NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES
History
of
Floyd Oounty, Iowa
Illustrated
0]
Ihicago
Inter-State Publishing Go,
1882
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THE NEW 1
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CHAPTER XII.
EDUCATIONAL.
Probably no county in the West has paid more attention to the
education of children and' youth than that of Floyd, and probably
no newspaper in the State of Iowa has taken a deeper interest in
educational matters than the Charles City Intelligencer. Mr. Hil-
dreth, for the first fourteen years of its existence its editor, was
for six years also a member of the State Board of Education, a
body having legislative powers, and existing from 1858 to 1864.
We are obliged to notice here some of the prominent measures in-
troduced in that Legislature by this worthy representative of Floyd
County, which were adopted and which remain on the statute books
to-day.
In December, 1858, a bill was introduced before the State Board
'* for the government and regulation of the State University of
Iowa." On the 23d, Mr Hildreth offered the following amend-
ment to give equal advantage to either sex:
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Board of Education of the State of
Iowa, that the object of the State University of Iowa, established
by the Constitution at Iowa City, shall be to provide the best and
most efficient means of imparting to the youth of the State, of both
sexes, a thorough education, and a perfect knowledge of the dif-
ferent branches of literature, the arts and sciences, with their va-
rious applications.
Mr. Hildreth is also the author of the following law: " That the
Bible shall not be excluded from any school or institution in this
State, under control of the board; nor shall any pupil be required
to read it contrary to the wishes of liis parent or guardian."
The establishment of the State Board of Education was an effort
toward eliminating partisan politics from the educational interests
of the State; but as it failed of this object, and as two co-ordinate
legislatures within one commonwealth were liable to conflict, it was
desirable to abolish the educational body as a needless expense.
Accordingly, in 1864, Mr. Hildreth introduced a bill in the Gen-
eral Assembly " to abolish the State Board of Education, and to-
(577)
578 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
provide for the election of a superintendent of public instruction."
The bill was passed in the House by seventy -nine yeas to seven
nays.
Previous to 1864 the school fund was loaned by the county su-
pervisors, who took real-estate securities, called " school-fund mort-
gages." The stringency of the times caused by the panic of 1858,
and the succeeding war of the great Rebellion, occasioned the debt-
ors, and consequsntly the Board of Supervisors, to be considerably
behindhand with the collection and proper disbursement of these
school moneys, the law all the while remaining that these moneys
should be kept intact. In many counties of the State the arrear-
ages were considerable. In this stage of aifairs, Mr. Hildreth, in
the General Assembly of 1864, introduced " a bill for an act to
provide for the loan of the permanent school fund, and fixing the
rate of interest thereon, and limiting the price at which school
lands may be sold, and for other purposes." This bill required the
supervisors to collect these moneys loaned, by foreclosing the mort-
gages, if necessary. When the subject came up for discussion,
Charles Paulk, of Allamakee County, led off in opposition to the
bill. The fact was, from $12,000 to $20,000 were loaned out in
his county, a large portion ot" which was a dead loss. Other mem-
bers of the House then followed Paulk in the opposition, and, on a
vote, refused to pass the bill. The fact was developed that more
than half the members of the Assembly were debtors to the school
fund. They passed a substitute, in regard to the rate of interest.
Mr. Hildreth followed this substitute into the Senate, and had three
of the most important sections of his bill incorporated in it as it
passed that body. Being chairman of the standing committee on
schools and the State University, Mr. H. let the matter lie quiet
until near the close of the session, waiting for a favorable oppor-
tunity to call it up in the House. Accordingly one evening, when
the members felt humorous and got parliamentary matters into
some confusion, Mr. Hildreth hinted the matter to the Speaker,
who was favorable to the bill and who promised to aid in its pas-
sage; and in due time the bill was called up, when, without debate
and scareelj^ any one knowing what he was voting on, the bill was
passed, by sixty-eight yeas to four nays!
Mr. Hildreth was also instrumental in getting "Webster's Una-
bridged Dictionary supplied to all the schools of the State by law.
Many other men, and some women, have also been prominently
identified with the progress and advancement of public schools,
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 579
and their names appear mostly in the respective township and city
histories.
The County Superintendents of Floyd County, as near as can be
ascertained, have been as follows:
J. C. Whitney, four years; Hervey "Wilbur, two years; Horace
Stearns, two years; H. O. Pratt, two years; J. W. Merrill, two
years; Mrs. Helen K. Duncan, four years; G. H. Nichols, four
years; H. H. Davidson, the present incumbent.
SCHOOL PROGRESS IN FLOYD COUNTY.
The winter of 185S a new school law was passed, providing a
complete system of free public schools from the primary all the way
up to, and including, the State Uuiversity and which was wholly
substituted for the old system. To reap its advantages required
considerable special study; and of course many stumbled under
it before tliej' could walk perfectly. This law was expounded
by school officers and educators, until the machinery got to moving
well throughout the country. Meetings were held of township
school presidents, where they instructed one another. One such
meeting was held in Cheney & Brackett's Hall, Charles City, Oct.
6, 1858.
Like all the "West, the first schools of Floyd County were of
course small, and were kept in log school-houses, poorly furnished.
The first school in the county was taught at Nora Springs in 1854,
the second was opened at Charles City, the third at Floyd, and so
on. Twelve years from that time the number of schools was fifty-
four; children of school age — males 1,305, females 1,132; number
attending schools, 1,786; number of teachers — males seventeen,
females eighty-one; average compensation of teachers — males $6.-
88, females $5.11, per week; aggregate amount paid teachers for
the year, $8,4.15.70; number of school-houses, forty-two, of which
twenty-three were frame, nine stone, nine log and one brick; total
value of school-houses, $23,516; amount appropriated for building
and furnishing school-houses the last school year, $10,737.18; value
of school-houses in the several townships, as follows: Cedar, $200;
Floyd, $750; Niles, $1,400; Rlverton, $1,930; Ilo^k Grove, $3,425;
Rockford, $1,281; Scott, $400; Union, $2,550; Ulster, $980; St.
Charles, $15,100; Floyd, independent, $500.
In September, 1875, there were 100 school-houses in Flojd
County, 118 teachers, 102 schools and 4,917 children entitled to
the public fund. The school-houses were thus distributed: St.
580 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Charles sixteen, Floyd eight, Ulster seven, Rockford eight. Union
ten, Pleasant Grove eight. Rock Grove eight, Scott six, Niles eight,
Riverton ten, Rudd five, and Cedar six. Number of graded schools,
five, — one each at Charles City, Floyd, Kora Springs, Rockford,
and Marble Rock, — the five villages of the county. At these
schools were taught all the branches preliminary to a collegiate
education.
SCHOOL STATISTICS OF 1880.
The number of districts in Floyd County 11
The number of independent districts in Floyd County 14r
The number of sub-districts in Floyd County 97
The number of ungraded schools in Floyd County 106
The number of rooms in graded schools in Floyd County .... 28
Average duration of schools in months 7. 9
Number of male teachers engaged * 48
Number of female teachers engaged 162
Average monthly compensation of males $31 89
Average monthly compensation of females. . 24 65
Number of male pupils between the ages of five and
twenty-one years 2,644-
Average of female pupils between the ages of five and
twenty-one years 2,488
Average of pupils enrolled in public scIjooIs 4,336
Total average attendance 2,487
Average cost of tuition per month per pn])il 1 49
Number of school-houses, frame 102
Number of school- houses, brick 3
Number of school-houses, stone 10
Number of school-houses, log 10
Total valuation of school-houses $ 105 310
Yalue of apparatus 1 566
Number of volumes in libraries 50
SCHOOL-HOUSE FUKU.
DEBIT.
On hand at last report I? 626 04
Received from district tax 2 045 97
Received from other sources 1 509 30
Total debit and credit 4 181 31
CREDIT.
Paid for school-houses and sites $2 194 56
Paid for libraries and apparatus 50 00
Paid for bonds and interest 424 46
Paid for other purposes 1 013 87
On hand 498 42
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
581
EXAMINATION.
MALES. FEMAI.KS.
Professional certificates 3 2
First grade 5 35
Second grade 22 154
Third grade
Total number issued 30 191
OF TEACHERS.
MALES. FE>IALES.
Applicants rejected
Applicants examined 30 191
Certificates revoked
Average of applicants ....•• 23 23
No experience in teaching
Taught less than one year
Holding State certificates
VISITATION OF SCHOOLS, APPEALS, ETC.
Schools visited by county superintendent 70
Visits made during the year 70
Educational meetings held 22
CONTINGENT FUND.
DEBIT.
On hand at last report $ 5,148 32
Received from district tax 9,644 40
Received from other sources 638 10
Total debit $15,430 82
CREDIT.
Paid for rent and repairs of school-houses $ 3,303 91
Paid for fuel 3,498 11
Paid secretaries and treasurers 662 80
Paid tor records, dictionaries and. apparatus 150 42
Paid for insurance and janitors 831 88
Paid for supplies, brooms, chalk, etc 1,111 91
Paid for other purposes 1,093 95
On hand 4,777 84
36
582 history of floyd county.
teachers' fund.
DEBIT.
On hand at last report $15,527 93
Received from district tax 21,014 89
Received from semi-annual apportionment 5,763 19
Received from other sources 559 06
Total debit $42,861 07
CREDIT.
Paid teachers since last report $29,291 23
Paid for other purposes 233 88
On hand 13,335 95
Cases decided by the county superintendent None
Compensation for official services from Oct, 1, 1880, to
Oct. 1, 1881, of county superintendent 929 00
Number of private schools 1
Teachers employed in private schools 1
Pupils in attendance in private schools 52
teachers' normal institute.
The Teachers' Normal Institute, for Floyd County, holden at
Charles City each August, commenced August 15, and continued
three weeks. There were 30 males and 134 females, making a
total attendance of 164.
THE FINANCIAL CONDITION.
RECEIPTS,
On hand at last report $340 11
Examination fees 221 00
Registration fees 164 00
State appropriation 50 00
Sundries
Total receipts $775 11
EXPENDITURES.
Instruction '. $460 00
Incidentals 89 20
Unexpended 225 91
Total expenditures $775 11
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 583
The teachers and lecturers were :
J. C. Yocum, Conductor ; Instructors, H. H. Davidson, Hoss-
feld, Miss M. C. Dixon, Miss Harbin, Miss E. Knapp ; lecturers,
C. W. von Coelln, S. P. Heland, J. Piper.
The graded schools of the county are in the following towns, all
of a nine months' session :
Charles City has one male teacher and thirteen female teachers;
Floyd, one female teacher; Marble Kock, one male, three female
teachers; Nora Springs, two female teachers; Pockford, onema^e,
two female teachers; Pudd, one female teacher.
teachers' institutes and normals.
During the latter part of the winter of 1859-'60, an educational
convention was called to meet in St. Charles City, February 4,
to examine and discuss the new school law just adopted by the
State Board of Education, to organize a county teachers' society, to
memorialize the General Assembly for an appropriation of money
for the support of teachers' institutes, and to awaken a greater in-
terest in educational matters generally. The call was signed by
Hervey Wilbur, Floyd ; Isaac Teeple, Union ; J. C. Whitney,
Pockford ; A. W. French, St. Charles ; Fayette Richmond, Cedar;
J. Henry Eaton, Cedar ; John H. Aylsworth, L. T. Patterson
and Charles Wheat, St. Charles.
At the appointed time a good number were in attendance and
exhibited a high degree of enthusiasm. The meeting was called
to order by Mr. French, and A. B. F. Hildreth was elected Chair-
man, and Mr. French, Secretary. A committee of three, appointed
for the purpose, reported subjects for discussion and action; name-
ly, the formation of a teachers' association or an educational society,
teachers' institutes, and union or graded schools. The result of
their deliberations was the organization of the "Floyd County
Educational Society," to admit all other friends of education as
well as teachers. A preamble and constitution were adopted, and
the following officers were elected : A. B. F. Hildreth, President;
]\Iaxwell Ireland, Vice-President ; Asa W. French, Secretary ;
Hervey Wilbur, Treasurer ; and Messrs. Wilbur, French and J. C.
Whitney, Business Committee.
584 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY,
On motion of Mr, Wilbur, the following resolution was adopted:
*' That a petition to the General Assembly be forwarded to our
Representative, Hon. E, G, Bowdoin, asking an appropriation ot
money to be made which will enable the teachers of this county to
hold an institute some time during next summer or fall," Mr.
Ilildreth was appointed the committee to draft and report a form
of petition, which duty he performed.
On motion of Mr, Aylsworth, a resolution was adopted, request-
ing the county superintendent to give at least one lecture in each
township on the subject of common schools and also an explanation
of the new school law, as soon as he should find it con venient after
the law had been acted upon by the General Assembly.
A resolution was also adopted heartily indorsing the late amend-
ment made by the State Board to the school law.
Among those who took part in the discussions were Dr. Cort-
right, of Rockford, B. F. Cheney and Messrs. Hildreth, Wilbur,
Alvsworth and Ireland.
Adjourned to meet Feb. 25, following.
The next meeting, however, did not take place until April 5, at
Floyd, where it was called to order by the secretary, and Rev.
Thomas Thompson was chosen Chairman, pro tern. Resolutions
were discussed and adopted, recommending the Iowa School Jour-
nal, urging uniformity in the text-books as recommended by the
State Board, and insisting that the township boards establish
graded or union schools in all sub-districts where the situation
and number of scholars would justify it. An animated discussion
took place upon the last resolution, in which Messrs. Aylsworth,
Wilbur, Teeple, Raymond, French, Thompson and Cook partici-
pated, although the resolution was at the last unanimouslj^ adopted.
Mr. Wilbur stated that the position he occupied in relation to
educational matters had been changed since the last meeting, he
having been appointed County Superintendent of Schools, and that
though the law limited his duties to tlie office, he proposed to make at
least one visit in each township. In conclusion, Mr. W, moved
that as the ladies had not assisted in speaking, they be requested to
sing. The ladies responded, with the assistance of Mr. Bissell, by
singing " Unity," whereupon the meeting adjourned.
May 3, following, Mr. Wilbur, by notice in the Intelligencer,
called for correspondence from teachers desiring to attend an insti-
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 585
tute, saj'ing that if not jwore than thirty desired it they had better
join Mitchell County in the undertaking, and giving notice that
the State would bear the expense of normal instruction at the insti-
tute. He also interpreted the new law as requiring the sub-district
to meet the first Monday in May, instead of the second Monday in
July as before, to levy a tax for school-house purposes. In the
[ntelligencr of June 14, this indefatigable school superintend-
ent kept the blaze increasing by publishing a list of the teachers in
tlie county, with the hope that they would all attend an institnte iu
this county, and announcing that the session would continue six
days, the teachers themselves to select their instructors and the
place and time of holding the institute. By the 27th of August
tiie Superintendent waseuabled to announce that a sufficient number
of teachers had promised to attend, and that the institute would be
held at Floyd, the first week of October, Mitchell County teachers
to join.
Monday, Oct. 1, arrived; the Floyd County Teachers' Insti-
tute commenced its first session at Floyd according to arrange-
ment. It was called to order by the county superintendent, and
J. H. Aylsworth was made President j9ro tern. Permanent officers
were elected, as follows: Hervey Wilbur, President; J. C. Whitney
and J. H. Aylsworth, Secretaries; J. H. Aylsworth, S. P. Bissell
and J. C. Whitney, Financial Committee; J. D. Kust, Chaplain.
Instruction was given during the week by Mr. Wilbur, on Edu-
cation and its Influences; by Asa AY. French, on the Qualifications,
Difficulties and Influence of Teachers; by John G. Patterson, on
the General Duties of Teachers; by Prof. Wm. Brush, of Upper
Iowa University, on the True Teachers; by Hon. Oran Faville, on
the Study of the Languages; by Rev. Mr. Paxton, of Osage, on the
Origin and Destiny of the English Language. A splendid
poem, on The Teacher's Mission, wa? composed and read by J.
Cheston Whitney, of Rockford, and subsequently printed in the
Intelligencer.
At this institute there were sixty-one persons in attendance,
thirty -eight ladies and twenty-three gentlemen, — and the session
was exceedingly interesting and profitable.
A successful teachers' institute was held at Charles City, com-
mencing Sept. 30, 1861, and continuing a week; thirty ladies and
twenty-eight gentlemen were in attendance. Instructors: Dr. J. L.
586 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Enos, of Cedar Rapids, and Hervey Wilbur, of Floyd; Lecturers: Dr.
Enos, Rev. J. E. McClelland, Hon. E. G. Bovvdine, of Rockford;
and James Jackson, of Charles City. The last named delivered a
lecture on Architecture. J. Cheston Whitney, County Superin-
tendent, and President of the Institute.
March 17, to April 7, 1862, a " normal school " was successfully
conducted at Charles Cit}', by J. C. Whitney. Fifty were in at-
tendance, and much interest was manifested, notwithstandinor the
war. Mr. Whitney was an efficient institute leader, as was also
Mr. Wilbur. The former left this county in 1865, to edit a paper
at Hampton, Franklin County, and the latter is still a resident in
Floyd. In 1863 another successful institute was held in the county,
and indeed every year to the present time. Sometimes they were
held at one village, sometimes at another. In 1866 one was held
in Charles City, Oct. 15 to 20, inclusive, conducted by Hon. G. J.
Tisdale, of Chickasaw County. Over fifty pupils, all young ladies
except four or five, were in attendance. Horace Stearns, the
County Superintendent, did much to render the session an interest-
ing and profitable one. Oct. 27, 1870, the teachers attending an
institute at Floyd, made arrangements for organizing a "' teachers'
association " for the county. Feb. 18, following, they held their
first regular meeting. They exchanged views on all educational
topics and thus practiced mutual instruction. A common evil of
teachers' " institutes " in early days in the West, was that of meet-
ing without a programme and am using one another by their wit. This
cannot be asserted of the institutes which have been held in Floyd
County. Here they have always had zealous and competent in-
structors, so that no time has been wasted. In 1874 the Board of
Supervisors appropriated $175 for the benefit of a normal institute
to be held in the county during that summer. Since then the Floyd
County "Normals" have been self-sustaining aside from the State
appropriation of $50; and have been held annually with an aver-
age attendance of about 160 teachers.
EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS.
About 1873 the Shell Rock Yallej^ Educational Association was
formed on the west side of the county; and in 1876, when Mr. J.
C. Yocum took charge of the Charles City schools, he issued a call
for a meeting to form a similar organization on the east side of the
county. Mr. Yocum's communication to the educational public
was followed by others, and soon a meeting was called for Nov. 25,
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
587
at the school-house in Charles City. At this meeting an organiza-
tion was effected, and the first regular meeting was held in Charles
City on Dec. 16, of the same year.
Feb. 16, of the following year, the first union meeting of the
east and west side associations was held at Charles City. Up to the
present time (1882) both of these educational associations have
maintained a vigorous existence with monthly meetings from Oct-
ober to May of each year; and the two meet in joint session once
each year at some convenient point in the county.
CHAPTER XIII.
LITERARY.
As Floyd County is blessed with considerable literary talent, we
make a chapter of selections, which will doubtless be highly ap-
preciated by those who are acquainted with the parties, and even by
strangers. And as good prose deserves as much credit as good
poetry, we give two or three short selections of that species of lit-
erature, as illustrative of Floyd County talent, — not that they are
the best that can be produced in the county, but as good composi-
tions already published in the press.
MK8. PERSIS A. BEOWN.
This poetess, who has written over the nom de plume of " Ruth,"
"Ruth Rustic," "Ruth Holmes," etc., is a resident of Ulster
Township, Floyd County, Iowa, and was born in Halden, Worcester
County, Massachusetts, Sept. 8, 1807. She received a comraon-
Bchool education when young, which, together with her constant
habit of reading, enabled her to successfully engage in school teach-
ing which avocation she pursued some four or five years in Hamp-
shire County. August 29, 1832, in the village of Speedsville,
Tompkins County, New York, she and Mr. Edward T. Brown,
were united in marriage. This union was blessed with five chil-
dren. The first died on the day of her birth. The second died at
the age of twenty months, of inflammation of the brain caused by a
fall. Eugene, the third, is still living; the fourth was shot through
the lungs at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, and died April
10, 1862, at the age of twenty years and two months. He sleeps
at Fort Henry, Tennessee. The fifth was drowned; aged nearly
four years. She sleeps at North Becket, Massachusetts. The fam-
ily, including an adopted daughter two years of age, left Massa-
chusetts Oct. 7, 1853; resided in Geneva and Batavia, Illinois,
several years. In 1855 they arrived in what is now Charles City,
though in that day scarcely worthy of the name of a village. Since
that time they have resided in St. Charles Township, and now are
residents of Ulster Township.
(588)
HISTORY OF FLOTD COUNTY. 589
Aug. 29, 1882, they celebrated their golden wedding, on which
occasion Mrs. Brown contributed the following gem:
Fifty years of married life
Have fallen to my share;
Fifty years of toil and strife,
Happiness blent with care.
What hath not these fifty yoars
Known of sorrow, joy and tears —
Births and deaths, fearful, even.
All hopes wrecked, save those of Heaven.
Tliis half century of years
Bears a record damp wi^h tears;
War, starvation, prison-bars.
Cursed deeds and endless jars.
Retribution will ere long
Sift the good, adjust the wrong,
Bless the righteous, lift the just
'Bove the rubbish, mire and dust.
Still I lin.orer, still I wait.
Watching, till the summons come;
May no drowsiness o'ertake,
Ere I'm bidden, "Child, come home."
The scenes that called forth the following poem transpired long
years since in Massachusetts. Mrs. Brown perhaps is not alone in
such trials. We dare say many who will read these lines can tes
tify to their appropriateness in their own cases:
I had a little son,
A son just three years old ;
His face was lily pale.
His hands as marble cold.
I knelt bebide the sleeping thing.
He faintly whispered " Sing, ma, sing."
But how could I attune—
My heart all crushed and sad —
My voice to melody,
And bid mine eye look glad.
Poor, vain attempt. I could bu' try
To sing his dying lullnhy.
Long weary years have sped
Since that eventful day;
Still lives that seeming dead
Now absent, far away.
The battle-field, the fife, the drum.
Give forth the strains arourd him sung.
590 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Oh, what a world is this,
So fraught with hopes and fears !
Events at every step
Requiring smiles and tears.
Constrained to sing when least inclined,
To sing or weep, howe'er ill-timed.
The thousand nameless ills
Which cluster in our path,
Adown life's varied track,
Some useful lesson hath.
This life is long, and ends not here;
We want a higher, holier sphere.
In the month of March, 1863, Mrs. Brown was so unfortunate
as to have her house and its entire contents consumed by fire. She
was at that time alone and a cripple, which made her loss a still
greater calamity. In this fire she lost a trunk which was filled
with keepsakes, relics, and all her early literary productions. By
request of some friends she produced the following, which ex-
plains itself:
I had a huge trunk all battered and worn,
Some fifty years old or more ;
Of relics, mementoes, and unique things,
It held a curious store.
There were letters and books, pen-holders aad wax,
That came from the scene ot the war ;
A jack-knife, a dirk, an old, mouldy shoe.
That had traveled o'er lands afar.
Little strings of beads, a thimble and comb,
And many a trinket and toy ;
Many locks of hair, silver spoons and cards.
And the ball that killed my boy !
There were needles and pins, a tia plate and cup,
There were hard tack and cartridges, t )o,
A teacup, a pitcher, the till of a cheit;
That was many years ago.
A worsted satchel, a small vas3 mat.
Each wrought by a mother's hind ;
A tiny blue dress, a collar and chain.
That need not a magic wand
To tell as plaintively sweet
As ever a novelist told ;
A whet stone, a hair brush, a china vase.
Of value more than gold ;
A soldier's companion, a scnrf, book ani key,
An album and poems sweet;
A small white basket, somj Southern fruit leaves,
I think my list complete.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 591
A.. B. F. HILDRETH.
The author of the following, is well known to the people of
Floyd County. A biographical sketch is given of him in Chapter
XIY:
" I SHALL REST TO-NIGHT."
BY A. B. F. HILDRETH.
A morning flower plucked for heaven was the writer's little daughter of six
summers, who lately passed from this to a better world, there to bloom forever iu
the paradise of God. While upon her dying couch, and shortly before her de-
parture, she besought her wearied and grief-stricken parents to take repose, say-
ing — "I shall rest to-night." At midnight, Nov. 29, 1857, she closed her eyes as
if in a calm slumber, and in a few minutes was indeed "at rest."
"I shall rest to-night." Another day,
While my loved flowers* iu breezes dance,
You'll take me from this home away !
A mournful train will then advance
Up through the long and silent street,
To bear me to my lone retreat.
Oh, there — it matters not — will rave
The storms and blasts of wintry weather,
Above the narrow new-made grave,
Where de ith and I lie down together!
Enough that / s-hall know it not.
Within that lone and narrow spot.
For I shall sleep. As sweet a sleep
As ever blessed a child reposing.
Awaits me in the grave so deep,
When I, my weary eyelids closing,
At length shall lay me down to rest.
Heedless of clods above my breast.
Asleep! How deep will be the "rest,''
Free from life's turmoil moving wildly,
That when is passed the earth's unrest,
Its bosom shall receive me mildly;
For not one dream of earth may come
To break the slumber of that home !
Oh, deep reposel Oh, slumber blest!
Oh, night of peace! no storm, no sorrow,
No heavy stirring in that "rest,"
To meet another weary morrow !
I shall heed neither night nor dawn,
But still with folded arms sleep on !
"Weep not, dear parents," more for me,
But live as all true Christians should
"I'm not afraid to die," you see;
"You'll come to me, if you are good;"*
Ere long we'll meet, forever blest.
Beyond the skies in endless "rest."
♦She was pasaloni-tjly fond of floweie. tHer dying words.
592 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
FLORENCE PERCY.
This is the nom de plume of Elizabeth {nee Chase) Allen, the
author of "Rock Me to Sleep, Mother." Her compositions were
neat and beautiful. A further notice is given of her in the next
chapter, in the account of the Intelligencer.
J. CHESTON WHITNEY,
well known as a former Coanty Superintendent of Schools, man j
years ago contributed the following:
THE COUNTIES OF IOWA.
Our home is in Iowa,
Westward toward the setting sun,
Just between two mighty rivers,
Where the flowing waters run ;
It has towns and it has cities,
It has many noble streams,
It has ninety-nine counties.
And we'll join to sing their names.
Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson,
Where the Spirit Lake we see ;
Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago,
Worth, with its Lake Albert Lea;
Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek,
And Allamakee so fine.
Make eleven northern counties
On the Minnesota line.
Clayton, Dubuque, Jackson, Clinton,
Together with Scott and Muscatine,
Lee, Louisa and Des Moines,
On the eastern line is seen ;
Van Buren, Davis, Appanoose,
Decatur, Ringgold, Wayne we spy;
Taylor, Page and Fremont, that
On Missouri's border lie.
Pottawattamie, Harrison, Mills,
Monona, Woodbury, Plymouth, Sioux,
Are all the counties that around
The border of our State we view.
Next we point you to O'Brien,
Palo Alto too, and Clay,
Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Floyd,
Now see Chickasaw, I pray.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 693
Fayette, Bremer, Butler, Franklin,
Next upon the map we see;
Wright and Humboldt, Pocahontas,
Buena Vista, Cherokee,
Ida, Sac, Calhoun and Webster,
Hamilton, with names so rare;
Next is Hardin, Grundy, B'ack Hawk,
And Buchanan, Delaware.
Jones, Linn, Benton, Tama, Marshall,
Story, Crawford, Carroll, Boone,
(Let us not your patience weary,
We shall have them all told soon,)
, Cedar, Greene, Johnson, Iowa,
With Powesheik by the same ;
Here is Jasper, Polk and Dallas,
Names of Presidential fame.
Guthrie, Audubon and Shelby,
Cass and Madison, Adair,
Warren, Marion and Mahaska,
And Keokuk, too, is there :
Henry, Jefferson and Wapello,
Monroe, Washington we missed ;
Lucas, Clarke, Union, Adams,
And Montgomery fills the list.
ELIZABETH J. COLE
In early days contributed more poetry to the Charles City Intelli
gencer than any other person. We make only one selection.
COMING HOME.
I'm coming home at last, mother.
Home to your arms once more;
Methinks their fond embrace, mother,
Would soothe me as of yore.
The way seems long and dark, mother.
My heart is yearning so ;
I long for one caress, mother,
The kiss of long ago.
I would not pain your heart, mother,
But you'll know it bye and bye —
Your boy is coming home, mother,
Yes, coming home to die.
I've longed to breathe the air, mother.
Of my dear mountain home;
And feel its balmy breeze, mother,
Among my tresses roam.
694 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Could I cool my parching lips, mother,
And lave my burning brow
With a draught from the old well, mother,
It would be blissful now.
But I'm coming to you now, mother —
You'll not be waiting long —
But not as when I left, mother,
Vigorous, blithe and strong.
Can it be night so soon, mother?
'Tis, oh, so dark and cold!
Within your loving arms, mother,
Tour dying child enfold.
Prairie Glen, Feb. 23, 1864.
' ' lANTHE "
Contributed a great deal to the press raany years ago, both poetry
and prose. We give one short selection :
"maternal AFFECTION.
"How vast its import! How deep its fountain! How lasting its
duration! What weariness is not endured! What untiring effort
is put forth when naught but the alleviation of suffering is reason-
ably expected !
"When all hope has fled, and the pale, emaciated little one has
become a lifeless form, so unlike what it was in health as scarcely
to be recognized, with what tenacity and affection the mother's
heart clings to it still! Its little fragile form is laid upon the
table, clad in the drapery of the grave, 3'et unceasingly does the
mother weep by its side. Its tiny hands are gently folded, its
silvery, clustering curls are sweetly parted again and again, to
produce, if possible, some trace or resemblance of its former life
and beauty; but the spirit has departed, and inanimate clay is all
that remains. 'Tis buried, and the grave closes over that cher-
ished, beautiful object. Oh, the sadness and desolation that now
take possession of that mother's heart!. How carefully is col-
lected and preserved each toy and garment formerly used and
worn, as memento of ' the loved and lost! ' But how unavailing!
Nothing fills that vacancy in that mother's heart; fhe steel hath
entered, and the wound remains. Time may produce some
change; it may indeed check the heart's bleeding; but how easily
it gushes forth again like some long pent-up current. Grace af-
fords the best remedy for the sorrows of this life, and yet what
HISTORY OF FLOYD COTJNIT. 595
mother ever possessed so much of that heavenly virtue as to be-
come insensible to the woe or weal of her offspring. But no less
severely is her affection tested, when the child upon whom she
liad rested all her future hopes, deserts her entirely, disregarding
alike her necessities and entreaties; becomes familiar with scenes
of vice and infamy; yet, if detected in the commission of crime,
how long her heart seeks to believe him innocent, and if con-
victed, how readily she forgives and also ardently prays her God to
forgive him, even if it be the last act of her life! Oh, if there be
aught in our natures uncontaminated by sin, surely it is this:
A mother's love."
W. p. GAYLORD.
We present here a specimen of Mr. Gaylord's descriptive
powers.
THE SENIOR editor's EXPERIENCE — Bobes 171 the Hood — B.OW it goes
to raise a family^ and how a family goes after being raised.
"We are not so much worried over what will become of our
children when we are gone, as we are in knowing what will be-
come of us when our children are here. They are little nuisances
and big nuisances, according to [their age and size, and yet we
don't know how we could keep house without them. Their infer-
nal noise is often provoking, but we have heard so much of it that
we begin to like it. We could not smoke, nor read, nor write, nor
sleep without it.
When we were shown our first baby, and were informed that it
looked just like its father, we thought it was about the cutest thing
we ever saw; but afcer a little observation and inquiry we
found that almost everybody else had the same opinion of their
baby that we had of ours, and the older we grew and the more
babies we had, the more we found out that the mother of our
babies thought a great deal more of them than anybody else did.
Women with their children used to come to our house, visiting,
and would say our children were " smart and good looking," but I
noticed that all such women paused for a reply, and were tickled
amazingly when my wife would return the compliment by saying
the same thing about their children. We have some knowledge
of camphor, castor oil, soothing syrup, paregoric, laudanum and
catnip. We know something about jumping up in the night, strik-
ing our head against the door-casing, peeling our shins against the
stove hearth, stumbling over chairs and smashing lamp chimneys
596 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
to reach tlie match box. "We like the interestmg time when the
measles, mumps, whooping cough and prairie itch are around; it
makes things lively.
We like the experience of that hour between daylight and sun-
rise, when, enoring at the rate of ten knots an hour, one of the
little "images of its dad" has crawled over its mother from the
back side of the bed, and whacks its hand right into my face,
punches its fingers up my nose, pulls my hair, gives my lips a
gouge, and tries to play with my ears, — all of which was as good
as an alarm bell, and just about as regular. I like to see them
coming down stairs in the morning, some their clothes half on,
some with clothes in hand, some bare-handed, bare-headed and
bare-footed, with their hair frizzled over their heads like the mane
of a wild mustang, and hear them sing out " Mother, where is my
stockings?" "Mother, where is my shoes?" "Mother, where is
my garter?" "Mother, where is my apron?" "Mother, where is
my comb?" "Mother, where is the wash-basin?" "Mother where
is the towel?" "Mother, 1 ain't agoin' to school to-day."
And now comes rattling down stairs like a four-horse wagon,
Young America, — the only one we have got (and we are not yet
sure whether we have got him or he has. got us); but, like a good
many other boys, he stays with us over night and runs wild
through the day. He, too, has to dress himself in the kitchen; his
stockings are always wet, his boots are always run over and
shrunken, his trowsers always torn, and, just like his father, he
never knows where to find hiB hat. Sometimes I have a notion to
lick him, and we suppose he sometimes has a notion to lick ns;
but, if we behave ourselves decently well, we are inclined to think
he will let us board with him till he is twenty-one.
The family menagerie is an interesting show. There is some
fun, and much music and money, in bringing up a family of ten,
twenty, thirty or forty children.
When breakfast is ready, the children are never ready for it.
They are always hungry enough, and willing enough to come
forward and eat, but between them and the table is that great gulf,
the wash-basin, so that those who would come up with unwashed
hands and faces as black as the ace of spades, can not. Then it is
interesting to see three or four of them washing around the same
basin at the same time, some washing the inside of their hands,
some the outside, some wetting one side of their face, some the
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOB. LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 699
other, and some neither side, and all using the water with as much
economy as though it were the only water in America.
Then comes the stampede for the towel. One seizes at each end ^
another the middle; one twitches one wa}', another in another
direction, and another sags down in the miiidle, while all go
weaving to and fro like a willow hedge in a thunder-storm, and
each trying to wear off with the towel what they ought to have
washed ofi with the water. Then up to the ' glass ' they come, and
of course all want the same comb at the same time. One, with
tears in its eyes, is trying to straighten out its tangled hair, which
was welded together the day before with gum and molasses.
Another is waiting for the comb, mad because it can't have it,
while another is squalling because it is obliged to use it.
Around the table they come, one whining because it " hain't got
the right knife and fork, " another taking exception to its plate?
while all are asking for something at the same time, and each as
mad as a hornet because the other has the biggest piece, and at the
same time sniffling just enough to get another unwanted slice from
its indulgent mother. Then it is fun to see the little two-year old
get mad, just because she can't have all that is on the table;
refusing to eat because she can't have her cake and pie and nick-
nacks first; then to see her try to have revenge on her mother by
throwing her fork or spoon under the table, just to show her
indignation and to see her mother pick it up, — which her mother
always does, to gratify the 'poor little thing, ' who returns her
affection by throwing it down again in such a provoking manner
as to bring a loving mother's cuffing hand in red hot contact with
her little ears. Then comes the squall of bloody murder; then
comes the crawling down from the high chair position; then the
creeping under the table, where she flops herself face downward to
the floor, just to show her mother that her majesty is insulted, and
that she has rights which her mother is bound to respect; and there
she lies, mad as a wet hen, kicking and floundering if she is
noticed, and still more terribly mad if she is unnoticed.
While this interesting scene has been going on, the other children,
who are older grown, have taken advantage of the confusion and
have it all their own way. They have upset the coftee-cups all
over the table-cloth; the pies, the cake and the nick-nacks, have
gone the way of all the earth, and the sugar-bowl stands there as
a monument of what it once contained. And all this has been go-
37
^-'^6-3>,
600 HISTOKY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
ing on right under the eye of their father, who has neither seen
the sights nor heard the sounds.
It takes a veteran mother to whitewash and rig up a family of
fifteen or twenty children for school. One wants to wear her "red
frock," another her " white apron," another her " best gaiters,"
and all would like to wear their best hats, with feathers fluttering
in profusion. When these things are denied thenx, their wrath is
red-hot, and " 'tis music in the sinner's ears " to hear them howl.
One declares she won't go to school to-day, if she can't have
clothes like other children. Another says that all the other girls
wear better shoes to school than she has for Sunday; another in-
sists that there is not another hat in the whole school as liomely
as hers ; while another declares that she don't see why her father can't
get nice things as well as Smith, and Brown, and Jones. Another
is bound not to go to school because she "hain't got no books;"
another, because the other children made fun of her; another, be-
cause "the teacher ain't good for nothing;" another, because
some one has been exposed to the measles or the itch; and another
because she is sick, when the fact is, if she were allowed to rig up
in her best clothes, she would be well in less than five minutes.
After a great tribulation, and a, brief discussion, in which the
switch is used for an argument, a compromise is made with their
mother, by the terms of which they agree to go to school on the
conditions following, to wit: 1. That each one is to have a hand-
ful of white sugar before he or she starts. 2. That some day they
shall have as good clothes as other children. 3. That they shall
have a new set of books the first time their father goes to town.
4. That their mother shall put up for their dinners about twice as
much as they really want. 5. That their dinners shall consist of
cakes and pies, and pies and cakes, with a little more cake, and a
little more pie. 6. That they may come home at recess in the af-
ternoon, and especially if they get sick. 7. That they needn't go
to school the next day utdess they're a mind to. 8. That if they
go to school to-day, they may go to the nigger show to-night. 9.
That when they get a little bigger they shall have an organ. 10.
That their mother shall stay at home and that they may go to tie
next " Free Methodist camp-meeting." 11, That when they get
to be " young women " they needn't mind their father — unless he
" gets his dander up." 12. That if the teacher don't behave him-
self, they may quit the schojl altogether.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 601
Thej liavo started oft to school, and their mother strikes
up,
" O land of rest, for thee I sigh!"
We are glad to get rid of their noise. The mother says t!ie
teacher is paid for his work, and he may as well liave a little bother-
ation with them as to throw it all off on her. None are left at home
except the baby — and here she comes, bare-headed and bare-footed,
yelling, back to the house, because the older children, wlum she
has tried to follow oft, have driven her back. Bat a handful of
sugar, a doll-baby, and her father's razor to play with, soon takes
the pout out of her, and the business of the day begins.
The ftrst exercise is to whack her two hands into her mother's
dough ; then comes the knitting needles out of her mother's knit-
ting ; now oft goes the head from the doll-baby ; then the wheel-
barrow and hand-sled come into the house ; now the contents of
the trunks of the older children are inspected from top to bottom ;
then she tries to whittle a top out of a spool with her father's
razor ; and now the old cat and kittens have to be suspendad by
their tails till their patience is worn out, when they wheel on.
her and scratch themselves out of her clutches, and another
shower of yells is set up, which are quieted with another hand-
ful of sugai', and a complimentary rag is tied upon the wounded
linger.
CD
These interesting scenes are interspersed with a thousand and
one questions, among which is, who made her? and when she is
answered, that the Lord m^de all things, her inquisitiveness is ex-
cited and she wants to know who made the Lord ; and her mother,
tired of answering her questions, tells her to " dry up."
And so it goes all through the day, till here they come rattling
home from school like so many escaped pigs from a muddy pen.
Here comes one with the handle torn oft her dinner-basket; another,
with her apron in her hand ; another, with her wet feet ; another,
with a scratched face, while Young Am3rica comes with his trow-
sers legs ripped from his boots to his knees ; one goes for the
sugar-bowl, another for the preserves ; another for a loaf of bread,
and the pandemonium thus illustrated is but the foreground of the
hell that follows.
Now for a ride on the wheel-barrow and the hand-sled, with the
"littlest" always in front as a fender, and down the hill they go,
striking the trees and fences, half spilling and half killing the little
" fellers," who have been placed in front by the more crafty ones
602 UISTORV OF FLOYD COUNTY.
of experience. Then comes music — sweet chin-music from the
whole band, while up the hill they crawl witli tlieir red fingers
and earcs, vowing vengeance each on the other as they come up to
the appellant court of their indulgent mother to make an exhibit
of torn clothes and heads, and ears plastered with mud and snow.
The court, after patiently listening to the evidence, tlireatens to
*' skin them alive " if they ever do the like again ; and, for the want
of a whip in the house and a disposition to use one, the case goes
up to the supreme court of their father.
Slipper is ready and but one or two respond. They had too
much when they came home from school. After supper is over,
the performance begins : tops, marbles and doll-babies all come
around in turn. Then one gets into the rocking-chair, and all want
it, roust have it, can't do without it ; one crawls in back of the one
in front ; another, still behind her, and so on till the chair is full to
the top, when the one in front is crowded out and over goes the
chair, and down come the passengers, and another singing-school
is begun, where all the key-notes are struck, from the finest treble
to the coarsest bass.
The evening's entertainment winds up with a ball — through the
window, a doll all gone to smash, the rocker split off the rocking-
chair, and an endless variety of disputes.
Bed-time has come. There lies one under the table, fast asleep,
another under the stand, and another on the lounge. On being
aroused and ordered to bed, two or three of the youngest are bound
to sleep with their mother ; another will go up stairs for five cents ;
another wants a handful (<f sugar; another a stick of gum, till their
mother, provoked beyond endurance, brings out the album, and,
showing them the profile of their father, tells them she can hear
him coming, when they scamper off to bed in quick meter.
Many others in Floyd County have contributed able poems and
prose articles to the newspaper press, but mostly under initials only
or fictitious names ; a«, -'Crispin," ••Meave," "il. M. C," etc.
Also, we make honorable mention of Dr. J. W. Smith, Mrs. Lida
E. E-einiger, Miss H. F. Brainard and W. S. Rider (deceased).
CHAPTER XIV.
THE PRESS.
There is no instrumentality, not even excepting the pnlpit and
the bar, which exerts such an influence upon society as the press of
the land. It is the Archimedian lever that ra >ves the world. The
talented minister of the gospel on the Sabbath day preaches to a
few hundred people; on the following morning his thoughts are
reproduced more than a thousand fold, and are read and discussed
throughout the length and breadth of the land. The attorney at
the bar, in thrilling tones, pleads either for or against the criminal
arraigned for trial, ofcen causing the jury to bring in verdict against
the law and the testimony in the case. Plis words are reproduced
in every daily reached by the telegraphic wire, and his arguments
are calmly weighed by unprejudic3d m3n and accepted for what
they are worth. The politician takes the stand and addresses a
handful of men upon the political questions of the day, his speech
is reported and read by a thousand men for everyone that heard the
address. Suddenly the waters of one of our mighty rivers rise,
overflowing the land for miles and miles, rendering thousands of peo
pie homeless and without means to secure their daily bread. The
news is flashed over the wire, taken up by the press, and is known
and read of all men. No time is lost in sending to their relief—
the press has made known their wants and they are instantly sup-
plied. "Chicago is on fire! Two hundred millions worth of prop-
erty destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered homeless! " Such
is the dread intelligence proclaimed by the press. Food and cloth-
ing are hastily gathered, trains are chartered, and the immediate
wants of the sufferers are in a measure relieved.
The power for good or evil of the press, is to-day unlimited.
The sliort comings of the politician are made known through its
columns; the dark deeds of the wicked are exposed; and each fear
it alike. The controlling influence of a Nation, State or county
is its press, and tlie press of Floyd County is no exception to the
rule.
(603)
604 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
CHARLES CITY INTELLIGENCER.
The first newspaper printed and published in Floyd County was
the "St. Charles Republican InteUigencer.''^ This journal was
established, printed and owned by A. B, F. Hildreth and D. D.
W. Carver, both experienced newspaper men. Their printing ma-
terial was all new, purchased in New York City, and shipped thence
to St. Charles in the spring ot 18.56. These men also bought in
New York a chest of carpenter tools, with which, and with their
own hands, they erected in St. Charles (now Charles City) what
has ever since been known as the " Intelligencer Building," on the
corner of Main and Kelly streets. Much of the lumber for this
building they carried on their backs from the Kelly saw-mill at
the foot of Main street.
On the 31st of July, 1856, the initial number of i\\Q Litelligencer
made its appearance. It was a folio sheet, well edited, handsomely
printed, and contained seven columns to the page. It ha^l for its
motto the often misquoted words of Bishop Berkley:
" Westward the course of empire takes its way."
The news spread over town that the paper was about to appear,
and several persons desired to secure the first impression. As
there could be but one sheet of this kind, and nearly one hundred
people had assembled in front ( f the printing oflice, all eager for
the news, the crowd shouted: "Set up the first paper at
auction; we will bid on it." This request was complied with, after
which the following paragraph was promptly inserted:
" We stop the press to publish that, so great was the rush and
anxiety among our friends to secure l\\Qji7'st copy (irap.'-ession) of
the St. Charles Bepublican Intelligencer, an auction was proposed,
when Wm. Spencer, Esq., as auctioneer, struck ofi" the same to
the highest bidder for the handsome sum of $20. The Jueky pur-
chasers were Duncan Ferguson and G. B. Eastman, of the firm of
Ferguson & Eastman, bankers, dealers in exchange and land
agents, St. Charles, Floyd County, la."
Mr. Eastman was determined tbat the first impression of the
first number should not go out of town, and having to bid against
parties from Kockford, 111., who had interests here, the price ran
up to t)ie fabulous sum named above.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 605
At the close of tlie sale a large number of subscriptions were at
once handed in, and the demand for extra copies exceeded any-
thing of the kind previously experienced by these enterprising
pub
During the first year of the publication of the Intelligencer its
advertising patronage was so increased that, on Oct. 7, 1857,
it was enlarged so as to give nine columns to the page, or thirty-
six for the whole sheet. It was also given a new and beautiful
heading. For this, Mr. Hildreth designed a very pretty vignette,
having in the center the territorial seal of Iowa (a hawk with an
arrow in his beak and a bow in his talons), and on either side of it
emblems of the settlement of a new country — the emigrant
wagon, farming tools, sheaves of grain, the flowing river, flouring
mill, printing press, Indians' tents, and the red men gazing in
astonishment upon the changed order of things. This design was
engraved in Boston, and, with the entire heading, was electro-
typed at an expense of $30.
The financial crisis that came upon the country in 1857, affected
the business men of Floyd County as well as those of the Eastern
States, and just as the Intelligencer had enlarged its capabilities
for accommodating the business of the county, its patronage and
support began to decline; but the size of the paper was never cut
down, nor was there any falling off" in the ability and interest of
its editorial columns, as was the case at that time with nearly all
other Western newspapers. To maintain the present size and
character of the Intelligencer required economy and money, and
then its publication could only be continued at a loss, some years,
of many hundreds of dollars. Fortunately Mr. Hildreth had the
means to sustain himself in the arduous avocation. But his
partner, Mr. Carver, became discouraged, and Aug. 1, 1859, sold
out his interest in the paper to Mr. H., who conducted the business
thereafter alone.
In January, 1862, the name of the paper was changed to "Hil-
dreth's Charles City Intelligencer." Business revived, and the
paper prospered. From 1860, and during the succeeding nine
years, the Intelligencer was appointed, by the General Govern-
ment, as one of the papers in Iowa in which to publish the laws
of Congress. It also had the printing of the State laws during
that time. A review of its columns shows that it had an able
corps of correspondents, in Japan and on the continent of Europe,
as well as in Washington, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chi-
606 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
cago, and other parts of the United States, Among its poetic
contributors were Mrs. Elizabeth Akers Allen, of Richmond, Vir-
ginia, better known as "Florence Percy," author of "Rock Me to
Sleep, Mother;" W. A. Bacon, of Detroit, Michigan; Matilda
Fletcher, and many others of Iowa. Its regular army correspond-
ence during the war of the Rebellion, was full and of the highest
character. Among the latter writers was Wintield Scott Rider,
of Floyd, whose army letters were always perused with deep
interest.
In a volume entitled the "Yalley and the Shadow," now before
us, published in 1868 by J. M. Dixon, formerly associate editor of
the Iowa State Register at Des Moines, under the head of "Iowa
Journalism," we find the following:
"Many of my readers have noticed, for several years, a sheet oi
elegant appearance, called the Intelligencer^ which is published
in Charles City, Floyd County. Hon. A. B. F. Hildreth, its owner
and conductor, was a member, several years since, of the State
Board of Education, for which position his scholarly habits and
tastes clearly adapted him. Subsequently he was a member of
the Legislature, giving ample evidence that he was as proficient
in legislating for the general interests of Iowa as for the special
interests of popular education. His enterprise and his admirable
economy, as well as his talent in editorial management, give him
the ability to publish one of the finest looking weekly papers in
all the Israel of Iowa. He is a gentleman of quick conception,
of careful but not hesitating judgment, passionate in his love of
literature, and very strong in his general attachments and pre-
possessions. It is a miracle of success, that he never was com-
pelled, through all the vicissitudes of the past eight years, to
reduce the size of his very large paper, or to make any radical
changes in it which looked to diminution of weekly expenditure."
It must not be supposed that all was smooth sailing and an open
sea in the management ot the Intelligencer. With the masses of
the people the paper was always popular, but with certain unwor-
thy third-rate politicians the case was different. Men of this class
found but little favor in the columns of the Intelligencer^ and of
course they were not pleased with it. ^ These " political paupers "
always wish to ride the press, but are never known to pay for
riding. When their " claims " were rejected, and coaxing and
flattery would effect nothing, threats were tried; they would "kill the
paper and hang its liide on the fence." But instead of the "killing"
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 607
the paper would thrive all the better under this kind of opposition.
The common people are honest. They like a bold, faithful leader,
one who will protect their interests and expose corruption ; and
when men set themselves up for office who had never shown
capability in any legitimate business of their own, and abused the
Intelligencer because the}' could not control it, the citizens of the
county would ^ive it a still more liberal support. The paper was
always Republican in politics, and "principles rather than men"
seems to have been its guiding sentiment. Under Mr. Hildreth's
management it always maintained a high moral tone. Ever}'
parent felt safe in placing it in the hands of his children.
Specialist medical advertisements were scrupulously excluded from
its columns, no matter what the money temptation might be to
procure their insertion.
On the 1st of October, 1870, after a period of fourteen years'
laborious editorial service in Charles City, Mr. Hildreth sold the
Intelligencer and his entire printing establishment to Messrs.
Dyke & Howell, and retired permanently from the field of
journalism.
Mr. Rowell, who had been for a number of years an employe in
the government printing office in Washington, not taking a liking
to the West, sold his interest in the paper to W. H. Leonard, Feb,
16, 1871. In October of the next year, Mr. Leonard having been
offered a half interest in the Janesville, Wis., Recorder, on very
advantageous terms, sold out to C. L. Dyke, and the firm name of
the publishers became Dyke Bros., the same as to-day. During
this year Kev. John A. Cruzan, the " printer preacher," edited a
religious column, which added much to the value of the paper,
lie was pastor of the Congregational church. In the spring of
1874 the publishers were taken with the California fever, and on
the first of May sold to the Owens Bros., and wended their way to
the Eldorado. In July of this year, the old and beautiful heading
was changed for the one in use at present, and the page head-lines
were dropped. Feb. 25, 1875, II. L. Owens, who had become sole
proprietor in the preceding fall, sold to C. A. Slocum, who in turn,
March 16, 1876, sold to Dyke Bros,, who had returned from Cali-
fornia, and the papej* has since been controlled by the latter. In
1876-'7, a temperance column was published, with Mrs, E. L, Slo-
cum, editor; she was succeeded by Addis Schermerhorn, and the
column was a feature of the paper until after the passage of the
amendment, when it was discontinued. In 1878-'9, a teachers
608 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
column was edited bj Capt. G. H. Nichols, County Superintend-
ent of Schools. The Intelligencer has always led the other papers
of the county in circulation, and since 1876, when Dyke Bros, last
purchased it, has run up its list from less tli*^n 800, to over 1,400,
which circulation it still maintains. The office is one of the best-
equipped in Northern Iowa, It has a ten-column Campbell press
(without tapes) for newsj)aper work, half Nonpareil, and eight
Peerless presses for job work, Peerless paper cutter, and an im-
mense amount of material of all kinds necessary for a first-class
office. The power is supplied by wire cable from the Water Power
Company's mill, 514 feet distant, and is carried over the roofs of
several high buildings. It is the perfection of power, safj, steady
and reliable. The Dyke Bros, are both practical printers, and
as ready with the composing stick and rule as with the pen, which
accounts something for their success in the business. The paper
has always been staunch Bepublican, and is the recognize! organ
of the better elements of the party. Its proprietors have always
carefully refrained from surrendering it to any of the "isms"
which have of late years infested politics, consequently it has the
confidence of the "bone and sinew " of the great party which has
ruled Iowa so many years. It has often had bitter political fights
on hand, but these have usually been managed with such consum-
mate skill as to secure success for its side ot the contest. Of course,
such a paper has enemies, but its hosts of friends outnumber them
a hundred to one.
The general style of tlie paper is very neat and tasty, and the
editorial work and make-up and press work, is a credit to Iowa
journalism, than which no higher praise can be given.
There are less than a score of older papers in the State, and it
has never changed its name or its politics.
E. B. Dyke is editor, and C. L. Dyke business manager.
Azro Benjamin Franklin Hildreth, one of the early settlers of
Charles City, was born in Chelsea, Orange County, Yt., on the
29th day of February, A. D. 1816. His father, Daniel Hildreth,
was born in Pepperell, Middlesex County, Mass., in 1783, and at an
early age removed with his parents to Vermont. James Hildreth,
father of Daniel Hildreth, and grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was of the old Puritan stock, and of English origin.
Richard Hildreth, the progenitor of all the Hildreths in America,
came with a small colony of Puritans from the north of England,
about twenty years after the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 609
Rock, and settled in Woburn, near Boston. The mother of Daniel
Hildreth, and wit'L! of James Hildreth, was Esther Fletcher,
daughter of Lieutenant Timothy Fletcher, of "Westford, Mass., a
gentleman of some note at tlie time of, and previous to, the Revo-
lution, and whose family name, as well as that of Hildreth, has
been somewhat distinguished to the present day. Daniel Web-
ster's first wife was of that family, and their oldest son bore the
cognomen of Fletcher Webster.
The mother of A. B. F. Hildreth was Clarissa Tyler, daughter
of Jonathan Tyler. She was born in Piermont, Grafton County,
N. H., July 5, 1794.
History informs us that, in the year 1682, a family of emigrants
arrived from England, bearing the name of Tyler. The father's
christian name is not given. His sons were Daniel, David and
John. Daniel settled in Connecticut, David in Massachusetts,
anl John in New Jersey. The families of the first two passed up
the valley of the Connecticut River, and located in Piermont,
N. H., while the New Jersey branch wandered southward to Yir-
ginia. To the latter branch belonged John Tyler, who was at one
time President of the United States.
The wife of Jonathan Tyler, son of Daniel Tyler, was Sarah
McConnell, to whom he was married shortly after settling in Pier-
mont, when she was of the tender age of twelve and one-half years.
She was of Scotch origii), of far complexion, and her beauty so
won tlie affection of young Tyler that, young as she was, he was
induced to propose marriage, and was accepted. She was the
mother of thii'teen children, and died in 1815, at the age of
fifty-three years, beloved and lamented by all who knew her.
Her husband, Jonathan Tyler, lived to the advanced age of nine-
ty-six years, and died in 1818, at Piermont, N. H. He was a
soldier of the war of 1812-'15.
Daniel Hildreth and Clarissa Tyler were united in wedlock at
Piermont, X. H., Jn.ie 9, 1814, and immediately rem3ved to their
new home in Chelsea, Yt. A farm had been purchased in that
new locality, and here they, with toil and patience, m ide them a
home which in time afforded many of the comforts and even lux-
uries of life. There were born to them twelve children, six sons
and six daughters, of whom A. B. F. Hildreth was the oldest.
Daniel Hildreth, the father, died on the old homestead, in 1858,
at the age of seventy-five years and six months. His wife sur-
vived him a little more than eleven years, and died in 1870, aged
GIO HISTORY or FLOYD COUNTY'.
seventy-five years and nine months. Both were members of the
Congregational church, and died, as they had lived, sincere and
devoted Christians. Agriculture was their principal avocation
through life. In the business of stock raising, horses ani cattle,
and especially in wool-growing, the frimiiy were quite successful,
and enjoyed a fair share of this world's goods.
It will bs seen from the above that A. B. F. Hildreth wa^ born
and bred a fanner. He early manifested a fondness for books and
soon acquired a good common-school education. When at the age of
sixteen years, he taught a district school in Pierraoat, New Hamp-
shire. The present companion of his declining years was then a pupil
in his school, and gave him the cognomen of " The beardless school-
master. -'' For several years he was accustomed to toil upon his
father's farm during the spring and summer months, attend a fall
term at the academy, and teach a school in the winter.
At the age of twenty years Mr. Hildreth obtained the consent of
his parents to go out into the world and seek his fortune. He
soon found himself in the city of New York, and obtained employ-
ment therein the house of a book publisher. The next spring, 1837^
he was thrown out of business by the failure of his employer, who
went down in the terrible financial crash that year. His preserva-
tion from vice or crime, while in that city, may be attributed to
the excellent moral and religious training which he had received
from his parents.
Eeturning to the old home in the Green Mountain State, and
loving literature better than farming, he accepted a position in the
newspaper and job printing establishment of Wm. Hewes, in his
native town, where he gained a knowledge of the art of printing
and the profession of a journalist. In 1839 he located in Lowell,
Mass., and established himself in business as printer and publisher.
His publications there were the Daily Morning News, the Lit-
erary Souuenir (weekly), and the Ladies'* Literary Repository
(semi-monthly).
After a few years Mr. Hildreth sold out his business in Lowell
and removed to Boston, but was soon induced to enter the field of
journalism again, in Bradford, Vt. Here, in 1843, he opened a
newspaper and job printing establishment, and began the publica-
tion of a weekly newspaper called the American Protector, a high
tariff or protectionist paper, which advocated the election of Henry
Clay for President ; and a monthly magazine known as the Oreen
Mountain Gem.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 611
With the defeat of Henry Clay subsided the hopes and energies
of the protection or Whig party in Vermont. The publication of
the Protector was discontinued, and in its place was issued the
Yermont Family Gazette, a weekly literary and family news-
paper. This latter journal soon became popular throughout
Vermont, had a good circulation, and in connection with the
Green Mountain Gem, gave its enterprising publisher a hand-
some support. After continuing the printing and publishing
business in Bradford some ten years, a returned Californian, with
his pockets full of gold, came along and bought out the entire
business, leaving Mr. Ilildreth free to seek new fields of labor.
While living in Bradford, on the 21st day of October, 1844,
Mr. Ilildreth was married to Liveria Aurette Knight, of Frye-
burg, Oxford County, Maine, a lady of education and refinement.
Her father was Josiah Knight, then proprietor of the celebrated
Oxford House, the popular stage hotel at that place, on the route
from Portland to the White Mountains; and for tlie last twenty-five
years he was a venerable citizen of Charles City, Iowa.
Mr. Knight was a son of Dr. Jonathan Knight, and was born
in Westmoreland, N. H., March 8, 1792. He died at Charles
City, Iowa, March 16, 1882, aged ninety years and eight days.
His mother's maiden name was Betsey Dudley, who was born at
Harvard, Mass., Oct. 31, 1761, and died in Pierraont, N. H. ,
May 8, 1866, at the remarkable age of 103 years and 6* months.
The mother of Mrs. Hildreth, and wife of Josiah Knight, was
Betsey Joslin, daughter of Peter Joslin, who married Sarah Kid-
der in Wincliendon, Mass., June 1, 1785. Mrs. Knight was born
in Wincliendon Jan. 1, 1789, and died in Charles City, la.,
Dec. 25, 1858, aged sixty-nine years. She was a most estimable
woman.
Mrs. Hildreth was born in Surry, N. H., June 11, 1817. Her
<^»n1y child was Mary Liveria Aurette Hildreth, born at Bradford,
Vt, June 23, 1851, and died in Charles City, Iowa, Nov. 30, 1857,
aged six years, five months and seven days. She was a precocious
child. In her birth many hopes were centered — in her death all
these were forever blasted.
After closing up his business in Bradford, Vt., Mr. Ilildreth
removed to Holyoke, Mass., in January, 1853, and engaged in
mercantile business. Not many months elapsed before some of
the leading citizens there, induced him to relinquish his store and
once more engage in the work of newspaper printing and publish-
612 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
ing. In this he was very successful. His newspaper was called
the Holyoke Mirror. He conducted the business until Novem-
ber, 1855, when he sold out, and in the spring of 1856 removed to
Charles City, la.
At that time Floyd County was a new country, and many hard-
ships and privations were to be endured. Here was opened a
broad field for enterprise and usefulness. How unlike the old
overcrowded towns of Eastern States, where business is overdone
and competition crowds out or crushes under every new comer,
who is looked upon as an interloper. In the great and growing
West men are wanted and are welcomed. In those days Charles
City contained a population of only a few hundred. Kot a dozen
frame houses were to be seen in the whole town, the others being
built of logs. Provisions were very scarce, and could only be
obtained at high prices. The few settlers who had come into the
county during the previous year had raised but a small quantity
of farm produce, not nearly enough to supply the rapidly increasing
demand of the new settlers who succeeded them. There was no
time for idleness.
Mr. Hildretli erected a two-story frame building, the lower story
for a store and the upper story for his printing office, and had i
ready for occupancy in June, and before cold weather came he had
also built a comfortable dwelling-house.
On the 31st of July, 1856, he issued the first number of his
newspaper, the Bepuhlican Intelligencer. It contained sev
columns to the page, was handsomely printed, and furnished much
interesting and valuable reading. The advent of this journal in
this then new town, was an event of much importance to settlers,
and the ^n'^ 5/^(?e^ struck off was sold at auction for $20. During
the day and evening a large number of subscriptions was handed
in, and three editions of the paper of 1,000 each were printed be-
fore the demand could be supplied. The Intelligencer grew to be
a power in the land. Before the year closed it was enlarged to
nine columns to the page. When first started, the politics of the
county were controlled by the Democrats. This was soon changed.
The Republicans came into power and have held control of the
county ever since.
In 1858 Mr. Hildretli was elected as a member of the State
Board of Education, representing a district composed of the coun-
ties of Allamakee, Winneshiek, Howard, Mitchell, Floyd, Chicka-
saw, Fayette, Clayton, Bremer, and Butler. This board held its
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUMTY. 633
biennial session in the Capitol at Des Moines, and had control of
all the educational interests of the State, except private or secta-
rian institutions. As a member of this board, Mr. Hil-
dreth held a prominent and leading position, and the impress
of his mind and acts is still left upon the educational
laws and institutions of the State. Among the more impor-
tant results of his legislative efforts in behalf of education was
a law requiring the State University at Iowa City, to be opened to
3'oung ladies and free alike to them, as well as young gentlemen.
This measure met with considerable opposition, both from the peo-
ple and the press of the State — it being the popular opinion that
it would never do to educate the sexes together. What an absur-
dity ! As if men and women were not created for each other's
society. The law prevailed, providing that the State University
shall be for the free education of the youth of Iowa of hoth sexes
upon equal terms in all respects ; and to-day no legislator dare
raise his hand or voice in favor of its repeal.
A few years later, when Mr. Hildreth was a member of the Gen-
eral Assembly, he was appointed by that body as chairman of a
select committee to investigate and report upon the affairs of the
university. He has said that one of the proudest days of his life
was when he was permitted to stand up in the university chapel,
in the presence of more than two hundred young lady students,
and nearly as many young gentlemen students, and, in the course
of an address requested by the President, explain how it happened
that those young ladies were permitted to enjoy such exalted edu-
cational privileges. When the exercises had closed the grateful
thanks tendered him by those young ladies for his efforts in their
behalf, repaid him a thousand fold for all that he had done for them.
The officers and professors of the university assured him that the
plan of the co-education of the sexes was working well. A spirit
of emulation and rivalry was awakened which was profitable to
both, and there was no difficulty in regard to morals or general de-
portment.
In the spring of 1861, immediately after the war of the Rebell-
ion, Mr. Hildreth was appointed Draft Commissioner for Floyd
County, by Gov. S.J. Kirkwood, since known as Iowa's "war
governor." Every able-bodied citizen, liable to bear arms, was
promptly enrolled and held subject to draft whenever a draft
should be ordered. This difficult and delicate business was trans-
acted faithfully and to the satisfaction of all conperned.
614 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
In the fall of 1863 Mr. Hildretli was elected to represent the
Fifty-fourth District of Iowa in the Tenth General Assembi3^ As
a legislator he acquitted himself with much credit and to the gen-
eral acceptance of his constituents. He was appointed Chairman
of the Committee on Schools and State University, and was also a
member of the Committee on Banks and Banking, and of the
Committee on Printing. Any one at all familiar with the work of
legislation can readily understand that these were very important
committees, and that the amount of labor incumbent upon them
was necessarily large.
Mr. Hildretli was very successful in carrying through the Legisla-
ture whatever measure he was interested in. Among the more
important, and one that proved of lasting benefit to his part of the
State, was a memorial to Congress asking for a grant of land to
aid in tbe construction of a railroad on or near the forty-third par-
allel of north latitude, and passing from McGregor, on the Missis-
sippi River, westward through his own town of Charles City.
Repeated efforts had been made by others to obtain this land grant
and secure the building of this railroad, but all had signally failed
until the enterprise was taken hold of by Mr. Hildreth.
A copy of the memorial, above referred to, maybe found in this
volume in that portion of the chapter on railroads which pertains
to the McGregor & "Western Railroad, now known as the " Iowa
& Dakota Division of the Chicago Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
road.
Hon. James Harlan, then a member of the United States Sen-
ate, introduced a bill in the Senate, making a grant of lands as
prayed for in the memorial, which became a law, and as a result
the railroad was built and operated within a few years thereafter,
greatly to the convenience and benefit of the settlers along the
line of the road.
Mr. Hildreth was one of the incorporators of the Congregational
society of Charles City, of which church his wife was a member.
He is somewhat liberal in his religious views, and inclines to the
sentiments of the Unitarian wing of the JSTew England Congre-
gationalist?, who are a very numerous and influential body of
Christians in New England. Both he and his wife are constant
attendants and supporters of the Congregational church.
On the first of October, 1870, Mr. Hildreth sold the Intelligen-
cer newspaper and his entire printing establishment to Messrs.
Dyke & Rowell, and retired from active business. Having only
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY, 615
himself and wife to provide for, lie believed he had acquired a
competency for their remaining years. They have a pleasant
home, surrounded with many attractions and pleasing associations.
Here they are enjoying- the fruits of an industrious and useful life
in the perusal of a well stocked library, and in social intercourse
with neighbors and friends.
In the spring- of 1871 the First National Bank of Charles City
was organized. In this enterprise Mr, Hildreth took an active
part. From the beginning he has been one of its directors, and a
part of the time vice-president.
On the 25th of August, 1873, the Floyd County Savings Bank,
at Charles City, was incorporated. In this institution Mr, Hil-
dreth has ever been a stockholder and director. At the first meet-
ing of the board he was elected its president and has held that
office to the present time.
For many years Mr. Hildreth has been a member of the School
Board of Charles City, and much of the time has been its presi-
dent, which office he now holds. His well known educational
tastes and proclivities, as well as business tact, admirably fit him
for that position. He was never an office-seeker, and it is said that
he was never known to ask a man for his vote. His idea of pro-
priety in such matters is, that the office should seek the man and
not the man the office. As a business man he has the confidence
of all who know him, and no one can gainsay his integrity.
Eugene B, Dyke, editor of the Intelligencer, was born in
Parish, Oswego County, N, Y., Jan. 11, 1842. He is of pure New
England stock, and his ancestors on both sides date back of the
Kevolution, in which his great-grandfathers served as patriot sol.
diers. He came west with his parents in 1854, settling in Wal-
worth County, Wisconsin. Here his life was passed upon the farm
until 1861, when he entered the freshman class in Beloit College.
He was absent from school during a part of his coarse, serving as
a soldier in the Union army, in Company C, Forty-seventh Iowa
Infantry. Keturning to Beloit, he graduated with honor in the
class of 1865. The next fall he commenced the study of law in
the office of Sanders & Ludington, Syracuse, N. Y., where he was
admitted to the bar in April, 1877. The next year was spent in
legal study with the late Judge Knowlton of Chicago. Then for
two years he occupied the position of superintendent of the graded
schools of Rockville, Ind., which position he resigned in 1870 to
38
616 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
come to Charleii Citj, where he had purchased the Intelligencer ol
its founder, Hon. A. B. F. Hildreth. Since that time, except the
years 1874-'5, which he spent in California, his fortunes have been
identified witli those of his paper, which is among the oldest and
most influential in the State. In December, 1873, Mr. Dyke was
married to Miss Emily C. Gilbert, eldest daughter of Milo Gilbert,
Esq., of Charles City. They have two children, Harry N., and
Eva J., aged nine and six years respectively. Politically Mr. Dyke
is a radical Republican, and conducts his paper on that basis; but
at the same time, no man is more free and independent in criticis-
ing and censuring what he believes to be the faults and mistakes
of his own party. He has always had pronounced views on all
public questions, and has been free and fearless in expressing them.
THE FLOYD COUNTY ADVOCATE.
The JBloyd County Advocate^ was established in Charles City by
Valentine Baltufi^, and first number sent out on Friday, Nov. 20,
1868, as a staunch Republican eight-column folio, half co-operative.
On Tuesday, June 22, 1869, he commenced issuing a semi-weekly,
» continuing until Jan. 1, 1870, then discontinuing it and returning to
the weekly. On the 1st of April, 1873, C. A. Sloane bought the
paper, material and good-will of the ofiice, and on the lith of
May, same year, with new presses, new type and steam-power
issued the Advocate with all home print and the largest paper in the
county, establishing temperance and religious departments, which
have been maintained ever since. Jan. 1, 1879, P. M. Wilbur
was associated as partner, continuing until Oct. 1, 1881, when he
retired and Mr. Slocum managed the paper alone. Through the
campaign of the Prohibition amendment, the ^6^(9m^e was earnest
and diligent for its adoption, but remaining firm in its allegiance
to the Republican party. It represents the highest moral tone of
the community, having a principle to maintain in all its efforts.
Yalentine Baltuff, founder of the J^loyd Cuunty Advocate^
and grocer, Charles City, was born in New York City, Jan. 1, 1834;
his parents were Peter and Mary (Griffin) Baltuft'. The former
was a native of Germany, and came to America when a young
man, locating in New York City, and engaged in merchant tailor-
ing. He was a member of the German Methodist and she of the
Episcopal church. They had a family of four sons and one daughter.
HISTOKY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 617
Valentine, subject of this sketch, was the eldest. When three
years of age his father moved to Watertown, JSTew York, and Val-
entine attended school until fifteen years of age, when he learned
the printer's trade, at which he worked in jN'ew York, Wisconsin,
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. At Lodi, Wisconsin, he
published a paper, the Lodi Herald^ and the Columbus Tran^
script^ at Columbus, Wisconsin. In 1868, he sold out here and
came to Charles City and established the Jbloyd County Advocate^
and conducted this until 1878, when he sold out on account of
poor health. In 1879, he purchased his present grocery store.
Mr. Baltuff married Miss M. LibbieMcCall, at Waukesha, Wis.
Sept. 26, 1859. She was born at Rushford, Allegany County,
N. Y., and was a daughter of Aneil and Mary E. (Griffith) McCall.
Mrs. Baltuff is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. and
Mrs. Baltuff have had seven children, viz. : Harry A., born July 21,
1860, foreman of the job room of the Advocate in Charles City ;
Cora, Charles, Guj'-, Irvie, Kellie and Joseph, residing with their
parents. Mr. Baltuff is a member of St. Charles Lodge, A. F. &
A. M., No. 141, and of Almond Chapter, No. 52.
^C. A. Slocum was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., Feb. 21,
1836. Was reared in Edmestun, Otsego County, N. Y., receiving
his education in the village schools and New Berlin, N. Y.,
Academy. In April, 1855, he came west to Wisconsin in company
with three other young men. He there worked at and learned the
carpenter's trade. February, 1859, went to St. Louis, Mo., working
at his trade until October, 1860, when he went to Madison Parish,
La., to work on plantation buildings, arriving there October 22,
and remaining until April 22, 1861, after the Rebellion had become
very exciting, and came to St. Louis on the last steamer north
from Vicksburg. After one week in that city of excitement came
to Charles City, arriving May 7, working at his trade through
the summer, and in the following winter teaching the higher of
the two town schools, Miss Ellen S. Wilbur (whom he married
Aug. 26, 1863), teaching the primary. In August, 1862 with E.
A. Reiniger commenced to raise a company for the Iowa Volun-
teers. At its organization he was elected Captain, The company
was made " G " Company of the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infontry,
and rendezvoused at Dubuque, la.; mustered in, Oct., 3, 1862.
The regiment had a varied experience in Northern Minnesota
first, then in the South and West, participating in many hard fights
and terrible battles. He was wounded April 9, 1864, with a piece
618 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
of shell at Simmesport, La,, in the last battle of the Ked River
Expedition. Came home in the spring of 1865. Jan. 1, 1866, went,
into County Treasurer's office as deputy. Remaining six years
Jan. 1, 1872, was inaugurated County Auditor, holding the office
until April, 1875, when he resigned, that he might give more time
to the Charles City Intelligencer which he purchased in February,
1875. His health becoming poor from overwork, sold the Intelli-
gencer in March, 1876. For two years after he devoted his time to
a large real estate business which had been growing from 1867.
In April, 1878, he bought the Floyd County Advocate^ for the
purpose of advancing if possible the cause of Prohibition, and at
the same time establishing himself in business which was to his
taste. He was an ardent champion for the Amendment in the
Republican party, and holds fast to the moral vantage gained. For
more than fourteen years he has been a member of the Congrega-
tional Church and Sunday-school. Three times he has served on
the Iowa and City Council, and in 1865 and 1866 was a member of
the Township School Board. Mr. and Mrs. Slocum have four chil-
dren, three bovs and one girl — W. Erskine, aged nearlv six.
/ *J C* I CD </
teen; Gurnsey M., aged twelve; Horace W., aged nine, and Faith
A., aged seven,
SHELL KOCK VALLEY GUAED.
This was a small-four page, seven-column weekly, started in
1872 by Edward "Wood & Co. The paper was kept up for nearly
three years, the latter part of the time by Mr. "Wood alone. It
was at first Republican in politics. After a time Mr. Wood was
coverted to the Democracy, and the paper also became of that
faith. Mr. "Wood then moved himself andpaj)er to Decorah, Iowa.
He is now editing a paper in Fremont County. The Guard was
published in the old Masonic building, and was the precursor of
the Rockford Reveille.
EOCKFOKD REVEILLE,
The Beveille was started at Nora Springs, Thursday, Feb. 5,
1 874. The proprietors were H. Gage, "W. P. Gaylord and R. E.
Robinson, the last two of whom acted as editors. It appeared as
a four-page weekly, twenty-eight inches long, and eight columns to
the page. It showed in its first number evidence of Mr. Gay-
lord's editorial ability, and the editorials were from the first spicy
and vigorous. "We give a few extracts from Mr. Gaylord's
salutatory. • •
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 619
" Impelled by considerations of a higher and more inspiring
character than those of private revenge or pecuniary gain, we
have determined to edit, print and publish a newspaper at Nora
Springs, Iowa. "With us this is an experiment untried. To succeed
we are aware that it will require patience and energy, wisdom and
wit, time and cash, and a decent respect for the opinions of man
kind. Whether we possess any or all of these qualifications will
be for a discerning public to decide after we have had a fair trial
and have made a full exhibit. In politics we are Republican. In
religion, liberal. We shall be radical in all things and neutral in
nothing; at all times avoiding an unjustifiable war on individuals
or combinations; but when assailed without cause or provocation,
we shall endeavor to leave the imprint of our teeth on our
assailant.
"We propose to receive blows as well as give them, and our col-
umns shall be ever free and our types ever ready to apologize or
explain.
" Relying with unshaken confidence on the progressive intelli-
gence and appreciative characteristics of a Western people, and on
the continued and rapidly increasing prosperity of Nora Springs
and its beautiful surroundings, we have selected a press and
material inferior to none in this region, and intend to use them for
the glory of God and the good of mankind.
"We have been told that one paper in a town like this is enough.
So is one merchant, one lawyer, one doctor, one teacher, and one
wise-phool; but if others choose to ' cast in their nets,' we know of
no law this side of the Mosaic code to prevent it.
"We have been told that the sheritf will sell us out in less than a
year ; and that may be true, but if he advertises his ' sale ' in the
paper that has the ' largest circulation,' we shall know all about
it, and shall be there in person or by legal representatives. We
have been told that there is not news enough in a town like Nora
Springs to make a paper interesting. Of course, we do not expect
all the first-class sensations that horrify towns of older and larger
growth, but our friends should remember that Nora Springs is
rapidly growing, and as it grows older it will grow more and
more wicked, and wickedness is one of the elements of journalism.
' ' Should these fruitful sources fail, then, as a dernier resort^ we
shall fall back on, and turn our attention to, prophesying.
" If astronomers, after having suveyed the face of nature, can
predict with accuracy what the weather will be, then why cannot
620 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
editors survey the face of men, and correctly prophesy what the
news will be ? News is what we must have, and if events do not
transpire rapidly enough for our use, we shall be obliged to draw
largely on the imagination, so that if we should fail as editors and
proprietors, we may succeed as prophets."
The Reveille bore from its first issue till that of May 23, 1878,
a very appropriate motto: " Superior to adversity, equal to pros-
perity." It was discontinued by Robert Eggert at the same time
that he enlarged the paper.
Jan. 1, 1875, important changes were made in the management
of the Reveille. The paper was removed to Rockford, and its
name changed to the Rockford Reveille. R. E. Robinson was
the publishex', and Gaylord & Robinson's names appeared as
editors still. Mr. Robinson removed to Rockford with the paper,
and edited the local columns, and Mr. Gaylord remained at ISTora
Springs, sending his editorials by mail each week. This removal
to Rockford seemed to be the best thing, under the circumstances,
as the Reveille had an active rival at IS^ora Sj^rings, in the shape of
the Floyd County Press, while Rockford, a place of about the
same size and prospects as JS^ora Springs, had no paper at all, the
Shell Rock Valley Guard having been discontinued.
In April of the same year Captain Orlo H. Lyon, of Rockford,
purchased a one-half interest in the Reveille, and his name ap-
peared as one of the editors. In August, 1876, Mr. Robinson re-
tired from the paper, having accepted a position in California.
Captain Lyon was then sole proprietor until July 26, 1877, when
he sold to Robert Eggert and H. B. ]Nies, the latter of whom had
been for some time foreman in the office. Captain Lyon was, until
this time, also the actual editor, though until May 24, 1877, Mr.
Gaylord's name was inserted as associate editor and he kept up a
department on the second page headed "Nora Springs." Captain
Lyon had bought the paper when it was a losing concern, and
during his connection with it had, by energy and industry, converted
it into a paying paper. He had undertaken the work for the sake
of Rockford, believing that the town needed a paper and could sup-
port it, and he deserves great credit for his success. A fall biog-
raphical sketch of Captain Lyon is given elsewhere in this volume.
Eggert and Nies then conducted the Reveille until April, 1878,
when Mr. Nies retired, leaving Mr. Eggert sole editor and proprie-
tor. He enlarged the paper to nine columns to the page, May 23,
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 621
of the same year, and continued in charge of the paper until July,
1882, when he sold to F. L. Whitney & Co.
F. L. Whitney, editor and one of the proprietors of the Reveille,
was born at Eockford, April 10, 1861. His parents were Lewellyn
and Pamelia (Otis) Whitney, the former a native of Maine, being
born at Corinna in that State, and the latter of New York, born at
Potsdam. Mr. Whitney was a millwright by occupation. He
was married March 25, 1852, at New Haven, Conn. He re-
moved from there to Morrisania, N. Y., and from there in
March, ISJrT, to Rockford, Floyd County, Iowa. Mr. Whitney
has since been engaged in various pursuits, and still resides at
Eockford, with Mrs. Whitney. Mr, Whitney's parents still live,
at an advanced age, at Hampton, Franklin County; and Mrs. Whit-
ney's parents are also both alive, at Eochelle, 111.
Mr. and Mrs. Whitney have had six children born, of whom four
are now living — Ella Jeannette, was born Nov. 1, 1854, and died Oct.
12, 1855. Adella L. E., was born Nov. 5, and died at the age of
six years. Mar}^ Estella, was born Dec. 3, 1858, and was married
to Edwin C. Hazlett, March 25, 1878. Francis L., our subject,
was born April 10, 1861. George F., was born March 22, 1864,
and resides at home. John B., was born March 16, 1866, and is
also at home.
Francis L., the subject of this sketch, passed his early life in
Eockford, receiving his education in the public schools, and by
select reading at home. Aug. 9, 1876, he went to Hampton, Frank-
lin County, Iowa, and entered the office of his uncle, John C.
Whitney, editor and proprietor of the Hampton Chronicle. Here
he remained nearly six years; three years as apprentice, and three
as foreman. He is naturally devoted to the business, and
his experience derived in his uncle's office, together with his na-
tural capacity and and energy, are the best assurances of his suc-
cess in his new undertaking, the management of t\\Q Reveille. He
bought this in partnership with his father in the early part of July,
1882, of Eobert Eggert, and his first number was issued July 13.
MAKBLE ROCK WEEKLY.
The southwestern part of Floyd County supports a newsy, read-
able paper of the above name at Marble Eock. It was established
at Marble Eock, in 1875, the first number being issued Aug. 12.
The proprietor and editor was L. J. Keyes. formerly of Waverly,
Bremer County, now well-known as the editor of the OddFellows'
622 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Monitor, published at ISTora Springs, in this county. The paper
when started was, as now, a four-page weekly, the inside printed
on the "co-operative" plan, and containing the usual miscella-
neous reading, and the outside, or first and fourth pages, contain"
ing the editorials and local items. There was a good showing of
advertisements, almost all of them of firms in Marble Rock,
showing that the merchants of the village were sensible of the
necessity for cordially supporting a home paper, in order to build
up their already flourishing place.
The Weekly was at first 20 x 32, six columns to the page. In
187T it was enlarged to seven columns to the page, and after a short
time it was again enlarged, this time to eight columns to the page,
the sheet being 24x36. The publishers at this time were George
H. Mchols & Co. Nov. 9, 1876, Mr. Keyes sold an interest in
the paper to George H. Nichols, who had taught school the year
previous at Marble Rock, but was formerly from Cedar Rapids.
The firm name then became Nichols & Keyes; Mr. Nichols
assuming the editorial management of the paper, and Mr. Keyes
confining himself to the mechanical part of the paper, and to job
work. The firm placed a motto at the head of their sheet — "With
malice toward none, and charity for all." This motto has been
keyjt to the present time. Mr. Nichols was a writer of some
ability, and a ready thinker. His "editorial bow," which ap-
peared in the first number after he assumed charge, is here given:
" Here I am, five feet ten in my stockings, a native of the
Empire State. I was born pretty, but I lost my i'ront teeth at an
early age, and never fully recovered from the deformity. My run-
ning weight is one hundred and forty pounds avordupois, and
chuck full of newspaper grit, but veiy modest. I don't know
enough to write as funny as ' Orpheus C. Kerr ' and ' Artemus
Ward,' and after much study I am forced to the conclusion that
'Nasby's' early education has been neglected; in fact, he can't
spell, and of course won't do for a model, so our readers will have
to take it my way. Politically, we shall ever pin our faith, to the
principles pi^omulgated by the Republican party, and while we
may admit, that the party has been guilty of errors, we can never
forget that its party work has been grand and triumphant. It has
broken the shackles of four millions of human beings. It has
gi^en us the best currency in the civilized world. It has proven
that international arbitration is productive of better results than
court chambers. That the declaration of independence made by
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 623
our forefathers, was no idle boast. It has promptly brought to
justice, without regard to rank or station, all who would be leeches
upon the country's revenue, and ' with malice toward none, and
charity for all' we will stand by the principles so ably expounded
by our martyred President. To the press of northern Iowa we
would say, that it is with no small degree of hesitation, or light
estimate of the duties devolving upon us, that we assume this po-
sition. It has been truly said, that as is the press so are the peo-
ple. Tliat Iowa, so young in years, takes front rank with older
States in commerce, agriculture and education, is largelj' owing to
the fact that her press has been backed by men with grit and brains •
Men who know the right; and dare to do it. May our "Faber"
never do aught to tarnish Iowa journalism. To our immediate pat-
rons, we would say, that the generous manner in which you have
given your influence and money in support of the Weekly^ proves
that you have intelligence to appreciate a good thing, and the grit
to hold on to it. We shall strive to keep it up to its present standard.
"We propose to give you a newsy paper, ' red hot, and a heatin' ' —
of course you furnish the fat. We will ever be found pushing to
the front home men, and local interests; always striving to be on
the side of right, for righteousness' sake. G. IT. Nichols."
The Weekly was continued by Nichols & Keyes, until April 3,
1877, when the partnership was dissolved, and L. J. Keyes alone
published the paper during the month of April. May 3, how-
ever, another change was made. Messrs. Nichols & Keyes formed
another partnership, and arranged to carry on two papers — the
WeeJdy, at Marble Rock, under the firm name of George H.
Nichols ifc Co., and the Telcjyhone^ at Nora Springs, under the
firm name of L. J. Keyes & Co. Mr. Keyes then went to Nora
Springs, and Mr. Nichols remained at Marble Rock. After a
short time this arrangement was discontinued, and each became
sole proprietor of the paper of which he was editor. From the
issue of May 3, 1877, the following valedictorN' of Mr. Keyes is
taken, and also the spicy salutatory of Mr. Nichols :
"It will be seen by this issue of the Weekly that we have surren-
dered the editorial chair to Professor Nichols and expect soon to
' take up our bed and walk.' Flattering inducements have per-
suaded us to this move, and though much we regret to leave our
present location, we feel it an urgent duty, and reluctantly say the
words commonly used by friends at parting, 'good-bye.' We
624 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
shall ever look back to Marble Rock with pleasant recollections,
trusting that we go with the best wishes of many friends. Pro-
fessor Kichols will again enliven the pages of the Weekly with
spicy editorials, and with his business qualifications will extend
the circulation much beyond its present limits.
" Respectfully, L. J. Keyes."
" With this number of the WeeJchj we again take up the pen edi-
torial, and we propose to do our level best to make the Marble
Rock Weekly a credit to our town, and an honor to the press of
Northern Iowa. We don't propose to tell why we severed our con-
nection with the Weekly a few months since, nor why we now re-
turn to its sanctum^ as we don't consider it anybody's business.
We do intend to give our many patrons the local, state, national
and foreign news, fresh and sparkling. To war against wrong
and fight for the right. " The greatest good to the greatest num-
ber" will be our motto. In taking the chair so long and so faith-
fully occupied by Brother Keyes, we realize that we have work to
do, if we would retain the prestige for the Weekly it has so hon-
orably gained under his management, but our trust is in G-od, and
our faith in the good people of Marble Rock and vicinity is
unbounded. We ask and expect the continued support that has
been so generously given to its former management, and with it,
we will ever labor to make the Weekly a welcome visitor to our
patrons."
Mr. Nichols continued in charge of the Weekly until July 11,
1878, when he retired, on account of being elected County Super-
intendent of Schools. He served in this capacity four years, and
was then appointed Deputy State Superintendent of Public In-
struction. He is now at Des Moines, in his official capacity. Mr.
Nichols made the Weekly much more of a success, financially,
than it had been before. He increased considerably the circula-
tion of the paper, and laid the foundation of the popularity which
has been so steadily maintained since by Mr. Nies, his successor.
Mr, Nichols said, on leaving the Weekly:
"With this number of the Weekly we sever our connection with
it as editor and proprietor, which has existed so pleasantly for the
past eighteen months. To the business men of Marble Rock I
would say that for the generous manner in which you have aided
me, I shall ever feel grateful. To the hundreds of subscribers,
with whom my relations have been pleasant, I would say that I
shall ever look back to the times that I have talked to you through
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 625
these columns, with a consciousness that I did the best I coiild
under the circumstances, and that when I erred, it was an error
of the head and not of the heart. Mr. Nies, mv successor, whose
paper you now hold in your hand, needs no introduction from me.
He has been for years a resident of your county. He is by choice
and profession a printer, and as such has labored among you for
the past ten years. It will be his ambition to do for you what I
would have wished to do, — give you a paper that will be second to
none in the Shell Rock Valley. In closing, I would bespeak for
him the same courtesies that have so kindly been bestowed upon
me. George H. Nichols."
Mr. Henry B, Nies, the present editor and proprietor, was born
near Frankfort on the Maine, Germany, Feb. 1, 1854. His pa-
rents were George and Barbara (Winkler) Nies, natives of the
same place. His father was a shoemaker by trade, and emigrated
to this country in 1864, settling at Rockville, Conn., with his wife
and four children. The family resided there about four years, and
then moved westward, locating at Charles City. Here Mr. Nies
lived, following his regular occupation as shoemaker, until the fall
of 1877, when he again removed to Dallas, Texas. Here he died,
after a week's illness, July 31, 1878. Mrs . Nies still lives at Dallas.
They had a family of eight children, six of whom are living. Of
these, the second, George E. Nies, is at Waco, Texas; a telegraph
operator by occupation. He was married May 3, 1882, to Dora
L. Blandin, of Fort Worth. Anna, Lizzie, Leopold and Carrie L.
are all at home with Mrs Nies, at Dallas.
The subject of this memoir, Henry B. Nies, is the oLlest of th e
family. He attended the public schools in Germany four years,
coming with his parents to America at the age of ten. At Rock-
ville, Conn., he attended school for a while, and then was employ-
ed in woolen-mills until the family came to Charles City, in 1868.
Here he entered the ])ublic schools for a few months, and then
entered the office of the Floyd County Advocate^ just started at
Charles City by Valentine Baltuff. With Mr. Baltuff he remained as
apprentice two and a half years, and then attended a normal school
at Galena, 111., for a year. Thence he went to Albert Lea, Minn.,
and was employed as compositor in the office of the Albert Lea
Enterprise. In August, 1872, he became a partner in this paper,
with which he was connected about nine months. The Enterprise
proved a failure, financially, and soon after Mr. Nies sold his in-
terest, the paper was sold under foreclosure. Mr. Nies says that
626 HisTOKY OF FLOYD coin?rrY.
from his notes and debts, which accumulated during these nine
months, he finally realized "a jack-knife, three books and a rubber
ball."
Tlience he went to Wells, Minn., where he had charge of the
Wells Atlas for six months. The next office in which Mr. Nies was
employed was that of the Nora Springs Reveille, with which he
became connected soon after it was started, in the summer of 1874.
He was at first foreman in this office; bat when O. H. Lyon sold the
paper (which had been moved to Kockford, and was now the Rock-
ford Reveille), in the fall of 1877, he became a partner of Robert
Eggert in the management of that weekly. The firm of Eggert &
Nies continued until May, 1878, when Mr. Nies sold his interest to
Mr. Eggert, and went into the patent right business. This did not
prove a fortunate investment, and in July, 1878, he bought out
George H. Nichols becoming sole proprietor and editor of the Mar-
ble Rock Weehly.
Mr. Nies was married Sept. 4, 1875, to Elizabeth O. Knapp,
a daughter of Wm, B. Knapp, of Rockford. They have been
blessed with three children — Frank K. born June 6, 1876; George
E., born Feb. 1, 1878, and Harriet Blanche, born Sept. 13, 1879.
Mr. Nies is an earnest Republican, politically, and freely works
for that party in political campaigns, with the columns of the
Weekly. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and is also
an Odd Fellow and a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor.
NORA SPRINGS TELEPHONE. '
This paper was started in the spring of 1877, the first number
appearing May 31. The publishers were L. J. Keyes & Co., and
L. J. Keyes and W. P. Gay lord were the editors. The Telephone
was a four page weekly, eight columns to the page, the page being
26 X 19 inches in size. The editorials and selections appeared on
the first page; the locals on the fourth. The columns show a
goodly supply of advertisements, mostly of different business
houses in Nora Springs. The motto at the head of the sheet was
" Equal to our business, but not above it," which motto appeared
regularly until April 14, 1881, when it was discontinued. The
following salutatory set fourth the principal on which the Tele-
phone was started:
The goddess of fortune who leads men on to their destiny, has
whispered in our ears, and in compliance with her mandates we
find ourselves located in the thriving town of Nora Springs. We
HISTOKY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 627
are, in a measure, among strangers, who will intelligently judge us
by our works, and upon which foundation we establish or destroy
our reputation. The full force of this statement is strongly im-
pressed upon our mind as we take up the pencil to introduce our-
selves to the public in the capacity of a newspaper publisher. We
shall, in our editorial labors at this place, aim to strengthen the
bonds of friendship between neighbors; more strongly establish the
reputation of our business men; encourage the orderly and good
in their task of improving the morals of our community; take a deep
interest in the educational afl'airs of our town and surrounding- coun-
try; discountenance wrong in any form; collect and publish the
current events of the day, and ever seek to elevate the high repu-
tation Nora Springs has already established. We are not here for
the purpose of "running" any person, or using any "foul" means to
deprive them of the fruits of honest toil. We court peace and
friendship with all mankind, believing that our short lives can be
spent to better advantage than in quarreling with our neighbors.
With this view we shall endeavor to exclude from the columns of
the Telephone., so far as possible, anything of a personal character
that will have a tendency to mar the harmony of friendship. We
shall try to so represent Nora Springs through the columns of this
paper, that people in the East who are desirous of seeking homes
in the West, may be induced to settle among us and enjoy the ad-
vantages of our town and county. Our interests are here, our prop-
erty is here, and we expect to make and spend our money here; to
live, enjoy life and be one of the citizens. The town is fast in-
creasing in population, and business rapidly growing; in fact, it
presents more life and activity than any town we have visited west
of the Mississippi. With these facts before us, we shall labor for
home interests and make the Telephone an instrument for convey-
ing the credit Nora Springs deserves to a great distance. Politi-
cally, we are extremely radical only when the honor and reputation
of our great nation is endangered. We shall adhere to the princi-
ples of the Republican party, and yet feel it our duty to work
against corruption and frauds that may be resorted to by unprinci-
pled politicians of any party. We invite you to call at our office
and get acquainted with us; our latch string is always on the out-
side, and the Keyes on the inside.
In April, 1878, Dr. S. G. Blythe purchased a half interest in the
Telephone, after which time the names of Keyes and Blythe ap-
peared as editors and proprietors. The paper was published regu-
628 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
larly until Jan. 5, 1882, on which date the last lelephone was issued.
The following valedictory gives the reasons for the discontinuance
of the lelephone^ and the establishment of the Monitor'.
This number of the Telej^hone will be the last of its publica-
tion. It only remains for its editors to say farewell to its friends
and well-wishers of the past four years, and good-bye to its enemies.
The former we regret to sever our relations with, for they have been
most pleasant; the latter we leave without malice or ill-will, for at
most our enemities have amounted to but little more than differ-
ences of opinion, which men ought to be able to tolerate without
personal quarrels.
Our exchanges we part from with deep regret, for they have
become a part of our every-da}^ life, and we shall miss them as we
would absent friends. For one and all we have kind thoughts and
wish them God-speed.
The causes that led to a suspension of this publication are
manifold and some of them purely personal. Two of them only
shall be named, and these will suffice to prove our action.
First, we suspend publication for lack of support. As is well
known by any who have experimented in this direction, the sub-
scription list of a country paper does not amount to much in a
compensative way, and in a community where tradesmen and business
men do not appreciate the advantages to be derived from liberal
advertising, a local paper cannot live. We have no disposition to
publish a paper at a loss. Indeed, without remunerative patron-
age the incentive to make a paper worthy is wanting.
Second, we suspend publication because a more favorable pros-
pect opens before us in another direction. The office will not
leave Nora Springs. With added material and facilities for doing
first-class work, we remain and invite those who desire iob work to
call and examine our facilities and prices.
On January 19 will be issued from this office the first number
of the Odd-Fellows^ Monitor^ a paper which, while specially in
the interest of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, will be made
a good family and general newspaper. Each subscriber of the
Telephone will receive a sample copy of the new paper, and while
we do not expect an extensive local patronage, we shall be glad to
welcome any of our old friends, who incline to subscribe for the
Monitor.
And now a word further : All persons who have overpaid on
the Telephone beyond Jan. 1, 1882, will, on application at this
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 629
office, receive every cent that is due them. All persons indebted
to the Ttleplione must call and settle, or pay costs of collection.
Good-bye and farewell I
The Monitor is now issued regularly every Thursday, as an eight-
page weekly, devoted entirely to the order of Odd Fellows. Its
circulation extends to nearly every part of Iowa. In its present
organization, L.J. Keyes and S. G. Blythe are the publishers ; S.
G. Blythe is the editor, and E-ev. B. F. Snook, of Cedar Rapids,
associate editor. J. L. Wallace is also on the staff of the mechani-
cal part of the work,
Luther J. Keyes was born in De Kalb, St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., April 17, 1S39. His parents were L. H. and E. A. (Phelps)
Keyes, the former a shipbuilder by occupation. He resided in
New York until 1S50, when he removed to La Porte, Ind. Here
he remained two years, following the trade of cabinet making, and
then removed again to Sycamore, 111. At Sycamore he resided
six years, as carpenter and joiner. From thence he removed with
his family to Beloit, Wis., where he remained one year. He then
lived in Durand, 111., for the next five years. Thence he removed
to AVaverly, Iowa, where he died, in 1871. His wife still lives,
being now at Darlington, Wis., with her oldest son. Mr. and
Mrs. Keyes had a family of eight children, all of whom are now
living. Josiah E. lives at Darlington, Wis., and is a millwright
by occupation ; has had three children. Esther M. was married
to Hiram Humphrey, and lives in Minnesota ; has five children.
Emily C. was married to John L. Hastings, and lives in Pecaton-
ica, 111.; has four children. The fourth of the family is Luther
J. The fifth, Warren W., lives at Darlington, Wisconsin ; is a
carpenter by occupation, and has a wife and two children. Sarah
A., the next in order, was married to Lewis Norton, and lives at
Durand, 111. ; has six children. David B., the seventh, is a farmer
at Laona, 111.; has been married, and has two children. The
youngest of the family, Frederick D., is a farmer at Davis, 111. ;
has a wife and one child.
The subject of this sketch lived with his parents until he was of
age, attending the common schools of the various places in which the
family resided, and the high school at La Porte, Ind. At the age
of fourteen he engaged as a cabinet-worker, which he followed
two years. He then worked for a time as carpenter and joiner, at
Sycamore, 111., and as painter, at Beloit, Wis.
/
630 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
In 1S61 he enlisted at Durand, 111., in Company C, Fifty-fifth
Illinois Infantry, and served throasrh the war. Durino: the four
years of the Rebellion he served in every important battle in which
the Western array was engaged, and was under fire one hundred
and twenty days. Enlisting as a private, he was steadily promoted
until when mustered as a veteran, he held the rank of Second Ser-
geant. Shortly after re-enlistment he was promoted to the First
Lieutenancy of his company, and placed in charge of Company D,
which he commanded until within three months of the close of the
war. He was then appointed Quartermaster, in which capacity he
served until mustered out, Aug. 24, 1865. During the time he
was in command of Company D, he was recommended by his Colo-
nel, T. J. Andres, for a Captain's commission in said company,
which was refused by Governor Oglesby on the ground that he
could not transfer a man from one company to another, to be the
commander of the latter. The recommendation had been made in
accordance with a custom of the preceding Governor, Richard
Yates, to allow Colonels to recommend any promotions and dis-
tributions of officers which they deemed best for the good of the
service ; but this rule Governor Oglesby did not recognize.
On returning from the war, Mr. Keyes worked at cabinet-mak-
ing at Waverl}^ Iowa, until the fall of 1875. He then removed to
Nashua, Chickasaw County, and had charge of a furniture store
for some ten months. He removed next to Marble Rock, Floyd
County, and established the Marble Rock TF^^Hy, a sketch of which
paper is given on another page. He remained at Marble Rock,
with that paper, until the spring of 1877, when he again removed
to N^ora Springs, and established the Nora Springs Telephone. He
has continued in the newspaper business ever since, all through the
career of the TelepJtone, and is now working as hard as ever on the
Monitor.
He was married Dec. 25, 1875, at Durand, Illinois, to Miss
Esther A. Lancaster, of that place. They have no family,
Mr. Keyes is, politically, a Republican. He has always been a
temperance worker, and in the spring of 1882, took a decided stand
in favor of the prohibitory amendment. He is a member and a P.
G. of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R.
NORA SPRINGS ADVERTISER.
This is a lively little sheet at Nora Springs, issued every Tues-
day by F. M. Hubbard. It was started in the summer of 1882,
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 631
the first number appearing July 4. The sheet is in size sixteen
by twenty-two, four pages, four columns to the page. The paper
has already achieved a remarkable success, and is soon to be en-
larged. Mr. Hubbard is a man of energj-, and whatever he takes
hold of is bound to succeed.
THE MONTHLY GEOLOGIST.
This little sheet was started at Hampton, Franklin County, la.,
by Whitney Bros., in October, 18S1. It was then nine inches long
and six inches wide, four pages, two columns to the page. Three
numbers were published at Hampton, and then its publication was
continued at Rockford in an enlarged form. It is now four pages,
three columns to the page, and each page is eleven inches by seven
and a half inches. It appears about the middle of the mouth, and
its subscribers are in such institutions as the School of Mines at
Golden, Col., Iowa State University at Iowa City, and other
schools in the country. The paper presents a very good appear-
ance, and is a credit to the young men who manage it. They have
a geological cabinet, and exchange specimens with all who are in-
terested in this beautiful science.
FLOYD COUNTY PRESS.
In the spring of 1872 a Milwaukee job printer concluded to see
what there was "beyond the Mississippi," with the double object
of visiting friends and seeking a location for a newspaper. Riding
or walking, for printers sometimes do ride, he reiclied Nashua, in
Chickasaw County. Leaving there in the morning, he walked to
Marble Rock, and took the cars to Nora Springs.
That day, in the latter part of May, was an eventful one, in the
history of one town at least. Soon after leaving Nashua, a light,
drizzling rain set in, gradually increasing, until the printer was
soaking wet, and, to use his own expression, on reaching Marble
Rock he ''leaned against the depot to let the water drain ofi"."
At Nora Springs, with the help of a partial suit in his traveling
bag, and some clothing borrowed from boarders, he was made
more comfortable outwardly, and added to his inward comfort by
a meal at tlie "Rock Grove House," while his clothing was drying
beside the kitchen fire.
The next morning he " talked paper " to some of the few business
men of the town, and went farther west. Returning soon after,
39
632 HISTOKY OF FLOID COUNTY.
ie found that a subscription list had been started to raise funds
with which to guarantee a year's support for a paper; and he re-
turned to Milwaukee with the understanding that he would be on
hand as soon as possible, after the proper sum was pledged.
On the 18th of September, 1872, he returned to Kora Springs,
built an office, 14x16 feet in size, mostly with his own hands, and
in the first week of the following month issued the first paper ever
printed in the town. In size it was a four-column quarto, the in-
side being printed by the Chicago Newspaper Union, and contained
four pages of home matter. In 1874 the paper was enlarged to a
six-column quarto, which size it still maintains. The motto of
the paper is: "It takes Grit to run a Newspaper," and it is still
published by the same party, and on the same ground as the first
number.
NOEA SPRINGS REPUBLICAN.
This paper was started in the summer of 1871 by Mr. H. J.
Stalker and was printed a part of the time at Mason City and part
of the time at Algona. Without means to put in a press and ma-
terial, the gentleman found the patronage insufiicient to meet the
expenses, and abandoned the enterprise after a few mouths.
THE FLOYD COUNTY STANDARD
Was first started at Rockford, la., in January, 1881, by J. B.
Adams, its present editor and proprietor. It is an eight-column
folio. The paper and office were removed to Charles City in Febru-
ary, 1882, and occupy the upper floor of Mahara's Building. It
has a good job office in connection.
Mr. J. B. Adams was born in Worcester, Mass., June 17, 1851;
son of N. M. and Emma A. (Child) Adams^ the former a native of
Maine, and Mrs. Adams from Massachusetts. When our subject
was one year old, his parents removed to Rocklord, 111., remaining
one year. Then went to Mason City, la., where they still reside.
Mr. Adams received his education in Iowa, having attended the
university at Grinnell and the State University at Iowa City. He
was married in November, 1872, to Miss "V . O. Pushee, of Wis-
consin. Politically, he is a Democrat, and his paper is conducted
on the principles of that party.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
633
WESTERN PATRIARCH.
This paper made its appearance at Charles City, Oct. 9, 1873,
under the management of C. S. Otis and S. P. Leland. The latter
sold out to Charles McDonnell, and Mr. Ottis suddenly and mys-
teriously disappeared, and the'paper fell into the hands of A. P.
Holmes, who in turn sold to John Bradley. It was a handsome
six-column folio, edited with fair ability, in the interest of the
Odd Fellow's order. Its existence lasted but a few years.
CHAPTEE XV.
EMINENT DEAD.
Some account of the most noted citizens of this county, who
are now deceased, will be expected in this volume. The most ot
such are noticed in other parts of the work, especially in the chap-
ter entitled "The Courts and the Bar;" others, whose sketches
could not well be otherwise classified in this volume, we give some
account of in this chapter.
HON. W. p. GAYLORD.
The ancestors of the Gaylord family originated in Normandy,
France. The first name appears in Johnville's memoirs of Louis
IX, in the thirteenth century. Some of the Gaylords moved to
England in 1550 or '51. AVilliam Gaylord was a native of Exeter,
England, and came to Massachusetts in the ship "Mary and John,"
arriving in Boston Bay, May 30, 1630, and settled in Dorchester.
He died in 1673. Then followed four generations, thus: Walter,
Joseph, Joseph, Jr., and Samuel, W. P.'s great-grandfather,
born in 1709, who had a son Agur, a grand-father born 1730, died
1818, aged 88 years, and who settled in IS'orfolk, Conn. His
brothers and sisters were Justus, Anna Mamre, Joseph, Thankful,
Samuel, Timothy, Giles, and Esther.
Agur Gaylord had two wives, had two daughters by his
first wife, and then married a widow Jerome, by whom he had
three children, namely: Sarah, Esther, and Samuel. The latter
was born Jan. 6, 1786, in Norfolk, Conn., and died in summer of
1861, aged 75 years. His wife's mother's maiden name was Betsey
Jackson, born in Brookfleld, Conn. She died in July, 1859.
Samuel Gaylord's children were eight in number, as follows:
Jane, Lyman, J. Jay, Wilberforce P., Ed son, Jackson, Harriet
and Johnson. Deaths — Harriet, Jane, "Wilberforce.
"W. P. Gaylord was born in New Milford, Conn. Sarah Eliza-
beth, his wife, was born in Stillwater, New Jersey. Their chil-
dren were as follows: Buena Yista, born Jan. 9, 1847, in Sussex
County, N. J., died Sept. 25, 1849, in Green, N. J.; Mary E., born
Feb. 18, 1850, in Green, N. J., died Sept. 29, 1871, in Nora
(634)
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 635
Springs; Harriet Anrelia, born Dec. 25, 1853, in Frelin^huysen,
N. J. Buena Vista 2cl, born Feb. 22, 1856, in Kock Grove,
la. Laura A., born July 23, 1858, in Rock Grove, la, died
Jan. 15, 1865, in Rock Grove. George, born Feb. 25, 1861, in
Rock Grove; Chloe Irena, born Feb. 21, 1863, in Rock Grove.
Jennie Bell, born Aug. 19, 1865, in N'ora Springs. Minnie Eliza-
betli, born June 27, 1869, near Kora Springs.
Mrs. W. P. Gaylord's father's name was Joseph Slater, born in
Sussex County, IST. J., September, 1803, and died March 1, 1869.
Her mother's maiden name was Eliza Primrose. They had five
children — Harriet, died ^Dec. 2, 1877; Sarah E.; James Britten;
George A., died July, 1869; Sylvesta J.
In the spring of 1854 he came to Floyd County stayed until
early in the fall when he went to Wisconsin, returning again in
about a year. December 5, 1855, he was joined by his wife and
family, whom he had left in New Jerse}', and who catne to share
with him his Western home, and the vicissitudes of pioneer life in
the wild region of Northern Iowa.
He located on the Shell Rock, near where Nora Springs now
etands. Soon after settling there he commenced the practice of
law, and was admitted to the bar at Mason Citv about the time ot
the organization of Cerro Gordo County. He was always a
prominent actor in nearly all the history of the county. Being a
man of great activity and perseverance, he was ever one of the
foremost men in all matters affecting his county and its welfare.
During the early days of the county a very bitter county-seat war
was waged between the east and west sides. Prominent among
the leaders was Mr. Gaylord in the interest of the west side.
After they had gained the victory, a celebration of the event was
held at the geographical center of the county, to rejoice over the
event. The speech of congratulation by Mr. Gaylord was oue ot
the wittiest and best of his life. So good-humored and jolly was
the speech that it tended largely to disarm those of the other side.
Mr. Gaylord, in his business life and relations, held a high posi-
tion. In social life he was always the center of admiring friends.
In many respects he was peculiar and odd, and yet in all his
composition and nature he was the type of a true man. Noble-
hearted and kind in his nature. Beneath his everyday life lay a
substratum of good humor and love of jollity that bubbled out in
all his writings and conversation. He was a good judge of human
nature, and always formed an opinion of a person at the first meet-
636 HISTOKY OF FLOYD COTJNTT.
ing. Last winter, while discusaing physiognoiny, he remarked
that he rarely had occasion to change first impressions of a person.
His firmness, when he believed he was right, amounted almost
to dogmatism, and yet no man was more ready to yield to the
proof of a fallacious position.
He was elected a member of the Eleventh General Assembly
for Floyd and Cerro Gordo counties, and of the Twelfth for Floyd
— the Eleventh Assembly, re-districting the State, severing Cerro
Gordo and Floyd counties. Of the Thirteenth General Assembly
he was enrolling clerk. For several years he was Postmaster at
!Nora Springs, resigning the office to accept the position of State
Senator for the Forty-sixth District in the Eighteenth General
Assembly, where he served one session, with great credit. The
bills which he originated and sustained to a passage, and the posi-
tion which he promptly took on the woman sufi'rage question made
his name familiar throughout the State, and the strictures of his
brethren of the press on the latter point were boldly and ably met,
and in a tone which promised animated discussion had he lived to
again meet that subject in the Senate. At the re-assembling of
the Senate, resolutions of respect and condolence, in honor of his
sterling merits, were offered by Senator Wholey, as follows :
^^ Resolved, That this preamble and resolutions be spread upon
the journal; that the secretary' of the Senate be, and is hereby,
directed to forward a copy of the same to the family of the de-
ceased; and
" Resolved, as a further mark of respect to the deceased Senator^
the Senate do now adjourn."
In all assemblies or gatherings, when present, he would draw
about him throngs of eager listeners to his fund of stories and
anecdotes. Among his neighbors, he was a leader who was ever
regarded as a safe counselor in matters of law, business, public
policy and politics. For the past ten years, he has been connected
with the newspapers of his county, either as editor or proprietor.
For the past three or four years, he occupied the position of ed-
itor of the Kora Springs Telephone, not for a salary or pay, but
because he loved the work. His pen was racy, spicy and vigorous.
When he applied the lash to an opponent, there was always a
sting to it, and yet so tempered with good nature that he rarely
made an enemv of his adversary. He was also correspondent for
the Advocate, .ind Intelligencer, of Charles City, the Kockford
Reveille and other papers. In style he was easy and direct. Fear-
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 637
less in his criticism, severe in his denunciation, but always fair
and just as to the rights of persons — always condemning wrong
and applauding right.
It is not known at exactly what date Mr. Gaylord conceived the
idea of publishing a history of Floyd County, but it is certain that
he had for ten or twelve years previous to his death been interested
in the early history of the county, and that he spent much of his
leisure time during these years on the work. He also wrote many
detached sketches, some of which were published. October 16,
1874, he announced through the columns of the Reveille, of which
he was then editor, that in the next issue he would begin the pub-
lication of a history of Floyd County. He did so, giving a briet
sketch of Rock Grove Township, and then a sketch of the early
settlers of the township. His history ran along through eight or
ten numbers, but included only matter pertaining to that one town-
ship. He was dissuaded from publishing any more in the papers,
on the ground that it would be better arranged, and more highly
prized, if he would give his whole energies to completing the his-
tory, and then have it published in book form.
Mr. Gaylord was always frank in avowing his opinion upon
mooted questions, even at the risk of losing in popularity. In re-
gard to his religious views, he was equally honest; and, however
much others may differ from him, they must credit him with being
perfectly conscientious in his belief. To show his stand on certain
points, the following is condensed from an editorial in the jSTora
Springs Reveille, Sept. 11, 187-1, at which time Mr. Gaylord
was connected with that paper as editor:
" Last Sunday morning and evening, we heard two most extra-
ordinary and impressive sermons, from Rev. H. W. Bennett, of
the M. E. church. In the morning he welted and whaled the
church members over the head with the gospel cudgel, till there
was not a spot as big as one's hand, where a blow had not fallen.
"We should suppose that the members and backsliders would after
a while learn to dodge the blows aimetl at their heads ; but prob-
ably each for himself thinks the language used applied to the others,
and probably eacli to himself says: 'How Brother Bennett gives
it to the hypocrites and backsliders over in the other corner of the
house. '
"But none of these admonitory thunderbolts are ever aimed at
our heads. We don't belong to that class of sinners spoken of in
the words of the text. It is our neighbor. It is that old gray-
638 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
headed sinner over in the corner ; that woman over yonder with
pendants swinging in her ears, and streamers flying from her bonnet.
" From all the preaching we have heard from our boyhood, we
conclude that 'faith' is an essential article to have, and we some-
times wish we had it in larger quantities. We are willing to be-
lieve everything for the sake of eternal happiness, but we find it
very difficult to believe anything of which our judgment is not con-
vinced. We may shut our eyes and wish it were so ; we may even
say we believe it is so ; and yet there is something that silently
says to us, 'I doubt it.' We would give all the old clothes we
have, and divide the new ones with any one who will instruct us
how to believe whatever we desire to believe. It matters but little
whether what we would believe is true or false, so long as it brings
peace and contentment. That is what we are after. To be a hypo-
crite we cannot. To say we believe what does not seem to us to
be true, we cannot. To pray when we have no faith that our pray-
ers will be answered, we cannot. The future to us is still a mys-
tery. We wish it were otherwise, even were it a delusion."
Another extract from Gaylord's writings, showing his religious
position, is taken from the Telephone'.
" We would not give a dollar*to better know that there is a God;
a supreme ruler; a designer; a God infinite in power, and wisdom,
and goodness, and perfection, for we believe that now; but we will
give one hundred dollars to any one who- will convince us that there
is or is not an individual hereafter for man; a hereafter where we
shall know ourselves as we know each other here. To accomplish
this, we are willing to read any reasonable amount of books, and
listen to any argument in or out of the pulpit. We want to believe
this, and have tried to believe it from our childhood, but our faith
does not grow stronger with our years, and we cannot avoid it.
However, we advise others who can, to so believe and act as though
they were in earnest. This saying that we believe there is a God,
a devil, or a legion of devils, a heaven and a hell, and then acting
as though there were neither, will bring remorse sooner or later.
When we are true to ourselves and our neighbors we shall be true
to God."
He frequently discussed death and the future. Often did he say
that the only thing he feared or dreaded was death. The future
was a mystery to him, one of which he could not form a satisfac-
tory opinion. His idea was that God is a part of man and man
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 639
is a part of God. So closely connected that neither can get along
without the other. He was a very decided believer in the pre-ex-
istence of man and at death he will return to his former habitation
of the realms of God.
His death was almost instantaneous and probably painless. In
the quietude of his home and the bosom of his family the dread
an_;^el, who must sooner or later visit all mankind, came unannounced
and unheralded. He was in robust health up to the very moment
of his decease. In the midst of the strength and vigor of man-
hood, and in the rapid development of an onward and upward ca-
reer, was he cut down.
On that day of his death, in his usual off-hand, friendly manner,
he was meeting his associates, throwing a jest at one, wrestling
with another, and exhibiting a vitality unequaled by most men.
During the evening he was as. well as usual, and at about half
past nine o'clock retired for the night. In fifteen or twenty minutes
Mrs. Gaylord also retired. Soon after getting into bed she dis^
covered that something unusual was the matter with Mr Gaylord.
Before she could procure a light and call for help, he was dead. An
autopsy on the body by Drs. S. G., and T. D. Blythe showed that
the cause of death was heart diseasS.
Senator Gaylord was a self-made man, he was of the people, vvit h
the people and for the people in every enterprise, improvement
and measure. His record we are not writing for the benefit of the
living ; it is engraved on the hearts and memories of all his fellow
citizens. Like every public and prominent man, he had his friends,
and he had his opposers — the latter on political grounds. To the
former he was ever faithful, and the latter he fearlessly, and gen-
erally successfully, met.
A New Englander by birth, he was oi that stock from whose
loins came the sturdy race who are the natural frontiersmen. As
has been fitly said by Senator Hoar, the eminent statesman from
Massachusetts, on a recent occasion: " It is no race of boors that
has struck its axes into the forests of this continent. These men
knew how to build themselves log houses in the wilderness; they
were more skilled still in building constitutions and framing stat-
utes; slow, cautious, conservative, sluggish, unready in ordinary
life; their brains more quick, and as sure as their rifle's flash, when
great controversies that determine the fate of States are to be de-
cided, when great interests that brook no delay are at stake, and
great battles that admit no indecision are to be fought."
640 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
As a pioneer he understood all the hardships of a frontier life,
but his rugged honesty and close application to business, enabled
him to cultivate his mind and qualify himself for the various
walks of life. We find the language of another extolling the mer-
its of one most lamented citizen: '' It is one of the most beneficent
results of our American institutions, tliat we have ceased to speak
of poverty and hardships, and the necessity for hard and humble
toil, as disadvantages to a spirit endowed by nature with a capacity
for generous ambition. "When labor is honorable and where every
place in social or public life is open to merit, early poverty is no
more a disadvantage, than a gymnasium to an athlete, or drill and
discipline to a soldier."
All he had was the fruit of his own labors, and the result of un-
tiring industry and honorable frugality practiced through a busy
life. He had a good farm and a pleasant home that he had put in
excellent shape in which to enjoy his declining years. But such
was not to be his pleasure. And as we write vve are reminded of
the frailty and weakness of even the strongest and the wisest. Life
is indeed a panorama; men are the flitting object, death is the end
of the scene, and eternity the great circle to which all feet are hast
ening.
"We can close our sketch of Wilberforce P. Gaylord with no more
appropriate and merited words than were uttered by Senator
Waley preparatory to his offering resolutions of condolence and re-
spect at the second session of the Eighteenth General Assembly at
Des Moines. The able Senator said: — In his death his family
mourn the loss of the kindest of husbands and fathers. His friends
and neighbors mourn a kind, accommodating, courteous and ever
genial friend. The farmers, lawyers, and editors, each feel that
they have lost a representative man from their profession and ranks.
The country and district mourn the loss of one whom they have
often honored. In the person of "W. P. Gaylord this Senate Cham-
ber, and the State of Iowa, have lost an able, prudent and wise leg-
islator. His dust has returned to dust, and his spirit to the God
who gave it. Though he responds to the call of the Senate roll
no more, yet may we not trust his name is enrolled in the Lamb's
book of life, and while we mourn our deceased friend, may we be
able, when we are called from the stage of action, to feel that we
have done our duty as faithfully and as well.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COTTNIY. 641
COLONEL DAVID RIPLEY
Was born in the State of New York, in the year 1798 ; came to
Gallia County, Ohio, when a young man; married in the year
1819; visited this county in 1852-'3, settling here in 1854, during
which year he had the courage to follow the Indians into Minnesota
alone, when nearly all other settlers were frightened out of the
country. He located on or near section 12, of township 94, 17. In
1862 he visited Colorado, where he enlisted to fight the Indians
and had a number of remarkable experiences. After making a
short residence in this county again, he went to Missouri, then to
Fremont County, this State, then to Decatur Count}^ and finally
back to RivertDn Township, where he died July 26, 1881. During
his life he had been a member of the Legislature both in Ohio and
in Colorado, and was County Judge of Floyd during the exciting
times of the great county-seat contest. His son, Sanford Ripley,
whose sketch appears more in full elsewhere, resides in Riverton
Township. The four daughters left by the deceased are Mrs. W. B.
Carter, Mrs. James Wood, Mrs. John Allison and Mrs. Henry Allen.
WINFIELD SCOTT RIDER,
A young man ot more than ordinary promise, died at Wav-
erly, la., Aug. 17, 1865, aged twenty-five years. His death
resulted from injuries caused by a steamboat explosion. While
the boat, "Joseph Pierce," was taking on board the Sixty-
fourth U. S. Colored Infantry, Colonel Meatyard command-
ing, her starboard boiler exploded with terrible force, after
she had been lying at the bank about half an hour, blowing away
fifty feet of the center of the boat. Hundreds were blown into the
river, but, strange to say, the loss of life was very small. About
twenty miles below Vicksburg this catastrophe occurred, and July
31, 1865. Among the victims was Mr. Rider, who was thrown
out upon the land, and seriously injured internally. He set out
for home, and arriving at Waverly, was unable to travel further.
His brother from Floyd went down August 15, to that place, with
an easy carriage, bedding, etc., to bring him home; but he was too
late, and Mr. Rider died as before stated.
His remains were taken to Floyd, where, at the Methodist chapel,
the Friday following, a large concourse of people assembled to
pay respect to his memory. The sermon was preached by Rev.
Mr. Bronson. Many citizens from Charles City attended the
funeral, including the Charles City Cornet Band, and soldiers
642 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
under arms, many of them compatriots with the deceased through
long years of bloody war. The coffin was richly ornamented with
silver trimmings and over it was thrown the U. S. flag, that ban-
ner which in life young Rider had loved so well and had so nobly
defended on many a field of battle The burial took place under
military honors.
Mr. Rider was best known to the citizens of Floyd County, as
the army correspondent of the Charles City Intelligencer^ although
he had also contributed poetic compositions and articles of other
description. In the war he was for some time clerk in the Quarter-
masters' Department at Yicksburg, Postmaster of the Sixteenth
Army Corps, and enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence and
friendship of Major Gens. Sherman, Mc Pherson, Logan and others-
He had a warm genial heart, full of generosity and frankness, ever
grateful for favors, and overflowing with kindness toward others.
Roswell Rider, father of the deceased, sent four sons to the war:
two of whom lost their lives in their country's service, and the
other two were several times seriously wounded.
CHESTER BUTTERFIELD,
For many years one of the most influential men in Floyd County,
and for a time Chairman of tbe Board of Supervisors, was a
native of Vermont; and spent the middle part of his life in
Lake County, 111., near Waukegan. He came to Floyd County
in the winter of 1855, settling near the village of Floyd. He
was a zealous and exemplar}'- member of the M. E. church,
and some times occupied the pulpit as a preacher. Some years
ago he emigrated to Kansas, where he, in the summer of 1881,
attended a camp meeting, and was taken sick. He died Aug.
22, aged seventy-five years. His diseases were tyj)hoid fever
and a bowel complaint, and his sufferings were severe and pro-
tracted. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
J. W. LEHMKUHL,
A thorough business man and public-spirited citizen of Charles
City, died in Bremen, Germany, Oct. 6, 1880. He was born at
Delmenhorst, Oldenburg, Germany, March 20, 1830. In 1850 he
came to Ohio, and in 1855 to Waverly, la., where he formed a
partnership in business with Theodore HuUman; but in June of
the same year a new partnership was formed, under the firm name
of Rumpf, Lehmkuhl & Co., the senior member having been a
fellow clerk with Mr. Lehmkuhl in Bremen. Mr. Lehmkuhl then
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 643
came to Charles Cit}', and, assisted by Wm. Hausberg as clerk,
built and opened a store of general merchandise on the site of the
present store of Haasberg & Holbrook. Here Mr. Lehmknhl con-
tinued in business until March, 1877, when he sold out to Mr.
Hausberg. During a part of this time, he had an interest with
Mr. H. in a branch store at Floyd, and also with W. Schmedes, in
a store at Osage, Mitchell County. In the fall of 1877, Mr. Lehm-
kuhl sailed to Europe for recreation and visiting friends and inter-
esting localities on the continent.
He was a bachelor until June, 1880, when he was married to
Miss Elizabeth Grelle, of Bremen. He and his wife spent tlie
summer in Switzerland and Italy, stopping some time at Lake
Como. In September he returned to Bremen, suffering from a cold.
Soon his symptoms assumed the form of gastric fever, inclining to
typhoid fever, from which he did not rally, but died at the home of
his sister, in Bremen.
Mr. Lehmkuhl was prominently identified with many of tlie
liberal and philanthropic enterprises of Charles City and vicinity,
and his death caused a very large community to mourn.
NATHAN H. PALMER, M. D.,
Was born in Vermont, in 1797. He graduated from a " York
State" medical college when in his twenty-seventh year, and up to
the date of his death practiced in his profession the greater portion
of the time. For several years he lived in Ohio, moving from
there to Rockford, 111., then a new settlement. In the fall of 1854,
bo came to Charles City. He married, for his first wife, Samantha
Blair, Nov. 17, 1825. Their children were Margaret (now Mrs.
Milo Gilbert), Martha and Mary. His first wife died in January,
1835. He married, for his second wife, Miranda F. Isbell, Nov.
19, 1835. Their children were named Melinda, Amanda, Elston
A., Miranda and Olive. But two are living to-day — Elston A. and
Melinda, the latter having the honor of having taught the first
school in Floyd County. His second wife died April 8, 1848. For
his third wife, Mr. Palmer married Deborah Rhodes, April 29,
1849. By this wife he had one child, named Ellen.
DR. E. J. WILLIAMS
Was a resident of Charles City from 1870 until the time of his
death in February, 1881, at the age of sixty-seven. He was a man
of great intellect, high honor and thoroughly devoted to his pro-
fession. He was also a zealous member of the Masonic order.
CHAPTEK XYl.
MISCELLANEOUS.
In this chapter we place those accounts which are too brief to
make full chapters separately; and the material affonded us by the
history of this county results in giving us for miscellany, first, the
Temperance cause. Celebrations, Marriages, Postoffices and routes,
Bridges, Miscellaneous organizations, Anecdotal, etc.
TEMPEBA^S^CE.
The citizens of Floyd County have been as active in the cause
of temperance as those of any other part of the State, if not of
the West. While every one advocates " temperance," one class
are in favor of prohibitory law, and the other opposed. The pro-
hibitionists do not regard moderate drinkers as thorough enough
in their temperance principles. It is not temperance in the sense
of moderation that the temperance party is working for, but total
dbstinence — from a poison that may enslave. Hence a continual
warfare between the two classes, especially in the villages, where
the moderate drinkers and their license friends are always more
numerous. We are careful in our wording of the phrase " moder-
ate drinkers and their license triends," who are all " license " men?
while real drunkards are as apt to be prohibitionists as license men.
This county was not in existence in the early days of the "Wash-
ingtonian " movement, the Sons of Temperance and the Good
Templars, though each of these in later times have had a history
in Floyd County.
During the winter of 1856-'7, a Washingtonian pledge was cir-
culated through the village of St. Charles, and about 150 persons
signed it. The " St. Charles Temperance Association " was soon
organized, with constitution, by-laws and ofl&cers, to aid in enforc-
ing the State law. This presentation of a formidable front so
quelled the devotees of darkness that little remained to be done in
the way of prosecution.
In 1858 temperance meetings were revived, earnest pleas made
both in public and private, pledges circulated, etc. About this
(644)
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 645
time the Order of Good Templars established societies in this
county, which flourished for years afterward.
By way of anecdote we may relate here that during the summer
of 1859, a man in St. Charles City joined the Good Templars, de-
termined that his wife should know nothing about it. He was
quietly admitted and the night fixed for his initiation. So far, so
good. But his wife suspected something of the kind going on, and
contrived a pleasant sort of surprise for him. He kept " mum,"
and she kept 'Mnum-er," — he haiipy in blissful ignorance of his
wife's knowledge, and she "laughing in her sleeves" to think how
easy men are cheated. The expected evening came, and our hero
presented himself at the ante-room and was admitted. His aston-
ishment can better be imagined than described when the first voice
to welcome him was that of his " own dear and thrice happy wife!"
The initiatory movements already mentioned are only represen-
tative of the temperance work which followed in this county until
1874, when the temperance "crusade," as it was called, which orig-
inated in Ohio that year, struck this community, and shortly after-
ward organizations were effected among the women, auxiliary to
the State and National "Woman's Christian Temperance Union."
The one in Charles City edited a temperance column in the Intelli-
gencer., where they made pretty lively reading under what to the
license people seemed a very dull heading. Although this move-
ment commenced, as new parties always do, with considerable
noise and public demonstration, it soon quietly solidified down
into beautiful crystals, thus becoming permanent and therefore
effective against the enduring appetites of weak men. How much
the late prohibition victory in Iowa is due to their quiet work, no
one can tell.
The next and the last great temperance wave, which rolled over
Floyd County, is, for short, called the "Amendment" move, being
an effort to incorporate info the organic law of the State a section
prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a
'beverage. This wave, which ultimately covered the State and
proved victorious at the polls, was greatly aided by the Charles
City Postmater, B. F. Wright. When Mrs. J. Ellen Foster was
lecturing on temperance in this place in 1879, Mr. Wright proposed
that all the temperance efforts in the State unite on a movement
to place a prohibitory clause in the Constitution. She at first
thought it was too soon to inaugurate such a measure, but some
time subsequently she clianged her mind, and joined the move-
646 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
ment. Further particulars may be found in the biographical
sketch of Mr. Wright, in the history of Charles City, on a subse-
quent page. We make here one extract from his argument:
" The public policy of prohibiting saloons receives its strongest
argument of opposition in the assertion that it will injure the com-
merce of a town or State. Is it not singular, indeed, that men who
are skilled in all the craft and drive of trade should believe that a
traflSc which simply steals away the muscle and brain of men, can
contribute to that market out of which honest profits are gleaned;
increase the physical endurance and prowess of an army by im-
poverishing its health, breaking a large percentage of its legs and
arms; increase the trade of a town by upholding a business, which
results, year by year, in crippling every man who is its patron,
and makes their families public beggars! "
The license party claim that while prohibition harasses the
legitimate liberty which every one should enjoy, it does not pre-
vent drunkenness, and that prohibitory laws prevent the immigra-
tion of Germans and others who are good citizens.
In the winter of 1878-'9, a large and strong temperance organi-
zation was efiected in Charles City under the name of the " Tribe
of Jonathan," with an elaborate constitution, by-laws and many
signatures to the same. This organization is said to have been
started by Captain Curtis, of Waterloo, la. Under the auspices of
the "Tribe," branch organizations were formed in this and adjoin-
ing counties, mass meetings held, and much efficient aid rendered
to the cause of temperance. A small periodical campaign sheet
was started in the winter of 1880-'! of four twelve-inch columns,
and edited by Mr. Wright. It was named "The Amendment."
On the other hand the license men^formed a few organizations,
and worked against the amendment. In Charles City, for exam-
ple, the Deutscher MaessigJceitsverein (German Temperance Union)
was organized, also in the spring of 1881, with constitution,
by-laws and officers, to work against the proposed amendment.
The following is the wording of the amendment.
Section 26. No person shall manufacture for sale, sell or keep
for sale as a beverage, any intoxicating liquors whatever, including
ale, wine and beer. The General Assembly shall, by law, pre-
scribe regulations for the enforcement of the provisions herein con-
tained, and shall thereby provide suitable penalties for violations
of the provisions thereof.
A:
^y
C>MOc^Aj
TH£ ffEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LEKOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIOWS
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 649
The vote on the above was taken on the 27th of June, 1882,
with the following result in Floyd County:
Township. For. Againef
St. Charles 365 448
Floyd 143 77
Ulster 83 65
Niles ... 37 127
Pleasant Grove 50 65
Rudd 70 75
RockGrove 93 181
Union 131 134
Scott 42 78
Rockford 159 144
Riverton 121 64
Cedar 79 19
1,373 1,457
Majority against the amendment, 84.
The majority in the State, however, was about 30,000 in favor
of the amendment, and the victory was celebrated in public meet-
ings, where speeches were made, etc. A grand celebration of this
kind was held in the public park in Charles City on the 14th of
July.
CELEBRATIONS.
The people of Floyd County are eminently social and have
always had great respect for days made prominent in history by a
great and good act. This regard they have shown by holding
appropriate exercises, which have generally been well and peacea-
bl_y attended. We arrange here the most prominent of them chron-
ologically.
The 4th of July celebration in St. Charles City, in 1857, passed
off quietly and pleasantly, excepting a single accident. The
weather was remarkably fine. At noon the people assembled iu
the grove above the Square, where the Declaration was read by
"W. B. Fairfield, of St. Charles, and an oration delivered by D. W.
Poiudexter, of Mitchell, succeeded by remarks from Moses Conger,
of Floyd, and Mr. Fairfield. Dinner was enjoyed at the St.
Charles Hotel. Sociability was extended and cultivated, and in the
evening were fire- works, and a ball. The accident referred to hap-
pened to John Hill, who resided about two miles above town. He
charged the eye of a sledge hammer, piled anvils upon it, and ap-
plied a match, when the hammer burst and carried away the most
of his leg. The accident cast a gloom over the people the rest of
the day.
40
650 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
July 4, 1858, a splendid celebration in St. Charles City, Floyd,
and other places . In St. Charles a grotesque procession was made
by the "St. Charles Invincibles," who closed their part of the
day's programme with a mock oration at the public square. The
speech contained many good hits, and created much merriment.
The St. Charles Cavalry were early on the ground, and with their
neat and tasteful uniforms, noble horses and good discipline, pre-
sented a fine appearance. Major D. Allen was the orator of the
day, who surpassed all expectations. I. W. Card read the Declara- '
lion of Independence. Eighteen toasts were introduced and re-
sponded to, and the day was unmarred by accident. E. P. Harring-
ton made an exhibition, in the Cedar River, of the celebrated
" Diver, " a sort of armor to be used in diving into water.
Similar programmes were carried out at the other places. At
the "geographical center," of the county, on this day, a grand
celebration was had by the friends of the removal of the county
seat to that place, who had just carried the county in favor of their
proposition, by a majority of nineteen. A full account of this is
given in Chapter III.
The Good Templars took the lead in celebrating upon the 4tli
of July, 1860, in St, Charles City. The day was beautiful, and
the attendance large. Early in the morning, the stars and stripes
were floating from many a flag staff and edifice, and at the ap-
pointed hour the marshals, mounted on beautifully caparisoned
horses, formed a procession in the following order: Music; citizens
generally, both ladies and gentlemen ; Worthy Master and "Worthy
Deputy Master; male initiates; female initiates; banner; male
degree members; female degree members; oflicers of the lodge;
officers of the grand lodge; vice-presidents of the day; reader
and chaplain; president and orator. The procession was a long
one, and presented a gay and lively appearance, A large number-
of banners were borne in the procession, several of which were rich
and elegant, and had various appropriate mottoes and devices. A
procession so attractive and imposing had never before been seen in
Floyd County, possibly in the State.
On arriving at the grove, a scene of beauty and enchantment
burst upon the vision, due in most part to the skill of woman's
fairy hand. The grounds were arranged in the order of a
lodge room, and were well furnished and ornamented. At this
place the order of exercises were: Martial music; prayer, by the
Chaplain, Rev. A. D. Bush; singing, by the entire audience; the
HISTOKY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 651
opening ode of the Good Templars, " Friends of Temperance,
welcome here," to the tune, "Watchman, tell us of the night;"
reading of the Declaration of Independence, by James Jackson ;
the national hymn, "America," by the entire audience; oration,
by John G. Patterson; martial music; temperance addresses, by
J. Q. Detwiler; sentiments by A. B. F. Hildreth, and responses
by the audience as follows.
1. The Day we Celebrate: Glorious in the past, honored in the
present, may its luster brighten in the future. Response by
James Jackson.
2. The Memory of our Revolutionary Farthers: Let it be enbalmed
in the hearts of posterity. A silent response.
3. Wasfiington: God caused him to be childless that a nation
might call him father. Response by L. L. Huntley singing the
song entitled " The Death Bed of Washington," and preforming an
accompaniment upon the seraphine.
4. The Presidency of the United States : The noblest office in the
world; its occupant should be one of the noblest of men. Re-
sponse by Dr. J. W. Smith.
5. The Order of Good Temjplars: An invading "cold water
army," at whose command the hosts of King Alcohol ever sur-
render at discretion. Response by J. G. Patterson.
6. The Ladies: Gentle, patient, affectionate and ever zealous in
a good cause; without them our men would be savages and our
prairies deserts. Response by Dr. E. Cortright.
7. The Musicians: Without the harmonious strains the celebra-
tion could not go on. Response by Mr. Huntley, singing a comic
song.
8. Our Common Schools: Caskets containing the jewels of our
country; we expect the teachers, as artisans, will see that they are
rightly set. Response by Mr. Wilbur, the County Superintendent.
9. The Farmer: One of nature's noblemen. Response by
Gen. Wilson, of Des Moines, Secretary of the Agricultural Col-
lege and Farm.
10. The Clergy: Patient defenders of the Cross; may their
reward be "manifold more in this present time, and in the world to
come life everlasting." Responded to by Rev. A. D. Bush.
11. St. Charles Lodge, No. 62, /. 0. of G. T.: A moral reformer
whose services are invaluable. Responded to by G. B. Eastman,
W. C. T. of the lodge.
652 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
12. The Benevolent Societies of the Day: Their "secrecy" is
the tie that unites their members in the work of social reform.
Response by E. A. Teeling.
13. Manual Labor: The stepping stone to virtue, health, happi-
ness and independence. B. F. Cheney responded.
14. Iowa, the Home of our Adoption: May sbe, like Cornelia,
point to her sons and say, '' These are my jewels." Reply by I.
W. Card.
15. The Ofjioers of the Day: Well have they discharged their
duties, and the thanks of the audience are theirs. Response by
Judge Wiltse, President of tlie Day.
After listening to martial music, the closing ode of the order
was sung, — "Heavenly Father give thy blessing," — to the air,
"Sicilian Hymn."
The marshals then formed a procession of nearly all who were
upon the ground and conducted them to the lodge hall, whence
the people dispersed for dinner.
No accident or blunder occurred to mar the perfection of the
day and every person went home happy.
Dec. 27, 1860 (St. John's Day), was celebrated by the Masonic
fraternity at St. Charles City in magnificent style with music,
speeches, toasts and sujjper. A full report was given in the
Intelligencer, occupying live columns of its issue of Jan. 3. 1861.
July 4, 1861, celebrations of independence at St. Charles City,
Floyd, Rock Grove, Nashua, etc., all of which passed off credit-
ably and satisfactorily. Much emphasis was, of course, laid upon
the duties of the hour, mingled with fears and hopes concerning
the future of the nation.
July 4, 1863, the grandest celebration ever before known in this
part of Iowa, notwithstanding the great burdens of the war. It
was estimated that 4,000 people were present in Charles City.
D. M. Fergason was Marshal of the day, and, with an impromptu
horse company under command of Rev. E. Gr. O. Groat, accom-
panied with music, escorted the several delegations into town. A
full order of exercises was carried out. J. G. Patterson read the
Declaration of Independence, and Rev. J. G. Witted delivered the
oration. There were also a magnificent dinner, spirited songs,
toasts of loyalty and patriotism, etc. Hervey Wilbur read a long
but interesting response to the toast, " The President's Proclama-
tion of Emancipation, and the Year 1863, — the Edict, and the Year
of Jubilee to the Bondmen of America."
HI8T0KY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 653
July 4, 1865, a grand and successful celebration. The war
ended, and the Union saved, the people felt as if they had a glori-
ous nation to shout for. Hon. Wm. B. Fairfield was President of
the day; Capt. R. G. Reiniger, Marshal; J. Cheston Whitney,
Reader of the Declaration of Independence, and II. O. Pratt, Or-
ator. Music, toasts, etc., added to the interest of the beautiful
day.
July 4, 1866, at St. Charles City, a successful and satisfactory
celebration, winding up with a grand ball in the evening, at Hol-
comb's Union Hall. Tliere was also a splendid celebration at
Floyd, at which place, after sundown, was a parade of the "Ante
diluvians."
July 4, 1867, was celebrated in a lively manner, at Floyd and
Marble Rock. At Charles City there was no formal, public pro-
gramme, except a church picnic, but at two o'clock in the morning
the '• boys " created a great lire alarm by a big bonfire on the pub-
lic square. Half attired, the citizens commenced running, with
buckets, etc., in hand, and were much disgusted when the boys
revealed the true state of the affairs by their loud huzzas. In the
morning, the streets were found barricaded with vehicles, farm
machinerv, etc.
Decoration day, 1868, was observed in magnificent style. The
weather was fine, and many were in attendance. This day is gen-
erally observed in Floyd County.
The Centennial. U. S. Grant, the President of the United
States, having recommended that the history of the townships
and counties in the Union be written and read on this, the centen-
nial 4th day of July, 1876, and his Excellency, Samuel J. Kii-k-
wood, having indorsed that recommendation, the people of Floyd
County, irrespective of locality, creeds or party, forgettini; the
rivalries of the past, assembled at Charles Ci^y on that dav, to
again pledge their fealty to the strong and generous Government,
which they protect, and by which they are protected. The Hon.
John G. Patterson, a radical Republican and prominent attorney,
of Charles City, jn-esided over the assemblage. J. Strong Root,
Esq., a radical Democrat and prominent attorney, of the same
place, delivered an eloquent oration. W. II. Gaylord, of Nora
Springs, read a condensed history of Floyd County. The cornet
band of Nora Springs, consisting of thirteen members, under the
leadership of Professor Israel Turner, together witli ])romiscuous
martial bands, furnished the music, enlivening and grand. The
654 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Eev. A. Miner, of Charles City, prayed for tlie future Jife and en-
during prosperity of the l^ation, and all true men and women
everywhere, regardless of party or persuasion, will cheerfully re-
spond, Amen.
July 4, 18S2, was made prominent by the prohibitionists, who
celebrated their great victory at the polls throughout the State,
in favor of the late Constitutional amendment.
MARRIAGES.
For the first five years after men and women began to marry in
Floyd County, the following licenses were issued by the recorder.
1855. — Feb. 6, Wesley Ames and Delilah Castleman; Feb. 21,
Marvin L. Heath, Lucy A. Smith.
March 3, Chauncey Lyard, Florilla Morris; March 30, "Wm. H.
Welch, Susan Border.
May 7, Henry F. Rice, Mary A. Cook; Charles S. Stevens,
Permelia Greenwood; May 23, Henry Green, Lydia Bhmt.
June 2, Jacob Beeler, Huldah J. Downer; June 28, Charles
Lutes, Martha Ann Long.
July 3, Lester Place, Carolina L. Wright; July 7, Sanders M.
Howard, Frances P. Bennett; July 12, Peter Parish, Harriet
Blanchard; July 23, Pyton Brentner, Eliza Ann Harvey.
Sept. 8, Joseph Wright.
. Kov. 3, Ambrose Baker, Catharine E. Little; Nov. 9, Samuel
Niverson, Elizabeth Polfe; Nov. 28, Jacob Johnson, Susan
Cochran.
1856. — Jan. 9, Isaiah M. Rogers, Elizabeth Strawn.
March 19, C. T. Ferris, Harriet McKinley.
April 3, Wm. R. Cave, Floretta Goodhue; April 23, Luke
Johnson, Kancy Baltimore.
May 4, Sidney S. Smith, Margaretta T. Horr; May 20, Edwi n
Klinetop, Emma Bassett; May 24, James D. Gilpin, Mary Jane
Hogan.
June 5, E. Lynn, E. Roscile Scott; June 16, Jerome McKinley,
Mary A. Hart; June 26, Samuel Hayes, Lucy Jane Young; Wm.
Dean, Harriet A. Gaylord; June 28, Wilbur Closson, Lucretia
Johnson.
Julyl, Amos McKinley, Catharine Johnston; July 1, John W.
Buckley, Azubah E. Hoi brook.
Aug. 4, Samuel M. Goldsburg, Rachel Jane Wells.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 655
Oct. 6, Richard H. Jones, Caroline Hubbard; Oct. 13, J. Tay-
lor, Sally Spafford; Oct. 20, Charles H. Towner, Louisa Bennett;
Oct. 30, Sylvester Rice, Mary Ann Henry.
Nov. 10, Alex. Gale, Yiola Lyon; Nov. 22, Joshua A. Ripley,
Huldah S. Sutton.
Dec. 6, Christian Kulin, Anna Bloom; Dec. 17, Levi Shepard,
Jr., Mary E. Johnson.
1857. — Jan. 15, James H. Pitcher, Frances L. Dutcher.
Feb. 4, Abrara R. Foster, Amelia Free;, Samuel Sours, Anna
M. Rex; Feb. 11, Egbert Davis, Fanny M. Ackley; Feb. 17,
George Collett, Emily Balch; W.A. L. Dayton, Elizabeth Chatman;
Feb. 18, John C. Holland, Melinda A. Palmer.
March 5, John Taylor, Lovey Ann Hudson; March 11, Nathan
A. Palmer, Jane L. Holland; March 20, ZeibaE. Jackson, Melinda
Carr; March 26, Egbert Sandford, Lydia Allison.
April 8, James M. Cooper, Sarah A. Womsley; April 15, Wilder
Rutherford, Eleanora Hotchkiss; April 18, George F. Hubbard,
Vienna Burroughs; April 22, Israel W. Snyder, Reggirma Carsner;
April 27, Samuel Riddill, Sarah J. Griffith; April 28, James
Bernham, Louisa Paddock; April 30, George Robertson, Charlotte
Brooks.
May 13, "Wm. Bunny, Sarah Cassaday.
June 11, L'a Harrison, E. Louisa J. Dean; June 17, Joseph Looley,
Ursula Hunter; June 2J, Calvin B. Douglass, Nancy Y. Under-
wood ; June 30, Sidney D. Skelton, Mary Bell.
July 25, George Hauk, Louisa Scott; Josiah G. Quimby, Edith
Knouse; A. D. Babcock, Sarah E. Biglow.
Aug. 10, Geo. W. Bensley, Eliza I. Smith; Aug. 11, Wra.
Wagner, Elizabeth Rex; Aug. 13, Seth Terry, Laura Coon; Aug.
15, Wm. W. Dickman, Jemima J. Workman; Aug. 19, Hiram
Smothers, Sarah E. Cooper; Aug. 26, George N. Johnson, Anna
Brooks; A.ug. 31, W. A. Austin, Lucinda A. Butterfield; Silas
Stewart, Martha M. Niles.
Sept. 3, Jos. P. Cook, Mary M. Story; Sept. 12, James Tatura,
Jr., Lucinda Hazzard; Sept, 16, Henry Green, Eleanor Nitcher;
Sept. 21, Lorenzo D. Gardner, Sarah A. Sherman; Sept. 23, Henry
F. Allison, Lovina Dawley.
Oct. 7, Charles W. Atkinson, Anna R. Jackson; Oct. 31, John
Farer, Elizabeth Hill.
Nov. 7, Wm. Henry Welch, Angeline Scott ; Winfield D.
Bryant, Eliza J. Walling ; B. F. Russell, Rosanna M. Bryant;
656 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Rodney S, Baker, Nancy A. Wray; Thos. W. Hemphill, Leah
Knouse.
Nov. 24, Orlando McEwen, Phffibe Crowell; Nov. 27, Jeremiah
Rider, Mary A . Hill.
Dec. 8, Emiri Abbott, Lamira Abbott; Dec. 14, Wra. S. Ray-
mond, Abigail Crowell; Dec. 30, Russell Arthur, Augusta Grow;
"Wm. H. Coffin, Amanda E. Allen; Dec. 31, L. Henry Hunn,
Harriet Patton.
1858. — Jan. 9, Maurice S. Cole, Mary A, Ingram; Jan. 11, John
M. Parsons, Harriet M. Condill; Jan. 21, Peter AVarburton, Mary
Cassady.
Feb. 16, Ransom Knapp, Mary Dunham; Feb. 25, Jacob Bas-
sett, Mary A. Jolly; Jan. 26, John S. Lefever, Florilla Brayton.
April 7, Joel Johnson, Mary Powers; April 15, John D. Yoder,
Malvina Lyon.
May 5, Samuel Mitchell, Mary Tague; J. Y. W. Montague,
Martha Jackson.
June 9, H. I. Miller, ; June 12, Seth Richardson,
Catherine Defield.
Aug. 2, Matthias Cramer, Catherine Snick; Aug. 7, Philip
Moore, Sarah Richardson; Aug. 24, James M. Newton, Francis
P. Howard; Aug. 21, H. O. H. Yinton, Maria E. Hedges.
Sept. 1, Yalentine Bogle, Malinda Searls; Sept. 13, Hiram F.
Lambert, Harriet Greenwood.
Oct. 6, Barney Corby Numday; Sept. 13, Franklin F.
Thomas, Mary Mansfield; Oct. 23, Henry Bumgardner, Ruth
Ann Yoder; John McHenry, Sarah C. Yoder.
Nov. 9, James Morrison, Jane Shaw; Giles W". Mead, Caroline
Powers.
Dec. 13, Jasper Gregory, Effa Ann Powers; Dec. 18, George
Harshey, Susan Ball; Dec. 22, A. M. Slutter, Lyndia E. French;
Dec. 30, Hiram S. Smith, Ruth A. Raymond.
1859.— Jan. 10, Hugh O'Donnell, Elizabeth Carrell; Jan. 10,
Jackson Wood, Helen L. Taylor.
April 1, Geo. W. Stannard, Elizabeth Wilson; April 8, James
Jackson, Mary J. Clark; April 25. Alex B. Warren, Elmira
Crowell; Charles E. Biglow, Hewwira Jackson.
May 5, Daniel Perrin, Emeline P. Harrison; May 9, George C.
Ball, Mary L. Cory; May 23, Daniel M. Dean, Elmira Knouse;
May 25, James Choate, Esther Miller; May 27, Charles H. Hart,
Sarah E. Howard.
HISTOEY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
657
June 14, Titus Wray, Catherine Cassadj.
July 14, Nathan J. Robbins, Eiith Ann Whitney; July 22,
Amos Pettit, Matilda R. Young.
Sept. 1, Hiram Losee, Fhebe Smith; Sept. 5, Philip Shafer,
; Solomon J. Askely, Emily Rex.
Oct. 14, Samuel Rex, Jane Askely; Oct, 15, Jared H. Lowder,
Emeline L. Hutchins.
JSTov. 17, Thompson Halsted, Antinetta Kinney.
Dec. 3, Harrison Ganett, Elizabeth E. Ready; Dec. 31, Wm.
Christner, Mary Jane Halsted.
The number of marriag-e licenses issued for the several years
from 1855 to September, 1882, inclusive, is as follows:
Tear.'
1855 .
1856..
1857. .
1858. .
1859..
1860. .
1861..
1862..
1863..
1864..
No.
..17
..25
..57
..27
..45
..14
..16
..29
..35
..25
Year.
1865.
1866
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
No.
. 49
. 88
. 69
. 81
..96
.118
.111
.120
.119
..127
Year.
1875.
1876..
1877.
1878.
1879.
1880..
1881.
No.
.114
.141
.136
.141
.132
.114
..113
1882, to Sept. 7 91
Total 2,250
POSTOFFICES AND POSTAL ROUTES.
The first postoffice in the county was established in Freeman, in
August, 1854, and the first postmaster was Robert L. Freeman, who
kept the office in his store on lot JSTo. 1, block G, in precisely the place
where since has stood the dwelling-house of C. W. Leaman. In
1855 Freeman disposed of his interest in the mercantile business
to S. C. Goddard, who then became postmaster. The same year
John Blunt was appointed postmaster, who transferred the office
into his store, that of Blunt & Collins, on the northeast side of the
river, described elsewhere. This office retained the name of Free-
man instead of St. Charles, as the latter was also the name of a
postoffice in Madison County, this State, lliis was the first post-
office northwest from Bradford, and to it people came from Mitchell
and Cerro Gordo Counties, and]even from Southern Minnesota. J.
I. R. Frost claims to have been postmaster in Union in 1855.
Daring the year 1856 postal routes were established running
from West Union to Freeman by way of Bradford, from Freeman
to Shell Rock Falls by way of Rock Creek, and from Freeman to
Mitchellville by way of Floyd, Gihnantown and Cora.
65 8 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
M. O. Walker, in 1856, ran a daily line of four-liorse coaches
from McGregor's Landing through "West Union and Bradford to
St. Charles, and a tri-weeklj line from St. Charles to Mitchell Cen^
ter. Distance from McGregor's to St. Charles, about ninety miles;
fare, $6.50; from St. Charles to Mitchell, twenty-three miles; fare,
$1.75. The stage from Dubuque intersected with this line at
West Union. This contractor proved to be negligent, and a Mr.
Sharpe, in ] 859, commenced also to operate as mail carrier.
In October, of this year, D. D. W. Carver, of the Intelligencer^
was appointed postmaster at St. Charles City. About this time a
postoffice was established at Watertown, near the northern line of
the county, in Floyd Township, but was soon discontinued in 1869'
the mails for the people in that vicinity to be sent to Orchard,
Mitchell County. Flood Creek postoffice was discontinued in 1861.
In the latter part of the winter of 1860-'l, a short time before
Dr. Smith was appointed postmaster, many of the citizens of
Charles City concluded to choose a man to present to the General
Department for appointment as postmaster. Hand-bills were cir-
culated, calling for a mass-meeting at Cheney & Br ackett's Hall,
March 2. In taking the vote, E. A. Teeling and R. G. Reiniger
were appointed tellers, who used a hat for a ballot-box. Mr. Teel-
ing noticed that one man deposited more than one ballot, where-
upon a discussion arose which soon ended in a real row, the fisting
and cuffing, for a rarity, commencing around the ballot-box (hat)
at the secretary's table, and proceeding like a wild contagion
toward the rear of the audience. During this melee the lights were
put out, or went out. Sundry non-resistants perched on window-
sills, or took points of observation in other out-of-the-way place s,
and looked on as witnesses. The whole situation was about as
amusing as it was serious. The only declaration of the result of
this "election" ever known was this: A citizen met one of the
candidates next morning and said, "Good morning, Mr. ;
what was the result of the postoffice caucus last night?" "G — d —
it ! what's that to you, young man?" was the reply.
Concerning this meeting, the Intelligencer has the following :
" The impression prevailed that more or less 'packing' had been
done, and there was a determination on the part of some of the
citizens that that process of carrying nominations should be
stopped. The meeting organized by electing Milo Gil bert for
Chairman and R. G. Reiniger, Secretary. An informal ballot was
o rdered, and resulted as follows : D. Davidson, twenty ; G. B.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 659
Eastman, nineteen ; A. W. French, fourteen : J. Y. W. Montague,
ten ; J. AV. Suiitli, two ; E. B. C. Wright, two ; Y. W. Baker,
two ; S. Wiggin, one. A direct ballot was now ordered. To shut
off Democrats, it was decided that none but Republicans should be
allowed to vote. Soon our late Democratic postmaster offered his
vote, and, being refused, insisted that he was a Republican, — a new
convert, and a most zealous one, — and in proof he shouted 'Hurrah
for old Abe.' His vote was received, double and treble voting was
noticed, crimination and recrimination arose, and soon a half dozen
quarrels were in full blast in various parts of the hall. The
chairman sought in vain to keep order, and at length declared the
meeting adjourned sine die. The hall was then cleared by putting
out the lights. "
The above instance, however, does not show that the citizens of
St. Charles were any more riotous than the best of communities
anywhere, but the attempt to choose postmasters by popular vote
under our system of government must always lead to bitter per-
sonalities.
In September of this year (1861), the name of the postoffice at
St. Charles was changed to Charles City, and the Intelligencer'
changed its heading accordingly.
Mail "facilities" having been for a long time very far from
"facile, " a meeting of many of the leading citizens and business
men of Charles City was held March 5, 1862, for the securing a
more prompt and faithful transportation of the mails. A. B.
F. Hildreth was Chairman of the meetino:. For two weeks there
had been no mail via Dubuque. The following preamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, Since the transfer of mail route No. 11,013 (leading
from West Union via Nashua to Osage), from Joseph Sharpe to
M. O. Walker as contractor or carrier, the mails north of Brad-
ford have been carried in an inefficient and exceedingly irregular
manner, — the drivers often changing the running days each way
without authority, thus losing time and failing to connect with
other mail lines ; and
Whereas, There has been no mail received since February 28
(although many teams have since passed daily over the route),
whereby over 20,000 inhabitaTits, who are principally supplied
through this channel with their mail matter, have been deprived
of the same, to the great detriment of the business interests of this
region of country ; therefore
660 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Resolved, That we, together with all citizens residing together
in the valley of the upper Cedar River and its tributaries, labor
under serious disadvantages in the transaction of our business, and
our grievances are just cause of complaint.
Resolved, That past experience justifies us in using' our influ-
ence with the proper authorities in requiring the present mail
contractor to transport the mails over the route above specified
according to the terms of this contract, or that he be promptly
removed.
Resolved, That we earnestly protest against any person receiv-
ing, in future, a mail contract who has repeatedly and persistentl}'
proved his faithlessness in former contracts ; and we will use our
influence in withholding public patronage from such individual.
Resolved, That the secretary [of this meeting, Geo. C. Dean] be
and is hereby instructed to forward a copy of these resolutions to
the Contract Office of the General Postoffice Department at
Washina^ton, and to cause the same to be published in the Charles
City Intelligencer.
This movement resulted in the appointment of Messrs. Nichols
& Co., as mail contractors, who proved faithful to their trust.
In 1866 A. E. Haskell, of Fort Dodge, obtained the contract for
carrying the mail tri- weekly between Charles Cify and Calmar,
to which latter point the McGregor Western Railroad had been
completed. A semi-weekly mail was carried between Charles City
and Clear Lake, by J. C. Stearns, of Charles City.
Soon after this period the railroad was built through this county,
and the principal points supplied with daily mails.
BRIDGES.
These are almost as great a necessity to the progress of a com-
munity as the roads, of which they are often an essential part; but
as they are comparativel}'' costly, pioneer settlers cannot aftord to
build them, especially reliable ones, and hence a great privation
has to be sutiered, for many long years. Temporary bridges are
built at first, ot logs, boards and brush, to be carried away by the
first freshet. The experience of Floyd County of course, has been
no exception to the general rule. Tlie first wagon road to become
well marked by travel, was that up the Cedar River on the west
side, from Cedar Falls and Nashua (or Bradford), to Floyd and
Osage.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY. 661
In pursuance of notice the citizens of Flojd County, met at
Cheney & Brackett's Hall, St. Charles City, June 8, 1859, to de-
vise ways and means to build bridges in the county. S. Hackey
was appointed Chairman and R. G. Reiniger, Secretary. After
some remarks from gentlemen in difterent parts of the county, it
was thought advisable to give the voters a further opportunity to
consider the matter; and that the subject might be more tally
presented to them, the chair was instructed to appoint a com-
mittee of three in each township, whose duty it should be to call a
meeting of the voters of their respective townships to discuss the
propriety of laying a tax on the property in the county for the
purpose aforesaid, and to see that the several townships are fully
represented at the next convention, agreebly to which the chair
appointed the following committee:
Rockford^A. R. Prescott, George "Wyatt and Horace Stearns;
Floyd — Moses Conger, Chester Bntterfield and H. Wilbur; River-
ton — S. Clark, Charles Young and Jacob Beck; Union — D. Ripley,
Isaac Teeples and John Wallace; Niles — Kewman Dntcher,
Rowe and J. B. Dawley; Rock Grove— T. T. Gilbert, W. W.
Roberts and J. Hemphill ; Ulster — John Ball, Welch and
John Chapman; Cedar — D. Crawford, W. B. Howard and Isaac
Kadin; St. Charles — M. Gilbert, R. W. Humphrey and J. Blunt.
Adjourned to Jnly 2.
At the meeting July 2, a committee was appointed to ascertain
where public bridges were necessary, and tlie amount to be ex-
pended upon each bridge; and they resolved that 812,500 should
be raised by tax, to be expended as follows: At St. Charles,
$3,000; Floyd, $3,000; Rockford, $2,000; Rock Grove, $2,000;
Union, $2,000; Cedar, $200; on the main road leading from St.
Charles to Marble Rock, over Flood Creek, $100; on Flood Creek,
near John Balls, in Ulster, $100; atid on Flood Creek, on the
county road, west of Abram G. Shroll's, $100. A committee was
appointed to draft a petition to circulate and present to the County
Court. Adjourned sine die.
An editorial appeared in the next issue of the Intelligencer., ad-
vocating the issue of county bonds, on the ground that the people
were apt to be too loth to vote a direct tax upon themselves.
Others advocated the issue of county warrants, which would be
receivable for taxes; but warrants were more liable to depreciate
than bunds, and the idea of issuing them was abandoned.
The iron bridges in the county are noticed in the sketches of
the respective towns or townships where they exist.
662 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
UPPER CEDAR VALLEY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
Aug. 11, 1871, a call was issued for a meeting of physicians in
Charles City, to organize a "Medical Association." It was
signed by Drs. J. W. Smith, L. P. Fitch, J. W. Nabersburg and
E. J. Williams, all of Charles City. In pursuance of this call a
meeting was held Sept. 23, in the Odd Fellows Hall in Charles
City. Present : Drs. S. B. Chase, of Osage, a graduate of Bow-
doiu Medical College, 1849; J. W. Smith, of Charles City, Tale
Medical College, 1850; Wm. S. Pitts, of Fredericksburg, Rush
Medical College, 1868; Henry W. Turner, of Osage, Ohio Medi-
College, 1861; J. W. Nabersberg, of Charles City, Iowa Uni-
versity, 1865; J. K. Gardner, of Lawler, Michigan University,
1870; E. W. Wilbur, of Rocljford, Philadelphia University, 1870;
A. H. Wight, Dover, University of Michigan, 1870; J. L. Whitley,
of Osage, Rush Medical College, 1869; John G. Ogden, of Mason
City, New York City University Medical College, 1847; and L. P.
Fitch, of Charles City, College ol Physicians and Surgeons, New
York City, 1864.
A preliminary organization was effected, with Dr. Chase as
Chairman, and Dr. Fitch, Secretary J9r6>. tern.
After remarks upon the advisability of organizing a district
medical society, by Drs. Smith, Chase and the other gentlemen
present, it was resolved to organize a district medical society.
The chair appointed Drs. Smith, Turner and Pitts a committee
on Permanent Organization.
The committee presented a constitution and by-laws, which
were adopted by the society. The name of the society to be
" The Upper Cedar Yalley Medical Association," and that it
includes the counties of Floyd, Mitchell, Howard, Chickasaw,
Bremer, Butler, Franklin, Cerro Gordo, and Worth.
The following officers were then chosen: President, Dr. S. B.
Chase; Yice President, Dr. J. W. Smith; Secretary, Dr. L. P.
Fitch; Treasurer, Dr. Wm. S. Pitts.
Regular annual meetings to be held on the second Tuesday of
June; a semi-annual meeting has also usually been held in Decem-
ber; each to be held at such place as the society shall direct.
Since the organization, the following have become members,
viz., from Floyd County:
*Dr. E. J. Williams, Charles City; Dr. M. M. Grannis, Charles
*Dcceased.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNXr. 663
City; Dr. Irving W. Smith, Charles City; Dr. S. Kiddill, Nora
Springs; Dr. C. C.Birney, Nora Springs; Dr.W. A. Clayton, Marble
Kock; Dr. J. D. McKenzie, Floyd; Dr. W. H. Nichols, Kocktbrd.
From Chickasaw Count}-: Dr. S. S. Troy, Nashua; Dr. C.
Billings, Nashua; Dr. PI. M. Mixer, New Hampton ; Dr. A. Bab-
cock, New Hampton; Dr. F. O. Sherwin, Lawler.
From Mitchell County: Dr. A. H. Moore, Osage; *Dr. Elmer
Nichols, Osage; Dr. S. A. Curvath, Mitchell; Dr. Harris Fellows,
Kiceville; Dr. John S. Wells, Riceville.
From Cerro Gordo County: Dr. A. A. Noyes, Mason City.
From Breraer County: Dr. H. Nichols, Plainfield.
From Worth County : Dr. N. L. Kean, Northwood.
At this meeting — 1882 — the association numbers about twenty-
five members; holds regular meetings, and includes most of the
physicians of Floyd County. In professional ability, and the
interest of its proceedings, it compares favorably with other sim-
ilar societies.
The annual meeting of 1872 was held at Osage; all other meet-
ings have been held at Charles City, as the most central place.
FLOYD COUNTY SABBA.TH-SCH00L ASSOCIATION OF IOWA.
This association was organized July 16, 1867, in Charles City.
A constitution was adopted, and R. B. Clarke, of Charles City,
was elected President; Yice-Presidents, E. C. Chapin, Charles
City; H. W. Bronson, Floyd; J. S. Childs, Rockford; Secretary,
Rev. D. N. Bordwell, Charles City; Treasurer, David Pettit, also
of Charles City. The present officers are, A. Schermerhorn, Pres-
ident; Dr. E. W. Wilbur, Wesley Brownell and W. E. Holbrook,
Vice-Presidents; C. A. Slocum, Secretary and Treasurer. This
organization has been kept alive, and itsefficiency has been marked
in advancing Sunday-school work in all its branches and in all the
churches. By the by-laws its regular meetings are held annually,
from place to place but the county is now divided into three dis-
tricts, wherein meetings are to be held every month or so. This is
one of the permanent organizations of Floyd County.
» THE DRIVE-WELL SWINDLE.
A meeting of citizens interested was held at the council room in
Charles City, Feb. 8, 1879, to devise means for resisting what is
know as the '* drive-well swiiidle." Hun. A. B. F. Ilildreth was
chosen Chairman and E. J. Gilbert, Secretary, and a committee
* Dece'isf (1.
QQ4: HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
apj)ointed to confer with the well agent. They made him these
two propositions: 1. Each man having a drive well to deposit
$10, subject to the order of the owners of the patent, provided the
cases then in litigation should be decided in their favor by the
United States Supreme Court. 2. If the owners of the patent
would take $5 royalty and give twenty days for payment from date
of publication of notice to that effect, no resistance to be made.
The agent said he bad no authority to make concessions, but the
propositions struck him as fair and business-like, and he would
consult with his superiors.
A permanent organization was effected, with the following offi-
cers: A. B. F. Hildreth, President; A. G. Case, Yice-President;
Y. G. Barney, Treasurer; E. J. Gilbert, Secretary. Membership
fee, $1. A large number of letters were written to parties in dif-
ferent States, making inquiries as to progress in pending suits.
But this association soon disbanded, as it was ascertained that
pending litigation began to result in favor of the proprietors of
the patent. The people using the drive well had all to pay the
$10 royalty.
In April following news came from New York City, that Judge
Blatchford, of that place, had rendered a decision invalidating the
drive-well patent; but it seems that the claims of the patentee were
finally sustained. In some of the States the claims of Greene are
successfully resisted,
FLOYD COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.
This association was organized many years ago, and while kept
alive did a fair proportion of work. In the career of such a
society there are no marked features to form pabulum for history,
and at present the Floyd County Bible Society is " resting on its
oars," probably waiting for the contemplated universal canvass
proposed by the American Bible Society.
ANECDOTAL.
The tedium of heavy history is often relieved by a comical or a
peculiar incident; and while most such events in this county are
related in connection with the respective village and township
histories in this volume, or in the general chapters, a few unclassi-
fied anecdotes we publish in this place.
HISTORY OF Ff.OYD COUNTY. 665
Pressing for Music. — A young man from the country, one
evening in 1860, about to call on some musical young ladies in
a Floyd County village, was told that he must ask them to sing,
and that if they refused, he should press them. Accordingly, he
commenced by requesting Miss Mary to favor him with a song.
She gently declined, saying she had " a cold," etc. " Well, then,
Mith," said our hero, " thuppothe I thqueethe you; don't you
think you might thing then? "
Poor Smitten Pedagogue! — In 1860 one of the fairest and
plumpest girls in a Floyd County school was called out upon the
floor one day for violating one of the master's rules. After inter-
rogating her a few moments, the master exclaimed, " Will you give
me your hand? " — " Yes, sir, and ray heart, too," replied the girl,
as she presented her hand and eyed him rather bewitchingly. Per-
fect silence reigned for a moment, and a tear was seen to glisten
in the teacher's eye. The ferule was laid upon the desk, and the
blushing girl was permitted to take her seat, after being directed
to tarry when school was out. As a sequel, it was understood that
a wedding was agreed upon.
A Negligent Wife. — In 1858, a Floyd County man being about
to start on a journey to Chicago, his careful wife exclaimed,
" Don't, Charles, go off with that hole in the elbow of your shirt;
for if the cars should run off the track and you should be killed,
people would think me a very negligent wife." Husband (button-
ing up his coat) — "Ahem! yes, I dare say they would."
No Gods in Iowa. — A schoolmaster in Floyd County, just from
the East, asked one of his pupils how many Gods there were. The
boy scratched his head for some time and replied, " I don't know
how many Gods you have East, but we have none in Iowa."
Loved her a Cow's Worth. — In one of the western towns of the
county, in 1867, a young man sought the hand of a certain young
lady in matrimony. She evaded an affirmative answer for two
years, and then went East, where she soon received a letter from
him, stating that he had consulted a lawyer, and ascertained that
he could recover from $200 to $500, but that if she would give
him an order for the possession of a cow, which she owned, he
would consider the matter settled.
A Matrimonial Dance. — A woman was divorced from her hus-
band in the county, in May, 1865. Shortly afterward she mar-
ried another man, and went to Idaho. In a short time she became
41
666 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
dissatisfied with him, deserted her new home, camo to Franklin
County, this State, where she married a third time. In a few
weeks she deserted husband number three, and returned to this
county, where she commenced again to live with her first husband,
who had, in her absence in the West, married a second wife and
deserted her.
Not '■^Aul Hefers." — A Floyd County constable being directed
to serve an execution, was told that the property to be levied
upon consisted of three heifers, and that after taking charge of
the same he must indorse a return describing the property. With
a view to be entirely correct, and not finding "aul hefers," he
specified as follows: "I went to level on the three hefers l)utt
they want aul hefers onely wun was A shee hefer the uther was a
mooley bull, and the uther wun was a bulley mule."
A Motley Squad. — In August, 1870, a band of Indians (or gip-
sies), claiming to be of the Cherokee nation, visited Charles City
and probably other points in this section of the county, mainly for
the purpose of selling certain medicines, as there was a "medi-
cine woman" among them. There were ten or twelve of the party,
including papooses. Two were young ladies (?) and adepts at
horseback riding. One young man in Charles City, desiring to
take a ride on horseback (or pony-back) with one of these copper,
colored maidens, was refused at first, but insisting, she very
politely told him in plain English to " go to hell, " The filthy
stuff they sold for medicine may have been nothing more than a
decoction of old soup-bones and rotten wood. They sold $40 or
$50 worth during their short stay here. A number of young men
endeavored to outwit them with reference to their medical skill,
but received more than they sent. These rovers could not all
have been Indians, as some had light colored hair, blue eyes and
a fair skin; and they could speak English, German and French.
They had four covered wagons, but no tents.
FLOYD COUNTY MAP.
A very reliable map of this county was drafted an published
in 1878 by Warner & Foote, of Red Wing, and now of Minne-
apolis, Minn. It is drawn on the scale of one and three-fourths
miles to the inch. It was a subscription work and sold for $12
per copy.
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
667
RELIEF TO WKSTERN SUFFERERS.
During the year 1874 a large section of Nortliwestern Iowa was
afflicted with a total failure of the crops from the locusts, and the
people became dependent upon the public for the necessaries of
life. In response to their wants the citizens of Floyd County
responded not only liberally but promptly.
Also in the spring of 1882, when Grinnell, la., was devastated
by a cyclone, the citizens of this county maintained their prestige
in prompt and liberal contributions for the relief of sufferers iit
that point. The unparalleled alacrity with which the people of
this county flew to the aid of Chicago during the great fire of Oct.
9 and 10, 1871, was incredible. Within twenty hours after that
fire broke out, and before it had done more than half its work,
the citizens of Charles City met and made arrangements for
contributions.
^^A
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
CHAELES CITY.
THE BEGINNINGS.
Joseph Kelly was the first white settler within the present
bounds of Charles City. For a full account of his location here,
and particulars concerning other early comers to this point, see the
introductory portion of the first chapter. Mr. Kelly chose this
spot for the eligibility of its situation and the water-power. The
river crossing here was known as the "ford" of the Cedar, and
had been the location of a Winnebago village. Jerome Watson
came with Mr. Kelly, but did not like the place so well, and went
down the river, purchasing near Bradford. After entering his land
here, Mr. Kelly returned to Wisconsin to make preparations for a
permanent location the following spring. Accordingly, in the
spring of 1851, he returned to this place; but his family did not
come until 1854, when they erected a cabin on the spot where the
Christian church now stands.
During this year, 1852, about twenty-five families arrived, among
whom was John Blunt, who built the first house on the east side
of the river, raising it on the 10th of June. This was at what is
now the west corner of Hulin and Joslin streets, where the cellar
may yet be seen. Others were Edward Haskell, Horton Mande-
ville and Dr. Robert L. Freeman, who erected a log house on the
west side and used it for a store.
FreeTTian. — This was the first village plat laid out in the present
county of Floyd, the date being April 8, 1854. The county was
not then organized. This village was on the southwest side of the
river, and a copy of the plat was recorded in Chickasaw County, by
order of James H. Lyon, Judge. In said order it appears that Dr.
Freeman and Mr. Mandeville acknowledged that the disposition
of the land as shown by said plat, was "with their free con-
sent and in accordance with their desire." The surveyors certifi-
(668)
CHARLESjciTY. 669
cate, made by Seth Richardson, Surveyor, states that the situation
of said plat is on the south half of the northwest quarter of
section 12, township 95, 16; and that the streets running north
and south are sixty-six feet wide, and those east and west,
sixty feet wide; that the blocks are 300 feet north and south, by
320 east and west, with an alley of twenty feet running through
the middle of each block north and south. The blocks are indicated
on the plat by letters; to wit, from A to S, inclusive, with block J
omitted, and in lieu thereofa block marked " Public Square," now
occupied by the Fourth Ward School building.
St. Charles. — The original town plat of St Charles was dedicated
by Joseph Kelly and Melinda Kelly, his wife, in an article dated
Sept. 22, 1854, which article was acknowledged before B. Dunn-
widdie, Notary Public, with a certificate attached, signed by David
Wiltse, Prosecuting Attorney, acting Judge, in the absence of the
county judge, stating that he was satisfied that the requirements of
the code of Iowa had been fully complied with. This certificate
was signed Jan, 18, 1855. Said plat was situated upon a portion
of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter, and the south-
east quarter of the southeast quarter of section 1, and the north
hall of the northeast quarter of section 12, in township 95
north, range 15 west of the fifth meridian. The streets are at
an angle of north 32 *^ east, so as to be at right angles with
the streets parallel with the river. The plat consists of eighteen
square blocks, 264 feet square, and six half-sized blocks on the
north side. Block nine of the plat was dedicated as a public square,
and is still so used.
When Mr. Kelly settled here, he brought with him his son
Charles, then a lad of fourteen or fifteen years of age, and, thinking
that a boy courageous enough to go out thus into an unknown and
an unbroken land ought to be remembered, he called the -'ford"
Charlestown, in his honor. But in the course of time it was found
that there was another Charlestown, in this State. The name ot
this place was then changed to St. Charles; but the fates were still
against them, for there was another St. Charles in the State;
namely, in Madison County. Hence, in 1860, the postofiice was
changed to its present name, Charles City. The name of the
original town has never been formally changed. In 1857 Dr. N.
H. Palmer laid oflFan addition on the east side, with the streets
670 HISTOEY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
corresponding with the cardinal points of the compass, and called
the plat " Charles City."
During the latter part of February, 1857, St. Charles was
incorporated by the Legislature as a town or village, changing th
name to "St. Charles City," and the ^^ /St. Charles RepubliGan
Intelligencer^^ forthwith for one issue changed its name to
^'■Charles City Republican Intelligencer^'' considering the "St."
superfluous. The result accorded with the Intelligencer'' s sugges-
tion, both city and postoflfice being since known by the pretty
name of "Charles City."
This year, 1854, the village grew rapidly, the county was organ-
ized, by the election of officers in August, and St. Charles was
selected as the county seat. Freeman's was the first store in the
place, and the first hotel was that of Gilbert & Pooler, opened the
previous year.
A company of capitalists from Rockford, 111., afterward bought
up a large interest in the town from Mr. Kelly, so that in 1855 the
proprietors of the town were Joseph Kellj', Duncan Ferguson, R.
M. Waller, Milo Gilbert, Wm. Hulin, Luke Joslin, R. M. Brant-
ingham and William Spriggs. Lots were for sale by Wiltse &
Fairfield.
Dr. Freeman was the first postmaster at this point, the office
being in his store on the west side. He was succeeded in 1856 by
John Blunt, who of course had the office in his store on the east
side. The next postmaster was S. W. Stanberry, the next, Dr. J.
W. Smith, who was succeeded in 1869 by B. F. Wright, the present
incumbent. In the chapter of Miscellaneous items a further
account is given of the post-offices and post routes of the county,
with anecdotes.
Kelly & Co.'s Addition to St. Charles was made May 29, 1857. It
consisted of eighty-two full and fractional blocks, lying on all sides
of the original plat of St. Charles, and was platted by Joseph and
Miranda Kelly, Milo and M. C. Gilbert, R. M. and E. J. Waller,
R. M. and J. Brantingham, William Hulin, Luke Joslin, George
E. and E. B. D. Woodward (by their attorney, Duncan Ferguson),
and Duncan and Agnes M. Ferguson. The dedication was duly
acknowledged, at the above date, and approved before J. V. W.
Montague, County Clerk.
CHARLES CITY. 671
Gilbert's Addition consisted of twelve full and four half blocks,
being the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 12,
township 95, 16. The streets are with the cardinal points of the
compass, those running east and west being a continuation of the
streets of Freeman, sixty feet wide, and the streets north and south
sixty-six feet wide. The plat was dedicated by Truman T. and Almira
Gilbert, June 20, 1857. This addition was named " Charleston.''
Kelly's Addition to St. Charles was made only four days after-
ward. It consisted of two blocks, numbered 27 and 28, and
were dedicated to the county of Floyd, block 28, to be occupied
by the court-house and grounds, and block 27, to be disposed of
as the county authorities saw fit. This subdivision was surveyed
by Ronaldson & Lee, Surveyors.
"Charles City" is a small plat as an eastern suburb, consisting
of four full and four half blocks. It is the southwest quarter
of the southwest quarter of section 6, Township 95, 15, and was
made by Dr. N. H. Palmer, April 3, 1858, the dedication being
acknowledged on that day before Wm. B. Fairfield, Notary Public,
and approved by David Ripley, County Judge.
Lane's Addition to the City of St. Charles consisting of seventy-
four full and fractional blocks, was duly dedicated by Robert T.
and Mary Lane, Dec. 22, 1864, before Duncan Ferguson, Notary
Public, and approved by Abner Root, County Judge. It was
surveyed and platted by David Wiltse, Surveyor. It lies on all
sides of the previously platted St. Charles and additions, and squares
the city out to the Government survey of the land. It does not
extend over into any other section except No. 6, township 95, 15.
Holcomb & Ferguson's Subdivision of lots 15 and 16 in block
139, of Lane's subdivision of St. Charles was made June 9, 1869,
on Park street and joining the west of Iowa street.
Taylor's Subdivision of lots 17 and 18, in block 131, of Lane's
Addition, was made May 2, 1871, at the corner of the county
and the town line roads, by Charles M. Taylor.
The manner in which Main street came to be located where it is,
is somewhat interesting. In the fall of 1853 John Blunt proposed
to A. L. Collins to build a store in partnership. The latter, accept-
ing, cut and hewed out some logs during the ensuing winter.
Employing a man to haul them in the spring, the teamster asked
672 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
him, " Where shall I unload the logs?" — " Oh," replied Collins,
" any where over there [pointing] where you can find a stake."
No thought was then entertained of any importance in laying out
streets or the precise location and situation of a building. Main
street was for many years known as " Mill street."
EARLY SETTLERS.
Of the fathers of Charles City, several remain here or in the
county to this day, as Joseph Kelly, A. L. Collins, Milo Gilbert,
G. B. Eastman, S. B. Starr, R. M. Waller, A. B. F. Hildreth
Sanford Harwood, B. F. Cheney, Dr. J". W. Smith, and others,
who are therefore well known to the public. Biographical
sketches of these veterans of Floyd County history appear else-
where in this volume, as in the chapters on the Courts and Bar
the Press etc. Luke Joslin, R. N. Brantingham and Wm. Hulin,
although among the original proprietors of St. Charles City, never
resided here, but rather at Rockford, 111., where they have long
since died. Jackson Spriggs died in Pennsylvania, Dr. Freeman
was here but a short time. After selling a few lots in his plat, he
sold all his land here, about 1855, and removed to Elkadar, Clay-
ton County, la.
Duncan Ferguson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1809, and
came to America in 1851. Being an engineer and surveyor he
was always in public positions, and made for himself a good name
as a railroad engineer. Government surveyor or banker. In 1856
he, with others, came to Charles City, and laid out the village. He
resided here two years, doing a banking business in company with
G. B. Eastman, and returned to Rockford, 111., where he died in
May, 1882.
CITY OFFICERS.
Charles City was incorporated as a city in the early part of 1869.
The first meeting of the City Council was held June 9, 1869, the
members thereof, and the other city officers having been elected
on the eighth of June. The first act of the council was to adopt
a motion made by C. A. Slocnm, to the effect that the Mayor
should appoint a committee of three to prepare by-laws and ordi-
nances for the consideration of the council. Mayor Gilbert ap-
pointed C. A. Slocum, J. S. Root, and S. G. Bryant, who reported
at the next meeting of the conncil a set of ordinances, which were
CHARLES CITY. 673
all adopted. In March, 1871, Charles City was ascertained to be a
"city of the second class."
The officers elected each year since the incorporation, have been
as follows:
1869. — Mayor, Milo Gilbert; Eecorder, A. W, French; Marshal,
Charles P. Collins; Treasurer, Wm. Hausburg; Street Commis-
sioner, A. L. Collins; Councilmen, S. G. Bryant, William Haus-
burg, J. S. Root, S. M. Wilson, C. A. Slocum.
1870.— Mayor, Milo Gilbert; Recorder, A. W. French; Mar-
shal, L. G. Burroughs; Treasurer, Wm. Hausburg, Street Com-
missioner, J. M. Miner; Councilmen, Jackson Wood, E. A.
Teeling, William Hausburg, Sanford Harwood, J. R. Waller.
1871. — Mayor, C. S. Otis; Recorder, George P. Morris; Mar-
shal, J. L. Ferris; Treasurer, H.-C. Baldwin; Street Commissioner,
H. H. Case (resigned), S. G. Bryant (unexpired term); Councilmen,
E. Andrews, Dr. J. W. Smith, Charles A. Slocum, John Kuck, Dr.
W. L. Palmer.
1872.— Mayor, D. W. C. Duncan; Clerk, Eugene B. Dyke;
Marshal, S. O. Page; Treasurer, J. W, Lehmkuhl (resigned), H.
C. Baldwin (unexpired term); Solicitor, J. Evans Owens; Street
Com'r., S. O. Page; Councilmen: 1st Ward, C. W. Fletcher, J. G.
Patterson; 2d Ward, Sanford Harwood, Frank Burnhain; 3d Ward,
C. K Clark, F. T. Swift; 4th Ward, J. N. Parsons, John Howard.
1873. — Mayor, J. E. Owens, Clerk, Eugene B. Dyke; Marshal,
George Leaman; Treasurer, H. C.Baldwin; Solicitor, J. Evans
Owens; Street Commissioner, George T. Leaman. Assessor, A. W.
French; Conncihnen: 1st Ward, J. G. Patterson, C. W. Fletcher;
2d Ward, Frank Burnham, Sanford Harwood; 3d Ward, F. T.
Swift, A. H. Brackett; 4th Ward, J. N". Parsons, N. Phelps.
1874. — Mayor, J. E. Owens; Clerk, Eugene B. Dyke (resigned),
E. J. Gilbert (unexpired term); Marshal, L. M. Loper; Treas-
urer, Morton Wilbur; Solicitor, A. M. Harrison; Street Commis-
sioner, J. C. Stearns; Assessor, A. W. French; Councilmen: 1st
Ward, C. W. Fletcher, L. J. Waller; 2d Ward, Frank Burnham,
John Howard; 3d Ward, A. H. Brackett, Ira K. Lee; 4th Ward,
J. N. Parsons, N. Phelps.
1875.— Mayor, W. D. Balch; Clerk, J. S. Bradley; Marshal,
L. M. Loper; Treasurer, Morton Wilbur; Solicitor, A. M. Harri-
son; Street Commissioner, J. C. Stearns; Assessor, A. W. French;
Councilmen, 1st Ward, L. J. Waller, John Ferguson; 2d Ward,
John Howard, Frank Burnham; 3d Ward, Ira K. Lee, A. H.
Brackett; 4th Ward, N. Phelps, T. W. Clapp.
674 HISTORY OF FLOYD COtJNTY.
1876.— Major, C. W. Fletcher; Clerk, J. S. Bradley; Marshal,
B. M. Loper; Treasurer, Morton Wilbur; Solicitor, S. P. Leland;
Street Commissioner, J. C. Stearns; Assessor, A. "W". French;
Councilmen: 1st Ward, John Ferguson, CarlMerckel, Jr. ; 2d Ward,
George P. Morris, John Howard; 3d Ward, A. H. Brackett, E.
G. Barney; 4th Ward, T. W. Clapp, A. M. Thomas.
1877.— Mayor, C. W. Fletcher; Clerk, J. S. Bradley; Marshal,
L. M. Loper; Treasurer, W. D. Balch; Solicitor, S. P. Leland;
Street Commissioner, J. C. Stearns; Assessor, A. W. French;
Councilmen: 1st Ward, Carl Merckel, Jr., John Ferguson; 2d
Ward, John Howard, George P. Morris ; 3d Ward, E. G. B'arney,
A. H. Bracket; 4th Ward, A. M. Thomas, Charles A. Slociim.
1878.— Mayor, C. W. Fletcher; Clerk, J. S. Bradley; Marshal,
Ira K. Lee; Treasurer, Morton Wilbur; Solicitor, A.M. Harrison;
Street Commissioner, J. C. Stearns; Assessor, A. W. French;
Councilmen: 1st Ward, John Ferguson, Carl Merckel, Jr. ; 2d Ward,
George P. Morris, John Howard; 3d Ward, A. H. Brackett, J. E.
Eich; 4th Ward, Charles A. Slocum, Y. E. Bort.
1879. — Mayor, A. E. Spriggs; Clerk, J. S. Bradley; Marshal, Ira
K. Lee; Treasurer, S. F. Farnham; Solicitor, A. M. Harrison;
Street Commissioner, T. C. Bumgardner; Assessor, A. W. French ;
Councilmen: 1st Ward, George E. May, Eli Brownell; 2d Ward,
John Howard, T. A. Hand; 3d Ward, J. E. Eich, O. Pomeroy;
4th Ward, Y. E. Bort, N. Phelps.
1880.— Mayor, Carl Merckel, Jr.; Clerk,!. S. Bradley; Marshal,
L. M. Loper; Treasurer, George P. Morris; Solicitor, A. M. Har-
rison; Street Commissioner, T. C. Bumgardner; Assessor, Eli
Brownell; Councilmen: 1st Ward, Eli Brownell, George E. May;
2d Ward, John Howard, M. Martin; 3d Ward, O. Pomeroy,
George P. Smith; 4th Ward, N. Phelps, Y. E. Bort.
1881.— Mayor, P. W. Burr; Clerk, J. S. Bradley; Marshal L.
M. Loper; Treasurer, George P. Morris; Solicitor, A. M.
Harrison; Street Commissioner, T. C. Bumgardner; Assessor, Eli
Brownell; Councilmen: Ist Ward, George E. May, C. M. Carr;
2d Ward, M. Martin, J. E. Owens; 3d Ward, George P. Smith,
Carl Merckel, Jr.; 4th Ward, Y. E. Bort, E. A. Teeling.
1882.— Mayor, J. S. Trigg; Clerk, J. S. Bradley; Marshal,
George T. Leaman; Treasurer, W. E. Holbrook; Solicitor, P. W.
Burr; Street Commissioner, Charles Inglehart; Assessor, Eli
Brownell; Councilmen: 1st Ward, C. M. Carr, W. A. G. Tripp;
CHARLES CITY. 675
2d Ward, J. H. Elliott, M. Martin; 3d Ward, Carl Merckel, Jr.,
W. A. Fairbank; 4th Ward, E. A. Teeling, D. H. Ferguson.
Sometimes the city has elected a board of officers and aldermen
in favor of license, sometimes a board opposed to it, and occasion-
allj some of both parties at the same election. This year (1882)
the whole board is "no-license."
BUSINESS MEN IN EARLY DAYS.
It will be interesting here to glance at the business directory of
St. Charles from 1856 to 1860, as appeared by the business cards
and advertisements in the Intelligencer during thos e years.
General Stores — Blunt & Collins, John Ferguson & Co., Wright
& McNabb, Wright & Bro., Cheney & Brackett, Montague & Co.,
Rumpf, Lehmkuhl & Co.
Boots and Shoes — Ferguson & Sampson.
Hardware — Gilbert & Waller, Ferguson & Stanley ("Mill street,
opposite the new hotel").
Drugs and Books — A. B. F. Hildreth, Hildreth & Carver (books,
wall paper, lands, marble works, etc.), Fessenden <% Montague,
Smith & Atkinson.
Blacksmiths — Wm. M. Langstaff, Levi Schermerhorn, C. E.
Bigelow, K. D. & C. E. Bigelow <fe Co., Franklin R. Wooley,
Woo ley & Snyder.
Architects and Builders — Theodore Mix, James Jackson, Cole
<fe Jackson.
Carpenters — Lutz & Terry.
Cabinet Maker — John Howard.
Painters — Heath & Atkinson, John Heath.
Tailor — T. Donohue.
Clocks, Watches and Jewelry — D. Gilbert, Haskins & Sawyer.
Harness and Saddlery — Pettit & Ferguson.
Livery — J. N. Montgomery.
Baker — John Muir.
Shingles — Uzziel Weeks.
Real Estate — A. L. Collins, Abner Root, Patterson, Lee &
Honaldson (land agents, surveyors and civil engineers).
Law and Real Estate — Samuel B. Starr, G. G. Reiniger.
Law — A. K. Eaton, T. D. Pooler, Wm. H. Sawyer, French,
Wiltse & Fairfield, G. G. Reiniger, L W. Card & R. G. Reiniger,
H. C. Stinson, D. W. Poindexter, J. G. Patterson.
Justice of the Peace — Joshua Jackson.
676 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Physicians — J. W. Smith (Eclectic), W. A. Fessenden, S.
Kiddill.
Bankers — Ferguson, Eastman & Co.
Insurance — Wm. B. Fairlield.
Hotels— Joseph Kelly (" St. Charles Hotel"), Christopher Mar-
tin (leased the former in February, 1857), Smith & Goddard (opened
a new hotel Jan. 1, 1857, called the " Magnolia House").
Miller — Joseph Kelly.
Nursery — Geo. E. Dunbar.
Sugar Mill — Sanford Howard. (Probably the first in the county).
Newspaper — St. Charles Intelligence?', started July 31> 1856,
the first number of which was sold at auction for $20. A full
account is given in the chapter on the Press.
We now reach a point in the growth of Charles City, where^
according to the law of divergence of functions, as taught in
modern scientific works in connection with evolution, material and
moral interests difierentiate into distinct departments, as business
associations, factories, banks, schools, temperance organizations,
military afiairs, railroads, churches, clubs and a great variety of
other movements ; and while most of these are treated to some
extent, and some of them thoroughly, iu more appropriate chap-
ters in this work, it is our duty here more fully to detail those
things which in their bearings are confined almost or quite exclu-
sively to Charles City. Our order will be, first, factories and
banks ; then churches, secular societies, educational affairs and
miscellaneous.
MANUFACTORIES, ETC.
Water-Power. — A log dam was first built at St. Charles in
1854, by Joseph Kelly, the original owner. The same year and
the year following he started a saw-mill for an upright saw, and
also the foundation of a flouring mill ; and in the summer of 185
he entered into contract with Col. John P. Knight, to start a three-
run flouring mill. This was built, and put in operation in
February 1856 ; and at that time it was the only mill in Floyd
County, or indeed in all this part of the country, the nearest
neighboring mill being at Cedar Falls. It was known as the
frontier mill, and for many years it alone held sway throughout
this region, patrons coming even from Minnesota, — from as far
north as Blue Earth County. This mill was operated until 1875^
when it was torn down to make room for the present structure.
CHAELES CITY. 677
The Charles City Water-Power Company was organized in
Marcb, 1875, with Milo Gilbert, President ; John G. Patterson,
Secretary ; and "W. D. Balch, Treasurer. The Board of Directors
comprised the above named men and F. T. Swift, John P. Taylor,
E.. G. Reiniger and A. R. Spriggs. There were seventy-two stock-
holders, subscribing from $250 to $8,000 each in $25 shares,
making a total of $100,000. They immediately assessed ten per
cent, on the stock and proceeded to build a new dam.
March 4, 1876, the water-power was conveyed to this company,
the deed filed for record, and the keys to the grist-mill given up
to President Gilbert, who employed E. A. Teeling to take charge
of the same. Mrs. Kelly carried out her verbal agreement to
the letter and subscribed $4,000 stock. She also yielded the claim
for rent against the lessee of the mill property. She sold the
power for $25,000, after she had been previously offered $50,000,
and $70,000, so desirous was she to revive business and property
value in Charles City.
The board immediately took possession of the old mill which
stood upon the water-power erected in 1855 by Joseph Kelly, Sr.,
and operated the same until some time in July following, when it
was taken down to make room for the present mill and improve-
ments then being made by the company ; and the erection of the
dam and the digging of the race through the solid rock for the
present flouring mill power continued until the south side basement
was built. The present mill was put in operation in February
1876, and the Water- Power Company has continued to operate it
until the present time. It is now under the management of H. C.
Ireland, Superintendent, who has had charge of all the matters
pertaining to the company for the last three years. The company
at present is officered by Milo Gilbert, President ; J. P. Taylor,
Yice-President ; S. F. Farnham, Treasurer ; and Alexander
Spriggs, Secretary.
The works consist of a flouring mill, with a capacity of 200
barrels of flour per day ; one sixty-inch turbine wheel, under a
nine-foot four-inch head of water, being ec[ual to about sixty-five
horse-power. It has a full set of Stephens corrugated rolls, and all
modern machinery of a first-class flouring mill. The brands
manufactured here are the " Directors', " " Fancy Patent, " " Min-
nesota Patent," "Straight" and "Family." The structure has
also attached to it a feed mill for wheat, rye, buckwheat and corn,
consisting of two run of stone, propelled by a Leffel turbine wheel
678 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
affording an eighty-five horsepower. A portion of the power is now"
being attached to the plow factory in process of erection by tlie
Charles City Plow Company. The presses of the Intelligencer
office are also run by this power, communicated by cable over the
tops of the intervening buildings.
This great flour manufactory is called the " Centennial Mills, "
in honor of the year it was put in operation. Much of the time it is
run night and day, and the products are marketed mostly at home
and in Dakota.
The present dam is substantial and neat, permitting a beautiful,
sheet of water to fall over its crest and slide down an apron at an
angle of forty-five degrees, thus afibrding a pleasant and attractive
scene to all passers by upon the bridge a few rods below. A
remarkable feat is performed here occasionally by some young men
which we ought not to leave unnoticed. Undressed they proceed out
to near the middle of the dam, and slide headlong down the apron,
a distance of about twelve feet, into the depths below, sometimes
upon their hackstand sometimes with their faces downward. Like
loons they emerge in the distance unharmed and happy.
Charles City Plow Fadtory. — This institution had its origin
in the efforts of its present senior proprietor, F. R. Wooley, who in
1856 commenced blacksmithing here in a small way, and in 1859
commenced the manufacture of plows in this place, which were
superior to those of Eastern make. In 1862 he built a factory
which he conducted until 1876, where the present shop stan ds,
opposite the east corner of the public square. The business so in-
creased that this year (1882), the company erected, across Main
street from the Centennial Mills, a three-story brick building,
34x80 feet, at a cost of about $3,500, with power derived by shaft
and pulley from the mills just mentioned, equal to twenty-five
horse power, leased for ten years. The machinery and other
works are of course not included in the above estimate of cost
The company is about to be formed, or re-organized, on the stock
principle, and will manufacture plows for all grades of farm work;
breaking, riding, sulky, corn plows, etc., and make repairs.
They use patent steel, branding their plows alter the name of
the city, and contemplate extending their trade over the broad
prairies of the North and "West.
'"'•Boss Harrow'''' Company. — The initiatory of the business of this
company is given in the biographical sketch of H. S. Howard, in
a subsequent portion of this work. The harrows made by this
CHAKLES CITY. 6
company were patented by John E. Perkinson, of Wisconsin, and
introduced here by Mr. Howard. In the winter of 1877-78,
Messrs. Howard and Gulchers made 120 of these harrows and
began to wholesale them. They sent a few to Fargo, Dakota, and
Lake Park, Minn. The winter of 1878, 300 were manufactured,
under the firm name of Quinby & Howard, and they extended
their trade to a number of points in Minnesota, Dakota, and
Iowa.
In 1879-'80, Mr. W.H. Davis purchased Mr. Quinby's interest,
and the firm became H. S. Howard & Co., and they manufactured
600 harrows. The winter of 1880-'81, Mr. Howard, W. H. Davis,
and Walter Davis from Wisconsin, manufactured 2,000 harrows,
and built a small factory near Mr. Tait's Tow Mill in Charles City,
using Mr. Tait's power. In July, 1881, H. C. Raymond, of Charles
City, became a partner in the business, furnishing one-half the
cash capital; and the fall of 1881 and spring of 1882, the company
manufactured between 3,000 and 4,000 harrows. The spring of
1882, Walter Davis retired from the firm, and W. H. Davis and
H. C. Raymond, deciding that the business demanded new shops
and better facilities for manufacturing, built their present shops,
adding improved machinery, and an engine. They now occupy a
building 250 feet long by 24 wide, and give direct employment to
sixteen men. This factory ie one of the leading manufactories of
Charles City.
The Charles City Furniture Manufactory, by Stevens, Hering
& Co., was established in April, 1870, under the firm of Elkins <k
Hering. In 1872 the firm became Stevens, Hering & Co., the par-
ties being B, W. Stevens, W. C. Hering and E. J. Fisher; the lat-
ter is manager of the factory. This institution gives employment
to twenty-five men, who make fine furniture of all kinds, bank
and store counters, church, office and lodge furniture, shelving,
etc. This stock is sold both by wholesale and retail at their store
on Main street. This building is twenty-two feet front by ninety
feet deep, and two stories high. One man is employed as a travel-
ing agent. This is one of the leading business institutions of
Charles City.
£lm Springs Creamery. — This is a new and rapidly growing in-
stitution, located about twenty rods below the bridge on the west
side of the river, where there is a large spring of perfectly pure
water, shaded by a noble elm. The original building is two stories,
680 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
with basement 24^x40 feet in size, for a clieese factory, and a
wing 18 X 36 for a creamery, two stories high. The lower floors
are in a quarry where stone has been dug. One basement floor is
of wood, with a drain; the other is flagged with smooth lime-
stone. In one corner of the cheese factory is the boiler room, for
furnishing steam to heat the milk from which the cheese is made.
This room is so close that no heat gets through the partition or
emerges through the door; so the only heat which gets there
must come through the steam pipes into the milk vats. A stone
vault or sub-cellar is cut off" from the creamery of the basement,
where the finished butter is kept before shipping. In the main
butter-room are water reservoirs, where the cream is raised or
cooled before churning.
On the second and third floors we find the storage for cheese
while in process of curing, and another room for receiving the milk
and cream daily. One churn changes cream into 160 to 250 pounds
of butter at a churning.
During the season of 1882, a large addition to the south side of
this building has been made, one story and a deep basement.
The present proprietors are Burt White, J. S. Trigg and H. C.
Kaymond.
G. H. Bennett, in the spring of 1863, put in operation a good
carding machine in Charles City. Mr. Rider, of Floyd, a disabled
soldier and an experienced workman, was employed to superin-
tend it.
Ireat c& Klepper^s Marble Works are located on Main street near
corner of Water street. These works were first established by
E. B. Moore some ten years ago. Six years since Mr. Treat
bought out the yard and conducted the business alone until
August, 1882, when the present_copartnersliip was formed. They
turn out first-class work.
W. Winternik started the first marble works in the county eighteen
years ago. At that time there were but two marble yards in the
State — one at Dubuque and a small shop at Cedar Falls. His
works are located on Main street, near Kelly street. He works all
kinds of marble, granite, etc., and has a good custom. He formerly
worked in Chicago, commencing there thirty-five years ago.
Quarries. — The Cedar River, near Charles City, is lined with
good building-stone, and several quarries have been worked. A
number of beautiful buildings — in fact all the best of them — are
CHARLES CITY. 681
built of this etone, as the Union Houoe block, Dr. Smith's busi-
ness block and residence, the two school-houses, two churches, etc.
Some of this stone is capable of receiving a very high polish, and
hence has been called " St. Charles marble." One species has
been used for grave-stones but for this purpose it is not very
durable.
IMPROVEMENTS GENERALLY.
In the winter of 1871-'2, the enterprising citizens of Charles
City began to feel that special efforts should be made to secure
manufactories and public institutions, as additional improvements
to their beautiful town. Accordingly Feb. 3, 1872, a meeting was
held and an executive committee appointed to forward the interests
of the place. Feb. 10 a mass meeting was held at Raymond's
Hall, where Judge Reiniger, being called upon, stated the object
of the meeting. He said that Charles City had attained its full
growth unless something be done in the way of public improve-
ments; that there were projects for securing a State Normal School,
manufacturino: establishments of various kinds and for the location
here of the machine shops of the I. & D. division of the M. & St. P.
R. R. After remarks were made by several gentlemen respecting
normal schools, Hon. J. G. Patterson offered the following reso-
lution which was adopted: " That Hon. R. G. Reiniger, Prof. I.Shep-
ard and Mr. J. F. Spaulding be appointed a committee to correspond
witli our Representatives in the Legislature on the subject of the
passage of a normal school bill; that they select in or near Charles
City a suitable site for such a school, ascertain for what it can be
purchased, and learn from the citizens individually, as far as
possible, what can be relied on in the way of money and means
as a donation to secure the location of such a school at this place.
The question of asking for the location of railroad shops here at
this time was a delicate one, as the county had been so backward
in paying up its railroad tax. After considerable discussion, it
was agreed to ask the railroad company how much bonus they
would require, over and above the unpayed taxes due, to induce
them to locate their machine shops at this place.
Mr. Taylor, from the committee on manufactures, reported that
$250 had been subscribed for buying a lot for Stevens, Elkins
& Co., to build a furniture factory upon, and asked for further
time; which was granted.
43
682 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
The water-power question again came up, and after some deliber-
ation a committee was appointed to ascertain the terms for which
the water-power could be bought or leased, and to ask Mr. Joseph
Kelly, the proprietor, how much he would help the enterprise.
Another committee was appointed to look after the manufactur-
ing interests of Charles City generally. Milo Gilbert, K. G.
Reiniger and J. P. Taylor constituted this committee. Messrs.
Patterson, Mahara and Boulton offered donations of ground for
manufactories. It was stated that during the preceding year
$20,000 worth of plows had been sold in the city, which could just
as well have been manufactured here.
Meanwhile the Intelligencer was working industriously to ad-
vance all these local interests.
At the next meeting, one week subsequently, most of the com-
mittees reported progress, and were continued in duty. On the
water-power, the committee reported Mr. Kelly's terms, and were
continued. Subscriptions were taken for this enterprise to the
amount of $7,000, and the committee instructed to raise this to
$10,000, as a bonus to any company that would purchase and im-
prove the water-power. The enterprise of Stevens, Elkins & Co.
was reported as makinoj progress, a respectable subscription was
raised " on the spot," and the committee instructed to " push
things." At the next meeting, Feb. 24, $600, the amount required,
was raised for the furniture factory. A. R. Spriggs, A. G. Case
and J. G. Patterson were appointed a committee to secure the
services of a competent engineer for examining the water-power
and determining its capacity.
In March a letter from Mr. Lawler was published, informing the
citizens of Charles City that the Milwaukee & St. Paul R. R. Co.,
being embittered against the county for its dilatoriness in paying
the tax it had agreed to pay, peremptorily declined to locate their
shops at this place.
June 1 the committee on the water-power reported that they had
entered into a contract with Mr. and Mr^?. Kelly, whereby they had
the refusal of the power for forty-five days for any company or
corporation that might be organized to purchase the same, at
$40,000, payable $4,000 in cash, and the balance on or before
ninety-nine years from date, with interest at eight and three-fourths
percent., payable semi-annually. The committee was instructed
to proceed with the raising of subscriptions as speedily as practi-
cable.
CHARLES CITY. 688
The idea of levying a tax was auvaiiced, but, after some discus-
sion, was abandoned. Then the plan of raising stock, in $100
shares, was proposed and adopted. A committee was appointed to
draft articles of incorporation, and all hands resolved to rush
business.
At a meeting held in the Christian cluirch, April 30, 1881, to
encourage the proposed railroad and locnl enterprises generally,
F. A. JRoziene, H. C. Raymond, A. R. Spriggs, V. G. Barney,
J. P. Taylor and Milo Gilbert were appointed a committee to pre-
pare a constitution and by-laws for a board of trade, with power to
correspond with railroad companies and capitalists in relation to
any of the interests of Charles City, to call a meeting to receive
their report and for organization. May 17 following this company
organized as the " Charles City Improvement Association," with
constitution and by-laws, and by the election of the following of-
ficers: F. A. Roziene, President; H. Raymond, Vice-President;
D. Townsend, Secretary; W. D. Balch, Treasurer; A. R. Spriggs,
V. C. Barney and Dr. J. W. Smith, Executive Committee. Ar-
ticle II of the constitution states the object of the association to be
'' to promote manufacturing industries now located or to be located
here; to encourage the development of desirable enterprisi^-* of
whatever character, looking to the material advancement and im-
provement of our city." The constitution was signed by nearly
or quite all the business men of the city, who took hold in "'solid
earnest." The present officers are the same as at first elected.
The association is now watching for opportunities.
THE BRIDGE.
A bridge across the Cedar at Charles City that would withstand
wind and flood must necessarily be expensive, and the early
settlers needed such a bridge as much as do the people at the pres-
ent day; but they had not the means for building it. llence
much exercise of patience was required, in waiting for means to be
accumulated sufficient to construct a reliable bridge, A part of
the season the river could be " forded," and the rest it could gen-
erally be ferried, except when flood-wood or ice or high water alone
prevented. Ferry charges were often higli, and the indignant
citizens would make up a little fund and run a free ferry for a time.
Dec. 19, 1857, a bridge meeting resolved to proceed at once.
Mr. Applebee presented a plan. On the 23d, S. Wiggin's plan
was adopted. Bridge to be on Mill street. Committee on build-
684 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
ibg— Milo Gilbert, Ira Brackett, P. C. Turner, D. W. Poiudexter,
K. M. Waller, Sarnnel Hacklej, I. K. Lee and R. W. Humphrey.
$2,200 was subscribed, and contract let to Mr. "Wiggin, to be as-
sisted by P. C. Turner. Length 195 feet; estimated cost $2,086.50.
It seems, however, that the work did not go on, until in January,
1858, when it was started, but was carried away in the flood of
that year. It was a huge wooden arch, with a curve of ten or
twelve feet.
Dec. 11, 1860, a meeting was held to take into consideration the
practicability of erecting a bridge across the Cedar at that place.
Plans were submitted by O. D. Spaulding and O. Allbee, and a
committee appointed to inspect them and report at the next
meeting, December 22, at the Stone Hall. This meeting, how-
ever, was held a week later, when a plan was submitted by F. W.
Crosby, of Tama County, and a committee appointed to raise funds.
But little was done for some time. Other meetings were held,
and the work dragged along, and the bridge was not really com-
pleted until March 28, 1864. In 1866 the most of the bridge and
one pier were swept away, and a new wooden bridge was put up in
its place, being completed the last week of March, 1867.
In 1870 a beautiful and substantial iron bridge was completed
at this point. It is of the '' L. E. Truesdell patent, " an iron
double truss, 240^ feet in length, two spans, respectively 123^^ and
117 teet, with a roadway eighteen feet in the clear, and sidewalks
five feet in the clear. Tiie bridge is all of iron, except the floor
beams and planking.
By contract the bridge was to cost $45 per lineal foot, or
$10,822.50 for the whole structure, to be paid for in "Floyd
County Bridge Warrants, " bearing ten per cent, interest. W. H.
and L. E. Truesdell, of Belvidere, 111., were the contractors.
The stone work is substantial and well finished, and cost $3600.
It was built under the supervision of Col. J. P. Knight and Judge
A. L. Collins.
This bridge was completed June 8, following, and a test of its
strength and solidity instituted which satisfied all parties. In 1882
it was replanked and repainted.
CHARLES CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
For most of the following history we are indebted to the p aper
prepared and read last year by Miss Willian Knapp, of Charles
City, now Mrs. Charles Dexter, of Minneapolis, Minn.
CHAKLE8 CITY. 685
In 1855 there were very tew families in Charles City, but those
lew were an enterprising people. They mnst have a school, and
they did. A small house 18 x 20 ieet, built and owned by San-
ford Harwood, and located about where Judge Reiniger's resi-
dence now stands, was rented, Miss Melinda Palmer engaged as
teacher, and the little school quietly opened. In the following
winter Dr. J. M. Parsons assumed the title of teacher, and gath-
ered his little flock in a building situated not twenty feet from the
center of this room, or, to be m^re exact, on the present site of
the Savings Bank,
The next summer Miss Palmer's name appeared again as teacher.
This was the summer, 1856, when the first school-house was built.
Mr. Sanford Harwood had the contract and erected a frame house
26 X 30 feet in size, on the block since occupied by our High
School building. Eleven years it was a shelter and a second home
for th« children, and when it could no longer hold them, it was sold
and removed to lots back of Woolley & Snyder's foundry.
In the summer of 1827 Miss L. £. Raymond, now Mrs. Mc-
Kinley, was placed at the head of the school, which she tells us
then numbered sixty pupils. She describes it as a happy, profit-
able term. She was succeeded in the winter by J. M. Brainard,
a gentleman who is described as possessing a violin and a lovely
little wife.
The season of 1857 was one of great prosperity, and an " acad-
emy " was started in Charles City, May -1, by J. M. Brainard,
teacher. '• Ainsworth's Academy," at present, is a select school of
fifty-two pupils, taiight by Mrs. Miner.
This closes the first period of development. Up to this time the
school was supported by a pro rata tax, each man paying according
to the number of children he sent, thereby exempting all the old
bachelors and bald-headed men, but now a new law revolutionized
matters. It was provided that each civil township should become
a township district, to be divided into subdistricts each of which
must have a school at least twenty-four weeks in the year. One
director elected from each subdistrict formed a board of directors,
who should organize and have charge of all the schools in the
township district. It was also provided that the schools be sup-
ported by a tax on all assessed property. In accordance with the
new law, the people of St. Charles Township elected a board of
directors in the spring of 1858. May 15 tliose gentlemen met at
the otiice of Dr. J. W. Smith, organized, and elected Dr. J. M.
686
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Parsons, President ; Harvey Kellogg, Vice-President ; and Dr. J.
W. Smith, Secretary ; at that time the most important office. The
other directors were A. W. French, R. W. Humphrey and William
Harvey, all active men and willing to work for the public good.
With the organization of this board, a new impetus was given to
the growLh of popular education. Soon after, the board fixed the
boundaries of six subdistricts, that part of Charles City lying west
of the Cedar River becoming District No. 2, and on the east side
District No. 3. We shall confine this history during the second
and third periods to the latter.
CHAIiLES CITY PrBLIC SCBOOL.
Nov. 1, 1858, we find it recorded in Dr. Smith's well known
hand: '■ B. T. Catlin i> e:nployed a^ teacher in Subdistrict No.
3 at $35 per month, " and aldo: "Voted that twenty-four days be
considered a month. " Mr. Brant Tecuraseb Catlin is described as
a young man of fine education and gentlemanly bearing. He
passed away from these scenes years ago, and now lives in one of
the Eastern St ites.
In the spring of 1859 we pause to record the election of Mr. A.sa
W. French as Secretary of the School Board, an office which he
continued to hold for twenty years. During tliis summer Miss
CHARLES CITY. 687
Marj D. Cheney was installed as school-ma'am over the large
tangle of children. In September it is recorded: "Voted, that if
the director can hire a room for $3 per month, and a teacher for
$3.50 per week, we support two schools in Subdistrict No. 3 the
coming winter." For two or three years previous, Misses Olive
and Mary Cheney had taught a select school in a small building on
the lots back of what is known as the Ely House barn. This room
was rented of them for the winter, afterward bought and repaired
and the school was divided, Miss Betsey Hunter, now Mrs. Atkins,
of Decorah, selected as teacher of the primary department, and Mr.
A. W. French placed over the higher school. Mr. French's report
at the close of the winter term is the oldest in existence.
The two departments were continued during the summer follow-
ing under Miss Mary D. Cheney and Miss Ellen L. Wilbur. In
the winter, Mr. E. J. McClelland took Miss Cheney's place in the
higher school, the primary having no change. He continued at the
head of the school one year, when he went into the southern part
of the State, and word has since been received that he is dead.
Feb. 23, 1861, a school meeting was held, when the principal
business was to devise means for baildmg a union school-house.
For this purpose it was desired to unite Subdistricts Nos. 2 and
3, but a majority of the residents were opposed to union; some
were opposed conditionally. A resolution was adopted for locating
the school building on that side of the river where the largest sub.
scription should be raised. Estimates of cost of the building were
submitted.
About this time 0. A. Slocum was engaged as principal.
Next follows, in the summer of 1862, Wm. N. Witted and Miss
Katie Wright, and in the succeeding winter the same gentleman
and Mrs. Alma L. Bennett. Nothing, save the names, has been
learned of this year's labor.
In the summer of 1863 Miss Ellen L. Wilbur entered the higher
school, was married in August, and signs her report with the name
of Ellen L. Slocum. Miss Olive O. Cheney was engaged in the
primary school the same term, and continued there three years and
a half, with the exception of one term. In the winter of 1863 and
1861:, Mr. Wm. N. Witted returned and continued in the school
during the summer of 1864. Mr. Witted is spoken of highly as a
very good teacher. We have learned that after leaving Charles
City he went to South Amarica, and there died of yellow fever.
688 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNIT.
Miss Matilda Smith took his place in the school, and Miss O.
O. Cheney having gone East for the winter, Miss Lida Peters was
engaged for the little people. This brings us to the spring of 1865.
The school law of 1858, previously mentioned, had, with a few
changes, become established beyond the fear of a repeal. Good
houses were built in nearly all the subdistricts, for which the
township district had paid. The increased number of children
demanded a new school-house in No. 3. At a meeting of the
Board of Directors, Dr. Smith being President, the people of
Charles City asked, through him, for a house not costing less than
$8,000. " You can't have it, " said the board. " We must, " said
Dr. Smith. After much skirmishing it was finally voted to build
a stone house, 50 x 60 feet in dimension, two stories high, each
story to be fifteen feet in the clear, basement eight feet ; we
quote from the record. Limited by these instructions, which the
Doctor dared not ask to have changed, he went to Chicago and.
procured the plans and specifications, which were afterward, with
a few alterations, accepted by the board. Bonds bearing ten per
cent, interest were readily taken.
ST. CHARLES GRADED SCHOOL.
Probably the first instance in the State of Iowa where a town-
ship established a graded school under the general school law, was
the building of the magnificent school edifice at Charles City in
1865-'66; and for its erection and completion great credit is due Dr.
J. "W. Smith, then President of the School Board of St. Charles
District Township. Besides devoting much of his time to the
work, he advanced $1T5 from his own pocket for plans and specifi-
cations from Bloomington, 111.
At the annual meeting of the district township in March, 1865, it
was voted that a school-house be built, to cost not less than $8,000;
and the contract for its erection was made shortly afterward. Then
the difficult question arose, how shall the money be obtained to
pay the contractors ? The treasury contained less than $1,400,*
and the law, which limited the levy of taxes to five mills on the
dollar, would give less than $2,000 per annum for school-house
purposes in the entire township district ; and out of these funds
two other school-houses were to be built in other parts of the town,
ship. These latter houses were built, one of stone, 22 x 32 feet
on the ground, and fourteen feet in the clear, at a cost of
CHARLES CITY. 689
11,400 ; the other of wood, 20 x 30 feet on the ground
and twelve feet in the clear, at a cost of $900. These were
built at the same time that work on the larger structure in the
village was going forward. The financial problem was solved by
issuing warrants upon the treasury from time to time, bearing
interest at ten per cent., payable annually. These warrants were
cashed at par by various citizens friendly to the enterprise, and
thus the means were provided to carry forward and complete the
work.
Joseph Johnson, of Cedar Falls, was awarded the contract to do
the mason work on the large house in the village. The work com-
menced June 28, 1865, but the contractor did not proceed as
rapidly with it as was expected, and winter came before the walls
were up. He concluded his bid was too low and went to Kansas.
His bondsmen, however, made good the contract, probably at a
slight loss.
The carpenter and joiner work was done by Robinson & Elliott,
of Cedar Falls.
The building was completed by Jan. 1, 1867. It is 50x60
feet on the ground, and three stories high. The lower rooms, in
the basement, are ten feet in the clear, and the second and third stories
are each fifteen feet in the clear. The house is surmounted by an
exceedingly tasteful tower, or belfry, which gives the whole struct-
ure a beautiful and commanding appearance. The material of
which the walls are built is a handsome gray limestone, quarried
near town. The windows are large, arched and. elaborately finished.
The plastered walls are all hard-finished, smooth, and white as
snow. The wood-work is all grained in imitation of oak. There
are six large rooms, each capable of seating from seventy-five to one
hundred pupils. The seats and desks were purchased in Chicago.
They are made of cherry, and are of two kinds, — one the combina-
tion seat and desk, and the other the collegiate desk and chair.
Each room is slated entirely around, for black-board work. The
reception room is situated between the termini of the two opposite
flights of stairs in the second story. Ventilation good, closets
large and commodious, and all the work well done.
The contract price of the house, for mason and joiner work, was
$10,661.67, which does not include the furnishing bill. The amount
paid for stoves and desks and placing the same in the difl*erent
rooms ready for use, was $l,29tl-.35, making the total cost $11,956.02.
690 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Daring the building of this house labor was dear, new stone
quarries had to be opened, and nearly all the lumber had to be
hauled from Cedar Falls or Waverl j, a distance of thirty to forty-
five miles.
The opening of the first term of school in this building was form-
ally announced for Monday, Jan. 21, 1S6T, with D. W. C. Dun-
can, A.B., as principal, assisted by a competent corps of teachers.
The school opened with four departments, — primary, intermediate,
grammar and high school, — the latter comprising spelling, algebra,
natural philosophy, chemistry, geology, astronomy, higher niathe
matics, physical geography, languages, bookkeeping and analysis.
Tuition free to all students residing within the township, and $5 to
$8 per term to others,
GENERAL SCaOOL HISTORY RESUMED.
4
During the summer, while the work of the new school-house
was going on. Miss Matilda Smith continued in the higher school,
but in the following winter Miss Shepardson took Miss Smith's
place. In those days they fastened the school-house door with a
piece of bark, and drew close about the fire on cold mornings. It
is also related that at noontime the children might often be seen flying
out of the house pell-mell, behind them appearing John Chapman,
wildly flourishing a broom. The door would close with aloud bang,
and when the bolder ones crept softly up to the window, behold
John setting before the tire, poker in hand, enjoying himself alone.
Miss Shepardson was a fine teacher for such a turbulent school. In
the summer of 1866, Miss Mary E. Stearns, now Mrs. John R.
Waller, taught the higher department, Miss Cheney, as before
mentioned, having charge of the primary. These were the last
schools in the old houses, and brings us to the close of the second
period.
Again we turn to the record — Oct, 6, 1866: " On motion of Mr.
AUbee, it was voted to employ D. W. 0. Duncan to teach and have
supervision of the graded school in Subdistrict No, 3, at $1,000
per year. On motion of Mr. Humphrey, $16 per week was allowed
to procure assistants, and it was provided that the principal should
be consulced in the choice of assistants." We call attention to this
because it is the first time the word prinjipil is recorded, and in-
dicates a new dignity.
CHARLES CITY. 691
Under Mr. Duncan's supervision five trades were established,
taught by different teachers, wli)se names, had we spice, we would
gladly give. Yon will recall a few of them, viz: Miss Louisa
Kobinson, Miss Ruth Woodin, Miss Grace Davidson, Miss Helen
Smith, Miss Laura Warn.
Mr. Duncan remained two years, when in the fall of 1868, S, F.
Wood was employed as principal, at a salary of SSOO p3r annum.
He was followed by G. W. Bennett, novv editor of the Mitchell
County News.
Then came James H. Magoffin, in the spring of 1870. Many
pleasant and a few amusing incidents are told of his work here.
We must beg leave to give one. It happened one afternoon as a
young lady lifted the lid of her desk she discovered a litter of little
pink mice. Of course a suppressed scream and a chorus of giggles
followed. Tnis called for an investigation on the spot. " Who did
that ? Who put those mice in Miss A's. desk ? " and the gentle-
manly teacher looked sternly at the had boys, revolving in his
mind what appropriate punishment he should inflict. There was
dead silence in the room, when slowly arose a studious youth, who
had the reputation of being one of the good ones, and in the low,
measured tones of Irving Smith came the words, "Professor, I did."
Mr. Bennett was taken wholly by surprise.
Mr. Magoffin's work closed here soon after the formation of the
independent district. With that organization began the last
period of our history, which must be passed over rapidly.
Charles City was set off as an independent school-district, taking
in something more than sub-districts two and three, in the spring
of 1871. The first Board of Directors for the district, organized at
the council rooms, March 20th ; members, J. S. Root, President,
F. Burnham, Henry Pettit, Dr. J. W. Smith, F. T. Swift, J. W.
Lehmkuhl. The school could now advance without hindrance.
A new stone house was erected on the west side of the river,
but was burned when nearly completed. About half-past two
o'clock in the morning of Dec. 13, 1871, the fire was first discovered,
And then it was under full headway. The loss fell upon the con-
tractors, principally Mr. Bridge, contractor for the wood-work, who
had an insurance of $1,400 upon it. Chris. Kuhnlee, contractor
for the mason work, had no insurance. The total loss was $2,573.96.
The origin of the tire is a mystery. The next year it was rebuilt,
and is now the best one in the district. It is two stories high,
built of beautiful dark gray limestone, with which the county
692 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
abounds, painted with black cement, and the corners finished off
with light yellow stone. It is surmounted with a handsome bell tower.
There are two school-rooms, each 24 x 35 feet, having forty desks,
iron frame, wood work of oiled cherry. The rooms have large
blackboards, ventilators, etc. The wood work is handsomely
grained, the work of Taylor. The lower room is fourteen feet from
floor so ceiling, the upper fourteen and one-half feet. The halls
are commodious, and the stairway wide and roomy. The building-
is in every way superior to the one burned some time before, and
is a splended advertisement for the mechanics who have had charge
of building it, and an honor to the School Board that have gone
forward with this good work, though they may have had opposition
and grumbling to contend with. A. L. Collins was contractor for
the whole job ; George Craig the stone work, and did it in his best
style ; W. W. Dennis put many neat touches on the wood work.
In the fall of 1871, Irwin Shepard, of Chelsea, Mich., was
employed as principal of the schools. He planned the High
School course to extend four years of ten months each, making a
sum total of forty months ; the requirements for entering the
High School were as high then as they have ever been since. In
1878 the school year was reduced from ten months to nine, thereby
reducing the course to thirty-six months. In 1879 two terms were
taken from it, making it, as it now stands, thirty months long, or
but three-fourths of the old course of study.
Mr. Shepard remained four years, taking the class of 1875
through the work he had planned. He then went to Winona,
Minn., as principal of the High School there, was promoted to the
superintendency of the city schools, and in 1879 became principal
of the First State Normal School of Minnesota, a position which
he now occupies.
Prof. Shepard was followed by S. F. Farnham, of Oldtown, Me.,
who remained in charge but one year, when he became cashier of
the Charles City Bank, and dwells in Charles City to-day. Then a
call was sent to Mr. J. C. Yocum, of Boscobel, Wis. He came in
the fall of the centennial year, and, happily for the citizens, has
remained even to this day. Under Mr. Yocum's tuition a second class-
of three members graduated in 1878, a third class of six members
in 1879, a fourth class of seven members in 1880, and a fifth and
crowning: classof fifteen members in 1881.
CHARLES CITY. 693
Three years ago by the advice of Prof. Yocum, an association
"was formed of tlie alumni of the school. This society last year
numbered thirty-four members.
At the^commencement exercises of June 17, 1S81, Hon. A. B.
F. Hildreth delivered the address before the graduating class,
which we would gladly put here in print had we space.
PRESENT STATUS OF THE CHARLES CITY SCHOOLS.
Buildings. — These are six in number. The principal building
•on the east side of the Cedar River is of stone, two stories in height
with a basement. It contains five commodious school -rooms, one rec-
itation room and the superintendent's office, all of which are heated
by furnaces placed in the basement. It accommodates the high
school, two grammar schools, and two primaries. It is provided
with physical and chemical apparatus, an herbarium, a cabinet of
minerals, a small zoological collection, and a good outfit of maps,
globes, and other appliances for succcessful teaching. It is sur-
rounded by a play-ground containing eight city lots. On the same
grounds is a two-story frame house containing two rooms, each
accommodating sixty primary pupils.
There is a commodious frame house in the Third Ward which will
seat fifty pupils. In the eastern part of the independent district,
-and belonging to the city system, there is a new school-house, the
seating capacity of which is about thirty.
On the west side of the river are two school-houses. The prin-
cipal one is of stone two stories high with two rooms, seated for
^bout sixty pupils each. It is well furnished and commodious and
is warmed by a furnace placed in the cellar. Its grounds com-
prise an entire block, handsomely fenced and containing an abun-
dance of fine shade trees. In one corner of these grounds is
located a one-^tory frame, seating sixty primary pupils.
All of the buildings are well supplied with black-boards, maps,
globes, charts, etc.
Course of Study, Enrollment, etc. — The course of stuiiy covers
a period of twelve years, including the high school, and differs in
no material respect from the courses found in all well organized
city schools.
For several years the annual enrollment of pupils has averaged
about 800, with an average daily attendance of nearly 600, and a
record of 91>.7 per cent, in punctuality. During the year just
694 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
closed (June 25, 1882), the entire enrollment has been 809 with an
attendance of seventy-two j3upils in the higli school department.
The enumeration of the Charles City Independent School Dis-
trict in the summer of 1882, gave -±85 males and 462 females;
total, 947.
That the schools are prosperous and are appreciated by the citi-
zens, is shown by tlie fact that, during the year, 1,538 adults have
visited the various departments to witness the daily school exer-
cises. The city has been unusually fortunate in electing for its
school officers men who take a lively interest in educational affairs,
who are wisely economical, and judiciously liberal in the expendi-
ture of the public money, and who promote the efficiency of the
schools by discouraging frequent changes of teachers.
Present Board of Directors: Hon. A. B. F. Hildreth, President;
W. D. Balch, B. W. Stevens, Dr. L. P. Fitch, P. W. Burr and
A. R. Spriggs. J. R. Adron is Secretary, and F. A. Roziene
Treasurer.
BANKS.
First National Bank. — The stoc-kholders met at Taylor's Hall
Jan. 30, 1871, for the purpose of organization. A. B. F. Hildreth
was called to the Chair, and Alex. R. Spriggs was elected Secre-
tary. Articles of association were adopted and signed, and the
number of directors determined to be seven. The following were
then elected Directors: A. G. Case, John P. Taylor, Milo Gil-
bert, H. C. Raymond, A. B. F. Hildreth, John Kuck and C. C.
Siver. These men elected A. G. Case, Pres.; J. P. Taylor, Vice-
Pres.; and C. C. Siver, Cashier. The bank opened for business,
April 18 following, under favorable auspices. Capital, $50,000.
Present officers: A. G. Case, President; H. C. Raymond, Vice-
President; H. C. Baldwin, Cashier. The other Directors — H. F.
Lambert, C. P. Ellis, V. G. Barney, R. M. Waller and A. B. F
Hildreth.
Charles City National Bank was organized as a private bank
in November, 1876, by J. P. Tayloi-, S. F. Farnham, H. C. John-
son, E. Austin, and J. P. Austin, by the election of Mr. Taylor,
President; Mr. Austin, Vice-President, and Mr. Farnham, Cashier.
Capital, $50,000. In 1882 this institution was organized as a Na-
tional Bank, with the same officers, and Frank V. Taylor as Assist-
ant Cashier. Directors — J. V. Taylor, E. Austin, S. F. Farnham,
F. V. Taylor and J. P. Austin. This bank was tirst opened near
CHARLES CITY. 695
the northeast corner of the park, in the building now occupied by
the express and telegraph companies; and in 1878 it was moved
to its present locality, near the Intelligencer office. James G.
Fisher, of Windsor, N. Y., is a prominent stockholder in this
bank.
Bank of Reiniger & Balch. — Tiiis bank was established Oct.
1, 1865, with a capital of $10,000, by Mitchell, Fairfield, & Co.,
the firm comprising George Mitchell, now of Milwaukee, £Lm.
Wm. B. Fairfield, now deceased, and Wm, D. Balch. On the
first ot October, 1866, Mr. Mitchell sold out to E. C. Chapin, and
the business was continued under the name of E. C. Chapin & Co.,
until 1873, when Mr. Chapin sold his interest to the other part-
ners, and the firm name was changed to Ftiirfield & Balch, with
$25,000 capital stock, and Skinner & Fairfield, of Hudson, N, Y.,
as special partners. In 1876 Judge R. G. Reiniger purchased the
interest of Judge Fairfield, since which time the bank has been
conducted by Reiniger c% Balch. This institution is well and
favorably known, as the most reliable men have always had it in
charge. B. A. Wood is Cashier. In October, 1881, Messrs.
Reiniger & Balch bought out Montague & Smith at Mason City,
changing their bank to the "First National Bank of Mason City,"
of which Mr. Balch is Vice-President.
The tloyd County Savings Banh was organized Aug. 21, 1873,
with the following stockholders: A. B. F. Hildi-eth, A. G. Case,
J. W. Lehmkuhl, W. G. Tripp, S. B. Starr, J. G. Patterson, S.
M. Cook, C. Merckel, JoIiti Kuck, H. C. Raymond, C. P. Ellis,
and F. A. Roziene. These gentlemen elected A. B. F. Ilildreth,
for President, F. A. Roziene, Yice-Pi-esident, and H. C. Bald-
win, Secretary and Treasurer. Capital stock subscribed, $50,000.
The General Assembly of 1873-'71: passed a new banking law,
identical with the national banking law in its provisions, except-
ing, of course, that it did not allow the issue of currenc}'. It
requires all the capital stock to be paid up. Accordingly, on the
3 1st of August following, this bank was reorganized, with the
following stockholder.s: A. B. F. Hildre^h, II. C. Baldwin, C. P.
Ellis, C. D. Ellis, A. E. Ellis, H. C. Raymond, D. Town send, A.
G. Ca.-^e, W. H. Dyke, M. G. Eglofi, W. II. Hausbeig, J. Kuck,
J. W. Lehmkuhl, J. G. Patterson, R. G. Reiniger, S. B. Starr,
B. W. Stevens, J. H. Stolle, and F. A. Roziene. Capital, $25,000,
paid up. The directors formerly elected served until the second
Tuesday of January, 1875, when the following were chosen: A. B.
696 HISTOKY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
F. Hildreth, J. W. Lehmkuhl, J. G. Patterson, H. C. Baldwin, F.
A. Roziene, C. D. Ellis. This board chose the following as offi-
cers: A. B. F. Hildreth, President; J. G. Patterson, Vice-Presi-
dent; F. A. Roziene, Secretary and Treasurer.
The present Trustees are: A. B. F. Hildreth, S. B. Starr, S. M.
Cook, B. W. Stevens, H. C. Baldwin, John Kuck, F. A. Rozieue;
and the officers are, A. B. F. Hildreth, President; S. B. Starr,
Yice-President; F. A. Roziene, Secretary and Treasurer,
The bank is located on the east side of Main street, opposite the
middle of the park, and is a great convenience to those of limited
means who desire their savings taken care of and made, produc-
tive. Women and children find it a good place to deposit their
surplus moneys, jewelry, etc.
HOTELS.
Next after John Blunt's log " hotel," the Magnolia House was
opened, in 1857, by Smith & Goddard, and then Kelly's Hotel.
Both these were burned in the great fire of 1862. Soon after this,
Mr. Kelly commenced rebuilding his house, but was interrupted
by a trip to California, The size of this building was to be
60 X 80 feet and four stories high, and the material to be brick
or stone. This structure, however, never got higher than the
foundation walls. In the meantime, other hotels were established.
At the present time, the principal hotels in Charles City are the
Union House, kept by Charles Shaw; and it is a first-class hotel in
every respect. The Leonard House is near the depot. The Park
House is eligibly located, near the west corner of the park.
When Mr, Shaw purchased the hotel, he remodeled and refur-
nished the entire building, and it is now the finest hotel in North-
western Iowa. It has forty elegant sleeping-rooms, one beautiful
parlor, and one of the most pleasant and commodious dining-
rooms in the State. The kitchen is a model of neatness, and Mr.
Shaw employs the best cooks and waiters.
The building is of limestone and brick; is two stories high above
a basement. It contains two large and convenient sample rooms
for the accommodation of traveling and commercial men. There
are also two finely-furnished billiard-parlors connected with the
hotel, and a commodious office, baggage-room, closets and writing-
rooms.
CHARLES CITY. 699
Mr. Shaw, the proprietor of this hotel is a thorough gentleman,
and pays particular attention to the wants and comforts of his
guests, and takes pride in making his hotel the best in Northern
Iowa.
RELIGIOUS.
The First Baptist Church and Society is one of the oldest church
organizations in Charles City. Articles of incorporation of the
church and society were adopted Feb. 8, 1858, which provided for
the management of the affairs of the church, for the admission
of members, etc., in the usual manner. The first officers of
the church were elected at this same meeting, Feb. 8, 1858, and
were as follows: Trustees, Sanford Harwood, Milo Gilbert and
Y. "W. Baker; Secretary, G. H. Whitehead; Treasurer, Harvey
Kellogg. The present officers are: Trustees, C. Danforth, J. M.
Dutton, Abram Smith; Secretary, O. Pomeroy; Treasurer, G. H.
Whitehead. The society built a church when they first organized,
completing it in Januarj^, 1858. In 1871 this was moved back,
an addition built in front, and the whole entirely refitted.
Sept. 21, 1860, the Cedar Valley Baptist Association held their
5th anniversary with the Baptist church at St. Charles City, contin-
uing three days. The attendance was large, there being present
150 persons from abroad, of whom sixteen were clergymen. The
season was one of unusual interest and the meeting was one of ex-
traordinary success, in all respects. With the growth of the city
and the church, other important meetings have been held here.
First Methodist Episcopal Church. — The first meeting of the
church was held in an unfinislied log barn; Mr. and Mrs.
Howard were living in the house at the time. John Ball
was a Methodist minister, and was passing through Charles
Oity on his road to Elkader for provisions. He was requested
to preach there; but as there were nothing but log houses in
the town, tliey did not know where to hold the meeting. Mr. and
Mrs. Howard finally consented to hold the meeting in their own
house; and so the meeting was to be held in a fortniglit from
that time. There were only three members at that time, but all the
people in the neighborhood came to the meeting, and were delighted.
It was a splendid thing for the country, as the people were
running wild, as is usually the case with the early settlement of a
43
700 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
new country. There was but one chair in the house, and the men-
sawed blocks and placed puncheons on them, and by covering
tliem with shawls, made them as comfortable as possible. It was
very cold weather, and there was no stove or even a fire-place.
They were wondering what they would do for fire when all at once
they saw Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow coming, carrying a large kettle on
a pole between them which proved to be full of flaming charcoal;
This was placed in the room and it furnished warmth enough
to make the room comfortable. They had a successful meeting and
about a year afterward a church was organized.
The first stationed preacher was Wm. P. Holbrook, appointed
by the Iowa Conference in the fall of 1854. Tiie first class was or
ganized in October, 1855; class leader, Kewman Dutcher; Mary L.
Dutcher, J. M. Howard, Harriett M. Howard and Rachel Kellogg
were the members. The first quarterly conference met in Oct.
1856. The second paster was Rev. I. D. Rust; R. L. Ricker fol-
lowed. Revs. J. D. Witted, T. W. Thurston, G. Larkin, W. F. Tax-
ton, Wm. Smith, S. M. Bronson, were the next to follow. They
served one year each with one exception, the minutes do not show
who served two years. Until 1866 the church here was connected
with the church at Floyd; at that time it tvas organized into a sep-
arate charge. Rev. H. S. Church was the pastor, serving
one year.
In the summer of 1867 the work of erecting the present church
building was begun. The corner-stone was laid Sept. 9, 1867, Rev.
John W. Clinton officiating, assisted by the pastor. The church
basement was completed and dedicated Jan. 24, 1869. The bal-
ance of the church was not completed until the following summer.
W. P. Watkins, was pastor in charge from September, 1867, until
September, 1869. Under his pastorate the church membership in-
creased from seventy to one hundred and seventy-four, and the
church edifice was erected. The cost of this structure, with furni-
ture, lots, etc., was $14,555. It was dedicated Nov. 28, 1869, by
E. O. Haven, D. D. Some time after leaving here Mr. "Watkins,.
in a fit of insanity, drowned himself. Rev. J. B. Casebear was
appointed pastor in 1868, and served two years. Rev. L. H. Car-
hart followed two years, and during his pastorate one of the most
remarkable revivals in the history of the church occurred. Over
100 persons were converted and united with the church. Rev. A.
C. Manwell, from Wisconsin, served two years. Rev. R. N. Ear-
hart followed the next two years. September, 1877, Rev. J. S.
CHARLES CITY. 701
Anderson was appointed, and in the middle of his second year he
withdrew from the ministry and from the church, an<i his year was
completed by Rev. John Bowman, who was at one time an inde-
pendent candidate for Congress. He is a man of great controver-
sial powers and energy; he ran against Henry O. Pratt, who was
elected and served two terms, after which ho was converted and has
since become a popular preacher and is now located at Toledo,
Iowa. F. X. Miller, in 1879, was appointed pastor and remained
two years; in the fall of 1881 George Elliott was appointed minister
in charge, and is at the present time pastor, and is a graduate of
Cornell College, Iowa. The present officers are: Trustees — Edward
Klinetop, H. C. Ireland, J. A. Pitcher, M. Martin, Geo. Cairns,
C. C. Crowell, H. F. Miles, John Gordon and John Spalding.
Stewards — Geo. Cairns, S. P. Yeomans, M. D., M. H. Howard,
John Gordon, J. A. Becker, H. F. Miles, John Spalding, H. C.
Ireland, Wm. and F. Morse; Recording Steward, M. H. Howard;
Supt. S. S., E. D. Ruggles; Treas., W. E. Holbrook; Class-Leader,
J. P. North; Chorister, Prof. J. C. Yocum; Organist, Miss Emma
Ruggles. The church is in a very healthy condition ; the present
membership of the church is 209; the Sabbath-school membership
is about 200, with an average attendance of about 150.
German Society of M. E. Church. — The commencement of
this church was in 1864. John Kuck and wife were the first
to move in this matter, meetings being held at their house, till
1865, when the first pastor came and located among the people and
the society was organized. The first officers were: Trustees,
John Kuck, Alvin Berg, H. Stover, Fred Schlick, and Geo. MiiUer;
Treasurer and Clerk, John Kuck; Class-Leader and Steward, John
Kuck; Pastor, Rev. J. G. Achenbach, who served two years.
The church edifice was built in 1868 and dedictted July 4, of that
year. Size 26x40 feet, cost $3,300. Rev. H. R. Fiegenbaum
was the next pastor, and served three years; the church was built
during his pastorate. Chas. Kruckholm came in 1870 and served
two years as pastor. F. Fischer followed the next two years. Rev.
E. J. French served one year; E. Uhel followed as pastor, three
years. II. Kaste, served the next three years. Rev. A. Brenner is
the present pastor. There were more or less revivals each year,
the most successful ones occurring under Revs. H. R. Fiegenbaum
702 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
and Uliel. The present memberoliip is about 200. There is a
Sabbath-school in connection with the church; Fred Pfeiffer is
the present Superintendent. There are about eighty scholars, who
attend regularly.
When first organized this was called the Charles City Mission
and included the territory of four counties, Floyd, Mitchell, Chick-
asaw and Bremer, over which the first pastor traveled. The
church is now in a prosperous and healthy condition, its member,
ship being in Charles City and near by.
This society finding its gcowtli so great have f jr the accommodation
of its communicants, erected a second church some six miles from
the village, where a goodly congregation worship; Rev. Bremer is
the pastor, and services are held Sabbath afternoons by him
and local preachers. This church was built in 1881, size 26x40
feet, costing $1,500. There is also a Sabbath-school in connec-
tion with this church, numbering about thirty children: the Superin-
tendent is A. Hirsch.
This church was the first mission organized in what is now
called the Charles City District, comprising some twenty-five
counties.
The First Gongregationalist Society. — This was organized at
a meeting held Oct. 29, 1858, at the house of Rev. J, H.
Windsor. Those present at this first meeting were Rev. J. H.
Windsor, Samuel Hackley and wife, Josiah Knight and wife, Ira
Brackett and wife. Articles of faith were adopted, and subscribed
to by the above parties.
Rev. Mr. Windsor was their first pastor, and he was followed
July 1, 1862, by Rev. William A. Adams. During his pastorate
the society was incorporated (Sept. 15, 1862) with the following
members: Samuel Sackley, George C. Dean, William A.Adams,
William B. Fairfield, A. B. F. Hildreth, G. G. Rieniger, Milo
Gilbert, A. W. French and W. B. Covell. At this meeting a con-
stitution and compact were adopted.
In April, 1863, A. B. F. Hildreth and William B. Fairfield were
selected as a committee to procure a site for a church edifice. The
society h^id previously met in Masonic Hall, over the present ex-
press ofiice. Oct. 30, 1864, Rev. D. N. Bordwell, of the Gongre-
gationalist church, at Lansing, la. , was invited to fill the pulpit^
and he at once accepted the call. He remained five years and was
very much beloved by his congregation. He worked faithfully
for the welfare of the church, and the membership was greatly
CHAKLES CITY. 703
increased. During iiis pastorate the present church was built. It
was completed in the fall of 1867, and will seat about 350 persons.
The building committee were William B. Fairtield, E. 0. Chapin,
C. W. Fletcher and John A. Mitchell. The church was dedicated
Jan. ^8, bv Rev. Lyman Whiting, of Dubuque. The music on
the occasion was conducted by Col. L. L. Huntley, of the same
place, formerly of Charles City.
The membershiD of the church had reached about 100 when Mr.
Bordwell resigned in 1869, and Aug. 6, this year, Rev. H. B.
Woodworth, of Ellington, Conn., was called to the pulpit, at a
salary of $1,200. He accepted the invitation and remained till
Sept. 6, 1872. He was a man of marked ability, and was very
popalar with his congregation. He resigned to go to Decorah,
la., and was succeeded Nov. 24, 1872, by R'3v. J. A. Cruzan.
Mr. Ci'uzan was a successful minister, and especially popular with
the young people. He left after preaching one year, going to
Ohio, from there he went to Portland, Oregon, and he is now in
the Sandwich Islands, receiving a salary of $3,000 a year. There
was then an interim of several months when the society held no
rec^ular services. Rev. I. Wadhams, of Belle Plaiue, la., was
the next pastor, being called O^t. 23, 1874. Mr. Wadhams
was a very earnest worker, and stood high with the congregation.
He remained about three years and a half, and was followed by
Rev. N. M. Clute, at a salary of $1,500. Mr. Clute was very well
liked and was one of the strongest workers that have filled the
pulpit of the Congregationalist church.
The present pastor, Rev. A. Gr. Brande, came in January, 1882.
The society is fairly prosperous. The male members of the church
number 75, the females, 115; total, 190. The Sunday-school con-
nected with the church has a membership of 200, and is very pros-
perous. J. S. Trigg is the present Superintendent.
Grace Mission, Protestant Episcopal. — In 1872 Bishop Lee
organized Grace Mission, at Charles City, la., and appointed
T. A. Hand, Warden ; Abner Root, Treasurer ; B. F. Cheney,
Secretary. The Rev. Wm. Wright, Rector of St. Mark's Clun\di,
Nashua, held services on alternate Sundays until December, 1876,
when the Rev. Hale Townsend held services on alternate Sundays,
he being a missionary of the Northern Convocation of the Diocese
of Iowa, Rector of St. John's parish, Mason City. In 1877 there
were twenty families connected with this branch of the Episcopal
church, and the mission procured grounds for a church edifice,
704 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
bat have not built a church. In 18Y6 the Kev. S. C. Gaynor took
charge of the mission, dividing his time between the churches of
Charles City and Mason City, but he removed to Silver ClitF, Col.,
in April, 18S0, since which time the mission has had only occasional
services and no settled clergyman.
St. Johii's Lutheran Churchy was organized February, 1872.
The officers were: Henry Nieman, W. Harring, C. Boeck, J. H.
Stolle, Trustees ; 0. Wilke, Pastor ; he remained in charge about
three years. In June 1872, the church edifice was commenced and
on Pec. 21, 1873, it was dedicated. It is 28 x 50 feet, and cost
$2,500. There is a membership now of about eighty souls. Also
Sabbath-school each Sunday, before service ; there are about forty
scholars ; the Superintendent is Rev. E. Casselman. The present
officers are: F. Karl, F. Turow^ E. Schwart and F. Schuhknecht,
Trustees ; F. Karl, Treasurer ; F. Turow, Secretary.
Edward Berg was the first secretary of this society, and held his
office until he resigned t\vo years ago ; he has been a zealous and
efficient officer.
In February last the society celebrated its tenth anniversary by
a jubilee, on which occasion Mr. Berg read the history of the
church, showing the many trials it had passed through, and how to
the grace of God it had survived them all.
The next pastor was P. Yogel, who came in Ovitober, 1875, and
served until April, 1876, when on account of ill health he retired ; he
was followed by F. Mutschmann, who remained till April, 1879, when
lie was removed by the synod. On application of the members of
the congregation, he was followed by the present pastor, E. Cassel-
man, who was installed in June, 1879. The condition of the
church is very prosperous..
Christian Church. — This body was organized Jan. 25, 1862,
with a membership of seventeen, under Elders John Kain and
N. A. McCunnell, since which time the pastors have been, N. E.
Corey, J. Ilurd, G. W. Sweeny, L. S. Brown, D. H. Gary, J. K.
Connell, F. Waklen, and others. The church edifice is a neat stone
structure, and was built in 1866, Average membership, about
ninety to 100.
Church, of the Immaculate Conceptioyi, Catholic. — The first ser-
vices in tiie connty, according to the ritual of the Catholic church,
took place at the residence of Hetiry Ingram, in Floyd Township,
in 1854. The family of Philip Sharkey was at that time the only
other one joining in this worship. Tiie next year that of James
CHARLES CITY. 705
"Welch was added. Father Slattery was the priest. Services were
held from time to time until about the beorinning' of the war, when
a resident priest, Father Martin, located in Charles City, and ad-
ministered to an increasing flock, first in Taylor's Hall, then in
the court-house and in private houses. He was an Englishman by
birth, and a very talented man. Kev. McManus, in 1865, was the
next priest, then Urbani, a native of France, who was here about
fourteen months, 1868-'9, and then, in 1870, Rev. Feel}', a native
of Ireland, settled here, remaining until 1878, when he was suc-
ceeded by Father F. J. Gunn, the present pastor. Mr. Feely, soon
after his arrival, commenced the erection of a church buildino-,
120x45 feet, at about three squares southeast of the public square.
When the foundation walls were completed, the work ceased for
want of funds. A question being raised by a member of the church,
as to what had become of the proceeds of certain entertainments,
in the autumn of 1877, a committee was appointed, consisting ot
one Catholic and one non-Catholic, who investigated the accounts,
and found that Father Feely had expended legitimately, not only
all moneys coming into his hands, but had also advanced several
hundred dollars from his own purse.
Tlie rear portion of the foundation was roofed over and finished
ofi" the first year, so that religious services can be held there tem-
porarily; but the prospect is bright now for an early completion
of the structure. The plan contemplates a brick building, with one
tower, 150 feet high, one seventy-seven feet and one fifty-seven
feet, the whole building to cost about $16,000. At present, about
ninety families or more worship here, and a Sunday-school is well
attended, where Father Gunn administers instruction. The relig-
ious services here are held about three Sundays each month, high
mass at eleven a. m. The concreffation is named the "Church of
the Immaculate Conception, of Charles City."
November, 1871, a Catholic fair was held in Charles City, which
netted $608. Great interest was manifested in the votes for " the
most deserving gentleman," and also " the most deserving lady."
The prizes were a gold-headed cane for one and a silver tea set
for the other. As the time drew near at which the polls should be
closed, there was considerable excitement, and $5 and $10 worth of
votes would be put in at a time. J. S. Root received the cane,
having a majority of ninety-eight over P. O'Hair. The cane
brought $124. Miss Mary O'Hair received the tea set, having a
majority of 116 over Mrs. Frank Lenz. The tea set brought $149
706 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Father Francis Joseph Grunn, Priest of the above described
church, is a native of Strokestown, County Roscommon, Ireland,
born Dec, 26, 1851, a son of Thomas and Katharine Gunn, nee
Murray. He attended school in his native town until sixteen
years of age, when he took a three years' classical course at a pri-
vate school. He then entered All Hallow's College in the city of
Dublin, graduating from that institution, and was ordained into
the holy priesthood, June Si, 1877. On Sept. 29, of that year
be landed in New York City, and after spending one month in
travel he came to Iowa, locating in Burlington. He traveled
through the States of Iowa, Missouri and Illinois until he was
appointed priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at
Nashua, Chickasaw County, la. He also had charge of the church
at Wapsie, Howard County. Since coming here Father Gunn
has labored earnestly and faithfnlly in the church and has
succeeded in doing much good, both spiritually and linanciallv.
He is a man of superior mental endowments, and fine oratorical
powers. Through his untiring zeal arrangements have been
made for the erection of a new church, and the work is being
rapidly pushed forward.
Evangelical Association. — A church or religious organization
by the above name exists in Charles City, meeting in a small
building on the west side.
tloyd County Bible Society. — A society bearing the above
name was organized in Charles City in 1858 or 1859, Samuel
Huckley, or Dr. J. M. Parsons was the first President: J. W.
Smith was Secretary, and C. W. Atkinson, Treasurer. The same
officers were continued for several successive years.
SOCIETIES.
Almond Chapter., No. 53, It. A. M. — This chapter was organ-
ized Dec. 11,1869, with the following officers : H. B., E. A. Has-
kell ; K., Abner Root; S., J.F. O. Smith; Secretary, E. Winne;
Treasurer, H. Ely ; C. H., W. G. Tripp ; P. S., A. Campbell ;
R. A. C, A. N. George ; G. M. 1st Y., S. A. Allen ; G. M. 2d
Y., Hanson Ely ; G. M. 3d Y., A. B. Rodgers ; S., E. S. Blake.
Mr. Haskell held the office of H. P. until Nov. 4, 1870, when W.
G. Tripp was elected to the position which he has held ever since.
H. N, Grain succeeded Mr. Winne as Secretary, Feb. 28, 1870 ;
J. F. Parkhurst followed Sept. 18, 1871 ; M. G. Egloff, Jan. 15,
1872, and E. B. Dyke, Sept. 3, 1877, who still holds the office.
CHARLES CITY. 707
The following are the present officers : H. P., W. G. Tripp ; K.,
J. P. Taylor ; S., H. C. Baldwin ; Secretary, E. B. Dyke ; Treas-
urer, E. Werder ; C. H., G. K. May ; R. A. C, V. Baltuff ;
P. S., A. N. George ; G. M. 1st Y., Jos. Hecht ; G. M. 2d Y.,
John Ferguson ; G. M. 3d Y., J. N. Waller ; Tyler, Thos.
Simmons. The regular convocations occur on the second Motiday
evening of each month. The council des'rees were conferred on
the chapter Nov. 18, 1878.
St. Charles Zodge, Wo. 141, A. F. <& A. M. was organized
Oct. 1, 1858, at Masonic Hail, on the site of the present express
office, with a charter membership of fifteen. Their names were,
Abner Eoot, E. B. C. Wright, S. W. Stanley, John Blunt, Thomas
Simmons, H. C. Stinson, Robert G. Reiniger, G. G. Reiniger,
Edwin Klinetop, II. C. Smith, D. W. Poindexter, A. L. Collins,
C. H. Haskell, Seth Hungerford and I. M. Montgomery. Abner
Root was appointed W. M., to open the lodge. The charter was
issued June 8, 1859. The first officers elected under this chartei
were: S. W. Stanley, W. M; E. B. C. Wright, S. W; D. W. Poin
dexter, J. W ; E. P. Harrington, Treasurer ; A. L. Collins, Secre-
tary ; R. G. Reiniger, S. D ; D. Gilbert, J. D ; Thomas Simmons,
Tyler. The present membership is seventy-six. The present officers
are : George R. May, W. M; W. M. Dennis, S. W ; J. L. Burnett,
J. W ; W. G. Tripp, Treasurer ; W. W. Dennis, Secretary ;
Charles Schroeder, S. D ; A. H. Treat, J. D ; T. Simmons,
Tyler. The lodge is in good condition financially. It meets at
Masonic Hall on the Thursdaj' on or before the full moon.
Excelsior Chapter., No. 51, Order of the Eastern Star. — This
society has for its object the promotion of social intercourse, mutual
assistance, and the exercise of charity and benevolence. It is in
many respects similar to the Masonic fraternity, and is in fact
closely connected with that society. Its membership is confined to
the wives, mothers and sisters of Masons. There are about fifteen
chapters in Iowa, of which four are in Floyd County. They are
located at Marble Rock, Rockford, Nora Springs and Charles City.
The fourth annual convention of the Grand Chapter of Iowa was
held at Charles City with this chapter May 10 and 11, 1881, which
of course was an honor to the entertaining chapter. The conven-
tion was held in due form, and there were twenty-five official, as
well as several visiting delegates present.
Excelsior Chapter was organized June IS, 1878, at Masonic
Hall. The meeting was called by Mrs. Jennie Mathews, of Rock-
708 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
ford, who acted as presiding officer, and or:^aiiized tiie chapter.
The officers first chosen were as follows: Mrs. O. N. Williams, W.
M. ; Eugene B. Dyke, W. P.; Mrs. N. M. Miner, A.M.; Mrs. M.
E. Reiniger, Treasurer; Mrs. M. T. Dennis, Secretary; Mrs. N.
Lender, Conductress; Mrs. M. J. May, A. C; Mrs. Julia
A. Raymond, Warder; Mrs. P. F. Farnham, Adah; Mrs.
Bina Wood, Ruth; Mrs. Fannie Smith, Esther; Mrs. J. A.
Oampbell, Martha; Miss Sue Harwood, Electa; Mrs. E. B.
Dyke, Organist. There were in all about sixty charter mem-
bers. Mrs. Williams was the Matron, of the Chapter continu-
ously until January, 1882, when Mrs. Eugene B. Dyke was elected
to the office. The other officers at present are as follows: Eli
Brownell, W. P.; Mrs. Eunice Mitchell, A. M.; Mrs. E T. Bort,
Treasurer; Mrs. E. R. Spaulding, Secretary; Mr^. M. J. May, Con-
ductress; Mrs. Josie Waller, A. G. ; Mr.s. M. Tripp, Adah; Mrs.
Binah Wood, Ruth; Mrs. Emily Ducharm, Esther; Mrs. E. P.
Crane, Martha; Mrs. Augusta Darby, Electa; E. B. Bort, Warder.
There are now about sixty members. The ciiapter is financially
even, and is prosperous in every way. It meets at Masonic Hall
the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Cha7ies City Lodge, No. 158, J.. 0. U. TF., was organized
April 6, 1878, with thirty members. First officers were: P. M.
W., J. E. Rich; M. W., P. W. Burr; Recorder, J. S. Bradley-
Foreman, M. Martin; Ov^erseer, C. E. Ferguson; Financier,
Jacob Baier; Receiver, C. M. Ferguson. Present officers: P. M.
W., Ira K. Lee; M. W.. P. W. Burr; Recorder, J. S. Bradley;
Foreman, Wm. Gierraan; Overseer, W. N. Fisher; Receiver, S. F.
Farnham; Financier, L, M. Loper. Meets Friday nights of each
week in the council-room. Present membersliip twenty-six.
Charles City Lodge, No. 4, I. O. G. T. — This society was
organized April 28, 1859. by Deputy G. W. C. T. Detwiler,
now G. W. C. T. of Kansas. The first principal officers were,
I. W. Card (now of Mason City), W. C. T.; T. A. Hand, Secretary;
Miss Mary Cheney, W. V. T. Tiie society organized with a large
membership, which soon reached the incredible number of over
300. During the war however, the interest died out and about
1864 the lodge disbanded. The meetings were held in Cheney
& Brackett's Hall, now a part of the Union House. After the
CHARLES CITY. 709
hall was enlarged it was called Union House Hall, or Gilbert's
Hall. Some time afterward the lodge was revived, and after
running for a time, disbanded again, about 1867 or 1868. Soon
after this it organized a third time, by E. A. Teeling, and met
for a long time in Odd Fellows' Hall. The officers were Mrs.
Mary Hackley, James Jackson,, Silas Card, Miss Jennie C. Jack-
son, E. P. Harrington, Samuel Hackley, T. A. Hand, Miss Emma
Meacham, G. H. Whitehead, Mrs. L. A. Hildreth, A. B. F.
Hildreth, Mrs. A. B. Smith. Mr. Teeling was called away on busi-
ness for some time, and the society went down again. In Feb-
ruary, 1880, it came to life once more, and now has a membership
of seventy-six in good standing, meeting every Friday evening in
Temperance Hall, which is in a one-story building on the east side
of the park. The present officers are, E. A. Teeling, W. C. T. ;
Miss Goodlander, W". Y. T. ; C. C. Crosby, Secretary; Miriam
Davidson, Treasurer; James Ferguson, Financial Secretary; H.
Fisher, Chaplain; Harry Baltuff, Marshal.
The Grand Lodge of the I. O. G. T. of the State of Iowa is to
meet in Charles City next year, 1883.
The Floyd County Woman^s Christian Temperance Union^
was organized April 2, 1880, at Charles City, Miss F. X. Miller,
President, Mrs. E. C. Spauld ng. Secretary, Mrs. E. A. Teeling,
Treasurer. There was a vice-president in each township whose
'duty it was to urge the formation of auxiliary unions in places
where there were none. Tiiere are now seven unions in the
county, all doing much work for the temperance cause. The
present otiiicers of this organization are Mrs. J. C. Lockwood,
President, Pleasant Grove; Mrs. Rebecca J. Wil>on, Secretary,
Charles City; Mrs. F. Stevens, Treasurer, liiverton.
Woman'' s Christain Temperance Union of Charles City. —
This society was first organized in September, 1875. Its first offi-
cers were: President, Mrs. William Hunter; Secretary, Mrs. B. F.
Wright; Treasurer, Mrs. J. P. North. The object of this associ-
ation is the suppression of the vice of intemperance with God's
"blessing. This union has helped to organize a large number of
other sister unions throughout the county; and they ])ave zealously
labored for seven years for the elevation of man from the influence
of intemperance. They now see some fruit of tlieir labors — there
not being now a saloon in the city. Present officers: President,
Mrs. E. Aspinwall; Secretary, Ellen L. Slocum; Treasurer,
Mrs.L. Hartsham.
710 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Grand Army of the Repuhlic. — A post of this order was organ-
ized in the fall of 1866, by £. A. Reini^er, Hon. R. G. Reiniger,
T. H. Saxton, H. A. Humphrey, C. A, Slocum and C. W. Fletcher.
Judge Reiniger was chosen Commander; Mr. Humphrey, Officer of
the Day, and E. A. Reiniger, Lieutenant of the Guards. Regular
meetings were held for a year or two, and occasional meetings for
several years more.
Charles City Guards^ Coiwpany F^ Sixth Regiment^ I. N. G.
— This cojnpany was organized in September, 1877, as Company L,
Sixth Regiment, with fifty members. The officers were: Captain,
Jacob Baier; First Lieutenant, H. C. Baldwin; Second Lieutenant,
H.F. Miles ; Sergeants, E. B. Dyke, G. R. May, M. Wilbur, L. F.
Smith ; Corporals, Charles Kichererj Wm. Gauge, A. H. Treat,
E. J. Gilbert. The officers of the business organization were:
President, P. W. Burr; Yice-President, S. F. Farnham; Secretary ,^
W. L. Palmer; Treasurer, A. R. Spriggs. During the coming
winter, the militia law was changed, and Company L disbanded.
April 8, 1878, Company F was organized with sixty-three mem-
bers, and the following officers were elected : Captain, E. B»
Dyke ; First Lieutenant, J. L. Black ; Second Lieutenant, C. M-
Ferguson ; First Sergeant, C. L. Dyke ; Duty Sergeants, C. B.
Hamlin, Alexander R. Spriggs, E. A. Teeling, Oliver Toncha ;
Corporals, Ed. Winne, Jr., Warren Drummond, A. D. Kellogg, E,
Brubaker, E. E. Peterson, Geo. Collins, Arthur Stohl, Geo.
McGregor. In the succeeding March (1879), Captain E. B. Dyke
was elected Major of the Sixth Regiment, and First Sergeant C,
L. Dyke succeeded him as Captain. In September of this year the
company took part in the first regimental encampment at Osage^
and became noted as " foragers, " especially in milking the prize
cows on the fair grounds. At the prize drill Company F was
awarded first money as the " best drilled and best disciplined com-
pany in the regiment," an honor which was well earned. The
next year the regiment camped at Charles City. Lieut. C. M.
Ferguson meantime had been commissioned as Regimental Quar
termaster, and W. L. Palmer appointed Sergeant Major; Oliver
Toncha, Color Sergeant; C. H. Hoard, Drum Major, and I. S.
Large, Fife Major, quite an honorable list for one company.
In Januarj'^, 1881, Captain Dyke having resigned, H. C. Bald-
win was elected his successor; P. M. Wilbur and Chas. Snyder
being Lieutenants. In August, 1881, a change again occurred,
the commissioned officers resigning and C. L. Dyke again beconi-
CHAJBLES C1T1\ 711
ing Captain, Arthur Stohl and J. D. Fowler being his Lieutenants,
The regiment this year camped at Des Moines, with the balance of
the Second Brigade. In May, 1881, Lieut. Fowler resigned and
E. E. Smith was elected to succeed him. The Second Brigade
camped in June at Waterloo, and Company F acquitted itself with
credit. The present officers of the company are : Captain, C. L.
Dyke ; First Lieutenant, W. A. Stohl ; Second Lieutenant, E. E.
Smith ; First Sergeant, A. G. Aldridge ; Duty Sergeants, Bartley
Morgan, H. F. Murphy, Anson J. Leach, Erwin Perry ; Corporals,
Abner Whitney, Wm. Goodrode, C. W. Collins, A. D. Kellogg.
Charles City Cemetery Association. — This association was
first organized Dec. 29, 1857, for the purpose of purchasing
and platting a piece of ground for the interment of the
dead, and to superintend the sale of the lots. The first officers
elected were: -David Wiltse, President; J. G. Patterson, Sec-
retary; John Muir, Treasurer; Abner Root, Harvey Kellogg
and E. P. Harrington, Trustees. Walter M. Stuart, who had
served as sexton for several years, was formally appointed sexton
by this board. Subsequently the organization almost died out, until
1865, when a reorganization was effected, since which time the
association has kept itself active. The annual meetings occur on
the first Monday of January. The old organization purchased
eighty acres — now the western part of the cemetery — for $3i0, to
be paid for as the income from the sale of lots would warrant; but
during its existence, which became merely nominal, there was no
income, while about ninety interments were made. These inter-
ments were irregular and unrecorded, so that eventually it required
considerable trouble to identify and record them. Since 1865, Mr.
V. W. Baker, the efficient Secretary, has kept a faithful record of
the name of each person buried in the cemiterj'', the number of
the lot, his or her age, nativity, cause of death, etc. For this pur-
pose lie surveyed the grounds and platted them as neatly as the
art of surveying requires. His maps are beautiful.
Wra. N. Fisher, subsequently devoted a piece of his land,
northeast of the first plat, to burial purposes, and more recently
the association has purchased and added nearly two and a
half acres northeast of that. On this a residence now stands,
which is to be removed, while a lot is provided across the
way eastward for a sexton's residence. A portion of the new
712 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
grounds, includino; Mr. Fisher's, seems flat and wet, but it does
hold standing water. The plan of the grounds, as surveyed, is
very beautiful, and ere many years, when the walks are improved
and the present designs for improvement carried out, it will equal
any cemetery in the West in respect to tasteful appearance. For
the purpose of so beautifying these grounds, the ladies of Charles
City have formed an association, an account of which we next
proceed to give.
The present oflicers of the Cemetery Association are: Joel W.
Smith, President; Nathan Phillips, Treasurer; Y. W. Baker, Sec-
retary; Trustees: B. W. Stevens, George F. Boulton and E. A.
Teeling.
The Catholic cemetery is a beautiful piece of ground of three or
four acres, about a mile and a half southeast of the city on the
Chickasaw road, northeast of the river.
We ought to state here that twenty-eight interments were made
in the old burying ground, in the western portion of the city,
from which all the remains have been removed to the new ceme-
tery except those of Mrs. Crosby and child, an Irishman, name
not given, and, possibly, one or two others. In early days, when it
was undecided what ground should be permanently chosen for a
cemetery, some desired the fine locality afrerward occupied by
Hon. Wm. B. Fairfield, southeast of the city; and by some a lot
near the present depot was talked of. In the mean time a few
burials were made on private property.
The first burial in the new cemetery was that of John AVyman,
who was drowned.
Ladles' Cemetery Improvement Association of Charles City. —
Pursuant to notice, a number of ladies and gentlemen met June
8, 1882, at the council room, to organize a ladies' cemetery im-
provement a-sociation. Judge Keiuiger was called to the Chair,
and J. S. Bradley appointed Secretary. Committees were appointed
for various purposes, and at the next meeting, June 15, a consti-
tution and by-laws were adopted, and the following officers elected:
Mrs. M. E. Reiniger, President; Mrs. Bradley and Mrs. Ilering.
Yice- Presidents; Mrs. M. E. Baker, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Y.
W. Baker, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. E. M. Waller, Treas-
urer; Executive Committee: A. B. Hildreth, B. W.Stevens, Mrs.
R. Kellog, and Miss Amanda Waller. Al! the moneys which have
so far been raised have been by subscription, and this has been
libera], nearly $200 having been contributed to their fund. Almost
CHARLES CITY. 733
half this amount has been expended in cutting out walks pre-
paratory to graveling. It is proposed to raise additional funds by
public entertainments of some kind.
Relief Society. — On Thanksgiving day, 1871, a committee of
eight women were appointed to take steps toward organizing a relief
society. They met twice, adopted a constitution, and published an
appeal to the citizens. The above committee comprised Mesdames
Charles Slocum, T. Conway, D. H. Saxton, B. F. Wright, B. Mc-
Donald, Schroeder, J. M. Stowe and L. S. Brown. This society
has given public entertainments, and was favored with contribu-
tions for the poor, to the great credit of the citizens. And now,
annually, as this Puritanic i'estival comes round, the citizens as-
semble in some hall or church, and appoint a committee to dis-
tribute the offerings the more favored willingly give. Long may
this be a custom of the generous and God-fearing men and women
of this New England-like town, Charles City!
Charles City Fire Company. — This company was organized
Dec. 14, 1881, and the following persons were duly elected its offi-
cers: A. R. Sprague, President; D. Townsend, Yice-President;
W. D. Burnham, Secretary and Treasurer. The company has botli
honorary and active members, the honorary paying $1 per year
for the support and maintenance of the company, while the active
members do all the work. The officers of the active company are:
Foreman, Capt. H. C. Baldwin; First Assistant Foreman, P. M. "Wil-
bur; Second Assistant Foreman, Geo. Collins; I^ozzleman, W. D.
Burnham; Investigating Committee, Peter Rose, E. B. Perry and
Joseph Dunster. There are about sixty honorary members and
about thirty active members. Meetings are held the nights of the
third Tuesday of every month. Officers are elected annually.
This company has a chemical engine of about one hundred gal-
lons' capacity, costing about $1,400. There is also a hook and
ladder apparatus which belongs to this company, consisting of com-
mon and adjustable ladders, ropes, buckets, etc. They are well pre-
pared to do battle with the fiery element. They also have a good
and comfortable engine-house, which is kept in good order. The
engine-house and engine-keeper, who must be an active member,
and who is appointed by the Common Council, is II. C. Hoard.
Oct. 5 a test was made of the new fire apparatus just purchased
at Chicago. Several loads of dry -goods boxes, barrels, etc., and
straw and shavings were piled up, and the whole thoroughly satu-
rated with kerosine oil. The engine, already charged, was stationed
714 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
about a hundred feet from this mass of combustibles. Fire was
set to the latter, in a minute it was all ablaze, the hose was turned
upon it, and in one minute more the flames were completely sub-
dued. The machine holds one hundred gallons of water, is charged
with carbonic-acid gas, and is always ready for use. It can be re-
charged in three or four minutes.
Puhlic Library. — As early as 1857 the establishment of a public
library in this place was urged, and at times afterward the matter
was brought up, until Nov. 11, 1871, when a meeting was held for
the purpose of organizing a library association under the laws of
the State. J. G. Patterson, C. S. Otis and E. A. Teeling were ap-
pointed a committee to draft articles of incorporation. It was pro-
posed to raise $1,000 to commence with. An appeal was issued to
the people, setting forth the advantages and importance of a public
library. Nothing much, however ,was effected until the spring of
1878, when a public reading-room was opened, and a small nucleus
of a library established. The reading-room had a reasonable share
of patronage for the first year, but very little was done toward
enlarging the book collection. The expenses of this year were
$500, leaving cash on hand $150. Efforts were now renewed for
increasing the number of volumes in the library, with some de-
gree of success.
There are now (September, 1882) nearly 500 volumes in the
library, and the library-room is also kept open as a reading-room,
from 10 A. M. to 12 m.. from 1:30 to 5 p.m., and from 6 to 9:30 p. m.,
daily, except Sundays. The room is kept open for reading on Sun-
days, 2:30 to 5:30 p. m.
The Librarian is Miss Nellie Kelly. Of the association the
Directors are: A. B. F. Hildreth, W. D. Balch, S. F. Farnham, Bur-
ritt Harwood, B. W. Stevens, J. W. Smith, Henry F. Miles, Y. G.
Barney, F. A. Roziene and Alexander K. Spriggs. The officers
are: A. K.. Spriggs, President; W. D. Balch, First Yice-President
and Treasurer; H. F. Miles, Second Vice-President; S. F. Farn-
ham, Corresponding Secretary; B. Harwood, Recording Secretary.
Executive Committee: Messrs. Hildreth, Balch, Stevens and
Barney.
The association publishes a neat little pamphlet, giving a list of
books in the library and the rules and regulations.
Lyceum. — As early as Dec. 6, 1856, a lyceum, or debating club,
was organized in Charles City, by the election of A. B. F. Hildreth,
President; Sanford Harwood, Yice-President; T. D. Pooler, Sec-
CHAKLE8 CITY. 715
retaiy; and G. G. Reiniger, Treasurer. Constitution and by-laws
were adopted and critics appointed. Meetings to be held weekly,
at the school-house when that place should not be otherwise
engaged.
In the beginning of the winter of 1859-'60, a similar society
was organized and flourished during that and the succeeding win-
ters. Lectures by parties from abroad were secured by this club.
The lyceum was revived again Dec. 20, 1864. In 1866 an amateur
dramatic club was organized, which continued until January 1, fol-
lowing, when it suspended, as the churches essentially took away
their line of work. A lyceum was organized Nov. 26, 1871, which
flourished during the ensuing winter.
AnthencBum Society. — In April, 1881, a young men's debating
club was organized in Charles City under this name, with J, S,
Bradley for President; E, I. Angell, Yice-President; H. L. Spauld-
ing, Secretary; B. F. Holcomb, Treasurer; Walter Stuart, Censor;
S. B. Allison and E. E. Smith, Editors; E. I. Angell, A. McG.
Huffman and J. A. Ferguson, Programme Committee. The society
sat with closed doors, in the council rooms, Tuesday evenings.
Honorary members were elected from time to time,
Oymnasmm. — Under this name a society was organized some
years ago for physical exercise; but it soon gave its funds in aid of
a lecture association and died out.
Driving Park Association. — At a meeting of the signers to the
call for an association of this kind at Charles City, held in the
Union House parlors, June 21, 1882, A. R. Spriggs was elected
Chairman and George R. May, Secretary, on temporary organiza-
tion. The " Charles City Driving Park Association " was then
organized by the election of the following oflBcers for the ensuing
year: J. S. Root, President; Morris Despres, Yice-President; S.
F. Farnham, Treasurer, and R. D. Owens, Secretary. This meet-
ing decided to have a trotting and running July 14 and 15, or
the week following, and to give $1,500 in purses.
During the ensuing month (July) an exhibition was held at the
Charles City fair-grounds, which was attended with much interest.
The Sportsman's Club of Charles City has had a rather preca-
ri<ni8 and desultory existence. The game has included everything
from a painted glass ball to a wild buffalo; the sports have included
all ranks; and the toggery varied from the coon-skin cap, fawn-skin
jacket and buckskin breeches, with a flint-lock rifle, to the high-
44
716 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
toned uniformed team of pigeon shooters with the latest breach-
loading Spencer's.
The organizations have varied as wide as the surroundings, and
to do justice to them would require from the historian a wide field
of investigation. As everj'thing pertaining to Charles "City must
start with Uncle Joe Kelly, so must sporting begin with 1850-'52
when he chased the deer, elk, and wild turkeys, over the present
site of this city, killing ten elk near where the brewery now stands.
William Flint and Dave Green killed two buffaloes just west of Flint
during the same years. In the winter of 1856 there was a deep
snow which crusted over and the people went out with clubs and
dogs and slaughtered all the deer; Uncle Joe would not go. He
said there was no "sport" in it. The dignity of a true hunter
would not allow of such advantage of the game. In December,
1871, the first organization was effected, but the club did no acts
entitling it to a name in history till its reorganization in 1878,
with the following ofllcers and members: L. Lender, Captain; W.
D. Balch, President; A. M. Harrison, Secretary; A. G. Case
Treasurer; E. C. Chapin, Jacob Baier, J. E. Owens, Directors;
M. G. Tower, E. J. Fisher, S. Northcote, J. P. Taylor, C. M. Fer-
guson, John Ferguson, Charles Kitcher, D. H. Saxton and C L.
Dyke.
Base Ball. — This fascinating art has been represented in Charles
City, by a club which engaged in two or three contests with similar
clubs elsewhere. It was strong and well managed, but died out
the next year.
The IBresh Water Marines. — This club was organized in May,
1881, with a membership of nine. P. M. Wilbur is Admiral;
Burt Harwood, Commodore; P. H. Guiwits, Captain; Fred Bar-
ney, First Mate; Arthur Dennis, First Lieutenant and Gunner; C.
DeTorrence, Ensign; H. A. Baltuff, Commissary; Arthur Mooney,
Cook. Fred Barney removing from the city in the spring of 1882,
Jo Clemens was elected First Mate in his stead. The object of the
club is health and recreation. They established a camp on the
Cedar River, four miles north of Charles City, named "Camp
Wildwood, Home of the Fresh Water Marines."
In former times a number of small clubs and societies have en-
joyed a short existence; as, the " Independent Society," in 1870-
'71; the " Bantams " and the '^ Shanghais," the " Bachelors " club,
etc. The latter was formed in 1871-'2, by twelve or thirteen bach-
CHARLES CITY. 717
elors of Charles City, who had their annual reunions, suppers,
etc., for about three years, when so many of them had slipped into
the bridal noose that not a sufficient number were left even to man
the board of officers.
Knights of Horatius. — This dramatic club was organized Dec.
9, 1876, by gentlemen exclusively, and flourished for about four
years. Its officers had Latin titles, as Horatius Primus, Quasstor,
Princeps, Cliens, etc. The first officers were: Myron Morrell, H.
P.; C. E. Judd, N. C; C. D. Torrence, Q. P. Other prominent
members were Arthur W. Dennis, Harry A. Baltuff, F. E. Barney,
Jos. Clemens, M. T. Billings, E. C. Hartshorn, W. R Hurd, B.
M. Cleveland, I. K. McAdams, B. Ferguson, etc. The club was
formed for mutual improvement in literary and histrionic cu ture,
and held their regular meetings at the office of J. Evans Owens.
The Bas Bleu Club was organized in 1875, with a member-
ship of twenty. The following officers were elected: Miss Ella
Patterson (now Mrs. Billingsly, of Vinton, la.). President; Miss
Cary Barney, Ida Smith and Hattie Dyke, Dramatic Committee.
The object of the society was mutual improvement and a good
time. They gave a number of plays, parties, dances, and recep-
tions, and gave over $200 for the benefit of the poor. This
club was comprised of young ladies, and in their dramatic enter-
tainments they were assisted by the Bas Sale Club. There were
few changes made in the officers. The club disbanded some three
years after its organization and the money left in the treasury was
expended in books. The society was a very pleasant one and af-
forded much amusement.
The Bas Sale Club. — About a year after the organization of the
Bas Bleus,"a society of gentlemen organized themselves into a
club to be known as the Bas Sale (soiled stockings), and gave a
number of dramatic, literary and musical entertainments. First
<»fficers: Dr. I. S. Abbott, President; Phil. Wilbur, Vice-Presi-
dent; Sam. Despres, Secretary; Alex. Despres, Treasurer; Frank
Koehler, Musical Director; Emory Morse, Chaplain; Shale Ellis,
Sergeant-at-arms; Niel Dj'ke, Business Manager. Mr. Koehler
afterward left Charles City, and Geo. Kay was elected to fill his
place. Among the exercises indulged in by this club were mock
trials, in one of which Mr. Sam. Despres distinguished himself b}'
imitating broken German, especially the dialect of a certain Ger-
man lawyer in Chicago. The meetiijgs of this society were held
718 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
in Dr. Abbott's dental parlors. Only three of the above men-
tioned gentlemen now reside in Charles City.
The Clio Club was organized in the spring of 187'.^ and was
without doubt the finest and most successful dramatic organization
in Northern Iowa. It was the last dramatic club in the city. Its
career was successful from the first and never failed to pack a
house. The members finally became scattered, and thus ended
the organization. The ofiicers were: President, J. Evans Owens;
Secretary, P. R. Guiwits; Treasurer, S. H. Starr; Stage Manager,
W. D. Balcli; Executive Committee, E. A. Owens, W. S. Har-
wood, Miss Hattie Dyke, Phil. M. Wilbur. This is but a very
brief sketch of one of the most useful societies in Charles City.
It was indeed an ornament to the city and a benefit to its members.
Sax-Horn Band. — This band was first organized by L. L. Hunt-
ley, in 186J: or 1865. After he left the city the band did but little
or nothing, until a German teacher from JSTew York came and
endeavored with his native tongue to drill the class, but with poor
success. The next leader was Prof. J. F. O. Smith, who "led"
them on to victory for about two years. The band then comprised
twelve to fifteen ])ieces.
May 22, 1866, concert and supper at Union Hall, by the Charles
City Sax-Horn Band, proceeds to by a wagon for their use to cost
$500. It was a brilliant success. The desired chariot was soon
afterward obtained, — a magnificent vehicle. During 1867 the
band had a law suit, considerable opposition and a very discourag-
ing time, but weathered it all bravely.
About this time the society, with the aid of friends, purchased
a fine band wagon, costing $550. This wagon is still the property
of the band.
Next after Prof Smith came Joseph Kelly as leader, then Hall,
Gibson, and then the "Sixth Regiment Cornet Band."
Nov. 3, 1880, the band was reorganized under tlie leadership of
Earl J. North, with thirteen men, and still flourishes, consisting of
Earl J. North, solo, B-flat cornet; A. Harvey, E flat cornet;
Bird Cairns, first alto; James Ferguson, second alto; Warren
Klinetop, first tenor; George Brown, second tenor; Everett Kel-
logg, solo baritone; Henry P. Mapes, bass; Irving Kellogg,
drum and cymbals.
MISCELLANIEOUS.
Many small items of interfest cannot well be classified with the
regular lines of history, which have "threads" extending thruugh
CHAELES CITY, 719
a number of years ; and we are therefore obliged to throw them
together under the head of " miscellaneous," arranging as well as
we can with some reference to their general character.
TEMPERANCE.
Charles City is noted for its sober-mindedness. The citizens
generally are not only " temperate," with reference to drinking
spirituous liquors, but even given to total abstinence. During the
summer of 1857, drinking and gambling are chronicled as being
"introduced." Doubtless, however, both these things had been
indulged in prior to this, but it became more bold. Three parties
were arrested, one convicted, and a formal notice published in the
city paper that special efforts would be made to convict others who
might be guilty.
The above instance is typical and representative of the fight
between law and order on the one side, and drunkenness, gam-
bling, laziness and disorder on the other. When in 1869 Charles
City became an organized " city " in law, and officers and alder-
men had to be elected, the usual contest sprung up, of course,
between the license partie:*, and sometimes one party would carry
the day, sometimes the other, and sometimes "both," or neither-
In 1879 the license party carried every ward. Up to within
three or four days of the election it was generally believed that
"prohibition" was ahead, but then a general belief sprung up
that a few were setting up a ring to control county politics, and
straightway there was a general bolt. "In view of the resnlt,"
said the Intelligencer, "the verdict cannot be otherwise than,
' Failed from an overdose of politics.' " At the present time, 1882,
the common council is anti-license, and is very difficult for parties
to obtain spirituous liquors to drink as a beverage. Even the
druggists refuse to sell such liquors, for any purpose whatever.
IM MEM<:)RY OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
April 27, 1865, appropriate public exercises were held in Charles
City, in accordance with the proclamation of the Governor that
the day be observed with humiliation and prayer on account of
the assassination of Lincoln. This was the day of his funeral ser-
vices. Under the auspices of an organization, there were a pro.
cession, music, oration, etc. A full account is given in Chapter
VIII.
720 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
IN MEMORY OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD.
As soon as the sad news of tlie death of President Garfield was
confirmed, Major Burr issued the following proclamation, Sept.
ember 20:
To the Citizens of Charles City: — Information having been
received of the death of James A. Garfield, President of the United
States, bj the hand of an assassin; and whereas, it is deemed
fitting that some expression of the emotions excited by this most
calamitous event should be evidenced in a public meeting of the
people of this city, therefore it is requested that all places of busi-
ness be closed from and after 3 o'clock this afternoon; that the
nation's citizens repair to the Baptist church at 4:30 p. m., for
such services as shall be thought proper in view of the sorrow.
"P. W. Bdrr, Mayor."
Accordingly a large audience assembled at the church, where
the Mayor called it to order in a few appropriate remarks. Short
addresses were made by B. F.Wright, G. F. Boulton, Dr. S. P.
Yeomans and Rev. C. T. Tucker, who were called upon by the
Mayor to address the meeting. At the close, the Mayor appointed
a committee of arrangements for holding funeral services the follow-
ing Monday, the day of Garfield's interment. The programme for
the day was, 1. Dirge, by North's Cornet Band; 2. Invocation, by
Rev. C T. Tucker; 3. Hymn; 4. Introductory, by Chairman, G. H,
Nichols; 5. Eulogy, by B. F. Wright; 6. Hymn; 7. Short
addresses, by Mayor P. W. Burr, J. Evans Owens, A. W. Cook,
A. M. Harrison, Major M. Lynch, Rev. Father Gunn and Rev. E.
Casselman; 8. Selected poem, by H. C. Raymond; 9. Hymn; 10.
Closing prayer and benediction, by Rev. H. Kaste. 11. Dirge, by
the Band. These services were held on the Public Square, where
a large and attentiv^e audience assembled.
MEETINGS.
Oct. 10, 1871, the second day of the fire at Chicago, the citizens
organized for the collection and forwarding of the necessaries of
life to the destitute of that fated city.
Oct. 19, annual joint meeting of the Garnavillo and Mitchell
Associations of Congregationalists at Charles City. April 11, 1872,
first grange organized.
July 9, 1872, Methodist campmeeting in O. AV. Hart's grove,
e'ghty rods from the Milwaukee depot, Charles City. Weather
CHARLES CITY. 721
favorable and a good time enjoyed. A hundred or more converts
professed religion.
Aug. 25, 187-i, Union Camp-meeting, under the auspices of the
Metliodist Episcopal church. Oct.13-14, Fourth District Press
Association met in Charles City.
May 10, 1881, Masonic Hall, meeting of the Grand Chapter of
the O. E. S. of Iowa; Mrs. R. C. Mathews, Rockford, Grand
Matron.
June 7, 1881, ninth annual session of the Decorah District Con-
ference of the M. E. church.
May 10-11, 1882, Editorial Association for the Fourth Congres-
sional District.
June 21-28, convention of School Superintendents.
This list could doubtless be extended.
CASUALTIES.
1857, prairie fires around Charles City, destroying much prop-
erty. To stand on an eminence a few miles east of the village
and see the hills around it covered with fire was a magnificent spec-
tacle.
1855, William Grow, drowned: the first death in the county.
Elsewhere noticed.
1857, July 4, John Hill seriously wounded by the bursting of a
sledge hammer under a pile of anvils.
1858, April 27, John W. Wyman, a highly respected young
man, twenty-three years of age, was drowned in the Cedar
just below the dam of the new saw-mill. He approached too near
the dam, on the lower side, in a skiff", and the falling water capsized
his boat and precipitated him into the raging waters. Two or
three men endeavored immediately to swim to his rescue, but failed
on account of the violence of the currents.
Mr. Hiilman, of Union Township, was killed at Charles City by
being thrown out of a wagon, his head striking against a saw-log
near Kelly's mill. He was intoxicated.
1861, Feb. 10, Sunday, at St. Charles City, a lad of half a dozen
years found himself an involuntary prisoner in the Baptist church.
It appears that he had fallen asleep and remained so at the close of
service, and being unperceived by the sexton he was locked in.
Some time during the night he awoke, and finding how matters
stood he made the church hideous with his outcries. A gentleman,
722 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
living near, arrived just in time to hear the glass jingle and see the
boy emerge through the broken window.
1862, June 30, Enoch Harvey was caught and drawn around a
shaft in a steam saw-mill and killed.
1862, Oct. 10, A. H. Buel was killed in a well, by a bucket
falling upon him.
1862, Oct. 23, great conflagration in the city, which consumed
two hotels, six stores, two jewelry shops, one tailor shop and one
law office. Loss about $50,000. This constituted the greater por-
tion of the business part of the city. The fire broke out in the roof
of the Kelly Hotel about 2:30 p. m., when the wind was high, and it
immediately became uncontrollable. By special efforts, the Intelli-
gencer office was saved. The hotels destroyed were the Kelly Hotel
and the Magnolia House ; the law office was that of G. G. & R. G.
Reiniger ; the other principal losers were J. "W. Lehmkuhl, Carl
Merckel, D. Davidson, J. StoUe, Messrs. Smilie & Bennett, the
jewelers, and Ferguson & Sampson.
1864, Sept. 8, the dwelling-house of Samnel Hackley, on the
west side of the river, was destroyed by fire, with all the contents.
The family, who were absent when the fire broke out, had not even
a change of clothing saved. Origin of the fire unknown.
Sept. 26, Charles Allen's house was burned. No insurance.
Origin of fire unknown.
1863, one case of small-pox, but very light. Rumor abroad
made it that the place was badly afflicted with that disease.
1865, Nov. 2, George W. Kellogg, son of Harvey Kellogg,
accidentally killed himself by the explosion of a gun, while he
was attempting to kill an owl in a barn.
1866, January, the wife of Col. Abner Root was fatally burned
by falling oh a cooking stove at her residence.
1866, April 2, ninety feet of the Charles City bridge and one pier
were taken away by the flood.
1866, July 4, Frankie Slick was killed by the explosion of a
rocket.
1867, June 13, the wagon shop of Wm. Korenkie, on Clark
street was burned ; loss, $1,200 ; insurance, $800. Origin of the
fire unknown. Created great alarm, as other buildings were in
peril.
1867, October, a child, seventeen months old, belonging to
Friedrick Phin, of Charles City, was scalded to death, by drawing
CHAKLES CITY. " 723
upon itself a dish of hot sauce from the table, during a few min-
utes' absence of its mother.
186S, Oct. 14 (or 17), Frank Weldon (or Welding) was killed by
the falling of a bent at the engine station-house of the Illinois
Central Railway. His residence was at Iowa Falls, where he had
a wife and child. This was the first railroad casualty in the county.
1868, Dec. 8, an alarming fire broke out in tlie court-house, but
was soon extingushed. Damage only $25. Cause, defective lathing.
1868. One cold morning in December, Augustus Grams found
a horse frozen in the river nearly up to the gambrel joints, and had
to get an ax and cut away the ice in order to release him. It is
supposed that the animal crossed a strip of ice to get a drink, and
found it too slippery to return to the bank, — or else he decided to
take a foot bath!
1869, Nov. 17, Henry Sage was struck by a train at the railroad
bridge and killed.
^870. In the fall, C.W. Atkinson, a druggist, drowned himself in
the river. He had been sick for some time and confined to his
room, but suddenly escaped from his attendants in a fit of delirium
to commit the suicidal act. .
1871, April 6, S. G. Bryant's building, a two-story frame oppo-
site the Union House, was burned down.
1876, Jan. 13, A dog belonging to Sheriff Miner stopped a run-
away team in Charles City, by catching hold of the lines.
1876, June 24 (or 25), Herman Gherken (or Gherkins), was
drowned near the dam.
1879, diphtheria prevailed. Charles City, by its council, ap-
pointed a board of health, which issued a proclamation forbidding
assemblages of all kinds within doors, except court and election.
Some people, of course, thought this a hard and inefficient meas-
ure, and disobeyed the regulation. This board was also accused
(but wrongfully) of endeavoring to impede the temperance move-
ment, which depends to a great extent upon holding meetings.
Milwaukee Depot Burned. — Just after the close of morning
service, Sunday, May 15, the city was startled by the cry of fire.
It was soon found that the Milwaukee depot was in flames, started
in the roof by sparks from the locomotive of the stock express
going east. The fire was discovered by the station agent, Mr. Gil-
bert, who, with his assistants, m ide every eflort to extinguish it.
This was found to be impossible, and attention was turned to sav-
ing the papers, etc., in the ofiice and the articles in the baggage-
724 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
room. All was rescued except the telegraph instruments and one
trunk. The freight room was full of goods, but little was saved.
Six cars of freight on the side track were consumed. The loss was
in the neighborhood of $10,000, with but little insurance.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Henry C. Aldrieh. M. D. and D. D. S., one of the leading phy
sicians of Charles City, was born in the city of Minneapolis,
Minn. His parents were Cyrus and Clara A. (Heaton) Aldrieh.
She was a native of New York and he of Rhode Island, where he
received his education. When a young man he emigrated to
Northern Illinois, and was one of the owners of the Chicago &
Galena stage line and helped build the Illinois & Lake Michigan
Canal. He was a member of the Illinois Legislature and receiver
of public moneys at the land office at Dixon, 111. In 1856 he re-
moved to Minneapolis, Minn., and engaged in the real estate busi-
ness. He was elected a member of the Minnesota Legislature and
a member of Congress from Minnesota, in 1S6I. He died in Oc-
tober, 1871, aged sixty-three years. His wife resides in Minneapo-
lis. She and husband had a family of three daughters and (me
son, two living, viz; Villa, wife of D. H. Wright, commission
merchant at Minneapolis, Minn, and Henry C, subject of this
sketch. He attended the Minneapolis High School and State Uni-
versity until 1877, when he began the study of dentistry graduating
from the Dental Department of the University of Pennsylvania,
then beginning the study of medicine, graduating from the Hahne-
mann Medical College, of Philadelphia. He located in Charles
City, la.. May, 1881, where he has since practiced the profession
of medicine, establishing a large and lucrative practice. He is
the city physician. Dr. Aldrieh was married to Miss Mary Whit-
ney at Minneapolis, Sept. 21:, 1879. She was the first white child
born at Clear Water, Minn., and in honor of that event was pre-
sented a lot in Clear Water, Minn. She was a daughter of Sam-
uel N. and Abbie (Hay) Whitney. Dr. Aldrieh and wife attend
the Congregational church in Charles City. He is a member of
and Medical Examiner in the Iowa Legion of Honor, and in politics
a Republican.
Edgar F . Atherton, one of the leading merchants of Charles
City, is a native of Yermont, born in Moretown, Washington
County, March 23, 1814; his parents were Joseph L. and Lucy B.
CHARLES CITY. 725
(Adams) Atherton, natives also of the Green Mountain State. He
resided in Moretown until 1858, when he came with his parents to
Floyd County, la. They still reside on their farm in Cedar Town-
ship, and have a family of four children, three sons and one daugh-
ter, viz.: Ella A., who married John O. Adams; Eddie B., residing
with his parents in Cedar Township; Walter E., also residing on the
old homestead; Edgar F., subject of this sketch, was the eldest son ;
his parents moved to Floyd, la., when he was fourteen years old and
resided there until 18Y0, when he went to Orchard Station, Mitchell
County, and opened a store of general merchandise, remaining until
the fall of 1879, when he sold out and located in Charles City, where
he established his present business. He occupies a building 66 x21
feet two stories in height and carries a full and complete stock
of imported and domestic goods, ladies' goods, dry goods, notions,
and clothes, hats, caps, gloves and mittens. Mr. Atherton mar-
ried Miss Amelia Wilbur, June 6, 1869, at Floyd; she was born in
Otsego County, N. Y., and was a daughter of Henry and Ange-
line (Moore) Wilbur, natives of New York, and of Quaker descent.
Mr. and Mrs. Atherton are members of the Congregational church,
and have had a family of two children, viz. : Earnest W., born Aug.
17, 1870, and Winifred L., July 11, 1877. Mr. Atherton is one
of the enterprising representative* business men of Charles City,
and an old settler of Floyd County, having been identified with
the county since 1858. He is a charter member of the Y. A. S.
Fraternity, Charles City Lodge. In politics rather independent
and inclined to vote for the best man. He is of Scotch descent.
Edmund Austin^ retired farmer, and Vice-President of the
Charles City National Bank and Charles City Water-Power Com-
pany, was born in Skaneateles, Onondaga County, N. Y., Jan. 4,
1821; his parents were Silas and Mary A. (Patchen) Austin,
natives of New York. He was a farmer and they were members
of the Episcopal church, and had a family of five sons and two
daughters; five lived to be men and women. Edmund, subject of
this sketch, was the eldest child and soon after his birth his parents
removed to Cayuga County, N"., Y. where he farmed until his
marriage to Eliza Browning, which occurred March 4, 1852. She
was born in Sommersetshire, England; was a daughter of Mathew
and Nancy (Davis) Browning, also natives of England. Soon
after his marriage Mr. Austin moved to Skaneateles, N. Y.,
where he bought land and engaged in farming until the year o
726 HISTOEY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
1854, when he went to Winnebago County, 111., and in the spring
of 1855 came to Charles Citj, la., and purchased a farm in St.
Charles Township which he still owns, and cultivated until
March, 1882, when he rented it and moved into Charles City,
where he bought a residence and has since lived, leading a life of
retirement from active business. Mr. Austin and wife are mem-
bers of the Christian church and have had a family of three children ;
the eldest, John P., died in infancy, and two are living, viz.: Sarah
N., born ]^ov, 28, 1856, resides with her parents, and Willis
B., one of the proprietors of the Centennial Mills of Charles City,
born Jan. 19, 1859. Mr. Austin was elected Yice-President <»f
the Charles City National Bank upon its organization in 1876 and
has been Vice-President of the Water-Power Company since Feb.
1880. He owns a farm of 365 acres in St. Charles Township and
240 acres in Union Township. He also owns property in Charles
City, and stock in the Water-Power Company and in the Charles
City National Bank. Heisoneof the few old settlers of 1855 now
living and has seen Floyd County change from its old uncultivated
state to its present prosperous condition. When he came to
Charles City there were but three frame buildings and a few l>g
cabins. In politics Mr. Austin is rather independent.
V. W. £aker, carpenter, was ix)rn in Worcester County, Mass.,
June 12, 1820. His parents were Yickery and Priscilla (Walker)
Baker, natives of Massachusetts. His father died in 1870 in
Vermont, in which State his mother still lives, at the age of eighty-
seven. The subject of this sketch received a common-school edu-
cation in Vermont. He was married in 1862 to Sarah P. Darkee,
a native of Vermont. They removed to Illinois soon after, and
lived at Hockford until 1857, when they removed to Floyd County.
They had four children, two of whom are living — Alice, teaching
in Indianapolis, and Estella, at home. Mrs. Baker died in 1870,
and he was again married, in 1871, to Estella M. Patton, a native
of New York. They have had two children — Clifford, and Gracie
(deceased). Politically, Mr. Baker is a Republican. He is a
member of the Baptist church.
William D. Balchy of the firm of Peiniger & Balch, bankers, of
Charles City, is a native of New Hampshire, born in the town of
Claremont, Jan. 2, 1834. His parents were William S. and Ade-
line G. (Capron) Balch, natives of Vermont. He was a minis-
ter of the Universalist church and is still living, a retired
minister, of Elofin, 111., now in his seventy-seventh year. She
CHARLES CITY. 727
died in 1855. Thej had a family of eight children, four sons
and four daughters. William D., the subject of this sketch, was
the eldest son. When a child, his parents removed to New York
City, his father having charge of a church there. He attended
school in JSTew York City until fourteen when he entered the
Clinton Liberal Institute, at Clinton, N. Y., remaining three
years. He returned to New York City and engaged in banking,
on Wall street, until the spring of 1865, when he came to Charles
City, la., and started the first bank in the city, under the firm
name of Mitchell, Fairfield & Balch, and in 1867, E. C. Chapin,
now editor of the Davenport, la., Gazette, purchased Mr.
Mitchell's interest, and the firm remained Chapin, Fairfield &
Balch, until 1873, when Mr. Chapin retired from the firm, and in
1875 Judge Reiniger bought Judge Fairfield's interest and the firm
has since remained Reiniger & Balch. Mr. Balch married Miss
Ellen M. Melville, Jan. 19, 1858. She was born in New York
City and was a daughter of Henry B. Melville, a manufacturing
jeweler, of New York City. Mr, and Mrs. Balch had four children,
one living, viz.: Estelle L., born in New York City, in October,
1861. Their mother died in 1864. Mr. Balch married Miss
Maria A. Palmer, at Charles City, Feb. 11, 1868. She was born
in Maine, and is a daughter of Dr. William M. Palmer and Anna,
7iee Shaw. He was a physician, of Charles City. Mr. and Mrs.
Balch have had four children, two living, viz.: Margaret and
Stevens. Mr. Balch is one of the old settlers and an enterprising
representative business man of Charles City. He was elected
Mayor of the city one year, has been Treasurer of Charles City and
Floyd County Agricultural Society, and also Treasurer of the Inde-
pendent School District, a number of years. He is Yice-President
of the First National Bank, of Mason City, and active in its man-
agement. In politics he has always been a supporter of the Repub-
lican party.
Col. V. G. Barney, formerly a marble manufacturer in Yer-
mont, where he owned a quarry, is a native of the Green Mount-
ain State, born in Swanton, Franklin County, Aug. 26, 1834, a
son of George and Emma D. (Goodrich) Barney. They were also
natives of Yermont and members of the M. E. church; they had
a family of four sons and four daughters. Col. Y. G. being the
second son; he attended school until nineteen when he clerked in
a store a couple of years, then took charge of the marble mills
at Danby, Rutland County, Yt., and remained there three yeais;
728 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY,
then took charge of the mills at S wanton until 1861 when he
enlisted in the Independent Company which afterward became
Company A, First Vermont Regiment; enlisted for three months,
and was Orderly Sergeant of the company; at the end of the three
months returned to Swanton and soon after re-enlisted in Company
A, Ninth A^erniont Regiment, and was elected Captain of this
company; remained as Captain one year, when he was Commis-
sioned Lieut. -Colonel of the regiment, and held that position until
the close of the war, when he returned home and engaged in the
marble business four years; when, owing to trouble with his lungs
from exposure in army, went to Florida six months, then removed
with his family to Minneapolis, Minn. He engaged in the real
estate business there three years, then came to Charles City, in
1872, and has loaned money and speculated in land here since.
Mr. Barney married Miss Maria L. Had wen, April 21, 1857;
she was born in Danby, Vt., and was a daughter of John and
Abigail (^Baker) Hadwen; they were Quakers, and natives of !New
York; they had a family of nine children, seven daughters and two
sons. Mrs. Col. Barney is a member of the M. E. church. They
have had four children, viz.: Caroline E., born Feb. 7, 1858; Fred
E., Oct. 10, 1859, is Assistant Casliier in Commercial Bank of
Minneapolis, Minn.; Bertha M., born July 9, 1866; Frank, Oct. 3,
1871. Mr. Barney is one of the representative business men and
citizens of Charles City, and is one of the directors of the First
National Bank here. He owns a farm of 200 acres in St. Charles
Township, 160 acres in Sioux County, la., eighty acres in Chick-
asaw County, and 400 in Wright County. In politics he is a
Republican and cast the first vote for John C. Fremont for Presi-
dent of the United States. He has been a supporter of that party
since. He is of Welsh, English and French descent. His father put
in the first American marble tile flooring in the United States; he is
still living and actively engaged in business at Swanton, Yt.
Col. V. Gr. Barney's brother, Elisha L. Barney, was Colonel of the
Sixth Vermont Infantry Volunteers, and was killed in the battle
of the Wilderness, in Virginia, in 1864. Mr. Barney has alw<i.y8
taken an active interest in educational matters, and for the past six
years has been a member of the School Board. He has been a
member of the City Council two years. He is liberal in his views
politically as well as religiously; he has always taken an active
interest in any thing that promised progression to Charles City.
CHARLES CITY. 72}^
He secured an appropriation from City Council to lay out city
park and set out the trees, and lay out walks. Mr. Campbell and
Mr. Barney own the Park House.
J. A. Becker^ Clerk of St. Charles Township and farmer, was
born in Yernon, Oneida County, IST. Y., on Dec. 24, 1837. His
parents, Jacob and Melissa R. (Knox) Becker, were natives of New
York, and had a family of two children, viz. : Melissa J., who mar-
ried J. S. Freeman, and the subject of this sketch. His father
died two weeks before he was born, and his mother afterward mar-
ried Lyman Jacobs. J. A. lived in Vernon with his mother and
stepfather on a farm and attended school until twentj'^-one, when
he attended the Oneida Conference Seminary two terms; then
took a three-months' course at Eastman's Business College
Poughkeepsie. He then began teachini^ school, and taught winters
and worked summers at the carpenter's trade seven years; then
came to Charles City, la., in March, 1870. He has been engaged
in farming since. He taught school in St. Charles Townsliip the
winter of 1871-2. He married Addie L. Griswold, Oct. 23, 1867.
She was born in Augusta, Oneida County,- N. Y., and was a daugh-
ter of Warren H . and Aroxsa (Hart) Griswold. Mr. and Mrs.
Becker are members of the M. E. churcli and have had one s m,
viz.: Warren Earl, born Aug. 30, 1881. In the spring of 1879,
Mr. Becker was appointed Township Clerk, but by subsequent
election has held that office since. He has held the office of Sec-
retary of the School Board since 1872, and that of Assessor three
years. In politics he is a Republican. He is one of the enter-
prising, representative men of Charles City, and farmers of Floyd
County, where he has been identified since 1870. He is of Mo-
hawk Dutch and New England desent.
De Grand Benjamin^ retired farmer, miller and manufacturer
of cheese, was born in De Ruyter, Madison County, N. Y., Oct.
2, 1816, a son of Elias P. and Martha (Rich) Benjamin. She was
from Connecticut, and he was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y.
He was a miller and farmer. They were members of the Univer-
salis t church, and had a family of six sons and three daughters.
De Grand, subject of this sketch, was the third son. He attended
school — working on his father's farm — until twenty-one, when he
engaged in teaching school in Madison County, continuing seven
years. He was married to Miss Roxalina Sexton, Sept. 23, 1843,
at Union Valley, Portland County, N. Y. She was born there
and was a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Carpenter) Sexton.
730 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
After Mr. Benjamin was married he located in Union Valley, and
through liis efforts a postoffice was established here and he was
appointed Postmaster. He also owned and conducted a farm
there. In 1849 he returned to the home of his boyhood and pur-
chased a farm within two miles of his father, and engaged in
farming and milling until his father's death. He inherited the
old homestead of his father. The State chaigii the course of the
river that propelled his mill for canal purposes, soon after, so he
converted his mill into a cheese factory. In March, 1874, he came
to Charles City, la., purchased some property and has since resided
here, engaged in speculating and loaning money. Mrs. Benja-
min is a member of the Congregational church. They have had
three childrien, two living, viz.: Martha A., born March 27, 1847,
and Alida H., born May 8, 1852. Mr. Benjamin is one of the
enterprising, representative men of Charles City. In politics,
he was first a Democrat, but at the outbreak of the war became a
strong Republican and has since supported that party. He is a
man liberal in his views, original in mind, and a strong believer
in all men having equal rights. He is of English descent. He
•owns a nice home and eight lots in Charles City, and a farm of
120 acres in Scott Township, most all under cultivation and well
stocked.
Edward Berg ^ one of the oldest and most prominent business men
of Charles City, was born inEutin, Oldensburg, Germany, on Aug.
6, 1844, a son of Adoph and Sophia Berg, nee Boessing, who had
a family of seven children. They were members of the Lutheran
church, and Mr. Adolph Berg was a Privy Councilor of the Gov-
ernment of Oldenburg. Edward attended school in Germany,
making a specialty of the studies of chemistry and forrestry until
twenty-two years of age, when he came to the United States, landed
at New York, and from there went at once to St. Louis, Mo, He re-
mained there a short time, and in December, 1867, came to Charles
City, where he clerked for J. H. Stolle, until March. 1873, when
he open his present store. He carries a complete stock of groceries,
provisions and staple goods, also keeps a full line of crockery and
chinaware. One department of his store is devoted to drugs and
medicines of all kinds. This stock is valued at $3,000. He is
agetit for the German Fire Insurance Company, of Freeport, III.,
and has had the agency since 1871. Politically, he is independent
in his views.
CHARLES CITY. 731
F. A. Burton^ proprietor of the Charles City livery, feed and
sale stable, was born in Andover, Vt., March 7, 1854; his parents
were Horace and Mary A. (Taylor) Burton. They were natives
of Vermont and had a family of four sons and three daughters.
Frank A., subject of this memoir, was the 3'onngest; he attended
school ill Andover, Vt,, until thirteen or fourteen years of age, when
he emigrated with his parents to Black Earth, Dane County, Wis.,
where he attended school two years; then worked in the Wisconsin
pineries on the Mississippi River one year; then came to Charles
City, and attended the High School four years; then he purchased
his present livery, feed and sale stable. Mr. Burton married Miss
Emma Henderson, at Charles City, la. She was born in Mount
Carroll, Hi., in 1856, and was a daughter of Berry and Amanda
C. (Youce) Henderson. Mr. and Mrs. Burton have one daughter
— Miss Jessie M., born June 24, 1879. Mr. Burton is one of the
enterprising, representative business men of Charles City. He
was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Floyd County for four years.
He owns and runs the largest and most complete stables in the
city. He keeps from eighteen to twenty fine buggy and carriage
horses and a full line of buggies and carriages. Mr. Burton has
taken the premium for carriage horses at the county fair, ever
since he came here. He is a thorough gentleman and has the con-
fidence and respect of all who know him. Mr. Burton started at
seventeen years of age to make his way in the world, and it is by
his own efforts that he has educated himself and established his
present business.
Joseph Clemens^ of the firm of Joseph Clemens & Co., manu-
facturers of wagons, carriages and buggies, Charles City, was a
son of Jacob and Gertrude Clemens, nee Guble, and was born
June 30, 1829, in P^diger, on the Riv'er Mosle, Prussia, Germany.
He was the youngest of a family of six children, and was the recip-
ient of a practical business education in his native country. He
also learned the furniture-maker's trade there, and when twenty
years of age, came with three of his brothers to the United States.
They landed at New York, and from there went to Milwaukee,
Wis., where Joseph worked at the cabinet-maker's trade three
years, and at the wagon-maker's one year; then went to Dubuque,
la. lie opened a shop tliere, and remained until 1867, when he
went to McGregor, la., continuing there his former business. In
July, 1872, he came to Charles City, where he has been prominently
45
732 HISTORY OF FLO-iD COUNTY.
identified with the business interests since. In September. 1857,
Mr. Clemens married Agnes Zumhof, a native of Hanover. Ger-
many. Thej have five children — Joseph, Jr., who is employed in
his father's shop; Michael, clerking in Mile's drug store; Mollie,
Lucy and Augusta. Formerly Mr. Clemens was Republican in
his political views, but of late has become rather independent,
voting for principle rather than party.
Maurice S. Cole, one of Floyd County's earl}^ settlers, is one of
the oldest wagon-makers of this county. He is a native of Ver-
mont, and was born in Sutton, Orleans County, on Feb. 14,
1827. His parents, Andrew and Mary A. Cole, were natives of
Providence, R. I., and had a family of six sons and one daugh-
ter. Maurice, subject of this sketch, was the youngest. He
lived on the farm with his father until sixteen, then went to Charles-
ton, Yt., and worked one year at his trade, that of a wagon -maker;
thence to Holliston, Mass., where he spent two years, learning tlie
boot and shoe trade; he then returned to Charleston, Vt., and worked
at the wagon-maker's trade until January, 1854, when he went to
Gasconade County, Mo., and teamed there on the Missouri Pacific
Road until October, 1855, when he came to Charles City, la., and
teamed from Charles City and McGregor, la., until May, 1856,
when he opened his wagon-shop, and has been engaged in this
business since, and is now the oldest wagon-maker in the county.
Mr. Cole married Mary A. Ingram, at Charles City, in 1858. She
was born in Vermont, and was a daughter of Henry Ingram — a
farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have one child, a daughter — Celia.
Mr. Cole is one of the early, few old settlers now living in Floyd
County. When he came to Charles City there were but three frame
buildings in the town, and he has seen its change from a wild, un-
cultivated state to the present prosperous condition. In politics
Mr. Cole is rather independent, and inclined to vote for the best
man.
Charles P. Collins^ Jr.^ stone mason and contractor, Charles
City, is one of the old settlers of Floyd County. He was born
opposite the town of Newport, at the head of Memphremagog
Lake, Canada, Feb. 18, 1829. His parents were Charles P. and
Mary J. W. (Rever) Collins; he was born in Chicopee, Mass., and
she was a native of Canada; he was a painter and stone cutter and
a member of the Baptist church, and she was a member of the Uni-
versalist church. They had one child, viz.: Charles P., Jr., subject
of this sketch. When he was an infant he removed with his parents
CHARLES CITY. 733
to Lowell, Mass., where he attended school until nineteen, when
he learned the stone-mason's trade; when twenty-three he went to
Warner, N. H., and worked here and at Nashua until the spring of
1853 when he came West to Beloit, Wis., and worked at his trade
here until the spring of 1857; then came to Iowa and located in
Charles City. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E,
Twelfth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, and was in the battles of
Fort Henry, Fort Doiielson and Shiloh and was taken prisoner at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862, and was taken to Corinth, Memphis, Tenn.,
Jackson, Miss., Mobile and M<>ntgomery, Ala., thence to Camp
Oglethrop, Macon, Ga., where he remained in the rebel prison
four months, then was removed to Columbu-, S. C, thence
to Wilmington, N. C, thence to Raleigh, N. C, thence to the
" Libby Prison." He was paroled Oct. 20, 1862. He went first to
Annapolis, Md., from there to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. ,
where he joined the fifteen men that were left of his company; he
was then in the fight at Springfield, Mo., when he returned to St.
Louis and was mustered out of the service on account of disability,
March 17, 1863. He returned home to Charles City, until the fall
of 1864, when he re-enlisted in Company 0, Thirteenth Iowa
Infantry Yolunteers, and went with Sherman on his march to the
sea, around to Washington, thence to Louisville, Ky., and was
discharged at Davenport, la., at the close of the war. He again
returned home to Charles City, la., where he has since resided.
Mr. Collins was promoted Orderly Sergeant of his company;
at the battle of Fort Donelson he was wounded with a musket
ball which passed through his right hand. Mr. Collins married
Miss Elizabeth Osgood, April 11, 1841. She was born in New
Hampshire. The fruits of this marriage were three sons and one
daughter, viz.: Chas. IL, who married Miss Eveline Clark; he is a
mason and they reside at Verndale, Minn. Ellen M. is the wife
of Frank Kellogg; he is engineer of the Charles City Furniture
factory. William C. Collins married Miss Catherine Allen; they
reside in Charles City, where he works at his trade of brick mason,
and Frank E. Collins, engaged in farming at Osage, Mitchell
County, la. Mr. Charles P. Collins married his present wife. Miss
Minnie Cold, May 28,1868. She was born in Bennington, Ben-
nington County, Vt., and was a daughter of Lorenzo Cold. Mr.
Collins is one the few old settlers of Floyd County now living;
he is one of the enterprising men and citizens of Charles City,
where he has been identified since its infancy. In politics he is a
Bepublican and has always been a strong supporter of this party.
734 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
William W. Dennis^ Deputy County Recorder of Floyd County,
is a native of Ohio, and was born on a farm in Wayne County,
May 16, 1838. His parents were William and Rebecca (Luther)
Dennis, natives of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the
Universalist church, and was by trade a carpenter and joiner, and
also followed farming. She was a member of the Lutheran
church. They liad a family of four sons and four daughters,
William, subject of this sketch, being the youngest son. He attended
school winters, working on his father's farm until seventeen, when
his mother died. He tlien worked at the carpenter's trade during
the summer, attending school winters until twenty-one, and on May
19, 1861, he married Miss Angle Isora Logan at Seville, Medina
County, O. She was born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of
William and Mary (Beale) Logan, natives of Pennsylvania and mem-
bers of the Baptist church. After his marriage, on Nov. 1-1, 1861, Mr.
Dennis enlisted in Company D, Third Battalion U.S. Infantry, and
remained in the service three years. He was in various battles,
among them the first siege of Corinth, Miss., in the month
of April and in May, 1862. He fought in the battle of Perry ville,
Kentucky, Oct. 8, 1862; Stone River battles Dec. 31, 1862, and
Jan. 12, of 1863, and the battle of Hoovers Gap, Tenn., June
'26,1863. The last sixteen months of his service he was detailed
as a recruiting officer at Toledo, O., and was discharged at Colum-
bus, O., Nov. 14, 186i. He remained in Ohio some time then
removed to Bourbon, Marshall County, Ind., and followed his trade
until July 19, 1865, when he located in Charles City, la. He fol-
lowed contracting and buiMing here until 1878, when, owing to
failing health, he abandoned his trade, and on April 8, 1879, he
was appointed his present office as Deputy County Recorder. Mr.
and Mrs. Dennis are members of the Christian church, and have
one son, viz.: Arthur W., born Feb. 19, 1862. He is clerk in the
Charles City Savings Bank. Mr. Dennis is one of the enterpris-
ing representative men and citizens of Charles City, where he has
been identified since June, 1865. He is Secretary of St. Charles
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 141, and has held this office seven years.
He has been a Mason since twenty-one years of age. In politics
he is a Republican and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln, first term.
He is of English, Irish, Scotch and German descent.
Gustavus B. Eastman^ retired banker and First Assistant Inter-
nal Revenue Assessor for Floyd County, la., is a native of Yer-
CHARLES CITY. 735
mont, born in New Haven, Addison County, Nov. 20, 1820. His
parents were Silas N. and Amanda (Bird) Eastman ; his father
was a saddle and harness maker, and both were natives of Ver-
mont and members of the Congregational church. They had a
family of seven children, live sons and two daughters. Gustavus B.,
subject of this sketch, was the second sou. When some three years
of age he removed with his parents to BEopkiuton, N. Y., where
he lived three years; tiience to Mai one, Franklin County, where he
attended school one year; then to Madrid, N. Y. There he at-
tended school and worked in the harness-shop with his father until
seventeen, when the family removed to Ogdensburg, N. Y.; one
year later they moved to Heuvelton, and Mr. E. taught school in
Morley, Canton Township, and other schools in the vicinity. He
was Deputy Clerk of St. Lawrence County until 1846, when he
came to Milwaukee, Wis.; remained here until the fall, when he
went to Roscoe, 111., and taught school one winter; thence to Rock-
ford, 111., and worked for William Hulin, Connty Recorder, one
year, when lie began to work for Robertson & Hall, lawyers
and land agents and bankers at Rockford. In the fall of 1S52 he
went to Dixon, 111., and opened a bank and land office under the
firm name of Robertson, Eastman & Co. ; remained there until
1855, when he came to Dubuque, la., and engai^ed in buying and
selling Iowa lands at Dubuque and Decorah, until the soring ot
1S56, when he moved to Charles City, la., where he has since re-
mained; he engaged in the land and banking business until the fall
of 1858, and since then has been operating in lands. In 1862 he
was appointed Assistant Internal Revenue Assessor of Floyd
County, and held that position until Jan. 1, 1864, when he resigned
to accept the office of County Recorder of Floy<l County, and held
that office eight years; since then has speculateiJ in land and city
property. In 1857 Mr. Eastman, Duncan Ferguson, Samuel Rid-
dill and Samuel Hackley built a saw -mill in the north part ot
Charles City, this being the second steam mill in Charles City.
Mr. Eastman married Eleanor S. Dixon at Rockf >rd. 111., Feb.
26, 1850. She was born at Geneva, N. Y., and was a daughter of
Georire and Eleanor (Stevenson) Dxon. She is a member of the
Congregational church. They had a family of three children,
none of whom are living. Mr. Eastman is one of the old settlers,
and one of the enterprising representative men of Charles City,
where he has been identified since 1856. He has always taken an
active interest in anything that promised progression to this city.
736 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Though not a member of any church, has always been a liberal
supporter, not only of one but all churches. In politics he was
first a Whig, and since the organization of the Republican party
has been one of its strongest supporters.
Rev. George Elliott., pastor of the M. E. church of Charles
City, is a native of Ohio, born in Tucking County, near
Pataskala, Lima Township, Dec. 14, 1851, a son of Alexander C.
and Margaret (Hanawalt) Elliott. His father was a farmer in early
lite, and afterward a minister of the M. E. church; she was also
a member of this church. They had a family of three sons and
five daughters, George, subject of this memoir, being the eldest.
When five years of age he removed, with his parents, to Green
County, Wis., and soon after his father entered the ministrj', and
traveledin the Wisconsin Conference until George was fifteen, when
he was transferred to the Upper Iowa Conference and located in Ma-
quoketa. In 1868 George entered Cornell College, at Mount Ver-
mon. la., a Methodist institution, gra'luating in 1872. H.e went to
Sabula, la., and edited a newspaper for one year, the Sabula
Index, and thence to Humboldt and edited the Humboldt Kos-
Trios one year. He entered the Upper Iowa Annual Confer-
ence of the M. E. church at Charles City, in October, 1874, an
was appointed pastor of a church at Parkersburg, where he re^
mained one year, and was stationed at Lansing two years, Mitchell
one year, Cresco three years, and appointed minister of the First
M. E. Church of Charles Oitv, in the fall of 1881. Mr. Elliott mar-
ried Miss A. M. Corfield, at Clinton, la., Nov. 12, 1S75. She was
born in Philadelphia, Pa., and was a daughter of Wiliiam and Mary
(Keraplon) Corfield. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have three children —
George, born Dec. 18, 1876; Phillip, Sept. 7, 1878; Mary, Nov.
1, 1880. Mrs. Elliott is also a member of the M. E. church. He
is of Scotch, Irish and Dutch descent. He was one of the
active workers in the late temperance contest, in favor of the
amendment prohibiting the sale and manufacture of intoxicating
liquor. His great-grandfather served in the Revolutionary war.
Charles Engelhart., business manager for his father, F. Engel-
hart, grocer, Charles City, was born nearGotha, Prussia, Germany,
Nov. 7, 1846. His parents, Frederick and Mary (Otto) Engel-
hart, were natives of Prussia, and members of the Lutheran church.
They had a family of four children, three sons and one daughter;
Charles, subject of this sketch was the eldest. He came with his
parents to America when seven years of age, landed in New York
CHARLES CITY. 737
City, after being eleven weeks at sea in a sailing vessel; the family
settled on a farm twenty-four miles southwest of Chicago. Charles
remained on the farm until twenty-two, when he married Johanna
Grosskopf in New Bremen, 111. They lived with his father one
year, and he then ran a store of his own in New Bremen, one year,
when he bought a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until
1872, when he came to Charles City, la. He farmed in St. Charles
Township three years, since which time he has been engaged in
the grocery business in Charles City with his father. He and wife
are members of the German M. E. church, and have had two sons
and one daughter, viz. : Louisa, Frederick and Ernest. Mr.
Engelhart is one of the enterprising representative business men of
Charles City, where he has been identified since 1874. In politics
he is a Republican. He enlisted in Company G, Thirty-ninth
Illinois Volunteers, in the late Rebellion, and remained in the ser-
vice until the close of the war. He was wounded twice: first at the
siege of Vicksburg in front of the skirmish line in June, 1864,
being shot in the hand and losing the fore finger of the right hand;
and was wounded in the left thigh at Fort Craig in front of Peters-
burg, April 2, 1865, and he remained at Fort Monroe, Ya., six
months ; was in all the battles of 1864 and 1865. At the close
of the war he returned home to Illinois. His parents are living in
New Bremen, Cook County, 111.
£. C. Egloff^ agent for the Illinois Central Railroad, is a native
of Germany, born near Frankfort, on the Main River, June 17,
1851. His paretit-i were William J. and Mary (Brandel) Egloff.
The former was born in the eastern part of France, in the province
of Alsace, April 9, 1804. At the age of five, he commenced study
in a French school, where he continued until the age of thirteen.
He then attended the University of Fassau, in Bavaria, where he
remained eight years, graduating as a classic student. He next
took up the study of law, which he followed for three years, grad-
uating with honors, afterward practicing his profession with
success. He was appointed District Judge in 1850, which posi-
tion he held until 1855, when he resigned to come to America.
He came to Iowa, and settled in Delaware County, and farmed
until 1859. He then opened a hotel and restaurant at Manchester,
and in 1861 removed to Cedar Falls, la., and continued in the same
business there for five years. In 1865 removed to Waterloo, la.,
and in the spring of 1868 came to Charles City and retired from
active business. lie removed to Mason City in 1871, and died
738 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
there, April 22, 1881. His wife is still living at Mason City. She
and husband had a family of ten children, eight living. E. C,
subject of this sketch, is the second son; he was bat three years
of age when he came with his parents to America, and eighteen
years of age when he came to Charles City ; he attended school
here and assisted his brother, M. G. EglofF, who was the first
station agent for the Illinois Central Railroad, at Charles City.
E. C. remained here, studying telegraphy and station work until
1876, when he was given charge of Aplington Station; remained
here some two years and three months, when his brother, M. G.
Eglofi, was appointed train dispatcher at Fort Dodge, la., and
E. C. was appointed his brother's former position as station agent
here at Charles City, which office he still retains. Mr. E. C.
Eglofi married Miss Rusha Cilley, at Mason City, la., Nov. 8,
1880. She was born in Illinois, and was a daughter of Nathaniel
P. and Louisa (Miller) Cilley. Mrs. E. C. Eglofi" is a member of
the First Methodist Church, of Charles City. Mr. Eglofi" is a
member of the Y. A. S. fraternity, Charles City Lodge, In pol-
itics he is a Republican, and is one of the enterprising, represent-
ative citizens and business men of Charles City, where he has
been identified since 1868.
S. F. FarTiham^ Cashier of the Charles City National Bank, was
born in Palmyra, Somerset County, Me., May 23, 1S46, a son of
Samuel and Eliza C. Farnham. nee Robinson, natives of Massa-
chusetts, S, F. being the eldest of a family of four sons and three
daughters born of this union. He received his primary education
in Palmyra, and at the age of sixteen he entered the preparatory
school at Bucksport, Me., which he attended two years, and was
then matriculated in the Maine "Wesleyan College at Kent's Hill,
graduating from that institution June 7, 1870. He received the
appointment of principal of the Old Town High School, which he
accepted and retained five years, and in 1875 he came to Charles
City. He was principal of the High School here one year, and
upon the organization of the Charles City National Bank, he was
, elected its cashier, a position he has since held. On Aug. 27,
1871, he was married to Miss Phebe F. Johnson, of Dixmont,
Me. She was a daughter of H. C. Johnson and Susan B., nee
Edgerly. Two children were born of this union — Le Roy S.,
born June 6, 1872, died May 30, 1874; and Ralph H., born D^c.
5, 1881. Mrs. Farnham died Dec. 21, 1881. She was a member
of Eastern Star Chapter, Masonic fraternity of Iowa, of which she
CHAKLES CITY. 739
was Grand Associate Matron. Mr. Farnham is a member of
Lodge No. 172, A. F. & A. M., and Easter Chapter, A. O. U. W.,
Charles City Lodge. He was elected City Treasurer in April,
1878, and held the office one year, and was also elected Treas-
urer of the Water-Power Company, of this city, in 1878. He
still retains the office, and is also one of the proprietors and direc-
tors of that company. Politically, he affiliates with the Repub-
lican party, and is one of the prominent business men of Charles
City.
John Ferguson^ of the firm of Woolley, Snyder, Ferguson «fe
Bailey, proprietors of the Charles City Plow Company, is a native
of Scotland, born in the city of Glasgow Jan. 18, 1834, a son of
Duncan and Agnes M. Ferguson, nee Hope. His father was
born in Crieff, Scotland, and reared and educated in Glasgow. His
mother was born in the north of Ireland. They had a family of
seven children of wliom John was the second son. The family
emigrated to America in 1837, and located in Erie, Pa., thence two
years afterward to Rockford, 111. John attended school, engaged
in clerking and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade there, and
in September, 1855, he came to Charles Citv, where he embarked
in the mercantile business. In 1857 he disposed of his stock to
"Wright & McKnabb and tollowed farming until 187'!, when he
again engaged in the mercantile trade, which he prosecuted until
Jan. 1, 18S2, when he sold out to his partner, S. H. Starr, and
purchased an interest in the Charles City Plow Company, a prom-
inent manufacturing interest. He was married in Charles City,
to Mary E. Strawn, of Roekford, 111., on March 10, 1856. They
have had three children, Ida E., born Aug. 7, 1858, died while yet
in the full bloom of youth on July 15, 1874; J. A., born Aug. 30,
1861, is agent for the New York Life Insurance Company of this
city, and Marie M., born Aug. 20, 1867. The subject of this
memoir is a member of St. Charles Lodge, No. 141, A. F. & A.
M., and a member of the Chapter. He has served acceptably in
many of the city office's and was a member of the City Council
four years. Politically he favors the Republican party. He is
one of the pioneer and enterprising citizens of Charles City,
where he has been identified since 1855.
E. J. l^isher, of the firm of Stevens, Hering & Co., wholesale and
retail dealers in and manufacture! s t)f furniture, Charles City, is a
native of New Hampshire, born in Franklin, Merrimack County,
Oct. 9, 1837. His parents, Ellis Fisher, wlio was a farmer, and
740 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Hannah, nee Noice, were natives of tlie Green Mountain State,
and had a family of nine children, of whom the subject of this
memoir was the youngest son. He was educated in his native
State, and at the age of fifteen went to Lowell, Mass., to learn the
machinist's trade. He followed that occupation four years, then
went to Manchester, N. H., and remained there three years, learn-
ing the furniture trade. From there he went to Boston, Mass., and
worked at the cabinet-maker's trade, until his marriage to Abbie
Haywood in December, 1861. She was born in Alexander, 1^. H.,
a daughter of Walter Haywood. Of five children born of this
union three are living — Harry W., born Nov. 21, 1863, is working
with his father in the factory; Frank, born Jan. 6, 1869, and Fred,
born Aug. 6, 1873. After his marriage Mr. Fisher removed to
Two Rivers, Wis., thence to Appleton, that State, where he worked
in a furniture factory one year, then established a factory of his
own at Leeman, Wis., four years later he touk charge of the furni-
ture manufacturing department, at the House of Correction at Mil-
waukee, Wis. In 1869 he became a resident of Charles City and a
partner, in his present business. He is a prominent member of the
1. O. O. F. fraternity, National Lodge, No. 165. Politically he'
favors the Democratic party.
William iT. Fisher^ Constable, sexton of cemetery, and farmer,
was born in Washington County, Vt., June 13, 1829, a son of
Silas W. and Emily (Peck) Fisher; father a native of New Hamp-
shire, and mother of Vermont. Of a family of three children the
subject of this sketch was the eldest, and is the only one living.
He was brought up on a farm, and when within two months of age
he left home and worked out two or three years, and in 1854 came
West, to Rockford, 111. In the spring of 1857 he went to Minne-
sota with three yoke of cattle to break prairie; but hard times
came on and he lost nearly all. He then located in Charles City
and started a meat market, which business he prosecuted extensively.
Some seasons he would kill as many as fifty or sixty hogs at a
time, which were hauled to market at McGregor. Bat in the fol-
lowing spring he abandoned the market, and did odd jobs until
1860, when he started for Pike's Peak; at Denver, however, he
learned such facts as discouraged him from going further, and he re-
turned, footing all the way from Omaha to Charles City. In the
autumn of 1864 he was drafted and attached to Company G,
Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry; in the army, during the winter,
he contracted rheumatism, and was sent to the hospital, where he ,
CHAKLES CITT. 741
remained until Jiilv. After the close of the war he returned home
to Charles City. Except what time he was in the war, he has
been Constable ever since 1858. The first time he was elected he
had failed of a nomination in caucus by a vote or two, and he ran
independently, and yet was elected almost unanimously. In 1862
he was appointed Constable, the elected man not qualifying. He ran
independently again in 1868, and was again elected. Mr. Fisher
has done much for the interests of his community. In the way of
fence building he has done more than any other man in the county,
and probably excels all in the neatness of his work. He has, by
his business talent, accumulated considerable property and money,
and is now independent and happy. Oct. 3, 1867, in Rockford,
this county, he married Miss Mary Rudd, of Rockford, III.,
daughter of Joe M. and Miranda (Palmer) Rudd, her parents hav-
ing been early settlers of Buffalo, N. T. She is a member of the
Christian church. Of their two children, Victoria E. is livinof, and
Chester S. is deceased.
Luther P. Fitch, one of the prominent physicians of Floyd
County, was born in Groton, Middlesex County, Mass., March 26,
1836, a son of John and Lucy L. Fitch, nee Sawtell, natives also of
Massachusetts. They had a family of five children, three living —
Luther P., W. H., a practicing physician of Rockford, 111., and A.
Lizzie, at present traveling in Europe. When the subject of this
memoir was about three years of age, his parents removed to
Winnebago County, 111., and settled on a farm. There his boyhood
was passed and primary education received. He attended school
at Rockford, 111., two years; at Groton, Mass., eighteen months,
and at Beloit, Wis., five years; four years was spent in the Beloit
College, from which he graduated in 1860. He spent nine months
in the medical department of Michigan State University,
then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New York
City, graduating with honors in 1863. Upon leaving | school he
was appointed Surgeon of the Forty-seventh U. S. C. Infantry, and
remained with this regiment until January, 1866, when they were
mustered out of service. He then formed a partnership with Dr.
C. J. Taggert, at Beloit, Wis., which continued six months when
Dr. Fitch went to New York City for the purpose of attending
lectures and receiving instruction in special branches of medicine.
Eight months later he located in practice in Rockford, 111., remain-
ing there until October, 1868, when he came to Charles City. He
has met with deserved success as a practitioner, and is well and
742 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
favorably known throughout the county as a skillful and reliable
physician. On Oct. 13, 1869, he married Martha Baker, of Berlin,
"Wis. Two children have blessed their union, viz.: Charles L.»
born March 29, 1873, and Lucy, Jan. 20, 1875. Dr. Fitch is a
member of the American Medical Association, of the Iowa State
Medical Society, and is Secretary of the Upper Cedar Yalley Medi-
cal Association. He was elected Director of the Independent Dis-
trict of Charles City School Board, in March, 1878, and still retain
the office. Politically he favors the Republican party.
Williarn Oiermann, proprietor of the German meat market,
Charles City, was born in Preuzlau, Prussia, Germany, July 19,
1845. His parents were Christian and Caroline (Haman) Giermanu.
They had a family of five sons and four daughters. "William, sub-
ject of this memoir, was the youngest, and the only one in America.
He attended school in Germany until fifteen, when he learned the
butcher's trade four years ; then served three j'ears as soldier in
the cavalry of the German army, and in 1870 came to America,
He brought his girl with him, and they landed in New York and
were married at New Bremen, Cook County, 111., June 7, 1870.
She was born in Germany, and was a daughter of Gottlieb and
Caroline (Schultz) Frabel. Mrs. Giermann's maiden name was
Eraelia Frabel. In December, 1870, Mr. Giermann located in .
Charles City, and worked by the day at different work till 1864,
when he began to work at the butcher's trade, and in March, 1878,
established his present market. Mr. and Mrs. Giermann are
members of the German M. E. church, and have five children,
viz.: Miss Ida, born July 24, 1882; John, born May 25, 1874;
Miss Emma, born April 14, 1876; Miss Emelia, Feb. 13, 1879, and
Lydia, born Oct. 14, 1881. Mr. Giermann is a member of the
A. O. U. W., Charles City Lodge, No. 158. In politics, a Repub-
lican. He is one of the enterprising business men of Charles City,
where he has been identified since December, 1870. He built his
present market-house in 1877, and it is the leading market in the
city, and Mr. Giermann tries to please all his customers, and to
that end buys the best the market affords. He also carries a fine
stock of dried and smoked meats.
Geo. Gilbert^ station agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway, is a native of New York, and was born in Castile,
Wyoming County, July 23, 1842; his parents were Seymour and
Permelia (Mabie) Gilbert, natives of New York, and members of
CHARLES CITY. 743
the Baptist church. He in early life was a hardware merchant and
in after years engaged in farming. He moved from Wyoming
County, N. Y., to Rockford, Winnebago County, 111., in 1846, where
he died. He and wife had two sons and one daughter. Geo. E.,
subject of this sketch, was the second son; he lived in Winnebago
County, 111., on his father's farm, attending school until twelve
when he began to run on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway,
as newsboy. Subsequently rose to the position of brakeman, then
baggageman. In February, 1874, he enlisted in the One Hundred
and Fifty-third Illinois Infantry Volunteers and remained in the
service until the close of the war, when he returned to Rockford, 111. ,
and opened a grocery store. Eighteen months later he sold out and
engaged in railroading on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway until
September, 1869, when he came to Charles City, and began to work
as freight agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway,
and was warehouseman operator and clerked for E. J. Gilbert,
three years, when he was appointed agent at Garner, Hancock
County, and remained two years; then tuok charge of the station at
Algona one year, and was appointed agent at Charles City, where
he has since remained. Mr. Gilbert married Miss Ada J. Halsted,
at Rockford, 111., Oct. 22, 1866; she was born in New York, and
was a daughter of Egbert and Ester (Kingsley ) Halsted. Mrs.
Gilbert is a member of the Congregational church. They have had
three children, viz. : George H., Archer and Mabel I. Gilbert. Mr.
Gilbert is one of the enterprising representative men of Charles
City, where he has been identified since 1869. In politics he is a
Republican.
Samuel G. Goddard, contractor and builder, and agent for
the Domestic and Victor sewing machines, is a native of Michigan,
and was born in Calhoun County, Oct. 26, 1829, he being the
first white child born in this county. His father, Josiah Goddard,
was born in Massachusetts, and when twenty-one years of age en-
listed as Sergeant Major in the war of 1812, and participated in the
battle of Plattsburg. Alter the close of the war he went to De-
troit, Mich., where he married Miss Hannah Luckett; soon after
his marriage he removed to Calhoun County, Mich., and was one
of the first settlers of this county. He and his wife had a family
of sixteen children, eleven sons and five daughters. Samuel C,
subject of this sketch was the third son, he worked on his father's
farm, attending school winters until fifteen, when he removed to
Rockford, Winnebago County, 111., and one year later to Green
744 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
County, Wis. They remained there and engaged in farming until
October, 1848, when they came to Fort Atkinson, Winneshiek
County, la. In 1851 Samuel C. started out with lifty cents in
liis pocket to make his fortune, and located in Bradford, Chicka-
saw County, la. He worked at the carpenter's trade and clerked
in a st'ire about a year, when he was. elected County Clerk, he be-
ing the first to hold that office in the county. In March, 1854,
Mr. Goddard came to Charles City, Floyd County, la. , and bought
the general merchandise stock of Robert L. Freeman, the first
store keeper in Charles City. Mr. Goddard built the first frame
house in Charles City, the town was then called Freeman, and Mr,
Freeman was the first Postmaster and Mr. Goddard the second.
Mr. Goddard sold his store to John and William Ferguson in the
spring of 1856, then built the Magnolia Hotel, which he conducted
two years, when it burned down in the fire of Charles City;
he then clerked in Lehmkuhl's store ten years, since then he has
worked at his trade, as carpenter and contractor, and engao:ed in
the sale of sewing machines. Mr. Goddard married Miss Amanda
Bigelow, at Waverly, Bremer County, la., July 16, 1857. She
was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., and was a daughter of
Julius and Philena (Dayton) Bigelow, natives of Connecticut;
he was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard had five children, viz.:
Cora, born April 26, 1858, wife of Harry A. Merrill (he is Cashier
in the Rockford Bank, at Rockford, la.); Angle, born July 29,
1851; May, Sept. 21, 1863; Gladys, Feb. 22, 1865, and Guy A.,
March 8, 1867, who reside with their parents. Mr. Goddard is a
member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. In politics he is a Republican.
He is one of the oldest settlers, and is an enterprising representa-
tive citizen of Charles City, where he has been identified since
March, 1854.
E. J. Gidlhert^ ex-County Treasurer of Floyd County, was
born in Rockford, Winnebago County, 111., June 18, 1848, a son
of Milo and Margaret (Palmer) Guilbert; he a native of Vermont,
and she of Ohio. They had a family of six sons and four daugh-
ters. E. J., subject of this sketch, being the eldest, was but six
years of age when he came with his parents to Charles City, la.,
where his father, with Dr. N. H. Palmer, purchased of Joseph
Kelly half the town. He built the first frame house here. E. J.
attended school and worked on a farm until eighteen, when he was
employed as bookkeeper, at Prairie du Chien, Wis., for the Chi-
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway; worked there two years,
CHARLES CITY. 7^l>
when he was appointed the first station agent for the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, at Charles City, and retained the
position four years. He was then elected Deputy County Treasurer
for two years, and was subsequently elected County Treasurer,
and held that office four years, when he purchased a farm of 160
acres, in St. Charles Township, where he has since been engai^fed
in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Guilbert married Miss Estella
Merrill, at Charles City, May 4, 1870. She was born in Harmony,
Me., and was a daughter of J. K. Merrill, an attorney at Rock-
ford, la., and Sarah E. (Parsons) Merrill. Mr, and Mrs. Guilbert
have three children, viz.: RoyM., born July 27, 1871; Lulie, Aug.
6, 1873; and Margaret, Dec. 8, 1876. Mr. Guilbert is a member
of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and is one of the charter members of
Hope Lodge, No. 76, and was president for one year. He was elec-
ted City Clerk of Charles City, for one year, and has held various
local offices of trust. In politics, a Republican, and cast his first
vote for Grant for President the second term. Mr. Guilbert is one of
the pioneer children of Floyd County, and one of the enterpris-
ing, representative men of Floyd County, where he has been iden-
tified since fall, 1853. He is of Scotch and Irisii descent.
Williain Hansberg, of the firm of Hansberg & Holbrook, is
the oldest merchant in Floyd County, having been identified with
the mercantile interests here since 1856. A native of Eckernfoerde,
Schleswig, Germany. He was born July 2, 1833, son of John and
Anna (Gerber) Hansberg, who were the parents of three children,
of whom William was the eldest. His father died when he was
four years of age, and he attended school in Germany until
fifteen, then served a five years' apprenticeship at a trade in the
town of Bredstadt, Germany. In July, 1855, he came alone to
the United States; landed at New York after a forty -five days^
journey at sea. From New York he went to Lyons, Clinton
County,. la., where he clerked in a store and warehouse for the old
firm of Burrows, Prettyman & Pearsall, and at C^ramanche until
1855, when Mr. Pearsall died and he went to Waverly, Bremer
County, la., and clerked in a store for Hazlett & Co. until April,
1856, when he came to Charles City with Rumpf, Lehmkuhl &
Co., who built a dry goods store here, which they opened in June,
1856, employing Mr. Hansberg as clerk. In 1859 Mr. Rumpf
withdrew from the firm, and in 1862 Mr. Hansberg was taken into
partnership. They established a branch store at Floyd, of which
746 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
he was manager. In 1868 they closed the store at Floyd, and the
business was conducted at Charles City, under the firm name of
Lehmkuhl & Hansberg until the spring of 1876, when Mr. Hans-
berg purchased his partner's interest, and conducted the business
until March 1, 1379, and then formed his present partnership with
Mr. W. E. Holbrook. They are the recipients of a firmly estab-
lished trade, and are known throughout the county as men of
irreproachable business integrity. Mr. Hansberg was married
Aug. 30, 1863, to Tlieresa Merckel, who was born in Andernach,
on the River Rhine, Germany, a daugliter of Carl and Anna M.
Merckel, nee Just. Four children blessed this union, viz. : Mary^
born May 31, 1864; Charles in ISTovember, 1866; Emil, born Aug.
18, 1868, died Sept. 21,1869; Ernst, born Aug. 27, 1878. Mr.
Hansberg was elected County Supervisor in the fall of 1880, and
still holds the office. He was the first Alderman and Treasurer
elected in Charles City, and has held numerous other township
oflices. Politically he is independent, and he and wife are mem-
bers of the Lutheran church.
A. M. Harrison^ a prominent lawyer of Charles City, and a
member of the firm of Starr & Harrison, has been actively connected
with the legal profession of Charles City since May, 1870. A son
of Charles Harrison of New Jersey, and Catherine, nee DeWitt, of
Ulster County, N. Y.; he was born on his father's farm in what is
now the city of Pit Hole, Pa., on Nov. 5, 1847, His parents were
members of the Old School Presbyterian church, in which his
father was a Deficon many years. He attended school and assisted
on the farm until 1862, when he, with his father and brother, be-
^an operating in oil. He worked with them and attended the
academy at Pleasantville, Pa., until 1865, when he removed, with
his father, to Fredonia, N. Y. He entered the academy at that
place, and graduated there in 1868. In the fall of that year he was
matriculated in the law school at Ann Arbor, Mich., graduating in
1870, and was admitted to the Michigan Supreme Court bar in
April of that year. He came at once to Charles City, where he
established an office, and soon after was employed in the law office
of Starr & Patterson, and in 1873 was taken into partnership.
They continued to practice under the firm name of Starr, Patter-
sivn & Harrison until the death of Mr. Patterson, which occurred
Oct. 29, 1878. Since then the firm has remained Starr & Harrison.
On Aug. 13, 1873, at Silver Creek, N, Y., occurred the marriage
\
^^/■
c o/J ^ /y^-^^B^i^^^^^^^L:^
ASTOR. LENO'i XND
CHARLES CITY. Y49
of A, M. Harrison and Lizzie Chapin, daughter of Charles and
Calista A. (Gage) Chapin. She was born in that city on Feb. 4,
1852. Two sons have blessed this union, viz.: Gage M., born March
21, 1875, and Merton E., Oct. 18, 1876. Mr. Harrison is a mem-
ber i)f St. Charles Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 141. He was, too,
elected City Attorney ot Charles City three terms, and served as
Justice of the Peace from 1871 to 1881.
Sanford Harwoody dealer in boots and shoes, and manufacturer
of harness, Charles City, is a native of New York, and was born
at Hadley, Saratoga County, July 31, 1818. His parents were Jesse
and Sarah (Scotield) Harwood. He was a native of Vermont, and
farmer; she was a native of Massachusetts, and they had a family ot
four sons and four daughters. Sanford was the second son. When
he was six years of age his father died. He then remained on the
farm with his mother until seventeen, when he went to Chautauqua
County, N. Y., and worked at the harness trade in Maysville two
years; then went to Essex County and worked at Crown Point two
years, then came to La Salle Count}'^, 111., and located in the town
of Lowell and farmed until spring of 1852, when he came to Inde-
pendence, Buchanan County, la, where he purchased a farm, and
farmed eighteen months; then, in fall of 1854, came to Charles
City and engaged in farming until 1863, when he established his
present business. Mr. Harwood married Miss Keziah Dryer,
Aug. 31, 1843, at Lowell, La Salle County, 111, She was born in
Seneca County, N. Y., and was a daughter of Chester Dryer and
Susan (Hobro) Dryer. Mr. and Mrs. Harwood are members of
Baptist church, and have had a family of eight children, four sons
and one daughter living, viz. : James C, printer and editor of
Wright County Monitor', at Clarion, "Wright County, la. ; Miss
Susie M. Harwood; Burt E., photographer of Charles City; Will-
iam S., of editorial staff of Dubuque Herald; and Frank E.,
engaged in business with his father. Mr. Harwood has been a mem-
ber of the City Council, member School Board, and Township Trustee
a number of years, and member of County Supervisors in 1860 —
held this office two years. In politics, he is a Republican, and has
ahvaj'S been a supporter of that party. He is one of the old set-
tlers and enterprising representative men of Charles City, where he
has been identihed since fall of 1854.
46
750 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Harwood & Mooney^ photographers, Charles City, la., is one
of the city's enterprising young firms. Though both are young
men, they do some of the finest work in their line in the State.
The senior member of the firm, Burritt Harwood, is a native ot
Charles City, and was born Nov. 26, 1855. He received his early
education here, attending the Charles City HighS chool, and after-
ward the Academy of Design, Chicago.
John Arthur Moone}^ was born in Rockford, 111., Oct. 10, 1857,
and came with his parents to Charles City in 1873. He learned
the art of photography with J. E. Rich, with whom he remained
seven years. He then went to Independence, la., and engaged in
the photographic business a short time, but subsequently returned
to this city and formed the present partnership, under the firm
name of Harwood & Mooney.
Willam C. Hering, of the firm of Stevens & Hering, furniture
manufacturers, Charles City, is a native of Mecklenburgli- Schwerin,
Germany, born Oct. 12, 1838, the only son of Wil iam and
Sophia (Oden) Hering, likewise of German birth. They were
members of the Lutheran church. William C. attended school in
Germany until his fourteenth year, whan he immigrated with his
parents to the United Statfes, locating in Cincinnati, O. Two
years later they removed to Milwaukee, Wis., wiiere W. C. learned
and followed the chair-maker's trade nntil 1869, when he cane to
Charles City, and in company with E. J. Fisher and W. E. Elkins
established a furniture factory at this place. In 1870 Mr. Fark-
hurst became a partner, and July, 1871, he sold his interest to Mr.
Stevens, one of the present proprietors. In October, 187-1, tlie com-
pany bought out Mr. Elkins, and the firm has since remained
Stevens, Hering & Co. The subject of this memoir was married
Eeb. 8, 1866, to Dora Stelling of Washington, Wis. Seven chil-
dren have blessed their married life, of whom six are living — Hattie
M., Jennie, Carrie, Lulu, Irwin and Ida. Arthur died in infancy.
Mr. Herinsj^ is. a prominent member of National Lodge, No. 165,
I. O. O. F., and in politics is a strong supporter of the Republican
party.
8. It. Hewitt., M. Z>., has been prominently identified with the
medical profession of Floyd County, since 1869, a son of Samuel
B. and Elniina Hewitt, nee Tucker, He was born in Middlebury,
Wyoming County, N. Y., July 22, 1839. S. R. was the eldest of
a family of four children, and when he was six years old his parents
moved to Sharon, Wis., and two years later to Fond du Lac. His
CHARLES CITY. T51
father settled upon a farm near by, and S. R. assisted on the farm
and attended school during the winter months, until twenty years
of age, when he entered the Baraboo, Wis., Institute. He spent
one term in that institute, then taught school and studied medi-
cine until his twenty-fourth year, when he went to Brandon, Wis.,
and continued the studv of medicine under Dr. B. F. Dodson, three
years; He then became a student in Kush Medical College, at
Chicago, from which he graduated in 1867. He at once located at
Berlin, Wis., in the practice of his profession, and shortly after,
ward went to Waupun, Wis., where he practiced two years, then
removed to Nora Springs, Floyd County, la. In June, 1881, he
came to Charles City, where he has since remained. He was mar-
ried at Alto, Wis., on Oct. 30, 1867, to Alice E. Talcott, who was
born at Kenosha, Wis., and was a daughter of Gilbert and Mary
(Larabee) Talcott, natives of New York. Their union has been
blessed with one child, a daughter, Alice B., born April 25, 1871.
Dr. Hewitt is a Mason and a prominent member of St. Charles
Lodge, No. 141. In politics he is a Republican. During the time
he was at Rush Medical College, Dr. Hewitt was the assistant of
Prof. E. L. Holmes, of the Eye and Ear Infirmary of Chicago, two
years. He makes a specialty of surgery, and has successfully,
operated on many difficult and complicated cases. He was surgeon
for the B., C. R. & N. R R. six years, and during the war was
selected from the medical college as assistant surgeon of the
Marine Hospital, where he remained three years and gained a
thorough knowledge of this department of his profession.
William E. Holhrook^ junior member of the firm of Hansberg
& Holbrook, was born in Mason ville, Canada East, Dec. 11, 1841.
His parents were Abram and Azubah Holbrook, nee Perkins\ the
former a native of Yermont, the latter of Canada. They had a
family of seven children; five lived to maturity. In 1852 the fam-
ily moved to Freeport, 111., where they remained until 1855, then
came to Floyd County, la., settling on a farm of 400 acres in
Floyd Township, which the eldest son had entered in 1854. Will-
iam E. assisted on this farm and attended school until nineteen
years old, when he taught school here two terms, then visited the
home of his boyhood and Yermont with his mother and sister,
where he taught school and worked on a farm until the spring of
1864, when he returned to Floyd. In June of that year he com-
menced clerking for Lelimkuhl & Hansberg, and came with them
to Charles City in 1868. He was clerk and bookkeeper until
752 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
1879, when lie was taken into partnership. On Feb. 27, 1880, lie
married Matilda Kellogg, who was born in Ohio, and was a
daughter of John and Rachael Kellogg, nee Shelly, who settled in
Charles City in 1854. Their union has been blessed with two
children — Eugene W., born Dec. 3, 1870, and Cora G., Aug. 30,
1872. Mr. Holbrook is a member of Charles City Lodge, A. F. &
A. M.; also of Almond Chapter. He has taken all the degrees of
the I. O. O. F. Encampment. He was elected. City Treasurer in
March, 1882, and still retains the office. He has always been a
strong adherent to the principles of the Kepublican party. His
father died here on Nov. 6, 1859, and his mother is residing with
her son, the subject of this memoir.
H. 8. Howard, of the Boss Harrow Company, is one of the lead-
ing business men of Charles City, and was born at Saline, Mich.,
Aug. 4, 1842; he was a son of Rufus, whose ancestors were Eng-
lish. Kufus was born at Utica, N. Y., Dec. 22, 1817. He was a
physician. He moved from Kew York State to Michigan, where
he married Ann Cook, Nov. 27, 1839. In the fall of 1846 he
moved to Cottage Grove, Wis. He died June 4, 1857, after an ill-
ness of seven days. He had an extensive practice as a physician, and
was worn out by his zealous labors. His wife, Mrs. Ann Howard,
died at the residence of her son, H. S. Howard, at Floyd, la.,
Thanksgiving Day, November, 1876. She and husband had a
family of three sons and three daughters — H. S., W. P. and
Murtie, who resides with her brother, H. S. Howard, subject of
this sketch ; he was the eldest. He enlisted, Aug. 29, 1861, in the
Third Battery, Wisconsin Light Artillery, for three years, and was
discliarged in October, 1864. He served under Generals Buel,
Kosecrans and Grant at the battle of Chickamauga, and was taken
prisoner with ten other members of the battery, along with the
guns, and taken to Richmond, thence to Libby Prison; and Nov.
28, 1863, they were moved to Danville, Ya., and Nov. 29, 1863,
took leg bail for Uncle Sam's land, and after a tramp of thirty
days and nights through the rebel country and over the Blue
Ridge and Alleghany mountains, he reached the Union lines at
Camp Fayette, W. Ya. After a week's rest in camp he visited his
home, and returned to his command at Chattanooga, and after his dis-
charge he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and attended the East-
man's Business College, from which he graduated. He then visited
some friends in New Jersey, then took a position here as book-
keeper in the store of J. L . Finding confinement in the
CHARLES CITY. 753
store imperions to his health, he decided to return to his home in
the West. In 1868 bec^an to sell farm mHchiiiery, which business
has been followed with very little intermissioTi, until the manufact-
urinor of " Boss Harrows" has compelled the cessation of all other
interests. Mr. Howard moved from Janesville, Wis., to Floyd
County, la., October, 1874, and in a few months bej^an to sell
farm machinery at Floyd, and in the spring of 1876 manufactured
a few '' Scotch Harrows," for retail trade, and made two harrows of
an entirely new pattern, a harrow patent by John E. Perkins, for-
merly of Verona, Wis. Mr. Howard made about sixty of these, and
called them the "Boss Harrow," because all who used them called
them the "Boss." These were made in 1876. A further account
of this enterprise, under the firm of the" Boss Harrow Company,"
has been given on a preceding page.
John Howard^ retired farmer and grain dealer, was born in
Lawrence County, Ind., May 31, 1820, a son of Elbert and Phebe
(McNeal) Howard, the former a native of Georgia, the latter ot
Kentucky. They were members of the Methodist church, and
the parents of seven children. In 1834: .tiie family moved to
Illinois and settled in Kane County. In 1840 the subject of this
memoir left home to make his own way in the world. He went
to Waukegan, Lake County, 111., and was there married, Jan. 16,
1848, to Harriet M. Gould, who was born in Utica, N. Y., March
8, 1819, a daughter of Louis and Nancy Gould, nee llickox. Her
father was a native of Mas^^achusetts, her mother of New York.
They were Methodists in their religious views, and were memhers
of that church over fifty years. After his marriage Mr. Howard
followed his trade, that of a furnirure manufactui-er, in Waukegan,
until April, 1854, when he came to Charles City and opened the
first cabinet-maker's shop in the county. The machinery in his
shop was run by horse-power, and he made the first chair and
brought the first lathe into the county. He continued in this busi-
ness five years, then purchased a farm in St. Charle- Township,
which he cultivated until July, 1864. when he sold it ami returned
to Charles City. He engaged in giaiii and other busin^'S;- Ir re un-
til 1872, and since then has lived a retired life, having accumu-
lated an ample competency for the support of his declining yrars.
Mr. Howard and wife, Newman Dutcher and wife, and Mrs. John
Kellogg organized the first church in Charles City, and their first
meeting was held in an unfinished log barn, tlie t^ernion being
preached by Rev. John Ball. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have been
754 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
faithful and active workers in the church since that time, and he
has served as Trustee and Steward many j^ears. They have had
two sons, both now deceased, viz. : Louis Gould, born April 20,
1849, died Aug, 20, 1851, and John Gould, born Sept. 19, 1852,
died May 14, 1853. Mr Howard can truly be classed with the
pioneers and representative men of Floyd County, and his works
for the good of the city will live after him, "By their works ye
shall know them."
Charles Kelly ^ for whom the town of Charles City was named, is
a son of Joseph Kelly, a native of Ohio, and Malinda, nee Rader,
of Virginia. Joseph Kelly came to Floyd County in 1856, and
laid out the town of Charles City, naming it for his son, and built
the first saw-mill in the county. They had a family of ten chil-
dren, six living — Charles; Melvina, wife of Christopher Martin, of
Monroe, Wis. ; Jane, wife of F. O. McCallister, a resident of
Charles City; Harriet, widow of Chas. H. Haskell, is residing with
her mother and conducts a milliner shop in Charles City; Mary, wife
of D. W. Carver, editor of the Dubuque Herald^ and Joseph, Jr.,
a musician and band leader in Buena Vista, Cal. The subject of this
memoir was born in Monroe, Green County, Wis., Feb. 28, 1838, and
was there reared and educated. In 1855, at the age of seventeen, he
came to Charles City to join his father, and helped haul the machin-
ery for his father's mill from Galena, HI. Pie worked in the mill until
his marriage to Ida Wrisley, which occurred Oct. 19, 1870. She
was born in Rutland, Vt. In 1874 Mr. Kelly went to Oakland, Cal.,
where he was employed in the marble works until December, 1881,
when he returned to Charles City, where he has since resided*
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have one child, a son, William F., born Nov.
19, 1873. Mrs. Kelly is a member of the Congregational church.
He is politically a Democrat, and is known as one of the old set-
tlers and representative citizens of Charles City.
John Kuck^ dealer in leather findings, saddles, hardware, buf-
falo robes, horse blankets, etc., Charles City, la., is a native of
Germany, and was born near the city of Bremen, Prussia, Dec. 5,
1836. His parents were Henry and Anna (Gerken) Kuck, also
natives of Germany. They had a family of eight children, seven
sons and one daughter. John, subject of this sketch, was the
third son, and is the oldest now living. He attended school in
Germany and farmed until sixteen, and then came alone to Amer-
ica; landed at Baltimore, Md., after being eight weeks at sea. He
went to Wheeling, Va., and two months after to Marietta, Ohio,
CHARLES CITY, 755
where he learned the harness-maker's trade and resided until
twenty, then went to Le Sure, Minn, He was partner in a store of
general merchandise there one year, then sold out and went to
Galena, 111., and worked at his trade until 1860, when he opened a
harness shop at Lansing, la., and engaged in business here until
1864, when he came to Charles City, la., and established his pres-
ent business, Mr. Kuck married Mary Meyer at Galena, III,,
June 1, 1860. She was born in Switzerland. They are members
of the M. E. clmrch, and have had a family of seven children, two
livinar, viz.: Henry L., born Dec. 1, 1862; George W., born Dec.
14, ]868. Both work with their father in the harness shop. The
mother died May 30, 1879 and Mr. Knck married Lizzie Brandon
April 2-2, 1880, at Charles City. She was born in Cook County,
111., and was a daughter of Adiim and Elizabeth (Sibbel) Brandon.
They have one daughter— Bertha A. C, born Feb. 10, 1881. Mr.
Kuck, in politics, is a Republican. He is one of the oldest har-
ness-makers and business men ot Flovd County and. Charles
City, having been identified with this city since July, 1864. He
was a member of the Council of Charles City one year from Second
Ward. He was one of the first members of the German M. E,
church, which is now the Charles City District, embracing many
counties, and was one of the first to organize the church in this city.
Williann M. Langnta-ff. blacksmith, Charles City, was born in
Montrose, Susquehanna County, Pa., Oct. 22, 1830, a son of Juhn
and Rachel Langstaff, nee Bush, the former of English birth, the
latter born in the Keystone State. They were the parents of
nine children, William being the third son. His father died when
lie was eight years old, and he continued to reside on the farm
with his mother until 1839, when the family moved to Brooklyn,
Pa., whrre he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1852 he went to
Rockford, 111., remaining there working at his trade one year,
then went to Janesville, Wis., where he was married Jan. 31, 1854,
to Margaret Warn, a nativeof Jafks(mville, N. J., and a daughter
of James M. and Margaret (Burlew) Warn, likewise natives ot
New Jersey, and the parents of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Lang-
staff had a family of three sons, two living — Will Leslie, born Dec.
6, 1^55, at Janesville, Wis., is a merchant at Belmont, la., and
Henry L., born in Cliarles Citv, July 31, 1860, is a printer at
tanton. Pa.; Clarence, born Nov. 25, 1858, died Sept. 25, 1859,
After his marriage Mr. Langstalf resided in Janesville until the
spring of 1856, when he came to Charles City, where he established
756 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
a blacksmith shop, and has remained since. He is a member of
the I. O. O. F. fraternity, Charles City Lod^re, No. 165. Politically
he is a Democrat. He is one of the oldest blacksmiths now living
in the county, having opened a shop here in 1856.
Jacob Leonard^ proprietor of the Leonard Hotel, Charles City,
was born near Bedford, Lawrence County, Ind., Dec. 12, 1819, a
son of Henry and Martha (Raims) Leonard, natives of North
Carolina. They had a family of thirteen children, eleven of
whom lived to maturity. When Jacob was about two years old
his parents removed to Monroe County, Ind., and settled on a farm.
He was reared and educated at that place, and was married there
on Dec. 20, 1843, to Catharine Berkey, who was born in Yalonia,
Jackson County, Ind., a daughter of Henry and Margaret (I>em-
inger) Berkey. Of nine children born of this union, eight are liv-
ing — William H., editor and proprietor of the Rock County Re-
corder^ at Janesville, Wis.; Margaret A., wife of William Ganges;
Mary E., wife of Charles Leaman; N. Kate, wife of Joseph Flan-
nigan; E. Hattie, who is cashier in a store at Janesville, Wis.;
L. Agnes, who is a printer; Ester E. and Clara A. Alter his mar-
riage Mr. Leonard farmed in Monroe County, Ind., until 1843,
then taught school two years, and in 1845 went to Doe Prairie,
where he farmed and taught until 1847, when he went to Green
County, Wis., continuing in the same occupations there. In the
spring of 1856, he came to Charles City, moving his family here
the following year. He farmed, teamed and engaged in drnying
until 1875, then opened a grocery store, which he sold a short time
afterward, and bought the Cleveland House. In October, 1879,
he built his present hotel, which is a two-story building, containing
fifteen sleeping rooms, parlors, dining-room, ofiice and kitchen, all
fitted up in good style. Mr. Leonard shows his guests every atten-
tion and is a popular landlord. He was elected Justice of the
Peace for two years, but resigned the office before the expiration
of his term. Politically he is a strong supporter of the Repub-
lican party.
Milton Martin^ proprietor of the " Central Market," Charles
City, is a native of New York, born in Oneida County, June 9,
1840. His parents were Ebenezer and Mercy (Doty) Martin, also
natives of New York, and members of the M. E. church. They
had a family of five children, two sons and three daughters.
Martin, subject of this sketch, was the eldest son. When five years
of age he removed, with his parents, to Winnebago County, Wis.,
CHARLES CITY. 757
where his father settled on a farm. They resided there four years,
then moved into Ripon, Wis., where Martin attended school until
fourteen, then worked with his father in the market until 1855,
when he went to Wautoraa, Washara County, Wis., and ran a
hotel eiojhteen months. Subsequently returned to Ripon, and in
the spring of 1858 went overland with a party to Pike's Peak and
mined and prospected until fall, when he returned to Ripon, and re-
moved with his father to Washara County, Wis.,and farmed until the
outbreaking of the late war, when he enlisted in Company F, First
Wisconsin Cavalry, in spring of 1862, as a private, and was first
appointed Sergeant, then First Lieutenant, and afterward Captain of
the company, remaining until the close of the war, when he was
mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. He returned to Ripon and
embarked in the market business. He was married to Miss Mercy
A. Eggleston, at Ripon, May 7, 1866. She was born in Wisconsin
and was a daughter of Giles and Catherine (Bullis) Eggleston,
natives of New York. After his marriage, on Oct. 31, 1866, Mr.
Martin located in Charles City, and established bis present market.
They have been members of the First M; E. Church of Charles
City for the past ten years, and have had six children, viz.: An-
drew, Cora, George, Ebenezer, Earl and EUinor. Mr. Martin is a
member of the A. O. U. W. and V. A. fraternities of Charles
City. In politics he is a strong Republican, and voted for the
amendment in 1882, and was the first Prohibitionist elected in the
City Council, and is now serving his fourth year. He is one of the
old residents and enterprising representative citizens and business
men of Charles City, where he has been identified since 1866. He
is of English and German descent. His great-grandfather was
Captain on an English man-of-war ship in the Revolutionary war.
Carl Merckel^ Sr.^ of the firm of Merckel & Son, hardware,
Charles City, was born in Andernach. Prussia, Germany, Oct. 19,
1812, a son of Elias and Theresa Merckel, ?i(?e Kerig. Carl attended
school and college until thirteen years of age, when he began
learning the tinner's trade with his father, continuing with him
three years. He then traveled in Holland, Belgium, France and
Germany, until twenty ; then worked with his father at Ander-
nach until 1838, and on June 10 of that year he was united in
marriage with Anna Marie Just, a native of Andernach, and a
daughter of John Just, who had charge of a forest in Germany.
After his marriage Mr. Merckel worked at his trade in his native
758 HISl'OET OF FLOYD COUNTY.
place, until 1852, when he came to America; landed at New York
City, after a fifty-two days' journey. He worked in Albany,
Rochester and Buffalo, New York, until 1854, when he came West,
locating in Decorah, la., where he established the first tin shop in
that city. One year later he removed to St. Paul, Minn., thence to
Dubuque, la., where he resided until August, 1856, when he set-
tled in Charles City, and in 1857 he sent to Germany for his
family. He was employed in the first tin shop in this county,
operated by Ferguson & Stanlej'^ until 1858, when he opened a
shop of his own. He was burned out in 1862, and then built his
present store. Mr. and Mrs. Merckel have been blessed with nine
children, three living — Theresa, wife of Wm. Hansberg, an old set-
tler and merchant of Charles City; Carl, Jr., and Maggie. Carl,
Jr., was born in Andernach, July 2, 1844, and attended school there
until thirteen years of age, when he came to Charles City, and
when fourteen learned the tinner's trade with his father, and in
1870 formed his present partnership with him. He married
Gracie F. Davidson, at Charles City, Sept. 19, 1870. She was
born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a daughter of Donald David-
son and Marion L., nee Brown, who werelikewise of Scottish birth)
and emigrated to America in 1855, settling in Floyd County, la.,
in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Merckel, Jr., have had two children, —
Carl D., born June 13, 1880, and Clyde, born Aug. 21, 1871, died
Oct. 27, 1879. Mr. Merckel, Jr., was elected Mayor of Charles
City in 1880, and held the office one year. He has been a member
of the City Council seven years. Father and son are both strong
supporters of the Republican party, and are classed with promi-
nent and enterprising business men of Charles City.
George Wilhelm Meyef^ the oldest and leading clothier and mer-
chant-tailor in Charles City, has been prominently identified with
the business interests of this city since 1S6S. A son of John and
Marie (Zimmerman) Meyer. He was born Jan. 6, 1838, in the
village of Sumte, Prussia, German}'. He was the eldest son of a
family of five daughters and two sons, and after receiving a prac-
tical business education in his native town, went to Neuhans
were he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade; when twenty years of
age, having become proficient in his trade, he went to Hamburg,
and two years later emigrated to the United States, accompanied
by his sister, Mrs. John Pertzborm. He located in Madison, Wis.,
where he obtained employment at his trade. He was married
there on Apr. 7, 1862, to Marie Schneider, who was born in
CHARLES CITY. 759
Switzerland, a daughter of John J. and Maria Schneider, wee Speich.
Mr. Meyer resided in Madison until 1S67, when he removed to
Boscobel, Wis., remaining there until 1868, and then came to
Charles City. He at once established his present business, and
has met with deserved success, being known throughout the county
as a man of irreproachable business integrity. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer
have ten children, viz : Wilhelm G. H., working in his father's
tailoring establishment; Paulina, George W., Amelia, Louisa,
Wilhelmina, Mary, Matilda, Henrietta and Cora. Politically Mr.
Meyer was formerly a Republican, but of late has been rather
independent, voting for principle rather than party.
Miles Brothers^ W. F. and H. F. Miles, druggists, and dealers
in paints, oils, wall-paper and stationery. This is one of the
oldest and leading business houses of Charles City, and was estab-
lished in 1858, byDr. J. W.Smith and C. W. Atkinson, Mr. W. F.
and H. F. Miles becoming proprietors in 1868, and they have
increased their business, and enlarged their store from time to
time, until they now occupy a three-story building, 120 feet deep
by 22 feet wide, with a basement, and they .carry a full and com-
plete stock of imported and domestic goods. W. F. and H. F.
Miles were born in Franklin, Delaware County,]^. Y. W. F. was
born Sept. 23, 1840, and H. F., Nov. 28, 1842. They were sons
of Levi and Emily (Boyd) Miles, he a native of Connecticut and
she of Massachusetts. They were members of the M. E. church,
and had a family of four sons and four daughters. W. F. Miles
attended school, working on liis father's farm until he began teach-
ing school; taught winters and worked on the farm summers,
until twenty, when he attended the Commercial College, at Bing-
hamton, N. Y., where he graduated one year after. He then
resided at Beloit, Wis., until the outbreaking of the late Rebellion,
when he returned home to New York, and enlisted in Com[)any A,
Thirteenth New York Infantry and heavy Artillery; was shot
through the right foot at a battle in front of Pittsburg. Pa., and
laid in the hospital suffering from fever and his wound, and came
near losing his life from exposure and neglect. ELe was found three
days after being wounded, by Dr. Tennant, a surgeon, who proved
to be a brother-in-law to Mr. Miles's brother, H. F. Miles.
Through the effort of Dr. Tennant Mr. Miles's life and limli was
saved. At the close of the war Mr. Miles returned to Deposit,
N. Y., and was appointed Principal of the Deposit Military Acad-
emy for one year; he then clerked for eighteen months in a drug-
760 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Store at Deposit, then came West to Waterloo, la., and clerked in a
drv-goods store one year, and then located in Charles City. Mr.
Miles married Miss Estella Corson, at Waterloo, la., Sept. 8, 1870.
She was born in Ohio, and was a daui^liter of Charles and Maria
(Britton) Corson. Mr. Miles is a member of the M. E. church,
and Mrs. Miles a member of the Baptist church. They have two
children, viz.: Miss Carry and Charles L. Miles. Mr. Miles is a
charter member of I. O. O. F, and A. O. U. W. lodges. Mr.
Miles, during the war, was in the battles of Weldon R. R., City
Point, Spring Yalley and eighteen days in the battle of the
Wilderness, and at the battles and skirmishes of the regiment-
He was once taken prisoner by the Mosby's guerrillas; while carry-
ing dispatches, his horse threw him and ran down the road, and
was met by a company of cavalry, who returned and recaptured
him from the guerrillas, before they read his dispatches. Mr. H, F.
M les WHS also in the late war. lie enlisted in Company A, One
Hundred and Forty-fourth New York Infantry Yolunteers, and re-
mained in the service until the close of the war, and was promoted
Second Lieutenant; was in the siege and capture of Fort Sumter, the
Peninsula campaign and at Gettysburg, and all the battles of the
regiment. Mr, H.F. Miles married Miss Mary A. Ilanford, Oct. 4,1869.
She was born at Rome, Oneida County, N. Y., and was a daughter
of George W. and Jane (Phillips) Hanford. Mr. Miles is a mem-
ber of the Congregational church, and Mrs. Miles a member of the
M. E. church. They have had two children, viz.: Fred H. and
Clarence W. Fred died May 5,1879, aged eight years. Mr. H.
F. Miles is a Mason and a member of St. Charles Lodge, A. F. &
A. M., No. 14 L, and A. O. U. W. lodge, of Charles City. Messrs.
W. F. and H. F. Miles are leading business men, and represent-
ative citizens of Charles City, where they have been in business
since 1868.
George P. Morris^ Treasurer of Floj^d County, is a native o
Wisconsin, born in Racine, March 27, 1843, a son of Roswell
Morris (a native of Yermnnt) and Rowena, nee Goodwin, born in
New Hampshire. Roswell Morris was a merchant, and in 185 2
he removed with his family, which consisted of his wife and two
sons, viz.: Julius R. and George P., to De Pere, thence to Green
Bay, Wis. George P. was educated in his native city and in
Green B iv, and in 1857 left home, and started out to fight life's
battles for himself, going to New York City, and engaging as
clerk in a wholesale hardware house at that place. In April, 1861,
CHARLES CITY. 761
he enlisted in the Eighth New York National Guards Infantry Yol-
unteers, that being one of the first troops ordered to Washingt.)n.
He enlisted for three months as a private, and was promoted to
the rank of Commissary Sergeant of the regiment. He served
three months, then returned to Green Bay, and in the fall of
1861 enlisted in Company H, Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry Volun-
teers, and remained with them until January, 1862, when he was
transferred to the Second Wisconsin Cavalry as a Battalion Com-
missary Sergeant, remaining in the service until the fall of 1862,
when he received an honorable discharge, at Helena, Ark. He
returned to his old home in Wisconsin, and soon after was com-
missioned First Lieutenant of the Duryea, New York, Zouaves,
and prepared again for service, but was compelled to remain at
home, on account of illness. In the winter of 1862, he went to
Sparta, Wis., for his health, and, alter recuperating a few months,
accepted a situation as clerk in a hardware store. In 1861 he
went to La Crosse, where he clerked until 1868; tlien came to
Charles City, la., and established a news depot, and also dealt in
fancy notions. In January, 1872, he was appointed Deputy
Treasurer of Floyd County, retaining the position until May of
that year, when he received the appointment of United States
Express Agent, and in 1878 was appointed agent for the Amer-
ican Express Company. He held the positions until the fall of
1881, when he was elected to his present position, being nom-
inated by acclamation, and receiving the almost unanimous vote of
the county. Mr. Morris was married July 9, 1866, to Julia A.
Ely, who was born in Cleveland, O., a daughter of Lyman and
Almira Ely, nee Kent. They have had six children — Bessie R.,
born Jan. 11, 1868; Daisy M., July 21, 1873; M. Louisa, Oct. 12,
1876; Emma M., June 9, 1878; George R., July 19, 1880; and
Julia A., deceased. Mr. Morris has held many of the city offices,
and in each instance has shown himself to be eminently fitted to
hold public positions of trust. He is a member of the Iowa
Legion of Honor, of which he is Treasurer. Politicallj'-, he is a
Republican.
Julius P. North^ tinner and dealer in stoves and general hard-
ware, was born in Angelica, Allegnny County, N. Y., Jan. 31,
1831. He was a son of Geo. B. and Julia (Perrine") North. The
former was a native of Vermont and he was a son of Noah North,
whose father came from England and settled in Connecticut. Noah
North's family consisted of five sons and two daughters, viz.:
762 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Henry P., tinsmith of Genesee, N. Y. ; William, gunsmith at
Hartford, Conn., Albert, tinsmith, who died at Geneseo, N. Y. ;
George B., tin and coppersmith; Charles A., tinsmith at Wyom-
ing, N. Y., and Olive and Laura. The former died at Angelica,
N. Y. Noah emigrated to Geneseo, N. Y., with his family, and
his son, Geo. B., father of Julius P., subject of this sketch, early
showed a fondness for the water by building small water crafts.
He worked at the tinner's and coppersmith's trade until twenty-
two, when he made two cruises in the war ship "Brandy wine" for
four years, then went to Buffalo, IST. Y., where he worked at his i
trade and owned property. On a visit to Geneseo he met and
afterward married Miss Julia Perrine; married May, 1831. She
was a daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (Wri<j;ht) Perrine. Her
father served in the Revolutionary war, and for his meritorious ser-
vices his wife received a pension; she outlived him a number o±
years and linally died at Ovid, N. Y. Her daughter, Hannah
Perrine, grandmother of Julius P. North, was born at Hebron,
Coim., and emigrated to Geneseo, N, Y., in 1827, and died at
Angelica in 1854, aged seventy-six years. She and husband had
a family of two sons and three daughters, viz. : Thomas, Julius,
Julia, Eveline and Emeline Perrine. Geo. B. and Julia (Perrine)
North, parents of Julius P., had a family of four sons and two
daughters, viz.: Alford, Julius P., Mary J., Eveline, George and
George second; the last two died in infancy. Mary J. died at Gen-
eseo, Feb. 26, 1879, aged forty-five; the rest are living. Julius P.,
sutiject of this sketch, was the second son. He attended school
until thirteen, when he learned the tinner's trade with his uncle,
Henry P. North, until nineteen. Julius then came to Chicago
and worked at his trade two years, then came to Jacksonville,
Chickasaw County, la. , and located land and worked here and in
Elkader, Clayton County, until 1866, when he came to Charles
City and established his present business. Mr. North married
Miss Carrie M. Updike, at Jacksonville, la., Jan. 26, L858. She
was born in Westfield, N. Y., and was a daughter of William and
Mercy (Loveless) Updike, he of New Jersey and she of New York.
Mr. and Mrs. North are members of the M. E. church and they
have been members of this church for the past twenty -two years.
Mr. North is Clas-s-Leader in the First M. E. Church of Charles
City. He and wife have had three sons and one daughter, viz.:
Earl J., born Nov. 3, 1859; Miss Hattie M., born Sept. 2, 1862;
Henry P., born Nov. 12, 1865, and George F., born Sept. 12, 1870.
CHARLES CITY. 763
Mr. North is one of the leading manufacturers and business men
of Charles City. In politics, a Republican, and he has always
been a strong advocate of temperance, having voted the Iowa pro-
hibitory law in 1855, and also voted the amendment prohibiting
the sale and manufacture of intoxicating liqnors in 1882.
A. E. Palmer^ an old settler and farmer, residing in Charles
City, is a native of Illinois, and was born in Aurora, Kane County,
July 27, 1841, a son of Dr. N. H. and Miranda (Isball) Palmer, who
were members of the M. E. church. He was a native of Vermont,
and emigrated to New York, where he was married. In 1835 he
moved to Aurora, 111., where he practiced medicine until the
spring of 1854, when he came to Bremer County, la., and the fall
of that year located in Charles City. In company with Milo Gil-
bert lie bought a half interest in Charles City and the water-power
of Joseph Kelly. Dr. Palmer practiced medicine in Charles City
until his death, which occurred Oct. 9, 1872, aged seventy-five
years and one day. He was married four times. He first married
Miss Samantha Blair, Nov. 17, 1825; they had one son and three
daughters; three daughters living, viz.: Martha, wife of Wm, D.
Smith, a farmer of Rockt'ord, Floyd County; Margaret, wife of
Milo Gilbert, of Nora Springs; Mary, wife of George Squires,
of Ohio. The mother died Jan. 10, 1835. Dr. Palmer then
married Miranda Isball, Nov. 19, 1835. The fruit of this mar-
riage was five children, one sou and four daughters, two living.
viz. : Malinda, wife of John Howland, residing on a farm at Blue
Earth City, Minn., and A. E. Palmer, subject of this sketch.
Tlie mother died April 8, 1818. She was a member of the M. E.
church. Dr. Palmer then married Miss N. Rhodes, April 29,
1849. They had one daughter, viz.: Eva, wife of Henry McGowen ;
they reside at Clear Lake, la. The mother died Oct. 27, 1856.
Dr. Palmer married Mrs. Jane Howland, March 12, 1857. Her
maiden name was Lowell. They had one daughter — Eugenia,
wife of a Mr. West. A. E. Palmer, subject of this memoir, in
1854, came with his parents to Charles City, and attended school
until seventeen, when he began farming, and bought land, which
he still owns. He married Miss Alice Stahl, at Panora, la., Nov.
27, 1873. She was born in Ohio, and was a daughter of Harmon
and Mary (Moffitt) Staiil; he of Pennsylvania and she of Ohio.
They were members of the M. E. church, and had a family of two
sons and two daughters. After his marriage Mr. Palmer settled
on his farm, where they still reside, in the suburbs of Charles City.
764 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Mrs. Palmer is a member of the Baptist church. They have a
family of four children, viz.: JST. Harmon, born Oct. 10, 1874;
M. Miranda, Aug. 31, 1877; J. Elston, Aug. 30, 1879, and Irwing
S., Sept. 15, 1881. Mr. Palmer owns thirty-eight acres of land
inside of city corporation, and three lots and his residence. He is
one of the old settlers of Floyd County, where he has been identified
since 1854. There was but one frame house in Charles City when
he came, and his sister, Mrs. Malinda Howland, taught the first
school in Charles City. In politics Mr. Palmer is a Republican,
and was formerly a member of the I. O. O. F. He is one of the
enterprising representative men of Charles City.
William M. Palmer,, M. Z>., Charles City, was born in Lin-
colnville, then Hancock, now Waldo County, Me., on Jan. 23, 1809.
He was the second son of a family of eleven children, born of
Nathaniel and Susan (Pendleton) Palmer, the foriner a native of
Massachusetts, the latter of Maine. He lived on his father's farm
and attended school until twenty years of age, when he left the
paternal roof to make his own way in the world, going to Somer-
set County, Me., where he engaged in farming and studied medi-
cine until 1857, and then engaged in the practice of his profession.
He was united in marriage with Ann Shaw, at Palmyra, on Sept.
29, 1833. She was born in Winthrop, Me., a daughter of S. C.
and Rachael Shaw, nee Sinkler. Of eight children, born of this
union four are living — Maria, married W. D. Balch, a banker of
Charles City; L. G., engaged in mining in Missouri; Mary E.,
wife of Judge Eeiniger, banker of Charles City; Bina S., wife of
Alford Wood, a merchant at Gallasen, Col. J. R., the eldest son,
enlisted in the First Illinois Cavalry, and was killed at the battle
of Lexington, Mo., while bravely defending his country's cause;
LeRoy was a drummer boy in the Twenty-first Maine Infantry,
and died in the hospital at City Point, Va. ; Eveline died in Pal-
myra, Me., aged fourteen years and ten months, and Kate, wife of
L. H. Cheney, died in Charles City, aged twenty years and ten
months. Dr. Palmer located in Charles City, in March, 1865, and
has been engaged in active practice here since, and has met with
flattering success. He is a Mason and a prominent member of
the St. Charles Lodge, No 141; is also a member of the chapter.
He has served as a member of the City Council, and while a resi-
dent of Palmyra was elected to many public positions of trust, be-
ing elected to the office of Legislator in 1848. Politically he was
formerly a Jackson Democrat, but since the organization of the
CHAELES CITY. 765
Republican partj has been one of its strongest supporters. Dr.
Palmer came of English ancestry and is a descendant of two
brothers of that name, who came over in the "Mayflower."
K. L. Pease, manufacturer of fine buggies, carriages and
wagons, Charles City, established his factory here in the spring of
1865. He employs first-class workmen, including wagon-makers,
carriage painters, trimmers and blacksmiths. He is prepared to
first-class work, which he warrants. This is one of the leading
manufactories of Charles City. Mr. Pease was born in Colesville,
Broome County, N. Y., March 9, 1832. His parents were Isaac
and Hannah (ClMrk) Pease, who were natives of Massachusetts, and
members of the M. E. church. They had a family of three sons
and two daughters. E. L., subject of this memoir, was the
youngest, and when three years of age, in 1835, he removed with
his parents to Hancock County, 111., and one year after removed
with his parents to Chautauqua County, N.Y., and attended school
and worked on a farm until nineteen, when he began to work at
the carriage-maker's trade. One year after they went to Hume,
A^llegany County, for two and a half years;- thence to Jamestown
two years, then at Ripon, Wis., where he worked until spring of
1865, when he came to Charles City and establislied his present
business. Mr. Pease married Miss Catherine Webster at Poplar
Grove, Boone County, 111,, June 18, 1862. She was born in New
York, and was a daughter of N. S. Webster, lumber and coal
dealer at Poplar Grove, 111. Mrs. Pease is a member of the Bap-
tist church, and she and husband have two sons and one daughter,
viz.: Frank N. and Fred E., born May 16, 1863, working in
the carriage factory with their father; and Miss Anna M., born
in Charles City, Dec. 2, 1865; she resides with her parents. Mr.
Pease is one of the enterprising business men of Charles City,
where he has resided since 1865. In politics he is a Republican,
and he is of English descent.
Nathan Phelps, manufacturer of wagons, carriages and buggies,
and dealer in all kinds of agricultural implements, is one of the lead-
ing manufacturers of diaries City. He was born in Pembrokeshire,
Wnhs, Oct. 31, 1845, and was a son of William atid Martha
(Hodges) Phelps, who have a family of five sons and five daugh-
ters, Nathan beiuii^ the youngest son. When eight years of age lie
came with his parents to America; landed in New York City, and
located in Chicago. 111., where he remained one year; then moved
47
766 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
to Lake County, 111., and in 1857 came to Decorah, la., where he
learned the blacksmith and wagon-maker's trade, and in 1868 came
to Charles City, and established his present agricultural business;
in 1873 he began the manufacture of wasijons, carriages, etc. Mr.
Phelps married Miss Emma E. Stearns, Dec. 9, 1869; she was born
in Lake County, 111., a daughter of John Stearns. Mrs. Phelps is
a member of the Congregational church. They have had a family of
two daughters and one son, viz.: Fred., Bertha and Yeara. Mr.
Phelps is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, Charles City
lodge, and chapter. In politics, he has always been a supporter
of the Republican party. He is one of the enterprising manufact-
urers and business men of Charles City, where he has been identi-
fied since 1868.
Henry O. Raymond^ President and half-owner of the Boss Har-
row Manufacturing Company, and Yice-President of the First
National Bank, Cii.irles City, was born in Niskayima, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., Jan. 5, 1838, a son of Henry A. and Cather-
ine M. (Miller) Raymond. His father was a native ofCuuiiec-
ticut and a minister of the Dutch Reform church of America;
she was also a member of this church. They had a family of six
sons and four daughters. Henry C, the subject of this sketch, was
the second son. When ten years of age, he removed with his
parents to Owasco, Cayuga County, N. Y., and two years later
he went to Newark, N. J., anJ worked in his uncle's patent-leather
factory two years; then returned to Owasco, and attended school
until fifteen. He attended the Brockport Academy at Brockport,
N. Y., one year; then joined his parents at Vischer's Ferry. Sara-
toga County, N. Y., his father having been installed minister of
the church there. That winter, at the early age of sixteen, he be-
gan to teach school. He taught two terms in Rosedale Township,
Schenectady County, and in the spring of 1855 went to Newark,
N. J., and worked with his uncle until the fall of 1855, when he
came West. He worked for a farmer in Rockton Township, Win-
nebago County, 111., until winter; then taught school near Beloit,
Wis., until the spring of 1856, and then canvassed for a historical
work some three months. He went to Janesville, Wis., where he
was bill clerk two months in the railroad office; then learned teleg-
raphy, and was an assistant in the city office of the Western
Union Company until the winter of 1857, when he engaged as
bookkeeper and buyer for a grain merchant at Clinton, Wis., and
in the spring of 1857 he came to Waterloo, la. He clerked in a
CHAKLES CITY. 767
dry-goods store there until 185S, when he was sent in charge of
a stock of g.)ods to Mankato, Minn., and opened a store, remain-
ing there until July, 1858, when he engaged with a Gov^3rnment
surveying company, to survey the Sioux Reservation on the Red-
wood River. The following winter he returned to "Waterloo; soon
afterward went East on a visit, and in the spring of 1859 he joined
his brother at Waterloo, and formed a partnership with him in the
mercantile business. In 1862 he left the store in charge of his
brother, and enlisted in Company C, Thirts'-second Iowa Infantry
Volunteers, and was elected Lieutenant of this company, and after-
ward commissioned Captdn. He was mustered out at close of
the war, an<l returned to his store at Waterloo. Soon after he and
his brother bought out J. F. Brown, a merchant at Waverly, la.,
and remained in business there until June, 1868, when he came
to Charles City. Mr. Raymond purchased some lots in Charles
City, and opened a store of general provisions, which he sold to
Vandenberg and Kosinke, in August, 1880. Mr. Raymond is pro-
prietor and owner of '' Raymond Hall," and Yice-President of the
First National Bank, of Charles City, and was one of the original
incorporators of this bank. He is also one of the proprietors of
the Elm Spring Creamery, Charles City, and is half owner of the
Boss Harrow Manufacturing Company. He married Mrs. Julia A.
Siver in Unadilla, Otsego County, N. Y., June 19, 1875; she was
born in New York City, and was a daughter of Geo. and Dorothy
(Hardcastle) Raw. Mrs. Raymond first married Charles C. Siver.
The fruit of this marriage was one daughter, viz. : Nellie G.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond are menmbers of the First Congregational
Church in Charles City, and have had two children, one living,
viz. : Grace B., born Nov. 23, 1876. Mr. Raymond is a Mason
and member of St. Charles Lodge, No. 141, Almond Chapter and
Eastern Star Chapter; he has held the office of C. of H. in this
chapter. He is one of the leading manufacturers and enterpris-
ing, representative business men of Charles City, where he has
been identified since 1868. In politics he is a Republican, and
voted for tlic amendment, in 1882. He is of French and Holland,
and she of English, descent.
E. A. Reinigei\ Sheriff of Floyd County, was born in Seneca
Township, Seneca County, O., June 1, 1836. His parents, Gusta-
vus Reiniger and Rose, nee Derr, were natives of Wurtemberg,
Germany, who emigrated to America in 1828, landed in New York,
and settled in Seneca County, O. They had a family of three
768 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
sons and tliree daughters, E. A. being the youngest. His eailj
life WHS- spent in attending school and assisting on the farm, and
when about fifteen years of age, he learned the carpenter and
joiner's trade, at vvhicli he worked in Ohio until the fall of 1855,
when he came to Floyd Couiitj^ and obtained employment at liis
trade. In April, 1861, iu respo ise to the President's call for
75,000 men, he enlisted in Company K, Third Iowa Infantry Vol-
unteers, being the first man to offer himself on the altar of the
Union's salvation, in this county. On Jan. 1, 1862, he was trans-
ferred to Company B, Seventh Iowa Infantry Volunteers, and was
promoted from private to a non-commissioned officer. In July,
1862, he was sent North to enlist men to supply the depleted
ranks of iiis company, and in September, 1862, they consolidated
with Company G, Twentv-seventh Iowa Infantry Volunteers, he
being commissioned Second Lieutenant. He served until the close
of the war; then returned to C larles City, where he f )llowed his
trade until 1870; then engaged in farming, in St. Charles Town-
ship. In October, 1881, he was elected to the office of Slieriff of
Floyd County, which he still holds. On Jan 1, 1867, he was
united in marriage with Clarinda, daughter of Louis and Eunice
Cole, nee Alexander. She was born in Goshen. Vt. Mr. Rf-iniger
is a member of I. O. O. F., Charles City Lodge, and i)i politics
a pronounced Republican. He is one of the pioneers and represent-
ative men of Floj^d County, where he has been identified since
October, 1855.
P. Mose^ manufacturer of wagons, buggies, carriages, and re-
pairer of farm machinery, etc., Charles City, is a native of Perth-
shire, Scotland, born in Crieft, April 15, 1830; a son of Alexander
and Elizabeth (Drummond) Rose, likewise natives of Scotland,
and members of the Presbyterian ciiureh. They had a family of
seven children, of whom onr subject was the eldest. In 1832 he
embarked with his parents in the brig " Victoria" for America, and
landed at Quebec, Canada, after a voyage of six week>. They
settled in London District, where he was educated and learned the
wagon -maker's trade. He was married at Fort Atkinson, Iowa,
on Jan. 1, 1860, to Hnttie Updike, who was born in Batavia, III.
Two children blessed this union, viz.: Minnie C. and Charles A.,
a printer of this city. The mother died Jan. 3, 1869, and iVIr.
Rose was married on March 20, 1862, to Lucretia Putney, who
died in May, 1874. He married his present wife, Mrs. Mary B.
Angell, April 21, 1877. She has five children by a former mar-
CHARLES CITY. 769
riage, viz.: Edwin I., gardener near Golden, Col.; Nellie, engaged
in teaching school in St. Charles Township; C. B., working in the
sash, door and blind factorv; William, with his brother in Col-
orado, and John, employed in Wilkins's art gallery. In 1856 Mr.
Rose came to Iowa, locating in Waterloo, where he constructed the
first wagon made in Black Hawk County. One year later he went
to Fort Atkinson, and there also made the tirst wagon, and in
April, 1860, he came to Charles City, where he has been actively
engaged in his present business s^iuce. In politics he is a strong
supporter of the R publican party, and voted for the amendment
in 1882.
F. A. Roziene, real estate dealer, loan broker, and treasurer of
the Floyd County Savings Bank, was born in Wimmerby, Prov-
ince of Smaland, Sweden, Aug. 7, 1835, a son of Thos. Roziene
and Fredrika, nee LMgervall. Prior to emigrating to this country
he spent seven years in Lap'and, arriving in the United States, on
Dec. 1, 1854. He enlisted in the Seventy-second Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry in June, 1862, as a private, and served in the Mis-
sissippi Valley with his regiment. For gallant and meritorious
services he w is promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant, anil was
detached from the command at Vicksburg, and appointed As-
sistant Commissary of Muster (mastering otficer), department of
Mississippi, in June, 1865, aid was retained in thaf capacity until
M ly, 1866. He was Assistant Provost Marshal at Vicksburg, in
1864 and 1865. Mr. Roziene settled in Ch.a-les City, la., in 1868.
He was married to Adeline A. Barnes, on Ja-i. 5, 1866, at Elk
Grove, Cook County, 111., her birth-p'ace. She is a daughter of
Joseph A. Barnes and Eliza, nee Wilder, who settled in Chicago
in 1833. Two children have blessed their union, viz. : Fred^-rick B.,
born Aug. 28, 1867, and Addie E., April 10. 1870. Mr. and Mrs.
Roziene are members of the Congre^'ational church. He is a
member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity, and in politics is a
Republican.
Charles II. Shaw, proprietor of the Union House, Charles City,
is a native of Maine and was born in the city of Bangor, Penob-
scott Countv', on Oct,. 3, 1848. His father, James M. Shaw, was a
merchant of Bangor, Me., where he married Susan Tyler; they are
members of the Biptist church, and now reside in North ^vood, la.
They ha'l a family of six diughters and one s >n, five dau>;hters
and one son living. Chas. H., subject of this sketch, was the third
child. He attended school in Corinth until seventeen when he
770 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
engaged in the mercantile business in Bangor, a member of the
firm of Boden & Shaw, grocers, until August, 1876, when he
sold out and came to Charles City, where he has since been engaged
in the hotel business. In January, 1882, he purchased the Union
House, for an account of which, see Chapter XVII. Ko one can
excel " Charlie Shaw " in keeping a good hotel.
George P. Smithy proprietor of the Charles City Sash, Door
and Blind Factory, was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County,
N. Y., March 9, 1836, a son of George E. Smith, Sr., a cabinet-
maker by trade, and Harriet, nee Emerson. They were natives of
New York, and members of the Episcopal church. George P., Jr.,
was the eldest of a family of nine children, and when two years old
removed with his parents to Saratoga, N. Y., where his father
embarked in the furniture business. He attended school there
until twelve years cf age when the family located in Burlington,
Vt. His father assisted in the building of the Vermont Centra
R. E,., and on its completion, George, Jr., was employed as fire-
man on an engine, and gradually rose to the position of engineer
on both a freight and passenger engine. In January, 1861, lie
came to Iowa, locating in Floyd, Floyd County. He enlisted in
August, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry Vol-
unteers, and served until the close of the war, being promoted in
1864 to rank of Quartermaster of his regiment. Upon leaving
the service he came to Charles City and engaged in running sta-
tionary engines until 1875, when he purchased a half interest in
his present factory with D. Andrews, and in December, 1881, Mr*
Andrews sold his interest to Geo. T. Willman, who in March,
1882, disposed of his interest to Mr. Smith, who has since con-
ducted it alone. The factory gives direct employment to thirteen
men, and is the only one of the kind in Floyd County, and the
second established in Northwestern Iowa. Mr. Smith was mar-
ried Oct. 12, 1871, to Frances E. Tuttle, of Rockford, 111., and a
daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Bowen) Tuttle, who were among
the settlers of Floyd County in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have
one child, a daughter, Ivy, born July 12, 1872. Mr. Smith is
a Mason and a member of St. Charles Lodge, No. 141. He has
served as a member of the City Council two years, and politically
is a Republican. He came of Scotch ancestry and is a descendant
of Alexander McGregor, founder of the town of McGregor, la.
CHARLES CITY. 771
Joel Washington Smith is one of tlie oldest physicians and older
resjilents of Floyd County. He came here in 1857, when thirty-
two years ol a^e. He was born in Franklin, Delaware County>
N. Y., July 23, 1824. The most remote member of his family
that is clearlv authenticated was Thomas Smith, — born near 1700.
Traditionally, he or his near ancestors emigrated from Haverhill,
in JSTortheastern Massachusetts, to Feeding Hills, in West Spring-
field. Mass., where he and several succeeding generations resided.
His wife was Abigail, daughter of Anthony Austin, of Suffield,
Coim. His father, Anthony, when about twenty-two years ot
age, went from Boston to Suffield. He was the youngest child ot
Christian Jew parents, that, near the time of Luther, to escape
religious (?) persecution, fled from Bohemia or Hungary to
Holland, then to England ; and thence the widow with three boys
— youngest, three years — and two girls, came to Boston. There she
soon married a merchant and the children were well educated for
those times. Mrs. Smith lived to the age of ninety-eight. They
had two sons, John and Thomas. The descendants of the latter
are numerous about Springfield, and are widely scattered.
John married M. Stockwell. They had four sons and two
daughters. He died at Franklin, IST, Y. One son, Anthony, had
a large family, and died at Whiting, Vt., in 1853. Juba and
Thomas, with families, removed to Springfield, Bradford County,
Pa. The daughters married but had no children.
The other son, Darius — Doctor's grandfather — was born 1766 ;
near 1790, married Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Colegrove and
Mary Olin. She is reported as born at Preston, R. I. There is
such a place in New London County, Conn., adjoining — none in
Rhode Island. Colgrove was of English descent. Died at South"
wick, Mass. Family removed to New York. About 1801 Darius
Smith and family removed to Franklin, N. Y. Six children grew
up. His wife died near 1828 at Otego, Otsego County, N. Y.; he,
at Franklin, 1849; both were buriedat Otego.
Their elder son, Silas, Doctor's father, was born at Feeding Hills,
Sept. 3, 1794 ; died at Franklin, N. Y., April 10, 1878. His wife
— married 1821 — was Lydia, eldest daughter of Major Joel Gillett,
of Franklin, N. Y., who emigrated from Hebron, Conn., near
1806. She was born at the latter place 1801; died at Franklin, 1877.
The earliest Gillett ancestor known was John — said to be Welsh —
born at Rehoboth, Mass., near Providence, R. I. He was taken
prisoner at Deerfield, Mass., by the Indians and French, Sept. 16,
772 HISTORY OF FLOTD COUNTY.
1696 ; taken to Quebec ; a servant for a time at a nnnnery, and
returned home the next year {'{) via France and England; set-
.tlino; at Lebanon, Conn., — farther from Indians, — where he had a
large family. One son was Ebenezer ; a son of his, Ezekiel, born
at Lebanon, April 3, 1743, was, during the Revolution, one of the
staflF, or body-guard, of Gov. Trumbull, of Lebanon. Ezekiel
married Dorcas Hawkins, born May, 1739, at Coventry, Conn.
He removed to Hebron, Conn., near 1768. Major Gillett was one
of his sons, born at Hebron, Feb. 7, 1773; with his familj' removed
to Franklin, K Y., 1806— '7, where he died 1853. His wife,
Clarissa, born March 28, 1778, daughter of Capt. Thomas Carrier
and Lydia Ingham, of Marlborough, Conn., is reported a descend-
ant of Martha Allen, wife of Thomas Carrier. She was put to
death for witchcraft at Salem. They had thirteen children, six
sons and seven daughters ; all grew to maturity and eight of them
are living (1882). Her age was eighty-five. Major Gillett was a
captain of artillery, and the Doctor's father a private in the war
of 1812.
Silas Smith was a successful farmer, living fifty-five years, or
until his death, April 10, 1878, upon the same farm, at Franklin,
N. Y. Joel W. is the second of the twelve children. He has
eigrht brothers and two sisters living. The father and nine sons
cast ten votes for Gen. Grant for President in 1868.
It was thus the good fortune of the subject of this sketch to
spend the early years of his life upon a farm — to learn to work.
He was born in a log house, — is not ashamed to own it either; was
an average boy, though called a trusty one, and spent his time as
was usual with boys of the place and period. Some of the occupa-
tions were, turning grindstone, helping clear the heavy timbered
land, building stone walls for fences, catching trout — then plenty
— and attending the district school in winter. His impressions of
picking up stones into heaps on mowing' land, and planting and
hoeing corn and potatoes in tough, stony soil, were not favorable
to such farming.
When fifteen, he was sent to the academy in Franklin, — " Dela-
ware Literary Institute," — even then, as later, a school of high
reputation. Until 1846, each winter, with one exception, was spent
there or in teaching; the other time upon the farm. Fortunately^
if his early opportunities were somewhat limited, he made the best
possible use of what he had. Home influences, business training'
and most of the surroundings were good. While he liked farming
CHARLES CITY. 17S
and teaching pretty well, as successful in each, he did for a
time think of becoming a civil engineer, but finally decided to be
what he had long thought of, a physician. Most of the time from .
1846 to 1850 was spent in Connecticut, Missachusetts and New
York City, pursuing professional studies, — teaching several terms
to partly defray expenses, — and graduating at Yale in January,
1850. Previous to and after that time, he took special courses of
instruction in New York, being the private pupil of Prof. William
Detraold, a distinguished physician and surgeon of that city.
April 4, 1850, he married Susan Maria, only daughter of Will-
iam Wheat, Esq., of East Franklin — Croton Postoffice — New
York, where she was born, Jan. 8, 1826. Her father was born
1796, at Marlborough, Hartford County, Conn. When twelve
years of age, his parents removed to Franklin, N. Y., where
he died in 1871. His father, also William, was a sea captain in
early life. His wife was Mary, daughter of Joshua Bolles and
Eunice Shepherd, she of Hartford, Conn ; each died at Frank-
lin ; she, March 4, 1839 ; her husband near 1866, aged ninety-
six years. They had a family of nine children. The Captain's
father was Solomon Wheat, a preacher and a physician. He
and his wife, Rebeccajor Susannah Richardson died at Franklin
New York. They had thirteen children, of whom twelve grew up.
Their descendants are^widely scattered. Traditionally, the Wheats
were Welsh.
Mrs. Snith's mother — wife of William Wheat, Esq. — was
Altamira, eldest daughter of Deacon Thomas Wolcott and Mar-
gery Boyd, of East Franklin, N. Y., where Deacon Wolcott and
wife died. The family came from near Southampton, Mass.,
where Mrs. Wheat was born. She died Sept. 27, 1871,
aged sixty-nine years. Four of their five children are living.
Doctor Smith practiced successfully in his native county and town
until 1857, when he removed to Charles City, then St. diaries.
His quick perception, industry, good judgment, thorough medical
e<lucation, kindness and gentlemanly deportment have been appre-
ciated ; and professionally he now ranks the equal of any physician
of his years in the State. In practice, he has always been conserv-
ative, yet progressive and independent. He has never thought
tliat to use drugs was the only way by which the good physician
may earn his fee. His great excellence has been a rare gift of
seeing the end from the besfinninj', and using such means, and
such means only, as he believed might aid nature in her work of
774 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
restoration. As a pioneer surgeon he has been quick to improvise
means to accomplish the best results ; and he has performed many
new and delicate operations, usuall)'^ attempted only by city spe-
cialists. The prevention and cure of disease by hygienic and
sanitary measures early engaged his attention, — too often to his
cost, — and long before it was the popular subject that it now is
with the more intelligent classes. He has always preferred to
excel in one calling — his profession — to engaging in too many other
things, politics included. Pecuniarily, he has been reasonably
successful, though a poor collector for himself. The key note of
permanent success with him, as in all cases, has been to try do
everything well, and observe the golden rule in all his dealings.
A man of quiet demeanor and kindly nature, of intelligent but
positive views, of deep convictions and large common sense, cannot
fail to impress the communitj'' and age in which he lives. Taking
ft deep interest and an active part in all educational, moral and
material interests ; contributing liberally to benevolent objects
according to his means ; at times holding various positions of
public trust, in none of which was his integrity or ability ever
questioned. None but himself can know, and eternity only can
reveal, the labors, the sacrifices and pecuniary cost to himself of
the work which he has done for the schools of Charles Citv and
vicinity. This alone showed business capacity of high order. He
has often spoken with his pen through the press of his town and
other leading newspapers, — oftenest without name, that the matter
might be judged by its merit, — and has contributed valuable papers
in his profession. In 1876 he was a member of the International
Medical Congress, at Philadelphia, a delegate from the Iowa
State Medical Society. He is connected with different medical
and scientific bodies, but is not a member of any secret societies,
more from want of time than any other reason. While his life
has been a busy and active one, he is still a student ; and with an
excellent memory, possesses extensive general knowledge ; is a
progressive and practical man, a close observer of men and things,
an independent thinker, a good public worker when interested,
and, though forgiving in his nature, abhors shams and frauds in
individuals, in politics, in medicine, in religion and everywhere.
As much as he desires the good opinion of his fellow men, he had
rather be right than be popular. Pie has uniformly opposed the
use of tobacco and alcoholic drinks, and worked vigorously for the
Constitutional Amendment of 1882. In politics he was a Eepub-
CHARLES CITY. 775
lican from the first, but places principle above party obligations.
In religions belief be is liberal orthodox, a usual attendant at the
Congregational church, parti}- from force of education, but is
wholly unsectarian in his views. The family consists of four sons
and one daughter, — another died when young. The eldest, Irving
Wheat Smith, M, D., born in New York, March 1, 1851, gradu-
ated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1875, and is in
business with his father — Smith & Son. In 1876 he married
Sallie, daughter of George Stalker and Hannah Milliken, of Rich-
laud, Keokuk County, la. They have one daughter — Hannah —
and one has died. Ida Elizabeth, the daughter, is the wife of
La Verne W. Noyes, of Chicago, a successful inventor and manu-
facturer. Mr. Noyes is the son of Leonard R. Noyes and Jane
Jessup, former residents of Geneva, Cayuga County, N. Y. , but
now of Springfield, Linn County, la. The son and wife, daugh-
ter and husband are graduates of the Iowa State Agricultural
College. William Thomas and Charles Francis — twins — born
Nov. 3, 1864, and Fred Edmund, born Aug. 18, 1866, reside with
tiieir parents. Theirs is an elegant home, the family a happy one,
its members commanding the respect of all who know them.
Isaiah Snyder, a member of the Charles City Plow Co., was
burn in Lancaster, Fairfield County, O., Aug. 31, 1834, a son of
William Snyder, of Pennsylvania, and Elzabeth, nee Bixler. He
WHS the second son of a family of six children, and when he was
Some three years of age his parents moved to Sholbyville, 111., and
one year later located in Sullivan, now the county-seat of Moultrie
County, that State. He was there reared and educated, and when
he was fourteen years old his father died, and he farmed with his
mother until eighteen, when he went to Sullivan, and there followed
blacksmithing and the manufacture of plows four years. In the
lall of 1857 he went to Mitchell County, la., spent one year in a
mill there, then came to Charles City. In partnership with F. R.
WooUey he opened the first plow factory in Floyd County, and
tliey made the first plow made in this county. This partnership con-
tinued until February, 1881, when the present stock company was
formed. The factory had previously been eidarged from time to
time, and is now one of the principal raauuficturing interests of
the city and county. On July 4, 1859, Mr. Snyder was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah A. Lewis, who was born near Rockford,
111., a daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth (Vance) Lewis. Of seven
•children born of this union, five are living — Bertha E., May
776 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Antoinette, Frank L., Henry L., and George W. Mr. Snyder is a
strong supporter of the Republican party, and is classed with the
prominent citizens and business men.of Charles City.
Samuel H. Starr, proprietor of the largest boot and shoe empo-
rium in Floyd County, was born in Charles City, la., on May 17,
1858, a son of S. B. Starr and Adeline, 7iee Hughes. His father is
one of the pioneers, and the oldest member of the bar now living in
Charles City. Samuel H. attended school in his native town until
1875, when he entered the Military Academy, at Faribault, Minn.,
remaining there one year, then attended the college at Morgan
Park, 111., one year. He entered Bailey's Commercial College, of
Dubuque, la., and graduated from that institution in 1878. Upon
leaving school he accepted a situation as clerk in the hardware
store of Townsend & Smith, which he retained two years, then, in
partnership with John Ferguson, established his present store. In
January, 1882, Mr. Starr purchased his partner's interest, and has
since conducted the business alone. He was married Sept. 19»
1879, to Cornie Clute, who was born in New York State, a daugh-
ter of N. M. Clute, a Presbyterian minister, now located in Daven-
port, la. Mr. Starr is a prominent member of St. Charles Lodge,
No. 141, A. F. & A. M., and politically favors the Republican
party. He is one of the prominent and representative business
men of Charles City.
B. W. Stevens, of the firm of Stevens, Hering & Co., wholesale
and retail dealers in and manufacturers of all kinds of furniture,
was born in Methuen, Essex County, Mass., Feb. 18, 1843; his
father, Benjamin A. Stevens, is a native of Deerfield, Ma?8., born
June 18, 1815, the day of the battle of Waterloo, and Oct. 20, 1839,
he married Harriet Osgood at Methuen, Mass., where she was
born. Of four children born of this union three are living — Har-
riet E., wife of William H. Coffin; B. W., subject of this sketch,
and Arthur O., engaged in the furniture business at Spencer, la.
In 1871 B. A. Stevens came with his family to Charles City,
where he has since remained, and is classed with the prominent
and respected citizens of the city. In politics he is a Republican.
His wife died here on Dec. 8, 1881. The subject of this memoir
was educated in his native town, and in 1857 remov^ed to Bad Axe
County, Wis,, where he engaged in farming until 1871, when he
came to Charles City and engaged in the present business. He was
married on Nov. 24, 1868, to Hattie E. Atkins, born at La Porte,
Ind. She was a daughter of J. T. and Amanda Atkins, nee Hea-
CHARLES CITY. 777
ton. They liave two children — Grafton A., born June 15, 1876,
and Barton, Aug. 29, 1880. In politics Mr. Stevens is strong
adherent to the principles of the Republican party. The factory
of Stevens, Hering & Co. is among tlie most prominent of the
business and manufacturing interests of Charles City, and its pro-
prietors are recognized as gentlemen of irreproachable business
integrity. They give direct employment to twenty men, and their
trade extends throughout the States of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minne-
sota and Dakota.
Mrs. Elizabeth Strawii^ one of the old settlers of Floyd County,
and at present a resident of Charles City, was born near Chilli-
cothe, Ross County, O., Feb. 5, 1810. Her parents were William
and Elizabeth (Cating'i Jolly, also natives of Ohio and members of
the Presbyterian church. They hud a family of four sons and six
daughters; seven of the family lived to be men and women. When
Mrs. Strawn, the siibject of this memoir, was fifteen years of age,
-she removed with her parents to Indiana and settled on a farm
near Covington, Warren Cuunty, where she married James Oxford,
September, 1826. He was born in Ohio. The fruit of this marriage
was two children, viz. : David H. Oxford, who di^d in 1850, and
Martha, the wife of A. H. Brackett. They re4de in Charles City,
old settlers of Floyd County, Mr. James Oxford died in 1831;
Mrs. Strawn then married Enoch Strawn and they had one daugh-
ter, viz.: Mary E., wife of John Ferguson. They reside in Charles
City, and are old settlers also. Enoch Strawn died in 185i. Mrs.
Strawn then came with her fiimily to Floyd County and purchased
a large tract of land in St. Charles, Township. She has since sold
her farms and purchased a nice home in Charles City, where she
resides. Mrs. Strawn is'a member of the Christian church andhas
been a member of this church for the past fifty-two years. M rs.
Strawn is one of the few old settlers now living who came to
Charles City in its infancy. She is now in the seventy-third year
of her age and looks much younger.
C. A. Sylvester., of the firtn of Sylvester Bros., manufacturers of
fine carriages, buggies and wagons, blacksmiths and repairers,
Charles City, are among the leading manufacturers of Charles
City. They employ five skilled workmen and warrant all their
work, using the best of material in the factory which they estab-
lished here in 1879. C. A. and Fred Sylvester were sons of August
and Minnie (Hofi'man) Sylvester, natives of Germany. The father
was a blacksmith, and he and wife had six children, three sons and
778 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
three daughters. C. A. Sylvester, the eldest, was born Nov. 20,
1854, and Fred was the third son, and was born Feb. 12, 1856. He
and brother attended school in Germany until fourteen, when they
learned the blacksmith's trade, continuing until 1872, when they
came with their parents to America. They landed at New York,
and from there came to Floyd County and settled in Charles City.
The father bought a farm and C, A, and Fred began to work at
their trade, and in 1879 opened their present shop. C. A. married
Miss Mary Marcen, Jan. 5, 1879. She was born in Floyd County,
a daughter of John Marcen. Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Sylvester have
two children, viz. : Charley and Miss Jessie. Mr. Sylvester and
brother are enterprising, representative men and manufacturers of
Charles City, and their factory is one of the principal features of
the city. They also own and run the Sylvester Bros.' livery stable,
and keep twenty head of horses, carriages and buggies for the ac-
commodation of the public. In politics, independent.
J. P. Taylor^ President of the Charles City National Bank, has
been prominently identified with the business interests of this city
since October, 1866. A son of John and Betsey Taylor, nee
Pierce. He was born in Waterville, Madison County, N. Y., May
5, 1822. His boyhood was spent in Parsalia, Chenango County,
N. Y., to which place his parents had removed when he was about
two years old. He was educated and learned the boot and shoe
trade there, where he remained until twenty-one years of age; then
enerao-ed in the boot aud shoe manufacture at South Otselic, where
he also built and conducted a hotel. He was married Aug. 21,
1848, to Mercelia S. Ford, who was born in Soutk Otselic, N. Y.,
Aug. 25, 1827, a daughter of Dr.'Norman Ford and Mary, nee Beach.
In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Taylor moved to Bloomington, 111., where
he engaged in the livery business until 1860, then removed to
Mason City, la. He engaged in farming and in the sale of agri-
cultural implements there until October, 1866, when he settled in
Charles City, and continued the latter business here until 1879. In
March, 1871, he, in company with Charles Siver, organized the First
National Bank, with which he was actively connected until
1875. In 1876 he and S. F. Farnham organized the Charles City
National Bank, of which he has since been President. Mr. and Mrs.
Taylor have had one child, a son — Frank V., born June 25, 1858,
who is bookkeeper and assistant cashier in his father's bank. He
was educated in the common and high schools of this city, and in the
military college of Faribault, Minn. The subject of this memoir
CHARLES CITY. 779
owns ninety acres of land in St. Charles Township, and valuable
property in Charles City. He is a Mason and a member of the
St. Charles Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 141. He has served accept-
ably in numerous township and county offices, among them that of
School Director and County Supervisor. He was formerly a Whig
in politics, but since the organization of the Republican party has
affiliated with them. He has ever made Charles City's interests
his own, and has been foremost in any project that promised ad-
vancement to her interests morally and financially.
Ebeiiezer A. Teeling^ miller of the Water-Power Company,
Charles City, is a native of New York, and was born at Green-
bush, Rensselaer, July 30, 1832, a son of Charles and Susan (Cran-
dall) Teeling. His father was born at Teeling's Bay, Donegal
County, Ireland, where he was married, and soon alter, in 1830,
came to America; they located in East Troy, N. Y., and subse-
quently removed to Greenbush. They were members of the Presby-
terian churcli and had a family of five sons and five daughters,
Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch, l)eing the eldest. He resided
in Greenbush, and attended school at Albany, N. Y., until sixteen ;
then learned the miller's trade, winch he followed in Albany and
New York City until twenty-one, when he came to Watertown,
Wis., and worked in a mill one year; thence to Stoughton, Dane
County, Wis., and worked at his trade until April, 1856, when he
came to Charles City, la. He was employed in the first mill in
the county, and worked here and held the office of Assistant Dep-
uty Sheriff of Floyd County until 1862, when he was appointed
Special Agent, Deputy Provost Marshal to the War Department,
and held that office until the fall of 1865, when he was mustered
out; he then ran the mill until January, 1868, when he was elected
Clerk of the District Court, and held that office until 1871, then re-
sumed his former business and ran this mill until it was torn down
in 1876; since then has been miller in the present new mill. Mr.
Teeling has been in the employ of the Water-Power Company
since they purchased the water-power. He married Ellen Ingram,
Aug. 18, 1860, at Charles City, la.; she was born at Fairfield, Vt.,
and was a daughter ot Henry and Ann (Sharkey) Ingram, natives
of Ireland, and members of the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs.
Teeling are members of the Congregational church, and have had
two children, viz.: Clara J., born May 16, 1861, and Jessie, Dec.
30, 1870. Mr. Teeling is one of the oldest settlers now living in
Floyd County; he came to Charles City when it was in its infancy.
780 HISTORY OF FLOYD COIINTY.
and has seen its rapid growth. In politics he is a Republican,
and is one of the enterprising representative men of Charles City,
where he has been identified since 1856; he was formerly a mem-
ber of I. O. O. F., and at present a member of the Good Tem-
plars Society, and was one of the first that organized this lodge;
he is at present Alderman of the Fourth "Ward, and voted for the
amendment in 1882, and presented the present prohibition ordi-
nance of Charles City in April, 1882.
Joseph S. Trigg, Mayor of Charles City, and partner in the firm
of Wiiite, Trigg & Co., proprietors of the Elm Spring Creamery,
is a native of Hertfordshire, England, born April 8, 1841. His
parents, Joseph S. Trigg, Sr., and Susannah, nee Wilkerson, were
likewise of English nativity, and had a family of six sons and three
daughters, of whom Joseph S., Jr., was the eldest. He received
his education in his native shire, and when twelve j^ears of age
came with his parents to the United States, landing in New York
City, thence to Fond du Lac, Wis. They engaged in farming there
until 1859, then removed to Freeborn, Minn., and settled on a
farm. In August, 1862, Mr. Trigg enlisted in Company E, Tenth
Minnesota Infatitry, and bravely defended his country's cause until
the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn.
He returned to Fond du Lac and was there married on Oct. 3, 1865,
to Laura M. Spafford, a native of Yermont, and a daughter of
David and Olive Spafford. Five children have been born unto
them — Mabel E., Gertrude L., Olive B., Frank E., and Elsie L.
After his marriaore Mr. Trio^a: settled on a farm* in Freeborn
County, Minn., where he resided until 1870, when he located in
Floyd County. He farmed in St. Charles Township, until he was
appointed Deputy County Auditor in January, 1872. InApril,1874r,
he was elected Auditor of Floyd County, and by subsequent; elec-
tion held the office until January, 1882, and the following April
was elected Mayor of Charles City, for which position he lias
shown himself to be eminently fitted. He is a member of Charles
City Lodge, No. 153, A. O, U. W., and politically favors the
Republican party. The Elm Springs Creamery was established in
May, 1880, by H. D. White and J. S. Trigg, the present owners.
The creamery has a capacity of manufacturing 2,100 pounds of
butter and 1,500 pounds of cheese daily. They have $5,000
invested in the building, machinery, etc., and the cost of operation
is about $200 per day. It is one of the principal manufactories of
the city, giving direct employment to fourteen men. The butter,
CHARLES CITT. 781
owing to its superior quality is greatly in demand in the Eastern
markets, while the cheese finds a ready sale at home.
W. G. Tripp, of the firm of W. G. Tripp & Co., dealers in
groceries and drugs, Charles City, was born in the town of De Rny-
ter, Madison County, N. Y., on Kov. 13, 1839. His parents were
Israel and Eliza A. (Whitcomb) Tripp, he a native of ISTew York,
and she of Vermont State. Tliey were members of the Presbvte-
rian church and had a family of three children, of whom the sub-
ject of this sketch was the eldest. When he was four years <»ld
hia parents moved to Boone County, 111., and he attended school
there and at Belvidere, 111., until he was seventeen years old, and
then clerked for diffei-ent parties in Belvidere until 1860, when he
went to Colorado and engaged in mining there two years. From
there he went to Memphis, Tenn., where he was chief clerk in the
Government ordnance department two years, then returned to
Belvidere, 111. He engaged in mercantile business there until
the spring of 1867, when he came to Charles City and embarked
in hia present business. He is the recipient of a large and lucra-
tive trade, and is classed with the prominent and influentidl busi-
nesa men of this city. On June 10, 1868, Mr. Tripp was united in
marriage with Mary A. Gardner, at Belvidere, 111., where she was
born. Her father, Cephas Gardner, was a native of Vermont.
They have one child, a daughter, Alice G., born Aug. 21, 1872.
Mr. Tripp is a Mason and a member of St. Charles Lodge, No. 141,
and Almond Chapter, No. 53. Politically, he is a Republican.
He was elected a member of the City Board in March, 1882.
Waldo Wali, retired farmer, residing in Charles City, is one of
the old settlers of Floyd County. He was born in Hebron, Wash-
ington County, N. Y., April 13, 1801. His parents were Benjamin
and Ann (Waldo) Wait; he wa^ a native of Rhode Island, and
she of Connecticut. They were both members of the Baptist church,
and had a family of seven sons and six daughters. Waldo, sub-
iect of this sketch, and one sister were twins, and the youngest of
the family. There are but two of the family now living, viz. : Archi-
bald Wait, a retired Baptist minister, residing in Chicago, III.,
and Waldo, subject of this memoir. He attended school in
Hebron, N.Y., until fifteen, when he removed with his parents to a
small village near Auburn, N. Y., for two years; then to Leeds
County, Canada West, and they settled on a farm twelve miles
north of Brockville. Waldo was married here to Miss Rose Duck-
48 • »
782 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Ion, May 22, 1826; slie was born in Elizabethtown, Leeds Comity,
Canada "West, Oct. 10, 1810; she was a daughter of Stephen and
Harriet (Freell) Ducklon. Mr. and Mrs. Wait resided on tlieir
farm in Canada until the fall of 1856, when they came to Floyd
County, la., and soon after purchased a farm in St. Cbarles Town-
ship, where they resided until 1865, when Mr. Wait sold his farm
and purchased a home in Charles City, where he has since lived,
retired from active business. Mr. and Mrs. Wait are member- of
the Baptist church and have been members of this church for rhe
past fifty years. They have had two sons, viz. : William H. , born in
Canada West, July 21, 1845 ; he enlisted in Company C, Fourteenth
T!owa Infantry Volunteer.^, and died May 9, 1864, from disease con-
tracted during his service in the army. Henry M. Wait was born
in Canada West, May 20, 1851; he married Miss Ida Pratt. They
reside in Charles City and have liad three children, viz. : Howard
W., Henry W., and Miss Mamie Wait. Mr. and Mrs. Waldo
Wait are of a few old settlers now living. They came to Charles
City when it was in its infancy, and have lived to see the various
changes of the county and city since that time; they are true rep-
resentatives of Floyd County pioneers.
H. D. White^ of the firm of White, Trigg & Co., proprietors of the
Elm Spring Creamery, Charles City, is a native of JS^ew York, and
was born m Groton, Tompkins County, June 6, 1852. His parents
were M. C. and Philena (Ingram) White, natives of Massachusetts.
She was a member of the Baptist church. They had a family of
seven children, six sons and one daughter. The subject of this
sketch was the youngest, and when five years of age he removed
with his parents from New York to Kenosha County, Wis., settling
on a farm near Kenosha. He attended school and worked on his
father's farm, also learning the cheese and butter manufacture,
and during this time he made some cheese that took the medal at
the Centennial of 1876. When eighteen years of age he took
charge of different cheese factories of Wisconsin, until 1877, when
he came to Algona, Kossuth County, la., and was superintendent
of eight cheese factories of that county, until the spring of 1880,
when he came to Charles City, la, and established his present
business. Mr. White married Miss Jennie E. Ferguson, at Charles
City, la., Nov. 5, 1879; she was born at Fort Atkinson, la.,
a daughter of D. M. Ferguson, ex-Sheriff of Floyd County,
and proprietor of the Lewis House, Charles City, and Malinda
(FraJiz) Ferguson. Mr. White is a member of the Iowa Le-
CHARLES CITY. 783
gion of Honor, and he and his wife have one daughter — Edna
T., born July 15, 1880. Mr. "White is one of the leading manu-
facturers of Charles City. In politics he is a Republican. His
family are of the old Puritan stock, his father being a descendant of
Perei,a-iiie White, who came from England in the "Mayflower" and
landed at Plymouth Rock. Mr. White's grandfather was in the
war of 1812.
a. B. Wilson, proprietor of the Charles City Foundry, estab-
lished his present business in 1877. The foundry was first started
by Woolley & Sn^-der in connection with their plow factory. It
is a building 100 feet long, the main room, blacksmith and
carpenter shops being 38 x 36 feet, two stories in heiglit, and the
machine shops 26 x 24 feet, two stories, and the molding-room
36 X 26 feet. Tiiis is the first and only foundry in tlie city, and is
one of the leading manufacturing interests. R. B. Wilson is a
native of Vermont, and was born in Hinesburg, Miy 3, 1844. His
parents were George W. and Mary (Oucher) Wilson; he was a
native of Massachusetts, and was born at Concord, Middlesex
County, and she was born in France. They had one son, viz. :
R. B. Wilson, subject of this sketch. He was but eighteen months
old when his mother died; he then went to live with his grand-
parents near Montreal, Canada, until five years of age, when he
went to live with his father, who was a woolen manufacturer.
They traveled over the New England States, and settled at West-
field, N. T., in 1851, where his father engaged in various pur-
suits. R. B., attended school until seventeen, when he enlisted
in Company G, Seventy- second New York Infantry Yolunteers;
was mustered into United States service July 25, 1861, in what was
called Sickles' Brigade. Mr. Wilson remained in that company
until expiration of his term of service,, when he was mustered
out at Washington. He was wounded at the battle of Williams-
burg, Va., May 5, 1862 — a compound fracture of the right arm,
the ball passing into the right side, where it still remains; another
ball struck the right shoulder blade, and another passed under his
chin, cutting the flesh from the chin and passing through his neck,
coming out close to the jugular vein. He was in the hospital at
Fortress Monroe and Philadelphia, Pa., returning to his regiment
the summer of 1S63. He was then transferred to the Regimental
Quartermaster's Department; then in January of 1864 was trans-
ferred to the Nineteenth Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, doing
duty in the City of Washington until he was mustered out; he then
784 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
went to Westtield, N. Y., and began to learn his trade; worked in
Western New York until August, 1868, when he came to Osage,"
Mitchell County, la., and remained in this vicinity until 18T7,
when he located in Charles City, and established his present busi-
ness. Mr. Wilson married Miss Alzina M. Frazier at Hampton,
Franklin County, la., Jan. 1, 1873; she was born in Allamakee
County, la. ; she was a daughter of D. D. Frazier, a farmer. Mrs.
Wilson is a member of the M. E. church, Charles City. Mr. and
Mrs. Wilson have one daughter, viz.: Miss C. Buena Wilson. Mr.
Wilson is a member of National Lodge, No. 165, I. O. O. F., at
Oharles City, la. ; Legion of Honor, Hope Lodge, No. 76. In poli-
tics Mr. Wilson is a Republican. He is of Scotch and French descent.
He is one of the enterprising, representative men and leading
manufacturers of Charles City, where he has been identified since
1877.
F. R. Woolley, senior partner in the Charles City Plow Com-
pany, is a native of the town of Weathersfield, Rutland County,
Yt, born Dec. 23, 1825, a son of John B. and Annis Woolley, nee
Rice, also natives of the Green Mountain State. His father was a
blacksmith and manufacturer of all kinds of edge tools; he died in
1849 in his sixtieth year. F. R. was the fourth son of a family of
seven children, and when he was some five years old his parents
removed to Genesee County, N. Y.; thence to Cattaraugus County,
and from there to Trumbull County, O. F. R. resided there until
1853, when he went to Rockford, 111.; manufactured sickles
and machinists' tools there until the fall of 1855, and in the spring
of 1856 he located in Charles City, la. ; he worked at the black-
smith's trade here until 1859, when he engaged in the manufacture
of plows; he built a factory in 1862, which he operated until 1876,
when the present establishment was erected. Owing to the rapid
increase of their business the company are building a much larger
factory, wherein they can meet the demand of their extensive
trade. Mr. Woolley was united in marriage in September, 1849,
to Ammy Hull, who was born in Chenango County, N. Y., and
was a daughter of Joseph and Mercy Hull, nea Briggs. They have
one child, a daughter, Grace, wife of George M. May, who is work-
man of the furniture manufactory of this city. Mr. Woolley is one
of the early settlers of Floyd County, and has ever been active in
the advancement of her interests, morally and financially. He
"ndhores to the principles of the Republican party.
CHARLES CITY. 785
E. B. G. Wright^ retired merchant, Charles City, is a native of
Ohio, and was born in Vernon Township, Trntnbnll County, May
23, 1824, His parents were Adam and Rlioda (Clark) "Wright;
he was a native of Mercer, Mercer County, Fa., and was a merchant,
and opened the first store in Vernon Township, Ohio; she was a
native of Connecticut, born in 1800, and a member of the Baptist
church. They were married in 1818, and had a family of twelve
children. E. B. C, subject of this sketch, was tlie eldest son. He
attended school in Vernon, Ohio, until twelve years of age, when
his parents emigrated to Burlington, la., where his father died
nine years later, and his mother returned to Ohio. E. B. 0. re-
mained in Burlington, clerking and attending school until twenty-
three, when he returned to Ohio, and taught school until 1849, and
in that year went to the city ot New York, and engaged in the
mercantile business until 1857, when he came to Charles City. In
company with H. W. McNabb, a retired mercliant of Osage,
Mitchell Countv, boneht out John Ferguson & Co., and enufaged
in the mercantile business until 1863, when he went to New York
City. He was married there to Mrs. Caroline Mann, on Feb. 11,
1863; her maiden name was Caroline Barringer. Mr. Wright en-
gaged in the mercantile trade in New York City until 1870,
when he returned to Charles City, and he and his brotlier, B. F.
Wright, engaged in the mercantile trade until 1872, then Mr. E.
B. C. Wright ran the store alone until 1879, when he closed out his
business, and took the agency for canvassing the whole Northwest
for the National Needle Co., of Springfield, Mass., the largest
manufacturers of sewing-machine needles in the world. Mrs.
Wright is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Wright is a
charter member of St. Charles Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. No. 141, and
has been Master a number of years, and was the founder of the
order of the Eastern Star, Excelsior Chapter. He is one of the old
settlers of Cluirles City and the State ')f Iowa, having been identified
with the State since .March, 1836, and Floyd County since 1857.
He is one of the representative business men, and has always taken
an active interest in anything that promises progression to the
town. In politics he is a Democrat, and a strong supporter of that
party. He is of German descent. There are but three brothers
and two sisters living, viz.: subject of this sketch; Mrs. H. W.
McNabb, of Osage, Mitchell County, la.; Mrs. E. A. Mann, of
New York City; B. F. Wright, Postmaster of Charles City, and
J. Z. Wright, farmer of Floyd County.
786 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
B. F. Wright. — Among the widely known men of the county is B.
F. Wriglit, Postmaster of Charles City, who has had the position
since October, 1869. But few men are so universally known in
the county, and he has of late years acquired a State acquaintance by
reason of his prominent association with the "prohibitory amend-
ment." Mr. Wright is the third son of Adam and Rlioda Wright,
and was born in Yernon, Yernon Township, Trumbull County, O.,
Aug. 20, 1837. His father was of German descent, whilst his mother
was of the old Connecticut Yankee blood. In appearance the sui>-
ject of our sketch is decidedly German; height, live feet ten inches,
stockey, stout, portly, weighing 245 pounds, whilst in mental quail-
ties he displays those powers that have made Yankeedora famous.
The family came to Burlington, la., in 1838. After the death of
his father in 1813, the family returned to Yernon, O. Frank lived
with his uncle, Aaron Clark, in Bloomfield, Hartford, and Yernon,
until 1819, when it was arranged that he should live with his uncle,
Henry Yernon, in West Williamsfleld, O., until he was of age.
His mother died in 1852, when Frank, through the assistance of his
older brother, E. B. C. Wright, became a pupil of the Meadville
Academy, Pennsylvania, and attended for several terms the
Allegheny College at that place. He taught two terms of school,
one at Lane's Corners and one at Randall's Corners, in Crawford
County, Pa.
In the spring of 1856 he went to New York City and engaged
with Rockwell & Winton in a hat and cap house, with whom he
remained until May 7, 1857, when he reached Charles City and
entered the employ of John Ferguson & Co., with whom he had
made business arrangements before leaving the East. The mer-
cantile house of J. Ferguson & Co. was soon succeeded by the
firm of Wright & McNabb, and B. F. was long identified with the
mercantile interest of Charles City, up to 1872, since which time
he has given his time to his official duties and the development of
a stock farm in Pleasant Grove Township, in company with his
younger brother, J. Z. Wright.
In every development of the city and county Mr. Wright has
taken an active and prominent part, and is said by all to be a fast
friend and vigorous opponent of the Ben. Wade order. The
adoption by 30,000 majority of the prohibitory amendment to the
constitution of Iowa by its electors, June 27, 1882, is undoubtedly
the most remarkable event in the line of prohibitory temperance
which has ever occurred. Its praises are sung in churches and
CHAELES CITY. 787
schools; its triumph is published from thousands of eloquent ros-
trums, while family and pulpit altars will never cease to ''Praise
God from whom all blessings flow" for its adoption. To those
who conceived, planned and executed tliis great measure the pub-
lic are interested in knowing the details of the work.
In August, 187S, Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, widely known in Iowa as
the head of the W. C. T. U., was conducting a Congressional ses"
sion of that temperance organization in Charles City, and while
the guest of Rev. A. N. Clute, of that place, Mr. Wright called
upon her and endeavored to interest her in the matter of uniting
all temperance efforts of the State in the single line of amending
its Constitution, At first she was not favorably inclined to
the project, but subsequently changed her mind. Mrs. Foster,
in the December State session of the W. C. T. U., at Bur-
lington, as their chairman on the legal phases of the question,
presented the new idea of a constitutional amendment, but stated
in her able report that she " did not claim it as original, as it had
been first suggested to her by a gentleman in Floyd County."
Up to this date the matter had received bnt little public agita-
tion.
in February, 1879, Mr. Wright attended the State Reform meet-
ing at Waterloo, and in a series of resolutions urged as the plan ol
work the constitutional amendment. His address on that occasion,
the great debate of the convention on the subject, and their prac-
tical adoption of the scheme, had the effect of bringing the project
])rominently into newspaper discussion of the State, especially in
the Dubuque Dally Times, edited by M. C. Woodruff, and
the Iowa State Register, by the Clarkson brothers.
In 1879, at the Republican State Convention, Mr. Wright, in
company with Col. Nate Reed, who at that time was editor of the
Northwestern News, at Davenport, and now editor of the Evening
News in Chicago, secured a suite of rooms at the Abom House, in
tiie city of Des Moines, and began a systematic effort of consulta-
tion with every prohibitionist on every county delegation from all
parts of the State. Hon. John H. Geer was a candidate for re-
nomination for Governor by the Republican Convention. In the
previous election he received a majority vote, and desiring to be
U. S. Senator, he was most anxious to fill the executive office by a
clear majority vote of the State, and greatly desired that tlie tem-
perance element of his party should be harmonized and reconciled.
Mr. Wright sought an interview with the Governor, and secured
788 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
in him a staunch ally for declaring in favor of a non-partisan vote
to be taken on a prohibitory amendment.
The eleventh plank of the Republican platform of Iowa was
substantially adopted and framed at a caucus of tlie temperance
element of the Republican party in that suit of rooms, and B. F.
Wright was the chairman and Nate Reed the secretary of that
caucus. The plank was unanimously adopted the next day by the
Republican Convention. The temperance hosts of Iowa have had
a State temperance committee patterned after the Republican and
Democratic parties, a member in every Congressional district.
Aaron Kimbal', of Cresco; B. F. Wright, of Charles City, and J.
A. Harvey, of Des Moines, have been tor two years respectively
President, Secretary and Treasurer, and the newspapers of the State
have spoken of Mr. Wright as the father of the late prohibitory
amendment.
S. P. Yeomans, M. D., Charles City, is a native of New York
and was born in German Flats, Herkimer County, Jan. 23, 1822.
His parents were Prentice and Margaret (McKinney) Yeomans,
natives of Connecticut and members of the Universalist church.
They have a large family of children, S. P., subject of this sketch,
being the youngest son. In 1837, when fifteen years of age, he
came to Iowa; crossed the Mississippi River at Fort Madison, and
settled near Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, where he followed farm-
ing, and attending and teaching school until eighteen, when he began
to study medicine with Dr. J. D. Payne, atMt. Pleasant, and grad-
uated at the Rush Medical College, at Chicago, in 1854. He then
practiced medicine at Agency City, Wapello County, and Sheridan,
Lucas County, la., and was elected to the Legislature from Lucas
County in 1854. In 1855 he was appointed United States Register
of the land office at Sioux City, bj^ Pierce, and reappointed by
Buchanan, and held that office six )'ears. A.t the outbreaking of
the Rebellion he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Seventh
Regiment Iowa Cavalry, and remained with them until the close of
the war; he then went to Clinton, la., and practiced medicine
until 1879, when he came to Charles City, where he has practiced
since. He married Clara Yale in November, 1840. She was born
in Yermont, and was a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical College*
of Chicago, in 1870, and has practiced medicine since. Dr. Yeo-
mans and wife are members of the M. E. church, and have had
six children, two living viz.: Margaret S., wife of Rev. N. O. Mc-
Niff, of Minnesota Conference, and George W., an attorney at
CHARLES CITY. 78^
Clinton, Iowa. Dr. Yeoraans is a Mason, and was formerly a
member of Olive Branch Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Agency City, and
member of chapter at Sioux City. He is one of the leading
physicans of Floyd County. In politics he is a Republican. In
1861 he also graduated from the Hahnemann College, Chicago.
He is a member of the Iowa State Medical Society, of llomen-
pathic physicians.
Professor James 0. Yocum, Superintendent of Charles City
schools, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Man-field, Ashland
County, March 4, 1838. His parents were Elmore and Jane
(Cameron) Yocum; he was a native of Pennsylvania, and a mem-
ber of the Methodi.-t church, and now resides at Sparta, Wis.;
she was a native of Ohio, and also a member of the Methodist
church. They had a lamily of three sons and two daughters.
James C, subject of thia sketch, was the eldest child. When three
years of age he removed with his parents to Wooster, O., re-
maining there six years; thence to Sydney, Shelby County, and
two 3'ears afterward to Delaware, Delaware County, O. Jamea
attended the preparatory department of the Ohio Wesleyan Uni-
versity one year; then removed to Piatt ville. Wis., and entered
the Plattville Academy, prosecuting hi? studies there four years;
then removed to Appleton, Wis., and attended Lawrence Uni-
versity four years; thon spent two years in the New England
Conservatory at Boston, Mass. He taught instrumental and vocal
music in Wisconsin two years; then took charge of the Mount
Hope, Wis., Seminary one year, and of the Bamson Collegiate
Institute at Point Bluff, Wis., three years, and was for several
years County Superintendent of Schools in Adam.-^ County, Wis.
He was then appointed Principal of" the Lodi, Wis., graded
school, remaining there five years; thence to Boscobel graded
school, at Boscobel, Wis., for two years; then came to Charlea
City, to accept his j)reseut position as Superintendent of Schools.
He has charge of twelve schools, employing fourteen teachers. It
was the Professor's intention to devote himself to the t^tudy of
musie, but, circumstances preventing, he abandoned that, confin-
ing himself to teaching in the public schools. Professor Yocum
mairied Miss Mary Moore, at Point Bluflf, Wis., Dec. 20, 1862;
she was born at Zanesville, O., and was a daughter of Amos and
Julia (Rice) Moore. Mrs. Yocum died in July, 1863. Mr. Yocum
married Miss Maria Newell, at Baraboo, Wis., May, 1864; she was
born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Orange Newell and
790
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Anna (Woodmasee) Newell, natives of Pennsylvania, and mem-
bers of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Yocum are members
of the Methodist church, and have had four sons and three daugh-
ters, viz.: Genevieve, born July 15, 1866; "Winifred, born March
9, 1867; Charles E., born May 23, 1870; Jessamine, born Aug. 5,
1874; James P., born Dec. 18, 1875; Donald C. and Wilbur R,
born Jan. 18, 1882. Professor Yocuni is a member of the
I. O. O. F. fraternity, Charles City National Lodge, No. 165, and
Good Templars Lodge, No. 4, and V. A. S. fraternity He is one
of the enterprising, representative men and citizens of Charles
City, where he has been identified since 1876. In politics a Re-
publican. He is of Scotch and German descent.
CEDAR TOWNSHIP
is located in the northeast corner of the county. It is pecnliarlj
•ituated, being only three miles wide and ten miles long. There are
thirty-two full sections, two sections being added from the town of
Floyd. It is range 96 — 15, and 97 — 15 west. It was organized
March 3], 1856. The reason for this shaping of the town was to
locate two county seats, one at Charles City and one at Osage,
Mitchell County. The name of the township was taken from the
fact that Little Cedar River runs through the central part of the
township. This stream and its tributaries drain and water the
township. The surface of the land in the western portion is con-
siderably broken; the eastern part being generally level, it is held,
principally, by speculators. The western portion is covered more
frequently with jack-oak groves, and is generally well tilled, being
settled by New York State, Wisconsin, Illinois and English people,
who make a success of whatever they undertake. The first set-
tlers were J. C. Townsend, Elbert Howard, and S. M. Howard,
who came here in the spring of 1854. Sarah Howard, the youngest
daughter of Elbert, came with them, and fur six months was the
only woman in the settlement. These were also early settlers:
W. B. Howard, Uncle Sam Howard, Levi Hoisington and his
brothers, Phineas and William ;Elisha and David Crawford, Sam-
uel Clay, Isaac Naden, Mother Bennett and her family. Mother
Walling and herfamily, William Scherinerhorn and A. C. Will-
iams. The first school was kept in the house of W. B. Howard,
in the winter of 1856 and 1857. The school numbered about
twenty-five pupils, and was taught by Joseph Allen, a red headed
young man from Chickasaw. Jerome Townsend and his sister,
Lavina, came three miles to this school. There are seven school-
houses in the township. The school property is worth about
$4,500. The number ofchildren of school age, Sept. 1, 1881, was 190.
The average daily attendance for the year 1881, was only sixty-three.
There has been schools in each district seven and one-half months
on an average the past year. The total amount paid teachers for
the last year was $1,302.05, or an average of $22.63 per month per
teacher. There was only one male teacher for the year ending
(791)
792
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Sept. 30, 1881. The total receipts of money for school purposes for
the year 1881 was $2,088.90. There was a balance in the treasury
of $444.15. The present year there will be a tax levied to pay for
a new school building in District No. 7. The people of this town-
ship take a lively interest in school matters, and there is a deter-
mination to see that the rising generation shall be worthy to fill the
place of the present one and to do their work even better. The
first religious services were held in. the house of Elbert Howard;
Rev. Samuel Smith, of the "Wesleyan Methodist persuasion, was the
preacher. There are two church organizations in the township at the
present time, the M. E. and the Wesleyan Methodist; but there is
no edifice in the township. Each society has regular preaching
in school-houses, once in two weeks. Each church has a Sabbath-
school in connection with its meetings. The Howardville Union
Sabbath-school organized by the Wesleyan Methodists, is in a flour-
ishing condition. It was organized in 1855, and has been kept run-
ning ever since. The first superintendent was Lucien Hoisington.
He died in the army and was much respected by all who knew him.
The present superintendent is Charles Lewis. The school numbers
from forty to fifty scholars. The following were the firtt oflBcers
of the township: David Crawford, J. B. Dawley and L. D. Hois-
ington, Trustees; W. B. Howard, Clerk; S. M. Howard, Assessor;
Isaac Nad en and J. C. Town send, Justices of the Peace; Elisha
Crawford and Phineas Hoisington, Constables; A. C. Williams,
Road Superintendent.
The present oflicers of the township are: Clerk, Addis Scher-
merhorn; Trustees, Samuel Clay, William Bojer, Sr., and Paul
Tibean; Assessor, P. P. Cole; Justices of the Peace, W. B. Towner
and S. F. Ferguson,
The teachers and number of scholars in attendance last spring
term in this township will be seen in the following table:
District Numbbh.
Enroll-
ment.
Teachek.
Lgth. op School
District No. 1
13
10
13
16
16
13
9
Nettie Hamer.
Kate H' isington.
Clara Clay.
S. A. Taylor.
Neba Schermerhorn.
W. A. Wilbur.
Kate Byrne.
14 weeks.
District No. 2
District No. 3
District No. 4
District No. 5
District No 6 . . .'
District No. 7
14 weeks.
14 weeks.
14 weeks.
13 wei ks.
13 weeks.
13 weeks.
CEDAE TOWNSHIP. 793
BIOGKAPHIOAL.
Joseph L. Atherton, farmer; P. O., Stillwater; son of Ozias and
Lydia (Pearsons) Atherton, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont,
respectively; they died in Vermont. Joseph L. was born in Ver-
mont, Sept. 10, 1815, where he was educated, and followed farming
until he came to Iowa, in 1858; he now owns 400 acres of tine land on
section 29, Cedar, and section 28, Floyd, townships; his home is in
Cedar, where he has fine buildings and plcMsant surroundings. In
1840 he married Lucy B., daughtt-r of Gardner and Betsey (Proctor)
Adams; she was born in Vermont, Feb. 12, 1824. This union has
been blessed with four children — Ella A., born Aug. 25, 1841,
wife of John Q. Adams, of Mitchell County, la. ; Edgar F., born
Mar. 23, 1845, married and living in Charles City; Eddie B., born
Dec. 28, 1859; Walter E., born June 10, 1862. Mrs. Atherton is a
member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Atherton votes the Re-
publican ticket.
W. 11. Ballard^ farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Charles City;
•on of Thomas an 1 Ann (Bennett) Ballard, native.^ of England.
They came to the United States about 1829^ and located in Troy,
where they lived a short time; then moved near Buffalo, and lived
three and a half year^; then came to Chicago. He built the first
frame house there; he died in Lake County, III., in 1851. Mrs. Ballard
died in Floyd County in 1873. W. H. was born in Chicago, July
5, 1834, and is one of the first white children born there. In 1862
he came to Iowa and bouglit a farm, and now owns 125^ acres of
land on section 25, which he has in a good state of cultivation. In
1861 he married Melinda A., daughter of Ephraim and Nancy
(Irving) Bruce, natives of Vermont. They came to Iowa, and now
live with W.II. Ballard. Mr. Ballard and wife have been bless^id
with s<'ven children, six living — George H., born Mar. 4. 1863;
Annett", April 20, 1864;- Edith, Aug. 20, 1865; Nellie, Jan. 29,
1871; Mary, Oct. 22, 1873. died Sept. 10, 1875; Alida, born
Feb. 23, 1878, an<l a baby boy, born Mav 23, 1881. Mr. and Mrs.
Ballard are members of the Wesleyan Mi;thodist church. Mr.
Ballard votes the R'3publican ticket. He deals in fine stock coni-id-
erably, Norman and Clydesdale being his fancy.
George Bennett, farmer; postoffice, orchard; son of Stephen
and Betsey (Knickerbacker) Bennett, natives of New York. George
was born in Lake County, III., Dec. 14, 1844; he was educated in
Iowa, where the family moved in 1855. Mr. Bennett lias followed
794 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
farming and now owns 228 1-3 acres on sections 22 and 27, Cedar
Township — which is finely cultivated. In 1872 he married Je inie
L., daughter of Theodore and Jane Wilson, natives of New York
and New Hampshire respectively. By this union there are three
children — Bessie A., born Sept, 15, 1875; Emma Louisa, Aug. 29,
1878; Samuel Wilson, March 9, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are
members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. He votes the Repub-
lican ticket. Mr. Bennett is paying considerable attention to tine
stock; the Clydesdale is his specialty.
Samuel Bennett^ farmer; postoliice, Charles City; son of Stephen
and Betsey (Knickerbacker) Bennett, natives of Dntchess County,
N. Y. Samuel was born in Illinois, IlTov. 10, 181:0, where he was
educated. In 1855 he came to Iowa. He has followed farming and
now owns 218 acres of finely improved land on sections 26 and 35.
In 1861 he married Sarah, daughter of Israel and Mary (Warren)
Walling, natives of Kew York; they came to Iowa at an early day,
where Mrs. Walling died. Mrs. Bennett was born in IS^ew i'ork
in 1844; by this union, there are two children — Stephen Curtis,
born April 11, 1864, and Mary Frances, Oct. 30, 1871. Mr. and
Mrs. Bennett are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church.
He votes the Republican ticket.
William BlecTdy^ farmer and baker ; posto Sice, Charles City; was
born in England, April 21, 1814; he was educated there and learned
the trade of a baker, which he worked at until he came to the
United States, in 1846; he bought a farm in Wisconsin where he lived
nineteen years; he then came to Iowa and bought his present farm
of 160 acres on section 30, where he now lives. He now owns
eighty acres, having given his son eighty acres of the original farm.
His house was struck by a cyclone on the 17tli of July, entirely
demolishing the greater part of it, carrying fragments eighty rods
away, distributing a cook stove for ten rods, tearing up apple-trees
and destroying everything in its way. In 1839 he married Maria,
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Edwards, natives of England,
where they died. By this union there have been six children, five
living — Ellen, born Feb. 6, 1841, wife of JohnBloomhall, of Dakota;
Carrie, born Feb. 14, 1842, wife of George Boyer, of Dakota;
George, born Sept. 19, 1843, married; Kate, born Sept. 9, 1845, wife
of Frank Houghy; Eliza Ann, born Dec. 5, 1847, wife of R. W.
Town, of Dakota. The first four were born in England; Eliza Ann,
in Dane County, Wis. Mr. Bleckly and family are members of
the M. E. church. Mr. Bleckly votes the Republican ticket.
CEDAB TOWNSHIP. 795
Williaiv. Boyer, fanner; P. O. , Charles City; son of Samuel and
Jane (Boyer) Boyer, natives of England, where they died. Will-
iam was born June 30, 1823, and educated in England. He worked
in a chemical laboratory until he came to the United States, in
1846. He located in Dane County, Wis., coming out with what
was then known as the " British Temperance Emigration Society,"
which soon broke up. Mr. Boyer purchased a farm, and has fol-
lowed this occupation, living in Wisconsin until January, 1867, when
he came to Iowa, purchasing 245 acres of fine land on section 30.
He has sold a portion, and now owns 165 acres of finely cultivated
land and a good home. In 1842 he married Mary, daughter ot
John and Mary (Tyson) Lowndes, of England, where they died.
Mary was born Aug. 11, 1822. This union has been blessed with
ten children, eight living — George, born July 20, 1843, married,
and living in Dakota; Mary Jane, born Oct. 19, 1845, died May
31, 1847; G. L., born Feb. 25, 1849, married, and living in Da-
kota; Olive Melissa, born May 24, 1851, wife of Levi Pierce, living
in Dakota; Martha Ann, born Nov. 14, 1853, wife of W. H. Hill,
living in Dakota; William, born May 24, 1356, married and living
in Dakota; Mary, wife of S. R. Laughlin, of Dakota, was born
April 18, 1858; C. W., born Dec. 13, 1860, living in Dakota;
R. F., Aug. 19, 1863; one child died in infancy. Mr. Boyer
and all his family are members of the M. E. church, in which he
is a local deacon, and supplies Orchard Circuit. He has held many
of the township offices, and is at present one of the Trustees. He
votes the Republican ticket. He is one of the substantial and re-
liable men of Floyd County.
Samuel Clay, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Orchard Station,
Mitchell County. Mr. Clay is the fourth child of his father's
family of fourteen children. He was born in England, Jan. 5,
1830, and remained there until his twenty-second year; then came
to the United States, and located in Illinois, where he remained
three years; then came to Iowa and entered a quarter section of
iiis present homestead. He now owns 545 acres of excellent land
on sections 21, 22 and 27, all under an excellent state of cultiva.
tion. Mr. Clay has been an extensive grain-raiser, but recently
has changed his manner of farming, and is giving much attention
to fine stock; Norman and Clydesdale horses are his specialty; he
has several of the best of these horses to be found in the county,
and persons desiring to improve their stock should examine his
before purchasing. In 1852 he married Mary Ann Landon, a native
796 HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
of the north of Ireland, where her parents still live. Three chil-
dren blessed this union — Ada Alberta, wife of Charles Knowlton,
of Floyd Township; Herbert Harrison, living in Idaho, and John
William. Mrs. Clay died in 1857. Mr. Clay married, in 1858,
Rosetta, daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Workman) Shaw, natives
of England, where they died. Mrs. Clay was born in England,
Oct, 19, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Clay have been blessed with a family
of four children — Clara Jane, born 1859; Mary Ann, born 1861;
Henry W., born 1864; Katie, born 1866. Mr. Clay has held
many of the township offices, and has faithfully discharged all the
duties thereof, abd is one of the prominent and respected citizens
of Floyd C 
