the grove on the west side, by C. A. L. Roszell,
and the reading of the premiums by Colonel Thomas.
Mr. Roszell's address will be found in another part of
this chapter. The Quasqueton band was in attendance,
and enlivened the exhibition with their excellent music.
As a primary one, the exhibition was exceedingly credita-
ble. When it is remembered that Buchanan was then
in its adolescence, wanting a full decade of its legal ma-
jority, the following list of premiums will demonstrate
the fact that, though the county was but a robust youth,
its first farmers were already in th'e full tide of successful
experiment.
LIST OF PREMIUMS,
awarded at the first exhibition of the Buchanan coun-
ty agricultural society, held at Independence, October
13 and 14, 1868:
Horses. — Best stallion, five years old or upwards, D. S. Lee, $5.00;
second best. H. S. Chase, $3.00: best stallion, three years old and less
than five, C. B. Jakway, $3.00; second best, H. H. Lathrop, $2.00:
best breeding mare, E. .Miller, J2.00; best four-year-old do., J. Hunt-
ington, $2.00: best sucking colt, S. B. Brooks. $1.00; best trotting
horse, H. Edgecomb, $2.00; best pair matched geldings, A. F. Wil-
liams, $3.00; best yearling colt, F. Pingiee, $2.00; matched carriage
team, W. B. Kipp, $2.00; breeding mares, D. S. Lee, $4.00; single
buggy horse, J. Boone, $2.00; three-year-old mules, C. Hoover, $2.00.
Two-year-old do. , J. Smyser, $1.50; three-year-old mare, F. Hatha-
way, $1.00; two-year-old stallion, S. F. Searle, $1.50.
Cattle — Best yoke of oxen, five years old and upward, S. Sherwood,
$2,00: best yoke of steers, four years old, F. S. Loy. $1.50; best full-
blood short-horned Durham bull, two years old and upwards, D. Mer-
rill, $3.00; best full-blood Devon cow, D. Merrill, $2.00; best do. Dur-
ham do..,D. Robertson, $3.00; best cow, native or crossed, S. B. Curtis,
$2.00: best yearling heifer, Edward Cobb, $1.50; best calf, John Car-
penter, $1.00; two years old Devon bull, J. Carpenter, $1.00; two year
old heifer, D. Merrill, $r.oo; full-blooded Devon calf, the same, 50
cents; four years old grade Devon bull, O. Cobb, 50 cents; second best
Durham bull, three years old, D. Robertson, $1.50.
Sheep — The committee on sheep did not report. C. H. Jakway
made the only entry, and was entitled to the premiums offered. Best
full-blood Merino buck, $3.00; and best do. do. ewe, $3.00.
Swine — Best full-blood Suffolk boar, one year old or more, William
Martin, $3.00: best do., less than one year old, B. W. Ogden, $2.00;
best boar of any breed, one year old or more, Samuel Sherwood. $2. 00;
best litter of pigs, not less than five in number, S. Sherwood, $2.00; to
J. M. Bryan, for crossed Suffolk, $1.00. C. Lane and Smyser present-
ed fine specimens of Suffolk pigs; also James Brown, Leicestershire
and Suffolk pigs.
Field Crops — Best acre of wheat, J. M. Miller, $5.00; best do. corn,
J. F. Romig, $3.00; best do. potatoes, H, S. Chase, $1.50; best acre of
Vermont eight-rowed yellow flint corn, H. S. Chase, $3.00.
Vegetables and Fruits — Best bushel of potatoes, Baxter Adams, 50
cents; best beets, .H. S. Chase, 50 cents; best bushel carrots, H. S.
Chase, 50 cents; best bushel turnips, J. F. Romig, 50 cents; best sweet
potatoes, E. B. Older, 50 cents; best three pumpkins, Solomon Swartz-
ell, 50 cents; best two traces of seed corn, J. F. Romig, $1.00; best
ten pounds of honey, D.ivid Gill, $1.00; best gallon of Chinese sugar
cane syrup, H. B. Lathrop, $1.00.
Poultry — Less than one year old — .Shanghai, best three fowls, cock
and pair of hens, J. M. Miller, $1.50; best pair of ducks, Edward
Chase, $1.50; silver grey fowls, John Rcekhemmer. $1.00.
Butter and cheese — Best twenty-five pounds May or June butter,
Mrs. H. S. Chase, $3.00; best sample of btitter made in September,
Mrs. John Symser, $1.50; twelve pounds September butter, Mrs. J.
Gould, $1.00; jar of brandy cheese, J. M. Brooks, $1.00.
Mechanics' work — first-class — Best two-horse wagon, .Aaion Sher-
wood, $1.00; best buggy, Aaron Sherwood, $1.00, best ox yoke, S.
Sherwood, 50 cents; best specimen of horse-shoeing, W. Scott. $1.00.
Mechanics' work— second class — Best dressed calf-skins, J. C. Loo-
mis, $1.00; best coarse boots, John Wiley, $1.00; best ladies' shoes,
John Wiley, 50 cents.
Mechanics' work — third class — Best specimen blacksmith's work,
three pieces, W. Scott, $r.oo.
.Articles of household manufacture — Best twenty-five yards of car-
peting, Mrs. G. W. Fo.\, $1.00; best two bed quilts. Mrs. J. Gould,
$1.00; one white quilt, Mrs. S. Parker, 50 cents; one knit counterpane.
Mrs. Thomas Scarcliff, 50 cents.
Domestic cookery — Best loaf of bread, .Mrs. L. W. Hart. 50 cents;
best specimen of cooking, Mrs. Purdy, 50 cents.
Miscellaneous articles — One bushel timothy seed, J. M, Miller, $2. 00;
map of Independence, drawn with a pen, Thornton & Ross. $2.00;
bits, augurs and gun work. Aaron Barnes, $z.oo; one dozen domestic
cigars.J. M, Chandler. $1.00; one roast of beef, C:-.rr & Co.. 50 cents.
88
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IO^VA.
[It is evident that the controlling influence with the
awarding committee was decidedly Sir Walter Raleigh-an;
inasmuch as one cigar was esteemed equal to two and
one-twenty-fifth yards of carpeting. The world, it is to
be feared, has not moved greatly since that time, unless
it may be in the wrong direction. In iSSo, it is quite
probable that a roll of the fragrant and flagrant weed
would outweigh an entire roll of "regular stripe," or "hit
and miss," which has been wrought with so much patient
labor, and was destined to redeem some home from the
barrenness which marks the dwellings of stolid plodders,
who have no aspirations beyond the wants of the body.
And in such dwellings the pipe reigns pre-eminent.
Truly, in society as in philosophy, "extremes meet."]
Fancv articles— Sample of worsted work, L. B. Mellish, 50 cents;
fancy pin-cushion. Mrs. J. J. Whait, 50 cents; mona-chromatic paint-
ing, Emma Butterfield, 50 cents; Oriental do., the same, 50 cents; Gre-
cian do., the same, 50 cents; embroidered collars, the same, 50 cents;
leather-work stand, Mrs.R. B. Wright, $1.00; fancy bead basket, Mary
V. Randall, 50 cents; two pictures, H.Kinsley, 50 cents; leather-work
picture frame, Mrs. W. Scott, 50 cents, also specimen of crayon draw-
ing and embroidery, 50 cents each; one .shoe-bag, Mrs. A. J.
Bowley, 50 cents; one swinging book-case, Mrs. E. B. Older, $1.00;
specimen of silk embroidery. Mrs. D. Robertson. 50 cents; embroid-
ered cap, Mrs. E. C. Ecklee, 50 cents; one lamp mat, Mrs. O. H. P.
R05zell,5O cents.
Plowing — Best plowing with one span of horses, J. Smyser, $2.00;
best plowing with one yoke of o.\en, E. Miller, $3.00.
Giving "especial praise" to the committee of arrange-
ments for zeal and industry, in making the necessary
preparations for the exhibition in the short time allowed
them, and acknowledging the indebtedness of the socie-
ty to the following gentlemen, for the loan of lumber,
viz: Messrs. J. D. and D. B. Myers, M. D. Smith, T.
B. Bullen, Samuel Sherwood and Sanford Clark, the
account of the first exhibition of the Buchanan County
Agricultural society closes with the following notice and
call, signed by the secretary, L. W. Hart :
"The annual meeting of the society will be holden on the first Tues-
day of January, 1859. It is hoped that every person interested in the
advancement of agriculture and the mechanic arts will be present and
take part in the proceedings. The officers for the next year are to be
elected, and other important business transacted."
An address delivered at the close of the first annual
fair of the Buchanan County Agricultural society, at In-
dependence, October 14, 1858, by C A. L. Roszell:
Mr. Pkesiuen't, L.vdies .\nd Gentlemen: This is an agricul-
tural fair, and I am invited to deliver you a brief address, more as a
matter of form than from any knowledge I am expected to impart-
more as a characteristic of fairs, to have a separate show — to enlarge
and give variety to the general exhibition by the introduction of a new
animal. A person may sometimes criticise an art without being an
artist himself ; and it is said of the learned Dr. Johnson, of England,
that he was no more a poet than a sheep is a goat, yet he spent a large
portion of his time reading poetry, and gained something of a celebrity
as a critic of that art, though it is now admitted that he was scarcely
ever right, if not always wrong. -And in some respect I am like the
great doctor, for, being no farmer, though I myself may be dull — yet,
by stating some facts connected with agricultuie, I may operate as a
whetstone to sharpen the farmer's energy, if not his practical ideas.
Whether a man be a mechanic, an artist, a doctor, or a lawyer —
whether he has spent a successful life toiling in a country village or in
pent up cities, regarding every other occupation as inferior to his own
— when he first steps into the great valley divided by the "Father of
Waters," bordering a land of the richest fertility, of unsurpassed
beauty, of the finest climate— when his eye wanders over the grassy,
interminable prairies, watered by springs, lakes, and majestic rivers —
he feels his mind expand, his own profession is lost in insignific.ince,
and the vocation of the humble agriculturist rises into the noble and.
sublime. In this great region, which the plow has hardly scarred, lies
our own State, spread out like a table for a feast of the gods, possess-
ing all the natural advantages of a salubrious climate, strength, variety,
and richness of soil — almost an agriculturist in itself — it needs but to
be touched by the creative thought and energetic action of man, and
its luxurious soil yields the harvest. With this immeasurable field for
agricultural enterprise before them — we think our farmers should at
least enquire what ought to be done to secure their own individual hap-
piness and prosperity, and a permanent argicultural importance to
their county and State. It is almost presumptuous for me to under-
take to tell you anything about it, but if we look at the eastern States,
many of them had a primitive fertility of sail equal to our own — but,
the farmers hasting to get rich, and deeming the strength of the fields
inexhaustible, crop followed crop in rapid succession, and they have
raised their millions of bushels of grain, that have filled their own and
foreign markets for three-quarters of a century, by impoverishing the
soil, and replacing but little equivalent — by sapping and not replenish-
ing. They have been industrious — building up magnificent internal
improvements — but not pnident; and to-day their agricultural statistics
show a rapid decrease in produce for the last few years. They have
moved fast, but now move slower, for want of breath; and they admit
that there has been a radical mistake in cultivation.
Many of our Iowa farmers are from the east. They have come
where land is cheap, to seek a wider field for their labors, to establish
a permanent home, to amass wealth. Their old honisteads were too
limited, and, worn out by old age and debility, the soil failed to pro-
duce, and it was thought out of the question to infuse into it new life
and vigor. They are here, certainly, not to repeat the old system of
decay that is urging the soil of the east into sterility, but to grow lux-
uriant crops, and yet retain the pristine vigor of the fields by nourishing
them with proper aliment. Yet, with all the prudence and foresight
exercised, with all the accuracy of geological conclusions, and chemical
combinations, the exact depth of plowing, and precise time of sowing,
the farmer's occupation has its ups and downs, its calamities and de-
pressions — the seeds do not germinate, and in spite of the barometer,
by which a man can get a little start of time, and look forward a week
or two into the weather, the ripening crops are cut off by the frost,
wind and rain. The effects of these accidents can be in part counter-
acted by devoting a portion of the attention to growing horses, cattle,
sheep and swine — which is a concomitant of agriculture, and may be
said to be comprised under that general term.
In this State, where pasture and meadow land is immeasurable, and
grass nearly as free as the air we breathe, a fine herd of live stock
must certainly be a source of immense profit. I am not intending to
recommend any particular breed, for whether the best breed of cattle
is the Durham or Devonshire, the short, long, rough or smooth horn.
1 can not tell.
A good breed is always desirable, but many are under the mistake
that because it cost, for instance, ten dollars to fatten a hog of a poor
breed, it will cost twice that amount to fatten a good one. The reverse
of this proposition, however, is always true; for while a swine of mis-
erable breed is decidedly the most consumate hog in the world, so far
as eating is concerned, it is at the same time the most contemptible as a
porker.
I know there are many so-called aristocratic people in our capitals,
who regard the farmer's calling as beneath them, and their refined sen-
sibilities are shocked at the mention of hogs and sheep. There prob-
ably always will be such a class, but to you there is nothing discourag-
ing in it. Your opulence is in the line of their stupidity. Turn your
attention then as much as you please to growing live stock; that same
aristocratic class of hungry men will keep your millions of swine in a
perpetual squeal. The delicate appitites of those exquisite ladies will
keep your countless lambs in an eternal bleat. But some of you may
not like the idea that you are the class upon which other classes de-
pend, thinking it a menial position. The sun is our planet's source of
light and fecundity; the moon and planets glow and stars twinkle with
its hght; the morning borrows from it its tints of silver, crimson and
gold; yet, as it moves in brilliant mystery through the heavens, 1 im-
agine no one can say it occupies an ignoble position in space.
Raising grain and stock is a source of emolument to the agriculturist
— it results in a profit to be counted in dollars and cents. But there
are other elements than those of gain, intimately connected with his
calling. 1 take it for granted that most of our first-rate farmers have
found a permanent home, for I believe it to be admitted that those who
continually move from State to State are more itinerants than agricul-
turists. However this m.iy be, a farmer wants a home. Castles and
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUN'IV, IOWA
89
palaces, surrounded with grand parks and extensive lawns, may not at
first be built; but, by enclosing his grounds with neat fences or hedges,
planting shrubbery and fruit trees, and cultivating a tasteful garden, he
may give his home, however lowly, an air of beauty and cheerfulness
while in its youth, and when developed an air even of luxury, elegante,
and grandeur. If the farmers children become averse to the farmer's
employment, it is perhaps because too little attention is given to mak-
ing home attractive; and where its general features show a want of life
and energy — a sort of monotonous decay — you must admit there is
nothing inviting in it. To be sure, kindness and harmony, at this day,
reign in the household of the farmer, and no one can take exceptions
to his calling on that account. But it has not always been so. I find
what was formerly considered the height of domestic economy — disa-
greement and dissimilarity of taste --expressed in the old English
ballad—
"Jack Sprat could eat no fat,
His wife could eat no lean,
And so, betwi.xl them both, you see
They licked the platter clean."
But the old regime of economy has passed away, and it is now ac-
knowledged that harmony and union contribute most largely to eco-
nomical power, and henceforth, throughout the limits of the domestic
and general management of the farmer, new elements will be brought
to bear — farming must be done on more wise and scientific principles.
Scientific — a word with a sharkish-looking Latin head; but it is as good
natured as modern Anglo-Saxon, and W'On't harm anybody, and it is
becoming deservedly popular in agriculture. Our material world moves
about the sun now in the path it described thousands of years ago, and
the stars chase each other in the same circle round the pole; but the
world of science has been advancing in a straight line, and agriculture
at last begins to feel its influence. I say at last, for the most important
de\'elopments in agricultural science belong to the last half century.
The fields of heaven had been largely explored. Planets, constella-
tions and satellites had their places on the maps of the astronomer ;
masses were weighed and orbits defined ; the fine arts attained a high
degree of perfection ; paintings and statues adorned the cathedrals
and temples. The Grecians had their national exhibitions of physical
strength ; the Romans had their r/>Y//.f //t a x tin us and gladiatorial shows;
but no crystal palaces were built where the agriculturist might exhibit
to the world the products of the soil. The Helots of Greece and the
Roman plebeians could follow tilling the soil from day to day, and per-
lorm all the physical functions recjuired in sowing .and reaping ; but
they understood no law that governed matter, and knew nothing of the
elements that produced the han-est. Fetteied in ignorance and scourged
by crazy despotism, they were worked, rather than working, trailing
after them their fetters, and gnashing their teeth. There was no stim-
ulus to encourage investigations of animal or vegetable life. There
has been enough of these kinds of farming, and we all admit that they
are the ones which, with an iroii arm, have held our grandest art in
thrall, contributing not a penny-worth, not a grain of sand, to the
temple of human knowledge and industries.
The genius of modern Yankee progress alone is the conjurer that
must fully unlock the spell and startle up this agricultural science from
its sleep of centuries. This spirit of improvement declares that the
world has been too much occupied with heroes and conquerors; that
the strife of gieat men has been too long a terror to the earth, and not
a benefit — coming like a whirlwind, or like conflagrations that consume
cities, rather than seeking those truths which bless mankind. There is
no longer a field for such ambition — we have no more need of mighty
conquerors — the dust of the Caesars is blown away, and to-day it is
more a matter of praise to be an Alexander in the science of raising
grain, horses, cattle and sheep, than to desolate the empire of an in-
nocent people with a victorious army.
Many of the countries of Europe have made great advancement in
scientific agriculture, their governments sustaining colleges where the
deductions of science are applied to the piocesses of agriculture in all of
its departments. England, Russia, Belgium and several of the German
States have taken the first steps toward elevating agriculture to the
place which, from its importance and inherent dignity, it should right-
fully occupy. In Belgium, it may be said that farming is fashionable,
and there they //// the earth — joori it over just as ladies do their butter;
and this is quite possible to them, for the quantities are nearly equal.
In other countries the labor of farming is done by the lower classes.
England is one of these; and she sometimes laughs at our country
with its nineteen millions of agriculturists, saying, the Yankee is
shockingly practical; that he gazes on Niagara's cataract and exclaims.
What a stream to turn a mill ! —on the variegated and gorgeous land-
scape, and cries. What a splendid pasture for cattle, swine and sheep !
— that his speculative genius being engrossed in enterprises and con-
quests for the almighty dollar, all National refinement is lost sight of
— and last, that he is unmilitary.
It does not follow, however, that because we are practical we may
not be theoretical; practice is the natural sequence of theory — the
thought of the thinker taking palpable shape; and the aim of our insti-
tutions is to make men both theoretical and practical. To a monarchy
that loves old forms, and clings to the decaying spirit of the feudal
system, our country appears weak in a military point of view. We
maintain no standing armies to make pompous displays, as suction
pumps to drain with an onerous tax the purses of an industrious
people; yet, if made the object of foreign assault or foreign levy, this
people, so practical, so strongly agricultural in its natural unpampered
strength, is instinctively a military giant, which, when it moves its
limbs and turns itself about, can cause earth to tremble, and make
thrones totter. The possession of a vast body of intelligent agricul-
turists is not, then, a National weakness, but rather a bulwark of un-
told strength. And manly toil under the blue sky, in the bright
sunshine and pure atmosphere of heaven, is it disgraceful? If the
mind loves philosophy, it can there grasp nature in its widest extent ;
if the soul is poetic, the muse's voice is heard in the rippling rills and
the rushing river, and romance lurks around the dewy meadows. Is
there, then, anything degrading in agriculture? It is the vital element
of internal improvement, creating a want that builds railroads through
swamps, and canals over mountains — the enchanter that lifts up cities;
it withdraws its hand from them, and they sink into insignificance; it
extends it. and the choicest treasures of the earth are thefe piled up,
and commerce is the breath of its nostrils.
If agriculture, then, is not degrading, but ennobling— if it is the
leading interest of our State, why not educate men for scientific re-
search in this art? Why should not the farmer be taught to study
propee fertilizers by analyzing earths adding and combining varieties
containing those elements necessary for growing certain products, that
they may be scientific and therefore skilful farmers? Let us place the
plow boy at least on an intellectual and social level with the sleek fel-
low who cuts lace behind the counter, or sells candy and cigars in a
confectionery — on the same platform with him also, who depends so
largely upon the magnitude of his client's pocket ; and let learned ag-
riculturists be sent to legislate in Congress in the interests of this great
industry, and of those of his constituents, who, like himself belong to
a class which the citizens of this great Republic will always hold in
especial honor.
Farmers of Buchanan county, you can aid in bringing about these
results, and to this end the instituting of an annual agricultural fair is
of no idle importance. It shows a desire to improve which must lead
to great advances in all that pertains to agriculture. There is the crust
of the earth. Millions of years have passed over it. Mathematically
it cannot be measured ; agriculturally, it is but partially explored ; for
its profound depths are fathomless as the caverns of the sea. It is a
field for the loftiest intellect, the most scientific experiments and the
most inventive genius. Do not siooJ> to farming, then, but elevate
it. with yourselves, to a plane of commanding dignity-, by com-
bining intellectual capacity with physical energy. Thus you will
not only enhance your individual wealth and happiness, but you
will contribute to the high consideration in which your county
and State will be held, both at home and abroad ; and for
innumerable years to come, every freight car that rolls from west to
east, and every American trade ship that plows the sea, shall bear to
other peoples and climes, some tribute to the wisdom and industry of
the great agricultural people of Iowa.
LATER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
The first society to whose organization and first fair
we have deemed it proper to devote considerable space,
continued in existence but about four years. A good
degree of interest was manifested, and the displays were
very creditable considering the imperfect development
which had, at that time, been made of the agricultural
resources of the county. It was found difficult, how-
ever, to keep up the interest, for the lack of funds to
offer attractive premiums. This organization, therefore,
was soon abandoned.
A second society was organized in 1866, held two
9°
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
fairs, very much of the same character as the previous
ones, and was then abandoned Uke the other. Neither
of these societies owned any ground, or other real estate.
Their means for defraying expenses, paying premiums,
etc., were derived from membership fees (one dollar an-
nually from each member) and two hundred dollars con-
tributed by the State for each fair held. These sources
of revenue being found insufficient, the joint stock plan
of organization, now common throughout the State, was
finally ado[)ted.
THE PRESENT SOCIETY,
adopting that plan, was organized in 1869, and held its
first fair the following year. The first officers were as
follows: L. S. Curtis, president; J. H. Campbell,
treasurer; Jed Lake, secretary. The capital stock origi-
nally subscribed was six thousand dollars, to which was
added soon after the organization six hundred dollars
more. This was increased by a donation of one thou-
sand dollars, made by the county in accordance with a
law of the State. All this not being sufficient to meet
the estimated expense of an equipment that should
enable tlte society to make "a fair start in life," it pro-
ceeded to borrow fifteen hundred dollars -making its
entire outfit nine thousand two hundred dollars. With
this money it i>urchased about sixty acres of land, owned
by James Burns, about half a mile west of Indepen-
dence, being a part of the northeast quarter of section
five, township eighty-eight, range nine: enclosed it with
a close substantial board fence, too high to be scaled, ex-
cept by long ladders; built along its south and western sides
convenient stalls and sheds for cattle, a stable one hun-
dred feet in length for horses, and an octagnal floral
hall twenty-two feet on each side, graded a half-mile race
track, and dug four excellent wells. The aggregate ex-
pense of all this was nine thousand one hundred dollars.
The main hall is two stories high, with a wing on one of
its sides twenty-two feet in width by sixty in length.
This wing is used for the exhibition of fruits and vegeta-
bles, while the main hall is devoted to flowers, articles of
domestic manufacture, works of art, etc., etc.
Fairs have been held annually ever since this society
was organized, which have always been successful, pecun-
iarly, and for the most part creditable to the farming
interests of the county, which should be the chief care of
such an association. It cannot be denied, however,
that, for the past few years, the race-course has been
assuming too great a prominence as an object of attrac-
tion. We are not Puritanical in regard to the morality
of public exhibitions of the speed of horses, but we
cannot help thinking that the chief value of agricultural
fairs will be lost if such exhibitions ever come to be
regarded as the principal means of attracting the masses
to the fair grounds. There are those who think that,
even now, as many of our county fairs are conducted,
they ought, in strict honesty, to call themselves the
"Annual County Races." We hope that the exhibitions
of this society may still be called, without a figure of
speech, "agricultural fairs." But the "truth of history"
compels us to say that, if what we saw last fall is a sam-
ple of the present tendency of its affairs, and if that ten-
dency cannot by some means be effectually checked, the
time is not far distant when it, too, will require a change
of name.
-In companv with a friend we rode out to the grounds
during the progress of the fiir, It was the morning
before the races; but, so deserted did the place appear,
that it almost seemed as if we had come "the day after
the fair." In fact our friend jocosely remarked, as we
drove in at the gate, that we must have mistaken the
day, and come on Sunday instead of Thursday. Noth-
ing brought in for exhibition had been removed; but the
stalls and sheds were nearly all empty, and the space
devoted to farm machinery might have been used by the
boys as a base ball ground. Had it not been for the
very creditable exhibition in Floral hall (mainly under
the energetic and skilful direction of Mrs. C. M. Dur-
nam) the fair must have been pronounced a failure, as
to all the objects that have hitherto been regarded as
germane to an agricultural fair.
The Independence Bulletin, in its next issue after the
fair, contains the following notice of the exhibition:
Tlie tenth annual fair of the Bitchanan County Agricultural society,
which was held near this city last week, was not in all respects the
success of former years, yet was not without a certain degree of inter-
est to the visitor. In all that went to make up the display in the
departments of live stock, farm products, fruits, etc., the exhibition
was only partially successful, as it was observed that these divisions
were lamentably deficient. \ number of the old veteran stock growers
of the county did fully their share toward filling up, but were poorly
supported.
The ladies came forward in their usual enthusiastic manner, and
metamorphosed rough old Kloral hall into a wilderness of beauty, with
their paintings [several of which were by the talented Buchanan county
artist. Miss Hattie Freeman] their embroideries, ornamental and useful
needle work, and other products of feminine skill; and the visitoi was
constrained to obs«rve that, had the community in general manifested
the same zeal as the ladies in particular, the fair would have been all
that could be desired.
The absorbing interest manifested in the races, is
shown by the fact that, on Thursday, the first day devo-
ted to that part of the exhibition, "one thousand nine
hundred tickets were sold at the gate!"
The capital stock of the society is divided into two
hundred shares, one-half of which are owned by Jed
Lake, esq., the most of the other half being held by the
farmers throughout the county. The society is still in
debt about one thousand two hundred dollars.
The present officers are as follows: C. H. Jakway,
president; L. J. Curtis, vice-president; J. H. Wilson,
secretary; W. R. Kenyon, treasurer; Jed Lake, R.
O'Brian, J. H. Campbell, executive committee.
The board of directors at present are as follows : J. H.
Campbell, W. R. Kenyon, R. O'Brian, L. J. Curtis,
Clinton Wilson, J. B. Patton, G. M. Miller, C. H. Jake-
way, Jed Lake, G. H. Wilson, and W. O. Curtis.
COUNTY lilBLE SOCIETY.
This association, auxiliary to the American Bible
society, was organized July 26, 1S57. The meeting
called for this purpose, was held in the Presbyterian
church, Independence. After an address by the Rev.
S. P. Crawford, agent of the American society, it was re-
solved to organize an association to aid in the circulation
of the Holy Scriptures. A constitution was adopted.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
91
which has since been two or three times amended — the
last time in 1875, when it was put into the following
form :
CONSTITUTION OK THE BUCHANAN COUNTY BinLE
SOCIETY.
Article I.— This society shall be called the Buchanan County
Bible Society .'\uxiliary to the American Bible Society.
Article II.— The object of this society shall be to promote the
circulation of the Holy Scriptures, "without note or comment," and,
in English, those of the commonly received version.
Article III.— All persons contributing one dollar to its funds, shall
be entitled to one common, forty cent Bible, or its equivalent in Test-
aments, for gratis distribution if called for during the year. Those
contributing Jivt' dollars, shall be members for life, and entitled to one
common Bible, each year, for the purpose, and subject to the condi-
tions, named above.
Article IV. — AH funds, not wanted for circulating the Scriptuies
within this society's limits, shall be paid over annually to the Parent
Society, to aid distributions among the destitute in other parts of the
country, and in foreign lands.
Article V. — The officers of this society shall consist of a president,
one or more vice-presidents, secretary, treasurer, and three directors,
who shall constitute an executive committee, to whom shall be in-
trusted the management of this society, and who shall have power to
fill vacancies in their own body in the interval of annual meetings.
The ministers of all co-operating churches within our bounds shall be
members of this committee, cx-officio.
Article VI. — There shall be a general meeting of this society each
year, at which time the officers shall be elected, and such other business
transacted as may be necessary. Should the society fail of an annual
meeting, the same officers shall be continued until an election does oc-
cur. .-Ml persons sustaining this society by their influence or means,
shall be entitled to vote at this general meeting.
Article VII.— It shall be the duty of the executive committee to
meet soon after each annual meeting, for the purpose of attending to
the following items of business; First. — The report of the secretary
for the past year. Second. — Appointment of an auditing committee
of two or three persons who shall serve during the year, and to whom
shall be referred all reports involving finances. Third. — Report of the
depositary and treasurer. Fonrlk. — The election of a depositary for
the ensuing year. Fifth. — The adoption of necessary measures for
the supply of the field. Sixth. — Miscellaneous business (reports of
committees, etc.) It shall also be their duty to meet frequently on call
of the president, or, any duly authorized agent of the Parent Society;
to see that their depositary is suitably located and well supplied with
books; to see that collections aw; made annually in every congregation,
and that all funds are forwarded promptly to the Parent Society.
Article VIII. — Any branch society or Bible committee formed
within the bounds of this au.\iliary, by paying over its funds annually,
shall receive Bibles and Testaments from this society's depositary for
the supply of their field.
Article IX. — No alteration shall be made in this constitution, ex-
cept at a business meeting, and by the consent of two-thirds of the
officers present.
After the adoption of the constitution, an election was
held for the choice of officers for the ensuing year, which
resulted as follows: Rev. J. L. Kelly, president; Mr.
Newman Curtis and Mr. C. C. Cadwell, vice-presidents-
Rev. John M. Boggs, secretary; Mr. William C. Morris,
treasurer; Mr. J. C. Loomis and Mr. A. C. Blakeley,
additional managers.
The organization being thus completed, the society ad-
journed.
As appears from the records, there have been but
seventeen annual meetings of the society held since the
first — none having been held in i860, 1862, 1865, 1878,
1879 and 1880. There have also been several years
when no meeting of the executive committee has been
held; but, through the wise provision of the constitution,
requiring the officers previously elected to hold over, in
such cases, the society has maintained its existence ; the
depositary has always been kept open and supplied with
Bibles; and no year has passed without more or less
having been disposed of
The books of the treasurer and depositary show that,
on an average about a hundred and sixty dollars' worth
of Bibles have been purchased from the parent society
and distiibuted throughout the county each year since
1857. The largest amount in any one year was in 1869,
when tlie distribution amounted to three hundred and
fifteen dollars and eighty six cents. In cases of inability
to purchase, the distribution has sometimes been gratui-
tous; but the most of those found by the canvassers un-
supplied with a copy of the Holy Scriptures, have been
both willing and able to pay the small price charged by
the American Bible society, which, for those sold here,
averages about one dollar for Bibles and twenty cents for
Testaments. Of course the principal number of books
distributed have been in English; but a few have been
in French and Norwegian, and still more in German.
Since 187-6 the operations of the society have largely
fallen off — the entire distributions, since that time,
amounting only to two hundred and twenty-one dollars
and fifty-seven cents. What has been the actual cause
of this we are not informed. It may be because the de-
mand is not as great as it was previous to that time —
immigration (as we have seen) having materially de-
creased since then. Or it may be that the people, being
in better circumstances, have supplied themselves,
through other channels, with more expensive Bibles. At
any rate let us hope that it is not because the interest in
the Bible is waning, either among the classes that need
to be supplied with it, or in the church that has under-
taken to supply them.
Those who have been elected to the office of presi-
dent of the society since its first organization, are the
following: Rev. J. L. Kelly, Rev. D. Poor, Rev. Harris
Kinsley, Rev. William Sampson, Mr. L. N. Putnam,
Rev. John Fulton, Dr. Horatio Bryant, Hon. W. G.
Donnan, Mr. D. L. Smith, and Mr. J. B. Jones.
The following are those who held the office of vice-
presidents: Mr. Newman Curtis, Mr. C. C. Cadwell,
Rev. R. H. Freeman, Rev. W. H. Sparling, Mr. J. C.
Loomis, Dr. J. G. House, Mr. W. A. Jones, Dr. H.
Bryant, Mr. L. A. Main, Rev. Harris Kinsley, Rev. J.
G. Schaibel, Rev. W. B. Phelps, Rev. A. Beeles, Rev. C.
S. Percival, Mr. J. B. Donnan, Mr. A. B. Clark, Mr. E.
W. Purdy, Rev. H. S. Church, Rev. F. A. Marsh, Rev.
L. W. Brintnall, Rev. I). Sheffer, Rev. James Patterson,
Rev. F. M. Robertson, Rev. T. B. Kempt, and Rev. M.
Knoll.
The following have held the office of secretary: Rev.
John M. Boggs, Rev. John Fulton, Rev. Hale Town-
send, Mr. J. B. Donnan, Mr. D. B. Sanford, Mr. George
R. Warne.
The office of treasurer and that of depositary (or person
to keep the depository of books) have always been united
in one and the same individual. These two important
offices have been held by only five members of the so-
ciety, as follows: Mr. William C. Morris, Mr. H. O.
92
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Jones, Rev. William Sampson, J. P. Sampson, and Mr.
S. Waggoner.
Thirty-three members have held the office of director,
as follows : Mr. J. C. Loomis, Mr. A. C. Blakely, Mr.
E. Curtis, Hon. W. G. Donnan, Dr. H. Bryant, Mr. L.
N. Putnam, Mr. W. C. Morris, Rev. Harris Kinsley, Dr.
J. G. House, Rev. H. H. Fairall, Mr. H. W. Sparling,
Mr. C. C. Cadwell, Mr. M. H. Sanford, Mr. S. Wag-
goner, Mr. William Few, Mr. W. Hart, Mr. G. S.
Woodruff, Mr. S. W. Noyes, Rev. W. B. Phelps, Rev.
C. H. Bissell, Rev. G. M. Preston, Mr. J. B. Jones, Mr.
D. Elwell, Mr. L. A. Main, Mr. J. F. Coy, Mr. J. Kitt-
ridge, Rev. J. G. Schaibel, Mr. B. S. Brownell, Mr. E.
Zinn, Mr. W. E. Kellogg, Mr. George Keifer, Mr. C. F.
Herrick, and Mr. W. F. Kellogg.
The following have been the preachers at the annual
meetings of the society, some of them on two or more
occasions, and all, except Rev. Messrs. Roberts and
Phelps, agents of the American Bible society; Rev. S.
P. Crawford, Rev. B. Roberts, Rev. Mr. Byon, Rev. D.
E. Jones, Rev. Landon Taylor, Rev. Z. D. Scobey, Rev.
W. A. Chambers, Rev. J. N. Williams, Rev. E. C. Con-
dit, Rev. W. B. Phelps.
The following are the present officers of the society,
having been elected in 1877, and holding over, accord-
ing to article six of the constitution : J. B. Jones, presi-
dent; Rev. W. B. Phelps, Rev. James Patterson, Rev.
F. M. Robertson, Rev. Dr. T. B. Kemp, Rev. M. Knoll,
Kev. J. G. Schaibel, vice-presidents; George B. Warne,
secretary; S. Waggoner, treasurer; William P'ew, R. S.
Brownell, E. Zinn, W. E. Kellogg, George Keifer, C. F.
Herrick, and W. F. Kellogg.
BUCH.-\NAN COUNTV MEDIC.XL SOCIETV.
The physicians from Independence were, from early
times, accustomed to hold meetings for consultation, ex-
change of views, the establishment of fee-rates, etc.; but
no society was formed, embracing the entire county, till
1878. On the eighth of May, in that year, upon a call,
issued by some of the leading physicians of the county,
a meeting was held and an organization effected, with
the name of "the Buchanan County Medical society."
This organization has never comprised all the regular
practitioners of the county; since some do not regard
the benefits of association as fully compensating for the
slight sacrifice of freedom and independence which mem-
be:rship in the society imposes.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of May,
August, November, and February, at which discussions
are held in regard to miscellaneous matters connected
with the interests of the profession; and interesting cases
are reported, that are met with in the practice of the
members.
The membership has thus far embraced the following
names — all being those of present metnbers, except
Doctors House and Fisk, deceased: Doctors John G.
House, George Warne, H. C. Markham, S. G. Wilson,
and H. H. Hunt, of Independence; L. M. Johnson,
of Winthrop; A. L. Clarke, now of Bazille Mills,
Nebraska; G. H. Hill, hospital for the insane, Indepen-
dence; J. A. Fisk and F. A. Weir, of Jesup; and Dr.
A. W. Trout, of Quasqueton.
Dr. House died on the first of January, 1880. He
was a member of the Iowa State Medical society; at a
meeting of which body, held at Des Moines, January
29, i88o, eloquent memorials of his life and character
were read by Dr. Warne, of Independence, and by Dr.
A. Reynolds, of the hospital for the insane. As a bio-
graphical sketch of Dr. House, containing the substance
of these memorials, is presented in another part of this
volume, they are omitted here.
Dr. Fisk died August 10, 1880; and at a meeting of
the county society, held on the nineteenth of the same
month, the following resolutions, expressive of the esteem
in which he was held by his professional brethren, were
unanimously adopted:
Rscolvcd, That we have found in Dr. James A. Fisk, a co-laborer of
good ability, genial disposition, and strict integrity. We testify that
our association with him has been both pleasant and profitable. We
cherish his example and deeply regret his early death.
Rcsotvtd, That we express to the bereaved relatives and many friends
our sympathy and grief. One dear to them has been called away in
the prime of life. In him they lose one eminently worthy of confi
dence and love. We commend the sorrowing family to one who has
promised to be a companion to the widow and a father to the orphan.
The present officers of the society are as follows: G.
H. Hill, president, hospital for insane; H. H. Hunt,
vice-president, Independence; I.. M. Johnson, secretary,
\Vinthrop; H. C. Markham, treasurer, Independence;
Drs. Wier, Trout, and Markham, censors.
GR.\NGES.
These are secret societies, organized among the
farmers, for social enjoyment and instruction; and for
counteracting the influence of monopolies and "rings"
which have proved deleterious to the farming coim-
munities. No discussions that involve religious sectari-
nnism or party politics, are allowed at their meetings; and
whatever political power the "grangers" have exerted,
has been generated and directed by machinery never
operated inside of the lodge rooms.
The "Patrons of Husbandry" (as the order at large is
called) was first organized in 1867, by O. H. Kelly, of
Boston, and William Saunders, of the Agricultural
Bureau, at Washington, District of Columbia. For three
or four years the order increased slowly; but irom 187 1
to 1874, inclusive, it spread over the country like a
prairie fire. In the former year only one hundred and
twenty-five granges were established; in 1S72, one
thousand one hundred and sixty; in 1873, eight thousand
six hundred and sixty-seven; and in 1874, forty thousand
six hundred and eighteen. The whole number of patrons
(or "Grangers") in the last named year, was estimated at
one million five hundred thousand, since that time the
order has diminished almost as rapidly as it increased.
In some States it has almost ceased to exist. In Iowa,
although there are not half as many granges as there
were at one time, yet, at the present, the number is
thought to be slightly increasing.
The first grange was established in this county in
1S73 or 1874. No grange can be established within five
miles of another. There were, a few years since, thirty-
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
93
five in the county. Now there arc not more than twelve.
There was formerly a county grange, which sent delegates
to the State grange, as that does to the National. The
county grange, however, was given up some three or four
years ago. But all the granges in the county unite in
sending delegates to the State organization.
Membership in a grange is restricted to practical
farmers, or horticulturists — together with their wives and
their children over fourteen years ofage.
The officers of a grange are the master, the overseer,
the cha|)lain, the lecturer, the steward, the assistant
steward, the gate-keeper, the secretary, and the treasurer.
Any or all of these officers may be ladies; but there are
four offices which none but ladies can fill — viz., those of
ceres, pomona, flora, and stewardess.
A deputy grand master for each county is appointed
by the grand master (/'. e. the master of the State grange)
who has the general oversight of all the granges — settling
all questions of order or jurisdiction, organizing new
granges, etc.
Thomas S. Cameron, of Otterville, is the present
deputy for Buchanan county.
At Hazleton the "Patrons" own a warehouse for
handling grain, and shipping directly from the producers.
The upper story is a hall in which their meetings are held.
Elsewhere they meet in school-houses and private dwell-
ings. At Otterville they have a store at which goods
(mostly groceries) are sold only to members of the order,
at first cost. The goods are kept in the house of J. W.
Plumerfelt, who acts as the agent of the grange in their
purchase and sale.
CHAPTER XII.
RAILROADS.
Two railroads only have thus far been built in the
county — the first built by the Dubuque &: Pacific railroad
company, and transferred, by a perpetual lease, to the
Illinois Central railroad company, about the year 1870;
and the second built through this county in 1873, by the
Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern railroad company.
The charm of novelty being with the first, we shall give
a pretty full account of the discussions and negotiations
which preceded its commencement, and of the events
which accompanied its completion as far as the county
seat. The other we shall pass over with a comparatively
brief mention.
Of the abortive railroad projects, which at one time
seemed promising, we shall barely allude to that of the
Wapsipinicon & St. Peter's Valley road.
THE DUBUQUE AND PACIFIC, ALIAS THE IOWA DIVISION OF
THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL.
No apology is needed for the introduction into this
volume of farts relative to the movement resulting in the
building of a road which has aided so materially in the
rapid development of the entire county.
The corporation of the ^Vapsipinicon & St. Peter's
Valley railroad, though atone time (/. e., in 1851) appar-
ently ready, under the most favorable auspices, to com-
mence the construction of a road, which was to begin at
Anamosa and run in a northwesterly direction through
Quasquelon, Independence and Fairbank, and thence in
the same direction to the north line of the State ; and
which, with its connections, was to constitute an almost
air line between St. Louis and St. Paul, had finally mis-
carried, leaving the farmers of Buchanan county for
several years with little prospect of an outlet which
would furnish a market for their surplus products. It
was not until the spring of 1858 that another proposi-
tion was made to them, looking to the supply of this
long felt need. An informal meeting, held at Quasque-
ton in May of that year, was addressed by Piatt Smith,
esq., of Dubuque, vice-president and attorney of the
Dubuque & Pacific railroad.
Mr. Smith first gave a brief history of the organization
of this company, and spoke of the original intent and
primary expectations of the incorporators. They had at
first, he said, no expectation of receiving a grant of
land to aid them: and yet, taking the experience of the
Chicago & Galena road as a basis, they calculated un-
doubtingly upon the investment being a paying one.
The reasons which justified an e.xpectation were fully
stated, and the event had proved the soundness of their
deductions.
The Chicago & Galena road had, from the first of its
operations, been considered one of the most remunera-
tive in the entire country ; and yet, while that road, with
forty miles in operation, paid but one thousand, nine
hundred dollars per annum, the Dubuque & Pacific road
from only thirty miles earned from the eleventh of May
to the thirty-first of December, at the rate of two thou-
sand, six hundred and ninety-six dollars per mile per
annum.
A comparison was then instituted between the natural
and artificial advantages of the two roads, to show that
while the former road rapidly advanced in its earnings as
it advanced in length, until it reached in 1856, with one
hundred and eighty-eight miles of road, ten thousand
dollars per mile per annum; there was abimdant evi-
dence that the earnings of the Dubuque & Pacific road
would increase in even a greater ratio. This part of
Iowa, it was claimed, was fully equal to Illinois in agri-
cultural capacity, and was not inferior as regards water
power. The country, too, was better settled, and more
fully developed, than was that along the line of the Chi-
cago & Galena road at the period of its construction in
1849. The value of the jjroperty in the counties border-
ing the line of this road, from Chicago to Dunleith,
one hundred and eighty-eight miles, was seventeen mil-
lion dollars, while in the counties through which the
Dubuque & Pacific road passes, from Dubuque to Fort
Dodge, one hundred and ninety miles, the value of the
property was, in 1856, three million dollars. Illinois, it
was stated, had at that time one mile of railroad for
94
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
every five hundred inhabitants, while northern Iowa,
with a population of two hundred and seventy-five thou-
sand, has but one mile to every six thousand.
As another advantage of the Dubuque & Pacific road
over the former, it was demonstrated that the latter road
would not suffer from the competition of water carriage
by the MississiiJpi. The vast gypsum, coal and iron de-
posits of the interior of the State, if ever brought to
market, must be brought by railroads, as our rivers offers
no facilities for transportation. Lumber, too, must be
freighted west, and these facts demonstrated that their
road would be a better paying road than the other, which
had heretofore yielded dividends of twenty-two per cent.
In setting forth the resources of the company, it ap-
peared that the grant of land from the State comprised
an area of one million, two hundred and fifty-one thousand
and forty acres, which, at an average of six dollars and
twenty-five cents per acre, would more than pay for the
building of the road.
Contracts had already been made with Messrs. Mason,
Bishop & Company for building the road without ecjuip-
ments, but witli the necessary buildings, shops, etc. For
a first-class road from Dyersville to Cedar Falls, the sum
of twenty-three thousand, five hundred dollars per mile
would be required : and from Cedar Falls to Fort Dodge,
twenty-three thousand dollars per mile. Besides, there
had been donated to the road, in the different towns
through which it was to pass, seven hundred lots, with
an average value of one hundred and forty-five dollars
per lot. In Dubuque, the company owned about eighty
acres of property, with a river front of nearly three-fourths
of a mile, worth fully another half million of dollars.
This property was nearly all donated to the company, or
else procured in exchange for property given to them.
The lands of the company were shown to be valuable,
as well for their mineral as for their agricultural resources.
The projected road ran through and would open the
northern portion of the great Iowa coal fields; the com-
pany's lands also contained inexhaustible stores of coal,
iron and gypsum. Professor Owen, then United States
geologist, had estimated the area of the Iowa coal fields
at twenty-five thousand square miles — sufificient to sup-
ply the world with fuel for a thousand years. Pennsyl-
vania, it was stated, was receiving from New York and
New England seven million dollars per annum for her
coal ; and why, it was asked, will not this vast deposit
become a like source of wealth to the people of Iowa,
having tributary to them for their supply of this indis-
pensable article of consumption, the immense territory
occupied by Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota, Nebraska,
and, indeed, the whole region north to the British pos-
sessions ? The immense value of the gypsum beds was
dwelt upon, and the statement made that the value of
this article of commerce was then, in the eastern markets,
equal to that of flour. Millions of tons could be re-
moved from veins varying in thickness from twenty to
forty feet, without a perceptible impression upon the
quantity. The iron deposits, it was claimed, W'ere equally
valuable and inexhaustible. These minerals and the
manufactures to which they must give rise, must of ne-
cessity pay rich subsidies into the treasury of the rail-
road then being pushed towards these buried treasures.
The financial condition of the company was also un-
reservedly discussed. Under assurances of the English
loan, they had gone considerably into debt in the prose-
cution of some parts of the enterprise which, otherwise,
the company would not have attempted. The negotia-
tions for that loan finally failed, having been delayed un-
til the financial panic of 1857. This indebtedness, how-
ever, as was shown, was neither ruinous or pressing, as
the mortgage on the road had thirty years to run. The
impossibility of negotiating bonds, e.xcept at ruinous
sacrifices, had induced the company to return to their
original plan, which was to build the road by the help of
the people along the line. It was easy to show that it
was bad policy to allow the work to stop where the road
then was; bad, not only for the company, but for those
who needed the road and had been impatiently awaiting
its construction. The company must extend it; and to
do it they must have the cooperation of the people inter-
ested. Cash subscriptions, in the then deranged state of
the finances of the country, were not looked for, nor
were they necessary. For the construction of the road,
almost every marketable product of the farm was indis-
pensable. Flour, corn, oats, cattle, hay, meat, stone, lime,
timber, ties, etc., the people along the line of the
road had a surplus of, for which they had no market.
The gist of the proposition of the company was, to buy
these surplus articles, build the road, and pay in stock.
The farmers were shown that in so doing they would
turn their unmarketable material into a reliable specie
paying investment. There was no doubt that the road
would pay a good dividend as soon as completed to Ce-
dar Falls; and, as a result of the road being owned at
home, its revenue would be retained at home to add
to the further development of the country, and thus
increase the business of the road; but, if built upon bor-
rowed capital, every dividend which the company de-
clared would be a drain upon the finances of the coun-
try. If Buchanan county owned one million dollars in
stock, then dividends of twenty per cent, per annum
would throw yearly into her lap twenty thousand dollars
in clean cash, sufficient to make a decided impression
upon the local finances. Every farmer holding a thou-
sand dollars worth of stock would be sure of cash returns
of two hundred dollars yearly. This revenue would, of
course, be derived principally from the local population;
and, if the road was owned by them, would, to a large
extent, return to the owners and patrons of the road.
But, otherwise, it would be a drain upon them to that
extent.
The incentives to secure the stock were apparent, and
the facilities offered, all that could be desired. If the
road progressed, the company would be compelled to
issue their scrip to the contractors; and this they could
not do unless it would buy the articles enumerated as
indispensable to the carrying on of the work; and, to in-
sure this, it was necessary to make it an object to the
farmers and others to secure it. For this reason they
wanted the people of the county to subscribe for stock
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
95
for which they could pay in this scrip. This would
make the scrip current and cause it to answer the end of
the advancement of the road almost as well as money.
Instalments would not be called for oftener than once
in every three months, and for not more than five per
cent, at a time; thus giving five years in which to pay
for stock; while the company allowed seven per cent,
interest on all instalments, as a means of placing on an
equality the full paid and partly paid stock. It was the
expectation that not more than twenty-five or thirty per
cent, of instalments would ever be called for. The
company's lands would doubtless soon be in demand,
and when sold, the receipts would probably be sufficient
to prosecute the work as fast as advisable.
The company had then a title to two hundred and
thirty thousand four hundred acres of land, and had
perfected a plan by which their sale was sure to be ac-
celerated, and at the same time their development in-
sured. This was to sell them to actual settleis at five
dollars per acre, one dollar and twenty-five cents in cash
and the remainder in instalments, the last in five years
from the date of purchase. This price would, when
deemed advisable, be increased so as to bring the mean
price to that at first proposed, viz: six dollars and twen-
ty-five cents per acre.
Mr. Clinton, who had long been conversant with the
operation of the western railroads, gave to the meeting
some sound views, both abstract and practical, of the
benefits of railroads. This much-needed information,
given in his off-hand, humorous and, at the same time,
convincing style, influenced many minds favorably to-
ward the project so ably presented by Mr. Smith.
The farmers and capitalists of Buchanan were not slow
in perceiving the advantages to be secured by this prop-
osition. Indeed, with the accumulated quantity of un-
saleable products then on their hands, it was impossible
not to see that the proposal was one of reciprocal benefit,
while the advantage resulting from a large amount of
stock held in the county, appealed strongly both to the
public spirit and private interest of all classes of citizens.
The next link in the presentation of this matter to the
people of Buchanan county, will appear in the following
proclamation of the county judge:
Statk of Iow.a, j^
BucHAN.'^N County, ) ^^'
The undersigned, county judge of said county, in pursuance of the
code of Iowa in sucli cases made and provided, hereby orders an
election by the qualified voters of said county, to be held on the
twenty-eighth day of June, eighteen hundred and fifty-eight, at the
several places in said county where the last .April election was held , for
the purpose of voting upon the following, to wit:
Whether the county of Buchanan in its corporate capacity will lav
a one per cent, tax upon the taxable property of said county, to aid
the construction of the Diibutiue & Pacific railroad in said county —
said tax to be expended within the limits of said county and not else-
where; — and the means thus collected shall only be paid for work done
after said vote shall be taken, and before the payment of said tax.
Said tax to be collected before the first of November next, and for the
amount of the same the Dubuque & Pacific railroad company shall
issue to said county an equal amount of the capital stock of said com-
pany at par.
The form of the vote shall be, "for the railroad loan " or, "against
the railroad loan."
.Ml votes in the affirmative shall be considered as adopting the prop-
osition entire.
Stephen ]. W. Tabok,
County Judge.
To meet the objection on the part of the taxpayers,
that it was then found dilticult to meet the payment of
taxes for ordinary purposes, whereof the long lists of
delinquencies with which the county papers were filled
at that time, attested, an able editorial appeared in the
Guardian, of which the following is an abstract: Admit-
ting the burdens that were pressing so heavily upon the
farmers especially, the writer showed that though the
vote would increase the taxes, it would at the same time
increase the capacity to pay them. With overflowing
graneries, and thousands of tons of produce, there was
not money enough in the county to pay taxes; and why?
Simply because, having no railroad, the producers
were without, or outside of, a money market. Parties
were at that moment contracting with the Dubuque &
Pacific, and Clinton railroads, for the transjiortation of
hundreds of thousands of bushels of wheat, for which
they were paying cash. But these markets were created
by these roads, and through them the people in prox-
imity were reaping a great, solid, and timely advantage.
But the farmers of Buchanan could not afford to send
wheat thirty or forty miles to a* depot, at the present
prices, even though it brought gold or currency. But
were the road in operation within the county, this market
would be available, and would place in the hands of
farmers the relief so much needed. What man, it was
asked, could not well afford to pay ten dollars out of
every thousand he owned, for the privilege of that market
now? Confidence was expressed, that, as soon as the
work commenced in the county, produce would take a
material rise. Wheat would advance from thirty to fifty
cents per bushel ; potatoes, which were now unsaleable,
would become marketable at paying prices; butter, which
in trade would scarcely cominand a sixpence per pound,
would sell at a shilling, and corn, oats, beef, pork, and
other articles with which the home market was glutted,
would largely advance in price. By this rise alone the
resident taxpayers would be enabled to pay their quota
of the tax, and therefore would not feel it. To those
who objected to receiving the company's scrip, he
answered that, if the scrip was taken in exchange for
their products, the company had, on their j.iart, guaran-
teed to receive the scrip in payment of the tax. No
danger need, therefore, be apprehended as to the pro-
curement of the means to pay the tax. The construc-
tion of the road would bring not only this, but a large
surplus with it.
The amount of taxable property in the county at that
time, 1858, was but two million five hundred and fifty
thousand three hundred and fifty-four dollars. The tax
one per cent, would give a little over twenty-five thou-
sand dollars, fully one-third of which would come from
non-resident owners; while the actual outlay of the
company, in grading alone as far as Independence,
would be sixty thousand dollars. The construction of
this jjortion of the road would leave in the county a
surplus of thirty-five thousand dollars.
96
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
The benefits accruing from the expenditure of this
sum, in exchange for articles of which there was a sur-
plus, everywhere needed no demonstration. And then,
too, it was to be remembered that this sum must be
expended before the collection of the tax. As, in the
words of the proposition, the product of that tax, if
voted, is to be applied in payment of work done since
its voting and previous to its collection, it would seem
all fears as to the capacity to pay the tax were relieved,
and the means insured for other purposes — means of
which all felt ihe urgent need, and which were not to be
secured in any other way. If the tax was voted, work
would commence at once; if defeated, there would be
loss to the county through the disadvantages which its
want would entail, treble the amount asked by voting
the tax.
Still another favorable feature of the proposition was
pointed out. Its adoption entailed no extended tax —
it began and ended during the current year and could
never act as a bugbear to scare away settlers from the
county, but would act rather as an incentive to settle-
ments. The creation of a market for produce was not
the only equivalent which was offered. The stock, until
the road began to pay dividends, was to draw seven per
cent, interest, payable *in stock, which would gradually
increase ; and should the company in three years, through
the earnings of the road and the sale of land, pay a
dividend of twenty per cent., this would give an income
to the county of six thousand dollars per annum, which
would lessen materially, the burden of taxation. To this
result the non-resident taxpayers would largely contrib-
ute, so that, in fact, the county was only called upon to
make a timely investment, yielding immediately and
prospectively great advantages.
It will he seen at a glance that the whole object, both
of the tax and of the effort made by the company to
secure private subscriptions, was simply to make it an
object to the people of the county, farmers and dealers
of all classes, to take the scrip which the company must
issue in order to proceed wiih iheir work, and to pur-
chase the produce and materials necessary in its con-
struction. The following resolution of the board of
directors of the Dubuque &: Pacific raih'oad company,
pledging the company to receive the scrip issued in pay-
ment of the tax or for stock, was published in the papers
of the county, contemporaneously with the other matter,
from which our article has been drawn :
Office of the Dubuque & P.vcific Railroad Comi-anv, i^
Dubuque, low.^, First of June, 1858. I
\VnERE.\s the county judge of Buchanan county has issued a pro-
clamation to the qualified voters of said county, to lake a vote upon
the question whether the said county will levy a one per cent, tax on
the ta.xable property of said county, which said vote is to be taken on
the fourth Monday of June, instant, for which tax the Dubuque &
Pacific railroad company agree to issue to said county full paid stock ;
and whereas it has been represented to the said county judge and the
people of said county that, in case said tax shall be voted, the company
will receive payment therefor, from the proper authorities in said
county, any script or paper which shall be paid out and put in circula-
tion for the purpose of doing work in said county by said company.
Now, therefore,
Rfsoh-cd, That, in consideration of the premises, said railroad com-
pinv hereby [iledges itself to said county of Buchanan, to receive in
payment for such stock, any paper or scrip which may be paid out to
the contractors or men for work done in said county, or any other
obligations of the company; and that the proceeds of such tax shall
be expended in good faith within said county of Buchanan, and not
elsewhere.
We certify that the above is a true copy of a resolution passed by
the board of directors of the Dubuque &' Pacific railroad company, at
their meeting on the first of June, 1858.
Witness our hands and the seal of the company,
J. P. Farley, President.
J.\MES M. McKiNLAY, Secretary /ra /iv«.
HISTORICAL PROBABII.rrV.
And now, with this array of fact and argument before
us, let us ask this young friend of ours, just now jubilant
over his accession to the .glorious privilege of the ballot
(his natal day and the celebration of the opening of the
Dubuque and Pacific railroad being coincident) about
this vote, which had been so ably presented before the
people.
What was the result of the vote? Was it "for the rail-
road loan" or "against the railroad loan?"
"Let me see — that was in 1858 was it? Oh, it was
for the loan of course. It couldn't have been otherwise
— and then the road was opened in 1859, for I have
heard my mother say a hundred times" —
Not so fast my dear young voter. Doubtless your
answer would be that of ninety-nine out of every one
hundred voters, except those who voted on that (juestion
in Buchanan county in 1858; and why it is not the cor-
rect answer it may be the special duty of the historian in
1880 to inform you. But, in regard to the reasons of
the failure of that vote, the records of that day, like the
Sphinx, preserve a sullen silence. Had the vote gone
as you think it ought, the road, without doubt, would
have been opened at least a year sooner, and you would
have lost the distinction of connecting your natal anni-
versaries with so important an event.
Should you so distinguish yourself in the future as to
make your name an honor to your native town, and
should the Dubuque & Sioux City railroad justify its
first ambitious cognomen and become really the Dubuque
& Pacific, the future historian may guess that he has
read the riddle of the lost vote of 1858.
EVIDENCE OF ENTERPRISE AND FRUITFULNESS IN RE-
SOURCES.
Not many weeks after the adverse vote in regard to
the railroad loan, the board of directors published a cir-
cular, setting forth the following plan by which they
hoped to secure the means to proceed with tlie building
of their road. The proposition was as follows:
To appraise the lots and lands belonging to the company, issue land
script to the amount of the ai>praisement, and pay off the bonded and
funded debt by offering for every dollar of debt one dollar of stock and
one dollar of land script, with which scrip any unsold land of the com-
pany can be located and paid for. Also to appraise the balance of the
four hundred and sixty thousand eight hundred acres of land which
the company were to receive when the first hundred miles of the road
was built, and issue scrip as before. This was to be devoted exclus-
ively to building the road to Cedar Falls. For every dollar of full paid
stock then held, or thereafter subscribed, an equal amount of this scrip
was to be issued to the holder or subscriber, in addition to the certifi.
cate of stock. In other words, as an inducement for men to furnish
means for building the road, the company donated to each stockholder
a hundred dollars' worth of lands for every share of stock for which he
subscribed, thus inikiii'' the stock itself cjst him nothing.
HISTORY- OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
97
GOOD NEWS.
The munificent display of capitals and wide-spread
head Hnes, which at the present day go so far towards
excusing the editorial caput from exhaustive mental effort,
had hardly gained, so recently as the close of the year
1859, a very general following. When, then, the local
press of Independence, in the autumn of that year, in-
dulged in three head lines, of small capitals, prevented
from expanding into unbecoming obtrusiveness by their
location on the third page and under the usual heading
of "Local Matters," and the further top ballast of the
"Township Ticket," it must not, after all, be doubted
that the subject matter of the announcement was one that
stirred every Buchanan county heart with intensest delight,
"glorious news for Buchanan county!! the rail-
road COMING ! ! !
On Saturday last our citizens were notified by a few lines written on
the margin of the Western stage company's way-bill, that the contract
for the construction of the Dubuque & Pacific railroad to this point had
been signed, and that the work was to be commenced immediately. "'
But so sick had the aforesaid heart been made by hope
too long deferred, that it was not until Monday, when the
cheering news was confirmed by the Dubuque papers and
by letters, that doubting gave way to universal joy and
congratulation.
It appeared from later intelligence that, General Booth,
one of the directors of the company, had returned from
the east, bringing the welcome news that a contract for
a continuation of the road from Dubuque to Indepen-
dence was signed the Thursday previous, the contractor
being Oliver P. Root, of Oneida, New York. The con-
tract stipulated that the work should begin at once, and
that the road should be completed to Manchester, then
described as being located nine miles this side of Not-
tingham, by the first of October; to Winthrop, eleven
miles further, by the first of November; to a point five
miles west of Independence, by the first of December,
and the balance of the aggregate distance of eighty
miles from Dubuque, by the first of January. Mr. Root
was represented as a practical engineer, a man of energy
and pecuniary ability, and the utmost confidence was
expressed in the fulfillment of the terms of the contract.
A few days only elapsed before work on the railroad
bridge over the Wapsipinicon had been inaugurated.
The piles were being delivered and the work of driving
them had also commenced. The bridge itself was in
process of construction in Dubuque, and was to be
brought out in pieces after the cars began to run. It was
to consist of four spans of forty feet, and twenty-four
spans of twelve feet, making a a total length of four hun-
dred and forty-eight feet. In the centre of the nver^
where the rock bottom prevents the driving of piles, there
were two bents ; and the bridge was to be four feet above
the high-water mark of the great freshet of 1858.
Already the impetus upon the movement of grain was
felt, and an unusual and constantly increasing number of
wagons were to be seen in town daily, loaded with cere-
als, for which cash was being paid by merchants and grain
buyers. A few weeks later, and the city press chronicled
the presence of throngs of wagons on the streets, bring-
ing in grain, and active competition among buyers. A
cash market had at last opened in Independence ; and,
as the crop had been fully an average one, hopefulness
sat serene upon every countenance, and an unwonted
activity was visible in every department of business and
trade. As the time for the opening of the road approached,
it seemed a question whether the capital of Buchanan
might not be compelled to close her ports of entry and
cry, "hold," so continuous was the golden stream which
was filling her storehouses to bursting. One of the city
editors informs his readers that, on the twenty-second of
November, he counted thirty-five teams moving on Main
street, loaded with grain, or returning after having dis-
charged a similar freight; and still they came. Several
new grain and produce buyers had already commenced
operations in the place, and a new era was fairly estab-
lished, in expectation of a speedy outlet for the accumu-
lating stores of cereals and other produce.
preparations for the opening.
A call for a meeting of those interested in celebrating
the advent of the iron horse was published early in No-
vember, and arrangements were perfected to give fitting
welcome to the long desired steed with his attendant
train of cars, and manifold train of advantages.
The first of December arrived, and though the road
was not completed to the county seat, all were ready to
acknowledge that the utmost energy had characterized
Mr. Root's operations; and the only surprise felt was that
he had overcome so many obstacles incident to opera-
tions in a new country, and was so near the completion
of this section of his contract.
The second week of the month created a perfect
furor among the youthful portion of the community, by
sending the shrill echoes of the voice of the approaching
motor vibrating through the oak groves of the Wapsie;
a voice heard by many born on Buchanan soil for the
first time. At last the iron horse (we wish somebody
would invent a name more worthy of him) was within
two miles of the town, and, within a few hours, would be
seen tossing his billowy mane at the new station on the
east bank of the Wapsipinicon.
The track layers were busy during the whole of Sun-
day, the eleventh of December, the contractor doubtless
justifying the de.secration of the day on the plea that he
was nearly two weeks behind the time specified in the
contract. The rails were laid to the depot grounds, the
turn-table brought up from Masonville, and \m\. in order,
passenger and freight cars were at the depot, and all nec-
essary preparations made to commence the formal open-
ing of the road on Monday. At 9 o'clock on that
day, December 12, 1859, the first regular train left the
depot at the county seat of Buchanan county, taking the
first shipment of produce, which was made by West &
Hopkins, and consisted of wheat and pork.
railroad celebr.\tion.
The day was all that could be desired, the entire au-
tumn having been of exceptional mildness and bright-
ness. At an early hour, people came flocking into town
from all directions, and Main and Chatham streets we e
98
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
filled with teams and people. A large concourse was at
the depot to welcome the train, which came in punctual
to time, at 2 o'clock p. m., with four car-loads of
guests, among whom were the Governor Greys, Captain
Robinson, of Dubuque, accompanied by the well-known
Germania band.
After a brief and appropriate address, welcoming the
guests to the hospitalities of the town, by D. S. Lee,
esq., on behalf of the citizens of Independence, and a
graceful response from Captain Robinson on behalf of
the Greys, the large concourse formed in procession,
headed by the military company and lead by the band,
and marched through the village to the Montour house,
where the guests were quartered. About 4 o'clock,
an elegant dinner was served to the invited guests by
Mr. Purdy, which was pronounced by all to have been,
in quality and style of serving, worthy of the occasion.
After dinner, the Greys paraded and went through vari-
ous military evolutions, with admirable skill and pre-
cision.
At night there was a ball at Morse's hall ; and, though
the company was the largest ever assembled ?h the place,
harmony and good order reigned supreme, and the tide
of enjoyment flowed on with undisturbed current, until
the summons for the return train, during the "wee sma'
hours," brought the fete, long to be remembered by some
who participated in it, to a close. The "Germania"
furnished the music for the evening, and choice refresh-
ments were served at both the Montour and the Revere
houses. The committee of arrangements were restricted
in their invitations by the unusual rush of persons from
abroad, which, for several weeks previous to the celebra-
tion, had filled the hotels to their utmost capacity; and
it was only through the most unwearied exertions of
both the hotels and committee that the guests were suit-
ably entertained.
But the opening ceremonies and festivities were over.
Independence had a railroad; and the columns of the
town papers were enriched by a bona fide time-table.
We linger a moment in sympathy with those editors.
With what ecstatic self-gratulation was the carefully pre-
pared schedule placed in the hands of the compositors !
Only two events in their previous history could approach
this acme of exaltation: the first pair of boots, and the
first ballot. Who shall tell which of the triumvirate
should bear away the palm ?
STATIONS k^Vi AGENTS.
Winthrop — The cars reached this place but a few days
before they arrived at Independence. There have been
seven station agents at this point. Their names and the
order of their terms of service are as follows : R. B.
Crippin, S. ^^'. Rich, Samuel Leslie, Frank Ward, W. T.
Kendall, M. J. Flanigan, and G. M. Nix. The present
incumbent is W. T. Kendall, re-appointed.
Independence — The first agent at this point was W.
B. Boss, who remained only six or eight months; the
second, Z. Stout, now of ihe lumber yard near the sta-
tion, one year; the third, J- W. Markle, about nine
months; and the fourth, C. M. Durham, who still holds
the post, a veteran in the service, having occupied the
position over eighteen years.
Jesup — The cars reached this point shortly after arriv-
ing at Independence. Four agents have served the
company (or, rather, companies) here, as follows: J. R.
Jones, W. Mosier, H. H. Smith, and W. C. Smith, the
present agent.
BURLINGTON, CEPAR RAPIDS AND NORTHERN RAILROAD.
This road was constructed through this county during
the summer of 1873. I' has done much toward devel-
oping the resources of the county, but its historical inter-
est, as well as its material value, is, of course, somewhat
eclipsed by its cross-wise neighbor.
Rowley — The station at this place was opened for
business June 17, 1873. There have been three agents
here, as follows: R. R. Harding, J. E. Wyant, and the
third, and last to date, A. Allen.
Independence — The cars reached here about the first
of July, 1S73. Five agents have served the company at
this point: Mr. Harding, Mr. Tuthill, J. Hough (or
Hoff), J. A. Vincent, and G. W. Hallock, who "holds
the fort" at present.
Hazleton — The road was completed to this point in
September, 1873. J. E. Bennett was the first agent,
retaining charge till May, 1880, when the present incum-
bent, W. G. Hogue, took charge.
CHAPTER XIIL
PROVISION FOR THE POOR.
The trustees of the several townships are by law em-
powered to furnish all necessary relief for the poor within
their jurisdictions, at the expense of the county. In the
case of families, this is done at their homes. Applica-
tions for assistance can be made either by the families
themselves or by neighbors who are aware of their neces-
sities. When the application is made the case is exam-
ined by the trustees, and whatever is needed is supplied.
In winter it is very commonly fuel, and at all seasons it
may be flour, or meat, or house rent, or clothing, or
medical attendance. No family, except in rare instances,
and for short periods (as in case of sickness), ever re-
quires its entire support from the county; and, of course,
it is the aim of the trustees to stimulate the self-respect
of the poor, and encourage them to industry by furnish-
ing them employment, whenever that is practicable. It
is thought that, in some of these ways, about fifty fami-
lies in Washington township were aided by the county
last winter; and that in no other township were there
more than half as many aided, while in some there were
very few.
This was the only method of aiding the county poor
until 1 86 1, when the "poor farm" was purchased, mainly
to afford the means of relieving those who are homeless,
as well as in want. The farm consists of one hundred
and ninety-four acres, in the eastern part of Washington
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
99
township (25, 89, 9), one hundred and twenty acres
bought of the Hathaway estate and the rest of Mr. Van-
etten, for about four thousand dollars. Of this land,
one hundred and sixty acres are prairie, and the rest
woodland. The farm had on it, when purchased by the
county, a substantial stone dwelling house and such out-
houses as were common at that time. Since the purchase
a two-story frame addition has been joined to the dwell-
ing, and a large and commodious barn has been built.
The poor farm is under the control of the county su-
pervisors, who appoint of their own number a poor farm
committee, who hire a steward to take charge of the farm
and a matron to manage the domestic establishment and
look after the comfort of the inmates. The committee
meets every month at the farm-house, and reports annu-
ally to the supervisors. The steward purchases every-
thing needed, and disposes of all farm produce, reporting
at stated times to the committee. The joint salary of
steward and matron at present is five hundred dollars, to-
gether with the entire living of themselves and family,
and all needed help. Some of the inmates occasionally
assist about the house and garden. The house has ac-
commodations for twenty inmates, but the largest num-
ber thus far is seventeen, and the average number is
nine or ten. At present (June, 1881) there are but seven
inmates, four men and three women, none of them re-
lated to each other. The present steward and matron
are Mr. and Mrs. William Hamilton, who are now on
their second year. Previous to Mr. Hamilton's time
there had been but three stewards, viz : Gideon Ginther
(who served twelve years), A. G. Beatty, and John Lock-
head.
The following is the "annual report of the poor farm
committee, January i, 1881, to the board of super-
visors :"
Gentlemen: Your committee on poor farm would respectfully sub-
mit the within report :
Number of paupers January i, 1880 11
Added during the year 11
Died : I
Number at date 1 1
(Four adult males; three adult females; three minor males;
one minor female).
Average number of paupers during the year 10
Number in steward's family 5
Total cost of maintaining farm $1,964 35
Deduct for permanent improvements 197 62
$1,766 73
Average annual cost, per pauper, for entire maintenance, in-
cluding products of farm $ in 11
The same, excluding farm products 43 80
Your committee take pleasure in reporting having hired William
Hamilton, and May Hamilton, his wife, as steward and matron for one
year from the dale hereof ; and also in testifying to their faithful and
efficient conduct in their respective positions during the year last past.
Mr. Hamilton exceeding our expectations.
G. M. Miller, "j
Edward Black, sPoor Farm Committee.
A. H. Grover, j
SCHEDULE OF POOR FARM PROPERTY.
Farm and buildings ($30 per acre) $5, 820 00
Stock 778 00
Produce on hand 913 00
Sales during year 679 97
CHAPTER XIV.
THE HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.
During the winter of 1867 and 1868, the Honorable
W. G. Donnan introduced in the State legislature a bill
for the erection of a hospital for the insane, to be located
in or near the city of Independence.
The hospital at Mt. Pleasant was already overcrowded
and many insane persons in the State were deprived of
the benefits of hospital treatment. The bill passed the
senate without a dissenting voice, and easily passed the
house, together with the first appropriation of one hun-
dred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The bill created
a "board of commissioners for the erection of buildings
for an insane hospital," and appointed as the members of
said board, Maturin G. Fisher, of Clayton county; E. G.
Morgan, of Webster county, and Albert Clarke, of Bu-
chanan county. Mr. Clarke died before the expiration
of the first year, and the Honorable George W. Bemis
was appointed by the governor to fill the vacancy, and
took his seat in the board January 21, 1869.
The bill passed by the legislature required the donation
to the State of three hundred and twenty acres of land
within two and one-half miles of the city. Several tracts
were offered and the money for the purchase was raised
by subscription among the citizens of Independence.
The lot of ground selected by the commissioners is situ-
ated about a mile west of Wapsipinicon river and the
city of Independence, and about the same distance from
the Dubuque & Sioux City (branch of Illinois Central)
railroad. It is about one quarter of a mile wide at the
east end; widens northward to the width of half a mile
in the middle, and narrows again to a quarter of a mile
on the west quarter section. The tract is on an elevation,
rising by a gradual ascent from the banks of the river to
a height of from fifty to one hundred feet, and the hos-
pital building is on about the highest point of the
prairie for some miles around. It is certainly well-
placed to be seen of men. The tract was unbroken
prairie, without a tree or shrub (to use the words of one
of the commissioners, who seemed to think that a recom-
mendation), and furnished, on digging, an abundant sup-
ply of soft water free from any foreign substance.
It was also discovered that the tract contained a bed of
good brick clay, which proved of great value to the State.
Having obtained the land, the next step was to pro-
cure plans and specifications for the buildings necessary
for said institution. In order to qualify themselves with
the knowledge necessary for discharging intelligently the
trust committed to them, the commissioners visited sever-
al hospitals, reputed to be most complete in their ap-
pointments, and consulted eminent physicians who had
made the care and cure of insanity their specialty. They
decided on what is known as the corridor form of hospital
as offering the greatest advantages in convenience,
abundance of light, separation of wards, etc. The com-
missioners engaged Colonel S. V. Shipman, of Madison,
Wisconsin, to prepare plans and specifications, and he
presented a plan nearly identical with that of the old
Kirkbride hospital, of Philadelphia. The plans were
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
accepttd, but were so far modified and improved by the
superintendent of construction, Mr. George Jossclyn, en-
dorsed by Dr. Ranney, superintendent of the hospital, at
Mount Pleasant, as to become almost new plans.
It will not be amiss here to state the opinion of the
commissioners, as expressed in their first report, that
they "esteemed it fortunate that they were able to secure
the services of a superintendent so experienced and so
competent," has been more than justified by subsequent
events. Mr. Josselyn had been employed in a responsi-
ble position during the whole construction of Mount
Pleasant hospital, and was afterwards steward of that insti-
tution for several years. In addition to these cjualifications
he has been found to possess sound practical sense, and
an integrity so rare that it may be doubted whether the
history of the erection of public buildings, in this coun-
try, will show a similar work so economically done, and
so absolutely free from any suspicion of jobbery.
Among the changes in the plans, made by, or at the
suggestion of, Mr. Josselyn, were: ist. The substitution
of mansard roof for ordinary pitch roof, on the main
centre and on the transverse section; thus affording ac-
commodation for about two hundred more patients.
2nd. The removal of cupolas from the roofs of the trans-
verse section, and the addition of projecting towers to
the longitudinal sections. These towers are pardy
rectangular and partly semi-octagonal, and increase the
ornamental appearance of the building, while affording
means of ventilation. 3d. The addition, entire, of the
rear centre building, containing, among other things, the
laundry, kitchen, etc. 4th. Increase in the fire-proof
qualities of the structure by the substitution of iron
stairways for wooden; of masonry for wood in ventilating
flues, and in other ways. 5th. Improvement in the means of
ventilating. In the original plan the domitories were to
be provided with ventilating registers, leading (as now)
from the bottom of the rooms, but connected by ducts
with ventilating towers not provided with any means of
producing the upward draft, which experience has proved
to be necessary for this purpose.
Mr. Josselyn's original plan was to connect all the
ventilating ducts with shafts heated by steam radiators of
the kind used in heating the building, and this plan has
since been adopted in the newer wings. The principle
was at once adopted, but in a different manner — as will
be stated in its proper order.
GENERAL PLAN.
The plan contemplated a central building four stories
high and two wings three stories high; one extending
north and the other south, and exhibiting an eastern
front of seven hundred and twenty-six feet. The two
win^s were to consist each of three transverse and three
longitudinal sections, so arranged that the front, as a
whole, constantly receded from the front line of the
main centre, in all about one hundred feet from the line
of the front center. The main centre building is sixty
by one hundred feet, four stories high and with Mansard
roof. The wings are of the following dimensions : First
section— longitudinal, forty-five by ninety-two feet; a
transverie section thirty-six by eighty-seven and one-half
feet; longitudinal section twenty-six by fifty-six feet;
transverse section thirty-five by seventy-two feet. The
main centre was originally intended to contain the
kitchen, laundry, etc., in the basement, but the plan was
changed by the addition of a rear centre building, the
front section of which is forty-two by sixty feet. The
upper story (equivalent in height to second and third)
contains the chapel. The rear section of this building is
forty-four by forty-nine feet, and contains in the base-
ment the kitchen and laundry. The upper stories con-
tain a dining-room, sitting-rooms for patients, general
storage rooms and sleeping-rooms for female employes.
The hospital as a whole is intended to be fire-proof.
The walls of the basement story are built of granite from
the prairie boulders found in the vicinity. The upper
walls are of brick, with a facing of Farley and Anamosa
limestone. The roofs are of slate and the cornices of
galvanized iron. The framework of the Mansard roofs
in the portions lately constructed, is of iron and brick
arches. In the attics under the roofs the arches are
leveled up and paved with brick. On the ceiling of the
basement, and the first and second floors, wire cloth has
been used instead of lath.
The engine house is built entirely of boulder granite,
cut in rectangular form but of irregular shape and size,
and is an ornamental building. It is fifty-five by one
hundred feet in size and has an attic which contains
some sleeping-rooms and furnishes storage room for
some valuable machinery. It is situated directly back of
the rear centre building, and is connected with it by the
fan room. It contains the engine and boiler for supply-
ing steam for heating the entire building, and also for
doing the greater part of the cooking in the kitchen.
The boilers, at present, are four in number. Three are
thirteen feet by fifty-four inches, and one about the same
length and forty-eight inches in diameter. There is also
a pump for forcing water into the supply tanks through-
out the building. Back of the engine-house is the
chimney, or rather ventilating shaft. It is one hundred
and thirty feet high, including the base which is of
granite, twenty-two feet and six inches in diameter. The
shaft is octagonal or star-shaped, fourteen feet in diame-
ter, and is of brick, of which two hundred and fifty
thousand were used in its construction. Within is the
true chimney, of iron, and this heats the air in the shaft,
causing a strong current through the air passages which
lead into it from different parts of the building. The
ventilation of the most distant parts of the south wing is
by means of perpendicular shafts heated by steam radia-
tors.
THE HEATING
of the entire building is accomplished by the use of
steam radiaters, all of which are placed in the basement
and enclosed in a brick passage way. This latter is sup-
plied with fresh air through a duct connected with the
"fan tower." It is intended to have large fans to force
the air over the radiators. The hot-air registers in the
extreme ends of the building, where the patients are kept
closely confined, are placed in each sleeping room ; but,
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
in most parts of the building, they are in the central pas-
sages, and the heated air passes into the sleeping-rooms
through the transoms over the doors. The oldest air,
which in winter is also the coldest, is drawn out through
the ventilating registers at the base of each sleeping-
room by small ducts connected with the large flues
leading into the heated ventilating shafts, before men-
tioned. The main duct constantly increases in size as
it passes every additional smaller duct, until near the
great chimney it is large enough for several men to walk
in. The offices of the medical superintendent and stew-
ard have fireplaces.
THE LIGHTING
of the building is now done with gas, which is manufac-
tured from naptha, in a building erected for the purpose
on the premises. The building and apparatus were
completed in 1879, and during the winter gas was manu-
factured from coal, but the results were unsatisfactory
and the apparatus was changed so as to manufacture the
gas from oil products. The result has been entirely sat-
isfactory.
WATER SUPPLY.
An abundant supply of water is of the greatest impor-
tance in an institution of this kind. A full supply is at
the rate of about thirty gallons a day for each patient.
This includes the amount used for drinking culinary pur-
poses, baths, cleaning of building, and for laundry and
heating apparatus.
During the summer of iSSo, when water was abun-
dant, and the weather very warm, about one thousand
barrels a day were used, being about two barrels to each
patient.
The principal source of supply is a well, ten feet in
diameter, from which water is brought by a siphon, a
distance of about three thousand feet. During parts of
the year this well would furnish more than is needed;
while, during the dry season, the supply is insufificient.
In order to utilize all the water, a storage cistern was
built in 1880, with a diameter of eighty feet, and depth
of about fourteen feet, and capable of holding about
fourteen thousand barrels. Into this will be pumped
daily all the water which the well will yield after supply-
ing the building.
There is a cylindrical cistern, seventy-four feet long by
twelve feet in diameter, and holding about two thousand
barrels; also another, holding about three hundred bar-
rels. These receive water from the roof of the buildings.
The water is distributed throughout the building by
gravity from two iron tanks in the attic of the main
centre building, which are filled by the pump in the en-
gine house. These tanks are twelve and sixteen feet in
diameter, respectively, and hold about si.xteen thousand
gallons. Water is supplied to each bath-room and water-
closet.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT, CONVENIENCES, ETC.
Each ward is on a single floor, and comprises one
longitudinal and one transverse section. The promenade,
or general hall, in each ward, is lighted at the end and
a "bay" at right angles with the end of the transverse
sections. All dormitories and the dining-rooms have
large windows. There is a dining-room in each ward,
one above another. The cooked food is carried from
the kitchen by a railroad through the basement to the
dumb waiters, which connect with each dining room.
Speaking tubes and bell wires lead from each dining-
room to the foot of the dumb waiters; also bells from
the superintendent's room to different parts of the build-
ing. Each ward is provided with a dust flue and with a
soiled-clothes-slide, leading to receptacles in the cellar.
The water-closets are of the most approved patterns,
and provided with downward ventilation through special
flues. The bath-rooms are floored with marble, and
provided with every convenience for supply and waste.
All waste pipes lead to a six-inch drain pipe of cast-iron,
laid below the cellar bottom, and provided with the
necessary stench traps. The rooms are plainly but com-
fortably furnished. Most of the dormitories are provided
with plain iron bedsteads with woven wire mattresses and
straw beds. The dining tables are set attractively with
stone-china ware, casters and all the conveniences usual
in good families. No wall paper is used about the
building, and all walls and ceilings are hard finished.
In short, every means has been used to insure the
health and comfort of the inmates, and to economize in
labor.
APPROPRIATIONS.
The amounts appropriated for the building and furnish-
ing of the hospital up to the present time have been by
the Twelfth assembly, $125,000; by the Thirteenth as-
sembly, $165,000; by the Fourteenth assembly, $200,000;
by the Fifteenth assembly, $93,900; by the Sixteenth as-
sembly, $99,000; by the Seventeenth assembly, $48,000;
by the Eighteenth assembly, about $33,000.
DIETARY.
The bill of fare is varied, by a regular system, every
day in the week. Coffee is served every morning and
tea at supper. Roast beef or corned beef, or beefsteak,
are furnished once or twice daily, and fish on Fridays.
White and Graham bread are always on the table, and
butter at breakfast and tea. Potatoes are used daily,
and cabbage, onions and beets often. All garden vege-
tables are in abundance, in their season', and large quan-
tities of tomatoes and green corn are kept for winter use,
and pickles are put up. Dried fruits and green apples
are used in abundance, atid berries in season. Hot grid-
dle cakes are furnished for breakfast twice a week dur-
ing winters, and hot corn-cake throughout the rest of the
year. Crackers are kept on hand for those who prefer
them. On Thanksgiving day the whole household has
turkey for dinner, and either turkey or chicken on two
other days in the year. Fresh strawberries and rasp-
berries are served to all the patients several times in
summer, and melons in their season. The sick are
provided with various delicacies when they are unable to
partake of the regular diet.
In 1877, when the number of patients was three hun-
dred and twenty-two, and of employes sixty, the one
baker baked about twenty-six hundred loaves of bread
per week, consuming about fourteen barrels of flour.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Two cooks and five assistants prepared the food; two
men conveyed the food when prepared to the wards, at-
tended to the storage-rooms, and assisted in the kitchen;
one butcher dressed and prepared all the meat, took the
entire care of all the stock cattle, hogs and poultry, and
made the soap used in the laundry; two girls, with the
help of one male patient, did the washing for the entire
household ; three girls, aided by female patients, did
the ironing; one carpenter did the repairing, making
coffins, etc. ; three chambermaids and waiters do the
housework in the main building, wait on table and at-
tend door ; the gardener, with the help of patients, dur-
ing the summer, cultivated fifteen acres of garden, be-
sides attending to the flowers and yards; one man took
care of the cows, fourteen in number, and was employed
part of the day about the farm ; three teamsters were
employed, two at farm work in summer and hauling coal
in the winter, while one drives the hospital wagon, takes
care of the barn, harness, carriages, etc.
For that number of patients twenty-seven attendants,
male and female, were employed in the wards, and a
male and female watch. The attendants are under the
immediate supervision of the male and female super-
visors, who administer all medicines, and are responsible
for the clothing of patients; and the male supervisor
does the work of the apothecary. The seamstress does
all the mending for male patients, makes new clothing,
etc.; the engineer attends to the engine and the heating
and cooking apparatus, and does all necessary repairing
to steam and water pipes. Two firemen are under his
immediate supervision.
According to the last biennial report of the superin-
tendent, dated October 2, 1880, the number of patients
in the hospital was four hundred and fifty, of whom two
hundred and twenty-seven were men and two hundred
and twenty-three women. The whole number admitted
since the opening of the hospital had been one thousand
four hundred and thirty-three. Of this number there
had been discharged, improved, three hundred and fifty-
eight ; recovered, two hundred and forty-nine; unim-
proved, one hundred and ninety-six; died, one hundred
and eighty.
The cost of caVe and board of patients has varied from
sixteen dollars per month, in 1878, to ten dollars in
1879, at which price it remained at the time of the re-
port. The w^hole number of employes was eighty-three.
The number of patients in May, 1881, was five hundred
and twenty, and of employes, including officers, one
hundred.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
have been held in the chapel on Sunday afternoon, be-
ing conducted by the pastors of the Presbyterian, Epis-
copal, German Presbyterian and Methodist churches in
turn. Attendance is voluntary, but is always good.
AMUSEMENTS AND RECREATION.
Concerts, reading, magic lantern exhibitions, etc., are
continued during the fall and winter months. But the
most popular amusement is the dance. The music is
all furnished by the household. Two of the male at-
tendants play the violin, one calls the figures, a female
attendant plays the organ, and latterly one of the patients
plays the bass viol, an instrument which he made during
his stay at the hospital. Quite a number of newspapers
have been contributed, and some books for the forma-
tion of a library.
OUT-OF-DOOR EXERCISE, ETC.
Many of the male patients are at times employed on
the farm and garden, in the various out-buildings, laun-
dry, boiler-room, etc. It is not unusual for twenty female
patients to be employed at one time in the kitchen,
laundry and sewing-room. A large amount of ward
work is done by the patients. Nearly all male patients
go out of doors daily in summer when the weather is not
wet.
THE FARM.
Of the three hundred and twenty acres belonging to
the institution about thirty acres are occupied by the
brickyard, one hundred and twenty are in corn, oats,
potatoes, beans and garden stuff. The remainder is in
meadow and pasture lands. The value of farm and
garden products in 1878 was five thousand six hundred
and forty-three dollars and forty-nine cents, and in 1879
six thousand and seventy-seven dollars and seventy-eight
cents. The wheat grown on the farm for the two years
was valued at nine hundred and thirty-six dollars, and
plants in the green-house at eighty-two dollars and eighty-
five cents.
The current expenses for the year ending October i,
1879, were sixty-six thousand five hundred and fifty-six
dollars and sixty-three cents.
The farm stock and implements are valued at four
thousand dollars, and the current expenses of the hos-
pital for the year ending October, 1880, were seventy-
one thousand and seventy-one dollars and ninety-two
cents.
OPENING OF THE HOSPITAL.
The original board of trustees of the hospital con-
sisted of the persons named as follows:
Maturin G. Fisher, Farmersburgh, president; Rev.
John M. Boggs, Independence, secretary; George W.
Bemis, Independence, treasurer; E. G. Morgan, Fort
Dodge; Mrs. Prudence A. Appleraan, Clermont; C. C.
Parker, M. D., Fayette; T. VV. Fawcett, Chariton.
The board of commissioners appointed to superintend
the erection of the hospital, called the first meeting of
the trustees to take place at Independence, July 10,
1872.
In pursuance of that call they met and organized the
board and took the preliminary steps for organizing the
local government of the institution. A circular was
issued to the several institutions for the care and treat-
ment of the insane in the United States and the British
Provinces of North America, giving notice that this hos-
pital was soon to be opened, and inviting applications
and recommendations of some suitable person for the
office of medical superintendent. The board adjourned
to meet on the first Wednesday in September, the time
fixed by law for the regular quarterly meeting. A few
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
days before this meeting the Rev. John M. Boggs was
seized with a malignant fever and died on the day be-
fore that appointed for the meeting. Without transact-
ing any business the board, after passing resolutions of
regret and condolence, adjourned to meet October 2d.
The governor appointed Dr. John G. House to fill
the vacancy.
From a number of physicians highly recommended,
Albert Reynolds, M. D., of Clinton, Iowa, was elected
superintendent of the hospital.
Dr. Reynolds, after having received a finished medical
education, was employed for a considerable time as as-
sistant physician in the Kings County Lunatic asylum,
Flatbush, New York, under the superintendency of Dr.
Edward R. Chapin, where he had an opportunity to pur-
sue his studies and practice in the special department of
his profession to which he was devoted. He afterwards
travelled in Europe and visited the principal institutions
for the insane in Great Britain and Ireland.
Mr. George Josselyn, superintendent of construction,
was elected steward, and his wife, Mrs. Anna B. Josselyn,
was elected matron. Mr. and Mrs. Jossleyn were steward
and matron of the hospital at Mount Pleasant for several
years, and had ample e.xperience to qualify themselves
for their respective offices.
Dr. Willis Butterfield was elected assistant physician
on the fourth of September, 1873.
The hospital was opened for the reception of patients
on the twenty-first day of April, 1873.
The number of patients received up to December 13,
1873, was one hundred and seventy-eight, and the num-
ber remaining at that tiuie was one hundred and fifty-
two. Only one had died.
In December, 1874, Dr. Butterfield resigned his posi-
tion, and Dr. G. H. Hill was appointed in his place.
Dr. Reynolds' term of office expired on the first day
of February, 1878, and he was reelected.
Mr. and Mrs. Josselyn resigned their positions as
steward and matron in May, 1877, and George B.
Smeallie, and Mrs. Lucy M. Gray were appointed to
their places.
Dr. Henry G. Brainerd was appointed second assist-
ant physician in May, 1878.
Mr. Noyes Appleman succeeded Mr. Smeallie as
steward in January, 1878, and has retained his position
ever since.
Mrs. Gray also retains the position of matron.
CHAPTER XV.
BUCHANAN COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
The record of Buchanan county, Iowa, in that struggle
for the life of the Nation, places her shoulder to shoulder
with those who were foremost in throwing themselves into
the deadly breach made in the union by fratricidal hands.
The reverberations of the first cannon fired upon Fort
Sumter had not yet died away among the hills and forests
of the north and west, when a tidal wave of patriotic en-
thusiasm, bearing high its majestic crest, swept with
resistless force from the shores of the Atlantic to break
with murmurs upon the coast of the Pacific. The baser
fires of partisan and sectional strife which had cast a
baleful light over the darkening horizon, and in which
the enemies of the Government had a powerful ally, were
quenched, no more to be rekindled, and in their stead
the pure flame of patriotism burned with a clear and
cheering light.
Henceforth there was no wavering allegiance to the
Government, no divided love for the Republic, but only
the loftiest exhibitions of National pride and devotion, and
the sternest resolve to defend the Nation's life and to
"repel force by force."
If it should be remembered that treason essayed to
lift her hydra head, and even to hiss forth her hatred of
the Government to whose leniency she was indebted for
envenomed power, it can be answered that the antidote
of fervid patriotism was so all pervading and so potent,
that the malignity of these feeble manifestations, served
only to bring out in more vivid contrast the steadfastness of
the true patriot.
To attempt to trace the causes which led to this
memorable civil contest is far beyond the humbler task
allotted to the local historian, whose narrower sphere
limits him to a record of facts and events, in their chrono-
logical order, leaving the higher walks of historic com-
position to him — the philosopher, statesman, and historian
in one — who in the fullness of time having gathered into
one broad reservoir, these quiet rills flowing onward with
the lapse of years, shall distil from their mingled volumes
that wisdom which shall serve for the future guidance of
the Nation.
Some one gave an author credit for a "little of the true
Shakespearean secret," in that he let his characters show
themselves without obtruding unnecessary comment.
To merit such a criticism might satisfy the most ambitious.
The ample material found in the contemporary press
of the county, during the four years' progress of the great
Rebellion, with slight adaptation, will, therefore, be allowed
to tell the story so honorable to Buchanan county pat-
riots, whether at home or in the field.
A few words will suffice to give to the home scenes of
that wondrous drama the needed continuity.
On the twelfth of April, 1861, a cannonade from Fort
Moultrie, and the batteries erected by the confederate
authorities in Charleston harbor, was opened upon Fort
Sumter, which was still in possession of the United States,
and under the command of Major Robert Anderson. On
Sunday the fourteenth, the fort was surrendered. There
was no longer room to doubt the intentions of the South
— she was in open rebellion. The action of the United
States Government was prompt. Immediately, under
authority of the law of 1795, 8'^'i"g the President power
to call out the militia in case of insurrection. President
Lincoln issued a call for seventy-five thousand men.
The effect of these events has already been described ;
hut in the editurial columns of the Buchanan County
I04
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Guardian, in the number following the announcement of
the fall of Fort Sumter, the editor, Mr. Rich, gives utter- .
ance to the following graphic sentences. Thrown off at
a white heat of patriotic ardor, they give a most vivid
impression of that fine heroism which animated the loyal
people of the north, and are well calculated to awaken
in the young men of the present day — sons of the patriots
of 1861, a like noble enthusiasm:
We devote our paper, to the exclusion of everything else, to the details
of the war news. The taking of Fort Sumter, however, distasteful to
those who hoped never to see the stars and stripes trailing in the dust, has
proven the salvation of the country. By it freedom has been saved.
Through it men have had their patriotism and love of nationality
aroused, and now, where the traitors fondly hoped to find divided
counsels, political prejudices, obstructing elements, they see nothing
but the greatest unanimity, the most intense love of the Republic, the
most exalted exhibitions of national feeling, the sternest determination
to repel the attack made upon the Government. . . . Almost as
soon as the telegraph had conveyed the intelligence of the call of the
country, the people had proffered an army twice as great, and means
sufficient for its support for a campaign. Pennsylvania, alone, offers
more than the contingent, and New York and Ohio will do as well.
Our own governor leaves a sick bed, and travels to Davenport in order
the sooner to obtain the proclamation, and offers to mortgage his
property to obtain the money for the arming and equipping of the
troops. Chicago alone proffers the quota of men for Illinois, and Illi-
nois proffers nearly the whole number required from the Union. Who
dares to say, after this, that money-getting has swallowed up the loftier
aspirations of our people?
The contest can have but one end. With us is the power and with
us is the right. The issue is emphatically slavery or freedom. The
question is as stated by the vice-president of the southern confederacy
— whether we shall live under the constitution of our fathers, based on
the idea of liberty, or whether we shall exist under that of Jefferson
Davis and his coadjutors, founded on the doctrines of slavery.
Whether we shall still hold to the vital principle of democracy, the
right of the majority to rule, or whether we sh.all submit to the des-
potic doctrine of the secessionists, that the minority, the few are to
govern. Northern freemen will soon give their answer — will soon set-
tle the question in favor of liberty and the majority.
We can glorify the result at Sumter, in view of the grand develop"
ment of patriotism which it has elicited. With the sentiments of the
civilized world against them ; with no credit, and the great champion
of repudiation at the head of their government , with no navy; with a
scarcity of provisions ; with but few if any manufactories of arms ;
with a servile population of several millions to be kept in check;
with a disparity of men and resources ; with large numbers of union
men among them ; with nothing to depend upon but the bravery of
their people — when met as they are by a people equally brave, how
can the result be other than against the traitors? It must be against
them. They may by their boldness and promptness meet with tem-
porary success : but with the north fully in the field against them, they
must go down. They must fall before northern power, northern bra-
very, and northern love of freedom. God grant that with their fall,
the villainous system of human slavery may be dashed to atoms. • •
• In to-day's paper (April 30), will be found a call for the formation
of a company of volunteers. Although there seems to be but a poor
prospect of being called into active service immediately, (but one regi-
ment being called for from the State and four already offering), it is
highly probable that additional quotas will yet be drawn from the
States, when, if organized and ready, the company may be accepted.
It is plainly the duty of every lover of his country to prepare himself
for the conflict. The question is one of life or death for the Republic,
for free institutions ; and every friend of the Republican idea, every
lover of the principles of free government, should prepare to battle on
the side of his imperilled country. It is a glorious cause in which to be
enlisted — the cause of justice and right — the cause of democracy
against aristocracy — the cause of the masses against an oligarchy — the
cause of freedom against slavery. It is the old battle of the Revolu-
tion over again. Mothers never gave sons to a nobler cause ; husbands
never separated from wives to go forth to do nobler battle ; hands
never grasped swords, nor voice shouted battlecry in a more holy fight
than this on the part of the Government. Let us emulate the spirit of
1776, and, oblivious of self, give onrselves to our country — to human-
ity. Let us be ready when the next call comes. There are men
enough in Buchanan county willing to go where there is need of them.
Let us be ready to report when that need is indicated. We can organ-
ize, get commissioned, become familiar with the necessary drill, arm
and equip ready for instantaneous movement. If we are needed, well;
the steps taken will not be unprofitable. If we are needed we shall
have all the advantage of preparation. Let us make everything sub-
ordinate to our duty to our country. We are all heartily for the Gov-
ernment ; let there be no delay in making a public indication of this
feeling.
These are the fervid utterances which shall give to the
youth of Buchanan county in 1881, the key by which
they may translate the heroism which moved their fathers
and elder brothers, into the prosaic, if not sordid lan-
guage, now current. Or better, the glowing words may
so stir their hearts as to lift them into an atmosphere in
which the language of that heroic, and now historical
time, is the vernacular. Thus inspired, they will be pre-
pared to preserve inviolate that which has been, first pur-
chased, and again redeemed, at so great a price.
C.\LL FOR VOLUNTEER REGIMENTS.
In the meantime telegraphic news from the east,
showed that troops were in motion from all points tow-
ards Washington, and that so simultaneous had been the
rush to arms, at the call of the President, that no doubt
was entertained that the whole number of troops called
for was already at the disposal of the Government, and
that an equal or larger number stood ready to march,
at the first intimation of their acceptance.
Governor Kirkwood, of Iowa, was not, however, idle.
Called from a sickbed, as he stated to an enthusiastic
meeting in Davenport, he had left Des Moines, which
was, as yet, without railroad communication, and had
hastened forward to meet the dispatches of the Presi-
dent at that point, that he might act without loss of time.
Realizing, with all thoughtful men, that "the end was
not yet," he inaugurated, as soon as he was clothed
with the proper authority, the most energetic means for
the raising and equipment of troops. The citizens, not
only of Independence, but of all portions of the county,
responded with alacrity to the call for enlistments. The
patriotic language already quoted from the columns of
the county press, was the universal voice, without re-
spect to name or party.
An impromptu gathering at the court house, on Satur-
day evening, the twentieth of April, was pervaded with
such unanimity and sternness of feeling against the plot-
ters of treason, as could not fail to culminate, when the
hour arrived, in men and means for the defence of the
Government. Party spirit seemed to be annihilated, and
Democrats and Republicans vied with each other in ex-
pressions of devotion to the Government, and in male-
dictions upon the heads of the traitors who had plunged
the country into a civil war.
In order to obtain a fuller expression of feeling and
definiteness of action, a meeting was called for the fol-
lowing Monday evening. At the time appointed, with-
out other than verbal notice, the large hall of the court
house was again crowded with a calm, earnest and de-
termined body of citizens, many ladies also being pres-
ent. Alfred Ingalls, esq., was called to the chair, and
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
105
Messrs. Rich and Barnliart appointed secretaries. On
motion of Mr. Latiirop, a committee of five was ap-
pointed to prepare resolutions, consisting of the follow-
ing gentlemen: C. E. Lathrop, W. S. Marshall, Edward
Brewer, D. T. Randall and Lyman Hathaway. While
the coi.imittee were out, Messrs. Hord and Lee were
called upon, and made strong, earnest union speeches —
urging the claims of the Government upon all loyal citi-
zens, and the necessity of punishing treason by the over-
throw of the traitors. The following resolutions were
reported and unanimously adopted.
Whereas, The f.ict has been announced by proclamation of the
President of the United States, that rebeUion exists in a portion of our
country, and that the flag of our Union has been fired upon by the
constituted authorities of the so-called Southern Confederacy; and
Where.as, The President has called upon the luyal Stales for troops
to put down said rebellion and assert the supremacy of tlie laws,
therefore
Resolved, That we, the citizens of Independence, without respect to
party distinction, will rally as one man to the support of our rightfully
constituted Government, and pledge ourselves to respond to any call
that may be made upon us, either for men or money, to the full extent
of our ability.
Resolved, That we regard all who refuse to stand by the Government
in the present crisis as unworthy of the name of American citizens, and
as enemies of the liberties of mankind.
Resolved, That, come what may, we will never give up that noble
sentiment of the patriot Jackson: "The American Union — it must and
shall be preserved."
Resolved, That we approve of the policy of the national administra-
tion in the present crisis, believing that the President has acted toward
the southern rebels in a just, magnanimous and conciliatory manner,
and has afforded by his conduct no pretext for their recent warlike
preparation and action; and we will stand by our President while he
continues to act in the strict line of his constitutional duty.
Such pledges made by such a body of men, calm,
earnest and determined, were equivalent to the enroll-
ment of every able-bodied man, taking upon himself
such serious obligation, and was doubtless so considered
by every one actively concerned in this public expression
of allegiance to the Government of the United States.
Speeches breathing the utmost devotion to the Union,
and the most earnest determination to support the Gov-
ernment in its struggle to maintain that Union inviolate,
followed the adoption of the resolutions from Messrs.
Donnan, Marshall, Lake, Jones, Pratt, Randall, Bryant,
Sampson and Abbott. Only one dissonant utterance
from a citizen grated upon the harmony of this patriotic
gathering, which, in its manly, outspoken loyalty, con-
ferred lasting honor upon Buchanan county. One of the
speakers called upon took' a narrow, partisan view of the
situation, and spoke of the call of the President for
troops as an appeal from Republicans for assistance from
an opposing political party; and, though he counseled
such assistance, it was upon the ground that only in so
doing could they hope for political ascendency in the
time to come. It is, perhaps, needless to say that these
sentiments had few sympathizers, and the charitable
opinion expressed by the editor of the Guardian, "that
the speaker had done himself great injustice, his patriot-
ism being infinitely deeper and broader than his party
feeling," suggests the added charity of withholding his
name from this record of the war, and those who sup-
ported it.
A Mr. Henry, of St. Louis, who was called out at the
suggestion of a friend, received hearty applause when he
said that he was with the people of Iowa for the Union.
But when he proceeded to say that he and the Union
men of the border States would stand as a wall between
the contending parties, saying to the Government you
shall not cross our territory to attack the South, and to
the South you shall not cross our line to attack the
North, his prestige was gone. The hollowness of such
Union sentiments had only a few days before been ex-
emplified in the killing of Federal soldiers in Baltimore,
on their way to defend the Federal capital, and the true
patriots of Buchanan would have no more of it. Some
sharp catechising showed the speaker that he could have
little hope of pleasing himself again en rapport with his
audience, and his address did not progress beyond the
exordium.
Mr. Sampson, pastor of the Methodist church, declared
his readiness to inarch in the ranks if necessary, thus
showing that he would not urge others to a duty from
which he considered himself excused. At a late hour
the meeting adjourned, after adopting a motion made by
Mr. Donnan, for the appointment of committees to or-
ganize companies and raise the funds that should be re-
quired for their outfit. The meeting had fully developed
the fact that but one sentiment existed in the community
— that of unflinching loyalty to the Government; and it
had likewise demonstrated that, should occasion require,
a company of volunteers for active service could be
raised in a few hours, and another be left at home as a
guard, or ready as a contingent. A meeting lor those
desirous of forming a company whose services should be
offered at once to the governor, was appointed for Wed-
nesday evening, and the citizens' meeting was adjourned
subject to the call of the chairman.
INCIDENTS SHOWING THE STATE OF THE PUBLIC MIND.
At the first telegraphic dispatch, announcing the
opening of the cannonade upon Sumter, the fine flag be-
longing to the citizens of the place was raised upon the
flag-staff near the court house. As the folds of the Na-
tional emblem were lifted by the breeze, and the glorious
stars and stripes shone out, the wildest cheers went up
from the assembled crowd — given as heartily by Demo-
crats as Republicans, and again and again renewed.
Flags were also raised and kept flying from the offices of
both Guardian and Civilian, nor did one differ to the
other in the warmth of their utterances for the Govern-
ment and the Union. On Saturday, April 14th, while a
case was on trial in the district court, and while the jury
was attentively listening to the examination of witnesses,
some one brought into the court room a Dubuque paper
containing the first account of the fight at Charleston.
The news flashed around the court room instantaneously,
and created great excitement. Lawyers, witnesses and
juryman caught the infection, and it was found impos-
sible to proceed with the case, until all had heard and
discussed the news. The jury would give no attention
until the "war news" had been read to them, which was
at length done by order of the court, a suspension of
proceedings having been ordered-for that purpose. .
io6
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
The case of South Carolina and Secession, thus un-
ceremoniously brought before the jury, was of a char-
acter to require no cross-examination of witnesses, no
special pleading of lawyers. The crime stood confessed,
and the judgment was quick, and will never be reversed.
THE TWENTY DAYS OF GR.^CE EXPIRED.
Under date of May 7th, appeared another column of
terse sentences from the vigorous pen of Mr. Rich. Its
succinct summing up and grouping of the elements
which then constituted the "situation," both for the
Government and the people, make it a paper which the
citizens of the county may well be proud to transmit to
her latest posterity:
On Sunday night last, May 5th, the twenty days which Mr. Lincoln,
in his proclamation, gave the rebels to disperse expired, and from now
onward nothing will intervene to prevent the Government from push-
ing its movements actively against the traitors. F. W. Seward, As-
sistant Secretary of State, telegraphed to New York, in refutation of
the report that an armistice had been asked by the Government, that
that sort of thing ended on the fourth of March; and we may there-
fore conclude, both from thut and Mr. Lincoln's reply to the Maryland
deputations, that the administration is fully resolved to give action to
the determined sentiment of the whole north, that this infamous Re-
bellion must not be compromised with, but must be crushed out —
crushed out so effectively that the men and the system that for long
years have kept the country in foment, shall never thereafter be able to
create a disturbance. The country demands no half-way measures.
It demands of the Government no longer conservative or defensive
efforts, but calls for a forward, aggressive movement. It demands not
only that Washington may be made secure, but that every fort, arsenal
and Government building in the slave States, stolen by the secessionists
shall be retaken. . . . Demands that no thought of re-
construction, no proposition of division shall be entertained, but that
the Union and the constitution, as they have existed, shall be pre-
served intact. Since they have been forced to fight, they demand that
the question in issue shall be settled forever — that slavery shall no
longer have the power to convulse the country as it has done hereto-
fore.
This firm determined stand of the people and the administration,
has had its clear effect in the border Stales. Maryland, for a time
overcome by a bold mob, has received a strengthening of b.ickbone by
this evidence of the power and will of the great north. Again the
American flag floats throughout all her borders. Again her people in
mass meetings declare their fidelity to the Union, and her legislature is
forced to frown down the idea of secession. The cry of northern volun-
teers, " Through Baltimore, or over it," has made that city almost as
patriotic as could be desired. Western Virginia stands boldly up, un-
der the inspiration of northern firmness, and declares that she will
battle to the death with the secessionists of the eastern part of the
State. Missouri, also, as well as Kentucky and Tennessee, dare not
declare against the old flag, in view of the glorious uprising of the free
States, and the stern determination to drive treason from the land.
Treacherous as they were and are still willing to prove with secession
triumphant: with a northern army on their borders, and the free States
united and determined, they have found it inexpedient to secede, and
will probably so continue to find it. Virginia, that demanded so much
consideration, that claimed so much power, has gone over to the seced-
ers, and this movement has had no other effect than to show how weak
she reallv was, with all her vaporing. Her going has detracted noth-
ing from the strength of the Government, and added nothing to the
seceders. Her power is now forever broken, because all see that the
influence she claimed in the confederacy she could not have possessed.
Her pretensions were a mere bubble, and she herself has pricked it.
We hope, then, thai the Govenmient will declare, as the people have
done, a firm determination to permit no division of our territory, no
disruption of the Union.
With that declaration as the b.asis of its campaigns the free States
will make short work of this Rebellion.
ENTHUSIASM EVERYWHERE.
Nor were these Union demonstrations by any means
confined to the country seat. Union meetings were be-
ing held at various points in the county. Quasqueton,
the pioneer town of old Buchanan, was true to her early
record as a place of undaunted enterprise. Volunteers
were offering daily at that place and at Littleton, and it
was soon apparent that the entire county was a unit for
the defence of the Government. Everywhere offers of
money for the support of the families of those volun-
teering in the defence of the right, testified to the earnest
patriotism which swayed the public mind.
An enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Littleton
and vicinity was held early in May, with the avowed ob-
ject to organize a military company, whose services should
be offered to the governor as soon as the organization
was complete. Many ladies were present, giving con-
vincing evidence, by their warm interest in the great
questions before the people, that they were worthy daugh-
ters of the heroic mothers of the Revolution. The
meeting was addressed by Messrs. Lewis, Leavitt, and
Hord, of Independence; and by Reed, Muncy, and San-
ford and others of Littleton. Thayer's band, from Barc-
lay, was present, and the music of the spirit-stirring fife
and drum, as they struck up "Hail, Columbia," "Yankee
Doodle," or the "Star Spangled Banner," aroused the
pattiotism of the people to fever heat.
Another meeting was appointed to be held on the
following Saturday evening at Lester. No town, village,
or hamlet, was destitute of a flag, and at the county seat,
on days of especial interest, such as the reception of war
news, or the announcement of Government measures,
printing offices and business blocks displayed the stars
and stripes in such profusion as to suggest the thought
that, unconsciously, the loyal heart of the north was
striving by a double meed of allegiance to atone for the
indignities offered elsewhere to this sacred emblem of
the nations power and majesty.
A LETTER FROM THE HON. WILLIAM VANDEVER.
The following letter of instructions appeared in the
Guardian of May 7, 1861:
Dubuque, May 4, 1861.
J. Rich, esq.,
Dear Sir, — . . Companies when formed should elect officers
— one captain, two lieutenants, etc. The muster roll should then be
forwarded to Adjutant General Bowen, who will see that the officers
are commissioned. It is the desire of the governor that such companies
should be formed all over the State, and placed in such a state of prep-
aration — without interrupting the usual avocations of the men — as will
enable them to respond promptly to any call which may hereafter be
made for additional troops. The State will distribute arms as fast as
they are received from the General Government. It would be well if
men would furnish themselves with some simple style of uniform, say a
gray tweed flannel blouse and pants. The legislature, at its session
(extra, which met May 15, 1861), will undoubtedly make some provision
for arming and equipping several regiments. Companies now formed
will have a preference in being called into the service.
Preparation is what is needed, for any exigency that may arise here-
after. I trust that in the next regiment required from the State, some
of our northern companies will be preferred over those from the river
towns.
Truly yours,
William Vandever.
THE SECOND CALL.
The second call for troops was received here as every-
where with undisguised satisfaction. The fact that no
requisition was to be made upon the several States for
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
107
the forty thousand volunteers, for three years service, was
commented upon as favorable to Iowa troops — all regi-
ments offering being accepted until tiie full number was
enrolled.
The first Independence military company was an-
nounced as on a firm footing, in the same issue as the
second call of the Government for eighty-three thousand
additional troops, May 14th. The company was organized
with a view to active service, the oath being administered
to each recruit as he presented himself Quasqueton
was reported at the same date to have enrolled a home
guard of nearly one hundred members, and to have com-
menced drilling with an earnestness of spirit which
showed that their ultimate aim was a more serious one
than cannonading the effigies of the enemies of their
country.
On June i, 1861, the Independence guards, having
completed their roll, held a meeting for the election of
officers, which resulted as follows: D. S. Lee, captain;
G. C. Jordan, first lieutenant; W. S. Marshall, second
lieutenant; C. L. \Vhite, first sergeant; R. S. Marlin,
second sergeant; T. Blonden, third sergeant; J. D. C.
Garrison, fourth sergeant; C. J. Reed, first corporal; E.
A.Woodruff, second corporal; J. H. McWilliams, third
corporal; O. J. M. Fuller, fourth corporal.
The company being fully organized. Captain Lee went
to Iowa City to tender their services to the governor,
with the expectation of being accepted and sent inmie-
diatcly into active service. Meanwh le squad drills were
held at Morse's hall every evening : and on the race
ground, on the west side of the river, every morning be-
tween 4 and 6 o'clock; thus rising up early, and late
taking rest, that they might honor themselves and the
county which they represented; but, most of all, the
sacred cause which, taking their lives in their hands, they
were to go forth to defend.
LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR.
Though assured of their acceptance, the guards were
not assigned to a regiment until the last week in June-
as appears from the following letter of Governor Kirk-
wood :
Executive Office, Iowa City, )
June 25, 1861. J
Captain Lee, Independence Guards.
Dear Sir ; — Your company is assigned to the Fifteenth Regiment
Iowa volunteers, and under the recent call of the war department will
be sent to rendezvous at Burlington as soon as arrangements can be
perfected — perhaps next week. Fill up your ranks to not less than
•ighty-four, nor more than one hundred and one men. If you can
avoid it, do not go into quarters at home, as I have no money, and
shall have none till the State bonds are sold.
If you cannot possibly avoid going into quarters, do so, but not
otherwise.
As soon as matters are arranged, I will send you orders to march to
Burlington.
I enclose a printed circular, and call your special attention to that
part relating to clothing, and hope you may be able to conform to the
suggestions therein contained.
Please answer immediately.
Very respectfully,
Samuel J. Kirkwood.
The following extract from the circular comprises the
suggestions in regard to the outfit of volunteers:
It is very desirable that, in case you be called into active ser\'ice, you
have a change of clothing. I therefore suggest that your men procure
for themselves, with the aid of your neighbors, the following articles
for each man; A gray or black felt hat — gray is the best; two good
gray flannel shirts; one pair stout gray satinet or cloth pants, lined,
with black stripe up the seam; two pair socks, and one pair stout, well
made brogans or laced boots. These articles will answer, with a good
blanket, which will be furnished by the State, when you may be called
out, until a uniform can be furnished by the State, and will continue to
answer for a fatigue dress, or a change in case of being caught in the
rain — and thus conduce to health. The State cannot furnish these
things, but I hope your neighbors will aid you in procuring them. In
case you shall not be called out, they can be worn as ordinary dress,
and thus no loss will be sustained by the men.
The following call takes its place naturally, as the re-
sult of the publication of the governor's letter and cir-
cular :
PUBLIC MEETI.NG
As the Independence guards have been accepted by the governor of
this State to form part of the Fifth Regiment of Iowa volunteers, and
as the governor has recommended the people of the county to give the
cmopany a temporary uniform, which may hereafter be used as a
fatigue dress, and conduce to the comfort of the men; and as it will
also be necessary to provide for the keeping of many of the members
of the company until they are ordered to the rendezvous at Burlington,
we therefore invite the people of Buchanan county to meet at the court
house, in Independence, on Tuesday evening, July 2d, to take steps to
provide the necessary means for these purposes.
H. S. Chase, J. Rich,
C. P. HiNSLEY, J. S. Woodward,
James Jamison, L. Moore,
M. GlLLLTT, C. F. LEAVITT,
W. Chandler, O. H. P. Roszell,
D. S. Dunham, E. W. Purdy,
T. B. BuLLENE, J. D. Myers,
A. INCALLS, ]ed Lake.
The Guardian had a generous tribute to the " boys,''
and spoke out in regard to their claims upon those who
were to remain at home. It spoke also with the utmost
positiveness as to this company being the only one to
go from the county, and used it as an argument for en-
listment, with all who wished to enter the service of the
Government. A later enlistment would compel citizens
of Buchanan to enter a company from some other lo-
cality.
PREPARING FOR THE START.
July 2d the announcement is made that Captain Lee
had been notified by Colonel Worthington (of the Fil'th)
that the guards would probably receive orders to move to
the rendezvous on the following Monday. And now the
notes of preparation were heard on every hand, and
everybody seemed anxious not only to send the brave
fellows into the field as comfortably equipped as possible,
but with hearts so warmed by kindness and attention, as
to cheer them on to noble deeds for friends and for
country.
As the result of the meeting held in response to the
call, which we have given above, and of subscriptions
made subsequent to the meeting, four hundred dollars
had been raised; and this, with contributions of mate-
rial, by merchants and others, had accumulated a mass of
goods at the company's depot in Morse's hall which
looked sufficiently formidable, when it was remembered
that but one short week remained in which to fashion it
into garments required by the gallant men, who were so
soon to stand as the defenders of a beneficent Govern-
ment, assailed by those of its own household.
io8
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
But where was the corps which could be detailed to
make an advance movement in the face of this breast-
work of satinet? And where was the money to pay
them if they were found? It was evident that the War
Department had neglected to provide a much needed
pioneer force, and therefore it turned out, that in Bu-
chanan county, the honor of being first "called into
active service" fell to the ladies. It is but a simple act
of justice to the heroines of the hour, whose names
should grace the page of history, that a full company,
fully equipped, reported at the rendezvous, at the first
call of their country. The second day, Saturday, fully
one hundred and fifty were in attendance. Sunday was
given to the "work of mercy and necessity," and with an
industry, zeal, and even enthusiasm which knew no flag-
ging, the work went on until the seventh day, when at
evening, the entire company had been provided with
uniforms — an aggregate of nearly three hundred gar-
ments. In addition, each soldier had received from the
ladies a needle case containing a pair of scissors and a
full supply of pins, needles, buttons, and thread. As
this was the evening of their last day "at home," a
social meeting was improvised at the court house, to
give the citizens and the citizen soldiers the opportunity
for a friendly and farewell greeting.
Mr. Leavitt presided at this interesting gathering, and
words were spoken which, it may be hoped, cheered the
hearts of those brave men in many a trying hour of the
future. Captain Lee was called out, and in a few ear-
nest words acknowledged the obligation of himself and
his men, for the many kindnesses and services received
at the hands of the people of tlie county at large, and
from the citizens and ladies of Independence.
THE DEPARTURE.
The departure of the Guards on the following morn-
ing, Friday, June 12th, is best described by the pen of
the editor, an eye witness of the scene.
Friday, the day of departure, came, and a sad day it was to most of
us. In the morning, at nine o'clock, the guards drew up in front of
the Montour House, and were each presented with a Testament by a
committee of the Buchanan County Bible society. Rev. Mr. Boggs
made a presentation address, and was followed in a stirring speech by
Rev. Mr. Fulton. Rev. Mr. Samson, at the close of the addresses,
made an excellent prayer. The boys were then dismissed, that they
might take leave of their friends. The town was crowded with people
from the country, who had come to give a parting greeting to the
noble fellows. Mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, clung to sons, hus-
bands, fathers, and brothers, with the tearful energy of a fearing affec-
tion. On nearly every countenance were traces of tears, and everyone
seemed too full for words. Hands were shaken in silence, the lips
refusing to speak the blessings that each knew were in the heart. A
more solemn occasion we never witnessed, and hope never again to
witness a similar one.
But the time for departure came, and at the tap of the drum the
boys fell into line. The Independence band led the way to the depot,
the Benton company followed, and our own noble fellows brought up
the rear, surrounded by many hundreds of friends, of both se.ves. At
the depot, while waiting for the cars, another scene of leave-taking
occurred. All along the line friends and relatives were clinging, with
tears and sobs, to the soldiers, while they, in their turn no less affected,
were trying to impart comfort to the objects of affection so soon to be
left behind. Pledges of love and friendship were exchanged, and
nearly every man in the ranks carried a pretty bouquet of flowers. The
boys pronounced this leave-taking more unmanning than marching up
to the mouth of cannon.
But gradually these manifestations of feeling were mastered, and
before the train arrived they took to cheering " The Vinton Boys,"
"Soldiers' Wives and Sweethearts," etc.; and the great crowd sur-
rounding the depot, several thousand in number, responded with
cheers for the soldiers. But the friendly arrival of the train cut short
this prolonged tension upon the feelings of the brave fellows and their
friends. The cars brought the Hardin county company, and the Ben-
ton and Buchanan boys were soon on board. The whistle sounded,
and amid the firing of cannon, the waving of handkerchiefs, and the
wildest cheers from both soldiers and friends, the train moved off
taking away many courageous hearts and leaving thousands of heavy
ones, but equally courageous, behind.
At Manchester a splendid dinner was given to tlie soldiers by the
people of the town. We are assured that it has never been surpassed
in the State. This reflects the greatest credit upon the people of that
enterprising town, and entitles them to the heartiest benedictions of the
soldiers and their friends.
A reluctance to transcribe the closing paragraph of
this interesting article has given way before the convic-
tion that the indignation expressed in it is, under all the
circumstances, most generous and natural. That the
brave men, who were leaving all that the heart holds
dear, save the love of country, should have met with
anything like an indignity, and that, too, in the presence
of their weeping wives and mothers, fathers and brothers,
was too much to be borne with equanimity. The good
soldier must indeed be inured to hardness, but stern
necessity soon enough brings the inevitable discipline,
and there could be no excuse for such unseemly haste in
anticipating it, and honor the -warmth of sympathy which
dictated the outspoken reproof:
We cannot refrain from a word of animadversion upon the course of
the superintendent of the Dubuque & Sioux City railroad. With sev-
eral new passenger cars at the command of the company at Dubuque,
and with an empty one on the train. Superintendent Young stowed a
part of our company and all of the Vinton company in open cattle
cars, rigged with rough board seats, wheie the hot sun could play upon
them and clouds of dust cover them. It does not suftice that Conductor
Cawley, to whom all praise is due for his attention to the boys, insisted
upon placing the empty passenger car at their disposal after they
reached Manchester. The fact is patent that Mr. Young, with abun-
dant means at his command to secure the comfort of the soldiers, in-
sisted upon treating them as cattle, forcing them to ride in cars that
were in every way comfortless. Such a niggardly spirit is worthy of
all reprobation, and receives it from the friends of the volunteers in this
county. Superintendent Young has neither done himself nor his com-
pany any good by this treatment of our friends.
MUSTER ROLL, "INDEPENDENCE GUARDS," FIFTH REGI-
MENT, IOWA VOLUNTEERS.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Daniel L. Lee.
First Lieutenant George C. Jordan.
First Lieutenant Alexander B. Lewis.
Second Lieutenant William S. Marshall.
Second Lieutenant Carlos L. White.
NON-COMMISsIONED OFFICERS.
First Seargeant Carlos L. White.
First .Sergeant Thomas Blonden.
Second Sergeant Kelsey S. Martin.
Second Sergeant William S. Peck.
Third Sergeant Thomas Blonden.
Third Sergeant Charles F. Putney.
Fourth Sergeant Alexander B. Lewis.
Fourth Sergeant William Bunce.
Fifth Sergeant William S. Peck.
Fifth Sergeant Jerry Rea.
First Corporal Cyrus J. Reed.
First Corporal Joseph H. McWilliams.
Second Corporal Eugene A. Woodruff.
Second corporal, Julius F. Phelps.
Third Corporal Joseph H. McWilliams.
Third Corporal Frank Noble.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
109
Fourth Corporal Oscar J. M. Fuller.
Forth Corporal Simon L. Shultz.
Fifth Corporal Julius F. Phelps.
Fifth Corporal John B. Oliver.
Sixth Corporal Frank Noble.
Si.vth Corporal William Codling.
Seventh Corporal Leroy F. Funk.
Seventh Corporal John Jarrett.
Eighth Corporal Charles F. Putney.
Eighth Corporal Calvin C. Paltee.
Musician William H. Brown.
Wagoner Henry McQueen.
PRIVATES.
David .Allen, Samuel C. Allison, Joseph Anson, Madison J. Bryan,
William Bunce, James Bell, William W. Baughman, David H. Bill,
Charles F. B.iiley, William H. H. Coats, Solomon J. Clark, William
S. Cushman, Elijah Chiltester. William Crawford, William Codling,
A. M. Conkling. John A. Davis, Thomas Donnelly, Almon [. Francis,
Albert R. Goss, George Gay, J ames B. Gaylord, John C. Geyer, James
Harrigan, Martin Hallock, Morgan Holmes, Sanford Hamilton, John
Jarrett. William F. Johnson, Adin B. Kinsel, Wilbur F. Kellogg,
Castleton Latherman, Simmeus Mead, John W. Marlin, Charles
Marsh, Charles A. Marsh, Rev. J. W. McWilliams, .\lexander Mun-
ger, James G. McKenzie, John B. Oliver, Levi Overhulser, Noah
Porter, William R. Peters, Calvin C. Pattee, Peter Putnam, Thomas
C. Puckett, James C. Perham, William Payne, Thomas Robison,
Samnel -A. Reed, James Rice, John Richards, Edward Roderick, Jerry
Rea, Moses H. Robinson, Jackson Rice, George Sellars, John Shay,
James Stack, Rufus W. SafFord, Oliver Saflford, George B. Sitler,
Simon L. Shultz. Heman Sprague, William H. Sayer, Henry W.
Snider, Hola C. Sprague, John Snider, John H. Towle, Alden R.
Wheeler, James B. Wolf, Cres. W. Waggoner, Ormar R. Whitman,
Richard Whait, Nathan Wheeler, Rynear M. Walker, Weelley Wil-
liams. M.ihlon Williams, Stephen R. Washborn. -Additional enlist-
ments up to January i, 1863, John C. (or W.) McCray.
Captain Lee's company (company E, of the Fifth regi-
ment of the volunteer infantry) was enrolled in the
county of Buchanan, ordered into quarters by the gov-
ernor of the State June 29, 186 1, and mustered into the
service of the United States by Lieutenant Alexander
Chambers, United States Army, at Burlington July 15,
1 86 1, under the liroclamation of the President of the
United States, bearing date May 3, 1861. From the
place where the company was enrolled to its rendezvous
is three hundred miles.
A poetic tribute to the guards appeared in the same
number of the GuarJian as that containing the above
chronicle of their departure; and, though without a name,
it honors both the writer and those to whom it is in-
scribed. It would, therefore, be a manifest wrong done
to "Our Brave Boys of the West" if it were not trans-
mitted as one of the fragrant blossoms which make up
the chaplet offered them by a grateful people.
THE INDEPENDENXE GU.\RDS.
What golden glory doth the sun
Flood over all the west,
A farewell greeting to the earth.
And blossoms on her breast.
The cricket chirps its evening tune,
Its homely, cheery note,
And one last song is trilling forth
From out the robin's throat.
But oh, upon our aching hearts,
Earth's music sadly swells;
W'c hear through all her perfect choir
The echo of farewells.
We've seen our loyal men go forth
To plant the flag, wiiich waves
Triumphant over Northern arms,
Upon the traitors' graves.
W^e know whose hands shall bear unsoiled
The eagle's golden crest;
Whose hands uphold the stripes and stars—
Our brave boys of the west.
Give cheers for our devoted band,
Our men of words and actions;
.And groans, aye three times three, for those
Who bear the flag of factions.
May he who counts the ocean's sands.
And marks the sparrow's fall,
Spredd His almighty, loving hands,
In mercy, over all.
And nerve their arms to strike aright.
Such hearts have never f.iiled;
They'll teach the world how men can fight
When freedom is assailed.
Where're they .stand in battlefield.
With mingled pride and tears,
Our hearts shall follow on to pray
God bless our volunteers.
Friday, June 12, 1861.
INCIDENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DON.ATIONS.
Mr. Noah Porter, living at Good Hill, Bremer
county, while on his way to work on Friday (June 28),
saw a notice of the acceptance of the "guards," and a
call for a meeting of the company on Saturday. He
immediately went home, put his team in the stable, bade
his wife and children good bye, and walked seventy-five
miles to Independence, where he lost no time in enrol-
ling himself as a member of the company.
S. Hellman, of Independence, accompanied a dona-
tion of one dozen pairs of shoes, and as many of socks,
for the use of the company, with the wish that the wearers
of them might march to victory, for the glory of the
country.
Dr. Chase, of Byron township, as soon as the news
of the acceptance came, gave the conijjany ten dollars.
Had this example had a general following, and had the
resulting fund been invested in rubber blankets, how
many lives, sacrificed by sleeping on the damp ground,
might have been saved.
G. \V. Doiinan presented the company with ninety
pairs of woollen socks, making, at the same time, a speech,
which was received by the company with repeated cheers.
Mrs. William Scott also made a liberal donation of
woollen socks — articles of prime importance to the health
and comfort of camp life.
COM.MENTS AND INCIDENTS.
The Dubuque Times thus speaks of the people and
soldiers of Independence:
Much praise is due to the people of Independence for the creditable
manner in which they fitted out their volunteers. Through the liberal-
ity of the citizens the "boys" were enabled to go into camp with a
better outfit Ih.in any other company in the regiment. .All spectators
were struck by the gallant bearing and evident intelligence of this fine
corps, and with one accord they were pronounced the star company of
the five who left here last Saturday. Much is e.vpected of them, and
most assuredly they will not disappoint their friends.
The "guards" arrived in Burlington on Sunday after-
noon, and were mustered into .the United States service
on the following day, Monday, July 15, 1861. There
were between twenty and thirty companies at Camj) War-
ren, and none, it w'as said, presented a finer appearance
than the Independence company. Three of the volun-
no
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
teers were not accepted — William Sherwood, owing to a
deformed hand; a Mr. Clark, of Littleton, who was
above age, and T. Fleming, of Fremont township, who
was too young. The company, as mustered into service,
numbered ninety-seven men, exclusive of officers.
When first heard from by their friends, they had not
received their blankets, and were sleeping on straw
without covering. As an inevitable consequence of
this sudden change in manner of living, diarrhoea was
to some extent prevailing in the camp. The Indepen-
dence band accompanied the guards to Burlington, and
were offered the position of rtgimental band, on condi-
tion of raising their number to si.xteen.
PRESENTATION.
A number of the friends of Captain Lee presented
him with a fine Colt's navy revolver. Lieutenant Jordan
was the recipient of a similar compliment, and Lieuten-
ant Marshal escaped by being already provided with
small arms.
These officers were held in the highest estimation by
their fellow citizens, and were deservedly popular with
their men. Captain Lee paid a visit to !iis home in the
last week of July, reporting the company in excellent
health and fine spirits. Only one was in the hospital, as
after they received their blankets, and cooked their own
rations, they were living much better than at first. They
were fast acquiring proficiency in drill, though their arms
and equipments had not yet been supplied. The con-
duct of the men received the highest encomiums of their
captain. Not one man had been ordered under guard,
and their fine soldierly bearing and orderly behavior had
won them hosts of friends. Colonel Woithington had
not received marching orders for his regiment, but every-
thing pointed to an early demand for their presence in
Missouri.
OFF TO THE WAR.
The following incident shows not only the stuff" that
one brave heart was made of, but it also shows how
defeat itself, in our case, furnished the impulse that made
our final victory the more complete and decisive.
On recei[)t of news of the gieat disaster to the Federal
forces at Manassas, J. L. Loomis (afterwards editor of
the Bulletin) who was then employed as a clerk in the
post office, in Independence, and who was known to his
friends as an intelligent, quiet, but determined young
man, immediately resolved to volunteer, and, leaving at
the earliest possible moment, went to Dubuque in order
to take advantage of the first opportunity to enlist.
Such a spirit and such promptness and decision in its
manifestations, gave a sufficient guarantee that, whatever
post was assigned him, he did his duty well. He went
to the aid of the Government in the time of its greatest
peril.
ANOTHER COMPANY.
A military company was organized in the early sum-
mer, in Jefferson township, and soon numbered over
fifty men; most of whom were ready for active service.
S. D. Joy, who was an orderly sergeant in the Mexican
war, was elected captain, Joseph Rouse first lieutenant,
and George Frink, second lieutenant.
THE HEARTS AT HOME FOLLOW THE BR.WE HEARTS IN
CAMP.
On the twenty-fifth of July, the friends of company E,
Fifth regiment, in camp at Burlington, shipped to said com-
pany three boxes and a barrel, filled with delicacies be-
longing to what might be styled the higher departments
of culinary tactics, in which the "boys" had not been
drilled. The collation, which was enjoyed as one spread
by loving hands, reached Camp Warren on the second
of August, and, on the following day, the company re-
ceived marching orders, which took them beyond the
reach of these loving ministries.
ORGANIZ.\TION OF A SECOND MILITARY COMPANY IN IN-
DEPENDENCE.
The first election of officers by the "guards" having
been made void by a law passed at the extra session of
the legislature, a second was held on the first of June,
which resulted in some changes in the officers, both com-
missioned and non-commissioned. By the new election
Messis. Jordan and Marshall took the places of Hord
and Marlin, as first and second lieutenants. Lieutenant
Hord, with a promptness which showed that a desire to
serve his country was paramount with him, set to work at
once to raise a second company, and his success showed
the confidence reposed in hmi by his fellow citizens.
I'he following notice which appeared in the Guardian
of June 25th, speaks for itself.
ATTENTION COMPANY !
The Buchanan County Light Infantry will meet at their headquarters
on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings of each week, for the pur-
pose of drill. J, M. Hord, captain.
William Scott, orderly sergeant.
A few weeks later. Captain Hord accompanied the
guards to Burlington; met Governor Kirkwood, and se-
cured the acceptance of the Light Infantry into active
service. The company was assigned to the Seventh
regiment, which was then forming. Captain Hord and
Lieutenants Scott and Randy were commended to all de-
sirous of enlisiing, as every way worthy of confidence.
The captain had seen service in Mexico, and Lieutenant
Scott in the East Indies, while Lieutenant Randy had
for many years been an officer in the militia.
In the early part of August the company went into
quaiters; and so rapidly were Ihe ranks filling up under
the inspiration of the second call for troops, that no
doubt was felt that the Light Infantry would be in readi-
ness to report by the time required, August 25th. Mr.
Bull, proprietor of Bull's addition to Independence, con-
nected himself with this company, and devoted himself
warmly to the furtherance of its interests. An extra session
of the board of supervisors was held to take into con-
sideration the matter of supplying the company with a
uniform. Three hundred dollars was promptly voted by
the board, and a resolution was also passed, declaring
their willingness to give a similar amount to any company
of volunteers raised in the county, upon going into active
service.
The company was so fortunate as to be assigned to
Colonel Vandever's regiment, the Ninth Infantry. As the
colonel had expressed great confidence that the troops
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
collecting at Dubuque at that time, would be furnished
with uniforms before leaving that city, it was necessary
that shirts, hats, shoes and belts only should be provided
by the county. .'\nd again, the noble women of Inde-
pendence exemplified their patriotism, by coming forward
to contribute by their active sympathy and unselfish
labor, to the formation of that esprit de corps, so essential
to the efficiency of military organizations, and so char-
acteristic of the troops from "old Buchanan."
Great enthusiasm prevailed among the men, in view of
the high character of their colonel, and the efficiency
which marked their regimental organization. A battery
of si.x cannon was attached to the regiment, which made
it the best appointed that had been raised in the State.
DEPARTURE OF THE LIGHT INF.\NTRY.
Another month had rolled by, and the leave-taking of
July 1 2th was repeated. As the magnitude of the great
struggle, into which the country had been plunged, came
day by day to be more adequately appreciated, there was
no sign of wavering or drawing back, on the part of the
patriot sons of our smitten country; but, with ever in-
creasing numbers, they were pressing forward to her
defence. A great sympathy for the cause of liberty
assailed, and for countrymen tearing themselves from all
that is most precious in life, save liberty, to offer their
lives upon the altar of patriotism, pervaded the hearts of
all classes, and varying parties and sects became of one
kindred.
And so again, in the early morning of August 27th,
a large concourse was gathered — fathers, mothers,
brothers, sisters, husbands and wives, friends and neigh-
bors — for a parting unlike any other on earth. Already
had more than one battle-field been drenched in patriot
blood, and who should say if these, going out in all the
strength of manhood's prime, should again clasp the
hands that cling to them now? But the words of an-
other must not displace the tribute, warm from the heart
of one who was himself swayed by the overmastering
enthusiasm of the hour, and who was proud to claim
these heroic men as his friends. The Guardian of Au-
gust 27th speaks thus of a scene which had just been
enacted, at the departure of Buchanan's second offering
of a hundred lives upon the altar of Liberty:
Another company of noble-hearted men have left us for the war.
Buchanan county has given up another hundred of her brave sons to go
forth and battle with this unholy rebellion. They have just started,
amid the sobs, the tears, the smiles, the cheers, the God-speeds of hun-
dreds of loving hearts left behind. May every man of them live to re-
turn to the arms which now give thern up for their country's cause.
They were accompanied to the depot, even at the early hour of
starting, by a large concourse of people, many of whom had come ten
and fifteen miles to be at the parting. The scene was veiy aflfectmg,
mothers and sisters and wives clinging to many of the soldiers with
tears and sobs, and fathers, sons and brothers grasping hands in si-
lence too full for utterance. The men mastenng their emotions, like
true soldiers, went off in excellent spirits, cheering heartily as the train
moved away; while the sad crowd behind could do little more than
wave their adieu.
Our self-sacrificing, patriotic women went bravely to work to pro-
vide uniforms for the men, in the latter part of last week, and soon had
the necessary number of shirts made for them. Not satisfied with that,
they made each of them a needle-case, filled with buttons, pins, nee-
dles, etc. Yesterday tliey were presented to the men, who enthusias-
tically acknowledged the kindness of the ladies.
Clad in their blue woollen shirts, felt hats, with eagle and handsome
belt, and decked with that most touching parting gift, a boquet of
bright but perishable flow'ers, these stout, robust men, bronzed with
the labors of the harvest, and full of m.inly vigor and energy, were a
sight to send the proud blood surging through the heart of every be-
holder. What, then, must it have been to those tender ones, whose
lives, until this sad mom, had grown "upon one twin stem" with those
now so rudely torn asunder ?
On the Sunday previous to the departure of the Light
Infantry, the Rev. Mr. Sampson preached a sermon to
them, appropriate to the circumstances, both of the
country and ot the men about to go forward in her de-
fence. On Tuesday morning, before leaving, each of
the coinpany was presented with a copy of the New
Testament by the Buchanan County Bible society. Rev.
Mr. Fulton making the address, and Rev. Mr. Sampson
offering a prayer.
The election of officers took place at Camp Union,
Dubuque. The following is a complete list of the offi-
cers and men of the company:
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Jared M. Hord.
Captain Hiram C. Bull.
Captain Robert W. Wright.
First Lieutenant Hiram C*. Bull.
First Lieutenant Nathan Rice.
First Lieutenant Robert W. Wright.
First Lieutenant Jacob P. Sampson.
Second Lieutenant William .Scott.
Second Lieutenant Nathan Rice.
Second Lieutenant Robert W. Wright.
Second Lieutenant facob P. Sampson.
Second Lieutenant Edmund C. Little. .
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
First Sergeant Robert W. Wright.
First Sergeant Jacob P. Sampson.
First Sergeant Edmund C. Little.
Second Sergeant Nathan Rice.
Thiid Sergeant David V. Coe.
Third Sergeant Edmund C. Little.
Third Sergeant Hiram Holdridge.
Fourth Sergeant Billings Davis.
Fifth Sero'eant R. T. Bain.
Fifth Sergeant Charles G. Curtis.
First Corporal James M. Elson.
Second Corporal Charles N. Bennett.
Third Corporal Ezra T. Rust.
Fourth Corporal James H. Merrill.
Fifth Corporal Jacob D. Sanders.
Sixth Corporal Fred M. Wilbur.
Seventh Corporal Charles W. Sarchet.
Eighth Corporal Edmund C. Little.
Musician .\lpheus Losey.
Wagoner David Greek.
PKIV.-\TES.
Henry Reynolds, William .Allison, E. J. Allen, Marsena Allen, Isaac
Arwine, William Adams, George M. .'\bbott. Perry Alspraugh, Thom-
as J. Barber, J. H. Bower, Jesse Barnett, John C. Brown, .Adelbert
Bellus, Thomas Cress, C. Corbert, L. D. Curtis. Isaac G. Chase, Val-
entine Cates, John Cartwright, Wesley Curtis, William Decker, Bill-
ings Davis, J. E. Elson, Olinzo H. Engles, John Engerman, J. H.
Ford, Julius Furcht, Edwin Fary, Reuben E. Freeman, Enoch Fary,
George Frerberthauser, N. A. Green, William C. Gillum, Nelson Ho-
vey, Theodore Hyde, C. A. Hobert, Stephen Holman, Isaac N. Hol-
man, Vinson Holman, Eli Holland, Henry Jones, Silas E. King, John
M. King, Benjamin Klapp, James Leatherman, Orlando F. Luckey,
Alpheus Losey, D. Pangburn, E. U. Patchen, Enoch Piatt, B. W.
Powers, William Pope, L. A. Persall, Isai.ah Perdue, Philip Ritter-
man, Henry Reynolds, Russell Rouse, Reuben Rouse, G. Q. Rust,
Darwin Rich, Ahal H. Robbins, Samuel Robbins, John Rogers, David
Steele, James Steele, Charles W. Sarchet, George W. Suyre, R. R.
Stoneman, James M. Sparling, Jacob P. Sampson, Thomas Smith,
112
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
James A. Sutton, George A. Turner, Royal Taylor, W. T. Thayer,
Albert Utteibeck, P. Vanclerbilt, William Willey, H. P. Wilber, Wil-
liain Wisennand, R. M. Whitlock, Pierce Walton, Adonin J.Windsor,
John H. Young.
Additional enlistments up to January i, 1863:
Dorr E. Godfrey, William A. Jones.
Enrolled in the county of Buchanan; went into quar-
ters at Dubuque, July 30, 1861; mustered into the ser-
vice of the United States by Captain C. Washington,
United States army, on the twenty-fifih of September,
1 86 1, under the proclamation of the President dated
July 23, 1861; from place of enrollment to rendezvous,
fifteen miles.
CAVALRY COMPANY.
Early in September, following the raising of these two
companies of infantry, a call was made for recruits for a
cavalry company, which, as Dr. Parsons had been active
in its organization, it was expected he would com-
mand. R. S. Rider was associated with Dr. Parsons in
proiTioting the interests of this new enterprise, in which
great enthusiasm had already been awakened, and en-
listments were being freely made. Before the organiza-
tion had been completed, and pending the acceptance
of the company by the proper authorities. General Fre-
mont issued an order prohibiting the acceptance of more
cavalry after the completion of the Fourth regiinent,
which it was then understood was nearly full. Through
the indomitable energy of Dr. Parsons his men were con-
solidated with those of Captain A. F. Peters, of Dela-
ware county, and were accepted into Colonel Porter's
cavalry regiment. Dr. Parsons took the rank of second
lieutenant in the consolidation, and the company of be-
tween twenty and thirty men left Independence in the first
week in October, and went into camp at Mt. Pleasant.
During the month the regiment was sent, as were many
of the Iowa troops, into Missouri. Through some ine.x-
cusable neglect the names of the members of this com-
pany were not published in the county papers, and though
the company w^as afterwards recruited in Buchanan
county, no roster has been met with in the preparation of
this record.
Quite a number of youn.; men from the north part of
the county joined captain Ainsworth's com|iany during
the months of September and October, so that, by the
close of the latter month, Buchanan county had sent in-
to the army over three hundred men.
The death of R. E. Freeman, of Captain Hord's com-
pany, Ninth regiment, was announced in the Guardian
of December 24th, with the statement that his was the
first death among those who had gone from this county
to the war. He died in the hospital at Pacific City, Mis-
souri.
The Ninth regiment, of which company C was enlisted
in this county, after Jying for some months at Pacific City,
engaged for the most part in guarding important railroad
connections, was ordered near the last of January, to
break camp and move to the southwest to cooperate with
the Federal troops under General Curtis, that had for
some time been confronting the combined forces of Price,
Van Dorn and McCuUough. The brilliant battle of Pea
Ridge, Arkansas, was fought on the sixth, seventh and
eighth of Match, 1862. The Fourth and Ninth Iowa
regiments and the First and third Iowa batteries were in
the thickest of this desperate struggle, and earned for
themselves and for their State an imperishable name. A
regiment of volunteer patriots, but lately from the peace-
ful avocations of secular life, had shown the steadiness
of nerve and unconquerableness of purpose which are
looked for ordinarily in veterans only. There are many
now living throughout the county who, after the lapse of
nineteen years, can recall the shuddering with which the
first news of the victory was received. All had friends
among those who were known to have gone into the bat-
tle — some had fallen. Whose fathers, sons, brothers,
and husbands were those two hundred and forty-eight
who had attested their courage and their patriotism with
their lives? Only a brief season of uncertainty, and the
list of killed and wounded came to tell how singularly
had the thick flying shafts been turned away from our
households, and the pall was lifted which threatened to
shroud the victory.
The youthful Rice, of Vinton, Benton county, who
entered the company in July as second sergeant, and had
risen to the rank of first lieutenant, thus vindicating his
claim to rank among that galaxy, who fulfilled the glori-
ous promise of their early career by giving up their lives
when that was all they could do, headed the list of killed
in company C. Private Julius Furcht was killed and
Isaac Arwine mortally wounded. W. S. Wisennand and
John Cartwright, of Spring Grove, and A. J. Windsor, of
Independence, also died of their wounds. Marcena
Allen, of Littleton, and O. K. Engle, of Hazleton, died
of disease a few weeks after the battle, no less victims of
the war than if they had fallen in the thickest of the fight.
Captain Bull, successor of Captain Hord, was wounded
slightly, as were also Adjutant Scott, Sergeant J. P. Samp-
son, Corporals E. G. Curtis and J. D. Sanders, with sev-
enteen privates whose names are given elsewhere.
"The Iowa troops claimed, at the battle of Pea Ridge,
the position accorded to them in every contest in the
west — the post of danger, the post of brave deeds, and
the post of death."
Lieutenant Colonel Herron, of the Ninth, was wounded
arid taken prisoner. It was related of him that, though
wounded and surrounded by his enemies, he seemed
determined to die rather than fall into the hands
of the rebels. He had already killed more than one of
his assailants, and was making desperate efforts to defend
himself with his sword, after he had been unhorsed,
when his arms were seized and resistance made imjjossi-
ble. A southern major saved his life by shooting an In-
dian who was on the point of butchering him after his
arms were bound with a handkerchief.
Among other incidents of the battle, one showing the
indomitable coolness of the youthful hero, E. C. Little,
was related by adjutant Scott. Early in the action Ser-
geant Litile, who was at the time about seventeen years
old, had his gun taken out of his hand by a shell which
exploded near him, whirling it so far from him that he
could not recover it. Without stopping to waste words
HISTORY OF UUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
113
or time he coolly possessed himself of another, and this,
in a few moments, was ruined by a shot striking it. Out-
wardly, at least, unmoved, he was not long in taking his
place, again "fully equipped," and with this third piece,
he went through the three days' battle without a scratch,
though he received several balls in his clothing.
DE.\TH OF LIEUTENANT JORDAN, OF THE FIFTH KECU.MENT.
It will be remembered that company E, of the Fifth
Iowa volunteers, was raised in Independence, and com-
posed almost exclusively of Buchanan county men.
From the time of its entering the service, the regiment
had been stationed at various ]5oints in central, northern,
and southwestern Missouri. In March, 1862, it was in-
corporated with one of Pope's brigades then investing
New Madrid. This place was held by a force of forty
thousand rebels, behind a double line of fortifications,
and was one of the links in that chain of defences which
seemed to bind the Mississippi to the confederacy with
bolts of iron. During the siege, fatigue and exposure,
acting upon a frame already enfeebled by disease, pros-
trated the gallant Jordan; and even while his friends at
home were indulging in the fond hope that rest and care
were doing a work of rapid restoration to health, a re-
lapse bore him with fatal celerity beyond the reach of
care and skill; and, in the midst of the rejoicing over
the signal victory of our arms in Arkansas, and a signal
e.xemption from loss of life among the sons of Buchanan,
came the unlocked for announcement that he was dead.
Let the tributes poured from hearts bleeding from a
sense of irre|)arable loss, attest the sincere esteem — the
admiring, affectionate regard, in which Lieutenant George
C. Jordan was held by his comrades in arms, and by
the friends of his early years in the community where,
until he went forth at his country's call, had been his
home. He was (it will be remembered), a business
partner of Mr. Rich, of the Buchanan county Guardian.
EDITORIAL TRIBUTE OF THE GUARDIAN, APRIL I, 1862.
Our friend is gone ! We cannot realize it ! And yet we remember —
when the first bright, warm sunshine of spring was flooding the earth,
when everything seemed awakening into beauty and life, when hope
was buoyant and our spirits bright and cheerful — A'e remember how
suddenly there came a blow, blotting out the brightness, dashing aside
hope and cheerfulness, and loading our heart and frame with a weight
of sorrow unutterable. .-\nd we remember the atlas-load of agony
thrown upon her who was all in all to him. And then comes a vision
of him who has so long been our friend — the same slight frame, the
same fair countenance, the parted lips wearing the genial smile we had
seen so often, .^nd when we remember this, and feel the load of sor-
row al our heart, and mark the we.alth of woe in our household, we
know that he who has been our closest companion is no more. For
thirteen years we have stood by his side — working hand-to-hand with
him, eating from the same board, sheltered by the same roof, enjoying
a more than brotherly confidence, knowing his every aspiration, almost
his every hope. In our business the same kind of confidence existed.
There were no accounts between us, but each shared the success and
deprivations of the other. None knew better than we, then, the gen-
erous hopes thai animated him — the brave spirit with whicli he was en-
dowed, the purity of his life, the kindness of his heart, the fidelity of
his friendship, the nobleness of his manhood. None know better than
we how pure and unselfish the motive which led him to leave a wife and
home he loved better than anything on earth, to go forth at his
country's call, and lay upon her altar the sacrifice of his valued life. All
that love and friendship could proffer, was offered to induce him to re-
main at home, but he declared that he could never stand an idle spec-
tator of the contest and be happy. He went forth in the discharge of
what he deemed a sacred duty. How well he performed that duty we
15
know, for we have watched the tearful eye of his men, who have come
back enfeebled by disease, as their grateful lips acknowledge the obli-
gation of his kindness and faithfulness. He loved his men, and when
we urged him but a little while ago, to get a furlough and come home,
he wrote that he could probably get detailed for recruiting service ;
but as it would take him sometime from his men [and at a time when
there was much sickness in the regiment], he would not think of it.
" I shall stand by the company" he said, and that ended the contro-
versy. Alas that he should be the first that should fall ! Alas that the
golden bowl of his life should be the first broken at the fountain !
Since the first of March, fatigue and exposure had worn upon him.
Care and rest, however, brought recuperation. On the march to New
Madrid, he improved and was daily gaining strength. Rut his regi-
ment was ordered out to support a battery that was playing u[)on the
enemy. Too weak to go, he was yet too eager to stay. In spite of
the expostulations of his men, he went. To avoid the shells of the
enemy the troops were ordered to lie down on the damp ground. He
obeyed, caught cold, had a relapse, lingered a few days and died ;
sinking away calmly and quietly without a perception of the loosening
and breaking of the golden thread of his life — died with the green of
spring carpeting the earth with beauty, the buds and blossoms opening
around him, and when life and honor and usefulness must have seemed
to be opening before him with a promise fair and bright, as that be-
tokened by nature's reawakening — died as he always wanted to die, if
the sacrifice was needed, in the harness of the faithful soldier, and the
booming of the deep-mouthed cannon, and the crash of shells sound-
ing in his ear. "We shall listen long and anxiously for his coming,
while our hearts must grow sick as we remember that never more shall
we meet his pleasant greeting. Shade of all noble virtues rest thou in
peace ! " Dear friend ! brave heart ! hail and farewell ! "
IN MEMORI,\M.*
Tears for the dead, though unaiding, will flow, and grief for departed
friends will be felt , and its poignancy is only the greater because it
cannot unclose the portals of the tomb. This grief now pervades the
whole community ; these tears bedew every eye. Lieutenant George
C. [ordan is no more. In the bloom of manhood, and in the full use-
fulness and efficiency of the noblest effoits for his country, he has laid
down his life as a sacrifice for liberty, and the preservation of this re-
public.
.After the bloody and memorable battles of Pea Ridge and Fort Don-
elson, battles which for courage and heroism will compare with any
of Grecian or Roman history, and which the people of Buchanan
county watched with an interest and anxiety indescribable, because
they had precious and noble sons among those gallant troops-
after those battles, when we learned that one out of every three
was either killed or wounded, we waited with breathless suspense
to know who were the brave men that had shed their blood to
preserve our liberties, our honor and our nationality. The news came
— the load of dread was lifted from our spirits. While many were
wounded, but three of our beloved soldiers were killed , and among
our fearless officers, none were slain. We exchanged congratulations
with ardor, and the gloom was dispelled from all our countenances.
We exulted in the indomitable courage and the unconquerable bravery
of those whom our own county had sent to the field.
.Alas ! this joy was of short duration. In the midst of our rejoicing,
like a burst of thunder in a clear sky, the terrible news pervaded the
community, that George C, Jordan was brought into tlie village a life-
less corpse. It was even so. That noble heart had ceased to beat.
His family, his friends, his country have lost him forever ; save as his
example and his deeds live after him. Never, in this community, has
a death produced such general and such profound grief. The aspect
of our village was as if a great calamity had befallen it, and no coun-
tenance but bore the marks of sorrow. The mournful topic absorbed
all others, and all felt as if they had lost a son or a brother.
Well did the departed deserve these tributes of respect, affection,
and grief. Wherever he was known he was beloved. Kind, generous,
intellit'ent, unassuming, free-minded, benevolent, and virtuous, he won
all hearts and secured universal esteem. No wonder, then, that the
pang was so great when he was lost to us. No wonder that we all felt
that a good citizen, a brave soldier, a true patriot, had taken his de-
parture. It is not too much to say that he has not left an enemy be-
hind him. His life was a succession of worthy actions, and it may be
emphatically said that he was incapable of an ignoble one. He was
eminently just and honorable, of gentle deportment and engaging
manners. Yet he had firmness when it was required, unflinching cour-
*For the Guardian.
114
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
age where it was demanded, and, when duty called, a tenacity of pur-
pose that was fixed as fate.
We do well to weep for him. He deserves our tears, and our ex-
pressions of heartfelt sorrow were simultaneous and spontaneous. The
flags which were before waving so proudly for our recent victory, were
weighted with the emblems of woe, and badges of mourning were dis-
played throughout the village. Friends met and exchanged greetings
in hushed voices, and it seemed almost a profanation that business
should go on, when his great heart had ceased to throb — when he had
been brought back dead.
Notwithstanding high streams and almost impassable roads, and the
great difficulty of diffusing intelligence, people from remote parts of
the county flocked to the funeral. The citizens of the place vied with
each other in paving respect to one so honored for what he was in
himself and for what he had become in dying in so noble a cause. The
funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Boggs, Fulton,
Sampson, and Caldwell. The funeral sermon was preached by Mr.
Boggs, at the Presbyterian church, which was densely packed. The
speaker was at times much affected himself, and tears and sobs per-
vaded the audience. The discourse abounded in eloquent bursts of
patriotism, just tributes to the virtues and unblemished life of the de-
ceased, indignant rebukes of the treason which has produced such
dreadful evils in our land, pathetic sympathy with surviving kindred
and friends, and exhortations to imitate the noble conduct, the courage
and patriotism of him for whom we mourned.
Touching testimonials to the worth and excellence of Mr. Jordan,
and respect for his memory, and grief for his untimely death, are found
in the resolutions passed by his comrades in arms, regimental officers
as well as members of his own company uniting in the warmest expres-
sions of regard. These resolutions, which have been placed in our
hands, are appended to this tribute to our departed friend.
Farewell, noble and heroic patriot ! Your memory will live perpet-
ually in our minds. And if his loss is so great to the community, what
must it be to those who were nearest and dearest to him? On the lone-
liness and desolation of the wife of his bosom, and the sad loss to his
most intimate friend and associate in business, I cannot, dare not,
touch. I feel utterly unable to describe or console their affliction. lean
only commend them to the feeble and remote consolations of resigna-
tion and time, and to the certain con\'iction that with such a noble and
virtuous soul it must, beyond all peradventure, be well.
S. J. W. T.
In Camp, before New Madrid, Missouki, 1
March 21, 1862. )
At a meeting of the commissioned officers of the Fifth Iowa volun-
teers, at regimental headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Mathies an-
nounced the decease of Lieutenant George C. Jordan, of company E,
Fifth Iowa volunteers. Whereupon Major Robertson was called to
the chair, and Captain Sampson appointed secretary. On motion the
chairman appointed a committee of three, consisting of Lieutenant
Moriarty, Captain Lee, and Lieutenant Caswell, to draft resolutions of
condolence, expressive of the sense of the officers of the regiment on
the loss of our late associate and brother officer. Lieutenant Jordan.
The commitee reported the following resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, It becomes our painful duty to announce the decease of
Lieutenant George C. Jordan, of company E, Fifth Iowa volunteers,
who died March 20, 1862, in camp near New Madrid, Missouri, after a
brief illness, with typhoid pneumonia, as a testimonial of the respect
and esteem of the officers of the Fifth Iowa volunteers it is unani-
mously
Resolved, That in the death of the late Lieutenant Jordan we have
lost a brother officer of unblemished character as a gentleman and offi-
cer, whose kind disposition, unassuming deportment, and clear-sighted,
intelligent discharge of every duty, rendered him beloved by his men,
cherished and respected by all. While we deeply and sincerely deplore
his loss, we bow with reverence and submission to the will of the Great
Disposer of life and death, and say in our hearts: "Thou art the
source and fountain of life — in thy hand are also the arrows of death.
Thy will be done."
Resolved, That the Fifth Iowa volunteers, in the death of Lieutenant
Jordan, has lost one of its most accomplished officers, whose ability
and patriotic zeal in the service of his country, high moral worth and
unblemished integrity as a man, enshrines the memory of his virtues in
our hearts, which we will ever cherish as worthy to be our example.
Resolved, That the officers of the Fifth Iowa volunteers wear the
usual military badge of mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That our unfeigned sympathies and condolence are ex-
tended to the friends and relatives of our brother officer, and to his
sorrow-stricken wife we send our heartfelt assurance of sympathy in
this her great bereavement.
W. S. Robertson, Chairman.
E. S. Sampson, Secretary.
New Madrid, Missouri, March 21, 1862.
At a meeting of the members of company E, Fifth Iowa infantry,
held in camp at New Madrid, Missouri, March 21, 1862, for the pur-
pose of expressing their sorrow for the loss of their esteemed officer.
Lieutenant George C. Jordan, and of extending their sympathies to
his afflicted family and friends. Captain Lee was called to the chair,
and Wilbur F. Kellogg appointed secretary.
On motion Lieutenant W. S. Marshall, acting adjutant, \. B.
Lewis and Cyrus J. Reed, were appointed by the chair a committee to
draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
The following preamble and resolutions were reported and unani-
mously'adopted: •
Where.\s, Our much loved and worthy officer, Lieutenant George
C. Jordan, has been suddenly taken from us by death whilst far from
home and kindred, in the faithful performance of his duty as an oflficer
and a patriot, enduring the hardships and braving the perils of the
field; therefore
Resolved, That we deeply deplore the loss of our devoted officer and
beloved companion, whose brave heart and generous disposition had
endeared him to us all. and to whose energy and perseverance as an
officer, we are chiefly indebted for our merit as a company and our dis-
cipline as soldiers.
Resolved, That in his official career we have had a worthy example
of every virtue that constitutes a true patriot, an officer and a gentle-
man; that in his social character were combined a generous disposition,
a sterling integrity, a purity of heart, and a nobleness of purpose sel-
dom excelled; and that we will ever cherish the recollection of his
many virtues as the most sacred tribute to his memory.
Resolved, That in this our irreparable loss we recognize the ordering
of Him " Who doeth all things well." and that we bow with reverence
and submission to His divine will.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his afflicted wife and rela-
tives in this their sad berevement, and assure them that their heartfelt
sorrow is truly shared by us all.
Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be sent to
each of the county papers of Buchanan county for publication, and
also that a copy be sent to the wife of the deceased.
D. S. Lee, President.
Wilbur F. Kellogg, Secretary.
A most eloquent, though unpremeditated tribute to
the memory of the lamented Jordan, was the departure
of a band of sixteen men to join company E of the Fifth
regiment, which occurred within a week after the scenes
so graphically described in the eloquent "In Memoriam"
of S. J. W. T. They were recruited in Independence,
and the following is a list of their names:
John W. Stewart, John C. McCray, "Wiliiam H. Wil-
liams, Charles Brockway, H. J. Whait, S. E. Rowse, G.
M. Watson, John H. Ginther, John Bain, F. M. Guard,
Foster Harris, William E. Conway, John Minton, W.
O. Morse, S. F. Turner, Daniel Beckley.
Of this number, thus ready to step into the breach
made by one fallen from the ranks of our country's de-
fenders, John H. Ginther, a young man twenty-one years
of age, and of a remarkably sound, robust constitution,
died of typhoid fever at Camp McClellan, Davenport,
while waiting for their outfit, prejjaratory to joining the
regiment at New Madrid.
In obedience to an impulse which must be shared by
all who worthily appreciate the restored unity of our
common country — the impulse to withhold no moiety of
praise due to one of those whose lives were the price of
our present peace and prosperity, we cannot think this
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
115
chaplet for the hero's brow complete without the added
fragrance of an offering which cannot fail to reach the
heart, because it is the language of a generous affection,
inspired by many noble qualities. Were an apology
demanded, it would be for its omission.
New Madrid, Mo., March 21, 1862.
Dear Sir:— Before this reaches you, you will have learned the sad
intelligence that Lieutenant Jordan is no more. He died precisely at
12 o'clock last night. Painful as the news must be to his "dear
ones at home, " and his many friends iu Independence, they are not the
only ones who mourn his loss. A general gloom this morning per-
vades the camp of the Sixth Iowa, We have just passed through one
of the most affecting scenes which our regiment has ever been called to
witness. A soldier's funeral is at any time a most solemn sight, as the
escort, with arms reversed, and procession following in the rear, slowly
wend their way with measured tread to the plaintive music of fife and
muffled drum, with all the associate reflections of hardships, depriva-
tions and perils, death in the field, far from home and friends, and the
thought of loving parents, wife or family, ignorant of the scene which
is passing, and still an.\iousIy hoping and praying for the return of one
who shall never again gladden their sight— all these come crowding
upon the mind. But the scene of to-day was one of more than
ordinary solemnity. The character of the man gave importance to the
occasion. Frank, generous and humane, and a man of sterling integ-
rity and honesty of purpose, he had won the love and esteem of every
officer in the regiment, while his unassuming manner, and his readiness
to share the toils and deprivations of the most humble, endeared him
to the men of his command, and made him esteemed and admired by
all. He had distinguished himself by a willing, energetic application
to the discharge of his duties, which resulted from no vain desire for
honor or distinction, but from a conscientious sense of obligation.
The same perseverance and industry that characterized his efforts in
the organization of the company amid the difficulties and obstacles
that were thrown around it, were displayed to the last, in his care for
the wants of his men, and his diligent attention to their discipline and
drill. The declaration made to the writer before leaving home that " he
considered his hfebut nothing, if demanded in the service of his coun-
try," and that "he would willingly offer it up if necessary in the dis-
charge of any duty that might devolve upon him," was nobly verified
in his subsequent career. His life has been offered up, a pure and will-
ing sacrifice upon the altar of his country. He proved himself one of
the rare exceptions, who under all circumstances and amidst trials and
difficulties was still the same true, unselfish patriot, in whom perfect
reliance and confidence were never found to be misplaced. With a
small and delicate frame, but with a brave heart and iron will, he
struggled resolutely against difficulties and dangers, until fatal disease
had laid him low upon the bed of death, when he sank to rest, "not
as the setting sun, behind the darkened west, but like the morning star,
which gradually disappears in the bright sunlight of Heaven."
We have paid our last honors to his mortal remains, but it is difficult
to realize that he is gone; and though his gentle presence shall no more
be greeted amongst us, the memory of his many virtues will remain en-
shrined in our hearts, and be cherished with love and admiration.
"Peace to his gentle shade." May his memory live forever.
I remain ,
Respectfully yours,
W. S. Marshall.
THE SIMULTANEOUS RAISING OF TWO COMPANIES.
The Spring of 1862 was signalized by brilliant suc-
cesses on the part of the Federal troops in the west and
southwest. But these were not achieved without a price,
and many existing military organizations required to be
filled up by new enlistments, in order to be certain of re-
taining the advantages already gained. In June of this
year a call was made for three hundred thousand men to
be "enrolled without delay, so as to bring this unneces-
sary and injurious war to a speedy and satisfactory con-
clusion."
It was soon announced that enlistments were going
forward with much energy throughout the State, and Bu-
chanan county, as heretofore, was not long in placing
herself in the front rank in this prompt response to the
call of the Government. Mr. J. D. Noble, commission
merchant. Independence, was the first to initiate steps
for raising a company, which met at once with encourag-
ing success. Already midsummer, another harvest
would soon be passed, when, with the bounty offered by
the board of supervisors, and the advanced pay from the
Government, the families of enlisted men could be pro-
vided for. This liberality produced a marked effect in
the rapid increase of volunteering in all parts of the
county, as indeed wherever the policy was adopted; and
thus enlistments were confidently expected to render
drafting a dead letter. The good work was soon pro-
gressing, not only at the county seat, but also at Quas-
queton under the supervision of Mr. Whitney; and in
Byron township a company was being raised by Jacob M.
Miller. The fire of patriotism had not lost its ardor, and
at the first breath it was again ablaze. Some of the
most prominent business men of the county had soon
given their names; the legal profession being represented
by such men as W. G. Donnan and Jed Lake.
We make the following extract from the Guardian of
August 19th:
The enthusiasm apparent at the time we went to press last week has
continued, and has culminated in the enlisting of two companies of ex-
cellent men from this county. The rolls of these companies show the
names of some of the best citizens of our county, and better material
for soldiers cannot be found anywhere.
The members of both companies were at the county
seat on Monday and Tuesday, eighteenth and nineteenth
of August, with hundreds of their friends, thus giving the
town another faint ripple from the utmost verge of that
angry sea into which our unhappy country had been
plunged. Again were the sad parting scenes re-enacted
— the same clinging, tearful farewells on the part of those
left, and most to be pitied — the same heroic mastery of
self on the part of those who had given themselves to
their bleeding country. The companies were both filled
to the maximum number, and the character of the men
was such as to promise the highest honor to the county,
their State and to themselves. Captain Miller was
elected by acclamation, but further organization was de-
ferred by both companies until they should be in camp at
Dubuque. The roster of company C, Captain Miller's,
taken from the adjutant general's report, is here ap-
pended:
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Jacob M. Miller.
First Lieutenant Otis N. Whitney.
Second Lieutenant William G. Donnan.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
First Sergeant .Xaron M. Wilcox.
Second Sergeant Wesley G. Smyser.
Third Sergeant Charles W. Woolley.
Fourth Sergeant Charies W. Evans.
Fifth Sergeant Mark Brownson.
First Corporal Joseph H. Blank.
Second Corporal Daniel Anders.
Third Corporal John G. Litts.
Fourth Corporal Alonzo L. Shurtleff.
Fifth Corporal Henry Silker.
Sixth Corporal Thomas S. Bunce.
Seventh Corporal John S. Frink.
Eighth Corporal George Kirkham.
ii6
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Musician Sidney C Adams.
Musician George W. Heatii.
Wagoner Benjamin Miller.
I>RIV.'\TES.
William C. B. Adams, Sylvester Abbey, Samuel Beckley, John M.
Blank, John Buck, Nelson J. Boone, Morgan Boone, Amos R. Blood,
Sylvester W. Bovvker. Mathias Buro, Hamilton B. Booth, James Camp-
bell, Columbus Caldwell, William Casebeer, Warren Chase, Charles
Conlon, Francis M. Congdon, Dcvolson Cormick, Erastus Campbell,
Alford Cordell, Moses Chase, Albert Cordell, Benton F. Colborn,
Charles H. Coleman, William Crura, Henry E. A. Diehl, Levi H.
Eddy, Hamilton Evans, William B. Fleming, Henry French, Jacob
Glass, George G. Gaylord, Isaac Gill, James C. Haskins, Newton
Hammond, Hiram H. Hunt, Michael Harrigan, George Hathaway,
Ezekiel Hays, jr., Adam Hoover, Charles Hoover, William J. Hen-
dricks, Clinton H. Losure, Harrison H. Love, Charles H. Lewis,
William N. Loy, James A. Laird, Edward P. Lewis, Walter B. Lan-
fear, William McKenney, Alvi McGonigil, Edward E. Miilick, John
Mulick, Louis A. McWilliams, Bartimeiis McGonigil, Abraham S.
Monshaw, John McBane, Charles W. McKenney, William Morgan,
Stewart McKenney, Emanuel Miller, Warren Munson, Jose|5h Moore,
Augustus P. Osgood, John Olar, Edward T. Potter, Austin W. Per-
kins, George A. Patterson, William T. Rich, John Slavin, Philip C.
Smyser, Benjamin .Sutton, Howard T. Stutson, Thomas Sproull, Henry
H. Turner, Joseph Turis, John A. Tift, Myron H. Woodward, Eman-
uel Warden, William ^L Winkley.
It was mentioned as a matter of interest, that forty-
nine of these men were single and fifty married. This
roll, first copied from the Guardian, was afterward cor-
rected by comparison with the roster found in the offi-
cial report of the adjutant general. Captain Noble's
company took the letter name C, in the Twenty-seventh
infantry, and Captain Miller's became company H in
the same regiment.
The roll of Captain Noble's company (company C)
though reviewed at the Guardian office, and acknowl-
edged with the promise of an early insertion, through
undesigned omission did not appear. 'J'he following
roster is taken from the report of Adjutant General
Baker, published January i, 1863:
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Joseph Noble.
First Lieutenant Henry F. Snell.
Second I^ieutenant Herman C. Hemenway.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
First Sergeant James A. Poor.
Second Sergeant Joseph F. Jackson.
Third sergeant Enoch R. Fary.
Fourth Sergeant Edward P. Baker.
Fifth .Sergeant William H. Vanderbilt.
First Corporal Albert M. Green.
Second Corporal Charles H. Wright.
Third Corporal Jonathan F. Gates.
Fourth Corporal Lewis A. Main.
Fifth Corporal Frederick Spragg.
Sixth Corporal George Frink.
Seventh Corporal William P. Warren.
Eighth Corporal George N. Whaite.
Musician Robert N. White.
Musician Harry Green.
Musician Oliver Bray.
Wagoner Byron C. Hale.
PRIVATES.
Eli Anderson, Hiram Abbott, Emery S. Allen, Richard H. Andrews,
Daniel L. Brisbin, Job Barns, Gilbert P. Brant, Eli C. Brown, William
B. Burris, Warren Bouck, Henry M. Bailey, George W. Beaman. John
Brady, Michael Butler, Lorin D. Carpenter, John S. Coats, Needham
N. Crandall, Levi Durham, Electus D. Frizell, Erasmus B. Frizell,
Zenas R. Fary, Frank B. Fredenburg, George H. Fuller, Joe! Fisher,
James C. Glass, Harry Green, George W. Hilling, Abner B. Hoffman,
Gilbert L. Hicks, Matthias^Hook, David N. Jewett, David F. Johnson,
Martin T. King, Willard H. King, William S. King, John R. Laton,
.Abraham Littlejohn, William H. Lender, Waller S. Munger, William
B. Minton, Reuben L. Merrill, David McGowan, William Milligan,
Carr W. Mosher, Joel D. Nourse, James H. O'Brien. Bezin Orput,
Samuel V. Pelley, Gilbert R. Parish, Joseph Postel, Joseph Russell,
James E. Robinsot:, John G. Rice. Henry H. Romigs, Elliot G. Smith,
Joel S. Smith, Cyrus E. Smith, .Samuel H. Smith, Daniel S. Spragg,
John W. Sanders, Edward H. Spalding, George H. Spalding, Ben-
jamin .S. Sager, Lucien Stevens, .Albert Tennis, Sylvanus Taylor, N.
D. VanEman, John D. VanCleve, Jesse Wroten, John NL Watson,
Joseph A. Williams, Seth Wheaton, Thomas Watson, David E.
Wheeler. Eri .\. Wilson, George Wille, James G. Warren, Abisha W.
W'ashburn. Thomas Linn.
CAV.ALRV.
As an entire comjjany of this arm of the service was
not raised in Buchanan county, it has been difficult to
secure accurate lists of cavalry recruits. Frequent men-
tion was made in the county jiress during the progress
of the war of the presence of recruiting officers for dif-
ferent cavalry organizations, as the the First, Fourth, and
Sixth, and also of the departure of squads of enlisted
men ; the following, however, is the only one met with
in which the names are given, and these left the county
seat early in September, 1S62, to join the First Iowa
cavalry, viz :
W. H. Mcgill, Alanson .Sager, William Foote, C. P«cock, Dewit
Kelley, E. Lotterdale, D. Brown, C. Edgecomb, C. McGill, F. W.
Paine, S. H. Rose, T. Flemming; J, Wentworth, H. C. Skinner, P. B.
Turney, J. West, A. Palmer, Otter C. Anton, W. H. Baker, R. Kel-
ley, H. P.Jones, J. Wadley, W. George, L C. Jones, Ludebeck Long
F. Weik, W. G. Cummings, Levi S. Drunkwalter, John H. Williams,
Charles Porter, Oscar Daniels, E. H. McMillen, Lyman Ayrault, Ed-
gar Mills, M. D. Carpenter, Edward Brown, J. S. Thompson, Loy
Hutchins, Howard Hall, E. L. Chickenbrend, G. EUworth, H. Bab-
cock, John Furman, Stephen Burk, Hibby, George Carr, John
Boehline, George H. Davis.
But to return to the Buchanan men at Camp Franklin,
to which rendezvous they were ordered by the governor
of the State, Samuel J. Kirkwood, August 26, 1862, and
mustered into the service of the United States by Cap-
tain George S. Pierce, United States Army, at Dubuque,
Iowa, October 3, 1862, under proclamation of the Presi-
dent of the United States, bearing date July 2, 1862,
taking their places as companies C and H, in the Twen-
ty-seventh Iowa infantry.
As related in the correspondence from this regiment,
almost immediately upon being mustered into the service
of the Government, its active service commenced with a
march into the northern woods, attended with hardships
which might well tax to its utmost the endurance of vet-
erans. To some, it may seem trivial, after the lapse of
nineteen years, to make mention of the kindly offices
which were maintained between the " friends at home''
and those who had relinquished home; but who, for a
short six weeks, were yet within reach of the love which
soon, in vain, would yearn for the solace of relieving the
privations so heroically borne, that at least they should
never be forgotten. And when, too, it is remembered
that the oldest survivor of those companies is not yet a
very old man, while the youngest is still a young man^
who will doubt that to them, next to the enjoyment of
fighting their battles o'er again, the pleasantest reminis-
cences connected with their soldier life are those which
recall the many evidences in their past experience, that
their self-devotion to the cause of our country made
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
117
thLin objects of peculiar interest, and gave them a claim
upon the sympathy and the gratitude of all true patriots.
The cold, hunger, and e.xposure, followed by wasting dis-
ease and death to many of these brave men, invest
every circumstance connected with these last efforts to
contribute to their enjoyment with an interest it would
not otherwise possess. With these thoughts in our minds,
what heart will not glow with a warm satisfaction at tiie
glimpse of comfortable times at Camp Franklin, opened
up by the following acknowledgment?
Camp I-'ranklin, Dubuque, ^
September 10, 1862. j
Editor Gu.-vrdian: — Permit us, in behalf of Captain J. M. Miller's
company, to return our sincere thanks to our friends at liome who have
furnished us so many "good things."
We would especially remember Mr. Hoover for two pails of honey
T. H. Bowen and others for a barrel of eggs, our sporting fiiends for
nearly two hundred prairie chickens; and Mrs. Gill and others for a
nice supply of butter.
Communicated.
THE EXCURSION.
Later in tlie month an excursion to Camp was projected
which proved in every respect highly successful. And
here, it is with great reluctance that a record is made
which may seem at first thought to detract from the
prestige of the "Light Infantry," the recipient (about a
year before) of a like compliment while at the same place,
then called Camp Union. This first excursion was con-
veyed to Dubuque by a train of nine cars, and its seven
hundred excursionists were met at the depot by a fine
band, and marched into the city, not with flags flying, but
yet with colors hailed with ardeiit pride by chivalrous
men the world over; not under artns, for the brave men at
"Eagle Point" were, for the most part, already parolled
prisoners, and were not likely to offer resistance to the
invading force to which they had surren,dered at dis-
cretion, and against whose mild sway they had no thought
of becoming rebels. It is not to be supposed that this
army from the dominion of home came empty handed,
though this they might have done, without abating one
jot the enthusiasm of their reception.
Let no flippant, gossiping pen attempt to put into
common phrase the cominunings of such a region — let us
leave them the undisturbed enjoyment of that glorious
autumn day, overlooking that wondrous panorama spread
at their feet, which, intersected by the grandly flowing
river, stretches away into the fading distance whichever
way the gaze may turn.
A year has passed and two companies of Buchanan
county's best were awaiting orders at the same rendezvous,
now Camp Franklin. Is it strange, now that battles had
been fought, and some who took the parting hand then,
were sleeping in southern graves,, that a deeper estimate
of what was due to our heroes had been gained by the
loyal heart of Iowa? The demonstration of 1862 was
not confined to the immediate friends of the soldiers, but
all claimed the privilege to do them honor. Twenty-one
cars deposited their crowded inmates at the Dubuque
depot — in all else this outpouring of patriotism was a
transcript of the subdued enthusiasm of that of Septem-
ber, 1 86 1.
A few days later, having been mustered into the United
States service, and having received their advance pay and
a furlough from Colonel Gilbert, in view of their speedy
transfer to the field, the Dubuque & Sioux City rail-
road company called forth loud and hearty praise from
the men of the Twenty-seventh, by putting on a train
and bringing them through to Independence on quick
time, thereby giving them the benefit of another day
with the friends at home. The following week the regi-
ment left their camp and State and reported at Fort
Snelling, Minnesota. Six companies were detached to
accompany government agents to Millie Lacs for the
transaction of business connected with the Indian
agencies. During the absence of this portion of the regi-
ment, it was transferred from the northern to the southern
department, and the four companies still at Fort Snelling
left immediately for Cairo. Captain Miller, of company
H, left his regiment at Dubuque and visited home on a
furlough to recruit his health impaired by exposure in
Minnesota. Benjamin Sutton and Morgan Boone, of
Independence were left in a critical condition at Fort
Snelling, and Nelson J. Boone had been detailed to
attend upon the sick. S. Abby was sick, and had gone
to Milwaukee on a furlough, and John G. Litts was sick,
but still with his company. And this is the record of
one company after one month's service, of not exceptional
hardship. Captain Miller allowed himself but a short
respite, as the following notice, which appeared the week
after his return, will show:
Any persons wishing to send letters or likeness to their friends in
company H, Twenty-seventh regiment Iowa volunteers, can have an
opportunity to do so, by leaving the same at my residence, or at the
book store of Rev. Mr. Sampson, Independence, until Thursday even-
ing of this week. J. M. Miller.
The following week, the death of young Sutton at Fort
Snelling, was announced. He died of typhoid fever.
Colonel Lake on his return from the Mille Lacs expedi-
tion, finding Morgan Boone convalescent, came to In-
dependence, bringing him, with Oliver Bray and" Joseph
Russell of company C, seriously ill. Walter H. Munger,
of company C, who was left at Anoka on the return
march from the north, died at that place on the eighth
of November. He received the kindest attention from
the people, who took him to a private house, nursed
him tenderly, and turned out en masse to do honor to his
remains.
One who speaks of him as his friend, pays this tribute
to the fallen soldier:
He was an honest, upright, tnithful man, and no one has gone into
the army from purer motives of patriotism, or a nobler sense of duty.
When we last saw him at Dubuque, he was full of life, energy and good
feeling; but now, alas! he is in the silent tomb. May tht sod press
lightly upon his bosom.
THE LADIES .4ND THE .SOLDIERS.
The lady friends of our boys in the Twenty-seventh sent to them, in
care of Colonel Lake, three boxes weighing six or seven hundred
pounds, filled with chickens, turkeys, preserves, cakes, cookies, and
other good things, which will gladden the hearts of the brave boys im-
mensely. God bless our patriotic ladies, will be their prayer, as it
certainly is ours. — From the Buchanan Guardian.
During the months of January and February, 1863,
the deaths of five members of the Twenty-seventh regi-
ment were announced in the Guardian. John McBane
iiS
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
and John \V. Sanders died at Cairo, where they had
been left in the hospital in November of 1862. Jacob
Glass and William H. Leuder died with the regiment
near Jackson, Tennessee, and C. W. Mosher, of Little-
ton, a member of Captain Noble's company, died at
Memphis. All were highly esteemed by their comrades
in arms, as well as by their acquaintances at home.
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT A. B. LEWIS, OF THE FIFTH IOWA
VOLUNTEERS, Vi^HO DIED AT KEOKUK
FEBRUARY 25, 1863.
Lieuten.int .Alexander B. Lewis has sunk into a soldier's grave. But
last week we were all rejoicing in the assurance of his recovery and
return to active duty. But alas! it was not to be. He was destined
to leave his bed of pain, only to lie down in the narrow bed of death.
Here, where the cords of sympathy, of friendship, of respect, of admira-
tion for him ramified throughout our whole community, there is every-
where pam. .Among his companions in arms, in whom his patriotism,
his bravery, his nobleness of character, had induced a warmth of affec-
tion more than brotherly, there must be the poignancy of grief ine.i-
pressible. At his home, where the ties of kindred were strengthened
by pride in his manhood and mental promise, there must be the very
depths of woe.
.Among the thousands of the noble and brilliant, who have given
themselves up as sacrifices on the altars of country, few were more
worthy than Lieutenant Lewis. Frank and social, he drew around
him hosts of friends, while his mental abilities, his industry, his appli-
cation, his ambition gave every promise of a successful and brilliant
career in his chosen profession as a lawyer. But when the war came,
imbued with as true a spirit of patriotism as ever prompted man to
action, he without hesitation threw himself into the contest. He was
almost the first to enlist in this county, and went into the ranks as a
pri\ate soldier under Captain Lee. He soon, however, attracted the
attention of Colonel Worthington, who made him sergeant major of
his regiment, the Fifth, and afterwards, on the death of Lieutenant
Jordan, procurred his commission as first lieutenant of company E, to
the infinite satisfaction of the company, who knew that as far as a man
could he would replace the noble friend they had lost in Lieutenant
Jordan. At the glorious battle of luka, September, r86z, where the
fifth made itself a most honored name. Lieutenant Lewis while fighting
as each fought, like a hero, received a dangerous wound in the hip.
From that time he lay upon a bed of suffering. He tried to reach
home, but was only able to get as far as Keokuk. There he lay for
months, suffering all that acuteness of pain possible to a sensitive,
nervous organization, but bearing all with calmness, with true courage.
On the twenty-fifth of last month he died, bringing home to us by his
loss a new appreciation of the terrible price the Nation is paying for the
great crime of slaveholding. He rests in the patriot's grave, sleeps the
patriot's sleep — "Lost, loved, lamented." — Editor Guardian.
FROM A COMPANION IN ARMS.
After the intimacy that existed between us for the
last ten years, my regard for him resembles more that of a brother than
a stranger. For three years we sat together in the same class, met to-
gether in the same societies, roomed and ate together, shared the toils
and enjoyed with each other the pleasures of youth, and all the bright
anticipations of the great unknown future thai lay before us. Together
with hearts buoyant with hope, and with spirits light and free from
care, we launched our frail barks on the ocean of life. In all places,
on all occasions, and under all circumstances, he proved himself the
same true and tried friend; a noble, proud spirited and honorable man.
M'ith a full knowledge of the dangers and privations he
was about to incur, we see him relinquishing the promise of distinction
in his profession, the pleasures of home and society, and, refusing po-
sition, taking his place in the ranks of that company to which he con-
tributed so much labor and means, and in the welfare of which he felt
such a deep interest. Together with Lieutenant Jordan, whose noble
spirit preceded his to brighter realms, we see him labor day and night
for the success of that cause in which his heart and soul was engaged.
■We follow him to the "tented field" and see him endure disease and
pain until brought almost to the brink of the grave. Again restored to
health and vigor, and chosen to take the place of the lamented Jordan,
we see him discharging every duty of his office with promptness and
fidelity; an honor to the regiment and the pride of his company.
Much improved in health and appearance, after his severe illness, he
continued in the faithful discharge of his duties up to that fatal day
when his regiment was called upon to pass through the first ordeal of
battle. From the early part of that day until evening, beneath the
burning sun, through fields and swamps, and under the fire of the ene-
my, he advanced with the line of skirmishers until he reached the bat-
tle-field of luka. A few minutes more and everything was swallowed
up in the heat of battle. Well do I remember the last time I saw him
during that terrible struggle. I never saw him look so well as he did
at that moment. A volley of musketry had sent a shower of bullets
through our ranks, but he stood at his post with a proud and fearless
bearing, calmly discharging his duty. Conscious of the danger he was
in, but nerved by the justice of his cause, and flushed with the desire
and assurance of victory, he defied the missiles of the enemy. .A half
hour later, and what remained of the regiment, amidst clouds of smoke
and in the shades of nightfall, emerged from the woody battle-ground
and formed in line of battle in the open field. Companies reduced to
squads began to count their loss and enquire for the missing. Among
many others Lieutenant Lewis was absent. Many inquiries were made,
but none there could answer. About nine o'clock it was ascertained
that he had been wounded and carried to a house near by where he had
received proper medical attention. The nature of his wound, and the
manner in which he improved for a few days, gave hope that he would
speedily recover. It, however, proved the prolongation of a life but
for a few months of intense suffering. All that was mortal of him now
slumbers in the tomb, but his spirit lives in the region of eternal bliss.
It is not all to say that he lived and that he died, but it may in truth
be added that he lived uprightly and died happily. — L^ieutenant Mar-
shall.
LATER BUCHANAN RECRUITS, ASSIGNED TO VARIOUS REGI-
MENTS.
The following list of recruits was published in the
Guardian of March 15, 1864. The enlistments were
made by Dr. R. W. Wright, and left Independence for
Dubuque under his charge the week previous to the pub-
lication of tlie list.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Arthur Merriman, Twenty-seventh infantry; John Bessey, First cav-
alry; L. Whait, First cavalry; J. B. Hill, First cavalry; Martin Steb-
bins. Fifth infantry; John J. Miller, Fifth infantry; Harry Samuels,
First cai-alry; Thomas W. Melody, First cavalry; Samuel Brayton,
First cavalry; L. J. Hale, First cavalry; Robert J. Young, First cav-
alry: Augustus l^itner. First cavalry; Solomon Rufe, First cavalry;
Henry Cummings, First cavalry; Thompson Lewis, First cavalry,
James H. Laughlin, Twenty-seventh infantry; Hiram M. Thurslon-
Twenty-seventh infantry; William Plevert, Twenty-seventh infantry;
Samuel H. Pierce, Third battery; W. .S. Wallace, Fourth cavalry,
Theodore Powers, Fourth cavalry: John Donovan, Fifth infantry;
Charles Gordon, Seventh infantry.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
George W. Wells, First cavalry: Andrew Brownson, First cavalry;
Daniel Swartzel. First cavalry; William Miller, First cavalry; R. W.
Bodell, First cavalry; George W. Merkly, First cavalry; William J.
Washburn, First cavalry: S. W. Harden, First cavalry; Amos Andrews,
First cavalry; }. T. Washburn, First cavalry; B. H. Hall, First cavalry;
Ralph Henningan, First cavalry; Silas Henningan, First cavalry; D.
W. Ring, First cavalry.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP.
W. T. Wallon, First cavalry: Charles Bench, veteran, First cavalry:
H. H. Ransey, Twenty-seventh infantry; Abraham Black, Twenty-
seventh infantry; James A. Waldron, Twenty-seventh infantry,
CONO TOWNSHIP.
Charles G. Neucle, P'irst cavalry; S. Bourres, Twenty-seventh infan-
try; A. Stanford, Twenty-seventh infantry; J. Booth, Twenty-seventh
infantry.
FAIRBANK TOWNSHIP.
H. G. Balcom, First cavalry; S. C. Hines, First cavalry; H. S. Hop"
kins. First cavalry; J. H. Kent, First cavalry; .Allen Brant, Twenty
seventh infantry; S. W. Patterson, Twenty-seventh infantry; William
E. Cairn, veteran. Twenty-seventh infantry.
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP.
William H. Sulton, First cavalry; Samuel H. Messinger, First cav.
airy: Samuel Bullis. First cavalry: T. C. Canfield, Twenty-seventh in-
fantry; George D. Smith, Twenty-seventh infantry.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
119
HAZLETON TOWNSHIP.
D. A. Todd, Twenty-seventh infantry; A. D. Allen. Twenty-seventh
infantry; H. D. Barry, Twenty-seventh, infantry; Henry Harpy, Twen-
ty-seventh infantry; C. M, Wheelock, First cavalry; Rufus Bunce,
First cavalry; Martin Hayes. Twenty-seventh infantry; R. Merril, sr.,
Twenty-seventh infantry; R. Merril, jr.. Twenty-seventh infantry.
FREMONT TOWNSHIP.
Peter Gelford, First cavalry; M. S. Mallory, First cavalry; James
Flenning, First cavalry.
SUMNER TOWNSHIP.
Runsbe Metcalf, First cavalry.
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Mort Smith, Twenty-seventh infantry; Gustavus Jackway, Twenty-
seventh infantry; Benjamin Crocker, Twenty-seventh infantry.
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
Preston Reinhart, Twenty-seventh infantry.
BYRON TOWNSHIP.
Robert Buth, Twenty-seventh infantry.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
J. F. Henderson. Twenty-seventh infantry; R. H. Wilson, Twenty-
seventh infantry; J. Dawson. Twenty-seventh infantry.
There were also eight men from Oran township, Fayette county.
RETURN AND WELCOME OF THE VETERANS OF COMPANY
C, NINTH REGIMENT.
Company C, of the Ninth regiment, though not so
early in the field as company E, of the Fifth (the latter
leaving Independence early in July, 1861, and the for-
mer only a month later), was, for reasons of military
expediency, the first to be furloughed as veterans after
the reenlistment under the orders of the ^^'ar Depart-
ment, in the early part of 1864.
Early in February, the "friends, countrymen and
lovers" of the Buchanan boys in blue, began to be
stirred by rumors that soon the heroes, toward whom all
eyes were turned, would "come marching home." All
this and the final outcome, is well set forth in the article
given below, which appeared in the Guardian of Febru-
ary 16, 1864. We give it substantially as it first ap-
peared :
"glorious RECEPTION OF COMPANY C, OF THE NINTH."
For days our citizens have been on the tip-toe of expectation over
the news that many of the gallant soldiers who first enlisted, were
returning to their homes once more, for the purpose of recruiting and
paying their friends a visit. The streets were full of rumors as to the
time when they might be expected; but, at last, the telegraph settled
the question with the assurance that company C, the Ninth Iowa,
would be in our town on Saturday without fail; and everybody was
crazy with joy over the welcome intelligence. They had started from
Huntsville. Alabama; reached Cairo on the tenth instant, and arrived
in Dubuque at three o'clock A. M. , on Friday, the twelfth. Here they
met a glorious reception from the citizens, who prepared them a break-
fast, dinner, and supper, in the best style, and laid before them the
hospitalities of the city.
Dr. Wame had gone down to escort the soldiers to Independence;
and, as they were to come on the regular train of Saturday last, very
little time was left our citizens in which to make the necessary prepara-
tions. It was resolved to give them a dinner at the hall, immediately
on their arrival; and soon all parlies were at work in earnest. .AH
personal and political animosities were forgotten; the reader of the
Herald and the admirer of Horace clasped hands in a fraternal grasp;
old feuds and past differences were dropped by mutual consent; unity
and harmony per\-aded all' classes, and the prevailing sentiment that
animated the public heart was to give the boys a cordial, whole-souled
welcome. Saturday morning in point of loveliness was all that could
be desired. The atmosphere was almost of summer warmth, while a
gentle and refreshing breeze blew softly from the southwest.
The ladies, with their accustomed independence and assurance of
leap-year privileges, took the lead; and soon the obedient lords of
creation were seen flying hither and thither in the performance of
duties connected with the carrying out of the programme of the day.
Committees ad hifiiilcm, walked up and down the streets, peered into
every nook and corner where "good things" might be found, ransacked
the stores, and waylaid every luckless individual who was suspected of
having withheld a half dime from the last assessment. Teams loaded
with bo.\es, lumber, and baskets of provisions, jostled each other on
their way to the hall— draymen, for once, were compelled to acknowl-
edge that they had a surfeit of business; while unsuspecting farmers
were amazed to see some Jehu jump into their vehicles and convert the
same into baker's wagons. Hegee with his artillery was early at his
post, amply provided with levers, swabs, and sledge hammers, with
which to load; and soon the thunderous echoes of his piece proclaimed
that the spirit of '76 was to be revived again. Large numbers of
people in carriages, in wagons , on horseback, and on foot, began to
arrive from the country: and by 12 o'clock M., Main street pre-
sented an animated spectacle of moving humanity.
The town flag was suspended from Morse's hall to the bell-tower;
while at the Guardian office another was displayed, bearing upon its
folds the following motto:
" Honor to whom honor is due —
Ninth Iowa, bully for you. "
Numerous other flags were displayed with appropriate mottoes and
devices. Suffice it to say that our town presented a very happy and
picturesque appearance, and one tliat must long be remembered. Hand
bills were distributed, by which the people were notified that the sol-
diers were to be met at the depot, where a procession would be formed
led by the band, to escort the veterans into town.
As train time approached, the crowd moved to the station, and soon
the platform and everp available inch of standmg room was occupied.
The excitement was intense, but suppressed. Here waited fathers,
mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, with all the unrest of anticipated joy,
for the return of those whose names were never mentioned without
bringing a thrill of grateful pride, not only to their immediate friends,
but to their countrymen everywhere. How slowly the moments flew !
Had some accident befallen the train? How eagerly every eve was
Strained and every ear inclined, to receive the first token of its coming !
Hark ! a rumbling sound is heard; a white puflT of steam, like a mes-
senger of peace, circles above the tree tops; the whistle screams; the
bell rings; and, with a puff and a roar, the cars, with their precious
and an.xiously-e.xpected freight, are at the depot. Hegee now opened
with his ponderous artillery, and the echoes of the discharge had hard-
ly died away, before it was responded to by the soldiers on board
shouting as if in command: "Lie down, boys; the Rebs are firing on
our flank !"
To attempt a description of the scenes that now ensued would be
impossible. Such meetings do not often take place, and the embrac-
ings and hand-claspings were unlike those of the common, prosaic,
every-day life. Captain Little— no one expected to see him with the
company, but there he was, looking healthier and happier by far than
when he went away. fCaptain Little had, but a short time previous,
rejoined his regiment after a visit home, and in his impatience to be
again at the front, had gone while crutches were still a necessity to
him. — E. P.] And then the boys in blue, the boys of whose deeds we
had read and wondered, the same gallant spirits who stood in battle-
hne at Pea Ridge, .-\rkansas Post, Jackson and Champion Hill, filed
slowly out of the cars and formed in company on the tracks, as regu-
larly as though going out to the parade ground (although the crowd
that surged around them sadly interfered with the command, "Right,
dress I")
"■Why, boys, how well you look ! " was heard from all sides; and,
indeed, they were nearly all pictures of perfect health, though finely
bronzed by a southern sun. The boys never broke ranks, but the out-
siders, who had not studied Scott or Hardee, were utterly regardless of
military etiquette, and rushed m upon them from all quarters; but the
gallant fellows, inured to the task of overcoming every obstacle, worked
their way through to the hall, and filed around tables that were fairly
groaning under an endless profusion of delicately-prepared viands.
. -At the close of the repast. Captain Little, in a neat little
speech, extended the thanks of himself and company to the donors of
the entertainment, after which three cheers were proposed and given
"with the spirit and with the understanding," for company C, the
Ninth regiment, and the Union.
It was announced that company E, of the Fifth, would soon be in
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
our midst, and a cordial invitation extended to the guests of the day to
participate in the festivities of that occasion. Company C now num-
bers thirty-four privates, who have all re-enlisted; besides others in
hospital and detached service, who are expected to do so."
[There are, doubtless, some of the Ninth "boys" who have not for-
gotten that, owing to the shortness of their own furlough, which ter-
minated early in March, and the delay in the return of the veterans of
the fifth, they were not permitted to participate in the reception festiv-
ities of the latter, in accordance with the above invitation from their
fair entertainers. — E. P.]
WELCOME TO THE FIFTH.
Soldiers OF THE Iow.\ Fifth: I am selected, on behalf of the
citizens of Independence and Buchanan county, to greet you and wel-
come you home again to the embraces of your friends and relatives.
It is now almost three years since we passed along your lines, on
nearly the same ground where you now stand; gave you the parting
hand, dropped the silent tear, saw you aboard of the cars and away to
the battle-field. Since that day, what changes have taken place !
What perils and trials you have undergone we all know well; and, be-
lieve me, soldiers, we have not been unmoved spectators of 4II that has
befallen you; and be assured that although we have been absent from
you in body, we have been with you in spirit. Our sympathies were
with you during your many marches the first winter from home; as you
journeyed through rain and sleet and mud, nearly all over the trouble-
some Slate of Missouri. We were with you, too. in the first great
victory at New Madrid, and rejoiced with you over that great success.
From New Madrid we followed you to the bloody and hotly-contested
field of luka, and again at Corinth. We were with you in warmest
sympathy in your many wanderings up and down and across the Mis-
sissippi, in peril, not only from the lurking foe, but from death in many
forms; and especially wa^ the heart of this people with you in the late
and ever memorable campaign of 1863. We crossed the ri\'erwith you
at Fort Gibson; we followed you in your rapid march through that
State; we saw you filing in around Jackson, its capital; then at Black
River Bridge and the fatal field of Champion Hill; then to Vicksburgh
Itself, and one continued victory all the way around. And could you
then, at the surrender of Vicksburgh, have heard the shouting and
seen the leaping and weeping for joy, that was everywhere the sponta-
neous expression of the great northern heart, you would have been sat-
isfied, if never before, that the heart of this people was in the right
place, and with you in all you were doing to save our unhappy coun-
try. And let me here assure you, soldiers, that your victories are our
victories, that your sufferings are our sufferings, that your country is
our country; and permit me humbly to acknowledge the fact that to
the soldiers of the Union we owe our national existence — yes, our con-
tinued salvation as a nation; and you, soldiers of the Iowa Fifth, have
stood as a wall of adamant between all we hold dear and the most un-
relenting and cruel foe that ever drew the sword of war. And while
we have enjoyed peace and plenty at home, you have stood in battle
array against such a foe. that we might in safety enjoy the privileges
handed down to us by our forefathers.
There are no mealy-mouthed people among us now. Theie was a
time when some of us would quake and turn pale at the announcement
of a Union victory, lest slavery was in peril; but, thank God, that time
is fpassed. Those people have disappeared; we are now united; we
are now one — one in heart, one in mind, one with the soldiers for the
suppression of the rebellion; and, soldiers, we say, now always, "Strike
till the last armed foe expires," till the rebellion is crushed, till the
country is saved.
And let me. soldiers of the Iowa Fifth, revert to another short
chapter in your history. I refer to the ever memorable, the ever to be
remembered, march from Vicksburgh to Chattanooga, to relieve that
division of the Union army. Hardly in the history of the world has
been another such an undertaking performed with such alacrity and
cheerfulness. We imagine, now, we see you on that march, on half
rations, on quarter rations, then on less — half clad , bare-headed, bare-
footed, sore-footed, tearing up your blankets and other garments to
make moccasins for your sore and blistered feet and legs, and at the
same time joyous, shouting, onward the "Battle Cry of Freedom."
Then, after marching this incredible distance in so short a time, plung-
ing at once into the thickest of the fight on Mission Ridge, hurling
destruction and death like a whirl-wind among the ranks of the foe.
Soldiers ! for these deeds we honor you, and teach our children to
honor you, and will ever do so. Around our hearth stones shall your
praises ever be sung.
Again we welcome you home to the bosom of your families, the em-
braces of your friends, to the hospitalities of the citizens and fair ladies
now awaiting you at the court house. And here let me remind you,
the ladies of our county have ever been thoughtful of you, and have
'continued to labor earnestly for your comfort; and thus will they do,
for, be assured, if true patriotism is to be found, it is among the Amer-
ican women.
Soldiers, welcome home I welcome home !
The "veterans," numbering about thirty, had already
re-enlisted, and had returned, after an absence of nearly
three years, to spend a furlough of thirty days with their
families. The citizens of the county seat, and the
friends of the men from all parts of the county who met
them at this place, united to make their reception an
expression of the warm admiration which was every-
where entertained for them. After the reception at the
depot, and the address of welcome, they were escorted
by a large concourse of people to the court house, where,
as in Dubuque, a table had been spread and was served
by fair hands ; where culinary art and refinement of
taste had done their utmost to please the eye and tempt
the palate. To honor the brave men, who were the
guests of the people of the county, and to charm them
into a brief forgetfulness of the hardships through
which they had passed during those years of absence,
was the one impulse that swayed the entire community.
We copy from the Independence Conservative of
April 12, 1864, the names of these returned heroes:
Quartermaster C. Waggoner, Commissary C. Noble, Lieutenant W.
S. Peck, Orderly M. S. Bryan, Sergeant William Bunce, S. C. .Allison,
Joseph Anson, J. Donnivan, J. B. Gaylord. E. Chittester, J. G. Mc-
Kenzie, P. Putnam. J. C. Perham, James B. Wolf, J. Rea. J. F.
Phelps, M. Williams, J. Richards, F.Johnson, F. Paine, H. McQueen,
H. Whaitc, C. Brockway, S. Rouse, H. A. Sprague, C. Brooks, R.
Safford, W. H. Brown, T. Robinson.
We are glad to append here the
LAST MUSTER ROLL OP THE "INDEPENDENCE GUARDS."
The veterans rejoined the brigade at Decatur, Ala-
bama, May 14, 1864. On the thirtieth of July follow-
ing, the non-veterans of the regiment were honorably
mustered out of the service, and the veterans were after-
wards transferred to the Fifth Iowa cavalry, in which
organization it remained as company (J, Fifth Iowa vet-
eran volunteer cavalry, until the close of the war.
On the ninth of August, 1S65, the following names
(we take them as we find them), formerly members of
company E, Fifth infantry, were mustered out of the
service, at Edgefield, opposite Nashville, Tennessee:
COMMISSIONED OFFICER.
Second Lieutenant William H. Peck.
NON-COMMISSIO.MED OFFICERS.
Sergeant William Bunce.
Commissary Sergeant Madison J. Bryan,
Corporal Moses H. Robinson.
Corporal Edward Rhoderick.
Corporal Heeley C. Sprague.
Corporal Mahlon Williams.
PRU ATES.
William H. Brown, Charles Brockway, Elijah Chittester, John
Donovon, D. Donovon, William F. Johnson. Henry McQueen, Peter
Putnam, John Richards, Samuel E. Rouse, Thomas Robinson, Jerry
Rae, Rufus W. Safford. Herman Sprague, Henry J. Whait.
Commissioned officer i
Non-commissioned officers 6
Privates 15
Total 22
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
ONE HUNDRED DAYS MEN WHY CALLED INTO THE FIELD
HOW MANY RAISED BY BUCHANAN COUNTY.
Under the head of one hundred days men, we are to
speak of the last efifort, on the part of the Government, to
add to the strength of the Union forces by enhstment.
"In the summer of 1864" (says Ingersoll, from whose
volume our resume of the history of those regiments con-
taining Buchanan county companies is drawn,) General
Grant in \'irginia, and General Sherman in Georgia,
being actively engaged with large armies against the
enemy, the governors of the northwestern States proposed
to the General Government, to send into the field a con-
siderable number of troops for a short term of service,
who might relieve others on guard and garrison duty at
the rear; and thus be the means of adding largely to the
force of drilled and disciplined men at the front. It was
thought that, of those who had served for some time in
the army against the rebellion, but had been discharged
for good reason, and of others who would like to serve
for a short period, a large army might be speedily raised
to our posts and take care of our communications in rear
of the theatre of the war, and thus enable veteran soldiers
of equal number to reenforce the armies actively engaged
in the field. The proposition at first met with consider-
able hostility from the authorities, but was at length
adopted; the term of service being established at one
hundred days.
Governor Stone accordingly issued his proclamation, calling on tlie
State to contribute, of its citizens, troops for the service proposed; and
they responded by offering the Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and
Forty-seventh regiments, and the Forty-eighth battalion of infantry;
in all three thousand nine hundred and one men. These troops came
from all parts of the State, and were the voluntary offering of our people
who gave them for the special service contemplated, without expectation
of any credit on the general calls for volunteers.
Few counties of the State responded to this last call
more promptly or more liberally than Buchanan; furnish-
ing, as she did, more than double her quota, had the
aggregate been drawn equally from all the counties; or,
had all the counties equalled her in the number furnished,
the aggregate would not have fallen nuuh below double
the number actually raised.
The enlistments were mainly made in May ; many of
the companies leaving for their rendezvous during that
month, and being mustered early in June. Charles F.
Herrick, of Independence, who had taken an active
interest in the formation of the company, was elected
captain; and, increased by the addition of some twenty
men from Blackhawk county, the one hundred days men
of Buchanan county left Independence for Davenport,
on Wednesday the eighteenth of May.
At Davenport they were equipped and assigned as
company D, to the Forty-seventh regiment. The brief
period of absence anticipated, and the nature of the
service assigned to these men naturally detracted much
from the intensity of apprehension which had been a
feature of former leave-takings between the soldiers de-
parting for the war and their friends at home. But
though the time was comparatively short, a hundred
mischances might befall; and though none could predict
the terrible ordeal through which the fated company was
16
to pass, when the time of departure arrived the hearts of
all followed the departing defenders of their country's
rights; and, as heretofore, crowds of relatives and friends
attended them to the depot and bade them "God-speed."
John H. Leatherman, an old member of the Iowa
Ninth, who was wounded at Pea Ridge, and discharged
froin the service in consequence thereof, and who had re-
enlisted in Captain Herrick's company, met with a serious
accident, as the cars were moving away from the depot.
He was waving his hand to his friends, when his arm
came in contact with a grain-spout running out from one
of the ware-houses near the track, dislocating it at the
shoulder. But it would seem that the stuff of which
heroes is made is somewhat tougher than the sinew that
"strikes out from the shoulder" as Mr. Leatherman in-
sisted on proceeding with his company.
We copy, from the report of the adjutant general, the
roster of the officers and Buchanan men of company D,
Forty-seventh regiment.
COMM[.SSIONED OFFICEK.S.
Captain Charles F. Herrick.
Captain Lewis S. Brooks
F'lrst Lieutenant Lewis S. Brooks.
Lieutenant Arthur E. McHugh.
Second Lieutenant Arthur E. McHugh.
NON-COMMISSIONIiU OFFICEKS.
First Sergeant Sidney C. .'\dams.
Sergeant Daniel W. Hopkins.
Second Sergeant Daniel W. Hopkins.
Sergeant John H. Leatherman.
Third Sergeant John H. Leatherman.
Third Sergeant John F. Clarke.
I-'ourth Sergeant John F. Clarke.
Fourth Sergeant Isaac E. Freeman.
Fifth Sergeant William McKenney.
First Corporal Augustus H. Older.
Second Corporal James D. Hill.
Fourth Corporal George B. Bouck.
Fourth Corporal John Hook.
F'ifth Corporal Orrville D. Boyles.
Sixth Corporal Morton J. Sykes.
Seventh Corporal Simmons P. Mead.
Eighth Corporal George S. Jackson.
Musician William M. McHugh.
Musician Hamilton Taylor.
Wagoner Thomas Lincoln.
PRIVATES.
Thomas Abbott, Lyman F. Bouck, Ralph R. Briggs, George 1'.
Benton, Addison C. Beach, Jed Brockvvay, George Casebeer, Gustav
Cairo, James A. Calvin, Howard M. Craig, Francis M. Fritzinger,
Orville Fonda, Lewis H. Gehman, William H. Gaige, Dewitt Gurnsey,
Stephen L. Greely, Henry Holnian, George L. Hayden, Henry R.
Johnson, George T. King, Royal Lowell, lesse H. Long, Lansing D.
Lewis, Frank Landerdale, Hugh McCullough, B. Franklin Mungcr,
Theodore F. Messenger, William H. H. Morse, Tillman Ozias, Samuel
E. A. Ripley, .Alexander Ramsey, David Sellers, .Alexander W. Spald-
ing, Frank L. Sherwood, William S. Scott, William Stevens. Charles
D. Thompson, William C. Vaneman, Alden R. Wheeler, Eliott
Weatherbee.
The Forty-seventh regiment was sent to Helena, Ar-
kansas, where, as will be seen from the correspondence
of Lieutenant Brooks, many contracted disease from
which they died at that post or after their return to their
homes in Iowa. The services of these men were of great
value to the National cause, and they were acknowledged
by the President of the United States in an appreciative
order, couched in terms which must have been \ery grat-
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
ifying to those to whom it was addressed, and which, we
feel sure, will be read with deep interest by their children
at the present day, for whom it is transcribed into these
pages:
Executive Mansion, i
Washington City, October i, 1864. j
Special cxtriitive order, returning thanks to t/ie volunteers for one hun-
dred days, from the States of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wiscon-
sin:
The term of one hundred days, for which volunteers from the States
of Indiana, Ilhnois, Iowa, and Wisconsin volunteered under the last
call of their respective governors in the months of May and June, to
aid in the recent campaign of General Sherman, having expired, the
President directs an official acknowledgement of their patriotic sersices.
It was their good fortune to render etiftcient service in the brilliant oper-
ations in the southwest, and to the victories of the National arms over
the rebel forces in Georgia, under command of Johnston and Hood.
On all occasions and in every service to which they were assigned, their
duty as patriotic volunteers was performed with alacrity and courage, for
which they are entitled to, and are hereby tendered, the National
thanks through the governors of their respective States.
The Secretary of War is directed to transmit a copy of this order to
the governors of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and to cause
a certificate of their honorable services to be delivered to the officers
and soldiers of the States above mentioned, who recently served in the
military force of the United States as volunteers for one hundred days.
Abraham Lincoln.
THE FINAL TRIUMPH AND REJOICING.
A few brief revolving months, crowded with brilliant
successes, followed the return of the one hundred days'
men ; and the great struggle, which had so long filled the
land with mourning, was over. How suddenly were the
sorrow and darkness changed to light and laughter.
Youths and maidens, you whose fathers, mothers, and
elder brothers it may be, passed through that time of
fiery trial, ask them to describe to you some of those
demonstrations of a joy that knew no bounds, which
filled the universal heart when the announcement of
Lee's surrender was flashed over the land. In the happy
heyday of your youth, you shrink from the contemplation
of the pain and sorrow that had gone before; try, then,
to gain some adequate conception of the peril and an-
guish from which your fathers and mothers were then
delivered, by dwelling upon the intensity of their trium-
phant rejoicing when the assurance came that war should
be no more, and that the precious inheritance bequeathed
by the founders of our beneficent Government was saved
from the machinations of traitors, to be transmitted to
their children. The joy was as all-pervading as the air
or the sunlight. From ocean to ocean, everything that
symbolized with exaltation and exultation was made the
medium of expressing a satisfaction too great for expres-
sion. When you have heard what was done in this hour
of triumph at Independence, or any other place, be sure
that the same or similar manifestations were being made
everywhere. By midsummer of 1865 the disbanding of
the troops commenced, and in a few weeks the defenders
of their country in her sanguinary struggle for National
existence, had returned to their homes. Everywhere
were they received as heroes worthy of the highest meed
of praise.
As soon as suitable arrangements could be made after
[he return of all the Buchanan soldiers, a reunion and
welcome was tendered them by the citizens, on which
occasion they were the honored guests of the people,
and but one desire animated the entire population of the
county, which was to give expression to the estimation
in which the services of these heroic men were held by
all true patriots. On the day appointed, Saturday, the
sixteenth of September, which proved to be most auspi-
cious, three hundred, of the four companies and subse-
quent enlistments, were gathered at the county seat.
Five thousand of their fellow citizens, it was estimated,
attended in the capacity of hosts and entertainers. A
triumphal arch had been erected with suitable mottoes
and decorations, and the principal blocks on Main street
were gay with wreaths and flags. Ladies joined in the
procession which followed the brave three hundred bear-
ing their battle flags. At their head was borne a beauti-
ful banner, displaying the inscription,
"thus we welcome our heroes home from the wars."
'■'■Duke est pro patria mori."
Among the distinguished guests from abroad, none
were more welcome or more honored than Major
General Vandever, the former gallant colonel of the
Iowa Ninth. In the eloquent address which he
delivered, he almost justified a slight change in the oft
quoted line of the poet, which would make it read,
"The tongue is mightier than the sword,"
A most eloquent and appropriate address of welcome
was delivered by the Rev. J. M. Bogg, and was ably re-
sponded to by one of the heroes of the day. Colonel
Jed Lake, on behalf of the military.
A feast, fit for the occasion, for the people's guests,
was spread in Mr. Older's beautiful enclosed grove,
where it was evident that every resource of the culinary
art had been taxed to bury hard fare and hard-tack for-
ever from the sight and memories of those whose deeds
all delighted to celebrate. The delicate viands amply
discussed. Mayor Woodward, as toast master, introduced
many glowing gems of sentiment, which elicited noble
thoughts clad in eloquent words — as their worthy setting.
Our record of Buchanan county in the Rebellion, may
be already too long — we are glad that the bulk of the
matter contained in it is simply a transcription of the
current war literature of the times, and we close with one
of the sentiments offered at the soldiers' reunion and
welcome in 1865, which, after a lapse of sixteen years, is
still the aspiration of every patriot heart:
The north and the south — may they be reunited by cords that no
traitors hand can sever.
HONORS PAID TO THE MARTYRED PRESIDENT.
Here, as everywhere, the news of the assassination of
the lamented President Lincoln, broke in upon universal
and jubilant rejoicing. Main street had been made gay with
flags in honor of the restoration of the National emblem
to its rightful place over Fort Sumter, in obedience to
the murdered President's order, and throughout the
country, on the fourteenth of April, at 12 o'clock m.,
flags had been given to the breeze and cannon had
thundered the Nation's joy. The flags still floated on
Saturday morning, but the overflowing joy was changed
to overwhelming grief
The next issue of the city papers appeared with
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
123
columns draped in mourning and with full particulars of
the tragedy which had shrouded the Nation in gloom.
A meeting was called by authority of the mayor of
Independence, D. S. Lee, esq., that the citizens might
consult upon the proper action to be taken to carry out
the recommendations contained in the proclamation of
the governor of the State. Arrangements were made at
this meeting of the citizens to observe the day set apart
by the governor, the twenty-seventh of April, 1865, as a
day of humiliation and prayer, in view of the recent
great National calamity. It was also recommended that
places of business should be closed on that day, and
that the citizens refrain from all secular vocations and
enjoyments, and meet to testify, by prayer and humilia-
tion, the great grief felt at the loss of the noble life that
had fallen — their profound sorrow at this great calamity
to the country and to humanity.
Preparations were also made for proper e.xercises on
the day President Lincoln was to be buried at his old
home, at Springfield, Illinois. The programme provided
for the firing of cannon every half hour during the day,
commencing at sunrise; the suspending of all business
between the hours of 10 o'clock a. m. and 2 o'clock p.
M., and the draping of all business houses and private
dwellings in mourning.
On Wednesday following the assassination, the day
fi.xed for the moving of the funeral cortege from Wash-
ington at noon, Judge Burt adjourned the court at half-
past 1 1 A. M., in accordance with recommendations from
Washington that such observance should be made all
over the land.
Owing to the limited time after the arrival of this rec-
ommendation, no formal observance was made. By
means of handbills, however, a large concourse of the
leading citizens and ladies of the place was called
together at the court house. The bell was tolled with
"minute peals" fronr 12 to i o'clock, when the services
at the court house commenced. Rev. Mr. Boggs
of the Presbyterian church presided, and Rev. Mr.
Fulton of the Baptist church opened the exercises with
prayer. Rev. Mr. Eberhart, Baptist minister from Cedar
Falls, was then introduced and enchained the audience
with an eloquent address which was received with deep,
silent, and tearful attention, broken only by occasional
subdued but irrepressible applause. Mr. Eberhart's
address was marked by "thoughts that breathe and
words that burn," and none who were so fortunate as to
listen to his eloquent and patriotic utterances will ever
lose the remembrance of them. He was followed by
brief and appropriate addresses from Rev. Mr. Fulton
and Judge Burt.
The Rev. Mr. Bambo, of St. James' Episcopal church,
and the Rev. Mr. Boggs of the Presbyterian church
preached memorial sermons on the death of President
Lincoln in their respective churches on the Sunday fol-
lowing his assassination, and memorial and patriotic res-
olutions were passed by the various religious societies
and social organizations of the place.
On the fast day appointed by State authority, all
places of business in Independence were closed, and a
more than Sabbath stillness pervaded the streets. The
union services which were held at the court house were
attended by such a concourse as was never before seen
in the town at a religious service. The tragic death of
President Lincoln, who had so endeared himself to the
American people, had deeply impressed all classes ; and
every occasion was gladly embraced to do honor to his
memory.
AFTER THE RETURN.
The following historical sketch from the Bulletin will
be found interesting, and will explain itself:
SKETCH OF COMPANY H, TWENTY-SEVENTH IOWA.
QuASQUETON, August 14, 1865.
Mr. Editor ; — In answer to your favor of the eleventh instant, de-
siring a complete history of company H, Twenty-seventh Iowa
infantry, I reply that my time is so occupied that I cannot furnish
you with a full history of the company, but I will give you a brief
sketch which you are welcome to do with as you please.
Company H, Twenty-seventh Iowa infantry, was organized on the
twenty-seventh of August, 1862, and mustered into the United States
service on the twenty-ninth of the same month, at Dubuque, Iowa.
[The list of officers is omitted here, being already given in the roster of
the company, taken from the adjutant general's report. — E. P.]
The company was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, on the eighth day
of August, 1865, numbering, all told, forty-two. The term of service
w.as twenty-one days less than three years.
The company has been in fifteen engagements, in which but one man,
Charles Canton, was killed and seventeen wounded. Corporal Low,
and Edward E. Mulick, color bearers, were severely wounded at Pleas-
ant Hill, Louisiana, April 9, 1864, and fell into the hands of the rebels.
John Buck, died at Moscow, Tennessee, July 22, 1863, from an acci-
dental gunshot wound received while on picket duty. Twelve died
from disease, as follows: Joseph H, Black died in convalescent hos-
pital, Memphis, Tennessee, December 4, 1864; two days thereafter his
discharge papers were received; Charles Coleman died at Independence.
Iowa, October 14, 1862; Isaac Gill died at Brownsville, Arkansas, Sep-
tember 8, 1864; Jacob Glass died at Jackson, Tennessee, February 15,
1863; George Hathaway died at Holly Springs, Mississippi; Walter
B. Lanfeer died at Cairo, Illinois, December 8, 1863; John McBain
died at Mound City, Illinois, December 9, 1862; Joseph Moore died at
Jackson, Tennessee, March 14, 1863; Bartemas McGonigil died at
Jackson, Tennessee, March i8, 1863; John Older died at Memphis,
Tennessee, May 12, 1865; Benjamin Sutton died at Fort Snelling,
Minnesota, October 28,- 1862; John A. Tift died at Memphis, Ten-
nessee. November 30, 1862.
There were forty discharged previous to the mustering out of the
company. George G. Gaylord was discharged to enable him to ac-
cept a commission as lieutenant in a battery of heavy artillery. Our
surgeon, Sylvander W. Bowker, was discharged at Jefferson Barracks
September 24, 1864, and died two days thereafter while in the hospital.
Four, Matthew T. Brown, Jeremiah Irwin, Isaac T. Lee, and Christian
Waller, the only drafted men in the regiment, were discharged in June,
1865, their term of service expiring September 30, 1865. The remainder
were discharged for physical disability.
Thirty-two were transferred; thirteen of whom, being recruits, were
transferred to the Twelfth Iowa Infantry. Two, Charles H. Lewis and
Dr. H. H. Hunt, were transferred to the non-commissioned regiment
staff, and were soon after discharged to enable the former to accept a
commission of first lieutenant and adjutant, and the latter to accept a
commission of assistant surgeon to the Twenty-first Iowa volunteer
infantry.
The following is a list of officers, non-commissioned officers and
privates who were finally mustered out of the service:
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain O. Whitney.
First Lieutenant W. G. Donnan.
Second Lieutenant G. W. Smyzer.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
First Sergeant Charles W. Evans.
Sergeant James \. Laird.
Sergeant Daniel .Andrews.
Sergeant Emanuel Miller.
I 24
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Sergeant Henry E. A. Diehl.
Corporal Harrison H. Love.
Corporal William Morgan.
Wagoner Benjamin Miller.
PRIV.\TES.
William C. B. Adams, Samuel Beckley, ]ohn M. Blank, Hamilton
B. Booth, Francis M. Congdon, Columbus Caldwell, William Case-
beer, William Crum, James Campbell, Albert Cordell, Devolson Cor-
nick, Moses Chase, Hamilton Evans, William B. Fleming, Michael
Harrigan, Adam Hoover, Charles Hoover, jr., James C. Haskins,
George Kirkham, William J. Hendrick, Charles W. McKinney, Alvi
Megonigal, Edward E. Mulick, Augustus P. Osgood, Austin W. Per-
kins, WilHam T. Rich, Philip C. Smyzer, Alonzo Shurtliff, Henry H.
Turner, Joseph Tures, Myron H. Woodward.
The company has furnished eight commissioned officers — Jacob Mil-
ler, captain to April 9, 1863; O. Whitney, captain at the time the com-
pany was mustered out of the United States service; W. G. Donnan,
first lieutenant; George W. Smyzer, second lieutenant; C. H. Lewis,
adjutant; Dr. H. H. Hunt, assistant surgeon Twenty-first Iowa infantry;
George G. Gaylord, lieutenant of artillery; and Lieutenant A. M.
Wilcox, whose resignation was accepted to enable him to accept the
commission of captain and commissary of subsistence of United States
volunteers.
As near as I can estimate, from the data I have on hand, the com-
pany has travelled by steamboat over eight thousand miles, by railroad
two thousand miles, and marched three thousand miles. The company,
with the regiment, has visited the capitals of seven different States,
and three times have built comfortable winter quarters without being per-
mitted to occupy them, except for a few days. It has never been sur-
prised on picket or whipped in battle; has burned a fair proportion
of cotton; and its doings will compare favorably with any other com-
pany in the legiment, or among General .^. J. Smith's guerillas, in the
number of pigs, sheep, turkeys, and chickens it has, from military ne.
cessity, appropriated to personal use.
I am, very respectfully yours,
O. Whitney.
A RESUME
of the history of the three regiments, Fifth, Ninth, and
Twenty-seventh, which contained the four companies
raised in Buchanan county, being selections and adapta-
tions from three chapters of "Iowa and the Rebellion,"
by Lurton Dunham Ingersoll, published in 1866.
FIFTH INFANTRY.
The companies which formed the Fifth Iowa volunteer
infantry were organized in their respective neighborhoods
immediately after the receipt of intelligence of the fall of
Fort Sumter; but the General Government, not then ap-
preciating the magnitude of the conflict which was to
ensue, gave no authority for their regimental organization
till some time afterward. The companies were enrolled
in the counties of Cedar, Jasper, Louisa, Marshall, Bu-
chanan, Keokuk, Benton, Van Buren, Jackson, and Ala-
makee, but other counties contributed to swell their
numbers. They were organized into the Fifth regiment,
and as such sworn into the service of the General Gov-
ernment at Camp A\'arren, near the city of Burlington,
on the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth days of July,
1861, at which time the command numbered nine hun-
dred and eighteen robust men. William H. Worthington,
of Keokuk, was appointed colonel; Charles L. Mathies,
of Burlington, lieutenant colonel; William S. Robertson,
of Columbus city, major; John S. Foley, adjutant;
Charles H. Ranson, surgeon ; Peter A, Carpenter, assist-
ant; Robert F. Patterson, quartermaster; and Rev. A.
B. Madeira, chaplain. At the time of his appointment
as second in command of this regiment. Lieutenant Col-
onel Mathies was serving as captain of one of the com-
panies of our First regiment, then making forced marches
from Boonville to Springfield, Missouri. The other offi-
cers were taken directly from civil life.
The Buchanan county company took the letter of the
alphabet corresponding with the order in which the coun-
ty is named in the above list, and was known as company
E. Remaining at Camp Warren, in the performance of
drill and guard duties, about two weeks, the regiment
proceeded to Fort Madison by steamer, and thence to
Keokuk by rail. From this point, though not yet fully
equipped, but using in part arms furnished by the city,
a portion of the regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel
Mathies, was engaged in an expedition into northern
Missouri against the rebel leader, Mart Green. Colonel
Moore had already routed the forces of Green, who was
understood to be in retreat southward. Hoping to inter-
cept and capture him, Colonel Mathies made a rapid
march toward Di.xie with his fresh recruits; and, though
unable to overtake him, they achieved the glory of a first
experience in real campaigning — bivouacking during the
night in an open field, and receiving for their breakfast a
peculiar cracker, which, though possibly not entirely dis-
tasteful as a novelty and as a part of their initiation into
the art of war, became, from too great familiarity, most
undeniably prosaic, under the name of "hard-tack."
The detachment returned to Keokuk the following day,
and proceeded by steamer to St. Louis, reaching there
on the twelfth of August.
At Jefferson barracks the men received their arm,s, and
having been ordered to Lexington in company with other
troops, commenced their voyage up the Missouri without
loss of time. Three days afterwards, when some forty
miles above Jefferson City, the troops upward bound
were met by a regiment of three months' men whose time
had expired, and from them received such urgent repre-
sentations of the inadequacy of a force being sent into a
country literally overrun by guerilla men and beset with
masked batteries, that Colonel Worthington decided to
return to Jefferson City and await further orders. Here,
in response to his telegram to General Fremont, he was
ordered to disembark and go into camp. A few days
later, at Camp Defiance, the first instalment of the Gov-
ernment uniform was received, as also cartridge boxes,
canteens, camp equipage, etc.
From this time until near the middle of October, when
the march on Springfield commenced, the headquarters
of the regiment were sometimes at Jefferson City, some-
times at Boonville, while much of the time was spent in
the field, moving in various directions, a detachment be-
ing kept for many weeks at the railroad crossing at
Osage, some ten miles south of the capital, to protect a
valuable bridge.
During this time a detachment under Colonel \\'orth-
ington proceeded by steamer to Boonville, seized the
confiscated stock of a shot tower, and other property,
including a printing office, bringing the same to Jefferson
City, with the specie from Boonville bank. Another ex-
pedition ascended the river some thirty-five miles to
Rocheport, and, in conjunction with several companies
under Colonel Worthington, advanced from different
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
125
points on Columbia, the object being to capture a body
of rebels collected there under Major Harris. No enemy
was found, and the regiment marched across the country
to Jefferson City, having gained at least some wholesome
experience in carrying knapsacks on .the march.
Drilling and camp duties filled up the time until again,
on the fourteenth of September, the regiment moved up
the Missouri by steamer to reenforce a small body of
home guards at Boonville, who had been attacked the
day before by a considerable force of rebels under Colo-
nel Brown. On the arrival of the regiment, on the
morning of the fifteenth, they were met with the gratify-
ing intelligence that the home guards had repelled the
attack, killing and wounding some sixty of the enemy.
Colonel Brown being among the killed. Ten days were
spent here, adding to the duties of the camp, drill, and
scout, much hard labor in improving and completing the
fortifications which had been commenced by the lament-
ed Lyon early in the summer. On the twenty-fifth the
regiment moved up to Glasgow, where there was an easy
crossing of the Missouri, to prevent the passage of forces
to join Price, who had captured Lexington a few days
before. This duty done, they returned to Boonville,
where the regiment remained until the march toward
Springfield commenced.
During the Springfield campaign the Buchanan men
were attached to Colonel Kelton's brigade, in General
Pope's division, which made a rapid march over wretched
roads to Springfield, and returned to Syracuse, reaching
there November 17th, having marched more than three
hundred miles. During the remainder of the winter,
Colonel Worthington was in command of a brigade with
headquarters at Otterville, Lieutenant Colonel Mathies,
with seven companies at Boonville, quartered comforta-
bly in houses, and three companies at Syracuse, in an
encampment of tents, patrolling the railroad day and
night, until the close of January, 1S62. On the first of
February the three companies from Syracuse joined the
other companies at Boonville. A week later the regi-
ment crossed the Missouri, and after a day or two, took
up the line of march for St. Charles. The weather was
bad and the roads worse, but the march of one hundred
and fifty miles was performed in ten days. Crossing the
Missouri again, the regiment proceeded at once to St.
Louis by rail. Reaching St. Louis, the men marched
from the depot to the river, and were soon on their way
southward. Landed at Cairo, remained a few days, then
ascending the river debarked at Commerce, some thirty
miles above Cairo. Here they received new tents, but
halted in them but one day, marching on the twenty-sixth
to Benton, nine miles distant, where the army of the
Mississippi was concentrating under Pope. The march
on New Madrid was commenced on the first day of
March, the Buchanan troops being in the First brigade;
Colonel Worthington commanding, Second division, Gen-
eral Schuyler Hamilton. The army came in sight of
New Madrid at noon of the third, the march having
been over roads obstructed by the enemy, through
swamps and drenching rains. In the operations which
succeeded against New Madrid, Island No. 10, and
(after the brilliant success at these places) against Fort
Pillow, the Fifth Iowa took an active part. Included in
the onward movement by (ieneral Pope to reenforce Hal-
leck at Corinth, our friends were embarked in a leaky
steamer for Cairo, but making an exchange at that place,
went on up the Ohio and Tennessee without note —
worthy incident, and debarked at Hamburgh Landing on
the twenty-second of April.
In the dull duties of this slow campaign and in the
occasional reconnoissances which, under the direction of
division commanders, relieved the monotony of the
snail-like advance, our regiment bore its part, with be-
coming resignation in the one case, and with distin-
guished valor in the other. On the twenty-second of
May the regiment and the Nation met with a heavy loss
in the accidental death of Colonel Worthington.
Meantime, the regiment moved slowly from Farming-
ton toward Corinth, which was evacuated by the rebels
on the morning of the thirtieth of May, and entered the
same day by General Halleck. A pursuit was at once
instituted by Pope's division, but the Iowa Fifth, though
one of the best marching regiments in the command,
was delayed by rivers and creeks, the bridges over which
had been destroyed, and by other obstructions, so that
its progress was exceedingly slow, as the following state-
ment will show: It marched but five miles on the day of
the evacuation, but eight the next, and then, halting a
day or two to receive Whitney rifles in exchange for its
old arms, moved a dozen miles to near Rienzi, and the
day afterward to Boonville, Mississippi, eight miles fur-
ther south, where it went intg bivouac and there re-
mained until the tenth of June.
From this date, the time passed in marching and
countermarching, drilling being the principal duty, until,
on the fifth of August, the division marched to Jacinto,
where it remained till the day before the battle of luka.
Meantime Major Robertson had resigned. Lieutenant
Colonel Mathies had been promoted to the colonelcy.
Captain Sampson to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and Cap-
tain Banbury was promoted to the rank of major.
The part of Iowa troops in this battle need not be re-
peated here. The regiments which had particularly distin-
guished themselves were the Sixteenth and the Fifth.
"The glorious Fifth Iowa" says Rosecrans, "under the
brave and distinguished Mathies, sustained by Boomer
with part of his noble little Twenty-sixth Missouri, bore
the thrice repeated charges and cross-fires of the rebel
left and centre with a valor and determination seldom
equalled, never excelled by the most veteran soldiery."
The Fifth Iowa, General Hamilton says in his official
report, "under its brave and accomplished Mathies, held
its ground against four times its number, making three
desperate charges with the bayonet, driving back the foe
in disorder each time, until, with every cartridi'e ex-
hausted, it fell back slowly and sullenly, making every
step a battle-ground and every charge a victory." And
the correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial says
that, "most of our troops engaged behaved in the most
gallant manner; particularly the Eleventh Missouri and
Fifth Iowa. These two regiments stood the brunt of
126
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
the battle, as their lists of killed and wounded testify."
Colonel Mathies, in his report, states that high praise
is due to all his officers and men, without exception.
"In commanding my regiment before the enemy, he
says, "I was nobly assisted by Lieutenant Colonel Samp-
son on the right, Adjutant Patterson, acting major, on
the left, and Lieutenant W. S. Marshall, acting adjutant,
all of whom behaved most gallantly, repeating my com-
mands, and steadying and cheering on my brave boys
throughout the engagement." For his own gallant and
meritorious conduct. Colonel Mathies was afterward
promoted to the rank of a brigadier general. Of the
four hundred and eighty-two officers and men of the
Fifth Iowa, who were engaged in the battle, more than
two hundred and twenty were killed and wounded.
Three days after the battle, the regiment reached its
old camp near Jacinto, and there rested (if working upon
fortifications can be so called) during the remainder of
the month. On the first of October it marched to
Corinth, and though, on the first day's battle which soon
followed, it was so posted as not to be brought into ac-
tion, it was engaged on the fourth day, from early in the
morning till the defeat of the enemy about noon, but be-
ing posted behind natural defences, it suffered but a
trifling loss, though rendering valuable service, especially
in the repulse of a charge on the Eleventh Ohio battery,
which it was supporting on the left. To repel it, one
regiment marched on the double-quick step to the threat-
ened point, fired four volleys into the enemy, and drove
them off in admirable disorder. In the pursuit of the
rebels, after their terrible defeat, the regiment made some
rapid marches, and returned to Corinth, going into camp
on the evening of the eleventh, the men worn out with
fatigue, many of them entirely without shoes, and scarcely
one with suitable clothing. Here a brief season of rest
was granted, before the regiment was again engaged, this
time in conjunction with (General Grant's forces organiz-
ing to take Vicksburgh in the rear. No good, but much
suffering resulted from this campaign. From the first of
February, 1863, to the second of March, the division.
General J. F. Quinby's, remained in camp near Mem-
phis, a single day's scout, so far as the Fifth was con-
cerned, bemg the only interruption of its quiet. On the
second of March the regiment commenced its work in
the Vicksburgh campaign; and, from that time till the
capitulation of Pemberton, more than one hundred and
twenty days afterward, its history forms a creditable part
of the memorable events of that period, crowded with
the most momentous achievements of the war. After
the fall of the gallant Boomer, Colonel Banbury, pro-
moted, took command of the regiment, and Adjutant
Marshall was promoted to the rank of major.
In the campaign under Major General Sherman, which
followed the capture of Vicksburgh, the brigade to
which the Fifth belonged, performed valuable service,
and was handsomely complimented by that general in his
official report of the operations which resulted in driving
Johnston out of the State, and in bringing the whole of
it under the power of our armies. In the marches and
countermarches of this active campaign, the Fifth Iowa
encamped two different times on the memorable field of
Champion Hills, remaining there after the retreat of
Johnston, from the seventeenth to the twenty-second of
July. It then proceeded by leisurely marches to Vicks-
burgh, and encamped within the works on the twenty-
fourth, where if remained, in the performance of light
garrison duties, for nearly two months, in common with
the whole division.
On the twelfth of the following September, the division
moved to Helena, Arkansas, for the purpose of reenforc-
ing General Steele. That officer, however, had captured
Little Rock on the tenth, and needed no more troops.
While these troops were awaiting transportation back to
Vicksburgh, General Rosecrans met with the reverse at
Chickainauga. General Sherman commanding the Fif-
teenth corps, was ordered to reenforce the army of the
Cumberland; and, that he might do so the more
promptly, the division of the Seventeenth corps at
Helena was exchanged into his command, in place of
one of his divi.sions near Vicksburgh. The Fifth accord-
ingly moved with the division to Memphis by river, and
thence by rail to Corinth, reaching that place of varied
associations on the afternoon of October 4th, — just one
year from the great victory which it had helped to win.
Here it was employed for a month in rebuilding the rail-
road toward luka, and in other ways preparing for the
march to Chattanooga, which began on November ist,
and ended on the twenty-fourth, with the division, now
the Third, Fifteenth corps, in face of the enemy on
Missionary Ridge.
In the remarkable contest which ensued, called
in history the battle of Chattanooga, which was in fact a
series of grand combats from the banks of the Tennessee
to the tops of mountains above the clouds, our regiment
well performed its part near the northern extremity of
Missionary Ridge. Here, near Tunnel Hill, frowning
with rebel batteries, the regiment fought the afternoon of
the twenty-fifth, but was overcome near evening by an
overwhelming force of the enemy. Many were captured,
including Major Marshall and Adjutant Byers. The
colors also fell into the hands of the enemy, whilst the
men who escaped, passed through a shower of balls, and
were heedless of the rebel yells to "halt." The regiment
went into the action with two hundred and twenty-seven
men and twenty-one officers, and lost in killed, wounded,
and captured, one hundred and six, of whom quite a
large proportion were captured.
Colonel Banbury thus closes his official report:
I can not feel justified in closing this report without bearing testimony
to the uncomplaining manner in which my brave men have performed
the hard labor, and endured the severe deprivations of the campaign
just closed; especially during the week ending November, following
immediately upon the long fatiguing march of over two hundred miles.
They were up at midnight of the twenty-third fortifying, and manoeuvr-
ing for battle all day of the twenty-fourth. On picket-guard in the face
of the enemy on the night of the twenty-fourth, fighting the enemy on
the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh {without rations or blankets,
shivering around their camp fires during the nights, and marching
through rain and mud during the days), and returning to camp— twenty-
two miles — on the twenty-eighth. All this in the Qead of winter, and
without a murmur.
When the regiment on the third, fourth and fifth days
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
127
of December marched to Bridgeport, Alabama, many of
the men had nothing but parched corn in their haver-
sacks. The command remained at Bridgeport, which is
in the extreme northeastern part of the State, until the
twenty-second, when it marched to Laikinsville, forty-five
miles distant. Having halted there a day or two, it
moved a few miles south to a mill, and remained there
on guard duty, and engaged in the milling business for a
week. On the seventh of January, 1864, the line of
march for Huntsville was taken up. The command
reached that place on the ninth, and there spent the re-
mainder of the winter. Whilst at Huntsville, about one
hundred and fifty members of the regiment, being the
most of those present for duty, reenlisted under the
orders of the War Department for the formation of an
army of veterans.
The history of the veterans from this date has already
been given in connection with the account of their recep-
tion on their return to Independence in April, 1864.
The history of the gallant Fifth Iowa infantry as a dis-
tinct command, virtually closed when the non-veterans
were mustered out on the thirtieth of July, 1864. The
term of its service was therefore, a little over three
years. During this time it had marched, on foot, over
two thousand miles in the States of Missouri, Arkansas,
Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama
and Georgia, participating in Fremont's campaign of one
hundred days in southwestern Missouri in the fall of
1861 ; in the campaign against New Madrid, Island No.
10, and Fort Pillow, in the siege of Corinth, in the
battle of luka, and that of Corinth soon afterward, in the
campaign in central Mississippi under General Grant,
the Yazoo Pass expedition, in the grand campaign against
Vicksburgh, in that of Chattanooga, closing an eventful,
honorable history with its ranks so thinned that it was
compelled to yield up its separate organization — retired
from the records of the war for the future, but with a past
so well secured by many glorious services, undimmed
by the shade of any unworthy act, that its memory
will be kept green among our people till luka and Chat-
tanooga shall have passed from their recollection, and
much of the noblest heroism of the war have been for-
gotten.
NINTH INFANTRY.
In July, 1861, on the day of the battle of Bull Run,
the Hon. William Vandever, then a representative in
Congress from the second district of Iowa, which at that
time embraced the northern half of the State, went to the
Secretary of War and tendered a regiment of volunteers,
to be recruited and organized by himself in his district.
His proposition was accepted at once by Mr. Cameron,
and Mr. Vandever speedily returned to Iowa and went
energetically to work in the matter. Early in August the
first company went into rendezvous at Dubuque, and in
a few weeks the regiment was fully organized. It was
mustered into the service on the twenty-fourth of Sep-
tember, with the following oflScers: William Vandever,
colonel; Frank J. Herron, lieutenant colonel; William
H. Cayle, major; William Scott, adjutant; F. S. Win-
slow, quartermaster; Benjamin McClure, surgeon; H.
W. Hart, assistant surgeon; Rev. A. B. Hendig, chap-
lain. Company C, Buchanan county. Captain J. M.
Hord.
The regiment remained in rendezvous but a day or
two after being sworn into the service. From Dubuque
it went directly to St. Louis, where, at Benton barracks,
it went into camp of instruction. By the middle of
October its camp was advanced to Pacific City, on the
Pacific railroad, and the duty of guarding the southwest-
ern branch of that road, between Franklin and Rolla,
was assigned to it. Here, during the next three months,
all of the troops composing the armies of the west, so
designated for convenience and not officially, were pre-
paring for that grand forward movement, which, com-
mencing soon afterwards, swept with irresistable force,
not often long retarded, over the whole domain claimed
by traitors, and at last hurled them to destruction.
Many of the Union troops engaged in this glorious work,
in aid of its complete accomplishment, marched, skir-
mished, fought the entire circuit of the confederacy; and
among these, the Iowa Ninth holds honorable rank.
On the twenty-second day of January, 1862, the vari-
ous companies of the command left their camps along
the railroad and joined the army of the southwest, con-
centrating at RoUo, under Brigadier General Samuel R.
Curtis. Marching to Lebanon, some sixty miles south-
west of Rolla, a week was there spent in organization and
preparation. The army was composed of four divisions:
the first, commanded by General F. Siegel ; the second,
by General A. Ashboth ; the third, by Colonel Jefferson
C. Davis; and the fourth, by Colonel E. A. Carr. The
troops were from the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Iowa and Missouri. Colonel G. M. Dodge, Fourth
Iowa, commanded the First brigade, Fourth division, con-
sisting of his own regiment, the Thirty-fifth Illinois and
the First Iowa battery. Colonel Vandever was in com-
mand of the Second brigade, consisting of the Ninth
Iowa, Twenty-fifth Missouri, Third Illinois cavalry, and
Third Iowa battery. Two battalions of the Third Iowa
cavalry, Colonel Bussey, were also in the army, but not
assigned to any particular division, so that all the Iowa
troops participating in the campaign were in Colonel
Carr's division.
Thus organized, the army marched after the rebel
Price, and on the fifteenth of February entered Spring-
field from all sides, hoping to find the enemy there; but
Price shrewdly "allowing" that it "wouldn't pay," was
rSpidly making his way to a warmer climate, though
Curtis had succeeded in making that of Southern Mis-
souri "too hot" for him. General Curtis marched in
pursuit, and for several days the retreat and pursuit were
equally rapid. Carr's division, containing the Iowa
troops, had the advance, and skirmishing daily was the
rule until Price was joined by McCuUoch, eighteen miles
south of the Arkansas line, at Cross Hollows, and the
southward movement was continued by the rebels. Gen-
eral Curtis took possession of advantageous ground at
Cross Hollows, and determined to await an attack. It
was in one of the skirmishes during the pursuit at Sugar
creek, near the boundary, line between Missouri and
128
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Arkansas, that the Ninth Iowa was first under fire. The
command behaved like veterans on this, to them, im-
portant occasion, charging and driving before them a
rebel force outnumbering their own, after receiving with-
out flinching the fire of a battery of artillery and its in-
fantry supports.
For convenience of forage and subsistence, the different
divisions were posted at considerable distance from each
other, but not beyond the reach of mutual support in
case of the approach of the enemy. Colonel Carr's
division was at Cross Hollows, headquarters of the army.
On the fourteenth of March, Colonel Vandever, with a
picked portion of his brigade, consisting of a battalion of
cavalry, a section of the Dubuque battery, and a large
detachment of his own regiment, moved from the camp
of the division and marched fifteen miles in the direction
of Huntsville. The command reached that place on the
afternoon of the next day, and found it to be a dilapi-
dated village which had just been abandoned by a body
of rebel cavalry. From the bewildered citizens informa-
tion was received ot the advance of the rebel army, now
under the command of Major General Earl Van Dorn,
and heavily reenforced. Colonel Vandever received this
information with the utmost apparent indifference, and
allowed his command to remain in town some two hours,
while he appeared to be attending to matters which
naturally fell under his attention as a Union officer.
Toward evening he leisurely marched his force out of
town, and pitched camp some miles distant. During
the night a courier arrived witli dispatches from (Jeneral
Curtis, confirming the intelligence of the afternoon and
ordering him to march with all possible dispatch to Pea
Ridge, where the army was being concentrated for battle.
To avoid the rebel army. Colonel \'andever was com-
pelled to take a route which involved a march of forty-
one miles, and across the pathway lay the White river
and other streams of smaller size, which had to be forded.
To add to the difficulties of this forced march, snow fell
during the night, making walking most disagreeable and
laborious. At 4 o'clock on the morning of the sixth, the
little column was in motion, and steadily the march con-
tinued — tramp, tramp, all day long was the only sound
that was heard, and that was heard as regularly as the
ticking of a clock. Not a moment's time was lost
throughout the day. At 6 o'clock in the evening, having
marched for fourteen consecutive hours, the command
reached the army. The famous march to Talavera of
Wellington's light division was no more remarkable than
this, in which some of the sons of Buchanan county took
jjart. Napier enthusiastically relates how that division,
which had been trained by Sir John Moore himself,
crossed the field of battle after its great march, in com-
pact order, and immediately took charge of the outposts.
The column under Colonel Vandever fought throughout
a pitched battle of two days' continuance, immediately
after its great march.
The army under General Curtis numbered ten thou-
sand five hundred men, cavalry and infantry, with
forty-nine pieces of artillery, including four mountain
howitzers. It is perhaps impossible to give the rebel
numbers with any exactness, authorities differing widely
on this point. Pollard, the rebel historian, admits that
they numbered sixteen thousand — but their own officers
admitted to Captain McKenney, of General Curtis' staff,
that they numbered thirty thousand; and this accords
with the estimates current at the time, which made the
rebel force engaged three times that of the Union.
Of this battle our author says: "Whether considered
in reference to the skill with which the troops were
manceuvred, or the valor with which they fought, this
must be placed among the most memorable and honor-
able victories of the war. The field was far removed
from General Curtis' base of supplies; in a country
much better known to the enemy than to him ; that
enemy outnumbered him, I think, three to one. Yet he
defeated him so thoroughly and absolutely that his scat-
tered squads were driven in panic for leagues — far away
to the south — like leaves before a tempest. Among
their killed were Generals Mcintosh and McCuUoch,
while Generals Price and Slack were severely wounded.
The American Almanac and Annual Record puts the en-
tire rebel loss at one thousand one hundred killed ; two
thousand five hundred wounded, and one thousand six
hundred prisoners. Our own loss, in killed, wounded
and missing, numbered one thousand three hundred and
fifty-one."
General Curtis, in his official dispatch, very justly says
that "Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri, may
proudly share the honors of the victory which their gal-
lant heroes have won over the combined forces of Van
Dorn, Price and McCulloch at Pea Ridge, in the Ozark
Mountains of Arkansas."
His detailed report of the battle closes in language
which all must feel to be that of just eulogium, and not
of mere formal compliment. "To do justice to all," he
says, "I should spread before you the most of the rolls
of this army, for I can bear testimony to the almost uni-
versal good conduct of officers and men, who have
shared with me the long march, the many conflicts by
the way, and the final struggle ' at the battle of Pea
Ridge."
The part borne by Iowa in the struggle was most con-
spicuous. The commanding general was from our State,
and any description of the battle must be most lame if it
does not show him to have been a consummate tactician
and obstinate fighter. Colonel Dodge and Colonel Van-
dever commanded the two brigades which stood the
brunt of the battle, which were handled with the most
admirable skill and coolness, and which fought with a
valor never surpassed in the history of wars. "The
Fourth and Ninth Iowa," says General Curtis, "won im-
perishable honors." There were innumerable acts of
special bravery performed by Iowa troops during the
battle; and there never was an engagement, perhaps, in
which good conduct was more universal. General
Curtis especially commends Colonels Dodge and Van-
dever, while these colonels, in their official reports, give
long lists of regimental and company officers who dis-
tinguished themselves for coolness and valor, "while all
did well and fought nobly."
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
129
In fine, all the Iowa troops behaved with that high
degree of valor which distinguished their conduct
throughout the war, and their losses were more severe
than those of any other troops. The casualties of com-
pany C, the Buchanan county company, were as follows:
Killed — Lieutenant Nathan Rice, Private Julius Furcht.
Wounded — Sergeant Jacob P.Sampson, Corporal Charles
C. Curtis, Wagoner David Creek, Privates Isaac Arwine
(mortally), George M. Abbott (mortally), Jesse Barnett,
L. n. Curtis, John Cartwright (mortally), J. E. Elson, C.
A. Hobart, Stephen Holman, Orlando F. Luckey, James
Leatherman, Philip Riterman, Russel Rouse, Samuel
Robbins, ^Villiam Wisennand (mortally), Adonain J.
Windsar (mortally).
Having buried the dead and cared for the wounded,
the army moved from Pea Ridge a few days after the
battle, and, encamping in the vicinity of Bentonville, had
there a short rest. After this our regiment took up the
line of march with the army, and moving through a part
of Missouri and across Arkansas, arrived at Helena
about the middle of July, after a campaign of unusual
hardships. At Helena the regiment had its first and last
permanent encampment, and there it remained in quiet
for a period of five months. The history of the regi-
ment up to this time had been one of almost constant
activity, of movements in the face of the enemy; of
severe marches, terminating in a sanguinary battle. It
had been impossible, however, to give that attention to
drill and discipline which had been desired by the offi-
cers. There was a fine opportunity now to make up for
any deficiencies in these respects, and it was improved
by both officers and men, so that, when the regiment
again commenced its active operations, which continued
with but short intermissions of rest, it was one of the
best drilled and best disciplined regiments in the service.
The fame of the army which won the victory of Pea
Ridge, soon spread over the country and over Christen-
dom. The Ninth received a most gratifying evidence of
their own good name and fame, whilst at Helena, in the
presentation to the command, by the hands of Miss
Phoebe Adams, in behalf of a committee of ladies of
Boston, Massachusetts, a stand of beautiful silk colors,
elaborately embroidered in gold. Miss Adams presented
the magnificent gift with the pleasing assurance that it
was a testimonial of the appreciation on the part of
many of the ladies of Boston of the conduct of the
regiment in the battle of Pea Ridge. These colors were
guarded and cherished by the command with religious
care and afTection. After they had been borne many
long miles and on many a proud field, riddled and torn
with balls, and covered with a thousand scars of battle,
they were presented by the unanimous voice of the regi-
ment, one to the original donors, and the other to Brevet
Major General Vandever, the old commander of the
regiment, whom the men of his original command never
ceased to hold in the warmest esteem.
The regiment having been assigned to Thayer's bri-
gade, of Steele's division, joined the army under Sher-
man, which moved down the Mississippi to attack Vicks-
burgh. In the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, where the
'7
Fourth Iowa gained such unfading laurels, and where
many Iowa regiments were engaged, the Ninth was under
fire during the greater part of the twenty-eighth and
twenty-ninth of December; but was not itself actively
engaged^ except for about half an hour on the latter day.
The attempt on Vicksburgh by Chickasaw Bayou having
failed, the army slowly and sorrowfully reembarked and
steamed down the dark sluggish waters of the Yazoo to
the Mississippi, and to Milliken's Bend, where Major
General McClernand assumed command. During the
year just closed, the Ninth had lost, by death, discharge,
and otherwise, three hundred and twenty five men, and
had gained, during the same period, fifty-six by enlist-
ment so that, when it commenced the year 1863, it
numbered seven hundred and twenty-six, rank and file.
The regiment commenced the new year by taking an
active part in the brilliant campaign of Arkansas Post,
which resulted in the capture of a large number of pris-
oners, and an immense quantity of supplies and arms.
From this point the troops again embarked, and, moving
down the Arkansas and Mississijipi, disembarked at
Young's Point, Louisiana; Steele's division moving down
and going into camp below the mouth of the canal,
which had been dug the year before. Here, near Young's
Point, the army lay encamped many weary weeks, which
formed the darkest era of the whole year to the troops
who endured it. The encampment was a vast swamp.
In front was the Mississippi, flowing moodily by, ever
threatening to burst from its banks and engulf the half
submerged army. Beyond, and in plain view, were the
hills of Vicksburgh with their frowning batteries. From
the oozy encampment vapors and fogs arose, which
caused the sun to shine with a feeble, sickly power, whilst
much of the time it rained, day in and day out, without
cessation. The army was like an army of drowning rats.
The troops sat gloomily within their tents in sullen silence,
or moved about from place to place in the performance
of necessary duties, like soulless, voiceless animals.
Driven from one encamjjment to another, and to another,
and still another, till the army at last "roosted on the
levee of the Mississip[)i." The men moved with a list-
less indifference, plainly showing that they cared very
little whether their camps and lives were saved or swept
away together by the floods. Death was holding high
carnival in every encampment, and acres of graveyards
were soon visible in these most dismal swamps. The
dying increased as the flood increased, till at length the
dead were buried on the levee, whither the army had
been driven. There they continued to be buried till, it
is not too much to say, the levee was formed, near its
outer surface, of dead men's bones, like the layers of
stones in a work of masonry. When, after more than
two months' stay in this vicinity, the army moved away,
it left the scene of its encampments, the Golgotha of
America. Major Abernethy, in speaking of this period
in the history of the Ninth, says the ordeal of these
unpropitious months was the more grievous, because it
had all the evils of the battle-field, with none of its hon-
ors. And, as it was with the Ninth, so it was with the
arge army of which it formed a part.
I
13°
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
Meantime, Colonel Vandever having been promoted a
brigadier general, Captain David Carskaddon was elected
and commissioned in his place. The first active cam-
paigning in which the regiment was engaged after Col-
onel Carckaddon took command, was in the expedition
of General Steele into central Mississippi, by Greenville,
which consumed about a month. Returning, the com-
mand encamped for a short time at Milliken's Bend, and
then joined the grand campaign against Vicksburgh.
Leaving their tents standing, one regiment put themselves
in light marching order, and, on the second of May,
started for Grand Gulf, as fully inspired by hope and
enthusiasm, as they had been depressed by despondency
and sorrow, two months before. Rapidly marching by
Richmond to the landing opposite Grand Gulf, and there
crossing the river, the division joined the corps, and
marching on Jackson, took part in the capture of that
capital. Then facing about, it moved in the direction
of Vicksburgh; and, on the eighteenth, took position on
the right of our lines before the enemy's works. On the
nineteenth there was an irregular assault, in which our
regiment lost a number of killed and wounded; among
them Captains Kelsey and Washburn, and Lieutenants
Jones, Wilbur, and Terrell, killed. The position of the
regiment during the siege was a good one, well covered
by the crest of a hill, strengthened by works, but the
rebel sharp-shooters occasionally picked off a man, never-
theless. The regiment lost, during the siege, from the
eighteenth of May to the fourth of July, one hundred
and twenty-one in killed and wounded.
But even now there was no rest for the weary troops.
Before daylight, on the morning after the capitulation,
the expeditionary army under Sherman moved after Joe
Johnston, and, following him to Jackson found him
there strongly intrenched behind heavy works. In this
campaign the Ninth fully participated; and, after its
successful termination, went into camp in a beautiful
grove near Big Black river; and here, not far from the
scenes where, for so many months, nothing but the
wrinkled front of grim-visaged war had been seen, had a
long period of rest. But it was not one of enjoyment,
for, added to the discomforts of the hot weather, the
effects of the confined life during the siege began now
to be visible on the troops, many of whom became sick
outright, and others unfit for service. During this period
General Steele, commanding division, and General
Thayer, commanding brigade, were ordered to another
department of the army, being succeeded by General
Osterhaus in command of division, and by Colonel J. A.
Williamson, Fourth Iowa, of the brigade, which was com-
posed of Iowa troops, and which remained under the com-
mand of that accomplished officer throughout the cam-
paigns of Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Savannah ; at the
close of which last, being appointed to the rank which
he had so long and so honorably actually filled, he
received orders which called him into another field of
usefulness.
On the twenty-second of September orders to move
were received, and, before night, the regiment was in the
cars moving to Vicksburgh. Moving by steamer to
Memphis, and by train thence to Corinth, after some de-
lay occupied in the repair of the railway, and some skir-
mishing with the enemy under Forrest, the march to
Chattanooga was commenced ; and, on November 23d,
after a march of three hundred miles, the regiment
pitched its tents at the foot of Lookout Mountain.
Twenty-four hours later it was taking gallant part in the
"Battle Above the Clouds," under the dashing General
Hooker. The enemy evacuated Lookout Mountain on
the night of the twenty-fourth, and, on the following
day, the battle of Mission Ridge took place. So far as
our regiment was concerned this was rather a contest of
legs than of arms; the enemy running to escape, and
our troops to catch them. And thus, for miles on the
summit of the mountain, they had a running fight, which
closed with the enemy being captured in large numbers,
and the rest fleeing from the field. The regiment con-
tinued in the pursuit, under Hooker, to Ringgold, where
the enemy made a stand, and for some time contended
with no little success against our arms. The Ninth
joined in the charge up the hillsides on the twenty-
seventh, but the enemy had now become exhausted and
discouraged, and retired without serious opposition, leav-
ing us in full possession of the position. The loss of
the regiment, during the three engagements, was three
killed and sixteen wounded.
From Ringgold General Osterhaus marched to rejoin
Sherman, from whom he had been separated by reason
of the accidental breaking of a pontoon bridge over the
Tennessee; and, the junction having been made, the
division marched by Chattanooga, Bridgeport and Steven-
son, to Woodville, Alabama, and went into winter quar-
ters but a few days before the close of the year.
New Year's day was spent by the regiment in reenlist-
ing. The number of men had by this time been re-
duced to about five hundred, of whom all were not
eligible as veterans under the rules of the War Depart-
ment. Nearly three hundred reenlisted, and the Ninth
became a veteran regiment. The consequent privilege
of a furlough was granted, and the veterans returned to
Iowa early in the following month. On arriving at Du-
buque they were met by the citizens of that hospitable
city en masse, and welcomed home with a cordiality
which must have been in the highest degree gratifying.
Their reception here was a magnificent ovation, worthy
of Dubuque and of them; and, best of all, it did not
end with speechifying, but with a supper in comparison
with the luxuries of which, those of the Georgia prom-
enade were flat, stale and unprofitable. Moreover, fair
hands, which would not have condescended to wait upon
the princes of the best blood of Europe, gladly waited
on these war-worn heroes. As the men went to their
homes in northern Iowa, they were everywhere met with
as warm and cheerful a reception as is within the heart
of man to conceive, or his hands to bestow. And thns
the thirty days' respite from the toils and hardships of
war, passed like a brief dream, too peaceful and happy
to last.
The men, at the close of their short furlough, accom-
panied by many recruits, went by railway and steamer to
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
131
Nashville, whence they marched to Woodville, arriving
on the tenth of April, 1864. Here twenty days were
spent in procuring supplies of clothing, equipage and
arms. The old Dresden rifles, which had done such
execution from the beginning, were returned to the
Government, and new Springfield rifled muskets drawn
in their stead. Though the regiment had been pre-
sented by the ladies of Boston with another magnificent
stand of colors, to replace those worn out in the service,
these were now kept rather for ornament than use, and
a stand of regulation colors drawn from the Government,
were carried in the line throughout the subsequent career
of the regiment.
On the first of May Colonel Carckaddon, just re-
turned from sick leave, in command, took line of march
for Chattanooga, and at once entered upon the campaign
of Atlanta. For the next four months the regiment par-
ticipated in all the labors, marches, skirmishes, battles,
and sieges of this great campaign, in which the Fifteenth
corps took part. It marched, during that campaign, a
distance of four hundred miles, much of it by night;
built forty different lines of works; crossed three large
rivers and many streams of a smaller size, in the face of
the enemy; and took honorable part in the engage-
ments, many of them heavy battles, of Resaca, Dallas,
New Hope, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoo-
chee River, Decatur, Atlanta, Jonesborough and Love-
joy. In two of the severest of these conflicts it had the
rare pleasure of fighting behind entrenchments, suffering
but little loss itself while inflicting terrible punishment
upon the enemy. There is no doubt that the regiment,
in the course of the campaign, placed many more rebels
hors dc combat than the command itself numbered. The
losses of the regiment were fourteen killed, seyenty
wounded, and six captured. A tabular statement of the
casualties in the regiment, during its term of service,
furnished by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, shows that
in its various engagements, numbering more than a score
of battles, the Ninth Iowa lost eighty-seven officers and
men slain, forty-six wounded mortally, three hundred
and sixty-four wounded, and ten captured by the enemy,
making a total loss during the war, on the field of bat-
tle, of five hundred and seven.
With the termination of the campaign, the regiment
went into regular encampment, with the expectation of
having a considerable period of rest. The same ex-
pectation was shared by the generals, as an order was
issued permitting five per cent, of the men to be fur-
loughed, which order was soon countermanded in con-
sequence of the interruptions of our communications
and the threatening attitude of the rebel General Hood.
Our regiment joined in his pursuit, breaking camp for
that purpose early in October, and in one month made a
march and countermarch of three hundred and fifty miles
without having seen anything of the rebel forces but
their heels. But before this march commenced, the
original term for which the regiment entered the service
expired, and the nonveterans, numbering more than one
hundred, were honorably discharged.
During the march on Savannah, the regiment was com-
manded by Captain M. Sweeney, company B, who con-
ducted it through that excursion without the loss of a
single man. .-Xfter a few weeks' halt at Savannah, the
regiment sailed to Beaufort, South Carolina, where it
awaited the completion of General Sherman's prepara-
tions to march through the Carolinas. Here Colonel
Carckaddon returned to the regiment and was honorably
mustered out of service by reason of expiration of term.
He had faithfully served his country for more than three
years. The command of the regiment now devolved
upon Major Alonzo Abernethy, one of the most modest,
as well as most meritorious of Donna's field officers, pro-
moted from Captain of company F, in place of Major
Granger, who died in the hospital at Nashville, Tennes-
see. The march northward began on the twenty-sixth of
January, and on the nineteenth of May our regiment
pitched its tents on the heights of Alexandria, in plain
view of the dome of the National capital. It had, on
this, its last, campaign, marched through many miles of
swamps, built many miles of road and many miles of
intrenchment, especially near Bentonville; participated
in the dangerous movement which resulted in the capture
of Columbia, for which achievement the Iowa brigade,
under Colonel Stone, received the personal compliments
of General Howard, and fought with bravery wherever
there was fighting to do. At Columbia, the regiment
drew rations for the twenty days' march to Fayetteville,
North Carolina. They consisted of one half pound hard
bread per man — neither more nor less. Nevertheless,
the command found plenty of food and fared sumptuous-
ly every day. This was different indeed from the
parched corn era of Arkansas, or the week of rice diet in
the swamps, near Savannah.
Taking part in the great review of the twenty-sixth of
May, the regiment moved into camp near Crystal Springs,
a short distance north of Washington, whence, early in
June, it proceeded to Louisville, where it was mustered
out of service on the eighteenth of July, 1865, then
numbering five hundred and ninety-five officers and men.
From Louisville the regiment moved by rail to Clinton,
Iowa, for final payment.
The regiment brought from the field four flags, of
which two — the National colors and the regimental blue
— were placed in the office of the State adjutant general.
One bearing the names of the principal engagements in
which the regiment had taken part — Pea Ridge, Chicka-
saw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson, assault and siege
of Vicksburgh, siege of Jackson, Brandon, Cherokee,
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Resaca,
Dallas, New Hope, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain,
Chattahoochee river, Atlanta (July 22nd and 28th),
Jonesborough, Lovejoy, Savannah, Columbia, Benton-
ville — was deposited with the State Historical society.
The fourth, voted to the regiment at the northern Iowa
sanitary fair, held at Dubuque, in May, 1864, was re-
tained by the regiment to be disposed of as the regi-
mental association, formed at the disbandment of the
command, may direct.
And thus endeth the history of the Ninth Iowa volun-
teers. When their distinguished career was closed, and
132
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
their banners furled, they returned to their homes with
the gratified homage of the State upon which they had
conferred so much honor, and which will ever and anon
unfurl those banners, to read the proud blazonry, in
colors of living light, of their unsurpassed achievements
in the war for Union and liberty.
TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
The Twenty-seventh Iowa volunteers had nearly as
varied an experience, in the matter of climate, as the
distinguished explorer after the remains of Sir John
Franklin, who received his orders to the polar regions
whilst bathing in the gulf of Mexico. The Twenty-
seventh performed its first active service in northern
Minnesota, in about the latitude of Quebec; and before
it closed its career of usefulness and honor, its hardy
troops liad made a voyage on the gulf, from Balize to
Mobile bay. They had seen the Mississippi river where
it looked like an insignificant stream; and again where,
having received the waters of a continent, it swept by
many channels into "the far-resounding sea."
The regiment was recruited in the northern part of
Iowa, from the seven counties comprising the Third
congressional district. The different companies went
into camp of instruction at the Dubuque rendezvous in
the latter part of August, where, in Camp Franklin, near
that city, they were engaged in taking the usual lessons
in the military art, until the third of October, when they
were mustered into the service of the United States as
the Twenty-Seventh Iowa volunteer infantry. The rolls
at that date bore the names of nine hundred and
fifty-two enlisted men and forty officers.
The command, thus fully organized and in the service
immediately commenced battallion drill; and thorough
discipline, the result in part of the high character of the
men comprising the companies, was at once inaugurated,
though the time for preliminary training did not long
continue. Within a week after entering the service, the
regiment was ordered to report to Major General Pope,
commanding the department of the northwest, to take
part in the campaign against the hostile tribes of Indians
who were, at that time, threatening the frontier generally,
and were especially waging their savage warfare, indis-
criminately murdering men, women and children, in
Minnesota. The Twenty-seventh regiment hastened to
the assistance of General Pope, moving by transports to
St. Paul, and going into quarteis at Fort Snelling, near
that capital. Shortly afterward Colonel Gilbert was or-
dered to Mille Lacs, a village on the lake of that name,
a hundred and twenty-five miles north of St. Paul, there
to superintend a payment of annuity to certain Indians.
Taking six companies of his regiment. Colonel Gilbert
marched rapidly northward, over roads cut through a
wilderness and made almost impassable by the autumn
rains, performed the duties assigned him, and returned
to St. Paul on the fourth of November.
In the meantime, Colonel (soon after brigadier gener-
al) Sibley had defeated the Indians in a severe encoun-
ter, and they were reported so far subdued that only
Minnesota troops would be required in that department.
While Colonel Gilbert was absent on the march to Mille
Lacs, Major Howard, commanding the four companies
stationed at Fort Snelling, received orders to report
with his detachment at Cairo, Illinois. Upon his return,
Colonel Gilbert received similar orders, and immediate-
ly proceeded to Cairo, going to Prairie du Chien, Wis-
consin, by river, and thence by cars, by way of Chicago.
The united command remained but a few days at Cairo.
Embarking on transports, it proceeded down the river to
Memphis, where it reported to General Sherman, and,
on the twenty-second of November, went into camp near
the city.
A few days later, the regiment was assigned its place
in General Sherman's force, about to move as the right
wing of General Grant's army, on the expedition into
central Mississippi, to take the stronghold of Vicksburgh
by that way. Before the regiment started on this march,
the men complained loudly of the quality of their arms,
which were old Prussian muskets, poor at best, and
many of the pieces absolutely unserviceable. They had
been promised better arms, and, as they were about
entering upon a campaign which they had a right to sup-
pose would be both active and dangerous, they thought
it high time that the promises should be fulfilled. Colo
nel Gilbert had the tact and nerve satisfactorily to
silence all complaints, so that when the march began,
every man and ofificer able to go was in his place. In
this campaign, the regiment marched to the Tallahatchee
river, and was assigned the duty of guarding the Missis-
sippi Central railway between tliat stream and the town
of Waterford.
When news of the capture of Holly Springs by the
rebels was received, six companies of the regiment (in-
cluding a portion of the Buchanan county men), with
other forces, marched on that place. But the rebels
having left the place immediately after the destruction
of the cotton and government stores, they returned
almost immediately to the vicinity of the Tallahatchee,
and soon after joined the army in its march back to
Tennessee.
The regiment went into camp at Jackson, and, on the
last day of the year, being a part of the brigade under
command of Colonel Lawler, marched in great haste
eastward to reenforce General Sullivan, then fighting
the rebel Forrest beyond Lexington. The reenforce-
ment marched rapidly through the cold and mud until
midnight, and then bivouacked without shelter of any
kind or protection from the bitter weather. On the
morning of the new year, the command was aroused by
an early reveille, and, without even a hasty plate of soup
for breakfast, started on the chase after the rebel troop-
ers, who had been whipped the day before by Sullivan,
and were now beating a retreat in the direction of Clif-
ton, a town on the Tennessee river about twenty-five
miles south of west from Lexington. To thai point the
Union troops were moved in hot pursuit, but arrived
too late to prevent the passage of the rebels. They
then returned to Jackson by Bethel. The roads over
which our regiment marched were horrible; the men
were entirely without tents, and many of them without
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
133
blankets, and the weather was most inclement. The
command was without rations, except such as Quarter-
master Sherburn procured by buying corn of the inhab-
itants and grinding it into meal at the mills near the line
of march. Thus the men were enabled to get a meal
of "corn-dodgers" a day, faring almost as miserably,
notwithstanding the efforts of the staff in their behalf,
as our prisoners at Libby, in Richmond. The conse-
quences of this march of only about one hundred miles
were suffering, sickness and death. The regiment re-
mained, during the rest of the winter and till beyond
the middle of April, 1863, at Jackson. Until spring
fairly opened, the camp was a scene of constant suffer-
ing and almost daily death. The surgeon's call was at-
tended much of the time by more men than that for
dress-parade. Every company lost men by the score,
and several officers were compelled to resign in order to
save their lives. In fine, the consequences of the march
to Clifton and return may truthfully be said to have been
a greater loss to the regiment than the loss it sustained
in all its engagements with the enemy — not excepting
the bloody field of Pleasant Hill, where the command
was among those "immortal few" regiments which
formed the shield for the army under Banks, and saved
it from inglorious defeat and destruction.
About the eighteenth of April the command moved
from Jackson to Corinth, held that post during the tem-
porary absence of General Dodge's forces, till the close
of the month, and returned to Jackson. The campaign'
against Vicksburgh, under General Grant, was now fully
inaugurated, and whilst many Iowa regiments were ac-
quiring renown in the active operations of that campaign,
others were performing less brilliant but not less valuable
services, in guarding our lines of communications, and
in preventing a rebel incursion across the frontier into
territory which had been wrenched from rebel authority
by the victories of 1862. Among the latter was the
Twenty-seventh. The regiment was posted in detach
ments at various places on the railway, not far from Jack.
son, Colonel Gilbert being in command of that post.
The colonel here won the high commendation of Gen-
eral Oglesby, commanding the left wing of the Sixteenth
corps, for his wise and energetic administration, which
was distinguished for the unrelenting system whereby
rich rebel inhabitants were compelled to contribute to
the support of indigent Union people who had been
driven from their homes and sought protection within our
lines.
On the fourth of June the regiment moved by cars to
La Grange, and thence by march to Moscow, where, and
in its vicinity, it spent two months in the performance of
duties similar to those it had performed at Jackson. The
monotony of camp life was frequently interrupted by the
attacks of guerilla men, but upon the whole, the period
was one of general and uninteresting quiet. Officers and
men chafed under the enforced inaction, and earnestly
wished to be taken directly against the enemy.
Marching orders were received on the twentieth of
August, and their wishes seemed in a fair way to be grati-
fied. Joyfully the regiment broke camp and marched to
Memphis to join Colonel True's detached brigade, which
went to the support of General Steele, then moving on
Little Rock, Arkansas. The command w-ent by trans-
ports from Memphis to Helena, whence it marched by
Clarendon to Duvall's Bluff. There it joined the army
under General Steele, and with it took part in the cam-
paign which resulted in the capture of Little Rock, on
the tenth of September. This campaign, though highly
creditable to General Steele and the troops under his
command, being sandwiched between that against Vicks-
burgh and that which sent the rebels whirling out of
Tennessee, it did not receive the eclat which otherwise it
would have received. The regiment remained opposite
Little Rock about two months, on guard and picket duty.
Colonel Gilbert, the most of the time being in command
of the brigade. On the fifteenth of November he moved
his command by rail to Duvall's Bluff, and, going thence
by steamers down the White and up the Mississippi river,
reported to General Hurlbut, commanding the Sixteenth
corps, at Memphis, near which city our regiment went
into quarters and there remained until near the close of
January, 1864.
Though the regiment did not actively take part in any
battle during the year 1863, its losses were considerable,
the great majority taking place during that period of suf-
fering already described. By death, discharge, and trans-
fer to the Invalid corps, since called Veteran Reserve
corps, the command lost one hundred and eighty-eight
men during the year. Before it left its quarters in Mem-
phis, which was before its term of service was half ex-
pired, it had ceased to bear upon its rolls the names of
two hundred officers and men, which were on them at
the organization of the regiment. Of these sixty-four
had died during the year 1863; one hundred and eight
had been discharged for disability, and sixteen had been
transferred to the Invalid corps.
On the twenty-sixth of January, 1864, the regiment
went aboard of transports and moved down the river to
Vicksburgh; and, as a component of the Second brig-
ade. Third division. Sixteenth corps (Colonel W. T. Shaw,
Fourteenth Iowa, commanding brigade), it took a part in
General Sherman's grand raid across the State of Missis-
sippi to Meridian, often skirmishing with the enemy, but
never having the opportunity fairly to fight him, and re-
turned to Vicksburgh on the fourth of March.
Halting a few days at Vicksburgh, it next moved by
transport with General A. J. Smith's detachment of the
Sixteenth corps, to take part in the Red River expedition
under Major General Banks. In many of the skirmishes
and general engagements of this unfortunate campaign,
our regiment took part. In the battle of Pleasant Hill,
in particular, where a brigade, composed almost exclu-
sively of Iowa troops, rolled back the tide of disaster
which might otherwise have engulfed the whole army,
the regiment was long and heavily engaged. "In look-
ing at that battle from the standpoint of actual observa-
tion," says a correspondent, "it would seem as if Gen-
eral Banks, alarmed at the disaster of the preceding
day, had concluded that some portion of the army must
be sacrificed for the preservation of the remainder; and
134
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
as if the grim old Shaw and liis Iowa brigade (for it was
composed of Iowa troops, except the Twenty-fourth Mis-
souri, which was partly made up of Iowa men) were se-
lected as the victims. The old hero, with a command of
less than one-tenth of the force in the field, met with
fully one-half the entire loss of the day, losing nearly one-
third of his entire command in killed and wounded, but
saved the army, and covered its retreat that night and
next day to Grand Ecore. Colonel Gilbert was wounded
in the hand during the afternoon, but remained on the
field throughout the engagement. Lieutenants Frank A.
Brush and S. O. Smith were severely wounded and taken
prisoners. Lieutenant Granger was also wounded.
Captain J. M. Holbrook, though twice severely wounded,
led his men with great gallantry. He lost an arm from
one of his wounds, but will never lose the admiration of
his men and fellow ofificers, who fought with him on that
day of carnage."
On the retreat from Grand Ecore to Alexandria, the
Twenty-seventh Iowa, as a part of the forces under Gen-
eral Smith covered the retreat of Banks all the way, dur-
ing which time it had several brisk engagements with the
enemy. On the last of April it moved to the rear of
Alexandria, near Governor Moore's plantation, and was
there engaged in continuous skirmishing with the enemy
for some ten days. Alexandria was burned and evacu-
ated on the thirteenth of May. The enemy constantly
annoyed the retreating column, and at Marksville a sharp
engagement, lasting two or three hours, took place, in
which the Twenty-seventh was under fire, but suffered
no loss. The battle of Bayou de Glaize, or Yellow
Bayou, as it is more commonly called, was fought on the
eighteenth of May. The engagement, which the rebels
admitted resulted in the severest defeat, for the number
engaged, which had befallen them west of the Missis-
sippi, continued nearly five hours, during the whole of
which our regiment was actively engaged, and suffered a
loss of four killed and thirteen wounded.
With the day after this combat closed a campaign
which was as remarkable for its ill success as any of the
war, but which exhibited the courage and indomitable
obstinacy of our troops — fighting by detachments, "on
their own hook," without a general capable of manoeu-
vring the whole army — in the highest possible degree. On
this day the regiment fired its farewell volley at a few
rebels hovering near the scene of the previous day's
fight, and crossing the Atchafalaya, moved to the mouth
of the Red river. The command here embarked on
steamers, went up the river to Mcksburgh, and there
went into camp for a few days' rest.
On the fourth of June it again left Vicksburgh as a
part of the forces under General A. J. Smith, to dislodge
the rebel Marmaduke, who, taking advantage of a bend
in the river similar to that at Vicksburgh, was blockadmg
the river at two points, close to each other by land, but
many tmies as far apart by water. By means of batteries
posted at Point Chicot, Greenville, about half way be-
tween Vicksburgh and Memphis, he was doing much
damage. He could attack a fleet passing up or down
the river twice from nearly the same line, fronting in
different directions. General Smith, disembarking his
forces at Sunnyside Landing, on the Arkansas shore, on
the sixth, marched through a drenching rain and attacked
Marmaduke, delivering his attack so suddenly and ener-
getically that the noted trooper was soon routed, and the
blockade of the river raised. In this spirited affair, in
which the losses were about one hundred and twenty-five
on each side, Colonel Gilbert commanded the brigade.
His regiment, being on the left of the line, where there
was but little firing, met with no loss.
Again the regiment went into camp at Memphis,
whence it moved, with the rest of the command, toward
the last of the month, on the Tupelo campaign, through-
out which Colonel Gilbert commanded a brigade, and
his regiment bore its full share of the labors, skirmishes,
battles, and hard marches of the expedition. In the bat-
tle of Tupelo, fought from 6 o'clock in the morning
till about noon of July 14th — a contest remarkable
among the battles of the war for the disparity of losses
to the contending forces, the Unionists sufifering compar-
atively little, whilst inflicting immense loss upon the en-
emy — the Twenty-seventh was heavily engaged, as it was
also at the battle of Old Town Creek, the next day.
The loss of the regiment in both engagements, was one
killed and twenty-five wounded.
Returning from this successful expedition to Memphis,
where a rest of nearly a fortnight was enjoyed, the regi-
ment next joined in the Oxford expedition under the
same commander; and, after considerable marching and
some skirmishing with the enemy, but no battle, it re-
turned to Memphis near the end of August.
Early in the following month the command moved
with General Smith's army to Cairo, and, after a short
stay, to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. The twenty-fifth
regiment was ordered to Mineral Point, to meet the
■ rebels under Price. Thence, after a slight skirmish, it
was ordered to De Soto, toward St. Louis, and soon af-
terwards to Jefferson Barracks. Thence it marched
with other forces in pursuit of Price, starting October
2nd. Major General Curtis, of Iowa, had the honor of
again defeating and demolishing his old enemy. Price;
and the Twenty-seventh, with the rest of the command,
returned to St. Louis, arriving on the eighteenth of No-
vember, having marched nearly seven hundred miles in
forty-seven days. It was a campaign of forced marches.
On the twenty-fifth the regiment moved again with
General Smith's forces, by transports to Cairo, and thence
to Nashville, Tennessee, where the command disem-
barked on the first of December, and was ordered to the
front, three miles from the city, to oppose the rebels
under Hood, defiantly moving against the capital. Gen-
eral Smith held the right of Thomas' forces, and the
Twenty-seventh was on the extreme left of General
Smith. On the fifteenth, Thomas moved from behind his
works, and attacked the enemy in his chosen, fortified
position, bringing on the battle of Nashville, which, con-
tinuing two days, was one of the most remarkable and
glorious victories that ever crowned the American arms.
In this engagement the Twenty-seventh, Lieutenant Col-
onel Jed. Lake commanding (Colonel Gilbert being in
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
135
command of a brigade), took a prominent part, entering
the rebel works as soon as any troops on their part of
the line, capturing guns and prisoners, and doing its
whole duty with a bravery and efficiency unsurpassed.
The regiment was the pivot of General Smith's army,
which, making a grand left wheel, swung round the ene-
my's left flank, fighting splendidly all the way, capturing
every fortification in its front, several lines of works, and
large numbers of prisoners. Colonel Gilbert and his
brigade won great edat; and, not long afterwards, the
colonel was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
The regiment joined in the pursuit of Hood and
marched southward as far as Pulaski. From thence it
proceeded to Clifton, on the Tennessee, arriving on the
second day of January, 1865. During the year just
closed there had been many changes in the regiijient. A
number of officers had resigned, whilst the command
had lost by death, discharge, and transfer, more than
eighty of its members. It had also received quite a
large number of recruits, so that it had on its rolls the
names of about eight hundred officers and men.
After a short stay at Clifton, the Twenty-seventh em-
barked on steamer and moved up the river to Eastport,
where it went into encampment. Nothing noteworthy
occurred during their stay here, save a reconnoissance to
luka and return. The ninth of February the tents were
again struck and the troops embarked for New Orleans.
Moving down the Tennessee, the Ohio, and the Missis-
sippi, the command disembarked at Chalmette, a short
distance below the Crescent city, on the twenty-first.
Having remained in camp a fortnight, it again embarked
and sailed down the river and across a part of the gulf
of Mexico to Dauphin Island, Alabama, on the sands of
which it went into encampment March 8th, to await the
concentration of troops for the campaign against Mobile,
under Major General Canby.
On the twentieth the regiment moved by transports
across Mobile bay, and ascending a river flowing in from
the east some twenty-five miles, disembarked, and on the
twenty-fifth was marching northward, with the troops com-
posing the Thirteenth and Sixteenth corps, moving
against Mobile. The march was enlivened by skirmishes,
and made laborious by what General Sherman would call
villainous roads. Reaching Sibley's Mills, the regiment
remained guarding the flank of our army investing Forts
Alexis and Spanish, till the second of April, when it was
sent out with the brigade. General Gilbert commanding,
on a reconnoissance, with the object also of opening up
communication with Major General Steele, about to in-
vest the works at Blakely. It was on this march that
General Gilbert narrowly escaped death from a torpedo,
which was buried in the road, and which was exploded
by his horse tramping over it. The incident is thus re-
lated by the correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette:
I had just crossed the brook when a loud explosion on the opposite
eminence, and at the head of the column, attracted my attention. I
supposed the enemy had opened on us with artillery, and that Captain
Rice would soon have an opportunity to try the range of his guns.
Pushing forward to the point where the explosion had taken place, I
saw a group of excited officers and men collected around General Gil-
bert. Several members of his staff were there with faces scorched by
heat and partially blackened with powder. Their hats and uniforms
were covered with sand. One horse lay dead beside the road, his belly
torn open and his bowels frightfully protruding; another, standing by,
had one leg broken and mangled, and was quivering with agony; two
or three other animals were more or less injured. Immediately in the
road, close by a pine stump, was a large hole, from which had been
scooped apparently a couple of bushels of sand. The cause of the
noise 1 had heard was now evident. \ torpedo had exploded in the
very midst of the group composed of the general and his staff, just as
they had commenced to move forward, after a temporary halt upon the
brow of the hill. The general's own animal had exploded the infernal
machine with his hind feet. A stunning report followed, and the whole
party were at once shocked, confused, and enveloped in a cloud of
dust. The horse upon which Lieutenant L. G. Stevenson, Fifty-eighth
Illinois, was riding was almost instantly killed, and the lieutenant
extricated himself with some difficulty from beneath the dying animal.
Lieutenant Eisenhart, Twenty-seventh Iowa, aide-de-camp to General
Gilbert, had his horse's leg broken, and was himself hurt and disfigured
by sand and powder diiven into his face. The horse of Lieutenant
George Childs, Tliirty-second Iowa, A. A. Q. M., was badly injured,
and himself scorched and stunned. Others were slightly hurt; and
others still (among whom your correspondent was conspicuous, although
at a considerable distance when the explosion took place) were badly
scared. General Gilbert, I am glad to say, was entirely uninjured, al-
though the sand was driven with such force against his horse as to start
the blood all along his sides. You may be certain that, in our further
movements that day, there was an air of caution and circumspection
not frequently observed.
General Gilbert moved with General Garrard's divis-
ion to the left of General Steele, now besieging Blakely.
The regiment did excellent service during the siege —
skirmishing by day, extending the parallels by night, all
the while under the fire of the enemy. These opera-
tions lasted until April 19th, when, with one company on
the skirmish line, the others in the main line of assault,
the regiment. Major Howard commanding, joined in the
charge, before whose impetuous onset the rebel works
and garrison fell into our hands, and the great rebellion
fell into irretrievable ruins. In this fine success General
Gilbert's brigade captured eight pieces of artillery and six
hundred prisoners, with a loss to itself of less than thirty
men, killed and wounded. General Gilbert, for his gal-
lant, skilful conduct of this brilliant operation, was again
recommended for promotion, which, no doubt, he would
at once have received, but for the cessation of hostilities.
He was brevetted a major general soon afterward.
In a few days the brigade was released from the duty
of garrisoning the fort, to which it had been assigned,
and joined the Sixteenth corps, marching on Mont-
gomery. This march, of two hundred miles, was rapidly
performed, and the regiment went into camp at the old
rebel capital on the twenty-seventh. Here the command
remained, awaiting orders for muster out more, than two
months. The twenty-third of June, General Gilbert is-
sued an elegant farewell order to his troops, and departed
for the north, bearing with him the benediction of all his
old comrades in arms. The regiment, having mean-
while transferred its recruits to the veteran Iowa Twelfth,
departed on the sixteenth of July; and, moving by
Selma, Meridian and Jackson, to Vicksburgh, there took
steamer, homeward bound. It was disbanded at Clin-
ton, Iowa, in the early part of August, Lieutenant Col-
onel Lake's farewell address being dated the eighth;
and the members of the Twenty-seventh separated after
journeys and marches of more than twelve thousand
miles, guarding their ever unfurled colors through sun-
136
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
shine, and storm, and battle, never once furling the hon-
ored emblem of our nationality, till the power of that
nationality had been everywhere restored by means of
the valor and endurance of the patriotic volunteers, such
as composed this, command.
LITERATURE OF THE WAR — SOLDIERS' LETTERS.
Buchanan county was exceptionally fortunate in the
literary, as well as military, character of its soldiers. VVe
fearlessly challenge any county history, published since
the war, to show a collection of war letters at all com-
parable with the following, either in quantity or quality.
Some of these letters would do no discredit to Russell,
or any other war correspondent that ever followed an
army. But it is their chief glory that their authors went
to the field not to write, but to fight. Like ,^'^neas,
Xenophon and Cresar, they told of scenes — "all of which
they saw, part of which they were."
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE GUARDIAN — LETTER NO. I.
Camp W.\rrkn, July 19, 1861.
Dear Gi'ARDI.\n: — Leaving Independence on the twelfth instant,
wearrived at Burlington on the following Sunday, and were immedi-
ately marched to the camp, which is about two miles from the city, on
the fair grounds. There are three regiments encamped here — Colonel
Lanman's, Colonel McDowell's, and last, though not least. Colonel
Worthington's, the Fifth. I think our regiment will compare favorably
with any that has been raised; and, when fully uniformed and drilled,
will be unsurpassed. The men composing the regiment are mostly
from the northern counties; and, among the officers, are some veterans
of long ser%ice and experience. Our colonel is a graduate of the
Lexington, Kentucky, military academy, and is a gentleman as well as
a soldier.
In a few days we hope to move to another ground, where bathing
and washing will be more convenient than at present. The regiments
are quartered in huts, each hut containing bunks for one hundred men
and a small hut immediately in the rear for the officers. In the morn-
ing, at 5 o'clock, the reveille is beaten from the colonel's quarters,
when the companies "fall in " for roll call, after which the men break
ranks, and wash and clean up the quarters. Next conies breakfast
call, and the companies are again formed and marched in two ranks to
breakfast. The dining-room is a rather extensive one. There are
about fifteen long tables, each capable of standing one hundred men.
Each man has a tin plate, cup, and knife and fork. The fare consists
of coffee, without milk or cream, bread, and meat for breakfast; the
same for dinner, minus the coffee, and adding bean soup; supper the
same as breakfast.
Drilling is going on constantly. There are officer drills, company
drills, and squad drills. Each company in our regiment drills four
hours a day in company, and the officers are drilled each day by the
colonel.
The first two or three nights the weather was pretty cold, and our
men, having no blankets, suffered somewhat; but yesterday the wel-
come intelligence came that some four hundred blankets had arrived,
and were to be immediately distributed. We obtained sufficient to
make the men comfortable, and hope to obtain the balance before
long. As soon as our arms and tents arrive we are to move and en-
camp in good shape. On our route hither we were well cared for.
Messrs. Allison and Conger did everything in their power to make the
boys comfort.able; and, on our arrival here, the captain of a company
which had preceded us, whose name I did not learn, generously gave,
up his dinner table to us. On the whole, I think our boys are doing
well. They are improving in drill, and are in good spirits. Some
few have been ailing, caused principally by change of water; but at
present there are only two, I think, at all sick, and there is no doubt
of their early recovery. As soon as we "get into the hang of things,"
1 will try and keep you posted in regard to our movements.
LETTER NO. II.
Camp 'Warren, July 24, 1861.
Dear Gu.aruian: — Since my last letter nothing of consequence has
transpired, with the exception of the change in the citing department.
The men now receive their rations, and cook them themselves. The
way we manage this is as follows: Every morning, at 5 o'clock, our
orderly reports to the quartermaster's department, and draws for the
use of the company the following provisions, being reckoned as one
hundred rations: One hundred and twenty-five pounds of fresh beef,
eight quarts of beans or ten pounds of rice, fifteen pounds of sugar,
one and one-fourth pounds of candles, four pounds of soap, one gallon
of vinegar, and two quarts of salt. These rations are for one day, and
are delivered to the cooks who superintend the cooking of them. Each
man is expected to take his turn as cook. The cooks for the present
week are Messrs. Bunce and Francis, and no better ones could be ob-
tained. No complaints have been made since they commenced, and
they should feel well satisfied that such is the case. After a meal, the
dishes are to be washed; and this is performed by squads, who take
turns according to their number.
Every other day we have to furnish from nine to fourteen men for
guards around the camp. They repair at the call to the place where
the guard is formed, each detachment as it arrives taking post on the
left of the preceding one, in open order. After the whole guard is
formed, which consists of ovei one hundred men, they are inspected
by the non-commissioned officers and the ranks closed, and marched
to relieve the old guard, who are drawn up at the guard, house. As
they arrive they take post on the right of the old guard, and the new
officer of the guard and the old officer of the guard advance and salute.
The new guard is then divided off into three reliefs, and the first sent
to relieve the sentries. The men are relieved in succession, commenc.
ing at the guard-house, and going around the entire camp. The meals
for the guard should be sent to the guard-house at a time when they
are relieved, or they stand but a poor chance of getting anything
to eat.
There are in this camp three regiments; whether full or not I have
not ascertained. Two companies came in this morning. Several of
the companies were not full on their arrival here, and it created a great
deal of trouble. I should advise no company to go into camp unless
they have the full complement of men. It is the height of folly to
expect to fill up in the river towns on the way.
Some of our men have no change of shirts, and it would conduce
to health, cleanliness, and comfort if these could be furnished. I hope
the citizens of Buchanan county will send enough to make up the bal_
ance. 'V\'e ha\'e been well provided for by them — better, I think, than
any company in the State, and we shall never forget their kindness and
thoughtfulness.
The disastrous news of the defeat of McDowell has caused a general
feeling of sorrow; but, in my opinion, it will only cause a renewed en-
ergy to manifest itself, and a firmer determination to push forward our
columns, and bring the war to a speedy close. God grant that it may
be done with the least possible bloodshed. But let the Government be
sustained, though it be at the cost of millions of lives and treasure. I
understand that the Sixth regiment is now organized. The colonel,
McDowell, who, by the way, is a brother of General McDowell, now
in Virginia, is a courteous and whole-souled gentleman, as you know;
and, what is of more importance at this time, a competent oflicer.
If our friends wish to send us the "good things," tell them they will
be received most thankfully. I can assure you our company is the
most orderly on the ground, as the report from the guard-house daily
shows. I will write as soon as anything transpires.
LETTER NO. III.
C.\MP 'W.VRREN, July 28, 1861.
Dear Guariii.-\n: — Hot, dry and dusty. Not a particle of moisture
have the clouds distilled for the past two weeks; and the earth, parched
and burnt, sends up volumes of dust to fill the eyes, ears, clothing, and
obstruct the respiratory passage of the pedestrian. With a strong
wind from the south, the nuisance acquires a tenfold intensity. Noth-
ing escapes it — books, papers, blankets, and the whole paraphernalia of
camp furniture speedily assumes a grayish hue. The cooks, poor fel-
lows, hang down their heads in a state of perfect despondency; for the
choice soup, over which they have made such great preparation, is apt
to be very strongly seasoned with a substance unknown to Mrs. Leslie
or Delnionico. Really, it would be quite a privilege if the God ^Eolus
would withhold his gentle breezes during dinner hour, and give us a
chance to eat without swallowing an unlimited quantity of dirt at every
meal. But there is nothing like campaigning to give a good appetite:
and though there might have been some fastidious individuals at first,
with squeamish stomachs, they can now walk boldly up to the hos-
pitable board, and bolt their food with the gale blowing its biggest
guns. We have already eaten our peck of earth, and shall make quite
a hole in another if we stay here much longer. But we are gradually
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
137
petting habituated to our new mode of life, and find that many evils
with which we were threatened, have no existence but in the imagina-
tion. The greatest difficulty we have experienced is to overcome the
sense of loneliness one feels when separated from the gude folks at
home. But we shall enjoy their society all the better when we return.
Nearly all the party have regained their buoyancy of spirits, and are
ready and eager to get sight of a secesher. Whether the wish will be
gratified very soon or not, remains to be seen.
On Friday, the twenty-si.xth instant, our regiment was reviewed by
the governor, who expressed great satisfaction at our appearance. It
was quite an imposing sight. Immediately behind us were drawn up
the Si.xth and Seventh regiments, in battalion, extending in long parallel
lines from north to south, and commanded by their respective colonels.
The governor passed in front of each battalion, receiving the military
salute, which was maintained by all until he had passed the distance of
six paces. -As soon as the review was completed, the parade was dis-
missed, and the companies marched to quarters under the command
of their sergeants. There are so many flying and contradictory re-
ports iu camp, that it is safe not to place too much confidence in any
of them. The latest one is that the colonel will march us to Keokuk
as soon as our tents and blankets arrive. Quite probable; for our
crowded condition here renders a removal to some more advantageous
place highly desirable. New companies are arriving continually.
One from Eddyville came last night. The Seventh regiment now lacks
but one company of their full complement, and that will be here shortly.
With such a crowd in camp, you may be sure we have lively times.
The most interesting spectacle is to see the scramble every morning and
evening at the commissariat department for rations. Here struggles a
soldier with a heavy quarter of beef. There another is smiling with
delight at having procured his regluar supply of coffee and sugar — an-
other more fortunate than the rest, has mounted the shoulders of
his comrades, and, thrusting his mess-kettle in at the door, yells loudly
for beans. None are compelled to wait long, and everything passes off
with the best of humor. Indeed, taking into account the number of per-
sons here assembled, of different tastes and dispositions, 'tis miraculous
that there has not been more rows and fights in general. I have not
yet heard of a single instance. Liquor is strictly prohibited from being
brought upon the ground, a most beneficent and salutary measure; for
with the dreaded firewater free for all to partake, we should have a
pandemonium in earnest.
There are several beautiful residences near our camp, occupied by
some of the oldest and most respectable families in the State. One, a
large brick mansion situated about a mile west of us, is a model in
point of external decoration. Flowers of the rarest and most beauti-
ful hue, fill the air with their fragrance, while apple and pear trees bend
beneath their load of luscious fruit. It is a general stopping place for
our company; and, by some means, we chance to be great favorites with
its inmates. This, I suppose, may be attributed, in a great measure,
to the efforts of a young ma.i in our behalf, who. becoming tiled of the
hum and roar of camp, went up there one sultry afternoon to write
some letters. By what means he succeeded in ingratiating himself and
company, none can tell; but certain it is that we were treated the next
day to a couple of pailfuls of iced buttermilk, with the promise of hav_
ing more whenever convenient. Our reputation is established, in camp
and country, as being quiet, orderly and chivalrous; and I hope that
we may maintain it.
While I write, "Old Sol" is darting down his fiercest rays, render-
ing our tent of boards anything but a cool place. O, for just one good
blast from the north pole, to revive drooping nature, and freeze up a
few of these accommodating musquitoes; which magnanimous insects
are ever ready to greet your ears w ith a serenade, the moment the shades
of night begin to fall. Last evening we were full of expectation. A
large, portentous cloud arose in the northwest, which seemed to promise
rain. After remaining stationary for awhile, and tantalizing us with its
broad proportions, which contained the liquid fountains we were ihirst-
ing for, it slowly passed over to the east, giving to the parched and
burning earth beneath it, "nary drop." I have finally come to the
conclusion that rain is not necessary to the maintenance of animal or
vegetable life, and that washing the face and hands is a superfluous act,
which can be dispensed with without injury to the health or beauty of
any person. Most of the boys have gone to church, leaving me and
three or four others, to guard tent and write letters. As to me, I feel
satisfied with a discourse I heard yesterday. The speaker, an intelli-
gent minister belonging to the Seventh regiment, took his position near
the door of our tent, and was listened to for nearly an hour by the men,
with rapt attention. The exercises closed by the singing of Old Hun-
dred, that grand, majestic anthem, which to me never sounded so well
before. Tears were in the eyes of many as they caught up and swelled
the noble strain, and thoughts of friends and dear ones far away came
over my mind thick and fast, as when a child I had listened to the same
plaintive air in the village church of my eastern home.
News has just arrived that General Lyon has made a requisition
upon the authorities of this State for troops — but how shall we be able
to comply without arms? Yours truly,
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. IV.
Lamp Warren, August 2, 1861.
Mr. Editor. — Still in the same old quarters, hotter than ever, and
the dust gradually on the increase. Muttered grumblings, low and
deep, are heard among the men, at the not very pleasant prospect of
being confined here two or three weeks longer, with a scarcity of water,
and nothing of an exciting character to do.
Last Monday was a period of great excitement. We had just re-
turned from company drill, ready to hear and believe anything that
promised to break up the monotony of this eating, sleeping, drilling
life, when we were informed that the colonel had given us orders to be
ready to march for Keokuk by four o'clock the next morning. To say
that we were pleased would be using a very tame expression. The
guards fairly shouted in the exuberance of their joy, and commenced
packing up their "duds" in double-quick time. Those who had been
at the trouble of putting up shelves, as a depository for various arti-
cles, were but too glad to take them down again, consign the whole
within paper wrappers, and label them for Keokuk. But alas for the
uncertainty of human expectations! The fates had ordained that we
should not leave this camp, with its beautiful surroundings and clouds
of dust so soon. Besides the beef contractor has still some pretty
tough specimens of superannuated cattle, which, when served up for
the table, demand our utmost energy and perseverance to conquer ;
and it will not answer to leave an unsubdued enemy in the rear.
On the evening parade the colonel stated that it would be impossi-
ble to make the necessary arrangements for marching in so short a
time, but that we should probably leave in a few days. In the mean-
time we are to drill, and arrive at as great a degree of proficiency as
possible. We shall have no time to spare ; for, judging from present
indications, we shall soon be called into active service. The guns have
not arrived, but they are daily expected. Report says they are to be
rifles.
Wednesday, the thirty-first, was a gala day in camp. The sun rose
in all his brilliancy, and the drums beat their liveliest reveille from the
colonel's quarters. Fligs innumerable waved from tents, and officers
arrayed in blue broadcloth with shining buttons, tripped quickly to
and fro. Something unusual was on the tapis — perhaps an unruly
secesher had been caught, and was about to be made an example of, or
a homesick youth had broken guard, and struck out with his "tallest
licks" for home— but no; a party of excursionists from Mt. Pleasant,
situated about twenty-five miles west of here, had come with the amia-
ble intention of paying us, benighted heathen, a visit. Through the
gate and over the ground they poured in a long continuous stream of
young and old, short and tall, men and women, girts and youths.
Some carried on their arms huge baskets, which our voracious appe-
tites, sharpened by the weir and tear of masculine beef for two weeks,
readilv detected as conveying odors that could proceed only from fried
chickens, currant jellies, and other nice "fixins." Of course the wind
could not resist so tempting an opportunity to blow, and blow it did,
with a force and fury which that venerable personage, "the oldest in-
habitant," never saw surpassed. Dust rolled triumphantly through the
passages and into the tents, converting the immediate whiteness of the
ladies collars into a pepper and s.alt mixture, and interfering, in a most
audacious manner, with their favorite hoops. Faces, which but an
hour ago could rival the lily in purity, were reduced to a dubious gray .
while silks and satins no longer gleamed and rustled in the sunshine.
"Ah I then and there was hurrying to and fro,
And gatherings of distress" —
not to the battle-field, however, but to the old fair building, there to
mourn, and counsel themselves over the wreck of dilapidated hoops,
broken parasols, and the mutability of things in general. I kindly of-
fered to assist a rosy damsel with her shawl, just out of pure benevo-
lence, you know, but her " lovyer, " a great strapping fellow, looked
daggers at me, and intimated that my services were not needed. Con-
cluded that they weren't, and "sloped." But, despite these inconven.
iences, they appeared to enjoy themselves, and in their interest in their
soldier friends, crumpled muslin, soiled silks, and all other discomforts
were forgotten. It was a joyful meeting between many — mothers em-
138
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
braced sons, and pulled out, from the deep recesses of their pockets'
many a little keepsake, from the household pets at home. Fathers
tried to preserve their selfpossession, but the moistened eye and husky
voice betrayed them. Sweet angels in calico would recognize among
the soldiers a cousin or a brother, and rushing forward with a cry .of
delight, bestow on them a hearty kiss. And lovers there were, who
exchanged any quantity of !es doiix _iv«-v— and why not? " It is ever
the bravest in war, who are fondest and truest in love." This was the
hardest of all to bear. Our boys could take the double-quick for half a
day, and never tire ; sleep on straw, and rise in the morning ready to do
or dare as much as any other men ; but to see so many bright eyes and
smiling glances, and know that none of them were intended for us,
was too much for our nature. At least, so I felt, as I sought my bunk
and vainly endeavored to compose my mind to read a tract which
some anxious friend had left me, entitled: "The way to do good."
Read for a while and came to the conclusion to go and divide my to-
bacco among the boys, as most of them were out, and 1 wanted to do
a little good. But we, too, had been remembered, and were not, after
all, the neglected and dejected company we imagined. One of the
boys rushed up to me, half frantic, with a splendid cake in his arms,
to which was appended a note, requesting him to distribute it among
the guards. Yes, the good folks of Independence had again taxed
their generosity, and here were the fruits. Butter and cheese, cakes
and pies, and other things too numerous to mention, were brought to
light. Last, but not least, came tobacco ; and the way the boys
shouted and poured forth thanks, was a convincing proof that they
had no particular ill-will toward the donors. We had a royal dinner
for that day, at least. Cake and cheese were placed at each plate,
with now and then a dish of yellow butter. The sergeants kindly vol-
unteered to act as waiters, and when everything was ready, and the
word given to charge, you ought to have seen the firm and intrepid
manner in which they came up to the board and demolished the eata-
bles. Many thanks, also, for the papers. They were as refreshing as
a shower upon the desert. Even the love stories of the Ledger proved
quite interesting, and served to wile away many an hour. .Anything in
the shape of reading matter is acceptable.
Five deserters were arrested the other day, and brought into camp.
There were two sergeants, two corporals, and one high private. They
escaped from the second regiment now stationed in Missouri. They
were securely bound and taken to the guard-house. I was unable to
learn their names, but they were fine, intelligent looking men. They
complained bitterly of hard fare and harder treatment. The example
appears to be infectious. Two of our— I wont say men— gave us the
slip last night. A squad was detailed to search for them, but returned
with no tidings. Telegraphic dispatches have been sent, and the po-
lice are on the alert. I have not time or space to go into particulars.
Their names are Sanford Hamilton and Wesley Williams. • •
Yours,
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. V.
BUKI.INGTON, August 3, 8}< P. M.
Friend Rich: — The Fifth regiment started this evening at dark for
"Dixie's Land," and at this hour we are in Burlington, awaiting a
boat to convey us thitherward. I seize the present moment, simply to
inform you of the fact, not intending to write you a lengthy letter.
At 2 o'clock this afternoon we received marching orders, since
which time the camp of the Fifth has been a scene of unusual hurry
and bustle. Upon receiving thcabove orders the tents of the Guards
rang with deafening cheers, which increased in intensity up to the
time of leaving Camp Wairen, at which time the camp presented a
scene of the wildest enthusiasm that I ever witnessed; and this not
only in our own regiment, but through the Sixth and Seventh, which, at
our departure, saluted us with the most deafening cheers, heartfelt
wishes for our success, and earnest desires for a speedy reunion with
our columns in a more southern clime.
We expect to stop at Keokuk for two or three days, or possibly one
week, but not longer; when we are to advance into Missouri to take
the place of the First Iowa regiment, whose term, as you are aware,
has almost expired. In proficiency of drill we are, of course, far
inferior to the First, but as to patriotism and ardent devotion to the
cause in which w^e are engaged, that is excelled by none in the service.
Our "boys" are in excellent spirits, and are only anxious to push
forward the work which we have so much at heart — the crushing of the
rebellion. There are only two cases of slight indisposition in the
company, and all are with the regiment except two, viz: Sanford
Hamilton and Wesley Williams, of Spring Creek, who yesterday
basely and cowardly deserted the company— of whom more anon.
The company learned with regret of Captain Lee's sickness, and all
join in wishing him a speedy recovery and early reunion with our ranks
We yesterday received the splendid present of luxuries from the ladies
of Independence; but, in the hurry of to-day, have failed to acknowl-
edge the receipt of the same. It will be attended to at our earliest
leisure. Meantime tender to the liberal donors, grateful and sincere
thanks from the Guards.
Very truly, your friend,
A. B. L.
LETTER NO. VI.
Keokuk, August 4, 1861.
Deak Gu.^KDl.^N: — In my last I stated that our regiment had just
received marching orders for Keokuk. Many of the boys were dis-
posed to consider it a hoax, as we had been deceived' so often before.
But it was true, and at eight o'clock p. M. we struck tents and left
Camp Warren for Burlington, where we were to take boat for Fort
Madison. A large amount of our equipage, consisting of cartridges,
uniforms, etc., had already arrived, and before that and the rest of our
baggage could be conveyed on board, it was twelve o'clock. Two
large barges w^ere attached to either side of the steamer, and the troops
filed on board, filling the boat from stem to stern. Reached Fort
Madison at half past three A. M., and took the cars. The train was
so heavily loaded that it was next to impossible for the engine to move
it. Finally succeeded in reaching Keokuk without any serious acci-
dent or loss other than our breakfast, and went into quarters. We are
now stationed in a large store room, with good conveniences for cook-
ing, and manage to make ourselves comfortable. The boys were over-
joyed at leaving Camp Warren, and appear to be well suited with their
present quarters. The sixth regiment arrived last night. The kindest
courtesy is extended to us all by the citizens. A report was circulated
yesterday that a party of secessionists have caused trouble on the
Keokuk & Des Moines railroad, eighteen miles from here. They are
getting quite troublesome in the northern part of Missouri, and it is
probable that we shall be called there as soon as our guns arrive, which
will be by the first of the week. Weather is excessively hot, but I have
not heard of much sickness among the men.
In great haste, yours,
■ C. I. R.
LETTER NO. VII.
Keokuk, August 7, 1861.
Since my last, we have had a slight touch of grim old war, but have
passed through the ordeal safe and unharmed, and are ready to report
all what we did or saw on the momentous occasion. Rumors to the
effect that a large party of Missourians had assembled for the purpose
of making an attack on Athens, a small town on the Keokuk, Des
Moines ».^- Missouri railroad, had been some time in circulation, but
were generally discredited. On Monday, the fifth instant, news came
that severe fighting was going on, and that the Union forces were hard
pressed and required help. We had as yet received no arms, but suc-
ceeded in procuring the loan of some old cap-lock muskets, which were
kindly lent us by the State until we could get rifles. By 9 o'clock nine
companies from the Fifth and Sixth regiments were on board of the
cars and steaming away for the land of Secessia. Many citizens, some
with double shot .guns and revolvers, accompanied, also a brass band.
We were cheered tremendously at starting, and on the route maidens
fair smiled upon us. Old ladies tottered to the doors and waved their
night caps, or any other articles that they could get hold of, vigorously,
while cheer upon cheer, caught up and prolonged by a thousand
throats, were wafted over the waters of the Mississippi. We passed
up the valley of the Des Moines river, through a low and broken coun-
try, but sparsely timbered and poorly watered, and but little of the
land in a state of cultivation. . . . Not a farmer did we
see in the fields, not a carriage upon the roads; but, in lieu thereof,
sentries and squads of cavalry. At every turn it looked warlike. Ar-
riving within two miles of .\thens, the train stopped and the five com-
panies of the Fifth regiment, with citizens, left the train, while the com-
panies belonging to the Sixth proceeded at once to Athens. We forded
the Des Moines at this point, and marched up the left bank, while the
Sixth was to outflank the rebels if possible, attacking them both in
front and rear. We had gone but a short distance when we were met
by a party of horsemen, who informed us that the Missourians, sixteen
hundred strong, under the lead of McGofiin, it was supposed, had at-
tacked them at 4 o'clock that morning, but had been repulsed by Col-
onel Moore, and were then in retreat towards the south. Lieutenant
Colonel Matheis, who had command of one division, gave orders for
immediate pursuit, as the seceshers wers supposed to be encamped at
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
139
no great distance. We marched five or si.x miles, and finding no
traces of them, bivouacked for the night on a smooth, open prairie,
and awaited new developments. Here we learned from reliable author-
ity that the rebels were si.\teen miles distant, and in full retreat. As
most of their force was mounted, it was folly to think of continuing the
pursuit. In the morning we returned to .Athens and rejoined the Sixth.
Here we saw- many evidences of the fight that had taken place. . .
The Si.xth regiment will remain here for a time. The Fifth returned to
Keokuk, and will probably start for St. Louis in a few days. I find I
have omitted many important particulars, but have no time to write
further.
Respectfully yours,
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. VIII.
On Board STE.'VMiiR W.\r E.\gle, )
August 14, 1861, opposite St. Louis. )
Editor Gu.^RDIAN:— Left Keokuk on the steamer Di Vernon Sun-
day morning, the eleventh instant, for St. Louis. There were five com-
panies of men, and one hundred mules on board, the latter bemg des-
tined for baggage service. Our trip down was as pleasint as could be
e.\pected, though the crowded condition of the boat did not offer many
comforts. The hard sea biscuit and raw ham galled the conscience of
many of the soldiers. In the evening we had a violent shower, the
rain pouring down in torrents, running in miniature floods from the
quarter and forecastle decks, and completely deluging many a luckless
fellow, who was awakened by a stream of water pouring around his
ears. Owing to the low stage of the river, our progress was but slow,
being compelled to take a sudden turn every few moments to avoid
some treacherous sandbar. Reached St. Louis the ne.xt day, and in-
stead of being marched to quarters, as we expected, were immediately
transferred to the Jennie Dean, a Government packet, and started for
Jefferson Barracks, twelve miles below, where we remained all night on
board. The next day we landed on the river bank, with the expecta-
tion of staying a couple of weeks, at least. But no; we were ordered
to hold ourselves in readiness for marching at a moment's notice, and
this morning took to the water once more for Boonville.
Looking over the Daily Bulletin, a secession sheet, I saw this morn-
ing a notice of a great battle fought in the southern part of this State,
in which the Federal forces were reported completely routed, and Gen-
eral Lyon killed. We hardly believe it as yet. Should it prove true,
however, the most of the troops in the northern part of the State, with
the exception of the Fifth regiment, will be withdrawn to support Gen-
eral Sigel. General Fremont is now at St. Louis, and is using the most
vigorous measures.
Our boat is dismantled of all her furniture, and everything put in
order.
The officer of the day has just come into the cabin, saying that we
are bound for Lexington, distance three hundred and fifty miles from
here. . . . The boys are all well — everyone. Mail just going, so
good bye.
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. IX.
Jefferson City, Missouri, .August i6th, )
On board the steamer War Eagle. J
Friend Rich: — . . . This is our third day out, and we are
still steaming over the turbid waters of the Missouri. Of all the dirty,
ill-looking streams I ever saw. this is the worst. A pailful of water will de-
posit a sediment an inch in depth. We are compelled to use it, however,
for drinking and culinary purposes, and in justice, I must say that it is
far better than it looks. It is healthier and pleasanter to the taste than
that furnished by its illustrious brother, the Mississippi. The banks in
places are low, and fringed with a thick undergrowth of vines and
willow bushes, which make a jungle almost impenetrable for man or
beast. In other places the banks rise in rocky bluffs to the height of a
hundred feet or more from the surface of the water, and are covered
with a heavy giowth of cottonwood and sycamore trees, which are the
principal timber.
The chief towns between St. Louis and Jefferson City, are Washing-
ton and Harmon, each containing between four and five thousand white
inhabitants, and any quantity of negroes. The latter class, as far as I
have seen, appear to be well dressed and to enjoy a certain degree of
independence, for which they may thank Claiborne Jackson, and others
of a like stamp, who, in seeking to pin them forever to a southern con-
federacy, have brought in a set of fellows to aid the Goveminent in
their unconditional liberation. Said an intelligent darkey to me the
other day :
"We hab easier times now, massagwine to give us our freedom be-
fore we be contrabens. Uis chile fights for de Union, you see."
And away he went humming the "Star Spangled Banner." Many
of them since the war began are thrown out of employment, and hang
heavily upon the hands of their masters, who would be heartily glad to
dispose of them if they could. A good, whole-souled Christian slave
trader in St. Louis has an advertisement in to-days paper, in which he
kindly offers to sell a couple of fat, bacon-fed niggers at a loss of forty
per cent., stating as his reason for so doing, that business of an imper-
ative nature demands his immediate presence south.
The Missouri & Pacific railroad here follows the river for the whole dis-
tance, and must have been constructed at great expense, there being
heavy grading and blasting through solid rock. Three different bridges
have been burned by the secessionists on this route, but they are now
all rebuilt stronger and more substantial than ever, and guards are
stationed at the distance of every mile. At the towns we passed, the
"Stars and Stripes" were waving, and cheers for the Union were given.
All appeared overjoyed at the appearance of our troops, while not a
single representative of Jeff Davis appeared. Union men are becom-
ing inspired with confidence in the power and determination of the
Federal Government, and the reign of tyrants and terrorism that has
hitherto held the good and loyal citizens of the State in restraint is
drawing to a close. The disunionists either leave or preserve a respect-
ful silence. Many of them are still in St. Louis, but the presence of
General Fremont with a large military force, and the fact that he has
proclaimed the city to be under martial law since the fourteenth instant,
has had a most salutary effect. I caught a glimpse, and a glimpse
only, of the general while we were lying at St. Louis. He was sitting
in a carriage, watching the embarking and departure of the troops. I
was not near enough to get a distinct view of his features, but contented
myself with gazing long and fixedly upon the stovepipe hat that graced
his head.
Much grief is manifested at the death of General Lyon. His noble
efforts in behalf of the Government, and the wisdom he displayed in
preparing the campaign, have enshrined his memory in the heart of
every patriot citizen. Instead of becoming discouraged at our recent
defeat at Springfield, for you can call it nothing else, the War Depart-
ment is making more gigantic preparations than ever. It is hkely
that General Fremont will start soon with a fleet of gnn-boats down
the Mississippi to Bird's Point, while General Siegel and other com-
manders will cooperate from different portions of the State.
LETTER NO. X.
Jefferson Citv, August 17, 1861.
Bright and beautiful is the opening day. and the sun, as he gently
rises from behind the bank of fog that is curling upward in fantastic
wreaths from the bosom of the broad Missouri, lights up with a mild
radiance hill and valley, and falls with a golden lustre upon the cupola
of the capitol, from the dome of which is suspended in proud triumph
the stars and stripes. ... The principal objects of inter-
est in Jefferson City are the capitol and penitentiary buildings. The
former stands upon a high bluff, commanding a fine view of the sur-
rounding country, and is built of limestone. The Second lUinois brig-
ade is quartered there with two pieces of artillery. The long and lofty
senate chamber no longer echoes the sounds of violent political discus-
sions, the rustling of papers, and the beat of the speaker's mallet.
They have given way to the tramp of the sentry, the click of the mus-
ket, and the ringing sound of the bayonet. In the rooms once occupied
by the tr.iitor Jackson and his confreres, plotting the dissolution of the
Union, are now quartered the volunteer defenders of their assailed
'°""''>'' Sunday, August i8th.
Started this morning for Lexington, but had proceeded but a short
distance when we were met by the steamers McDowell and White
Cloud, having on board the Fifth Missouri regiment. They had been
fired into about two miles above, and one of their number killed. After
a short consultation our boats returned with the others to JeB'erson
City, where we are now stopping.
The young hero who was " off for the war " already in the harness.
LETTER NO. XI.
Camp Douglas, Chicago, August 17, 1861.
Friend Rich; — Everybody now-a-days is supposed to be interested
in the welfare of "our boys, " and everybody wants to know all about
them. There are, of course, two sides to a soldier's life, and when a
glowing picture is painted there is a natural curiosity to see the con-
trasting shades. As I am not under restrictions, I shall endeavor to
140
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
present the truth unvarnished. Let me say, at the start, that a soldier
in camp has no time to pohsh his letters, and were I not aware of the
charity of your readers, I should hesitate to comply with your request
to write occasionally for the Guardian.
I have now been in barracks with the Douglas brigade two weeks.
How 1 came here need not be detailed. A personal iiarative is not my
object, and would not interest your readers. This regiment, called by
license the Douglas brigade, has been collecting for several weeks, and
comprises at present nine hundred men. These are divided into four-
teen companies, only a few of which are full. The smaller companies
will probably combine, and the regiment be fully organized next week.
Our camp is beautifully situated in an oak grove, three and a half miles
south of Lake street, and near the lake shore. We are quartered in
rough board shaiities, having two rows of bunks, one above the other
on each side, each shanty large enough to accommodate a full com-
pany. The bunks are hlled uith good, sweet hay, and for those of us
accustomed, from choice, to lie on the floor during the summer months,
are positively luxurious. I have no complaints to make of our quar-
ters. We have been furnished with warm blankets, and no one need
suffer from exposure. I will here state that the regiment is organizing
under the auspices of the General Government. The requisition for
arms and uniforms was made some time since, but we have not been
able to discover much of what the papers term "characteristic energy,"
so far as supplying them is concerned. We have received our blankets,
and shoes for those entirely destitute; but we otherwise present every
characteristic of the "ragged regiment." We hear rumors that our
uniforms are about to be contracted for in Chicago, which does not
look like an immediate provision. The boys are very patient, how-
ever, and I am surprised that there are so many noble souls here. As
a general thing the boys seem inspired by a devoted patriotism, and
conduct themselves accordingly ; but it must be confessed that there
are here a large number who are actuated by baser motives ; and it is
among these that the grumblers are almost invariably found.
We have plenty to eat. To be sure the coffee is sometimes dis-
covered to be compounded of burnt beans, acorns, and vanous other
untropical ingredients, and the bread is occasionally a little sour, but
we all know it to be the fault of the virtuous contractors, and not of
our officers, and so we grin and bear it. One great fault in the com-
missary department of the army generally is the failure to supply fresh
vegetables in line place of some of our salt meat rations. We cannot
even get good potatoes, and are hereafter to be confined to regular
rations, which consists of meat, bread, rice or beans, sugar, coffee,
soap, salt, vinegar and candies. The above list includes all our allow-
ances, with the exception of a little pepper and wood. We are not
even to be allowed, as heretofore, to trade off a portion of our villain-
ous salt pork for molasses and sugar. We expect the scurvy in a few
days, but we shall endure it all without grumbling — if we can. The
temptation is certainly very strong when one is fortunate enough to
get a pass for town, to spend one's money simply to get a change of
diet. But I expected all this, and have no fault to find so far as I am
concerned ; but it makes my heart ache to see men suffering from sick-
ness caused by the want of food which could be provided without ex-
pense to the Government; for we would willingly give half of our meat
rations for good new potatoes alone. This letter is already too long,
and I will close with the statement, that the name of this regiment
seems not to have been taken into consideration at all by the men en-
listing. I suppose there are as many known as Republicans as there
are of Douglas Democrats composing it. We are all of one name —
Americans.
J. L. LoOMis.
LETTER NO. XII.
Jefferson City, August 27, 1861.
Friend Rich : — In your last issue, that is, the last received here, I
noticed among the telegraphic items a statement in regard to our
being fired into while coming up the river. This is a mistake. The
much-looked-for pleasure of smelling " Secesh" powder has not yet
been given us. After travelling nearly, or quite, one thousand miles,
and enduring some, at least, of the privations of a soldier's life, we
have yet to tell that we have had ' 'nary scratch" of "real fun." How
soon we may is uncertain, but the prospect is good at present.
The mistake above mentioned occurred on this wise; While on our
way up the river, about fifty miles above here, we met two steamers
carrying the Fifth Missouri regiment of three months' volunteers, whose
time was out and who were going home. They said they had been
fighting all day, the rebels firing from the timber which lines the shores,
and running away on any landing being made for the purpose of en-
gaging them. The Fifth Missouri lost one man killed .and four or five
wounded.
Not having any artillery, our officers deemed it best to return here
and send to St. Louis for some. On arriving at this place the next
morning (Sunday, i8th), our orders to proceed to Lexington were
countermanded, and we have remained here since. Tents have been
distributed to six companies of our regiment, E being one of the lucky
ones. The other four are quartered in houses. The health of all is
good, and we are as happy a set of fellows as you would find on a
summer day. Postage stamps are in great demand, many of the boys
being utterly unable to obtain any, and therefore can not write to the
"girl they left behind them." And, in fact, I should be very unwilling
to narrate the manner in which I drew the one which will ornament
the outside of this letter. Nothing is ever stolen, begged, or borrowed
here, but if a man wants anything which is comeatable, he is sure to
"draw" it.
The blankets furnished us are very warm and comfortable, but no
protection against rain. Indeed, the principles of capillary attraction
are not better illustrated by the sponge. Money is generally looked
upon as filthy lucre, unworthy the notice of "brave soldiers." We
have to-day drawn each a pair of new pants, a cap and a canteen. The
pants and cap are blue, and a fair specimen of swindling contracts.
The giay ones are generally much the worse for wear, and will soon
be laid aside. I shall not part with mine without regret, they being a
perpetual reminder of scenes gone by and friends far away.
But my letter is already too long — so long I fear you will not find
space for it. But if you will publish the part of it relating to the kill-
ing, you will much oblige all of us, as we wish it to be distinctly under-
stood that we are all here.
O. J. M. Fuller.
LETTER NO. XIII.
Camp Os.^ge, Missouri, August 31, 1861.
Editor Guardian: — Fortune favors the brave, they say, but I am
consoled in the thought that there are exceptions to the general rules,
or 1 should not have been placed upon picket guard to-day, to with-
stand the scorching rays of the sun. Companies B, C, E, and F, o'
the Fifth, are at this post for the purpose of guarding the Osage bridge,
which has been twice burned by the secessionists. The bridge is a
noble structure, a quarter of a mile in length, well worth guarding.
The otherportion of the regiment is at Jefferson City. We left there
on Wednesday, the twenty-eighth, with three days' rations, and expect
to return to-morrow, as our time will be out and some other companies
will be called in our place. At the risk of being called particular, 1
will say that this is a miserable hole, where grim-visaged musquitoes be-
set us at every turn, and an army of fleas are in league with Claib
Jackson in trying to drive us from the land. There is only one redeem-
ing feature here, and that is the fruit, of which there are great quantities.
.\pples, peaches and pears are not considered a luxury with us.
There can be no secession force near here, as the country has been
thoroughly traversed by scouting parties. Yesterday I was out on a
scout under Corporal Woodruft'. We went up the Missouri several
miles, to the timber, to the plantation of an old secesher. Came in
contact with his orchard, but not with him. The orchard, of course,
was a part of Secessia, and putting a large quantity of apples under
guard, was doing our duty. We saw one of his negroes who was
mighty free to express his opinion on the impending ciisis. He said
he was thirty-five years old; had lived where he was ever since he was
born, and withal appeared to like to be a nigger.
The boys are in excellent spirits, and, with two or three exceptions,
are all well. Tuesday Uncle Sam furnished us pants and caps toward
our unifoim, which was very much needed by some of the companies.
The Fifth regiment receive their pay to-day or on Monday next.
Yours, etc.,
S. A. Reed.
LETTER NO. XIV.
Camp Defiance, Jefferson City, Missouri, September 7, i86r.
Friend Rich; — A copy of the Guardian, dated August 27th, lies
before me, and you may be sure its contents were read with pleasure.
Nothing is sought after with more avidity by the company than a
perusal of its columns; and it becomes almost necessary, at times, to
have a guard stationed over one in order to keep it. By it we learn
that Captain Hord has left with a gallant company for the seat of war.
May they ever sustain the high expectations that have been formed of
them; and nobly vindicate the cause of truth and liberty. .
Camp life, as well as every other, has its different phases or classes of
society. First, there's your sober, sedate peace-loving fellows, who
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
141
smoke their pipes, read papers, nnd spin mojt intermii.able yarns of
an evening, by the niess-fires. They are quite sensitive in regard to
forming new associations, and allow none but a favored few to come
within their circle. Between meals, the time that is not consumed in
reading and smoking, is usually devoted to inventing some new and
savory stew, where\\i[h to tempt their own appetites, or gain the ap-
probation of some commissioned officer; number two are perfectly con-
tented to take things as they are, and never trouble themselves to go
beyond the list of luxuries provided for them by the commissary gen-
eral and sutler. To wash their faces, comb their hair, and groan for
the sight of an orchard tilled with peaches and apples, is their principal
employment when off duty; number three differ from both of these.
It is immaterial to them whether they eat more than once a day or
not, while washing and other refining processes are by universal con-
sent regarded as barbarous piactices, and never to be indulged in, ex-
cept when the colonel foolishly insists on their performance. Their
acme of human felicity is attained when in possession of a pack of
cards, a plug of tobacco, and a five cent ante. This class is generally
styled the fancy me=s, and though many of them are whole-souled fel-
lows, they are generally let alone by all those who wish to get the best
end of a joke. . . . To be sure, the inmates of sundry hen-
roosts, cry out for vengeance against them, but the broth of their con-
fiscated and slaughtered companions has served to invigorate the
weakened frame of many a homesick fellow, and it certainly must be
right in the sight of all who like to see foraging done up on the square.
August 28. — Four companies of our regiment received orders to
march down to the Osage, eight miles below here, to guard the railroad
bridge, which had been threatened by the rebels. We went aboard
the cars and reached our destination at 12 M. Our arrival released a
detachment of the Illmois Irish brigade, which had been on duty at
this point, and they returned to town while we pitched our tents, cooked
dinner, and detailed guard as soon as possible. An attempt, which
was partially successful, was made by Jackson's minions last spring, to
burn this bridge. Eighty feet of the western end of the bridge was de-
stroyed, and the telegraph wires torn down its entire length. The
bridge is now rebuilt, but m a rtide and imperfect manner, and is hard-
ly safe for a heavy train. I have read of many bad, mean-looking
places, heard stories of others, dreamed of some, and seen a few, but
nothing that imagination can conjure up, or memory recall, compares
with the sot distant town of Osage. . . .As for the few peo-
ple who are compelled by poverty to live here, they bear the indelible
marks of fever and ague. They would come into camp, bringing small
quantities of corn and potatoes, which were eagerly exchanged for
coffee and sugar. . . . Young men from eighteen to twenty
years of age, do not know the first letter; for schools appear to be un-
known. , . Quite an incident occurred on the night of the
twentieth ultimo. The discharge of a sentinel's gun was heard, fol-
lowed by the cry of "corporal of the guard, No. 9." All haste was
made for the spot, where the sentry was found with his right hand
hanging shattered by his side. He stated that a person approached
hiin from the railroad track, and on being challenged, drew a revolver
and fired, and then ran into the bushes. Search was made but no man
was found.
Five days was the time assigned to us for our stay at Osage, and on
Monday we returned to Jefferson City, and were immediately placed
under marching orders; but no one knew our destination. Our knap-
sacks and clothing, which had that day arrived, were distributed among
the companies. The coats or blouses are black, with brass buttons,
and single breasted; pants blue, and warranted to lip well; the cap is
black and sm.all crowned. I understand that these are only intended
for a fatigue suit, and that the regular military uniform will be gray.
Each man was directed to supply himself with five day's rations, which,
with our knapsacks , canteens and cartridge boxes, would make quite a re-
spectable load for a mule. I could not refrain from laughing at some of
the boys who had stuffed their knapsacks full of every conceivable thing
that they would ever need, and went staggering along under the enormous
weight. Dr. M., in particular, had his knapsack swelled to aldermanic
proportions, and at sight of the bulky mass the sweat started from every
pore; but he bought that he should get used to it. Owing to the lateness
of the hour when we returned to camp, the numerous offices to be per-
formed, and the insupportable heat, it was nine o'clock p. M. before we
left the grounds for the boats, two miles distant, and our orders were
were to be ready at eight. We were to embark on the steamers Satan
and War Eagle for some point up the Missouri. The night was Of
pitchy blackness, the roads rough, and the knapsacks tremendous
heavy. Our march to the boats was anything but agreeable, but,
reaching them about 10:15 P. M., we filed on board, five companies on
each, A heavy thunder shower arising and the rain pouring down m
torrents, the boats were made fast to the shore and remained until
morning. The boys got what sleep they could in the interim by bunk-
ing down on deck, and into every corner and cubby hole that was free
of access. So tired were they that, once couchant, all human threats
and persuasions were unavailing in geUmg them up again. Once a
troop of cavalry horses was actually led over a squad of eight, who
slept on, regardless of hoofs, threats, and expostulations.
The day dawned at last, and we were on our way up the river. The
trip was as pleasant as could be expected, though the scenery was
rather monotonous — nothing but the low, level banks on either side,
covered with brush, with now and then a rocky bluff. Arrived at the
town of Rocheford, a small place situated below Boonville, at 5 P. M.,
and after a little delay the troops were landed. The Satan had stopped
below to intercept all communication in that direction, and had sent a
part of her troops ashore to approach the town from the opposite side,
while we were to march straight through, and rejoin the other compan-
ies at Columbia, the county seat of Boone county, thirteen miles dis-
tant. The colonel here impressed a number of horses and wagons into
the baggage service, and, i believe, took one or two prisoners. No
hostile demonstrations of any kind were made, but the inhabitants
particularly the ladies, looked daggers. They evidently considered us
as belonging to another race, and our unceremonious advent into their
very midst was not calculated to gain their warmest love. It was re-
ported that a strong body of rebels was stationed at Columbia, and
would probably cause us a little trouble. Our division, consisting of
five companies, was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mathies, and
took the main road, while Colonel Worthington, with the rest of the
command, took another to the right, with the view of surrounding the
enemy, should there be one, and falling upon the town of Columbia as
the common centre. By 8 P. M. we commenced filing out from the
town of Rocheford, and took up the line of march. The recent rain
that had fallen had swollen the streams and rendered the mud of almost
fabulous depth. Up one hill and down another, through bogs, holes,
ruts, and ravines, we stumbled, without even the faint glimmer of a
star to light our path, or a sound to cheer us, except now and then a
bray from the weak lungs of some antiquated mule. Knapsacks, that
had been filled with varieties suflScient to set up a Dutch pedlar in bus-
iness, began to grow intolerably heavy, and haversacks loaded with
crackers and meat were voted a nuisance before we had well begun our
march. The baggage wagons were crowded with soldiers who were too
tired to walk further, and had thrown themselves upon the tender mer-
cies of the surgeon. .As for your humble correspondent, he was revolv-
ing mentally the difference between the real and the ideal of a soldier's
life, envying the folks at home their warm beds, and heaping any
amount of anathemas upon Missouri roads. I was aroused from my
reflections by the voice of Lieutenant Jordan, shouting, "Keep to the
left, boys, keep to the left !" Being naturally of a very inquisitive turn
of mind, I wanted to see what was at the right— and the next moment
found myself sinking in a hole that would compare favorably with the
Slough of Despond, and still going down. By the most vigorous ex-
ertions I succeeded in extricating myself, and struggled out upon the
bank where I was greeted with a shout of uproarious laughter by the
tender-hearted boys.
Here we were overtaken by Sergeant Peck and a squad of ten men,
who had been detailed to remain behind and act as guard. The good
man in his anxiety to catch us had been practicing the double-quick
every step, and himself and men were puffing and blowing like por-
poises. The delicate feet of the sergeant, only eight inches by fifteen,
were loaded with mud enough to start a brick yard, and he was free to
■admit that he thought this a little worse than hunting .Mexican Greasers.
Owing to the bad condition of the roads, we went but a short distance
further, and bivouacked. Wrapping up in our blankets, we sank down
upon the ground, and were soon in a deep sleep, from which we were
aroused by the cry of "Fall in." The grey light of the morning was
fast appearing, and, by ten A. M., we were in sight of the spires and
white houses of Columbia. This is the most tasteful place we have
seen in northern Missouri, being situated in a beautiful farming country,
and laid out with considerable taste. Instead, however, of meeting an
armed foe. with glistening bayonets, the women and children came
pouring out in great numbers, and we were smiled upon in the most
flattering manner by the beautiful damsels. Secession has quite a
number of votaries here, but through humane motives, no doubt, they
refrained from appearing. We were marched up and quartered on the
State university grounds. The building of this institution is quite fine
a brick structure, in the Doric style of architecture. Here the pants
made for us by the ladies of Independence, were jerked out of various
142
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
knapsacks, and distributed to tlie "Union Home Guards," who,
though neither wounded (unless by the smiling eyes aforesaid) nor half
dead, were in pressing need of the garments bestowed. Only one ac-
cident happened during the expedition: and that, it is hoped, not a
serious one. A member of the Home Guards w'as shot through the
shoulder, while leaning on his gun. The wound was promptly dressed,
and the wounded man is doing well. Reached Jefferson city again,
Friday, the si.xth mstant, and found all well. Morgan Holmes, all
honor to his culinary skill, had prepared for us a splendid supper, to
which we did ample justice. More Anon. C. J. R.
LETTER NO. XV.
Camp Worthington, )
Jefferson City, Mo., September lo, 1861. f
Raining! All day the dull leaden clouds have been gathering in the
southwest like a mighty host, ready to pour down their chilling contents
upon us. Under such circumstances the most desirable virtue a person
can possess, is patience. No matter if the water does loin across the
floor of his tent in small rivulets, converting his comfortable bed of
straw and leaves into a steaming mass, it must be borne, and borne
heroically. To be sure the soldier is apt to look out into the gloom,
and contrast his present situation with that of those who are enjoying
the comforts of home, which he, through motives of patriotism volun-
tarily resigned, and lo wonder if the happy faces and warm hearts
clustered around the fireside of home, have a thought to bestow upon
him. Certainly there must be something in the sound of the rain
pattering on the tents very suggestive of feelings like these, for many
have abandoned their usual pastime of card-playing, and have betaken
themselves to silent reflection, or singing sacred songs. A singular
little world is this same camp of ours. On a fine day, with the trees
waving in the breeze, and the gorgeous sunshine pouring a flood of
light over the landscape of hill, valley, and tented field, all is mirth and
jollity. Flags are flying in all directions, and files of soldiers, in gay
uniforms, and with countenances beaming with content, are striving
with a generous emulation to give animation and enjoyment to the in-
spiring scene. But let Dame Nature relapse from this genial sum
mer mood into one of these sighing dismal autumn rains, and its effect
will soon be noted in the darkened brow of the soldier. He no longer
has that reckless or don't care sort of appearance, but his manner, as
he meets his comrade is warm and feeling. With an.\ious solicitude he
inquires about tbe state of his health, and shows a deep interest in the
latest news from home. Recollections of letters hitherto neglected and-
unanswered, come over his mind, and it will be strange if he does not
proceed to his quarters, draw out the old knapsack for a writing desk,
and commence inditing a missive to the friends at home. If the
orderly's box is not filled by the morrow's noon, it will be because there
are no pens and paper to be found.
One necessity exists in the most of our western regiments, which
should be supplied; that is, the want of some person capable of im-
parting thorough moral and religious instruction. He should be, by
natural sensibilities, as well as by education, fitted for the post, and
should devote to it his highest and noblest energies. The chaplain
should be of a practical turn of mind, ready at all times to associate
himself with the ranks of the privates, and to pour words of consola-
tion and Christian hope into the ear of the sick and weary sufferer,
who, removed from all friends, and perhaps from former associates,
and beyond the pale of woman's angelic influence, is longing for some
kindly word of sympathy. Let him be free to reprove the profligate
and abandoned, whose example, unchecked by a warning word, may
lead scores of young men, previously well educated by fond and
faithful parents, to the lowest depths of degradation and misery. One
word from a minister who. by his daily life illustrates what he professes
to teach, will have more restraint upon the evil passions of such men,
than all the fears of a corporal's guard. In this advanced stage of the
world's history, with the many examples that have been set before us
it ought to be understood that army life is very demoralizing, and that
many powerful influences emanating from the Christian mind and press,
must be set to work to counteract the host of vices that creep by in-
sensible degrees into camp. . " . Of course, the chaplain
must have the sympathy and support of the officers of the regiment in
his behalf. On them, and them alone, rests the responsibility: and
they should be held by the world strictly accountable for the conduct
of the army. When the officers are in the habit of using profane oaths,
and obscene language, nothing but a storm of the most horrid vitipura-
tion and abuse is heard from the ranks. . . . The first
great maxim that should be observed and enforced in military life, is
cleanUness. A large body of men, when left together without some
controlling spirit to induct it into a rigid system of order, is apt to be-
come very negligent.
Wednesday, nth.
Orders have been given, I understand, from General Fremont, posi-
tively prohibiting all information in regard to the numbers and move-
ments of troops stationed here. So, for the present, you will have to
rest contented with what news you can receive from priyate sources,
and wild telegraphic dispatches. It is rumored that Jackson is ap-
proaching with a large army, and that he boasts of his intention to eat
his dinner here, a week from this date. Said dinner may not prove
very palatable, but, of course, he will order his own seasoning.
But three of the guards are now in the hospital; the rest are aU enjoy-
ing themselves finely. Our present location for camping is very good,
being situated two miles from the city, on a piece of meadow ground
slightly sloping to the east. I think we shall be quartered heie for
some lime to come. Two members of our company have been honor-
ably promoted. H. S. Marlin, M.D., of Barclay, has received the
post of assistant surgeon to one of the regiments stationed here; and
Lieutenant Marshall has been appointed to the captaincy of company
I, in place of Captain Langg, who is sick. This latter, it is probable,
will be temporary. . . . There go the drums beating for
roll call, so good night. C. J. R.
LETTER NO. XVI CORRESPONDENCE OF THE GUARDIAN.
Headquarters Fifth Iowa Regiment, )
BooNViLLE, MissoL'RI, September 15, 1861. j
If recollection serves me rightly, I predicted quite confidently in my
last letter that we should remain at Camp Worthington for some time.
Every tiling had been arranged, messes divided off, time set apart for
company drill and inspection, and a course marked out which seemed
to promise rest from more active service.
But, on the morning of the thirteenth instant, orders came for us to
hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice ; though for
what point we were ignorant. Some, relying on the demand which
has been made from the east for ten regiments from the western divis-
ion, asserted that we were to go immediately to Washington; others
declared that we were bound for St. Lewis, while one individual of
gigantic frame and nose of flaming hue gave us as his private opinion
publicly expressed that the regiment was destined for Boonville via
Patagonia — that the rebel generals Price and Rains had an enormous
battery a few miles below on either side of the river, and that we should
all get sent to Satan's dominions. Having thus delivered himself on
the vexed question he proceeded to refresh his creature wants from a
huge canteen that hung by his side, the contents of which, if subjected
to chemical analysis, would have been found to contain one gill of water
to three quarts of whiskey. The morning of the fourteenth came and
with it a violent rain storm. Mud was soon at a discount, and clean
pants and diy feet a novelty. The reveille was beat at three o'clock in
the morning, when all turned out, ate a hastily prepared breakfast,
struck tents, shouldered knapsacks, and fell into ranks with alacrity,
impatient to board the good steamer War Eagle and away for our des-
tination, wherever it might be. The rain still kept pouring down in
torrents, wetting many a luckless fellow to the skin, and causing us
all to look anxiously for an ark of safety. At last the storm cleared
aw.ay; the muttering thunder died in the distance, and Old Sol favored
the half drowned earth with his genial rays once more. At 8:25 A. M.
we started; and after rounding a long sandbar the prow of the boat
was turned up stream, which said we were bound either for Boonville
or Lexington. We had gone but a short distance when we met the
steamer Sioux City, freighted with furniture of every description, and
having a number of families on board. A shot across her bows from
the twelve-pounder soon brought the damsel alongside, when all sorts
of inquiries were made concerning the movements of the rebels. They
stated that Boonville had been attacked on the previous morning by a
force of eight hundred men under the command of Colonel Brown, but
that the Home Guards of Boonville, only one hundred and fifty strong,
had repulsed them with great loss to the rebels. General Price, with
sixteen thousand troops, was advancing rapidly upon Lexington,
while Rains with another large division was marching to Glasgow with
the intention of cutting off all communication between Lexington and
Jefferson City. They were quite sanguine in the opinion that we
should have some hot work to do; and giving three hearty cheers we
parted. Nothing worthy of note transpired, and at midnight we made
fast to the shore opposite to the fair grounds of the far-famed town of
Boonville. This morning, after partaking of a hearty breakfast con-
sisting of coffee and crackers, the company was marched ashore and
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
143
quartered in the fair building. Tine fair grounds, comprising from
twenty-five to thirty acres, rise with a bold and regular slope from the
river bank, and after attaining quite an elevation descends quite as
regularly on the other side. On the top are situated the intrench-
ments, constructed of earth and built in the form of an elongated
square with obtuse angles. Prior to our arrival not a single piece of
artillerj- graced the works, a defect which is now somewhat remedied
by our Iwelve-pounder. This kind persuader is placed in an embras-
ure of the northeast angle, commanding the range of all the ap-
proaches, and describing the arc of a circle that will sweep the town
itself. The battles of yesterday was quite a serious affair, resulting in a
repulse of the enemy, with a loss of twenty-six killed; while the number
of wounded is not accurately known. The Home Guards lost but two
killed outright, and si.x wounded, two of whom have since died.
Colonel Brown and his brother, captain of one of the companies, were
shot while gallantlv endeavoring to rally their troops. The contest
did not last over fifteen minutes, but was sharp and decisive. . . .
The fire of the Union men was hot and deadly — the discharge of mus-
ketry unceasing; and when the rebels saw their leader fall they fled in
confusion. The following description of the battle was given by one
of the sergeants : "We war not e.vpectin' the enemy quite so soon;
and when I seed a lot of the sneakin' whelps a crawlin' behind that
house thar" — pointing to a large brick building — "I began to feel a
little streaked. At the same time another gang of 'em was comin'
through the orchard, while the colonel was tearing along in the most
obstreperous manner, right in front. They didn't come in large num-
bers but small squads, and kept dancing about like ducks in a gale of
wind. We never waited fur orders, but poured in our fire as fast as we
could, and I tell yer stranger, it wasn't slow. Every time I pulled
trigger I thought of Betsy and the children at home, and Old Abe.
Right whar you see them two trees standin' together Colonel Brown
was shot, and about five rods to the left his brother fell. One of our
best men was killed right here. Ho had just gave a cheer for the
Union, and was drawin' up his gun to shoot, when a ball struck him in
the forehead. But they paid dear for his death, I reckon."
Wednesd.w, i8th.
"Say, Massa, hab you a position in the Iowa Fifth?"
"I believe I have that honor, uncle."
"Well, dese people roun' heah fraider ob you dan de berry ebil one
hisself. When dey hears ob you comin dey jes packs up an' travels
for dey say dar is no use fighlin' a lot ob fellers dat won't run."
"What makes them fear us so much? "
" Dunno; but eber since dat fight in Springfeel, dey rather meet most
anybody dan de Iowa regiments."
"When did you get away from your master?"
" Night afo' las' Massa say he gwine to knock me in de head 'fore I
fall in de bans ob de aberlilionists; an' I thought I'd hunt my pussunai
convenience."
' 'But ain't you afraid he'll catch you again?"
"Not as long as I'se wid de I'wa boys'"
The facility with which the gallant confederates get out of the way
upon our approach gives some coloring to the statement of my contra-
band brother.
We are now quartered quite comfortably in tents on the fair ground.
Company C has gone nine miles above here to assist the Irish brigade?
who had a slight skirmish with the rebels the other night , and were ap-
prehensive of an attack from a larger force. . . . The
Indiana Eighteenth and Twenty-second regiments arrived here yester-
day. If reports are to be relied upon, the secessionists are concen-
trating all their energies for an attack on this place or Lexington. I
will want but one decisive battle to still rebellion forever in this section.
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. XV 11.
Camp Douglas, Chicago, September 20, 1861.
Fhiend Rich,— During the progress of this war, much has been
said about the propriety of appointing civilians to high military posi-
tions. So pliable had the public become, under the manipulation of
skilful and unscrupulous politicians, that their willingness to risk the
lives and reputations of our soldiery in the hands of men, who, how-
ever expert they may have become in the arts of wire-pulling and log-
rolling, could not properly load a musket, should be no matter of sur-
prise. But experience is teaching us different ideas of military science,
and people are beginning to understand that adaptation will, in part
only, supply the place of a scientific education in the art of war. Snob
politicians are no longer toler.ated, and first class lawyers can no longer
be considered as necessarily first class commanders.
\ little experience serves sometimes to convince lawyers themselves
of this fact, as has been demonstrated in our own regiment. The first
regiment of the Douglas brigade was organized on the twenty-ninth
ultimo. David Stewart, a talented lawyer of this city, and mainly in-
strumental in the organization of the brigade, received a complimentary
election to the colonelcy; but, not being a military man by education,
he had the good sense to resign, at the same time recommending Cap-
tain W. H. Webb, an officer of long experience in the regular army,
for the position. Captain Webb received a unanimous vote, and his
election has given unbounded satisfaction to the men, and has inspired
them with a confidence they could not have felt under the command of
any civilian. Mr. Stewart was elected lieutenant colonel, and G. W,
Roberts, major. With these officers the men are ready for any reason-
able undertaking, and we are all determined to gve an honorable ac-
count of ourselves.
I have been trying to analyze the material in this camp, and have
separated it into three distinct and nearly equ,al classes: First, those
who enlisted from a love of adventure, or for the purpose of obtaining
a lazy livelihood; second, men of moderate intelligence, who hastily
comprehend the meaning of this contest, and choose to be on the right
side, but are here mainly because it is the fashion: third, the real no-
bility of the land — men with large hearts, wholly devoted to their coun-
try, and with arms nerved by the inspiration of duty and honor. The
first class comprises nine-tenths of the grumblers — the other tenth be-
long to the second — and to its ranks may be traced nearly all derelic-
tions of duty, such as failure to appear at roll calls, drills, etc. It has
been observed, however, that their seats at the table are seldom vacant,
although they are constantly complaining of every ailment in the calen-
dar, from a sore toe to general debility. They are, in short, a good-
for-nothing set of drones, and could well be spared from the regiment.
Efficiency does not altogether he in numbers.
Those of the second class will make passably good soldiers; though
their efficiency will depend much upon their humor. Should every-
thing go to their liking; should their officers suit them and their rations
be well served, they would be reliable in an emergency; otherwise they
could not be depended upon, though they would scarcely prove mutin-
ous, unless under the strongest provocation.
But the life, soul and support of the regiment rests with the third
class. .Actuated by the deepest sense of duty, and inspired with an
almost religious zeal for the sacred cause, they are ready to meet every
priv'ation, and to overcome every obstacle. Without them, the regi-
ment would be worthless; with them, it will return from victorv with
the beautiful colors, presented this day, unsullied by a stain of dis-
honor.
I suspect that the divisions above noticed will apply to our army gen-
erally. It is not composed entirely of disinterested patriots; and a
thorough extirpation of weeds, cutting it down at least a third, would
just about double its efficiency.
There are a thousand things in camp life to write about — matters in-
significant, perhaps, in themselves, but invaluable as an inde.x to the
general character of our people; but I will not intrude much further
upon your space, so valuable in these exciting times. The amusements
practiced in camp, are not particularly elevating or invigorating.
Card playing is the staple, and seems to be with many a passion
amounting to folly. Its effects are seen in their disinclination for duty,
and restlessness under restraint. Card playing, equally with whiskey
drinking, unfits men for military service, and should be equally inhib-
ited throughout the army. There is, however, little drunkenness in our
camp. Of course, the sale of liquors upon the grounds is prohibited,
and it is only occasionally, when his habits are known, that a drinker
is passed outside the lines. We pride ourselves on this feature of camp
discipline, and also on the good behavior of our men at the chaplain's
service.
The regiment is soon to remove to Missouri, and I may have some-
thing of more interest to communicate.
j. l. loomis.
letter no. xviu.
Heaoql'.vrters Fifth Iowa, Boo.nville, Missouri, 1
September 22, i86t. )
* * * I can not describe the misery and confusion that everv--
where prevail. Law and order are abolished, and a miserable horde
of Ishinaelites are roving the country, burning bridges, stealing prop-
erty, and slaughtering or driving away all those who are suspected of
having the least particle of love for the Union. Too cowardly, or too
sensible of their inability to meet the Federal troops in a fair engage-
ment, they are content to lie in wait, like the cunning savage, and
strike a blow at some unguarded point.
144
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
On the eighteenth instant, companies E and H r;turned from a suc-
cessful scouting expedition, fifteen miles up the river. The spoils
brought into camp consisted of a gang of six negroes, and property to
the value of five thousand dollars. I was prevented by sickness from'
accompanying the p.arly ; but, from accounts related by the boys,
many rich scenes must have occurred. Company E was commanded
by Lieutenants Jordan and Marshall, who were nothing loth to give
the men a touch of adventure. . . . What if the shoe
did pinch, or the knapsack hang heavily, all was sure to be compens-
ated for when resting from their toil in the house of some broad plan-
tation. . . . One of the scenes of the drama was the
taking of a horse and carriage from a couple of strong-minded ladies.
They were grandly dressed in silks and satins, and made no pretence
of concealing their hatred of "old Abe" and his soldiers. They had
overtaken the company on the main road, and were permitted to ride
quietly along till they arrived at their own residence. The soldiers then
politely informed them that the horse and carriage must be delivered
np as contraband property; that having reached their home they could
have no further use for it, while, on their part, it would prove very ser-
viceable in conveying knapsacks and tired soldiers.
At this stage of aff.iirs an old lady appeared at the gate, protesting
vehemently that she had used both parties alike, and she thought it
mean, yes, outrageously mean, to be treated so. As for the young
ladies, they poured down the vials of their wrath in rich profusion. It
rained, hailed, snowed and lightened all manner of choice expletives,
but no one was hurt. Two soldiers were detailed to take charge of
the property in dispute, and it is to be hoped, that when next these
ladies rode, they were, if occasion required, civil, even to Federal
soldiers. . . . Time would fail me to relate all the ad-
ventures that befell the boys. How Sergeant Peck succeeded in get-
ting his small feet planted under a table and eating until the mistress
of the house stood aghast at the prospect of a famine; how orchards
were entered, and the golden fruit confiscated for present necessity,
while well-filled haversacks provided against future need. All these,
and more, are stored up in retentive memories, to be related by the
boys when safe at home by their own firesides.
A fatal and most disgraceful blunder was made by members of the
Indiana Eighteenth, on their way to Lexington. The steamer had
been made fast to the shore, and scouting parties thrown out, when
two of these met, and, through mistake, fired into each other, killing
and wounding quite a number. The whole affair was the result of
mismanagement on the part of the lieutenant colonel, who was in com-
mand, and who could not be persuaded that the firing did not proceed
from rebels in ambush. Had it not been for the captain of the boat,
this valiant specimen of a Bakertown militia captain would have re-
treated, leaving three hundred of his own men, scattered on shore in
different directions, to shift for themselves. If such officers could be
remanded to the sphere in which it is possible they made a respectable
figure, it were better for them and the army. . . . Every-
thing passes off smoothly in our regiment. The commissariat depart-
ment is well supplied with an abundance of meat, coffee and sugar,
more than is used, which enables the men to dispose of the surplus for
vegetables. We are attaining a good degree of proficiency in com-
pany and battalion drill, and gradually becoming accustomed to the
regime of the camp, and necessary sanitary regulations.
On the twentieth instant reports came that the bridge spanning the
Lamine river, nine miles above, had been burned, and that a body of
rebels were encamped in the vicinity. Five companies from our regi-
ment were called upon, and ere five minutes had elapsed from the first
roll of the drum, they were ready to march, company E being the first
in line. Many of the boys had left their dinners warm upon the table,
and had tallen into the ranks, not without a sigh of regret on the part
of those who had been at the trouble of procuring potatoes and other
delicacies. It was 12 o'clock precisely as we passed out of the en-
campment, and struck the main road leading to the bridge. The
division was under the command of Major Robinson and .Adjutant
Foley, who are well qualified and possess the unbounded confidence of
the whole regiment. The country is hilly and badly cut up into deep
ravines and gullies, and in places heavily timbered
Many fine private residences abound — models of taste and elegance —
invariably surrounded with groves of maple or butternut trees, and
with nice, smooth-shaven lawns extending in front. At the rear of the
family residence are situated the whitewashed cottages of tue blacks,
always clean and neat ; and still further back the orchards, bending be-
neath their load of luscious fruit. Missouri may safely challenge any
State in the Union, as far as the raising of fruit is concerned. The
fabled gardens of the Hesperides could not equal an orchard we
stumbled into while out on a foraging expedition. Great, rosy-cheeked
peaches, pendant from branches bending to the ground, while ap-
ples! — well, there is no use talking; the earth was fairly covered with
them for rods around ; and, for once, you felt that the folks at home
might envy the soldier boys. ... A dense cloud of
smoke directly in front, showed plainly where the work of destruction
had been consumated. A tew miles farther — our march being at a
quick step, pausing now and then for rest and water — and a sudden
turn in the road revealed to us the black and smouldering ruins of the
bridge. The torch of the incendiary must have been applied early in
the forenoon, for the frame work was all consumed, and there remained
only the three grim, silent, stone abutments. It had obviously been
burnt for the purpose of preventing communication between Lexing-
ton and Jefferson City, it being the programme of the secessionist to
hem in and secure this place and Lexington, and then turn their united
forces on Jefferson City, which they are anxious to take the present
month, in order to pass an ordinance of secession declaring the State
of Missouri free from the parental authority of Uncle Sam, and en-
titled to pass her own laws and regulations. . . The
banks of the Lamine river resemble those of the Osage, being fringed
with a thick growth of dwarfish timber, and affording a safe asylum to
multitudes of nameless insects. As to the few people who manage to
eke out here a scanty living, they bear a close resemblance to all other
Missourians of the same class; being dressed in butternut colored
pants, loose frock coat and broad brimmed hat, and possessing a
cadaverous cast of countenance. We stacked arms and proceeded to
gather up materials for dinner, but with rather poor success, as none
of the baggage wagons had arrived. Toward evening a woman came
to the guard's quarters, bearing upon her arm a large basket well filled
with meat, potatoes and warm biscuit. It was soon surrounded by a
hungry, clamorous crowd, humbly entreating for a small piece of
crust. . . . Lieutenant Jordan and company were de-
tailed to act as outside picket guard for the evening, and set out on
their wearisome tramp. Nothing of importance transpired; no traces
or signs of an enemy being seen. Brother Sam, aided by the nimble
fingers and willing heart of Corporal Woodruff, succeeded in drawing
a fine bowl of butter from an isolated spring-house, which helped
amazingly in setting out our breakfast table the next morning. No
one asked any question, but all felt inspired with veneration for the
magic virtues hidden in that one small word "draw." The
next day we were ordered back to quarters. It is probable that
the bridge was fired by a small party that could place itself
immediately out of danger. Its destruction can result in no great
inconvenience to the transportation of troops, as they have kindly left
us the Missouri river, and a ferry a few miles above in possession of
the home guard. Twenty-fourth — Startling news reached us last night
to the effect that Colonel Mulligan, of the Irish brigade, and an Illi-
nois cavalry company, stationed at Lexington, had surrendered to the
rebels under General Price. Lane, with his six thousand reinforcements,
was too late to render assistance, and after a contest of five or six days
the Federal forces, having exhausted their amunition and suffering for
water, were compelled to submit. Great loss of life on both sides.
Of course the greatest excitement prevails now, and the most
extraordinary exertions will be made to retrieve the lost ground. By
this disaster the strongest entrenchments and most complete military
stores on the river are turned against us ; and all this happened when
the Iowa Fifth, the Indiana Eighteenth, Twenty-second and Twenty-
seventh regiments were only forty miles from the scene of action.
Lexington will be made a grand military depot, from which rebej
armies can be fitted out to descend the Missouri, cutting off our sup-
plies Irom Jefferson City and completely corralling us. This is a grand
scheme of the rebels — they have had a mortal hatred of this place ever
since their deleat by the Union home guards, and they are determined
to have it at all hazards. If so, they will have a fine chance to dis-
play their agility in scaling breastworks, for we have a splendid line on
the most advantageous ground, four feet high, and ten feet in thick-
ness. Four steamers are now lying at the landing, and another fleet
is expected this evening. The Indiana Eighteenth regiment left for
Georgetown to-day. about forty miles south of this.
To-day noon, six of the border ruffian rangers, whose regiment is
stationed seven miles above, arrived in camp. They stated that the
story about the capture of Lexington was all false, and that Lane,
with fifteen hundred men. had cut his way through to the relief of Mul-
ligan, while the rebels are cornered on every side and can't run. Our
regiment is now under marching orders, probably for Lexington, where
the courage of the boys will be no doubt tested. C. J. R.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
145
[The glaring contradiction in regard to the burning of
the bridge over the I^amine, which will be noticed in
reading letters Nos. XVIII and XIX, suggests several
serious questions, as: Which of the writers was the
more voracious? VVho burned the bridge? Was the
bridge burned? Why was the bridge burned? etc. His-
tory is said to repeat itself; so also does it illustrate
itself. Some light may be shown upon the last of these
questions (the first three being measurable), by the fol-
lowing incident of the late war, known to have occurred
at Chillicothe, the old capital of a state, young in years,
but old in renown:
Morgan's raid had thrown the southern portion of the
above mentioned State into a condition of constant ex-
pectancy. Morgan and his troop were on the outskirts
of every considerable town in the whole breadth of the
land; from the furthest east to the Queen City of the
west. Home guards rode through the streets every-
where and with gauntleted hand shook defiance at the
bold intruder. At the old capital a picket guard was
stationed near a splendid bridge, which had cost the
municipality many thousands. Some horsemen were seen
in the distance — the guard set fire to the bridge, beneath
which murmured a silver, shrunken stream eight inches
deep, and dashed into town shouting, Morgan! Morgan I
The horsemen, some neighboring farmers, who had
thought to ride into town and get the latest news, asked
innocently, as their horses hoofs were cooled by the laps-
ing waters: "Why was the bridge burned?" And, now
that we look at it, telling the story is not answering the
question, which, for aught w^e can see, must go down
through the ages, vainly questioning. — E. P.]
LETTER NO. XIX.
C.vmpLyon, Boonville. Missouri. September 22, 1861.
Friend Rich : — Having drawn one more stamp, and fished up a
sheet of paper, I thought I would drop a line, just to let you know we
are all alive and well. One of our boys received a letter from home a
few days since, informing him that he and two other of the boys had
been killed, and several wounded in a fight with the rebels. But as
they show no sign of being kilt, we await confirmation of the report.
We arrived at this place one week ago to-day, at i o'clock A. M.
News reached us that the Union Home guards were being cut to pieces.
On arriving here we found the facts to be, that on the Friday before
there had been a hard fight between one hundred and si.xty of the
guards and eight hundred rebels with a loss of forty killed and several
wounded. Colonel Brown, commanding the rebels, and his brother,
a captain, were both killed. The guards had the advantage of a small
earthwork, built by General Lyon after his victory here. One of our
boys asked a member of the guard why the rebels did not storm the
works. He replied in effect, that there was such an incessant hail of
shot, that they kept behind the trees in an opposite grove. We are
now pleasantly encamped on the battle ground, amidst a fine gro\e of
butternut and walnut trees.
Tuesday morning companies E and H were ordered to march with
two days' rations. News had come in that the rebels were trying to
burn the bridge over the Lamine, nine miles west of us. Away we went
in high spirits. But we were again doomed to cruel disap-
pointment, for, on reaching Sulphur Springs, two miles beyond,
we found that the rebels had been gone fifteen minutes, and
they being mounted, pursuit was, of course, useless.
. Friday noon, while sitting in my tent trying to write
a letter, I was interrupted by the beating of the long roll, and the fall-
ing in of men. A report had come that the enemy was approaching
from the direction of the Lamine. Word was given that the first five
companies out would be sent to meet him. Company E was the first
on the ground. Four others were soon in ranks, and we started at a
rattling pace. When about one mile out, we halted and loaded. Our
■7
good-natured major now rode along the line saying: "Now, boys,
keep perfectly cool, don't break ranks, and don't waste one iota of
powder. " .\11 being ready, scouts were sent out on each side of the
road, and we again moved forward. When about two miles from the
bridge, a courier met us with the information that Price's army of twelve
thousand men was only a few miles across the river. Acting upon this
advice, (he major sent several mounted men forward to burn the bridge.
Preparation having been made many days since, this was easily done,
and, a short time after we arrived, the noble structure, which, a few
days before, we had made a forced march to protect, was one smoking
mass of ruins. The march of nine miles was made in two hours, which
we think was pretty good time.
I forgot to mention that the most of our men came off without their
dinner. As soon, therefore as we camped, this became the all-absorb-
ing question. But the boat is getting up steam, and I must close or
lose the chance of sending this. I meant to have told you about draw-
ing the hoe-cake, the scene in the milk house, the mysterious disap-
pearance of the jar of butter, coupled with the condition of Corporal
Ws. haversack, and of the visit to the peach orchard; but the Satan
will not wait. We returned safe and sound the next day. and are now
ready for the next job.
Our fair patrons at home are ever remembered with gratitude, and
they may rest assured that the thought of them will make the weakest
strong. With kind remembrances from all, to all, 1 remain.
Yours, etc.,
O. J. M. Fuller.
LETTER NO. XX.
Gl.^sgow, Missouri, September 29, 1861. )
He.\dquarters Io\v.\ Fifth, j
Our regiment left Boonville on Wednesday, the twenty-
fifth instant, and arrived at this place on the following day. Came up
the river on the War Eagle. But little sickness e.xists in the regiment,
and all are quiet and orderly. E. J. R.
LETTER NO XXL
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mis.souri, \
October 3, 1861. j
Friend Rich: You doubtless have correspondence from Benton
barracks, but your readers may be interested to know what is thought
of the Iowa Ninth by disinterested spectators. Belonging, as I do, to
a regiment recruited mostly from Illinois, I have better opportunities
to hear impartial judgments than members of the Independence com-
pany. I have heard but one comment, and that of entire commenda-
tion. We have been quartered here for ten days, and have witnessed
the arrival and departure of many regiments, but none to equal Colo-
nel Vandever's. I have had occasion before to feel proud of Iowa, as
the State of my adoption; but especially now of our own county Bu-
chanan. Her part has been nobly performed. .\ little figuring will
convince any one that in numbers she has far exceeded her proportion;
and, in the efficiency of her men, probably no county in Iowa excells
her. Her first company will, doubtless, soon have an opportunity to
test its quality, as, at last accounts, it occupied the advanced post of
Glasgow, on the Missouri. Let us hope that the Fifth may deserve
equal glory with the gallant First, and the Ninth greater than both.
But what queer, tall, brass-emblazoned black hats the boys are sport-
ing ! Already we have nick-named them the " Hawkeye stovepipers,"
and we only wish the enemy may wear "the like" when within shoot-
ing distance — a better mark could not be provided. Brass bugles and
eagles are all very fine, but precious heads ought not to be made prom-
inent targets without cause. Altogether, the regiment seems to have
been as well provided for as any other western troops — far better than
many.
Our regiment— that is, the First regiment of the Douglas brigade,
now classed as the Forty-second Illinois— left Camp Douglas and Chi-
cago without one feeling of regret. Every day here increases our sat-
isfaction with the change. Strange as it may seem, our commissary
arrangements heie, almost in the enemy's country, are vastly superior
to those of Chicago. There it was impossible to obtain vegetables or
anything beyond the old army rations; here we have the new army ra-
tions and are enabled to exchange for vegetables of every description.
We are living luxuriously now. but the boys of the Irish brigade tell a
different story of their fare further west. We shall make the most of our
."■ew days of grace here. But, after all, this detention here is not grat-
ifving. We are anxiously awaiting our arms. Companies A and B
are already provided with Colt's revolving rifle, a splendid arm; but
the rest of us (our's is company G) expect the regulation rifled mus-
kets, manufactured at Springfield. They are certainly a simpler and
146
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
lighter gun than the revolving rifle, and their range is two hundred
yards longer. I understand that a movement is on foot in the Iowa
Ninth to provide themselves entirely with the Colt gun, the cost to be
subtracted from their bounty, they of course to retain the gun after the
close of the war. The experience of the French, the most accom-
plished and the most scientific fighters in the world, has taught them
that the simplest gun of the longest range is the most effective in active
warfare. It is to be feared, therefore, that the Ninth will have cause
to regret the step should the effort be successful.
Benton Barracks afford splendid accommodations for the thousands
of soldiers quartered here for the completion of their organization and
equipment. The magnificent parade is just receiving its finishing
touches, and is said to have no superior in the country. Brigadier
General Curtis, of our own State, is in command, and is universally
esteemed. There are piobably ten thousand troops in this camp alone.
It would be folly (if not treason) for me to give any estimate of the
number within the line of fortifications that surround St. Louis. We
certainly feel perfectly secure.
Universal indignation is expressed among the soldiers at the villain-
ous efforts of Blair and his adherents to procure the removal of Fre-
mont, who has the entire confidence of the .Army of the West. A few
days will show that hopes in him are well founded. We are satisfied
to serve under John C. Fremont, and our cry is : "Death to sleepless
and meddlesome politicians." J. C. LooMis.
LETTER NO. XXII — NINTH IOWA REGIMENT.*
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, )
October 5, 1S61. J
Friend Rich: — Thinking that perhaps a few lines from this camp
would not be uninteresting to some of your readers, I take it upon
myself to give you a short account of our company. Since we left
Dubuque we have seen rather hard times. We left there with five
other companies on board the Canada. As we were very much
crowded, and had hardly half enough to eat, the situation was well
calculated to beget homesickness. But when we left the boat and
marched through the city of St. Louis without a single cheer, it was as
solemn as a funeral. We finally got to the camp, which is in a most
beautiful situation, and are now in very good barracks. We have si.t
cooks to prepare our victuals, and, of course, live on the top shelf
Five or si.x men are furnished daily by our company to act as guards.
Nearly every day men are killed here. Three men were sent to their
eternal home yesterday — one was shot, one was stabbed, and the other
was thrown from his horse, or supposed to be. The first two were
killed by a member of the Irish brigade that surrendered at Le.xing-
on, and he is now under arrest.
We have received our uniforms at last, and the most of the company
needed them badly. Our coats, or rather blouses, are of dark blue
and rather short; our pants are light blue, fitting to a charm; hats of
the most beautiful style, black, one story and a half high, with a beau-
tiful leather.
By the way, the report that the Ninth regiment were all killed com-
ing down the river, must be false, although it was current when we got
here, for 1 believe we are all right.
We have not yet received our guns, but expect some in a day or
two, to practice the manual of arms with. We are anxious to try our
pluck on the battle-field, but there is no doubt we shall have enough to
do yet. There is a report that the enemy is within thirty miles of here,
but little confidence is placed in it, as the air is full of rumors. Some
twenty-two thousand men are here now, while more are coming every
day. Regiments are also constantly leaving, having completed their
equipment. The weather has been very pleasant until to-day, but now
it is raining very hard. Our company is the color company of the re-
giment, company C. This is all that would interest our friends at this
time, and if you think it worth publishing, please do so.
Yours, etc.,
E. C. Little.
LETTER NO. XXIII.
Camp near Boonville. Missouri, )
October 5. 1861, headquarters Fifth Iowa regiment, j
We left Glasgow for this point on Wednesday last, and arrived here
at 8 P. M. the same day. It appears that the colonel entertains fears
of being cut off from supplies by some of Price's wandering hordes,
who, since the surrender of Lexington, fill the country in all directions,
and thought it more prudent to drop back and rejoin the main body,
prior to making an advance movement.
*From another correspondent.
Glasgow is an isolated place, destitute of defences of any kind, and
nothing would have been easier than for the Secesh to have surrounded
and held us at their mercy. But, in justice to the town, I will sav that,
so far as kindness and liberality are concerned, the people are above
reproach. The fire of liberty still burns brightly in the breasts of many,
and they are not backward in expressing their love for the Union, at
every opportunity. . . . The Ninth Missouri and Thirty-seventh
Illinois regiment. Colonel White, are stationed here. The Illinois re-
giment is well uniformed, their guns are of improved pattern, but they
are poorly disciplined. They have been but six weeks in service, and
need practice.
.As for the Missourians, they have seen, judging from appearances,
hard service. Their uniforms are old and soiled — guns of an inferior
quality, while the utmost confusion reigns in the subsistence depart-
ment. General Pope arrived here, with his body guard, to-day. The
command of the post has devolved temporarily upon Brigadier Gen-
eral Kelton, who is an energetic, eflficient officer, and much respected
by all. You have heard, ere this, of General Fremont's departure from
St, Louis. He brings with him an army second to none in the field.
Despite the number of his personal enemies among his former political
associates, the hearts of the loyal citizens here are with him, while the
conduct of Blair and his supporters is condemned in the strongest
terms. There is no doubt that Price has evacuated Lexington, with a
part of his command, at least, for some point southward, perhaps
Georgetown. Trouble is apprehended, for we leave for that spot to-
morrow morning. A dispatch has just arrived, stating that Sigel had
encountered Price and repulsed him, but it needs confirmation.
C. ]. R.
LETTER NO. XXIV. FROM THE NINTH IOWA.'*
Camp Herkon, Franklin, Missouri. October 14, 1861.
Mr. Editor: — Last Friday afternoon. October 11, we left Benton
barracks and marched through St. Louis to the Fourteenth street depot
of the Pacific railroad company. Bouquets and cheers were showered
on our regiment in the streets of St. Louis. After waiting a couple of
hours until the train was made up, and the stores, including ten days'
rations, were loaded, we moved forward. The train consisted of
twenty-fi\'e cars, and proceeded rather slowly to this point, ninety-eight
miles from St. Louis, where we arrived at 10 o'clock at night. Thanks
to the moon, we were enabled to pitch our tents on the new camping
ground the same night. Our camp is situated on a gently sloping
ground on the southeast side of the small town of Franklin, called also
Pacific City. .As the tents are new, and the camp itself is laid out as
near as possible according to the ' ' rules and regulations of the United
States army," the appearance of the sam; from the foot of the hill, or
from the town itself, is rather pleasant and picturesque.
The days have been rather warm and very bright since we arrived
here. The nights, however, are cold and frosty, and the dew heavier
than I have ever seen before. Last Sunday, while at the depot, a train
from St. Louis came in carrying Simon Cameron, the secretary
of war; the adjutant general, Lorenzo Thomas, and their suite, on
their way to meet General Fremont, at Tipton. A very humorous
scene occurred while the train was waiting. As Mr. Cameron stepped
out upon the platform he saw some four or five of our boys near him,
and addressed one of them jokingly, "Do you belong to Vandever's
regiment?" "Yes, sir." ' 'Are they all as good-looking fellows as you
are?" the secretary asked. The soldier thus addressed, E. C. Little,
of Buchanan county, answered in a dry, humoious way, " We are the
worst looking of the whole lot, but I guess they anyhow look about as
well as you do." This was received with a hearty laugh by the by-
standers, in which the secretary and his friends joined. Mr. Cameron
reentering the car. General Thomas told the boy that he had been ad-
dressing the secretary of war, which information did not move the boy
at all. He continued standing with folded arms, the only one looking
serious in the whole crowd. Presently the secretary returned and said,
"Why. boy, you ought to be mide captain. What is your name?'
"Never mind about my name," was the answer; but the secretary in-
sisting upon knowing it and his place of residence, he said in the same
cool, humorous way, "My name is E. C. Little, and I come from
Buchanan county, Iowa, if you ever heard of such a county. They
say it is called so after President Buchanan, but he is no relative of
mine."
This brought them all down again; but they gave it up entirely when
he added in the same dry way, "I guess my folks live up tV.ere yet, and
if you come up that way you had better call in and see them."
* Correspondence of the Dubuque Times.
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
147
I am telling you this incident because I saw some of the gentlemen
of the party making notes of the scene, and it probably will appear m
pnnt somewhere else ; and. as I stood next to the inperturbable boy,
and heard the conversation, I looked upon myself as a perfectly relia-
ble reporter.
We left a few sick at the hospital at Benton Barracks. Captain
Harper, from Jones county, remained behind to attend to them. I am
sorry to report that one of the sick, thus left behind, has since died of
typhoid fever. His name is Amor Winsiow, of Scotch Grove, Jones
county, and he belonged to Captain H.irper's company. A small de-
tachment of our regiment is guarding a railroad biidge, half a mile
west of us ; but beyond this everything seems as peaceable as at Old
Camp Union. There may be a good deal of seceshdom around us.
but if there is, it appears to keep as prudently silent and invisible as
at dear old Dubuque itself. ScRIBBI.KR.
LETTER NO. XXV.
Camp Near Booneville, Missouri, October i6th.
Our marching orders, of which I spoke in my last, were counter-
manded on Monday, the seventh instant, and we still remain here. A
violent storm from the northwest, however, as usual brought with it
marching orders, and we are once more in readiness to sail out for
some point unknown ; probable Georgetown. Price is reported to be
within twenty-five miles of the latter place, with an army of thirty
thousand men. This notorious personage has the marvelous faculty of
honoring twenty different places with his presence at one and the same
time. * ■ To my mind it is quite certain that we shal'
meet no larger force of the enemy for sometime in these parts. Price's
army at Le.xington was composed of a heterogeneous mass, w^hich dis-
persed itself over the country, the moment the conflict was over, only
to organize when summoned to the attack of some weak point.
Well, this is one of the days, decidedly. How the rain dashes and
splashes on our frail tents, shaking the foundations thereof, and caus-
ing the votaries of Mars within to quake with fear and dismal forbod-
ings. Our lodge presents a picture worthy the pencil of an artist. By
my side Sam is snoring in blissful unconsciousness, while the rest of
our comrades in arms are disposed in the most picturesque attitudes.
At length Sam awakes, opens wide his small mouth, yawns, and, as
clearer consciousness dawns, e.xclaims, "wonder if I can't get my
squash on in time for dinner." While speaking he slowly unfolds his
blanket, and displays a fine .specimen of that vegetable, which he had
in camp parlance, drawn, from a neighboring garden. ' ' How are you
going to cook it?" "Well, I s'pose in the usual manner, and, in the
usual mannei, let you fellows eat it." "I think, Sam, you had better
lie down and take a nap. You hav'nt slept but fourteen hpurs, and
must be sleepy. As for squashes, we have plenty of 'em (tho' too
green to cook) without going so far." "It's a wonder that you've not
been picked," retorts the squash hunter, as he adjusts the blanket
around his shoulders, and settles down to another snooze.
Friday. — Still at the old quarters, havmg delayed marching on account
of the rain and the bad ro.ads. The camp is in a flurry of excitement.
The mail and paymaster have just arrived from Jefferson City, on the
steamer Northerner, bringing plenty of news. No one can imagine
with what eagerness the letters were seized, and their contents de-
voured. To be sure, they were all old, but none the less welcome.
We have had no late papeis for three weeks, and have been reduced to
the most deplorable shifts for re.iding matter. Our letters showed that
all were well, aU thriving, all wishing for our success, and safe return,
aiid after reading them over and over again to see if there was any
obscure expression that had escaped us, we went to supper, feeling
better. The captain's wife and Lewis, who had been a long time con-
fined in the hospital, came up to-day. Lewis is improving, and I hope
that he may soon be able to bear his new fledged honors, for it is un-
derstood that he is to be appointed sergeant-major. Mrs. Lee will re-
turn home, and will probably be the bearer of this and other letters.
We all hate to have her leave, for the whole company are in love with
her quiet, unassuming manners and noble grit ; for she would stick by
the company through thick and thin, if possible. May success attend
her.
The boys are half crazy at the prospect of receiving a little money.
The colonel is in a quandary, and favors the expediency of paying off
part at a time, so as to have a guard for the other half How many
good dames will be gladdened by the sight of a little money from ab-
sent husbands. Here comes one rushing up in breathless haste. —
"Boys, 1 am going to sen^ mine back by Mrs. Lee, every cent of it.
If I should full into the hands of the secesh, I don't want them finger-
ing it out of my packets."
We shall not go to Georgetown, but to Syracuse, twenty-five miles
distant, and are to leave as soon as paid off.
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. XXVL
Harlan Barracks, t
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, October 18, 1861. )
Friend Rich:— Knowing that your readers feel some interest in the
men enlisted in the army, from Buchanan county, I take the liberty to
give you some of the details of an incident with which some of the
Buchanan boys and myself were connected. Night before last, as three
of our men were riding into camp from town, with one Bob McCuUoch,
an altercation occurred between them, commenced on his part, by call-
ing them d — d Lincoln men— rugger sted/ers, and ending by his driving
them out of his wagon, and chasing them with a volley of stones; the
boys suffering an ignominious flight, rather than quarrel with a citizen
of the vicinity. But learning afterwards that he was a noted seces-
sionist, and the nephew of General McCulloch, of the would be " con-
federacy," they became clamorous for his arrest. Accordingly a detail
of twenty men was placed under my command, by Captain Peters, with
orders to arrest him, and bring him into camp.
We marched to his residence, a distance of about four miles, and si-
lently surrounding the house, placed guards in a close cordon, and
thought the bird safely caged. But we were doomed to disappointment,
as we learned from the family that McCulloch had gone to one of the
neighbor's, and their description of the locality of the neighbor's house
was not remarkably lucid. Learning that one of his boys, who was at the
stable when we arrived, had made a hasty exodus through the timber
to the west, I detailed a squad of men to guard the house, and with
the rest of the party gave chase to the boy, whom we met at the dis-
tance of half a mile on his return. The country, in that vicinity, was
thoroughly ransacked, but without success. Concluding, and rightly,
as was afterward proven, that the boy had met the father and given him
the alarm, we returned to the house, and withdrew the guard; but, with
skilful manoeuvring, placed a concealed picket in a situation to com-
mand the approaches to the house, and give notice of the buzzard's
return to his roost. We then, apparently, marched back to camp.
Ill reality, however, we sought a heavily timbered defile and bivouacked.
About an hour after, another detachment arrived iVom camp, sent by
Captain Peters and Captain Rector, whose company quarters adjoin
ours, to reinforce us and learn the cause of our prolonged absence. It
was finally decided to return to camp, leaving our watch on duty.
While eating breakfast we received notice that our game was housed.
We marched back, you may believe, in high spirits; but alas! only to
meet a repetition of our failure. One of our guards had imprudently,
and against positive orders, allowed himself to be seen by the family,
and again the bird had flown to the woods, and nothing was left for us,
but to return to camp, hanging our heads, (instead of the traitors) with
shame and vexation at our want of success, and bearing the taunts <j{
our comrades as best we might. The afternoon following Lieutenant
Lee, of Captain Rector's company, thinking no doubt to win laurels
for his company by success where we had failed, started an expedition
for the same purpose, of which I took the lead as guide. By making
a detour through the timber, we succeeded in surrounding the house,
without being seen by the inmates, and again was that house made
historic by being enclosed in a military cordon, embracing a circle of
about one half mile in diameter. Leading the party on horseback,
and seeing the chain uncoil itself behind me, as they were sent off by
Lieutenant Lee, one at a time, at a distance of about fifteen rods from
each other, tightening its huge folds in silence around its supposed
unconscious victim, inspired a feeling of confidence in the success of
our expedition, and also brought to mind similar exploits of "Marion
and his men " in Revolutionary times. After we had completed our
circuit, twenty men were sent to beat the cover; but, beat as they
would, "Bob' was not, and there was the end on't.
Lieutenant Lee, in chagrin at his failure, determined to strain a
point, and ordered under arrest, a son of Robert McCulloch, esq.,
nephew of a secession general, a lad about fifteen years of age. A file
of men started for the woods; taking the boy with them a coil of rope
hanging ostentatiously from the arm of Sergeant Kelley. Taking him
to the darkest corner of a heavily timbered ravine, he was ordered
peremptorily to disclose all he knew of the whereabouts of his father,
which he refused to do. There upon the rope was ordered to be
thrown over the nearest stout limb, and a noose prepared. The boy
took in the arrangements at a glance and yielded, agreeing to lead them
to where his father was; whici'. he said was at a house some four miles
away. The party immediately proceeded to the place designated, and
148
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
found— not the game, but a "sign," announcing that he had been there,
but had left for parts unknown. (We must be allowed here to leave
on record a suspicion that the "boy" got the best part of the joke, in
this transaction; and that he has doubtless many times related to
admiring circles, "how he led those Hawkeye Jayhawkers, a wild goose
chase, through brush and brambles, on a cold morning in October,
1861." E. P,)
Thus ended our first hunt for secessionists; and we came home ready
to admit, that one secesher, in this instance at least, was more than a
match for two companies of Cavalry.
There are but two companies in camp at this time, but the full
number are accepted, and will be here as fast as buildings can be
completed to receive them. Three more companies will be here by
Wednesday next, and the balance in a few days. I have nothing more
to add, except to say to any persons who are wishing to enlist, that
this company yet lacks a few men of the maximum number, and if
they wish to join us, they can do so by applymg to Lieutenant B. S.
Rider, who is commissioned for that purpose.
Yours truly,
George B. Parsons.
LETTER NO. XXVII.
Pope's Division, Headqu.^rters Fifth Iowa Regiment, near )
Otterville, MissoiRi, October 19, 1861 j
Friend Rich: — Our regiment left Boonville at an early hour on
Monday, the fifteenth instant, for Otterville, thirty miles distant, trav-
elling a road, the roughness whereof the imagination of man never
conceived. The Illinois Thirty-seventh regiment. Colonel White,
brought up the rear. At Syracuse we were to rejoin the Missouii
Ninth, which we had left the day previous, and proceed together to
Otterville, which is General Popes headquarters. Mr. Weis, our
scout, leaves to-morrow morning for St. Louis, and I must send this
by him, or never; so I will insert a few extracts from my diary, and let
it go. We have not had any mail, or received a Guardian for a long
time, I had almost forgotten to say that Lieutenant Marshall has
been honored with the post of brigade quartermaster. In his promo-
tion our company loses one of its most gentlemanly and efficient offi-
cers. All the boys are strong and hearty as lions, and eager for an
engagement. This amiable wish may soon be gratified, for the enemy
are reported to be gathering in strength upon the Osage. No doubt
Price has been successful in his long cherished hope of effecting a
junction with McCuUoch, and their united forces amount to thirty-nine
thousand, at least so say the scouts. General Fremont is at Warsaw,
and it is highly probable that he will advance and give him battle, if
the latter gentleman can be persuaded to overcome his inordinate love
for running, and stand fire.
The country through which we passed after leaving Boonville, in a
southerly course, is strikingly picturesque. Noble houses and well
kept lawns beautify the roadside. The second day's inarch was more
fatiguing than any we had previously experienced. The roads are
rough, and m many places very muddy. Wagons sink to the hub, and
mules disappear entirely, except their ears. The second night we
camped one and a half miles from Syracuse, and I had the pleasure of
serving as corporal of the guard. To render the duty still more agree-
able, it rained all night. Lieutenant Marshall, who was officer of the
guard, and myself crawled into a small tent and managed to keep
tolerably dry. At ten o'clock A. M. we started for Otterville, distant
eight miles. The night's rain had rendered the roads awful. Our
regiment took the lead, the Ninth Missouri, which joined us at Syra-
cuse, next, the Thirty-seventh bringing up the rear. The train lined
the road for two miles. Reached Otterville, a small straggling town,
at five o'clock P. M. , marched two miles further and camped on the
prairie. No less than ten thousand are stationed here. The country
looks as if a swarm of locusts had been through it. C. J. R.
LETTER NO. XXVIII.
Camp Huron, Missouri, October 20, 1861.
Friend Rich; — Since my last but little of interest has transpired.
On the tenth instant we were ordered to pack knapsacks and prepare
to leave St. Louis, The day previous we had received our arms, old
muskets, which were undoubtedly in the Revolution, and perhaps have
not been shot since. Nevertheless we took them and started for the
cars. Our knapsacks being heavy, and the sun shining rather warm,
many of us were ready to rest when we got to the depot. We finally
got into first-rate cattle cars and moved off slowly, one engine serving
for a train of over twenty cars. We arrived at this place. Pacific City,
about twelve p. m., and were marched to our camp ground, thirty or
forty rods from the village, " by the light of the moon." We are sta-
tioned here to guard the place, for it is an important post, the roads
forming a junction here. A great many soldiers pass over this road
for Rolla and Jefferson City. Seven companies of the Ninth left last
Wednesday for the west or southwest, to guard bridges and to act as
scouting parties.
We are glad to hear through your columns the election news. We see
there is a Republican administration over our county, which has served
and is serving our country so well. Our company is getting along
finely, all of the boys enjoying themselves. But one or two are in the
hospital. We are afraid of the ague, if we stay here long, for the
region is a malarial one. The patriotic spirit among our boys seems
to be firmer than ever. Life is sweet, but not so sweet but that we
are willing to risk ours to replace the stars and stripes which have
been trodden in the dust. We are bound to ^ e that emblem of our
country's power floating again in the plac .rom which it has been
torn, to be trailed under rebel feel.
E. C. Little.
The memory of the youthful hero who uttered these noble senti-
ments, and who descended to an early grave, from wounds received in
their defense, will live in the hearts of the noblest and purest, not only
of those who knew him, but of all who shall ever claim citizenship in
Buchanan county.
E. P. j
LETTER NO. XXIX.
Camp Herkon, Pacific City, Missouri, October 21, 1861.
Friend Rich. — The Buchanan County Light infantry are still
among the living, though almost dying for a fight. The boys are all
very much dissatisfied at having to stay at this place; but we suppose
it is all right, as, being at the junction of the Rolla and Jefferson rail-
roads, we can be sent in either direction at short notice. At present
four companies are twelve miles west on the Rolla road guarding a
bridge over the Merrimack; two more companies are six miles distant
at another bridge; Captain Powers, with his company, two miles away
at another. The light infantry remain in camp, with two other com-
panies, to guard the city; or, more properly, the railroad. It is one of
the most dismal, forsaken looking places I have seen since I left home.
Almost every able-bodied man has joined either the rebel or Union
army, and if those that are left are fair specimens of those that have
gone, one of our men could chase a thousand, and two could put ten
thousand to flight. You have no idea what a yellow-skinned spindle-
shanked set of goslings they are. Half of the home guards and home
enemies are so ignorant that they can't tell you to what regiment they
belong, or where they came from. They are very much like an old
lady I saw here the other day. She said she didn't "keer as wich on
'em got beat eout," if they would let her "a leavin." Like Jeff. Davis,
she wanted to be let alone. Is it to be wondered at that these ignorant
creatures who know nothing of, and of course care nothing for, their
country, are imposed upon by the designing traitors who ha\'e told
them that, if they do not rise and drive the Union men out they will all
be hung and their property taken. But, thank Heaven and Federal
cannon, they are fast coming to their senses.
We have, at present, some eight prisoners who have been taken by
our scouts. While Captain Powers and his men were in pursuit of one
the other day, he eluded them and got away. But having strong sus-
picion that he was secreted in a house near by. they made a military
search, placing a guard at each door, and one in each room. The
ladies of the house declared that no such man was in the house, and
offered their services as an assurance of the fact. But somehow our
military men lack confidence, even in the ladies down here, and they
were not satisfied until they had gone from cellar to garret. When
they were about giving up the search the captain thought he saw a pair
of boots through a broken ceiling. Drawing a revolver, he demanded
if there was anything alive in them; if not, there was no harm in try-
ing his skill at a mark. The boots soon began to move, and in less
time than I can tell it, a full grown secesh stood before them. And
then the ladies — but we spare you. It would be quite needless to tell
you that the gallant captain did not avail himself of the privilege of
bayoneting them, which they dared the " black-hearted villain" to do.
He simply assured them that he was not there to harm them in any
way, and, having secured the hero of the boots he bowed himself out.
October 22d, Tuesday night, dark and blustering. Quite .an exciting
affair occurred about 8 o'clock. James Waldon, of company D, one
of the picket guards, saw some one coming toward him, and ordered
hinT to stand; but the person came directly on, at the same time raising
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
149
a gun. The guard cried, "Hold, don't shoot!" but raised his own
gun and fired, calling, at the same time, for the corporal of the guard,
double quicl<. Before the corporal could get to the scene of
action bang went another shot. By this time about fifty men had
assembled, and scouts were sent out to bring in the supposed Ijleeding
rebel, hut nothing could be heard or seen. Soon all was quiet, and the
guard was doubled to make all safe. The quiet was of short duration,
however. Halt! halt! halt! and another bang and call for the corporal
of the guard came in quick succession. I stood in the door of the hos-
pital, saw the firing, and ran immediately to the place. Before I came
up another "halt! halt! halt!" by the next, and off went his gun when
I was within ten feet of hmi. By this time we began to think that the
bushes were full of rebels. The colonel was on hand, and, m his usual
prompt manner, five minutes found the companies all in line. At the
word "load!" such a,j:clanking of arms ! The rammers sounded like
the beating often thous>>-l triangles. But, as usual, no enemy was to
be found. So much for our first attack. We are happy to slate that
none were killed on our side, and shall pro' ibly be able to state the
number missing on the other side ne.\t week. Our men exhibited the
best courage; not a man held back, but all were ready for the fight.
Mr. Voung, in his hurry, forgot to take out a paper he kept in the muz-
zle of his gun to keep out the dirt, but put in the charge and rammed
the whole down together. Of course he did not shoot anybody, and
in that he w'as not peculiar. R. W. W.
LETTER NO. XXX.
C.^MP Herron, Ninth Regiment, Iowa Volunteers, 1
October 24, 1861. j
Friend Rich :— Thinking that a few lines from this, the land of
secesh and the home of the homely, might perhaps not be uninteresting
to the readers of your excellent paper, I will note down a few items and
incidents which are common and peculiar to a soldier's life. We left
Benton barracks on the morning of the twelfth, and took the cars at
St. Louis about 3 o'clock p. M., for Camp Herron, arriving here about
10 o'clock at night. The road was very rough and uneven, and having
probably the hea\ iest load the old iron horse ever drew, he travelled at
a snail's pace, and we were somewhat astonished when we were in-
formed that we were only thirty-seven miles from St. Louis. Along the
line of the load the country is very broken and uneven, with timber in
abundance: while here and there could be seen farm houses that beto-
kened thrift and prosperity, with a plenty of fruit, that recalls scenes
that have tr,anspired in youth among the hills of the old Granite State.
Camp Herron is situated between two bluffs that rise in splendid mag-
nificence, the tops enveloped in dense ague fogs, while along their sides
are huge rocks, enormous stumps and clumps of bushes.
The boys are enjoying themselves, passing away the leisure time in
approprKiting apples and other delicacies belonging to those whose
loyalty is not above suspicion, and in scouting by parties of three or
four up to fifty, according to the game we are in pursuit of. Five of
our companies are stationed along the railroad, guarding the bridges
from rebel incendiaries, and visiting those who are known to be enemies
to their country. The sergeant that guards the bridge a mile from the
camp arrested two last week, and brought them into camp. 1 had the
pleasure of assisting in their capture, and, as pursued and pursuers
were mounted, we had an exciting time. But finally they were headed
and taken into camp for inspection. The colonel dismissed one of them
after administering the oath, but the other is still a prisoner. We have
seven of the "critters, " and the number is still increasing. I would
like to give you a description of a regular secesh, but that is an impos-
sibility—to do him justice would be out of the question. One who has
been here any length of time can tell one, almost to a dead certainty,
by their downcast, forsaken, yellow, and jaundiced countenances, occa-
sioned in part, no doubt, by their close proximity to the Iowa Ninth,
knowing, as they must, that the day of retribution is at hand unless
they repent. They have none of that noble manliness that can stand
before the world and say, " I am an American."
I am one of a party that is going out to-morrow, and 1 think we
shall have some sport before we return. There are a considerable num-
ber of home-guards in this vicinity, and also a good many Missouri
boys who are in the service for the war. I have conversed with quite a
number of them, and they say we are too easy with those taken pris-
oners. They think death, for traitors against such a government as
ours, is far better than they deserve. The Union men see and feel the
effects of this monstrous rebellion, and a great many have been forced
to join the army to save themselves from the cowardly rebels. The
army, they say, is the safest place for a Union man.
There was an alarm last night, occasioned by some of the guard
imagining that they heard or saw some one in the bushes near by
where they were stationed. They discharged their pieces at the imag-
inary something, gave the alarm, and in a very few minutes every com-
pany was drawn up in line of battle, ready to meet the enemy. It
turned out to be a false alarm. The only spy that could be found was
an unfortunate hog, on a nutting expedition. This was quite early in
the evening, and everything went on smoothly again until about i
o'clock at night, when the guards raised another alarm. The lieutenant
of the guard took a number of the men and went out to reconnoitre.
They had not advanced far when they beheld a few rods in advance a
crouching figure, ready to pour death, destruction and ounce balls into
their ranks. A halt and the stern demand, "Who is there?" brought no
response. The question was repeated, but the intrepid scout was not
to be intimidated. A shot from the lieutenant's revolver sped on its
deadly errand ; they rushed forward boldly to capture the prisoner and
conduct him to headquarters ; but, strange to tell, he was still un-
moved. The gallant officer of the guard had plumped the centre of a
big black stump ! It was the last alarm of the night.
The boys are all an.xious to get their new arms and try themselves.
We are getting tired of the old revolutionary fusees that we have now.
The only capacity in which they excel is that of killing at the wrong
end. One poor volunteer had his shoulder dislocated, was knocked
down, and kicked three times after he was down. .Another had one
side of his face bruised; and quite a number have been jarred until
their noses bled, while the catalogue of minor mishaps is endless. But
this is not the worst aspect of the case. We can outlive all such catas-
trophies as these; but if we ever get into battle with them, the first fire
we make will place us in position to be shot in the back by the rebels.
We can put up with almost anything, but the idea of being turned
right about face at every fire is too much; and, besides, it is a manoeu-
vre the Iowa Ninth has not yet learned. We have splendid weather,
warm and pleasant in the day-time, but cool at night. 1 received a
Guardian day before yesterday, and it was quite a luxury to hear the
neW'S from so near home. H. P. W.
[The following are extracts from private letters from
Lieutenant Jordan, of the Fifth regiment, written dur-
ing the march southward to join the main force under
Pope, destined to attack Price. — E. P.]
LETTER XXXI.
Camp near Quincy, Missouri, October 26, 1861.
Dear Rich: Ever since we left Boonville we have been on the
tramp, marching each day from ten to twenty miles and camping at
night. We are now, as near as I can find out, about twenty miles
east of Osceola and seventy-five miles north of Springfield. We be-
long to Pope's division. Second brigade. Davis' division is encamped
near us. We suppose that Fremont is fifteen or twenty miles south.
With great mortification and indignation, we hear that Hunter is to
supercede him. The entire army has confidence in Fremont, and
there is no doubt that in a tew weeks, if left alone, he would defeat
Price, and put an end to the war in this State. But the rotten politi-
cians must have their way. I am afraid, if Fremont is superseded, that
this army will rapidly become demoralized, and perhaps be beaten by
Price.
The country through which we have passed the last few days is mis-
erable. A few log houses, tenantless, the remains of slaughtered ani-
mals, and the debris of the campingregiments, are only and everywhere
to be seen. This whole region has the appearance of being very thinly
settled by half-civilized "pukes." We passed through the town of
Warsaw, yesterday, and such a town ! but they are all about alike in
this part of the Slate. The places of business are all closed, and a
Sunday-like silence reigns supreme. A few straggling or sick soldiers
and some slovenly-looking women and children, comprise the inhabi-
tants. The north part of the State is quite different. Toward Colum-
bia the people are educated and refined, and live luxuriously. It will
take years for Missouri to revive from the disastrous eflfecls of this
war.
To-day is Sunday, a fine day, and we strike tents in about an hour.
We have, alltogether, seventeen sick, fourteen of whom are scattered
along at the difterent hospitals between here and Jefferson City. Carl
White is under the weather, and 1 suspect has the measles. Quite a
number of our men have them — got them from Indiana, the Twenty-
second, nicknamed "paw-paw." I suppose you heard about the paw-
paw battle, when they killed their own major and fifteen or twenty of
their own men; and then reported that they had an engagement
with the enemy. Our regiment is being rapidly reduced by sickness,
15°
HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
consequent upon sleeping on the danrp ground with only one thin
blanket. Almost all of us have severe colds. I have a rubber blanket,
and every morning, when I get up, the under side is so wet the water
will run off from it. Marshall has been appointed brigade qu^irter-
master, rank of captain. Lewis is sergeant major: Dr. Martin is sur-
geon of the " Hickory County brigade." .
We have just pitched our tents again, about two miles west of our
camp last night, on the headquarters of Hogel's creek, on a fine prai-
rie. The weather is fine; hot in the middle of the day, comfortable at
night. Previous to our last advance we had crackers, but now have
flour; and as it is impossible to make bread, we mix it with water and
fry cakes, which are very indigestible. The colonel is trying to get
some ovens to bake bread in, and if he does, it will make it all right.
What we need most is postage stamps; we can not get them here at all.
The regiment has just got a new suit; and, in a short time, we are to
get our overcoats and another blanket, so that we shall be well provid-
ed for.
LETTER NO, XXXII.
Springfield, Missouki, November 4, 1861.
. . We have been on the tramp ever since I wrote last. I have
been up the past three nights. On Saturday last I was detailed with
twenty men and six teams to go after flour. The distance was six
miles, so they told me. I started at 2 o'clock, travelled the six miles,
and found that the wheat was not threshed. We then had to go two
and a half miles further, to where the wheat was, get it threshed, and
go fifteen miles further to mill. We got to the mill at 10 o'clock )he
same night, irtiloaded our wheat and filled up with flour, and the next
morning started for camp. When I got to the camp at Humansville,
I found only some four hundred sick men. The troops had started
about two hours after I went to mill, on a forced march to Spiingfield.
1 rode on, and reached this place yesterday at 2 o'clock. My seventy-
five miles ride on horseback, not being used to it, has left me mighty
sore. There are about fifty thousand troops here, and there was an
engagement yesterday between our ad\'anced guard and some ' "secesh"
as we came into Springfield. Fifteen of our Fremont body-guards
were killed, and about fifty Secesh. The camp is full of rumors. We
left our tents and baggage behind, and came through in double-quick,
as we he.ird there was a general engagement. We are encamped in
some brush, without tents or knapsacks. The buys have just received
two days' rations of fresh beef, and the only way they have of cooking
it is to put it on a stick and roast it in the blaze. They make coffee
by putting it in a tin cup and holding it on the fire until it is boiled.
The rumor is that Price's picket is about six miles off, and advancing,
but I do not believe a word of it. I expect we shall start to-night for
Arkansas, but we have no orders to march yet. There are here infan-
try, cavalry, artillery, lancers, guides, sappers and miners, and all de-
scriptions of arms in the service. There are some one hundred and
twenty pieces of artillery. If we could but make Price stand and
fight, it would put an end to the war here; but I do not think he will.
We hear to-day the worst news we haye heard since the war com-
menced. Fremont has been superseded. He passed through our
camp to-day on his way to Washington. Everyone, from general down
to private, deplores his removal; and curses, loud and earnest, can be
heard on all sides. He has the confidence of the entire army. The
political knaves, high in the Government, will have to answer for it.
We have in our company some eight men sick with the measles, but
so far the company has not lost one by death.
LETTER NO. XXXIII.
C.4MP Herron, He.\dqu.^rters Io\v.\ Ninth, )
October 30, 186 1. [
. . . It gives us courage to see the hosts of patriots that are
rushing in to save this unfortunate State from the coils of the serpent
treason. The cheering news reaches us every day that the Union cause
is triumphant throughout the State. Quartermaster Winslow is in
New York after our Enfield rifles or Minie muskets, and also to make
provision for paying the soldiers. And we know that when he comes, he
comes with what he went after, or the red-tape and shoulder-strap com-
mission will get a blessing. He is a man of the right stamp. He will
do his whole duty without fear or favor. . . . We are still at Paci-
fic City, forty miles west of St. Louis, and hope to get away soon.
We have a number sick with typhoid fever and diarrhoea. Marcus
Scott, of company H, died on the twenty-eighth. His brother came
from Marion and took his body home in a metallic coffin. John F.
Drips is very low with typhoid fever, also a yuung man named Frank-
lin. The following are the sick of company C: R. Y. Bain, P.
Riterman and R 
