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Full text of "History of Monona County, Iowa; containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the Governors of Iowa, and of the Presidents of the United States"

m 2 7 ^96^ 



\ ^\ 



f\ 



H ISTORY 



—OF 



MONONA COUNTY, 



IOWA. 



Containing Full-page Portraits and BiograpFiical Sketches of Prominent 
and Representative Citizens of tine County. 



TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS 

OF IOWA, AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE 

UNITED STATES. 



CHICAGO : 

NATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. 
1890. 



T!'^ 



»V YC^K 



4^51331 

ASTOR, LENOX AND 
TILDEN roUND'-TIO 'S. 

R isoa i-_ 





^ N this age of culture and progress people are but just waking up to the fact that we are every day 
Jl making history — working out problems of life and carving out fortunes — all to be forgotten by the 
next generation, unless we enter more carefully upon the task of recording and preserving the details 
of our local and personal history. These annals, thus written, will be duly appreciated for their truth- 
fulness and completeness by those who come after us, for it is well known that the lapse of time makes 
the best of memories imperfect, and tradition is totally unreliable. 

Thus it is that in most every section of the Union efforts are being put forth to perpetuate local 
history and biography. Surelj' no cause can be more worthj' of popular attention. In no county in 
Iowa should the citizens feel greater interest in recording, in some convenient form, the most important 
events in the history of the county and the lives of its citizens. 

With the laudable purpose of gathering up the history of Monona County and its citizens this vol- 
ume was commenced and carried to a finish. Our work is done; and we now present it to our patrons 
witli the wish that it will meet the satisfaction that the care used in its preparation warrants. 

Vours very trul\-. 

Tiiii Natioxal Fuhlisiiinc: Co. 




ap^^lii®^. 




I^?¥^iif©;ir 









eERTIFISATE OF COMMITTEES, 



We, the undersigned, members of the committees appointed to revise the histories of our respective town- 
ships or villages for tlie history of Monona County, now being compiled by the National Publishing Co., do 
hereby certify that the manuscript of the same was duly submitted to us, and that we revised and corrected 
the same, making such additions and corrections as we, in our judgment, deemed necessary, and as so cor- 
rected do approve of the same: 



T. Elliott, 
J. K. McCaskey, 
William Burton, 
Addison Oliver, 
B. D. Holbrook, 

Village of Onaioa. 

Cliarles I. Wiiiting, 
G. W. Carliart, 
F. GrifBn, 
J. D. Kice, 
15. D. Butler, 

Villarjp. of Mapleton. 

E. M. Cassady, 
B r. Morris, 
Lyman Whittier, 
W. C. Wiiiting, 

VilllUJP of Wllitl/Kj. 

R. G. Eairchikl, 
U. U. Comfort, 
r. G. Oliver, 

Neal MciSreill, 

Franklin. 

John S. Eggleston, 
T. ir. Peabody, 

Liivoln. 

F. F. Koe, 

T. T. Bouslaugh, 
D. T. Hawthorn, 

Cenlpr, 

Thomas Cover, 

Wiltol,-. 



R. T. Eeese, 
C. W. Bisbee, 
S. S. Dorward, 

Bel Ciller e. 

George R. Outhouse, 
James Ballantyne, 

Jordan. 

J.J. Peck, 

Siovx. 

W. G. Kennedy, 
W. VanDoru, 

Grant. 

O. E. Slrand, 
R. R. Porter, 
Kiigebret Evenson, 
M.J. Riddle, 
Soldier. 

Lewis Pike, 
C. E. Whiting, 
Peter Inman, 
M. F. Briuk, 
.1. R. Folwell, 

West Fork. 

W. W. Ordway, 
J.B. P.Day, 
Socrates Smith, 
A. J. Lynch, 

Kennebec. 

Petei; Reily, 
William McFarlaue, 
N. C. Harlow, 

Slierinan. 



Q. A. Wooster. 
C. H. Simmons, 
N. A. Willsey, 
J. A. Heisler, 

Maple. 

Victor Dubois, 
N.B.Olson, 
J P. Olson, 

Fairvieie. 

P.i trick G. Dundon, 
A. F. Gray, 
J. R. Murphy, 
Ashton. 



Tobias Pegenbush, 
W. Jj. Coones, 
Joseph Robinson, 

Lake. 

J. L. Bartholomew. 
J. B. Moorhead, 
S. M. Blackman, 
James Graham, 

Spring Valh'ij. 

S. D. Depue, 
A. J. Patrick, 
J. L^ Smith, 
William G. Dorothy, 

St. Clair. 



J. A. Heisler, 
J. E. Homan, 

Cooper. 




BIOGFJp^I^I^P^- 



Adams, Almon L 475 

Adams, John 23 

Adams, John Qiiincy 39 

Adams, Joseph A 570 

Adams, Moses 52S 

Agens, William 581 

Alexander. Peter. 572 

Allen, Perry 487 

Amundsen, John.... 6:* 7 

Anderson, William ao\ 

Arthur, Chester A 99 

Ashton, Isaac 361 

Atherton, Edward A 628 



B 



Caghy. John 532 

IJailey, W. B 415 

Bakke, Edward E., 542 

Bakke, Severt E 650 

Ballanlyne, Andrew 602 

Ballantyne, James 551 

liallantyne, John 485 

Barcus, John 641 

Barcus, Wesley 590 

Bard. Henry E 638 

Barney , Loren 647 

Bartholomew, James h 377 

Bassett, William D 646 

Beers, fohn F 4g8 

Bearce, Lorenzo D .494 

Beall, Nelson D ^65 

Bisbee, Hon. Charles C... tot 

Bisbee, Charles W 624 

Blackman. Stephen M fog 

Blanchard, John,Jr 5^0 

Boies, Horace 159 

Bouslaugh, Jasper 616 

Bouslaugh, Joseph R 567 

Bouslaugh. Theodore T... . 577 

Bowers, David W . . . 584 

Bridges, John T 637 

Briggs, Ansel 111 



Brink, Milan F 499 

Brooks, George H 379 

Brooks, Jolin W 416 

Brown. Anthony 640 

Bryant, Colby M 562 

Bryant, Capt. G. H .478 

Buchanan, James 75 

Burton, William 389 

Butcher, Ldmond 563 

Butcher, Frederick 505 

Butt, Joseph D 658 

Butts, Mrs. Mary A 401 



Caldwell, Joseph A 369 

Cameron, Lieut. S. T 604 

Carlson, Ole B 597 

Carpenter, Cyrus Clay 139 

Carritt, John C 451 

Carritt, Thomas R. 445 

Case, Francis C, Sr 558 

Case, James M 468 

Cassady, Charles M 588 

Cassady, Edward M ^ib 

Chamberlain, Eber B 597 

Chapman, Edward A 558 

Chapman, Edward H 403 

Christianson, Christian L. . . .532 

Christie, Lawrence E 6f-o 

Christman, David 629 

Clark, Edward 455 

C lemon. Martin 553 

Cleveland, Grover S 10 j 

Cofl'man, Col u mi) us 370 

Colby, Frank E 596 

Colby, Harry E 589 

Colby, Harry E., Jr 603 

Collison, Edward 633 

Comfort, Uriah U .4^4 

Comly, John B., M . D ... . .529 

Conyers, John J .... 507 

Coones. William L 522 

Cook, Aaron W 362 

Cook, David C 481 

Cojk, James 365 

Cook, William 623 

Cooper, Robert W 433 



Cope, Charles W 564 

Copeland, Elijah W 383 

Cork, George W 421 

Counts, Joseph D 584 

Cox, Julius Warren, M. D , . .613 

Crawford, Thomas M 561 

Crossley, John 461 

Crow, Williard D 645 

Cummings, Albert 647 

Cunningham, Henry W. . .384 
Cunningham, Samuel. -. . .. 473 

Gushing, Caleb. --579 

Gushing, Ervin 490 

Cutler, David T 428 

Cutter, Julius T 386 



D 



Dailey, Andrew T 458 

Dalev, Chester W . . .495 

Daley, William H 450 

Danjorth, Benjamin F 456 

Davidson, William H 387 

Davis, Aaron A 437 

Davis, Isaac 372 

Davis, Oliver 390 

Day, Franklin Augustus. ... 517 

Day, Frank L 536 

Day, J. B. P 467 

Day, William T 505 

Delashmntt, E. N 4^2 

Denton, Thomas A 542 

Depue, S. D 659 

De Wolf, Ezra 613 

Diddy, George 511 

Dingman,John 573 

Donner. Johan 525 

Douglas, George A 369 

Dorothy, James R 403 

Dorothy, William G 361 

Dorward, Frank M 622 

Dorward, Samuel Stephens . .476 

Driggs, Lorenzo 511 

Driggs, Lorenzo D 509 

Drummond, John R 486 

D ubois, Victor 570 

Dubois, Victor P. . - 601 



Duffy, Til mas 578 

Dundon, Patrick G 491 

Dungan, Francis 643 



E 



East, John '1' 521 

Eggleston, Charles F 391 

Eggleston, John S 474 

Elliott, Timothy 390 

Elwell, John €04 

Engen, Ole 471 

English, James W 389 

Erb, John George 372 

Erickson, Gilbert E 504 

Erskine, L. D 651 

Ertel, Wcntel F 546 

Eva,Wil!!amJ 644 

Evansou, Engebret 496 

Evenson, Christian 624 



Fairchild, Robert G 413 

Fegenbush, Tobias 654 

Fegenbush, William D 397 

Fessen de n , A Ibert T 42^ 

Fillmore, Millard 67 

Fischer, George 508 

Fleming, James C 487 

Foick, Mrs. Catherine 390 

Folvvell, Jacob R 381 

Frazier, John E., M. D 555 

Freeland, Isaac 510 

Freeland, Maj. Martin A 506 



G 



Gard, John Brookfield 612 

Garfield, James -A.. 95 

Gantz. Charles 426 

Gantz, Christian - .410 

Gantz, Ernst 4,8 



INDEX. 



< .Mill/ , N^ illi'-'lin 17 

i;c-.->r, John H '47 

Gillilan, Frank M 631 

(liliiiorc, Henry I, 3-4 

Ciiiglc'i. J. J-, M- T) 4,0 

(;ienn. Jolin •'" 

Ohnn, Mrs. M.irtlin' <i'6 

Oodsey, l,ycur,.;iis 53' 

Graham, James 5^-7 

Grant, U.S «' 

Gray, A. F 4')'! 

Giay,AngusO 5'S 

Gray, John /->'> 

Greene, Winslow ..\ 5.i'* 

C'.rinin, Joseph W 3S8 

Grimes, James W "9 

Groom, Charles H <>45 

Crow. Wallace 1> 44' 

( ; ullikson, ficorge SO* 



II 



llamie. John 47* 

HamUton, William H 63I 

llamman. Henry W. C S»3 

llanscom, Alfrcl U 597 

II an scorn, George U S'^ 

llanscom, Horace A 595 

Hansen, John 6.3t> 

ll.inson, Anton 658 

Harlow, Hiram 477 

• Harlow, Jerome H 367 

H arlow, Nathaniel C 477 

Harris, John F, f>S* 

Harris, William 400 

Harrison, lienjamin 107 

Harrison, Sanuiel 410 

Harrison, William Henry 51 

Harvy. Henry foi 

Hathaway, William N 407 

Hatt, William ..588 

Hawkins, F ("z 

Hawthorn, David T 593 

Hayes, R. H 9' 

llazlitt, James E 4ei 

Heisler, Henry... 4<o 

Heislcr, John Adams 5i'7 

Heisler, Samuel 617 

Hempstead, Stephen 115 

Henderson, -Milo J 5'5 

Hickel, Asa V (01 

Hinsdale, Samuel Dexter... 550 

Hittle. Michael 395 

Hoadky, Sidney C 632 

llolbrook, Bernard D 539 

Holhrook, Charles H 591 

Holdcn, Francis Marion 616 

HcUandsworth, George H. ..452 

HoUister, Hiram 419 

Hong, E. N 594 

Howard, Seth .^ 402 

Hubbard, I'endleton 655 

Hudgel, William J 630 

Huff, John 499 

Hull, Edwin J 61(0 

Hurst, James 48 s 

11 uston, David G 41 i 



iddings, Lewis 656 

Innian, Peter. *'>9 

Irish, Samuel G 5^4 



Jackson. .'Xndrcw 43 

Jacohsen. Laurence 643 

Jefferson, Thomas '7 

Jennewein, John - 42^ 

Jensen, Sercn 5'S 

Johnson. Andrew 83 

Johnson, John O 55^ 

Johnson, Xels 493 

Johnson. Peter 492 

Jones, John F 3''" 

Joslin, George R 371 



Keller, Jacob ^51 

Kelscy, John 41'S 

Kennedy, 'Ihoinas f>i7 

Kessle'r, I'erdinand 363 

Kesterson. Samuel I 489 

Kilborne, Kev. Ira B 62q 

Kimball, Parker J 47' 

Kirkwood, Sanuiel J 127 

Kittle, Levi D 437 

Konkle, John W -j'o 

Koontz, \\'il!iam 603 

Kn.^tnss, WiMiam Wesley 592 

Knndsoii, Kn^jebret ... ,. 402 
Kralz. Henry 614 



Lane. J. W (1.5 

Larrabee, William 155 

Larson , J aiiies 594 

Leach, Ivory 621 

Leathers, William Hudson ..581 

Leathers, William M .... .405 

Lee, Erick K 524 

Lee, Ole Knutson 5^5 

Lefr, Olof . 657 

Lewis, Dorman 626 

Lincoln, Abraham 7y 

Lindley, Robert E 459 

I.indley, Robert, Sr., 458 

Linville, Ciranville P 453 

Lohmaiin. Gottlieb C 374 

Lolspeich. David W. 545 

Lowe, Ralph P 123 

Loyd, George E 368 

Loyd, John T 3S7 

l.iitz, 'Jhonias V' ...(48 



Lyman, Rev. Charles N 53s 

Lynch, Andrev/ J 494 

Lytle, Hugh 384 



M 



Mad.k-n. .John F ^:^3 

Madison, James ;?! 

Mann, Samuel H 582 

Maple, Mrs. Mary A . ...5N 

M;irr, Hervcy F. , . M. I> 573 

Marr. John H... -(43 

Marr, Nahuin C 4f"> 

M^rr, William C 460 

Marr, WiH O 44' 

Martii>, James 5^^ 

Manghlin, Joseph S 488 

Maughlin, William J 362 

Mc Heath, John H -399 

McP.eath, Wilson M 4SS 

McCandlcS!i, William , . .650 

McCaskey. John K 388 

McClain, James M 44© 

McCleerey, Aaron 417 

McCleercy, William K 439 

McDor.ald, James 636 

McKarlanc, William 462 

Mclntyre, John R •.-4M 

McM aster. Irving C 5S0 

McMillan, Griffith W 371 

McNeill, Kdwin R 4^9 

McNeill, James 4 54 

McNein. Neal 44 1 

Mean?, Thomas , 454 

Merrill. Samuel 135 

Miller. Keiijamin L "52 

Miller, Chalmers A 53 ? 

.Mocn, Ola us O 600 

Monk, Edward 423 

Monroe, James 85 

Moorhead, John E 482 

Moore, William F 6it 

Moiehead, Hardy 649 

Morehead, John C 406 

Morris, Benjamin K 55S 

Morrison, Herbert li .120 

Morrison, J. E to8 

Morrison, Jonathan F, ... ^85 

Mosher, Harry C 543 

Mountain, John M 552 

Murdick, W. M 6,1 

Murphy, John R -;=■' 

Myers. George J 5^9 



Neff, Hiram E 459 

Newbold, Joshua G 143 

Newman, Alexander 642 

Newton. H. N 660 

Nodle, Jacob 36y 

Norcross, Edward J 656 

Norris, Charles T 383 

Norton, George R 2S<^ 

Norwood, Francis M 528 



o 



Oliver, Hon. Adilisoii i;i 

(Miver, Franklin (i 4'^ 

Oliver, George A 4^0 

Oliver, George W 396 

Oliver, John F 570 

Olsen, John A 620 

Olsen, Peder ..655 

Olson, Hans 133 

Olson, Hans .5S0 

Olson. JobnP 543 

Olson, Mels B... ftp 

Ordway, William W., M. D..503 

Otto, Carl (Ob 

Otto, William H 550 

Outhouse, George R 544 

Outhouse, John &48 



Barks, William -A 59^ 

Patrick, Andrew J 391 

P.itrick, George 406 

Patrick, Robert 380 

Pay ne, William .635 

Peabody, Thomas H 425 

Peake, Hon. Elijah 599 

Peake, Warner H 599 

Peck, J esse J 498 

Peterson, Gust 5 54 

Peterson, John 55» 

Perkins, Capt Charles G 43^ 

Perrin, John 40i 

Perrin, 'J'lionias J .iQ2 

Pierce, Franklin 7' 

Pike, James C ■■■ -398 

Pike, Lewis f'50 

Pixler, George W 428 

Polk, JamesK 59 

Polly, Curtis C 588 

Polly, James W £00 

Polly, Samuel, M. D... 614 

Polly, William U. S. G 616 

Porter, Robert R S'3 

Prichard, Edwin 472 

Pull..-n, Maiden B 40S 



Q 



Qiiatter, William 



R 



Rains, W.J 512 

Rawlings, John T fi.iO 

Rawlings, William T 531 

Reed, John W 385 

Reese, Richard T 583 

Reily, Peter --. 598 

Reily, Thomas 555 



INDEX. 



Reynolds, Joseph J 536 

Rli odes, John R 633 

Ritidle, Isaac U 526 

Uiddl';, Moses Jackson 446 

Rilcy, Beiiiamin F 578 

Riley, William 373 

Rinehart, Lewis W 593 

RinJi, Wjlliani L 634 

Robbins, We- ley - 419 

Roberts,' Fretl J 370 

Roberts, William E 527 

Robinson, Stephen 409 

Roe, Hon. Ferguson F 641 

Ross, B. F 559 

Ross, Charles E 6^4 

Ross, George 364 

Rounds, William V 552 

Rude, Andrew -422 



Schelm, George 62.1 

Schurdeviu, Germain 423 

Searle, Constant R 443 

Sears, Judge Leonard 449 

Sears, Leonard C 442 

Sears, Siillman Koote 443 

Se verso n, Cornelius S 497 

Severson, George 59^ 

Severson, James 639 

Severson, Die, ... 628 

Sherman , Buren R 151 

Simmons, Charles H... ..625 

Skid more, Horatio 415 

Skidmore, Tertius I! 414 



Skow, Arne 366 

Slater, JohnM 509 

Smith, Charles. .453 

Smith, Edmund J 404 

Smith, John W to? 

Smith, John (^' 395 

Smith, John I - -474 

Smith, Seth, Jr 435 

Smith, Seth,Sr 415 

Smith, Socratc? . .382 

Solien, Anton ... . - .563 

Sooy, James K - .554 

Spaulding, John . . 582 

Spencer, Frank '1' 496 

Stanley. William II 540 

Stapleton, Ephraiin .V 561 

Stcbbins, Richard. M . D 402 

Steel, James W-. 396 

Stephenson. Frank 644 

St. John. Louis E., M. D 438 

Stone, William M 131 

Strand, Alfred II 615 

Strand, Ole E 500 

Strantz, Ernst 424 

Straub, Eli S 5S9 

Strubel, Charl-s O41 

Sudduth. J. Will 373 

Swenson, Andrew 625 

Swenson, George - 559 



Talboy, J. Henry, M. D 4^6 

Ta^'lor, John G 408 



Taylor, Zachary 63 

Templeton, John N 4.59 

Thomas, John .618 

Thompson, Mrs. Sarah 489 

Thoreson, Filing .605 

Thoreson, Kniid 564 

Thoreson, Nc!s 366 

TiUson, Esther R 557 

Tillson, Hon, Steplicn, Sr. ..557 

Tillson, Stephen, Jr 368 

Tisdale, Lovead J 515 

Torrison, Torges C 402 

Townly, William, Jr 468 

Trego, Alexander J 507 

Triml)le, John 417 

Tyler, John 55 



Underhill, George , . .63S 

Uhl, Joseph 486 

Utteiback, James P 611 



V 



V;ui 15uren, Martin 47 

Van Dorn, Cornelius 522 

Van Dorn, S. Livingston — .534 

Van Dorn, Virgil 527 

Van Dorn, Washington 461 

Vandover, Grason ... ^S6 



w 



Warner, Major George E. ... .371 

Washington, George 19 

Wells, (Jideon M 574 

Welsh, George A ^97 

Wheeler, H A., M. 653 

Whiting, Charles I 518 

Whiting, Hon. Charles E ... .5^ 

Whiting, NewcU A 617 

Wiley, Clinton M 513 

Wiley, George P 4:0 

Wiley, Hon. WiUiam F 434 

Wiley, William Henry 632 

Wiley, William L 379 

Wilkins, Christian 652 

Williamson, Joshua G- 533 

Willits, Sanford F 400 

Willsey, Nelson A 546 

Wilsey, W. H 577 

Winegar, Edward 398 

Winegar, Frederick D 404 

Winegar, Frederick D., Jr . .40^ 

Winegar, Moroni 578 

Wingate, Hans L 590 

Wininger, Williaii 610 

Wood, William G 45-' 

Woodward, Joseph D 549 

Woodward, Lewis :--444 

Wonder, W. H 3S1 

Wooster, Alfred Quincy 435 

Wooster, Quincy A ^6;^, 

Wright. William T., M. D. .367 








>^»^^ 



Adams, John 22 

Adams, John Q ^3 

Arthur, Chester A 08 

Ashton, Isaac 3^0 

Bartholomew, J. L 376 

Boies, Horace ... . 15S 

Houslaugh, J. R 56tj 

Briggs, Ansel no 

Bryant, G.W 478 

I'uchanan, James 74 

Carpenter, C. C 138 

Cleveland, G rover S ics 



D;.y. J. B. P. 465 

Fairchild, R. G 412 

Fillmore, Millard 66 

Grant, Ulysses S 86 

Garfield, Tames A 94 

Gear, J, H 146 

Grimes, J. W ...118 

Harrison, Benjamin lo* 

Harrison, William H 50 

Hayes, Rutherford B 90 

Heisler, J. A 586 

Hcmpfitcad, Stephen 114 



Holbrook, B. D 538 

Jackson, Andrew 42 

Jefferson, Thomas 26 

Johnson, Andrew 82 

Kirkwood, S. J ne 

Larrabee, William 154 

Lincoln,-Abraham 78 

Lowe, R. P i22 

Madison, James 30 

Merrill, Samuel 134 

Monroe. James 34 

NewboId.J, G 142 



Oliver, Addis. in 4jO 

Ordvvay, W. W., M, U 502 

Pierce, Franklin 70 

Polk. James R 58 

Sherman. B. R I50 

Stone, W.M 130 

Taylor Zachary. : 62 

Tyler, John 54 

Van Buren, Martin 46 

Washington, George. 18 

Wilsey, W. H 576 




leW. 



Fairchild, R,G 3.,j 

Graham, James 594 



Moorhead, 
Pcrrin, T. 



I . E 



■4 J 
•313 



Riddle, M. J 

Whiting. Charles 1 



.447 I WilUey, N.A 
•i'9 ' 



INDEX. 










CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTORY Ifj3 

CHAPTER II. 

ORGANIZATION AND 
GOVERNMENT 166 

CHAPTER III. 

NATIONAL, STATE AND 
COUNTY REPRESENTA- 
TION 170 

Congressional 170 

General Assembly 170 

County Judge 172 

County Auditor 172 

Treasurer and Recorder. .172 

County Tre.isurer 172 

County Recorder 173 

Clerk of the Courts 173 

Sheriff 174 

County Superintendent of 

Common Scliools 174 

County Surveyor 174 

Drninaoe Commissioner. .175 

County Coroner 1 75 

County Attorney' 175 

chapter iv. 

otih<:r officiai- mat- 
ters 176 

Population 176 

Marri.age Record 176 

CHAPTER V. 

Political 180 

CHAPTER VI. 

MISCELLANEOUS 201 

Swamp Lands 201 

Homestead Cases 202 

Storms and Tornadoes. ..203 
A Remiuiscence of War 

Times 207 

Pjxperience of D. T. Haw- 
thorn in the Winlei-of the 
Deep Snow 209 



The first Railroad in Mon- 
ona 209 

How we Came to ]Mon- 
ona in 1855 210 

CHAPTER \'II. 

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.. . 214 

Early Settlement 214 

First Items 218 

Organic 219 

CHAPTER \ HI. 

ASHTON TOWNSHIP 220 

First Items 222 

Village of Asliton 222 

CHAPTER IX. 

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP 224 

First Items 227 

Maple Landing 227 

Organic 228 

CHAPTER X. 

JORDAN TOWNSHIP. .. 229 

Organic 231 

First Items 231 

CHAPTER XI. 

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP.. .232 

First Items 233 

Organic 234 

Albaton 234 

CHAPTER XII. 

WEST FORK TOWNSHIP. . 235 

Historic Crumbs 236 

Organic 237 

CHAPTER XIII. 

LAKE TOWNSHIP 238 

Historical Items 240 

Organic 241 

CHAPTER XIV. 

BELVIDERE TOWNSHIP. . 242 
First Events 244 



Organic 244 

The Village of Belvidere. 245 

Village of Turin 245 

Post-office 246 

Societies 246 

Rek'gions 246 

School 247 

CHAPTER XV. 

SIOUX TOWNSHIP -2 18 

Organic 250 

CHAPTER XVI. 

WILLOW TOWNSHIP 251 

First Items 252 

Organization 252 

CHAPTER X\ II. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP 253 

Early Settlement 253 

First Tilings 255 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

GRANT TOWNSHIP 257 

Tom King Holhiw 260 

Organic 260 

First Items 260 

Rodney 261 

Ticonic 261 

Grant Center 262 

CHAPTER XIX. 

St. CLAIR TOWNSHIP . . . .263 

First Items 266 

Ute 267 

CHAPTER XX. 

SPRING A^ALLEY TOWN- 
SHIP 270 

Preparation 270 

Other parts of the Town- 
ship 274 

Moorhead 276 

CHAPTER XXI. 

SOLDIER TOWNSHIP 277 

First Items 279 



INDEX. 



Organic 279 

School Matters 280 

Soldier Post-office 280 

An Experience 281 

CHAPTER XXII. 

KENNEBEC TOWNSHIP.. . 283 

Castana Mill 288 

Old Castann 288 

Castana 289 

Religious 290 

Business Men's Associa- 
tion 290 

Castana Creamery 291 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP.. ..292 

First Items 294 

Educational 295 

Organization 295 

Grange Hall 295 

Good Templar's Haii 295 

Blencoe 295 

Hotels 296 

Depot 297 

Educational 297 

Churches 297 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
MAPLE TOWNSHIP 298 



Educational 301 

First Items 302 

Organic 302 

Majileton 303 

St. George 303 

CHAPTER XX \. 

COOPER TOWNSHIP 305 

Tlie Firstlings 307 

Organization 307 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

ONAWA .308 

County Seat 314 

Early Business Houses. . .315 

Present Business 316 

Banks 319 

Gristmill 319 

Hotels 320 

Post-office 322 

Press 322 

Educational 324 

Municipal 327 

Fire Department 328 

Fires 329 

Pioneer Literary Sucii-ty.330 
Old Time Militia Com- 
pany .330 

Societies 331 

First Items 336 



Band 337 

Creamery 337 

Railroad History 337 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

VILLAGE OF WHITING. . . 339 

Hotels 340 

Elevator 341 

Post-office 341 

Press 341 

Educational 341 

Religious 342 

Fire Department 342 

Telephone 343 

Band 343 

Opera Hall 343 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

EAST MAPLETON 344 

Business History 344 

The aiapleton Bank 348 

Hotels 348 

Journalism 349 

Post-otBce 349 

Incorporation 349 

Societies 350 

Churches 353 

HISTORY OF THE STATE 
OF IOWA 354 






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FIRST }= RESIDE NT. 



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;| HE Father of our Country was 
# born in Westmorland Co., Va., 
■^' Feb. 22, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged hns not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of George, fiist 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighborliood 
schools afforded, save' for a short time after he left 
- .liool, when he received private instruction in 
mathematxs. His spelling v/as rather defective. 



Remarkable stories are told of his great ))hysica. 
strength and development at an early age. He wa.s 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandon«d. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. \n 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. Li 1751, though only 19 years of 
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Lidians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Lidies with his brother 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health They 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infarit daughter 
who did not long survive him. On her demise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
ce[)ted, which others had refused. This was to pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, 
and the journey was to be made without military 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



\x\\) was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most important part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer 
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Washington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : "I had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was leveling, my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

After having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought ijromotion in the royal army, he 
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesnc and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
to resign his commissioh. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an 
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
-jf Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Piiila- 
del[)hia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
responsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a memberof the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under ever)' possible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
ol>stacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
a paiting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 



commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately tj Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public life. 

In February, 1789, Washington was unanimously 
elected President. In his piesidential career he was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments ; trials from want of harmony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and 
wliile perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this tenn many 
were anxious that he be- re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination* On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
.A.t the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
his life was suddenly cut oft". December 12, he took 
a seveie cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
ill his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne wi'h military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all oiiinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetrv. 
He commanded respect without any appearance of 
haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. 



[PUBLIC library' 

ASTon, LENOX A^•D 



,.^i. 






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2 




SECOND PRESIDENT. 



"^ 







t-^aalSti^^ 










©fflH ABAMSa -w. ^^ 




OHN ADAMS, the second 
tj)_^ President and the first Vice- 
t^«" President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree ( now 
Quincy),Mass., and about ten 
^^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
-.'9 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braiutree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
'school of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
cils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature," 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
♦jon turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
steps toward holdin., a town meeting, and the resolu- 



tions he offered on the subject became very populai 
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the General Couit (the Leg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against th? 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he mcved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume the duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of ave 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th'j 
glow of e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated, 
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable e: och in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
deliverance by solemn acts cf devotion to Almighty 
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows- 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. You will think me transported 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, tliut it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and support and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is 
worth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
hope we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
delegate to France, and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from the French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
clTOsen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such pioposels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and 
formed important commercial treaties 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to goto England to drink the waters of 
B.ith. 'While in England, still droo[)inganddespond- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
ne.gotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
deiicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President, .\gain 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected President,though not without much oi)position. 
Serving in this office four years, he was succeeded by 
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 



French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adains felt no sympathy with the French people 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were witli England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy with France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and .how he had given up all the prime and strength 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that day two of these finished their 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spirit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, 
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
tlie engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of Jefferson, 



JUNDATIONS. [ 





^y'TTTl^ 



THIRD PRESIDENT. 



27 




JEFFI 









HOMAS JEFFERSON was 

born April 2, 1743, ^t Shad- 
^vell, AUjermaile county, Va. 
His parents were Peter and 
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
Wiien 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
rnd Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion 
a. id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he 
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
such influences,that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- 
orcise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished 
scholur has seldom gone forth from college halls; and 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. f!ut the times called for greater action. 
1 he policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, Ie 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow 

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, th^rc 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye^ 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Cclonial Congress 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important conimitteeO; 
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams. 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jeferson, as chairman, was appointed 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a kw verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776 What must have been the feelings of that 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known tiie wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
iiovcrign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever wntten ; and did no other effort 
\A the mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elaiised after the harried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 slie died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tendary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, .he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. I, 1794- In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the 
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
forty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years required, and upon the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticelio. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, Itabies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at n 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 



sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every part of th'. 
Union for its celebration, as tlie nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer. 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to iKirticipate in their lestivities. But an ill- 
ness, wliich had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the ne.\*. 
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha. 
he might be permitted lo breathe the air of the fit"iieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
hiin company, left the scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of 
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a 
century they had labored together for tiie good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became 
white and silvery ; his complexion was fnir, his fore- 
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as personal courage; and his command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discernable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiquity. 



\PUBUC LIBRARY 




r (Zyo<^^^^ .^^ itt-^^-^-^l ^'"V 



FOURTH PRESIDENT. 




prriEs n];5Disoi]. 





AMES MADISON, "Father 
of the Constitution," and fourth 
President of the United States, 
was born March i6, 1757, and 
died at his home in Virginia, 
,y^^ jiine 28, 1836. The name of 
James Madison is inseparably con- 
nected with most of the important 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which the founda- 
tions of this great repubhc were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
landing upon the shores of the Chesa- 
peake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing upon a very fine es- 
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., 
Va. The mansion was situated in 
the midst of scenery highly pictur- 
esque and romantic, on the west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
It was but 25 miles from the home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest jjersonal and 
[lolitical attachment existed between the?e illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he applied himself to study with the most im- 






Blue Ridge. 



prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three 
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsr' 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive an.d systematic reading. 
This educational coarse, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-wovk of 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd 
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
(1777)) hfi "*^3S a candidate for the General Assembh'. 
He refused to treat the whisky-lovirg voters, and 
consequent!}' l.jst his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of tlie 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the E.xeculive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of liis 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
the most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 17S4, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any .Stale more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to apjioint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
this subject. Five States only were represented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the Slates to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United -States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time appointed. Every Stale but Rhode Island 
was represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
But grave solicitude was felt. .Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
States, with but little power at home and little respect 
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by tne conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adopition. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of the Repniblican party. While in 
New York attendmg Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a 
young widow of remarkable power of fascination, 
whom he married. She was in person and character 
(jueenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so prominent a (losition in the very peculiar society 
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
Madison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administiaiion 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 



British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring 
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But ihe 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even -now, to think of an American ship brought 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of Fingland. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave 
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal parly to the war, the country 
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th 
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered upon his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan. 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 
18 13, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the United Slates under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
dilator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at BLadensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole iiopiilaticn fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of being 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. 

On the 4th of March, 1S17, his second lerm of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Monlpelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1849. 






, :x AND 

TILDEN FOUNDATrONS. 




^A-^ 



y 



^c^^_ 



FIFTH PRESIDENT. 



35 




AMES MONROE, the fifth 
Presidentof The United States, 
was born in ^Vestmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
. s) many years resided in the prov- 
ince in which he was born. When, 
i, at 17 years of age, in the process 
f »V of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
Great Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
(irobable that he would have been one of the signers 
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when everything looked hope- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring 
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife 



for liberty. Firmly yet sadly lie shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White" 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had" been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- 
moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an 
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy 
wine, .Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 1782, he was elected from King George county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
at this early period displayed some of that ability 
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
employed with unremitting energy for the public good, 



36 



JAMES MONROE. 



he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
the Congress i)f the Uiiiicd States. 
Deeplyas Mr. Monroefelt the imperfections of the old 
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, 
ihinking, with many others of the Republican party, 
that it gave too much power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 17S9, he became a member 
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent iaeas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
AVashington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
us in the struggle for our liherties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by ajjpointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations- 



Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the 
office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining 
the vast territory then known as the Province of 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- 
tained from Spain. Tlieir united efforts were suc- 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and 
district of Louisiana were added to the United States. 
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate 
which was ever made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
tain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- 
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- 
land on the same mission, but could receive no 
redress. He returned to his home and was again 
cliusen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under 
Madison. While in this office war with England was 
declared, the Secretary of" War resigned, and during 
these trying times, the duties of the War Department 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient 
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return oi 
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- 
piration of Mr. iNIadison's adminstration. At the elec 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and 
upon March 4, 18 17, was inaugurated. Four years 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presidency 
were the cession of Florida to the United States ; the 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' 

This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 
tinae the United States had recognized the independ- 
ence of the South American states, and did not ^\ish 
to have European powers longer attempting to sub- 
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any other light than as a manifestation by European 
)iowers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United 
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
sentiment of the Ll^nited States. 

At the end of his f econd term Mr. Monroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, 
when he went to New Vork to live with his son-in- 
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831 



jT^HE NEW YoaKl 

[f'UBLIC LIBRARY 



ASTOR, LENOX AVD 

.Ili^ffl^OUNOATIONs. 




J. $, Ai 



<i>o>u5 



SIXTH PRESIDENT. 



39 












Wr^ 



OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
sixth President of the United 
^States, was born in the rural 
lonie of his honored father, 
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass., 
,.^ on the I ith cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched over his childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
eight years of age, he stood with 
his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of his mother, 
to sail with his fainer for Europe, 
through a fleet oi hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paiis, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguisiied men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
cou/.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
I'ohn Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied himself with great diligence, for si.\ months, 
to jtudy; then accompained his father to Holland, 
v/here he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then 
the University at Leyden. About a year from this 
time, in 178 1, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
yea-s of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. 

Tn this school of incessant labor and of enobling 
culture he silent fourteen months, and then returned 
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his si.xteenth year. Again he resumed 
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



^;>^«^ 



ni the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on the Continent- 
e.xaminingarcliitectuial remains, galleries of paintings 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he agair. 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal 
themes which can engross the human mind. Afte- 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to America to complete his education 
in an American college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted^ to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
Great Brilian. After thus spending a fortnight ir, 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as 
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but requesting 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions. While wr.iting he was mairied to a:i 
American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London; 
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- 
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she w?s destined. 



40 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- 
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sidtingour flag. There was no man in America more 
familiar with the arrogance of the British court ujion 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomijlished scholar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. ' It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the 
1 8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr, Adams conti<iued Secretary 
of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of office, new candidates liegan to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the 
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
*he past history of our country than the abuse which 



was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. ^V'hen at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his library 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew- 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now begarr to assume 
ixjrtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to 
Quincy and. to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
" the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in Its moral daring and heroisin. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination; 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before 
he slept, the prajer which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2 rst of February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving "conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is the end of earth .-"then after a moment's 
pause he added, "/ am content" These were the 
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent^" 



^W YORK 

^'BRARY. 



<»yS'S't 




A' '^■'-, 




S£ VENTH PRESIDENT. 



n 




l:tti2^ 



^jj5,aa.s)><^^^y;Zr2r<r»v. a'tSj 







NDREW JACKSON, the 
seventh Presider.t of the 
' United States, was born in 
Waxhaw settlement, N. C, 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly; and there was but veiy 
tittle in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tuntive. 

\V!ien,only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
17S1, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
Dlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the 
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 
with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which qiiite 
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their 
mother was successful lo- obtaining their exchange, 



and took her sick boys home. After a long illn^SL 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother ^oon 
left him entirely friendless. 

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s i;h as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
with the Sharp Knife. 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been 
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

During these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven 
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member in, 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 



44 



ANDRE W JACKSON. 



sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party. Jefferson was his idoh He admired 
iionaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his 
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the .Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held fjr six years. 

When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was 
an unknown man in the West, Andrew [ackson, who 
.>ould do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred uix)n him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson 
uffeied his services and those of twenty-five hundred 
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly e.xpected to make an at- 
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid \Vilkinson. The 
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions; and he became the most popular 
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering iipon a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- 
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
one of the bendsof the Tallapoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend 



of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with its terrifrtc slaughter, 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands caiue to the camp, begging for peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No. man of less resolute will 
than Gen/ Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he 
was appointed major-general. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to 
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little foil, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his litll" 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And, the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won 
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of about 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, 
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected 
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of 
her deatli he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. 



THE NEW YORK 

JPUBLIC LIBRARY 

ASTOR, LENOX A'O 
TILOEN FOUNOATIOWS 




O 7 ^U^ ^^z^? U^-.^.^^-^ 



EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 



47 



^ 







TQM'M V^l] Ba^El]. 



•^^^'Q)^)^r^W:§)\^^^€3^^^^^^^^/^'^'^\^ 




ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 
eighth President of the 
United States, was born at 
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
17S2. He died at the same 
place, July 24, 1862. His 
body rests in the cemetery 
at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
high, bearing a simple inscription 
about halt way up on one face. 
w The lot is unfenced, uvibordeved 
or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Burea 
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was s-tormy in 
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
in his native village, and commenced the study of 
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study in a law-office were required of him 
. before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, lie pur- 
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After 
spending six years in an office in his native village, 



he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Baren, then twenty-one years of 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listenkig to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the 
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th{ 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years 
constantly gaining strength by contending in tht. 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank, into the grave, the victim of consump- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In 181 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
to Albany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
piominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



4^ 



Martin van buren. 



the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not retjuire that " universal suffrage" which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while the 
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
lu every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of the 
Stale. 

In 1S21 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
ihe approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
.he Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the 
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whetiier 
entitled to the reputation or not, be certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skilltui, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how 
Jo touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all 
ihe wires to put his machinery in motioij; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secredy and 
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
these powers it is said that he outv*-itted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
few thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position he resigned in i83r, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 



home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election 
of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and 
fiowns for none, he look his place at tiie head of that 
Senate which hjd refused to confirm his nomination 
as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his rejjudiated favor 
ilc; and this, probably more than any other cause 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- 
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States He was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the dehglit of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though -the Constitution had 'jonferred 
upon him the power to'appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events. 
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in 
volve this country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re election. 

Wiih the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald 
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, on 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old 
age, probably far more happiness than he had before 
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. 



J 




/(x^. //r)9t^yiyi^^U^ 



NINTH PRESIDENT. 



S' 



H0k 




Wl^iMM WK^NiH m^M^ii. 







ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
SON, the ninth President of 
the United States, was bora 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. g, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively op- 
ulent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, w as early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in- 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
speaker. 

Mr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
William Henry, of course enjoyed 
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough comuion-school education, he 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where lie graduated 
with honor soon after the death of his father. He 
shen repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Ulion the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he 
ai)ar.doned his medical studies and entered the army, 
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
position. 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was a])- 
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible 
dutiesniay be inferred from the fact that he was four 
rimes appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three white settlementsin that almost boundless region, 
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite I-ouisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrisoi. 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indian.s. Abou' 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of 
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, OUiwacheca, or "The Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might 
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely anorator: he was, 
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 1812, his army began its march. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was 
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise. 
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
the desperation which superstition and passion most 
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
sas yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a 
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing the foe. 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can - 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. 
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
General Harrison was found er[ual to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love ofhis soldiers by always sharing 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

In 1S16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a niember of 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In iSig, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1S24, as one of the presidential electors 
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nomirated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. 
The contest was very animated. Gen, Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which any President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States. 



THE NEW YORK 

PUBLIC LIBRARY 



ASTOR, LENOX A !D 
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS 





zo^ 




TENTH PRESIDENT. 



55 





^■1 OHN TYLER, the tenth 
^',a Piesidentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and higli social po- 
sition. At the earl}' age of 
twelve, John entered \V'ilHam 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law, partly with his 
father and partly with Edmund 
Randolph, one of the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 
At nineteen years of age, ne 
J|i commenced the practice of law. 
ijj» His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
1 et of the court in which he was 

iiot retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State 
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
TefTerson and Madison. For five successive years he 
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
unanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national 
bank, internal improvements by the General <^overn- 



ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to lijs 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the A'ictor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, lie joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his opposition to the nuUifiers, had 
abandoned the piinciples of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of 
his profession. There was a :pl:t 'v.\ the Democratic 



JOHN TYLER. 



party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jet- 
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
secpience of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he vvas not in symi)a- 
thy with the Whig party in the No;th: but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In r84r, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
une.xpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been 
opposed to the main principles of the party which had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own.'' or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He "suggested, however, that he would 



approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he 
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into tlieir arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his 
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of iVIr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion ]3assed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. ■ More and more, 
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his 
old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, and 
probably to his own unspeakable lelief. His first wife, 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with information from 
books and experience in the world, and possessing 
lirilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own principles and 
policy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebelhon rose, which the State- 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a memljer of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 



ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. 



55 



m^^^S^:. 











"•^Jp^-" 



AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 
^President of the United States, 
was born in Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 
ents were Samuel and Jane 
(Knox) Polk, the former a son 
of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the 
first pioneers, in 1735. 

In the year i3o6, with his wile 
and children, and soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the members of 
the Polk fatnly, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred 
miles farther west, to the rich valley 
of the Duck River. Here in the 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log huts, 
and established their homes. In tlie 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, James K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the pur- 
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
gradually increased in wealth until 
he became one of the leading men of the region. Mis 
mother was a superior woman, of strong comir.on 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
iiim methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had inspired liim with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 



sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, wlien at his 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 181 5, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honoiSjbe- 
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- ' 
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he 
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably been 
sligli'.ly acquainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican, 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- 
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was 
constantly called upon to address the meetings of hi,3 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial nrd 



6o 



JAMES K. POLK. 



tourterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
nature in the jo) s and griefs of others which ever gave 
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jacksoii, to the Presidency of the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinuec' in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of li^nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
always in his seat, always courteous; and whenever 
he spoke it wag always to the point, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused, 
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on tlie 4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with .Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, 1039, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1S41, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- 
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to 
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same" footing with the 
other States. In the meantime. Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and war 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of "observation,"' then of "occupation," 
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors beleng the spoils.'" Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good. With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen, 



-.';ox a;.'D 
;ndations. 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 



63 








^lA- 




ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
® President of the United States, 
-*^vvas born on the 24th of Nov., 
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
JO father. Colonel Taylor, was 
a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
tinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, "vi. few 
miles from Louisville. In this front- 
ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, yaung Zachary 
could enjoy but few social and educational advan- 
tages. A\'hen six years of age he attended a common 
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bhnitness and decision of char- 
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and 
iianifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight 
die Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
^childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
from one of the first families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 1S12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison.on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
rid by Tecumseh, Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. TliL.r 
approach was first indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. TayLr 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the 
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war-whoop burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- 
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- 
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- 
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages then, baffled at eveiy point, 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to tlie 
rank of major liy brevet. 

Until the close of the war. Major Taylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which 
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
to be done Init to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled ou Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black- Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to com|iel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
hac^ promised they should do. The services rendered 
heie secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
tc Jie rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of such wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
and was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, Iniried, as it were, 
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

\x\ 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
licing the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
\\\s. sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

Tiie tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
•pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. 'I"he 
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
office. So little interest had Ire taken in politics that, 
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It wa.s not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
v/ho had been long years in the public service found 
«Liir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It Is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umijhantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a veiy uncongenial position, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, wliile slavery 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians. 

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. 
His last woids were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " With a good store of 
common sense. Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his _ 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side pocket, — in any such case, this 'critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
'touch with a pair of tongs.' 

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, 
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- 
saving contempt for learnirg of every kind." 









"S'^Tio: 



Ano 



WS. 




»fA«f^» 




t-c-^^ Ji 



THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



67 





-fe-? 



^Hr 






jg_^ 






■^ 





ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- 
teenth President of the United 
^j'' States, vv'iis born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
the 7th of January, 1800. His 
father was a farmer, and ow- 
ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, the 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said liiat she possessed an intellect 
ofveryliigh order, united with much 
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and ex- 
quisite sensibilities. She died in 
1831 ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
jbe, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
^nd expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
AVhen fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied \\ith 
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history, 
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clothier had now attained the dge of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha', 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
Wood, — who was struck witli the prepossessing ao- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of hrs own, 
no friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion abou'; 
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed ti 
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal' •; 
«nd then enters a law office, who is by no means as 



(>A 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortuire or in fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
P.uffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
.State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
tlie Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parlies, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degrt e the respect of his associates. 

In the autiHiin of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled 
irena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
!iis profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After' a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave hmi stiength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
he was elected Comptroller of the State. 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
namesofZachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President,'of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the opposition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt 
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the power of the Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillmore's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 



ASTOF , .fc 
TILDEtj FOU. 



FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT, 



71 



€=^- 




^^ 



^"FRMKLIN PIEREE. 










RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
^*"' United States, was born in 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
Revolutionary soldier, who, 
with his own strong arm, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate, Christian wom- 
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and liandsonieboy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection^ He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural- 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
one of the most popular young men in the college. 
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
the State, and a man of great private worth. The 
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice .Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 
■ In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest m^mberin 
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
station with wiiich her husband was honoied. Of the 



72 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the \'ear 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an important part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce. reached his home in his native 
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy be- 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating point. It became evident that there was 
an "irrepressible conflict" between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern l>reeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government which they ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. 



ASTOR, LENOX AND 
r" <!_-: FOUNDATIONS. 




-^-^w^^j 




zly/Tze^ ^auo-/is^y7Z€^/?7/y 



I'lFTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



7.S 



-"««e- 










IfliPF <iT^ Wf «?% 1Mf 







AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at tlie foot of the 
eastern ridge of the Allegha- 
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on 
the 2-3d of April, 1791. The place 
where the humble cabin of his 
father stood was called Stony 
Batter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of Ireland ; 
tojiji; a poor man, who had emigrated in 
i 1 7 S3, with little property save his 

own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
form his ol)Scure part in the drama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
ior eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
the first scholars in the institution. His application 
t.o study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 



abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in liealth, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained amember of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally 
tried some important case. In 1S31, he retired 
altogether from the toils of his jirofession, having ac- 
quired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, 
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated t!ie meas- 
ures proposed by President Jackson, of m ilijng repri- 



76 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



■ials against France, to enforce the payment of our 
ilaiuis against that country; and defended the course 
of the ['resident in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the suj)- 
porters of Iris administration. Upon this question he 
was brought into direct collision with Henry Chiy. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging 
trom the journal of the Senate the vote of censure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. 
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents liy the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on the sui)ject of slavery, he advo- 
cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
that the re[)ly should be returned, that Congress had 
no power to legislate upon the suliject. " Congress," 
said he, " miglit as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
States where it now exists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our Government pursued in that 
movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1050, 
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The 
liolitical conflict was one of the most severe in which 
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
veived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been 
allied in political principles and action for years, were 
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, 
he could not, witliout perjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Wasiiington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery 
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the Governiiient to defend and extend 
tlie institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of 
the most i)itiable "exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its 
laws \\\'- any State which had withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sworddiilt, he exclaimed. " The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston: Fort Sumpter 
was be.'ieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized ; our depots of military stoies were [ilun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the reliels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. 



THE NEW Y3RK 

PUBUC UBiAIiY 



ASTOR, LENOX A-!D 
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS. 




/t. 




<^ 



(^y^^'^^-^^^ 



SIXTEENTH FRESIBENT. 



79 









mt 



^ < ABRAHAM > ^l)*^--^^ < LINCOLN. > ^ 




^*/ 



BRAHAM LINCOLN, the 
sixteenth President of tlie 
[^United States, was born in 
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
1809. About the year 1780, a 
"JS man by the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virginia with liis 
fimily and moved into the tlien 
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, still a young 
man, while working one day in a 
field, was stealthily approached by 
an Lidian and shot dead. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's death. This Thomas was 
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the 
President of the United States 
whose name must henceforth fcever be enrolled 
with the mijst prominent in the annals of our world. 
Of course no record has been kept of the life 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched 
log-cabin ; his food rhe coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
.ess., wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and tiius spent the whole of his youth as a 
'aborer jn the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he buill a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come frqm Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and .die in a hovel. 
" All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- 
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 



cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around him. He could not have had a 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. The 
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read 
and re-read until they were almost conmiitted to 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family w^as gradually scattered. Mr. 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin 
wliich ardent spirits were causing, and lietame 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
God's word, " Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain ;" and a profane expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- 
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven- 



So 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



tare his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
his retura tiiey placed a store and mill under liis care. 

In 1S32, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and altliough only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and .soon 
made this his Ixisiness. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
i\Ir. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
r836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
;lavery question, and he took the broad ground of 
.he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five thousand. An immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most 
urominent. It was generally supposed he would be 
the nominee, Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: 
and aslittle did he dream that he was to render services 
to his country, which would fi.x upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
a place in tlie affections of his countrymen, second 
cnly, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
vyith much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. 

In tlie selection of Ijis cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
important positions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all iiis 
trials, bo^h personal and national. Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 
made fjr his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would be present. (jen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, witn his cliaracteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth 
entered the box where the President and farnily were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
model. His name as the savior of his country w:!! 
live with that of Washington's, its father; his co'::ntry- 
men being unable to decide whii h is the greater. 



[the new york| 
PUBLIC LIBRARY 



ASTOR, LENOX AND 
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS. 






'K^-^-7:2i:^^';yt^ 



.'iE VENTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



'm^w.^'iym 









NDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 
States. The early Ufe of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of poverty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
was born December 29, 180S, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
"poor whites " of the South, -were 
in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education upon 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
iost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished British states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the booii. 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi- 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote such time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos 
sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderm.an, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in political 
affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature, 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1S40 "stumped the State," advocating Martin V;in 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thosv 
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired mucl; 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected Stale Senator; in 1843, he 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that important post for ten years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resiwnsible posi 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi. 



84 



ANDRE ir JOHNSON. 



ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or net, and that 
the ""ree States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of iSbo, ne 
ivas the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 186 1, when the purpose of the South- 
ixw Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- 
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and lie 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, " The American people must be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * ^ The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter iiw;onsistency with, and the most violent 



opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so | 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- , 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- i 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from the not ginlty 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was i 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent!--, 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name j 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. r 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the ^ 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in ( 
politics until 1S75. O''^ J'^"- ~^i 'ifter an exciting j 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special , 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of I 
March. On the 27th of July, 1S75, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at I 
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, 
with every demonstration of respect. 





::f 



EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



^/^®)®(®VeX2^^f<^ 





11 eighteenth President of the 
^■••'United States, was bom on 
the 29th of April, 1822, of 
Christian parents, in a humble 
f'j ^'1 home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came, Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one 
side of the anir»al, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, III. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them .as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the isth of 



88 



UL YSSES S. GRA NT. 



luiie, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Major-General, and the military 
iistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the reljels had thus far encountered, 
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. frrant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for montlis. He then rushed to the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Cliattancoga, and 
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Geii. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
and entei- upon tlif duties of his new office. 



Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
die army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which'^would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago. 
May 21, 1 868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1S72, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywhere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the 
Republican National Convention in 18S0 for a re- 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of 
the illustrious General. 






^-^Z^ ' 




S.: 



'^^J^ 




T 



-J 



NINETEENTH VRESIDKNT. 



91 




.^es 




— ■ ' — ■ — — — — — — — — /j 





UTHERFORD B. HAYES, 

tSi the nineteenth President of 
*' the United States, was bora in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
most three months after the 
'['/""^ death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and niaternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
and had a large following. Misfor- 
tune ovt:f caking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George way born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until h^s death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turer of scytheijat Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Ezekiel at^d grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a fanner, 
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an unknown date, settling inBrattleboro, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes the, father of President Hayes, was 



born. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on' the male side are traced back to 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionaiy War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the tcrwn, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day. 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver- 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. TTaycs at this period was very weak, and the 



92 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



subject of this sketch was so feeble at birtli that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
iast night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
nim, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You 
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to h.is 
mother. 

The boy was seven yeais old before he went to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideratign for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; bat he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in iS^S.at the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

Innnediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thonias Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1849 he moved to Cincmnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- 
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
Chilicotlie; the other' was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
members such men as'^hief Jnstice Salmon P. Chase, 



Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many 
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
nvore than she to reflect honor upon American woman 
hood. The Literary Cluo brought Mr. Hayes into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the 
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulne^s and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judg; of 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ar- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office o' 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Co\!nciL 
elecled hiui for the unexpired term. 

In 1S61, when the Rebellion broke out, he was a; 
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take nn 
arms for the defense o'f his country. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. In 
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 



of 



South Mountain he received a wound, and while 



faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanavdia division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "forgallant and distirguishcd fcrvices 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shot from under liim, and he was wounded four times 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign liis 
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, "I 
shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 

Ir. 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. 
In r869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He was elected Governor for the third term in 187 1;. 

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, however, with satisfaction to his party, 
b'lt his administration was an average on= 



f^UfiUC LIBRA RV 



TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT. 



95 










AMES A. GARFIELD, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
States, was born Nov. 19, 
I S3 1, in the woods of Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
ents were Abram and EHza 
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
England ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had moved to the Western. 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James A. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
.V as about 20x30 feet, builtof logs, with the spaces 'be- 
tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
nard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. 
The household comprised the father and mother and 
dieir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and 
Tames. In May, 1S23, the father, from a cold con- 
.racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
this time James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
tell how much James was indebted to his brother's 
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that 
would living in a few dollars to aid his widowed 
mother in hf struggles to keep the little family to- 



gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. Wlien in the highest seats of honor 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sureof the 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi 
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Eiie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
imderstanding, however, that he should try to obtain 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city 
After making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re- 
mained at this work but a short time when he wen': 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
tlie meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of 
which church he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. 
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
" exiiausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He aftenvards returned to Hiram 
College as its President. As above slated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
Yale College, says of iiim in reference to his religion : 



96 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, sliovvs that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of his beitig, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my judgment: there is no more interesting feature of 
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Cliristians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian comnmnions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
church of his mother, -tlie church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
larian charity for all 'who love our Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ii, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in i86i was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Lifantry, Aug. 
14, 1861. He was immediately pat into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, 'charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
(Humphrey M•^rshall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
in its operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a memberof the 
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He w.as then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." 

The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with 



his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars of the Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part Get? Garfield wa» 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for sixty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha ^Vhittlesey and Joshua 
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in thai 
body. Ther^i he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 18S0. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which 
you will not find, if you wish nistruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to 
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
party for President at the great Chicago Convention. 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, 188 r, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first 
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his l.)ack. 
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but infhcting no farther 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop!° 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching the country and the world the 
noblest of hmnan lessons — how to live grandly in the 
very clutch of death. Gre.at in life, he was surpass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J, on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wejit at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committed the foui deed. 



THE N£w 



ASTOB. LENC 




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TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT. 



99 










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HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

twenty-first Presi'^.v.iu of the 

fef'United States, was born in 

Franklin Courty, Averment, on 

thefifthofOdober, 1830, and is 

the oldest of a family of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William 

Arthur, a Baptist d'.rgyman, who 

emigrated to tb'.s countrj' from 

the county Ant.-im, Ireland, in 

j'li his 18th year, and died in 1875, in 

Newtonville, neai Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S( henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
ter his graduation he taught school 
in Vermont for two years, and at 
the expiration cf that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of ex- Judge 
E. D. Culver as student. After 
being admitted to the bar he formed 
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
soon afterward nv>j-rpd the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's 
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon, 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 



lOO 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored jier- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hmi Engineer- 
in-Chief of his staff In 1861, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of thi's well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. .21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, t8So. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on thecontinent. It 
was composed of the Jsading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
.vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moment* of 
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 



tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored position in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the wodd, as never 
before in its history .over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
Sept. 20, 1881. The position was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administration. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before the con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have 
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
to them and with credit to himself. 



-^C LIBRARY 




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TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. 



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TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 

lAND, the twenty-second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
born in 1837, in the obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the humble birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Porapey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supporting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayette. 'ille seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where his father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy lie was to 
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in- 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
ville, he went with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher." in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his 



104 



S. GROVER CLEVELAND. 



calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 
there was some charm in that name for him; but 
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 
isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not 
speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 
law," was the reply. " Good gracious ! " remarked 
ihe old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put 
that into your head? How much money have you 
got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 
any." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, while he could "look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told Uiem what he 
wanted. A number of young men vi^ere already en- 
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's 
tv-here they all begin." A titter ran around the little 
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that 
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, ]\Ir. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for e.xecutiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
';t," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
'which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two 
criminals. In iSSi he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



in the administration of the municipal affairs of that 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his 
performance of duty has generally been considered 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote fiom one vetoing an iniqui- 
tous street-cleaning contract : " This is a time for 
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of 
a mos' bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
to betray the interests of the people and to worse 
than squander the people's money." The New York 
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- 
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire 
State. To the latter office he was elected in rSSz, 
and his administration* of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
any, were made very public throughout the nation 
after he was nominated for President of the United 
States. For this high office he was nominated July 
ir, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of Ntfw York in 
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New 
York ; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
Arkansas. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy be- 
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. 
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his 
inauguration. 



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TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT. 



107 







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■ENJAMIN HARRISON, the 

twenty-third President, is 
the descendant of one of the 
historical families of this 
country. The head of the 
family was a Major General 
Harrison, one of Oliver 
Cromwell's trusted follow- 
ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom- 
well's power it became the duty of this 
Harrison to participate in the trial of 
Charles I, and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subse- 
quently paid for this with his life, being 
hung Oct. 13, 1660. His descendants 
came to America, and the next of the 
family that appears in history Is Benja- 
r.;in Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, and 
after wbom he was named. Benjamin Harrison 
was a member of the Continental Congress during 
the years 1774-5-6, and was one of the original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 
Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the 



distinguished patriot of the Eevolution, after a suc- 
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, 
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North- 
western Territory, was elected President of the 
United States in 1840. His career was cut short 
by death within one month after his inauguration. 
President Harrison was born at North Bend, 
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. 20, 1833. His life up to 
the time of his graduation by the Miami University, 
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- 
try lad of a family of small means. His father was 
able to give him a good education, and nothing 
more. He became engaged while at college to the 
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo" 
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en- 
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin 
oiunati and then read law for two years. At tht 
expiration of that time young Harrison receiv, d t'c . 
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left uia 
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as ; 
fortune, and decided to get married at once, 'ak- 
this money and go to some Eastern town an . be- 
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with 
the money in his pocket, he started out wita his 
young wife to fight for a place in the world. Ee 



108 



liEiN.iAMjlSr HARRISON. 



decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at 
that time a town of promise. IIo met with slight 
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything 
the first year. He worked diligently, applj-ing him- 
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
|)ractice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- 
i'ession. He is the father of two children. 

In 18C0 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
gan his cxiieriencc as a stump speake- He can- 
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a 
handsome majority. In 18G2 he raised the 17th 
Indiana Infantry-, and was chosen its Colonel. His 
regiment was composed of the rawest of material, 
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first 
mastering military tactics and drilling his men, 
when he therefore came to move toward the East 
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best 
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he 
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
at Peachtree Cieck he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in tlie most 
complimentary terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 
ihe Supreme Court declared the olHce of the Su- 
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person 
was elected to the i)osition. From the time of leav- 
ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1 8G4 
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been 
nominated that year for the same office, he got a 
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time 
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected 
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher- 
ican, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet 
iever, and after a most tr^ying siege made his way 
to the front in time to participate in the closing 
incidents of the war. 

In 18G8 Gen. Harrison declined z re-election as 
;€porter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876 
iie was a candidate for Governor. Although de- 
eated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him 
a National reputation, and he was much sought, es- 
peciaLy in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
as usua!, he took an active part in the campaign, 
and wa-: elected to the United States Senate. Here 
he served six years, and was known as one of the 
ablest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in 



that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial 
term he returned to the practice of his profession, 
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in 
the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. The 
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and 
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
of the Republican part3', was great in everj' partic- 
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- 
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief 
among which w.as the tariff, awoke a deep interest 
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly 
after the nomination delegations began to visit Blr. 
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move- 
ment became popular, and from all sections of the 
country societies, cl\il),s and delegations journeyed 
thither to p.ay their respects to the distinguished 
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly 
increased on account of tiie remarkable speeches 
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through 
the summer and autumn to tliese visiting delega- 
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were 
his speeches that they at once placed him in the 
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen. 

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his 
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un- 
commonly early age to take part in tlie discussion 
of the great questions that then began to agitate 
tlie countiy. He was an uncompromising ant: 
slavery man, and was matched against some of tl:e 
most eminent Dem(,cratic si)eakers of his State. 
No man who felt the touch of his blade desired to 
be pitted with him .again. With all his eloq-'ence 
as an orator he never si)ol<e for oratorical etfect. 
but his words always went like bullets to the mark 
He is purely American in his ideas and is a splec 
did type of the American statesman. Gifted witli 
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue, 
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu 
speakers in the Nation. Many of these si:>eeches 
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse 
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi- 
nal in tliought, precise in logic, terse in statement, 
jet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as 
the sound statesman and brilliant or.ator o^ the day 




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GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



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NSP:L BRIGGS, the first 

®) o'ciitlcmiin cIhisch to fill the 

r-a " 

;iv gubernatorial chair of Iowa 

M after its organization as a 
State, was a native of \'er- 
mont, and was born Feb. 3, 
l.SOG. His parents, who likewise 
were New P^nglanders, were Ben- 
jamin and Electa Briggs. The 
boyhood of our subject was 
passed in his native State, and in at- 
tendance upon the common schools 
he received a fair education which 
was subsequently improved by a 
term at Norwich Academy. ^Mien 
a young man he removed with his 
parents to Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio, where 
young Briggs engaged in the work of establishing 
stage lines. He also here embarked in political 
affairs and as a Whig run for the office of County 
Auditor but was defeated by John Ferguson, a 
Jackson l^emocrat. 

After remaining in Ohio for six years, the glow- 
ing accounts of the fair fields and the fertile prairies 
of the Territory of Iowa, led him westward across 
the Father of Waters. He had previouslj' united 
hi^■ fortunes in life with Nancy JNI. Dunlap, daugh- 
ter (,f Major Dunlap, an officer in the War of 1812. 
J'^\'en prior to this marriage he had chosen a wife, 
■• lady who was born on the same day and year as 
iiimself. but of whom he was soon bereft. He 
iirought with him to Iowa his little family and lo- 
cated at Andrew, in Jo<jkson Countv. Seeiiia: the 



opportunity here for resuming his former business, 
he began opening up stage lines, frequently driving 
the old stage coach himself. He made several eon- 
tracts with the Postoffice Department for carrying 
the United States mails weekly between Duljuque 
and Davenport, Dubuque and Iowa CUty and other 
routes, thus opening up and carrying on a very im- 
portant enterprise. Politically, Gov. Briggs was a 
Democrat, and on coming to Iowa identified him- 
self with that party. In 1842 he was chosen a 
member of the Territorial House of Representatives 
from Jackson County, and sidjsequently was elected 
Sheriff of the same county. He had taken a lead- 
ing Y>avt in public affairs, and upon the formation of 
the State Government in 1846, he became a prom- 
inent candidate for Governor, and though his com- 
petitors in hi,; own part}' were distinguished and 
well-known citizens, INIr. Briggs received the nom- 
ination. The convention was held in Iowa City, 
on Thursday, Sept. 24, 1846, and assembled to 
nominate State officers and two Congressmen. It 
was called to order by F. D. Mills, of Des Moines 
County. William Thompson, of Ilemy County, 
presided, and J. T. Fales, of Dubuque, was Secre- 
tary. The vote for Governor in the convention 
stood: Briggs, sixty -two; Jesse AVilliams, thirty- 
two, and "William Thompson, thirty-one. Tho two 
latter withdrew, and Briggs was then chosen by ac- 
clamation., Elisha Cutler, Jr., of Van Buren Coun- 
ty, was nominated for Secretary of State; Joseph 
T. Fales, of Lmn, for Auditor, and Morgan Reno, 
of Johnson, for Treasurer. S. C. Hastings and 
Sheperd LefSer were nominated for Congress. The 



112 



ANSEL BRIGGS. 



I'lecciiin was held Oet. 28, 1S4G, the entire Demo- 
cvntip ticket being successful. Briggs received 
7,i'i-2t'i votes an'] his competitor, Thomas McKnight, 
the Whig candidate, 7,37'J, giving Briggs a major- 
ity of 247. 

The principal (piestion l)etween the two leading 
parties, the Democratic and the ^Vhig, at this period, 
was that of the banking system. It is related that 
I short time prior to the meeting of the eonven- 
iion which ncmiinated Mr. Briggs, that in offering 
I te)ast at a banquet, he struck the key-note which 
made him the popular man of the hour. He said, 
"No banks but earth- and they well tilled." This 
was at once caught up by his party and it did more 
to secure him the nomination than anj'thing else. 
His administration was one void of any special in- 
terest. He labored in harmonious accord with his 
party, yet frequently exhibited an independence of 
principle, characteristic of his nature. The Mis- 
souri boundary question which caused a great deal 
of excited controversy at this period, and even a 
determination to resort to arms, was handleil li_v 
liim with great ability. 

On liis election as Executive of the State, G(.)V. 
Briggs sold out his mail contract, but after the ex- 
piration of his term of service he c<>iitinued his 
residence in Jackson Countj'. In l.s7o lie removed 
to Council Bluffs. He had visited the western 
part of the State before the day (_)f railroads in that 
section, making the trip bj' carriage, (jn tiie occa- 
sion he enrolled himself as one of the founders of 
the town of Florence on the Nebraska side of the 
river and six miles above Council Bluffs, and which 
for a time was a vigorous rival of Omaha. Dur- 
ing the mining excitement, in 1860, he made a trij) 
to Colorado, and three years later, in company 
with his son John and a large party, went to 
Montana, where he remained until the year 



ISC'), when he returned to his home in Iowa. 

As above stated, Gov. Briggs was twice married, 
his first wife being his compaiuon for :■. brief time 
only, llis second wife bore him eight children, all 
of whom died in infancy save two, and of these lat- 
ter, Ansel, Jr.. died ^lay 15, 18G7, aged twenty- 
five years. John S. Briggs, the onlj' survivor of 
the family, is editor of the Idaho Herald, published 
at Blackfoot, Idaho Territory.. Mrs. Briggs died 
Dec. 30, 1847, while her hu.sband M-as Governor of 
the State. She was a devoted Christian lady, a 
strict member of tlie Presbyterian Church, and a 
woman of strong domestic tastes. She was liighly 
educated, and endowed by nature with that 
womanlj' tact and grace which enabled her to adorn 
the high position her husband had attained. 
She dispensed a bounteous hospitality, though her 
home was in a log house, and was highly esteemed 
and admired liy all who met her. 

Gov. Briggs went in and out among his people 
for many years after his retirement from the execu- 
tive olHce, and even after his return from the Mon 
tana exj)edition. He was admired for his able 
services rendered so unselfishly during the pioneer 
period of the now gi-eat and populous State. His 
last illness, ulceration of the stomach, was of brief 
duration, lasting only five weeks, indeed only three 
days before his death "he was able to be out. His 
demise occurred at the residence of his son, John 
S. Briggs, in Omaha, Neb., at half-past three of the 
morning of May .'>. 1881. His death was greatly- 
mourned all over the State. Upon the following 
day, (^lov. Gear issued a proclamation reciting his 
services to the State, ordering half-hour guns to be 
fired and the national flag on the State capitol to 
be put at half-mast during the day u\Km which 
the funeral was held, which was the following Suu- 
d.ay succeeding his death. 






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GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



li.'i 




s%paiQad, 




'-^■^^^¥^f^^^< 




f TEPHEN HEMPSTEAD, sec 
oiul Governor of Iowa, is a 
native of Connecticut, where, 
at New London, lie was bom 
Oct. 1, 181-2. He resided in 
that State with his parents 
until 1828, when the family 
came West, locating upon a farm 
near Saint Louis. This was the 
home of young Stephen until 1 830, 
when he went to Galena, 111., where 
he served in the capacity- of a clerk 
in a commission house for a time. 
He was there during the exciting 
period of the Black Hawk troubles, 
and was an officer in an artillery 
company which had been organized for the protec- 
tion of Galena. After the defeat of Black Hawk 
and the consequent tfi'mination of Indian troubles, 
he entered the Illinois College at Jacksonville, 
where he remained for about two years. On ac- 
cour.'; of difficulties which he got into about 
sectPTiaiiioiiQ and abolitionism, he left the college 
and rcf. !'ned to IMissoiu-i. He shortly afterward 
entered the office of Cliarles S. Hempstead, a prom- 
inent lawyer of (iak'na, and began the study of the 
profession iu which he afterward became quite jjro- 



flcient. In 183G he was admitted to practice in all 
the courts of the Territory of Wisconsin, which at 
the time embraced the Territory of Iowa, and the 
same year located at Dubuque, being the first law- 
yer who began the practice of his profession at that 
place. 

As might be expected in a territory Init thinly 
populated, but one which was rapidly settling up, 
the services of an al)le attorney would be in de- 
mand in order to draft the laws. Upon the organ- 
ization of the Territorial Government of Iowa in 
1838, he w-as, with Gen. Warner Lewis, elected to 
represent the northern portion of the Territory in 
the Legislative Council, which assembled in Bur- 
lington that year. He was Chairman of the Com- 
mittee Judiciary, and at the second session of that 
body was elected its President. He was "again 
elected a member of the Council, in 1845, over 
which he also presided. In 184-1 he was elected 
one of the delegates of Dubuque Countj', for the 
first convention to frame a constitution for the 
State. In 1848, in company with Judge Cnarles 
Mason and W. (i. Woodward, he was appointed 
by the Legislature Commissioner to revise the laws 
of the State, which revision, with a few amend- 
ments, was adopted as the code of Iowa in 1851. 

In 1850 Mr. Hempstead was elected C-overuor of 



no 



STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD. 



the State, and serverl with ability for four years, 
tiuit being the full term under the Constitution at 
the time. He received 13,480 votes against 11,- 
403 east for his opponent, .James L. Thompson. 
After the vote had been canvassed a committee 
was appointed to inform the Governor-elect that 
the two Houses of the Legislature were ready to re- 
ceive him in joint convention, in order that he 
might receive the oath prescribed by the Constitu- 
tion. Gov. Hempstead, accompanied bj' the retir- 
'ng Executive, Gov. Briggs, the Judges of the Su- 
preme Court and the officers of State, entered the 
hall of the House where the Governor-elect deliv- 
ered his inaugural message, after which the oath 
was administered by the Chief .Justice of the Su- 
preme Court. Tills was an important period in the 
history of the State, being at a time when the pub- 
lic affairs were assuming definite shape, and indeed 
it was what might be termed the formative period. 
The session of the Legislature passed many import- 
ant acts which were approved by the Governor, and 
during his term there were fifty-two now counties 
formed. Gov. Hempstead in his message to the 
Fourth General Assembly in December, " 18.52, 
stated that among other things, the population of 
the State according to the Federal census was 192,- 
214, and that the State census showed an increase 
for one year of 37,786. He also stated that the re- 
sources of the State for the coming two years 
■would be sufHcient to cancel all that part of funded 
debt which w.as payable at its option. 

Among the numerous counties organized was one 
■^(amed Buncombe, which received its name in the 
.'ollowing way : The Legislature was composed of a 
>arge majority favoring stringent corjioration laws 
and the liability of individual stockholders for cor- 
7>ara!;e debts. This sentiment, on account of the 
agitation of railroad enterprises then being inaugu- 
rr.ted, brought a large number of prominent men 
■jO the capital. To have an effect upon the Legis- 
lature, they organized a " lobby Legislature " and 
Elected as Governor, Yerplanlv Van Antwerp, who 
delivered to the self-constituted body a lengthy 
message in wJiich he sharply criticized the regular 
General Assemblj'. Some of the members of the 
latter were in the habit of making long and useful 
speeches much to the hindrance of business. To 



these he especially referred, charging them with 
speaking for ■' Buncombe," and recommended that 
as a lasting memorial a county should be called by 
that name. Tliis suggestion was readily seized on 
by the Legislature, and the county of Buncombe | 
was created with few dissenting voices. However, 
the General Assembl>', in 1802, changed the name 
to L3'on, in honor of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon wiio was 
killed in the early part of the Civil War. 

The season of 1851 was one of great disappoint- j 
ment to the pioneers of Iowa, and much suffering j 
was the result of the bad season of that year. By 
the year 1854, the State had fully recovered from 
the depression thus produced, and that year as well i 
as the following, the enugration from the East was 
unprecedented. The [)rairies of Illinois were lined 
day after day with Ti continuous caravan of emi- 
grants pushing on toward Iowa. During a single 
month 1743 wagons bound for Iowa passed through 
Peoria. So remarkaljle had been the influx of peo- 
ple into the State, that in an issue of the Bui ling- 
ton Telegraph appeared the following statement: 
" Twenty thousand emigrants have passed through j 
the city within the last thirty days, and they are ^ 
still crossing the Mississippi at the rate of (iOO a day." i 

At the expiration of his term of service, which 
occurred in the latter part of the year 1854, Gov. 
Hempstead returned to his old home at Dubuque. 1 
In 1855 he was elected County Judge of Dubuque 
County, and so acceptably did he serve the people 
that for twelve years he was chosen to fill that posi- 
tion. Under his administration the principal 
county building, including the jail, poorhouse, as \ 
w^ell as some valuable bridges, were erected. 
Owing to ill-health he was compelled to retire from 
public life, passing the remainder of his days in 
quietude and repose at Dubuque. There he lived 
until Feb. 16, 1883, when, at his home, ths light o"! 
his long and eventful life went out. The record 
lie has made, which was an honorable and distin- 
guished one, was closed, and Iowa was called u;:on a 
to mourn the loss of one of iier most distinguished *' 
pioneer citizens. He had been an unusually useful 
man of the State and his services, which were able 
and wise, were rendered in that unselfish spirit 
which distinguished so many of the early residents 
of this now prosperous State. 



.;EW YORK 




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C»-> p 



GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



Hit 





_ ,-^«.^n» K's?-f- 











^^__x#^^^^^^ ^" 




AMES W. GRIMES, the 
third gentleinaii tu fill the 
Elxocutive Chair of the State 
<>f Iowa, was born in tlie 
town of Deering, Hillsbor- 
ough Co., N. H., Oct. 20, 
1816. His parents, John and 
P^lizabeth (Wilson) Grimes, were 
5, also natives of the same town. 
I t' The former was born on the 11th 
of August, 1772, and the mother 
March 19, 1773. They became the 
parents of eight children, of whom 
James was the youngest and be- 
came one of the most distinguished 
citizens of Iowa. He attended the 
district schools, and in earlj^ childhood evinced an 
anusual taste for learning. Besides attending the 
district schools, the village pastor instructed him 
in Greek and Latin. After completing his prepar- 
ations for college, which he did at Hampton Acad- 
emy, he entered Dartmouth College, in August, 
1 83-2, which was in the sixteenth year of his age. 
lie was a hard student, advanced rapidly, and in 
Feliruary, 1835, bid adieu to the college halls, and 
with James Walker, of Peterborough, N. H., he be- 
gan th° study of his chosen profession. 



Feeling that his native State afforded too limited 
advantages, and, in fact, being of a rather advent- 
urous disposition, as well as ambitious, he desired 
broader fields in which to carve for himself a tort- 
une. He accordingly left the home that bad 
sheltered him during his boyhood days, and turn- 
ing his face Westward proceeded until he had 
crossed the great Father of Waters. It was m 
183G, and young Grimes was indeed young to thus 
take upon himself such responsibilities; but pos- 
sessing business tact, determination and tenacity, 
as well as an excellent professional training, he de- 
termined to open an office in the then new town of 
Burlington, Iowa. Here he hung out his shingle, 
and ere, long had established a reputation which 
extended far beyond the confines of the little city. 

In April, 1837, he was appiointed City Solicitor, 
and entering upon the duties of that office he 
assisted in drawing up the first police laws of that 
town. In 1838 he was appointed Justice of the 
Peace, and became a law partner of William W. 
Chapman, United States District Attorney for 
AVisconsin Territory. In the early part of the year 
1841 he formed a, partnership with Henry W. Starr, 
Esq., which continued twelve years. This firm 
stood at tiie head of the legal professif>n in Iowa. 
Mr. Grimes was widely luiown as a counselor with 



J 20 



JAMES W. GRIMES. 



superior kr,o-o-led,<je of the law, and with a clear 
sense of ti'iilli :iii<l justice. lie was chosen one of 
the Representatives of Des Moines County in the 
first Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa, 
wliich convened at Burlington, Nov. 12, 1!S3S; in 
the sixth, at Iowa City, Dec. 4, ISI.'i; and in the 
fr,-,;; th (ieneral Assemlily of the State, at Iowa City, 
Dec. (i, l*^."!".*. He early tiiok fi-unt ranlc among the 
public men of Iowa. He was Chairman of the 
Judiciary Committee in the House of Representa- 
tives of the lirst Legislative Assembly of the Ter- 
rit<jry. and all laws for the new Tcrrittiry passed 
through his hands. 

Mr. (Trinics had become prominently identified 
with the Whig party, and being distinguished as an 
aiile lawyer, as well as a fair-minded, conscientious 
UKin, he was a prominent candidate for (iovermir 
before the convention which met in February, 1854. 
It was tlie largest ct>nveiition of that party e\'er 
licld in Iowa and the last. He was chosen as a nom- 
inee for Governor, was duly elected, and in Decem- 
ber, 18.54, assumed the duties of the otlice. Shortly 
after liis election it was proposed that he should go 
to the United States Sen.ate, but he gave his ad- 
mirers to luiderstand that he was determined to fill 
the term of office for which he had licen chosen. 
This he did, serving the full term to the entire .sat- 
isfaction of all p.arties. He was a faithful i)arty 
leadei-, and so .able were his services that, while at 
the time of his election as Governor Deunjci'aey 
reigned supreme in the State and its rein-esentatives 
in Congress were allied to the slave ])ower, he 
turned tlie State over to the Repulilican party. 

His term of office expired Jan. 14, ls.")S, when 
lie retired from the Executive Chair, only, how- 
ever, to assume the responsibilities of a. United 
States Senator. Upon the 4tii of 3Iarch of the f(.il- 
lowmg year he took his seat in the Senate and was 
placed upon the Committee on Naval Affairs, upon 
which he remained dining his Senatorial career, 
serving as Chairman of that important committee 
from December, 18G4. Jan. KJ, ISfM, Mr. Grimes 
was again chosen to represent Iowa in t!ie Senate 
of the United States, receiving all but six of the 
votes of the General Assembly in joint convention. 

His counsel was often sought in matters of gre.at 
moment, and in cases of peculiar difficulty. Al- 



ways ready to promote the welfare of the State, he 
gave, unsolicited, land worth $G,000 to the Congre- 
gational College, at Grinnell. It t'onstitutes the 
'• Grimes foundation," and " is to be applied to the 
establishment and maintenance in Iowa College, 
f(_)rever, of four scholarships, to lie awarded by the 
Trustees, on the recommendation of the faculty, to 
the best scholars, and the most [)romising, in .any 
department, who may need and seek such aid, and 
without any regard to the religious tenets or opin- 
i(jns entertaineil by any person seeking cither of 
said scholarships." These terms were imposed by 
Mr. Grimes, and .assumed Jul}' 20, 180.5, by the 
Trustees. He received the honorary degree of 
LL.D. in 18G5 from Dartmouth College, and also 
from Iowa College. He also aided in founding a 
public library in Burlington, donating $5,000, which 
was expended in tl:e purchase of costly books, anil 
subsequently sent from Euroijc 250 volumes in the 
German language, and also contributed GOO vol- 
umes of public documents. 

In January, 1809, he made a (hmation of §5,000 
to Dartmouth College, and rii< 1,000 to the "Social 
Friend," a literary society of which he was a mem- 
ber when in college. 

His health failing, Mr. Grimes sailed for Europe. 
April 14, 1809, remaining abroad two years, 
reaching home Sept. 22, 1871, apparently in im- 
proved health and sini'its. In November he cele- 
brated his silver wedding, and spent the closing 
months of his life with his f.amily. He voted at 
the city electi<m, Feb. 5. 1872, and was suddenly 
attacked with severe pains in the region of the 
heart, and died after a few short hours of intense 
suffering. 

Senator Grimes w.as united in marri.age at liur- 
lington, la., Nov. 9, 1.S40. with IMiss Sarah Elizabeth 
Neally. Mr. Grimes st(.iod in the foremost r.anks 
among the men of his time, not only in the State 
but of the nation. The young attorney who left 
the granite hills of New Hampshire for the fertile 
prairies of the West, distinguished himself Ijoth as 
an attorney and a statesman. His personal history 
is so inseparably interwoven in that of the history 
I of the State that a .sketch of his life is indeed but a 
record of the history of his adopted State during 
the years of his manhood and vigor. 



THE NEW YORK 

POBLIC LIBi AaY 



AOTOR, LENOX A ? 
TilOEN fou..d»i: ■ 




^(f^^L..^ 



GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



12.3 



^m 



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-v-S- 



■•o*o-@^><^-o4o.. 




ALPH P. LOWE, the fourth 
Governor of the State of 
Iowa, was bom in Ohio in 
the year 1808, and liice many 
others of the distinguished 
men of Iowa, eame within her 
borders in early pioneer 
times. He was a young man 
but a little over thirty years 
of age when he crossed the great 
Father of Waters, settling upon its 
western baiilv at the then small vill- 
age of Muscatine. He at once 
identified himself with the interests 
of the growing city, and ere long- 
became quite prominent in local 
affairs and of recogiiized ability in 
questions of public policy. He was shortly after- 
ward chosen as a representative from Muscatine 
County to the Constitutional Convention of 184-1:, 
which framed the Constitution which was rejected 
by the people. 

After this constitutional convention, Mr. Lowe 
took no further part in public matters for a num- 
ber of years. Ho removed to Lee County about 
1 849 or '50, where he became District Judge as a 
successor to George H. Williams, who was after- 
ward famous as President Grant's Attorney Gen- 
eral. He was District Judge five years, from 1852 
to 1857, being succeeded by Judge Claggett. In 
the summer of 1857 he was nominated by the Re- 
publicans for Governor of Iowa, with Oran Faville 
for Lieutenant-Governor. The Democracy put in 



the field Benjamin M. Samuels for Governor and 
George Gillasi)y for Lieutenant-Governor. There 
was a third ticket in the field, supported by the 
American or "Know-Nothing" part}', and bearing 
the names of T. F. Henr^- and Easton Morris. 
The election was held in October, 1857, and gave 
Mr. Lowe 38,498 votes, against 30,088 for Mr 
Samuels, and 1,006 for Mr. IIenrj\ 

Hitherto the term of ofHce had been four years 
but by an amendment to the Constitution this was 
now reduced to two. Gov. Lowe was inaug- 
urated Jan. 14, 1858, and at once sent his first 
message to the Legislature. Among the measures 
passed by this Legislature were bills to incorijorate 
the State Bank of Iowa; to provide for an agricult- 
ural coUege; to authorize the business of banking; 
disposing of the land grant made by Congress to 
the Des Moines Valley Railroad; to provide for 
the erection of an institution for the education of 
the blind, and to provide for taking a State census. 

No events of importance occurred during the 
administration of Gov. Lowe, but it was not a 
period of uninterrupted prosperity. The Governor 
said in his biennial message of Jan. 10, 1860, 
reviewing the preceeding two j^ears : " The period 
that has elapsed since the last biennial session has 
been one of great disturbing causes, and of anxious 
solicitude to all classes of our fellow-citizens. The 
first year of this period was visited with heavy and 
continuous rains, which reduced the measure of 
our field crops below one-half of the usual product, 
whilst the financial revulsion which commenced 
upon the Atlantic coast in the autumn of 1857, did 



J2 



RALPH P. LOWE. 



nut reach its cliiuax fur evil in our borders until 
the year just past." 

He referred at length to the claim of the State 
against the Federal Government, and saiil that he 
iiad appealed in vain to the Secretary of the Inte- 
rior for tlie payment of the ;"> per cent upon the 
military land warrants that the State is justly en- 
titled to, which then apiMMjximated to a million of 
(Ujllars. The payment <:)f this fund, he said, "is 
not a mere favcir wliich is asked of the General 
Government, but a subsisting right which could be 
enforced in a court of justice, were there a tribunal 
of this Icind clothed with the recpiisite jurisdiction." 

The subject of the ])es Moines River grant re- 
ceived from the Governor special attention, and he 
gave a history eif the (.)peratiiins of the State author- 
ities in reference to obtaining the residue of the 
lands to which the State was entitled, and other in- 
loruiation !!s to the progress of the work. He also 
j-emarked "that under the act authorizing the Gov- 
ernor to raise a company of mounted men for de- 
fense and protection of our frontier, appro\'cd 
Feb. 9, 1858, a company of thirty such men, known 
as the Frontier Guards, armed and equipped as re- 
quired, wore organized and mustered into service 
under the command of Capt. Henry B. INIartin, of 
"Webster City, aljout the 1st of INIarch then follow- 
ing, and were divided into two companies, one 
stationed on tlie Little Sioux River, the other at 
Spirit Lake. Their presence afforded security and 
gave qiuet to the settlements in that region, and 
after a service f)f four months f hey were disljanded. 

" Late iu the fall of the year, however, great 



alarm and consternation was again felt in the 
region of Spirit Lake and Sioux River settlements, 
produced by tlie aitpearance of large numljers of 
Indians <.in the border, wiiose bearing was insolent 
and menacing, and who were charged with clan- 
destinely running off the stock of the settlers. 
1"hu most urgent appeals came from these settlers, 
invoking again the protection of the State. From 
reiiresentations made of the imminence of their 
danger and the losses already sustained, tlie Gov- 
ernor summoned into the field once more the 
frontier guards. After a service of four or five 
months they were again discharged, and paid in the 
manner prescribed in the act under which they were 
called out." 

Gov. Lowe was beaten for the renoniination 
by Hon. S. J. Kirkwood, who was considered 
much the stronger man. To compensate him for 
his defeat for the second term. Gov. Lowe 
was appointed one of the three Judges under the 
new Constitution. He drew the short term, whicli 
expired in 18Cl,but was returned and served, all 
told, eight years. He then returned to the prac- 
tice of law, graduall_y working into a claim busi- 
ness at Washington, to which city he removecl 
about 1871. Li that city he died, (m. Saturday, 
Dec. 22, 1883. He had a large family. Carleton, 
one of his sons, was an officer in the Third Iowa 
Cavalry during the war. 

Gov. Lo\\'e w-as a, man of detail, accurate and 
industrious. In private and pulilic life he was 
pure, ujiright aiul honest. In religious faith he 
was inclined to be a Spiritualist. 




' LIBRARY. 



"■Oft, LENOX A-D 




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Oi^O^y^-^t-Jt-JZ. 



cp(y<^^^^^^^-'^:^ 



GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 













«~5i; 



HE fifth Governor of Iowa 
was Samuel J. Kirkwood. 
He was born in Hartford 
County, Md,, on his father's 
farm, Dec. 20, 1813. His 
father was twice married, 
first to a lady named Coulson, 
who became the mother of two 
sons. After tlie death of this 
companion, the elder Kirkwood 
was united in marriage with 
Mary Alexander, who bore him 
three children, all of whom were 
sons. Of this little family Samuel 
was the youngest, and when ten 
years of age was sent to Washington City to at- 
tend a school taught b}^ John McLeod, a relative of 
the familj-. Here he remained for four 3'ears, giv- 
ing diligent attention to his studies, at the close of 
which time he entered a drug store at Washington 
as clerk. In this capacity he continued with the 
exception of eighteen months, until he reached his 
majority. During the interval referred to, young 
Kirkwood was living the life of a pedagogue in 
York County, Pa. 

In the year 1835, Samuel quit Washington and 
came westward to Richland County, Ohio. His 
father and brother had preceded him from Mary- 
land, locating upon a timbered farm in the Buckeye 
State. Here Samuel lent them valuable assistance 
in clearing the farm. He was ambitious to enter 
the legal profession, and in the year 1841, an oppor- 






tunity was afforded him to enter the office of 
Thomas W. Bartley, afterward Governor of Ohio. 
The following two years he gave diligent applica- 
tion to his books, and in 1843, was admitted to 
practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He was 
then fortunate enough to form an association in 
the practice of his profession with his former pre- 
ceptor, which relations continued for eight 3^ears. 

From 1845 to 1849 he served as Prosecuting 
Attorney of his county. In 1849 he was elected 
as a Democrat to represent his county and district 
in the Constitutional Convention. In 1851 Mr. 
Bartley, his partner, having been elected to the 
Supreme Judiciarj^ C)f the State, Kirkwood formed 
a partnership with Barnal)as Barns, with whom he 
continued to practice until the spring of 1855, 
when he removed to the AV'est. 

Up to 1854 Mr. Kirkwood had acted with the 
Democratic party. But the measures proposed and 
sustained that year by the Democracy in Congress, 
concentrated in what was known as the Kansas- 
Nebraska Act, drove him with hosts of anti-slavery 
Democrats out of the partJ^ He was besought by 
the opposition in the "Richland District" to be- 
come their candidate for Congress, but declined 
In 1855 he came to Iowa and settled two miles 
northwest of Iowa City, entering into a partnership 
with his brother-in-law, Ezekiel Clark, in the mill- 
ing business, and kept aloof from public affairs. 
He could not long conceal his record and abilities 
from his neighbors, however, and in 1856 he was 
elected to the State Senate from the district com- 



128 



SAMUKL J. KIRK WOOD. 



posed of tlie counties of Iowa and .Tdliiisdii, and 
served in the last session of the Legislature held at 
Iowa City and the first one held at Des Moines. 

In 1 «,"(;) Mr. Kirii\v(.K_id was UKule the standard- 
bearer of tlic Republicans of Iowa, and though he 
bad as alile and pojiular a competitor as Gen. A. 
C. Dodge, he was elected Govcrn<ir of Iowa b_v a 
majority nf over 3,000. He was inaugurated Jan. 
11, IHGO. Befi.ire the expiration of liis first term 
came the great Civil War. As (.;(.ivernor. during 
the darkest days of tlic Rebelli(.>n, he perfiirmed an 
exceedingly important duty. He secured a prompt 
response liy volunteers to all requisitions by the 
Federal G(jvernment on the State for troops, so 
that during his ( iovernorship no " draft " took 
[)lace in Iowa, and no regiment, exeeiJt the first, 
enlisted for less tlian three years. At tlie same 
time he maintained tlie State's financial credit. 
The Legislature, at its extra session in 18G1, 
autliorized the sale of §800,000 in bonds, to assist 
in arming and equij^ping troops. So frugally was 
this work dune, tliat Imt 1300,000 of the bonds 
were sold, and tlie remaining !¥r)00,000 not having 
been required, the bonds representing this amount 
^^■ere destroyeil liy <_irder of the succeeding Legis- 
i.ature. 

In October, lS(ll,(i;ov. Kirkwood was, with coin- 
pi'rativel^' little oiipositii>ii, re-elected — an lionor 
accorded for the first time in the history of the 
State. His majority was about 18,000. During 
his second term he was appointed liy President 
Lincoln to lie Minister to Denmark, but he declined 
to enter upon his diiilomatic duties until the expir- 
■;dioii of his ti-riii as Governi.ir. The pc.isition was 
kept open for him until that time, but, when it 
came, pressing private business compelled a declin- 
ati(jn of the ollice altogether. 

In Jainiary, 180(1, he was a prominent candidate 
before the Legislature for United States Senator. 
Senator Harlan had resigned the Senat(.)rshii) upon 



his aiiixunfuicnt to the office of Secretary of the 
Interior by President Lincoln, just before his 
death, but had withdrawn from the cabinet soon 
after the accession of Mr. Johns<.in to the Presi- 
denc.y. In this way it hai)pened tl;at tha Legisla- 
ture had two terms of United States Senator to fill, 
a short term of two years, to lill Harlan's unexpired 
term, and a long term of si.x years to immediately 
succeed this ; and Harlan had now become a candi- 
date for his own siiccessorship, to which Kirkwood 
also aspired. L'ltimately, Kirkwood was elected 
for the first and Harlan for the second term. Dur- 
ing his brief Senatorial service, Kirkwood did not 
hesitate to measure swords with Senator Sumner, 
whose natural egotism had liegotten in him an ar- 
rogant and dictatOryil manner, borne with humlily 
until then by his colleagues, in deference to his 
long experience ami eminent ability, but unpalata- 
ble to an iiideiiendent Western Senator like Kirk- 
wood. 

At the close of his Senatorial term, March 4, 
1807. he resumed the practice of law, which a few 
years later he relinquished to accejit the Presidency 
of the Iowa City Savings Pank. In 1875 he was 
again elected Governor, and was inaugurated Jan. 
13, 1876. He served but little over a year, as 
early in 1877 he was chosen United States Senator. 
He filled this iiosition four yeai's, resigning to be- 
come Secretary of the Interior in President Gar- 
field's Cabinet. Tn this office he was succeeded, 
April 17, 1882, liy Henry ]\L Teller, of Colorado. 

(iov. Kirkwood returned to Iowa City, his home, 
where he still resides, being now advanced in years. 
He was married in 18-13, to Miss Jane Clark, a na- 
tive of Oliio. 

In 1880 Jlr. Kirkwood was nominated for Con- 
gress by the Re[uililicaiis of his district. Coiisider- 
alile interest was manifested in the contest, as lioth 
the Labor and Democratic parties had popular can- 
didates in the field. 



■«i <~ 






THE NEW YORK 
PUBLIC LIBRARY. 



ASTOR, LENOX A\D 

tiLOEN FOU..OATIO-;S. 




J/fe,, yfe2>^ 



GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



1 •■; I 




^V'^ 



••o*o.-@^<^^-.o*o.. 




year old. 



ILLIAM M. STONE, tlie 

sixth Governor of Iowa, was 

bora Oct. 14, 1827. His 

jga parents, Truman and La- 

f' vina (Ncjrtli) Stone, who 
were of EngHsli aneestiy, 
moved to Lewis Country, N. 
Y., when William was but a 
William's grandfather, Aaron 
Stone, was in the second war with En- 
gland. A\'lien our subject was six 3'ears 
of age his i)arents moved into Ohio, lo- 
cating in Coshocton County. Like man^^ 
other self-made men, William IM. had few 
advantages. He never attended a school 
of any kind more than twelve months. 
In boyhood he was f<-)r two seasons a team-driver 
on the Ohio Canal. At seventeen he was apfiren- 
ticed to the chnirmaker's trade, and he followed 
tliat business until he was twenty-three years of 
age, reading law meantime during his spare hours, 
wherever he happened to be. He commenced at 
Coshocton, with .Tames Mathews, who afterward 
became his father-in-law; continued his reading 
with Gen. Lucius V. Pierce, of Akron, and finished 
with Ezra 15. Taylor, of Ravenna. He was admitted 
t(i the bar in August, 1851, by Peter Hitchcock 
and Rufus P. Ranney. Suineme .Judges, holding a 
term of court at Ra\enua. 




After practicing three years at Coshocton with 
his okl preceptor, James Mathews, he, in November, 
1854, settled in Knoxville, which has remained his 
home since. The year after locating here Mr. 
Stone purchased the Knoxville Journal, and waf 
one of the prime movers in forming the Republican 
party in Iowa, being the first edit(.ir to suggest a 
State Convention, wliich met Feb. 22, 185G, and 
completed tiie organization. In the autumn of the 
same year he was a Presidential elector on the Re- 
l)ublican ticlvct. 

In April, 1857, Mr. Stone was chosen .Judge of 
the Eleventh Judicial District. He was elected 
.Judge of the .Sixth Judicial District wlieu the new 
Constitution went into operation in 1858, and was 
ser\'ing' on the l)ench when the American flag was 
stricken down at Fort Sumter. At that time, 
April, 1861, he was holding court in Fairfield, 
Jefferson County, and when the news came of the 
insult to the old flag he immediately adjourned 
court and prepared for what he believed to be more 
important duties — duties to his conntry. 

In May he enlisted as a private ; was made Cap 
tain of Co. B, Third Iowa Inf., and was snbse. 
quently promoted to Major. With that regiment 
lie was at the battle of Blue Mill, Mo., in Septem- 
ber, 1861, where he was wounded. At Sliiloh, the 
following spring, he commanded the regiment and 
was taken prisoner, By order of Jeft'eraou Davis 



132 



WILLIAM M. STONH 



he was paroled for the time of fortj^ days, with 
orders to rejjair to AVasliiugtoii. and if ijossible 
secure an agreement f(jr a cartel for a general ex- 
change of ijrisoners, and to return as a prisoner if 
he did not succeed. Failing to secure that result 
within the period specified, he returned to Rich- 
mond and had his parole extended fifteen days; re- 
jiairing again to Washington, he effected his pur- 
pose and was exchanged. 

In Angust, 1802, lie was appointed by Gov. 
Kirkwood Colonel of the Twenty-second Iowa 
Infantrj', which rendezvoused and organized at 
Camp Poix', Iowa City, the same month. The 
regiment was occupieil for several months in guard- 
ing sni)j)ly stores and the railroad, and escorting 
supi)]y trains to the Army of the Sontheast Mis- 
souri until Jan. 27, IKlj;], when it received orders 
to join the army under Gen. Davidson, at West 
Plains, Mo. After a. march of five days it readied 
its destination, and was brigaded with the Twenty- 
first and Twenty-third Iowa regiments. Col. Stone 
commandiug, ami was designated the First Brigade, 
First Division. Army of Southeast Missouri. April 
I foLuid Col. Stone at Milliken's Bend, La., to assist 
Ch-autinthe capture of A'icksliurg. lie was now 
in immediate command of his regiment, wliich 
formed a part of a brigade under Col. C. L. Harris, 
of the lOleventh Wisconsin. In the advance upon 
Poi't (iilwon Col. Harris was taken sick, and Col. 
Stone was again in charge of a brigade. In the 
l)a,ttle of Port Cribson the Colonel and his com- 
mand distinguished thpiaselves, and were successful. 



The brigade was in the reserve at Champion Hills, 
and in active skirmish at Black River. 

On the evening of JMay 21 Col. Stone received 
Gen. (irant's order for a general assault on the 
enemy's lines at 10 A. M. on the 22d. In this 
charge, which was unsuccessful, Col. Stone was 
again wounded, receiving a gunshot in the left 
forearm. Col. Stone commanded a Ijrigade until 
the last of August, when, being ordered to the Gulf 
Department, he resigned. He had liecomc very 
popular with the people of Iowa. 

Pic was nominated in a Republican convention, 
held at Des Moines in June, 18G0, and was elected 
by a very large majority, lie was l)revcted Brig- 
adier-General in ISGl, during his first j-ear as Gov- 
ernor. He was inaugurated Jan. 14, 18(U, and was 
re-elected in 18G.5,'liis four years in office closing- 
Jan. IG, 18C8. His majority in 1,SG3 was nearly 
30,000, and in 18G5 about 1G,.J00. His diminished 
vote in 18Gr> was due to the fact that he was very 
strong!}' C(.)mmitted in favor of negro suffrage. 

Gov. Stone made a very energetic and efficient 
Kxecutive. Since the expiration of his gubernatorial 
term lie has sought to-escape the public notice, and 
has given his time to his jn-ivate business interests. 
He is in partnership witli Hon. U. B. Ayres, of 
Knoxville, in legal practice. 

He was elected to the General Assembly in 1877. 
and served one term. 

In May, 1857, he married Miss Carloaet Mathews, 
a native of Ohio, then residing in Knoxville. They 
have one sou — William A 




TILDEN f-OU.<J.,riJ.-.i, ! 



GOVERNORiS OF IOWA. 



135 











':->J.^'^'^X^'^^X^'^^X^^¥}^^^{^' 



^m 




••'♦"•■©V^V®-"*"" 




AMUEL MERRILL, Governor 
fnim l.SGS to 1872, was born 
in Oxford County, Maine, 
Aug. 7, 1<S22. lie is a de- 
scendant on his mother's side 
of Peter Hill, who came from 
England and settled in Maine 
in 1(153. From this ancestry have 
sprung most of the Hills in Ameri- 
ca. On his father's side he is a de- 
cendant of Nathaniel Merrill, who 
came from England in 1636, and lo- 
cated in jMassachusetts. Nathaniel 
had a son, Daniel, who in turn had 
a son named John, and ho in turn 
liegat a son called Thomas. Tlie 
)orn Dec. 18, 1708. On the 4th of Aug- 
was horn to him a son, Samuel, who was 
married and had a family of twelve children, one of 
■.vliom, Abel, was taken by his father to Boston in 
1751). Abel was married to Elizabeth Page, who 
h:id five children, one of whom, Abel, Jr., was the 
father of our subject. lie married Abigail Hill 
June 25, 1809, and to them were born eight chil- 
dren, Samuel licing the j'oungest but one. At the 
age of sixteen Samuel moved with his parents to 
liuxton, Maine, the native place of his mother, 
vlicre his time was employed in turns in teaching 
and attending school until he attained his majority. 
Having determined to make teaching a profession, 
;ui<l feeling that the South offered better opportu- 
nities, he immediatelj' set out for that section. He 



remamed, however, but a short time, as he says " he 
was born too far North." Suspicion having been 
raised as to his abolition principles and finding tlie 
element not altogether congenial, he soon abandoned 
the sunny South and went to the old. Granite State, 
where the next several years were spent in farming. 
In 1847 he moved to Tam worth, N. H., wliere \w 
engaged in the mercantile business in company- with 
a brotlier, in which he was quite successful. Not 
being satisfied with the limited resources of North- 
ern New England he determined to trj' his good 
fortune on the broad prairies of the fertile 'West. 

It was in the year 1856 that Mr. Merrill turned 
liis face toward the setting sun, finding a desirable 
location near McGregor, Iowa, where he estal)lislied 
a branch house of the old Arm. The population in- 
creased, as also did their trade, and their house be- 
came one of the most extensive wholesale estalilish- 
ments on the Upper Mississippi. During all these 
years of business Mr. Merrill took an active part in 
politics. In 1854 he was chosen on the abolition 
ticket to the Legislature of New Hampshire. The 
following year he was again returned to the I^egis- 
lature, and doubtless had he remained in that State 
would have risen still higher. In coming to Iowa 
his experience and ability were demanded by his 
neighbors, and he was hei"e called into public serv- 
ice. He was sent to the Legislature, and though 
assembled with the most distinguished men of his 
time, took a leading part in the important services 
demanded of that bod}'. The Legislature was con- 
vened in an extra session of 1861, to provide for 



130 



SAMUEL :merrill. 



the exigencies of the Rebellion, and in its ileliber- 
atiiins Mr. Merrill took an active pai't. 

In tlie summer of 18G2, Mr. Merrill wascommis- 
sidncil Colonel of the 21st Iowa Infantry, and im- 
mediately went to the front. At tlic time Manna- 
duke was menacing the Union fori-cs in Missouri, 
whicli called for prompt action on tlie i)art of tlie 
Union (xenerals. Col. Merrill was placed in com- 
mand, with detachments of the 21st Iowa and 9'.)th 
Illinois, a portion of the 3d Iowa Cavalry and two 
pieces of artillery, with orders to make a forced 
march to Springfield, he being at the time eighty 
miles distant. On the morning of Jan. 11, 1803, 
he came across a body of Confederates who were 
advancing in heavy force. Immediate preparations 
for l)attle were made liy Col. Merrill, and after brisk- 
ly firing for an hour, the enemy fell back. Merrill 
then moved in the direction of Ilartvillc. where he 
found the enemy in force under Marmaduke, being- 
about eight thousand str(_>ng, while Merrill had but 
one-tenth of that number. A hot struggle ensued 
in which the Twenty-first distinguished itself. The 
Confederate l(_)ss was several (.ifHcers and three hun- 
dred men killed and wounded, while the Union loss 
was but seven killed and sixty-four wounded. The 
following winter the regiment performed active 
service, taking part in the campaign of Viclvsburg. 
It fought under McClernand at Port (xibson, and 
while making the famous charge of Black River 
Bridge, Col. Merrill was severely wounded through 
the liip. He was laid n\) from the 17th of May to 
.bniuarv. when he again joined his regiment in 
Texas, and in June, 1804, on account of suffering 
from his wound, resigned and returned to Mc- 
Gregor. In IsdT Mr. Merrill was chosen Gov- 
ernor of the State, being elected upon the Repub- 
lican ticket. He served with such satisfaction, that 
in 1809 he was re-nominated and accordingly 
elected. 

Under the administration of Gov. Merrill, 
the movement for the erection of the new State 
House was inaugurated. The Thirteenth General 
Assembly provided for the building at a cost of 
§1,500,000, and made an appropriation with which 
to begin the work of $150,000. With this sum the 
work was begun, and Nov. 23, 1871, the corner 
stone was laid iu the presence of citizens from all 



parts of the State. On this occasion the Governor 
delivered the address. It was an historical view of 
the incidents culminating in the laliors of the day. 
It was reiilete with historical facts, showed patient 
research, was h.igicaland argumentative, and at times 
elocpient with Die fire and genius of American pa- 
triotism. It is a i)ai)er worthy of the c)Ccasion, 
and iloes justice to the head and heart that con- 
ceived it. 

During the gubernatorial career of (_rov. Mer- 
rill, extending through two terms, from Janu- 
ary, 1808, to January, 1872, he was actively en- 
gaged in the discliarge of his official duties, and 
prolialily no iucunilient of that office ever devoted 
himself more earnestly to the pulJic good, stand- 
ing Ijy the side of Gov. Fairchild, of Wisconsin. 
The two were insk'umental in placing the slack- 
water navigation between the Mississippi and tht- 
Lakes in the way of ultimate and certain success. 
The Governor treated this subject to great length 
and with marked ability in his message to the Thir- 
teenth General Assembly, and so earnest was he in 
liehalf of this imi)rovement, that he again discussed 
it in his message to the Fourteenth General Assem- 
bly. In the instigation of the wtirk the Governors 
of the different States interested, called conventi(.)ns, 
and tin'ough the deliberations of these assenililies 
the aid of the (ieneral Government was secured. 

Samuel Merrill was first married to Catherine 
Thom.as, who died in 1.S47, tVnirteen months after 
their marriage. In January, 1851, he was united 
in marriage with a Miss Hill, of Buxton, Maine. 
S!u' became the mother of four children, three of 
whom died young, the eldest living to be onlj'^ two 
and a half years old. 

After the expiration of his public service he re- 
turned to ]\IcGregor, but shortly afterward removed 
to Des Moines, where he is now residing, and is 
President of the Citizens' Xational Bank. 

Thus briefly have been pointed out the leading 
features in the life of one of Iowa's most promi- 
nent citizens, and one who has made an honorable 
record lioth in public positions am'i private enter- 
prises. He is highly esteemed in the city where lie , 
resides and is regarded as one of the faithful rep- 
resentatives of the sons of New England. In stac- 
tire he is fully six feet high and finely proportioned. 



fTRE new" York] 



ASTOH, LENOX ADD 
_J[[U^rJFOU,JDATIO.NS. 



,.!®!V 





GO^'ERNOR.S OF IOWA. 



139 












YRUS CLAY CARPENTER, 

Ji Governor of Iowa from 1872 
I to 1875, inclusive, was born 
in Susquehanna County, Pa., 
Nov. 24, 1829. He was left 
an orphan at an carl>' age, his 
mother dying when he was at 
the age of ten j'ears, and liis fatlier two 
years later. He was left in destitute 
circumstances, and went first to learn 
WfjMb^ the trade of a clothier, which, however, 
he abandoned after a few months, and 
engaged with a farmer, giving a term 
in the winter, however, to attendance 
upon the district school. When eighteen 
he began teaching school, and the fol- 
lowing four years divided his time between teach- 
ing and attending the academy at Hartford. At 
the conclusion of this period he went to Ohio, 
where he engaged as a teacher for a year and a 
half, spending the summer at farm work. 

In the year 1854 Mr. Carpenter came further 
westward, visiting many points in Illinois and 
Iowa, arriving at Des Moines, then a village of 
some 1,200 inhabitants. This place, however, not 
offering a favorable location, he proceeded on his 
journey, arriving in Fort Dodge June 28, 1854. 
Owing to his being without funds he was compelled 
to travel on foot, in which way the journey to Fort 
Dodge was made, with his entire worldly posses- 
sions in a carpet-sack which he carried in his hand. 
He soon found employment at Fort Dodge, as as- 
sistant to a Goverumeut surveyor. This work be- 



ing completed, young Carpenter assisted his land- 
loi'd in cutting hay, but soon secured another 
IKjsition as a surveyor's assistant. In the early 
part of the following January he engaged in teach- 
ing school at Fort Dodge, but in the spring was 
employed to take charge of a set of surveyors in 
surveying the counties of Emmet and Kossuth. 

On his return to Fort Dodge he fijund the land- 
ofBce, which had been established at that place, 
was about to open Un- the sale of land. Being 
familiar with the country and the location of the 
best land, he opened a private land-office, and 
fi>und constant .and profitable emplo.yment for the 
following three j'cars, in i)latting and surveying 
lands for those seeking homes. During this period 
he became extensivelj' known, and, being an active 
Republican, he was chosen as a standard-bearer for 
his section of the State. He was elected to the 
Legislature in the autumn of 1857. In 18G1, on 
the lireaking out of the Rebellion, he volunteered 
and was assigned to duty as Commissary of Sub- 
sistence, much of the time being Chief Commissar}' 
of the left wing of the IGth Army Corps. In 18G1 
he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and assigned 
to duty on the staff of Gen. Logan, as Chief Com- 
missary of the 15th Army Corps. He continued in 
the service until the close of the war, and in 
August, 1865, was mustered out. 

Upon the close of his service to his country he 
returned to his home at Fort Dodge, but, owing to 
so many changes which had taken place, and suck 
an influx of enterprising men into the city, he 
found his once prosperous business in the hands of 



MO 



CiKL'S ULAY CARPENTER. 



others. Ho tiinicd his attention to the iinprovc- 
i.ieut of a piece (if land, where he remained until 
'lis election, in the autumn of 186G, as Register of 
the State Land-OlHec. He was re-elected in 18G8, 
and refused the nomination in 1870. This position 
took him to Des Moines, Init in 1870 he returned 
to Fort Dodge. During the summer of the follow- 
ing year he was nominated liy the Republican party 
for (iovernor. lie was elected, and inaugurated as 
Cliirf Executive of Iowa Jan. 11, 1.S7-2. In 1873 
he was renominated by his part}', and October 14 
jf that year was re-elected, his inauguration taking 
place Jan. ^7, 1874. Gov. Carpenter was an able, 
popidar and faithful Executive, and was regarded 
as one of the most honest, prominent and imselfish 
olllcials the State ever had. Plain, unassuming, 
modest, he won his public position more thr(jugh 
.he enthusiasm of his friends than by anj^ personal 
efl'ort or desire of his own. J;ver3'wliere, at all 
times and upon all occasions, he demonstrated that 
the confidence of his friends was justified. He took 
an active part in the great question t>f monopolies 
and transportation evils, which during his adminis- 
tration were so prominent, doing much to secure 
wise legislation in these respects. 

Gov. Carpenter has been regarded as- a jniblic 
speaker of more than ordinary ability-, and has 
apon many occasions been the orator, and always 
appreciated by tlie people. 

At the expiration of his second term as Governor 
Mr. Caipenter was a[)pointed Second Comptroller 
of the United States Treasury, which position he 
resigned after a service of fifteen months. This 
step was an evidence of his u.nselfishness, as it was 
taken because another Bureau officer was to be dis- 
missed, as it was held that Iowa had moi'e heads of 
Enreans than she was entitled to, and his resigning 
in oflice of the higher grade saved the position to 
.xnotLsr. In 1881 he was elected to Congress, and 
served with aliilit_y, and in the Twentieth General 
Assembly of Iowa he represented Webster County. 

Gov. Carpenter was married, in March, 18G4, to 
Miss Susan Burkholder, of Fort Dodge. No chil- 
dren have 1_)een born to them, l.)ut they have reared 
a niece of Mrs. Carpenter's. 

During his entire life Mr. Carpenter has been de- 
moted to the principles of Reform and the best 



interests of all classes of citizens who, by adoDtion I 
or by liirth-right, are entitled to a home upon our I 
soil and the protection of our laws, under the gi-eat | 
charter of " Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Ilap- i 
piness." In an address in 18.52 he took advanced ■ 
views upon the leading subjects of public interest. 
He ha<l already laid the foundation for that love of 
freedom which afterwards fonnd an ample field of 
labor with the Republican party. There was noth- 
ing chimerical in his views. He looked at every 
strata of human society, and, from the wants of the I 
iTiasses, wisely devined duty and prophesied destiny. 
He would have the people of a free Republic edu- 
cated in the spirit of the civilization of the age. 
Instead of cultivating a taste ft : a species of liter- 
ature tending direetlj^ to degrade the mind and 
deprave the heart, thereby leading back to a state i 
of superstition anc^ consequent barbarism, he would ^ 
cultivate principles of temperance, industry and i 
economy in every youthful mind, as the indispens- 
able ingredients of good citizens, or subjects upon 
whose banner will be inscribed Liberty, Equality. ' 
Fraternity. 

Thus earl}^ in life Jlr. Carpenter saw the destined j 
tendency of our American institutions, and the ad- t 
vancing civilization of the age. He saw it in the ' 
l)eace congress, whose deliberations have made the i 
Rhine thrice immortal. He saw it iu the prospect- 
ive railway, which he Ijelieved would one day j 
unite the shores of the Atlantic with those of the 
Pacific — a fact realized by the construction of the | 
great continental railwa}'. 

It was thus early that he began to stud\- the i 
wants of the world, and with what (.'learness and 
directness may be seen by the correctness of his ! 
vision and the accomplishment of what he consid- >' 
ered an inevitable necessity. ^ 

Thus, growing up into manhood, and passing on- 
ward in the rugged jiathway of time, disciplined iu 
political economy and civil ethics iu the 
school of experience, he was jirepared to meet every 
emergency with a steady hand ; to bring order out 
of iliscord, and insure harmony and prosperity. 

Gov. Carpenter is now engaged in the quiet pur- 
suits of farm life, residing at Fort Dodge, where 
he is highly esteemed as one of her purest minded 
and most upright citizens. 



stern j 






. A,\D 
ATIONS. 




■% 



GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



143 





-»~> ^ ' r=: » I 



OSHUA G. NEWBOLD, the 
ninth Governor of Iowa, is 
'^ a native of Pennsylvania. 
He comes from that oxeellent 
stoek known as the Friends, 
who verj^ early settled in 
yi New Jersej-. Joshua G. is the 
! son of Barzilla and Catherine 
I (House) Newhold, and was born 
' in Fa3^ette County, May 12, 
1830. He was born a farmer's 
boy and was reared in the \ii>'<)r- 
ous emi>lo.ynient of farm work. 
"When he was eight years of age the 
famil}' moved to "Westmoreland 
County, Pa., where, in tiie common 
schools and in a select school or academy, young 
Newbold received his education. When sixteen 
years of age he accompanied the family on their re- 
turn to Fayette County. Here for the f(_)llowing 
eight years he assisted his father in running a llour- 
ing-mill as well as devoting much of his time to 
teaching school. When a1)0ut nineteen years of 
age our subject liegan the stud3' of medicine, de- 
votir.g much of his time while teaching to his med- 
:eal books. He, however, abandoned the idea of 
iiecoming a physician and turned his attention to 
different walks in life. 

In the month of March, 1854, Mr. Newbold re- 
moved to I(_>wa, locating on a farm, now partly in 
the corporation of Mount Pleasant, Henry County. 




At the end of one year he removed to Cedar 
Township, Van Buren County, there merchandising 
and farming till aljout 18C0, when lie removed to 
Hillsboro, Henry County, and pursued the same 
callings. 

In 1802, when the call was made for 000,000 men 
to flnish the work of crushing the Rebellion, Mr. 
Newbold left his farm in the hands of his family 
and his store in charge of his partner, and went into 
the army as Captain of Company C, 25th Regiment 
of Iowa Infantr^^ He served nearly three years, 
resigning just before the war closed, on account of 
disability. During the last two or three months he 
served at the .Snuth lie filled the position of Judge 
Advocate, with headtpiarters at Woodville, Ala. 

His regiment was one of those that made Iowa 
troops famous. It arrived at Helena, Ark., in 
November, 1SC2, and sailed in December following 
on tlie expedition against Viclvsl:iurg by w.ay of 
Chickasaw Bayou. At the latter place was its first 
cno-aafement. Its seeoml was at Arliansas Post, and 
tliere it suffered severely, losing in Ivilled and 
wounded more than sixt}'. 

After Lookout JMountain it joined in the pursuit 
of Bragg's flying forces to Ringgold, where it en- 
gaged the enemy in their strong works, November 
27, losing twenty-nine wounded. The following 
year it joined Sherman in liis Atlanta Campaign, 
then on the famous march to the sea and through 
the Carolinas. 

Oil returning to Iowa he continued in the mer- 



144 



JOSHUA G. NEAVBOLD. 



rantik' tnidc at Ilillsboro fur three or four years, 
and then sol<l out, giving thereafter his whole at- 
tention to agriculture, stock raising and stoelv-deal- 
ing, malting the stock department an important 
factor in liis liusiness for several years. Mr. New- 
l)old was a member of the 13th, 14th and 15th Gen- 
eral Assemlilies, representing Henry County, and 
was Cliairman of the ScIkjoI Committee in the 14th, 
and of the committee on appropriations in the loth 
General Assembly. In the loth (l.s74) he was tem- 
porary Siieaker during the deadlock in organizing, 
the House. In l.sTo he was elected Lieutenant 
Governor on the Republican ticket with Sanuiel J. 
Kirkwi)od. 

His Democratic compeiitor was E. D. Woodward, 
who received i.);),000 votes. Mr. Newbold received 
1;54,1GG, or a majority of 31,106. Governor Kirk- 
wood being elected United States Senator diu'ing 
that session, Mr. Newbold l)ecame Governor, taking 
the chair Feb. 1, 1877, and vacating it for Gov. 
Gear in January, 1878. 

Gov. Newbold's message to the Legislature 
In 1878, shows painstaking care and a clear, busi- 
ness-like view of the interests of the State. His 
recommendations were cart fully considered and 
largely adopted. The State's finances were then in 
a less creditable conditicm than ever before or 
since, as there was an increasing floating debt, then 
amounting to ^340, ,Sl>(J.. ')(',, more than $00,0(10 in 
excess of the Constitutional limitation. Said Gov. 
Newbold in his message: ''The commonwealth 
ought not to set an example of dilatoriness 
in meeting its obligations. Of all forms of indebt- 
edness, that of a floating character is the most ob- 
jectionable. The uncertainty as to its amount will 



invariably enter into any computation made by per- 
sons contracting with the State for siipi)lies, mater- 
ial or labor. To remove the present difficult}', and . 
t(.) avert its recurrence, 1 look ni)on as the most im- 
portant work that will demand your attention." 

One of the .greatest problems before statesmen is 
that of equal and just tax.ation. The following 
recommendation shows that C4ov. Newbold was 
abreast with foremost thinkers, for it proposes a 
step which yearly finds more favor with the i)eople: 
" The inequalities of the [)ersonal-proi)erty valu- 
ations of the several counties suggest to my mind 
the proprietj^ of so adjusting the State's levy as to 
require the counties to pay into the State treasury 
only the tax on realty, leaving the corresponding 
tax on jjersonalt}' in the county treasury. This 
would rest with each count}' the adjustment of its 
own personal property valuations, without fear that 
they might be so high as to work injustice to itself 
in comparison with other counties." 

Gov. Newbold has always affiliated with the 
Repuljlican party, and holds to its great cardinal 
doctrines, having once embraced them, with the 
same sincerity and honestj' that he cherishes his re- 
ligious sentiments. He has been a Christian for 
something like twenty-five years, his connection be- 
ing with the Free-Will Baptist Church. He found 
his wife, Rachel Farquhar, in Fayette County, Pa., 
their union taking place on the :id of May, 1850. 
They have had five children and lost two. The 
names of the living are Mary Allene, Emma 
Irene and George C. 

The Governor is not yet an old man, and may 
serve his State or county in otlier capacities in the 
coming years. 






'^ 



9 



THE NEW YORK 

PUBLIC LIBRARY. 



ASTOn, LENOX A-JO 
TILOEN FOJ., CATIONS. 



-— srww'Sis,' 



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d^f-^.^ 



GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



147 



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OHN 11. GEAR, the tontli 
vk geiitleiuau to occupy the 
Executive Chair of Iowa, is 
still a resident of Burlington. 
~',^ He is a native of the Empire 
State, Ti'hcre in the city of 
Ithica, April 7, 1 82,5, he v.'as Ijorn. 
Rev. E. G. Gear, his father, was 
born in New London, Conn., in 
1792, and became a distinguished 
clergjinan of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church. His family had 
removed with him, while he was 
still 3'oung, to Pittsfield, Mass., and 
in the 3'ear 181G, after his ordina- 
tion as a clergyman of the Episco- 
pal Churcli, he wont to New York 
and located at Onondaga Hill near 
\%\[\] the city of Syracuse. Shortly after 
this settlement, the young minister 
was united in marriage with Jliss 
Miranda E. Cook. After serving 
various congregations in Western 
New Yiirk f<n' many years, he de- 
termined to become a pioneer in 
Northern Illinois, whicli at the time, in the j"car 
IS.jfi, was being rapidly settled up. He found a 
desiralile location at Galena where he remained mi- 
til 1808, when he received the appointment as 
Chaplain in the United States army while located 
at Fort Snelling, Minn. He lived a long and act- 
ive life, doing much good, quitting his labors in 



the year 1874. at the advanced .age f>f eighty-two 
\'ears. 

The only s<m born to Mr. and :\Irs. E. G. Gear 
was J. H., afterward the distinguished Governor of 
Iowa. As al)ove stated the birth occurred in 1825. 
In 184.3, when still a 3'oung man, he came West to 
Burlington, where he has since continued to reside, 
her most distinguished citizen. Shortly after his 
arrival in the young city, he embarked in his mer- 
cantile career, engaging at the time with the firm 
of Bridgman & Bros., in the capacity of a clerk. 
Remaining with this Arm for a little over a year, 
ha left them for an engagement with W. F. Cool- 
bangh, who at one time was President of the 
Union National Bank, of Chicago, and who at that 
early period was the leading merchant of Eastern 
Iowa. He served Mr. Coolbaugh so faithfully, and 
with such marked ability for the f')llowing five 
years, that, when desirous of a partner in his busi- 
ness, the wealthy merchant could find no one in 
whom he could iilaee greater confidence and with 
whom he could trust his extensive business rela- 
tions that pleased him Ijetter than the young clerk. 
Accordingly he was associated as a partner under 
the firm name of W. F. Coolbaugh <fe Co. Under 
this arrangement the firm did a prosperous busi- 
ness for the following five years-, when Mr. Gear 
purchased the entire business, which he carried on 
A\ith marked success until he became kno^^•n as the 
oldest wholesale grocer in the State. He is at present, 
besides filling other prominent business relations, 
President of the Rolling Mill Co., of Galesburg 



148 



.JOHN H. OKAK. 



Mr. Gear has been honored by his fcilow-citizon? 
wiih many iiositions of trust. In ISo'i he was 
elected Alderman; in 18G3 was elected Mayor 
over A. W. Carpenter, being the first Repnblican 
up to that time who had been elected in Burlington 
on a party issue. In 18G7 the Burlington, Cedar 
Rapids & Minnesota Railroad Company was organ- 
ized, and he was chosen as its President. His ef- 
forts highly contributed to the success of the enter- 
jjrise, which did much for Burlington. He was 
also active in promoting the Burlington & South- 
western Railway, as well as the Burlington & North- 
western narrow-gauge road. 

He has always acted with the Republican party, 
and in 1871 was nominated and elected a member 
of the House of Representatives of the 14th 
General Assembly. In 1873 he was elected to the 
15th Gener.al Assembly. The Republican cau- 
cus of the House nominated him for Speaker liy 
acclamation, and after a contest of two weeks he 
wa^ chosen over his opponent, J. W. Dixon. He 
filled the position of Speaker very acceptably, and 
at the close of the session all the members of the 
House, independent of party affiliations, joined in 
■■signing their names to a resolution of thanks, which 
was engraved and presented to him. In 1875 he 
was the third time nominated to the Assemblj' by 
the Republican party, and while liis county gave a 
large Democratic vote he was again elected. He 
was also again nominated for Spealcer by the Re- 
publican caucus, and was elected liy a handsome 
majority over his competitor, Hon. John Y. Stone. 
He is the only man in the State who ever Iiad the 
honor of being chosen to this high position a sec- 
ond time. He enjoys the reputation of being an 
able parliamentarian, his rulings never having been 
appealed from. At the close of the session he 
again received the iniauimous thanks of the House 
of Representatives for his courtesy and impartiality, 
and for the able and satisfactory manner in which 
he had presided over that body. 

In 1877 he was nominated f<n' Governor by the 
Republican convention which met at Des Moines, 
June 28, and at the election held the following 
October he received 121,546 votes, against 79,353 
for John P. Irish, 10,639 for Elias Jessup and 38,- 
126 for D. P. Stubbs. His plurality over Irish 



was 42,193. He was inaugurated Jan. 17, 1878., 
and served four years, being re-elected in 1879 bv 
tlic following handsome vote: Gear, 157,571 
Trimble, 85,056 ; Campbell, 45,439 ; Dungan, 3,258, 
Gear's majority over all competitors, 23,828. His 
second inauguration occurred in January of the 
year 1880. 

Gov. Gear's business habits enabled him to dis 
charge the duties of his office with marked abill'.y 
He fdund the financial condition of the State at ; 
low ebb, Init raised Iowa's credit to that of the 
best of our States. In his last biennial message he 
was able to report : " The warrants out-standing, 
liut not bearing interest, Sept. 30, 1881, amounted 
to §22,093.74, and there are now in the treasury 
ample funds to meet the current expenses of the 
State. The war find defense debt has been paid, 
except the w.arranti? for $125,000 negotiated by the 
Executive, Auditor and Treasurer, under the law 
of the 18th General Assembly, and §2,500 of 
the original bonds not yet presented for pay- 
ment. The onljr other delit owing by the State 
amounts to #245,435. 19, due to the permanen; 
school fund, a portion of which is made irredeem 
able by the Constitution. These facts place Iowa 
practically among the States which have no debt, 
a consideration which must add much to her repu 
tation. The expenses of the State fur the last two 
years are less than those of any other period since 
1869, and this notwithstanding tlie fact that the 
State is to-day sustaining several institutions not 
then in existence; namely, the hospital at Inde- 
pendence, the additional penitentiarj^ the Normal 
School and the as3'lum for the feeble-minded chil- 
dren, besides the girl's department of the reform 
school. The State also, at present, makes provi;>ioii 
for fish culture, for a useful weather service, fo 
sanitary supervision by a Board of Health, for en 
couraging immigration to the State, for the inspec 
tion of coal mines by a State Inspector, and liber- 
ally for the military arm of the Government." 

Gov. Gear is now in the sixty-first year of his 
age, and is in the full vigor of both his mental and 
physical faculties. He was married in 1852 to 
Harriet S. Foot, formerly of the town of IMiddle- 
bury, Vermont, by whom be has had four children 
two of whom are living. 



THE NE 

PUBLIC ; 



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GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



151 




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<-NE of the most distinguished 
gentlemen who was ever 
honored with the position 
of Chief Executive of the 
rv^^T**— «^?. V?i State is Buren R. Slicrman, 
^-i^Mi< r~^ i^\>\i the eleventh Governor of 
Iowa, who is a native of New York. 
It was in the town of Phelps, in On- 
tario County, that he was born to his 
parents, Phineas L. and P^veline 
(Robinson) Sherman, on the 2sth of 
May, 1836, and was the third S(.)u of 
a distinguished family of children. 
Ilis parents were likewise natives of 
the Empire State. Buren R. attended the public 
schools of his neighborhood, but was subsequently 
given advantages of the schools at Almira, N. Y., 
where he acquired a ver}'^ thorough knowledge of 
the English branches. His father, who w-as a me- 
chanic, advised him at the close of his studies to 
apprentice himself to learn some trade. He ac- 
cordingly^ made such arrangements with S. Ayers, of 
Almira, to learn the trade of a watchmalcer. In 
]8rj5, however, he left this jjosition and joined his 
fiimily on their removal to the then new State of 
Iowa. They settled upon a piece of unbroken prai- 
rie land on what is now Geneseo Township, Tama 



County, his father having previously purchased 
land from the Government. Here Bureii R. laljored 
diligently in developing his father's fields, devoting, 
however, leisure hours Avhich he was granted, to the 
studj' of law. Before leaving his Eastern 'lonie he 
had decided upon that profcssicjn and began its 
study while yet in Almira. He soon secured a po- 
sition as a book-keeper in a neighboring town, and 
with the wages earned there, materially assisted his 
father in the development of their home farm. In 
the meantime he had applied himself diligently tc 
the study of his books, and so studious had he 
been that in the summer of 1859, he was enabled 
to pass a creditable examination arid to bo admitted 
to the bar. The following spring the j'oimg attor- 
ney moved to Yinton, hung out his shingle and be-- 
gan the practice of his profession. He was associated 
with Hon. "William Smyth, formerly District Judge, 
and J. C. Traer, inider the firm name of Smyth 
Traer & Sherman. The new firm rapidly grew into 
lirominence, building uj) a prosperous practice, 
when Mr. Sherman withdrew to tender his services 
to the Government iji defense of iier integrity and 
honor. 

It was early in 18H1, directly after the enemy had 
assaidted the American flag on Sumter, that the 
young attorney enlisted in Co. G, loth Iowa Yol. 



f52 



BUREN R. SHERMAN. 



Inf., and immediately went to the front. He 
entered the service as Second Sergeant, and in 
Februai-js 18()2, was made Second l^ieutenant of 
Company E. On the Gth of April following he was 
very severely wounded at the battle of Pittsburgh 
Landing, and while in the hospital was promoted to 
the rank of Captain. He returned to his company 
while yet obliged to use his crutches, and remained 
on duty till the summer of l.s(j;3, when, by reason of 
his wound, he was eomiielled to resign and return 
home. Soon after returning from the army he was 
elected County .Judge of Benton County, and re^ 
elected without opposition in l.sil,). In the autumn 
of 18G6 he resigned liis judgeship and accepted the 
offlce of Cleric of the IJistrict Court, to which he 
was re-elected in 18G8, 1870 and 1872, and in 
Dcccmlier, 1 fs71. resigned in order to accept the 
office of Auditor of State, to which office he had 
been elected bj' a majm-ity of 28,425 over .J. M. 
King, the "anti-monopoly" candidate. In 187G he 
was renominated and received 50,272 more votes 
than W. Growneweg (Democrat) and Leonard 
l>r(.iwne ((ircenback) together. In 1.S78 he was 
again chiiscn to represent the Kepiililican party 
in that office, and this time recei\-ed a major- 
ity of 7,1 G-t over the combined votes of Col. 
I'^iboeck (Democrat) and G. V. Swearenger ((ireen- 
l»ack). In the six years that he held this office, he 
was untiring in his faithful application to routine 
work and devotion to his special share of the State's 
business. He retired with such an enviable record 
that it was with no sur^irise the peoiile learned, 
June 27, 1881, that ho was the nominee of the Re- 
j)ublican party for Governor. 

Tlic campaign was an exciting one. The General 
Assembly had submitted to the people the prohibi- 
tory amendment to the Constitution. This, while 
not a partisan question, liecame uiipermost in the 
mind of the pulilic. Mr. Sherman received 133,- 
330 votes, against 83,244 for Kinne and 28,112 for 
i). M. Clai'k, or a phu-ality of aO.OsG and a major- 
ity of 21,974. In liSS3 he was re-nominated by 
the Republicans, as well as 'L. G. Kinne by the 
Democrats. The National party offered J. B. 
Weaver. During the campaign these candidates 
iield a number of joint discussions at different 
points in the State. At the election the vote was: 



Sherman, 104,182; Kinne, 139,093- Weaver, 23,. 
089; Sherman's plurality, 2.5,089; majority, 2,000 
In his second inaugural Gov. Sherman said : 

" In assuming, for the second time, the office ol 
Chief Magistrate for the State, I fully realize my 
grateful oliligations to the people of Iowa, through 
whose generous confidence I am here. I ran aware 
of the duties and grave responsibilities of this ex- 
alted position, and as well what is expected of me 
therein. As in the past I have given my undivided 
time and serious attention thereto, so in the future' 
I promise the most earnest devotion and untiring 
effort in the faithful performance of my official re- 
quirements. I have seen the State grow from in- 
fancy to mature manhood, and each 3'ear one of 
substantial betterment of its previous position. 

" With more railroads than any State, save two; 
with a school interi?st the grandest and strongest, 
which commands the support and confidence of all 
the people, and a population, which in its entirety 
is superior to any other in the sisterhood, it is 
not strange the pride which attaches to our people. 
When we remember that the results of our efforts in 
the direction of good government have been 
crowned with such magnificent success, and to-day 
we have a State in most perfect ])hysicai and finan 
cial condition, no wonder our hearts swell in honest 
pride as we contemplate the past and so coiifidentlj' 
hope for tiie future. \Miat we may iiecome de- 
pends on our own efforts, and to that future 1 look 
with earnest and abiding confidence." 

Gov. Sherman's term of office continued until .Tan. 
14, 188G, when he was succeeded b}' William Larr:i- 
bee, and ho is now, temi)orarily, perhaps, enjuyiim 
a well-earned rest. He has been a Reiiuiilican sine 
the organizati<.)n of that party, and his services as a 
campaign speaker have been for many years in 
great demand. As an officer he has lieen able tn 
make an enviai)le record. Himself honoral)le and 
thorongli, his management of puljlic business has 
l;>een of the same character, and such as has com- 
mended him to the approval of his fellow-citizens. 

He was married, Aug. 20, 18G2, to JNIi.ss Lena 
Kendall, of Vinton, Iowa, a young lady of rare ac- 
coniidishments and strength of character. Their 
union has been happy in every respect. They have 
two children — Lena Kendall and (_)scar Eugene. 



TVi/ YdFiK 

-iBRARY. 



a6T0R; LENOX ANb 
IILOeri FOUNDATIONS. 




V--' 



^^^>-^. 



GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



loii 




<xi5o~ 




ILLIAIM LARRABEE, the 
present able Govenior of 
Iowa, and the twelfth gen- 
jjj»:3 tleiiian selected by the 
■ peoi")le as the Chief Magis- 
trate of the great Com- 
monwealth, is a native of 
Connecticut. His ancestors 
the French Huguenots who 
ica early in the seventeenth 
located in Connecticut. At 
that time tliej' bore the name of d'Larra- 
liee. Adam Larrabee, the father of Will- 
iam, w;:s born March 14, 1787, and was 
one of the earl}^ graduates of the West 
Point Military Academy. He .served his 
country during the W.ar of 1812, with distinction, 
holding the position of Second Lieutenant, to which 
he was commissioned March 1, 1811. lie was pro- 
moted to the Captaincy of his company Feb. 1, 
1814, and on the 30tli of the following INIarch. at 
the battle of Lacole Mills, during Gen. Wilkinson's 
campaign on tlie Saint Lawrence River, he was 
severely wounded in tlie lung. He eventually re- 
covered from the injury and was united in mar- 
riage to Hannah G. Lester. This much esteemed 
lady was born June ?., 1798, and died on the loth of 
March, 1837. Capt. Larrabee lived to an ad- 
vanced age, dying in 1869, at the age of eighty- 
two j'cars. 

As above mentioned, William, our subject, was 



born in Connecticut, the town of Ledyanl being 
the place of his birth and Jan. 20,1832, the date. 
He was the seventh child in a family of nine chil- 
dren, and passed the early years of his life up(jn a 
rugged New England farm, enjo3riiig very meager 
educational advantages. He attende<l, during the 
winter seasons, the neighboring district schools 
until lie reached the age of nineteen years, when, 
during the following two ^^•inters, he filled the posi- 
tion of schoolmaster. He was amliitious to do 
something in life for himself that would bring fort- 
une and distinction, but in making his plans for tlu' 
future he was embarrassed by a misfortune which 
Itofell him when fourteen j'ears of age. In being 
trained to the use of firearms under liis father's 
direction, an accidental discharge resulted in the 
loss of the sight in the right eye. This conse- 
quently unfitted him for many emjihtyments usuallj'' 
sought by ambitious J'oung men. The family 
li\ed near the seashore, only two miles away, and 
in that neighborhood it was the custom for at least 
one son in each family to go upon the sea as a 
sailor. The two eldest brothers of our subject had 
chosen this occupation while the third remained in 
charge of the home farm. William was thus left 
free to chose for himself and, like many of the 
youths of that day, he wisely turned his face West- 
ward. The year 1853 found him on this journey 
toward the setting sun, stopping only when he 
came to the broad and fertile jirairies of the new 
State of Iowa. He first joined his elder sister, Mrs 



156 



WILLIAM LARRABEE. 



E. II. Williams, wIki was at that time living- at 
GarmiviUu, C'laytnu t'ouuty. It was tiiis circum- 
stanee whirli led the ydiuig- hoy from Coiineeticiit 
U) select his future liome iu the northeastern por- 
tion uf Iowa. He resumed his oecujiation as a 
l>edagogue, teaehing. however, hut one winter, 
which was passed at Ilardin. The following three 
years he was employed in the capacity of foreman 
on the firand ]\Ieadow farm of his brother- in-law, 
Judge Williams. 

In IS.jT he bought a one-third interest in the 
Clermont JM ills, and located at Clermont, Fayette ' 
County. He soon was able to buy the other two- 
thirds, and within a year found himself sole owner. 
He o[)erate<l this mill until isTiwhen he sold to 
S. i\I. Leach. On the breaking out of the war lie 
offered to enlist, but was rejected on account of 
the loss of his i-jght eye. Being informed he might 
possibly be admitted as a commissioned officer, he 
raised a eom[iany and received a commission as 
First Lieutenant, but was again rejected for the 
same disability. 

After selling the mill Mr. Larrabee devoted him- 
self to farming, and started a private bank at Cler- 
mont. He also, experimentally, started a large 
nursery, but this resulted only in confirming the 
belief th;it Northern Iowa has too rigorous a cli- 
mate for fruit-raising. 

Mr. Larrabee did not begin his political career 
until 18G7. He was reared as a Whig and became 
a Republican on the organization of that part.y. 
While interested in polities he generally refused 
local offices, serving only as Treasurer of the 
School Board prior to 1.SG7. In the autumn of 
that year, on the Republican ticket, he was elected 
to represent his county in the State Senate. To 
this high position he was re-elected from time to 
time, so that he served as Senator continuously for 
eighteen j-ears before being promoted to the high- 
est office in the State. He was so popular at home 
that he was generall}' re-nominated by acclamation, 
and for some years the Democrats did not even 



make nominations. During the whole eighteen 
j-e.'irs Senator Larrabee was a member of the prin- 
cipal committee, that on Ways" and Means, of which 
he was generally Chairman, and was also a member 
of other committees. In the pursuit of the duties 
thus devolving ujion him, he was indefatigable. 
It is .said that he never missed a committee meet- 
ing. Not alone in this, but in private and j)u1)lic 
business i>f all kinds, his uniform habit is that of 
close application to work. Many of the important 
measures passed l:i_y the Li'gislature owe their ex- 
istence or present form to him. 

He was a candidate for the gubernatorial nomina- 
tion in 1881, but entered the contest too late, as 
Gov. Sherman's following had been successfully 
organized. In 1.S8.") it was generallv conceded be- 
fore the meeting rif ^ the convention that he would 
be nominate<l, which he was, and his election fol- 
lowed as a matter of course. He was inaugurated 
Jan. 1 4, 1 88(5, and so far has made an excellent 
(lovernor. His position in regard to the liipior 
question, that on which i)olitical fortunes are made 
and lost in I(_)wa, is that the majority should rule. 
He was personall3' in favor of high license, but 
having been elected (iovernor, and sworn t<» up. 
hold the Constitution and execute the laws, he pro- 
poses to do so. 

A Senator who sat beside him in the Senate de 
clares him to be ''a man of the broadest compre- 
hension an<l information, an extraordinarily clear 
reasoner, fair and conscientious in his conclusions, 
and of Spartan firmness in his matured judgment," 
and says that '• he brings the practical facts and 
philosi>phy of human nature, the science and his- 
ti,)ry t>f law, to aid iu his decisions, and adheres with 
the earnestness of Jefferson and Sumner to the 
fundamental principles of the people's rights." 

Gov. Larrabee was married Sept. 1 2, 1 8G 1 , at Cler- 
mont, to Anna M. Appelman, daughter of Capt. 
G. A. Appelman. Gov. Larrabee has seven chil- 
dren — Charles, Augusta, Julia, Amia, W^illiam, 
Frederic and Helen. 



I PUBLIC LIBRARV. 

ASTOR, LENOJC ^N0 



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GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 



159 








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iACK BOIES, Governor 
of loi'va, is .1 Iaw3-er b}' 
profession, and a resident 
of tlie city of Waterloo, 
of this State, where be 
has been in active prac- 
^5y3 tice since April, 1867. Governor 
Boies is a son of P>ber and Ilettie 
ij2p (Ilenshaw) Boies, and was born in 
Aurora, Erie County, N. Y.,on the 
7tii day of December, 1827. His 
father was a farmer bj' ocenpation, 
and in moderate circumstances, and 
Horace was reared under the 
healthfnl and moral influences of 
He attended the public schools, as op- 
portunit}' afforded, until sixteen j-ears of age, when 
being inspired with an ambition to see more of the 
world than had been possible for liira within the 
narrow limits of his native town, with the added 
variety of an occasional visit to Buffalo, he per- 
suaded his parents to consent to his departure for 
the West. Passage was secured on a steamer at 
Buffalo, wiiieh was bound up the lakes, and in due 
time he landed at the little hamlet of Racine, Wis. 
This was in the s|)ring of 1813, while Wisconsin 



farm life. 



was a Territory and butsparsel}' settled. The total 
cash assets of the 3'outhful emigrant amounted to 
but seventy-five cents, which necessitated strict 
economy and immediate eraplo.yment. Not finding 
a favorable opening at Racine he struck out on 
foot in search of work among tlie farmers, which 
he secured witii a settler near Rochester, and some 
twenty miles from Racine. His empU)yer proved 
a hard task-master and kept the Iioy hard at the la- 
borious work of ditch digging, while he stinted 
him at meals. After a month spent in a half- 
starved condition, and over-worked, the subject of 
our sketch received the sum of -SlO for his services, 
and broken down in healtii, moved on a few miles, 
where he luckily fell in with a family that had 
moved from the neighborhood of his home. They 
proved true friends and kindly- cared for him 
through a long illness, that was the legitimate con- 
sequence of his previous inontii of hardshi[) and 
starvation. 

On recovering his health, young Boies continued 
at farm work until a year had elapsed since he had 
left his home. He then returned to his native 
town, having learned the useful lesson of self-re- 
liance, which in after years enabled him to more 
easily overcome the difficulties that beset the n-ay 



160 



IIOUACK BOIES. 



iif him who has to hew out his own road to success. 

On his return to Aurora, Mr. Boies pursued a . 
course of study at tlie Aurora Academy, and later 
spent one winter in teaching seliool in Boone i 
County, 111. lietnrning to Nevv York, he was mar- 
ried ill Aurora, on the 1 ><th of A|iril. l<sl,S, to Miss 
Adela King', a daughter of Darius and Hannah 
King. Mrs. Boies was horn in Erie County, N. Y. 
Three children vvere horn of llicir union, nf wIidui 
only one is now living, a daughter, Adehi, wlio was 
the wife of .lidm W. Carson, novv deceased. Mrs. 
Carson resides at .Mt. N'ornon. Iowa. 

In 1850 Mr. Boies liegan the study of law in Au- 
rora and pursued it in that place and also in Bos- 
ton, of Erie County: and was admitted to the bar 
at Buffalo, at the general term of the Supreme 
Court in November, liS.j'i. He pursueil the prac- 
tice of his [irofession in Buffalo and vicinity with 
marked success, and in the fall of I8.J7 was chosen 
to re[)rescnt his district in the New York ll<nise of 
Representatives, for the session (_)f 1858. 

In the autumn of 1855 Mr. l>oies was called to 
mourn the loss of his wife, who died in November, 
of that year. He was niai'ried again in December, 
185i-'. in Waterloo, Iowa, to Miss N'ersalia M. Bar- 
ber, a daughter of Dr. P. .1. Barber. Mrs. Boies 
was born in Boston. Erie County, N. Y., ami liad 
removed to Iowa six months prior to her marriage. 
She died in Apiil, 1877, leaving thi'ce children, a 
daughter and two sons. Eail L., the eldest, was 
graduateil at Cornell College, studied law with his 
father, was admitted to the bar in 188G,and is now 
his father's partner, .lessie, the only daughter, is 
her father's companion anii housekeeper. Herbert 
B., the youngest, is a law student, reading law in 
his father's oltice. 

Mr. Boies after pursuing the practice of his pro- 
fession at 15uffalo and \dcinitj' for fifteen years, re- 
moved to Iowa, and settled at ^Vaterloo, in April, 
1867. He at once formed a law partnershi|) with II. 
B. Allen, and for a time the firm was Boies it Allen, 
then Carlton E. Couch, the |)resent district judge, 
was admitted to membership, and the firm name lie- 
came Boies, Allen ife Conch. That connection was 
continued until 1878, wdien Mr. Allen, on account of 
failing health, was obliged to withdraw. The firm 
continued under the st\'le of Boies & Couch until 



1884, when Mr. Coucii was elected Judge of the 
Ninth Judicial District. j\Ir. Boies wastlien alone 
in business for a short time, until joineil by his 
eldest son, E. L. In 1886 Mr. James L. Husted 
was.admitted to membershii) in the firm, which has 
since continued u.nder the name of Boies, Husted 
& Boies, and wliich is widel3' known as a le.ading 
law (irm of Eastern Iowa. 

(!ov. Boies was a Whig in early life, and on the 
disruption of that party and the formation of the 
Kc|)ubliean party, he joined the latter. But he was 
never ambitious to serve in official jjositions, an<l 
with the exception of one term in the New York 
Legislature and one term as City Attorney .at Wa- 
terloo, he held no office of consequence until elected 
Oovemorof Iowa in the fall of 1889. Ho main- 
tained his connection with the Republican party 
until 188:^, since wdiieh time he has aifilialed with 
the Democrats. Gov. Boies enjoys the distinction 
of being the first Governor of Iowa elected liy the 
Democratic party for a [leriod of thirty-live years, 
and was the onl3' successful candidate of his parly 
on the State ticket at the late election. Consider- 
ing the fact that the State was carried the j'ear [)re- 
vious in the Presidential election, by a majority of 
thirty'-live thousand in favor of the Re[iul.)licans, 
the success of tjov. Boies may be said to liave been 
a marked compliment to him as a man and a leader, 
without disparaging the splendid canijiaign work of 
his party managers, or ignoring the effect of the evi- 
dent change in popular [lolitical sentiment in Iowa. 

As a lawyer, (iov. ISoies has won prominence by 
his ability and utll-gr(.iunded knowledge of law, 
an earnest an<l conscientious regaid for the inter- 
ests of his clients, and the confidence and respect 
he never fails to command in addressing the court 
or jury. His life has been a busy' one, and success 
has been achieved by indefatigable industry, close 
study, and strict integrity of character. He is not 
a politician in the common acceptation of the term, 
and the nominatic>n for Governor came to him un- 
sought and was only accepted through a sense of 
duty to the party with whose principles he was in 
close sympathy. He enters upon the discharge of 
his ofticial duties under peculiar circumstances, but 
with the confidence of all parlies that his adminis- 
tration will be able, honest and fair. 







clv-^ — a>- 













INTRODU0TOP{Y, 



CHAPTER I. 



ijj N Ihe annals of Monona Couuly, as the changes 
|{ of but four decades are contemplated, one can 
l\ scarcely realize O"- comprehend that these won- 
derful results of Time's marvel-working hand are 
the achievements of a period so brief and so recent 
as to be within the remembrance of the present 
generation. 

Let us turn back, as it were, the leaves of Time's 
great book, to about forty years ago, and the 
stranger lingering in this portion of our beautiful 
State, would have gazed upon a lovel}' landscape, 
ground oft selected as a camping ground by the 
Omahas or the Sioux, with that singular apprecia- 
tion of the beautiful implanted by Nature in the 
breast of nearly every savage. The wide-spread, 
level bottom lands, the alluvi.al deposit of the tur- 
gid Missouri River, and the strange -shaped angular 
bluffs or rounded knolls, whose formation has puz- 
zled the intelligent and thinking geologist, all clad 
in their garb of verdure; wide stretches of wav- 
ing grass, groves and masses of timb r, and through 
the latter streaming the lovely creeks and rivers 
that marked their devious courses, as with a silver 
ribbon throughout its length and breadth; tall 
waving grass, green as the emerald, dotted with 
myriads of prairie blooms, meets the eye, but no 
sign of civilization, no token of the white man's 
presence is visible on either hand. All is in 
its pristine state, fresh from the hand of Nature. 
But what a contrast with the present! Now all 
traces of the primitive are obliterated; in place of 



the tall, reedy grass and spreading forest, one be- 
holds the rich waving fields of golden grain; the 
home of the deer, wolf and Indian has become the 
head of tlie corn belt of Iowa. In place of the 
dusky warrior's rude tepee are the substantial and 
many times elegant dwellings of the thrifty farmers, 
and the iron horse, swifter than the agile deer, 
treads the pathway so recently the trail of the red 
man. Then the sickle of fire annually cut away 
the wild herbage, and drove to death the stag, the 
elk and the bison ; now it is the home of the cereals 
and nourishes upon its broad bosom millions of 
bushels of the staple products of the great Hawkeye 
State. Then the storm drove the wild wolf to his 
lurking place; now the blast forces the herds of the 
husbandman to the comfortable shelter piovided 1)3' 
patient industry for their use. The transformation 
could not be more complete. 

It now becomes the pleasant task of the historian 
to note down upon the pages of history the trials, 
the troubles, the conquests of the hardy pioneers 
who laid the foundation for these metamorphoses. 
Lessening each year under the relentless hand of 
death, the early settlers, who first broke the wa3' for 
civilization, and planted the broad banner of pro- 
gress on tlie virgin prairie and among the fertile 
hills of Monona County, are fast passing awaj-. 
Therefore it behooves us to gather from their lips 
the tales of by-gone days which they alone can tell ; 
tales of liow they, bold, adventurous pioneers, botli 
men and women, leaving the friendly' shelter of the 



164 



MONONA COUNTY. 



parental roof-tree, pushed out into this domain of 
the wild beast and his scarcely less wild brother, 
the red Indian, and here carved out for themselves 
new homes and founded the new settlements on the 
border of civilization. 

In many cases their bent forms, furrowed brows 
and hoary hair tell of the battle with trial and 
hardship, the fight for life against want and peuui-y ; 
hut the bright eye, the firm glance, tell that they 
have conquered after a long strnggle, as only a 
noble band of heroes could conquer. They, the 
victors in the struggle, seem spared to sanctify the 
homes that the}' have founded in this domain of 
nature. 

Their deeds deserve a niche in history, a tablet 
that will long outlast the stately monuments of 
stone or bronze that will sooner or later mark the 
place where they will "sleep the sleep that knows 
no waking," and to this end, their words have been 
gathered from their lips, ere it is too late, that 
future generations may have the advantages of 
their example and life. 

But forty years ago these now productive acres, 
these rich grazing lands, these fertile and well-tilled 
farms, were lying an unbroken wilderness, the hunt- 
ing, and often the batile grounds of the wild abo- 
rigine. But with the coming of the white man the 
sun of progress dawned upou Monanu County, and 
like the advance of day, its light has grown brighter 
and lighter and stronger, until the broad noontide 
of prosperit}- seems close at hand. As in the life 
of man, the county had but a feeble existence in 
its early daj's, but now, in the bright and lusty 
strength of young manhood, it rejoices in its 
might. 

The soil vvas rich and productive, but what ster- 
ling nerve and determination w.as required to make 
this a suitable habitation for man, and to reclaim 
to the uses of civilization its unbroken sod! To 
turn their backs upon the older homes of their 
race, with slender resources, as did most of these 
heroic adventurers, w.as no light t.ask, and to them 
belongs the crown of victory, for they have con- 
quered Dame Nature in her wildest mood. The 
present and future generations can hardly repay 
them for their courage and for their trials and for- 
titude in opening up this splendid section of 



countr}', but they should be honored above men for 
their acts and deeds of the olden time. 

When the Sttitesman saves the Nation; soldier 

stands the burning test; 
Then the Nation p.a3's them proudly, with a medal 

at] the breast; 
But the pioneer with axe and jilow clears the way 

for coming race — 
Shall he then be forgotten, dying leave] nojasting 

trace ? 
Ills reward .^ Nor cross nor medal, but all others 

high above. 
They may wear more splendid symbols — they have 

gained a |)eoi)le'3 love. 

The study of the annals of the p.ast has, at all 
limes and in all climes, claimed a large share of the 
attention of the Intelligent] people.f To the sage 
and scholar, poribg^over some vast and ponderous 
tome, dusty with age and in .an almost forgotten 
tongue, tothejnew beginner with his new and com- 
prehensive comjiilation suited to his e.arlier 3'ears, 
the pleasure drawn from its perus.al is perenni.al. 
Men eminent in the domain of letters have divided 
history into several classes, the most prominent of 
which are, first, that which treats only of events; 
the second, that which recognizes men, the living 
actors in the world's great drama. The former of 
these is but the dry bones of a fossil age, reft of all 
life, and is, at best, but a synopsis of the more im- 
portant actions that have crowded upon the stage 
of the p.ast, a list of kings, rulers, dynasties .and 
their various parts, and in which the people pl.ay 
but a secondary role. The latter recognizes the 
people, men in their broad humanity, clothed in the 
flesh ; and the story of their deeds, has, in its re- 
lation, all the fascination of romance, enchaining 
the reader to its pages until the volume is finished 
.and laid aside with a sigh. This form of history, 
warm and p.alpitating as it is with the busy lives of 
men who, like ourselves, have lived and moved 
upon the world's broad surface, is the model after 
which it has been the endeavor to compile these 
pages. No narrow attempt to paint with partis.<in 
pen the working of any party or creed, but setting 
out in broad and comprehensive detail the actions 
of those brave men and heroic women, who in the 
early stages of this county's existence, played so 
well " their parts upon the mighty stage." 



MONONA COUNTY. 



165 



But before entering upon a history of man and 
liis doings here, it were well to delineate the stage 
and its setting that the scene may be familiar to 
the stranger, as well as liira who dwells within the 
hallowed precinct. 

Jlonona County lies upon the widely-known 
Missouri River in the western part of the great 
State of Iowa, being in the fifth tier of counties 
from both northern and southern boundaries. It 
is twenty-four miles in breadth, north and south, 
and an average of thirty miles in length east and 
west. It embraces fifteen full congressional town- 
ships and five that are fractional, containing in all 
682 square miles, or 438,480 acres. A large por- 
tion of the land lies in the great Missouri River 
bottom, upwards of 165.000 acres being in the 
valley in the western part, but a small portion of 
which is subject to overflow during the periodical 
high water seasons, and the most of it is suscepti- 
ble of easy and high culture. 

The eastern portion of .the county is a high, rolling 
prairie, well watered and drained by the Maple and 
Soldier Rivers, AVillow Creek and their numerous 
affluents and tributaries, which meander with sil- 
very course through wide, beautiful and extremely 
fertile vaile}'s. These uplands end in abrupt 
bluffs along the Little Sioux River, which traverses 
the center of the county from north to south, and 
which display the same uniform height and gen- 
eral characteristics of tlie Missouri River bluffs. 
Broken and uneven lands, cut up by ravines, are 
found among these hills which are of little utility 
for agricultural purposes, but are used as pasture by 
the owners, with considerable profit. A more de- 
tailed account of the topography and resources of 
each township in the county is given in this vol- 
ume further on, in connection with the history 
thereof, to which the reader is referred. 

Generally speaking the soil in llie vallej's is a 
deep, black mould or a fine loam. In the Missouri 
bottoms, low sand ridges are not uufrequently met 



witii, which are the remains of bars formed l)y the 
currents when the river occupied the whole width 
of the valley fi'om bluff to bluff, in prc-historic 
times. The bottom deposits are quite variable in 
the character of their component materials, though 
a fine, dark loam constitutes the gre.ater portion of 
the surface soil. This is underlaid by sand and 
gravel, and sometimes by silt and clay containing 
large quantities of partially decayed wood and other 
vegetable matter. The uplands are covered with a 
brown humus-charged soil, with a sub-soil of the 
light colored bluff deposit. Dr. Charles A. White, 
the State Geologist, in his report thus speaks of the 
geology of the country: 

" The geological formations thus far known to oc- 
cur at the surface in Monona County, belong to the 
post tertiary period. The lower formations of the 
cretaceous period doubtless once overspread the 
entire area of Monona and adjacent counties, and 
may, indeed, still underlie a considerable portion 
of its area. At Blackburn's, below the mouth of 
the west fork of the Little Sioux, in digging a 
well, red clays were found at a depth of about 
forty-five feet below the bottoms, which possibly 
belong to the rocks of this series. Of the earlier 
geological deposits not a vestige is exposed to view 
within the limits of the count}'. 

" The drift deposits outcrop at irregular eleva- 
tions in the base of the bliiffs on the Missouri bot- 
toms, gradually increasing! in elevation from the 
south northward where they reach the heighth of 
one hundred feet above the Missouri. These de- 
posits include the blue clay and hard-pan Layers, and 
above these are found the sandy claj's and gravel 
beds of modified drift material. 

'• No quarries of stone are found in the countj\ 
The material for brick making is abundantly sup- 
plied by the surface deposit^. The local supply of 
fuel is entirely dependent ion the forests, which, 
thougii of comparatively limited extent, are amply 
adequate for the present wants." 



ORGANIZATION ACD GOYEf{NMENT, 



CHAPTER II. 




!h.'^ ONONA county was set off .ind estalDlisLed 
as a separate county I)}' an act of tho legis- 
lature in 1851, prior to which it had 
formed a part of the county of Benton. 
In the j'ear mentioned it was joined to tiie county 
of Polk, with several others, for judicial election and 
revenue purposes, and so remained until 1853. 
when it was similarity attached to Harrison County. 
The name o'iven it by the General Assembly is of 
Indian origin. 

In the spring of 1854, by order of the county 
court of Harrison County, steps were taken toward 
the organization of Monona County. An election 
was held on the 3d of A()ril, of that vear, at which 
the following named parties were chosen the first 
officers of the new county, that then started on its 
brilliant career. Charles B. Thomjison, County 
Judge; George riinkeiilooper. Clerk of the Distiict 
Court; Joiinson F. Lane, Siieriff; Hugh Lytic, 
Treasurer and Recorder; Guy C. Barnum, Drain- 
age Commissioner; Isaac Ashton, Prosecuting At- 
torney; and Aaron Cook, Coroner. About twenty 
b.allots were cast at this election. At that time the 
county embraced one range of townships on tiie 
eastward of its present territory, which now forms 
a part of Crawford County. The result of the 
first election was canvassed by Richard Humphreys, 
Horatio Cnywood and G. A. Hart, residents of 
Magnolia Township, Harrison County, appointed 
for tlie purpose. 

At that period the government of the county, 



under the State law, was vested in a county court 
composed of the county judge, clerk of the dis- 
trict court and sheriff, and had most of the au- 
thority and stood in the stead of the present Board 
of Supervisors. Judge Thompson remained in 
office until the fall of 1855. Of the proceedings 
of his administration there is no record extant 
among the books and papers of the county. 

John Craig, the second County Judge w.as elected 
in August, 1855, and the first term of his court 
was held in September, of the same year. tSeveral 
new precincts were organized during his term of 
office. The first road in the county was laid out 
in the fall of 1855, W. H. Wiley, being the com- 
missioner to view and locate the same; the second 
was laid out in the spring of 1S5G, James H. Siiaron 
acting as commissioner. At the August term of 
court, 1856, license to conduct a ferry across the 
Missouri River, was granted to T. H. Ilinman, and 
the rates or tolls fixed by the county judge. 
Twenty-five cents conld be charged a foot passen- 
ger; a man and a horse, fifty cents, and a two horse 
team one dollar and fifty cents. 

On the 17th of November, 185G, John Craig 
resigned the office of county ju<lge, and the office 
was under the charge of L. Sears until the election 
and qualification of a successor at the regular 
spring election. 

D. E. Whiting was elected to fill this important po- 
sition in April, 1857, and at once assumed charge of 
the county's .affairs. During his administration the 



MONONA COUNTY. 



167 



county seat was removed to Onawa, from Ashton, 
as detailed in the annals of the former city, and an 
attempt made to remove it to Belvidere which 
proved abortive. At the term of court held on 
the 5th of October, 1857, a general re-organization 
of the various townships of the county was effected, 
at which term there were made eight civil townships : 
Boyer, Maple, Kennebec, West Fork, Ashton, 
Franklin, Preparation and Belvidere'. The tirst 
bridge was built during the fall of the same year 
by F. A. L. Day for $750, and accepted by the 
county judge and paid for by a warrant on the 
Swamp Land Fund Jan. 4, 1858, (at same place 
now called Stone Bridge, named after Almon Stone). 

In the fall of 1859, J. C. Hazlelt was duly elected 
to the office of county judge, and filled that office 
until the 1st of .January, 1861. when the reins of 
government were transferred to the Board of Super- 
visors, in accordance with a law of the Eighth Gen- 
eral Assembly. The county judge from that time 
assumed a secondary place in the affairs of the 
county, all powers being granted to the newly cre- 
ated board then consisting of one member from 
each election precinct or township. 

The first session of the Board of Supervisors of 
Monona County, was held at Onawa, commencing 
Jan. 7, 1861. The following gentlemen were duly 
qualified as represent.atives from their respective 
townships: Alexander Allison, from West Fork; J. 
R. Bouslangh, Maple; Addison Dimmick, Franklin ; 
F. A. Day, Kennebec; T. II. Flowers, Belvidere; J. 
A. Goodrich, Achton, and W. G. Myers, Boyer. 
D. W. Butts was chosen to represent the township 
of Preparation, but removing from the county, 
prior to the organization of the board. Charles 
Perrin was chosen to fill liis place. On taking their 
seats, the fir.st action of the board was to elect J. 
R. Bouslangh chairman of their meetings for the 
ensuing year. On the 3d of April following T. II. 
Flowers resigned his position as one of the supervis- 
ors and Elijah Walker was chosen to fill the vacancy 
and represent the townslnp of Belvidere. The 
latter qualified June 3, 1861. During the fall of 
the same year the removal of the county seat fi'om 
Onawi^, to Belvidere was agitated, and ScptL'raber 3, 
the Board of Supervisors passed an order submit- 
ting the question to the qualified electors of the 



county, but the measure of re-location was defeated 
at the polls that fall. 

The Board of Supervisors for the year 1862, 
met on the 6th of January, when the following 
gentleman appeared and answered roll call : Alexan- 
der Allison, of West Fork; J. R. Bouslangh, Maple; 

F. A. Day, Kennebec; Thomas H.ayes, Ashton; W. 

G. Myers, Boyer; Elijah Walker, Belvidere; Row- 
land Cobb, Preparation, and Addison Dimmick, of 
Franklin. Mr. Bouslaugh w.as again chosen chair- 
man. January 7, A. Dimmick resigned his seat on 
the board and was succeeded by Addison Oliver. 
During the summer of that eventful year, the board 
in view of the Pike's Peak excitement and the 
absence of some thirty of the citizens of the county 
in the Union Army, both of which had drawn from 
the defense of this section of the State nearly all 
of the single and many of the married men, and 
the country being justl}' alarmed by the accounts 
of the horrid butcheries perpetrated by the Sioux 
Indians in Minnesota, the Board of Supervisors of 
Monona County memorialized the Governor of 
Iowa, Samuel J. Kirkwood. This document de- 
manded in a conciliatory manner, tiiat " the men 
drafted in this county .and vicinity be either dis- 
charged or stationed at a suitable point for the de- 
fense of this county, or otherwise used for the defense 
of the Northwest." Tiie next day a petition was 
likewise sent to Lieutenant-Colonel H. C. Nutt for 
arms .and equipments for two hundred men to arm 
the militia. 

January 5, 1863. the new board met for the first 
time, and consisted of the following named indi- 
viduals: J. R. Bouslaugh, F. A. Day, Thomas 
Hayes, Rowland Cobb, C. Dunham, Addison 
Oliver, James C. Crabb and Alexander Allison. 
Mr. Bouslaugh was chosen Chairman for the en- 
suing year. Several changes occurred in this board 
b}- resignation — C. E. Whiting taking the place 
of Mr. Allison, January 6; Adam Myers that of 
Mr. Crabb, June 1st, and W. L. Erskine that of 
Mr. Day, in October. 

The road from Onawa to the bluffs on the 
Little Sioux River was first agitated at a meeting 
of this board and a committee appointed to look 
into its fe.asibility and desirability, and it was 
finally established in October, 1863. In November, 



168 



MONONA COUNTY. 



by a resolution the board declared: " That in the 
opinion of this board this comity ought to raise its 
quota of troops, under the late call, by voluntary 
enlistments and that to this end they deem it expe- 
dient to offer a suitable county bounty, and there- 
fore call for a mass meeting of tlie citizens to be 
held Dec. 14, 1803, to take the matter into con- 
sideration." At the meeting it was determined to 
offer a bounty of «300, $60 on the acceptance of 
the recruit and $20 per quarter tliereafter until 
paid, and at the next meetino; of the board a 
special tax of five mills was levied for tlio bounty 
fund. 

The board that came together Jan. 4, 1864, was 
com[)osed of the following named gentlemen: J. K. 
Bouslaugh, II. Erskine, Addison Oliver, F. A. Day, 
Isaac Ashton, C. E. Wliiting, K. Cobli and C. 
Dunham. Rowland Cobb was elected to the Chair. 
On organization Mr. Oliver resigned his seat and 
was succeeded by B. D. Holbrook, as supervisor 
from Franklin. At the July terra of the board it 
was determined to pay a bounty of $200 for tiie 
enlistment of men in the service of the general 
government engaged in the suppression of the 
the rebellion, and Messrs. Holbrook and Whiting 
were made a committee to engage some of the 
Omaha Indians to take their place in the regiments 
of the State. 

Isaac Ashton, of Ashton; F. A. Day, of Belvi- 
dere; II. B. Ernest, Boyer; A. Oliver, Franklin; J. 
D. Woodward, Kennebec, J. R. Bouslaugh, Maple: 
R. Cobb, Spring Valley; and C. E. Whiting, of 
West Fork, foi'med the board that met for the first 
time, Jan. 3, 186.5. The last named gentleman v.'as 
chosen chairman. J. D. Woodward resigned his 
place among the supervisors September 5, and A. 
Oliver, upon the IGth of October, and were suc- 
ceeded, the former liy H. D. Erskine and the latter 
by H. E. Colby. 

On the 1st of January, 1860, the board that con- 
Tened consisted of C. E. Whiting, of West Fork; 
H. E. Colby. Franklin; Rowland Cobb, Spring 
Valley ; J. R. Bouslaugh, Maple; Addison Dim- 
mick, Belvidcre; Abraham N. Bullock, Kennebec; 
and Isaac Ashton, of Ashton. C E. Whiting was 
the chairman for the year. During this adminis- 
tr.\ti(ui the count}' was reorganized into townships 



and several new ones formed, so that at the close 
of the year there were the civil townships of Spring 
Valley, Sherman, St. Clair. Belvidere, Franklin 
Center, Kennebec, Ashton, Lincoln, Maple, Grant, 
West Fork and Lake. 

The first meeting of the board of Supervisors 
with the representatives of the new townships in its 
body was convened Jan. 4, 1867, when the follow- 
ing answered to their names: Isaac Ashton of Ash- 
ton: A. Dimraick, of Belvidere; J. R. Bouslaugh, 
Center; B. D. Holbrook, Franklin; J. D. Wood- 
ward, Grant; F. A. Day, Kennebec; Joseph Robin- 
son, Lake; Benjamin Herring, Lincoln; W. L. 
Ring, Maple ; Peter Reiley, Sherman ; D. W. Butts, 
Spring Valley; J. L. Swinburne, St. Clair, and C. 

E. Whiting, of West Fork. The last named was 
placed in the Chair. The towns of Jordan and 
Fairview wore organized by this board and the 
name of St. Clair changed to that of Soldier. At 
the October session J. A. Goodrich succeeded to 
the place of Isaac Ashton, on the board, tlie latter 
gentleman removing from the county that sum- 
mer. 

Jan. 6, 1868, the new board met and contained 
the following gentlemen: J. T. Baggs, E. H. Bakke, 
T. H. Flowers, J. A. Goodrich, B. D. Holbrook, 
Benjamin Herring, J. K. Myers, Joseph Robinson, 
J. L. Swinburne, J. D. Woodward, C. E. Whiting, 
Peter Reiley, W. L. Ring, D. W. Butts, and J. R. 
Bouslaugh. Judge Whiting was again elected 
Chairman for the ensuing year. 

The various Boards of Supervisors for the en- 
suing years were composed of the following well 
known gentlemen : 

1869— B. D. Holbrook, J. K. Myers, Q. A. 
Wooster, D. W. Butts, N. W. Harlow, D. T. Cutler, 

F. F. Roe, J. A. Goodrich, J. T. Baggs, C. E. 
Whiting, J. L. Swinburne, W. H. Stanley, Joseph 
Robinson, and B. D. Holbrook. Mr. Goodrich 
was elected to the Chair Jan. 4. Mr. Swinburne 
died in October and was succeeded by W. F. 
Burke. 

1870 — J. A. Goodrich, James H. Cork, F. F. 
Roe, B. D. Holbrook, W. H. Stanley, W. G. Ken- 
nedy, J. K. Myers, Joseph Robinson, D. T. Cutler, 
Q. A. Wooster, N. C. Harlow, W. F. Burke. D. W. 
Butts, and C. E. Whiting. Mr. Wooster was 



MONONA COUNTY. 



169 



chosen Chairman for tlie year. W. F. Burke 
resigning June 6th, was succeeded on the board by 
Junius Bionn. 

1871 — The General Assembly had changed the 
number and mode of election of the mcmbeis of 
the Board of Supervisors, from one member from 
each township to three cliosen at large by all the 
county; the new board that convened, .Tan. 2, 
1871, was formed of Collins A. Burnham, Willard 
G. Kennedy and William Pclan. Mr. Kennedy 
was elected Chairman for the year. At the April 
session Mr. Pelan, having handed in his resignation 
as a member of the Board, was succeeded by E. D. 
Dimmick. 

1872 — W. G. Kennedy, Chairman; E. D. Dim- 
mick and John Patrick. 

1873 — The same individuals. 

1874 — W. G. Kennedy, Chairman; John Patrick 
and N. B. Olson. 

1875— W. G. Kennedy, Chairm.nn; N. B. Olson 
and George M. Scott. 

1876 — G. M. Scott, Chairman; N. B. Olson and 
H. E. Colby. 



1877— G. M. Scott, Chairman; II. E. Colby and 

E. Wilber. 

1878 — Same board; H. E. Colby, Chairman. 

1879— G. M.Scott, Chairman; E. Wilber and S. 
G. Irish. 

1880— E. AVilber, Chairman; G. M. Scott and S. 
G. Irish. 

1881 — The same members, G. M. Scott in the 
Chair. 

1882— G. M. Scott, Chairman; E. Wilber, a.^d 

F. McCausland. 

1883— Fred. McCausland, Chairman; G. M. 
Scott and J. D. Rice. 

1884— J. D. Rice, Chairman; F. McCausland 
and I. U. Riddle. 

1 885— J. D. Rice, Chairman; I. U. Riddle and 
J. K. McCaskey. 

1886— J. K. McCaskey, Chairman; I. U. Riddle 
and W. D. Crow. 

1887 — The same as the preceding year. 

1888—1. U. Riddle, Chairman; W. D. Crow and 
D. A. Pember. 

1889— W. D. Crow, Chairman; D. A. Pember 
and I. U. Riddle. 




National, State and County Representation. 



CHAPTER III. 



yHILE unwortlu' luen, at times, may force 
themselves into office, it cannot but be 
ly ^'J acknowledged that the great body of the 
ofHceholders of the country are truly representative 
men — men of positive force and character. They 
are of the nuralier that build up and strengthen a 
town, a county, or a State. In this chapter it is 
designed to show wlio among the inhabitants of 
tlie county have represented the people in National, 
State or county office. First to begin with is: 

CONfiRESSIONAL. 

Wluni iMoiiona County was organized it became 
a portion of the Second Congressional District, and 
was represented in the National Council by John P. 
Cook, in tlie 33d Congress. He was one of the 
ablest lawyers in the State, and died at Davenport, 
in April, 1872. He was succeeded by James Thor- 
ington in the 34th Congress, and by Timothy 
Davis, of Clayton County, in the 35tii Congress, 
from 1857 to 1859. 

In the 35th and 36th Congresses, from 1859 to 
1862, William Vandever, of Dubuque, represented 
this, the Second District, in the National Assembly, 
arid gave eminent satisfaction to his constituents. 

In 1862, Asahel W. Hubbard, of Sioux City, was 
elected to Congress. He was a native of Connec- 
ticut, born in 1817, who came from Indiana in 
1857, and settled in wirit is now the " Corn Palace 
City." He served through the38t]i, li'Jth and 40th 
Congresses, and was succeeded in 186;! by (.'harles 



Pomeroy, of Ft. Dodge. The latter served one 
term. 

The next representative in the National Assem- 
bly was Jackson Orr, of Boonsboro, who was 
elected in 1870. He filled the position with great 
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his sup- 
porters in the 41st, 42d and 43d Congresses, the 
last term of the newly created Ninth District. 

The successor of Mr. Orr in Congress was Judge 
Addison Oliver, one of the early settlers and lead- 
ing citizens of Monona County, a man whose inter- 
ests have grown up with the development of this, 
his home. A sketch of this prominent citizen is 
given further on, giving in detail his life work in 
this community. Mr. Oliver represented the Ninth 
District of Iowa in Congress for four years, and 
was succeeded by ex-Governor Cyrus C. Carpenter, 
of Ft. Dodge. He held the office through the 46th 
and 47th Congresses. 

Isaac Struble, of Lemars, the present able repre- 
sentative of this section of the State in the halls of 
onr National Assembly', was elected in 1882, to 
represent the newlj' formed Eleventh District, and 
has been chosen his own successor at each succeed- 
ing election. 

GENEK.\L ASSEMBLY. 

When this county was first organized, in 1854, it 
became a part of llie Forty second Representative 
District, and was represented in the Fifth General 
Assembly, first by Thomas 15. Neely, of ILirrison 



MONONA COUNTY. 



171 



County, but his seat was contested bj^ Green T. 
Clark, to whom it was adjudged Jan. 4, 1855. 
This assembly was first convened, Dec. 4, 1854. 

The Sixth General Assembly met at Iowa City, 
Dec. 1, 1856, and adjourned Jan. 29, 1857. Monona 
County, as a part of the Twelfth Senatorial Dis- 
trict, was represented in the upper house by James 
I). Test; in the lower house by N. G. Wyatt. This 
with the counties of Harrison, Shelb}', Woodbury 
and eighteen others composed the Sixteenth Repre 
sentative District. 

In the constitutional convention which met at 
Iowa City Jan. 19, 1857, and adjourned March 5, 
1857, this district was represented by Daniel W. 
Price. 

On the lltlrof January, 1858, the Seventh Gen- 
eral Assembly met at Des Moines, and adjourned 
March 22 following. Tiiis county, then a portion 
of the Twelfth District, was represented in the Sen- 
ate by W. H. M. Pusey, of Council Bluffs. The 
Fourteenth Representative District was represented 
by Samuel H. Casady. 

Tlie Eighth General Assembly met on the 8th of 
Januar3", 1860, and contained in the Senate W. H. 
M. Pusey as Senator, and J. W. Dennison as Rep- 
resentat ve from this district. The members of 
tlie legislative district had changed its number to 
that of Forty-fifth. 

John F. Duncombc, of Ft. Dodge, in the Senate 
and William W. Fuller, in the House, represented 
this district in the Ninth General Assembly, which 
was convened for the first time Jan. 13, 1862. The 
senatorial district was then known as the Tliirtj'- 
second, and the representative as the Sisty-fourtli. 

The Tenth General Assembl3-, which convened 
at Des Moines, Jan. 11, 1864, and continued in 
session until Marcli 29, following, contained among 
its members George W. Bassett, in the Senate', and 
Addison Oliver, of Onawa, in the House, as rep- 
resentatives of this district. 

Addison Oliver, of Monona County, in the Sen- 
ate, and S. J. Comfort, in the House, represented 
the interests of this district in the Eleventh Gene- 
ral Assembly, which raet_ in conclave at Des 
Moines, Jan. 8, 1866, and adjourned April 3, the 
same year. 

The Twelfth General Assembly, which convened 



in Des Moines Jan. 13, 1868, and remained in sess- 
ion until April 8 following, found Addison Oliver 
stdl representing the Forty-sixth District, of which 
Monona County formed a part, and Stephen Till- 
son the member of the Sixty-tliird District in the 
Chamber of Representatives. 

Jan. 10, 1870, witnessed the assembling of the 
Thirteenth General Assembly, and among the dele- 
gates Charles Atkins, of Onawa, in the Senate, and 
J. D. Miracle, in the Lower House, represented the 
interests of the district of wiiich Monona County 
formed a part. 

The Fourteenth General Assembly which con- 
vened Jan. 8, 1872, remained in session until 
April 23. 1872. Charles Atkins continued to fill 
the post of Senator from this district, the Forty- 
eightli, and Charles G. Perkins, of Onawa, was the 
Representative from the Fortieth Legislative Dis- 
trict, composed of the counties of Monona, Audu- 
bon, Shelby and Crawford. 

The Fifteenth General Assembly met on the 12th 
of January-, 1874, and adjourned March 18 follow- 
ing. Monona County was represented in the Senate 
by George D. Perkins, the editor of the Sioux City 
Journal, and in the Lower House bj^ Edmund B. 
Baird. 

George D. Perkins in the Senate and George Rae 
in the House, represented this district in the Six- 
teenth General Assembly, which convened Jan. 10, 
1876, and adjourned INIarch 16 following. 

Jan. 10, 1878, the Seventeenth General Assembly 
met, and Monona Countj^ was duly represented by 
A. W. Ford in the Senate and Elijah Peake, of 
Onawa, in the House of Representatives. 

The Eighteenth General Assembly which con- 
vened at Des Moines, Jan. 12, 1880, contained as 
the representatives of the district of which Monona 
County formed a part, A. W. Ford in the Senate and 
Henry C. Laub in the House. 

The Nineteenth General Assembly that con- 
vened in January, 1882, contained as the repre- 
sentatives of this district, T. M. C. Logan in the 
Senate and Robert T. Shearer in the lower chamber. 

Charles E. I Whiting, of Monona County, repre- 
sented the interests of the district in the Senate and 
Daniel Campbell in the House, in the Twentieth 
General Assembly, which convened Jan. 18, 1884, 



172 



MONONA COUNTY. 



and continued in session until April 2 of the same 
3'ear. The Senatorial district, which was known 
as the Forty-sixth, consisted of the counties of 
Monona, Woodbury and Crawford, Monona County 
alone constituted the Seventy-tliird Representative 
District. 

The Twonty-lirst General Assembly convened in 
January, 1886, and contained as Senator from tliis 
district C. E. Whiting, and in the House, W. F. 
Wiley. 

The Twenty-second General Assembly of the 
State of Iowa convened at Des Moines in January, 
1888, and this district was represented therein b}- 
C. M. Whiting in the Senate and Ijy F. F. Roe 
in the House of Representatives. 

COUNTY JUDGE. 

This office was the most important in tlie gift of 
the people of the county, in an early day, it em- 
bracing the duties now devolving to a great extent 
upon the Board of Supervisors, Auditor and Court 
of Proljate, together with the granting of marriage 
licenses and other business. 

The first to occupy this responsible position was 
Charles B. Thompson, of Preparation, a history of 
whom appears in the annals of that township. It 
would seem that he kept no record of the transactions 
of his court, for notlung of the kind is among the 
county records. He was succeeded in August, 1854, 
bi' John Craig, who occupied the office until Nov. 
1856, when he resigned, and the place was filled by 
L. Sears until the election, in April, 1857, of Charles 
E. Whiting. Judge Whiting assumed the control 
of the affairs of the county immediately after his 
election, and found the matters of the county in 
considerable confusion, but soon straightened them 
out. He continued at the helm of government until 
the fall of 1859, when he was succeeded by John C. 
II.Mzlett. The latter was the last county judge un- 
der the law that made him the head of tlie local 
government, the office being shorn of many of its 
duties, and superseded, Jan. 1, 1861, by the Board 
of Supervisors. For some time after this the office 
continued, and had jurisdiction in all probate mat- 
ters and some kindred business. 

The first under this law was J. R. Bouslaugh, who 
fulfilled its duties until, at the end of his two years' 



term, he was succeeded by Stephen Tillson, after- 
wards one of the leading men of the district. In 
1865 C. C. Bisbee was elected to this office, and 
served for two j'cars. Elijah Peake was eliosen to 
fill this position in 1867, and performed its duties 
until Nov. 10, 1868, when, resigning, he was re- 
placed by Herbert E. Morrison. The latter gen- 
tlemen, appointed by the board Nov. 28, filled the 
position until the 1st of January, 1869, when the 
probate matters having been transferred to the cir- 
cuit court, the office was abolished. The county 
judge at the time of tlie change in the law was 
made ex officio 

COUNTY AUDITOR, 

And thus H. E. Morrison became the first to occupy 
that responsible'offlce. He remained in this capacity 
until the 1st of January, 1870, when he was suc- 
ceeded by John K. McCaskey, who was re-elected 
his own successor in 1871, 1873, 1875, 1877, 1879 
and 1881, occupying the office for fourteen con- 
secutive years, well ,and faithfully performing all 
the multifarious duties pertaining thereto. On the 
1st of January, 1884, George A. Douglas, the pres- 
ent Auditor, was inducted into the office, and was 
re-elected to the same position in 1885 and 1887, 

TREASURER AND RECORDER. 

At the time that the county was organized, by a 
law of tbe State these two offices were discharged 
by one and the same person, and so continued for 
several years. The first to occupj^ the dual office 
was Hugh Lytle, who was chosen at the first elec- 
tion in the spring of 1854, and re-elected at the 
regular clecticm in August, 1855. He evidently re- 
signed the office, for in April, 1856, William Bur- 
ton was elected to fill the vacancy, and in August, 
1857, was re elected for a full term. 

C. H. Ilolbrook was Mr. Burton's successor, 
having been cho.sen in the fall of 1859, and being 
re-elected his own successor in 1861, served four. 
years. .Tames Armstrong was elected to the double 
office in 1863, and held it for about a year, when 
the two offices became separated, after which he 
served out the term in the most responsible and im- 
portant of the two, that of 

COUNTY TKEASUREK. 

John E. Selleck was chosen by the qualified 



MONONA COUNTY. 



173 



voters of the county to fill the position of Treasurer 
ill 1865, and assumed the duties of the same at the 
beginning of the following year. He served four 
yeara. James Armstrong, in 1869, was again 
elected to this office, and being re-elected in 1871, 
was in office for a term of four years. W. L. Ring, 
elected in 1873, next served one term, and was suc- 
ceeded Jan. 1, 1876, by G. H. Br3'ant. The lalter 
gentleman, a great favorite with the people, was 
chosen his own successor in 1877, 1879 and 1881, 
thus serving them iu this office for eight years. 

H. N. Scott filled the office of Treasurer of 
Monona County for two years from January, 1884, 
and was succeeded in 1886 hy George E. Warner, 
the present incumbent, who has continued to man- 
age the finances of the count}- with ability and to 
the satisfaction of the people ever since. 

COUNTY RECORDER. 

On the separation of this office from that of 
treasurer in 1864, the people of Monona County 
chose E. D. Dimmick to fill the position, and that 
gentleman fulfilled the official duties of the place 
for two years. John E. Selleck, at that time County 
Treasurer, was elected to fill the office in 1866, and 
again in 1868, and filled both positions at the same 
time. In 1870 C. G. Perkins was elected to this 
office and filled it until January 4, 1872. or one 
year, when he resigned it, and the board of super- 
visors placed it in the hands of James Armstrong, 
then serving as treasurer. June 4, the same year, 
tlie latter gentleman in turn handed in his resigna- 
tion and C. G. Perkins was reinstalled in the office 
I13' appointment of the board. 

M. W. Bacon was chosen bj' the peoitle of the 
county at the regular election in the fall of 1872 
and entered upon his official duties January 1, 
1873. In 1874, 1876, 1878 and 1880 the qualified 
electors endorsed his action in this onerous office 
by re-electing him thereunto, he thns serving in 
this capacity for ten j'ears. 

At the annual election in the fall of 1 882, L. D. 
Bearce was chosen bj' the people to fill the vacancj' 
then existing in the office of County Recorder, and 
for the succeeding full term. Faithful in the dis- 
charge of every duty devolving upon him, Mr. 
Befirce has been chosen at the expiration of every 



term of his office his own successor and is the pres- 
ent incumbent of the position. 

CLERK OF THE COURTS. 

The first Clerk of the Courts, of Monona County, 
was George Hinkenlooper, as appears by the rec- 
ords, who was elected at the organization of; the 
count}' in April, 1854. He seems never to have 
served, or at least transacted but little l)usiness,'as 
his successor, Andrew H.ail, vTas elected in August 
of the same year. Of neither of them is there much 
in the records, which are incomplete and unsatis- 
factory for that period. In April, 1865, Andrew 
G. Jackson was elected to this office and apparently 
continued therein until the spring of 1857, when 
he was succeeded by H. J. Hawley. The latter gen- 
tleman remained in this position for three years 
and was succeeded in the fall of 1859 by Charles 
Atkins, who was elected to fill the vacancy caused 
by the resignation of Mr. Hawle}-. Mr. Atkins, 
one of Onawa's first and leading merchants, was 
re-elected to the same official dignity in November, 
1860, and served in all some three years. 

W. H. AViley, elected Clerk of the Courts in the 
autumn of 1862, served one term of two years and 
was succeeded by T. Elliott. At the general elec- 
tion of 1866 Mr. Elliott and H. E. Morrison eacii 
received the same number of votes, and according 
to the law for such cases made and provided, drevv 
lots before the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Morri- 
son won and was duly inducted into the office, but 
onl}' served two years. 

J. K. BIcCaskey was elected to fill the office in 
1868, and in 1870. and 1872, although at the time 
discharging the duties of the office of County Aud- 
itor, was re-elected to the position of Clerk of the 
Courts. At the annual fall election in the year 1 874, 
W. R. Hanscom was elected to this office a.nd was 
re-elected to the same in 1878. On the 2nd of 
August, 1879, whila still in the discharge of his 
duties, he was called away to "the land from whose 
bourne no traveler ever returns," carrying with 
him the regrets of the whole communit}-. The 
Board of Supervisors appointed Charles H. Ald- 
ridge to fill the vacancy, a choice which was in- 
dorsed by the people of the county at the fall elec- 
tion. Mr. AUlridge continued in this office by the 



174 



MONONA COUNTY. 



will of his fellow-citizens for over seven 3'ears, but 
in Januaiy, 1887, was succeeded by W. J. Maugh- 
lin, the present Clerk, a younj^ man of remarkable 
ability and promise. 

SIIERIKK 

At the primary election, on the organization of 
the county, in April, 1854, the records disclose the 
fact that Johnson F. Lane was chosen Sheriff of the 
infant county. In August, 1855, Guy C. Baruura, 
a well-known character of those days, was placed 
in this oflice but did not occupy it long. At the 
election in April, 1858, Francis C. Case was chosen 
Sheriff, but in the few days intervening between 
that time and the installation of officers, died, and 
E. R. Pierce was appointed to fill the vacancy, and 
held tlie ollice until the election, in October follow- 
ing;, of John A. Hittle, his successor. The latter 
named gentleman continued in office until i 8G6, 
when he in turn gave way to E. R. Pierce, who was 
succeeded two years later by W. A. Grow. lu 
1869 Mr. Pierce was again elected Shei'iff and 
served another term of two years. J. K. ]\Jyers, 
elected Sheriff in 1871, filled the ofHce until Octo- 
ber 20, 1871, when he resigned and was succeeded 
by James Walker, who was appointed by tlie board 
to nil the vacancy. At the election of 1875 this 
choice was justified by the people, who re-elected 
Mr. Walker to the same oflice in 1877. 1879, 1881 
and 1883. 

L. D. Kittle, the present Sheriff of Monona 
County, was first chosen to fill that office in 1885, 
and again in 1887. 

COUNTY SDPEllINTENDENT OF COMMON SCHOOLS. 

Prior to the institution of County Superintend- 
ents some of the affairs of the educational depart- 
ment of the Government were entrusted to an offi- 
cer known as the School Fund Commissioner. 
The first to fill this position in the county was 
Isaac Davis, who was elected in 1856. Timothj^ 
Elliott was chosen to discharge the duties of the 
office in 1857. 

The office of Superintendent was created in 1858, 
and the work and duties made the same as at the 
present day, visiting schools, holding examinations 
and looking after educational matters generally. 



The first to fulfill the functions of the office was 
C. C. Bisbee, whose term commenced in April, 
1858. Hugh Lytle was elected the successor of 
Mr. Bisbee and served two years from the fall 
of 1859. Richard Stebbins was the nest incum- 
bent of the office, then of more honor than profit, 
serving from 1861 to 1864. At the election of 
1863 W. L. Ring was elected Superintendent, but 
not qualifying, the Board of Supervisors appointed 
H. L. Erskine to till the vacancy, which he did until 
the following January, when he was succeeded by 
C. C. Bisbee. This gentleman served three years. 
W. A. Dorward was chosen at the election of 1865, 
but he not having been fully naturalized at the 
time was incapacitated from holding the office, and 
J. S. Maughlin was appointed to fill the vacancy. 
In 1867 Elder Maughlin was duly elected to fill 
the same office by the people of the countj-, and 
advanced the cause of education perceptibly dur- 
ing his four years' occupancy of the position. W. 
A. Greene, now the senior editor of the Sentinel, 
was elected to this office in 1869 and served two 
years. His successor was Miss Sarah Fulton, who 
was first elected in 1871 and re-elected in 1873, 
and filled the office acceptably for four years. Rv.v. 
C. N. Lyman, the Pastor then as now of the Onawa 
Congregational Church, was the next incumbent 
of this very important office, being first elected in 
1875 and again in 1877. J. G. Iddings, elected in 
1879 and in 1881, served four years as Superinten- 
dent and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Lj-man. 
F. P. Fisher was chosen by the people to fill this 
office in 1885 and after two years of service was 
succeeded Jan. 1, 1888, by B. F. Ross, the present 
efficient and energetic Superintendent of the Com- 
mon Schools of Monona County. 

COUNTY SURVEYOR. 

J. H. Wagner was elected county surveyor in Au- 
gust, 1854, thus being the first to fill that office in 
this county. He was succeeded b^- Samuel Scott, 
who served for two years. J, H. Sharon was elected 
in 1857, and two years later was followed by Jo- 
seph Dungan. 1861 witnessed the election of Levi 
Smith, who was followed the next year by C. C. 
Bisbee. C. H. Holbrook was the next incumbent 
of this office, first being elected in 1863, and re- 



MONONA COUNTY. 



175 



elected in 1865 and 1867. Joseph Diingan served 
during the year 1870 and 1871. George Atldns 
was chosen in the fall of 1871 to fill this position, 
and held it until September 3, 1873, when he re- 
signed and was succeeded by J. B. P. Day. At the 
fall election following C. H. Holbrook was elected 
to this office again, but was succeeded Jan. 1, 1876, 
by Mr. Day. George Atkins was again the occu- 
pant of the office in 1878 and 1879, and J. B. P. 
Day of the j'ears 1880, 1881 and 1882, resigning 
the latter part of the last named year. George At- 
kins was chosen to fill the vacancy. C. W. Bisbee 
was Surveyor for 1884 and 1885, and F. E. Colby 
during the years 1886 and 1887. C. W. Bisbee, 
the present County Surveyor, was elected this time 
in the fall of 1887. 

DRAINAGE COMMISSIONER. 

The following named gentlemen have filled the 
office of drainage commissioner — an office abol- 
ished in 1871 ; Guy C. Barnum, from 1854 to 1857 ; 



James H. Sharon, two years; James Armstrong, 
four years; J. A. Scott, in 1 864^'andjl 865 ;" James 
Armstrong in 1866 and 1867; D. M. Dimmick, 
two years; and John Jeffcoat, two years. 

COUNTY CORONER. 

The first to be elected to this office, important in 
many respects, was Aaron Cook, in April, 1854; 
H. C. Moyt, chosen in 1854, served 'two years; 
George Erb, one year; N. G. Wyatt, one year; J. 
A. Scott, several years, and F. F. lloe. two years. 
In the fall of 1867 Dr. R. Stebbins was elected to 
this ollice and continued to hold it by the will of 
the people for ten years. D. Handel, D. H. Mc- 
Kown, H. Noble, D. H. McKown, and D. Rust, 
each served one terra, and were succeeded in 1886 
by C. M. Smith, the present incumbent of the (iflice. 

COUNTY ATTORNEY, 

An office created in 1886, h.as been filled — first, by 
H. Crissman, and at the present by C. E. Under- 
hill, the latter elected in 1888. 




OTHER OFFICIAL MATTERS. 



CHAPTER IV. 



.^^ROUPED together in this chapter will be 
ill ^— , found various items of information and 
^^[l interest gathered from tlie count}' records, 
and from other widely scattered sources, that seem 
to fill no special niche in history, but which left un- 
told would sadlj' mar the completeness of the 
whole. 

POPULATION. 

In 1854, the first year* of this county's exist- 
ence, there were 202 inhabitants credited to it in 
the State census, as then constituted, of whom 109 
were males and ninety-three of the gentler sex. In 
1860 there were 832; in 1865, 1,09G; in 1870, 
3,654; in 1875,5,967; in 1880, 9,055, and in 1885 
there were no less than 12,147 inhabitants in the 
county, by the State censu.s. If the same percent- 
age of increase has been made in the five years 
succeeding the last enumeration, which is not un- 
reasonable, Monona County has at the present 
writing upward of 18,000 people, an extremely 
large portion of whom are American born, only 
657 being of foreign birth at the time of the enu- 
meration of the census of 1885, while 10,521 were 
native born. 

MARRIAGE RECORD. 

By the laws of this State a license to marry has 
always been required, and a record kept of the 
contracting parties. Probably some within the 
limits of the county were united i'.i matrimonj' 
previous to the organization of the county, but 



such will be found tp have been mentioned in the 
proper connection. 

In those early days young men and maidens 
were not married in the grand style that character- 
izes the marriages of the present time. Times 
were different, and there was no waiting for the 
arrival of riches before assnming^the matrimonial 
responsibilities. Old folks were plain, economical 
and hospitable, and the young people were imbued 
with the same spirit as their parents. They were 
willing to go to housekeeping in a style correspond- 
ing with their means, trusting to the future for 
larger houses and more expensive furniture. 

There are many amusing q,necdotes connected 
with some of the earlier weddings; one of these, 
which has been called to mind by an old resident 
of the county, is worthy of recital. It is said that 
upon one occasion, in the "early fifties," a .young 
and unsophisticated couple sought out, in one of 
the incipient villages of this locality, the party au- 
thorized to tie the hymeneal knot. A well known 
citizen, a wag, by way of a practical joke, referred 
them to the Postmaster, saying that the govern- 
ment authorized that official to act upon such oc- 
casions. When the custodian of the mails was in- 
terviewed by the embarrassed pair, he disclaimed 
any knowledge of such authority, but added, that 
as he had not been loQg in the employment of the 
government, was not quite " up to snuff'; but if 
the gentleman who sent them there said that he 
could, he supposed it was true. Accordingly the 



MONONA COUNTY. 



177 



blushing couple were ranged up in front of the 
Postmaster, a young and gay bachelor, who in the 
most approved style impressed them with the so- 
lemnity of the occasion, warned them to " let no 
man put asunder what he had j'ined," and in 
closing pronounced them Mr. and Mrs., etc., ac- 
cording to the postal laws of the United States. 
"And you may now go in peace — only $1 apiece, 
please." 

The first marriage of which there is any record 
is found in the journal of the county court. The 
license was issued Nov. 6, 1855, to Gabriel Lang 
and Hannah Isabel Van Dorn, and the parties 
were united in marriage the same day by John 
Craig, the county judge. 

The second license was issued Nov. 13, 1855, to 
Robert Jamison and Emily Folck, and the cere- 
mony performed the same day by the county 
judge. 

Next followed licenses granted to the following 
parties: 

Charles Cobb and Louisa Smith, Dec. 5, 1855, 
married the same day by "his honor." 

Alhert Clemmons and Matilda Lane, Jan. 9, 1856 ; 
united the same day by the judge. 

Thomas Gwin and Catherine Sumner, Jan. 9, 
1856; married the same day by Judge Craig. 

Franklin W. Brooks and Martha Roberts, Jan. 9, 
1856, the ceremony being performed by the same 
official. 

Ivan Lytle and Nancy E. Younger; marriage 
ceremony performed Jan. 11, 1856, by W. II. Wil- 
sey, Justice of the Peace. 

Samuel King and Louisa Morrell, May 4, 1856; 
married the same day by W. H. Wilsey, Justice- of 
the Peace. 

Francis C. Case and Esther Davis, Dec. 22, 1856 ; 
ceremony performed Christmas day, by L. Sears, 
Justice of the Peace. 

William Bower and Maria Craney, July 10, 1856 ; 
married the same day by John Craig, Count}' 
Judge. 

L. D. Wellington and F^lizabeth Lee, Dec. 24, 
1856; married the same day by Timothy Elliott. 

William Burton and S. M. Van Dorn, Dec. 30, 
1856. 

Licenses for the year 1857 were granted to the 



following named couples upon the dates mentioned: 

J. B. Gard and M. A. Kratz, Jan. 26. | 

Abel Perry and Nancy Porter, March 2. 

John C. Watts and Rachel Vanzant, Sept. 1 7. 

Homer G. Kelsey and Mary A. Goodhue, Dec. 26. 

This comprises all the marriages for that year, j 
and the number rather decreased the next year, for 
we find that in 1858 the following only were licensed 
to wed : 

John A. Hittle and Caroline Ashton, April 9, the J 
ceremony being performed by C. E. Whiting, 
County Judge, April 11. 

Jolui Jones and Sarah J. Cook, June 21, the 
same party officiating, on the 22nd. 

Conrad Engleman and Virginia C. Williams, 
August 5, married on the same daj^ by the Judge. 

James H. Sharon and Amanda VanDorn, married 
by Otis Warren, August 21, the license being dated 
the same daj'. 

Thomas Chapman and Nellie A. Billings and 
Richard Stebbins and Mary I. Billings were united 
in marriage, at the court-house, Januar}' 17, 1859. 
by George G. Rice, the license being granted the 
same day. 

The only other license issued that j'ear was one 
to Stephen Tillson and Esther R. Case, January 4, 
the ceremony being performed on the 5th, Timoth}' 
Elliott officiating. 

The licenses for the year 1860 were granted on 
the dates mentioned to the following-mentioned 
candidates for matrimony: 

Edwin Berge and Frances Burgot, .laniiary 24. 

Jo.';oph l>unganand Ruth Morgan, March 3. 

James C. Crabb and Anna C. Lytle, May 5. 

Daniel W. Sampson and Hannah F. Oliver, 
May 24. 

C.W. Metcalf and Helen L. Hathaway, August 18. 

George M. Scott and Maria II. Cobb, Septem- 
ber 14. : 

Samuel Heisler and Mary Merrill, November 16. 

John Rounds, Jr., and Amy W.Jordan, Novem- 
ber 24. 

Charles Atkins and Mary R. Sears, December 1. 

James Armstrong and Margaret L. Cleghorn, 

December 1. 



178 



MONONA COUNTY. 



Seth Smith and Hannah Bayliss, December 8. 

Licenses were granted in 18G1 to 

Dennis Butts and Julia Nutt, January 5. 

Joseph Robinson and Margaret Fegenbusli, Jan- 
uary 7. 

Henry Heisler and Mary Elizabeth Maynard, Jan- 
uary 7. 

EiUvard Winegar and Mary Jane Anderson, Feb- 
ruary 19. 

Mosiah Winegar and Martha D. Outhouse, 
Marcii 7. 

Roclvwell Jewell and Mahala Folck, May 15. 

C. H. Holbrook and Jane Fairchild. June 12. 

John A. Heisler and Clarissa Wilsoy, June 15. 

Jacob (Chopper and Caroline Cooley, July 16. 

John Q. AdamsandP]liza J. McCleery, August 13. 

M. V. B. Nute and Margaret Boiislaugh, Septem- 
ber 9. 

Joshua Lane and Emma M. Younger, October 1 7. 

Hart D. Warren and Mary J. Ayers, October 18. 

Hiram B. Ernst and Hannah Jordan, Novem- 
ber 9. 

Joseph B. P. Day and Sophia E. Thomas, No- 
vember 20. 

But five licenses were granted during the year 
1862, the absence of the younger men from the 
county serving with the Union Army, and the gen- 
eral depressed state of everything, affecting the 
matrimonial market. The following is the record 
of that 3'ear : 

Robert McCleery and Elizabeth F. Doud ; Daniel 
Folck and Eliza A. Case; Mosiah Winegar and 
Catherine Gwinn; Omer Lytle and Frances Lane, 
and Luther 'M. Morton and Tempty A. Folck. The 
marriage of Mosiah Winegar and Catherine Gwinn 
■was performed January 21, 1863, by John Thomas, 
who signed himself "Elder of the Church of Jesus 
Christ of the Latter Day Saints," the only time 
this denomination is so recognized upon the reeoi'ds. 

These names are suflicient. Most of them will be 
recognized as those of prominent early settlers, and 
those who have taken a considerable part in the 
developement of Monona County. Herewith is ap- 
pended a table showing the number of marriages 
during each year that has elapsed since the begin- 
ning of the record: 



1 855 . 

1 856 . 

1857 . 

1858. 

1859. 

1860 , 

1861. 

1862. 

1863 

1861. 

1865 

1866. 

1867. 

1868. 

1869 

1870. 

1871 



o 

9 

4 

■1 

3 

11 

15 

5 

9 

6 

19 

26 

25 

26 

19 
41 
37 



1872 40 

1873 52 

1874 49 

1875 68 

1876 81 

1877 68 

1878 82 

1879 75 

1880 107 

1881 87 

1882 110 

1883 114 

1884 Ill 

1885 113 

1886 131 

1887 127 

1888 133 



Total 1,810 



CIVIL TOWNSHIPS. 

Monona County is divided into twenty civil 
townships, bearing the following names: Ashton, 
Bolvidi're, Center, Cooper, Fairview, Franklin, 
Grant, .lordan, Kennebec, Lake, Lincoln, Maple, 
Onawa City, St. Clair, Sherman, Sioux, Soldier, 
Spring Valley, West Fork and AVillow. A detailed 
history of each of these, together with the town and 
village therein contained, will be given further on 
in this volume. 

SURVEYS. 

As an item of little known interest, the date of 
the various Government surveys made in the county 
are here given, and are authoritative and authentic. 

The south Hue of the county was surveyed July 
11, 12 and 13, 1851. 

Townships 82, 83, 84 and 85, ranges 42 and 43, 
had their outer lines run from July 13, to Aug. 7, 
1 85 1 . 

Townships 82, 83, 84 and 85, ranges 44, 45, 46 
and 47, were laid out as such by surveys between 
Nov. 13 and 30, 1851. 

Between Oct. 19 and Nov. 13, 1852, the section 
lines in townships 83, 84 and 85, range 45 were 
surveyed. From March 29 to April 5, 1853, the 
surveyors were busy running the section lines 
in township 85, range 45, township 82, range 42, 
and townshii)s 82, 83 and 84. range 43, had the sec- 
tion lines run between May 9 and June 12, 1853. 
Township 85, range 43, and townships 83, 84 and 



MONONA COUNTY. 



179 



85, range 44 were surveyed into sections between 
Deo. 14, 1852, and Feb. 3, 1853. The section lines 
of township 82, ranges 44 and 45, were run between 
the 27th of January, and the 17tli of February, 
1853. 82, 83, 84 and 85, range 46, and 84 and 85, 
range 47, were divided into sections between Oct. 
28, and Dec. 16, 1852. And the section lines that 
divide townships 83, 84 and 85, range 42, were run 
between iSept. 20. and Oct. 20, 1855. 

Through some error in the survey of townships 
83 and 84, range 44, they had to be surveyed over. 



and are known as the "Lost Townships." B3' this 
means, when the balance of the county, except 
Cooper, Soldier and .St. Clair, were placed on the 
market, the Lost Townsiiip settlers could not pur- 
chase at private sale, and could only be reache<l 
through pre-emptions until June, 1858, when they 
were at last opened for sale. At the same time the 
towns of Soldier, St. Clair and Cooper were opened 
for settlement. The land ofHce was at Council 
Bluffs, and thither the pioneers were compelled to 
go to file and prove up their claims. 




POLITICAL. 



CHAPTER V. 



SI N no way can the political history of Monona 
County be more fully and authentically laid 
before the reader, than by the presentation of a 
full and complete abstract of the vote of the peo- 
ple for the various years since the organization of 
the county up to and including the present one. 
These are each taken froQi the various official rec- 
ords of the county, and are therefore correct, and 
their arrangement for convenience of reference will, 
no doubt, be appreciated. 

On the 3d of April, 1854, an election was held 
for the purpose of organizing the county, of which 
there is no olHcial record of the vote, which was, 
doubtless quite small. The following were elected 
county officers: Charles B. Thompson, County 
Judge; George Ilickenlooper, Clerk of the District 
Court; Johnson F. Lane, Sheriff; Hugh Lytle, 
Treasurer and Kecorder; Guy C. Barnura, Drain- 
age Commissioner; Isaac Ashton, Prosecuting At- 
torney; and Aaron Cook, Coronqr. In Ashton 
Township, Josiah .Sumner, Isaac Ashton and J. B. 
Gard were chosen as Trustees; L. D. Driggs and J. 
B. Gard, Justices of the Peace; Aaron Cook, Clerk; 
L. D. Driggs, Assessor; and Josiah Sumner and 
Marion Owens, Constables. Andrew Hall and 
Nelson Messenger, were at the same time elected 
Justices of the Peace in and for the precinct of 
Preparation. 

KLEOTION, AU(4UST 7. 1854. 

Clerk District, Court. 
Andrew Hall, no opposition. . . .26 — 26 



Prosecuting Attorney., 

Amos S. Chase 24 — 22 

Jehial Savage, 2 

County Sarfpyor, 

J. H. Wagner 33— 33 

Coroner, 
U. C. Hoyt 25— 25 

ELECTION, APIill, 2, 1855. 

Clerk District Coitrt, 

Andrew G. Jackson, no opposition 
37— 37 

Prosecuting Attorney, 

Jehial Savage 25 — 6 

Horace J. Hawley, 18 

H. B. Hawley 1 

ELECTION, AUGDST, 1855. 

County Judge, 

John Craig 31 — 7 

Isaac Ashton 24 

Sheriff, 

Guy C. Barnum 31 — 7 

John Thomas 1 

Francis S. Case 13 

Treasurer and Recorder, 

Hugh Lytle 31— 7 

Lorenzo D. Driggs 24 



MONONA COUNTY. 



181 



Coroner, 

Homer C. Hoyt 31— 7 

Josiah Sumner 24 

County Surveyor, 

Samuel Scott 31— 10 

H. J. Ilawley 21 

ELECTIOX, APRIL, 1856. 

Treasurer and liecorder, 

William Burton 53 — 28 

J. H. Pearce 24 

Daniel Lalaud 1 

School Fund Commissioner, 

Isaac Davis 48— 19 

C. B. Thompson 29 

ELECTION, NOVEIIBER 4, 1856. 

This was the first presidential election held. The 
voting place was a little log cabin, southwest quar- 
ter section 7, 84, 44. The ballots were cist in a 
tin match box. 

Fremont 47 

Buclianan 58 — 1 1 

Fillmore 13 

ELECTION, APRIL 6, 1857. 

County Judge, 

C. E. Whiting, no opposition. 134 — 13;4 

Drainage Commissioner. 

J. B. P. Day 40 

James H. Sharon 80— 31 

J. H. Kelsey 9 

School Fund Commissioner, 

Timothy Elliott 109— 86 

J. Wiley 21 

Daniel Laland 1 

More 1 

Assessor, 

S. S. Pearce 48 

Joseph Dungan 86 — 38 

On the question of passing the Hog Law : 

For the Hog Law 82— 76 

Against the Hog Law 6 



ELECTION, AUGUST 3, 1857. 

County Judc/e, 

Leonard Sears 60 

C. E. Whiting 73— 13 

N. G. Wyatt 45 

N. G. Weyatt 1 

Treasurer and Recorder, 
William Burton 96— 27 

D. G. Banner C7 

John A. Hittle 2 

Sheriff', 

Hugh Lytle 105— 32 

John A. Hittle 73 

Coroner, 

George Erb 102— 32 

Isaac Ashton 34 

Hugh Lytle 31 

Timothy Elliott 1 

Theodore Smith 4 

County Surveyor, 

James H. Siiaron 167 — 166 

M. Olmsted 1 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 13, 1857. 

Governor. 

Ralph P. Lowe 102—30 

Ben M. Samuels 72 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Orrin Faville 103—29 ■ 

George Gillaspy 74 

On the question of increasing salary of Treas- 
urer: 

For such increase 73 — 48 

Against 25 

ELECTION, APRIL 5, 1858. 

On the question of relocating the county seat: 

For Onawa 130—31 

For Ashton 99 

Sheriff. 

Francis C. Case 134—41 

.John A. Hittle 93 

For Superintendent of Schools. 
Chas. H. Bisbee 215 



182 MONONA 

Coroner. 

N. G. Wyatt 203—201 

Dauiel Lalaud 1 

II. E. Colby 1 

ELECTION, JUNE 28, 1858. 

On the adoption of a general State I'.anking law: 

For the afloi)tion of the law 39 — 14 

Against 25 

On the question- of establishing the State Bank 
of Iowa: 

In favor of tlie bank 61—49 

Against 12 

On the question of appropriating 13,000 of the 
Swamp Land Fund for building roads and bridges: 
In favor of the appropriation .... 44 — 22 
Against 22 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 12, 1858. 

Secretary of State. 

Elijah Sells, R 77— 

Samuel Douglas, D 79 — 2 

State Treasurer. 

John W. Jones, R 77 — 17 

Samuel L. Lorah, D 60 

State Auditor. 

J. W. Cattell, R 77—1 1 

T. S. I'arvin, D 66 

Commissioner, Des Moines River Improvement. 

William E. Deake, R 77 

Charles Baldwin, D 80— 3 

Register, State Land Office. 

Amos B. Miller, R 78 

James M. Reid, D 79 — 1 

Attorney General. 

Samuel A. Rice, R 81 — 20 

J. M. Elwood, D 61 

Representative in Congress. 

W. E. Leffingwell, D 81— 3 

Wm. Vaiidevecr, R 78 

Judge, District Court. 

A. W. Hubbard, R 66 

N. G. Wyatt, D 88—22 



COUNTY. 

District Attorney. 

O. C. Howe 79— 

E. D. Thompson 79 

Member Board of Education. 

J. S. Cole 106—54 

D. E. Brainard 52 

Clerk <if District Court. 

H. J. Hawley 95—44 

Charles Atkins 46 

Theodore Smith 4 

F. A. Day . . 1 

Sheriff. 

John A. Hittle 70—27 pi. 

E. R. Pierce 43 

F. W. Snow 41 

F. A. Day 1 

On the question of increasing salaries of County 
Judge, Clerk of the Court and Treasurer: 

For the increase 95 — 39 

Against 56 

On question of re-deeding to Isaac Asliton un- 
sold lots in Ashton ; 

For re-deeding 151 — 151 

Against 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 11, 1859. 

Governor. 

Samuel J. Kirkwood, R 99 

Augustus C. Dodge, D 113 — 14 

Lieutenant Governor. 

N. J. Rusch, R 99 

L. W. Babbitt, D 113—14 

Representative, Legislative. 

V. B. Crooks 98 

J. W. Dennison 112—13 

Scattering 1 

Clerk of District Court. 

Charles Atkins 150—97 

John A. Forgens 52 

Kratz 1 

Sheriff. 

John A. Hittle 11 7—37 

T. II. Flowers 72 

Scattering 8 



MONONA COUNTY. 



183 



Count u Jurjge. 

C. E. WhiUng 99 

J. C. Hazlett 111—12 

Drainage Comm issioner. 

J. Armstrong 156 — 103 

F. W.Day 51 

J. C. Armstrong 1 

J. C. Hazlett 1 

County Surveyor. 

Joseph Dnngaii 131 — 52 

C. C. Bisliee 77 

Thomas Duugan 1 

H. Lytle 1 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1859. 

Coroner. 

James A. Scott 185 — 171 

Amasa Briggs 11 

Scattering 3 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

C. H. Holbrook 117—27 

S. Tillson 48 

William Wing 8 

W. Wing 3 

W. S. Wing 2 

William L. Wing 24 

C. Holbrook 3 

C. C. Holbrook 1 

Tillson 1 

Superintendent of Common Schools. 

Hugh Lytle 1 14—27 

A. R. Wright 82 

Scattering 5 

On the question of the repeal of the hog law: 

For repeal 31 

Against 45 — 14 

ELECTION NOVEMBER (5, 1860. 

President. 

Abraham Lincoln, R 109— 18 

Stephen A Douglas, U. D 89 

John C. Breckenridge, S. D. . . 2 
Secretary of State. 

Elijah Sells, R 109— 18 

John M. Corse, D 91 



Auditor of State. 

J. W. Cattell, R 109— 18 

George W. Maxfield, D 91 

Treasurer of State. 

John W. Jones. R 109— 1» 

John M. Ellis, D 91 

Attorney General. 

C. C. Nourse, R 1 09— 1 8 

William McClintock, D 91 

Register State Land Office. 

A. B. Miller, R 98 

Patrick Robb, D 1 02— 4 

Judge of Supreiue Court. 

G. G. Wright, R 109— 18 

Daniel F. Miller, D 91 

Member of Congress. 

William Vandeveer, R 109— 20 

Ben M. Samuels, D 89 

Clei-k District Court. 

Charles Atkins 155 — 111 

James C. Crabb 38 

Scattering 6 

On the Question of Repealing the Hog Law, 

For repeal .' 74 

Against 7 7 — 3 

For repeal in twelve months. . . 16 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 8, 1861. 

For Governor. 

S. J. Kirkwood, R 135— 49 

W. H. Merritt, D 80 

Scattering 6 

Lieutenant Governor. 

J. R. Needham, R 136— 50 

Lauren Dewey, D 86 

Judge Supreme Court. 

Ralph P. Lowe, R 136— r 

J. M. Elwood, D 83 

Reuben Noble D 

J. M. Merrill 1 

Member Legislature. 

J. C. Hazlett 102— 1 

W. W. Fuller 101 

C. Dunham 13 



184 



MONONA COUNTY. 



12 



70 



On tlic (Question of Relocating the County Seat at 
Belvidere. 

In favor of locating it at Belvidere . 104 
In favor of leaving it at Onawa. . . .119 — 15 
Counhj Judge. 

J. R. Bouslaugh 112- 

C. C. Bisbee 96 

Scattering 4 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

C. H. Ilolbrook 149- 

J. B. P. Day 62 

J. Crabb 12 

J. P. Day 5 

Drainage Cornm issioner. 

James Armstrong 139 — 52 

A. A. Davis 87 

tSheriff. 

J. A. Ilittle 120- 

J. M. Kelsey 8.5 

Scattering 11 

Cou)ity Surveyor. 

Levi Smith 87- 

J. Dungan 60 

Scattering 16 

Coroner. 

James A. Scott, no opposition . . 204 — 204 

Superintendent Common Schools. 

Richard Stebbins 106— 

F. F. Roe 103 

Scattering 2 

On Question of Repealing the Hog Law. 

For repeal 107- 

Aguingt 92 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 14, 1862. 

Secretary of State. 

R. H. Sylvester, D 101 

James Wright, R 126- 

Auditor of State. 

John Brown. D 103 

J. W. Catiell, R 125— 22 

Treasurer of State. 

Samuel L. Lorah, D 1 03 

W. H. Holmes, R 125— 22 



24 



11 



1 



15 



25 



Attorney General. 

Benton J. Hall, D 103 

C. C. Nourse, R 125— 22 

Jieyister State Land Office. 

Fred. Gottschallc, D 102 

J. A. Harvey, R 125— 23 

Member of Congress. 

John F. Duncomlie, D 71 

A. W. Hubbard 155— 84 

Jrahje of District Court. 

-lohn Currier, D 100 

Isaac Pendleton, R 128— 28 

District Attorney. 

H. C. Crautoj-d 38 

Henry Ford 148—106 • 

Jacob Smith 4 

Member of Board of Education. 

W. J. Wagoner 102_101 

Cornelius Dunham 1 

Clerk of District Court. 

W. H. Wiley 168—140 

Jno. Craig , 13 

George P>rb 1 

Chas. Atliins 1 

J. A. Ileisler 13 

County Surveyor. 

C. C. Bisliee. 68— 67 

Joseph Dungan 1 

On the Question of Removing the County Seat to 
Areola. 

For remov.al 100 

Against Removal! 123 — 23 

On tlie Question of Making a Hog Law. 

For tlie law 135 — 57 

Against the law 88 

On Ratification of Swamp Land Contract. 

For ratification 162—106 

Against 56 

On Question of Increase of County Tax. 

For increase 13 

Against increase 1C6 — 153 



MONONA 



COUNTY. 

Register Slate Land Office. 
JosiaL A. Harvey, R 113 — 18 

B. D. Ilolbrook, D 95 

Attorney General. 
I. L. Allen, R 123—34 

C. M. Dunbar, D 89 

Judge Suprpmc dimrt. 

C. C. Cole, R 123—34 

T. M. Monroe, D 89 

Member of Congre.ss. 

Asahel W. Hubbard, R 125—39 

Leander Chapman, D 86 

Clerk of District Court. 

Timothy Elliott 116—16 

W. H. Wiley 96 

diaries Atkins 4 

County Recorder. 

E. D. Dimmick 121—26 

J. B. Ira - 95 

SuperintemJent of Schools. 

C. C. Bisbee 1 30—1 1 

John Elwell 2 

W. L. Phillips 2 

J. A. Goodrich 16 

ELECTION OCTOBER 10, 1865. 

Coronei-. 

William M. Stone, R 115 

Thomas H. Benton, D 138—22 

G. S. Baily 1 

Lieutenant Governor. 

B. F. Gue, R 130—8 

W. W, Hamilton, D 121 

L. W. Babbitt 1 

Judge Supreme Court. 

George G. AVright, R 131—9 

H. H. Tnmble, D 122 

State Senator. 

Addison Oliver (no opposition)205 — 205 

Representative, General Assembly. 

W. .J. Waggoner 98 

8. J. Comfort 143—45 



185 



ELECTION OCTOBER 11, 1863. 

Coroner. 

W. M. Stone, K 99— 4 

James M. Tuttle, D 95 

Lieutenant (Jr'iicral. 

E. W. Eastman, K 102- 14 

John F. Duncombe, U 88 

Judge Supnonc Court. 

John F. Dillon, R 96— 11 

Charles Mason, D 85 

Slide Senator. 

George W. Basset, R 94 

Chas. E. Whiting, D 99— 5 

Representative, State Legislature. 

S. E. Dow, D 84 

Addison Oliver, R 105— 21 

County Judge. 

Stephen Tillson, R 

bhcriff. 

J. A. Hittle 

County Superintendent Schools. 

W. L. Ring 

County Surveyor. 

C. H. Holbrook 

Treasurer <(nd Recorder. 

James Armstrong 

Drainage Commissioner. 
James A. Scott 

ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 1864. 

P7-esident. 

Abraham Lincoln, R 122 — 34 

George B. McClellan, I) 88 

Secretary of State. 

James. Wright, R 123 — 34 

John H. Wallace, D 89 

Treasurer of Slate. 

William H. Hohm s. R 123—34 

J. B. Lash, D 89 

Auditor of State. 

E. C. Hendersliott, R 123—34 

John A. Elliott, D 89 



18G 



MONONA COUNTY. 



Siiperintendrnt of Public Liati-uction. 

Grin Faville, R 131 — 10 

J. W. Seiinett, 1) .121 

('innihi Judge. 

A. Dimmick 112 

C. C. Bisbee 1 24—1 1 

M. Adams 1 

Treiixurci'. 

.loliii E. SL-llock 221—230 

Adijison Dimmick 1 

Sheriff. 
John A. Ilittle 102 

E. R. Pierce 120—18 

County Survei/or. 

C. II. Holbiouk 1 17— 48 

.T. r.. P. Day 99 

iSii/icriiiteudciit of Common Sc/iool.'i. 

W. A. Dorwaid 122 — 4 

.1. 15. Goodrieii 118 

Corojn'i\ 
W. A. Dorward 1 

F. F. Roe 1 79—178 

Drainage Coiiimis.iioner. 

James Armstrong 177 — 176 

W. A. Dorward 1 

On the question of the division of the count}' 
by detaching the eastern range of townships: 

For Division 1 29 — 10 

Against 119 

ELECTION, OCTOUER 8, 1867. 

Governor. 

.Samuel Merrill, R 266 — 129 

Charles Mason, D 1 37 

Ijiei/ieiiaiit Governor. 
John Scott, R 267 — 132 

D. M. Harris, D i 35 

Judge, Supreme Court. 

Joseph M. Beck, R 268 — 134 

John II. Craig, I) 134 

Attorney General. 

Henry O'Connor, R 268 — 134 

W. P. Barker. D 134 



State Superintendent. Public Instruction. 

D. Franklin Wells, R 269—136 

Maturin L. Fisher. D 133 

Representative^ Legislature. 

Stephen Tillson, R 269 — 138 

J. M. Butler, D 131 

County Judge. 

Elijah Peake 187 — 2 

C. E. Whiting 185 

County Treasurer. 

John E. Selleck 303—208 

W. L. Eing 95 

Sliei'iff'. 

William A. Grow 206—17 

I. A. Hittle. .'. » 188 

E. R. Pierce 1 

County Surveyor. 

C. II. Holbrook 205 — 14 

J. L. Swinburne 179 

Jas. Armstrong 2 

Drainage (Commissioner. 

D. M. Dimmick 254 — 139 

T. II. Flowers 115 

Superintendent cf Schools. 

Joseph S. Maughlin 296 — 194 

D.W.Butts ;_102 

Coroner. 

Richard Stebbins 290 — 178 

J. Butts Ill 

T. H. Flowers 1 

ELECTION, NOV. 3, 1868. 

President. 

Ulysses Grant, R 372 — 207 

Horatio Seymour, D 165 

On the adoption of the first, second, third, fiiurtl 
and fifth amendments to the State Constitution: 

For adoption 300 — 78 

Against adoption 222 

Secretary of State. 

Ed.-AVright, R 369—202 

David Hammer. D 167 



MONONA 

Troasvrer of State. 

S. E. Rankin, U 369—202 

L. McCarty, 1) 167 

Auditor of State. 

John A. Elliott, K 369—202 

H. Duniavey, D 167 

Register, State Land Office. 

Cyrus C. Carpenter, R 368—201 

A. D. Anderson, D 167 

Atterney -General. 

Henry O'Connor, R .. ... 368—200 

J. E. Williamson, D 168 

Representative in Congress. 

Charles Pomeroy, R 370 — 205 

C. A. L. Rozell, D 1G5 

State Senator. 

,1. W. Moorhead, R 457_405 

S. T. Davis, D 51 

R. McGovern 1 

Judge, Circuit Court. 

Addison Oil ver.R 365—1 99 

S. J. Comfort, D 166 

Clerk of Court. 

J. K. McCaskcy 371—206 

P. J.Kimball 165 

County Recorder. 

John l\. Selleck 386—240 

W. S. Lacy 146 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 12, 1869. 

Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, R .364—211 

George Gillasi)y I) ! 53 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Madison M. Walden, R 364—211 

A. P. Richardson, D 153 

Judge, Supreme Court. 

John F. Dillon, R 364— 21 1 

W. F. Bauman, D 153 

Superintendent Public Instruction. 
(to All vacancy.) 

A. S. Kissell, R 364—253 

Edmund Jaeger, D Ill 



COUNTY. 

Superintendent Public Listruction. 
(full term.) 

A. S. Kissell, R 364—224 

Edmund Jaeger, D 140 

State Senator. 

Charles Atkins 394 — 203 

L. R. Bolter 88 

Scattering 3 

Member of Legislature. 

J. D. Miricle 290—76 

II. C. Laub 214 

County Auditor. 

John K. MeCaskey, R 390 — 311 

C. A. Burnli.iiu 79 

Sheriff. 

E. R. Pierce 254—8 

William Burton 246 

County Treasurer. 

James Arinslrong 350 — 224 

P. J. Kimball 103 

John E. Selleck 23 

Superintendent of Schools. 

W. A. Greene, R '. . . .261 — 28 

William Pelan 233 

County Surveyor. 

Joseph Dungan 456 — 448 

C. H. Ilolbrook 6 

G. A. Douglas 1 

Charles Campbell 1 

Coroner. 

Richard Stebbins 385 — 297 

J. D. Butts 88 

Drainage Commissioner. 

John Jeffcoat 361 — 289 

Peter Reiley 72 

For the adoption of the Hog Law. 

For restraint 271 — 162 

Against 109 

ELECTION. OCTOBER 11, 1870. 

Judge, Supreme Court. 
(full term.) 

Chester C. Cole, R 451 — 326 

J. C. Knapp, D 125 



187 



188 



MONONA 



COUNTY. 

District Attorney. 

C. H. Lewis, R 455—333 

T. E. Braiiiicn, I) 1 22 

Jwhiey Ciixuil Court. 

Addison Oliver 471 — 468 

Scattering 3 

Clerk of Cuurts. 

J. K. McCaskey 537—535 

Josiah Morgan 2 ! 

Rpcorder. 

Charles G. Perkins 4')3— 358 

Scattering 35 

Co a nty Siijicr i:/$ors. 

W. G. Kennedy 390—236 

William Pelan 370—119 

F. B^^Smitii.-. 154 i 

C. E. Whiting 275 ' 

G. P. Morehead 251 

C. A. Biirnham 358 — 83 

Scattering 4 

On the question. "Shall the road be completed:" 

For completion 267 

Against 324 — 57 

(_)n the question, "Shall the number of Super- 
visors be increased to five:" 

For increase 51 

Against 542—491 

On the question, "Shall stock be restrained from 
running at large :" 

For restraint 43 

Against 562—519 ; 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 10, 1871. 

Governor. 

Cyrus C. Carpenter, K 177 — 452 

J. C. Knapp, D 17 

Scattering 8 

Lieuten a n I Gorenior. 

II. C. lUilis. R 474—450 

M. M. Ham, D 17 

.Idc Smith, 7 

Juil(je, Siipri'iiic Cinirt. 

.]. (4.IJay,R, 170-449 

.Idhn F. Duncombe. 1) 14 

William Gray 6 

Waller Pulsifer 1 



Judge. Sttpreme Court. 
(to fill vacancy.) 

W. E. Millcr.i; 452—328 

Reuben Noble. D 124 

Judge, ISuitreiue Court. 
(to fill vacancy.) 

James G. Day, R 403—231 

P.H.Smyth, D 123 

James F]. Day 49 

Secretanj nf Stale. 

Ed Wright, R 452—328 

Charles Doerr, D 124 

State Auditor. 

John Russell, R 452—328 

W. AV. Garner. D 124 

State Treasurer. 

Samuel E. Rankin, R 452—328 

W. C. J.ames, D 124 

Register, State Land Office. 
Aaron Brown, R 452—328 

D. F. Ellsworth, 1) 102 

F. D. Ellsworth 22 

Attorney General. 

Henry O'Connor, R 452—328 

Hugh M. Martin, D 124 

Reporter of iSi(jo'cua' Court. 

E. W. Stiles, R 452—330 

C. H. Bane, D 122 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

Charles Lindermann, R 452 — 328 

William McLellan, D 124 

On the proposition "Shall there be a Conventiun 
to revise the Constitution ami revise the same": 

F^or Convention 132 

Against 175 — 43 

Member of Congress. 

Jackson Orr, R. . . . .452 — 328 

C. C. Smetzer, I) 112 

Scattering 12 

Judge. District Court. 
Henry Ford, (no oi)posiliou.) . . 483 — 483 



MONONA 



COUNTY. 189 

Treasurer of State. 

William C'hrisiic, R 575— 3G1 

M. J. Rohlfs 179 

D. B. Beers 35 

Register, Stale Land Office. 

Aaron Brown, R 576 — 351 

Jacob Butler, D 1 80 

David Sherwood 35 

Attorney Oeneral. 

M. E. Cutts. R 575—371 

A. G; Case, D 201 

Attorney General, (to fill vacancy) 

M. E. Cutts, R 318—117 

A.G. Case, D 201 

Representoiive in Congress. 

Jackson Orr, R 575 — 349 

John F. Duncombe, J) 226 

Judge Circuit Court. 
Addison Oliver 615—613 

Clerk of the Courts. 

John K. McCaskey 469—133 

James Walker 195 

D. E. Kinney 1 37 

Scattering 4 

Recorder. 

M. W. Bacon 386— 1 10 pi 

W. R. Ilanscom 276 

C. H. Holbrook 138 

Scattering 4 

Counly Supervisor. 

W. G. Kennedy 377—160 pi 

C. E. Whiting 217 

Benjamin Herring 205 

Scattering 2 

Coroner. 
Richard Stebbins 326—326 

ON THE QUESTION OF AN EXTRA TAX, 

For the tax 22 

Against 597 — 575 

ELECTION, OCTOUEK 14, 1873. 

Governor. 
Cyrus C. Carpenter, R 459 — 1 16 



Superintendent, Public Instruction. 

Alonzo Aberiiathy, R 475 — 454 

E. M. Muinm, I) 14 

Walter Pulsifer 6 

V/illiam Gray 1 

Representative Legislature. 

C. G. Perkins, R 455—448 

Asa Landon, D 7 

County Auditor. 

J. R. McCaskey 550—549 

Miss Sarah Fulton 1 

County Treasurer. 

James Armstrong 546 — 546 

Sheriff. 

J. K. Myers 323— 1 06 

E. R. Pierce 217 

Superintendent of Schools. 

Miss Sarah Fulton 387—69 

A. S. Condon 218 

County Surveyor. 

George Atkins 542 — 536 

Scattering 6 

Coroner. 

Richard Stebbins 551 — 551 

County Supervisor, (to fill vacancy) 

E. D. Dimraick 542 

County Supervisor, (full term) 
John Patrick 541_540 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 5, 1872. 

President. 

Ulysses Grant, R 570—355 

Horace Greeley, L D 176 

Charles O'Connor S D, 39 

Secretary of State. 

Josiah T. Young, R 575—360 

E. A. Guilbert, D 179 

T. S. Parvin 36 

Auditor of State. 

John Russell, R 575 — 361 

J. P. Cassadv, D 214 



190 



MONONA 



Jneob Vale, 1) 334 

Jacol) G. A\'il(! 8 

Whiting 1 

Lieutenant Ooeernor. 
Joseph Dyssirt, R. ...,,.... . .354 

C. E. Whiting, I) .)37_82 

.Tolm Elwell 1 

Judge Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, R 45i; — 109 

B.J. Hall,D 34 

Superintemh^nt, Public Instruction. 
Alonzo Abeinathy, R 457 — 110 

D. W. riiiiclie, D 347 

State Senator. 

George I). Feiliins, R 353 

L Kellogg, D. and G. B 430—77 

Representative to the Legislature. 
G. W. McMillan 340 

E. B. Baird 457—1 1 2 

Scattering 5 

Counti) Audi tar. 

J. K. MuCaskey 347 — 88 

L. D. Kittle 352 

McCasky 7 

County Treasurer. 

James Armstrong 340 

W. L. Ring 4G4— 120 

Scattering 4 

Sheriff. 

J. K. Myers 423—37 

C. S. Robbing 382 

Myers 4 

Supervisor. 

B. Ingersoll 378 

N. B. Olson 425 — 41 

Ingersoll G 

Giunt'j Suroeyor. 

George Atkins 397 

C. II. Holbrook 399 — 2 pi. 

Scattering 2 

Superintendent of Common Schools. 

S. B. Martin 312 

Miss Sarah Fulton. SCI — 141 

Scattering 8 



COUNTY. 

Coroner. 

R. Stebl)ins '. . . 381 

Omar Iri.sli 4 18 37 

ELECTION, OCTOIiER 13, 1874. 

Secretary of State. 

Josiah T. Young, R IC;) 

Daniel Morgan, D .■) 1 5 4c 

Auditor of State. 

Buren R. Sherman, R 4G8 

James M. King, ]) ,-)iG 48 

Treasurer of Slate. 

William Christy, R 4G9 

II. C. Harges, D 5 i.-,_46 

Register State Land Office. 

David Sec5r, R 4G7 

R. H. Roderamel, D 517 50 

Attorney General. 

M. E. Cutts, R 470 

Jolin II. Keatley, D 513 43 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

E. J. Holmes, R 4G8 

G. W. Ball, D 510—48 

Representatire in Congress. 

Addison Oliver, R 448 

C. E. Whiting, D 511— 03 

Judge of District Court. 

C. H. Lewis, R 481 

P. D. Mickel, D 501—20 

Judge Circuit Court. 

J. R. Zuver 473 

J. E. Chamberlain 51 1 — 38 

District Attorney. 

George B. McCarthy 471 

M. Wakefield 515 — 44 

Clerk of the Courts. 

E. M. Cassady 465 

W. R. Hanscom 527 — G2 

Recorder. 

M. W. Bacon 520 — 54 

C. A. Danforth 46G 

County Supervisor. 

E. Wilbur . 456 

Geo. M. Scott 536 — 80 



MONONA 



On the question of restraining stock from run- 
ning at large fiom December 1 to May 1. 

For restraint 301 

Against 450_14<) 

On the question of restraining stock from run- 
ning at large between sunset and sunrise, from 
May 1 to December 1 . 

For restrai.it 258 

Against 509 — 25 1 

ELECTION OCTOBER 12, 1875. 

Governor. 

Samuel J. Kirk wood R 566 — 194 

Shepherd Leffler, D 263 

J. H. Lozier 9 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Joshua G. Nenbold. R 565— I 94 

E. B. Woodward. D 371 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

Austin Adams, R 569 — 201 

William J. Knight, D 368 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Alonzo Abernathy. R 570 — 203 

Isaiah Doane, D 367 

Representative, State Legislature. 

George Rac, R 508 — 71 

R. W. Luther, D 438 

Coiiniy Auditor. 

John K. McCaskey G16 — 279 

S. R. Bassett 337 

County Treasurer. 

G. H. Bryant .' . . . 49 1—32 

W. L. Ring 459 

Sheriff. 

James Walker 627 — 302 

Neal McNeill 325 

Coroner. 

Dr. D.Handel 511—51(1 

D. D. Handel 1 

Superintendent of Schools. 

J. E. Sanders 407 

Rev. V. iN. LyniMii 0(j4 — 65 

Scatterini;- 32 



COUNTY. 

Surveyor. 

J. P. B. D.ay. R 492—44 

C. H. lloll)!,. ,_,!<, D 458 

Sujiervisor. 

H. E. Colby 536—1 19 

Peter Reily 411 

Scattering 6 

ELECTION, XOVEMBEK 7, 1876. 

President. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, R 713 — 109 

Samuel J. Tilden, i) 304 

Peter Cooper, <!. B 300 

Member of Congress. 

Addison Oliver 745 — 159 

Samuel Rees 294 

H. A. Pierce 291 

B. D. Holbrook 1 

Judge of Supreme Court {full term). 

W. H. Seevers, R 633 

Walter I. Hayes. D 263 

Charles Negus, G. B 281 

Judge, Supreme Court. 
(to fill vacancy.) 

James H. Rothrock, R 707 — 100 

AVilliam Graham, D 292 

O. R. Jones, G. B 313 

Judge. Supreme Court. 
(to fill vacancy.) 

W. H. .Seevers, R 707—312 

W. I. Hayes, D 293 

Charles Negus, G. B .,202 

Secretary of State. 

Josiah T. Young. R 706—193 

J. H. Stuhenraucli, 1) 289 

' A. McCieady, G. B 324 

Auditor of State. 

Buren R. Sherman, R 708—198 

William Gronewig, D 293 

Leonard Brown, G. B 317 

Treasurer of State. 

George W. Bemis, R 707—196 

Wesley Jones, D 294 

George C. Fry, G. B 31 7 



191 



192 



MONONA COUNTY. 



Register State Land Office. 

David Secor. R 708—197 

N. C. Kidi'iiour, 1) 294 

G. M. Walker, G. li ;il7 

Attoniey General. 

John F. Me.Tiinkin. R 708—415 

J. S. Cook 293 

Superintendent Pnbiir Instruction. 
(to fill vacancy). 

Carl W. von Coelln, R 70,5—386 

J. A. Nash 319 

Judtje, Circuit Court. 

J. R. Zuver. R 709—422 

M. B. Davi^ 287 

Clerk of CouriA. 

W. R. Ilanscom 604-36 

W. Mack Enston 279 

B. F. Ro.ss 342 

— Marr G 

— McCaskey 1 

(Jouiitji Kecorcler. 

M. W. Bacon, R 1041—78.5 

George Un^hihill 1) 253 

Scattering 3 

Supervisor. 

E. Wilber 704—136 

Joseph Robinson 1 46 

Q. A. Wooster 420 

— Easton 1 

ELECTION', OCTOBER 9, 1877. 

Governor. 

John II. Gear, R 580 — 21 

John F. Irish, 1) 119 

Daniel P. Stubbs, G. B 431 

Elias Jessup, P 9 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Frank T. Campbell, R 590—141 

W. C. James, D 117 

A. McCready, G. B 432 

Judge, Supreme Court. 

James G. Day, R 594 — 48 

II. E. J. Boardman, D 118 

John Porter, G. B 428 



I 



Superintendent Public Instruction. 

Carl W. von Coelln, R 596—52 

G. D. Collison, D 116 

S. T. Ballard, G. B 428 

State .Senator. 

A. W. Ford G02— 109 

Phine.as Cad .^ t'll 487 

Scattering 4 

Representative.^ State Legislature. 

Elijah Pi'ake 520 

D. D. Ilarkness 522 — pi. 2 

Scattering 14 

Count II Auditor. 

John Iv. McCaskey. R 712—91 

W. L. Ring" .^ 418 

Scattering 3 

County Treasurer. 

G. H. Bryant 714—295 

John Jeffeoat 416 

Scattering 3 

Sheriff. 

James Walker 838—536 

Om.ar Irish 296 

Scattering 6 

Coroner. 

D. H. McKovvn 585 — 93 

F:. H. Banks 483 

Scattering 9 

Superintendent of Schools. 

J. E. Sanders 402 

Rev. C. N. Lyman 422 — pi. 20 

Peter Inman .• 292 

County Surveyor. 

George Atkins 688 — 249 

C. W. Bisbee 430 

Scattering 9 

Surveyor. 

Joseph Robinson 526 

G. M. Scott 595—63 

Scattering 6 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 8, 1 878. 

Secretary of State. 
.]. A. T. Hull. R 553 



MO^SIONA COUNTY. 



193 



E. M. Faniswoitli, F o90— 36 

T. E. Walker, D 1 

Auditor of State. 

Buren R. Shcnnan, R 553 

Joseph Eiboeck, F 586 — 23 

Rev. G. V. Swcaringen, G. 15. . 10 
Treasurer of State. 

George W. Bemis, R 554 

M. L. Devine, F 592—37 

E. D. Ferris. \> 1 

Register State Land Office. 

J. K. Powers, R 554 

M. Farringtou. F. 592 — 37 

T. S. Bardwell. I) 1 

Attorney General. 

John F. McJunkin. R 554 

John Gibbons, F 585—21 

C. H.Jackson. 10 

fudge. Supreme Court. 

James H. Rothrock. R . 554 

J. C. Knapp, F 594—40 

Clerk Supreme Court. 

E. J. Holmes, R 554 

N. V. Gammuii. 1) 1 

A. Runyoi). F 595—40 

Reporter Supreme Court. 

J. S.Runnells, R 554 

J. B. Elliott, F 584—20 

G. W. Rutherford, 1) 10 

Judge, District Court. 

C. H. Lewis 563 

J. C. Rhodal)i.ck 587—24 

District Attorney. 

(to fill vacanc3-.) 
S. M. Marsh, no opposition. . . .560 — 5(50 

District Attorney. 
(full term.) 

■S. M. Mavsb 560—560 

Member oj Congress. 

C. C. Carpenter, R 556 

L. Q. Hoggatt, !:) 589—32 

\V. H. Brown 1 



Clerk of the Courts. 

W. R. Ilanscom 601 — 44 

W. E. Cody 557 

Couii/y Piecorder. 

M. W. Bacon 598 — 33 

George S. Bisboe 564 

Charles Bisbec ' 1 

Supe) visor. 

Samuel Harrison 568 

S. G. Irish 588 — 18 

H.E.Colby 2 

ELECTION, OCTOliEK 14, 1879. 

Goiiernor. 

John H. Gear, R 831 — 133 

H. H. Trimble, II 209 

Daniel Campbell, G. 15 489 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Frank T. Campbell, R 834 — 140 

J. A. O. Yeoman, D 205 

M. H. Moore, G. B 489 

Judge Supreme Court. 

Joseph M. Beck, R 830 — 132 

Reuben Noble, D 207 

M. H. Jones, G. B 491 

Superintendent Public Instruction. 

Carl AY. von Coelln. R 834—139 

Erwin Baker, D 204 

J. A. Nash, G. B 491 

Representative State Legislature. 

H. C. Laub, R 741—124 pi. 

L. E. Dow, D 142 

Q. A. Wooster, G. B 617 

County Auditor. 

John K. McCaskey 940 — 350 

H. B.Sooy 154 

F. F. Roe 435 

W. L. Ring 1 

County Treasurer. 

G. H. Bryant 897—265 

P.J.Kimball 143 

W. L. Ring 489 

Clerk ofi/ie Courts. 
C. H. Aklridgc .882—242 



194 



MONONA COUNTY. 



W. E. Cody -...639 

J. T. Baggs 1 

She f iff. 

James Walker 963—397 

Peter Reily 110 

J. T. Burke 456 

Superintendent cj Sehoois. 

Rev. C. N. Lyman 724 

J. G. Iddings 764— 39 

Joseph Carlwright 1 

County Surveyor. 

J. B. P. Day 863— 20r> 

C. n. )Ioll)nH,k 207 

C. R. Searle 447 

George Atkins 3 

Burke 1 

Coi oner. 

H. Noble 837—1.51 

J. Butts 194 

W. ¥. Davis 491 

D. Handel 1 

Super2<iso/ . 

E. Wilber 794— 74 

S. A. McJIasler 290 

John Jeffcoat 430 

ELECTION. XOVEJIBER 2, 1880. 

Pi esiiifiit. 

Winfield .Scott Hancock, D 331 

James Abram C4arfield, R 943 — 252 

James B. Weaver, G. B 360 

Secretary of State. 

J. A. T. Hull, R 942—245 

A. B. Keitli, D 324 

G. M. Walker, G. IS 373 

Auditor of Slate. 

W. V. Lucas, R 943—261 

Charles Barker, ] ) 320 

Rev. G. V. fSweariiigeu, G. B. .362 

Treasurer oj State. 

E. H. Conger, R 943—260 

Martin Blum, D 322 

Mathew Farrington, G. B 361 



Register State Land Office. 

James K. Powers, R 943 — 260 

Daniel Dougheity. I) 322 

Thomas Hooker. G. B 361 

Attorney General. 

Smith McPherson. R 943 — 259 

C. A. Clark, D 322 

W. A. Spurri.T 362 

Judge Circuit Court. 

J. R. Zuver 946—572 

Pendleton Ilulibaid. 368 

.Scattering 6 

Member of Congress. 

Cyrus C. Carpenter, R 936—250 

P. M. Guthrie, D 305 

D.aniel Campbell 381 

On the proposition, '-Sliall there be a Conven- 
tion to revise the State Constitution and amend 
the same;" 

In favor of Convention 463 

Against 509— 46 

On the proposition to amend the Constitution as 
follows: "Strike out the words "Free White" 
from the third line of section 4, of article 3, of the ' 
State Constitution." 

In favor of the amendment. . . . 515 — 204 

Against 311 

Clerk of Courts. 

C. H. Aldridgo 983—343 

George Undeihil! 296 

William Hawlhdni 342 

Bacon 2 

County Recorder. 

M. W. Bacon 965—307 

G. M, Wells 291 

Miss A. M. Niirw(jud 365 

C. H. Aldridgc 2 i 

Supervisor. \ 

George M. Scott 934—271 j 

Benjamin ChamhiTl.Tin 663 ' 

ELECTION, 0CT(JliEl; 11, 1881. 

Goveriior. 

Buren R. Sherman, R 640—178 

Linus G. Kinne. D 176 

D. M. Clark, G. B 286 



MONONA COUNTY. 



196 



Lieutenant Governor. 

O. H. Manning, R G42— 180 

,]. M. Walker, D 17.S 

J. M. Holland, G. B 281 

Judge Supreme Court. 

Austin Adams. R 6! 2— 180 

II. B. Hender.shott,' U 178 

W. W. Williamson, G. R 284 

Superintendent, Publif Instruction. 

John W. Akers, R G46— 194 

W. H. Butler, D IT'.) 

Mrs. A. M. Swain, G.iB 272 

John W. Swain ' 

State _Senator. 

T. M. C. Logan, R 427 

C. K. Whiting 42',)— pi 2 

I'bineas Cad well 212 

Abner^Graves 1-J 

A. Oliver 1 

Representative, Slate Legislature. 

R. T. Shearin, R 618—138 

Charles Bullock, D 221 

F. F. Roe, G. B 259 

County Auditor. 

John K. McCaskey, R 705—338 

L. D. Kittle 367 

County Treasurer. 

G. H. Bryant 726—385 

Ivory Leach 338 

Scattering 3 

Sheriff. 

James Walker 808—550 

Frank Leet 255 

Scattering 3 

Superintendent of Schools. 

W. H. Dorward, R 449 

J. G. Iddings 611 — 158 

Scattering 4 

Coroner. 

D. H. McKown 689—342 

D. Backus 346 

John Doualas 1 



County Surveyor. 

J. P. B. Day 663—291 

C. W. Bisbce 369 

Scattering 3 

Supervisor. 

Fred McCausland 728—409 

J. H. Penny 317 

Scattering 2 

SPECIAL ELECTION, JDNE 27, 1882. 

Upon amending the State Constitution by adding 
the clause, prohibiting tlie manufacture, sale, etc., 
of all intoxicating beverages. 

For the amendment 853 — 452 

Against 399 

Blank 2 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 1882. 

Member of Congress. 

Isaac S. Strubel, R 727 — 137 

John P. Allison, D 258 

J. R. Sovereign, G. B 331 

Addison Oliver 1 

Secretary of State. 

J. A. T. Hull, R 748—177 

T. O. Walker, U 237 

William Gaston, G. B 334 

Auditor of State. 

John L. Brown, R 721—123 

William Thompson, D 237 

G. A. Wyant, G. B 336 

Edwin H. Conger 25 

Attorney General. 

Smith McPherson, R 748—177 

J. H. Bremerman, D 237 

James A. Rice, G. B 334 

Judge Supreme Court. 

William H. Seevers, R 748—177 

Charles E. Brunson, D 237 

W. A. Jones, G. B 335 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

Gilbert B. Pray, R 748—177 

H. F\ B., D 237 

E. G. Clark 334 



196 



MONONA COUNTY. 



Rpporter of Supreme Court. 

K. C. Ebersole, R 747 — 170 

L. A. Palmer,!) •2:57 

E. A. Clark 10 

J. II. Williamson .iil 

Judge. District Court. 

C. II. Lewis, R 77G — 776 

District Attorney. 

S. M. Marsh, no opposition. . . .761 — 76-1 

Clerli of Courts. 

C. II. Aldridge, K 710—162 

W. F. Davis 2\\ 

B. F. Roe 3;!;3 

J. Easton 1 

County Recorder — (full term.) 

L. D. Bearce, R 6;j.') — \A 235 

Cx. A. Douglas, D 239 

James Easton, G. B 4 20 

W. F. Davis 1 

County Recorder — (to fill vacancy.) 

L. D. Bearee, R 63.5—336 

O. A. Douglas, D 21,5 

James Easton, G. B 84 

iSupervisor. 

J. D. Rice 6sn. — .50 

G. M. Wells 20,5 

Lewis Iddings 422 

Scattering ;! 

Supervisor — (To fill vacancy.) 

J. D. Rice 061—39,5 

G. M. Wells 211 

Lewis Iddings 55 

County Surveyor — (To fill vacancy.) 

George Atkins 722 — 149 

C. II. Ilolbrook 218 

C. W. Bisbee 355 

On the question of a Poor farm and levy of tax 
to pay for the same. 

For the poor farm 372 

Against 652 — 280 

ELKCTION, OCTOBER 9, 1883. 

Gorernor. 

Buren R. .Sherman R 1073 — 390 pi, 

Linus G. Kinne, D 683 

James B. Weaver, G. B 464 



Lieutenant Gorernor. 

O. H. M.anuing, R 1084—393 pi. 

Justus Clark, D 691 

Sanford Kirkpatrick, G. B. . . 447 

Judge, Supyreme Court. 

Joseph R. Reed, R 1083—389 pi. 

Walter I. Hayes, D 694 

Daniel W. Church, G. B 441 

Superintendent Public Instruction. 

John W. Akers, R 1 082 — 389 pi. 

Edgar P. Farr, D 693 

Abbie G. Canfield, G. B 445 

State Senator. 

Addison Oliver, R 1 TOO 

C. E. Whiting, F iii»6— 196 

Representative, Legislature. 

G. H. Bryant, R 1054 

Daniel Campbell, F 11 70 — 1 16 

County Auditor. 

John K. McCaskey, R 964 

George A. Douglas, F 1 258 — 294 

County Treasurer. 

H. N. Scott, R 11 16 — 100 

(l A. Wooster, F 1015 

G. A. Douglas 1 

Sheriff. 

James Walker, R 1 182 — 162 

S. F. Sears, F 1020 

Superintendent of Schools. 

Rev. C. N. Lyman, R Ill 2 — 33 

J. G. Iddings, F 1078 

H. N. Scott 1 

Suptrvispr. 

James L. Bartholemew 1095 

L U. Riddle 1121 — 26 

Coroner. ' 

J. M. Oliver 1035 

D. Rust 1178—143 

County Surveyor. 

J. B. P. Day 1048 

C. W. Bisbee. .• 1079—31 



MONONA COUNTY. 



197 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER 4, 1884. 

President. 

James G. Blaine, R 1331—103 

Grover Cleveland, D 1218 

Jolin P. St. John, P 10 

Representative in Congress. 

Isaac S. Struble, R 1338—135 

Thomas Fs Burbee 1203 

Secretary of State. 

Frank D. Jackson, R 1332—121 

James Dooley, D 1211 

Auditor of State. 

John L. Brown 1331—110 

J. E. Henriques 1221 

Treasurer oj State. 

V. P. Twombly, R 1332—120 

George Derr, D 1212 

Attorney-General. 

A.J.Baker, R 1332—110 

M. V. Gannon,!) 1222 

Judge, Siqjreme Court. 

James Rothrock, R 1 330—105 

E. L. Benton, D 1 225 

On the amendment No. 1. 

For the amendment 547 — 499 

Against " 48 

On the amendment No. 2. 

For the amendment 246 

Against " 348—102 

On the amendment No. 3. 

For the amendment 439 — 285 

Against " 154 

On the amendment No. 4. 

For the amendment 222 

Against " 391—169 

Clerk of the Courts. 

C. H. AJdridge 1497—367 

John R. Rhodes 1028 

Scattering 2 

County Recorder. 
L. D. Bearce 1483—331 

B. F. Roe ." .1051 

C. H. Aldridge 1 



Supervisor. 

John K. McCaskey 1425—309 

W. A. Gray 1115 

L. D. Bearce 1 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 3, 1885. 

Qovernor. 

William Larabee, R 1178 

C. E. Whiting, F 1275—94 

James G. Mickelwait. ........ 3 

Lieutenant Governor. 

John A. T. Hull, R 1230 

E. H. Gillette, F 1237—4 

W. H. Steen 3 

Judge, Supreme Court. 

W. F. Brannan, F 1237—2 

J. M. Beck, R 1232 

Jacob Rogers 3 

Representative State Legislature. 

Daniel Campbell, F 1 225 

W. F. Wiley, R 1246—21 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

F. W. Moore, F 1236— pi. 1. 

John W. Akers, R 1235 

W. H. Taft 2 

T. F. Thickstine 1 

County Auditor. 

George A. Douglas, D 1393—317 

C. H. Cobleigh, R 1075 

B. Chamberlain 1 

Treasurer. 

George E. Warner, R 1180— pi. 7 8. 

B. Chamberlain, D 1102 

John Jeffcoat, G. B 184 

Sheriff. 

L. D. Kittle 1297—126 

E. D. French 1165 

Scattering 6 

Superintendent of Oommon Schools. 

F.P.Fisher 1247— 42 

J. G. Iddings 1203 

Scattering 2 



198 



MONONA COUNTY. 



Supervisor. 

W. D. Crow 1304_145 

F. W. Elmore 1 158 

J. G. I<lclin,!?.s 1 

CoKiity Surecyor. 

F. PI Colby 1 252 — 45 

C. W. Bisbee 1207 

Corotier. 
C. M. Smith 1274— 78 

L. E. St. .Tobii 11 ye 

On the proposition, "Shall a tax of ^7,500 be 
levied on the tax.able property of Monona County, 
to buy a poor farm and erect buildings thereon.'' 

P'or the Tax 524 

Against 1734-1210 

On the question of restraining stock from run- 
ning at large. 

For Restraint 533 

Against" ; .1713-1180 

ELECTION, NOVKSIUEK 2, 1886. 

Secreiary nf State. 

Frank D. Jackson, R 1027— 95 

Cato Sells. D 932 

Treasuer of State. 

Voltaire P. Twombly, R 1013— 02 

Daniel Campbell, D 951 

Auditor of Slate. 

James A. Lyon, R 1031— 99 

Paul Guelich, D 932 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

Gilbert B. Pray, R 1031— 97 

William Theophilus, D 934 

Reporter of Supjreme Court. 

Ezra C. Ebersolo, R .1030—97 

Frank P. Bradley, D 933 

Attorney General. 

A. J. Baker, R 1032— 

C. H. Mackey, D 930 

Representative in Congress. 

Isaac S. Struble, R 1030— 97 

E. C. Palmer, D 933 



Judges, District Court. 

C. H. Lewis- • • • 1080 — 175 

G. W. Wakefield 1030 — 113 

Scott M. Ladd I02l — 100 

M. B. Davis 905 

J. D. F. Smith 917 

D. D. McCalUim 921 

Henry Ford 3 

Cleri: of Courts. 

W. J. iNIaughlin 747- pi. 44 

Geoi'ge Lnderhill 703 

B. F. Ross 512 

County Recorder. 

L. D. Bearce 1754- 1751 

Scattering, 3 

County Attorney. 

H. Chrissman 1082 — 224 

A. E. Wheeler 858 

Supervisor. 

I. U. Riddle 982— 26 

J. L. Bartholemew 956 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8, 1887. 

Governor. 

William Larabee, R ..1100— 36 

Thomas J. Anderson, D 719 

M. J. Cain, G. B 351 

Lieutenant Governor. 

John A. T. Hull, R 1113— 55 

James M. Elder, D 707 

J. M. Sovereign, G. B 351 

Judge, Supreme Court. 

Gifford S. Robinson, R 1113— 50 

Charles S. Fogg, D 710 

M. H. Jones, G. B 353 

Superintendent Public Instruction. 

Henry Sabin, R 11 24— 89 

H. W. Sawyer, D 709 

S. L. Tii)ton, G. B 326 

Representative State Legislature. 

James L. Bartholemew 1083 

F. F. Roc 1089— G 

County Auditor. 

Ned Jenness 965 

George A. Douglas 1205— 240 



MONONA COUNTY. 



199 



County Treasurer. 

George E. Warner, R 1099— 37 

W. II. Leathers, D 106 1 

G. A. Douglas. ...•••• 1 

Sheriff. 

S. Ary 1006 

L. D. Kittle 1157— 157 

Coroner. 

C. M. Smith 1141— 109 

T. W. John .1032 

Superintendent of Common Schools. 
F. P. Fisher 1066 

B. F. Ross 1081— 18 

Count!/ Surveyor. 
F. E. Colby 1082 

C. W. Bisben 1086— 4 

Supervisor. 

D. A. Pember 1137— 101 

T. B. Skidmore 1036 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1888. 

President. 

Benjamin Harrison, R 1590 — 193 

Grover Cleveland, D 1088 

Secretary of State. 

F. D. Jackson, R '. 1590— 209 

Walter McHenry, D 1085 

J. B. Van Court, U. L 293 

.lames Micklewait, P 3 

Auditor of State. 

James A. Lyons, R 1590— 211 

Daniel J. Ockerson, D 1086 

E. M. Furnsworth, V.L 293 

Treasurer of State. 

V. P. Twombly, R 1590— 211 

Amos Case, D 1086 

James Rice, U. L 293 

Judge, Supreme Court. 

C. T. Granger, R 1585— 201 

P. A. Smythe, D 1091 

M. IL Jones, U. L 293 



Attorney General. 

John Y. Stone, R 1596— 216 

J. C. Mitchell, D 1088 

J. H. Williamson, U. L 292 

Railroad Commissioners. 

Spencer Smith 1982 — 

John Mahin 1441 

Frank T. Campbell 1977— 

Peter A. Day 1514— 

C. L. Lund 920 

H. E. Wills 926 

Member of Congress. 

Isaac S. Struble, R 1591—200 

M. A. Kelso, D 1063 

G. W. Lee 304 

Wilmot Whitfield 24 

County Attorney. 

C. E. Underhill 1506— 83 

H. Chrissman 1423 

County Recorder. 

L. D. Bearce, R 1820—1134 

W. S. Pershing, U. L 686 

Clerk, District Court. 

W. H. Maughlin, R 1507— 46 

H. W. Cunningham, D 1121 

Jerome Lawrence, U. L 340 

Superz'isi^r. 

W. D. Crow 1539—103 

C. A.Miller 1436 

On tiie proposition '-Shall stock be restrained 
from running at large." 

For restraint 990 

Against 1 195— 205 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 3, 1889. 

Governor. 

J. G. Hutchison, R 1605 — 35 

Horace Boies, D 1321 

S. B. Downing, U. L 238 

P 11 

Railroad Commissioner. 

Spencer Smith 1880 — 761 

Morgan 1119 



200 



MONONA COUNTY. 



State Senator. 

Romans, R 1713—283 

L. R. Bolter, D 1430 

Representatice, General Assembly. 
James L. Bartholemew, R. . . .1574 

F. F. Roe, D 157,-)— 1 

County Treasurer. 

Frank Doiwaid, R 1885 — 6 15 

H. E. Morrison, D 1240 

County Auditor. 

Kzvsi Mason, R 1540 

George A. Douglas, D 161 1 — 74 

Sheriff. 

Dell How.ard, R 1485 

L. D. Kittle, D 1670—186 

County Sujyervisor. 

Peter Reily, R 1414 

I. U. Riddle, D 1724—310 



, County Superintendent of Schools. 

B. F. Ross 1682—218 

F. B. Kessling 1464 

County Surveyor. 

C. C. Bisbee 1577— 25 

J. B. P. Day 1552 

Coroner. 

L. E. .St. John 1448 

Wright 1710—462 

On the question "Shall the county-seat be remove 
to East Mapleton." 

In favor, of removal to East 

Mapleton 1 427 j 

In favor of retaining it at 

Onawa 1682—255 



«-^ 




MIS0ELLANEOUS. 



CHAPTER VI. 



=^ROUPED together in this chapter will be 
found many items of interest that do not fit in 
any where in particular, but which properly 
hold a very important place iu tlie annals of the 
count}'. Among the most prominent, and one that 
has produced the most excitement and discussion 
is that known as the disposal of the 

SWAM1> LANDS. 

The Congress of the United States, by an act on 
the 28th of September, 1 850, gave to the various 
States, with some few exceptions, all the swamp 
or overflowed land lying within tlieir limits, .ind 
after the usual preliminaries patented to them the 
same for the purpose of reclaiming or draining them 
and for public improvements. The State of lowa^ 
in furtherance of this object deeded the land in 
each county to the same, commissioners being ap- 
pointed to select the said swamp lands. By this 
time the county of Monona became the owner of a 
large tract of land. Some of it was sold to private 
parties and the proceeds, forming the Swamp Land 
Fund, used for the construction of bridges, roads, 
and other public improvements. In the summer 
of 1862 the American Plmigrant Company, by their 
agent, T. E. Brown, made a proposition to the 
Board of Supervisors of Monona County, to pur- 
chase all the remaining swamp lands and overflowed 
lands belonging to the county, and all of the claims 
against the United States Government for the un- 
patented lands of that character, agreeing in con- 



sideration thereof to construct at the company's 
cost any building or public improvement that the 
said swamp lands could be devoted to, the same to 
be designated by the Board of Supervisors, the 
cost of which was not to exceed $2,000, the work 
to be finished within two years from Augus.t 1, 1863. 
The company further agreed to take the land subject 
to the provisions of the Act of Congress, of Sept. 
28, 1850, and to construct ditches to drain the 
land and to bind all purchasers of the land to 
make settlement in good faith. They, as a further 
incentive to the board agreed to bring here and 
locate two hundred persons, young and old,one-third 
of whom were to be of American birth and all of 
them white. This they were also to do within the 
two years. The closing agreement was that the 
American Emigrant Company should also, take 
up and pay all warrants outstanding on the Swamp 
Land Fund. 

After discussion it was agreed to enter into the 
contract with the comjian}', subject to the ratifica- 
tion of the grateful electors of the county at the 
next general election, without which it was to be 
null and void. As so much has been said in re- 
gard to this matter it would be well to mention 
that the board (all of whom with the exception of 
the last named, voted to submit this question to the 
people of the county, the real owners of the lands 
in question) was composed of the following named 
gentlemen: J. R. Bouslaugh, Chairman; Alexander 



202 



MONONA COUNTY. 



Allison, F. A. Da.y. Thomas Il.ayes, W. G. Myers, 
Elijah Walker, Rowland Cobb, and Addison Oli- 
ver. 

At the general election, held on the 14th of Oct- 
ober, 1862, the question of ratifying the contract 
made between the board and the American Emi- 
grant C'omiiany, came before the people, and the vote 
stood as follows: In favor of the ratification of the 
contract, 162; against the measure, 56; a clear ma- 
jority of 106 in its favor. 

In accordance with this resolution thus ratified, 
the Board of Supervisors had a contract drawn up 
and signed by all of the members of the board 
with the exception of C. E. Whiting, and b}' T. 
E. Brown for the American Emigrant Company. 
The company, in 1865, or about that time, 
sent to this county, J. S. Maughlin to settle 
the contracted settlers, which he faithfully did, 
and to attend to the other business of the com- 
pany. Between *8,000 and $10,000 worth of the 
Swamp Land warrants which were outstanding 
were taken up by them, paid for and cancelled, 
and the honorable Board of Supervisors, deeming 
it best for the material interests of the count}', in- 
stead of having the company expend the 5!2,000 in 
the stipulated improvements, asked for and received 
the same in money. 

In the summer of 1874, the American Ii^migrant 
Company, having failed to comply with some of the 
other parts of the contract the board ordered a suit 
brought against the company for the cancellation of 
the contract, which was done, November 1 2, of 
that year. The contest was carried on for about 
two years, when, while the case was in the United 
States Circuit Court, on the 6th of January, 1876, 
George H. Warner, the Secretary and Vice Presi- 
dent of the company appeared before the board to 
to effect a compromise. The supervisors sub- 
mitted a proposition that was not accepted bj' 
the company, who in their turn offered the follow- 
ing terms: The American Emigrant Company, for 
the sake of quieting their title and settling the suit 
■would pay to Monona County the sum of $5,250 
and all taxalile co.sts, if the hitter woidd agree to 
the entering of a decree on the company's cross bill 
establishing its right and title to all lands interested 
and that the county would, also, transfer all the so- 



called Scrip Lands, and other swamp lands not here- 
tofore dceiled, according to the terms of the origi- 
nal contract. On this being submitted a vote was 
taken on the pro|)Osition and N. B. Olson, G. M. 
Sciitt and II. E. Colby voted in the atlirmative; ne- 
gative there were none. With the fulfillment of 
this new agreement ended the complications that had 
arisen over this matter, and the county received a 
fair price for the lands besides bringing them under 
the operation of tlie tax law of the county. 

HOMESTEAD CASES. 

It has ever been the policy of our Government 
to foster the building of railroads throughout the 
country, at tlie expense of the public lands that 
should have been reserved for actual settlers. 
Under the act of May 15, 1856, Congress granted 
certain lands, part of which lay within the limits 
of IMonona County, to the Iowa Central Air-Line 
Railroad, a paper road, later the Cedar Rapids & 
Missouri River Railway Company. This grant 
was modified and increased by Congress June 2, 
1864. Many actual settlers came here, took up 
their homesteads upon land that appeared to belong 
to the Government, made the proper entry, broke 
the land and made such impr(.)vements as their 
means afforded, and proving up their claim under 
the law, receiving their patents. In 1876 the an- 
nouncement was made to them that their claim w.as 
held for cancellation, and suit was brought by the 
railroad eonipany for possession of the land. In 
most parts of the countr}' those similarly jilaced 
gave up the property quieth', or were worsted in 
the courts on attempting to obtain redress, but the 
settlers of Monona County were made of sterner 
stuff. JNIeetings were held to determine upon their 
course, and finally, Jan. 19, 1877, a number of the 
defendants in the homestead cases, and others 
interested in the matter, met at the court house in 
Onawa to organize an association to fight the mat- 
ter in tiie courts. The meeting organized liy elect- 
ing Benjamin Herring chairman, and G. II. Bryant 
secretary. Q. A. Wooster reported the proceed- 
ings of a similar meeting in Mapleton, held the 
17th of the same month, at which it was resolved 
to contest the railway suits. A committee, con- 
sisting of B. D. Ilolbrook, J. P. B. Day, D. Greeu- 



MONONA COUNTY. 



203 



street, W.T. Bo3'd and Q. A. Wooster was appointed 
to prepare a plan of action, who reported immedi- 
ately the following recommendations: 

" That the defendants in the suits brought by 
the Cedar Rapid? <fe Missouri River Railroad form 
an association for mutual defense and assistance, of 
which all persons paying the required suras shall be 
members. 

"That an executive committee, consisting of 
five persons, shall be authorized to procure counsel 
to conduct the suits on the part of the defendants, 
and this committee shall have full power in the 
management of the suits. 

" That for the purpose of raising the funds nec- 
essary to carry on the defense of said suits, the 
executive committee shall be authorized to assess 
the defendants in each suit to a sum not exceeding 
$50, of which $5 shall be paid before an appear- 
ance is made by this organization; and that the 
balance, in such sums not exceeding $10 at any 
one time, as may be deemed necessarj' by said 
committee. And the said committee shall be 
authorized to abandon the defense of any suit in 
which the amount assessed shall not be paid within 
thirty daj's after an assessment. 

" Assessments shall not be made by the execu- 
tive committee ofteuer than once in sixty daj's. 

" The executive committee are requested to pro- 
cure assistance from persons not members of this 
association, but interested in the questions in- 
volved. 

" The executive committee ma3' be changed at 
any meeting of the association, on a vote of a ma- 
jority of all members who shall have paid, at the 
time of voting, all assessments made against them." 
Under the rules which were adopted, the follow- 
ing named gentlemen were chosen as the executive 
committee: B. D. Holbrook, Chairman; Q. A. 
Wooster, Benjamin Herring, A. J. flathaway and 
Lewis Iddings. The chair also appointed the fol- 
lowing individuals to solicit membership and sub- 
scriptions in their respective townships: J. Smith, 
Ashton; Victor Dubois, Fairview; Anderson Jewell, 
Franklin; M. Miller, Grant; A. .J. Hathaway, Ken- 
nebec ; W. T. Boyd, Lincoln; David Chapman, 
i\I«ple;. and J. H. Morris, Sherman. On the 
adjournment of the meeting the e.\.ccutivc commit- 



tee organized the same day, all being present, 
appointing Q. A. Wooster secretary, and A. J. 
Hathaway treasurer, and enacted a set of rules for 
their guidance. Piatt Smith, of Dubuque, and 
John S. Monk were retained asattornej's in the case. 
A bitter fight in the courts ensued, and, to use the 
words of the committee, it was "no boy's play to 
defeat a wealthy corporation, who, with almost 
every apparent advantage, felt confident of success." 
Piatt Smith, who was to carry on the cases to a 
finish for some $l,800,on account of ill heal th,threw 
the burden of the work upon John S. Monk, of 
Onawa, and after a time dropped out of the con- 
test entirely, but the suits were carried on for near 
eight years, up to the Supreme Court of the United 
States, who finally decided in favor of the settlers 
in January, 1884, and the same committee appointed 
at the above meeting carried on the management 
to the end. This is said to have been the first 
victory ever gained by the settlers under similar 
circumstances, and reflected great credit upon Mr. 
Monk's energ3' and ability. Some eighty suits 
were defended. From the defendants, their friends 
and from other sources was gathered the sum of 
$2,825, and from the plaintiffs as costs $380.70 
m.aking a total of $3,205.70. Of this money 
there was paid out $22.05 for postage, printing, 
etc.; traveling expenses of comuiittee, $13.90; 
legal services. Plait Smith $800, Monk <fe Selleck 
$1,000; attorney's expenses, $1,025.46; transcripts, 
etc., $72.25; making a total expenditure of 
$3,058.86. 

STORMS .\N1> TORNADOES. 

While singularly free from the gyrating, 
deadly cyclone, the bewildering numbing bliz- 
zard or destroying tornado, still Monona County 
has had some experience with the fiercer ele- 
ments in their Homeric strife. The first of 
these was in the winter of 1856-7. The early 
part of the season had been warm and pleasant 
and the ground was still unfrozen on the morning 
of December 1, and the wind blew a gentle zephyr 
frum the south. Calm and peaceful as the summer 
morn was that most beautiful daj', but with dark- 
ness came another scene. The wind veering into 
the north blew strongly, banking up the heavy 



204 



MONONA COUNTY. 



gray clouds in the northern horizon, and these soon 
on the baolis of hurricane steeds swept down the 
vaUey, a nii.uhty invincible army flinging wide 
over the landscape their white and flasliing banners 
of snow. About half-i)ast eight o'clock the flakes, 
large and heavy, began to fall, while the tempera- 
ture grew colder and colder. Harder blew the gale 
and harder and finer and finer grew the white drift- 
ing snow that soon wreathed ever3-thing in an im- 
mense winding sheet, until about midnight when 
the storm liad reached its height. Aliove shrieked 
and wailed the wind, "as if liends fought in upi)er 
air" while upon the earth with many an eddy and 
manv a whirl played the soft covering loaned by 
the Arctic shores, and brought to our doors by 
Boreas, the rude. For eight and forty hours the 
storm raged and when it had ceased the few settlers, 
nestling down in their cabins beheld stretching 
around them a vast sea of bright, sheeny snow 
three or four feet deep, while here and there, over 
some little obstruction, were scattered huge and 
impassable drifts, that towered up above the sur- 
rounding desolation. The darkness of the storm, 
when one could not see six feet from him through 
the thick of the snow, had cleared off, and the sun 
shown with resplendent magnificence on the snowy 
expanse, fairly blinding the onlooker. Says Hon. 
C. E. Whiting, in writing of this elemental strife, 
in the Gazette of January 5, 1877: 

"When the citizens of to-day are told that there 
■was not a plastered or papered house in the county; 
that a dreary waste of snow from four to five feet 
deep, with impassable drifts, and so crusted over 
that a team could not move a single foot until the 
crust was broken with spades and shovels, lay for 
seventy-five miles between us and Council Blulis, 
our nearest depot of su|iplies, they may^ form some 
little idea of the hardships endured by the men and 
women of that time." 

Nor was this all, from that time on, all that win- 
ter the snow clouds cast their burden continually 
upon the earth, until among the pioneers of the en- 
tire State it is known as "the winter of the deep 
snow." In the spring, in consequence of the pres- 
ence of so much snow, which melted beneath the 
fervid beams of the sun and poured its waters 
into the streams, the Missouri Kiver attained a 



height never known before or since, running 
through Badger Lake, the western part of the 
Whiting settlement, Ashton Grove,'west and south 
of Onawa, and north of William Jewell's and 
soiitlieast to the Little Sioux country. 

The Gazette of Jul3' 27, 1872, has an account 
of the great hail and wind storm ttiat swept over 
a portion of this county on the 19th of that month. 
The following is from the columns of that sheet: 

"The severest part of the storm could not have 
lasted over fifteen or twenty minutes and came 
mainly from the northwest. As far as we can learn 
it started near the neigh l)orliood of Ingham & 
Anderson's mill, some nine miles northwest of 
Onawa, in Lincoln Township, and was confined to 
a belt of countryflve or sis miles wide extending 
as far south of the tfonnl}' seat as the Jewell settle- 
ment. It blew down some houses and moved 
others off the foundation, tore down fences, and 
worst of all, utterl}' ruined hundreds of acres of 
as fine wheat, oats and corn as ever grew. Many of 
our farmers lost their entire crop, thus placing some 
of them in a most embarrassing condition, finan- 
cially, as well as in point of obtaining something 
to eat during the coming winter. In many fields 
there is nothing left but stubble and corn stalks, 
the wheat heads having been beaten off into the 
ground and that which before the storm gave such 
abundant promise of a glorious yield of fine largo 
corn, was .entirely stripped and broken down. The 
hailstones ranged from the proportion of a com- 
mon sized buckshot to those of a hen's egg and 
larger. The windows of almost every house in 
Onawa, except those which were protected by 
blinds, were smashed from nearly every direction, 
the storm being at times more of a whirlwind than 
anything else, and driving the hail in from all 
points of the compass. 

"John S. Monk's house in the south part of town 
was blown from its foundation. His wife and baby 
were in it at the time but fortunately were unin- 
jured. The floral hall on the Fair Ground, north 
of town, was blown over and mashed and twisted 
up considerably. The high board fence on the 
west side of the same was also flattened to the 
ground. 

"Of the real damage sustained on account of 



MONONA COUNTY. 



205 



tlie storm, we presume it would be a ditHcuIt matter 
to make anjahing like a correct estimate. Many of 
the wheat fields would have averaged twenty-five 
bushels to the acre, while otliers would have 
yielded more, and yet others not so much. And so 
with corn, fifty bushels, frequentlj' more, being 
the common average. The yield of oats also varies. 
We present below the names of many of the farm- 
ers who, unfortunatel3', came within the range of 
the storm and suffered loss more or less, however 
we are quite sure that we have not been able to 
procure all the names of those who suffered from 
the storm. 

"S. D. Hinsdale, Addison Oliver, G. and F. G. 
Oliver, .Tames Merrill, C. Town, John Kelsey, 
H. W. Cunningham, D. W. Sampson, .1. White, 
D. M. Dimmick, E. D. Dimmick, L. Swetfair, 
J. E. Morrison, John Donner, W. B. Bailej', 
William Gautz, Lewis Gantz, P. J. Kimball, J. B. 
Walworth, H. E. Colby, G. W. Chapman, C. H. 
Campbell, Dingman <fe Mosher, Thomas Cody, R. 
G. Fairchild, William Tone, B. lugersoll, Neal 
McNeil, Delia Sears, S. F. Sears, T. Murphy, S. 
Tillson, Elijah Peake, L. Morton, E. E. Pierce, A. 
T. Fessenden, Mrs. Grow, A. J. P^rb, William Bur- 
ton, G. Reed, G. W. Riggs, Fred McCausland, Isaac 
Riggs, E. J. Selleck, H. W. Cowles, Johnson Cleg- 
horn, John Hague, John R. Murphy, E. R. McNeil, 
Moses Adams, Andrew Adams, Walter Burgess, 
Henry Kramer, D. T. Cutler, Frank Brooks, G. W. 
Ballard, Benjamin Herring, G. W. Boyd, Captain 
Burnham,and Messrs. Joijlin, Smith, .Jepson, Bishop, 
Rablin, Duncan and Ellison. 

Another storm in later years was much njore 
destructive in the county, and should be mentioned 
in this connection. 

On the afternoon of Sunday, April 21, 1878, a 
tornado entered Monona County at the southwest 
corner, and after traversing it diagonally, swept on 
over the county line near Mapleton. The path of 
the cyclone was but narrow, varying from ten to 
three hundred rods in width, but within its way it 
spared nothing. In appearance it seemed a gigantic 
cloud rolling with corkscrew motion along, one end 
resting upon the ground, and was accompanied by 
rain and the fall of hail. In Sherman Township, 
where it first struck the county, it passed over 



the farm of James Cook and then between the 
farms of J. R. Thurston and Mrs. Reiley, tearing 
aw.ay the kitchen at tiie latter place, and demolish- 
ing the stables, fences, etc. At Mr. Thurston's the 
kitchen was torn from tlie main building and de- 
molished, wiiile the rest of the house was moved 
from the foundation and turned one-third round. 
William Thurston, then a young man of twenty 
years, with two of his smaller brothers and two 
Morris boys, who were standing watching the on- 
coming storm, ran into the kitclieu which in a few 
seconds was torn from around them and although 
thrown away from it escaped without injury of 
moment. It next tore the log house on the Hughes 
pl.ice to pieces, but the family were absent from 
home. The Davis school-house was lifted from its 
foundation and b.adly racked, and from there the 
storm swept on, bearing wreck and ruin to fence, 
stable or crib in its path until it reached the house 
of John White, about two miles southeast of Onawa, 
where the havoc was complete. Seeing the ap- 
proach of the storm the family took refuge in a 
cyclone cellar, and from that haven of safety, saw 
the miglity whirlwind first tear off the roof of their 
house and then pick it up and utterly demolish it. 
The furniture was all utterly destroyed or carried 
away, pieces from the wreck being afterwards 
found miles away. The trees of the grove were 
twisted and denuded of leaves and the havoc 
wrought was complete. On swept the storm-king 
and in his path soon found the little hamlet of 
Areola, where considerable damage was done, and 
thence scattering destruction in its path, crashed 
through the timlier into the Maple Valley, pausing 
only long enough to wreck the Jones and Updike 
mill. The dwelliiig of W. R. Harris, four miles 
from Day's store, was utterly destroyed, as were 
barns, stables, sheds, fences, etc., on his place. 
Nothing was left. On reaching Mapleton, by one 
of those vagaries that seem to possess these storms, 
it leaped, so to speak, entirely over the town, doing 
but little damage. A small dwelling occupied b3' 
a Mr. Harney was overturned, and the contents of 
a large kettle of boiling water thrown on his child, 
from the effects of which it died. A Mr. Klingen- 
fleld had all the trees in his orchard twisted off 
close to the ground. 



206 



MONONA COUNTY. 



On the evening of Fridaj' June 12, 1885, another 
storm swept over tills county, doing a large amount 
of damage. From eyewitnesses and from tlie 
newsi)aper reports of the time is gathered tlie fol- 
lowing account of its horrors: 

The day iiad been intensely hot, the thermometer 
attaining a height of 102" in the shade in the 
afternoon. About 5 o'clock dark clouds com- 
menced to form on the western horizon. Darker 
and darker yet piled up the fearful forces of the 
storm cloud until the entire heavens were com- 
pletely overcast with their sable covering. About 
6:30 a black and somber column of heavy clouds 
was hurled athwart the cloudy exiianse and from 
this ])roceeded the death and destruction so un- 
paralleled in the annals of this county. 

Rolling along like an immense tidal wave, witliin 
a few feet of the ground it first struck the ground 
in Fairview Township, and when it had lifted, left 
behind it devastation and ruin. Victor Dubois 
had a large barn torn to pieces ami two wind-mills 
destroyed and one mule killed. His son lost a 
wind-mill also, .lames Barley had his house and 
its contents, barns, fences and everything swept 
away but himself, his famil}- and live stock. AV. -1. 
Hudgel had his cattle sheds destroyed, wind-mill 
blown down, and barn wrecked. Dr. Samuel Polly's 
two barns were scattered to the four quarters of the 
section and he sustained other damage. George 
Gullickson had part of his house wrested away and 
Nels Solen had his blacksmith shop twisted out of 
shape and his barn unroofed. Other losses would 
make the storm a destroyer of several thousand 
dollars in Fairview Township. 

South of there it was still worse. C. M. Dean's 
horse barn was the first to suffer from the billowy, 
funnel-shaped mass, that with long-hanging rope- 
like appendages swejit over the land, it being blown 
down upon his three horses. James Larkiii's next 
felt its fury his house being completely wrecked, j 
John Crossley's residence was the next to go. The 
family were at supper when their attention was 
called to the coming cyclone, and all started for 
the cave. A young man living with Mr. Larkiu 
was the first to reach the door, to whom that gen- 
tleman handed the child and lunied to help his 
wife, but at that moment the full fur^' of the storm 



struck the house and in an instant it was demol- 
ished. The woman, thrown among the debris, was 
seriously hurt. ' 

Nicholas Hite, two miles northeast of the last 
place was the next to feel its fury and here the 
destruction was more complete than anj'where in 
the county. His l)arn, 34x18, with the shed, 14x32 
attached was so badly demolished that only about 
one-third of the lumber was left on the place; 
buggy house, 14x18, nothing left; outhouse, 14x18, 
only a few boards left to mark the spot. The 
dwelling house, a handsome two-story building, 
torn from its foundation, twisted around Jind 
wrecked badl_y, while cultivators, plows and other 
agricultural tools were hurled through the air 
wounding stock and ^scattered promiscuously over 
the farm. Fortunatel/no one here was injured. 

Andrew Paekwood's house was next demolished, 
his wife's arm broken and the gentleman himself 
caught under some of the fallen timbers and badly 
crushed, and an infant child, but ten days old, 
carried through the air some fifty yards and de- 
posited in the mud, all right. Bridges and groves 
all through that part of the county wire de- 
molished. 

At Maple Landing several of the citizens lost 
jiarts of their houses, and some stock was killed. 

In West Fork the storm lost none of its fur^'. 
J. L. Davenport's house was torn to pieces, he and 
his family, consisting of his wife and six children 
and liis hired man, being carried along in the 
debris. His eldest girl, a young lady of seventeen, 
and a boy three years old were badly hurt. The 
loss here will foot up some $800. The Dailey 
school-house was blown from its foundation and 
badly demoralized. Ira Brown's house was lifted 
from its foundation, his outbuildings demolisheil 
and things generally about the place shaken up. 
Theodore Sanderson, Ole Eberson, A. Gunsolly, 
E. M. Casady, Frank and W. Konkle and the Slater 
school-house also came in for damages more or 
less, and a vacant house near the river utterly de- 
destroyed. AH through the path swept by the 
destroi'er, its trace is plainly discernable, wreck 
and ruin, trees twisted off and turned over, fences 
and crops laid low or whirled rods away and few, 
if any structures left standing, and those only in a 



MONONA COUNTY. 



207 



dismantled condition. The loss was put at some 
$15,000 in this county, by conservative men. 

Tlie Sunday night succeeding the countr3' was 
again shaken up Ijy anotlier storm, but which did 
not here develop any cyclonic tendencies, but did 
much damage to the crops gencrailj^ throughout 
the county. Several houses were twisted from 
their foundations and cliimneys demolished, but 
the count}' escaped the destruction that was so 
wrought by the storm which occasioned the loss 
of millions of dollars through Western and North- 
western Iowa. 

While but few crimes of any magnitude have 
been enacted in Monona County in all the years 
since its first settlement, still it is to be expected 
there are some, and one of the most dastardly oc- 
curred within tlie limits of this precinct. 

It was upon the night of Jan. 2, 1885, about a 
quarter before midnight, that three men approached 
the house of Dr. W. W. Ordway, on section 13, 
and rapping upon the door, attracted that gentle- 
man's attention. On being asked what they wanted 
one of them replied tliat he wanted some medicine 
for a child of John Potts, whom they represented 
to have an attack of the croup. Ever ready to at- 
tend to calls of that nature, the doctor arose and 
let one of them in and invited him to take a chair, 
while he proceeded to put on his pants. Having 
done so he prepared to light a lamp. He struck a 
match and lit the wick, but before he could get the 
globe on a shot was flred through the north win- 
dow, and a load of buckshot hurtled through the 
air, five of the missiles striking the doctor in the 
face. As he half fell he grasped the stove with one 
hand and held on to it until it was blistered. B3' al- 
most superhuman exertions he raised up and stag- 
gered through the door, and passing through another 
room, hardly realizing what he was doing, but 
blindly trying to get his gun. As he passed 
through the door the man who had come in the 
house picked u|) a trunk containing very valuable 
papers, and as he passed out of the house called 
for the fellow outside to '• finish him," meaning 
the doctor. The latter by this time had reached a 
ball that still separated him from his weapon, and 
just as he crossed it the miscreant fired another 
shot, but fortunately missed his aim. The plucky 



doctor then made a rush for him, when the fellow 
again essayed to fire his piece but it missed fire, 
and closing with him the two had a desperate bat- 
tle clear out of the house and three or four rods 
from the door; and had Dr. Ordway had his boots 
on it is his opinion that he could have made a sad 
looking corpse of the rascal, as the follow did noi 
find so easy a man to handle as he supposed, even 
if he was sorel}' wounded. The men got away, 
however, but the doctor secured the man's gun, 
mitten and cap, and returned to the house and had 
Dr. Harman, of Onawa, brought out in the morn- 
ing to dress the painful wound that he had re- 
ceiveil. This laid the doctor up for some ten weeks, 
and left a scar that will last for life. The miscre- 
ants broke open the trunk, which contained about 
$100,000 worth of valuable papers, which they 
attempted to burn, but the blast was so strong that 
man}' of them were strewn around over the snow. 

A Reminiscence of War Times. 

BY AN OLD SETTLER. 



ATTENTION, COMPANY! 

The Monona Union Guards will meet for drill 
on Saturday, the 8th of June, 18C1. By order of 
the Captain. J. A. Scoil, Sergeant. 

Such was tlie notice that appeared in The Mo- 
nona Cordon, Onawa's weekly paper, edited by A. 
Dimmick. 

On Saturday, April 30, the Cordon came out in 
heavy black lines of mourning, announcing that 
civil war had commenced. A column of editorial 
matter gave a summary of the awful state of afifairs 
in the nation. A pargr.iph in the same issue said: 
"Don't forget the military company meeting to 
organize next Saturday. Let us have a full turn- 
out; War is upon us." Another item read as 
follows: "It is rumored that some white men, 
somewhere above Smithland, shot an Indian, and 
after lodging seven or eight balls in his body, he 
ran away with the swiftness of a deer." Who can 
blame the Indian for retiring as rapidly as possible 
under the circnmstances? 

President Lincoln's Proclamation calling for 
75,0C0 men appeared in the same issue, causing the 



208 



MONONA COUNTY. 



greatest excitement and rousing the patriotism of 
the North to fever heat. The first man in Onawa, 
if ray memory serves me right, that left his home 
to join the United States army, was Albert Fair- 
ehild. He went to Counoil Bhiffs early in .Tuly, 
18G1, to enroll himself among the nation's de- 
fenders. His body now lies in tlie Onawa cemetery 
— buried before the war closed. 

In July fifty United States cavalrymen passed 
through the town on their way to the northern 
frontier, and fifty more were reported as following. 
A courier arrived one day at noon about that time 
who had ridden from Sioux City, forty miles in 
three hours, with the exciting news that a massacre 
li.ad taken place at Sioux City; tvvo soldiers of the 
local comiiany had been killed by the Indians in a 
field while peaceably engaged in hoeing potatoes. 
After dinner, inounted on a fresh horse, he set out 
in hot haste for Council Bluffs, where he arrived at 
midnight — 100 miles from Sioux City in fifteen 
hours over bad roads. The courier had been dis- 
patched from Sioux City by Judge Hubbard, and 
the result was a company of volunteer infantry 
from Harrison County that reached Onawa at mid- 
night, rousing the citizens from their slumbers bj' 
tiioir sudden and noisy invasion, and causing a 
panic in many a household under the impression 
that the Indians had come to kill, and burn the 
town. As soon as it was known that they were 
friends instead of foes, the ladies began to prepare 
coffee and otlier refreshments and gave them a roj'al 
welcome. The company bivouacked in and around 
the court house. At early bugle call they took up 
their onward march toward Sioux City, where thej- 
fraternized with the local volunteers in the protec- 
tion of the pe iple from savage foes. 

On the day following the arrival of the courier 
from Sioux City, a meeting of citizens was called 
at the school house to consider the propriety of 
forming a military company for home protection. 
The meeting was organized by calling T. Elliott to 
l;:ke the chair, and T. R. Chapman to act as secre- 
tary. After considerable discussion A. Oliver was 
apixiinted a committee to confer with Judge Hub- 
bard, whereupon the meeting adjourned. This was 
on "\\'eduesday. On the following Sunday sixteen 
good and true men of Monona Countv left Onawa 



on horseback for the frontier. The best way to 
[)rotect the town was to send men to the front. 

I majr saj' by way of exiflanation that the re- 
redoubtable Monona Union Guards had quietly 
melted away in the hot July sun to come to life 
again, however, in 18Gt under the head of Capt. 
Charles Atkins, and armed with real muskets. Of 
their valiant deeds in keeping the hostile Sioux 
Indians at bay, I may have a word to say at the 
proper time. The last drill of the Guards of 180 1 
took place in the shade of a small building on 
Iowa avenue, where Mr. Stark's store now stands. 
It was a limp affair. The heat was too great to 
permit a promenade as far as the Court House, 
where the Guards usually assembled for the dis- 
|)lay of their marvetous serpentine line of beauty 
and the execution of their eccentric evolutions. 

The roll-call of the names of the immortal six- 
teen heroes that left Onawa on the first day of the 
week in July, 18G1, is as follows: 

T. R. Chapman, B. D. Ilolbrook, 

Seneca Morgan, Frank Milam, 
Thomas M. Flowers, Thos. Powers, 

Marion Perr}^ W. C. Lanyon, 

Wm. Haley, Adam Miers, 

John Craig, J. H. Overacker, 

"Wm. Sherman, Omer Lytle, 

Daniel Howard, 0. J. Goodenough. 

A large crowd assembled to witness their de- 
parture from the Onawa House and showered 
blessings upon them. Three rousing cheers were 
given them as mounted .upon spirited horses of 
their own they wheeled and shot out of town at a 
rattling gait. By noon they reached Shipman's 
tavern where they took dinner, and a little after 
dark entered Sioux City. The next day they were 
enrolled in Capt. Tripp's company and went into 
camp. The first week in August some members 
returned on furlough and reported seeing more elk 
than Indians — in fact they hadn't caught sight of 
a "single red." All were in good health. T. R. 
Chapman, after several weeks' service in Capt. 
Tripp's company, returned home and reported with 
military brevity, "'llnrd work, poor pay and no 
Indians." 



MONONA COUNTY. 



209 



EXPERIENCE OP D. T. HAWTHORNE IN THE WINTER 
OF THE DEEP SNOW. 

In the fall of 1856, prairie fires destroyed a 
large amount of hay in this and adjoining counties, 
and Elijah Adams, Bayliss of Woodbury, Thomas 
Flowers, John Truman and Frederick D. Winegar 
hired Edward Young and D. T. Hawthorne to herd 
their cattle on the rush-beds on the banks of the 
Missouri River in Franklin township. This w.as 
the "winter of the deep snow," as it is known 
throughout the whole West. December, 1, 2 and 3, 
witnessed the first great fall of snow, that laid the 
earth under a snowy mantle some four feet deep, 
with drifts and hillocks twice as high. Being hem- 
med in and storm-bound, and provisions running 
short for both man and beast, the snow covering 
the forage of the rush-beds, the two men sat down 
and played a game of eucher to decide which of 
them should struggle through to make their condi- 
tion known, and the fates, luck or skill decided 
that Young should make the attempt. With an 
early start he succeeded, after a hard and desperate 
struggle, in reaching the cabin of Mr. Hays, some 
four miles distant, by nightfall. Resting there 
that night, he reached Ashton the next day and 
notified Mr. Flowers. It was some two weeks be- 
fore the latter could get back to Hawthorne on 
horseback, .and had at that time a hard and desperate 
battle with the drifts ere he reached him. Getting 
word to the other parlies who owned the cattle, 
they started to drive out what had not died of 
cold, exposure and hunger, or had been killed by 
wolves, and succeeded in rounding up all but nine 
head that had sheltered themselves in some willows, 
in an out-of-the-way place, and succeeded in driv- 
ing them through to food and shelter. Hawthorne 
returned for the balance, shortly after, between 
Christmas and New Years, being storm-stayed at 
Ashton one day on the way. The next day he 
found the kine he sought and started them though 
the huge drifts in the right direction, intending to 
make a camp where the main herd had been, that 
night, but in wading through the snow the matches 
in his pocket had become wet, so he was forced to 
go on. About 2 o'clock in the morning, after in- 
credible hardship he reached the cabin of a 



man by the name of Miller, where he sought and 
found shelter. Next morning he hired a boy to 
help him drive the cattle, and being unable in that 
neigliborhood to get any hay, drove tliem through 
to Ashton. There, he paid 12.50 for a bushel of corn 
to feed the animals, and as there was no hay to be 
bought, to use the expression of the pioneer, "he 
came Indian on it" for that necessary article. 
Early the next morning, with the thermometer 
standing some 40 ^ below zero he started the cat- 
tle for Smitliland, but another storm coming up lie 
was compelled to leave them at Fairchild's ha}'- 
stack, on the West Fork of the Little Sioux River, 
and go on to his destination alone. The next 
morning in company with a man by the name of 
Allison he started back to look for the cattle. 
Being nearly frozen with the cold and exhausted 
with fatigue, Allison gave up several times and 
laid down in the snow vowing that he could go no 
further. Hawthorne by persuasion and sometimes 
by gentle force, urged him on however, knowing it 
was death for him if he was left there, and 
after incredible hardships finally about midnight 
reached the cabin of F. D. Winegar, who with the 
hearty hospitality of the time took in the perish- 
ing men. There being- but enough beds in the 
house to supply the famUy, Allison was put into 
two of the boys' bed, while they and Hawthorne 
sat up the balance of the night and told stories and 
ate corn bread until the dawn, Allison who was 
completely- worn out was, also, badly frost bitten 
about the face. The next morning, finding the 
cattle they were driven through to Smitliland. 
Allison followed along in the track broken by the 
herd. Mr. Hawthorne is still a resident of Mon- 
ona County, living on section 8, Center Township. 

THE FIRST RAILROAD IN MONONA. 

During the winter of 1858-9 parties in Council 
Bluffs, Sioux City, and towns between, organized 
the Council Bluffs & Sioux City Railroad Company. 
Monona County was represented by A. Dimmick, 
Director, and J. C. Hazelett, Engineer. The scheme 
was well talked up and plans concocted until on 
January 22, 1859, a mass convention was held at 
Onawa to consider the subject, and it was resolved 
by a large majority to have an election ordered on 



210 



MONONA COUNTY. 



the quusUon of issuing $75,000 in lj(jnds guaran- 
teed iiy 140,000 acres of swamp lands, the idea 
being that the lands would meet the interest for the 
time placed, and eventually i>ay off the bonds. 
Although the day was stormy and cold people 
came out and a decided opposition led by Leonard 
Sears, F. A. Day and C V. Risbee, grew into such a 
cloud that the proiectors of this plan to place 
$75,000 bonds to the crc<lit of an irresponsil)le com- 
pan}' deemed it wise to back down and out of the 
first bonding job of JNIonona and no election was 
ordered. 

now WE CAME TO MONONA IN '55. 



By J, I). P. Dny. 



On tiic 25th of October, 1855, Preston Day and 
his brother Joe started to navigate two yoke of 
oxeu and a heavily loaded wagon from St. Charles, 
III., to Monona, a distance of over 500 miles by the 
routes then traveled. Neither of the boys had ever 
yoked up or drove cattle and it was only a matter 
of course that the Qrst hard pull found them stu(;k. 
A kind carpenter going their way helped diive a 
mile or two until a hill was reached tliat proved 
too much for the team and tliey were "stuck" for 
good. A snow storm two days before had wet the 
ground thoroughl3' and it was soft and nasty as 
Illinois mud can be at short notice. The cariicnter 
■went ahead a mile and sent a farmer's boj' back 
with a yoke of steers, with which help the outfit 
soon reached the farmer's yard and it was determ- 
ined to buy the steers and hire the boy to drive to 
Davenjiort and instruct his employers in the science 
of handling oxen. The next day they went off 
nicely until about four o'clock the wheels went 
down to the hubs in a slough and the load had to 
come off which job was repealed four times on the 
tri|). The boys lived wholly out of doors, having 
an old cow hitched on behind that furnished a good 
share of the living. During some 3,000 miles trav- 
eled in the ensuing year they never slept in a house 
but once and had good reason to repent of that rash 
act. The trip down the Rock River and to Daven- 
port was over good roads and the boys had learned 
how to swing the long whip in artistic style. At 
the Mississippi River the boy Dan started back. 
He had written instructions how to reach home by 



the railroads but it was afterward learned that he 
footed it back over the old trail and saved his 
fare; not going to trust himself on the roundabout 
railroads. On Novemlier 4, just as they ajiproached 
the Cedar River at Moscow, then the terminus of 
the Ro(;k Island Road, the only railroad in Iowa, 
tiiey were overtaken by F. A. Day, Frank L. Day 
and wife, who were traveling with horses. Iowa 
City was passed November 7, and on November 
14 the wagon was capsized in the timber in East 
DesMoines and made a diversion for awhile. The 
river at DesMoines was forded and it did not take 
many minutes to |)ass througii the little village 
which has since developed into tiie beautiful Capi- 
tal City of Iowa. The gate posts of old Ft. Des- 
Moines were still stajiding in what is now the heart 
of the city. On the IGth they camped about five 
miles west of Adel and woke next morning to find 
eight inches of snow on the ground. They were 
camped near a widow's cabin, an old lady, a native 
of Virginia, who saw Alexandria burned by the 
British. At first she did not like the looks of these 
moustached fellow^s, but as they sat around her big 
open fireplace and told stories, her heart seemed to 
warm up and she tendered some of her good things 
to help out the supper. Before the snow storm was 
over she was earnestly persuading the whole crowd 
to winter with her and go on in the spring. It was 
rather a blue outlook when they started out with 
over a foot of snow and took up the trail anew. At 
the ford of the Coon, near Wiscotta, the leaders of 
the team balked iu raid-stream and Joe off with his 
boots and waded in to straighteji them out. This 
cool bath with rock}- bottom was a tough job es- 
psciall}' on coming out into the snow, resulting af- 
terward in an ugly stone bruise. The 21st was a se- 
vere cold day and they made the drive from Bear 
Grove to Turkey Creek at Morrison's, now the site of 
the village of Anita. This drive of twent3'-five miles 
without a house was^the hardest clay of the entire trip 
having to dine on frozen bread and milk and when 
they came into the stage station the\' found people 
waiting for them and a good supper ready, it being 
half-past ten. As the night before thej- had stayed 
with the ugliest woman met on the road, this unex- 
pected reception was all the more appreciated, and 
the kindness of the Morrisons will never be forgot- 



MONONA COUNTY. 



211 



ten. The next day being Thanksgiving they laid 
by and celebrated their fiist one on the Missouri 
Slope, having crossed the divide the day before. 
This vvas a stormy day and our host went out in 
the afternoon hunting for deer, killing three before 
night. As there were lots of passengers on the 
route that da}^ the good people were kept busy 
getting up corn cakes and venison steaks which 
were duly appreciated. Frotn this point westward 
the snow grew less and the weather milder until on 
the 'iSth they went out of the snow and came in 
sight of the Missouri Valle3', camping at noon at 
the mouth of Mosquito "N'alley and reaching Coun- 
cil Bluffs in the afternoon. The warm weather and 
dusty roads seemed to welcome them to the Big 
Valley of the West that was to be their home. On 
December 1 passed where Missouri Valley now is, 
and were overtaken that afternoon by Uncle Sammy 
King and his family on tlieir way out from Indi- 
ana. On the eve of December 2, camped at Lar- 
penteurs and the next morning crossed the Sioux 
and were in Monona at noon, camping that night 
with John B. Gard, whore they met a hearty wel- 
come. On December 11, F. A. Day, Frank L. and 
Joe B. P. went to Smithland, where they met Dr. 
Ordway who had lately been robbed of a large 
sum of monej' and some notes and everybody was 
talking about it. On the 13tli Frank L. and Joe B. P. 
pitched a tent just in the bend above the Kennebec 
bridge, where they were joined by the rest of the 
party on the 15th and they settled down for the 
winter in two nine foot tents joined at the ends. A 
big camp fire was built that was not allowed to go 
out for over a month, as the weather was the cold- 
est ever known in the West — snow never melted 
on the sunny side of a tree from December 17 until 
the middle of January and several mornings the 
mercury was chilled. Yet in spite of the weather 
the emigrants kept at work on a cabin until they 
moved on March 1, and camp life was ended. The 
old cabin in which the Days lived nine years was a 
familiar [)lace with many old settlers who have 
often tripped the light fantastic to the music 
of the first piano in Northwestern Iowa, brought 
across from Iowa City in the summer of '56. The 
cabin was divided in '65, and Edwin Pritchard took 
one-half to his homestead at Ticouia where it was 



burnt, 8nd the other half was moved to J. B. P. 
Day's farm near Castana, where it was occupied 
until the fall of '89. when it was torn down. 

The writer hereof visited O. B. Smith one day in 
order to save some items of history in which 
Monona County people will be interested and which 
are herein noted. 

O. B. Smith, founder of Smithland, Woodbury 
County, Iowa, and known to the old settlers as 
Buckskin Smitli (in consequence of his always 
wearing buckskin suits in the pioneer days, like his 
brother pioneers Boone, Crockett and others), was 
born in Preston, Chenango Co., N. Y., and had lots 
of brothers and sisters. At .sixteen he went to 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and drifted down the Ohio and 
Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, then to Texas 
and back to Natchez, then a noted gambling town 
and there Smith lost in some game, all he had, then 
worked up the river and settled in Ogle County, 
111., at Kilbuck. He joined the California emigra- 
tion in 1851, coming to Council Bluffs where he 
rested and when tlie city was organized, took out a 
license as auctioneer. In 1851 52 the place was 
full of people bound for Salt Lake or California. 
As this was the last of settlements and steamer 
communications, many found themselves overloaded 
with goods and the surplus was generally sold for a 
song. Many a good English- woman bound for 
Zion or Utah, saw her nice feather beds sold at auc- 
tion for one dollar and other things at similar 
prices. Smith made the first entry in the Blutls' 
Land Offlee on April 22, 1853. He had to buy out 
eleven Mormon cabins that were on the tract wliich 
was after occupied by L. W. Babbitt. In the fall 
of 1852 in company with Ed. M. Smith and John 
Hurley he came up into Monona, crossing the 
Sioux at Larpenteurs' Ford and camping that night 
on the Missouri below Cooks. As they drove up 
to the timbers a big flock of turkeys surrounded 
them and Smith shot fourteen without getting off 
the wagon. They went thence by Oliver Lake's to 
a bridge on West Fork, built b}' Curtis Lamb and 
William White, who lived up the Sioux and traded 
with the Indians. They found Wm. While at 
Smithland Grove where he lived several years and ; 
had a ferry on the Sioux until a bridge was built 



212 



MONONA COUNTY. 



when lie moved lo Silvef Lnke near WliitJng, where 
he wns drowned 3'ears ago. Lamb lived above 
Smithland and went to Newport, Neb. 

On this trip Smith purchased of Josiah Sumner 
his claim in tlie Smithland Grove for $100 in gold 
anil in P'ebniary, 1853, he moved Eli Lee up to 
his claim. In June he canio up with some goods as 
far as Larpentenr's and found the bottoms under 
water, so hired Wm. Townslej', who was tenting 
near by, to go and help haul his load through the 
hills, and paid him fifty cents per day and all the 
whiskey he could drink, and had whiskey been the 
present prices it would have been a dear bargain. 
He crossed over to the Soldier and went up between 
Jordan and Beaver Creeks, crossing the Maple 
near Norcross Bridge heading the Wiley Creek. 
While building a bridge over the Maple the cattle 
ran off and Townsley had to go back to the Beaver 
being gone all day. Smith left his cattle at Smith- 
land and returned to the Bluffs and in July with 
five teams moved his family, Seth Smith helping 
him this trip. As they came up the Soldier Valley 
they found two wagons in camp at Preparation and 
tills was the advance location committee of the col- 
ony that settled there, Barnum, Condit and three 
others. From the Soldier,;Smith came over the 
trail to the Beaver at mouth of Miers Creek, crossed 
near Howe's Bridge on a beaver dam and named 
the creek Beaver. They bridged the Maple in 
Lake Park just below Castana. While building 
this bridge Smith noticed an ox track in the bend 
and after getting over he started the teams up the 
bluff near Old Castana and he followed that ox 
trail up the valley to the Wiley Creek near Nor- 
cross Bridge, where be met an old white ox he had 
left at Smithland in June. The fellow had been 
tormented by flies, mosquitoes and solitude until 
he was well worn out and he capered around 
Smith, bellowed and tore up the ground in his joj', 
following Smith like a dog, licking his hands in his 
glee. In the meantime the teams had tried the 
divide back of the valley and found it so rough 
they came back to the valley and Smith met them 
near the King Place; they went up that creek just 
before sunset and Smith shot three deer before sup- 
per. The next day they went over the divide to 
the Sioux. While on the divide they saw the bones 



of a man bleached and old, and Seth Smith always 
insisted that this was the remains of Moses who 
stood where he could look over into the Maple Val- 
ley — "The Promised Land." Seth Smith after- 
ward located on the site of Rodney, and lived 
in Monona until his death. 

In 1855, Smith with Eli Lee, Ed. M.Smith, Wm. 
Townsley and Joe Bowers built a bridge at Ida 
Grove, completing the trail to Ft. Dodge that was 
used for years by the Ft. Dodge & Sioux City 
stage line and was the road to the Northwest, and 
it is fitting that those pioneers have credit for their 
gratuitous work in opening this trail. Ed. Smith 
built a cabin on the old town site of Ida that sum- 
mer and here his daughter Ida was born, the first 
white child of Ida County. William Townsley put 
up a cabin just south of the grove at Ida in 1855. 
This bridge party shot a wagon load of wild hogs, 
deer and turkeys about the grove, and elk were 
plenty all around that vicinity at that time. 

During the summer of 1855, Smith conceived 
the idea of building a town in Monona County, and 
made arrangements with some of the Preparation 
settlers (who were getting uneasy under Thomp- 
son's 3-oke) to pre-empt and purchase the location 
known as Belvidere Beach and a number of families 
left Preparation in August and located at Belvidere, 
which at one time was quite a little village, with 
store, blacksmith, shoemaker, cooper-shop and saw 
mill. The parties who were in possession finally 
froze Smith out of the job and others took a hand 
in it; but in the count}^ seat election of 18G1, Smith 
worked hard for Onawa and claims his influence 
turned the scale and gave him his revenge. 

In the summer of 1859, J. B. Gard, William 
Townsley, John Dingman, Abe Mosher, Doe. Conk- 
lin, A. J. Hathaway, James Roberts and 0. B. 
Smith, went over the plains and located on head of 
Cherry Creek, Colo., building a cabin on the Sante 
Fe Trail, where they spent the winter of I859-G0, 
and after laying in a supply of game secured on a 
trip to Pikes Peak, Smith hauled timber and 
built. a larger double log cabin on the site of West 
Denver, being the first house in Denver. The next 
season Col. Laramie laid out Denver on the other 
side of the creek and Smith built a store on Blake 
street. 



MONONA COUNTY. 



213 



Mr. Smith is one of the most entertaining old 
settlers in the county to meet and is full of stories 
coverino- fifty years of the histor}' of tlie West. 
He was a splendid specimen of athletic manhood, 
has heeu a great huuter and counts deer-slaying 



up into the thousands, was a match for any Indian 
in trailing and scouting and has been tlie indirect 
means of locating iuindreds of Monona's settlers. 
He is now settled at Smithland and bids fair to be 
with us for many years. 

Blue Grass. 




FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTEK VII. 



(f^^HIS beautiful sub-division of the county in 
(jm^ whieii is situated the count^^ seat, embraces 
W^ all of Congressional Township 83, range 45, 
and the fractional town 83. range 46. The sur- 
face is extremely level, and is, to a large extent, 
brought under cultivation. The soil is a dark, rich, 
alluvial loam, with just the right admixture of sand 
to make crops spring up quickly and mature early. 
Franklin lies in the western part of the county, 
its western boundary being washed by the rapid 
Missouri, that separates it from Nebraska. It is 
bounded on the north bj' the town of Ashton and 
Lincoln; on the south by Sherman, and on the east 
by Belvidere. Tlie population is about 1,000, the 
census of 1885 showing it to have then 809 inhabi- 
tants, 677 of whom were of American birth. 

EAKLY SETTLEMKNT. 

The first settlement in the county was made in 
what is now the township of Franklin, in the sum- 
mer of 1851. Aaron W. Cook, and his son, James, 
a lad of fourteen years, and .losiah Sumner, resid- 
inf at the time in Pottawattamie County, this State, 
started from their home with a wagon and ox- 
team, up the Missouri bottom in search of bee trees. 
In the course of time they arrived in the timber on 
the bank of the river west of where Onawa now 
stands, and there found three shanties, on what is 
.now section 30, town 83, range 45, deserted by 
their former occu|)ants, probably Indian traders, 
standing in a triangle, about eight rods apart. 



Here they took up their lodgiug and remained 
three weeks or tliereabouts prosecuting their searcli 
for honey, and then returned to their homes with 
some twenty-five or lliirty gallons of the sweets of 
the woodland grove. 

While here tliey discussed the question as to 
their returning here and making a permanent set- 
tlement, the timber being so handy to the river, 
that they could supply all boats passing up and 
down the river. Besides this, they observed that 
there were large beds of rushes along the river 
bottom, where cattle could feed all winter long. 
Filled with these ideas, they reached their homes. 
Collecting a herd of some 150 head of cattle from 
their neighbors, which the}' agreed to winter for 
twenty-five cents a head per month, in the latter 
part of October, 1851, again came to their old 
camping place. On their arrival at the shanties, 
they found one of them occupied by an Inilian 
trader by the name of Rose, who had filled up the 
cabin with a lot of supplies to sell to the Indians, 
and presumablj' a quantity of whisky, that being 
the most saleable article. Mr. Cook settled his 
family, whom he had brought with him in the 
shanty toward the south, and Jlr. Sumner's family 
occupied the northern one. Rose, the trader, hav- 
ing the cows, wliich he used to draw his outfit, stolen 
by Indians, during the winter, sold out to Messrs. 
Cook and Sumner, for forty cords of wood to be 
delivered on the river bank in the spring, and 
finally left heie in February, 1852. On the open- 



MONONA COUNTY. 



215 



iug of navigation the following sjiring he returned 
on tlie boat of the American Fur Company, to 
whom he had sold the wood, and Cook and Sum- 
ner, in performance of their part of the contract, 
delivered the forty cords. This boat was sent up 
the Missouri River every si)ring with supplies for 
the French and Indian employes of that great cor- 
poration, and to bring back to St. Louis, the furs, 
the residt of their winter's work. These latter 
were usually brought down in a Mackinaw boat, a 
craft .30x10 feet in size built of planks, that was 
dismantled on arrival at its destination. The wood 
cut by Cook and Sumner could alwa3S be disposed 
of to these traders, and a short time afterward 
other boats ran up the river to Sergeants Bluffs, and 
later to Sioux City, and these, also, became custom- 
ers for wood. Tlie partnership between the two 
men, Cook and Sumner, existed for two years, dur- 
ing which, in addition to the wood business, they 
brought up herds of cattle to winter here, the care 
of which devolved upon the boy, James Cook, as 
well as much of the hard work, his fatlier not be- 
ing a very robust man. In the summer of 1852, 
the families of Cook and Sumner removed to two 
hewn log cabins which they had built about half 
a mile further south. 

In 1853 Mr, Sumner removed to the vicinity of 
Smithland, Woodbury Countj', but after remain- 
ing there for about a .year, returned to Franklin 
Tovrnship, Monona County, and settled aliout a 
mile west of the present site of Onawa, and opened 
a farm. There he resided until his death. In the 
summer of 1853, Mr. Cook lived so close to the 
river that three different times he was compelled to 
move his house to keep it from being engulfed in 
the Missouri, that then, as now, kept eating away 
the banks, and which took all of his little clearing 
of ten acres and the crops therein. In the spring 
of 1854, Mr. Cook moved to what is now known 
as the '-Sears' place", on section 17, which he sold 
to Leonard Sears the following year, when he re- 
moved to Sherman Township, to a place that he 
had opened in 1854, and there he died, Jan. 1, 
1856. James Cook, his son, is a resident of the 
county still, the oldest living settler. 

At the time thej' came here, all this Territory 
was claimed by the Yanktouais Sioux Indians, who, 



by threats, tried to intimidate all white people from 
settling on the bottom. These tiireats they never 
carried out, their only depredations being confined 
to stealing horses, which the first settlers obviated 
by only using cattle. 

The next to make a settlement, was John Brook- 
field Gard, who came here with his family in Feb- 
ruarj-, 1853. He located on section 20, in what is 
now Franklin Township, where he afterward en- 
tered a large tract of land. He had with him his 
wife and eight children, and erected a log cabin on 
his place, in which he installed his family. Here 
he remained until 1858, when he removed to On- 
awa, having erected the dwelling in which J. E. 
vSelleck now lives, but the next year returned to 
his farm. In 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, and is 
now a resident of the State of Colorado. 

AVilh him came Jolin Dingman, who helped put 
up his house, and who remained here until the fol- 
lowing April. He returned to tiiis county in 1857, 
and is a resident of Onawa. 

Francis C. Case, Sr., came to Jlonona County in 
1853, and settled in Franklin Township on section 
5, where he lived until his death in April, 1858. 
He was one of the prominent citizens of those 
early times, and was elected to fill the olHce of 
Slieriff, but died previous to qualification for that 
position. 

Robert Jamison made a settlement in this town 
in the fall of 1854, and made his home on a claim 
until about 1862, when, his wife having died several 
years before, he removed to somewhere in this State 
between this and Des Moines. 

On the 1st of November, 1854, Mrs. Catherine 
(Hoak) Folck. a native of Switzerland, came to 
Monona County, and located on forty acres of land 
which is now included in the town site of Onawa, 
and which she sold in 1857 to the Monona Land 
Companj'. Her house, a small log cabin, was stand- 
ing on tlie ground when the town was laid out. For 
several years thereafter she made her home in the 
little village^ but spent the last days of her life with 
her daughter, Mrs. R. Jewell, in this township, dy- 
ing July 23, 1884. She was a widow at the time of 
coming here, with a famil}' of children. A sketch 
of her life appears in the biographical department 
of this work further on. 



216 



MONONA COUNTY. 



George Erb, with lis famil}' came to this county 
during tliis same year, and settled in what is now 
Franklin Township, east of the city of Onawa. 
Here the head of the family made iiis home until 
Sept. 1:5, 1«05, wlien he died. Two sons, Pliilip 
and George, are still residents of the county, tlic 
former living near Onawa, and the latter at the vil- 
lage of Moorhead. 

William .Tewell, a native of the " Empire State," 
settled in Monona County in the summer of 1855, 
locating on section 28, this town, wliere lie died 
Dec. 2, 1880. Ihs son, Rockwell Jewell, a 1103- of 
fifteen when he came here witli liis parents, is still 
a resident of tlie township. Witli tlie Jewell family 
came Frank Richardson, who for several j^ears made 
his home on the Davis place. He is still a resident 
of tlie county. 

Isaac and Mahlon Davis and their sister Esther, 
were the next to make a settlement in this locality, 
coming from Lee County, this State, in April, 185.'>. 
Isaac purchased a piece of governmeut hand, on 
section 34, Franklin Township, where he is still 
living. His sister Esther, now the widow of Hon. 
■Stephen Tillson, is a resident also, living near 
Onawa. Mahlon located on section 33, now owned 
by U. U. Comfort, upon which he made improve- 
ments, and there resided until 1859, when, during 
the excitement at that time prevalent, he removed 
to Pike's Peak. 

Leonard Sears came to the county in 1855, and 
entered some 1,300 acres of land, building his house 
on section 8, of this township. Here he made his 
home until called hence by death, Feb. 2, 1859. He 
held several important positions in political circles, 
among others that of County Judge. 

Stephen Tillson, afterward one of the prominent 
political leaders of the countjs made a settlement 
on section 5, in February, 1856. He died in this 
county, one of its most prominent citizens. 

Another of the settlers of this year was Thomas 
Gwinn. In 1859 he started for Pike's Peak, but 
died on the way thither. 

Lewis Partridge settled on section 25, in the year 
1856. The following year he sold out to Franklin 
Oliver, and after two or three years more residence 
in the county returned to his former liorae in 
Geneva, Kane Co., 111. 



About the same time the farm now known as the 
Butcher place was taken up by Frank Mosier, who 
remained in this town until the spring of 1859, 
when, during the Pike's Peak excitement, he moved 
to that new p]ldorado, with others from this locality. 

John Philip Kratz, one of the early pioneers of 
the county, came to this town in 1856, and made a 
settlement on section 20, where he made his liome 
until tlie Angel of Death carried him over the dark 
river, an event that took place in Januar3', 1866. 

Hariy E. Colby ma le his appearance here on the 
1st of June, 1856, and settled on a farm on section 
24, this town. About eighteen months later he re- 
moved to Onawa, but in 1861 returned to a farm 
on section 16 where he resided until 1888. He 
now lives in Onawa^ With him came George P. 
ButKngton, who was so identified with the earl^' 
history of the county, and who also settled on a 
farm in this town. 

James and David McWilliams came to this 
county in the spring of 1857, and settled, the first 
just east of tlie young village of Onawa, the latter 
on the southwest quarter of section 31. James is 
still a resident of the county, hut David makes his 
home in Dennison. 

George W. Oliver, who had been living in Ash- 
ton and Onawa, since July, 1857, moved on his 
farm in section 25, this township in April, 1858, 
where he has since made his home. 

Timothy Murphy, and his son, John R., came 
here in October, 1857, and settled on a farm on 
section 20 ; from there he removed to section 12, 
where the elder Mr. Murphy died in 1879. Joiin 
R. is a prominent resident of Ashton Township at 
the present writing. 

A. R. Wright came to this county during this 
same year and taught the first school in Onawa, 
living on what is now the Miller farm. Five or six 
years later he removed to Sergeant's Bluff, Wood- 
bury County, where he is still living. 

P.arker J. Kimball came to Monana County in 
April, 1858, and remained until the following 
spring, when he started for Pike's Peak. On the 
road he changed his mind and went to California. 
In the spring of 1864, after serving in the army, 
he returned to this county and settled on a farm on 
section 16, where he now lives. 



MONONA COUNTY. 



217 



Moses Adams was another pioneer of the year 
1858, coming liere in April of that year. Later 
on he settled on a farm on section 16, in this town, 
upon wliich lie made his liorae until 1882, at which 
date he retired to Onawa, and there is taking his 
rest after an active and useful life. 

Uriah U. Comfort, one of the leading citizens of 
the town at the present time came to this town from 
Steuben County, N. Y., in the year 1859, and 
located upon a piece of land on section 32. He 
has materially added to his farm but still makes 
his home on the old homestead. This was not his 
first experience as a pioneer, he having resided for 
some four years in Michigan previous to coming 
here. 

Neal McNeill, one of tlie largest landowners and 
most extensive farmers of the count}-, settled on 
the southwest quarter of section 16, in the summer 
of 1859, having come to the county about June 1, 
of the previous year. On his place he put up, the 
same year, the first brick residence in the count}-, 
as shown elsewhere. 

D. W. Sampson came to this town in 1860, and 
settled down to farm life during the year 1860. 
Here he continued to live until about 1884, when he 
removed to the city of Onawa. where he now re- 
sides. 

Frank G. Oliver, a carpenter who had been work- 
ing at his trade at Onawa, and a settler of the 
year 1857, removed to his farm on section 25, in 
July, 18G1, and is still residing on the same. 

John Dingman and A. Z. Blosher, came to Frank- 
lin Township in 1862 for the second time and set- 
tled on some two hundred acres of the '-Gard Farm," 
and have remained in the county ever since. 

Larkin Packwood. now of Lake Township, settled 
herein 1862, working a part of the J. B. Gard farm. 
Two years later he settled on section 17, but in 
1867 removed to his present location in the north 
part of the county. 

Jonathan E. Morrison located on his farm on 
section 16, this township, in the year 1864, having 
been engaged in hotel-keeping in Ashton and 
Onawa, previously, and remained on it ui'til 1874, 
when he retired to Onawa. 

Charles Gantz came to this town in the si)ring of 
lSi;4, from Powesheik County, Iowa, and rented a 



farm. The next year he purchased a place on sec- 
tion 11, where he lived until killed l)y a team run- 
ning away, Dec. 24, 1879. His son, William, lives 
on the old liomestead in township 8:5, range 46. 

Louis Schwardfaher located here about the same 
period and took up his home upon a farm. Three 
or four years ago he rented his place and removed 
to Onawa, where he now lives. 

S. D. Hinsdale, who has a line farm on section 21. 
settled in the county in 1865, iKirchasing his place 
the same year. He made his liome in Onawa until 
1867, working his land in the meantime, and then 
removed to his farm, where he has since lived. 

William Gentz, a prominent German citizen of 
this township, settled here in 1865. 

Alfred Hanscom came here from Lake Township 
this same year and made his home until 1877, dur- 
ing which time he removed to the town of Sioux. 

Edmund Butcher and his young wife came to 
Monona County, February 17, 1865, and settled 
on a farm in section 32. He is still a resident of 
Franklin. 

W. B. Bailey came to Monona County in Febru- 
ary, 1866, and went to work in the Watts & Van- 
Dorn sawmill. He is now one of the prosperous 
farmers of this township, living on section 11. 

John Donner, one of the prominent German cit- 
izens of this township, located here in the fall of 
1866. 

John Butler settled in tliis part of the county 
Dec. 28, 1867, on section 29, where he died July 
29, 1870. His two sons, Richard J. and John M., 
came with their parents and now carry on the old 
homestead. 

Ilenr}- W. Cunningham, now of Onawa, moved 
on his farm on section 11, in 1868, where he made 
his home for many years. 

Thomas Cody, one of the leading farmers of 
Franklin Township, living on section 21, made a 
settlement there in 1868. 

William Kraft, now residing on his farm on sec- 
tion 14, came to the county the same 3'ear, al- 
though he did not take up farming until 1876. 

John C. Moorhead located upon his farm witli 
Ills brother. Hardy, in the fall of 1869, coming 
from Onawa, where they had been engaged in bus- 



218 



MONONA COUNTY. 



iness since the spring of tlie previous year. Tliey 
still reside on sectioti 29, wliere tliey first settled. 

Robert Scholes the same ye.ar made a settlement 
upon section 28, where he still makes his home. 

.John Kelsey, also, settled on the farm on section 
35, where lie now lives, in the spiing of 18C9. 

John Gray came to Monona Count\', from the 
environs of London, Canada, May 13, 1871, and 
located on a farm on sections 12 and 13, in what is 
known as the "Blue Lake Circle," in this township, 
and is still a resident. 

R. W. Cooper settled on his farm in this town- 
ship in 1871. He came here first in 1867 and re- 
mained al.iout eight months. 

Christian Gantz settled in Franklin Township ia 
the summer of 1872, working for three years there- 
after in the sawmill. In 1882 he located where he 
now lives on section 13, town 83, range 46. 

Ernest Gantz located here the same year. He, 
too, went to work in a sawmill and followed that 
business for a livelihood for two years and then 
devoted himself to farming. He is still a resident 
of the township. 

Almon L. Adams, one of the settlers of this year, 
is still a resident of the town, living on section 28. 

Harvey M. Chapman, living on section 35, set- 
tled in this township the same j'ear. 

The same year Charles Otto, now residing on sec- 
tion 15, came to this township, where he has since 
made his home. 

Ernest Strautz also settled here the same time. 

Robert G. Fairchild, one of the earliest settlers 
in the county, located on his farm on section 17 in 
the spring of 1873. He ha 1 been in the county 
since 1856, settling first at Ashton, in the history 
of which will be found an account of his business 
transactions at the old county-seat. 

W. F. Rice now living on section 12, first settled 
on section 14, this township, on the 4th of Decem- 
ber, 1875. 

William Hatt, now living on section 14, settled 
here in April, 1877. His father, Frederick PLatt, 
came to the township in the fall following, and 
here still makes his home. 

Christian Wilkens settled in this township in the 
spring of 1878, coming here from the state of New 
York. ;ind still makes this his home, 



Edward Monk, an enterprising farmer, living on 
section 32, came here the same year, and for 
several years earned his living by working for 
others. 

Terry Allen settled on section 21, in 187U and has 
since then made it his home. He came to the 
county in March, 1870, and settled in Kennebec; 
from there went to Onawa, where he worked at 
the carpenter's trade. In 1874 he returned to Illi- 
nois, but came Ixack to the county- as above stated. 

Francis Dungan came to the township tiie same 
year and found a home on section 29, the -old Cook 
farm, where he has lived ever since. 

With the latter came Francis M. Barnett, his 
sLep-son, who has made this town his home from 
that date. He is^now a resident of section 20. 

The same year saw the settlement of William 
Miller, now living on section 14. 

Lawrence Jacobson. a native of Norway, settled 
in this [lart of the county in Septemlier, 1881, and 
is still a resident. 

In April, 1885, Horace A. Hanscom. the first 
white child born in Onawa, came to this township 
from that village and settled on a farm on section 
35, wliere he now lives. 

Wentworth Baruum, was one of the settlers of 
the year 1886. 

I'lEST ITEMS. 

The first birth in what is now Franklin township 
was that of David C, the son of Aaron W. and 
Nancy Cook, who was born November 1, 1853, and 
was the second event of that character in the 
county. 

The first death was that of a man bj' the name of 
Carr, who was burned to death early in the spring 
of 1856. 

The first marriage was that of Robert .Jamison 
and Emily Folck, which took place in the office of 
the county judge, November 13, 1855. 

The first school district in the township, outside of 
Onawa, known as District No. 1, was organized in 
JNIarch, 1862, the first meeting being held in the 
residence of U. U. Comfort. At that time, owing 
to the i):uicity of settlers in the townships outside 
of the county seat, school facilities were but poor 
and the prospect of bettering them but faint. 
Many of the people living here determined to re- 



MONOOA COUNTY. 



219 



turn East that their children might have the ad- 
vantages of education, but Messrs. Comfort, 
William Jewell, and others interviewed the inhab- 
itants of Onawa, and that comrsuuity donated to 
the newly formed district the school house then 
standing at Ashton. whicli tiiey had purchased. The 
building was accepted and removed to the south- 
west corner of the southeast quarter of the south- 
west quarter of section 28, where the first term of 
school was taught by Mrs. Martha Pearee, the wife 
of Darius Pearee, of Onawa. This building was 
used for school purposes for many years, until 
replaced by the present structure, and then turned 
into a dwelling house. 

The first religious services held iu the southern 
part of the township were conducted b^' tlie Mor- 
mons, Elder Jehial Savage, presiding. Tiiey were 
held in the school house mentioned above, in June, 
18G2, and continued for some time, preaching 
being had every alternate Sunday. 

The first school in the Oliver neighborhood was 
taught by Mrs. Hannah Sampson at the residence of 
her husband, I). W. Sampson, on section 2.5, in the 
summer of lSG;j. The school liouse was erected 
the next year in whicli Miss Susan Smith taught 
some eight scholars. Henry W. Cunningham 
taught the first term in the present building in 
1875. 

ORGANIC. 

On the 1st of February, 1856, in response to a 
petition signed by Francis C. Case and others, 



whicli was presented to the court. County Judge 
John Craig issued the warrant for the organization 
of a new civil township to be known then as 
Franklin. It was to embrace all the territory com- 
prised in Congressional Townships 82 and 83, range 
45, and a fractional part of township 83, range 46. 
The first election was held .at the house of Jolin 
Brookfleld Gard, in April of that year. The 
officers elected were: J. B. Gard, Assessor. 

At the time of the first reorganization of the 
various townships, ordered October 5, 1857, the 
town of Franklin was made to consist of townships 
82 and 83, ranges 45 and 46, and sections 5, 6. 7. 

8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 3U, 31. 32 and 33 of 
township 83, range 44, and sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8> 

9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30 and 31. of township 82, 
range 44. No change was made in its boundaries 
until at the second reorganization of the precincts 
by the Board of Supervisors, April 3, 1866, when 
the following was marked out as the territory 
under its jurisdiction: All of Congressional Town- 
ship 83, range 4o; sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 
20, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and the west half of .sec- 
tions 4 and 9, in town 83, range 44; and sections 
1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35 
and 36, of township 83, range 46. At this last 
time Fred W. Snow was designated to act as judge 
of the first election and Delos Dimmick as clerk. 
The west half of section 4, township 83, range 44, 
was cut off from Franklin, June 5, 1867; section 5, 
83, 44, September 4, 1864; the other parts of the 
township and range, later. 




ASHTON TOWNSHIP, 



CHAPTEE VIII. 




illE civil town of Asliton, lying in tlie 
western part of the county, embraces all of 
Congressional Township 84, range 45, and 
the eastern tier of sections in town 84, range 46, 
Comprising some 26,880 acres. The surface, it 
lying entirely in the bottoms of the Missouri 
anil Little Sioux Rivers, is perfectly level, and 
throughout its whole extent is covered to a great 
deptli with the rich, warm, dark, sandy loam, 
filled with finely comminuted organic matter that 
is so conducive to fertility and productiveness. 
For the raising of corn and for pasturing it has no 
superior in the world. The little Sioux River and 
its principal afHuent, Wolf Creek, in the eastern 
part of the township, afford ample drainage, and a 
fine su)3ply of pure running w-atcr for all stock 
purposes. 

The Sioux City & Pacific Raihoad crosses the 
township in a northwesterly direction, and one of 
the inincipal stations upon that road, Whiting, is 
located on section 1, town 81, range 46, in this 
civil sub-division of the county. The population 
in 1885 was set down at 606, of whom 531 were of 
native birth, a number which has largely increaseil 
since then. 

The honor of being the first settler within the 
limits of wliat is now Ashton Township belongs to 
Isaac Ashton. Dec. 31, 1851, he came to this lo- 
cality witi) a Frenchman, Charles Rulo , carrying a 
lond of [irovisions to Sergeant's Bluff, and on his 
arri\':d at the grove on section 32. that now bears 



his name, he thouglit it the loveliest spot he had 
ever seen, although it was in the depth of winter, 
and determined that here he would make a claim. 
Ills companion went on, but the next day, Jan. 1, 
1852, Mr. Ashton cut four logs and with them laid 
the foundation for a cabin. He then went back to 
Harrison County, where he iiad been living, but in 
the latter part of the same monlli returned here 
with his brother-in-law, Levando White, and with 
his assistance erected a comfortable log cabin, 
which was finished the same month. Here he 
lirought his family about the middle of February, 
his brother-in-law returning to Harrison County. 
This house stood on the northeast quarter of section 
32. Mr. Ashton broke up some ten acres of land, 
which he planted with corn the following spring, 
fenced the place in with rails and set out the first 
orchard in the county. 

Lorenzo D. Driggs settled four miles north of 
Onawa, near Silver Lake, in 1854, and there made 
a home until 1861, during which year he removed 
to Harrison County. In 1869 he returned to Monona 
County, locating at the county seat, where for a year 
he lived. He then removed to Spring Valley Town- 
ship, and later to Sioux, and while a resident of 
the latter paid the debt of nature, .Jan. 27, 1880. 
His son, Lorenzo, who accompanied his father on 
his first settlement in the county, and in Sioux 
Township, is still a resident of the latter. When 
Mr. Driggs first came here he built a sod or dirt 
house that has become historical, being the first 



MONONA COUNTY. 



221 



home of his family, those of C. E. Whiting, Ed- 
ward Clark, Alfred Ilanscoin aud others, in this 
county. The building was made of some kind of 
cheap lumber, and covered with sod from the sur- 
rounding prairie. 

James Roberts, an Englishman, settled at the 
county Beat about the same time and made his 
home, following carpentering for some three or 
four years, when he went West. He is now a pros- 
perous farmer of Harrison County. 

William Burton came to Monona County in 
1855, arriving here on the 5th of October. He 
located at the then county seat, Ashton, entering 
at the same time some 480 acres of^ land. In 1858 
he removed to the new seat of justice of the couutj', 
Onawa, where he now makes his home. 

James Armstrong and James H. Sharon came to 
Monona County in the fall of 1855 and put up a 
sawmill south of Ashton Grove, one of the first in 
the county. He is now engaged iu business in 
Onawa. 

Tobias Fegenbush, cow living in Lake Town- 
ship, came to tliis county in November, 1855, on a 
prospecting tour and remained about three weeks, 
returning to Tama County, this State. 

In April, 1856, he brought his family here, and 
settled in the dirt house on the shore of Silver 
Lake. In the fall of 1857 he removed to Lake 
Township. 

Charles Cleghorn and his two sons, John and 
Johnston, appeared in Ashton Township in Octo- 
ber, 1856, and took up land on section 30. There 
the father died in 1871, his wife following him 
some three years after. John is now a resident of 
Onawa. Johnston Cleghorn died at Whiting in 
1885. 

John Hagur came to Monona County in May, 
1861, aud settled on a part of section 25, where he 
still makes his home. 

The same year John T. Smith and James Will- 
iams came here. The former settled on section 12, 
where he still lives, the latter, soon growing dis- 
couraged, left the county, going back to Dubuque. 

Patrick G. Dundon came to the county in 1861, 
locating in Fairview Township, and two years later 
settled on section 6, this township, where he still 
lives. 



James McWilliams, now a resident of this town- 
ship, settled in the town of Franklin in 1857, 
whence he came here in 18G7, and settled on sec- 
tion 19, wiiere he now lives. 

E. K. McNeill located on section 20, this town- 
ship, where he now lives, on coming to the county 
in August, 1868. 

Fred. McCausland, who had been living in On- 
awa for some two years, came to this township in 
the spring of 1869, locating on a farm on sections 
13 and 24. There he remained until 1879. In 
1882 he removed to Whiting, where he now lives. 

William Riggs came to this township in Novem- 
ber, 1869, and made his home here on rented land 
until 1881, when he removed to Lincoln. 

John R. Murphy, a veteran of our Civil War, 
and a settler in the county of 1857, came to this 
township in January, 1870, and located on section 
29, where he still lives. 

Alexander F. Gray ma:le his first appearance in 
the county in 1871, and located on section 28, 
where he now lives, in 1874. 

Charles E. Ross made his appearance here about 
the same time, and lived on a rented farm for 
about a year, after which he removed to the town 
of Lincoln. 

The settlement of James McNeill in this town- 
ship was made in 1872, and since tiiat time he has 
made his home here. 

George R. Chapman located here the same year, 
and made this his home until 1887, when he 
sold out and returned to New York Cit}', where 
he is now living. 

John Terapleton, who settled on the farm on 
section 21, where he now lives, in May, 1883, came 
to Monona County in the year 1874, and for sev- 
eral years was engaged in school teaching. 

W. C. Carmichael settled in this township in 
1875, on section 32, and moved to his present resi- 
dence on section 22 in 1885. 

The settlement of William A . Parks in this 
county was made in the fall of 1877. 

In March, 1878, John R. Druramond ('ame to 
this county, and after working on rented land for 
about five years settled where his present home is 
located on section 21. 

James Martin located on the farm on section 22, 



222. 



MONONA COUNTY. 



where lie now lives, in 1870, and has since that 
lime made his home theie. 

W. J. Rains settled in this town in March, 1887. 

FlUST ITEMS. 

The first child I)orn in the township, and in fact 
the county, was Molinda, tlie danghtcr of Isaac 
Ashton, whose birth look place Jnnc 11, 18.52. 

The lirst marriage was that of Gabriel Lang and 
Isabel Van J)orn, which took place Nov. G, ISo'i, 
Judge Craig performing tlie ccremonj'. 

The first mass or celebration of the religions ser- 
vices of the Roman Catholic Church was held at 
the lesidence of I'atrick Dnndon, on section C, in 
August, 1883. the Rev. Father Barron, of Salix, 
lieing the celebrant. 

The first school was that taught in the village 
of Ashton in the summer of 18.')6, by JMiss Mary 
Neeley. 

The first term of the District Court held in the 
county commenced its session on the 17th of No- 
vember, 18.tG, at Ashton, with Hon. Samuel II. 
Riddle on the bench. A grand jury was empan- 
nelled consisting of the following named gentle- 
men: Franklin Mosher, Rowland Cobb, Albert 
Clemmens, R. G. FaircliiLI, William A. Rigg, 
George Erh, William Bayliss, F. C. Case, Franklin 
A. Day, .Tames II. Sharon. James Armstrong, Rob- 
ert Manett, John Southers, Robert Jamison and L. 
D.. Driggs. The record of the court does not show 
auj' indictments returned by this jury nor any im- 
portant action taken by it. R. G. Fairchild was 
the foreman. 

VILLAGE OF ASHTON. 

In the summer of 1-354, the commissiouers ap- 
pointed for the pnrpo.se, located the seat of justice 
in and for the county, at a point on sections 28 and 
29, in this townshii), to which was given the name 
of nioomfield. Shortly after, another place in the 
State bearing that name, it was changed to that of 
Ashton. Although the county seat was established 
here that season, still no efforts looking to the sur- 
vey of a town were made until the following spring. 
James D. Test, Enos Lowe, Joseph D. Bayliss, 
Addison Cochrane, Joseph H. Wagoner and Tru- 
man H. Hinman, of Pottawattamie County, and 
Isaac Ashton, of this, the owners of the land in 



question, on sections 28, 29, 32 and 33, in township 
8-i, range 45, was laid out and dedicated by deed. 
May 18, 1855, the plat of which was filed for record, 
with its several additions. July 10, 1856. 

The proprietor of that portion of the town site, 
Mr. Ashton, for they seemed to have divided it at 
once, donated to Monona County, for Court House 
and other purposes, all of blocks 23 to 28 inclusive, 
and portions of blocks 3, 4, 5, 19, 20 and 21. Por- 
tions of tiiese blocks were sold b^' the County 
Court, but when the seat of Government was trans- 
ferred to Onawa, by the unanimous vote of the 
people of the count}^ all the unsold lots were deeded 
back to Isaac Ashton, who turned the town site into 
a farm. 

The new count}', oflicers came to the infant 
village the summer of 1855, and took uptheirresi- 
dence. Andrew Jackson, Cleik of the Court; John 
Craig, County Judge; Hugh Lytle, Treasurer and 
Recorder; and Samuel Scott, Surveyor, were the 
principal ones. AVilliam Burton, now of Onawa, 
located litre about the same time as did the others, 
putting up a dwelling, and the place began to seem 
as if it would grow to be atown of some importance. 
But alas for the dreams of its founders; the city 
that they, in future saw, with busy crowds, and 
large and palatial stores and manufacturing estab- 
lishments, has come to naught. The streets that 
were to be lined with stately structures, are cov- 
ered with nodding corn and golden grain, and in- 
stead of the hum of busy industry, re-echoes to the 
low of homing cattle, or the whistle of the cheery 
plow boy. But one store graced the place during 
its brief existence. In April, 185G, Robert G. 
Fairchild came here and commenced the erection 
of a building in which, on the 6th of June follow- 
ing, he opened a small stock of general merchan- 
dise, suited to the wants of the pioneers. He con- 
tinued to represent the mercantile circles of the 
village, until the spring of 1858, when he removed, 
building, stock and all, to Onawa. 

John Sauhers about the same time started a 
blacksmith shop and carried on that business until 
1858, when he, too, removed to Onawa, whose 
rising glories, as the new county seat, overshadowed 
its late rival. 

Jtimes Armstrong, James H. Sharon, and a man 



MONONA COUNTY. 



223 



by the name of Olmsted put up a steam saw-mill 
wliicli was operuterl for about two 3-oars and then 
removed to Franklin Township on the river. 

Timothy Elliott located here on first coming to 
the county in 1856. He had been to this place the 
previous year, and brought his family with him on 
his second trip and still resides in the county. 

J. S. Merrill, now living near Whiting, settled 
here in 1865, also. 

Among the others that settled here previous to 
the removal ot the county seat, the most prominent 
were: T. H. Ilinman, .T. D. Bayliss, J. H. Wagner, 
Leonard Sears, John Bustard, John Craig, William 
Craig, John A. Hittle, Philip Ashton, Thomas 
Driggs, Lorenzo D. Driggs. Henry Allen, Nicholas 
Murray, Andrew G. Jackson, Israel May, James A. 
Scott, H. J. Hawley, Thomas Smith, L. B. Fletcher, 
W. L. Philips, W. S. Burke, Charles and George 
Atkins, George W. Oliver, C. H. Holbrook, Frank- 
lin Oliver, B. D. Holbrook, C. E. AVhiting, J. E. 
Morrison, and many others, who, for a shorter or 
longer time, made their homo in the little hamlet, 
but^eventually moved away, the buildings either 
being torn down or removed to Onawa. 

A good school house was built here the summer 
of 1S56, the first session of school in which was 
taught by Miss Mary Neeley. This building, at a 
late° date, was purchased by some of the citizens 



of Onawa, and presented to the people of School 
District No. 1, Franklin, who removed it to their 
neighborhood, and used it for school purposes for 
several years. 

A hotel was i)Mt up by Isaac Ashton in the ncwlj' 
started village in 1853 and run by him. He carried 
on the house until about 1862, when the building 
was cut into two itieces. and l)rought to Onawa, and 
still serves as dwelling houses. In this hotel, the 
Ashton House, w.as held the first religious services 
in the town or township, in the fall of 1850, by a 
Rev. JNIr. ]51ack, an itinerant Methodist clergyman. 
A court house w.as started also, which was never 
completed, being neither plastered within or sheeted 
without, which, when the county seat was removed 
to Onawa, was given to Mr. Ashton, who used it 
for a dwelling house. 

Joliu A. Hittle put up a building and ran a gro- 
cery and saloon which he carried on for some time. 
The first election in the western part of the 
county was held in the spring of 1853, at the tavern 
kept by Isaac Ashton, in what was the village of 
Ashton, at which there were present the following 
named: Isaac Ashton, Aaron Cook, John Brook- 
field Gard, Marion Owens and Mr. Bowles. Isaac 
Ashton was chairman of the meeting, and Aaron 
W. Cook, Clerk. 







LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER IX. 



^HIS forms one of Monona County's western 
tier of townships, and is bounded on the north 
b^' the towns of Fairview and Lake; on the 
east by Ashton and F'ranklin ; on the soutii by Sher- 
man and the State of Nebraska, the latter also bound- 
ing it on the west, from which it is separated by the 
Missouri River. It embraces the fractional town- 
ships of 83 and 84, range 46, and the small fractional 
part of