;>'^>'''4»''Vjl">''"H''*"g^
yJT^ nt..,>,V*JH-t/^
THi:
HJ STO R Y
MUSCATINE COUNTY,
I o ^v^^ A^,
CONTAININO
feJar^ nl i\$ Scuni^, il$ iitie$^ If^tuns^ ^u^ ,
Biographical Sketches of Citizens, War Record of its Volunteers
in the late Rebellion, General and Local Statistics, Portraits
of Early Settlers and Prominent Men, History of the
North-west, History of Iowa, Map of Muscatine
County, Constitution of the United States,
Miscellaneous Matters, &c., &c.
iLXjTJSTie-j^ariEJiD.
CHICAGO :
WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY,
1H79.
p R E F A c:; E .
IT has been the purpose of the Publishers to condense, into the convenient
form of a single volume, the scattered fragments of local history, and to
give, for the sake of reference, an abstract of the many records of the county.
In addition to such topics of value, there is herein given a very satisfactory
paper on the geologic formations and history of the region, from the pen of
Prof. F. M. Witter, whose research in and acquaintance with the locality, as
well as with the abstract science, have peculiarly qualified him for such a task.
The entomology of the county is also treated in a practical manner by Miss
Alice B. Walton, who has made that branch of science a special study.
Tlie meteorological record, compiled by Mr. J. P. Walton, is a notable feature
of the work. The Indian history is prepared from many sources, and contains
several original conclusions, based upon accurate information. Of the history
proper, it can be said that careful and painstaking efforts have been put forth
to please the present and to benefit future generations of readers. The com-
pilers desire to express their sense of obligation to the Press, the Pulpit, and
the Pioneers, for their cordial co-operation : and, also, to venture the hope that
the product of their labors may not prove unacceptable. It would be impos-
sible to name individuals who have aided in the preparation of this volume,
and we can, therefore, ofler but a general acknowledgment of the courtesy
extended. That the History of Muscatine County, as here presented, may
be satisfactory to all — a sentiment, we confess, that is a bold one, in view of
the freedom and diversity of public opinion — is the sincere prayer of
May, 1S79. ' THE PUBLISHERS.
ClTLTKR, Pasi, Hoyks & Co., Pbiitrss, Chicaso.
CONTENTS.
HISTORY XOKTHWEST AXD STATE OF IOWA.
Faok, :
History Northwest Territory.„ 19 1
G«osravW>^*l Pvwitiou 19 \
K»rly Kxploratious 20
Discviverj- of the Ohio 33 I
Ktiglish Explorations and Set- '
tlements 35
American Settlements 60
Division ot the Northwest Ter-
ritory »>6
Tecumseh and the War of lSl-2 70
Blsck Hawk and the Black
Hawk War 74
Other Indian Tnjubles. 79 ;
Present Condition of the SorUi-
west S6
Chicaso -.... 95 '
niinois 257 j
Indiana _ 259
Iovr» „^ 260
MichigHU .2t>3 |
Wisconsin ..264 i
Minnesota 266
Nebraska 267
History of Iowa :
Gev>graphic!»l Situation.^ li>9
Topography .109
Dr»ina^ System 110
Page.
History ot Iowa :
Rivers Ill
Lakes US
Springs 119
Prairies 120
Q«ology „120
Climatology 137
Discovery and Occupation 139
Territory 147
Indians 147
Pike's Exi^edition 151
Indian Wars 152
Black Hawk Wiu- 157
Indian Pnrthase, Reserves and
Trvatit^s _159
Spanish Grants 163
Half-Breoii Tract, 164
Early Settlements 166
Territorial History 173
Boundary Question 177
State Orjirsuiization ISl
Growth and Progress 1S5
.Agricultural OoUegeand Farm.lS6
State University .'.....1S7
State Historii-ai Society 193
Penitentiaries 1*4
Pass
History of Iowa :
Insane Hospitals „195
College for the Blind 197
IV.if and Dumb Institution 199
Stildiers' Orphans' Homes 199
State Xormal School 201
.\sylum for Feeble Minded
Childnni 201
Reform School 202
V"ish Hatching Establishnient..2<>3
PtiMic Lands 204
Public Sch.x>ls 21S
Political Beconl 223
War Recotvl .229
Infantry 233
Cavalry 244
Artillery 247
Miscellaneous 24S
Prvimotions from Iowa Reg-
iments 249
Number Casualties — Officers.250
Xuml>er Casualties — Enlist-
ed Men _252
Number Volunteers 254
Population 255
Asiricultural Statistics 320
ABSTK.ACT OF IOW.\ ST.4TE L..4WS.
Adoption of Cluldren 303
Bills of Exchange and Promisory
Notes .".2V>3
Conimerci.^l Terms 305
Capital Punishment 29S
Chiuitable, Scientific and Religious
Associarlons „316
Descent ..r. _293
Damages fri>m Trespass- 300
Exemptions frv^m ^ecution 29S
Estrays ^^9
Forms :
Articles of .\.greement „....o07
Bills of Sale 30S
Bond for Dee^l _.._...315
Bills of Purchase 3>:>6
Page.
Forms ;
Chattel Mortgage 314
Confession of Judgment 306
Lease.- .". 312
Mongagee 310
Notice to Quit.- 309
Notes-. - -306.313
Orders- ..306
Quit Claim Deed 315
Receipts 306
Wills and Codicils 309
W"arranty Deed 314
Fences „ 3'V
Interest jV.
Intoxicating Liquors „ olT
.lurisdictiotrof Cviurts. 297
Page.
Jnrvirs „i97
Limitation of .\ctions. 297
Landlord and Tenant. Si>^
Married Women ....298
Marks and Bramls. -300
Mechanics' Liens. .- 301
Ki-ads and Bridge' 3Ct2
Surveyors au"^ Airveys- 3l^
Suggestio'- ^-o Persons Purchasing
Books ' oubscription 319
Sunr .» fPoor -303
Tall* ,296
Wills and Estates „.293
Weights and Measures - 306
Wolf Scalps _ 300
Mouth of the Mississippi
Source of the Mississippi
Wild Prairie
La Salle Landing on the Shore of
Green Bay „.-.
Bufliilo Hunt _....„.„
Trapping
Hunting
Iroquois Chief „
Ponti.-»c, the Ottawa C&ieftain -
Indians .Attacking Frontiersmen..
.A Prairie Storm
Page.
Map of Muscatine County Front.
Constitution of United States 269
Vote for President. Governor and
Congressmen 2S;i
Pr»ctical Rules for Every-Day Use..2S4
United States Government ' Land
Msaiure. „ 2S7
ILLrSTBATlOXS.
Paok.
-A Pioneer Irwruiag 61
Breaking Prai rie- _ 63
Tecumseh. the Shawatioe Chieftain 69
Indiiius .Attacking a Stockade 72
Flack Hawk. the'Sac Chieftain 75
Big Eagle.- SO
Captain Jack, the Modoc Chieftain S;5
Kiniie House.- So
.\ Representative Pioneer ?f"
Lincoln Monument %S7
A Pioneer School House .' &5
XISCEL.l.ANKOr!i».
Page.
Surveyor's Measure .■.2SS
Uow to Keep .Accounts 2SS
Interest Tsible 2S9
Mi.*cellane^>us Ta'^le 2S9
Names of the States of the Union
and their Significations 290
Population of the United States 291
Paok.
Pioneers' First Winter 94
Grt\il Irxni Bridge of C. R. I. * P.
R. R., Civ^sing the Mississippi at
D.aveuport, Iowa- „ 91
Chicaffo in lS;i3 95
Old Fort De.arK-irn, 1S30 9S
Present Site Lake Street Bridge,
Chicago. 1S33, 9S
Ruins of Chicagv> 104
View of the City of Chicago 106
Huntiui; Prairie Wolves.. .„ 26S
Page
Population of Fifty Principal Cities
of the United Stotes 291
Population and Area of the United
States.- 292
Population of the Principal Conn-
tries in thd World 202
CONTENTS.
HISTORY OF SirSCATINE COUSTTT.
Page.
Geographic and Geologic Features. .32.3
Drainage and Surface Oharac-
teristics 323
Geological 325
Land and Fresh Water Mol-
lusks 332
Prehistoric Remains 333
Kntomology 334
Meteorological 338
Indian Occupancy 346
Keokuk 349
Black Hawk 362
Poweshiek and Other Notable8,373
A Scene on the Border 377
Sacs and Foxes 380
Maj. Beach's Indian Papers 382
AdTancing Civiliz;»tion 385
Arrival of the White Man 393
Settlement of the County 395
Introductory 395
Who Was the First Settler 398
The First Post Office '. 402
Early Mills 402
First Survey 403
How "Claims" were made. ..403
How Pioneers Lived 405
Incident of 1839 411
Organization of Old Des Moines. ..412
Wisconsin Territory Formed ...413
Beluiont Legislature 413
Wisconsin Judiciary 413
Temporary Seat of Govern-
ment 414
First Road west of the River.. .414
Subdivision of Old Des Moines, 415
Revision of the Organizing
Act 416
The Oldest Records 417
Commissioners' Records 418
First Jail 420
School District No. 1 420
High Rate of Interest 420
Court House 420
County Judge System 421
Supervisor System 422
District Court 425
Page.
First Grand Jury 425
First Ferry 426
First Petit Jury 426
Circuit Court 427
Probate Court 427
Marriage Records 428
Recorder's Records 429
Legislative Representation 429
Constitutional Coventions 429
County Officers 430
Population 4,31
Statistical Items 432
Old Settlers' Association 4.32
The Nye Tragedy 438
Some Pioneers 4^39
The Missouri War 442
The Name "Muscatine" 453
The Name " Hawkeye " 453
War History 454
Soldiers' Monument 456
Roster 461
Newspapers 493
Muscatine Journal 493
Muscatine Tribune 495
Other Papers 496
Wilton Press 496
West Liberty Enterprise 498
Educational 498
County Superintendents 500
Post Offices 500
Muscatine 501
Bloomington ."JOl
First Frame Building 501
The First Three Years '03
Anecdotes of Indians 504
Bloomington & Cedar Kiver
Canal Co 506
Second Survey 507
Improvement of the Slough. ..507
Incorporation 507
Muscatine in 1855 509
Town Records 510
City Official Roster 511
Public Buildings 515
Police Department 515
Police Court 515
Paoe.
Fire Department 515
Water Works 517
Post Office 521
Railroad Interests 522
RiTer Navigation 523
Ferry 523
Religious 523
Schools 535
Academy of Science 541
Conchological Club 545
Secret Associations and Be-
nevolent Societies 545
Miscellaneous Organizations. ..549
Banks and Corporations 550
Horse Stock 553
Star Creamery 554
Business Interests 5.')4
West Liberty 555
Schools 557
Churches 558
Lodges 559
Tnc -porations 560
Facis and Anecdotes 561
Wilton .570
First Settlers 570
Disastrous Fire .173
City Officers .574
Schcolhouse 574
Churches .575
Lodges and Bands 578
Corporations 579
Nichols .580
School 581
Churches 581
Lodge 582
Incidents 582
Moscow 583
Stockton 584
Conesville 585
Atalissa 586
Port Allen 588
Adams 588
Fairport 588
History of Muscatine County
Horses 589
BIOKKAPHICAL. SKETCHES.
Page. Page.
Bloomington '•^wnsbip 625 Montpelier Township 656
Cedar Townsln; 660 i Muscatine City 593
Fulton Township 663 Moscow Township 665
Goshen Township 682 i Orono Township 640
Lake Township .. 645 ! Pike Township 649
Page.
Sweetland Township 633
Seventy -six Township 653
Wilton Township 668
Wapsinonoc Township 689
L.l1«^OGRAPHl<' PORTRAITS.
Carskaddan, J 321
Hanna, Thos 389
Page. I
Richmanc, D. C 355 Stein, S. G.,
Robbins, A. « 423 |
Page.
491
I. CJ rJ^HA^
CCJ
ri.iw;
SCOTT CO.
R.I E.
MtlBCy^TlNl
COUNTir
The Northwest Territory.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
When the Northwestern Territory was ceded to the United States
by Virginia in 1784, it embraced only the territory lying between the
Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, and north to the northern limits of the
United States. It coincided with the area now embraced in the States
of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that portion of
Minnesota lying on the east side of the Mississippi River. The United
States itself at that period extended no farther west than the Mississippi
River; but by the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the western boundary
of the United States was extended to the Rocky Mountains and the
Northern Pacific Ocean. The new territory thus added to the National
domain, and subsequently opened to settlement, has been called the
*' New Northwest," in contradistinction from the old " Northwestern
Territory. "
In comparison with the old Northwest this is a territory of vast
magnitude. It includes an area of 1,887,850 square miles ; being greater
in extent than the united areas of all the Middle and Southern States,
including Texas. Out of this magnificent territory have been erected
eleven sovereign States and eight Territories, with an aggregate popula-
tion, at the present time, of 13,000,000 inhabitants, or nearly one third of
the entire population of the United States.
Its lakes are fresh-water seas, and the larger rivers of the continent
flow for a thousand miles through its rich alluvial valleys and far-
stretching prairies, more acres of which are arable and productive of the
highest percentage of the cereals than of any other area of like extent
on the globe.
For the last twenty years the increase of population in the North-
west has been about as three to one in any other portion of the United
States.
(19)
20 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
EARLY EXPLORATIONS.
In the year 1541, DeSoto first saw the Great West in the New
World. He, however, penetrated no fartlier nortli than the 35th parallel
of latitude. The expedition resulted in his death and that of more than
half his army, the remainder of whom found their way to Cuba, thence
to Spain, in a famished and demoralized condition. DeSoto founded na
settlements, produced no results, and left no traces, unless it were that
he awakened the hostility of the red man against the white man, and
disheartened such as might desire to follow up the career of discovery
for better purposes. The French nation were eager and ready to seize
upon any news from this extensive domain, and were the first to profit by
DeSoto's defeat. Yet it was more than a century before any adventurer
took advantage of these discoveries.
In 1616, four years before the pilgrims " moored their bark on the
wild New England shoris,"' Le Caron, a French Franciscan, had pene-
trated through the Iroquois and Wyandots (Hurons) to the streams which
run into Lake Huron ; and in 16o-4, two Jesuit missionaries founded the
first mission among the lake tribes. It was just one hundred years from
the discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto (1541) until the Canadian
envoys met the savage nations of the Northwest at the Falls of St. Maiy,
below the outlet of Lake Superior. This visit led to no permanent
result ; yet it was not until 1659 that any of the adventurous fur traders
attempted to spend a Winter in the frozen wilds about the great lakes,
nor was it until 1660 that a station was established upon their borders by
Mesnard, who perished in the woods a few months after. In 1665, Claude
Allouez built the earliest lasting habitation of the white man among the
Indians of the Northwest. In 1668, Claude Dablon and James Marquette
founded the mission of Sault Ste. iNIarie at the Falls of St. Mary, and two
years afterward, Nicholas Perrot, as agent for M. Talon, Governor Gen-
eral of Canada, explored Lake Illinois (Michigan) as far south as the
present City of Chicago, and invited the Indian nations to meet him at a
grand council at Sault Ste. Marie the following Spring, where they were
'taken under the protection of the king, and formal possession was taken
of the Northwest. This same year Marquette established a mission at
Point St. Igiiatius, where was founded the old town of Michillimackinac.
During M. Talon's explorations and ^Marquette's residence at St.
Ignatius, they learned of a great river away to the west, and fancied
— as all others did then — that upon its fertile banks whole tribes of God's
children resided, to whom the sound of the Gospel had never come.
Filled with a wish to go and preach to them, and in compliance with a
THE NORTHWEST TEKRITORY.
21
22 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
request of M. Talon, who earnestly desired to extend the domain of his
king, and to ascertain whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico
or the Pacific Ocean, Marquette with Joliet, as commander of the expe-
dition, prepared for the undertaking.
On the 13th of May, 1673, the explorers, accompanied by five assist-
ant French Canadians, set out from IMackinaw on their daring voyage of
discovery. The Indians, who gathered to witness their departure, were
astonished at the boldness of the undertaking, and endeavored to dissuade
them from their purpose by representing the tribes on the Mississippi as
exceedingly savage and cruel, and the river itself as full of all sorts of
frightful monsters ready to swallow them and their canoes together. But,
nothing daunted by these terrific descriptions, Marquette told them he
was willing not only to encounter all the perils of the unknown region
they were about to explore, but to lay down his life in a cause in which
the salvation of souls was involved ; and having prayed together they
separated. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, the
adventurers entered Green Bay, and passed thence up the Fox River and
Lake Winnebago to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Mar-
quette was delighted to find a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the
town ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows,
which these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to
thank him for the pity he had bestowed on them during the Winter in
giving them an abundant " chase." This was the farthest outpost to
which Dablon and AUouez had extended their missionary labors the
year previous. Here Marquette drank mineral waters and was instructed
in the secret of a root which cures the bite of the venomous rattlesnake.
He assembled the chiefs and old men of the village, and, pointing to
Joliet, said : " My friend is an envoy of France, to discover new coun-
tries, and I am an ambassador from God to enlighten them with the truths
of the Gospel." Two Miami guides were here furnished to conduct
them to the Wisconsin River, and they set out from the Indian village on
the 10th of June, amidst a great crowd of natives who had assembled to
witness their departure into a region where no white man had ever yet
ventured. The guides, having conducted them across the portage,
returned. The explorers launched their canoes upon the Wisconsin,
which they descended to the Mississippi and proceeded down its unknown
waters. What emotions must have swelled their breasts as they struck
out into the broadening current and became conscious that they were
now upon the bosom of th3 Father of Waters. The mystery was about
to be lifted from the long-sought river. The scenery in that locality is
beautiful, and on that delightful seventeenth of June must have been
clad in all its primeval loveliness as it had been adorned by the hand of
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
2S
Nature. Drifting rapidly, it is said that the bold bluffs on either hand
" reminded them of the castled shores of their own beautiful rivers of
France." By-and-by, as they drifted along, great herds of buffalo appeared
on the banks. On going to the heads of the valley they could see a
country of the greatest beauty and fertility, apparently destitute of inhab-
itants yet presenting the appearance of extensive manors, under the fas-
tidious cultivation of lordly proprietors.
THE WILD PRAIRIE.
On June 25, they went ashore and found some fresh traces of men upon
the sand, and a path which led to the prairie. The men remained in the
boat, and Marquette and Joliet followed the path till they discovered a
village on the banks of a river, and two other villages on a hill, within a
half league of the first, inhabited by Indians. They were received most
hospitably by these natives, who had never before seen a white person.
After remaining a few daj^s they re-embarked and descended the river to
about latitude 33°, where they found a village of the Arkansas, and being
satisfied that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, turned their course
24 THE NORTHWKST TERRITORY.
up the river, and ascending the stream to the mouth of the Illinois,
rowed up that stream to its source, and procured guides from that point
to the lakes. " Nowhere on this journey," says Marquette, ''did we see
such grounds, meadows, woods, stags, buffiiloes, deer, wildcats, bustards,
swans, ducks, parroquets, and even beavers, as on the Illinois River."
The part}-, without loss or injury, reached Green Bay in September, and
reported their discovery — one of the most important of the ag& but of
which no record was preserved save Marquette's, Joliet losing his by
the upsetting of his canoe on his way to Quebec. Afterward Marquette
returned to the Illinois Indians by their request, and ministered to them
until 1675. On the 18th of May, in that year, as he was passing the
mouth of a stream — going with his boatmen up Lake INIichigan — he asked
to land at its mouth and celebrate Mass. Leaving his men with the canoe,
he retired a short distance and began his devotions. As much time
passed and he did not return, his men went in search of him, and found
him upon his knees, dead. He had peacefully passed away while at
prayer. He was buried at this spot. Charlevoix, who visited the place
fifty years after, found the waters had retreated from the grave, leaving
the beloved missionary to repose in peace. The river has since been
called Marquette.
While Marquette and his companions were pursuing their labors in
the West, two men, differing widely from him and each other, were pre-
paring to follow in his footsteps and perfect the discoveries so well begun
by him. These were Robert de La Salle and Louis Hennepin.
After La Salle's return from the discovery of the Ohio River (see
the narrative elsewhere), he established himself again among the French
trading posts in Canada. Here he mused long upon the pet project of
those ages — a short way to China and the East, and was busily planning an
expedition up the great lakes, and so across the continent to the Pacific,
when Marquette returned from the Mississippi. At once the vigorous mind
of LaSalle received from his and his companions" stories the idea that by fol-
lowing the Great River northward, or by turning up some of the numerous
western tributaries, the obiect could easily be gained. He applied to
Frontenac, Governor General cf Canada, and laid before him the plan,
dim but gigantic. Frontenac entered warmly into his plans, and saw that
LaSalle's idea to connect the great lakes by a chain of forts with the Gulf
of Mexico would bind the country so wonderfully together, give un-
measured power to France, and glory to himself, under whose adminis-
tration he earnestly hoped all would be realized.
LaSalle now repaired to France, laid his plans before the King, who
warmly approved of them, and made him a Chevalier. He also received
fi"om all the noblemen the warmest wislies for his success. The Ohev
THE NORTHWEST TEKRITOKY.
'-'O
alier returned to Canada, and busily entered upon his work. He at
once rebuilt Fort Frontenae and constructed the first ship to sail on
these fresh-water seas. On the Tth of August, 1679. having been joined
by Hennepin, he began his voyage in the Griffin up Lake Erie. He
passed over this lake, through the straits beyond, up Lake St. Clair and
into Huron. In this lake they encountered heavy storms. They were
some tioB at Michillimackinac, where LaSalle founded a fort, and passed
oj^to Green Bay, the " Baie des Puans"' of the French, where he found
a^Hfe quantity of furs collected for him. He loaded the Griffin with
these, and placing her under the care of a pilot and fourteen sailors.
LA SALLE LANDING ON THE SHORE OF GREEN BAY.
Started her on her return voyage. The vessel was never afterward heard
of. He remained about these parts tnitil early in the Winter, when, hear-
ing nothinir from the Griffin, he collected all the men — thirty workins;
men and three monks — and started again upon his great undertaking.
By a short portage they passed to the Illinois or Kankakee, c.\lled by
the Indians, "Theakeke," n'olf, because of tlie tribes of Indians called
by that name, commonly known as the Mahingans. dwelling there. The
French pronounced it Kiakiki, which became corrupted to Kankakee.
'•Falling down the said river by easy journeys, the better to observe the
country," about the last of December they reached a village of the Illi-
nois Indians, containing some five hundred cabins, but at that moment
26 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
no inhabitants. The Seur de LaSalle being in want of some breadstuffs,
took advantage of the absence of the Indians to help himself to a suffi-
ciency of maize, large quantities of which he found concealed in holes
under the wigwams. This village was situated near the present village
of Utica in LaSalle County, Illinois. The corn being securely stored,
the voyagers again betook themselves to the stream, and toward|evening,
on the 4th day of January, 1680, they came into a lake which iJ^t have
been the lake of Peoria. This was called by the Indians Pim-l-te-wi^J^^
is, a place where there are many fat beasts. Here the natives wer6pKt
with in large numbers, but they were gentle and kind, and having spent
some time with them, LaSalle determined to erect another fort in that
}5lace, for he had heard rumors that some of the adjoining tribes were
trying to disturb the good feeling which existed, and some of his men
were disposed to complain, owing to the hardships and perils of the travel.
He called this fort " Crevecoeur^'' (broken-heart), a name expressive of the
very natural sorrow and anxiety which the pretty certain loss of his ship,
Griffin, and his consequent impoverishment, the danger of hostility on the
part of the Indians, and of mutiny among his own men, might well cause
him. His fears were not entirely groundless. At one time poison was
placed in his food, but fortunately was discovered.
While building this fort, the Winter wore away, the prairies began to
look green, and LaSalle, despairing of any reinforcements, concluded to
return to Canada, raise new means and new men, and embark anew in
the enterprise. For this purpose he made Hennepin the leader of a party
to explore the head waters of the Mississippi, and he set out on his jour-
ney. This journey was accomplished with the aid of a few persons, and
was successfully made, though over an almost u iknown route, and in a
bad season of the j-ear. He safely reach'id Cana ia, and set out again for
the object of his search.
Hennepin and his party left Fort Crevecoeur on the last of February,
1680. "When LaSalle reached this place on his return expedition, he
found the fort entirely deserted, and he was obliged to return again to
Canada. He embarked the third time, and succeeded. Seven daj-s after
leaving the fort, Hennepin reached the Mississippi, and paddling up the
icy stream as best he could, reached no higher than the Wisconsin River
by the 11th of April. Here he and his followers were taken prisoners by a
band of Northern Indians, who treated them with great kindness. Hen-
nepin's comrades were Anthony Auguel and Michael Ako. On this voy-
age they found several beautiful lakes, and " saw some charming prairies."
Their captors were the Isaute or Sauteurs, Chippewas, a tribe of the Sioux
nation, who took them up the river until about the first of May, when
they reached some falls, which Hennepin christened Fidls of St. Anthony
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
27
in honor of his patron saint. Here they took the land, and traveling
aearly two hundred miles to the northwest, brought them to their villages.
Here they were kept about three months, were treated kindly by their
captors, and at the end of that time, were met by a band of Frenchmen,
BUFFALO HUNT.
headed by one Seur de Luth, who, in pursuit of trade and game, had pene-
trated thus far by the route of Lake Superior ; and with these fellow-
countrymen Hennepin and his companions were allowed to return to the
borders of civilized life in November, 1680, just after LaSalle had
returned to the wilderness on his second trip. Hennepin soon after went
to France, where he published an account of his adventures.
28 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The Mississippi was first discovered by De Soto in April, 1541, in his
vain endeavor to find gold and precious gems. In the following Spring,
De Soto, weary with hope long deferred, and worn out with his wander-
ings, lie fell a victim to disease, and on the 21st of May died. His followers,
reduced by fatigue aiTd disease to less than three hundred men, wandered
about the country nearly a year, in the vain endeavor to rescue them-
selves by land, and finally constructed seven small vessels, cal^ brigan-
tines, in which they embarked, and descending the river, snpposing it
would lead them to the sea, in July they came to the sea cG^ilf of
Mexico^ and by September reached the Island of Cuba.
They were the first to see the great outlet of the Mississippi ; but,
being so weary and discouraged, made no attempt to claim the country,
and hardly had an intelligent idea of Avhat they had passed through.
To La Salle, the intrepid explorer, belongs the honor of giving the
■first account of the mouths of the river. His great desire was to possess
this entire country for his king, and in January, 1GS2, he and his band of
explorers left the shores of Lake Michigan on their third attempt, crossed
the portage, passed down the Illinois River, and on the 6tli of February,
reached the banks of the Mississippi.
On the loth they commenced their downward course, which they
pursued with but one interruption, until upon the Oth of March they dis-
covered the three great passages by which the river discharges its waters
into The gulf. La Salle thus narrates the event:
*' "We landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three
leagues (^nine miles) from its mouth. On the seventh, M. de LaSalle
wont to reconnoiter the shores of the neighboring sea, and M. de Tonti
moan while examined the great middle channel. They found the main
outlets beautiful, large and deep. On the 8th we reascended tho river, a
little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond the
re^H^h of inundations. The elevation of the North Pole Avas here about
twentv-seven degrees. Here we prepared a column and a cross, and to
tho column were affixed the arms of France with this inscription:
Louis Le Graiul, Roi De France et de Navarre, regiie ; Le neuvieme Avril, 16S2.
The whole party, under arms, chanted the Tc Dcum, and then, after
1 salute and cries of " Vive le Roi," the column was erected by M. de
La Salle, who, standing near it, proclaimed in a loud voice the authority of
the King of France. LaSalle returned and laid the foundations of the Mis-
sissippi settlements in Illinois, thence he proceeded to France, where
another expedition was fitted out, of which he was commander, and in two
■succeeding voyages failed to find the outlet of the river by sailing along
the shore of the gulf. On his third vovage he was killed, through the
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
■29
treaeliery of his followers, and the object of his expeditions was not
accomplished until IGOO, when D'Iberville, under the authority of the
crown, discovered, on the second of March, by way of the sea, the mouth
of the "* Hidden River." This majestic stream was called by the natives
*^ Mdlhouc-hia^'' and by the Spaniards, ^'la Palissade^'' from the great
TRAPPING.
number of trees about its mouth. After traversing the several outlets,
and satisfying himself as to its certainty, he erected a fort near its -western
outlet, and returned to France.
An avenue of trade Avas now opened out which was fidly improved.
In 1718, New Orleans was laid out and settled by some European colo-
nists. In 1702, the colony was made over to Spain, to be regained by
France under the consulate of Napoleon. In 1803, it was purchased by
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
the United States for the sum of fifteen million dollars, and the territory
of Louisiana and commerce of the Mississippi River came under the
charge of the United States. Although LaSalle's labors ended in defeat
and death, he had not worked and suffered in vain. He had thrown
open to France and the Avorld an immense and most valuable country;
had established several ports, and laid the foundations of more than one
settlement there. " Peoria, Kaskaskia and Cahokia, are to this day monu-
ments of LaSalle's labors ; for, though he had founded neither of them
(unless Peoria, which was built nearly upon the site of Fort Crevecoeur,)
it was by those whom he led into the West that these places were
peopled and civilized. He was, if not the discoverer, the first settler of
the Mississippi Valley, and as such deserves to be known and honored."
The French early improved the opening made for them. Before the
year 1698, the Rev. Father Gravier began a mission among the Illinois,
and founded Kaskaskia. For some time this was merely a missionary
station, where none but natives resided, it being one of three such vil-
lages, the other two being Cahokia and Peoria. What is known of
these missions is learned from a letter written by Father Gabriel Marest,
dated "■ Aux Cascaskias, autrement dit de llmmaculate Conception de
la Sainte Vierge, le !^ Novembre, 1712." Soon after the founding of
Kaskaskia, the missionary, Pinet, gathered a flock at Cahokia, while
Peoria arose near the ruins of Fort CreveccBur. This must have been
about the year 1700. The post at Vincennes on the Oubache river,
(pronounced Wa-ba, meaning summer cloud moving swiftly) was estab-
lished in 1702, according to the best authorities.* It is altogether prob-
able that on LaSalle's last trip he established the stations at Kaskaskia
and Cahokia. In July, 1701, the foundations of Fort Ponchartrain
were laid by De la Motte Cadillac on the Detroit River. These sta-
tions, with those established further north, were the earliest attempts to
occupy the Northwest Territory. At the same time efforts were being
made to occupy the Southwest, which finally culminated in the settle-
ment and founding of the City of New Orleans by a colony from England
in 1718. This was mainly accomplished through the efforts of the
famous Mississippi Company, established by the notorious John Law,
who so quickly arose into prominence in France, and Avho witli his
scheme so quickly and so ignominiously passed away.
From the time of the founding of these stations for fifty years the
French nation were engrossed with the settlement of the lower Missis-
sippi, and the war with the Chicasaws, who had, in revenge for repeated
•There is considerable dispute about tliis date, some asserting it was founded as late as 174^. When
the new court house at Vincennes was erected, all autlioritles on the subject were carefully examined, and
i/Oa fixed upon as the correct date. It was accordingly eugraveil ou the corner-stone of tlie court house.
THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 31
injuries, cut off the entire colony at Natchez. Although the company
did little for Louisiana, as the entire West was then called, yet it opened
the trade through the Mississippi River, and started the raising of grains
indigenous to that climate. Until the year 1750, but little is known of
the settlements in the Northwest, as it was not until this time that the
attention of the English was called to the occupation of this portion of the
New World, which they then supposed they owned. Vivier, a missionary
among the Illinois, writing from " Aux Illinois," six leagues from Fort
Chartres, June 8, 1750, says: "We have here whites, negroes and
Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. There are five French villages,
and three villages of the natives, within a space of twenty-one leagues
situated between the Mississippi and another river called the Karkadaid
(Kaskaskias). In the five French villages are, perhaps, eleven hundred
whites, three hundred blacks and some sixty red slaves or savages. The
three Illinois towns do not contain more than eight hundred souls all
told. Most of the French till the soil; they raise wheat, cattle, pigs and
horses, and live like princes. Three times as much is produced as can
be consumed; and great quantities of grain and flour are sent to New
Orleans." This city was now the seaport town of the Northwest, and
save in the extreme northern part, where only furs and copper ore were
found, almost all the products of the country found their way to France
by the mouth of the Father of Waters. In another letter, dated Novem-
ber 7, 1750, this same priest says : " For fifteen leagues above the
mouth of the Mississippi one sees no dwellings, the ground being too low
to be habitable. Thence to New Orleans, the lands are only partially
occupied. New Orleans contains black, white and red, not more, I
think, than twelve hundred persons. To this point come all lumber,
bricks, salt-beef, tallow, tar, skins and bear's grease ; and above all, pork
and flour from the Illinois. These things create some commerce, as forty
vessels and more have come hither this year. Above New Orleans,
plantations are again met with ; the most considerable is a colony of
Germans, some ten leagues up the river. At Point Coupee, thirty-five
leagues above the German settlement, is a fort. Along here, within five
or six leagues, are not less than sixty habitations. Fifty leagues farther
up is the Natchez post, where we have a garrison, who are kept prisoners
through fear of the Chickasaws. Here and at Point Coupee, they raise
excellent tobacco. Another hundred leagues brings us to the Arkansas,
where we have also a fort and a garrison for the benefit of the river
traders. * * * From the Arkansas to the Illinois, nearly five hundred
leagues, there is not a settlement. There should be, however, a fort at
the Oubache (Ohio), the only path by which the English can reach the
Mississippi. In the Illinois country are numberless mines, but no one to
82
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
work them as they deserve." Father Marest, writing from the post at
Vinceniies in 1812, makes the same observation. Vivier also says : " Some
individuals dig lead near the surface and supply the Indians and Canada.
Two Spaniards now here, who claim to be adepts, say that our mines are
like those of Mexico, and that if we would dig deeper, we should find
silver under the lead ; and at any rate the lead is excellent. There is also
in this country, beyond doubt, copper ore, as from time to time large
pieces are found in the streams."
HUNTING.
At the close of the year 1750, the French occupied, in addition to the
lower Mississippi posts and those in Illinois, one at Du Quesne, one at
the Maumee in the country of the Miamis, and one at Sandusky in what
may be termed the Ohio Valley. In the northern part of the Northwest
they had stations at St. Joseph's on the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan,
at Fort Ponchartrain (Detroit"), at Michillimackanac or Massillimacanac,
Fox River of Green Bay, and at Sault Ste. Marie. The fondest dreams of
LaSalle were now fully realized. The Frencli alone were possessors of
this vast I'eulm, basing their claim on discovery and settlement. Another
nation, however, was now turning its attention to this extensive country.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 33
and hearing of its wealth, began to lay plans for occupying it and for
securing the great profits arising therefrom.
The French, however, had another claim to this country, namely, the
DISCOVERY OF THE OHIO.
This " Beautiful " river was discovered by Robert Cavalier de La-
Salle in 1669, four years before the discovery of the Mississippi by Joliet
and Marquette.
While LaSalle was at his trading post on the St. Lawrence, he found
leisure to study nine Indian dialects, the chief of which was the Iroquois.
He not only desired to facilitate his intercourse in trade, but he longed
to travel and explore the unknown regions of the West. An incident
soon occurred which decided him to fit out an exploring expedition.
While conversing with some Senecas, he learned of a river called the
Ohio, which rose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a
distance that it required eight months to reach its mouth. In this state-
ment the Mississippi and its tributaries were considered as one stream.
LaSalle believing, as most of the French at that period did, that the great
rivers flowing west emptied into the Sea of California, was anxious to
embark in the enterprise of discovering a route across the continent to
the commerce of China and Japan.
He repaired at once to Quebec to obtain the approval of the Gov-
ernor. His eloquent appeal prevailed. The Governor and the Intendant,
Talon, issued letters patent authorizing the enterprise, but made no pro-
vision to defray the expenses. At this juncture the seminary of St. Sul-
pice decided to send out missionaries in connection with the expedition,
and LaSalle offering to sell his improvements at LaChine to raise money»
the offer was accepted by the Superior, and two thousand eight hundred
dollars were raised, with v/hich LaSalle purchased four canoes and the
necessary supplies for the outfit.
On the 6th of July, 1669, the party, numbering twenty-four persons,
embarked in seven canoes on the St. Lawrence ; two additional canoes
carried the Indian guides. In three days they were gliding over the
bosom of Lake Ontario. Their guides conducted them directly to the
Seneca village on the bank of the Genesee, in the vicinity of the present
City of Rochester, New York. Here they expected to procure guides to
conduct them to the Ohio, but in this they were disappointed.
The Indians seemed unfriendly to the enterprise. LaSalle suspected
that the Jesuits had prejudiced their minds against his plans. After
waiting a month in the hope of gaining their object, they met an Indian
84
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
from the Iroquois colony at the head of Lake Ontario, who assured them
that they could there find guides, and offered to conduct them thence.
On their way they passed the mouth of the Niagara River, when they
heard for the first time the distant thunder of the cataract. Arriving
among the Iroquois, they met with a friendly reception, and learned
from a Shawauee prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in six weeks.
Delighted with the unexpected good fortune, they made ready to resume
their journey; but just as they were about to start they heard of the
arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One of them proved
to bs Louis Joliet, afterwards famous as an explorer in the West. He
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 35
had been sent by tlie Canadian Governmenr to explore the copper mines
on Lake Superior, but had failed, and was on his Avay back to Quebec.
He gave the missionaries a map of the country he had explored in the
lake region, together with an account of the condition of the Tndians in
that quarter. This induced the priests to determine on leaving the
expedition and going to Lake Superior. LaSalle warned them that the
Jesuits were probably occupying that field, and that they would meet
with a cold reception. Nevertheless they persisted in their purpose, and
after worship on the lake shore, parted from LaSalle. On arriving at
Lake Superior, they found, as LaSalle had predicted, the Jesuit Fathers,
Marquette and Dablon, occupying the field.
These zealous disciples of Loyola informed them that they wanted
no assistance from St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron
saint ; and thus repulsed, they returned to Montreal the following Jtme
without having made a single discovery or converted a single Indian.
After parting with the priests, LaSalle went to the chief Iroquois
village at Onondaga, where he obtained guides, and passing thence to a
tributary of the Ohio south of Lake Erie, he descended the latter as far
as the falls at Louisville. Thus was the Ohio discovered by LaSalle, the
persevering and successful French explorer of the West, in 1669.
The account of the latter part of his journey is found in an anony-
motis paper, which purports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle
himself during a subsequent visit to Paris. In a letter written to Count
Frontenac in 1667, shortly after the discovery, he himself says that he
discovered the Ohio and descended it to the falls. This was regarded as
an indisputable fact by the French atithorities, who claimed the Ohio
Valley up)on another grotmd.- When Washington was sent by the colony
of Virginia in 1753, to demand of Gordeur de St. Pierre why tlie French
had built a fort on the Monongahela, the haughty commandant at Quebec
replied : *• We claim the country on the Ohio by virtue of the discoveries
of LaSalle, and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to
make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley."
ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS.
When the new year of 1750 broke in upon the Father of Waters
and the Great Northwest, all was still wild save at the French posts
already described. In 1749, when the English first began to think seri-
ously about sending men into the West, the greater portion of the States
of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were yet
under the dominion of the red men. The English knew, however, pretty
36 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
conclusively of the nature of the wealth of these wilds. As early as
1710, Governor Spotswoocl, of Virginia, had commenced movements to
secure the country west of the Alleghenies to the English crown. In
Pennsylvania, Governor Keith and James Logan, secretary of the prov-
ince, from 1719 to 1731, represented to the powers of England the neces-
sity of securing the Western lands. Nothing was done, however, b}^ that
power save to take some diplomatic steps to secure the claims of Britain
to this unexplored wilderness.
England had from the outset claimed from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
on the ground that the discovery of the seacoast and its possession was a
discovery and possession of the country, and, as is well known, her grants
to the colonies extended " from sea to sea." This was not all hei: claim.
She had purchased from the Indian tribes lai'ge tracts of land. This lat-
ter was also a strong argument. As early as 1684, Lord Howard, Gov-
ernor of Virginia, held a treaty with the six nations. These were the
great Northern Confederacy, and comprised at first the Mohawks, Onei-
das, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Afterward the Tuscaroras were
taken into the confederacy, and it became known as the Six Nations.
They came under the protection of the mother country, and again in
1701, they repeated the agreement, and in September, 1726, a formal deed
was drawn up and signed by the chiefs. The validity of this claim has
often been disputed, but never successfully. In 1744, a purchase was
made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of certain lands within the " Colony of
Virginia," for which the Indians received ^200 in gold and a like sum in
goods, with a promise that, as settlements increased, more should be j)aid.
The Commissioners from Virginia were Colonel Thomas Lee and Colonel
William Beverly. As settlements extended, the promise of more pay was
called to mind, and Mr. Conrad Weiser was sent across the mountains with
presents to appease the savages. Col. Lee, and some Virginians accompa-
nied him with the intention of sounding the Indians upon their feelings
regarding the English. They were not satisfied with their treatment,
and plainly told the Commissioners why. The English did not desiie the
cultivation of the country, but the monopoly of the Indian trade. In
1748, the Ohio Company was formed, and petitioned the king for a grant
of land beyond the Alleghenies. This was grantedi, and the government
of Virginia was ordered to grant to them a half million acres, two hun-
dred thousand of which were to be located at once. Upon the 12th of
June, 1749, 800,000 acres from the line of Canada north and west was
made to the Loyal Company, and on the 29th of October, 1751, 100,000
acres were given to the Greenbriar Company. All this time the French
were not idle. They saw that, should the British gain a foothold in the
West, especially upon the Ohio, they might not only prevent the French
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 37
settling upon it, but in time would come to the lower posts and so gain
possession of the whole country. Upon the 10th of May, 1774, Vaud-
reuil, Governor of Canada and the French possessions, well knowing the
consequences that must arise from allowing the English to build trading-
posts in the Northwest, seized some of their frontier posts, and to further
secure the claim of the French to the West, he, in 1749, sent Louis Cel-
eron with a party of soldiers to plant along the Ohio River, in the mounds
and at the mouths of its principal tributaries, plates of lead, on which
were inscribed the claims of France. These were heard of in 1752, and
within the me'mory of residents now living along the "■ Oyo," as the
beautiful river was called by the French. One of these plates was found
with the inscription partly defaced. It bears date August 16, 1749, and
a copy of the inscription with particular account of the discovery of the
plate, was sent by DeWitt Clinton to the American Antiquarian Society,
among whose journals it may now be found.* These measures did not,
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations, and
though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and
it was onl}'- a question of time when the storm would burst upon the
frontier settlements. In 1750, Christopher Gist was sent by the Ohio
Company to examine its lands. He went to a village of the Twigtwees,
on the Miami, about one hundred and fifty miles above its mouth. He
afterward spoke of it as very populous. From there he went down
the Ohio River nearly to the falls at the present City of Louisville,
and in November he commenced a survey of the Company's lands. Dur-
ing the Winter, General Andrew Lewis performed a similar work for the
Greenbriar Company. Meanwhile the French were busy in preparing
their forts for defense, and in opening roads, and also senc a small party
of soldiers to keep the Ohio clear. This party, having heard of the Eng-
lish post on the Miami River, early in 1652, assisted by the Ottawas and
Chippewas, attacked it, and, after a severe battle, in which fourteen of
the natives were killed and others wounded, captured the garrison.
(They were probably garrisoned in a block house). The traders were
carried away to Canada, and one account says several were burned. This
fort or post was called by the English Pickawillany. A memorial of the
king's ministers refers to it as " Pickawillanes, in the center of the terri-
tory between the Ohio and the Wabash. The name is probably some
variation of Pickaway or Picqua in 1773, written by Rev. David Jones
Pickaweke."
* The following is a traiislatioii of the inscriptioa on the plate: "In the year 1749, reign of Louis XV.,
Kitif,'of France, we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsieur the Marquis of Galllsoniere, com-
mander-in-chief of New France, to establish tranquility in certain Indian villages of these cantons, liave
buried this plate at the confluence of the Toradakoin, this twenty- ninth of July, near tlie river Ohio, otherwise
Beautiful River, as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken of the said river, and all its
tributaries; inasmuch as the preceding Kings of France have enjoyed it, and maintained it by their arms and
treaties; especially by those of Ryswick, Utrecht, and Aix LaChapelle."
88 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
This was the first blood shed between the French and English, and
occuiTed near the present City of Piqua, Ohio, or at least at a point about
forty-seven miles north of Dayton. Each nation became now more inter-
ested in the progress of events in the Northwest. The English deter-
mined to purchase from the Indians a title to the lands they wished to
occupy, and Messrs. Fry (afterward Commander-in-chief over Washing-
ton at the commencement of the French War of 1775-1763), Lomax and
Patton were sent in the Spring of 1752 to hold a conference with the
natives at Logstown to learn what they objected to in the treaty of Lan-
caster already noticed, and to settle all difficulties. On the 9th of June,
these Commissioners met the red men at Logstown, a little village on the
north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles below the site of Pitts-
burgh. Here had been a trading point for many years, but it was aban-
doned by the Indians in 1750. At first the Indians declined to recognize
the treaty of Lancaster, but, the Commissioners taking aside Montour,
the interpreter, who was a son of the famous Catharine Montour, and a
chief among the six nations, induced him to use his influence in their
favor. This he did, and upon the loth of June they all united in signing
a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a
settlement of the southeast of the Ohio, and guaranteeing that it should
not be disturbed by them. These were the means used to obtain the first
treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley.
Meanwhile the powers beyond the sea were trying to out-manoeuvre
eacli other, and were professing to be at peace. The English generally
outwitted the Indians, and failed in man}- instances to fulfill their con-
tracts. They thereby gained the ill-will of the red men, and further
increased the feeling by failing to provide them with arms and ammuni-
tion. Said an old chief, at Easton, in 1768 : " The Indians on the Ohio
left you because of your own fault. When we heard the French were
coming, we asked 3'ou for help and arms, but we did not get them. The
French came, they treated us kindly, and gained our affections. The
Governor of Virginia settled on our lands for his own benefit, and, when
we wanted help, forsook us."'
At the beginning of 1653, the English thought they had secured by
title the lands in the West, but the French had quietly gathered cannon
and military stores to be in readiness for the expected blow. The Eng-
lish made other attempts to ratify these existing treaties, but not until
the Summer could the Indians be gathered together to discuss the plans
of the French. They had sent messages to the French, warning them
away ; but they replied that they intended to complete the chain of forts
already l)egun. and would not abandon the field.
Soon after this, no satisfaction being obtained from the Ohio regard-
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 39
ing the positions and purposes of the French, Governor Dinwiddie of
Virginia determined to send to them another messenger and learn from
them, if possible, their intentions. For this purpose he selected a young
man, a surveyor, who, at the early age of nineteen, had received the rank
of major, and who was thoroughly posted regarding frontier life. This
personage was no other than the illustrious George Washington, who then
held considerable interest in Western lands. He was at this time just
twenty-two years of age. Taking Gist as his guide, the two, accompanied
by four servitors, set out on their perilous march. They left Will's
Creek on the 10th of November, 1753, and on the 22d reached the Monon-
gahela, about ten miles above the fork. From there they went to
Logstown, where Washington had a long conference with the chiefs of
the Six Nations. From them he learned the condition of the French, and
also heard of their determination not to come down the river till the fol-
lowing Spring. The Indians were non-committal, as they were afraid to
turn either way, and, as far as they could, desired to remain neutral.
Washington, finding nothing could be done with them, went on to
Venango, an old Indian town at the mouth of French Creek. Here the
French had a fort, called Fort Machault. Through the rum and flattery
of the French, he nearly lost all his Indian followers. Finding nothino-
of importance here, he pursued his way amid great privations, and on the
11th of December reached the fort at the head of French Creek. Here
he delivered Governor Dinwiddle's letter, received his answer, took his
observations, and on the 16th set out upon his return journey with no one
but Gist, his guide, and a few Indians who still remained true to him,
notwithstanding the endeavors of the French to retain them. Their
homeward journey was one of great peril and suffering from the cold, yet
they reached home in safety on the 6th of January, 1754.
From the letter of St. Pierre, commander of the French fort, sent by
Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, it was learned that the French would
not give up without a struggle. Active preparations were at once made
in all the English colonies for the coming conflict, while the French
finished the fort at Venango and strengthened their lines of fortifications,
and gathered their forces to be in readiness.
The Old Dominion was all alive. Virginia was the center 6f great
activities ; volunteers were called for, and from all the neighboring
colonies men rallied to the conflict, and everywhere along the Potomac
men were enlisting under the Governor's proclamation — which promised
two hundred thousand acres on the Ohio. Along this river they were
gathering as far as Will's Creek, and far beyond this point, whither Trent
had come for assistance for his little band of forty-one men, who were
40 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
working away iu hunger and want, to fortify that point at the fork of
the Ohio, to which both parties were looking with deep interest.
" The first birds of Spring filled the air with their song ; the swift
river rolled by the Allegheny hillsides, swollen by the melting snows of
Spring and the April showers. The leaves were appearing ; a few Indian
scouts were seen, but no enemy seemed near at hand ; and all was so quiet,
that Frazier, an old Indian scout and trader, who had been left by Trent
in command, ventured to his home at the mouth of Turtle Creek, ten
miles up the Monongahela. But, though all was so quiet in that wilder-
ness, keen eyes had seen the low intrenchnient rising at the fork, and
swift feet had borne the news of it up the river ; and upon the morning
of the 17th of April, Ensign Ward, who then had charge of it, saw
upon the Allegheny a sight that made his heart sink — sixty batteaux and
three hundred canoes filled with men, and laden deep with cannon and
stores. * * ^ * That evening he supped with his captor, Contrecoiur,
and the next day he was bowed off by the Frenchman, and with his men
and tools, marched up the ^Monongahela."'
The French and Indian war had begun. The treaty of Aix la
Chapelle, in 1748, had left the boundaries between the French and
English possessions unsettled, and the events already narrated show the
French were determined to hold the country watered by the Mississippi
and its tributaries ; while the English laid claims to the country by virtue
of the discoveries of the Cabots, and claimed all the country from New-
foundland to Florida, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The
first decisive blow had now been struck, and the first attempt of the
English, through the Ohio Company, to occupy these lands, had resulted
disastrously to them. The French and Indians immediately completed
the fortifications begun at the Fork, which they had so easily captured,
and when completed gave to the fort the name of DuQuesne. Washing-
ton was at Will's Creek when the news of the caf)ture of the fort arrived.
He at once departed to recapture it. On his way he entrenched him-
self at a place called the " Meadows," where he erected a fort called
by him Fort Necessity. From there he surprised and captured a force of
French and Indians marching against him, but was soon after attacked
in his fort by a much superior force, and was obliged to yield on the
morning of Jul}' 4th. He was allowed to return to Virginia.
The English Government immediately planned four campaigns ; one
against Fort DuQuesne ; one against Nova Scotia ; one against Fort
Niagara, and one against Crown Point. These occurred during 1755-6,
and were not successful in driving the French from their possessions.
The expedition against Fort DuQuesne was led by the famous General
Braddock, who, refusing to listen to the advice of Washington and those
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 41
acquainted with Indian warfare, snfifered such an inglorious defeat. This
occurred on the morning of July 9th, and is generally known as the battle
of Monongahela. or '• Braddock's Defeat.*' The war continued with
various vicissitudes through the years 1756-7 ; when, at the commence-
ment of 175S, in accordance with the plans of William Pitt, then Secre-
tary of Stiite, afterwards Lord Chatham, active preparations were made to
carry on the Avar. Three expeditions were planned for this year : one,
under General Amherst, against Louisburg ; another, under Abererombie,
against Fort Ticonderoga ; and a third, under General Forbes, against
Fort DuQuesne.' On the 26th of July, Louisburg surrendered after a
desperate resistance of more than forty days, and the eastern part of the
Canadian possessions fell into the hands of the British. Abercrombie
captured Fort Frontenac. and when the expedition against Fort DuQuesne,
of which Washington had the active command, arrived there, it was
found in flames and deserted. The English at once took possession,
rebuilt the fort, and in honor of their illustrious statesman, changed the
name to Fort Pitt.
The great object of the campaign of 1759, was the reduction of
Canada. General Wolfe was to lay siege to Quebec ; Amherst was to
reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and General Prideaux was to
capture Niagara. This latter place was taken in July, but the gallant
Prideaux lost his life in the attempt. Amherst captured Ticonderoga
and Crown Point without a blow ; and Wolfe, after making the memor-
able ascent to the Plains of Abraham, on September 13th, defeated
Montcalm, and on the 18th, the city capitulated. In this engagement
Montcolm and Wolfe both lost their lives. De Levi, Montcalm's successor,
marched to Sillery, three miles above the city, with the purpose of
defeating the English, and there, on the 28th of the following April, was
fought one of the bloodiest battles of the French and Indian War. It
resulted in the defeat of the French, and the fall of the City of Montreal.
The Governor signed a capitulation by which the whole of Canada was
surrendered to the English. This practically concluded the war, but it
was not until 1763 that the treaties of peace between France and England
were signed. This was done on the 10th of February of that year, and
under its provisions all the country east of the Mississippi and north of
the Iberville River, in Louisiana, were ceded to England. At the same
time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain.
On the 13th of September, 1760, Maior Robert Rogers was sent
from Montreal to take charge of Detroit, the only remaining French post
in the territory. He arrived there on the 19th of November, and sum-
moned the place to siunender. At first the commander of the post,
Beletre- refused, but on the 29th, hearing of the continued defeat of the
42 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
French arms, surrendered. Rogers remained there until December 23d
under tlie personal protection of the celebrated chief, Pontiac, to whom,
no doubt, he owed his safety. Pontiac had come here to inquire the
purposes of the English in taking possession of the country. He was
assured that they came simply to trade with the natives, and did not
desire their country. This answer conciliated the savages, and did much
to insure the safety of Rogers and his party during their stay, and while
on their journey home.
Rogers set out for Fort Pitt on December 23, and was just one
month on the way. His route was from Detroit to Maumee, thence
across the present State of Ohio directly to the fort. This was the com-
mon trail of the Indians in their journeys from Sandusky to the fork of
the Ohio. It went from Fort Sandusky, where Sandusky City now is,
crossed the Huron river, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to " Mohickon
John's Town " on Mohickon Creek, the northern branch of White
Woman's River, and thence crossed to Beaver's Town, a Delaware town
on what is now Sandy Creek. At Beaver's Town were probably one
hundred and fifty warriors, and not less than three thousand acres of
cleared land. From there the track went up Sandy Creek to and across
Big Beaver, and up the Ohio to Logstown, thence on to the fork.
The Northwest Territory was nov/ entirely under the English rule.
New settlements began to be rapidly made, and the promise of a large
trade was speedily manifested. Had the British carried out their promises
with the natives none of those savage butcheries would have been perpe-
trated, and the country would have been spared their recital.
The renowned chief, Pontiac, was one of the leading spirits in these
atrocities. We will now pause in our narrative, and notice the leading
events in his life. The earliest authentic information regarding this
noted Indian chief is learned from an account of an Indian trader nametl
Alexander Henry, who, in the Spring of 1761, penetrated his domains as
far as Missillimacnac. Pontiac was then a great friend of the French,
but a bitter foe of the English, whom he considered as encroaching on his
hunting grounds. Henry was obliged to disguise himself as a Canadian
to insure i^afety, but was discovered by Pontiac, who bitterly reproached
him and tlie English for their attempted subjugation of the West. He
declared that no treaty had been made with them ; no presents sent
them, and that he would resent any possession of the West by that nation.
He was at the time about fifty years of age, tall and dignified, and was
civil and military ruler of the Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatamies.
The Indians, from Lake Michigan to the borders of North Carolina,
were united in this feeling, and at the time of the treaty of Paris, ratified
February 10, 1763, a general conspiracy was formed to fall suddenly
THE NORTHWEST TEERITOEY.
13
PONTIAC, THE OTTAWA CHIEFTAIN.
44 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
upon the frontier British posts, and with one blow strike every man dead.
Pontiac was the marked leader in all this, and was the commander
of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wvandots, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares
and Mingoes, whohad, for the time, laid aside their local quarrels to unite
in this enterprise.
The blow came, as near as can now be ascertained, on May 7, 176-^.
Nine British posts fell, and the Indians drank, " scooped up in the hollow
of joined hands," the blood of many a Briton.
Pontiac's immediate field of action was the garrison at Detroit.
Here, however, the plans were frustrated by an Indian woman disclosing
the plot the evening previous to his arrival. Everything was carried out,
however, according to Pontiac's plans until the moment of action, when
Major Gladwyn, the commander of the post, stepping to one of the Indian
chiefs, suddenly drew aside his blanket and disclosed the concealed
musket. Pontiac, though a brave man, turned pale and trembled. He
saw his plan was known, and that the garrison were prepared. He
endeavored to exculpate himself from any such intentions ; but the guilt
was evident, and he and his followers were dismissed with a severe
reprimand, and warned never to again enter the walls of the post.
Pontiac at once laid siege to the fort, and until the treaty of peace
between the British and the Western Indians, concluded in August,. 1764,
continued to harass and besiege the fortress. He organized a regular
commissariat department, issued bills of credit written out on bark,
which, to his credit, it may be stated, were punctually redeemed. xA.t
the conclusion of the treaty, in which it seems he took no part, he went
further south, living many years among the Illinois.
He had given up all hope of saving his country and race. After a
time he endeavored to unite the Illinois tribe and those about St. Louis
in a war with the whites. His efforts were fruitless, and only ended in a
quarrel between himself and some Kaskaskia Indians, one of whom soon
afterwards killed him. His death was. however, avenged by the northern
Indians, who nearly exterminated the Illinois in the wars which followed.
Had it not been for the treachery of a few of his followers, his plan
for the extermination of the whites, a masterly one, would undoubtedly
have been carried out.
It was in the Spring of the year following Rogers' visit that Alex-
ander Henry went to Missillimacnac, and everywhere found the strongest
feelings against the English, who had not carried out their promises, and
were doing nothing to conciliate the natives. Here he met the chief,
Pontiac, who, after conveying to him in a speech the idea that their
French father would awake soon and utterly destroy his enemies, said :
• Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not
THE HOBTHWEST TEEEITORT. 46
yet conquered as I We are not vour slaves I These lakes, these woods,
these mounrains, were left as bj our ancestors. Thej are our inheritance,
and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like
the white people, can not live without bread and pork and beef. But you
ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided
food for as upon these broad lakes and in these mountains."
He then spoke of the fact that no treaty had been made with them,
no presents sent them, and that he and his people were yet for war.
Such were the feelings of the Northwestern Indians immediately after
the English took 'possession of their country. These feelings were no
doubt encouraged by the Canadians and French, who hoped that yet the
French arms might preva^. The treaty of Paris, however, gave to the
English the right to this vast domain, and active preparations were going
on to occupy it and enjoy its trade and emoluments.
In 1762, France, by a secret treaty, ceded Louisiana to Spain, to pre-
vent it falling into the hands of the EngHsh, who were becoming masters
of the entire West. The next year the treaty of Paris, signed at Fon-
tainbleau, gave to the English the domain of the country in question.
Twenty years after, by the treaty of peace between the United States
and England, that part of Canada lying south and west of the Great
Lakes, comprehending a large territory which is the subject of these
sketches, was acknowledged to be a portion of the United States ; and
twenty years still later, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded by Spain back to
France, and by France sold to the United States.
In the half centory, from the building of the Fort of Creveccear by
LaSalle, in 1680, up to the erection of Fort Chartres, many French set-
tlements had been made in that quarter. These have already been
noticed, being those at St. Vincent (Vincennes), Kohokia or Cahokia,
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocher, on the American Bottom, a large tract
of rich alluvial sod in Illinois, on the Mississippi, opposite the site of St.
Louis.
By the treaty of Paris, the regions east of the Mississippi, including
all these and other towns of the Northwest, were given over to England;
but they do not appear to have been taken possession of until 1765, when
Captain Stirling, in the name of the Majesty of England, established him-
self at Fort Chartres bearing with him the proclamation of General Gage,
dated December 30, 1764, which promised religious freedom to all Cath-
olics who worshiped here, and a right to leave the country with their
effects if they wished, or to remain with the privileges of Englishmen.
It was shortly after the occupancy of the West by the British that the
war with Pontiac opened. It is already noticed in the sketch of that
chieftain- By it many a Briton lost his life, and many a frontier settle-
46 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
ment in its infancy ceased to exist. This was not ended until the j^ear
1764, when, failing to capture Detroit, Niagara and Fort Pitt, his confed-
eracy became disheartened, and, receiving no aid from the French, Pon-
tiac abandoned the enterprise and departed to the Illinois, among whom
lie afterward lost his life.
As soon as these difficulties were definitely settled, settlers began
rapidly to survey the country and prepare for occupation. During the
year 1770, a number of persons from Virginia and other British provinces
explored and marked out nearly all the valuable lands on the Mononga-
hela and along the banks of the Ohio as far as the Little Kanawha. This
was followed by another exploring expedition, in which George Washing-
ton was a party. The latter, accompanied by Dr. Craik, Capt. Crawford
and others, on the 20tli of October, 1770, descended the Ohio from Pitts-
burgh to the mouth of the Kanawha ; ascended that stream about fourteen
miles, marked out several large tracts of land, shot several buffalo, which
were then abundant in the Ohio Valley, and returned to the fort.
Pittsburgh was at this time a trading post, about which was clus-
tered a village of some twenty houses, inhabited by Indian traders. This
same year, Capt. Pittman visited Kaskaskia and its neighboring villages.
He found there about sixt3'-five resident families, and at Cahokia only
forty-five dwellings. At Fort Chartres was another small settlement, and
at Detroit the garrison were quite prosperous and strong. For a year
or two settlers continued to locate near some of these posts, generally
Fort Pitt or Detroit, owing to the fears of the Indians, who still main-
tained some feelings of hatred to the English. The trade from the posts
was quite good, and from those in Illinois large quantities of pork and
flour found their way to the New Orleans market. At this time the
policy of the British Government was strongly opposed to the extension
of the colonies west. In 1763, the King of England forbade, by royal
proclamation, his colonial subjects from making a settlement beyond the
sources of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean. At the instance
of the Board of Trade, measures were taken to prevent the settlement
without the limits prescribed, and to retain the commerce within easy
reach of Great Britain.
The commander-in-chief of the king's forces wrote in 1769 : " In the
course of a few years necessity will compel the colonists, should they
extend their settlements west, to provide manufactures of some kind for
themselves, and when all connection upheld by commerce with the mother
country ceases, an independency in their government will soon follow."
In accordance with this policy, Gov. Gage issued a proclamation
in 1772, commanding the inhabitants of Vincennes to abandon their set-
Uements and join some of the Eastern English colonies. To this they
THE NORTHWEST TERRITOEY. 47
strenuous!}- objected, giving good reasons therefor, and ^vere allowed to
remain. The strong opposition to this policy of Great Britain led to its
change, and to such a course as to gain the attachment of the French
population. In December, 1773, influential citizens of Quebec petitioned
the king for an extension of the boundary lines of that province, which
was granted, and Parliament passed an act on June 2. 1774, extend-
ing the boundary so as to include the territory lying within the present
States of Ohio, Indiana. Illinois and Michigan.
In consequence of the liberal policy pursued by the British Govern-
ment toward the French settlers in the "West, they were disposed to favor
that nation in the war which soon followed with the colonies ; but the
early alliance between France and America soon brought them to the side
of the war for independence.
In 1774, Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, began to encotirage emigration
to the Western lands. He appointed magistrates at Fort Pitt under the
pretense that the fort Tvas under the government of that commonwealth.
One of these justices, John Connelly, who possessed a tract of land in the
Ohio Valley, gathered a force of men and garrisoned the fort, calling it
Fort Dunmore. This and other parties were formed to select sites for
settlements, and often came in conflict with the Indians, who yet claimed
portions of the valley, and several battles followed. These ended in the
famous battle of Kanawha in July, where the Indians were defeated and
driven across the Ohio.
Dtiring the years 1775 and 1776, b}- the operations of land companies
and the perseveranceof individuals, several settlements were firmly estab-
lished between the Alleghanies and the Ohio River, and western land
speculators were busy in Illinois and on the Wabash. At a council held
in Kaskaskia on July 5, 1773, an association of EngKsh traders, calKng
themselves the " Illinois Land Company," obtained from ten chiefs of the
Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Peoria tribes two large tracts of land lying on
the east side of the ^Mississippi River south of the Illinois. In 1775, a mer-
chant from the Illinois Country, named Viviat, came to Post Vincennes
as the agent of the association called the •' Wabash Land Company." On
the 8th of October he obtained from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs, a deed for
37.497,600 acres of land. This deed was signed by the grantors, attested
by a number of the inhabitants of Vincennes, and afterward recorded in
the office of a notary public at Kaskaskia. This and other land com-
panies had extensive schemes for the colonization of the West ; but all
were frustrated by the breaking out of the Revolution. On the 20th of
April, 1780, the two companies named consolidated under the name of the
"United Illinois and Wabash Land Company." The^' afterward made
48 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
strenuous efforts to have these grants sanctioned by Congress, but all
signally failed.
When the War of the Revolution commenced, Kentucky was an unor-
ganized country, though there were several settlements within her borders.
In Hutchins' Topography of Virginia, it is stated that at that time
" Kaskaskia contained 80 houses, and nearly 1,000 white and black in-
habitants— the whites being a little the more numerous. Cahokia con-
tains 50 houses and 300 white inhabitants, and 80 negroes. There were
east of the Mississippi River, about the year 1771 " — when these observa-
tions were made — " 300 white men capable of bearing arms, and 230
negroes."
From 1775 until the expedition of Clark, nothing is recorded and
nothing known of these settlements, save what is contained in a leport
made by a committee to Congress in June, 1778. From it the following
extract is made :
" Near the mouth of the River Kaskaskia, there is a village which
appears to have contained nearly eighty families from the beginning of
the late revolution. There are twelve families in a small village at la
Prairie du Rochers, and near fifty families at the Kahokia Village. There
are also four or five families at Fort Chartres and St. Philips, which is five
miles further up the river."
St. Louis had been settled in February, 1764, and at this time con-
tained, including its neighboring towns, over six hundred whites and one
hundred and fifty negroes. It must be remembered that all the country
west of the Mississippi was now under French rule, and remained so until
ceded again to Spain, its original owner, who afterwards sold it and the
country including New Orleans to the United States. At Detroit there
were, according to Capt. Cai:ver, who was in the Northwest from 1766 to
1768, more than one hundred houses, and the river was settled for more
than twenty miles, although poorly cultivated — the people being engaged
in the Indian trade. This old town has a history, which we will here
relate.
It is the oldest to\yn in the Northwest, having been founded by
Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac, in 1701. It was laid out in the form of an
oblong square, of two acres in length, and an acre and a half in width.
As described by A. D. Frazer, who first visited it and became a permanent
resident of the place, in 1778, it comprised within its limits that space
between Mr. Palmer's store (Conant Block ) and Capt. Perkins' house
(near the Arsenal building), and extended back as far as the public barn,
and was bordered in front by the Detroit River. It was surrounded by
oak and cedar pickets, about fifteen feet long, set in the ground, and had
four gates — east, west, north and south. Over the first three of these
THE NORTHWEST TERKITOE.Y. 49
gates were block houses provided with four guns apiece, each a six-
pounder. Two six-gun batteries were planted fronting the river and in a
parallel direction with the block houses. There were four streets running
east and west, the main street being twenty feet wide and the rest fifteen
feet, while the four streets crossing these at right angles were from ten
to fifteen feet in width.
At the date spoken of by Mr. Frazer, there was no fort within the
enclosure, but a citadel on the ground corresponding to the present
northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Wayne Street. The citadel was
inclosed by pickets, and within it were erected barracks of wood, two
stories high, sufficient to contain ten officers, and also barracks sufficient
to contain four hundred men, and a provision store built of brick. The
citadel also contained a hospital and guard-house. The old town of
Detroit, in 1778, contained about sixty houses, most of them one story,
with a few a story and a half in height. They were all of logs, some
hewn and some round. There was one building of splendid appearance,
called the " King's Palace," two stories high, which stood near the east
gate. It was built for Governor Hamilton, the first governor commissioned
by the British. There were two guard-houses, one near the west gate and
the other near the Government House. Each of the guards consisted of
twenty-four men and a subaltern, who mounted regularly every morning
between nine and ten o'clock, Each furnished four sentinels, who were
relieved every two hours. There was also an officer of the day, who p jr-
formed strict duty. Each of the gates was shut regularly at sunset;
even wicket gates were shut at nine o'clock, and all the keys were
delivered into the hands of the commanding officer. They were opened
in the morning at sunrise. No Indian or squaw was permitted to enter
town with any weapon, such as a tomahawk or a knife. It was a stand-
ing order that the Indians should deliver their arms and instruments of
every kind before they were permitted to pass the sentinel, and they were
restored to them on their return. No more than twenty-five Indians were
allowed to enter the town at any one time, and they were admitted only
at the east and west gates. At sundown the drums beat, and all the
Indians were required to leave town instantly. There was a council house
near the water side for the purpose of holding council with the Indians.
The population of the town was about sixty families, in all about two
hundred males and one hundred females. This town was destroyed by
fire, all except one dwelling, in 1805. After which the present '' new "
town was laid out.
On the breaking out of the Revolution, the British held every post of
importance in the West. Kentucky was formed as a component part of
Virginia, and the sturdy pioneers of the West, alive to their interests,
60 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
and recognizing the great benefits of obtaining the control of the trade in
this part of the New World, held steadily to their purposes, and those
within the commonwealth of Kentucky proceeded to exercise their
civil privileges, by electing John Todd and Richard Gallaway,
burgesses to represent them in the Assembly of the parent state.
Early in September of that year (1777) the first court was held
in Harrodsburg, and Col. Bowman, afterwards major, who had arrived
in August, was made the commander of a militia organization which
had been commenced the March previous. Thus the tree of loyalty
was growing. The chief spirit in this far-out colony, who had represented
her the vear previous east of the mountains, was now meditating a move
unequaled in its boldness. He had been watching the movements of the
British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan. Ht
saw it was through their possession of the posts at Detroit, Vincennes,
Kaskaskia, and other places, which would give them constant and easy
access to the various Indian tribes in the Northwest, that the British
intended to penetrate the country from the north and soutn, ana annihi-
late the frontier fortresses. This moving, energetic man was Colonel,
afterwards General, George Rogers Clark. He knew the Indians were not
unanimously in accord with the English, and he was convinced that, could
the British be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives
might be easily awed into neutrality ; and by spies sent for the purpose.
he satisfied himself that the enterprise against the Illinois settlements
might easily succeed. Having convinced himself of the certainty of the
project, he repaired to the Capital of Virginia, which place he reached on
November oth. While he was on his way, fortunately, on October 17th.
Burgovne had been defeated and the spirits of the colonists greatly
encouraged thereby. Patrick Henry was Governor of Virginia, and at
once entered heartily into Clark's plans. The same plan had before been
agitated in the Colonial Assemblies, but there was no one until Clark
came who was sufficiently acquainted with the condition of affairs at the
scene of action to be able to guide them.
Clark, ha\ing satisfied the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of his
plan, received, on the -d of January, two sets of instructions — one secret,
the other open — the latter authorized him to proceed to enlist seven
companies to go to Kentucky, subject to his orders, and to serve three
months from their arri\-al in the West. The secret order authorized him
to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand
at Pittsburgh, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country.
With these instructions Clark repaired to Pittsburgh, choosing rather
to raise his men west of the mountains, as he weU knew all were needed
in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. W. B. Smith to Hoi-
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 5X
stou for the same purpose, but neither succeeded in raising the required
number of men. The settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their
own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to
join the proposed expedition. With three companies and several private
volunteers, Clark at length commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he
navigated as far as the Falls, where he took possession of and fortified
Corn Island, a small island between the present Cities of Louisville,
Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. Remains of this fortification may
yet be fountl. At this place he appointed Col. Bowman to meet him
with such recruit? as had reached Kentucky by the southern route, and
as many as could be spared from the station. Here he announced to
the men their real destination. Having completed his -arrangements,
and chosen his party, he left a small garrison upon the island, and on the
24th of June, during a total eclipse of the sun, which to them augured
no good, and which fixes beyond dispute the date of starting, he with
his chosen baud, fell down the river. His plan was to go by water as
["ar as Fort Massac or Massacre, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia.
Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to
Caliokia, then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he
intended to march directly to the Mississippi River and cross it into the
Spanish country. Before his start he received two good items of infor-
mation : one that the alliance had been formed between France and the
United States ; and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois
country and the inhabitants, at the various frontier posts, had been led to
believe by the British that the •• Long Knives" or Virginians, were the
most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. With
this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would
cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from grati-
tude would become friendly if treated with unexpected leniency.
The march to Kaskaskia was accomplished through a hot July sun,
and the town reached on the evening of July 4. He captured the fort
near the village, and soon after the village itself by surprise, and without
the loss of a single man or by killing any of the enemy. After sufficiently
working upon the fears of the natives, Clark told them they were at per-
fect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the
great conflict they would, also he would protect them from any barbarity
from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect, and the inhab-
itants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the unlooked
for turn of affairs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms, and
when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accom-
panied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place
surrendered, and gladly placed themselves under his protection. Thus
52 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
the two important posts in Illinois passed from the hands of the English
into the possession of Virginia.
In the person of the priest at Kaskaskia, M. Gibault, Clark found a
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw, that, to retain possession
of the Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians within its boun-
daries, he must establish a government for the colonies he had taken.
St. Vincent, the next important post to Detroit, remained yet to be taken
before the Mississippi Valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that
he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to throw off its connection
with England. Clark gladly accepted his offer, and on the 14th of July,
in company with a fellow-townsman, M. Gibault started on his mission of
peace, and on the 1st of August returned with the cheerful intelligence
that the post on the " Oubache " had taken the oath of allegiance to
the Old Dominion. During this interval, Clark established his courts,
placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his
men, sent word to have a fort, which proved the germ of Louisville,
erected at the Falls of the Ohio, and dispatched Mr. Rocheblave, who
had been commander at Kaskaskia, as a prisoner of war to Richmond.
In October the County of Illinois was established by the Legislature
of Virginia, John Todd appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor,
and in November General Clark and his men received the thanks of
the Old Dominion through their Legislature.
In a speech a few days afterward, Clark made known fully to the
natives his plans, and at its close all came forward and swore alle-
giance to the Long Knives. While he was doing this Governor Hamilton,
having made his various arrangements, had left Detroit and moved down
the Wabash to Vincennes intending to operate from that point in reducing
the Illinois posts, and then proceed on down to Kentucky and drive the
rebels from the West. Gen. Clark had, on the return of M. Gibault,
dispatched Captain Helm, of Fauquier County, Virginia, Avith an attend-
ant named Henry, across the Illinois prairies to command the fort.
Hamilton knew nothing of the capitulation of the post, and was greatly
surprised on his arrival- to be confronted by Capt. Helm, who, standing at
the entrance of the fort by a loaded cannon ready to fire upon his assail-
ants, demanded upon what terms Hamilton demanded possession of tha
fort. Being granted the rights of a prisoner of war, he surrendered to
the British General, who could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the
force in the garrison.
Hamilton, not realizing the character of the men with whom he was
contending, gave up his intended campaign for the Winter, sent his four
hundred Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Ohio,
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 53
and to annoy the Americans in oil ways, and sat qnietly down to pass the
Winter. Information of all these proceedings having reached Clark, he
saw that immediate and decisive action was necessary, and that unless
he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Clark received the
news on the 29th of January, 1779, and on February 4th, having suffi-
ciently garrisoned Kaskaskia and Cahokia, he sent down the Mississippi
a " battoe," as Major Bowman writes it, in order to ascend the Ohio and
Wabash, and operate with the land forces gathering for the fray.
On the next day, Clark, with his little force of one hundred and
twenty men, set out for the post, and after incredible hard marching
through much mud, the ground being thawed by the incessant spring
rains, on the 22d reached the fort, and being joined by his " battoe," at
once commenced the attack on the post. The aim of the American back-
woodsman was unerring, and on the 24th the garrison surrendered to the
intrepid boldness of Clark. The French were treated with great kind-
ness, and gladly renewed their allegiance to Virginia. Hamilton was
sent as a prisoner to Virginia, where he was kept in close confinement.
During his command of the British frontier posts, he had offered prizes
to the Indians for all the scalps of Americans they would bring to him,
and had earned in consequence thereof the title " Hair-buyer General,"
by which he was ever afterward known.
Detroit was now without doubt within easy reach of the enterprising
Virginian, could he but raise the necessary force. Governor Henry being
apprised of this, promised him the needed reinforcement, and Clark con-
cluded to wait until he could capture and sufficiently garrison the posts.
Had Clark failed in this bold undertaking, and Hamilton succeeded in
uniting the western Indians for the next Spring's campaign, the West
would indeed have been swept from the Mississippi to the Allegheny
Mountains, and the great blow struck, which had been contemplated from
the commencement, by the British.
" But for this small army of dripping, but fearless Virginians, tlie
union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might
have been effected, and the whole current of our history changed."
At this time some fears were entertained by the Colonial Govern-
ments that the Indians in the North and Northwest were inclining to the
British, and under the instructions of Washington, now Commander-in-
Chief of the Colonial army, and so bravely fighting for American inde-
pendence, armed forces were sent against the Six Nations, and upon the
Ohio frontier. Col. Bowman, acting under the same general's orders,
marched against Indians within the present limits of that State. These
expeditions were in the main successful, and the Indians were compelled
to sue for peace.
64 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
During this same year (1779) the famous " Land Laws" of Virginia
were passed. The passage of these hiws was of more consequence to the
pioneers of Kentucky and the Northwest than the gaining of a few Indian
conflicts. These laws confirmed in main all grants made, and guaranteed
to all actual settlers their rights and privileges. After providing for the
settlers, the laws provided for selling the balance of the public lands at
forty cents per acre. To carry the Land Laws into effect, the Legislature
sent four Virginians westward to attend to the various claims, over many
of which great confusion prevailed concerning their validity. These
gentlemen opened their court on October 13, 1779, at St. Asaphs, and
continued until April 26, 1780, when they adjourned, having decided
three thousand claims. They were succeeded by the surveyor, Xvho
came in the person of Mr. George May, and assumed his duties on the
10th day of the month whose name he bore. With the opening of the
next year (1780) the troubles concerning the navigation of the Missis-
sippi commenced. The Spanish Government exacted such measures in
relation to its trade as to cause the overtures made to the United States
to be rejected. The American Government considered they had a right
to navigate its channel. To enforce their clahns, a fort was erected below
the mouth of the Ohio on the Kentucky side of the river. The settle-
ments in Kentucky were being rapidly filled by emigrants. It was dur-
ing this 3^ear that the first seminary of learning Avas established in the
West in this young and enterprising Commonwealth.
The settlers here did not look upon the building of this fort in a
friendly manner, as it aroused the hostility of the Indians. Spain had
been friendly to the Colonies during their struggle for independence,
and though for a while this friendship appealed in danger from the
refusal of the free navigation of the river, yet it was finally settled to the
satisfaction of both nations.
The Winter of 1779-80 was one of the most unusually severe ones
ever experienced in the West. The Indians always referred to it as the
"Great Cold." Numbers of wild animals perished, and not a few
pioneers lost their lives. The following Summer a party of Canadians
and Indians attacked St. Louis, and attempted to take possession of it
in consequence of the friendh'^ disposition of Spain to the revolting
colonies. They met with such a determined resistance on the part of the
inhabitants, even the women taking part in the battle, that they were
compelled to abandon the contest. They also made an attack on the
settlements in Kentucky, but, becoming alarmed in some unaccountable
manner, they fled the country in great haste.
About this time arose the question in the Colonial Congress con-
cerning the western lands claimed by Virginia, New York, Massachusetts
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 55
and Connecticut. The agitation concerning this subject finally led New
York, on the 19th of February, 1780, to pass a law giving to the dele-
gates of tliat State in Congress the power to cede her western lands for
the benefit of the United States. This law was laid before Congress
daring the next month, but no steps were taken concerning it until Sep-
tember 6th, when a resolution passed that body calling upon the States
claiming western lands to release their claims in favor of the whole body.
This basis formed the union, and was the first after all of those legislative
measures which res-ulted in the creation of the States of Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In December of the same
year, the plan of conquering Detroit again arose. The conquest might
have easily been effected by Clark had the necessary aid been furnished
him. Nothing decisive was done, yet the heads of the Government knew
that the safety of the Northwest from British invasion lay in the capture
and retention of that important post, the only unconquered one in the
territory.
Before the close of the year, Kentucky was divided into the Coun-
ties of Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson, and the act establisldng the Town
of Louisville was passed. This same year is also noted in the annals of
American history as the year in which occurred Arnold's treason to the
United States.
Virginia, in accordance with the resolution of Congress, on the 2d
day of January, 1781, agreed to yield her western lands to the United
States upon certain conditions, which Congress would not accede to, and
the Act of Cession, on the part of the Old Dominion, failed, nor was
anything farther done until 1783. During all that time the Colonies
were busily engaged in the struggle with the mother country, and in
consequence thereof but little heed was given to the western settlements.
Upon the 16th of April, 1781, the first birth north of the Ohio River of
American parentage occurred, being that of Mary Heckewelder, daughter
of the widely known Moravian missionary, whose band of Christian
Indians suffered in after years a horrible massacre by the hands of the
frontier settlers, wdio had been exasperated by the murder of several of
their neighbors, and in their rage committed, without regard to humanity,
a deed which forever afterwards cast a shade of shame upon their lives.
For this and kindred outrages on the part of the whites, the Indians
committed many deeds of cruelty which darken the years of 1771 and
1772 in the history of the Northwest.
Daring the year 1782 a number of battles among the Indians and
frontiersmen occurred, and between the Moravian Indians and the Wyan-
dots. In these, horrible acts of cruelty were practised on the captives,
many of such dark deeds transpiring under the leadership of the notorious
56
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
frontier outlaw, Simon Girty, whose name, as well as those of his brothers,
was a terror to women and children. These occurred chiefly in the Ohio
valleys. Cotemporary with them were several engagements in Kentucky,
in wliich the famous Daniel Boone engaged, and who, often by his skill
and knowledge of Indian warfare, saved the outposts from cruel destruc-
INDIANS ATTACKING FRONTIEKS.MEN.
tion. By the close of the year victory had perched upon the American
banner, and on the 30th of November, provisional articles of peace had
been arranged between the Commissioners of England and her uncon-
quera])le colonies. Cornwallis had been defeated on the 19th of October
preceding, and the liberty of America was assured. On the 19th oi
April following, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, peace was
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 57
proclaimed to the army of the United States, and on the 2d of the next
September, the definite treaty which ended our revolutionary struggle
was concluded. By the terms of that treaty, the boundaries of the West
were as follows : On the north the line was to extend along the center of
the Great Lakes ; from the western point of Lake Suj^erior to Long Lake ;
thence to the Lake of the Woods ; thence to the head of the Mississippi
River; down its center to the 81st parallel of latitude, then on tliat line
east to the head of the Appalachicola River; down its center to its junc-
tion with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's River, and
thence down along its center to the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the cessation of hostilities with England, several posts
were still occupied by the British in the North and West. Among these
was Detroit, still in the hands of the enemy. Numerous engagements
with the Indians throughout Ohio and Lidiana occurred, upon Avhose
lands adventurous whites would settle ere the title had been acquired by
the proper treaty.
To remedy this latter evil. Congress appointed commissioners to
treat with the natives and purchase their lands, and prohibited the set-
tlement of the territory until this could be done. Before the close of the
year another attempt was made to capture Detroit, which was, however,
not pushed, and Virginia, no longer feeling the interest in the Northwest
she had formerly done, withdrew her troops, having on the 20th of
December preceding authorized the whole of her possessions to be deeded
to the United States. This was done on the 1st of March following, and
the Northwest Territory passed from the control of the Old Dominion.
To Gen. Clark and his soldiers, however, she gave a tract of one hundred
and fifty thousand acres of land, to be situated any where north of the
Ohio wherever they chose to locate them. They selected the region
opposite the falls of the Ohio, where is now the dilapidated village of
Clarksville, about midway between the Cities of New Albany and Jeffer-
sonville, Indiana.
While the frontier remained thus, and Gen. Haldimand at Detroit
refused to evacuate alleging that he had no orders from his King to do
so, settlers were rapidly gathering about the inland forts. In the Spring
of 1784, Pittsburgh was regularly laid out, and from the journal of Arthur
Lee, who passed through the town soon after on his way to the Indian
council at Fort Mcintosh, we suppose it was not very prepossessing in
appearance. He says :
" Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who
live in paltry log houses, and are as dirty as if in the north of Ireland or
even Scotland. There is a great deal of trade carried on, the goods being
bought at the vast expense of forty-five shillings per pound from Phila-
68 THE NORTHWEST TEKKITORY.
delpliia and Baltimore. They take in the shops flour, wheat, skins and
money. There are in the town four attorneys, two doctors, and not a
priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel."
Kentucky at this time contained thirty thousand inhabitants, and
was beginning to discuss measures for a separation from Virginia. A
land office was opened at Tvouisville, and measures were adopted to take
defensive precaution against the Indians who were yet, in some instances,
incited to deeds of violence by the British. Before the close of this year,
1784, the military claimants of land began to occupy them, although no
entries were recorded until 1787.
The Indian title to the Northwest was not yet extinguished. They
held lai'ge tracts of lands, and in order to prevent bloodshed Congress
adopted means for treaties with the original owners and provided for the
surveys of the lands gained thereby, as well as for those north of the
Ohio, now in its possession. On January 31, 1786, a treaty was made
with the Wabash Indians. The treaty of Fort Stanwix had been made
in 1784. That at Fort Mcintosh in 1785, and through these much land
was gained. The Wabash Indians, however, afterward refused to comply
with the provisions of the treaty made with them, and in order to compel
their adherence to its provisions, force was used. Daring the year 1786,
the free navigation of the Mississippi came up in Congress, and caused
various discussions, which resulted in no definite action, only serving to
excite speculation in regard to the western lands. Congress had promised
bounties of land to the soldiers of the Revolution, but owing to the
unsettled condition of affairs along the Mississippi respecting its naviga-
tion, and the trade of the Northwest, that body had, in 178-3, declared
its inability to fulfill these promises until a treaty could be concluded
between the two Governments. Before, the close of the year 1786, how-
ever, it was able, through the treaties with the Indians, to allow some
grants and the settlement thereon, and on the 14th of September Con-
necticut ceded to the General Government the tract of land known as
the " Connecticut Reserve," and before the close of the following year a
large tract of land north of the Ohio was sold to a company, who at once
took measures to settle it. By the provisions of this grant, the company
were to pay the United States one dollar per acre, subject to a deduction
of one-third for bad lands and other contingencies. They received
750,000 acres, bounded on the south by the Ohio, on the east by the
seventh range of townships, on the west by the sixteenth range, and on
the north by a line so drawn as to make the grant complete without
the reservations. In addition to this. Congress afterward granted 100,000
acres to actual settlers, and 214,285 acres as army bounties under the
resolutions of 1789 and 1790.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
69
While Dr. Cutler, one of the agents of the company, was pressing-
its claims before Congress, that body Avas bringing into form an ordinance
for the political and social organization of this Territory. When the
cession was made by Virginia, in 1784, a plan was offered, but rejected.
A motion had been made to strike from the proposed plan the prohibition
of slavery, which prevailed. The plan was then discussed and altered,
and finally passed unanimously, with the exception of South Carolina.
By this proposition, the Territory was to have been divided into states
A PRAIRIE STORM.
by parallels and meridian lines. This, it was thought, would make ten
states, which were to have been named as follows — beginning at the
northwest corner and going southwardly : Sylvania, Michigania, Cher-
sonesus, Assenisipia, Metropotamia, Illenoia, Saratoga, Washington, Poly-
])otamia and Pelisipia.
There was a more serious objection to this plan than its category of
names, — the boundaries. The root of the difficulty was in the resolu-
tion of Congress passed in October, 1780, which fixed the boundaries
of the ceded lands to be from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles
60 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
square. These resolutions being presented to the Legislatures of Vir-
ginia and Massachusetts, they desired a change, and in July, 1786, the
subject was taken up in Congress, and changed to favor a division into
not more than five states, and not less than three. This was approved by
the State Legislature of Virginia. The subject of the Government was
again taken up by Congress in 1786, and discussed throughout that year
and until July, 1787, when the famous "Compact of 1787" was passed,
and the foundation of the government of the Northwest laid. This com^
pact is fully discussed and explained in the history of Illinois in this book,
and to it the reader is referred.
The passage of this act and the grant to the New England Company
was soon followed by an application to the Government by John Cleves
Symmes, of New Jersey, for a grant of the land between the Miamis.
This gentleman had visited these lands soon after the treaty of 178G,and,
being greatly pleased with them, offered similar terms to those given to the
New England Company. The petition was referred to the Treasury
Board with power to act, and a contract was concluded the following
year. During the Autumn the directors of the New England Company
were preparing to occupy their grant the following Spring, and upon the
23d of November made arrangements for a party of forty-seven men,
under the superintendency of Gen. Rufus Putnam, to set forward. Six
boat-builders were to leave at once, and on the first of January tlie sur-
veyors and their assistants, twenty-six in number, were to meet at Hart-
ford and proceed on their journey westward ; the remainder to follow as
soon as possible. Congress, in the meantime, upon the 8d of October,
had ordered seven hundred troops for defense of the western settlers, and
to prevent unauthorized intrusions ; and two days later appointed Arthur
St. Clair Governor of the Territory of the Northwest.
AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS.
The civil organization of the Northwest Territory was now com-
plete, and notwithstanding the uncertainty of Indian affairs, settlers from
the East began to come into the country rapidly. The New England
Company sent their men during the Winter of 1787-8 pressing on over
the Alleghenies by the old Indian path which had been 02)ened into
Braddock's road, and which has since been made a national turnpike
from Cumberland westward. Through the weary winter days they toiled
on, and by April were all gathered on tlie Yohiogany, where boats had
been built, and at once started for the Muskingum. Here they arrived
on the 7th of that month, and unless the Moravian missionaries be regarded
as. the pioneers of Ohio, this little band can justly claim that honor.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
61
Gen. St. Clair, the appointed Governor of the Northwest, not having
yet arrived, a set of laws were passed, written out, and published by
being nailed to a tree in the embryo town, and Jonathan Meigs appointed
to administer them.
Washington in writing of this, the first American settlement in the
Northwest, said : " No colony in America was ever settled under
such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at Muskingum.
Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know
many of its settlers personally, and there never were men better calcu-
lated to promote the welfare of such a community."
A PIONEER DWELLING.
On the 2d of July a meeting of the directors and agents was held
on the banks of the Muskingum, " for the purpose of naming the new-
born city and its squares." As yet the settlement was known as the
"Muskingum," but that was now changed to the name Marietta, in honor
of Marie Antoinette. The square upon which the block -houses stood
was called '■'- Campus Martins ;''' square number 19, ^'- Capitolium ;"" square
number 61, '■'■ Cecilia ;'" and the great road through the covert way, " Sacra
Via." Two days after, an oration was delivered by James M. Varnum,
who with S. H. Parsons and John Armstrong had been appointed to the
judicial bench of the territory on the 16th of October, 1787. On July 9,
Gov. St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume form. The act
of 1787 provided two district grades of government for the Northwest,
62 THE XORTHWEST TKRRITORY.
under the nr?: of v. ; \rhole jv>vrer \ras inve> - c: a
gv>vernor and ihree -----., , judges This \ras imir., .,. upv-^n
the Govemcur's arriT*!. and the first laws of the colonv passed on the :2c>:h
of July. These providevi for the o'_ -^n of the miliiia, and on the
next day apjvar^ the G\»vemor's i -....»— .i;ion, erecting all that oouniry
that had Iven ceded by the Indians east of the Soioio River into the
County of \Vashing:u>n, From that time forirard. xtotxrithstanding the
dov -^ - --'r as to the Indians, s" ^' v" - v~ : ;.i. and on the
-u ^ e fir^r »x»urt of the - . :ih impcvsini:
ceremonies.
The t s:vr^:\i a: - was very crea:. The ccru-
manvier a: : ., ai ihe uiov. e Muskingum, reporiexi four
thousand five hundred persons as having passed that pc*>t between Feb-
ruary- and June, ITS^S — ni:jr.v of whora would have puix^hased of the
" Associaies," as the New Er.glaiui Couir>ar.y was called, had they been
n^dy to receive them.
On the :ih>th of XovemWr, 17ST. Symmes issued a ; Jiuiphiet stating
the terms of his cv^nir^ct and ihe plan of sale he inxeuded lo adopt. In
January. 17SS. Ma:ihiiis Dennian. of New Jersey, took an active interest
iu Symmes* purchase, *ud located among other ii*cts the serous upon
which Ciuciunaii has Iven btiili. Reiaining one-ihird of this locality, he
sold the other twv>-thirvis to RoWr: Patters^LOi and John Filson. and the
thi^e, alx»ut August, commenced to lay out a town on the spot, which
xr«s o- " --te Lici '^ the moaih ot which
theyj:-- -- - - . :ut froiv , The nanung of the
town is thus narrated in the ** Western Annals " : — " Mr. Filsnw, who V
been a - - nd. in v -
its sit V. ,...>..-. ; ;...vvv,.v.. V. ...emixec. -
were : . :: in after day^, he ixamed it Losaaiiville, which, beinc
interpreied. means : rUU^ the K»wn ; «jil», against or c>pjx^i* to : i«. t':
mouth ; /. * ' ": '"
Meat: • > . Symmes gv>t thirty persons and eight four^horse
teams uinier way lor the West. Thes»? reached Limestone v»>w Mays-
viile^ iu S - - - " '" '.>tc«>e. Here
Mr. Symr. ^ - r^shet v>f 17S^
caused the ** Point,*' as it was .iuni is y^t called, to W fifteen feet iu»der
w;, . V vied. The little hand of s>?ttleas
j^r.. _ - Hcfore Symmes and his colvMiy left
the ** Poin:," two settlements havi l>een nvavie on hi^ pui>fhas)e. The first
was by Mr. Stiltes, the origina^. r of the whole plan, who, with
cv>lony of Rcsistone jvople, h .-.;e>l at the mouth <rf the Max::..
whither Svmmes went with his Mavsville cokaiT. Her>e a ek«nnr l»d
ISK SKHKZ^BTinBST VBKHVOKS.
tt
"iiit^ «^.t>HB
-its j^f«BttCML xa oionuaicL i.
. ... / .^.-- ^... Ckir
: ctl Vayi* ^icas 3ii>-ir sent «!aH^5^ *i»^ ^5fi-r .- - cii5i*lTi*4.
ri zhsm ufjtr •nie raroas of lie Ifatmoe^, iuji ptiued a e-MCTueie
.-^ ., ; -i for psarse, joi re: li? ^it;i ca »\-- . . ... iJ- lie
- «c feeeaiTiIje -irjia. sip^d >t *i»e Tciucpfcl dt5«^ Vr miaf>i a lanr*
rr -iras «oec t-> xbf . "^ -
64 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
whole country, have had their nuclei in those rude pioneer structures,
known as forts or stockades. Thus Forts Dearborn, Washington, Pon-
chartrain, mark the original sites of the now proud Cities of Chicago,
Cincinnati and Detroit. So of most of the flourishing cities east and west
of the Mississi^ipi. Fort Washington, erected by Doughty in 1790, was a
rude but liighly interesting structure. It was composed of a number of
strongly-built hewed log cabins. Those designed for soldiers' barracks
were a story and a half high, while those composing the officers quarters
were more imposing and more conveniently arranged and furnished.
The whole were so placed as to form a hollow square, enclosing about an
acre of ground, with a block house at each of the four angles.
The logs for the construction of this fort were cut from the ground
upon which it Avas erected. It stood between Third and Fourth Streets
of the present city (Cincinnati) extending east of Eastern Row, now
Broadway, which was then a narrow alley, and the eastern boundary of
of the town as it was originally laid out. On the bank of the river,
immediately in front of the fort, was an appendage of the fort, called the
Artificer's Yard. It contained about two acres of ground, enclosed by
small contiguous buildings, occupied by workshops and quarters of
laborers. Within this enclosure there was a large two-story frame house,
familiarly called the " Yellow House," built for the accommodation of
the Quartermaster General. For many j^ears this was the best finished
and most commodious edifice in the Queen City. Fort Washington was
for some time the headquarters of both the civil and military governments
of the Northwestern Territory.
Following the consummation of the treaty various gigantic land spec-
ulations were entered into by different persons, who hoped to obtain
from the Indians in Michigan and northern Indiana, large tracts of lands.
These were generally discovered in time to prevent the outrageous
schemes from being carried out, and from involving the settlers in war.
On October 27, 1795, the treaty between the United States and Spain
was signed, whereby the free navigation of the Mississippi was secured.
No sooner had the treaty of 1795 been ratified than settlements began
to pour rapidly into the West. The great event of the year 1796 was the
occupation of that part of the Northwest including Michigan, which was
this 3'ear, under the provisions of the treaty, evacuated by the British
forces. The United States, owing to certain conditions, did not feel
justified in addressing the authorities in Canada in relation to Detroit
and other frontier posts. When at last the British authorities were
called to give them up, they at once complied, and General Wayne, who
had done so much to preserve the frontier settlements, and who, before
the year's close, sickened and died near Erie, transferred his head-
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 6&
quarters to the neighborhood of the lakes, where a county named after
him was formed, which included the northwest of Ohio, all of Michigan,
and the northeast of Indiana. During this same year settlements were
formed at the present City of ChilIicoth6, along the Miami from Middle-
town to Piqua, while in the more distant West, settlers and speculators
began to appear in great numbers. In September, the City of Cleveland
was laid out, and during the Summer and Autumn, Samuel Jackson and
Jonathan Sharpless erected the first manufactory of paper — the " Red-
stone Paper Mill " — in the West. St. Louis contained some seventy
houses, and Detroit over three hundred, and along the river, contiguous
to it, were more than three thousand inhabitants, mostly French Canadians,
Indians and half-breeds, scarcely any Americans venturing yet into that
part of the Northwest.
The election of representatives for the territory had taken plaee,
and on the 4th of February, 1799, they convened at Losantiville — now
known as Cincinnati, having been named so by Gov. St. Clair, and
considered the capital of the Territory — to nominate persons from whom
the members of the Legislature were to be chosen in accordance with
a previous ordinance. This nomination being made, the Assembly
adjourned until the 16th of the following September. From those named
the President selected as members of the council, Henry Vandenburg,
of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob
Burnett, of Cincinnati, and David Vance, of Vanceville. On the 16th
of September the Territorial Legislature met, and on the 24th the two
houses were duly organized, Henry Vandenburg being elected President
of the Council.
The message of Gov. St. Clair was addressed to the Legislature
September 20th, and on October 13th that body elected as a delegate to
Congress Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison, who received eleven of the votes
cast, being a majority of one over his opponent, Arthur St. Clair, son of
Gfin. St. Clair.
The whole number of acts passed at this session, and approved l)y
the Governor, Avere thirty-seven — eleven others were passed, but received
his veto. The most important of those passed related to the militia, to
the administration, and to taxation. On the 19th of Decemljer this pro-
tracted session of the first Legislature in the West was closed, and on the
30th of December the President nominated Charles Willing Bryd to tlie
office of Secretary of the Territory vice Wm. Henry Harrison, elected to
Congress. The Senate confirmed his nomination the next day.
66 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
DIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The increased emigration to the Northwest, the extent of the domain,
and the inconvenient modes of travel, made it very difficult to conduct
the ordinary operations of government, and rendered the efficient action
of courts almost impossible. To remedy this, it was deemed advisable to
divide the territory for civil purposes. Congress, in 1800, appointed a
committee to examine the question and report some means for its solution.
This committee, on the 3d of March, reported that:
" In the three western countries there has been but one court having
cognizance of crimes, in five years, and the immunity which offenders
experience attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and abandoned crim-
inals, and at the same time deters useful citizens from making settlements
in such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assist-
ance is experienced in civil as well as in criminal cases. * * * * To
minister a remedy to these and other evils, it occurs to this committee
that it is expedient that a division of said territory into two distinct and
separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made
by a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, running
directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States
and Canada."
The report was accepted by Congress, and, in accordance with its
suggestions, that body passed an Act extinguishing the Northwest Terri-
tory, which Act was approved May 7. Among its provisions were these :
" That from and after July -4 next, all that part of the Territory of
the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward
of a line beginning at a point on the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the
Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north
until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and
Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government, constitute a
separate territory, and be called the Indiana Territory."
After providing for the exercise of the civil and criminal powers of
the territories, and other provisions, the Act further provides:
" That until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Legislatures of the
said Territories, respectively, Chillicothe on the Scioto River shall be the
seat of government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the
Ohio River ; and that St. Vincennes on the Wabash River shall be the
seat of government for the Indiana Territory."'
Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and entered upon his duties about a year later. Connecticut
also about this time released her claims to the reserve, and in March a law
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 67
was passed accepting this cession. Settlements had been made upon
thirty-five of the townships in the reserve, mills had been built, and seven
hundred miles of road cut in various directions. On the 3d of November
the General Assembly met at Chillicothe. Near the close of the year,
the first missionary of the Connecticut Reserve came, who found no
township containing more than eleven families. It was upon the first of
October that the secret treaty had been made between Napoleon and the
King of Spain, whereby the latter agreed to cede to France the province
of Louisiana.
In January, 1802, the Assembly of the Northwestern Territory char-
tered the college at Athens. From tlie earliest dawn of the western
colonies, education was promptly provided for, and as early as 1787,
newspapers were issued from Pittsburgh and Kentucky, and largely read
throughout the frontier settlements. Before the close of this year, the
Congress of the United States granted to the citizens of the Northwestern
territory the formation of a State government. One of the provisions of
the "compact of 1787" provided that whenever the number of inhabit-
ants within prescribed limits exceeded 45,000, they sliould be entitled to
a separate government. The prescribed limits of Ohio contained, from a
census taken to ascertain the legality of the act, more than that number,
and on the 30tli of April, 1802, Congress passed the act defining its limits,
and on the 29th of November the Constitution of the new State of Oliio,
so named from the beautiful river forming its southern boundary, came
into existence. The exact limits of Lake Michigan were not then known,
but the territory now included within the State of Michigan was wholly
within the territory of Indiana.
Gen. Harrison, while residing at Vincennes, made several treaties
with the Indians, thereby gaining large tracts of lands. The next year is
memorable in the history of the West for the purchase of Louisiana from
France by the United States for $15,000,000. Thus by a peaceful mode,
the domain of the United States was extended over a large tract of
country west of the Mississippi, and was for a time under the jurisdiction
of the Northwest government, and, as has been mentioned in the early
part of this narrative, was called the "New Northwest." The limits
of this history will not allow a description of its territory. The same year
large grants of land were ol)tained from the Indians, and the House of
Representatives of the new State of Ohio signed a bill respecting the
College Township in the district of Cincinnati.
Before the close of the year. Gen. Harrison obtained additional
grants of lands from the various Indian nations in Indiana and the present
limits of Illinois, and on the 18th of August, 1804, completed a treaty at
St. Louis, whereby over 51,000,000 acres of lands were obtained from the
68 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
aborigines. Measures were also taken to learn the condition of affairs in
and about Detroit.
C. Jouett, the Indian agent in Michigan, still a part of Indiana Terri-
tory, reported as follows upon the condition of matters at that post :
" The Town of Detroit. — The charter, which is for fifteen miles
square, was granted in the time of Louis XIV. of France, and is now,
from the best information I have been able to get, at Quebec. Of those
two hundred and twenty-five acres, only four are occupied by the town
and Fort Lenault. The remainder is a common, except twenty-four
acres, which were added twenty years ago to a farm belonging to Wm.
Macomb. * * * A stockade incloses the town, fort and citadel. The
pickets, as well as the public houses, are in a state of gradual decay. The
streets are narrow, straight and regular, and intersect each other at right
angles. The houses are, for the most part, low and inelegant."
During this year, Congress granted a township of land for the sup-
port of a college, and began to offer inducements for settlers in these
wilds, and the country now comprising the State of Michigan began to
fill rapidly with settlers along its southern borders. This same year, also,
a law was passed organizing tlie Southwest Territory, dividing it into two
portions, the Territory of New Orleans, which city was made the seat of
government, and the District of Louisiana, which was annexed to the
domain of Gen. Harrison.
On the 11th of January, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was formed,
Wm. Hull was appointed governor, with headquarters at Detroit, the
change to take effect on June 30. On the 11th of that month, a fire
occurred at Detroit, which destroyed almost every building in the place.
When the officers of the new territory reached the post, they found it in
ruins, and the inhabitants scattered throughout the country. Rebuild-
ing, however, soon commenced, and ere long the town contained more
houses than before the fire, and many of them much better built.
While this Avas being done, Indiana had passed to the second grade
of government, and through her General Assembly had obtained large
tracts of land from the Indian tribes. To all this the celebrated Indian,
Tecumthe or Tecumseh, vigorously protested, and it was the main cause
of his attempts to unite the various Indian tribes in a conflict with the
settlers. To obtain a full account of these attempts, the workings of the
British, and the signal failure, culminating in the death of Tecumseh at
the battle of the Thames, and the close of the war of 1812 in the Northwest,
we will step aside in our story, and relate the principal events of his life,
and his connection with this conflict.
THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY.
6tf
TECUMSEII, TUE SIIAWANOE CHIEFTAIN.
TO THE NORTHWEST TEiiRITORY.
TECUMSEH, AND THE WAR OF 1812.
This famous Indian chief was born about the year 1768, not far from
the site of the present City of Piqua, Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa,
was a member of the Kisopok tribe of tlie Swanoese nation, and his
motlier, Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the same
people. They removed from Florida about the middle of the last century
to the birthplace of Tecumseh. In 1774, his father, who had risen to be
chief, was slain at the battle of Point Pleasant, and not long after Tecum-
seh, by his bravery, became the leader of his tribe. In 1795 he was
declared chief, and then lived at Deer Creek, near the site of the
present City of Urbana. He remained here about one year, when he
returned to Piqua, and in 1798, he went to White River, Indiana. In
1805, he and his brother, Laulewasikan (Open Door), who had announced
himself as a prophet, went to a tract of land on the Wabash River, given
them by the Pottawatomies and Kickapoos. From this date the chiel
comes into prominence. He was now about tliirtj'-seven years of age,
was five feet and ten inches in height, was stoutly built, and possessed of
enornKuis powers of endurance. His countenance was naturally pleas-
ing, and he was, in general, devoid of those savage attributes possessed
by most Indians. It is stated he could read and write, and had a confi-
dential secretary and adviser, named Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, who
afterward became chief of the Pottawatomies. He occupied the first
house built on the site of Chicago. At this time, Tecumseh entered
upon the great work of his life. He had long objected to the grants of
land made by the Indians to the whites, and determined to unite all the
Indian tribes into a league, in order that no treaties or grants of land
could be made save by the consent of this confederation.
He traveled constantly, going from north to south ; from the south
to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. He was a
matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect.
Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, \)y watching the move-
ments of the Indians, became convinced that a grand conspiracy was
forming, and made preparations to defend the settlements. Tecumseirs
plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning
artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagacity.
During the j'ear 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively pre-
paring for the work. In that year. Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty
with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon
the Wabash, to all of which Tecumseh entered a bitter protest, averring
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. Tl
as one principal reason that he did not want the Indians to give up any
lands north and west of the Ohio River.
Tecumseh, in August, 1810, visited the General at Vincennes and _
held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly
angry at this conference he was dismissed from the village, and soon after
departed to incite the southern Indian tribes to the conflict.
Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the chief's headquarters at
Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles up the
Wabash, where he built Fort Harrison. From this place he went to the
prophet's town, where he informed the Indians he had no hostile inten-
tions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped
near the village early in October, and on the morning of November 7, he
was attacked by a large force of the Indians, and the famous battle of
Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken
up. Tecumseh returning not long after, was greatly exasperated at his
brother, the prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating
the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans.
Tecumseh sent word to Gen. Harrison that he was now returned
from the South, and was ready to visit the President as had at one time
previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not go
as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never
made.
In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent at
Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against
the United States, and reproached Gen. Harrison for marching against his
people. The agent replied to this ; Tecumseh listened with a cold indif-
ference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew
his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Mai-
den, in Upper Canada, where he joined the British standard.
He remained under this Government, doing effective work for the
Crown while engaged in the war of 1812 which now opened. He was,
however, always humane in his treatment of the prisoners, never allow-
ing his warriors to ruthlessly mutilate the bodies of those slain, or wan-
tonly murder the captive.
In the Summer of 1813, Ferry's victory on Lake Erie occurred, and
shortly after active preparations were made to capture Maiden. On the
27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for
the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Mai-
den, from which the British army, under Proctor, had retreated to Sand-
wich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley of
the Thames. On the 29th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen.
McArthur took possession of Detroit and the territory of Michigan.
72
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
On the 2d of October, the Americans began their pursuit of Proctor,
whom they overtook on the 5th, and the battle of the Thames followed.
Early in the engagement, Tecumseli who was at the head of the column
of Indians was slain, and they, no longer hearing the voice of their chief-
tain, fled. The victory was decisive, and practically closed the war in
the Northwest.
INDIANS ATTACKING A STOCKADE.
Just who killed the great chief has been a matter of much dispute ;
but the weight of opinion awards the act to Col. Richard M. Johnson,
who fired at him with a pistol, the shot proving fatal.
In 1805 occurred Burr's Insurrection. He took possession of a
beautiful island in the Ohio, after the killing of Hamilton, and is charged
by many with attempting to set up an independent government. His
plans were frustrated by the general government, his propert}^ confiscated
and he was compelled to flee the country for safety.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 73
In January, 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan Territor}^ made a
treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the
United States. Before the close of the year, a stockade was built about
Detroit. It was also during this year that Indiana and Illinois endeavored
to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby
slavery was excluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts,
however, all signally failed.
In 1809 it was deemed advisable to divide the Indiana Territory,
This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western
part, the seat of government being fixed at Kaskaskia. The next year,
the intentions of Tecumseh manifested themselves in open hostilities, and
then began the events already narrated.
While this war was in progress, emigration to the West went on with
surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the
first steamboat trip was made on the Ohio, much to the astonishment of
the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the
*' monster." It arrived at Louisville on the 10th day of October. At the
close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being
nearly overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred while on its
downward trip.
The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6, 1813. It
effectually closed hostilities in the Northwest, although peace was not
fully restored until July 22, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Green-
ville, under the direction of General Harrison, between the United States
and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should
cease hostilities against the Americans if the war were continued. Such,
happily, was not the case, and on the 24th of December the treaty
of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England and the United
States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with various
Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again
restored in this part of the new world.
On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city.
It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for its
manufacturing interests. On April 19, Indiana Territory was allowed
to form a state government. At that time there were thirteen counties
organized, containing about sixty-three thousand inhabitants. The first
election of state officers was held in August, when Jonathan Jennings
was chosen Governor. The officers were sworn in on November 7, and
on December 11, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For
some time the seat of government was at Corydon, but a more central
location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana),
was laid out January 1, 1825.
:4
'^'^ T^HE XORTKWEST TERRITORY.
On the 28th of December the Bank of Illinois, at Shawneetown, was
chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period all banks were
under the control of the States, and were allowed to establish bran^^hes
at different convenient points.
Until this time Chillicothe and Cincinnati had in turn enjoyed the
privileges of being the capital of Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the
northern and eastern portions of the State demanded, as in Indiana, a
more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Col-
umbus was selected and surveyed as the future capital of the State.
Banking had begun in Ohio as early as 1808, when the first bank was
chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not Ijring to the state
the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subsequently unable
to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend.
In 1818, Illinois was made a state, and all the territory north of her
northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Mich-
igan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes
was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of
revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826 that
the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to
navigate the bosom of that inland sea.
Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War^
but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were'
opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were estab-
lished, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan
University, have achieved a world wide-reputation. The people were
becoming wealthy. The domains of the United States had been extended,
and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the
record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous pros-
perity.
BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
This conflict, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in
the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part
of the United States.
Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal
Sac village, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the
Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ;
his grandfather's, Na-na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early
distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted
to paint and was ranked among tlie braves. About the year 1783, he
went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one
THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY.
75
BLACK UWVK, THE SAC CHIEFTAIN.
76 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was
permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after he, at the
head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition against the
Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to
his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce
battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The
Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees
for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present City
of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of
the " Medicine Bag," at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation.
He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the
head of 'five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred lowas, he waged
war acjainst the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled
successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered.
Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to
the Americans. When on a visit to St. Louis to see his " Spanish
Father," he declined to see any of the Americans, alleging, as a reason,
he did not want tivo fathers.
The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 180L The next year the
United States Government erected a fort near the head of the Des Moines
Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who
at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of
the Mississippi above the mouth of the Des Moines River. The fort was
garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties
with the British Government arose about this time, and the War of 1812
followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, by
giving them arms and ammunition, induced them to remain hostile to the
Americans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on
his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massacre
' ^ a few days before occurred. Of his connection with the British
. ^ . ernment but little is known. In 1813 he with his little band descended
the Mississippi, and attacking some United States troops at Fort Howard
was defeated.
In the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi
were notified that peace had been declared between the United States
and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not
sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. He then recog-
nized the validity of the treaty at St. Louis in 1804. From the time of
signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he
and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life.
Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 77
Indians were urged to join the lowas on the west bank of the Father of
Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of
which Black Hawk was leader. He strenuously objected to the removal,
and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of
the Government. This and various actions on the part of the white set-
tlers provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his
native village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. He and
his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been
acquiesced in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would
have been prevented.
Black Hawk was chief now of the Sac and Fox nations, and a noted
warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three
miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived
many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them,
they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their
time in the enjoyment of Indian life. The fine situation of their village
and the quality of their lands incited the more lawless white settlers, who
from time to time began to encroach upon the red men's domain. From
one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white
men gained a foothold, until through whisky and artifice they obtained
deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were
finally induced to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the
lowas. Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the
authorities of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he
was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged
the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty
made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, called to
enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the
river. A large force was at once raised and marched against him. On
the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a
band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were
defeated.
This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men
was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the
lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of
the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was
repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The Ameri-
can army continued to move up Rock River toward the main body of
the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band,
and defeated them near the Blue Mounds.
Before this action. Gen. Henry, in command, sent word to the main
army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the whole crossed the
Note.— The above is the generally accepted version of the cause of the Black Hawk War, but in our History of
Jo Daviei-s County. 111., we liad tccasi( n to go to the bottom of this matter, and have, we think, found the actual
cause of tlie war, which will be found on page 157.
78 THE NORTHWEST TERRTTORy.
Wisconsin in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the '|
Mississippi. They were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle
Avhich followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. He
fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites.
On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds con-
cluded a treaty with the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes by which they
ceded to the United States a vast tract of country, and agreed to remain
peaceable with the whites. For the faithful performance of the provi-
sions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that
Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs
of the hostile bands should be retained as hostages during the pleasure
of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons.
The next Spring, by order of the Secretary of War, they were taken
to Washington. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe,
"there to remain until tlie conduct of their nation was such as to justify
their being set at libert3^" They Avere retained here until the 4th of
June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal
cities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white
people. Ever3'where they were observed by thousands, the name of the
old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they
reached Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon
after released to go to his countrymen. As he passed the site of his birth-
place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. His village
where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had
hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer.
On the next day after his release, he went at once to his tribe and
his lodge. His Avife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder
of his days. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always re-
mained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among
the Indians, living with her upward of forty years.
Black Hawk now passed his time hunting and fishing. A deep mel-
ancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. At all
times Avhen he visited the whites he was received with marked atten- ,
tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County,
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received man}' tokens of esteem.
In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his
annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted
in a fatal attack of bilious fever which terminated his life on October 3.
His faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply
during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uniform pre-
sented to him by the President while in Washington. He Avas buried in
a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. " The
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 79
body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a
seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given him
by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it.
Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some
Indian garments, together with his favorite weapons."
No sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began
rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin,
now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had
grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence.
In 1835, the formation of a State Government in Michigan was discussed,
but did not take active form until two years later, Avhen the State became
a part of the Federal Union.
The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of
Lake Michigan, now included in the State of Wisconsin, M'-as its alluvial
wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior. For some time this
region Avas attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 1830 was
made a territory, then including Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State
was detached two years later. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as a
State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the various
divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from
the time it Avas a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstances
compelled its present division.
OTHER INDIAN TROUBLES."
1 Before leaving this part of the narrative, we will narrate briefly the
jlndian troubles in Minnesota and elsewhere by the Sioux Indians.
' In August, 1862, the Sioux Indians living on the western borders of
Minnesota fell upon the unsuspecting settlers, and in a few hours mas-
jsacred ten or twelve hundred persons. A distressful panic was the
iimmediate result, fully thirty thousand persons fleeing from their homes
ito districts supposed to be better protected. The military authorities
at once took active measures to punish the savages, and a large number
Iwere killed and captured. About a year after, Little Crow, the chief,
as killed by a Mr. Lampson near Scattered Lake. Of those captured,
hirty were hung at Mankato, and the remainder, thiough fears of mob
violence, were removed to Camp McClellan, on tiie outskirts of the City
of Davenport. It was here that Big Eagle came into prominence and
ecured his release by the following order :
80
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
BIG EAGLE.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 81
"Special Order, No. 430. "War Department,
" Adjutant General's Office, Washington, Dec. 3, 1864.
" Big Eagle, an Indian now in confinement at Davenport, lovva^
will, upon the receipt of this order, be immediately released from confine-
ment and set at liberty.
" B}^ order of the President of the United States.
" Official : " E. D. TowNSEND, Ass't Adft Gen.
" Capt. James Vanderventer, Com'y Suh. Vols.
" Through Com'g Gen'l, Washington, D. C."
Another Indian who figures more prominently than Big Eagle, and
who was more cowardly in his nature, with his band of Modoc Indians,
is noted in the annals of the New Northwest : we refer to Captain Jack.
This distinguished Indian, noted for his cowardly murder of Gen. Canby,
was a chief of a Modoc tribe of Indians inhabiting the border lands
between California and Oregon. This region of country comprises what
is known as the " Lava Beds." a tract of land described as utterly impene-
trable, save by those savages who had made it their home.
The Modocs are known as an exceedingly fierce and treacherous
race. They had, according to their own traditions, resided here for many
generations, and at one time were exceedingly numerous and powerful.
A famine carried off nearly half their numbers, and disease, indolence
and the vices of the white man have reduced them to a poor, weak and
insignificant tribe.
Soon after the settlement of California and Oregon, complaints began
to be heard of massacres of emigrant trains passing through the Modoc
country. In 1847, an emigrant train, comprising eighteen souls, was en-
tirely destroyed at a place since known as " Bloody Point." These occur-
rences caused the United States Government to appoint a peace commission,
who, after repeated attempts, in 1864, made a treaty Avith the Modocs,
Snakes and Klamaths, in which it was agreed on their part to remove to
a reservation set apart for them in the southern part of Oregon.
With the exception of Captain Jack and a band of his followers, who
remained at Clear Lake, about six miles from Klamath, all the Indians
complied. The Modocs who went to the reservation were under chief
Schonchin. Captain Jack remained at the lake without disturbance
until 1869, when he was also induced to remove to the reservation. The
Modocs and the Klamaths soon became involved in a quarrel, and Captain
Jack and his band returned to the Lava Beds.
Several attempts were made by the Indian Commissioners to induce
them to return to the reservation, and finally becoming involved in a
82 THK NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
difficulty with the commissioner and his military escort, a fight ensued,
in which the chief and liis band were routed. They were greatly enraged,
and on their retreat, before the day closed, killed eleven inoffensive whites.
The nation was aroused and immediate action demanded. A com-
mission was at once ai)pointed by the Government to see what could be
done. It comprised tlie following persons : Gen. E. R. S. Canby, Rev.
Dr. E. Thomas, a leading Methodist divine of California; Mr. A. B.
Meacham, Judge Rosborough, of California, and a Mr. Dyer, of Oregon.
After several interviews, in which the savages were always aggressive,
often appearing with scalps in their belts, Bogus Charley came to the
commission on the evening of April 10, 1873, and informed them that
Capt. Jack and his band would have a " talk " to-morrow at a place near
Clear Lake, about three miles distant. Here the Commissioners, accom-
panied by Charley, Riddle, the interpreter, and Boston Charley repaired.
After the usual greeting the council proceedings commenced. On behalf
of the Indians there were present: Capt. Jack, Black Jim, Schnac Nasty
Jim, Ellen's Man, and Hooker Jim. They had no guns, but carried pis-
tols. After short speeches by Mr. Meacham, Gen. Canby and Dr. Thomas,
Chief Schonchin arose to speak. He had scarcely proceeded when,
as if by a preconcerted arrangement, Capt. Jack drew his pistol and shot
Gen. Canby dead. In less than a minute a dozen shots were fired by the
savages, and the massacre completed. Mr. Meacham was shot by Schon-
chin, and Dr. Thomas by Boston Charley. Mr. Dyer barely escaped, being
fired at twice. Riddle, the interpreter, and his squaw escaped. The
troops rushed to the spot where they found Gen. Canby and Dr. Thomas
dead, and Mr. Meacham badly wounded. The savages had escaped to
their impenetrable fastnesses and could not be pursued.
The whole country was aroused by this brutal massacre ; but it was
not until the following May that the murderers were brought to justice.
At that time Boston Charley gave himself up, and offered to guide the
troops to Capt. Jack's stronghold. This led to the capture of liis entire
gang, a number of whom were murdered hy Oregon volunteers while on
their way to trial. The remaining Indians were held as prisoners until
July wlien their trial occurred, which led to the conviction of Capt.
Jack, Schonchin, Boston Charley, Hooker Jim, Broncho, alias One-Eyed
Jim, and Slotuck, who were sentenced to be hanged. These sentences
were approved by the President, save in the case of Slotuck and Broncho
whose sentences were commuted to imprisonment for life. The others
were executed at Fort Klamath, October 3, 1873.
These closed the Indian troubles for a time in the Northwest, and for
several years the borders of civilization remained in peace. They were
again involved in a conflict with the savages about the country of the
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
69^^o-ctt^w
CAPTAIN JACK, THE MODOC CHIEFTAIN.
jJ4 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
Black Hills, in which war the gallant Gen. Custer lost his life. Just
now the borders of Oregon and California are again in fear of hostilities ;
but as the Government has learned how to deal with the Indians, they
will be of short duration. The red man is fast passing away before the
march of the white man, and a few more generations will read of the
Indians as one of the nations of the past.
The Northwest abounds in memorable places. We have generally
noticed them in the narrative, but our space forbids their description in
detail, save of the most important places. Detroit, Cincinnati, Vincennes,
Kaskaskia and their kindred towns have all been described. But ere we
leave the narrative we will present our readers with an account of the
Kinzie house, the old landmark of Chicago, and the discovery of the
source of the Mississippi River, each of which may well find a place in
the annals of the Northwest.
Mr. John Kinzie, of the Kinzie house, represented in the illustra-
tion, established a trading house at Fort Dearborn in 180-4. The stockade
had been erected the year previous, and named Fort Dearborn in honor
of the Secretary of War. It had a block house at each of the two angles,
on the southern side a sallyport, a covered way on the north side, that led
down to the river, for the double purpose of providing means of escape,
and of procuring water in the event of a siege.
Fort Dearborn stood on the south bank of the Chicago River, about
half a mile from its mouth. When Major Whistler built it, his soldiers
hauled all the timber, for he had no oxen, and so economically did he
work that the fort cost the Government only fifty dollars. For a while
the garrison could get no grain, and Whistler and his men subsisted on
acorns. Now Chicago is the greatest grain center in the world.
Mr. Kinzie bought the hut of the first settler, Jean Baptiste Point au
Sable, on the site of which he erected his mansion. Within an inclosure
in front he planted some Lombardy poplars, seen in the engraving, and in
the rear he soon had a fine garden and growing orchard.
In 1812 the Kinzie house and its surroundings became the theater
of stirring events. The garrison of Fort Dearborn consisted of fifty-four
men, nnder the charge of Capt. Nathan Heald, assisted by Lieutenant
Lenai T. Helm (son-in-law to Mrs. Kinzie), and Ensign Ronan. The
surgeon was Dr. Voorhees. The only residents at the post at that time
were the wives of Capt. Heald and Lieutenant Helm and a few of the
soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his family, and a few Canadian vo}' agers with their
wives and children. The soldiers and Mr. Kinzie were on the most
friendly terms with the Pottawatomies and the Winnebagoes, the prin-
cipal tribes around them, but they could not win them from their attach-
ment to the British.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
85
After the battle of Tippecanoe it was observed that some of the lead-
ing chiefs became sullen, for some of their people had perished in that
conflict with American troops.
One evening in April, 1812, Mr. Kinzie sat playing his violin and his
children were dancing to the music, when Mrs. Kinzie came rushing into
the house pale with terror, and exclaiming, " The Indians ! the Indians ! "
" What? Where ? " eagerly inquired Mr. Kinzie. " Up at Lee's, killing
and scalping," answered the frightened mother, who, when the alarm was
given, was attending Mrs. Burns, a newly-made mother, living not far off.
KINZIE HOUSE.
Mr. Kinzie and his family crossed the river in boats, and took refuge in
the fort, to which place Mrs. Burns and her infant, not a day old, were
conveyed in safety to the shelter of the guns of Fort Dearborn, and the
rest of the wliite inhabitants fled. The Indians were a scalping party of
Winnebagoes, who hovered around the fort some days, when they dis-
appeared, and for several weeks the inhabitants were not disturbed by
alarms.
Chicago was then so deep in the wilderness, that the news of the
declaration of war against Great Britain, made on the 19th of June, 1812,
did not reach the commander of the garrison at Fort Dearborn till the 7th
of August. Now the fast mail train will carry a man from New Y.ork to
Chicago in twenty-seven hours, and such a declaration might be sent,
every word, by the telegraph in less than the same number of minutes.
86
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
PRESENT CONDITION OF THE NORTHWEST,
Preceding cluipter.s liave brought us to the close of the Black Hawk
war, and we now turn to the contemphition of the growth and prosperity
of the Northwest under the smile of peace and the blessings of our civili-
Kj^tion. The pioneers of this region date events back to the deep snow
A KEPRESENTATIVE PIONEER.
of 1831, no one arriving here since that date taking first honors. The
inciting cause of the immigration which overflowed the prairies early in
the '30s was the reports of tlie marvelous beauty and fertility of the
region distributed through the East by those who had participated in the
Black Hawk campaign with Gen. Scott. Chicago and Milwaukee then
had a few hundred inhabitants, and Gurdon S. Hubbard's trail from the
former city to Kaskaskia led almost through a wilderness. Vegetable&
and clothing were largely distributed through the regions adjoining the
THE NORTHWEST TEKRITOKY.
87
lakes by steamers from the Ohio towns. There are men now living in
Illinois who came to the state when barely an acre was in cultivation,
and a man now prominent in the business circles of Chicago looked over
the swampy, cheerless site of that metropolis in 1818 and went south
ward into civilization. Emigrants from Pennsylvania in 1830 left behind
LINCOLN MONUMENT, SPIUNGFIELD, ILLINOIS.
them but one small railway in the coal regions, thirty miles in length,
and made their way to the Northwest mostly with ox teams, finding in
Northern Illinois petty settlements scores of miles apart, although the
southern portion of the state was fairly dotted with farms. The
water courses of the lakes and rivers furnished transportation to the
second great army of immigrants, and about 1850 railroads were
pushed to that extent that the crisis of 1837 was precipitated upon us,
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
from tlie effects of which the Western country liacl not fully recovered
at tlie outbreak of the Avar. Hostilities found the colonists of the prairies
fully alive to the demands of the occasion, and the honor of recruiting
Hit
mm
''i'l™WOT«llll'li!!!,fi!l'!!'"!yjT^
:lic vast armies of the Union frll lari>;oly to the Governors of the Western
States. The struggle, on the Avliole, had a marked eftcct for the hotter on the
new Northwest, giving it an impetus Avhich twenty years of peace Avould not have
produced. In a large degree, this prosperity was an inflated one; and, witli
the rest of the Union, we have since heen compelled to atone therefor by four
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 89
years of depression of values, of scarcity of employment, and loss of
fortune. To a less degree, however, than the manufacturing or mining
regions has the West suffered during the prolonged panic now so near its
end. Agriculture, still the leading feature in our industries, has been
quite prosperous through all these dark years, and the farmers have
cleared away many incumbrances resting over them from the period of
fictitious values. The population has steadily increased, the arts and
sciences are gaining a stronger foothold, the trade area of the region is
becoming daily more extended, and we have been largely exempt from
the financial calamities which have nearly wrecked communities on the
seaboard dependent wholly on foreign commerce or domestic manufacture.
At the present period there are no great schemes broached for the
Northwest, no propositions for government subsidies or national works
of improvement, but the capital of the world is attracted hither for the
purchase of our products or the expansion of our capacity for serving the
nation at large. A new era is dawning as to transportation, and we bid
fair to deal almost exclusively with the increasing and expanding lines
of steel rail running through every few miles of territory on the prairies.
The lake marine will no doubt continue to be useful in the warmer
season, and to serve as a regulator of freight rates; but experienced
navigators forecast the decay of the system in moving to the seaboard
the enormous crops of the West. Within the past five years it has
become quite common to see direct shipments to Europe and the West
Indies going through from the second-class towns along the Mississippi
and Missouri.
As to popular education, the standard has of late risen very greatly,
and our schools would be creditable to any section of the Union.
More and more as the events of the war pass into obscurity will the
fate of the Northwest be linked with that of the Southwest, and the
next Congressional apportionment will give the valley of the Mississippi
absolute control of the legislation of the nation, and do much toward
securing the removal of the Federal capitol to some more central location.
Our public men continue to wield the full share of influence pertain-
ing to their rank in the national autonomy, and seem not to forget that
for the past sixteen years they and their constituents have dictated the
principles which should govern the country.
In a work like this, destined to lie on the shelves of the library for
generations, and not doomed to daily destruction like a newspaper, one
can not indulge in the same glowing predictions, the sanguine statements
of actualities that fill the columns of ephemeral publications. Time may
bring grief to the pet projects of a writer, and explode castles erected on
a pedestal of facts. Yet there are unmistakable indications before us of
90 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
the same radical change in our great Northwest wliich characterizes its
history for the past thirty years. Our domain has a sort of natural
geographical border, save where it melts away to the southward in the
cattle raising districts of the southwest.
Our prime interest will for some years doubtless be the growth of
the food of the world, in wliich branch it has already outstripped all
competitors, and our great rival in this duty will naturally be the fertile
plains of Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, to say nothing of the new
empire so rapidly growing up in Texas. Over these regions there is a
continued progress in agriculture and in railway building, and we must
look to our laurels. Intelligent observers of events are fully aware of
the strides made in the way of shipments of fresh meats to Europe,
many of these ocean cargoes being actually slaughtered in the West and
transported on ice to the wharves of the seaboard cities. That this new
enterprise will continue there is no reason to doubt. There are in
Chicago several factories for the canning of prepared meats for European
consumption, and the orders for this class of goods are already immense.
English capital is becoming daily more and more dissatisfied with railway
loans and investments, and is gradually seeking mammoth outlays in
lands and live stock. The stock yards in Chicago, Indianapolis and East
St. Louis are yearly increasing their facilities, and their plant steadily
grows more valuable. Importations of blooded animals from the pro-
gressive countries of Europe are destined to greatly improve the quality
of our beef and mutton. Nowhere is there to be seen a more enticing
display in this line than at our state and county fairs, and the interest
in the matter is on the increase.
To attempt to give statistics of our grain production for 1877 would
be useless, so far have we surpassed ourselves in the quantity and
quality of our product. We are too liable to forget that we are giving
the world its first article of necessity — its food supply. An opportunity
to learn this fact so it never can be forgotten was afforded at Chicago at
the outbreak of the great panic of 187o, when Canadian purchasers,
fearing the prostrationofbusinessmightbring about an anarchical condition
of affairs, went to that city with coin in bulk and foreign drafts to secure
their supplies in their own currency at first hands. It may be justly
claimed by the agricultural community that their combined efforts gave
the nation its first impetus toward a restoration of its crippled industries,
and their labor brought the gold premium to a lower depth than the
government was able to reach b^- its most intense efforts of legislation
and compulsion. The hundreds of millions about to be disbursed for
farm products have already, by the anticipation common to all commercial
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
91
nations, set the wheels in motion, and will relieve us from the perils so
long shadowing our efforts to return to a healthy tone.
Manufacturing has attained in the chief cities a foothold which bids
fair to render the Northwest independent of the outside world. Nearly
our whole region has a distribution of coal measures which will in time
support the manufactures necessary to our comfort and prosperity. As
to transportation, the chief factor in the production of all articles except
food, no section is so magnificently endowed, and our facilities are yearly
increasing beyond those of any other region.
t)2 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The period from a central point of the war to the outbreak of the
panic was marked by a tremendous growth in our railway lines, but the
depression of the times caused almost a total suspension of operations.
Now that prosperity is returning to our stricken country we witness its
Einticipation by the railroad interest in a series of projects, extensions,
:ind leases which bid fair to largely increase our transportation facilities.
The process of foreclosure and sale of incumbered lines is another matter
to be considered. In the case of the Illinois Central road, which formerly
transferred to other lines at Cairo the vast burden of freight destined for
the Gulf region, we now see the incorporation of the tracks connecting
hrough to New Orleans, every mile co-operating in turning to^yard the
lorthwestern metropolis the weight of the inter-state commerce of a
:housand miles or more of fertile plantations. Three competing routes
:o Texas have established in Chicago their general freight and passenger
igencies. Four or five lines compete for all Pacific freights to a point as
IS far as the interior of Nebraska. Half a dozen or more splendid bridge
structures have been thrown across the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers by
;he railways. The Chicago and Northwestern line has become an aggre-
gation of over two thousand miles of rail, and the Chicago, Milwaukee
md St. Paul is its close rival in extent and importance. The three lines
:'unnins' to Cairo via Vincennes form a through route for all traffic wnth
:he states to the southward. The chief projects now under discussion
ire the Chicago and Atlantic, which is to unite with lines now built to
Charleston, and the Chicago and Canada Southern, which line will con-
nect with all the various branches of that Canadian enterprise. Our
latest new road is the Chicago and Lake Huron, formed of three lines,
md entering the city from Valparaiso on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne
ind Chicago track. The trunk lines being mainly in operation, the
[progress made in the way of shortening tracks, making air-line branches,
ind running extensions does not show to the advantage it deserves, as
this process is constantly adding new facilities to the established order
Df things. The panic reduced the price of steel to a point where the
L-ailways could hardly afford to use iron rails, and all our northwestern
tines report large relays of Bessemer track. The immense crops now
l)eing moved have given a great rise to the value of railway stocks, and
their transportation must result in heavy pecuniary advantages.
Few are awan-e of the importance of the wholesale and jobbing trade
af Chicago. One leading firm has since the panic sold (^24,000,000 of
dry goods in one year, and they now expect most confidently to add
seventy per cent, to the figures of their last year's business. In boots
and shoes and in clothing, twenty or more great firms from the east have
placed liere their distributing agents or their factories ; and in groceries
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
93
Chicago supplies the entire Northwest at rates presenting advantages
over New York.
Chicago has stepped in between New York and the rural banks as a
financial center, and scarcely a banking institution in the grain or cattle
regions but keeps its reserve funds in the vaults of our commercial insti-
tutions. Accumulating here throughout the spring and summer months,
they are summoned home at pleasure to move the products of the
prairies. This process greatly strengthens the northwest in its financial
operations, leaving home capital to supplement local operations on
behalf of home interests.
It is impossible to forecast the destiny of tliis grand and growing
section of the Union. Figures and predictions made at this date might
seem ten years hence so ludicrously small as to excite only derision.
M{M»i^?sgs&S^
^i<4tcs^ f^vii>
'M^
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST.
95
CHICAGO.
It is impossible in our brief space to give more than a meager sketch
.of such a city as Chicago, which is in itself the greatest marvel of the
Prairie State. This mysterious, majestic, mighty city, born first of water,
and next of fire ; sown in weakness, and raised in power ; planted among
the willows of the marsh, and crowned with the glory of the mountains ;
sleeping on the bosom of the prairie, and rocked on the bosom of the sea ,
CHICAGO IJV lSo'6.
the youngest city of the -vNorld, and still the eye of the prairie, as Damas-
cus, the oldest city of tlie ■world, is the eye of the desert. With a com-
merce far exceeding that of Corinth on her isthmus, in the highway to
the East ; with the defenses of a continent piled around her by the thou-
sand miles, making ner far safer than Home on the banks of the Tiber;
t)G HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST.
Avith schools eclipsing Alexandria and Athens : with liberties more con-
spicuous than those of the old republics ; with a heroism equal to the first
Carthage, and with a sanctity scarcely second to that of Jerusalem — set
your thoughts on all this, lifted into the eyes of all men by the miracle of
its growth, illuminated by the flame of its fall, and transfigured by the
divinity of its resurrection, and you will feel, as I do, the utter impossi-
bility of compassing this subject as it deserves. Some impression of her
importance is received from the shock her burning gave to the civilized
world.
When the doubt of her calamity was removed, and the horrid fact
was accepted, there went a shudder over all cities, and a quiver over all
lands. There was scarcely a town in the civilized world that did not
shake on the brink of this opening chasm. The flames of our homes red-
dened all skies. The city was set upon a hill, and could not be hid. All
eyes were turned upon it. To have struggled and suffered amid the
scenes of its fall is as distinguishing as to have fought at Thermopylae, or
Salamis, or Hastings, or Waterloo, or Bunker Hill.
Its calamity amazed the world, because it was felt to be the common
property of mankind.
The early history of the city is full of interest, just as the early his-
tory of such a man as Washington or Lincoln becomes public property,
and is cherished by every patriot.
Starting with 560 acres in 1833, it embraced and occupied 23,000
acres in 18G9, and, having now a population of more than 500,000, it com-
mands general attention.
The first settler — Jean Baptiste Pointe au Sable, a mulatto from the
West Indies — came and began trade with the Indians in 1706. John
Kinzie became his successor in 1804, in which year Fort Dearborn was
erected.
A mere trading-post was kept here from that time till about the time
of the Blackhawk war, in 1832. It was not the city. It was merely a
cock crowing at midnight. The morning was not yet. In 1833 the set-
tlement about the fort was incorporated as a town. The voters were
divided on the propriety of such corporation, twelve voting for ic and one
against it. Four years later it was incorporated as a city, and embraced
560 acres.
The produce handled in this city is an indication of its power. Grain
and flour were imported from the East till as late as 1837. The first
exportation by way of experiment was in 1839. Exports exceeded imports
first in 1842. The Board of Trade was organized in 1848, but it was so
weak that it needed nursing till 1855. Grain was purchased by the
wagon-load in the street.
I remember sitting with my father on a load of wheat, in the long
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 97
line of wagons along Lake street, while the buyers came and untied the
bags, and examined the grain, and made their bids. That manner of
business had to cease with the day of small things. Now our elevators
will hold 15,000,000 bushels of grain. The cash value of the produce
handled in a year is '1)215,000,000, and the i)roduce weighs 7,000,000
tons or 700,000 car loads. This handles thirteen and a half ton each
minute, all the year round. One tenth of all the wheat in the United
States is handled in Chicago. Even as long ago as 1853 the receipts, of
grain in Chicago exceeded those of the goodly city of St. Louis, and in
1854 the exports of grain from Chicago exceeded those of New York and
doubled those of St. Petersburg, Archangel, or Odessa, the largest grain,
markets in Europe.
The manufacturing interests of the city are not contemptible. In
1873 manufactories employed 45,000 operatives ; in 1876, 60,000. The
manufactured product in 1875 was worth $177,000,000.
No estimate of the size and power of Chicago would be adequate
that did not put large emphasis on the railroads. Before they came
thundering along our streets canals were the hope of our country. But
who ever thinks now of traveling by canal packets ? In June, 1852,
there were only forty miles of railroad connected with the city. The
old Galena division of the Northwestern ran out to Elgin. But now,
who can count the trains and measure the roads that seek a terminus or
connection in this city ? The lake stretches away to the north, gathering
in to this center all the harvests that might otherwise pass to the north
of us. If you will take a map and look at the adjustment of railroads,
you will see, first, that Chicago is the great railroad center of the world,
as New York is the commercial city of this continent ; and, second, that
the railroad lines form the iron spokes of a great wheel whose hub is
this city. The lake furnishes the only break in the spokes, and this
seems simply to have pushed a few spokes together on each shore. See
the eighteen trunk lines, exclusive of eastern connections.
Pass round the circle, and view their numbers and extent. There
is the great Northwestern, with all its branches, one branch creeping
along the lake shore, and so reaching to the north, into the Lake Superior
regions, away to the right, and on to the Northern Pacific on the left,
swinging around Green Bay for iron and copper and silver, twelve months
in the year, and reaching out for the wealth of the great agricultural
belt and isothermal line traversed by the Northern Pacific. Another
branch, not so far north, feeling for the heart of the Badger State.
Another pushing lower down the Mississippi — all these make many con-
nections, and tapping all the vast wheat regions of Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, and all the regions this side of sunset. There is that elegant road,
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, running out a goodly number of
98
HISTORY OF THE KORTIIWEST.
OLD FOKT DEARBORN, 1830.
PRKSl-.XT SIXJL: Oi" LAKK MliilKr liRlDGi:, CHICAGO, IX lSu3.
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 99
branches, and reaping the great fields this side of the Missouri River.
1 can only mention the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis, our Illinois Central,
described elsewhere, and the Chicago & Rock Island. Further around
we come to the lines connecting us with all the eastern cities. The
Chicago, Indianapolis & St. Louis, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne &
Chicago, the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, and the Michigan Cen-
tral and Great Western, give us many highways to the seaboard. Thus we
reach the Mississippi at five points, from St. Paul to Cairo and the Gulf
itself by two routes. We also reach Cincinnati and Baltimore, and Pitts-
burgh and Philadelphia, and New York. North and south run the water
courses of the lakes and the rivers, broken just enough at this point to
make a pass. Through this, from east to west, run the long lines that
stretch from ocean to ocean.
This is the neck of the glass, and the golden sands of commerce
must pass into our hands. Altogether we have more than 10,000 miles
of railroad, directly tributary to this city, seeking to unload their wealth
in our coffers. All these roads have come themselves by the infallible
instinct of capital. Not a dollar was ever given by the city to secure
one of them, and only a small per cent, of stock taken originally by her
citizens, and that taken simply as an investment. Coming in the natural
order of events, they will not be easily diverted.
There is still another showing to all this. The connection between
New York and San Francisco is by the middle route. This passes inevit-
ably through Chicago. St. Louis wants the Southern Pacific or Kansas
Pacific, and pushes it out through Denver, and so on up to Cheyenne.
But before the road is fairly under way, the Chicago roads shove out to
Kansas City, making even the Kansas Pacific a feeder, and actually leav-
ing St. Louis out in the cold. It is not too much to expect that Dakota,
Montana, and Washington Territory will find their great market in Chi-
cago.
But these are not all. Perhaps I had better notice here the ten or
fifteen new roads that have just entered, or are just entering, our city.
Their names are all that is necessary to give. Chicago & St. Paul, look-
ing up the Red River country to the British possessions ; the Chicago,
Atlantic & Pacific ; the Chicago, Decatur & State Line ; the Baltimore &
Ohio; the Chicago, Danville & Vincennesi the Chicago & LaSalle Rail-
road ; the Chicago, Pittsburgh & Cincinnati ; the Chicago and Canada
Southern ; the Chicago and Illinois River Railroad. These, with their
connections, and with the new connections of the old roads, already in
process of erection, give to Chicago not less than 10,000 miles of new
tributaries from the richest land on the continent. Thus there will be
added to the reserve power, to the capital within reach of this city, not
less than $1,000,000,000.
.00 JilSTORY OF THE KOKTHWEST.
Add to all this transporting power the ships that sail one every nine
ninutes of the business hours of the season of navigation ; add, also, the
5anal boats that leave one every five minutes during the same time — and
^ou will see something of the business of the city.
THE COMMERCE OF THIS CITY
las been leaping along to keep pace with the growth of the country
iround us. In 1852, our commerce reached the hopeful sum of
520,000,000. In 1870 it reached $400,000,000. In 1871 it was pushed
ip above 8150,000,000. And in 1875 it touched nearly double that.
One-half of our imported goods come directly to Chicago. Grain
mough is exported directly from our docks to the old world to employ a
;emi-weekly line of steamers of 3,000 tons capacity. This branch is
lot likely to be greatly developed. Even after the great Welland Canal
s completed we shall have only fourteen feet of water. The great ocean
i^essels will continue to control the trade.
The banking capital of Chicago is $24,431,000. Total exchange in
1875, $659,000,000. Her wholesale business in 1875 was $294,000,000.
rhe rate of taxes is less than in any other great city.
The schools of Chicago are unsurpassed in America. Out of a popu-
lation of 300,000 there were only 186 persons between the ages of six
md twenty-one unable to read. This is the best known record.
In 1831 the mail system was condensed into a half-breed, who went
Dn foot to Niles, Mich., once in two weeks, and brought back what papers
ind news he could find. As late as 1846 there was often only one mail
I week. A post-office was established in Chicago in 1833, and the post-
master nailed up old boot-legs on one side of his shop to serve as boxes
for the nabobs and literary men.
It is an interesting fact in the growth of the young city that in the
active life of the business men of that day the mail matter has grown to
a. daily average of over 6,500 pounds. It speaks equally well for the
intelligence of the people and the commercial importance of the place,
that the mail matter distributed to the territory immediately tributary to
Chicago is seven times greater than that distributed to the territory
immediately tributary to St. Louis.
The improvements that have characterized the city are as startling
as the city itself. In 1831, Mark Beaubien established a ferry over the
river, and put himself under bonds to carry all the citizens free for the
privilege of charging strangers. Now there are twenty-four large bridoes
and two tunnels.
In 1833 the government expended $30,000 on the harbor. Then
commenced that series of manoeuvers with the river that has made it one
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 101
of the world's curiosities. It used to wind around in the lower end of
the town, and make its way rippling over the sand into the lake at the
foot of Madison street. Tliey took it up and put it down where it now
is. It was a narrow stream, so narrow that even moderately small crafts
had to go up through the willows and cat's tails to the point near Lake
street bridge, and back up one of the branches to get room enough in
which to turn around.
In 1844 the quagmires in the streets were first pontooned by plank
roads, which acted in wet weather as public squirt-guns. Keeping you
out of the mud, they compromised by squirting the mud over you. The
wooden-block pavements came to Chicago in 1857. In 1840 water was
delivered by peddlers in carts or by hand. Then a twenty-five horse-
power engine pushed it through hollow or bored logs along the streets
till 1854, when it was introduced into the houses by new works. The
first fire-engine was used in 1835, and the first steam fire-engine in 1859.
Gas was utilized for lighting the city in 1850. The Young Men's Chris-
tian Association was organized in 1858, and horse railroads carried them
to their work in 1859. The museum was opened in 1863. The alarm
telegraph adopted in 1864. The opera-house built in 1865. The city
grew from 560 acres in 1833 to 23,000 in 1869. In 1834, the taxes
amounted to $48.90, and the trustees of the town borrowed $60 more for
opening and improving streets. In 1835, the legislature authorized a loan
of $2,000, and the treasurer and street commissioners resigned rather than
plunge the town into such a gulf.
Now the city embraces 36 square miles of territory, and has 30 miles
of water front, besides the outside harbor of refuge, of 400 acres, inclosed
by a crib sea-wall. One-third of the city has been raised up an average
of eight feet, giving good pitch to the 263 miles of sewerage. The water
of the city is above all competition. It is received through two tunnels
extending to a crib in the lake two miles from shore. The closest analy-
sis fails to detect any impurities, and, received 35 feet below the surface,
it is always clear and cold. The first tunnel is five feet two inches in
diameter and two miles long, and can deliver 50,000,000 of gallons per
day. The second tunnel is seven feet in diameter and six miles long,
running four miles under the city, and can deliver 100,000,000 of gal-
lons per day. This water is distributed through 410 miles of water-
mains.
The three grand engineering exploits of the city are : First, lifting •
the city up on jack-screws, whole squares at a time, without interrupting
the business, thus giving us good drainage ; second, running the tunnels
under the lake, giving us the best water in the world ; and third, the
turning the current of the river in its own channel, delivering us from the
old abominations, and making decency possible. They redound about
1)2 HISTORY OF THE SOUTHWEST.
|ually to the credit of the engineering, to the energy of the people, and
1 the healtli of the cit3\
That wliich really constitutes the city, its indescribable spirit, its soul,
le way it lights up in every feature in the hour of action, has not been
)uched. In meeting strangers, one is often surprised how some homely
'omen marry so well. Their forms are bad, their gait uneven and awk-
'ard, their complexion is dull, their features are misshapen and mismatch-
i, and Avhen we see them there is no beauty that we should desire them,
ut when once they are aroused on some subject, they put on new pro-
ortions. They light up into great power. The real person comes out
■ora its unseemly ambush, and captures us at will. They have power,
'hey have ability to cause things to come to pass. We no longer wonder
'hy they are in such high demand. So it is with our city.
There is no grand scenery except the two seas, one of water, the
ther of prairie. Nevertheless, there is a spirit about it, a push, a breadth,
power, that soon makes it a place never to be forsaken. One soon
3ases to believe in impossibilities. Balaams are the only prophets that are
isappointed. The bottom that has been on the point of falling out has
een there so long that it has grown fast. It can not fall out. It has all
le capital of the world itching to get inside the corporation.
The two great laws that govern the growth and size of cities are,
rst, the amount of territory for which they are the distributing and
jceiving points ; second, the number of medium or moderate dealers that
0 this distributing. Monopolists build up themselves, not the cities,
'hey neither eat, wear, nor live in proportion to their business. Both
lese laws help Chicago.
The tide of trade is eastward — not up or down the map, but across
le map. The lake runs up a wingdam for 500 miles to gather in the
iisiness. Commerce can not ferry up there for seven months in the year,
[id the facilities for seven months can do the work for twelve. Then the
I'eat region west of us is nearly all good, productive' land. Dropping
)uth into the trail of St. Louis, you fall into vast deserts and rocky dis-
•icts, useful in holding the world together. St. Louis and Cincinnati,
istead of rivaling and hurting Chicago, are her greatest sureties of
ominion. They are far enough away to give sea-room, — farther off than
aris is from London, — and yet they are near enough to prevent the
Dringing up of any other great city between them.
St. Louis will be helped by the opening of the Mississippi, but also
urt. That will put New Orleans on her feet, and with a railroad running
ver into Texas and so West, she will tap the streams that now crawl up
le Texas and Missouri road. The current is East, not North, and a sea-
ort at New Orleans can not permanently help St. Louis.
Chicago is in the field almost alone, to handle the wealth of one-
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 103
fourth of the territory of this great republic. This strip of seacoast
divides its margins between Portland, Boston, New York, PhiladpTphia,
Baltimore and Savannah, or some other great port to be created ft • the
South in the next decade. But Chicago has a dozen empires casting their
treasures into her lap. On a bed of coal that can run all the machinery
of the world for 500 centuries ; in a garden that can feed the race by the
thousand years; at the head of the lakes that give her a temperature as a
summer resort equaled by no great city in the land ; with a climate that
insures the health of her citizens ; surrounded by all the great deposits
of natural wealth in mines and forests and herds, Chicago is the wonder
of to-day, and will be the oity of the future.
MASSACRE AT FORT DEARBORN.
During the war of 1812, Fort Dearborn became the theater of stirring
events. The garrison consisted of fifty-four men under command of
Captain Nathan Heald, assisted by Lieutenant Helm (son-in-law of Mrs.
Kinzie) and Ensign Ronan. Dr. Voorhees was surgeon. The only resi-
dents at the post at that time were the wives of Captain Heald and Lieu-
tenant Helm, and a few of the soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his family, and
a few Canadian voyageurs^ with their wives and cliildren. The soldiers
and Mr. Kinzie were on most friendly terms with the Pottawattamies
and Winnebagos, the principal tribes around them, but they could not
win them from their attachment to the British.
One evening in April, 1812, Mr. Kinzie sat playing on his violin and
his children were dancing to the music, when Mrs. Kinzie came rushing
into the house, pale with terror, and exclaiming : " The Indians ! the
Indians!" "What? Where?" eagerly inquired Mr. Kinzie. "Up
at Lee's, killing and scalping," answered the frightened mother, who,
when the alarm was given, was attending Mrs. Barnes (just confined)
living not far off. Mr. Kinzie and his family crossed the river and took
refuge in the fort, to which place Mrs. Barnes and her infant not a day
old were safely conveyed. The rest of the inhabitants took shelter in the
fort. This alarm was caused by a scalping party of Winnebagos, who
hovered about the fort several days, when they disappeared, and for several
weeks the inhabitants were undisturbed.
On the 7th of August, 1812, General Hull, at Detroit, sent orders to
Captain Heald to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and to distribute all the United
States property to the Indians in the neighborhood — a most insane order.
The Pottawattamie chief, who brought the dispatch, had more wisdom
than the commanding general. He advised Captain Heald not to make
the distribution. Said he : " Leave the fort and stores as they are, and
let the Indians make distribution for themselves ; and while they are
engaged in the business, the white people may escape to Fort Wayne.'
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 105
Captain Heald held a council with the Indians on the afternoon of
the 12th, in which his officers refused to join, for they had been informed
that treachery was designed — that the Indians intended to murder the
white people in the council, and then destroy those in the fort. Captain
Heald, however, took the precaution to open a port-hole displaying a
cannon pointing directly upon the council, and by that means saved
his life.
Mr. Kinzie, who knew the Indians well, begged Captain. Heald not
to confide in their promises, nor distribute the arms and munitions among
them, for it would only put power into their hands to destroy the whites.
Acting upon this advice, Heald resolved to withhold the munitions of
war ; and on the night of the 13th, after the distribution of the other
property had been made, the powder, ball and liquors were thrown into
the river, the muskets broken up and destroyed.
Black Partridge, a friendly chief, came to Captain Heald, and said :
" Linden birds ha,ve been singing in my ears to-day: be careful on the
march you are going to take." On that dark night vigilant Indians had
crept near the fort and discovered the destruction of their promised booty
going on within. The next morning the powder was seen floating on the
surface of the river. The savages were exasperated and made loud com-
plaints and threats.
On the following day when preparations were making to leave the
fort, and all the inmates were deeply impressed with a sense of impend-
ing danger, Capt. Wells, an uncle of Mrs. Heald, was discovered upon
the Indian trail among the sand-hills on the borders of the lake, not far
distant, with a band of mounted Miamis, of whose tribe he was chief,
having been adopted by the famous Miami warrior. Little Turtle. When
news of Hull's surrender reached Fort Wayne, he had started with this
force to assist Heald in defending Fort Dearborn. He was too late.
Every means for its defense had been destroyed the night before, and
arrangements were made for leaving the fort on the morning of the 15th.
It was a warm bright morning in the middle of August. Indications
were positive that the savages intended to murder the white people ; and
when they moved out of the southern gate of the fort, the march was
like a funeral procession. The band, feeling the solemnity of the occa-
sion, struck up the Dead March in Saul.
Capt. Wells, who had blackened his face with gun-powder in token
of his fate, took the lead with his band of Miamis, followed by Capt.
Heald, with his wife by his side on horseback. Mr. Kinzie hoped by his
personal influence to avert the impending blow, and therefore accompanied
them, leaving his family in a boat in charge of a friendly Indian, to be
taken to his trading station at the site of Niles, Michigan, in the event of
his death.
106
HISTORY OF THE KOllTHWEST.
wi!li.Lli,.:Mi^:.
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST. 107
The procession moved slowly along the lake shore till they reached
the sand-hills between the prairie and the beach, when the Pottawattamie
escort, under the leadership of Blackbird, filed to the right, placing those
hills between them and the white people. Wells, with his Miamis, had
kept in the advance. They suddenly came rushing back. Wells exclaim-
ing, " They are about to attack us ; form instantly." These words were
quickly followed by a storm of bullets, which came whistling over the
little hills which the treacherous savages had made the covert for their
murderous attack. The white troops charged upon the Indians, drove
them back to the prairie, and then the battle was waged between fifty-
four soldiers, twelve civilians and three or four women (the cowardly
Miamis having fled at the outset) against five hundred Indian warriors.
The white people, hopeless, resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible.
Ensign Ronan wielded his weapon vigorously, even after falling upon his
knees weak from the loss of blood. Capt. Wells, who was by the side of
his niece, Mrs. Heald, when the conflict began, behaved with the greatest
coolness and courage. He said to her, " We have not the slightest chance
for life. We must part to meet no more in this world. God bless you."
And then he dashed forward. Seeing a young warrior, painted like a
demon, climb into a wagon iu which were twelve children, and tomahawk
them all, he cried out, unmindful of his personal danger, " If that is your
game, butchering women and children, I will kill too." He spurred his
horse towards the Indian camp, where they had left their squaws and
papooses, hotly pursued by swift-footed young warriors, who sent bullets
whistling after him. One of these killed his horse and wounded him
severely in the leg. With a yell the young braves rushed to make him
their prisoner and reserve him for torture. He resolved not to be made
a captive, and by the use of the most provoking epithets tried to induce
them to kill him instantly. He called a fiery young chief a squaw, when
the enraged warrior killed Wells instantly with his tomahawk, jumped
upon his body, cut out his heart, and ate a portion of the warm morsel
with savage delight !
In this fearful combat women bore a conspicuous part. Mrs. Heald
was an excellent equestrian and an expert in the use of the rifle. She
fought the savages bravely, receiving several severe wounds. Though
faint from the loss of blood, she managed to keep her saddle. A savage
raised his tomahawk to kill her, when she looked him full in the face,
and with a sweet smile and in a gentle voice said, in his own language,
"Surely you will not kill a squaw!" The arm of the savage fell, and
the life of the heroic woman was saved.
Mrs. Helm, the step-daughter of Mr. Kinzie, had an encounter with
a stout Indian, who attempted to tomahawk her. Springing to one side,
shfi received the dancing blow on her shoulder, and at the same instant
108 HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST.
seized the savage round the neck with her arms and endeavored to get
hold of liis scalping knife, which hung in a sheath at his breast. Wiiile
she was thus struggling she was dragged from lier antagonist by anc.:hei
jjowerful Indian, wlio bore her, in spite of her struggles, to the margin
of the lake and plunged her in. To her astonishment she was held by
him so that she would not drown, and she soon perceived that she was
in the liands of the friendly Black Partridge, who liad saved her life.
The wife of Sergeant Holt, a large and powerful woman, behaved as
bravely as an Amazon. She rode a fine, high-spirited horse, which the
Indians coveted, and several of them attacked her with the butts of their
guns, for the purpose of dismounting her ; but she used the sword which
she had snatched from her disabled husband so skillfully that she foiled
them ; and, suddenly wheeling her horse, she dashed over the prairie,
followed by the savages shouting. " The brave woman ! the brave woman !
Don't hurt her ! '* The}^ finally overtook her, and while she was fighting
them in front, a powerful savage came up behind her, seized her by the
neck and dragged her to tlie ground. Horse and woman were made
captives. Mi-s. Holt Avas a long time a captive among the Indians, but
was afterwards ransomed.
In tliis sliarp conflict two-thirds of the white people were slain and
wounded, and all their horses, baggage and provision were lost. Only
twenty-eight straggling men now remained to fight five hundred Indians
rendered furious by the sight of blood. They succeeded in breaking
through the ranks of the murderers and gaining a slight eminence on the
prairie near the Oak Woods. The Indians did not pursue, but gathered
on their flanks, while the chiefs held a consultation on the sand-hills, and
showed signs of willingness to parley. It would have been madness on
the part of the whites to renew the fight ; and so Capt. Heald went for-
ward and met Blackbird on the open prairie, where terras of surrender
were soon agreed upon. It Avas arranged that the white people should
give up their arms to Blackbird, and that the survivors should become
prisoners of war, to be exchanged for ransoms as soon as practicable.
With this understanding captives and captors started for the Indian
camp near the fort, to which Mrs. Helm had been taken bleeding and
suffering by Black Partridge, and had met her step-father and learned
that her husband was safe.
A new scene of horror was now opened at the Indian camp. The
wounded, not being included in the terras of surrender, as it Avas inter-
preted by the Indians, and the British general, Proctor, having offered a
liberal bounty for American scalps, delivered at Maiden, nearly all the
wounded men were killed and scalped, and the price of the trophies was
afterwards paid by the British government.
THE STATE OF IOWA.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION.
The State of Iowa has an outline iSgure nearly approaching that of a rec-
tangular parallelogram, the northern and southern boundaries being nearly due
east and west lines, and its eastern and western boundaries determined by
southerly flowing rivers — the Mississippi on the east, and the Missouri, together
with its tributary, the Big Sioux, on the west. The northern boundary is upon
the parallel of forty-three degrees thirty minutes, and the southern is approxi-
mately upon that of forty degrees and thirty-six minutes. The distance from
the northern to the southern boundary, excluding the small prominent angle at
the southeast corner, is a little more than two hundred miles. Owing to the
irregularity of the river boundaries, however, the number of square miles does
not reach that of the multiple of these numbers ; but according to a report of
the Secretary of the Treasury to the United States Senate, March 12, 1863,
the State of Iowa contains 35,228,200 acres, or 55,044 square miles. When it
is understood that all this vast extent of surface, except that which is occupied
by our rivers, lakes and peat beds of the northern counties, is susceptible of the
highest cultivation, some idea may be formed of the immense agricultural
resources of the State. Iowa is nearly as large as England, and twice as large
as Scotland ; but when we consider the relative area of surface which may be
made to yield to the wants of man, those countries of the Old World will bear
no comparison with Iowa.
TOPOGRAPHY.
No complete topographical survey of the State of Iowa has yet been made.
Therefore all the knowledge, we have yet upon the subject has been obtained
from incidental observations of geological corps, from barometrical observations
by authority of the General Government, and levelings done by railroad en-
gineer corps within the State.
Taking into view the facts that the highest point in the State is but a little
more than twelve hundred feet above the lowest point, that these two points are
nearly three hundred miles apart, and that the whole State is traversed by
inn
110 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
gently flowing rivers, it will be seen that in reality the State of Iowa rests
wholly within, and comprises a part of, a vast plain, with no mountain or hill
ranixes within its borders.
A clearer idea of the great uniformity of the surface of the State may be
obtained from a statement of the general slopes in feet per mile, from point to
point, in straight lines across it :
From the N. E. corner to the S. E. corner of the State 1 foot 1 inch per mile.
From the N E. corner to Spirit Lake -3 feet 5 inches per mile.
From the N. W. corner to Spirit Lake 5 feet 0 inches per mile.
From the N. W. corner to the S. W. corner of the State 2 feet 0 inches per mile.
From the S. W corner to the highest ridge between the two
great rivers (in Ringgold County) 4 feet 1 inch per mile
From the dividing ridge in the S. E. corner of the State 5 feet 7 inches per mile.
From the highest point in the State (near Spirit Lake) to the
lowest point in the State (at the mouth of Des Moines
River) 4 feet 0 inches per mile.
It will be seen, therefore, that there is a good degree of propriety in regard-
ing the whole State as a part of a great plain, the lowest point of which within
its borders, the southeast corner of the State, is only 444 feet above the level of
the sea. The average height of the whole State above the level of the sea is
not far from eight hundred feet, although it is more than a thousand miles
inland from the nearest sea coast. These remarks are, of course, to be under-
stood as applying to the surface of the State as a whole. When we come to
consider its surface feature in detail, we find a great diversity of surface by the
formation of valleys out of the general level, which have been evolved by the
action of streams during the unnumbered years of the terrace epoch.
It is in the northeastern part of the State tlyit the river valleys are deepest ;
consequently the country there has the greatest diversity of surface, and its
physical features are most strongly marked.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers form the eastern and western bounda-
ries of the State, and receive the eastern and western drainage of it.
The eastern drainage system comprises not for from two-thirds of the en-
tire surface of the State. The great watershed which divides these two systems
is formed by the highest land between those rivers along the whole length of a
line running southward from, a point on the northern boundary line of the State
near Spirit Lake, in Dickinson County, to a nearly central point in the northern
part of Adair County.
From the last named point, this highest ridge of land, between the two great
rivers, continues southward, without change of character, through Ringgold
County into the State of Missouri ; but southward from that point, in Adair
County, it is no longer the great watershed. From that point, another and
lower ridge bears off more nearly southeastward, through the counties of Madi-
son, Clarke, Lucas and App;inoose, and becomes itself the great watershed.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. Ill
RIVERS.
All streams that rise in Iowa rise upon the incoherent surface deposits,
occupying at first only slight depressions in the surface, and scarcely percept-
ible. These successively coalesce to form the streams.
The drift and bluff deposits are both so thick in Iowa that its streams not
only rise upon their surface, but they also reach considerable depth into these
deposits alone, in some cases to a depth of nearly two hundred feet from the
general prairie level.
The majority of streams that constitute the western system of Iowa drainao-e
run, either along the whole or a part of their course, upon that peculir deposit
known as bluff deposit. Their banks are often, even of the small streams,
from five to ten feet in height, quite perpendicular, so that they make the
streams almost everywhere unfordable, and a great impediment to travel across
the open country where there are no bridges.
The material of this deposit is of a slightly yellowish ash color, except
where darkened by decaying vegetation, very fine and silicious, but not sandy,
not very cohesive, and not at all plastic. It forms excellent soil, and does not
bake or crack in drying, except limy concretions, which are generally dis-
tributed throughout the mass^ m shape and size resembling pebbles ; not a
stone or pebble can be found in the whole deposit. It was called " silicious
marl" by Dr. Owen, in his geological report to the General Government, and
its origin referred to an accumulation of sediment in an ancient lake, which
was afterward drained, when its sediment became dry laml. Prof Swallaw
gives it the name of "bluff," which is here adopted; the term Lacustral would
have been better. The peculiar properties of this deposit are that it will stand
securely with a precipitous front two hundred feet high, and yet is easily
excavated with a spade. Wells dug in it require only to be walled to a point just
above the water line. Yet, compact as it is, it is very porous, so that water
which falls on its surface does not remain, but percolates through it; neither
does it accumulate within its mass, as it does upon the surface of and within
the drift and the stratified formations.
The bluff deposit is known to occupy a region through which the Missouri
runs almost centrally, and measures, as far as is known, more than two hun-
dred miles in length and nearly one hundred miles in width. The thickest
part yet known in Iowa is in Fremont County, where it reaches two hundred
feet. The boundaries of this deposit in Iowa are nearly as follows : Com-
mencing at the southeast corner of Fremont County, follow up the watershed
between the East Nishnabotany and the West Tarkio Rivers to the southern
boundary of Cass County ; thence to the center of Audubon County ; thence
to Tip Top Station, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway ; thence by a
broad curve westward to the northwest corner of Plymouth County.
This deposit is composed of fine sedimentary particles, similar to that
which the Missouri River now deposits from its waters, and is the same which
112 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
that river did deposit in a broad depression in the surface of the drift that
formed a hike-like expansion of that river in the earliest period of the history
of its valley. That lake, as shown by its deposit, ■which now remains, was
about one hundred miles wide and more than twice as long. The water of the
river was muddy then, as now, and the broad lake became filled with the sedi-
ment which the river brought down, before its valley had enough in the lower
portion of its course to drain it. After the lake became filled with the sedi-
ment, tlie valley below became deepened by the constant erosive action of the
waters, to a depth of more than sufficient to have drained the lake of its first
waters; but the only effect then Avas to cause it to cut its valley out of the de-
posits its own muddy waters had formed. Thus along the valley of that river,
so far as it forms the western boundary of Iowa, the bluffs which border it are
composed of that sediment known as bluff deposit, forming a distinct border
along the broad, level flood plain, the width of which varies from five to fifteen
miks, while the original sedimentary deposit stretches far inland.
All the rivers of the western system of drainage, except the Missouri itself,
are quite incomplete as rivers, in consequence of their being really only
branches of other larger tributaries of that great river, or, if they empty into
the Missouri direct, they have yet all the usual characteristics of Iowa rivers,
from their sources to their mouths.
Chariton and Cinind Rivers both rise and run for the first twenty-five miles
of their courses upon the drift deposit alone. The first strata that are exposed
by the deepening valleys of both these streams belong to the upper coal meas-
ures, and they both continue upon the same formation until they make their
exit from the State (the former in Appanoose County, the latter in Ringgold
County), near the boundary of which they have passed nearly or quite through
the whole of that formation to the middle coal measures. Their valleys gradu-
ally deepen from their upper portions downward, so that within fifteen or twenty
miles they have reached a depth of near a hundred and fifty feet below the gen-
eral level of the adjacent high land. When the rivers have cut their valleys
down through the series of limestone strata, they reach those of a clayey com-
position. Upon these they widen their valleys and make broad flood plains
(commonly termed "bottoms "), the soil of which is stift' and clayey, except
where modified by sandy washings.
A considerable breadth of woodland occupies the bottoms and valley sides
along a great part of their lengtli ; but their upper branches and tributaries are
mostly prairie streams.
Platte River. — This river belongs mainly to Missouri. Its upper branches
pass through Ringgold County, and, with the west fork of the Grand River,
drain a large region of country.
Here the drift deposit reaches its maximum thickness on an east and west
line across the State, and the valleys are eroded in some instances to a depth of
two hundred feet, apparently, through this deposit alone.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 113
The term " drift deposit " applies to the soil and sub-soil of the greater part
of the State, and in it alone many of our wells are dug and our forests take
root. It rests upon the stratified rocks. It is composed of clay, sand, gravel
aud boulders, promiscuously intermixed, without stratification, varying in char-
acter in different parts of the State.
The proportion of lime in the drift of Iowa is so great that the water of all
our wells and springs is too '' hard " for washing purposes ; and the same sub-
stance is so prevalent in the drift clays that they are always found to have suffi-
cient flux when used for the manufacture of brick.
One Hundred and Two River is represented in Taylor County, the valleys
of which have the same general character of those just described. The country ,
around and between the east and west forks of this stream is almost entirely
prairie.
Nodaway River. — This stream is represented by east, middle and west
branches. The two former rise in Adair County, the latter in Cass County.
These rivers and valleys are fine examples of the small rivers and valleys of
Southern Iowa. They have the general character of drift valleys, and with
beautiful undulating and sloping sides. The Nodaways drain one of the finest
agricultural regions in the State, the soil of which is tillable almost to their very
banks. The banks and the adjacent narrow flood plains are almost everywhere
composed of a rich, deep, dark loam.
Nkhiahotany River. — This river is represented by east and west branches,
the former having its source in Anderson County, the latter in Shelby County.
Both these branches, from their source to their confluence — and also the main
stream, from thence to the point where it enters the great flood plain of the
Missouri — run through a region the surface of which is occupied by the bluff
deposit. The. West Nishnabotany is probably without any valuable mill sites.
In the western part of Cass County, the East Nishnabotany loses its identity
by becoming abruptly divided up into five or six different creeks. A few
good mill sites occur here on this stream. None, however, that are thought
reliable exist on either of these rivers, or on the main stream below the
confluence, except, perhaps, one or two in Montgomery County. The
valleys of the two branches, and the intervening upland, possess remarkable
fertility.
Boyer River. — Until it enters the flood plain of the Missouri, the Boyer
runs almost, if not quite, its entire course through the region occupied by the
bluff deposit, and has cut its valley entirely through it along most of its pas-
sage. The only rocks exposed are the upper coal measures, near Reed's mill, in
Harrison County. The exposures are slight, and are the most northerly now
known in Iowa. The valley of this river has usually gently sloping sides, and an
ndistinctly defined flood plain. Along the lower half of its course the adjacent
upland presents a surface of the billowy character, peculiar to the bluff deposit.
The source of this river is in Sac County.
114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Soldier River. — The east and middle branches of this stream have their
source in Crawford County, and the west branch in Ida County. The whole
course of this river is through the bluff deposit. It has no exposure of strata
alons its course.
Little Sioux River. — Under this head are included both the main and west
branches of that stream, together with the Maple, which is one of its branches.
The west branch and the Maple are so similar to the Soldier River that thej
need no separate description. The main stream has its boundary near the
northern boundary of the State, and runs most of its course upon drift deposit
alone, entering the region of the bluff deposit in the southern part of Cherokee
County. The two principal upper branches, near their source in Dickinson
and Osceola .Counties, are small prairie creeks, with indistinct valleys. On
entering Clay County, the valley deepens, and at their confluence has a depth
of one hundred feet, which still further increases until along the boundary line
between Clay and Buena Yista Counties, it reaches a depth of two hundred
feet. Just as the valley enters Cherokee County, it turns to the southward and
becomes much widened, with its sides gently sloping to the uplands. When the
valley enters the region of the bluff deposit, it assumes the billowy appearance.
No exposures of strata of any kind have been found in the valley of the Little
Sioux or any of its branches.
Floyd River. — This river rises upon the drift in O'Brien County, and flow-
in » southward enters the region of the bluff deposit a little north of the center
of Plymouth County. Almost from its source to its mouth it is a prairie stream,
with slightly sloping valley sides, which blend gradually with the uplands. A
sino-le slight exposure of sandstone of cretaceous age occurs in the valley near
Sioux City, and which is the only known exposure of rock of any kind along
its whole length. Near this exposure is a mill site, but farther up the stream
it is not valuable for such purposes.
Rock River. — This stream passes through Lyon and Sioux Counties. It
was evidently so named from the fact that considerable exposures of the red
Sioux quartzite occur along the main branches of the stream in Minnesota, a
few miles north of our State boundary. Within this State the main stream and
its branches are drift streams, and strata are exposed. The beds and banks of
the streams are usually sandy and gravelly, with occasional boulders intermixed.
Big Sioux River. — The valley of this river, from the northwest corner of
the State to its mouth, possesses much the same character as all the streams of
the surface deposits. At Sioux Falls, a few miles above the northwest corner
of the State, the stream meets with remarkable obstructions from the presence
of Sioux quartzite, which outcrops directly across the stream, and causes a fall
of about sixty feet within a distance of half a mile, producing a series of cas-
cades. For the first twenty-five miles above its mouth, the valley is very broad,
with a broad, flat flood plain, with gentle slopes occasionally showing indistinctly
defined terraces. These terraces and valley bottoms constitute some of the finest
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 115
agricultural land of the region. On the Iowa side of the valley the upland
presents abrupt bluffs, steep as the materials of which they are composed will
stand, and from one hundred to nearly two hundred feet high above the stream.
At rare intervals, about fifteen miles from its mouth, the cretaceous strata are
found exposed in the face of the bluffs of the Iowa side. No other strata are
exposed along that part of the valley which borders our State, with the single
exception of Sioux quartzite at its extreme northwestern corner. Some good mill
sites may be secured along that portion of this river which borders Lyon County,
but below this the fall will probably be found insufficient and the location for
dams insecure.
Missouri River. — This is one of the muddiest streams on the globe, and its
waters are known to be very turbid far toward its source. The chief pecul-
iarity of this river is its broad flood plains, and its adjacent bluff deposits.
Much the greater part of the flood plain of this river is upon the Iowa side, and
continuous from the south boundary line of the State to Sioux City, a distance
of more than one hundred miles in length, varying from three to five miles in
width. This alluvial plain is estimated to contain more than half a million acres
of land within the State, upward of four hundred thousand of which are now
tillable.
The rivers of the eastern system of drainage have quite a different character
from those of the western system. They are larger, longer and have their val-
leys modified to a much greater extent by the underlying strata. For the lat-
ter reason, water-power is much more abundant upon them than upon the
streams of the western system.
Des Moines River. — This river has its source in Minnesota, but it enters
Iowa before it has attained any size, and flows almost centrally through it from
northwest to southeast, emptying into the Mississippi at the extreme southeast-
ern corner of the State. It drains a greater area than any river within the
State. The upper portion of it is divided into two branches known as the east
and west forks. These unite in Humboldt County. The valleys of these
branches above their confluence are drift-valleys, except a few small exposures
of subcarboniferous limestone about five miles above their confluence. These
exposures produce several small mill-sites. The valleys vary from a few hun-
dred yards to half a mile in width, and are the finest agricultural lands. In the
northern part of Webster County, the character of the main valley is modified
by the presence of ledges and low cliffs of the subcarboniferous limestone and
gypsum. From a point a little below Fort Dodge to near Amsterdam, in Ma-
rion County, the river runs all the way through and upon the lower coal-meas
ure strata. Along this part of its course the flood-plain varies from an eighth
to half a mile or more in width. From Amsterdam to Ottumwa the subcarbon-
iferous limestone appears at intervals in the valley sides. Near Ottumwa, the sub-
carboniferous rocks pass beneath the liver again, bringing down the coal-measure
strata into its bed ; but they rise again from it in the extreme northwestern part
116 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
of Van Buren County, and subearboniferous strata resume and keep their place
along the valley to the north of the river. From Fort Dodge to the northern
part of Lee County, the strata of the lower coal measures are present in the
valley. Its flood plain is frequently sandy, from the debris of the sandstone
and sandy shales of the coal measures produced by their removal in the process
of the formation of the valley.
The principal tributaries of the Des Moines are upon the western side.
These arc the Raccoon and the three rivers, viz.: South, Middle and North Riv-
ers. The three latter have their source in the region occupied by the upper
coal-measure limestone formation, flow eastward over the middle coal measures,
and enter the valley of the Des Moines upon the lower coal measures. These
streams, especially South and Middle Rivers, are frequently bordered by high,
rocky cliffs. Raccoon River has its source upon the heavy surface deposits of
the middle region of Western Iowa, and along the greater part of its course it
has excavated its valley out those deposits and the middle coal measures alone.
The valley of the Des Moines and its branches are destined to become the seat
of extensive manufactures in consequence of the numerous mill sites of immense
power, and the fact that the main valley traverses the entire length of ihe Iowa
coal fields.
Skunk River. — This river has its source in Hamilton County, and runs
almost its entire course upon the border of the outcrop of the lower coal meas-
ures, or, more properly speaking, upon the subearboniferous limestone, just where
it begins to pass beneath the coal measures by its southerly and westerly dip.
Its general course is southeast. From the western part of Henry County, up
as far as Story County, the broad, flat flood plain is covered with a rich deep
clay soil, which, in time of long-continued rains and overflows of the river, has
made the valley of Skunk River a terror to travelers from the earliest settle-
ment of the country. There are some excellent mill sites on the lower half of
this river, but they are not so numerous or valuable as on other rivers of the
eastern system.
loiva River. — This river rises in Hancock County, in the midst of a broad,
slightly undulating drift region. The first rock exposure is that of subearbon-
iferous limestone, in the southwestern, corner of Franklin County. It enters
the region of the Devonian strata near the southwestern corner of Benton
County, and in this it continues to its confluence with the Cedar in Louisa
County. Below the junction with the Cedar, and for some miles above that
point, its valley is broad, and especially on the northern side, with a well
marked flood plain. Its borders gradually blend with the uplands as they slope
away in the distance from the river. The Iowa furnishes numerous and valua-
ble mill sites.
Cedar River. — This stl*eam is usually understood to be a branch of the
Iowa, but it ought, really, to be regarded as the main stream. It rises by
numerous branches in the northern ])art of the State, and flows the entire length
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 117
of the State, through the region occupied by the Devonian strata and alonnr the
trend occupied by that formation.
Tlie valley of this river, in tlie upper part of its course, is narrow, and the
sides slope so gently as to scarcely show where the lowlands end and the up-
lands begin. Below the confluence with the Shell Rock, the flood plain is more
distinctly marked and the valley broad and shallow. The valley of the Cedar
is one of the finest regions in the State, and both the main stream and its
branches aftbrd abundant and reliable mill sites.
Wapsipinnicon River. — This river has its source near the source of the
Cedar, and runs parallel and near it almost its entire course, the upper half
upon the same formation — the Devonian. In the northeastern part of Linn
County, it enters the region of the Niagara limestone, upon which it continues
to the Mississippi. It is one hundred miles long, and yet the area of its drain-
age is only from twelve to twenty miles in width. Hence, its numerous mill
sites are unusually secure. '
Turkey River. — This river and the Upper Iowa are, in many respects, un-
like other Iowa rivers. The difierence is due to the great depth they have
eroded their valleys and the different character of the material through which
they have eroded. Turkey River rises in Howard County, and in Winnesheik
County, a few miles from its source, its valley has attained a depth of more than
two hundred feet, and in Fayette and Clayton Counties its depth is increased to
three and four hundred feet. The summit of the uplands, bordering nearly the
whole length of the valley, is capped by the Maquoketa shales. These shales
are underlaid by the Galena limestone, between two and three hundred feet
thick. The valley has been eroded through these, and runs upon the Trenton
limestone. Thus, all the formations along and within this valley are Lower
Silurian. The valley is usually narrow, and without a well-marked flood plain.
Water power is abundant, but in most places inaccessible.
Tipper Iowa River. — This river rises in Minnesota, just beyond the north-
ern boundary line, and enters our State in Howard County before it has attained
any considerable size. Its course is nearly eastward until it reaches the Mis-
sissippi. It rises in the region of the Devonian rocks, and flows across the out-
crops, respectively, of the Niagara, Galena and Trenton limestone, the lower
magnesian limestone and Potsdam sandstone, into and through all of which,
except the last, it has cut its valley, which is the deepest of any in Iowa. The
valley sides are, almost everywhere, high and steep, and cliffs of lower magne-
sian and Trenton limestone give them a wild and rugged aspect. In the lower
part of the valley, the flood plain reaches a width sufficient for the location of
small farms, but usually it is too narrow for such purposes. On the higher
surface, however, as soon as you leave the valley you come immediately upon a
cultivated country. This stream has the greatest slope per mile of any in Iowa,
consequently it furnishes immense water power. In some places, where creeks
come into it, the valley widens and affords good locations for farms. The town
118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
of Dccorah, in Winnoshcik County, is located in one of these spots, which
makes it a lovely location ; and the power of the river and the small spring
streams around it offer fine facilities for manufacturing. This river and its
tributaries are the only trout streams in Iowa.
3Iississip2n River. — This river may be described, in general terms, as a broad
canal cut out of the general level of the country through which the river flows.
It is bordered by abrupt hills or bluffs. The bottom of the valley ranges from
one to eight miles in width. The whole space between the bluffs is occupied by
the river and its bottom, or flood plain only, if we except the occasional terraces
or remains of ancient flood plains, which are not now reached by the highest
floods of tlie river. The river itself is from half a mile to nearly a mile in
width. There arc but four points along the whole length of the State where the
bluffs approach the stream on both sides. The Lower Silurian formations com-
pose the bluffs in the northern part of the State, but they gradually disappear
by a southerly dip, and the bluffs are continued successively by the Upper
Silurian, Devonian, and subcarboniferous rocks, which are reached near the
southeastern corner of the State.
Considered in their relation to the present general surface of the state, the
relative ages of the river valley of Iowa date back only to the close of the
glacial epoch ; but that the Mississippi, and all the rivers of Northeastern Iowa,
if no others, had at least a large part of the rocky portions of their valleys
eroded by pre-glacial, or perhaps even by palaeozoic rivers, can scarcely be
doubted.
LAKES.
The lakes of Iowa may be properly divided into two distinct classes. The
first may be called drift lakes, having had their origin in the depressions left
in the surface of the drift at the close of the glacial epoch, and have rested upon
the undisturbed surface of the drift deposit ever since the glaciers disappeared.
The others may be properly icrmc^ jiuvatile or alluvial lakes, because they have
had their origin by the action of rivers while cutting their own valleys out from
the surface of the drift as it existed at the close of the glacial epoch, and are now
found resting upon the alluvium, as the others rest upon the drift. By the term
alluvium is meant the deposit which has accumulated in the valleys of rivers by
the action of their own currents. It is largely composed of sand and other
coarse material, and upon that deposit arc some of the best and most productive
soils in the State. It is this deposit which form the flood plains and deltas of
our rivers, as well as the terraces of their valleys.
The regions to which the drift lakes are principally confined are near the
head waters of the principal streams of the State. We consequently find them
in those regions which lie between the Cedar and Des Moines Rivers, and the
Des Moines and Little Sioux. No drift lakes are found in Southern Iowa.
The largest of the lakes to be found in the State are Spirit and Okoboji, in
HISTORY OF TIIK KTATK OF IOWA. 119
Dickinson County ; Clear Lake, in Cerro Gordo County ; and Storm Jjake, in
Bunea Vista County.
Spirit Lake. — The width and length of this lake arc aliout equal, jtujid it
contains about twelve scjuare miles of surface, its northern border resting directly
on the boundary of tlie State. It lies almost directly npon the great watershed.
Its shores are mostly gravelly, and the country about it fertile.
Okohoji Lake. — This body of water lies directly south of Spirit Lake, and
has somewhat the shape of a horse-shoe, with its eastern projection within a few
rods of Spirit Lake, where it receives the outlet of the latter. Okob(jji Lake
extends about five miles southward from Spirit Lake, thence about the same
distance westward, and then bends northward about as far as the eastern projec-
tion. The eastern portion is narrow, but the western is larger, and in some
places a hundred feet deep. The surroundings of this and Spirit Lake are very
pleasant. Fish are abundant in them, and they are the resort of myriads of
water fowl.
Clear Lake. — This lake is situated in Cerro Gordo County, upon the
watershed between the Iowa and Cedar Rivers. It is about five miles long,
and two or three mih-s wide, and has a maximum depth of only fifteen
feet. Its shores and the country around it are like that of Spirit Lake.
Storm Lake. — This body of water rests upon tlio great water shed in Buena
Vista County. It is a clear, beautiful sheet of water, containing a surface area
of between four and five square miles.
The outlets of all these drift-lakes are dry during a {jortion of the year, ex-
cept Okoboji.
Walled Lakes. — Along the water sheds of Northern Iowa great numbers of
small lakes exist, varying from half a mile to a mile in diameter. One of the lakes
in Wright County, and another in Sac, have each received the name of " Walled
Lake," on account of the existence of embankments on their borders, which are
supposed to be the work of ancient inhabitants. These embankments are from
two to ten feet in height, and from five to thirty feet acro.ss. They are the
result of natural causes alone, being referable to the periodic action of ice, aided,
to 8om<; extent, ]>y the force of the waves. These lakes are very shallow, and
in winter freeze to the bottom, so tliat but little unfrozen water remains in the
middle. The ice freezes fast to everything upon the bottom, and the expansive
power of the water in freezing acts in all directions from the center to the cir-
cumference, and whatever was on the bottom of the lake has been thus carried
to the shore, and this has been going on from year to year, from century to
century, forming the embankments which have caused so much wonder.
KPRING.S.
Springs issue from all formations, and from the sides of almost every valley,
but they are more numerous, and assume proportions which give rise to the
name of sink-holes, along the upland Ijoi-dcrs of the L'pper Iowa River, ov/ing
120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
to the peculiar fissured and laminated character and great thickness of the strata
of the ago of the Trenton limestone which underlies the whole region of the
valley of that stream.
No mineral springs, properly so called, have yet been discovered in Iowa,
though the water of several artesian wells is frequently found charged Avith
soluble mineral substances.
ORIGIN OF THE PRAIRIES.
It is estimated that seven-eighths of the surface of the State was prairie
when first settled. They are not confined to level surfaces, nor to any partic-
ular variety of soil, for within the State they rest upon all formations, from
those of the Azoic to those of the Cretaceous age, inclusive. Whatever may
have been their origin^ their present existence in Iowa is not due to the influ-
ence of climate, nor the soil, nor any of the undeidying formations. Tlie real
cause is the prevalence of the annual fires. If these had been prevented fifty
years ago, Iowa would now be a timbered country. The encroachment of forest
trees upon prairie farms as soon as the bordering Avoodland is protected from
the annual prairie fires, is well known to farmers throughout the State.
The soil of Iowa is justly fiimous for its fertility, and there is probably no
equal area of the earth's surface that contains so little untillable land, or whose
soil has so high an average of fertility. Ninety-five per cent, of its surface is
tillable land.
GEOLOGY.
The soil of Iowa may be separated into three general divisions, which not
only possess different physical characters, but also differ in the mode of their
origin. These are drift, bluff and alluvial, and belong respectively to the
deposits bearing the same names. The drift occupies a much larger part of the
surface of the State than both the others. The bluff has the next greatest area
of surface, and the alluvial least.
All soil is disintegrated rock. The drift deposit of Iowa was derived, to a
considerable extent, from the rocks of Minnesota ; but the greater part of Iowa
drift was derived from its own rocks, much of which has been transported but a
short distance. In general terms the constant component element of the drift
soil is that portion which was transported from the north, while the inconstant
elements are those portions which were derived from the adjacent or underlying
strata. For example, in Western Iowa, wherever that cretaceous formation
known as the Nishnabotany sandstone exists, the soil contains more sand than
elsewhere. The same may be said of the soil of some parts of the State occu-
pied by the lower coal measures, the sandstones and sandy shales of that forma-
tion furnishing the sand.
In Northern and Northwestern Iowa, the drift contains more sand and
gravel than elsewhere. This sand and gravel was, doubtless, derived from the
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA
121
cretaceous rocks that now do, or formerly did, exist there, and also in part
from the conglomerate and pudding-stone beds of the Sioux quartzite.
In Southern Iowa, the soil is frequently stiff and clayey. This preponder-
ating clay is doubtless derived from the clayey and shaly beds which alternate
with the limestones of that region.
The bluff soil is that which rests upon, and constitutes a part of, the bluff
deposit. It is found only in the western part of the State, and adjacent to the
Missouri River. Although it contains less than one per cent, of clay in its
composition, it is in no respect inferior to the best drift soil.
The alluvial soil is that of the flood plains of the river valleys, or bottom
lands. That which is periodically flooded by the rivers is of little value for
agricultural purposes ; but a large part of it is entirely above the reach of the
highest floods, and is very productive.
The stratified rocks of Iowa range from the Azoic to the Mesozoic, inclu-
sive ; but the greater portion of the surface of the State is occupied by those
of the Palaeozoic age. The table below will show each of these formations in
their order :
SYSTEMS.
AGES.
Cretaceous
Carboniferous,.
Devonian
Upper Silurian
Lower Silurian
Azoic
GROUPS.
PERIODS.
FORMATIONS.
EPOCHS.
(Post Tertiary
Lower Cretaceous.
r
1 Coal Measures.
Subcarboniferous.
Hamilton
Niagara
Cincinnati
Trenton.
Primordial.
Huronian
\DTift
j fnoceriimous bed
j Woodburij Sandstone and Shales..
Nishnabotany Sandstone
Upper Coal Measures
jMiddle Coal Measures
Lower Coal Measures
St. Louis Limestone
Keokuk Limestone
Burl ington Limestone
Kinderhook beds
j Hamilton Limestone and Shales.
Niagara Limestone
'Maquoketa Shales
Galena Limestone
Trenton Limestone
jSt. Peter's Sandstone
Lower Magnesian Limestone
'Potsdam Sandstone
iSioux Quartzite
THICKNESS.
IN FEET.
10
to 200
50
130
100
200
200
200
75
90
196
175
200
350
80
250
200
80
250
300
50
THE AZOIC SYSTEM.
The Sioux quartzite is found exposed in natural ledges only upon a few
acres in the extreme northwest corner of the State, upon the banks of the Big
Sioux River, for which reason the specific name of Sioux Quartzite has been
given them. It is an intensely hard rock, breaks in splintery fracture, and a
color varying, in different localities, from a light to deep red. The process of
metamorphism has been so complete throughout the whole formation that the
rock is almost everywhere of uniform texture. The dip is four or five degrees
to the northward, and the trend of the outcrop is eastward and westward. This
122 HISTORY' OF THE STATK OK IOWA.
•ock may be (luarried in a fi-w rare cases, but usually it cannot be secured in
iry forms except that iiiti) ^vllicll it naturally cracks, and the tendency is to
mgular pieces. It is absolutely indcsti iicti))le.
LOWER SILURIAN SYSTEM.
I'KIMdItDlAL (iUOUl'.
J*otschifn Sandstone. — This formation is exposed only in a small portion of
he northeastern portion of the State. It is only to be seen in the biises of the
tlufls and steep valley sides which border the river there. It may be seen
mdorlying the lower magnesian limestone, St. Peter s sandstone and Trenton
imestone, in their regular order, along the bluffs of the Mississippi from the
lorthern boundary of the State as far south as Guttenburg, along the Upper
lOwa for a distance of about twenty miles from its mouth, and along a few of
he streams which empty into the Mississippi in Allamakee County.
It is nearly valueless for economic purposes.
No fossils have been discovered in this formation in Iowa.
Lower 3Iii(jnesiuiu Limestone. — This formation has but little greater geo-
graphical extent in Iowa than the Potsdam sandstone. It lacks a uniformity
)f texture and stratification, owing to which it is not generally valuable for
)uildiiig j)urposes.
The only fossils found in this formation in Iowa are a few traces of crinoids,
tear McGregor.
*S'^ Peter s Sandstone. — This formation is remarkably uniform in thickness
hroughout its known geographical extent ; and it is evident it occupies a large
)ortion of the northern half of Allamakee County, immediately beneath the
Irift.
TUEXTON GUOUP.
Trenton Limestone. — With the exception of this, all tlie limestones of both
.'j)per and Lower Siluriati age in Iowa are magnesian limestones — nearly pure
lolomites. This formation occupies large portions of Winnesheik and AUa-
nakee Counties and a portion of Clayton. The greater part of it is useless for
iconomic purposes, yet there are in some places compact and evenly bedded
ayers, which aflbrd fine material for window caps and sills.
In this formation, fossils are abundant, so much so that, in some places, the
ock is made up of a mass of shells, corals and fragments of tribolites, cemented
ty calcareous material into a solid rock. Some of these fossils are new to
cience and peculiar to Iowa.
The Galena Limestone. — This is the upper formation of the Trenton group,
t seldom exceeds twelve miles in width, although it is fully one hundred and
ifty miles long. The outcrop traverses portions of the counties of Howard,
iVinnesheik, Allamakee, Fayette, Clayton, Dubuque and Jackson. It exhibits
ts greatest develoj)HUMit in Dubu(|ue Countv- It is nearly a pure dolomite,
vith a slight admixture i»f silicious matter. It is usually unfit f^,- dressing.
HISTORY OF THE STATK OF IOWA. 123
though sometimes near tlic top of the bed ^ood Idocks for (lrcRsiii<^ uxc, found.
This formation is the source of the h^ad ore of the Dubuque lead mines. The
lead region proper is confined to an area of about fifteen miles H(juare in the
, vicinity of Dubucpie. The ore occurs in vertical fissures, which truv(;rse the
rock at regular intervals from east to "west; some is found in those wliich have
a north and south direction. The ore is mostly that known as (Jalena, or sul-
phuret of lead, very small (juantities only of the carbonate being found with it.
(,'INC'INNATI fillOIJI'.
Maquoketa Shalen. — The surface occupied by tliis formation is singularly
long and narrow, seldom reaching more than a mile or two in width, but more
than a hundred miles in length. Its most southerly exposure is in the bluHs of
the Mississij)pi near Bellevue, in Jackson County, and the most northerly yet
recognized is in the western part of Winnesheik County. Tlie whoh; formation
is largely composed of bluish and brownish shales, sometimes slightly arena-
ceous, sometimes calcareous, which weather into a tenacious clay upon the sur-
face, and the soil derived from it is usually stiff and clayey. Its economic
Viilue is very slight.
Several species of fossils which characterize the Cin(;irinati group are found
in the Maquoketa shales; but they contain a larger nurnb(.'r that have been
found anywhere else than in tliese shales in Iowa, and their distinct faunal char-
acteristics seem to warrant the separation of the Maquoketa shales as a distinct
formation from any others of the group.
UI'I'KR KILURIAN SYSTEM.
NIAfJAllA G".Oi;i'.
Niagara Limestone. — The area occuf)ied by the Niagara limestone is nearly
one hundred and sixty miles long from north to south, and forty and fifty miles
wide.
This formation is entirely a magnesian limestone, with in some places a con-
siderable proportion of silicious matter in the form of chert or coarse flint. A
large part of it is evenly bedded, and probably affords the best and greatest
amount of quarry rock in the State. The quarries at Anamosa, LeClaire and
Farley are all opened in this formation.
DFVONIAN SYSTEM.
IIAMII,TON OllOIII'.
Hamilton Limestone. — The area of surface occupied by the Hamilton lime-
stone and shales is fully as great as those by all the formations of both Upper
and Lower Silurian age in the State. It is nearly two hundred miles long and
from forty to fifty miles broad. The general trend is northwestward and south-
eaatw-^d.
Although a large part of the material of this formation is practically quite
■ajarthless, yet other portions are valuable for economic purposes ; and having a
124 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
large geographical extent in the State, is one of the most important formations,
in a practical point of view. At Waverly, Bremer County, its vahie for the
production of hydraulic lime has been practically demonstrated. The heavier
md more uniform magnesian beds furnish material for bridge piers and other
material requiring strength and durability.
All the Devonian strata of Iowa evidently belong to a single epoch, and re-
ferable to the Hamilton, as recognized by New York geologists.
The most conspicuous and characteristic fossils of this formation are bra-
chiopod, mollusks and corals. The coral Acervularia Davidsoni occurs near
Iowa City, and is known as " Iowa City Marble," and " bird's-eye marble."
CARBONIFEROUS SYSTEM.
Of the three groups of formations that constitute the carboniferous system,
viz., the subcarboniferous, coal measures and permian, only the first two are
found in Iowa.
SUBCARBONIFEROUS GROUP.
The area of the surface occupied by this group is very large. Its eastern
border passes from the northeastern part of Winnebago County, with consider-
able directness in a southeasterly direction to the northern part of Washington
County. Here it makes a broad and direct bend nearly eastward, striking
the Mississippi River at Muscatine. The southern and western boundary is to
a considerable extent the same as that which separates it from the coal field.
From the southern part of Pocahontas County it passes southeast to Fort Dodge,
thence to Webster City, thence to a point three or four miles northeast of El-
dora, in Ilardin County, thence southward to the middle of the north line of
Jasper County, thence southeastward to Sigourney, in Keokuk County, thence
to the northeastern corner of Jefferson County, thence sweeping a few miles
eastward to the southeast corner of Van Buren County. Its area is nearly two
hundred and fifty miles long, and from twenty to fifty miles wide.
The Kinderhook Beds. — The most southerly exposure of these beds is near
the mouth of Skunk River, in Des Moines County. The most northerly now
known is in the eastern part of Pocahontas County, more than two hundred
miles distant. The principal exposures of this formation are along the bluffs
which border the INIississippi and Skunk Rivers, where they form the eastern
and northern boundary of Des Moines County, along English River, in Wash-
ington County ; along the Iowa River, in Tama, Marshall, Hamlin and Frank-
lin Counties ; and along the Des Moines River, in Humboldt County.
The economic value of this formation is very considerable, particularly in
the northern portion of the region it occupies. In Pocahontas and Humboldt
Counties it is almost invaluable, as no other stone except a few boulders are
found here. At Iowa Falls the lower division is very good for building pur-
poses. In Marshall County all the limestone to be obtained comes from this
formation, and the quarries near LeGrand are very valuable. At this point
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 125
some of the layers are finely veined with peroxide of iron, and are wrought into
ornamental and useful objects.
In Tama County, the oolitic member is well exposed, where it is manufac-
tured into lime. It is not valuable for building, as upon exposure to atmosphere
and frost, it crumbles to pieces.
The remains of fishes are the only fossils yet discovered in this formation
that can be referred to the sub-kingdom vertebrata ; and so far as yet recog-
nized, they all belong to the order selachians.
Of ARTICULATES, only two species have been recognized, both of which
belong to the genus phiUipsia.
The sub-kingdom mollusca is largely represented.
The eadiata are represented by a few crinoids, usually found in a very im-
perfect condition. The sub-kingdom is also represented by corals.
The prominent feature in the life of this epoch was molluscan ; so much so
in fact as to overshadow all other branches of the animal kingdom. The pre-
vailing classes are : lamellihranchiates, in the more arenaceous portions ; and
brachiopods, in the more calcareous portions.
JMo remains of vegetation have been detected in any of the strata of this
formation.
The Burlington Limestone. — This formation consists of two distinct calca-
reous divisions, which are separated by a series of silicious beds. Both divi-
sions are eminently crinoidal.
The southerly dip of the Iowa rocks carries the Burlington limestone down,
so that it is seen for the last time in this State in the valley of Skunk River,
near the southern boundary of Des Moines County. The most northerly point
at which it has been recognized is in the northern part of Washington County.
It probably exists as far north as Marshall County.
This formation aifords much valuable material for economic purposes. The
upper division furnishes excellent common quarry rock.
The great abundance and variety of its fossils — crinoids — now known to be
more tlian three hundred, have justly attracted the attention of geologists in all
parts of the world.
The only remains of vertebrates discovered in this formation are those of
■fishes, and consist of teeth and spines ; bone of bony fishes, like those most
common at the present day, are found in these rocks. On Bufiington Creek, in
Louisa County, is a stratum in an exposure so fully charged with these remains
that it might with propriety be called bone breccia.
Remains of articulates are rare in this formation. So far as yet discovered,
they are confined to two species of tribolites of the genus j)hillipsia.
Fossil shells are very common.
The two lowest classes of the sub-kingdom radiata are represented in the
genera zaphrentis, amplexus and syringapora, while the highest class — echino-
derms — are found in most extraordinary profusion.
126 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
The Keokuk Limestone. — It is only in the four counties of Lee, Van
Buren, lionry and Des Moines that this formation is to be seen.
In some localities the upper silicious portion of this formation is known as
the Geode bed. It is not recognizable in the northern portion of the formation^
nor in connection \vith it where it is exposed, about eighty miles below Keokuk.
The geodes of the Geode bed are more or less spherical masses of silex,
usually hollow and lined with crystals of quartz. The outer crust is rough and
unsightly, but the crystals which stud the interior are often very beautiful.
They vary in size from the size of a walnut to a foot in diameter.
The economic value of this formation is very great. Large quantities of its
stone have been used in the finest structures in the State, among Avliich are the
post offices at Dubui^ue and Des Moines. The principal quarries are along the
banks of the Mississippi, from Keokuk to Nauvoo.
The only vertebrate fossils found in the formation are fishes, all belonging
to the order selachians, some of which indicate that their owners reached a
length of twenty-five or thirty feet.
Of the articulates, only two species of the genus phillipsia have been found
in this formation.
Of the mollusks, no cephalopods have yet been recognized in this formation ia
this State ; gasteropods are rare ; brachiopods and polyzoans are quite abundant.
Of radiates, corals of genera zaphrentes, amploxus and aulopera are found,
but crinoids are most abundant.
Of the low forms of animal life, the protozoans, a small fossil related to the
sponges, is found in this formation in small numbers.
The St. Louis Limestone. — This is the uppermost of the subcarboniferous
^roup in Iowa. The superficial area it occupies is comparatively small, because
it consists of long, narrow strips, yet its exten*- is very great. It is first seen
resting on the geode division of the Keokuk limestone, near Keokuk. Pro-
seeding northward, it forms a narrow border along the edge of the coal fields
in Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Wasliington, Keokuk and Mahaska
Counties. It is then lost sight of until it appears again in the banks of Boone
River, where it again passes out of view under the coal measures until it is
next seen in the banks of the Des Moines, near Fort Dodfre. As it exists in
[owa, it consists of three tolerably distinct subdivisions — the magnesian, arena-
ceous and calcareous.
The upper division furnishes excellent material for quicklime, and when
juarries are well opened, as in the northwestern part of Van Buren County,
large blocks are obtained. The sandstone, or middle division, is of little
Bconomic value. The lower or magnesian division furnishes a valuable
ind durable stone, exposures of which are found on Lick Creek, in Van Buren
County, and on Long Creek, seven miles west of Burlington.
Of the fossils of this formation, the vertebrates are represented only by the
remains of fish, belonging to the two orders, selachians and ganoids. The
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 127
articulates are represented by one species of the trilobite, genus pMlUpsia, and
two ostracoid, genera, cythre and heyricia. The mollusks distinguish this
formation more than any other branch of the animal kingdom. Radiates are
exceedingly rare, showing a marked contrast between this formation and the
two preceding it.
The rocks of the subcarboniferous period have in other countries, and in
other parts of our own country, furnished valuable minerals, and even coal, but
in Iowa the economic value is confined to its stone alone.
The Lower Silurian, Upper Silurian and Devonian rocks of Iowa are largely
composed of limestone. Magnesia also enters largely into the subcarbon-
iferous group. With the completion of the St, Louis limestone, the
production of the magnesian limestone seems to have ceased among the rocks of
Iowa.
Although the Devonian age has been called the age of fishes, yet so far as
Iowa is concerned, the rocks of no period can compare with the subcarbon-
iferous in the abundance and variety of the fish remains, and, for this reason,
the Burlington and Keokuk limestones will in the future become more
famous among geologists, perhaps, than any other formations in North
America.
It will be seen that the Chester limestone is omitted from the subcarbon-
iferous group, and which completes the full geological series. It is probable
the whole surface of Iowa was above the sea during the time of the
formation of the Chester limestone to the southward about one hundred
miles.
At the close of the epoch of the Chester limestone, the shallow seas in
which the lower coal measures were formed again occupied the land, extending
almost as far north as that sea had done in which the Kinderhook beds Avere
formed, and to the northeastward its deposits extended beyond the subcarbon-
iferous groups, outlines of which are found upon the next, or Devonian rock.
THE COAL-MEASURE GROUP.
The coal-measure group of Iowa is properly divided into three formations,
viz., the lower, middle and upper coal measures, each having a vertical thick-
ness of about two hundred feet.
A line drawn upon the map of Iowa as follows, will represent the eastern
and northern boundaries of the coal fields of the State : Commencing at the
southeast corner of Van Buren County, carry the line to the northeast corner
of Jefferson County by a slight easterly curve through the western portions of
Lee and Henry Counties. Produce this line until it reaches a point six or
eight miles northward from the one last named, and then carry it northwest-
ward, keeping it at about the same distance to the northward of Skunk River
and its north branch that it had at first, until it reaches the southern boundary
of Marshall County, a little west of its center. Then carry it to a point
128 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
three or four miles northeast from Eldora, in Hardin County ; thence west-
ward to a point a little north of Webster City, in Hamilton County; and
thence further westward to a point a little north of Fort Dodge, in Webster
County.
Lower Coal Measures. — In consequence of the recedence to the southward
of the borders of the middle and upper coal measures, the lower coal measures
alone exist to the eastward and northward of Des Moines River. They also
occupy a large area westward and southward of that river, but their southerly
dip passes them below the middle coal measures at no great distance from the
river.
No other formation in the whole State possesses the economic value of the
lower coal measures. The clay that underlies almost every bed of coal furnishes
a large amount of material for potters' use. The sandstone of these measures
is usually soft and unfit, but in some places, as near Red Rock, in Marion
County, blocks of large dimensions are obtained which make good building
material, samples of which can be seen in the State Arsenal, at Des Moines.
On the whole, that portion of the State occupied by the lower coal measures,
is not well supplied with stone.
But few fossils have been found in any of the strata of the lower coal meas-
ures, but such animal remains as have been found are without exception of
marine origin.
Of fossil plants found in these measures, all probably belong to the class
acrogens. Specimens of ealamites, and several species of ferns, are found in
all of the coal measures, but the genus lepidodendron seems not to have existed
later than the epoch of the middle coal measures.
Middle Coal Measures. — This formation within the State of Iowa occupies
a narrow belt of territory in the southern central portion of the State, embrac-
ing a superficial area of about fourteen hundred square miles. The counties
more or less underlaid by this formation are Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Madison,
Warren, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne and Appanoose.
This formation is composed of alternating beds of clay, sandstone and lime-
stone, the clays or shales constituting the bulk of the formation, the limestone
occurring in their bands, the lithological peculiarities of which offer many con-
trasts to the limestones of the upper and lower coal measures. The formation
is also characterized by regular wave-like undulations, with a parallelism which
indicates a widespread disturbance, though no dislocation of the strata have
been discovered.
Generally speaking, few species of fossils occur in these beds. Some of the
shales and sandstone have aff"orded a few imperfectly preserved land plants —
three or four species of ferns, belonging to the genera. Some of the carbonif-
erous shales afford beautiful specimens of what appear to have been sea- weeds.
Radiates are represented by corals. The mollusks are most numerously repre-
sented. Trilohites and ostraooids are the only remains known of articulates.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 129
Vertebrates are only known by the remains of salachians, or sharks, and
ganoids.
Upper Coal Measures. — The area occupied by this formation in Iowa is
very great, comprising thirteen whole counties, in' the southwestern part of the
State. It adjoins by its northern and eastern boundaries the area occupied by
the middle coal measures.
The prominent lithological features of this formation are its limestones, yet
it contains a considerabli proportion of shales and sandstones. Although it is
known by the name of upper coal measures, it contains but a single bed of coal,
and that only about twenty inches in maximum thickness.
The limestone exposed in this formation furnishes good material for building
as in Madison and Fremont Counties. The sandstones are quite worthless. No
beds of clay for potter's use are found in the whole formation.
The fossils in this formation are much more numerous than in either the
middle or lower coal measures. The vertebrates are represented by the fishes
of the orders selachians and ganoids. The articulates are represented by the
trilobites and ostracoids. Mollusks are represented by the classes cephalapoda,
gasteropoda, lamelli, branchiata, hrachiapoda and polyzoa. Radiates are more
numerous than in the lower and middle coal measures. Protogoans are repre-
sented in the greatest abundance, some layers of limestone being almost entirely
composed of their small fusiform shells.
CRETACEOUS SYSTEM.
There being no rocks, in Iowa, of permian, triassic or Jurassic age, the
next strata in the geological series are of the cretaceous age. They are found
in the western half of the State, and do not dip, as do all the other formations
upon which they rest, to the southward and westward, but have a general dip
of their own to the north of westward, which, however, is very slight.
Although the actual exposures of cretaceous rocks are few in Iowa, there is
reason to believe that nearly all the western half of the State was originally
occupied by them ; but being very friable, they have been removed by denuda-
tion, which has taken place at two separate periods. The first period was
during its elevation from the cretaceous sea, and during the long tertiary age
that passed between the time of that elevation and the commencement of the
glacial epoch. The second period was during the glacial epoch, when the ice
produced their entire removal over considerable areas.
It is difficult to indicate the exact boundaries of these rocks ; the following
will approximate the outlines of the area :
From the northeast corner to the southwest corner of Kossuth County ;
thence to the southeast corner of Guthrie County; thence to the southeast
corner of Cass County; thence to the middle of the south boundary of Mont-
gomery County ; thence to the middle of the north boundary of Pottawattamie
County ; thence to the middle of the south boundary of Woodbury County y
130 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
thence to Sergeant's bluffs ; up the Missouri and Big Sioux 'Rivers to the
northwest corner of the State ; eastward along the State line to the place of
beginnincr.
All the cretaceous rocks in Iowa are a part of the same deposits farther up
the Missouri River, and in reality form their eastern boundary.
Nishnahotany Sandstone. — This rock has the most easterly and southerly
extent of the cretaceous deposits of Iowa, reaching the southeastern part of
Guthrie County and the southern part of Montgomery County. To the north-
ward, it passes beneath the Woodbury sandstones and shales, the latter passing
beneath the inoceramus, or chalky, beds. This sandstone is, with few excep-
tions, almost valueless for economic purposes.
The only fossils found in this formation are a few fragments of angiosper-
mous leaves.
Woodhuri/ Sandstones and Shales. — These strata rest upon the Nishna-
botany sandstone, and have not been observed outside of "Woodbury County,
hence their name. Their principal exposure is at Sergeant's Bluffs, seven
miles below Sioux City.
This rock has no value except for purposes of common masonry.
Fossil remains are rare. Detached scales of a lepidoginoid species have
been detected, but no other vertebrate remains. Of remains of vegetation,
leaves of salix meekii and sassafras cretaceum have been occasionally found.
Inoceramus Beds. — These beds rest upon the Woodbury sandstones and
shales. They have not been observed in Iowa, except in the bluffs which
border the Big Sioux River in Woodbury and Plymouth Counties. They are
composed almost entirely of calcareous material, the upper portion of which is
extensively used for lime. No building material is to be obtained from these
beds ; and the only value they possess, except lime, are the marls, which at
some time may be useful on the soil of the adjacent region.
The only vertebrate remains found in the cretaceous rocks are the fishes.
Those in the inoceramus beds of Iowa are two species of squoloid selachians,
or cestratront, and three genera of teliosts. Molluscan remains are rare.
PEAT.
Extensive beds of peat exist in Northern Middle Iowa, which, it is esti-
mated, contain the following areas :
Countks. Acres.
Cerro Gordo 1,500
Worth 2,(00
Winnebago 2,000
Hancock 1,500
Wright 500
Kossuth 700
Dickinson 80
Several other counties contain peat beds, but the character of the peat is
inferior to that in the northern part of the State. The character of the peat
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 131
named is equal to that of Ireland. The beds are of an average depth of four
feet. It is estimated that each acre of these beds will furnish two hundred and
fifty tons of dry fuel for each foot in depth. At present, owing to the sparse-
ness of the population, this peat is not utilized ; but, owing to its great distance
from the coal fields and the absence of timber, the time is coming when their
value will be realized, and the fact demonstrated that Nature has abundantly
compensated the deficiency of other fuel.
GYPSUM.
The only deposits of the sulphates of the alkaline earths of any economic
value in Iowa are those of gypsum at and in the vicinity of Fort Dodge, in
Webster County. All others are small and unimportant. The deposit occupies
a nearly central position in Webster County, the Des Moines River running
nearly centrally through it, along the valley sides of which the gypsum is seen
in the form of ordinary rock clifi" and ledges, and also occurring abundantly in
similar positions along both sides of the valleys of the smaller streams and of
the numerous ravines coming into the river valley.
The most northerly known limit of the deposit is at a point near the mouth
of Lizard Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines River, and almost adjoining
the town of Fort Dodge. The most southerly point at which it has been
found exposed is about six miles, by way of the river, from this northerly point
before mentioned. Our knowledge of the width of the area occupied by it is
limited by the exposures seen in the valleys of the small streams and in the
ravines which come into the valley within the distance mentioned. As one goes
up these ravines and minor valleys, the gypsum becomes lost beneath the over-
lying drift. There can be no doubt that the different parts of this deposit, now
disconnected by the valleys and ravines having been cut through it, were orig-
inally connected as a continuous deposit, and there seems to be as little reason
to doubt that the gypsum still extends to considerable distance on each side of
the valley of the river beneath the drift which covers the region to a depth of
from twenty to sixty feet.
The country round about this region has the prairie surface approximating
a general level which is so characteristic of the greater part of the vState, and
which exists irrespective of the character or geological age of the strata beneath,
mainly because the drift is so deep and uniformly distributed that it frequently
almost alone gives character to the surface. The valley sides of the Des Moines
River, in the vicinity of Fort Dodge, are somewhat abrupt, having a depth there
from the general level of the upland of about one hundred and seventy feet,
and consequently presents somewhat bold and interesting features in the land-
scape.
As one walks up and down the creeks and ravines which come into the
valley of the Des Moines River there, he sees the gypsum exposed on
either side of them, jutting out from beneath the drift in the form of
132 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
ledges and bold quarry fronts, having almost the exact appearance of
ordinary limestone exposures, so horizontal and regular are its lines of
stratification, and so similar in color is it to some varieties of that rock. The
principal quarries now opened are on Two Mile Creek, a couple of miles below
Fort Dodge.
The reader will please bear in mind that the gypsum of this remarkable
deposit does not occur in "heaps " or " nests," as it does in most deposits of
gypsum in the States farther eastward, but that it exists here in the form of a
regularly stratified, continuous formation, as uniform in texture, color and
quality throughout the whole region, and from top to bottom of the deposit
as the granite of the Quincy quarries is. Its color is a uniform gray, result-
ing from alternating fine horizontal lines of nearly Avhite, with similar lines
of darker shade. The gypsum of the Avhite lines is almost entirely pure, the
darker lines containing the impurity. This is at intervals barely sufficient in
amount to cause the separation of the mass upon those lines into beds or layers,
thus facilitating the quarrying of it into desired shapes. These bedding sur-
faces have occasionally a clayey feeling to the touch, but there is nowhere any
intercalation of clay or other foreign substance in a separate form. The deposit
is known to reach a thickness of thirty feet at the quarries referred to, but
although it will probably be found to exceed this thickness at some other points,
at the natural exposures, it is seldom seen to be more than from ten to twenty
feet thick.
Since the drift is usually seen to rest directly upon the gypsum, with noth-
ing intervening, except at a few points where traces appear of an overlying bed
of clayey material Avithout doubt of the same age as the gypsum, the latter
probably lost something of its thickness by mechanical erosion during the
glacial epoch ; and it has, doubtless, also sufiered some diminution of thickness
since then by solution in the waters which constantly percolate through the
drift from the surface. The drift of this region being somewhat clayey, partic-
ulary in its lower part, it has doubtless served in some degree as a protection
against the diminution of the gypsum by solution in consequence of its partial
imperviousness to water. If the gypsum had been covered by a deposit of sand
instead of the drift clays, it would have no doubt long since disappeared by
being dissolved in the water that would have constantly reached it from the sur-
face. Water merely resting upon it Avould not dissolve it away to any extent,
but it rapidly disappears under the action of running water. Where little rills
of water at the time of every rain run over the face of an unused quarry, from
the surface above it, deep grooves are thereby cut into it, giving it somewhat the
appearance of melting ice around a waterfall. The fact that gypsum is now
suffering a constant, but, of course, very slight, diminution, is apparent in the
fact the springs of the region contain more or less of it in solution in their
waters. An analysis of water from one of these springs will be found in Prof.
Emery's report.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 133
Besides the clayey beds that are sometimes seen to rest upon the gypsum,
there are occasionally others seen beneath them that are also of the same
age, and not of the age of the coal-measure strata upon which they rest.
Age of the Gt/psuni Deposit. — In neither the gypsum nor the associated
clays has any trace of any fossil remains been found, nor has any other indica-
tion of its geological age been observed, except that -which is afforded by its
stratigraphical relations ; and the most that can be said with certainty is that it
is newer than the coal measures, and older than the drift. The indications
afforded by the stratigraphical relations of the gypsum deposit of Fort Dodge
are, however, of considerable value.
As already shown, it rests in that region directly and unconformably upon
the lower coal measures ; but going southward from there, the whole series of
coal-measure strata from the top of the subcarboniferous group to the upper
coal measures, inclusive, can be traced without break or unconformability.
The strata of the latter also may be traced in the same manner up into the
Permian rocks of Kansas; and through this long series, there is no place or
horizon which suggests that the gypsum deposit might belong there.
Again, no Tertiary deposits are known to exist within or near the borders
of Iowa to suggest that the gypsum might be of that age ; nor are any of the
palffiozoic strata newer than the subcarboniferous unconformable upon each
other as the other gypsum is unconformable upon the strata beneath it. It
therefore seems, in a measure, conclusive, that the gypsum is of Mesozoic age,
perhaps older than the Cretaceous.
Litliological Origin. — As little can be said with certainty concerning the
lithological origin of this deposit as can be said concerning its geological age,
for it seems to present itself in this relation, as in the former one, as an isolated
fact. None of the associated strata show any traces of a double decompositiom
of pre-existing materials, such as some have supposed all deposits of gypsum to
have resulted from. No considerable quantities of oxide of iron nor any trace
of native sulphur have been found in connection with it ; nor has any salt been
found in the waters of the region. These substances are common in association
with other gypsum deposits, and are regarded by some persons as indicative of
the method of or resulting from their origin as such. Throughout the whole
region, the Fort Dodge gypsum has the exact appearance of a sedimentary
deposit. It is arranged in layers like the regular layers of limestone, and the
whole mass, from top to bottom, is traced with fine horizontal laminrc of alter-
nating white and gray gypsum, parallel with the bedding surfaces of the layerSj
but the whole so intimately blended as to form a solid mass. The darker lines
contain almost all the impurity there is in the gypsum, and that impurity is
evidently sedimentary in its character. Frc yi these facts, and also from the
further one that no trace of fossil remains has been detected in the gypsum, it
seems not unreasonable to entertain the opinion that the gypsum of Fort Dodge
originated as a chemical precipitation in comparatively still Avaters which Avere
34 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
aturated with sulphate of lime and destitute of life ; its stratification and
inpurities being deposited at the same time as clayey impurities which had been
lehl suspended in the same waters.
Physical Properties. — Much has already been said of the physical proper-
ios or character of this gypsum, but as it is so different in some respects from
hat of other deposits, there are yet other matters worthy of mention in connec-
ion with those. According to the results of a complete and exhaustive anal-
sis by Prof Emery, the ordinary gray gypsum contains only about eight per
ent. of impurity ; and it is possible that the average impurity for the whole
[eposit Avill not exceed that proportion, so uniform in quality is it from to top
0 bottom and from one end of the region to the other.
When it is remembered that plaster for agricultural purposes is sometimes
>repared from gypsum that contains as much as thirty per cent, of impurity, it
vill be seen that ours is a very superior article for such purposes. The impu-
ities are also of such a character that they do not in any way interfere with its
alue for use in the arts. Although the gypsum rock has a gray color, it
>ecomes quite white by grinding, and still Avhiter by the calcining process nec-
ssary in the preparation of plaster of Paris. These tests have all been practi-
ally made in the rooms of the Geological Survey, and the quality of the plaster
•f Paris still further tested by actual use and experiment. No hesitation,
hercfore, is felt in stating that the Fort Dodge gypsum is of as good a quality
ls any in the country, even for the finest uses.
In view of the bounteousness of the primitive fertility of our Iowa soils,
nany persons forget that a time may come wlien Nature will refuse to respond
o generously to our demand as she does now, without an adequate return.
?uch are apt to say that this vast deposit of gypsum is valueless to our com-
nonwealth, except to the small extent that it may be used in the arts. This
s undoubtedly a short-sighted view of the subject, for the time is even now
ajiidly passing away Avhen a man may purchase a new farm for less money
lian he can re-fertilize and restore the partially wasted primitive fertility of the
)ne he now occupies. There are farms oven now in a large part of the older
settled i)ortions of the State that would be greatly benefited by the proper
ipplication of plaster, and such areas will continue to increase until it will be
liflicult to estimate the value of the deposit of gypsum at Fort Dodge. It
should be remembered, also, that the inhabitants of an extent of country
idjoining our State more than three times as great as its own area will find it
nore convenient to obtain their supplies from Fort Dodge than from any other
i!ourco.
For Avant of direct railroad communication between this region and other
parts of the State, the only use yet made of the gypsum by the inhabitants is
for the purposes of ordinary building stone. It is so compact that it is found
to be comparatively unaffected by the frost, and its ordinary situation in walls
:^.f houses is such that it is protected from the dissolving action of water, which
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 135
can at most reach it only from occasional rains, and the effect of these is too
slight to be perceived after the lapse of several years.
One of the citizens of Fort Dodge, Hon, John F. Duncombe, built a large,
fine residence of it. in 1861, the walls of which appear as unaffected by
exposure and as beautiful as they were when first erected. It has been so long
and successfully used for building stone by the inhabitants that they now prefer
it to the limestone of good quality, which also exists in the immediate vicinity.
This preference is due to the cheapness of the gypsum, as compared with the
stone. The cheapness of the former is largely due to the facility with which it
is quarried and wrought. Several other houses have been constructed of it in
Fort Dodge, including the depot building of the Dubuque & Sioux City Rail-
road. The company have also constructed a large culvert of the same material
to span a creek near the town, limestone only being used for the lower courses,
which come in contact Avith the water. It is a fine arch, each stone of gypsum
being nicely hewn, and it will doubtless prove a very durable one. Many of
the sidewalks in the town are made of the slabs or flags of gypsum which occur
in some of the quarries in the form of thin layers. They are more durable
than their softness would lead one to suppose. They also possess an advantage
over stone in not becoming slippery when worn.
The method adopted in quarrying and dressing the blocks of gypsum is
peculiar, and quite unlike that adopted in similar treatment of ordinary stone.
Taking a stout auger-bit of an ordinary brace, such as is used by carpenters,
and filing the cutting parts of it into a peculiar form, the quarryman bores his
holes into the gypsum quarry for blasting, in the same manner and with as
great facility as a carpenter would bore hard wood. The pieces being loosened
by blasting, they are broken up with sledges into convenient sizes, or hewn
into the desired shapes by means of hatchets or ordinary chopping axes, or cut
by means of ordinary wood-saws. So little grit does the gypsum contain that
these tools, made for working wood, are found to be better adapted for working
the former substance than those tools are which are universally used for work-
ing stone.
MINOR DEPOSITS OF SULPHATE OF LIME.
Besides the great gypsum deposit of Fort Dodge, sulphate of lime in the
various forms of fibrous gypsum, selenite, and small, amorphous masses, has
also been discovered in various formations in different parts of the State, includ-
ing the coal -measure shales near Fort Dodge, where it exists in small quanti-
ties, quite independently of the great gypsum deposit there. The quantity of
gypsum in these minor deposits is always too small to be of any practical value,
and frequently minute. They usually occur in shales and shaly clays, asso-
ciated with strata that contain more or less sulphuret of iron (iron pyrites).
Gypsum has thus been detected in the coal measures, the St. Louis limestone,
the cretaceous strata, and also in the lead caves of Dubuque. In most of these
cases it is evidently the result of double decomposition of iron pyrites and car-
30 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
"mate of lime, previously existing there ; in which eases the frypsiim is of course
at an original deposit as the great one at Fort Dodge is supposed to be.
The existence of these comparatively minute quantities of gypsum in the
lales of the coal measures and the subcarboniferous limestone which are exposed
ithin the region of and occupy a stratigraphical position beneath the great
ypsum deposits, suggests the possibility that the former may have originated as
precipitate from percolating waters, holding gypsum in solution which they
ad derived from that deposit in passing over or through it. Since, however,
le same substance is found in similar smill quantities and under similar con-
itions in regions where they could have had no possible connection witli that
eposit, it is believed that none of those mentioned have necessarily originated
•ora it, not even those that are found in close proximity to it.
The gypsum found in the lead caves is usually in the form of efflorescent
bers, and is always in small quantity. In the lower coal-measure shale near
'ort Dodge, a small mass was found in the form of an intercalated layer, which
•id a distinct fibrous structure, the fibers being perpendicular to the plane of
le layer. The same mass had also distinct, horizontal planes of cleavage at
ight angles wiljh the perpendicular fibers. Thus, being more or less transpa-
ent, the mass combined the characters of both fibrous gypsum and selenite.
fo anhydrous sulphate of lime {anhydrite) has been found in connection with
tie great gypsum deposit, nor elsewhere in Iowa, so far as yet known.
SULPHATE OF STRONTIA.
{^Celes'ine.)
The only locality at which this interesting mineral has yet been found in
owa, or, so far as is known, in the great valley of the Mississippi, is at Fort
)odge. It occurs there in very small quantity in both the shales of the lower
oal measures and in the clays that overlie the gypsum deposit, and which are
egarded as of the same age with it. The first is just below the city, near Rees'
oal bank, and occurs as a layer intercalated among the coal measure shales,
mounting in quantity to only a few hundred pounds' weight. The mineral is
ibrous and crystalline, the fibers being perpendicular to the plane of the layer,
breaking also with more or less distinct horizontal planes of cleavage, it resem-
les, in physical character, the layer of fibro-crystalline gypsum before men-
ioned. Its color is light blue, is transparent and shows crystaline facets upon
oth the upper and under surfaces of the layer; those of the upper surface
eing smallest and most numerous. It breaks up readily into small masses
.long the lines of the perpendicular fibers or columns. The layer is probably
lot more than a rod in extent in any direction and about three inches in maxi-
num thickness. Apparent lines of stratification occur in it, corresponding with
hose of the shales which imbed it.
The other deposit was still smaller in amount, and occurred as a mass of
;rystals imbedded in the clays that overlie the gypsum at Cummins' quarry in
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 137
the valley of Soldier Creek, upon the north side of the town. The mineral is
in this case nearly colorless, and but for the form of the separate crystals would
closely resemble masses of impure salt. The crystals are so closely aggregated
that they enclose but little impurity in the mass, but in almost all cases their
fundamental forms are obscured. This mineral has almost no real practical
value, and its occurrence, as described, is interesting only as a mineralogical
fact.
SULPHATE OF BARYTA.
(Barytfs, Heavy Spar.)
This mineral has been found only in minute quantities in Iowa. It has
been detected in the coal-measure shales of Decatur, Madison and Marion
Counties, the Devonian limestone of Johnson and Bremer Counties and in the
lead caves of Dubuque. In all these cases, it is in the form of crystals or small
crystalline masses.
SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA.
[Epsomite.)
Epsomite, or native epsom salts, having been discovered near Burlington,
we have thus recognized in Iowa all the sulphates of the alkaline earths of
natural origin ; all of them, except the sulphate of lime, being in very small
quantity. Even if the sulphate of magnesia were produced in nature, in large
quantities, it is so very soluble that it can accumulate only in such positions as
afford it complete shelter from the rains or running water The epsomite
mentioned was found beneath the overhanging cliff of Burlington limestone,
near Starr's mill, which are represented in the sketch upon another page, illus-
trating the subcarboniferous rocks. It occurs in the form of efflorescent encrus-
tations upon the surface of stones and in similar small fragile masses among the
fine debris that has fallen down beneath the overhanging cliff. The projection
of the cliff over the perpendicular face of the strata beneath amounts to near
twenty feet at the point where epsomite was found. Consequently the rains
never reach far beneath it from any quarter. The rock upon which the epsom-
ite accumulates is an impure limestone, containing also some carbonate of mag-
nesia, together with a small proportion of iron pyrites in a finely divided con-
dition. It is doubtless by double decomposition of these that the epsomite re-
sults. By experiments with this native salt in the office of the Survey, a fine
article of epsom salts was produced, but the quantity that might be annually
obtained there would amount to only a few pounds, and of course is of no prac-
tical value whatever, on account of its cheapness in the market.
CLIMATOLOGY.
No extended record of the climatology of Iowa has been made, yet much of
great value may be learned from observations made at a single point. Prof. T.
S. Parvin, of the State University, has recorded observations made from 1839
to the present time. Previous to 1860, these observations were made at Mas-
138
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
;atine. Since that date, they were made in Iowa City. The result is that the
itmospheric conditions of the climate of Iowa are in the highest degree favor-
ible to health.
The highest temperature here occurs in August, while July is the hottest
nonth in the year by two degrees, and January the coldest by three degrees.
The mean temperature of April and October most nearly corresponds to the
nean temperature of the year, as well as their seasons of Spring and Fall,
,vhilo that of Summer and Winter is best represented in that of August and
December.
The period of greatest heat ranges from June 22d to August 31st ; the next
nean time being July 27th. The lowest temperature extends. from December
I6th to February 15th, the average being January 20th — the range in each
3ase beins; two full months.
The climate of Iowa embraces the range of that of New York, Pennsyl-
vania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The seasons are not characterized by the
sequent and sudden changes so common in the latitudes further south. The
:emperature of the Winters is somewhat lower than States eastward, but of other
reasons it is higher. The atmosphere is dry and invigorating. The surface of
the State being free at all seasons of the year from stagnant water, with good
breezes at nearly all seasons, the miasmatic and pulmonary diseases are
jnknown. Mortuary statistics show this to be one of the most healthful States
n the Union, being one death to every ninety-four persons. The Spring,
Summer and Fall months are delightful ; indeed, the glory of Iowa is her
A.utumn, and nothing can transcend the splendor of her Indian Summer, which
iasts for weeks, and finally blends, almost imperceptibly, into Winter.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
DISCOVERY AND OCCUPATION.
Iowa, in the symbolical and expressive lauguage of the aboriginal inhab-
itants, is said to signify " The Beautiful Land," and was applied to this
magnificent and fruitful region by its ancient owners, to express their apprecia-
tion of its superiority of climate, soil and location. Prior to 1803, the Mississippi
River was the extreme western boundary of the United States. All the great
empire lying west of the "Father of Waters," from the Gulf of Mexico on the
south to British America on the north, and westward to the Pacific Ocean, was
a Spanish province. A brief historical sketch of the discovery and occupation
of this grand empire by the Spanish and French governments will be a fitting
introduction to the history of the young and thriving State of Iowa, which,
until the commencement of the present century, was a part of the Spanish
possessions in America.
Early in the Spring of 1542, fifty years after Columbus discovered the New
World, and one hundred and thirty years before the French missionaries discov-
ered its upper waters, Ferdinand De Soto discovered the mouth of the Mississippi
River at the mouth of the Washita. After the sudden death of De Soto, in
May of the same year, his followers built a small vessel, and in July, 1543,
descended the great river to the Gulf of Mexico.
In accordance with the usage of nations, under which title to the soil was
claimed by right of discovery, Spain, having conquered Florida and discovered
the Mississippi, claimed all the territory bordering on that river and the Gulf of
Mexico. But it was also held by the European nations that, while discovery
gave title, that title must be perfected by actual possession and occupation.
Although Spain claimed the territory by right of first discovery, she made no
effort to occupy it; by no permanent settlement had she perfected and held her
title, and therefore had forfeited it when, at a later period, the Lower Mississippi
Valley was re-discovered and occupied by France.
The unparalleled labors of the zealous Fr; nc'i Jesuits of Canada in penetrating
the unknown region of the West, commencing in 1611, form a history of no ordi-
nary interest, but have no particular connection with the scope of the present
work, until in the Fall of 1G(35. Pierre Claude Allouez, who had entered Lake
Superior in September, and sailed along the southern coast in search of copper,
had arrived at the great village of the Chippewas at Chegoincegon. Here a
grand council of some ten or twelve of the principal Indian nations was held.
The Pottawatomies of Lake Michigan, the Sacs and Foxes of the West, the
Hurons from the North, the Illinois from the South, and the Sioux from the
land of the prairie and wild rice, were all assembled there. The Illinois told
140 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
the story of their ancient glory and ahout the noble river on the banks of which
they dwelt. The Sioux also told their -white brother of the same great river,
and AUouez promised to the assembled tribes the protection of the French
nation against all their enemies, native or foreign.
The purpose of discovering the great river about Avhich the Indian na-
tions had given such glowing accounts appears to have originated with Mar-
quette, in 10G9. In the year previous, he and Claude Dablon had established
the Mission of St. Mary's, the oldest white settlement within the present limits
of the State of Michigan. Marquette was delayed in the execution of his great
undertaking, and spent the interval in studying the language and habits of the
Illinois Indians, among Avhom he expected to travel.
About this time, the French Government had determined to extend the do-
minion of France to the extreme western borders of Canada. Nicholas Perrot
was sent as the agent of the government, to propose a grand council of the
Indian nations, at St. Mary's.
When Perrot reached Green Bay, he extended the invitation far and near ;
and, escorted by Pottawatomies, repaired on a mission of peace and friend-
ship to the Miamis, who occupied the region about the present location of
Chicago.
In May, 1671, a great council of Indians gathered at the Falls of St.
Mary, from all parts of the Northwest, from the head waters of the St. Law-
vence, from the valley of the Mississippi and from the Red River of the North.
Perrot met with them, and after grave consultation, formally announced to the
assembled nations that their good French Father felt an abiding interest in their
welfare, and had placed them all under the powerful protection of the French
Government.
jSIarquette, during that same year, had gathered at Point St. Ignace the
vemn ants of one branch of the Hurons. This station, for a long series of
years, was considered the key to the unknown West.
The time was now auspicious for the consummation of Marquette's grand
project. The successful termination of Perrot's mission, and the general friend-
liness of the native tribes, rendered the contemplated expedition much less per-
ilous. But it was not until 1G7;5 that the intrepid and enthusiastic priest was
finally ready to depart on his daring and perilous journey to lands never trod by
Avhite men.
The Indians, who had gathered in large numbers to witness his departure,
were astounded at the boldness of the proposed undertaking, and tried to dis-
courage him, representing that the Indians of the Mississippi Valley were cruel
and bloodthirsty, and would resent the intrusion of strangers upon their domain.
The great river itself, they said, Avas the abode of terrible monsters, who could
swallow both canoes and men.
But Marcjuette was not to be diverted from his purpose by these fearful re-
ports. He assured his dusky friends that he was ready to make any sacrifice,
even to lay down his life for the sacred cause in Avhich he was engaged. He
prayed with them ; and having implored the blessing of God upon his undertak-
ing, on the l-5th day of May, 1678, with Joliet and five Canadian-French voy-
ageurs, or boatmen, he left the mission on his daring journey. Ascending
Green Bay and Fox River, these bold and enthusiastic pioneers of religion and
discovery proceeded until they reached a Miami and Kickapoo village, where
Marquette was delighted to find '' a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the
town, oi-namented with wliite skins, red girdles and bows and arrows, which
these good people had oflered to the Great Manitou, or God, to thank llim for
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 141
die pity He had bestowed on them during the Winter, in having given them
abundant chase."
This was the extreme point beyond which the explorations of tlie French
missionaries had not then extended. Here Marquette was instructed by his
Indian hosts in tlie secret of a root that cures the bite of the venomous rattle-
snake, drank mineral water with them and was entertained with generous hos-
pitality. He called together the principal men of the village, and informed
them that his companion, Joliet, had been sent by the French Governor of Can-
ada to discover new countries, to be added to the dominion of France ; but that
he, himself, had been sent by the Most High God, to carry the glorious religion
of the Cross ; and assured his wondering hearers that on this mission he had
no fear of death, to Avhich he knew he would be exposed on his perilous journeys.
Obtaining the services of two Miami guides, to conduct his little band to the
Wisconsin River, he left the hospitable Indians on the 10th of June. Conduct-
ing them across the portage, their Indian guides returned to their village, and
the little party descended the Wisconsin, to the great river which had so long
been so anxiously looked for, and boldly floated down its unknown waters.
On the 25t]i of June, the explorers discovered indications of Indians on the
west bank of the river and land d a little above the mouth of the river now
known as Des Moines, and for the first time Europeans trod the soil of Iowa.
Leaving the Canadians to guard the canoes, Marquette and Joliet boldly fol-
lowed the trail into the interior for fourteen miles (some authorities say six), to
an Indian village situate on the banks of a river, and discovered two other vil-
lages, on the rising ground about half a league distant. Their visit, while it
created much astonishment, did not seem to be entirely unexpected, for there
was a tradition or prophecy among the Indians that white visitors were to come
to them. They were, therefore, received with great respect and hospitality, and
were cordially tendered the calumet or pipe of peace. They were informed that
this band was a part of the Illini nation and that their village was called Mon-
in-gou-nia or Moingona, which was the name of the river on which it stood.
This, from its similarity of sound, Marquette corrupted into Des Moines
(Monk's River), its present name.
Here the voyagers remained six days, learning much of the manners and
customs of their new friends. The new religion they boldly preached and the
authority of the King of France they proclaimed were received without hos-
tility or remonstrance by their savage entertainers. On their departure, they
were accompanied to their canoes by the chiefs and hundreds of warriors.
Marquette received from them the sacred calumet, the emblem of peace and
safeguard among the nations, and re-embarked for the rest of his journey.
It is needless to follow him further, as his explorations beyond his discovery
of Iowa more properly belong to the history of another State.
In 1682, La Salle descended the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, and in
the name of the King of France, took formal possession of all tlie immense
region watered by the great river and its tributaries from its source to its mouth,
and named it Louisiana, in honor of his master, Louis XIV. The river he
called " Colbert," after the French Minister, and at its mouth erected a column
and a cross bearing the inscription, in the French language,
" Louis the Great, King of France and Navarre,
Reigning April 9th, 1682."
At the close of the seventeenth century, France claimed, by right of dis-
coveiy and occupancy, the whole valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries,
including Texas, as far as the Rio del Norte.
142 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA
The province of Louisiana stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the sources
of the Tennessee, the Kanawha, the Allegheny and the Monongahela on the
east, and the Missouri and the other great tributaries of the Father of Waters
on the west. Says Bancroft, " France, had obtained, under Providence, the
guardianship of this immense district of country, not, as it proved, for her own
benefit, but rather as a trustee for the infant nation by which it was one day to
be inherited."
By the treaty of Utrecht, France ceded to England her possessions
in Hudson's Bay, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. France still retained
Louisiana ; but the province had so far failed to meet the expectations of the
crown and the people that a change in the government and policy of the country
was deemed indispensable. Accordingly, in 1711, the province was placed in
the hands of a Governor General, with headquarters at Mobile. This govern-
ment was of brief duration, and in 1712 a charter was granted to Anthony
Crozat, a wealthy merchant of Paris, giving him the entire control and mo-
nopoly of all the trade and resources of Louisiana. But this scheme also failed.
Crozat met with no success in his commercial operations ; every Spanish harbor
on the Gulf was closed against his vessels; the occupation of Louisiana was
deemed an encroachment on Spanish territory ; Spain was jealous of the am-
bition of France.
Failing in his efforts to open the ports of the district, Crozat "sought to
develop the internal resources of Louisiana, by causing trading posts to be
opened, and explorations to be made to its remotest borders. But he
actually accomplished nothing for the advancement of the colony. The only
prosperity which it ever possessed grew out of the enterprise of humble indi-
viduals, Avho had succeeded in instituting a little barter b^twe-'n themselves
and the natives, and a petty trade with neighboring European settlements.
After a persevering effort of nearly five years, he surrendered his charter in
August, 1717."
Immediately folloAving the surrender of his charter by Crozat, another and
more magnificent scheme w^as inaugurated. The national government of France
was deeply involved in debt; the colonies were nearly bankrupt, and John Law-
appeared on the scene with his famous Mississippi Company, as the Louisiana
branch of the Bank of France. The charter granted to this company gave it a
legal existence of tAventy-five years, and conferred upon it more extensive powers
and privileges than had been granted to Crozat. It invested the new company
with the exclusive privilege of the entire commerce of Louisiana, and of New
France, and with authority to enforce their rights. The Company was author-
ized to monopolize all the trade in the country ; to make treaties with the
Indians ; to declare and prosecute Avar ; to grant lands, erect forts, open mine^
of precious metals, levy taxes, nominate civil officers, commission those of the
army, and to appoint and remove judges, to cast cannon, and build and equip
ships of war. All this was to be done with the paper currency of John Law's
Bank of France. He had succeeded in getting His Majesty the French King
to adopt and sanction his scheme of financial operations both in France and in
the colonies, and probably there never was such a huge financial bul)ble ever
blown by a visionary theorist. Still, such Avas the condition of France that it
Avas accepted tis a national deliverance, and LaAV became the most powerful man
in France. He became a Catholic, and Avas appointed Comptroller General of
Finance.
Among the fiist operations of the Company was to send eight hundred
emigrants to Louisiana, Avho arrived at Dauphine Island in 1718.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 143
In 1719, Philipe Francis Renault arrived in Illinois with two hundred
miners and artisans. The war between France and Spain at this time rendered
it extremely probable that the Mississippi Valley might become the theater of
Spanish hostilities against the French settlements ; to prevent this, as well as to
extend French claims, a chain of forts was begun, to keep open the connection
between the mouth and the sources of the Mississippi. Fort Orleans, high up
the Mississippi River, was erected as an outpost in 1720..
The Mississippi scheme was at the zenith of its power and glory in January,
1720, but the gigantic bubble collapsed more suddenly than it had been inflated,
and the Company was declared hopelessly bankrupt in May following. France
Avas impoverished by it, both private and public credit were overthrown, capi-
talists suddenly found themselves paupers, and labor was left without employ-
ment. The effect on the colony of Louisiana was disastrous.
While this was going on in Lower Louisiana, the region about the lakes was
the theater of Indian hostilities, rendering the passage from Canada to Louisiana
extremely dangerous for many years. The English had not only extended their
Indian trade into the vicinity of the French settlements, but through their
friends, the Iroquois, had gained a marked ascendancy over the Foxes, a fierce
and powerful tribe, of Iroquois descent, whom they incited to hostilities against
the French. The Foxes began their hostilities with the siege of Detroit in
1712, a siege which they continued for nineteen consecutive days, and although
the expedition resulted in diminishing their numbers and humbling their pride,
yet it Avas not until after several successive campaigns, embodying the best
military resources of New France, had been directed against them, that were
finally defeated at the great battles of Butte des Morts, and on the Wisconsin
River, and driven west in 1746,
The Company, having found that the cost of defending Louisiana exceeded
the returns from its commerce, solicited leave' to surrender the Mississippi
wilderness to the home government. Accordingly, on the 10th of April, 1732,
the jurisdiction and control over the commerce reverted to the crown of France.
The Company had held possession of Louisiana fourteen years. In 1735, Bien-
ville returned to assume command for the King.
A glance at a few of the old French settlements will show the progress made
in portions of Louisiana during the early part of the eighteenth century. As
early a3 1705, traders and hunters had penetrated the fertile regions of the
Wabash, and from this region, at that early date, fifteen thousand hides and
skins had been collected and sent to Mobile for the European market.
In the year 1716, the French population on the Wabash kept up a lucrative
commerce with Mobile by means of traders and voyageurs. The Ohio River
was comparatively unknown.
In 1746, agriculture on the W^ abash had attained to greater prosperity than
in any of the French settlements besides, and in that year six hundred barrels
of flour were manufactured and shipped to New Orleans, together with consider-
able quantities of hides, peltry, tallow and beeswax.
In the Illinois country, also, considerable settlements had been made, so that,
in 1730, they embraced one hundred and forty French families, about six
hundred "converted Indians," and many traders and voyageurs.
In 1753, the first actual conflict arose between Louisiana and the Atlantic
colonies. From the earliest advept of the Jesuit fathers, up to the period of
which we speak, the great ambition of the French had been, not alone to preserve
their possessions in the West, but by every possible means to prevent the
slightest attempt of the English, east of the mountains, to extend their settle-
144 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
ments toward tlic Mississippi. France was resolved on retaining possession of
the great territory which her missionaries had discovered and revealed to the
world. French commandants had avowed their purpose of seizing every
Englishman within the Ohio Valley.
The colonies of Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia Avere most affected by
the encroachments of France in the extension of her dominion, and particularly
in the great scheme of uniting Canada with Louisiana. To carry out this
purpose, the French had taken possession of a tract of country claimed by Vir-
ginia, and had commenced a line of forts extending from the lakes to the Ohio
River. Virginia was not only alive to her own interests, but attentive to the
vast importance of an immediate and effectual resistance on the part of all
the English colonies to the actual and contemplated encroachments of the
French.
In lies. Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, sent George Washington, then a
young man just twenty-one, to demand of the French commandant " a reason
for invading British dominions while a solid peace subsisted." Washington met
the French commandant, Gardeur de St. Pierre, on the head waters of the
Alleghany, and having communicated to him the object of his journey, received
the insolent answer that the French would not discuss the matter of right, but
would make prisoners of every Englishman found trading on the Ohio and its
waters. The country, he said, belonged to the French, by virtue of the dis-
coveries of La Salle, and they would not withdraw from it.
In January, 1754, Washington returned to Virginia, and made his report to
the Governor and Council. Forces were at once raised, and Washington, as
Lieutenant Colonel, was dispatched at the head of a hundred and fifty men, to
the forks of the Ohio, with orders to "finish the fort already begun there by the
Ohio Company, and to make prisoners, kill or destroy all Avho interrupted the
English settlements."
On his march through the forests of Western Pennsylvania, Washington,
through the aid of friendly Indians, discovered the French concealed among tiie
rocks, and as they ran to seize their arms, ordered his men to fire upon them, at
the same time, with his own musket, setting the example. An action lasting
about a quarter of an hour ensued ; ten of the Frenchmen were killed, among
them Jumonville, the commander of the party, and twenty-one were made pris-
oners. The dead were scalped by the Indians, and the chief, bearing a toma-
hawk and a scalp, visited all the tribes of the Miamis, urging them to join the
Six Nations and the English against the French. The French, however, were
soon re-enforced, and Col. Washington was compelled to return to Fort
Necessity. Here, on the od day of July, De A'illiers invested the fort with
600 French troops and 100 Indians. On the 4tlu, Washington accepted
terms of capitulation, and the English garrison withdrew from the valley of
the Ohio.
This attack of Washington upon Jumonville aroused the indignation of
France, and war was formally declared in May, 175G, and the " French and
Indian War" devastated the colonies for several years. Montreal, Detroit
and all Canada were surrendered to the English, and on the 10th of February,
1T<)3, by tiie treaty of Paris — which had been signed, though not formally ratified
by the respective governments, on the 3d of November, 1762 — France relinquished
to Great Britian all that portion of the province of Louisiana lying on the cast
side of the IMississippi, except the island and town of New Orleans. On the
same day that the treaty of Paris was signed, France, by a secret treaty, ceded
to Spain all her possessions on the west side of the Mississippi, including the
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 145'
whole country to the head waters of the Great River, and west to the Rockj
Mountains, and the jurisdiction of France in America, which had lasted nearly
a century, was ended.
At the close of the Revolutionary war, by the treaty of peace between Great
Britain and the United States, the English Government ceded to the latter
all the territory on the east side of the Mississippi River and north of the thirty-
first parallel of north latitude. At the same time. Great Britain ceded to
Spain all the Floridas, comprising all the territory east of the Mississippi and
south of the southern limits of the United States.
At this time, therefore, the present State of Iowa was a part of the Spanish
possessions in North America, as all the territory west of the Mississippi River
was under the dominion of Spain. That government also possessed all the
territory of the Floridas east of the great river and south of the thirty-first
parallel of north latitude. The Mississippi, therefore, so essential to the pros-
perity of the western portion of the United States, for the last three hundred
miles of its course flowed wholly within the Spanish dominions, and that govern-
ment claimed the exclusive right to use and control it below the southern boun-
dary of the United States.
The free navigation of the Mississippi was a very important question during
all the time that Louisiana remained a dependency of the Spanish Crown, and
as the final settlement intimately affected the status of the then future State
of Iowa, it will be interesting to trace its progress.
The people of the United States occupied and exercised jurisdiction over
the entire eastern valley of tlie Mississippi, embracing all the country drained
by its eastern tributaries ; they had a natural right, according to the accepted in-
ternational law, to follow these rivers to the sea, and to the use of the Missis-
sippi River accordingly, as the great natural channel of commerce. The river
was not only necessary but absolutely indispensable to the prosperity and growth
of the western settlements then rapidly rising into commercial and political
importance. They were situated in the heart of the great valley, and with
wonderfully expansive energies and accumulating resources, it was very evident
that no power on earth could deprive them of the free use of the river below
them, only while their numbers were insufficient to enable them to maintain
their right by force. Inevitably, therefore, immediately after the ratification of
the treaty of 1783, the Western people began to demand the free navigation
of the Mississippi — not as a favor, but as a right. In 1786, both banks of
the river, below the mouth of the Ohio, were occupied by Spain, and military
posts on the east bank enfoi-ced her power to exact heavy duties on all im-
ports by way of the river for the Ohio region. Every boat descending the
river was forced to land and submit to the arbitrary revenue exactions of the
Spanish authorities. Under the administration of Governor Miro, these rigor-
ous exactions were somewhat relaxed from 1787 to 1790 ; but Spain held it as
her right to make them. Taking advantage of the claim of tlie American people,
that the Mississippi should be 0})ened to them, in 1791, the Spanish Govern-
ment concocted a scheme for the dismembership of the Union. The plan was
to induce the Western people to separate from the Eastern States by liberal land
grants and extraordinary commercial privileges.
Spanish emissaries, among the people of Oliio and Kentucky, informed them
that the Spanish Government would grant them favorable commercial privileges,
provided they would secede from the Federal Government east of the mountains.
The Spanish Minister to the United Sta,tes plainly declared to his confidential
correspondent that, unless the Western people would declare their independence
14() HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
and refuse to remain in the Union, Spain was determined never to grant the
free navigation of the Mississippi.
By the treaty of Madrid, October 20, 1795, however, Spain formally stij)-
ulated that the Mississippi River, from its source to the Grulf, for its entire width,
should be free to American trade and commerce, and that the people of the
United States should be permitted, for three years, to use the port of New
Orleans as a port of deposit for their merchandise and produce, duty free.
In November, 1801, the United States Government received, through Rufus
King, its Minister at the Court of St. James, a copy of the treaty between Spain
and France, signed at Madrid March 21, 1801, by which the cession of Loui-
siana to France, made the previous Autumn, was confirmed.
The change offered a favorable opportunity to secure the just rights of the
United States, in relation to the free navigation of the Mississippi, and ended
the attemi)t to dismember the Union by an effort to secure an independent
government west of the Alleghany Mountains. On the 7th of January, 1803,
the American House of Representatives adopted a resolution declaring their
" unalterable determination to maintain the boundaries and the rights of navi-
gation and commerce through the River Mississippi, as established by existing
treaties."
In the same month. President Jefferson nominated and the Senate confii'med
Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe as Envoys Plenipotentiary to the
Court of France, and Charles Pinckney and James Monroe to the Court of
Spain, with plenary powers to negotiate treaties to effect the object enunciated
by the popular branch of the National Legislature. These envoys were in-
structed to secure, if possible, the cession of Florida and New Orleans, but it
does not appear that Mr. Jefferson and his Cabinet had any idea of purchasing
that part of Louisiana lying on the west side of the Mississippi. In fact, on
the 2d of March following, the instructions were sent to our Ministers, contain-
ing a plan which expressly left to France ''all her territory on the west side of
the Mississippi." Had these instructions been followed, it might have been that
there would not have been any State of Iowa or any other member of the glori-
ous Union of States west of the " Father of Waters."
In obedience to his instructions, however, Mr. Livingston broached this
plan to M. Talleyrand, Napoleon's Prime Minister, when that courtly diplo-
matist quietly suggested to the American Minister that France might be willing
to cede the whole French domain in North America to the United States, and
asked how much the Federal Government Avould be willing to give for it. Liv-
ingston intimated that twenty millions of francs might be a fair price. Talley-
rand thought that not enough, but asked the Americans to "think of it." A
few days later, Napoleon, in an interview with Mr. Livingston, in effect informed
the American Envoy that he had secured Louisiana in a contract with Spain
for the purpose of turning it over to the United States for a mere nominal sum.
He had been compelled to provide for the safety of that province by the treaty,
and he was " anxious to give the United States a magnificent bargain for a
mere trifle." The price proposed Avas one hundred and twenty-five million
francs. This was subsequently modified to fifteen million dollars, and on this
basis a treaty was negotiated, and was signed on the 30th day of April, 1808.
This treaty was ratified by tlie Federal Government, and by act of Congress,
approved October 31, 1803, the President of the United States was authorized
to take possession of the territory and provide for it a temporary government.
Accordingly, on the 20th day of December following, on behalf of the Presi-
dent, Gov. Clairborne and Gen. AVilkinson took possession of the Louisiana
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 147
purchase, and raised the American flag over the newly acquired domain, at New
Orleans. Spain, although it had by treaty ceded the province to France in
1801, still held quasi possession, and at first objected to the transfer, but with-
drew her opposition early in 1804.
By this treaty, thus successfully consummated, and the peaceable withdrawal
of Spain, the then infant nation of the New World extended its dominion west
of the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, and north from the Gulf of Mexico to
British America.
If the original design of Jefferson's administration had been accomplished,
the United States would have acquired only that portion of the French territory
lying east of the Mississippi River, and while the American people would thus
liave acquired the free navigation of that great river, all of the vast and fertile
empire on the west, so rich in its agricultural and inexhaustible mineral
resources, would have remained under the dominion of a foreign power. To
Napoleon's desire to sell the whole of his North American possessions, and Liv-
ingston's act transcending his instructions, Avhich Avas acquiesced in after it was
done, does Iowa owe her position as a part of the United States by the
Louisiana purchase.
By authority of an act of Congress, approved March 26, 1804, the newly
acquired territory was, on the 1st day of October following, divided : that part
lying south of the 33d parallel of north latitude was called the Territory of
Orleans, and all north of that parallel the District of Louisiana, which was placed
under the authority of the officers of Indiana Territory, until July 4, 1805, when
it was organized, with territorial government of its own, and so remained until
1812, when the Territory of Orleans became the State of Louisiana, and the
name of the Territory of Louisiana was changed to Missouri. On the 4th of
July, 1814, that part of Missouri Territory comprising the present State of
Arkansas, and the country to the westward, Avas organized into the Arkansas
Territory.
On the 2d of March, 1821, the State of Missouri, being a part of the Terri-
tory of that name, was admitted to the Union. June 28, 1834, the territory
west of the Mississippi River and ijorth of Missouri Avas made a part of the
Territory of Michigan ; but two years later, on the 4th of July, 1836, Wiscon-
sin Territory was erected, embracing Avithin its limits the present States of
Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
By act of Congress, approved June 12, 1838, the
TERRITORY OF lOAVA
was erected, comprising, in addition to the present State, much the larger part
of Minnesota, and extending north to the boundary of the British Possessions.
THE ORIGINAL OWNERS.
Having traced the early history of the great empire lymg west of the Mis-
sissippi, of which the State of loAva constitutes a part, from the earliest dis-
covery to the organization of the Territory of Iowa, it becomes necessary to
give some history of
THE INDIANS OF lOAA'A.
According to the policy of the European nations, possession perfected title
to any territory. We have seen that the country Avest of the Mississippi was first
discovered by the Spaniards, but afterward, Avas visited and occupied by the
French. It was ceded by France to Spain, and by Spain back to France again,
148 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
and then was purchased and occupied hj the United States. During all that
time, it does not appear to have entered into the heads or hearts of the high
contracting parties that the country they hougiit, sold and gave away was in
the possession of a race of men who, although savage, owned the vast domain
before Columbus first crossed the Atlantic. Having purchased the territory,
the United States found it still in the possession of its original ownersj who had
never been dispossessed ; and it became necessary to purchase again what had
already been bought before, or forcibly eject the occupants ; therefore, the his-
tory of the Indian nations who occupied Iowa prior-to and during its early set-
tlement by the whites, becomes an important chapter in the history of the State,
that cannot be omitted.
For more than one hundred years after Marquette and Joliet trod the virgin
soil of Iowa, not a single settlement had been made or attempted ; not even a
trading post had been established. The whole country remained in the undis-
puted possession of the native tribes, who roamed at will over her beautiful and
fertile prairies, hunted in her woods, fished in her streams, and often poured out
their life-blood in obstinately contested contests for supremacy. That this State
so aptly styled "The Beautiful Land," had been the theater of numerous,
fierce and bloody struggles between rival nations, for possession of the favored
region, long before its settlement by civilized man, there is no room for doubt.
In these savage wars, the weaker party, whether aggressive or defensive, was
either exterminated or driven from their ancient hunting grounds.
In 1G78, when Man^uette discovered Iowa, the lUini were a very powerful
people, occupying a large portion of the State ; but when the country was again
visited by the whites, not a remnant of that once powerful tribe remained on
the west side of the Mississippi, and Iowa was principally in the possession of
the Sacs and Foxes, a warlike tribe Avhich, originally two distinct nations,
residing in New York and on the waters of the St. Lawrence, had gra<lually
fought their Avay westward, and united, probably, after the Foxes had been driven
out of the Fox River country, in 1846, and crossed the Mississippi. The death
of Pontiac, a flimous Sac chieftain, was made the pretext for war against the
mini, and a fierce and bloody struggle ensued, which continued until the Illinois
were nearly destroyed and their hunting grounds possessed by their victoiious
foes. The lowas also occupied a portion of the State for a time, in common
with the Sacs, but they, too, w^ere nearly destroyed by the Sacs and Foxes, and,
in "The Beautiful Land," these natives met their equally warlike foes, the
Northern Sioux, with whom they maintained a constant Avarfare for the posses-
sion of the country for many years.
When the United States came in possession of the great valley of the ]\Iis-
sissippi, by the Louisiana purchase, the Sacs and Foxes and lowas possessed
the entire territory now comprising the State of Iowa. The Sacs and Foxes,
also, occupied the most of the State of Illinois.
The Sacs had four principal villages, where most of them resided, viz. :
Their largest and most important town — if an Indian village may be called
such — and from which emanated most of the obstacles and difficulties omoun-
tered by the Government in the extinguishment of Indian titles to land in this
region, was on Rock River, near Rock Island ; another was on the east bank of
the Mississippi, near the mouth of Henderson River; the third was at the
head of the Des IMoines Rapids, near the present site of Montrose, and the fourth
was near the month of tlie Upper Iowa.
The Foxes had three principal villages, viz. : One on the Avest side of the
Mississippi, six miles above the rapids of Rock River ; another about twelve
HISTORY OF T.IE STATE OF IOWA. 149
miles from the river, in the rear of the Dubuque lead mines, and the third on
Turkey River.
The lowas, at one time identified with the Sacs, of Rock River, had with-
drawn from them and become a separate tribe. Their principal village was on
the Des Moines River, in Van Buren County, on the site where lowaville now
stands. Here the last great battle between the Sacs and Foxes and the lowas
was fought, in which Black Hawk, then a young man, commanded one division
of the attacking forces. The following account of the battle has been given :
'•Contrary to long established custom of Indian attack, this battle was commenced in the day
time, the attending circumstances justifying this departure from the well settled usages of Indian
warfare. The battle field was a level river bottom, about four miles in length, and two miles
wide near the middle, narrowing to a point at either end. The muin area of this bottom rises
perhaps twenty feet above the river, leaving a narrow strip of low bottom along the shore, covered
with trees that belted the prairie on the river side with a thick forest, and the immediate bank of
the river was fringed with a dense growth of willows. Near the lower end of tliis prairie, near
the river bank, was s'tuated the Iowa village. About two miles above it and near the middle of
the prairie is a mound, covered at the time with a tuft of small trees and underbrush growing on
its summit. In the rear of this little elevation or mound lay a belt of wet prairie, covered, at that
lime, with a dense growth of rank, coarse grass. Bordering this wet prairie on the north, the
country rises abruptly into elevated broken river bluffs, covered with a heavy forest for many
miles in extent, and in places thickly clustered with undergrowth, affording a convenient shelter
for the stealthy approach of the foe.
" Through this forest the Sac and Fox war party made their way in the night and secreted
themselves in the tall grass spoken of above, intending to remain in ambush during the day and
make such observations as this near proximity to their intended victim might atford, to aid them
in their contemplated attack on the town during the following night. From this situation their
spies could take a full survey of the village, and watch every movement of the inhabitants, by
which means they were soon convinced that the lowas had no suspicion of their presence.
" Atthefootof themoundabovementionedjthe lowas hadtheirrace course, where they diverted
themselves with the excitement of horse r^icing, and schooled their young warriors in cavalry
evolutions. In tliese exercises mock battles were fought, and the Indian tactics of attack and
defense carefully inculcated, by which meansaskill in horsemanship was acquired rarely excelled.
Unfortunately for them this day was selected for their equestrian sports, and wholly uncon-
scious of the proximity of their foes, the warriors repaired to tlie race ground, leaving most of
their arms in the village and their old men and women and children unprotected.
" Pash-a-po-po, who was chief in command of the Sacs and Foxes, perceived at once the
advantage this state of tilings afforded for a complete surprise of his now doomed victims, and
ordered Black Hawk to file off with his young warriors through the tall grass and gain the cover
of the timber along the river bank, and witli the utmost speed reach the village and commence
the battle, while he remained with his division in the ambush to malje a simultaneous as-ault on
the unarmed men whose attention was engrossed with the excitement of the races. The plin
was skillfully laid and most dexterously executed. Black Hawk with his forces reached the
village undiscovered, and made a furious onslaught upon the defenseless inhabiiants, by firing
one general volley into their midst, and completing the slaughter with the tomahawk and scalp-
ing knife, aided by the devouring ihimes with which they enveloped the village as suoa as the
fire brand could be spread from lodge to lodge.
" On the instant ot the report of fire arms at the village, the forces under Pash-a-po-po
leaped from their couthant position in the grass and sprang tiger-like upon tlie astonished and
unarmel lowas in the midst of tlieir r.icing sports. The fir.-t impulse of the latter natuially led
them to m ike the utmost speed toward their arms in the village, and protect if poss.blc their
wives and chl Iren from the attack of their merciless assailants. The distance from the pl.icj of
attack on the prairie was two miles, and a great number fell in their flight by tlie bullets and
tomaliawks of their enemies, who pressed them closely with a running fire the whole way. and
the survivors only reached their town in time to witness the horrors of its desfrnciiun. Their
whole village was in flames, and the dearest objects of their lives lay in slaughtrr d heaps
amidst the devouring clem 'nt, an I tho agonizing groans of the dying, mingle 1 with th ■ exuiting
shouts of the victorious foe, fille I their hearts with maddening despair. Their wives an I cliildren
who had been spared the general massacie were prisoners, and together with tlieir arms were in
the hands of the victors ; and all that could now be done was to draw off tlieir shattered and
defenseless forces, and save as many lives as possible by a retreat across the Des Moinen River,
which tliey effected in the best possible manner, and took a position among the Soap Creek
Hills."
The Sacs and Foxes, prior to the settlement of their village on Rock River,
h?d a fierce conflict with the Winnebagoes, subdued them and took possession
150 HISTORY OF TIIK STATE OF IOWA.
of their lands. Their village on Rock River, at one time, contained upward of
sixty lodges, and was among the largest Indian villages on the continent. In
1825, the Secretary of War estnnated the entire number of the Sacs and Foxes
at 4,600 souls. Their village was situated in the immediate vicinity of the
upper rapids of the Mississippi, where the beautiful and flourishing towns of
Rock Island and Davenport are now situated. The beautiful scenery of the
island, the extensive prairies, dotted over with groves ; the picturesque bluffs
along the river banks, the rich and fertile soil, producing large crops of corn,
sijuash and other vegetables, with little labor; the abundance of wild fruit,
game, fish, and almost everything calculated to make it a delightful spot for an
Indian village, which was found there, had made this place a favorite home of
the Sacs, and secured for it the strong attachment and veneration of the whole
nation.
North of the hunting grounds of the Sacs and Foxes, were those of the
Sioux, a fierce and Avarlike nation, who often disputed possession with their
rivals in savage and bloody warfare. The possessions of these tribes were
mostly located in Minnesota, but extended over a portion of Northern and
Western Iowa to the Missouri River. Their descent from the north upon the
hunting grounds of Iowa frequently brought them into collision with the Sacs
and Foxes ; and after many a conflict and bloody struggle, n, boundary line was
established between them by the Government of the United States, in a treaty
held at Prairie du Chien, in 1825. But this, instead of settling the difficulties,
caused them to quarrel all the more, in consequence of alleged trespasses upon
each other's side of the line. These contests were kept up and became so unre-
lenting that, in 1830, Government bought of the respective tribes of the Sacs
and Foxes, and the Sioux, a strip of land twenty miles in width, on both sides
of the line, and thus throwing them forty miles apart by creating between them
a "•neutral ground," commanded them to cease their hostilities. Both the
Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux, however, were allowed to fish and hunt on this
ground unmolested, provided they did not interfere with each other on United
States territory. The Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux were deadly enemies, and
neither let an opportunity to punish the other pass unimproved.
In April, 1852, a fight occurred between the Musquaka band of Sacs and
Foxes and a band of Sioux, about six miles above Algona, in Kossuth County,
on the west side of the Des Moines River. The Sacs and Foxes Avere under
the leadership of Ko-ko-wah, a subordinate chief, and had gone up from their
home in Tama County, by way of Clear Lake, to what was then the ''neutral
ground." At Clear Lake, Ko-ko-wah was informed that a party of Sioux were
encamped on the Avest side of the East Fork of the Des Moines, and he deter-
mined to attack them. With sixty of his Avarriors, he started and arrived at a
point on the east side of the river, about a mile above the Sioux encampment,
in the night, and concealed themselves in a grove, Avhere they Avere able to dis-
cover the position and strength of their hereditary foes. The next morning,
after many of the Sioux braves had left their camp on hunting tours, the vin-
dictiA'e Sacs and Foxes crossed the river and suddenly attacked the camp. The
conflict was desperate for a short time, but the advantage Avas Avith the assail-
ants, and the Sioux were routed. Sixteen of them, including some of their
Avomen and children, were killed, and a boy 14 years old was captured. One
of the Musquakas was shot in the breast by a squaAV as they were rushing into
the Sioux's camp. He started to run aAvay, Avhen the same brave squaAV shot
him through the body, at a distance of twenty rods, and he fell dead. Three
other Sac braves were killed. But fcAv of the Sioux escaped. The victorious
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 151
party hurriedly buried their own dead, leaving the dead Sioux above ground,
and made their way home, with their captive, with all possible expedition.
pike's expedition.
Very soon after the acquisition of Louisiana, the United States Government
adopted measures for the exploration of the new territory, having in view the
conciliation of the numerous tribes of Indians by whom it was possessed, and,
also, the selection of proper sites for the establishment of military posts and
trading stations. The Army of the West, Gen. James Wilkinson commanding,
had its headquarters at St. Louis. From this post. Captains Lewis and Clark,
with a sufficient force, were detailed to explore the unknown sources of the
Missouri, and Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike to ascend to the head waters of the Mis-
sissippi. Lieut. Pike, with one Sergeant, two Corporals and seventeen privates,
left the military camp, near St. Louis, in a keel-boat, with four months' rations,
on the 9th day of August, 1805. On the 20th of the same month, the expe-
dition arrived within the present limits of Iowa, at the foot of the Des Moines
Rapids, where Pike met William Ewing, who had just been appointed Indian
Agent at this point, a French interpreter and four chiefs and fifteen Sac and
Fox warriors.
At the head of the Rapids, where Montrose' is now situated, Pike held a
council with the Indians, in which he addressed them substantially as follows :
"Your great Father, the President of the United States, wished to be more
intimately acquainted with the situation and Avants of the different nations of
red people in our newly acquired territory of Louisiana, and has ordered the
General to send a number of his warriors in different directions to take them by
the hand and make such inquiries as might afford the satisfaction required."
At the close of the council he presented the red men with some knives, whisky
and tobacco.
Pursuing his way up the river, he arrived, on the 23d of August, at what is
supposed, from his description, to be the site of the present city of Burlington,
which he selected as the location of a military post. He describes the place as
being " on a hill, about forty miles above the River de Moyne Rapids, on the
west side of the river, in latitude about 41° 21' north. The channel of the
river runs on that shore ; the hill in front is about sixty feet perpendicular ;
nearly level on top ; four hundred yards in the rear is a small prairie fit for
gardening, and immediately under the hill is a limestone spring, sufficient for
the consumption of a whole regiment." In addition to this description, which
corresponds to Burlington, the spot is laid down on his map at a bend in the
river, a short distance below the mouth of the Henderson, which pours its waters
into the Mississippi from Illinois. The fort was built at Fort Madison, but from
,the distance, latitude, description and map furnished by Pike, it could not have
been the place selected by him, while all the circumstances corroborate the
opinion that the place he selected was the spot where Burlington is now located,
called by the early voyagers on the Mississippi, "Flint Hills."
On the 24th, with one of his men, he went on shore on a hunting expedition,
and following a stream which they supposed to be a part of the Mississippi, they
were led away from their course. Owing to the intense heat and tall grass, his
two favorite dogs, which he had taken with him, became exhausted and he left
them on the prairie, supposing that they would follow him as soon as they
should get rested, and went on to overtake his boat. Reaching the river, he
waited some time for his canine friends, but they did not come, and as he deemed
it inexpedient to detain the boat longer, two of his men volunteered to go in pur-
152 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
suit of them, and he continued on his way up the river, expecting that the two
men wouM soon overtake him. They lost their way, however, and for six days
were without food, except a few morsels gathered from the stream, and might
have perished, had they not accidentally met a trader from St. Louis, who in-
duced two Indians to take them up the river, and they overtook the boat at
Dubuque.
At Dubuque, Pike was cordially received by Julicn Dubuque, a Frenchman,
who held a mining claim under a grant from Spain. Dubuque had an old field
piece and fired a salute in honor of the advent of the first Americans who had
visited that part of the Territory. Dubuque, however, was not disposed to ]uib-
lish the wealth of his mines, and the young and evidently inquisitive officer
obtained but little information from him.
After leaving this place. Pike pursued his way up the river, but as, he passed
beyond the limits of the present State of Iowa, a detailed history of his explo-
rations on the upper waters of the Mississippi more properly belongs to the his-
torv of another State.
It is sufficient to say that on the site of Fort Snelling, Minnesota, at the
mouth of the Minnesota River, Pike held a council with the Sioux, September
23, and obtained from them a grant of one hundred thousand acres of land.
On the 8th of January, 1806, Pike arrived at a trading post belonging to the
Northwest Company, on Lake De Sable, in latitude 47°. At this time the
then powerful Northwest Company carried on their immense operations from
Hudson's Bay to the St. Lawrence; up that river on both sides, along the great
lakes to the head of Lake Superior, thence to the sources of the Red River of
the north and west, to the Rocky Mountains, embracing within the scope of
their operations the entire Territory of Iowa. After successfully accomplishing
his mis^iion, and performing a valuable service to Iowa and the whole Northwest,
Pike returned to St. Louis, arriving there on the 30th of April, 1806.
INDIAN WARS.
The Territory of Iowa, although it haxl been purchased by the Ignited States,
and was ostensibly in the possession of the Government, was still occupied by
the Indians, who claimed title to the soil by right of ownership and possession.
Before it could be open to settlement by the Avhites, it ^Yas indispensable that
the Indian title should be extinguished and the original owners removed. The
accomplishment of this purpose required the expenditure of la-ge sums of
money and blood, and for a long series of years the frontier was disturbed by
Indian wars, tei'minated repeatedly by treaty, only to be renewed by some act
of oppression on the part of the whites or some violation of treaty stipulation.
As previously shown, at the time when the United States assumed the con-
trol of the country by virtue of the Louisiana purchase, nearly the whole State
was in possession of the Sacs and Foxes, a powerful and Avarlike nation, who
were not disposed to submit without a struggle to what they considered the
encroachments of the pale faces.
Among the most noted chiefs, and one whose restlessness and hatred of the
Americans occasioned more trouble to the Government than any other of his
tribe, was Black Hawk, who was born at the Sac village, on Rock River, in
1767. He was simply the chief of his own band of Sac warriors, but by his
energy and ambition he became the leading spirit of the united nation of Sacs
and Foxes, and one of the prominent figures in the history of the country from
1804 until his death. In early manhood he attained some distinction as a
fighting chief, having led campaigns against the Osages, and other neighboring
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 153
tribes. About the beginning of the present century he began to appear prom-
inent in affairs on the Mississippi. Some liistorians have added to the statement
that " it does not appear that he was ever a great general, or possessed any of
the qualifications of a successful leader." If this was so, his life was a marvel.
How any man v/ho had none of the qualifications of a leader became so prom-
inent as such, as he did, indicates either that he had some ability, or that his
cotemporaries, both Indian and Anglo-Saxon, had less than he. He is said
to have been the " victim of a narrow prejudice and bitter ill-will against the
Americans," but the impartial historian must admit that if he Avas the enemy
of theAmericans, it was certainly not without some reason.
It will be remembered that Spain did not give up possession of the country
to France on its cession to tlie latter power, in 1801, but retained possession of
it, and, by the authority of France, transferred it to the United States, in 1804.
Black Hawk and his band were in St. Louis at the time, and were invited to be
present and witness the ceremonies of tlie transfer, but he refused the invitation,
and it is but just to say that tliis refusal Avas caused probably more from
regret that the Indians were to be transferred from the jurisdiction of the
Spanish authorities than from any special hatred toward the Americans. In
his life he says : " I found many sad and gloomy faces because the United
States were about to take possession of the town and country. Soon after the
Americans came, I took my band and went to take leave of our Spanisli father.
The Americans came to see him also. Seeing them approach, we passed out
of one door as they entered another, and immediately started in our canoes for
our village, on Rock River, not liking the change any more than our friends
appeared to at St. Louis. On arriving at our village, we gave the news that
strange people had arrived at St. Louis, and that we should never see our
Spanish father again. The information made all our peo])le sorry."
On tlie 3d day of November, 1804, a treaty was concluded between William
Henry Iliirrison, then Governor of Indiana Territory, on behalf of the United
States, and five chiefs of the Sac and Fox nation, by which the latter, in con-
sideration of two thousand two hundred and thirty-four dollars' Avorth of goods
then delivered, and a yearly annuity of one thousand dollars to be paid in
goods at just cost, ceded to the United States all that land on tlie east side of
the Mississppi, extending from a point opposite the Jefferson, in Missouri, to
the VVisconsin River, embracing an area of over fifty-one millions of acres.
To this treaty Black Hawk always objected and always refused to consider
it binding upon his people. He asserted that the chiefs or braves who made it
had no authority to relinquish the title of the nation to any of the lands they
held or occupied ; and, moreover, that they had been sent to St. Louis on quite
a different errand, namely, to get one of their people released, Avho had been
imprisoned at St. Louis for killing a Avhite man.
The year folloAving this treaty (1805), Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike came up
the river for the purpose of holding friendly councils Avith the Indians and select-
ing sites for forts Avithin the territory recently acquired from France by the
United States. Lieutenant Pike seems to have been the fir.st American Avhom
Black Hawk ever met or had a personal intervicAV Avith ; and he Avas very much
prepossessed in Pike's favor. Ho gives the following account of his visit to
Rock Island :
" A boat came up the river with a young American chief and a small party
of soldiers. We heard of them soon after they passed Salt River. Some of our
young braves Avatched them every day, to see Avhat sort of people he had on
board. The boat at lengtli arrived at Rock Rivei", and the young chief came on
154 HISTORY OF TIIK STATE OF IOWA.
shore with his interpreter, and made a spcecli and gave us some presents. We
in turn presented them with meat and such other provisions as we had to spare.
We were well pleased with the young chief. He gave us good advice, and said
our American father would treat us well."'
The events which soon followed Pikes expedition were the erection of Fort
Edwards, at what is now Warsaw, Illinois, and Fort Madison, on the site of the
present town of that name, the latter being the first fort erected in Iowa. These
movements occasioned great uneasiness among the Indians. When W'ork was
commenced on Fort Edwards, a delegation from their nation, headed by some of
their chiefs, went down to see what the Americans were doing, and had an in-
terview with the commander ; after which they returned home apparently satis-
fied. In like manner, when Fort Madison Avas being erected, they sent down
another delegation from a council of the nation held at Rock River. Accord-
mg to Black Hawk's account, the American chief told them that he AVas build-
ing a house for a trader who was coming to sell them goods cheap, and that the
soldiers were coming to keep him company — a statement which Black Hawk
says they distrusted at the time, believing that the fort was an encroachment
upon their rights, and designed to aid in getting their lands away from them.
It has been held by good American authorities, that the erection of Fort
Madison at the point Avhere it was located teas a violation of the treaty of 1804.
By the eleventh article of that treaty, the United States had a right to build a
fort near the mouth of the Wisconsin River ; by article six they had bound
themselves " that if any citizen of the United States or any other white persons
should form a settlement upon their lands, such intruders should forthwith be
removed." Probably the authorities of the United States did not regard the
establishment of military posts as coming properly within the meaning of the
term "settlement," as used in the treaty. At all events, they erected Fort
Madison within the territory reserved to the Indians, who became very indig-
nant. Not long after the fort Avas built, a party led by Black HaAvk attempted
its destruction. They sent spies to Avatch the movements of the garrison, who
ascertained that the soldiers Avere in the habit of marching out of the fort every
morning and evening for parade, and the plan of the party Avas to conceal them-
selves near the fort, and attack and surprise them Avhen they Avere outside. On
the morning of the proposed day of attack, five soldiers came out and Avere fired
upon by the Indians, two of them being killed. The Indians Avere too hasty in
their movement, for the regular drill had not yet commenced. However, they
kept up the attack for several days, attempting the old Fox strategy of setting
fire to the fort Avith blazing arroAvs ; but finding their efforts unavailing, the}''
soon gave up and returnetl to Rock River.
When Avar Avas declared betAveen the United States and Great Britain, in
1812, Black IlaAvk and his band allied themselves Avith the British, partly
because he was dazzled by their specious promises, and more probably because
they had been deceived by the Americans. Black HaAvk himself declared that
they Avere "forced into the Avar by being deceived." He narrates the circum-
stances as folloAvs : " ScAcral of the cliiefs and head men of the Sacs and
Foxes were called upon to go to Washington to see their (rreat Father. On
their return, they related Avhat had been said and done.. They said the Great
Father wished them, in the event of a Avar taking place with England, not to
interfere on either side, but to remain neutral. He did not Avant our help, but
wished us to hunt and support our families, and live in peace. He said that
British traders Avould not be jiermitted to come on the Mississippi to furnish us
with good^. but that Ave should be supplied Avith an American trader. Our
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 155
chiefs then told him that the British traders always gave them credit in the
Fall for guns, powder and goods, to enable us to hunt and clothe our families.
He repeated that the traders at Fort Madison would have plenty of goods ;
that we should go there in the Fall and he would supply us on credit, as the
British traders had done."
Black Hawk seems to have accepted of this proposition, and he and his
people were very much pleased. Acting in good faith, they fitted out for their
Winter's hunt, and went to Fort Madison in high spirits to receive from the
trader their outfit of supplies. But, after waiting some time, they were told by
the trader that he would not trust them. It was in vain that they pleaded the
promise of their great father at Washington. The trader was inexora^ble ; and,
disappointed and crestfallen, they turned sadly toward their own village. "'Few
of us," says Black Hawk, "slept that night; all was gloom and discontent. In
the morning, a canoe was seen ascending the river ; it soon arrived, bearing an
express, who brought intelligence that a British trader had landed at Rock
Island with two boats loaded with goods, and requested us to come up imme-
diately, because he had good news for us, and a variety of presents. The
express presented us with tobacco, pipes and wampum. The news ran through
our camp like fire on a prairie. Our lodges were soon taken down, and all
started jfor Rock Island. Here ended all hopes of our remaining at peace,
having been forced into the war by being deceived."
He joined the British, who flattered him, styled him " Gen. Black Hawk,"
decked him with medals, excited his jealousies against the Americans, and
armed his band ; but he met with defeat and disappointment, and soon aban-
doned the service and came home.
With all his skill and courage. Black Hawk was unable to lead all the Sacs
and Foxes into hostilities to the United States. A portion of them, at the head
of whom was Keokuk ("the Watchful Fox"), were disposed to abide by the
treaty of 1804, and to cultivate friendly relations with the American people.
Therefore, when Black Hawk and his band joined the fortunes of Great
Britain, the rest of the nation remained neuti\al, and, for protection, organized,
with Keokuk for their chief. This divided the nation into the " War and the
Peace party."
Black Hawk says he was informed, after he had gone to the war, that the
nation, which had been reduced to so small a body of fighting men, were unable
to defend themselves in case the Americans should attack them, and havnig all
the old men and women and children belonging to the warriors who had joined
the British on their hands to provide for, a council was held, and it was agreed
that Quash-qua-me (the Lance) and other chiefs, together with the old men,
women and children, and such others as chose to accompany them, should go to
St. Louis and place themselves under the American chief stationed there.
They accordingly went down, and were received as the "friendly band" of the
Sacs and Foxes, and were provided for and sent up the Missouri River. On
Black Hawk's return from the British army, he says Keokuk was introduced
to him as the war chief of the braves then in the village. He inquired how he
had become chief, and was informed that their spies had seen a large armed
force going toward Peoria, and fears were entertained of an attack upon the
village ; whereupon a council was held, which concluded to leave the village
and cross over to the west side of the Mississippi. Keokuk liad been standing
at the door of the lodge where the council was held, not being allowed to enter
on account of never having killed an enemy, where he remained until Wa-co-me
came out. Keokuk asked permission to speak in the council, which Wa-co-rae
L56 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
)btained for him. Keokuk then addressed the chiefs ; he remonstrated against
ihe desertion of their village, their own homes and the graves of their fathers,
md offered to defend the vilhige. The council consented tliat he should be
heir war chief He marshaled his braves, sent out spies, and advanced on the
Tail leading to Peoria, but returned Avithout seeing the enemy. The Americans
lid not disturb the village, and all Avere satisfied with the appointment of
Keokuk.
Keokuk, like Black Hawk, was a descendant of the Sac branch of the
lation, and was born on Rock River, in 1780. He was of a pacific disposition,
3ut possessed the elements of true courage, and could fight, when occasion
required, with a cool judgment and heroic energy. In his first battle, he en-
countered and killed a Sioux, which placed him in the rank of warriors, and he
kvas honored with a public feast by his tribe in commemoration of the event.
Keokuk has been described as an orator, entitled to rank with the most
gifted of his race. In person, he was tall and of portly bearing ; in his public
speeches, he displayed a commanding attitude and graceful gestures ; he spoke
'apidly, but his enunciation was clear, distinct and forcible ; he culled his fig-
jres from the stores of nature and based his arguments on skillful logic. Un-
fortunately for the reputation of Keokuk, as an orator among white people, he
svas never able to obtain an interpreter who could claim even a slight acquaint-
mcc with pliilosophy. With one exception only, his interpreters were unac-
[uainted with the elements of their mother-tongue. Of this serious hindrance
:o his fame, Keokuk was well aware, and retained Frank Labershure, who had
received a rudimental education in the French and English languages, until the
latter broke down by dissipation and died. But during the meridian of his
career among the white people, he Avas compelled to submit his speeches for
translation to uneducated men, Avhose range of thought fell below the flights of
1 gifted mind, and the fine imagery drawn from nature was beyond their ])OAver
)f reproduction. He had sufficient knowledge of the English language tu make
lim sensible of tills bad rendering of his thoughts, and often a feeling of morti-
icatiou at the bungling efforts Avas depicted on his countenance Avhile speaking,
riie proper place to form a correct estimate of his ability as an orator Avas in
;he Indian council, where he addressed himself exclusively to tliose who under-
stood his language, and Avitness the electrical eifect of his eloquence upon his
ludience.
Keokuk seems to have possessed a more sober judgment, and to have had a
nore intelliiient view of the great strength and resources of the United States,
;han his noted and restless cotemporary. Black HaAvk. He knew from the first
:hat the reckless war which Black H;nvk and his band had determined to carry on
could result in nothing but defeat and disaster, and used every argument against
t. The large number of Avarriors Avhom he had dissuaded fnmi folloAving lilack
[TaAvk became, however, greatly excited Avith the Avar spirit after Stillman's
lefeat, and l)ut for the signal tact displayed by Keokuk on that occasion, Avould
lave forced him to submit to their wishes in joining the rest of the Avarriors in
:he field. A Avar-dance Avas held, and Keokuk took part in it, seeming to be
noved Avith the current of the rising storm. When the dance Avas over, he
•ailed the cotnicil to prepare for war. He made a speech, in Avliich he admitted
he justice of their complaints against the Americans. To seek redress Avas a
loble aspiration of their nature. The blood of their brethren had been sited by
:he AAliite man, and the spirits of their braves, slain in battle, called loudly for
/engeance. "I am your chief," he said, "and it is my duty to lead you to bat-
:le, if, after fully considering the matter, you are determined to go. . But before
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 157
you decide on taking this important step, it is Avise to inquire into the chances of
success." He then portrayed to them the great power of tlie United States,
against "whom they Avould have to contend, that tlieir chance of success was
uttei'ly hopeless. " But," said he, " if you do determine to go upon the war-
path, I will agree to lead you, on one condition, viz.: that before we go, we will
kill all our old men and our wives and children, to save them from a lingering
death of starvation, and that every one of us determine to leave our homes on
the other side of the Mississippi."
This was a strong but truth fid ])icture of the prospect before them, and was
presented in such a forcible light as to cool their ardor, and cause them to aban-
don the rash undertakiiio;.
But during the war of 1832, it is now considered certain that small bands of
Indians, from the west side of the Mississippi, made incursions into the white
settlements, in the lead mining region, and committed some murders and dep-
redations.
When peace was declared between the United States and England, Black
Hawk was required to make peace with the former, and entered into a treaty
at Portage des Sioux, September 14, 1815, but did not "touch the goose-quill
to it until May 13, 1816, when he smoked the pipe of peace with the great
white chief," at St. Louis. This treaty was a renew^al of the' treaty of 1804,
but Black Hawk declared he liad been deceived ; that he did not know that by
signing the treaty he was giving away his village. This weighed upon his mind,
already soured by previous disappointment and the irresistible encroachments of
the whites ; and when, a few years later, he and his people were driven from
their possessions by the military, he determined to return to the home of his
fathers.
It is also to be remarked that, in 1816, by treaty with various tribes, the
United States relinquished to the Indians all the lands lying north of a line
drawn from the southernmost point of Lake Michigan west to the Mississippi,
except a reservation five leagues square, on the Mississippi River, supposed tlien
to be sufficient to include all the mineral lands on and adjacent to Fever River,
and one league square at the mouth of the Wisconsin River.
THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
The immediate cause of the Indian outbreak in 1830 was the occupation of
Black Hawk's village, on the Rock River, by the whites, during the absence of
the chief and his braves on a hunting expedition, on the west side of the
Mississippi. When they returned, they found their wigwams occupied by white
families, and their own women and children were shelterless on the banks of
the river. The Indians were indignant, and determined to repossess their village
at all hazards, and early in the Spring of 1831 recrossed the Mississippi and
menacingly took possession of their own cornfields and cabins. It may be well
to remark here that it was expressly stipulated in the treaty of 1804, to which
they attributed all their troubles, that the Indians should not be obliged to
leave their lands until they were sold by the United States, and it does not
appear that they occupied any lands other than those owned by the Government.
If this was true, the Indians had good cause for indignation and complaint.
But the whites, driven out in turn by the returning Indians, became so clamorous
against what they termed the encroachments of the natives, that Gov. Reynolds, of
Illinois, ordered Gen Gaines to Rock Island with a military force to drive the
Indians again from their homes to the west side of the Mississippi. Black Hawk
says he did not intend to be provoked into war by anything less than the blood of
158 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
some of his own people ; in other words, tliat there wouhl he no war unless it should
be commenced by the pale faces. But it was said and ])robably thought by the mili-
tary commanders along the frontier that the Indians intended to unite in a general
war against the whites, from Rock River to the Mexican borders. But it does not
appear that the hardy frontiersmen themselves had any fears, for their experi-
ence had been that, when well treated, their Indian neighbors were not danger-
ous. Black Hawk and his band had done no more than to attempt to repossess the
the old homes of which they had been deprived in their absence. No blood
had been shed. Black Hawk and his chiefs sent a flag of truce, and a new
treaty was made, by which Black Hawk and his band agreed to remain forever
on the Iowa side and never rccross the river without the permission of the
President or the Governor of Illinois. Whether the Indians clearly understood
the terms of this treaty is uncertain. As was usual, the Indian traders had
dictated terms on their behalf, and they had received a large amount of pro-
visions, etc., from the Government, but it may Avell be doubted whether the
Indians comprehended that they could never revisit the graves of their fathers
without violating their treaty. They undoubtedly thought that they had agreed
never to recross the Mississippi Avith hostile intent. However this may be, on
the Gth day of April, 1832, Black Hawk and his entire band, wuh their women
and children, again recrossed the Mississippi in plain view of the garrison of
Fort Armstrong, and went up Rock River. Although this act Avas construed
into an act of hostility by the military authorities, who declared that Black
Hawk intended to recover his village, or the site Avhere it stood, by force ; but
it does not appear that he made any such attempt, nor did his apearance
create any special alarm among the settlers. They knew that the Indians never
went on the war path encumbered with the old men, their women and their
children.
The Galenian, printed in Galena, of May 2, 1832, says that Black Hawk
was invited by the Prophet and had taken possession of a tract about forty
miles up Rock River ; but that he did not remain there long, but commenced
his march up Rock River. Capt. W. B. Green, who served in Capt. Stephen-
son's company of mounted rangers, says that " Black Hawk and h's band
crossed the river with no hostile intent, but that his band had had bad luck in
hunting during the previous Winter, were actually in a starving condition, and
had come over to spend the Summer with a friendly tribe on the head waters of
the Rock and Illinois Rivers, by invitation from their chief. Other old set-
tlers, who all agree that Black Hawk had no idea of fighting, say that he came
back to the west side expecting to negotiate another treaty, and get a new
supj)ly of provisions. The most reasonable explanation of this movement, which
resulted so disastrously to Black Hawk and his starving people, is that, during
the Fall and Winter of 1831-2, his people became deeply indebted to their
favorite trader at Fort Armstrong (Rock Island). They had not been fortunate
in hunting, and ho was likely to lose heavily, as an Indian debt was outlawed
in one year. If, therefore, the Indians could be induced to come over, and the
fears of the military could be sufficiently aroused to pursue them, another treaty
could be negotiated, and from the payments from the Government the shrewd
trader could get his pay. Just a week after Black Hawk crossed the river, on
the 13th of April, 1832, George Davenport Avrote to Gen. Atkinson : " I am
informed that the British band of Sac Indians are determined to make war on
the frontier settlements. * * * From every information that I have
received, I am of the opinion that the intention of the British hand of Sac
Indians is to commit depredations on the inhabitants of the frontier." And
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 159
yet, from the 6th day of April until after Stillman's men commenced war by
firing on a flag of truce from Bhick Hawk, no murders nor depredations wei*e
committed by the British band of Sac Indians.
It is not the purpose of this sketch to detail the incidents of the Black
Hawk war of 1832, as it pertains rather to the history of the State of Illinois.
It is sufficient to say that, after the disgraceful affair at Stillman's Run, Black
Hawk, concluding that the whites, refusing to treat Avith him, were determined
to exterminate his people, determined to return to the Iowa side of the Missis-
sippi. He could not return by the way he came, for the army was behind him,
an army, too, that would sternly refuse to recognize the white flag of peace.
His only course was to make his way northward and reach the Mississippi, if
possible, before the troops could overtake him, and this lie did ; but, before he
could get his women and children across the Wisconsin, he Avas overtaken, and a
battle ensued. Here, again, he sued for peace, and, through his trusty Lieu-
tenant, "the Prophet," the whites were plainly informed that the starving
Indians did not Avish to fight, but would return to the Avest side of the Missis-
sippi, peaceably, if they could be permitted to do so. No attention Avas paid to
this second effort to negotiate peace, and, as soon as supplies could be obtained,
the pursuit Avas resumed, the flying Indians Avere overtaken again eight miles
before they reached the mouth of the Bad Axe, and the slaughter (it should not
be dignified by the name of battle) commenced. Here, overcome by starA'ation
and the victorious Avhites, his band Avas scattered, on the 2d day of August,
1832. Black HaAvk escaped, but Avas brought into camp at Prairie du Chien
by three Winnebagoes. He Avas confined in Jefferson Barracks until the
Spring of 1833, when he was sent to Washington, arriving there April 22. On
the 26th of April, they were taken to Fortress Monroe, where they remained
till the 4th of June, 1833, Avhen orders Avere given for them to be liberated and
returned to their own country. By order of the President, he Avas brought
back to Iowa through the principal JEastern cities. Crowds flocked to see him
all along his route, and lie Avas very much flattered by the attentions he
received. He liA^ed among his people on the loAva River till that reserA^ation
was sold, in 1836, Avhen, Avith the rest of the Sacs and Foxes, he removed to
the Des Moines Reservation, Avhere he remained till his death, Avhich occurred
on the 3d of October, 1838.
INDIAN PURCHASES, RESERVES AND TREATIES.
At the close of the Black Hawk War, in 1832, a treaty Avas made at a
council held on the Avest bank of the Mississippi, where noAV stands the thriving
city of DaA^enport, on grounds now occupied by the Chicago, Rock Island &
Pacific Railroad Company, on the 21st day of September, 1832. At this
council, the United States Avere represented by Gen. Winfield Scott and Gov.
Reynolds, of Illinois. Keokuk, Pash-a-pa-ho and some thirty other chiefs and
Avarriors of the Sac and Fox nation Avere present. By this treaty, the Sacs and
Foxes ceded to the United States a strip of land on the eastern border of Iowa
fifty miles Avide, from the northern boundary of Missouri to the mouth of the
Upper Iowa River, containing about six million acres. ThcAvestern line of the
purchase was parallel Avith the Mississippi. In consideration of this cession,
the United States Government stipulated to pay annually to the confederated
tribes, for thirty consecutive years, twenty thousand dollars in specie, and to
pay the debts of the Indians at Rock Island, which had been accumulating for
160 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
seventeen years and amounted to fifty thousand dollars, duo to Davenport &
Farnham, Indian traders. The Government also generously donated to the
Sac and Fox women and children whose husbands and fathers had fallen in the
Black Hawk war, thirty-five beef cattle, twelve bushels (>f salt, thirty barrels of
pork, fifty barrels of flour and six thousand bushels of corn.
This territory is known as the "Black Hawk Purchase." Although it was
not the first portion of Iowa ceded to the United States by the Sacs and Foxes,
it was the first opened to actual settlement by the tide of emigration that flowed
across the Mississippi as soon as the Indian title was extinguished. The treaty
was ratified February 13, 1833, and took efiect on the 1st of June following,
when the Indians quietly removed from the ceded territory, and this fertile and
beautiful region was opened to white settlers.
By the terms of the treaty, out of the Black Hawk Purchase Avas reserved for
the Sacs and Foxes 400 S([uare miles of land situated on the Iowa River, and in-
Icuding within its limits Keokuk's village, on the right bank of that river. This
tract was known as " Keokuk's Reserve; ' and was oceujiied by the Indians until
1836, when, by a treaty made in September between them and Gov. Dodge, of
AVisconsin Territory, it was ceded to the United States. The council was held
on the banks of the Mississippi, above Davenport, and was the largest assem-
blage of the kind ever held by the Sacs and Foxes to treat for the sale of lands.
About one thousand of their chiefs and braves were present, and Keokuk was
their leading spirit and principal speaker on the occasion. By the terms of the
treaty, tiie Sacs and Foxes Avere removed to another reservation on the Des
Moines River, where an agency was established for them at what is now the
town of Agency City.
Besides the Keokuk Reserve, the Government gave out of the Black Hawk
Purchase to Antoine Le Claire, interpreter, in fee simple, one section of land
opposite Rock Island, and another at the head of the first rapids above the
island, on the Iowa side. This was the first laud title granted by the United
States to an individual in Iowa.
Soon after the removal of the Sacs and Foxes to their new reservation
on the Des Moines River, Gen. Joseph M. Street was transferred from the
agency of the Winncbagoes, at Prairie du Chien, to establish an agency
among them. A farm was selected, on which the necessary buildings were
erected, including a comfortable farm house for the agent and his family, at
the expense of the Indian Fund. A salaried agent was employed to superin-
tend the farm and disp')se of the crops. Two mills were erected, one on Soap
Creek and the other on Sugar Creek. The latter was soon swept away by a
flood, but the former rcuiained and did good service for many years. Connected
with the agency were Joseph Smart and John Goodell, interpreters. The
latter was interpreter for Hard Fishs band. Three of the Indian chiefs. Keo-
kuk, Wapello and Appanoose, had each a large field improved, the two iormer
on the right bank of the Des jNIoines, back from the river, in what is now
"Keokuk's Prairie," and the latter on the present site of the city of Ottumwa.
Among the traders connected Avitli the agency were the Messrs. Ewing, from
Ohio, and Phelps & Co., from Illinois, and also Mr. J. P. Eddy, who estab-
lished his post at what is now the site of Eddyville.
The Indians at this agency became idle and listless in the absence of their
natural and wonted excitements, and many of them plunged into dissipation.
Keokuk himself became dissipated in the latter years of his life, and it has
been reported that he died of deUrium tremens after his removal with his
tribe to Kansas.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 161
In May, 1843, most of tlie Indians were removed up the Des Moines River,
above the temporary line of Red Rock, having ceded the remnant of their
lands in Iowa to the United States on the 21st of September, 1837, and on the
11th of October, 1842. By the terms of the latter treaty, they held possession
of the "New Purchase" till the Autumn of 1845, when the most of them
were removed to their reservation in Kansas, the balance being removed in the
Spring of 1846.
1. Treaii/ with the Sioux — Made July 19, 1815 ; ratified December IG, 1815. This treaty
was made at Portage des Sioux, between the Sioux of Minnesota and Upper Iowa and the United
States, by William Clark and Ninian Edwards, (Commissioners, and was merely a treaty of peace
and friendship on the part of those Indians toward the United States at the close of the war of
1812.
2. Treaty with the Sacs. — A similar treaty of peace was made at Portage des Sioux, between
the United States and the Sacs, by William Clark, Ninian Edwards and Auguste Clioteau, on the
13th of September, 1815, and ratified at the same date as the above. In this, the treaty of 1804
was re-affirmed, and the Sacs here represented promised for themselves and their bands to keep
entirely separate from the Sacs of llock River, who, under Black Hawk, had joined the British
in the war just then closed.
3. Treat;/ with the Fozeif. — A separate treaty of peace was made with the Foxes at Portage
des Sioux, by the same Commissioners, on the 14th of September, 1815, and ratified the same as
the above, wherein the Foxes re-affirmed the treaty of St. Louis, of November 3, 1804, and
agreed to deliver up all their prisoners to the officer in command at Fort Clark, now Peoria,
Illinois.
4. Treaty with the lowas. — A treaty of peace and mutual good will was made between the
United States and the Iowa tribe of Indians, at Portage des Sioux, by the same Commissioners
as above, on the IGth of September, 1815, at the close of the war with Great Britain, and ratified
at the same date as the others.
5. Treaty with the Sues of Ro'-k River — Made at St. Louis on the 13th of May, 1816, between
the United States and the Sacs of Rock River, by the Commissioners, William Clark, Ninian
Edwards and Auguste Choteau, and ratified December 30, 181G. In this treaty, that of 1804
was re- established and confirmed by twenty-two chiefs and head men of the Sacs of Rock River,
and Black Hawk himself attaclicd to it his signature, or, as he said, "touched the goose quill."
6. Treaty of 16'^4 — On the 4th of August, 1824, a treaty was made between the United
States and the Sacs and Foxes, in the city of Washington, by William Clark, Commissioner,
wherein the Sac and Fox nation relinquished their title to all lands in Missouri and that portion
of the southeast corner of Iowa known as the " Half-Breed Tract" was set off and reserved for
the use of the half-breeds of tlie Sacs and Foxes, they holding title in the same manner as In-
dians. Ratified January 18, 1825.
7. Treaty of August 19, 1825. — At this date a treaty was made by William Clark and Lewis
Cass, at Prairie du Chien, between the United States and the Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, Me-
nomonees, Wiunebagoes and a portion of the Ottawas and Pottawatomies. In this treaty, in
order to make peace between the contending tribes as to the limits of their respective hunting
grounds in Iowa, it was agreed that the United States Government should run a boundary line
between the Sioux, on the north, and the Sacs and Foxes, on the south, as follows:
Commencing at the mouth of the Upper Iowa River, on the west bank of the Mississippi,
and ascending said Iowa River to its west fork ; thence up tiie fork to its source ; thence cross-
ing the fork of Red Cedar River in a direct line to the second or upper fork of the Des Moines
River ; thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the Calumet River, and down that river to its
junction with the ]\Iissouri River.
8. Treaty of ISSO.—On the 15th of July, 1830, the confederate tribes of the Sacs and Foxes
ceded to the United States a strip of country lying south of the above line, twenty miles in width,
and extending along the line aforesaid from the Mississippi to the Des Moines River. The Sioux
also, whose possessions were north of the line, ceded to the Government, in the same treaty, a
like strip on the north side of the boundary. Thus the United States, at the ratification of this
treaty, February 24, 1831, caine into possession of a portion of Iowa forty miles wide, extend-
ing along the Clark and Cass line of 1825, from the Mississippi fo the Des Moines River. Thif
territory was known as the " Neutral Ground," and the tril)es on cither side of the line wt-re
allowed to fish and hunt on it unmolested till it was made a Winnebago reservation, and the
Winnebagoes were removed to it in 1841.
9. Treaty with the Sacs and Fuxcs and other Tribes.— i^i the same time of the above treaty re-
specting the " Neutral Ground" (July 15, 1830), the Sacs and Foxes, Western Sioux, Omahas,
lowas and Missouris cedeil to tlie United States a portion of the western slope of Iowa, the boun-
daries of which were defined as follows: Beginning at tlie upper fork of the Des Moines River,
and passing the sources of the Little Sioux and Floyd Rivers, to tlie fork of the first creek that
falls into the Bio- Sioux, or Calumet, on the east side ; thence down said creek and the Calumet
162 HISTORY OF TriE STATE OF IOWA.
River to the Missouri River; (hence down said Missouri River to the Missouri State line above
the Kansas ; thence along said line to tiie northwest corner of said State ; thence to the high lands
between tlie waters falling into the Missouri and Des Moines, passing to said high lands along
the dividing ridge between the forks of the Grand River ; thence along said higli lands or ridge
separating the waters of the Missouri from those of the Des Moines, to a point opposite the source
of tlie Hoycr River, and thence in a direct line to the upper fork of the Des Moines, the place of
beginning.
It was understood that the lands ceded and relinquished by this treaty were to be assigned
and allotted, under the direction of the Tresident of the Unite(l States, to tlie tribes then living
thereon, or to such other tribes as the President might locate thereon for hunting and other pur-
poses. In consideration of three tracts of land ceded in this treaty, the United States agreed to
pay to the Sacs three thousand dollars; to the Foxes, three thousand dollars; to the Sioux,
two thousand dollars; to the Yankton and Santie bands of Sioux, three thousand dollars; to the
Omahas, two thousand five hundred dollars; and to tlie Ottoes and Missouris, two thousand five
hundred dollars — to be paid annually for ten successive years. In addition to these annuities,
the Government agreed to furnish some of the tribes with blacksmiths and agricultural imple-
ments to the amount of two hundred dollars, at the expense of the United States, and to set apart
three thousand dollars annually for the education of the children of these tribes. It does not
appear that any fort was erected in this territory prior to the erection of Fort Atkinson on the
Neutral Ground, in 1S40-41.
This treaty was made by William Clark, Superintendent of Indian affairs, and Col. Willoughby
Morgan, of the United States First Infantry, and came into etlcct by proclamation, February
24, 1831.
10. Treat]/ with the Winnebagoes. — Made at Fort Armstrong, Rock Island, September 15, 1832,
by Gen. Winfield Scott and Hon. John ReynoMs, Governor of Illinois. In this treaty the Win-
nebagoes ceded to the United States all their land lying on the east side of the Mississippi, and
in part consideration therefor the United States granted to the Winnebagoes, to be held as other
Indian lands are held, that portion of Iowa known as the Neutral Ground. The exchange of the
two tracts of country was to take place on or before the 1st day of June, 1833. In addition to
tiie Neutral Ground, it was stipulated that the United States should give the Winnebagoes, begin-
ning in September, 1833, and continuing for twenty-seven successive years, ten thousand dollars
in specie, and establish a school among them, with a farm and garden, and provide otlier facili-
ties for the education of their children, not to exceed in cost three thousand dollars a j'car, and
to continue the same for twenty-seven successive years. Six agriculturists, twelve yoke of oxen
and plows and other farming tools were to be supplied by the Government.
11. Treat)/ of 18S2 with the Sac.i and Fores. — Already mentioned as the Black Hawk purchase.
12. Treat)/ of JSSC, with the Sacs and Foxes, ceding Keokuk's Reserve to (he United States;
for which the Government stipulated to pay thirty thousand dollars, and an annuity of ten thou-
sand dollars for ten successive years, together with other sums and debts of the Indians to
various parties.
13. IVeati/ of 1837.— On the 21st of October, 1837, a treaty was made at the city of Wash-
ington, between Carey A. Harris, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the confederate tribes of
Sacs and Foxes, ratified February 21, 1838, wherein another slice of the soil of Iowa was obtained,
described in the treaty as follows: "A tract of country containing 1,2")0,000 acres, lying west
and adjoining the tract conveyed by them to the United States in the treaty of September 21,
1832. It is understood that the points of termination for the present cession shall be the north-
ern and southern points of said tract as fixed by the survey made under the authority of the
United States, and that a line shall be drawn between them so as to intersect a line extended
westwardly from the angle of s.aid tract nearly opposite to Rock Island, as laid down in the above
survey, so far as may be necessary to include the number of acres hereby ceded, which last
mentioned line, it is estimated, will be about twenty-five miles "
This piece of land was twenty-five miles wide in the middle, and ran off to a point at both
ends, lying directly back of the Black Hawk Purchase, and of the same length.
14 Treaty of Relinquishment. — At the same date as the above treaty, in the city of Washing-
ton, Carey A. Harris, Commissioner, the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United Sta(es all (heir
right and interest in the country lying south of the boundary line between the Sacs and Foxes
and Sioux, as described in the treaty of August lU, 182.'>, and between the Mississippi and Mis
spuri Rivers, the United States paying for the same one hundred and sixty thousand dollars
The Indians also gave up all claims and interests under the treaties previously made with them
for the satisfaction of which no appropriations had been made.
15. Treat)/ of ISJfS. — The last treaty was made with the Sacs and Foxes October 11, 1842
ratified March 23, 1843. It was made at the Sac and Fox agency (.\gency City), by John
Chambers, Commissioner on behalf of the United States. In this treaty the Sac and Fox Indians
" ceded to the United States all their lands west of the Mississippi to which they had any claim
or title." By the terms of this treaty tliey were to be removed from the country at the expira-
tion of three years, and all who remained after (hat were to move at their own expense. Part
of them were removed to Kansas in the Fall of 1845, and the rest the Spring following.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 163
SPANISH GRANTS.
While the territory noAv embraced in the State of Iowa was under Spanish
rule as a part of its province of Louisiana, certain claims to and grants of land
were made by the Spanish authorities, with which, in addition to the extinguishment
of Indian titles, tlie United States had to deal. It is proper that these should
be briefly reviewed.
Dubuque. — On the 22d day of September, 1788, Julien Dubuque, a French-
man, from Prairie du Chien, obtained from the Foxes a cession or lease of hxnds
on the Mississippi River for mining purposes, on the site of the present city of
Dubuque. Lead had been discovered here eight years before, in 1780, by the
wife of Peosta Fox, a warrior, and Dubuque's claim embraced nearly all the lead
bearing lands in that vicinity. He immediately took possession of his claim and
commenced mining, at the same time making a settlement. The place became
known as the "Spanish Miners," or, more commonly, "Dubuque's Lead
Mines."
In 1796, Dubuque filed a petition with Baron de Carondelet, the Spanish
Governor of Louisiana, asking that the tract ceded to him by the Indians might
be granted to him by patent from the Spanish Government. In this petition,
Dubuque rather indefinitely set forth the boundaries of this claim as "about
seven leagues along the Mississippi River, and three leagues in width from the
river," intending to include, as is supposed, the river front between the Little
Maquoketa and tlie Tete des Mertz Rivers, embracing more than twenty thou-
sand acres. Carondelet granted the prayer of the petition, and the grant was
subsequently confirmed by the Board of Land Commissioners of Louisiana.
In October, 1804, Dubuque transferred the larger part of his claim to
Auguste Choteau, of St. Louis, and on the 17th of May, 1805, he and Choteau
jointly filed their claims with the Board of Commissioners, On the 20th of
September, 1806, the Board decided in their favor, pronouncing tlie claim to be
a regular Spanish grant, made and completed prior to the 1st day of October,
1800, only one member, J. B. C. Lucas, dissenting.
Dubuque died March 24, 1810. The Indians, understanding that the claim
of Dubucpe under their former act of cession was only a permit to occupy the
tract and work the mines during his life, and that at his death they reverted to
them, took possession and continued mining operations, and were sustained by
the military authority of the United States, notwithstanding the decision of the
Commissioners. When the Black Hawk purchase was consummated, the Du-
l)U([ue claim thus held by the Indians was absorbed by the United States, as the
Sacs and Foxes made no reservation of it in the treaty of 1832.
The lieirs of Choteau, however, were not disposed to relinquish their claim
Avitliout a struggle. Late in 1832, they employed an agent to look afcer their
interests, and authorized him to lease the right to dig lead on the lands. The
miners who commenced work under this agent were compelled by the military to
abandon their operations, and one of the claimants went to Galena to institute
legal proceedings, but found no court of competent jurisdiction, although he did
bring an action for the recovery of a quantity of lead dug at Dubu(iue, for the
purpose of testing the title. Being unable to identify the lead, however, he was
non-suited.
By act of Congress, approved July 2, 1836, the town of Dubuque Avas sur-
veyed and platted. After lots had been sold and occupied by the purchasers,
Henry Choteau brought an action of ejectment against Patrick Malony, who
164 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
held land in Dubuque under a patent from the United States, for the recovery
of seven undivided eij^htli parts of the Dubuque claim, as purchased by Auguste
Choteau in 1804. The case was tried in the District Court of the United States
for the District of Iowa, and was decided adversely to the plaintift". The case was
carried to the Supreme Court of the United States on a writ of error, when it
was heard at the December term, 1853, and the decision of the lower court was
aflirmcd, the court holding that the permit from Carondolet was merely a lease
or j)ermit to work the mines ; that Dubu(iue asked, and the Governor of Louisiana
granted, nothing more than the '' })eaceable possession" of certain lands obtained
from the Indians ; that Carondelet had no legal authority to make snch a grant
as claimed, and that, even if he had, this was but an " inchoate and imperfect
title."
Giaj-d. — In 1795, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana granted to
Basil Giard five thousand eight hundred and sixty acres of land, in what is now
Clayton Coulity, known as the "Giard Tract." He occupied the land during
the time that Iowa passed from Spain to France, and from France to the United
States, in consideration of which the Federal Government granted a patent of
the same to Giard in his own right. His heirs sold the whole tract to James H.
Lockwood and Thomas P. Burnett, of Prairie du Chien, for three hundred dollars.
Honori. — March 30, 1799, Zenon Trudeau. Acting Lieutenant Governor of
Upper Louisiana, granted to Louis Ilonori a tract of land on the site of the
present town of Montrose, as follows : " It is permitted to Mr. Louis (Fresson)
Henori, or Louis Honore Fesson, to establish himself at the head of the rapids
of the River Des Moines, and his establishment once formed, notice of it shall be
given to the Governor General, in order to obtain for him a commission of a space
sutlicient to give value to such establishment, and at the same time to render it
useful to the commerce of the peltries of this country, to watch the Indians and
keep them in the fidelity Avhicli they owe to His Majesty."
Honori took immediate possession of his claim, Avhich he retained until 1805.
While trading Avith the natives, he became indebted to Joseph Robedoux, w ho
obtained an execution on which the property was sold INIay 13, 1803, and was
purchased by the creditor. In these proceedings the property was described as
beinsj; "' about six leao-ues above the River Des Moines." Robedoux died soon
after he purchased the proprerty. Auguste Choteau, his executor, disposed of
the Ilonori tract to Thomas F. Reddeck, in April, 1805, up to which time
Honori continued to occupy it. The grant, as made by the Spanish government,
was a league square, but only one mile square was confirmed by the United
States. After the half-breeds sold their lands, in which the Ilonori grant was
included, various claimants resorted to litigation in attempts to invalidate the
title of the Reddeck heirs, but it was finally confirmed by a decision of the
Supreme Court of the United States in 1839, and is the oldest legal title to any
land in the State of Iowa.
THE HALF-BREED TRACT.
Before any permanent settlement had been made in the Territory of Iowa,
white adventurers, trappers and traders, many of whom were scattered along
the Mississippi and its tributaries, as agents and employes of the American Fur
Company, intermarried with the females of the Sac and Fox Indians, producing
a race of half-breeds, whose number Avas never definitely ascertamed. There
were some respectable and excellent peojde among them, children of men of
some refinement and education. For instance : Dr. Muir, a gentleman educated
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 165
at Edinburgh, Scotland, a surgeon in the United States Army, stationed at a
military post located on the present site of Warsaw, married an Indian woman,
and reared his family of three daughters in the city of Keokuk. Other exam-
ples might be cited, but they are probably exceptions to the general rule, and
the race is now nearly or quite extinct in Iowa.
A treaty was made at Washington, August 4, 1824, between the Sacs and
Foxes and the United States, by which that portion of Lee County was reserved
to the half-breeds of those tribes, and which was afterward known as " The
Ilalf-Breed Tract." This reservation is the triangular piece of land, containing
about 119,000 acres, lying between the Mississippi andDes Moines Rivers. It is
bounded on the north by the prolongation of the northern line of Missouri.
This line was intended to be a straight one, running due cast, which would have
caused it to strike the ]\Iississippi River at or below Montrose ; but the surveyor who
run it took no notice of the change in the variation of the needle as he proceeded
eastward, and, in consequence, the line he run Avas bent, deviating more and more
to the northward of a direct line as he approached the Mississippi, so that it
struck that river at the lower edge of the town of Fort Madison. " This errone-
ous line," says Judge Mason, "has been acquiesced in as well in fixing tlie
northern limit of the Half-Breed Tract as in determining the northern boundary
line of the State of Missouri." Tlie line thus run included in the reservation
a portion of the lower part of the city of Foi't Madison, and all of the present
townships of Van Buren, Charleston, Jefferson, Des Moines, Montrose and
Jackson.
Under the treaty of 1824, the half-breeds had the right to occupy the soil,
but could not convey it, the reversion being reserved to the United States. But
on the 30th day of January, 1834, by act of Congress, this reversionary riglit
was relinquished, and the half-breeds acquired the lands in fee simple. This
was no sooner done, than a horde of speculators rushed in to buy land of the
half-breed owners, and, in many instances, a gun, a blanket, a pony or a few
quarts of whisky was sufficient for the purchase of large estates. There was
a deal of sharp practice on both sides; Indians would often claim ownership of
land by virtue of being half-breeds, and had no difficulty in proving their mixed
blood by the Indians, and tliey would then cheat the speculators by selling land
to which they had no riglitful title. On the other hand, speculators often
claimed land in which they had no ownership. It was diamond cut diamond,
until at last things became badly mixed. There were no authorized surveys,
and no boundary lines to claims, and, as a natural result, numerous conflicts and
quarrels ensued.
To settle these difficulties, to decide the validity of claims or sell them for
the benefit of the real owners, by act of the Legislature of Wisconsin Territory,
approved January 16, 1838, Edward Johnstone, Thomas S. Wilson and David
Brigham were appointed Commissioners, and clotlied witli power to cflcct these
objects. The act provided that these Commissioners shoidd be paid six dollars
a day each. The commission entered upon its duties and continued until the
next sessiim of the Legislature, when the act creating it was repealed, invalidat-
ing all that had been done and depriving the Commissioners of their pay. The
repealing act, however, authorized the Commissioners to commence action against
the owners of the Half-Breed Tract, to receive pay for their services, in the Dis-
trict Court of Lee County. Two judgments were obtained, and on execution
the whole of the tract was sold to Ilngh T. Reid, tlie Sheriff' executing tlie
deed. Mr. Reid sold portions of it to various parties, but Iiis own title was
questioned and he became involved in litigation. Decisions in favor of Reid
166 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
and those holding under him •were made by both District and Supreme Courts,
but in December, 1850, these decisions were finally reversed by the Supreme
Court of the United States in tlie case of Joseph Webster, plaintiff in error, vs.
Hugh T. Reid, and the judgment titles failed. About nine years before the
"judgment titles " were finally abrogated as above, another class of titles were
brought into competition with them, and in the conflict between the two, the
final decision was obtained. These were the titles based on the " decree of
partition " ' issued by the United States District Court for the Territory of Iowa,
on the 8th of May, 1841, and certified to by the Clerk on the 2d day of June of
that year. Edward Johnstone and Hugh T. Reid, then hnv partners at Fort
Madison, filed the petition for the decree in behalf of the St. Louis claimants of
half-breed lands. Francis S. Key, author of the Star Spangled Banner, avIio
was then attorney for the New York Land Company, which held heavy interests
in these lands, took a leading part in the measure, and drew up the document in
which it Avas presented to the court. Judge Charles Mason, of Burlington, pre-
sided. The plan of partition divided the tract into one hundred and one shares
and arranged that each claimant should draw his proportion by lot. and should
abide the result, whatever it might be. The arrangement was entered into, the
lots drawn, and the plat of the same filed in the Recorders office, October ().
1841. Upon this basis the titles to land in the Half-Breed Tract are now held.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The first permanent settlement by the whites within the limits of Iowa was
made by Julien Dubuque, in 1788, when, with a small party of miners, he set-
tled on the site of the city that now bears his name, where he lived until his
death, in 1810. Louis Honori settled on the site of the present town of Mon-
trose, probably in 1799, and resided there until 1805, when his property passed
into other hands. Of the Giard settlement, opposite Prairie du Chien, little is
known, except that it was occupied by some parties prior to the commencement
of the present century, and contained three cabins in 1805. Indian traders,
although not strictly to be considered settlers, had established themselves at
various points at an early date. A Mr. Johnson, agent of the American Fur
Company, had a trading post below Burlington, where he carried on traffic with
the Indians some time before the United States possessed the country. In
1820, Le Moliese, a French trader, had a station at what is now Sandusky, six
miles above Keokuk, in Lee County. In 1829, Dr. Isaac Gallaud made a set-
tlement on the Lower Rapids, at Avhat is now Nashville.
The first settlement in Lee County Avas made in 1820, by Dr. Samuel C.
Muir, a surgeon in the United States army, who had been stationed at Fort
EdAvards, noAV Warsaw, 111., and who built a cabin Avhere the city of Keokuk
now stands. Dr. ISIuir was a man of strict integrity and irreproachable char-
acter. While stationed at a military post on the Upper Mississippi, he had
married an Indian Avoman of the Fox nation. Of his marriage, the folloAving
romantic account is given :
The post at -which he was stationed was visited by a beautiful Indian maiden — whose native
name, unfortunatelv, has not been preserved — wlio, in her dreams, had seen a white brave un-
moor liis canoe, paddle it across the river and come directly to her lodge. She felt assured,
according to the superstitious belief of her race, that, in her dreams, she had seen her future
husband, and had come to the fort to find him. Meeting Dr. Muir, she instantly recognized
liim as the hero of her dream, which, with childlike innocence and simplicity, she related to
him. Her dream was, indeed, prophetic. Charmed with Sophia's beauty, innocence and devo-
tion, the doctor honorably married lier; but after a while, the sneers and gibes jof his brother
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 167
officers — less lionorable than he, perhaps — made him feel ashamed of his dark-skinned wife, and
wlien his regiment was ordered down the river, to Bellefontaine, it is said he embraced the
opportunity to rid himself of her, and left her, never expecting to see her again, and little
dreaming that she would have the courage to follow him. But, with her infant child, this in-
trepid wife and mother started alone in her canoe, and, after many days of weary labor and a
lonely journey of nine hundred miles, she, at last, reached him. She afterward remarked, when
speaking of this toilsome journey down the river in search of her husband, " When I got there
I was all perished away — so thin ! " The doctor, touched by such unexampled devotion, took her
to his heart, and ever after, until his death, treated her with marked respect. She always pre-
sided at his table with grace and dignity, but never abandoned her native style of dress. In
lSli)-2(), he was stationed at Fort Edward, but the senseless ridicule of some of his brother
officers on account of his Indian wife induced him to resign his commission.
After building his cabin, as above stated, he leased his claim for a term of years to Otis
Reynolds and .John Culver, of St. Louis, and went to La Pointe, afterward Galena, where he
priicticed his profession for ten years, when he returned to Keokuk. His Indian wife bore to
him four children — Louise (married at Keokuk, since dead), James, (drowned at Keokuk j, .Mary
ami Sophia. Dr. Muir died suddenly of cholera, in 18:^2, but left his property in such condition
thiit it was soon wasted in vexatious litigation, and his brave and faithful wife, left friendless and
penniless, became discouraged, and, with her children, disappeared, and, it is said, returned to
her people on the Upper Missouri.
Messrs. Reynolds & Culver, who had leased Dr. Muir's claim at Keokuk,
subsequently employed as their agent Mr. Moses Stillwell, who arrived Avith
his family in 1828, and took possession of Muir's cabin. Ilis brothers-in-law,
Amos and Valencourt Van Ansdal, came with him and settled near.
His daughter, Margaret Stillwell (afterward Mrs. Ford) was born in 1831,
at the foot of the rapids, called by the Indians Puch-a-she-tuck, where Keokuk
now stands. She was probably the first white American child born in Iowa.
In 1831, Mr. Johnson, Agent of the American Fur Company, who had a
station at the foot of the rapids, removed to another location, and, Dr. Muir
having returned from Galena, he and Isaac R. Campbell took the place and
buildings vacated by the Company and carried on trade Avith the Indians and
hiilf-breeds. Campbell, who had first visited and traveled through the southern
part of Iowa, in 1821, was an enterprising settler, and besides trading with the
natives carri(ul on a farm and kept a tavern.
Dr. Muir died of cholera in 1832.
In 1830, James L. and Lucius H. Langworthy, brothers and natives of
Vermont, visited the Territory for the purpose of working the lead mines at Du-
buque, They had been engaged in lead mining at Galena, Illinois, the former
from as early as 1824. Tlie lead mines in the Dubuque region Avere an object
of great interest to the miners about Galena, for they were known to be rich in
lead ore. To explore these mines and to obtain permission to work them was
therefore eminently desirable.
In 1829, James L. Langworthy resolved to visit the Dubuque mines. Cross-
ing the Mississippi at a point now known as Dunleith, in a canoe, and swim-
ming his horse by his side, he landed on the spot now known as Jones Street
Levee. Before him spread out a beautiful prairie, on which the city of Du-
buque now stands. Two miles south, at the mouth of Catfish Creek, Avas a vil-
lage of Sacs and Foxes. Thither Mr. LangAvorthy proceeded, and Avas Avell re-
ceived by the natives. He endeavored to obtain permission from them to mine
in their hills, but this they refused. He, however, succeeded in gaining the con-
fidence of the chief to such an extent as to be alloAved to travel in the interior
for three weeks and explore the country. He employed tAvo young Indians as
guides, and traversed in different directions the Avhole region lying between the
Ma(iuoketa and Turkey Rivers. He returned to the village, secured the good
will of the Indians, and, returning to Galena, formed plans for future opera-
tions, to be executed as soon as circumstances would permit.
168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
In 1830, with his brother, Lucius H., and otliers, liaving obtained the con-
sent of the Indians, Mr. Langworthy crossed the Mississippi and commenced
mining in tlie vicinity around Dubu(|ue.
At this time, the hinds were not in the actual possession of the United States.
Although they had been purchased from France, the Indian title had not been
extinguished, and these adventurous persons were beyond the limits of any State
or Territorial government. The first settlers were therefore obliged to be their
own law-makers, and to ajiree to such re<iuhitions as the exij^encies of the case
o ..... . . *-^
demanded. The first act resembling civil legislation within the limits of the
present State of Iowa was done by the miners at this ])oint, in June, 1830. They
met on the bank of the river, by the side of an old cottonwood drift log, at
what is now the Jones Street Levee, Dubuque, and elected a Committee, con-
sisting of J. L. Langworthy, H. F. Lander, James McPhetres, Samuel Scales,
and E. M. Wren. This may be called the first Legislature in Iowa, the mem-
bers of which gathered around that old cottonwood log, and agreed to and re-
ported the following, written by Mr. Langworthy, on a half sheet of coarse, un-
ruled paper, the old log being the writing desk :
We, a Coniniiltee having been chosen to draft certain rules and regulations (laws) by
which we as miners will be governed, and having duly considered the subject, do unanimously
agree that we will be governed by the regulations on the east side of the Mississippi River,* with
the following exceptions, to wit :
•iRTiCLR I. That each and every man shall hold 200 yards square of ground by working
said ground one day in six.
ARTioLr. K. We further agree that there shall be chosen, by the majority of the miners
present, a person who shall hold this article, and who shall grant letters of arbitration on appli-
cation having been made, and that said letters of arbitration shall be obligatory on the patties so
applying.
The report was accepted by the miners present, who elected Dr. Jarote, in
accordance with Article 2. Here, then, Ave have, in 1830, a primitive Legisla-
ture elected by the people, the law drafted by it being submitted to the people
for approval, and under it Dr. Jarote was elected first Governor within the
limits of the present State of Lnva. And it is to be said that the laws thus
enacted were as promptly obeyed, and the acts of the executive officer thus
elected as duly respected, as any have been since.
The miners Avho had thus erected an independent government of their own
on the Avest side of the Mississippi River continued to Avork successfully for a
long time, and the ncAV settlement attracted considerable attention. But the
west side of the Mississippi belonged to the Sac and Fox Indians, and the Goa'-
ernment, in order to preserve peace on the frontier, as Avell as to protect the
Indians in their rights under the treaty, ordered tlie settlers not only to stop
mining, but to remove from the Indian territory. They Avere simply intruders.
The execution of this order Avas entrusted to Col. Zacliary Taylor, then in com-
mand of the military post at Prairie du Chien, Avho, early in July, sent an officer
to the miners Avith orders to forbid settlement, and to command tlie miners to
remove Avithin ten days to the east side of the Mississippi, or they Avould be
driven off by armed force. The miners, howeA'er, Avere reluctant about leaving
the rich "leads" they had already discoA-^ered and opened, and Avere not dis-
posed to obey the order to remove Avith any considerable degree of alacrity. In
due time. Col. Taylor dispatched a detachment of troops to enforce his order. The
miners, anticipating their arrival, had, excepting three, recrossed the river, and
from the east bank saAv the troops land on the western shore. The three Avho
had lingered a little too long Avere, however, permitted to make their escape
* Established by the Superintendent of V. S. Lead Alines at Fever RjTer.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 169
unmolested. From this time, a military force was stationed at Dubuque to
prevent the settlers from returning, until June, 1832. The Indians returned,
and were encouaged to operate the rich mines opened by the late white
occupants.
In June, 1832, the troops were ordered to the east side to assist in the
annihilation of the very Indians whose rights they had been protecting on the
west side. Immediately after the close of the Black Hawk war, and the negotia-
tions of the treaty in September, 1832, by which the Sacs and Foxes ceded to
the United States the tract known as the "Black Hawk Purchase," the set-
tlers, supposing that now they had a right to re-enter the territory, returned
and took possession of their claims, built cabins, erected furnaces and prepared
large quantities of lead for market. Dubuque was becoming a noted place on
the river, but the prospects of the hardy and enterprising settlers and miners
were again ruthlessly interfered with by the Government, on the ground that
the treaty with the Indians would not go into force until June 1, 1833, although
they had withdrawn from the vicinity of the settlement. Col. Taylor was again
ordered by the War Department to remove the miners, and in January, 1833,
troops were again sent from Prairie du Chien to Dubu(|ue for that purpose.
This was a serious and perhaps unnecessary hardship imposed upon the settlers.
They were compelled to abandon their cabins and homes in mid-winter. It
must now be said, simply, that "red tape" should be respected. The purchase
had been made, the ti*eaty ratified, or was sure to be ; the Indians had retired,
and, after the lapse of nearly fifty years, no very satisfactory reason for this
rigorous action of the Government can be given.
But the orders had been given, and there was no alternative but to obey.
Many of the settlers recrossed the river, and did not return ; a few, however,
removed to an island near the east bank of the river, built rude cabins of poles,
in which to store their lead until Spring, when they could float the fruits of
their labor to St. Louis for sale, and where they could remain until the treaty
went into force, when they could return. Among these were James L. Lang-
worthy, and his brother Lucius, who had on hand about three hundred thousand
pounds of lead.
Lieut. Covington, who had been placed in command at Dubuque by Col,
Taylor, ordered some of the cabins of the settlers to be torn down, and wagons
and other property to be destroyed. This wanton and inexcusable action on
the part of a subordinate clothed with a little brief authority was sternly
rebuked by Col. Taylor, and Covington was superseded by Lieut. George Wil-
son, who pursued a just and friendly course with the pioneers, who were only
waiting for the time when they could repossess their claims.
June 1, 1833, the treaty formally went into effect, the troops were withdrawn,
and the Langworthy brothers and a few others at once returned and resumed
possession of their home claims and mineral prospects, and from this time the
first permanent settlement of this portion of Iowa must date. Mr. John P.
Sheldon was appointed Superintendent of the mines by the Government, and a
system of permits to miners and licenses to smelters was adopted, similar to that
which had been in operation at Galena, since 1825, under Lieut. Martin Thomas
and Capt. Thomas C. Legate. Substantially the primitive law enacted by tlie"^
miners assembled around that old cottonwood drift log in 1830 was adopted and
enforced by the United States Government, except that miners were required to
sell their mineral to licensed smelters and the smelter was required to give bonds
for the payment of six per cent, of all lead manufactured to the Government.
This was the same rule adopted in the United States mines on Fever River in
170 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Illinois, except tliat, until 1830, the Illinois miners were compelled to pay 10
per cent. tax. This tax upon tlic miners created much dissatisfaction among
the miners on the >vest side as it had on the east side of the Mississippi. They
thought they had suft'ered hardships and privations enough in opening the way
for civilization, without being subjected to the imposition of an odious Govern-
ment tax upon tiieir means of subsistence, "svhen the Federal Government could
better afford to aid than to extort from them. The measure soon became unpop-
ular. It was difficult to collect the taxes, and the whole system was abolished
in about ten years.
During 1833, after the Indian title was fully extinguished, about five hun-
dred j)eople arrived at the mining district, about one hundred and fifty of them
from Galena.
In the same year, Mr. Langworthy assisted in building the first school house
in Iowa, and thus was formed the nucleus of the now populous and thriving
City of Dubuque. Mr. Langworthy lived to see the naked prairie on which he
first lauded become the site of a city of fifteen thousand inhabitants, the small
school house which he aided in constructing replaced by three substantial edifices,
wherein two thousand children Avere being trained, churches erected in every
part of the city, and railroads connecting the wilderness which he first explored
with all the eastern Avorld. He died suddenly on the 13th of March, 18(35,
while on a trip over the Dubu(i[ue & Southwestern Railroad, at Monticello,
and the evening train brought the news of his death and his remains.
Lucius II. Langworthy, his brother, was one of the most worthy, gifted and
nifluential of the old settlers of this section of Iowa. He died, greatly lamented
by many friends, in June, 18G5.
The name Dubuque was given to the settlement by the miners at a meeting
held in 1834.
In 1832, Captain James White made a claim on the present site of Montrose.
In 1834, a military post was established at this point, and a garrison of cavalry
was stationed here, under the command of Col. Stephen \V. Kearney. The
soldiers were removed from this post to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1837.
During the same year, 1832, soon after the close of the Black Hawk War,
Zachariah Hawkins, Benjamin Jennings, Aaron White, Augustine Ilorton,
Samuel Gooch, Daniel Thompson and Peter Williams made claims at Fort
Madison. In 1833, these claims were purchased by John and Nathaniel
Knapp, upon which, in 1835, they laid out the town. The next Summer, lots
were sold. The town was subsequently re-surveyed and platted by the United
States Government.
At the close of the Black Hawk War, parties who had been impatiently
looking across upon "Flint Hills," now Burlington, came over from Illinois
and made claims The first was Samuel S. White, in the Fall of 1832, who
erected a cabin on the site of the city of Burlington. About the same time,
David Tothero made a claim on the prairie about three miles back from the
river, at a place since known as thefaim of Judge Morgan. In the Winter of
that year, they were driven off by the military from Rock Island, as intruders
upon the rights of the Indians, and White's cabin was burnt by the soldiers.
He retired to Illinois, where he spent the Winter, and in tiie Summer, as soon
as the Indian title was extinguished, returned and rebuilt his cabin. White
was joined by his brother-in-law, Doolittle, and they laid out the original town
of Burlington in 1834.
All along the river borders of the Black Hawk Purchase settlers were fiockmg
into Iowa. Immediately after tiie treaty with the Sacs and Foxes, in Septem-
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 171
ber, 1832, Col. George Davenport made the first claim on the spot where the
thriving city of Davenport now stands. As early as 1827, Col. Davenport had
established a flatboat ferry, which ran between the island and the main shore of
Iowa, by which he carried on a trade Avith the Indians west of the Mississippi.
In 1833, Capt. Benjamin W. Clark moved across from Illinois, and laid the
foundation of the town of Buffalo, in Scott County, which was the first actual
settlement within the limits of that county. Among other early settlers in this
part of the Territory Avere Adrian 11. Davenport, Col. John Sullivan, Mulli-
gan and Franklin Easly, Capt. John Coleman, J. M. Camp, William White,
H. W. Higgins, Cornelius Harrold, Richard Harrison, E. H. Shepherd and
Dr. E. S. Barrows.
The first settlers of Davenport were Antoine LeClaire, Col. George Daven-
port, Major Thomas Smith, Major William Gordon, Philip Hambough, Alexan-
der W. McGregor, Levi S. Colton, Capt. James May and others. Of Antoine
LeClaire, as the representative of the two races of men who at this time occu-
pied Iowa, Hon. C. C. Nourse, in his admirable Centennial Address, says :
" Antoine LeClaire was born at St. Joseph, Michigan, in 1797. His father
was French, his mother a granddaughter of a Pottowatomie chief In 1818,
he acted as official interpreter to Col. Davenport, at Fort Armstrong (now Rock
Island). He was well acquainted with a dozen Indian dialects, and was a man
of strict integrity and great energy. In 1820, he married the granddaughter
of a Sac chief. The Sac and Fox Indians reserved for him and his wife two
sections of land in the treaty of 1833, one at the town of LeClaire and one at
Davenport. The Pottawatomies, in the treaty at Prairie du Chien, also
reserved for him two sections of land, at the present site of Moline, 111. He
received the appointment of Postmaster and Justice of the Peace in the Black
Hawk Purchase, at an early day. In 1833, he bought for $100 a claim on the
land upon which the original town of Davenport was surveyed and platted in
1836. In 1836, LeClaire built the hotel, known since, with its valuable addi-
tion, as the LeClaire House. He died September 25, 1801."
In Clayton County, the first settlement was made in the Spring of 1832,
on Turkey River, by Robert Hatfield and William W. Wayman. No further
settlement was made in this part of the State till the beginning of 1836.
In that portion now known as Muscatine County, settlements were made in
1834, by Benjamin Nye, John Vanater and G. W. Kasey, who were the first
settlers. E. E. Fay, William St. John, N. FuUington, II. Reece, Jona Petti-
bone, R. P. Lowe, Stephen Whicher, Abijah Whiting, J. E. Fletcher, W. D.
Abernethy and Alexis Smith were early settlers of Muscatine.
During the Summer of 1835, William Bennett and his family, from Galena,
built the first cabin within the present limits of Delaware County, in some
timber since known as Eads' Grove.
The first post office in Iowa was established at Dubuque in 1833. INIilo II.
Prentice was appointed Postmaster.
The first Justice of the Peace was Antoine Le Claire, appointed in 1833, as
"a very suitable person to adjust the difficulties between the white settlers and
the Indians still remainmg there."
The first Methodist Society in the Territory was formed at Dubuque on
the 18th of May, 1834, and the first class meeting was held June 1st of that
year.
The first church bell brought into Iowa was in March, 1834.
The first mass of the Roman Catholic Church in the Territory was celebrated
at Dubuque, in the house of Patrick Quigley, in the Fall of 1833.
172 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
The first school house in the Ten-itorv was erected bv the Dubuque miners
in 1833.
The fii-st Sabbath school was organized at Dubuque early in tlie Summer
of 1834.
The fii*st woman who came to this part of the Territory with a view to per-
manent residence was Mrs. Noble F. Dean, in the Fall of 1832.
The first family that lived in this part of Iowa was that of Hosea T. Camp,
in 1832.
The first meeting house was built bv the Methodist Episcopal Church, at
Dubuque, in 1834.
The first newspaper in Iowa was the Dubuque Visitor, issued May 11th, 1836.
John Kinii. afterward Judge King, was editor, and William C. Jones, printer.
The pioneers of Iowa, as a class, were brave, hardy, intelligent and
enterprising people.
As early as 1824, a French trader named Hart had established a trading
post, and built a cabin on the blufts above the large spring now known as
'•Mvnster Spring," within the limits of the present city of Council Bluffs, and
had probably been there some time, as the post was known to the employes of
the American Fur Company as Lacote de JIart,ov " Hart's Bluff'.'" In 1827,
an aixent of the American Fur Company. Francis Guittar. with others, encamped
in the timber at the foot of the blufts. about on the present location of Broad-
way, and afterward settled there. In 1839, a block house was built on the
bhiff in the east part of the city. The Pottawatomie Indians occupied this part
of the State until 1846-7, when they relinquished the territory and removed to
Kansas. Billv Caldwell was then principal chief. There were no white settlers
in that part of the State except Indian traders, until the arrival of the Mormons
under the lead of Brigham Young. These people on their way westward halted
for the "Winter of 184G-7 on the west bank of the Missouri River, about five
miles above Omaha, at a place now called Florence. Some of them had
reached the eastern bank of the river the Spring before, in season to plant a
crop. In the Spring of 1847, Young and a portion of the colony pursued their
journey to Salt Lake, but a large portion of them returned to the Iowa side and
settled mainlv within the limits of Pottawattamie County. The principal settle-
ment of this strange community was at a place first called "Millers Hollow.'"
on Indian Creek, and afterward named Kanesville, in honor of Col. Kane, of
Pennsvlvania. who nsited them soon afterward. The Mormon settlement
extended over the county and into neighboring counties, wherever timber and
water furnislied desirable locations. Orson Hyde, priest, lawyer and editor, was
installed as President of the Quorum of Twelve, and all that j^art of the State
remained under Mormon control for several yeai-s. In 1846, they raised a bat-
talion, numbering some five hundred men, for the Mexican war. In 1848. Hyde
started a paper "called the Frontier Guardian, at Kanesville. In 1849. after
many of the faithful hail left to join Brigham Young at Salt Lake, the Mormons
in this section of Iowa numbered 6,552, and in 1850. 7.828. but they were not
all within the limits of Pottawattamie County. This county was organized in
1848. all the fii-st officials being Monnons. In 1852. the order was prom ulgtued
that all the true believers should gather together at Salt Lake. Gentiles flocked
in. and in a few years nearly all the first settlei-s were gone.
May 9, 1843". Captain James Allen, with a small detachment of troops on
board tlie steamer lone, arrived at the present site of the capital of the State.
Des Moines. The lone was the first steamer to ascend the Des Moines River
to this pt^int. The ti oops and stores were landai at what is now the foot of
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 173
Court avenue, Des Moines, and Capt. Allen returned in the steamer to Fort
Sanford to arrange for bringing up more soldiers and supplies. In due time
they, too, arrived, and a fort was built near the mouth of Kaccoon Fork, at its
confluence with the Des Moines, and named Fort Des Moines. Soon after the
arrival of the troops, a trading post was established on the east side of the river,
by two noted Indian traders named Ewing, from Ohio.
Among the first settlers in this part of loAva were Benjamin Bryant, J. B.
Scott, James Drake (gunsmith), John Sturtevant, Robert Kinzie, Alexander
Turner, Peter Newcomef, and others.
The Western States have been settled by many of the best and most enter-
prising men of the older States, and a large immigration of the best blood of
the Old World, who, removing to an arena of larger opportunities, in a more
fertile soil and congenial climate, have developed a spirit and an energy
peculiarly Western. In no country on the globe have enterprises of all kinds
been pushed forward Avith such rapidity, or has there been such independence
and freedom of competition. Among those who have pioneered the civiliza-
tion of the West, and been the founders of great States, none have ranked
higher in the scale of intelligence and moral worth than the pioneers of Iowa,
who came to the territory when it was an Indian country, and through hardship,
privation and suifering, laid the foundations of the populous and prosperous
commonwealth which to-day dispenses its blessings to a million and a quarter
of people. From her first settlement and from her first organization as a terri-
tory to the present day, Iowa has had able men to manage her affairs, wise
statesmen to shape her destiny and frame her laws, and intelligent and impartial
jurists to administer justice to her citizens ; her bar, pulpit and press have been
able and widely influential ; and in all the professions, arts, enterprises and
industries which go to make up a great and prosperous commonwealth, she has
taken and holds a front rank among her sister States of the West.
TERRITORIAL HISTORY.
By act of Congress, approved October 31, 1803, the President of the United
States was authorized to take possession of the territory included in the
Louisiana purchase, and provide for a temporary government. By another act
of the same session, approved !March 26, 1804, the newly acquired country was
divided, October 1, 1804 into the Territory of Orleans, south of the thirty-third
parallel of north latitude, and the district of Louisiana, which latter was placed
under the authority of the officers of Indiana Territory.
In 1805, the District of Louisiana was organized as a Territory with a gov-
ernment of its own. In 1807, Iowa was included in the Territory of Illinois,
and in 1812 in the Territory of Missouri. When Missouri was admitted as a
State, March 2, 1821, ^- Iowa," says Hon. C. C. Nourse, "was left a political
orphan," until by act of Congress, approved June 28, 1834, the Black Hawk
purchase having been made, all the territory west of the Mississippi and north
of the northern boundary of Missouri, was made a part of Michigan Territory.
Up to this time there had been no county or other organization in what is now
the State of Iowa, although one or two Justices of the Peace had been appointed
and a post office was establislied at Dubuque in 1833. In September, 1834,
however, the Territorial Legislature of Michigan created two counties on the
west side of the Mississippi River, viz. : Dubuque and Des j\Ioines, separated
by a line drawn westward from the foot of Rock Island. These counties were
174 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
partially organized. John King Avas appointed Chief Justice of Dubuque
County, and Isaac Lcffler, of Burlington, of Des IMoines County. Two
Associate Justices, in each county, were appointed by the Uovernor.
On the first Monday in October, 1835, Gen. George W. Jones, now a citi-
zen of Dubuque, Avas elected a Delegate to Congress from this part of Michigan
Territory. On the '20th of April, 1836, through the efforts of Gen. Jones,
Congress passed a bill creating the Territory of Wisconsin, which went into
operation, July 4, 1836, and Iowa was then included in
THE TERRITORY OF WISCONSIN,
of which Gen. Henry Dodge was appointed Governor; John S. Horner, Secre-
tary of the Territory ; Charles Dunn, Chief Justice ; David Irwin and William
C. Frazer, Associate Justices.
September 9, 1836, Governor Dodge ordered the census of the new Territory
to be taken. This census resulted in showing a population of 10,531 in the
counties of Dubuque and Des Moines. Under the apportionment, these two
counties were entitled to six members of the Council and thirteen of the House
of Representatives. The Governor issued his proclamation for an election to be
held on the first Monday of October, 1836, on which day the following members
of the First Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin Avere elected fiom the two
counties in the Black Hawk purchase :
Duhuque County. — Council: John Fally. Thomas McKnight, Thomas Mc-
Craney. House: Loring Wheeler, Hardin Xowlan, Peter Hill Engle. Patrick
Quigley, Ilosea T. Camp.
Des Moines County. — Council: Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Joseph B. Teas,
Arthur B. Ingram. House: Isaac Lefiier, Thomas Blair. W^arren L. Jenkins,
John Box, George W. Teas, Eli Reynolds, David R. Chance.
The first Legislature assembled at Belmont, in the present State of Wiscon-
sin, on the 25th day of October, 1836, and was organized by electing Henry T.
Baird President of the Council, and Peter Hill Engle, of Dubuque, Speaker of
the House. It adjourned December 9, 1836.
The second Legislature assembled at Burlington, November 10, 1837.
Adjourned January 20, 1838. The third session Avas at Burlington; com-
menced June 1st, and adjourned June 12, 1838.
During the first session of the AVisconsin Territorial Legislature, in 1836,
the county of Des Moines Avas divided into Des Moines, Lee, Van Buren, Henry,
Muscatine and Cook (the latter being subsequently changed to Scott) and defined
their boundaries. During the second session, out of the territory embraced in
Dubuque County, were created the counties of. Dubuque, Clayton, Fayette,
Delaware, Buchanan, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Clinton and Cedar, and their boun-
daries defined, but the most of them were not organized until several years
afterAvard, under the authority of the Territorial Legislature of loAva.
The question of a separate territorial organization for loAva, which was then
a part of Wisconsin Territory, began to be agitated early in the Autumn of
1837. The Avishes of the people found expression in a convention held at Bur-
lington on the 1st of November, Avhich memorialized Congress to organize a
Territory Avest of the Mississippi, and to settle the boundary line between Wis-
consin Territory and Missouri. The Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin, then
in session at Burlington, joined in the petition. Gen. George W. Jones, of
Dubuque, then residing at Sinsinawa Mound, in what is noAV W^isconsin, was
Delegate to Congress from Wisconsin Territory, and labored so earnestly and
successfully, that " An act to divide the Territory of Wisconsin, and to estab-
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 175
lish the Territorial Government of Iowa," was approved June 12, 1838, to take
eft'ect and be in force on and after July 3, 1838. The new Territory embraced
" all that part of the present Territory of Wisconsin Avhich lies west of the Mis-
sissippi River, and west of a line drawn due north from the head water or
sources of the Mississippi to the territorial line." The organic act provided
for a Governor, whose terra of office should be three years, and for a Secretary,
Chief Justice, two Associate Justices, and Attorney and Marshal, who should
serve four years, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate. The act also provided for the election, by the white
male inhabitants, citizens of the United States, over twenty-one years of age,
of a House of Representatives, consisting of twenty-six members, and a Council,
to consist of thirteen members. It also appropriated |5,000 for a public library,
and $20,000 for the erection of public buildings.
President Van Buren appointed Ex-Governor Robert Lucas, of Ohio, to be
the first Governor of the new Territory. William B. Conway, of Pittsburgh,
was appointed Secretary of the Territory; Charles Mason, of Burlington,
Chief Justice, and Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, and Joseph Williams, of
Pennsylvania, Associate Judges of the Supreme and District Courts; Mr. Var,
Allen, of New York, Attorney; Francis Gehon, of Dubuque, Marshal; Au
gustus C. Dodge, Register of the Land Office at Burlington, and Thomas Mc
Knight, Receiver of the Land Office at Dubuque. Mr. Van Allen, the District
Attorney, died at Rockingham, soon after his appointment, and Col. CharleM
Weston was appointed to fill his vacancy. Mr. Conway, the Secretary, also
died at Burlington, during the second session of the Legislature, and Jameii
Clarke, editor of the Gazette, was appointed to succeed him.
Immediately after his arrival, Governor Lucas issued a proclamation for tho
election of members of the first Territorial Legislature, to be held on the lOtL
of September, dividing the Territory into election districts for that purpose, and
appointing the 12th day of November for meeting of the Legislature to bo
elected, at Burlington.
The first Territorial Legislature was elected in September and assembled al;
Burlington on the 12th of November, and consisted of the following members:
Cou7icil. — Jesse B. Brown, J. Keith, E. A. M. Swazey, Arthur Ingram,,
Robert Ralston, George Hepner, Jesse J. Payne, D. B. Hughes, James M
Clark, Charles Whittlesey, Jonathan W. Parker, Warner Lewis, StepheL
Hempstead.
House. — William Patterson, Hawkins Taylor, Calvin J. Price, Jamea
Brierly, James Hall, Gideon S. Bailey, Samuel Parker, James W. Grimes,
George Temple, Van B. Delashmutt, Thomas Blair, George H. Beeler,"
William G. Coop, William H. Wallace, Asbury B. Porter, John Frierson,
William L. Toole, Levi Thornton, S. C. Hastings, Robert G. Roberts, Laurel
Summers,! Jabez A. Burchard, Jr., Chauncey Swan, Andrew Bankson, Thomas
Cox and Hardin Nowlin.
Notwithstanding a large majority of the members of both branches of the
Legislature were Democrats, yet Gen. Jesse B. Browne (Whig), of Lee County,
was elected President of the Council, and Hon. William H. Wallace (Whig), of
Henry County, Speaker of the House of Representatives — the former unani-
mously and the latter with but little opposition. At that time, national politics
* Cyni3 S. Jacobs, who was elected for Dos Moines County, was killed in an unfortunate encounter at Burlington
before the meeting of tlie Legislature, and Mr. Beeler was elected to fill the vacancy.
fSiimuel R. Murray was returutd aa fleeted from Clinton County, but Lis seat was successfully contested by
Bnrctiard.
176 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
were little heeded by the people of the new Territory, but in 1840, during the
Presidential eauipaigii, party lines Avere strongly drawn.
At the election in September, 18-)S, for members of the Legislature, a Con-
gressional Delegate was also elected. There were four candidates, viz. : William
\V. Chapman and David Rohrer, of Des Moines County ; B. F. Wallace, of
Henry County, and P. II. Engle, of Dubuque County. Chapman was elected,
receiving a majority of thirty-six over Engle.
The first session of the Iowa Territorial Legislature was a stormy and excit-
ing one. By the organic law, the Governor was clothed with almost unlimited
veto power. Governor Lucas seemed disposed to make free use of it, and the
independent Hawkeyes could not (juietly submit to arbitrary and absolute rule,
and the result was an unpleasant controversy between the Executive and Legis-
lative departments. Congress, however, by act approved March 3, 1830,
amended the organic law by restricting the veto power of tlie Governor to the
two-thirds rule, and took from him the power to appoint SheritVs and Magistrates.
Among the first important matters demanding attention was the location of
the seat of government and provision for the erection of public buildings, for
which Congress had appropriated §1^0,000. Governor Lucas, in his message,
had recommended the appointment of Commissioners, with a view to making a
central location. Tlie extent of the future State of Iowa was not known or
thought of. Only on a strip of land fifty miles wide, bordering on the Missis-
sippi River, was the Indian title extinguished, and a central location meant some
central point in the Black Hawk Purchase. The friends of a central location
supported the Governor's suggestion. The southern members were divided
between Burlington and Mount Pleasant, but finally united on the latter as the
proper location for the seat of government. The central and southern parties
were very nearly e([ual, and, in consequence, much excitement prevailed. The
central party at last triumphed, and on the 21st day of January, 1839, an act
was passed, appointing Chauncey Swan, of Dubuque County ; John Ronalds,
of Louisa County, and Robert Ralston, of Des Moines County, Commissionei's,
to select a site for a permanent seat of Government within the limits of John-
son County.
Johnson County had been created by act of the Territorial Legislature of
Wisconsin, approved December 21, 1837, and organized by act passed at the
special session at Burlington in June, 1838, the organization to date from July
4th, following. Napoleon, on the Iowa River, a few miles below the future
Iowa City, was designated as the county seat, temporarily.
Then there existed good reason for locating the capital in the county. The
Territory of Iowa was bounded on the north by the British Possessions ; east, by
the Mississippi River to its source; thence by a line drawn due north to the
northern boundary of the fnited States; south, by the State of Missouri, and west,
by the Missouri and White Earth Rivers. But this immense territory was in un-
disputed possession of the Indians, except a strip on the Mississippi, known as
the Black Hawk Purchase. Johnson County was, from north to south, in the
geogiaj)hical center of this pmvhase, and as near the east and west geographical
center of the future State of Iowa as could then be made, as the boundary line
between the lantls of the f nited States and the Indians, established by the
treaty of October 21, 1837, was immediately west of the county limits.
The Commissioners, after selecting the site, were directed to lay out 640
acres into a town, to be called Iowa City, and to proceed to sell lots and erect
public buildings thereon. Congress having granted a section of land to be
selected by the Territory for this purpose. The Commissioners met at Napo-
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 177
leon, Johnson County, May 1, 1839, selected for a site Section 10, in Town-
ship 79 North of Range G West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, and immedi-
ately surveyed it and laid off' the town. The first sale of lots took place August
16, 1839. The site selected for the public buildings was a little west of the
geographical center of the section, where a square of ten acres on the elevated
grounds overlooking the river was reserved for the purpose. The capitol is
located in the center of this S(][uare. The second Territorial Legislature, Avhicli
assembled in November, 1839, passed an act requiring the Commissioners to
adopt such plan for the building that the aggregate cost when complete should
not exceed $51,000, and if they had already adopted a plan involving a greater
expenditure they were directed to abandon it. Plans for the building were designed
and drawn by Mr. John F. Rague, of Springfield, 111., and on the 4th day of July,
1840, the corner stone of the edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies.
Samuel C. Trowbridge was Marshal of the day, and Gov. Lucas delivered the
address on that occasion.
When the Legislature assembled at Burlington in special session, July 13,
1840, Gov. Lucas announced that on the 4th of that month he had visited Iowa
City, and found the basement of the capitol nearly completed. A bill author-
izing a loan of $20,000 for the building was passed, January 15, 1841, the
unsold lots of Iowa City being the security off"ered, but only $5,500 was
obtained under the act.
THE BOUNDARY QUESTION.
The boundary line between the Territory of Iowa and the State of Missouri
was a difficult question to settle in 1838, in consequence of claims arising from
taxes and titles, and at one time civil war was imminent. In defining the
boundaries of the counties bordering on Missouri, the Iowa authorities had fixed
a line that has since been established as the boundary between Iowa and Mis-
souri. The Constitution of Missouri defined her northern boundary to be the
parallel of latitude which passes through the rapids of the Des Moines River.
The lower rapids of the Mississippi immediately above the mouth of the De»
Moines River had always been known as the Des Moines Rapids, or " the
rapids of the Des Moines River." The Missourians (evidently not well versed
in history or geography) insisted on running the northern boundary line from
the rapids in the Des Moines River, just below Keosauqua, thus taking from
Iowa a strip of territory eight or ten miles wide. Assuming this as her
northern boundary line, Missouri attempted to exercise jurisdiction over the
disputed territory by assessing taxes, and sending her Sherifts to collect them by
distraining the personal property of the settlers. The lowans, however, were
not disposed to submit, and the Missouri officials were arrested by the Sheriffs
of Davis and Van Buren Counties and confined in jail. Gov. Boggs, of
Missouri, called out his militia to enforce the claim and sustain the officers of
Missouri. Gov. Lucas called out the militia of Iowa, and both parties made
active preparations for war. In Iowa, about 1,200 men were enlisted, and
500 were actually armed and encamped in Van Buren County, ready to defend
the integrity of the Territory. Subsequently, Gen. A. C. Dodge, of Burlington,
Gen. Churchman, of Dubu(|ue, and Dr. Clark, of Fort Madison, were sent to
Missouri as envoys plenipotentiary, to eff"ect, if possible, a peaceable adjustment
of the difficulty. Upon their arrival, they found that the County Commissioners
of Chirke County, Missouri, had rescinded their order for the collection of the taxes,
and that Gov. Boggs had despatched messengers to the Governor of Iowa proposing
178 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
to submit an agreed case to tlie Supreme Court of the United States for the
final settlement of the boundary question. This proposition was declined, but
afterward Congress authorized a suit to settle the controversy, Avhich Avas insti-
tuted, and Avliich resulted in a judgment for Iowa. Under this decision,
"William G. Miner, of Missouri, and Henry B. Ilendershott were appointed
Commissioners to survey and establish the boundary. Mr. Nourse remarks
that " the expenses of the war on the part of Iowa were never paid, either by
the United States or tlie Territorial Government. The patriots who furnished
supplies to the troops had to bear the cost and charges of the struggle."
The first legislative assembly laid the broad foundation of civil equality, on
which has been constructed one of the most liberal governments in the Union.
Its first act was to recognize the equality of woman with man before the law by
providing that " no action commenced by a single woman, who intermarries
during the pendency thereof, shall abate on account of such marriage." This prin-
ciple has been adopted by all subsequent legislation in Iowa, and to-day woman
has full and equal civil rights with man, except only the right of the ballot.
Religious toleration was also secured to all, personal liberty strictly guarded,
the rights and privileges of citizenship extended to all white persons, and the
purity of elections secured by heavy penalties against bribery and corruption.
The judiciary power Avas vested in a Supreme Court, District Court, Probate
Court, and Justices of the Peace. Real estate was made divisible by will, and
intestate property divided equitably among heirs. Murder was made punishable
by death, and proportionate penalties fixed for lesser crimes. A system of free
schools, open for every class of white citizens, Avas established. Provision Avas
made for a system of roads and highAvays. Thus under the territorial organi-
zation, the country began to emerge from a savage Avilderness, and take on the
forms of civil government.
By act of Congress of .lune 12, 1838, the lands Avhich had been purchased
of the Indians Avere brought into market, and land offices opened in Dubuque
and Burlington. Congress provided for military roads and bridges, Avhich
greatly aided the settlers, Avho Avere noAv coming in by thousands, to make their
homes on the fertile prairies of loAva — " the Beautiful Land." The fame of the
country had spread far and Avide ; CA'en before the Indian title was extinguished,
many Avere croAvding the borders, impatient to cross over and stake out their
claims on the choicest spots they could find in the neAV Territory. As
soon as the country Avas open for settlement, the borders, the Black Hawk
Purchase, all along the Mississipi, and up the principal rivers and streams, and
out over the broad and rolling prairies, began to be thronged Avith eager land
hunters and immigrants, seeking homes in loAA'a. It Avas a sight to delight the
eyes of all comers from every land — its noble streams, beautiful and picturesque
hills and valleys, broad and fertile prairies extending as far as the eye could
reach, Avith a soil surpassing in richness anything Avhich they had ever seen. It
is not to be Avondered at that immigration into loAva Avas rapid, and that Avithin
less than a decade from the organization of the Territory, it contained a hundred
and fifty thousand people.
As rapidly as the Indian titles were extinguished and the original owners
removed, the resistless tide of emigration flowed AvestAvard. Tlie folloAving extract
from Judge Nourse's Centennial Address shoAVS hoAV the immigrants gathered
on the Indian boundary, ready for the removal of the barrier :
In obedience to our progressive and aggressive spirit, the Government of the United States
made another treaty witli the Sac and Fox Indians, on the 11th day of August, 1842, for the
remaining portion of their land in Iowa. The treaty provided that the Indians should retain
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 179
possession of all the lands thus ceded until May 1, 1843, and should occupy that portion of the
ceded territory west of a line running north and south through Kedrock, until October 11, 1845.
These tribes, at this time, had their principal village at Ot-tum-wa-no, now called Ottumwa. As
soon as it became known that the treaty had been concluded, there was a rush of immigration to
Iowa, and a great number of temporary settlements were made near the Indian boundary, wait-
ing for the 1st day of May. As the day approached, hundreds of families encamped along the
line, and their tents and wagons gave the scene the appearance of a military expedition. The
country beyond had been thoroughly explored, but the United States military authorities had
prevented any settlement or even the making out of claims by any monuments whatever.
To aid them in making out their claims when the hour should arrive, the settlers had placed
piles of dry wood on the rising ground, at convenient distances, and a short time before twelve
o'clock of the night of the 30th of April, these were lighted, and when the midnight hour arrived,
it was announced by the discharge of firearms. The night was dark, but this army of occupa-
tion pressed forward, torch in hand, with axe and hatchet, blazing lines with all manner of
curves and angles. When daylight came and revealed the confusion of these wonderful surveys,
numerous disputes arose, settled generally by compromise, but sometimes by violence, Between
midnight of the 30th of April and sundown of the 1st of May, over one thousand families had
settled on their new purchase.
While this scene was transpiring, the retreating Indians were enacting one more impressive
and melancholy. The Winter of 1842-43 was one of unusual severity, and the Indian prophet,
who had disapproved of the treaty, attributed the severity of the Winter to the anger of the Ureat
Spirit, because they had sold their country. Many religious rites were performed to atone for
the crime. When the time for leaving Ot-tum-wa-no arrived, a solemn silence pervaded the Indian
camp, and the faces of their stoutest men were bathed in tears; and Avhen their cavalcade was
put in motion, toward the setting sun, there was a spontaneous outburst of frantic grief from the
entire procession.
The Indians remained the appointed time beyond the line running north and south through
Redrock. The government established a trading post and military encampment at the Raccoon
Fork of the Des Moines River, then and for many years known as Fort Des Moines. Here the
red man lingered until the 11th of October, 1845, when the same scene that we have before
described was re-enacted, and the wave of immigration swept over the remainder.of the " New
Purchase." The lands thus occupied and claimed by the settlers still belonged in fee to the Gen-
eral Government. The surveys were not completed until some time after the Indian title was
extinguished. After their survey, the lands were publicly proclaimed or advertised for sale at
public auction. Under the laws of the United States, a pre-emption or exclusive right to purchase
public lands could not be acquired until after the lands had thus been publicly offered and not
sold for want of bidders. Then, and not until then, an occupant making improvements in good
faith might acquire a right over others to enter the land at the minimum price of $1.25 per
acre. The " claim laws " were unknown to the United States statutes. They originated in the
" eternal fitness of things," and were enforced, probably, as belonging to that class of natural
rights not enumerated in the constitution, and not impaired or disparaged by its enumeration.
The settlers organized in every settlement prior to the public land sales, appointed officers,
and adopted their own rules and regulations. Each man's claim was duly ascertained and
recorded by the Secretary. It was the duty of all to attend the sales. The Secretary bid off the
lands of each settler at $1.25 per acre. The others were there, to see, first, that he did his duty
and bid in the land, and, secondly, to see that no one else bid. This, of course, sometimes led to
trouble, but it saved the excitement of competition, and gave a formality and degree of order
and regularity to the proceedings they would not otherwise have attained. As far as practicable,
the Territorial Legislature recognized the validity of these " claims " upon the public lands, and
in 1839 passed an act legalizing their sale and making their transfer a valid consideration to sup-
port a promise to pay for the same. (Acts of 1843, n. 456). The Supreme Territorial Court
held this law to be valid. (See Hill v. Smith, 1st Morris Rep. 70). The opinion not only con-
tains a decision of the question involved, but also contains much valuable erudition upon that
" spirit of Anglo-Saxon liberty" which the Iowa settlers unquestionably inherited in a direct
line of descent from the said " Anglo-Saxons." But the early settler was not always able to pay
even this dollar and twenty-five cents per acre for his land.
Many of the settlers had nothing to begin with, save their hands, health and
courage and their family jewels, "the pledges of love," and the "consumers of
bread." It was not so easy to accumulate money in the early days of the State,
and the "beautiful prairies," the "noble streams," and all that sort of poetic
imagery, did not prevent the early settlers from becoming discouraged.
An old settler, in speaking of the privations and trials of those early days,
says:
Well do the "old settlers ' of Iowa remember the days from the first settlement to 1840.
Those were days of sadness and distress. The endearments of home in another land had been
180 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
broken up; and all that was hallowed on earlli, the home of childhood and the scenes of youth,
we severed ; and we sat down by the gentle waters of our noble river, and often " hung our harps
on the willows."
Another, from another part of the State, testifies :
There was no such thing as getting money for any kind of labor. I laid brick at $3.00
per thousand, and took my pay in anything I could eat or wear. I built the first Methodist
Church at Keokuk, 42x60 feet, of brick, for §(100, and took my pay in a subscription paper, part
of which I never collected, and upon which 1 only received $50 00 in money. Wheat was hauled
100 miles from the interior, and sold for 37^ cents per bushel.
Another old settler, speaking of a later period, 1843, says :
Land and everything had gone down in value to almost nominal prices. Corn and oats
could be bought for six or ten cents a bushel ; pork, $1.00 per hundred ; and the best horse a
man could raise sold for $50.00. Nearly all were in debt, and the Sheriff and Constable, with
legal processes, were common visitors at almost every man's door. These were indeed " the times
that tried men's souls."
"A few," says Mr. Nourse, "who were not equal to the trial, returned to
their old homes, but such as had the courage and faith to bo the worthy founders
of a great State remained, to more than realize the fruition of their hopes, and
the reward of their self-denial."
On Monday, December 6, 1841, the fourth Legislative Assembly met, at
the new capital, Iowa City, but the capitol building could not be used, and the
Legislature occupied a temporary frame house, that had been erected for that
purpose, during the session of 1841-2. At this session, the Superintendent of
Public Buildings (who, with the Territorial Agent, had superseded the Commis-
sioners first appointed), estimated the expense of completing the building at
$33,330, and that rooms for the use of the Legislature could be completed for
$15,600.
During 1842, the Superintendent commenced obtaining stone from a new
quarry, about ten miles northeast of the city. This is now known as the '" Old
Capitol Quarry," and contains, it is thought, an immense quantity of excellent
building stone. Here all the stone for completing the building was obtained,
and it was so far completed, that on the 5th day of December, 1842, the Legis-
lature assembled in the new capitol. At this session, the Superintendent esti-
mated that it would cost $39,143 to finish the building. This was nearly
$6,000 higher than the estimate of the previous year, notwithstanding a large
sum had been expended in the meantime. This rather discouraging discrep-
ancy was accounted for by the fact that the ofiicers in charge of tlie work were
constantly short of funds. Except the congressional appropriation of $20,000
and the loan of $5,500, obtained from the Miners' Bank, of Dubuque, all the
funds for the prosecution of the work were derived from the sale of the city
lots (which did not sell very rapidly), from certificates of indebtedness, and from
scrip, based upon unsold lots, which was to be received in payment for such lots
when they were sold. At one time, the Superintendent made a requisition for
bills of iron and glass, which could not be obtained nearer than St. Louis. To
meet this, the Agent sold some lots for a draft, payable at Pittsburgh, Pa., for
which he was compelled to pay twenty-five per cent, exchange. This draft,
amounting to $507, that officer reported to be more than one-half the cash
actually handled by him during the entire season, when the disbursements
amounted to very nearly $24,000.
With such uncertainty, it could not be expected that estimates could be very
accurate. With all these disadvantages, however, the work appears to have
been prudently prosecuted, and as rapidly as circumstances would permit.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 181
Iowa remained a Territory from 1838 to 1846, during which the oflBce of
Governor was held by Robert Lucas, John Chambers and James Clarke.
STATE ORGANIZATION.
By an act of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa, approved February 12,
1844, the question of the formation of a State Constitution and providing for
the election of Delegates to a convention to be convened for that purpose was
submitted to the people, to be voted upon at their township elections in April
following. The vote was largely in favor of the measure, and the Delegates
elected assembled in convention at Iowa City, on the 7th of October, 1844.
On the first day of November following, the convention completed its work and
adopted the first State Constitution.
The President of the convention, Hon. Shepherd Leffler, was instructed to
transmit a certified copy of this Constitution to the Delegate in Congress, to be
by him submitted to that body at the earliest practicable day. It was also pro-
vided that it should be submitted, together with any conditions or changes that
might be made by Congress, to the people of the Territory, for their approval
or rejection, at the township election in April, 1845.
The boundaries of the State, as defined by this Constitution, were as fol-
lows :
Beginning in the middle of the channel of the Mississipjii River, opposite mouth of the
Des Moines River, thence up the said river Des Moines, in the middle of the main channel
thereof, to a point where it is intersected by the Old Indian Boundary line, or line run by Johu
C. Sullivan, in the year 1816 ; thence westwardly along said line to the " old " northwest corner
of Missouri ; thence due west to the middle of tlie main channel of the Missouri River; thence
up in the middle of the main channel of the river last mentioned to the mouth of the Sioux or
Calumet River ; thence in a direct line to the middle of the main channel of the St. Peters River,
where the Watonwan River — according to Nicollet's map — enters the same ; thence down the
middle of the main channel of said river to the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi
River ; thence down the middle of the main channel of said river to the place of beginning.
These boundaries were rejected by Congress, but by act approved March 3,
1845, a State called Iowa Avas admitted into the Union, provided the people
accepted the act, bounded as follows :
Beginning at the mouth of the Des Moines River, at the middle of the Mississippi, thence
by the middle of the channel of that river to a parallel of latitude passing through the mouth of
the Mankato or Blue Earth River; thence west, along said parallel of latitude, to a point where
it is intersected by a meridian line seventeen degrees and thirty minutes west of the meridian
of Washington City ; thence due south, to the northern boundary line of the State of Missouri;
thence eastwardly, following that boundary to the point at which the same intersects the Des
Moines River ; thence by the middle of the channel of that river to the place of beginning.
These boundaries, had they been accepted, would have placed the northern
boundary of the State about thirty miles north of its present location, and would
have deprived it of the Missouri slope and the boundary of that river. The
western boundary would have been near the west line of what is now Kossuth
County. But it was not so to be. In consequence of this radical and unwel-
come change in the boundaries, the people refused to accept the act of Congress
and rejected the Constitution at the election, held August 4, 1845, by a vote of
7,656 to 7,2.35.
A second Constitutional Convention assembled at Iowa City on the 4th day
of May, 1846, and on the 18th of the same month another Constitution for the
new State with the present boundaries, was adopted and submitted to the people
for ratification on the 3d day of August following, when it was accepted ; 9,492
votes were cast "for the Constitution," and 9,036 "against the Constitution '*
182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
The Constitution was approved by Con<Tress, and by act of Congress approved
December 28, 1846, Iowa was admitted as a sovereign State in the American
Union.
Prior to this action of Congress, however, the people of the new State held
an election under the new Constitution on the 26th day of October, and elected
Oresel Briggs, Governor ; Elisha Cutler, Jr., Secretary of State ; Joseph T.
Fales, Auditor ; Morgan Reno, Treasurer ; and members of the Senate and
House of Representatives.
At this time there were twenty-seven organized counties in the State, with
a population of nearly 100,000, and the frontier settlements were rapidly push-
ing toward the Missouri River. The Mormons had already reached there.
The first General Assembly of the State of Iowa was composed of nineteen
Senators and forty Representatives. It assembled at Iowa City, November 30,
1846, about a month before the State was admitted into the Union.
At the first session of the State Legislature, the Treasurer of State reported
that the capitol building was in a very exposed condition, liable to injury from
storms, and expressed the hope that some provision would be made to complete
it, at least suiricieiitly to protect it from the weather. The General Assembly
responded by appropriating $2,500 for the completion of the public buildings.
At the first session also arose the question of the re-location of the capital. The
western boundary of the State, as now determined, left Iowa City too far toward
the eastern and southern boundary of the State ; this was conceded. Congress
had appropriated five sections of land for the erection of public buildings, and
toward the close of the session a bill was introduced providing for the re-location
of the seat of government, involving to some extent the location of the State
University, which had already been discussed. This bill gave rise to a deal of
discussion and parliamentary maneuvering, almost purely sectional in its character.
It provided for the appointment of three Commissioners, who were authorized to
make a location as near the geograpliical center of the State as a healtliy and
eligible site could be obtained ; to select the five sections of land donated by
Congress ; to survey and plat into town lots not exceeding one section of the
land so selected ; to sell lots at public sale, not to exceed two in each block.
Having done this, they were then recjuired to suspend further operations, and
make a report of their proceedings to the Governor. The bill passed both
Houses by decisive votes, received the signature of the Governor, and became a
law. Soon after, by "An act to locate and establish a State University,"
approved February 25, 1847, the unfinished public buildings at Iowa City,
together with the ten acres of land on which they were situated, Avere granted
for the use of the University, reserving their "use, however, by the General
Assembly and the State officers, until other provisions were made by law.
The Commissioners forthwith entered upon their duties, and selected four
sections and two half sections in Jasper County. Two of these sections are in
what is now Des Moines Township, and the others in Fairview Township, in the
southern part of that county. These lands are situated between Prairie City
and Monroe, on the Keokuk & Des Moines Railroad, which runs diagonally
through them. Here a town was platted, called Monroe City, and a sale of
lots took place. Four hundred and fifteen lots were sold, at prices that were
not considered remarkably remunerative. The cash payments (one-fourth)
amounted to $1,797.43, while tlie expenses of the sale and the claims of the
Commissioners for services amounted to $2,206.57. The Commissioners made
a report of their proceedings to the Governor, as required by law, but the loca-
tion was generally condemned.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 183
When the report of the Commissioners, showing this brilliant financial ope-
ration, had been read in the House of Representatives, at tlie next session, and
while it was under consideration, an indignant member, afterward known as
the eccentric Judge McFarland, moved to refer the report to a select Committee
of Five, with instructions to report " how much of said city of Monroe was under
water and how much was burned." The report was referred, without the
instructions, however, but Monroe City never became the seat of government.
By an act approved January 15, 1849, the law by which the location had been
made was repealed and the new town was vacated, the money paid by purchas-
ers of lots being refunded to them. This, of course, retained the seat of govern-
ment at Iowa City, and precluded, for the time, the occupation of the building
and grounds by the University.
At the same session, $3,000 more were appropriated for completing the
State building at Iowa City. In 1852, the further sum of $5,000, and in 1854
$4,000 more were apppropriated for the same purpose, making the whole cost
$123,000, paid partly by the General Government and partly by the State, but
principally from the proceeds of the sale of lots in Iowa City.
But the question of the permanent location of the seat of government was
not settled, and in 1851 bills were introduced for the removal of the capital to
Bella and to Fort Des Moines. The latter appeared to have the support of the
majority, but was finally lost in the House on the question of ordering it to its
third reading.
At the next session, in 1853, a bill was introduced in the Senate for the
removal of the seat of government to Fort Des Moines, and, on final vote,
was just barely defeated. At the next session, however, the effort was more
successful, and on the 15th day of January, 1855, a bill re-locating the capital
within two miles of the Raccoon Fork of the Des Moines, and for the appoint-
ment of Commissioners, was approved by Gov. Grimes. The site was selected
in 1856, in accordance with the provisions of this act, the land being donated
to the State by citizens and property -holders of Des Moines. An association of
citizens erected a building for a temporary capitol, and leased it to the State at
a nominal rent.
The third Constitutional Convention to revise the Constitution of the State
assembled at Iowa City, January 19, 1857. The new Constitution framed by
this convention was submitted to the people at an election held August 8, 1857,
when it was approved and adopted by a vote of 40,311 " for " to 38,681
" against," and on the 3d day of September following was declared by a procla-
mation of the Governor to bo the supreme law of the State of Iowa.
Advised of the completion of the temporary State House at Des Moines, on
the 19th of October following. Governor Grimes issued another proclamation,
declaring the City of Des Moines to be the capital of the State of Iowa.
The removal of the archives and offices was commenced at once and con-
tinued through the Fall. It was an undertaking of no small magnitude; there
was not a mile of railroad to facilitate the work, and the season was unusually
disagreeable. Rain, snow and other accompaniments increased the difficulties;
and it was not until December, that the last of the effects — the safe of the State
Treasurer, loaded on two large " bob-sleds " — drawn by ten yoke of oxen was de-
posited in the new capital. It is not imprudent now to remark that, during this
passage over hills and prairies, across rivers, through bottom lands and timber,
the safes belonging to the several departments contained large sums of money,
mostly individual funds, however. Tims, Iowa City ceased to be the capital of
the State, after four Territorial Legislatures, six State Legislatures and three
184 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Constitutional Conventions liad held their sessions there. By the exchange,
tiie old capitol at Iowa City became the seat of the University, and, except the
rooms occupied by the United States District Court, passed under the immedi-
ate and direct control of the Trustees of that institution.
Des Moines was now the permanent seat of government, made so by the
fundamental law of the State, and on the 11th day of January, 1858, the
seventh General Assembly convened at the new capital. The building used
for governmental purposes was purchased in 1864. It soon became inadequate
for the purposes for which it was designed, and it became apparent that a new,
large and permanent State House must be erected. In 1870, the General
Assembly made an appropriation and provided for the appointment of a Board
of Commissioners to commence the work. The board consisted of Gov. Samuel
Merrill, ex officio. President ; Grenville M. Dodge, Council Bluffs ; James F.
Wilson, Fairfield; James Dawson, Washington; Simon G. Stein, Muscatine;
James 0. Crosby, Gainsville; Charles Dudley, Agency City; John N. Dewey,
Des Moines ; William L. Joy, Sioux City ; Alexander R. Fulton, Des Moines,
Secretary.
The act of 1870 provided that the building should be constructed of the
best material and should be fire proof; to be heated and ventilated in the most
approved manner; should contain suitable legislative halls, rooms for State
officers, the judiciary, library, committees, archives and the collections of the
State Agricultural Society, and for all purpoees of State Government, and
should be erected on grounds held by the State for that purpose. The sum first
appropriated was ^150,000 ; and the law provided that no contract should be
made, either for constructing or furnishing the building, which should bind the
State for larger sums than those at the time appropriated. A design was drawn
and plans and specifications furnished by Cochrane & Piquenard, architects,
which Avere accepted by the board, and on the 23d of November, 1871, the cor-
ner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The estimated cost and present
value of the capitol is fixed at $2,000,000.
From 1858 to 1860, the Sioux became troublesome in the northwestern
part of the State. These warlike Indians made frequent plundering raids upon
the settlers, and murdered several families. In 1861, several companies of
militia were ordered to that portion of the State to hunt down and punish the
murderous thieves. No battles were fought, however, for the Indians fled
when they ascertained that systematic and adequate measures had been adopted
to protect the settlers.
" The year 1856 marked a new era in the history of Iowa. In 1854, the
Chicago & Rock Island Railroad had been conipleted to the east bank of the
Mississippi River, opposite Daven})ort. In 1854, the corner stone of a railroad
bri<lge, that was to be the first to span the "Father of Waters," was laid with
appropriate ceremonies at this point. St. Louis had resolved that the enter-
prise was unconstitutional, and by writs of injunction made an unsuccessful
effort to prevent its completion. Twenty years later in her history, St. Louis
repented her folly, and made atonement for her sin by imitating our example.
On the 1st day of January, 1856, this railroad was completed to Iowa City.
In the meantime, two other railroads had reached the east bank of the Missis-
sippi— one opposite Burlington, and one opposite Dubuque — and these were
being extended into the interior of the State. Indeed, four lines of railroad
had been projected across the State from the Mississippi to the Missouri, hav-
ing eastern connections. On the 15th of May, 1856, the Congress of the
United States passed an act granting to the State, to aid in the construction of
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
185
railroads, the public lands in alternate sections, six miles on either side of the
proposed lines. An extra session of the General Assembly was called in July
of this year, that disposed of the grant to the several companies that proposed
to complete these enterprises. The population of our State at this time had
increased to 500,000. Public attention had been called to the necessity of a
railroad across the continent. The position of Iowa, in the very heart and
center of the Republic, on the route of this great highway across the continent,
began to attract attention Cities and towns sprang up through the State as
if by magic. Capital began to pour into the State, and had it been employed
in developing our vast coal measures and establishing manufactories among us,
or if it had been expended in improving our lands, and building houses and
barns, it would have been well. But all were in haste to get rich, and the
spirit of speculation ruled the hour.
" In the meantime, every effort was made to help the speedy completion of
the railroads. Nearly every county and city on the Mississippi, and many in
the interior, voted large corporate subscriptions to the stock of the radroad
companies, and issued their negotiable bonds for the amount." Thus enormous
county and city debts were incurred, the payment of which these municipalities
tried to avoid upon the plea that they had exceeded the constitutional limit-
ation of their powers. The Supreme Court of the United States held these
bonds to be valid ; and the courts by mandamus compelled the city and county
authorities to levy taxes to pay the judgments. These debts are not all paid
even yet, but the worst is over and ultimately the burden will be entirely
removed
The first railroad across the State was completed to Council Bluffs in Jan-
uary, 1871. The others were completed soon after. In 1854, there was not
a mile of railroad in the State. In 1874, twenty years after, there were 3,765
miles in successful operation.
GROWTH AND PROGRESS.
When Wisconsin Territory was organized, in 1836, the entire population of
that portion of the Territory now embraced in the State of Iowa was 10,531.
The Territory then embraced two counties, Dubuque and Des Moines, erected
by the Territory of Michigan, in 1834. From 1836 to 1838, the Territorial
Legislature of Wisconsin increased the number of counties to sixteen, and the
population had increased to 22,859. Since then, the counties have increased
to ninety-nine, and the population, in 1875, was 1,366,000. The following
table Avill show the population at different periods since the erection of Iowa
Territory :
Year. Population.
1852 230,713
1854 326,013
1856 519.055
1859 638,775
1860 674,913
1863 701,732
1865 754,699
1867 902,040
The most populous county in the State is Dubu(p'e. Not only in popula-
tion, but in everything contributing to the growth and greatness of a State has
Iowa made rapid progress. In a little more than thirty years, its wild but
beautiful prairies have advanced from the home of the savage to a highly civ-
ilized commonwealth, embracing all the elements of progress which characterize
the older States.
Year. Population.
1838 22,589
1840 43,115
1844 75,152
1846 97,588
1847 116,651
1849 152,988
1850 191,982
1851 204,774
Year. Population.
1869 1,040,819
1870 1,191,727
1873 1,251,333
1875 1,366,000
1876
1877
186 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Thrivin*; cities and towns dot its fair surface ; an iron net-work of thou-
sands of miles of railroads is woven over its broad acres; ten thousand school
houses, in which more than five hundred thousand chihh'en are being taught
the rudiments of echication, testify to the culture and liberality of the people;
liigh schools, colleges and universities are generously endowed by the State ;
manufactories spring up on all her water courses, and in most of her cities
and towns.
Whether measured from the date of her first settlement, her organization as
a Territt)ry or admission as a State, Iowa has thus far shown a growth unsur-
passed, in a similar period, by any commonwealth on the face of the earth ;
and, with her vast extent of fertile soil, with her inexhaustible treasures of
mineral wealth, with a healthful, invigorating climate; an intelligent, liberty-
loving people; with equal, just and liberal laws, and her free schools, the
future of Iowa may be expected to surpass the most hopeful anticipations of her
present citizens.
Looking upon Iowa as she is to-day — populous, prosperous and happy — it
is hard to realize the wonderful changes that have occurred since the first white
settlements were made within her borders. When the number of States was
only twenty-six, and their total population about twenty millions, our repub-
lican form of government was liardly more than an experiment, just fairly put
upon trial. The develojunent of our agricultural resources and inexhaustible
mineral wealth had hardly commenced. Westward the "Star of Empire"
had scarcely started on its way. West of the great Mississippi was a mighty
empire, but almost unknown, and marked on the maps of the period as " The
Great American Desert."
Now, thirty-eight stars glitter on our national escutcheon, and forty-five
millions of people, who know their rights and dare maintain them, tread
American soil, and the grand sisterhood of States extends from the Gulf of
Mexico to the Canadian border, and from the rocky coast of the Atlantic to
the golden shores of ihe Pacific.
THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND FARM.
Ames, Story County.
The Iowa State Agricultural College and Farm were established by au act
of the General Assembly, approved March '1'2, 1858. A Board of Trustees was
appointed, consisting of Governor R. P. Lowe, John D. Wright, William Duane
W^ilson, M. W. Robinson, Timothy Day. Richard Gaines, John Pattee, G. W^
F. Sherwin, Suel Foster, S. W. Henderson, Clement Coffin and E. G. Day;
the Governors of the State and President of the College being ex officio mem-
bers. Subsequently the number of Trustees was reduced to five. The Board
met in June, 1859, and received propositions for the location of the College and
Farm from Hardin, Polk, Story and Boone, Marshall, Jeft'erson and Tama
Counties. In July, the proposition of Story County and some of its citizens
and by the citizens of Boone County was accepted, and the farm and the site
for the buildings were located. In 18C)0-G1, the farm-house and barn were
erected. In 1862, Congress granted to the State 240,000 acres of land for the
endowment of schools of agriculture and tlie mechanical arts, and 195,000 acres
were located by Peter Melendy, Commissioner, in 1862-3. George W. Bassett
was appointed Land Agent for the institution. In 1864, the General Assem-
bly appropriated $20,000 for the erection of the college building.
HISTORY OF THK STATE OF IOWA. 187
Tn Juno of that year, the Building Committee, consisting of iSncl Foster
Peter Melendy and A. J, Bronson, proceeded to let the contract. John IJrowne
of Des Moines, \vas employed as architect, and furnished the plans of thohuild-
ing, but was superseded in its construction by C. A. Dunham. 1'he ^20,000
appropriated by the General Assembly were expended in putting in the foun-
dations and making the brick for the structure. An additional appropriation
of $91,000 was made in ]S()0, and the building was comijleted in l!SOS.
Tuition in this college is made by law forever free to pupils from the State
over sixteen ycai's of age, who have been resident of the State six months pre-
vious to their admission. Each county in the State has a prior right of tuition
for three scholars from each county ; the remainder, cfjual to tho capacity of the
college, are by the Trustees distributed among the counties in proportion to the
population, and subject to tho above rule. All sale of ardfsnt spirits, wine or
beer are prohibited by law within a distance of three miles from the college,
except for sacramental, mechanical or medical purposes.
The course of instruction in tho Agricultural College embraces tho following
branches: Natural I'hilosophy, Chemistry, Boty.ny, Horticulture, FiMiit Growing,
Forestry, Animal and Vegetable Aiuitomy, Geology, Mineralogy, Meteorology,
Entomology, Zoology, tho V(!t('rinary Art, Plane Mensuration, Leveling, Sur-
veying, Pookkeeping, and such Mechanical Arts as are directly connected
with agriculture ; also such other studies as the Trustees may from time to time
prescribe, not inconsistent with the purposes of the institution.
The funds arising from the lease and sale of lands and interest on invest-
ments are sufficient ibr the support of the institution. Several College Societies
are maintained among tho students, who publish a monthly paper. There is
also an " out-law " called ,the " A TA^ Chapter Gmega."
The Board of Trustees in 1877 was composed of C. W. Warden, Ottumwa,
Chairman; ITon. Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa City; William B. Treadway,
Sioux City ; Buel Sherman, Fredericksburg, and Laurel Summers, Le Claire.
E. W. Starten, Secretary ; William i). Lucas, Treasurer.
Board of Instruction. — A. S. Welch, LL. ]J., President and Professor of
Psychology and Philosophy of Science ; Gen. J. L. Geddes, Professor of Mili-
tary Tactics and Engineering; W. 11. Wynn, A. M., Ph. D., Professor of
English Literature; C. E. Bessey, M. S., Professor of Botany, Zoology, Ento-
mology; A. Thompson, C. E., Mechanical Engineering and Suj)erintcndent of
Workshops; F. E. L. Beal, li. S., Civil Engineering; T. E. Pope, A. M.,
Chemistry; M. Stalker, Agricultural and VcterinMry Science; J. L. Budd,
Horticulture ; J. K. Macomber, i'hysics ; E. W. Stanton, Mathematics and
Political Economy ; Mrs. Margaret P. Stanton, Preceptress, Instructor in
French and Mathematics.
THE STATE UNIVERSITY.
Iowa City, Johnson County. '
In the famous Ordinance of 1787, enacted by Congress before the Territory
of the United States extended beyond the Mississippi River, it was declared
that in all the territory northwest of the Ohio River, " Schools and the means
of education sluiH forever l)e encouraged." By act of Congress, approved July
20, 1840, the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized "to set apart and re-
serve from sale, out of any of the public lands within the Territory of Iowa, to
which the Indian title has been or may be extinguished, and not otherwise ap-
propriated, a quantity of land, not exceeding the entire townships, for the use
188 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
and support of a university within said Territorry -svlien it becomes a State, and
for no other use or purpose whatever ; to be located in tracts of not less than an
entire section, corresponding with any of the large divisions into which the pub-
lic land are authorized to be surveyed."
William W. Dodge, of Scott; County, was appointed by the Secretary of the
Treasury to make tlie selections. He selected Section 5 in Township 78, north
of Range 3, east of the Fifth Principal INIeridian, and then removed from the
Territory. No more lands were selected until 184G, when, at the request of the
Assembly, John M. Whitakerof Van Buren County, was appointed, who selected
the remainder of the grant except about 122 acres.
In the first Constitution, under which Iowa was admitted to the Union, the
people directed the disposition of the proceeds of this munificent grant in ac-
cordance witii its terms, and instructed the General Assembly to provide, as soon
as may be, effectual means for the improvement and permanent security of the
funds of the university derived from the lands.
The first General Assembly, by act approved February 25, 1847, established
the " State University of Iowa " at Iowa City, then the capital of the State,
"with such other branches as public convenience may hereafter require."
The " public buildings at Iowa City, together with the ten acres of land in which
they are situated," were granted for the use of said university, provided^ how-
ever, that the sessions of the Legislature and State offices should be held in the
capitol until otherwise provided by law. The control and management of the
University were committed to a board of fifteen Trustees, to be appointed by the
Legislature, five of whom Avere to be chosen bienially. The Superintendent
of Public Instruction was made President of this Board. Provisions were made
for the disposal of the two townships of land, and for the investment of the funds
arising therefrom. The act further provides that the University shall never be
under the exclusive control of any religious denomination whatever," and as
soon as the revenue for the grant and donations amounts to ^2,000 a year, the
University should commence and continue the instruction, free of charge, of fifty
students annually. The General Assembly retained full supervision over the
University, its officers and the grants and donations made and to be made to it
by the State.
Section 5 of the act appointed James P. Carleton, H. D. Downey, Thomas
Snyder, Samuel McCrory, Curtis Bates, Silas Foster, E. C. Lyon, James H.
Gower, George G. Vincent, Wm. G. Woodward, Theodore S. Parvin, George
Atchinson, S. G. Matson, II. W. Starr and Ansel Briggs, the first Board of
Trustees.
The organization of the University at Iowa City was impracticable, how-
ever, so long as the scat of government was retained there.
In January, 1849, two branches of the University and three Normal
Schools were established. The branches were located — one at Fairfield, and
the other at Dubuque, and were placed upon an equal footing, in respect to
funds and all other matters, Avith the University established at Iowa City.
"This act," says Col. Benton, "created three State Universities, with equal
fights and powers, instead of a 'University with such branches as public conven-
ience majf hereafter demand,' as provided by the Constitution."
The Board of Directors of the Fairfield Branch consisted of Barnet Ris-
tine, Christian AV. Slagle, Daniel Rider, Horace Gaylord, Bcrnhart Henn and
Samuel S. Bayard. At the first meeting of the Board, Mr. Henn was elected
President, Mr. Slagle Secretary, and Mr. Gaylord Treasurer. Twenty acres
of land were purchased, and a building erected thereon, costing $2,500.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. ' 189
This building was nearly destroyed by a hurricane, in 1850, but was rebuilt
more substantially, all by contributions of the citizens of Fairfield. This
branch never received any aid from the State or from the University Fund,
and by act approved January 24, 1853, at the request of the Board, the Gen-
eral Assembly terminated its relation to the State.
The branch at Dubuque was placed under the control of the Superintendent
of Public Instruction, and John King, Caleb H. Booth, James M. Emerson,
Michael J. Sullivan, Richard Benson and the Governor of the State as
Trustees. The Trustees never organized, and its existence was only nominal.
The Normal Schools were located at Andrew, Oskaloosa and Mount
Pleasant, respectively. Each was to be governed by a board of seven Trustees, to
be appointed by the Trustees of the University. Each was to receive $500 annu-
ally from the income of the University Fund, upon condition that they should ed-
ucate eight common school teachers, free of charge for tuition, and that the citizens
should contribute an equal sura for the erection of the requisite buildings.
The several Boards of Trustees were appointed. At Andrew, the school was
organized Nov. 21, 1849; Samuel Ray, Principal; Miss J. S. Dorr, Assist-
ant. A building was commenced and over $1,000 expended on it, but it was
never completed. At Oskaloosa, the Trustees organized in April, 1852. This
school was opened in the Court House, September 13, 1852, under the charge
of Prof. G. M. Drake and wife. A two story brick building was completed in
1853, costing $2,473. The school at Mount Pleasant was never organized.
Neither of these schools received any aid from the University Fund, but in
1857 the Legislature appropriated $1,000 each for those at Oskaloosa and
Andrew, and repealed the law authorizing the payment of money to them from
the University Fund. From that time they made no further effort to
continue in operation.
At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, held February 21, 1850,
the " College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Upper Mississippi," established
at Davenport, was recognized as the '" College of Physicians and Surgeons of
the State University of Iowa," expressly stipulating, however, that such recog-
nition should not render the University liable for any pecuniary aid, nor was
the Board to have any control over the property or management of the Medical
Association. Soon after, this College Avas removed to Keokuk, its second ses-
sion being opened there in November, 1850. In 1851, the General Assembly
confirmed the action of the Board, and by act approved January 22, 1855,
placed the Medical College under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of
the Universit3'-, and it continued in operation until this arrangement was termi-
nated by the new Constitution, September 3, 1857.
From 1847 to 1855, the Board of Trustees was kept full by regular elec-
tions by the Legislature, and the Trustees held frequent meetings, but there was
no effectual organization of the University. In March, 1855, it was partially
opened for a term of sixteen weeks. July 16, 1855, Amos Dean, of Albany,
N. Y., was elected President, but he never entered fully upon its duties. The
University was again opened in September, 1855, and continued in operation
until June, 1856, under Professors Johnson, Welton, Van Valkenburg and
Guffin.
In the Spring of 1856, the capital of the State was located at Des Moines;
but there were no buildings there, and the capitol at Iowa City was not vacated
by the State until December, 1857.
In June, 1856, the foculty was re-organized, with some changes, and the
University was again opened on the third Wednesday of September, 1856.
190 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
There were one hundred and twenty-four students — eighty-three males and
forty-ono females — in attendance during the year 1856-7, and the first regular
catalogue was published.
At a special meeting of the Board, September 22, 1857, the honorary de-
gree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on D. Franklin AYells. This was the
first degree conferred by the Board.
Article IX, Section 11, of the new State Constitution, which went into force
September 3, 1857, provided as follows :
The State TJniversitv shall be established at one place, without branches at any other place ;
and the University fund shall be applied to that institution, and no other.
Article XI, Section 8, provided that
The seat of Government is hereby permanently established, as now fixed by law, at the city
of Des Moines, in the county of Polk ; and the State University at Iowa City, in the county of
Johnson.
The new Constitution created the Board of Education, consisting of the
Lieutenant Governor, who was ex officio President, and one member to be elected
from each judicial district in the State. This Board was endowed with
" full power and authority to legislate and make all needful rules and regula-
tions in relation to common schools and other educational institutions," subject
to alteration, amendment or repeal by the General Assembly, which was vested
with authority to abolish or re-organize the Board at any time after 1863.
In December, 1857, the old capitol building, now known as Central Hall of
the University, except the rooms occupied by the United States District Court,
and the property, Avith that exception, passed under the control of the Trustees,
and became the seat of the University. The old building had had hard usage,
and its arrangement was illy adapted for University purposes. Extensive repairs
and changes were necessary, but the Board was without funds for these pur-
poses.
The last meeting of the Board, under the old law, was held in January,
1858. At this meeting, a resolution was introduced, and seriously considered,
to exclude females from the University ; but it finally failed.
^March 12, 1858, the first Legislature under the now Constitution enacted
a new law in relation to the University, but it was not materially different from
the former. March 11, 1858, the Legislature appropriated $3,000 for the re-
pair and modification of the old capitol building, and $10,000 for the erection
of a boarding house, now known as South Hall.
Tiie Board of Trustees created by the new law met and duly organized
April 27, 1858, and determined to close the University until the income from its
fund should be adequate to meet the current expeiises, and the buildings should
be ready for occupation. Until this term, the building known as the " Mechan-
ics' Academy" had been used for the school. The Faculty, except the Chan-
cellor (Dean), was dismissed, and all further instruction suspended, from the close
of the term then in progress until September, 1859. At this meeting, a reso-
lution was adopted excluding females from the L^niver.sity after the close of the
existing term ; but this was afterward, in August, modified, so as to admit them
to the Normal Department.
At the meeting of the Board, August 4, 1858, the degree of Bachelor of
Science wjis conferred upon Dexter Edson Smith, being the first degree con-
ferred upon a student of the University. Diplomas were awarded t(^ the mem-
bers of the first graduating class of the Normal Department as follows : Levi
P. Aylworth, Cellina H. Aylworth, Elizabeth L. Humphrey, Annie A. Pinney
and Sylvia M. Thompson.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 191
An " Act for the Government and Regulation of the State University of
Iowa," approved December 25, 1858, was mainly a re-enactment of the law of
March 12, 1858, except that changes were made in the Board of Trustees, and
manner of their appointment. This law provided that both sexes were to be
admitted on equal terms to all departments of the institution, leaving the Board
no discretion in the matter.
The new Board met and organized, February 2, 1859, and decided to con-
tinue the Normal Department only to the end of the current term, and that it
was unwise to re-open the University at that time ; but at the annual meeting
of the Board, in June of tlie same year, it was resolved to continue the Normal
Department in operation ; and at a special meetmg, October 25, 1859, it was
decided to re-open the University in September, 1860. Mr. Dean had resigned
as Chancellor prior to this meeting, and Silas Totten, D. D., LL. D., was elected
President, at a salary of $2,000, and his term commenced June, 1860.
At the annual meeting, June 28, 1860, a full Faculty was appointed, and
the University re-opened, under this new organization, September 19, 1860
(third Wednesday) ; and at this date the actual existence of the University may
be said to commence.
August 19, 1862, Dr. Totten having resigned, Prof. Oliver M. Spencer
was elected President and the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred
upon Judge Samuel F. Miller, of Keokuk.
At the commencement, in June, 1863, was the first class of graduates in
the Collegiate Department.
The Board of Education was abolished March 19, 1864, and the office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction was restored ; the General Assembly
resumed control of the subject of education, and on March 21, an act was ap-
proved for the government of the University. It was substantially the same as
the former law, but provided that the Governor should be ex officio President of
the Board of Trustees. Until 1858, the Superintendent of Public Instruction
had been ex officio President. During the period of the Board of Education,
the University Trustees were elected by it, and elected their own President.
President Spencer was granted leave of absence from April 10, 1866, for
fifteen months, to visit Europe ; and Prof. Nathan R. Leonard was elected
President pj'o tern.
The North Hall was completed late in 1866.
At the annual meeting in June, 1867, the resignation of President Spencer
(absent in Europe) was accepted, and Prof Leonard continued as President j)ro
tern., until March 4, 1868, when James Black, D. D., Vice President of Wash-
ington and Jefferson College, Penn., was elected President. Dr. Black entered
upon his duties in September, 1868.
The Law Department was established in June, 1868, and, in September fol-
lowing, an arrangement was perfected with the Iowa Law School, at Des Moines,
which had been in successful operation for three years, under the management
of Messrs. George G. Wright, Chester C. Cole and William G. Hammond, by
which that institution was transferred to Iowa City and merged in the Law De-
partment of the University. The Faculty of this department consisted of the
President of the University, Hon. Wm. G. Hammond, Resident Professor and
Principal of the Department, and Professors G. G. Wright and C. C. Cole.
Nine students entered at the commencement of the first term, and during
the year ending June, 1877, there were 103 students in this department.
At a special meeting of the Board, on the 17th of September, 1868, a Com-
mittee was appointed to consider the expediency of establishing a Medical De-
192 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
partment. This Committoo reported at once in favor of the proposition, the
Faculty to consist of the President of the University and seven Professors, and
recommended that, if practicable, the new department should be opened at the
commencement of the University year, in 1809-70. At this meeting, Hon.
Ezekiel Clark was elected Treasurer of the University.
By an act of the General Assembly, approved April 11, 1870, the "Board
of Regents" was instituted as the governing power of tiie University, and since
that time it has been the fundamental law of the institution. Tlie Board of
Regents held its first meeting June '28, 1870. Wm. J. Haddock was elected
Secretary, and Mr. Clark, Treasurer.
Dr. IMaek tendered his resignation as President, at a special meeting of the
Board, held August 18, 1870, to take eftbct on the 1st of December following.
His resignation was accepted.
The South Hall having been fitted up for the purpose, the first term of the
Medical Department was opened October 24, 1870, and continued until March,
1871, at which time there were three graduates and thirty-nine students.
March 1, 1871, Rev. George Thacher was elected President of the Univer-
sity. Mr. Thacher accepted, entered upon his duties April 1st, and was form-
ally inaugurated at the annual meeting in June, 18(31.
In June, 1874, the *' Chair of Military Instruction" was established, and
the President of the United States was requested to detail an officer to perform
its duties. In compliance with this request, Lieut. A. D. Schenck, Second Artil-
lery, U. S. A., was detailed as "Professor of Military Science and Tactics,"
at Iowa State University, by order of the War Department, August 26, 1874,
who rej)orted for duty on the 10th of September following. Lieut. Schenck
was relieved by Lieut. James Chester, Third Artillery, Jaimary 1, 1877.
Treasurer Clark resigned November o, 1875, and John N. Coldren elected
in his stead.
At the annual meeting, in 1876, a Department of Homoeopathy was
established.
In March, 1877, a resolution was adopted affiliating the High Schools of
the State with the U^niversity.
In June, 1877, Dr. Thacher's connection Avith the University was termi-
nated, and C. W. Slagle, a member of the Board of Regents, was elected Pi"es-
ident.
In 1872, the ex officio membership of the Superintendent of Public Instruc-
tion was abolished : but it was restored in 1876. Following is a catalogue of
the officers of this important institution, from 1847 to 1878:
TRUSTEES OR REGENTS.
PRESIDENTS.
FROM TO
James Ilnrlan, Superintendent Public Instruction, ox officio 1847 1848
Thoinas H. Benton, Jr.. Superintendent Public Instruction, ex officio 1843 1854
James I>. Eads, Superintendent Public Instruction, ex officio... 1854 1857
Maturin E. Fisher, Superintendent Public Instruction, ex officio 1857 1858
Amos Ocan, Chancellor, ex officio 1858 1859
Thomas 11. Benton, Jr 185') 1803
Francis Springer 1863 1804
William M. Stone, Governor, ex officio 1864 1868
Samuel Merrill, Governor, ex officio 1868 1872
Cyrus (\ (^arpenter, Governor, ex officio 1872 1876
Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor, ex officio 1576 1877
Joshua G. Newbold, Governor, ex officio 1877 1878
John II. Gear ; Iii78
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 19S
VICE PRESIDENTS. p^OM TO
Silas Foster 1847 1851
Robert Lucas 1851 185.3
Edward Connelly 1854 18-55
Moses J. Morsman 1855 1858
SECRETARIES.
Hugh D. Downey 1847 1851
Anson Hart 1851 1857
Elijah Sells 1857 1858
Anson Hart 18.58 1864
William J. Haddock 1864
TREASURERS.
Morgan Reno, State Treasurer, ex officio 1847 1850
Israel Kister, State Treasurer, ex officio 1850 1852
Martin L. Morris, State Treasurer, ex officio 1852 1855
Henry W. Lathrop 1855 1862
William Crum 1862 1868
Ezekiel Clark 1868 1876
John N. Coldren 1876
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY.
Amos Dean, LL. D 1855 1858
Silas Totten, D. D., LL. D 1860 1862
Oliver M. Spencer, D. D.* , 1862 '1867
James Black, D. D 1868 1870
George Thacher, D. D 1871 1877
C. W. Slagle 1877
The present educational corps of the University consists of the President,
nine Professors in the Collegiate Department, one Professor and six Instructors
in Military Science ; Chancellor, three Professors and four Lecturers in the
Law Department ; eight Professor Demonstrators of Anatomy ; Prosector of
Surgery and two Lecturers in the Medical Department, and two Professors in
the Homoeopathic Medical Department.
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
By act of the General Assembly, approved January 28, 1857, a State His-
torical Society was provided for in connection with the University. At the
commencement, an appropriation of ^250 was made, to be expended in collecting,
embodying, and preserving in an authentic form a library of books, pamphlets,
charts, maps, manuscripts, papers, jjaintings, statuary, and other materials illus-
trative of tlie history of Iowa; and with the further object to rescue from
oblivion the memory of the early pioneers; to obtain and preserve various
accounts of their exploits, perils and hardy adventures ; to secure facts and
statements relative to the history and genius, and progress and decay of the
Indian tribes of Iowa; to exhibit faithfully the antiquities and past and present
resources of the State; to aid in the publication of such collections of the Society
as shall from time to time be deemed of value and interest; to aid in binding
its books, pamphlets, manuscripts and papers, and in defraying other necessary
incidental expenses of the Society.
There was appropriated by law to this institution, till the General Assembly
shall otherwise direct, the sum of $500 per annum. The Society is under the
management of a Board of Curators, consisting of eighteen persons, nine of
whom are appointed by the Governor, and nine elected by the members of the
Society. The Curators receive no compensation for their services. The annual
194 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
meeting is provided for by law, to be held at Iowa City on Monday preceding
the last Wednesday in June of each year.
The State Historical Society has published a series of very valuable collec-
tions, including history, biography, sketches, reminiscences, etc., with quite a
large number of finely engraved portraits of prominent and early settlers, under
the title of " Annals of Iowa."
THE PENITENTIARY.
Located at Fort 3Iadison, Lee County.
The first act of the Territorial Legislature, relating to a Penitentiary in
Iowa, was approved January 25, 1839, the fifth section of which authorized the
Governor to draw the sum of $20,000 appropriated by an act of Congress ap-
proved July 7, 1838, for public buildings in the Territory of Iowa. It provided
for a Board of Directors of three persons elected by the Legislature, Avho should
direct the building of the Penitentiary, which should be located within one mile
of the public square, in the town of Fort Madison, Lee County, provided Fort
Madison should deed to the directors a tract of land suitable for a site, and assign
them, by contract, a spring or stream of water for the use of the Penitentiary.
To the Directors was also given the power of appointing the Warden ; the latter
to appoint his own assistants.
The first Directors appointed were John S. David and John Claypole. They
made their first report to tiie Legislative Council November 9, 1839. The citi-
zens of the town of Fort Madison had executed a deed conveying ten acres of
land for the building site. Amos Ladd was appointed Superintendent of the
building June 5, 1839. The building was designed of sufficient capacity to con-
tain one hundred and thirty-eight convicts, and estimated to cost $55,933.90.
It was begun on the 9th of July, 1839 ; the main building and Warden's house
were completed in the Fall of 1841. Other additions were made from time to
time till the building and arrangements were all complete according to the plan
of the Directors. It has answered the purpose of the State as a Penitentiary
for more than thirty years, and during that period many items of practical ex-
perience in prison management have been gained.
It has long been a problem how to conduct prisons, and deal with what are
called the criminal classes generally, so as to secure their best good and best
subserve the interests of the State. Both objects must be taken into considera-
tion in any humaritarian view of the subject. This problem is not yet solved,
but Iowa has adopted the progressive and enlightened policy of humane treat-
ment of prisoners and the utilization of their labor for their own support. The
labor of the convicts in the Iowa Penitentiary, as in most others in the United
States, is let out to contractors, who pay the State a certain stipulated amount
therefor, the State furnishing the shops, tools and machinery, as well as the
supervision necessary to preserve order and discipline in the prison.
While this is an improvement upon the old solitary confinement system, it
still falls short of an enlightened reformatory system that in the future will
treat the criminal for mental disease and endeavor to restore him to usefulness
in the community. The objections urged against the contract system of dis-
posing of the labor of prisoners, that it brings the labor of honest citizens into
competition with convict labor at reduced prices, and is disadvantageous to the
State, are not without force, and the system will have no place in the prisons of
the future.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 195
It is right that the convict should labor. He should not be allowed to live
in idleness at public expense. Honest men labor ; why should not they? Hon-
est men are entitled to the fruits of their toil ; why should not the convict as
well ? The convict is sent to the Penitentiary to secure public safety. The
State deprives him of his liberty to accomplish this purpose and to punish him
for violations of law, but, having done this, the State wrongs both itself and the
criminal by confiscating his earnings ; because it deprives his family of what
justly belongs to them, and an enlightened civilization will ere long demand
that the prisoner in the penitentiary, after paying a fair price for his board, is
as justly entitled to his net earnings as the good citizen outside its walls, and
his family, if he has one, should be entitled to draw his earnings or stated portion
of them at stated periods. If he has no family, then if his net earnings should
be set aside to his credit and paid over to him at the expiration of his term of
imprisonment, he would not be turned out upon the cold charities of a somewhat
Pharisaical world, penniless, with the brand of the convict upon his brow, with
no resource save to sink still deeper in crime. Let Iowa, " The Beautiful Land,"
be first to recognize the rights of its convicts to the fruits of their labor ; keep
their children from the alms-house, and place a powerful incentive before them
to become good citizens when they return to the busy world agq-in.
ADDITIONAL PENITENTIARY.
Located at Anamosa, Jones County.
By an act of the Fourteenth General Assembly, approved April 23, 1872,
William Ure, Foster L. Downing and Martin Heisey were constituted Commis-
sioners to locate and provide for the erection and control of an additional
Penitentiary for the State of Iowa. These Commissioners met on the 4th of
the following June, at Anamosa, Jones County, and selected a site donated by
the citizens, within the limits of the city. L. W. Foster & Co., architects, of
Des Moines, furnished the plan, drawings and specifications, and work was
commenced on the building on the 28th day of September, 1872. May 13,
1873, twenty convicts were transferred to Anamosa from the Fort Madison
Penitentiary. The entire enclosure includes fifteen acres, with a frontage of
6G3 feet.
IOWA HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.
Mount Pleasant, Henry County.
By an act of the General Assembly of Iowa, approved January 24, 1855,
^4,425 were appropriated for the purchase of a site, and $50,000 for building
an Insane Hospital, and the Governor (Grimes), Edward Johnston, of Lee
County, and Cliarles S. Blake, of Henry County, were appointed to locate the
institution and superintend the erection of the building. These Commission-
ers located the institution at Mt. Pleasant, Henry County. A plan for a
building designed to accommodate 300 patients, drawn by Dr. Bell, of Massa-
chusetts, was accepted, and in October work Avas commenced under the superin-
tendence of Mr. Henry Winslow. Up to February 25, 1858, and including an
appropriation made on that date, the Legislature had appropriated $258,555.67
to this institution, but the building was not finished ready for occupancy by
patients until March 1, 1861. The Trustees were Maturin L. Fisher, Presi-
dent, Farmersburg; Samuel McFarland, Secretary, Mt. Pleasant; D. L.
196 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
McGu^rin, Keokuk; G. W. Kincaid, Muscatine; J. D. Elbert, Keosauqua ;
John 13. Lash and Harpin Riggs, Mt. Pleasant. Richard J. Patterson, M. D.,
of Ohio, was elected Superintendent; Dwight C. Dewey, M. D., Assistant
Physician; Henry Winslow, Steward; Mrs. Catharine Winslow, Matron,
The Hospital was formally opened March 6, 1861, and one hundred patients
were admitted within three months. About 1865, Dr. Mark Ranney became
Superintendent. April 18, 1876, a portion of the hospital building was
destroyed by fire. From the opening of the Hospital to the close of October,
1877, 3,584 patients had been admitted. Of these, 1,141 were discharged
recovered, 505 discharged improved, 589 discharged unimproved, and 1 died ;
total discharged, 2,976, leaving 608 inmates. During this period, there were
1,384 females admitted, whose occupation was registered "domestic duties ;"
122, no occupation; 25, female teachers; 11, seamstresses; and 25, servants.
Among the males were 916 farmers, 394 laborers, 205 Avithout occupation, 39
cabinet makers, 23 brewers, 31 clerks, 26 merchants, 12 preachers, 18 shoe-
makers, 13 students, 14 tailors, 13 teachers, 14 agents, 17 masons, 7 lawyers,
7 physicians, 4 saloon keepers, 3 salesmen, 2 artists, and 1 editor. The pro-
ducts of the farm and garden, in 1876, amounted to $13,721.26.
Trustees, 1S77 :—T. Whiting, President, Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. E. M. Elliott,
Secretary, Mt. Pleasant; William C. Evans, West Liberty; L. E. Fellows,
Lansing ; and Samuel Klein, Keokuk ; Treasurer, M. Edwards, Mt. Pleasant.
Resident Officers: — Mark Ranney, M. D., Medical Superintendent; H. M.
Bassett, M. D., First Assistant Physician; M. Riordan, M. D., Second Assistant
Physician ; Jennie McCowcn, M. I)., Third Assistant Physician ; J. W. Hender-
son, Steward ; Mrs. Martha W. Ranney, Matron ; Rev. Milton Sutton,
Chaplain.
HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.
Independence, Buchanan County.
In the Winter of 1867-8, a bill providing for an additional Hospital for the
Insane Avas passed by the Legislature, and an appropriation of $125,000 was
made for that purpose. Maturin L. Fisher, of Clayton County ; E. G. Morgan,
of Webster County, and Albert Clark, of Buchanan County, were appointed
Commissioners to locate and supervise the erection of the Building. Mr. Clark
died about a year after his appointment, and Hon. G. W. Bemis, of Indepen-
dence, was appointed to fill the vacancy.
The Commissioners met and commenced their labors on the 8th day of
June, 1868, at Independence. The act under which they were appointed
required them to select the most eligible and desirable location, of not less than
320 acres, within two miles of the city of Independence, that might be offered
by the citizens free of charge to the State. Several such tracts were offered,
but the Commissioners finally selected the south half of southwest quarter of
Section 5; the north half of northeast quarter of Section 7 ; the north half of
northwest quarter of Section 8, and the north half of northeast quarter of Sec-
tion 8, all in Township 88 north. Range 9 west of the Fifth Principal Meridian.
This location is on the west side of the AVapsipinicon River, and about a mile
from its banks, and about the same distance from Independence.
Col. S. V. Shipman, of Madison, Wis., was employed to prepare plans,
specifications and drawings of the building, which, when completed, were sub-
mitted to Dr. M. Ranney, Superintendent of the Hospital at Mount Pleasant,
who suggested several improvements. The contract for erecting the building
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 197
was awarded to Mr. David Armstrong, of Dubuque, for $88,114. The con-
tract Avas signed November 7, 1868, and Mr. Armstrong at once commenced
work. Mr. George Josselyn was appointed to superintend the work. The
main buildings were constructed of dressed limestone, from the quarries at
Anamosa and Farley. The basements are of the local granite worked from the
immense boulders found in large quantities in this portion of the State.
In 1872, the building was so far completed that the Commissioners called
the first meeting of the Trustees, on the 10th day of July of that year. These
Trustees were Maturin L. Fisher, Mrs. P. A. Appleman, T. W. Fawcett, C.
C. Parker, E. G. Morgan, George W. Bemis and John M. Boggs. This board
was organized, on the day above mentioned, by the election of Hon. M. L,
Fisher, President ; Rev. J. G. Boggs, Secretary, and George W. Bemis, Treas-
urer, and, after adopting preliminary measures for organizing the local govern-
ment of the hospital, adjourned to the first Wednesday of the following Septem-
ber. A few days before this meeting, Mr. Boggs died of malignant fever,
and Dr. John G. House was appointed to fill the vacancy. Dr. House was
elected Secretary. At this meeting, Albert Reynolds, M. D., was elected
Superintendent; George Josselyn, Steward, and Mrs. Anna B. Josselyn,
Matron. September 4, 1873, Dr. Willis Butterfield was elected Assistant
Physician. The building was ready for occupancy April 21, 1873.
In the Spring of 1876, a contract was made with Messrs. Mackay & Lundy,
of Independence, for furnishing materials for building the outside walls of the
two first sections of the south wing, next to the center building, for $6,250.
The carpenter work on the fourth and fifth stories of the center building was
completed during the same year, and the wards were furnished and occupied by
patients in the Fall.
In 1877, the south wing was built, but it will not be completed ready for
occupancy until next Spring or Summer (1878). ,
October 1, 1877, the Superintendent reported 322 patients in this hospital,
and it is now overcrowded.
The Board of Trustees at present (1878) are as follows : Maturin L.
Fisher, President, Farmersburg ; John G. House, M. D., Secretary, Indepen-
dence ; Wm. G. Donnan, Treasurer, Independence ; Erastus G. Morgan, Fort
Dodge ; Mrs. Prudence A. Appleman, Clermont ; and Stephen E. Robinson,
M. D., West Union.
RESIDENT OFFICERS.
Albert Reynolds, M. D., Superintendent ; G. H, Hill, M. D., Assistant
Physician; Noyes Appleman, Steward; Mrs. Lucy M. Gray, Matron.
IOWA COLLEGE FOR THE BLIND.
Vinton, Benton County.
In August, 1852, Prof Samuel Bacon, himself blind, established an Insti-
tution for the Instruction of the Blind of Iowa, at Keokuk.
By act of the General Assembly, entitled " An act to establish an Asylum
for the Blind," approved January 18, 1853, the institution was adopted by the
State, removed to Iowa City, February 3d, and opened for the reception of pupils
April 4, 1853, free to all the blind in the State.
The first Board of Trustees were James D. Eads, President ; George W.
McClary, Secretary; James H. Gower, Treasurer; Martin L. Morris, Stephen
Hempstead, Morgan Reno and John McCaddon. The Board appointed Prof.
198 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Samuel Bacon, Principal; T. J. McGittigen, Teacher of Music, and Mrs. Sarali
K. Bacon, Matron. Twenty-three pupils -were admitted during the first term.
In his first report, made in 1854, Prof. Bacon suggested that the name
should be changed from " Asylum for the Blind," to that of " Institution for
the Instruction of the Blind." This was done in 1855, when the General As-
sembly made an annual appropriation for the College of $55 per quarter for
each pujiil. This was subsequently changed to $3,000 per annum, and a cliarge
of $25 as an admission fee for each pupil, which sum, with the amounts realized
from the sale of articles manufactured by the blind pupils, proved sufficient for
the expenses of the institution during Mr. Bacon's administration. Although
Mr. Bacon was blind, he was a fine scholar and an economical manager, and
had founded the ]>lind Asylum at Jacksonville, Illinois. As a mathematician
he had few superiors.
On the 8th of May, 1858, the Trustees met at Vinton, and made arrange-
ments for securing the donation of $5,000 made by the citizens of that town.
In June of that year, a quarter section of land .was donated for the College,
by John W. 0. Webb and others, and the Trustees adopted a plan for the
erection of a suitable building. In 1860, the plan was modified, and the con-
tract for enclosing let to Messrs. Finkbine & Lovelace, for $10,420.
In August, 1802, the building Avas so far completed that the goods and fur-
uiture of the institution were removed from Iowa City to A'^inton, and early in
October, the school was opened there with twenty-four pu])ils. At this time.
Rev. Orlando Clark was Principal.
In August, 1864, a new Board of Trustees were appointed by the Legisla-
ture, consisting of James McQuin, President; Reed Wilkinson, Secretary; Jas.
Cluipin, Treasurer; Robert Gilchrist, Elijah Sells and Joseph Dysart, organized
and made important changes. Rev. Reed Wilkinson succeeded Mr. Clark as
Principal. Mrs. L. S. B. Wilkinson and Miss Amelia Butler were appointed
Assistant Teachers ; Mrs. N. A. Morton, Matron.
Mr. Wilkinson resigned in June, 1867, and Gen. James L. Geddes was
appointed in his place. In September, 1869, Mr. Geddes retired, and was
succeeded by Prof. S. A.Knapp. Mrs. S. C. Lawton was appointed Matron.
and was succeeded by Mrs. M. A. Knapp. Prof. Knapp resigned July 1,
1875, and Prof. Orlando Clark was elected Principal, who died April 2,
1876, and was succeeded by John B. Parmalee, who retired in July, 1877,
when the present incumbent. Rev. Robert Carothers, was elected.
Trustees, 1S77-S. — Jeremiah L. Gay, President ; S. II. Watson, Treasurer;
II. C. Piatt, Jacob Springer, C. L. Flint and P. F. Sturgis.
Faculty. — Principal, Rev. Robert Carothers, A. M. ; Matron, Mrs. Emeline
E. Carothers; Teachers, Thomas F. McCune, A. B., Miss Grace A. Ilill
Mrs. C. A. Spencer, Miss Mary Baker, Miss C. R. Miller, Miss Lorana Mat-
tice. Miss A. M. McCutcheon ; Musical Director, S. 0. Spencer.
The Legislative Committee who visited this institution in 1878 expressed
their astonishment at the vast expenditure of money in proportion to the needs
of the State. The structure is well built, and the money properly expended ;
yet it was enormously beyond the necessities of the State, and shows an utter
disregard of the fitness of things. The Committee could not understand why
$282,000 should have been expended for a massive building covering about two
and a half acres for the accommodation of 130 people, costing over eight thou-
sand dollars a year to heat it, and costing the State about five hundred dollars
a year for each pupil.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 199
INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB.
Council Bluffs, Pottawattomie County.
The Iowa Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was established at Iowa City
by an act of the General Assembly, approved January 24, 1855. The number
of deaf mutes then in the State was 301 ; the number attending the Institution,
50. The first Board of Trustees were: Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood, Hon. E.
Sells, W. Penn Clarke, J. P. Wood, H. D. Downey, William Crum, W. E.
Ijams, Principal. On the resignation of Mr. Ijams, in 1862, the Board
appointed in his stead Mr. Benjamin Talbot, for nine years a teacher in the
Ohio Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. Mr. Talbot was ardently devoted to
the interests of the institution and a faithful worker for the unfortunate class
under his charge.
A strong effort was made, in 1866, to remove this important institution to
Des Moines, but it was located permanently at Council Bluffs, and a building
rented for its use. In 1868, Commissioners were appointed to locate a site for,
and to superintend the erection of, a new building, for which the Legislature
appropriated $125,000 to commence the work of construction. The Commis-
sioners selected ninety acres of land about two miles south of the city of Coun-
cil Bluffs. The main building and one wing were completed October 1, 1870,
and immediately occupied by the Institution. February 25, 1877, the main
building and east wing were destroyed by fire ; and August 6 following, the
roof of the new west wing was blown off and the walls partially demolished by
a tornado. At the time of the fire, about one hundred and fifty pupils were in
attendance. After the fire, half the classes were dismissed and the number of
scholars reduced to about seventy, and in a week or two the school was in run-
ning order.
The Legislative Committee which visited this Institution in the Winter of
1857-8 was not well pleased with the condition of affairs, and reported that the
building (west wing) was a disgrace to the State and a monument of unskillful
workmanship, and intimated rather strongly that some reforms in management
were very essential.
Trustees, 1877-8. — Thomas Officer, President ; N. P. Dodge, Treasurer ;
Paul Lange, William Orr, J. W. Cattell.
Superintendent, Benjamin Talbot, M. A. Teachers, Edwin Southwick,
Conrad S. Zorbaugh, John A. Gillespie, John A. Kennedy, Ellen J. Israel,
Ella J. Brown, Mrs. H. R. Gillespie; Physician, H. W. Hart, M. D.; Steward,
N. A. Taylor; Matron, Mary B. Swan.
SOLDIERS' ORPHANS' HOMES.
Davenport, Cedar Falls, Glemvood.
The movement which culminated in the establishment of this beneficent in-
stitution was originated by Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer, during the civil war of
1861-65. This noble and patriotic lady called a convention at Muscatine, on
the 7th of October 1863, for the purpose of devising measures for the support
and education of the orphan children of the brave sons of Iowa, who had fallen
in defense of national honor and integrity. So great was the public interest in
the movement that there was a large representation from all [)arts ©f the State
on the day named, and an association was organized called the Iowa State Or-
phan Asylum.
200 HISTORY OF TFIE STATE OF IOWA.
The first officers Avere : President, William jVI. Stone ; A ice Presidents, Mrs.
G. G. Wright, Mrs. R. L. Cadle, Mrs. J. T. Hancock, Jchn 11. Needhani, J. W.
Cattell, Mrs. Mary M. Bagg ; Recording Secretary, Miss Mary Kibben ; Cor-
responding Secretary, Miss M. E. Shelton ; Treasurer, N. 11. Braincrd; Board
of Trustees, Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer, Mrs. C. B. Darwin, Mrs. D. T. Newcomb,
Mrs. L. B. Stephens, 0. Fayville, E. H. Williams, T. S. Parvin, Mrs. Shields.
Caleb Paldwin, C. C. Cole, Isaac Pendleton, H. C. Henderson.
The first meeting of the Trustees was held February 14, 18(34, in the Repre-
sentative Hall, at Des Moines. Committees from both branches of the General
Assembly were present and were invited to particij)ate in their deliberations.
Gov. Kirkwood suggested that a home for disabled soldiers should be connected
with the Asylum. Arrangements Avere made for raising funds.
At the next meeting, in Davenport, in March, 18(34, the Trustees decided to
commence operations at once, and a committee, of whieh Mr. Howell, of Keo-
kuk, was Chairman, was appointed to lease a suitable building, solicit donations,
and procure suitable furniture. This committee secured a large brick building
in Lawrence, Van Buren County, and engaged Mr. Fuller, of Mt. Pleasant, as
Steward.
At the annual meeting, in Des Moines, in June, 1864, Mrs. C. B. Baldwin,
Mrs. G. G. Wright, Mrs. Dr. Horton, Miss Mary E. Shelton and jNIr. George
Sherman were appointed a committee to furnish the building and take all neces-
sary steps for opening the "Home," and notice was given that at the next
meeting of the Association, a motion would be made to change the name of the
Institution to Iowa Orphans' Home.
The work of preparation was conducted so vigorously that on the 1 3th day
of July following, the Executive Committee announced that they Avere ready to
receive the children. In tliree weeks tAventy-one Avere admitted, and the num-
ber constantly increased, so that, in a little more than six months from the time
of opening, there were seventy children admitted, and tAventy more applica-
tions, which the Committee had not acted upon — all orphans of soldiers.
ISIiss M. Elliott, of Wasliington, Avas appointed Matron. She resigned,
in February, 1865, and Avas succeeded by Mrs. E. G. Piatt, of Fremont
County.
The " Home " was sustained by the voluntary contributions of the people,
until 1866, Avhen it Avas assumed by the State. In that year, the General
Assembly provided for the location of several such "Homes" in the different
counties, and Avhich Avere established at Davenport, Scott County ; Cedar Falls,
Black HaAvk County, and at GleuAvood, Mills County.
The Board of Trustees elected by the General Assembly had the oversight
and management of the Soldiers' Orphans' Homes of the State, and consisted
of one person from each county in Avhich such Home Avas located, and one for
the State at large, Avho held their office two years, or until their successors were
elected and (qualified. An appropriation of $10 per month for each orphan
actually supported Avas made bv the General Assembly.
The Home in Cedar Falls was organized in 1865, and an old hotel building
was fitted up for it. Rufus C, Mary L. and Emma L. Bauer were the first
children received, in October, and by January, 1866, there were ninety-six in-
mates.
October 12, 1869, the Home Avas removed to a large brick building, about
two miles jvest of Cedar Falls, and was very prosperous for several years, but
in 1876, the General Assembly established a State Normal School at Cedar
Falls and appropriated the buildings and grounds for that purpos.e.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 201
By "An act to provide for the organization and support of an asylum at
Crlenwood, in Mills County, for feeble minded children," approved March 17,
1876, the buildings and grounds used by the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that
place were appropriated for this purpose. By another act, approved March 15,
1876, the soldiers' orphans, then at the Homes at Glenwood and Cedar Falls,
were to be removed to the Home at Davenport within ninety days thereafter,
and the Board of Trustees of the Home were authorized to receive other indigent
children into that institution, and provide for their education in industrial
pursuits.
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County.
Chapter 129 of the laws of the Sixteenth General Assembly, in 1876, estab-
lished a State Normal School at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, and required
the Trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home to turn over the property in their
charge to the Directors of the new institution.
The Board of Directors met at Cedar Falls June 7, 1876, and duly organ-
ized by the election of H. C. Hemenway, President; J. J. Toleston, Secretary,
and E. Townsend, Treasurer. The Board of Trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans'
Home met at the same time for the purpose of turning over to the Directors the
property of that institution, which was satisfactorily done and properly receipted
for as rcfjuired by law. At this meeting, Prof. J. C. Gilchrist was elected
Principal of the School.
On the 12th of July, 1876, the Board again met, when executive and
teachers' committees were appointed and their duties assigned. A Steward
and a Matron were elected, and their respective duties defined.
The buildings and grounds were repaired and fitted up as well as the appro-
priation would admit, and the first term of the school opened September 6, 1876,
commencing with twenty-seven and closing with eighty-seven students. The
second term closed with eighty-six, and one hundred and six attended during
the third term.
The following are the Board of Directors, Board of Officers and Faculty :
Board of Directors. — H. C. Hemenway, Cedar Falls, President, term
expires 1882 ; L. D. Lewelling, Salem, Henry County, 1878 ; W. A. Stow,
Hamburg, Fremont County, 1878 ; S. G. Smith, Newton, Jasper County,
1880 ; E. H. Thayer, Clinton, Clinton County, 1880 ; G. S. Robinson, Storm
Lake, Buena Vista County, 1882.
Board of Officers. — J. J. Toleston, Secretary; E. Townsend, Treasurer;
William Pattes, Steward; Mrs. P. A. Schermerhorn, Matron — all of Cedar
Falls.
Faculty. — J. C. Gilchrist, A. M., Principal, Professer of Mental and
Moral Philosophy and Didactics ; M. W. Bartlett, A. M., Professor of Lan-
guages and Natural Science ; D. S. Wright, A. M., Professor of Mathematics ;
Miss Frances L. Webster, Teacher of Geography and History ; E. W. Burnham,
Professor of Music.
ASYLUM FOR FEEBLE MINDED CHILDREN.
Glenwood., Mills County.
Chapter 152 of the laws of the Sixteenth General Assembly, approved
March 17, 1876, provided for the establishment of an asylum for feeble minded
children at Glenwood, Mills County, and the buildings and grounds of the
202 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF lUWA.
Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that place were to be used for that purpose. The
asylum was placed under the management of three Trustees, one at least of
whom should be a resident of Mills County. Children between the ages of 7
and 18 years are admitted. Ten dollars per month for each child actually sup-
ported by the State was appropriated by the act, and ^2,000 for salaries of
officers and teachers for two years,
lion. J. W, Cattell, of Polk County ; A. J. Russell, of Mills County, and
W. S. Robertson, were appointed Trustees, who held their first meeting at
Glenwood, April 26, 1876. Mr. Robertson was elected President; Mr. Russell,
Treasurer, and Mr. Cattell, Secretary. The Trustees found the house and farm
which had been turned over to them in a shamefully dilapidated condition. The
fences were broken doAvn and the lumber destroyed or carried away ; the win-
dows broken, doors oft" their hinges, floors broken and filthy in the extreme,
cellars reeking with offensive odors from decayed vegetables, and every conceiv-
able variety of filth and garbage ; drains obstructed, cisterns broken, pump
demoralized, wind-mill broken, roof leaky, and the wdiole property in the worst
possible condition. It was the first work of the Trustees to make the house
tenable. This was done under the direction of Mr. Russell. At the request
of the Trustees, Dr. Charles T. Wilbur, Superintendent of the Illinois Asylum,
visited Glenwood, and made many valuable suggestions, and gave them much
assistance.
0. W. Archibald, M. D., of Glenwood, was appointed Superintendent,
and soon after was appointed Secretary of the Board, vice Cattell, resigned.
Mrs. S. A. Archibald was appointed Matron, and Miss Maud M. Archibald,
Teacher.
The Institution was opened September 1, 1870 ; the first pupil admitted
September 4, and the school was organized September 10, with only five pupils,
which number had, in November, 1877, increased to eighty-seven. December
1, 1870, Miss Jennie Van Dorin, of Fairfield, was employed as a teacher and
in the Spring of 1877, Miss Sabina J. Archibald was also employed.
THE REFORM SCHOOL.
Eldora, Hardin County.
By "An act to establish and organize a State Reform School for Juvenile
Offenders," approved March 31, 1808, the General Assembly established a
State Reform School at Salem, Lee (Henry) County ; provided for a Board of
Trustees, to consist of one person from each Congressional District. For the
purpose of immediately opening the school, the Trustees were directed to accept
the proposition of the Trustees of White's Iowa Manual Labor Institute, at
Salem, and lease, for not more than ten years, the lands, buildings, etc., of the
Institute, and at once proceed to prepare for and open a reform school as a
temporary establishment.
The contract for fitting up the buildings was let to Clark & Haddock, Sep-
tember 21, 1868, and on the 7th of October following, the first inmate was
received from Jasper County. The law provided for the admission of children
of both sexes under 18 years of age. In 1870, this was amended, so that they
are now received at ages over 7 and under 10 years.
April 19, 1872, tlie Trustees were directed to make a permanent location
for the school, and $45,000 was a])propriated for the erection of the necessary
buildings. The Trustees were further directed, as soon as practicable, to
organize a school for girls in the buildings where the boys were then kept.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 203
The Trustees located the school at Eldora, Hardin County, and in the Code
of 1873, it is permanently located there by law.
The institution is managed by five Trustees, who are paid mileage, but no
compensation for their services.
The object is the reformation of the children of both sexes, under the age
of 16 years and over 7 years of age, and the law requires that the Trustees
shall require the boys and girls under their charge to be instructed in piety and
morality, and in such branches of useful knowledge as are adapted to their age
and capacity, and in some regular course of labor, either mechanical, manufac-
turing or agricultural, as is best suited to their age, strength, disposition and
capacity, and as may seem best adapted to secure the reformation and future
benefit of the boj'S and girls.
A boy or girl committed to the State Reform School is there kept, disci-
plined, instructed, employed and governed, under the direction of the Trustees,
until he or she arrives at the age of majority, or is bound out, reformed or
legally discharged. The binding out or discharge of a boy or girLas reformed,
or having arrived at the age of majority, is a complete release from all penalties
incurred by conviction of the off'ense for which he or she was committed.
This is one step in the right direction. In the future, however, still further
advances wdl be made, and the right of every individual to the fruits of their
labor, even while restrained for the public good, will be recognized.
FISH HATCHING ESTABLISHMENT.
Near Anamosa, Jones County.
The Fifteenth General Assembly, in 1874, passed " An act to provide for
the appointment of a Board of Fish Commissioners for the construction of
Fishways for the protection and propagation of Fish," also "An act to provide
for furnishing the rivers and lakes with fish and fish spawn." This act appro-
priated $3,000 for the purpose. In accordance with the provisions of the first
act above mentioned, on the 9th of April, 1874, S. B. Evans of Ottumwa,
Wapello County ; B. F. Shaw of Jones County, and Charles A. Haines, of
Black Hawk County, were appointed to be Fish Commissioners by the Governor.
These Commissioners met at Des Moines, May 10, 1874, and organized by the
election of Mr. Evans, President ; Mr. Shaw, Secretary and Superintendent,
and Mr. Haines, Treasurer.
The State was partitioned into three districts or divisions to enable the
Commissioners to better superintend the construction of fishways as required by
law. That part of the State lying south of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad was placed under the especial supervision of Mr. Evans ; that part be-
tween that railroad and the Iowa Division of the Illinois Central Railroad, Mr.
Shaw, and all north of the Illinois Central Railroad, Mr. Haines. At this
meeting, the Superintendent was authorized to build a State Hatching House ;
to procure the spawn of valuable fish adapted to the waters of Iowa ; hatch and
prepare the young fish for distribution, and assist in putting them into the waters
of the State. ,
In compliance with these instructions, Mr. Shaw at once commenced work,
and in the Summer of 1874, erected a " State Hatching House" near Ajiamosa,
20x40 feet, two stories ; the second story being designed for a tenement ; the
first story being the "hatching room." The hatching troughs are supplied
with water from a magnificent spring four feet deep and about ten feet in diam-
eter, aifording an abundant and unfailing supply of pure running water. During
204 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
the first year, from May 10, 1874, to May 10, 1875, the Commissioners distributed
within the State 100,000 Shad, 300,000 California Sahnon, 10,000 Bass,
80,000 Penobscot (Maine) Salmon, 5,000 land-locked Salmon, 20,000 of
other s})ecies.
By act approved March 10, 1876, the law was amended so tliat there should
be but one instead of three Fish Commissioners, and B. F. Shaw was appointed,
and the Commissioner was authorized to purchase twenty acres of land, on
which the State Hatching House was located near Anamosa.
In the Fall of 1876, Commissioner Shaw gathered from the sloughs of the
Mississi})pi, where they would have been destroyed, over a million and a half of
small fish, which were distributed in the various rivers of the State and turned
into the Mississippi.
In 1875-6, 533,000 California Salmon, and in 1877, 303,500 Lake Trout
were distributed in various rivers and lakes in the State. The experiment of
stocking the small streams with brook trout is being tried, and 81,000 of the
speckled beauties were distributed in 1877. In 1876, 100,000 young eels were
distributed. These came from New York and they are increasing rapidly.
At the close of 1877, there were at least a dozen private fish farms in suc-
cessful operation in various parts of the State. Commissioner Shaw is en-
thusiastically devoted to the duties of his office and has performed an important
service for the people of the State by his intelligent and successful operations.
The Sixteenth General Assembly passed an act in 1878, prohibiting the
catching of any kind of fish except Brook Trout from March until June of each
year. Some varieties are fit for food only during this period.
THE PUBLIC LANDS.
The grants of public lands made in the State of Iowa, for various purposes,
are as follows :
1. The 500,000 Acre Grant.
2. The IGth Section Grant.
3. The Mortgage School Land«.
4. The University Gram.
5. The Saline Grant.
6. The Des Moines Hivcr Grant.
7. The Ues Moines River School Lands.
8. The Swamp Land Grant.
9. The Railroad Grant.
10. The Agricultural College Grant.
I. THE FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND ACRE GRANT.
When the State was admitted into the Union, she became entitled to
500,000 acres of land by virtue of an act of Congress, approved September 4,
1841, which granted to each State therein specified 500,000 acres of public land
for internal improvements ; to each State admitted subsequently to the passage
of the act, an amount of land which, with the amount that might have been
granted to her as a Territory, would amount to 500,000 acres. All these lands
were required to be selected^ within the limits of the State to which they were
granted.
The Constitution of Iowa declares that the proceeds of this grant, together
with all lands then granted or to be granted by Congress for the benefit of
schools, shall constitute a ])erpetual fund for the support of schools throughout
the State. By an act approved January 15, 1849, the Legislature established
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 205
a board of School Fund Commissioners, and to that board was confided the
selection, care and sale of these lands for the benefit of the School Fund. Until
1855, these Commissioners were subordinate to the Superinteudent of Public
Instruction, but on the 15th of January of that year, they were clothed with
exclusive authority in the management and sale of school lands. The ofiice of
School Fund Commissioner was abolished March 23, 1858, and that officer in
each county was required to transfer all papers to and make full settlement with
the County Judge. By this act, County Judges and ToAvnship Trustees were
made the agents of the State to control and sell the sixteenth sections ; but no
further provision was made for the sale of the 500,000 acre grant until April
3d, 1860, when the entire management of the school lands was committed to
the Boards of Supervisors of the several counties.
II. THE SIXTEENTH SECTIONS.
By the provisions of the act of Congress admitting Iowa to the Union, there
was granted to the new State the sixteenth section in every township, or where
that section had been sold, other lands of like amount for the use of schools.
The Constitution of the State provides that the proceeds arising from the sale
of these sections shall constitute a part of the permanent School Fund. The
control and sale of these lands were vested in the School Fund Commissioners
of the several counties until March 23, 1858, when they were transferred to the
County Judges and Township Trustees, and were finally placed under the
supervision of the County Boards of Supervisors in January, 1861.
in, THE MORTGAGE SCHOOL LANDS.
These do not belong to any of the grants of land proper. They are lands
that have been mortgaged to the school fund, and became school lands when bid
off by the State by virtue of a law passed in 1862. Under the provisions of the
law regulating the management and investment of the permanent school fund,
persons desiring loans from that fund are required to secure the payment thereof
with interest at ten per cent, per annum, by promissory notes endorsed by two
good sureties and by mort"gage on unincumbered real estate, which must be
situated in the county where the loan is made, and which must be valued by
three appraisers. Making these loans and taking the required securities was
made the duty of the County Auditor, who was required to report to the Board
of Supervisors at each meeting thereof, all notes, mortgages and abstracts of
title connected with the school fund, for examination.
When default was made of payment of money so secured by mortgage, and
no arrangement made for extension of time as the law provides, the Board of
Supervisors were authorized to bring suit and prosecute it with diligence to
secure said fund ; and in action in favor of the county for the use of the school
fund, an injunction may issue without bonds, and in any such action, when
service is made by publication, default and judgment may be entered and
enforced without bonds. In case of sale of land on execution founded on any
such mortgage, the attorney of the board, or other person duly authorized, shall,
on behalf of the State or county for the use of said fund, bid such sum as the
interests of said fund may require, and if struck off to the State the land shall
be held and disposed of as the other lands belonging to the fund. These lands
are known as the Mortgage School Lands, and reports of them, including
description and amount, are required to be made to the State Land Office.
206 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
IV. UNIVERSITY LANDS.
By act of Congress, July 20, 1840, a quantity of land not exceeding two
f^ntire townships was reserved in the Territory of Iowa for the use and support
>f a university within said Territory wlicn it should become a State. This land
was to be located in tracts of not less than an entire section, and could be used
for ho other purpose than that designated in the grant. In an act supplemental
to that for the admission of Iowa, March 3, 1845, the grant was renewed, and it
was provided that the lands should be used "solely for the purpose of such
university, in such manner as the Legislature may prescribe."
Under this grant there were set apart and approved by the Secretary of the
Treasury, for "the use of the State, the following lands :
ACRES.
In the Iowa City Land District, Feb. 26, 1849 20,150.49
In the Fairfield Land District., Oct. 17, 1849 9,685.20
In the Iowa City Land District, Jan. 28, 1850 2,571.81
In the Fairfield Land District, Sept. 10, 1850 3,198.20
In the Dubuque Land District, May 19, 1852 10,552.24
Total 45,957.94
These lands were certified to the State November 19, 1859. The University
lands are placed by law under the control and management of the Board of
Trustees of the Iowa State University. Prior to 1865, there had been selected
and located under 282 patents, 22,892 acres in sixteen counties, and 23,036
acres unpatented, making a total of 45,928 acres.
V. — SALINE LANDS.
By act of Congress, approved March 3, 1845, the State of Iowa was
granted the use of the salt springs within her limits, not exceeding twelve.
By a subsequent act, approved May 27, 1852, Congress granted the springs
to the State in fee simple, together with six sections of land contiguous to each,
to be disposed of as the Legislature might direct. In 1861, the proceeds of
these lands then to be sold were constituted a fund for founding and support-
i'ng a lunatic asylum, but no sales were made. In 1856, the proceeds of the
saline lands were appropriated to the Insane Asylum, repealed in 1858. In
1860, the saline lands and funds were made a part of the permanent fund of
the State University. Tliese lands were located in Appanoose, Davis, Decatur,
Lucas, Monroe, Van Buren and Wayne Counties.
VI. — THE DES MOINES RIVER .GRANT.
By act of Congress, approved August 8, 1846, a grant of land was made
for the improvement of the navigation of Des Moines River, as follows :
B" it enacted bxj the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of Avierica in
Congress assembled, That there be, and hereby is, granted to said Territory of Iowa, for the
purpose of aiding said Territory to improve the navigation of the Des Moines River from its
mouth to the Raccoon Fork (so called) in said Territory, one equal moiety, in alternate sections,
of the public lands (remaining unsold and not otherwise disposed of, incumbered or appropri-
ated), in a strip five miles in width on each side of said river, to be selected within said Terri-
tory by an agent or agents to be appointed by the Governor thereof, subject to the approval of
the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
Sec. 2. Awl be it furth'r enacted, That the lands hereby granted shall not be conveyed
or disposed of by said Territory, nor by any State to be formed out of the same, except as said
improvement shall progress; that is, the said Territory or State may sell so much of said lands
as shall produce the sum of thirty thousand dollars, and then the sales shall cease until the Gov-
ernor of said Territory or State shall certify the fact to the President of the United States that
one-half of said sum has been expended upon said improvements, when the S£iid Territory or
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 207
State may sell and convey a quantity of the residue of said lands sufficient to replace the amount
expended, and thus the sales shall progress as the proceeds thereof shall be expended, and the
fact of such expenditure shall be certified as aforesaid.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the said River Des Moines shall be and forever
remain a public highway for the use of the Government of the United States, free from any toll
or other charge whatever, for any property of the United States or persons in their service
passing through or along the same: Provided always, That it shall not be competent for the said
Territory or future State of Iowa to dispose of said lands, or any of them, at a price lower than,
for the time being, shall be the minimum price of other public lands.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That whenever the Territory of Iowa shall be admitted
into the Union as a State, the lands hereby granted for the above purpose shall be and become
the property of said State for the purpose contemplated in this act, and for no other: Provided
the Legislature of the State of Iowa shall accept the said grant for the said purpose." Approved
Aug. 8, 1846.
By joint resolution of the General Assembly of Iowa, approved January 9,
1847, the grant was accepted for the purpose specified. By another act, ap-
proved February 24, 1847, entited "An act creating the Board of Public
Works, and providing for the improvement of the Des Moines River," the
Legislature provided for a Board consisting of a President, Secretary and
Treasurer, to be elected by the people. This Board was elected August 2,
1847, and was organized on the 22d of September following. The same act
defined the nature of the improvement to be made, and provided that the work
should be paid for from the funds to be derived from the sale of lands to be
sold by the Board.
Agents appointed by the Governor selected the sections designated by "odd
numbers" throughout the whole exten"; of the grant, and this selection was ap-
proved by the Secretary of the Treasury. But there was a conflict of opinion
as to the extent of the grant. It w^as held by some that it extended from the
mouth of the Des Moines only to the Raccoon Forks ; others held, as the
agents to make selection evidently did, that it extended from the mouth to the
head waters of the river. Richard M. Young, Commissioner of the General
Land Office, on the 23d of February, 1848, construed the grant to mean that
" the State is entitled to the alternate sections within five miles of the Des
Moines River, throughout the whole extent of that river within the limits of
Iowa." Under this construction, the alternate sections above the Raccoon
Forks would, of course, belong to the State; but on the 19th of June, 1848,
sonrie of these lands were, by proclamation, thrown into market. On the 18th
of September, the Board of Public Works filed a remonstrance Avith the Com-
missioner of the General Land Office. The Board also sent in a protest to the
State Land Office, at which the sale was ordered to take place. On the 8th of
January, 1849, the Senators and Representatives in Congress from Iowa also
protested against the sale, in a communication to Hon. Robert J. Walker, Sec-
retary of the Treasury, to Avhich the Secretary replied, concurring in the
opinion that the grant extended the whole length of the Des Moines River in
Iowa.
On the 1st of June, 1849, the Commissioner of the General Land Office
directed the Register and Receiver of the Land Office at loAva City " to with-
hold from sale all lands situated in the odd numbered sections Avithin five miles
on each side of the Des Moines River abi^ve the Raccoon Forks." jNIarch 13,
1850, the Commissioner of the General Land Office submitted to the Secretary
of the Interior a list "showing the tracts falling within the limits of the Des
Moines River grant, above the Raccoon Forks, etc., under the decision of the
Secretary of the Treasury, of March 2, 1849," and on the 6th of April
following, Mr. EAving, then Secretary of the Interior, reversed the decision of
Secretary Walker, but ordered the lands to be Avithheld from sale until Con-
208 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
gress could have an opportunity to pass an explanatory act. The Iowa author-
ities api)ealed from this decision to the President (Taylor), who referred the
matter to the Attorney General (Mr. Johnson). On the 19th of July, Mr.
Johnson submitted as his opinion, that by the terms of the grant itself, it ex-
tended to the very source of the Des Moines, but before his opinion was pub-
lished President Taylor died. When Mr. Tyler's cabinet was formed, the
question was submitted to the new Attorney General (Mr. Crittenden), who, on
the 30th of June, 1851, reported tiiat in his opinion the grant did not extend
above the Raccoon Forks. Mr. Stewart, Secretary of the Interior, concurred
with Mr. Crittenden at first, but subsequently consented to lay the whole sub-
ject before the President and Cabinet, who decided in favor of the State.
October 29, 1851, Mr. Stewart directed the Commissioner of the General
Land Office to "submit for his approval such lists as had been prepared, and to
proceed to report for like approval lists of the alternate sections claimed by the
State of Iowa above the Raccoon Forks, as far as the surveys have progressed,
or may hereafter be completed and returned." And on the following day, three
lists of these lands were prepared in the General Land Office.
The lands approved and certified to the State of Iowa under this grant, and
all lying above the Raccoon Forks, are as follows :
By Secretary Stewart, Oct. 30, 1851 81,707.93 acres.
March 10, 1852 143,908.37 "
By Secretary McLellan, Dec. 17, 1853 33,142.43 "
Dec. 30, 1853 12,813.51 "
Total 271, 572. 24 acres.
The Commissioners and Register of the Des Moines River Improvement, in
their report to the Governor, November 30, 1852, estimates the total amount of
lands then available for the Avork, including those in possession of the State and
those to be surveyed and approved, at nearly a million acres. The indebtedness
then standing against the fund was about $108,000, and the Commissioners
estimated the work to be done would cost about $1,200,000.
January 19, 1853, the Legislature authorized the Commissioners to sell
" any or all the lands which have or may hereafter be granted, for not less than
$1,300,000."
On the 24th of January, 1853, the General Assembly provided for the elec-
tion of a Commissioner by the people, and appointed two Assistant Commission-
ers, with authority to make a contract, selling the lands of the Improvement
for $1,300,000. This new Board made a contract, June 9, 1855, with the Des
Moines Navigation k Railroad Company, agreeing to sell all the lands donated
to the State by Act of Congress of August 8, 1846, which the State had not
sold prior to December 23, 1853, for $1,300,000, to be expended on the im-
provement of the river, and in paying the indebtedness then due. This con-
tract Avas duly reported to the Governor and General Assembly.
By an act approved January 25, 1855, the Commissioner and Register of
the Des Moines River Improvement were authorized to negotiate with tlie Des
Moines Navigation & Railroad Company for the purchase of lands in Webster
County which had been sold by the School Fund Commissioner as school lands,
but which had been certified to the State as Des Moines River lands, and had,
therefore, become the property of the Company, under the provisions of its
contract with the State.
March 21, 1850. the old question of the extent of the grant was again raised
and the Commissioner of the General Land Office decided tlu^ it was limited to
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 209
the Raccoon Fork. Appeal was made to the Secretary of the Interior, and by
him the matter was referred to the Attorney General, who decided that the grant
extended to the northern boundary of the State ; the State relinquished its
claim to lands lying along the river in Minnesota, and the vexed question was
supposed to be finally settled.
The land which had been certified, as well as those extending to the north-
ern boundary within the limits of the grant, were reserved from pre-emption
and sale by the General Land Commissioner, to satisfy the grant of August 8,
1846, and they were treated as having passed to the State, which from time to
time sold portions of them prior to their final transfer to the Des Moines Navi-
igation & Railroad Company, applying the proceeds tliereof to the improve-
ment of the river in compliance with the terms of the grant. Prior to the final
sale to the Company, June 9, 1854, the State had sold about 327,000 acres, of
which amount 58,830 acres were located above the Raccoon Fork. The last
certificate of the General Land Office bears date December 30, 1853.
After June 9th, 1854, the Des Moines Navigation & Railroad Company
carried on the Avork under its contract with the State. As the improvement
progressed, the State, from time to time, by its authorized officers, issued to the
Company, in payment for said work, certificates for lands. But the General
Land Office ceased to certify lands under the grant of 1846. The State
had made no other provision for paying for the improvements, and disagree-
ments and misunderstanding arose between the State authorities and the
Company.
March 22, 1858, a joint resolution was passed by the Legislature submitting
a proposition for final settlement to the Company, which was accepted. The Com-
pany paid to the State $20,000 in cash, and released and conveyed the dredge boat
and materials named in the resolution ; and the State, on the 3d of May, 1858,
executed to the Des Moines Navigation & Railroad Company fourteen deeds
or patents to the lands, amounting to 256,703.64 acres. These deeds were
intended to convey all the lands of this grant certified to the State by the Gen-
eral Government not previously sold ; but, as if for the purpose of covering any
tract or parcel that might have been omitted, the State made another deed of
conveyance on the 18th day of May, 1858. These fifteen deeds, it is claimed,
by the Company, convey 266,108 acres, of which about 53,367 are below the
Raccoon Fork, and the balance, 212,741 acres, are above that point.
Besides the lands deeded to the Company, the State had deeded to individual
purchasers 58,830 acres above the Raccoon Fork, making an aggregate of 271,-
571 acres, deeded above the Fork, all of which had been certified to the State
by the Federal Government.
By act approved March 28, 1858, the Legislature donated the remainder of
the grant to the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines & Minnesota Railroad Company,
upon condition that said Company assumed all liabilities resulting from the Des
Moines River improvement operations, reserving 50,000 acres of the land in
security for the payment thereof, and for the completion of the locks and dams
at Bentonsport, Croton, Keosauqua and Plymouth. For every three thousand
dollars' worth of work done on the locks and dams, and for every three thousand
dollars paid by the Company of the liabilities above mentioned, the Register of
the State Land Office was instructed to certify to the Company 1,000 acres of
the 50,000 acres reserved for these purposes. Up to 1865, there had been pre-
sented by the Company, under the provisions of the act of 1858, and allowed^
claims amounting to $109,579.37, about seventy-five per cent, of which had
been settled.
210 HISTORY OF TllK STATE OF IOWA.
After tlio passage of tlic Act above noticed, the question of tlie extent of the
original grant Avas again mooted, and at the December Term of the Supreme Court
of the United States, in 1859-GO, a decision was rendered declaring that the
grant did )iot extend above Raccoon Fork, and that all certificates of land above
the Fork had been issued without authority of law and were, therefore, void
(see 23 How., (jC)).
The State of Iowa had disposed of a large amount of land without authority,
according to this decision, and appeal was made to Congress for relief, which
was granted on the od day of March, 18G1, in a joint resolution relinquishing
to the State all the title which the I'nited States then still retained in the tracts
of land along the Des Moines River above Raccoon Fork, that had been im-
properly certified to the State by the Department of the Interior, and which is
now held by bo)ui fide purchasers under the State of Iowa.
In confirmation of this relinquishment, by act approved July 12, 1862,
Congress enacted :
That the grant of luiuls to the (hen Territory of Iowa for the improvement of the Des IVIoines
River, made by the act of August 8, 18-t(), is hereby extended so as to inchule the alternate sec-
tions (designated l>y odd numbers) lying within five miles of said river, between the Raccoon
Fork and the northern boundary of said State; such lands are to be held and applied in accord-
ance with the }>rovisions of the original grant, except tliat the consent of Congress is hereby given
to tlie application of a portion thereof to aid in the construction of the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines
& Minnesota Railroad, in accordance with the provisions of the act of the General Assembly of
the Stale of Iowa, approved March 22, 1858. And if any of the said lands shall have been sold
or otherwise disposed of by the United States before the passage of this act, except those released
by the United States to the grantees of the State of Iowa, under joint resolution of March o,
18(il , tlie Secretary of the Interior is hereby directed to set apart an equal amount of lands within
said Slate to be certified in lien thereof; Provideif, that if the State shall have sold and conveyed
any jiortion of the lands lying within the limits of the grant the title of wliich has proved invalid,
any lands which shall be certified to said State in lieu thereof by virtue of the provisions of this
act, shall inure to and be held as a trust fund for the benefit of the person or persons, respect-
ively, whose titles shall have failed as aforesaid.
The grant of lands by the above act of Congress was accepted by a joint
resolution of the General Assembly, September 11, 1862, in extra session. On
the same day, the Governor was authorized to appoint one or more Commis-
sioners to select the hinds in accordance with the grant. These Commissioners
were instructed to report their selections to the Registrar of the State Land
Office. The lands so selected were to be held for the purposes of the grant, and
were not to be disposed of until further legislation should be had. D. W. Kil-
burne, of Lee County, was appointed Commissioner, and, on the 25th day of
April, 1864, the General Land Officer authorized the selection of 300,000 acres
from tlic vacant^niblic lands as a part of the grant of July 12, 1862, and the
selections were made in the Fort Dodge and Sioux City Land Districts,
Many difficulties, controversies and conflicts, in relation to claims and titles,
grew out of this grant, and these difficulties were enhanced by the uncertainty
of its limits until the act of Congress of July, 1862. But the General Assem-
bly sought, by wise and appropriate legislation, to protect the integrity of titles
derived from the State. Especially was the determination to protect the actual
settlers, who had paid their money and made improvements prior to the final
settlement of the limits of the grant by Congress.
VII. — THE DES MOINES RIVER SCHOOL LANDS.
These lands constituted a part of the 500,000 acre grant made by Congress
in 1841; including 28,378.46 acres in "Webster County, selected by the Agent of
the State under that grant, and approved by the Commissioner of the General
Land Office February 20, 1851. They were ordered into the mavket June 6,
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 211
1853, by the SiqxM'iiitcndcnt of I'nblic Instruction, wlio auiliorizod John To]-
man, School Fund Conunissioncr for Webster County, to sell tliein as bcIiooI
lands. ISubsequently, when the act of 184G was construed to extend tlie Des
Moines lliver grant above Raccoon Fork, it was held that the odd numbered
sections of these lands witliin five miles of tlie river were appropriated by that
act, and on tlie 30th day of December, 1853, 12,813.51 acres were set apart
and approved to the State by the Secretary of the Interior, as a part of the
Des Moines River giant. January G, 1854, the Commissioner of the General
Land Office transmitted to the Superintendent of Public Instruction a certified
copy of the lists of these lands, indorsed by the Secretary of the Interior.
Prior to this action of the Department, however, Mr. Tolman had sold to indi-
vidual purchasers 3,104.28 acres as school lands, and th(;ir titles were, of course,
killed. For their relief, an act, approved April 2, 1S()0, provided tliat, upon
application and proper showing, these purchasers should be entitled to draw
from the State Treasury the amount they had paid, Avith 10 per cent, interest,
on the contract to purchase made with Mr. Tolman. Under this act, five appli-
cations were made prior to 1804, and the applicants received, in the aggregate,
$949.53.
By an act approved April 7, 1862, the Governor "vvas forbidden to issue to
the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad Company any certificate of tlie completion
of any part of said road, or any conveyance of lands, until the company should
execute and file, in the State Land Office, a release of its claim — first, to cer-
tain swamp lands; second, to the Des Moines River Lands sold by Tolman;
third, to certain other river lands. That act provided that "the said company
shall transfer their interest in those tracts of land in Webster and Hamilton
Counties heretofore sold by John Tolman, School Fund Commissioner, to the
Register of the State Land Office in trust, to enable said Register to carry out
and perform said contracts in all cases when he is called upon by the parties
interested to do so, before the 1st day of January, A. D. 18G4.
The company filed its release to the Tolman lands, in the Land Office, Feb-
ruary 27, 18G4, at the same time entered its protest that it had no claim upon
them, never had pretended to have, and had never sought to claim them. The
Register of the State Land Office, under the advice of the Attorney General,
decided that patents would be issued to the Tolman purchasers in all cases
where contracts had been made prior to December 23, 1853, and remaining
uncanceled under the act of 18G0. But before any were issued, on the 27th of
August, 18G4, the Des Moines Navigation & Railroad Company commenced a
suit in chancery, in the District Court of Polk County, to enjoin the issue of
such patents. On the 30th of August, an ex parte injunction was issued. In
January, 1868, Mr. J. A. Ilarvey, Register of the Land Office, filed in the
court an elaborate answer to plaintiffs' petition, denying that the company had
any right to or title in the lands. Mr. Harvey's successor, Mr. C. C. Carpen-
ter, filed a still more exhaustive answer February 10, 18G8. August 3, 1868,
the District Court dissolved the injunction. The company appealed to the
Supreme Court, where the decision of the lower court was affirmed in December,
18G9.
VIII. — SWAMP LAND GRANT.
By an act of Congress, approved March 28, 1850, to enable Arkansas and
other States to reclaim swampy lands within their limits, granted all the swamp
and overflowed lands remaining unsold within their respective limits to the
several States. Although the total amount claimed by iowa under this act
212 HISTORY OF THE STATK OF IOWA.
docs not exceed 4,000,000 acres, it has, like the Des Moines River and some
of the hind grants, cost tiie State considerable trouble and expense, and required
a deal of legislation. The State expended large sums of money in making the
selections, securing proofs, etc., but the General Government appeared to be
laboring under the impression that Iowa was not acting in good faith ; that she
had selected a large amount of lands under the swamp land grant, transferred
her interest to counties, and counties to private speculators, and the General
Land Ottice ])ermitted contests as to the character of the lands already selected
by the Agents of the State as "swamp lands." Congress, by joint resolution
Dec. 18, 1856, and by act March 3, 1857, saved the State from tlie fatal result
of this ruinous policy. Many of these lands were selected in 1854 and 1855,
immediately after several remarkably wet seasons, and it was but natural that
some portions of the selections would not appear swampy after a few dry seasons.
Some time after these first selections were made, persons desired to enter
parcels of the so-called swamp lands and offering to prove thcni to be dry. In
such cases the General Land Office ordered hearing before the local land officers,
and if they decided the land to be dry, it was permitted to be entered and the
claim of the State rejected. Speculators took advantage of this. Affidavits
were bought of irresponsible and reckless men, who, for a few dollars, would
confidently testify to the character of lands they never saw. These applica-
tions multiplied until they covered 3,000,000 acres. It was necessary that
Congress should confirm all these selections to the State, that this gigantic
scheme of fraud and plunder might be stopped. The act of Congress of
March 3, 1857, was designed to accomplish this purpose. But the Commis-
sioner of the General Land Office held that it was only a qualified confirma-
tion, and under this construction sought to sustain the action of the Department
in rejecting the claim of the State, and certifying them under act of INIay 15,
1856, under Avhich the railroad companies claimed all swamp land in odd num-
bered sections within the limits of their respective roads. This action led to
serious complications. When the railroad grant was made, it was not intended
nor was it understood that it included^ any of the swamp lands. These were
already disposed of by previous grant. Nor did the conq)anies expect to
receive any of them, but under the decisions of the Department adverse to the
State the way was opened, and they were not slow to enter tlieir claims. March
4, 1862, the Attorney General of the State submitted to the General Assembly
an opinion that the railroad companies were not entitled even to contest the
right of the State to these lands, under the swamp land grant. A letter from
the Acting Commissioner of tlie General Land Office expressed the same
opinion, and the General Assembly by joint resolution, approved A])ril 7, 1862,
expressly repudiated the acts of the railroad companies, and disclaimed any
intention to claim these lands under any other than the act of Congress of
Sept. 28, 1850. A great deal of legislation has been found necessary in rela-
tion to these swamp lands.
IX. — THE RAILROAD GRANT.
One of the most important grants of public lands to loAva for purposes of
internal improvement was that known as the "Railroad Grant," by act of
Congress approved May 15, 1856. This act granted to the State of Iowa, for
the purpose of aiding in the construction of railroads from Burlington, on the
Mississippi River, to a point on the Missouri River, near tlie mouth of Platte
River ; from the city of Davenport, via Iowa City and Fort pes Moines to
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. , 213
Council BluflFs ; from Lyons City northwesterly to a point of intersection with
the main line of the Iowa Central Air Line Railroad, near Maquoketa ; thence
on said main line, running as near as practicable to the Forty-second Parallel ;
across the said State of Iowa to the Missouri River ; from the city of Dubuque
to a point on the Missouri River, near Sioux City, with a branch from the
mouth of the Tete des Morts, to the nearest point on said road, to be com-
pleted as soon as the main road is completed to that point, every alternate section
of land, designated by odd numbers, for six sections in width on each side of
said roads. It was also provided that if it should appear, Avhen the lines of those
roads were definitely fixed, that the United States had sold, or right of pre-
emption had attached to any portion of said land, the State was authorized to
select a quantity equal thereto, in alternate sections, or parts of sections, within
fifteen miles of the lines so located. The lands remaining to the United States
within six miles on each side of said roads were not to be sold for less than the
double minimum price of the public lands when sold, nor were any of said lands
to become subject to private entry until they had been first offered at public
sale at the increased price.
Section 4 of the act provided that the lands granted to said State shall be
disposed of by said State only in the manner following, that is to say: that a
(juantity of land not exceeding one hundred and twenty sections for each of said
roads, and included within a continuous length of twenty miles of each of said
roads, may be sold ; and when the Governor of said State shall certify to the
Secretary of the Interior that any twenty continuous miles of any of said roads
is completed, then another quantity of land hereby granted, not to exceed one
hundred and twenty sections for each of said roads having twenty continuous
miles completed as aforesaid, and included within a continuous length of twenty
miles of each of such roads, may be sold ; and so from time to time until said
roads are completed, and if any of said roads are not completed within ten
years, no further sale shall be made, and the lands unsold shall revert to the
United States."
At a special session of the General Assembly of Iowa, by act approved July
14, 1856, the grant was accepted and the lands were granted by the State to
the several railroad companies named, provided that the lines of their respective
roads should be definitely fixed and located before April 1, 1857 ; and pro-
vided further, that if either of said companies should fail to have seventy-five
miles of road completed and equipped by the 1st day of December, ] 859, and
its entire road completed by December 1, 1865, it should be competent for the
State of Iowa to resume all rights to lands remaining undisposed of by the
company so fiiiling.
The railroad companies, with the single exception of the Iowa Central Air
Line, accepted the several grants in accordance with the provisions of the above
act, located their respective roads and selected their lands. The grant to the
Iowa Central was again granted to the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad
Company, which accepted them.
By act, approved April 7, 1862, the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad Com-
pany was required to execute a release to the State of certain swamp and school
lands, included within the limits of its grant, in compensation for an extension
of the time fixed for the completion of its road.
A careful examination of the act of Congress does not reveal any special
reference to railroad companies. The lands were granted to the State, and the
act evidently contemplate the sale of them hy the State, and the appropriation
of the proceeds to aid in the construction of certain lines of railroad within its
214 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
limits. Section 4 of the act clearly defines the authority of the State in dis-
posing of the lands.
Lists of all the lands embraced by the grant were made, and certified to the
State by the proper authorities. Under an act of Congress approved August 3,
1854, entitled "^>i act to vest in the several States and Territories the title in
fee of the lands ivhich have been or may he certified to them" these certified lists,
the originals of which are filed in the General Land Office, conveyed to the State
"the fee simple title to all the lands embraced in such lists that are of the char-
acter contemplated " by the terms of the act making the grant, and "intended
to be granted thereby ; but where lands embraced in such lists are not of the
character embraced by such act of Congress, and were not intended to be granted
thereby, said lists, so far as these lands are concerned, shall be perfectly null
and void; and no right, title, claim or interest shall be conveyed thereby."
Those certified lists made under the act of May 15, 1856, were forty-three in
number, viz.: For the Burlington & JNIissouri River Railroad, nine ; for the
Mississippi & Missouri Raih'oad, 11 ; for the Iowa Central Air Line, thirteen ;
and for the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad, ten. The lands thus approved to
the State Avere as follows :
Burlington & Missouri River R. R 287,095.34 acres.-
Mississippi & Missouri River R. R 774,674.30 "
Cedar Rapids & Missouri River R. R 775,454.19 "
Dubuque & Sioux City R. R 1,226,558.32 "
A portion of these had been selected as swamp lands by the State, under
the act of September 28, 1850, and these, by the terms of the act of August 3,
1854, could not be turned over to the railroads unless the claim of the State to
them as swamp was first rejected. It was not possible to determine from the
records of the State Land Office the extent of the conflicting claims arising under
the two grants, as copies of the swamp land selections in some of the counties
were not filed of repord. The Commissioner of the General Land Office, however,
prepared lists of the lands claimed by the State as swamp under act of September
28, 1850, and also claimed by the railroad companies under act of May 15,
1856, amounting to 553,293.33 acres, the claim to which as swamp had been
rejected by the Department. These were consequently certified to the State as
railroad lands. There was no mode other than the act of July, 1856, prescribed
for transferring tlie title to these lands from the State to the companies. The
courts had decided that, for the purposes of the grant, the lands belonged to the
State, and to her the companies should look for their titles. It was generally
accepted that the act of the Legislature of July, 1856, was all that was neces-
sary to complete the transfer of title. It was assumed that all the rights and
powers conferred upon the State by the act of Congress of May 14, 1856, were
by the act of the General Assembly transferred to the companies ; in other
words, that it was designed to put the companies in the place of the State as the
grantees from Congress — and, therefore, that which perfected the title thereto
to the State perfected the title to the companies by virtue of the act of July,
1856. One of the companies, however, the Burlington & Missouri River Rail-
road Company, was not entirely satisfied with this construction. Its managers
thought that some further and specific action of the State authorities in addition
to the act of the Legislature was necessary to complete their title. This induced
Gov. Lowe to attach to the certified lists his official certificate, under the broad
seal of the State. On the 9th of November, 1859, the Governor thus certified
to them (commencing at the Missouri River) 187.207.44 acres, and December
27th, 43,775.70 acres, an aggregate of 231,073.14 acres. These were the only
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 215
lands under the grant that were certified by the State authorities with any
design of perfecting the title already vested in the company by the act of July,
1856. The lists which were afterward furnished to the company were simply
certified by the Governor as being correct copies of the lists received by the
State from the United States General Land Office. These subsequent lists
embraced lands that had been claimed by the State under the Swamp Land
Grant.
It was urged against the claim of the Companies that the effect of the act
of the Legislature was simply to substitute them for the State as parties to the
grant. 1st. That the lands were granted to the State to be held in trust for the
accomplishment of a specific purpose, and therefore the State could not part
with the title until that purpose should have been accomplished. 2d. That it
was not the intention of the act of July 14, 1856, to deprive the State of the con-
trol of the lands, but on the contrary that she should retain supervision of them
and the right to withdraw all rights and powers and resume the title condition-
ally conferred by that act upon the companies in the event of their failure to
complete their part of the contract. 3d. That the certified lists from the Gen-
eral Land Office vested the title in the State only by virtue of the act of Con-
gress approved August 3, 1854. The State Land Office held that the proper
construction of the act of July 14, 1856, when accepted by the companies, was
that it became a conditional contract that might ripen into a positive sale of the
lands as from time to time the work should progress, and as the State thereby
became authorized by the express terms of the grant to sell them.
This appears to have been the correct construction of the act, but by a sub-
sequent act of Congress, approved June 2, 1864, amending the act of 1856, the
terms of the grant were changed, and numerous controversies arose between the
companies and the State.
The ostensible purpose of this additional act was to allow the Davenport &
Council Bluffs Railroad "to modify or change the location of the uncompleted
portion of its line," to run through the town of Newton, Jasper Count}^ or as
nearly as practicable to that point. The original grant had been made to the
State to aid in the construction of railroads within its limits and not to the com-
panies, but Congress, in 1864, appears to have been utterly ignorant of what
had been done under the act of 1856, or, if not, to have utterly disregarded it.
The State had accepted the original grant. The Secretary of the Interior had
already certified to the State all the lands intended to be included in the grant
within fifteen miles of the lines of the several railroads. It will be remembered
that Section 4, of the act of May 15, 1856, specifies the manner of sale of
these lands from time to time as work on the railroads should progress, and also
provided that "if any of said roads are not completed Avithin ten years, no fur-
ther sale shall be made, and the lands unsold shall revert to the United /States."
Having vested the title to these lands in trust, in the State of Iowa, it is plain
that until the expiration of the ten years there could be no reversion, and the
State, not the United States, must control them until the grant should expire
by limitation. The United States authorities could not rightfully require the
Secretary of the Interior to certify directly to the companies any portion of
the lands already certified to the State. And yet Congress, by its act of June
2, 1864, provided that. whenever the Davenport & Council Bluffs Railroad Com-
pany should file in the General Land Office at Washington a map definitely
showing such new location, the Secretary of the Interior should cause to be cer-
tified and conveyed to said Company, from time to time, as the road progressed,
out of any of the lands belonging to the United States, not sold, reserved, or
21G HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
otherwise disposed of, or to Avliich a pre-emption claim or ri^lit of homestead had
not attached, and on which a birna jide settlement and improvement had not
been made under color of title derived from the United States or from the State
of Iowa, within six miles of such newly located line, an amount of land per
mile e»[ual to that originally authorized to be granted to aid in the construction
of said road by the act to which this Avas an amendment.
The term "'out of any lands hehnnbui to the United States, not sold, re-
served or otherwise disposed of, etc.," would seem to indicate that Congress did
intend to grant lands already granted, but when it declared that the Company
should have an amount per mile equal to that originally authorized to be granted,
it is plain that the framers of the bill were ignorant of the real terms of the
ori^rinal irrant, or that they designed that the United States should resume the
title it had already })arted with two years before the lands could revert to the
United States under the original act, which was not repealed.
A similar change was made in relation to the Cedar Rapids & Missouri
Railroad, and dictated the conveyance of lands in a similar manner.
Like provision was made for the Dubu(|ue & Sioux City Railroad, and the
Company was permitted to change the location of its line between Fort Dodge
and Sioux City, so as to secure the best route between those points ; but this
change of location was not to impair the right to the land granted in the orig-
inal act, nor did it change the location of those lands.
By the same act, the Mississippi k Missouri Railroad Company was author-
ized to transfer and assign all or any part of the grant to any other company or
person, " if, in the f)pinion of said Company, the construction of said railroad
across the State of Iowa would be thereby sooner and more satisfactorily com-
pleted ; but such assignee should not in any case be released from the liabilities
and conditions accompanying this grant, nor acquire perfect title in any other
manner than the same would have been acquired by the original grantee."
Still further, the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Avas not forgotten,
and Avas, by the same act, empowered to receive an amount of land per mile
equal to that mentioned in the original act, and if that could not be found Avithin
the limits of six miles from the line of said road, then such selection might
be made along such line within twenty miles thereof out of any public lands
belonging to the United States, not sold, reserved or otherAvise disposed of, or
to which a pre-emption claim or right of homestead had not attached.
Those acts of Congress, Avhich evidently originated in the ''lobby," occa-
sioned much controversy and trouble. The Department of the Interior, hoAv-
ever, recognizing the fact that Avhen the Secretary had certified the lands to the
State, under the act of 1856, that act divested the United States of title, under
the vestinor act of August, 1854, refused to review its action, and also refused
11'/ •
to order any and all investigations for establishing adverse claims (except m
pre-emption cases), on the ground that the United States had parted with the
title, and, therefore, could exercise no control over the land.
May 12, 18(34, before the passage of the amendatory act above described.
Congress granted to the State of loAva, to aid in the construction of a railroad
from McGregor to Sioux City, and for the benefit of the McGregor Western
Railroad Company, every alternate section of land, designated by odd numbers,
for ten sections in Avidth on each side of the proposed road, reserving the right
to substitute other lands Avhenever it Avas found that the grant infringed upon
pre-empted lands, or on lands that had been reserved or disposed of for any other
purpose. In such cases, the Secretary of the Interior Avas instructed to select, in
lieu, lands belonging to the United States lying nearest to the lijnits specified.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 217
X. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND FARM LANDS.
An Agricultural College and Model Farm was established by act of tlie
General Assembly, approved March 22, 1858. By the eleventh section of the
act, the proceeds of the five-section grant made for the purpose of aiding in the
erection of public buildings was appropriated, subject to the approval of Con-
gress, together with all lands that Congress might thereafter grant to the State
for the purpose, for the benefit of the institution. On the 23d of March, by
joint resolution, the Legislature asked the consent of Congress to the proposed
transfer. By act approved July 11, 1862, Congress removed the restrictions
imposed in the "five-section grant," and authorized the General Assembly to
make such disposition of the lands as should be deemed best for the interests of
the State. By these several acts, the five sections of land in Jasper County
certified to the State to aid in the erection of public buildings under the act of
March 3, 1845, entitled " An act supplemental to the act for the admission of
the States of Iowa and Florida into the Union," were fully appropriated for
the benefit of the Iowa Agricultural College and Farm. The institution is
located in Story County. Seven hundred and twenty-one acres in that and
two hundred in Boone County were donated to it by individuals interested in
the success of the enterprise.
By act of Congress approved July 2, 1862, an appropriation was made to
each State and Territory of 30,000 acres for each Senator and Representative
in Congress, to which, by the apportionment under the census of 1860, they
were respectively entitled. This grant was made for the purpose of endowing
colleores of agriculture and mechanic arts.
Iowa accepted this grant by an act passed at an extra session of its Legis-
lature, approved September 11, 1862, entitled "An act to accept of the grant,
and carry into execution the trust conferred upon the State of Iowa by an act
of Congress entitled ' An act granting public lands to the several States and
Territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the
mechanic arts,' approved July 2, 1862." This act made it the duty of the
Governor to appoint an agent to select and locate the lands, and provided
that none should be selected that were claimed by any county as swamp
lands. The agent was required to make report of his doings to the Governor,
who was instructed to submit the list of selections to the Board of Trustees of
the Agricultural College for their approval. One thousand dollars were appro-
priated to carry the law into effect. The State, having two Senators and six
Representatives in Congress, was entitled to 240,000 acres of land under this
grant, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an Agricultural College.
Peter Melendy, Esq., of Black Hawk County, was appointed to make the selec-
tions, and during August, September and December, 1863, located them in the
Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Sioux City Land Districts. December 8, 1864,
these selections were certified by the Commissioner of the General Land Office,
and were approved to the State by the Secretary of the Interior December 13,
1864. The title to these lands was vested in the State in fee simple, and con-
flicted with no other claims under other grants.
The agricultural lands Avere approved to the State as 240,000.96 acres ; but
as 35,691.66 acres were located Avithin railroad limits, which were computed at
the rate of two acres for one, the actual amount of land approved to the State
under this grant Avas only 204,309.30 acres, located as follows :
In Des Moines Land District G, 804.96 acres.
In Sioux City Land District 50,025.37 "
In Fort Dodge Land District 188,478.97 "
218 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
By act of the General Assembly, approved March 29, 1864, entitled, " An
act authorizing the Trustees of the Iowa State Agricultural College and Farm
to sell all lands acquired, granted, donated or appropriated for the benefit of
said college, and to make an investment of the proceeds thereof," all these lands
were granted to the Agricultural College and Farm, and the Trustees Avere au-
thorized to take possession, and sell or lease them. They were then, under the
control of the Trustees, lands as follows :
Under the act of July 2, 1852 204,309.30 acres.
Of the five-section grant. 3,200.00 "
Lands donated in Story County 721.00 "
Lands donated in Boone County 200.00 "
•
Total 208,-430.30 acres.
The Trustees opened an oflSce at Fort Dodge, and appointed Hon. G. W-
Bassett their agent for the sale of these lands.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The germ of the free public school system of Iowa, which now ranks sec-
ond to none in the United States, was planted by the first settlers. They had
migrated to the " The Beautiful Land" from other and older States, where the
common school system hatl been tested by many years' experience, bringing
with them some knowledge of its advantages, which they determined should be
enjoyed by the cliildren of the land of their adoption. The system thus planted
was expanded and improved in the broad fields of the West, until now it is
justly considered one of the most complete, comprehensive and liberal in the
country.
Nor is this to be wondered at when it is remembered humble log school
houses were built almost as soon as the log cabin of the earliest settlers were
occupied by their brave builders. In the lead mining regions of the State, the
first to be occupied by the white race, the hardy pioneers provided the means
for the education of their children even before they had comfortable dwellings
for their families. School teachers were among the first immigrants to Iowa.
Wherever a little settlement was made, the school house was the first united
public act of the settlers; and the rude, primitive structures of the early time
only disappeared when the communities had increased in population and wealth,
and were able to replace them with more commodious and comfortable buildings.
Perhaps in no single instance has the magnificent progress of the State of Iowa
been more marked and rapid than in her common school system and in her school
houses, which, long since, superseded the log cabins of the first settlers. To-
day, the scliool houses which everywhere dot the broad and fertile prairies of
Iowa are unsurpassed by those of any other State in the great Union. More
especially is this true in all her cities and villages, Avhere liberal and lavish
appropriations have been voted, by a generous people, for the erection of large,
commodious and elegant buildings, furnished with all the modern improvements,
and costing from 8l<>,000 to $00,000 each. The people of the State have ex-
pended more than $10,000,000 for the erection of public school buildings.
The first house erected in Iow^a was a log cabin at Dubuque, built by James
L. Langworthy and a few other miners, in the Autumn of 1833. When it was
completed, George Cabbage was employed as teacher during the Winter of
1833-4, and thirty-five pupils attended his school. Barrett AVhittemore taught
the second term witli t-.venty-five pupils in attendance. Mrs. Caroline Dexter
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 219
commenced teaching in Dubuque in March, 1836. She was the first female
teacher there, and probably the first in Iowa. In 1839, Thomas H. Benton,
Jr., afterward for ten years Superintendent of Public Instruction, opened an
English and classical school in Dubuque. The first tax for the support of
schools at Dubuque was levied in 1840.
Among the first buildings erected at Burlington was a commodious log school
house in 1834, in which Mr. Johnson Pierson taught the first school in the
Winter of 1834-5.
The first school in Muscatine County was taught by George Bumgardner,
in the Spring of 1837, and in 1839, a log school house was erected in Musca-
tine, which served for a long time for school house, church and public hall.
The first school in Davenport was taught in 1838. In Fairfield, Miss Clarissa
Sawyer, James F. Chambers and Mrs. Reed taught school in 1839.
When the site of Iowa City was selected as the capital of the Territory of
Iowa, in May, 1839, it was a perfect wilderness. The first sale of lots took
place August 18, 1839, and before January 1, 1840, about twenty families had
settled within the limits of the town ; and during the same year, Mr. Jesse
Berry opened a school in a small frame building he had erected, on what is now
College street.
The first settlement in Monroe County was made in 1843, by Mr. John R.
Gray, about two miles from the present site of Eddyville; and in the Summer
of 1844, a log school house was built by Gray, William V. Beedle, C. Renfro,
Joseph McMullen and Willoughby Randolph, and the first school was opened
by Miss Urania Adams. The building was occupied for school purposes for
nearly ten years. About a year after the first cabin was built at Oskaloosa, a
log school house was built, in which school was opened by Samuel W. Caldwell
in 1844.
At Fort Des Moines, now the capital of the State, the first school was
taught by Lewis Whitten, Clerk of the District Court in tlie Winter of 1846-7,
in one of the rooms on " Coon Row," built for barracks.
The fii'st school in Pottawattomie County was opened by George Green, a
Mormon, at Council Point, prior to 1849 ; and until about 1854, nearly, if not
quite, all the teacliers in that vicinity were Mormons.
The first school in Decorah was taught in 1853, by T. W. Burdick, then a
young man of seventeen. In Osceola, the first school was opened by Mr. D.
W. Scoville. The first school at Fort Dodge was taught in 1855, by Cyrus C.
Carpenter, since Govei-nor of the State. In Crawford County, the first school
house was built in Mason's Grove, in 1856, and Morris McHenry first occupied
it as teacher.
During the first twenty years of the history of Iowa, the log school house pre-
vailed, and in 1861, there were 893 of these primitive structures in use for
school purposes in the State. Since that time they have been gradually dis-
appearing. In 1865, there were 796; in 1870, 336, and in 1875-, 121.
Iowa Territory was created Jnly 3, 1838. January 1, 1839, the Territorial
Legislature passed an act providing that " there shall be established a common
school, or schools in each of the counties in this Territory, which shall be
open and free for every class of white citizens between the ages of five and
twenty-one years." The second section of the act provided that "the County
Board shall, from time to time, form such districts in 'their respective counties
whenever a petition may be presented for the purpose by a majority of the
voters resident within such contemplated district." These districts were gov-
erned by boards of trustees, usually of three persons ; each district was required
t
220 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
to maintain school at lea;?t tliree montlis in every year ; and later, laws were
enacted providing for county sdiool taxes for the payment of teachers, and that
whatever additional sum might be required should be assessed upon the parents
sending, in proportion to the length of time sent.
When Iowa Territory became a State, in 1846, with a population of 100.-
000, and with 20,000 scholars within its limits, about four hundred school dis-
tricts had been organized. In ISoO, there were 1.200. and in 1857, the
number had increased to o,2G5.
In March, 1858. upon the recommendation of Hon. M. L. Fisher, then Su-
perintendent of Public Instruction, the Seventh General Assembly enacted that
'• each civil township is declared a school district," and provided that these should
be divided into sub-districts. This law went into force March 20. 1858. and
reduced the number of school districts from about 3.500 to less than 900.
This change of school organization resulted in a very material reduction of
the expenditures for the compens;ition of District Secretaries and Treasurers.
An effort was nuide for several years, from 1867 to 1872, to abolish the sub-
district system. Mr. Kiss;ll, Superintendent, recommended, in his report of
January 1. 1872. and Governor Merrill forcibly endorsed his views in his annual
message. But the Legislature of that year provided for the formation of inde-
pendent districts from the sub-districts of district townships.
Tlie system of graded schools was inaugurated in 1849 ; and new schools, in
which more than one teacher is employed, are universally graded.
The tii'st official mention of Teachers' Institutes in the educational records
of Iowa occurs in the annual report of Hon. Thomas H. Benton. Jr.. made
December 2, 1850, who said, "An institution of this character was organized a
few years ago, composed of the teachei's of the mineral regions of Illinois.
Wisconsin and Iowa. An association of teachei's has. also, been formed in the
county of Henry, and an eft'ort was made in October last to organize a regular
institute in the county of Jones." At that time — although the beneficial
influence of these institutes was admitted, it was urged that the expenses of
attending them was greater than teachers with limited compensation were able
to bear. To obviate this objection, Mr. Benton recommended that *• the sum of
§150 should be appropriated annually for three yeai-s. to be drawn in install-
ments of §50 each by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and expendeil
for these institutions." He proposed that three institutes should be held annu-
ally at points to be designated by the Superintendent.
No legislation in this direction, however, was had until March. 1858. when
an act was passed authorizing the holding of teachers' institutes for periods not
less than six working days, whenever not less than thirty teacliers should desire.
The Superintendent was authorized to expend not exctxxling SlOO for any one
institute, to be paid out by the County Superintendent as the institute might
direct for teachei's and lecturers, and one thousand dollars was appropriated to
defray the expenses of these institutes.
December 6, 1858, Mr. Fisher reporteii to the Board of Education that
institutes had been appointed in twenty counties within the preceding six months,
and more would have been, but the appropriation had been exhausted.
The Board of Education at its first session, commencing December 6. 1858,
enacted a code of school laws which retained the existing provisions for teachers'
nistitutes.
In March, 1800, the General Assembly amended the act of the Board by
appropriating *' a sum not excetnling fifty dollai-s annually for one such institute,
held as proviiled by law in each county. "
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. lH
In ISiiJ). Mr. Faville reported that "the provision made bv the State for the
henetir of teachers' institutes lias never been so fully appreciated, both by the
people and the teachers, as during the last two years.
Bv act approved March 19, 1ST4. Normal Institutes were established in
each county, to be held annually by the County Superintendent. This was
regarded as a very decided step in advance by Mr. Abernethy, and in 1870 the
Sixteenth General Assembly established the first permanent State Normal
School at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, appropriating the building and
property of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that place for that purpose. This
school is now •* in the full tide of successful experiment."
The public school system of Iowa is admirably organized, and if the various
offieei"s Avho are entrusted with the educational interests of the commonwealth
are faithful and competent, should and will constantly improve.
*• The }»ublic schools are supported by funds arising from several sources.
The sixteenth section of every Congressional Township was set apart by the
Genet-al Government for school purposes, being one-thirty-sixth part of all the
lands of the State. The minimum price of these lands was fixed at one dollar
and twenty-five cents per acre. Congress also made an additional donation to
the State of five hundred thousand acres, and an appropriation of five per cent,
on all the sales of public lands to the school fund. The State gives to this
fund the proceeds of the sales of all lands which escheat to it ; the proceeds of
all fines for the violation of the liquor and criminal laws. The money derived
from these sources constitutes the permanent school fund of the State, which
cannot be diverte<I to any other purpose. The penalties collected by the courts
for fines and forfeitures go to the school fund in the counties Avhere collected.
The proceeds of the sale of lands and the five per cent, fund go into the State
Treasury, and the State distributes these proceeds to the several counties accord-
ing to their request, and the counties loan the money to individuals for long
terms at eight per cent, interest, on security of land valued at three times the
amount of the loan, exclusive of all buildings and improvements thereon. The
interest on these loans is paid into the State Treasury, and becomes the avail-
able school fund of the State. The counties are responsible to the State for all
money so loaned, and the State is likewise responsible to the school fund for all
moneys transferred to the counties. The interest on these loans is apportioned
by the State Auditor semi-annually to the several counties of the State, in pro-
portion to the number of pei'sons between the ages of five and twenty-one yeai*s.
The counties also levy an annual tax for school purposes, which is apportioned
to the several district townships in the same way. A district tax is also
levied for the same purpose. The money arising from these several sources
constitutes the support of the public schools, and is sutlicient to enable
every sub-district in the State to aflbrd from six to nine months' school
each year."
The taxes levied for the support of schools are self-imposed. Under the
admirable school laws of the State, no taxes can be legally assessed or collected
for the erection of school houses until they have been ordered by the election of
the district at a school meeting legally called. The school houses oi Iowa are
the pride of the State and an honor to the people. If they have been some-
times built at a prodigal expense, the tax payers have no one to blame but
themselves. The teachers" and contingent funds are determined by the Board of
Directors under certain legal restrictions. These boards are elected annually,
except in the independent districts, in Avhich the board may be entirely changed
every three yeiu"^. The only exception to this mode of levying taxes for support
"■222 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
of schools is the county school tax, which is determined by the County Board
of Supervisors. The tax is from one to three mills on the dollar ; usually,
however, but one. Mr. Abernethy, who was Superintendent of Public Instruc-
tion from 1872 to 1877, said in one of his reports:
There is but little opposition to the levy of taxes for the support of schools, and there
would be still less if the funds were alwavs properly guarded and judiciously expended. How-
ever much our people disagree upon other subjects, they are practically united upon this.
The opposition of wealth has long since ceased to exist, and our wealthy men are usually the
most liberal in their views and the most active friends of popular education. They are often
found upon our school boards, and usually make the best of school officers. It is not uncommon
for Biards of Directors, especially in the larger towns and cities, to be composed wholly of men
who represent the enterprise, wealth and business of their cities.
At the close of 1877, there were 1,086 township districts, 3,138 indepen-
dent disti-icts and 7,015 sub-districts. There were 9,948 ungraded and 47G
graded schools, with an average annual session of seven months and five days.
There wore 7,348 male teachers employed, whose average compensation was
334.88 per month, and 1 "2.018 female teachers, Avith an average compensation
of §"28.G9 per month.
The number of persons between the ages 5 and 21 years, in 1877, was
567.859; number enrolled in public schools, 421,163 ; total average attendance.
251.372 ; average cost of tuition per month, §1.62. There are 9.279 frame.
671 brick, 257 stone and 89 log school houses, making a grand total of 10,296.
valued at §9,044,973. The public school libraries number 17.329 volumes.
Ninetv-nine teachers' institutes were held during 1877. Teachei"s' salaries
amounted to §2,953,645. There was expended for school houses, grounds,
libraries and apparatus, §1.106,788, and for fuel and other contingencies,
§1,136.995, making the grand total of §5,197,428 expended by the generous
people of Iowa for the support of their magnificent public schools in a single
year. The amount of the permanent school fund, at the close of 1877, was
§3,462,000. Annual interest, 8276,960.
In 1857, there were 3.265 independent districts. 2.708 ungraded schools,
and 1,572 male and 1.424 female teachei*s. Teachers" salaries amounted to
§198.142, and the total expenditures for schools was only §364.515. Six hun-
dred and twenty-three volume> were the extent of the public school libraries
twenty years ago, and there wore only 1,686 school houses, valued at §571.064.
In twenty yeai-s, teachers' salaries have increased from §198.142, in 1857,
to §2,953,645* in 1877. Total school expenditures, from §364,515 to
§5,197,428.
The significance of such facts as these is unmistakable. Such lavish expen-
ditures can only be accounted for by the liberality and public spirit of the
people, all of whom manifest tlieir love of popular education and their faith in
the public schools by the annual dedication to their support of more than one
per cent, of their entire taxable property ; this, too. uninterruptedly through a
series of years, commencing in the midst of a war which taxed their energies and
resources to the extreme, and continuing through yeai*s of general depression in
business — years of moderate yield of produce, of discouragingly low prices, and
even amid the scanty surroundings and privations of pioneer life. Few human
enterprises have a grander significance or give evidence of a more noble purpose
than the generous contributions from the scanty resources of the pioneer for the
purposes of public education.
KISTOaY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 223
POLITICAL RECORD.
TERRITORIAL OFFICERS.
Governors — Robert Lucas, 1838-41 ; John Chambers, 1841-45 ; James
Clarke, 1845.
Secretaries— \N\\\\tiU\ B. Conway, 1838, died 1839 ; James Clarke, 1839 ;
0. II. W. Stall, 1841 ; Samuel J. Burr, 1843 ; Jesse AVilliams, 1845.
Auditors— 5QBm Williams, 1840; Wm. L. Gilbert, 1843- Robert M.
Secrest, 1845.
Treasurers — Thornton Bayliss, 1839 ; Morgan Reno, 1840.
Judges — Charles Mason, Chief Justice, 1838 ; Joseph Williams, 1838 ;
Thomas S. Wilson, 1838.
Presidents of Council — Jesse B. Browne, 1838-9 ; Stephen Hempstead,
1839-40; M. Bainridiro, 1840-1; Jonatlian ^X. Parker, 1841-2; John D.
Elbert, 1842-3; Thomas Cox, 1843-4; S. Clinton Hastings, 1845; Stephen
Hempstead, 1845-6.
Speakers of the House — William II. W^illace, 1838-9 ; Edward Jolinston,
1839-40; Thomas Cox, 1840-1; W^arner Lewis, 1841-2; James M. Morgan,
1842-3 ; James P. Carleton, 1843-4 ; James M. Morgan, 1845 ; George W.
McCleary, 1845-G.
First Constitutional Convention, 1S44 — Shepherd Leffler, President ; Geo.
S. Hampton, Secretary.
Second Constitutional Convention, 184^6 — Enos Lowe, President ; William
Thompson, Secretary.
OFFICERS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT.
Governors — Ansel Briggs, 1846 to 1850 ; Stephen Hempstead, 1850 to
1854; James W. Grimes, 1854 to 1858; Ralph P. Lowe, 185S to 1860; Sam-
uel J. Kirkwood, 1860 to 1864 ; William M. Stone, 1864 to 1868 ; Samuel
Morrill, 1868 to 1872 ; Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1872 to 1876 ; Samuel J. Kirk-
wood, 1876 to 1877; Joshua G. Newbold, Acting, 1877 to 1878; John II.
Gear, 1878 to .
Lieutenant Governor — Office created by the new Constitution September 3,
1857 — Oran Faville, 1858-9 ; Nicholas J.* Rusch, 1860-1 ; John R. Needham,
1862-3; Enoch W. Eastman, 1864-5; Benjamin F. Gue, 1866-7; John
Scott, 1868-9; M. M. W^ilden, 1870-1; H. C. Bulis, 1872-3; Joseph Dy-
sart, 1874-5 ; Joshua G. Newbold, 1876-7 ; Frank T. Campbell, 1878-9.
Secretaries of State — Elisha Cutler, Jr., Dec. 5, 1846, to Dec. 4, 1848 ;
Josiah II. Bonney, Dec. 4, 1848, to Dec. 2, 1850; George W. McCleary, Dec.
2, 1850, to Dec. 1, 1856 ; Elijah Sells, Dec. 1, 1856, to Jan. 5, 1863 ; James
Wright, Jan. 5, 1863, to Jan. 7, 1867 ; Ed. Wright, Jan. 7, 1867, to Jan. 6,
1873; Josiah T. Young, Jan. 6, 1873, to .
Auditors of State— JoseY>\\ T. Fales, Dec. 5, 1846, to Dec. 2, 1850 ; W^ill-
iam Pattee, Dec. 2, 1850, to Dec. 4, 1854; Andrew J. Stevens, Dec. 4, 1854,
resigned in 1855; John Pattee, Sept. 22, 1855, to Jan. 3, 1859; Jonathan
AV. Cattell, 1859 to 1865; John A. Elliot, 1865 to 1871; John Russell, 1871
to 1875; Buren R. Sherman, 1875 to .
Treasurers of Statc—MoYirnxi Reno, Dec. 18, 1846, to Dec. 2, 1850 ;
Israel Kister, Dec. 2, 1850, to^Dec. 4, 1852 ; Martin L. Morris, Dec. 4, 1852,
to Jan. 2, 1859 ; John W. Jones. 1859 to 1863 ; William II. Holmes, 1863 to
224 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
1867 ; Samuel E. Rankin, 1807 to 1873 ; William Christy, 1873 to 1877 ;
George AV. Bern is, 1877 to .
Superintendents of Public Instruction— O^ce created in 1847— James Harlan,
June 5, 1845 (Supreme Court decided election void) ; Thomas H. Benton, Jr.,
May 23, 1844, to June 7, 1854 ; James D. Eads, 1854-7 ; Joseph C. Stone,
March to June, 1857 ; Maturin L. Fisher, 1857 to Dec, 1858, when the office
was abolished and the duties of the office devolved upon the Secretary of the
Board of Education.
Secretaries of Board of Education — Thomas H. Benton, Jr., 1859-1863 ;
Oran Faville, Jan. 1, 1864. Board abolished March 23, 1864.
Superintendents of Public Instruction — Office re-created March 23, 1864 —
Oran Faville, March 28, 1864, resigned March 1, 1867 ; D. Franklin Wells,
March 4, 1867, to Jan., 1870 ; A. S. Kissell, 1870 to 1872 ; Alonzo Abernethy,
1872 to 1877 ; Carl W. Von Coelln, 1877 to .
State Binders — Office created February 21, 1855 — William M. Coles, May
1, 1855, to May 1, 1859; Frank M. Mills, 1859 to 1867; James S. Carter,
1867 to 1870; J. J. Smart, 1870 to 1874; H. A. Perkins, 1874 to 1875;
James J. Smart, 1875 to 1876 ; H. A. Perkins, 1876 to .
Registers of the State Land Office — Anson Hart, May 5, 1855, to May
13, 1857 ; Theodore S. Parvin, May 13, 1857, to Jan. 3, 1859 ; Amos B.
Miller, Jan. 3, 1859, to October, 1862; Edwin Mitchell, Oct. 31, 1862, to
Jan 5, 1863 ; Josiah A. Harvey, Jan. 5, 1863, to Jan. 7, 1867 ; Cyrus C.
Carpenter, Jan. 7, 1867, to January, 1871 ; Aaron Brown, January, 1871, to
to January, 1875 ; David Secor, January, 1875, to .
State Printers — Office created Jan. 3, 1840 — Garrett D. Palmer and
George Paul, 1849; William H. Merritt, 1851 to 1853; William A. Hornish,
1853 (resigned May 16, 1853); Mahoney & Dorr, 1853 to 1855; Peter
Moriarty, 1855 to 1857; John Teesdale, 1857 to 1861; Francis W. Palmer,
1861 to 1869 ; Frank M. Mills, 1869 to 1870 ; G. W. Edwards, 1870 to
1872 ; R. P. Clarkson, 1872 to .
Adjutants General — Daniel S. Lee, 1851-5 ; Geo. W. McCleary, 1855-7 ;
Elijah Sells, 1857 ; Jesse Bowen, 1857-61 ; Nathaniel Baker, 1861 to 1877 ;
John H. Looby, 1877 to .
Attorneys (renera?— David C. Cloud, 1853-56 ; Samuel A. Rice, 1856-60 ;
Charles C. Nourse, 1861-4; Isaac L. Allen, 1865 (resigned January, 1866);
Frederick E. Bissell, 1866 (died June 12, 1867); Henry O'Connor, 1867-72;
Marsena E. Cutts, 1872-6 ; John F. McJunkin, 1877.
Presidents of the Senate — Thomas Baker, 1846-7 ; Thomas Hughes,
1848 ; John J. Selman, 1848-9 ; Enos Lowe, 1850-1 ; William E. Leffing-
well, 1852-3; Maturin L. Fisher, 1854-5; William W. Hamilton, 1856-7.
Under the new Constitution, the Lieutenant Governor is President of the
Senate.
Speakers of the House— Jesse B. Brown, 1847-8; Smiley H. Bonhan,
1849-50 ; George Temple, 1851-2 ; James Grant, 1853-4 ; Reuben Noble,
1855-6 ; Samuel McFarland, 1856-7 ; Stephen B. Sheledy, 1858-9 ; John
Edwards, 1860-1 ; Rush Clark, 1862-3 ; Jacob Butler, 1864-5 ; Ed. Wright,
1866-7 ; John Russell, 1868-9 ; Aylett R. Cotton, 1870-1 ; James Wilson,
1872-3 ; John H. Gear, 1874-7 ; John Y. Stone, 1878.
New Constitutional Convention, 1859 — Francis Springer, President ; Thos.
J. Saunders, Secretary.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 225
STATE OFFICERS, 1878.
John H. Gear, Governor ; Frank T. Campbell, Lieutenant Governor ; Josiah
T. Young, Secretary of State; Buren R. Sherman, Auditor of State; George
W. Bemis, Treasurer of State; David Secor, Register of State Land Office;
John H. Looby, Adjutant General; John F. McJunken, Attorney General;
Mrs. Ada North, State Librarian ; Edward J. Holmes, Clerk Supreme Court ;
John S. Runnells, Reporter Supreme Court; Carl W. Von Coelln, Superintend-
ent Public Instruction; Richard P. Clarkson, State Printer; Henry A. Perkins,
State Binder; Prof. Nathan R. Leonard, Superintendent of Weights and
Measures; William H. Fleming, Governor's Private Secretary; Fletcher W.
Young, Deputy Secretary of State; John C. Parish, Deputy Auditor of State;
Erastus G. Morgan, Deputy Treasurer of State; John M. Davis, Deputy Reg-
ister Land Office; Ira C. Kling, Deputy Superintendent Public Instruction.
THE JUDICIARY.
SUPREME COURT OF IOWA.
Ohief Justices. — Charles Mason, resigned in June, 1847 ; Joseph Williams,
Jan., 1847, to Jan., 1848; S. Clinton Hastings, Jan., 1848, to Jan., 1849; Joseph
Williams, Jan., 1849, to Jan. 11, 1855; Geo. G. Wright, Jan. 11, 1855, to Jan.,
1860 ; Ralph P. Lowe, Jan., 1860, to Jan. 1, 1862 ; Caleb Baldwin, Jan., 1862, to
Jan., 1864; Geo. G. Wright, Jan., 1864, to Jan., 1866; Ralph P. Lowe, Jan., 1866,
to Jan., 1868; John F. Dillon, Jan., 1868, to Jan., 1870; Chester C. Cole, Jan.
1, 1870, to Jan. 1, 1871; James G. Day, Jan. 1, 1871, to Jan. 1, 1872; Joseph
M. Beck, Jan. 1, 1872, to Jan. 1, 1874; W. E. Miller, Jan. 1, 1874, to Jan. 1,
1876; Chester C. Cole, Jan. 1, 1876, to Jan. 1, 1877; James G. Day, Jan. 1,
1877, to Jan. 1, 1878; James H. Rothrock, Jan. 1, 1878.
Associate Judges. — Joseph Williams; Thomas S. Wilson, resigned Oct.,
1847; John F. Kinney, June 12, 1847, resigned Feb. 15, 1854; George
Greene, Nov. 1, 1847, to Jan. 9, 1855; Jonathan C. Hall, Feb. 15, 1854, to
succeed Kinney, resigned, to Jan., 1855; William G. WoodAvard, Jan. 9, 1855;
Norman W. Isbell, Jan. 16, 1855, resigned 1856 ; Lacen D. Stockton, June 3,
1856, to succeed Isbell, resigned, died June 9, 1860; Caleb Baldwin, Jan. 11,
1860, to 1864; Ralph P. Lowe, Jan. 12, 1860; George G. Wright, June 26,
1860, to succeed Stockton, deceased; elected U. S. Senator, 1870; John F. Dil-
lon, Jan. 1, 1864, to succeed Baldwin, resigned, 1870; Chester C. Cole. March
1, 1864, to 1877 ; Joseph M. Beck, Jan. 1, 1868 ; W. E. Miller, October 11,
1864, to succeed Dillon, resigned; James G. Day, Jan. 1, 1871, to succeed
Wright.
SUPREME COURT, 1878.
James H. Rothrock, Cedar County, Chief Justice; Joseph M. Beck, Lee
County, Associate Justice ; Austin Adams, Dubuque County, Associate Justice ;
William H. Seevers, Oskaloosa County, Associate Justice; James G. Day, Fre-
mont County, Associate Justice.
CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION.
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
(The first General Assembly failed to elect Senators.)
George W. Jones, Dubuque, Dec. 7, 1848-1858 ; Augustus C. Dodge, Bur-
lington, Dec. 7, 1848-1855; James Harlan, Mt. Pleasant, Jan. 6, 1855-1865;
James W. Grimes, Burlington, Jan. 26, 1858-died 1870 ; Samuel J. Kirkwood,
Iowa City, elected Jan. 18, 1866, to fill vacancy caused by resignation of James
22(3 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Harlan ; James llai'lan, Mt. Pleasant, March 4, 18GG-1872 ; James B. Howell,
Keokuk, elected Jan. 20, 1870, to fill vacancy caused by the death of J. W.
Grimes — term expired March 3d ; George G. "Wright, Des Moines, March 4,
1871-1877; William B. Allison, Dubuque, March 4, 1872; Samuel J. Kirk-
wood, ]March 4, 1877.
MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Twenty-ninth Congress — IS^-G to 1S4.7- — S. Clinton Hastings ; Shepherd
Leffler.
Thirtieth Congress — 1S47 to 1S49. — First District, "William Thompson :
Second District, Shepherd Leffler.
Thirtg-first Congress — 18^9 to ISol. — First District, First Session, "Wm.
Thompson; unseated by the House of Representatives on a contest, and election
remanded to the people. First District, Second Session, Daniel F. Miller.
Second District, Shepherd Leflier.
Thirti/sccond Congress — 1851 to 1853. — First District, Bernhart Henn.
Second District, Lincoln Clark.
Thirtg-third Congress — 1853 to 1855. — First District, Bernhart Henn.
Second District, John P. Cook.
Thirtg-fourth Congress — 1855 to 1857. — First District, Augustus Hall.
Second District, James Thorington.
Thirtg-fifth Congress — 1857 to 1859. — First District, Samuel R. Curtis.
Second District, Timothy Davis.
Thirtg-sixth Congress — 1859 to 1861. — First District, Samuel R. Curtis.
Second District, William A^indevcr.
Thirtg-seventh Congress — 1861 to 1863. — First District, First Session,
Samuel R. Curtis.* First District, Second and Third Sessions, James F. Wil-
son. Second District, William Yandever.
Thirtg-eighth Congress— 1863 to 1865.— Yw&i District, James F. Wilson.
Second District, Hiram Price. Third District, William B. Allison. Fourth
District, Josiah B. Grinnell. Fifth District, John A. Kasson. Sixth District,
Asahel W. Hubbard.
Thirtg-ninth Congress — 1865 to 1867. — First District, James F. Wilson ;
Second District, Hiram Price; Third District, William B. Allison; Fourth
District, Josiah B. Grinnell ; Fifth District, John A. Kasson ; Sixth District,
Asahel W. Hubbard.
Fortieth Congress — 1867 to 1869. — First District, James F. Wilson ; Sec-
ond District, Hiram Price; Third District, William B. Allison, Fourth District,
William Loughridge; Fifth District, Grenville M. Dodge; Sixth District,
Asahel W. Hubbard.
Fortg-first Congress— 1869 to 1871.— Txrst District, George W. McCrary ;
Second District, William Smyth ; Third District, William B. Allison ; Fourth
District, William Loughridge^ Fifth District, Frank W. Palmer; Sixth Dis-
trict. Charles Pomeroy.
Fortg-second Congress — 1871 to 1873. — First District, George W. ISIc-
Crary ; Second District, Aylett R. Cotton ; Third District, W. G. Donnan ;
Fourth District, Madison M. Waldon; Fifth District, Frank W. Palmer; Sixth
District, Jackson Orr.
Fortg-third Congress— 1873 to 7<97J.— First District, George W. McCrary;
Second District, Aylett R. Cotton; Third District, William Y. Donnan ; Fourth
District, Henry 0. Pratt; Fifth District, James Wilson; Sixth District,
* V&:;ated seat by accept -incs of commission as Brigadier General, and J. F. Wilson chosvn hi3 successor.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 220
William Lougliridge; Seventh District, John A, Kasson ; Eighth District,
James W. McDill ; Ninth District, Jackson Orr.
Forty-fourth Concjress — 1S75 to 1S77. — First District, George W. Mc-
Crary ; Second District, John Q. Tufts ; Third District, L. L. Ainsworth ;
Fourth District, Henry 0. Pratt; Fifth District, James Wilson ; Sixth District,
Ezekiel S. Sampson ; Seventh District, John A. Kasson ; Eighth District,
James W. ]McDill ; Fifth District, Addison Oliver.
Fortii-Jifth Congress — 1S77 to 1S79. — First District, J. C. Stone; Second
District,'^niram Price; Third District, T. W. Burdick ; Fourth District, 11. C.
Deering ; Fifth District, Rush Clark ; Sixth District, E. S. Sampson ;
Seventh District, H. J. B. Cummings ; Eighth District, W. F. Sapp ; Ninth
District, Addison Oliver.
WAR RECORD.
The State of loAva may Avell be proud of her record during the War of the
Rebellion, from 18G1 to 18G5. The following brief but comprehensive sketch of
the history she made during that trying period is largely from the pen of Col. A.
P. Wood, of Dubuque, the author of "The History of Iowa and the War," one
of the best works of the kind yet written.
" Whether in the promptitude of her responses to the calls made on her by
the General Government, in the courage and constancy of her soldiery in the
field, or in the wisdom and efficiency with w^hich her civil administration was
conducted during the trying period covered by the War of the Rebellion, Iowa
proved herself the peer of any loyal State. The proclamation of her Governor,
responsive to that of the President, calling for volunteers to compose her First
Regiment, was issued on the fourth day after the f\ill of Sumter. At the end
of only a single week, men enough were reported to be in quarters (mostly in
the vicinity of their own homes) to fill the regiment. These, however, were
hardly more than a tithe of the number who had been oifered by company com-
manders for acceptance under the President's call. So urgent were these offers
that the Governor requested {o\\ the 24th of April) permission to organize an
additional regiment. While awaiting an answer to this request, he conditionally
accepted a sufficient number of companies to compose two additional regiments.
In a short time, he was notified that both of these would be accepted. Soon
after the completion of the Second and Third Regiments (which was near the
close of May), the Adjutant General of the State reported that upward of one
huntlred and seventy companies had been tendered to the Governor to serve
aiiainst the enemies of the Union.
" Much difficulty and considerable delay occured in fitting these regiments
for the field. For the First Infantry a complete outfit (not uniform) of clothino-
was extemporized — principally by the volunteered labor of loyal women in the
different towns — from material of various colors and qualities, obtained within
the limits of the State. The same was done in part for the Second Infantry.
Meantime, an extra session of the General xVsscmblv had been called by the
Governor, to convene on the 15th of ]\lay. With but little delay, that body
authorized a loan of $800,000, to meet the extraordinary expenses incurred, and
to be incurred, by the Executive Department, in consequence of the new emer-
gency. A wealthy merchant of the State (Ex-Governor Merrill, then a resident
of McGregor) immediately took from the Governor a conti-act to supply a com-
plete outfit of clothing for the three regiments organized, agreeing to receive,
should the Governor so elect, his pay therefor in State bonds at par. This con-
230 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
tract lie executed to the letter, and a portion of the clothing (which was manu-
factured in l>oston, to his order) was delivered at Keokuk, the place at which
the troops had rendezvoused, in exactly one month from the day on which the
contract had been entered into. The remainder arrived only a few days later.
This clothiniT was delivered to the regiment, but was subsecjuently condemned
by the Government, for the reason that its color was gi'ay, and blue had been
adopted as the color to be worn by the national troops."
Other States also clothed their troops, sent forwai'd under the first call of
President Lincoln, with gray uniforms, but it was soon found that the con-
federate forces were also clothed in gray, and that color was at once abandoned
by the Union troops. If both armies were clothed alike, annoying if not fatal
mistakes were liable to be made.
But while engaged in these efforts to discharge her whole duty in common with
all the other Union-loving States in the great emergency, Iowa was compelled
to make immediate and ample provision for the protection of her own borders,
from threatened invasion on the south by the Secessionists o1' Missouri, and
from danger of incursions from the west and northwest by bands of hostile
Indians, who were freed from the usual restraint imposed upon them by the
presence of regular troops stationed at the frontier posts. These troops were
withdrawn to meet the greater and more pressing danger threatening the life of
the nation at its very heart.
To provide for the adeijuate defense of her borders from the ravages of both
rebels in arms against the Government and of the more irresistible foes from
the Western plains, the Governor of the State was authorized to raise and eijuip
two regiments of infsintry, a squadron of cavalry (not less than five companies)
and a "battalion of artillery (not less than three companies.) Only cavalry were
enlisted for home defense, however, ''but," says Col. Wood, "in times of special
danger, or when calls were made by the Unionists of Northern jNIissouri tor
assistance against their disloyal enemies, large numbers of militia on foot often
turned out, and remained in the field until the necessity for their services had
passed.
" The first order for the Iowa volunteers to move to the field was received
on the l-)th of June. It was issued by Gen. Lyon, then commanding the
United States forces in Missouri. The First and Second Infantry immediately
embarked in steamboats, and moved to Hannibal. Some two weeks later, the
Third Infimtry was ordered to the same point. These three, together with
many other of the earlier organized Iowa regiments, rendered their first field
service in Missouri. The First Infiintry formed a part of the little army with
which Gen. Lyon moved on Sjiringfiold, and fought the bloody battle of Wilson's
Creek. It received uncjualitied praise for its gallant bearing on the field. In
the following month (September), tlie Third Iowa, with but very slight support,
fought with honor the sanguinary engagement of Bhie jNIills Landing; and in
November, the Seventh Iowa, as a part of a force commanded by Gen. Grant,
greatly distinguished itself in the battle of Belmont, where it poured out its
blood "like water — losing more than half of the men it took into action.
" Tiie initial operations in wiiich the battles referred to took place were fol-
lowed by the more important movements led by Gen. Grant, Gen. Curtis, of
this State, and other commanders, which resulted in defeating the armies
defending the chief strategic lines held by the Confederates in Kentucky, Tenn-
nessee, Missouri and Arkansas, and compelling their withdrawal from much of
the territory previously controlled by them in those States. In these and other
movements, down to the grand culminating campaign by which A'icksburg was
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 231
captured and the Confederacy permanently severed on the line of the Mississippi
River, Iowa troops took part in steadily increasing numbers. In the investment
and siege of Vicksburg, the IState was represented by thirty regiments and two
batteries, in addition to which, eight regiments and one battery were employed
on the outposts of the besieging army. The brilliancy of their exploits on the
many fields where they served won for them the highest meed of praise, both
in military and civil circles. Multiplied were the terms in which expression
Avas given to this sentiment, but these words of one of the journals of a neigh-
boring State, 'The Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes,' embody the
spirit of all.
" In the veteran re-enlistments that distinguished the closing months of 1863
above all other periods in the history of re-enlistments for the national armies,
the Iowa three years' men (wlio were relatively more numerous than those of any
other State) Avere prompt to set the example of volunteering for another term of
equal length, thereby adding many thousands to the great army of those who
gave this renewed and practical assurance that the cause of the Union should
not be left without defenders.
" In all the im))ortant movements of 1864-65, by which the Confederacy
was penetrated in every quarter, and its military power finally overthrown, the
Iowa troops took part. Their drum-beat Avas heard on the banks of every great
river of the South, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, and everywhere they
rendered the same faithful and devoted service, maintaining on all occasions their
wonted reputation for valor in the field and endurance on the march.
" Tavo loAva three-year cavalry regiments Avere employed during their Avhole
term of service in the operations that were in progress from 1863 to 1866
against the hostile Indians of the Avestern plains. A portion of these men Avere
among the last of the volunteer troops to bo mustered out of service. The State
also supplied a considerable number of men to the navy, who took part in most
of the naval operations prosecuted against the Confederate poAver on the Atlantic
and Gulf coasts, and the rivers of tiie West.
" The people of Iowa Avere early and constant Avorkcrs in the sanitary field,
and by their liberal gifts and personal eftbrts for the benefit of the soldiery,
placed their State in the front rank of those who became distinguished for their
exhibitions of patriotic benevolence during the period covered by the Avar.
Agents appointed by the Governor were stationed at points convenient for ren-
dering assistance to the sick and needy soldiers of the State, Avhile others Avere
employed in visiting, from time to time, hospitals, camps and armies in the field,
and doing Avhatever the circumstances rendered possible for the health and
comfort of such of the Iowa soldiery as might be found there.
" Some of the benevolent people of the State early conceived the idea of
establishing a Home for such of the children of deceased soldiers as mi<fht be
left in destitute circumstances. This idea first took form in 1863, and in the
following year a Home Avas opened at Farmington, Van Buren County, in a
building leased for that purpose, and Avhich soon became filled to its utmost
capacity. The institution received liberal donations from the general public,
and also from the soldiers in the field. In 1865, it became necessary to pro-
vide increased accommodations for the large number of children who Avere
seeking the benefits of its care. This was done by establishing a branch
at Cedar Falls, in Black Ilawk County, and by securing, during the same
year, for the use of the parent Home, Camp Kinsman near the City of
Davenport. This property Avas soon afterAvard donated to the institution, by
act of Congress.
232 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF 10^YA.
" In 18G6, in pursuance of a law enacted for that purpose, the Soldiers'
Orphans' Home (which then contained about four hundred and fifty inmates)
became a State institution, and thereafter the sums necessary for its support were
appropriated from the State treasury. A second branch was establislie<l at
Glenwood, Mills County. Convenient tracts were secured, and valuable improve-
ments made at all the different points. Schools were also established, and em-
ployments provided for such of the children as were of suitable age. In all
ways the provision made for these wards of the State has been such as to chal-
lenge the approval of every benevolent mind. The number of children who
have been inmates of the Home from its foundation to the present time is
considerably more than two thousand.
" At tl;e beginning of the war, the population of Iowa included about one
hundred and fifty thousand men presumably liable to render military service.
The State raised, for general service, thirty-nine regiments of infaiitry, nine
regiments of cavalry, and four companies of artillery, composed of three years'
men ; one regiment of infantry, composed of three months' men; and four regi-
ments and one battalion of infantry, composed of one hundred days' men. The
ori'nnal enlistments in these various organizations, including seventeen hundred
and twenty-seven men raised by draft, numbered a little more than sixty-nine
thousand. The re-enlistments, including upward of seven thousand veterans,
numbered very nearly eight thousand. The enlistments in the regular army
and navy, and organizations of other States, Avill, if added, raise the total to
upward of eighty tliousand. Thenumber of men who, under special enlistments,
and as militia, took part at ditterent times in the operations on the exposed
borders of the State, was probably as many as five thousand.
'• Iowa paid no bounty on account of the men she placed in the field. In
some instances, toward the close of the war, bounty to a comparatively small
amount Avas paid by cities and towns. On only one occasion — that of the call
of July IS, 1864 — was a draft made in Iowa. This did not occur on account of
her proper liability, as established by previous rulings of the War Department,
to supply men under that call, but grew out of the great necessity that there
existed for raising men. The Government insisted on temporarily setting aside,
in part, the former rule of settlements, and enforcing a draft in all cases where
subdistricts in any of the States should be found delicient in their supply of
men. In no instance was Iowa, as a whole, found to be indebte«l to the General
Government for men, on a settlement of her quo'a accounts."
It is to be said to the honor and credit of Iowa that while many of the loyal
States, older and larger in population and wealth, incurred heavy State debts
for the purpose of fulfilling their obligations to the General Government, Iowa,
while she was foremost in duty, while she promptly discharged all her obligations
to her sister States and the Union, found herself at the close of the war without
any material addition to her pecuniary liabilities incurred before the war com-
menced. Upon final settlement after the restoration of peace, her claims upon
the Federal Government were found to be fully equal to the amount of her bonds
issued and sold during the war to provide the means for raising and eijuipping
her troops sent into the field, and to meet the inevitable demands upon her
treasury in consequence of the war.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 233
INFANTRY.
THE FIRST INFANTRY
was organized under tlie President's first proclamation for volunteers for three
months, Vith John Francis Bates, of Dubuque, as Colonel ; William II. Mer-
ritt, of Cedar Rapids, as Lieutenant Colonel, and A. R. Porter, of Mt. J'lcas-
ant, a"^ Major. Companies A and C were from Muscatine County ; Company
I), from Johnson County ; Companies D and E, from Des Moines County ;
Company F, from Henry County; Company G, from Davenport; Companies
H and I, from Dubucpie, and Company K, from Linn County, and A\ere mus-
tered into United States service May 14, 1861, at Keokuk. The above com-
panies were independent military or<^anizations before the war, and tendered
their services before breaking-out of hostilities. The First was engaged at the
battle of Wilson's Creek, under Gen. Lyon, where it lost ten killed and fifty
wounded. Was mustered out at St. Louis Aug. 25, 1861.
THE SECOND INFANTRY
was organized, with Samuel R. Curtis, of Keokuk, as Colonel ; Jas. M. Tuttle,
of Keosaucpia, as Lieutenant Colonel, and M. M. Crocker, of Des Moines, as
Major, and was mustered into the United States service at Keokuk in May,
1861. Company A was from Keokuk; Company R, from Scott County; Com-
pany C, from Scott County ; Company D, from Des Moines ; Company E, from
Fairfield, Jefferson Co. ; Company F, fi'om Van Buren County ; Company G,
from Davis County; Company II, from Washington County ; Company I, from
Clinton County ; and Comj)any K, fnmi Wapello County. It participated in tlie
following engagements : Fort Donelson, Shiloh, advance on Corinth, Corinth,
Little Rear Creek, Ala.; Tunnel Creek, Ala.; Resaca, Ga.; Rome Cross Roads,
Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Nick-a-Jack Creek, in front of Atlanta, January 22,
1864; siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Eden Station, Little Ogeechee, Savannah,
Columbia, S. C ; Lynch's Creek, and Rentonsville. Was on Sherman's march
to the sea, and through the Carolinas home. The Second Regiment of Iowa
Infantry Veteran Volunteers was formed by the consolidation of the battalions
of the Second and Third Veteran Infantry, and was mustered out at Louisville,
Ky., July 12, 1865.
THE THIRD INFANTRY
was organized with N. G. Williams, of Dubuque County, as Colonel ; John
Scott, of Story County, Lieutenant Colonel ; Wm. N. Stone, of Marion County,
Major, and was mustered into the United States service in May, 1861, at
Keokuk. Company A was from Dubuque County; Company R, from Marion
County; Company C, from Clayton County ; Company D, from Winneshiek
('ounty ; Company E, from Boone, Story, Marshall and Jasper Counties ; Com-
pany F, from Fayette County ; Company G, from Warren County ; Company II,
from Mahaska County; Company I, ftom Floyd, Butler Black Hawk and
Mitchell Counties, and Company K from Cedar Falls. It was engaged atlilu*
Mills, Mo. ; Shiloh, Tenn. ; IIn,tchie River, Matamoras, Vicksburg, Johnson,
Miss., Meridian expedition, and Atlanta, Atlanta campaign and Sherman's
march to Savannah, and through the Carolinas to Richmond and Wasliington.
The veterans of the Third Iowa Infimtry were consolidated with the Second,
and mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 12, 18()4.
234 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
THE FOURTH INFANTRY
^vas organized Avith G. M. Dodge, of Council Bluffs, as Colonel ; Jolin
Galligan, of Davenport, as Lieutenant Colonel; Wm. R. English, Glenwood,
as Major. Company A, from Mills County, -was mustered in at Jefi'erson Bar-
racks, Missouri, x\ugust L"), 1861 ; Company B, Pottawattamie County, was
mustered in at Council Blutfs, August 8, 1861 ; Company C, Guthrie County,
mustered in at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., May 3, 1861 ; Company D, Decatur
County, at St. Louis, August 16th; Company E, Polk County, at Council
Blufls, iVugust Stli ; Company F, Madison County, Jefi'erson Barracks, August
15th ; Company G, Ringgold County, at Jefferson Barracks, August loth ;
Company H, Adams County, Jefi'erson Barracks, August loth ; Company I,
Wayne County, at St. Louis, August 31st; Company K, Taylor and Page
Counties, at St. Louis, August 31st. Was engaged at Pea Ritlge, Chickasaw
Bayou, Arkansas Post, Yicksburg, Jackson, Lookout Mountain, Missionary
Ridjie. Ringixold, Resaca, Taylor's Ridjxe; came home on veteran furlouc^h
February 26, 1864. Returned in April, and was in the campaign against
Atlanta, and Sherman's march to the sea, and thence through the Carolinas
to Washington and home. Was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July
24, 1865.
THE FIFTH INFANTRY
was organized with Wm. II. Worthington, of Keokuk, as Colonel; C Z. Mat-
thias, of Burlington, as Lieutenant Colonel; W. S. Robertson, of Columbus City,
as Major, and was mustered into the United States service, at Burlington, July
15, 1861. Company A was from Cedar County; Company B. from Jasper
County ; Company C, from Louisa County ; Company D, from Marshall County ;
Company E, from Buchanan County ; Company F, from Keokuk County ; Com-
pany G, from Benton County : Company H, from Van Buren County ; Company
I, from Jackson County ; Company K, from Allamakee County ; was engaged at
New Madrid, siege of Corinth, luka, Corinth, Champion Hills, siege of Vicks-
buriT, Chickamausa : went home on veteran furloujih. Aiu-il, 1864. The non-
veterans went home July, 1864, leaving 180 veterans who were transferred to
the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. The Fifth Cavalry was mustered out at Nashville,
Tennessee, Aug. 11, 1865.
THE SIXTH INFANTRY.
was mustered into the service July 6, 1861, at Burlington, with John A.
McDowell, of Keokuk, as Colonel ; Markoe Cummins, of Muscatine, Lieuten-
ant Colonel ; John M. Corse, of Burlington, Major. Company A was from
Linn County ; Com})any B, from Lucas and Clarke Counties; Company C.
from Hardin County ; Company D, from Appanoose County ; Company E,
from Monroe County ; Company F, from Clarke County ; Company G, from
Johnson County ; Company II, from Lee County ; Company I, from Des
Moines County ; Company K, fnnn Henry County. It Avas engaged at Shiloh.
Mission Ridjre, Resaca, Dallas, Bioj Shantv, Kenesaw ^Mountain. Jackson, Black
River Bridge, Jones' Ford, etc., etc. The Sixth lost 7 officers killed in action. 18
wounded ; of enlisted men 102 were killed in action, 30 died of wounds, 124 of
disease, 211 w^ere discharged for disability and 301 were wounded in action,
which was the largest list of casualties, of both officers and men, of any reg-
iment from Iowa. Was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1865.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 235
THE SEVENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service at Burlington, July 24, 1861,
with J. G. Lauman, of Burlington, as Colonel ; Augustus Wentz, of Daven-
port, as Lieutenant Colonel, and E. W. Rice, of Oskaloosa, as Major. Com-
pany A was from Muscatine County ; Company B, from Chickasaw and Floyd
Counties ; Company C, from Mahaska County ; Companies D and E, from Lee
County ; Company F, from Wapello County ; Company G, from Iowa County ;
Company H, from Washington County ; Company I, from Wapello County ;
Company K, from Keokuk. Was engaged at the battles of Belmont (in which
it lost in killed, wounded and missing 237 men), Fort Henry, Fort Donelson,
Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Corinth, Rome Cross Roads, Dallas, New Hope
Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Nick-a-Jack Creek, siege of Atlanta,
battle on 22d of July in front of Atlanta, Sherman's campaign to the ocean,
through the Carolinas to Richmond, and thence to Louisville. Was mustered
out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 12, 1865.
THE EIGHTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service Sept. 12, 1861, at Davenport,
Iowa, with Frederick Steele, of the regular army, as Colonel ; James L. Geddes,
of Vinton, as Lieutenant Colonel, and J. C. Ferguson, of Knoxville, as Major.
Company A was from Clinton County ; Company B, from Scott County ;
Company C, from Washington County ; Company D, from Benton and Linn
Counties ; Company E, from Marion County ; Company F, from Keokuk
County; Company G, from Iowa and Johnson Counties; Company H. from
Mahaska County ; Company I, from Monroe County ; Company K, from Lou-
isa County. Was engaged at the following battles : Shiloh (where most of the
regiment were taken prisoners of war), Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Span-
ish Fort. Was mustered out of the United States service at Selma, Alabama,
April 20, 1866.
THE NINTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service September 24, 1861, at Dubuque,
with Wm. Yandever, of Dubuque, Colonel ; Frank G. Herron, of Dubuque,
Lieutenant Colonel : Wm. H. Coyle, of Decorah, Major. Company A was
from Jackson County ; Company B, from Jones County ; Company C, from Bu-
chanan County ; Company D, from Jones County ; Company E, from Clayton
County ; Company F, from Fayette County ; Company G, from Black Hawk
County ; Company H, from Winneshiek County ; Company I, from Howard
County and Company K, from Linn County. Was in the following engage-
ments : Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg,
Ringgold, Dallas, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta campaign, Sherman's march to
the sea, and through North and South Carolina to Richmond. Was mustered
out at Louisville, July 18, 1865.
THE TENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service at Iowa City September 6, 1861,
with Nicholas Perczel, of Davenport, as Colonel ; W. E. Small, of Iowa City,
as Lieutenant Colonel ; and John C. Bennett, of Polk County, as Major. Com-
pany A was from Polk County ; Company B, from Warren County ; Company
C, from Tama County ; Company D, from Boone County ; Company E, from
Washington County ; Company F, from Poweshiek County ; Company G, from
236 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
Warren County ; Company II, from Greene County ; Company I, from Jasper
County ; Company K, from Polk and Madison Counties. Tarticipa'^ed in the
following engagements : Siege of Corinth, luka. Corinth, Port Gibson, Ray-
mond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg and Mission Ridge. In Septem-
ber, 1804. the non-veterans being mustered out, the veterans were transferred
to the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, where will be found their future operations,
THE ELEVENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service at Davenport, Iowa, in September
and October, 1861, with A. M. Hare, of Muscatine, as Colonel ; Jno. C. Aber-
crombie. as Lieutenant Colonel ; Wm. Hall, of Davenport, as Major. Com-
pany A was from Muscatine ; Company B, from Marshall and Hardin Counties ;
Company C, from Louisa County ; Company 1), from Muscatine County ; Com-
pany E,*from Cedar County ; Company F, from Washington County ; Company
G, from Henry County ; Company II, from Muscatine County ; Company I
from Muscatine County ; Company Iv, from Linn County. Was engaged in the
battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, battles of Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta cam-
paign, battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864. Was mustered out at Louisville, Ky.,
July 15. 1865.
THE TWELFTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service November 25, 1861, at Dubuque,
with J. J. Wood, of Maquoketa, as Colonel ; John P. Coulter, of Cedar Rapids.
Lieutenant Colonel: Samuel D. Brodtbeck. of Dubu(jue, as Major. Company
A was from Hardin County ; Company B, from Allamakee County ; Company C,
from Fayette County ; Company D. from Linn County ; Company E. from Black
Hawk County ; Company F, from Delaware County ; Company G, from AVinne-
shiek County ; Company II, from Dubuqife and Delaware Counties ; Company
I, from Dubuque and Jackson Counties ; Company K, from Delaware County.
It was engaged at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Avhere most of the regiment was
captured, and those not captured were organized in what was called the Union
Brigade, and were in the battle of Corinth ; the prisoners were exchanged
November 10, 1862, and the regiment re-organized, and then participating in
the siege of Vicksburg, battle of Tupelo, Miss.; White River, Nashville and
Spanish Fort. The regiment was mustered out at Memphis, January 20, 1866.
THE THIRTEENTH INFANTRY
was mustered in November 1, 1861, at Davenport, with M. M. Crocker, of Des
Moines, as Colonel ; M. M. Price, of Davenport, Lieutenant Colonel ; John
Shane, A^inton, Major. Company A Avas from Mt. Vernon ; Company B, from
Jasper County : Company C, from Lucas County ; Company D, from Keokuk
County ; Company E, from Scott County; Company F, from Scott and Linn
Counties ; Company G, from Benton County : Company II. from Marshall County :
Company I, from Washington County ; Company K, from Washington County.
It participated in the following engagements : Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Corinth,
Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Vicksburg, Campaign against Atlanta. Was on
Sherman's march to the sea, and through North and South Carolina. Was
mustered out at Louisville July 21. 1865.
THK FOURTEENTH INFANTRY
was mustered in the United States service October, 1861, at Davenport, with
Wm. T. Shaw, of Anamosa. as Colonel; Edward W. Lucas, of Iowa City, as
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 237
Lieutenant Colonel ; Hiram Leonard, of Des Moines County, as Major. Com-
pany A was from Scott County ; Company B, from Bremer County ; Company
D, from Henry and Van Buren Counties ; Company E, from Jasper County ;
Company F, from Van Buren and Henry Counties ; Company G, from Tama and
Scott Counties ; Company H, from Linn County ; Company I, from Henry
County ; Company K, from Des Moines County. Participated in the follow-
ing engagements : Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth (where most of the regiment
were taken prisoners of Avar), Pleasant Hill, Meridian, Ft. De Russey, Tupelo,
Town Creek, Tallahatchie, Pilot Knob, Old Town, Yellow Bayou, etc., etc.,
and was mustered out, except veterans and recruits, at Davenport, Iowa, No-
vember 16, 1864.
THE FIFTEENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service March 19, 1862, at Keokuk, with
Hugh T. Reid, of Keokuk, as Colonel ; Wm. Dewey, of Fremont County, as
Lieuten mt Colonel ; W. W. Belknap, of Keokuk, as Major. Company A was
from Linn County; Company B, from Polk County; Company C. from Mahaska
County ; Company D, from Wapello County ; Company E, from Van Buren
County ; Company F, from Fremont and Mills Counties ; Company G, from
Marion and Warren Counties ; Company H, from Pottawattamie and Harrison
Counties; Company I, from Lee, Van Buren and Clark Counties; Company K,
from Wapello, Van Buren and Warren Counties. Participated in the battle of
Shiloh, siege of Corinth, battles of Corinth, Vicksburg, campaign against At-
lanta, battle in front of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, and was under fire during
the siege of Atlanta eighty-one days; was on Sherman's march to the sea, and
through the Carolinas to Richmond, Washington and Louisville, where it was
mustered out, August 1, 1864.
THE SIXTEENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service at Davenport, Iowa, December 10,
1861, with Alexander Chambers, of the regular army, as Colonel; A. H.
Sanders, of Davenport, Lieutenant Colonel ; Wm. Purcell, of Muscatine,
Major. Company A was from Clinton County ; Company B, from Scott
County; Company C, from Muscatine County ; Company D, from Boone County;
Company E, from Muscatine County ; Company F, from Muscatine, Clinton and
Scott Counties ; Company G, from Dubuque County ; Company H, from Du-
buque and Clayton Counties; Company I, from Black Hawk and Linn Counties;
Company K, from Lee atsd Muscatine Counties. Was in the battles of Shiloh,
siege of Corinth, luka, Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain, Nick-a- Jack Creek, battles
around Atlanta; was in Sherman's campaigns, and the Carolina campaigns.
Was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July lU, 1865.
THE SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service at Keokuk, in March and April,
1862, with Jno. W. Rankin, of Keokuk, Colonel; D. B. Hillis, of Keokuk,
as Lientenant Colonel; Samuel M. Wise, of Mt. Pleasant, Major. Company
A was from Decatur County; Company B, from Lee County; Company C,
from Van Buren, Wapello and Lee Counties; Company D, from Des Moines,
Van Buren and Jefferson Counties; Cgmpany E, from Wapello County; Co'm-
pany F, from Appanoose County; Company G, from Marion County; Com-
pany H, from Marion and Pottnwattamie Counties; Company I, from Jefferson
and Lee Counties; Company K, from Lee and Polk Counties. They were in
238 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
the following engagements: Siege of Corinth, luka, Corinth, Jackson, Cham-
pion Hills, Fort Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Mission Kiflge, and at Tilton, Ga.,
Oct. 13, 1864, most of the regiment were taken prisoners of war. Was mus-
tered out at Louisville, Ky., July 25, 1865.
THE EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service August 5, 6 and 7, 1862, at Clin-
ton, with John Edwards, of Chariton, Colonel ; T. Z. Cook, of Cedar Rapids,
Lieutenant Colonel ; Hugh J. Campbell, of Muscatine, as Major. Company
A, was from Linn and various other counties ; Company B, from Clark County ;
Company C, from Lucas County ; Company D, from Keokuk and Wapello
Counties; Company E, from Muscatine County; Company F, from Appanoose
County; Company G, from Marion and Warren Counties; Company H, from
Fayette and Benton Counties; Company I, from Washington County; Com-
pany K, from Wapello, Muscatine and Henry Counties, and was engaged in
the battles of Springfield, Moscow, Poison Spring, Ark., and was musto'ed out
at Little Rock, Ark., July 20, 1865. '
THE NINETEENTH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service August 17, 1862, at Keokuk, with
Benjamin Crabb, of Washington, as Colonel ; Samuel McFarland, of Mt. Pleas-
ant, Lieutenant Colonel, and Daniel Kent, of Ohio, Major. Company A was
from Lee and Van Buren Counties; Company B, from Jefferson County; Com-
pany C, from Washington County; Company D, from Jefferson County; Com-
pany E, from Lee County; Company F, from Louisa County; Company G,
from Louisa County; Company H, from Van Buren County; Company I, from
Van Buren County; Company K, from Henry County. Was engaged a Prairie
Grove, Vicksburg, Yazoo River expedition. Sterling Farm, September 29, 1863,
at which place they surrendered ; three officers and eight enlisted men were
killed, sixteen enlisted men were wounded, and eleven officers and two hundred
and three enlisted men taken prisoners out of five hundred engaged; they
were exchanged July 22d, and joined their regiment August 7th, at New Or-
leans. Was engaged at Spanish Fort. Was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., July
10, 1865.
THE TWENTIETH INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service August 25, 1862, at Clinton, with
Wm. McE. Dye, of Marion, Linn Co., as Colonel ; J.B. Leek, of Davenport, as
Lieutenant Colonel, and Wm. G. Thompson, of Marion, Linn Co., as Major.
Companies A, B, F, H and I were from Linn County ; Companies C, D, E, G
and K, from Scott County, and was engaged in the following battles: Prairie
Grove, and assault on Fort Blakely. Was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., July
8, 1865.
THE TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY
■was mustered into the service at Clinton in June and August, 1862, with
Samuel Merrill (late Governor of Iowa) as Colonel ; Charles W. Dunlap, of
Mitchell, as Lieutenant Colonel ; S. G. VanAnda, of Delhi, as Major. Com-
pany A was from Mitchell and Black Hawk Counties ; Company B, from
Clayton County ; Company C. from Dubucjue County ; Company D, from
Clayton County ; Company E, from Dubuque County ; Company F, from Du-
buque County ; Company G, from Clayton County; Company .H, from Dela-
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 239
ware County ; Company I, from Dubuque County ; Company K, from Delaware
County, and was in the following engagements : Hartsville, Mo. ; Black River
Bridge, Fort Beauregard, was at the siege of Vicksburg, Mobile, Fort Blakely,
and was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., July 15, 1865.
THE TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY
was mustered into the United States service Sept. 10, 1862, at Iowa City, with
Wm. M. Stone, of Kuoxviile (since Governor of Iowa), as Colonel ; Jno. A.
Garrett, of Newton, Lieutenant Colonel ; and Harvey Graham, of Iowa City,
as Major. Company A was from Johnson County ; Company B, Johnson
County ; Company C, Jasper County; Company D, Monroe County ; Company
E, Wapello County ; Company F, Johnson County ; Company G, Johnson
County ; Company H, Johnson County ; Company I, Johnson County ; Com-
pany K, Johnson County. Was engaged at Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill, Cham-
pion Hills, Sherman's campaign to Jackson, at Winchester, in Shenandoah Val-
ley, losing 109 men, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. Mustered out at Savannah,
Ga., July 25, 1865.
THE TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY
was mustered into United States service at Des Moines, Sept. 19, 1862, with
William Dewey, of Sidney, as Colonel ; W. H. Kinsman, of Council Bluffs, as
Lieutenant Colonel, and S. L. Glasgow, of Corydon, as Major. Companies
A, B and C, were fronr Polk County; Company D, from Wayne County ; Com-
pany E, from Pottawattamie County ; Company F, from Montgomery County ;
Company G, from Jasper County; Company H, from Madison County; Com-
pany I, from Cass County, and Company K, from Marshall County. Was in
Vicksburg, and engaged at Port Gibson, Black River, Champion Hills, Vicks-
burg, Jackson, Milliken's Bend, Fort Blakely, and was mustered out at Harris-
burg, Texas, July 26, 1865
THE TWENTY-FOURTH
was mustered into United States service at Muscatine, September 18, 1862,
with Eber C. Byam, of Mount Vernon, as Colonel; John Q. W^ilds, of Mount
Vernon, as Lieutenant Colonel, and Ed. Wright, of Springdale, as Major.
Company A was from Jackson and Clinton Counties; Companies B and (J,
from Cedar County; Company D, from Washington, Johnson and Cedar
Counties; Company E, from Tama County; Companies F, G and H, from
Linn County ; Company I, from Jackson County, and Company K, from Jones
County. Was engaged at Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Gen. Banks' Red
River expedition, Winchester and Cedar Creek. Was mustered out at Savan-
nah, Ga., July 17, 1865.
THE TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY
was organized with George A. Stone, of Mount Pleasant, as Colonel ; Fabian
Brydolf as Lieutenant Colonel, and Calom Taylor, of Bloomfield, as Major,
and was mustered into United States service at Mount Pleasant, September 27,
1862. Companies A and I were from Washington County; Companies B and
H, from Henry County ; Company C, irom Henry and Lee Counties ; Com-
panies D, E and G, from Des Moines County ; Company F, from Louisa
County, and Company K, from Des Moines and Lee Counties. Was engaged
at Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Walnut Bluft", Chattanooga, Campain, Ring-
240 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
gold, Ga., Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, battles around Atlanta, Love-
joy Station, Jonesboro, Ship's Gap, Bentonville, and on Sherman's march
through Georgia and the Carol inas, to Richmond and Washington. Was
mustered out at Washington, D. C, June 6, 1865.
THE TWENTY- SIXTH
was organized and muster:d in at Clinton, in August, 1862, with Milo Smith,
of Clinton, as Colonel ; S. G. Magill, of Lyons, as Lieutenant Colonel, and
Samuel Clark, of De Witt, as Major. Company A was from Clinton and
Jackson Counties; Company B, from Jackson County; Companies C, D, E,
F, G, H, I and K, from Clinton County. Was engaged at Arkansas Post,
Vicksburg, Snake Creek Gap, Ga., Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, De-
catur, siege of Atlanta, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, Lovcjoy Station, Ship's Gap,
Sherman's campaign to Savannah, went through the Carolinas, and was mus-
tered out of service at Washington, D. C, June 6, 1865.
THE TWENTY-SEVENTH
was mustered into United States service at Dubuque, Oct. 3, 1862, with James
L Gilbert, of Lansing, as Colonel ; Jed Lake, of Independence, as Lieutenant
Colonel ; and G. W. Howard, of Bradford, as Major. Companies A, B and I
were from Allamakee County; Companies C and H, from Buchanan County;
Companies D and E, from Clayton County ; Company F, from Delaware
County ; Company G, from Floyd and Chickasaw Counties, and Company K,
from Mitchell County. Engaged at Little Rock, Ark., was on Red River ex-
pedition, Fort De Russey, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, Tupelo, Old Town
Creek and Fort Blakely. Was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, Aug. 8, 1865.
THE TWENTY-EIGHTH
was organized at Iowa City, and mustered in Nov. 10, 1862, with William E.
Miller, of Iowa City, as Colonel; John Connell, of Toledo, as Lieutenant Colonel,
and II. B. Lynch, of Millersburg, as Major. Companies A and D were
from Benton County ; Companies B and G, from Iowa County ; Companies
C, H and I, from Poweshiek County; Company E, from Johnson County;
Company F, from Tama County, and Company K, from Jasper County. Was
engaged at Port Gibson, Jackson and siege of Vicksburg ; was on Banks' Red
River expedition, and engaged at Sabine Cross Roads ; was engaged in Shen-
andoah Valley, Va., and engaged at Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek.
Was mustered out of service at Savannah, Ga., July 31, 1865.
THE TWENTY-NINTH
was organized at Council Bluffs, and mustered into the United States service
December 1, 1862, with Thomas II. Benton, Jr., of Council Bluffs, as Colonel;
R. F. Patterson, of Keokuk, as Lieutenant Colonel; and Charles B. Shoe-
maker, of Clarinda, as Major. Company A was from Pottawattamie County;
Company B, from Pottawattamie and Mills Counties; Company C, from Harrison
County ;'^ Company D, from Adair and Adams Counties, Company E, from
Fremont County; Company F, from Taylor County; Company G, from Ring-
gold County. Was engaged at Helena, Arkansas and Spanish Fort. Was
mustered out at New Orleans August 15, 1865.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 241
THE THIRTIETH INFANTRY
was organized at Keokuk, and mustered into the United States service September
23, 1862, with Charles B. Abbott, of Louisa County, as Colonel ; Wm. M. G. Tor-
rence, of Keokuk, as Lieutenant Colonel ; and Lauren Dewey, of Mt. Pleasant, as
Major. Companies A and I were from Lee County ; Company B, from Davis
County ; Company C, from Des Moines County ; Company D, from Van Buren
County ; Companies E and K from Washington County ; Company F, from
Davis County ; and Companies G and H, from Jefferson County. Was
engaged at Arkansas Post, Yazoo City, Vicksburg, Cherokee, Ala., Ringgold,
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Jonesboro, Taylor's
Ridge; was in Sherman's campaigns to Savannah and through the Carolinas to
Richmond ; was in the grand review at Washington, D. C, where it was mus-
tered out June 5, 1865.
THE THIRTY-FIRST INFANTRY
was mustered into the service at Davenport October 13, 1862, with William
Smyth, of Marion, as Colonel ; J. W. Jenkins, of Maquoketa, as Lieutenant
Colonel ; and Ezekiel Cutler, of Anamosa, as Major. Company A was from
Linn County; Companies B, C and D, from Black Hawk County; Companies
E, G and H, from Jones County; Companies F, I and K, from Jackson County.
Was engaged at Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Raymond, Jackson, Black
River, Vicksburg, Cherokee, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold,
Taylor's Hills, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big
Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro; was in Sherman's campaign
through Georgia and the Carolinas, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ken-
tucky, June 27, 1865
THE THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY
was organized at Dubuque, with John Scott, of Nevada, as Colonel ; E. H.
Mix, of Shell Rock, as Lieutenant Colonel, and G. A. Eberhart, of Waterloo,
as Major. Company A was from Hamilton, Hardin and Wright Counties ;
Company B, from Cerro Gordo County ; Company C, from Black Hawk
County ; Company D, from Boone County; Company E, from Butler County;
Company F, from Hardin County; Company G, from Butler and Floyd Coun-,
ties ; Company H, from Franklin County; Company I, from Webster County,
and Company K, from Marshall and Polk Counties, and was mustered into
the United States service October 5, 1862. Was engaged at Fort De Russey,
Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, Old Town Creek, Nashville, etc., and was mustered out
of the United States service at Clinton, Iowa, Aug. 24, 1865.
THE THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY
was organized at Oskaloosa, with Samuel A. Rice, of Oskaloosa, as Colonel ;
Cyrus H. Maskey, of Sigourney, as Lieutenant Colonel, and Hiram D. Gibson,
of Knoxville, as Major. Companies A and I were from Marion County; Com-
panies B, F and H, from Keokuk County; Companies C, D, E and K, from
Makaska County, and Company G, from Marion, Makaska and Polk Counties,
and mustered in October 1, 1862. Was engaged at Little Rock, Helena, Sa-
line River, Spanish Fort and Yazoo Pass. Was mustered out at New Orleans,
July 17, 1865.
242 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
THE THIRTY-FOURTH INFANTRY
was organized with George W. Clark, of Indianola, as Colonel ; W. S. Dungan,
of Chariton, as Lieutenant Colonel, and R. D. Kellogg, of Decatur County, as
Major, and mustered in at Burlington, October 15, 18G2. Companies A and I
were from Decatur County ; Companies B, C and D, from Warren County ; Com-
pany E, from Lucas County; Company F, fnmi Wayne County; Company G,
from Lucas and Clark Counties ; Company II, from Madison and Warren
Counties, and Company K, from Lucas County. Was engaged at Arkansas
Post, Ft. Gaines, etc., etc. Was consolidated with the Thirty-eighth Infantry,
January 1, 1865, and mustered out at Houston, Texas, August 15, 1805.
THE TIIIRTY'-FIFTH INFANTRY
was organized at Muscatine, and mustered in the United States service Sep-
tember 18, 1862, with S. G. Hill, of Muscatine, as Colonel; James H. Roth-
rock, as Lieutenant Colonel, and Henry OConner, of Muscatine, as Major.
Companies A, B, C, D and E, were from Muscatine County; Company F,
from Muscatine and Louisa Counties ; Companies G, II and I, from Muscatine
and Cedar Counties, and Company K, from Cedar County. Participated in
the battles of Jackson, siege of Vicksburg, Bayou Rapids, Bayou de Glaze,
Pleasant Hill, Old River Lake, Tupelo, Nashville, etc. Was mustered out at
Davenport, August 10, 1865.
THE THIRTY-SIXTH INFANTRY
was organized at Keokuk, with Charles W. Kittredge, of Ottumwa, as Colonel ;
F M. Drake, of Unionville, Appanoose Count3^ as Lieutenant Colonel, and T.
C. Woodward, of Ottumwa, as Major, and mustered in October 4, 1862 ; Com-
pany A was from Monroe County ; Companies B, D, E, H and K, from
Wapello County, and Companies C, F, G and I, from Appanoose County.
Was engaged in the following battles : Mark's Mills, Ark. ; Elkins' Ford,
Camden, Helena, Jenkins' Ferry, etc. At Mark's Mills, April 25, 1864, out
of 500 engaged, lost 200 killed and wounded, the balance being taken prisoners
of war ; was exchanged October 6, 1864. Was mustered out at Duvall's Bluff,
Ark., August 24, 1865.
THE THIRY-SEVENTH INFANTRY (OR GRAY BEARDS;
was organized with Geo. W. Kincaid, of Muscatine, as Colonel; Geo. R. West,
of Dubu(|ue, as Lieutenant Colonel, and Lyman Allen, of Iowa City, as Major,
and was mustered into United States service at Muscatine December 15, 1862.
Company A was from Black Hawk and Linn Counties ; Company B, from
Muscatine County ; Company C, from Van Buren and Lee Counties ; Company
D, from Johnson and Iowa Counties ; Company E, from Wapello and Mahaska
Counties ; Company F, from I)ubu(}ue County ; Com})any G, from Appanoose,
Des Moines, Henry and Washington Counties; Company H, from Henry and
Jefferson Counties ; Company I, from Jasper, Linn and other counties, and
Company K, from Scott and Fayette Counties. The object of the Thirty-
seventh was to do garrison duty and let the young men go to the front. It was
mustered out at Davenport on expiration of three years' service.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 243
THE THIRTY-EIOIITII INFANTRY
was organized at Dubuque, and mustered in November 4, 1862, witli D. II.
Hughes, of Decorah, as Colonel ; J. 0. Hudnutt, of Waverly, as Lieutenan,
Colonel, and Charles Chadwick, of West Union, as Major. Companies A, Ft
G and II were from Fayette County ; Company B, from Bremer County ; Com-
pany C, from Chickasaw County ; Companies D, E and K, from Winneshiek
County, and Company I, from Howard County. Participated in the siege of
Vicksburg, Banks' Red River expedition, and on December }2, 1864, was
consolidated with the Thirty-fourth Infantry. Mustered out at Houston, Texas.
August 15, 1865.
THE THIRTY -NINTH INFANTRY
was organized with H. J. B. Cummings, of Winterset, as Colonel; James Red-
fiehl, of Redfield, Dallas County, as Lieutenant Colonel ; and J. M. Griffiths,
of Des Moines, as Major. Companies A and F were from Madison County ;
Companies B and I, from Polk County ; Companies C and H, from Dallas
County ; Company D, from Clark County; Company E, from Greene County ;
Company G, from Des Moines and Henry Counties ; and Company K, from
Clark and Decatur Counties. Was engaged at Parker's Cross Roads, Tenn.;
Corinth, Allatoona, Ga.; Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Sherman's march
to Savannah and through the Carolinas to Richmond, and was mustered out at
Washington June 5, 1865.
THE FORTIETH INFANTRY
was organized at Iowa City November 15, 1862, with John A. Garrett, of
Newton, as Colonel; S. F. Cooper, of Grinnell, as Lieutenant Colonel; and
S. G. Smith, of Newton, as Major. Companies A and H were from Marion
County; Company B, from Poweshiek County; Company C, from Mahaska
County; Companies D and E, from Jasper County; Company F, from Ma-
haska and Marion Counties ; Company G, from Marion County ; Company I,
from Keokuk County ; and Company K, from Benton and other counties. Par-
ticipated in the siege of Vicksburg, Steele's expedition, Banks' Red River
expedition. Jenkins' Ferry, etc. Was mustered out at Port Gibson August 2.
1866.
THE FORTY-FIRST INFANTRY,
formerly Companies A, B and C of the Fourteenth Infantry, became Compa-
nies K, L and M of the Seventh Cavalry, under authority of the War Depart-
ment. Its infantry organization was under command of John Pattee, of Iowa
City, Company A was from Black Hawk, Johnson and other counties; Com-
pany B, from Johnson County ; and Company C, from Des Moines and various
counties.
THE FORTY-FOURTH INFANTRY (100 DAYS)
was organized at Davenport, and mustered in June 1, 1864. Company A was
from Dubuque County; Company B, Muscatine County; Company C, Jones,
Linn and Dubuque Counties; Company D, Johnson and Linn Counties; Com-
pany E, Bremer and Butler Counties ; Company F, Clinton and Jackson
Counties; Company G, Marshall and Hardin Counties; Company II, Boone
and Polk Counties; Compiinie.s I and K, Scott County. The Forty-fourth
did garrison duty at Memphis and La Grange, Tenn. Mustered out at Daven-
port, September 15, 1864.
244 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
THE FORTY-FIFTH INFANTRY (100 DAYS)
was mustered in at Keokuk, May 25, 1864, with A. H. Bereman, of Mount
Pleasant, as Colonel ; S. A. Moore, of Bloomfield, as Lieutenant Colonel, and
J. B. Hope, of Washington, as Major. The companies were from the following
counties: A, Henry; B, Washington; C, Lee; D, Davis; E, Henry and
Lee ; F, Des Moines ; G, Des Moines and Henry ; H, Henry ; I, Jefferson,
and K, Van Buren. Was mustered out at Keokuk, September 16, 1864.
THE FORTY-SIXTH INFANTRY (100 DAYS)
was organized with D. B. Henderson, of Clermont, as Colonel ; L. D. Durbin,
of Tipton, as Lieutenant Colonel, and G. L. Tarbet, as Major, and was mus-
tered in at Dubuque, June 10, 1864. Company A was from Dubuque; Com-
pany B, from Poweshiek ; C, from Dallas and Guthrie ; D, from Taylor and
Fayette; E, from Ringgold and Linn ; F, from Winneshiek and Delaware ; G,
from Appanoose and Delaware ; H, from Wayne ; I, from Cedar, and K, from
Lucas. Was mustered out at Davenport, iSeptember 2o, 1864.
THE FORTY-S£VENTH INFANTRY (100 DAYS)
was mustered into United States service at Davenport, June 4, 1864, with
James P. Sanford, of Oskaloosa, as Colonel ; John Williams, of Iowa City, as
Lieutenant Colonel, and G. J. Wrigiit, of Des Moines, as Major. Company
A was from Marion and Clayton Counties; Company B, from Appanoose
County ; Company C, from Waj)ello and Benton Counties ; Company B, from
Buchanan and Linn Counties; Company E, from Madison County; Company
F, from Polk County ; Company G, from Johnson County ; Company H, from
Keokuk County; Company I, from Mahaska County, and Company K, from
Wapello.
THE FORTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY — BATTALION — (100 DAYS)
was organized at Davenport, and mustered in July 13, 1864, with 0. H. P.
Scott, of Farmington, as Lieutenant Colonel. Company A was from Warren
County; Company B, from Jasper County; Company C, from Decatur County,
and Company D, from Des Moines and Lee Counties, and was mustered out at
Rock Island 'Barracks Oct. 21, 1864.
CAVALRY.
THE FIRST CAVALRY
was organized at Burlington, and mustered into the United States service May
3, IStn, Avith Fitz Henry Warren, of Burlington, as Colonel; Chas. E. Moss,
of Keokuk, as Lieutenant Colonel ; and E. W. Chamberlain, of Burlington,
James 0. Gower, of Iowa City, and W. M. G. Torrence, of Keokuk, as Majors.
Company A was from Lee, Van Buren and Wapello Counties ; Company B,
from Clinton County ; Company C, from Des Moines and Lee Counties ; Com-
pany D, from Madison and Warren Counties; Company E, from Henry
County ; Company F, from Johnson and Linn Counties ; Company G, from
Dubuque and Black Hawk Counties; Company II, from Lucas and Morrison
Counties ; Company I, from Wapello and Des Moines Counties ; Company K,
from Allamakee and Clayton Counties ; Company L, from Dubuqjae and other
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 245
counties; Company M, from Clinton County. It was engaged at Pleasant
Hill, Mo.; Rolla, New Lexington, Elkins' Ford, Little Rock, Bayou Metoe,
Warrcnsburg, Big Creek Bluffs, Antwineville, Clear Creek, etc. Was mustered
out at Austin, Texas, February 15, 1866.
THE SECOND CAVALRY
was organized with W. L. Elliott, of the regular army, as Colonel ; Edward
Hatch, of Muscatine, as Lieutenant Colonel ; and N. P. Hepburn, of Marshall-
town, D. E. Coon, of Mason City, and H. W. Love, of Iowa City, as Majors,
and was mustered into the United States service at Davenport September 1,
1861. Company A was from Muscatine County ; Company B, from Marshall
County ; Company C, from Scott County ; Company D, from Polk County ;
Company E, from Scott County; Company F, from Llamilton and Franklin
Counties; Company G, from Muscatine County; Company H, from Johnson
County ; Company I, from Cerro Gordo, Delaware and other counties ; Com-
pany K, from Des Moines County ; Company L, from Jackson County, and
Company M, from Jackson County. The Second Cavalry participated in the
following military movements : Siege of Corinth, battles of Farmington, Boone-
ville, Rienzi, luka, Corinth, Coffeeville, Palo Alto, Birmingham, Jackson,
Grenada, Collierville, Moscow, Pontotoc, Tupelo, Old Town, Oxford, and en-
gagements against Hood's march on Nashville, battle of Nashville, etc. Was
mustered out at Selma, Ala., September 19, 1865.
THE THIRD CAVALRY
was organized and mustered into the United States service at Keokuk, in Au-
gust and September, 1861, with Cyrus Bussey, of Bloomfield, as Colonel; H.
H. Bussey, of Bloomfield, as Lieutenant Colonel, and C. H. Perry, H. C. Cald-
well and W. C. Drake, of Corydon, as Majors. Companies A and E were from
Davis County; Company B, from Van Buren and Lee Counties; Company C,
from Lee and Keokuk Counties; Company D, from Davis and Van Buren
Counties; Company F, from Jefferson County; Company G, from Van Buren
County; Company II, from Van Buren and Jefferson Counties; Company I,
from Appanoose County; Company K, from Wapello and Marion Counties;
Company L, from Decatur County, and Company M, from Appanoose and De-
catur Counties. It was engaged in the following battles and skirmishes :
Pea Ridge, La Grange, Sycamore, near Little Rock, Columbus, Pope's Farm,
Big Blue, Ripley, Coldwater, Osage, Tallahatchie, Moore's Mill, near Monte-
vallo, near Independence, Pine Bluff", Botts' Farm, Gun Town, White's Station,
Tupelo, Village Creek. Was mustered out of United States service at Atlanta,
Ga., August 9, 1865.
THE FOURTH CAVALRY
was organized with Asbury B. Porter, of Mount Pleasant, as Colonel ; Thomas
Drummond, of Vinton, as Lieutenant Colonel ; S. D. Swan, of Mount Pleas-
ant, J. E. Jewett, of Des Moines, and G. A. Stone, of Motsnt Pleasant, as
Majors, and mustered into United States service at Mount Pleasant November
21, 1861. Company A was from Delaware County; Company C, from Jef-
ferson and Henry Counties ; Company D, from Henry County ; Company E,
246 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
from Jasper and Poweshiek Counties ; Company F, from Wapello County ;
Company G, from Lee and Henry Counties ; Company H, from Chickasaw
County ; Company I, from Madison County ; Company K, from Henry
County ; Company L, from Des Moines and other counties ; and Company M,
from Jefferson County. The Fourth Cavalry lost-men in the following engage-
ments : Guntown, Miss.; Helena, Ark.; near Bear Creek, Miss.; near Mem-
|)his, Tenn.; Town Creek, Miss.; Columbus, Ga.; Mechanicsburg, Miss.; Little
Blue River, Ark.; Brownsville, Miss.; Ripley, Miss.; Black River Bridge,
Miss.; Grenada, Miss.; Little Red River, Ark.; Tupelo, Miss.; Yazoo River,
Miss.; White River, Ark.; Osage, Kan.; Lick Creek, Ark.; Okalona, Miss.;
St. Francis River, Ark. Was mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., August 10, 1865.
THE FIFTH CAVALRY
Avas organized at Omaha with Wm. W. Lowe, of the regular army, as Colo-
nel ; M. T. Patrick, of Omaha, as Lieutenant Colonel ; and C. S. Bernstein,
of Dubuque, as Major, and mustered in September 21, 1861. Companies A,
B, C and D were mostly from Nebraska ; Company E, from Dubuque County ;
Company F, from Des Moines, Dubuque and Lee Counties , Company G, from
Minnesota; Company II, from Jackson and other counties; Companies I and
K were from Minnesota; Company L, from Minnesota and Missouri; Com-
pany M, from Missouri ; Companies G, I and K were transferred to Minnesota
Volunteers Feb. 25, 1864. The new Company G was organized from veterans
and recruits and Companies C, E, F and I of Fifth Iowa Infontry, and trans-
ferred to Fifth Cavalry August 8, 1864. The second Company 1 was organ-
ized from veterans and recruits and Companies A, B, D, G, H and K of the
Fifth Iowa Infantry, and transferred to Fifth Iowa Cavalry August 18, 1864.
Was engaged at second battle of Fort Donelson, Wartrace, Duck River Bridge,
Sugar Creek, Newnan, Camp Creek, Cumberland Works, Tenn.; Jonesboro,
Ebenezer Church, Lockbridge's Mills, Pulaski, Cheraw, and mustered out at
Nashville, Tenn., August 11, 1865.
THE SIXTH CAVALRY.
was organized with D. S. Wilson, of Dubuque, as Colonel ; S. M. Pollock, of
Dubuque, as Lieutenant Colonel ; T. H. Shephard, of Iowa City, E. P. Ten-
Broeck, of Clinton, and A. E. House, of Delhi, as Majors, and was mustered
in at Davenport, January 31, 1863. Company A was from Scott and other
counties; Company B, from Dubuque and other counties; Company C, from
Fayette County; Company D, from Winneshiek County; Company E, from
Southwest counties of the State ; Company F, from Allamakee and other
counties ; Company G, from Delaware and Buchanan Counties ; Company H,
from Linn County ; Company I, from Johnson and other counties ; Company
K, from Linn County; Company L, from Clayton County; Company M, from
•Johnson and Dubuque Counties. The Sixth Cavalry operated on the frontier
against the Indians. Was mustered out at Sioux City, October 17, 1865.
THE SEVENTH CAVALRY
was organized at Davenport, and mustered into the United States service April
27, 1863, with S. W. Summers, of Ottumwa, as Colonel ; John Pattee, of Iowa
City, as Lieutenant Colonel ; H. 11. Heath and G. M. O'Brien, of Dubuque,
HISTORY OF TEIE STATE OF IOWA. 247
and John S. "Wood, of Ottumwa, as Majors. Companies A, B, C and D, were
from Wapello and other counties in immediate vicinity; Companies E, F, G
and H, were from all parts of the State ; Company I, from Sioux City and
known as Sioux City Cavalry; Company K was originally Company A of the
Fourteenth Infantry and afterward Company A of the Forty-first Infantry, was
from Johnson and other counties ; Company L was originally Company B, of
the Forty-first Infantry and afterward Comjjany B, of tlie Forty , and
wa^ from Johnson County; Company M was originally Company C, of the
Fourteenth Infantry, and afterward Company C, of the Forty-first and from Des
Moines and other counties. The Seventh Cavalry operated against the Indi-
ans. Excepting the Lieutenant Colonel and Companies K, L and M, the regi-
ment was mustered out at Leavenworth, Kansas, May 17, 18GG. Companies.
K, L, and M were mustered out at Sioux City, June 22, 1800.
TUE EIGHTH CAVALRY
was organized with J. B. Dorr, of Dubuque, as Colonel ; II. G. Barner, of
Sidney, as Lieutenant Colonel ; John J. Bovven, of Ilopkinton, J. D. Thompson,
of Eldora, and A. J. Price, of Guttenburg, as Majors, and were mustered in at
Davenport September 30, 1803. The companies were mostly from the follow-
ing counties: Company A, Page ; B, Wapello; C, Van Buren; D, Ring-
gold; E, Henry; F, Appanoose; G, Clayton ; II, Appanoose; I, Marshall;
K, Muscatine; L, Wapello; M, Polk. The Eighth did a large amount of duty
guarding Sherman's communications, in which it had many small engagements.
It was in the battles of Lost Mountain, Lovejoy's Station, Newnan, Nashville,
etc. Was on Stoneman's cavalry raid around Atlanta, and Wilson's raid
through Alabama. Was mustered out at Macon, Ga., August 13, 1805.
THE NINTH CAVALRY
was mustered in at Davenport, November 30, 1803, with M. M. Trumbull, of
Cedar Falls, as Colonel ; J. P. Knight, of Mitchell, as Lieutenant Colonel ; E.
T. Ensign, of Des Moines, Willis Drummond, of McGregor, and William Had-
dock, of Waterloo, as Majors. Company A was from Muscatine County ;
Company B, Linn County; Company C, Wapello and Decatur Counties ; Com-
pany D, Washington County ; Company E, Fayette County ; Company F,
Clayton County ; Companies G and II, various counties ; Company I, Wapello
and Jefferson Counties; Company K, Keokuk County; Company L, Jasper
and Marion Counties ; Company M, Wapello and Lee Counties. Was mustered
out at Little Rock, Ark., February 28, 1806.
ARTILLERY.
THE FIRST BATTERY OP LIGHT ARTILLERY
was enrolled in the counties of Wapello, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jefferson,
Black Hawk, etc., and was mustered in at Burlington, Aug. 17, 1801, with C. H.
Fletcher, of Burlington, as Captain. Was engaged at Pea Ridge, Port (iibson,
in Atlanta campaign, Chickasaw Bayou, Lookout Mountain, etc. Was mus-
tered out at Davenport July 5, 1805.
248 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
THE SECOND BATTERY OF LIGHT ARTILLERY
was enrolled in the counties of Dallas, Polk, Harrison, Fremont and Pottawat-
tamie, and mustered into United States service at Council Blufls and St. Louis,
Mo , Aug. 8 and 31, 1861, with Nelson T. Spear, of Council Bluffs, as
Captain. Was engaged at Farmington, Corinth, etc. Was mustered out at
Davenport, Aug. 7, 1865.
THE THIRD BATTERY OF LIGHT ARTILLERY
was enrolled in the counties of Dubuque, Black Hawk, Butler and Floyd, and
mustered into United States service at Dubuque, September, 1861, with M.
M. Hayden, of Dubuque, as Captain. Was at battle of Pea Ridge, etc., etc.
Was mustered out at Davenport, Oct. 23, 1865.
THE FOURTH BATTERY OF LIGHT ARTILLERY
was enrolled in Mahaska, Henry, Mills and Fremont Counties, and was mus-
tered in at Davenport, Nov. 23, 1863, with P. H. Goode, of Glenwood, Cap-
tain. Was mustered out at Davenport, July 14, 1865.
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE FOURTH BATTALION
Company A, from Fremont County, W. Hoyt, Captain; Company B, from
Taylor County, John Flick, Captain; Company C, from Page County, J.
Whitcomb, Captain.
THE NORTHERN BORDER BRIGADE
was organized by the State of Iowa to protect the Northwestern frontier,
James A. Sawyer, of Sioux City, was elected Colonel. It had Companies A,
B, C, D and E, all enlisted from the Northwestern counties.
THE SOUTHERN BORDER BRIGADE
was organized by the State for the purpose of protecting the Southern border
of the State, and was organized in counties on the border of Missouri. Com-
pany A, First Battalion, was from Lee County, Wm. Sole, Captain; Company B,
First Battalion, Joseph Dickey, Captain, from Van Buren County; Company
A, Second Battalion, from Davis County. Capt. H. B. Horn ; Company B, Sec-
ond Battalion, from Appanoose County, E. B. Skinner, Captain; Company A,
Third Battalion, from Decatur County, J. H. Simmons, Captain; Company B,
Third Battalion, from Wayne County, E. F. Estel, Captain; Company C,
Third Battalion, from Ringgold County, N. Miller, Captain.
THE FIRST INFANTRY AFRICAN DESCENT — (SIXTIETH U. S.)
was organized with John G. Hudson, Captain Company B, Thirty-third Mis-
souri, as Colonel; M. F. Collins, of Keokuk, as Lieutenant Colonel, and J. L.
Murphy, of Keokuk, as Major. Had ten companies, and were mustered in at
various places in the Fall of 1863. The men were from all parts of the State
and some from Missouri,
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA. 249
During the war, the following promotions were made by the United States
Government from Iowa regiments:*
MAJOR GENERALS
Samuel R. Curtis, Brigadier General, from March 21, 1863.
Frederick Steele, Brigadier (ieneral, from November 29, 18G2.
Frank J. Herron, Brigadier General, from ISTovember 29, 1863.
Grenville M. Dodge, Brigadier General, from June 7, 1864.
BRIGADIER GENERALS.
Samuel R. Curtis, Colonel 2d Infantry, from May 17, 1861.
Frederick Steele, Colonel 8th Infantry, from February 6, 1863.
Jacob G. Lauman, Colonel 7th Infantry, from March 21, 1863.
Grenville M. Dodge, Colonel 4th Infantry, from March 31, 1862.
James M. Tuttle, Colonel 3d Infantry, from June 9, 1863.
Washington L. Elliott, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from June 11, 1863.
Fitz Henry Warren, Colonel 1st Cavalry , from July 6, 1862.
Frank J. Herron, Lieutenant Colonel 9tii Infantry, from July 30, 1863.
Charles L. Matthies, Colonel 5th Infantry, from November 39, 1863.
William Yandever, Colonel 9tli Infantry, from November 39, 1863.
Marcellus M. Crocker, Colonel 13th Infantry, from Nov. 39, 1863. (Since died.)
Hugh T. Reid, Colonel 15th Infantry from March 13, 1863.
Samuel A. Rice, Colonel 33d Infantry, from August 4, 1863.
John M. Corse, Colonel 6th Infantry, from August 11, 1863.
Cyrus Bussey, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from January 5, 1864.
Edward Hatch, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from April 37, 1864. .
Elliott W. Rice, Colonel 7th Infantry, from June 30, 1864.
Wm. W. Belknap, Colonel 15th Infantry, from July 30, 1864.
Jolm Edwards, Colonel 18tli Infantry, from September 36, 1864.
James A. Williamson, Colonel 4th Infantry, from January 13, 1864.
James I. Gilbert, Colonel 37th Infantry, from February 9, 1865.
BREVET MAJOR GENERALS.
John M. Corse, Brigadier General from October 5, 1864.
Edward Hatch, Brigadier General, from December 15, 1864.
Wm. W. Belknap, Brigadier General, from March 13, 1865.
W. L. Elliott, Brigadier General, from March 13, 1865.
Wm. Vandever, Brigadier General, from June 7, 1865.
BREVET BRIGADIER GENERALS.
Wm. T. Clark, A. A. G., late of 13th Infantry, from July 23, 1864.
Edward F. Winslow, Colonel 4th Cavalry, from December 13, 1864.
S. G. Hill, Colonel 35th Infantry, from December 15, 1864. (Since died.)
Thos. II. Benton, Colonel 39th Infantry, from December 15, 1864.
Samuel L. Glasgow, Colonel 33d Infantry, from December 19, 1864.
Clark R. AVever, Colonel 17th Infantry, from February 9, 1805.
Francis M. Drake, Lieutenant Colonel 36th Infantry, from February 33, 1865.
George A. Stone, Colonel 35th Infantiy, from March 13, 1865.
Datus E. Coon, Colonel 3(1 Cavalry, from Marcli 8, 1865.
George W. Clark, Colonel 34th Infantry, from March 13, 1865.
Herman H. Heath, Colonel 7th Cavalry, from March 13, 1865.
J. M. Hedrick, Colonel 15th Infantry, from Marcli 13, 1865.
W. W. Lowe, Colonel 5th Cavalry, from March 13, 1865.
♦Thomas J. McKean was appointed Paymaster in U. S. A. from Iowa, and subsequently promoted Brigadier General,
to date fiom Nov. 21, ISfil.
250
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
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254
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
NUMBER OF TROOPS FURNISHED BY THE STATE OF IOWA
DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION,
TO JANUARY 1, 1865.
No. Regiment.
1st Iowa
2d
3d
4th
6th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
llth
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
18th
19th
20th
21st
22d
23d
24th
25th
26th
27th
28th
29th
30th
31st
32d
33d
34th
35th
36th
37th
38th
Infantry .
No. of
men
959
1,247
1,074
1,184
1,037
1,013
1,138
1,027
1,000
1,027
1,022
981
989
840
1,196
919
956
875
985
925
980
1,008
961
979
995
919
940
956
1,005
978
977
925
985
953
984
986
914
910
No. Regiment.
39th Iowa Infantry
40th " "
41st Battalion Iowa Infantry
44th Infantry (100-days men)
45th " " "
4Cth " " "
47th " " "
48th Battalion '= "
1st Iowa Cavalry
2d " "
3d " "
4th " "
5th " "
6th " "
7th " "
8th " "
9th " "
Sioux City Cavalry*
Co. A, llth Tenn. Cavalry
1st Battery Artillery
2d " "
3d • " "
4th " "
1st Iowa African Infantry, 60th U. Sf ..
Dodge's Brigade Band
Band of 2d Iowa Infantry
Enlistments as far as reported to Jan. 1,
1864, for the older Iowa regiments
Enlistments of Iowa men in regiments
of other States, over
No. of
men.
Total
Re-enlisted Veterans for different Regi-
ments
Additional enlistments
Grand total as far as reported up to Jan.
1, 1865
933
900
294
867
912
892
884
346
1,478
1,394
1,360
1 ,227
1,245
1,125
562
1,234
1,178
93
87
149
123
142
152
903
14
10
2,765
2,500
61,653
7,202
6,664
75,519
This does not include those Iowa men who veteranized in the regiments of other States, nor
the names of men who enlisted during 1864, in regiments of other Slates.
* Afterward consolidated with Seventh Cavalry,
f Only a portion of this regiment was credited to the State.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
255
POPULATION OF IOWA,
By Counties.
COUNTIES.
AGGREGATE.
1875.
1870.
1860.
1850.
1840.
Voters.
Adair
7045
7832
19158
17405
2370
28807
22918
17251
13220
17315
3561
3982
4614
17868
16450
1212
22454
21706
14584
12528
17034
1585
984
1533
12287
11931
454
8496
8244
4232
4915
7906
57
1616
Adams
1727
Allamakee
777
8131
3653
Appanoose
Audubon
3679
527
Benton
672
135
735
4778
Black Hawk
4877
Boone
3515
Bremer
2656
Buchanan
517
3890
Buena Vista
817
Buncombe*
Butler
11734
3185
5760
10552
17879
6685
424<i
11400
10118
3559
27184
34295
6039
14386
15757
13249
16893
85415
1748
43845
1436
20515
13100
6558
13719
7028
8134
9638
7701
1482
15029
11818
21594
7875
8455
794
17456
23061
24128
17127
24654
19168
9951
1602
2451
5464
19731
4722
1967
10180
8735
1523
27771
35357
2530
12019
15565
12018
17432
27256
1389
38969
1392
16973
10768
4738
11173
4627
6399
7061
6055
999
13684
8981
21463
6282
2596
226
16644
22619
22116
17839
24898
19731
8724
147
281
1612
12949
940
58
4386
5427
52
20728
18988
883
5244
13764
8677
11024
19611
180
31164
105
12073
3744
1309
5074
1374
793
3058
1699
179
5440
8621
18701
3168
332
43
8029
18493
9888
15038
17573
18806
2598
Calhoun
681
Carroll
1197
Cass
2422
Cedar
3941
1253
3934
Cerro Gordo
1526
Cherokee
1001
2392
Clarke
79
2213
868
8873
2822
1101
821
5272
5569
Crawford
1244
854
7264
965
1759
12988
3170
8448
2882
168
5577
3662
6654
894
10841
3059
8759
Emmet t
299
Floyd
825
4687
2884
1374
Fremont
1244
2998
1622
1525
2339
1455
303
Hardin
3215
2658
Henry
8707
3772
4641
1712
695
172
822
7210
1280
9904
4472
3007
3576
1411
4901
5239
2773
1491
471
8721
5225
Jones
4180
* In 1862, name changed to Lyon.
256
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IOWA.
POPULATION OF IOWA— Concluded.
COUNTIES.
AGGIlEaATE.
1875.
1870.
1860.
1850.
1840.
Voters.
Keokuk
20488
3765
33913
81815
12499
11725
1139
16030
23718
24094
19629
10555
11523
2267
12811
10389
21623
2349
1778
14274
2728
5282
2249
31558
21665
16482
7546
2873
39763
5664
3120
13111
18771
10418
8827
16980
23865
18541
19269
13978
13114
29H(;
24233
8568
4908
8244
19484
8351
88210
28852
12877
10388
221
13884
22508
24436
17576
8718
9582
3654
12724
5934
21688
715
1327]
416
29232
18947
10370
5766
4822
4902
773
Lee
18861
5444
4939
471
6093
1373
1927
7274
7509
2899
2464
Lyon*
287
7339
14816
16813
6015
4481
8409
832
8612
1256
16444
8
1179
8632
5989
5482
338
6287
4988
Marshall
4445
Mills
2365
Mitchell
2338
1292
Monroe
2884
2743
Montgomery
2485
5731
1942
6588
595
498
9975
1336
2199
1446
27857
16893
15581
5691
1411
88599
2540
576
11651
16131
6989
6986
17672
22346
17980
18952
11287
10484
1562
28570
6172
2892
2392
4419
132
148
103
11625
4968
5668
2923
246
25959
818
10
4051
5285
3590
2012
17081
14518
10281
14235
6409
2504
168
18942
1119
756
653
551
8222
Palo Alto
556
1136
Pocahontas
464
4513
6842
7828
4392
615
3684
Rinfferold
1496
657
Scott
5986
2140
7109
Shelby
1084
Sioux
637
2574
Tama
8
3911
204
2282
Union
1924
12270 61 46
8893
Wapello
8471
961
4957
340
5346
4168
Washington
1594
4168
Webster
2947
2747
1
406
546
4117
1776
Worth
768
Wright ..
694
Total
1353118
1191792
674913
192214 43112
284557
THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 257
ILLINOIS.
Length, 380 miles, mean width about 156 miles. Area, 55,410 square
miles, or 35,462,400 acres. Illinois, as regards its surface, constitutes a
table-land at a varying elevation ranging between 350 and 800 feet above
the sea level ; composed of extensive and highly fertile prairies and plains.
Much of the south division of- the State, especially the rivei'-bottoms, are
thickly wooded. The prairies, too, have oasis-like clumps of trees
scattered here and there at intervals. The chief rivers irrigating the
State are the Mississippi — dividing it from Iowa and Missouri — the Ohio
(forming its south barrier), the Illinois, Wabash, Kaskaskia, and San-
gamon, with their numerous affluents. The total extent of navigable
streams is calculated at 4,000 miles. Small lakes are scattered over vari-
ous parts of the State. Illinois is extremely prolific in minerals, chiefly
coal, iron, copper, and zinc ores, sulphur and limestone. The coal-field
alone is estimated to absorb a full third of the entire coal-deposit of North
America. Climate tolerably equable and healthy ; the mean temperature
standing at about 51'' Fahrenheit As an agricultural region, Illinois takes
a competitive rank with neighboring States, the cereals, fruits, and root-
crops yielding plentiful returns ; in fact, as a grain-growing State, Illinois
may be deemed, in proportion to her size, to possess a greater area of
lands suitable for its production than any other State in the Union. Stock-
raising is also largely carried on, while her manufacturing interests in
regard of woolen fabrics, etc., are on a very extensive and yearly expand-
ing scale. The lines of railroad in the State are among the most exten-
sive of the Union. Inland water-carriage is facilitated by a canal
connecting the Illinois River with Lake Michigan, and thence with the
St. Lawrence and Atlantic. Illinois is divided into 102 counties ; the
chief towns being Chicago, Springfield (capital), Alton, Quincy, Peoria,
Galena, Bloomington, Rock Island, Vandalia, etc. By the new Consti-
tution, established in 1870, the State Legislature consists of 51 Senators,
elected for four years, and 153 Representatives, for two years ; which
numbers were to "be decennially increased thereafter to the number of
six per every additional half-million of inhabitants. Religious and
educational institutions are largely diffused throughout, and are in a very
flourishing condition. Illinois has a State Lunatic and a Deaf and Dumb
Asylum at Jacksonville ; a State Penitentiary at Joliet ; and a Home for
(99)
258
THE NORTHWESTERN STATES.
Soldiers' Orphans at Normal. On November 80, 1870, the public debt of
the State was returned at $4,870,987, with a balance of $1,808,833
unprovided for. At the same period the value of assessed and equalized
property presented the following totals: assessed, $840,031,703 ; equal-
ized $480,664,058. The name of Illinois, through nearly th. whole of
the eighteenth century, embraced most of the known regions north and
west of Ohio. French colonists established themselves in 1678, at
Cahokia and Kaskaskia, and the territory of which these settlements
formed the nucleus was, in 1763, ceded to Great Britain in conjunction
with Canada, and ultimately resigned to the United States in 1787.
Illinois entered the Union as a State, December 3, 1818; and now sends
19 Representatives to Congress. Population, 2,539,891, in 1870.
THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 259
INDIANA.
Tlie profile of Indiana forms a nearly exact XJarallelogram, occupy-
ing one of the most fertile portions of the great Mississippi Valley. The
greater extent of the surface embraced within its limits consists of gentle
undulations rising into hilly tracts toward the Ohio bottom. The chief
rivers of the State are the Ohio and Wabasli, with their numerous
affluents. The soil is highly productive of the cereals and grasses — most
particularly so in the valleys of the Ohio, Wabash, Whitewater, and
White Rivers. The northeast and central portions are well timbered
with virgin forests, and the west section is notably rich in coal, constitut-
ing an offshoot of the great Illinois carboniferous field. Iron, copper,
marble, slate, gypsum, and various clays are also abundant. From an
agricultural point of view, the staple products are maize and wheat, with
the other cereals in lesser yields ; and besides these, flax, hemp, sorghum,
hops, etc., are extensively raised. Indiana is divided into 92 counties,
and counts among her principal cities and towns, those of Indianapolis
(the capital). Fort Wayne, Evansville, Terre Haute, Madison, Jefferson-
ville, Columbus, Vincennes, South Bend, etc. The public institutions of
the State are many and various, and on a scale of magnitude and
efficiency commensurate with her important political and industrial status.
Upward of two thousand miles of railroads permeate the State in all
directions, and greatly conduce to the development of her expanding
manufacturing interests. Statistics for the fiscal year terminating
October 31, 1870, exhibited a total of receipts, $3,896,541 as against dis-
bursements, $3,532,406, leaving a balance, $364,135 in favor of the State
Treasury. The entire public debt, January 5, 1871, $3,971,000. This
State was first settled by Canadian voyageurs in 1702, who erected a fort
at Vincennes ; in 1763 it passed into the hands of the English, and was
by the latter ceded to the United States in 1783. From 1788 till 1791,
an Indian warefare prevailed. In 1800, all the region west and north of
Ohio (then formed into a distinct territory) became merged in Indiana.
In 1809, the present limits of the State were defined, Michigan and
Illinois having previously been withdrawn. In 1811, Indiana was the
theater of the Indian War of Tecumseh, ending with the decisive battle
of Tippecanoe. In 1816 (December 11), Indiana became enrolled among
the States of the American Union. In 1834, the State passed through a
monetary crisis owing to its having become mixed up wdth railroad,
canal, and other speculations on a gigantic scale, which ended, for the
time being, in a general collapse of public credit, and consequent bank-
ruptcy. Since that time, however, the greater number of the public
260 THE NORTHWESTERN STATES.
■works which had brought about that imbroglio — especially the great
Wabasii and Erie Canal — have been completed, to the great benefit of
the State, whose subsequent progress has year by year been marked by
rapid strides in the paths of wealth, commerce, and general social and
political prosperity. The constitution now in force was adopted in 1851.
Population, 1,680,637.
IOWA.
In shape, Iowa presents an almost perfect parallelogram ; has a
length, north to south, of about 300 miles, by a pretty even width of 208
miles, and embraces an area of 55,045 square miles, or 35,228,800 acres.
The surface of the State is generally undulating, rising toward the
middle into an elevated plateau which forms the " divide " of the
Missouri and Mississippi basins. Rolling prairies, especially in the south
section, constitute a regnant feature, and the river bottoms, belted with
woodlands, present a soil of the richest alluvion. Iowa is well watered ;
the principal rivers being the Mississippi and Missouri, which form
respectively its east and west limits, and the Cedar, Iowa, and Des
Moines, affluents of the first named. Mineralogically, Iowa is important
as occupying a section of the great Northwest coal field, to the extent of
an area estimated at 25,000 square miles. Lead, coj^per, zinc, and iron,
are also mined in considerable quantities. The soil is well adapted to
the production of wheat, maize, and the other cereals; fruits, vegetables,
and esculent roots ; maize, wheat, and oats forming the chief staples.
Wine, tobacco, hops, and wax, are other noticeable items of the agricul-
tural yield. Cattle-raising, too, is a branch of rural industry largely
engaged in. The climate is healthy, although liable to extremes of heat
and cold. The annual gross product of the various manufactures carried
on in this State approximate, in round numbers, a sum of $20,000,000.
Iowa has an immense railroad system, besides over 500 miles of water-
communication by means of its navigable rivers. The State is politically
divided into 99 counties, with the following centers of population : Des
Moines (capital), Iowa City (former capital), Dubuque, Davenport, Bur-
lington, Council Bluffs, Keokuk, Muscatine, and Cedar Rapids. The
State institutions of Iowa — religious, scholastic, and philanthropic — are
on a par, as regards number and perfection of organization and operation,
with those of her Northwest sister States, and education is especially
well cared for, and largely diffused. Iowa formed a portion of the
American territorial acquisitions from France, by the so-called Louisiana
purchase in 1 803, and was politically identified with Louisiana till 1812,
THE NORTinVESTERN STATES. 263
when it merged into the Missouri Territory; in 1834 it came under the
jNIichigan organization, and, in 1836, under that of Wisconsin. Finally,
after being constituted an independent Territory, it became a State of
the Union, December 28, 1846. Population in 1860, 674,913 ; in 1870,
1,191,792, and in 1875, 1,353,118.
MICHIGAN.
United area, 56,243 square miles, or 35,995,520 acres. Extent of the
Upper and smaller Peninsula — length, 316 miles; breadth, fluctuating
between 36 and 120 miles. The south division is 416 miles long, by from
50 to 300 miles wide. Aggregate lake-shore line, 1,400 miles. The
Upper, or North, Peninsula consists chiefly of an elevated plateau,
expanding into the Porcupine mountain-system, attaining a maximum
height of some 2,000 feet. Its shores along Lake Superior are eminently
bold and picturesque, and its area is rich in minerals, its product of
copper constituting an important source of industry. Both divisions are
heavily wooded, and the South one, in addition, boasts of a deep, rich,
loamy soil, throwing up excellent crops of cereals and other agricultural
produce. The climate is generally mild and humid, though the Winter
colds are severe. The chief staples of farm husbandry include the cereals,
grasses, maple sugar, sorghum, tobacco, fruits, and dairy-stuffs. In 1870,
the acres of land in farms were : improved, 5,096,939 ; unimproved
woodland, 4,080,146 ; other unimproved land, 842,057. The cash value
of land was $398,240,578 ; of farming implements and machinery,
$13,711,979. In 1869, there were shipped from the Lake Superior ports,
874,582 tons of iron ore, and 45,762 of smelted pig, along with 14,188
tons of copper (ore and ingot). Coal is another article largely mined.
Inland communication is provided for by an admirably organized railroad
system, and by the St. Mary's Ship Canal, connecting Lakes Huron and
Superior. Michigan is politically divided into 78 cou.nties ; its chief
urban centers are Detroit, Lansing (cajjital), Ann Arbor, Marquette,
Bay City, Niles, Ypsilanti, Grand Haven, etc. The Governor of the
State is elected biennially. On November 30, 1870, the aggregate bonded
debt of Michigan amounted to $2,385,028, and the assessed valuation of
land to $266,929,278, representing an estimated cash value of $800,000,000.
Education is largely diffused and most excellently conducted and pro-
vided for. The State University at Ann Arbor, the colleges of Detroit
and Kalamazoo, the Albion Female College, the State Normal School at
Ypsilanti, and the State Agricultural College at Lansing, are chief among
the academic institutions. Michigan (a term of Chippeway origin, and
264 THE NORTHWESTERN STATES.
signifying " Great Lake), was discovered and first settled by French
Canadians, who, in IGTO, founded Detroit, the pioneer of a series of trad-
ing-posts on the Indian frontier. During the " Conspiracy of Pontiac,"
following the French loss of Canada, Michigan became the scene of a
sanguinary struggle between the whites and aborigines. In 1796, it
became annexed to the United States, which incorponited this region
with the Northwest Territory, and then with Indiana Territory, till ISOo,
when it became territorially independent. Michigan was the theater of
warlike operations during the war of 1S12 with Great Britain, and in
1819 was authorized to be represented by one delegate in Congress ; in
18-37 she was admitted into the Union as a State, and in 1869 ratified the
loth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. Population, 1,184,059.
WISCONSIN.
It has a mean length of 260 miles, and a maximum breadth of 215.
Laud area, 53,924 square miles, or 34,511,360 acres. Wisconsin lies at a
considerable altitude above sea-level, and consists for the most part of an
upland plateau, the surface of \rhich is undulating and very generally
divei"sified. Numerous local eminences called mounds are interspersed
over the State, and the Lake Michigan coast-line is in many parts char-
acterized by lofty escarped cliffs, even as on the west side the banks of
the Mississippi form a series of high and picturesque bluffs. A group of
islands known as The Apostles lie off the extreme north point of the
State in Lake Superior, and the great estuary of Green Bay, running far
inland, gives formation to a long, narrow peninsula between its waters
and those of Lake Michigan. The river-system of Wisconsin has three
outlets — those of Lake Superior, Green Bay, and the Mississippi, which
latter stream forms the entire southwest frontier, widening at one point
into the lai-ge watery expanse called Lake Pepin. Lake Superior receives
the St. Louis, Burnt Wood, and Montreal Rivci-s ; Green Bay, the
Menomonee, Peshtigo, Oconto, and Fox ; while into the Mississippi
emptv the St. Croix, Chippewa, Black, Wisconsin, and Rock Rivers.
The chief interior lakes are those of Winnebago, Horicon, and Court
Oreilles, and smaller sheets of water stud a great part of the surface.
The climate is healthful, with cold Winters and brief but very warm
Summers. Mean annual rainfall 31 inches. The geological system
represented by the State, embraces those rocks included between the
primarv and the Devonian series, the former containing extensive
deposits of copper and iron ore. Besides these minerals, lead and zinc
are found in great quantities, together with kaolin, plumbago, gypsum.
THE NOirniWESTEKN STATES. 265
and various cliiyy. Mining, conscHiuently, I'ornis a prominent indnstry,
and one of yearly increasing dimensions. The soil of Wisconsin is of
varying quality, but fertile on the whole, and in the north parts of the
State heavily timbered. The agricultural yield comprises the cereals,
together with flax, hemp, tobacco, pulse, sorguni, and all kinds of vege-
tables, and of the hardier fruits. In 1870, the State had a total number
of 102,904 farms, occupying 11,715,821 acres, of which 5,899,843 con-
sisted of improv(ul land, and 8,487,442 were timbered. Cash value of
farms, $300,414,064 ; of farm implements and machinery, $14,239,864.
Total estimated value of all farm products, including betterments and
additions to stock, $78,027,082 ; of orchard and dairy stuffs, $1,045,988 ;•
of lumber, $1,327,618 ; of home manufactures, $338,423 ; of all live-stock,
$45,310,882. Number of manufacturing esta])lishments, 7,18(5, employ-
ing 39,055 hands, and turning out productions valued at $85,024,91)0.
The political divisions of the State form 61 counties, and the (diief places
of wealth, trade, and population, are Madison (the capital), Milwaukee,
Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Prairie du Chien, Janesville, Portage City,
Racine, Kenosha, and J^a Crosse, hi 1870, the total assessed valuation
reached $333,209,838, as against a true valuation of both real and personal
estate aggregating $002,207,329. Treasury receipts during 1870, $886,-
696 ; disbursements, $906,829. Value of church |)r()perty, $4,749,988.
Education is amply provided for. Independentl}^ of the State University
at Madison, and those of Galesville and of Lawrence at Applcton, and
the colleges of Beloit, Racine, and Milton, there are Normal Schools at
Platteville and Whitewater. The State is divided into 4,802 common
school districts, maintained at a cost, in 1870, of $2,09-1,160. The chari-
table institutions of Wisconsin include a Deaf and Dumb Asylum, an
Institute for the Education of the Blind, and a Soldiers' Orphans' School.
In January, 1870, the railroad system ramified throughout the State
totalized 2,779 miles of track, including several lines far advanced toward
completion. Immigration is successfully encouraged by the State author-
ities, the larger number of yearly new-comers being of Scandinavian and
German origin. The territory now occupied within the limits of the
State of Wisconsin was explored by French missionaries and traders in
163i), and it remained under French jurisdiction unlil 1708, Avhcn it
became annexed to the British North AnKjrican possessions. In 1796, it
reverted to the United States, the government of which latter admitted
it within the limits of the Northwest Territory, and in 1809, attached it
to that of Illinois, and to Michigan in 1818. Wisconsin became independ-
ently territorially organized in 1886, and became a State of the Union,
March 3, 1847. Population in 1870, 1,064,985, of which 2,118 were of
the colored race, and 11,521 Indians, 1,206 of the latter being out of
tribal relations.
266 THE NORTHWESTERN STATES.
MINNESOTA
Its length, north to south, embraces an extent of 380 miles ; its
oreadth one of 250 miles at a maximum. Area, 84,000 square miles, or
54,760,000 acres. The surface of Minnesota, generally speaking, con-
sists of a succession of gently undulating plains and prairies, drained by
an admirable water-system, and with here and there heavily- timbered
bottoms and belts of virgin forest. The soil, corresponding with such a
superfices, is exceptionally rich, consisting for the most part of a dark,
calcareous sandy drift intermixed with loam. A distinguishing physical
feature of this State is its riverine ramifications, expanding in nearly
every part of it into almost innumerable lakes — the whole presenting an
aggregate of water-power having hardly a rival in the Union. Besides
the Mississippi — which here has its rise, and drains a basin of 800 miles
of country — the principal streams are the Minnesota (334 miles long),
the Red River of the North, the St. Croix, St. Louis, and many others of
lesser importance ; the chief lakes are those called Red, Cass, Leech,
Mille Lacs, Vermillion, and Wiuibigosh. Quite a concatenation of sheets
of water fringe the frontier line where Minnesota joins British America,
culminating in the Lake of the Woods. It has been estimated, that of
an area of 1,200,000 acres of surface between the St. Croix and Mis-
sissippi Rivers, not less than 73,000 acres are of lacustrine formation. In
point of minerals, the resources of Minnesota have as yet been very
imperfectly developed; iron, copj)er, coal, lead — all these are known to
exist in considerable deposits ; together Avith salt, limestone, and potter's
clay. The agricultural outlook of the State is in a high degree satis-
factory ; wheat constitutes the leading cereal in cultivation, .with Indian
corn and oats in next order. Fruits and vegetables are grown in great
plenty and of excellent quality. The lumber resources of Minnesota are
important ; the pine forests in the north region alone occupying an area
of some 21,000 square miles, which in 1870 produced a return of scaled
logs amounting to 313,116,416 feet. The natural industrial advantages
possessed by ]Minnesota are largely improved upon by a railroad system.
The political divisions of this State number 78 counties; of which the
chief cities and towns are : St. Paul (the capital), Stillwater, Red Wing,
St. Anthony, Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, and Mankato. Minnesota has
already assumed an attitude of liigh importance as a manufacturing State ;
this is mainly due to the wonderful command of water-power she pos-
sesses, as before spoken of. Besides her timber-trade, the milling of
flour, the distillation of whisky, and the tanning of leather, are prominent
interests, which iu 1860, gave returns to the amount of 814,831,043.
THE NORTHWESTERN STATES. 267
Education is notal)ly provided for on a broad and catholic scale, the
entire amount expended scholastically during the year 1870 being $857,-
816 ; while on November 30 of the preceding year the permanent school
fund stood at f 2,476,222. Besides a University and Agricultural College,
Normal and Reform Schools flourish, and with these may be mentioned
such various philanthropic and religious institutions as befit the needs of
an intelligent and prosperous community. The finances of the State for
the fiscal year terminating December 1, 1870, exhibited a balance on the
right side to the amount of $136,164, being a gain of $44,000 over the
previous year's figures. The earliest exploration of INIinnesota by the
whites was made in 1680 by a French Franciscan, Father Hennepin, who
gave the name of St. Antony to the Great Falls on the Upper Missisippi.
Ill 1763, the Treatv of Versailles ceded this region to England.
Twenty years later, Minnesota formed part of the Northwest Territory
transferred to the United States, and became herself territorialized inde-
pendently in 1849. Indian cessions in 1851 enlarged her boundaries, and.
May 11, 1857, Minnesota became a unit of the great American federation
of States. Population, 430,706.
NEBRASKA.
Maximum length, 412 miles ; extreme breadth, 208 miles. Area,
75,905 square miles, or 48,636,800 acres. The surface of this State is
almost entirely undulating prairie, and forms part of the west slope of
the great central basin of the North American Continent. In its west
division, near the base of the Rock}^ Mountains, is a sandy belt of
country, irregularly defined. In this part, too, are the " dunes," resem-
bling a wavy sea of sandy billows, as well as the Mauvaises Terres. a tract
of singular formation, produced by eccentric disintegrations and denuda-
tions of the land. The chief rivers are the Missouri, constituting its en-
tire east line of demarcation; the Nebraska or Platte, the Niobrara, the
Republican Fork of the Kansas, ^the Elkhorn, and the Loup Fork of the
Platte. The soil is very various, but consisting chiefly of rich, bottomy
loam, admirably adapted to the raising of heavy crops of cereals. All
the vegetables and fruits of the temperate zone are produced in great
size and plenty. For grazing purposes Nebraska is a State exceptionally
well fitted, a region of not less than 23,000,000 acres being adaptable to
this branch of husbandry. It is believed that the, as yet, comparatively
infertile tracts of land found in various parts of the State are susceptible
of productivity by means of a properly conducted system of irrigation-
Few minerals of moment have so far been found within the limits of"
•268
THE NORTn\Vi:>TF,KN STATES.
Nebraska, if we may except important saline deposits at the head of Salt'
Creek in its southeast section. The State is divided into 57 counties,
independent of the Pawnee and Winnebago Indians, and of unorganized
territory in the northwest part. The principal towns are Omaha, Lincoln
(State capital), Nebraska City, Columbus, Grand Island, etc. In 1870,
the total assessed value of property amounted to 853,000,000, being an
increase of 811.000,000 over the previous j'ear's returns. Tlie total
amount received from the school-fund during the year 1869-70 was
877,999. Education is making great onward strides, the State University
and an Agricultural College being far advanced toward completion. In
the matter of railroad communication, Nebraska bids fair to soon place
herself on a par with her neighbors to the east. Besides being inter-
sected by the Union Pacific line, with its off-shoot, the Fremont and Blair,
other tracks are in course of rapid construction. Organized by Con-
gressional Act" into a Territory, May 30, 1854, Nebraska entered the
Union as a full State, March 1, 1867. Population, 122,993.
tit:xtin(; Pu^uKiK wolves ix ax uakly day,
CONSTITUTION OF TELE UNITED STATES 269
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND ITS AMENDMENTS.
We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,
establish jzistice, insure domestic tranqaillity, jyrovide for the common
defense, promote the general tvelfare, and secure the blessings of liberty
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
for the United States of America.
Article I.
Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in
a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and
House of Representatives.
Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of mem-
bers chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the
lectors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of
the most numerous l)ranch of the State Legislature.
No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the
age of twenty-five years, and been seven j-ears a citizen of the United
States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in
which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the sev-
eral states which ma}- be included within this Union, according to their
respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole
number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of
years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons.
The actual enumeration shall be made within three j^ears after the first
meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subse-
quent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The
number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand,
but each state shall have at least one Representative ; and until such
enumeration shall be made the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled
to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plan-
tations one, Connecticut five. New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylva-
nia eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five,
and Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the
Executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such
vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment.
Sec. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two
Senators from each state, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ;
and each Senator shall have one vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first
election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes.
The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expira-
270 AND ITS AMENDMENTS.
tion of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth
year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that
one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the Legislature of any state,
the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next
meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.
No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age
of thirty years and been nine years a citizen of the United States, aud
who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he
shall be chosen.
The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of th
Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro
tempore^ \n the absence of the Vice-President, or when he sLall exercise
the office of President of the United States.
The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When
sitting for that purpose they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the
President of the United States is tried the Chief Justice shall preside.
And no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds
of the members present.
Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of
honor, trust, or profit under the United States;, but the party convicted
shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment,
and punishment according to law.
Sec. 4, The times, places and manner of holding elections for Sen-
ators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the Legis-
lature thereof; but the Congress ma}' at any time by law make or alter
such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by
law appoint a different day.
Sec. 5. Each house shall be the judge of the election, returns, and
qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute
a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to
day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members
in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide.
Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds,
expel a member.
Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to
time publish the same, exce[)ting such parts as may, in their judgment,
require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house
on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered
on the journal.
Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the
consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other
place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.
Sec. 6. The Senators and Representarives shall receive a compen-
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the
treasury of the United States. They shall in ail cases, except treason.
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 271
felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their
attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and
returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house
they shall not be questioned in any other place.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was
elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of tlie United
States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall
have been increased during such time ; and no person holding any office
under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his
continuance in office.
Sec. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of
Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments
as on other bills.
Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and
the Senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President
the United States ; if he approve he shall sign it ; but if not he shall
return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have origi-
nated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and
proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration two-thirds of that
house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objec-
tions, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all
such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by } eas and nays,
and the names of tlie persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered
on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned
by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted), after it shall have
been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he
had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its
return, in which case it shall not be a law.
Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the
Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a
question of adjournment), shall be presented to the President of the
United States, and before the same shall take effect shall be approved by
him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two-thirds of
the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and lim-
itations prescribed in the case of a bill.
Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power —
To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts,
and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United
Jtates ; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout
the United States ;
To borrow money on the credit of the United States ;
To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several
^trtes, and with the Indian tribes ;
To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on
the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States ;
To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and
fix the standard of weights and measures ;
To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and
current coin of the United States;
To establish post offices and post roads ;
.y-.i AND ITS AMENDMENTS.
To promote the progress of sciences and useful arts, by securing,
for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their
respective writings and discoveries ;
To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ;
To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high
seas, and offenses against the law of nations ;
To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules
concerning captures on land and water ;
To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that
use shall be for n longer term than two years;
To provide and maintain a navy ;
To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and
naval forces ;
To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the
Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions ;
To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the
United States, reserving to the states respectively the appointment of the
officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the disci-
pline prescribed by Congress ;
To exercise legislatron in all cases whatsoever over such district (not
exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United
States, and to exercise like authority over all places' purchased by the
consent of the Legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for
the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful
buildings ; and
To" make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying
into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this
Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any depart-
ment or officer thereof.
Sec. 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the
states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohiLited
by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight,
but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten
dollars for each person.
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended,
unless Avhen in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may
require it.
No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed.
No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion
to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken.
No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state.
No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or rev
enue to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels
bound to or from one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in
another.
No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of
the receipts and expeditures of ^all public money shall be published from
time to time.
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 273
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : and no
person holding any office of profit or trust nnder them, shall, without the
consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.
Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confeder-
ation ; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of
credit ; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of
debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.
No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts
or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary
for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and
imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the
Treasury of the United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the
revision and control of the Congress.
No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on
tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any
agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or
engao^e in war, unless actuallv invaded, or in such imminent danger as will
not admit of delay,
Akticle II.
Section 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of
the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term
of four years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same
term, be elected as follows :
Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof
may direct, a number of Electors, equal to the whole number of Senators
and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in the Congress;
but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or
profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
[*The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by
ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of
the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the
persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they
shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government
of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The Pres-
ident of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted.
The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President,
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed;
and if there be more than one who have such ma.iority, and have an equal
number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately
choose by ballot one of them for President ; and if no person have a ma-
jority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like
manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the vote
shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one
vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be
necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President,
* This clause between brackets has been supersedctl auii auuulleU by the Twelfth ameuUm«iit
274 AND ITS AMENDMENTS.
the person having the greatest number of votes of the Electors shall be
the Vice-President. But if there should remain two or more who have
equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice-Presi-
dent.]
The Congress may determine the time of choosing the Electors, and
the day on -which they shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same
throughout the United States.
No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United
States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible
to the office of President : neither shall any person be eligible to that
office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been
fourteen years a resident within the United States.
In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death,
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said
office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-President, and the Congress
may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inabil-
ity, both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall
then act as President, and stu^h officer i>hall act accordingly, until the dis-
ability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com-
pensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the
period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive
within that period any other emolument from the United States or any of
them.
Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol-
lowing oath or affirmation:
" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the
office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability,
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Sec. 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the army and
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when
called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive
departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective
offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardon for offenses
against the United States, ex<3ept in cases of impeachment.
He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present con-
cur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice of the Senate,
shall appoint ambassaaors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of
the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be
established by law ; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment
of such inferior officers as they think proper in the President alone, in
the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.
The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may
happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which
shall expire at the end of their next session.
Sec. o. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information
of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such mea-
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may on extraordinary
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 275
occasions convene both houses, or either of them, and in case of disagree-
ment between them, with respect to the time of at\journment, he ma}?
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive
ambassadors and other public ministers: he shall take care that the laws be
faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United
States.
Sec. 4. The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and con
viction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
Article III.
Section I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested
in one Supreme Court, and such inferior courts as the Congress may from
time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme and
inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at
stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be
diminished during their continuance in office.
Sec. '2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and
equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and
treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority ; to all cases
affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls ; to all cases of
admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United
States shall be a party ; to controversies between two or more states ;
between a state and citizens of another state ; between citizens of differ-
ent states ; between citizens of the same state claiming lauds under grants
of different states, and between a state or the citizens thereof, and foreiun
states, citizens, or subjects.
In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls,
and those in which a state shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have
original jurisdiction.
In all tlie other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall
have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions
and under such regulations as the Congress shall make.
The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by
jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall
have been committed ; but when not committed within any state, the
trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have
directed.
Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levy-
ing w^ar against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid
and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the tes-
timony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open
court.
The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason
but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture
except during the life of the person attainted.
Article IV.
Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of everv other state. Ami
276 AND ITS jSJMEXDMENTS.
the Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such
acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and llie effect thereof.
Sec. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges
and immunities of citizens in the several states.
A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime,
who shall flee from justice and be found in another state, shall, on demand
of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered
up, to be removed to the state having jurisdic'on of the crime.
No person held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation
therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered
up on the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.
Sec. 3. New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ;
but no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any
other state ; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states,
or parts of states, without the consent of the Legislatures of the states
concerned, as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging
to the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed
as to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any particular state.
Sec. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this
Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them
against invasion, and on application of the Legislature, or of the Execu-
tive (when the Legislature can not be convened), against domestic vio-
lence.
Article V.
The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it
necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the ap-
plication of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call
a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be
valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, when rati-
fied by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by con-
ventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifi-
cation may be proposed by the Congress. Provided that no amendment
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and
eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in tlie ninth
section of the first article ; and that no state, without its consent, shall
be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. ,
Aeticle VL
All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adop-
tion of this Constitution shall be as valid against the United States under
tliis Constitution as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the laws of the L^nited States whicli shall be
made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made,
under the authority of the L'^nited States, shall be the supreme law of the
Luul ; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in
the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the mem-
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
"bers of the several state Legislatures, and all executive and judicial offi-
cers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound
by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution ; but no religious test
shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under
the United States.
Article VII.
The ratification of the Conventions of nine states shall be sufficient
for the establishment of this Constitution between the states so ratitying
the same.
Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present, the
seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the independence of the
United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof we have
hereunto subscribed our names.
GEO. WASHINGTON,
President and Deputy from Virginia.
New Hampshire.
John Langdon,
Nicholas Gilman.
Massachusetts.
Nathaniel Gorham,
RuFus King.
Connecticut.
Wm. Sam'l Johnson,
Roger Sherman.
Delaware.
Geo. Read,
John Dickinson,
Jaco. Broom,
Gunning Bedford, Jk.,
Richard Bassett.
3Iart/Iand.
James jSL Henry,
Danl. Carroll,
Dan. of St. Thos. Jenifer.
Neiv York.
Alexander Hamilton.
iVgw Jersey.
WiL. Livingston,
Wm. Paterson,
David Brearley,
JoNA. Dayton.
Virginia.
John Blair,
James Madison, Jr.
North Carolina.
Wm. Blount,
Hu. Williamson,
Rich'd Dobbs Spaight.
Pennsylvania.
B. Franklin,
RoBT. Morris,
Thos. Fitzsimons.
James Wilson,
Thos. ^Mifflin,
Geo. Clymer,
Jared Ingersoll,
Gouv. Morris.
South Carolina.
j. rutledge,
Charles Pinckney,
Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney.
Pierce Butler.
G-eorciia.
William Few,
A BR. Baldwin.
WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary.
278
AND ITS AMENDMENTS.
Articles in Addition to and Amendatory of the Constitution
OP THE United States op America.
Proposed by Congress and ratified by the Legislatures of the several statei,,
pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution.
Article I.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment cf religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom ol
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Article II.
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Article III.
No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without
the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be pre-
scribed by law.
Article IV.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,
and effects against uureasonable searches and seizures, shall not be vio-
lated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by
oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched
and the persons or things to be seized.
Article V.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in
cases arising iu the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject
for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall
be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor
shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Article VI.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district
wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have
been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and
cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him;
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to
have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Article VII.
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 281
tried by a jury shall be otlicrwise re-cxaminod in any court of the United
States than accordiug to the rules of the coniniou law.
Article VIII.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Article IX.
The enumeration, in the Constitution, of certain riglits, shall not be
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
AuriCLE X.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution,
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively,
or to the people.
Article XI.
The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to
extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one
of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or sub-
jects of any foreign state.
Article XII.
The Electors shall meet in tlieir respective states and vote by ballot
for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an
inhabitant of the same state with themselves ;' they shall name in their
ballots the person to be voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the
person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of
all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-
President, and of the number of votes for each, which list they shall sign
and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives,
open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person
having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President,
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed;
and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the
highest number not exceeding three on the list of tliose voted for as
President, the House of Representatives shall choose innnediately, by
ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be
taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; a
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-
thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to
a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a Presi-
dent whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the
fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as
President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of
the President. The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-
President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be the majority
of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a major-
282 AND ITS AMENDMENTS.
ity, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose
the Vice-President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds
of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number
shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible
to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the
United States.
Article XIII.
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a
punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,
shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their juris-
diction.
Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro-
priate legislation.
Article XIV.
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and
subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and
of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law
which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United
States; nor shall any state deprive any j)erson of life, liberty, or property,
without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction
the equal protection of the laws.
Sec. 2. Representatives shall be appointed among the several states
according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of per-
sons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed ; but when the right to
vote at any election for the choice of Electors for President and Vice-
President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the execu-
tive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the Legislature
thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being
twenty-one years of age and citizens of the United States, or in any way
abridged except for participation in rebellion or other crimes, the basis of
representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the num-
ber of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens
twenty-one years of age in such state.
Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress,
or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or
military, under the United States, or under any state, who, liaviug previ-
ously taken an oath as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the
United States, or as a member of any state Legislature, or as an execu-
tive or judicial officer of any state to support the Constitution of the
United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the
same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may
by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability.
Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States author-
ized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and boun-
ties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be ques-
tioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall pay any debt
or obligation incurred in the aid of insurrection or rebellion against the
United States, or any loss or emancipation of any slave, but such debts,
obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void.
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
288
Article XV.
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote sliall not
be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of
race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
VOTE FOR GOVERNOR, 1877, AND PRESIDENT, 1876.
Counties.
Adair
AdamH
Allamakee ...
Appanoose ....
Audubon
Benton
Black Hawk..
Boone
Bremer
Buchanan
Buena Vista..
Butler
Calhoun
Carroll
Cedar ,
Cerro Gordo.,
Cherokee
Chickasaw ...
Clark
Clay
Clayton
Clinton
Crawford
Dallas
Davis
Decatur
Delaware
Des Moines ..
Dickinson
Dubuquo
Emmett
Fayette
Floyd
Franklin ,
Fremont
Greene
Grundy
Guthrie
Hamilton ....
Hancock
Hardin ,
Harrison
Henry
Howard
Humboldt —
Ida
Iowa
Jackson
Jasper
Joft'erson
1877.
Governor.
Rep. Dem. Gr. Pro.
982
87<
1541
llliS
4U1
14152
1780
1G12
1180
1290
747
1453
418
633
1592
1315
903
6G2
1279
1054
617
1873
2444
898
1541
893
12G9
122G
2315
197
1587
213
1933
1233
1311
1250
1031
909
1160
842
340
1492
1348
1770
551
382
321
1132
1G19
1977
1390
ICl
397
1540
1049
35i
71'.
nil
981
582
709
192
758
75
744
839
1093
348
74
1107
267
16
1770
2327
651
215
1231
961
1143
1384
8
3415
28
1067
208
336
1331
215
504
496
205
95
061
8(').
424
647
149
54
1120
1900
1154
753
581
48,
69
729
20
507
95
466
196
725
161
19
171
141
110
206
72
383
37
813
20
66
286
19
1241
803
310
32
767
406
889
162
16
334
551
304
422
29
238
52:5
1041
201
115
104
642
224
1018
57(^
1876.
President.
Kep. Dem.
449
244
10
1
223
20
95
74
11
30
446
40
86
94
19
67
167
66
111
80
12
19
625
6
12
53
21
57
154
19
140
519
64
22S
15
2()8
109
1334
1370
1709
1711
427
2901
2979
2018
1737
2227
770
1828
022
799
1876
2328
1274
80 1
1574
1405
567
2662
3554
1043
2i:36
1586
1647
2233
3325
259
2798
246
3029
21)32
1178
1058
1310
1099
1434
1187
281
2152
15,-)7
2809
1194
52:5
212
1870
2120
3:57,
2100
593
620
1646
1419
352
1.356
1592
1305
757
1416
200
78o
196
771
979
1445
448
175
1090
816
94
2621
3398
638
752
1631
1282
1400
2917
48
4977
36
1709
751
379
1682
510
417
G29
425
99
980
1386
1485
600
183
57
1.348
2485
1804
1449
COUXTIES.
Johnson
Jones
Keokuk
Kossuth
Lee
Linn
Louisa
Lucas
Lyon
Madison
Mahaska
Marion
Marshall
Mills
Mitchell
Monona
Monroe
Montgomery
Muscatine
O'Brien
Osceola
Page
Palo Alto
Plymouth
Pocahontas
Polk
Pottawattamie...
Poweshiek
Ringgold
Sac
Scott
Shlby
Siuux
Story
Tama
Taylor
Union
Vivn Buren
Wapello
Warron
Washington
jWayne
Webster
[Winnebago
jWinneshiek
Woodbury
IWorth
Wright
Totals
Mii.joritips.
Total vote, 1877, 245,766, 1876(including2949 Greenback), 292,943.
1877.
Governor.
Rep. Dem. Gr. Pro
1884
1868
1772
463
2157
2.V24
1328
1203
261
1792
1823
1976
1448
1435
1396
580
1034
1122
1753
306
295
1166
311
779
370
3171
2223
1496
964
g:6
3031
888
436
1200
1426
1325
899
1490
17 0
1726
1087
1316
850
544
2074
1109
628
301
121.541;
4J19;
2345
1218J
1526
236
2863
2316
817
804
17
1077
lOSO
1866
837
1102
459
119
928
441
1775
21
40
508'
357
487i
9:51
18
14
322
13
350
75
89
lo:j
9
616
1011
700
3S9
98
35
432
247
532
171
201
13
34s
1885] 1353
2059 218
882
71
128
1903
G39
132
344
833
293
516
1:505
1029
944
1221
8:52
127
40
420
671
177
309
3
49
64 J
196
80S
830
301
12G5
742
303
404
1421
1009
279
867
226
132
8
100
117
79';53
3422>
273
68
105
89
299
58,5
108
12
14
5(:
69(i
95
504
28
36
9
20
47
387
14
33
293
3
39
36
94
121
346
47
13
37
16
187
133
G3
1.30
290
101
112
3
47
238
9
14
9tf
1876.
Preiidtnt.
Rep. Dem
2345
2591
2304
638
31611
4331
1920
1478
262
2246: 1538
3221
2736
3503
176.'i
1802
22T
3G82
291T
1008
1044
4e
1701
23('4
3056 1189
1452
1663
713
1418
1749
2523
463
329
2243
343
835
374
1165
671
304^
1240
759
207,5.
116
50
801
33:}.
50.i
14ii
4321 2382
2565 2414-
2509! IOS3.
1246
061
3819
897
439
1843
2:537 j
1727
123S|
422
166;
2£5;5.
631
220^
579
131T
676
795
2113 1061
2582' 2412
24391 1315
2467 150S
1692
1299
498
27.59
1034
70:;
iu-i
1713'5
921 U
1341
987
3»
161 T
997
14»
184
VOTE FOR CONGRESSMEN, 187G.
District.
Rep.
Dem.
R. Maj.
Total.
.Maj. '74.
District.
Rep. Dem.
R. Maj.
Total.
J1.1J. '74.
I
17188
16439
17423
20770
1 9274
18778
14814
14li83
10100
9379
111.54
14719
2374
1756
132:5
11391
8120
4059
32002
31122
3352:5
30149
30428
33497
D. 1803
R. 057
D. 63
R. 3824
R. 5243
R. 2724'
VII
VIII
IX
19496 11688
19:558 152:56
19503 10583
7808
4122
8980
31184
.34594
30146
R 2300
It
R 2127
Ill
R 6849'
IV
V
168289J118356
49933
*oq-5111
VI
Total vote, 1874, 184,640 ; aggregate Republican majority, 24,524. *Including 5,406 Greenback vot.s.
Practical Rules for Every Day Use.
Hoiu to find the gain or loss per cent, xvlien the cost and selling price
are given.
Rule. — Find the difference between the cost and selUng price, which
will be the gain or loss.
Annex two ciphers to the gain or loss, and divide it by the cost
price ; the result will be the gain or loss per cent.
How to change gold into currency.
Rule. — Multiply the given sum of gold by the price of gold.
How to change currency into gold.
Divide the amount in currency by the price of gold.
How to find each partner'' s share of the gain or loss in a copartnership
business.
Rule. — Divide the whole gain or loss by the entire stock, the quo-
tient will be the gain or loss per cent.
Multiply each partner's stock by this per cent., the result will be
each one's share of the gain or loss.
How to find gross and net weight and price of hogs.
A short and simple method for finding the net taeight^ or price of hogs,
when the gross weight or price is given, and vice versa.
Note.— It is generally assumed that the gross weight of Hogs diiuiuished liy 1-5 or 20 per cent.
of itself gives the uet weight, auU the net weight increased by X or 25 per cent, of itself equals the
gross weight.
To find the net weight or gross price.
Multipl}^ the given number bj' .8 (tenths.)
To find the gross weight or net price.
Divide the given number by .8 (tenths.)
How to find the capacity of a granary, bin, or wagon-bed.
Rule. — Multiply (by short method) the number of cubic feet by
6308, and point off one decimal place — the result will be the correct
nswer in bushels and tenths of a bushel.
For only an approximate answer, multiply the cubic feet by 8, and
point off one decimal place.
How to find the contents of a corn-crib.
Rule. — Multiply the number of cubic feet by 54, short method, or
(284)
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 285
by 4i ordinary method, and point off one decimal place — the result will
be the answer in bushels.
Note.— In estimating corn in the ear, the quality and the time it has beeu cribbed must be taken
Into consideration, since corn will shrink considerably during the Winter ijnd Spring. Tliis rule generally holds
good for corn measured at the time it is cribbed, provided It is sound and clean.
How to find the contents of a cistern or tank.
Rule. — Multiply the square of the mean diameter by the depth (all
in feet) and this product by 5681 (short method), and point off one
decimal place — the result will be the contents in barrels of 31^ gallons.
ITow to find the contents of a barrel or cask.
Rule. — Under the square of the mean diameter, write the length
(all in inches) in REVERej:D order, so that its units will fall under the
TENS ; multiply by short method, and this product again by 430 ; point
off one decimal place, and the result will be the answer in wine gallons.
ITozv to measure boards.
Rule. — Multiply the length (in feet) by the width (in inches) and
divide the product by 12 — the result will be the contents in square feet.
IToiv to measure scantlings, joists, planks, sills, etc.
Rule. — Multiply the width, the thickness, and the length together
(the width and thickness in inches, and the length in feet), and divide
the product by 12 — the result will be square feet.
ITotv to find the mimber of acres in a body of land.
Rule. — Multiply the length by the width (in rods), and divide the
product by 160 (carrying the division to 2 decimal places if there is a
remainder) ; the result will be the answer in acres and hundredths.
When the opposite sides of a piece of land are of unequal length,
add them together and take one-half for the mean length or width.
Hoiv to find the number of square yards in a floor or loall.
Rule. — Multiply the length by the width or height (in feet), and
divide the product by 9, the result will be square yards.
Hoiv to find the number of bricks required in a building.
Rule. — Multiply the number of cubic feet by 22J.
The number of cubic feet is found by multiplying the length, height
nd thickness (in feet) together.
Bricks are usually made 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and two inches
thick ; hence, it requires 27 bricks to make a cubic foot without mortar,
but it is generally assumed that the mortar fills 1-6 of the space.
Hoiv to find the 7iumber of shingles required in a roof.
Rule. — Multiply the number of square feet in the roof by 8, if tho
shingles are exposed 41- inches, or by 7 1-5 if exposed 5 inches.
To find the number of square feet, multiply the length of the roof by
twice the lenqfth of the rafters.
286 MISCELLANEOUS TNFOR]\LA.TION.
To find the length of the rafters, at one-fourth pitch, multiply the
widtli of the building by .oG (hundredths) ; at one-third pitch, by .6
(tenths) ; at two-fifths pitch, by .64 (hundredths) ; at one-half
pitch, by .71 (hundredths). This gives the length of the rafters from
the apex to the end of the wall, and whatever they are to project must be
taken into consideration.
NoTK.— By X or K pitch is meant that the apex or comb of thereof is to be J< or >» the width of the
building Itigrher tlian the walls or base of the rafters.
How to reckon the cost of hay.
Rule. — jNIultiply the number of pounds by half the price per ton,
and remove the decimal point three places to the left.
Sow to measure grain.
Rule. — Level the grain ; ascertain the space it occupies in cubic
feet ; multiply the number of cubic feet by 8, and point off one place to
the left.
Note.— Exactness requires the addition to every three hundred bushels of one extra bushel.
The foregoing rule may be used for finding the number of gallons, by
multipl3'ing the number of bushels by 8.
If the corn in the box is in the ear, divide the answer by 2, to find
the number of bushels of shelled corn, because it requires 2 bushels of eai
corn to make 1 of shelled corn.
Rapid rules for measuring land without instruments.
In measuring land, the first thing to ascertain is the contents of any
given plot in square yards ; then, given the number of yards, find out the
number of rods and acres.
The most ancient and simplest measure of distance is a step. Now,
an ordinary-sized man can train himself to cover one yard at a stride, on
the average, with sufiicient accuracy for ordinary purposes.
To make use of this means of measuring distances, it is essential to
walk in a straight line ; to do this, fix the eye on two objects in a line
straight ahead, one comparatively near, the other remote ; and, in walk-
ing, keep these objects constantly in line.
Farmers and others hg adopting the following simple and ingenious con-
trivance, mag cdwags earrg with them the scale to cotistruct a correct gard
measure.
Take a foot rule, and commencing at the base of the little finger oi
the left hand, mark the quarters of the foot on the outer borders of the
left arm, pricking in the marks Avith indelible ink.
To find how many rods in length will make an acre, the width being given.
Rule. — Divide 160 by the width, and the quotient will be the answer.
•>
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 287
Hotc to find the number of acres in any plot of land, the number of rods
being given. .
Rule. — Divide the number of rods by 8, multiply the quotient by 5»
and remove the decimal point two places to the left.
The diameter being given, to find the circumference.
Rule. — Multiply the diameter by 3 1-7.
Sow to find the diameter, when the circ^imference is given.
Rule. — Divide the circumference by 3 1-7.
To find hoiu many solid feet a round stick of timber of the same thick-
ness throughout will contain when squared.
Rule. — Square half the diameter in inches, multiply by 2, multiply
by the length in feet, and divide the product by 144.
Geyieral rule for measuring timber, to find the solid contents in feet.
Rule. — Multiply the depth in inches by the breadth in inches, and
then multiply by the length in feet, and divide by 144.
To find the number of feet of timber in trees zvith the bark on.
Rule. — Multiply the square of one-fifth of the circumference in
inches, by twice the length, in feet, and divide by 144. Deduct 1-10 to
1-15 according to the thickness of the bark.
Soward s netv rule for computing interest.
Rule. — The reciprocal of the rate is the time for which the interest
on any sum of money will be shown by simply removing the decimal
point two places to the left ; for ten times that time, remove the point
one place to the left ; for 1-10 of the same time, remove the point three
places to the left.
Increase or diminish the results to suit the time given.
Note.— The rcciprorul of the rale is found by inverting the rate ; thus 3 per cent, per month, In-
verted, becomes )i of a month, or 10 ilays.
When the rate is expressed by one figure, always write it thus : 3-1,
three ones.
Hulefor converting English into American currency.
Multiply the pounds, with the shillings and pence stated in decimals,
by 400 plus the premium in fourths, and divide the product by 90.
U. S. GOVERNMENT LAND MEASURE.
A township — 36 sections each a mile square.
A section — 640 acres.
A quarter section, half a mile square — 160 acres.
An eighth section, half a mile long, north and south, and a quarter
of a mile wide — 80 acres.
A sixteenth section, a quarter of a mile square — 40 acres.
288 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
The sections are all numbered 1 to 8G, commencing at the north-east
corner.
The sections are divided into quarters, which are named by the
cardinal points. The quarters are divided in the same way. The de-
scription of a forty acre lot would read: The south half of the west half of
the south-west quarter of section 1 in township 24, north of range T west,
or as the case might be ; and sometimes will fall short and sometimes
overrun the number of acres it is supposed to contain.
The nautical mile is TOo 4-5 feet longer than the common mile.
SURVEYORS' MEASURE.
7 92-100 inches make 1 link.
'25 links '* 1 rod.
4 rods '• 1 chain.
SO chains '* 1 mile.
KoTE. — A chain is 100 links, equal to 4 rods or G6 feet.
Shoemakers formerly used a subdivision of the inch called a barley-
corn ; three of which made an inch.
Holies are measured directly over the fore feet, and the standard of
measure is four inches — ci\lled a hand.
In Biblical and other old measurements, the term span is sometimes
used, which is a lei^.gth of nine inches.
The sacred cubit of the Jews was 24.024 inches in length.
The common cubit of the Jews was 21.704 inches in length.
A pace is equal to a yard or ot> inches.
A fathom is equal to 6 feet.
A league is three miles, but its length is variable, for it is strictly
speaking a nautical term, and should be three geographical miles, equal
to 3.45 statute miles, but when used »>n land, three statute miles are said
to be a league.
In cloth measure an aune is equal to li yards, or 45 inches.
An Amsterdam ell is equal to 20.70(3 inches.
A Trieste ell is equal to 25.2S4 inches.
A Brabant cU is equal to 27.11i> inches.
HOW TO KEEP ACCOUNTS.
• Every farmer and mechanic, whether he does much or little business,
should keep a record of his transactions in a clear and systematic man-
ner. For the benetit of those who have not had the opportunity of ac-
quiring a primary knowledge of the principles of book-keeping, we here
present a simple form of keeping accounts which is easily comprehended,
and well adapted to record the business transactions of farmers, mechanics
and laborers.
MISCKIJj.VlSJEOrS INFORM ATTOX.
•J SO
187o. A. 11. JACKSOX.
Dr.
Cr
.
Jan.
10 To r Inishols Wheat
IT Rv shooiui^ span of Horses.
...at n.25
G
1
48
G
IT
75
00
2o
50
i
$2
18
o
25
4
35
50
Fob.
\[an«h
4To U bushols Oats
4,To 0 lbs. Ruttor
S Bv now Harrow
...at ^ .4o
. . . at ."25
00
S Bv sharponijiiX v Plows ...
40
25
i.
1 o Bv now Donblo-Troo .
V.
•2 : jTo Cow and (.\vlf
April
0 To half ton of Hav
OBv Cash
00
T5
Mav
0 Bv ropairino: Corn-Plantor
..■
•M To one Sow with Ro^
.Tulv
4 Bv Cash, to bahuice account
15
$88
05
$88
05
is:
CASSA MASON.
I>r.
Cr.
Marol
I 21
21
23
1
1
li)
2G
10
•.^0
Bv 3 da vs' labor
- . at #1.25
$0)
8
10
2
2
20
18
00
10
00
75
70
00
20
25
12
18
9
75
To 2 Shoats
To 18 bushels Corn .. .
at 3.00
at .45
Mav
Bv 1 month's Labor
00
ii
To Cash
June
Bv 8 da\*s' MowiuiT
at ^1 .=50
00
To 50 lbs. Flour
July
To2Mbs. Moat.,,...
Bv 0 davs' Harvestiuij. ..
at $ .10
at 2.00
00
00
Avuj.
12
12
1
Bv 0 da vs' Labor
at 1.50
To Cash..-.
Sept.
To Cash to balance account
$G:jr5
$g:75
1
INTEREST T.\BLE.
.\. SiMPLK RrLK W>R AOCrK-VTKLT COMPrTlXa ISTERKST AT AXV OlVKX TKli OkxT, JXMi \XV
Lkxgth ok Time.
Multiply the prtncijvjJ (.amount of uiono.v ;»r interest ■> by the timf rttiu<fiHo iitiu^; then iliTi>le this vrixlii^f
by the i7!iort/-iif oUtiUneU by lUviaiiisrSfiOvthe number of days in the Interest vear^ bv the }>«t cent ofiiitorest,
auilt'i^ quotUnt thus .>hf<iin<\l will bo llie r<Hiuired Interest,
ILLISTRATIOX. Solution.
Requlretheinterestof S-t63.50for one month anil eighteendays at 6 ix-^r cent. An $4t>-0.50
Interest month is SO d;»vs ; one month and oichtee'.i davs e<\UAl 4S days. S4h0.50 mnlti- ,-IS
Plieilbv ,4S civos <\iC-.} l\X>0; StiOvlivided bv 6 dho i>or oont, of interest ^ Hives 60. and
S->2-J.lXX>0>lividi\ll<v 60 w.ll ^ivi> von tt\ee\..iiT interest, \vlue"\ is $3.70. If the rati' of SVOtXW
intert\<!t in the a'.>ove e\;»mpl'> were 10 per cent., we would divide the S3a'.1.0000 bv SO 6'»3tiO \ 1"^5^100
ibecauseSfiOdividettby l-J jtives S0\ if 4 per ivnt,. wo would divide by 90; If S' per \
cent., by 4.t: and In like manner for anv other per cent. t;(i /SS'"''"' 0000i*3 TO
ISO
400
4-.'0
~00
MISCELLANEOUS TABLE.
13 units, orthlnjTS, 1 Doen. | 196 iKnmds. 1 R«rrel of Flour. 1 24 sheets of p.^per. 1 Qnire.
13 doxen. 1 Gross, 300 pounds. 1 li;«ri-el of Tork. 30 quires paper 1 Ream.
30 things, 1 Score. | 56 pounds, 1 Firkin of Butter. | 4 ft, wide. 4 r. hCsth. and S ft, long, 1 Conl Wood,.
290 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
NAMES OF THE STATES OF THE UNION, AND THEIR SIGNIFICATIONS,
Virginia. — The oldest of the States, was so called in lienor of Queen
Elizabeth, the "Virgin Queen," in whose reign Sir Walter Raleigh made
his first attempt to colonize that region.
Florida. — Ponce de Leon landed on the coast of Florida on Easter
Sunda}^ and called the country in commemoration of the day, which was
the l^isqua Florida of the Spaniards, or " Feast of Flowers."
Louisiana was called after Louis the Fourteenth, who at one time
owned that section of the country.
Alabama was so named by the Indians, and signifies " Here we Rest."
Mississippi is likewise an Indian name, meaning " Long River."
Arkansas, from Kansas, the Indian word for "smoky water." Its
prefix was really arc, the French word for " bow."
The Carolinas were originally one tract, and were called "Carolana,"
after Charles the Ninth of France.
Georgia owes its name to George the Second of England, who first
established a colony there in 1732.
Tennessee is the Indian name for the "River of the Bend," i.e., the
Mississippi which forms its western boundary.
Kentucky/ is the Indian name for " at the head of the river."
Ohio means " beautiful -, " Iowa, " drowsy ones ; " Minnesota, " cloudy
water," and Wisconsin, " wild-rushing channel."
Illinois is derived from the Indian word illini, men, and the French
suffix ois, together signifying " tribe of men."
Michigan was called by the name given the lake, fish-iveir, which was
80 styled from its fancied resemblance to a fish trap.
Missouri is from the Indian word " muddy," whicli more properly
■applies to the river that flows through it.
Oregon owes its Indian name also to its principal river.
Cortes named California,
Massachusetts is the Indian for " The country around the great hills."
Connecticut, from the Indian Quon-ch-ta-Cut, signifying "Long
River."
Maryland, after Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles the First, of
England.
New York was named by the Duke of York.
Pennsylvania means " Penu's woods," and was so called after William
Penn, its orignal owner.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
291
Delaware after Lord De La Ware.
New Jersey, so called in honor of Sir George Carteret, who was
Governor of tlie Island of Jersey, in the British Channel.
3Iaine was called after the province of Maine in France, in oompli-
inent of Queen Henrietta of England, who owned that province.
Vermont, from the French word Vert Mont, signifying Green
Mountain.
Neiv Hampshire, from Hampshire county in England. It was
formerly called Laconia.
The little State of Rhode Island owes its name to the Island of
Rhodes in the Mediterranean, which domain it is said to gi-eatly
resemble.
Texas is the American word for the Mexican name Ijy which all that
section of the country was called before it was ceded to the United States.
POPULATION OF THE
UNITED STATES.
States and Territories.
Total
Population.
Alaljama. .
ArKaiisas.
California '
Con 11 octlcut
Delaware
riorlda
tleorgia 1
Illinois 2
Indiana 1
Iowa I 1
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
jyialne
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Ilainpslilre.
New. Jersey
New York
North Carolina ..
Ohic
4,
1,
2,
Orejjon
Pennsylvania 3,
Rhode Island i
South Carolina
Tennessee 1
Texas
Vermont I
Virginia 1
West Virginia,
Wisconsin
Total States.,
Arizona
Colorada
Dakota
District of Columbia.
Idaho
Montana
New Mexico
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Total Territories
Total United States 38,555,983
996.
484,
560,
537,
125,
187,
184,
539,
680,
191,
364,
321,
726,
626,
780,
457,
184,
439,
827,
721,
122,
42,
318,
906.
,382,
,071,
,66.5,
90,
,521,
217,
705,
,2.58;
818,
330,
,225
442
,0.54
992
471
247
4.54
015
748
109
891
637
792
399
Oil
915
915
894
351
0.59
706
982
295
993
491
300
096
7.59
361
260
923
791
353
606
520
579
551
163
,014
670
38,113,253
9,658
.39.864
14,181
131.700
14.999
20,595
91,874
86.786
23,955
9,118
442, 730"
POPULATION OF FIFTY
PRINCIPAL CITIES.
Now York, N. Y
]'liiladcl|)hia, Pa....
IJrooklyn, N. Y
St. Loiii.s, Mo
Chicago, 111
Baltimore, Md
Boston, JMass
(Cincinnati, Ohio
New Orleans, La. ..,
San Francisco, Cal..
Bulfalo, N. Y
Washington, IJ. C...
Newark. N. .J
Louisville, Ky
(Cleveland, f)liio
Pittsburg, Pa
.Jersey City, N.J
Detroit, Mich .'.,
Milwaukee, Wis
Albany. N. Y
Providence, K. I
Rochester. N. Y
Allegheny, Pa ,
Kiciunond, Va
New Haven, Conn..
(Charleston. H. C
Indianapolis, Ind
Troy, N. Y
Syracu.se, N. Y
Worcester, Mass
Lowell, Mass
Memphis, Tenii
(Cambridge, Mass
Hartford, Conn
Scranton, Pa
Heading, Pa
Paterson, N. .1
Kansas (City, Mo
Mobile, Ala
Toledo, Ohio
Portland, Me
Columbii.s, Ohio
Wilmington. Del....
Dayton, Oliio
Lawrence, Mass
Utica. N. Y
(Charlestown, Mass.
Savannah, Ga
Lynn. Mass
Fall River, Mass....
Aggregate
Population.
942.
674,
396,
310,
298.
267,
2.50,
216,
191,
149,
117,
109,
10.5,
100,
92,
86,
82,
79,
71,
69,
68.
62,
53,
51.
50,
48,
48,
46,
43,
41,
40,
40,
39
37,
35
33
33
32
32
31
31
31
.30,
30
28
28
28,
28,
28,
26,
292
022
099
864
977
354
.526
239
418
473
714
199
059
753
829
076
.546
577
440
422
904
386
180
038
840
9,56
244
465
051
105
928
226
634
180
093
930
579
260
034
.584
,413
,274
.841
,473
921
;804
323
,235
233
766
292
MISCELLANEOL'S INFORMATION.
POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
Area in
States and scmare
Teruitouiks. Miles.
States.
Alabama
Arkansas
Caiiforiua
CoiiiiecticiU
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts..,
Michigan*
Miim('s(ii;i
.Mississippi .. .
Jllssoun
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire,
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina.
Ohio
Oregon
Population.
1870.
996,992
484.471
500,247
537,454
12.'),015
187.748
1.184.1(1!)
2..'>:!l»,,Sin
l.t;s(),ti:i7
1,191.792
3(i4,399
1,. 321, Oil
72(),915
026,915
780,894
1,457,351
1,184,059
439,7(10
827,922
1,721.295
J 23. 993
42,491
318.300
900,090
4.382. 7."i9
1,071, 301
2,005.200
90,923
Miles
R. R
1875. 1872.
1,3.50,544
528,349
857,039
1,651,912
1,334,031
598,429
246,!
52,540
1,026, .502
4,705,208
1,671
,013,
820
466
108
904
529
100
760
123
539
871
8201
006'
,235
,012
990
,580
828
593
790
,265
,470
,190
,740
lo9
' Last Census of Michigan taken in 1874.
States and
Tekritories.
States.
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Soiitli Carolina...
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Total States
Territories.
Arizona
Colorado
Dakota
Dist. of Columbia.
Idaho
IMdiitana
New Mexico
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Total Territories.
Area in
square
Miles.
46,
1,
29,
45,
337,
10,
40,
23,
53,
1,950,171
113,916
104,500
147,490
60
90,932
143.776
121.201
80.056
69,944
93,107
965,032
Popn.ATio.v.
1870.
3.521,791
217,353
705,606
1,2.58,^20
818,579
330,551
1,225,163
442.014
1,054.670
38,113,253
39,
14,
131,
14,
20,
91,
80,
23
442,730
187
258,239
925.145
1,230,72£
Miles
K. R.
1872.
5,113
136
1.201
1.520
865
675
1,490
485
1,725
59.587
375
■498
1,265
Aggregate of U. S.. 12.915,203 38,555,983 I 60,852
• Included in the Railroad Mileage of Maryland.
PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD;
l^OPULATIOISr AND ArEA.
Countries.
Population.
Date of
Census.
China
IJritish Kmpire
Russia
United States with Alaska.
France
Austriaand Hungary
.Jai)aii
Great Britain and Ireland.
German Kmpire
Italy
Spam
IJrazil
Turkey
Mexico
Sweden and Norway
Persia
Belgium
Bavaria
Portugal
Holland
> e w Grenada
Chili
Switzerland
Peru
Bolivia
Argentine Republic
Wurteniliurg
Denmark
Venezuela
Baden
Greece
Guatemala
Ecuador
Paraguay
Hesse
Liberia
San Salvador
Hayti
Nicaragua ,
Uruguay
Honduras ,
San Domingo
Costa Rica
Hawaii
446,500.000
226,817,108
81,925,400
38,925.600
30,469,800
35,904,400
34,78,5,300
31,817,100
29,900,092
27,439,921
10,042,000
10,000.000
16,103,000
9,173,000
5,921.500
5,000,000
5,021,300
4,861,400
3,995,200
3,688,300
3,000,000
2,000.000
2,669.100
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,812,000
1,818, .500
1,784.700
1,500.000
1,461,400
1,457.900
1,180,000
1.300,000
1,000.000
823,138
718,000
600,000
572,000
350,000
300,000
3.50,000
130,000
165.000
62.950
1871
1871
1871
1870
1866
1809
1871
1871
1871
1871
1867
1869
1870
1870
1869
1871
1808
1870
1870
1869
1870
1871
■i869
1871
1870
'isVi
1870
1871
'isii
'isii
1871
'isii
1871
1871
Area in
Square
Miles.
3,741,846
4,077.432
8,003,778
2,603,884
204,091
240.348
149,399
121,315
160,207
118,847
19.5,775
3,253.029
672,621
761,526
292,871
635,964
11,373
29,292
34,494
12,680
357,157
132.616
15,992
471,838
497.321
871,848
7,533
14,753
368,238
5,912
19,353
40,879
218,928
63,787
2,969
9.576
7.335
10.205
58.171
66.722
47,092
17,827
21.505
7.633
Inhabitants
to Square
Mile.
119.3
48.6
10.2
7.78
178.7
149.4
232.8
262.3
187.
330.9
85.
3.07
24.4
30.
7.8
441.5
105.9
115.8
390.9
8.4
15.1
166.9
5.3
4.
2.1
241.4
120.9
4.2
247.
75.3
38.9
5.9
15.6
377.
74.9
81.8
56.
6.
6.5
7.4
7.6
7.7
80.
Pekin
London
St. Petersburg..
Washington
Paris
Vienna
Yeddo
London
Berlin
Rome
Madrid
Rio Janeiro
Constantinople .
Mexico
Stockholm
Teheran
ISnissels
MnnicMi
Lisbon
Hague ,
Bogota
Santiago ,
Berne
]>ima
Cluuiuisaca
r.iienos Ayres..
Stutlgart
Copenhagen
Caraccas
Carlsruhe
.\thens
Guatemala
Quito
.\sunclon
Darmstadt
Monrovia
Sal Salvador . . .
I'ort an Prince
Managua
Monie Vi<leo...
Comayagua
San Domingo...
San Jose
Honolulu
Population.
1.648,800
3,251,800
667,000
109,199
1.825,300
833,900
1,5.54,900
3,251.800
82.5,400
244,484
332,000
420.000
1,075,000
210.300
130.900
120,000
314.100
109,.5OO
224,063
90.100
45,000
115.400
36,000
160,100
25.000
177.800
91,600
162,042
47,000
36,600
43,400
40,000
70,000
48,000
30,000
3,000
15,000
20,000
10,000
44.500
12.000
20.000
2.000
7,633
ABSTRACT OF IO¥A STATE LAWS.
BILLS OF EXCHANGE AND PROMISSORY NOTES.
Upon negotiable bills, and notes payable in this State, grace shall be allowed
according; to the law merchant. All the above mentioned paper falling due on
Sunday, New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Christmas, or any day appointed
or recommended by the President of the United States or tiie Governor of the
State, as a day of fast or thanksgiving, shall be deemed as due on the day pre-
vious. No defense can be made against a negotiable instrument (assigned before
due) in the hands of the assignee without notice, except fraud was used in
obtaining the same. To hold an indorser, due diligence must be used by suit
against the maker or his representative. Notes payable to person named or to
order, in order to absolutely transfer title, must be indorsed by the payee.
Notes payable to bearer may be transferred by delivery, and when so payable,
every indorser thereon is held as a guarantor of payment, unless otherwise
expressed.
In computing interest or discount on negotiable instruments, a month shall
be considered a calendar month or twelfth of a year, and for loss than a month,
a day shall be figured a thirtieth part of a month. Notes only bear interest
when so expressed; but after due, they draw the legal interest, even if not
stated.
INTEREST.
The legal rate of interest is six per cent. Parties may agree, in writing,
on a rate not exceeding ten per cent. If a rate of interest greater than ten
per cent, is contracted for, it works a forfeiture of ten per cent, to the school
fund, and only the principal sum can be recovered.
DESCENT.
The personal property of the deceased (except (1) that necessary for pay-
ment of debts and expenses of administration ; (2) property set apart to widow,
as exempt from execution ; (-3) allowance by court, if necessary, of twelve
months' support to widow, and to children under fifteen years of age), including
life insurance, descends as does real estate.
One-third in value (absolutely) of all estates in real property, possessed by
husband at any time during marriage, which have not been sold on execution
or other judicial sale, and to which the wife has made no relinquishment of her
right, shall be set apart as her property, in fee simple, if she survive him.
(29.'})
294 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATK LAWS.
The same share shall be set apart to the surviving husband of a deceased
wife.
The widow's share cannot be affected by any will of her husband's, unless
slic consents, in writing thereto, within six months after notice to her of pro-
visions of the will.
The provisions of the statutes of descent apply alike to surviving husband
or surviving wife.
Subject to the above^ the remaining estate of which the decedent died
siezed, shall in absence of other arrangements by will, descend
First. To his or her children and their descendants in equal parts ; the
descendants of the deceased child or grandchild taking the share of their
deceased parents in equal shares among them.
Second. Where there is no child, nor descendant of such child, and no
widow or surviving husband, then to the j)arents of the deceased in e(jual parts;
the surviving parent, if either be dead, taking the whole; and if there is no
parent living, then to the brothers and sisters of the intestate and their descend-
ants.
Third. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and no child or chil-
dren, or descendants of the same, then one-half of the estate shall descend to
such widow or surviving husband, absolutely ; and the other half of the estate
shall descend as in other cases where there is no Avidow or surviving husband,
or child or children, or descendants of the same.
Fourth. If there is no child, parent, brother or sister, or descendants of
either of them, then to wife of intestate, or to her heirs, if dead, according to
like rules.
Fifth. If any intestate leaves no child, parent, brother or sister, or de-
scendants of either of them, and no widow or surviving husband, and no child,
parent, brother or sister (or descendant of either of them) of such widow or
surviving husband, it shall escheat to the State.
WILLS AND ESTATES OF DECEASED PERSONS.
No exact form of words are necessary in order to make a will good at law.
Every male person of the age of twenty-one years, and every female of the age
of eighteen years, of sound mind and memory, can make a valid will ; it must
be in writing, signed by the testator, or by some one in his or her presence, and
by his or her express direction, and attested by two or more competent wit-
nesses. Care should be taken that the witnesses are not interested in the will.
Inventory to be made by executor or administrator within fifteen days from
date of letters testamentary or of administration. Executors' and administra-
tors' compensaticm on amount of personal estate distributed, and for proceeds of
sale of real estate, five per cent, for first one thousand dollars, two and one-half
])er cent, on ovcr|»lus u]) to five thousand dollars, and one per cent, on overplus
above five thousand dollars, with such adtlitional allowance as shall be reasona-
ble for extra services.
Within ten days after the receipt of letters of administration, the executor
or administrator shall give such notice of appointment as the court or clerk shall
direct.
Claims (other than preferred) must be filed within one year thereafter, are
forever barred, ntilcss the claim is pendimi in the District or Supreme Court, or
unless pecidiar circumstances entitle the claimant to equitable relief.
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 295
Claims are classed and payable in the following order:
1. Expenses of administration.
2. Expenses of last sickness and funeral.
3. Allowance to widow and children, if made by the court.
4. Debts preferred under laws of the United States.
5. Public rates and taxes.
6. Claims filed within six months after the first publication of the notice
given by the executors of their appointment.
7. All other debts.
8. Legacies.
The award, or property which must be set apart to the widow, in her own
right, by the executor, includes all personal property which, in the hands of tho
deceased, as head of a family, would have been exempt from execution.
TAXES.
The owners of personal property, on the first day of January of each year,
and the owners of real property on the first day of November of each year, are
liable for the taxes thereon.
The following property is exempt from taxation, viz. ;
1. The property of the United States and of this State, including univer-
sity, agricultural, college and school lands and all property leased to the State ;
property of a county, township, city, incorporated town or school district when
devoted entirely to the public use and not held for pecuniary profit ; public
grounds, including all places for the burial of the dead; fire engines and all
implements for extinguishing fires, with the grounds used exclusively for their
buildings and for the meetings of the fire companies ; all public libraries,
grounds and buildings of literary, scientific, benevolent, agricultural and reli-
gious institutions, and societies devoted solely to the appropriate objects of these
institutions, not exceeding 040 acres in extent, and not leased or otherwise used
wiih a view of pecuniary profit; and all property leased to agricultural, charit-
able institutions and benevolent .societies, and so devoted during the term of such
lease ; provided, that all deeds, by which such property is held, shall be duly
filed for record before the property therein described shall be omitted from the
assessment.
2. The books, papers and apparatus belonging to the above institutions;
used solely for the purposes above contemplated, and the like property of stu-
dents in any such institution, used for their education.
3. Money and credits belonging exclusively to such institutions and devoted
solely to sustaining them, but not exceeding in amount or income the sum pre-
scribed by their charter.
4. Animals not hereafter specified, the wool shorn from sheep, belonging ta
the person giving the list, his farm produce harvested within one year previous
to the listing; p)'ivatc libraries not exceeding three hundred dollars in value;
f'jiiniiy pictures, kitchen furniture, beds and bedding recjuisite for each family,
idl wearing apparel in actual use, and all food j)rovidcd for the family ; but no
person from whom a compensation for board or lodging is received or expected,
is to be considered a member of the; family within the intent of this clause.
5. The polls or estates or both of persons who, by reason of age or infirm-
ity, may, in the opinion of the Assessor, be unable to contribute to the public
296 . ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
revenue ; such opinion and the fact upon which it is based being in all cases
reported to the Board of Equalization by the Assessor or any other person, and
subject to reversal by them.
6. The farming utensils of anv person who makes his livelihood by farming,
and the tools of any mechanic, not in either case to exceed three hundred dollars
in value.
7. Government lands entered or located or lands purchased from this State,
should not be taxed for the year in which the entry, location or purchase is
made.
There is also a suitable exemption, in amount, for planting fruit trees or
forest trees or hedges.
Where buildings are destroyed by fire, tornado or other unavoidable casu-
alty, after being assessed for the year, the Board of Supervisors may rebate
taxes for that year on the property destroyed, if same has not been sold for
taxes, and if said taxes have not been delinquent for thirty days at the time of
destruction of the property, and the rebate shall be allowed for such loss only
as is not covered by insurance.
All other property is subject to taxation. Every inhabitant of full age and
sound mind shall assist the Assessor in listing all taxable property of which
he is the owner, or which he controls or manages, either as agent, guardian,
iather, husband, trustee, executor, accounting officer, partner, mortgagor or
lessor, mortgagee or lessee. ^
Road beds of railway corporations shall not be assessed to owners of adja-
cent property, but shall be considered the property of the companies for pur-
poses of taxation ; nor shall real estate used as a public highway be assessed
and taxed as part of adjacent lands whence the same was taken for such public
purpose.
The property of railway, telegraph and express companies shall be listed
and assessed for taxation as the property of an individual would be listed and
assessed for taxation. Collection of taxes made as in the case of an individual.
The Township Board of Equalization shall meet first Monday in April of
each year. Appeal lies to the Circuit Court.
The County Board of E(|alization (the Board of Supervisors) meet at their
regular session in June of each year. Appeal lies to the Circuit Court.
Taxes become delin([uent P'ebruary 1st of each year, payable, without
interest or penalty, at any time before March 1st of each year.
Tax sale is held on first Monday in October of each year.
Redemption may be made at any time within three years after date of sale,
bv paving to the County Auditor the amount of sale, and twenty j^er centum of
siich amount immediately added as iJenalty, ivith ten j^er cent, interest per
annum on the whole amount thus made from the day of sale, and also all sub-
sequent taxes, interest and costs paid by purchaser after March 1st of each
year, and a similar penalty of twenty per centum added as before, with ten per
cent, interest as before.
If notice has been given, by purchaser, of the date at which the redemption
is limited, the cost of same is added to the redemption money. Ninety days'
notice is required, by the statute, to be published by the purchaser or holder of
certificate, to terminate the right of redemption.
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS 297
JURISDICTION OF COURTS
DISTRICT COURTS
have jurisdiction, general and original, both civil and criminal, except in such
cases where Circuit Courts have exclusive jurisdiction. District Courts have
exclusive supervision over courts of Justices of the Peace and Magistrates, in
criminal matters, on appeal and writs of error.
CIRCUIT COURTS
have jurisdiction, general and original, with the District Courts, in all civil
actions and special proceedings, and exclusive jurisdiction in all appeals and
^\■rits of error from inferior courts, in civil matters. And exclusive jurisdiction
in matters of estates and general probate business.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
have jurisdiction in civil matters where $100 or less is involved. By consent
of parties, the jurisdiction may be extended to an amount not exceeding $300.
They have jurisdiction to try and determine all public oifense less than felony,
committed within their respective counties, in which the fine, by law, does not
exceed $100 or the imprisonment thirty days.
LIMITATION OF ACTIONS.
Action for injuries to the person or I'eputation ; for .a stutute penalty ; and
to enforce a mechanics' lien, must be brought in two (2) years.
Those against a public officer within three (3) years.
Those founded on unwritten contracts; for injuries to property ; for relief
on the ground of fraud ; and all other actions not otherwise provided for, within
live (5) years.
Those founded on written contracts; on judgments of any court (except
those provided for in next section), and for the recovery of real property, within
ten (10) years.
Those founded on judgment of any court of record in the United States,
within twenty (20) years.
All above limits, except those for penalties and forfeitures, are extended in
favor of minors and insane persons, until one year after the disability is removed
— time during which defendant is a non-resident of the State shall not be
included in computing any of the above periods.
Actions for the recovery of real property, sold for non-payment of taxes,
must be brought within five years after the Treasurer's Deed is executed
and recorded, except where a minor or convict or insane person is the owner,
and they shall be allowed five years after disability is removed, in which to
bring action.
JURORS.
All qualified electors of the State, of good moral character, sound judgment,
and in full possession of the senses of hearing and seeing, are competent jurors
in their respective counties.
United States officers, practicing attorneys, physicians and clergymen,
acting professors or teachers in institutions of learning, and persons disabled by
298 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
bodily infirmity or over sixty-five years of age, are exempt from liability to act
as jurors.
Any person may be excused from serving on a jury when his own interests
or the public's will be materially injured by his attendance, or when the state of
his health or the death, or sickness of his family requires his absence.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
was restored by the Seventeenth General Assembly, making it optional with
the jury to inflict it or not.
A MARRIED WOMAN
may convey or incumber real estate, or interest therein, belonging to her ; may
control the same or contract with reference thereto, as other persons may con-
vey, encumber, control or contract.
She may own, acquire, hold, convey and devise property, as her husband
may.
Her husband is not liable for civil injuries committed by her.
She may convey property to her husband, and he may convey to her.
She may constitute her husband her attorney in fact.
EXEMPTIONS FROM EXECUTION.
A resident of the State and head of a family may hold the following prop-
erty exempt from execution : All wearing apparel of himself and family kept for
actual use and suitable to the condition, and the trunks or other receptacles nec-
essary to contain the same ; one musket or rifle and shot-gun ; all private
libraries, family Bibles, portraits, pictures, musical instruments, and paintings
not kept for the purpose of sale ; a seat or pew occupied by the debtor or his
family in any house of public worship ; an interest in a public or private burying
ground not exceeding one acre ; two cows and a calf; one horse, unless a horse
is exempt as hereinafter provided ; fifty sheep and the wool therefrom, and the
materials manufactured from said wool ; six stands of bees ; five hogs and all
pigs under six months ; the necessary food for exempted animals for six months ;
all flax raised from one acre of ground, and manufactures therefrom ; one bed-
stead and necessary bedding for every two in the family ; all cloth manufactured
by the defendant not exceeding one hundred yards ; household and kitchen fur-
niture not exceeding two hundred dollars in value ; all spinning wheels and
looms ; one sewing machine and other instruments of domestic hiber kept for
actual use ; the necessary provisions and fuel for the use of the family for six
months ; the proper tools, instruments, or books of the debtor, if a farmer,
mechanic, surveyor, clergyman, lawyer, physician, teacher or professor; the
horse or the team, consisting of not more than two horses or mules, or two yokes
of cattle, and the wagon or other vehicle, with the proper harness or tackle, by
the use of which the debtor, if a physician, public officer, farmer, teamster or
other laborer, habitually earns his living ; and to the debtor, if a printtr, there
shall also be exempt a printing press and the types, furniture and material nec-
essary for the use of such printing press, and a newspaper office to the value of
twelve hundred dollars ; the earnings of such debtor, or those of his family, at
any time within ninety days next preceding the levy.
Persons unmarried and not the head of a family, and non-residents, have
exempt their own ordinary wearing apparel and trunks to contain the same.
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 299
There is also exempt, to a head of a family, a homestead, not exceeding forty
acres ; or, if inside city limits, one-half acre with improvements, value not
limited. The homestead is liable for all debts contracted prior to its acquisition as
such, and is subject to mechanics' liens for work or material furnished for the same.
An article, otherwise exempt, is liable, on execution, for the purchase
money thereof.
AVhere a debtor, if a head of a family, has started to leave the State, he shall
have exempt only the ordinary wearing apparel of himself and family, and
other property in addition, as he may select, in all not exceeding seventy-five
dollars in value.
A policy of life insurance shall inure to the separate use of the husband or
wife and children, entirely independent of his or her creditors.
ESTRAYS.
An unbroken animal shall not be taken up as an estray between May 1st
and November 1st, of each year, unless the same be found within the lawful
enclosure of a householder, Avho alone can take up such animal, unless some
other person gives him notice of the fact of such animal coming on his place ;
and if he fails, within five days thereafter, to take up such estray, any other
householder of the township may take up such estray and proceed with it as if
taken on his own premises, provided he shall prove to the Justice of the Peace
such notice, and shall make affidavit where such estray was taken up.
Any swine, sheep, goat, horse, neat cattle or other animal distrained (for
damage done to one's enclosure), when the owner is not known, shall be treated
as an estray.
Within five days after taking up an estray, notice, containing a full descrip-
tion thereof, shall be posted up in three of the most public places in the town-
ship ; and in ten days, the person taking up such estray shall go before a Justice
of the Peace in the township and make oath as to where such estray was taken
up, and that the marks or brands have not been altered, to his knowledge. 1 he
estray shall then be appraised, by order of the Justice, and the appraisement,
description of the size, age, color, sex, marks and brands of the estray shall be
entered by the Justice in a book kept for that purpose, and he shall, within ten
days thereafter, send a certified copy thereof to the County Auditor.
When the appraised value of an estray does not exceed five dollars, the
Justice need not proceed further than to enter the description of the estray on
his book, and if no owner appears within six months, the property shall vest in
the finder, if he has complied with the law and paid all costs.
Where appraised value of estray exceeds five and is less than ten dollars, if
no owner appears in nine months, the finder has the property, if he has com-
plied with the law and paid costs.
An estray, legally taken up, may be used or worked with care and
moderation.
If any person unlawfully take up an estray, or take up an estray and fail to
comply with the law regarding estrays, or use or work it contrary to above, or
work it before halving it appraised, or keep such estray out of the county more
than five days at one time, before acquiring ownership, such offender shall foifeit
to the county twenty dollars, and the owner may recover double damages with
costs.
If the owner of any estray fail to claim and prove his title for one year after
the taking up, and the finder shall have complied with the law, a comolete title
rests in the finder.
300 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
But if the owner appear within eighteen months from the taking up, prove
his ownership and pay all costs and expenses, the finder shall pay him the
appraised value of such estray, or may, at his option, deliver up the estray.
WOLF SCALPS.
A bounty of one dollar is paid for wolf scalps.
MARKS AND BRANDS.
Any person may adopt his own mark or brand for his domestic animals, and
have a description thereof recorded by the Township Clerk.
No person shall adopt the recorded mark or brand of any other person
residing in his township.
DAMAGES FROM TRESPASS.
AVhen any person's lands are enclosed by a lawful fence, the owner of any
domestic animal injuring said lands is liable for the damages, and the damages
may be recovered by suit against the owner, or may be made by distraining the
animals doing the damage; and if the party injured elects to recover by action
ao-ainst the owner, no appraisement need be made by the Trustees, as in case of
distraint.
When trespassing animals are distrained within twenty-four hours, Sunday
not included, the party injured shall notify the owner of said animals, if known;
and if the owner fails to satisfy the party within twenty-four hours thereafter,
the party shall have the township Trustees assess the damage, and notice shall
be posted up in three conspicuous places in the township, that the stock, or part
thereof, shall, on the tenth day after postiiig the notice, between the hours of 1
and 3 P. M,, be sold to the highest bidder, to satisfy said damages, with costs.
Appeal lies, within twenty days, from the action of the Trustees to the Cir-
cuit Court.
Where stock is restrained, by police regulation or by law, from running at
large, any person injured in his improved or cultivated lands by any domestic
animal, may, by action against the owner of such animal, or by distraining such
animal, recover his damages, whether the lands whereon the injury was done
were inclosed by a lawful fence or not.
FENCES.
A lawful fence is fifty-four inches high, made of rails, wire or boards, with
posts not more than ten feet apart where rails are used, and eight feet where
boards are used, substantially built and kept in good repair ; or any other fence
which, in the opinion of the Fence Viewers, shall be declared a lawful fence —
provided the lower rail, wire or board be not more that twenty nor less than six-
teen inches from the ground.
The respective owners of lands enclosed with fences shall maintain partition
fences between their own and next adjoining enclosure so long as they improve
them in equal shares, unless otherwise agreed between them.
If any party neglect to maintain such partition fence as he should maintain,
the Fence Viewers (the township Trustees), upon coinplaint of aggrieved party,
may, upon due notice to both parties, examine the fence, and, if. found insuf-
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 301
ficient, notify the delinquent party, in writing, to repair or re-build the same
within such time as they judge reasonable.
If the fence be not repaired or rebuilt accordingly, the complainant may do
so, and the same being adjudged sufficient by the Fence Viewers, and the
value thereof, with their fees, being ascertained and certified under their hands,
the complainant may demand of the delinquent the sum so ascertained, and if
the same be not paid in one month after demand, may recover it with one per
cent a month interest, by action.
In case of disputes, the Fence Viewers may decide as to who shall erect or
maintain partition fences, and in what time the same shall be done ; and in case
any party neglect to maintain or erect such part as may be assigned to him,
the aggrieved party may erect and maintain the same, and recover double
damages.
No person, not wishing his land inclosed, and not using it otherwise than in
common, shall be compelled to maintain any partition fence ; but when he uses
or incloses his land otherwise than in common, he shall contribute to the parti-
tion fences.
Where parties have had their lands inclosed in common, and one of the
owners desires to occupy his separate and apart from the other, and the other
refuses to divide the line or build a sufficient fence on the line when divided,
the Fence Viewers may divide and assign, and upon neglect of the other to
build as ordered by the Viewers, the one may build the other's part and
recover as above.
And when one incloses land which has lain uninclosed, he must pay for
one-half of each partition fence between himself and his neighbors.
Where one desires to lay not less than twenty feet of his lands, adjoining
his neighbor, out to the public to be used in common, he must give his neighbor
SIX months' notice thereof.
Where a fence has been built on the land of another through mistake, the
owner may enter upon such premises and remove his fence and material withn
six months after the division line has been ascertained. Where the material to
build such a fence has been taken from the land on which it was built, then,
before it can be removed, the person claiming must first pay for such material
to the owner of the land from which it was taken, nor shall such a fence be
removed at a time when the removal will throw open or expose the crops of the
other party ; a reasonable time must be given beyond the six months to remove
crops.
MECHANICS' LIENS.
Every mechanic, or other person who shall do any labor upon, or furnish
any materials, machinery or fixtures for any building, erection or other improve-
ment upon land, including those engaged in the construction or repair of any
work of internal improvement, by virtue of any contract with the OAvner. his
agent, trustee, contractor, or sub-contractor, shall have a lien, on complying
with the forms of law, upon the building or other improvement for his laboi-
done or materials furnished.
It would take too large a space to detail the manner in which a sub-
contractor secures his lien. He should file, within thirty days after the last of
the labor was performed, or the last of the material shall have been furnished.
with the Clerk of the District Court a true account of the amount due him, after
allowing all credits, setting forth the time Avhon such material was furnished or
labor performed, and when com])leted, and containing a correct description of
302 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
the property sought to be charged Avith the lien, and the whole verified by
affidavit.
A principal contractor must file such an affidavit within ninety days, as
above.
Ordinarily, there are so many points to be examined in order to secure a
mechanics' lien, that it is much better, unless one is accustomed to managing
such liens, to consult at once with an attorney.
Remember that the proper time to file the claim is ninety days for a princi-
pal contractor, thirty days for a sub-contractor, as above; and that actions to
enforce these liens must be commenced within two years, and the rest can much
better be done with an attorney.
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Persons meeting each other on the public highways, shall give one half of
the same by turning to the right. All persons failing to observe this rule shall
bo liable to pay all damages resulting therefrom, together with a fine, not exceed-
ing five dollars.
The prosecution must be instituted on the complaint of the person wronged.
Any person guilty of racing horses, or driving upon the public highway, in
a manner likely to endanger the persons or the lives of others, shall, on convic-
tion, be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or imprisoned not exceeding
thirty days.
It is a misdemeanor, without authority from the proper Road Supervisor, to
break upon, plow or dig within the boundary lines of any public highway.
The money tax levied upon the property in each road district in each town-
sliip (except the general Township Fund, set apart for purchasing tools, machin-
ery and guide boards), whether collected by the Road Supervisor or County
Treasurer, shall be expended for highway purposes in that district, and no part
thereof shall be paid out or expended for the benefit of another district.
The Road Supervisor of each district, is bound to keep the roads and bridges
therein, in as good condition as the funds at his disposal will permit ; to put
guide boards at cross roads and forks of highways in his district; and when noti-
fied in writing that any portion of the public highway, or any bridge is unsafe,
must in a reasonable time repair the same, and for this purpose may call out
any or all the able bodied men in the district, but not more than two days at
(»ne time, without their consent.
Also, when notified in writing, of the growth of any Canada thistles upon
vacant or non-resident lands or lots, within his district, the owner, lessee or
agent thereof being unknown, shall cause the same to be destroyed.
Bridges when erected or maintained by the public, are parts of the highway,
and must not be less than sixteen feet wide.
A penalty is imposed upon any one Avho rides or drives faster than a walk
across any such bridge.
The manner of establishing, vacating or altering roads, etc., is so well known
to all township officers, that it is sufficient here to say that the first step is by
petition, filed in the Auditor's office, addressed in substance as follows :
The Board of Supervisors of County : The undersigned asks that
a highway, commencing at and running thence and terminating
at , be established, vacated or altered (as the case may be.)
When the petition is filed, s\\ necessary and succeeding steps will be shown
and explained to the petitioners by the Auditor.
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 303
ADOPTION OF CHILDREN.
Any person competent to make a will can adopt as his own the minor child
of another. The consent of both parents, if living and not divorced or separ-
ated, and if divorced or separated, or if unmarried, the consent of the parent
lawfully having the custody of the child ; or if either parent is dead, then the
consent of the survivor, or if both parents be dead, or the child have been and
remain abandoned by them, then the consent of the Mayor of the city where
the child is living, or' if not in the city, then of the Clerk of the Circuit Court
of the county shall be given to such adoption by an instrument in writing,
signed by party or parties consenting, and stating the names of the parties, if
known, the name of the child, if known, the name of the person adopting such
child, and the residence of all, if known, and declaring the name by which the
child is thereafter to be called and known, and stating, also, that such child is
given to the person adopting, for the purpose of adoption as his own child.
The person adopting shall also sign said instrument, and all the parties shall
acknowledge the same in the manner that deeds conveying lands shall be
acknowledged.
The instrument shall be recorded in the office of the County Recorder.
SURVEYORS AND SURVEYS.
There is in every county elected a Surveyor known as County Surveyor,
who has power to appoint deputies, for whose official acts he is responsible. It
is the duty of the County Surveyor, either by himself or his Duputy, to make
all surveys that he may be called upon to make within his county as soon as
may be after application is made. The necessary chainmen and other assist-
ance must be employed by the person requiring the same to be done, and to be
by him paid, unless otherwise agreed ; but the chainmen must be disinterested
persons and approved by the Surveyor and sworn by him to measure justly and
impartially. Previous to any survey, he shall furnish himself with a copy of
the field notes of the original survey of the same land, if there be any in the
office of the County Auditor, and his survey shall be made in accordance there-
with.
Their fees are three dollars per day. For certified copies of field notes,
twenty -five cents.
SUPPORT OF POOR.
The father, mother and children of any poor person who has applied for aid,
and who is unable to maintain himself by work, shall, jointly or severally,
maintain such poor person in such manner as may be approved by the Town-
ship Trustees.
In the absence or inability of nearer relatives, the same liability shall extend
to the grandparents, if of ability without personal labor, and to the male grand-
children who are of ability, by personal labor or otherwise.
The Township Trustees may, upon the failure of such relatives to maintain
a poor person, who has made application for relief, apply to the Circuit Court
for an order to compel the same.
Upon ten days' notice, in writing, to the parties sought to be charged, a
hearing may be had, and an order made for entire or partial support of the poor
person.
304 ABSTRACT OF TOWA STATE LAWS.
Appeal may be taken from such judgment as from other judgments of the
Circuit Court.
When any person, having any estate, abandons either children, wife or hus-
band, leaving them chargeable, or likely to become chargeable, upon the public for
support, upon proof of above fact, an order may be had from tlie Clerk of the
Circuit Court, or Judge, authorizing the Trustees or the Sheriff to take into
possession such estate.
The Court may direct such personal estate to be sold, to be applied, as well
as the rents and profits of the real estate, if any, to the support of children,
wife or husband.
If the party against whom the order is issued return and support tlie per-
son abandoned, or give security for the same, the order shall be discharged, and
the property taken returned.
The mode of relief for the poor, through the action of the Township
Trustees, or the action of the Board of Supervisors, is so well known to every
township officer, and the circumstances attending applications for relief are so
varied, that it need now only be said that it is the duty of each county to pro-
vide for its poor, no matter at what place they may be.
^ LANDLORD AND TENANT.
A tenant giving notice to quit demised premises at a time named, and after-
ward holding over, and a tenant or his assignee willfully holding over the prem-
ises after the term, and after notice to quit, shall pay double rent.
Any person in possession of real property, Avith the assent of the owner, is
presumed to be a tenant at will until the contrary is shown.
Thirty days' notice, in writing, is necessary to be given by either party
before he can terminate a tenancy at will ; but when, in any case, a rent is
reserved payable at intervals of less than thirty days, the length of notice need
not be greater than such interval between the days of payment. In case of
tenants occupying and cultivating farms, the notice must fix the termination of
the tenancy to take place on the 1st day of March, except in cases of field
tenants or croppers, whose leases shall be held to expire when the crop is har-
vested ; provided, that in case of a crop of corn, it shall not be later than the
1st day of December, unless otherwise agreed upon. But when an express
agreement is made, whether the same has been reduced to writing or not,
the tenancy shall cease at the time agreed upon, without notice.
But where an express agreement is made, whether reduced to Avriting or
not, the tenancy shall cease at the time agreed upon, without notice.
If such tenant cannot be found in the county, the notices above required
may be given to any sub-tenant or other person in possession of the premises ;
or, if the premises be vacant, by affixing the notice to the principal door of the
building or in some conspicuous position on the land, if there be no building.
The landlord shall have a lien for his rent upon all the crops grown on the
premises, and upon any otlier personal property of the tenant used on the
premises during the term, and not exempt from execution, for the period of one
year after a year's rent or the rent of a shorter period claimed falls due ; but
such lien shall not continue more than six months after the expiration of the
term.
The lien may be effected by the commencement of an action, within the
period above prescribed, for the rent alone ; and the landlord is entitled to a w-rit
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
305
of attachment, upon filing an affidavit that the action is commenced to rcover
rent accrued within one year previous thereto upon the premises described in the
affidavit.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Whenever any of the following articles shall be contracted for, or sold or
delivered, and no special contract or agreement shall be made to the contrary,
the weight per bushel shall be as follows, to-wit :
Apples, Peaches or Quinces, 48
Cherries, Grapes, Currants or Gooseberries, 40
Strawberries, Raspberries or Blackberries, 32
Osage Orange Seed 32
Millet Seed 45
Stone Coal 80
Lime 80
Corn in the ear 70
Wheat 60
Potatoes 60
Beans 60
Clover Seed 60
Onions 57
Shelled Corn 56
Rye 56
Flax Seed 56
Sweet Potatoes , 46
Sand 130
Sorghum Seed 30
Broom Corn Seed 30
Buckwheat 52
Salt 50-
Barley 48
Corn Meal 48
Castor Beans 46
Timothy Seed 45
Hemp Seed 44
Dried Peaches 33
Oats 33
Dried Apples 24
Bran 20
Blue Grass Seed 14
Hungarian Grass Seed 45
Penalty for giving less than the above standard is treble damages and costs
and five dollars addition thereto as a fine.
DEFINITION OF COMMERCIAL TERMS.
$ means dollars, being a contraction of U. S., which was formerly placed
before any denomination of money, and meant, as it means now. United States
Currency.
£ means pounds, English money.
@ stands for at or to; Bb for pounds, and bbl. for barrels ; '^ for per or by
the. Thus, Butter sells at 20(«;30c f ft), and Flour at $8^!$12 ^ bbl.
% for per cent., and Jf for number.
May 1. Wheat sells at $1.20@|1. 25, " seller June." Seller June me^im
that the person who sells the wheat has the privilege of delivering it at any
time durinor the month of June.
Sellino; sliort, is contracting to deliver a certain amount of grain or stock,
at a fixed price, within a certain length of time, when the seller has not the
stock on hand. It is for the interest of the person selling "short" to depress
the market as much as possible, in order that he may buy and fill his contract
at a profit. 11 en ce the "shorts" are termed "bears."
Buying long, is to contract to purchase a certain amount of grain or shares
of stock at a fixed price, deliverable within a stipulated time, expecting to make
a profit by the rise in prices. The "longs" are termed "bulls," as it is for
their interest to "operate" so as to "toss" the prices upward as much as
possible.
-306 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
NOTES.
Form of note is legal, worded in the simplest way, so that the amount and
^ue of payment are mentioned :
$100. Chicago, 111., Sept. 15, 1876.
Sixty days from date I promise to pay to E. F. Brown or order, one hun-
dred dollars, for value received. L. D. Lowry.
A note to be payable in anything else than money needs only the facts sub-
stituted for money in the above form.
ORDERS.
Orders should be w^orded simply, thus :
Mr. F. H. Coats : Chicago, Sept. 15, 1876.
Please pay to H. Birdsall twenty-five dollars, and charge to
F. D. SiLVA.
RECEIPTS.
Receipts should always state when received and what for, thus :
$100. Chicago, Sept. 15, 1876.
Received of J. W. Davis, one hundred dollars, for services
rendered in grading his lot in Fort Madison, on account,
Thomas Brady.
If receipt is in full, it should be so stated.
BILLS OF PURCHASE.
W. N. Mason, Salem, Illinois, Sept. 18, 1876.
Bouglit of A. A. Graham.
4 Bushels of Seed Wheat, at $1.50 $6 00
2 Seamless Sacks " 30 60
Received payment, $6 60
A. A. Graham.
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT.
-, Iowa, , 18 — .
after date — promises to pay to the order of , dollars,
at , for value received, with interest at ten per cent, per annum after
until paid. Interest payable , and on interest not paid when due,
interest at same rate and conditions.
a failure to pay said interest, or any part thereof, within 20 days after due, shall cause the
whole note to become due and collectable at once.
If this note is sued, or judgment is confessed hereon, $ shall be allowed as attorney fees.
No. — . ' P. 0. , .
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT.
VS. — . In Court of County, Iowa, , of
County, Iowa, do hereby confess that justly indebted to — ; , in the
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 307
sum of — dollars, and the further sum of $ as attorney fees, with
interest thereon at ten per cent, from , and — hereby confess judgment
against as defendant in favor of said , for said sum of f ,
and $ as attorney fees, hereby authorizing the Clerk of the Court of
said county to enter up judgment for said sum against with costs, and
interest at 10 per cent, from , the interest to be paid .
Said debt and judgment being for .
It is especially agreed, however. That if this judgment is paid within twenty
days after due, no attorney fees need be paid. And hereby sell, convey
and release all right of homestead we now occupy in favor of said so
far as this judgment is concerned, and agree that it shall be liable on execution
for this judgment.
Dated , 18—. .
The State of Iowa, \
County. J
being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that the forego-
ing statement and Confession of Judgment was read over to , and that —
understood the contents thereof, and that the statements contained therein are
true, and that the sums therein mentioned are justly to become due said
as aforesaid.
Sworn to and subscribed before rae and in my presence by the said
this day of , 18 — . , Notary Public.
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.
An agreement is where one party promises to another to do a certain thing
in a certain time for a stipulated sum. Good business men always reduce an
agreement to writing, which nearly always saves misunderstandings and trouble.
No particular form is necessary, but the facts must be clearly and explicitly
stated, and there must, to make it valid, be a reasonable consideration.
GENERAL FORM OF AGREEMENT.
This Agreement, made the Second day of June, 1878, between John
Jones, of Keokuk, County of Lee, State of Iowa, of the first part, and Thomas
Whiteside, of the same place, of the second part —
WITNESSETH, that the said John Jones, in consideration of the agreement
of the party of the second part, hereinafter contained, contracts and agrees to
and with the said Thomas Whiteside, that he will deliver in good and market-
able condition, at the Village of Melrose, Iowa, during the month of November,
of this year. One Hundred Tons of Prairie Hay, in the following lots, and at
the following specified times ; namely, twenty-five tons by the seventh of Nov-
ember, twenty-five tons additional by the fourteenth of the month, twenty-five
tons more by the twenty-first, and the entire one hundred tons to be all delivered
by the thirtieth of November.
And the said Thomas Whiteside, in consideration of the prompt fulfillment
of this contract, on the part of the party of the first part, contracts to and agrees
with the said John Jones, to pay for said hay five dollars per ton, for each ton
as soon as delivered.
308 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
In case of f\iiluro of agreement by either of the parties hereto, it is hereb;y
stipuhitcd and agreed that the party so failing shall pay to the other, One Hun-
dred dollars, as fixed and settled damages.
In witness whereof, Ave have hereunto set our hands the day and year first
above written. John Jones,
Thomas Whiteside.
AGREEMENT WITH CLERK FOR SERVICES.
This Agreement, made the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred
and seventy-eight, between Reuben Stone, of Dubuque, County of Dubuque,
State of Iowa, party of tiie first part, and George Barclay, of McGregor,
County of Clayton, State of Iowa, party of the second part —
WITNESSETH, that Said George Barclay agrees faithfully and diligently to
work as clerk and salesman for the said Reuben Stone, for and during the space
of one year from the date hereof, should both live such length of time, without
absenting himself from his occupation ; during which time he, the said Barclay, in
the store of said Stone, of Dubuque, will carefully and honestly attend, doing
and performing all duties as clerk and salesman aforesaid, in accordance and in
all respects as directed and desired by the said Stone.
In consideration of which services, so to be rendered by the said Barclay, the
said Stone agrees to pay to said Barclay the annual sum of one thousand dol-
lars, payable in twelve equal monthly payments, each upon the last day of each
month ; provided that all dues for days of absence from business by said Barclay,
shall be deducted from the sum otherwise by the agreement due and payable by
the said Stone to the said Barclay.
Witness our hands. Reuben Stone.
George Barclay.
BILLS OF SALE.
A bill of sale is a written agreement to another party, for a consideration to
convey his right and interest in the personal property. The purchaser must
take- actual possession of the property^ or the bill of sale must be acknowledged
and recorded.
COMMON FORM OF BILL OF SALE.
Know all Men by this instrument, that I, Louis Clay, of Burlington^
Iowa, of the first part, for and in consideration of Five Hundred and Ten
Dollars, to me paid by John Floyd, of the same place, of the second part, the
receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have sold, and by this instrument do
convey unto the said Floyd, party of the second part, his executors, administra-
tors and assigns, my undivided half of ten acres of corn, now growing on the
arm of Thomas Tyrell, in the town above mentioned ; one pair of horses,
sixteen sheep, and five cows, belonging to me and in my possession at the farm
aforesaid ; to have and to hold the same unto the party of the second part, his
ex"ecutor8 and assigns forever. And I do, for myself and legal representatives,
agree with the said party of the second part, and his legal representatives, to
warrant and defend the sale of the afore-mentioned property and chattels unto
the said party of the second part, and his legal representatives, against all and
every person whatsoever.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my hand, this tenth day of
October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
Louis Clay.
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 309
NOTICE TO QUIT.
To John Wontpay :
You are hereby notified to quit the possession of the premises you now
occupy to wit :
[^Insert Description.^
on or before thirty days from the date of this notice. '
Dated January 1, lb78. Landlord.
l_Iieverse for Notice to Landlord.^
GENERAL FORM OF WILL FOR REAL AND PERSONAL
PROPERTY.
I, Charles Mansfield, of the Town of Bellevue, County of Jackson, State
of Iowa, being aware of the uncertainty of life, and in failing health, but of
sound mind and memory, do make and declare this to be my last will and tes-
tament, in manner following, to-wit :
First. I give, devise and bequeath unto my eldest son, Sidney H. Mans-
field, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, of bank stock, now in the Third
National Bank, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the farm owned by myself, in the
Township of Iowa, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, with all the
houses, tenements and improvements thereunto belonging ; to have and to hold
unto my said son, his heirs and assigns, forever.
Second. I give, devise and bequeath to each of my two daughters, Anna
Louise Mansfield and Ida Clara Mansfield, each Two Thousand Dollars in bank
stock in the Third National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio ; and also, each one
quarter section of land, owned by myself, situated in theTownship of Fairfield,
and recorded in my name in the Recorder's office,. in the county where such land
is located. The north one hundred and sixty acres of said half section is
devised to my eldest daughter, Anna Louise.
Third. I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Frank Alfred Mansfield, five
shares of railroad stock in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and my one hundred
and sixty acres of land, and saw-mill thereon, situated in Manistee, Michigan,
with all the improvements and appurtenances thereunto belonging, which said
real estate is recorded in my name, in the county where situated.
Fourth. I give to my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, all my household
furniture, goods, chattels and personal property, about my home, not hitherto
disposed of, including Eight Thousand Dollars of bank stock in the Third
National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio, fifteen shares in the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad, and the free and unrestricted use, possession and benefit of the home
farm so long as she may live, in lieu of dower, to which she is entitled by law
— said farm being my present place of residence.
Fifth. I bequeath to my invalid father, Elijah H. Mansfield, the income
from rents of my store building at 145 Jackson street, Chicago, Illinois, during
the term of his natural life. Said building and land therewith to revert to
my said sons and daughters in equal proportion, upon the demise of my said
father.
Sixth. It is also my will and desire that, at the death of my wife, Victoria
Elizabeth Mansfield, or at any time when she may arrange to relinquish her
310 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
life interest in the above mentioned homestead, the same may revert to my
above named children, or to the lawful heirs of each.
And lastly. I nominate and appoint as the executors of this, my last will
and testament, my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, and my eldest son, Sidney
H. Mansfield.
I further direct that my debts and necessary funeral expenses shall be paid
from moneys now on deposit in the Savings Bank of Bcllevue, the residue of
such moneys to revert to my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, for her use for-
ever.
In witness whereof, I, Charles Mansfield, to this my last will and testament,
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fourth day of April, eighteen hundred
and seventy-two.
Charles Mansfield.
Signed, and declared by Charles Mansfield, as and for his last will and tes-
ment, in the presence of us, who, at his request, and in his presence, and in
the presence of each other, have subscribed our names hereunto as witnesses
thereof. Peter A. Schenck, Dubuque, Iowa,
Frank E. Dent, Bellevue, Iowa.
CODICIL.
Whereas I, Charles Mansfield, did, on the fourth day of April, one thousand
eight hundred and seventy-two, make my last will and testament, I do now, by
this writing, add this codicil to my said will, to be taken as a part thereof.
Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, my daughter, Anna Louise,
has deceased, November fifth, eighteen hundred and seventy-three ; and whereas,
a son has been born to me, which son is now christened Richard Albert Mans-
field, I give and bequeath unto him my gold watch, and all right, interest and
title in lands and bank stock and chattels bequeathed to my deceased daughter,
Anna Louise, in the body of this will.
In witness whereof, T hereunto place my hand and seal, this tenth day of
March, eighteen hundred and seventy-five. Charles Mansfield.
Signed, sealed, published and declared to us by the testator, Charles ]\Ians-
field, as and for a codicil to be annexed to his last will and testament. And
we, at iiis request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto, at the date hereof.
Frank E. Dent, Bellevue, Iowa,
John C. Shay, Bellevue, Iowa.
{Form No. 1.)
SATISFACTION OF MORTGAGE.
ss.
State of Iowa,
County,
I, , of 'the County of , State of Iowa, do hereby acknowledge
that a certain Indenture of , bearing date the day of , A. D.
18 — , made and executed by and , his wife, to said on
the following described Real Estate, in the County of , and State of
Iowa, to-wit : (here insert description) and filed for record in the office of the
Recorder of the County of , and State of Iowa, on the ^-day of ,
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 311
A. D. 18 — , at o'clock . M. ; and recorded in Book of Mortgage
Records, on page , is redeemed, paid off, satisfied and discharged in full.
. [seal.]
State of Iowa, 1
County, j
Be it Rememl)ered, That on this day of , A. D. 18 — , before
me the undersigned, a in and for said county, personally appeared ,
to me personally known to be the identical person who executed the above
(satisfaction of mortgage) as grantor, and acknowledged signature
thereto to be voluntary act and deed.
Witness my hand and seal, the day and year last above
written. .
ONE FORM OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE.
Know all Men by these Presents : That , of County, and
State of , in consideration of dollars, in hand paid by of
County, and State of , do hereby sell and convey unto the said
the following described premises, situated in the County , and State of
, to wit : (here insert description,) and do hereby covenant with the
said that lawfully seized of said premises, that they are free from
incumbrance, that have good right and lawful authority to sell and convey
the same ; and do hereby covenant to warrant and defend the same against
the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever. To be void upon condition that
the said shall pay the full amount of principal and interest at the time
therein specified, of certain promissory note for the sum of dollars.
One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent.
One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent.
One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent.
One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent.
And the said Mortgagor agrees to pay all taxes that may be levied upon the
above described premises. It is also agreed by the Mortgagor that if it becomes
necessary to foreclose this mortgage, a reasonable amount shall be allowed as an
attorney's fise for foreclosing. And the said hereby relinquishes all her
right of dower and homestead in and to the above described premises.
Signed to day of , A. D. 18 — .
[Acknowledge as in Form No. 1.]
SECOND FORM OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE.
This Indenture, made and executed by and between of the
county of ■ and State of , part of the first part, and of the
county of and State of party of the second part, Witnesseth, that the
said part of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of dollars,
paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, have granted and sold, and do by these presents, grant, bargain,
sell, convey and confirm, unto the said l)arty of tlie second part, heirs and
312 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
assigns forever, the certain tract or parcel of real estate situated in the county
of and State of , described as follows, to-wit:
[Ilere insert description.)
The said part of the first part represent to and covenant with the part of
the second part, that he have good right to sell and convey said premises,
that they are free from encumbrance and that he will warrant and defend
them against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever, and do expressly
hereby release all rights of dower in and to said premises, and relinquish and
convey all rights of homestead therein.
This Instrument is made, executed and delivered upon the following con-
ditions, to-wit :
First. Said first part agree to pay said or order
Second. Said first part further agree as is stipulated in said note, that if
he shall fail to pay any of said interest when due, it shall bear interest at the
rate often per cent, per annum, from the time the same becomes due, and this
mortgage shall stand as security for the same.
Third. Said first part further agree that he will pay all taxes and
assessments levied upon said real estate before the same become delinquent, and
if not paid the holder of this mortgage may declare the whole sum of money
herein secured due and collectable at once, or he may elect to pay such taxes or
assessments, and be entitled to interest on the same at the rate of ten per cent,
per annum, and this mortgage shall stand as security for the amount so paid.
Fourth. Said first part further agree that if he fail to pay any of said
money, either principal or interest, within days after the same becomes
due ; or fail to conform or comply with any of the foregoing conditions or agree-
ments, tlie Avhole sum herein secured shall become due and payable at once, and
this mortgage may thereupon be foreclosed immediately for the whole of said
money, interest and costs.
Fifth. Said part further agree that in the event of the non-payment of either
principal, interest or taxes when due, and upon the filing of a bill of foreclosure
of this mortgage, an attorney's fee of dollars shall become due and pay-
able, and shall be by i\\Q court taxed, and this mortgage shall stand as security
therefor, and the same shall be included in the decree of foreclosure and shall
be made by the Sheriff on general or special execution with the other money,
interest and costs, and the contract embodied in this mortgage and the note
described herein, shall in all respects be governed, constructed and adjudged
by the laws of , where the same is made. The foregoing conditions
being performed, this conveyance to be void, otherwise of full force and virtue.
[Acknowledge as in form No. 1.]
FORM OF LEASE.
This Article of Agreement, Made and entered into on this day of
-, A. D. 187-, by and between , of the county of , and
State of Iowa, of the first part, and , of the county of
and State of Iowa, of the second part, witnesseth that the said party of the first
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 313
part has this day leased unto the party of the second part the following described
premises, to wit :
[//ere insert description.']
for the term of from and after the — day of , A. D. 187-, aq:
the rent of dollars, to be paid as follows, to wit :
\_Here insert Terms.']
And it is further agreed that if any rent shall be due and unpaid, or if
default be made in any of the covenants herein contained, it shall then be law-
ful for the said party of the first part to re-enter the said premises, or to dcstrain
for such rent; or he may recover possession thereof, by action of forcible entry
and detainer, notwithstanding the provision of Section 3,612 of the Code of
1873 ; or he may use any or all of said remedies.
And the said party of the second part agrees to pay to the party of the first
part the rent as above stated, except when said premises are untenantable by
reason of fire, or from any other cause than the carelessness of the party of the
second part, or persons family, or in employ, or by superior force
and inevitable necessity. And the said party of the second part covenants
that will use the said premises as a , and for no other purposes
whatever ; and that especially will not use said premises, or permit the
same to be used, for any unlawful business or purpose whatever; that will
not sell, assign, underlet or relinquish said premises without the written consent
of the lessor, under penalty of a forfeiture of all rights under this lease, at
the election of the party of the first part ; and that will use all due care
and diligence in guarding said property, with the buildings, gates, fences, trees,
vines, shrubbery, etc., from damage by fire, and the depredations of animals ;
that will keep buildings, gates, fences, etc., in as good repair as they now
are, or may at any time be placed by the lessor, damages by superior force,
inevitable necessity, or fire from any other cause than from the carelessness of
the lessee, or persons of family, or in employ, excepted ; and that
at the expiration of this lease, or upon a breach by said lessee of any of the said.
covenants herein contained, will, without further notice of any kind, quit
and surrender the possession and occupancy of said premises in as good condi-
tion as reasonable use, natural wear and decay thereof will permit, damages by
fire as aforesaid, superior force, or inevitable necessity, only excepted.
In witness whereof, the said parties have subscribed their names on the date
first above written.
In presence of
FORM OF NOTE.
I , 18—.
On or before the — day of , 18 — , for value received, I promise to
pay or order, dollars, with interest from date until paid,
at ten per cent, per annum, payable annually, at . Unpaid interest
shall bear interest at ten per cent, per annum. On failure to pay interest
within days after due, the whole sum, principal and interest, shall become
due at once.
314 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
CHATTEL MORTGAGE.
Know all Men by these Presents : That of County, and
State of in consideration of dollars, in hand paid by , of
County and State of do hereby sell and convey unto the said the
following described personal property, now in the possession of in the
county and State of , to Avit :
[Here insert Description. '\
And do hereby warrant the title of said property, and that it is free from
any incumbrance or lien. The only right or interest retained by grantor in
and to said property being the right of redemption as herein provided. This
conveyance to be void upon condition that the said grantor shall pay to said
grantee, or his assigns, the full amount of principal and interest at the time
therein specified, of certain promissory notes of even date herewith, for
the sum of dollars.
One note for ^ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent.
One note for $ , duo , 18 — , W'itli interest annually at per cent.
One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent.
One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at per cent.
The grantor to pay all taxes on said property, and if at any time any part
or portion of said notes should be due and unpaid, said grantee may proceed by
sale or foreclosure to collect and pay himself the unpaid balance of said notes,
whether due or not, the grantor to pay all necessary expense of such foreclosure,
including $ Attorney's fees, and whatever remains after paying off said
notes and expenses, to be paid over to said grantor.
Signed the day of , 18 — . .
[Acknowledged as in form No. 1.] .
WARRANTY DEED.
Know all Men by these Presents : That of County and
State of , in consideration of the sum of — Dollars, in hand paid by
of , County and State of , do hereby sell and convey unto
the said and to heirs and assigns, the following described premises,
situated in the County of , State of Iowa, to-wit :
[Here insert descriptio7i.']
And I do hereby covenant with the said that — lawfully seized in fee
simple, of said jn'emises, that they are free from incumbrance ; that — ha good
right and lawful authoritv to sell the same, and — do hereby covenant to war-
rant and defend tiie said premises and appurtenances thereto belonging, against
the lawful claims of all persons Avhomsoever ; and the said hereby re-
linquishes all her right of dower and of homestead in and to the above described
premises.
Signed the day of , A. D. 18—.
in presence of
[Acknowledged as in Form No. 1.]
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 315
QUIT-CLAIM DEED.
Know all Men by these Presents: That , of County,
State of , in consideration of the sum of dollars, to — in hand
paid by , of County, State of , the receipt whereof — do
hereby acknowledge,have bargained, sold and quit-claimed, and by these presents
do bargain, sell and quit-claim unto the said and to — heirs and assigns
forever, all — right, title, interest, estate, claim and demand, both at law and
in equity, and as well in possession as in expectancy, of, in and to the following
described premises, to wit : [here insert description] with all and singular the
hereditaments and appurtenances thereto belonging.
Signed this day of , A. D. 18 — .
Signed in Presence of
[Acknowledged as in form No. 1.]
BOND FOR DEED.
Know all Men by these Presents: That of County,
and State of am held and firmly bound unto of County, and
State of , in the sum of Dollars, to be paid to the said , his
executors or assigns, for which payment well and truly to be made, I bind myself
firmly by these presents. Signed the day of A. D. 18 — .
The condition of this obligation is such, that if the said obligee shall pay to
said obligor, or his assigns, the full amount of principal and interest at the time
therein specified, of — certain promissory note of even date herewith, for the
sum of Dollars,
One note for $ , due , 18 — , with interest annually at — per cent.
One note for | , due , 18 — , with interest annually at — per cent.
One note for | , due , 18 — , with interest annually at — per cent.
and pay all taxes accruing upon the lands herein described, then said obligor
shall convey to the said obligee, or his assigns, that certain tract or parcel of
real estate, situated in the County of and State of Iowa, described as fol-
loAvs, to wit: [here insert description,] by a Warranty Deed, with the usual
covenants, duly executed and acknowledged.
If said obligee should fail to make the payments as above stipulated, or any
part thereof, as the same becomes due, said obligor may at his option, by notice
to the obligee terminate his liability under the bond and resume the posses-
sion and absolute control of said premises, time being the essence of this
agreement.
On the fulfillment of the above conditions this obligation to become void,
otherwise to remain in full force and virtue; unless terminated by the obligor
as above stipulated.
[Acknowledge as in form No. 1.]
316 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
CHARITABLE, SCIENTIFIC AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS.
Any three or more persons of full age, citizens of the United States,
a majority of whom shall be citizens of this State, who desire to associate
themselves for benevolent, charitable, scientific, religious or missionary pur-
poses, may make, sign and acknowledge, before any officer authorized to take
the acknowledgments of deeds in this State, and have recorded in the office of
the Recorder of the county in which the 'business of such society is to be con-
ducted, a certificate in writing, in which shall be stated the name or title by
which such society shall be known, the particular business and objects of such
society, tlie number of Trustees, Directors or Managers to conduct the same, and
the names of the Trustees, Directors or Managers of such society for the first
year of its existence.
Upon filing for record the certificate, as aforesaid, the persons who shall
have signed and acknowledged such certificate, and- their associates and success-
ors, sliall, by virtue hereof, be a body politic and corporate by the name
stated in such certificate, and by that they and their successors shall and may
have succession, and shall be persons capable of suing and being sued, and may
have and use a common seal, which they may alter or change at pleasure ; and
they and their successors, by their corporate name, shall be capable of taking,
receiving, purchasing and holding real and personal estate, and of making by-
laws for the management of its affairs, not inconsistent with law.
The society so incorporated may, annually or oftener, elect from its members
its Trustees, Directors or Managers at such time and place, and in such manner
as may be specified in its by-laws, who shall have the control and management
of the affairs and funds of the society, a majority of whom shall be a quorum
for the transaction of business, and whenever any vacancy shall happen among
such Trustees, Directors or Managers, by death, resignation or neglect to serve,
such vacancy shall be filled in such manner as shall be provided by the by-laws
of such society. When the body corporate consists of the Trustees, Directors or
Managers of any benevolent, charitable, literary, scientific, religious or mis-
sionary institution, which is or may be established in the State, and which is or
may be under the patronage, control, direction or supervision of any synod, con-
ference, association or other ecclesiastical body in such State, established
agreeably to the laws thereof, such ecclesiastical body may nominate and
appoint such Trustees, Directors or Managers, according to usages of the appoint-
ing body, and may fill any vacancy which may occur among such Trustees,
Directors or Managers ; and when any such institution may be under the
patronage, control, direction or supervision of two or mOre of such synods, con-
ferences, associations or other ecclesiastical bodies, such bodies may severally
nominate and appoint such proportion of such Trustees, Directors or Managers
as shall be agreed upon by those bodies immediately concerned. And any
vacancy occurring among such appointees last named, shall be filled by the
synod, conference, association or body having appointed the last incumbent.
In case any election of Trustees, Directors or Managers shall not be made
on the day designated by the by-laws, said society for that cause shall not be
dissolved, but such election may take place on any other day directed by such
by-laws.
Any corporation formed under this chapter shall be capable of taking, hold-
ing or receiving property by virtue of any devise or bequest contained in any
last will or testament of any person whatsoever ; but no person leaving a wife,
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS. 317
■child or parent, shall devise or bequeath to such institution or corporation more
than one-fourth of his estate after tlie payment of his debts, and such device or
bequest shall be valid only to the extent of such one-fourth.
Any corporation in this State of an academical character, the memberships
of which shall consist of lay members and pastors of churches, delegates to any
synod, conference or council holding its annual meetings alternately in this and
one or more adjoining States, may hold its annual meetings for the election of
officers and the transaction of business in any adjoining State to this, at such
place therein as the said synod, conference or council shall hold its annual meet-
ings ; and the elections so held and business so transacted shall be as legal and
binding as if held and transacted at the place of business of the corporation in
this State.
The provisions of this chapter shall not extend or apply to any association
or individual who shall, in the certificate filed Avith the Kecorder, use or specify
a name or style the same as that of any previously existing incorporated society
in the county.
The Trustees, Directors or stockholders of any existing benevolent, char-
itable, scientific, missionary or religious corporation, may, by conforming to the
requirements of Section 1095 of this chapter, re-incorporate themselves or con-
tinue their existing corporate powers, and all the property and effects of such
existing corporation shall vest in and belong to the corporation so re-incorporated
or continued.
INTOXICATING LIQUORS.
No intoxicating liquors (alcohol, spirituous and vinous liquors), except wine
manufactured from grapes, currants or other fruit grown in the State, shall be
manufactured or sold, except for mechanical, medicinal, culinary or sacramental
purposes ; and even such sale is limited as follows :
Any citizen of the State, except hotel keepers, keepers of saloons, eating
houses, grocery keepers and confectioners, is permitted to buy and sell, within
the county of his residence, such liquors for such mechanical, etc., purposes
only, provided he shall obtain the consent of the Board of Supervisors. In
order to get that consent, he must get a certificate from a majority of the elec-
tors of the town or township or ward in which he desires to sell, that he is of
good moral character, ami a proper person to sell such liquors.
If the Board of Supervisors grant him permission to sell such liquors, he
must give bonds, and shall not sell such liquors at a greater profit than thirty-
three per cent, on the cost of the same. Any person having a permit to sell,
shall make, on the last Saturday of every month, a return in writing to the
Auditor of the county, showing the kind and quantity of the liquors purchased
by him since the date of his last report, the price paid, and the amount of
freights paid on the same ; also the kind and quantity of li(juors sold by him
since the date of his last report ; to whom sold ; for what purpose and at what
price; also the kind and quantity of liquors on hand; which report shall be
sworn to by the person having the permit, and shall be kept by the Auditor,
subject at all times to the inspection of the public.
No person shall sell or give away any intoxicating li(juors, including wine or
beer, to any minor, for any purpose Avhatever, except upon written order of
parent, guardian or family physician ; or sell the same to an intoxicated person
or a person in the habit of becoming intoxicated.
318 ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
Any person Avho shall mix any intoxicating liquor with any beer, wine or
cider, by him sold, and shall sell or keep for sale, as a beverage, such mixture,
shall be punished as for sale of intoxicating liquor.
But nothing in the chapter containing the laws governing the sale or pro-
hibiting the sale of intoxicating li([uors, shall be construed to forbid the sale by
the im})orter then. of of foreign intoxicating licpior, imported under the author-
ity of the laws of the United States, regarding the importation of such liquors,
and in accordance with such laws ; provided that such liquor, at the time of the
sale by the importer, remains in the original casks or packages in which it was
by him imported, and in quantities not less than the quantities in which the
laws of the United States require such Ii([uors to be imported, and is sold by
him in sucli original casks or packages, and in said quantities only.
All payment or compensation for intoxicating li(juor sold in violation of the
laws of this State, Avhether such payments or compensation be in money, goods,
lands, labor, or any thing else whatsoever, shall be held to have been received in viola-
tion of law and ecjuity and good conscience, and to have been received upon a
valid promise and agreement of the receiver, in consideration of the receipt
thereof, to pay on demand, to the person furnishing such consideration, the
amount of the money on the just value of the goodaor other things.
All sales, transfers, conveyances, mortgages, liens, attachments, pledges and
securities of every kind, which, either in whole or in part, shall have been made
on account of intoxicating liquors sold contrary to law, shall be utterly null and
void.
Negotiable paper in the hands of holders thereof, in good faith, fi)r valuable
consideration, without notice of any illegality in its inception or transfer, how-
ever, shall not be affected by the above provisions. Neither slmll the holder of
land or other property who may have taken the same in good faith, without
notice of any defect in the title of the person from whom the same was
taken, growing out of a violation of the liquor law, be affected by the above
provision.
Every wife, child, parent, guardian, employer, or other person, who shall be
injured in person or property or means of support, by an intoxicated person, or
in conse({uence of the intoxication, has a right of action against any person who
shall, by selling intoxicating liquors, cause the intoxication of such person, for
all damages actually sustained as well as exemplary damages.
For any damages recovered, the personal and real property (except home-
stead, as now provided) of tlie person against whom the damages are recovered,
as well as the premises or property, personal or real, occupied and used by him,
Avith consent and knowledge of owner, either for manufacturing or selling intox-
icating li(iuors contrary to law, shall be liable.
The oi)ly other exemption, besides the homestead, from this sweeping liability,
is that the defendant may have enough for the support of his family for six
months, to be determined by the Township Trustee.
No ale, wine, beer or other malt or vinous li(iuors shall be sold within two
miles of the corporate limits of any municipal corporation, except at wholesale,
for the purpose of shipment to places outside of such corporation and such two-
mile limits. The power of the corporation to prohibit or license sale of liquors
not proliibited by law is extended over the two miles.
No ale, wine, beer or other malt or vinous li((uors shall be sold on the day
on which any election is held under the laws of this State, within two miles of
the place where said election is held ; except only that any person holding a
permit may sell upon the prescription of a practicing physician. -
ABSTRACT OF IOWA STATE LAWS.
319-
SUGGESTIONS TO THOSE PURCHASING BOOKS BY SUBSCRIP-
TION.
The business of publishing books by subscription, having so often been
brought into disrepute by agents making representations and declarations not
authorized by the publisher, in order to prevent that as much as possible, and
that there may be more general knowledge of the relation such agents bear to
their principal, and the law governing such cases, the following statement is
made:
A subscription is in the nature of a contract of mutual promises, by which
the subscriber agrees to pay a certain sum for the work described ; the consid-
eration is concurrent that the publisher shall publish the hook named, and
deliver the same, for which the subscriber is to pay the price named. The
nature and character of the work is described by the prospectus and sample
shoivn. These should be carefully examined before subscribing, as they are
the basis and consideration of the promise to pay, and not the too often exag-
gerated statements of the agent, who is merely employed to solicit subscriptions,
for which he is usually paid a commission for each subscriber, and has no
authority to change or alter the conditions upon which the subscriptions are
authorized to be made by the publisher. Should the agent assume to agree to
make the subscription conditional or modify or change the agreement of the
publisher, as set out by the prospectus and sample, in order to biyid the princi-
pal, the subscriber should see that such condition or changes are stated over or
in connection with his signature, so that the publisher may have notice of the
same.
All persons making contracts in reference to matters of this kind, or any
other business, should remember that the law as written is, that they can not be
altered, varied or rescinded verbally, but if done at all, must be done in writing.
It is therefore important that all perso7is contemplating subscribing should
distinctly understand that all talk before or after the subscription is 7nade, is not
admissible as evidence, and is no part of the co7itract.
Persons employed to solicit subscriptions are known to the trade as can-
vassers. They are agents appointed to do a piarticular business in a prescribed
mode, and have no authority to do it any other way to the prejudice of their
principal, nor can they bind their principal in any other matter. They can not
collect money, or agree that payment may be made in anythiiig else but moiiey.
They can 7iot exte7id the time of payment beyond the thne of delivery, nor bind
their principal for the payme7ii of expe7ises incurred in their business.
It would save a great deal of trouble, and often serious loss, if persons,
before signing their names to any subscription book, or any written instrument,
would examine carefully what it is ; if they can not read themselves call on
some one disinterested who can.
STATISTICS OF AGRICULTURE OF IOWA (CENSUS OF 1S75.)
Xo. of , Xo. of
Acres Acres
COUXTIES. I of I 111- Uiiiiu-
I proved proved
Laud. Laud.
Appanoose
Ahiiiiakee
Audubon
Adams
Adair
Buena Vista . .
Benton
Boone
Butler
Bremer
Black Hawk...
Buchauau
Clay
Cherokee
Cass
Crawford
Cedar
Cerro Gordo. . .
Clayton
Clinton
Chickasaw
Carroll
Clarke
Calhoun
Davis
Decatur
Dubuqu •
Des -Moiuos
Delaware
Dickinson
Dallas
Emmet
Floyd
Fayette
Franklin
Fremont
Grundy
Green
Guthrie
Hardin
Humboldt
Howard
Harrison
Hancock
Hamilton
Henry
Ida
Iowa
Jackson
Johnson
Jasper
Jones
Jefferson
Keokuk
Kossuth
Lee
Lucas
Lyon
Ltnn
Louisa
Mitchell
Mahaska
Marion
Mills
Madison
Monroe
Marshall
Monona
Muscatine
Montgomorv.. .
O'Brien
Osceola
Polk
Pochahontas. . .
Pottawattoime
Poweshcik
Page
Plymouth
Palo Alto
Ringgold
Scott
Storj-
Shelby
Sioux
Sac
Tavlor
Tama
Union
Van Buren
"Wayne
Warren
■Wiiinesheik ....
Woodbury
Worth
■Wasliington ...
"Webster
Winnobaco
Wrieht
Wapello
Totil«
Xo. of
Acres
under
Culti-
vation
in 18T4.
Spring "Wheat, i "Winter "Wheat.
Xo. of
Xo. of
Bushels
161059
1S4;6T
21146
63139
831Si
Soils
WT51S
loG'.lSTl
IJOI'JS
]45'X.7l
2iAv.a;
HK)56|
STlG'.)
54638
]U«64
5S«.>:>S
24SS6>t
2ii-iii
2;tl»So5
96:)04
5S0651
9S6<J4|
26!h.H>:
150D3SI
1157.M
isrssii
143('.(o
i5t;o
132135
9ltS9
14709S
]"i;),"i04
69So9
n.ilk.)7
14(»S9
59 J 10
87259,
12!iS3ll
291 14i
115S23
94S4$
10462
63966
18-2030
7292
191011
193290
241021
27S3S1
208907
167SS9
20S125
S1530
18.SS32
IOb'952
15872
2S1US
131007
1263S4
2323;>8
199669!
141512
16199SI
102215
?23733l
522421
17S915
HV1633:
33lV26,
IS 190
207C^9
2192S,
r24CA»
2ltS;lS9
1367S2;
5S-2S3I
1S517;
ISJrtV
235515
14S649
KilSO
S>>S-24,
81336
10-2S61
2551S-2
57016
153674
147766;
191265
246140
44179|
4S'.>27
2251761
97238,
I7.-.S!>
85.-. 16
15l)-203
1610SS
156S21
•23819
437S5
55680
S703J
53911
TISIO
5S90S
47a»i
150881
71418
89919
28974
45304
2S3414
41417
S09S95
1519081
5?337l
947T2
809744
5lU87
"iieoos
871 r2
98561
58165
62305
29S30
5;
25586
821S0
98156
43'.:46
19SSS2
4T926:
49S38
47-^20
39930
86906
171018
837451
841615
39935
50249
9194
89357
142401
712571
179752;
6329S
66979,
989;l9
48793]
786l)-2
59757]
8188111
621U9
5-2922
701761
122190
827 79i
5:5(Xl»i
188709
78206;
47.552
5627S
48532
5060
82070
81406
56841
85572
419 1S9
4S697
175171
51912
8-2-2-25
58829
19123
43S74
85026
S67-.W4
47201
235515
902-22
83-216
99528
667*
167 17S
1SI670
570'J7
45957
K>;52
61744
SlV.25
s-2:^s;
6:Ji«Jl
1-231 SS
109388
15986
54352
66-265
27010
289408
108642
1-24877
104S10
lSl-256
157-240
33375
45412
92785
15-262
16648-
4S&18
1736-2;'
T4104
39159
7S803
2t«18
181597
9.V275
146244
9:iu;
16135
lli)6I
: 146-25
8387
11071.18
13.!73S
65.">90
103I1:»
135K«
5-28:23
76S1V2
97765
27018
61871
7-^JS7
9005
52050
110831
6514
15S1S8
14-2401
l'.K3019
21(';t49
1411684
12.-.590
149672
'28835
I0S-.SO
S8S0
12766
173635
10.1066
9U3S
150 -(,8
15:\>14
99837
137.179
9ITS(1
11731.13
S9S44
i-2;k;99
86>-26
26:34
14651
140430
19219
906:9
17I.^.8S
115184
44379
16679
50S;3
1S374-J
993S;
47280
8;C.15
24179
79442
214941
458^26
1132l''S
117t.89
15873'
259169
Sai97
3-2137
1578S4
70910
12421
2S!to7
135173
:2627S50 84104351 9354903 86907111 42669731
9606
6isa>
6S76
17947
27350
15314
99 kh;
32.-.*^i5,
579l>7,
48878
S9361,
64-291 1
17481
S16i)o|
401-23!
24i\K);
40467
28199
815883:
68683:
401 «!
26736;
17>HW
11040
5S7S!
8-211
49240
IO6I5;
60401
5701
29256
891 1!
6''067;
ai779,
81096!
132-29,
673841
li«91
■274891
SS4ty!
1-20461
86115
23948!
4889'
20676,
150-26
819$
484 lOl
4S515|
45306
799-261
860901
16-287
83-27S
107981
10851
1X64
813-2
52178
]9;64!
655341
31S62
451861
243S5
875531
11638
698951
15"-31'
32375
1381
. 14*.>4l
87691
37686
7434!
33:569,
57312
22089
336-28
8606
10.126
47698
•2(ii5S
■22i129
■22:nH;
1K»56
15116
97018
10386
7435
10373
42173
112175
15243
23l>92
41616
30)51
8'.VT9
13(f29
17368
Xo. of
Acres.
1 Xo. of
Bushels
Harv'fd
Indian Corn.
4:r.0U
lb-*
13i3(-.tH)
42'.»-237
77916.
Ml 793
llO-^r.
81-2342
153159
40150.
676209
S24S94
640544
415463
1305125
1010345
643519
340161
'217090
109631
80993
77169
634135
113396
71728
■238-22
445848
1510
941439
»i)67(.l
435iKK»
206iK.ll
97tU)..i7
257760
893574
497-251
•20a>2
58-28l>3
143 tOl
7oa«
294682
1S02-20
48815
670-247
ssaxTo
666779
1107170
462478
164904
S6a3-28
1S189
726-24
153587
76742
651V597
189939
1088811
395532
5-29668
81-2961
628314
101413
11253S•^
ISSSU
416471
551539
157526
74757
568389
son4
588971
7628^26
855792
442736
23-208
■78851
76-2315
330897
817944
251-286
110094
206813
1437807
141188
5S8l>8
76346
654679
181341-0
2; 8873
4104S7
469879
391IV31
162281
196166
i5;5.r.
1049
ISl
10
10838
1964
97
174
ffiOO
-26
1347
12
3
3
7
10
5379
817
84
8683
46
81
619-3
148
140
15400
31
12
18S8
'205
189
82
25
263
21
244 I
""'53'
10928
143
61
1439
•295
21030
4-28
IV3
20
55
150
56405
1-2239
1720
117310
50
""m
968
"i66-25
44
SCO
1200
118203
lOSO
7942
1-274
409
66739
1863
200407
329
54
160
16267
2697
22ra
543
4S4
55S4
200
"6-29"
166
21
894
63
■■■1226"
10
325
475
"aoiss"
160
1-25
40
8
1762
618
20
10
S068
""960
121854
1-236
910
14193
"■-iio"
Value of
PriKlucts
of Farm
Xo of ' -^'"- "'' ' Vn nf I ^"'^- «*'
Acres^Bu:^-^^^,S^|B^eU^„,^„,
'21377
547I-.0 :
S9-251
6379
-2510 .
77497
SitSl I
47258
66743
71386
101197
6641
85613 ,
51V71 ,
51273
17674
6780
86(52
48-260
73^231
241H53 j
50211
636"25
80280 j
27185 I
14647 1
&-v50
7S-265
28n3
1374
10O89 !
57035
47«0176 1S62S4542. 982991
13756
887346
12776
44-28-29
7S8
33-2'3:5
3951
141-2'.«
4455
159739
2791
67069
15190
443070
10101
4046-21"
1SS27
4-21719
14-259
518371
16804
538196
17431
556-209
4436
987(»
3545
115595
9079
176281
2902
99158
20-243
675837
7199
2-2a>'l7
2(X -24
6(.9895
23704
702t¥i9
11744
446anl
8-238
107577
1-2337
867643
•2993
73182
13643
345707:
10555
844551
23113
6433-2-2
9242
2873;v2
20,-.77
63-2113
2403
372*2
9937
8351-24
1519
3-241
15461
487729
20770
704407
95S2
828679
&419
1796.45
11786
401«.14S
4-227
1-20W8
4145
153:305
10982
S5I-.9I5
8974
90944!
10210
S402t;8
846-2
691401
1S53
48816
5108
168-262'
18393
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
GEOGRAPHIC AND GEOLOGIC FEATURES.
The following paper upon the physical geography, the geologic formation
and the conchology of Muscatine County, and also the evidences of pre-
historic man in this region, was prepared expressly for this History by Prof.
F. M. Witter, member of the Academy of Science, and Superintendent of
Public Schools of Muscatine.
DRAINAGE AND SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS.
The Mississippi River forms the southern boundary of the county for about
fourteen miles, beginning on the east, and the eastern boundary for about six
miles, making almost a right angle at the city of Muscatine. The Cedar
River enters the county near the center on the north, and runs southwest,
leaving the county two miles east of the southwest corner.
About two-thirds of the county is between these two rivers. The general
drainage, therefore, is south and southwest. Pine Creek, Sweetland Creek,
Geneva Creek, Mad Creek, Pappoose Creek, Lowe's Run, and several other
small creeks, drain the south and east side of this region into the Mississippi.
Sugar Creek and its chief branch. Mud Creek, Musquito and Little Musquito
Creeks, with others unnamed, carry the water from northwest of the divide
between the rivers, into the Cedar. The third of the county northwest of the
Cedar is drained into that stream by the Wapsinonoc.
From the east along the Mississippi to Muscatine, the bluff is about one-
fourth of a mile from the limit of high water, and rises rather abruptly, gen-
erally in steep ridges pointing toward the river, to the average height above
high water of about one hundred and fifty feet.
Below Muscatine, the bluff continues nearly west, bending slightly to the
south some four miles before it leaves the county, while the river runs almost
south from Muscatine, forming a bottom in this county between the river and
the bluff, about six miles square. The greater part of this tract is known as
Muscatine Island, once correctly so-called, because Muscatine Slough branches
from the river in the southwestern part of the city and runs generally in this
county, within a mile of the bluff and reaches the river again some ten or
twelve miles below our southern boundary. This slough is closed now in the
city by artificial works.
Some two or three miles back from the bluff of the Mississippi, the surface
is moderately rolling. A considerable portion, indeed, of the divide, especially
in the northern and eastern part, is quite level. The bluffs along the Cedar
are not so high and bold as along the Mississippi.
The bottoms of the Cedar are from two to three miles wide from bluff to
bluff. Muscatine Island and a large part of the bottoms along the Cedar, are
A
324 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
scarcely above high water. The former is protected by a levee. But little
land is covered by ponds, lakes or swamps.
Muscatine Slough is generally about eighty feet wide and ten feet deep,
supplied largely by springs. It expands near the southern border of the
county into Keokuk Lake, a sheet of water some two miles long, one-half mile
wide, and four to six feet deep. Some low land, along the Cedar, is being
reclaijned by a system of ditching.
Soil. — The whole county, with the exception of the river bottoms and
Muscatine Island, may be said to be covered with unconsolidated material of
uncertain thickness, perhaps from fifty to one hundred feet^ called Drift. It
consists of clay, sand, gravel, and granitic bowlders. The gravel and bowlders
do not come to the surface anywhere in any considerable quantity, and but a
small region is injured by sand. This is along the east bluft' of the Cedar,
from the northern border a few miles into the county. The surface of all the
higher portions is a rich black loam. The bottoms are river deposits, and in
some instances, contain rather too much sand and gravel for the ordinary crops.
Muscatine Island has become famous outside of Iowa for its sweet potatoes and
watermelons. The light, sandy and gravelly soil so near the level of the
river, makes it well suited for early vegetables, and the products named above.
The blufis along the Mississippi are generally covered with timber, which
extends up the little streams, and the valley of the Cedar is well supplied.
Perhaps three-fourths of the county may be regarded as prairie.
Water. — Springs are quite common along the bluffs, especially on the Mis-
sissippi, and good wells are easily made almost anywhere. Muscatine Slough
and Keokuk Lake, together with the Mississippi, afford an abundanceof excellent
fish, and the low grounds throughout the county are the resort in fall and spring
of innumerable water-fowl.
Good opportunities offer for pisciculture, and experiments in this direction
are now being made about four miles west of Muscatine, by Mr. John Miller.
Water-power is not very feasible. A good turbine is operated on Pine
Creek, about one mile from the Mississippi, and a dam is thrown across the
Cedar at Moscow. The Cedar is the chief, if not the only, stream that could
afford any considerable water-power.
Along this stream, except at Moscow where there might be a vast power
employed, the banks are generally low and insecure, and no good foundations
for dams or mills are apparent.
Building Materials. — Comparatively little of the native timber is now U;^ed
for building or, with the exception of posts, for fencing. Pine, either as logs
or lumber, is so easily brought from the north that it is cheaper than oak, elm,
maple, cotton-wood, etc.
Brick of good quality can be made from the clays almost anywhere in the
county. A deposit under the city of Muscatine, known as Loess, makes the
best of beautiful red brick. Wood being abundant, brick are cheap.
Limestone is quarried at several points on Pine Creek, about six miles from
the Mississippi ; near Moscow, on the Cedar, and on Geneva Creek and vicinity,
and sandstone at Wyoming Hills, on the Mississippi, about seven miles east of
Muscatine ; at Geneva Creek ; Muscatine ; two miles west of Muscatine along the
bluff and three miles west on Lowe's Run. Rock/from all these places make
good foundations and some sandstones have been cut into sills, caps, keys,
coping, etc.
Fuel. — From the eastern border along the Mississippi to Muscatine, with
little interruption, there seems to be considerable coal. It is net generally of
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 825
the best quality, and does not appear to reach back more than one or tAvo miles
from the river. The bed is on an average about twenty feet above high water,
and is therefore very easy of access and cheap to work. The inexhaustible
coal of Keokuk and Mahaska Counties near us on the west, and the timber in
the county and on the islands in the Mississippi, aftbrd an abundance of cheap
fuel.
Ores and Ochres. — Iron in the form of an oxide with sand, an impure car-
bonate and a sulphide, may be found where our sandstones are exposed, but it
is in such small quantities that it can be of no practical utility. A small
amount of sulphide of zinc has been taken from near the coal in Muscatine.
Fragments of sulphide of lead are occasionally found in the Drift. Some beds
of red ochre exist near Muscatine, but no use has yet been made of it.
GEOLOGICAL HISTORY.
Little or no disturbance has occurred in this county since the oldest rocks
to be seen within its borders were laid down. For this reason the study of the
order and history of the successive groups is comparatively simple.
The streams, with the exception of the Mississippi, Pine Creek, Mad Creek,
Lowe's Run and the Cedar at Moscow, have not cut through the Drift which
thickly covers almost the entire county. Along the Mississippi east of Pine
Creek, between high and low water, a rock is exposed consisting apparently of
clay, fine sand and limestone. It is of little or no economic value, somewhat
fossiliferous, casts of Spirifer Oapax, being the chief fossil. This argillaceous
limestone, or a little more of the nature of sandstone with few or no fossils, is
seen at the mouth of Pine Creek just above high water in the Mississippi.
Passing up Pine Creek one mile, to the mill, a limestone appears in the bank
of the creek, containing several species of fossils, among them good specimens
of S. capax not casts, a species of Orthoceras, Favosites, etc.
About one mile still farther up is a bold bluff of sandstone, the base of which
must be some thirty feet or more above the highest limestone at the mill. A
talus covers everything near the creek, so that the junction between the sand-
stone above and limestone below, cannot be seen. This bluff rises vertically
perhaps seventy-five feet, and bears on the top a number of fine old pines from
which the creek takes its name.
Following the west branch of Pine Creek some three or four miles further,
it cuts into the limestone twenty-five feet or more, and the sandstone is seen as
a thin bed on top. Here the corals and brachiopods must have had a sort
of metropolis. In half a day I found over twenty-five species of fossils in these
limestones.
*S'. capax. Strop Jiodonta, Atrypa reticularis and aspera, Athi/ris, Acervularia
davidsoni, Favosites {hayniltonensis ?) the same as found at the mill five miles
below and at Moscow about ten miles northwest, a fine species of what is prob-
ably a Phillipsastrea, a fragment of a fish tooth, and many other fossils.
The PhiUipsastrea grew in a layer, hardly two inches thick, spreading over
the uneven surface, sometimes a foot or more in'extent. It is exceedingly com-
pact, presenting the color and appearance of ivory when polished. There are
dark, radiating centers, about one-fourth of an inch in diameter, and from
three-fourths of an inch to an inch apart. The spaces between these centers
are nearly white, and dimly show waving rays joining the rays in the dark
centers. No boundary line can be traced betAveen the calicles or corallets. It
appears to me to be a new species. Passing about ten miles northwest, to Mos-
cow, or some two miles beyond, where the Chicago, Rock Island k Pacific
326 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Railroad has opened a quarry, many of the same fossils abound. I have taken,
at this place, Acervularia davidsoni, Favosites — named above, Spirifer pen-
natus, Platyceras — a fragment of a large tooth of a fish, etc. This fragment
is one and three-fourths inches long, and seven-eighths of an inch in diameter,
being nearly cylindrical.
At the mouth of Pine Creek, the limestone beneath tlie sandstone is
hardly above high water in the Mississippi : at the mill, it is about ten feet
above the creek ; and near Melpine, the sandstone has disappeared, or nearly
80 ; and at Moscow probably lower beds of the limestone appear. The lime-
stone at Moscow is not less than seventy-five feet higher than at the mouth of
Pine Creek, making no note of what is very probable, that the upper rocks,
near Moscow, are of a lower horizon than those at the mouth of Pine Creek.
This is the best, in fact, the only, section of rock-exposure across the county,
nearly at right angles to the Mississippi.
From this, it appears the surface of the limestone on which the sandstone,
seen at short intervals along the entire Mississippi bluff in this county, rests,
must dip toward the river. The sandstone, therefore, thins out and disappears
three or four miles back from the river. The limestone, at Moscow and on
Pine Creek, is of the Hamilton Group of the Devonian Age. At the mouth
of Geneva Creek, three miles above Muscatine, between high and low water, a
limestone is exposed, rich in Stromatopora, and containing Euompholus, Ter-
ebratula, Orthoeeras expansum {?), Ohoetites, etc. This rock is an impure
limestone, indicating a changeable state of the water — sometimes muddy, when
much of the life was destroyed, and then it became clear, when the corals and
other forms of marine life flourished. Here the sandstone is seen some eighty
rods back in the bluff. It must rest on this impure, argillaceous limestone.
About one mile above Muscatine, in Burdett's slough, and a little below,
just above low water, a very sandy rock of the limestone order is exposed. It
contains casts of S. eapax and some corals. About two miles from the mouth
of Mad Creek, this rock has been quarried. This is the last seen of limestones
in this county. They appear to dip to the southwest a little more rapidly than
the river, and disappear. The surface of limestone along the river, was
depressed at Wyoming Hills, as would appear from some bituminous shale
nearly at low water, the remainder of the steep bluff rising about two hundred
feet in two great steps of sandstone. This shale may be of the same horizon
as the coal-beds — some three or four miles above the hills, and about the same
distance below. This sinking must have occurred after the coal and before.
the sandstone was deposited, since the latter does not appear to have been
disturbed.
The coal just below Pine Creek and Geneva Creek, is from twenty-five to
thirty feet above high water; but the bituminous shale, at Wyoming, about
midway between these two points, is scarcely above low water, and as no
indication of coal is seen above the shale at this point, the coal-bed here must
bend down some twenty-five or thirty feet. Throughout a part, at least, of the
rock exposure along the Mississippi, the limestone is succeeded by a soft, non-
fossiliferous, bluish shale, best seen at the foot of the blufi", in East Muscatine.
At this place it is ten feet or more in thickness. It is probable the bed of coal
just above rests on this shale. The coal Avhich succeeds the shale is of fair
quality, and some twenty inches to two feet in thickness. This bed is now
worked just below the mouth of Pine Creek, and just below the mouth of
Geneva Creek. Several years ago, large quantities were mined under the city
of Muscatine, but these drifts are now abandoned.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 327
West and southwest of Muscatine no coal has been found, nor at any point
in this county more than a mile or two back from the Mississippi. This leads
to the conclusion, that the coal of this county is a part of the great coal-fields
of Illinois, and that the bed thins out and disappears a mile or two from the
river. It is certain, that whatever coal is found in this county must lie above
the limestone, of tHe age of that quarried on Pine Creek, near Melpine. In
the northwestern part of the city of Muscatine, about one and one-half miles
from the river, near Pappoose Creek, perhaps twenty -five feet above its Fed, and
on a gentle hillside, in leveling for a brick-yard, a bed of coal was discovered.
The bed has, for a considerable distance, no roofing other than the Drift.
The floor of the bed is very uneven, rising, in different directions, quite rapidly.
The coal is believed to be of better quality than from the apparently lower beds
along the river. Whether this is really a higher bed of coal, or whether some
disturbance of the nature of a fault has occurred here, is not yet certain. This
bed may extend back a mile or more ; but from a study of the rocks exposed
on Mad Creek and Lowe's Run, it must be a small field. Over the coal, with
the exception of that last named, is some thirty-five to forty feet of sandstone.
In some parts this is heavily bedded, nearly pure sand, hardens on exposure,
and is a good stone above ground. In other parts it is argillaceous, laminated,
and contains numerous globular or cylindrical concretions, not generally more
than two inches in diameter, or ten inches long, of sulphide of iron. In the
city of Muscatine, more than twenty years ago, some most remarkable cases of
concretions were brought to view. They were spheres, from five to six feet in
diameter, impregnated with iron sulphide, and laminated or stratified the same
as the containing rock. A good figure of one of these is given on page 276,
Part I, Volume I, of Hall's Geology of Iowa, and on page lOG of Owen's
Geological Survey of Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. The cylindrical con-
cretions generally commenced around what is thought to be a cone from some
cone-bearing tree of that age. In this sandstone, which is exposed on Pine
Creek, about two miles above its mouth ; at Wyoming Hills ; near the mouth
!)f Geneva Creek ; in the city of Muscatine ; two miles west of the city, along
the bluff"; four miles north of Muscatine, on Mad Creek, and thi^ee miles west,
on Lowe's Run, are two or three species of Lepidodendrons ; at least three
species of fossil ferns, two Pec'opteris, and one Neuropteris ; one or two species
of Calamites : probably two species of Sigillaria ; an Aster ophyllites, and sev-
eral other species of fossil plants. There can be no doubt, that the coal and
overlying sandstone belong to the Coal-Measure Period, but are not connected
with the coal-fields along the Des Moines west and southwest. No rocks are
known to exist in this county, above or newer than the sandstone just described.
Drift. — It has already been stated that, with little exception, the surface of
this county is covered with a deposit called Drift. This must rest on the sand-
stone as far as it extends, and then on the limestone next below. It is mainly
to this Drift that we owe the wealth and continued prosperity of our people. It
determines the character of the soil, and consequently the kind and quantity of
products. Drift consists of clay, sand, quartz and granitic pebbles and
bowlders. We have seen that no rocks in beds are in sight in this county,
except soft sandstones and but little harder limestones, and these are more or
less filled with fossils. What, then, shall we say of those hard rocks, in some
cases weighing tons, more or less globular, with no fossils, in and on this loose
material which makes our soil ? A very slight inspection leads to the con-
clusion that they are strangers here, which have strayed from their homes.
Many of these bowlders are flattened, and have scratches or grooves running
328 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
across these flattened surfaces. Good specimens of such may be found a mile
or two from Muscatine, up either branch of Mad Creek. In probably every
State in the latitude of Iowa, and north, where the Drift has been moved from
a firm stratified rock beneath, scratches and grooves are seen in the rock similar
to those on the bowlders. So flir as I know, nothing of this kind has been
seen in this county ; but in other parts of Iowa they occur. Our sandstones
would not retain such marks. If the Drift were removed from the limestones. I
have no doubt such marks would be found. From the fiict that, beneath the
Drift, hard rocks i)i situ are often grooved, and bowlders in the Drift are like-
wise grooved, it is plain that the bowlder must have been pushed of dragged,
under considerable weight, over the rock below. How far these bowlders have
b(>en moved is not always easy to determine ; yet we know it must have been
from the rey;iou where ledges of such rock as that of which the bowlder is com-
posed exist at the surface. No such ledges exist in Iowa ; in fact, none
nearer than Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. That these bowlders came
from the North is certain, from the fact that a degree or two south of us, no
bowlders occur, except under special circumstances ; but they extend north
almost without limit. If we ask how this transportation has taken place, we
can find no other agency capable of doing such work except ice. It must have
been ice that pushed these bowlders over the country from Lake Superior to
Muscatine. The ice must have covered the whole of Iowa and Illinois, Indiana
and Ohio as far south as 38 or 39 degrees of north latitude, and, at the same
time, all the region north. There is reason to believe it was not floating ice,
but rather of the nature of one great glacier, extending from the arctic regions-
over the whole of North America to the limit mentioned above. This mass of
moving ice, earth and rocks was, most likely, several hundred feet thick. We
can easily understand how not only the bowlders and the rocks over which they
passed were grooved, but all the softer rocks were crushed to sand, clay or fine
mud. By this means, no doubt, many of the upper layers have been entirely
ground up and removed. The time in the history of the world when this took
place has been called the Glacial Epoch. The unconsolidated material of our
fertile hills and rolling prairies is the product of the glacier. In many instances,
in digging wells in nearly all parts of the county, at from eight to fifty feet
below the surface, limbs, and even trunks of trees, often in a good state of
preservation, have been found. Two instances in the city of Muscatine, one at
Mr. Benjamin Hershy's creamery, one near the Summit, one in Wilton, two
near Durant, and three or four in the vicinity of Sweetland Centre, have
come to my notice. I have seen a few instances of what appeared to be an old
surface, black, rich-looking soil, from twenty to thirty feet below the present
surface. One or two cases have occurred where the water in wells has had a
very disagreeable odor, as if it came from some old swamp or other decaying
material in the Drift. I have in my possession a limb, about one inch in diam-
eter, cut through by a beaver. This limb, with several others, was taken from
a well about fifteen feet deej), in the northern part of Sweetland Township. It
seems most probable that, after glaciers had spread over this region, and driven
away or destroyed all life, a milder climate ensued, during- which time forests
grew, a rich vegetable mold accumulated, and beavers flourished. The trees, so
far as I iiave been able to ascertain, were pines, willow and magnolia. The
climate must have been much as it is now. This was followed by a second
period of cold, quite similar to the first in action and effect, burying the forests, in
some instances, fifty feet deep. The river-channels that had been formed through
the long ages from the Coal-Measure Period to the Glacial Epocli, during which
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 329
time this region was above the sea, were filled with the crushed rocks along
their shores, and transported material from the north. When the last Glacier
began to recede, our present hills were outlined, and the courses of our rivers
and ci'eeks determined. At the southern end of the Glacier, great floods of
water were seeking the lowest line to the sea. The loose and very soft earth
under and in the glacier may have been nearly level, but the waters would
quickly find the lowest places, and thus ravines would begin, down which
occasionally great masses of ice would float. Tn this way the sloAvly-retreating
and sometimes advancing glacier aided in forming our main channels. The
sculpturing of the landscape into its multitude of hills was left to the rains and
snows.
Fossils in the Drift. — Plant life has already been mentioned, but it should
be stated that almost nothing has been done toward a full study of this subject.
It will require much time and patience to bring the whole into its proper place.
If gentlemen who are so fortunate as to bring to light some good specimen or
fact would have the kindness to inform some person interested in such subjects,
so that it could receive a careful examination and be made a matter of record
before it is too late, real service would be rendered to science.
In general it is said there are no fossils in the Drift, except such as may
have been torn loose from the fossiliferous rocks over which the glaciers moved.
This, I think, in the main, is true, and yet, if limbs of trees cut by some
species of beaver, perhaps Castoroides ohioensis, described on page 423,
Monograph of the Rodentia, United States Geological Survey of the Territories,
F. V. Hayden, Geologist in Charge, are found deep in the Drift on what
appears to have been a rich, loamy surface, the remains of the animal that did
the cutting must be of the same age and in the same formation. I should
expect to find the remains in this county of some large rodent, the species per-
haps extinct, could the old forest-bed, to any considerable extent, be examined,
and this, it seems to me, is in the Drift. One mile south of Wilton, in the
south bank of Mud Creek, about eighty rods east of the crossing of the C, R.
I. tfc P. R. R., a large part of the skeleton of a huge pachyderm was exhumed
in the summer of 1874. These remains were about eighteen feet below the
surface in a sprt of sand and clay, perhaps a modified Drift or Lacustrine
deposit. The country for some miles around is quite level. No teeth were
found, and consequently the species and perhaps even the genus is not certain,
but it is thought to be Mastodon amerieamis. About fifteen years ago, at the
brick-yard on Mulberry street in Muscatine, the tusk of an elephant or a
mastodon Avas found. It was so much decayed that it could not be preserved.
Some two or three years ago, there was found in a ravine in the western part
of Muscatine a well-preserved tooth of a mastodon. The tooth is now in the
possession of Mr. P. B. Speer, of Muscatine. It is six and three-fourth inches
long and three and seven-eightlis inches wide. There are five rows of double
points on the upper surface, the longest being an inch and a half high. It has
two roots. Near Wapello, on the Iowa River, about twenty miles southwest of
Muscatine, frag-ments of bones of some large animal were found, also the tooth
of an elephant. Mr. H. Lofland, of Muscatine, had the kindness to bring me
an impression of the tooth on paper from which I collect the following facts :
Length, 9.5 inches ; greatest breadth, 3.5 inches ; fifteen transverse, wave-like
elevations on its grinding surface. It is certain that this county was the home
of elephants and mastodons either during the warm period in the Glacial
Epoch along with the beaver, or immediately at its close. The scarcity of the
remains of these animals, it seems to me, strengthens the view that they became
380 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
extinct here about the close of the Ghicial Epoch. The burying of wood and
the mastodon at Wilton are likely to have occurred about the same time and
from the same cause.
Loess. — After the hills of Drift had become clothed with trees, vines and
grasses about the same as now, and innumerable little land-mollusks found food,
deep shade and hiding-places beneath old logs and thick leaves, and the
American reindeer, JRani/ifer caribou, was perhaps monarch of our forests, a
formation known in the Mississippi Valley as the Loess was deposited where
Muscatine stands. It hardly covers more than three or four square miles coin-
ciding closely with the limits of the city. I am not aware that it exists any-
where else in the county except on the top of Wyoming Hills. The
Loess at Muscatine rests on Drift, a part of which is somewhat strati-
fied and a part may be a sort of river deposit. Bowlders nearly two
feet in diameter, coarse gravel, sand and clay may be seen under the Loess.
This coarse material rises about sixty feet above high water, where its junction
with the Loess occurs. This base has been pierced in several places in the city
to the depth of forty-five to fifty feet, with little change of material except in
two instances to find wood at the bottom. The Loess rises nearly to the top
of the highest hills. Its greatest thickness must be close to one hundred feet.
It resembles ashes in texture and color except a slight shade of yellow. It
shows little or no stratification, contain^ no gravel or bowlders. It stands in
vertical, exposed walls almost like good rock. This property is believed to be
diie to lime and very fine sand which on exposure to the air unite and harden.
Scattered through the Loess in considerable numbers, apparently without regard
to order or arrangement, are stony concretions of very irregular forms, tend-
ing strongly, however, to be globular : from a half-inch or less in diameter to
two inches or more. These concretions, almost without exception, are very
much cracked on the inside, the cracks extending from a wide opening near the
center to a sharp edge close to the surfiice. They appear as if when first
fomned they were solid, then the outer surface hardened and became unyielding,
and afterward the mass about the center contracted considerably and became
too small to fill the space it formerly occupied. Because of these fractures,
rarely visible at the surface, what appears to be as hard and firm as ordinary
limestone, is reduced to many fragments by a gentle blow. An ordinary sample
of the unconsolidated Loess when treated with cold muriatic acid lost ll! per cent
of its weight. The material that would not dissolve appeared, under a lens of a
power of over five hundred diameters, to be irregular grains of quartz sand.
The concretions treated in the same manner lost 60 per cent in weight and no
definite grains could be seen with the same power of lens. There is enough
iron in the Loess to give to brick made from it a bright-red color. Vast
numbers of land-shells are most perfectly preserved in all parts of the Loess
unless it be near the bottom. These mollusksmust have fiourished on the hill?
adjacent to the Loess Lake. At one point near the top, pond-shells abound.
The following is a list of the shells found in the Loess :
Land — Heli.r *striateUa, Anthony : *f'uh'a. Drap. : puh-hella, Mul. :
*li)}eata. Say : Pupa muscorum. Lin. : bJaiuU. Morse : simplex, Gould ;
Suceinea *ohUqHa, Say; "^avara. Say: Water — Limnea (humilisf). Say;
Eelicina occulta. Say.
Not one of the fitty-four species of mollusks now iidiabiting the rivers nor of
the twenty-one species in the ponds of this county, is found in the Loess, and
only five of the twenty-six species belonging to the land. H. striatella and S.
•Thosi' iiro ftill living in or neHr the city, but some are very rare.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COJNTY. 331
avara, two speoios apparently almost extinct here now, are very abundant iu
the Loess. Between Iowa avenue and Chestnut, north of Fifth street, in
gradinir Lot '2. Block iH\ a bore was taken from the Loess about oio-hteen
inches long, somewhat Hattened and about two inches wide, covered from an
eighth to a quarter of an inch in thickness with the same material as the con-
cretions. This was near the bottom of the Loess. Between Linn and Pine,
north of Sixth, on Lot 4, Block 1:24, about thirteen feet below the surface, in
the Loess, nearly the entire skeleton of a ruminant was discovered. It was so
completely decayed that little could be preserved except fragments of the jaws
with the teeth, the whole covered the same as the bone mentioned above. Dr.
Joseph Leidy, of Philadelphia, at first thought this was an undescribed species
of extinct deer and proposed to call it Ce7'vus museatinensis, but afterward he
concluded it was the American reindeer, Jiani/(fer caribou.
Since no stratification is observed in the Loess, it could not have been dis-
turbed by currents. It therefore must have accumulated in a lake which was
subject to little or no change during Loess time. The bed of this lake at the
close was almost at the top of the highest hills. The top of the bluft' along the
river in the southern part of the city is Loess. Either a barrier existed
between this lake and the river, which has since been entirely swept away, or
the river was more than one hundred and fifty feet higher along the bluffs than
it is now. Supposing the water in the river to have been on a level with the
water in the lake, the vast valley between the blufis, from four to eight miles
wide, must have been filled with material similar to that seen along the bluffs
under the Loess. The Loess deposit must have extended some distance into
this valley, for it could not have terminated as we see it in the river-blufts.
The great river may have been more of a swamp than a river, three or four
miles wide. Since the Loess was dejtosited, the river has carried away the
material from bluft' to bluft', about one hundred and fifty feet deep. The hard
Hamilton limestone, the top of which is seen about high water near Pine Creek,
and low water a mile east of the city, dips below the river to the south and
west. The soft blue shale, with its coal and overlying sandstone resting on this,
oft'ered but little resistance to the river when it was twenty or thirty feet higher
than now. and, consequently, the bluft's are generally remote from the river,
where the latter is now confined by the limestone. The space between the
present limit of the river and bluffs of sandstone is nearly level, and, no doubt,
underlaid by the limestone over which the river once washed.
Muscatine Island owes its existence to the character of the rock in the Iowa
bluff. Whether the basin in which the Drift, under the Loess, rests was exca-
vated in the rocks before the Glacial Epoch, during that time, or since, certain
it is, the rocks were removed at least to the limestone which is below low water,
the excavation filled fifty to sixty feet deep with loose material, on top of which is
the Loess, and since then the river has returned from near the tops of the highest
hills to its present place. It is doubtful if this could have occurred without a
change of level. It seems to me the land must have subsided till the highest
points were but little above the river.
Some stream, probably the Cedar, reaching into Northwestern Iowa, carried
the same kind of water into this Loess Lake that renders the Missouri and its
upper tributaries so famous. Here the mud gradually settled, as it does now
in the reservoir in St. Louis from the water of the Missouri. Patches of Loess
are known to exist at Clinton, Iowa City and Des Moines, and from twenty to
fifty miles of the western border of Iowa was in the great Loess Lake of
Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.
382 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
After the Loess was deposited, the final topographical features of the county
began to appear. The river valleys and the picturesque blufts ai-e newer than
the Loess. At no very distant day, the river, or a large branch of it, followed
mainly the line of Muscatine Slough. The Sand Mound, the northern part of
which is in the southeastern corner of the county, is, no doubt, a part of the
debris of the sandstones crushed by the glaciers, washed away by the river, or
both. The loose material in the river bottoms of the county is alluvium. It
is constantly being changed along the rivers from side to side. Rivers have a
sort of pendulum motion, and the banks yield where they strike.
The geology of the county may be '-ummarized as follows, in regard to Ages
and Groups :
Devonian Age, Hamilton G-roup, seen along the Mississippi from the
eastern border nearly to the city of Muscatine, on Pine Creek one mile above
the mouth, and on the west branch of the same creek, about six miles from the
mouth ; also on Cedar, near Moscow.
Carboniferous Age, Coal-Measure Group, seen along the Mississippi
from the eastern border to a point about two miles west of the city of Musca-
tine, on Mad Creek about four miles from its mouth, on Pappoose Creek about
two miles from its mouth, and on Lowe's Run. three or four miles west of Mus-
catine.
Quaternary Age, Drift, covering all the county except the Loess, men-
tioned above, and the alluvium along the river bottoms.
land and fresh-water mollusks.
The mollusks found in Muscatine County are here named :
Helicid/E, Helix falbolabris, Say ; §alternata. Say ; §arborea. Say; fclausa,
Say ; ||concava, Say ; ffulva, Drap. ; ||hirsuta, Say ; flabyrinthica. Say ;
llineata. Say; ||minuscula, Binney ; *raonodon. Rackitt. ||monodon, var. leaii,
Ward ; §multilineata, Say, multilineata, varieties |alba and |rubra ; fperspectiva.
Say ; Anthony ; fprofunda striatella. Say ; also a white var. of profunda ; fthy-
roides. Say ; |viridula, Menke ; Cionella ijlsubcylindrica, Linn. ; Pupa ||armifera.
Say; ||contracta, Say ; tf^^llax. Say ; fpentodon. Say ; /S^i^ccmga Javara, Morse ;
§obliqua, Say; §ovalis, Gould; i/maa;-campestris, Binney; Philomycid/e ;
Tebennophorus ||carolinensis, Bosc. ; Auriculid^ ; Oarychium ||exiguum,
Say ; Limn^id.^ ; Limnea ||desidiosa. Say ; fpallida, Adams ; t'^eflexa. Say ;
llreflexa, var. zebra, Tryon ; Physa fgyrina. Say ; ||heterostropha, Say; virgata,
Gould; P?nr/io/-62s Ijalbus, Mull., ||bicarinatus. Say ; ||deflectus. Say ; ||exacutus,
Say; Hparvus, Say ; §trivolvis, Say ; Seymentina !|wheatleyi,Lea; Ancylus ffus-
cus, Adams ; ValvatidvE ; Valvata ||tricarinata, two forms. Say; Viv'iparid^ ;
Lioplax tsubcarinata, Say ; Melantho §subsolida, Anthony ; Vivipara §inter-
texta. Say ; RissoiDi??, Amnicola ||cincinnatiensis. Anthony ; |porata, Say ;
Bythinella fobtusa, Lea; Somatogyrus ||isogonus. Say; Strepomatid^e, Pleu-
rocera ||subulare. Lea; Corbiculad^., Sphwrium Jsphajricum, Anthony;
llstamineum. Conrad; ||transversum, Say; Pisidium leompressum. Prime;
UnionidvE, Anodonta ||corpulenta. Cooper ; ||edentula. Say ; *ferussaciana.
Lea; §grandis, Say; ||imbecilis. Say; fplana. Lea; ||suborbiculata, Say; Mar-
^anYawf? Ilcomplanata, Barnes; ||confragosa. Say; *deltoidea. Lea; tmargin-
ata, Say ; ]:rugosa, Barnes : Unio H.esopus, Green ; l|alatus and apparently a
var., Say; ||anodontoides. Lea; ||asperrimus, Lea ; fcapax. Green ; §cornutu3
and a nearly white var., Barnes; :{;crassidens. Lam.; |donaciformis. Lea;
§dorfeuillianus. Lea; ijebenus. Lea; ||elegans and a white var., Lea; Hellipsis,
Lea; §gibbosus, Barnes; ||gracilis, Barnes; ||graniferus. Lea; ||l;ovissimus,
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 333
Lea ; ligamentinus, Lam. ; §luteolus, and varietes, Lam. §metaneorus, Raf. ;
§mississippiensis, Conrad ; *monodontus, Say ; fmultiplicatus, Lea; ||occidens,
Lea; ||orbiculatus and var., Hild.; |parvus, Barnes; plicatus, Barnes; |pustu-
latus. Lea; ||pustulo3us, Lea; fpyramidatus, Lea; §rectus, Lam. ; ||seeuris, Lea;
Jsolidus, Lea; ftenuissimus, Lea; §trigonus, Lea; ||tuberculatus, Barnes;
jtriangularis, Barnes ; Jwardii, Lea ; zigzag, a var. of donaciformis, Lea.
The soft parts of the Unionidae afford an abundance of bait for fishermen.
The thick, heavy shells are capable of being made into a great variety of useful
and ornamental objects. All our shell-bearing mollusks give lime to the
soil. Broken shells were used by the primitive men of this county in
making their earthen vessels, and shells held an important place with this
people as an article of adornment. There is no evidence that our river-
mollusks were ever used here as an essential article of food. I suppose the
chief obstacle in the way of cultivating for the table, especially the Anodonta
grandis, so abimdant in Keokuk Lake, is the changeable character of our
waters. Whether a fine, fat young grandis could ever get the reputation of
oysters from Saddle-Rock or Far-Eock;)way is a question for the " coming man "
to solve.
PREHISTORIC REMAINS.
Along the bluffs of the Mississippi, in this county, generally in the most
commanding positions, are great numbers of tumuli, or artificial mounds of earth.
These vary from slight elevations, scarcely perceptible, to mounds ten feet high
and fifty to one hundred feet across at the base. No particular order among
them has yet been observed, except they are in groups of from fifteen to twenty-
five each, or even more. The mounds in a group are, usually, not more than
from fifty to one hundred feet apart. One group of small mounds is on Sec-
tion 14, Township 77 north, Range 3 west, of the Fifth Principal Meridian.
This is on the east bluff of the Cedar, and is the only group on this stream
that has come to my notice in this county. With the exception of a few mounds
on Section 22, Township 77 north, Range 1 east, all others, so far as I know,
are on points of land on the Mississippi bluffs that would have been above the
water in Loess time.
The exceptions referred to above are in a fine state of preservation, and
stand on a bottom about eighty rods wide, a few feet above high water, and
about forty rods from the Mississippi River. Comparatively little has been
done to systematically explore the mounds of this county. Some earthen
vessels, stone axes, arrow and spear points and plummet-like implements,
made of hematite, have been taken from the mounds. Fragments of pottery,
stone axes, etc., are frequently found along our ravines.
Whatever may have been the chief purpose of these mounds, it is certain
some of their dead were buried in them. Human bones, generally almost like
ashes, are common in the mounds. It is hardly possible that all the dead were
put in mounds, as it is quite certain that many mounds contain each the remains
of but two or three persons. When this ancient people flourished in this
county, whence they came and whither they went, are questions over which the
shadows of the past still hover. Some race or races of men lived along the
borders of the great Missouri Lake in Loess time. Prof Samuel Aughey, of
Lincoln, Neb., has found arrow and spear points in the Loess near Omaha,
Sioux City, etc., along with the remains of the elephant and mastodon ; and
Mr. F. F. Hilder, Secretary of the Archaeological Section of the St. Louis
Academy of Science, in a recent letter to me, says : " About a year ago, I had
*No live shells have been found in the county, f^cry rare. :j:Rare. HCommon. J^ery common.
334 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
the good fortune to find an arrow-head of black chert, very rudely formed, in
the undisturbed Loess of this city, about six feet below the surface."
Twenty-two miles south of Muscatine, in and around the village of Tools-
boro, in Louisa County, numerous mounds, larger than those of this county,
have been carefully examined, and finely-wrought earthen vessels and pipes,
also copper axes, awls, beads, and a sheet of that metal ; marine shells, now
living in the Gulf, shell beads, and, probably, charred corn, have been exhumed.
In the same vicinity, earthworks exist — in one instance, straight for over eighty
rods, and, in another, circular, inclosing perhaps ten acres. These are nearly
obliterated by cultivation. I call attention to these remains beyond this county
only because that point appears to have been the center of strength and wealth
for this region.
ENTOMOLOGY.
Aside from its scientific phase, the study of the insect-life of this region is
one which is of great importance. The subject possesses limitless shades of
interest to the careful observer, and is worthy of patient research. The Misses
Walton, of Muscatine, have made a special study of this branch of science, and
already have preserved a fine cabinet of specimens. Miss Alice B. Walton
contributes to this volume the following paper relative to the entomology of
Muscatine County, and, indirectly, that of the State:
'' The study of the entomology of Iowa has been more neglected than that
of any other department of its natural history. Hardly any data of the
appearance or disappearance of its destructive and beneficial insects have been
preserved, or, of what are known to science as ' insect years ' ; that is, sea-
sons in which insects are the most abundant. These generally follow severe
winters, with continuous cold weather, and also dry, warm springs, while a
mild winter, or a cold, rainy spring, is as injurious to insect-life as it is to vege-
tation. The winter of 1875-76 was an open one, and, during the summer of
1876, insects were, comparatively speaking, scarce. The winter of 1876-77
was cold, and the following summer was a good one for insect collectors. The
winter of 1877-78 was one of the mildest on record, and, during the whole of
the season, swarms of mosquitoes could be seen, on every warm day, flying
along the edges of timber-land. Even small Lepidoptera were occasionally
captured during the months of December and January. The succession of a
number of very mild days would cause insects to be wholly or partially aroused
from their torpidity, and the sudden changes of temperature would kill them.
The next summer proved no exception to the general rule, and cabinets received
but few valuable additions.
" Tke advent of new destructive species of insects, the amount of damage
they are capable of and the present outlook as to the permanency or final
extinction of such pests, form an interesting topic for general readers.
" ' Destructive insects ' are usually those which live upon vegetation, and
are, as by a law of compensation, subject to depredation from so-called ' canni-
bal insects.' The cannibals may be distinguished from the vegetable-feeders by
the fact that the former are swift and rapid in their movements, while the lat-
ter move with a slow and sluggish motion. Every true insect passes through
four stages in the course of its lifetime. First, the egg ; second, the larva,
whicli is the grub, maggot or caterpillar state ; third, the pupa, during which
most insects are torpid and incapable of eating, and fourth, the imago, or per-
fect-winged state. Among the destructive insects, the chinch-bug [Rhyparo-
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 335
chromus leucopterus, Say) first made its appearance in this county in 1844,
when it produced in the wheat what was known among the early settlers as
'spot.' These 'spots' were from one foot to several rods in diameter in the
fields of standing grain. A few days before the wheat was ripe, it would turn
white and become blighted. On examination, the cause proved to be this bug,
the worst foe with which the Western grain-grower contends. Its ravages have
been severe. It did the most damage from about 1850 to 1865, and, during
these fifteen years, fully one-third of the wheat crops in this section of Iowa
were lost. For the past few years, however, it has troubled the small grain
but little. The corn never suffered as much from its depredations as the wheat.
But, happily, the chinch-bug has several insect-foes, prominent among which are
two species of a small beetle called in common parlance lady-bug or lady-bird.
The spotted lady-bug [Hippodamia maculata, De Geer) is red, spotted with
black, and the trim lady-bug ( Coccinella munda^ Say) is rather light yellow.
Both of these are found in this county, and probably several smaller species
also thrive here. All of these should be respected and protected by every one,
as they are almost universally found among the antagonists of destructive
insects.
" The locust borer ( Qlytus robinioe, Forrester) was first observed as causing
damage to the locust-trees, sometime about the year 1850. It is a black beetle,
gayly barred and marked with yellow. It is about an inch long, and may be
found during the month of September, on the trunks of the locust or among the
blossoms of the golden-rod. The boring of the larvte in the locust trunks has
completely abolished the cultivation of that tree in this county.
" In the years 1864 and 1865, there appeared a most unwelcome visitor, the
Colorado potato-bug [Doryphora decemlineata^ Say), and immediately every
inventive genius turned his faculties toward discovering a method for its sub-
jugation.
" Many a boy has spent the summer mornings with a tin pan in one hand
and a stick in the other, going from hill to hill, ' bugging ' the potatoes,
knocking the bugs into the pan, and burning or scalding them. Finally, a
mixture of twelve parts of flour to one of Paris green, sprinkled on the vines
in the morning, in the dew, proved the most effective manner of warfare.
" For the first two or three years after their appearance, many of the potato-
fields were entirely devastated. Not only the potatoes were eaten, but also
every weed that grew among them. Now, however, man and the natural insect-
enemies, of which more than a score can be named (among them the lady-bug),
seem to have gained the supremacy, and the damage done at present is little or
nothing compared to what it was ten years ago. It may entirely disappear
from this locality, but, in all probability, there will always be a few survivors
found here.
"In 1875, the maple-tree louse [Lecanium acerieola) first infested the maple-
trees at Muscatine, in numbers sufficient to injure them. Previous to that time,
the maple had been extensively used as a shade-tree, but subsequently the insect
has destroyed more than three-fourths of those trees in the city, and the tree is
no longer cultivated for its shade. Elms have been generally substituted.
The louse appeared around Davenport as early as 1868, and even now is not
found in the country around Muscatine, but is confined to the city. This insect
has at least one known enemy, our little friend the lady-bug.
" A small plant-louse {Phylloxera vitifolice, Fitch) attacks several varieties of
grapes. As yet, no practical damage has been reported from this cause,
although it seems to be acquiring a greater range in the variety of its food. It
336 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
is a native insect, indigenous with the wild frost grape. Among the tame
varieties of grapes, it prefers the Clinton. Delaware and a small white hybrid.
Last season, it was observed on the Isabel. This is the same Phi/Uoxera wliich
causes so much trouble in Southern France. It was importetl into France from
America.
•* The cut-worms are the larviv of a nocturnal genus [Ai/ratis) of Lepidoptera.
Quite a number of species of this genius are to be found in this county. A
new species, working in the corn, was reported li\«t summer.
•• Every seventeen years, we are visited by what are commonly miscalled
■ locusts {^Cicdiia septendt'cini, Linn.). This insect appeared here in 1887,
IS.")4. 1871 and will appear in 1888. Thoy are not found on the prairie, but
are in the timber-lands. The early settlers claim that the brood of 1837 was
larger than any subsequent one. The clearing of the timber-hind may be the
cause of their decrease. 01 their luibits. Walsh remarks that more has prob-
ably been written concerning them than of any other insect.
'• The white grubs tii-st began to seriously damage meadow-lands about lS7t>.
They are the larviv of the May beetle [Lat'/inostt'nui (jutrrina, Knochi.
•• There are many other destructive insects found in this locality, but these
are the principal species. A large number of useful and beneficial insects can
be taken here, but blessings are often passed unheeded, and many of these, at
present, remain in oblivion. They are. for the most part, small parasites, and
the classes of insects known as cannibals. Their habits and history have not
received the studv and attention which have been ijiven to their more unworthy
relatives.
*' Of the sub-orders of insects, the Coleoptera, or beetles, and the Lepidop-
tera, or scale-winged insects, such as butterflies and moths, have been studied
here more thoroughly than the remaining five.
** It may be interesting to state a few fact^ and call attention to some of the
common species of the winged beauties. For the sake of convenience, Lepi-
doptera have been divided into three large group^ called Diurnal, Crepuscular
and Nocturnal. The Diurnal are the butterflies, which belong to the daytime.
The Crepuscular are the sphinges and twilight tliers. The Nocturnal are the
moths which Hy at night. Part of the moths and sphinges fly in the daytime.
So that this classification is not, strictly speaking, technical, but merely, as
before stated, for convenience.
*• Among the most common Diurnals we have tiie small, yellow butterfly
[Colias philoihW. Godart) familiar to every one ; the white butterfly [Pieris pro-
todi'ee, B. and L.K the imago of the cabbage-worm which is quite injurious to
that crop : the Danias arc/u) >/>«*?, Harr.. that large brown and black butterfly
which is seen in its beauty and perfection in the fall, when it migrates south-
ward, often in great numbers. These three are the moj^t numerous.
" The very large magnificer.t yellow, marked with black, butterfly, commonly
called the yellow swallowtail, is Piipilio turnus, Linn. It expands from three to
four inches, and is seen in June and July, flying through woods and orchards
and hovering about lilacs. We have several other species of Papilio, black
marked with diflerent coloi-s. which are not easily distinguishable on the wing.
'• The I'tintSt-a iintiopa. Linn., is also rather common in this county. It
expands from two and one-half to three inches. Its wings are purplish brown
above with a yellow border, just inside of which is a row of blue spots. This
insect has a great tjiste for rotten apples.
" The Crepuscular — the Sphinges — are those large, narrow-winged, heavy-
bodied. Lepidoptera that hover over flowers in the twilight, exlraoting the
HISTOKY OF MUSCATINK COUNTY. 337
honey tlivougli their h)ni>; maxilhv or 'tonguos,' whicli are hoUow like a tuho,
and in 80iuo species is ibiir inches hrn^'. It is couinion to hear these insects
caUed '•eveniuii; hununing-birds," from tlie resembhmce of the motion of their
wings to that of the humming-bird. Hut they are not birds, they are Sphinges.
Some of the handsomest of these are the imagoes of the tobacco and tomato
worms.
"The common or the marked Nocturnals are difficult to point out, because of
their nocturnal habits. There are five found here which are large and hand-
some. Ti'ha poliiplnnnuii, Linn., is a very liglit bri)wn. On each secondary or
hind wing, is a blue, black, and yellow eyelike spot with a transparent pupil.
On each primary or front wing, is also found anotlier transparent spot edged
with yellow. It expands about five inches, and its larvjv feed on the oak.
Samia cccropia, Linn., is the largest insect we liave. Two s{)ecimens in our
collection, which were hatched from cocoons, measure six aiul three-ijuarters
and nearly seven inches, respectively. The average expansion is about six
inches. Its colors are gray-brown, dull red, black and white. A wavy, wiiite
line crosses each wing, and also near the center of each is a large white spot.
Near the tip of each primary is an eye-like spot. The body is dull red, striped
with white.
'' Saturnia Jo. Ilarr., and Callosaniia pronict/ica, Hrury, are both found
here, though (juite rare. /Saturniu lo is light brown. Expands two inches
and has a large eye-like spot on each secondary. Callosamia. pronuihea
expands about three inches. The male is dark bluish brown. The female has
a very light reddish brown tint.
" The Actias luna, Tiinn., is a pale-green moth. It expamls about fi)ur
inches. It has a transparent eye-spot in the center of each wing, and the two
secondaries are each prolonged into a. tail, whicli gives it a peculiar api)earance.
Perfect specimens are hard to obtain. These tive are not the most common,
but the largest. The great majority of the Nocturnals are small, some of
them expanding less than half an inch.
" In giving an account of our local Entomology, only a few points can be
dwelt upon. There are many other interesting facts that could be enumerated
but of necessity must be omitted. In order to give some idea of the Lepidop-
tera that can be found here, the following, though imperfect, list is given. It
does not, in all probability, contain one-half which could be collected in this
county.
" liliopdhwira. — Papilio philenor Linn. ; Papilio asterias Druri/ ; 'Papilio
troilus Linn. ; Papilio turnus Linn. ; Papilio rar. glaueus Linn. ; Papilio
cresphontes Cram. ; Pieris protodice Boisd. jf- Ler. ; Colias cjvsonia iStoU. ;
Colias eury theme J3oisd. : Colias kecwaydin LJdw. ; Colias plnlodicc Qodarf ;
Terias lisa Boisd. ; Danais archippus Cram.; Argynnis idalia i)r«tr//; Argyn-
nis cybele Fabr. ; Argynnis aphrodite Fabr. ; Argynnis myrina Cram. ;
Argynnis , ; Phyciodes tharos Boisd.; Grapta faunus Fd/v. ; Graj)ta
interrogationis var. Fabricii Fd/r. : Grapta intcrrogationis var. und)rosa Jjint. ;
Grapta progne Cram.; Gra])ta comma Harris; Vanessa i\\\i\o\vA Linn. ; Pyra-
meis cardui Linn.; Pyramcis hunteria Drarif ; Pyrameis atalanta Linn.;
Junonia lavinia Cram.; Limenitis Ursula Fabr.; Limenitis misipus Fabr.;
Apatura celtis Boisd. ; Euptychia eurytus Fabr. ; Chrysophanus hyllus Cram. ;
Lycjicna neglecta Fda>. ; LycaMia pseudargiolus Boisd. ; Lyc;ena comyntas
Godt. ; Epargyreus tityrus Fabr.; Thorybes pylades iSrudd.; llesj)eria hobo-
mok Uarr. ; il es\)ev'iii y'niWa Fdw. ; Ilesperia numitor Fabr.; Iles})eria tessel-
lata Scudd. ; Ilesperia .
338 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
'■'■ Sphingidce. — Macroglossa diffinis 5mc?. ; Macroglossa thysbe Fahr. :
Thyreus abbotii Swain; Thyreus nessus Cram.; Darapsa mvron Cram.;
ChfBrocampa tersa Linn. ; Deilephila lineata Fabr. ; Philarapelus pandorus
Huhn. ; Philampelus achemon Drury : Sraerinthus geminatus Say ; Macrosila
Carolina Linn. ; Macrosila quinquemaculata Haw. ; Sphinx cinerea Harr. ;
Sphinx gordius Cram. ; Ceratomia amyntor Huhn.
'-'- ZygcenidcR. — Eudryus unio Z^m^w. ; Eudryus grata Fahr.; Scepsis fulvi-
collis Huhn.
" Bomhycidce. — Hyproprepia fucosa Huhn. ; Utethesia bella Linn. ; Calli-
morpha lecontei Boisd. ; Arctia nais Drury; Arctia decorata Saunders;
Arctia persephone Q-rote ; Arctia arge Brury ; Pyrrharctia issabella aS'/ji/^/; ,•
Leucarctia acrea Drury ; Spilosoma virginica Fahr. ; Spilosoma latipennis
Stretch. ; Euchietes egle Drury : Nerice bidentata Walk. : Telea polyphemus
Linn. ; Actias luna Linn. ; Samia cecropia Linn. ; Clisocarapa americana
Harr.; Xyleutes robinire Peck.
'"'■ Noctuidce. — Aoronycta ohWuita, Smith ; Microcoelia obliterata Grrote ; Jas-
pidea lepidula G-rote : Agrotis c-nigrum Linn. ; Agrotis subgothica Hew. ;
Agrotis messoria Harr. ; Agrotis clandestina Harr. ; Mamestra adjuncta
Guen. ; Mamestra subjuncta (rro^e; Mamestra renigera iS'^g'p/icws; Perigea
xanthioides Guen. ; Dipterygia pinastri Linn. ; Hyppa xylinoides Guen. :
Hydroecia nictitans Linn. ; Gortyna rutila Guen. ; Arzama obliquata G. <|' R. :
Heliophila pallens Huhn. ; Heliophila pseudargyria G7-ote ; Pyrophila pyramid-
oides Grote; Pluisa aerea Huhn.; Plusia balluca Geyer ; Plusia simplex
Guen. ; Chamyris cerintha Treits. ; Erastria carneola Guen. ; Erastria
nigritula (3^uew. ; Drasteria erechtea (7ram. ; Euclidia cuspidea ^?t6». ; Cato-
cala raeskei Grote : Catocala ultronia Guen. ; Catocala neoparta Guen. ;
Catocala innubens Guen. ; Catocala neogama Guen. ; Catocala paleogama var.
phalanga Guen.; Homoptera lunata Drwry; Pseudoglossa lubricalis Geyer:
Plathypena scabra Fahr.
" Geometridoe. — Petrophora diversilineata Huhn. : Eutrapela transversata
Drury ; Heterophelps triguttata Her. Sch. ; Hiiematopis grataria Fahr. ; Acid-
alia enucleata Guen. : Angerona crocataria Fahr. ; Endropia effectaria Walk. ;
Endropia marginata Pack.
" Pyralidce. — Botys verticalis Alhin. ; Desmia maculalis West.
" Tortricidoe. — Argyrolepia quercifoliana Fitch.
" Pterophoridoe. — Pterophorus periscelidactylus^z^^j/i."
METEOROLOGICAL REPORT.
The following interesting chapter upon the subject of the climate and the
events dependent upon the condition of the weather, was compiled expressly
for this work by Mr. J. P. Walton, now Reporter for the Smithsonian Institution,
and the Signal Service of the War Department at Washington, D. C.
Prior to the year 1839, the reports concerning the weather are merely tra-
ditional. On the 1st of January, 1839, Hon. T. S. Parvin now of Iowa City,
commenced a meteorological record at Muscatine, taking and recording three
observations daily. This labor he continued until 1861, when Rev. John
Uffbrd, now of Delaware, Ohio, took charge of the instruments and records for
two years. In 1863, they passed into the hands of J. P. Walton, who stil
retains them and continues taking observations. Thus we have a continuous
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUIITY. 339
record of three times a day, for more than forty years. This is probably the
oldest and most authentic record in the West.
When the early settlers reached the banks of the Mississippi, they found
drift-wood and high-water marks Avhich indicated that the river had been high
at a recent date, fully twelve inches higher than in 1851, or than it has been
since. Tradition places this event in 1828.
The autumn of 1837, was warm and pleasant. The river was high. Steam-
boats ran all the fall and brought settlers and provisions until winter set in,
which was about the middle of December. The winter of 1887-38 was open
and wet during the first half. The month of February and the first ten days
of March were quite cold. The early settlers say that ice floated in the river
nearly two months. The river closed February 14, and good hauling lasted
three weeks. It opened March 24. The spring of 1838, was late in coming.
But grass grew early and sufficient for cattle to live upon by the first of April.
Weather dry during May and the first half of June. The river was high and
steamboats were numerous, all loaded with emigrants. The summer and
autumn were delightful. The crops were fine but the ague, which afflicted three-
fourths of the early settlers, interfered with their being gathered. The river
was low in the fall. Boats scarce. Ice commenced running about the 20th of
November, when the winter of 1838-39 commenced, which was not unusually
severe, there being only from eight to twelve inches of snow throughout the season.
The river closed December 4, and opened the first day of March, 1839.
March, April and May, of 1839, were unusually pleasant with sufficient
rain for good crops. June was warm and quite damp. July and August dry
and not excessively warm. September dry, with an early frost on the 12th.
October warm but quite wet. There being fourteen rainy days during the
month. On November 23, four inches of snow fell and winter set in. Ice
commenced running on the 24th of December,
In the winter of 1839-40, the river closed January 15, and opened on the
29th of February. Thirty-three inches of snow fell during the winter, but the
weather was not excessively cold. TheMarch and April in 1840, were dry.
river high and spring early. May was a wet month, with thirteen rainy days.
June wet ; July, August and September cold. The thermometer did not reach
90 degrees this season. October and November pleasant. Vegetation killed
by a frost on the 24th of October. Winter commenced very moderate on the
1st of December.
The winter of 1840-41 was an average winter. The thermometer went
below zero eleven times. River closed December 31, and opened March 1.
March of 1841, was cool. April and May warm ; June, July and August, hot.
Thermometer, nineteen days above 90 degrees. September, October and
November pleasant. A light frost September 11. A killing frost October 3.
Winter began on November 26.
The winter of 1841-42 was light. The thermometer touched zero but seven
times during the winter. The river closed December 27, and opened February
28. March, April and May were moderately warm. June was cool. July
the same, but the thermometer reached 90 degrees eight times, it being quite
changeable, ranging from 50 to 90 degrees. August was more settled with a
mean of 68 degrees. September and October, warm. On the 15th of Novem-
ber, the longest winter on record, commenced. December was steadily cold
with a mean of 21 degrees.
The winter of 1842-43 is known as the long winter. The river closed
November 27, and opened on April 8, 1843. Ice formed three feet thick on
340 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
the river. Snow was thirty inches deep in the woods, during these five months.
The thermometer was down to zero thirty-five days. Spring began on the lOtli
of April, but •* came in earnest when it came." May was quite warm; June,
moderate; July and August, hot, the thermometer 90 degrees twenty-two days;
September and October, warm. November, moderate. December, warm, with
a mean of 31 degrees.
The winter of 1843-44 was quite open. The river closed January 24, and
opened February 23. The spring of 1844, was early. The summer was an
average one. The autumn months excellent. The winter set in December 8.
but the month of December Avas very moderate.
The winter of 1844-45 was light. The river closed December 27,
and opened February 18. The thermometer went to zero but four times
in the early part of December. The spring of 1845 was early. The sum-
mer long, with July hot. September and October warm. Frost the 12th
of October. Winter set in November 23. December cold. Down to zero ten
days.
" The winter of 1845-46 was cold during the first month, and moderate the
last two. The river closed December 1, and opened January 20. The
spring of 1846 opened early, but a light frost occurred on the loth day of May.
June cold. July and August warm. September, October and November
pleasant. December warm.
The winter of 1846-47 commenced November 26, but did not end until
the 17th of March, 1847. December was moderate. January cold, with sev-
enteen days below zero. February rather moderate. The river closed Jan-
uary 6, and opened March 19. March almost as cold as February. April,
May and June cold and backward. July and August considerably below the
average. September, October and November were warm for the season. A
light frost on the 9th of October. December moderate, with a mean temper-
ature of 25 degrees.
The winter of 1847-48 commenced November 26, and ended March 6.
The river closed December 15, and opened February 16. The winter was
mild, with but little cold weather. March and April, of 1848, were about
average months. May was warm. June, July, August and September cold.
Thermometer was not above 85 degrees. Frost the 22d of September. Oc-
tober mild. November and December were cold.
The winter of 1848-49 commenced November 24, and ended February
20. The river closed December 15, and opened February 12. December
had six days below zero. January, eleven — one day 24 degrees below.
February ten days. A cold, but not a long winter. The spring of 1849 was
cold and backward. The thermometer down to 30 degrees on the 1st of May.
June, July and August cold. Highest thermometer, during the year, 89
degrees. Frost June 6. September, October and November delightful. The
first frost October 8. December, steady cold weather.
The winter of 1849-50 began November 27, and ended February 23.
River closed December 17, and opened February 19. January, 1850,
quite moderate and wet. February cold, during the first part, and warm at
the close. Eight inches of water fell. March and April backward and
showery. May backward and cold. June warm and pleasant. July and
August warm and showery. September. October and November moderate,
with early frost on September 7. December pleasant, with seven inches of
snow on the ground. The last steamboat passed down on the 2d of the month.
Ice running in the river on the od.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 341
The winter of 1850-51 commenced November 28, and ended March 9.
River closed January oO, and opened the 21st of February. Januai'y mod-
erate, with live inches of snow. February mild. First half of March, snowy ;
last half. mild. April moderate, with a hard snow on the 29th, A hard frost
on the 5th of May. Light frost on the 24th. Twenty-ono rainy days in June,
fourteen and three-fourths inches of water fell. On the 8[h of June, the Mis-
sissippi River was higher than it had been since 1828. July cold and wet.
Eight inches of water fell. August cold and rainy. Fourteen inches of rain
fell. On the night of the 10th, 10,71 inches of water fell, which washed out
bridges generally, and carried oft' houses along the creek. Four persons were
drowned, while trying to escape from the flood. This was the final hard rain
of the season. September about as warm as August, with a light frost on the
25th, and a hard frost on the 28th. Aurora borealis on the 29th. October
pleasant and smoky. November 11, snow fell seven inches deep. The last
boat of the season on December 12. Ice commenced running on the 13th.
Winter began December 10, tvhich closed the wet season of 1851, The wettest
on record up to this time.
The winter of 1851-52 was cold, during the last half of December, and
the whole of January. February was mild and muddy. The river closed
December 18, and opened February 24. First boat up, March 5, Running
ice on the 19th. The month cold. The average temperature, 36 degrees. Ice
five inches thick on the olst. April backward. May wai-mer. Frost on the
20th. June, July and August cold and dry. September warm and wet. The
first frost on the 26th. October and November cold and wet. Ice commenced
to run in the river on November 19, November and December were not excess-
ively cold.
The winter of 1852-53 was moderate. There were not more than eight
days in which the thermometer went below zero. The river closed December
19, and opened February 25. First boat March 7. March, April and May
forward, but subject to frost ; the last on the 25th of May. June was remark-
ably hot, its mean temperature being 71 degrees. July, cold ; mean temper-
ature— 68 degrees. August the same as June, with a mean of 71 degrees, but
dry. The first frost September 10. October and November cold and dry.
December moderate, with ice running on the 2d. There was an abundant harvest
of grain and fruit this year.
The winter of 1853-54 had but little snow all winter. January cold;
eleven days down to zero. February milder. River closed December 31, and
opened March 1. First boat the 5th. March, April and May were warm and
forward. The last frost on May 2. June, July, August and September were
hot and dry. Thirty-nine days with the thermometer 90 degrees in the shade.
At one time there were twelve consecutive days above 90 degrees. October
warm, with the first frost on the 15th. November dry and pleasant. Decem-
ber mild. Ice beoran running on the 5th.
The winter of 1854-55. was a light winter. The latter part of February was
cold with a deep snow. The river closed on January 22. Opened on March 7.
March was cold. April and May warm, with a frost that killed most of the fruit
on the 6th of May. June, July and August, moderate for the season. Septem-
ber pleasant. The first frost on the 27th. The river very low. The river became
high on the 12th of October, Ice commenced running in the river on December
12, and closed the 25th. Thirteen inches of snoA\'' on the ground.
In the winter of 1855-56, December, January, February and first half of
March, were cold with ice two and one-half faet thick. River opened the 29th
34'2 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
of March. April moderate. May warm. June and July warm. August cold
with the river very low. A dry season, but crops were good. First frost August
24. First half of October dry. The backward and early frost greatly damaged
the corn crop. November unusually wet. No Indian summer. December
was cold and changeable. River closed December (3.
Winter of 1856-57. December cold and snowy. January very cold, the
mean for the month was 6"^ above zero. Nineteen days below. One day 30°
below. February more moderate with enough snow to block all the railroads.
On the Tth, a heavy rain fell which carried out bridges and did considerable
damage. The river opened on February 27, with a high stage of water. The first
boat of the season on the 28th. The river above Muscatine did not open until
the 22d of March. Spring backward. April 30, not a green thing to be
seen. The country was destitute of hay or straw ; cattle suffered for the want
of it. Season a month later than usual. June 5, light frost. First strawber-
ries on the 21st of Juno. July and August moderately warm. First frost
October 14. A great deal of corn was frost-bitten. November wet and showery.
Ice running the 19th. A steamboat on the 2oth. The river closed the same
day. Opened on the 30th. December was mild and muddy. No ice in the
river. Boats running nearly all the month.
The winter of 18o7-r>S mild. Boats ran all the month of January, and
some of February. May was wet. and farmers unable to plow. River very
high. June hot and wet. July rainy and cold. August and September cold
and wet. First frost on the 12th of September. Corn ripened well. Wheat
and oats a failure. Ice commenced running on the I'Jth of November. The
river closed suddenly on the 2oth, and opened on the oOth. December mild.
Boats running very late, the last one on the 28th.
The winter of 1858-59 was open and soft. The river closed January 7,
and opened February 21. March mild. The spring and summer about aver-
ncre. October and November very pleasant. A hard frost on the night of
September 1 greatly injured the corn and buckwheat.
The winter of 1859-60 was well supplied with snow. January cold.
February milder. The river closed December 8, and opened February 28.
River low. First steamboat March 1. On the 20th of May. hail covered the
orround one inch deep. June 3, the Camanche tornado passed about thirty
miles north of here. July was hot. August and September pleasant, with a
light frost on September 11. Severe frost October 11, which killed flowers and
vetyetation. Winter set in November 19, with snow that lasted all winter.
December cold. River closed December 15.
Winter of 1860-61. January cold. February moderate. River opened
March 2. March cold. April and May seasonable. June. July and August
hot ; 100 degrees in the shade August 2, 4, and 7. September rainy. Frost
on the 23d of October. Winter commenced November 30. December mild.
Eight inches of snow on the ground the 22d.
The winter of 1861-62, was a winter of deep snow. River closed Decem-
ber 28, and opened March 25. January had twelve days below zero, and forty-
four inches of snow fell. February, twenty-three inches of snow, and eleven
davs below zero. Winter ended on March (». Ninety-four inches of snow had
fallen during that season, and railroads were blocked up. The spring was
not backward. June, July and August, hot and dry. September, October
and November, warm. First frost October 10. Winter began November 25.
December mild. River closed on the 7th, and opened on the 12th. Clear of
ice on the 13th.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINK COUNTY. 343
The winter of 18d:i-0;>, -waj; an open winter. 'riierraometer down to zero
but twice in January and February. But little snow or rain. Spring early.
Good feed by April 7. Light frost May 18. Cherries as large as peas, but
not damaged. June -, frost killed cucumbers in many localities. June and
July cold and dry. August w^arm and rainy, Avith a very light frost on the
30th. September 1, there was a frost which damaged the corn and ftill crops
in the Northwest, but it did not damage Muscatine. September 19, frost.
Snow October '2'2. Ice commenced running in the river November -8. Last
boat down the i*Tth. Ferry-boat went into winter quarters December 14. River
closed the 18th. Eight inches of heavy snow the 28th that broke in roofs of
several buildings.
The winter of 1863-64, was a winter of good sleighing. January cold and
dry. February milder. The last teams crossed the ice on the river on the
24th. Ice started on the 25th ; stopped, started and stopped again on the 26th,
and went out the 27th. March cold and raw. Five inches of snow fell. The
first steamer up the 7th. April cold. Frost enough May 11 to look white on
the grass. Last half of May hot. July 1, grass crop short, but better than
last year. Wheat excellent. Corn rather backward. Rye and barley good.
Potatoes looked well. Apples and grapes plenty. Jnly, August, September
and October, very excellent weather. A frost September 19. A killing frost
October 9. A light snow October 21. November cold, stormy and unpleas-
ant. Ice plenty on the 18th. Ferry-boat froze up on the 21st. River froze
over the 24th. Ice broke up on the 25th. Boats commenced running on the
26th. December 1, the last boat down ; 9th, ice stopped running ; 12th, teams
crossed on the ice. December 31, ice fifteen inches thick on the channel.
The year 1864 was dry. Only 32.73 inches of water fell.
But little snow fell during the winter of 1864-65, There was not enough
at one time to make sleighing. The weather was not excessively cold. The last
team crossed on the ice February 21, and wild ducks were flying. The ice
started above the city on the 22d, but did not go out until March 1. March
cold and backward. Wheat was sown until the middle of April. Grass
not sufficient for cattle until about the 25th. Frost did considerable damage.
Last frost May 11. June, warm with plenty of rain, July and August cold.
September warm, A light frost October 3. A killing frost October 29.
Indian summer all through November. It rained but one day. Twenty-two
days without a cloud, December cold, but not stormy. Plenty of ice m\ the
river. Ferry-boat laid up on the 11th. Ice stopped running the 13th. The
year 1865 was dry and favorable ; but 33.71 inches of water fell.
The winter of 1865-66 was colder than the average. There were thirty-
seven days of sleighing and seventy-seven days of crossing on the ice, March
7, the ice on the river started, and ran about one hundred yards and stopped, and
went out on the 9th, March cold and backward. The last snow disappeared
on the 31st, Even by April 8, the ice of last winter still lay along the river-
banks, April 26, grass enough for cattle. May 5, the river at its highest. It
was said to be only six inches below 1851, May 29, frost damaged corn and
fruit. June and July warm. August and September pleasant. A light frost
October 11, Killing frost on the 31st. November 28. the first appearance of
winter. November 30, ice floating in the river. December 1, the last boat
down. Ferry-boat laid up on the 17th, and the ice stopped running. December
27, teams crossed on the ice ; 31,94 inches of water fell during this year.
The winter of 1866—67 was moderate, with snow in January and February.
Ice froze eighteen inches thick on the river. March cold. Last team crossed
344 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
the river on the 21st. Ice started on the 29th and stoi)ped. March 30, migra-
tory birds made their appearance fully one month later than usual. The
ice went out April 1. Ferry-boat "Decalion" made her first ti'ip the 6th.
April 18, the first frog singing. This was one of the latest springs on record.
May 1, grass plenty in the sloughs for cattle ; 17th, a light frost. June 29, the
river as high as last season. July, August and September dry and pleasant.
Light frost on the 10th of September. Killing frost October 20. October
31, the first white frost of the season. November 30, ice running in the river.
This fall was one of the best ever known. Indian summer for near three
months. December 1, the last boat up. Ferry-boat went into winter quarters
on the 7th. River froze over on the 18th. On the 23d, teams crossed on the
ice. A dry year. Amount of rain-fall, 32.24 inches.
The winter of 1867-68 was colder than the average. January and February
had eighteen days below zero. But little snow. Ice twenty inches thick on the
river. February 10, the thermometer was 32 degrees below zero, the lowest
point on record. March 7, ice started out and stopped, and went out the 10th.
First steamboat the 18th. Grass abundant by the 1st of April. May 3,
a tornado that destroyed a number of buildings passed three miles north of the
city. June and July hot. July had nineteen days 90 degrees above zero. It
was the hottest July for thirty years. August moderate and dry. September
wet, with light frost on the 16th. A killing frost October 4. The fall good
until November 17. Winter began the 17th. November 14, a fine display of
meteors was observed. Thirty were counted in fifteen minutes. December
was cold. Ferry-boat laid up on- the 8th. River closed the 19th, and opened
the next day. Closed the second time the 25th. A few teams crossed on the
29th ; 43.14 inches water fell during this year.
The winter of 1868-69 was moderate, with ten inches of snow in December.
January and February mild. Ice started in the river on the 12th, and went out
on the 15th. Migratory birds the 16th. First boat the 20th. March 7, river
closed. Ice went out the 23d, having been closed sixteen days. Horses
crossed for seven days. April cold and backward. May seasonable, June
and July cold and rainy, with severe floods. August but little better. Septem-
ber and October dry and fine. A light frost September 26. A hard one
October 13. November cold, wet and disagreeable, and fifteen inches of snow
fell. Winter began the 12th. Ice running the 20th. Last boat December 3.
The winter of 1869-70, commenced in November. December was mild, with
thermometer at zero but once. January mild. Zero but three times, although
there was an abundance of snow. River closed on the 9th. February mild and
dry. Ice started March 19 and stopped. March 18, teams crossed. March
22, ice went out. March 23, first boat. April 25, the river was three inches
higher than in 1851. Spring forward. May 14, strawberries ripe. June
intensely hot ; 100 degrees in the shade on the 30th. Ten days with the ther-
mometer 90 degrees above zero. July had eighteen days above 90 degrees, and
four over 100 degrees. On the 19th, it was 102J degrees. August Avas quite
moderate, having four and a half inches of rain-fall. September and October
rainy. First frost October 12. November wet. December dry. Ice began
to run on the 14th. Stopped the 21st. Teams crossed the 23d.
The winter of 1870-71 was moderate, with considerable snow. Crossing
the river for two months. The ice started February 24, and went out the 25th.
First boat March 6. Plowing began March 2. A violent, steady, stiff gale on
the 8th of April blew down and unroofed many buildings. Plenty of grass for
cattle. The spring was forward. The last frost May 10. JuYie moderate.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 345
July cold. August warm. A light frost on the 31st. A killing frost Septem-
ber 29. October and half of November pleasant. Winter set in November
19. The river closed on the 30th. December cold, with seven stormy days,
and ten inches of snow fell.
The winter of 1871-72 was a cold winter. January and February, dry. Ice on
the river thirty -three inches thick. March dry and very much like a winter month.
Ice on the river broke up on the 26th. There was not a day between October
18, 1871, and March 27, 1872, that it did not freeze. The longest cold term
on record at this place. The thermometer did not reach a higher point than
49 degrees above, or did not go lower than 14 degrees below zero. Plums
and cherries in bloom April 30. Ten days later than last season. The sum-
mer season warm and rainy. Light frost, September 2. Killing frost, Octo-
ber 10. Ice beojan running and winter commenced November 13. Snow,
November 14. River closed the 30th. The first team crossed December 9.
The winter of 1872-73 was cold and severe, breaking up March 5. The
ice went out on the 14th. April cold. May, June and July warm. August
hot ; seventeen days above 90 degrees. On the 31st, 101 degrees. Septem-
ber, pleasant. Light frost, the 8th. October, cold. Thermometer 17 degrees
on the 31st, and a little ice floating in the river. November, cold. Six severe
snowstorms with a fall of eight inches of snow during the month. River
closed December 20.
The winter of 1873-74 was long, moderately cold and plenty of snow. It
began in October and lasted until the middle of March. Ice started March 10.
First boat, March 11, had to break a way through the ice. April 5, good sleigh-
ing. May 18, a slight frost. June, hot ; nine days 90 degrees or more. On the
26th, 101 degrees. July, hot. The 3d and 4th, 99|^ degrees. The 5th, 103
degrees (the highest known range at this place). The 25th, 100 degrees.
August, hot; lOOJ degrees on the 11th. September, rainy ; 3.86 inches rain
fell on the 18th. Light frost the 15th. Ice one-sixteenth inch thick Octo-
ber 12. Fall, excellent. Winter began November 18. December, warm.
The winter of 1874-75 was early and soft at first. January was the coldest
one on record, there being twenty-two days the thermometer was below zero.
One day 19 degrees below. The mean temperature was only 8.07 degrees,
being 11.02 degrees colder than the average. February was as cold as Jan-
uary. Fifteen days to zero. March milder. Ice went out the 29th. First
boat appeared April 5. May 20, apples in bloom. Light frost the 21st. June,
July and August quite cold^ but two days up to 90 degrees. There was a
heavy frost in some parts of Iowa on the 23d of August, but none here until
September 18. Killing frost October 16. An excellent fall. River closed
November 30.
In the winter of 1875-76, December was very open. Ice broke up the 5th.
Ferry-boat started the 6th, and ran ten days. The ice closed up the second
time the 18th, and went out the 21st. Steamboat up January 7. Ferry-boat
laid up the second time January 10. The river closed the third time February
3. February 10, ice broke up. Winter gone and not enough snow to start a
sleigh. The ice-dealers had to go to Northern Iowa for ice. March muddy and
backward. Wheat all sown by April 30, and cherries in bloom. Light frost
May 9. Light frost June 19. July warm and wet. A flood the 15th, that
did considerable damage ; 3.64 inches rain. August 11, a beautiful meteoric
display. Fifty meteors in forty-five minutes. The fall a good one. Winter
commenced November 21. Ice in the river the 30th. It closed Decem-
ber 5.
346 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
The winter of 1876-77 began early, and Avas cold with but little snow.
December cold. January very cold. Eighteen days down to zero. February
very moderate. Ice in the river went out the 19th. Considerable wheat sown
by February 20. Corn about half planted by May 19. The spring backward.
June 35, a storm of wind and hail visited this county, blowing down several
buildings and completely destroying by hail one-fourth of the crops of the county.
The summer was moderately warm. The fall very rainy and disagreeable. A
light frost September 18. A killing frost November 1. The corn ripened
middling well. Winter came in November 27. Ice in the river the 29th.
The winter of 1877-78 was a remarkably soft winter. Mud all winter.
Only two or three days of good roads. Ice not more than six inches thick and
that in still ponds. Dealers went north for ice. The season opened with a
good spring. A hot July, eleven days above 90 degrees. On the 12th, 100
degrees. A light frost September 11, and not a killing frost until October 19.
which made and ripened one of the best corn crops Iowa has ever had.
The winter of 1878-79 commenced December 6. The river closed the 19th.
Teams crossed on the 22d. The last team crossed March 4. Seventy days'
crossing the ice. The ice went out the 7th. March cold and backward. Ten
inches of snow fell during the month. Wheat sown, but no grass.
The extreme range of thermometer at Muscatine is 135 degrees, from 32
degrees below to 103 degrees above.
INDIAN OCCUPANCY.
The Indian history of this State is interesting, principally because of the
presence here of two of the most noted characters of modern tribes. The nature
of this work precludes the introduction of an exhaustive treatise on the rise and
decline of the Indian races of this region, and enables us merely to gather
from reliable sources the fragments of incident, anecdote and analysis which
have floated loosely about for years. In fact, our province is purely that of a
compiler ; but sufficient care has been taken with the work to make it valuable
in the generations which are to follow. The actual historian who shall inves-
tigate the ample field of aboriginal existence may peruse these pages with a
feeling of security in their correctness, if the associates of Keokuk and Black
Hawk theunselves are to be believed ; for much of the information here pre-
served was obtained in direct line of recital, either to the writer or to the party
duly accredited with the extract.
There still live many persons who witnessed the strange sight of a remnant
of a race of men departing forever from their early homes, and such will, doubt-
less, be disposed to sneer at the pen which finds a source of melancholy in the
contemplation of this event. But worthy hands have written lines of living
power upon the theme ; nor can the harsh character of fact denude the subject
of a glamour which poetry and romance have oast around the dusky victim and
his fate. There is a grandeur in the record of the race which the stern force of
truth is powerless to dispel.
Human improvement, rushing through civilization, crushes in its march all
who cannot grapple to its car. This law is as inexorable as fate. " You colo-
nize the land of the savage Avith the Anglo-Saxon," says Stephen Montague,
" you civilize that portion of the earth ; but is the savage civilized ? He is
exterminated ! You accumulate machinei'y, you increase the total of wealth,
but what becomes of the labor you displace ? One generation is sacrificed to
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 347
the next. You diffuse knowledge, and the world seems to grow brighter : but
Discontent at Poverty replaces Ignorance happy with its crust. Every
improvement, every advancement of civilization, injures some to benefit others,
and either cherishes the want of to-day or prepares the revolution of to-mor-
row."
This portion of Iowa was once the home of the Sac and Fox tribes of
Indians. From a little work entitled " Sketches of Iowa," prepared in 1841
by John B. Newhall, of Burlington, the following summary of their general
character is taken :
"The Saics and Foxes have been among the most powerful and warlike
tribes of the Northwest. History finds them fighting their way from the shores
of the northern lakes, gradually, toward the Mississippi, sometimes warring
with the Winnebagoes. and at other times with the Chippewas, often instigated
by the French. At an early period, they inhabited the region of country
bordering upon the Wisconsin River, and planted large quantities of corn.
The whole history of their wars and migrations shows them to have been a
restless and spirited people, a people erratic in their pursuits, having a great
contempt for agriculture and a predominant passion for war. By these ruling
traits they have been constantly changing, suffering and diminishing. Still
they retain their ancient chivalry, ever ready for war, regardless of the superi-
ority of their foes. Thus, at the present time (1841), four or five hundred of
their warriors are out to fight the Sioux of the North, with whom there exists a
most deadly hostility, originating from old feuds, the origin of which they
scarcely know themselves. Their numbers, of late years, have been somewhat
augmented by the policy they have pursued of adopting their prisoners of war
and receiving seceders from other tribes, and, at the present time, they number
about seven thousand souls.
" The Sacs and Foxes speak the Algonquin language. This language is
still spoken by the Chippewas, Pottawatomies, Ottawas, and several other tribes.
It is soft and musical in comparison with the harsh, guttural Narcoutah of the
Sioux, which is peculiar to themselves, having but little affinity to the Algon-
quin tongue. Their ideas of futurity are somewhat vague and indefinite. They
believe in the existence of a Supreme Manitou, or good spirit, and a Malcha
Manitou, or evil" spirit. They often invoke the favor of the good Manitou for
success in war and the hunt, by various sacrifices and offerings. Storm and
thunder they view as manifestations of His wrath ; and success in war, the hunt
or in the deliverance from enemies, of His favor and love. Everything of great
power or efficiency, or what is inexplicable, is a 'great medicine,' and the med-
cine-men and prophets are next in consideration to chiefs. At the decease of
their friends, they paint their faces black, and the time of mourning is gov-
erned by the affinity of the kindred. Their ideas of the condition of departed
spirits and the ceremony of burial may be deemed interesting. Often, in per-
ambulating their deserted villages, has my attention been arrested, in gazing
through the bleached and mutilated slabs made to protect the moldering dust of
a noted chief or 'brave,' who is frequently placed in a sitting posture, his gun
and war-club placed by his side, moccasins upon his feet, his blanket (or the
remnants thereof) wrapped about his body, his beads and wampum suspended
to his neck, where he sits 'like a warrior taking his rest,' in the silent sleep of
death.
'' The situations of their villages are, oftentimes, extremely beautiful and
picturesque. The rude architecture of their lodges ; the droves of Indian
ponies galloping over the prairies, and snorting at the approach of white men ;
348 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
the squaws busily engaged in preparing food, or, perhaps, 'toting' a back-load
of fagots that would frighten a New York porter, while their ' lazy lords '
>it smoking upon the grass or quietly sleeping in their lodges; the young
papooses swarming the river-bank, and, with bow and arrow, exercising their
infant archery upon every prairie flower or luckless bird ; or, perchance, the
gayly-painted warrior, mounted upon his prancing steed, his feathers streaming
to the breeze as he gallops from village to village with the fleetness of the wind,
are objects which, to the traveler unaccustomed to Indian habits and character,
are full of intense interest and novelty.
" Sometimes, midway between two villages, or, perhaps, off in the prairie,
may be seen a hundred young 'warriors' from each clan — 'picked men,' who
have won laurels on the battle-field. They have met (per agreement) to exer-
cise their feats in the race or the ancient games, the prize being, perhaps, two
or three horses, a rifle or a war-club ; the old warriors or chiefs of each
village looking on as judges. Great interest is manifested on these occasions,
and the same ambitious emulation for rivalry is exhibited in these ' children of
nature ' as among those who play their part beneath the gilded domes of the
city.
'' The Sacs and Foxes frequently visit the towns on the river — Burlington,
Madison, Muscatine, etc. The dress of the males generally consists of leggings,
fitting closely from the loins to the ankles, usually of smoke-tanned deerskin,
and often of blue and sometimes of red cloth, trimmed with fringe and beads,
in a variety of fantastic forms. They wear a white, and, frequently, a scarlet-
colored blanket thrown over the shoulders. Their moccasins are of deerskin,
often trimmed, with extreme taste, with beads and porcupine-quills. Their head-
dress is of various fashions, and ofttimes indescribable. A chief or warrior's
head- dress consists of a profusion of scarlet-colored hair, and long, black beards
of the wild turkey connected to the scalp-lock, and not unfrequently a silver
band or a richly-beaded turban. Their ears are strung with rings and trinkets,
their arms with bracelets of brass, tin, silver and steel, and their necks are
often strung with a profusion of wampum. A tolerably correct idea may be
formed of the riches and taste of a young Indian by the number of strings of
wampum around his neck. This may be considered their legal tender, as no
treaty was ever formed or pipe of friendship smoked betwixt diff'erent Indian
tribes without an exchange of wampum.
"No Indians exult more than the Sacs and Foxes in a triumphant skirmi.sh
with their enemies, and none more proudly exhibit their bloody trophies. They
frequently have several scalps suspended on a spear or connected with their
dress. As an evidence of the value they place upon these emblems of merci-
less victory, I will relate an incident of my attempt to get one of a veteran Sac
brave. I had witnessed him. for several days, passing my window on a little
pony, proudly waving his bouquet of scalps, connected with beads, ribbons and
eagle's feathers, and tied with a rattlesnake-skin upon a spear. Having a
desire to obtain one, after three days' unsuccessful negotiation, during which
time I oflfered him money, calico, beads, powder and tobacco, he finally con-
sented to part with it for one box {i. e., ^1,000).
" They place great reliance in dreams, and the intrepid warrior who awakes
in the morning from a night of troublesome dreams is dejected and melancholy.
Sometimes they imagine that an evil spirit or sorcerer has inflicted a spell,
after the manner of the witches of former times. I think it was last year that
Keokuk had an aged squaw killed because she had inflicted a spell upon some
of his children."
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 349
In corroboration of the last statement, we append the account of that sum-
marv act given us by James Jordan, whose acquaintance with the Indians began
at a very early day. He said : " In 1837, the chief's son was prostrated with
fever. Keokuk was absent at the time, but there chanced to be in the camp an
old squaw, who was alleged to be invested with supernatural powers. When
Keokuk returned, his valiant heir informed him that the witch had cast an evil
spirit into the settlement, which had increased the fever and rendered it impos-
sible to overcome disease while she lived. Thereupon, Keokuk took the old
woi;nan without the settlement and deliberately cut oft" her head with a cleaver.
This summary act was witnessed by Mrs. Phelps, wife of Billy Phelps, one of
the original locators of that section."
The scene of this sacrifice was near Independent, Van Buren Co., adjac-
ent to Jordan's farm. Mr. Newhall was mistaken as to the date of the
tragedy.
KEOKUK, THE ORATOR CHIEFTAIN.
Among the noted chiefs of later years, Keokuk, or "Cunning Fox," held
a foremost place. He was the grand sachem of the Sacs and Foxes, the chief
pre-eminent over all the tribes. He was of commanding presence, but given
rather to the pleasures of the chase than the dangers of the battle-field. Still,
he was not deficient in personal bravery, and held his place with firmness, both
by reason of his ability to lead on all occasions and his wonderful eloquence as
a speaker.
From a sketch of Keokuk, published in the Atmals of Iowa, 1865, by
Uriah Biggs, one of the pioneers of Van Buren, the following interesting
extracts are made :
" Keokuk is deserving of a prominent page in the records of the country,'
and a truthful history of his life would be read and cherished as a memento
of one of nature's noblemen. As an orator, he was called to rank with the
most gifted of his race. In person, he was tall and of portly bearing, and in his
public speeches he displayed a commanding attitude and graceful gestures. He
spoke rapidly, but his enunciation was clear and distinct and very forcible,
culling his figures from the stores of nature, and basing his arguments in skill-
ful logic. He maintained in good faith the stipulations of treaties with the
United States and with the neighboring tribes. He loved peace and the social
amenities of life, and was fond of displaying those agreeable traits of character
in ceremonious visits to neighboring chiefs, in which he observed the most
punctilious etiquette and dignified decorum. He possessed a ready insight
into the motives of others, and was not easily misled by sophistry or beguiled
by flattery ; and in the field of wit, he was no mean champion. It is not my
purpose to write a history of his life, but I will give one anecdote in illustration
of these traits of his character.
"' While residing near Ottumwah-noc, he received a message from the Mor-
mon Prophet, Jo Smith, inviting Keokuk, as King of the Sacs and Foxes, to
a royal conference at his palace at Nauvoo, on matters of the highest impor-
tance to their respective people. The invitation was readily accepted, and a
train of ponies was soon wending its way to the Mormon city, bearing Keokuk
and suite in stately procession and savage pomp.
" Notice had circulated through the country of this diplomatic interview,
and a number of spectators attended to witness the denouement. The audience
was given publicly, in the Mormon Temple, and the respective chiefs were
attended by their suites, the Prophet by the dignitaries of the Mormon Church,
350 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
and the Indian potentate by the high civil and military functionaries of his
tribes, and the gentiles were comfortably seated as auditors.
" The Prophet opened the conference in a set speech of considerable length,
giving Keokuk a brief history of the children of Israel, as detailed in the
Bible, and dwelt forcibly upon the story of the lost tribes, and of the direct
revelation he had received from a divine source, that the North American
Indians were these identical lost tribes, and that he, the Prophet of God, held a
divine commission to gather them together and to lead them to a land ' flowing
with milk and honey.' After the Prophet closed his harangue, Keokuk 'waited
for the words of his pale-faced brother to sink deep into his mind,' and in
making his reply, assumed the gravest attitude and most dignified demeanor.
He would not controvert anything his brother had said about the lost and scat-
tered condition of his race and people, and if his brother was commissioned by
the Great Spirit to collect them together and lead them to a new country, it was
his duty to do so. But he wished to inquire about some particulars his brother
had not named, that were of the highest importance to him and his people.
The red men were not much used to milk, and he thought they would prefer
streams of water, and in the country where they now were there was a good
supply of honey. The points that they wished to inquire into were whether
the new government would pay large annuities, and whether there was plenty
of whisky. Jo Smith saw at once that he had met his match, and that Keo-
kuk was not the proper material with which to increase his army of dupes, and
closed the conference in as amiable a manner as possible.
" He was gifted by nature with the elements of an orator in an eminent
degree, and as such is entitled to rank with Logan, Red Jacket and Tecumseh ;
but, unfortunately for his fame among the white people and with posterity, he
was never able to obtain an interpreter who could claim even a slight acquaint-
ance with philosophy. With one exception only, his interpreters were unac-
quainted even with the elements of their mother- tongue. Of this serious
hindrance to his fame Keokuk was well aware, and retained Frank Labashure,
who had received a rudimental education in the French and English languages,
until the latter broke down by dissipation and died. But during the meridian
of his career among the white people, he was compelled to submit his speeches
for translation to uneducated men, whose range of thought fell below the flights
of a gifted mind, and the fine imagery, drawn from nature, was beyond their
powers of reproduction. He had sufficient knowledge of the English tongue to
make him sensible of this bad rendering of his thought, and often a feeling of
mortification at the bungling efforts was depicted upon his countenance while
he was speaking. The proper place to form a due estimate of his ability as an
orator was in the Indian council, where he addressed himself exclusively to
those who understood his language, and where the electric effects of his elo-
(juence could be plainly noted upon his audience. It was credibly asserted that
by the force of his logic he had changed the vote of a council against the
strongly predetermined opinions of its members. A striking instance of the
influence of his eloquence is related as occurring while the forces under Black
I lawk were invading Illinois, in 1832.
"Keokuk knew from the first that this reckless war would result in great
disaster to the tribe, and used all diligence to dissuade warriors from following
P»lack Hawk, and succeeded in retaining a majority with him at his town on the
Iowa River. But, after Stillman's defeat, the war spirit raged with such ardor
that a war-dance was held, and Keokuk took part in it, seeming to be moved
with the current of the rising storm, and when the dance was over; he called a
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 351
council to prepare for war. In his address, he admitted the justice of his
complaints against the white man, and to seek redress was a noble aspiration of
their natures. The blood of their brethren had been shed by the white man,
and the spirits of their braves slain in battle called loudly for vengeance. ' I
am your chief,' he said, ' and it is my duty to lead you to battle if, after fully
considering the matter, you are determined to go. But, before you take this
important step, it is wise to inquire into the chances for success.' He then
represented to them the great power of the United States, against whom they
would have to contend — that their chances for success were utterly hopeless.
' But if you now determine to go upon the war-path, I will agree to lead you
upon one condition — that before we go we kill all our old men and our wives
and children, to save them from a lingering death by starvation, and that
every one of us determine to leave his bones on the other side of the Missis-
sippi."
" This was a strong and truthful picture of the project before them, and was
presented in s ich a forcible light as to cool their ardor and to cause them to
abandon their rash undertaking. Many other incidents are related of his elo-
quence and tact in allaying a rising storm, fraught with war and bloodshed, not
only in his own tribe, but also among neighboring tribes, where his people had
been the aggressors. Some of these incidents have been preserved by writers
on Indian research, but many will be lost to history. He delivered a eulogy
upon Gen. Harrison at the Sac and Fox Agency, which was interpreted by
Antoine Le Claire, and considered by many who heard its delivery as one of
his best efforts. This speech, however, was not written down, and is lost to
history ; but enough of the incidents of his career as an orator have been saved
froni the wreck of time to stamp his reputation for natural abilities of the high-
est order, and furnish another positive refutation of Buffon's theory on the
deterioration of men and animals on the American Continent."
The occasion referred to by Mr. Biggs, in the foregoing paragraph, when
Keokuk delivered so remarkable a speech, is one of the most entertaining anec-
dotes we have been able to secure. That it may be given in connection with
this mention of the scene, we interrupt the order of the paper now being quoted,
and insert it here. The story was preserved by Maj. Beach, who succeeded
Gen. Street, upon the latter's death, as Agent of the Sacs and Foxes. The
Agency was located about six miles east of the present site of Ottumwa, near
what is now known as Agency City. Maj. Beach published a series of hastily-
written papers on the subject of his experience with the Indians, and from those
articles (which are given in the Western Historical Company's History of
Wapello County, 1878), is taken the following sketch :
" When Gen. Harrison became President of the United States, in March,
1840, Hon. John Chambers, ex-Congressman of Kentucky, was appointed to
replace Gov. Lucas as Governor of Iowa Territory. The office then included
within its commission that of Superintendent over the Indians and their agen-
cies. For several months previous to this date, feelings of antagonism had
existed between the old Black Hawk party, whose chief was Hardfish, and the
other bands, which spirit was mainly excited and kept alive by the traders, who
were influenced by their rival interests. Gov. Lucas was characteristically
obstinate, and leaned decidedly toward the Hardfish side of the controversy.
Upon the arrival of Gov. Chambers at Burlington, it was, of course, an object
with Keokuk to gain his favor, or, at least, to have him committed to a strictly
impartial course ; while Hardfish's efforts would be put forth to induce him to
follow in the track of his predecessor. .Keokuk at once requested the Agent
352 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
to obtain the Governor's consent for him and his chief men to visit the Gov-
ernor at Burlington.
" It was the wish, however, of the Indian Department to discountenance
and prevent such pilgrimages of Indians through the settlements, and the
Agent promised Keokuk that he would inform the new Governor of his desire.
Maj. Beach told Keokuk that, owing to the wishes of the Department, the
Governor might prefer to have the meeting take place at the Agency, in Wapello
County.
" The Hardfish band — or rather their instigators, Eddy and his satellites —
less patient, and ignoring their proper' channel of communication with the
Superintendent through the Agent, hastened to Burlington in a large body,
and, having encamped a short way from town, sent in a written notice of their
arrival and the purpose of their visit, with the request that the Governor would
cause the needed supplies of food, etc., to be provided for them. Under the
Lucas regime, an order on Eddy's Burlington store would have soon satisfied
the demand ; but Gov. Chambers forwarded word that when he wanted to see
any of them, he would, of course be prepared to have them fed ; that he had
no intention of converting his executive headquarters at Burlington into a
council-ground for his red children, and that it was his purpose to visit them
in their own country at a very early day. Hardfish went home with a new
idea in his mind concerning Governors.
" Shortly after that failure, the agent received a communication from the
Governor, informing him of the facts here related, and notifying him to use all
means in his power to prevent the intrusion of his charge upon the white settle-
ments. The letter also announced the Governor's intention to visit the Agency
in a short time, due notice of Avhieh would be given.
'' The Governor at last set his time, the bands were all informed, the Gov-
ernor arrived at the Agency and a grand council was to be begun. Meanwhile
all the Indians except the Iowa River Foxes, who were indisposed to come so
far on a matter that did not directly concern them, had gathered and were
encamped about the Agency. The Keokuk band occupied the ground along
the branch behind the mills, which was then full of plum, hazel and crab-apple
tliickets. The Hardfishes were on the edge of the river timber, south of the
Agency. Long before the appointed hour, the latter tribes, arrayed in full
toggery, arrived at the designated place of meeting. The men and ponies
were caparisoned in their richest styles of ornamentation. They at once began
a display of equestrianism, and performed for some time. They then dismounted,
and, after securing their animals, formed in line and marched into the Agency-
yard where the Governor was to receive them. Quite a respectable number of
whites were in attendance, to witness the scenes and partake in the ceremonies
of the occasion. Hardfish took the Governor by the hand, in a way of greet-
ing, spoke a few words and sat down upon the grass, surrounded by his
followers.
" Now, it was a sacred duty with the Governor to cherish the memory of
his friend, Gen. Harrison. He had been Aide-de-Camp to the General in the
war of 1812, and rumor told that their mutual sentiments were more like those
of father and son than those of simple friendship. Keokuk had been apprised
of this fact, and, as subsequent events revealed, knew how to 'make it tell.'
The appointed hour of assembling came and passed, but yet no sign of Keokuk
or his party was made at the Agency. As time passed, the Governor, with his
sense of promptness offended, grew impatient at the delay. He finally expressed
opinions approbatory of Hardfish and derogatory of Keokuk.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 353
" At length, when the council seemed about to prove a failure by default,
the first faint sounds of Keokuk's music came floating on the air. The notes
grew more audible as the band approached, but never swelled up to the full
tone of joyful marches. As the front of the procession wound slowly into view,
the lances and staves, instead of being decked with gaudy ribbons and feathers,
were seen to be wrapped about with withered grass. No sound of bells
responded to the tramp of their ponies, and the Indian persons, instead of being
painted with vermilion and dressed in bright colors, were streaked with the
somber, funeral substitute of clay. In fact, all the paraphernalia of woe
betokened some sad affliction. The Agent, after a hurried word with the inter-
preter, told the Governor that this was a funeral march, and that some one of
their leading men must have died during the night, and probably lay yet
unburied in their camp. The Hardfishes seemed as much at a loss as anybody,
wondering who could have died without their knowing it.
''The solemn dirge ceased, and, dismounting, the several hundred savages
formed in line, on foot, and marched, with Keokuk at their head, into the
yard. The Chief advanced toward the Governor, who also moved forward to
greet the Indians. Keokuk ordered his followers to halt, and, through his
interpreter, said : ' Say to our new Father that, before I take his hand, I will
explain what all this means. We were told, not long ago, that our Great
Father at Washington was dead. We have heard of him as a mighty warrior,
who had passed much of his life among the red men, and knew their wants.
We believe that Ave would always have had friendship and justice at his hands.
His death has made us very sad, and, as this was our first opportunity, we
thought it would be very wrong if we did not use it to show that the hearts of
his red children, as well as his white, know how to mourn over their great loss.
We have kept our Father waiting here while we have performed that part of
our mourning which we must always attend to before we leave our lodges with
our dead.' Then amid the murmurs of approbation from his people, he
stepped forward and extended his hand. The hearty grasp with which the
Governor seized and clung to it showed that the Chief had touched the right
spot in his heart, and that the Hardfishes must thereafter be content to take a
back seat.
"When, years after, Maj. Beach was enjoying a day of the Governor's
hospitality, at Maysville, Ky., the incident came up in conversation. The
Governor was told that he must not credit Keokuk with the paternity of the
entire plot, and that his ingenuity was put into requisition only to manage the
details. The kind old gentleman seemed greatly amused."
Of the visit of the Hardfish band, in the summer of 1840, and of the
rebuff received at the hands of Gov. Chambers, the local press of Burlington,
of that date says nothing ; but an earlier visit paid Gov. Lucas by the same
faction is recorded in the Patriot and Hawkeye. January 23 and 24, 1840, a
large delegation, headed by Hardfish and Nasheaskuk — Black Hawk's oldest
son — encamped near the town and signified a desire to open council with the
Governor. From the cordial reception tendered the Indians by the Governor,
one is naturally led to believe that the official sympathy was decidedly on the
side of the Hardfish faction, as asserted by Maj. Beach. There was a double
grievance borrte to the ears of the Father by his red children, for not only did
the Chief declare that a spirit of partiality had been manifested toward the
Keokuk wing, in the matter of trade and traders, but the young brave,
Nasheaskuk, carried signs of mourning over the recent desecration of his
father's tomb. The grave of Black HaAvk had been robbed of its dead (as will
354 HlSn^RY OF MUSCATINE (X^USTY.
be shown ftirther on in this chapter-, and the Indians demanded the restoration
of the body.
With these two causes of anger — the one supposititious, perhaj>s. and the
other real — the Indians sought their Father for counsel. Gov. Lucas receive^i
them with everv mark of respect, and prepared for a great demonstration. He
a&?ured Nasheaskuk that the sjx^liation of the grave of his father was a crime
under the white man s laws, and would be sternly dealt with. The explanation
of the coile satistievl the perrurbetl brave, who joine^i in friendly converse
with the leaders during the remainder of the council. The proceedings termi-
nate\l with a mighty pi^>wwow. auvi, strange to relate, the scene of the dance
was none other than the historic church. Old Zion. The Governor is said to
have provided for the occasion all necessary privili^es, and a festive ceremony
btnokenevi the frieuvlliues^ of the natives. While the dancing wa^f in pro^res*.
Hardfish and N.^sheacskuk stocni by. silent spectators of the scene. Neither of
thi\se givat mei\ esteeme^i it dignified for them to join in the dance. It is said
that Nasheaskuk disapprovevl of all festivities, but undoubtedlv that sentimeJit
prevailed only when he was in the presence of white men. It is a fact that
Indian leaders frequently refrained tK>m demonstrations of any emotion when
away from the seclusion of their Wges.
Again taking up the thread of Mr. Biggs" recitals, we quote from the
* We have thus far portrayed the bright side of Keokuk's character; but,
like most, if not all. great intellects, there is a dark background which the
truth of history demands shall be br\>ught to view. His traits of character
t]m> far sketcheii. may not inaptly be comj^vareri to the great Grecian orator :
but here the similitude ends. The great blot on Keokuk's life was his inordi-
nate love of money ; and. toward its close, he became a confirmevl inebriate.
His withering reply to the Mormon Prophet was intended by him as a pure
stroke of wit : it nevertheless expressed his ruling passion.
" A bitter and incurable feud existed in the tribe, during their time of resi-
dence on the Des Moines River, between what was denominated as • Keokuk's
b;»n i ' and 'Black Hawks Ivind,' the latter reov>gniiing Harvifish as their
.o.ider. This distrust and. indeevi. hatrevi were smotherwi in their common
.ntcrcourse when sober ; but when their blood was firevi with whisky it sometimes
;4ssumevi a tragic feature ."imongst the leaders of the respective bands. An
.ustance of this character occurred on the lower j^art of the Dess Moines, on a
return of a jvarty nutking a visit to the * h.alf-breeds ' at the town of Keokuk,
-^n the Mississippi. In a quarrel, excitevi by whisky. Keokuk receive^! a dan-
gerous stab in the breast frvnu the son of Bl.ack Hawk. The writer of the
.resent sketch saw him conveyed by his friends homewani. lying in a canoe,
unable to rise.
** Harxifish and his cvvadjutors Ic^t no occasion to find fault with Keokuk's
administration. The j\ayments were made in silver coin, put in boxes, contain-
.: Sl.OOO e.ich. .^ul passer! into Keokuk's hands for distribution. The several
v.. lers receive\l each his quota. .iCvvrviing to their several demands against the
tribes admitteil by Keokuk, which in\-ariably consumed the far greater portion
of the amount received. The remainder was turne^l over to the chiefs and dis-
tributevl amonsj their respective bands. Great complaints were made of these
allowances to tlie traders, on the grvnind of exorbitant prices charged on the
gvv^ds .v'tually furnished: and it is allegeti that some of these accounts were
spurious. In confirmation of this last charge, over and above the character of
r'ne itom> e\n-.h":c\l in these accvnmrs. an affidavit w^.^ tihsi with Gov. Lueas bv
i
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 357
an individual, to which the Governor gave credence, setting forth that Keokuk
had proposed to the maker of the affidavit to prefer a purely fictitious account
against the tribe for the sum of $10,000, and he would admit its correctness,
and, when paid, the money should be divided among themselves, share and share
alike. To swell the traders' bills, items were introduced of a character that
showed fraud upon their face, such as a large number of ' blanket coats,' articles
which the Indians never wore, and ' telescopes,' of the use of which they
had no knowledge. This shows the reckless manner in which these bills were
swollen to the exorbitant amounts complained of, in which Keokuk was openly
charged with being in league with the traders to defraud Hardfish's band. At
this time, the nation numbered about two thousand three hundred souls, and
only about one-third of the whole number belonged to Keokuk's party. Gov.
Lucas warmly espoused the popular side in the controversy that arose in rela-
tion to the mode and manner of making the annual payment, and the matter
was referred to the Indian Bureau, and the mode was changed so that payments
were made to the heads of families, approximating a per-capita distribution.
This method of making the payments met the unqualified disapprobation of the
traders, and, after one year's trial, fell back into the old channel. Keokuk led
his tribe west to the Kansas country, in 1845, and, according to reports, died
some years after of delirium tremens."
Maj. Beach tells of one of the numerous religious rites of Keokuk's band:
" The Sacs and Foxes were quite friendly and manageable ; in fact, were
very friendly and agreeable people to live among, and all public and personal
intercourse with them rolled smoothly along the well-worn track, without much
of incident or marvel, until the final sale of their remaining Iowa domain.
Sometimes incidents would occur possessing excitement or amusement enough to
encroach for a little upon the monotony that otherwise might have become
tedious, of which the writer will endeavor to recover the memory of one or two
that may amuse the reader.
" The Sacs and Foxes, like all other Indians, were very religious people in
their way, always maintaining the observance of a good many rites, ceremonies
and feasts in the worship of the Great Spirit. Fasts did not seem to be pre-
scribed in any of their missals, however, because, perhaps, forced ones, under a
scarcity of game or other edibles, were not of impossible occurrence among
people whose creed plainly was to let to-morrow take care of itself. Some of
these ceremonies bore such resemblance to some of those laid down in the books
of Moses as to have justified the impression among biblical students that the
lost tribes of Israel might have found their way to this continent.
"Maj. Beach was a witness, one delightful forenoon in May, 1841, of a
ceremony that seemed full of mystery, even to those Indians who took no part
in celebrating it. A large lodge had been set up for the occasion on the level
green, near Keokuk's village, and its sides left so entirely open that a view of
the proceeding was unobstructed from without. Close around was a circle of
'guards or sentinels, evidently in the secret, as they were near enough to hear,
but far enough away from the center to prevent eavesdropping. Low tones were
observed by the speakers. Inside of the first circle of sentinels was a still more
numerous row of guards, and a strict watch was maintained. Keokuk seemed
to be the chief performer among those who were actively engaged. One old fellow,
who held relations of importance with the tribe, seemed to be the one for whom
all the display was made. He was distinguished from those about him by being
clothed in a much scantier pattern of raiment than the rest. The first part of
the ceremony seemed to be a general posturing of the subject, for the performers
858 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
would place the old Indian on his feet ; then they would force him to sit
down, and then compel him to assume some other attitude. Meanwhile, they
kept up a vigorous powwowing over him, gesticulating in their wildest manner.
Finally, after they had placed him in a sitting position, with a pile of blankets
at his back, Keokuk advanced toward him, pistol in hand, and apparently took
deliberate aim at the fellow's forehead. Tliere was an explosion ijuite audible
to outsiders, followed by a little puft' of powder-smoke, and the old savage fell
over as though he was shot dead. The attendants quickly covered him with
blankets, and the wise ones of the tribe gathered about in solemn manner.
Seated by the supposed dead man, the council indulged in many long talks.
At last, Keokuk was inspired with some power from the Great Spirit, and,
hastily stepping forward, he seized the hand of the prostrate man. He lifted
the dead Indian to a sitting posture, and speedily restored him to full life. The
outside witnesses looked on with mute surprise and awe throughout the nitire
performance. It was evident from their manner that they believed the old
Indian had really been killed, and that their mighty chieftain had raised him to
life and health. The ceremony was designed, doubtless, to represent the close
relationship between Keokuk and the invisible forces of the Happy Hunting-
Grounds, but this is merely speculation, for no interpretation of the ceremony
was ever made, so far as Maj. Beach could learn."
Catlin, in.his work on the North American Indians, speaks of his visit to
Keokuk's lodge, in company with the Indian Agent, Gen. Street, probably in
the summer of 1839. At that interview and at a subsequent one, Catlin found
the chief to be an "exceedingly vain man." The artist-author sketched the
chief's portrait in full Indian costume. He also drcAv another picture of him,
mounted on the "finest horse in the West." This animal is alluded to no less
than three times by Catlin, and was so unusually beautiful as to create a degree
of admiration for him that was general. Mr. LeClaire claimed to have sold the
animal to Keokuk for $300, but that claim is disputed by Capt. Hillhouse. at
present a resident of Burlington, who asserts positively that he was the original
owner of the famous steed, and that he sold him to the chief for the sum
stated.
Catlin relates no specially interesting incidents or anecdotes of the Sacs and
Foxes, but confines his letters mostly to descriptions of his own personal suc-
cesses as an artist. He drew innumerable sketches of savage scenes and native
Americans, many of which are accepted as standard works of art or reference.
His letters were, however, of a superficial, desultory character, scarcely worthy
of careful perusal, so far, at least, as this particular section is concerned.
Of sundry general customs brief mention is made, as, for example, of the
more common dances. From those portions of the work, we quote:
'' The slave dance is a picturesque scene, and the custom in which it is
founded in a very curious one. The tribe has a society which they call 'slaves,"
composed of a number of the young men of the best families in the tribe, wlio
volunteer to be slaves for the term of two years, and subject to perform any
menial service that the chief may order, no matter how humiliating or degrading
it may be; by which, after serving their two years, they are exempt for the rest
of their lives from all menial occupations. These young men elect one of their
number to be their master. * * * Qj^ ^ certain day they give a
great feast, and open it with this dance.
" Another curious custom is called 'smoking horses.' When Gen. Street
and I arrived at Keokuk's village, we were just in time to see the amusing
scene, on the prairie, a little back of his lodges. The Foxes, who were making
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 359
up a war party to go against the Sioux, and had not suitable horses enough by
twenty, had sent word to the Sacs, the day before, according to ancient custom,
that they were coming on that day, at a certain hour, to 'smoke' a number of
horses, and that they must not fail to have them ready. On that day, the
twenty men who were beggars for horses were on the spot, and seated them-
selves in a circle on the ground, where they fell to smoking. The vilhigers
flocked around in a dense crowd. Soon after, appeared on the prairie, at half
a mile distance, an equal number of young men of the Sac tribe, who had each
agreed to give a horse, and who were then galloping the horses about at full
speed. Gradually, as they went around in a circle, they came nearer the cen-
ter, until they were at last close upon the ring of young fellows seated on the
ground. Whilst dashing about thus, each one with a heavy whip in his hand,
as he came within reach of the group on the ground, selected the one to whom
he decided to present his horse, and, as he passed him, gave him the most tre-
mendous cut with his lash over his naked shoulders. This was repeated until
the blood trinkled down the fellow's back. Then the Sac placed the bridle of
his horse in the sufferer's hands, and said, 'I present you a horse; you are a
beggar, but you will carry my mark on your back.' The privilege of marking
the recipient of his bounty seemed ample compensation for the gift."
The discovery dance, by which the approach of enemies or wild animals was
detected, was a notable ceremony ; also, the berdashe dance, which is performed
about a man, dressed in woman's clothes, who submits to all sort of degradation,
and thereby becomes a " medicine " or sacred man.
The word "medicine " was so diversified in its meaning as to excite pro-
found surprise among the English-speaking races. All sacred, great or peculiar
men or things were spoken of as medicine. No Indian would think of going to
battle without his medicine-bag or charms.
The medicine dance was performed for fifteen days before the wigwam of a
fallen brave, by the survivors of a battle. The widow erected a green bush
before her door, and under that she sat and cried, while the warriors danced and
brandished the scalps they had taken, and at the same time recounted the brave
deeds of the dead.
The beggar 8 dance will be recalled to the minds of the earlier settlers of
this region. The bedecked savages would dance and powwow from door to door,
demanding presents for the good of the tribe and the pale-faces.
The list of dances was as varied as the superstition of the tribes was dense.
No adequate description can be given in a work not exclusively devoted to the
history of the red men.
Oatlin was at Rock Island on the day the treaty was signed. He says
(p. 216, Bohn's ninth edition, 1857): "As an evidence of the great torrent of
emigration to the Far West, I will relate the following occurrence which took
place at the close of the treaty : After the treaty was signed and witnessed.
Gov. Dodge, of Wisconsin Territory, addressed a few judicious and admonitory
sentences to the chiefs and braves, which he finished by requesting them to
move their families and all their property from this tract within one month,
which time he would allow them to make room for the whites. Considerable
excitement was created among the yhiefs and braves by this suggestion, and a
hearty laugh ensued, the cause of which was explained by one of them in the
following manner: 'My Father, we have to laugh. We require no time to
move. We have all left the lands already, and sold our wigwams to Chemo-
kemons (white men), some for $100 and some for $200, before we came to this
treaty. There are already 400 Chemokemons on the land, and several hundred
360 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
more on the way moving in ; and three days before we came away, one Chemo-
kemon sold his wigwam to another Chemokemon for $2,000, to build a great
town.'
" The treaty itself, in all its forms, was a scene of interest. Keokuk was
the principal speaker on the occasion, being recognized as the head chief of the
tribe. He is a very subtle and dignified man, and well fitted to wield the des-
tinies of his nation. The poor dethroned monarch. Black Hawk, was present,
and looked an object of pity. With an old frock coat and brown hat on, and a
cane in his hand, he stood the whole time outside the group, and in dumb and
dismal silence, with his sons by the side of him, and also his quondam Aide-
de-Camp, Nahpope, and the Prophet. They were not allowed to speak, nor
even to sign the treaty. Nahpope rose, however, and commenced a very earnest
speech on the subject of temperance! But Gov. Dodge ordered him to sit
down, as being out of order, which probably saved him from a much more per-
emptory command from Keokuk, who was rising at that moment with looks on
his face that the devil himself might have shrunk from."
Mr. Charles Negus contributed the following anecdotes of Keokuk to the
Annals of Iowa :
" In the fall of 1837, the General Government called to Washington a dep-
utation from most of the tribes residing in the valley of the Mississippi.
Prominent among others were delegations from the Sacs and Foxes and the
Sioux, between whom at the time open hostilities existed. The ostensible
object in calling these deputations to the seat of government, at this time, was
alleged to be for the purpose of restoring peace among the hostile nations, but
negotiations were held for the purchase of lands. Gary A. Harris, Commis-
sioner of Indian affairs, under the direction of J. K. Pointset, Secretary of
War, conducted the business. The council was held in a church, and the
negotiations between the Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux were spirited and
attracted much attention.
"After the council was opened by a few remarks on the part of the United
States, the representatives from the Sioux spoke. Their great effort seemed to
be to show that it was useless to undertake to make a peace Avith the Sacs and
Foxes, for they were treacherous and no confidence could be put in anything
they might agree to do. 'My father,' said one of their orators, 'you cannot
make these people hear any good words, unless you bore their ears with sticks.'
'We have often made peace with them,' said another, 'but they would never
observe a treaty. I would as soon make a treaty with that child (pointing to
Keokuk's little boy) as with a Saukee or Musquakee.'
" Keokuk did most of the talking on the part of the Sacs and Foxes, and
with the spectators was the Cicero of the occasion, and in reply to these philip-
pics of the Sioux, he said : ' They tell you that our ears must be bored with
sticks, but, my father, you could not penetrate their thick skulls in that way,
it would require hot iron. They say they would as soon make peace with a
child as with us ; they know better, for when they make war upon us, they
find us men. They tell you that peace has often been made, and that we have
broken it. How happens it, then, that so many of their braves have been slain
in our country ? I will tell you, they invade us ; we never invade them ; none
of our braves have been killed on their land. We have their scalps, and can
tell where we took them.'
" It may be proper here to notice some of the events in Keokuk's life.
Keokuk was a descendant of the Sac branch of the nation, and -was born near
or upon Rock River, about the year 1780. He, like Black Hawk, was not an
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 361
hereditary chief, but rose, by his energy and skill in managing the Indians, to
be the head man in the nation. The first battle he was ever engaged in he
encountered and killed a Sioux, which placed him in the rank of warriors, and
he was presented with a public feast by his tribe in commemoration of the
event. During the war of 1812 with Great Britain, a force was sent by the
Government of the United States to destroy an Indian village at Peoria, on the
Illinois River. A runner brought the news to the village that the same troops
were going to attack the Sacs, and the whole tribe were very much alarmed.
A council was instantly called, and it was determined to immediately abandon
their village. Keokuk, who as yet had not been admitted into their councils,
was standing by and heard the result of their deliberations. He went to the
door of the council- lodge and asked the privilege of addressing the council on
the subject about which they had been deliberating. He was admitted, and
expressed his regret at the conclusion they had come to, and argued the pro-
priety of preparing for a defense before a retreat, and concluded by saying,
' Make me your leader, let your young men follow me, and the pale-faces shall
be driven back to their towns. Let the old men and Avomen, and all who are
afraid to meet the white man, stay here, but let your braves go to battle ! '
This speech had its desired effect, and the warriors at once declared they were
ready to follow Keokuk, and he was chosen their leader. The intelligence
turned out to be a false alarm, but the conduct of Keokuk had its effect and
raised him to the first rank among the braves.
"On another occasion, Keokuk, with his band was hunting near the
country of the Sioux. Very unexpectedly a mounted band of Sioux came
upon them, fully equipped for a hostile attack. The Sacs were also upon
horse-back, but they had not the force or preparation to openly resist the attack
of the enemy, nor could they safely retreat. In this emergency, Keokuk
immediately formed his men into a circle and ordered them to dismount and
take shelter behind their horses. The Sioux raised their war-whoop and
charged upon their enemy with great fury, but the Sacs, protected by their
horses, took deliberate aim, gave them a warm reception and caused them to
fall back. The attack was repeated, and, after several unsuccessful assaults,
the Sioux retired much the worse for the encounter. Subsequent to this,
when the Sacs supposed the Sioux were on friendly terms with them, they
went out on a buffalo-hunt, leaving but few braves to protect their village. Unex-
pectedly, Keokuk came upon an encampment of a large number of Sioux
painted for war, and apparently on their way to attack his village. His war-
riors were widely scattered over the prairies and could not speedily be collected
together. These circumstances called into requisition the tact of a general.
Keokuk was prepared for the emergency ; he mounted his horse, and unat-
tended, boldly rode into the camp of the enemy. In the midst of their camp,
he saw raised the war-pole, and around it the Sioux were engaged in the war-
dance and uttering expressions of vengeance upon the Sacs. Keokuk dashed
into the midst of them and demanded to see their chief. At the approach of
the chief, he said to him, ' I have come to let you know that there are traitors
in your camp. They have told me that you were preparing to attack my vil-
lage. I know they told me lies, for you could not, after smoking the pipe of
peace, be so base as to murder my women and children in my absence ; none
but cowards would be guilty of such conduct.' When the Sioux had got a
little over their surprise, they gathered around him, evincing an interest to
seize him, when he added in a loud voice, ' I supposed they told me lies,
but if what I have heard is true, the Sacs are ready for you.' And
362 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
immediately put spurs to his horse and left the camp at full speed. Several
guns were fired at him, and a number of the Sioux mounted their horses
and chased him, but he escaped unhurt. Brandishing his tomahawk, and
making the woods resound with the war-whoop, he soon left his pursuers in the
distance.
" He immediately collected his warriors and prepared to defend his village.
His enemies, finding that they had been discovered and fearing that Keokuk,
by his bold adventure to their camp had planned some stratagem, abandoned
their enterprise and returned home without molesting the Sacs. Keokuk
was more distinguished as an orator and statesman than as a general. He
was one of the most eloquent speakers in his nation, and was not surpassed
by any in managing his own people, and others with whom he had inter-
course."
BLACK HAWK, THE BRAVE.
The most conspicuous figure in the list of noted Indians of the Northwest
is Black Hawk. In many of his tastes and characteristics, he was more like
the white man than the savage. In personal appearance, he was distinguished.
He was five feet and eleven inches tall, weighed about one hundred and forty
pounds, and had an eye black and piercing as a wild beast's.
After his dramatic life-work was finished, the old man dwelt in solitude
near the scene of his battle under Pashapaho, at lowaville, and while there
became intimately acquainted with James Jordan, who still lives (1879) on the
farm claimed at an early day. Mr. Jordan's name will be recognized by scores
of the readers of this work, and his statements will be received by all as
worthy of credence. Mr. Jordan's opportunities for knowing the Indian, and
also for acquiring a thorough knowledge of the language in which he spoke,
were unusual. For years, the two families lived side by side, and maintained
a degree of intimacy peculiar and incidental to the isolated life then led. A
feeling of friendliness sprang up between the native and the pioneer resident,
which was but little removed from that of brotherhood.
BLACK hawk's BIRTH.
Mr. Jordan asserts that many errors have crept into history concerning
Black Hawk. The most important one is that which fixes his birth in 1767.
It will be observed in the State history, which precedes this sketch, that he was
born in the Sac village, about three mibs from the junction of Rock River
with the Mississippi, in Illinois, 1767. Mr. Jordan pronounces the date an
error. From Black Hawk's own lips, he learned that the time of his birth was
1775, but tlie day is not given.
The date, 1767, is given in no less an authoritative manner than that of
Schoolcraft's standard work on the North American Indians, prepared under
his supervision by order of Congress. The temerity of venturing to correct a
statement made by so eminent an investigator, is not possessed by the compiler
of these pages, but we feel that the duty of one who attempts to preserve his-
toric fact is plainly of a character which necessitates apparent rashness. In
the case in question, there is little doubt but that all writers subsequent to
Schoolcraft have unhesitatingly accepted his conclusions, and have given less
care to researches in that direction than would have been given had some more
...
obscure man chronicled the event. Hence the general unanimity of belief that
the brave began life in 1767.
As it is a question — since here we venture to raise the doubt — which future
historians will probably seek earnestly to solve, let us review the grounds we
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 363
have for regarding Mr. Schoolcraft in error, and then leave the subject to be
definitely determined by more competent writers.
One can scarcely conceive of a more perplexing question than that of an
Indian's age, if taken on general principles. Few among the more intelligent
ones are able to tell their years. Their methods of computing time are vague
at best, and it is no uncommon thing to find an old Indian claiming greater age
than is reasonably his allotted share. The birth of children among savage
tribes is not a matter of record. Modern, as well as the more remote, events
in the lives of such tribes partake of the traditionary character of recital, which
leads to confusion. If, for example, a prominent figure in their history once
becomes invested with qualities which distinguish him, he is ever afterward
referred to by symbolic epithet. The names of Indian chiefs are chosen from
their vocabulary, rich in natural similitudes. Is it not reasonable to suppose
that if once announced, even without authority, an Indian brave's age, like his
name, will remain unquestioned among the people of his tribe? Is it not also
reasonable to believe that such an expression concerning Black Hawks age
may have been made, and that Mr. Schoolcraft found that the prevailing opinion
pointed to 1767 as the date? Having thus understood it, and hearing it repeated
frequently, what more natural conclusion could he have drawn than that it was
correct? Assuming (in the absence of positive proof either way) that Mr.
Schoolcraft conversed with Black Hawk personally, on this subject, it will
undoubtedly appear to those who remember the Indian's reticent manner with
the whites, that an acquiescence in the general belief would be more likely to
follow a casual inquiry concerning his age, than a refutation of the popular idea.
It was only to those who could converse with him in his native tongue, and who
were associated with him continually, that Black Hawk cast aside his customary
reserve. He did not entertain an instinctive love for the whites, especially for
Americans ; and there is no evidence at hand to convince us that Mr. School-
craft enjoyed the confidence of the brave. So much can be said in negative
argument of the case.
As to affirmative argument, we have the positive assurance of Mr. Jordan
that Black Hawk frequently talked upon the subject, and declared all state-
ments fixing his birth in 1767 erroneous. The pioneer and the native families
lived side by side. The two men associated almost like brothers. Mr. Jordan
spoke the language of the Sacs as fluently as his own, and thus inspired a
degree of friendliness unattainable by those who were unfamiliar with the tongue.
The whole question, in fact, resolves itself into one of veracity on the part of
Mr. Jordan. If there exists documentary evidence, under Mr. Schoolcraft's
hand, that Black Hawk told him positively of his age, then the matter lies
between these men. If no such proof is extant, the reasons for accepting the
statement made by Mr. Jordan are already defined.
There is a physiological argument in support of Mr. Jordan. If Black
Hawk was born in 1775, he was sixty-three years of age at the time of his death.
Physicians will admit that there is no more critical period in man's life than
that, and the breaking down of a vigorous constitution would be likely to occur
then, in the case of an active person like Black Hawk. We know of no rule
which makes the Indian warrior, who has led a life of conflict and excitement,
an exception to this apparent law of nature.
The stories of Black Hawk's early battles, and especially his first one. may
be offered in contradiction of the statement made by Mr. Jordan. Is there
positive proof that his first scalp was taken in any particular year? It is said
that he was sixteen years of age when that brave deed was performed ; but
864 msTouY of muscatink county.
other traciitiona make him still older at that time, wiiile some even cast a siiadow
on the truth of the story. Of course, if testimony, fixing the date of any event,
and the hravc's age at the moment of its occurrence, can be produced, the
simultaneous record will settle this question at once. Who will solve the
enigma V
The !ige of Hlack Hawk is not the only point in his history upon which
conflicting evidence exists, 'I'he name in the original is variously given as to
orthogra{)liy. In Si-hoolcraft's history it is spelled Muc-co da-ka-ka-ke. Catlin
spelled It Aluk-a-tah-mish-o-kah-kaih. Jordan spells it Mu-ca-tah-mish-a-ka-kah.
Maj. Heach spelled it Muck-a-tah-mish-e-ki-akki-ak.
The difierence of spelling, however, is of no consequence, as it unquestion-
ably resulted from an attemj)t to produce, with Knglish letters, the peculiar pro-
nunciation of the Indian tongue. The literal translation into English is a
black hiiwlc.
Another error exists concerning the oflicial position of the man. He was
not a chief either by inheritance or election. His father was a leading spirit,
perhaps a prophet or a man of commanding influence in the councils of the
Sacs. At an early age. Black Hawk was allowed to don the war-paint, because
of his having slain an enemy of his tribe. This rather traditionary statement
comes unsupported, but is given for what it is worth. The story runs that tiie
youth was but sixteen years old when he hung his first scalp upon his wigwam.
In character, the Indian boy was brave, cautious and ambitious. He aspired
to rank and sought the gratification of his passion for power by stealthy means.
He possessed marvelous oratorical abilities, in that gift equaling the great
speaker Keokuk. As a warrior, he was dependent more upon strategy than
upon the (jualities whidi white men deem essential to military prowess; but
Black Hawk was not a cruel or blood-thirsty man, who slew merely for the
sake of slaughter. He was a parodox in some characteristics, and the report
given by Mr. Jordan, of his latter days, contradicts the generally-believed
accounts of his early methods of self-promotion. However, one can accept the
statements of his friend without too great a tax on one's credulity, when it is
remembered that the last years, and not the first, were spent in this vicinity.
Black Hawk the youth was very different from Black Hawk the old and
defeated man.
History teaches that Black Hawk's efforts at generalship were failures, when
military method was reijuired. His power lay in sudden and fierce attacks,
with dramatic strategy and rush of mounted braves. It was by such means,
and the employment of his great elo(iuence in councd, that he gained his place
as a leader. He assumed the {)lace of authority over Keokuk, his ranking offi-
cer, and maintained his hold upon his men without ever claiming to be a chief-
tain. He called himself a Brave, and delighted in the title.
The Sacs and Foxes, according to their traditions, once dwelt upon the
shores of the great lakes. (Jradually they were pushed westward, until in time
they came to occujjv a large portion of Northern Illinois. In spite of the
pressure of the whites, this hand occupied a site on the east shore of the Mis-
8issip{)i, near Rock Biver. Here Black Hawk was, in 1832, the controlling
spirit. " He was never a chief, either by inheritance or election," declares
Maj. Beach, "and his influence was shared by a wily old savage, of part Win-
nebago blood, called the Prophet, who could do with Black Hawk pretty much
as he pleased ; and also by a Sac named Nahpope, the English of which is
Soup, and whom the writer found to be a very friendly and manageable old
native, as was also Black Hawk."
IIIHTOKY OF MIIHCATINK (JOUNTY. .'U)r>
The following graphic account of the Hlaughtcr of the lowaH, by the war-
riors under Pashapaho and Black Ilawk, is from a paper [)r(;f)ared by Uriah
Biggs, and publiHln-d in the Annah of Iowa. The battle-field was on the
present site of lowaville, which was long ago the principal seat of the Iowa
nation of Indians, and was where iiiack Ilawk afterward died. At the time of
the massacre, Black Ilawk was a young man, and the graphic account of his
first steps toward chieftainship, as related by Mr. Biggs, is made up of the
details given by the Indians who participated in the battle:
" Contrary to long-established custom of Indian attack, this battle was
brought on in daytime, tlie attending circumstances justifying this departure
from the well-settled usages of Indian warfare. The battle-field is a level, river-
bottom prairie, of about four miles in length and two miles wide, near the middle,
narrowing down to points at either end. The main area of the bottom rises,
perhaps, twenty feet above the river, leaving a narrow strip of low bottom
along the river, covered with trees that belted the prairie on the river-side with
a thick forest, and the river-bank was fringed with a dense growth of willows.
Near the lower end of the prairie, and near the river-bank, was situated the
Iowa village, and about two miles above the town, and near the middle of the
prairie, is situated a srfiall natural mound, covered at that time with a tuft of
small tree and brush growing on its summit.
"In the rear of this mound lay a belt of wet prairie, which, at the time
here spoken of, was covered with a dense crop of rank, coarse grass; bordering
this wet prairie on the north, the country rises abruptly into elevated ana
broken river-bluffs, covered with a heavy forest for many mib;s in extent, por-
tions of it thickly clustered with undergrowth, affording a convenient shelter for
the stealthy approach of the cat-like foe. Through this forest the Sac and Fox
war-party made their wiiy in the night time, and secreted themselves in the tall
grass spoken of above, intending io remain in ambush through the day and make
such observations as this near proximity to their intended victims might afford,
to aid them in the contemplated attack on the town during the following night.
From this situation their spies could take a full survey of the situation of the
village, and watch every movement of the inhabitants, by which means they
were soon convinced the lowas had no suspicion of their presence.
" At the foot of the mound above noticed, the lowas had their race-course,
where they diverted themselves with the excitements of the horse, and skilled
their young warriors in cavalry evolutions. In these exercises mock battles
are fought, and the Indian tactics of attack and defense, of victory and defeat,
are carefully inculcated, by which means a skill in horsemanship is acquired
which is rarely excelled. Unfortunately for them, this day was selected for
these equestrian sports, and, wholly unconscious of the proximity of their foes,
the warriors repaired to the race-ground, leaving the most of their arms in the
village, and their old men and women and children unprotected.
'' Pashapaho, who was chief in command of the enemy's forces, perceived
at once the advantage this state of things afforded for a complete surprise of
his now doomed victims, and ordered ]ilack Hawk to file off with his young
warriors through the tall gra.i^s, and gain the cover of the timber along the
river-bank, and, with the utmost speed, reach the village and commence the
battle, while he remained with his division in the ambush, to make a simulta-
neous assault ftn the unarmed men, whose attention was engrossed with the
excitement of the races. The plan was skillfully laid and most dexterously
prosecuted. Black Hawk, with his forces, reached the village undiscovered
and made a furious onslaught upon its defenseless inhabitants, by firing one
366 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
general volley into their midst, and completing the slaughter with the tomahawk
and scalping-knife, aided by the devouring flames with which they engulfed the
village as soon as the fire-brand could be spread from lodge to lodge.
" On the instant of the report of fire-arms at the village, the forces under
Pashapaho leaped from their couchant position in the grass, and sprang tiger-
like upon the astonished and unarmed lowas in the midst of their racing sports.
The first impulse of the latter naturally led them to make the utmost speed to
reach their arms in the village, and protect, if possible, their wives and children
from the attacks of merciless assailants.
" The distance from the place of the attack on the prairie was two miles,
and a great number fell in the flight by the bullets and tomahawks of their
adversaries, who pressed them closely with a running fire the whole way, and
they only reached their town in time to witness the horrors of its destruction.
Their whole village was in flames, and the dearest objects of their lives lay in
slaughtered heaps amidst the devouring element, and the agonizing groans of
the dying mingled with the exulting shouts of a victorious foe, filled their hearts
with a maddening despair. Their wives and children who had been spared the
general massacre were prisoners, and, together with their arms, were in posses-
sion of the victors, and all that could now be done was to draw oft' their shat-
tered and defenseless forces and save as many lives as possible by a retreat
across the Des Moines River, which they eff'ected in the best possible manner,
and took- a position among the Soap Creek hills.
"The complete success attending a battle does not always imply brave
action ; for, as in the present instance, bravery does not belong to a wanton
attack on unarmed men and defenseless women and children. Yet it is due to
Pashapaho, as commander of an army, to give him full credit for his quick per-
ception of the advantages circumstances had placed within his reach, and for
his sagacity in at once changing the programme of attack to meet occurring
events, and the courage and intrepidity to seize these events and insure his suc-
cess. The want of these essential qualities in a commander has occasioned the
loss of many a battle in what is courteously termed civilized warfare
" The lowas, cut off" from all hope of retrieving their loss^ sent a flag of
truce to Pashapaho, submitting their fate to the will of their conqueror, and a
parley ensued, which resulted in the lowas becoming an integral part of the
Sac and Fox nation ; but experiencing the ill-usage that is the common fate of
a conquered people, they besought the United States authorities to purchase
their undivided interest in the country, and thus allow them to escape from the
tyranny of their oppressors. The purchase was accordingly made in 1825,
and they removed to the Missouri River, and have so wasted in numbers as to
scarcely preserve their existence as an independent tribe. The sole cause of
this war was the insatiable ambition of the Sac and Fox Indians, as this was
their first acquaintance with the Iowa nation or tribe."
On page 74 of this volume is given the generally accepted version of the
causes which led to the Black Hawk war of 1832 ; but that story is vague and
unsatisfactory. On page 157, another, and, in the main, a correct account is
given. From Mr. Jordan we learn facts of more than local interest in this dis-
puted case, and give them here.
Somewhere about 1828-29, a man named Watts, while driving cattle
through this State, about Avhere lowaville now is, was beset by Indians. Watts
had witii him a man whose name is not remembered now. This man was killed
by a savage. Tlie murder was committed on Indian territory, and a demand
was made on Black Hawk for the criminal. He was delivered up tcr the United
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 367
States authorities and taken to St. Louis, where he was tried and condemned.
Some of the tribe went to St. Louis to intercede for their companion, but did
not accomplish their purpose. The Indian was hanged. However, while the
Indians were in St. Louis they fell victims of sharpers, who obtained a professed
title to Black Hawk's village on the Rock River, by presents of less value than
the Government price of the land. When the embassy returned with their
ill-gotten trinkets, Black Hawk was wroth and denounced the fraud. Subse-
quently, probably the next spring, on the opening of the season of 1830, the
men who had obtained such title to the land came on, and drove the Indian
women and children from the village, during the temporary absence of the
braves.
Black Hawk made issue with the fraudulent possessors of his home, and
oifered to stake thirty of his braves against thirty white soldiers to test the
question of title by a fight. The offer was declined by the military, but the
•whites said they would pit the United States army against the Indians of his
tribe. Black Hawk took up the gauntlet, and hence the famous, but disastrous,
Black Hawk war. This version, it will be seen, substantially corroborates the
story obtained by research in Illinois.
Of the Black Hawk war, it is not within the province of this sketch to
speak ; it belongs to the history of Illinois, and has been repeatedly written up.
After the defeat of Black Hawk, in 1832, he was captured and taken to Prairie
du Chien. After an imprisonment in Jefferson Barracks, and, subsequently,
in Fortress Monroe, whither he was taken, he was returned, at the intercession
of Keokuk, to this region. In his old age, Black Hawk sought the company
of the garrison, his band was broken up, and the once great chief was left alone
in his declining years.
Black Hawk's phrenological developments indicated large self-esteem,
destructiveness and combativeness. An incident is related of his vanity, which
goes to prove that his strong points were counterbalanced by weak ones, or,
rather, that his undisciplined nature betrayed its weakness, as would not have
been the case had conventionality produced its usual result of indifference in
manner. The citizens of Fort Madison gave a ball, in the winter of 1838, and
Black Hawk was one of the lions of the occasion. He was accompanied by
his squaw and son, and the two men were gaudily equipped in full-dress uni-
forms, silver epaulets, etc., things presented to them while in Washington the
preceding fall. This fine military outfit was made extremely ludicrous by being
combined with cowhide brogans and old-fashioned chapeaus. But Black Hawk
was wholly complacent and satisfied, and the three received much flattery dur-
ing the evening.
Later during the festivities, Black Hawk was seen contemplating himself in
a large mirror at one end of the hall, quite unconscious that he was being ob-
served. He was soliloquizing to himself, " Nish-e-shing (great or good) Black
Hawk one big Cap-a-tain. Howh, howh ! "
Black Hawk evinced great fondness for military glory and display. There
was an ardent love of fame that never ceased to burn in his spirit, even through
the trial of Keokuk's promotion above him as chief of the two tribes. When
Black Hawk was captured after the battle of Bad Axe (his last battle), an
officer in the army at that time relates that the agonized feelings of the con-
quered warrior were peculiarly touching in their manifestations. He says :
" I shall never forget the appearance of Black Hawk when they brought him
into the fort a captive. He was clad in a dress of white tanned deerskins, with-
out paint or ornament, save one small feather attached to his scalp-lock. His
368 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
fan was the tail of a calumet eagle. He sat down, pale and dejected, his face
in his hand, his legs crossed, and occasionally casting his eyes upon the oflficers.
He felt that he was^a prisoner, and was speechless."
Being permitted to speak in his own defense, he arose and said :
" You have taken me prisoner, with all my warriors. When I saw that I
could not beat you by Indian fighting, I determined to rush upon you and fight
you face to face. I fought hard ; but your guns were well aimed, and the
bullets flew like birds in the air, and whizzed by our ears like the wind through
the trees in winter. My warriors fell around me. It began to look dismal.
I saw ray evd day at hand. The sun rose dim on us in the morning, and at
night it sank in a dark cloud and looked like a ball of fire. That was the last
sun that shone on Black Hawk. His heart is dead and no longer beats in his
bosom. He is now a prisoner to the white men ; they will do with him as they
wish ; but he can stand torture, and is not afraid of death. He is no coward —
Black Hawk is an Indian. lie has done nothing of which an Indian 6ught ta
be ashamed. He has fought for his countrymen, their squaws and papooses,
against white men who came year after year to cheat them and take away their
lands. He is satisfied; he will go to the world of the spirits contented; he has
done his duty; his father will meet him there and commend him. Black Hawk
is a true Indian, and disdains to cry like a woman. He feels for his wife, his
children and his friends; but he does not care for himself. Farewell, my
nation ! Black Hawk tried to save you and avenge your wrongs. He drank
the blood of some of the whites ; he has been taken prisoner, and his plans are
stopped. He can do no more; he is near his end; his sun is setting, and he
will rise no more. Farewell to Black Hawk."
It seems that Keokuk had predicted downfall and disaster to Black Hawk
for madly rushing into the war, which prediction was fulfilled. Yet Keokuk
showed to his defeated rival the utmost consideration, and when the tribes were
informed that the President considered Keokuk the principal chief, instead of
showing a spirit of triumph over him, Keokuk rather aimed to soften the blow.
Maj. Garland made the announcement, and said that he hoped Black Hawk
would conform to the arrangement, and that dissensions would cease. From
some mistake of the interpreter. Black Hawk understood that he was ordered
to submit to the advice of Keokuk. He instantly lost all command of himself,
and arose, trembling with anger, and exclaimed, "I am a man, an old man; I
will not obey the counsel of any one ! No one shall govern me I I am old.
My hair is gray. I once gave council to young men — am I to be ruled by
others? 1 shall soon go to the Great Spirit, where I shall be at rest. I am
done."
A momentary excitement ran through the assembly. The show of spirit
was not expected from one who had been so recently punished. Keokuk, in a
low tone of voice said to him, "Why do you speak thus before white men?
You trembled; you do not mean what you said. I will speak for you."
Black Hawk consented, and Keokuk rose. " Our brother, who has lately
come back to us," he said, "has spoken, but he spoke in anger. His tongue
was forked. He did not speak like a Sac. He felt that his words were bad,
and trembled like a tree whose roots have been washed by many rains. He is
old. Let us forget what he has said. He wishes it forgotten. What I have
said are his words not mine.
Then Black Hawk requested to have a black line drawn over the words he
he had spoken in anger.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 369
Mr. Biggs did not entertain as high an estimate of Black Hawk's character
as some did. He wrote, concerning him :
"My first and only interview with Black Hawk was at Rock Island, at the
time of the treaty for the Iowa Reserve, in 18-36, about one year before his
death. I was introduced to him by his intimate acquaintance and apologist,
the late Jeremiah Smith, of Burlington. He asked whei'e I resided, and being
told on the Wabash River, in Indiana, he traced on the sand the principal
Western rivers, showing their courses and connections, and exhibiting a gen-
eral knowledge of the prominent features of the topography of the Western
States.
" The interview occurred after his first visit to Washington, where he was
taken by way of the Ohio River to Pittsburgh, and returned by Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Albany, Buffalo and Detroit, affording him a good opportunity to
form a salutary impression of the military resources of the United States, and
also to acquire a general knowledge of its geography. Its great military strength
seemed to arouse his keenest observation, and furnished the main topic of his
remarks upon the country as he passed through, as well as on his return to his
tribe. The colloquy at this interview afforded an occasion to express his bitter
reflections upon this painful theme. Mr. Smith, unfortunately for the repose of
Black Hawk's feelings, and unconscious of its effect, mentioned the writer of
this sketch as a surveyor of public lands, a character always unwelcome among
the Indians. This remark I much regretted, as Black Hawk's countenance was
instantly covered with gloom, and he rather petulantly said : ' The Chemokemon
was strong, and would force the Indians to give up all their lands.'
"The colloquy here ended, as this barbed arrow, inadvertently thrown by
Mr. Smith, had occasioned a tumult in Black Hawk's mind that rendered fur-
ther conversation on his part disagreeable. The impressions of the writer in
regard to Black Hawk's personal appearance were those of disappointment.
He was attired in a coarse cloth coat, without any semblance of fit or proportion,
with his feet thru.st into a pair of new stoga shoes that were without strings,
and a coarse wool hat awkwardly placed upon his nearly bald pate, and pre-
senting a very uncouth and rather ludicrous personal bearing.
" Tiiis toggery, perhaps, had its share in lowering my previously-estimated
claims of Black Hawk to distinction among the celebrated men of his race.
' The fine head, Roman style of face and prepossessing countenance,' that so
favorably impressed the distinguished author of the ' Sketch-Book,' on visiting
him while a prisoner in Jefferson Barracks, were no longer apparent to my dull
comprehension.
"It would, indeed, be difficult to find a name in history that attained so
great a notoriety, associated with such limited mental endowment and true mili-
tary skill. Every prominent act of his life gave evidence of the lack of sound
discretion and prudent forethought. We find him as early as 1804 visiting the
Spanish Governor at St. Louis, at the time the United States Agents called
to accept the transfer of the authority of the country. Black Hawk being
informed of the purpose of their visit, refused to m^et these agents of the new
government, he passing out at one door as they entered at the other, and
embarking with his suite in their canoes, and hastening away to Rock Island,
saying he liked his Spanish father best. This was a mere whim, as he had, as
yet, no acquaintance with the Government and people of the United States.
He, however, at once determined On hostility to both ; and this ill-advised and
hasty determination was his ruling passion while he lived.
370 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY,
" Lieut. Pike, on behalf of the Government, made him a friendly visit to
Rock Island, the following year, and, as a token of friendship, presented Black
Hawk with an American flag, which he refused to accept. He embraced the
first opportunity that offered to form an alliance with the British authorities in
Canada, and eagerly attached himself and 500 warriors of his tribe to the
British standard, at the commencement of the war of 1812. Here, his lack of
capacity to command an army where true courage and enduring fortitude were
requisite to success, was fully demonstrated. His warlike talents had hitherto
been only tested in stealthy and sudden onslaughts on unprepared and defense-
less foes; and, if successful, a few scalps were the laurels he coveted, and he
retired, exulting in the plunder of a village and these savage trophies. His
campaign against the Osages and their neighboring tribes, lasted only long
enough to make one effort, and afforded no evidence of the fortitude and patient
skill of the able military leader. His conduct under the British flag as ' Gen.
Black Hawk ' showed him entirely wanting in the capacity to deserve that
title. He followed the English army to Fort Stephenson, in expectation of an
easy slaughter and pillage ; but the signal repulse the combined forces still met
by the gallant Col. Croghan, completely disheartened him, and he slipped away
with about twenty of his followers to his village on Rock River, leaving his
army to take care of themselves.
" He entertained no just conception of the obligation of treaties made
between our Government and his tribe, and even the separate treaty by himself
and his 'British Band,' in 1816, was no check on his caprice and stolid self-
will, and its open violation brought on the war of 1832, which resulted in his
complete overthrow, and ended forever his career as a warrior.
" The history of his tour through the United States as a prisoner is a severe
reflection upon the intelligence of the people of our Eastern cities, in regard to
the respect due to a savage leader who had spent a long life in butchering his
own race, and the frontier inhabitants of their own race and country. His
journey was, everywhere throughout the East, an ovation, fiiUing but little
short of the respect and high consideration shown to the nation's great bene-
factor. La Fayette, whose triumphal tour through the United States happened
near the same period. But as an offset to this ridiculous adulation in the East,
when the escort reached Detroit, where his proper estimate was understood,
Black Hawk and his suite were contemptuously burned in effigy. But due
allowance should be made for the ignorance concerning true Indian character,
among the Eastern people, as their conceptions are formed from fanciful crea-
tions of the Coopers and Longfellows, immensely above the sphere of blood-
thirsty War Eagles and the filthy, paint-bedaubed Hiawathas of real savage life."
Maj. Beach relates the following incident derived from personal obser-
vation :
" Black Hawk's lodge was always the perfection of cleanliness — a quite
unusual thing for an Indian. The writer has seen the old woman busily at
work with her broom by the time of sunrise, sweeping down the little ant-hills
in the yard that had been thrown up during the night. As the chiefs of the
nation seemed to pay him but little attention in the waning years of his life,
Gen. Street, the Agent, looked out for his comfort more cheerfully than other-
wise he would have thought it needful to do, and, among other things, gave him
a cow — an appendage to an Indian's domestic establishment hitherto unheard
of. The old squaw and daughter were instructed in the art of milking her, and
she was held among them in almost as great reverence as the sacred ox Apis
was held among the ancient Egyptians.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY; 371
" This was in the summer of 1838, when the Agency was in the process of
erection, and Black Hawk had established his lodge on the banks of the Des
Moines, about three miles below Eldon. Close by was the trading-house of
Wharton McPherson, with whom the writer stayed one night in August of said
year (1838), and, as he rode past the lodge, Mme. Black Hawk was compla-
cently sitting upon a log by the side of her cow, under a heavily-branched
tree, industriously brushing the flies and mosquitoes from the bovine, with a
rag tied to. the end of a stick. Mr. McPherson said this was her daily
occupation, in fly-time, often following the animal around as it grazed at a dis-
tance. This was the last occasion that ever the writer had an interview
with Black Hawk, as he died within two months of that time (September 15,
1838), and was even then so infirm that he could barely move about his wig-
wam."
THE DEATH OF BLACK HAWK.
The brave old Indian passed the last of his declining years in the immedi-
ate companionship of James Jordan, near lowaville. He made occasional visits
to Fort Madison and other towns, and even as late as the summer of 1838, but
a short time prior to his death, he was in Fort Madison. He called upon Mr.
Edwards, editor of the Patriot, who was an admirer of the Indian, and while
there, the question of the Brave's age came up. Mr. J. M. Broadwell, then an
employe in the office, remembers that Black Hawk counted on his fingers the
number sixty-three, thus corroborating the statement made by Mr. Jordan con-
cerning the Indian's birth.
The birth of Black Hawk is not the only disputed date in his eventful
career, for the ending as well as the beginning has been variously stated. We
are glad to be able to give a correct account of the death, burial and final dis-
position of the old warrior. The best authority on this subject is Mr. Jordan.
From him the following statement was obtained :
On the 1st day of September, 1838, Mu-ca-tah-mish-a-ka-kah sickened with
fever. The old brave requested Mr. Jordan to send to Fort Edward (now War-
saw) for Dr. Peel. A letter was duly dispatched, in which the Doctor was
promised the sum of $300 if he would attend the summons. The message was
slow in going, and before a response could be made the soul of the brave old
Indian had passed to the happy hunting-ground.
Black Hawk died September 15, 1838 (not October 1, as has been fre-
quently stated), and was between sixty-three and sixty-four years of age at the
time of his decease. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but he used to
say just before his death, that he was sixty-three fingers and a part of a finger
(meaning a year for each finger held up). Before he died, he requested Mr.
Jordan to observe certain ceremonies in his burial. His body was to be clothed
in full uniform, a suit of military clothes presented him by Gen. Jackson, or
by some high official in the administration, upon which were a pair of epaulets
valued at $500. Three medals, which had been given him by the British, the
French and the American Governments, respectively, and valued in the aggre-
gate at $1,200, were to be placed upon his breast. ' He was to be buried in a
sitting posture, with his feet placed in a hole a few inches deep, and his body
held in position by a board at his back. About his corpse was erected a
frail tomb made of wooden slabs set upon the ground in the form of an
inverted V. His war-club — a shaved post four or five feet high — was placed
in the front of his rude tomb, upon which a great number of black stripes
were painted, corresponding with the number of scalps he had taken during
life. Openings were left in his tomb so that his friends and curious visitors
372 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
could witness the process of decay. The locality was designated by Black
Hawk himself, as the site of his last friendly council with the Iowa Indians.
This point was upon Mr. Jordan's farm, on Section 2, Township 70 north.
Range 12 west.
The injunction was carefully carried out. The body was dressed as the
Brave had directed, and blankets and gloves were added. Some time later,
Mrs. Black Hawk came to Mr. Jordan with the alarming story that her hus-
band's head had been stolen. Upon investigating the sepulcher, it was found
that the head had dropped over from its own weight. Mr. Jordan replaced the
member and repaired the tomb.
The alarm thus given was not entirely groundless, however, for on the 3d
of July, 1839, Dr. Turner, of Van Buren County, stole the body and made off
with it. It was taken to Quincy, 111., and there the bones were cleaned by a
professional anatomist. The accounts differ as to the place where the bones were
cleaned ; one being given as above, and another that it was St. Louis first and
then Quincy ; but Quincy was probably the scene of that deed. The bones
were not "wired," but merely polished and varnished.
When the fiimily of Black Hawk learned of the robbery, they were uncon-
trollable in their grief and anger, Nasheaskuk, the son, and llardfish, the sub
chief who had succeeded to the leadership of Black Hawk's band, came to
Burlington Avith about fifty braves, and made formal complaint to Gov. Lucas
about the desecration of the grave. The Governor assured Nasheaskuk that the
laws of the land made the stealing of a body a penal offense, and that every-
thing should be done that wa§ possible to secure the return of the remains. The
council was satisfactory to the Indians, and lasted two days, bemg the 23d and
24th of January, 1840. The ceremonies finally ended with a grand dance and
powwow in old Zion Church, with the Governor as master of festivities. Such
a record is ludicrous now ; but there was no alternative but to take possession
of the numerously-employed edifice on such occasions.
The following summer and fall were consumed in a search after the missing
bones, and not until the winter succeeding were they discovered.
The Hmvk-Eye of December 10, 1840, contains the following item : " The
bones of Black Hawk which were stolen from the grave about a year since have
been recovered, and are now in the Governor's office. The wampum, hat, etc.,
which were buried with the old dhief " [the editor evidently regarded Black
Hawk as a chief througli misunderstanding of his position. — Ed.] " have been
returned with the bones. It appears that they were taken to St. Louis and
there cleaned ; that they were then sent to Quincy, 111., to a dentist to be put
up and wired previous to being sent to the East. The dentist was cautioned not
to deliver them to any one until a requisition should be made by Gov. Lucas.
The Governor made the necessary order, and the bones were sent up a few days
since by the Mayor of Quincy, and are now in the possession of the Governor.
He has sent word to Nasheaskuk, Black Hawk's son, or to the family, and some
of them will probably call for them in a few days. Mr. Edgerton. the phrenolo-
gist, has taken an exact drawing of the skull, which looks very natural, and has
also engraved it on a reduced scale, which picture will shortly appear on
his chart, l^estructiveness, combativeness, firmness and philoprogenitiveness
are, phrenologically speaking, very strongly developed."
Thus it is shown that Black Hawk died in September, 1888; his body was
stolen in July, 1839 ; jiis tribe made complaint to Gov. Lucas in January,
1840, and in December of that year the bones were recovered and carried to
Burlington.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUIITY. 373
The remains were packed in a small box and placed in the Governor's office.
A message was sent to the bereaved family, then staying on the Des Moines,
some ninety miles distant. A cavalcade was soon in motion, bearing the
disconsolate widow and a retinue of her friends to Turlington. On the evening
ot their arrival the Governor was notified of their readiness to wait upon him,
and fixed the audience for 10 A. M. the next day. Several visitors were
in attendance. The box containing the august remains opened with a lid, and
when the parties were all assembled and ready for the awful development the lid
was lifted by the Governor, fully exposing the sacred relics of the renowned
chief to the gaze of his sorrowing friends and the very respectable auditors who
had ascended to witness the impressive scene.
The Governor then addressed the widow through John Goodell, the inter-
preter of the Ilardfish band, giving all the details of the transfer of the bones
from the grave to Quincy and back to Burlington, and assured her that they
were the veritable bones of her deceased iiusband; that he had sympathized
deeply with her in her great affliction, and that he now hoped she would be con-
soled and comforted by the return of the precious relics to her care, in full con-
fidence that they would not again be disturb3d where she might choose to
entomb them. The widow then advanced to the lid of the box, and, without
the least apparent emotion, picked up in her fingers bone after bone, and exam-
ined each with the seeming curiosity of a child, and replacing each bone in its
proper place, turned to the interpreter and replied that she fully believed they
were Black Hawk's bones, and that she knew the Governor was a good old man
or he would not have taken the great pains he had manifested to oblige her, and,
in consideration of his great benevolence and disinterested friendship, she
would leave the bones under his care and protection. She saw that the skeleton
'"was in a good dry place," and concluded to let it remain there. Maj. Beach
said that he notified the widow of the willingness of the authorities to surrender
the bones, but that she seemed indifferent to the matter. At all events, nothing
was done by the family to secure a re-interment of the remains.
Shortly after the scene just related transpired. Gov. Lucas was succeeded by
Gov. Chambers, and the bones of Black Hawk were taken from his former
office to the office of Dr. Lowe, on Main street. Drs. Lowe, Hickcock and
Rock were tl)en occupying rooms adjoining the three-story building used by A.
Moore as a hardware store. A. D. Green in the second story, and the
Historical and Geological Institute in the third story. The bones had been
given to the latter institution, but had not been removed to a place in the third
story. On the night of January 16, 1853, a fire consumed the whole building
and the adjoining structure, in which Dr. Lowe's office was. The bones of the
celebrated Indian were then and there cremated. Thus, amid fire and tumult
Black Hawk found a final earthly resting-place in the ashes of the ruined
structure, and the last act of his eventful career was not less dramatic than the
first public appearance of the brave. Literally and truthfully may we say, dust
to dust, ashes to ashes ; and may tliey rest in peace.
It has been asserted that the bones were saved from destruction by Dr. Rock,
but the Doctor positively declared to Judge Rorer that the rumor was an idle
one. ,
POWESHIEK AND OTHER NOTABLES.
Poweshiek, the chief of the Musquakies, or the band of the confederated
Sacs and Foxes who inhabited this particular locality, was a fine specimen of
the physical man. He stood about six feet in height, weighed nearly two hun-
dred and fifty pounds, and had, withal, a frank and rather pleasing countenance,
374 HISTORY OF MU8CATINI!; COUNTY.
when sober. His besetting fault was excessive indolence, which led to frequent
lapses from sobriety, lie and his family were more cleanly than his tribe were
wont to be, and in intelligence he was equal to the great rulers of the red men,
Keokuk and JJlack Hawk. The lazy habits of the chieftain, however, placed
him at a decided disadvantage beside the more noted leaders. He would not
join in the deliberations of the council if the acceptance of the notice involved
j)ersonal exertion. Hence it is that one who really was worthy of the honors
of leadership forfeited his right through personal weaknesses. Poweshiek was a
man of lionor, so far as his word was concerned, and he was absolute in his
command over his tribe. It is related, as illustrative of his power over men,
that once, when a theft had been committed on a small party of travelers
through his domain, Poweshiek ordered that none of his followers leave the
village until search had been made for the missing property. So completely
were the Indians under subjection to his will that even the culprit remained
and was detected. Severe punishment iollowed the discovery of the crime, but
the guilty Indian received it without a murmur, nor did he think of violating
Poweshiek's command to remain, when, by stealthy evasion, he might have
escaped the penalty of his crime.
Poweshiek's village was on the Cedar River, about four miles below the site
of Iowa City ; but lie frequently was seen in this locality during the early days
of settlement. The evidences of a large village are still visible on the farm of
William G. Holmes, below Iowa City. The Indians suffered greatly from small-
pox at that place, and hundreds of them died from that terrible plague. Powe-
shiek died from excessive drinking before the Indians left Iowa for the
West.
W^ipello, the chief from whom that county was named, was a powerful ruler
among his people, and was also a fast friend of the whites, especially of the first
Indian Agent, Gen. Street. Incidents illustrative of his character are dis-
persed through the following pages. He died in 1841, and was buried by the
side of his friend, the General, on the Agency Farm. His grave was recently
cared for by the Managers of the Chicago, Burlington k, Quincy Railroad,
which passes near by, and is now in a condition to withstand the shocks of time
for years to come. He died at the forks of the Skunk River, on the 15th of
March, and his remains were brought from that place to the scene of burial in
an ox-wagon, and buried toward evening of the same day, with the customary
Indian ceremonies. It was his own request that he might be laid by the side of
Gen. Street, who had been for many years in the Indian service, and was very
popular with them. Prior to the establishment of the Agency in Wapello
County, Wapello and his band dwelt at the mouth of Crooked Creek, near
Marshall, in Henry County.
Appanoose, Pashapaho, Ilardfish and Kishkekosh all play conspicuous parts
in the drama. An anecdote or two of the last-named will serve as an illustra-
tion of the nature of the men. Kishkekosh did not rank equal to either of the
others, but he seems to have held a pnmunent place in councils, because of his
native talents. His full name was George Washington Kishkekosh (the last
meaning cut-teeth, or savage biter) and ho had accompanied Black Hawk as
one of his suite of braves during the tour of that renowned chief through the
East as a prisoner of war. W^ith his leaders, he had been hospitably entertained
at hotels and other places, and had a high appreciation of the sumptuous and
cleanly-looking fare that was set before them. How he was enabled, after such
an experience, to return with a good stomach to the frugal diet and indifferent
cooking of his own people, we are left to conjecture. At all events,.he retained
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 375
his partiality for clean victuals, and was even overfastidious in this respect, as
the following instance will show :
One niglit, he, with his company of three or four braves, slept at the house
of a wliito man with whom he was on very friendly terms, and they were to
remain to breakfast. Kish had an eye on the preparation of the meal, and
observed one neglect that his tender stomach rebelled against. The lady of the
house (it is possible she did it intentionally, for she was not a willing entertainer
of her savage guests) neglected to wash her hands before making up the bread.
Kish thought he would rather do without his breakfast than eat after such cook-
ing, and privately signified as much to his followers, whereupon they mounted
their ponies and left, much to the relief of their hostess. Arrived at a house
some distance from the one they had left, thuy got their breakfast and related
the circumstance. These people, though generally accustomed and limited to
the poorest fare, were not averse to the best that could be provided, and made
gluttons of themselves whenever they could get enough of it.
On another occasion, Kishkekosh and his suite, consisting of several prom-
inent personages of the tribe, being then encamped on Skunk River, went to
the house of a settler on a friendly visit, and he treated them to a feast. Besides
Kish and his wife — who was a very lady-like person — the party consisted of
his mother ; Wykoma, the son of Wapello and his two wives (for polygamy was
not an uncommon practice with these people; ; Masha Wapetine, his wife, and
all their children. This old woman, on being asked how old she was, replied :
" Mack-ware-renaak-Ave-kauk " (may bo a hundi'cd), and, indeed, her bowed
head and hideously shriveled features would justify the belief that she was
fully that old. The whole party were dressed in more than usually becoming
style, probably out of respect to their hostess, who, knowing something of their
voracious appetites, had made ample preparation for them. When the table
was surrounded, Kish, who had learned some good manners, as well as acquired
cleanly tastes, essayed to perform the etiquette of the occasion before eating
anything himself. With an amusingly awkward imitation of what he had seen
done among the whites, he passed the various dishes to the others, showing the
ladies special attention, and helped them to a part of everything on the table
with much apparent disinterestedness. But when he came to help himself his
politeness assumed the Indian phase altogether. He ate like a person with a
bottomless pit inside of him, instead of a stomach, taking everything within
his reach, without regard to what should come first or last in the course, so that
he only liked the taste' of it. At length, after having drunk five or six cups of
coffee, and eaten a proportionate aniount of solid food, his gastronomic energy
began to abate. Seeing this, his host approached him, and with apparent
concern for his want of appetite, said : " Why, Kish, do you not eat your
dinner? Have another cup of coffee and eat something." In reply to this
hospitable urgency, Kish leaned back in his seat, lazily shook his head and
drew his finger across his throat under his chin, to indicate how full he was.
And then, in further explanation of his satisfied condition, he opened his huge
mouth and thrust his finger down his throat as far as he dared, as much
as to say he could almost touch tlie victuals. Of couisc the others had
eaten in like proportion, making the most of an event that did not happen
every day.
Kishkekosh seems to have had in him the elements of civilization, which
needed but opportunity to spring up and bear pretty fair fruit. Not only did
he become fastidious as to cleanliness, but he observed and imitated other usages
among the whites, even more radically different from those of his savage people.
37 <) HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
It is well known that among the Indians, as among all unenlightened races
the women arc, in a manner, the slaves of the other sex. They are made to do
all the drudgery of the camp, cultivate the corn, bring in the game after the
hunter has had the sport of slaughtering it, no matter how far away it may be,
he being either too lazy or feeling it beneath his dignity to bear the burden.
They procure all the fuel to cook Avith, catch the ponies for their masters to
ride, pack up their tents and household goods when preparing to move, and set
them up when they again come to a halt in their wanderings. Kishkekosh
had noticed the different fashion of the white settlers in regard to their women,
and had, moreover, been reasoned with by them like an intelligent being, and
he was very ready to admit the force of their arguments. He made an effort
to institute reform among his people by having the men do a fair share of the
work that, according to ordinary usage, fell to the squaws. He set them an
example by taking hold heartily himself, and, though it is not probable that
any very extended reformation took place, owing to the long-continued laziness
»)f the men, and the deeply-rooted belief that their province Avas alone that of
the hunter or warrior, yet the movement itself indicates capacity in this savage
chief for progress and enlightenment.
The Indians throughout this region had a novel way of dealing with drunken
people. After the Black Hawk war, they chose rather to live upon their annu-
ities granted them by the Government than upon the products of the chase,
as they had hitherto been forced to do, and as this gave them a good deal of
leisure, they spent most of their time in drunken orgies, Avhich proved a great
mortality to the tribes, since many accidents happened to life and limb from
that cause. It was, therefore, a custom for a few of the red men and the squaws
to keep sober, so that when the inebriates got too wild, there would be some
one to keep a restraining influence upon them. When a poor wight became
unsafely drunk, he was tied neck and heels, so that he could be rolled about
like a ball, which operation was kept up, despite his pleadings, until the fumes
of liquor had vanished, when he was released. The sufferer would beg for
mercy, but to no avail ; and after he was sobered he showed no resentment,
but seemed to recognize the wisdom of the proceeding.
The following anecdote of Pashapaho is worth preserving. Maj. Beach
relates the incident as coming under his OAvn knowledge, and, though not
exactly relevant from locality, yet it illustrates the Indian characteristics :
" Some time in 1832, a plan was laid to attack Fort Madison, then a
United States garrison. Pashapaho, a noted chief of the Sacs, who loved a
"wee drap," was the projector of the scheme; but the treachery of a squaw
brought the plan to a sudden end, and the savages, on their approach to the
fort, were met with the grim paraphernalia of war, ready for their reception.
The plan was not original with Pashapaho, for, in many respects, it resembles
the famous effort of Pontiac on the fort at Detroit, during the early days of
vVmcrican settlement by the English ; and the plan was, like that, defeated by
a squaw.
'' Under pretense of a counsel with the commandant, Pashapaho designed
entering the fort with concealed arms, and at a given signal the Indians were to
overpower the troops. However, because of the warning already given, when
the procession marched toward the fort the gates were suddenly thrown open,
and a loaded cannon was revealed in the path. The gunner stood beside the
piece with lighted match, while just in the rear was drawn up the garrison in
battle array. Old Pasli deemed discretion the better part of valor, and the
signal for attack was never given.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 877
" Some years later, Pashapaho, who was also called the ' Stabbing Chief,'
made an attempt to effect a lodgment in Fort Armstrong, at Rock Island, but
his method was different from the plan on Fort Madison. During the year
previous to the attempt, some of the braves of his tribe, while out on the prairie
upon a hunting expedition, fell in with a body of hostile Sioux, the life-long
enemies of all other tribes. The Sacs had the advantage in point of numbers,
and captured a number of Sioux scalps. Complaint was made to the War
Department, and orders were sent from Washington to Rock Island to demand
of the chiefs the culprits, and to hold them prisoners in the fort. This was
done. They were brought into the fort and surrendered, and throughout the
winter, say for five months, they enjoyed the hospitality of Uncle Sam, in the
shape of good quarters and plenty to eat, with no trouble of providing for it.
In fact, they lived in an Indian's heaven, until released by some arrangement
whereby blood-money was to be taken from the annuities of their tribe and paid
over to the Sioux.
" The next fall, old Pash, probably not finding his larder as well stocked for
the winter as he desired, conceived the idea of imposing himself as a guest, indi-
rectly, on his Great Father, the President. So, calling, one day, upon Col.
Davenport, the commandant, he informed him that, being out upon a hunt, he
had the misfortune to meet one of his traditional foes, and had succumbed to
the morbid desire to lift his hair. The act was so contrary to his usual humane
character that he mourned the deed and acknowledged his wickedness. He
knew that his best of friend, the Great Father, whom he held in high esteem
and affection, would hear of it and be very angry ; and, therefore, to save him
the additional vexation of having to send out a letter demanding his arrest, he
had promptly come in to make a voluntary surrender of himself. Col. Daven-
port, who saw into the scheme, lauded him as an honorable Indian, and told
him that his offer of surrender was ample evidence that he Avould respond when-
ever he was called to render account for the deed he had done. The Colonel
could not think of making him a prisoner a day earlier than the Great Father
commanded ! No more was ever heard of this matter."
A SCENE OF THE BORDER.
The following graphic sketch of a scene in army life, at an early day, is
from the pen of Eliphalet Price, and is introduced for the purpose of preserv-
ing so capital a description of a common Indian custom :
" During the summer of 1827, soon after the war-cloud of difficulties with
the Winnebago Indians had been adjusted by a visit of the chiefs to Washing-
ton, accompanied by Gen. Cass, a Sioux Indian, while hunting upon the Iowa
shore, near the mouth of Paint Creek, shot and scalped a Winnebago, believing
him to be the murderer of his brother, but who proved not to be the murderer,
but the brother of ' Big Wave,' a chief of the Winnebagoes.
" The band of this chieftain, together with others of the nation, numbering
about two thousand, becoming indignant at this act, immediately assembled at
Fort Crawford and demanded of Col. Taylor (afterward President Taylor) the
procurement and surrender of the murderer. The officers of the fort, appre-
hensive that new difficulties might arise with this factious tribe if their demand
was disregarded, concluded to make an effort to obtain the murderer. Accord-
ingly, an officer was dispatched to demand him of the Sioux nation, who imme-
diately gave him up, and he was brought down the river and confined at Fort
Crawford. Soon after his arrival at the fort, the Winnebagoes assembled iigain
and insisted upon an unconditional surrender of the prisoner to them, which
378 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Col. Taylor refused, but dispatched Lieut. Reynolds and Dr. Elwise, the Sur-
(reon of the (garrison, to have a talk with them and endeavor to preserve the
life of the Indian by paying a satisfactory consideration in horses. At the con-
ference, the Winnebagocs talked in a threatening and overbearing manner,
declaring that nothing would satisfy them but the taking of the life of the Sioux
in their own way and by themselves.
" Reynolds, finding that no terms could be made with them that would con-
form to the suggestions of Col. Taylor, determined to make a proposition of his
own, which was as follows : The Sioux should have a chance to save his life
by being brought out upon the prairie, three weeks from that day, and, in a
parallel line, seven paces to the rear of him, should be placed twelve of the
most expert runners of the Winnebago nation, each armed with a tomahawk
and scalping-knife, and, at the tap of the drum, the Sioux should be free to
start for the home of his tribe, and the Winnebagoes free to pursue, capture
and scalp him if they could. To this proposition the Winnebagoes acceded at
once, and seemed much pleased with the anticipation of great sport, as well as
an easy conquest of the prisoner, whose confinement in the garrison during the
three Aveeks they believed would prostrate whatever running qualities he may
have possessed. Their best runners were immediately brought in and trained
every day, in full sight from the fort, and so accurate did they become in the
hurling of the tomahawk, that they could hit, with unerring aim, a tin cup
swinging from the branch of a tree, at a distance of twenty-five feet.
" Lieut. Reynolds, who kept a pack of hounds and tAvo or three fleet horses,
and who was known throughout the hunting-range of the post as a dashing
sportsman, having become warmly enlisted on the side of the Sioux, determined
to have his Indian in the best possible condition for the contest. Accordingly,
Dr. Elwise took him in charge, prescribing his diet, regulating his hours of
repose and directing the rubbing of his body and limbs with flesh-brushes twice
a da}', immediately before going upon upon the parade-ground, to perform his
morning and evening trainings. So carefully was he trained for this race of
life or death that he was timed upon the parade ground, in the presence of the
garrison and a number of spectators, the third day before the race came off,
and performed the almost incredible feat of a mile in 3 minutes and 9 seconds.
Reynolds had for some time been satisfied that the fleetest runner in the Win-
nebago nation could not overtake him, but to guard against the unerring aim of
the tomahawk required a different kind of training. This was dotie by placing
the drummer behind a screen, some twenty paces in front of the Sioux, so that
the sound would reach him an instant before it did his opponents, and upon
receiving the signal sound, he was trained to make two quick bounds, in a direct
line, to the right, and then start upon the race.
•' The day at length arrived. About three thousand Indians, French trad-
ers, and border hunters had assembled to witness the scene : in fact, it was
regarded as a gala-day by all — except the prisoner. Reynolds, on the part of
the Sioux, and the celebrated chiefs, ' War-kon-shuter-kee ' and ' Pine Top,' on
the part of the Winnebagoes, superintended the arrangement of the parties on
the ground.
"The point agreed upon for starting was upon the prairie a little to the
north of Prairie du Chicn, and immediately in the vicinity of the residence
of John Lockwood, an Indian trader, while the race- track lay along the level
nine-mile prairie stretching to the north and skirting the shore of the Missis-
sippi. The Sioux appeared upon the ground accompanied by a guard of
soldiers, who were followed by his twelve opponents, marching in Indian file
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 379
and singing a low, monotonous chant, each being naked, with the exception
of the Indian breechlet. Their ribs were painted white, while their breasts
were adorned with a number of hieroglyphical paintings. Along the face,
alternate stripes of white and black were painted in parallel lines, extend-
ing from the chin to the forehead. The hair was platted into numerous thongs
tasseled with a red or white feather, and fringed with small bells, while their
moccasins were corded tightly around the hollow of the foot, as well as around
the ankle, with the sinews of the deer ; in the right hand, each carried his toma-
hawk, while the left grasped the sheath that contained the scalping-knife.
" The prisoner was about twenty years old, a little less than six feet in
height, of musculai', well-proportioned contour, and manifested in the easy
movements of his body a wiry and agile command of his muscular powers ;
his countenance presented a mournful and haggard appearance, owing partly
to the rigid discipline he had undergone in training and party to his having
painted his face black, with the figure of a horse shoe in white, upon his
forehead, which denoted that he was condemned to die, with the privilege of
making an effort to save his 'life by fleetness. Around his neck, he wore a
narrow belt of wampum, from which dangled the scalp he had .taken from the
Winnebago.
" Soon after the parties were formed in line upon the ground, Reynolds
approached the Sioux, and, taking off one of his moccasins, showed the chiefs
that it contained a thin plate of steel, and asked if they objected to it, to which
they replied with much merriment that he might carry as much iron as he
pleased. The Lieutenant, observing that his Indian appeared restless and
uneasy, requested Dr. Elwise to come forward, who, after examining his
pulse, discovered that he was much excited, and that his nerves were in a
tremulous condition. Reynolds immediately took him by the arm and led
•him out some distance from the front of the line, where he asked him if he
was afraid to run, to which he replied : ' I can outrun all the Winnebagoes ;
but I am afraid that I cannot outrun all the horses that are mounted by
armed Indians. The Lieutenant saw at once the cause of his alarm, and
informed him that they should not interfere ; he intended to ride the fleetest
horse upon the ground and keep near him, and, as he was armed, would see
that no horseman approached him with hostile intentions. At this announce-
ment, the countenance of the Indian brightened up with a smile; his whole
person seemed lifted from the ground as he turned to his position with a stal-
wart stride.
" The chiefs and Reynolds soon after mounted their horses and took a posi-
tion each upon the right of his party. The spectators were removed from the
front to the rear by the guard, when the parties were ready for the start.
Reynolds, who was to give the signal for the tap of the drum, had, in this
arrangement, planned a movement for wiiich the Winnebagoes were unpre-
pared. The drummer, by this arrangement, was not to give the drum tap
until two minutes had expired, after the giving of the signal, which, as made
known to the Winnebagoes, would be the elevation of his cap high above his
head.
" Reynolds, after taking a last view of the field to see that all was clear,
gave the signal. In an instant, the Winnebagoes threw themselves into posi-
tion, with uplifted tomahawk, the eye intently fixed upon the prisoner ; every
muscle of the body and arm was forced to its utmost strain, and in this position
they were held by the nrummer for the full period of time prescribed by Rey-
nolds. The gloating visage of the Indian, his excited mind, and the terrible
3S0 HISTORY OF MUSCARINE COUNTY.
strain upon his muscular powers, it was easy to discover, was fast exhausting
him ; at length the loud tap of the drum was given, when the Sioux, with the
crouching leap of the panther, bounded to the right while the whizzing whirl
of the tomahaAvk sped its fliglit far to his left. The race was now fairly com-
menced ; three of the Winnebagoes ran with great fleetness for a mile, keeping
within twenty yards of the Sioux. Reynolds, who rode a fleet animal and was
a master horseman, could move his body upon the saddle with that commanding
ease which enabled him to keep all parts of the field in view without changing
tiu- course of his animal, soon discovered that his Indian had entire command
of the race. Durir.g tlie flight of the first half-mile, it was with difficulty that
he could restrain the Sioux from leaving his competitors fiir to the rear, and
thus impair his powers of endurance that might be needed to guard against
treachery in the distance. At length, discovering that a few of the Winneba-
goes had fallen out of the race, he gave the signal for him to increase his
speed, and, in a moment after, the distance between him and his competitors
began to widen rapidly, showing the superior speed and endurance of the
Sioux, acquired, mainly, through the discipline of the white man. At the end
of two miles, the last of the contending Winnebagoes Avithdrew from the race.
There was not an Indian horse upon the ground that could keep up with him
after lie had increased his speed, and, at the end of the fourth mile, Reynolds,
finding that his horse was much fatigued, and the prairie free from enemies,
also withdrew from the race. The Indian did not look back or speak as far as
he was followed or could be seen, but kept his eye fixed upon the white flags
that had been placed in front of him at short distances apart, for several miles,
in order that he might run upon a straight line.
'• It was soon after reported by the Winnebagoes that he had been shot by
one of their boys who had been placed in ambush near the upper boundary of
the prairie. This, however, proved not to be true. The boy had shot a Win-,
nebago through mistake, who had also been treacherously secreted for the pur-
pose of intercepting the Sioux. This mistake, however, was never known to
Reynolds or Elwise, and it was not until several years after this event, and
while Gov. Doty was holding a treaty Avith the Sioux nation, that this Indian
appeared in the council as one of its chiefs, and, after briefly relating this
adventure to the Governor, he inquired where Lieut. Reynolds and Dr. Elwise
were at that time. He was informed that both had died in Florida. Upon
receiving this information, he immediately withdrew from the convention,
painted his face black, and retired to the gloom of the forest, nor could he be
prevailed upon to return until he had gone through the Indian ceremony of
mourning for the dead."
THE TRIBAL RELATIONS OF THE SACS AND FOXES.
Mr. Nesrus wrote the followinjj; sketch concerning the migrations, tribal
relations and social customs of the Sacs and Foxes and the affiliating bands :
" At the time of the ac()[uiring by the United States of the country west of
the Mississippi River, most of the territory now embraced within the limits of
Iowa was in the possession of the Sac and Fox Indians, who at one time had
been a powerful nation, and were in possession of a large tract of country.
Those Indians were formerly two distinct nations, and resided on the w'aters of
the St. Lawrence.
'' But for many years before they left Iowa, they lived together, and were
considered one people (though they kept up some customs among themselves,
calculated to maintain a separate name and language).
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 381
" The Foxes first moved to the West, and settled in the vicinity of Green
Bay, on Lake Michigan. But they had become involved in wars with the
French and neighboring tribes, and were so much reduced in numbers that they
were unable to sustain themselves against their hostile neighbors.
'' The Sacs had been engaged in a war with the Iroquois (or Six Nations),
who occupied the country which now composes the State of New York, and
had become so weak that they were forced to leave their old hunting-grounds
and move to the West. They found the Foxes, their old neighbors, like
themselves, reduced in numbers by the misfortunes of war, and, from a matter
of necessity as Avell as sympathy, they united their fortunes together and became
as one people, and as such remained so as long as they lived within the limits of
Iowa, and probably will so long as they remain a nation. The date of their
emigration from the St. Lawrence is not definitely known. Father Hennepin
speaks of the Fox Indians being at Green Bay in 1680, which at that time was
called the Bay of Puants.
" After the union of the Sacs and Foxes at Green Bay, and when their
nation had become powerful, they crossed over and extended their hunting-
grounds west of the Mississippi, and, uniting with other tribes, began to act on
the oifensive.
" All the valley from Rock River to the Ohio, on the east of the Mis-
sissippi, and on the west of the Des Moines River was inhabited by a numer-
ous and warlike nation of Indians called the Minneways, signifying ' men.'
This great nation was divided into different bands known by various names
(such as the Illinois, Cahokins, Kaskaskins, Peorias, etc.), and occupied sepa-
rate parts of the valley. This nation had long been prosperous and powerful,
and feared and dreaded by other nations ; but a circumstance happened which
brought the vengeance of their neighbors upoQ them, and they in their turn
were humbled.
" Pontiac, a Sac chief, very much beloved and respected by his people, had
been wantonly murdered by some of the Minneways. This act aroused the
anger of the Sac and Fox nations, and, forming an alliance with other tribes,
they commenced a fierce and bloody war against the different bands of the
Minneways. This war was continued till that great nation was nearly destroyed,
and their hunting-grounds possessed by their enemies.
" At the time the United States made the Louisiana Purchase, the Sac and
Fox nations were in possession of most of the State of Illinois, and nearly all the
country west of the Mississippi, between the Upper Iowa River and the Jeffreon
(in Missouri) west to the Missouri River. The Sacs had four large villages
where most of them resided ; one at the head of the Des Moines Rapids, near
where Montrose is now located, Avhich consisted of thirteen lodges ; the second
village was on the east shore of the Mississippi, near the mouth of the Hender-
son River, about half way between Burlington and Oquawka ; the third village
was located on Rock River, about three miles from the Mississippi, which was
their largest and principal village; the other was on the west side of the river,
near the mouth of the Upper Iowa. The Foxes (or Reynards) had three vil-
lages : one on the west side of the Mississippi, six miles above the rapids of
Rock River ; the second, ' twelve miles in the rear of the lead mines at
Du Buque,' and the other on Turkey River.
" The loAvas, who may be regarded as a band of the Sacs and Foxes, at
this time had one village near the mouth of the lower Iowa River, and another
on the north side of the Des Moines, near where is now located the town of
lowaville.
382 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
" These Indians had their separate villages and different chiefs ; but they
occupied in common the same hunting-grounds, were united in their wars and
alliances, and the Sacs, Foxes and lowas were generally regarded as one
nation.
" It appears that the Towas at one time wore identified with the Sacs who
lived on Rock River ; but, from some cause, at a period not definitely known,
there were eight families who left that village and started out as a band by them-
selves, and for a long time ' they recognized eight leading families ' in their
band. ' These clans bear the title or name of the particular animal or bird
from which they arc supposed to have sprung.' And they were known as the
Eagle, the Pigeon, the Wolf, the Bear, the Elk, the Beaver, the Buff"alo and
tlio Snake families.
" These families were known severally in the tribe by the peculiar manner
in which they cut their hair. The Eagle family was marked by two locks of
hair on the front part of the head, and one on the back-left part. The Wolf
fiimily had scattered bunches of hair left, representing islands, whence their
families were supposed to have sprung. The Bear family left one side of the
hair of the head to grow much longer than the other. The Buffiilo family left
a strip oi hair long from the front to the rear part of the head, with two
bunches on each side to represent horns." The other families, with their
peculiar bodies, were lost or had become extinct long before they left Iowa.
'• In 1880, and for many years after, the lowas were estimated at about 1,100
souls ; but in 1848, they were stated to be a fraction under 750 : and, in 1852,
the Sacs only numbered about 1,300, and the Foxes about 700, which indicates
that this once powerful nation will soon become extinct. When the lowas left
their village on the Des Moines, they ' ascended the Missouri River to a point
of land formed by a small stream on its east shore, called by the Indians Fish
Creek, which flows in from the direction of, and not far from, the celebrated
Red Pipestone Quarry, many hundred miles from their former vilhige. The
nation composed of the Sacs, Foxes and lowas, and particularly those about
Rock River, raised large quantities of corn, beans and melons — more than they
wanted for their own use — and frequently sold large quantities to the traders ;
and probably cultivated the soil to a greater extent than any other Indians in
the West. At this time, besides the Indian population, many portions of Iowa
had been traversed by the French, who had penetrated the wilderness either in
the pursuit of mineral or to carry on a trade with the Indians. The history of
these operations is obscure and but little known. They must have carried on
quite a extensive business in the valley of the Des Moines ; for Gen. Pike, on
his map of the Mississippi Valley, published with the report of his tour up the
river in 1805, lays down four forts on the Des Moines River — Fort Crawford
on the south side, a short distance below where the town of Portland, Van
Buren County, has been laid out ; Fort Gelaspy, nearly opposite to lowaville ;
Fort St. Thomas, very near, if not on the very spot, where the town of Chilli-
cothe is now located ; and another fort a short distance below, on the north side
of the river. And there were, long after this country was settled by the whites,
many indications to be seen of settlements having been made by other people
than the Indians along the banks of this beautiful river."
MA.T. BKACH's INDIAN PAPERS.
Although it is not, properly speaking, a part of the history of Muscatine
County, we here insert a record of the final disposition of the Sacs and Foxes
while they remained in Iowa. Without these pages, the prececfmg scraps of
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 383
personal history would be imperfect, and, as this work is designed to preserve
for future reference matters which will become of importance as time progresses,
we feel justified in inserting the following sketch of the last days of the tribes
which once made Muscatine County their stamping-grounds. Maj. Beach,
second and last Indian Agent for the Sacs and Foxes in Iowa, left a brief history
of the origin of the Agency and his life there. Cut one co})y of that record is
extant, and the writer had the pleasure of making public, for the first time, the
authentic account referred to. The Major, just before his death, wrote :
''The war of 1812 resulted in a treaty which left the Indians no further
chiim to any territory east of the Mississippi, and even to a strip in Eastern
Iowa. A later treaty, in 1837, increased the extent of the cession to a line
through lowaville, north and south. There was a reservation left for the Powe-
shiek band of Foxes, on or near the Iowa River, the purchase of which was the
object of a treaty made in the fall of 1836, on a spot now within the city of
Davenport, but then belonging to the famous half-blood, Antoine Leclaire.
Io^Ya was then attached, for Government purposes, to Wisconsin, and its Gov-
ernor, the late Henry Dodge, was the Commissioner to negotiate the treaty, and
the late Gov. Grimes, then a new settler, was the Secretary. This treaty is
referred to for the sake of an incident which shows tliat, whether common or not
to the 'Lo' family in general, the Sacs and Foxes, at least, possessed an hon-
orable side to their character.
" The country around was already quite thickly settled, and the Indians
could easily have procured an unlimited supply of whisky. But Gov. Dodge,
in his opening speech, had impressed upon them the necessity of strict sobriety
during the negotiations, and had expressed a hope that his advice would be
heeded. Keokuk and the other chiefs, in reply, had said that their father's talk
about fire-water was good, and had given their word that none should be
allowed among them during the proceedings. Immediately the council closed,
they appointed a sufficient guard of the most reliable braves to prevent the
introduction or use of liquor, at whatever cost. In fact, the very bluest blood
of the tribe was selected for the duty, and each one was instructed to carry a
designated badge of his authority.
" Before the conclusion of the treaty, a Sunday intervened, and nearly all of
the Indians assembled at Rock Island, at the trading-post. Meanwhile, a steam-
boat came along and tied up at the bank. She was crowded with passengers,
who were excited at the sight of so many savages. Black Hawk, who w-as con-
spicuous, was soon recognized, and became the chief object of interest. A
passenger stepped ashore and took the great brave by the hand and led him on
board the Boat, his wish being to invite him to a friendly glass at the bar. But
Bin ok Hawk, whether influenced by a sense of personal honor or by the pres-
ence of the police, would not indulge, and shortly afterward went ashore.
Next, the boat began to push off, and Black Hawk's friend, anxious not to be
disappointed of his social design, had already procured and filled a bottle with
liquor. He leaned over the guards of the boat and stood reaching the bottle
toward the Indian. One of the Indian police, with quiet dignity, took the
bottle, and a smile of satisfaction diffused itself over the donor's face. But that
smile speedily changed to a very different look when the young brave hurled
the bottle upon the rocks at his feet, and dashed it into countless atoms. The
poor white man was glad to shrink away as the stentorian shout which followed
sounded in his ears, a shout in which it was hard to determine whether the
exulting whoop of the Indians or the no less vigorous and derisive laughter of the
boat's company pi-edominated.
3<S4 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
" Gen. Street, in the fall of 1887, as Agent of the Sacs and Foxes, was
ordered to take a party of about thirty of the chiefs and head Indians to Wash-
ington. Wapello was accompanied by his wife and son, and there may have
been throe women in the party. Maj. Beach was with the company during a
portion of the trip. At Boston they were a novelty, and were received with
great attention and kindness. The military were ordered out to escort the line
of carriages and clear the streets of the throngs which fdled tiie way. Black
Hawk and his two sons, splendid specimens ofj manly beauty and symmetry of
form, were the most noticed by the people, their recent fame as warriors being
yet fresh in the popular minds. The party was received with all due courtesy
in old Faneuil Hall by the Mayor and city government, and welcomed to the
city. On the succeeding day, the Governor, the Hon. Edward Everett,
received them in the State-house, on behalf of the State. This ceremony was
held in the spacious Hall of Representatives, every inch of which was jammed
with humanity. After the Governor had ended his eloquent and appropriate
address of welcome, it devolved upon the chiefs to reply, and Appanoose, in his
turn, as, at the conclusion of his speech, he advanced to grasp the Governor's
hatid, said : ' It is a great day that the sun shines upon when two such great
chiefs take each other by the hand !' The Governor, with a nod of approba-
tion, controlled his facial muscles in most courtly gravity ; but the way ' the
house came down ' was a caution, and Appanoose doubtless considered the
applause the Yankee way of greeting his own fine speech.
" There were two theaters then in Boston, and a struggle ensued between
them to obtain the presence of the Indians, in order to draw houses. At the
Tremont, the aristocratic and fashionable one. the famous tragedian, Forrest,
was filling an engagement. His great play, in which he acted the part of a
gladiator, and always drew his largest audiences, had not yet come off, and the
manager was disinclined to bring it out while the Indians were there, as their
presence alone was enough to insure a full house. Gen. Street, .who was a
strict Presbyterian, was rather opposed to the theater, and hence Maj. Beach,
who had recentlv become his son-in-law, took the matter of arranijinor for the
entertainment olV his hands. The Major knew that the play referred to would
suit the Indian taste far better than simply declamatory tragedies, spoken in a
hmguage they could not understand^ and in which there was no action to keep
them interested. Mr. Barry, the manager, was finally prevailed upon to pres-
ent ' Sjiartacus,' on condition that the Indians would attend in a body.
" Everything went off favorably during the performance, and in the exciting
scene in which the gladiators engage in deadly combat, the Indians manifested
the deepest sympathy. As Forrest rose up to the magnificent proportions of
the character, the savages gazed upon the vivid spectacle with breathless anxiety.
In the play, the hero fell, pierced by his adversary's sword ; and as the bloody
weapon was drawn fn^m the expiring victim, who lay heaving in convulsive
throes, the Indians burst out with their fiercest war-whoop. It was a frightful
yell to strike so suddenly upon unaccustomed eai^s, at a time when every sensi-
tive nerve was wrought to intense pitch by the play, and an answering cry of
terror ran through the building. In a moment the audience recovered its self-
possession, and the rounds of applause which succeeded, complimented the great
actor but little less than did the involuntary tribute of the dusky noblemen.
"■ After ceding the belt of country upon the Iowa side of the Mississippi, as
heretofore mentioned, and having considerably increased this belt by an addi-
tional cession in 1887, the Sacs and Foxes still retained a large and valuable
portion of Iowa. This last treaty was negotiated. with the party Avhose visits to
A
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE (BOUNTY. 385
Washington and other Eastern cities has been mentioned, and was concluded
on the i^llst of October. This was the first treaty ever made with the Sacs and
Foxes in which the principle was incorporated that had just then begun to be
adopted, of making the sum allowed the Indians for their lauds a permanent
fund, to be held in trust by the United States, upon which interest only, at the
rate of 5 per cent, could he annually paid to them. Hitherto, it had been the
custom to provide that the gross sum granted for a cession should be paid in
yearly installments. For instance, $200,000, in twenty annual payments,
would have left them at the expiration of that time, destitute ; but the more
humane policy was chosen of placing that sum — the price of the cession of
1837 — at 5 per cent, giving a constant income of $10,000. The last treaty of
1842, dispossessed them of all lands in Iowa, and brings them in an annual
revenue of $40,000. The price of that cession was $800,000, besides certain
minor claims allowed. The Indians were removed from the State in 1845."
ADVANCING CIVILIZATION.
As it is necessary for the architect to design the foundation-walls of his
proposed edifice, so is it essential for the historian to reach far out and gather
together the remotest threads of fact, to the end that the fabric woven by him
may be symmetrical and complete in all its parts. Although this work is chiefly
local in its character, it is important that the record of events should be made
exhaustive enough to explain the reasons why this particular locality was
chosen for settlement at the time indicated, and to trace the growth of civiliza-
tion fi'om its weakest germ to the present time.
A few sentences will serve to cover the two centuries intervening between
the original discovery of this region by white men and the period when the
practical development of its multiform resources began.
Two hundred years ago, in 1673, the beautiful land of Iowa Avas first
revealed to the delighted eyes of white men. The discovery of the American
Continent by Columbus stimulated the venturesome explorers of Europe, and
rich, indeed, were the rewards of their persistent labors. Within the half-
century following Columbus' victory, the Atlantic coast was largely explored ;
the Pacific Ocean gladdened the eyes of the devoted adventurer ; the Missis-
sii)pi was gazed upon by him who soon slept beneath its bosom ; Mexico and
Peru fell before the rapacious conqueror ; the Sc. Lawrence and the Amazon
were opened up to the inquisitive forces of the Old World, and the two great
continents of the New became dominions of the mighty crowns of Europe. The
dissensions of Church and State witliin the boundaries of their own domains,
however, prevented the European nations from profiting by the discoveries of
the early explorers. One hundred and thirty-two years elapsed after De Soto
beheld the Lower Mississippi before the lost knowledge was regained. Vague
limits, it is true, were given to numerous streams, and absurd speculations were
indulged in by Spanish geographers relative to the great stream, during that
long period ; but of accurate knowledge, the scientists possessed none.
It was reserved for the French to discover the Upper Mississippi. The
self-denying followers of Jesus sought to establish missions in the New World,
and thereby implant the seeds of religion in virgin soil. In 1625, the colonies
were located on the banks of the St. Lawrence, and in forty years the missions
were extended to the remotest shores of Lake Superior. The commendable
desire on the part of those who controlled those missions to embrace still wider
386 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
domains led to the discovery of this region. We quote from a paper read
before the State Historical Society, on the commemoration of the two hundredth
anniversary of the discovery of Iowa, by Rev. William Salter, of Burlington,
wlio briefly but successfully epitomized those important events :
"James Marquette was born in Laon, France, seventy-four miles northeast
of Paris, in 1637, of an ancient and respected family. Entering the Society
of Jesus in his seventeenth year, he pursued a full course of study and disci-
pline, and embarked, in 1666, for New France, to labor for the conversion of
the Indians. In 1668, he left Quebec for the country about Lake Superior,
commenced a mission at Sault St. Marie and spent the winter of 1669-70 at
La Pointe, near the western extremity of the lake. From Indians of different
tribes, and particularly from those bearing the name of Illinois, who came to this
station, which was not more than fifty miles from the headwaters of the St. Croix
and Chippewa Rivers, important tributaries of the Mississippi, he heard of the
great river, the river of all the waters, was invited to go thither, and was fired
with a generous zeal, to prosecute discovery and establish missions upon its
banks. Subsequently, he conducted a prosperous mission for two years at
Mackinaw, upon the mainland, near the island which now bears that name.
In writing to his Superior (Dablon) from this mission, he reports many encour-
aging facts, and adds :
" ' I am ready, however, to leave it in the hands of another missionary, and
go on your order to seek new nations toward the southern sea, who are still
unknown to us, and teach them of our great God.'
"At the same time, the authorities at Quebec were earnestly intent upon
exploration, and appointed Louis Joliet to go upon a voyage of discovery. He
was a native of that city, where he had been educated in the Jesuit College.
He had taken minor orders at the -age of eighteen, but, after a few years, aban-
doned all ideas of the priesthood, and embarked in the adventures of the fur
trade, in which he 'established a reputation for energy, sagacity and force of
character. He was now tAventy-seven years of age, and, proceeding on his
way, reached the mission at Mackinaw on the 8th day of December, 1675, and
gladdened the heart of Marquette with the good news that they had been desig-
nated to pursue the discovery together. It was a grateful reflection in the
mind of the pious missionary, that this very day was the feast of the Immacu-
late Conception of the Blessed Virgin, w^hose favor he had been constantly sup-
plicating, that he might have grace to visit the nations on the Mississippi. He_
placed the enterprise under her protection, and promised that if she gave them
grace to discover the great river, he would name it Conception, and also give
that name to the first mission he should establish among the new nations. As
the winter wore away, they gathered what information they could from Indians
who had frequented those parts, and from their accounts traced a map of the
country, marking down the rivers and names of nations, and the course of the
great river. They were not long in preparing their outfit of corn and dried
meat, which constituted their whole stock of provisions, and set out with reso-
lute hearts, on the 17th day of May, 1673, having five Frenchmen in their
company.
" They played their paddles joyously along the shores of Lake Michigan
and Green Bay, so happy that they had been chosen for this expedition, says
Marquette's ingenious and beautiful narrative, as to sweeten the labor of rowing
from morn till night. Ascending Fox River, they reached an Indian village
on its banks on the 7th of June. This was the limit of the discoveries made
in that direction by the French. Here they held a friendly confierence with
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 38T
the chiefs, and, explaining to them that Joliet was sent to discover new
countries, and that Marquette's mission was to enlighten them in the Gospel,
they procured two Miami guides to conduct them to a portage, over which they
might cross to the Wisconsin River. The guides led them along the marshes
and little lakes through which the Fox River here meanders, and assisted in
transporting the canoes from the waters which flow toward the St. Lawrence,
to those that should bear the adventurers to strange lands. The guides then
returned, leaving us alone, says Marquette, ' in an unknown country, in the
hands of Providence.' Before embarking again, they began a new devotion to
the Virgin, offering special prayers for her protection, and for the success of
their voyage. Thus encouraging one another, they sailed down the river for
seven days, a distance of seventy leagues, as they estimated it, or two hundred
and ten miles, when they reached the mouth of the Wisconsin, and, on the 18th
of June, glided into the gentle current of the Mississippi, ' with a joy that I
cannot express,' says Marquette."
Thus, for the first time in authentic history, did the eyes of white men behold
the land, now so richly developed, in the valley of the Upper Mississippi. As the
voyagers floated down the stream they beheld no traces of human life for fifteen
days. At that time they discovered footprints leading from the bank, near the
southern boundary of the present State of Iowa. The little band followed this
path until they came to a village of Illinois Indians. The exact locality of this
first landing is in dispute. Some writers argue that the site was not far from
the Flint Hills, below Burlington, while others claim that the honor belongs to
Lee County. Be that as it may, it is positively known that a landing was
effected in the territory subsequently included in the county of Des Moines, as
established by the Michigan Territorial Legislature, and of which the county
of Muscatine was a part.
Longfellow has invested the reception of the explorers by the Indians with
a romantic and poetic halo which time cannot efface. In his " Song of Hia-
watha " he describes the scene thus :
'■ Came a people
From the distant land of Wabun ;
From the farthest realms of morning
Came the Black-Robe chief, the Prophet,
He the Priest of prayer, the Pale-face,
With his guides and his companions.
" And the noble Hiawatha,
With his hands aloft extended,
Held aloft in sign of welcome.
Cried aloud and spake in this wise :
' Reautiful is the sun, 0 strangers.
When you come so far to see us !
All our town in peace awaits you,
All our doors stand open for you ;
You shall enter all our wigwams.
For the heart's right hand we give you.
Never bio aned the earth so gayly.
Never shone the sun so brightly,
As to-day they shine and blossom
When you come so far to see us.'
" And the Black-Robe chief made answer,
Stammered in his speech a little,
Speaking words yet unfamiliar:
' Peace be with you, Hiawaiha,
Peace be with you and your people.
Peace of prayer, and pence of pardon, ,
Peace of Christ, and joy of Mary ! '
388 • HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
"Then tlie generous Hiawatlia
Leil the strangers to his wigwam,
Seated them on skins of bison,
Seated them on skins of ermine.
Brought tliom food in bowls of bass-wood,
Water brought in b:i-chen dippers.
And the caUimet, the peace-pipe,
Filled and liglited for their smoking.
All the old men of the village,
All the warriors of the nation.
Came to bid the strangers welcome ;
' It is well,' they said, ' 0 brother.
That you came so far to see us.' "
In 1680, Hennepin, a Franciscan missionary, passed along the whole east-
ern shore of Iowa, ascending the Mississippi from the Illinois River. He was
the first explorer of the Mississippi above the Wisconsin River. Two years
later, La Salle entered the Mississippi from the Illinois River, and passed down
to the Gulf of Mexico. On the 9th of April, 1682, he unfurled the banner of
the King of France at the mouth of the great river, and in the name of his
sovereign took formal possession of the whole country watered by it, and by all
the rivers that flow into it. In this act he named the country Louisiana, and the
Mississippi, Colbert River, in honor of Louis XIV, and his distinguished
minister of finance; names that Hennepin also used in his "Description of
Louisiana," published at Paris, in 168-3. Marquette, in his map, fulfilled his
promise, and named the Mississippi Conception River, though his journal
always speaks of it as the Mississippi.
For loO years after its discovery, the territory now comprising the State of
Iowa, remained under the dominion, first of France, and then of Spain. At
only two points in Iowa are any traces left of the dominion of the Spaniard,
viz., at Dubuque and Montrose.
Julien Dubuque was a native of Canada, and came to Prairie du Chien
when a young man, and obtained permission of the Fox Indians about the year
1788, to work the mines surrounding the city that now bears his name. In
1795 the Spanish Governor, Carondelet, it is reported confirmed the privilege.
Here Dubuque spent his life, engaged in mining and trade, until his death in
1810. No jii'ant of land was made him, and a claim to a grant was decided
adversely by the Supreme Court of the United States, in 1854.
Toward the close of the last century, Lewis Tesson {alias Honore), a Cana-
dian, came down from Prairie du Chien to the head of the lower rapids, among
the Sacs and Foxes, at their invitation, and established a trading-post. The
Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana (Zenon Trudeau), gave him permis-
sion (St. Louis, March 30, 1799) to settle there, with the concessions of a suf-
ficient space " tO make the establishment valuable and useful to the commerce
of peltries, to watch the Indians, and keep them in the fidelity they owe to their
Majesty." He lived there with his family for several years, surrounded his
establishment with picket and rail fences, erected buildings and a trading-house,
planted gardens, and an orchard of a hundred trees. Falling in debt at St.
Louis, the whole property was seized (March 27, 1803), under the Spanish law,
and sold at public sale at the door of the parish church, in St. Louis, at the
conclusion of high mass, the people coming out in great number, after due
notice given, in a high and intelligible voice by the public crier of the town, on
three successive Sundays (May 1. 8 and 15, 1803). On the first Sunday,
the only bid for the property was $25. On the second Sunday, ^30 was bid.
On the third Sunday, at the third and last adjudication, §100 was bid, and
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 391
subsequently $150, by Joseph Robidoux, Tesson's creditor, •' which was repeated
until 12 o'clock at noon; and the public retiring, the said Robidoux demanded
a deed of his bid. It was cried at 1 o'clock, at 2 o'clock, and at 3 o'clock, and
no other persons presenting themselves, the said land and appurtenances were
adjudged to him for the mentioned price of $150, which sum, having to receive
himself, he gave no security,"
This grant and sale constitute the oldest legal title to land in Iowa, and are
the only acts, under the Spanish administration and law that have affected the
disposition of any portion of its soil. They were confirmed by the United
States, and sustained by the Supreme Court, against those holding under other
claims, in 1852.
In 1803, the United States Government purchased the Louisiana Territory
from France, for |15,000,000. In 1805, Lieut. Pike explored the Mississippi,
under authority of the Government. In 1816, Lieut, Col. William Lawrence,
with eight hundred men, built Fort Armstrong on Rock Island.
Trading-posts were established, by consent of both the Government and the
Indians, at various points along the Mississippi, after the establishment of the
fort on Rock Island. Among the earliest within the old county of Des Moines
was one near the present site of Burlington. This was a branch of the Ameri-
can Fur Company, and was under the management of John W. Johnson.
The Indian name for Flint Hills, or Burlington, as it is now called, was
"Shok-ko-kon." As that subsequently became the capital of this region, being
the first point in date of settlement, we quote a letter from Isaac R. Campbell,
descriptive of a visit to that region in 1821. The statement concerning the first
steamboat which ascended the Upper Mississippi is disputed. It is claimed, by
one authority, that the first boat to pass above the Rapids of the Des Moines
was the "Virginia," of Wheeling, which made the trip to Galena, in May, 1823.
Still another authority declares that the "Mexico," for Fort Snelling, was the
first. We give Mr. Campbell's letter in full, and do not assume the responsibility
of affirming all his statements. The main purpose is to secure as full a descrip-
tion of the original settlements as is possible. He' wrote thus: "I first visited
this locality in June, 1821, it being then a wilderness and inhabited by the Sac
and Fox tribes of Indians. The first marks I observed indicating the proximity
of the white man were at Puck-eshe-tuc, or 'Foot of Rapids,' now Keokuk. A
log cabin had been erected here one year before this, under the supervision of
Dr. Samuel C. Muir, a surgeon in the United States Army, located at Fort
Edwards, now Warsaw, 111. The next settlement, and probably the first made
by a white man in this country, was six miles above, at Lemoliese, now San-
dusky, a French trader occupying this post, being engaged in traffic with the
natives; his nearest neighbor, Blondeau, resided about one mile aboye. Monsieur
Lemoliese had a very amiable lady for a wife, who was fond of dress. She
frequently, to please him, arrayed her person in gown, bonnet and shoes, but
could not be prevailed up6ri to continue the costume, as her native garb — the
blanket and petticoat — were more congenial to her feelings and taste.
"At the head of the Rapids was Montrose, an Indian village. The chief's
name, in English, was ' Cut Nose.' Below the creek running into the river, on
the lower side of the Indian town, were the remains of a deserted trading-house,
around which were growing a number of apple-trees.
" On the opposite side of the river (Nauvoo), was another village of the Sac
tribe, Qunsli-quaw-me, chief. I have often heard it remarked that this digni-
tary originally sold all the land embraced in the State of Illinois to the United
States Government. The Nauvoo mansion, formerly the residence of the
392 FIISTORV OF MUSCATINK COUNTY.
prophet. Joseph Smith, occupies u portion of their grave-yard, where many a
warrior's bones have long since moldered into dust.
"As we passed on up the river, the next place of attraction was old Fort
Madison, ten miles above the head of the Rapids, situated on the west side, half
a mile below a sand-bluff, aiising almost perpendicularly from the water's edge.
This fort was constructed by Col. Zachary Taylor, and named in honor of James
Madison, PresidcTit of the United States.
"After leaving this old fort, on the second day we arrived, by keelboat, at
Shok-ko-kon (Flint Hills), now Burlington, situated on the Avest side of the river,
about twenty miles above. Here was a trading-post, occupant's name I have
forgotten, and at the mouth of Flint CT'eek, or River, a short distance above,
was located a Fox or Musquaka village. Its ruler and law-giver Avas the
patriarch chief, Timea. Fifteen or twenty miles further up the river, on the
east side, was Oquawko (Lower Yellow Banks). This point I did not visit,
and will not attempt to give any account of its early history.
" 1 will now retrace ray steps down the river, to the North Fabius, in Lewis
County, Mo., eight miles west of Quincy, where I remained on a farm for four
years. During this period, I had occasion to travel over Lee County more than
once, and at one time in company Avith an Lidian for my guide, I started for
' Cut-Xose riUa(/e' (Montrose), and on arriving at the Des Moines Ave found it
swollen so much as to compel us to SAvim our cattle and construct a raft to cross
our wagon and load. After being securely landed on the east bank of the river,
after packing up, we pursued our journey, ascending the high lands above
Grave-yard Bluff (Buena Vista), and folloAving the divide between the Missis-
sippi and iSe-sa-i?cav-qua-se/>o (Sugar Creek). Traveling east of north, Ave soon
came in sight of a lone tree, stand upon the margin of the bluff, tAvo miles
southAvestof our destination. This familiar landmark, to my guide, assured us
Ave Avere traveling in the right direction, and by increasing our speed Ave were
soon at our journey's end, completing the first trip made through Southern Iowa
by wagon and ox-team.
"While residing at Commerce, 111., where I located in 1825, I formed the
acquaintance of Black HaAvk, by agreeing Avith him to erect a stone wall for
the sum of $8, around the remains of his daughter, buried near my house, and
the compliance Avith this contract, upon ray part, engendered a feeling of
friendship for me which I reciprocated. It resulted, finally, in the strongest ties
of friendship, and lasted until the day of his death. I have noAv many relics
presented to me by him, Avhich I hold sacred and dear — one memento in partic-
ular— a buckskin purse, made and given to me by him, the day before his death.
" This renowned warrior possessed many sterling qualities, which could
only be appreciated by those who knew him as intimately as myself. He never
had but one Avife, being opposed, personally, to the custom of polygamy, although
never interfering with others of his tribe Avho approved and practiced this evil.
His 31et-a-mo (old Avoman) Avas a good houscAvife. The arrangement of the
interior Avigwam Avas systematic and clean, and the burnished camp-kettle her
greatest pride.
" 1 tried hard to dissuade him from the Avar-path in 1831, but he persisted
in his determination, and paid dearly for refusing to profit by my counsel. On
his return after his captivity, he paid me a visit, acknoAvlcdged his error, and
pledired me never ajjain to refuse e;ood advice, Avhich he observed the remainder
of his life. His days Avere ended (1838) on the east bank of the Des Moines
River, at Stump ToAvn, a point Avhere the railroad diverges from the river beloAv
lowaville, noAv Independent.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 393
" Our commerce, from 1821 to 1832, did not increase in tonnage to any
extent. I made several trips during this time on keelboats, from St. Louis to
Galena, 111. A number of these boats were owned by Capt. Wliite, and navi-
gated by him, as freighters, on the Upper Mississippi.
" Capt. James White informed me that his first voyage up the Mississippi
was on the steamboat " Mandan," being forty days en route from New Orleans
to the foot of the Rapids, which she attempted to ascend, but could get no
higher than Filly Rock, on account of heavy draught and the want of a correct
knowledge of the channel by the pilot. He informed me that the Indians, at
several localities above St. Louis, were badly frightened, running in every
direction when the boat first hove in sight. As they had never witnessed the
like before, many of them thought this aquatic monster was the Man-i-tou-ke-
suth (evil spirit or devil), coming to call them for a final reckoning. The next
steamer that succeeded in ascending the Rapids was the " Pike," which, bv
many, has been considered the first steamboat that traversed the Upper Missis-
sippi, which is correct so far as being the first to go above the Des Moines
Rapids."
The last statement is open to discussion, as is almost every one relating to
priority .
Capt. Clark, at one time Harbor-master at St. Louis, says that he com-
manded the first steamer that ever ascended the Upper Mississippi. It was the
" Mexico," and was laden with stores for Fort Snelling, and the trip was made
in 1826 or 1827. The boat was a low-pressure steamer. In the vicinity of
Prairie du Chien, the Winnebago Indians attacked the boat, and the assault
was reported to Col. Snelling, who supplied the boat with muskets and two
barges, to resist an attack on the return trip. The journey occupied three
months. LTpon descending the river, the Indians again made a savage onslaught,
in forty canoes. A fierce fight ensued, and the crew was, at one time, reduced
to onl,y seven available men. The Indians ran out of ammunition, and so
ended the fight. Subsequently, Gen. Cass, while in command of Fort Craw-
ford, sent 1,600 soldiers to punish the Indians for this assault. Gen. Atkinson
commanded the troops. He captured a large number of Indians, and executed
eighteen of them, while others were retained as hostages.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE WHITE MAN.
A period is now reached in the history of this section that is more local in
its character. When once the foot of the white man has trodden upon new soil,
there is no power strong enough to turn back the tide of immigration. It is the
fate of barbarous peoples to give way before the superior races. As is shown
in the General History which precedes this portion of the work, the portion of
Iowa in which Muscatine County is located was included in the first cession of
lands from the Indians, known as the "'Black Hawk Purchase." The war
inaugurated by the noted Brave, which resulted so disastrously to the red men,
opened up eastern Iowa to the whites. The fame of the newly-purchased
territory spread rapidly throughout the East, and men who felt a desire to
improve their condition in life by beginning anew in an undeveloped country
were persuaded to venture over the imaginary boundary into the lands thus
acquired, even before the limit placed on the Indian occupancy had expired.
There was the usual eagerness to be first, which is always manifested by
pioneers.
394 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
It SO chanced that, in 1829, while yet the Indians were in undisputed pos-
session of this region, two white men were employed to work upon the
trading-post buildings at Flint Hills. These men, Simpson S. White and Amzi
Doolittle, foresaw the inevitable transfer of the lands to the Government, at no
very distant day, and were shrewd enough to explore the country adjacent to
the post. As soon as they had investigated the matter, they made selections
and patiently awaited the time when they could claim the same. Nor
had they many years to wait, for, in 1832, the purchase of lands was made.
In the fall of that year, a company of some score or more made a preliminary
exploration of the region adjoining Flint Hills. White and Doolittle then
laid claim to the site of Burlington, and David Tothero staked out a farm
about three miles from that point, but back from the river. These men built
cabins, and disregarded the provisions of the treaty with the Indians, which
stipulated that no settlements should be made prior to June 1, 1833.
In February, 1833, twelve or fifteen families moved into the Purchase,
near Flint Hills. In the spring of that year, Jefferson Davis, then a Lieutenant
in the army, stationed at Rock Island, with a squad of men, drove the invading
settlers from their claims, burned the few cabins and destroyed the improve-
ments. Most of the settlers retired no further than the head of the island,
just below Burlington, and on the 1st of June returned to their claims. Thus
began the settlement of Southern Iowa.
In 1:833, Capt. Benjamin W. Clark established a claim to the lands where
Buffalo now stands, in Scott County. Clark was the first settler there, and
instituted a fen-y between his place and a point opposite. This was the first
ferry between Burlington and Dubuque. In 183(3, Clark laid out the town of
Buffalo.
SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY.
INTRODUCTORY.
Less than half a century has elapsed since the first cabin was erected in
Muscatine County, and many of the settlers who came during the first decade
of its existence still live to tell of the events of those days. But even now, at
this comparatively early period, some conflicts of statement occur. It is a
recognized fact that witnesses of the same scene will not relate the occurrence
exactly alike if called upon to do so. Like the blind men of the East in the
fable, who attempted to describe the elephant by feeling of him, each tells part
of the story aright, while each differs from the others through some mistaken
sense of the whole subject. Besides, memory at best is treacherous, and inci-
dents are oftentimes confused with more recent matters, until men are willing to
state positively as truth what others are equally ready to pronounce erroneous.
It is, therefore, impossible for a writer to satisfy all who contribute to his fund
of information. In the preparation of these pages one rule above all others has
been adhered to, and that is to give authorities for statements in dispute, and to
express opinions only on the side of the preponderance of evidence. Facts are
given as such when substantiated by unquestionable records ; reminiscences are
related on the strength of reliable recitals, and mooted questions are ''presented
with the differing opinions of those who raise the doubt.
As becomes the character of this work, which will hereafter form the stand-
ard of historic fact in this county, more care has been given to the obtaining
and compilation of data than in any previous work. Several brief sketches
have been published, which were more or less accurate, but none of them agree
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 395
fully with the information gathered by the writer and given in order here. All
possible sources of knowledge bearing upon the history of the county have been
sought after, and liberal use, with ample credit, has been made of them.
No effort has been made to please all, for such an attempt would prove
futile ; but a decided effort has been put forth to make this an accurate work of
future reference, a readable work for present enjoyment,, and a standard work
of the history of Muscatine County.
" Had we realized in those early days," remarked one of the pioneers to the
writer, ''that we were making history, a detailed record of events would have
been transcripted from week to week. But what incentive had we for such a
task ? There were no startling incidents in our daily lives. Many of us came
here supposing this would prove to be but a temporary abiding-place. It was a
struggle for existence. For one of us to have predicted the development
of Muscatine County to its present condition within the life-time of our little
company, would have been ample ground for writing him down as either a silly
dreamer or a positive lunatic. We began on so small a scale that the idea
of preserving our movements in the form of a record never entered our minds.
Had we the same experience to go through with again, we would profit by our
mistakes of the past, and be able to produce reliable data for the historians who
should come after us."
Fortunately for the purposes of history, there still live within accessible
range of the writer many of the first settlers, and from them the unwritten part
of the history of Muscatine County is gathered.
The history of a county is usually little more than the compilation of imper-
fect records, partial traditions and vague legends. Very few of the counties
have preserved with proper care the archives of the earliest days of their exist-
ence. Society was crude, and men were unsuited by experience to places of
ofiicial responsibility. No one thought that the careless transcripts of primary
meetings would one day form the staple of history. The duty of scribe was irk-
some to the pioneers, when necessity compelled some Avritten evidence of organ-
izing transactions ; and brief, indeed, were the minutes of almost every public
assembly.
History is but a record of the present when time has made it the past.
Each act in one's life may be a topic of importance in the pages yet to be written.
Nothing is too trivial or uninteresting in the routine affairs of those who mingle
with public men to be unworthy of a place in the diary of the local recorder of
events. Some minor matter may serve to corroborate and affirm the time and
method of a far mightier occurrence.
The history of Muscatine County, however, differs from the general rule in
this important particular. Instead of being dependent upon crippled records or
unstable traditions, the story is composed of original statements, gathered
expressly for this work, from those principal participants in the thrilling scenes
of the past who still live within the county in the enjoyment of the blessings
which accrue from lives of enterprising industry.
Muscatine County is yet in its infancy, so far as years are concerned; but
by its prosperity it holds a commanding place among the counties of the State.
The brevity of its political life is not only favorable to the historian, affording
him ample opportunities for communion with the original pioneers, but it is
also significant in a material sense, inasmuch as it foreshadows a grander devel-
opment of its inexhaustible resources within the life-time of those who are now
partaking of the fruits of their labors here. If but a generation, estimated by
the popular standard, is required to redeem the wilderness from a primeval
396 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
State, clothe the prairies with richest crops and dot them with modern dwelling-
houses, may we not reasonably anticipate a far more rapid advancement toward
wealth during the quarter of a century yet to come?
Those who entered upon the work of converting the wild lands into civil-
ized abodes, began with no other assistance than ^trong hands and stout hearts.
The patient ox, the sharp ax, the primitive hoe, the cradle and the scythe were
man's only dependence. Mechanic art was then in its swaddling-clothes. Cum-
bersome mechanism had been applied to the planting and harvesting of crops,
but those who favored the innovation on time-honored customs were tabooed
and looked upon Avith pitiful astonishment.
But more than all else, the pioneers who made the first bold strokes for
homes in the lovely land of Iowa were poor, almost without exception. Had
there been unlimited numbers of improved appliances for agriculture at their
very doors, they could not have availed themselves of the opportunities, from
lack of means. And therein lies the pith and marrow of the credit due the
noble vanguards of the West. From nothing but that which nature lavishly
supplied, they buihled strong and well. They labored with the energy of heroes,
and deserve the reward of veterans.
But half a century has passed since the Indians exercised high dominion
over these broad prairies and shady groves. Here their feasts were celebrated,
their lodges established, their councils held, their dead buried, and, within that
time, also, the painted bands of warriors have disappeared on their forced
march westAvard, Avhile the setting sun — typical of the waning glory of their
race — threw grotesque shadows of their trains on the crude farms of the venture-
some white man.
Brief indeed have been the days between the era of savagery and the era of
civilization. But, short as that intervening space has been, it was ample for
the soAving of seeds Avhich Avill, beyond peradventure, bear marvelous fruitage.
The hand of intelligent man was laid upon this region, as it Avere, but j^'ester-
day. To-day, one beholds the finest farms, the best tilled acres, the richest
orchards, the most substantial buildings and the newest implements of hus-
bandry that can be met Avith throughout the length and breadth of " Beautiful
loAva."
Where once the fierce blasts of Avinter hoAvled with increasing monotony
over unobstructed plains, the dense grove noAV stands a barrier betAveen man
and the elements, in silent protest against the forces of the air. Where once
the single camp-fire of the, lonely hunter AATeathed its slender spire of smoke as
he reposed, solitary and silent, near the beaten path of the deer, there now
ascend the choking fumes of many furnaces, as they glow and roar in the busy
centers of manufacture. Churches and schoolhouses — those edifices Avhich pro-
claim the moral development of a country and represent the two greatest factors
in the problem of civilization — dot the prairie on every hand. At the centers
of trade these institutions stand, eloquent evidences of the intelligence of the
populace, and point to a still grander outcome.
Wealth has succeeded poverty, and priA'^ation has given Avay to comfort.
The children of the pioneers have groAvn up surrounded by refining inlluences,
and bear the stamp of training in a broader school than their parents were
privileged to attend. Books and music have their appropriate places in the
farmhouses, and social intercourse is no longer restricted to the range of
ox-cart communication. The finest horses, the choicest animals, the largest
herds graze in rich pasture-lands. It is no longer necessary to " turn the cat-
tle into the big lot," as a pioneer expressed his early method of caiing for his
HISTORY 01- MUSCATINE COUNTY. 39T
r,„,,i<,nt oxen Fences mark the boundaries of farms and subdivisions of farms
A, ,ea. succeeds vear, tlie flocks increase in numbers and cond,t,on and the
q:^o?rEast;find profit in— ^^^^^
ranks far, below the open praine-lands in point of value ^o^^^^J^^^ ^
genius has found a -^y to meet the requ.eme^^^^^^^ 'Sence, t is fofind
coal is rapidly becoming an ff^'^'^.f^J^^^^^^^^^ than for
that groves are prized more for the sake ot their protective quai
"^ ^£r?orerivlfs:Z:ttc„u,pelied to traverse the country for flour
and^'::rs,:nrcLs„m,ng days in the tedious J-'-y-'-^-^^S ™"S
:;!r;rtru^^ri;-t":?f.rdrto^
without ^"n'Hf . « «™" "J °"^/S few cam Vom oth?r and older local-
TliPrP mnvbe miich truth in the often-repeated assurance that girls Avere
iheie may be mucn i uui ^^ potimate of excellence be based upon
worth more m the ear y days, if ^^e estiina e ot exce ^ ^ [^^^
physical prowess and domestic -faculty; but it ™"^y^J^^^^7 ^ ^^^
each generation plays its separate part m the drama of life. As the poet
writes of individuals.^ ^ ^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^.^^^,^ ^ ^^^^^^^
And all the men anu women merely players ;
They hsive their exits and their entrances, ^
And one man. in his time, plays many parts.
if tould be as just't^ condemn the young man of to-day because he .s not drdled
398 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
in woodcraft and able to read the marks of Nature like the red man. The
fathers who paved tlie way for the introduction of modern ideas, needed, per-
force, to know the signs by which the Indian chief governed the warriors of
his band ; but those symbols are obsolete now, and would lumber the mind with
useless information.
The man whose genius introduced tlie principles of mechanics into the
working of farms, signed the last pages of tlie first volume of the history of tlie
pioneers, and inaugurated a new era from which the present power of man must
be calculated. The farmer who tills a thousand acres now is surely no weaker
than he whose limits were a hundred in the "good old days." Yet the muscu-
lar development has not increased during the half-century past. It is mind,
not matter, which governs, and the tendency of this age, which is truly termed
the mechanical, is to produce maximum results from minimum forces. The
laborious method of planting and harvesting by hand has given way to the
more admirable plan of employing mechanical devices in the work.
Muscatine County ranks her neighboring counties in just the degree that
her intelligence has progressed. The end is far away, for the improvements
over the original settlement are insignificant compared with the capabilities of
her men and the possibilities of her resources. Nature has lavished abundant
wealth upon her, and it remains for man to extract it from the earth. The farms
are inexhaustible in productive qualities, if rightly cultivated. The future
promises much more marked clianges in every branch of trade and commerce,
and there remains for her inhabitants an enviable harvest of results.
Pleasant for situation, rich in material wealth, peopled by intelligent men
and abounding in an atmosphere of mental health, the county' of Muscatine is
destined to become a leading one in the Northwest, as it is to-day a leading one
in the State. The responsibility of developing it is intrusted to good men
and true, and the dawn of the twentieth century will behold in this fair region
a source of constant pride.
WHO WAS THE FIRST SETTLER.
It is not unfrequently a most difficult question to determine Avho was the
original settler in even the coinparatively young counties of Iowa. Muscatine
County presents a case of peculiar embarrassment to one who seeks earnestly
to ascertain the truth and to do impartial work as a chronicler of historic
events. The writer of these lines found that the prevailing sentiment relative
to priority was in favor of Benjamin Nye, when first the labor of compiling
these records began ; but no sooner was the eftbrt put f<3rth to substantiate the
the claim of Mr. Nye, than the subject became one of grave doubt.
It was ascertained that the basis of much of the historical belief was a
very carefully prepared sketch of the settlement of the county, gotten up in
connection with a directory of Muscatine City, in 1856, by Mr. John Mahin,
now senior editor of the Muscatine Journal. Mr. Mahin devoted conscientious
labor to his volume, and made it an accejitable authority on all topics embraced
in its table of contents. From that book numerous other similar works have
drawn liberally in the preparation of historical sketches, and they could do so
with safety, as many of the old settlers unhesitatingly pronounced the original
Directory an unusually accurate book. Thus it has become generally under-
stood that the party therein accredited with the honor of being the first settler,
was in reality the pioneer.
However, the oft-repeated statement has led to the discussion of the ques-
tion, both in private and through the press, and the Avriter finds himself
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COJNTY. 399
confronted at the very outset with contradictory reports which cannot be ignored.
In such cases we have but one rule to follow, and that is to give the statements
of all parties who are able to throw any light on the subject, and leave the
matter in that shape. It is clearly a question which never will be definitely
determined beyond the point reached by us in these pages. It is a mooted
question, upon which but one party can now be interrogated. There are no wit-
nesses living to substantiate the assertions of either claimants, nor can there be
found any documentary evidence to corroborate the declarations of interested
parties.
The evidence before the writer deprives Mr. Nye of the honor of priority and
accords it to Err Thornton and his brother Lott Thornton. Mr. Err Thornton is
still living, near Drury's Landing in Illinois. From him is obtained the informa-
tion that he and his brother first came to this region and made claim to lands
within the limits of the present county of Muscatine, in the fall of 1833.
The site chosen by them was on the slough, about twelve miles south of the
existing corporation of Muscatine City. It is not claimed that they brought
their families with them at the time, but merely that they made preliminary
claims, and erected a cabin on the spot designated. To prove that this assertion
is not one of recent origin, but that it bears evidences of having been made to
correct the statement in the Directory, the writer has before him a memorandum-
book belonging to Mr. J. P. Walton, a gentleman whose tastes and habits in the
direction of collecting and preserving memoranda, historic and scientific data,
etc., are well known. In passing, we may observe, also, that Mr. Walton's
collection of books, papers, and documents is the best and most extensive we
have found in Muscatine. Thei'efore, when it is shown that Mr. W. made
entry of a statement uttered to him on February 21, 1863, the reader will per-
ceive that the claim made by Mr. Thornton is no new one. At the time
just named, Mr. Thornton declared that he came to this section in the fall of
1833. and at that period there was no cabin standing in the present county
limits.
There are several old settlers who remember hearing Mr. Thornton make
the same statement, but we have not discovered any written memorandum of
the conversation, dating back any considerable time, except the foregoing. Mr.
Suel Foster is inclined to believe that Mr. Thornton's claim is good, and
numerous others might be mentioned. But, as has been stated, no one can give
positive evidence on this point, except Mr. Thornton himself; and while his
word is unquestionable and his standing from the first has always been high in
the community in which he lived, there is still the possibility of his being mis-
taken as to the year. If he is in error, it is solely an error of recollection.
There is no man foolish enough to assert that the memory is always beyond
suspicion.
John McGrew came to this region in December, 1834. His own statement of
his arrival here, and whom he found living here at the time, was published in
the Journal December 3, 1874. It is as follows : Mr. McGrew crossed the
Mississippi at New Boston. He stopped at an Indian village called Blackhawk,
and there made arrangements with an Indian to act as guide. He was
informed that two white settlers were living about twenty miles above. Fol-
lowing a trail along the river, McGrew and his guide came to the newly-erected
cabins of Err and Lott Thornton, who had made a claim about twelve miles
below the site of Muscatine. After staying two days with the Thorntons, the
prospector continued his journey. He found Col. Davenport's man, Farnham,
keeping a little trading-house near the mouth of Pappoose Creek. There was
400 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
no other building on the site of Muscatine, nor any settler as far up as the site
of ButValo. McGrew crossed the river at that point, and returned to New
Boston. In February, 1835, McGrew returned to the Thornton settlement
and engaged in rail-splitting. In March, he staked out a claim and erected a
cabin near Lettsville. This was the first settlement on " High Prairie." In
1S86, Mr. McGrew married, and remained on the original claim until 1842,
when he bought a farm in Seventy-six Township.
Benjamin Nye, the other claimant, is no longer able to argue his own case.
His tragic death occurred in 1852, and is described further on in this work.
Like Mr. Thornton, he was a man whose word could be relied upon, and the
only possibility of error is through a failure to recollect dates. There is no
indisputable evidence as to his arrival in this county. In the Old Settlers'
Register, his name apjiears among those who came in 1834, but the entry was
not made until thirteen years after Mr. Nye's death, and was the work of the
Secretary. On the opposite page from that entry, Mrs. Nye's name is
recorded, under the year 1833. As the pioneer's wife did not, of course, pre-
cede her husband by a year, the entry is manifestly wrong. It is not claimed
by Mr. Nye's friends that he moved here prior to 1834, and some of the settlers
even place his couung in the fall of that year. The custom of the period, and
the usual methods of making a claim, aid us somewhat in the solution of the
problem. It was necessary for a man to "prospect" and make a selection
before he could secure a satisfactory site for a farm. It was customary, also,
for men to go into the wilderness -in advance of their families, and prepare the
way for the more delicate sex. Few pioneers moved their families before
determining the exact spot upon which they were to locate, and it is unreason-
able to believe that Mr. Nye was one of the exceptional class. He evidently
made his claim after careful investigation, because the site chosen was such a
one as was then deemed especially good. It embraced the dual advantages of
a mill-site and a town site.
When John McGrew made his trip through this region in December, 1834,
he discovered no traces of settlement at the mouth of Pine River. It is possi-
ble that Mr. McGrew is mistaken as to there being no cabin there. Even the
Indians, who were most likely to know of invasions on their domain, might not
have learned of the existence of the new cabin, within the few weeks which
elapsed between the autumn months and December of that year. It is asserted
that they knew of the Thornton claim, but McGrew says that those men had
been there long enough to secure a crop of })rairie hay.
Charles Drury accompanied the Thorntons across the river, when they
moved into the county with their families. That event transpired, according
to his recollection, which is shown to be excellent in other matters, in the
spring or summer of 1835.
Mrs. Azuba N3'e, whose death occurred just prior to the writer's visit to
the county, and thereby deprived him of a personal interview, asserted positively
that she moved to Pine River in 1834.
In view of all these statements, there remains no alternative but to leave
the question of original settlement still undecided so far as the men were con-
cerned, and to accord Mrs. Nye precedence in the line of pioneer women. The
right of priority rests between Err and Lett Thornton and Benjamin Nye, and,
<o far as we can see, there is no possibility of determining beyond cavil which
of the men is entitled to the name of first settler. There is nothing shown
which proves that the Thorntons came prior to the summer of 1834, but they
must have been here as early as that, in order to have secured the hay which
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 401
McGrrew saw iu December of that year. It is, therefore, reasonable to
suppose that an error of one year occurred in Mr. Thornton's recollection, and
that the first settlement was effected by both claimants, in the summer and
fall, respectively, of 1884.
At the beginnini!; of 1885, the settlements in this section were three in
number : The Davenport claim, whore Muscatine stands ; the Nye claim, at
the mouth of Pine River, and the Thornton claim, on the slough, toward the
South.
In May of that year, the first gentle swell of the tide of immigration was
felt. James W. Casey laid claim to the land just south of the Davenport
claim, and began improving the same, with the intention of locating a town
thereon. This locality was soon known as Casey's Landing, and subsequently
as Newburg.
Arthur Washburn moved from New Y^ork State, and stopped at Casey's
Landing during the summer of 1835.
Dr. P]li Reynolds chose a tract of land three miles up the river from Daven-
port's trading-house, whore he afterward, in conjunction with Harvey Gillett.
laid out a town and called it Geneva.
In 1885, Dr. Reynolds was elected, from this section of old Des Moines
County, to the Belmont Legislature. In the winter of 1887-')8, he attempted
to secure the relocation of the county seat at his '' town," but failed. The
bill authorizing the change was passed by the Legislature, but when the news
reached Bloomington, special parties were sent out in all directions, with pro-
tests ; and so formidable were the ex])ressions of disaj)proval from the people,
that Gov. Dodge vetoed tlio bill. Geneva is known only in history at the pres-
ent time.
Benjamin Nye also caused a town to be surveyed, at the mouth of Pine
River, about this time, and called the site Montpelier. The only evidence of
the existence of such a place is the name, which is attached to the township in
which the survey was made. The plat was staked out about twelve miles
above the present city of Muscatine.
W. P. Wright, of Montpelier Township, still resides upon the farm claimed
by his father in 1836. Some time since he celebrated his silver weddini',.
Mr. Wright's father was a Kcntuckian and a slaveholder; but in 1836, he sold
his plantation for fll>,500, and came to Iowa, to get away from the evils of the
"peculiar institution." lie nevei' realized more than the |!500, the balance
being lost by breach of trust. Mr. Wright's homestead is regarded as the
oldest in the county.
It is impossible to give a list of those who came to this county in 1835, as
there were, doubtless, a few who did not remain long enough to gain even the
title of pioneer.
The year 1886 was one of marked improvements in this region. Col. Van-
ater purchased the claim of Davenport, in February, as is fully described in
the chapter on Muscatine City, and many people took up their residence within
the limits of the newly-advertised domain.
By an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved December 14, 1838,
Joseph Williams and Charles Alexander Warfield were authorized to keep a
ferry across the Mississippi, at Bloomington, and for one mile above and below
the town, provided horse or steam power was used, and no individual rights of
proprietorship in the lands on either side of the river, where landings were
made, were interfered with. This license was not improved, however, and
lapsed, because of inaction.
402 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
By an act of the same body, approved December 29, 1838, Aaron Usher
and Thomas M. Groom were authorized to keep a ferry across the Mississippi,
opposite the town of Wyoming, with landing at Illinois City.
Benjamin Nye was authorized to construct a mill-dam across Pine Creek,
at any point on the northwest quarter of Section 21, Township 77 north,
Range 1 east, and to erect mills and other machinery, etc., by act of the Leg-
islature approved January 12, 183i>.
THE FIRST POST OFFICE.
In 1836, Maj. William Gordon laid claim to the tract of land adjoining, or
near to Benjamin Nye's farm, and there opened a little trading-post. Arthur
Washburn acted as clerk for the Major. Sometime that year a post office was
established at that point, and Mr. Washburn was made Postmaster. The name
of the office was "Iowa."
EARLY MILLS.
Weare Long built the first saw-mill in the county, in 1837, on Sweetland
Creek ; but there was not sufficient water to run the machinery at all times.
The building fell down and was rebuilt, in 1845, by Calvin Bruce and J. P.
Walton, but never amounted to much.
Benjamin Nye's grist-mill, at the mouth of Pine River, was the first grind-
ing-mill erected in the county, in 1837.
In 1837, Eli Reynolds and John Lawson built a steam saw-mill at the
mouth of Lime Creek, at Geneva, the first steam-mill in the county. Robert
Smith brought up the engine and machinery from St. Louis, and was retained
as engineer by Reynolds & Lawson. In the spring of 1838, John Vanater
purchased Lawson's interest. In later years, the mill was taken down and
removed to Muscatine, where it was changed into a stave-factory.
Vanderpool post office was established early in 1838, and S. C. Comstock
was appointed Postmaster. Amos Walton was made Deputy. This was the
third post office in the county. Mr. Comstock resigned his position before the
year was out, and Mr. Walton succeeded him. The name was changed to
Geneva. Mr. Walton remained in office until the time of his death, which
occurred in 1841. The office was then discontinued. When Geneva was
platted, Harvey Gillett, one of the proprietors, went East to sell lots, and also
to move his family, consisting of wife and seven young daughters, to the new
" town." He had erected two hewed-log houses, and there was one other small
log shanty occupied by James Davis, Sheriff of the county. It transpired that
Amos Walton was at St. Louis when the Lovejoy murder occurred, and, being
an Abolitionist, he feared to settle in a slave State. He met Gillett on a
Mississippi steamboat, and was induced to come to Geneva. He reached there
in 1838. In 1878, the family of Mr. Walton, twelve in number, celebrated
the fortieth anniversary of his landing by a re-union at the deserted village of
Geneva. James Davis had a grocery in the place in 1838, and Amos Walton
kept the post office in his own little cabin.
J. P. Walton furnishes the following interesting statistics concerning the
Vanderpool post office. In those days, it was customary for the receiver to pay
the postage on letters, and more than one expectant man has been compelled to
leave his mail in the office for weeks, because of his inability to pay the amount
due thereon. A letter from St. Louis required 18| cents postage; one from
White Oak Springs, 18:^ cents ; one from Chicago or Toledo, 25 cents ; fi'om
Davenport, 12 cents; and from other points, in proportion. There was one
copy of the New York Observer, one of the New York Courier and 'Inquirer^
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 403
one Temperance Journal and one Olive Branch taken at the office regularly.
Thirteen copies of the Perrysville (Iowa) Banner were also received. The
Postmaster's average quarterly pay was $1.58f, or ^6.34^ per year.
FIRST SURVEY.
The first Government lines run in the county were surveyed in the winter
of 1836-37. During the following summer, the townships were subdivided
into sections. As frequent allusion has been made to the original settlers and
" claimants," it may be well to digress from the story of settlement long
enough to explain the nature of a "claim," define the process of selection, and
tell
HOW " CLAIMS " WERE MADE.
The claim-making of the early settlers in Iowa was a mode of settlement
peculiar to that portion of the public domain which was occupied prior to its
being surveyed by the General Government. Newhall, in his " Sketches of
Iowa," states that by mutual concession and an honorable adherence to neigh-
borhood regulations, claim-making was governed by a pro-tem. law, which
answered the purpose of general protection for the homes of the settlers until
the land came into the market. So general did this usage become, and so
united were the interests of the settlers, that it was deemed extremely hazard-
ous as well as highly dishonorable for a speculator or stranger to bid upon a
claim, even though it was not protected by a "pre-emption right." More than
one " war " was waged when such attempts as that were made, almost invariably
resulting in the rout of the interloper. Blood, in some instances, was shed in
defense of their recognized rights. When it was clearly understood what
improvements constituted a claim, and when the settler conformed to the " by-
laws " of his neighborhood, or township, it was just as much respected for the
time being as if the occupant had the Government patent for it. For instance,
if an emigrant came into the country for location, he looked from county to
county for a location. After having placed himself, he set about making an
improvement. To break five acres of ground would hold his claim for six
months ; or if a cabin was built, eight logs high with a roof, which was equiva-
lent to the plowing, he held it six months longer. He then staked out his half-
section of land, which was a full claim, generally one-quarter timber and one-
quarter prairie, and then his home was secure from trespass by any one. If
he chose to sell his " claim," he was at perfect liberty to do so, and the purchaser
succeeded to all the rights and immunities of the first settler. As an evidence
of the respect in which these claim-rights were held by the people of Iowa, we
quote here an act of the Legislative Council of the Territory, passed January
15, 1839, entitled, " An act to provide for the collection of demands growing
out of contracts for sales of improvements on public lands."
" Be it enacted, that all contracts, promises, assumpsits, or undertakings,
either written or verbal, which shall be made hereafter in good faith, and with-
out fraud, collusion or circumvention, for sale, purchase or payment of improve-
ments made on the lands owned by the Government of the United States, shall
be deemed valid in law or equity, and maybe sued for and recovered as in other
contracts.
" That all deeds of quitclaim, or other conveyance of all improvements
upon public lands, shall be as binding and effectual, in law and equity, between
the parties for conveying the title of the grantor in and to the same, as in cases
whei'e the grantor has the fee-simple to the premises conveyed."
404 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Previous to lands being brought into market, each township, nearly, had
its own organization throughout the Territory. This was to prevent unpleasant
litigation and to keep up a spirit of harmony among neighbors, and tiie better
to protect them in their equitable rights of "claim" purchase. A "call-
meeting" was announced something after this fashion : " The citizens of Town-
ship 76 north, Range 2 west, are requested to meet at 'Squire B 's, at Oak
Grove (or as the place or the time might be), to adopt the necessary measures
for securing their homes, at the approaching land-sales at B ." After a
short preamble and set of resolutions, suited to the occasion, a " Register " was
appointed, whose duty it was to record the name of each claimant to liis
respective "claim." A "bidder" was also appointed, whose duty it was on
the day of sale, to bid off all the land previously registered, in the name of
each respective claimant. Thus, everything moved along at the land sales with
the harmony and regularity of clock-work ; but if any one present was found
bidding over the minimum price ($1.25 per acre) on land registered in the
township, woe be to him !
When any controversy arose between the neighbors relative to trespassing
(or, in common parlance, "jumping a claim "), it was arbitrated by a committee
appointed for that purpose, and their decision was considered final.
Newhall describes a land-sale, which may bring up to the minds of some
of the old settlers a remembrance of one of those absorbing periods. He
says:
" Many are the ominous indications of its approach among the settlers.
Every dollar is sacredly treasured up. The precious 'mint-drops' take to
themselves wings and fly away from the merchant's till to the farmer's cup-
board. Times are dull in the towns, for the settler's home is dearer and sweeter
than the merchant's sugar and coffee. At length the wished-for day arrives.
The suburbs of the town present the scene of a military camp. The settlers
have flocked from far and near. The hotels are thronored to overflowing.
o
Bar-rooms, dining-rooms and wagons are metamorphosed into bedrooms.
Dinners are eaten from a table or a stump, and thirst is quenched from a bar or
a brook. Tbe sale being announced from the land office, the township bidder
stands near by, with the registry-book in hand, in which each settler's name is
attached to his respective half or quarter section, and thus he bids of\\ in the
name of the whole township, for each respective claimant. A thousand settlers
are standing by, eagerly listening when their quarter shall be called off. The
crier passes the well-known numbers ; his home is secure. He feels relieved ;
the litigation of 'claim-jumping ' is over forever ; he is lord of the soil. With
an independent step he walks into the land office, opens the time-worn saddle-
bags and counts out the $200 or $400, silver and gold, takes his certificate
from the (general Government and goes away rejoicing."
The meeting of claim-holders in each section usually adopted the order of
procedure which follows : A Register was chosen for each township, whose
duty it was to prepare a map, with the several claims indicated thereon ; a
bidder and assistant bidder were chosen to attend the sale and make the pur-
chases. Conflicts of claimants were submitted to a committee of three, who
had the power to settle all disputes. In event of a refusal by both parties to
arbitrate, the case was to be submitted to a committee of five. Claimants were
authorized to take as much as 320 acres. An equable arrangement was made
between adjoining claimants, where their claim-lines and the Government survey
failed to coincide. All persons over eighteen years of age were entitled to the
privileges of claimants.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 405
The following is a statistical table of monthly receipts at the Burlington
Land Office, during the first year and four months of its existence. Perhaps
no safer criterion can be drawn of the pre-eminent character that Iowa had
already attained than the receipts which this table exhibits of a country that,
only so late as June, 1833, was first subject to occupancy by the white man.
Of every hundred acres, it was estimated that ninety fell into the hands of the
actual settlers :
November 19, 18:^8, sold by public sale $295,495 61
January, 1889, by private entries and pre-emption 60,751 14
February, 18:59, ' " " " " 23,047 31
March, 1839, " " " " 8,778 46
April, 1839, " " " " 12,706 77
May, 1839, " " " " 15,675 93
June, 1839, " " " " 14,356 52
July, 1839, '• " " " 24,909 16
August, 1839, " " " " 8,216 32
September. 1839, " " " " 8,836 56
October, 1839, by public sales 47,487 91
November, 1839, by private entries 10,564 72
December, 1839, " " 3,868 11
January 1, 1840, " " 4,644 80
February, 1840, " '■ 5,420 56
March, 1840, by private entries and public sales inclusive 332,222 42
April, 1840, by private entries and pre-emptiou 29,834 22
June, 1840. by private sale and preemption 62,170 62
Total 1968,987 14
HOW PIONEERS LIVED
In choosing his home, the pioneer usually had an eye mainly to its location,
and for that reason settlers were oftener than not very solitary creatures, with-
out neighbors and remote from even the common conveniences of life. A desir-
able region was sure to have plenty of inhabitants in time, but it was the
advance-guard that suffered the privation of isolation. People within a score of
miles of each other were neighbors, and the natural social tendencies of man-
kind asserted themselves even in the wilderness by efiorts to keep up communi-
cation with even these remote fiimilies.
The first business of a settler on reaching the place where he intended to
fix his residence, was to select his claim and mark it off as nearly as he could
without a compass. This was done by stepping and staking or blazing the lines
as he went. The absence of section lines rendered it necessary to take the sun
at noon and at evening as a guide by which to run these claim-lines. So many
steps each way counted three hundred and twenty acres, more or less, the then
legal area of a claim. It may be readily supposed that these lines were far
from correct, but they answered all necessary claim purposes, for it was under-
stood among the settlers that when the lands came to be surveyed and entered,
all inequalities should be righted. Thus, if a surveyed line should happen to run
between adjoining claims, cutting off more or less of the other, the fraction was to
be added to whichever lot needed equalizing, yet without robbing the one from
which it was taken, for an equal amount would be added to it in another place.
The next important business was to build a house. Until this was done,
some' had to camp on the ground or live in their wagons, perhaps the only shel-
ter they had known for weeks. 'So the prospect for a house, which was also to
be home, was one that gave cotivage to the rough toil, and added a zest to the
heavy labors. The style of tlya home entered very little into their thoughts —
it was shelter they wanted, awl pi'otection from stress of weather and wearing
406 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
exposures. The poor settler had neither the money nor the mechanical appli-
ances for building himself a house. He was content, in most instances, to have
a mere cabin or hut. Some of the most primitive constructions of this kind
were half-faced, or, as they were sometimes called, " cat- faced " sheds or '• wike-
ups," the Indian terra for house or tent. It is true, a claim cabin was a little
more in tlie shape of a human habitation, made, as it was, of round logs, light
enough for two or three men to lay up, about fourteen feet square — perhaps a
little larger or smaller — roofed with bark or clapboards, and sometimes with the
sods of the prairie ; and floored with puncheons (logs split once in two, and the
flat side laid up) or with earth. For a fire-place, a Avail of stone and earth —
frequently the latter only, when stone was not convenient — was made in the
best practicable shape for the purpose, in an opening in one end of the build-
ing, extending outward, and planked on the outside by bolts of wood notched
together to stay it. Frequently, a fire-place of this kind was made so capacious
as to occupy nearly the whole width of the house. In cold weather, when a
great deal of fuel was needed to keep the atmosphere above freezing-point — for
this wide-mouthed fire-place was a huge ventilator — large logs were piled into
this yawning space. To protect the crumbling back wall against the efi"ects of
fire, two back logs were placed against it, one upon the other. Sometimes
these back logs were so large that they could not be got in in any other way
than to hitch a horse to them, drive him in at one door, unfasten the log before
the fire-place, from whence it was put in proper position, and then drive him
out at the other door. For a chimney, any contrivance that would conduct the
smoke up the chimney would do. Some were made of sods, plastered upon the
inside with clay ; others — the more common, perhaps — were of the kind we
occasionally see in use now, clay and sticks, or " cat in clay," as they were
sometimes called. Imagine, of a winter's night, when the storm was having its
own wild way over this almost uninhabited land, and when the wind was roar-
ing like a cataract of cold over the broad wilderness, and the settler had to do
his best to keep warm, what a royal fire this double-back-logged and well-filled
fire-place would hold ! It must have been a cosy place to smoke, provided the
settler had any tobacco ; or for the wife to sit knitting before, provided she had
needles and yarn. At any rate, it must have given something of cheer to the
conversation, which very likely was upon the home and friends they had left
behind when they started out on this bold venture of seeking fortunes in a new
land.
For doors and windows, the most simple contrivances that would serve the
purposes were brought into requisition. The door was not always immediately
provided with a shutter, and a blanket often did duty in guarding the entrance.
But as soon as convenient, some boards were split and put together, hung upon
wooden hinges, and held shut by a wooden pin inserted in an auger-hole. As
a substitute for window-glass, greased paper, pasted over sticks crossed in the
shape of sash, was sometimes used. This admitted the light and excluded the
air, but of course lacked transparency.
In regard to the furniture of such a cabin, of course it varied in proportion
to the ingenuity of the occupants, unless it was where settlers brought with
them their old household supply, which, owing to the distance most of them
had come, was very seldom. It was easy enou^'h to improvise tables and chairs ;
the former could be made of split logs — and ,here were instances where the
door would be taken from its hinges and used ai meals, after which it would be
rehung — and the latter were designed after the three-legged stool pattern, or
benches served their purpose. A bedstead was a very important iiem in the
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 407
domestic comfort of the family, and this was the fashion of improvising them :
A forked stake was driven into the ground diagonally from the corner of the
room, and at a proper distance, upon which poles reaching from each were laid.
The wall ends of the pole either rested in the openings between the logs or
were driven into auger-holes. Barks or boards were used as a substitute for
cords. Upon this the tidy housewife spread her straw tick, and if she had a
home-made feather bed, she piled it up into a luxurious mound and covered it
with her whitest drapery. Some sheets hung behind it for tapestry added to
the coziness of the resting-place. This was generally called a " prairie bed-
stead," and by some the "■ prairie rascal." In design, it is surely quite equal
to the famous Eastlake models, being about as primitive and severe, in an
artistic sense, as one could wish.
The house thus far along, it was left to the deft devices of the wife to com-
plete its comforts, and the father of the family was free to superintend out-of-
door aifairs. If it was in season, his first important duty was to prepare some
ground for planting, and to plant what he could. This was generally done in
the edge of the timber, where most of the very earliest settlers located. Here
the sod was easily broken, not requiring the heavy teams and plows needed to
break the prairie sod. Moreover, the nearness of timber oflTered greater con-
veniences for fuel and building. And still another reason for this was, that the
groves aftbrded protection from the terrible conflagrations that occasionally
swept across the prairies. Though they passed through the patches of timber,
yet it was not with the same destructive force with which they rushed over the
prairies. Yet from these fires much of the young timber was killed from time
to time, and the forest kept thin and shrubless.
The first year's farming consisted mainly of a "truck patch," planted in
corn, potatoes, turnips, etc. Generally, the first year's crop fell fiir short of
supplying even the most rigid economy of food. Many of the settlers brought
with them small stores of such things as seemed indispensable to frugal living,
such as flour, bacon, coffee and tea. But these supplies were not inexhaustible,
and once used were not easily replaced. A long winter must come and go
before another crop could be raised. If game was plentiful, it helped to eke
out their limited ,supplies.
But even when corn was plentiful, the preparation of it was the next diffi-
culty in the way. The mills for grinding it were at such long distances that
every other device was resorted to for reducing it to meal. Some grated it on
an implement made by punching small holes through a piece of tin or sheet-
iron, and fastening it upon a board in concave shape, with the rough side out.
Upon this the ear was rubbed to produce the meal. But grating could not be
done when the corn became so dry as to shell off" when rubbed. Some used a
coffee-mill for grinding it. And a very common substitute for bread was
hominy, a palatable and wholesome diet, made by boiling corn in a weak lye
till the hull or bran peeled off", after which it was well washed, to cleanse it of
the lye. It was then boiled again to soften it, Avhen it was ready for use, as
occasion required, by frying and seasoning it to the taste. Another mode of
preparing hominy was by pestling.
A mortar was made by burning a bowl-shaped cavity in the end of an
upright block of wood. After thoroughly cleaning it of the charcoal, the corn
could be put in, hot water turn 3d upon it. when it was subjected to a severe
pestling by a club of sufficient 1 jngth and thickness, in the large end of which
was inserted an iron wedge, he nded to keep it there. The hot water would
soften the corn and loosen the )iull, while the pestle would crush it.
408 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
When breadstuffs were needed, they )iad to be obtained from long distances.
Owing to the lack of proper means for threshing and cleaning wheat, it was
more or less mixed with foreign substances, such as smut, dirt and oats. And
as the time may come when the settlers' method of threshing and clearing may
be forgotten, it may be well to preserve a brief account of them here. The
plan was to clean oif a space of ground of sufficient size, and if the earth was
dry, to dampen it, and beat it so as to render it somewhat compact. Then the
sheaves Avere unbound and spread in a circle, so that the heads would be upper-
most, leaving room in the center for the person whose business it was to stir
and turn the straw in the process of threshing. Then, as many horses or oxen
were brought as could conveniently swing round the circle, and these were kept
moving until the wheat was well tro<lden out. After several •' floorings " or
layers were threshed, the straw was carefully raked oft', and the wheat shoveled
into a heap to be cleaned. This cleaning was sometimes done by waving a
sheet up and down to fan out the cliaft' as the grain was dropped before it ; but
this trouble was frequently obviated when the strong winds of autumn were all
that wf.s needed to blow out the chaff" from the grain.
This mode of preparing the grain for flouring was so imperfect that it is not
to be wondered at that a consi<lerable amount of black soil got mixed with it,
and unavoidably got into the bread. This, with the addition of smut, often ren-
dered it so dark as to have less the appearance of bread than mud; yet upon
such diet the people were compelled to subsist for want of a better.
Not the least among the pioneers' tribulations, during the first few years of
settlement, was the going to mill. The slow mode of travel by ox-teams was
made still slower by the almost total absence of roads and bridges, while such a
thing as a ferry was hardly even dreamed of The distance to be traversed was
often as far as sixty or ninety miles. In dry weather, common sloughs and
creeks offered little impediment to the teamsters; but during floods and the
breaking-up of winter, they proved exceedingly troublesome and dangerous.
To get stuck in a slough, and thus be delayed for many hours, was no uncom-
mon occurrence, and that, too, when time was an item of grave import to the
comfort and sometimes even to the lives of the settlers' families. Often a
swollen stream would blockade the way, seeming to threaten destruction to who-
ever should attempt to ford it.
With regard to roads, there was nothing of the kind worthy of the name.
Indian trails were common, but they were unfit to travel on with vehicles.
They are described as mere paths about two feet wide — all that was required to
accommodate the single-file manner of Indian traveling.
An interesting theory respecting the origin of the routes now pursued by
many of our public highways is given in a speech by Thomas Benton many
years ago. He says the buffaloes were the first road engineers, and the paths
trodden by them were, as a matter of convenience, followed by the Indians, and
lastly by the whites, with such improvements and changes as were found neces-
sary for civilized modes of travel. It is but reasonable to suppose that the
buffaloes would instinctively choose the most practicable routes and fords in
their migrations from one pasture to another. Then, the Indians following,
possessed of about the same instinct as the buffaloes, strove to make no improve-
ments, and Avere finally driven from the track by those who would.
When tlie early settlers were compelled to make these long and difficult
trips to mill, if the country was prairie over which they passed, they found
it compai-atively easy to do in sumraei", when .^rass was plentiful. By travel-
ing until night, and then camping out to feed the teams, they got along without
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 409
much difficulty. But in winter such a journey was attended with no little dan-
ger. The utmost economy of time was, of" course, necessary. When the goal
was reached, after a week or more of toilsome travel, with many exposures and
risks, and the poor man was impatient to immediately return with the desired
staff of life, he was often shocked and disheartened with the information that
his turn would come in a week. Then he must look about for some means to
pay expenses, and he was lucky who could find some employment by the
day or- job. Then, when his turn came, he had to be on hand to bolt his own
flour, as, in those days, the bolting machine was not an attached part of the
other mill machinery. This done, the anxious soul was ready to endure the
trials of a return trip, his heart. more or less concerned about the affairs of home.
These milling trips often occupied from three weeks to more than a month
each, and were attended with an expense, in one way or another, that rendered
the cost of breadstuflFs extremely high. If made in the winter, when more or
less grain-feed was required for the team, the load would be found to be so con-
siderably reduced on reaching home that the cost of what was left, adding other
expenses, would make their ^grain reach the high cost figure of from $o to f 5
per bushel. And these trips could not always be made at the most favorable
season for traveling. In spring and summer, so much time could hardly be
spared from other essential labor ; yet, for a large family, it was almost impos-
sible to avoid making three or four trips durin.^ the year.
This description of early milling applies rather to the pioneers Avest of this
county than to those who settled near the Mississippi and Skunk Rivers, but
it was not uncommon for people here to cross over into Illinois to get their
grinding done.
Among other things calculated to annoy and distress the pioneer, was the
prevalence of wild beasts of prey, the most numerous and troublesome of which
was the wolf. While it was true, in a figurative sense, that it required the
utmost care and exertion to "keep the wolf from the door," it was almost as
true in a literal sense.
There were two species of these animals — the large, black, timber-wolf, and
the smaller gray wolf, that usually inhabited the prairie. At first, it was
next to impossible for a settler to keep small stock of any kind that would serve
as a prey to these ravenous beasts. Sheep were not deemed safe property until
years after, when their enemies were supposed to be nearly exterminated.
Large numbers of wolves were destroyed during the early years of settlement
— as many as fifty in a day in a regular wolf-hunt. W^hen they were hungry,
which was not uncommon, particularly during the winter, they were too indis-
creet for their own safety, and would often approach within easy shot of the
settlers' dwellings. At certain seasons, their wild, plaintive yelp or bark could
be heard in all directions, at all hours of the night, creating intense excitement
among the dogs, whose howling would add to the dismal melody.
It has been found, by experiment, that but one of the canine species — the
hound — has both the fleetness and courage to cope with his savage cousin, the
wolf. Attempts were often made to capture him with the common cur, but this
animal, as a rule, proved himself wholly unreliable for such a service. So long
as the wolf would run, the cur would follow ; but the Avolf, being apparently
acquainted with the character of his pursuer, would either turn and place him-
self in a combative attitude, or else act upon the principle that ''discretion is
the better part of valor," and throw himself upon his back, in token of sur-
render. Tins strategic performance would make instant peace between these
two scions of the same house ; and, not infrequently, dogs and wolves have
410 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
been seen playing together like puppies. But the hound was never known to
recognize a flag of truce ; his baying seemed to signify " no quarter." or at
least so the terrified wolf understood it.
Smaller animals, such as panthers, lynxes, wildcats, catamounts and polecats
were also sufficiently numerous to be troublesome. And an exceeding source
of annoyance was the swarms of mosquitoes which aggravated the trials of the
settler in the most exasperating degree. Persons have been driven from the
labors of the field by their unmerciful assaults.
The trials of the pioneers were innumerable, and the cases of actual suffer-
ing might fiil a volume of no ordinary size. Timid women became brave
through combats with real dangers, and patient mothers grew sick at heart with
the sight of beloved children failing in health from lack of commonest neces-
saries of life. The struggle was nor for ease or luxury, but was a constant one
for the sustaining means of life itself. Illustrative of those days, the following
incident is related, which is but one of thousands of similar character which
might be told:
A settler, in the northwest part of the county, had labored hard to improve
the last fine days of autumn, preparing to shelter his wife and little ones from
the approaching storms of winter. While thus employed, he had not noticed
the rapidly decreasing store of provisions in his house, until his attention was
finally forced to the subject. He then hastily provided himself with such an
outfit as was required to make the journey into Illinois, and started with his
team, expecting to be gone but three or four days. He reached his trading-
place in safety, and started to return home, laden with the meager supplies
which then served to sustain the lives of such brave men as himself, and to ren-
der at least endurable the existence of the pioneer wives and children. No
sooner had he turned his face toward home, than a terrific storm set in, from the
northwest. Winter came down suddenly that year. The Mississippi froze
over so rapidly, that boats were ice-bound, and stores, destined for the new
localities above on the river, hid to be hauled for miles on sledi. When the
pioneer reached the Mississippi, he found it filled with huge masses of floating
ice. The ferry-boat was no longer in operation, and crossing was impossible.
In vain he off"ered extravagant sums to the ferryman, if he would but land him
upon the solid ice on the Iowa bank. No proposition that he could make, was
tempting enough to induce the carrier to cross the stream. Meanwhile the
storm continued, and the prospect of relief grew blacker. The pioneer realized
the desperate strait into which his family had fallen, because of the limited
store of provisions, and the lack of fuel to keep the cold from the miserable
cabin he called home. For eight long days the river continued impassable, and
by that time the man became desperate. He resolved to cross, even at the risk
of life. During those days of waiting, other men had congregated at the ferry,
and were also impatient to make the passage over. The hero of this sketch
had vainly tried to induce those men to aid him in cutting the ferry-boat loose
from the ice, and force away to the open water; but they had laughed at the
possibility of such a feat, and had refused to comply with his request. Unaided
and alone, the man performed the laborious task, and was at last rewarded, by
seeing a path made open to the unfrozen current. No sooner had this been
accomplished, than qne of the most indolen": of the crowd hastened to harness
his own team and drive upon the small boat, which would accommodate but one
at a time. Our pioneer sprang forward, to prevent the outrage on his rights,
and a scene ensued, which was most disastrous to the cowardly intruder.
After a most tedious and perilous fight with the ice, the pioneer landed In Iowa,
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 411
and pushed eagerly on toward home. When he reached the Cedar, the ice had
rendered the passage of a team impossible. The ferryman, with true Western
generosity, offered to cross with the pioneer in a skiff', but refused to take pay
for his services, because the deed was such as hazarded life, and money, he said,
was no inducement to him to make the trial. Making a small package of pro-
visions, and strapping it to his back, the pioneer and his friend set out on their
desperate undertaking. Fortune favored them, but the skiff" was drifted far
below the usual landing-place. The two men dragged the boat on the shore>
ice, to a point considerably above the landing, so that the ferryman might the
more readily regain his home. The pioneer waited, until a shout from the fer-
ryman told him all was safe, and then started on his weary tramp homeward.
Snow had fallen to the depth of several inches, while in places it was drifted
into enormous banks. Hour after hour the lonely man plodded on ; now fall-
ing from exhaustion, and again toiling along in utter desperation. At last, when
strength and hope alike were failing him, he came upon a well-known land-
mark. Courage returned, and through the darkness of the night, he saw, with
joy, many a familiar object. As he approached his cabin, he saw that neither
light nor fire betokened the presence of his loved ones. With trembling hand
he shook the frail door, while he feebly called upon his wife, fearing that no
voice would answer. But kind providence had willed that no harm should
befall the little group about that desolate hearth. A moment more, and the
devoted wife was locked in the embrace of her husband. It transpired, that a
distant settler had heard of the danger in which the family stood, and kindly
rendered them the required aid.
AN INCIDENT IN 1839.
There lies upon our table, as we write, a hand-bill which is just forty
years old to a day, and which has something of a history. The bill bears the
imprint "J. G. Edwards, Printer, Burlington, I. T.," and is upon heavy, tough
paper, which appears almost like parchment. The letterpress is inclosed by
an ornamental border composed of square cuts, nearly an inch in size, repre-
senting a female face surrounded by radiating lines, which are in turn encircled
by a vine with leaves. Leaves of similar form, at each of the corners of the
cut, give a square face to the same. This quaint border is relieved at the top
and bottom of the bill — which is 12x15 inches, and reads the long way of the
sheet — by a section of smaller pieces, of fanciful design, in the midst of which,
at the top, is inserted a small steamboat cut, and at the bottom, the imprint.
The letterpress of this bill reads as follows :
••' Stop thief. — A heavy Reward. — The subscriber was robbed, on the 10th
inst., of 220 dollars in Gold Coin (English, French and American) 50 dollars
in bank notes of Indiana, Illinois and Green Bay, an One Patent Lever Gold
watch. Gold face, with plain cases, made at Troy, New York. The name of
the thief is said to be MOSES ELROD. He stammers very bad when speak-
ing, has a light complexion, stout built, round shoulders, about five feet, nine
or ten inches high, and is about 30 years of age. He wore away a new light
silk Hat, a brown coarse coatee, jeans vest and trowsers, with Brogan shoes.
lie was seen the same day in a canoe going down the Mississippi, below Bloom-
ington. A generous reward will be paid for the apprehension of the thief or
the recovery of the money and watch, or for either, by the subscriber. Please
inform Messrs. Warburton and King, St. Louis, Messrs. Lamson, Bridgman
and Co., Burlington, I. T. or the subscriber. HARVEY GILLETT.
" Geneva, Muscatine Co., I. T. April 11, 1839."
412 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
The particular bill in question was handed to Amos Walton, the Postmaster
at Geneva, who posted it up in his house in that place, soon after it was issued.
J. P. Walton, then a young lad, saved the bill, and a long time after the theft
was committed, he chanced to show the bill to a party who was acquainted with
the matter. From him the history of the escape of El rod was obtained. In
1839, incidents, which would to-day seem trifling, were of great moment, and
when it Avas known that a robbery had been committed, public feeling ran high.
As soon as Mr. Gillett missed his property, the little village of Geneva was in
a whirl of excitement. Mr. Gillett himself started at once for Burlington, for
the purpose of heading-off the culprit, and there obtained the bills of which we
make a copy. The trip was wasted, however, for before he returned certain
parties had efl^ected the arrest of Elrod near New Boston. The guilty man .was
placed in the hands of James Davis, then Sherift", Avho was expected to keep
him safely until the next session of the court. There being no jail in the county
at that time, the task of guarding the prisoner was anything but easy or agreeable.
During the interval of waiting, Davis handed Elrod over to his Deputy, who
was obliged to resort to the primitive method of chaining him up, like a dan-
cing bear. At night, the prisoner was chained to his bed-po-;t, and by day was
obliged to carry about a huge log-chain attached to a stone. The citizens began
to grow impatient over the law's delay, and finally resolved upon disposing of
Elrod after the summary fashion much in vogue in new countries. The threat
of lynching reached the ears of the Deputy's wife, who was not disposed to sub-
mit to anything of tlie sort. She, therefore, prepared some provisions, and
persuaded her husband to leave the chain unfastened that night. Then inform-
ing the prisoner of the arrangements, and where he could find the food, the
family retired. The next morning, it was discovered that the man had escaped,
and, as the money and watch had been recovered, no further effort was made to
capture him. Probably this prudent act on the part of the Deputy's wife saved
Muscatine County the disgrace of a lynching. No violent demonstrations
against prisonei'S were ever made, nor Avas there ever an execution in this county
— a fact that few counties can boast of in this State.
ORGANIZATION OF OLD DES MOINES.
When the colony at Burlington had assumed sufficient size to warrant
the thought of adopting legal restraints, the pioneers found themselves under the
governmental control of the Territory of Michigan. In that year, this region
was attached to Michigan Territory for judicial purposes, and, in the spring of
1834, instructions were sent to Mr. Ross, from Detroit, to organize Des Moines
County. The new county was composed of the territory south of Rock Island
to the mouth of the Des Moines River, and thence west along the Missouri line
for fifty miles. The necessary laws and documents were received by Mr. Ross,
and, as organizing officer, he gave notice of the impending election by advertis-
ing in suitable manner. The officers chosen at the first election, in the fall of
1834, were as follows: Col. William Morgan was elected Supreme Judge, and
Henry Walker and Young L. Hughes, Assistants of District Court, which was
the highest court in Iowa at that time ; Col. W. W. Chapman was Prosecuting
Attorney; W. R. Ross, Clerk; Solomon Perkins, Sheriff; John Barker, Justice
of the Peace ; W. R. Ross, Treasurer and Recorder ; John Whitaker, Probate
Judge ; Leonard Olney, Supreme Judge ; John Barker and Richard Land, Jus-
tices of the Peace, the latter appointed by the Governor of Michigan Territory.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 413
In October, 1835, Hon. George W. Jones was elected Delegate to Congress
from the Territory of Michigan. Mr. Jones was interested in the development
of the great Western Avilderness, and favored the erection of a new Territory-
west of the lakes. He worked for that purpose in Congress, and was successful.
Apropos of his acliievement in that direction is here given an anecdote concern-
ing his adroit avoidance of Mr. Calhoun's opposition to his bill :
The Hon. George W, Jones, or the General, as he is more familiarly known
at home, was a great ladies' man. Knowing the opposition to his territorial bill
on the part of Mr. Calhoun, and that a speech from that distinguished statesman
would defeat it, he set his wits to work to procure the absence of Mr. C. when
the bill would be called up. To accomplish this, he paid very marked attention
to a hidy friend of Mr. Calhoun, then at the capital, and was so kind, polite and
entertaining that she, feeling under obligations to him for the same, ind.dvertently
expressed the hope that circumstances might throw it in her way to render him
some service. This was just what the General wanted, and he immediately said,
"You can, if you Avill, do me the greatest favor in the world," and went on to
explain the " Territorial Bill," and the opposition of Mr. Calhoun thereto.
"Now," said the General, "it will come up on such a day, and when I send
you my card call out Mr. C, and, on some pretext, keep him out an hour or two."
She consented and carried out the arrangement, and during that absence the bill
was passed, and Mr. Calhoun did not have an opportunity to oppose it.
WISCONSIN TERRITORY FORMED.
April 20, 1836, the bill creating the Territory of Wisconsin Avas approved.
Gov. Henry Dodge was appointed to the Executive office by President Jackson.
The first proclamation was issued by him September 9, 1836, convening the
Legislature at Belmont on the 25th of October. A delegate in Congress was
ordered elected at the same time as the legislators were chosen.
The counties of Dubuque and Des Moines then contained 10,521 population,
as was shown by the census ordered by Gov. Dodge.
BELMONT LEGISLATURE.
The election was ordered to be held on the second Monday (not the first, as
stated by some writers) in October. The Belmont Legislature convened,
as required. October 25, 1836, and was composed of the following members, as
shown by the official report printed in 1836 :
Brown County — Council, Henry S. Baird, John P. Arndt ; House,
Ebenezer Childs, Albert G. Ellis, Alexander J. Irwin.
Milwaukee County — Council, Gilbert Knapp, Alanson Sweet ; House,
William B. Sheldon, Madison W. Cornwall, Charles Durkee.
Iowa County — Council, Ebenezer Brigham, John B. Terry, James R. Vine-
yard; House, William Boyles, G. F. Smith, D. M. Parkinson, Thomas
McKnight, T. Shanley, J. P. Cox.
Dubuque County — Council, John Foley, Thomas McCraney, Thomas
McKnight ; House, Loring Wheeler, Hardin Nowlin, Hosea T. Camp, P. H.
Engle, Patrick Quigley.
Des Moines County — Council, Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Joseph B. Teas, Arthur
B. Inghram ; House, Isaac Leffler, Thomas Blair, Warren L. Jenkins, John
Box, George W. Teas, Eli Reynolds, David R. Chance.
WISCONSIN JUDICIARY.
The second act passed by the Legislature provided for the establishment of
Judicial Districts. Charles Dunn was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of
41-1 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Wisconsin, and performed judicial duties in the First District; David Irvin,
Associate Justice in the Second District ; and William C. Frazier, Associate
Justice in the Third District.
TTIK TEMPORARY SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.
The eleventh bill passed was one fixing upon Madison as the permanent
seat of government of Wisconsin, and selecting Burlington as the temporary
seat, pending the erection of suitable buildings in Madison. The story of
this bill is interesting, since it affected the destiny of Burlington in no slight
degree.
When AVisconsin was created, Dubuque sought to secure the seat of govei'n-
ment. Those engaged in that effort were not far-seeing enough to perceive the
transient character of the boundaries of Wisconsin as first defined. The loca-
tion of Dubuque was, by chance, near the geographical center of the immense
region embraced in the original Territory, and failed to realize that the ultimate
division of the country would be marked by the two great rivers. The paper
at Dubuque and the leading men endeavored to persuade the Legislature that
the proper locality for the seat was there ; but wiser councils prevailed. Bur-
lington, by uniting with the eastern counties, held the power necessary to
decide the question. Perhaps reciprocal promises were made by the Burling-
ton delegation, and perhaps not ; of that we have no clear evidence ; but one
thing is certain, when the voting came on, Des Moines County, with its ten
votes, joined the eastern- counties and carried the bill, fixing the permanent seat
at Madison.
A clause was inserted in the bill providing, " That, until the public build-
ings at the town of Madison are completed — that is to say, until the 4th
day of March, 1839 — the sessions of the Legislative Assembly of Wiscon-
sin Territory shall be held at the town of Burlington, in the county of Des
Moines, provided the public buildings are not sooner completed." Congress
had appropriated a sum of money for the erection of those buildings and tlie
purchase of a library.
The clause was a wise one for Des Moines, since nature had foreordained
the division of Wisconsin at the Mississippi River, and the creation of a Terri-
tory, and ultimately a State, out of Des Moines and Dubuque. By forfeiting
all pretense of claim to permanency, Burlington secured the temporary seat of
Wisconsin, and thereby held the nine points of possession on the capital of the
future State. Of course, no one asserted the possibility of Burlington holding
the seat of Iowa after the development of the region ; but the purpose was to
advertise Burlington to the country, and profit by the prestige of being the
most prominent locality at the start. It was a shrewd piece of figuring, and
worked great good to the new aspirant for settlers' favor. At the same time,
it secured the seat away from its natural rival, Dubuque.
THE FIRST ROAD WEST OF THE RIVER.
Act No. 20 of the Legislature provided for the establishment of a Territo-
rial road west of the Mississippi River, commencing at the village of Farming-
ton, then to be the seat of Van Buren County ; thence to Moffit's Mill, near
Augusta ; thence direct to Burlington ; thence to Wapello ; thence to Dubuque,
and thence on to Prairie du Chien. The Commissioners were Abel Galland,
Solomon Perkins, Benjamin Clarke, Adam Sherrill, William Jones and Henry
F. Lander.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 415
SUDIVISION OF OLD DES MOINES.
Act No. 21 was the next important bill (after the one locating the seat of
government) passed by the Legislature, so far as the county of Des Moines was
concerned. It is here given in full :
An Act dividing the County of Des Moines into several neic Counties :
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of Wis-
consin, That the country included within the following limits, to wit: Beginning at the most
southern outlet of Skunk River, on the Mississippi : thence a northern direction, passing
through the grove on the head of tlie northern branch of Lost Creek ; and thence to a point cor-
responding with the range line dividing Ranges Seven and Eight ; and thence south with said
line to the Des Moines River; thence down the middle of the same to the Mississippi, and
thence up the Mississippi to the place of beginning, be and the same is hereby set oft" into a
separate county, by the name of Lee.
Sec. 2. Be it further enacted. That the country included in the following boundaries, to wit:
Beginning at the northeast corner of Lee ; thence south with the west line of said county, to
the River Des Moines ; thence up the same to where the Missouri line strikes the same ; thence
west with the said Missouri boundary line to the Indian boundary line ; thence north with the
said boundary line twenty-four miles ; thence east to the beginning, be and the same is hereby
set oflF into a separate county, by the name of Van Buren.
Sec. o. Bf it further enacted. That the country included within the following limits, to wit :
Beginning on the Mississippi River at the northeast corner of Lee : thence up said river to a
point fifteen miles above the town of Burlington, on the bank of said river; thence on a west-
erly direction to a point on the dividing ridge between the Iowa River and Flint Creek, being
twenty miles on a due west line from the Mississippi River; thence a southerly direction
so as to intersect the northern line of the county of Lee at a point twenty miles on a straight
line from the Mississippi River ; thence east with the northerly line of the said county of Lee
to the beginning, be and the same is hereby set off into a separate county, by the name of Des
Moines.
Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That the country included within the following limits, to
wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of Des Moines; thence northwest with the line of
said county of Van Buren, to the Indian boundary line; thence north with the boundary
line, twenty-four miles; thence southeast to the northwest corner of the county of Des
Moines; thence south with the west line of the county of Des Moines to the beginning, be and
the same is hereby set off into a separate county, by the name of Henry.
Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, That the country included within the following limits, to
wit: Beginning at the Mississippi River, at the northeast corner of Des Moines; thence up the
said river twelve miles above the mouth of Iowa ; thence west to the Indian boundary line ;
thence with said boundary line to the northwest corner of Henry ; and with the line of the same
to tlie northwest corner of the county of Des Moines ; thence east with the line of the same
county of Des Moines to the beginning, be and the same is hereby set off into a separate county,
by the name of Louisa.
Sec. 6. Be it further enacted. That the country included within the following boundaries,
to wit: Beginning on the Mississippi River at the northeast corner of the county of Louisa;
thence up said river twenty-five miles on a straight line ; thence west to the Indian boundary
line : thence with said boundary line south to the northwest corner of the county of Louisa ;
thence east with the line of said county of Louisa to the beginning, be and the same is hereby
set off into a separate county, by the name of Musquitine.
Sec. 7. Be it further enacted. That the country included within the following boundaries,
to wit : Beginning on the Mississippi River at the northeast corner of the county of Musquitine ;
thence up said river to the southeast corner of Du Buque ; thence with the line of the said
county of Du Buque to the Indian boundary line ; thence with said line south to the northwest
corner of the county of Musquitine ; thence east with the said line of the said county of Mus-
quitine to the beginning, be and the same is hereby set off into a separate county, by the name
of Cook.
Sec. 8. Be it further enacted, That the District Court shall be held at the town of Madison,
in the county of Lee, on the last Monday in March and on the last Monday in August in each
year ; in the town of Farmington, in the county of Van Buren, on the second Monday in April
and the second Monday in September of each year ; in the town of Mount Pleasant, in the
county of Henry, on the first Friday after the second Monday in April and September in each
year; in the town of Wapello, in the county of Louisa, on the fii'st Thursday after the third
Monday in April and September in each year ; in the town of Bloomington, in the county of
Musquitine, on the fourth Monday in April and September in each year.
Sec. 9. Be it further enacted. That the county of Cook be and the same is hereby attached
to the county of Musquitine for all judicial purposes.
416 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That, the proper authority of the several counties hereby
e:?tablished, so soon as tlie said counties shall be organized, shall liquidate and pay so much of
the debt now due and unpaid by the present county of Des Moines, as may be their legal and
equitable proportion of the same, according to the assessment value of the taxable properly
which shall be made therein.
Sec. 11. This act to be in force from and after its passage, and until the eml of the next
annual session of the Legislative Assembly, and no longer.
P. H. Enqli!:, Speaker of the House of liepresentalives..
Hemiv S. Baird, President of the Council.
H. DODGE.
Approved December 7, 183(3.
REVISION OF XiaE ORGANIZING ACT.
The second session of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature convened at
Burlington in the winter of 1837-38. At that session a bill was introduced
redefining the boundaries of the five counties created out of old Des Moines.
It was at this time that Dr. Eli Reynolds attempted to secure the removal of
the county seat of Muscatine to Geneva, as is related' in the preceding chapter.
Hereafter is quoted the bill in full, because of the scarcity of the old records.
It may prove of value for reference in days to come [p. 210 Session Laws Wis.
Ter. Leg., Burlington, 1838] :
An .\ct to establish the boundaries of Lee, Van Buren. Des Moines, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine
and Slaughter, to locate the seats of justice in said counties and for other purposes:
Section 1. Be it enacted hij the Council and the House of Representatives of the Territory/
of Wisconsin, That the boundaries of Lee County shall be as follows, to wit : Beginning at the
main channel of the Mississippi River, due cast from the entrance of Skunk Kiver into the
same, thence up said river to wliere the township line dividing Township Sixty-eight and Sixty-
niue north leaves said river ; thence with said line to the range line between Ranges Four and
Five west ; thence north with said line to the towwnship line between Townships Sixty-nine and
Seventy north ; thence west with said line to the range line between Ranges Seven and Eight
west : thence south with said line to the Des Moines River ; thence down said river to the mid-
dle of the main channel of the Mississippi River ; thence up the same to the place of beginning,
and the seat of justice is hereby established at the town of Fort Madison.
Sec. 2. The boundaries of the county of Van Buren shall be as follows, to wit : Beginning
on the Des Moines River, where the range line between Ranges Seven and Eight intersects said
river, thence north with said line to the township line dividing Townships Seventy and Seventy-
one north ; thence west with said line to the range line between Ranges Eleven and Twelve west ;
thence south with said line to the northern line of Missouri; thence east with said line to the
Des Moines River ; thence down said river to the place of beginning: and the seat of justice of
said county is hereby retained at the town of Fariuington, until it may be changed, as herein-
after provided. For the purpose of permanently establishing the seat of justice for the county
of Van Buren, the qualified electors of said county shall, at the election of County Commission-
ers, vote by ballot for such places as they may see proper for the seat of justice of said county.
The returns of said election shall, within thirty days thereafter, be made by the Sheriff of the
county to the Governor of the Territory, and- if, upon examination, the Governor shall find that
any one point voted for has a majority over all otJier places voted for, he shall issue a proclama-
tion to that eflfect, and the place so having a majority of votes shall, from the date of such proc-
lamation, be the seat of justice of said county. But if, upon an examination of the votes, the
Governor shall find that no one place has a majority of the whole number of votes polled on that
question and returned to him, he shall issue a proclamation for a new election in said county,
and shall state in his proclamation the two places which wei-e highest in vote at the preceding
election, and votes at the election so ordered shall bo confined to the two places thus named.
The Governor shall, in his proclamation, fix the time of holding said second election, and it shall
be conducted in the same manner, and by the same oificers as conducted the election for County
Commissioners ; and the Sheritf of the county shall, within thirty days thereafter, make return
of said second election to the Governor, who shall thereupon issue a second proclamation,
declaring which of the two places named in first proclamation was the highest in vote at such
second election, and declaring said place from that time to be the seat of justice for Van Buren
County, provided that the spring term of the District Court for said county shall be held at
Farmington, the present scat of justice of Van Buren County.
Sec. 3. The boundaries of Des Moines County shall be as follows, to wit : Beginning at
the northeast corner of Lee County ; thence west with the northern line of said county to the
range line between Ranges Four and Five west; thence north with said line to the township
line dividing Townships Seventy-two and Seventy-three north ; thence east with said line
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 417
to the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi River ; thence down the same to the
place of beginning; and the seat of justice of said county is hereby established at the town
of Burlington.
Sec. 4. The boundaries of Henry County shall be as follows, to wit: Beginning on the
Range line between Ranges Four and Five west, where the township line dividing Townships
Seventy-three and Seventy-four north intersects said line; thence west with said line to the
range line between Ranges Eight and Nine thence south with said line to the townsnip line
dividing townships Seventy and Seventy-one north ; thence east with said line to the range
line between Ranges Seven and Eight west; thence south with said line to the township line
dividing Townships Sixty-nine and Seventy north ; thence east with said line to the range line
between Ranges Four and Five west; thence north with said line to the place of beginning; and
the seat of justice of said county is hereby established at the town of Mount Pleasant ; and all
the territory west of Henry is hereby attached to the same for judicial purposes.
Sec. 5. The boundaries of Loiusa County shall be as follows, to wit : Beginning a!t the
northeast corner of Des Moines County : thence west to the northwest corner of said county ;
thence north with the range line between Ranges Four and Five west to the township line
dividing Townships Seventy-iive and Seventy-six north ; thence east with said line to the Mis-
sissippi River ; thence down the same to the place of beginning ; and the seat of justice of said
county is hereby established at the town of Lower Wapello.
Sec. 6. The boundaries of Muscatine County shall be as follows, to wit: Beginning at
the northeast corner of the county of Louisa; thence west with the northern line of said county,
to the range line between Four and Five west ; thence north with said line, to the township line
dividing Townships Seventy-eight and Seventy-nine north ; thence east with said line, to the
range line between Ranges One and Two east; Ihence south with said line to the Mississippi
River; thence down the main channel of the said river to the place of beginning ; and the seat
of justice of said county is hereby established at the town of Bloomington.
Sec. 7. The county included within the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the
northeast corner of the county of Henry; thence west to the northwest corner of the same ;
thence north to the township line dividing Townships Seventy-six and Seventy-seven north;
thence east with the said line to the line between Ranges Four and Five west ; thence south
with the said line to the place of beginning, is hereby set oif into a separate county by ihe
name of Slaughter, and the seat of justice of said colinty is hereby established at the town
of Astoria ; and all the territory west is hereby attached to the county of Slaughter for judicial
purposes.
Sec. 8. That the several counties hereby established shall liquidate and pay so much of the
■debt, as was due and unpaid by the original county of Des Moines, on the 1st day of December,
eighteen hundred and thiny-six, as may be their fair and equitable proportion of the same,
according to the assessment value of the taxable property therein.
Approved, January 18, 1838.
THE OLDEST RECORDS,
Muscatine County was formally organized under the first law, although no
records are preserved showing election returns or oflBcial appointments. The
oldest record now in existence is that in which the marriage licenses were
entered. Were it not for this book there would be no evidence of the clerk-
ship held by Robert McClaren, who was appointed in the winter of 1836-37.
The exact date of this appointment- is not obtainable, nor are any papers to be.
found bearing upon the subject. The fire which destroyed the old Court
House, in 1864, burned many of the loose documents stored in the building.
The older settlers remember that Mr. McClaren was the first Clerk of both the
United States District and the County Commissioners' Courts, but a diversity
of opinion exists as to the time of his appointment.
The earliest official document issued in this county was the marriage license
of Andrew J. Starks and Merilla Lathrop. The document bore date February
13, 1837, and was granted by Mr. McClaren, as Clerk of the Commissioners'
Court.
The issuance of this paper proves that the Commissioners' Court was in
existence in February, 1837, ^^nd it is recollected by the older settlers that
Arthur Washburn and Edward E. Fay were the first members of the old
"Board of Supervisors," as the Michigan laws designated them. Those gen-
tlemen were appointed to the office soon after the original law establishing the
418 ' HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
county took effect. Nevertheless, it is a fact that no documentary evidence,
other than the marriage licenses referred to, is preserved which proves the exist-
ence of the first court. If minutes of their meetings were kept, they are no
longer extant.
The next oldest records in the county offices are those of the United States Dis-
trict Court, which held its first session in Bloomington, April 24, 1837. The
first act of the Court was to appoint John S. Abbott Clerk. Why Mr,
McClaren was not confirmed in the office does not appear.
In October, 1837, according to the only records, the first meeting of the
Commissioners' Court was held. It has already been shown that the records,
in this respect, are wrong. The meeting which was held in October was the
first that was formally recorded, possibly, but was really the second or third.
The records are in the handwriting of S. Clinton Hastings, who did not take
his office of Clerk until a time subsequent to October, 1837. The Clerk of
the session was J. R. Struthers. Hence, it is easily understood that the sparse
minutes were written after the meetings, and from memory of the transac-
tions.
Hereafter is given an abstract of the early records :
The first Justices of the Peace were John G. Coleman, Silas S. Lathrop
and Benjamin Nye, who were appointed by Gov. Dodge, in 1836-37 — the
exact date is unknown. They solemnized marriages early in the year 1837.
COMMISSIONERS' RECORDS.
The first entry in the original record book of the Commissioners' Court
was transcribed by S. Clinton Hastings, after he became Clerk. There is no
date given, but by inference it can be seen that the meeting was held October
4, 1837. The entry reads : " The Supervisors of the county of Musquitine
met this day, at the house of Robert C. Kinney. Present, Messrs. Washburn
and Fay." From the succeeding pages, the reader di-aws the inference that
the meeting was held October 4, 1837. The adjournment of the Board was
"until the 5th inst.,"" and the following entry begins with the date, " October
5, 1837."
The only business transacted at the October session was the issuance of
orders on the Treasurer for various sums. No. 1 was for ^'27, in favor of
Thomas M. Isett, for services as surveyor of a county road. Seven orders in
all were issued, four of which were for road work ; one to James Davis, for
summoning grand jury, $28.74, and two to John G. Coleman and Silas S.
Lathrop, Justices of the Peace, respectively, for services in the case of the
United States vs. John Ruby.
Samuel Parker was allowed $6.")0, for "furnishing a room for holding
court, etc."
Samuel Shorteridge, James R. Struthers and S. C. Hastings were appointed
Assessors of the county, with salary fixed at $2 per day while actually engaged
in work. J. R. Struthers was allowed $2 for serving as Clerk of the Board
for two days. This entry shows that Mr. Hastings was not Clerk until 1838.
The second session of the Board was an extra one, and convened at the
house of J. G. Coleman, on the 17th day of February, 1838. The Board was
then composed of John Vanater, E. Thornton and Aaron Usher, with Mr.
Hastings Clerk. The session lasted but one day, and no business was tran-
sacted other than the allowance of accounts against the county.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. v 419
March 17, the Board met in the office of Thomas M. Isett, and was com-
posed of Daniel Comstock, E. Thornton and Aaron Usher. John S. Abbott
was appointed Clerk.
The official bond of Jonathan Pettibone, County Treasurer, was accepted.
The orders issued to Clerks and Judges of Elections, at this session, show
that the county had previously been divided into five election precincts, viz.,
Clark, MoscoAv, Montpelier, Fairhaven and Bloomington. No record of the
division appears on the Commissioners books.
The first evidence obtained relative to the appointment of Election Judges
and the location of polling precincts is from the proceedings of the session of
April 2, 1838. At that time, Bloomington, Fairhaven, Moscow and Mont-
pelier were named, and Clark Precinct wqs discontinued. The Judges appointed
were : E. E. Fay, Samuel Holliday and Thomas Burdett, Bloomington ; George
Stormes, William Kidder and William Bagley, Fairhaven ; Benjamin Ludlow,
William Addir and Goodwin Taylor, Moscow ; Peter Hesser, William Cham-
bers and Stephen Nye, Montpelier.
On the 8th of May, the Fairhaven Precinct was removed to Wapsenoknock,
as it was originally spelled. It is now spelled Wapsinonoc.
July 2, a license was granted James W. Neally to keep a ferry at Blooming-
ton, aci'oss the Mississippi, from the 1st of August, 1838, for one year. The
rates prescribed were as follows : Each footman, 25 cents ; man and horse, 50
cents; wagon and two horses, $1.50; each additional horse, 25 cents; wagon
and yoke of oxen, $1.50; stock cattle, 25 cents; sheep and hogs, 6^ cents.
The rates of ferriage across Cedar River were then fixed as follows : Each
footman, 12h cents; man and horse, 25 cents; wagon and two horses, 75
cents ; additional horse, 12|^ cents ; wagon and yoke of oxen, 75 cents ; addi-
tional oxen, 25 cents ; loose cattle, sheep, hogs, etc., 6^ cents. It cost $7.50
to procure a license to maintain a ferry across Cedar River.
Alexander Ross was granted a license for ferry at Moscow, across the Cedar
River.
July 3, the Board accepted the report of the Assessors, and ordered a tax
of one-half of one per cent levied for county purposes.
September 8, Sarvim Jenners was appointed Clerk of the Board, but held
the office only one session. At this date the precinct of Wyoming was estab-
lished.
October 1, the Board consisted of Err Thornton, Aaron Usher and John
Vanater, and John G. Morrow was appointed Clerk.
John Vanater was allowed $8, for serving as a committee of one to go to
Burlington, and advise with the Receiver of the United States Land Office,
relative to the purchase of a quarter-section of land for county purposes. This
was the first step taken toward the entry of the site of Muscatine.
At this session, it transpired that Err Thornton and John Vanater had each
received the same number of votes, at the preceding election, for County Com-
missioner. The matter was settled, by the men drawing lots for the term of
two years, and the same fell to the share of John Vanater.
January 9, 1839, Messrs. Vanater and Thornton were allowed certain
expenses for going to Burlington and securing the town site.
It was also ordered by the Board, at that meeting, that a survey be made
of the town quarter, and that the proprietors of the claim be allowed the
refusal of the lots, at the graduation prices. If that privilege be refused,
then the lots to be forfeited. The total sum to be raised on the quarter was
$18,000.
420 HlrfTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
FIRST JAIL.
At this session, the Board onlered that a Jail be erected in the town of
Bloomington, on the square reserved for public buildings. The structure was
described in the specifications as follows: Length, 24 feet; width, 16 feet;
floors of timber laid crosswise, each layer 1 foot square ; wall of two courses of
timber, 12 inches square; 10 inches apart; the space between the timbers to
be filled in with broken stone. Posts 10 feet in the clear, two stories high.
The inside of rooms planked with 2-inch planks, driven full of 20-penny nails,
one on every square inch. The partitions on lower story of 3-inch stuiT. A
trap-door Avas placed in the upper floor, and a door of heavy planks opened into
the second story, but there were no doors opening on the ground floor.
Entrance was effected by ascending outside stairs and passing into the upper
rooms, from whence prisoners were dropped down into the lower cells through
the trap-door in the floor. The doors were lined with sheet iron, and the
exposed wood-work filled with nails. Two grated windows admitted light and
air in the lower rooms. The building was ordered completed by July 4, 1839,
and stood until 1857, when J. P. Walton purchased it for $30, and afterward
sold the solid oak timbers of which it was composed for $800. Mr. Walton
still has the old door-key.
Block 24, of the town plat was reserved for the use of the county, in the
erection of public buildings.
In March, the Board ordered a survey of Section 35, and appointed George
Bumgardner Surveyor.
August, 1839, the Board was composed of John Vanater, Madison Stewart
and Moses Perrin, with J. G. Morrow, Clerk.
At the August election there were six precincts, viz., Bloomington,
Wyoming, Stormes, Pine, Moscow and Wapsinonoc.
November 4, Edward E. Fay was appointed Clerk of the Board.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1.
The Board constituted School District No. 1, November 4, the territory-
embraced in the limits thereof being Township 78 north, Range 2 west.
HIGH RATE OF INTEREST.
The Board loaned money, obtained by the sale of lands on Section 35, at
the rate of 20 per cent per annum interest.
THE COURT HOUSE.
November 6, the Board ordered that proposals for building a Court House
in the town of Bloomington be requested, by advertisement in the Burlington
Territorial G-azette for the space of five weeks. The bricks were ordered to
be ten inches long, five inches wide and two and one-half inches thick. The
building to be completed by September 1, 1841. November 23, the plan sub-
mitted by Stephen B. Bropliy was accepted as the standard of the proposed
edifice. "^Mr. Brophy was allowed §200 for plans and specifications of the
building. The Board subsequently modified the order concerning the size of
the brick, making them nine inches long instead of ten, and then required the
walls to be twenty-two inches thick. William Brownell obtained the job of
erecting the Court House. The edifice was built of brick, laid upon stone founda-
tion walls, the latter being hammered for the upper three courses. The brick
used were made by Stephen Headly. The building was completed by the
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUxNTY. 421
required time. The cost was |15,000. In 1864, the greater part of the
edifice was destroyed by fire. It was reconstructed at once at a cost of $29,000.
Many of the old papers rehiting to the organization of the county were
destroyed by the fire.
At the April election, in 1840, the election precincts were as follows :
Pine, Wyoming, Moscow, West Liberty, Stormes and Bloomington.
In April, William Brownell was employed to " dig and wall a good well on
the public square," for which he was to receive $1.50 per foot. It was to be
an open well, with windlass and bucket.
Thomas M. Isett, at about this time, surveyed the ground for the Court
House.
In September, 1840, the county was divided into Commissioners' Districts
as follows: Townships 77 and 78 north. Range 1 east; Townships 77 and 78
north. Range 1 west and Township 78 north. Range 2 west, First District.
Townships 76 and 77, Range 2, Second District. Townships 76, 77 and 78,
Range 3 ; Townships 76, 77 and 78, Range 4, Third District.
October, 1840, the Board was composed of John Vahater, R. Stewart and
Benjamin Nye, with Edward E. Fay, Clerk.
In November, Mr. Nye received seals for the^Commissioners' Court, the
Probate Court and the District Court, from Joseph M. Isett, then representing
this county in the Legislature.
In the summer of 1841, the Board reduced the rates of ferriage as follows :
footmen, 12|^ cents ; man and horse, 25 cents ; wagon and two horses, 50
cents ; additional horse, 12J cents ; wagon and yoke of oxen, 50 cents ; addi-
tional yoke of oxen, 25 cents; cattle, sheep, etc., 6^ cents.
In August, 1841, the Board consisted of John Vanater, Benjamin Nye and
William Leffingwell, with E. E. Fay, Clerk.
In the years 1842-43, the only change was the election of Abraham
Smalley, Clerk.
In 1844, the Board consisted of John Vanater, Milo Bennett and Charles
Neally, with Abraham Smalley, Clerk. After August of that year, George
Earll was Clerk, and, in July, 1845, William Leffingwell acted in that capacity.
In October, 1845, Milo Bennett and John Zeigler and Charles Neally were
Commissioners.
In October, 1846, John Zeigler, Daniel L. Healy and John H. Miller were
Commissioners, and Z. Washburn Clerk.
In 1847, John Zeigler, Daniel L. Healy and John H. Miller were Com-
missioners, and William Leffingwell Acting Clerk. Nathaniel Hallock was
Clerk.
In July, 1848, a tax of 2 mills was ordered to be levied for the purpose of
purchasing and establishing a Poor-farm.
In 1848, the Board was composed of H. H. Games, D. L. Healy and
William Beard, with N. Hallock Clerk.
In 1849, D. S. Healy, H. H. Games and A. T. Banks, with N. Hallock
Clerk.
In 1850, Amos Lillibridge, H. H. Games and William Keyes, with N.
Hallock Clerk.
THE COUNTY JUDGE SYSTEM.
In 1851, tiie Board of Commissioners was abolished, by act of the Legis-
lature, and the County Judge system instituted. The Court had equal powers
with the former Board, in all business matters relating to the county, and had
co-ordinate jurisdiction with justices' courts. Preliminary examinations in
422 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
criminal cases were sometimes made before it. The first Judge elected, by
general vote of the county, was Arthur Washburn. In 1856, George Meason
was chosen to succeed him, and, in 1857, Edward H. Thayer became Judge.
The Court had jurisdiction in all probate matters and the former Probate Court
was abolished when the Judge system came into vogue.
THE SUPERVISOR SYSTEM.
After ten years of trial, it was discovered that the County Judge system
was not entirely satisfactory. One man held too great a power for the general
interest of the community. With the usual vigor and impetuosity of Ameri-
cans, the people of Iowa at once dashed to the other extreme, and delegated
one man from each township to serve as a County Supervisor. From 1861 to
1870, the Board was composed in this county of the following members:
1861 — John B. Dougherty, Chairman; Evans F. Burgan, Elijah Younkin,
Silas Ferry, Joseph Crane, Vernet Tracy, Michael Price, John Zeigler, John
R. Merritt, R. H. Patterson, J. E. Robb, Henry Resley, Andrew Heberling,
William C. Evans.
1862 — John B. Dougherty, Chairman ; E. F. Burgan, Elijah Younkin,
Silas F-erry, Joseph Crane, Vernet Tracy, Michael Price, Marshall Farnsworth,
J. E. Robb, William Iloyt, R. H. Patterson, William C. Evans, George W.
Hunt, Andrew Heberling.
1863 — Joseph Crane, Chairman ; Thomas M. Isett, E. F. Burgan, R. H.
Patterson, John Fullmer, Silas Ferry, A. Heberling, E. Younkin, G. W. Hunt,
William C. Evans, J. E. Robb, William Hoyt, Vernet Tracy, Marshall Farns-
worth.
1864 — Joseph Crane, Chairman ; E. Younkin, Vernet Tracy, George
Chase, John Fullmer, M. Fai-nsworth, R. T. Thompson, Richard Musser, J.
E. Robb, William D. Viele, Thomas M. Isett, George W. Hunt, William D. Cone,
E. F. Burgan.
1865— R. F. Thompson, Chairman; J. D. Walker, William F. Tolles,
William D. Viele, M. Farnsworth, George Chase, J. A. Purinton, Michael
Price, William H. Stewart, Richard Musser, A. Cone, William H. Hazlett,
George W. Hunt, Thomas Boggs.
1866 — James E. Robb, Chairman; Stephen Herrick, Nathan Brown, R.
T. Thompson, Charles Page, Andrew Dobbs, C. M. Mc Daniel, William H.
Hazlett, J. A. Purinton, A. Cone, Michael Price, J. D. Walker, William H.
Stewart, George Chase.
1867 — James E. Robb, Chairman ; Nathan Brown, George Chase, A.
Cone, Charles Cope, Andrew Dobbs, William H. Hazlett, Stephen Herrick,
Charles Page, J. A. Purinton, Jacob Snyder, W. H. Stewart, J. E. Walker,
James A. Eaton.
1868 — J. D. Walker, Chairman ; A. Cone, B. S. Cone, Charles Cope,
Andrew Dobbs, J. A. Eaton, E. E. Edwards, Caleb Elliott, W. H. Hazlett,
C. C. Horton, George Metts, J. A. Purinton, Jacob Snyder, W. H. Stewart.
1869 — W. H. Stewart, Chairman; Charles Cope, J. A. Eaton, E. E.
Edwards, Caleb Elliott, H. S. Griffin, Daniel Harker, W. H. Hazlett, J. A.
Purinton, C. C. Horton, Mathew Porter, Joseph Nelson, J. S. Riggs, A.
Dobbs.
1870 — J. A. Piirvin, Chairman ; Byron Carpenter, James A. Eaton,
Daniel Harker, H. S. Griffin,-William Fultz, W. H. |E^«lett, C. C. Horton,
Joseph Nelson, J. A. Purinton, M. Porter, J. S. Riggsfw. H. Stewart, Alonzo
Shaw.
m
i ,-vi.~(i
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(XjU^
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 425
In 1871, the system was again changed to one similar to the original Com-
missioners' plan. By legislative enactment, it was made optional with the peo-
ple whether they had three or five Commissioners, or Supervisors, as they are
called. This county chose the smaller number, and, since 1871, the Board
has been composed of the following members :
1871 — William H. Stewart, Chairman ; Byron Carpenter, James E,
Robb.
1872 — ^^William H. Stewart, Chairman ; James E. Robb, Byron Car-
penter.
1873 — A. F. Demorest, Chairman ; J. E. Robb, Byron Carpenter.
1874 — A. F. Demorest, Chairman ; J. E. Robb, Byron Carpenter.
1875 — A. F. Demorest, Chairman ; Thomas Birkett, J. E. Robb.
1876 — J. E. Robb, Chairman ; Thomas Birkett, I. L. Graham.
1877 — Thomas Birkett. Chairman ; A. Cone, I. L. Graham.
1878 — I. L. Graham, Chairman ; Thomas Birkett, A. Cone.
1879 — Thomas Birkett, Chairman ; A. Cone, Cornelius Cadle.
DISTRICT COURT.
The first session of the District Court of the United States ever held in
Muscatine County convened in Bloomington, Monday, April 24, 1837. Hon.
David Irvin, Judge of the Second Judicial District of Wisconsin Territory,
and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the same, presided. W. W.
Chapman, United States District Attorney, in attendance.
The record reads : " The Court being satisfied of the character and qualifi-
cations of John S. Abbott, doth appoint him Clerk of this Court ; and there-
upon, the said John S. Abbott, with John Vanater and Eli Reynolds, his secu-
rities, appeared and entered into bonds, conditional according to law ; and the
said John S. Abbott, as Clerk, took the oath of office."
It was ordered that the temporary seal of the Court be a diamond-shaped
piece of paper, fastened to the records by means of a wafer, and impressed
with the reverse of a United States dime.
FIRST GRAND JURY.
It was ordered that a venire facias be forthwith issued by the Clerk for a
grand jury. The following men were summoned : Robert Bamford, Benjamin
Baston, Edward E. Fay, Robert C Kinney, Jonathan Pettibone, Eli Rey-
nolds, A. L. McKee, Joseph Mounts, Thomas J. Starke, Nathan Parsons,
Samuel Parker, William Sparks, Christopher Barnes, John Briggs, Levi
Chamberlain, Norman Fullington and Anderson Pace. Mr. Bamford was
chosen Foreman.
The jury was duly sworn in and retired '' to their chamber," as the Court
was pleased to term the retired spot to which they repaired ; but soon returned
and announced that their investigations had resulted in finding no indictments.
The first grand jury was thereupon disgharged.
James W. Woods, familiarly and generally known in the days which fol-
loAved his admission to Western courts as " Old Timber," was appointed Dis-
trict Attorney pro tem. for Muscatine County.
Mr. Woods' first official act was to move that the venire facias just referred
to be set aside and a new one be issued. The motion was sustained, and the fol-
lowing men were chosen as grand jurors : Robert Bamford, Cliairman : Robert
426 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
C. Kinney, Jonathan Pettibone, Eli Reynolds, Joseph Mounts, Thomas J.
Starke, Nathan Parsons, Samuel Parker, William Sparks, Christopher Barnes,
John Briggs, Levi Chamberlain, Norman Fullington and Anderson Pace. The
second effort proved more fruitful of results, for the cases of the United States
vs. James Casey, Moses Couch, Edward E. Fay, for selling liquor to the
Indians; the United States vs. Eben Long, perjury; the United States vs.
Anna Walliker and Jacob Walliker, adultery ; the United States vs. John
Knapp, assault and battery on the Sheriff, who attempted to arrest him for
gambling ; the United States vs. James Casey, Christopher Barnes and Norman
Fullington, for assault, were all duly entered on the docket, true bills having
been found. The offenses were all bailable, and sums ranging from ^55 to $100
were ordered in the several oases. Some of the parties were favored with no less
than six separate indictments. In all, there were seventeen presentments. The
most remarkable feature of the affair is, that two or three of the grand jurors
were themselves indicted, either for assault and battery, or for gambling. These
indictments were returned the second day of the session.
The first case of record is that of Jonas M. Higby vs. John G. Cooper,
assumpsit. Lawyer Woods succeeded in getting the writ quashed because of
the lack of a seal thereto.
THE FIRST FERRY.
The next record is that of the granting of a ferry license to Robert C. Kin-
ney to keep a ferry across the Mississippi River, " departing from the town of
Bloomington at a point south of the branch immediately north of the old trad-
ing house." John S. Abbott became Kinney's security.
Alexander Wolcott McGregor was admitted to practice in this Court.
James Chambers was granted license to keep a ferry across the Mississippi
at Salem.
Moses Couch was granted license to keep a ferry across the Mississippi,
" departing from a point above and Avithin a half mile of the branch immediately
above the old trading-house in Bloomington for one year." John Vanater was
his security.
S. C. Hastings was granted a license to keep a ferry across the Mississippi
at West Buffalo.
The rates of ferriage were established as follows : For each footman, 18f
cents ; each man and horse, 37i cents ; each wagon and two horses, $1 ; each
wagon and yoke of oxen, $1 : each additional horse or yoke of oxen, 18| cents ;
loose cattle, 12^ cents ; sheep, hogs, etc., 6^ cents.
The first appealed case was entered in the second day's proceedings, being
that of James and William W. Chambers vs. Isaac I. Lathrop, appealed from
the Justice's Court of Benjamin Nye. Continued to the next term.
FIRST PETIT JURY.
The following men formed the first petit jury: John G. Coleman, Samuel
C. Comstock, John Holliday, E. N. Thurston. Thomas Burdett, John Hesser,
S. S. Lathrop, W. H. Sams, Hamilton Christy, Isaac I. Lathrop, Addison
Reynolds. But eleven names are given in the records. The petit jury was
allowed one day's pay and mileage ; the grand jury was allowed two days' pay
and no mileage.
The foregoing completes the business of the first session of Court.
The second term of tiie Court began May 21, 1838. Judge Irvin on the
bench, and W. W. Chapman District Attorney. The term continued one
week.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 427
The next session of Court convened under the Territorial laws of Iowa,
October 8, 1838, with Judge Joseph Williams on the bench and M. D. Brown-
ing, District Attorney. The first grand jury under the new regime was as fol-
lows : Norman Fullington, Niles Higgenbothan, Isaac I. Lathrop, John Cobb,
John Burge, Lewis Burdett, Jackson Starks, Thomas Burdett, Daniel Edgin-
ton, Joseph Morford, Samuel Kinney, Henry Johnson, Henry Reece, Lewis
McKee, John Pettibone.
Under the Constitution of 1846, Muscatine County was a part of the
Second Judicial District. James Grant, of Scott County, was Judge in 1847;
Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque County, Judge in 1852. Under the Constitu-
tion of 1857, Muscatine County was attached to the Seventh Judicial District.
John F. Dillon, of Scott County, Judge in 1858 ; J. Scott Richman, of Mus-
catine County, Judge in 1863 ; W. F. Brannan, of Muscatine County, Judge
in 1872, and Walter I. Hayes, of Clinton County, Judge in 1875, and now on
the bench.
Since 1858, the office of Prosecuting Attorney has been a district office.
Henry O'Connor, of Muscatine County, was chosen in 1858 ; Lyman A. Ellis,
of Clinton County, in 1862, and H. H. Benson, of Muscatine County, in 1879.
CIRCUIT COURT.
In 1869, the Circuit Court was instituted, because of the growing business
of the State. The probate affairs are administered on in this Court, which also
has co-ordinate jurisdiction in law and chancery cases with the District Court.
Two Circuits were formed of the Seventh Judicial District, with Muscatine and
Scott for the Second Circuit. Afterward, the four counties were united, and
then again divided as before. The Circuit Judges who have presided in this
Circuit are H. H. Benson, 1869; D. W. Ellis, 1873, and D. C. Richman, the
present incumbent, 1877.
PROBATE COURT.
The first business transacted in the Probate Court of Muscatine County was
in the case of Harlow N. Orton, and bears date November 8, 1838. Hon.
Arthur Washburn was the Judge presiding. It appears that Orton died intestate,
leaving no widow, and that Van Renssalaer Thompkins was appointed adminis-
trator of the estate of the deceased. It was discovered that the claims against
the estate amounted to |534.43. July 9, 1842, the Court ordered that the
administrator be discharged from all further liabilities in the case.
There were two other cases filed during the year 1838, viz.: Estate of
Lester Andrews, Benjamin Nye, administrator, letters dated December 1 ; and
estate of Harvey W. Eaton, John M. Kidder, administrator, letters dated
December 13.
During 1839, the following cases were filed : January 23, William H. Sams,
lunatic ; John Vanater and James G. Morrow appointed guardians. Estate of
Jonathan Moorehouse, filed March 13 ; letters of administration granted to Le
Grand Moorehouse. Estate of Parson Wright, filed July 9 ; letters of admin-
istration granted to Melinda Wright. Estate of Andrew Smalley, filed August
10 ; letters of administration granted to Abraham Smalley. Estate of William
M. Fell, filed August 31 ; letters of administration granted to Joseph Manley.
428 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Estate ot Charles E. Dana, filed September 2 ; Mary S. B. Dana, administra-
trix. Estate of John S. Abbott, filed September 10 ; Adam Ogilvie, adminis-
trator. Estate of Samuel Bailey, filed September 18 ; William F. Dewebber,
administrator. Estate of Stockton Briggs, filed September 21 ; John Briggs,
administrator. Estate of Reynolds Wright, filed September 16 ; the last will
and testament of the deceased was that day admitted to probate, being the first
will filed in this county. The provisions of the will were that each of the three
sons and each of the three daughters receive $1, and that the balance of the
estate be bestowed upon the widow, Phebe Wright, who was made executrix.
The instrument was dated April 30, 1839, and witnessed by P. B. Harrison, L.
Thornton and E. Thornton.
Thus, during the life of the Court prior to 1840, the several classes of busi-
ness were transacted. The volume of business after 1840 constantly increased.
The Judges of Probate were: 1838, Arthur Washburn: 1840, Henry
Reece ; 1841, T. S. Parvin ; 1846, Pliny Fay ; 1847, T. S. Parvin. From
1851 the County Judges discharged the duties of this office. When the Super-
visor system came in vogue, the County Judges became solely Judges of Probate
as follows : 1851, Arthur Washburn ; 1855, George Meason ; 1859, Edward
H. Thayer ; 1862, J. Carskadden ; 1864, Henry M. Perkins ; 1866, H. H.
Benson. In 1869, Judge Benson became Judge of the Circuit Court, to which
tribunal the probate business was carried, and is now transacted before.
MARRIAGE RECORDS.
The first license issued in Muscatine County was dated February 13, 1837,
and was signed by Robert McClaren, Clerk of the Commissioners' Court of
Muscatine County. The contracting parties were Andrew .J. Starks and
Merilla Lathrop. The certificate of marriage shows that the ceremony was
performed by Err Thornton, Justice of the Peace, on February 16, 1837.
The second license was issued March 4, 1837, to James Caughran and Har-
riet Bamford, by Robert McClaren. The ceremony was performed the same
day, by John G. Coleman, -Justice of the Peace.
The third license was dated March 23, 1837, to Joseph White and Lany
Barricklow, by Mr. McClaren, and Silas S. Lathrop, Justice of the Peace, per-
formed the ceremony the same day.
The fourth license was dated April 15, 1837, and issued to John Marble
and Hester Cobb, by Mr. McClaren. The ceremony was performed, the same
day, by 'Squire Lathrop.
The fifth marriage in the county was performed April 24, 1837, by Err
Thornton, the contracting parties being Arthur Washburn and Melvina Bratt.
These five licenses were issued prior to the assembling of the first session
of the District Court, at which time Mr. McClaren was succeeded in the oflice
of Clerk by John S. Abbott, who was appointed by Judge Irvin. There were
eight marriages authorized, in addition to the foregoing, during the year 1837,
viz. : May 20, by Justice Coleman, Washington A. Rigby and Lydia Barr ;
June 5, by Justice Coleman, Norman Fullington and Melvina Baker ; June 7,
by Justice Coleman, Thadius Burd and Mary Adair ; June 21, by Henry Sura-
mei's, John Pierce and Jane C. Deven ; June 31, by J. G. Coleman, Matthias
Mounts and Susan E. Daniels ; July 20, by S. S. Lathrop, John De Wolf and
Mary Ann Bagley ; September 20. by 0. R. Tomkins, David Miles Hanson
and Malinda Harper ; September 21, by J. G. Coleman, James Mitchell and
Sylvia Oles.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 429
RECORDER'S RECORDS.
The first instrument filed for record in Muscatine County was a deed
executed by Charles Henderson to Peter Smith, the former of Muscatine
County, the latter of Scott County. The property transferred was as follows :
Lots Nos. 5 and 6, in fractional Section No. 8, Township 78 north, Range No.
2 west ; and Lots Nos. 5 and 6, in fractional Section No. 9, same town and
range as above. The area was 150 70-100, the consideration $188. Lewis
McKee was Register of Deeds when the instrument was filed, December 5,
1838.
The first mortgage was filed December 10, 1838, between Wire Long, of
Muscatine County, and Daniel Hortz, of Des Moines County. The instrument
covered the southwest fractional quarter of Section No. 27, Township No. 77
north, Range No. 1 west, containing 127 2-100 acres.
LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION.
In 1836-38, Eli Thornton represented this section of old Des Moines
County in the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature.
In 1838-39, Muscatine County had a separate existence. The first del-
egation represented Muscatine, Louisa and Slaughter Counties. In the Coun-
cil, James M, Clark ; in the House, John Frierson, William L. Toole, Levi
Thornton, S. Clinton Hastings. 1839-40, in the Council the same; in the
House, S. Clinton Hastings and T. T. Clark represented Muscatine and John-
son. 1840-42, S. C. Hastings represented Muscatine and Johnson in the Coun-
cil, 1840-41, Thomas M. Isett, from Muscatine, alone, in the House.
1841-42, Samuel Holliday, in the House. 1842-44, Pleasant Harris, Coun-
cil. 1842, E Thornton, House. 1843, Edward E. Fay, House. 1845-46,
S. C. Hastings, Council. 1845, A. T. Banks, House.
In the State Legislature: Senate — 1846, Muscatine, Johnson and Iowa
Counties, Thomas Hughes; 1848, same district. Freeman Alger; 1852, Mus-
catine alone, Jonathan E. Fletcher; 1854, George W. Wilkinson; 1858, A.
0. Patterson; 1862, William G. Woodward; 1864, John A. Parvin; 1870,
Samuel McNutt ; 1874, Gilbert H. Wood; 1878, Thomas Hanna.
House — 1846, Muscatine, Elijah Sells; Muscatine, Johnson and Iowa, I.
C. Day; 1848, same, George D. Stephenson, Joseph E. Harrison, respectively;
1850, Muscatine, John A. Parvin; 1852, Elijah Sells, Freeman Alger; 1854,
Reasin Pritchard, John H. Pigman ; 1856, D. C. Cloud, J. A. Mills ; 1858,
Muscatine, Freeman Alger; Muscatine and Cedar, William Lunday; 1860,
Michael Price, George C. Shipman ; 1862, same; 1864, Jacob Butler, Samuel
McNutt: 1866, Samuel McNutt, R. M. Burnett; 1868, same ; 1870, John
Mahin, William C. Evans: 1872, William C. Evans, Elmus Day; 1874,
Charles C. Horton, D. G. McCloud ; 1876, Charles C. Horton, F. A. J.
Gray ; 1878, I. K. Terry, F. A. J. Gray.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
The Representatives in first Constitutional Convention, which convened at
Iowa City, October 7, 1844, and lasted until November 1, were Jonathan E.
Fletcher, Ralph P. Lowe, Elijah Sells. The Constitution adopted by this
Convention was rejected by the people, at an election held on the 4th day of
480 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
August, 1845, there being 7,235 votes cast for its adoption and 7,656 against
its adoption.
The second Constitutional Convention met at Iowa City, May 4, 1846.
Muscatine County was then represented by J. Scott Richman. The Constitu-
tion adopted by this body was sanctioned by the people at an election held on
the 3d day of August, 184t), there being 9,492 votes in favor, to 9,036 votes
against it. This Constitution was presented to Congress in December, 1846,
and, on the 28th day of the same month, an act was passed by that body for
the admission of Iowa into the Union. The first election for State oflBcers was
held on the 25th day of October, 1846, in anticipation of the act of Congress,
pursuant to a proclamation of Gov. James Clarke, when Ansel Briggs, of Jack-
son County, was elected Governor; Elisha Cutt;^r, Jr., Secretary of State;
Joseph T. Fales, Auditor ; and Morgan Reno, Treasurer.
The third Constitutional Convention was held at Iowa City January 19,
1857. Muscatine County was represented by John A. Parvin. The Consti-
tution adopted by this Convention was sanctioned by the people at an election
held on the 3d day of August, 1857, there being 40,311 votes cast for, and
but 38,681 votes against the change. The Constitution took effect September
3, 1857.
THE COUNTY OFFICERS.
Auditor. — When the Circuit Court was created, the office of County Aud-
itor, or Business Agent, was instituted. Robert II. McCampbell was then
chosen, and has ever since held the position.
Recorder. — The following men have held this office : 1838, Lewis McKee ;
1841, Irad C. Day; 1847, F. II. Stone; 1851, A. T. Banks; 1855, William
G. Robb ; 1858, John W. Lucas ; 1862, Brinton Darlington ; 1865, Charles
S. Foster; 1867, W. M. Kennedy, the present incumbent.
Treasurer. — This office has been held bv the following men : 1837, Lewis
McKee ; 1839, Hezekiah Musgrave ; 1841, John A. McCormick ; 1843, T. S.
Battelle ; 1847, F. H. Stone ; 1851, A. T. Banks ; 1855, William G. Robb ;
1858, John W, Lucas ; 1862, Brinton Darlington (a portion of the time, the
offices of Treasurer and Recorder were filled by the same man) ; 1865, M. L.
Miksell ; 1867, R. T. Thompson ; 1871, Henry Molis, Sr.; 1873, Joseph Mor-
rison, the present incumbent.
Superintendents of Schools. — W. F. Brannan, Charles Woodhouse, D. H.
Goodno, G. B. Denison, R. II. McCampbell, Fi-ank Gilbert (to fill vacancy),
C. H. Hamilton, T. N. Brown, R. W. Leverich.
Sheriffs. — 1838, James Davis; 1840, Denton J.Snyder; 1844, George
W. Humphrey ; 1846, Lyman C. Hine ; 1850, John J, Reece ; 1852, David
G. McCloud ; 1856, William Gordon ; 1862, Harris H. Hine ; 1866, Abraham
E. Keith; 1872, James A. Eaton; 1876, R. C. Jewett.
Clerks of the Courts. — Prior to the year 1869, the Clerk was elected as
District Court Clerk, but the office now includes both District and Circuit
Courts. The records show that John S. Abbott was the first Clerk appointed
in Court, although Robert McClaren filled the office, by appointment of the
Governor, from February, 1837, until Court convened, in April. The elected
Clerks have been : 1838, J. G. Morrow ; 1844, John A. Parvin ; 1848, Rich-
artl Cadle; 1850, William Leffingwell ; 1854, Richard Cadle: 1858, Charles
S. Foster; 1862, John W. Jayne ; 1868, John D. Walker; 1874, John H.
Munroe.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
431
POPULATION.
By the several census reports, the population of the county of Muscatine
has increased as follows :
1838.
1840.
1844.
1846
1847 (State).
1849
1850
1851
1852
1854
1856
1859
1860
1863
1865
1867
1869
1870
1873
1875
247
942
882
485
010
516
773
170
812
,556
569
603
444
989
,241
,699
,336
,688
,382
,623
The last census, that of 1875, showed the population to be as follows in
the several townships of this county :
i
o
a
iz;
WHITE
POPULATION.
COLORED
POPULATION.
NAMES OF TOWNSHIPS, TOWNS AND CITIES.
•3
-3
a
3
1
«
1
Q
0
9
1
3
225
67
189
221
131
170
109
1495
87
160
147
262
173
202
197
272
4107
610
190
624
638
413
419
357
3668
250
461
431
723
501
453
538
683
543
193
538
597
349
375
310
3739
. 251
379
418
692
470
480
508
661
1153
383
1162
1235
762
794
667
7407
501
840
849
1415
971
933
1046
1344
2
1
3
1156
Cedar
383
Fulton
1162
1235
762
794
667
Muscatine, city of, (C. H.)
66
64
130
7537
501
Pike ..
840
849
1415
8
1
1
2
8
3
""'5
16
4
1
7
987
937
1047
1351
Total
10959
10503
21462
80
81
161
21623
Since the above report was made, the population of Muscatine City has
largely increased, and is now estimated at 10,000 and upward.
432 . HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
STATISTICAL ITEMS.
The country west of the bluff lands of the river is exceedingly fine. The county
is well watered and well timbered. It is a county rich in natural advantages.
in a State Avhich might be made the granary of the nation, and which has
the capacity of producing breadstuffs sufficient to feed the people of the United
States, if a system of cultivation equivalent to that of many of the countries of
Europe were to be inaugurated, one unconsciously falls into the habit of accept-
ing marvels in the form of development with a sang froid which none but
Americans can exhibit. An invention which is destined to revolutionize
methods and expand capabilities in almost an infinite degree, produces a moment-
ary ripple on the surface of society, and then is accepted with a practical
estimate of its applicability to the machinery already employed.
From the census reports of 1875, the following summary of products is
compiled: Number of acres of improved land in the county, 178,945; number
of acres returned as unimproved, 48,832 ; number rods of fence, 759,050.
From 32.375 acres there were produced 416,471 bushels of spring wheat; from
63 acres, 629 bushels of winter wheat ; from 54,760 acres, 1,715,973 bushels
of Indian corn ; from 13,287 acres, 405,562 bushels of oats ; from 2,358
acres, 59,127 bushels of barley ; from 2,541 acres, 29,455 bushels of rye;
from 232 acres, 3,445 bushels of buckwheat ; from 2,030 acres, 183,116
bushels of potatoes. In addition to these crops there were 13,672 bushels of
sweet potatoes, 2,342 bushels of onions, 3,155 bushels of flaxseed, 16,507
gallons of sorghum sirup, 22,000 tons of tame hay, 6,394 bushels grass-seed,
42,094 bushels of apples, 620 bushels pears, 261 bushels peaches, 3,557 bushels
cherries, 321,572 pounds grapes, 6,349 gallons wine made. The hog crop in
1875 numbered 40,169 ; sheep, 4,550; wool clipped, 20,317 pounds. There
were 498,968 pounds of butter made by private parties.
VALUATION OF THE COUNTY IN 1878.
Auditor McOampbell made the following report to the Auditor of State for
the year 1878:
Total numbei- of acres assessed 266,148
Valuation of farm lands $3,138,395
Village and city property —
Stockton .' $ 5,392
Atalissa 12,956
Moscow ",'263
Muscatine 969,700
Conesville 9,992
Nichols 10,940
Fairport 7,415
West Liberty 90,120
Wilton .' 151,790
$1,265,568
Vahie railroad property 506, 776
Aggregate personal property 1,438,293
Total valuation of county $6,349,032
OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
On the 9th of February, 1856, an Old Settlers' Society was formed at
Muscatine, by the following persons : Judge Joseph Williams, T. S. Parvin,
Pliny Fay, Joseph Bridgeman, Suel Foster, H. A. Jennison, H. H.' Hine, Z.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 433
Washburn, G. W. Humphreys, J. P. Walton, M. Ward, W. Chambers, Jr., Giles
Pettibone, Joseph S. Allen and A. T. Banks. Judge Williams was elected
President, and Mr. Parvin, Secretary. The Society still exists. Judge D. C.
Richman is President, and Mr. Peter Jackson, Secretary.
Mr. Peter Jackson, Secretary of the Old Settlers' Society, has carefully
preserved all obituary notices of those pioneers who have passed away. From
such records is here compiled a chapter on the lives and public services of those
men and women Avho were identified with the early settlement of this county.
To give even brief mention of all who have died after having gained honorable
residence in Muscatine County, is a task beyond the limits of any one volume,
and to the end that a safe guide may be followed in our work, we have selected
only such names as appear in the Secretary's book. Hundreds of men live in
a community for years without becoming public characters, but are none the
less worthy of a place in the pages of local history. Still, it is obvious that
unless a record is preserved, from time to time, or at their death, no writer can
obtain the necessary data wherewith to construct a fitting memoir. With a
general recognition of the labors of the many, in their efforts to create a new
county, therefore, and without intentional errors of omission, the writer takes up
the thread of his text.
The first name mentioned in the Pioneers' Record, is that of Judge Arthur
Washburn, who came from New York State to Iowa, and located in this region
in 1835. In 1836, he was appointed to the first postmastership created in Mus-
catine County, while it was yet a part of old Des Moines. The office in ques-
tion was located near " the mouth of Pine," and was called Iowa. For several
months thereafter, the sparse settlement in this section of Iowa went to that Post-
master rather than to that office, for their scattering mail. The office was
located in the little trading store kept by Maj. William Gordon. In 1(S38,
after the legal birth of Muscatine County, Gov. Lucas appointed Mr. Wash-
burn Jud^e of Probate. In 1851, when the office of Countv Judge was ere-
ated. Judge Washburn was elected to that position, which was financial agent of
the county, as well as business administrator. During his incumbency, the
Judge raised the credit of the county to par, by his economical management of
its affairs. Judge Washburn held numerous offices besides those already named,
and 'in them all discharged his duties honorably. His death occurred early in
1856, and resolutions of respect were adopted by the pioneers.
Edward E. Fay, the first Postmaster of Bloomington. died in 1840. Mr.
Fay held several positions of honor and trust, and is to this day remembered
with affectionate regard by his associates in the early scenes.
Adam Ogilvie, Thomas M. Isett, Amos Walton, John Vanater — these are
names which awaken a train of recollection among the survivors of the early days.
■ Judge Joseph Williams figures more prominently in the history of the
county and Territory than any other pioneer, perhaps, because of the high
office held by him from the first. He was born in Greenburg, Westmoreland
Co.. Penn., December 28, 1801. In 1838, President Van Buren appointed
Mr. Williams Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Territory of Iowa,
and Judge of the Second Judicial District. It is related of him that his genial
character and generous spirit oftentimes led him into what some deemed lapses
from judicial dignity, insomuch that he not infrequently joined his " bar " in a
social dance after his official duties were done. In fact, he would not only
dance, but even play the violin for others to dance by, and hence his political
opponents termed him *'the fiddling Judge." When President Tyler came
into office, an effort was made to secure the removal of the Iowa Judges, and,
434 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
it is said, certain men were even determined upon as the successors of the trio.
When Judge Williams received word of the movement, he took steps to counter-
act it. A paper purporting to represent the sentiment of the District, but
really gotten up in Bloomington, had been sent to Washington. Gen. Dodo-e
had forwarded a copy of the document to Iowa, and the interested parties were
not slow in getting up a counter-statement. Armed with this indorsement,
Judge Williams repaired to the capital, and, on his way met certain ladies, who
were traveling thither by the same coach. So genial was the Judge that he
soon gained the admii'ation of his fair companions. Neither knew the other,
but what was the mutual surprise of all when, upon the Judge's presentation to
the President, they ascertained that the Judge was an aspirant for executive
favor, and the ladies were members of the President's household. The
acquaintance so pleasantly begun was thereupon continued, and the result of
the chance meeting was the re-appointment of the original bench. When Iowa
was admitted as a State, Judge Williams was elected to the Supreme Judgeship.
In 1848, Hon. S. C. Hastings succeeded him in that office; but in 1849, the
Judge again became the occupant of the Supreme Bench. He retained his
office until 1855. In 1857, President Buchanan appointed him one of the
Judges of the Territory of Kansas, a position which he held until the admission
of Kansas as a State. In 1863, Gen. Veach, at Memphis, Tenn., found it
necessary to organize a judicial tribunal at that post, the operations of the war
having suspended the ordinary legal institutions. Judge Williams accepted a
seat as one of that commission. Early in 1870, the Judge left his home in
Lake Township, whither he had returned some four years prior to the last date,
and went to Fort Scott, Kan. He was suddenly attacked with pneumonia,
shortly after his arrival, and died March 31, 1870. His remains were brought
back and interred in the county he had so long honored.
Were it possible to do so, we should be glad to record here the innumerable
anecdotes connected with Judge Williams' public life ; but no memoranda were
preserved, and even his address, delivered before the Old Settlers' Society in
1869, is but a mere recollection. His fund of incident and story was inex-
haustible. He was a genius in his way, benevolent to the extent of personal
injury to himself, and plain and unassuming in an extreme degree. He was a
Christian man, and joined the little band of Methodists in forming the iBrst
class, of which his wife was also a member. He also aided in the establishment
of the first Sunday school in Bloomington. He was an able jurist, an incorrupti-
ble Judge, an honest man* Mrs. Mary Williams, his wife, died September
10, 1871.
Judge W. G. Woodward was born in Hanover, N. H., May 20, 1808.
In 1839, he removed to Bloomington. His education was acquired at Dart-
mouth College, from which he graduated in 1828. He was admitted to the
bar by Rufus Choate, in 1832. He was a highly-educated, polished gentleman,
and, with his accomplished wife, added greatly to the society of Bloomington.
He was chosen Prosecuting Attorney of the county at an early day. In 1855,
he was elected by the Legislature Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. In
1861, he was chosen State Senator, and became one of the most active members.
In 1862, he was appointed Clerk of the United States Circuit Court, and
retained the office until 1869, when he retired to private life. His death
occurred February 24, 1871.
Isaac Magoon, a pioneer of 1839, died in 1846. Mrs. Hannah Magoon,
his widow, died October 12, 1871, aged eighty-three years. Mrs. Magoon was
universally respected for her many excellent qualities.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 435
Gen. J. E. Fletcher came to Bloomington in the summer of 1838. He was
a native of Thetford, Vt., and from that State he brought his wife. In 1839,
he purchased lands about six miles from the county seat, and located thereon.
His public life dates back to the Territorial days. He was one of the delegates,
who framed the State Constitution, and, in 1846, was appointed Indian Agent
for the Winnebagoes, which oflSce he filled for eleven years. The location of
the agency was twice moved during his administration. He first had quarters
at Fort Atkinson; thence he moved to Mankato, on the Minnesota River;
thence to a point above St. Paul. During his official term, the Winnebagoes,
Sioux and Chippewas were frequently at war; but by his brave and judicious
management, he generally averted disastrous results. During all those years
of wild life and arduous duties, the General was accompanied by his wife, who
rendered him great assistance. Mrs. Fletcher also devoted much time to the
education of the Indians. The General, Mrs. Fletcher and their son, Dr.
Fletcher, then a mere lad, became proficient in the Indian tongue. In 1858,
the General returned to Muscatine County with his family. He was a man of
noted character, of energy and industry. His death was mourned by many
friends. He died in April, 1872.
David R. Warfield was born at Eastern Shore, Md., March 19, 1816. He
became a resident of Bloomington in December, 1837. In the summer of that
year, his cousin, Charles A. Warfield, in exploring the country from St. Louis
up the river, decided to locate at Bloomington. He accordingly purchased the
Bartlow claim, and two or three others, embracing, in all, that tract of land
north of the east part of the city, from Eighth street for one mile back, and
from a few rods west of the Iowa City road, a mile east, including about one-
half of the Chester Weed farm. Mr. Suel Foster relates the following incident
connected with Mr. Warfield's arrival: "In December, 1837, I think it was
near Christmas, I returned to Bloomington, from a temporary trip, and was
told that three men had been on the other side of the river for several days,
and were anxious to get over. The ice was running so thick, that no one could
cross. I found two men, who were willing to venture in a skiff, to bring the
three new settlers to Iowa. By this means, A. 0. and D. R. Warfield and
Capt. Dunn were brought across in safety, and from that day became residents
of the county. A. 0. Warfield remarked, that he and David had been in
Bloomington a few days before the period of which I write, having walked from
Burlington, the boats having stopped running. They had crossed over into
Illinois, for provisions, preparatory to setting up bachelor's hall. They were
on their return, laden with pork and other necessaries, which they had obtained
of Stanton Prentiss, near the mouth of Copperas Creek, when the ice prevented
their crossing. A. 0. and Charles A. were brothers. D. R., the cousin,
became interested with them in the valuable tract referred to. In the spring
of 1838, Asbury and David built a saw-mill on Mad Creek, near the northeast
corner of the town plat, where considerable lumber was sawed. During the
'Missouri War,' Maj. D. R. Warfield was called out to defend his country,
and he and I were messmates. In 1841, the Major married Miss Josephine
Steinberger." The notices of the Major's life and death are uniformly eulo-
gistic of a man who ever exerted a wide and beneficial influence. The last
years of his life were devoted to farming. He died in April, 1872.
Mrs. D. R. Warfield, wife of the pioneer, died January 8, 1875. She was
one of the Steinberger sisters, a niece of Gov. Lucas, and filled a most enviable
and admirable place in the society of early times. She came to Bloomington
in 1840.
436 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
, George Bumgardner, the original County Surveyor, came to Bloomington
in 1837. His name is inscribed on the pages of all the early records relating
to deeds and plats of property in the Recorder's office. He it was who laid out
and defined the line of Bloomington. after the formal purchase. Not only did
he establish city boundaries, but he also laid the foundation of the Methodist
Episcopal Society, in company with John A. Parvin. Joseph Williams, and
others.
Dr. Eli Reynolds, the founder of the extinct town of Geneva, a few miles
above Bloomington, and the first Representative from the region in the Belmont
Legislature, located at New Boston in 1835. In 1836, he planned Geneva, and
right manfully did he labor to secure the seat of justice there. As a mark of
his ability, it is shown that two townships are attached to Muscatine County
which might naturally belong to Scott. Those eastern towns were placed where
they are still found in order to give a more central location to Geneva. How-
ever, the best laid plans sometimes fail, and, when the news of the Doctor's
intent came to the ears of the residents of Muscatine, there was a hurrying to and
fro. and petitions were sent to Gov. Dodge in protest against the proposed change.
The bill, meanwhile, had passed the Legislature of 1837-38, at Burlington, and
needed but the signature of the Governor to make it a law. But that signature
was never given. The measure failed of approval, and Bloomington was
retained, in the amended act of organization, as the county seat. Geneva
is no more. Dr. Reynolds resided in the home of his creation for about twelve
years. Subsequently, he lived at Fairport and at Moscow. He died at S. R.
Drury's house, at Drury's Landing, May 10, 1873. For fifty-six years he
was a practicing physician.
William St. John, one of the 1836 pioneers, and for many years of the
firm of Ogilvie & St. John, died April 18, 1874, in Morrison, 111., where
he had resided for about nine years. Mr. St. elohn was associated at an early
day with many of the schemes of improvement then in vogue, and was a highly-
esteemed citizen.
Gen. Ansel Humphreys came to Bloomington in the spring of 1840. He
was born in Hartford County, Conn., June 1, 1792, and from his youth up he
was possessed of great activity and energy. By the exercise of those mental
and moral attributes which nature had endowed him with and qualified him for,
he soon became a leading spirit in this community. He gained his title by a
commission of Major General in the Connecticut militia, Avhich he resigned to
move West. He served with distinction in various civil offices in his native
State, and held a commission as L^nited States Commissioner for the State of
Iowa from 1851 to the date of his death, which occurred April 21, 1873.
John 11. Pigman.a pioneer of 1840, died April 4, 1874, aged seventy-three
years. He held the office of County Surveyor at the time of his death, and
served, in 1854, as member of the State Legislature.
Hon. Jacob Butler was born at Franklinton, opposite Columbus, Ohio, in
1^17. In 1841, Mr. Butler removed to Bloomington, and formed a law partner-
ship with Judge LoAve. His early education was acquired through his own
untiring exertions, and that fact serves as an index to his character. From the
first year of his residence in Iowa he began to exert a wide influence upon the
growth and history of the town of his choice. No citizen received prompter
or more generous recognition of merit. His fii'st appearanc'e in official life fol-
lowed his election to the General Assembly, in 1863, at which session he was
elected Speaker of the House. He was again brought into prorninence as
President of the Northwest Conference of the Congregational Association, held
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 437
at Chicago. He was Trustee of Iowa College, Director of the American Mis-
sion Society, President for more than three years of the Muscatine National
Bank, President of the Muscatine Gas Company, and President of the Iowa
Railway Construction Company. In 1872, he represented the Liberal party
on the electoral ticket of Greeley and Brown, and, at the time of his death,
was Vice President of the Marine Company Bank of Chicago. Mr. Butler
married for his first wife Sarah, daughter of Rev. Charles Cumminffs, D. D.,
of New York, and sister of Mrs. Dr. J. S. Horton, of Muscatine. His second
marriage was with Esther, daughter of Judge Maynard, of Corning, N. Y.
In religious sentiments Mr. Butler was liberal, but he maintained an honorable
connection with the Congregational Church from 1854. In many thino-s he
was eccentric, but that characteristic was rather the outgrowth of a strong mind
and determined purpose. His death occurred April 23, 1874, in Mt. Pleasant,
of acute meningitis. The citizens, the bar and the pulpit united in expressions
of profound regret at his death. For many years, he won and retained the
admiration of his fellow-citizens by his eloquent tongue and his powerful intel-
lect. The fate which brought him to a mental condition the reverse of his
normal state was most deplorable. His memory will ever be fresh among those
who knew him in his manly health and vigor.
Chester Weed was one of the most generally known and respected men in
this region of the State, as a merchant and public-spirited man. For thirty
years, the firm of Weed k Bridgeman (the latter a brother-in-law of the for-
mer) was known and respected. He was a native of Connecticut, and imbibed
the characteristics of the race from which he sprang, in all their better nature.
His father. Dr. Benjamin Weed, came to Bloomington in 1839, and, in 1841,
the son followed. In 1843, after having acted as clerk in the store of Joseph
Bennett for some time, Messrs. Weed and Bridgeman formed the mercantile
copartnership which became, in the course of years, so extensively and favorably
known. He was identified with the most beneficial interests of the place,
and was ever a generous citizen, a thoroughly respected man. Jn 1873,
Mr. Weed was married to Miss Cora Chaplin, and the bridal couple made
an extended European journey, the second enjoyed by Mr Weed. He loved
the good and the beautiful, and left his impress on those with whom he came
in contact. The local press, in speaking of his sudden demise, remarked that
there was "no one on whom his mantle could fall."
William Chambers, Sr., was born in North Carolina, June 5, 1793. He
served with distinction in the war of 1812. In the spring of 1830, he came,
with his family, to Muscatine County, whither he was preceded a few weeks
by his son Vincent, with whom he settled on a farm about six miles from town.
In 1866, he took up his residence, with his son, in Muscatine City. His death
occurred in December, 1874. The bereavement to the family was augmented
by the sad coincidence of the death of Mrs. Mary Chambers, wife of John, one
of the pioneer sons. The wife was the daughter of John S. Lakin, who came
to Bloomington in 1840. She was married July 13, 1854, and, about 1871,
removed, with her husband, to Leavenworth, Kan. The body was brought to
Muscatine, and the funerals were solemnized at the same time. Both father
and daughter were respected by the entire community, and the dual affliction
created a profound impression upon the society which knew them so long.
J. B. Dougherty, Sr., a pioneer of 1842, who purchased the first drug
store of W. H. Hollingsworth at that time, and continued in the business until
1875, died July 14, 1875. He was identified with the growth of the town,
and always took a deep interest m its prosperity.
438 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
AVilliam E. Leflfingwell died October 23, 1876. He came to Muscatine County
in 1836, where he at once began the labor of improving a farm in Wapsinonoc
Township. In 1844, he became a resident of town, and was repeatedly
honored by office at the hands of his fellow-citizens. He served as County
Commissioner, Clerk of the County, Justice of the Peace, City Treasurer, and
Mayor. He left behind him an honorable record, and is remembered with
affectionate regard by all who knew him.
Col. George W. Kincaid, accompanied by his wife, came to this region in
1839, and located in what is now Seventy -six Township. Col. Kincaid,
although past the age of military duty, was foremost in the cause of the
Union in 1861, and was the prime mover in the eftbrt to raise a regiment of
old men. The Thirty-seventh Regiment, known as the famous Gray-Beards,
was mustered in under his supervision, and he commissioned Colonel thereof
September 17, 1862. He was Vice President of the Pioneers' Association of
Muscatine County.
Gen. John G. Gordon, who acquired the title by commission from Gov.
Briggs, of Iowa, in 1847, came to this county in 1844. He was never a seeker
after office or notoriety, and held no place of prominence ; but, as an earnest
worker in the ordinary methods of life, his rank was among the foremost. He
died in 1877.
Samuel Lucas located four miles west of Bloomington in 1838. He resided
upon the same farm continuously until the time of his death, in 1878.
The foregoing pages contain but briefest mention of such names only as the
Pioneers' Association records contain, who now are numbered among the dead.
Of the host of other men who, coming at a later period, have helped to build
up the city of Muscatine and form the character of the county, we cannot
speak in detail. If names are omitted which should appear in these pages, the
cause of the delinquency lies not with the writer. Many more might, doubt-
less, be added to the list, and the historian who comes after us will find mate-
rials for a greater work.
° THE NYE TRAGEDY.
The tragic ending of the life of Benjamin Nye, who disputed titles with
Err Thornton as to first settlership, forms one of the few dark pages in the
history of this county. The story is thus told by one who remembers the facts
in the case :
" Nye was a type of the rougher sort of pioneers, and a worthy man and
one who possessed the confidence of his neighbors so far as to elect him County
Commissioner, and to other local offices, was fearless as a lion and implacable
as an Indian. It is stated that in some way becoming involved in a controversy
with a noted border desperado known as Maj. Gordon, Nye attacked him, and
in the fierce fight with ' bowies ' which followed both were supposed to have
been fatally wounded. Nye, at least, recovered, and first came into contact with
George McCoy as a farm hand in his employ. McCoy wooed the daughter of
his employer, but had to run away with her in order to get married, which Nye
never forgave to be on speaking terms thereafter. In 1840, McCoy was elected
Sheriff" of Cedar County, serving as such several terms ; but getting the fever,
in 1849 he started for California, leaving his wife and children living in Tipton,
in a house that stood where Casads coal office now is, and under the shadow
of that same old cottonwood, which was placed there by McCoy's own hands.
Leaving suddenly, McCoy placed all his aff'airs in the hands of an old personal
and political friend, S. A. Bissell, afterward known as Judge Bissell, who was
then a very important figure in local affairs of all kinds, and held a high
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 439-
oflBcial position, especially enjoining upon him care for his wife and children.
The latter injunction Avas alleged to have been too literally obeyed — at all events
when McCoy had been in California about a year the news came from his far-
away home in Iowa that the family cradle had just been re-occupied and the
census at his hearthstone increased by one. He dropped everything and
hastened back with vengeance in his heart.
But the journey was along one in those days, and time was given for much
reflection — so much so, that instead of doing hasty murder on his arrival, he
avowed his only object to be, to obtain his own children and take them back to
California with him. The friend in charge, on hearing of McCoy's arrival,
took to his bed and was sick for some time, but no doubt was greatly relieved,
when McCoy finally sent him word that he might go to and from his official
duties without fear, even if the permission was coupled with such a threat, in
case he should be found elsewhere, as kept him most religiously to the pre-
scribed line of march. In the mean time the wife and children were at Ben.
Nye's, in Muscatine County; and, although McCoy was reminded of the char-
acter of his father-in-law, and advised to proceed by legal process only, he took
a wagon and a couple of trusty men — one of whom is a resident of Tipton
to-day — and, learning that Nye would be in Muscatine on business, on the 3d
of March, 1852, made a raid on his nremises, got the children in the wagon
and was away without hindrance. But it so fell out that Nye soon returned ;
and, learning the situation, sprang into his own wagon, and drove at racing
speed, until he overtook McCoy eight miles on the road toward Tipton. Pass-
ing the team of the latter, he turned his own across the road, handed the lines
to his companion, and jumping out demanded the children. McCoy produced
a revolver, and warned him that death would be the penalty of interference ;
but the old borderer advanced to the wagon without flinching, ami actually
seized one of the children, although the pistol had twice been fired at him
meanwhile. But being unarmed, he then suddenly changed his tactics, and
rushing to the fence, seized a heavy stake, and again advanced. McCoy, by
this time, had jumped from the wagon, and stood with his pistol leveled. He
waited an instant too long, however, and down came Nye's club, and the pistol
went whirling into the road, while the arm that held it fell disabled at its own-
er's side.
But this time the old grizzly had met his fate! Without hesitation,
McCoy drew a huge bowie-knife with the other hand, and springing upon his
antagonist, twice buried it to the hilt in his body — the last time actually turn-
ing it in the wound. Either gash was sufficient to let life out, but still Nye's
determination defied death for several days. McCoy, on his part, put his chil-
dren in a place of safety, and went at once to Muscatine and surrendered him-
self to the authorities. He was examined before Judge Williams, and released
upon the plea of having acted in self-defense, and is, to-day, a Justice of the
Peace and prominent citizen in a flourishing California village.
Mrs. Azuba Nye, widow of Benjamin, and the first white female settler in
Muscatine County, died on the original claim made in 1834, March 4, 1879.
SOME PIONEERS.
The county was formally organized in the year 1837, as is shown in detail
elsewhere in this work. It is impossible to give a list of those who came to the
county in 1837, for the number reached far up into the hundreds. The year
following, a census was taken, which showed the population of Muscatine County
to be no less than 1,247.
440 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
It is a fact which cannot be denied successfully that all new countries attract
a certain element of society which is far from desirable. The " floating popu-
lation " which hangs upon the outskirts of civilization does no good to a region
infested by it ; but its presence is almost sure to be made manifest by an era of
lawlessness which retards the material growth and improvement of the country.
Fortunately, Muscatine County was soon rid of that idle, speculative class.
The leaders in the community were men of such stanch determination and
honest purpose that idlers found the locality an unpleasant one for them, and
moved further West. The opening up of still new regions, during the ten years
succeeding the first improvements in this county, induced many to select homes
along the Iowa Valley and elsewhere, with a view to making themselves leaders
and original proprietors in the towns which sprang into existence, and also to
become large owners of the fertile prairie-lands of the interior. These causes,
among others not so apparent, produced a marked change in the population of
this county, in 1846. The census returns taken under the Territorial govern-
ment were as follows : 1838, 1,247; 1840, 1,942; 1844, 2,882; 1846, 1,485.
We are able to give some of the prominent names in the roll of settlers
who came prior to 1840, and are recorded in the Old Settlers' Society's
register. We do not pretend that the list is a complete one, but Ave give all
whose names have been furnished us by reliable parties. The settlements in
the several townships are spoken of more in detail in the chapters devoted
especially to the towns and villages. We give the names appended in about
the order of their coming, by years only.
Beginning with the assumption that settlement was made in 1834, we have:
Err Thornton, Lott Thornton, Benjamin and Azuba Nye.
1835 — James W. Casey, John Vanater, John McGrew, Arthur Washburn,
Dr. Eli Reynolds.
1836 — Suel Foster, Moses Couch, William Gordon, John J. Huber,
Thomas Burdett, H. Burdett, Addison Reynolds, Samuel Gilbert, Hiram Gil-
bert, William St. John, Thomas B. Holliday, John H. Miller, John Holliday,
Samuel Holliday, Elias Holliday, Levi Thornton, J. H. Benson, Edward E.
Fay, J. Craig, John Reece, Henry Reece, Joseph Reece, Harvey Gillett,
William Beard, William P. Wright, L. C. Hine, Mr. Higley (the pioneer
peddler), and his son Jonas, .Joshua Stearn, Browning Stearn (first settlers on
Muscatine Island), Frank Casey, W. H. Sams, Solomon Bair, William Hunter,
John Cobb, John Marble, Daniel Edginton, Samuel Kinney, R. C. Kinney,
Aaron Blanchard, Samuel Parker, Giles Pettibone, Jonathan- Pettibone, John
Champ, Silas Maine, Charles Maine, Norman Fullington, Adam Ogilvie, T. M.
Isett, Mr. Norton and wife, William Chambers, Sr., and his sons Vincent,
William, Isaac, Anderson and John Aaron Brewer, James Chambers, S. C.
Comstock, J. H, Franklin, Henry Mockmore, Robert Bamford, Charles Drury,
who laid out Moscow in 1836.
1837 — Joseph Bridgman, Richard Lord, Silas Lathrop, Isaac Lathrop,
Samuel Shortridge, John Briggs, Asa Gregg, Henry Funck, Adam Funck, William
Sparkes, Thomas Starks, S. Clinton Hastings, Robert Davis, H. Wiley, Silas
Goldsbury, George Bumgardner, William G. Holmes, Addison Gillett, Samuel
Stormes, John Frierson, John Main, Ahimaaz Blanchard, George Storms,
Jeremiah Fish, Charles H. Fish, Pliny Fay, H. H. Hine, John Miles, David
Kiefer, Robert Smith, Jacob Kiser, Wilson Wright J. Richman, Robert Gra-
ham, John Lawson, Martin Sutherland, Alexander Ward, L. T. McGrew,
Amos Walton, Isaiah Davis, Alexander Ward, Myron Ward, John Kindler,
Dr. Maxon, A. Whiting, William Todd, H. Sany, S. Richardson, F. Richardson,
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 441
C. Rayburn, A. Cone, Daniel Mauck, Isaac Mauck, S. C. Trowbridge, Giles
Pettibone, John Morford, J. Berg, J. C. Cole, J. S. Yates, J. G. Morrow,
Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Vandever, John Miller, S. Colver, Dr. H. Lee, Jacob
Long, James Bidwell, Peter Bidwell, John S. Abbott, Robert McClaren, Benjamin
Baston, John Shefrey, A. L. McKee, Luke Cunningham, Joseph Mounts, Thomas
J. Starke, Nathan Parsons, James Davis, Samuel Parker, Christopher Burns,
Levi Chamberlain, Samuel Starr, the Coombs family, Anderson Pace, Aaron
tisher, Niles Higginbotham.
1838— T. S. Parvin, Judge Joseph Williams, M. M. Berkshire, A. T.
Banks, J. E. Fletcher, Samuel Lucas, Thomas Morford, D. R. Warfield, A.
0. Warfield, Josiah P. Walton, John W. Walton, S. W. Stewart, W. D. Viele,
Peter Jackson, Henry W. Moore, Abraham Smalley, J. A. Reuling, A. M.
Winn. Andrew McCurdy, J. Williams, Jr., William Morford, II. Morford, B.
T. Rowland, J. W. Brady, George Barney, Mr. Hawkins, Irad C. Day, D. R.
Petriken, W. S. Ayers, A. West, James Beatty, John M. Kidder, J. M. Brock-
way, A. Brockway, W. Tebow, Charles Browning, James Phillips, A. Farns-
worth, Samuel Bamford, Horace Deming, John Isler, Amos Lillibridge, Azel
Farnsworth, Benjamin Lilly, Alonzo Standard.
1839.— John' A. Parvin, J. M. Kane, G. W. Kincaid, J. McCloud, J. A.
Purinton, E. T. S. Schenck, C. A. Abbott, Mathew Mathews, Clark Mathews,
W. W. DeWeber, Hiram Mathews, Benjamin S. Olds, G. E. Daniels, G. W.
Humphreys, Samuel Tarr, S. N. Candee, F. H. Stone, James Weed, Z. Wash-
burn, J. K. Williams, M. Gilbert, J. E. Israel, George M. Kinsley, Dennis
Jeffers, Joseph Bennett, D. C. Cloud, William Leffingwell, J. Scott Richman,
William A. Gordon, John Giles, S. D. Viele, Samuel Sinnett, Isaac Magoon,
George D. Magoon, W. G. Woodward, A. R. Woodward, Alexander Dunsmore,
Shepherd Smalley, John Smalley, William Smalley, Jackson Smalley, Henry
Smalley, Tiley Smalley, S. Whicher, J. Ziegler, J. A. McCorraick, G. W. Hunt,
A. M. Hare, H. Q. Jennison, Stephen B. Brophy, L. Truesdale, William
Brownell, G. A. Springer, P. Fryberger, Benjamin and Edward Mathews, who
were brought here by C. A. and D. R. Warfield, as emancipated slaves from
Maryland, Daniel S. Smith, Silas Hawley, Barton Lee.
It is possible that some errors have crept into the arrangement of the fore-
going list, but great care has been taken to avoid such mistakes. The names
are all copied from records and papers, or taken from statements made to the
writer in person. The settlers here enumerated were in the county prior to
1840, beyond question, and probably came as indicated. The list might be
swelled to include hundreds of other names, but such a task as the preparation
of the roll would be is obviously impossible.
Among the men who have claimed Muscatine as their place of residence,
the one who has gained the most wide-spread celebrity is Samuel L. Clemens
(Mark Twain). When but a young lad, he came with his mother and brother
from Hannibal, Mo., and located in Muscatine. Orion Clemens purchased an
interest in the Journal, and Samuel worked as printer in the office. This was
in 1853-54. After a time, the restless spirit possessed young Clemens and he
started out upon a " tramp," with little besides that magic passport to a print-
ing office — a '^ composing-rule." It was during his sojourn at Hannibal and
at this place that Clemens imbibed that profound reverence for the profession of
Mississippi pilot, which he so admirably described in his Atlantic Monthly
papers. The young printer journeyed on from place to place, until he finally
reached Philadelphia, and while there wrote letters to the Journal at this place,
descriptive of the City of Brotherly Love. The first letter published was one
442 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
concerning the Fairmount Water Works. These letters evinced so much native
talent on the part of the writer that they were generally commented on. Sub-
sequently, Clemens reached California, in his wanderings, and there he blos-
somed out into a successful humorist. His later triumphs are too fresh in the
minds of the people to need special mention here.
Judge S. Clinton Hastings occupied the most prominent position of any of
the earlier politicians. He was chosen Representative in Congress in 1846,
and served one term. He was appointed to the Supreme Bench, as Chief Jus-
tice, January 26, 1848, and served until January 15, 1849. He exercised a
decided influence on local politics during the formative years of the county, and
his name is found in many of the official records and early law documents. In
1849, he removed to California, where he was placed upon the Supreme Bench,
and is now one of the capitalists of the Pacific Slope.
Judge Henry O'Connor, now Solicitor of the State Department at Wash-
ington, was, for a quarter of a century, a power in the politics of Muscatine
County. As a lawyer of marked ability and a gentleman of admirable quali-
ties, he is known and respected by his former associates.
Hon. T. S. Parvin, who came in 1838, was from the first a prime mover in
all educational and other beneficial enterprises. He is esteemed the foremost
man among those who laid the foundation of schools in Muscatine, and is
remembered for his untiring devotion to the higher interests of the town. Hi&
removal to Iowa City was a serious loss to this place.
THE "MISSOURI WAR."
One of the most exciting events of early times was the difficulty known as
the "Missouri war,'' an amusing, but, for the time, an absorbing, controversy,
which arose as to the limit between Iowa and Missouri. Instead of relegating
the whole matter to Congress the moment it arose. Gov. Lucas became deeply
excited and ac:ed absurdly.
It may be asked why the subject is introduced into the pages of a history
of Muscatine County. The answer is ready enough : Muscatine furnished a
whole company of troops, and took a leading hand in the impending fray. The
pioneers have assured the writer that a full account of the " war " would be
expected, and so we have endeavored to supply the needed history.
Suel Foster once prepared a readable sketch of the cause and progress of
the " war," and from that paper is here ((uoted a liberal portion of his version :
"In August, 1836, Mr. Foster was living about two miles from the mouth
of Rock River, and about three miles fi'om the present site of Rock Island.
Early one day that month, the Sac and Fox Indians began to assemble at their
previous home, which was destroved during; the Black Hawk Avar of 1832.
After paying tribute to the dead which were buried there, the Indians called foi-
Maj. (jeorge Davenport and Antoine LeClaire. The business of the meeting
was kept a profound secret. The result of this conference was the formation
of a company known ;\s the Half-breed Land Company. The object and pur-
pose of the Company was the purchase of the tract of fertile lands in Lee
County, Avhich had been secured to the half-breeds for settlement. Some 30,-
000 acres were embraced in the reserve. There were about forty-five half-breeds
in the tribe, and from these deeds were obtained by the Company. As might
have been expected, the loose business ideas possessed by the Indians soon led
to confusion in titles, as tlie half-breeds would profit by selling their lands to
HISTORY, OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 443
whoever would pay for the same. In this way, as many as a dozen claims were
known to exist on the same tract of land.
" Finally, the question of priority became a legislative bone of contention,
and even continued to be as late as 1856 The multiplicity of stockholders in
the original Company, who first purchased shares for f 2, but afterward at as
high a figure as $10, led to still greater complications. To make the land
hold out to fit the shares was a serious problem. Finally, it was detected by
a shrewd observer, that the boundary of the Half-breed Tract was " the head
of the Des Moines Rapids," wliich was the name generally given to the rapids
in the Mississippi River, at the mouth of the Des Moines River. The inter-
ested parties interpreted the act to mean the rapids in the river Des Moines,
near Keosauqua, Van Buren County, which gave nearly twelve miles more
territory, north and south, at the point involved,"
From this point of the story, we (j[uote from a paper by Charles Negus, who
made the subject a matter of special study :
'• Soon after the organizing of the Territorial Government of Iowa, there
arose a dispute between Missouri and Iowa about the jurisdiction of the State
and Territorial authorities over a tract of country in the southern part of Iowa,
which Missouri claimed as being within the boundary of that State as defined
by Congress.
" The act of Congress, passed March 6, 1820, authorizing the Territory of
Missouri to form a State Government, provided that (if the State should ratify
the boundaries) the State of Missouri ' should consist of all the territory within
the following boundaries : Beginning in the middle of the Mississippi River,
on the parallel of 86° north latitude ; thence west, along that parallel of lat-
itude, to the St. Francis River ; thence up and following the course of that
river, in the middle of the main channel thereof, to the parallel of 36° 30' ;
thence west along the same to the })oint where the said parallel is intersected
by a meridian line passing through the middle of the mouth of the Kansas
River, where the same empties into the Missouri River ; thence from the point
aforesaid, north along the west meridian line, to the intersection of the parallel
of latitude which passes through the rapids of the river Des Moines, making
said line to correspond with the Indian boundary line, etc.; thence east from
the point of intersection last aforesaid, along the said parallel of latitude, to the
middle of the channel of the main fork of the said river Des Moines ; thence
down and along the middle of the said river Des Moines, to the mouth of the
same, where it empties into the Mississippi,' etc. These boundaries, as defined
by Congress, were adopted by Missouri, through the Convention which formed
the State Constitution,
" The northern boundary of the State, which was defined as ' the parallel
of latitude which passes through the rapids of the river Des Moines,' though
It might have been well understood at the time, was vague and uncertain, and
subsequently gave grounds for an open dispute.
'• In the treaties made with the Sacs and Foxes and the Iowa Indians, on
the 4th of August, 1824, for the purchase of a portion of their lands, it is set
forth that they sold to the United States all their lands within the limits of the
State of Missouri, which are situated, lying and being between the Missis-
sippi and Missouri Rivers, and a line running from the Missouri to the mouth
of the Kansas River, north 100 miles to the northwest corner of the State of
Missouri, and thence east to the Mississippi. The line, as defined in this treaty,
commencing at the mouth of the Kansas River, thence running 100 miles due
north, and thence east until it strikes the Des Moines River, had been run in
444 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE .COUNTY.
1816, by John C. Sullivan, and duly marked by blazing trees, driving stakes
nd erecting mounds.
" But in a jseriod of between twenty and thirty years, .those marks had
become so otliterated that they were not easily to be found, and the rapiils
oi" the river Des Moines was so uncertain a place that it was hard for
those first settling the country, at the time Iowa was first opened for white
settlement, to designate where the northern boundary of Missouri was
located. There being several rapids in the Des Moines River, and one of
considerable fall, near Keosauqua, in Van Buren County (a fall in eighty rods
of twenty-one inches), the Missourians claimed that the latter were the rapids
referred to in the act of Congress authorizing Missouri to form a State Con-
stitution as a point in defining their boundaries. And, in 1837, the authorities
of Missouri, without the co-operation of the United States, or of the Territory
of Iowa (then Wisconsin), appointed Commissioners to run and mark the north-
ern boundary.
" The Commissioners so appointed, instead of commencing to run the line
upon the parallel of latitude which passes through the rapids of the river Des
Moines in the Mississippi, proceeded to search for rapids in the Des Moines
River itself, from which to commence. They finally fixed upon the ripples in
the great bend in the Des Moines River, in Van Buren County, which they
assumed to be the rapids of the Des Moines River named in the act of Congress
of 1820, and in the Constitution of Missouri, notwithstanding those ripples had
never been known as the 'rapids of the river Des Moines.' From this point,
the Commissioners proceeded to run and mark a line, which the authorities of
that State claimed was the northern boundary, while the early history of the
West showed, and it was subsequently decided by the Supreme Court of the
United States, that the rapids of the river Des Moines were in the Mississippi
River.
" Gen. Pike, who first explored the Upper Mississippi, after the acquisition
of the Louisiana Purchase by the United States, in his journal, kept while
ascending the river in 1805, says he ' arrived at the foot of the rapids Des
Moines at 7 o'clock,' and thus goes on to give an account of the difficulties he
had in getting over those rapids with his boat, on his way up the Mississippi
River. And, after passing the rapids, in writing to Gen. Wilkinson, he dates
his letter, 'Head of the Rapids Des Moines.' Also, in his map of the Upper
Mississippi, Pike lays down the Rapids Des Moines as being in the Mississippi
River, a short distance above the mouth of the Des Moines River. And, before
the United States acquired possession of this territory in 1779, Zenon Tendeau,
acting as Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana, in one of his official acts,
says : ' It is permitted to Mr. Lewis (Tesson) Honore to establish himself at the
head of the rapids of the river Des Moines.' Upon this grant, Honore made
an actual settlement and improvement immediately upon the banks of the Mis-
sissippi River, at the head of the Des Moines Rapids in that river, some
eighteen or twenty miles above its mouth.
"These, with other references, go to show that, at an early day, the rapids
in the Mississippi opposite the southern extremity of Iowa, were known as the
' rapids of the river Des Moines,' but the authorities of Missouri claimed and
contended for many years that the rapids referred to by Congress, and in their
Constitution were in the Des Moines River and near Keosauqua. The northern
boundary of that State, as long as there were no settlements there, was a matter
of little consequence to her citizens, and there was no one to dispute their
claims until after the Black Hawk Purchase, which was made in 1832.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 445
"The Territory of Wisconsin, in organizing the county of Van Buren,
made her southern boundary extend to the southern line, and the same bound-
aries were claimed by Iowa as soon as she assumed a territorial government.
The territorial government of Iowa went into operation on the 4th day oi July,
1838, and at that time the boundaries between Missouri and Iowa had not been
settled, and there was a strip of Government land about ten miles wide which
both governments claimed. The county of Van Buren, as organized by the
Legislature of Wisconsin, before Iowa assumed a territorial government,
embraced within her boundary a portion of this disputed tract of land.
"The County Court of Clarke County, Mo., in levying the taxes for that
county, enrolled the settlers on this disputed tract, as being citizens of that
State and belonging to that county, and, having placed their names upon the
tax-list, ordered Uriah S. Gregory, tlie Sheriff of that county, to collect the
taxes. Accordingly, the Collector of Clarke County went on the disputed tract
to collect the taxes, but the tax-payers refused to pay, and the officer undertook
to collect them by levying upon their property ; but while endeavoring to do
this, some of the citizens of Van Buren County sued out a warrant from a
magistrate and placed it in the hands of Henry Heffleman, the Sheriff of Van
Buren County, who arrested the Missouri officer, and, there being no jail suit-
able for retaining prisoners nearer than Muscatine, he was taken to that county
and there lodged in jail.
" This act aroused the citizens of Clarke County, and an application was
made to Gov. Boggs, of Missouri, for the military power of the State to aid
the civil officers in maintaining their authority, and to enforce the law of Mis-
souri over the disputed tract. He accordingly dispatched Gen. Allen, with a
thousand men, to the place of contention.
" Gov. Lucas, of Iowa, was as determined and fixed in his purpose to main-
tain the rights of his State as the authorities of Missouri were to exact theirs,
and for this purpose, ordered Maj. Gen. J. B. Brown to call out the militia and
march with his forces to Van Buren County to protect the citizens.
"At this time, the militia of Iowa was poorly organized; but Gen. Brown
gave orders to his subordinates to beat up for recruits, and the citizens were not
backward in enrolling themselves by voluntary enlistment, and, in a short time,
about five hundred men, with arms, were assembled in Van Buren County, and
others were on their way, amounting, in all, to about twelve hundred men, and
the gathering of military forces had all the appearance of a fierce and bloody
civil war. But before there was any collision between the two forces, Gen.
Brown, from his officers, selected Gen. A. C. Dodge, of Burlington, Gen.
Churchman, of Dubuque, and Dr. Clark, of Ft. Madison, as an embassy to the
enemy to try to negotiate a peace.
" On arriving at Waterloo, the county seat of Clarke County, they found
that' the County Court of that county had rescinded the order to the Sheriff to
collect the taxes on the disputed tract, and had sent a special delegation to wait
upon Gov. Lucas and the Legislature of Iowa, then assembled at Burlington,
for the purpose of making some amicable adjustment of the difficulties, and
that Gen. Allen, with his forces, had withdrawn from the contest. Upon receiv-
ing this. information, the embassy returned to their headquarters, and the Iowa
forces were disbanded and permitted to return to their homes.
"Col. McDaniels and Dr. Wayland, the representatives of Clarke County,
came to Burlington and waited upon Gov. Lucas, who, not evincing much dispo-
sition to adjust matters, they then went before the Legislature, which body, after
hearing their proposition, passed a set of resolntions, with a preamble, expressing
446 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
their views. In the preamble, they set forth the difficulties existing between
Iowa and Missouri, and that Iowa, under any circumstances, deprecated any
military collision between the forces of the State of Missouri and the Territory
of Iowa, and reciprocated the kind feelings evinced by the delegation from the
County Court of Clarke County, and Resolved, That the officers now on the part
of Missouri be respectfully requested to suspend all further military operations
on the part of said State until these resolutions can be submitted to His Excel-
lency Gov. Boggs ; that His Excellency Gov. Boggs, be requested to authorize
a suspension of hostilities on the part of the State of Missouri until the 1st day
of July next, with a view to having the unfortunate difficulties now existing
between the State of Missouri and the Territory of Iowa adjusted by the act of
Congress ; that His Excellency, the Governor of Iowa, be requested to suspend
all further military operations until the decision of His Excellency Gov. Boggs,
may be obtained relative to the proposition herein contained ; that the Governor
be requested forthwith to furnish a copy of these resolutions to the Governor of
Missouri, one to the County Court of Clarke County and copies to the officers
in command of the disputed grounds, to be by them presented to the officers of
the Missouri forces.
'' These proceedings on the part of the Legislature had a tendency to quiet
things for a time. The Sheriff of Clarke County was, however, indicted at the
next term of the court in Van Buren County for his attempt to collect taxes in
the disputed tract ; but the Prosecuting Attorney entered a nolle prosequi, and
he was discharged from custody.
" On the 10th of November, 1841, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of Missouri,
who was the successor to Gov. Boggs, addressed a letter to John Chambers, who
■was at that time Governor of Iowa, in which he informed him that the Legisla-
ture of Missouri, at their last session, passed an act directing the Governor of
Missouri to bring a suit on behalf of Uriah S. Gregory, the late Collector of
Clarke County, against Henry Heffleman, the Sheriff" of Van Buren County, for
the purpose of having the question of boundary between Iowa and Missouri
finally adjusted in the Supreme Court of the United States. As Heffleman
and others who arrested Gregory resided in Iowa, such a suit should have been
commenced in Iowa. Gov. Eeynolds wished to know, if suit was thus commenced,
whether the authorities of Iowa would consent to make such an agreed case on
the record as would insure a decision of the Supreme Court of the United
States on the question of boundary.
" To this. Gov. Chambers replied that this question, as it appeared to him,
"was one over which the Ten-itorial authorities had no control; for, 'by an
express reservation in the laws organizing the Territory of Iowa, the boundary
remained subject to the future control of Congress.' And Gov. Chambers also
expressed his doubts whether, under the Constitution of the United States, the
Supreme Court, even upon an agreed case and by consent of parties, would take
jurisdiction of an alleged controversy between one of the States and a Territory
remaining subject to the laws of Congress. But he assured Gov. Reynolds
that he would lay his communication before the next Legislature of the Territory,
and if that body should differ from the views he had entertained upon the sub-
ject, their decisions should immediately be made known to him. But it appears
that the Legislature concurred with the views of Gov. Cluimbers, for there were
no steps taken to comply with the request of Missouri as made by Gov. Rey-
nolds.
'' The expenses of Iowa in calling out the militia to maintain her rights and
enforce the laws on the disputed tract were upward of $13,000. 'Some of
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 447
those expenses were borne by individuals whose circumstances were such that
they could not well afford to lose the amount justly due them. Congress was
memorialized by the Territorial Legislature to make an appropriation to meet
these expenses, and on two occasions a bill was passed through the House, pro-
viding for their payment, but both bills failed to pass the Senate.
" Samuel C. Reed, of Van Buren County, who lived near where the troops
were rendezvoused to defend and maintain the rights of Iowa against the intru-
sion of Missouri, having furnished them provisions to the amount of nearly
^200, being a man in limited circumstances, and having waited several years
with the hope of getting something from the General Government, and not
succeeding, petitioned the Territorial Legislature to allow and make an appro-
priation for his claim.
" Reed was regarded as a patriotic and generous man, and he did all he could
to sustain the rights of Iowa in her troubles with Missouri, and having met
with misfortunes and being much reduced in his circumstances, his appeal to
the Legislature elicited their sympathy, and they passed a bill allowing his
claims, with '! per cent interest, and made an appropriation for paying it ; but
this did not meet with the approbation of Gov. Clark, at that time Governor of
the Territory, and he returned the bill with his veto. His objections were, that
the Legislature should make no discrimination among those who aided the author-
ities in the troubles with Missouri ; if the Territory undertook to pay one
they should pay all ; that if Iowa should assume these debts, the United
States, which was in duty bound to pay them, would not ; that Iowa was soon
to become a State, when she would have a representati6n and vote in both
blanches of Congress, and then, in all probability, would be able to get an
appropriation to defray those expenses. But, for one cause or another, neither
Reed nor any of the others who furnished means or rendered services in the war
with Missouri, got pay for that which was justly their due.
"For the purpose of ascertaining and defining the southern boundary of
Iowa, Congress, on the 18th of June, 1838, passed an act in which it was pro-
vided that the President should cause to be surveyed, and distinctly marked, the
southern boundary line of Iowa ; and for that purpose, he was required to
appoint a Commissioner on the part of the United States, who, with the neces-
sary surveyors, was to act in conjunction with a Commissioner to be appointed
by the State of Missouri, and one to be appointed by the Governor of Iowa, in
' running, marking and ascertaining ' the boundary line ; and it was made the
duty of the Commissioner who was to be appointed by the Pi'esident, to prepare
three plats of this survey, one of which was to be returned to the Secretary of
State of the United States, one to the office of the Secretary of State of Mis-
souri and one to the Secretary of the Territory of Iowa.
".And it was also provided that if the Commissioner on the part of Missouri
or of Iowa should fail to attend, or if either or both the State of Missouri or
the Governor of Iowa should fail to appoint, then the Commissioner of the
United States, by himself, or such Commissioner as did attend, should proceed
to run the boundary line between Missouri and Iowa. But the line so run
and marked was not to be fully established until the survey should be submitted
to, and the boundary thus ascertained and marked be approved of and ratified
by. Congress.
" In pursuance of this act, the President appointed Maj. A. M. Lee as
Commissioner on the part of the L^nited States, and Dr. James Davis was
appointed for Iowa, but Missouri failed to make any appointment. Maj. Lee,
in company with Dr. Davis, proceeded to make the survey as required by
448 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Congress, and made tlieir report to the Secretary of the Territory of Iowa on the
15th of January, 1831), about the time the difficulty was taking place on the dis-
puted tract in Van Buren County. But it seems that the line surveyed by Lee
and Davis was never ajjproved of by Congress, and consequently did not become
the boundary between Missouri and Iowa.
'' Soon after the troubles in Van Buren County, the Legislature of Iowa
passed a law that if any person should exercise any official function within the
jurisdiction of the Territory, or within the limits of any of the counties therein,
by virtue of any commission or authority not received from the Territory or
Government of the United States, every person so offending should be fined
not exceeding $1,000, or be imprisoned not exceeding five years. That if any
person residing within the limits of the Territory should accept of any office or
trust from any State or authority other than the L^nited States or the Territory
of Iowa, every person so offending should be fined not exceeding $1,000, or
be imprisoned not exceeding five years.
" Soon after the organization of the county of Davis, this law was called
into requisition. The county of Adair, as it was then organized, embraced
within its boundaries a portion of what now composes Davis County. The Sheriff
of Adair Couity. Preston Mullinix, and his Deputy, William P. Linder, were
indicted in Davis County ; the Sheriff for exercising his office within the bound-
aries of Iowa, without legal authority and contrary to the statutes, and the Dep-
uty for an assault and battery and kidnapping and falsely imprisoning one
Frederick Acheson, a citizen of Iowa, which acts were done on the disputed
tract.
'• Mullinix and Linder were both aiTested and held under bail to answer to
the indictment at the next term of court. At that time they both appeared and
Linder went to trial, which resulted in his conviction and a sentence of a fine
and ten days' imprisonment in the Penitentiary. The trial of Mullinix, the
Sheriff, was continued to the next term of court, and he was required to enter
into a recognizance (without security) for his appearance, which he refused to
do, and the Court ordered him to be committed to prison.
" As soon as these transactions were made known to Gov. Chambers, he
pardoned Linder and remitted his fine, and also pardoned Mullinix for the
offense for which he stood committed, and ordered him to be discharged from
prison. After the arrest of Mullinix and Linder, the county of Adair was
divided, and the territory adjoining Davis County was embraced with the limits
of Schuyler County.
" After the county of Schuyler, Mo., was organized, about the 1st of Jan-
uary, 1846, Samuel Riggs, the Sheriff of Davis County, Iowa, had put into his
hands a writ of attachment against the property of an individual on the tract
of land in dispute, and while attempting to serve the writ, he was arrested by
the Sheriff of Schuyler County, on a charge of attempting to execute the func-
tions of his office in Missouri, and was required to give security for his appear-
ance at the next term of the court in that county. A few days after this,
another attempt was made by a large number of men from Missouri to resist the
execution of a process in the hands of the Sheriff of Davis County, but Avithout
success, for the Sheriff and his posse, though inferior in numbers, executed
the writ and secured the property attached. This dispute, as to who had juris-
diction over this country, had a bad influence in -the community, and caused
many reckless and desperate characters to rendezvous in that vicinit}', with the
hope that in the contest with the authorities they might escape the punishment
justly due their crimes.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 449
" The arrest of the SherijBF of Davis County called forth a special message
from Gov. Clark, then Governor of the Territory, to the Legislature of Iowa,
which was then in session, and they passed a special law authorizing the Gov-
ernor to draw upon the Territorial Treasurer for the sum of $1,500, and that
the sum, or any amount thereof, which he might think proper, should be placed
at his discretion foj:- the employment of counsel to manage and defend all cases
growing out of this difficulty, in which the Territory or any of the citizens
thereof should be a party on the one side, and Missouri or the authorities of
that State upon the other. The Court of Schuyler County convened at Lan-
caster, the county seat, on the 9th of May, and an indictment was found
against Riggs. who immediately appeared and answered thereto in discharge of
his bail.
" David Rorer, of Burlington, a gentleman of high legal talents, was em-
ployed by Gov. Clark, on behalf of Iowa, to defend Riggs. Rorer attended
this term of Court for the purpose of defending him, but from a desire on the
part of both parties to defer judicial action in the case until an adjustment of
the disputed boundary question could be effected, the case was continued until
the next term of Court, and Riggs was discharged upon his own individual
recognizance, and he was subsequently discharged entirely. To compensate
him for his trouble and expense, the Iowa Legislature passed a law authorizing
him to file his petition in the District Court of Davis County, claiming compen-
sation for his time and expenses in defending himself against all prosecutions
which had beep commenced against him by the authorities of Missouri, for
exercising his office on the disputed territory ; and they provided that the
Court should hear the case and determine the amount which was justly due
Riggs, and the amount so determined was directed to be paid out of the State
Treasury.
" On the 17th of June, 1844, Congress passed an act respecting the north-
ern boundary of Missouri, in which it was provided that the Governor of Iowa,
by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Territory, should
appoint a Commissioner to act in conjunction with a Commissioner to be
appointed by the State of Missouri, and the two were to select a third person,
and it was made their duty to ascertain, survey and mark out the northern
boundary of Missouri, and to cause plats of their survey to be returned to the
Secretary of the United States, and to the Secretaries' offices of Missouri and
Iowa — which plats were to be accompanied with their proceedings in the
premises. The Commissioners were empowered to employ surveyors and other
hands necessary to accomplish the survey, and the line established and ratified
by them, or any two of them, was to be final and conclusive, and to be and
remain as the northern boundary line of the State. But it was provided that
this act should not go into effect until it should be assented to by Missouri and
Iowa.' Iowa was willing to accede to this proposition,- and the Legislature of
Missouri passed an act assenting to this mode of settling the difficulty ; but the
Governor of Missouri, John C. Edwards, placed his veto on the bill, and it
fiiiled to become a law. The Governor's objection to this mode of settling the
difficulty seemed to be, that it involved legal rights, and should be adjudicated
by a judicial tribunal.
" After this, application was made by both contending parties to Congress
to pass a law authorizing them to institute a suit in the Supreme Court of the
United States, and have the controversy judicially settled. This application
was made on the part of Missouri by an act passed by the Legislature, on the
25th of March, 1845, and on the part of Iowa by a memorial of her Council
450 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
and House of Representatives, passed on the 17th of January, 1846, in which
both parties asked for ' the commencement and speedy determination of such a
suit as might be necessary to procure a final decision by the Supreme Court of
the United States, upon the true location of the northern boundary of the
State.' Congress respected these requests and passed the necessary law.
" After the passage of the law by Congress, authorizing the settling of the
dispute in the Supreme Court, the Legislature of Iowa passed an act empower-
ing the Governor to agree with Missouri for the commencement of such a suit
as might be necessary to procure from the Supreme Court of the United States
a final decision upon the true location of the southern boundary of the State.
This act made it the duty of the Governor to cause to be procured all evidence
which might be necessary to the legal and proper decision of such a suit, and to
employ counsel and do whatever else might be necessary to maintain the rights
of the State. Charles Mason was employed on the part of Iowa, who hunted
up and prepared the testimony of the trial, and he got Thomas Evving, of Ohio,
to assist him in arguing the case before the Court. The State of Missouri filed
the original bill against the State of Iowa, and Iowa filed a cross-bill against
Missouri.
" This case was tried at the December term of 1848, and the Supreme
Court decided that the line as surveyed by Sullivan was the northern boundary
of Missouri, which decision gave Iowa all the territory she claimed. The Court
appointed Henry B. Hendershott, of Iowa, and Joseph C. Brown, of Missouri,
Commissioners to run out and mark the boundary line. Brown having died
before the work was commenced, Robert W. Wells was appointed in his place,
but he resigned the trust, and William G. Minor received the appointment on
the part of Missouri.
" The Commissioners, for the purpose of making the necessary arrange-
ments for the survey, met at St. Louis in March, 1850, and selected their sur-
veyors. William Dewey was selected on the part of Iowa, and Robert Walker
for Missouri. The Commissioners made their arrangements to meet with their
surveyors and other parties, at the point where Sullivan had established the
northwest corner of Missouri. They left their respective homes on the 10th of
April and met on the 28th. To aid them in their work before they started,
they obtained from the office of the Surveyor General at St. Louis, a copy of
the field-notes of Sullivan's survey ; but the space of nearly thirty-four years
having elapsed since this work was done, the marks of the survey being nearly
all obliterated, they could not readily find the spot they sought. No precise
traces of the old northwest corner remained ; the witness-trees to it were on the
margin of a vast prairie, and had apparently been destroyed years before; con-
sequently its exact position could not be ascertained from anything visible near
the spot.
" The point known as the old northwest corner of Missouri was the north-
ern termination of Sullivan's line, running north and south, run by him in
1816, and was 100 miles north of the mouth of the Kansas River, and the
point at which he turned east run to the Des Moines River. His field-notes
showed that his miles were numbered north from the Kansas River, and east
from the northwest corner of the State, beginning aneAv at that corner. Find-
ing no conclusive evidence of the exact site or the required corner, they
undertook to trace those lines for the purpose of finding some evidence of the
old survey.
" Near the supposed spot of the location of the ninety-ninth mile-corner,
on the north line, they found a decayed tree and stump, which corresponded in
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COJNTY. 451
course, distance and description with the witness-trees to that corner, and, cut-
ting into the tree, they saw what they supposed to be the remains of an old
blaze, upon which was preserved a part, apparently, of the letter M. This
supposition was verified by their measuring two miles further south to a point
which they found to be Sullivan's ninety-seventh mile corner, from one wit-
ness-tree, which was perfectly sound ; the marks upon it, two or three inches
beneath the bark, were plain and legible. On the east line, they found the
witness-tree to the third mile-corner ; the wood upon which the marks had been
inscribed was decayed, but their reversed impression appeared upon the new
growth which covered the old blaze, and was cut out in a solid block. Pro-
longing these lines three miles from the point thus determined, their intersec-
tion was assumed as the desired corner, and at that point was planted a mon-
ument, designating the northwest corner of Missouri, as the boundary existed
before acquiring that tract of land known as the ' Plat Purchase,' lying between
the old west line of that State and the Missouri River, which point was found
to be in the northeast quarter of Section 35, in Township 67 north, Range 33
west, in latitude 40° 34' 40" north, and in longitude 94° 30' west from
Greenwich.
" At this point, they planted a large cast-iron pillar, weighing between
fifteen and sixteen hundred pounds, four feet six inches long, twelve inches
square at the base, and eight inches at the top. The pillar was legibl}^ marked
with the words ' Missouri ' on the south side, ' Iowa ' on the north side, and
' State Line ' on the east. From this corner they ran one west, keeping on the
same parallel of latitude on which the pillar was erected, till they reached the
Missouri River. They commenced the survey on the 24th of May, and reached
the river, a distance of sixty-miles and sixty-one chains, on the 12th of July.
At the terminus of the sixtieth mile, as near the bank of the Missouri River
as the perishable nature of the soil would permit, they planted a monument
similar to the one erected at the old northwest corner of Missouri, the words
' State Line ' facing the east.
" The Commissioners then returned to the old northwest corner, and com-
menced to run the line east, and, by close examination, they were enabled to
discover abundant blazes and many witness-trees of the old survey, by which
they easily found and re-marked the line run by Sullivan in 1816. The sur-
veying of the eastern portion of the line was commenced on the 13th of August,
and terminated on the 18th of September, it being a distance of one hundred
and fifty miles, forty-one chains and eight links, which, with the sixty miles
and sixty-one chains first surveyed, makes the southern boundary of the State
between the Missouri and Des Moines Rivers, two hundred and eleven miles,
thirty-two chains and eight links.
" Near the west bank of the Des Moines River, where the boundary termi-
nates, on the line was planted a cast-iron pillar, similar to the other two, with
the words ' State Line ' fronting the west. The line was also designated by
cast-iron pillars, four feet long, eight inches square at the base and five inches
at the top, placed at intervals of thirty miles apart; and one four feet long, seven
inches square at the base and four at the top, at intermediate spaces of ten miles
apart; all of which pillars mark in iron monument every ten miles the whole
length of the boundary line.
" Sullivan's line was found iu some places to deviate from a true east and
west line, which was corrected by the surveyors. The iron pillars were planted
in Sullivan's line, as found at the particular points ; but as the line was bend-
ing in the ten-mile spaces between the pillars, it was found necessary to erect
452 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
wooden posts at the termination of each mile, in order to mark the line with
more accuracy. In the prairies, the mile-posts were marked with the letters 'B.
L.' facing the east, the letter ' I.' facing the north, and the letter 'M.' facing the
south, and the number of miles on the west face of the post. Where timber
exists, the number of the mile is marked on witness-trees, or pointers, with let-
ters appropriate to each stake, there being one tree marked on each side of the
line wherever it was possible to do so. The front of each witness-tree is marked
with the letters 'B. L.' In all cases where the posts are set in mounds, the
post is invariably nine links west, to designate it from other surveys. This
line, as surveyed and designated under the direction of the Commissioners
Hendershott and Minor, w^as adjudged and decreed by the Supreme Court to be
the true and proper boundary line between Missouri and Towa. And thus closed
a long and vexed dispute between the two authorities about the extent of tiieir
jurisdiction. Each State placed ^2,000 at the disposal of the Commissioner,
to defray expenses, but that sum was not enough. The Supreme Court allowed
fees equal to $10,000, and that amount was finally equally divided between
Iowa and Missouri."
The local history of this matter lives fresh in the minds of those who joined
the ranks of the "army." Judge S. C. Hastings was Captain ; Suel Foster
was his Orderly Sergeant ; J. W. Brady and Barton Lee were chosen Lieuten-
ants ; John Vanater was commissioned Colonel. J. E. Fletcher, Major General
of Militia, was in the front, and Brig. Gen. Frierson was swinging his sword
in anticipation of bloodshed. Maj. D, R. Warfield, William Gordon, and
many others, were among the Muscatine men. The summons came in Decem-
ber, 1839. One company of cavalry and two of infantry responded from this
region. Of the incidents of the march to Burlington. Suel Foster furnishes
the following:
" After all the volunteers had been raised that could be enlisted, a draft was
resorted to, to fill up the army. The baggage- wagons were loaded with a
month's provisions, and they, with the infantry, were ordered to march, one
cold day in December, 1839, when the snow was six inches deep. Capt.
Hastings' cavalry was two hours later in starting, and then a halt was twice
ordered and scjuads sent back to bring in deserters. One of the most trouble-
some men was Dr. Lewis McKee. When about six miles down the slough, he
suddenly became so cold that he was compelled to stop at a farmhouse and
warm himself Orderly Foster was sent back to bring him up. Then Lieut.
Brady and Sergt. Howland were sent for the Orderly, whereupon McKee swore
that he would not stir a step until the whole company was sent to bring him.
At this most alarming demoralization of the flower of the army, the Com-
mander-in-Chief, Gen. Fletcher, rode hastily back and declared that he would
arrest the whole lot, and court-martial them. McKee dryly remarked that,
as the company was nearly all there, he would go with them. But Capt.
Hastings became enangered. and finally sent a challenge to Gen. Fletcher.
The latter declined to fight, on the score of Hastings' inferior rank. So the
day wore away, and night found the company in camp some twelve miles from
Bloomington. The Iowa River froze over that night, and the men crossed on
the ice. Dr. Eli Reynolds, however, was less fortunate than most of the men,
and broke through into the river, escaping with a thorough drenching. The
drummer of the company, Maj. W. T. DeWeber, was very proud of his skill
with the drumsticks, and displayed his ability to the utmost. At night, some
one who had less awe of military life than love of a practical joke, burst in
the head of his drum, and used it as drum was probably seldom used* before.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 453
" Thus, with joke and disorder, the army went forth to battle ; but no foe-
men met their glittering steel. The nearest they came to a fight was when
they encamped in old Zion Church, in Burlington, and the hospitable citizens
rolled in a keg of good whisky. After a few days' sojourn in Burlington, the
troops were ordered home, where they doifed the panoply of war and returned
to their peaceful avocations."
THE NAME "MUSCATINE."
There is always more or less obscurity surrounding the origin and significa-
tion of Indian names. The title "Musquitine" (as it was originally spelled)
was bestowed upon this county because of the Indian name given the island in
the Mississippi River opposite it. The choice of the name for the city, when
it was found that Bloomington was no longer desirable, was but a natural one.
What the Indians meant by the term, however, is less easily determined. Mr.
Suel Foster has ingeniously traced out the origin to a band of Indians who
inhabited Wisconsin. In Bancroft's History, where the Indian tribes are
spoken of and their homes defined, the following sentences occur : " The last
village on Fox River ever visited by the French were found Kickapoos, Mus-
coiitins, and Miamis, who dwelt together on a beautiful hill, in the center of
prairies and magnificent groves," etc. Further on, the historian, in speaking of
Marquette and Joliet's explorations, says: "Marquette begged two guides of
these Indians to pilot them to the portage from the Fox to the Wisconsin Rivers,
when he and he his companion Joliet went on their voyage and first discovered
the Upper Mississippi River." Mr. Foster argues that the remnants of this
tribe, which existed in 1673, but not at the later period of white occupation of
the West, were driven westward and found a lodgement in this vicinity. The
island became known as the home of the Muscoutins among; the more recent
tribes, and hence the name. Mr. Foster also states that Antoine Le Claire once
wrote him that there was no known meaning of the name among the Indians
here.
Mr. J. P. Walton offers another interpretation. He declares that the
Indians informed him that "Musquitine" meant "burning island," a title given
because of the rank grass which grew thereon, and which was annually destroyed
by fire. Mr. Walton also says that Le Claire gave the same interpretation of
the word. This conflicting report from the celebrated half-breed, is not alto-
gether surprising to those who know of his occasional errors of memory.
THE NAME "HAWKEYE."
The title " Hawkeye," as applied to a resident of Iowa or to the State itself,
first appeared in print, so far as we have been able to ascertain, in the Fort
Madison Patriot of March 24, 1838. That issue was the first one of the paper
founded by James G. Edwards in this region. In an editorial, the following
suggestion was made :
"If a division of the Territory [Wisconsin] is effected, we propose that the
lowans take the cognomen of Hawkeyes. Our etymology can then be more
definitely traced than can that of the Wolverines, Suckers, Gophers, etc., and
we shall rescue from oblivion a memento, at least, of the name of the old chief
(Black Hawk.)"
454 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
September 5, 183U, Mr. Edwards, who had moved his oflRce to Burlington,
gave the name of Hmvk-Eye to his paper, as is shown in the history of the
piess. He was familiarly styled '• Old Hawk " by his friends throughout the
West, even to the day of his death. It is quite likely that the Indians had
used their synonym of Ilawkeye as a distinctive title for some of their associ-
ates, but there is no evidence to show that the name had been offered prior to
Mr. Edwards' suggestion of it, to apply to Iowa at large. It has been stated
that the Indian trader S. S. Phelps was called "Old Hawkeye" by the red
men ; but if he was, the cognomen went no further.
Until conclusive evidence is adduced to the contrary, the people of Iowa
will be disposed to accredit Mr. Edwards with the honor of having affixed to
the State a name which will live as long as Iowa itself endures.
MUSCATINE COUNTY DURING THE WAR.
The honor of writing the history of Muscatine County from 1861 to tlie
close of the war should fall to the lot of one of those brave men who partici-
pated in the scenes of those days. The value of the history will depend upon
the exhaustiveness of the work undertaken. In such cases, details form the
chief interest, and no one is able to furnish those except the men who helped
to perform the acts. We offer this suggestion: Let some one who has a knowl-
edge of the events compile them before it is too late. As time rolls on, the
difficulties of doing so desirable a labor will be increased, and speedy prepara-
tions should be made to preserve the grand record of the county from oblivion.
It is true that the history of the regiments is saved in the Adjutant General's
Reports, and many sketches have been written concerning life in the field ; but
we refer now not so much to the history of the regiments as to the history of
the people who inspired the formation of those regiments. Let some one who
can write the story of the heroism of fathers, mothers, sisters and wives — that
vast host of loyal men and women who said, " Go ; and may God protect you
and our nation ! " — tell of the devotion of the women, who, while their hearts
were bleeding, smiled a farewell, lest the soldiers be disheartened ! Tell of the
long weeks of anguish Avhich followed the departure of the loved ones ; write
of the deeds of bravery that have never been told. The soldier who sleeps
beneath the Southern sod, in an unknown grave, deserves the plaudits of his
fellow-men ; and does not the grief- stricken widow merit a share in the volume
of praise ?
The youth, who so readily accepted the trust of defending the nation from
its foe, learned the meaning of patriotism from the history of the Revolution.
The artist's pencil, the poet's pen, the historian's glowing words, portrayed to
his mind the duties of an American. Shall we not, then, expect the future
strength of loyal men to grow by feeding upon the I'ccord of patriotism during
the days of the rebellion ?
The people of Muscatine arc worthy of especial praise. Dwelling almost
upon the border of a Slave State, and holding daily intercourse with those who
maintained the righteousness of slavery, they naturally imbibed the sentiments
))eculiar to the South on that grave subject. But when the stroke was made
which aimed the dagger at the nation's heart, there was no wavering between
two opinions. The Union must be preserved, even if slavery perished in the
attempt to perpetuate the nation. When the war was forced upon the country,
the people were quietly pursuing the even tenor of their ways, doing whatever
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 455
their hands found to do — working the mines, making farms or cultivating those
ah-eady made, erecting houses, founding cities and towns, building shops and
manufactories — in short, the country was alive with industry and hopes for the
future. The people were just recovering from the depression and losses incident
to the financial panic of 1857. The future looked bright and promising, and
the industrious and patriotic sons and daughters of the Free States were buoy-
ant with hope, looking forward to the perfecting of new plans for the insure-
ment of comfort and competence in their declining years ; they little heeded
the mutterings and threatenings of treason's children in the Slave States of the
South. True sons and descendants of the heroes of the "times that tried men's
souls " — the struggle for American Independence — they never dreamed that
there was even one so base as to dare attempt the destruction of the Union of
their fathers — a government baptized with the best blood the world ever knew.
While immediately surrounded with peace and trancjuillity, they paid but little
attention to the rumored plots and plans of those who lived and grew rich from
the sweat and toil, blood and flesh of others — aye, even trafficking in the off-
spring of their own loins. Nevertheless, the war came, with all its attendant
horrors.
April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter, at Charleston, South Carolina, Maj. Ander-
son, U. S. A., Commandant, was fiied on by rebels in arms. Although basest
treason, this first act in the bloody reality that followed, was looked upon as the
mere bravado of a few hot-heads — the act of a few fire-eaters whose sectional
bias and hatred were crazed by the excessive indulgence in intoxicating pota-
tions. When, a day later, the news was borne along the telegraph wires that
Maj. Anderson had been forced to surrender to what had first been regarded as
a drunken mob, the patriotic people of the North were startled from their
dreams of the future, from undertakings half completed, and made to realize
that behind that mob there was a dark, deep and well-organized purpose to
destroy the Government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect a
slave oligarchy, wherein no one should dare to question their right to hold in bond-
age the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black, or who, perchance,
through practices of lustful natures, were half or quarter removed from the
color that God, for His own purposes, had given them. But they " reckoned
without their host." Their dreams of the future, their plans for the establish-
ment of an independent confederacy, were doomed from their inception to sad
and bitter disappointment.
When the Southern rebels fired upon Fort Sumter, they found this vast
North unarmed, untrained in the art of war, and in a state of such profound
peace as to v/arrant the belief that hostilities could not be begun by those who
had, since the foundation of this Union, boasted loudly of their loyalty to the
Constitution of the United States. The rumors of disaffection that had
alarmed the more watchful had aroused but trifling fears in the breasts of the
great mass of Northern citizens. War between the States had, prior to that
time, been deemed an impossibility. The sentiments of fraternal unity were so
deep-abiding in the hearts of the North that treason was regarded as an improb-
able crime, and overt acts of antagonism to the Government too base in their
intent to be wortliy of serious consideration.
But the hand of the aged Ruffin, as he laid the blazing torch upon the gun
within Stevens" battery, lighted a flame which spread throughout the land with
electric rapidity, and illumined the nation with a glare that revealed the truth
of rebel threats. The boom of the first gun awakened the passive people to
the dread reality of their position. From Maine to Oregon, from Superior to
456 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
the Ohio, the country arose, as with a single impulse, to respond to the demands
of the hour. There was no need of prompting them, no need of canvassinor
for strength, no hesitating as to measures, no thought of compromise. But one
course could be pursued, and that the people comprehended as though inspired
by some higher mentor. The Union must be preserved. Each individual
member of society felt the urgent necessity of prompt and concerted action.
Towns did not wait to hear tidings from sister-towns; each heard in the roar
of brave old Sumter's guns a summons direct, imperative and irresistible, for
aid in the defense of the nation's honor. Rivals in business and in politics
grasped each other's hands and hurried forth, side by side, rivals no longer, save
in their eagerness to enroll first their names upon the list of citizen-soldiery.
Almost simultaneous with the news of the attack upon Sumter came the call
from President Lincoln for troops. In the remote towns and rural localities,
where telegraphic communication had not then penetrated, the appeal and the
response were recorded at the same time.
On the 15th of April, the President issued his call for 75,000 ninety-days
troops. The State of Iowa was particularly fortunate in having for its Chief
Executive Samuel J. Kirk wood, whose loyalty and unceasing devotion to the
cause of the Union have embalmed his name forever in the annals of the State.
Within thirty days after the President's demand was made public, Iowa had a
regiment in the field.
If it was within tlie province of this work to relate the story of Muscatine's
loyalty, the limits of this volume would be extended far beyond those anticipated
by the publishers. Some future historian, we have no doubt, will find a fruit-
ful topic in this record of war, and lay before the people of this county a narra-
tive of unsurpassed interest. Surely the opporti'.nity exists and aAvaits the
patient labors of a competent Avriter.
In another portion of this volume is given an outline sketch of the opera-
tions of the regiments which represented this county.
THE soldiers' MONUxMENT.
A public meeting was held in Muscatine, March 21, 1866, to consider what
steps were necessary to raise a fund for the erection of a monument to the
memory of the fallen heroes, who left their homes in this county and joined the
Union army, and whose lives were sacrificed in the great struggle. In Sep-
tember, 1867, articles of incorporation were decided upon, and a Soldiers'
Monument Association was formed, with Thomas Hanna, President ; J. E.
Robb, Vice President ; John Mahin, Secretary, and A. F. Demorest, Treasurer.
From that time on, various methods of raising money were resorted to, until
1874, at which time W. W. Webster proposed to take the sum then in the
treasury, amounting to about $100, and secure enough in addition to complete
a monument, depending upon his own exertions for subscriptions and collec-
tions. W. B. Sprague designed the work and superintended its execution,
performing much of the labor himself. The monument stands to-day an
evidence of the artistic skill of the designer.
The monument consists of a massive pyramidal base of four steps, the
pedestal or die, the shaft and the statue. Upon a solid foundation of masonry,
10 feet square by 5 J feet deep, weighing thirty-four tons, the imposing
structure stands. The base is composed of three blocks of limestone and one
of marble. On the front of the upper block is carved a shield, upon which is
inscribed the legend, "1861 — Muscatine County. To her fallen sons — 1865."
The die of the pedestal is a marble cube, three feet and four inclies in size,
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 459
with an ornate Grecian cap, showing heavy arched moldings on all sides. On
the front, in bold relief and very handsomely carved, is a coat of arms, with
shield, draped Hag, spears and guns. Surmounting this is a laurel wreath. Upon
this die and upper base-piece are inscribed nearly or quite five hundred names, as
are shown hereafter. From the die springs a graceful fluted column. A.t a
height of eleven feet it terminates in a coronal of stars, the emblematic thirteen,
and a Grecian cap ornamented with leaves. Upon this shaft rests the grand
crowning-piece of the monument — the statue of the American volunteer, six
feet two inches in height, representing a soldier in full uniform, with gun
before him, at "parade-rest." The monument weighs thirty tons. The
actual cost of the work was about $6,000, but the monument surpasses in
excellence many which have cost twice or three times that amount. It was
constructed upon the broad basis of patriotic pride, and not from sordid desires.
Herewith is given a list of the names carved upon the die :
First Infmiiri/S. Norman, A. L. Mason, J. Wiley, W. G. Eckles, G.
McGinnes, C. Michenor, T. J. Buchanan.
Fifth Infantry— T. C. Wales.
Seventh Infantry— W. W. DeHues, W. Wells, D. Welker, J. F. Hardy, C.
S. Booth, C. Mahin, J. Dill, J. Tate, J. Henley, A. Truitt, H. Barker,
F. Pitchforth, J. Brunting, J. Zaser, H. Borgers, J. Werst, D. B. Underwood,
L. Cunningham, J. Hunt, J. K. Holmes, E. Mills, L. Pallat, J. Cochran, J
Doder, W. D. Kenedy, B. F. McGill, C. Stratton, J. Schuller, J. H. Wales, J.
Shelley.
Eighth Infantry — P. Smith, W. R. Stotler, J. Walker, H. Barcus.
Eleventh 'infarkry—^. W. C. Burrell, E. E. Sparks, D. H. Collins, J. A.
Robinson, J. G. Fisher, W. A. Akens, P. Gissne, P. Fox, J. Geodocke, G. P.
Kingsland, H. Vanhessle, J. W. Wilson, H. Benedict, F. M. Stretch, M.
Feldmann, G. W. Cakendar, J. Guttka, C. Biers, M. Shellabarger. W. H.
Meeks, N. Fay, M. Reyburn, T. Kerr, D. Taylor, T. W. Corwin, A. Port, S.
J. Alden, M. B. Bowles, C. 0. Cooper, A. Moore, J. P. Melan, H. Rice, F. J.
Bailey, S. V. Krouse, D. B. Spillman, H. Leibert, T. J. Corey, P. Caven, W.
Leverich, W. White, R. R. McReed, R. W. Vaun, S. Campbell, A. A. Brad-
ford, A. Thorn, E. McDonald, W. G. Rogers, T. Hurnicutt, R. Curtin, J. H.
Gregory, A. Rancipher, B. Spangler, R. Brook, S. Webb, S. A. Jackson, W.
E. Mikesell, D. Coleman, G. W. Hawk, J. Insley, H. T. Prouty, H. Windrel,
H. C. Ady, W. W. Evans, W. A. Gordon, H. M. White, C. G. Schenck, W.
E. Budd, D. Taylor, H. Hyink, C. J. Fitchner, W. A. Hawley, F. H. Newell,
J. L. Small, W. Robinson, J. F. Rubart, 0. Sybrits, J. B. Sullivan, J. Will-
iams, G. Clinton, J. Baxter, H. Vanater, C. Booten, B. S. Purinton, N. W.
Wolf, E. Briggs, J. Brown, D. Grant, J. Leach, W. J. Etherton, 0. McGrew,
A. Williams, H. Hazel ton, G. Daniels, W. Pittensbarger, M. Reyburn, Z.
Beall, A. Fish, J. M. Jarrett, R. M. Curdy, J. Galvin, R. Garland, J. Kester,
T. McKoough, J. W. Tice, R. B. Hare, J. Ludlow.
Fourteenth Infantry — T. B. Nicholas.
Sixteenth Infantry— R. H. Washburn, N. Reed, T. Purcell, J. Dill, F.
Dow, J. H. Howell, P. Hettinger, G. Bradford, M. 0. Hallock, 0. Mattison,
A. Drake, J. Davis, J. Esterline, J. Freybarger, J, Embree, N. D. Younkin,
A. H. C. Gottbrecht, W. Weaver, N. Reed.
Seventeenth Infantry — A. G. Fisher.
Eighteenth Infantry — 0. T. Stewart, J. G. Pratt, E. Hargraves, A. Heaton,
W. Eberling, J. Stanley.
Twentieth Infantry — A. Lindsley, B. Mills, T. Clemmons.
I
460 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Twenty-seventh Infantry — A, Edwards, C. Lindsley, B. Miller, J. SisselL
Thirty-fifth Infantry— Col. S. G. Hill, Maj. A. John, W. A. Clepper, C.
Leary, E. llenet, F. Reed, J. Grossman. J. Temple, F. Harker, C. Hirsch-
mann, J. A. Kyrk, H. Blanck, W. S. Chambers, D. Tice, J. Tice, L. Dawson,
I. Criner, J. DUl, J. Cargill, P. Harrison, T. Holliday, W. Everett. W. White,
J. Strahorn, J. Longthern, T. Jester, E. Jester, J. Reeves, M. Etherton,
J, Ramsey, L. Chappell, J. Carter. A. Davis, D. Block, F. Bowers, C. Mock-
more, J. Chaudoin, W. Christ, F. Cork, J. Foster, W. Holmes, J. Joice,
G. Krauflf, W. McCurdy, S. Davis, W. Brown, W. Brady, N. Blackstone, A.
Wohlgevant, G. Brownawell, S. Holmes, J. Springer, C. N. Burr, J. W.
Beard, L. Hurst, W. Pickering, G. Moore, C. Narbaugh, A. Stoddard, N.
Thomas, G. Pickering, B. Stamford, F. Wooden, H. Phelps, G. P. Ruger, C.
Sherman, G. Burmeister, G. Wonderlich, G. Leutzbauch, J. Schlegelmilch, H.
Richenberg, C. Knoblauch, C. Doerfler, C. Barr, H. Irwin, F. Peterkin, C.
Berg, L. Sanelsberg, J. Knrtz, J. Hessler, J. Hanlev, S. Knouse, W. Herwig,
F. Schmoker, W. Dimick, C. Wright, C. Poole, 'C. Tyler, P. Nichols, J.
Prouty, D, Hammer, A. Walder, H. Winning, S. Tschillard, N. Schaffletzel,
M. Smith, P. Parsons, M. Maher, J. Greenwood, F. Hill, J. Johnson, C. Haw-
kins, W. Guild, G. Groters, G. Bischer, W. Biebush, J. Q. Adams, W. White,
G. Redman, R. Mauvel, J. Dobsen, P. Courtney, T. Cook, J. Connerford, R.
Carpenter, S. Keenan, J. Welch, G. Dickson, E. Doran, P. Slattery, W. Fan-
ning, G. B. Hill, J, H. Graham, J. Regenbogen, J. Ernst, F. Holtz, H.
Schmidt, G. Hill, S. Robshaw% J. C. Edgerton, T. A. Clark, C. C. Clark, E.
J. Douglass, M. Cooper, H. T. Neff, W. L. Overman, G. A. Palmer, T. B.
Worrall, L. Nitzell, J. Huler, P. Boston, P. D. Patterson, J. B. Welch, 0. G.
Mathews, F. Peterke, C. Berg. L. Savelsberg, J. McElroy, J. McDonald, J.
Alexander. P. Mylot, G. Robshaw, G. Lang, J. Dunn, J. Walton, M. J.
Chown, W. Townsley, C. Gore, J. McCoy, W. Bonham, I. Edgington, D.
Edgington, F. Epperly, T. Epperly, W. Fitzsimmons, H. Hitchcock. J. Bum-
gardner, F. McDaniels, T. Brown, A. S. Lord, L. Wallingsford, A. Long, IL
Sweeney, L. Ware, R. W. Escha, L. Wagner, I. McCartney, C. Parish, W.
Ponbeck, E. Stearns, S. Parkhurst, G. Hunt, D. Wilgus, T. Williams, D.
Currie, J. Norton, W. D. Conn, J. Evans, J. Lee, A. Lee, P. Reed, H. Devore,
B. F. Linnville, R. Miller, J. Crawford, W. H. Hackett, T. Hempfill.
Thirty-seventh Infantry — H. Mockmore, J. Tannehill, W. K. Tyler, D.
Lefever, T. Craig, H. B. Brannan, A. Edwards, V. Darland.
Second Cavalry — W. Wiggins, J. Toren, J. Schmeltzer, J. Schiller, J.
Hodges, L. C. Loomis, L. H. Waterman, N. F. Avery, L. Avery, G. Brown,
J. M. Terry, R. Hutcheson, G. D. Graves, I. R. Dunn, J. Wallingsford,
E. Brown, J. Hancock, M. Lee, A. Opel, J. Simpson, P. Smith, G. Ridge-
way, A. Cradock, C. Neuberner, G. W. Heinly, J. Coble, H. Berner, L Nor-
ris, L M. Smith, J. Thompson, J. W. Vanderwort, H. Wigham, J. P. Dunn,
G. Darland.
Third Cavalry — F. G. Whittaker.
Eighth Cavalry — L. Loomis, J. Horton, R. Cunningham, W. C. Vail.
Ninth Cavalry — D, T. Watkins, L. Nietzel, J. Rigenbogen, J. Huler, P.
Poston, P. D. Patterson, N. Cooper.
Regiments Unknown — J. Jacks, S. Jackson, W. H. Chapman, B. Lyons,
C. Nichols, N. Rhienhart, F. Finn, T. W. Adams, G. W. Sissel, W. R. Aikens,
J. Clark.
Second Ohio Infantry — H. M. Pigman.
Fourth Ohio Infantry — J. Brookes.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
461
The monument was formally unveiled and impressively dedicated July 4,
1875. The War-Governor, Samuel J. Kirkwood, delivered a fitting oration ;
civic and military displays were made in honor of the occasion, and the observ-
ances were commensurate with the importance of the hour and the event.
Appended is the full roll of those who enlisted in the Union army from
Muscatine County :
VOLUNTEER ROSTER.
TAKEN PRINCIPALLY FROM ADJUTANT GENERAL'S REPORTS.
.A.SEISE-^I.A.TI03^S.
Adjt Adjutant
Art Artillery
Bat Battle or Battalion
Col Colonel
Capt Captain
Corp Corporal
Comsy Commissary
com commissioned
cav cavalry
captd captured
desrtd deserted
disab disabled
disd discharged
e enlisted
excd exchanged
hon. disd honorably discharged
inv invalid
inf infantry
I. V. I Iowa Volunteer Infantry
kid killed
Lieut Lieutenant
Maj Major
m. o mustered out
prmtd promoted
prisr prisoner
Regt Regiment
re-e re-enlisted
res resigned
Sergt Sergeant
trans transferred
vet veteran
V. R. C Veteran Reserve Corps
wd ..wounded
FIRST INFANTRY.
[Note. — This regiment was mustered out Aug. 55, 1861, at
St. Louis.]
Sergt. Maj. Chas. E. Compton, e. Ai)ril
18. 1861.
Hos. Steward Samuel Holmes, e. April
18, 1861.
Drum Maj. Thos. M. Cummins, e. April
18, 1861.
Company A^
Capt. Markoe Cummins, com. May 9, '61.
First Lieut. Benjamin Bench, com. May
9, 1861.
Second Lieut. George A. Satteiiee, com.
May 9, 1861.
Sergt. Hugh J. Campbell, e. April 18, '61,
wd. at Wilson's Creek.
Sergt. Wm. Fessler, e. April 18, 1861.
Sergt. Christian Mellinger, e. April 18, '61.
Corp. William Jackson, e. April 18, 1861.
Corp. Henry Narvis, e. April 18, 1861.
Corp. Joseph Belgar, e. April 18, 1861.
Corp. Henry Tchellard, e. April 18, 1861.
Musician George W. Conner, e. April 18,
1861.
Biles. Jos., e. April 18, 1861.
Baird, Robt. B., e. April 18, 1861.
Barrick, Jos., e. April 18, 1861.
Bartholomew, Chas., e. April 18, 1861.
Bitzer, Galbraith, e. April 18, 1861, 1st
lieut. Co. E, 18th Inf.
Blackhart, Christian, e. April 18, 1861.
Brown, Newton, e. April 18, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek, 2d lieut. Co. E, 18th I.
V. L
Cargil, Alexander, e. April 18, 1861.
Clark, Judd, e. April 18, 1861, died Spring-
field, Mo.
Crab, John, e. April 18, 1861.
Creitz, Lewis F., e. April 18, 1861.
Cummings, Alexander S., e. April 18, '61.
Daniels, Geo.. April 18, 1861.
Dean, Edwin, e. April 18, 1861.
Demming, Chas., e. April 18, 1861.
Donlev, Felix, e. April 18, 1861.
Davis," Peter E., e. April 18, 1861.
Evans, Henry, e. April 18, 1861.
Ewing, David L., e. April 18, 1861.
Fingie, Peter, e. April 18. 1861.
Fisher, Francis, e. April 18, 1861.
Fisher, William, e. April 18, 1861.
Fitzgerald, E. G., e. April 18, 1861.
Fobes, Reuben, e. April 18, 1861.
Geiger, Francis, e. April 18, 1861.
Getter, Wm., e. April 18. 1861.
Greenhow, E. F., e. April 18, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Gifford, E. J., e. April 18, 1861.
Hacker, Adam, e. April 18, 1861.
Heaton, F. M., e. April 18, 1861, wd. Wil-
son's Creek.
Hine, Chas. W., e. April 18, 1861.
Holmes, E. C, e. April 18. 1861.
Ilyink, Henry, e. April 18, 1861.
Hoover, Chas.. e. April 18, 1861.
Ingersoll, R. W., e. April 18, 1861.
Jackson, Bennett F., e. April 18, 1861.
Jones, Thomas, e. April 18, 1861.
Johnston, Samuel, e. April 18, 1861.
Kean, Addison, e. April 18, 1861.
Keife, Mathias, e. April 18, 1861.
462
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Kennedy, Jas., e. April 18, 1861.
Kei)ner, Edwin, v. April 18, 1861.
Koarn, Ciuistian, e. April 18, 1861.
Kirkcndoll, Edward, e. April 18, 1861.
Kilvinsiton. Joiin, e. April 18, 1861.
Kilvinuton, Geo., e. A])ril 18, 1861.
Lantz, Samuel, e. April 18, 1861.
Lanlz, Geo., e. April 18, 1861.
Lons, Newton G., e. April 18, 1861.
Lucas, Jesse, e. April 18, 1861, wd. Wil-
son's Creek, Mo.
Lobear, Jos., e. April 1861, wd. Wilson's
Creek, Mo.
Maginas, Thos., e. April 18, 1861, died at
Pond Spring, Mo.
Manly, .Samuel, e. April 18, 1861.
Miller, Jolm W., e. April 18, 1861.
Miller, Ale.\., e. April 18, 1861, wd. Wil-
son's Creek, Mo.
Mikesell, M. L., e. April 18, 1861.
Moritz, Clias.. e. April 18, 1861.
Moellar, W., e. April 18, 1861.
Morton, Thos., e. April 18, 1861, kid. bat.
AVilson's Creek.
Norman. Shellv, e. April 18, 1861.
O'Connor, Heiuv, e. April 18, 1861.
Orr, Samuel T., e. April 18, 1861.
Pratt, James G.,'e. April 18, 1861.
Peokham, Geo. O., e. April 18. 1861.
Perry, Henrv, e. April 18, 1861.
Richardson, J. W., e. April 18, 1861.
Richter, Henry, e. April 18, 1861.
Reiley, Geo. B!, e. April 18, 1861.
Richie, Wra. S.,e. April 18, 1861.
Ritz, C. S., e. April 18. 1861.
Reed, Chas., e. April 18, 1861.
Rupp. Wm. S., e. April 18, 1861.
Sergall, John H., e. April 18, 1861.
Seibert, Henry, e. April 18, 1861.
Shaw, F. L., e. April 18, 1861.
Stein, M. li., e. April 18, 1861, missing at
AVilson's Creek.
St roll m, John. e. April 18, 1861.
Sweeney, David, e. April 18, 1861.
Stockton, Chas., e. April 18, 1861.
Taylor, Wm. G., e. April 18, 1861.
rpham, A. E., e. April 18, 1861.
White, Hiram A., e. April 18, 1861.
Wiley, John J., e. xVpri! 18, 1861, died at
Springfield, Mo.
Woodward, Asa, e. April 18, 1861.
Yazwell, John J., e. April 18, 1861.
Zallner, John, e. Ain-il 18, 1861.
Company B.
Craig, Loren R., e. .\pril 18, 1861.
Sedgwick, Samuel W., e. .\pril 18. 1861.
Company C.
Caj)!. Alex. E. Mason, com. May 9, 1861,
kid. at battle Wilson's ('reek.
First Eieut. Wm. Pursell, com. May 9.
1861, wd. at battle Wilson's Creek.
Second Lieut. Wm. F. Davis, com. Mav
9. 1861.
Sergt. Chas. G. Hayes, e. April 23, 1861,
wd. at Wilson's Creek.
Sergt. Samuel V. Lambert, e. April 22, '61.
Sergt. Alex. Buchanan, e. Ai)ril 32, 1861,
kid. at Wilson's Creek.
Corp. Edmond L. Swem, e. April 22, 1861.
Corp. Abram N. Snyder, e. April 22, 1861,
wd. at Wilson's Creek.
Corp. Benj. F. Stone, e. April 22, 1861, wd.
Wilson's Creek.
Musician Leonidas Fowler, e. AiJriJ 22,
1861.
Musician Enoch O. Lundy, e. April 22, '61.
Ake, Samuel, e. April 22, 1861.
Armstrong, Samuel, e. Aug. 22, 1861.
Anderson, John, e. June 14, 1861.
Auge. Marcel, e. April 22, 1861.
Branson, William, e. April 22, 1861.
Beam, John, e. June 14. 1861.
Butinan, Asa, e. April 22. 1861.
Buke, William, e. April 22, 1861.
Bennett, O. V., e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Baxter, Geo. W., e. April 22, 1861.
Bealtv, John, e. April 22, 1861.
Buckingham, Silas, e. April 22, 1861.
Bouton, Jonathan R., e. April 22, 1861.
Bridges, J. I., e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek, Mo.
Burris, BenJ., e. April 22, 1861, died at
Boonville, Mo.
Crooker, Lewis M., e. April 22, 1861.
Chamberlain, H. C, e. April 22, 1861.
Capell, E. F., e. April 22. 1861.
Cochrane, Matthew, e. April 22, 1861.
Cogdal, John F. M., e. April 22, 1861, wd.
at Wilson's Creek.
Couch, Edw. L.,e. April 22, 1861.
Davis, Z., e. April 22, 1861.
Deutou, Jacob, e. April 22, 1861.
Etherton, Moses, e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Fligor, David M., e. April 22. 1861.
Fox. Ciias. S., e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
AVilson's Creek.
Friend, Wm. II., e. April 22, 1861.
Fuller, H. M.. e. April 22. 1861.
Fobes, Benj. F.. e. April 22. 1861, wd. at
AVilson's Creek.
Gates, John C, e. April 22, 1861.
Graves, Americus, e. A])ril 22. 1861.
Graw, John M., e. April 22, 1861.
Gibson, Chas. D., e. April 22. 1861.
Gaskill, David, e. April 22, 1861.
Gartenback, John, e. April 22, 1861.
Hafemeister, Rudolph, e. Ai)ril 22, 1861.
Hart, AVilliam, e. April 22, 1861.
Huxley, E. R., e. April 22. 1861.
Hendrickson, Andrew, e. April 22. 1861.
Harriman, John A., e. April 22, 1861, wd.
at Wilson's Creek.
Hamilton, F. L., e. April 22, 1861.
Jewell, Aaron Y., e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
AVilson's Creek.
Jenkins, Samuel, e. April 22, 1861.
Heckler, Geo. AV., e. April 22, 1861.
Kent, J. L.. e. April 22, 1861.
Kellev, Pierce, e. A|)ril 22, 1861.
Kane, John, e. April 22, 1861.
Karn, Jacob, e. April 22, 1861, wd. at Wil-
son's Creek.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE C0UJ5TY.
463
Meiirer, Gotlieb, e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Min£?o, Lawrence, e. April 22, 1861.
Madden, Richard R., e. April 22, 1861, wd.
at Wilson's Creek.
Michener, Chas. C, e. April 22, 1861, kid.
at Wilson's Creek.
McCoy, Richard H., e. April 22, 1861.
Manly, Wm., e. April 22, 1861.
Narves, Albert, e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Norton, Jerome, e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Ogilvill, Wm., e. April 22, 1861.
Oldridae, Jasper D., e. April 22, 1861, wd.
at Wilson's Creek.
Pickering, Wm., e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Patton, Eubert, e. April 22, 1861, Avd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Parkin, Wm., e. April 12, 1861.
Purcell, Thaddeus C, e. April 22, 1861.
Ricketts, Jacob H., e. April 22, 1861, wd.
at Wilson's Creek.
Ray, Andrew, e. April 22, 1861, died at
Boonville, Mo.
Shane, A. A., e. April 22, 1861, wd. at
Wilson's Creek.
Schultz, Frederick G., e. April 22, 1861.
Skinner, W. J., e. April 22, 1861.
Straub, Chas. H., e. April 22, 1861.
Stewart, Samuel, e. April 22, 1861.
Sclienck, Chas. G., e. April 22, 1861.
Stewart, Wm., e. April 22, 1861, wd. Wil.
son's Creek.
Stone, W. G., e. April 22, 1861, wd. Wil-
son's Creek.
Tompkins, Silas W., e. April 22, 1861.
Tullis, Smith H., e. April 22, 1861, died at
Keokuk.
Twigg, Wm. M., e. April 22, 1861.
Underwood, Jas. R., e. April 22, 1861, wd.
Wilson's Creek.
Van Buren, E. P., e. April 22, 1861.
Wright, Toyman, e. April 22, 1861.
Wright, Oscar, e. April 22, 1861.
Walters, Cyrus, e. April 22, 1861.
SEVENTH INFANTRY.
[Note. — This regiment teas mnstereil otU at LouiivilJe,
July 12, 1865.
Q. M. S. Frank Iloyer, e. July 23, 1861,
from private prmtd. Q. M. S. Oct. 1, '62.
Company A.
Capt. John G. Reed, com. July 24, 1861,
resd. June 7, 1862.
Capt. William AV. de Hens, com. 1st lieut.
July 24, 1861, wd. at Belmont, prmtd.
capt. June 8, 1862, captd. Resaca, died
Oct. 15, 1864.
Capt. Alexander Irwin, e. as private Oct.
15,1861, wd. at Lay's Ferry, Ga., prmtd.
2d lieut. Aug. 7, 1864, i)rmtd. 1st lieut.
Sept. 16, 1864, prmtd. capt. Jan. 1, 1865.
First Lieut. Thomas C. Baldwin, e. as
sergt. Nov. 15, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut.
April 18. 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. June 18.
1862, disd. Dec. 21, 1862.
First Lieut. A. W. Springer, e. as corp.
July 23, 1861, prmtd. 1st lieut. June 15,
1863, resd. Sept. 15, 1864.
Second Lieut. Stephen Estle, com. July
24, 1861, resd. April 16, 1862.
Second Lieut. Marshall T. Williams, e.
as sergt. July 23, 1861. prmtd 2d lieut.
June 8, 1862, resd. Feb. 14, 1863.
Second Lieut. T. W. Eichelberger, e. as
Corp. July 23, 1861, captd. at Belmont,
prmtd. 2d lieut. June 15, 1863, resd.
Aug. 6, 1864.
First Sergt. Thomas Pitchforth, e. July
16. 1861, kid. at Belmont.
Sergt. Wm. Armstrong, e. July 23, 1861,
disd. July 15, 1862.
Sergt. Geo. S. Rutherford, e. July 23, '61,
wd. at Coiinth and Kenesaw Mountain,
disd. April 4, 1865, disab.
Corp. D. B. Foulke, e. July 23, 1861, wd.
at Corinth.
Corp. Chas. Reynolds, e. Oct. 7, 1861, wd.
at Corinth.
Corp. Fergus Hansen, e. July 23. 1861,
disd. April 25, 1862.
Corp. M. F. Hurd, e. July 23, 1861, captd.
at Belmont.
Corp. W. B. Bargewbush, e. July 23, '61,
wd at Belmont, disd. June 8, 1862.
Corp. Thomas D. Moore, e. July 33, 1861,
captd. at Belmont.
Albertson, Jacob, e. July 13, 1861, disd.
Jan. 13. 1863, disab.
Arnold, Thos., e. Dec. 20. 1861.
Beemer, David K., e. July 23, 1861, disd.
Nov. 22, 1861.
Beemer. Levi, e. July 23, 1861. disd. April
11. 1862, disal).
Biot, Jacob, e. July 23, 1861.
Booth, O. C, e. July 23, 1861, kid. at battle
Belmont.
Bosch, Bartus. e. July 23, 1861, vet. Dec.
25. 1863, wd. at Lay's Ferry, Ga.
Bowman, John. e. Nov. 7. 1861, vet. Dec.
25, 1863.
Brunting, John, e. July 23. 1861, died Feb.
4, 1862.
Brooke, Basil, e. March 25. 1862.
Cain, A., e. July 23. 1861.
Campbell, J. H., e. July 23, 1861, disd.
April 29, 1862.
Cochrane, Isaac, e. Dec. 20, 1861, wd. at
Corinth.
Cochrane, James, e. Feb. 11, 1864, wd. at
Lay's Ferry, died at Chattanooga.
Cogdal, JohnF., e. April 7, 1862.
Cross, John B., e. Jan. 20, 1864.
Cunningham, S. C., e. March 5, 1862.
Campbell, J. A., e. July 23, 1861, disd. Dec.
24, 1861.
Corey. W. S., e. July 23, 1861, captd. at Bel-
mont.
Cunningham, L., e. July 16, 1861, Jild. at
Belmont.
Denham, Jas., e. July 23, 1861, vet. Dec.
25, 1863, musician.
4f)4
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Dill, John, e. July 16, 1861, drowned near
Burlington.
Dickenson, Wm. A., e. Aug. 5, 1861, disd.
Murch 7, 1863.
Dodder, Lsaiali, e. July 16, 1861, kid. at
Belmont.
Drury, James, e. Dec. 20, 1861.
Dibble, Chas. A., e. Aug. 87. 1862.
Evans, Chas., e. July 24, 1861, disd. for dis-
ability March 15, 1863.
Erwin,^., e. July 23, 1861.
Fowler, E. K, e. July 23, 1861, trans, to
Sig. Corps U. S. A. March 28, 1864.
Francisco, John, e. July 23, 1861, captd. at
Belmont, disd. Fel). 18, 1865, disab.
Fagan, Tlios., e. Oct. 30, 1863.
Gebhart, A., e. July 23, 1861, captd. at
Belmont.
Goddard, J. S., e. July 23, 1861, vet. Dec.
23, 1863.
Graves, Florentis, e. July 16, 1861, captd.
at Corinth, vet. Dec. 25, 1863.
Goodnow, Chas., e. July 16, 1861, prnitd.
Corp., wd. at Donelson, vet. Dec. 25, '63.
Graves, Americus, e. Dec. 20, 1861, yet.
Dec. 25, 1863.
Gates, Silas, e. March 25, 1863, disd. Sept.
13, 1862.
Griffin, John D., e. March 27, 1862. disd.
June 25, 1862.
Hardy, John F., e. July 23, 1861, kid. at
Belmont.
Henley, John W., e. July 23, 1861, died
Jan. 12, 1863.
ilensted, Horace, e. July 23, 1861, wd. at
Belmont, disd. Dec. 30, 1861.
Hesser, He man, e. Oct. 15, 1861, wd. at
Belmont, disd. Dec. 24, 1801.
Hesser, John, e. Feb. 12, 1864.
Hunt, Jerome, e. Dec. 20, 1861, vet. Jan. 3,
1864, kid. Allatoona.
Hagan, Samuel, e. Dec. 20, 1861, disd. Nov.
29, 1863.
Hinckley, Wm. H., e. Dec. 20, 1861, disd.
Sept. 22, 1862.
Hulett. Mortimer, e. July 23, 1861, disd.
Dec. 3, 1861, disab.
Hill, Edwin, e. July 23, 1861, captd. Bel-
mont and Big Shanty, Ga.
Johnson, A. F.', e. Sept. 11, 1862, wd. Lay's
Ferry, Ga., disd. May 25, 1865, disab.
John, Jonathan, e. July 23. 1861.
Johns, Z. W.,e. March 25, 1862, wd. Atlanta,
disd. Jan, 20, 1865, wds.
Keiuiedy, W. O., e. Feb. 18, 1864, died
Aug. 4, 1864, at Rome, (Ja.
Ketcham, W. P., e. Jnlv 23. 1861.
Kennedy, W. X., e. July 33. 1861, wd. at
Belmont, disd. May 11, 1862.
Kleintop, A., e. July 23, 1861.
Leonard, John, e. July 23, 1861, vet. Dec.
23, 1863.
Lamare, Prudent, e. Julv 23, 1861, disd.
Jan. 4, 1862, disab.
Lewis, John M., e. July 23. 1861, disd.
April 29, 1862, disab.
Major, Fred. F., e. July, 23, 1861, wd. at
Corinth, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
McGee, Patrick F., e. Sept. 3, 1862.
Miller, A. T., e. Aug. 25, 1862.
Marcks, E., e. July 23, 1861, vet. Dec,
33, 1863.
McNall, John O., e. Xov. 7, 1861.
Mahin, J. W., e. July 23, 1861. wd. Bel-
mont and Corinth, died Oct. 19, 1862.
McNall, C, e. Sept. 9, 1861.
McCormick, R., e. Julv 33. 1861.
Mills. Eli, e. Oct. 15, 'Ql, died July 16, '62.
McNulton, G. W., e. July 33, 1861.
McGill, Benj. F.,e. Feb. 39, 1864, kid. May
15, 1864, Lay's Ferry, Ga.
McXall, D., e. July 23,1861, wd. Belmont.
McNall, P. B., e. Feb. 12, 1864.
Myers, John M., e. July 23, 1861, disd. Feb.
i, 1862. disab.
Myers, Wm., e. March 29, 1864, wd. Lay's
Ferry, disd. June 21, 1865, wds.
Miller, A., e. July 23, 1861, wd. Belmont,
vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Morgan, Thonms, e. July 23, 1861, wd. at
Belmont, disd. Dec. 21, 1861.
Miller, Geo.,e. July 23, 61, vet. Dec. 23, '63.
Neron. John, e. Julv 23, 1861.
Packer, L. M., e. July 23, 1861.
Porchers, Henry, e. Dec 20, 1861, kid. bat.
Corinth.
Parham, Jacob, e. July 23,1861, disd. June
1, 1863.
Pierson, Geo., e. July 83, 1861, captd. at
Shiloh, vet. Dec. 33, 1863.
Pallat, Leander, e. July 16, 1861, kid. at
Belmont, Nov. 7, 1861.
Preston, T., e. July 33, 1861.
Reynolds, Wm., Oct. 7, 1861.
- Reed, John J., e. -July 33, 1861, wd. Bel-
mont, disd. Aug. 4, 1863.
Reynolds, Eli, e. Oct. 11, 1861.
Reed, S. P., e. July 83, 1861.
Reynolds, Wm. D., e. Oct. 15, 1861, wd.
Belmont.
Reynolds, C. M., e. July 23, 1861, wd. at
Corinth, disd. March 11, 1803.
Reynolds, Silas, e. July 83, 1861, wd. Cor-
inth Oct. 4, 1863, trans, to 67th Co. 1st
bat. Inv. Corps.
Raseman, J. B., e. Aug. 7, 1861, wd. at Bel-
mont, disd. Dec. 30, 1861.
Rich, John B.,e. July 83, 1861, disd. March
89, 1863.
Reynolds, H. C, e. Feb. 13, 1864, wd. Lay's
Feiry, Ga.
Rush. -John, e. July 83, 1861.
Rutherford, Aug., e. Sept. 4, 1868.
Reynolds, T. G., e. Sept. 33. 18o8.
Randleman, Thos., e. July 33,1861, wd. at
Connth.
Styers, Wm. IL, e. Feb. 9, 1864, wd. Lay's
Ferry.
Scholton, Dirk, e. July 33, 1861.
Stratton, Charles, e.Nov. 7, 1861, died
Aug. 31,1863.
Sheely, John, e. July 33, 1861, wd. at Bel-
mont, disd. July 83, 1863.
Shiphard, S., e. March 20, 1862.
Sclireum, G. W., e. July 23, 1861, wd. at
Belmont.
HISTORl' OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
465
Strickland, John, e. March 4, 1862.
Stein, Harrison, e. July 23, 1861, captd. at
Belmont, disd. Dec. 3, 1862, disab.
Steckle, Elisha, e. Aug. 25, 1861.
Truett, Andrew, e. Julv 16, 1862, died Oct.
20, 1861.
Tliornbon, Wm. W., e. iFeb. 13, 1864.
Van Camp, J., e. July 23, 1861, wd. at Bel-
mont, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Van Dyke, Jacob, e. Nov. 7, 1861, disd.
April 25, 1862.
Waldren, Silas, e. July 23, 1861.
Westervelt, John, e. July 23, 1861, disd.
Jan. 4, 1862, sick.
Wells, John, e. July 23, 1861.
Wells. Wm., e. July 23, '61, kid. Belmont.
Wood, Samuel S., e. Feb. 18, 1864.
Wilbur, Daniel R., e. July 16, 1861, kid. at
Belmont.
Wildman, J. S., e. July 23, 1861, wd. at
Corinth.
Williams, J. V., e. July 23, 1861.
White, Samuel, e. July 23, 1861, wd. Bel-
mont, disd. Dec. 24. 1861.
Wright, Geo. D., e. March 25, 1862.
Wherry, Levi, e. March 21, 1862.
Yeager, John, e. March 27, 1862.
Company D.
Oarrett, James, e. July 23, 1861.
Company E.
Friday, Benedict, e. March 31, 1862, wd.
at Lay's Ferry.
Hedamon, Timothy, e. March 31. 1862.
McCormick, John, e. April 8, 1862, wd. at
Corinth.
Eoth, John, e. Feb. 22, 1862, vet. Feb. 24,
1864, wd. at Dallas, Ga.
COMPANY UNKNOWN.
Matthews, Isaac, e. Feb. 15, 1864.
EIGHTH INFANTRY.
[NoTB. — This regiment was muttered out at Sehna, Ala.,
April SO, 1866.]
Company B.
Armstrong, Wm., e. Sept. 23, 1861, captd.
Shiloh, died Keokuk.
Barber, Hiram, e.Sept. 11, '61, wd. Shiloh.
Bowne, Cornelius, e. Aug. 15, 1861.
Chatterton, Wm., e. Aug. 18, 1861.
Clark, Chas. B.,e. Sept. 9,'61, captd. Shiloh.
Crawford, Wm., e. Sept. 15, '61. disd. Jan.
19, 1862, disab.
Creamer, Samuel, e. Aug. 20. 1861, dis.
April 26, 1862, disab.
Evans, Benj., e. Aug. 15, 1861, captd. Shi-
loh, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Harris, Thomas, e. Sejit. 17, 1861, captd.
Shiloh, wd. May, 1863.
Jayne, John W., e. Aug. 15, 1861, captd.
Shiloh, disd. June 20, 1862, disab.
Javne, Whitaker, e. Aug. 15. 1861, wd.
Shiloh, disd. Jixly 13, 1862.
Munhoven, P. F., e. Sept. 17, 1861, captd.
Shiloh.
Nicholson, Z. G. A., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Reids, Alex., e. Aug. 15, '61, captd. Shiloh.
Rowan, Jas. E., e. Aug. 20, 1861, captd.
Shiloh, wd. Vicksburg.
Rowan, John A., e. Aug. 15, 1861, wd.
Shiloh, dis. Dec. 21, 1863, disab.
Selder, Robt., e. Sept. 17, '61, captd. Shiloh.
Trunkey, Almond, e. Aug. 15, 1861, captd.
Shiloh, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Wathan, Gea., e. Aug. 20, 1861, captd. Shi-
loh, transferred to Marine Brigade.
Walker, Jacob, e. Sept. 2, 1861, died May
19, 1862, wds. received at Shiloh.
Company C.
Roberts, F. N., e. Aug. 10, 1861, captd. Shi-
loh, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Company D.
Davis, Chas. B., e. Aug. 14, 1861, wd. and
disd. Aug. 24, 1862.
Stotler, Walter, e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd.
Shiloh, died June 22,1864.
Shannon, Thos., e. Aug. 14, 1861, captd.
Jackson, Miss.
Company K.
Corp. Alonzo Wilson, e. Sept. 11, 1861,
captd. Siiiloh, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
ELEVENTH INFANTRY.
[NoTl. — Thi$ regiment wat mustered out at Louisville, Ky. ,
July 15, 1S65.]
Col. Abraham M. Hare, com. Oct. 1, 1861'
resd. Aug. 31, 1862.
Col. Benj. Beach, com. capt. Co. H Oct
18, 1861, prmtd. lieut. col. Nov. 6, 1864
com. col. Julv 29, '65, m. o. as lieut. col
Asst. Surg. D. P. Johnson, com. Aug. 12
1862, disd. Sept. 24. 1864.
Adjt. Cornelius Cadle, Jr., com. Oct. 30,
1861, C'r and A. A. G^ U. S. V. May 1,
1863, brvt. lieut. col. L. S. V., brvt. col.
U. S. V. March 13, 1865, maj. and A. A.
G. April 3, 1865.
Adjt. Frederick P. Candee, e. as sergt. Co.
H Oct. 3, 1861, prmtd. adjt. Jan. 1, 1865.
Q. M. Richard Cadle, com. Oct. 30, 1861,
m. o. Nov. 1, 1864, term expired.
Q. M. Henry Le Jarboe, e. as private Sept.
21, 1861, prmtd. Q. M. Nov. 21, 1864.
Chaplam C H. Remington, com. June 25,
1862, resd. Aug. 7, 1863.
Sergt. Maj. Lyman Banks, e. Sept. 25, '61,
trans, for pi-omotion in 8th La. Vols.
Drum Maj. John M. Dunn, e. Sept. 21, '61.
Company A.
Capt. John W. x^nderson, com. 1st lieut.
Sept. 28, 1861, prmtd. capt. Aug. 23,
1862, disd. Dec. 18, 1864.
Capt. Ephraim Sliellabarger, e. as corp.
Sept. 3, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut. Nov. 10,
1864, prmtd. capt. Jan. 1, 1865.
First Lieut. Eli F. Cassell, e. as 1st sergt
Sept. 5, '61, prmtd. 1st lieut. Aug. 22, '62
466
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Second J.ieut. Richard R. Madden, com.
Sept. 28, 1861, disd. Ang 20, 1862.
Second Lient. Wm. John AVvlie, e. as
Corp. Sept. 2, 1861, jnintd.' 2tl lieut.
Aujr. 21, 1862, wd. at Atlanta, honora-
bly discharuxl.
Second Licui. Wm. S. Middleton, e. as
private Sept. 2, 1861, wd. at Atlanta,
prmtd. 2d lient. Jan. 1, 1865.
Second Lient. Wni. Bakey, e. as sergt.
Sept. 12. 1861. com. (after m. o.) as 1st
sergt.
Sergt. David II. Collins, e. Sept. 5, 1861,
died at Muscatine, Iowa.
Sergt. Wm. Hart, e. Aug. 30, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Sergt. Jacob J. Russell, e. Sept. 2, 1861,
trans, to gunboat service Feb. 8, 1862.
Sergt. AVm. Putnam, e. Sept. 14, 1861, wd.
at Atlanta.
Seigt. Wm. Bakev, e. Sept. 12, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864. wd'. at Atlanta.
Corp. Jos. M. Taylor, e. Sept. 12, 1861. wd.
at Shiloh.
Corp. David Witmoyer, e. Sept. 9, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. at Kenesaw Moun-
tain and Nick-a-Jack Creek.
Corp. Wm. l.ewis, e. Sept. 7, 1861.
Corp. Theron W. Corvvin,e. Sei)t. 14, 1861.
died at Benton Barracks, Mo.
Corp. Chas. Bier, e. Sept. 19, 1861, vet.
Feb. 29, 1864, wd. and captd. near At-
lanta, died at Charleston, S. C.
Corp. Martin Shellabarger. e. Sept. 20,
1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. at Kenesaw
Mountain.
Corp. Richard Livingston, e. Sept. 17. '61.
disd. Aug. 16, 1862, disab.
Corp. August Mettege, e. Sept. 2. 1861,
vet Dec. 7, 1868.
Corp. Jos. C. Fisher, e. Sept. 9, 1861. died
at Vicks])urg.
Musician Henry Kellogg, e. Sept. 2,1861.
Musician Jacob Bowman, e. Sept. 10, 1861,
prmtd. principal musician, vet. Jan. 1,
1864.
Wagoner John Kane, e. Sept. 23, 1861. vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Abbott, W^m., e. Sept. 15. 1861, wd. at
Atlanta.
Baver, Geo. F., e. Oct. 3, 1861, disd. Oct.
10, 1862.
Barnard, Levi. e. Sept. 16, 1861.
Bakey, August, e. Sept. 17, 1861.
Benedict, Geo., e. Aug. 14, 1862, wd. at
Atlanta, disd. June 27, 1865, disab.
Benedick, Heiirv, e. Sept. 17, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, wd. at Atlanta, died at
Marietta, Ga.
Burrell, Jas. W., e. Sept. 16, 1861, died at
Mejnphis.
Bowman, Gal)riel. e. Sept. 3. 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, wd. at Atlanta.
Brenner, Carl, e. Aug. 31, 1861. vet. Feb.
29, 1864.
Chapman, Benj. F., e. Feb. 9, 1864.
Callender, Geo". W^, e. Sept. 1. 1861, kid.
at Shiloh.
Cross. Levi. e. Sept. 7, 1861.
Chapman, Benj. F., e. Sept. 22, 1861.
Dotty, Milton, e. Sept. 17, 1861.
Davidson, John H., e. Sept. 2, 1861, trans.
to gunboat service.
Dowel), Geo. M.. e. Sept. 2. 1861, trans, to
gunboat service.
Downing, James H., e. Sept. 2, 1861, (.-aptd.
at Corinth.
Eustler, Ananias, e. Sept. 2. 1861. wd. at
Kenesaw Mountain.
p]ustler, David, e. Dec. 21, 1863, disd. Oct.
10, 1863.
Eustler, Chas.. e. Sept. 2, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, wd. and captd. at Atlanta, Ga.
Fortwagler, E., e. Sept. 5. 1861.
Fieldnnin, Wm., e. Sept. 2, 1861, kid. at
battle of Shiloh.
Fristler, Jos., e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, wd. and captd. at .Vtlanta.
Foley, Wm., e. June 19, 1862, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, wd. and captd. at Atlanta.
I Fry, Noah,e. Sept. 12, 1861.
Gilbert, Austin B., e. Sept. 16, 1861.
Gates, Lewis W., e. Sept. 12, 1861. vet. Jan .
1, 1864.
I Geodocke, John, e. Sept. 8, 1861, kid. at
I Shiloh.
J (iardner, O. .\. A., e. Sept. 18, 1861.
' Henderson, Robt., e. Sept. 9, 1861, vet. Jan.
I 1, 1864, wd. Atlanta, disd. April 11, 1865,
I disab.
; Henderson, Shedrick, e. Sept. 1. 1861.
Jesler, Chas. L., e. Aug. 31, 1861.
Johnson, James, e. Sept. 2, 1861, disd. Feb.,
1862, disab.
Kellogg, Francis M., e. Sept. 2, 1861.
Kellogg, N. W., e. Aug. 26. 1862, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Killinger, Daniel, e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet. Feb.
29, 1864.
Ketmann, Barnard, e. vSept. 4, 1861.
Kerr, Jesse W., e. Sept. 14, 1861. disd. June
2, 1862.
Kerr. T. J., e. Sept. 16, 1861.
Kingland, Chas. P., e. Nov. 22, 1861, died
on Hospital steamer Sept. 20, 1863.
ISIadden, Henry, e. Oct. 1, 1861.
Murer, Gotlieb, e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864, wd. and captd. at Atlanta.
Miller, Andrew, e. Sept. 6, 1861. vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
jSIiller. Chas. C. e. Sept. 3, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1861.
Martin, James, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
McCallough, John, e. Sept. 18. 1861.
Mvers, Simeon, e. April 22, 1864.
Meeker, John W^. e. Sept. 22, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Meeker, Wm. IL, e. Sept. 22, 1861.
Meeker, Thomas, Feb. 22, 1864, wd. at
Atlanta.
Mvers, John, e. Sei)t. 19, 1861.
Mvers, AVm., e. Ai)ril 22, 1864, wd. Kene-
saw Mountain, disd. June 26, '65, disab.
Newton, P., Feb. 8, 1864.
Oaks, Jesse, Sept. 12, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
467
Peck, Turner M., e. Sept. 16, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864, wd. and captd. at Atlanta.
Putnam, John ^V., e. Sept. 14, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Pauclien, August, Aug. 31, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Ricliards, Jas. W., e. Nov. 32, 1861.
Richards, John D., e. Sept. 17, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, wd. Atlanta.
Rose, A. D., e. Jan. 27, 1864, trans, to
V. R. C.
Reid, Wni., e. Sept. 12, 1864, wd. Shiloh
and Atlanta.
Stretch, Milton B., e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Stretch, Alfred, e. Feb. 22, 1864.
Springer, Lewis G., e. Sept. 15, 1861.
Sparks, E. E.,e. Sept. 25, 1862, wd. Atlanta,
died of wds.
Sanders, Morgan, e. Sept. 11, 1861.
Stretch, F. M., e. Sept. 20, 1861, died at
Quincy, 111., wds. reed. Sliiloh.
Tyler, Wm. C, e. Sept. 7, 1861.
Tyler, A. G., e. Aug. 26, 1862, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, wd. and captd. Atlanta.
Taylor, Wm. E., e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet. Jan.
1. 1864.
Townsley, Jolin S., April 27, 1864.
Taylor, John W., e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Vanhesseld, Henrv, e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, died at xVtIanta.
Woodbury, Benj. D., e. Sept. 5, 1862.
Wamslev, Dallas, e. Sept. 19, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864; wd. i^tlanta.
Wilson Chas., e. Sept. 20, 1861, disd. June
21, 1862, wd. Marietta, Ga., second en-
listment, disd. April 25, 1865.
Wylie, Jesse, e. April 23, 1864.
Wilson, Chas., e. Feb. 4, 1861.
Company B.
Second Lieut. John H. Munroe, prmtd.
2d lieut. Aug. 3, 1863, capt. and A. A.
G. U. S. v., June 28, 1863.
Company C.
First Lieut. Wyatt B. Pomeroy, prmtd.
1st lieut. Jan. 1, 1865.
Sergt. Asa Putnam, e. Sept. 23, 1861, disd.
Jan. 28, 1864, disab.
Ashford, P., e. Aug. 30, 1862, wd. Atlanta.
Stauber, J. L., e. Aug. 26, 1862, wd. Kene-
saw Mountain, kki. Atlanta.
Company D.
Capt. Andrew J. Shrope, com. Oct. 8,
1861, m. o. Oct. 26, 1864, term expired.
Capt. Jas. Kelley, e. as corp. Sept. 21, 1861,
prmtd. capt. Oct. 27, 1864.
First Lieut. B. F. Jackson, com. Oct. 3,
1861, disd. April 2, 1863.
First Lieut. Aug. C Blizzard, e. as private
Sept. 14, 1861, prmtd. 1st lieut. April 3,
1868, res. Oct. 15, 1864.
First Lieut. Francis M. Walker, e. as
private, Nov. 21. 1861, prmtd. 1st lieut.
Dec. 17, 1864.
Second Lieut. Andrew H. Walker, com.
Oct. 3, 1861, prmtd. capt. Co. F.
Second Lieut. Jas. M. Kean, e. as sergt.
Sept. 14, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut. June 7.
1863, m. o. Dec. 18, 1864.
First Sergt. Reuben Fobes, e. Sept. 21,
1861, vet. Feb. 29, 1864.
Sergt. Matt. Kean, e. Sept. 14, 1861.
Sergt. Sam'l Campbell, e. Sept. 21, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864, wd. Atlanta, died Aug.
19, 1864.
Sergt. Beecher Chatfield, e. Sept. 14, 1861,
wd. Shiloh, disd. Aug. 15, 1862.
Sergt. Jas. M. Leverich, e. Sept. 17, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1,1864.
Sergt. Henry Seibert, e. Sept. 17,1861, kid.
bat. Shiloh.
Corp. John A. Hughes, e. Sept. 14, 1861,
wd. bat. Shiloh, disd. Sept. 29, 1862.
Corp. Wm. H. Nellis, e. Sept. 17, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, captd. at Atlanta.
Corp. Wm. S. Fultz. e. Sept. 19, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Corp. Edward McDonald, e. Sept. 27,1861,
kid. Adairsville, Ga.
Corp. Jas. Wymer, Jr., e. Sept. 16, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Corp. Alex. Thorn, e. Sept. 17, 1861, died
Bolivar, Tenn.
Corp. Winston T. Shifflet, e. Sept. 16, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Musician David B. Spillman, e. Sept. 23,
1861, died Corinth May 18, 1862.
Wagoner Harvey Walker, e. Sept. 21,
1861, vet. Jan. 1, '64, trans, to Inv. Corps
Feb. 15, 1864.
Ayres. Hiram, e. Sept. 14, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Ayers, Newton, e. Sept. 27, 1861.
Bailey, F. J., e. Sept. 14, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, died Gordon's Plantation, N. C
Blakely, Jos. H., e. Sept. 17, 1861.
Blakely, H. H., e. Sept. 17, 1861.
Bean, John, e. Sept. 17, 1861.
Berrv, Israel, e. Sept. 19, '61, disd. Dec. 11
1862, disab.
Bradford, Albert, e. Sept. 20, '61, disd. Jan.
18, 1863, disab.
Cory, Thomas. J., e. Sept. 14, 1861, kid.
Shiloh.
Clarke, Jas. S., e. Sept. 17, 1861, wd. At-
lanta, trans, to V. R. C.
Campbell, Alex. C, e. Sept. 17, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Cooper, Irwin, e. Sept. 24, 1861.
Craven, Peter, e. Sept. 25, '61, kid. Shiloh.
Derby, Chas. W., e. Sept. 26, 1861.
Duncan, Perry, e. Sept. 21, 1861, wd. acci-
dent all v.
Farrier, T. T., e. Feb. 27, '64, wd. Atlanta.
Herr, Benj. F., e. Sept. 16, 1861.
Hall, Wm.
Hart, Mandrid, e. Sept. 16, '61, disd. June
13, 1862, disab.
Hartman, Reuben, e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864. . ^
Knous, Sylvester, e. Sept. 18, 1861, died
May 13, 1862, on hospital boat.
468
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Keevar, John J., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864, trans, to V. R. C
Kiser, Geo., e. Sept. 23, 1861.
Leverich. Wm., e. Sej)!. 14, '61, kid. Shiloh.
Laport, Chas., e. Sept. 14, 1861, \vd. Shiloh,
(lis. Jan. 29, 1863. disab.
Lodge. Albeit, e. Sept. 16, 1861. dis. Nov.
4, 1863.
Leverich, Marion, e. Sept. 16, 1861.
Lefeever, John "W., e. Sept. 17, 1861. vet.
Jan. 1,1864.
Lodge. Oscar F., e. Sept. 17, 1861, disd. Oct.
29, 1862. disab.
Moor. Abner. e. Sept. 17, '61, kid. Corinth.
Millsap, John,e. Sept. 17, 1861, wd. Shiloh,
dis. Mav 29. 1862.
McHea, R. R., e. Sept. 17, 1861, wd. Shiloh,
died April 13, 1862.
Moor, Andrew, e. Sei>t. 20. '61, disd. March
18, 1863. disab.
Miissellman, Jos. P., e. Feb. 24, 1864.
Nellis, Jolin A., e. Feb. 24, 1864.
Ours, Geo. F.. e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864.
Pomeroy, B. W.. e. Sept. 14, 1861.
Pentico, Peter, e. Sept. 17, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Prescott, Oregon, e. Sept. 19. 1861.
Porter, Jos. C, e. Sept. 21, 1861.
Reeves, Yan v., e. Sept. 16, 1861. vet. Jan.
1, 1864, wd. Lovejoy's Station, disd. Jan.
14, 1865.
Reeves. M. T., e. Sept. 17, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Sterrett, Perry, e. Sept. 14, 1861, wd. Ken-
esaw Mt.
Shifflet, Ira H., e. Sept. 17, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Vann, Mortimer U., e. Oct. 23, 1861, died
Feb. 23, 1862.
Wall, Wra. K.,e. Sept. 17, '61, wd. Corinth,
disd. Feb. 27, 1863, disab.
White, Wm., e. Sept. 16, 1861, kid. Shiloh.
Walton. Wra. H., e. Sept. 19, 1861, disd.
June 11. 1862, disab.
Walter, Chas., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Wlker, Albert, e. Feb. 8, '64. wd. Atlanta.
Wiker, E. :M., e. March 21, 1864.
Yager, Austin B., e. Fel). 24. 1864.
Company C.
Musician Hiram AVliite, e. Oct. 5, 1861,
Musician Chas. Xeallv, e. Oct. 5. '61, disd.
June 5, 1862, disab."
Snivel}, Wm.. e. March 2.5, 1864.
Company H.
Capt.Geo. 0. Morgridue. e. as private Oct.
18, 1861, prmtd. capt. Nov. 15, 1864.
First Lieut. Geo. D. Masjoon.com. Oct. 18,
1861. m. o. Oct. 26, 1864, t(Mm cxi>.
First Lieut. Abraham E. Keith, prmtd.
2d lieut. Oct. 19, 1864. prmtd. 1st. lieut.
Dec. 16, 1864.
Second Lieut. Geo. R. White, com. Oct.
18, 1861, m. o. Oct. 18, 1864.
I Second Lieut. Geo. W. Sweeney, e. as pri-
I vate Sept. 21, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut. Dec.
• 17, 1864, res. June 3, 1865.
I Second Lieut. J. D. Caughran, e. as pri-
vate Oct. 9, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut. after-
; ward m. o as com. sergt.
I First Sergt. Samuel C. Dunn, e. Sept. 21,
1861, disd. Mav 12, 1862, disab.
Sergt. Christian Kern, e. Sept. 21, 1861.
Sergt. Daniel Seller, e. Sept. 35, 1861, disd.
June 6, 1863.
Sergt. Harold M. White, e. Oct. 14, 1861.
Sergt. Wm. C Budd, e. Sept. 21, 1861, kid.
Meadow Station, Tenn.
Sergt. Wm. E. Tliomas. e. Sept. 21, 1861,
disd. Dec. 11. 1862, di.sab.
Sergt. Henry Kesner, e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, wd. twice at At anta.disd.
Dec, 1864.
Sergt. Roger N. Ingersoll, e. Oct. 12, 1861.
Corp. Chas. W. Sullivan, e. Sept. 23, 1861,
disd. Sept. 12, 1862, disal).
Corp. Wm. Kerr, e. Sept. 21, 1861, disd.
Aug. 28, 1862, disab.
Corp. Jesse M. Dill, e. Oct. 10, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, '64. trans, to 63d U. S. col. troops.
Corp. Lyman Banks, e. Sept. 25, 1861,
prmtd. sergt. maj. Feb. 1, 1862.
Corp. E. W. Hershe. e. Oct. 16, 1861, disd.
June 6, 1863.
Corp. Thos. G. Lewis, e. Oct. 14, '61, disd.
Nov, 25, 1862.
Corp. Addison M. Keene, e. Oct. 10, 1861.
Corp. JustinE. Coe,e. Sept. 21, 1861. captd.
Atlanta.
Corp. Geo. O. Peckham, e. Oct. 6, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Corp. Wm. P. Sparks, e. Oct.;3, 1861, captd.
Atlanta.
Corp. Edward Kirkendall, e. Oct. 10, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864, sergt.
Musician Frederick Killian.e. Oct. 10, '61.
Musician Madismi M. Kneese, e. Oct. 10,
1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Allen, Jas. M., e. Oct. 3, 1861.
Adv. H. C, e. Oct. 14, 1861. kid. Shiloh.
Adv, Wm. D., e. Oct. 14. 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864. wd. Atlanta.
Brookhart, Daniel, e. 'Sept. 21. 1861, wd.
Shiloh, captd. Atlanta.
Brooks, Robt., e. Oct. 14. 1861. died March
10, 1862.
Couch, Edw. L., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1. 1864, trans, to col. regt.
Candee, F. P., e. Oct. 3, '61. vet. Jan. 1. '64.
Couchran, I. L., e. Oct. 16, 1861, trans, to
V.R. C. July 1,1864.
Davis, David N., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Dick, David M., e. Sept. 21, 1861.
Evans, Warren W., e. Oct. 14. 1861. vd.
Shiloh, died Muscatine.
Earl. Samuel, e. Oct. 10, 1861.
Fitchner, Christopher, e. Sept. 21. 1861.
Fox, Chas. S., e. Oct. 10, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864.
Gordon. Wm. A., e. Oct. 3. 1861.
Goldsberry, Levi S.. e. Oct. 16, 1861.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
469
Hyenk, Henry, e. Feb. 15, 1864, captd. At-
lanta.
Holmes, E. C, e. Sept. 23, 1861.
Hawley, Wm. A., e. Feb. 26, 1864, kid.
N"ick-a-Jack Creek.
Hare, Russell B., e. Oct. 6. 1861.
Hank, Geo. W., e. Sept. 22, 1861, died Jef-
ferson City.
Hanna, Hiram, e. Oct. 10, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, trans, to col. regt.
Hazelett, Wm. H., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, wd. Atlanta.
Hanson, Henry, e. Oct. 10, 1861.
Hastings, Frederick, e. Sept. 23, 1831.
Hacker, Adam, e. Oct. 10, 1861.
Hopkinson, Albert, e. Oct. 18, 1861, disd.
Sept. 6, 1862, disab.
Kiston, Richard, e. Feb. 15, 1864, captd.
Atlanta, died Andersonville.
Krautz, Conrad, e. Sept. 21, 1861.
Krautz, August, e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1863.
Keitt, A., e. Aug. 30, 1862.
Kiser, Robt. L., Oct. 10, 1861, disd. Sept.
29, 1862. disab.
l.ibby, Lewis, e. Oct. 10, 1861.
Lobeer, John, e. Oct. 16, '61, vet. Jan. 1, '64.
Mikesell, Martin I.., e. Oct. 12, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Monroe, John H., e. Sept. 23, 1861.
Mikesell, Wm. E., e. Sept. 21, 1861, kid
Shiloh.
Moore, John W., e. Oct, 16, 1861.
McCulla,Lewis J.,e. Oct. 16, '61, vet. Jan.
1, '64, trans, to 1st Mo. Ai't.
Nason, John, e. Feb. 24, 1864, wd. Atlanta.
Neidig, Benj. F., e. Sept. 21, 1861, disd.
April 11, 1862, disab.
Newell, Fmley H.. Sept. 21, 1861, kid. Shi-
loh.
Palmer, Thos. F., e. Xov. 4, 1861, trans, to
Inv. Corps Feb. 15, 1864.
Parvin, Daniel J., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan 1, '64, wd. Atlanta, disd. Feb. 25, '65.
Prouty, Hugh T., e. Oct. 14, 1861, died
Jackson, Tenn.
Rippy, Jos. H., e. Sept. 21, '61. wd. Shiloh.
Ranci[)her, A. H., e. Oct. 7, 1861, died
Memphis.
Reed, Charles, e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864.
Richards, Wm. C, e. Oct. 14, 1861, vet. Jan.
1. 1864.
Sedgwick, J^owell, e. Nov. 4, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, disd. Feb. 22, 1865.
Small, Jas. L.. e. Sept. 24, 1861.
Schenck. Chas. G., e. Aug. 11, 1862, died
April 6, 1863.
Small, Isaac L., e. Sept. 21, 1861, died at
Vicksburg.
Sweenev. David M., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Sweeney, Geo. W., vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Spangler, Benj., e. Sept. 21, 1861, died June
29, 1862.
Sedgwick, Samuel W., e. Oct. 14, 1861.
Smith, John J., e. Oct. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, wd. at Nick-a-Jack Creek.
Taylor, Daniel, e. Oct. 14, 1861, died July
10, 1862.
Tillard, John M., e. Nov. 22, 1861.
Wintermute, B. R.. e. Oct. 10, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Warren, Jos. W.. e. Oct. 3, 1861.
Zoellner, John H., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Zediker, John R., e. Sept. 21, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, wd. at Atlanta.
Company I.
Capt. Chas. E. Compton, com. Oct. 19,
'61, maj. 8th La. Regt. A. D.June 6, '63.
Capt. Christian B. Mellinger, com. 1st
lieut. Sept. 28, 1861, prmtd. capt. June
7, 1863, drowned at Quincy, 111.
First Lieut. Alfred B. Wiles, com. 2d
lieut. Sept. 28, 1861, prmtd. 1st lieut.
June 7, 1863, m. o. Oct. 26, 1864,
First Lieuti John W. Linville, e. as priv.
Sept. 11, 1861. prmtd. 1st lieut. Oct. 27,
1864.
Second Lieut. Ewing B. Lewis, e. as 1st
sergt. Sept. 16, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut.
June 7. 1863.
Sergt. Geo. E. Daniels, e. Sept. 10, 1861,
kid. at Shiloh.
Sergt. John W. Fauner, e.-Sept. 17, 1861.
Sergt. Joshua I. Swain, e. Sept. 11, 1861,
vet. Jan 1, 1864, wd. at Atlanta, trans.
to Y. R. C.
Sergt. Thomas J. Parmer, e. Sept. 8, 1861,
wd. Camp McClellan, disd. Feb. 7, 1863.
Sergt. Holland McGrew, e. Sept. 12, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864, disd. April 26, 1864,
disab.
Sergt. Samuel L. Mack, e. Sept. 11, 1861,
captd. at Corinth.
Sergt. Enoch Briggs,"e. Sept. 2, 1861, died
at Vicksburg.
Corp. Geo. F. Greenhow, e. Sept. 8, 1861,
disd. July 30, 1862, for wds. received at
Shiloh.
Corp. Jasper J. Williams, e. Sept. 12, 1861,
disd. March 1, 1862, disab.
Corp. Jacob Hall, e. Nov. 6, 1861, trans, to
1st Mo. Light Art.
Corp. Felix Donley, e. Sept. 12, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1," 1864.
Corp. Peter E. Davis, e. Sept. 2, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Corp. Nathan W. Wollf, e. Sept. 8, 1861,
trans, to Inv. Corps.
Corp. Orlando McGrew, e. Sept. 17, 1861,
died at Muscatine.
Musician H. B. Hawley, e. Sept. 2, 1861,
vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Musician John K. Baxter, e. Sept. 11, 1861,
disd. Oct. 28, 1863, disab.
Barter, James H., e. Sept. 10, 1863, died at
Moscow.
Beall, Z., e. Sept. 8, 1861, wd. at Shiloh, kid.
near Atlanta July 23, 1864.
Bernholt, Hans, e. Sept. 16, 1861, wd. at
Shiloh, dis.i. June 14, 1862.
Booten, Benj. C. e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd.
April 10, 1863, disab.
470
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Browning. E. J., e. Oct. 16, 1861, disd.
March 15, 1862, disab.
Brinvn, .lohn. e. Sept. 13, 1861, killed at
Atlantci.
Clinton, Geo., e. Oct. 19, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, wd., died at Marietta, Ga.
Craig, ^Vm., e. Sept. 11, 1861, \vd., disd.
.July 12, 1862.
Croiu'h, Win. C.e. Sept. 11, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
PuffieJd. John W., e. Sept. 6. 1861. trans, to
1st Mo. J.ight Art.
Etlierton, Wm. I., e. Sept. 11, 1861, died at
Vicksburg.
Fish, Abraham, e. Oct. 15, 1861, died at
Jefferson Citv.
Ferrv, H. J.., e.Sept. 7. 1861.
Faulkner, Chas. J., e. Nov. 6. 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864.
Gard. B. F., e. Sept. 11. 1861. wd. near At-
lanta.
Ganl, Wm. H.. e. Oct. 15, 1861, wd. Shiloh,
disd. Oct. 3, 1862, disab.
Gard, John ^y., e. Sept. 11. 1861. wd. at
Atlanta.
Galvin, John, e. Oct. 9, 1861, died at St.
Louis.
Garland. Richard, e. Sept. 13. 1861, died at
St. Louis Feb. 4, 1862.
Gatton, John, e. Sept. 11, 1861, wd. at
Atlanta.
Geller, Nelson, e. Sept. 23. 1861. wd. at
Shiloh, disd. Aug. 25, 1862. disab.
Howe, Emerson, e. Sept. 17. 1861, disd.
Nov. 15, 1863. disab.
Hayes, Michael, e. Nov. 6, 1861. trans, to
1st Mo. Light Artillerv.
Hadlev, Chas.. e. Sept." 7, 1861. wd. at
Atlanta.
Hall, Wm., e. Sept. 9. 1^61. dis.l. .lulv 30.
1862, disab.
Hamilton, John, e. Sei)t. 2, 1861. disd. Nov.
16. 1862. disab.
Haugan, -lohn, e. Oct. 9. 1861.
Ilazleton, Henry, e. Oct. 2. 1861, vet. Jan.
1. 1864, wd. and died at Atlanta.
Hinkhouse, Harman, e. Sept. 16, 1861.
Hoover, Chas., e. Sept. 9, 1861, disd. .Tan.
14. 1863, disab.
Howe, Orlando, e. Oct. 7. 1861.
Kester. John, e. Sept. 2, 1861, kid. shiloh.
Kief, Matthias, e. Sept. 2. 1861. vet. Jan.
1, 1864, wd. Atlanta.
Kittle, Kichard, e. Sept. 7, 1861.
Kneese, Henrv, e. Sept. 2, 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Lahev, John, e. Nov. 6, 1861. trans, to 10th
Ohio Battery.
Leech, John, e. .Sept. 2, 1861, wd. at Shiloh.
died Mav 22, 1862.
Ludlow, John, e. Oct. 15, 1861. disd. Sept.
26, 1862, disab.
Mattern, J>t)uis, e. .Sept. 9, 1861. trans, to
1st Mo. Light Artillerv.
McLaughlan, F. H.. e. Sept. 11, 1861. vet.
Jan. 1, 18i"4.
McKeaugh, Thomas, e. Sept. 2. 1861, wd.
at Shiloh. died at St. Louis.
Miller, Robt. L., e. Sept. 11, 1861, wd. at
• Shiloh. disd. July 21. 1862, disab.
O'Brien. John, e. Sept. 20. 1861.
Fennel. Rielev, e. .Sept. 9. 1861, vet. Jan.
1, 1864.
Purington, Byron S.,e. Sept. 16, 1861. died
Jefterson Citv. Mo.
Pitsenberger, Wm., e. Oct. 14, 1861, died
March 18, 1862.
Reslev, John. e. Sept. 7, 1861.
Robinson, Wm., e. Oct. 16. 1861. died Dec.
23, 1861.
Reyburn, Madison, e. Sei)t. 7, 1861, kid. at
Shiloh.
Rultart, Jas. F.. e. .Sept. 9, 1861, died Jan.
3, 1862.
Strong, Wm. .1., e. Sept. 9. 1861, vet. Jan.
1,1864, trans, to V.R.C
Shaw. P. A., e. Nov. 21. 1861. wd. Shiloh,
vet. Jan. 1. 1864.
Swain, Wm. W., e. Oct. 16, 1861, vet. Jan.
1. 1864.
Sterneman. ,)oiias. e. Sept. 13, 1861, captd.
at Corinth.
Taulman, John, e. Sept. 7, 1861, disd. Aug-
28, 1862. disab.
Tharp. Thos., e. Sept. 11. 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864. Corp.
Udish, Chas., e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to 1st
Mo. Light .Vrtillery.
Verniink. Ilenrv, e. Sept. 2. 1861, disd.
April 6, 1863, disab.
Yannalla, Harrison, e. Sept. 12. 1861, died
at .lefferson. Mo.
Wesson. John, e. .Sent. 16, 1861.
Wise, John C. e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Williams. A. E., e. Aug. 13. 1862, disd.
April 11. 1863, disab.
Wilson, Alex., e. Sept. 13, 1861.
AVolf, Calvin H., e. Sept. 11, 1861, disd.
Feb. 29, 1863, disab.
Zeager. Homer, e. Sept. 16. 1861.
COMTANV TNKKOWN.
Ashlord, Aaron M., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Asht'ord. Peicifer E., e. Aug. 30, 1862.
Alexander, Win., e. Sept. 3, 1862.
Armstrong. Jas. L., e. Sept. 5. 1862.
Albertson^Iesse B., e. Sept. 5. 1862.
Benedict, Geo., e. Aug. 14. 1862.
Bozorth, Samuel S., e. Aug. 30, 1862.
Bartholomew, A. B., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Bond, Reuben, e. Sept. 5. 1862.
Baumgariler. G. W., e. Sept. 8. 1862.
Criuor, Geo. W., e. .Vug. 14, 1862.
Casev, Philip, e. Aug. 30. 1862.
Clark. John, e. Sept. 5, 1862.
Craig. Robt. F., e. Feb. 5, 1864.
Cox. J. F., e. Sept. 5, 1862.
Dobbins, Joshua, e. Sept. 5. 1862.
Doan, H. P., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Dobbins. Daniel, e. Sept. o. 1862.
Dennis. Oliver.
Ellembuger. John. e. Sept. 26, 1862.
Ea.stap. John H., e. Sept. 5, 1862.
Elgin, Jesse A., e. Sept. 5, 1862.
Easton. Geo., e. Aug. 30, 1862.
Freeman. Wm. P., e. Jan. 28, 1864.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
471
Givens, J. L.. e. Auj;:. 16. 1863.
Getter. Wm. F.. e. Feb. 15. 1864.
Oregorv, John H.. e. Sept. 8, 1862.
Hidlebiiuali, Wui.. e. Aui--. 30. 1862.
Hickmon, Ira \V.. e. Sept. 5, 1862.
Hickmon, EU M.. e. Sept. 5. 1862.
Jackson, Silas A., e. Auu". 15, 1862.
Kello2:g, AVilson, e. Aui;. 26, 1862.
Keitb^ A. C, e. Auu". 3d; 1862.
Kersev. T. C, e. Sept. 5. 1862.
Lefever, Geo. W., e. Jan. 25. 1864.
Letner, AVm. B., e. Sept. 5. 1862.
McCov, Jos. T.. e. Autj. 30, 1862.
McDonald. Donald, e. Oct. 6. 1862.
Morgan, Jos. A., e. Sept. 5. 1862.
Mevers. Wm. H.. e. Sept. 5. 1862.
McConnell, Tlios.. e. Sept. 5, 1862.
MHSsellman, John P., e. Feb. 27, 1864.
Nuel, Samuel, e. Aug. 30, 1862.
Rupp, John. e. Feb. 39, 1864.
Rubattem. .Je.sse. e. Sept. 5, 1863.
Storrafelte, Henrv, Aug. 15. 1862.
Scott, Chas. C.
Schenck, Chas. G.. e. Aug. 11. 1862.
Scott, Chas. C. e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Stauber, C.L.. e. Aug. 26, 1862.
Sparks, E. E., Sept. 33, 1862.
Shutts, L. W., e. March 5. 1864.
Tvler, A. G., e. Aug. 26, 1862.
Thornton, E. J., e. Sent. 5, 1862.
Thornton, Jos., e. Sejit. 5, 1863.
Waltz. Geo. B.. e. Aug. 36, 1862.
Williams, A. E.. e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Wamsley, Judson, e. Feb. 15, 1864.
SIXTEEXTH INFAXTRY.
[Note. — This regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Ky.,
July 19, lS6i-.]
Maj. Wm. Purcell, com. Dec. 4, 1861, wd.
Corinth, disd. Jan. 39, 1865.
Com. Sergt. Chas. AVeiseman, e. Dec. 18,
1862, velt. Jan. 5. 1864.
Company B.
Corp. Adolph Golbrecht. e. Dec. 4. 1861.
Bowling, John C, e. Dec. 21. 1863.
Brenner. Anton, e. Sept. 30, 1861.
Gieger, Wendlin, e. Dec. 10, 1861, trans, to
Inv. Corps.
Gottbrecht, August, e. Sept. 19, 1861, wd.
Big Shantv, died Rome, Ga.
Kuhn, Wilhelm, e. Sept. 30, 1861.
Reimers, Jacob, e. Nov. 14, 1861, died
near Corinth.
Schlosser, Fritz, e. Sept. 30, 1861, died July
18. 1863.
Company C.
Capt. xilpheus Palmer, com. Jan. 15. 1863,
wd. at Shiloh and luka. m. o. Jan. 34,
1865, term ex.
Capt. Thomas Purcell, com. 2d lieut. Jan.
15, 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. Xov. 31, 1863,
captd. at Atlanta, disd. March 16, 1865,
appointed caj^t. Api-il 11, 1865.
First Lieut. Joseph Lucas, e. as private
Dec. 6, 1861, wd. and captd. at Atlanta,
prmtd. 1st lieut. June 4. 1865.
Second Lieut. John Haves, e. as 1st sergt.
Sept. 3. 1861, wd. at Shiloh, prmtd. 2d
lieut. Dec. 22, 1862.
Sergt. Thos. J.Jones, e. Oct. 10, 1861, disd.
Oct. 4. 1863. ilisab.
Sergt. William Manlev. e. Oct. 14, 1861,
wd. at Shiloh. vet. Jan. 4. 1864, wd. at
Kenesaw Mountain, disd. Julv 25, 1865.
Sergt. T. C. Purcell. e. Xov. 20, '1861, wd.
at Kenesaw Mountain and Xickajack
Creek, died at Marietta, Ga.
Sergt. Herman Hoth, e. Xov. 8. 1861, disd.
Sept. 16, 1863.
Sergt. Jacob Karn, e. Oct. 1, 1861, wd. at
Kenesaw Mountain, captd. ai Atlanta,
Sergt. John A. Harriman. e. Oct. 11. 1861,
wd. at Shiloh. captd. at Bolivar, Tenn.,
disd. April 13. 1863.
Corp. IL W. Blessing, e. Xov. 4, 1861, wd.
at Shiloli and luka. vet. Jan. 5, 1864,
captil. at Atlanta.
Corp. A. K. Bair. e. Oct. 10. 1861, vet. Jan.
4, 1864. kid. at Kenesaw Mountain.
Corp. Rudolph Hotfmaster, e. Xov. 16,
1861, wd. at Corinth, disd. March 19,
1863.
Corp. Stephen Cretzmver. e. Oct. 19, 186 1
vet. Jan. 4. 1804, captd. Julv 23, 1864.
Corp. Fred G. Shultz, e. Oct. 13. 1861, vet.
Jan. 5, 1864.
Corp. L. D. Pocock. e. March 13, 1863, wd,
at Kenesaw Mountain, captd. Atlanta.
trans., for promotion to capt., to Co. H,
135th U. S. C.
Corp. S. M. Fisher, e. Xov. 38, 1861, vet.
Jan. 5. 1864, captd. while foraging.
Corp. Peter Gettert, e. X"ov. 13, 1861, vet.
Feb. 28, 1864, captd. at Atlanta.
Alger. Lewis, e. Dec. 10. 1801.
Aiige. Marcel, e. Oct. lO, 1861, vet. Jan. 5,
1864. kid. at Kenesaw Mountain.
Bair. Xicholas, e. Xov. 2^, 1861, captd. at
Shiloh.
Bradford. Geo. W., e. Oct. 26, 1861, died at
Davenport.
Bauregard. Fred, e. Nov. 15, 1861, vet.
Jan.^4, 1864.
Bause, Xicholas, e. Nov. 28, 1861, captd.
at Corinth, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Brawand, John, e. Oct. 13, 1861, wd. at
Shiloh and Corinth, disd. Oct. 4, 1864,
disab.
Brown, Adam, e. Dec. 30, 1861, kid. at
Shiloh.
Chapman, Wm., e. Dec. 9, 1861.
Cimmerman, John H., e. Dec. 9, 1861,
disd. June 10, 1863.
Cline, George, e. Dec. 25, 1861.
Coriell, A. JB., e. Oct. 4, 1861, wd. Shiloh,
disd. Aug. 21, 1862.
Coriell, James, e. Feb. 28. 1861. wd. luka,
vet. Feb. 13, 1864.
Darr, F. 0., e. Oct. 3, 1861, died at 6th
Div. Hospital, Tenn.
Dill, Jacob M., e. Feb. 5, 1861, died Jack-
son, Tenn.
Dovle, John H., e. Feb. 17, 1863, died at
Shiloh.
472
HISTORY* OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Draper. Julin R., e. Nov. 1, 1861.
Esmdil, IVtcr, e. Nov. 18, 1861, wtl. at
Shiloh.
Hale, II. W., e. Nov. 12. 1861, wd. Shiloh,
vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Hale. Siiinuel. e. Feb. 2. 1863, vet. Feb. 5,
1864.
Hess, Olegon, e. Oct. 3, 1861, vet. Jan. 5
1864.
Hettiker, John, e. Jan. 28, 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Hettinger, Pliilip, e. Oct. 10, 1861, wd. at
Kenesaw ^Mountain and Atlanta, died
at Marietta, (Ja.
Ilettinijer, Adam, e. Oct. 10, 1861, wd. at
rCorinth, vet. Jan. 4, 1864.
Ilorseley, Josei)h, e. Oct. 10, 1861, wd. at
Shiloh.
Howell, Jas. H., e. Oct. 18, 1861, kid. at
Shiloh.
Kughn. John. e. Feb. 29, 1864, wd. Kene-
saw Mountain.
Keckler, George W., e. Oct. 9, 1861. vet.
Jan. 5, 1864.
King, Jas., e. Jan. 15, 1862. wd. at luka,
vet. Jan. 5, 1864. wd. at Atlanta.
Mosier. A. N., e. Oct. 5, 1861, captd. at
Shiloh, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Murphy, A. J., e. March 6, 1864. wd. at
Nick-a-iack Creek.
Keed, Napoleon, e. Dec. 18, 1861, died,
place unknown.
Schmoker, Peter, e. Oct. 10, 1861. disd.
April 8, 1863. disab.
Spurgeon, David, e. Dec. 23. 1861, vet. Feb.
15, 1864, captd. at Atlanta.
Twiggs. Arnold, e. Nov. 13, 1861, wd. at
Shiloh. disd. Aug. 15,1862.
Wasliburn, H. H., e. Nov. 8, 1861, died
June 15, 1862.
Weld. David T., e. Dec. 17, 1861, wd. at
Corinth, disd. Dec. 8, 1862.
Company E.
Capt. John H. Turner, com. Feb. 20, 1862,
missing in ;tction at Atlanta July 22,
1864, disd. March 12, 1865.
Ciipt. Alfred V. Merritt, e. as priv. Nov.
26, 1861, wd. Nick-a-Jack Creek, prmtd.
1st lieut. Jan. 1, 1865, prmtd. capt. May
12,1865.
First Lieut. Thos. A. Burke, e. as sergt.
Oct. 7. 1862, prmtd. 2d lieut. Oct. 17, '62,
prmtd. 1st lieut. Aug. 21. 1863, wd.
Corp. Samuel T. Orr, e. Feb. 17, '62, captd.
at Newberg, Ind., disd. Oct. 18. 1863.
Corp. Benj. Priest, e. Feb. 12, 1862, wd. at
Nick-a-Jack Creek.
Corp. Thomas Curran, e. Oct. 12. 1861.
vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Musician Hugh McLellan, e. Oct. 7, 1861,
disd. Dec. 10, 1862, disab.
Musician Eli Mounts, e. Dec. 16, 1861.
Biggins, Kicliard, e. Oct. 2, 1861. disd.
May 29. 1864, disab.
lianks, John, e. Jan. 20. 1861, trans- to
Inv. Corps.
Bartlett, Richard, e. Feb. 5, 1862.
Burkhart. John, e. Feb. 12, 1862, vet. Feb.
28. 1864, captd.. place unknown.
Chamberlain, H. C, e. Nov. 26, 1862.
Cartland, John, e. Oct. 29. 1861, vet. Jan.
4, 1864, captd. at Atlanta.
Crowley, Timothy, e. Oct. 25, 1861, captd.
at Atlanta.
Chatterton, John M., e. Dec. 9, 1861.
Drake, A. S.. e. Oct. 29. 1861. died Sept.
22, 1862.
Esterline, John, e. Nov. 4, 1861, died May
18, 1862.
Evans. Andrew, e. Feb. 15. 1862, vet. Feb.
28, 1864.
Hallock, M. O., e. Nov. 2. 1861, wd. at
Corinth, died Oct. 20, 1862.
Jellison. Chas. M., e. Nov. 26, 1861, disd.
Mav 31. 1862.
Kerr. Robt. H., e. Oct. 16, 1861, died June
22, 1862.
Kern, Frederick, e. May 2, 1864, wd. at
Kenesaw Mountain.
Mattison, Orlando, e. Jan. 17. 1862, wd. at
Nick-a-Jack Creek, capttl. at Atlanta.
O'Lenrv, Dennis, e. Oct. 2, 1861, vet. Jan.
5, 1864.
Rifanberg. Wm. H., e. Nov. 24, 1861, disd.
March 3, 1862.
Sullivan, Thos.. e. Dec. 16, 1861, vet. Jan.
4. 1864, wd. at Atlanta.
Tunnev. John, e. Oct. 10, 1862, vet. Jan.
5, 1864.
Thornton, John, e. Feb. 15. 1862, died at
Quincv, 111.
Weaver." Wm. W., e. Nov. 26, 1861, vet.
Jan. 4, 1864, kid. at battle Nick-a-Jack
Creek.
Woodruff, Franklin, e. Feb. 1, 1862. kid.
at battle luka.
Company F.
Second Lieut. Balthazer Knoei)fel, e. as
priv. Feb. 18. 1862, prmtd. 2d lieut. July
19, 1863, m. o. as 1st sergt.
Second Lieut. Christian Heppe, e. Feb.
18, 1862, captil. at Atlanta.
Aklridge. Jasi)erD., e. Feb. 17, 1862. disd.
Mav 11, 1862.
Ames, Absalom D., e. Feb. 17, 1862, captd.
at Atlanta.
Cathcart, Samuel B., e. Feb. 29, '64, captd.
at Atlanta.
Gran, John ]M., e. Feb. 22, 1862, wd. at
luka. vet. March 9. 1864.
McClure, John II.. e. March 2. 1864.
Scranton, Irwin W.. e. Feb. 17, 1862, wd.
at ShiUth, disd. Aug. 28, 1862.
Stelib, Henrv, e. Feb. 11, 1864, captd. at
Atlanta.
Younkin, Norman D.. e. Feb. 17. 1862.
wnl. at Shiloli and luka, died at Corinth,
Miss.. June 23. 1862.
Yohung. Jos. II., e. Feb. 16, 1862. wd. at
Shiloh. died April 10, 1862.
Company C.
Schwar7.dra]>er, Geo., e. Feb. 23, 1861, vet.
Feb. 24, 1864, captd. and kid. by rebs.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
473
Company H.
Corp. Allen F. Miller, e. Dec 3. ISfil. wd.
at Shiloh.
Company I.
First Lieut. Edwiird S. Kansdalc, e. as
private Co. E Got. 24, 1861, printd. 2d
lieut. Nov. 14. 18C2. prnitd. 1st lieut.
April 19, 1863, m. o. April 10, 1865.
Musician Walter Jeinison, e. Jan. 18, '62,
vet. Jan. 18, 1864.
Company K.
Capt. Jesse IT. Lucas, com. 1st lieut. Co.
C Jan. 5, 1862, wd. at Shiloh, luka, and
Corinth, prnitd. capt. Oct. 20, '62, captd.
at Atlanta, disd. Jan. 28, '65, term exp.
Hocke, John, e. March 15, '62, vet. March
16, 1864.
Martin, Jolin, e. March 11, '62, wd., trans.
to y. R. C.
Shott, Adam, e. March 15, 1861, disd. July
9, 1863, disab.
EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.
[Note. — ThU regiment icas mustered out at Little Rock,
Ark., July 20, 1S65.]
Col. Hugh J. Campbell, com. maj. Aug. 2,
1862, prmtd. lieut. col. July 17, 1863,
promtd. col. Dec. 1, 1864, m. o. as lieut.
col.
Company E.
Capt. Stephen Estle, com. Aug. 8. 1862,
disd. April 13, 1864.
Capt. Edwin B. Dean, e. as 1st sergt. June
11, 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. Jan. 16, 1864,
prmtd. capt. April 14, 1864.
First Ijieut. (xalbriath 13itzer, com. Aug.
7, 1862, resd. Oct. 31,1863.
First I^ieut. Newton M.Brown, com. 2d
lieut. Aug. 7, 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut.
April 14, 1864.
Sergt. Moses P. Stiles, e. June 11, 1862.
Sergt. S. N. Stewart, e. June 11, 1862.
Sergt. Richard P. Hosley, e. June 11, 1862.
Sergt. Wm. Beardsley, e. June 23,1864.
(;orp. J. Bougliton, e. July 5, 1862.
Corp. Wm. S.' Denham, e. June 11, 1862.
Corp. Chas. Kettle, e. July 1, 1862, disd.
Feb. 10, 1863, disab.
Corp. Albert W^ Heaton, e. June 11, 1862,
kid. ()uincy. Mo.
Corp. Chas D. Gibson, e. June 11, 1862,
wd. Moscow, captd. Poison Spring.
Corp. Robert Dunton, e. June 20, 1862,
disd. Feb. 19, 1863, disab.
Corp. Jas. B. Rumsey. e. June 11, 1862.
Musician John S. Heaton, e. June 25, 1862.
Ball. Nathan W., e. June 11, 1862.
Craddock, Jolm W., e. June 16, 1862, disd.
Dec. 21, 1862, disab.
Crabtree, John, e. July 19, '62, disd. Sept.
4, 1862, disab.
Dickerson, A. T., e. June 11, 1862.
Day, E. P., e. March 27, 1863.
Day, Theo. M., e. June 17, 1862. •
Dicks, AVm. IL, e. Aug. 1, 1862.
Eveland, Peter, e. July 20. 1862.
Eveland, Beal D., e. July 30, 1862.
Eberling, Wm., e. June 28,1862, died Dec.
11, 1863.
French, Jacob, e. July 1, 1862.
Fording, David F.. e. July 28, 1862.
Geiger,'F., June 11, 1863.
Grandy, I'arker, J uly 5, 1862.
Hargreaves, Ed. S., June 21, 1862, diecV
Springfield, Mo.
Hoi)kinson, Perry, e. Julv 1, 1862.
Jarvis, Jesse B., e. June 10. 1863.
Johnson, F., e. June 14, 1862.
Johnson, Jas., e. Aug. 3, 1863.
Kennedy, John J., e. June 13, 1862.
Knott, John, e. June 11, 1862, disd. Feb.
10, 1863. disab.
Kuhnd, Otto. e. July 38. 1863.
Lantz, (!eo., e. Jidy'l, 1862, disd. Feb. 10,
1863, disab.
Pierson, H. II., e. June 18, 1862.
Pratt, H. A., e. Julv 27, 1862.
Pratt, Jas. G., e. July 27, '62, died Spring-
field, Mo.
Roberts, Wm., e. July 5, 1862.
Rowiev, James, e. Julv 5, 1862.
Rumerv, Geo. D., e. June 22, 1863.
Richtef, II., e. June 11. 1863, disd. Sept. 6,
1863, disab.
Roseman, Wm., e. Julv 30, 1862.
Smith, Jas., e. J uly 16, 1862.
Stewart, Geo. AV., e. June 12, 1862, disd.
Jan. 19, 1863, disab.
Stanley, Jolm W., e. June 30, 1862, kid.
Poison Si)ring.
Stewart, Wm. L., e. July 27, 1862.
Tracy, Alex. H., e. Juiu' 34, 1863.
Tinsiey, Jas. W., e. June 11. 1863, died
Springfield, Mo.
Trexler, Jonas, e. July 2, 1862, disd. Feb.
10, 1863, disab.
Van Zandt, C, e. July 23, 1862.
Watson, Sam'l D., e. June 11, 1862, captd.
Poison Spring.
Westervelt, John, e. June 11, 1862.
Wilcox, John, e. July 28, 1862.
Winning, Henry, e. June 11, 1863.
Company K.
Capt. Chester C. Clover, com. Aug. 6, 1862,
m. o. May 19, 1865.
Sergt. Geo. B. Reilly, e. July 7, 1862.
Sergt. Patrick Force, e. July 7, 1862.
Corp. Wm. Riggs, e. July 18, 1863.
Musician Wm. Pegan, e. July 7, 1863.
Musician Jas. E. Kilburn, July 7, 1862,
disd. March 32, 1864, disab.
Murphy, Edward, e. July 15, 1863.
McMullen, Gilbert, e. July 7, 1862.
Stewart, John, e. July 7, 1862, disd. Jan.
19, 1863. disab.
Schlaissmar, Albert, e. July 19, 1862.
Summer, Jolm L., e. July 7, 1862
Winchell, Harrison, e. July 7, 1862, disd.
Feb. 13, 1863, disab.
474
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
TIIIRTy-FIFTH INFANTRY.
[Note — This rfgiment wax mmUred out at Davenport,
Iowa, Angiut 10, lSil'>.]
Col. Sylvester O. Hill, coin. Au<t. 10, 1863,
brvt. brig. geii. U. S- V. Dec. 15, 1864,
kid. battle of Nashville.
Lieut. Col. Win. B. Keeler, com. cai)t. Co.
A Sept. 18, 1862, pnntd. rnaj. June 5,
1863, prmtd. iieut. col. Aug. 8, 1863.
Maj. lleiirv O'Connor, com. Aug. 10, 1863,
. resd. June 4, 1863.
Maj. Abraham John. com. capt. Co. B
Sept. 18, 1863. prmtd. maj. Aug. 8, 1863,
k!d. l)attle Lake Ciiico, Ark.
Maj. AVm. Dill, com. capt. Co. D Sept. 18,
1863, prmtd. maj. June 7, 1864.
Surg. Ste])hen M. Col)b, com. asst. surg.
Sept. 16, 1862, i)rnitd. surg. .Vug. 15, '63.
Adjt. Fred'k L. Dayton, com. Sept. 6, '63.
Q. M. Heiskell Lolland, e. as priv. Co. H
Aug. 30, 1862, prmtd. Q. M. Sept. 6, 1863,
disd. Fel). 15. 1865.
Q. M. Rol)ert B. Baird, e. as priv. Co. B
Juh- 14, 1863, prmtd. Q. M. sergt.. and
prmtd. Q. M. April 13, 1865.
Cha))lain F. W. Evans, com. Sept. 4, 1863,
resd. Aug. 27, 1862.
Com. Sergt.\john H. Phillips, e. Aug. 9, '63,
trans, for |)r()niotion to 1st Iieut. 71st
U. S. Col. Inf.
Hosp. Steward Samuel Holmes, e. Aug.
15, 1863, died Cairo, 111.
Company A.
Capt. John A. Kvrk. com. 3d Iieut. Sept.
18, 1863. i)rmtd. capt. June 5, 1863, died
Muscatine.
Capt. Henrv Blanck, e. as 1st segt. Aug. 8,
1863, prmtd. 3d Iieut. June 5, '63, prmtd.
capt. Sept. 36, '63, kid. Pleasant Hill, La.
Capt. Isaac B. Sloan, e. as sergt. July 34,
1863, prmtd. 1st Iieut. Sept. 26, 1863,
prmtd. cai)t. Ai)ril 10, 1804.
First IJeut. Romulus Ilawlev, com. Sept.
18,1863, resd.July 33, 1863.'
First Lieut. Chas. Washburn, e. as sergt.
Julv 21,'63, prmtd. 1st Iieut. April 10. *64.
Sergt. Samuel Manly, e. July 34. 1863,
trans, for i)romotion to capt. I'. S. Col.
Inf.
Sergt. John Strohm, e. Aug. 13, 1863, wd.
Pleasant Hill, La., disd. June 1, 1865.
Sergt. Tlios. S. Parvin, e. July 28, 1863,
trans, for promotion to 1st Iieut. 3d Mo.
Inf.
Corp. Geo. C. 'Winn, e. Julv 25, 1863.
Corp. Thos. 'Whitmer, e. Julv 15, 1863, wd.
Nashville, disd. Mav 39, 1865.
Corp. Thos. H()llidav,"e. Aug. 9, 1863.
Corp. I rick T. Darr', e. Aug. 5, 1863, wd.
Pleasant Hill, La.
Corp. Samuel Johnson, e. Julv 29, 1863.
Cciji. ViXiY IJi'niMn,c.Jiii>31,1863,kl
Pleasant Hill, La.
Corp. Wm. M. Benifiel, e. Aug. 14, 1868.
Corp. John W. Berry, e. Aug. 11, 1863,
captd. Jackson, Miss.
Corp. Julius A. Covell, e. Aug. 11. 1862.
Corp. Henrv Cargill, e. July iS, 1863. wd.
Pleasant Hill, disd. May 34, 1865, disab.
Corp. Wm. (rriswold, e. Aug. 11, '63, disd.
Aug. 33, 1803, disal).
Corp. Ed. Hunt, e. Aug. 15, 1863, died
Mound Citv, 111.
Corp. Wm. H. Randall, e. July 31, 1863.
Musician Noah Y. (hitlin, e. Julv 34, 1862,
disd. Feb. 13, 1863, disab.
Musician Ocran Dickinson, e. Aug. 7,
1863
Wagoner Wm. G. White, e. Aug. 11, 1862,
captd. Jackson, Miss., died Annapolis,
Md.
Abbott, M. T., e. July 38, 1862, disd. June
10, 1863, disab.
Anderson, S. S., e. July 31, 1863, disd. Jan.
9, 1865, disab.
Baird, CJeo. W., e. Aug. 4, 1863, disd. Jan.
10, 1863, disab.
Blessing, Jeremiah, e. Aug. 6, 1862.
Brown, Jacob, e. Aug. 13, 1862, disd. May
19, 1863, disab.
Berry, J. L., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Black. D. T., e. Aiig. 14, 1862. captd. at
Jack.son, Miss., died at St. Louis.
Carter, Jolin, e. Fel). 20, 1864, died at
Memi)liis, Tenn.
Chappel, Levi, e. Feb. 20. 1864, wd. and
cai)td. at Pleasant Hill.
Clough, John M.,e. Aug. 5, 1802.
Chambers, Wm. S.. e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd.
April 14. 1865, disab.
Cease, John W., e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd.
April 30, 1863, disab.
Cargill, John, e. Aug. 14, 1863, died at
Mempiiis.
Criner, Isaac C, e. Aug. 14, 1863, died at
Mound City, 111.
Dill, John A., e. Aug. 6, 1863, trans, to
Inv. Corps.
Dungan, John, e. Aug. 5, 1863.
Dawson, Levi. e. .Vug. 9, 1863, died at
Mem[)his.
Denton, Chas. H., e. Aug. 2, 1862, trans, to
Liv. Corps.
Everett, R. M., e. Aug. 2, 1863. wd. at
Pleasant Hill.
Everett. Wm. B., e. Aug. 11, 1863, kid.
near Black River, Miss.
Etherton, Moses, e. Aug. 2, 1863, died at
Memi)his.
Feuistel, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Fishburn, Wm. H., e. Aug. 11. 1862.
Frazer. D. H., e. Aug. 14, 1863, wd. at
Pleasant Hill.
Greenblade, Henrv, e. Aug. 8, 1863.
Girtner. Henrv, e.Aug. 9, 1863.
Grassinan, John. e. Aug. 9, 1863, died at
St. Louis.
Goldsbeirv, .V . M., e. Aug. 14. 1862.
Hobbv, Wm., e. July 19, 1863. disd. Feb.
10, 1863, disab.
Henning, Wm. M., e. Aug. 25, 1863, disd.
Dec, 14, 1863, disab.
Hahn, Jeremiah, e. Aug. 1. 1863.
Ile-sser, Clias. W., e. Aug. 9. 1863.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY,
475
Marker, Theo., e. Aug. 9, 1863, died Sept.
33, 1863.
Havden, R. J. C, e. Aug. 13, 1863, disd.
July 5. 1865.
Havden, Samuel, e. Aug. 13, 1863.
Harmon. Jas. A., e. Aug. 14, 1863.
Harrier, N^athaniel. e. Aug. 14, 1863, disd.
.Ttui. 10, 1863, disab.
Hardin, John Ti., e. Aug. 15, 1863, disd.
Jan. 10, 1863, disab.
Harris, A. J., e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Hopkinson, J., e. Aug. 11, 1863, disd. Feb.
13, 1863, disab.
Herclunan, Conrad, e. Aug. 11, 1863, died
at Pocahontas, Tenn.
Jester, Elias, e. July 21, 1863, disd. Jan.
35, 1864. disab.
Jester, Thomas' B., e. Aug. 14, 1863, died
at Milliken's Bend.
Kemptner. Edw., e. July 23, 1863.
Kintvle, Israel, e. July 34, 1862.
Klepfer, Wm. A., e. Aug. 14, 1863, died at
Yicksburg.
Long, John's., e. Aug. 5, 1863.
Longthorn, James, e. Aug, 6, 1863, died
June 31, 1863.
Mateer, George, e. Julv 21, 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill, disd. May 35, 1865.
McKillip, Dennis, e. Aug. 5, 1865, wd. at
Pleasant Hill. disd. May 19, 1865.
McCann, Benjamin, e. Aug. 5, 1863, disd.
June 15, 1865, disab.
McCombs, Wm. H.. e. Aug. 14, 1863.
McClerren, A., e. Aug. 14,^1863.
Morris, Jas. P., e. July 30, 1863.
Reeves, John \., e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Reynolds, M. G., e. Aug. 11, 1862,' disd.
Feb. 16, 1863, disab.
Reed, Franklin, e. Aug. 13, 1862, died at
Muscatine.
Randleman, Jas. M., e. Aug. 2, 1862, disd.
Jan. 2, 1863, disab.
Ramsey, Richard W., e. July 36, 1863,
disd. Aug. 33, 1863, disab.
Stafford, A. J., e. July 19, 1863, trans, to
Y. R. C.
Simons. Geo., e. July 30, 1863.
Stakeman, Adam, e. July 30, 1863.
Sibley, Chas. D., e. Jan. 37, 1864.
St. Peter, Theo., e. Aug. 14, 1863.
Serett, Leroy, e. Aug. 9, 1863, disd. Jan.
5, 1865, disab.
Smith, Charles, e. Aug. 11, 1862, trans, to
V. R. C.
Strohm, Jacob, e. Aug. 13, 1862, died at
Cairo, 111.
Smith, Wm.. e. Aug. 11. 1863, disd. Nov.
24. 1864. disab.
Stone, Joseph J., e. Sept. 20,1862.
Satterthwait. Wm., e. Aug. 11. 1862.
Searv, Charles, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Feb.
4, 1863, disab.
Tebon, Jas. O., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Tice, J. M., e. Aug. 2, 1863, disd. May 22,
1865, disab.
Temple, Joshua, e. Aug. 6, 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Tice, David E., e. Aug. 9, 1862, trans, to
V.R. C.
Vance, William, e. Aug. 26, 1862, disd.
July 38, 1865.
Walker, Andrew, e. July 30, 1863.
Williams. Robert, e. July 30, 1863, disd.
March 14, 1863, disab.
Wilds, George H., e. July 11, 1863.
j Wintermute, , e. July 14, 1863.
; Waterman, Joseph M., e. July 14, 1863, wd.
at Bayou de Glaize, La., tlisd. June 8,
1865, disab.
Company B.
Capt. Wm. M. Stewart, com. 2d lieut.
Sept. 18, 1863, prmtd. capt. Aug. 8. 1868.
I First Lieut. Chas. S. Porter, com. Sept.
t 18. 1862.
Second Lieut. Benj. P. Hershe.e. as corp.
I Aug. 15, 1863, prmtd 3d lieut. Aug. 8,
I 1863, m. o. as 1st sergt.
! First Sergt. Wm. H." Pickering, e. Aug.
14, 1863, died Bear Creek, Miss.
I Sergt. Chas. H. Waterman, e. Aug. 14,
I 1863, wd. Bayou de Glaize, La., and
: Tupelo, Miss.
Sergt. Samuel Lantz, e. Aug. 14, 1863.
Sergt. Willis Davis, e. Aug. 9, 1863, trans,
for prmn. 69th U. S. Colored Inf.
I Sergt. E. O. Uphain, e. Aug. 7, 1863, trans-
for prmn. 4th U. S. Heavy Art.
Corp. Wm. L. Davis, e. "Aug. 7, 1863,
trans, for prmn. 59th L^. S. Colored
Inf.
I Corp. Henry Canover, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
! Corp. Chas. Cockmore, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
' Corp. Wm. H. Woodward, e. Aug. 15,
< 1862, trans, to naval service,
i Corp. Walter Kennedy, e. Aug. 15, 1862,
disd. March 16, 1865.
Corp. Eubert Patton, e. Aug. 7, 1863.
i Corp. Wilson A. Ewing, e. Aug. 7, 1863,
disd. Nov. 10, 1863.
Corp. John Suler, e. Aug. 10, 1862, disd.
Feb. 15, 1863, disab.
! Musician David A. Prosser, e. Aug. 7,
i 1862.
Musician E. W. Connor, e. Aug. 14, 1862,
disd. Jan. 8, 1863, disab.
Wagoner Patrick O'Connell, e. Aug. 15,
1862.
Brockway, E. A., e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Brockway, Geo. A., e. Dec. 5, 1863.
Bowers, Frank, e. Aug. 14, 1862, wd.
Bayou de Glaize, La., died Jefferson
Barracks, Mo.
Burr, Chas. N., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died St.
Louis.
Burr, Daniel O., e. Aug. 13, 1862, wd.
Monsure, La.
Blackstone, Newton, e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Brown, W. P., e. Aug. 13, 1863, kid. Tupelo,
Miss.
Bullock, Myron, e, Aug. 14, 1863, wd.
Pleasant Hill.
Beard, John W., e. Aug. 14, 1863, kid.
Tupelo, Miss.
Baldwin, L., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
476
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Brady, Wm. L., e. Aus- 10, 1862, died
Cliickasinv Springs.
Brownawell. Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862, wd.
rieasaut Hill.
Cone, Wm. D., e. Dec. 5, 1863, trans, to V.
R. C.
Brownawell, Geo., e. Aug. l-l, 1802, kid.
Tujiclo.
Chauduin, Jesse P., e. Aug. 14. 1862, died
Memphis.
Christ, Wm. B., e. Aug. 15, 1862, died
Pocahontas, Tenn.
Clark, F. M.. e. Aug. 15, 1862, died Keokuk.
Davis, Shepard, e. Aug. 20, 1862, died
Memphis.
Desbrow, Samuel, e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd.
Jan. 30, 1864, disab.
Dora, A. Jiass, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Eaves, Geo. W., e. July 22, 1862.
Foster, John W., e. Aug. 14. 1802, died at
Vickslnug.
Funk, A. S.Ve. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. Pleasant
Hill, La.
GanSjWm., e. Aug. 14, 1862, wd. ]Monsure,
La.
Graham, Jas. H., e. Aug. 14. 1862.
(Jertenback, Wm.. e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Goldy. John D., e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Heiideison, Samuel, e. Aug. 14. 1862.
Hopson, Addison, e. Aug.'ll, 1862.
Hunter, John C, e. Aug. 15. 1862,
Hunter, Chas. H., e. Aug. 15, 1862, trans.
to Inv. Corps.
Hoffner, Wm., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Hurst. Lemuel, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died
Memi)his.
Holmes, Samuel, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Holmes, Michael, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died
Dec. 22, 1862.
Irwin, Samuel, e. Aug. 14, 1802.
Jackson, David, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Jacoby, John M., e. Aug. 11, 1862, wd.
Pleasant Hill.
Joice, John, e. Aug. 13, 1862, died Mem-
phis.
Kimball, (Jeo. A., e. Aug. 7. 1862, trans.
lor promotion U. S. Colored Inf.
Knapp, David S., e. Aug. 14, 1802.
Knott', George, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died at
Cairo.
Knowles, Aug. S., e Aug. 15, 1862.
Knox, Erastus. e. Aug. 7, 1802.
Lovell, Wm. H., e. Aug. 7, 1862, disd.
Dec. 29, 1862, disab.
Lundy, Cyrus C, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Levea, Jerome, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Lowry, AVm. B., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
McCampbcll, R. H., e. Aug. 14, '63, trans.
for promotion 1st Ark. Inf.
McCurdy, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died at
Bear Creek. Miss.
2s ornian, Frank, e. Aug. 7, 1862, disd. Feb.
2, 1863, disab.
Moore, Geo. R., e. Aug. 15, 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Matthis, C, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Narbaugli, C. e. Aug. 14. 1862, died at
Cairo, 111.
Nichola, Jolin. e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Olds, Vt. W., e. Aug. 14, 1802.
Osborn, Abraham, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Purcell, Isaac X.. e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd.
Jan. 24, 1863, disab.
Pickering. Geo., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Perry, Johii F., e. Aug. 7, 1862. trans, for
promotion 9th La. Inf.
Phillips, Henry, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died at
St. Louis.
Ruger, C. 1*., e. Aug. 8. 1862, died at Bear
Creek, Miss.
Richardson, R., e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Julv
16, 1864, disab.
Ryerson, David, e. Aug. 15, 1862, w^d.at
Bayou de Glaize, disd. Nov. 30, 1864.
Ravner. Thomas, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Buth, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Reynolds. W. B., e. Aug. 15, 1862, trans.
to Inv. Corps.
Sheriff, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Stoddard, A., e. Aug. 15, 1862, died Bear
Creek, Miss.
Schultz, M., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Springer, John L., e. Nov. 6, 1863, wd. at
Pleasant Hill, died at New Orleans.
Stanford. B.. e. Auy-. 15, 1862, died Dec.
24, 1862.
Smith, A. F., e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Mar
26, 1865, disab.
Stanlev, IL, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Jan.
8, 1868. disab.
Sherman, Chas. F., e. Aug. 14. 1862, died
at Chickasaw Springs.
Schmeltzer, Conrad, e. Aug. 15. 1862.
Stnll, Lewis L., e. Aug.l4. 1862, disd.
April 5, 1863,. disab.
Turpin, Martin, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
I'rhlganan, A., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Wooden. C F., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died at
Cairo, 111.
Wise, John A., e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Feb.
14, 1864. disab.
Waters, Lewis, e. Aug. 13, 1862, wd. at
Bavou de Glaize, La.
Waters, Wm. G., e. Aug. 14. 1862, trans.
to Inv. Corps.
Wright. Joel, e. Aug. 14, 1862, wd. Pleas-
ant Hill.
Wilkcrson. (Jeo. W., e. Nov. 21, '62, trans.
to Inv. Corps.
Company C.
Capt. Geo. C Burmeister, com. Sept. 18,
1862, wd. at Yellow Bayou, died at St.
Louis.
Capt. Jos. Mayer, com. 1st lieut. Sept. 18,
1862, prmtd. capt. June 17, 1864.
First Lieut. Frank S. Koehler, e. as 1st
sergt. Aug. 16, 1862, ijrmtd. 2d lieut.
Aug. 5, 1863, prmtd. 1st lieut, June
17. 1864.
Second Lieut. Conrad Kranz. com. Sept.
18. 1862, resd. Aug. 4, 1863.
Sergt. Jjorenz Goetzman, e. Aug. 15, '62.
Sergt. Chas. A. Rink, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
477
Sergt. Jolin Hill, e. Aug. 15, 1862, captd.
at Jackson, Miss.
Sergt. Coustantine Hiiikle, e. Aug. 17, '62.
Corp. Bernhardt Xaneeve, e. Aug. 22, '62.
Corp. Frederick Mayer, e. Aug. 21, 1862.
Corp. Frederick Miller, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Corp. Conrad Brenner, e. Aug. 8, 1862.
Corp. Wni. Acliter, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
('orp. Jacob Hoefer, e. Aug. 22,1862, wd.
at Nashville.
Corp. John Huber, e. Aug. 16, 1862.
Corp. John Hillweg, e. Aug.- 22, 1862, wd.
at Nashville, disd. Mav 29, 1865.
Corp. Wm. Kaiser, e Aug. 15, 1862.
Corp. Jos. Bosten, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Corp. Wm.' Cantwell, e. Aug. 18, 1862.
Musician Adam Hartmaii, e. Aug. 22,
1862.
A Her, Hubert, e. Aug. 14, 1862. died Sept.
7, 1862 (committed suicide).
Brenne, Geo., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Brenner, Adam, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Berg, Chas., e. Aug. 22, 1862, died at Jack-
son, Miss.
Bloch, Jacob, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Bosten, Peter, e.Aug. 22,' 1862, died Duck-
port. La.
Bobleter, John M., e. Aug. 20, 1862, disd.
Nov. 3, 1863, disab.
Bolinski, John, e. August 20, 1863, disd.
March 22, 1863, disab.
Bender, E., e. Aug. 19, 1862.
Boch, John, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Bauer, Jacob, e. Aug. 22, 1862, died at
A^icksburg.
Doertier, George, e. Aug. 22, 1862, died at
Keokuk.
Daller, John. e. Aug. 22. 1862, died at
Memphis.
Eckhard, Henry, e. Aug. 21, 1862, trans,
to Inv. Corps.
Egli, Jacob, e. Aug. 21, 1862, disd. April
8, 1863, disab.
Ernst, John, e. Aug. 22, 1862, wd. Yicks-
burg, died hosp., 3d Div. 13th A. C
Funk, Wm., e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Frenzel. John, e. Awg. 22, 1862.
Frohner, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862, captd. at
Jackson, Miss.
Gerhard, John, e. Aug. 6, 1862, disd. Sept.
18, 1862.
CJeisler, Fred, e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Goesser, Fred., e. Aug. 22, 1862, disd. Feb.
16, 1863.
Ilessler, Jacob, e. Aug. 8, 1862, died at
Selma, .Via.
Hettinger, Geo., e. Aug. 15. 1862.
Hoke, Henry, e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Helz, Matthew, e. Aug. 22, 1862. wd. at
Tupelo, Miss.
Hess, Jacob, e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Haner, Jos., e. Aug. 22, 1862, wd. at Old
River Lake, Ark.
Hemle, Jacob, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died at
Young's Plantation"
Holtz, Fred, e. August 22, 1862, died at
Memphis.
Irwin, Wm., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Irwin, Henry, e. Aug. 22. '62, died Daven-
port-
Kindler, August, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Kurz, Henry, e. Aug. f4, 1862.
Kurz, John, e. Aug. 18, 1862, died Selma,
Ala.
Kessler, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Knapp, Geo. P.. e. Aug. 18, 1862.
Keifner, Henrv, e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Knoblauch, Chas., e. Aug. 22, 1862, kid.
on stnir. Pembina, accidentally.
Leutsbauch, John, e. Aug. 18, 1862. kid.
Tupelo, Miss.
Lang, Jacob, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Lucas, August, e. Aug. 22, 1862, disd. Feb.
16, 1863.
Lange, Henrv, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Markart, Gustav, e.^Aug. 12, 1862, disd.
Sept. 4, 1863, disab.
Mark, Henrv, e. Aug. 17, 1862.
Martin, Henry J., e. Aug. 20, 1862, died
St. Louis.
Moss, E. M., e. Aug. 18, 1862.
Monroe, F. ,7., e. A^^g. 22, 1862, disd. Jan.
12, 1862, disab.
Merkel, Christian, e. Ausr. 22, 1862, w^d.
Pleasant Hill, La., disd. July 14, 1865.
Neu])ert, Jacob, e. Aug. 21, 1862.
Othmer, August, e.Aug. 22, 1862.
Pickelder, John, e, Aug. 11, 1862.
Peturka, Franz, e. Aug. 22, 1862, kid.
Pleasant Hill, La.
Reeckenberg, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1863,
died Sept. 14, 1862.
Regenbogen, John, e. Aug. 14, 1863, died
Selma, Ala.
Rank, Jacob, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Rexroth, Lorenz, e. Aug. 15, 1863, trans.
Inv. Corps.
Savelsberg, Lorenz, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Shafer, John, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Schoml)erg, Jacob, e. Aug. 14, 1863.
Spohn, (ieo., e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Schomker, P., e. Aug. 20, 1863, wd. Pleas-
ant Hill, died Nashville.
Strutz, Chas., e. Aug. 22, 1863, died Vicks-
burg.
Sauer, D., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Sibley, Albert, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Schmidt, H., e. Aug. 33, 1863.
Schmidt, Conrad, e. Aug. 20, 1863, died
Columbus, Ky.
Schmidt, Herman, e. Aug. 33, 1862, died
Memphis.
Schmelzer, Wm., e. Aug. 18, 1863, disd.
March 18, 1863, disab.
Schlegemilch, John, e. Aug. 33, 1863, kid.
Tupelo.
Staufer, I'lrich, e. Aug. 22, 1862, disd.
April 8, 1863, disab.
Teichman, R., e. Julv 22, 1864.
Volberg, Peter, e. Aug. 21, 1863.
Weiman, Geo., e. Aug. 11, '63, disd. March
18, 1863, disab.
Weber, Frederick, e. Aug. 15, 1863, disd.
July 4, 1864, disab.
Wunderlich, Geo., e. Aug. 33, 1862, died
Muscatine.
478
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Wunderlich, Jacob, e. Auff. 18, 1862.
Wauak, Clias., e. Aug. 17, '62, wd. Tupelo,
Miss., (lisd. May 23, 1865, disab.
Youug, Geo. Ileiuy, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Company D.
('apt. AY. A. Clark, com. 1st lieut. Sept.
18, 1802, prnitd. capt. June 7, 1864.
First I.ieut. Ilenrv Hover, com. 2d lieut.
Sept, 18, 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. June 7,
1861.
Second Lieut. Oscar F. Wright, e. as
sergt. Aug. 14, 1862, com. 2d lieut. Dec.
9, 1864, wd. Pleasant Hill, La., m. o. as
1st sergt.
First Sergt. George F. Greenhow, e. Aug.
12, 1862.
Sergt. John Phillips, e. Aug. 9, 18G2, captd.
at Jackson, Miss.
Sergt. Chas. X. Yore, e. Aug. 6, 1862,
trans, tor promotion to lieut. col. inf.
Sergt. Peter Ligson, e. Aug. 7, 1862, wd.
at Old Kiver Lake, Ark., trans, to V.
11. C.
Sergt. Henry Tshellard, e. July 17, 1862.
Sergt. Jas. H. Greenwood, e. July 22, 1862,
died at Selma. -Via.
Corp. John E. AYilletts, e. Aug. 8, 1862,
trans, for prmn. to 64th U. S. Col. Inf.
Corp. John G. Zahn, e. July 17, 1862,
trans, to V. R. C.
Corp. Joseph W. Prouty, e. Aug. 10, 1862,
died at Cairo. 111.
Corp. Lyman AYright, e. Aug. 15, 1862,
trans.'to V. K.C.
Corp. Mathias AYilson, e. Aug. 9, 1862,
disd. May 30, 1865.
Corp. Chas. AY. Hine, e.'Aug. 11, 1862, wd.
at Pleasant Hill.
Corp. AYm. AY. Berdine, e. Aug. 3, 1862,
disd. Feb. 5, 1868, disab.
Cor]). David AYorsham, e. July 16, 1862.
Cori). John Johnson, e. Aug. 2, 1862, died
at Rock Island, HI.
Corp. AYilliam L. Aylsworth, e. Aug. 14,
1862.
Corp. Crawford Brackley, e. Aug. 15, '62,
wd. at Old River Lake, Ark.
Musn. :klathias Beckey, e. July 18, 1862.
Musn. George B. Hill, e. Aug. 2, 1862,
died at Muscatine.
\Yagoner Richard A. AYarren, e. Aug. 6,
1862.
Adams, John Q., e. Aug. 1, 1862, died at
Memphis.
Alger, Jos. M., e. .Vug. 22, 1862.
Bo'deman, R. T., e. Julv 14, 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill.
Bard, Louis, e. .Vug. 22, 1862, disd. May 4,
1863, disab.
Bravton, Chas. AY., e. Aug. 6, 1862, disd,
Mav 4, 1863, disab.
Beatty, Stewart, e. .Vug. 7. 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill.
Bebush, AYm., e. Aug. 11, 1862, died at
Mem])his.
Bischer, George, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died at
Jefferson Barracks.
Bowman, Rudolph, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Bowman, John, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Chapman, O. S., e. July 26, 1862.
Cutcomb, AV^m., e. .Vug. 9, 1862.
Chase, T. K., e. Aug. U. 1862.
Dicks, Joel, e. Aug. 2, 1862, disd. May 9,
1863.
Dinimick, H. E., e. Aug. 6, '1862, wd. at
GUI River Lake, Ark.
Dimmick, AY. A., e. Feb. 12, 1864, died
May 25, 1864.
Drake, John O., e. Aug. 6, 1862, disd. June
10, 1863, disab.
Eberliart, John, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Elliott. AYm.,e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. March
14. 1863, disab.
Fay, Hamilton, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Gaellert, V., e. Julv 23, 18G2.
Groters, G. J., e. .Tuly 24, 1862. wd. Tupelo,
and died there.
Geurkink, G. J., e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd.
March 16, 1863.
Gardner, Edw,. e. Aug 11, 1862.
Hammer, Dennis, e. Aug. 1, 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Hawkins, Chas. O., e. Aug. 2, 1862, die.l
at St. Louis.
Heath, Hiram, e. Aug, 9, 1862, trans, to
Inv. Cori)s.
Hill, F., e. Oct. 30, 1863, kid. at Bayou de
Glaize.
Johnson, Peter, p. Aug. 13, 1862, disd.
Mav 28, 1863, disab.
King,' E. H., e. Julv 28, 1862, disd. Feb.
16, 186d, disab.
Kirkpatrick, Mark, e. Aug. 13, 1862. disd.
Sept. 13, 1863, disab.
Mee, AYm. J., e. July 18, 1862, disd. Aug.
18, 1863, disab.
McCutcheon, Rufus, e. July 19, 1862.
AIcKibett, James, e. Aug. 2, 1862.
Metcalf, Lafavette, e. Aug. 6, 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill and Tupelo.
Mackev, John. e. Aug. 7, 1862, disd. Jan.
26, 1863, disab.
Myers, H. M., e. Sept. 27, 1862.
Meerdink, H., e. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill.
McCrarv, I^atlian, e. .Vug. 15, 1862, disd.
Oct. 5', 1863, disab.
Nichols, F. M., e. Aug. 1, 1862.
Nichols, P. C., e. Aug. 1, 1862, died near
Bear Creek, Miss.
Poole, Evvalt, e. Aug. 6, 1862, died at West
Liberty.
P]iillips,"Xoah, e. Aug. 6, 1862.
Parson. Peter, e. Aug. 9. 1862, kid. Pleas-
ant Hill.
Pray, Lewis, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Randall. H. C, e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. May
9, 1863, disab.
Ready, James, e. Aug. 13, 1862, trans, to
y. R. C.
Robinson, H. C, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Reid, Isaac M., e. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill, La., disd. Dec 26, 1864.
Sedgwick, C. AY., e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans, to
Y. R, C.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
479
Schnier, F. R., e. Aug. 19, 1862.
Smith, M. K., e. Aug. l, '62, died Keokuk.
Sehular, Geo. W., e. Aug. 5, 1862, dis. Feb.
17, 1863, disab.
Swem, J as. M., e. Aug. 1, '62, wd. Tupelo.
Shaffleatzel, Nicholas, e. Aug. 7, 1862, kid.
Pleasant Hill.
Stocker, G., e. Aug. 12, 1862, trans, to V.
Skoiel,' Jolm W., e. Aug. 18, 1862.
Thompson. John J., e. July 18, 1862.
Tschillard, Louis, e. July' 18, 1862, died
Memphis.
Terry, O. S., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Tyler, Corydon, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died in
regimental hospital.
Thompson, Samuel, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Winning, Harmon, e. July 19, 1862, died
in regimental hospital.
White, P. Z.. e. Aug. 1, 1862, wd. Pleasant
Hill.
Wright, E. R., e. Aug. 6, 1862.
Waldie, Adam, e. Aug. 7, '62. wd. Pleas-
ant Hill, died Alexandria.
Wright, Chas. E., e. Aug. 7, 1862, died
Memphis.
Company E.
Capt. Felix W. Doran, com. Sept. 18,1862,
resd. Feb. 11, 1865.
Capt. John A. McCormick, e. as 1st sergt.
Aug. 7, 1862, prmtd. capt. April 30,
1865, m. o. as 1st sergt.
First Lieut. Wm. C. Kennedy, com. Sept.
18, 1862, disd. April 18, 1865.
First Lieut. Edward R. Jorden, e. as
sergt. Aug. 12. 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut.
May 25, 1865, m. o. as sergt.
Second IJeut. Patrick F. Anson, com.
Sept. 18, 1862, resd. June 18, 1863.
Sergt. Patrick Mylot, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died
Benton Barracks, Mo.
Sergt. Thos. Doyle, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Sergt. Jas. P. Dunn, e. Awq: 7, 1862, wd.
Pleasant Hill, disd. Oct. 8,^^1864.
Sergt. John Foley, e. Aug. 14, 1862, wd.
Tupelo, Miss.
Corp. Patrick Slattery, e. Aug. 22, 1862,
kid. Old River Lake. Ark.
Corp. Patrick T. Kelley, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Corp. Michael Purcell, e. Aug. 20, 1862. ■
( jorp. John Shea, e. Aug. 12, 1862, trans.
to Inv. Corps.
Corp. Jas. H. Cogley, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Corp. John Price, e. Aug. 21, 1862.
Corp. E. T. Doran, e. Aug. 8, 1862, died
Jefferson Barracks.
Musician Frank G. Bell, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Musician Richard Manuel, e. Aug. 22,
1862, kid. at Bayou de Glaize, La.
Wagoner Philip Murphy, e. Aug. 22, 1862,
Wagoner Edward Moylan, e. Aug. 12,
1862.
•Vlexander, Jolu}. e. Aug. 14, 1862. died
Memphis.
Boyle, Peter, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Burke, David, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Byrne, Sylvester, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Carey, Dennis, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Coffey. Anthony, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Coffev, Michael, e. Aug. 22, 1862. wd. at
Pleasant Hill.
Connor, Bryan, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Comerford, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Courtney, Patrick, e. Aug. 15,1862, kid. at
Spanish Fort.
Cook, Thomas, e. Aug. 22,- 1862, died Bear
Creek, Miss.
Coughlin, Richard, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died
Muscatine.
Carpenter, Richard, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died
Middleton, Tenn.
Carroll, Patrick, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Dean, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Denimmg, Chas.. e. Aug. 2, 1862.
Dixon, Geo., e. Aug. 15, '62, died Vicksburg
Dobson, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Dobson, Thomas, e. Aug. 19, 1862, drowned
Grand Ecore, La.
Downes, John, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Doyle, Wm., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Doyle, James, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Dunn, John, e. Aug. 7, 1862, died near
Bear Creek, Miss.
Fagen, Terence, e. Aug. 22, 1862, died at
Memphis.
Fanning, Wm., e. Aug. 22, 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill and ^Old River Lake,
Ark., died Memphis.
Flanigan, R. W., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Fitzpatrick, M., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Feren, L., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Flannerv, M., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Hearn, Patrick, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Higgins, Edw., e. Aug. 22, 1862, disd. Feb.
20, 1863, disab.
Joslyn, O. Y., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Keenan, Chas., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Keenan, Stephen, e. Aug. 15, 1862, kid. at
Jackson. Miss.
Keely, Michael, e. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. and
captd. Pleasant Hill.
Keenan, Patrick, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Kelly, Cornelius, e. Aug. 22, 1862, wd. at
Pleasant Hill, disd. June 1, 1865.
Kelleher, Michael, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Lang, Peter, e. Aug. 22, 1862, dis. Dec. 18,
1863, disab.
n.,ang, Jas., e. Aug. 22, 1862, trans, to Inv.
Corps.
Loftus. Thomas, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Ligan, John, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Mahr, Edw.. e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Mem-
phis.
McCoy, John, e. Ang. 22, 1862.
McElroy, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. Old
River Lake, Ark., died Memphis.
McDonough, John, e. Aug. 22, 1862, kid.
Old River Lake, Ark.
Milliken, Robt., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Movlan, Edw., e. Aug. 12. 1862.
O'Malley. Michael, e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Quinn, Michael, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Redmond, Patrick, e. Aug. 15, 1862, kid.
Old River Lake, Ark.
480
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Kvan, Lawrence, e. Aup:. 22, 18G2, \vd. at
Tupelo, (lisd. .Tulv 14,1865.
Kvan, Edw., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Rol)sliaw,Geo., e. Aug. 22,1862, died Bear
Creek, Miss.
Eeyuolds, Stei)lien. e. Xov. 4, 1862.
Sullivan, Joim. e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Sullivan, Patrick, e. Aug. 23, 1862, kid. at
Old River Lake, Ark.
Slattery, M., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Taylor, Thos., e. Aug. 12, 1862, wd. Tupelo,
disd. Julv 5, 1865.
Yalauiugham. J. ()., e. Aug. 22,1862, disd.
Jan. 10. 1863, disab.
AValsh, M.. e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Walsh, Jas. B., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Walsh, Jas., e. Aug. 20, 1862, died Jeffer-
son Barracks.
Walton, Aug., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
White, M., e. Aug. 12, 1862, died Jefferson-
ville, lud.
AMlkes, Benj.. e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Company F.
Capt. Abraham X. Snvder, com. .Sei)t. 18,
1862.
First Lieut, (reo. W. Baxter, coai. Sept.
18. 1862.
Second Lieut. Geo. W. H. Lucas, com.
Sept. 18, 1862.
Sergt. Thomas ^L Brown, c. Aug. 15, '62,
wd. Spanish Fort.
Sergt. Wiiliam A. Dickirson. e. Aug. 15,
1862.
Sergt. Elias II. Laren, e. Aug. 12, 1862,
disd. Feb. 12, 1863, disab.
Sergt. Alonzo Garrison, e. Aug. 15. 1862,
trans, for nromotion to 69th Col. Inf.
Corp. John B. Cross, e. Aug. 13, "62, disd.
Feb. 1, 1863, disab.
Corp. Thos. W. Purcell, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
C«n-p. Richard [McCoy, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Corp. Wm. Fitzsimnions. e. Aug. 20, 1862,
wd. Monsure, La., died St. Louis.
Andrew. Lord, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Benson, Jos. AV., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Bumgardner, John. Aug. 11, 1862. died
Muscatine.
Bretz, John, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Brookhart, John W., e. Aug. 14. 1862.
Barlow, >f. v., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Bran nan, T. J., e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Brush, Samuel, e. Aug. 11, 1862. died
Mound Citv. 111.
Bonharn, B. W., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Bear
Creek. Miss.
Chown, Wm., e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Bear
Creek, Miss.
Cross. Wm.. e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Feb. 12,
1863, disab.
Cross, Perry, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Edgington. D. S.. e. Aug. 20, 1862, died
Mound Citv, 111.
Eiciiclberger, IL, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Everling, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Fullmer, Wui. P., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Frisbie. I., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Fitzsimmons, Thomas, e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Gates, Wm., e. Aug. 12, 1862, wd. Tupelo,
Miss., disd. Mav 6, 1865.
Gore, C. W., e. Aug. 13, 1862, died Selma,
Ala.
Hartman, Wm. J., e. Aug. 21, 1862, disd.
Feb. 9, 1863, disab.
Hitchcock, Henry, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died
Vicksburg.
Hubbard. H. E., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Hesler, Henry, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Heininger, Geo., e. Aug. 14, '62, disd. Feb.
23, 1863, disab.
Jones, Jonas, e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Feb.
7, 1863, disab.
IngersoU, Jas. R., e. Aug. 22, 1862, disd.
Feb. 1, 1863, disab.
Kirkpatrick, Wm. M., e. Aug. 15, '62, died
^Icniphis.
Kelley, Jas. S., e. Aug. 12, '62, wd. Tupelo,
disd. Julv 5, 1865.
Lucas. Wni. R., e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Feb.
12, 18G3, disab.
Long, Jolin, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died Mem-
phis.
McCoy, John H., e. Aug. ;i5, 1862, died
^luscatine.
Meek, Theo., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
McCullough, Jas., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
McBride, Jas., e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Perry, Henrv, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Reighley. Geo. W., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Rider, AV. AA'., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Rummerv, Jas., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Sheelv, Michael, e. Aiig. 11, 1862.
Shellenburger. D. W., e. Aug. 15, 1862,
trans, to Inv. Corps.
Sweeny, Harrison, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died
Muscatine.
Snyder, Samuel B., e. Aug. 12. 1862.
Snvder, A. J., e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Jan.
5, 1863.
Stretch, Alfred, e. Auu. 15, 1862. disd.
Feb. 1,1863, disab.
Taylor, Harvey, e. Aug. 13. 1862, died
Duckport, La.
AVesson, Daniel B., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
AVallingsforth, L. C, e. Aug. 14, 1863, died
Duckport, La.
AVoods, Robert H., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
AA^eaver, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
AVagner, Levi, e. Feb. 4, 1864, died Mem-
phis.
Wagner, Henry, e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Company C.
First Lieut. Lewis F. Creitz, com. Sept.
18, 1862.
Second Lieut. Abram Shane, com. Sept.
18, 1862.
First Sergt. J. AA\ Harris, e. Aug. 12, '62,
trans, to Inv. Corps.
First Sergt. Geo. AV. AVise, e. Aug. 15,
1862, wd. at Bavou de Glaize, La.
Sergt. Robert P.Gilbreth, e. Aug. 2, '62,
trans, for prom. 71st U. S. Col. Inf.
Sergt. Evans P. Hoover, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Sergt. Jesse J. Xorton, e. Aug. 5. 1862,
died at Atalissa.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
481
Sergt. Linus S. Corey, e. Aus^- 15. 1862.
Corp. J. C. Edgarton, e. Aug. 15, 1863,
trans, to Inv. Corps.
Corp. John Ours, e. Aug-. 2, 1862.
Corp. Philip Patterson,'^e. Aim". 2, 1862.
Corp. Xathau Gaskill, e. Aug-. 9, 1862.
Corp. John Inman, e. xViis;. 5, 1862.
Corp. Wui. S. P. Keller," e. Aug. 5, 1862,
died at Cairo, TU.
Ct)rp. Beni. F. Lvons, e. Aug. 5, 1863,
disd. Jan. 9, 1864. disab.
Corp. S. B. Hanna. e. Aug. 5,11863, disd.
Jan. 0. 1865, disab.
Corp. Wm. H. White, e. Aug. 10, 1863.
Corp. Pavid M. Baxley, e. Aug. 15, 1862,
captd. at Middleton, Tenu.
Corp. Levi B. Jenninos. e. Aug. 15. 1863,
disd. Oct. 20, 1863. disab.
Corp. W. O. Phipi)s, e. Aug. 14, 1863, wd.,
died at Cairo, 111.
Corp. Cyrenus Parish, e. Aug. 15. 1863.
TTagoner Chas. Burgan, e. .\ug. 7, 1862.
Ariiett, S. J., e. Any-. 15. 1862, Avd. Bavou
de Glaize, La., disd. June 21, 1865.
Barkhurst, Sam'l. e. Aug. 5, 1863, died at
Vicksburg.
Burgan, Geo., e. Aug. 3, 1862.
Beriiett, John. e. Aug. 5. 1863.
Bevina;ton. Jos. W., e. Aug. 15,',1863, disd.
Jan.^20, 1863, disab.
Byers, Jas. H.. e. Aug. 7. 1862. wd. Jack-
son, Miss., died at Atlanta..
Brooker, E. AV., e. Aug. 11. 1862.
B.irkalow, M. B., e. Aug. 15, 1862, wd. at
Tupelo.
Benton. D. G., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Currie, D. C., e. Aug. 15, 1862. missing at
Bayou de Glaize. "
Crooen. Davis, e. Aug. 5. 1862.
Cooper, Alfred, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Clark, Theo. A., e. Aug. 15. 1862, died at
Cairo, 111.
Clark, Chas. C, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died at
(^ohunbus. Kv.
Douglas, E. J., e. Aug. 13, 1862, died at
Atalissa.
Duncan, F. T„ e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Garber, Samuel, e. Aug. 15, 1863, died at
Keokuk.
Griffith, Wm. T., e. Aug. 15, 1863, captd.
at Jackson, Miss.
Gallanar. Levi, e. Aug. 13, 1863.
Harden, John H., e. Aug. 13, 1863, trans.
to Inv. Corps.
Herr, Levi, e. Aug. 12, 1862, disd. April
13, 1863, disab.
Harris, James S., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Hart, Geo. W., e. Aug. 15, 1863, died at
Duck Port, La.
Jellv, A. J., e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Jones, Jos. H.. e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Jewell, H. B., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Jeiuiings. Levi B., e. Aug. 15. 1863.
Kellar,'W. S. P., e. Aug. 5, 1863.
Kingsbury, Emmor, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Kvger, Jacob, e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Lampy, C. H., e. Aug. 13, 1863.
Lambert, S. Y., e. Aug. 20. 1863.
Mott, Manford, e. Aug. 15, 1863.
McCartney, I. R., e. Aug. 6. 1863, died at
Wilton.
Maver. C N., e. Aug. 7, 1863.
]McQuillan, G., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
McCartnev. Geo. W., e. Aug. 15, 1862,
disd. Feb. 17. 1863, disab.
Mensch, John, e. Aug. 15, 1863, wd. at
Bavou de Glaize, La^
NeftVH. T., e. Aug. 5, 1863, died Tupelo.
Overman, Wm. L.. e. Aug. 9, 1863, died at
Cairo. 111.
Ponbeck, Wm. H , e. Aug. 5, 1863, died at
Columbus, Ky.
Palmer, Geo. A., e. Aug. 5, 1863, trans, to
V. E. C.
Patterson, Paul, e. Aug. 5, 1863.
Perry, Jas. H., e. Aug. 13, 1863. died at
Cairo, 111.
Parish, C, e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Preston, Chas. X., e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Rodebush. M. L., e. Aug. 8, 1863.
Rayner, Theo., e. Ami-. 20, 1863.
Suas, Owen, e. Aug. 13, 1863.
Sterns, Edgar H., e. Aug. 15, 1863, died at
Memphis.
Sterrell, Geo. T., e. Aug. 15, 1863, disd.
Aug. 11. 1863. disab.
Turner, Jolin H., e. Aug. 13, 1863, died at
Memphis.
Wriglit, \V. H. H.. e. Au^-. 8, 1863, disd.
March 6, 1863, disab.
Worrall, Thos. B., e. Aug. 15, 1863, died
at Keokuk.
Wells, John V., e. Aug. 13, 1863.
White, E. I., e. Aug. 10, 1863, captd. at
Middleton, Tenn.
AVard, Robt. M., e. Dec. 4, 1863.
AVilgus, Daniel R.. e. Aug. 11, 1863, died
at Yicksbursf.
Wells, Jordon B., e. Aug. 11, 1863.
Williams, T. E., e. Aug. 15, 1863, died at
Indiaua])olis, Ind.
Wallace, Wm., e. Aug. 15, 1863, disd. April
10, 1863, disab.
AVilliamson, Elias D., e. Aug. 15, 1863,
died at Baton Rouge.
Wildasin, Geo., e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Company H.
Musician Orange S. Terrv, e. Aug. 15,
1863.
Benton, Hiram, e. Oct. 11, 1862, disd. May
10, 1863.
Beard, John W., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Chaudoin, Jesse P., e. Aug. 11, 1863.
Evans, Francis, e. Aug. 15. 1863.
Estle, AVm. B.. e. Augr33. 1863.
Gruwell. Jas. C, e. Xov. 7, 1863.
Hoffuer, AYm., e. Aug. 15, 1863.
Jacoby, John M., e. Aug. 11, 1863.
Knox. Erastus, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Mahin. James, e. Sept. 37, 1862, disd. Jan.
31, 1865, disab.
Moore, Geo. R., e. Aug. 15. 1862.
Nason, R., e. Oct. 39, 1863, disd. Jan. 36, '63,
disab.
Rose, Levi. e. Aug. 10. 1863.
482
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Rose, Foster, e. Anj;-. 10. 1862, disci. Dec.
25, 1862. disab.
JSuiitb, A. F., e. Aug-. 15, 1862.
Wilcox, AVm. H., e. Nov. 8, 1862.
Company I.
Capt. Wm. D. Conn, com. 18, 1862.
First Lieut. Benj. F. Handall, com. 1862,
resd.,hine24, 1863.
First Lieut. Wm. T. Knight, e. as sergt.
Aug. 9. 18G2 prmtd. 2d lieut. June 22,
1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. Ai)ril 30, 1865.
Sergt. Geo. A. Keller, e. Aug. 7, 1862, trans.
to V. R. C.
Sergt. Benj. F. Linville, e. Aug. 15, 1862,
kid. at Pleasant Hill, La.
Corp. James E. Marshall, e. Aug. 14, '62.
Corp. John Crabb, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Corp. Walter L. Cornell, e. Aug. 9, 1862,
trans, to Inv. Corp.
Corp. Nelson Kidder, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Cori). Thomas Martin, e. Aug. 9, 1862,
died at Keokuk.
Corp. Thomas Bone, e. Aug. 14, '62, captd.
while foraging, wd. Tupelo, disd. Feb.
7, 1865.
Musician Geo. I. Fishburn. e. Aug. 9, '62.
Musician Geo. Frederick, e. July 22, 1862,
W(b at Tupelo.
Baker, Alford, e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. July
28, 1865.
Berry, J. W., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Bergerson, Lars W., e. Aug. 13, 1862, disd.
Dec. 20, 1862.
Bagley, H. H., e. Aug. 15, 1802, died at
Memphis.
Brussett, Peter, e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd
May 18, 1803, disab.
Chase, Ira, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Cox, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Cooper, Marshall, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died at
Mound Citv, 111.
Cargill, John', c. Aug. 14, 1862.
Clianibers, Wm. S., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Chase, Geo. W., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Crawford, Jolm A., Aug. 15, 1862, wd. and
died at Tupelo.
Delong, Wm., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Drake, Daniel T., e. .Vug. 15. 1862.
Devore, Hiram, Aug. 15, 1862.
Drake, Wm.,e. .Vug. 15, 1862, disd. May
26, 1863, disab.
Eyans, H. A., e. Aug. 15. 1862, trans, to
Iny. Corps.
Eilwards, Jacob, e. Aug. 15, 1862. disd.
Feb. 18, 1863, disab.
Farv(>ll, Matthew, e. .Vug. 12, 1862, captd. '
while foratiing. !
Foster, H. C., e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Sept. i
4, 1863, disab.
Fulton. Samuel, e. .Vug. 15, 1862.
Huglies, Jas. M., a. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. i
Oct. 15, 1862, disab. i
Hatten, Geo., e. Aug. 15. 1862, trans, to I
V. R. C. i
Hall, John II.. e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Jan.
25, 1863. disab.
Hackett, Wm. T., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Hemphill, Wm. W., e. Aug. 8. 1862.
Hemphill, Thos. L.. e. Aug. 8, 1862, died
at ^loscow.
Hess, Chas. U., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Hatten. Wm. S., e. .Vug. 15, 1862.
Higley, Alvin T., e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd.
Oct. 28, 1862.
Hutton. Chas., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Hawk, Lewis S., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Kissinger, San)uel, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd.
March 16, 1863, disab.
Knight, Dayid R., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
'. Lowe, N. M.. e. Nov. 8, 1862, trans, to V.
R. C
j Lewis, N. J., e. Oct. 2. 1862, disd. Nov.
' 20, 1862.
Leonard, Francis, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd.
Feb. 21, 1863, disab.
Merlin, Chas., e. Oct. 2, 1862.
, Murphy, H. J., e. Aug. 2, 1862.
Miller, "R. L., e. Oct. 18. 1862.
Marten, John W., e. .Vug. 8, 18G2.
Mathews, O. J., e. Aug, 15, 1862,'died on
steamer R. C. Woods.
Marten, Robt. M., e. June 2, 1863.
Parsons, John, e. Aug. 15. 1862, died at
Vicksburg.
Pettie, T. J., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Roby, J. B., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Reed, Wm. P., e. Aug. 9, 1862, diedtCamp
Wood, Miss.
Ramsey, R. W., July 26, 1862.
Spitzer, Henry, e. Aug. 9, 1862, (Hsd. Feb.
23, 1863, disab.
Smith, H., e Aug. 8, 1862.
Stoneburner, Isaac, e. Aug. 8, 1862, died
at St. Louis.
Skiles, McArthur, e. Aug. 15.|1862, disd.
Nov. 21, , disab.
Triplett. Wm. G., e. Aug. 15. 1862.
Tharj). James, e. Aug. 9, 1862. disd. May
21, 1862, disab.
Tu]ly,.Amos, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died Vicks-
burg.
Webster, Geo., e. Aug. 15. 1862.
Company K.
Park, Daniel G.. e. Nov. 19, 1862, disd.
Oct. 4, 1864, disab.
Van Eps, John C, e. Nov. 19, 1862, trans.
to Inv. Corps.
Wilkerson, Geo. W., e. Nov. 21, 1862.
Heller, Marcus, e. Nov. 27, 1862.
COMPANY UNKNOWN.
Brockway, Geo. A., e. Dec. 5, 1863.
Cone, Wm. D., e. Dec. 5, 1863.
Robshaw, Samson, e. Jan. 4, 1863.
Young. Wm. H. H., e. Dec. 9, 1863.
Klepi)er, Emanuel, e. Feb. 27, 1864.
Nitzel, Leonhart, e. ISIarch 25, 1864.
Romig, Conrad F., e. Feb. 29, 1864. '
Strohm, Wm. II., e. Feb. 26. 1864.
Scrutan, Edwin, e. Feb. 27, 1864.
White, Samuel, e. Feb. 24. 1864.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
483
THIRTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
[Note. — This Regiment wat mustered out at Davenport,
Iowa. Date not given in Adjutant General's Eeportt.]
Col. Geo. W. Kincaid, com. Sept. 17, 1862.
Adjt. David H. Goodno, com. Nov. 4, '62.
Company B.
Capt. Jas. (r. Wells, com. Dec. 15, 1862.
First Lieut. Samuel Fair, com. Dec. 15,
1862, resd. May 3, 1863.
First Lieut. Clias. H. King, e. as 1st sergt.
Sept. 20, '62, prmtd. 1st lieut. May 4, '63.
Second Lieut. Robert Mills, com. Dec. 15,
1862, resd. May 3, 1863.
Second Lieut. Jas. C. Stirlen, e. as priv.
Sept. 10, '62, prmtd. 2d lieut. June 14, '63.
Sergt. Wm. Collins, e. Oct. 7, 1862.
Sergt. N"ash Wherrv, e. Sept. 15, 1862.
Sergt. Asa Petty, e. Sept. 22, 1862.
Sergt. Wm. Patterson, e. Aug. 27, 1862,
died Alton, 111.
Corp. Lebert Torry, e. Sept. 15, 1862.
Corp. Moses F. Gates, e. Oct. 7, 1862, disd.
Nov. 5, 1863, disab.
Corp. David Washburn, e. Aug. 27, 1862.
Corp. Ira Miner, e. Oct. 7,1862, disd. Feb.
28, 1865, disab.
Musician Theo. Hand, e. Nov. 1, 1862.
Musician Cyrus Lyon, e. Sept. 20. 1862.
Berger, John, e. Oct. 15, 1862.
Bowman. Jos., e. Oct. 9, 1862, disd. Nov.
5. 1863, disab.
Blank, D., e. Oct. 14, 1862, disd. May 21,
1863, disab.
Brannon, H., e. Sept. 2, '62, died Atalissa.
Bradfield, Samuel, e. Sept. 27, 1862.
Brown, Richard, Oct. 1, 1862, disd. May
21, 1863, disab.
Blake, Robert, e. Nov. 28, 1862.
Croghan, Jas., e. Oct. 8, 1862, disd. Dec. 17,
1864, disab.
Cuiuiingham, John, e. Sept. 2, 1862, disd.
Feb. 2. 1885. disab.
Craig, Thos.. e. Sept. 3, 1862. disd. Aug. 27,
1864, disab.
Crouch, Thos., e. Sept. 9, 1862, died in
Muscatine Co.
Chase, Sam'lR., e. Sept. 29, 1862, disd. Jan.
1863, disab.
Deming, Jas., e. Sept. 22, 1862, disd. Nov.
22. 1864, disab.
Dix, John, e. Oct. 6, 1862.
Dorland, V., e. Nov. 19, 1862.
Embree, -Jas., e. Sept. 10, 1862, disd. May
25, 1863, disab.
Evans, Thos., e. Oct. 4, '62, disd. Mav 25,' '63
Edwards, A., e. Aug. 27, 1862, died St.
Louis.
Frederick, August, e. Dec. 4, 1862. "
Gard, Wm., e. Sept. 18, 1862, disd. Nov. 22,
1864, disab.
Greenhow, Thos., e. Oct. 8, '62, disd. Aug.
27, 1863.
Griswold, John, e. Sept. 24, 1862.
Harrison, Peter, e. Sept. 25, 1862, disd. May
21, 1863, disab.
Hawlev, Jas., e. Sept. 26, 1862, disd. Nov.
5. 1864, disab.
Hians, C, e. Sept. 11, 1862, disd. Nov. 10,
1864, disab.
Hueke, Jacob, e. Sept. 28, 1862.
Heritage, Chas., e. Nov. 24, 1862.
Inman, Hiram, e. Sept. 26, 1862.
Jones, John A., e. Dec. 2, 1862.
Jones, Enoch, e. Dec. 16, 1862.
Kennedy, John, e. Nov. 20, 1862, disd. Feb.
10, 1863.
Kile, Wm., e. Dec. 20, 1862.
Kellogg, David, e. Oct. 7, 1862.
Lefever, Daniel, e. Sept. 8, 1862, died St.
Louis.
Lhuillur, Thos., e. Oct. 4, 1862.
McNall, Enos, e. Oct. 9, 1862, died St.
Louis.
Marshall, Sami, e. Sept. 5, 1862.
Mullen, Thos., e. Aug. 30, 1862, died Al-
ton, 111.
McDonald, John, e. Sept. 8, 1862, died St.
Louis.
Mockmore, Henry, e. Sept. 2, 1862, died at
Fairport.
Martin, Adam, e. Oct. 6, 1862, disd. July 13,
1864, disab.
Ninohouse, Benj. Wm., e. Oct. 20, 1862,
died St. Louis.
O'Shaughnessy. M., e. Sept. 1, 1862, disd.
April 2, 1865.
Paschall Jos., e. I^ov. 5, 1862. disd. Feb. 6,
1864, disab.
Rowland, Geo., e. Oct. 15, 1862.
Rickey, Jas. R., e. Sept. 20, 1862.
Reeves, John H., e. Dec. 4, 1862.
Smith, Jos., e. Sept. 23, 1862, disd. Dec. 17,
1864, disab.
Shott, John, e. Sept. 1, 1862, disd. May 21,
1863, disab.
Schnier, John, e. Sept. 20, 1862, disd. Mav
21, 1863, disab.
Sheeley, John, e. Sept. 2, 1862.
Tannehill, James, e. Nov. 18, 1862, died
Feb. 24, 1863.
Tyler, Wm. K., e. Nov. 10, 1862, died at
Alton, 111.
Wilhelm, Samuel, e. Oct. 21, 1862, disd.
Nov. 11, 1863, disab.
Wilkerson, Geo. W., e. Sept. 3, 1862, disd.
Nov. 9, 1864, disab.
Wittenbergher, A., e. Oct. 2, 1862, disd.
Nov. 9, 1864, disab.
Worrall, Geo., e. Sept. 3, 1862, disd. Jan. 7,
1865, disab.
Way, Jos., e. Nov. 25, 1862, disd. May 22.
1862, disab.
Company C.
Bemis, Geo. W.,e. Nov. 20, 1862.
King, Curtis, e. Nov. 9, 1862.
Company D.
Musician Frank G. Busch, e. Nov. 18,
1862.
Crawford, Jas. R., e. Nov. 27, 1862.
Kreiger, Geo., e. Nov. 22, 1862.
Kakart, John K., e. Sept. 19, 1862.
Rollins. John, e. Nov. 1, 1862, disd. April 4,
1865, disability.
484
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Company E.
liarnos. {Wo. l^. v. Die. Hi. 1SG3. died St.
I Anus.
Company H.
(.iroshuim. .Ino. 1>., e. Nov. 1-4. 18G2.
Kahart.-'liio. H..e.S('pt. 19, 18G2.distl.Mav
•n, 18G;?. disab.
Company F.
Doering, John. e. Nov. 3G, 1862.
(Tolirint;-. llevmon, e. Xov, 22. ISGO. dis.
Mav 8. 18C;), disab.
Jones, .lohn T., e. Xov. 10, 1SG2.
I^U'Kinney. Robt.. e. Xov. 29. 18G2.
FORTY-FOURTH INF.VNl'HY.
(One Hundred Day.s.i
I Note. — This regiment teas inusteretl vuf at Duvenport,
B^L 15, ISOI,.]
Adjt. Evert F. Riclunan, i-oin. Mav 27,
1864.
Company B.
(.'apt. CJalluaith llii/er. com. June 1. 1864.
First Lieut. Ri>uiulus llawlev, com. June
1. 18G4.
.St'cond Lieut. Fesdiek ]i. McOill. com.
June 1. 1864.
First. 8ers>t. Xoah A'. (JrilUn. e. Mav 13.
1864.
Serut. B. 8. Stone, e. Mav 4, 1864.
Serixt. Jolm A. Wise. e. ^Iav 12. 1864.
8er«;t. John Mason, e. :N[av 2, 1864.
.Serjit. E. A. Croekett. e. May 5, 18G4.
Corp. N. C'unniniihani, e. .Vpril 29. 1864.
Corp. Jonathan lloitkinson. e. Mav 7. "64.
Corp. J. F. (J. Crane, e. Mav 4, 1864.
Corp. P. P. Rainwater, e. .V]>ril 29. 1864.
Corp. F. Coover, e. ^lav 3. 1864.
Corp. Wasliinsiton AVall. e. May 2, 1864.
Corp. .\mos Wylie. e. May 4. 1864.
Musician Wm. Eichelberyer. e. May 4. '64.
Musician Fraidvlin Freenum. e. Mav 14.
1804.
AVauoner John Koehler. e. Mav 3, 1864.
Acton. David, e. Mav 19. 1864.'
Bailev. W.. e. Mav2,'l8G4.
Rakei-. Geo. D., e. May 4. 1864.
Rarkhnrst. Jos., e. Mav 16. 1864.
Rit/.er. Adam. e. :Mav 10. 1864.
Blizzard. Isaac. C. e. Mav 17, 1864.
Rrinuham. F. J., e. May 11. 1SG4. .
Chase, .V. D.. e. Mav 3. 18ti4.
Christy. John. e. May 14, 1864.
Connor, E. P.. e. Mav 3, 1864.
Cook, Geo. B., e. ]S[av 2. 1864.
Coriell, Chas. O.. e. Alav 7. 1864.
Darr, C. AF., e. A[av 7, 1864.
Dobbs. Marion R.. e. AFav 2. 1864.
Draper. Hobt. P., e. Mav 9. 1861.
Evans. AVm. F.. e. A[ay 9. 1864.
Foster. Jeremiah, e. Mav 2. 1864.
Foster. Wm. IF. e. Mav"lO. 1864.
Frv, Tiiomas. e. Mav 16. 1864.
Hall, John. e. Mav 27, 18G4.
Hardv. Chas. C. e. Mav 18, 18G4.
Huwlev, Geo. R., e. Mav 2, 1864.
Hendrickson, Jolin, e. May 10. 1864.
Hemiinus. \Vm. X., e. Mav 4. 1864.
Horton, E. W.. e. Mav 16. 1864.
Iddinys, Chas. R., e. iNIav 7, 1864.
Kiser, lieuben. e. Mav 9,' 1864.
Marsliall. Chas. M.. e. Mav 1. 1864.
Kellv, Cvrus, e. .Vpril 29, 1864.
Matthews, G. C e. Mav 12, 1864.
McCov, X. A., e. :May 2. 1864.
Miller. (Jeo. AV.. e. Mav 7, 1864.
Moore, Jt^hiel. e. May 4. 1864.
Mo.ss. Levi S.. e. Mav 5. 1864.
Xelson. l>avid. e. April 29. 1864.
Palmer, AVm.. e. Mav 31, 1864.
Rav. Jas. AL. e. Mav 9. 1864.
Richman. F. F..e. Mav 13. 1864.
Ruckteshel. C. e. Alav 12. 1864.
.'-^chutrum, Get>.. e. Alav 20. 1864.
Smith. Owen, e. Ainil 29, 1864.
Smith, Jacob, e. Alav 23. 1864.
Sullivan. E..e. Alav 4, 18G4.
Townsend, Robt. D., e. Alav 10. 1864.
Wall, Geo. S., e. Mav 4. 1864.
Washburn. A. L., e! Mav 10. 1864.
AVherrv, Jas.. e. Alav 2, 1864.
Wilev.'Wm. F., e. Alav 3, 1864.
Williams, John P.. e. Alav 16, 1864.
Winn. John, e. Alav 10. 1864.
AVoods. John W.. e. Ai)ril 29. 1864.
Ziegler. John, Jr., e. Alay 14. 1864.
Company D.
Bowlsbv. Levi F., e. Alav 14. 1864.
Farnsworth. H. P., e. Alav 4. 1864.
F'^enstemaker. B. F., e. Alav 14. 1864.
Alarsh. Jas. T., e. Alav 4. 1864.
Alarsh. AVm. AI., e. Alav 4. 1864.
Schell. Jas. P., e. Alay 13. 1864.
SECOXD CAVALRY.
Col. Ed. Hatch, com. maj. Sept. "), 1861,
prmtd. lient. col. Sept. i2. 1861, i>rmtd.
col. June 30, 1862, wd. AIoscow, Tenn.
brisj. nen. F. S, Y. April 27, mai. g«Mi.
by brevet Dec. 15. 1864.
Lieut. Col. Chas. C. Horton.com. 2d lieut.
Co. A .Sept. 2, 1861, prmtd. 1st lieut.
Xov. 2, 1861. prmtd. capt. June 4. 1862,
prmtd. maj. Sept. 29. 1863. prmtd. lieut.
eol. Xov. 27. 1864.
Q. Al. Benj. F. DilYenbacher, e. as private
Co. A, prmtd. 2d lieut. June 4, 1862,
prmtd. (J. Al. Oct. 1. "62, disd. Feb. 1. "64.
Bat. (J. AI. Jas. Hannam. com. 2d lieut.
Co. A Xov. 2. 1861. prmtd. Bat. Q. AI.
Jan. 1, 1862. m. o. April 26. 1862.
Second B. S. M Lyman C Loomis, e.
Auii'. 30, 1861. cai»t"d. Booneville, Miss..
died at .Vnnaitolis. Abl.
B. C. S. Chas. S. Alillar. e. Ausi'. 30, 1861.
Musician Geo. A. Funk, e. Dei'. 11.1861.
m. o. .\u.ii-. 26. 1862.
Company A.
Capt. Frank Hatch, com. Sept. 5. 1861,
resd. June 3. 1862.
Fii-st Lieut. Thos. D. Smith, com. Sept.
2. 1861. resd. Oct. 26. 1861.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
485
First Sevst. Goo. II. ZeiiiU'v,o. .\uu:. I, "61.
Sevsit. Amasa Kiniian. o. .Vviu". 1, 1861.
Q. M. Seiiit. Kiiw. Ilt'unikeo. o. .\ug. 1,
1861, vet. March 1, 1864.
Com. Seru't- Milton II. Sweet, e. Aug.
1, 1861. "
Serst. Frederick I.. Aver, e. .Vui<-. 1.1861.
kid. bat. Farminu'toii.
Sergt. L. I. Washburn, c. Aui;-. 1, 1861.
disd. June 23, 1864, lor proniolion capt.
7th I'. 8. Art.
Sergt. AVm. J.awrenee, e. Aug. 1, 1861,
disd. l\[arcli l'^. 1863, disab.
Serst. John B. (raddis. c. .\.U!>-. 1. 1861, wd.
at Farminnton. died .lulv 3, 1862.
Seryt. Chas. AVallon. e. .Vui>-. 1. 1861. wd.
at Cold water, Miss.
Sergt. John INI. Terrv, e. Oct. 1, 1861, vet.
March 1. 1864.
8ergt. Benj. Wagoner, e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Corp. Jas. F. Dwigans, e. Aug. 1. 1861.
Corp. John (,). Potter, e. .Vug. 1, 1861.
Corp. Edw. .1. Staft'ord, e. .Vug. 1, 1861.
Corp. .Vlbert W. Woodford, e. Aug. 1,
1861, die.l June 23. 1863.
Corp. Ira Smith, e. .Vug. 11,1862, trans.
to V. R. C.
Corp. Birnev McLean, e. Aug. 1. 1861.
Corp. Wm. L. McNeil, e. Aug. 1. 1861.
Corp. Tiios. J. Anthouv, e. .Vug. 1. 1861,
vet. March 1, 1864.
Corp. Jacob II. :Martin. e. Vug. 1. 1861.
Corp. Daniel Thompson, e. .Vug. 1, 1861.
Bugler Jacob Scheller. e. .Vug. 1. 1861.
disd. Oct. 28, 1863.
Bugler Van B. Mills, e. -Vug. 1, 1861.
Bugler Chas. G. Petmacky. e. .Vug. 1, "61.
Bugler David N. IMoyer, e. Aug. 1. 1861.
Farrier M. G. Farrier", e. Aug. i, 18()1.
Farrier Newman Eastman, e. Aug. 1,'61.
Farrier (.Miristian Baabe. e. .Vug. 1, 1861.
Saddler lA'muel Winslow, e. Aug. 1, '61.
Saddler .V. .1. Burkett, e. Sept. 14", 1861.
Wagoner Geo. Gabriel, e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Wagoner Wm. M. Lowe, e. .Vug. 1, 1861.
Boyles, John IL. e. Dec. 31. 1863.
Barclay. John, e. .Vug. 1. 1861, drowned
at llermantown, Tenn.
Band, Oliver L., e. Aug. 1, '61, disd. Xov.
27, 1862.
Beamer, Jacob, e. August 30. 1863, vet.
March 1, 1864.
Berngliart, M., e. Aug. 1, 1861, dieil at
La C< range. Tenn.
Bickford. Joim, e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Cullen, Frank, e. Oct. 1, 1861.
Craddoek, A. S.. e. Aug. 1, 1861. died at
Corinth.
Corbutt,Jas., e. .Vug. 21, 1862, died Feb.
3. 1863.
Cadle. Wm. L., e. .Vug. 1, 1861, disd.
Maridi 9, 1864, for promotion to capt.
2d Miss. Art.
Cadle. (^lias. F., e. Dec. 7, 1863.
Carter, Wm., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Chapman. Cr. S.. e. Aug. 1. 1861.
Cissler, W., e. Aug. 1. 1861, vet. March
1, 1864.
. Court nev. John, e. .Vug. 1, 1861, disd. Feb.
27, 1863.
Dwigans. Wm. K.. e. .Vug. 1. 1861. wd. at
Sackatonchie River, Miss.
Dunn. Bernard, e. Dec. 9, 1861.
Donncllv. Thos. L.. e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Dibble, "isel, e. .Vug. 1. 1861, disd. Aug. I.
1862, disab.
Dickinson. Levi D.. e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Estv, John T., e. Sept. 3. 1862.-
Finn, B. Frank, e. Aug. 1. 1861, died Jan.
17, 1862.
Fox. Samuel B., e. Aug. I. 1861.
Geiger, Jas. M.. e. -Vug. 1. 1861.
Gibbims. Geo., e. .Vug. 1. 1861. vet. March
1, 1864.
G(H)rge, Geo., e. .Vug. 1. 1861.
Graves. Geo. e. .Vug. I, 1861, died June
31. 1862.
Hartinger, John W.. e. .Vug. 25, 1862.
Heminger, .V., e. .Vug. 1, '61. vet. March
1. 1864.
Ilutclunson, Robert, e. Aug. 30, 1863, vol.
March 1. 1864, died at Eastport, Miss.
Hobbv. Wm., e. Dec. 7, 1863.
Hart than, Wm. G., e. Dec. 15, 1863.
Idding. Samuel, e. Dec. 9, 1863.
Jol)es, W. H. H..e. Aug. 1. 1861.
Jeiddns, Benj. F., e. .Vug. 1, 1861, vet.
I^Iarch 1, 1864.
Johnson, .V. I., e. .Vug. I, 1861.
•Johnson. John, e. .Vug. 18. 1863.
King, Geo. W., e. .Vug. 1. 1861, vet. March
1,^1864.
Kelley, Edw., e. .Vug. 1, 1861.
Lawrence, 1. N., e. .Vug. 30, 1863, died at
Hollv Springs, .Vrk.
Lawivuce, John W., e. Aug. 30, 1863.
Lvnu, Hugh, e. Aug. 30, 1863, died Jan.
"18, 1863."
Legg, Otis, e. .Vug. 30, 1862, wd. at Farm-
ington.
Leech, P. E. e. Aug. 30. 1863.
Lucas, AVin., e. Aug. 30, 1863, disd. Dec.
12. 1863, disali.
Mills, Amos C, e. .Vugust 21, 1863, vet
March 1, 1864.
Moreiiead, Jas. A., e. Aug. 1, 18(n, kid. at
Memi)his, accidentallv.
Mci.ain, Byron, e. Oct. 31, 18()3, wd. at
Tupelo, died at St. Louis.
Mowrv. Jas. A., e. Aug. 31, 1861, died Feb.
10, 1863.
Miller, .Vlex., e. Aug. 1, 1861, vet. March
1, 1864.
Moore, Leslie, e. Aug. 1, 1861. died at St.
Louis.
Moore. Martin, e. Aug. 1, 1861, trans, to
Inv. Corps.
M(AVilson, Wm., e. Aug. 30, 1862.
McNeil, Jas. C, e. Aug. 1, 1861.
No))le. Isaiah, e. .Vug. 1, 18(>1.
Nation. James W., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Perry, Mark E., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Pierson. John, e. Aug. 1. 1861.
Parker, II. M., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Powers. Thos, e. Aug. 1, 1861, vet. March
1, 1864.
486
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Root, Ferdinand, e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Reynolds, Alex., e. Sept. 11, 1862.
Reynolds, F. M.. e. Aug, 1, 1861, died at
Rienzi, Miss.
Reynolds, I. ^y., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Ridgway, Geo., e. Aug. 1, 1861. died Mem-
phis,
Smith, Robt., e. Aug. 1, 1861, vet. March
1, 1864.
Smith. Josiah, c, Aug. 1, 1861. died ISTov.
22, 1861.
Spencer, Griffith, e. .Vug. 1, 1861, trans, to
V. R. C.
Spencer, AVni., e. Aug. 1, 1861, disd. .Tune
14, 1862.
Straul), Chas., e. Sept. 14, 1861.
Snyder, B. F., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Shoffer, John, e. Aug. 1, 1861, wd. Tupelo.
Scudder, F. R., e. Aug. 1,1861, disd. April
30, 1862, disab.
Thompson, John R., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Terrv, Wm. II., e. Oct, 10, 1861, disd. March
13,'1864, disab.
Taylor, R. F., e. Aug. 1. 1861, wd. al Oko-
lona. Miss.
Verrink, Wm. M., e. Aug. 1,1861.
Wright, John M., e. Aug. 1, 1861.
Wallingsford, John O., e. Aug. 1. 1861,
died Farmington, ]\Iiss.
W^amsley, R., e. Auo-. 18, 1862.
AVallingford, Hugh B., e. Jan. 29, 1864.
Company C.
Gordon, Jas., e. .Vug. 14, 1861, captd. at
Chilahoma, Miss.
Company E.
Capt, Jas. P. Metcalf, e. as sergt. maj.
Aug. 1, 1861, prmtd. 2(1 lieut. Dec. 1,
1861, prmtd. 1st lieut. .March 5, 1863,
I)rmtd. capt. May 3, 1864.
Corp, John C. Branch, wd. Hatchie River,
vet. March 1, 1864.
Bahl, AVm., vet. March 1, 1864.
Bahl, Henry, vet. March 1, 1864.
Downev, Albert, e, Aug. 18, 1861, ilisd.
Xov.19, 1863, disab.
Smith, Thos., e.Sept. 4, 1S61.
Company F.
First Lieut. Thos. G. Beahaiu,c.as com'v
sergt, Auir. 12, 1861, prmtd. 2d. lieut.
Dec. 1, 1861. Ijat. adj. Jan. 23, 1862, re-
turned to Co. and A. D. C, T. S. Vols,
Xov. 6, 1803.
Company C.
Capt. AVm. Lundy, com. Sept. 14, 1861,
wd. at Farmington, Miss., res. June 25,
1862.
Capt. Jos. W. Evstra, com. 2d lieut. Sept.
14, 1861, prmtd. capt. June 26, 1862, m.
o. Oct. 3, 1864, term expired.
First Lieut. Wm. Pickering, com. Sept, i
14, 1861, res. xVpril 14, 1862.
Q. M. Serj,^. Chas. Cope, e. Aug. 30, 1861, I
captd. Palo Alto, Miss., vet. March 1, '
1864.
Sergt. John M. Guild, e. .Vug. 30, 1861, vet,
March 1, 1864.
Sergt, Hanson H. Waters, e. .Vug. 30, 1861,
vet. March 1, 1864.
Sergt. L. H. AVaterman, e. Aug. 30, 1861,
wd. Farmington and died.
Sergt. James Kenned v, e. .Vug. 30, 1861,
cai)td. Booneville,Miss.,vet. March 1, '64
Corp. Jacob Haight, e. Aug. 30, 1861, wd.
at Farminnton, disd. Nov. 5, 1862.
Corp. Philip Smith, e. Sept. 21. 1861, wd.
and captd. at Coffeeville, died Dec. 15.
1862.
Corp. John Montgomerv, e. Aug. 30, 1861.
Corp. Francis M. j:vans, e. Aug. 30, 1861.
disd. Sept. 16. 1862, disab.
Corp. Wm. Palmer, e. .Vug. 30, 1861.
Corp. Geo. Ady, e. .Vug. 30, 1861, wd. and
captd. ColTeeville. Miss., vet. March 1,
1864, disd. Julv 1. 1864.
Cor].. Wm. W. "Miller, e. Aug. 30, 1861,
caj.td. at Corinth.
Corp. Wm. Finlev, e. Aug. 30, 1861, vet.
March 1, 1864.
Corp. CI. Russell, e. Aug. 30, 1861, vet.
March 1, 1864.
Corp. David A. Reynolds, e. .Vug. 30,
1861, vet. March 1. 1864.
Corp. E. Henderson, e. .Vuy. 30, 1861, wd.
Feb. 21, 1864, vet. March 1, 1864.
Bugler Wm. Knox,e. Any. 30, 1861, trans.
to Biig. BajKl Cav., vet. March 1, 1864.
Bnjiler Beni. E. Lillv, e. Aug. 30, 1861,
vet. .March 1. 1864. '
Bugler John J. Kurz. e. Aug. 30, 1«61.
Farrier John R. Higgins, e. Oct. 14, 1861.
vet. March 1, '64, died Memphis, Tenn.
Farrier 1). C. Ferguson, e. .Vug. 30, 1861.
Saddler .las. Walter, e. Aug. 30. 1861.
Wagoner Jacob Coble, e. Aug. 30, 1861,
died Memphis.
Teamster M. V. Corwin, e. Aug. 30, 1861.
Teamster Wm. Martin, e. Aug. 30, 1861.
Teamster Jacob Thompson, e. Aug. 1, '61,
kid. Prairie Station.
Averv, Natlian F., e. .Vug. 30, 1861, disd.
Feb. 11, 1862, disab.
Avery, Luther, e. Sept. 21, 1861, died St.
Louis.
Barkalow, Benj. F., e. Aug. 30, '61, captd,
Palo .Vlto, vet. March 1. 1864.
Bedford, Jas., e. Aug. 30, 1861, missing
Xov. 20, 1862.
Brown, J^dward, e. .Vug. 30, 1861, died
Feb. 4, 1862.
Christy, T. B., e. .Vug. 30, 1861.
Cramer, Wm. H„ e. Ami'. 30, 1861, vet.
March 1, 1864.
Cochran, John, e. .Vug. 30, 1861, disd. Mav
9, 1865.
Cray. Z., e. .Vug, 30. 1861.
Diffendarfer, Jacob, e. Aug. 30, '61, captd.
Booneville, ^liss., trans, to 40th Co. 1st
Bat. Inv. Corps.
Eml)ree, B. J.,e, Aug, 30, 1861, captd. Palo
.Vlto. Miss.
Ellis, John B., e, Aug. 30, 1861, captd.
Bot)neville, Miss., vet. March 1,1864.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
487
Eves, C. C. e. Auq-. 30. 1861, eaptd. Palo
Alto, Miss., vet." March 1,1804.
Fvanzen, Geo., e. Oct. 14, 18G1.
Finley, Jas., e. Aucf. 30, '61, raptd. Boone-
ville, Miss., vet. March 1, 1864.
Hemperly, John F., e. Sept. 21, 1861.
Henesee, M., e. Aug. 30, 1861, vet March
1, 1864.
Hershev. John F., e. Aim. 30, 1801. vet.
March 1, 1864.
Jones, Hampton, e. Aui;. 30, 1861.
Kephart, Beni.. e. Aug. 30, 1861.
Kurz, John J., e. Aug. 30, 1861, vet. March
1, 1864.
Lambert, Geo., e. Aug. 30, 1861. vet. March
1. 1864.
Lee, John, c. Dec. 7. 1861.
Ledger, Geo., e. Aug. 30, 1861, vet. March
1, 1864.
Mills, Lewis .).. e. Dec. 9, 1863.
Meslur, Wm., e. Aug. 30, 1861.
Millar, Chas. S., e. Aug. 30, 1861, prmtd.
com. sergt. 2d Bat., retd. to comi)anv,
vet. March 1, 1864.
Marford. Jos., e. Auu'. 30, 1861.
McDonald, Alex., e. Aug. ^0, 1861, vet.
March 1, 1864.
Norton, Adelbert. e. Aug. 30, 1861.
O'Hearn, John, c. .Vui>-. 13, 1863.
Opel, .Vdam. e. Aug. 30, 1861, died Mem-
phis.
Pickett. Bichard, e. Oct. 14, 1861.
Pettv. Josiali. e. Aug. 30, 1861.
Pond, Levi, e. Feb. 24, 1864.
Staeffer, Geo., e. Aui>-. 30, 1861.
Stowe, Daniel L.. e. March 1, 1864.
Vandervort, John ^y., e. Aug. 1. '61, died
Sept. 28, 1862.
Wall, Kufus .\.. c. .\ug. 1. 1861, disd. Julv
14, 1862.
Walter, Mas., e. .Vu"-. 1. 1861.
Wigem, Hugh, e. Aug. 1, 1861, died Oct.
2, 1862.
Williams, Edmond, e. Aug. 1, 1861, wd.
Wall's Hills, Miss., and Prairie Station.
Wright, John M., e. Aug. 1, 1861, wd.
near West Point, Miss.
Webb, Geo. W.. e. Aug. 1, 1861, disd. Dec.
23, 1862. disab.
Company H,
Saddler Geo. Alexander, e. Aug. 20, 1861,
vet. March 1, 1864.
Company I.
Richardson, John, e. Jan. 4. 1864, captd.
at Prairie Station, died Andersonville.
Company M.
Burner, H. H., e. March 1, 1864, died at
Holly Si)rings, Miss.
Bromer, H. H., e. Sept. 17, 1863.
Bichire, Chas. C, e. Aug. 30, 1863. disd.
Sept. 10, 1863.
COMPANY UNKNOWN.
Beard, N. H., e. April 5, 1864.
Bennett, Peter e. Jan. 27, 1864.
Dorr, Frank, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Kaffenheimer, Irban, e. Jan. 27, 1864.
Stuart, Samuel, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Thomas, Daniel ISf., e. Feb. 19, 1864.
EIGHTH CAVALRY.
[NoTK. — This rtgiment was mustered out at Macon, Ga.,
Aug. IS, iSb'J.]
Company C.
Reed, John P., e. .Vug. 20, 1863.
Company K.
First Lieut. James Horton, e. Sept. 3, '63,
served two years in 11th Penn. Cav.,
kid. at l^ovejoy's Station, Ga.
Sergt. Rudolph ilott'master, e. Aug. 4, '63,
wd. at Newnan, Ga. '
Sergt. Jas. M. Dolsen, e. Aug. 25, 1863,
kid. at Chattahoochie River, Ga.
Sergt. Harvey A. Bryant, e. Aug. 17, '63,
captd. and murdered bv guerrillas.
Corp. Sam'l Craig, e. Aug. 25, 1863.
Corp. John Williams, e. Aug. 21, 1863.
Corp. V. L. Stevens, e. Sept. 1, 1863.
Barrett, Jas., e. Aug. 22, 1863.
Bawlev, Wm., e. .Vug. 27, 1863.
Burgett, Chas., e. Aug. 21, 1863.
Crais, Wm., e. Aug. 31, 1863.
Dicks, Wm. H., e. Aug. 20, 1863.
Dicks, Joel, e. Aug. 20, 1863.
Dolsen, Geo. W., e. Aug. 27, 1863, captd.
and wd. at Newnan, Ga.
Dougherty, John, e. Aug. 8, 1863.
Edwards, Wm. E., e. Aug. 17, 1863.
Farris, Wm. I., e. Aug. 14, 1863.
Fritz, Geo., e. July 10, 1863.
Gardner, H. D., e. Aug. 4, 1863.
Hancus, Henrv, Sept. 1, 1863.
Kerr, W. II.,' e. Aug. 8, 1863, wd. and
captd. Newnan, Ga., died at Macon.
Lvon, Wm. P., e. Julv 29, 1863.
Major, Wm. II., e. Aug. 26, 1863.
Merrell, John W., e. Aug. 26, 1863.
Raymond, A. H., e. Aug. 31, 1863.
Richarz, Tlieo., e. Aug. 14, 1863.
Sheets, Leveret, e. Aug. 22, 1863, captd.
at Newnan, Ga.
Standard, Geo. W., e. Aug. 31, 1863, kid.
at Oxford Furnace, Ala.
Turner, Josiah, e. Aug. 8, 1863.
NINTH CAVALRY.
[Note. — This regiment was mustered out at Little Rock,
Feb. 3, isee.]
Company A.
Capt. John G. Reed, com. Nov. 30, 1863.
First Lieut. Samuel Pollock, com. Nov.
30, 1863, resd. June 7, 1865.
First Lieut. David M. Coe, e. as 1st sergt.
Oct. 12, '63, prmtd. 1st lieut. June 3, '65.
Q. M. S. Jolm Law, e. Sept. 12, 1863, disd.
Jan. 27, 1864.
Com. Sergt. Wm. A. Mathews, e. June
20, 1863.
Sergt. Jas. M. Allen, e. Sept. 12, 1863.
Sergt. Wm. T. James, e. Sept. 11, 1863,
disd. Feb. 1, 1865, disab.
488
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Sergt. Ileiiiv Kicliter, e. Oct. 6, 1868.
Sergt. AVin. (i. Mobcrlv, e. Sept. 15, 1863.
Corp. AViii. Triggs, e. .Sept. 29, 1863.
Corp. John II. Cimmainoii, e. Oct. 7. '63,
trans, to lav. Corps.
Corp. Ste]>lien Ly(»ns, e. .Sept. 22, 1863.
Corp. Robert H. Cunningham, e. Sept. 22,
1863.
Teamster Geo. Davis, e. Oct. 2, 1863.
Farrier Henry Hess, e. .Sept. 21, 1803.
Saddler Conand Ilncke, e. Sept. 24, 1863.
Trumpeter AVm. C Mason, e. Sei)t. 11, '63.
Armington, M. B., e. Aug. 7, 1863, disd.
April 22, 1864, di.sab.
.Viiderson, Jos., e. Sept. 18, 1863.
Jiuffington, S. A., e. Oct. 14, 1863.
Busket, Javob, e. Oct. 10, 1863, trans, to
172d Co., 2d Bat. V. R. C.
Mlair, N.. e. Sept. 28, 1863, disd. No;^, 15,
1864, disab.
r,aird, (!eo. W., e. Sept. 25, 1863.
Booth, John, e. Sept. 10, 1863.
Bohren, R., e. Nov. 4, 1863.
Binkle, Jacob, e. Xov. 27, 1863.
Blizzard, R., e. Sept. 24, 1863.
Crammer, C E., e. Se])t. 17, 1863.
('arter, Alfred, e. .Sept. 14, 1863.
Davidson, John H., e. Oct. 2, 1863.
Dusenbury, Jas., e. Oct. 10, 1863.
Dellebar, Reamer, e. Sept. 7, 1863.
Daniels, Wui. H., e. .Sept. 4, 1863.
Esley, J. M., e. Sept. 29, 1863.
Fintel, F. C, e. Sept. 23, 1863, died Clarks-
ville, Ala.
Garian, E., e. Oct. 9, 1863.
Greelev, Moses, e. Oct. 13, 1863, died at
DuviilFs liluff. Ark.
Gephart, Chas., e. Sept. 7, 1863.
Gertenbach, Jolin, e. .Sept. 23, 1863, disd.
July 28, 1865, disab.
Howard, A., e. Oct. 16, 1863.
Hyink, H., e. Sept. 14, 1863.
Helbernirwi, A., e. Sept. 25, 1863.
llazelmyer, Geo., e. Sept. 17, 1863. died at
Muscatine.
Jov, Wm. T., e. .Sept. 21, 1863.
Jones, T. C, e. Oct. 3, 1863.
Joliuson, T. J., e. Nov. 15, 1863.
Kilburn, ]Marcus, e. Oct. 24, 1863, died at
Duvall's Bluff, Ark.
Leech, L., e. Oct. 10, 1863.
Mee, S., e. Oct. 7, 1863.
Miller, B., e. Oct. 19, 1863, died .\ustin.
Ovrick, Jolin D., e. Sept. 23, 1863.
Iteed, John I., e. Sept. 10, 1863.
Rickey, Geo. A., e. Sept. 22, 1863.
Reeves, AVm., e. Sept. 25, 1863.
Reynolds, Eli, e. Sept. 26, 1863.
Siirader. August, e. Oct. 6, 1863.
Snieltz, Jacob, e. Sept. 19, 1863, died Jef-
ferson ]3arracks.
Swift, Wm. D., e. Sept. 10, 1863, died at
Bayou de Ark, Ark.
Stewart, John, e. .Sept. 5, 1863.
Stanley, .\lex., e. .Sept. 9, 1803.
Wendman, Wm., e. Oct. 7, 1863.
Watkins, 1). T., e. Sept. 17, 1863, died Du-
vall's Bluff, Ark.
Wiley, Jos., e. Oct. 10, 1863, died Browns-
ville, Ark.
Walker, Hugh, e. Sept. 7, 1863.
Weaver, Robt. B., e. .Sept. 22, 1863.
AVilson, Wm. R., e. Sept. 17, 1863.
Wahl, Chas., e. Oct. 12, 1863.
Company E.
Blessing, AVm., e. Sept. 19, 1863.
Blessing, Samuel, e. Sept. 20, 1863.
Eisher, AVm., e. Sept. 19, 1863.
Raffeasperger, Jos., e. Sept. 15, 1863.
Shrope, Richard, e. .Sept. 16, 1863.
South, Chas., e. .Sept. 19. 1863.
Walton, AVm. H., e. Sept. 15, 1863.
Wall, Wm. K., e. Oct. 17, 1803.
Company C.
Caldwell, Jesse, e. Sept. 16, '63, vvd., disd.
.Sept. 1, 1865.
Howland, Geo. P., e. Oct. 7, 1863.
Kerr, Chas., e. Sept. 29, 1863.
Kimbrough, Andrew, e. Sept. 23, 1863.
Lee, Chas. A., e. Sept. 25, 1863.
Lewis, AVm., e. Sept. 14, 1863.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Second Infantry.
Corp. Andrew AV. Nichols, e. April 20. '61,
wd. Ft. Donelson, m. o. June, 1864.
Corp. Frank W. Kaspar, e. April 24, 1861,
wd. Ft. Donelson, m. o. June, 1864.
Highley, Robt. e. April 24, 1861, m. o.
June, 1864.
Sergt. AVm. Brawner, e. May 1, '61, prmtd.
sergt. maj., m. o. June, 1864.
Funk, Samuel L., e. Sept. 9, 1861, disd,
Nov. 28, 1861, disab.
Mvers, David AV., e. Dec. 21, 1861, m. o.
June, 1804.
Estell, John B., e. May 5, 1801, disd. July
18, 1861.
Second Veteran Infantry.
Park, Jas. C, e. Oct. 21, 1862, m. o. Julv
12, 1865.
AA^eltv, Jos. H., e. Feb. 29, 1864, m. o. July
12, '1865.
Corp. David AV. Myers, e. Dec. 21, 1861,
vet. Dec. 23, 1863, m. o. July 12, 1865.
Fifth Infantry.
Corp. Lilburn AV. Henderson, e. June 24,
1861, m. o. Aug., 1864.
Corp. Wm. C. BVook, e. June 24, 1861, m.
o. Aug., 1864.
Bryant, Harvey A., e. June 24, 1861, disd.
Jan. 17, 1862, disab.
Sharkey, Thomas, e. June 24, 1861, m. o.
Aug., 1804.
Wales, Thomas C, e. June 24, 1861, died
Dec. 12, 1861.
Sixth Infantry.
Lieut. Col. Markoe Cummins, capt. Co. A,
1st Regt., m. 0. by sen. mil. com.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
489
Chaplain John Ufford, e. July, 1861, m.o.
July 31, 1865.
Datenhoff, Jolni, e. Feh. 29, 1864, m. o.
July 21, 1865.
Green, Daniel W., e. Feb. 29, 1864, wd.
near Atlanta, Ga., m. o. July 12, 1865.
Ninth Infantry.
Vaughn, Bailey, e. Feb. 30, 1864, m. o.
July 18, 1865.
Bumgardner, (Samuel V., e. Feb. 26, J864,
m. o. July 18, 1865.
Tenth Infantry.
Sergt. Alcinas Y. Fording, e. Aug. 22, '61,
died April 1. 1862, at Bird's Point, Mo.
Thirteenth Infantry.
Corp. David Y. Hammer, e. Oct. 10, 1861,
kid. bat. Atlanta.
Atwood, James W., e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864. kid. bat. Atlanta.
Keller, C. F. C, e. Sept. 28, 1861, trans, to
U. S. C. T.
Residuary Battalion Fourteenth
Infantry.
Elwell, John S., e. Feb. 10. 1864, m. o.
Aug. 8, I860.
Seventeenth Infantry.
Adjt. Asst. Surg. Wm. D. Barclay, com.
July 11, 1862.^ resd. Oct. 23, 1862.
Twentieth Infantry;
Hillweg, John, e. Aug. 11, 1862, m. o.
July 8, 1865.
Bennett, E. A., e. Aug. 13, 1862, disd.
July 22, 1864, disal).
Granfell, T. M., e. Aug. 13, 1862, captd.
Oct. 29, 1862, m. o. July 8, 1865.
Gardner, Clias. H., e. Aug. 6, 1862, m.
o. July 8, 1865.
Lindsay, A. J., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Oct.
18, 1862.
Corp. Wm. Diffendaffer, e. Aug. 15, 1863,
m. 0. July 8, 1865.
Bamford, Austin B., e. Aug. 15, 1862, m.
o. July 8, 1865.
Gillespie, Milton, e. Aug. 15. 1862, m. 0.
July 8, 1865.
Henderson, N. W., e. Aug. 15. 1862, m. o.
July 8, 1865.
Lindsey, Chas. E., e. Aug. 15, 1865, trans.
Twenty-Fourth Infantry.
Corp. Elias Gabriel, e. Aug. 2, 1862, wd.,
disd. Jan. 5, 1865, as sergt.
Corp. Winfield S. Cotton, e. Aug. 5, 1862,
disd. Feb. 13, 1863.
Wagoner Jas. A. Kollins, e. Aug. 13, '62,
m. o. July 17, 1865.
Blakely, Z., e. Aug. 2, 1862, corp., died
Sept. 10, 1863.
Carl. H. L., e. Aug. 15, 1862, m. o. July
17, 1865.
Crisman, Wm., e. Aug. 20, 1863, wd., disd.
June 10, 1864.
Crisman, S. A., e. March 9, 1864, wd.,
disd. Dec. 16, 1864.
Crisman, F. A., e. March 9, 1864, m. o.
July 17, 1865.
Slater, Jacob. e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. March
7, 1863, sick.
Scott, H. W. W., e. Aug. 7, 1862, wd.
April 8, 1864, m. o. July 17, 1865.
Brent,^Theo. E., e. Aug. 19, 1862, m. 0.
July 17, 1865.
Millitt, George S., e. Aug. 22, 1862, m. o.
July 17, 1865.
Neidig. Samuel, e. Oct. 6, 1862, m. o. July
17, 1865.
Twenty-Seventh Infantry.
Eddy, N. W., e. March 5, 1864, wd. at
Tupelo, m. 0. Aug. 8, 1865.
Twenty-Eighth Infantry.
First Lieut. Carlisle Cassidy, e. as sergt.
Aug. 6. 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. July 31,
1863, resd. April 6, 1864.
Second Lieut. Samuel J. Ketchum, e. as
sergt. June 24, 1862, prmtd. 2d lieut.
April 7, 1864, m. 0. July 31, 1865.
Cassiday, Larue, e. August 6, 1862, wd.
March 16, 1863, m. o. July 31, 1865.
Greaser, John, e. July 25, 1862, m. o. July
31, 1865.
Steffy, Jolni,e. Aug. 6, 1862, disd. IsTov. 21,
1863, disab.
Thirty-first Infantry.
Asst. Surg. Abram B. Hershe, com. July
2, 1863, iiot mustered.
Thirty-eighth Infantry.
Asst. Surg. Robt. McJ^Tutt.
Thirty-ninth Infantry.
Chase. A. H., e. Feb. 29, 1864, m. o. June
5, 1865.
Holladay, Samuel, e. Aug. 6, 1862, captd.
Parker's Cross Koads.
Fortieth Infantry.
Corp. Wm. M. Baker, e. Aug. 13, 1862, m.
o. ATig. 2, 1865.
Baker, Geo. W., e. Aug. 13, 1862, m. o.
Aug. 2, 1865.
Frits, Jacob, e. Feb. 26, 1864, m. 0. Aug.
2, 1865.
Frits, Daniel, e. Feb. 26, 1864, died Oct.
30, 1864.
Flack, John W., e. Feb. 26, 1864, m. o.
Aug. 2, 1865.
Tule, Jos., e. Feb. 26, 1864, m. 0. Aug. 2,
1865.
Forty-first Infantry.
Sergt. Edw. L. Swem, e. Sept. 23, 1861, m.
0. May 17, 1866.
First Cavalry.
[Note. — This regiment wot mustered out at Selma, Ata.,
Sept. 19, 1865.]
Asst. Surg. Abram B. Hershe, com. Oct.
3, 1863, declined.
490
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Lirabocker. O. (\. e. Mav 19, 1863, m. o.
Feb. 15, 1866.
Kay, Jolm. e. Julv 18, 1861, kid. Osceola,
May 29. 1863.
Madison. Joliu W., e. Sept. 3, 1862, trans.
to 8th Mo. Tav.
Brace, Jas. 11.. e. Feb. 39, 1864. m. o. Feb.
15, 1866.
Third Cavalry.
Blaekstone. Wni. ('.. e. Ans;. 30, 1862, disd.
Mareh 19. 1863, disab.
Fifth Veteran Cavalry.
Wolf, Geo., e. Feb. 19. 1864. ni. o. Aul;-. 11,
1865.
William, James, e. Mav 31, 1864, m. o.
Aii£i. 11, 1865.
Fiuker. Wni. K., e. Manli 15, 1864. m. o.
AuLT. 11. 1865.
Bryan. -Tolm W.. e. March 12. 1864. ni. o.
Ann. 11. 1865.
Jones. C. C. e. March 13. 1864.
Ireland, Jas. S., e. ]May 9. 1864. died at
Andersonville while prisoner Oct. 5. '64
Corp. Henry Matter, e. June 24. 1861, m.
o. Anj;. 11. 1865.
Phillips. Tiios., e. Feb. 1. 1864, ni. o. Ans;.
11, 1865.
Sixth Cavalry.
Aitekrnse. Edward .V.. e. Xov. 24,1862.
m. o. Oct. IT, 1865.
Beeiuer. 1). K., e. Oct. 10, 1862. m. o. Oct.
IT. 1865. ■
Panl, Ansiiist, e. Jan. 22. 1862. ni. o. Oct.
IT, 1865.
Strait, Ciias., e. Jan. 9. 1862. m. o. Oct.
IT, 1865.
Walker, Wni. H.. e. Jan. 9, 1863. in. o.
Oc-t. IT. 1865.
Seventh Cavalry.
Frisbee, Wni. S., e. March 16, 1863, m. o.
May 17. 1866.
Ayers. Geo., e. Mav 34, 1863, m. o. Mav
IT, 1866.
Smith. Wm.. e. April 36, 1863, m. o. Mav
17, 1866.
Thornton, F. ^[.. e. Mav 31, 1863, m. o.
May IT, 1866.
McKinnev. Oscar, e. Jnne 1, 1863, disd.
Jnly 30, 1863.
Com. Serut. Edward L. Swem. e. Sept. 33.
1861. vet. Feb. 38, "64, m. o. June 33, "66.
Nichols, Allen R., e. Aiijj. IT. 1864. m. o.
1866.
First Infantry, A. D.
Andea-son. John. e. Sept. 3. 1863. in. o. Oct.
15, 1865.
Anderson. Geo., e. Aug. 28. '63. m. o. Oct.
15, 1865.
Hanly, .Vlbert. e. Sept. 4, 1863, m. o. Oct.
15, 1865.-
Jolinson. John, e. Sept. 26, 1863, m. o. Oct.
15, 1865.
First Battalion Light Artillery.
i>r. First Lieut. Thos. A. Ijams, e. as 1st
serjjt., prnitd. jr. 2d lieut. Dec. 11, 1863,
pnntd. sr. 3d lieut. March 19. 1864, disd.
for disab. Oct. 13, "64, and re-appointed
sr. 1st lieut. Feb. 14, 1865.
Fess, Louis, e. Feb. 39. 1864. died Sept.
2, 1864.
Fifteenth U. S. Infantry.
Knapp. Edwin, vet. Feb. 1, 1864.
Eleventh Illinois Infantry.
Capt. Ilarri.son C. Vore, com. Feb. 15. '62.
term expd. Auij-. 23. 1864.
Capt. Isaac D. Vose. com. 1st lieut. Dec.
21, 1863, prmtd. capt. Aui--. 23. 1864, m.o.
Jnly 14, 1865.
Sixteenth Illinois Infantry.
Caldwell. .Jesse H.. e. May 24, 1861.
Nineteenth Illinois Infantry.
James. Wm. T.. c. .Iiuie IT. 1861. m. o.
July 9. 1864.
Twenty-Second Illinois Infantry.
Fanvll. Geo., c. June 11. iSiU. kid. Cliick-
amauiia Seitr. 19. isii;>.
Thirty-Seventh Illinois Infantry.
Hunter. Jas. R..e. Sept. 1. 1861.
Fifty-Fifth Illinois Infantry.
Capt. Thos. B. Mackcy. e. .Vpril 28. 1861.
Second l.,ieut. Asaliel C. Smith, e. Sept.
10. 1861.
Willi;. Turner, e. Sept. 10. 1861.
Wardin. William, e. Sept. 10. 1861.
Fifty-Seventh Illinois Infantry.
Wabeser. Chas., e. Oct. 26. 1861. disd.
July 11. 1862. disab.
One Hundred and Second Illinois
Infantry.
.Vllen, Wm.. e. .Vul;;. 19. I8t)2, m. o. June
6. 1865. as Corp.
Ninth Illinois Cavalry.
WaiToiicr, .Jacob, e. Sept. I. i^^Ol. vet., m.
O.Oct. 31.1865.
Second Wisconsin Infantry.
Rowland. Chas.. e. April 20. 1861.
Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry.
Brisbin. Wm. O.. e. Oct. 30. 1861.
Third Missouri Infantry.
Cronert. Moritz, e. Sept. 16, 1863.
Storts. Jacob, e. Sept. 16, 1863.
Sixth Missouri Cavalry.
Second Lieut. Stephen M. Wood. e. Dec.
32, 1861, appointed Q. M.
Tenth Kansas Infantry.
SerRt. Eli 11. CTiCirir. e. .Kue-. 23, 1861.
Miller. Chas. F.. e. Oct. 28. 1861.
Wilson, Allen, e. Sept. 24. 1861.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 493
THE NEWSPAPERS.
THE MUSCATINE JOURNAL.
The press of Muscatine ranks high among the papers of the State. The
large and constantly increasing editions of the several publications, as well as
the number of miscellaneous magazines and periodicals of all sorts taken here,
proves conclusively that Muscatine is a county of readers. That being the
•fact, it is not surprising to find two daily newspapers in a city of from ten to
twelve thousand. Each of the dailies has a weekly edition, and the Journal
issues a tri-weekly, also. These several publications each reach a different class
of readers, making the aggregate percentage of subscribers a large one for a
county having 25,000 inhabitants.
The germ from which the papers of Muscatine sprang was called the Iowa
Standard, a weekly paper, issued by Cram & Bailey, October 23, 1840. The
prosperity of the institution could not have been marked, since the excitement
arising over the location of the capital at Iowa City soon weaned the publishers
from their purpose here.
In the spring of 1841, the Standard was borne to the new field of ambition
and speculation. There it reared its head for a time, but soon grew weak from
transplanting, and died.
The removal of the Standard did not deprive Bloomington of a paper,
however, for the issuance of a sheet in those days acted like an infection, in
many instances. So it was here. One week after the pioneer journal ventured
into the world, another aspirant for favor appeared. The appearance of the
rival organs of public sentiment was not consonant with their titles, as the sec-
ond was called the Bloomington Herald. Usually the herald precedes the
standard-bearer, but in this instance the order was disregarded. At all events,
the Herald came out October 27, 1840, under the direction of Hughes & Russell.
The controlling spirit of the Herald was John Russell. He was a jolly,
good-natured man, caring for scarcely anything but a living support for his
paper and the enjoyment of the few personal pleasures available in the new
town he had chosen as his home.
The methods of conducting a paper in those days are not comparable to
those in vogue now, for the early papers were made up mostly of selected mis-
cellany. A few editorials, on general topics, and occasionally a brief mention
of home politics, were given; but no such department as the "local" of
to-day was then understood. Nor, indeed, would it have been possible to main-
tain a paper dependent for news upon so uneventful localities as most Western
places were then.
The Herald was a good paper, however, judged by the standard of excel-
lence which obtained in 1840. The most absorbing theme of local interest
which the editor was called upon to elaborate was a social party or a sleigh-
ride. When election-time approached, there was always, something to write
about : but, locally, elections were governed by the better spirit of general
good, and politics was rather one-sided during the early years. The paper did
not seek to provoke political discussions, any more than it did to call Eastern
attention to the new town. It appears to have been rather indifterent to the
advancement of this region. It was published in the days of small things, and
is not to be spoken of lightly now. It performed its mission, and gave more
or less publicity to the fact that Bloomington was a most desirable place to set-
tle in.
494 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Of Mr. Hughes, the senior partner, little is said by the older settlers of
to-day. He was of a retiring disposition, and filled his place honorably, but
without creating any msirke:! impression on the paper or town.
In 1845, Mr. Russell disposed of his interest in the Herald to Dr. Charles
0. Waters, who became editor, and held that position until in 1846. The tone
of the paper was decidedly improved under Dr. Waters' management, as he
was both a scholarly and a forcible writer.
The next change occurred in 1846, when Mr. M. T. Emerson became the
successor of Dr. Waters. Being a Whig in politics, Mr. Emerson changed the
character of the journal to conform to his ideas of right, and threw into the
labor of improving the paper his Avhole energies. He was a printer as well as
writer, and made many noticeable alterations in the mechanical as well as edito-
rial departments. The career which opened up so brightly was soon ended by
the hand of death.
In 1846, the paper became the property of N. L. Stout and William P.
Israel, the former assuming editorial charge. Mr. Stout was a strong partisan,
and, during his regime, the columns abounded in vigorous denunciations of that
great system which made the South the theater of civil war in later years. It
required no slight courage to announce one's self as an Abolitionist in 1846,
especially in a region bordering on the great thoroughfare which floated the
commerce of the South. However, a fear of results did not deter the editor of
the Herald from expressing his views on the subject of slavery, and the Herald
became a noted sheet throughout the Northwest.
In November, 1847, John Mahin entered the office as an apprentice, at the
age of thirteen years.
In the winter of 1848-49, F. A. C. Foreman came from New Boston, 111.,
where he had published a paper with the singular name of The Broadliorn,
and took possession of the Herald. Mr. Foreman was a man of evil habits.
His appetite for drink not only ruined his business prospects, but also brought
deep affliction upon his uncomplaining wi/e, who, day after day, would work
faithfully at the case, setting type, and meanwhile rocking her infant's cradle
which was, at such times placed beneath the rack on which the cases rested.
Her husband was indifferent to this spectacle of heroic endeavor. After some
four months of mismanagement, Foreman was obliged to succumb to financial
pressure.
The Herald was then suspended for about six months, when Noah M. McCor-
mick came from St. Louis, revived the paper and called it the Muscatine Journal.
Although Mr. McCormick did not display much ability as a writer, he was,
nevertheless, a good business manager, and succeeded in making a longer strug-
gle than his predecessor was capable of.
In July, 1852, the Journal was sold to Jacob and John Mahin, father and
son respectively. These gentlemen conducted the paper jointly until Septem-
ber, 1853, when they associated with them Mr. Orion Clemens, a brother of
"Mark Twain." Mr. Clemens was a good printer, a sensible writer and an
upright man. He maintained a high and dignified tone, while, at the same time,
he infused a lively degree of spirit into the columns of the paper. In June,
1854, the tri-weekly edition of the Journal was established.
In January, 1855, J. Mahin & Son sold out the concern to Charles H.
Wilson and Orion Clemens, who instituted the Daily Journal in June of that
year. Mr. Clemens disposed of his interest, soon after that, to James W.
Logan, and the firm of Logan & Wilson was continued until January, 1856, when
D. S. Early bought out Mr. Wilson. The same year, Mr. Early's interest was
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 495
purchased by John Mahin and F. B. McGill. Messrs. Logan, Mahin & McGill
conducted the paper until August, 1857. At that date, John Mahin assumed
sole charge of it, and continued as manager without change of proprietors
until January, 1866, when L. D. Ingersoll purchased a half interest and became
editor. Mr. Ingersoll's connection lasted just two years, when John and James
Mahin became owners of the Journal, under the firm name of Mahin Brothers.
The death of the junior member of the firm, James Mahin, Avhich occurred
December 9, 1877, necessitated a change in the management. January 1,
1879, the name and style of the "Journal Printing Company" was adopted,
with John Mahin, President; J. B. Lee, Treasurer, and A. W. Lee, Secretary.
Incorporation is soon to be eftected.
Of those who have been mentioned in connection with the Journal and its
predecessor, the Herald, the following brief notice is preserved : John Russell
died of cholera in Keokuk, during the visitation of the plague in 1850. Thomas
Hughes removed to Iowa City. Dr. Waters removed to Chicago. N. L.
Stout died in Kansas. William P. Israel died in Muscatine. Mr. Foreman
removed to the Western part of the State, where he died. N. M. McCormick
removed to California. Jacob Mahin died in Missouri in 1873. Orion Clem-
ens removed to Lee County. Charles H. Wilson to Washington, in this State.
J. W. Logan, to Waterloo. D. S. Early, to Pennsylvania, and L. D. Inger-
soll, to Washington, D. C.
Several persons have been engaged as writers for the Journal whose names
do not appear in the foregoing sketch. One of these was Mr. Hugh J. Campbell,
who became a prominent politician in New Orleans. He contributed largely to its
columns in 1860-61. W. F. Davis, now dead, wrote during the campaign of
1864. Both of these men were forcible writers and displayed decided ability.
John Van Home, now editor of the Tribune, was engaged a short time during
1860, and also in 1868. Mr. Van Home is one of the best writers, who has
ever been connected with Iowa journalism, being not only scholarly and well
informed, but also graceful, easy of expression and agreeable in style. Judge
J. Scott Richman was an occasional contributor to the paper. Mr. L. D.
Ingersoll, the "Linkensale" of the Iowa press, is now well known by all news-
paper readers as a trenchant writer. Among the local editors of the Journal,
F. B. McGill, E. 0. Upliam, Frank Eichelberger, T. W. Eichelberger, D. A.
Prosser, E. F. Richman, 0. G. Jack and Frank Mahin are all remembered by
those whose acquaintance with the paper extends back twenty years.
Mr. John Mahin, whose apprenticeship began in 1847, and whose life has
been spent in the office of the Journal, is the oldest newspaper man, in point
of service, in Iowa. There is but one who can claim a longer continuous term,
but his does not 1)egin until one year later than Mr. Mahin 's. We refer to Mr.
W. W, Junkin, of the Fairfield Ledger. Mr. Mahin was out of the ofiice for
one year, and, with that brief intermission, has been there since September,
1847. This is a rare and most remarkable record.
The Journal now publishes three regular editions, viz., daily, tri-wcekly
and weekly. The paper is conducted with marked ability and is a power in
the ranks of Republican journalism.
THE MUSCATINE TRIBUNE.
In 1848, H. D. La Cossitt established the Democratic Enquirer, and
remained as its head until 1853, when, for six months, W. B. Langridge
administered its aifairs. Mr. La Cossitt returned, and, in 1854, sold to Jerome
Carskadden and T. Meason Williams. In 1855, the paper became the prop-
496 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
erty of Williams, Gibson k Co., with Judge Robert Williams as editor. The
paper was conducted with vigor, and became an influential advocate of the
principles of the Democratic party. Judge Williams informs the writer that
he was the first editor in Iowa to advance the name of James Buchanan for the
Presidency, in opposition to the Western idea of presenting Stephen A.
Douglas. During his residence in Pennsylvania, his native State, the editor
had formed a personal friendship for Mr. Buchanan, and his advocacy of that
gentleman was upon personal grounds.
In January, 1856, the Unqidrrr passed into the hands of Daniel S. Biles
and E. W. Clark ; but the latter retired, after a few months, and was succeeded
by Samuel McNutt, who became editor and half proprietor of the paper. This
arraniifement lasted but a short time, and Mr. Biles took charije of the office,
continuing as its head until 1860. The paper was then suspended.
John Trainer King bought the office, and established the Mevieiv, which was
published as a daily. In 1861, Edward H. Thayer succeeded Mr. King, and
changed the name of the paper to the Courier. In 1864, Barnhart Brothers
purchased the office, and subsequently associated with them W. W. Witmer.
Under this arrangement, the Courier continued until 1872.
In 1870, the Telegraph was established, by E. 0. Upham and Charles Sib-
ley. This paper continued for about six months, when the name was changed
to the Weekly Tribune.^ under the management of George W. Van Home. In
1872, Mr. Van Home purchased the Courier, and merged it into the Tribune.
In 1873, Mr. Van Horne became associated with E. H. and William Betts, and
in April, 1874, began the publication of the Dailji Tribune, with a weekly edi-
tion. In April, 1877, Mr. Van Horne retired from the office, and the business
is now under the sole management of the Betts Brothers.
The Tribune is one of the most enterprising and readable papers in the
State. Its daily edition appears in the morning, and contains a record of the
events of the times, given in entertaining form. Its local, as well as its editorial
columns, are fresh and readable, and the paper is manifestly conducted by gen-
tlemen of ability and of devotion to the profession of their choice.
OTHER PAPERS.
In 1860, a campaign paper, called the Messenger, in support of Bell and
Everett as Presidential candidates, was published by Samuel C. Dunn. Since
then, several other publications have appeared, such as the Roarin Rag, by B.
Neidig, an advertising sheet for his job office, but a spicy paper withal ; the
New Era, by Washburn & Whicher, real estate dealers ; the Humming Bird,
by 0. G. Jack ; and a brief-lived paper called the Democrat.
The German press Avas represented by the Zeitung, established in 1857, by
Charles Rotteck. This venture proved unprofitable, and the office was removed
to Keokuk the following year.
The Deutsche- Zeitung was established in 1874, by J. W. Weippiert, and
was continued with success. This spring, G. W. Weippiert succeeded his
father in the proprietorship of the paper.
WILTON PRESS.
The Wilton Chronicle was the first paper published at Wilton, and was
established in October, 1867, by Charles Baker and M. H. Thompson, editors
and proprietors. It was a seven-column paper published entirely at home. In
appearance it was very creditable, and the matter it contained was prepared with
care, having reference chieflv to the affairs of the town. This first number
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 497
contained an interesting description of the business of the town, a
history of the business men and their establishments. Of the first num-
ber there were 1,000 copies printed, and yet the demand exceeded the
supply. Among the most extensive advertisers were Frank Bacon, E.
E. Bacon, A. C. Blizzard, C. B. Strong and Addis & Strickland. The
Chronicle was neutral in politics, but was well edited and newsy, and was
attended with as good a degree of prosperity as usually falls to the lot
of embryo country journals. In March, 1868, the name of C. D. Eaton
appeared as associate editor. At this time, there were employed in the office
S- J. Mathes, Giles 0. Pearce and Jesse Markee. During the ensuing season,
the paper was conducted with great vigor — the Presidential canvass between
Grant and Colfax and Seymour and Blair. The billows of party politics ran
high, and the publishers of the Chronicle, desiring to soar above a neutral posi-
tion, communicated their intention to make their paper " fearlessly and impla-
cably Republican." Accordingly, about the 1st of June, it took the position
indicated, and, amid varied vicissitudes and changes, maintained it to the close
of its career. In the autumn of that year, after election, Mr. Thompson with-
drew from the firm, and the firm of Baker & Eaton continued the publication of
the Chronicle till the spring of 1869, in the mean time starting the West Liberty
Enterprise. In May of this year, while the firm remained the same, the two
members divided their labors, Mr. Baker remaining with the Chronicle, while
Mr. Eaton gave his time to the Enterprise. In September, 1869, the firm of
Baker & Eaton was dissolved — Mr. Baker being left sole editor and proprietor.
Early in the winter, Mr. Baker sold the ofiice to Henry C. Ashbaugh, who con-
ducted the Chronicle as editor and publisher for nearly a year. In the mean
time — June, 1870 — Mr. Eaton returned and commenced the publication of a
second paper, which he called The True Repiihlican. Mr. Eaton succeeded
tolerably well in this enterprise, and in January, 1871, he purchased of Mr.
Ashbaugh the subscription-list and good-will of the Chronicle. The two papers
were consolidated by Mr. Eaton as the Republican and Chronicle until May of
that year, when he sold the entire establishment to C. E. Cheesbro, who reduced
the size of the paper and rechristened it the Wilton Chronicle. Early in the
fall of that year, the paper was again sold to Mr. Baker, and in the following
winter, Mr. Baker took as a partner H. J. Vail, who continued about a year,
when he withdrew, and Mr. Baker w^as sole owner again until August, 1873,
when he leased the office to Messrs. G. 0. and G. B. Pearce for one year. In
July, 1874, they changed the name from Chronicle to Herald. During the
administration of the Pearce Brothers, valuable additions were made to the
material of the office — so much that when Mr. Baker took his aAvay they had
sufficient for every purpose. When their term of lease expired, they purchased
the subscription-list and good-will and continued the publication until Novem-
ber 23, 1874, when they sold to J. E. Stevenson. In the month of August,
1874, J. M. Rider & Co. established a second paper, called the Wilton Expo-
nent, the first number of which appeared Friday, August 21, the next day after
the great fire. Both papers continued publication until March 10, 1876, when
they were consolidated, and the names Herald and Exponent were merged into
the Review, edited and published by Rider & Stevenson. March 10, 1877,
Mr. Stevenson retired, and the paper was published by J. M. Rider until April
20, same year, when Mr. William Lee, of Tipton, became a half-partner, and
the firm was styled Rider & Lee. The paper has been continued under this
management, with J. N. Rider as editor, since that date.
498 * HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
WEST LIBERTY ENTERPRISE.
The Enterprise was established in April, 1868, by Mr. Baker, of Wilton,
Iowa, and edited by Exune Saint, of West Liberty. In the fall of the same
year, the paper was sold to C. D. Eaton and George Trumbo. The following
year, 1869, Mr. Trumbo became sole proprietor ; substquently, he formed a
partnership, in 1873, with A. R. Fuller ; but in January, 1874, again the same
was dissolved, and, in February of that year, the material and good will were
sold to J. W. McElravy, who is the present owner and editor of the paper,
which, under his management, has been made a success. He has changed and
enlarged it to a six-column quarto, and reduced its price. The circulation of
the Enterprise has been at least doubled since McElravy purchased the same.
Having taken hold of. the paper without any previous experience in journalism,
he is all the more deserving of credit for the results achieved.
EDUCATIONAL.
While the question of how to get a living was the foremost one in the minds
of the pioneers, the less direct, thouL'h none the less important, one of how to
educate their children was not overlooked. Almost contemporaneous with their
own dwellings, they began the building of such schoolhouses as they could,
crude and primitive in the extreme, for such only would their appliances admit,
and put together without regard to externals.
These same pioneer schoolhouses will, in the future, be a theme for the
artist — quite equal in every way to those supplied by the peasantry in the Old
World, with their quaint, simple fashions and unperverted lives. The eye of
the connoisseur delights in those realistic representations of still life — the
white-haired old grandfather, whose toil of years has only brought him his
cottage and bit of land : the still hard-working " gude wife," with bent body
and withered but cheerful old face ; the next generation, just in the prime of
labor, rough, uncouth, and content to have for recreation a pipe and a mug of
ale ; and the children with rosy cheeks and stout limbs, dressed in veritable
costumes their grandmothers wore before them. And no wonder such a
picture pleases and charms the jaded senses of the worn-out worldling. But
even that is not more fresh and unaccustomed than his log shanty, with its one
small room, a window of but few panes ol glass, and possibly a dirt floor; and
with rough-hewn benches ranged round the walls for seats, over which the
pupil made a fine gymnastic flourish whenever he felt it necessary to reach his
teacher, with his forefinger firmly planted on the knotty word or sum that puz-
zled him.
These are the picturesque features of the artist's pencil. And what "learn-
ing" there was must have been a '"dangerous thing," for it was certainly
'' little ; " the grading was fiir from exact ; the sj'stem was a kind of hit-or-
miss aff'air ; but, nevertheless, it was ''school," and from the first there was a
deeply-rooted prejudice among the Iowa settlers in favor of schools. School for
week-days and a meeting-house for Sunday I this same little pen of a house
served two purposes. And could anything exeept the groves themselves —
" God's first temples " — be nearer to nature as a tabernacle than was this,
where some chance circuit preacher would have for his congregation every man,
woman and child in the entire settlement ? None of those h'^percritical
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 499
listeners there, you may be sure, who gauge the preacher by his " intellectual-
ity," his "magnetism" or his "culture." It was the Word preached —
welcome, pure and life-giving always — and not the preacher, which these listen-
ers crowded to hear. If he but had the good Methodist zeal, then he was sure
of devout hearers. He did not need to have "traveled," except upon his
lone circuit over the prairie; nor did he feel it necessary to use his pulpit
in the interest of politics — if he knew his Bible, he was qualified ; nor did
his flock feel called upon to put their hands into their pockets and contribute
toward sending their Pastor on a summer vacation to the sea-side or to
Europe. All these improvements have come in with better churches and more
advanced ways of thinking. That was the old way, and a direct contrast to
the new.
Now, nothing which the architect's taste can devise is too good for school-
house or for church. Look at the plenitude of tidy, commodious buildings in
every county, and not designed for double service, either, but dedicated solely
to the use of the schoolma'am, who hereabouts is thoroughly skilled in her pro-
fession. She has had, aside from such education as her means have enabled
her to obtain, good practical drill in the normal institutes. She not only knows
her text-books, but she knows how to teach. And then the ingeniously-devised
school-book. In which every point of information is adjusted to such a nicety
that they are rather works of art and books of entertainment than but the dull
means to a desired end.
The little flocks of children who run along the country road in their bare
feet and sun-bonnets and chip hats, do not have to squirm and twist their
uneasy legs all day over a page in the English reader which they cannot under-
stand. They begin their morning's work with a chorus, which puts them all in
good humor to start with. Then they come to timed classes, at the tinkle of
the bell ; they are entertained and diverted as well as instructed at every step.
Before there is any possibility of restlessness, they go through a five-minutes
round of calisthenics, which put a wholesome quietus upon their muscles and
their mischief. Wise play is so mixed with teaching that they never really
discover which is which until they find themselves ready to teach school them-
selves in turn.
This is the case of the present compared with the labor of the past. And
in this way is the generality of education secured. The ways are smoothed,
the tediousness beguiled and the deprivation supplanted by an affluence of
aids.
In 1854, Gov. Grimes, in his inaugural message said: "The safety and
perpetuity of our republican institutions depend upon the diffusion of intelli-
gence among the masses of the people. The statistics of the penitentiaries
and alms-houses throughout the country show that education is the best pre-
ventive of crime. They show, also, that che prevention of these evils is
much less expensive than than the punishment of the one and the relief of the
other."
So, with all our new-fangled methods, our ornamental, well-ventilated and
well-furnished schoolhouses, our accomplished instructors with modern notions,
we are not extravagant. We are simply taking from the expenses of crime and
pauperism and putting it into enduring and beautiful shape. We are helping
to sustain the Government by rearing up in every town and in every country
neighborhood a generation of enlightened and intelligent people, cosmopolitan
in the sense of schools, if not in that wider cosmopolitanism Avhich comes alone
from actual contact with the great world.
500 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
The following statement is compiled from last general report of the County
Superintendent of Schools:
Number of district townships 10
Number of independent districts 27
Number of subdistricts 65
Number of ungraded schools 86
Number of graded schools 5
Total number of teachers employed 205
Total number of persons between the ages of 5 and 21 years 7,845
Tetal enroll men t 5,540
Average attendance 3,355
Number of schoolhouses 85
Valuation of schoolhouses and property $128,255
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS.
Previous to the passage of the revised school law in 1858, the office of
County Superintendent had no existence in Iowa. A part of the duties devolv-
ing on the County Superintendent were performed by the County School Fund
Commissioner.
The revised school law of 1858 created the office of County Superintend-
ent. Previous to that date, the county school officer was known as the School
Fund Commissioner. His duties were in part the same as that of the County
Superintendent, such as distributing blanks and making reports to the State
Superintendent ; but his principal duties were that of taking charge of the
school funds of the county, arising from the sale of the school lands ; that
is, iiis duties were more that of a financial agent than of Superintendent of
Schools.
The first election of County Superintendent was in April, 1858. William
F. Brannan, a lawyer, was the first County Superintendent, and held the office
until January 1, 1860. His successor was Rev. Charles Woodhouse, Univers-
alist, whose term expired on January 1, 1862. D. H. Goodno, teacher, suc-
ceeded Mr. Woodhouse, and, on the 1st of October, 1862, Mr. Goodno resigned
to accept the position of Major in the Gray-Beard Regiment, as it was called,
under Col. Kincade, and the Board of County Supervisors appointed George
B. Denison, teacher, as Mr. Goodno's successor, who held the office during the
remainder of Mr. Goodno's term, and, in October, 1863, was elected for the
full term, and was succeeded, January 1, 1866, by R. H. McCampbell. teacher.
Mr. McCampbell was re-elected in 1867, and, on the 1st of January, 186^,
resigned, to accept the office of County Auditor ; and the Board of Supervis-
ors appointed Frank Gilbert, teacher, to fill out the unexpired term. In Octo-
ber, 1869, Charles Hamilton, teaclier, was elected, and held the office from Jan-
uary 1, 1870, to January 1, 1872, when he was succeeded by Thomas Brown,
teacher, Avho was re-elected and held the office till January 1, 1876. The
present incumbent, R. W. Leverich, teacher, was elected in October, 1875, and
re-elected in 1877. His term of office will expire January 1, 1880.
POST OFFICES.
The post offices in the count}' are as follows : Adams, Atalissa, Conesville,
Fairport, Melpine, Moscow, Muscatine, Nichol Station, Pine Mills, Pleasant
Prairie, Stockton, Summit Ridge, Sweetland Centre, West Liberty and Wilton
Junction.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 501
MUSCATINE.
During the summer of 1833, Maj. George Davenport, who was trading with
the Indians at Rock Island, sent a man named Farnham and two assistants to
erect a log trading-post at "Sandstone Bluffs," or "Grindstone Bluffs," as
some are disposed to call them, the present site of Muscatine. A two-roomed
log building was erected by those men, and, some time later, a small stock of
goods was opened for sale by Farnham, under Davenport's direction.
In 1834, according to the statement of Mr. McGreAv, who passed over the
site of the city in that year, while prospecting, there was no other building
than the trading-house.
The house was built on the river-bank, just above where Iowa avenue now
touches the shore. Mr. Farnham continued to sell goods there until the fall
of 1835, at which time he died, in Stephenson, now Rock Island, 111.
During the winter of 1836, John Vanater, who had prospected this region
at a much earlier date, negotiated with Maj. Davenport for the claim and trad-
ing-post at this point. On the 20th day of February, 1836, quitclaim deeds
were issued by Davenport in favor of Col. Vanater and Capt. Benjamin Clark,
for 1200.
The size of the "claim" was one-half mile square, running one-quarter of a
mile each way up and down the river, from the house, and half a mile inland.
The line extended about sixty feet beyond what is now called Eighth street.
In May, 1836, the proprietors employed Maj. William Gordon, then a res-
ident of Rock Island, to survey a town on their claim. When the first plat
was made, the name of " Newburg " was given the town ; but before the work
had progressed very far that title was discarded, and the name of
BLOOMINGTON
was bestowed upon the new aspirant for notice and fame, which designation
was retained for about twelve years. Owing to the proximity of Bloomington,
111., mail-matter was frequently sent astray, and to av6id that difficulty the
name was changed to correspond with that of the county ; the township, how-
ever, still retains the name of Bloomington. In these pages we shall speak of
Bloomington and Muscatine according as the town was styled during the period
then written about.
In 1836, the original proprietors began to sell undivided interests in the
town. In August of that year. Dr. John H. Foster and Suel Foster paid
$500 for a one-sixth interest. This was purchased of Capt. Clark, and was
his last remaining portion. He resided at that time at Clark's Ferry, which
now is called Buffalo.
Other parties bought claims in the property at about that date. Among
the number whose names are now recalled were Moses Couch, Charles H. Fish,
T. M. Isett, Adam Funck, Henry Funck, Robert C. Kinney, William St. John,
G. H. Hight, B. White, William Devoe and J. W. Neally.
September 28, 1836, William Gordon (who was no relation of Maj. Will-
iam Gordon, the original surveyor, by the way) landed at this place, and, the
following day, began work on the
FIRST FRAME BUILDING
in Bloomington. It was designed as a hotel, and was used for that purpose for
many years. In 1879, its remains are still standing. The building was
.502 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
erected for R. C. Kinney. At that time there were but two buildings in the
place.
Mr. Gordon says he found the following persons in the village when he
came: William St. John, Giles and Jonathan Pettibone, J. Craig, John Champ,
Norman Fullington, Moses Coucli, Lyman C. Hine, Suel Foster, John Vanater,
James W. Casey, Adam Ogilvie, T. M. Isett, Mr. Norton and wife and R. C.
Kinney and wife.
The year previous to this, as is shown in the general history of the county,
in May, 1835, James M. Casey (or Kasey, as it is sometimes spelled in the
records) made a claim just down the river from Vanater & Clark's, and called
his place " Casey's Landing," or " Newburg." It was from that name the first
plat derived its temporary designation. The original limits did not include
Casey's claim in the town survey. As that is now a part of Muscatine, it is
proper to say that the first proprietors were J. W. Casey, Edward E. Fay,
William St. John, Norman Fullington, IL Reece, Jonathan Pettibone, L. C.
Hine, H. H. Hine, R. P. Lowe, Stephen Whicher, J. E. Fletcher, Breese &
Higginbotham, Abijah Whiting, W. D. Abernathy, A. Smith and others. This
claim was one mile square, including the territory occupied by the cemetery,
by Butlerville, and down to the slough.
The winter of 1836-37 was an exceeding cold one. The river froze over
very early, there was plenty of snow and the mercury went down to 32° below
zero one day. For five days and nights the mercury remained below zero.
Flour was sold at $25 per barrel, and salt sold at $6 per bushel. Supplies had
to be carried by team from St. Louis. This intense cold has been equaled but
once since that date. On the 10th of February, 1868, the mercury reached
32° below zero.
The second frame building erected in Bloomington, and which for many years
was the best building in the place, was erected in the spring of 1837, for John
Vanater, by William Gordon, assisted by Henry Reece, John Reece, James
Reece, Jonathan Pettibone, L. C. Hine and James Craig. These men boarded
at the " Iowa House," Kinney's famous hostelry, at the time they were thus
engaged. The frame of the building then in process of erection was made of
timbers cut from near the site of the structure, and was of oak. No pine lum-
ber was obtainable in those days. Even the weather-boards were of oak. The
town pointed with pride to this building for several years. Vanater opened a
tavern therein as soon as it was completed, and he was succeeded by John Cole-
man, the first resident Justice.
The sixth marriage that took place in the county was solemnized in the
"parlors" of the hotel, by Esquire Coleman. The contracting parties were
Washington A. Rigby and Lydia Barr. Josiah Parvin soon became manager
of the liotel. Some say that Mr. Mitchell kept the house for a time, but that
statement is pronounced erroneous by others, who say that Miss Mitchell was,
for a time, the ruling spirit under other management. The house stood on the
corner of Iowa avenue and Second street, but was moved to Third street, to
make room for Silverman & Bro.'s building.
In 1837, Adam Ogilvie opened the second store in Bloomington, counting
the trading-house as the first.
Joseph Bridgman began the dry goods business in 1837, the first house
of the kind in town, and still continues in trade — the oldest merchant in the
county.
William Gordon, Henry Reece and H. H. Hine had carpenter-shops in the
place in 1837.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 603
A terrible accident occurred on the river about seven miles below Bloom-
ington, August 18, 1837. The steamer " Dubuc^ue " exploded its boiler, kill-
ing twenty-two persons. Capt. Smoker was in command of the ill-fated craft.
Seventeen of the victims were brought to the town and interred where School-
house No. 1 now stands. William Gordon performed the sad duties of under-
taker on that occasion. The records of the Commissioners' Court show that he
was allowed $136, for his services and for the seventeen coffins furnished by
him. The remains of the dead were removed when the schoolhouse was erected,
and re-interred in the cemetery.
J. A. Parvin landed April 18, 1839. In May, lie leased a small cabin on
the hill and opened the first school in the county. He paid $8 rent for the
building, and his school was very small. In 1839-40, he moved to a building
near the Court House Square, and, in the spring, moved into the " town house,"
on Iowa Avenue.
In 1840, J. A. Parvin bought out Adam Ogilvie's stock of goods and com-
menced his mercantile career.
THE FIRST THREE YEARS.
While credit is given Col. Vanater for being the first resident on the plac
of Bloomington, it is true that the first settler on the present plat (1879) was
J. W. Casey, who built his cabin in the fall of 1835, on a claim immediately
south of the claim made by Davenport.
In locating towns on the Mississippi, the great object was to find a sufficient
depth of water to float a steamboat near the shore, so that landing could be
elfected. Mr. Casey had sounded the water along the shore, and found that
the deepest point was opposite the high bluff", extending down nearly to the
head of Muscatine Island. He, therefore, made claim to the land south of
Farnhara's claim. Mr. Casey was an active, energetic man.
When Mr. Vanater succeeded to the proprietorship of the trading-house,
positive competition sprang up between the two men as to which place was the
more desirable location for a town. Vanater asserted the superiority of his
land, and Casey urged with equal vehemence the advantages of his landing.
In time, both claims grew in value, and then a dispute arose as the boundary-
line between the claims. To settle that controversy, Maj. William Gordon,
who had a claim adjoining Benjamin Nye's, near Pine River, but who was living
at that time at Rock Island, was called upon to survey the town into lots.
Gordon was a graduate of West Point, and was a civil engineer as well as a
military man, although not then in commission. Vanater's claim extended a
quarter of a mile up and down the river from the trading-house, but as the
cabin was a double log building, thirty-two feet long, it was necessary for the
surveyor to have some definite point to begin at. Vanater told the surveyor
that the outside of the stick-chimney, on the west end of the cabin, was the
proper point to start the measurement from. The Major ran the lines accord-
ingly, and Vanater's town site was made to encroach about twenty feet on
Casey's claim. Soon after this, the claim laws were established, and the matter
was submitted to ai'bitration.
In the fall of 1836, Mr. Casey died and was buried on the high land where
Schoolhouse No. 2 was erected years afterward. This was the first adult
death in the county.
In November, 1837, a child was born in the family of a Mr. Barclow, and
in that month, or in December following, a young daughter of Mr. Barclow
was buried.
504 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Charles H. Fish laid off the upper addition to the city at about this time,
and a cemetery was marked out upon the plat. Numerous interments were
made therein durincr the succeeding ten vears.
Mr. Fish moved to Bloomingtou in 1837, with his wife, son and two daugh-
ters— William, Emeline and Caroline.
Mr. Moses Couch, who came in 1836, was joined by his wife in 1837.
Mrs. Reece and her sons — Henry, John, James and Joseph, came in 1837.
During the early years, that curse of Western settlements — fever and ague
— made this locality a desolate one. to a great extent. The ladies referred to
here were among the most efficient and self-sacrificing in their care of the suf-
ferers, and deserve lasting tribute.
In 1836, as has been stated, R. C. Kinney opened the first tavern. The
original part w^as 16x30 feet in size, divided into three rooms below and three
above. This was the first frame building in Bloomington. It is a great pity
that no record of the events which transpired in that house was preserved.
In 1837-38, Mr. Barton kept boarders in a log cabin which stood on the
ground between Mr. Bridgeman's store and his dwelling. John Vanater built
the second hotel in the spring of 1838, where the Tribune building stands.
The building was afterward moved to Third street.
The first brick building was erected in 1839. by Matthew Matthews, on Lot
5. Block 13. on Water street. The mason-work was done by his brother Hiram
Mathews, who came to the town that year.
The Court House was begun in 1839, as is shown elsewhere.
John Coleman, one of the first Justices of the Peace in this county, kept
his oflSce for a year or so in the old Vanater Hotel. Among the cases that
were tried before him were several for the crime of Sabbath-breaking. Three
men were one day sentenced to pay 83 each for making a pig.trough on Sunday.
Joe Leverich, a man famous for his connection with a band of notorious men.
was once fined heavily for blasphemy. He carried his case to the District
Court and there created immense sport for Judge Williams and the bar.
ANECDOTES OF INDIANS.
The existence of the trading-post here made this point a famous one for the
Indians during the first few years after the whites settled in Muscatine County.
Hundreds of Indians would come to the slough, or some otiier convenient place,
and pitch their temporary tents. Poweshiek, the chieftain, had his village on
the Iowa River further up, and the camps made on the Mississippi after the year
1836 were but transient abodes. Many of the white settlers became very
friendly with certain of the Indians, but the general characteristic of the red
men is silence and dogged reserve. Some of the subchiefs were more disposed
to be friendly than the Indians usually were because of their more frequent
intercourse with the whites. Kishkekosh. wdio is spoken of at considerable
length in the foregoing pages, was the central figure in a lively social scene in
Bloomington in 1839. The incident is related by Suel Foster as follows :
" In the spring of 1839, Stephen Whicher gave a large social party, which
event for those days was of a novel kind. His guests were composed of the
entire elite of the town, and about twenty Indians with their squaws, who came
dressed in calico breeches, roundabouts, moccasins ornamented with beads, and
trinkets of various kinds attached to their persons. The Indians were also
rigged out in their best for the party, with painted f\\ces. gay blankets, buckskin
breeches, and fantastic wammises ornamented with their war trophies, jewels in
their ears and noses, brass bands on their arms, long ornamented pipes, weasel
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 505
and skunk skin tobacco pouches, war clubs trimmed with feathers, bears' claws
and tusks, and strings of highly ornamented wampum. This was probably the
most peculiarly constructed social gathering that ever met in the State. The
first thing on the programme of the evening was a war-dance by the Indians.
The large front room being cleared, and nothing lacking but music, Mrs.
W. brought out some tin pans, a fire-shovel and tongs, which with a few sticks
made ample music. Kishkekosh, the noble chief, first stepped on the floor
alone, divested of nearly all his garments, and presenting a fine, well-formed
and powerful form, led the dance in a majestic, savage style. Soon one and
another of the men joined, until the fioor was nearly filled, the whole circling
around in all sorts of savage and fantastic shapes and forms of attitude, keeping
time with the din of the pans and tongs, at the same time uttering low guttural
sounds — hew-wa-wa-hew-ha-wa-wo-ho-hew-ha-woo — which increased in loudness
and tone until it became a savajje howl, and then charged at each other until the
ladies were greatly frightened. The doors being closely guarded S'^ as to allow
no one to escape, the tumult soon became general. As the dance subsided one
of the painted warriors suddenly sprang at and kissed one of the fairest of the
fair white ladies, who, not appreciating the honor done her, screamed a screaln
more piercing and frightful than the howling of the Indians. As a return for
this extraordinary entertainment, the Indians insisted that the whites, especially
the " white squaws," should have a dance. A violin was accordingly procured,
and several dances were performed in the most elegant frontier style, which
appeared to delight the Indians as much as their performance had the whites.
The entertainment was kept up until the wee small hours, when the parties dis-
persed to their respective homes and wigwams, thus ending one of the most brill-
iant and social entertainments in the history of Iowa."
A good story is told by Suel Foster of an Indian scare which occurred
in the winter of 1836—37. There was a man of the name of Maine then living
on the island some two miles below Muscatine, who kept a barrel of whisky for
trafiic Avith the Indians, who were very fond of that article. On one noted occa-
sion, when there had been a new arrival in his family, this old man having taken
a little too much himself, was troubled bv several Indians who, having already
drank enough to make them feel quarrelsome, insisted upon having more whisky,
which he refused. The Indians, determined not to be refused, threatened him
to such an extent that he started toward town to secure help. As he left,
an Indian fired — at the whisky-barrel, and tapped it in the head. The crack of
the rifle brought a neighbor woman who was helping in the house to the door,
and finding the Indians suckins at the bullet- veut in the whisky-barrel, she
resolutel}^ caught up a hoe, drove the Indians oft', and set the barrel on end. But
the aftrighted Maine, when he heard the rifle, imagined that his family and the
woman thei-e were being murdered, and he alone would escape to tell of their
fate. The nearer town he got the faster he ran, and the more piteous were his
cries for help. The villagers were alarmed, and as soon as he could get breath
to utter an audible word, he said : " The Indians have murdered all my family,
and as I ran they fired at me, but I have outrun 'em. Go down I go down ! I"
There was a hasty gathering of guns and what means of defense could be found,
and guards were placed to protect the village. The '' landlord," R. C. Kinney,
who is said to have been the fattest, laziest, quietest, can't- run-man in the town,
exclaimed : " God of Heaven, what shall we do I John Champ, take my
horse and go to Moscow and give the alarm ; tell them that the Indians have
killed all the folks on the island, and that we Avill run in that direction, and they
must come and meet us." The braves who charged on the whisky-barrel got so
506 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
shot with the fire-water that they set fire to the rank grass, discharged their
guns, and, after screaming and yelling at a fearful rate for a while, quietly
entered their canoes and left for Cowmack Island.
THE BLOOMINGTON & CEDAR RIVER CANAL COMPANY.
During the early years of settlement in this Territory, the ambitious men
turned their thoughts to the development of schemes for water transportation.
Railroads were then in their infancy, and the most daring speculators did not
even dream of securing Congressional aid for such methods of communication.
In 1838-39, the country west of Bloomington was mainly tributary to that
town ; but the only means of reaching the Mississippi was by team. The valley
of the Cedar supplied a large amount of trade to Bloomington, a point more
accessible to the settlers of that fertile region than any other on the river. As
a natural result of the advantages of location, Bloomington held the traffic for
some time undisturbed, but, with the growth of rival river-towns, came also a
realization of the necessity of inducing a continuance of the patronage. The
prevailing mania was for the improvement of water-courses, during the period
of which we write, and, as an inevitable outcome, a company of Bloomington
men conceived the idea of uniting the Cedar wiih the Mississippi River, by
digging a canal from Bloomington to the Cedar, and by that means diverting
the trade of the valley to the growing town. The Cedar, during certain seasons
of the year, was navigable as high up as Cedar Rapids, and a most extensive
territory would be rendered accessible if such a project as that of the proposed
canal was carried out.
The gentlemen who appear as incorporators of the enterprise were Joseph
Williams, John Vanater, Adam Ogilvie, Charles Alexander Warfield, Suel
Foster, William Gordon, Harvey Gillett, William D. Viele, Stephen Tony,
James W. Talman and John D. Foy. They secured the passage of a bill
incorporating the "Bloomington & Cedar River Canal Company," which was
approved January 12, 1839. The provisions of the charter were as follows :
The above-named gentlemen were styled Commissioners of the Company ; they
Avere endowed with all the usual corporate rights ; the capital stock of the Com-
pany was $200,000 ; shares of stock were placed at $10 ; the canal was to
extend from the Mississippi River at Bloomington to the mouth of Rock Creek,
where it emptied into the Cedar River; the Company had the right to take
such lands as were needed to develop their work, by appointing appraisers and
allowing a fair valuation for property thus seized, provided no mill-sites were
destroyed; in short, all possible contingencies ware provided for in the terms of
the charter.
Besides the supposed advantages to trade, it was also argued that the canal
would furnish power for factories, and thereby serve a double purpose. Mr.
Foster, whose name is given as one of the incorporators, was opposed to the
scheme, from the first, and wrote several articles to prove the absurdity of the
undertaking. His name was used without authority. When he heard of the
project to produce power in this way, he at once said that the elevation between
Bloomington and the Cedar River was at least eighty feet, and could not be
overcome. Subsequent exploration proved that the highest point was eighty-
four feet above the Mississippi, and it is needless to add that the scheme was
never carried out. In 1865, the project of constructing a canal from Mus-
catine to Moscow was revived, with the view of securing a water-power; but
the scheme failed of success.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 507
SECOND SURVEY.
The survey of the town of Blooraington, after the purchase was made, in
1840, by George Bumgardner, and the plat is now framed in the County
Recorder's office.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE SLOUGH.
In 1845, another company was formed, for the purpose of damming the
slough and reclaiming the lands annually overflowed. The dam was con-
structed and proved beneficial, improving many thousand acres; but the sec-
ondary object in view — that of supplying power — was not achieved. The
present occupation of the fertile "island" is largely owing to this improve-
ment. The improvements of recent date are both extensive and permanent,
and a large industry has grown up in the immediate vicinity.
INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN.
The town of Bloomington was incorporated by act of the Territorial Leg-
islature, approved January 23, 1839. The original description was " all that
part or tract of land in Township 76 north. Range 2 west, and Township 77
north, Range 2 west, which has been surveyed and laid off into town lots for
commercial purposes," then known as Bloomington. The bill was merely the
usual form of incorporating acts, and need not be reproduced. It may be
found on page 248, statute laws of the Territory of Iowa, 1839, known as the
" Blue Book."
At the time of its incorporation, the town contained a population of seventy-
one souls, and boasted of thirty-three buildings.
Early in 1839, or late the preceding year (the record does not show which),
John Vanater, Aaron Usher and Err Thornton, County Commissioners, selected
the southeast quarter of Section 35, Township 77, Range 2 west, under the act
of Congress donating to each county a quarter section of land for the purpose
of erecting county buildings. They assessed the quarter (which now lies nearly
in the center of the city) at f 18,000, and taxed the lots therein to that amount.
The other divisions of the present town plat, viz., a fractional part of the
northeast quarter of Section 35 ; also a fractional part of the southwest quarter
of Section 36, called Warfield's Division ; a fractional part of the northwest
quarter of the same section, known as Smalley's Division ; a fractional part of
the southwest quarter of Section 35, known as St. John's Division, together
with what there is of the northeast quarter of Section 1, Township 76, Range
2 west, styled Foster's Division ; the east half of the northwest quarter of the
same section, known as Higginbotham's "Float," and the west half of the same
quarter, known as Williams' Division — were entered about the same time by
the individuals whose names they bear, as trustees or the claimants of lots in
their several divisions. The following is a specimen of the bonds entered into
by the parties concerned :
AGREEMENT made and concluded by and between Thomas M. Isett, Jesse Williams and Niles
Higginbotham (a committee appointed by the holders and rightful owners of lots within that
part or portion of the town of Bloomington, in the county of Musquitine and Territory of
Iowa, on the Mississippi River, called and known by the citizens of said town as the "Upper
Town," or part of said town, as described in the following resolution, adopted by the claim-
ants of lots in said town, at a meeting held at Burlington, Nov. 27th. 1838 (viz. : Resolved,
the boundaries of Uie upper addition to the town of Bloomington, be the lines as agreed to
and marked by John Vanater and Farrington Barricklow, of the one part, and Charles A.
Warfield, of the county aforesaid, of the other part), viz.:
It is hebery agreed by the said Charles A. Warfield, on his part, that he will officiate as the
bidder or representative of the proper and rightful owners or claimants of each and every the lots
508 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
within that part of the said town of Bloomington, called and known as the Upper Town, and described
a? aforesaid, at the land-sales now holding and progressing at the city of Burlington in said Territory,
when and at the time such lands upon which said lots are, or said upper town is, laid out or located ;
and that he, the said VVarfield, will well and truly bid in and purchase the said land from the United
States, or so much of the said land as has not been sold by the Government of the United States
to the Commissioners of Musquitine County, so that all the lots within the plat of the said
described town called Upper Town shall be bought and purchased by him. the said Warfield, in
trust for and to the use of each and every of the bona-fide and rightful claimants of said lots.
And it is further agreed, on the part of said Warfield, that so soon, or as conveniently after the
said sale and purchase of the said lots in the manner aforesaid, as may be, he will well and truly
release or convey, by such deed as shall be good and valid in law, all and every of the said lots
in said portion or part of the said town as aforesaid described, to each and every the proper
owners or claimants of the same, in fee simple, so as that the said claimants shall forever possess
and have the same to the only proper use, benefit and behoof of themselves, their heirs and
assigns — all which said stipulations he will faithfully keep and perform. And on behalf of the
said lot-holders, it is agreed by the said committee, for them, that they, the said lot-holders or
claimants, shall, by themselves or agents, pay or cause to be paid unto the said Warfield, their
trustee aforesaid, 25 cents for each lot so as aforesaid bought in for them, for his trouble in and
about tlie purchase of the said land at the land office; and also to pay to the said Warfield the
cost or expenses of purchase of the said land frooi the United States for them, the said lot-
holders, at the land-sale aforesaid, and the said owners or claimants, each and every of them,
shall prepare and furnish, free of expense, to the said Warfield, the deed or deeds for his or
their own lot or lots. It is also covenanted, agreed and understood, by and between the afore-
said parties, to this agreement that all the land or ground constituting the landing fronting the
said described part or portion of Bloomington, from the line of the town survey or plat on the
street adjoining or next to the Mississippi River, is to be bidden off and purchased by the said
Warfield to and for the use of tlie public, and by him to be conveyed in fee simple to Thomas iM.
Isett, Jesse Williams and Niles Higginbotham, in trust for the town of Bloomington, when it shall
hereafter become incorporated, and to be for the citizens of said town for public use until said
.town shall become legally incorporated. It is also understood and agreed. That the said Charles
A. Warfield is to bid in all the land or ground laid out according to the said town plat for streets
and alleys, in trust for the public use, and after the same is so bid in or purchased by deeds, or
other assurance good in law, to make and deliver to the said committee, in trust for the citizens
01 the town of Bloomington, now and after the same shall be incorporated, to the said town
forei^er. And it is furthermore agreed to, by and between the parties aforesaid, That all the
claimants of lots who shall fail to make payment, or fail to comply with the requisitions of this
agreement, to the siid Warfield, within six months from the date of purchase of the said lands
and lots at the land-sales aforesaid, then the said owners or claimants so neglecting or refusing,
shall forfeit his or their lot or lots ; and the lot or lots so forfeited shall be sold at public sale for
the benefit of the town of Bloomington, as aforesaid ; Provided, nevertheless, that it shall be the
duty of the snd Warfield to give public notice in one or more newspapers of the Territory of
Iowa for at least four weeks successively next preceding the expiration of the term of six months,
as aforesaid.
And the said Warfield furthermore covenants and agrees, That so much of the said land, or
parcels of land, as may be purchased by him at the land-sales aforesaid, owned or claimed by
A. Smalley, adjoining the town of Bloomington aforesaid, shall be conveyed by him, the said
Warfield, to the said Smalley, his heirs or assigns, by a good and sufficient deed in fee sim-
ple— the said Smalley paying to the said Warfield the purchase money paid to the Government
of the United States, or their agents, at the land-sales aforesaid, by the said Warfield.
And for the faithful and true performance of all and every the agreements and stipulations
mentioned and contained in the foregoing agreement, the said Thomas M. Isett, Jesse Williams,
and Niles Higginbotham, for and in behalf of the lot-holders or claimants aforesaid, and the said
Charles A. Warfield, bind themselves each to the other in the sum of sixty thousand dollars.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this, the twenty-eighth day
of November, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
CHAS. A. WARFIELD, [l. s.] ,
THOMAS M. ISETT, [l. s.]
JESSE WILLIAMS. [l. s.]
In presence of
Charles H. Fish,
Geo. W. Fitch.
In 1841, the first brick hotel was built by Josiah Parvin. It still stands as
the National House.
In 1843, the first saw-mill was erected and run by C. Cadle. It stood
where Chambers' old mill stands.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 509
In 1840, the citizens of Bloomington appointed Suel Foster a committee
to purchase, from the Government, the land on which a part of the town is
located. The land was to be purchased in trust for such persons as might be
able to present a certificate of an equitable claim therefor, paying him the
original cost and his expenses. If any property remained unclaimed after
the expiration of six months from the date of his purchase, such parcels
were to become forfeited to the town of Bloomington. Mr. Foster entered
the land, as agreed, paying therefor $39.2"2|. The area was 31.38 acres,
and extended along the river from the mouth of Pappoose Creek nearly to
Broadway. In 1843, the city, by its attorney, demanded of Mr. Foster a deed
for the unclaimed lands, but he claimed as his own a strip of ground of indef-
inite width, between Water street and the river, after allowing sixty feet for the
latter thoroughfare. Suit was brought against Mr. Foster in the District Court,
in 1844, in chancery. The case was decided against Mr. Foster, who carried
it on appeal to the Supreme Court. That tribunal affirmed the decision of the
lower court in 1851. The matter created considerable excitement at the time,
but we deem it worthy of mention here merely because it affected the title to
public property. Those who desire to learn of the several points raised can
satisfy themselves by examining the Supreme Court reports of 1851.
In 1846, or ten years after its first settlement, Bloomington had a popula-
tion of 1,600.
In 1848, Joseph Bennett erected a steam flour-mill. The building was five
stories high, 50x85 feet, and run five buhrs. The capacity was 500 barrels of
flour per day.
The first telegraph message was received in Bloomington August 23, 1848.
O. H. Kelley was the operator who took the dispatch from the instrument.
The first book store was established by Hinds & Humphrey, in 1848.
In 1849, the name of Bloomington was changed to that of Muscatine, by
order of the District Court.
A GLANCE AT MUSCATINE IN 1855.
One bright afternoon, in the summer of 1855, a distinguished-looking
gentleman stepped from the deck of a packet to the unpretentious wharf of
Muscatine. The leading citizens of the city paid their respects to the stranger
and presented him to the people. He whom the people delighted to honor was
none other than the famous English statesman, Richard Cobden.
As the traveler gazed about him at the bold and rugged bluffs, he observed :
" When the boat came around that point above, and the amphitheater of your
town appeared in view, with the sight of those beautiful residences suspended
by the high bluff above the river, I thought the picturesque Rhine had not the
equal of that picture." The traveler saw none of the harsher and cruder
features of the place. The lavish hand of nature had bestowed charms which
even the " improvements " of man had not and could not efface. Surely the
similarity between the castellated Rhine and the Mississippi in its wildness
ceased when the visitor permitted his fancy to be overcome by a sense of the
actual attempt to implant the germs of civilization. The rude streets, uncom-
pleted and terminating abruptly in the towering walls which nature had silted
up ; the temporary and unpicturesque remains of the buildings which the
early settlers were compelled to call their homes ; and the evidences of newness
which were to be seen on every hand, surely these marks of infancy in the life
of the Western towns would effectually dispel the idea of poetic comparison
which even the wildest flight of imagination might for a moment create.
.510 HISTORY OF MUSOATIXE COUNTY.
But all that atmosphere of newness has disappeared, and those who see the
beautiful city of Muscatine to-day join heartily with Prof. Swing in pronoun-
cing this the most lovely scene on the Upper Mississippi.
August 18, 1857, the city was first lighted with gas ; a grand celebration
marked the event.
TOWN RECORDS.
The original records of the town of Bloomington are preserved in good form.
The first entry is as follows :
At a corporation election held at the house of R C. Kinney, in the town of Bloomington,
on Monday, tlie Titli daj' of May. A. D. 1839, the following persons received the number of vote*
opposite their respective names:
FOH PRESIDENT. Votei.
Honorable .Joseph Williams 38
Arthur Washburn : 1
Lyman C. Hine 1
FOR TRUSTEES.
Arthur Wasliburn 38
Henry Reece 21
B. P. Howland 20
Suel Foster 15
Charles H. Fish 13
Lyman C. Hine 8
William Gordon 7
Jonathan Pettibone 2
Thomas M. Isett 2
FOR RECORDKR.
Moses Couch 29
James G. Morrow 10
FOR STREET COMMISSIONER.
Giles Pettibone 10
The returns were approved and certified to by Moses Couch and Arthur
Washburn, Judges, and John Marble, Clerk.
The first meeting of the Board was held at the office of Arthur Washburn
May 10, 1839, when the officers were sworn in and took their offices as follows :
Joseph Williams, President ; Arthur Washburn, B. P. Howland and Henry
Reece, Trustees, and Moses Couch, Recorder.
On the 16th of May, Moses Couch was appointed City Treasurer. John
Marble was appointed Marshal ; John J. Reece, Street Commissioner, in lieu
of Mr. Pettibone, resigned, and Charles H. Fish, Assessor.
The first ordinance adopted was in relation to the sale of spirituous liquors.
The second one was for the " preservation of good order."
No further business was transacted during the first year. As the official
roster is given in full elsewhere, we make no further special mention of elections.
During the first year, the Board had no regular place of meeting, but convened
in offices, shops, etc., as the case required.
The session of May 19, 1840, was held at the post office, and the Board
voted to call a meeting at the schoolhouse for the purpose of voting on the
amount of corporation tax to be levied. The schoolhouse referred to stood on
Iowa avenue, and was a building used for public purposes generally. The vote
was duly taken May 23, and a majority of the electors decided one quarter of
one per cent on the town valuation as the proper thing.
During the summer of 1840, the Board was mainly occupied in superintend-
ing the construction of a culvert over Pappoose Creek, at Second street. The
first order on the Treasurer was issued July 21, of that year, to C. B. Leavitt,
for work on that culvert.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 511
In those days, liquor stores were politely termed " groceries," and licenses
at the rate of $25 per year were required to conduct them.
Frequent allowances were made to men, who have since become identified
with the progress of the town, for ''removing stumps from the streets."
In 1878, W. F. Brannan, Esq., revised and arranged the city ordinances,
and under his supervision they were published in convenient form. That fact
obviates the necessity of this work's entering into a review of the city opera-
tions. The charter and revised ordinances are to be seen at the Recorder's
office.
CITY OFFICIAL ROSTER.
List of officers of the town of Bloomington, from March, 1839, to March,
1851:
1839 — Joseph Williams, President; Arthur Washburn, Henry Reece, Benj.
P. Howland, Trustees ; Moses Couch, Recorder ; Giles Pettibone, Street Com-
missioner.
1840 — John Lilly, President; Henry Reece, John W. Richman, R. P.
Lowe, Trustees ; E. E. Fay, Recorder ; Matthew Matthews, Street Commis-
sioner; Hiram Matthews, Marshal ; D. J. Snyder, Treasurer.
1841 — Thomas Darlington, President; John S. Lakin, Edward Ballard,
Suel Foster, Trustees ; Arthur Washburn, Recorder ; William St. John, Street
Commissioner ; John W. Weller, Treasurer ; John Marble, Marshal.
1842 — David Clark, President; William Frye, Hiram Wilson, William St.
John, Trustees ; Arthur Washburn, Recorder ; Daniel Mauck, Street Commis-
sioner; Lyman C. Hine, Treasurer.
1843 — John A. Parvin, President ; William Frye, J. J. Hoopes, L. C.
Hine, Trustees ; Pliny Fay, Recorder ; Daniel Mauck, Street Commissioner ;
John Zeigler, Treasurer ; William Parvin, Marshal.
1844— Stephen L. Foss, President ; A. J. Fimple, A. M. Hare, J. R. Ben-
nett, Trustees ; Thomas Crandol, Recorder ; Daniel Mauck, Street Commis-
sioner ; William Leffingwell, Treasurer ; Hiram Matthews, Marshal.
1845 — Charles Evans, President; John M. Kane, William Leffingwell, A.
J. Fimple, Trustees; John Lilly, Recorder; Hiram Matthews, Street Commis-
sioner; William Parvin, Treasurer and Marshal; John Seller, Sexton. Mr.
Seiler has served in this office continuously since 1845.
1846 — Stephen L. Foss, President ; Hezekiah Musgrove, Joseph P. Free-
man, Alexander Jackson, Trustees ; Douglas Dunsmore, Recorder ; Hiram
Matthews, Street Commissioner; William Parvin, Treasurer and Marshal.
1847 — J. M. Barlow, President; J. L. Cummins, Harris H. Hine, Edward
Olmstead, Trustees ; Richard Cadle, Recorder ; Hiram Matthews, Street Com-
missioner; John M. Kane, Treasurer and Marshal.
1848 — Thomas M. Isett, President; E. H. Albee, John M. McCormick,
Pliny Fay, Trustees ; Richard Cadle, Recorder ; David Freeman, Street Com-
missioner; John M. Kane, Treasurer and Marshal.
1849 — Elias Overman, President; J. G. Gordon, Jacob Butler, G. S.
Branham, Trustees ; Richard Cadle, Recorder ; Charles Browning, Street
Commissioner; William Parvin, Treasurer and Marshal. This year the cor-
porate name was changed to Muscatine, by the District Court, at its June ses-
sion.
1850— William D. Ament, President; G. W. Hunt, Alfred Purcell, Ansel
Humphreys, Trustees ; Thomas Crandol, Recorder ; Charles Browning, Street
Commissioner; William A. Drury, Treasurer and Marshal.
512 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
In 1851, by act of the State Legislature, a special city charter was granted
Muscatine. From March of that year to the present time, the city officers
have been as follows :
1851 — Zephaniah Washburn (resigned), Aulay Macaulay, Mayor ; Henry
Reece, J. B. Dougherty, Absalom Fisher, John C. Irwin, II. D. Lacosett, B.
Bartholomew, Aldermen ; G. S. Branham, Marshal ; C. F. Browning, Wharf-
master ; Thomas Crandol, Recorder; William D. Ament, Treasurer; L. C.
Hine, Assessor ; C. G. Heilenberg, City Engineer.
1852 — Thomas M. Isett, Mayor ; Henry Reece, J. B. Dougherty, Absa-
lom Fisher, George C. Stone, William St. John, Samuel Bamford, Alder-
men; Alexander Jackson, Marshal; Thomas M, Williams, Recorder; S. B.
Crane, Wharfmaster ; John I. Reece, Assessor; William D. Ament. Treasurer.
1853 — John G. Stine, Mayor; George C. Stone, William St. John, Samuel
Bamford, Marx Block, A. M. Hare, Jacob Hershe. Aldermen ; Charles F.
Browning, Marshal ; Henry C. Lamb, Recorder ; William D. Ament, Treas-
urer ; L. C Hine, Assessor ; S. B. Crane, Wharfmaster.
1854 — John A. Parvin, Mayor; Marx Block, A. M. Hare, Jacob Hershe,
Jacob .Butler. Charles Nealley, William Young, Aldermen ; Abial Fry, Mar-
shal; D. P. Johnson, Recorder; M. Berkshire, Assessor; Edward Hoch, City
Measurer.
1855 — J. H. Wallace, Mayor; Jacob Butler, Charles Nealley, William
Young, F. S. Phelps, D. C. Cloud, C. Cadle, Aldermen ; Jacob Israel, Mar-
shal ; J. B. Dougherty, Treasurer ; William L. Browning, Wnax'fmaster.
1856— William Leffingwell, Mayor ; F. S. Phelps, D. C. Cloud, C. Cadle,
I. R. Mauck, A. M. Hare, B. W. Thompson, Aldermen ; John A. McCormick,
Marshal ; D. P. Johnson, Recorder ; J. B. Dougherty, Treasurer ; A. J.
Fimple, Assessor; L. C. Bailey, City Engineer.
1857— John J. Stine, Mayor; I. R. Mauck, A. M. Hare, B. W. Thomp-
son, Edward Hoch, J, R. Nisley, A. Fisher, Aldermen ; Elias linger. Mar-
shal; D. P. Johnson, Recorder; II. Lofland, Treasurer; William Leffingwell,
Assessor ; Samuel Tarr, Street Commissioner ; Marx Block, Wharfmaster.
1858 — George Meason, Mayor ; Edward Hoch, J. R. Nisley, A. Fisher,
S. G. Hill, J. P. Freeman, C. Hershe, Aldermen ; Elias linger, Marshal ; D.
P. Johnson, Recorder ; H. Lotiand, Treasurer ; Peter Jackson, Assessor ;
Romulus Hawley, Street Commissioner ; John Bartholomew, Wharfmaster.
1859— George Meason, Mayor ; S. G. Hill, J. P. Freeman, C. Hershe,
W. C. Kennedy, Henry Funck, Robert Williams, Aldermen ; J. R. Nisley,
Recorder; R. R. Lauthcr (resigned), Abel F. Adams, Treasurer; Z. Wash-
burn, Assessor ; Romulus Hawley, Street Commissioner.
1860 — George Meason, Mayor ; W. C. Kennedy, Henry Funck, Robert
Williams, S. G. Stein, Henry Molis, C. Hershe, Aldermen ; William Dill,
Marshal ; R. T. Wallace, Recorder ; A. F. Adams, Treasurer ; R. T. Wallace,
Wharfmaster.
1861 — Geoi'ge Meason, Mayor; S. G. Stein, Henry Molis, C. Hershe, Luke
Sells, F. Thurston, Abraham Johns, Aldermen ; William Dill, Marshal ;
Hugh J. Campbell, Recorder; John Wiley, Assessor; Romulus Hawley, Street
Commissioner ; R. T. Wallace, Wharfmaster.
1862 — George Meason, Mayor ; Isaac R. Mauck, Henry Molis, Richard
Musser, Luke Sells. F. Thurston, A Johns,* J. S. Patten, Aldermen ; William
Dill,* T. B. James, Marshal; E. 0. Upham,* L. H.Washburn, Recorder;
John Wiley, Treasurer ; Charles S. Porter,* Abial Fry, Collector; William
♦These gentlemen resigned their respective offlces to enlist in the army, when their places were filled by appointment.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 513
Dill, Assessor ; Marx Block, Wharfmaster ; Romulus Hawley,* Cyrus Haw-
ley, Street Commissioner ; Cornelius Cadle, City Measurer.
1863 — Henry Funck, Mayor ; Philip Stein, R. T. Wallace, Benjamin Mid-
dleton, Isaac R. Mauck, Henry Molis, Richard Musser, Aldermen; T. B. James,
Marshal ; D. S. Biles, Recorder; John Wiley, Treasurer; William LeflBngwell,
Collector; L. T. Goldsberry, Assessor; Marx Block, Wharfmaster ; William
A. Thayer, Street Commissioner; Joseph S. Mulford, City Measurer.
1864 — S. D. Viele, Mayor ; Henry W. Moore, Ferdinand Kaufmann,
W. H. Simpson, Philip Stein, R. T. Wallace, Benjamin Middleton, Aldermen ;
T. B. James, Marshal; D. S. Biles, Recorder; A. F. Demorest, Treasurer;
William LeflEingwell, Collector ; T. B. James, Assessor ; Marx Block, Wharf
Master ; William A. Thayer, Street Commissioner ; John Chambers, City
Measurer.
1865 — Benjamin Hershey, Mayor ; Philip Stein, S. B. Crane (died in
office), George Schneider, L. H. Washburn, Henry W. Moore, Ferdinand
Kaufman, W. H. Simpson, Aldermen ; T. B. James, Marshal ; D. S. Biles,
Recorder ; John Wiley, Treasurer ; William Leffingwell, Collector ; William
Gordon, Assessor ; Daniel Sterneman, Wharfmaster ; William A. Thayer,
Street Commissioner ; EdAvard Hoch, City Measurer.
1866 — Benjamin Hershey, Mayor; F. Wienker, J. A. Reuling, C. F.
Kessler, Philip Stein, L. H. Washburn, Noah Green, Aldermen ; T. B.
James, Marshal ; D. S. Biles, Recorder ; Henry Molis, Treasurer ; William
Leffingwell, Collector ; William Gordon, Assessor ; George Schneider, Wharf-
master ; Michael Murphy, Street Commissioner.
1867 — George Meason, Mayor; C. E. Kent, Alpheus Palmer, L. H.
Washburn, F. Wienker, J. A. Reuling, C. F. Kessler, Aldermen ; J. G.
Wells, Marshal ; John H. Munroe, Recorder ; A. F. Demorest, Treasurer ;
William Dill, Collector ; Lewis Coe, Assessor for county purposes ; J. P.
Freeman, Assessor for city purposes ; William H. Snyder, Wharfmaster ;
Romulus Hawley, Street Commissioner ; Cornelius Cadle, City Measurer.
1868 — E. Klein, Mayor ; William Spring, V. Chambers, John Cackler, C.
E. Kent, C. Cadle (to succeed Palmer, removed from city), L. H. Washburn,
Aldermen ; John K. Scott, Marshal ; John H. Munroe, Recorder ; William
Leffingwell, Treasurer ; 0. W. Brown, Collector ; William Gordon, Assessor for
county purposes ; Lewis Coe, Assessor for city purposes ; Marx Block, Wharf-
master ; James S. Patten, Street Commissioner.
1869— William B. Keeler. Mayor; Joseph Bridgman, C. U. Hatch, J. B.
Dougherty, William Spring, V. Chambers, John Cackler, Aldermen ; John K.
Scott, Marshal ; John H. Munroe, Recorder ; C. E. Kent, Treasurer ; P. A.
Brumfield, Assessor for county purposes ; P. A. Brumfield, Assessor for city
purposes ; George R. White, Wharfmaster ; James S. Patten, Street Com-
missioner ; Cornelius Cadle, City Measurer.
1870 — S. G. Stein, Mayor; Henry Funck, Henry Molis, John Cackler,
Joseph Bridgman, C. U. Hatch, J. B. Dougherty, Aldermen ; Robert Williams,
Police Judge; Galbraith Bitzer, Marshal; John H. Munroe, Recorder; C E.
Kent, Treasurer ; P. A. Brumfield, Assessor for county purposes ; P. A.
Brumfield, Assessor for city purposes ; W. G. Block, Wharfmaster ; John
Beard, Street ComrLissioner.
1871— S. G. Stein, Mayor ; Michael Murphy, John Daiber, A. F. Adams,
Henry Funck, Henry Molis, John Cackler, Aldermen ; Robert Williams, Police
*This gentleman resigned his office to enlist in the army, when his place was filled by appointment.
514 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Judge ; D. L. Ewing, Marshal ; Robert Williams, Recorder ; C. E. Kent,
Treasurer ; P. A. Brutnfield, Assessor for county purposes ; D. P. Johnson,
Assessor for city purposes ; W. G. Block, Wharfmaster ; Patrick Murphy,
Street Commissioner.
1872 — J. P. Ament, Mayor; Jacob Dold, I. L. Graham, Galbraith Bitzer,
Michael Murphy, John Duiber, A. F. Adams, Aldermen ; Robert Williams,
Police Judge ; D. L. Ewing, Marshal ; Robert Williams, Recorder ; C. E.
Kent, Treasurer ; P. A. Brumfield, Assessor for county purposes ; P. A.
Brumfield, Assessor for city purposes ; W. G. Block, Wharfmaster ; B. H.
Eversmeyer, Street Commissioner.
1878 — J. P. Ament, Mayor; M. Murphy, 0. P. Walters, John Lantz,
Jacob Dold, I. L. Graham, Galbraith Bitzer, x\l(lormen ; Robert Williams,
Police Judge ; D. L. Ewing, Marshal ; Robert Williams, Recorder ; William
Leffingwell, Treasurer ; D. P. Johnson, Assessor for county purposes ; D. P.
Johnson, Assessor for city purposes ; W. G. Block, W^harfmaster ; William
Calder, Street Commissioner.
1874 — Richard Mussor, Mayor; Alexander Jackson, J. J. Hoopes, M.
Benham, Michael Murphy, Jacob Fisch (to succeed Watter, resigned), John
Lantz, Aldermen ; Robert Williams, Police Judge ; D. L. Ewing, Marshal ;
Robert Williams, Recorder ; William Leffingwell, Treasurer ; D. P. Johnson,
Assessor for county purposes ; George Wiley, Assessor for city purposes ; W.
G. Block, Wharfmaster; R. H. Eversmeyer, Street Commissioner.
1875 — Henry Molis, Mayor; Frank Moran, Jacob Fisch, T. R. Fitzgerald,
Alexander Jackson, J. J. Hoopes, John liantz (to succeed Benham, resigned),
Aldermen; Robert Williams, Police Judge; D. L. Ewing, Marshal; Robert
Williams, Recorder ; William Leffingwell, Treasurer ; D. P. Johnson, Assessor
for county purposes; D. P. Johnson. Assessor for city purposes; George F.
Funck, Wharfmaster; Michael Purcell, Street Commissioner.
187G — J. P. Ament, Mayor; George W. DilUiAvay, John Byrne, Maurice
Neidig, Frank Moran, Jacob Fisch, T. K. Fitzgerald, Aldermen ; Robert AVill-
iams. Police Judge ; D. L. Ewing, Marshal ; Robert Williams, Recorder ;
William Leffingwell, Treasurer ; D. P. Johnson, Assessor for county purposes ;
George Wiley, Assessor for city purposes ; George B. Funck, Wharfmaster ;
Michael Purcell, Street Commissioner.
1877 — T. R. Fitzgerald, Mayor ; Edward Hoch, John Knopp, Galbraith
Bitzer, George W. Dillaway, John Byrne, Maurice 0. Neidig, Aldermen ; Rob-
ert Williams, Police Judge ; D. L. Ewing, Marshal ; Robert Williams,
Recorder ; Henry Molis, Treasurer ; D. P. Johnson, Assessor for county pur-
poses ; D. P. Johnson, Assessor for citj'^ purposes : George F. Funck, Wharf-
master: Michael Purcell, Street Commissioner.
1878 — Richard Musser, Mayor; John Hahn, Samuel Cohn, J. B. Mark,
Edward Hoch, John Knopp, Galbraith Bitzer, Aldermwn ; Robert Williams,
Police Judge; J. A. Eaton, Marshal; Robert Williams, Recorder; James
Jackson, Treasurer ; D. P. Johnson, Assessor for county purposes ; George R.
White, Assessor for city purposes; George F. Funck, Wharfmaster; Romulus
Hawley, Street Commissioner ; George Schneider, Steamboat Register.
1871) — George W. Dillaway, Mayor; John Hahn, H. J. Lauder, Samuel
Cohn. F. Huttig, J. B. Mark." G. Sparks, Aldermen; Robert Williams, Police
Judge; R. T. Wallace, Marshal; Robert W^illiams, Recorder; James Jack-
son, Treasurer; D. P. Johnson, Assessor; George F. Funck, Wharfmaster;
Romulus Hawley, Street Commissioner.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 515
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The city owns a substantial building on Third street, corner of Sycamore,
which was purchased of the German Presbyterian Church Society, in 1876, for
$2,500. The edifice was originally used as a church, but has been remodeled
to suit its present uses. The upper floor is now divided in a spacious hall, with
a Council-chamber and a Police Court or Recorder's room in the front. These
rooms are ample in size, and the requirements of the several departments are
fully served. In the lower portion of the building, the Central Fire Depart-
ment is stationed, where a well-stocked hose-cart and hook-and-ladder truck are
kept.
The city owns no Jail, but makes use of the County Jail. Prior to the
purchase of this building, the Council met in leased rooms in the Winn Build-
ing and in the Tremont House Building.
Although the Court House did not properly come under the head of city
buildings, it is, nevertheless, an edifice which gives additional character to the
structures of the city. Placed in the midst of a fine square, in a locality some-
what retired and free from the noise of the principal business thoroughfares,
but still easy of access, the building forms a conspicuous object in the view as
seen from many of the surrounding points of eminence. The Court House
was rebuilt in 1864-65, and is now a satisfactory and creditable building. The
spacious park is adorned with numerous fine trees. The noble monument which
commemorates the deeds of those who fell in defense of the Union, stands in
the foreground.
The Jail is locate<l immediately in the rear of the Court House, but across
Fourth street. This building was recently remodeled and made secure, by the
addition of better cell arrangements, and is now a substantial structure.
Joseph Mulford and H. H. Hine were the contractors who reconstructed the
Jail.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The police of the city are under the charge of a Marshal, who is annually
chosen by the Council. At present, that responsible office is filled by R. T.
Wallace. There are the following policemen now on service : Thomas S.
Berry, Newton M. Brown, John Kerwick and George W. King, the latter hav-
ing charge of the stone-yard at the Jail, where the unwelcome tramps are
placed at work.
^ POLICE COURT.
Judge Robert Williams is the present Police Judge, and has held the office
since the institution of the Court, in 1870. The powers and jurisdiction of
the tribunal is co-ordinate with that of Justice of the Peace, and has additional
powers in some directions, to fit the case.
Judge Williams is also Recorder of the city, a position filled by appoint-
ment of the Council, and has both offices in the City Building.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Muscatine can rightfully boast of its Fire Department. It is composed of
young men who take great pride in their connection with their several com-
panies. Although some efforts were made in quite early times to establish
companies, and those efforts were successful to a greater or less degree, it is but
right to date the present system only from the time when the companies now
in existence originated. The Department is in possession of no data which
go back of those which are here recorded. As in many other places, there
516 HISTORY OF INIUSCATINE COUNTY.
were, doubtless, bucket-brigades and volunteer companies, but no evidence of
their existence is in the hands of the Chief of the present system. We join
with those who give amplest praise to the citizen-firemen, who risk life and limb
in times of danger, with no other motive or purpose than the relief of imper-
iled humanity. Since the institution of the Department, in 1876, Joseph
Morrison has been Chief, and H. F. Bodman, Assistant Chief thereof
Champion Hose Company No. 1 was organized January 7, 1875, at which
time a number of German citizens met at the Mayor's office for the purpose of
establishing a regular system. Mr. Gus Schmidt was the leading spirit in
this commendable enterprise, and has since been an efficient member of the
company. The officers elected in 1875 were as follows: Foreman, M. Saal ;
First Assistant, B. Schmidt; Second Assistant, C. Henkel; President, Gus
Schmidt ; Secretary, D. Mayer ; Treasurer, H. F. Bodman. The original
membership was forty-eight. On the 27th of February following the organiza-
tion, this company received from the city a Champion Chemical Engine, and a
number of buckets, hooks, ladders, etc. The name adopted was that of the
" Champion Fire Company." The election of officers in 1876 resulted in the
choice of Gus Schmidt for Foreman ; H. F. Bodman, First Assistant ; John
Neupert, Second Assistant ; Sam Cohn, President ; B. Scbmidt, Secretary ;
Joseph Fessler, Treasurer. A Standing Committee was chosen, as follows :
C. Ruckeleschel, John Koehler, Joseph Fredrichs. May 31, 1876, the city
placed a hose-cart with hose at the service of the company, and the name was
thereupon changed to that of " Champion Hose Company No. 1." Since then,
the officers have been : 1877 — Foreman, Gus Schmidt ; First Assistant, B.
Juettner ; Second Assistant, C. Hetzel ; President, .C. Bierman ; Secretary,
B. Schmidt ; Treasurer, James Fessler ; Standing Committee, J. Fredrichs,
C. Ruckeleschel and John Koehler ; 1878 — Foreman, Gus Schmidt ; First
Assistant, C. Hacker; Second Assistant, Gus George; President, B. Juettner;
Secretary, B. Schmidt; Treasurer, J. Fessler; Standing Committee, A. P.
Hess, H. F. Bodman, John Hartmann ; 1879 — Foreman, Gus Schmidt; First
Assistant, C. Hacker; Second Assistant, John Neupert; Treasurer, Joseph
Fessler ; Secretary, B. Schmidt ; Standing Committee, C. F. Bodman, A. P.
Hess, John Hartmann. Membership, forty-six men.
Rescue Hose-Company No. ^2 was organized April 27, 1878, with a mem-
bership of thirty men. The original officers were : G. Bitzer, Captain : A.
B. Hampton, First Lieutenant; Joseph Morrison. Second Lieutenant; C. G.
Whipple, Secretary; J. A. Pickler, Treasurer. In June, Joseph Morrison
was elected Chief of Fire Department, and William Fisher was chosen Second
Lieutenant. Mr. Whipple resigned August 17, and William C. Betts was
elected to the vacant place of Secretary. Mr. Hampton resigned March 1,
1877, and William Fisher was elected First Lieutenant. Frank Ashcraft was
elected Second Lieutenant May 3. In 1877, the official roll stood: G. Bitzer,
Captain; William Fisher, First Lieutenant ; .John Ellis, Second Lieutenant;
Charles F. Garlock, Secretary ; John Berry, Treasurer. In June, 1878, the
election resulted in the choice of G. Bitzer, Captain; William Fisher, First
Lieutenant; John Berry, Second Lieutenant; Charles F. Garlock, Secretary;
John Berry, Treasurer. The uiembership, March 25, 1879, is forty-five.
Excelsior Hose Company No. 3 was organized in June, 1876, with twenty-
four members. Its motto is, "Always reliable." Herewith is given the
official roll : 1876 — Foreman, F. Moran ; First Assistant, P. Ryan ; Second
Assistant, D. Burke; Secretary, J. H. Cosgrove ; Treasurer, F. P. Anson;
1877 — Foreman, P. Toohey ; First Assistant, D. Burke; Second Assistant,
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 51T
M. J. Fahey ; Secretary, J. H. Cosgrove ; Treasurer F. P. Anson ; 1878 —
Foreman, P. Murphy ; First Assistant, D. Burke ; Second Assistant, M. J.
Fahey; Secretary, C. P. Neff ; Treasurer, F. P. Anson; 1879 — Foreman, P.
Murphy ; First Assistant, D. Burke ; Second Assistant, J. PfeifFer ; Secre-
tary, C. P. Neif; Treasurer, J. W. O'Brien. Present membership, forty-
two.
Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. — This Company was organized
April 12, 1877, with a membership of twenty-eight, and went into active
service on the arrival of their truck, the 1st of May. The officers of the Com-
pany, to April 1, 1878, were: Foreman, Lyman Banks; Assistant Foreman,
W. S. Halstead ; Recording Secretary, A. i^. Garlock ; Financial Secretary,
W. C. Kegel ; Treasurer, J. E. Coe ; Steward, R. C. Williams; Standing Com-
mittee, James Mayes, F. W. Swan and Julius Molis. Officers to April 1,
1879: Foreman, Lyman Banks, First Assistant Foreman, H. W. Hanson;
Second Assistant Foreman, F. W. Swan ; Recording Secretary, A. N. Garlock ;
Financial Secretary, W. L. Mull ; Treasurer, J. E. Coe ; Steward, C. C. Smith ;
Standing Committee, H. J. Lauder, F. W. Swan, J. H. St. John. The mem-
bership at present is forty-five. Company quarters, rear room, under City
Hall. Truck first-class ; made by G. W. Hannis, Chicago.
Muscatine has, happily, escaped, thus far, from serious loss by fire. The
most extensive one which has occurred was August 23, 1851, at which time
Joseph Bennett's sash and blind factory was destroyed, with several adjoining
cheaper buildings. The loss was estimated at about $40,000. Other minor
fires have occurred, as might naturally be expected.
WATER-WORKS.
The admirable system of water-works now in operation in this city was
first suggested by Mr. William C. Wier, now deceased. That gentleman vis-
ited Muscatine, in the summer of 1875, with the view of enlisting the capitalists
in such an enterprise. In the fall of that year, a stock company was organized,
and in December the Muscatine Water Works Company was authorized by the
City Council to become incorporated under the laws of the State. The lead-
ing men in the undertaking were J. A. Bishop, G. W. Dillaway, S. and L.
Cohn, W. W. Webster, W. S. Robertson, R. M. Burnett, W. C. Wier, R.
Musser, R. M. Baker, J. T. Kreke, S. G. Stein, L. W. Olds, H. Funck, J.
Rul-elmann, and P. Stein. The charter was for twenty-five years, and covered
all points essential to the completion of the works. On the 6th day of Novem-
ber, 1875, the Company was organized, and, on the 12th of that month, the
following provisional Board of Directors was chosen : G. W. Dillaway, R.
Musser, J. A. Bishop, A. Jackson, H. W. Moore, R. M. Burnett, J. Carskad-
den, G. A. Garrettson and W. S. Robertson. In 1876, the Board chose G.
W. Dillaway, President ; R. Musser, Vice President ; H. W. Moore, Treasurer ;
J. Carskadden, Secretary.
In order to give a sketch of the detailed progress of the work, we here
insert the Secretary's report to the corporation, submitted May 2, 1876. Mr.
Carskadden said :
" To the Stockholders of the Muscatine Water Works Company :
" The Provisional Board of Directors of said company respectfully submit
the following report : On the 3d of December, 1875, and shortly after the
organization of this company, an ordinance was passed by the City Council of
Muscatine, granting to this company the exclusive right to construct and main-
tain water works for protection from fire, and domestic use, and containing
518 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
guards, provisions and restrictions, which were deemed necessary for the preser-
vation alike of tlie rights of the city and company. The ordinance was formally
accepted by the company on the 6th of December, 1875, and by its terms
became a contract between the parties.
" It was considered advisable by the directors, and by the stockholders, and
the public generally, that the works should be commenced and pushed to com-
])letion as soon as possible, and in order to gain some practical knowledge of
the subject, a committee of the Board visited the works at Davenport, Rock
Island, Lyons and Clinton. Tliis committee was very favorably impressed with
the style and operation of the works at Clinton, and especially with the merits
r>f the pumping machinery there used ; and it was finally determined to model
our own on a similar though greatly cheaper plan.
" On the 22d of December, 1875, a meeting of the Board was held for the
purpose of considering bids and propositions for the construction of the works.
Several propositions were submitted and considered, but that of AVilliam C.
Wier, the engineer who had drawn various plans and speculations for the works,
was deemed the best, and it was also the lowest bid submitted for the construc-
tion of the entire works without the reservoir ; and the contract was awarded to
him, the contract price being $ol,188, provided piston-pumps were used, and
$32,188, if plunger-pumps were selected. The })lunger-pump was decided to
be preferable, and the latter adopted at the contract price. Subsequently, the
contract was executed between the company and Messrs. William C. Wier and
T. Cowell, as contractors, the latter-named gentleman being associated with
Mr. Wier, and joining in the contract subsequent to the letting. The contract
bears date, December 29, 1875, and the contractors executed a bond for the
faitliful performance of their contract, in the penal sum of $5,000, with Mr. J.
R. Maxwell, of the Cope & Maxwell Manufacturing Company, of Hamilton,
Ohio, as surety.
^ The contract provides, in brief, for the sinking and anchoring in the bed
of the Mississippi River, for a distance of 700 feet from the shore between the
elevator and Northern Line warehouse, of a wooden conduit similar to that
adopted at Clinton, to convey the water from the channel of the river, and
where, it is believed, the water will be free from the impurities of the shore, to
the works — the construction of a water-tight well directly at the shore, in which
a filter is to be placed, and into which water will be drawn from the conduit,
and from which the water will be draAvn to the pumps — the construction of a
pumping-house and smoke-stack on the levee about eighty feet from the
shore with the necessary pumps, boilers and machinery therein, and the lay-
ing of a twelve-inch street-main or water-pipe from the pumping-house across
the levee and up Chestnut to Second street, and there connecting with the
circuit of street-mains which extends from Broadway on the west to Oak
street on the east, and includes main lines on Second and Fifth streets, and
the necessary connections by cross streets, and the setting of a hydrant for
fire purposes at each street-crossing, with several valves or gates by means of
which the water can be shut off from any given section of the pipe for pur-
pose of tapping, repairs, etc. ; in short, the contract covers and includes all
the main work and material necessary for furnishing water by direct pressure,
and by its terms the contractors undertook to furnish all the material and do the
work.
'' The work of trenching and laying the pipe was begun immediately after
the execution of the contract and Avas pushed forward as fast as the frequent
rains and storms of the past winter would permit. Some delay in that respect,
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COJNTY. 519
and also in setting hydi'auts, was caused by the non-arrival of material at as
early a date as it was expected.
" The open winter, which in some respects interfered with the progress of
the work, enabled the contractors to build the brick pumping-house and smoke-
stack sooner than was anticipated.
" The continuous high water prevented the placing of the filter in the pump
well, and the same cause, with the additional fact that the river was not frozen
over during the winter, made it impossible to lay a great part of the conduit ;
neither of these things could be properly done until low water in the river.
" The street mains and special castings were furnished by the celebrated
iron house of Dennis Long & Co., of Louisville, Ky., and are believed to be of
excellent quality. The fire hydrants and valves are from the house of S.
Cummings & Son, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who have a well established reputation
as manufacturers of these articles. The boilers were made by John Baker &
Co., of Muscatine, and that is believed to be a sufficient guaranty of their
quality.
" The pumping machinery was built, placed in position and connected with
the pipes, ready for use, by the Cope & Maxwell Manufacturing Company, of
Hamilton, Ohio. The pumps are similar to those of the Clinton Water Works,
and are beautiful specimens of that class of machinery. Having a capacity of
1,500,000 gallons in twenty-four hours.
" The public test and trial of the works had on the 12th of April, demon-
strated the entire efficiency of the pumping machinery, the strength of the
pipes and the thoroughness of the manner in which all the work has been done.
Upon the strength of that test, the pumping machinery was formally accepted
by the Directors.
" In order that the city might be ready to avail itself of the benefit of the
Water Works at as early a moment as possible, the City Council has provided
hose and carts, and at the public test before mentioned, a powerful stream of
water, sufficient for all ordinary fire purposes, was thrown through 1,050 feet of
hose affixed to a hydrant on the east end of Fifth street, being the hydrant far-
thest from the pumping-house. This stream was played on the roof and tower
of Schoolhouse No. 1, on the west side of Seventh street, and on a high eleva-
tion of ground. This severe test convinced all who witnessed it that the terri-
torial extent of the protection afforded by the works is limited only by the
length and strength of the hose in use.
•' The throwing of two, three and four streams simultaneously, at the same
trial, proved the ability of the works to concentrate a great mass of water at
the same time upon any one point, and that the protection from fire which our
citizens have been so anxious to obtain for years, has at last been accomplished.
" At a special meeting of the City Council, held on the 15th of April, the
Council was formally notified by the Board that the Water Works were so far
completed as to enable the company to aff"ord the necessary fire protection, and
that the rental of fire hydrants, as provided by the city ordinance should begin
at that date. This communication was referred to the Council as a committee
of the whole, and at a subsequent meeting was approved and assented to. The
rental here referred to is the sum of .^4,000 per year for the hydrants on the
present line of pipe, being thirty in all.
" The works have not yet been accepted from the contractors, for the con-
tract is still unfinished. About five hundred feet of the conduit is yet to be
laid in the river ; the filter is to be made and placed in the well, and some
work remains to be done on the streets in back-filling the trenches and repla-
520 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
cing the macadam along the line in Second street. With these exceptions, the
work of the contractors is substantially performed.
" In the progress of work, some additions have been made to the original
plan, and these have, of course, increased the cost of construction. Two
hydrants have been set in addition to the number called for by the contract ;
the addition of a mud-settler was made to the boilers, and an arrangement of
pipes, by which the water can be forced back in order to scour the conduit, in
case it should be obstructed by sand ; the size and capacity of the smoke-stack
were increased, and various minor changes and modifications of the original
plans.
" The subscriptions to the capital stock of this company amount, in round
numbers, to ^44,000. The Directors have made four calls or assessments upon
the stock — one of 10 per cent and three of 20 per cent, making 70 per cent
called for in all.
" With but few exceptions, the calls have been met by the stockholders with
commendable promptness, as appears by the report of H. W. Moore, Esq.,
Treasurer of the company, made to the Board April 29, 1876, there had been
collected in cash on the stock subscriptions to that date the sum of $24,504.75,
and expended in cash the sum of |24,493.01.
" The system of water works contemplated by this organization includes the
construction of a reservoir capable of holding 1,000,000 gallons, upon the west-
erly hill of the city — either on the public square or on property to be purchased
or condemned for that purpose — the pressure from which shall be sufficient to
afford fire protection and supply for domestic use to all lower parts of the town
without the aid of direct pressure from the pumps, and, when this is done, the
cost of maintaining and running the works will be greatly lessened, as it will not
then be necessary to keep up steam constantly.
" In conclusion, the Board beg leave to congratulate you and your fellow-
citizens generally upon the fact that this important enterprise has been carried
so far toward completion, and with so little delay and loss. When you called
upon us to do this work, we knew absolutely nothing about it, and were com-
pelled to rely upon conclusions drawn by hasty observation of other works, and
upon such information as we could gather from outside sources. We had to
depend, in a great measure, upon the advice and suggestions of the contractors,
and especially of Mr. Wier, at and before the commencement of the work, and
it is but justice to them to say that they have (as we believe) fairly and honor-
ably given us and you and the city the benefit of their knowledge and experi-
ence. We should also remind you that this is a work that cannot be built and
then let alone, like a house, until time and the elements make repairs necessary.
It will not run itself It requires now, and always will require, constant and
careful supervision, and economy and thoroughness in its management and
future extension to make it cither creditable or profitable to the Company. But
we feel confident that the same liberality and enterprise which led to the con-
struction of our Water Works, will sustain and extend them in the future."
In the summer of 1876, the reservoir was completed, with a capacity of
1,500,000 gallons. It is located on the public square on the southeast part of
town. From 1876 to 1879, there were several extensions to main pipe laid,
making in all three and a half miles of pipe now in usf. Other improvements
were made, including the grading, fencing, sodding and planting of trees and
shrubbery on the public square, making it one of the finest pleasui'e resorts in
the city. The reservoir is situated about three-fourths of a mile, from the
pumping works and at a height of 185 feet from pumps, giving the city a
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 521
pressure of sixty-five to eighty pounds, which is used for all domestic and fire
purposes. The company has located on the line forty double- discharge
hydrants for fire purposes. The supply of water is obtained from the Missis-
sippi River through an eigliteen-inch cast iron pipe, running into the river 700
feet. The quality of water is as good as any in the State. The engine-house
has been inclosed within a yard 130x75 feet, trees and shrubbery planted, and
a beautiful fountain in the center.
The present Directors of the company, elected in May, 1878, consist of
G. W. Dillaway, J. A. Bishop, H. W. Moore, A. Jackson, J. Carskadden, R.
Musser, G. A. Garrettson, Samuel Cohn and L. W. Olds, with the following
officers: G. W. Dillaway, President; J. A. Bishop, Vice President; H. W.
Moore, Treasurer ; J. Carskadden, Secretary ; William Molis, Engineer and
General Superintendent; Charles Molis, Assistant.
THE POST OFFICE.
The first post office in the limits of Muscatine County was established in
1836, with Arthur Washburn as Postmaster. The office was called Iowa. The
second post office was at Geneva, in 1838. The name then used was Vander-
pool and S. C. Comstock, father of Mrs. W. A. Drury, was the official in
charge. Amos Walton, father of J. P. Walton, was Deputy, and, subsequently,
Postmaster. The name was then changed to Geneva.
Although Bloomington claimed to be a town in 1836, no post office was
established until 1839 at this point. The settlers of "town" and " county"
were compelled to go to Geneva for their mail. The first commission was
issued to a Postmaster at Bloomington, in 1839, but a most unaccountable
spirit animated the man who was honored by the appointment, Mr. Stowell, for,
before the commission arrived, he left the village for parts unknown. He may
have been appalled at the thought of acquiring wealth so suddenly, for, at
that time, the office was worth about $4 a year. At all events, he retired
from view, and the citizens discussed the merits of those who were more staid,
with a view to selecting an officer. Finally, Edward E. Fay was induced to
accept the trust, and his name was duly enrolled on the list of appointments.
Mr. Fay was not trammeled with any of the modern ideas of a Postmaster's
duties. The citizens did not wait about the general delivery and clamor for
their mail, or grumble when he was five minutes too long in distributing the
same. The reason was obvious : Mr, Fay carried his office in his hat ! It was
not an extraordinary hat, either. It had no lock-boxes or numbered drawers ;
but it created a system which has since been abandoned in this city — the carrier
system.
Mr. Fay died in 1840, and Avas succeeded in office by his brother, Pliny Fay,
who removed to California. The latter held office under the Harrison regime.
During most of that time, the office was in a small frame building on Second
street, where Union Block stands. The business had so increased as to require
a local office.
When Polk's administration came in, the policy of the Government was one
of change, and, in 1844, George Earll became Postmaster. He established his
office in a small frame building, on the site of the old Tremont Hall. Mr.
Earll soon died of consumption, and his daughter Lucy became first the Dep-
uty and then the appointed officer in charge. Miss Earll became a general
favorite, through her efficient and agreeable management. She subsequently
married Mr. 0. H. Kelly, of National Grange fame, and died in 1850, in Min-
nesota.
522 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Taylor's election to the Presidency again worked change. In 1849, Nathan
L. Stout was appointed Postmaster. At that thime, he was editor of the
Blooniington Herald. He removed the office to a new frame building which
stood on the site of A. M. Winn's store. The quarters were more commodious
than ever before ; but Mr. Stout was, unfortunately, a poor business manager,
and, in less than a year, his affairs became so complicated that a change was
made by the Department, and Richard Cadle took the office. He served
acceptably during the remainder of the term, moving the office to the lower
room in Freeman's Block, at Pappoose Creek Bridge, on Second street.
In 1853, President Pierce appointed Henry Reece Postmaster. A portion
of the time, Mr. Reece retained the rooms in which he found the office, but
finally moved to the Boston House (now Scott House), on Iowa avenue. Mr.
Reece opposed the Nebraska bill, and was removed from office after three year?
of service.
John A. McCormick succeeded to the place, and removed the office to the
east end of Second street.
In 1860, Robert Williams was appointed by President Buchanan; but the
change in administration, one year later, caused a change also in office.
John Mahin became Postmaster in 1861. In the spring of that year, he
removed the office to Iowa avenue.
In 1869, R. W. H. Brent was appointed to the office by President Grant.
The office was removed to Butler's Block, Iowa avenue.
In 1873, John Mahin was re-appointed, and, under his administration, the
office was established in the spacious quarters still occupied on Second street,
between Iowa avenue and Chestnut street, called Stein's Building, or, more
latterly, the Post-Office Building. It is one of the finest offices in the State.
In 1878, B. Beach was appointed Postmaster, and is still serving in that
capacity.
•^ RAILROAD INTERESTS.
Both the city and county of Muscatine have played a conspicuous part in
the great railroad drama of the West. Liberality on the part of the people
was not met by a commensurate degree of success during the years of fierce
scramble for power which preceded the war. Muscatine ought to have been
the leading railroad town on the Mississippi; and it was through no fault of
the citizens that such a grand accomplishment did not result from the efforts
put forth. The county voted a large sum of money in aid of railroads, and the
city was equally public-spirited. Fate conspired to defeat the measures intro-
duced, however, and to-day the county has but just freed itself of a large debt,
while the city has still a burden to carry, growing out of the issuance of rail-
road bonds to an unsuccessful and now exttinc corporation. Whatever may
have been the past, however, the future is more ' encouraging. Muscatine is
now open to the markets of the North, South, East and West, by the lines
running to the city; while the county is peculiarly fortunate in the numerous-
ness of its roads. The cit}^ is now one of the most important points upon the
great Southwestern Branch of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific road, which
unites the city of Chicago with the city of Leavenworth, Kan., and connects
Atchison, by means of a branch, with those centers of trade. The entire sys-
tem of railways throughout the Southwest is thus opened up and brought into
close relationship with the line upon which Muscatine stands. Texas and the
Gulf the border regions, by the Southern Pacific, and the vast treasure of
mine and field thsre lying undeveloped, will some day find an outlet through
the connections of which the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific is a part.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 523
Although the city of Muscatine is upon the branch, the main line runs through
the northern tier of townships in the county, by which means this section can
boast of two trunk lines within its limits, for the Southwestern is practically a
main line. The east and west road passes through Stockton, Wilton, Moscow,
Atalissa and West Liberty, and calls to those several towns the trade of con-
tiguous territory in adjoining counties. At Wilton the Southwestern intersects
the main line, and runs nearly south until it reaches Muscatine, thence it
diverges to the southwest. Muscatine is the only town, except a mere station
called Summit, on this branch, within the county.
The western tier of townships find markets upon the great north and south
thoroughfare — the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. While the
corporation so named controls the road no further south than Burlington, that
road and its connections unite St. Paul with St. Louis. West Liberty profits by
being located at the junction of the northern with eastern roads, and is a favor-
able marketing point for all staples produced in the magnificent region which
surrounds it on all sides. The stations on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids k
Northern road are Nichols, Conesville and Port Allen.
But these roads are not the only ones. A line extends westward from
Muscatine, which is called the Muscatine Western, tapping the Burlington,
Cedar Rapids & Northern road at Nichols, and pushing onward toward the
coal-fields. During the coming summer, this road will be built several miles
beyond its present temporary terminus, in Johnson County. Ultimately this
road will become a great through line to Council Bluffs.
It is always better to consider the good that may be realized, than to repine
over the results of past mistakes. If the city of Muscatine failed to secure one
of the main trunk lines at any early day, there is no reason for despairing of
her being more fortunate in the future. The growing demands of rapid transit,
between sea-board and sea-board will, sooner or later, compel the construction of
a road to the Missouri River upon as nearly an air line as is practicable. Such
a road would have to cross the Mississippi at Muscatine. The completion of
the Western would serve as a stimulant to such an enterprise, as its route con-
templates just such a project. It would become a mighty link in the chain,
and the freights of the Pacific would find cheap passage-way through this city.
It is also possible that a road may be built along the river, from Clinton to
Burlington, and open up another north and south highway.
RIVER NAVIGATION.
The business done by the packet lines — of which there are two — is quite
an important feature in the aggregate of that transacted in the city, but the
era of railroading eclipses that of steamboating. Considerable grain is pur-
chased here, and shipped from the elevator on the levee. This is the only ele-
vator in town.
A PERRY
is maintained between Muscatine and the opposite shore, whereby the farmers
of the southern portion of Rock Island and the northern portion of Mercer
Counties are enabled to trade with Muscatine merchants.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
The First M. E. Church of Muscatine came into active existence, and
finally was created a regularly organized religious institution, in the manner
hereafter cited. During the fall of 1837 and summer of 1838. Norris Hobert
preached here. About the same time, Barton H. Cartwright, Methodist, held
524 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
services and preached to audiences in the bar-room of the Iowa House. In the
spring of 1839, Rev. Brace was sent by the Rock River Conference, as a mis-
sionary, to a mission which included Bloomington (now Muscatine). The place
then contained about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, among them a few pro-
fessors of religion.
Although meeting with great opposition. Rev. Brace fearlessly and boldly
preached the word of everlasting life. Hon. J. A. Parvin states that the first
time he heard him preach, it was in a small building, just inclosed, without
plaster or floor, unless loose boards thrown across the sleepers could be called
a floor. He stood in the door, as a number were around the house, and while
he was explaining the " way of life," a distinguished citizen, to show his con-
tempt for the preacher and religion, sat near him, reading a newspaper. Yet
this conduct did not disturb the man of God. He acted as one who was com-
manded to "stand on the walls of Zion," and when he saw danger, give the
alarm, and thus clear his skirts of the blood of sinners.
In the month of July, 1839, a class was formed, consisting of seven mem-
bers, viz., George Bumgardner and Sarah Bumgardner, Thomas and Sarah
Morford, J. A. Parvin and Hannah D. Parvin and Miss Mary Williams.
The next session of the Rock River Conference being in the fall of 1889,
returned Mr. Brace, and sent the Rev. Barton Cartwright as his colleague, and
made a four-weeks circuit, which embraced all of Muscatine and part of Scott
and Louisa Counties. They preached the word faithfully, but met with many
discouragements ; seeing but little fruit of their labors, scarcely receiving a
compensation sufficient to keep them from going ragged, traveling from day to
day over the unsettled prairies, preaching in log cabins to a congregation of ten
or twelve persons, they faithfully performed their duties. Among the additions
to the membership this year were William and Hannah Parvin and Mary Will-
iams, wife of Hon. Joseph Williams.
A Sunday school was commenced in May, 1839, which was, for several
years, a union school, until the diff"erent denominations became able to support
a school of their own. Since 1844, a Sunday school has existed and been lib-
erally supported by the Church.
The Rock River Conference, at its session in 1840, made some alterations
in the circuit, and appointed Rev. Henry Somers, Presiding Elder, and Nathan
Jewett, preacher in charge.
The first Quarterly Meeting there is any record of was held at Blooming-
ton, October 3, 1840. The members of that Quarterly Conference, besides
the Elders and preacher, were: Micajah Reeder, Local Preacher; George
Bumgardner, Exhorter ; John Lilly, Gabriel Walling, William Reeder and
Joseph Jeans, Class-Leaders. The following were appointed Stewards : J. A.
Parvin, Recording Steward; Charles A. Warfield, District Steward, and
Joseph Williams, Thomas S. Battelle and Robert Benfiel, Stewards. George
Bumgardner was licensed to preach as a local preacher.
Joseph Williams and some others joined Church during this Quarterly
Meeting,
The next Quarterly Conference was held January 2, 1841, at Bloomington.
From this time on, the Church progressed gradually, increasing in membership
and accomplishing much good work in the community. At the annual Conference
in 1845, a Board of Trustees was appointed, consisting of the following mem-
bers, viz.: J. Williams, G. Bumgarden, T. S. Battelle, T. Morford, John Lilly,
George Earle, J. A. Parvin, Z. Washburn and S. C. Hastings, and measures
were taken which ultimately resulted in the building of a meeting-h'ouse.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 527
In 1840, the citizens built a house for school and religious purposes, on
Iowa avenue, between Second and Third streets, which was used alternately by
the Methodists and Presbyterians until 1846, when the former society obtained
exclusive control of it. It was abandoned in 1851.
The old church-building now occupied by the city offices was dedicated the
same year, and the present commodious church edifice Avas erected under the
snpervision of Rev. W. F. Cowles, in 1860.
The following is a list of the Pastors to the present date, in regular succes-
sion : 1840, Nathan Jewett ; 1841, Joseph Kirkpatrick ; 1842. James L.
Tompson ; 1843-44, E. S. Norris ; 1845-46, David VVorthington ; 1846, J. B.
Hardy ; 1847-48, John Harris ; 1849, L. B. Dennis ; 1851, H. C. Dean and
L. S. Ashbaugh ; 1852, Joseph Brooks ; 1853-54, James H. White ; 1855, John
Harris; 1856, J. W. Sullivan; 1857, John Harris; 1858-59, Pavid Worth-
ington; 1860, Emory Miller, Assistant ; 1860-61, F. W. Evans ; 1862-63,
J. H. Power;' 1864, W. P. Watkins ; 1865-66, G. N. Power; 1867-70, W.
F. Cowles; 1870-73, J. B. Blakeney; 1873-76, J. W. McDonald; 1876-78,
G. N. Power; 1878-79, Dennis Murphy. The Present membership of the
congregation is 400.
Connected with the Church is a large and flourishing Sunday school, a
Lyceum, holding sessions twice a month, and a Women's Foreign Missionary
Society.
The Musserville 31. E. Church was erected during the year 1875, previous
to any church organization. In the fall of the same year, it was dedicated,
and became what is known as Muscatine Circuit M. E. Church. At the time
of the dedication. Rev. A. V. Francis had been appointed to the pastorate,
which relation he sustained for three years, during which time the Church was
-very prosperous. Its membership increased from three to about one hundred.
Its constituent members Avere Thornton Nichols, Emily Nichols and Frank
Holcomb. Its first officers or Board of Trustees were Peter Musser, W. H.
Stewart, Thornton Nichols, William Newkirk, F. R. Holcomb, Peter Musser,
H. V. Howard, Frank Coover and Samuel Miller. The Church has a present
membership of eighty. Its present Board of Trustees consists of George
Stinchfield, T. Nichols, W. H. Hoopes, S. Miller, J. Kendig, C. 0. Hurd and
F. R. Holcomb. Rev. John B. Hill presides over the Church as Pastor. It
has three appointments outside of the city limits, constituting the pastoral
charge known as Muscatine Circuit ; also supports a flourishing Sabbath school,
under the superintendence of W. H. Hoopes, with an average of one hundred
scholars.
Tlie Grerman Methodist Church was organized by Revs. Henry Fiegen-
baum and John Plank. During the years 1850, 1851 and 1852, the first
house of Avorship was built, at a cost of |1,050. The first Sabbath school
included two teachers and eight scholars. In 1871, the Church property was
sold, and May 30, 1872, the corner-stone of the present church edifice Avas
laid ; the building Avas completed on the 25th of August, 1872, and dedicated
to the service of the Trinity of Almiglity God. The cost of this church was
$7,000. At first, loAva City, Wapello, Wilton and Illinois City were included
in this mission, Avhich places, however, all have regular independent organiza-
tions now. Connected Avith this Church is a Sunday school, with an average
attendance of 145 scholars and 20 teachers. Rev. Phil. Kuhl is the present
Presiding Elder, and Rev. Phil. Nauman, the Pastor.
The African 31. E. Church. — June 21, 1848, a lot, located on Seventh
street, was purchased from Adam Ogilvie by Daniel Anderson, Morgan Lowrey
528 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
and Alexander Clark, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal (African) Educa-
tional and Church Society, which had its organization on the date of said
purchase. The Society referred to transferred by deed the property in ques-
tion to Benjamin Mathews, T. C Motts, Isaac Manning, Ed. Mathews and
Jacob Pritchard, Trustees of the African M. E. Church, which was organized
the day of the transfer, October 10, 1849, by Rev. William Dove, who appointed
Rev. William Jackson local preacher in charge of the Church until the annual
meeting of the Conference, which appointed Rev. "William II. Jones the first
regular preacher of this congregation. The first officers were : Daniel Ander-
son, Steward, Class-Leader and Local Preacher ; Benjamin J. Mathews, Steward
and Class-Leader ; Alexander Clark, Recording Steward and Superintendent of
Sabbath school.
The following are the names of the first or constituent members : Daniel
Anderson, Ellen Anderson, Jane Mathews, Anna Young, Hannah Mathews,
Catherine Clark, Robert Young, William Clark, Rev. William Jackson, George
Manly, George Hooper, Peter Manning, Alexander Clark, Deborah Pritch-
ard, Mary Clark, Sarah Davidson, Eliza Watkins, II. Simons, Julia Manly,
Elizabeth Jackson, Ed. Mathews, James Ruff, Benjamin Mathews, Jane Mott,
Rosana Reno, Isaiah Simons, Caroline Manin, Sarah Stubbins, M. Manin,
Elizabeth Jackson, Hulda Ruff, Archie Clark, Mahala Simons and Margaret
Fuller. Connected with, the Church is a Sunday school, with an average
attendance of fifty scholars, five officers, five teachers, and one Superintend-
ent. In the latter capacity, Alexander Clark has officiated for the past
twenty-five years. The congregation has a library of 200 volumes, and a fine
organ. The Church property, including the parsonage, is valued at $1,200.
The present membership of the Church is sixty-seven, and its Pastor is Rev.
AVilliam R. Alexander.
First Presbyterian Church (Old School).— On the 6th of July, 1839, Rev.
John Stocker, a Congregationalist, from Vermont, afterward a member of the
Old-School Presbytery of Logansport, Ind., removed to Bloomington and
organized "The First Presbyterian Church of Musquitine County, Iowa Ter-
ritory," which was for several years supported by the American Home Mis-
sionary Society. In the formation of this Church, the intention was declared
to be connected, in case of a division of the General Assembly of the presbyte-
rian Church of the United States, with that part, which united in exscinding
the Synod of Geneva and others in 1837. The Church thus organized contin-
ued under Mr. Stocker's ministry, without forming any connection with either
Assembly, until the winter of 1811-42, when Mr. Stocker, insisting that the
question should be decided, a majority, including both Elders, voted for a New-
School connection, whilst a minority of eleven determined on joining the Old-
School body. These without any formal re-organization, claiming the succes-
sion, chose new officers, and perpetuated the Church, which now bears the
name of the " First Presbyterian Church of Muscatine, Iowa." In 1843, a
portion of this Church united with others in organizing the Congregational, by
which the New-School Presbyterian was absorbed. The First Presbyterian
Church, after disposing of their original house of worship, erected a commodi-
ous one on the corner of Fourth street and Iowa avenue. The congregation
numbers about one hundred and seventy-five members; its property is valued
at $22,000. Rev. Joseph H. Barnard is the present minister, and the last
officers elected are : S. G. Stein, W. W. Webster and G. A. Garrettson,
Trustees. Connected with the Church, is a prosperous Sunday school, with
an average attendance of 250.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY'. 529
The First Cferman Presbyterian Church. — Previous to any regular cliurch
organization, the members, who afterward established this congregation, held
religious singing and prayer meetings in various localities, but soon became
desirous to have some one to preach to them, and consequently called Rev.
Paul Mais. Their services were held in the church of the English-speaking
people of the same denomination. After the sale of the church-building in
question, the Germans rented a room on Second street. The church was finally
organized June 1, 1855, by a committee of the Presbytery of Cedar, Iowa,
composed of Rev. A. Van Vliet, of Dubuque, Rev. Samuel Baird and Elder
I. S. Horten, of Muscatine ; Bcrnhard Naeve and Friedrich Hacker were then
elected Elders and John Schmidt and Ernst Kudobe were chosen Deacons. At
a meeting held March 30, 1857, by the congregation, Rev. Jacob Kolb was
elected the first regular Pastor. The original members of the organization
were, Bernhard and Johana Naeve, F. Hacker and wife, Elizabeth Lowre,
Heinrich Linke, Jolin Sclitnidt and wife, Mary Reis, Wilhelmina Otto, Catha-
rine Otto, William Jacob and wife, Ernst Kudobe, Mary Meis, George Schweins-
berg and wife, Conrad G. Schweinsberg, Agatha Closer, Bernhard Kemper,
Joseph and Margaret Looser, Johana Sywasnik and Elizabeth Briedenstein.
At a meeting held May, 1857, it was decided to buy a lot and build a house of
worship. To this end John Schmidt and F. Hacker were elected Trustees.
The church was incorporated by Rev. Jacob Kolb, Bernhard Kemper, John W.
Sywasnik, Henry Linke and Joseph Looser July 3, 1857. The congrega-
tion came into possession, by trade, of the old Methodist Church on Third
street, which they afterward sold to the city and eventually built their present
meeting-house on Cemetery street. The congregation is composed of Germans
and Hollanders, and to accommodate both nationalities, services are held in the
German language in the morning and in the Holland tongue in the evening.
The church property is valued at $2,000. The present membership is twenty-
six ; the present pastor is K. Smits.
The First Baptist Church. — Agreeable to previous notice, the brethren
.and sisters of the Baptist denomination, in Blooraington and vicinity, met,
October 2, 1841, in order to take into consideration the propriety of becoming
a constituted church, and after mature deliberation unanimously resolved to
request a council, and appointed a committee to draft a Constitution, Covenant
and Articles of Faith and report to the next meeting. A. L. Beatty was
Secretary of this meeting. October 17, 1841, the brethren and sisters met
according to arrangement at previous meeting, with S. Headly as Moderator.
The Committee appointed to draft Articles of Faith reported that they had the
matter under consideration, and recommended the adoption of those articles
held by the Ninth Street Jjaptist Church at Cincinnati, Ohio, which report was
accepted, and after reading, the articles referred to were adopted as the Con-
fession of Faith for the contemplated church. On motion it was resolved to
invite Elder E. Fisher, and such other material aid as might be procured for
the occasion. October 30, 1841, agreeable to adjournment, the Baptist breth-
ren and sisters of Bloomington convened at the house of Robert C. Kinney.
The meeting was opened by prayer, with Elder E. Smith as Moderator. The
minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Elder E. Smith, an
ordained minister from Davenport, sat in council, whereupon the following
brethren and sisters presented letters, which were read, to wit : Albert L.
Beatty, Stephen Headly, Julia C. Deweber, Margaret Musgrave, Betsy Ingallis
and Nancy Bear, all of which proved satisfactory, and were accepted and pro-
nounced by the Council the First Baptist Church of Bloomington, Muscatine
530 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE 'county.
County, Iowa Territory. On motion it was resolved that the Articles of Faith,
Discipline and Covenant of the Ninth Street Baptist Church, of Cincinnati,
Ohio, be adoj)ted. On motion, tlie Church voted to elect one deacon, in pur-
suance of wliich Stephen Headly was appointed. On motion, it was resolved
that the Church call Elder E. Fisher to preach once a month, commencing the
last Sabbath of October, 1841 ; and further tliat they agree to raise $100 per
year for his support. This resolution was made known to Elder Fisher, and
he accepted the call. At a business meeting held January 14, 1843, it was
resolved to solicit Elder E. Fisher to move to Bloomington, and devote one-half
of his time to tlie service of the Church, for which they agreed to give him
§100 per year in addition to his former salary. May 21, 1842, Elder Fisher and
Stephen Headly were appointed delegates to represent this Church in the Baptist
Convention to be held at Iowa City, on the 5thdayof June, 1842. July 23,1842,
Brethren Porrin, Fisher, Headly, Beatty and Deweber were appointed delegates
to the Baptist Convention to be held at Davenport September 2, 1842. Decem-
ber 27, 1842, the following officers were elected : Stephen Headly and Lyman
Carpenter, Deacons ; A. L. Beatty, Clerk, and W. F. Deweber, Treasurer.
January 10, 1843, Elder E, Fisher Avas engaged as Pastor of the Church for
the ensuing year, commencing January 1, 1843. Until February, 1843, all
meetings were held in private houses, but afterward the congregation, which had
in the mean time largely increased, worshiped in the Court House. February
24, 1844, the Church voted to send Brother Seely to Ohio and Kentucky for
the purpose of raising a subscription to build a meeting-house in Bloomington.
June 8, 1844, the Church met, reconsidered their Articles of Faith, and
adopted new articles in their stead. At the same meeting, the Church voted
to become a corporate body, also resolved to establish and support a Sabbath
school, with four Superintendents, who would direct said school alternately in
each month. Brothers Headly, Carpenter, Reynolds and Cooper were chosen
Superintendents. In December, 1844, the schoolroom of Mr. Hines was rented
as a place of worship. The regular house of worship of this Church was com-
pleted in 1850, although it was occupied for some time before it was finished.
Its location was on Cedar street, between Second and Third streets. Many
changes had been made in the pastoi's up to 1848 ; and from February until
December, 1848, the Church was without a minister, Avhen Eev. John Cum-
mins, of Edgerton, 111., was ordained to the Avork of the Gospel ministry
December 2, 1858, by a Council consisting of Brothers Burnett, Ketcham and
Davis, of Muscatine, formerly Bloomington ; J. and C. Shoemaker, of Hol-
land ; Edwin Miles, of Fulton ; Cogshell and Chase, of Wapello ; Collins,
White, Folwell and Powell, of Davenport. In the cemetery at Muscatine are
deposited the remains of Rev. G. I. Miles, who died December 10, 1857, while
Pastor of the Church. February 4, 1859, a delegation of seven brethren, con-
sisting of the Pastor, three Deacons, H. Lofland, A. Chambers and W. Pres-
sor were appointed to attend a Council to organize a German Baptist
Church in this city. June 3, 1869, fifteen members of this congregation were
dismissed to form a new Church at McCloud's Schoolhouse in this county.
March 8. 18G0, a special meeting was held to consider the want of a new
church-building, as the accommodations were not equal to the need. A com-
mittee, consisting of Brothers Fisher, Burnett, Ketcham, JJarrus, Chambers, Lof-
land and the Pastor were appointed to see what use could be made of the lot
and building they then occupied. August 10, 1860, the Pastor, Brothers Bur-
nett and Chambers were appointed a committee to negotiate for the purchase
of the remainder of the lot on which stands the old meeting-house, and for
HISTORY OP MUSCATINE COUNTY. 531
which the committee bargained the same month, at a cost of §1,000. At a
meeting held November 15, 1863, it was resolved to send Rev. T. L. Burnham
forth among Baptist Churches to collect funds to build a new meeting-house.
Brothers R. M. Burnett, William Chambers and G. W. Dillaway were appointed
a Building Committee, to which Brothers E. Covington and John Munson were
subsequently added ; and upon Mr. Munson's departure from the city, John
Barnard was appointed in his place. The new church edifice was completed
early in November, 1868, and on Sunday, November 8, 1868, it was dedicated,
the services being conducted by Revs. C. H. Remington, Ed. Miles and A.
Eberhart — Rev. Remington preached in the morning, Rev. Eberhart, the
dedication sermon in the afternoon, and Ed. Miles, in the evening. Rev. Ed.
Eaton, D. D., was the first Pastor in the new church. The old church was
sold, and possession given July 1, 1865, to St. Paul's Evangelical Church.
October 17, 1878, Rev. D. T. Richards was unanimously called to the charge
of this Church, and preached his first sermon as its Pastor November 3, 1878,
in which capacity he still serves the congregation. The present officers of the
Church are : Deacons, R. M. Burnett, John Barnard, A. K. RaifandL. H.
Washburn; Trustees, R. W. Durkee, George W. Dillaway, A. K. Raff,
Thomas B. Prosser and Lewis Knowles ; A. S. Knowles, Treasurer; Robeit
Thomas, Collector, and L. H. Washburn, Clerk. The present membership is
about two hundred and twenty-six, and the Church property is valued at about
P4,000.
Connected with the Baptist Church is the Ninth Street jNIission School,
organized April 17, 1864, with G. W. Dillaway as Superintendent, which he
has since remained. They own a corner lot and commodious school-building.
The German Baptist Church. — In January, 1859, the German members of
the Holland Baptist Church dissolved their connection with the latter, and, with
new-comers from Europe, organized the German Baptist Church February 20,
1859, with an original membership of thirty. Rev. John Henry Sander was
the first minister. The newly-organized church Avas recognized by a council of
delegates of the English and Holland Baptist Churches April 10, 1859. Until
October, 1864, the congregation worshiped in a schoolhouse located in South
Muscatine and OAvned by Joseph Bennett. A house of worship was erected the
same year and dedicated the third Sunday of September, Rev. J. S. Gubelmann,
of St. Louis, Mo., preaching the sermon. In 1870, the congregation was, on
account of the grading of the streets, obliged to make extensive repairs on their
meeting-house, and, in doing so, enlarged the building in such a manner as to
obtain a comfortable dwelling-place for their minister. The present membership
is 179, including three mission stations. The present Pastor is Rev. August
Transchel.
Congregational Church. — In the year 1839, a church named " The First
Presbyterian Church of Musquitine County, Iowa Territory," was organized.
It was made a part of the record of this organization that it should be what is
called "New-School Presbyterian" in its ecclesiastical connection. This
Church was assisted in the support of its minister for several years by the
American Home Missionary Society, and was dissolved by vote of the Presby-
tery of Yellow Springs, to which it belonged, in 1845. In the year 1841-42,
another Presbyterian Church connected, ecclesiastically, with the " Old-School"
branch existed. There were several members of Cono-regational Churches
residing in the county not connected with either branch of the Presbyterian
Church. The Congregational Church was the result of an effort, desired with
great unanimity, by all three parties to unite in one church. It was organized
532 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
on the 29th of November, 1843, with articles of faith, covenant and b3^-la'\vs
accordant to the Congregational order. Then there were twenty-six members
included in its organization, viz. : Pliny Fay, Adelia Fay, Samuel Lucas,
Nancy K. Lucas, William Brownell, Lucy Browncll, Isaac Magoon, Hannah
Magoon, C. (jr. Austin, Harriet Austin, H. I. Jennison, Mary B. Jennison,
Harvey Gillett, Elizabeth Fay, Nathan Price, Eliza C. Bobbins, Azel Farnsworth,
Mary E. Whicher, Edward E. Fay, Louisa Gillett, Charles Shuggs, Mary A.
Allen, Giles Pettibone, Asenathe Pettibone, Maria Wheeler and Letta M. Day.
The first officers Avere : Deacons, Pliny Fay and Samuel Lucas ; Harvey Gil-
lett, Clerk ; H. I. Jennison, C. J. Austin and Nathan Price, Business Committee.
The Bev. A. B. Bobbins, of Salem, Mass., a missionary of the A. H. M. S.,
served the Church as Acting Pastor till January, 1853, and was then installed
Pastor. This relation continues at the present time, March, ]87!). There
have been received into the communion of this Church 507. The present mem-
bership is 247. This Church erected the first house of worship, properly
so called, dedicated to this purpose, in the town of Bloomington, now Muscatine,
in the year 1843-44. It is now using its third house of worship erected
in 1857, and valued at $12,000, and preparing for its fourth. It lias a home
and mission Sunday schools of about three hundred attendants. It has two
missionary societies and an organization for Christian work. Its contributions
to the various benevolent causes amount, as recorded on the books of the clerk,
to the sura of $35,864.41 since 1851 — twenty-seven years, an average of
$1,328.68 per annum. It has ever been radical in its opposition to the system
of American slavery, and honored for many years with the name of '* Uncle
Tom's Cabin." It has also been prominent in the advocacy of the principles of
total abstinence from the traffic and use of intoxicating drinks. Its present
house of worship is on Chestnut street, between Second and Third streets. Its
present officers are : Alden B. Bobbins, Pastor ; Cornelius Cadle, Suel Foster
and Henry Hoover, Deacons; W. H. Woodward, D. C. Bichmond and I. Gra-
ham, Business Committee ; A. B. Bobbins, Clerk ; J. Kulp, Chorister : T. M.
Salmon, Organist. Its Sunday-school officers are : E. E. Holmes and Charles
C. Smith, Superintendents; "^0. Terry, Chorister Q. ; Nellie A. Bishop,
Organist Q. S. S.
The German Congregational Church was organized in 1854. Its first
officers Avere Conrad, Schaefer and Henry Blumer, Deacons. Its first Pastor
was Christian Yeitz. Tlie congregation erected a house of worship in 1855.
The Church supports a Sunday school, and is connected with the German
Minor Congregational Association of Iowa, and that again with the General
Association of loAva. Deacons Jacob Schafluetzell and William liine are the
present officers, while Bev. Henry Hetzler fills the pulpit. The present mem-
bership is forty-nine, and the church property is valued at $1,000.
Trinity {Protestant Episcopal) Church was organized in 1839, and, in 1841,
built a house of worship in connection with the Masonic fraternity, which used
the upper story of it for a lodge-room. The society now worship in a stone
church, built in Gothic style, in 1852, and enlarged into a cruciform building
in 1855, located on Second, between Walnut and Mulberry streets. April 13,
1844, the congregation Avas incorporated according to the laAvs of the State
for religious societies. The first officers under the incorporation Avere J. S.
Larkin, Senior Warden ; Ansel Humphreys, Junior Warden ; Hiram ]Mathews,
J. S. Bichman and Charles Mattoon, Vestrymen. The present officers are H.
W. Moore, J. Carskadden, Thomas Brown, William II. Van Nostmnd, Thomas
N. Brown, George B. White and F. B. Lewis, Vestrymen ; G. R. White, Senior
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 533
Warden ; F. R. Lewis, Junior Warden. The present Rector is Rev. W.
A. Gallagher, and the membership numbers seventy-eight. The first church
edifice, built by this society, was furnished with black-walnut seats ; but that
variety of lumber was not deemed suitable for such purposes, and in order to
make the wood-work look as much like pine as possible, the seats and chancel
were painted white.
St. Mathias Romayi Catholic Church. — The first edifice in which the Cath-
olics of Muscatine County worshiped was a frame house, 20x30 feet, made in
Prairie du Chien, Wis., by order of Bishop Mathias Loras, of Dubuque, and
rafted down the Mississippi River to Bloomington, Iowa, where it was erected
in 1842, on the corner of Second and Cedar streets. This church soon became
too small, and was added to at different periods, but the number of members
increasing more and more, and the place proving inadequate, it was sold, build-
ing and lot, in 1856, for $650, and out of the proceeds of the sale a block was
bought of Reece Hooper, on Eighth, between Pine and Chestnut streets, and a
building erected 80x40 feet, and 72 feet high in the clear. Up to 1851, the
congregation was under the charge of missionary priests, who visited it occa-
sionally from Dubuque, Davenport and Iowa City. In 1851, the first resident
priest. Rev. P. T. McCormick was sent here, but remained only a few months.
In November, of the same year, the Rev. P. Laurent took charge of the con-
gregation, and is yet at the same post. The school attached to the church was
founded in 1862, and is under the charge of nine Sisters of Charity, of the
Order of the Blessed Virgin. The average number of scholars is 300, divided
into four class-rooms, including the select school. All branches of a common
English education are taught in this school, together with the German language
and the higher branches in the select school. The congregation of Mathias
was an assemblage of people of many nations and languages, the English pre-
dominating. The Germans were to the Irish as one is to three. In 1854, the
church of St, Malachy, in Township 76, was built by this congregation; in
1857, the first Catholic Church at Wilton was built by the same means ; and
finally, in 1875, the church at Nichols was built by the people of that place.
In 1876, St. Mary's Church was erected by the people of St. Mathias congre-
gation, and given to the Germans. Notwithstanding these diff'erent branches,
the Church of St. Mathias still numbers 200 families of Irish, Americans,
French and Germans. The language of the church is English. St. Mathias
Church, though rather unprepossessing outwardly, is a gem inside, and reminds
one of the Annunciado of Genoa. Its situation on one of Muscatine's most
romantic hills is unsurpassed, save, perhaps, by that of St. Mary's, in this city.
St. Mathias stands unrivaled for its paintings, its fine organ and music, and
its general arrangement and taste.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. During the spring of 1875, Rev.
Father P. Laurent purchased of G. Schultz, of St. Louis, Mo., five acres of
land, for the sum of $2,000, which he deeded to the German-American Bene-
ficial Society of Muscatine, with the understanding that in case of the sale of a
portion of the ground, they make a deed to the purchaser according to the for-
mer's directions. Eventually, some two acres of the land were sold to John and
George A. Schaefer, of this city for $1,945. The remaining ground was deeded
to the Right Rev. Bishop John Hennessey, of Dubuque. During the same
year, Father Laurent obtained permission from the Bishop to build a church
on the premises referred to. A subscription was subsequently taken up, added
to the amount realized on the sale of the two acres, and, in 1876, the erection
of the church edifice was commenced, being completed in 1877. The building
534 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
stood idle until January, 1879, when Rev. Father J. I. Greiser was appointed
by the Bishop to preside over the Church, and durin*r the same month the con-
gregation was regularly organized, with a membership of over one hundred
families. The church property is valued at about ^15,000.
The German Independent Liitlieran Cinirch was organized in 1848.
Among the constituent members were John Huber, Friederich Hacker, Henry
Molis, Friederich Hofmeyer, Henry Stahl, Henry Funk, Theodore Krehe.
Rev. Conrad Rico performed the first ministerial duties, while Henry Molis
and Henry Stahl filled the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. As the mem-
bership increased yearly, the congregation was enabled to build a brick church
in 18G0, to take the place of a small frame building formerly occupied. The
membership now numbers 100. A Sunday school is connected with the church,
which has an average attendance of 140 scholars. The present officers are John
Nietzel, President ; John Dietrich, Secretary ; Adam Ruling, Treasurer ;
Juettner and John Ilahn, Trustees. Rev. Ulrich Thomas is the present
Pastor. The church property is valued at §4.000.
St. Paul's Evangelical C/tnrch was organized in 1865. The first minister
was Rav. Wm. Kampmeyer, now residing at Pekin, HI. The original organi-
zation consisted of forty members. Rev. Kampmeyer was the first Pastor
sent by the Evangelical Synod of North America, to which the Church
belongs. The house of worship was purchased of the Baptists. The present
membership consists of about forty families, but some sixty families worship
here. The present Pastor is Rev. Charles Bonekampcr. Connected with
the Church is a flourishing Sunday school of about fifty scholars and eight
teachers ; also a Ladies' Benevolent Society. The church property is valued
at §2,000.
Tlie CJmreh of the United Brethren in Christ was organized in 1850. J.
Hei'she, S. Frantz, Isaac Neilig, Trustees, Avere its first officers ; Rev. Georcre
Miller served as its first Pastor. The church edifice of this con^resation was
erected in 1851. J. Hershe, AV. B. Ament, J. Erb and M. Bitzer serve at
present as Trustees, and Rev. R. E. Williams officiates as Pastor. A Sabbath
school was organized in 1852, and has been in successful operation to the pres-
ent time. Recently a Women's Missionary Society was started, with Mrs.
Williams as Presulent. The church property, including the parsonage, is
valued at about §5,500.
The Society of Friends. — A branch of the Iowa Yearly Meeting of the
Society of Friends was esttiblished at Muscatine in 1852. Indulged Meetings
had been held through the summer by the fiimilies of this Society for some
time, and, in September of the vear mentioned, the Preparative Meeting was
started, which was held in private houses, until 185(!, at which time a regular
house of worshij) Avas erected. INIrs. Emelia Darling was the first minister to
the Muscatine Meeting, which, at the present writing, has no recommended
minister ; the last ministers were : Sarah Jane Jepson, INIr. and ^Irs. Tibbitts.
The present membership consists of about one hundred fiimilies. The value of
property owned by the society is §2,000. The last officers elected are: Mrs.
Editli Painter, Mr. and Mrs. Cattell, Elders ; the same ladies and gentleman,
with the addition of Levy Reader, act as Overseers. Eli Cook and Miss Amelda
Painter are Clerks.
The Evancjelical German Association, familiarly known in Muscatine as
Albright's Church, has a house of worship, where services are held, but the
Church has no resident minister. Rev. John Abrams, of Wilton, visits this
congregation.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 535
The Holland Baptists also have an organization and a church-building here,
but no resident minister.
The Y. M. 0. A. of Muscatine was organized at a meeting held in the
First M. E. Church, March 5, 1877, with L. H. Washburn, Chairman, and E.
E. Holmes. Secretary. The first officers, elected at this meeting, were, D. C.
Buchraan, President ; P. M. Musser, Vice President ; William 11. WoodAvard,
Corresponding Secretary; William E. Betts, Recording Secretavy; A. K. Raff,
Treasurer.
The present officers are: L. II. Washburn, President; F. 0. Cliner, Record-
ing Secretary ; Plinay Fay, General Secretary ; W. Parkins, Treasurer. The
Association meets at the corner of Iowa avenue and Second street, has a
present membership of eighty-four, and holds Sunday meetings at Butlerville,
the Poorhouse, South Muscatine, the County Jail, Adams Station and Kalarama.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The first school taught in this county was under the direction of J. A.
Parvin, who rented a small cabin for $8, in May, 1839, and founded the educa-
tional interests of Muscatine. Mr. Parvin was a gentleman well suited to
professional duties of that character, and he succeeded in doing good work,
although the region was an uncultivated one in every sense. The young
teacher had no occasion to complain of the spoiling of his territory by former
efforts. The soil he broke about the roots of the tree of knowledge was virgin
soil, and susceptible to the influences of a skillful hand and mind. The little
flock of children who attended this primitive school was no diiferent, probably,
from many another class in the Western wilds, and by slow degrees the patient
labors of the teacher began to reap reward, and the interest of the rapidly-
growing settlement centered more and more decidedly in the unpretentious
school. The only compensation received by Mr. Parvin was such as parents
paid him directly. The stipend was regulated by the teacher and the parents,
whose purse was never so well filled as to warrant extravagant outlays in that
direction. The early settlers in this locality were more intelligent than in
many other regions of this State, but, as a general rule, they were poor in
worldly goods.
During the eleven years which succeeded the establishment of the first
school, there were several private schools, of greater or less importance, a record
of which has not been preserved.
The earliest concerted action of the people, in regard to schools, dates from
1848. The writer, in his efforts to secure an accurate history of those first
movements, ascertained the prominent part taken in the matter by Mr. G. B.
Denison. Upon applying to him for information, Mr. Denison kindly con-
sented to furnish all he was possessed of in that direction, stipulating merely
that he should " tell his story in his own way." We gladly complied with that
provision, although it is a most unusual request for a man to ask that responsi-
bility be thrown upon his shoulders. We generally find men anxious to express
opinions at the expense of other parties.
Mr. Denison's recital covers the period between 1848 and 1863, and is here
given over his own signature :
Muscatine, Iowa, April 8, 1879.
Westkrn Historical Company:
Gentlemen : In compliance with your request to furnish you with the statistics of the pub-
lic schools of Muscatine from 1850 to 1808, I thought it best to do so over my own signature,
in the form of a communication. This will relieve you of all responsibility in the matter, and
will enable me to express myself in my own language. Muscatine having built the tirst large
536 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Bchoolhouse and established the first graded school in Iowa, and I having been selected as Prin-
cipal of said school, and as I also had considerable to do with shaping the school laws of the
State during the first ten years of my residence here, I prefer to tell my own story in my own
way.
Under the provisions of the school laws of Iowa, up to 1858, the formation of school dis-
tricts was left entirely with the School Fund Commissioner; and for some unexplained reason,
Muscatine was early divided into two school districts. District No. 1 occupied all that part of
the original town east of Sycamore street, and No. 2 all west of said sti-eet. Nothing could
induce them to unite the two districts until the passage of the revised school law, March 12,
1858, when they were consolidated, 7wle?i.'i volens.
In 1848, District No. 2 commenced the agitation of building a schoolhouse. Up to that
time, there were no sclioolhouses in eitlier district. While there were, in many of the country
districts, schoolliouses that would have been considered creditable to old Massachusetts, yet, in
the towns of Iowa, very little had been done toward providing suitable sclioolhouses. Dubuque
had built two small brick houses, with two rooms each, but no other town of any importance in
the State could boast of any public schoolhouse whatever. After much canvassing by about a
dozen friends, a public meeting of the electors of District No. 2 was called at the old Methodist
Church, standing on the ground now occupied by the Muscatine Journal printing office, and a
vote was taken, which was in favor of building a schoolhouse. At this meeting, a tax was
voted, and the School Board were instructed to procure a site and build a suitable schoolhouse,
sufficient to accommodate the wants of the district. The lots where the First AVard Schoolhouse
now stands were selected, and a contract was entered into for building a schoolhouse; but
the project soon met with a set-back unlooked for. While the collector was on his route, collect-
ing the tax, Mr. John If. Wallace refused to pay his tax, claiming that the district was not
legally organized. So the matter went to the Court, and the decision was against the district.
This put a stop to the enterprise. As soon as people recovered from the shock, the necessary
steps were taken to re-organize the district, making sure that no flaws could be found in the
organization this time. All that they had done up to that time had to be done over again.
Another meeting was called, and this time they made sui-e work of it. Not only that, but they
determined to build a much larger house than was at first contemplated; and another tax was
voted larger than the first, new plans were drawn up and the work commenced in right good
earnest. But they had been set back a full year in their work, and the house was not completed,
ready for occupation, until May, 1851.
District No. 1, not relishing the idea of being outdone, in 1850, voted to build a larger house
than the one in No. 2. They levied a tax and secured the lots where the present Third Ward
Schoolhouse now stands, and, in the spring of 1851, commenced a two-story brick house 4l)x60
feet, wliile the house in No. 2 was only 40x45 feet. The house was completed and the school
commenced March 7, 1853, with D. Franklin Wells, a graduate of the State Normal School, at
Albany, N. V., as Principal; Miss Margaret M. Lyon, a graduate of the same school, as First
Assistant ; Miss INIalinda Davidson, Second Assistant, and Miss Emeline Fisher, Third Assistant.
At the commencement of the second term, the teachers were as follows: D. F. Wells, Principal,
salary, $500; Miss M. M. Lyon, First Assistant, salary, $250; Miss Kate Foster, Second Assist-
ant, salary, $200; Miss M. Davidson, Third Assistant, salary, $200; Miss Ilenriette Mikesell,
Fourth Assistant, salary, $150.
In 1850, District No. 1 elected John A. Parvin, President; Ansel Humphreys, Secretary,
and Absalom Fisher, Treasurer. There was no election of Directors in 1851, so these officers
held over, and had the sole charge of building the schoolhouse. At the time of commencing the
school in 1853, the district adopted the new school law, and elected Theodore S. Parvin, Presi-
dent ; Arthur Washburn, Secretary, ami Absalom Fisher, Treasurer. Mr. Wells continued as
Principal of the school until the close of the school year in ]85<), when he was appointed by the
Trustees of the State University as Principal of the State Normal School, at Iowa City, and
entered upon the duties at the commencementof the school year in September, 185G. Miss
Lyon and Mr. Wells left at the same time. I can't recall Mr. Wells' successor, but he only
taught for a few weeks, and was succeeded by Thomas Beaham, and Mr. Beaham by D. II.
Coodno, which fakes us up to 18G3.
I landed in Muscatine, May 4, 1851, and, on the 12th, opened the school on the hill in the
First AVard, known as No. 2. The School Board at that time consisted of N. L. Stout, Presi-
dent; Henry O'Connor, Secretary, and Pliny Fay, Treasurer. ]My salary was to be $500.
The Board emplo3'ed two female assistants, to wit: Miss Lydia E. Denison, First .\ssistant, at a
salary of $250; Miss Mary A. Stiles, Second xVssistant, at a salary of $225. The school year
consisted of ten months, divided into three terms of fourteen weeks each. As will be seen by
the above, the School Board had contracted to pay as teachers' wages, $075, about one-third of
which they would receive from the apportionment of the school fund, but the balance was set
down as an unknown quantity. Where it was to come from or just how they were to obtain it,
were questions they were unable to solve. It was enough, that they had engaged the teachers
for a year, and a part of the Board, at least, borrowed no trouble about the question of pay.
That question must take care of itself when the time came. As there was no provision in the
school law at that time whereby the money could be raised by tax or rate bill, Mr. Fay felt
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 537
troubled in his conscience that he had been a party to a contract of whicli he did not see clearly
how he was going to fulfill his ptirt. So he came to me and asked me if I could not devise a
plan to relieve the Board of their embarrassment; in short, he wanted me to act as a " com-
mittee of ways and means."
Being largely interested personally, I took the matter under thoughtful consideration. I
ascertained what the district would probably receive from the apportionment of the school fund,
and the balance I determined to raise by rate bill. Though the law made no provisions for
raising anything by rate bill, here was an actual necessity ; the balance of the teachers' wages
must be raised, or the school must be closed. So, under my advice, the Board assessed the
pupils as follows, to wit: The primary department, $1.50; the intermediate department, |1.75,
and the higher department, %'2 per term, which was an average of 12J cents per week. And
they also adopted a rule not to admit any one to the school whose parents refused to pay this
assessment. District No. 1 adopted the same schedule of tuition, but being less rigid in the
enforcement of collecting the tuition than No. 2, they ran behind, while No. 2 accumulated
funds.
But I foresaw we would be likely to have trouble in collecting these assessments in the
future, so I drew up an amendment to the school law consisting of eight sections, entitled " an
act to extend the powers of school districts," which was passed by the Legislature, and approved
by the Governor, .January 'J'l, 1853. (See edition of the School Laws for 1853, and subsequent
years.) This act left it optional with each district to organize under it or not ; it established
the legality of the rate-bill system ; the Directors were increased from three to six, optional
with the electors, and were elected for three years instead of one ; it also made the school dis-
trict permanent and not subject to alteration by the School Fund Commissioner. This law was
universally adopted by the towns throughout the State, and by many of the county disti-icts,
also. It was while I was in Iowa City, during the session of the Legislature of 1853, that I
made the acquaintance of Gov. Grimes, who was a member of the lower house, and I intrusted
my bill to his care. The Legislature passed the bill as I had drawn it, without any alterations,
and it remained unchanged until repealed by the passage of the Revised School Law, March
12, 1858.
District No. 2 adopted it in the spring of 1853, and elected six Directors, as follows : Rev.
A. B. Bobbins, President; Joseph Bridgman, Secretary; James S. Hatch, Treasurer; Jacob
Butler, Joseph P. Freeman and Franklin Thurston, Directors. The new Board made a change
in the teachers, dismissing Misses Denison and Stiles, and putting in their places Miss Emeline
Lincoln and Miss Charity N. Merrill.
This was the first graded school established in the State, and the pld No. 2 was the first
large and commodious schoolhouse built in Iowa. The State Superintendent, Thomas H. Ben-
ton, Jr., in his report for 1850, gives Muscatine credit for taking the lead in public school mat-
ters in the State. My private record shows that "the Muscatine School," as it was then
known, attracted much attention abroad. We received calls from many eminent persons from
all parts of the State as well as elsewhere. Among them are the names of James Grant and
Prof. BuUen, of Iowa College, Davenport; the State Superintendent, Thomas H. Benton ; W.
Penn Clark, of Iowa City; Gov. R. P. Lowe, Glen Wood and Edward Kilbourn, of Keokuk, and
many others.
But it was evident soon after the re-organization of the district, and the election of the
new School Board under the law which I had prepared, that a revolution was contemplated by
the ruling spirit of the Board. The President and I ditfered in regard to the manner of con-
ducting the school, and our dift'erence was of such a nature, there was no room for a compro-
mise. He was unyielding, and I was equally stubborn in my opinions, and the result was a
collision.
There were at that time, many children of Catholic parents attending the school, as they
had a right to do, and the course which he proposed to pursue they looked upon as an infringe-
ment of their conscientious religious scruples. In short, they would be compelled to yield
their religious convictions or leave the school. I claimed that the public schools, being sup-
ported by public funds, should be entirely free from sectarian influences ; that they should be
so conducted, that people of all shades of religious opinion could meet on one common
platform, where the children of all sects and creeds could study the same text-books and recite
in the same classes under the same teachers. That would make them as I believed, what the
law contemplated, "public schools, free to all." The matter was submitted to the electors of
the district at the annual meeting in 1854, and the voice of the district was against the Board
and they all resigned and a new Board was elected, consisting of S. G. Stein, Henry Reece, J.
P. Freeman, S. B. Hill, Alexander Dunsmore and Alfred Purcell. Mr. Alva Tuttle was
appointed Principal of the school, but he only remained with the school two terms when the
Board re-appointed me. At the close of the school year, I resigned to engage in other busi-
ness. Mr. Nathan Hoag was appointed my successor, which position he held but one year,
when Samuel McNutt took his place, and Moses Ingalls succeeded Mr. McNutt. In 1860, the
School Board dispensed with all the male teachers except Mr. D. H. Goodno, who acted in the
capacity of City Superintendent. Mr. Goodno held this position as well as that of County
Superintendent, till the formation of the Gray-Beard Regiment, in October, 1 862, when he
638 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
resigned to accept the position of Major in that regiment. This left the schools without a male
teacher, and in .lanuary, 1863, the School Board requested me to take Mr. Goodno's place at
the head of the sciiooLs, which I did, but at the close of the school year, I suggested to the
Board tliat the work was not satisfactory to me, and requesleil them to appoint male Principals
for the two large schools. The Board appointed Mr. Thomas Brown, Principal of No. 2, and I
took charge of No. 1, which position I held till the close of the school year in 1804. Mr.
Brown remained as Principal of No. 2 till .January, 18G4, when he resigned, and Mr. F. M. Wit-
ter, a graduate of the State Normal School, at Iowa City, was appointed as his successor.
I remain, yours respectfully,
G. B. DENISON.
The following summary of the school history since 1862 is taken from offi-
cial sources :
In 1803, Prof F. M. Witter came to Muscatine and accepted the Principal-
ship of the school in the First Ward. At that time, not only were the two
schools in the First and Third Wards independent of each other, but even the
several rooms in the buildings were, in a measure, operated upon distinct plans
relative to studies and government. There was no recognized head of the
schools. In the spring of 1864, certain extraneous influences created a change
in the character of the School Board in the city, and the outgrowth of that
change was the invitation of Mr. Witter to act as Superintendent of both
schools. It was also proposed that Mr. Witter establish a high school, of
which he was to be Principal. The proposals so cordially extended were
accepted by Mr. Witter, and the labor of grading the schools was undertaken
in the spring of 1864. During the previous year, the Professor had succeeded
in classifying the First Ward School and greatly enhancing its usefulness. It
was upon the strength of that work that the Board based its calculations of the
gentleman's efficiency as an organizer. During the early part of 1864, Mr.
Witter visited several places which were noted for the excellence of their
schools, and received valuable suggestions concerning the best methods of grad-
ing and arranging the courses of study. August, 1864, the Board adopted the
plans and rules of government submitted as the result of such investigations.
The rules were published in pamphlet form. This was the first pamphlet ever
issued by the Board under the graded system. From it is taken the following
plan of organization :
'• The schools of the city of Muscatine shall be organized with the following
general grades, viz.. Primary Schools, Grammar Schools and High School.
The Primary Schools shall be divided into two grades, viz., First and Second,
the first grade being the lowest. Each of these grades shall be organized into
at least three classes, known as. A, B and C, C being the lowest. The two
grades shall contain at least six classes, and, if necessity requires, additional
classes may be formed ; but in no case must they change the grade. Each
Primary School shall be under the immediate control of a Principal, who shall
have as many assistants as the school may require.
" The Grammar Schools shall be composed of at least four classes, known
as A, B, C and D, D being the lowest. Additional classes may be formed, if
required, but they shall in no case change the grade. Each Grammar School
shall be under the immediate control of a Principal, who shall also have general
supervision of the Primary School in the same building. There shall be as
many assistants in the Grammar Schools as are needed for the prosperity of the
schools.
" The High School shall embrace three classes. A, B and C, C being the
lowest. It shall include a course of study ordinarily requiring three years to
complete. The High School shall be in charge of a Principal and as many
assistants as the work demands."
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 539
The first corps of teachers employed under the new system was as follows :
Prof. F. M. Witter, Superintendent and Principal of the High School ; Miss
A. H. Reed, Assistant in High School ; E. Cleveland, Principal, and Misses
A. B. Raymond, E, Williams, Assistants, School No. 1 ; William Hoopes,
Principal, and Misses M. C. Mitchell, Minnie Morrison, Assistants, School
No. 2, Grammar Department ; Misses Marietta Bentley, Anna Johnson, S. M.
Mitchell, N. Martein and B. Van Buren, teachers in the Primary Department ;
Miss M. H. Washburn, teacher in the African school.
The Board of Directors, at that time, was composed of the following gen-
tlemen : H. W. Moore, President ; J. H. Wallace, Secretary ; M. Block,
Treasurer ; J. A. Dougherty, G. A. Garrettson, S. Smalley and Charles
Page.
The first examination of applicants for admission to the High School was
made in September, 1864. Probably one hundred pupils presented themselveii.
Of that num.ber, nearly 90 per cent were accepted and two classes were formed,
in order that one class might graduate in two years' time. The more advanced
scholars, of course, were placed in the first division.
This formation of classes was in anticipation of the erection of a suitable
building for a high school, and to supply the deficiency the Board leased a
frame building which stood on the corner of Fifth street and Iowa avenue,
which had been built for school purposes by a stock company, a few years pre-
viously, and had been known as the Greenwood Academy, but which was no
longer in use, through the abandonment of the enterprise. The High School
remained there until 18G5.
During the year 1864, from school reports it appeared there were about
seven hundred children in the public schools.
In 1865, the Board leased rooms in the Scott House, on Iowa avenue, and
fitted them up for high-school purposes. The lease was written for ten years.
For several years, matters moved on smoothly in the two ward buildings and
in the leased rooms above named.
On the 2d day of July, 1868, the city was visited by one of the most ter-
rific thunder-storms ever experienced here. Several buildings were struck by
lightning, and more or less injured. Among the number was Schoolhouse No.
1, in the Third Ward. The lightning so effectively operated on that structure
as to completely destroy it by fire. Fortunately, the accident occurred 'at a
time when there was no session of school in the building, so that its loss was
not rendered greater through destruction of life. The policies of insurance
upon the house amounted to about $8,000, and had been placed but a short
time prior to the calamity.
This destruction of the Third Ward House proved a blessing in disguise to
the school interests of the city, for it became an imperative necessity tliat
another edifice should be erected at once. The times had so far advanced that
modern plans alone were admissible in the councils of the Board, and to that
fact is attributable the splendid system of buildings which now graces Musca-
tine, and renders her educational department a model one in the eyes of the
State.
The questions of dimensions and character of the building were fully dis-
cussed at the meetings of the Board, and a majority finally decided upon the
building which now stands on the site of the old house. Some objections were
raised to the erection of so large a house; but wiser judgment prevailed, and
the plans were drawn for a building capable of seating about seven hundred
pupils, with accommodations for the High School on the upper fioor.
540 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
During the period Avhich elapsed between the destruction of the ohl and the
completion of the new house, the school in that ward was carried on under
great difficulties. Such apartments as could be secured were rented for the
several classes ; but a feeling of indifterence pervaded the ward. It was upon
that score that the acceptance of so extensive plans was disputed. When the
new house was opened, in 1870, not a single seat was vacant, a fact which
proved the wisdom of the Board.
The original house in District No. 1, as the Third Ward is called, was built
upon an elevation which was ungraded. The new edifice was placed upon the
same lot, which had been graded considerably, making the location a more
desirable one. The contractors and builders of this house were H. H, Hine
and Hiram Rowland, of Muscatine. The cost was $10,973.50.
In 1871, a frame house was erected in Musserville, at a cost of $1,000, by
C. U. Hatch. Mr. S. 0. Butler owned a private school-building in South
Muscatine, and after his schoolhouse burned, Mr. Tomley leased his house to
the Board.
About this time, the subject of increasing the school facilities of the citv
was agitated, and during the following year, lots were purchased for a central
building, on Iowa avenue.
In 1872, the project of building a high school was furthered by the people
voting bonds to the extent of $8,000. In 1873, the present spacious high-
school edifice Avas erected. J. P. Walton drew the plans, and S. G. Hill was
the builder. The cost was about $18,000. The sessions of the High School
were for one term, in 1873, held in rooms over Olds & Reppert's drug store.
On the 1st of November, 1873, the new building was dedicated. Hon. T.
S. Parvin was present, by invitation, and addressed the large audience assem-
bled. Judge D. C. Richman read a poem appropriate to the occasion. From
that time to the present date, the High School has remained in the house erected
for its use.
The year 1878 found the Board obliged to rent rooms in the suburbs to
accommodate the increasing number of pupils. A loan of $10,000 Avas called
for, in March, to erect new houses, and was carried. It was agreed to build a
small house in Weedville, and also to construct a more modern house in the
the First Ward. Plans were asked for, and it soon became apparent that the
sum voted was not sufficient to perfect the work. It was suggested to use the
moneys already held as a certain branch of the school funds, but not of the
schoolhouse fund, for the supplementing of the amount raised. This method
of converting the funds to other than specified uses was objected to, and some
considerable controversy grew out of the matter. The difficulty was finally
overcome by the people voting, in July, an additional $10,000 of bonds, condi-
tional upon the erection of houses in Butlersville and South Muscatine. Those
smaller buildings were accordingly put up, and a four-room brick in South
Muscatine, and the model schoolhouse, which is now in process of completion,
begun. The latter is one of the most convenient and substantial school-build-
ings in the State, even considering the comparatively small cost thereof. It is
an ornament to the city and an honor to the Board which accepted the plans.
The architect was William Foster, of Des Moines. All modei-n improvements
are introduced in the construction of this admirable building. First Ward
house will cost about $1G,000.
From the inception of the graded plan of schools to the present time, a
spirit of liberality has prevailed. Prominent among the influential workers in
this cause, as members of the Board, were Messrs. Vincent Chambers, Abraham
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 541
Smalley, Dr. Hardman, M. Block, L. H. Washburn, R. Musser, J. S. Patten
and Allen Bloomhall. Mr. Bloomhall is the present President, and Mr. L. C.
Grossman is Secretary, as well as Assistant in the high school.
Not only can Muscatine boast of her school-buildings ; she can also claim
high rank in efficiency and quality of work. The true principle of retaining
the best teachers by paying liberally, and grading according to merit, obtains
in the methods of the Board. Mr. Witter is surrounded by the best of assist-
ants in the several departments, and the reputation of the schools extends favor-
ably throughout the State, to the writer's certain knowledge.
Herewith is given a full list of the graduates of the high school :
1866. — Frank R. Lewis, Jennie S. Sinnett, C. Edward Stewart, Rebecca
J. Myers, Annie M. Bobbins, M. Lillie Morrison, Mary L. Humphreys.
1867. — Emma Lillibridge, Eliza Pressor, Mary Ley da, Lydia B. Daugherty,
Mollie M. Humberger.
1868. — Fannie M. Nisley, Sarah V. Johnson, Mamie E. Underwood.
1869. — Daniel Van Dam, Clara Lillibridge, John Krug, F. W. Winter, Eva
A. Johnson, Clara J. Statterthwaite, Belle Sinnett.
1870.— Fred H. Eaton, Thomas J. Morford, Lew G. Burnett, Ella L. Rey-
nolds, Emma L. Clapp, Lucv Jackson, Libbie S. Wallace, Lue Dillaway.
1871.— Milton D. Painter, Charles T. Campbell, Belle L. Washburne, Mary
C. Dean, Emma Underwood, Anna E. Warren, Katie A. Hoch, Anna J. Keeler,
Bettie C. Satterthwaite, John M. Bishop, Susie V. Clark.
1872.— Anna M. McAlister, Emily H. Foulke, Mamie L. Hill, Mary E.
Coriell, R. Emma Lord, Anna B. Lewis, Eva D. Hardman, Lydia A. Brown.
1873.— Mary M. Brogan, Minnie E. Steere, Manza M. Lord, Ella L. Fisher,
Addie B. Jones, Nellie A. Bishop, Flora E. Coriell, Josephine M. Brogan, OUie
L. Harlan, Minnie C. Douglass, Anna M. Reuling, Fannie V. Mathewson,
Mary E. Smith, Phebe S. Bennett, James W. Page, Asher W. Widdifield, Lizzie
C. Funck, Edward C. Cook, Alexander Gr. Clark.
1874. — Marston Stocker, Leona E. Howe, Harry Springer, Frank P. SaAV-
yer, Mary Dobbs, Mattie Gilbert, Floy Rowland, S. T. Sinnett, Abbie Cadle,
James Seldon, Charles Page, Ella Martin, Addie Chambers, Lizzie Adams, Ada
Wilson, Anna Braunwarth, C. Garlock.
1875. — Alice B. Walton, Ellen G. Stocker, Edward Sells, Jennie Hazelett,
Sallie R. Foulke, Sarah L. Adams, Lou J. Page, Ella Kranz, Louisa A.
Franklin.
1876. — George Whicher, Oscar Groschell, Amanda E. Gilbert, Amelia M,
Allyn, Emma L. Braunwarth, Ferdinand Kaufman, J. Frank Brown, Lydia
Freeman, Laura B. Pierson.
1877. — William Price, Hattie Foulke, Lillie Walton, Ella Broorahall, Nettie
Washburne, Stella Richardson, Susie Conway.
1878. — Minnie 0. Deitz, Madge Ament, Jesse M. Washburne, Annie B.
Cloud, Isaac Mathewson, Julia M. Price, Juda Chambers, Libbie Green, Ada
A. McDonald, John F. Dobbs, Edward B. Molis, L. Maggie Adams, Lillie A.
Biles, Mattie E. Sweeney, Ida E. Appel, Ida M. Brown.
1879.— Mary 0. Walton, Aggie L. Hatch, Edith L. Winslow, May V. Pat-
ten, Lucy Brown, Jennie Miller. This class will graduate next June.
MUSCATINE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE.
BY F. M. WITTER.
On Monday evening, November — , 1875, the following gentlemen met at
the residence of F. M. Witter, on Fifth street, between Mulberry and Walnut :
H. H. Benson, R. H. McCampbell and J. P. Walton. The purpose of this
542 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
meeting was to organize a club, which should have for its object the discussion
of topics relating to science. It was thought best at that time not to introduce
any formality in the conduct of the club, except to call the organization, if
organization it could be called, " The Scientific Club of Muscatine."
In 1871, Monday evening, June 26, the Club met at the same place, and
adopted the following constitution :
Article 1. The uame of this association shall be the " The Muscatine Scientific Club."
Art. 2. The object of the association is the promotion of science.
Art. o. The officers of the Club shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer, who shall be elected on the first Monday in October of each year, and shall hold
their office until their successors are elected.
Art. 4. Any person can become a member of this Club by a unanimous vote of all the
members present at any regular meeting.
Art. "). This Constitution can be altered or amended at any regular meeting of the Club,
by a vote of two thirds of all the members of the Club. 11. H. BENSOX,
F. M. Witter, SecTctanj. President.
At this meeting, H. H. Benson and wife, J. P. Walton and wife, Peter
Musser and wife, F. M. ^Yitcer and wife, R. H. McCampbell and wife, F. L.
Dayton and wife and William lloifman were by ballot elected members ; and
H. H. Benson was made President ; P. Musser, Vice President ; F. M. Witter,
Secretary, and J. P. Walton, Treasurer. Nothing of importance was done
during the remainder of the year.
On the first Monday evening in October, 1861, the Club met at the res-
idence of J. P. Walton, and the following officers were elected : President, R.
H. McCampbell ; Vice President, J. P. Walton ; Secretar}^ F. M. Witter ;
Treasurer, P. Musser. During this year, little or nothing was accomplished,
except to discuss, in a very informal way, a few topics of a scientific character.
In October, 1872, the Club again met at Mr. Walton's and the following
were chosen officers for the ensuing year : President, Dr. J. Hardman ; Vice
President, T, N. Brown : Secretary, Mrs. F, L, Dayton ; Treasurer, Mrs. J.
P. Walton.
In November of this year, the Club made a canvass of the city to sell
tickets for a course of public lectures. March 31, 1873, Dr. Hardman reported
as follows : price of single tickets, ^2 ; double, $3.50 ; family, admitting four,
$5, for the course. Sale of tickets amounted to $402.50 ; door receipts,
$240.80. Amount paid to lecturers, $485; for incidentals, $129.60, leaving
a balance of $28.70.
The lectures were from Dr. I. I. Hayes — " Adventures and Discoveries in
the Arctic Regions."
Miss Pluvbe Couzins — "The Education of Woman."
Prof. Gustavus Hinrichs — '' The Physical Forces in the Human Organism."
Dr. C. C. Parry — "Aspect of Rocky Mountain Scenei'y."
Rev. Robert Colly er — " Clear Grit."
Mrs. Scott-Siddons — Readings.
In October, 1873, Mr. J. B. Dougherty was elected President ; ,
Vice President ; G. W. Van Home, Secretary ; Mrs. J. P. Walton, Treasurer.
A second course of lectures was agreed upon for this year^ and a committee
was appointed to canvass for the sale of tickets.
The course consisted of the following : Rev. Robert Collyer, James Par-
ton, Mr. Andrews and Col. J. P. Sanford. The total receipts, with fund on
hand, were $644, and the expenditures, $580 ; leaving a balance of $64 in favor
of the Club. A few papers were read during the year.
An the annual election in October, 1874, William Hoffman was chosen Pres-
ident ; F. M. Witter, Vice President ; G. W. Van Home, Secretary ; Suel
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 548
Foster, Treasurer. At this meeting, a resolution was passed refjuiring
all who Avished to continue members, to sign the constitution within thirty
days.
This year was probably the most active and prosperous in the history of the
Club. Papers were read as follows : Dr. W. S. Robinson, " Thermometry in
Disease;" F. M. Witter, "Transit of Venus;" Rev. John Armstrong, "Har-
mony of Genesis and Geology:" Rev. Roach, "Health;" Suel Foster,
"Design in Creation;" Dr. I. L. Graham, "Law and Design in Creation;"
Mr. John Underwood. The death of ex-President J. B. Dougherty caused
sad remembrance of the otherwise pleasant year.
October 4, 1875, the Club elected for President, F. M. Witter ; Vice Pres-
ident, G. W. Van Home ; Secretary, J. P. Walton ; Treasurer, Suel Foster.
The following papers were read during the year: Mrs. J. P. Walton, a poem,
"The Ruins Sadden, but the Unfinished Jhiilding Chills;" F. M. AVitter,
"Australian Fever-Tree " and "Shells;" Dr. J. Hardman, "Final Suppression
of the Teeth;" F. Reppert, "Possible Accumulation of Carbonic Acid."
Hon. S. 0. Hastings, of San Francisco, was elected an honorary member.
The year was rather . quiet. . On October 2, 1876, the following were
chosen to act as officers for the year: President, Dr. J. Hardman; Vice
President, Suel Foster ; Secretary, J. G. H. Little ; Treasurer, J. P.
Walton. Papers were read as follows: Hon. S. C. Hastings, "Anti-
Spiritualism;" G. W. Van Home, "What We Ought to Know," and
"Bacon or Shakespeare?" J. P. Walton, "Indications;" J. A. Pickler,
" Oliver Goldsmith."
At the end of this year, the President, in a closing address, expressed what
had been felt by several members of the Club, viz., a desire to so re-organize
that an opportunity might be had for some more earnest and original work in
science, and to unite with us others who would not join under the existing cir-
cumstances. In fact, it was plain that science had little chance as it was, and,
unless some change was speedily made, a new organization would be formed for
the cultivation of science. The election of officers October 8, 1877, resulted
as follows: President, F. Reppert; Vice President, F. M. Witter; Secretary,
William Hoffman ; Treasurer, Peter Musser.
At a meeting held November 12, a committee was appointed to revise the
Constitution, and a room was rented of Dr. Hardman for the use of the Club.
About thirty-five persons had been elected members of the Club up to October,
1877.
The Club took possession of its room November 26, since which time regu-
lar meetings have been held in accordance with the new Constitution.
December 22, 1877, the following was adopted :
Whkreas, The "Muscatine Scientific (;iub" having, by its recent transactions, declared it
to be its deliberate choice to assume other and more extended organic forms, therefore,
Resolved, First, That the Constitution as lately revised and adopteil shall now and here-
after be the fundamental guide of this new form of association (the Muscatine Academy of
Science), and that all former rules, constitutional or otherwise, are hereby declared null and
void.
Second, That the present incumbent officers of what lias been known as the " Muscatine
Scientific Club,"" be and are declared fully ([ualified and authorized to perform all the esbcntial
and official functions of the Muscatine Academy of Science, until their successors be elected at
thef next regular annual election and qualified.
Third, ,'J'hat all finances, financial and property matters pertaining to and possessed by the
" Muscatine Scientific (Jlub," be and the sains are fully and exclusively henceforth belonging
to and possessed by the Muscatine Academy of Science.
Fourth, Tliat tlie old members of the "Scientific Club," in consideration of money
advanced by its members, be exempt from initiation fees.
0
644 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
The following is the Constitution of the Muscatine Academy of Science :
AnTiCLE 1. This association shall be known as the Muscatine Academy of Science.
Akt. 2. The object of this association shall be the cultivation and pursuit of science in
all its branches.
Art. 3. The officers of this association shall be a President, Vice President, Recording
Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian or Curator, who shall be elected
annually by ballot, at the tirst regular meeting held on or after the tirst day of October in each
year, and who shall hold their respective offices until their successors are duly elected and
qualified.
Art. 4. The President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and two other members of
the society, to be appointed by the President, shall constitute an Executive Committee, whose
duty it shall be to have the supervision and management of the business and general interests
of the association, and who shall perform such other duties as shall be imposed upon it by the
society.
Art. 5. Any person may become a member of this association by receiving the affirmative
vote by ballot, of three-fourths of all the members present at any regular meeting succeeding
that at which his or her name has been proposed in writing ; the payment to the treasury a
membership fee of one dollar, and signing this Constitution.
Art. 6. This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting, by the affirmative vote
of three-fourths of the members present, provided that such proposed amendment shall have
been submitted in writing at least two regular meetings prior to action thereon.
BY-LAWS.
Article 1. The regular meetings of this society shall he held on Monday evening, once in
two weeks from October to May, and once every four weeks from May to October in each year ;
the hour of meeting shall be 7.^ o'clock in fall and winter, and 8 o'clock in spring and summer.
Art. '2. Eight members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but any
number not less than five shall constitute a quorum for other purposes.
Art. 3. Each member shall be subject to an annual assessment of one dollar, payable
quarterly, to begin with the first meeting in January, 1878, such payment to be made to the
Secretary, whose duty it is to demand delinquencies.
Art. 4. Cushings Manual shall be the standard of parliamentary practice.
Art. 5. Order of exercises :
1st. Reading of the minutes of previous meeting.
'2d. Written communications and discussions thereon,
od. Verbal communications and discussions thereon.
4th. Untinishsd business.
6th. New business,
tith. Adjournment.
Art. 0. These By-Laws may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of
the members present, provitling such proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing
at a preceding regular meeting : but any By-Law may be suspended for the evening by vote of
a majority of those present at such meeting.
Thirty-five names have been signed to the Constitution, and several others
have paitl membership fees and are paying dues, uho have not yet signed.
Since the re-organization of the society, tiftoeii or twenty papers have been
read, most of them based on original work, a considerable number of specimens
of various kinds have been received, and some valuable relics taken from
mounds near Toolsboro, in Louisa County and elsewhere have been placed in
the collection of the Academy.
The election of officers in October, 1S78, resulted as follows : President. F.
Rippert: Vice President, F. M. Witter; Recording Secretary, James W. Page;
Corresponding Secretary, F. M. Witter; Curator, Dr. J. Hardman ; Treasurer,
Peter Musser.
The Academy, in January, 1879, employed Dr. Alexander Winchell to
deliver three public lectures on science, as follows: ''Life-Time of a World;"
'* Man in the Light of Geology:" " Evolution, Its Principles and Proofs." The
Acadeniv, at its meeting April 7, 187l>, decided to rent larger and better rooms
and furnish suitable cases for specimens. The membership is now about fifty,
and the prospect is quite promising. It is hoped and believed that an institu-
tion of this kind can be sustained in this citv, and that it will be useful in an
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. /i45
educational point of view, and will encourage the youth who are inclined to
pursue science.
MUSCATINE CONCIIOLOGICAL CLUB.
This organization is devoted exclusively to the study of the Mollusca and espe-
cially the Mollusca of Muscatine County. It has been in existence about two
years. The oflBcers at this time are: President, F. M. Witter; Secretary,
William Roach; Treasurer, John Fogerty. Meetings are held each week during
a part of the winter, at which papers are read on the species of MoUusks found
near Muscatine, each member taking such species as he may be best able to
illustrate by specimens. No membership fee is charged and there are no dues,
but a fund from voluntary contribution is accumulating, for the purpose of pub-
lishing at an early day, a full annotated list of the living Mollusks in this
vicinity.
SECRET ASSOCIATIONS AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
loiva Lodge, No. .?, A., F. tf A. M., was instituted at Bloomington, Iowa
Territory, by letters of dispensation granted by Deputy Grand Master Joseph
Foster, of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, February 15, 1841. The first officers
were: Ansel Humphrey, W. M.; John Lilly, Jr., S. W.; B. S. Olds, J. W.;
Phil. J. Jean, Tiler. Original members under the dispensation were Josiah
Parvin, Silas L. Lathrop, Isaac McGoon, Joseph 0. Mathews, Theo. S. Parvin,
B. P. Rowland, Alex. Lewis and Joseph Williams. A charter was granted Jan-
uary 8, 1844, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Oliver Cock, of the Grand
Lodge of Iowa Territory to Theo. S. Parvin, W. M.; A. F. Hofmeyer, S. W.;
F. 0. Beckett, J. W., and others. The present officers of this Lodge are:
Samuel Cohn, W. M.; Henry Hanson, S. W.; Charle?, Weltz, J. W.; J. P.
Ament, Treasurer; D. H. Block, Secretary; W. P. Frazer, S. !>.; Joseph T.
Davidson, J. D.; Kimmel Dunn, Tiler. The Lodge has a present membership
of eighty, meets at Masonic Hall and owns property valued at $500.
ffumphrei/s Lodge, JYo. 30, A., F. ^ A. M., was instituted under dispensa-
tion, September 8, 1851, with the following first officers: E. Klein, W. M.;
John S. Lakin, S. W.; George B. Magoon, J. W.; L. B. Adams, Treasurer;
H. D. LaCossitt, Secretary ; James A. Humphreys, S. D.; William Gordon,
Tyler. A charter was granted June 2, 1852, to the following members: E.
Klein, L. B. Adams, George D. Magoon, J. W. Smith, J. S. Lakin, James A.
Humphreys, John J. Lower, John Hinds, T. S. Battelle and H. D. LaCossitt.
The first officers under the charter were: E. Klein, W, M.; H. I). LaCossitt,
S. W.; L. D. Palmer, J. W.; J. A. Humphreys, Treasurer; R A. Ackerman,
Secretary; J. G. Stephenson, S. D.; John Beahara, J. D.; L. B. Adams,
Tiler. The present officers are: T. R. Fitzgerald, W. M.; J. K. Martin, S.
W.; John Robertson, J. W.; M. Block, Treasurer; W. H. McCoy, Secretary;
Bernard Fowler, S. D. ; J. Worst, J. D. ; James Marshall', S. S.; E.
Denton, J. S.; Kimmel Dunn, of Iowa Lodge No. 2, Tiler. The present
membership is eighty ; the meeting-place is Masonic Hall and the value of
property, $500.
Washington Chapter, No. ^, BoyaJ Arch Masons, was instituted under dis-
pensation granted by the Ninth R. A. C. of the U. S., and a charter was
granted September 17, 1852, to the following charter members : Ansel Hum-
phreys, Theodore S. Parvin, George Wilkison, Josiah Parvin, William Williams,
J. D. Biles and George Plitt.
The first officers were : Ansel Humphreys, M. E. H. P.; Theodore S.
Parvin, King ; George Wilkison, Scribe ; J. D. Beyers, C. of H. ; William
546 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY".
Williams, p. S.; L. A. Williams, R. A. C; Josiali Parvin, M. of Third Veil ; B.
Brooks, M. of Second \ei\ ; Madden, M. of First Veil.
The present officers are : J. P. Ament, M. E. H. P. ; W. B. Langridge,
King; Jacob Fish, Treasurer; J. G. Jackson, Secretary; H. M. Dean, Scribe;
G. K. Dunn, Guard; Samuel Cohn, C. of H.; C. R. Fox, P. S.; J. W. Berry,
R. A. C; II. Hanson, G. M. of Third Veil; T. R. Fitzgerald, G. M. of Sec-
ond Veil ; C. A. Weltz, G. M. of First Veil.
De Malay Commandery^ No. i. Knights Templar, was instituted under
dispensation from the Grand Commandery of the United States, represented
by Sir Knight W. B. Hubbard, General Grand Master of the General Grand
Encampment, March 14, 1855. The first officers were : Theodore S. Parvin,
M. E. G. C; J. L. Hazin, Generalissimo; William Reynolds, Captain General;
William Leffingwell, M. E. P.; L. D. Palmer, S. W.; William Gordon, J. W.;
J. B. Dougherty, Treasurer; J. H. Wallace, Recorder; J. R. Ilotsock, Sword-
Bearer ; Henry Hoover, AYarder. A charter was granted in September, 1856,
and the following officers were installed ; Theodore S. Parvin, E. C; A. Cham-
bers, Generalissimo ; G. W. Wilkison, Captain General ; William Leffingwell,
Prelate ; J. P. Dougherty, Treasurer ; G. A. Saiterly, Recorder ; L. D.
Palmer, Sword-Bearer ; \V. Gordon, J. W.; Henry Hoover, Warder; G. D.
Magoon, Sword-Bearer ; L. Carmichael, Standard-Bearer ; D. T. Miller,
Guard. The present officers are : W. S. Robertson, E. C. ; J. P. Walton,
Generalissimo ; G. D. Magoon, Captain General ; W. B. Langridge, Prelate ;
William Calder, S. W.; C. R. Fox, J. W.; J. Patton, Treasurer; J. P. Ament,
Recorder; J. W. Berry, Warder; C. A. Weltz, Standard-Bearer; J. M. Van
Patten, Sword-Bearer; J. Morrison, First G. ; J. Fish, Second G.; W. S.
Berry, Third G. ; K. Dunn, Sentinel. The present membership is forty-five,
the meeting-place at Masonic Hall, and the value of property is estimated at
^500.
Electa Chapter, of the Order of the Eastern Star, was organized January
10, 1874, growing out of the " Constancy Family," a lodge of the same Order,
which owed its prosperity to Hon. P. A. Brumfield, then Deputy Grand Patron.
The charter members were P. A. Brumfield and wife, AV. B. Langridge, S. C.
Dunn and wife, J. P. Walton and wife, J. Morrison, C. Page and wife, H.
Madden and wife, M. Block and wife, R. Hawley and wife, E. B. Lewis, J.
Schumaker and wife, W. Leihngwell, Mrs. H. E. Bitzer, Mrs. R. Dunn, Mrs.
H. E. Parmelee, Mrs. R. B. Ewing, Mrs. R. Miller and Miss Morrison. The follow-
ing Avere charter officers : W. B. Langridge, W. P. ; Mrs. S. Block, W. M. ; Mrs.
H. Brumfield, A. M. ; Mrs. A. Hawley ,"Treasurer ; Mrs. H. E. Bitzer, Secre-
tary ; Mrs. J. Dunn, Cond. ; Mrs. J. P. Walton, A. C. ; Mrs. P. Pyatt, W. ;
Mr. G. Winn, S. ; Mrs. H. E. Parmelee, A. ; Miss L. Morrison, R. ; Mrs. R.
Dunn, E. ; Mrs. R. Miller, M. ; Mrs. R. Ewing, E. The present officers con-
sist of W. B. Langridge, W. P. ; Mrs. H. E. Parmelee, W. M. ; Mrs. S. C.
Dunn, A. M.; Mrs. R. Dunn, Treasurer; Miss E. C Parmelee, Secretary;
Miss M. Frazier, Cond. ; Mrs. C. Fox, Asst. Cond.; Mrs. P. Murphy, Warder;
P. Murphy, Sentinel ; Mrs. H. E. Bitzer, A. ; Mrs. N. Ewing, R. ; Mrs. F.
Sprague, E. ; Mrs. E. B. Lewis, M. ; Mrs. S. Wymer, E.
The present membership consists of eighty .or ninety persons, many who
were members having removed to other places. The place of meeting is in
Masonic Hall, Second street. A few words in regard to the origin and objects
of the Order may not be amiss. Tiie Order of the Eastern Star is an Adoptive
rite, so called from having originated and been adopted by members of the
Masonic fraternity, as a means of social enjoyment, whereby the wives, mothers.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 547
widows, sisters and daughters of Master Masons in good standing, may work
together in the common cause of humanity, to assist in ameliorating the condi-
tion of the sick and needy, to reach forth the hand of sympathy in the hour of
trial ; and especially to give aid to strangers, who may need assistance, and
who are proven, by the secret signs of the Order to be worthy members. Electa
Chapter has not been backward in its deeds of charity, and has the testimony,
of not only many in our midst, but also of strangers to prove this fact.
Muscatine Lodge, No. 5, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted March 23, 1846. The
charter members were E. H. Albic, Richard Cadle, H. Johns, Pliny Fay,
Joseph Bridgman and J. 11. Burnett. The first officers were : E. H. Albic,
N. G. ; R. CadlC; V. G. ; Osic John, Secretary; Pliny Fay, Treasurer. The
present officers are: T. S. Berry, N. G. ; W. Satherswaite, V. G.; D. Roths-
child, Recording Secretary; M. Block, Permanent Secretary; B. Beil, Treas-
urer. The Lodge meets at Renling's Hall.
Prairie Encampment, No. 4, I- 0. 0. F., was instituted in 1853. After
the lapse of several years, for certain causes, the charter, books and papers
were surrendered to the Grand Scribe. The books have never been returned,
but a new charter was granted October 19, 1869. The first officers then
elected were : Joseph Bridgman, C. P. ; W. B. Keeler, H. P. ; S. G. Stein,
S. W.; H. M. Hine, J. \V.; Ed. Hock, Scribe; M. Block, Secretary; all of
whom were installed January 5, 1870. The present membership is thirty-
eight. The last officers elected are : J. P. Lewis, C. P. ; Joseph Bridgman,
H. P. ; G. Bitzer; S. W. ; F. R. Lewis, J. W. ; M. Block, Scribe ; John Lamp,
Secretary. The property of the Encampment is estimated at $500.
T/te Grermania Lodge of Knights of Honor was organized May 9, 1878,
and a charter was granted the 5th of September of the same year to F. Huttig,
W. Huttig, G. Aumiller, G. Schneider, J. Hoffman, L. Lang, Charles Tapp-^,
J. Schmidt, Charles Grfefe, U. Thomas, H. Schmidt, Chris. Nolte, H. Evers-
meyer, F. Grade, J. Nietzel. The first officers elected were William Huttig,
Dictator; G. Schneider, Vice Dictator; Charles Tappe, Assistant Dictator;
G. Aumiller, Past Dictator; F. Grade, Reporter; F. Huttig, Financial
Reporter; Charles Graefe, Treasurer; J. Schmidt, Chaplain ; L. Lang, Guide;
J. Nietzel, Guardian ; J. Hoffman, Sentinel. The following are the present
officers: George Schneider, Dictator; Chaides Tappe, Vice Dictator; H.
Geiss, Assistant Dictator ; W. Huttig, Past Dictator ; F. Grade, Reporter ; F.
Huttig, Financial Reporter ; G. G. Carstens, Guide ; Chris. Nolte, Guardian ;
H. Freiermuth, Sentinel. This Lodge has a present membership of thirty,
meets at Odd Fellows' Hall and holds property valued at $250. The Associa-
tion was established January 1, 1874 ; has a membership of 60,000. The
objects of the Order are to unite fraternally all acceptable white men of every
profession, business and occupation, to give all possible moral and ma-
terial aid in its power to its members and thosa depending on its members,
by holding moral, instructive and scientific lectures, by encouraging each other
in business, and by assisting each other to obtain employment ; to promote
benevolence and charity by establishing a Widows' and Orphans' Benefit Fund,
from which on the satisfactory evidence of the death of a member of this cor-
poration, who has complied with all its lawful requirements, a sum not exceed-
ing $2,000 shall be paid to his flimily, or as he may direct ; to provide for
creating a fund for the relief of sick and distressed members, and to ameliorate
the condition of humanity in every possible manner.
Eagle Lodge, No. 10, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was organized
and a charter granted June 9, 1875, to the following charter members : S. H.
548 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Downie, G. W. Keckler, W. F. Eichoff, J. M. Bishop, T. S. Berry, G. A.
Nicholson, J. K. Martin, J. Robertson, A. S. Knowles, J. L. Berry, H. S.
Howe, G. W. Stewart and W. T. Kirk. The first officers elected were : J.
K. Martin, P. M. W.; S. H. Downie, M. W.; J. Robertson, G. F.; W. T.
Kirk, Overseer ; G. W. Stewart, Financier ; A. S. Knowles, Receiver ; T. S.
Berrv, G.; J. L. Berry, W. The present officers of this Lodge are: J. S.
Mulford, P. M. W.; W. G. Block, M. W.; C. W. Smith, G. F.; George
Koehler. Overseer; H. Hartman, G.; W. F. Eichoff, Recorder; H. S. Howe,
Financier; VV. Mull, Receiver; S. H. Downie, I. W.; John Robertson, 0. W.;
0. W. Smith, Medical Examiner. This Lodge meets in the A. 0. U. AV. Hall.
It has a membership of 102, and property valued at $500.
Muscatine Lodge, No. 99, A. 0. U. W., was instituted under dispensation
by D. D. G. M. W. H. S. Howe February 16, 1877, and chartered by Rod-
crick Rose, G. M. W., and William H. Flemming, G. R. The following were
tiie first officers: T. R. Fitzgerald, P. M. W.; Allen Broomhall, M. W.;
John Stockdale, G. F.; J. G. H. Little, Overseer; E. P. Day, Recorder; A.
N. Garlock, Foreman ; James A. Eaton, Receiver; H. P. Jones, I. W.; John
Hyink, 0. W. The charter members numbered 60 ; the present membership
is 103. The present officers are: G. W. Porter, P. M. W.; A. N. Garlock,
M. W.; R. D. Bodman, Foreman; W. M. Kincaid, Overseer; R. C. Schenck,
Recorder; Frank Stewart, Financier: C. (xiesler, 0.; W. Lohr, Guide; John
Markman, I. W.; S. P. Wilhelm, 0. W. The Lodge meets in A. 0. U. W.
Hall, and lias property valued at $300.
The Muscatine Turnverein was originally organized July 12, 1856, but
having broken up several times has been re-organized. The original members
were Fred Tappe, Peter Schorr, Henry Fiene, Henry Clarner, C. Krainz, T.
Ulrich, J. Dold, Joseph Koeberle, Jacob Lorenz, Anton Brenner, H. Schmidt,
Fred Eitman, John Butz, Karl Kleine, H. Geiss, Charles Stegeman, F. Bern-
hardt, Hyman Salomon, Ephraim Hecht, Ferdinand Smallz, John G. Koehl,
George Schneider, Joseph Bauerbach, John Storz, P. F. Mueller, C. A.
Buescher, Henry Kaut, Aug. Rehbein, Franz Koehler, Jacob Fisch, J. A.
Aeurer, A. Hengstenberg, Mathias Becky, John Huber, H. Funck, John
Schmidt, John Stencrele, A. Wilhelm, Lorenz Haeng, F. A. Wienker, Daniel
Binz, William Achter, Jacob Horr, Henry Molis and Jacob Bowman. The names
of the first officers cannot be given on account of the loss of the records contain-
ing them. The following are the present officers : B. Schmidt, First Presi-
dent ; J. Blum, Second President ; J. Martin, First Turnwart ; M. Kaut,
Second Turnwart : Charles Tappe, First Secretary ; H. Gremmel, Second
Secretary ; S. Cohn, Cassenwart : J. Butz, Zengwart ; H. Schmidt, Sesang-
wart ; J. Koehler and H. Schmidt, Trustees. The society meets at Hare's
Hall, has a present membership of forty, and property valued at $3,000.
The Muscatine Catholic Mutual Aid Society was organized July 1, 1871,
with a membership of thirty. The first officers elected were : Frank
Moran, President ; John Byrne, Vice President ; George Rutherford, Finan-
cial Secretary ; Dennis J. Ryan. Corresponding Secretary ; John Toniney,
Treasurer. The present membership is sixty, and the officers are: John Byrne,
President; James Fitzgerald, Financial Secretary. The Society's disbursemenls
have amounted to over $2,500. The sick benefits are $3 per week in case of sick-
ness. In the event of death of a member, $20 are contributed toward defray-
ing funeral expenses, and $2 per month are paid to the heirs of the deceased.
St Joseph's 3Iutual Aid Society was organized in 1859, and incorporated
under the name of the " German- American Roman Catholic Beneficial Society,"
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 549
which was subsequently changed as above, without any re-organization. The
present officers are Joseph Fuller, President ; Joseph Kleinfelder, Vice President ;
J. L. Knopp, Secretary : Aug. Balhof, Assistant Secretary ; Henry Fuller,
Treasurer. In case of death of a member, $20 are allowed toward funeral
expenses, and $2 per month to the heirs. The sick benefits are $3 a week.
The Society meets in George Schaefer's Hall.
The German Mechanics' Aid Society was organized December 14, 1865,
with tlie following original members : F, H. Wienker, George Schneider, John
Daiber, Peter Hess, Joseph Kleinfelder, Gottfried Neff, Martin Eichholz, Chris-
tian Otto, Sebastian Adamer, F. Goeser, Frederick Weckerlen, Gottfried Baer,
C. F. Schmalz, John Burri, William Lohr, Israel Kintzle, John Wenner, Gus.
Schmidt, Joseph Fuller, John Huber, I. W. Koehler, Fred. Witteman, Vincent
Maurath, Henry Grau, M. Vetter, Joseph H. Bulster, P. Hartraan and A.
Hartman. After the Constitution and By-Laws had been framed by Messrs.
Otto, Hartman, Adamer, Kleinfelder and Schneider, and adopted by the society,
the following permanent officei^s were elected for the ensuing year : F. H. Wien-
ker, President; Joseph Kleinfelder, Vice President; George Schneider, 1st
Secretary ; John Daiber, 2d Secretary ; Peter Hess, Treasurer. The Society
was incorporated April 18, 1866. Since the organization, 237 members have
been adruitted. The present membership is 146, who contribute from $3 to $4
per month, in each case, to the support of eleven widows. The benefits are $3
per week in case of sickness. At the death of a member, the Society pays $20
toward the funeral expenses. The capital of the institution is $3,800. The
following are the present officers: George Schneider, President; G. Aumueller,
Vice President ; J. J. Engel, 1st Secretary ; Joseph Fessler, 2d Secretary ;
Charles Gaefe, Treasurer. Twelve of the original members are still connected
with the Society.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
The Athletic Roiving Association. — The healthy and manly pastime of
boating, so long confined to the Eastern section of the country, has, within a
few years, crept westward, and now every town of any pretensions whatever,
upon the " Great Father of Waters," boasts its rowing clubs. Muscatine, not
to be outrivaled by her sister cities and towns, caught the infection, and the
Athletic Rowing Association was the result. Such an enterprise had long been
a subject of speculation, but no definite steps were taken until September, 1878,
from which time dates the perfective organization of the Club. The member-
ship consists of twenty-two of the best young men of the city, selected with
reference to their moral character and physical ability to sustain the reputation
of the Association at all times and in all contests in which the club may be
engaged. The following are the officers of the organization : H. J. Lauder,
President ; Samuel M. Hughes, Secretary ; Ed. Cook, Treasurer. A practical
and experienced boatbuilder from the East, was engaged to build the first boats
of the club, consisting of one six-oared barge forty feet long ; one four-oared
barge thirty-six feet long, and one single scull twenty feet in length. These boats
are all built in the highest and most modern style of the art, and cost the club
over $450, including their equipments. Preliminary steps have been taken for
the erection of a commodious boat-house. A gymnasium has been established
for the training of the members of the club, and, as soon as sufficient training
will justify it, application will be made for membership in the Mississippi Valley
Rowing Association.
The 3Iuscatine City Cornet and String Band, formerly known as the
Independent Cornet and String Band, originated as follows : The first brass
650 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
band in ^hlscatine was started July 1, 1856, by Iluttig Brothers, and was
known as Huttig's Band. One year later, another band formed under the
leadership of Angur. In 1859, the two bands combined and organized the
Independent Cornet and String Band, consisting of the following members :
W. F. Eii'hhoft", John Horner, G. Schmidt, John Vaupel, Herman Schrai<it
and C. Schultz. After the war, some of the members having died in the army,
the band was re-organized and the name was changed as above. The present
membership of the oi'ganization is eleven. Its instruments and books are
vnlued at $2,000.
Amateur Bands. — The Social Band, with a membership of sixteen. The
Germania Band, with a membership of fourteen. The Enterprise Band, with
a membership of twelve. The Flowers Family Band, is a concertizing or
traveling band, but at present make Muscatine their home.
l^ie Kint/t Meghnent Infantn/ I. i\r. Cr., was organized August 17. 1878,
with the folloAving six companies, viz., Company A, at Clinton ; B, at Daven-
port : C, at Muscatine ; D, at Monticello ; E, at Waukon, and F, at West Lib-
erty. The officers of the regiment are Lyman Banks, Lieutenant Colonel ;
D. W. Reed, Major. The appointed staff officers are : John H. Monroe, Adju-
tant ; I. N. Vore, Quartermaster. The headquarters of the regiment are at
Muscatine.
Company (7, of the Ninth Regiment I. N. Cr., was organized in June,
1878. Its first officers were Lyman Banks, Captain; W. M. Woodward,
First Lieutenant; Robert C. Schenck, Second Lieutenant. Tlie present offi-
cers are: Fred Welker, Captain ; A. K. Raff, First Lieutenant: Robert C.
Schenck, Second Lieutenant. The present membership is sixty-five.
BANKS AND INCORPORATIONS.
Merchants Exchange National Bank was organized September 20, 1865,
and authorized to commence business on the 25th of the following November.
The first Directors were P. Jackson, S. C. Butler, S. G. Stein, H. W. Moore,
W. H. Stewart, R. M. Burnett, W. C. Brewster, L. W. Olds and I. L. Gra-
ham. P. Jackson w^as the first President and W. C. Brewster the first
Cashier. The present Board of Directors consists of H. VV. Moore, S. G.
Stein, Charles Page, I. L. Graham, R. M. Burnett, D. C. Richman, W. H.
Stewart and F. R. Lewis. S. G. Stein is President, and F. R. Lewis,
Cashier. This bank has a capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $50,000.
There are also two strong and wealthy private banking firms here. Cook,
Musser & Co., and G. A. Garrettson &; Co., successors to the Muscatine
National Bank, the affairs of which are really not yet wound up.
The Muscatine Loan and Building Association was incorporated June 19,
1877, by John Mahin, W. A. Clark, Thomas Hanna, P. M. Musser, J. A.
Bishop, J. Rubelmann, J. P. Ament, J. H. Painter and J. S. Kulp. The
Board of Directors consists of Thomas Hanna, John Mahin, J. A. Pickler,
J. Rubelmann, Joseph jMorrison, W. A. Clark, P. M. Musser aud J. P. Ament.
The first and present officers are the same, viz., Thomas Hanna, President ;
W. A. Clark, Vice President ; W. H. Woodward, Treasurer. The articles of
incorporation extend over a period of twenty years, and may be renewed.
The 31uscatine Gas-Light and Coke Company was organized February 17,
1857, and incorporated February 25, of the same year, for the period of twenty
years. On the 28th of August, 1876, by virtue of and in accordance with the
laws of the State of Iowa, it renewed and extended its corporate existence for a
further period of twenty years, from and after February 25, 1877, tfltering and
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 551
amending its original articles of incorporation. The capital stock is $50,000,
divided into shares of $100 eacli, -which amount may be increased to $100,000,
by a three-fourths vote of the stock. The following wore the original sub-
scribers of stock: G. C. Stone, Jacob Butler, J. A. Green, P. Jackson,
Thomas M. Isett, Chester Weed, John Lemp, S. G. Stein, W. C. Brewster,
J. G. Gordon, Hatch, Humphreys & Co., J. B. Dougherty, Charles Dougherty,
Charles Neally, Abraham Smalley, A. 0. Patterson and William W. Cones.
The first Directors were Jacob Butler, G. C. Stone, Chester Weed, John G.
Gordon, John B. Dougherty, W. C. Brewster and Peter Jackson. Chester
Weed was the first Pvesident ; Peter Jackson, first Secretary. The present
officers are: R. T. Coverdale, President; J. J. Childs, Secretary and Treas-
urer; James Hannan, Superintendent.
The Hershcy Lumber Compam/ was incorporated INIarch 20, 1876, with a
capital stock of $200,000. The officers of the Company are: B. Hershey,
President; S. G. Stein, Vice President; Allen Broomhall, Secretary.
The Board of Trade, formerly know'U as the Citizens' Association, has
been re-organized several times since it was first established; owing to the
removal of its Secretary from the city, in w'hose possession the records still
remain, and to the fiict that other officers of the institution, who have been
solicited for information, dare not trust to memory for dates, we can only say,
that the intention of these gentlemen seems to be to make the Board of Trade
more successful in the future than it has been in the past.
The Muscatine County Medical Association was originally organized in
1867, since which time several re-organizations have taken place, the last being
effected June 12, 1874. The first officers of the Association were: A. Ady,
President; D. P. Johnson, Vice President; L. B. Powers, Secretary; S. M.
Cobb, Treasurer; C. Hersche, -W. H. Baxter, W. D. Cone, Censors. The
membership of the Association numbers fifteen, and the present officers are:
G. 0. Morgridge, President; H. M. Dean, Secretary and Treasurer; A. Ady,
W. H. Porter and H. McKennan, Censors.
The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized and incor-
porated November 13, 1873, and authorized to commence business as they had
assumed risks to the amount of $50,000, which was in March of the following
year. When a loss occurs an assessment is made to pay the same. The first
Directors were as follows, viz. : Isaac Negus, William M. Price, Josiah Day,
Hugh R. Stiles, Christian Smoker, Richard Lord, H. P. Brown, Samuel Sin-
nett, Marshall Farnsworth, B. K. Wintermute and Lindley Hoopes. The first
officers were Hon. John A. Parvin, President ; Hon. Samuel McNutt, Vice
President ; Seth Humphrey, Secretary ; Suel Foster, Treasurer, who have been
annually re-elected.
Tlie Muscatine Cemetery Company was organized in December, 1873. The
officers have been continually the same, and are as follows : R. M. Burnett,
President; G. B. Denison, Vice President; Henry Jayne, Secretary ; J. Cars-
kadden, Treasurer. The stockholders number fourteen. The grounds are located
adjoining the old City Cemetery, or, rather, they are both in the same inclosure.
*S'^. Marys Cemetery Association was incorporated September 1, 1876.
The first officers were John Knopp, President ; Frank Moran, Secretary ; Rev. P.
Laurent, Treasurer. The present officers are: Theodore Becke, President;
John Byrne, Secretary ; Rev. P. Laurent, Treasurer. The grounds are located
on a beautiful knoll within the city limits and are well cared for.
The Israelites of Muscatine have a cemetery independent from any other
organization.
552 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
The Muscatine County Agricultural Society. — A public meeting was held at
the Court House in this city, October 9, 1852, for the purpose of organizing the
Muscatine Count}' Agricultural Society. Dr. James Weed was called to the
Chair, and J. H. Wallace appointed Secretary. A Constitution and B3'-Laws
were adopted, and the meeting adjourned. October 23, 1852, agreeable to
adjournment, the members of the Agricultural Society met in the Court House
and proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, as follows : Hon.
George Meason, President ; Dr. James Weed, Vice President ; J. H. Wallace,
Secretary ; J. G. Gordon, Treasurer. William H. Miller, Bloomington Town-
ship ; Gamaliel Olds, Pike ; Henry Y. Iddings, Sweetland ; William A. Clarke,
Wapsinonoc ; Richard Sherer, Seventy-six ; E. H. Albee, Moscow ; Douglass
Veille, Montpelier; A. Cone, Cedar; A. Smalley, First Ward ; J.Bennett,
Second Ward, and Samuel Bam ford, Third Ward, Muscatine City, Directors.
The following are the names of the members of the Society in 1852, and signers
of its constitution : James Weed, Joseph Bridgman, Nathan Taber, William
Smalley, William M. Miller, Strix & Oppenheimer, George Bumgardner, A.
Reuling, Samuel Lucas, S. B. Crane, Henry Y. Iddings, J. S. Hatch & Co.,
J. H. Wallace, Adam Ogilvie, J. G. Gordon, J. Bennett, J. M. Cummins,
Charles Neally, Saul Gilbert, William A. Clark, D. R. Warfield, Thomas M.
Isett, Samuel Sinnett, H. N. Sumner, H. H. Games, S. M. McKibben, George
Meason, William Leffingwell, I. R. Williams, A. T. Banks, A. Cone, J. E.
Fletcher, Shepard Smalley. George W. Chase, Richard Sheres, Abraham
Smalley, Samuel Bamford, Levi Cross, R. Pritchard, John Critchfield, John K.
McCormick, M. W. Byers, James A. Rankins, Richard Lord, Chester Weed,
John H. Miller, Williams Watkins, Skilman Alger, A. 0. Patterson, E. T. S.
Schenck, Joseph Crane, Amos Cooper, Lyan C. Hine, Abraham Keen. D. C.
Cloud, S. D. Viele, J. B. Dougherty, A. B. Wiles, S. Heilbrun, William G.
Holmes, John Rose, Hiram Gilbert, Richard Cadie, Thomas L. Estle, J. P.
Freeman, Henry S. Griffin, Henry Molis, Samuel Littrel, D. Dunsmore, William
Lundy, James M. Jarboe, Jesse B. Overman, L. S. Goldsberry, W. Fultz, R.
W. Chinn, John Idle, H. W. Moore, Jacob Smetzer, L. D. Parmer, James M.
Brockway, W. D. Ament, Cyrus Townsley, J. LaTourrette, William Townsley,
Jeremiah Lequat, W. M. Elliott, Charles Newell, George W. Kincaid, William
Fryberger, William Moxley, Jacob Butler, Thomas Morford, A. Jackson, Levi
Eliason, H. Q. Jennison, John G. Stein, P. Fay, John Leitzingcr, Cornelius
Nicholson, George Plitt, Suel Foster, T. D. Song, F. H. Stone, John Ward,
John Lemp, Thomas Vanatta, D. W. Clover, Edwin J. Browning, Brent,
Miller & Co., Oliver Jack, George C. Stone, Jonathan Ady, John Ziogler. In
1853, the membership was increased to 399.
June 4, 1853, agreeably to a call published in the county newspapers, a
large number of farmers and others convened in the Court House for the pur-
pose of organizing a County Agricultural Society, according to the provisions
of the general incorporation laws of the State of loAva. Hon. G. Meason was
called to the Chair, and J. H. Wallace appointed Secretary. It was then
resolved to abolish the former organization; a new constitution was adopted,
and the following-named officers elected : President, Dr. James Weed ; Vice
President, William H. j\Iiller ; Secretary, J. H. Wallace ; Treasurer, J, G.
Gordon. A new Board of Directors was also chosen, which met August 13,
at the store of Wallace & Breading Messrs. Weed, Miller, Wallace, Olds,
Lundy, Sherer, Cone, Smalley and Vickie were present. On motion, the time
for holding the first annual exhibition of the Society was fixed on Wednesday
and Thursday, October 12 and 13, 1853. A list of premiums and judges for
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 653
the several classes were then adopted and appointed. Resolutions were adopted,
authorizing the Executive Committee to procure suitable grounds and put them
in proper condition for holding the fair.
September 19, 1853, the Executive Committee leased from J, Bennett his
outlot on the Graded Road for a term of five years, from the first exhibition.
The Society was incorporated for twenty years, and, at the expiration of the
term, the articles were renewed for twenty-five years from 1877. The society
has a membership of 236, and its buildings, etc., are estimated to be worth
|3,500. Fairs are held annually. The present Board of Directors consists of
W. W. Webster, F. Kaufmann, George E. Jones, John Barnard, John Idle,
James Mallicoat, Hon. Samuel McNutt, William P. Wright, William Furnass
and Robert Miller. The present officers are : Col. C. C. Horton, President ;
Hon. J. K. Terry, Vice President; J. G. H. Little, Secretary; Richard Cadle,
Treasurer ; James Hartman, Marshal.
HORSE STOCK.
The reputation of Muscatine is second to no county west of Orange County,
N. Y. This is, we are well aware, a bold assertion, but all well-informed horse-
men will admit its correctness. The first attempt at improvement of horse
stock was made by a party of gentlemen, who, in 1854, brought out from South
Royalston, Mass., Young Green Mountain Morgan, a son of Hale's famous
Green Mountain Morgan, and a fine representative of his race. He died at the
close of his first season in July, 1854. The second attempt at improvement
was in 1855, when a Mr. Weatherby brought out from Vermont several horses,
which he kept here for breeding. Among these were Bhick Hawk, Prophet
and Ethan Allen If, sons of Vermont Black Hawk, a large brown horse, known
in Vermont as Andrus' Hambletonian, a descendant of Old Messenger in a direct
male line, and others of the Morgan family. Ethan Allen was purchased by
J. H. Wallace and kept here several years. Hambletonian died here after two
or three years. In the fall of 1855, Col. F. M. Cummings brought a mare and
colt here from Orange County, N. Y., bred by his father-in-law, Jonas Seely.
In 1856, the colt was sold to Joseph A. Green, and named by him Bashaw.
He has sired many colts, among them six with a record of 2:30 or better. He
was sold in July, 1864, to Walter Carr, of St. Louis for $5,000 ; by him to a
Mr. Beckworth, of Hartford, Conn., where he made one season. His colts
became so promising here that Mr. Green repurchased him in 1866 for
f6,000. He remained here until the death of Mr. Green, when he was sold to
his present owner, George L. Young, of Leland, 111. Benjamin Hershey in
1864 bought his horse. Gen. Hatch. He was bred in Kentucky, got by
Strader's Cassius M. Clay, Jr., dam by imp. Envoy, g. d. by imp. Tranby,
g. g. d. by Aratus, g. g. g. d. by Columbus. This is one of the handsomest
horses on the continent, sixteen hands high and exceedingly fine and stylish.
His colts are remarkably uniform in their appearance, resembling their sire in
a marked degree. Their trotting action is not surpassed by any. Had Gen.
Hatch received the proper training, such as Bashaw, no better horse could be
found in the West. He is not only a trotter, but a getter of trotters. Mr.
Hershey bought the horse for his own use, and gave him, personally, all the
training he received. He is now eighteen years old, sound, without a blemish
and can trot in 2:40 any day. The only two of his colts that have been trained
to any extent are Fleeta and Envoy, full brother and sister. Fleeta's time is
2:34^ and Envoy's, 2:28. In the spring of 1867, Mr. Hershey brought from
Canada for breeding purposes, a son of the famous Royal George, which is
554 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
known here as Hershey's Royal George. With him he brought some twelve or
fifteen superior young mares, many of them from imp. Thetester. Royal
George is out of a mare by thorough-bred Flag of Truce. He is a horse of
great substance, strong enough to pull the plow or do any heavy work and with
trotting action that will carry him low down in the thirties. His colts are fine
specimens of horse-flesh. Mr. Hershey's stud now numbers eighty-six head,
the largest and most complete in point of blood in the State. He has on his
farm a splendid mile track, tAvo elegant stables, besides several large sheds.
Robert Switzer has full charge of the horse department.
F. & C. L. Warfield owners of the Riverside Stock-Farm, a few miles above
Muscatine, on the river, have lately engaged in the horse business and secured
some fine stock, such as Attorney, sired by Harold by Rysdyk's Hanibletonian.
Harold is a half-brother to Maud S., Avhich, as a four-year-old, trotted in 2:17J,
the fastest time ever made bv a horse of that age. This mare was purchased
by Mr. Vandprbilt for $21,000. Charles G. Hayes & Bro. have the horse
Tramp, son of (Jage's Logan. They also have several full sisters of Bashaw,
Jr., and Kirkwood.
STAR CREAMERY.
The Star Creamery is owned byB. Hershey. The building of this colossal
and model establishment was commenced in October, 1877, and as now com-
pleted consists of the main structure, 75x120 feet by 90 feet high from the
sill, including the cupola The gold cow placed on the cupola stands ninety-five
feet high from the sill. It is an imposing building of two stories, with a man-
sard roof, well lighted by twenty large windows on the front side, which faces the
Mississippi, and is adequately ventilated. The system of drainage and placing
of the offal, used as fertilizing material upon the farm, is an admirable
one. It contains 148 stalls, 75 of which are now occupied by superior
cows. The second story is used for feed-bins, and contains the millroom,
where all corn and oats are ground. The mill machinery is pi'opelled by a
thirty-five horse-power steam-engine. The haymow is located between the bins,
and runs from the first floor to the cupola, being fifty feet high, and having a
storage capacity of 400 tons. The creamery proper is in an adjoining Aving
on the lower lloor, and embraces the milk and churn room, the washroom and
cellar. The milkroom is supplied with four milk-pans, with a capacity of 175
gallons each, and in which the milk is set for the cream to rise. The tempera-
ture of the room is kept at 62°, regulated by a steam heating apparatus, and
a tunnel run through the hill, at the foot of which the building stands, a dis-
tance of 500 feet and from twenty to thirty-five feet underground ; the temper-
ture of the ground at that depth from the surface is 51°. The churn used
will contain sixty gallons, and produce from one hundred to one hundred and
twenty pounds of butter in a batch. It is operated by a small steam-engine.
The butter, after being properly worked, is packed in tubs and shipped to
Chicago and New York. An additional fine barn is on the grounds used for
stabling sick and dry cows. Over the creamery is a splendid residence, Avhere
Mr. Hershey spends part of his time. On the north side of the main building is
an elegant cottage for the accommodation of the Superintendent, A. 11. Fisher.
The farm embraces 800 acres of land. The entire establishment is perfect and
managed with great skill. It is an enterprise the county may be proud of.
THE BUSINESS INTERESTS
of Muscatine are of a gratifying character. The location of the city renders it
most available as a lumber-manufacturing point, and also enhances its importance
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 555
in many other branches of trade. As there has been, within a year or
two, a very good report of the business made in the form of a county directory,
it is deemed unnecessary to here reproduce the items in detail, especially as
this work does not partake in any sense of the nature of a gazetteer. Those who
seek information for specific purposes, in the line of trade, are referred to the
Journal, and to the several directories, issued from time to time, for reliable data.
The city bears upon its face the stamp of enterprise, as evinced in its mac-
adamized streets, its well-kept sidewalks and its splendid business blocks.
There is here a fine opportunity for the introduction of other and more varied
manufacturing, however, and such investments will in time be made. Musca-
tine is young in years, and has before it a future of increasing prosperity.
The class of men who form its business circle are among the foremost in the
State in point of progressiveness ; and with such a class to rely upon, there
can be no doubt as to the ultimate result. The healthfulness of the region,
the fertility and beauty of the outlying country, the intelligence of the settlers,
the railroad and river advantages and the large-mindedness of the people in
regard to schools and churches, all combine to make a solid foundation upon
which to base calculations for the future destiny of the place. Surely these
indications cannot be mistaken. There can be for such a community but one
outcome, and that is prosperity.
The principal business street of Muscatine would do credit to a city of
30,000 inhabitants. There are few finer blocks of buildings to be found in
Iowa than those Avhich give solidity and beauty to Second street. The cap-
italists have exercised excellent taste as well as a most commendable public
spirit in the erection of the edifices referred to. The business of the city is
not entirely confined to Second street, however, but is scattered over a large area.
The residence portions of town are such as to claim the eye of strangers.
Many very fine houses adorn the higher elevations, overlooking the majestic
river in the valley below. The society of the city is pronounced most enjoy-
able by those who are favored with entree thereto. The schools, the churches
and the institutions of the city all combine to make Muscatine a desirable
place of residence.
The County Poor Farm is located about six miles from Muscatine, on what
is known ay the " Bluff Road," in Seventy-six .Township. There are ninety-
six acres of land and the necessary buildings. S. H. Goldsbury is Superin-
tendent.
WEST LIBERTY— (Old town).
The original town of this name was located a little northwest of the pres-
ent corporation ; it was laid out by Simeon A. Bagley, who died a few years
since at Tipton, Cedar County, and surveyed in 1838, by George Bumgardner,
County Surveyor. A post ofiice was established in the village in the same
year, with Mr. Bagley, as Postmaster. The first store in the settlement was
opened by Peter Heath. When the new town was started, as hereinafter
recorded, several houses were moved to the ^ame from the old location ; also
the post office, then in charge of Freeman Oliver, and the store conducted by
I. R. Wright.
In the year 1855, the first locomotive wended its way westward through a
corn-field where West Liberty now stands. Then there was a farmhouse and
a barn within the present limits of the town, and where the business part of
the town now is, was a corn-field, the corn-stalks standing thick and as high as
a man's head. The only dwelling was the house on the corner of Spencer and
556 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Fourth streets, and it was for a while, the only tavern near the railroad, having
been within a few years reconstructed. The second and third buildings are
still standing where they were erected ; we allude to the two buildings on
Third street, one occupied by S. B. Windus, and the Star House.
West Liberty ( new town ) was laid out by Spencer, Robinson and Clark
(John M. Spencer and T. J. Robinson lived at Rock Island, 111., and J. W.
Clark resided at Iowa City, Iowa), and surveyed by Peter Houtz, January 21,
1856. W. C. Evans was located here as agent with a power of attorney from
the firm, to sell lots, make deeds and look after their business generally, at
this point. The town was incorporated in 1868. Various additions have been
made to the town from time to time.
From 1866 to 1869, there was but very little done by way of improvement
in the town. Travel was then confined to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad, and the old freight-house on Calhoun street was then the passenger
depot as well as for freight ; and the boundaries only extended west to where
Elm street now is. But in anticipation of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids &
Northern Railroad, to the stock of which the citizens had subscribed $60,000,
building had commenced. Elisha Schooley had built a brick house on the corner of
Calhoun and Third streets ; R. G. Lewis, Z. N. King, Chesebro &; Romaine
and Dr. Holmes each put up substantial and commodious business houses on
Third street. Jesse Bowersock and D. F. Smith soon followed with their
building on the north side of the same street, and yet the demand for good
business houses was not satisfied. The Peoples' Bank, N. Gaskill, Manfull &
Nichols, Hormel and Luse soon followed, each with a good building. While
these improvements were being made on Third street, gi'eat changes were tak-
ing place in the west or new part of town. Until now, this had been a part of
William A. Clark's farm, and had very recently been laid out into lots, and in
a very short time there appeared a pleasant street, lined with good substantial
dwellings.
West Liberty is located in the northAvestern portion of Wapsinonoc Town-
ship, between the forks of Wapsinonoc Creek, and at the junction of the Chi-
cago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern
Railroads. It has a population of from 1,600 to 1,800 inhabitants. Every line
of mercantile business that one would expect to encounter m a place of 5,000
inhabitants, is well represented in this town ; it also has quite an extensive car-
riage manufactory, a large flouring-mill and two elevators. Both of the rail-
roads which pass through hei'e have built large stock-yards to accommodate the
great shipping interest in that line fostered in this township. Only a few years
have elapsed since the first thoroughbred was brought to this vicinity, and since
that time there have been sales at public auction of not less than $200,000
worth of that kind of stock, besides one car-load for the Pacific Slope at $5,000,
and there is now more than $200,000 worth Avithin the sound of the West Lib-
erty church-bell. While this demonstrates the excellent quality of the soil of
the surrounding country, and the superior nutritiousness of the blue-grass past-
urage, it also indicates to the intelligent, energetic farmer the way to a com-
petency. Very fine hogs are also bred in this vicinity, and the township boasts
of turnin<T out some of the finest horses, both as roadsters and for the turf, in
the State. As will be noticed further on, the citizens take a commendable
pride in the support and advancement of their public institutions, such as
schools and churches. West Liberty is strictly a temperance town, and it is
safe to state that not a drop of intoxicating beverage can be bought in the place.
So far as town government is concerned, none could be better conducted, nor
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 557
can a more orderly town be foun(3 in the State. The present officers of the
corporation are as follows, viz., George C. Shipman, Mayor : C. W. Hoge,
Recorder and Treasurer ; Thomas Manby, Street Commissioner ; William Hen-
derson, Assessor ; W. R. Child, Chief of Fire Police ; Robert Sumner, Marshal ;
Trustees, J. L. Brooks, Caleb Elliott, Asa Gregg, T. W. Rogers, W. R.
Stafford and D. Hayes. The first officers elected for the incorporated town
were S. W. Sedgwick, Mayor ; Henry Harrison, Recorder and Treasurer ;
John R. Palmer, Assessor ; H. C. Vore, Marshal ; Trustees, Elisha Schooley,
Alonzo Shaw, George Bagley, Z. A. King and Albert Keith. The present
Postmaster is Jonathan Maxson.
SCHOOL MATTERS.
The first school west of Cedar River, and in what is now Wapsinonoc Town-
ship, was taught in an unoccupied log dwelling on Section 2, bv Valentine
Bozarth, in 1839. The first regular schoolhouse was built on land owned by
Asa Gregg, on Section 2, by an association of citizens, in 1843, It was a
comfortable frame building.
April 9, 1864, the Board of Directors of the Independent School District of
West Liberty met, according to previous notice, and organized by electing Dr. Jesse
Holmes President; Preston Brown, Treasurer, and I. G. Schmucker, Secretary.
Dr. Holmes and I. G. Schmucker were appointed to draft rules and regulations
for the government of the schools. William Hise and Clark Lewis were appointed
a committee to take charge of the schoolhouses, to put and keep them in repair.
Misses Etty Raymond and Mary Mimick were appointed the first teachers
under the Independent District system. Dr. Holmes, A. F. Keith and Asa
Gregg were appointed a committee to meet the Township District Board, to
settle and divide the assets of the original District. In December, 1865, the
Presbyterian Church was rented, and in it a juvenile school taught by Miss
Haven. June 12, 1867, Elisha Schooley, P. R. Evans and George Bagley
were appointed a building committee, with full power to let a contract for and
superintend the building of a brick schoolhouse in the Independent District,
according to specifications of W. L. Carroll, architect, of Davenport. In
1868, E. P. French was engaged as the first Principal of the Independent
School District of West Liberty, having charge of the schoolhouse, schools and
school government, subject to the Board of Directors. At this time, the dis-
trict employed, in addition, one female teacher and two female assistants.
Previous to letting the contract for the new schoolhouse, a committee was
appointed to sell the two old schoolhouses. In 1870, a Primary Department
was established in the Presbyterian chapel. In 1871, a wing was built on to
the new schoolhouse, and in 1873 a second one was added. May 8, 1877,
John Lewis, George 0. Morgridge and W. C. Evans were appointed a building
committee to superintend the construction of a second brick school-building, to
be known as the High School Building, Nichols & Peters were the con-
tractors of the brick and mason work, and George Hancock the architect.
The structure was completed during the same year. To-day, West Liberty can
boast of two as fine schoolhouses as can be found in the county.
The schools are now divided into the following grades : Four Primary
Departments, three Grammar Schools and the High School.
The present Directors are W. C. Evans, John Lewis, J. Mad, Williams, E.
P. French, C. W. Hoge, Dr. E. H, King, Officers : W, C, Evans, President ;
A. A. Ball, Treasurer ; A. H. McClun, Secretary. Miss Lizzie L. Clark, the
present Principal, is assisted by nine other teachers.
558 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
CHURCHES.
Tlte Disciples of Christ, or Christian Church, was first organized in
Phillips' Schoolhouse, two and one-lialf miles south of West Liberty, by
Elder J. C. Powell, of Columbus City, Iowa, in 1866, with William llise as
Elder and William Phillips as Deacon. The house of Avorship in town was
completed in 1868, since which time the members have attended services here,
the old meeting-place having been abandoned. Since the new organization, the
the following ministers have served the Church : Revs. J. C. Hay, J. B. Bax-
ter, J. K. Cornell, Henry Exley, J. C. Hay and J. Mad. Williams.
The present membership of the Church is about one hundred and fifty; its
property is valued at ^3,000, and connected with it is an excellent Sunday
school. This congregation contributes largely to missions, the general support
of the Church and pay their Pastor a generous salary, without ever being in
debt.
Tlte Preshjterian Church in West Liberty was organized the 4th day of
October, 1857, by Rev. C. F. Beach. It Avas composed of four members, viz.,
Benjamin F. Thayer, Celina Watkins, Polly B. Harwood and Adelia Beach.
They built a small house the same year, called the Chapel. In this, they held
services until the Wesley Church became vacant, which they rented and occu-
pied until they built their new house. The Chapel was sold and moved off the
lot in 1876. The same year their present tasty church-edifice Avas erected,
at a cost of $4,165. In design it is worthy of imitation, an ornament to the
tOAvn and an honor to the society.
The first Presbyterian Church built in this neighborhood was in old West
Liberty, on the ground of William A. Clark, and erected in 1850, under the
ministerial supervision of Rev. John Hudson, Avho was the pioneer of Presby-
terianism in this part of the country. He belonged to the Old School. Rev.
C. F. Beach Avas Ncav School. When the tAvo branches united, the Old School
Avas abandoned. The old church Avas moved into ncAv West Liberty, and is
noAV occupied as a Avarehouse.
Rev. J. H. Scott took charge of the little Church in the Avinter of 1857,
and continued until January, 1862. He Avas succeeded by Rev. Samuel J. Mills,
during Avhose labors the parsonage Avas built. He left in the Avinter of 1865,
and Avas followed, in the spring of 1866, by Rev. Alexander Porter, who gave
part of his labors to the Church up to April 21, 1874, Avhen the pastoral rela-
tion was dissolved. Rev. A. M. Tanner had charge of the Church for six
months.
Rev. F. A. Shearer, U. D., commenced preaching to this congregation the
1st day of June, 1875, at Avhich time the prospects Avere very discouraging;
the membership was very small, numbering only tAventy-six, and most of these
women. For three years, the Church was greatly blessed and prospered, the
membership increased to seventy and the Church was feed from debt. It noAV
holds a position among the churches of the Presbytery.
The Catholic Church Avas built by Rev. Father Emonds, and is noAv in
charge of Rev. Father N. Dugan, of Wilton. The congregation consists of
fifty families, and the church property is valued at ^2,000.
The 31. E. Cliurch Avas in existence as early as 1839. Thirty years ago.
Elder Twining preached here. The present house of Avorship Avas built in
1875, and is an elegant structure. The congregation had a church-building
previous to this time, erected between the years 1858 and 1860. Before
that period they Avorshiped in schoolhouses.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.- 559
The present membership numbers 125. The officers of the Church are
A. Cooley, D. F. Smith, D. W. Hartitpe, A. Floyd, W. L. U. Burke, I.
Childs, H. Walters, William Baird. The present Pastor is Arthur V. Francis.
The church property is valued at $1,500.
The Society of Friends held their first meeting in the neighborhood of West
Liberty about the year 1858, several families having settled in the vicinity sev-
eral years previous. John Wright, long and familiarly known as Uncle John,
was tha first. The Society was not regularly organized until some time in
1800. The monthly meeting, when organized, consisted of about fifty mem-
bers. John Wright, Sarah M. Wright, Stephen Mosher, Aquilla Whitaker,
Ruth Mosher and Ann Whitaker were Elders, and Dr. Jesse Holmes, recorded
or acknowledged minister.
A meeting-house was built about one mile north of town, 50x24 feet. Some
time in 1870, it was moved and placed in its present location, in the town of
West Liberty. The recorded ministers since acknowledged are Thomas E.
Hoge and Ann Heacock.
The Temperance Reform Club was organized in January, 1878, with the
following first officers: K. 0. Holmes, President; J. A. Evans, Albert
McNulty and John Henderson, Vice Presidents ; Horace Deemer, Secretary ;
A. F. Keith, Treasurer; J. Mad. Williams, Chaplain. The only change that
has taken place to the present is in the office of Secretary, which is now filled
by Mrs. McElravy.
This is an unusually strong club, having a membership of 1,252. Its meet-
ing-place is Liberty Hall.
The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in March, 1878, with the following .
first officers: Miss Sarah Erwin, President; Mrs. A. F. Keith, Secretary;
Mrs. N. W. Ball, Treasurer. The present officers are : Mrs. J. Wilson,
President ; Mrs. McElravy, Vice President ; Mrs. N. W. Ball, Treasurer.
The object of the Society, as the name indicates, is to assist the poor of West
Liberty by the proceeds derived from sewing and monthly contributions.
It is only proper here to state that the merchants of the town have been
very generous in helping to promote and facilitate the noble cause these ladies
are engaged in.
=> ^ LODGES.
Mount Calvary Lodge, No. 95, A., F. c^ A. M., was instituted by dispen-
sation July 19, 1856, and a charter was granted June 3, 1857. The following
were the charter members : W. C. Evans, George W. Dunlap, L. Stockman,
Arthur C. Davis, Asa Gregg, I. D. Vore, Perry Reynolds, J. A. Mills, Allen
Broomhall, J. R. Palmer, E. Messmore, J. N. Graham. The first officers were :
William C. Evans, W. M.; Asa Gregg, S. W.; Allen Broomhall, J. W.; L D.
Vore, Secretary ; George W. Dunlap, Treasurer. The present officers are : C.
W. Hoge, W. M.; A. M. Jackaway, S. W. : James Hoopes, J. W. ; E. P.
French, Secretary; W. R. Childs, Treasurer. The present membership of
the Lodge is ninety-two, its property is valued at $2,000, and its meeting-place
is in Masonic Hall, over E. C. Thomas' furniture-house.
Liberty Chapter, No. 79, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted under dispen-
sation December 1, 1875. The first officers were: E. C. Cheseb.rough, M. E.
H. P. ; P. R. Evans, E. K.; J. A. Hollister, E. S.; George C. Shipman,
Secretary. A charter was granted in October, 1876. The following are the
present officers : J. A. Hollister, M. E. H. P.; Asa Gregg. E. K.; I. D. Vore,
E. S. ; George C. Shipman, Secretary. The present membership is twenty-
three.
560 HTSTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Liberty Lodge, No. 190. I. 0. 0. F., was instituted by dispensation March
3, 1870, and a charter was granted October 20 of the same year to the follow-
ing charter members : E. L. Stratton, W. G. H. Inghram, George Bagley, C.
W. Burger, S. M. Mitchell, P. R. Evans, W. L. Penny and H. A. Thomas.
The first officers were : George Bagley, N. G.; E. L. Stratton, V. G.; W. L.
Penny, Secretary ; P. R. Evans, Treasurer. The present officers are : W. S.
Lane, N. G. ; John Stiles, V. G.; W. C. Harris, Secretary; P. R. Evans,
Treasurer. The present membership of the Lodge is thirty-eight, its meeting-
place is in the L 0. 0. F. Hall, over the People's Bank, on Third street, and
its property is valued at $350.
Libertij Lodge, No. 659, I. 0. G. T., was organized March 30, 1874, with
thirty-four constituent members. The first officers were : Mr. Rankin, W. C T.;
Mrs. Mary Evans, W. V. T. ; Mr. Manby, W. S. ; J. R. Palmer, W. F. S.;
J. S. Wilson, W. T.; John Deemer, W. C; W. Collier, W. M.; Lillie Gregg,
W. L G.; Milton JackaAvay, W. 0. G.; Lizzie Deemer, R. H. S.; Mary Mor-
gan, L. H. S. ; Mr. Wright, P. \V. C. T. ; James Morgan, G. L. D. The
following are the present officers : George C. Shinman, W. C. T. ; Lillie
Gregg, W. V. T. ; James Morgan, P. W. C. T.; Mary Evans, W. C; Frank
Thomas, W. S.; Mrs. Morgan, W. F. S.; Mary Deemer, W. T.; Jessie Holmes,
W. M.; Percy Cooley, W. I. G.; William Henderson, W. 0. G.; Helen Holmes,
W. D. M.; Horace E. Deemer, G. W. D. The Lodge owns quite an extensive
library for the short period it has been in existence. Its meeting-place is in a
rented hall on Third street, furnished, by its own funds, in very handsome
style. The present membership is about fifty.
INCORPORATIONS.
The People s Bank was orgaanized May 1, 1868, and incorporated under
the laws of the State of Iowa the same date. The following were the first
Directors : Henry Harrison, E. Schooley, Jesse Holmes, Jonathan Cowgill,
Frank Colton, John Russell, Joseph Ball, W. E. Evans and George Woolley ;
Henry Harrison, President; E. Schooley, Vice President; H. B. Sedgwick,
Cashier. The bank commenced business with a capital of $20,000, which was
increased to $40,000, $50,000, and, eventually, to $75,000, all paid up. The
present Directors are John Lewis. S. T. Chesebrough, E. C. Harrison, W. C.
Evans, P. R. Evans, E. Negus and George Woolley ; J. L. Brooke, President;
Jonathan Cowgill, Vice President; A.A.Bali, Cashier. This bank is the
pride of the citizens of West Liberty, and justly, too, inasmuch as the manage-
ment has been conducted in such a manner as to make money for itself and its
stockholders.
The Boiver Mining Company was incorporated under the laws of the State
of Iowa January 15, 1879, by Allen Breed, George W. Hise, Isaac Heald, T.
W. Rogers, T. W. Hoge, I. C. Nichols, Mahlon Hollinsworth, George W.
Handy. Directors : Allen Breed, George VV. Handy, George W. Hise, T. W.
Rogers, C. W. Hoge, Isaac Heald. Officers: Allen'^ Breed, President; T. W.
Ro<Ters, Vice President; Isaac Heald, Secretary; G. W. Handy, Superintend-
ent. The capital stock of this Company is $10,000,000, represented by
100,000 shares, all subscribed and paid up. The stock is non-assessable. The
Company's mining claim is located in El Dorado County, Cal., on what is known
as the Seam Belt, or Ore Channel, near Greenwood. The property is to be
opened by running a tunnel from the American Canon, a distance of about
six hundred feet, with proper size for sluice-bore. A shaft is to be sunk at the
terminus of the tunnel for the purpose of getting a face to commence working
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 561
by hydraulic process. On the 20th of March, 1879, one hundred and forty
feet of the tunnel had been completed.
The Park Association was incorporated October 10, 1874. The first
officers were Phineas Nichols, President; W. C. Evans, Vice President; George
Morgridge, Secretary ; A. E. Keith, Treasurer. Directors — S. A. Barnes,
R. C. Jewett, Ira Nichols, Z. Ellison and T. C. Manfull.
The present officers are W. C. Evans, President ; Phineas Nichols, Vice
President ; C. M. Nichols, Secretary ; E. E. Harrison, Treasurer. Directors
— J. Evans, Ira Nichols, J. M. Fisher, Z. Ellison and S. Barnes. The capital
investment of the Association is confined entirely to real estate valued at
^,300.
Union District Agricultural Society was organized January 24, 1863, at
Springdale, Cedar County. For some time previous to this date, the Society
existed under the name of Cedar County Agricultural Society. The first
officers were: Moses Varney, President ; H. C. Gill, Vice President; J. M.
Wood, Secretary ; John B. Cole, Marshal ; J. H. Painter, Treasurer. Directors
— D. G. Barkalow, John Marsh, S. E. Gunsolus, John Moore, Phineas Cow-
gill, A. B. Cornwall and A. Hirst. The first fair was held September 28 and
29, 1863, m Cedar County, about one-half mile north of the Muscatine County
line. In 1869. West Liberty became the headquarters of the Association, but
no fair was held here until 1872, since which time there have been annual
fairs, which have been notably successful. The Society is in a very flourishing
condition ; its grounds are leased from the Park Association, but the buildings,
improvements and fences have been constructed at an expense of about $1,200
to the Society. The premiums paid annually will average $1,500. The
present officers are : S. Gause, President ; Ira Nichols, Vice President ; George
C. Shipman, Secretary ; E. E. Harrison, Treasurer ; John Henderson, Marshal.
Directors — John A. Evans, Thomas Gray, Pliny Nichols, Phineas Nichols, A.
B. Cornwall, Allen Breed, R. Miller, W. C. Evans, James Morgan, Z. Ellison,
Jesse Swartz and James H. Ady,
The Occidental Cornet Band was organized in 1871, under the leadership
of S. W. Windus, with nine additional members, viz., D. M. Johnson, John
A. Evans, Fred Hinsilwood, Frank Sheet, William Hudson, John Patterson,
Mark Trusdell, 0. P. Hare and Hise Inghram. Its present members are:
Harry Shipman, Leader; Henry Lewis, Willard and Everet Chase, Richard
Phillips, S. B, Windus, E. Honnolow, John Wiley, Robert Clark and A. J.
Westland. The present officers are : Harry Shipman, President ; Richard
Phillips, Treasurer; A. J. Westland, Secretary. The value of the band fixt-
ures is about $400 ; the instruments are about equally divided, one-half silver
and the other half brass.
FACTS AND ANECDOTES.
We are indebted for much early information and many interesting anecdotes
of this neighborhood to the courtesy and kindness of Mr. Asa Gregg, a pioneer
of Wapsinonoc Township, who is personally familiar with, perhaps, every
incident of any note in the township and vicinity, since the earliest settle-
ment of Muscatine County. He has always been prominently identified with
the politics of the township and town and acquainted with the interests, of every
description, thereof. Our narrator states that he came to this place at a very
early day in its settlement, and has been familiar with the hardships and incon-
veniences, as well as the pleasures of pioneer life. He can well remember when
these beautiful and well-cultivated fields were in a state of nature — no roads,
562 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
no bridges, no stately dwellings, no schoolhouses, no churches, nothing but
prairie, with here and there a belt of timber, with an occasional log cabin to
vary the scene and enliven the monotony of the traveler on some Indian trail,
traveled alike by the red and white man.
The appearance of the prairie was both beautiful and picturesque, and there
were many things to arrest the attention of the observant new-comer. The
great abundance of game, the exuberant growth of grass on the prairie, the
great abundance of pea-vine in the bottom land, the collection of bones to be
seen in the gullies and sheltered places in the timber, said to be bones of buffalo
that had died from cold and starvation some winters before, when as the Indians
would relate, the snow was so deep that it came up to their ponies' backs,
marked the newness of the region.
There was another remarkable feature in the appearance of the prairie —
that was certain places where the weeds had grown up very rank and tall in a
circle of about a rod in diameter, usually in two rings, about five or six feet
apart, always in a perfect circle, the grass between the rings or circles and in
the center growing as compact and luxuriantly as in any other place on the
prairie. This was to the stranger a great puzzle at first ; but, upon inquiry of
his neighbor, he of the pony, the blanket and inevitable rifle, he would learn
that there a herd of buflfalo had stood Avith their heads together fighting flies
and gnats not many summers before, and their continued stamping of feet had
so killed out the grass that the weeds had taken possession of the ground, and
thus, after a period of eight or ten years, still held it.
This was called the Wapsinonoc Settlement, that being the Indian name of
the stream ; or, as they pronounced it, " Wap-pe-se-no-e-noc," which, in their
language or tongue, signifies ''smooth-surfaced, meandering stream or creek."
We quote from Mr. Gregg's statement :
" The first settlement was made in the fall of 1836, and the first white
woman that made a permanent home here is now a respected inhabitant of this
villa'^e. I allude to. Mrs. Mary Nyce, who is, at all events, entitled to the
honor of being the oldest inhabitant living here. There were several other
families wintered here that winter, among them, some men of the name of
Huntman, who, in the spring, went to Missouri and united their fortunes with
the great Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, who was at that time making a set-
tlement there, and, shortly afterward, was driven out of the State.
•• In the spring of 1837. there was quite an emigration to Iowa, or, as it
was then called, the Black Hawk Purchase, and, of course, some new arrivals
here to fill the place left vacant by the departure of the Huntmans, among
whom were the following : William Bagley, William Cornes, William A.
Clark and the writer, who all arrived before the middle of May in that year.
Later in the season, Gralentine Gatton and Samuel liondrickson made a settle-
ment where they now rcsiile. The two brothers, Henyen and Cornelius Lancas-
ter, also made a commencement that season. At this early date of our
settlement, we had neither roads nor bridges, and any one may very easily con-
jecture what some of the difliculties were that these early pioneers had to
encounter when they are informed that all the provisions, except such as could
be procured by the rifle, had to be brought by wagons from Illinois.
" The first election was held in a cabin in the timber, nearly west of this
village, then occupied by William A. Clark. There being at that time
no party issue to divide and distract the public, there was wonderful unanimity
in the voting, and the close of the polls showed that all had cast their votes for
the same candidates, none of whom were personally known to the voter ; and
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 063
on counting out the votes, it was found that we had just eight voters west of the
Cedar River.
" The first sermon was preached by Elder Martin Baker, a well and favor-
ably known minister of the Christian order or denomination, who lived and
died below Rochester. Mr. Baker was a good and true man, and very much
respected by the early settlers ; rough and uncouth as a bear in his man-
ners, it is true, yet tender-hearted as a child ; and many a kind act of his has
gladdened the lonely hut of the poor and needy settler, when sickness Avas upon
him and starvation was staring him in the face, and the greatest hour of need
had come. I am sure his many friends will pardon me for relating a little
anecdote of him, when I say there is none who knew him that have a greater
respect for his memory than myself.
" Early in the summer of 1887, some five or six of us were at Moscow on
some public occasion, and Mr. William Bagley, being one of the number, fell
in with Mr. Baker for the first time, and, after some conversation with him,
came to the rest of us and told us that he had found a preacher, and wished to
introduce us to him. Accordingly, we all went, and, after some very pleasant
chat about the country, its soil, climate, etc., some one of the crowd said: ' Mr.
Baker, we have all come from a civilized part of the world, and wish to keep up
the institutions that belong to civilization in our new homes, and would be glad if
you would come and preach for us, some time when it will best suit your conven-
ience.' The old gentleman replied: 'I don't much like the idea of casting
pearls before swine, but reckon I can go.' And he did come ; and so the first
sermon was preached in the same cabin that the first election was held in.
Religion, like party political questions, did not disturb the friendly relations of
the few. Our intercourse was cordial and sincere, and I have often thought
that persons who claim to be further advanced in civilization might profit by a
few lessons in pioneer life.
"The courts were not what some of us had been used to, but they were the
best remedy and protection we had, unless we should resort to that unmerciful
despot — Judge Lynch — which, happily for us, we never did. AVe did not at that
early time pay much attention to county lines, for we had but two counties in the
Territory — Dubuque and Des Moines — and we did not know nor care where the
line between them was. In the summer of 1837, William A. Clark and myself
were summoned to appear before His Honor, Robert R. Roberts, a Justice of the
Peace, who lived where John Lewis, of Iowa Township, Cedar County, now
lives, as jurors in a suit brought by Mr. Hare against McConnell, to recover
possession of a claim which he alleged defendant had jumped ; and the narra-
tor's recollection of that case will serve to show the reader something of the
kind of justice meted out at that day. After the calling of the case, we found
Ave had two jurors from near where Tipton now is, one from the forks of the
Iowa and Cedar Rivers, and one from east of Moscow — an attorney from near
Dubuque, and one from Bloomington, now Muscatine. Tlie formality of impan-
eling the jury Avas gone through with, the witnesses called and examined, and
the case Avas argued by the counsel, and the Court proceeded to charge the jury
in something like the folloAving speech :
" ' Gentlemen of the Jury: You have heard the testimony in this case and
argument of counsel. With the evidence the Court has nothing to do, and as
to questions of law you are as competent to judge as this Court. I Avill, there-
fore, proceed to instruct you in your duty as jurors.' And the Court stood up
and said: 'The jury Avill rise;' and Ave obeyed, feeling very much as if Ave
were convicted of some crime, and were to be sentenced. The Court, Avith great
564 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
dignity, proceeded : ' You will go hence in a body, to the apartment prepared
for you under the charge of a bailiff, and there remain without food or drink, and
you are not to speak to any person nor allow any one to speak to you. except
the officer in charge, and lie only to ask if you have agreed upon your verdict,
and you to answer yes or no ; and when you have agreed upon a verdict, and
not until then, will you return into court in a body, where we will be happy to
receive you. Gentlemen, you are now in the custody of the bailiff.' So, we
were prisoners, and our keeper was Alexander Ross, the man who afterward so
brutally murdered an Indian at Moscow, and is mentioned elsewhere in these
pages. He marched us in single file along a cow-path to a pen about 8x10,
covered with prairie hay, with unmistakable evidence that its last occupant had
been a horse. Ross, being a brother-in-law of the defendant, and, no doubt,
anxious to know how the jury stood, deposited himself inside by the door, say-
ing: ' Now, gentlemen, make up your minds d — d quick, for it is getting late,
and who the d — 1 wants to stay here all night ? ' Our member from the forks
of the river replied : ' Yes, hurry up, men, by G — d ; I have my mind made up,
and I'll be d — d if I don't lav here and rot before I'll change it I ' Some of us
felt a delicacy about expressing our opinion with Ross as an auditor, and remou-
etrated with him, but he swore that we were in his charge, and that he
would do as he pleased. So we were forced to speak out, and soon found three
for the plaintiff and one for the defendant, the other two saying they would go
with the rest of us when w^e agreed. Ross and his friend from the forks argu-
ing and swearing for their friend, the defendant, and three arguing as earnestly
the other side ; thus it became dark and soon commenced raining and our roof
began to leak. Until the rain drove them away, our prison was surrounded by
McConnell's friends, and we were offered all the whisky we could drink, but
three of us, knowing from whence it came, indignantly refused it. Thus the
time passed away — Ross and his friend covertly and openly abusing us for our
stubbornness until we were wet through, for it rained as hard inside as out, and
we could not keep our tallow dip lit. At length, about 1 o'clock, it became
intolerable, and we sent word to the Court that there was no prospect of agree-
ing, and insisting upon returning into court, which was very reluctantly granted,
and after a long parley, we were discharged.
" Francis Foot made a settlement on the east side of the east branch of the
creek in the summer of 1837, in a cabin built by a man of the name of Hueler,
whose wife had died early that spring, and he, Hueler, became dissatisfied and
left the country, Mr. Foot taking his place and remaining here until his death,
which occurred in the fall of 1838. These, with the exception of two or three
young men who did not settle here, it is believed are all that came in 1837.
''At the time hist mentioned, the land was not surveyed into sections, but
during that season the Government surveyors came along and sectionized it, and
their trails on the section lines on the prairie were plainly visible until after the
land-sale in the fall of 1838.
" The fivll of the year last mentioned was the darkest time our infant settle-
luent ever experienced, and will long be remembered by those who were here at
tliat time. The most of us had been here long enough to reduce our finances
to a mere shadow, and had raised barelv enough grain to save our families from
starvation ; the season had been very sickly indeed ; there were not well persons
enough to take proper care of the sick; death had visited our little settlement
in more than one form, and to crown our misfortunes the General Government
ordered the whole of the Black Hawk Purchase into market. Here was a
dilemma. Many who had expended every dollar they had in the world in
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 565
improving their claims, found themselves in danger of losing all for the want
of means to enter their lands. Fortunately, through the instrumentality of
John Gilbert, an Indian trader, those who held claims in this immediate vicinity
obtained funds of Alexis Phelps, who at that time lived at Oquawka, 111., to
enter what land they wanted. The manner of the loan was this: He, Phelps,
was allowed to enter the land in his own name; he then gave the other party a
bond for a deed, conditioned that they should pay him the amount which he
paid for the land within one year, with twenty-five per cent interest from date
of the bond ; and what is more remarkable is that all who borrowed of Phelps
at that time had the good fortune to fulfill their contract with him and obtain
their lands, or a large advance on their investment in improving it.
" The Indians, though quite numerous, were not generally very troublesome,
but would occasionally, when under the influence of liquor, attempt to steal a
horse, or annoy us in some other way, such as throwing down our fences, or
taking our corn to feed their ponies, etc. Large numbers of them were in the
habit of coming here for the purpose of making sugar from the hard maple,
which was, and is yet, quite abundant in the groves hereabout, and still bears
the evidence of their destructive mode of obtaining the sap.
" The next spring after the land-sale they came, as was their custom, pre-
pared for making sugar, but the whites had recently become proprietors of the
soil, and did not feel like quietly submitting to their depredations upon the
timber, and after full deliberation, determined that they would not suffer the
Indians to make sugar here. The settlers, therefore, collected together with
their arms and proceeded at once to the Indians' camps, where they found them
very busy preparing for making sugar. The Indians were at once i)\formed
that the land now belonged to the white men — that their title had passed from
them by treaty to the General Government, and by purchase to us. They, for
a long time, pretended not to understand us, and affected ignorance of the
object of our visit. This caused a long parley and considerable delay. The
day was coming to a close^ and we found that they expected a large accession
to their numbers that evening. We therefore found it necessary to make some
demonstration that would not only^ compel them to understand us, but convince
them that we were in earnest. They had built fires in their old camps, which
were covered with old dry bai*k, entirely useless as a protection from rain, it
having curled up into rolls something like a window blind rolled up. The
pieces of bark were directly over the fire where the supper was cooking. We
went to one of these camps and directed the Indians to take everything that
belonged to them out of the camp, telling them in their own language, as well
as we were able, that we were going to burn their camp, at the same time taking
a roll of bark from the top and throwing it in the fire. This seemed to con-
vince them of our determination to force them to leave, and they at once, with
our assistance, removed all their property out of danger. We were very care-
ful not to molest or injure any property belonging to the Indians, but burned
■every vestige of the old camps, after w4iich we caused them to pitch their tents
in a part of the grove where there were no hard-maple trees, and late in the
evening their friends came in but made no attempt to make sugar afterward.
" There was an old squaw with those whom we removed from the sugar
camps, who, during our parley before burning the old camps, became very much
excited, and was the only one among them who seemed to understand us,
although we knew very well that all the men understood us from the first. This
old woman, however, undertook to convince us that they had a right to make
sugar here under treaty, and went to her tent and came out with a roll of
566 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
dressed buckskin and commenced unrolling it, and to our surprise, in the center
was a neatly written copy of Waynes treaty, or as it is usually called, the
treaty of Greenville. This, no cloubt, had been kept in her family from the
time of the treaty in 1795. This manuscript, was white and pure, and looked
as if it had not been Avritten a week. No doubt her father, or, perhaps, her
husband, had been a warrior who had participated in the bloody conflicts of the
days of " Mad Anthony," and who had been compelled to acknowledge the
superiority of the whites over the dusky warriors of his doomed race.
" The Indians had, with great labor, dug out some troughs to hold the
sugar-water, and had them on the ground ready for use, but the old woman
before mentioned hearing some of us speak of them as being very good for the
purpose for which they were intended, was determined they should not profit
us, took an ax, and with a very clear Indian war-whoop, split them to pieces,
and in a very taunting way requested us to burn them also.
•'In 1838, the following additions were made to the settlement: George
Van Home, William Lefiingwell, J. P. Van Hagen and Robert Stuart. The
first mentioned is now living at Wapello, Iowa. Mr. Lefiingwell having been a
citizen of the city of Muscatine for many years, has very recently taken his
departure to that better land, where so many of the old settlers of this county
have gone before. Mr. Stuart, after living here a number of years, and hold-
ing some important offices in the county, removed to Cedar Falls, where he
lived until his death, when his widow returned here, where she still resides,
loved and respected by all who know her. The arrivals of 1839 were more
numerous than any previous year. Valentine Bozarth, S. A. Bagley. Enos
Barnes, James Van Home, Jacob Springer, John G. Lane, A. B. Phillips and
John Bennet, are some of those who are remembered as coming that year.
The year 1840, the narrator does not remember but two who made a permanent
settlement in this vicinity. There may have been others, perhaps were, but we
can only bring to mind Egbert T. Smith and E. T. S. Schenck, who were both
well and favorably known, and Mr. Schenck is now residing near Downey.
'• Dudley B. Dustin was among those who lived here at this time, and will
be remembered for his kindness of heart, as well as his many eccentricities and
jokes. He could mimic any one to perfection; and many a time, at our public
gatherings, would set the crowd in a perfect roar of laughter, at the expense of
some unlucky neighbor.
•'There are many incidents that might be related to illustrate the char-
acters of those early pioneers, and the rough-and-tumble life led by men who
were destined afterward to make their mark.
" If one was under the necessity of grinding buckwheat in a coff'ee-mill for
breakfast, he would eat that breakfast with all the better appetite. If he should,
after working all day, be compelled to take his rifle and shoot game for his next
breakfast, the enjoyment of the sport would be none the less. If we had to go
with an ox-team into Illinois for corn, and be gone a week at a time, our delight
was the greater when we returned. All of these things the old settlers will
very readily admit are not exaggerations.
"Wapsincnoc Township consisted of all of Muscatine County that lies west
of the Cedar River. At that time, and for many years thereafter, and at our
elections, all would assemble at one place and cast their votes ; and it would be
interesting to give the number of votes each year, and not the increase of pop-
ulation, had we the means to do so.
"At this time of excitement, in regard to the railroad bond question, a
history of the west part of this county, and the important stand taken by the
HISTORY x:)F MUSCATINE COUNTY. 567
inhabitants of Wapsinonoc Tbwnship on the vote of the county to take stock,
will not be devoid of interest.
"As before stated, our township consisted of all of this county west of
Cedar River, when the road, now known as the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad, first began to be talked about, and the company began to urge upon
the people the necessity of taking stock; but the settlers were generally poor,
and to raise any considerable amount by individual subscription, was soon found
to be out of the question. Interested parties soon began to urge upon the
authorities of the county the propriety of the county taking stock, and after
some hesitation, the County Judge issued an order for a vote on the question of
a tax for railroad purposes. At this election, the contest was warm and sharp —
those who were in favor of the measure being extremely energetic, while those
who opposed it did so with great warmth and energy ; and this township was so
united on the question, that there was but one vote in favor of the measure
which has now become so odious, and has been so burdensome. Our township,
therefore, became quite noted for its independence, and soon after gained the
appellation of "The State of Wapsinonoc," which high distinction was brought
about as follows :
" The next day after the election above mentioned, the narrator went to Mus-
catine, and had hardly descended from his horse, when he was surrounded by
the friends of the tax, who were jubilant over the success of their measure, and
during a warm, but friendly discussion of the question, our old friend, William
St. John, came up, and in a taunting way shook his finger at the narrator,
saying :
" ' We have got you now ; what will you do next ? '
"'Well,' said the narrator, 'We will just call out the militia, that's what
we'll do; ' and from the idea of calling out the militia, on the railroad tax
question, we got the name of the ' State of Wapsinonoc'
"In the winter of 1837—38, a party of Indians were encamped near Mos-
cow, some three or four of whom were in the village one evening, at a low
drinking-house, or grocery, kept by a man whose name was Ross, who, in com-
pany with some half-dozen other white men, got the Indians to perform the
war-dance ; and, in order to make the dancing and general hilarity go off
lively, and that they might have an interesting time of it, they all, both red
and white men, imbibed freely of the contents of a certain barrel that stood in
one corner of the filthy shanty, marked "old whisky." Thus they kept up
the dancing and drinking until they all became decidedly drunk ; and the
Indians, as is usual with them under like circumstances, became insolent and
demanded more of the contents of the barrel, which they denominate, in their
own language seutah oppo, which signifies fire-water; and, finally, the war of
words culminated in a general row. It so happened that Poweshiek, who was
chief of that particular band of Indians, had a brother who was one of the
party in this quarrel ; and Ross and his friends wishing to get the Indians out
of the shanty, undertook to force them to leave, and in the scuffle which
ensued, Ross struck the chief's brother with a heavy stick of wood and felled
him senseless to the ground, when the rest of the Indians became frightened
and ran away. Ross now dragged the fallen brave outdoor and deliberately
beat him with a heavy rail until his skull was broken and he was dead. The
Indians were very much exasperated at this outrage and were determined on
revenge, and we often saw them with their faces painted in token of their dis-
pleasure, but were kept quiet by the assurance that Ross would be punished by
the laws of the white man, and he was indicted for the murder, but owing to some
568 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
trifling defect in the indictment, was again set at liberty. The Indians, how-
ever, could not understand why a man whom every one acknowledged was
guilty of a brutal mui'der, should be permitted to escape the just punishment
of his crime, in consequence of the omission of a word or two in a manuscript
paper which they could neither read nor understand. They therefore deter-
mined to seek redress in their own way, and with the utmost contempt for the
inefficient laws of the white man, the avenger of blood was put upon the trail
of the bloody-handed Ross, who knew full well that if he did not flee the
country, his doom was sealed. He therefore left as quietly as possible. The
Indians being thus foiled in their attempts upon the life of the real aggressor,
quietly awaited an opportunity to avenge their wrongs upon one of the same
hated race, and it so happened that their victim was a Protestant Methodist
minister, whose name was Oliver Atwood. Atwood, his wife and child, came
to this country in the summer of 1^37, fi'om the northern part of Ohio. He
was very destitute, but apparently willing to do any kind of work to support
his family, and he did work faithfully through the week and on the Sabbath
would preach for us. He was not very brilliant as an orator, or prepossessing
in his appearance as a minister, but very quiet and harmless in his deportment,
and, in justice I must say. that his sermons, viewed from a Methodist stand-
point, had the merit of being extremely orthodox, for they were generally the
identical sermons preached by the great Wesley himself, many years before.
" I will here state that he and his family and myself and family occu-
pied the same cabin nearly all of one winter ; and it used to be a source of
considerable amusement to me to observe from what fountain he drew his
inspiration, and the grave dignity with which he would proceed to edify us,
with a learned discourse committed to memory from a very neatly-bound
volume of Wesley's Sermons, which, with a Bible and hymn-book, constituted
his library. 1 had noticed that he would be very intent upon the study of this
volume, and sometimes would leave it on the table when he retired for the
night, and being myself in the habit of rising first in the morning, I would
occasionally take up this volume to read a few moments. I soon discovered
that it would invariably open at the page where our preacher had been reading
the evening before ; and, of course, I was not slow to take a hint, and soon
became so much of a prophet that I could repeat a part of the sermon three or
four days before it was delivered, and unerringly predict the text beforehand.
'•'• But, to proceed with our narrative. He had moved on a claim of his own
in the spring, but having no improvement, he was unable to support his family
by his labor at home, and consequently he had to seek employment elsewhere.
The Indian traders were about that time engaged in building a new trading-
post further up the Iowa River, and he hired with them to assist in the work,
and spent most of the summer away from home ; but, in September, after
notifying his wife of the time he that should return, started from the new trading-
post, and arrived in safety at the old one, four miles south of where Iowa City
now is. There he purchased some articles of clothing for his family, and a
ham of meat, and started for home — a home he was destined never to reach
alive.
" He doubtless walked briskly forward on the narrow trail, worn deep by the
hard hoofs of the Indian ponies — joyfully anticipating a happy meeting soon
(as he thought) to take place with the loved ones in a lonely cabin not far away
on the verge of the prairie — thinking, no doubt, of the little comforts that his
toil had provided for those so dear to him — enjoying in anticipation the glad
welcome so soon to greet his ears — the fond caress of his little daughter — the
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 5G9
evening meal — the quiet social hour with wife and child — not a living thing to
interrupt or disturb his pleasing meditation save now and then the sudden flutter
of the prairie chicken as it breaks cover near his feet. As he approaches the
highlands on his route, he views Avith brightening eye the outlines of the grove
of timber that adjoins his cabin. A thin column of smoke is to be seen rising
just beyond the grove ; full well he knows who sits by the fire from whence it
rises. He pauses in his walk, and for a moment contemplates the scene. The
tall grass is slightly browned by the early frost, and waves gently in the
autumnal breeze, like a vast field of wheat ready for the sickle. He turns his
gaze backward on the path he so lately traveled, and notices, in the distance, a
company on horse-back on his trail, and, without a thought of danger, again
resumes his walk, but soon discovers that his pursuers are savages, painted for
"war, who advance rapidly with shouts and excited gestures. In order to avoid
them, he leaves the beaten trail, but soon becomes aware that they are not so
easily thrown ofi" — on they come — he runs — but all in vain ; like an avalanche
they come down upon their prey — a quick, sharp stroke of the tomahawk, a
dexterous flourish of the scalping knife, and all is over with Oliver Atwood.
That day wears slowly to a close, and the expected husband comes not, and so
wears away the next, and the next, and no tidings from him. The wife finally
can bear the suspense no longer, and she applies to the neighbors, and a mes-
senger is sent to the old trading-house to inquire after him, and soon returned
with the information that he had left that place for home a week before. The
next day the settlement was aroused to search for the lost man, and soon his
remains were found where he had fallen.
" The question maybe asked, how is it known that he was killed by Indians.
To a frontiersman this could not long remain in doubt. There are many ways
of judging of such things, that would be utterly unintelligible to a less
practiced eye. But in this case, not only the signs at the place where
he lay were perfectly intelligible to a hunter, but many other circumstances
led to a certainty, not only that he was killed by the Indians, but pointed out
the identical actors in the tragedy. It was well known that on the day that
Atwood left the trading-post, five Indians passed through the settlement and
went to Moscow, and while there, one of them said to a friend of Ross, ' Ross
may come back now.' And, being urged to explain his reason, refused to do so.
" The tragical event above related, of course, cast a gloom over our infant
settlement. As has been said before, this had been an unusually unhealthy
season. The men had all been sick, and were in a convalescent state — but little
better physically than downright sickness, and in no condition to make a suc-
cessful defense of themselves and families, should the Indians contemplate a
more thorough vengeance, and of their intentions we could have no means of
knowing, as they kept entirely aloof for some time. There was never, so far
as the writer is aware, any systematic attempt made by the whites to bring the
perpetrators to justice. It is true that at the first land-sale in the Territory,
held in Dubuque, in the November following the murder, the citizens of this
region met and appointed a committee to report the case to the Governor of the
Territory, which committee made out a report of the case, with appropriate
resolutions to accompany it, and forwarded the same, but so far as is now
remembered it was never heard of in a more public way ; the great difficulty
was no doubt in getting at the facts with sufficient certainty to make a good
case before the courts. We were very sure that we knew who had done the deed,
from the facts before mentioned. We were very sure we knew just how many
there were engaged in the act, yet no one saw it, but we were very certain that the
570 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
perpetrators were seen that day in our settlement ; we knew they were at Mos-
cow that day. and the writer of this fell in with them the next day, on their
way back to their village — he knew nothing of the murder at that time — but
remarked their singular actions and was unable 'to account for it until after-
ward, when to him as well as others their behavior seemed the outcropping of a
guilty conscience."
John D. Wolf and Mary Ann Bagley were the first residents of the town-
ship who were married, but they obtained their marriage license at Muscatine,
where the ceremony was performed. The first birth in the township occurred
in the summer of 1837, about a quarter mile distant from the present West
Liberty, when Louis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Corns, saw the light
of day.
The present township ofiicers are as follows, viz.: George C. Shipman and
James F. Schenck, Justices ; John Patterson and Nathan Reece, Constables ;
E. P. French, Clerk ; James Parks, Assessor; William Henderson, John Pick-
ering and Joseph Mountain, Trustees.
The press of West Liberty is mentioned in the chapter devoted to that topic.
WILTON.
Wilton is located at the junction of the C, R. I. & P. R. R. and the C. &
S. W. R. R., two of the best roads in the West; is twenty-five miles west of
Davenport, twelve miles north of Muscatine and thirty miles east of Iowa City.
The railroad company own considerable ground in what is called the "Y,"
which is covered with buildings and side-tracks, the former consisting of a
commodious depot, freight-building — containing the Trainmaster's and Dis-
patcher's offices — blacksmith shop, roundhouse, eoalhouse, carpenter-shop and
supply building. The side-tracks are numerous, and extend from the corpora-
tion line on the east to that on the west, and are at nearly ail hours of the day
and night occupied by trains "'making up."' The corporation extends one
mile east and west, and one mile north and south. The streets are regularly
laid out, are eighty feet wide, and generally bordered with elm and maple trees,
which, in the summer season, give the town the appearance of being buih in a
grove. Many of these trees have attained the good size of twelve and four-
teen inches in diameter, and, besides enhancing the beauty of the streets,
afford magnificent shade, and homes for a great many forest birds, that in the
early morn burden the air with their songs. On nearly all of the streets of
the town may be found beautiful dwellings, and on Fifth street, five fine
churches.
FIRST SETTLERS.
The first man to erect a cabin within the present limits of Wilton was Mr.
Christian Marolf, who came in July, 1849, and erected, of logs, a small house
opposite the German Lutheran Church. The house still remains, and Mr.
Marolf survives, and domiciles beneath its roof Mr. M. entered the land on
which he made his home, the east line of which is the street past the church.
At this time he could only see one other house, that being the cabin of Mr.
Stearns, just west of town, on the south side of the Moscow road, and now the
property of the estate of J. 1j. Reed, deceased. He says that for several years
he made hay where now stands the business part of Wilton, and that herds of
deer crossed over the same ground, on their way from Mud Creek to Sugar Creek.
Mr. Christian Marolf was soon followed by Mr. Ben Maurer and Peter
Marolf, in 1850-51, who also obtained land near by — Mr. Ben Maurer, that
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 571
Avhich now comprises North Wilton ; Mr. J. P. Marolf, that which is now
Marolf's Addition. North Wilton is not, at present, within the corporate
limits.
On the 19th day of May^ 1819, two entries of land were made by Henry
Strohm and Benjamin Kauffman, which comprised the lands now within the
corporate limits of Wilton, excepting Marolf's Addition. Mr. Strohm entered
the eighty acres now south of the railroad, and Mr. Kauffman the eighty acres
north, or what is now Butterfield's Addition to Wilton.
In the month of July, 1853, Mr. Franklin Butterfield purchased of Mr.
B. C. Kauffman the north fractional half of the southwest quarter and south
fractional half of the northwest quarter of Section 6, in Township 78, Range
1 west, containing 205| acres, at |2 per acre.
The M. & M. R. R., now the C, R. I. & P. R. R., had been located
through this place prior to this purchase. In August, 1854, Messrs, Green k
Stone, bankers at Muscatine, and owners of considerable stock in the M. &
M. R, R., called upon Mr. Butterfield and proposed to buy the whole or a part
of Mr. Butterfield's interest in the land ; the secret of this desire being the
agitation of a branch road from this point to Muscatine, and they desired an
interest in the Junction. Mr. Butterfield considered their proposition, and
decided to sell a one-fifth interest in the whole, at $10 per acre, provided they
bought forty acres of Mr. Marolf, which is now the railroad " Y," and that
portion of the town west, which they did, at $10 per acre. Mr. Butterfield
now induced Green & Stone to take a two-fifths interest in the land south of
the railroad, and relinquish that north of the railroad, which they readily did,
as it brought their interest nearer to their purchase from Marolf.
In September, 1854, Butterfield and Green & Stone platted out the origi-
nal town on Green & Stone's forty acres and the land lying south of the rail-
road, which plat was recorded October 22, 1855 (the year following). Then
arose the question of a name, and as it is a matter of no little moment to pro-
vide an appropriate name for a town to endure for ages, a name that would
rcoramand respect and admiration abroad, the founders of the town found it no
easy task to decide. One was in favor of an Indian name ; but the stock was
all appropriated. Another suggested Cedar Junction ; but that was inappro-
priate, and suggestive of a small railroad station ; while Mr. Butterfield warmly
advocated the name Wilton^ — the name of his native town in Maine. It was
finally decided that Mr. Butterfield should present six names, and that
Messrs. Green & Stone should select one of these as the future name. Of the
isix names, Wilton and Glendale were two, and, after due consideration. Glen-
dale was chosen, and for nearly a year the town went by that name. But
before the plat was recorded Messrs. Green & Stone reconsidered their choice,
and Wilton was permanently chosen and so recorded.
In 1854, Mr. Butterfield sold the first lot to Mr. Henry S. Giesler, it being
Lot 3, Block 43, opposite Dow's elevator, for $40.
Working on the road was all that was done this year, and with the advent
of the graders, sprung up a number of small shanties.
In July or August, 1855, Mr. Giesler built the first house, the lower front
rooms of which were occupied by a stock of dry goods and groceries, owned and
shipped from Seymore, Conn., by Tuthill & Hull, which firm name was the
first to appear on a sign in front of a door. The firm of Rider & Sanford were
their agents, who first went to Muscatine with the stock, with the intention of
operating a permanent store at that place ; but soon after, as we have stated,
shipped the goods to Wilton. Rider & Sanford afterward bought out the
572 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
interest of Tuthill & Hull, and carried the business on in their own name^
adding to the business that of grain and pork buying.
Mr. Giesler, about this time, received an appointment as Postmaster, and.
had his office in their store-room.
About this time, also, a small house was erected by J. M. Smith, on a lot
given him by Green ife Stone (now the property of James Keefover), in which
Mr. J. C. Wate kept a small eating-house and a few groceries.
In November of this year, Mr. Butterfield sold one-half of his three-fifths
interest in the original town, and a half-interest in what is now known as his
addition (being the part north of the railroad and west of Cedar street), to Mr.
Servetus Tufts, receiving $30 per acre for that now in the addition.
The construction-train reached Wilton October 1, and December 1 the
passenger-trains commenced to run to Wilton.
At this time, Messrs. Cook & Sargent, bankers at Davenport, owned a large
amount of stock in the M. <t M. R. R., and were interested in building up
Durant, in opposition to Wilton, and for a time a sharp warfare was waged.
As soon as cars commenced running on the branch from Muscatine, the trains
were run by Wilton and transferred at Durant, and the name '"Wilton"' was
not allowed to be called on the cars — the brakemen would call out, " Musca-
tine Junction." A fine depot was erected at Durant, while the only accommo-
dation afforded at Wilton was a small shed-roof building at the west end of the
"Y." The ticket-ajjent, Mr. Robinson, sold tickets on the cars. The same
parties built plankroads over bad places between Durant and Tipton, and run a
line of four-horse stages between those places. But Wilton was destined to
triumph ; and to-day few know of the aspiring efforts of the Duranters and
their wealthy and influential backers.
During the winter of 1855-56, a great many lots were sold, and, in the
spring of 1856, commenced the most active operations in building and improv-
ing ever witnessed in the histor}^ of Wilton. Early in the spring, Rider, San-
ford & Butterfield commenced building a store, Avhere now stand the frame
buildings owned by F. Bacon, and when nearly completed, the building caught
fire and burned, being the first fire in Wilton. Owen Syas and Eli Ross were
the contractors. A second building was immediately commenced and finished,
beinor the frames standing one door south of the Review office.
Mr. Moses Garretson commenced what was called the first hotel, in a small
building in the southeast part of town. This enterprising citizen also run the
first bus and express-wagon from the depot to his hotel, it being a buckboard
wagon, drawn by oxen. These he would place by the side of the shanty depot
and call out: "A free bus to the Garretson House!" "Have you any bag-
gage ! " In the spring, the De Gear House was built, by Mr. De Gear, on the
corner of Fourth and Cedar streets, and is now owned by the Burk estate.
This was. really, the first hotel that could reasonably lay any claim to such
a title.
Mr. Garretson commenced building a new hotel this year, on the corner of
Fifth and Cherry streets, and completed it the following year. This hotel is
now known as the Wilton House, and is kept by Mr. Hiram Moouey.
During this year, a great many buildings were put up. and often a score of
new frames could be seen going up at the same time. Many of the first build-
ings are yet remaining, being principally built in 1856, a few of which we will
mention, as follows : One now owned and occupied by B. F. Tufts, and that of
Mr. Dave Moore's ; the one owned by the widow of Daniel Stark, Mr. S B.
Windus' house, the Harker residence, and the one now owned and occupied by
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 57S-
John Wiley ; the hotel on the corner of Railroad and Cherry streets, lately
burned.
In the year 1858, the grading was done between Wilton and Tipton, on the
Muscatine, Tipton & Anamosa Railroad, the ruins of which can, at this day,
be distinctly traced through the fields between these places. The grade was
completed and bridges built, when all work was stopped and the project failed.
Owing to the hard times, the employes were paid for their Avork in dry goods
and groceries, by certain persons interested in the construction, at Muscatine,
which gave the road the name of '' the calico road."
It will always be remembered with patriotic pride that, when the war of the
rebellion broke out, Wilton responded nobly to the call for troops. Two full
companies were organized in Wilton of nearly two hundred men. The first
was Company D, of the Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The second was
Company G, of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The first company
(D) was organized in September, 1860, and was officered as follows : A. J.
Shrope, Captain ; B. F. Jackson. First Lieutenant ; Andrew Walker, Second
Lieutenant.
DISASTROUS FIRE.
Thursday, the 20th day of August, in the year 1874. will be an epoch in
the annals of Wilton. The town had just entered upon a fall business of unex-
ampled prosperity. The products of thousands of surrounding fertile acres,
attracted by the excellent prices and shipping facilities here, had begun to pour
through this gateway to the East, and business of every kind quickened under
the impulse of dollars thus thrown into circulation. Wednesday was a field-
day, and Thursday was fast following in its wake, when, suddenly, at a few
minutes before 3 o'clock, the ever-dreaded cry of fire! — now rendered doubly
droadful by instant consciousness of the parched condition of everything, and
the absence of any adequate means of resistance — rang through the streets I
The fire began in Reed & Dow's elevator, on Third or Railroad street.
The cause is not certainly known. It is generally attributed to sparks from a
locomotive, but there are those who affirm that the fire was first inside
the building. The dense black smoke drifted up and across a little east of
north, hanging like a pall over the now thoroughly-alarmed village. Flames
soon followed the smoke, and wrapped the tall building from foundation to roof-
ridge, the wind, which quickened with the heat, flinging them over the narrow
street in such a manner as to speedily disperse the brave men who were on the
roofs of Steiner's buildings, making unavailing efforts to save them. Other
men were striving to save the valuable steam elevator a few rods west, belong-
ing to J. G. Lyford, but all to no purpose. It was but a few pregnant moments
after the seizure of Steiner's buildings before the frame tenements occupied by
Rexroth, Lanty and Opitz, and then the elevator opposite them, were a seetii-
ing mass of flame. Then it did begin to look as if VVilton must burn !
Attacked both in side and rear, the buildings north of Steiner's, fronting
on Cedar street, were taken in quick succession. First, Illingsworth's twa
small frames — one occupied by Pearno's barber-shop, and the other by a har-
ness-shop. Next, Graaf & Sons' two-story frame, occupied by Graaf Brothers,
with a large stock of clotiiing, most of wliich -was saved. Then there was a
narrow street, where one more desperate attempt was made to stay the flames.
But there Avas no organization, but little water and comparatively no facilities,
and the willing and hrave men were toon forced to give over the unequal contest.
" Save the cast side ! " was now the cry, "or the whole town Avill go!"
The undertaking looked almost hopeless. Opposite the raging fire was a row
574 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
of wooden buildings, with fire-traps of awnings reaching out, and, as it were,
inviting destruction. Men threw water upon them while the heat would per-
mit them to stay in the street, and then opened doors to dash it out, or poured
it down from over the roofs, which were now well occupied. This, together
with a most fortunate change of the wind from southwest to south, under Prov-
idence, won the battle. But all this time, the hungry fire was marching on up
the west side of the street, and much more rapidly than we are telling it.
Fred Frieden's two-story frame, occupied as a saloon below and a dwelling
above, was quickly run over to catch the old frame dwelling with a brick front,
belonging to J. L. Reed, and occupied by G. T. Coffee for a general store. A
two-story brick belonging to Mr. Reed, and occupied below by the Grange
store, was next. In the upper part of this, Dr. Mudge had but a day or two
moved both his dental office and residence. He lost nearly everything ; part
of the goods below were saved. The fine and handsomely-finished brick occu-
pied by Reed's Bank was the next victim. The Cashier saved the money and
most valuable books. U. P. Scovil's book r,tore and restaurant followed
into the fiery baptism so rapidly that very little was saved ; and the same was
the case with Hubbert's, also a frame. Mr. F. C. Conant, who lived up-stairs,
had an ill wife to remove, and lost a good part of his furniture. Another
frame belonging to D. T. Oilman, and occupied by C. J. Hutchinson with a
laroje and valuable druo; stock, but little of which was saved ; then Blizzard's
clothing store — and then another street and another chance for life.
And here the successful fight to which we have alluded, on the east, was
supplemented by a like effort on the north, and, with the aid of the streets and
brick buildings on both opposite corners, the hungry fire was compelled to take
a large dwelling in the rear of Blizzard's, belonging to John Wicke, and be
content. But all this time flying brands had been threatening buildings in
almost every part of town. Men, women and children were watching — and
saving — their homes. But the German Lutheran Church, some three blocks
from the fire, and one of the best church-buildings in the city, seems to have
been unnoticed till too late, the parsonage, which was close by, going with it.
This concludes the sorry enumeration, and does not represent the events of
much more than a single hour after the first alarm was given. The Davenport
Fire Department was telegraphed for help within fifteen minutes after the fire
was discovered, but, although they made all haste to respond by a special train
that made twenty-five miles in twenty -four minutes, the fire had substantially
run its course when the Fire King steamer and Rescue hand- engine arrived.
They went manfully at work and exhausted the supply of water in playing
upon the vault of Reed's Bank and the piles of burning grain, for an hour or
more. They did all they could, and did it willingly and promptly, impressing
all, both with their gentlemanliness and efficiency.
CITY OEFICERS.
The first City Council consisted of W. N. McNaghten, President ; R. A.
Mclntire, Recorder ; A. J. Friend, Henry Giessler and 0. J. Grover. The
present city officei's are: S. L. Lawrence, Mayor; John Wiley, Recorder; S.
C. Root, Robert McGuire, Owen Syas, E. Klepper, James Hesnan and George
M. Frenzel, Trustees; James W. Kelly, Marshal; M. C. Ott, Treasurer; A.
S. Healy, Assessor.
♦" SCHOOLHOUSE.
On the 17th of July, 1875, ground was broken for a new schoolhouse on
Lots Nos. 9 and 10, Butterfield's Addition to the town of Wilton. ' The plans
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. • 575
were draughted by J. P. Walton, of Muscatine, and Hancock & Walker took
the contract for its erection. It is in size 60x72 feet, three stories high and
basement. The first and second floors are used as schoolrooms, and the third
floor is occupied by a hall calculated to hold 700 persons, seated with chairs,
and has a good stage. The building was dedicated December 30, 1875, and
cost $12,000. The present corps of teachers is a good one, and is composed of
eight members, under the efficient direction of Prof. G. S. Bradley, Superin-
tendent, and ranks among the leading schools of the State. The Board of
Education is composed of the following members : S. L. Lawrence, President ;
John Wiley, Recorder ; J. D. Walker, James Davis, Dennis Mahanna, Dr. W.
H. Baxter, Hon. I. K. Terry.
CHURCHES.
Presbyterian. — The Presbyterian element in Wilton was originally a part
of the Sugar Creek Church, in Cedar County, which was organized in 1856.
As early as 1855 or 185(), Presbyterian services were held in Wilton by
Rev. John Hudson, meeting for worship in what is now known as Lyceum Hall,
the old schoolhouse on the hill, and elsewhere.
In 1859, Rev. William C. Mason, of Illinois, preached in Wilton Presby-
terian Church for six months.
On May 14, 1860, the congregation at Wilton was set off" from Sugar
Creek, and, by a committee of Cedar Presbytery, formally organized into a
church. The following-named persons were original members : J. H. Hobert,
D. Burk, J. H. Robinson, B. Kelley, J. Cooper, P. Heinley, R. A.. Mclntire :
Mesdames Hobert, Pomeroy, Burk, Harker, Robinson, Cooper, Mclntire,
Passmore, Parish, Kelley, Heinley and Mason.
In the fall of 1866, the present brick edifice was built in Marolf 's Addition
to Wilton, and was dedicated in February, 1867. The size of the building is
32x48 feet, and cost $2,800.
In the summer of 1874, the present frame parsonage-building was built on a
half-lot adjoining the church, and cost $1,100. The present number of active
members is seventy-five. Pastor, J. W. Hubbard,
On the 27th of August, 1872, the church-steeple was struck by lightning
and destroyed — the same moment the Presbyterian Church was struck. In the
fall of 1874, the parsonage and schoolhouse were rebuilt, and, during 1875,
the house of worship was replaced. Connected with the Church is a Sunday
school, also a day school, both taught by the Pastor, Rev. W. T. Strobel. The
present membership consists of 67 communicants, 22 voting members, and, in
all, 101 baptized members.
Owing to a dissension of this Church from the Synod, there is at present a
lawsuit pending in the Supreme Court. The membership being divided, two
Pastors are stationed here, whose congregations occupy the church alternately.
The other minister is Rev. J. Landeck, who has also under his charge the
Lutheran Church at Moscow. This congregation has an attendance of about
seventy.
Evangelical Lutlieran. — The Church in Wilton was organized in December,
1856, by the late Rev. John Kiesel, and, shortly afterward, a small frame
church-building was built, in size 24x24.
In 1867, a fine brick building was erected, and took the place of the small
frame building for holding services in. A commodious parsonage-building had
also been erected.
Both the church and parsonage buildings were destroyed by the conflagra-
tion of August 20, 1874.
576 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
In 1875, both buildings were rebuilt — the church-building of wood, instead
of brick.
Grace Reformed. — This Church was organized by Rev. J. Riale, Saturday,
April 14, 1860, in the old public school-building, where the congregation wor-
shiped at fii'st ; afterward, in the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches.
The corner stone of the present church-edifice was laid June 26, 1870, and
October 16, 1860, the new church was dedicated. Its size is o4xo2, and cost
about ^3,000.
The congregation at present numbers seventy-seven confirmed members,
and fifty-six baptized, unconfirmed members. Present minister, Rev. S. C. Long.
Methodist. — This Church originally formed a part of and was embraced in
what was called Muscatine Circuit. As early as 1836, Rev. Daniel Cartwright
preached at Bloomington, now Muscatine, services being held in a log building
used as a post office.
In 1856, the General Conference divided the Iowa Conference, and the
towns of Wilton and Moscow Avere made a station.
Rev, H. Wharton, of Hebron Circuit, Cedar County, held the first services
in Wilton, in the depot or freight-house ; but on account of the division. Rev.
D. Thompson was appointed to the work without any missionary appropriation,
and upon complaint being made by the brethren, Wilton was merged into Mus-
catine Circuit, with Rev. John Harris^, Pastor.
In 1857, Rev. J. B. Hill conducted a successful revival in Wilton, and over
fifty persons were received in the Church. The meetings were held in the Gar-
retson House (now the Mooney Hotel.)
In 1859, meetings were held in Avhat is now known as Lyceum Hall.
In 1860, a church-building was erected and dedicated.
In 1865, the name of the Circuit was changed from Muscatine to Wilton
Circuit.
In 1866, it was voted at the fourth Quarterly Meeting, to divide the' Circuit,
leaving Wilton a station, with regular preaching every Sunday, which was
accordingly done.
In 1867, under the labors of Rev. Morey, over one hundred members were
added to the Church.
The present beautiful church-edifice was built in 1878, under the direction
and supervision of Rev. U. B. Smith, the present Pastor, at a cost of ^3,800,
including the old house, which was accepted by the contractors in part pay.
The parsonage was built in 1876, under the supervision of Rev. E. L. Briggs,
at a cost of ;$2,000. The present membership is 208.
Free- Will Baptists. — In the spring of 1864, February 20, this Church was
organized, with Rev. I. Dotson, as Pastor, by a committee chosen for that pur-
pose. The membership consisted at that time of eleven members.
Rev. Dotson was relieved November 30, 1866, and Rev. 0. E. Baker took
his place, and continued until November 22, 1874, when he was succeeded by
Rev. Charles Payne.
From a membership of eleven, the Church has increased until now the num-
ber is one hundred and eighteen.
The society have no church-building, and have, since organization, worshiped
in the chapel of the Wilton College building.
C<>H(/regational. — This church was first organized by Rev. James Berney,
in Sugar Creek Township, Cedar County, July t), 1854, at a meeting in a brick
schoolhouse, near Mr. Evans' residence, and was to be called the First Congre-
gational Church of Sugar Creek.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 577
October "29, Rev. D. Knowles was called to officiate as Pastor.
August 3, 1855, the location of the church was changed to Moscow, but
immediately afterward was again changed and located at Wilton, and at a meet-
ing held at the residence of Rev. Knowles, June 20, 1856, new articles of incor-
poration were submitted and adopted, and the name changed to that of First
Congregational Church of Wilton.
July "13, 1856, steps were taken to erect a church-building, and August 30,
1857, the building was completed, and services for the first time held in it, Rev.
D. Knowles, Pastor.
The present membership is fifty-eight. The church property, including the
parsonage, is valued at $5,000. Connected with the Church is a Ladies', also
a Children's, Missionary Society. The Pastor, Rev. E. P. Smith, also supplies
the pulpit of the Congregational Church, of Durant, Cedar County.
CathoUc. — Some time in the autumn of 1867, the first mass was celebrated
in Wilton by the Rev. Peter Mahn. This event took place in the house now
owned and occupied by John Brown, situated on the eastern terminus of Fourth
street.
The second mass was celebrated the following spring, in the house now occu-
pied by P. Kent.
During the summer of 1858, the first church was planned and erected by
Rev. Mahn. It Avas a small frame building, and was located in the south part
of town.
From this time until 1863, Revs. Mahn and Emonds, of Iowa City, offi-
ciated, when Rev. Shanahan was located at Wilton, as the first Pastor. He
was succeeded by Revs. McGinnis, Laurent and Quigley.
During the pastorate of Rev. Quigley, the plans for the present brick
church were matured and in the fill of 1867, the foundation was laid, when
Rev. Quigley was superseded by Rev. Walsh, who came in November, 1867.
Shortly^afterward, Rev. Walsh was superseded by Rev. P. A. McCabe, and
during his pastorate the church was completed sufficiently to hold services in.
Rev. McCabe was succeeded by James Welch, who officiated until August, 1874,
when he died at Davenport, from cancer in the stomach. In January, 1875,
the present Pastor, Rev. N. Dugan, was assigned to the pastorate made vacant
by the death of Rev. Welch.
TJie Grerman EvangeJieal Ohurch, was built in the summer and dedicated
in the fall of 1876. Previous to this time, there had been occasional preaching
by visiting ministers, but no regular organization existed until then. The first
resident preacher was Rev. Jacob Knocher, who was succeeded by Rev. John
Abrams, the present Pastor. Connected with the Church is a Sunday school.
The Church property is valued at |1,500.
Tlie German Methodist Church was organized by branching off from the
mother church located three miles south of Wilton, November 25, 1876, with
Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum as Pastor. The house of worship was built the same
fall. The original membership was sixteen, which number still constitutes the
congregation. There has been no change of minister. The Pastor has three
country churches under his care. Connected with the Church is a Sunday
school. The Church property is estimated at $2,000.
The Blue Ribbon Club was organized February 8, 1878, with some five
hundred members. The first officers were: T. E. Ingham, President; Dr. W. H.
Baxter, Vice President; J. E. Mclntire, Secretary; J. E. Myers, Treasurer.
The present officers are : Prof. G. S. Bradley, President ; A. C. Elliot,
Secretary ; S. L. Lawrence, Robert McGuireand John Wiley, Vice Presidents ;
578 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
J. E. Myers, Treasurer. The present membership is about one thousand.
The Club meets alternately in the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches.
The Ladies' Union Aid Society was organized October lU, 1871, with the
following first officers : Mrs. S. B. Rider. President ; Miss H. Peterson, Vice
President ; Mrs. D. S. Gilman, Secretary ; Mrs. H, A. Hubbert, Treasurer.
Present officers : Mrs. Prof. Bradley, President ; Mrs. Sherwood, Vice Presi-
dent ; ^Irs. F. Gillespie, Secretary ; Mrs. C. Straw, Treasurer. The present
membership is about fifteen.
LODGES AND BANDS.
Wilton Lodge, No. 167, A., F. ^ A. 3L, was instituted by dispensation
April 21, 1863, and chartered June 3, 1863. The charter members were :
Jame§ H. Leech, W. M.; C. P. Reynolds, S. W.; A. B. Yeager, J. W.; A.
L. Ileal ey. Treasurer; W. X. McNaghten, Secretary; W. H. Baxter, S. D.;
J. S. Addes, J. D.; C. M. Macomber, Tiler. Present officers are: W. H.
Baxter, W. M.; VV. V. Stevens, S. W.: A. Cockshort, J. W.; Aaron Park,
Secretary: S. C. Root, Treasurer; S. H. AVise, S. D.: A. Barnard. J. D.; M.
Dell, Tiler. The present membership is sixty-seven. The Lodge meets at
Masonic Hall on Fourth street, and has property valued at $1,200.
Pulaski Lodj/e, No. 107, 1. 0. 0. F., was instituted under dispensation
June 5, 1857, and chartered October 15 of the same year, with the following
charter members : J. D. Walker, "William N. McNao^hten, P. D. Dale, Isaac
Wise, P. S. Corev, F. P. Hubbert and George Dale. The first officers were:
J. D. Walker, N.' G.: AViliiam N. McNaghten, V. G.; F. P. Hubbert, Record-
ing Secretary ; P. S. Corey, Treasurer. The present officers are : I. P.
Nissen, N. G.; D. Walters,"^V. G.; D. Moore, Recording Secretary; J. D.
Walker, Treasurer ; J. M. Rider, Permanent Secretary. The present member-
ship is forty-one. The Lodge meets in Masonic Hall, and has property
estimated at §400.
Securitii Lodge, No. lOU, A. 0. U. TF., was instituted February 16, 1877,
by D. D. G. M. W. Noble. The following were the charter members : David
Agnew, George P. Arnell, Henry C. Bell. Winslow Blanchard, William x\.
Cooper, Thomas Curtin, F. C. Conant, L. F. Creitz, A. A. Cooling, C. H.
Dow, J. G. Ellis, C. J. Edinborough, J. H. Graaf. R. M. Hiley. George H.
Hancock. E. S. Hoover, B. C. Ludlow, David Lynn, A. N. Lindsay, J. E.
Myers, Henry McDaniel, M. C. Ott, J. S. Ring, 0. B. Strong, William V.
Stephens. B. F. Tufts, S. H. Wise, A. L. Williams. The first officers were :
J. S. Ring. P. M. W.; B. F. Tufts, M. W.; R. M. Huey, G. F.; C. J. Edin-
borough, 0.: W. V. Stephens. Recorder; C. H. Dow, Financier: A. A. Cool-
ing, Receiver; W. A. Cooper, Guide; T. Curtin, I. W.; D. Lvman, 0.
W. The present officers are: William V. Stephens, P. M. W.: A' A. Cool-
ing, M. W.; A. L. Williams, Foreman : E. Klepper, 0.; D. E. Michael,
Recorder ; J. G. Ellis, Financier; J. S. Ring, Receiver; E. S. Hoover, Gui-ie;
James Hessman, I. W.; Jasper Dawson, 0. W. The present membership is
fifty.
The Wilton Uni^n Band was organized in September, 1878, with twelve
members. The first officers were : Benjamin Tufts, Leader ; Charles Gabriel,
Assistant Leader ; C. J. Edinborough, President. The membership and officers
still remain the same. Most of the instruments are owned privately by the
members.
3Iaurers Band was organized July 8, 1875, with the following members :
Fred. John, Albert and Henry Maurer, Albert and Peter Grunder, John and
Henrv Walker and John Marolf Fred Maurer is the Leader.
HISTORY OF MrSCATINE COUNTY. 579
Graaf^ Orchesti-a was organized in September, 1878, with the following
members: H. G. Graaf, Director; J. H. Grauf, R. Burnett, John Markey
and H. Nichols. This is an entirely private enterprise.
CORPORATIONS.
TIic Fire Department was organized May 15, 1877. The first officers were:
Eb. Terry. Foreman ; John Rider. Secretary ; J. L. Giesler, Treasurer. The
present officers are: Robert McGuire, Chief Engineer; W. H. Johnson,
Foreman ; J. L. Giessler, Secretary and Treasurer. The present membership
is forty. The Department is supplied with one hand-engine, one hose- carriage,
and the necessary ladders, and have tlie reputation of doing efficient work in
time of fire.
The Union Bank of Wilton was organized in June, incorporated August
19, and authorized to commence business September 18, 1878. The first
officers were : L. L. Lane, President ; Samuel Wildasin, Vice President ; J.
L. Giesler, Secretary; S. C. Root, Henry Will, Peter Daut, C. B. Strong, D.
W. McCroskey, George Frenzel and Thomas Kenna, Directors. Present
officers : Samuel Wildasin, President ; L. L. Lane, Vice President ; J. L.
Giesler, Cashier ; S. C. Root, C. B. Strong, D. W. McCroskey, Henry Will,
Thomas Kenna, W. H. Johnson, George Frenzel, A. N. Van Camp and Peter
Daut, Directors. Authorized capital, |50,0C0 ; paid up, $25,000.
The Farmers' and Citizens' Bank was organized in May, 1874 ; incor-
porated under the laws of the State, and authorized to commence business June
I, 1874. The first Directors were A. D. Crooks, C. E. Witham, Samuel
Wildasin, L. Cotton, L. L. Lane, R. A. Mclntire, J. H. Pingrey, J. G.
Lyford, John Wiley, F. Hinkhouse and F. Butterfield. Officers : Frank
Bacon, President ; J. D. Walker, Vice President ; J. E. Myers, Cashier. Pres-
ent Directors: C. E. Witham, F. Hinkhouse, R. A. Mclntire, Charles L.
Peasley, A. A. Cooling and G. V. Scott. Officers : Frank Bacon, President ;
J. D. Walker, Vice President : J. E. Myers, Cashier. Authorized capital,
$50,000 ; paid up, $31,000 ; surplus, $20,000.
The Grange Co-operative Store of Wilton was organized March 4, 1872,
and incorporated under the laws of the State for five years. Articles of incor-
poration were renewed April 24, 1877, for ten years. The first officers and
Trustees were: Thomas Root, President; Jesse Piggott, Secretary; A. J.
Crawford and two others. Present Trustees and officers : Hon. J. Q. Tufts,
President ; W. J. Breckon, Secretary ; Joel Chirk, Manager ; W. S. Agnew,
James Mason, Israel Piggott. Capital, $10,000.
The Grain- Sliippers' Association was incorporated in August, 1875, under
the laws of the State. The first officers and Directors were as follows : T.
II. Fishburn, President; J. B. Laucamp, Secretary; S. Agnew, Rufus Hink-
house and M. G. Witmer. There has been no change in the officers or Direct-
ors, except that Simon Schneider took the place of M. G. Witmer. Capital,
$5,000.
The Wilton Seminary Association was organized in 1866, with the follow-
ing Trustees: S. L. Lawrence, I. K. Terry, F. Butterfield, S. Wildasin, Will-
iam McClain. A deed of the ground was given to the Trustees May 1, 1866,
by Benedict and Elizabeth Maurer to be used for school purposes, the Trustees
agreeing to erect a good Seminary building within one year. The Seminary
was sold to the Free- Will Baptists of the State of Iowa, and let by them to
Rev. 0. E. Baker, who conducted the school for five years, at the expiration of
which time, being in 1871, an association was formed under the title of the
580 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Wilton Collegiate Institute and the seminary changed to a college. The mem-
bers of the association were: N. R. George, J. L. Collier, A. D. Sandborn, C.
E. Witham, L. Davis, A. S. M. Ferrine, 0. E. Baker, H. Blackmare, F. But-
terfield, C. Toothaker. Articles of Incorporation were granted September 5,
1871, to the following incorporators and Trustees, viz., H. Blackmare, N. R.
George, C. E. Witham, L. Davis, 0. E. Baker. J. L. Collier, F. Butterfield,
Charles Toothaker, A. D. Sandborn. About this time a boarding-house was
built m connection with the Institute at a cost of about $12,000. A. D. Sand-
born and J. L. Collier were engaged as the principal teachers of the college,
aided by some others. At this period, "an endowment fund of $2,500 had been
raised by the financial agent, 0. E. Baker, the college was patronized by 160
students, and was in a flourishing condition, but in the course of two or three
years, difficulties arose, involving the Institute to some extent, and in July,
1872, the college-building was sold to F. Butterfield, who held it until 1876,
when he deeded the same to the Institute and presented it with an endowment
of $-3,000. In the fall of 1878, the Trustees of the Institute deeded the col-
lege property to the Trustees of the Free- Will Baptist Educational Society of Iowa.
The donators of the Institute are numerous, among the number is Lyman Alger,
who gave to the Institute and the building of the boarding-house the sum of
$9,767, which will become the property of the Institute, if the school continues
until December, 1879. F. Butterfield also contributed largely to the college.
The school is operated at present by on ex-Board of Trustees consisting of Joel
Clark, President; William Johnston, Treasurer, and A. 0. Mudge, Secretary,
who are appointed by the Educational Society, and have the general manage-
ment and oversight of the school and property.
The present township officers are: L. F. Creitz, C W. Derby and Dennis
Mahanna, Trustees; Theo. Bentley and George M. Frenzel, Justices of the
Peace; Beecher Chatfield and Charles Lautry, Constables; A. N. Van Camp,
Clerk ; Mark D. Allen, Assessor.
We desire here to state, that much of our informa,tion concerning Wilton
has been gathered from the files of the Exponent, by the kind permission of
Mr. J. M. Rider, its courteous editor.
NICHOLS.
This town was so named by Benjamin F. Nichols, in honor of his father,
Samuel Nichols, who subscribed liberally for stock to the Burlington, Cedar
Rapids & Northern Railroad Company, and donated to them the right of way
through his land, in consideration that they build at this point a depot on land
also presented by him for that purpose. It is situated in the center of what
was once known as Elephant Swamp. To speak more properly and be explicit,
it is located in Section 15 of Pike Township, on the line of the Burlington, Cedar
Rapids & Northern Railroad and a branch thereof, called the Muscatine &
Western. The lots were surveyed by George Bumgardner, County Surveyor,
and the plat was filed for record June 22, 1871, by Benjamin F. Nichols, owner
of the town site. Several small buildings were erected and some moved into the
place prior to the recording of the town plat. The first building of any pre-
tensions was constructed in 1871, by Dr. S. H. Smith, and used by him as a
drug store and dwelling. The first house built on the survey was owned by
William Schelpaper and rented to James Carney, who kept in it a general stock
of goods. On the night of carnival, 1871, through the careless handling of a
lamp near powder, the entire building was blown to atoms, though the inmates
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 581
escaped uninjured. When the Muscatine & Western Railroad was finished to
this point in 1873, the company laid out an addition to the town and called it
the Railroad Addition. In 1875, a second addition was made by T. Nichols.
A commodious depot has been erected at the junction of the two railroads, and
a, good stock-yard built by the B., C. R. & N. R. R. The post office was estab-
lished at Nichols, October 14, 1870, and Benjamin F. Nichols, appointed Post-
master, which office he still retains. Previous to this period, the office had been
kept in Samuel Nichols' house, and was called Lacy ; it was the first one in
Pike Township and had been in the same family for over twenty years, when
the change of location and name was made. To-day Nichols Station is a flour-
ishing town of over three hundred inhabitants, doing an extensive country and
large stock and grain shipping business. It can boast of several fine brick
business blocks, a good school and four substanstial church edifices. - It also
enjoys the reputation of being a well-regulated place in all respects, though it
has never been incorporated. The surroundings consist of beautiful rolling
prairie and rich bottom land, with soil as rich and fertile as any in Muscatine
County. Just one-half mile east of town the little stream of Jordan meanders
southeastward, emptying into Wapsinonoc Creek, which flows into Cedar River.
An elevator was built in 1872, and a flouring-mill in 1876, by Nichols & Bro.
The business of the place is represented as follows, viz.: Two general stores,
two drug stores, one physician, one steam manufactory of wagons, pumps, churns
and broom-handles, one saw-mill, two blacksmith-shops, two shoemaker-shops,
two millinery establishments, one harness-shop, one bakery, one meat-market,
two hotels and one livery-stable.
SCHOOL.
Nichols belongs to Pike Township School District No. 6. The present fine
two-story brick schoolhouse was built in the summer of 1872. The lower story
was occupied the following winter as a school, which was taught by Miss MoUie
Billick. The graded system was introduced in the fall and winter of 1875-76,
and has proven both satisfactory and successful. Since its introduction, both
stories of the school-building have been used. The present attendance aver-
ages seventy-four scholars. The present teachers are Franklin Gilbert and
Mary E. Gilbert, the former's wife. The first log schoolhouse in Pike To.vn-
ship was built in 1849, and taught by a Mr. Hart, from Ohio.
CHURCHES.
The Christian Church was organized as an independent society in the fall
and winter of 1873—74. The present house of worship was erected in the
summer and fall of 1874. Previous to this time, the congregation worshiped
in schoolhouses, and were preached to by Rev. John Powell, of Columbus City.
The first resident minister was Rev. J. H. Painter. The Church is now with-
out a Pastor ; its present membership is about forty.
The German Evmigelical Protestant Church was organized by Rev. K. F.
Obermann, in 1874, with the following heads of families as members : Nich.
Lentz, John Schomberg, Nich. Scheuermann and others. The church-build-
ing was erected in 1876, and is valued at $1,500. The congregation at present
consists of twenty fiirailies. Connected with the Church is a flourishing Sun-
day school, with an average attendance of fifty. After two changes in the
pastorate. Rev. Obermann has returned to the charge.
The Roman Catholic Church was built in 1874, and was attended to by
Rev. Father Nicholas Dugan, of Wilton, until February, 1877, since which
time Rev. Father William Purcelle has been its resident Priest. It is a fine
582 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
brick building, 32x50 feet, and 25 feet higb. It is one of tbe ornaments
of the town of Nichols, as well as of religion. The present membership
is 109. The Church property, including the Priest's residence, is valued at
$4,350.
The Methodist Protestant Church was organized in 1875, with the follow-
ing original members, viz., William Vantuyl and wife. Miss Jennie Worden,
Arnold Bliss and wife, Amos Ames and wife. The first Pastor was J. A.
Bolton. 'J'he house of worship Avas built in 1875, under the direction of Will-
iam Vantuyl, who contributed more than all others to the success of the enter-
prise. The church-building cost $2,500. The congregation at this writing
consists of thirty-five members. William Swain is the present Pastor. He is
also Pastor of a flourishing church five miles north of Nichols, known as South
Prairie Chapel, erected in 18H2. Among its earliest members were, and are
yet, Pliny Nichols, Ira Nichols and wife, John Purvis and wife, Stephen
Chase and wife, now living. Rev. William Purvis, first a member and after-
ward Pastor of this Gliurch, is deceased. The present membership is fifty, and
the value of church property $1,800. Connected with both this Chirch and
the one at Nichols, are large and interesting Sabbath schools.
The Temperance Reform Club of Nichols was established February 22,
1878, with about one hundred members. Its first officers were Benjamin F.
Nichols, President ; John Hooley, Secretary ; M. Rummery, Treasurer. The
present officers are Benjamin F. Nichols, President ; Fraud Ronimouse, Secre-
tary ; Sidney Mansfield, Treasurer. The present membersliip is about two
hundred and forty. The Club holds its meetings in the Methodist Church.
LODGE.
tNichols Grove ^ No. 7, of the United Ancient Order of Druids, was insti-
tuted by dispensation July 24, 1876, and chartered June 12, 1877, with the
following charter members : William Schelpaper, L. Kern, F. Hager, J. Eis-
man, A. Schmidt, William Ditrich, William Loeb, H. F. Clausen, William
Bauer and C. Weisfulg. The first officers were J. Eisman, E. E.; H. F.
Clausen, U. E. ; William Schelpaper, Treasurer ; F. Hager, Secretary. The
present officers are William Schelpaper, E. E. ; H. F. Clausen, U. E. ; John
Eisman, Secretary ; L. Kern, Treasurer. This is a German Grove, wherefore
the official positions are abbreviated according to the German acceptation.
The present membership is eighteen. The Grove meets in Druid Hall every
first and third Monday in each month.
INCIDENTS.
In the fall of 1838, Samuel Nichols and H. H. Winchester came from
Ohio to what is now Pike Township, on a prospecting tour, and bought a claim
of a party named Carother, who, with his fjimily, consisting of nine persons,
was undoubtedly the first settler in Pike Township, and built there the first log
cabin, which still stands, in Fred Hetchtner's field, about two and a half miles
east of Nichols. After entering one-half section of their claim, located in the
Dubuque District, and which came into market in 1838, our two prospectors
returned to Ohio.
The following spring, 1839, Gamaliel Oles, Dr. B. S. Oles and H. H. Win-
chester, and their families, emigrated from Ohio to this point, coming by boat,
and arriving at Bloomington, Muscatine Co., June 3, 1839, while Samuel
Nichols, whose wife had died in Washington County, Ohio, leaving him with
five young children, came alone, on horse-back.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 583
Gamaliel Oles bought a claim of John M. Kidder and built upon it a log
cabin, into which he moved his family in July, although it had no floor and was
only partially roofed.
Dr. B. S. Oles went to Bloomington after one year's sojourn here. There
he practiced medicine until 1849, when he left, in company with Judge Hast-
ings, for California, and died in Washington Territory in 1865, while surgeon
in the United States service.
Gamaliel Oles states to the writer that at the time of his coming only four
families lived in Pike Township, namely, two called Carother, one Adams and
one Kidder.
During the first four years the township did not increase in population ;
some moved away, so that only four families remained.
Mr. Oles says Rev. McVay organized a Methodist class in his (Oles') house
in 1844, and preached there the first year, to a membership of eight. After
the log schoolhouse was built, in 1849, religious services of all denominations
were held there.
The present township officers are as follows : Samuel E. Walcott and Aaron
Canott, Justices; A. J. Stafford and John Miller, Constables; J. B. Horton,
Assessor ; James Ryan, Clerk ; Benjamin Black, M. L. Corner and A. Hie-
bing. Trustees.
John M. Kidder was appointed the first Justice of the Peace in Pike Town-
ship by the Governor, and Gamaliel Oles was the first one in the township
elected by the people.
MOSCOW.
We are indebted for the following facts regarding this town to Mr. S. W.
Stewart, who was among the early settlers of this neighborhood, coming in the
spring of 1838. At present, he resides at Wilton, just three miles distant, and
states that without doubt Mr. Webster, accompanied by Charles Drury, were
the first settlers and pioneers of this vicinity, coming in 1836, from Indiana.
The same year, there were the following other arrivals : William Leverich, T.
T. Clark, Luke Cunningham, Thomas McConnell, Erving Reynolds, David
Reynolds, Mr. Kilgore, Martin Baker, Mr. Corastock, Harvey Hatton, Mat.
White, Harvey Mathews and Friend Johnson.
In the fail of 1836, Webster and Drury staked oft' town lots on their
claim, located on the banks of the Cedar River, and now situated on the south
side of the railroad track. Most of the old town is below the present railroad
bridge, and forms a part of what is known as Biglow's Addition. Some
of the claims to the lots spoken of were sold as high as $175. William
Hendrickson, the first' blacksmith in the place, paid that price for a corner-
lot.
Mr. Mitchell opened the first store in the settlement, in a log building, late
in the fall of 1836. trading to such an extent with the Indians, and becoming
so noted as an Indian trader, that to-day many later settlers have the impres-
sion that Moscow was once a regularly-established trading-post, which is, how-
ever, a mistake.
At this time, an Indian fort, built by LeClaire, of Davenport, stood here,
and traces thereof were visible as late as 1838. A man named Alex. Ross
came also in 1838, and opened a store, where more wdiisky than other staple
goods was sold. Ross afterward murdered an unoffending Indian, and was
obliged to leave the country. In another part of our work, we have given the
details of this tragedy, and the subsequent lamentable consequences.
584 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
The years 1837 and 1838 brought William White, William Reynolds,
Daniel Healy and George W. Hunt. In 1839 came William Gatton, whose
widow still lives on the old homeste.ad.
Friend Johnson took up the claim now occupied by that part of Moscow
which lies north of the railroad track.
The first ferry on tlie Cedar River at this point was run by William Hen-
drickson.
In early days Moscow was quite a business center, full of life and activity,
although it bore the reputation of being a hard place. Regularly every Satur-
day, either a horse-race or a shooting-match took place, the premium being,
invariably, from one to three or more gallons of whisky, which, according to
rule, was drunk on the ground, or, in case of a superabundance, the balance
was reserved for a rainy Saturday. Fights were an every-day occurrence, and
several of the best men, physically, in the neighborhood used to make it lively
for strangers if an opportunity presented itself.
The first railroad-train passed through here in 1854, in which year a.bridge
was built across the Cedar River which was replaced in 1876 by the present
iron railroad bridge. Daniel Henderson laid out the new town, and filed the
plat for record August 18, 1853.
The first sermon was preached by Martin Baker, in 1838, in a frame build-
ing formerly occupied by Ross as a store.
The first school was taught by a Miss May Comstock, in a portion of a
double log house, the other part being occupied by a family. The present two-
story frame schoolhouse was built in 1867. One of the earliest teachers was
the late Judge Bissell, of Tipton, Cedar Co., who, in those days, wore a buck-
skin suit throughout.
The first building devoted to religious purposes was a dwelling-house, bought
of the members of the Christian Church, about 1845. They afterward built a
good church edifice. The Lutherans, also, have a good house of worship, but
there is no minister of any denomination residing in the town. The Methodists
have a class at Moscow, but no house of worship.
The first tavern in the town was kept by Mr. Mitchel. The first death was
that of Mr. Webster.
The dam across the Cedar River was built in 1866, and the mill in 18()7,
by the Moscow Mill and Dam Company. A chain ferry runs across the river,
conducted for many years by Henry Lang.
The business of Moscow is represented by two stores, two physicians, two
blacksmith-shops, one harness-shop and four taverns.
The present Postmaster is Robert Chase. The first Postmaster was a Mr.
Rea.
STOCKTON.
This town was first called Farnham by the old settlers, but really known as
Fulton, which name the railroad company still retains for the station, although
the post office is named Stockton, is situated in Section 4, in the northern part
of Fulton Township, near the Scott County line, on the C, R. I. & P. R. R., sur-
rounded by a magnificent and rich farming country, barley, wheat and oats
being the principal products of the soil, although corn is raised in great abun-
dance. The vicinity is especially noted for its fine short-horn and other superior
classes of cattle, as Avell as for its fine-bred hogs. At one time, the place was
known as Piairie Mills, owing to the fact that Burrows & Prettyman had a
steam-mill on the prairie, which has since been demolished and the lumber used
HISTORY OP MUSCATINE COJNTY, 585
in the construction of an elevator, built by Hetzel & Haller, now doing a large
grain business, shipping on an average 300 cars per year. From ninety to
one hundred cars of stock are shipped from this point per annum. The town
lots were surveyed by Jonathan Parker, and the plat was filed for record Sep-
tember 14, 1855, by A. C. Fulton, J. M. Burrows, N. Feyervary, J. M. With-
erywase and R. M. Prettyman. The post office was established in 1855, with
Mr. Chapman, clerk for Burrows & Prettyman, of Davenport, who opened the
first store, in charge. As there was already a town called Fulton- in the State,
the post office was named Prairie Mills. In 1866, W. J. Speer was appointed
Postmaster, which position he still retains, conducting, also, a general store.
Owing to the fact that a bill of goods shipped to him, addressed Fulton,
was sent to the town of that name in Jackson County, he used his influence
and succeeded in having the name of both the town and the post office changed
to Stockton.
The first building in the town was a large hotel, still standing, erected by
A. C. Fulton. The first death in the place was that of Thomas Barron, The
schoolhouse of Township District No. 1, located here, was built in 1856, and
an addition made to it in 1875, when the graded system was introduced. The
business of Stockton is represented by two general stores, two hotels, one black-
smith-shop, one wagonmaker's shop, two shoemaker's shops and one grain estab-
lishment.
The Farmers' Club was was organized in the spring of 1872. The officers
are Aug. Ruge, President," and E. F. Jockehk, Secretary. Connected with the
Club is a library, of which the Secretary of the Club is Librarian, The object
of the Club is to discuss the political topics of the day, to debate and advance
new ideas in the science of agriculture ; also, to entertain its members in vari-
ous ways. The pi'esent membership is eighteen. The Club supports a Sunday
school ; and it was through the influence of its members that an elevator was
built at this point.
Among the first settlers in Fulton Township were J. C. Newell, Andrew
Smith, John Barron and Thomas Brickley.
The present township officers are : Jos, Kiegel, Milton Persons and David
Brown, Trustees ; James Raab and Charles Hetzel, Justices ; William Chris-
man and H. C. Higley, Constables ; P. G. Brown, Assessor ; A. A. Brown,
Clerk.
CONESVILLE.
Conesville is located on the line of the B., C, R, & N, R. R,, in the center
of Orono Township, in Section 17, and named after its founder, Beebe S. Cone.
The lots were surveyed by J. E. Lyman, Assistant Engineer of the B., C. R.
& N, R. R. in March, 1870. In consideration that the railroad company build
a depot at this point, B. S. Cone donated to them 200 feet of ground for that
purpose. In July, 1870, Alexander McCurdy erected a fine dwelling-house —
the first building on the town site — which was destroyed by fire in October,
1875. He also opened the first general store in the town. The post office was
established in the spring of 1870, with B, S. Cone as Postmaster. Mr. Cone
disposed of $3,200 worth of stock for the B., C. R. & N. R. R., for the pur-
pose of grading and tying the track from Todd's Ferry, Iowa River, to north
line Pike Township. The town plat was recorded by B. S. Cone, November
26, 1870, George Bumgardner, Surveyor, divided the property of H, Rick-
etts' heirs into three eighties, and laid out town lots on their property at the
same time. The plat was filed for record the same month, under the name of
586 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Orono, by Byron, Martha Jane and Robert Ricketts. These lots are located
on the west side of the railroad track, where most of the business and largest
part of the town is situated. Deeds for lots on this property are made out
under the name of Orono ; but the post office is called Conesville, while the
railroad company have adopted the name of Cone for the station. On the 18th
day of May, 1878, the entire settlement was regularly incorporated as a town,
and called Conesville. An addition was laid out by B. S. Cone, and surveyed
by Peter Houtz February 11, 1876. The first town officers elected were : J.
Calhoun, Mayor ; J. K. Hill, John Barrett, Thomas Tipton, John McLeod,
Daniel McCurdy, Trustees; S. D. McCurdy, Recorder; John Gay, Marshal;
S. H. Wolford, Treasurer. The present officers are : John McLeod, Mayor ;
John Barrett, Thomas Tipton, M. L. Brockway, A. McCurdy, S. H. Wolford,
John Gunderson, Trustees ; S. D. McCurdy, Recorder ; John Gay, Treas-
urer ; R. R. Wolford. Marshal. The present Postmaster is Mason Brockway.
The business of Conesville is represented by one mill^ three general stores,
one clothing and boot and shoe store, two blacksmith-shops, one wagon-maker,
one grain firm, one hotel and two physicians.
The first schoolhouse built in Orono Township is situated in Conesville, and
callfd Township District School No. 1.
The German Reform Church was built in 1872, at a cost of $3,000. The
congregation is a large one, and the present Pastor, Rev. G. H. Buser, has
preached to them for more than twenty years. Previous to the erection of the
house of worship, all meetings were held in the schoolhouse. This church was
built by the people of the town and vicinity, and is therefore open to all denom-
inations, when used by the Reformists, who have the control of it. Every other
Sunday it is occupied by the Methodists, who are preached to by Rev. Joseph
Jefl'ery, of Columbus Junction.
Orono Township officers are : Thomas Maxwell, R. McCurdy and W. D.
Cone, Trustees ; Frank Sanderson and J. Calhoun, Justices ; Daniel McCurdy,
Assessor ; James Minard and Rufus Wolford, Constables : W. Hill, Clerk.
ATALISSA.
Atalissa is located in the northeastern portion of Goshen Township, in
Section 11, on the line of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, sur-
rounded by a rich and beautiful farming country. The eighty acres which the
town lots occupy were owned among other land by William Lundy, who came
to what is now Goshen Township in 1847. By contract, John P. Cook, of the
firm of Cook & Sargent, of Davenport, became partner in the undivided half
of this property, Avith the intention of laying it out into town lots. The lots
were surveyed by Peter Houtz and the town plat filed for record by John P.
Cook and William Lundy, January 31, 1856. While mining in California,
Capt. Lundy was near a small mining village called Atalissa and named after
an Indian queen of one of the tribes. Being pleased with the name, he adopted
it for the town in question, and, at the time, remarked that the first female child
born on the premises and named Atalissa should be presented with a cornerd lot.
Miss Atalissa Davis, now a young lady about twenty-two years of age, living at
present in Cedar County was the fortunate one. After the financial failure of
John P. Cook, Charles W. Durant, of New York, became interested in the
property. Deeds for lots are signed by Charles W. Durant and wife and
William Lundy and wife. Atalissa is one of the best watering-plapes for the
railroad between Davenport and Des Moines. An immense spring, twenty-five
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 587
or thirty feet in diameter, situated in the northeast corner of the town, furnishes
all the water for the railroad tank. This spring was donated to the railroad
company by William Lundy. The post office was moved from Overman's Ferry
and established in this place in 1856, with N. C. Swank as Postmaster. The
first building, a shanty, was built and in it the first store opened by the same man.
The business of the place is represented by two general stores, one drug store, two
physicians, one grain firm, one grocery store, two harness-shops, two blacksmith-
shops, one wagon-maker's shop, one tin-shop, one meat market one hotel, and
boot and shoe and hardware store. The present Postmaster is George Worrall.
Among the earliest settlers in Goshen Township were the following, viz.: James
Thompson, Mr. Boggs, Thomas Odell, William G. Holmes, John Mcintosh,
Samuel Fletcher, Elias Overman, James V; Smith, who came from 1837 to 1842.
The present township officers are: Henry Markham, Charles Buckraan, Marius
Plumly, Trustees ; Frank Mathers and Richard Armstrong, Justices ; James Dick-
erson and Q. Cornwall, Constables ; W. T. Jones, Assessor ; Owen Doyle, Clerk.
Preshyterian Ohurch. — Meetings were held and preaching was commenced in
the depot building in April, 1857, by Rev. Charles F. Beach, who effected an organ-
ization with the following first members: William Kelley, J. D. Guild and wife,
J. M. Guild and wife, Samuel Croxon and Mrs. Margaret Rilchey. The house
of Avorship was erected the same year. The first who officiated in it was Rev.
Dudley. The present membership is twenty ; the Church property is valued at
$1,500, and the present pastor is Edwin C. Haskell. Connected with the Church
is a Sunday school, Avith an average attendance of eighty, including teachers.
Tke Cliristian Church was organized by Elder J. C. Hay, formerly of West
Liberty, now in California, in June, 1870, with a membership of about thirty-
six. The house of worship was built in September, 1871. Lot Parker is the
present Elder, and once a week Elder J. Mad. Williams, of West Liberty,
preaches here. The value of the Church property is $1,200, and the present
membership is about thirty. T. L. Ady is Superintendent of the Sundav-
school, Avhich has an average attendance of sixty.
The Methodists hold their meetings in the Christian Church, and being on
the Lone Tree Circuit, Rev. Thomas preaches to this congregation once every
two weeks. Meetings were held by the Methodists as early as 1857, and several
organizations have taken place, but been given up. The last one dates back
some six or seven years.
The large two-story brick schoolhouse of Independent District, No. 1, was
finished in 1866.
Ionic Lodge, No. 122.. A., F. A. M., Avas burnt out and all records were
destroyed, but a duplicate charter was issued June 7, 1866, by Edward A. Gilbert,
Grand Master. The first officers under this charter were : T. L. Ady, M. ;
William Lundy, S. W. ; James Mcintosh, J. W. The present officers are:
William Lundy, M. ; John Wilshire, S. W.; John Ady, J. W.; L. B. Overman,
Jr., Secretary ; L. B. Nachbauer, Treasurer. The Lodge meets in Masonic
Hall, and has property valued at $75. The present membership is thirty.
Rose of Sharon Lodge, No. 101, I. 0. Gr. T., was organized May 2, 1876,
and afterward chartered. The first officers were: William Lundy, W. C. T.;
Eunice CornAvell, W.V. T. ; C. F. Aiken, Secretary; Linnie Harris, Financial
Secretary ; 0. Cornwell, P. ; Lot Parker. Chaplain ; J. S. Rowe, Marshal ; Eliza
Rovve, 1. G.N Walter Walters, Sentinel ; Zephy Wright, Assistant Secretary ;
Fanny Neff, Deputy Marshal ; Susan Parker, R. H. S. ; Josephine H. Clark,
L. H. S. Present officers : Mary Angel, W. C. T. ; Mary Neff, W. ,V. T. ;
R. G. Gifford, Secretary ; Dr. Turner. Financial Secretary ; John Alger,
588 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Marshal ; Pheaney Barnes, Deputy Marshal ; Laura Brown, I. G.; Hall Ady,
R. H. S.; Jerome Worrall, L. H. S.; John Wilshire, Chaplain. The present
membership is thirty-three. The Lodge meets in Masonic Hall, and has
property valued at ^50.
The Atalissa Temperance Reform Club was organized in March, 1876.
The first officers were: John Wilshire, President; V. R. Rowe, Secretary;
Samuel Desbro, Trersurer. The present officers are : John Wilshire, President;
Henry Hebling, Secretary ; Andrew Hebling, Treasurer. The present mem-
bership is 380, and the Club meets at the Christian Church.
PORT ALLEN.
Port Allen, situated in the extreme southern part of Orono Township, on
the Louisa County line, one-half mile east of Cedar River, and on the line of
the B., C. R. & N. Railroad, was founded and the town-plat recorded by Cyril
Carpenter, November 18, 1871. The lots were surveyed by Peter Houtz.
The depot was built by Cyril Carpenter and rented to the railroad company.
W. H. Crocker & Co. conducted the first store in the place, and still continue
as the only one there. At first they occupied part of the depot-building
They also had charge of the post office when it was first established there.
The Methodist "Church was built in 1872, at a cost of ^2,000. It was
erected by the citizens of the neighborhood, Cyril. Carpenter being mainly
instrumental in making the undertaking a success. Joseph Jefifery is the cir-
cuit preacher of this Church, and visits it from Columbus Junction.
ADAMS.
Adams Station, on the Muscatine & Western Railroad, was founded by
Elias Adams, son of one of the pioneers of Pike Township, and the plat
recorded by him. ^The lots were surveyed by Hiram Palmer, Assistant
Engineer of the B., C. R. & M. Railroad, in July, 1873. The first store was
opened by Mr. Adams in 1873, in his residence, which was moved from his
farm to the railroad track. In July. 1873, the post office was established at
this point, with Mr. Adams as Postmaster, which office he still retains. This
building is also used for a depot, with Elias Adams as Agent. The only
other business in the town is a wagon-maker's shop. One of the township
district schools is located in the town.
FAIRPORT.
This town is finely situated on the banks of the Mississippi, about seven
miles due east of Muscatine, in Section 25, Sweetland Township. Originally,
a village was laid out on this same site, and called Salem. William Chambers
filed the plat of Salem April 20, 1839. The presence of potter's clay in that
neighborhood rendered the establishment of potteries not only possible, but prof-
itable, and that industry was early introduced by Elijah Sells, who was Sec-
retary of State from 1856 to 1863, holding the office for three terms.
The present town of Fairport is dependent upon the pottery business for
trade. There are five concerns in operation. There are two stores which have
a local custom. There is no church society with resident pastor in the village.
A good-sized schoolhouse was erected some years since, in which a day school
is held. The present Postmaster is John Mackemer. The town is more pros-
perous now than it has been for some years past.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 589
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY HORSES.
The horses of Muscatine County are noted for their excellence, which has
resulted from the importation, from time to time, for twenty-five years, of well-
bred trotting stallions and mares. There have been no specimens of the
"accidental" or " pedigree unknown " trotters discovered here, though this
county has furnished a greater number of individuals that have trotted in 2.30
or under than any other county in the West, and more than the balance of the
whole State of Iowa combined.
The first stallion of trottino; blood brought here from the East was General
Wayne, an inbred Morgan, he being by Young Sherman Morgan, and his dam
by Flint, by Sherman Morgan. He was foaled in 1845, and arrived here with
his owner, George E. Jones, May 28, 1853. He was a typical Morgan, being
1-I:.2 hands high and weighing 1,030 pounds. His arrival aroused the latent horse
spirit pervading the community, and, in August, 1853, a company, consisting of
David R. Warfield and others, was formed to purchase a good Morgan trotting
stallion. Young Green Mountain Morgan was the animal selected. He was
an inbred Morgan. His sire was Hale's Green Mountain, also an inbred
Morgan, and his dam was by Bulrush Morgan. He was a chestnut horse, and
foaled in 1819. He only made one season here, and died in June. 1854. He
got, however, Madam Kirkwood, dam of Kirkwood and Fannie Foss, an inbred
Morgan, dam of Bashaw, Jr., the two horses which made the reputation of
Green's Bashaw, they having trotted respectively in 2.24 and 2.24|- time, which
has not since been equaled by any of his sons or daughters. Great credit was
given to Green Mountain Morgan by the enemies of Bashaw, they saying that
it was the Morgan blood that made KirkAvood and Bashaw, Jr., so good. Young
Green Mountain was also the sire of Eastman's Morgan, who got Little Fred,
record 2.20.
In the spring of 1855, succeeding the death of Young Green Mountain,
Mr. Wetherbee brought Prophet to Muscatini. He was by Hill's Black
Hawk, dam said to be by Vermont Hambletonian. He was taken to Blooming-
ton, III., in 185(), after the season was over, and thus made two seasons here.
He was a bay, with star and white hind feet, 15.2 hands high, rangy and very
handsome ; would weigh about one thousand pounds. Prophet was the sire of
the d^ims of Iowa Chief and Bashaw Drury.
Mr. Wetherbee also brought another stallion by Hill's Black Hawk, in the
fill of 1855, called first Wallace's Ethan Allen— John II. Wallace having
purchased him — a' id afterward Drury 's Ethan Allen, when owned by Mr.
Drury, of New Boston, 111. This Ethan Allen was the sire of Lady Fox,
record 2.30, her dam being Lady Partington, a mare brought from Orange
County, N. Y., by E. Stewart. The pedigree of the dam of Ethan Allen is
given by Mr. Wallace in Frank Forester's "The Horses of America," by
Tippoo Taib, he by Duroc.
Andrus IlambU'tonian, by Judson's Hambletonian, by Bishop's Hamble-
tonian, was brought here by ^Ir. Wetherbee, and sold, during the winter of
1855-5(3, when altout fifteen years old, to the same company that owned Young
Green Mountain Morgan. He was the sire of the famous mare Princess. He
made two seasons here, but was very slightly patronized, the rage being for the
smoother-built, handsomer and more happy Morgans. He was a brown horse,
without marks, 1(5 hands high, strongly, but inclined to be roughly, built, and
had a well-develupcd Roman nose. He died in 1857.
590 HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY.
Hector, a bay horse by Latourell's Bellfounder, sire of Conqueror — the
first horse to trot 100 miles in nine hours — was brought to Muscatine by
William Hoyt, in 1856, and died hero in 1858.
[n the years 1855 and 1856, Hezekiah Iloyt, of Orange County, N. Y.,
brought West a large number of horses and among them were two mares which
afterward became famous through their produce, one being Katy Darling, the
dam of Alexander's Abdallah, the sire of Goldsmith Maid, and the other the
Elliott mare by Abdallah, the dam of Tramp. Katy Darling was a bobtailed,
balky, chestnut mare of medium size, by Bay Roman, dam by Mambrino, son
of Mambrino 1449. She was sold at auction some years before her death for
$40. The Elliott mare was a large roan mare brought West to trot, but being
injured on the journey was sold to William Elliott for $400. She raised five
colts — two mares by Gage's Logan, two stallions by Bashaw Peacock and Wild
Bashaw, and her last foal was Tramp by Gage's Logan. She died the prop-
erty of William Elliott, in 1866.
Gage's Logan, formerly Wild Hornet, was bred by George W. Connor, in
Orange County, N. Y., and when a colt was brought by him to Muscatine.
He was a bay horse, 16 hands high, with a large star and left hind foot white, with
five black spots around the coronet. He was foaled in 1854, and got by Rysdyk's
Hambletonian, dam Lady Wallace by Ohio Eclipse ; second dam Sally Miller
by Post Boy, son of Duroc 791. He was sold to David A. Gage, of Chicago,
III, December 7, 1864, and was afterward shown in Wood's Museum on account
of his remarkable style and beauty. He is still living, and is the sire of Tramp,
Skinkle's Hambletonian, record 2.28|, and many other good horses.
Green's Bashaw was foaled in 1855 ; bred by Jonas Seely, Orange County,
N. Y., and sold when a weanling to Col. F. M. Cummings, who brought him
with his dam to Muscatine, where he was sold at two years old to Joseph A.
Green. He was again sold in the fall of 1864, to Walter Carr, of St. Louis,
and by him to H. C. Beckwith, of Hartford, Conn., where he made the season of
1865, after which Mr. Green repurchased and brought him back to Muscatine.
After the death of Mr. Green, in November, 1876, he was sold to George A.
Young, of Leland, 111., where he is still kept. Bashaw is a black horse with
star and snip, right hind foot white, about 15.3 hands high, and weighs about
1,000 pounds. He was sired by Vernol's Black Hawk, and his dam was by
Webber's Tom Thumb, a Canadian pony of unknown pedigree, but his grand-
dam was the famous Charles Kent mare, who was the dam also of the most
famous sire of trotters the world has ever known, namely, Rysdyk's Hamble-
tonian. Through this famous mare, Bashaw obtained thi-ee crosses of Messen-
ger blood, and through the females in the paternal line two crosses of
Messenger, so that though bred in line a Bashaw, he really united that blood
through both sire and dam, the union of which in Rysdyk's Hambletonian
made him so prepotent as a sire of trotters. Bashaw is the sire of Kirkwood,
2.24 ; Bashaw Jr., 2.24f ; Amboy, 2.26; Rose of Washington, 2.26| ; Wild
Oats, 2.29f ; Josephine, 2.30, and Wapsie, sire of Gen. Grant, 2.21, and
West Liberty, 2.28. A very large number of the sons of Bashaw were kept
for service in the county for many years, but as they did not, with the excep-
tion of Wapsie, prove successful as sires of trotters, the number has gradually
lessened until now there are hardly any horses of Hambletonian blood here
receiving the preference. There are quite a number of fine brood-mares by
Bashaw remaining in the county, notably Kate Carman and Flora, own sisters
to Kirkwood, 2.24, and Flaxey and Delancy, own sisters to Bashaw, Jr., 2.24|,
all four being owned by Daniel Hayes, the owner of Tramp.
HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY. 691
Horton's Abdallah Chief, a bay horse about 15.3 hands high, very muscular
and stoutly built, was brought to Muscatine when young by Dr. James S.
Horton. He was bred by Silas Horton, Orange County, N. Y., and was foaled
about 1853. An exceedingly well-bred horse for his time, he added greatly to,
the value of the stock of the county, although he did not produce any very
fast trotters. He changed owners a number of times, but remained in the
county till 187(3, when he was sold by I. K. Terry, of Wilton, to a gentleman
in Davenport. He was got by Roe's Abdallah Chief, by Abdallah, dam by
Messenger Duroc 2d, 2d dam by Commodore.
Gen. Hatch, the only stallion representing the Clay family that ever stood
in the county, was brought here and is now owned by Benjamin Hershey. He
was foaled in 1860, and was bred near Lexington, Ky. He was got by
Strader's Cassius M. Clay, Jr., dam by imported Envoy. He is a bay, with
star, and hind feet white, stands about 16 hands high, and is remarkable
for style and finish of form, and is exceedingly bloodlike in his general appear-
ance. He is the sire of Envoy, record 2.28, and Fleta, 2.34|, both being out
of Dolly by Iowa, thorough-bred son of Glencoe.
Kirkwood, by Green's Bashaw, and the fastest of his get was out of a mare
by Young Green Mountain Morgan. He was bred by David R. Warfield, and
foaled in 1860. He was a brown, about 15.2 hands high, and rangy in build.
He has a record of 2.24. He was owned successively by Samuel Carr, H. S.
Compton and Mr. Carman, of New York.
Bashaw, Jr., was bred by S. L. Foss, and foaled in 1860, He was by
Green's Bashaw, dam Fanny Foss (strongly inbred), by Young Green Moun-
tain Morgan (strongly inbred), 2d dam Fanny Green (strongly inbred) by Hale's
Green Mountain (strongly inbred). He Avas a dark chestnut, 15.2 hands high,
and, as would be inferred from his inbred dam, resembled the Morgans rather
than the Bashaws. He was owned successively by H. S, Compton, Piatt & Starr,
of Tipton, and A, F. Fawcett, of Baltimore, Md. He has a record of 2.24|.
Among the many other sons of Bashaw that have stood here, are Wapsie,
a large dun horse — sire of Gen. Grant and West Liberty — bred and owned by
Jesse Bowersock, of West Liberty. His dam was by Hempstead's Joe Gales.
Peacock, a roan horse foaled 1862, dam the Elliott mare, the dam of Tramp,
by Abdallah, was bred by William Elliott, and owned by William Fayerweather,
who sold him in 1876 to A. E. Kimberly, West Liberty, who is also the owner
of Wild Bashaw, a chestnut, full brother lo Peacock, foaled in 1863. Musca-
tine, a black horse, was owned and bred by Mr. Barnard, pedigree of dam
unknown. He stood here for many years, and died after becoming the property
of Jesse Bowersock. The Elliott horse is owned by William Elliott, and is a
black, 16 hands high, dam an own sister to Tramp, Burns is a chestnut
stallion, foaled 1873, bred by C, Weed, and owned by Dr, McAllister, His
dam is by Iowa Chief. From all these individuals, the Bashaw blood has
become widely diffused, and for many years the Bashaws were very popular,
and were considered by those who did not keep posted in regard to the progress
of horse-breeding in other portions of the country, as the leading stock in the
world. Gage's Logan, the representative of the Hambletonians, received a
small amount of patronage.
Tramp, the most famous of the produce of Logan, has done much to bring
the Hambletonians into popularity. He is a black chestnut, with strip in the
face, 16 hands high, weighs 1,100 pounds, is powerfully built, and has a
remarkable natural trotting step. He was bred by William Elliott, of Musca-
tine, foaled in 1864, got by Logan, by Rysdyk's Hambletonian ; dam, the
Ot»_ H1ST11RY OF MISOATINE COUNTY.
Elliott mare (brouirht West by Hezokiah Hoyt. in 1850^, by Abdallah. the sire
of Rysdyk's llatnbletonian. Tramp is. therefore, inbred to Abdallah like the
famous mare Goldsmith Maid, record. 'J. 14 ; like Huntress, record. :2.*20|. and
like the famous stallions Messenger. Duroc and Harold. His produce justify
his breeding, he being the sire of Trampoline, record. 2.:2->. and many other
good ones, although not being a RashaAv. h^ received no outside patronage, and
only got three or four colts a vear until he was eleven years old. He was
bought when a year old by Hayes Brothei"s. and is now owned by their suc-
cessor. Daniel Hayes, who is the largest breeder of trotting colts in the county.
Among his brood-mares are Kate Carman and Flora, own sisters to Kirkwood,
record, il.l!4 : Fl.Hxey and Delanccy, own sistei"s to Bashaw. Jr.. record. i!.'J4| :
Burrie. by Captain, record, il.lJS. dam Kate Carman, own sister to Kirkwood.
rei\>rd, '2.'2A : May. by Gen. Hatch, sire of Envoy, record. :2.:28, dam by Kirk-
wood. record. lI."J4.
Skinkles Hambletonian. by Gages Logan, dam said to be by Davy Crockett,
was foaled in ISol, bred by Samuel Bamford. and afterward owned by Skinkle
»ji Jones, who sold him, in ISTO, to 0 J. Evans. Minneapolis. Minn., where he
dieti. He was a bay, sixteen hanvls high, and had a record of 2.:28^.
North Star Mambrino. made the seasons of 1809 and 1870 in Muscatine.
He was a bay and a large coarse-looking hoi-se, 10.2 hands high, and would
weigh l.ilOO pounds. He was foaleii in 1800. got by Mambrino Chief, dam by
Davy Crockett. He was owneil by Mr. McCarty. of Chicago, 111., and trained
by Sherman Perry, when hero. He afterward obtained a record of ll. i!Oi.
Alex F.. now owned by Dr. Hallam. was foaled in 1874. bred by William
Fayerweather. gvH by Romulus, by Kysdyk's Hambletonian, dam an own sister
to Tmmp. He is a dark brown, 10. il hands high and weighs l.iI40 pounds.
Hamble Hawk, a brown stallion, with a strip in the face and left hind leg
white, 15. o hands high, was impoi"teil from Orange County.. N. Y.. by Chester
Weed, in 1874. He was foaled in 1871. and bred by C. K. Bull. Oxfonl Sta-
tion. N. Y. He was by Rysdyks Hambletonian. dam by Long Island Black
Hawk. After the death of Mr. Weed in 1875. he was sold to Warfield Bros.,
who. in turn, sold him. in 1878. to J. M. Fisher, of West Liberty, where he is
now owned.
Attorney, a chestnut stallion, foaleti in 1877, and bred by A. J. Alexander.
Spring Station, Ky., was bought and brought here in 1878. by Fnink Warfield.
He is a very finely-proportioned rangy colt, lo.i! hands high, as a two-year-cld,
and his biveding is as superior as his appean^nce. He is by Harvdd, an inbred
Hambletonian. sire of Maud S., trial at four yeai-s old, 1^.17 i, and his dam is
by Alexander's Abdallah, sire of Goldsmith Maid, il.l4: second dam by Robert
Bruce, etc. He will undoubtedly add greatly to the value of the stock of the
county. Mr. Wartield also owns Flirt, breil by B. Hershey. own sister to Envoy,
-.•J8, and Fleta, 2.-U}, and other fine brood-mares.
In the foregoing sketch of Muscatine County horses, there are. no doubt,
many interesting items omitteii. from the haste in Avhich it has necessarily been
prepari\l. but it is hoptnl that many facts will here be preserveil for the benefit
of future breedei-s in the county, as it is pivbable that the horse interest will
continually increase, as it is one of the most pi\>fitable branches of the farmer's
business.
BIOGRAPTTTOAL DTR ECTOR Y.
^V 1 J B R K V 1 -fVr 1 c) N S
Co .J amitxkiiy or county
«llr liciUor
1. V. A Iowa Voluntoor Artillery
I. V, 0 lown V.>lunt(<t>r OkVrtlry
I. V, I Idwu Ytiliiiiloor Infttiiliv
I'. 0 I'oHt onicV
S. 01-8(10 Swiloii
8t Htl'l<<l|
MUSCATINE.
W. II. A^IFi\T, ui:umliii'turi>r ol' i'an'i!ii;os, bugiiios tuul lann and .spriiii;-
wauons. Tliiril stn-ci ; is a nativo of Ki'iituoky, l>ut wlion only "J vi'ars of aiic, his
pnivnts movod to Nashvillo, TtMin., whovo ho was brought up and loarnod iho linniiip,'
business; in Novonibor, IS-lf), \\v caino to Iowa, located in Muscatine and enL'aucd in
the tin and stove business, and continued it ftu- twelve years; in IS."*;"), he established
his carnage and wagon uianufacturing business, which has boooiue well known through-
out the State, and extends ti> Illinois and Missouri ; he turns out over one* hundred
tiirui wagons and one huiulred carriages yearly, eniiiloying twenty live men, and it is
one i>l' the leading industries here. Mr. Anient is prominently identitied with the
interests of the city and county ; he >vas President of the Uoard of Trustees before the
city charter was adopted, and held the oihct* of (^ily Treasurer four years, lie married
Auu^lia Uobbins. ol" Pennsylvania, in ISl"; she died in Sepli'mber, 1S7!>, leaving six
children; he married Mrs. liUcinda Watkins, of Ohio, April '_', ISTl'.
.I4MI\ llAliKK, proprietorof the Mu.scatint>Stcam Boiler Works; Mr. Maker
is anative of Uohemia ; was born May 1 1, ISIO; came to Musi-atine in lSr)li; engaged
in his present business in ISdO. He married, in licavenworth, Kan., Miss Mary An-
ehutz ; they have six children — Ida, Ijilly, Kinma, Maude, Myrtlia and l*aid. Mr.
Baker maiuifaitures the Kstes engine, the most pt>rleet engine made ; he make,s the
latest stylt" of slide-valve cngiiu's, steam boilers, boiler fronts, and all of the latest styles
of boiler fixtures, steam and wat(>r jiumps, steam and water gauges ;> also mill-gearing,
pulleys, shafting, and mill machinery in general for Hour and saw mills ; he furnishes
jilans for millwright work, also mining machinery; ho is the agent lor (y»po it Max-
well's boiler feeder. Mr. taker's long practical experienei\ couj)lcd with business cium--
gy, has increased his business until it now ranks with any in the State.
K. III. KAKFiK, of the linn ol" Haker &■ Hoover, real estate and loan agenis;
was born in Kockinglian, Co., \'a., July L'ti, ISIU ; he lived there until lStir>, when ho
came to Iowa and located in this county; in IS(!7, he oanie to Muscatine, and since
then he has been engaged in business here; in addition to his land and loan biisines.s,
he carries on the livery business on Front street; he owns the (\>mmeicial Hotel
property and other city j)roperty. He married Mi.ss Mary Ann Sheets, a native of
Sh(>iiandoah (\i., \'a., in IS.");").
JX. UAICItV A S4IX, jilumbers, gas and steam litters; also di'alers in
gas fixtures and globes, lead pipe, sheet lead, bath-tubs, water-clo.sets, wash stands,
hydrants, iron pipe, iron .sinks and pumps, rubber hosi' and pat^king, homj) packing,
etc., Second street, near Mulberry, Mu.scatino, Iowa; N. Marry ^ Son are essentially
business men, thorough mechanics, and, by their tireless personal attention to their
business, have made it a decided success, constantly enlarging to meet the growing
demands of the public ; we venture to .say that their establishment is one of thi; best
arranged and most cdniplcte of the kind in the State.
XICIKMiAS K.ililtV, of tho lirm of Nicholas Marry k Son, plumbing and
gas tilting; Mr. Many was born in (\)unty Wexford, Intland, in 1H24; emigrated to
694 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Cleveland, Ohio, in 1847, in which city ho married Miss Alice Potbj ; they removed to
Eock Island. 111., in 1857, thence to Muscatine in 1807 ; their' children are Patrick J.
Mary K. i now Mrs. P. Fahey), James, Nicholas, Katie (^now Mrs. John Hadden),
Silas, Thomas. Mr. Barry was Superintendent of the Gas Works in Rock Island dur-
in;; his residence in that city, 'and has been Superintendent of the Muscatine Gas Works
over ten years; ho is a man of much enterprise, and has placed himself in the front
rank of the men in his business in the State of Iowa.
BEX J AM IX A. BEACH, Postmaster of Muscatine, ex-Colonel of the
11th I. ^ . 1., w;is born in Hamilton. Butler Co., Ohio, on the 20th of January, 1827,
and is the son of John and Uosauna i Wilson > Beach, the former a native of New Jer-
sey, and the latter of Pennsylvania. At the age of 13 years, he was apprenticed to a
tinsmith in Richmond, Ind., to learn the trade of his master, at which he continued
three yeare. At the outbreak of the Mexican war, he ran away from homo and
enlisted as a soldier in the 1st 0. V., Col. A. M. Mitchell CMumanding, and remained
in the service some sixteen months ; he served through all the marches and camjxiigns
of that struggle, fought at Monterey and in other engagements, and Wiis honorably dis-
chartred at the close of the war. In I85(t. he moved to Mu-<catine. Iowa, and opened a
store; he counnued in business until the breaking-out of the war. and on the 17th of
April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 1st Regiment I. V. I., and was elected First Lieu-
tenant; he was in the battle of Wilsons Creek. Mo., where Gen. Lyon was killed ; on
th? 17th of October, ISGl, he entered the service for three years, and was commissioned
Captain of Co. H. 11th Regiment I. V. I ; in the battle of Shiloh he lost thirty men
of his company, and took part in the campaign against Corinth; in the battle of luka,
and in the second battle of Corinth, where his regiment lost heavily ; he participated in
the sioiie of Vicksburg; was in the L.iuisiana campaign, the seigo of Atlanta and in the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas. and was present at the surrender of the
rebel Gen. Joe Johnston; at the battle of Atlanta, Maj. Foster, of the 11th Iowa, was
killed in the same engagement in which Gen. McPherson was killed; July 22, 1864,
Capt. Beach was elected Major of the regiment; before his commission as Major Wiis
received. Col. Abercrombie resigned his commission and Maj. Beach was elected Colonel
of the regiment and retained that position until the arrival of the army in Washinsrton,
when ho was placed in command of an Iowa Brigade, consisting of the 11th, loth, 15th
and 16th regiments, and was offered a brevet to his rank, which, however, he declined,
the war having ended, the compliment was an empty one; during his long and active
military career, except thirty days" leave of absence after the return from the Louisiana
campaign, he was never a day off duty by sickness, never was wounded, captured or
absent on leave ; ho was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Ky., July 10, 1865;
ho returned to Musc.itine, and, with William T. Butts, engaged in the grocery business;
he received the appointment of Postmaster of Muscatine and was contirmod in January,
1878. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and a generous con-
tributor to all charitable institutions; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is
a Knight Templar. Col. Beach has been twice married — his first wife was Miss Mary
R. Stevenson of Muscatine; married Nov. 29, 1854; she died March 11, 1857; he
married his present wife. Miss Josephine Mason, of Muscatine, Jan. 31, 1866; they
have two sons — Gooriro and Fred.
HEXRY BECKER, manufacturer, wholesale and reUul dealer in cigars of
the finest brands, also retail dealer in fine cut and plug tobaccos, snuff, pipes and a full
line of smokers' articles. .Mr. Becker was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1847 ; came to
Muscatine in 1852; in 1876, he married Miss Emma Huttig. in Do Soto, Wis.; he
euiia>:ed in business in this city in 1868. Mr. Becker is a Democrat ; is liberal in
religious views; he has had sovontoen years' exporiouce in the manufacture of tobaccos
of various kinds ; he thoroughly understands his business, and aims to keep only the
best of ovorvthiug in his line.
B. BElli, of the firm of Molis c'C Co.. dealers in guns, pistols, cutlery. et<?.. Sec-
ond street. Muscatine, Iowa; native of Germany ; born in 1827 ; emigrated to Virginia,
with his parents, in 1832 ; they removed thence to Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1833 ; in
MUSCATINK. r>9f>
1845. Mr. B. oaiuo to Musoatino and ongairod in his prosont businoss. Tlo niarricd
Anna C Wigund. of this oity ; thov have two ohihiron — Lona and Williiun B. Mr.
B. acts with tlio DonuHMatic party ; nuMnber oi' tho Kvangolioal rhnroh ; ho is a niom-
bor of the I. O. O. F., and has boon Troasuror of his liodgo a luunbor of yoars. Messrs.
Mohs \- Boil Ivoop a largo stock of tho ditVoront linos of goods onibraood in thoir trailo,
and havo a tii-st-ola<s ostablishniont ; thoy do tho largost businoss in thoir lino in tho
city.
' E. II. BKiTTS, of tho iirin of Botts Bros., publishors of tho Ihiifi/ and
UV<7,-/y Tn'hitnc, Mnsoatino; was born in Boloit. Wis.. May 24, 1S4!>; whon only S
yoars of age, ho roniovod to Chicago, whore he lived until ho oanio to Muscatine, in
18G5 ; in 18t>8, he entered t\io Journal office and coniuionccd lcan\ing the printing
business ; he remained there throe yoars ; on account of his health, ho took n sea-voy-
age and went to China, around the Capo of Good Hope; after renniining abroad for
one year, he returned; in 1873, lie and his brother and Mr. Van Horn published the
Weekly Tribune ] the following year, in the spring of 1874, they started tho daily
edition; in 1877. he and his brother purchased the entire interest, and now own and
conduct the paper. Mr. Botts was united in marriage to Miss Bita Stewart, daughter
of Wm. H. Stewart, Esq., of Muscatine, April 2il, 187;"); thoy have two children — ■
Anna and Willie
\\. C BETTS, of the firm of Botts Brothers, publishers of the Daili/ and
\\\ekh/ Tribune \ was born in Boloit, Wis., Aug. 'Mk 18;")."); wlu-n only 3 years of ago,
his parents removed to Chicago, and when 11 yoars of ago, came with his parents to
Muscatine, in 181)0 ; he was brought up here and learned tho printing business; ho
afterward, with his brother, took a sea-voyage and went to China ; in 187.'>, with his
brother and Mr. A^xn Horn, began publishing tho Mu.><catine Tribune. In 1877, ho
and his brother bought tho interest of Mr. Van Horn, and since then have owned it.
He married Miss Minnie Boynold, from this city, in August, 1875 ; thoy havo two
children — Charles and Nellie.
WllililAM J. BOWEKN, foreman of tho iron-molding department of
the Muscatine Iri)n Works; Mr. Bowers was born in 8t. Louis, Mo., in the year 184(5 ;.
remained in 8t. Louis until 1857. in which year ho came to Muscatine and engaged to
learn tho iron-molding trade. During tho war of the rebellion, he served in Co. K, iiiJd
I. V. I.; was enrolled at Davenport Feb. 22, 18G8, and honorably ilischargod ut the
close of the war ; his regiment was engaged in tho battles of Little Ivock, Heloua,
Saline River, Spanish Fort and Yazoo Bass. After his discharge from tlu> service,
Mr. B. returned to Muscatine, remaining until 1872, whon he wont to Detroit, Mich.,
thence to Urbana, 111., in 1873 ; in tlio fall of tho latttT year, he wont to La Fayette,
Ind., and took charge of the Wabash Foundry at that place; ho returned to INhiscatino
in June, 1878, and took charge of the molding dopartiuont of tlu> Muscatine Iron
Works. He is a member of the Catholic Church ; Demoi'rat.
AliLEN BROO^IIIALL, attorney and counselor at law, Muscatine; is a
native of Belmont Co., Ohio ; born May 20, 1824. His father settled in Ohio with
his parents, in 1808, where he married Rebecca Bond, and died in 1837, leaving four
orphan childreu. Allen attended the common schools and afterward took a course in
die Classical Institute at Barnesvillo, Belmont Co., Ohio. He removed to Iowa in
185(), and settled in West Liberty, where he purchased and improved several farms; in
1857, he removed to Atalissa and engaged in tho lumber business and other enterprises ;
he was also agent of tho Rock Lsland & Pacific Railroad for five years. Ho commenced
the study of law, pursued his studies under the direction of Hon. J. Karskaddan, of
Muskatine, and was admitted to the bar in 18(51 ; he afterward attended the Cincinnati
Law School, and graduated there in the spring of 18()(t with the honorary degree of
liL. B. He was associated with Hon. D. C. Cloud in tho practice of law for nine
yoars. Cn 1875, he formed a law partnership with Hon. J. Scott Riehman, which cim-
tinued until February, 1877. Mr. Broomhall ha.s always been an oarni'st advocate of
popular education, with better school facilities and a higher standard of scholarship.
He had for several years agitated the question of tlie erection of a now high school
596 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
building in Muscatine, and upon this issue he was elected President of the Board of
Education in 1S73, a position he has since retained. Few men are as deeply interested
in educational matters, and he is among the best and most popular school officers in the
State. He is a member of the Masonic Order, was Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge for
five years : is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter ; a member of the Ancient Order
of United Workmen, and was the first presiding officer of Muscatine Lodge. Xo. 90, of
this Order. He is a Director and Secretary of the Hershey Lumber Manufocturing
Co. He married Miss Harriet Fowler, of Barnesville. Ohio. June 27. ISoT. She died
September 17, 1S76. leaving three daughters — Ella, Elizabeth and Mary Rebecca; the
eldest is a graduate of the high school, and is preparing to complete her education at
the Iowa State U^niversity ; the second daughter is attending the high school, and the
other preparing to enter it.
W. D. BL'KK, attorney at law. of the firm of Burk it Russell. Muscatine ;
is a native of Johnstown. Cambria Co.. Penn.: he came to Muscatine Co. in 1S59 ;
entered the law department of the State University at Iowa City and graduated in the
class of 1873; he entered tne law office of Richman dt Carskaddan and remained with
them two years : in the early part of the present year, he associated with J. J. Russell
in the practice of his profession.
LEWIS ^. BrRXETT, dealer in books and stationery. No. 20 East
Second street. Muscatine: was born in Muscatine Jan. 23. lS55 ; he received his edu-
cation here and graduated at the high school ; at the time of his graduation, he was the
youngest graduate of the high school ; he has succ-eedeil his father in business
since December, lS7t}. He married Miss Anna M. McAlister. ft-om the city of Mus-
catine. May 2. 1S77. and they :ue living in the house where he was born.
R. M. BURXETT. retired : residence corner Third and Locust : is a native
of Onondag-a Co.. New York, aud was born July 11. 1S21 : he lived there until he
came to Iowa, and located in Muscatine in 1S52 and eng:»ged in the book and stationery
business ; he continued in the same business in the same location for a quarter of a
century; it is the oldest boik and stationery house without change in the State. He
was twice elected to the State Legislature aud served in the sessions of 1SG6 and 1S6S :
was appointed Regent of the State Univereity and held that position four years ; has
been a stockholder and Director in the Merchants' Exchange Bank since its organiza-
tion. He has been an active and ejirnest member of the Baptist Church for many
years. On account of the loss of his eyesight, he hivs given up his business to his son.
He married Miss Frances Edwards, of Onondaga Co.. N. Y.. in 1S49 ; she died May
\i^. 1S(U : they had four children, only one of whom survives — Lewis.
JOHX B\R\E. of the firm of Byrne \ Murphy, grocers. Second street; Mr.
Byrne was born in County ^Vicklow. Ireland, in 1S3G ; came to Muscatine Co. in lS-19.
He married Miss B. Faley. of this county ; they have five children. Mr. Byrne and wife
are members of the Catholic Church ; politically, he acts with the Democratic party.
He is President of the Muscatine Mutual Aid Society ; w;vs Alderman of the Second
Ward, and as such exhibited marked executive ability, and performed the duties of
that office in an able and efficient manner : Mr. Byrne is highly regarded by his fellow-
citizens, and is deservedly very popular. The firm of Bynie & Murphy have been
•established in business a number of years, and have secured the confidence and patron-
age of the public ironerallv.
CORXELirS CABLE, retired; is a native of New York City; born
March 1 1. 1S09 : ho spent one year in learning the cabinet trade: lived there until 30
years of age; came to Iowa in August. 1S43. and settled in Muscatine; he built the
first steam saw-mill ever built here, and has been engaged in the s;\w-milling and lumWr
business until within the past few yeare ; since then, he has retired from active business.
He h.as held office of City Alderman, and is now holdin;: the office of (^ounty Super-
visor ; he was Deputy County Treasurer for three years. He married Miss Abigail
Larrabee. of Mas&ichusetts. in 1S35; she died in 1S47. leaving four children — Cornelius.
Jr., Edward. ^Villiam and Charles: he married Ruth Lamphrey. a native of Maine, but
brought up in Boston, in 1S49: they have two children — Henry auil, Abbie. Mr.
MUSCATINE. oPT
Cadle had throe $ous in the army — Coruelius. Jr., was Adjutant General of the 17th
Army Corps under Gens. MePhersou, Bhur and Ransom; William was in the 2d I. V.
~C. and held commission of Captain, and Charles was also in the 2d I. V. C. ; Cornelius
is in Alabama. Edward in California. William in Chicago, Charles in Victor, Towa, and
Ilenrv in Princeton. Mo.
RICHAKD t\41>I.E. of the tirm of Cadlc Mulford .»i Co., manufacturers
of sash, doors and blinds. Front street, Muscatine : was born in the city of New York
Feb. 20, 18l;\ where he learned the carpenters trade; he emigrated to the We^^t, and
spent 01:0 year in Illinois; came to Iowa, and located in Muscatine in October. 184o,
and engtiged with his brother in the saw-mill business, and afterward worked at his
trade ; in 1S47. he was elected Clerk of the District Court, and held that office two
years, then again engaged in the building business; he was appointed Postmaster, and
held that uffice during President Fillmore's administration, then associated with J. S
Patten for two years, in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds ; was again elected
Clerk of the Courts, and served as Clerk and Deputy Clerk until October, ISGl, when
he left the Court without a Clerk, and enlisted in Co! H, 11th Reg. I. Y. I.; he acted
as Quartermaster at the headquarters of Gen. Grant, during the siege of ^'icksbu^g;
he was in the service three years, and served as Quartermaster with rank of First Lieu-
tenant ; after the war. was Chief Clerk of Trar.sportation in the Quartermaster's depart-
ment, at Louisville ; returned to Muscatitie. and engaged in manufacturing sash, doors
and blinds; he held the office of City Clerk six years: also. Township Clerk for six
years, and has held the position of Secretary and Treasurer and Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. He married Miss 8. A. Magoon, a native of Lancaster,
Ohio. Oct. ."1, IS47 ; the\ have had three children — two still living — George H. and Eva.
JEREIilAll H. CAKL, confectioner and retail dealer in tobacco and
eigars. Mulberry street. Muscatine. Mr. Carl was born in Perry Co.. Penn., in the year
1S4:0; in 1S5S, he came to Washington Co., Iowa, where he remained until the break-
ing-out of the w;u-, when he enlisted in Co. C, Sth I. Y. I.; was enrolled on the 11th
of August, 1S61; veteraned Jan. 1, 18G4, and honorably discharged April 20, IStUi.
He participated in every battle, siege and skirmish his command was engaged in; the
ptrincipal battles were Shiloh, Yicksburg and Spanish Fort ; he was captured at Shiloh,
and detained i\s a prisoner of war two months. In 1807, he marritd Mis« Lydia
E. Long, of Washington Co.. Iowa. Xov. 28. 18G7; she was born Dec. 10, 1840; a
native of that county; her parents amonu' the first settlers; thev have four children —
Edith Evelyn, born March 24, l8tU1; Hilda Maude. Jan. 27, 1871; Clara Alice, July
23, 1873 ; Mary Ida. March 22, 187.'). Mr. Carl is a member of the Masonic i'rateruity ;
Eepublican. He has been engaged in business here since Feb. 10. 1807.
J. CARSKAI^DAX, attornev and counselor at law; was born in Seneca
Co., N. Y., Nov. 0, 1829; the most of his boyhood was spent in Oneida Co.. where he
attended school; then entered Hamilton College, and graduated from that institution in
the Class of '51; after graduating he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in
New York in the spring of 1853; he came to Iowa the same year, and located in Mus-
catine; about the 1st of January, 1854, he associated with T. >L Williams, and pub-
lished the Democratic Inquirer for two years; then associated with E. H. Thayer, now
of the Clinton Age, and engaged in the law and land agency business, and since then
he has mostly been engaged in the practice of law; in 1857, he w;\s elected Prosecuting
Attorney for this county, and held the office until it was changed to that of District
Attorney; he was elected Probate Judge in 1801, and held that office until 1804; was
associated with Judge Richman, in the practice of law, from December, 1803, until the
latter went on the bench in 1878. He married Miss A. M. Brown, a native of Mad-
ison Co., N. Y"., in 1854.
ALEXANDER CLARK, retired imore popularly known as the colored
orator of the West ^ ; is a native of Washington Co., Penn., and was born Feb. 25,
1820 ; he received but a limited education in the common schools of his native village ;
but he was a bright, intelligent lad, and seemed to learn by intuition. At the age >'f 13,
he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the barbering business with his
598 BKX^RAPHICAL SKETCHES:
uncle, who also sent him to school for about a year, where he made considerable pro^
ficiejicy in grammar, arithmetic, jieography and natural philosophy. In May, 1842,
he came to Iowa and located in Muscatine, which has since been his home ; he con-
ducted a barber shop until 1868, when his health compelled him to seek a more active
business ; having by industry and economy accumulated some capital, he invested in
real estate; bought some timber land; obtained contracts for the furnishing of wood to
steamboats ; did some speculating which proved successful, and the result is the accu-
mulation of a competence on which he lives in ease and retirement. In 1851, he be-
came a member of the Masonic Order by joining Prince Hall Lodge, No. 1, of St. Louis ;
in 1868, he was Arched. Knighted, and elected Depttty Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge; H. McGee Alexander," then Grand Master, died April 20,1868, and Mr. Clark
became Grand Master in his stead, and fulfilled his unexpired term ; the jurisdiction
then extended over Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi ;.
he organized all the subordinate Lodges in the last three States and assisted in organiz-
ing their Grand Lodges ; at the next annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Missouri,
be was elected Grand Treasurer, and appointed a delegate to the Most Worshipful
National Grand Compact of Masons ^^coloI•ed') for the L^nited States, held at Wilming-
ton, Del.,' Oct. 9, 1869 ; in June, 1869, he was again elected Grand Master, and held
that office for three years; in 1872, he was elected Grand Secretary, and, in
1873, was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence;
in 1874, he was again elected to the position of Grand Master, and annually re-elected
to the same position, his jurisdiction extending over the States of Missouri, Iowa, Min-
nesota and Colorado, embracing 87 Lodges and 2,700 members ; he is said to be one of
the most accomplished ritualists, and among the most able and successful executive
officers that the Order, in any branch of it, has ever possessed. In 1863, he enlisted
in the 1st I. (colored) V. I., and was appointed Sergeant-Major, but was refused on
account of physical disability. In 1869, he was appointed by the Colored State Con-
vention of Iowa a delegate to the Colored National Convention, which met at Washing-
ton, D. C. ; he was also a member of the Committee from the same Convention to wait
upon President Grant and Vice President Colfax to tender them the congratulations of
the colored people of the United States upon their election ; in 1869, he was a member
and Vice President of the Iowa Republican State Convention ; in the following year,
he was also a delegate to the State Convention and u member of the Committee on
Resolutions ; he has stumped the State of Iowa as well as most of the Southern States
at every election held since the rebellion, and is recognized as a very eloquent and
powerful speaker; in 1872, he was appointed by the RepubHcan State Convention of
Iowa a delegate at large to the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia, and, in
1873, was appointed by President Grant Consul to Aux Cayes, Hayti, but refused the
position owing to the meageruess of the salary ; in 1876, he was appointed by a colored
convention of Iowa delegate to the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, for the pur-
pose of preparing useful statistics for the colored race ; and later the same year, he was
appointed alternate delegate by the Iowa State Republican Convention to the National
Republican Convention, held at Cincinnati. Mr. Clark became a member of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church in 1850 ; continues in fellowship, and is Superintendent of
the Sabbath school of that Church in Muscatine ; he is also Trustee, Steward, and the
largest contributor to the support of the Church. On the 9th of October, 18-48, at
Iowa City, he married Miss Catharine Griffin ; they have had five children, two of
whom, John and Ellen, died in inflmcy ; the survivors. Rebecca J., Susan V. and
Alexander G., all inherit their flxther's intellectual endowments ; all graduates of the
High School of Muscatine ; Alexander is studying law ; Rebecca is the wife of G. W.
Appleton, of Muscatine ; Susan is the wife of Rev. Richard HoUey, a minister in the
African iMethodist Episcopal Church.
WAV ID C CliOl'O, attorney and counselor at law, Muscatine; is a native
of Champaign, Ohio; born Jan. 22, 1817; he is the fourth child of a family of four-
teen children, ten still living; David C. lived on his fither's farm until 16 years of age,
when he was apprenticed to learii the bookbinder's trade ; after six months he gave it
MUSCATINE. 599
up, and was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, where; he served the regular time ;
shoitly after this, in 1839, he removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he has since resided ;
after working at his trade for two years, he decided to study law, and all of his energies
were directed toward this result ; he procured the necessary books and pursued his
studies for five years, while working at his trade, when, after a strict examination, he
was admitted to the bar in 1845, and en-jaged in the practice of his profession ; during
1851 and l85jJ. he held the position of Prosecuting Attorney for Muscatine Co., and
was afterward elected the first Attorney General of the State of Iowa, on the Demo-
cratic ticket ; he held this office for four years ; he was elected to the State Legislature
and served during the winter of 1856-57 ; since then, he has devoted himself exclu-
sively to his profession and to literature ; he is the author of the law on the Iowa
statute books, which makes railroad corporations liable for all deaths caused or dam-
age done by them in the prosecution of their business, and he has, during his career as
as a lawyer, tried over two hundred cases against railroads, and has recovered more
damages against railroad corporations than perhaps any attorney in the Northwest. In
politics, he was raised a Democrat ; he was a member of the convention that nominated
Lincoln to the Presidency, and during the war he was a stanch supporter of the (jrov-
ernment; during the progress ot the war, he wrote a book, entitled " The War Powers
of the President," taking strong ground in favor of the administration ; in 1874, he pub-
lished his work entitled, " Monopolies and the People," which had a circulation of over
ten thousand copies, and it received high commendation from the press throughout the
country. In lo39, he married Mi.ss Annetta Dibble, of Columbus, Ohio, who died in
1846 ; in 1848, he married Mrs. Miranda H. Morrow, widow of the late Dr. James G.
Morrow, of Muscatine, and daughter of William R. Olds, Esq., of Bennington, Vt., by
whom he has two children — a son and a daughter; his son, George W., is associated
with him in the practice of law ; the daughter, Annie, is unmarried.
DR. S. M. COBB, physician and surgeon; is a native of Maine, and was born
Feb. 4, 1819; he was brought up in York Co., and received his education there, then
studied medicine and graduated from the Medical School of Maine, at Bowdoin College,
in the spring of 1852. and engaged in the practice of medicine. He married Miss
Mary G. Bradbury, a native of Maine, in July, 1845; she died in December, 1851 ;
he married Miss H. S. Mitchell, a native of York Co., Me., in December, 1852. In
June, 1856, he came to Iowa and located at Osage, Mitchell Co.; after practicing med-
icine there four years, he came to Muscatine in 1860, and since then has practiced his
proi'ession here; in September, 1862, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 35th
Regt. I. V. I.; the following year, he was commissioned Surgeon ; remained with the
regiment until the close of the war, and was mustered out Aug. 10, 1865; he holds
the office of Pension Examining Surgeon. He has four children — Ella T., Cassius M.,
Dana W. and Lucilla M.; lost one son in infancy, Alden R.
J. E. COE, of the firm of Demorest & Coe, booksellers and stationers, Musca-
tine, was born in Knox Co., 111., Nov. 24, 1840; he lived there until 16 years of age;
came to Muscatine in 1856; upon the breaking-out of the war, in 1861, he enlisted in
Co. H, 11th Regiment I. V. I.; he was in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and in
all the battles of the regiment ; he was taken prisoner at the battle of Atlanta, July
22, 1864; was a prisoner five months in Anderson ville, Florence and Charleston, and
was then exchanged ; after the war, he returned home and associated with Mr. Demorest^
his brother in-law, in the book and stationery business. He married Miss Ella Mason,
a native of Pennsylvania, Sept. 5, 1865; they have two childern — Jes.sie and Lida.
E. L'. COOK, attorney at law and loan agent ; was born at Spiceland, Henr}'
Co., Ind., June 22, 1845 ; was educated at Spiceland Academy; in 1866, began teach-
ing at Plainfield, Ind., as Principal of the public schools; in 1868, he was engaged as
Governor at the Indiana State Reform School, which position he occupied one year,
during which time a considerable portion of the work was hunting up escaped convicts,
a number of whom had escaped soon after they had been brought to the institution ; at
the end of the year, all of them had been fjund *nd returned, with the exception of
one ; he resigned at the Reform School, and returned to Spiceland Academy, in which
600 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
he irraduated. In June, 1870, on liis 25th birthday, he married MLss Elvira Charles,
of -Milton, Wayne Co., Ind.; in September of the same year, they removed to Spring-
dale, Cedar Co.. Iowa, where he engaged as Principal of Spriogdale Seminary, which
position he filled for five year-, at the end of which time he resigned, to enter the law
department of Iowa State University, from which he graduated on his 31st birthday.
June, 1S76 : he then b^ran the practice^ of law in Newton. Jasper Co.. Lowa ; bat in a
few months, removed to Muscatine, and has since been engaged in the practice of law.
loan and reai estate business. He has made a complete set of abstr;ict-books of all the
land-titles of Musc-atine Co.; this required the labor of two persons two and a half
years. Mr. Cook and wife are members of the society of Friends. They have two
children — Charles Dale and Jessie Florence.
R. H, COOK, proprietor of Park House livery stable, also, general collecting,
loan and real israte agent; was born in Henry Co.. Ind., in 1S40. Married Miss
Martha Nixon, of Washington Co.. Ind.; they have two children — Luella and Carrie ;
they removed to Cedar Co.. Iowa, in 1S73; thence to this city in 1S76. Mr. C. is a
stanch Republican. In religious matters, liberal ; is a member of the I. O. 0. F.
G. W. CORI£1jL<, c-ontnictor in brick and stone work. Muscatine, Iowa; was
born in Ohio; came to Muscatine in 1S50. Married Miss .Mary N. Clough, of this
county; they have one child — Mary; members of the Baptist Church ;Jie is also a
member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. C. acts with the National party; residence is
on the corner of Ninth and Mulberry streets.
JOHX DAIBl^R. b«x>t and shoe manufacturer. Second street, Muscatine; w:is
born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, in ISoo ; emigrated to St. Louis in 1S53; came
to Muscatine in 1S5-1; served in Co. C. 14th I. V. I.; was hononibly discharired at the
close of the war. He married Miss B Fitzgenild; they have six children — John. James.
Julia, Mary. Nora aud Bridget. Mr. Daiber is a member of the Masonic fi^aternity ; is
a Democrat: was Alderman of the Second Ward from 1S72 until lS7-t.
A. DAVIl>SOX. of the firm of A. Davidson & Co.. wholesale and retail
dealers in boots and shoes. Muscatine : was born in Adams Co.. Ohio. Oct. 6, 1S12; he
was brought up there until 10 years of age. and commenced learning the trade of tan-
ner and currier; in 1S31. he went to Cincinnati, where he finished learning his trade;
after living in Highland and Adams Counties, he settled in Portsmouth. Ohio, and
engaged in the tanning business; he continued in the business, doing an extensive trade,
until 1S62. when he came to Iowa and located in Muscatine, April 4, 1S62. and engaged
in dealing in boiUS and shoes and hides aud leather; he has c-ontinuod in the business
since then, and has built up a large wholesale and retail trade, and employing two aud
three men on the road most of the time; it is the only wholesale boot and shoe house
in Muscatine, and their trade extends through Iowa and in Missouri, Kansas and Illi-
nois ; his son Joseph T. is associated with him and has the financial management of the
business: W. M. Roach, his son-in-law. is also interested in the business. Mr. David-
son is a local preacher in the M. E. Church, he was licensed to preach in Ohio in 1S59.
and was ordained in lSt)4. and has been cv>nnected officially with the Church since lS3o.
He has been married three times; his first wife was a daughter of Rev. John Meek, of
Adams Co.; his second wife was a daughter of Jacob Cox. of Adams Co.; his present
wife is a daughter of William Chennoweth. of the Scioto Valley, Ross Co.. Ohio; he
has six children — three sons, Leroy P.. Jacob M., and Joseph T., and three daughters.
Sallie M.. Margaret A. and Ella R; his oldest son. Leroy P., was in the army four
years, in the 33d Regiment 0. I., and was in twenty-four battles and was color-bearer
in fourteen battles; his s<>u. Joseph T.. who is associated with him in business, married
Miss J. D. Ament, daughter of Hon. J. P. Ament. in 1S73; they have one son —
Fred.
IRA DKA\, manufacturer of boots and shoes. Second street ; Mr. Dean was
born in Orangt>, Essex Co.. N. J.. June 17. 1S26. Jan. S, 1S49. he married Miss
Phiebe Ann Swaun. a native of Chatham. N. J. During the war of the rebellion. Mr.
Dean served as Wagonm;ister at Camp Nelson, Kv. He remivel to Muscatine
from Ohio in 1S73. and has since been a resident. Himself and wife ar^ members of
MUSCATINE. t>01
the M. K. Chutvh. Thoy h;»vo had tour ohildrvn, t\ro of whom aro living — Sarah ^now
Mr*. E. Diwjon. of Musoatino'*. and Byn.>a B.; Byrou B. is uiarritni. and is Train- Dis-
j^toher at Newark. Ohio. Mr. Doan. ^xvlitioally. w;v< oridnally a Whig ; on the onran-
iiativni of the Republicau party, he adopted the prinoiplej: of that jvirty. and still gives
them his supvvrr
A. f . DKMOKF.ST. of the firm of Pemorest & Ooo. booksellers and stationers
and de;iler? iu piaiu^s and org-.ms: was K>rn in Orange Co., N. Y.. (.)ot. 20, lS2l> ; he
lived thert? until 25 years of age ; then removed to Tompkins Co.. near Ithaoa, and
livixi three years: he started West overland and came to Iowa, and was five weeks and
one day ou the n.v\d. and reaoheii Museatine Nov. 2. lSo5. without a eent ; he enpiged
as elerk in the employ of K. 31. Burnett and r^^mained with him three years ; he then
associated with A. Palmer, now of Pubuque : they eugageii in the book and stationery
business and evmtinued until the breaking-out of the war. when Mr. Palmer enlisted
and was commissioned Capt;vin of the ll?th T. V. T. ; Mr. Demorest carried on the
business until near the close of the war. when he bought out his partner's interest, and.
in August, 1S04, he associated with him his brvnher-in-law, J. E. Ci.>e ; since then,
they have carried on the business and :vre doing quite an extensive trade. He has held
office of City Tre;\surer for two years, alsii the office of (""hairman of the Boani of
County Supervisors for four years. He is a member of the M. E. Church and is one
of the Trustees. He m:irried Miss Harriet S. C. Coe. of Illinois, in IStU ; they have
seven children and have lost one.
GEORGE B. DEXISOX. banker, corner Second str.vt and Iowa avenue.
of the tirm of Ganvttson \^ Co.. baukei-s : is a native of the town of Floyd. Oneida
Co.. N. Y.. and w:is born Feb. 13, 1S19 ; he was brvnight up on a tarm and received
his eilucatiou there : after reaching manhivd. he engjigeii in teaching winters and giiing
to school during the summer — prejvtring himself for teaching : he came to Iowa in
May. iSol. and eugtiged in teaohiug and had charge of the schivls here for tour years;
for ten years, he was eng;\ged in the educational interests of the public school system ;
he held the County Superintendent of Schools for three and a half years ; Mr. Denison
has given a great deal of study to education:\l interests and has done much to advan(.v
the standivrd of education ; his fii'St vote was Civst and the first dollar of tax he ever
paid was for building a schix>l-house where he used to gv> to school : for the past thnv
years, he has been engaged in banking and is one of the firm of Garrettson «.t Co. He
Married Miss Margaret M. Lyon, a native of New York State: she vras a graduate of
the State Normal School at Albany. New York : she taught school after coming here
for fourvears: thev have one dausrh'er — Edna.
GEOROE' W. D1L.I.AWAY. importer and wholesale dealer in crockery
and glassware. No. 175 Seoond street : one of the most enterprising merchants and the
present Mayor of 3Iuscatine is George W. Dillaway : he is a native of Boston, Mass..
wheri^ both his father and grandfather were born : the latter was a soldier in the l\ev-
olutionary war and was in the battle of Bunker Hill : George W. was born Oct. Ui.
1S2S. and. when a ycuth, served a full apprenticeship as sh ip- carver ; his lather was a
shijvowner, and George made a voyage to Russia in one of his fiither's vessels ; he
engaged in mercantile business early in life in his native city and was successful, but,
being in poor health, was advised to come West. and. in 1S57. he came to Iowa, located
in Muscatine and engiigcti iu the crockery and queensw:\re business ; he has built up a
large and extensive wholesale and retail trade, extending through Iowa. Missouri and
part of Illinois ; his store on Second street is one of the largest and finest in the State ;
his business requires four floors, all packed full of gix>ds : the first floor is devoted to
the retail trade and is a model of good taste in its arrangement : th.^ other three floors
are devoteil to his wholesale trade : through his energy and enterprise to a great extent
the city secured its splendid system of water Wiirks three years ago : he was chosen
President of the Water- Works Coiupauy for some time, but resigned his position. He
h;\s held office of City Aldermtu : received the nomination and was elected Mayor of
the city in March. 1S79. He married Miss Lucretia C. Hunting, a native of Boston,
in 1S52 ; they have two children — one daughter, Lucretia, and one son. William.
602 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
WM. DFLIi, retired; Muscatine; is a native of Orange Co., N. Y., and he wa&
brought up aud lived there until he came to Iowa and located in May, 1854. He was
fugaged in buying and selling land. After the war broke out, he recruited Company D,
35th Regt. Iowa Inf., and was commissioned Captain ; he was in the siege of Vicks-
burg and in the Red River campaign and in the battle of Nashville and at the capture
of Spani.sh Fort. He was wounded at Old River Lake and was promoted and commis-
jiiuned Major ; was in the service for three years, and was mustered out Aug. 10, 1865.
Ho has held the office of City Marshal and City Collector. Maj. Dill married Miss
Mary A. Mapes, from Orange Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1841. She died May 1, 1874 ; they
had six children, three of whom survive — Jesse M., Mary L. and Bowman Y. He mar-
ried Miss Emma Prosser, a native of England, Sept. 1, 1875.
JAMES M. DORAX, attorney at law and Justice of the Peace, Muscatine,
was boru in Pittsburgh, Penn.. Dec. 18, 1849 ; when 4 years ot age, his parents came to
luwa and settled in this county in 1853 ; he was brought up and received his education
in this county; he studied law and was admitted to the bar Aug. 31, 1876, and since
has practiced his profession here. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of
1878, and is also Deputy Collector of Taxes. He married Miss Mary 0. Clark, a native
of Ohio, in October, 1875 ; they have two children.
PATRICK BORAX, farmer; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in Allegheny Co.,
Penn., Aug. 10, 1823 ; he was brought up there and married Miss Mary A. Doran
March 1, 1848; they came to Iowa and settled in Muscatine Co. in 1852; after com-
ing here, he directed Judge Washburn to enter forty acres of land for him, but the
Judge entered 160 acres for him. Mr. Doran at first blamed the Judge very much for
exceeding his directions, but he has thanked him many times since, for he has been
offered §40 an acre for it and refused it. He and his wife own 240 acres of land ; he
has been engaged in flirmiug for many years until 1877, when he removed to Musca-
tine. They have ten children, five sons and five daughters.
W. A. DRIRV, grocer. Second street; was born in Wayne Co.. Ind., in the
year 1816; in 1820, his parents removed to Morgan Co., thence to Mercer Co., 111., in
1834, and from the latter county they removed to Rock Island Co., 111., in which coun-
ty W. A. Drury married Miss A. Comstock, a native of Yermilion Co., Ind., born in
1827 ; they have one son — Ross Drury, who married Miss C. Russel, of Chicago, 111. ;
they reside in this city (Muscatine). W. A. Drury has been a resident of Muscatine
since 1845 ; engaged in his present occupation in 1854 ; previous to that was engaged
in the real estate business. Politically Mr. Drury acts with the Democratic party ; he
has filled various local offices of trust in this city; his reputation as a business man stands
high; and fliir dealing and strict integrity have characterized all his intercourse with his
fellow-citizens; his grocery store on Second street is as large as any in the city.
•f OII\' KAI>E, veterinary surgeon, Muscatine, Iowa ; Mr. Eade is a native of
Cornwall, England ; was boru in the year 1847 ; in 1850, his parents emigrated to
Grant Co., Wis. During the war of the rebellion, he served in Co. G, 57th Regt. 111.
V. I. ; was enrolled at Dixon, 111.; mustered out at Chicago at the close of the. war;
caiue to Muscatine in December, 1875. He married Miss Ella Harrison, of this city,
(Muscatine), in 1876; they have one child — Mary Louisa. Mr. Eade gives special
attention to the treatment of horses ; he successfully treats all diseases which the horse
is subject to, and guarantees satisfaction in all cases.
MRS. MARY EIGEXMAX"X, proprietor of Muscatine Brewery, corner
of Seven! h and Mulberry streets, Muscatine. Iowa. Mrs. Mary Eigenmann, nee Kerch-
afer, is a native of Switzerland, was born in 1835 ; emigrated to this country in 1862 ;
has been twice married ; first husband was Peter Brawand, who died in this county, was
a native of Switzerland. Second husband, Joseph Eigenmann, was also born in Swit-
zerland, died in this city in 1872. Mrs. Eiajenmann's children are Mary, Peter and
Henry. Mrs. Eigenmann is an estimable lady, is very social, abounding in hospitality,
aud is a thorough business manager.
ERAX^K EITMAXX, dealer in groceries, provisions, queensware, etc., South
.^liiseatine ; native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1835; emiizrated to St. .Louis, Mo.,
in 1S50 ; thtnuv to Now Oiloans, in lS»>a; ihonoo. in lS.")o. tv» Mvisvatino ; ho ouji>«;i\\l
in busiiu'ss? in IS57. Ho marrusl. in MnsosHiino. Mi;** Kva Lollvar ; thov havo six ohil-
ilivn — Jiviopb. Frank. vu\>ri:^>. l^vnora, Man. Frxsioriok- Mr, Kituian anvi wifo jmv
KHHuWrsi of (ho IVttv^tvHnt Chnrvh. Ho »;« a uiomWr of th^ A. O. U- >V . a»»vi Moohau
ios' Aid Svviotv. Ho[n»Mio;u». Mr. Kitn»a»» is a man of siivat imiustw and i;\>ovl juilij-
uiont; ihtN^^ i|ualitit\* havo mado hiin jiuvwsstnl in bns^ini^ss,
B. II. KVKRS^K.YKR, insnranw a^rvMit. Musoatino; was born in («or
ujanv April U'. 1>_\> . ho \vou>i buni^ht up thoiv and oanu> to Amorioa in IS5L' ; littni in
St. L\Hiis thrtv Yoai^s, and oauio to Musoatino in lS.">r>, auvl oupViivd i»» toaininii ; ho h:>s
UvM onpti:^Hi in tho insuranvv busin«sss for tl»o j^Hst ton voai's Ho has hold tho othoo
of Stnvt Ooumussionor fvu- iwo tonus. Ho niairitni Miss ,>laii\laloi\.i Knoohniau. fn>m
Oermanv. in iSo't; thov havo six obildivn — Mollio, l.vmiso, .lv>hn H , Horn v. \Villi:»ni
and Iv;"; .>:!••- K
JA^IF.^ Ft rZCii F,K Al.n, \vhoU\<salo dv\»lor in imported and dvMuostio
wines, gin. brandios. Kontuokv bourbon ami rvo whiskios. Iowa avonuo. botwoon K>\>ni
and Soivnd stnvts, Mr. Fitagx^raUi is a nativo of livland; born in IS;»S; omisi'nitod
to this vvuntrv in IStU ; oamo to Mus^vvtino in IStJT. Marriod, in ^hioa)^>. 111,, in
1869. Miss N. Konuotiok ; thov havo four ohiUirtm livinsi-^ — Xollio. .lv>hn. danuvs and
Eddie; lost thrw — Willio, Nora and Uivniv. Mr. Fit.;iivn»lrt aots with tho Homoonitio
jwrty. Ho is an ontorprisinsr oitixon. an ouorvivtio busim\-*s man, and is liboral in ;ill
publio outorprist\? that irivo prv>miso of sivnond irvHHl. Momboj-s of tho St, Mat bias
O^lhoUo Ohiuvh,
T. K. FlTZdJFK.il.U, attomoy at law. of tho tinu of llaniia, KitKiiondd
<^ Hiighoj!, Musoatino; was born in St. .Kv<oph. Mioh , Maroh .">, ISK5; vvhon It' voars
of agv, ho went to tho oity of Now York, whoro ho roniainod fnir voars and ationdod
sohix^l ; ho oamo to Iowa in 1ST I, and studied law with Senator Hauna. atid was
admitted to tho bar in 1ST;>; sinvv then he has praotieod his pnUej^sion bore; ho has
bold tho oftioo ot Citv .Mdorman. and was eleetod Mavor o( tho oitv in K"^T7. lie
marriixl Miss Ksthor llanua. daughter of Hon Thomas llanna, Mav '20, K'^t^S; they
havo ttivee ehildron Kelle. llnaiu aiul l';uinv.
Wllilil.m II. FK.\^li.lil^, pivpi'ietor of sioneral ivpair and blaeksmith-
shop ; was born near Wilton, this eountv, in K"^."* I ; he on>r:>iivd in blaeksmithiuii- in
1S71 ; beeame pivprietor of shop in lS7l>; his father, William W. Franklin, is a nativo
ot- North Caivliua ; ho oamo to Musoatino To. with his parents, in ISiUi. He nnuried
Miss Mary S. Haftonistor in this wunt\ ; they ;nY still residents oi' the iiumty. Mr
Fniukliu is an oxporioneod moohanio. and to all who renuire anythiui; in his line \v<-
can espoeially reeoimneiid tliem to i^ive him a o.all.
llFi?^KV Fl LiiFK, briek-makinsi' and pottery busiiio.>;s : wa«i bom in Trus-
sia. liermany, Nov. 1. lSl'i>; he was brought up and lived there until L't> years oi' ago;
he omignitiHl to Amerioa in 18r>0. and lived in St. Louis, Mo., where he learned tho
briek-making busines-i ; beeame to Iowa, and loeated in Mu.<eatine in K'^fvl, and engaged
in making briek. and has oontinued it ever sinee ; is the oldest briok manufieturer in
this city or county ; his briekyard has a eapaoity for making from L!.t)(H>,()0() to ;>.0()(t.-
000 yearly. He manut'aetures pottery-ware oC a very superior ijuality ; it oonipan^s
very favorably with tho Ohio ware, and ei>mes in eompetitivUi with it, and has boon sold
tor Ohio ware to the trade. When Mr. Fuller began life, ho had nothing, and has made
all ho hivs by his own efforts. He marriod Miss Klizabeth Horky, from Fru.ssia. (Jer-
many, in 18r>!>; the\ have six ehildron — .loseph, Henry, Ivirnev, Anton, Mary and
Ocorge ; ihey lost oi\e daughter — Klizabeth.
IIFXKV Fl'XCIi., banker, firm of Cook, .Mu.xser vl: Co.. eorner Second street
and Iowa aveiuie ; is a native of Germany ; born in 1817; lived there until 1S."57,
when he emigrated to America; came to Turlington, Iowa, tho same year; in 18;>0, to
Muscatine, and engaged in the bakery and groecry busine.><s on Second street, which he
continued until 18.")li ; then built a distillery, and operated that for three yoai-s, then
dealt in boat stores for three years ; he has been engaged in the banking business for
the p:vst ten years — the firm being Cook, Musser vli (\i.; he was also a partner in the
604 BIOGFL\PHICAL SKETCHES:
wliolosalo tobacco and tea house of Fred Daut i^ Co. for eight years, but retired from
the firm January 1. 1S79. He is interested in the water-works, and has held the office
of Mayor fur two years ; served as Alderman four years. When Mr. Funck began life,
he had notluns, and owes his success to his own eflorts.
G. A. GARKKTTSOX, of the firm of G. A. Garrettson & Son, wholesale
grocei'S, Front street ; and also of the firm of G. A. Garrettson & Co., bankei-s, cor. Towa av.
and Second street. The subject of this brief sketch is one of the most successful busi-
ness men not only in Muscatine Couuty, but in this section of the State. He is a native
ol Washington Co., Penn.. and came to Iowa and located in Muscatine April 16, lS5-i ;
he engaged in the grocery trade ; after continuing in the retail business a few years, he
engaged in the wholesale trade and has continued in the jobbing business for about
twenty years, doing an extensive trade; he has been engaged in the mercantile business
here over a quarter of a century. Mr. Garrettson has been engaged in the bankintr
business for the past ten years. He is the senior member of the firm of G. A. Garrettson
\- Co., of this city, also of the firm of Wells <t Garrettson, bankers, at Fairfield, Jef-
ferson Co., Iowa. When he commenced in life, he had nothing, and has achieved suc-
cess by his own efforts. He married Miss Elizabeth A. Gray, a native of Greene Co..
Penn., in 1S49 ; they have mx children.
J. 0£R^1>T, proprietor of meat market, Second street, Muscatine ; was born
in Prussia in ISoO. where he married Miss J. Hantchal ; they emigrated to Muscatine
in IStJli ; have six children — Annie, Selma. Emma. Julius. Ida and Bertie. Members
of the Catholic Church. He is a Democrat ; has been engaged in business in Mus-
catine sinee ISl)?.
I. Li. tvKAHA^I. JI. I>.,born at Canton, Conn., in 1823. After the usual course
at the common, school he was a pupil at Canton Academy ; also, at the academy at Am-
herst, Mass.; oommenecd the study of medicine at Hitchcocksville, Conn., where he
remained one year, with Dr. F. B. Graham ; studied one year with Dr. Woodruff, at
New Britain. Conn., and one year at the Eye and Ear Infirmary, at Hartford, Conn.,
with Dr. P. W. Ellsworth. He attended the course of lectures for 1845— 4ti, at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the city of New York ; also, the clinical course
at the City Hospital. He received his medical degree at the University, of the City of
New York at the close of the session of lectures for 18-1:6-47. He commenced the
practice of his profession at Bristol, Conn., where he continued five years, in regular work ;
also surgeon at Bristol Copper Mine, then under the control of President Eliphalet
Nott, of Union College. He removed to Hudson, Ohio, where he pursued his profes-
sion during two years, in connection with the drug business ; he returned to Connecticut,
and engaged in the same business at New Haven, where he continued until his removal
to Muscatine in the fall of lSo5. From that date to the present time he has been
engaged as a druggist and chemist, in connection with the seed business. He was
elected a member of the Muscatine City Council for 1872 and 1873; was a member of
the School Board in 1875-77 ; member of the Board of Supervisors in 1876-78 ;
Cliairman of the Board in 1878. At the organization of the Merchants" National
Bank, in 1865, he was appointed a Director and has held the position since. Dr. G.
married in 1861 Agnes M. Bronson, of Cromwell. Conn. ; has two children living ;
Mary, born at Muscatine Auir. 5, 1866, and Edward Lewis, born at Muscatine Dec.
11. 1867.
REV. J. I. GRIEI^ER, Pastor of St. Mary's Church (Catholic) ; was born
in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1850 ; emigrated to this country in 1867 ; was ordained
at Dubu(|ue, Iowa, in February, 1873; took his present charge at this place in Jan-
uarv, 187it.
THOMAS GRETT, proprietor of the Pennsylvania House, Front street ;
Mr. Grett is a native of Limerick. Ireland, born in 1823 ; when 16 years of age, he
engaged in a sea-faring life, and followed it until he was in his 26th year, being engaged
as navigator the principal portion of the time ; in 1849, he settled in Drury Tp., Rock
Island Co., 111., where he engaged in farming until 1875, in whieh year he came to Mus-
catine. Mr. Grett married in Boston, Mass., Miss Catherine Flaming ; they have eight
MUSCATINE. 605
children — Gooiuno A. (now ^Irs. J:\s. Williams'^, Thonms S.. William H., James, Rich-
ard. Frances Maria niow Mrs. D. Collard\ Catherine J. and John E. Mr. Grett and
wife are members of the Catholic Church : politicallv. Mr. G. is a Democrat.
THKODOKE UKOS!>iHEl\. harbei- and taxidermist. Second street,
Muscatine, Iowa; was born in Prussia Dec. IS, ISol ; in ISol, he entered the Sth
Regt., body-guard of Queen Louisa ; served until 1854, and was honorably discharged.
In 1S5G. he married Miss Bertha Kirschbien in Berlin ; they emigraied to Muscatine
in ISiiO; they have three children — Alexander. Oscar and Franz. During the war of
the rebellion, Mr. Grosshein enlisted in the loth Regt. N. Y. Engineer Corps, and
served until the close of the war. He is a member of tho Turnverein and A. 0. U. W.
Societies. Is a Republican.
THOMAS HA\XA, the senior member oi' the firm of Hanna, Fitzgerald &
Hughes, attorneys and counsel'irs at law; was born in Salem, Ohio, July 15, 1S20; he
was brought up and received his education in Indiana ; he studied law, and was
admitted to the bar in lS5:i. While living in Indiana, he married Miss Eliza Conner,
a native of Kentucky, Aus;. 81, 1S42. They came to Iowa and located in Muscatine
in 1S56. and he engaged in the practice of his profession; he represents this district
in the State Senate; was elected to that position in the fall of 1S77 ; he was commis-
sioned to take the vote of Iowa soldiers in the field during the war. Mr. and Mrs.
Hanna have four children — Esther, now Mrs. FitZiicrald ; Jane. Isabel and Katie.
MAKTIX HAVERCAnP. deceasedl; the subject of this sketch was a
native of Miltingen. Prussia; was born June 2, 1820; in December, 1 St 1, while in
the vigor of manhood, he arrived in this country, and commenced carving his way to
prosperity with the toiling thoitsands of the new world ; he .^settled in Cincinnati. Ohio,
and there was employed in a wholesale grocery store for fourteen years. In 1854. he
married ^liss Bernadiana Stock er; they removed to Muscatine in 185ti, and he
accepted a clerkship in Compton's leather store, which he heli until ^85^), when he
formed a partnership with John Knapp in the grocery business; in ISliS, Mr. Knapp
retired from the firm, and Mr. Havereamp carried on the business until his death, Feb.
9, 1878. In all the relations of life, Mr. Havereamp had few, if any. superiors ; he was
a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, and one whose honesty and fidelity to trusts of
any kind were unimpeachable.
I>AXIEJL HAVES, fine trotting stock, Muscatine; is a native of Washing-
ton. Conn., and is a sou of Rev. Gordon Hayes and Mary Fassett Hayes; his father
was a Congregational minister; Daniel was brought up in Connecticut, and attended
school there; when 18 years of age. he came West and entered Knox College, at
Galesburg, 111., and graduated in the class of 1808; after graduating, he was engaged in
business in Chicago for a time, but, having a taste for stock-raising, he came to Musca-
tine, and since then he has given bis attention to raising fine Jtorses — Hambletonians
and Bashaws ; he is acknowledged to be one of the best judges of the qualities and
points of a good horse, and has an enviable reputation as a hoi-seman, to such an extent
that he frequently has orders to use his own judgment in selecting fine horses for a cus-
tomer before the purchaser has seen them ; his farm is finely located, adjoining the city
limits of Muscatine. Mr. Hayes married Miss Alice C. Warfield Nov. 20, 1878 ; she
is a native of Muscatine, and a daughter of the late David R. Warfield, one of the
earliest settlers of this county ; Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have one daughter — Marv Lillian.
FRAXCIS n. HEATOX, of the firm of Brown c»t Heaton. proprietors of
the Nevada Mills, corner Third street and Iowa avenue ; was born in Clermont Co.,
Ohio, Jan. 18. 1835; his parents came to Iowa and settled in Muscatine Co. when he
was only 5 years of age; he was brought up on a farm until 15 years of age, then
learned the trade ot mechanical engineer and run an engine until the war broke out,
when he enlisted in the first call lor troops; his name was first on the muster roll in
Co. A, 1st Regt. I. V. I., under Capt. Cummings ; he was in the battle of Wilson's
Creek, where Gen. Lyon was killed. After his return, he was an engineer until 1864,
when he engaged in the milling business; the Nevada Mills have an established repu-
tation ; they manufacture mostly for the trade, and buy their main supply of best wheat
606 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
from Kansas and Missouri ; are doing a large business. Mr. Heaton married Miss
Mary J. Wood, of Clermont Co., Ohio, in "I86I. When Mr. Heaton's father first
came here, he had to go to Peoria to mill, and used to go to Chicago with an ox-ceam ;
he brought the first reaping machine here that was ever used in this county.
JACOB HESS, dealer in harness, saddles, bridles, collars, whips, etc.. Second
St. Mr. Hess was born in Germany in 1S3G; emigrated to Muscatine in
1851. He enlisted in Co. C, 35th I. V, C. ; was enrolled in 1862 ; served until peace
was restored ; was in almost every battle, siege and skirmish his command was in ; was
wounded at Vicksburg. He has been married twice; first wife was Miss Susan R.
Valet (now deceased); present wife was Miss Mary Sieber ; had three children by first
marriage, two still living — Mary and Annie ; one child by present wife — Emma. Re-
pubhcan ; members of the Catholic Church ; he is also a member of the A. 0. U. W.
CHRIS. HETZEIi, proprietor of meat market, Second st. ; was born in the
State of New York in 1855 ; removed with his parents to Iowa about 1855. He mar-
ried Miss C. G. Engels of this city (Muscatine) ; they have two children — Anna and
Edward N. Mr. H. is a Republican ; is a member of A. 0. U. W., Mechanics' Aid
Society and of the Fire Department.'
WILLI All HOFIMIAN, attorney at law, of the firm of Hoffman, Piekler
^t Brown ; was born in Prussia in 1845 ; in infancy, his parents emigrated to America,
and, in 1852, they came to Iowa and located in Louisa Co., where he grew up and
received his education at th:i common and select schools. In August, 1862, he enlisted
in Co. Gr, 19th Regiment I. V. I.; he was in all the battles of the regiment; was
.slightly wounded at Prairie Grove ; he was taken prisoner at Morganza and held ten
months, most of the time at Tyler, Texas ; after he was exchanged, he went to New
Orleans and was at the capture of Mobile. On his return from the war, he entered the
State University, and graduated iu the Collegiate Department, taking the degree of
B. P. H. in 1870; in 1871, he returned to the University and graduated in the Law
Department ; in October, 1872, he engaged in the practice of law here. He married
Miss Irene Hutchinson, of Virginia, in September, 187-1; they have three children —
Arthur, Paul, and a little boy not named.
11. \. HOWE, Principal of the First Ward School, Muscatine ; was born in
Clarion Co., Penn., March 25, 1835 ; he was brought up there and attended school,
and afterward entered Alleghany College, Meadville, Penn., where he received his col-
legiate education ; he engaged in teaching, and continued in that profession until
August, 1872, when he came to Muscatine, and since then he has held the position of
Principal of the First Ward School. He married Miss Sarah E. Brisbin, a native of
Clarion Co., Penn., July 6, 1867 ; they have six children, two sons and four daughters.
WILLI AM HUE PER, dealer in wine, beer and cigars, Iowa av., between
Second and Third sts. ; born in Germany, in 1845 ; emigrated to this country in 1866.
Married in Chicago, Miss D. F. Pabst ; came to Anamosa, Iowa, in 1871, and to this
city in 1878. Mr. Hueper is a member of the Turnverein ; acts with the Democratic
party.
J. B. HUNT, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; was born iu
Burlington, Iowa, Nov. 27, 1843 ; he was brought up and lived there until 1869, when
he removed to Louisa Co., and lived there until he came to Muscatine Co., Nov. 1,
1875, and engaged in farming and stock-raising ; he owns a fine farm of 314 acres ad-
joining the city limits of 3Iuscatine. He married Miss Anna A. Sager, of Northfield,
Des Moines Co., Iowa, Feb. 5, 1875 ; they have two children — Cora and Hattie.
ALEXANDER JACKSON, retired; is a native of Scotland, and was
born May 9, 1818; when 17 yeai-s of age, he came to America, in 1835, and went to
Albany and learned the trade of harness-maker; he came to Iowa in 1839, but did not
remain ; he came to Muscatine and settled permanently in the spring of 1843, and
began working at his trade ; he continued in the harness business for fifteen years ; since
then he has held the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Gas Company, and had
the active management of the business until within the past eighteen months; he has
held town and school offices, and is the only survivor of the original Directors of the
MUSCATINE. 607
Muscatine National Baak ; Mr. Jackson built the house where he now lives, on the
corner of Spruce and Second streets, over thirty years ago ; people then wondered why
he went so far in the country to build his house. He married Lucy Ann Daily, from
Chillicothe, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1845; they have had five children; three survive — Mary,
Lucy and Frank.
PETER JACKSON, retired; one of the oldest settlers in Muscatine, and
the senior bank officer in the city ; he is a native of Scotland, and was born April 30,
1816 ; he grew up to manhood there, and emigrated to America in 1837 ; after spend-
ing the summer in New York, he came to Muscatine, Iowa, in the summer of 1838,
bought a lot and arranged to locate here ; in March, 1839, he came here and settled
permanently, and entered the store of Adam Ogilvie, as clerk, in the winter of 1840-41 ;
he became interested with Mr. Ogilvie in the mercantile business ; they also eugaged in
packing pork, and packed the first pork in this section of the State ; in 1845, Mr. Ogil-
vie retired from the firm, and Mr. Jackson continued the business until the spring of
1856, when he retired from the- mercantile business. In the spring of 1865, he, with
several others, organized the Merchants' Exchange Bank ; in the following November,
the bank was organized under the National .system, and Mr. Jackson was elected the
first President ; he was elected Cashier, and held that position for fourteen years, until
January, 1879, when he retired from the active management of the bank. He is Sec-
retary of the Old Settlers' Association. Mr. Jackstm married Miss (J. Sinclair, a native
of Canada, in 1857 ; they have three children — Douglas V., Charles P. and Anna M.
Mr. Jackson has one son, George B., by a former wife.
R. C. JEWETT, Sheriff of Muscatine Co. ; was born in the city of Buffalo.
N. Y., Feb. 27, 1834; while very young, his parents removed to Portsmouth, Ohio,
where both died in 1849 ; he came to Iowa in 1850, to Muscatine, when 16 years of
age ;. he learned the cooper's trade ; after following the business for a time, he engaged
in farming and continued from 1856 to 1876. He was elected Sheriff of the county in
the fall of 1875, and was re-elected in the fall of 1877 ; he has also held town and
school offices. He married Miss Sarah H. Parry, of Delaware, May 5, 1859 ; they
have four children — Ida. Viola, Adah and Milford.
RERNHARD KEMPER, farmer and gardener. South Muscatine; was born
in Prussia in 1830; emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848; thence to Muscatine in
1854. He married in this city Miss Elizabeth Loreaux, a native of Jefferson Co., Ohio,
born in 1837 ; they were married April 29, 1856 ; their children are Clara A., George
H., Edward B., William, Frederick, Benjamin F., Audley, John, Frank, Oliver, Clinton,
Cora Ella, Daisy May. Mr. Kemper owns a valuable property in South Muscatine ;
his garden is one of the finest in the vicinity of Muscatine.
I. A. KERR, carpenter and builder, corner Second and Mulberry streets ; was
born in Venango Co., Penn., March 29, 1840; he was brought up there and began
learning the trade of carpenter and joiner ; after completing his trade, he worked in
different places until coming to Muscatine in 1875 ; since then, he has been engaged in
building here. He married Miss Barbara Montreal, of this city, Oct. 11, 1877.
C. F. KESSIjER, dealer in groceries and produce, corner of Fifth and Mul-
berry streets ; Mr. Kcssler was born in the Province of Westphalia, Prussia, in 1833 ;
emigrated to Philadelphia, Penn., in 1850 ; thence to Washington, D. C, in 1851. In
1853. he came to Muscatine; in 1858, engaged in his present business. He married
Miss A. N. Gehring in this city in 1854; they have two children — Daniel and Frank
P. In 1865, Mr. Kessler was elected a member of the City Council and held the office
two years ; was Township Clerk two years. He belongs to the Masonic Order ; is a
Democrat. As a business man and financier, Mr. Kessler is eminently successful ; he
has acquired a good name- in the community and is a public spirited citizen, active in all
progress, and esteemed as a business man, citizen and neighbor.
COI.. OEORfi^E W. KINCAID, deceased. The subject of this brief
sketch was born in West Union, Adams Co., Ohio, April 24, 1812 ; at an early age, was
apprenticed to learn the trade of tanner, and thus, from the very beginning, was thrown
on his own resources. He married in Ohio Miss Lovisa Steinbergen ; they removed to
S
60S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Muscatine Co.. in 1S36, thus becoming pioneer settlers of Iowa, though it is not as a
pioneer Col. Kincaid was most distinsuLshed and deserved most honor, but as a patriot.
and at the breakinir-out of the war of the rebellion, he was fired with sentiment which
Walter Scott must have felt when he wrote those beautiful words :
'• Breaches there a man with soul so Jead.
Who never to himself hath said
This is my own my native land ?
If such there breathes, go mark him well.
For him no minstrel raptures swell ;
High though his titles, proud his name.
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim,
Despite those titles, power and pelf.
The wretch concentered all in self.
Living, shall forfeit fair renown.
And doubly dying shall go down
To the vile dust from which he sprung,
I'awept. unhonore'l and unsung."'
At the beginning of the war of the rebellion, though past the legal age for military duty.
Col. Kincaids spirit could not be idle, and he spoke on every occasion with fervor and
devotion of the Union. In 1S(52. he organized the 37 th Regt. I. Y. I. (generally known
as the Gray- Beards* of which regiment he was made Colonel, and served in that capacity
until muster-out of the regiment at the expiration of three years" service. Though Col.
Kincaid was never an aspirant for ofl5ce, he exhibited a deep interest in politics; he was
originally a Whig, but became a Republican at the organization of that party, and
remained a firm supporter of the same until his death, Oct. 19. 1876. He was a con-
sistent member of the M. E. Churuh.
WILLilAM K.L\CAJID, proprietor of meat market on Mulberry street.
Muscatine ; Mr. Kincaid was born in this county in 1846. He married MLis Agnes
Gordon, of Muscatine Co.. in 1S72 ; they have one child — Eliza G. Mr. Kincaid and
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church ; politically, he acts with the Republican
party. Mr. Kineaids father, George W. Kincaid, was a native of Adams Co., Ohio :
he married Miss Lovisa Steinbergen. a native of the same State : they removed to this
ci.unty in 1S39 ; he organized and was made Colonel of the 37th I. Y. I. (Gray-
Beards) in 1862 ; he was mustered out at Davenport, at the expiration of three years'
service. He die<i in 1S76. She is a resident of this county.
A. S. KXOWIjES, manufacturer of carriages, buggies, spring and farm
wagons ; factory on Iowa avenue. Mr. Knowles was bom in New Haven, Conn., in lS4-t;
in 1855. he removed to this county with his parents. During the war, he enlisted in
Co. B, 35th I. Y. I.; was enrolled in August, 1862 ; served until August. 1865. when
he was honorably discharged ; participated in every battle, siege and skirmbh that his
command was in ; was severely wounded at Spanish Fort. The war being over, he
returned to this city, and. in 1868, married Miss Matilda Groshell. of this city ; she was
born in Massachusetts ; they have two children — Mollie and Harry. Mr. Knowles b a
stanch and earnest Republican. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Bap-
tist Church, in which Church he has been Treasurer two years. In his carriage factory.
Mr. Knowles employs skilled mechanics, and his work cannot be excelled in durability
and finish.
CiiEORGE KOEliL£K. of the firm of Koehler Brothers, confectioners
and bakers, corner of Chestnut and Second streets, Muscatine. Iowa; was b<.fm in
Germany in 1848 ; in 1849, his parents emigrated to Museatine. He married Miss
Carrie Bickey, of this city. He b a Democrat. Member of A. O. U. W. Koehler
Brothers keep a Iar.rc stock of confectionery, tobaccos and cigars.
JOH\ K.OEI1LER, ct' the firm of Koehler Brothers, confectioners, bakers
and dealers in candies, toys, fruit, nuts, ciirars and tobaccos, comer Chestnut and Second
streets ; John Koehler was born in Germany in 18-AS ; in 1849, hb parents emigrated
to thb country. He married Miss Mary Buner. of thb city ; they have four children
— Charlie, William, Stella and Frederick. Mr. K. served in Co. B, 44th I. Y. I., and
was honorably dbcharged at the expiration of his term of enhstme'nt. He b a
MUSCATINE. 609
Democrat. Member of the I. 0. 0. F. aud also a member of the Champioo Hose
Company.
«f. T. KKKHE, druggist and dealer in paints, oils, toilet articles and pei
t'umery, -33 Sevo ud screet ; was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 28, 1828, whert> he was
brought up and learned the drug business; he emigrate<l to this wuutry in 1849 and
lived in Cincinnati; came to Iowa in 1854 and settled in Muscatine and began clerking
iu Dougherty's drug store; in April, 18t>7. he bought out Mr. Sptvr and engaged in
rhe drug business for himself and is doing a good business. He married Barbara
Schneider, from Germany, iu 1861 ; they attend the German Protestant Church.
W. C. liVliP, dental surgeon. Hare's Block, 8econd street, opp*.>site post
office; is a native of Summit Co.. Ohio, and was born Jan. 5, 1841 ; he was brought
up and received his education there ; he came to Iowa and located in Muscatine and
studied dentistry with his brother, who came here in 18">l^ ; he ailerward associated
with his brother in the practice of his profession and has continut\l since then ; he is
a member of the Board of Education. Dr. Kulp married Miss Ad,Hline R. Stuver, a
native of Summit Co., Ohio, Oct. 22, 1867 ; they have three children — Nellie, Bertha
and ^laggie.
I1KKMA.X J. I^ AUOKR, attorney at law ; is a native of Montgomery Co.,
N. Y. ; was born May 3, 184i>; when i;> years of age, his pai'ents removed to Michigan,
and, the following year, to Galesbui^, III., where they lived one year; then came to
Iowa and settled in Henry Co. ; he entered the University at Mt. Pleasant and remained
there six years, but graduated at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa ; he entered the Law
Department of the State University and graduattxi in 1873 ; since then he has practiced
his profession here. He holds the office of City Alderman ; is a member of the militjiry
and fire companies. He married Miss Laura M. Cleaver, a native of Iowa, Oct. 13,
1874 ; she is a daughter of Dr. Cleaver, of Keokuk; they have two children — Frank
and Albert.
REV. P. liAlRFiXT, Pastor of St. Matthias Church; was born iu France
in 1828; ordained in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1851 ; came to Muscatine the same year, and
hjis had pastoral charge of St. Matthias Church since.
R. \\, liEVliRlCH, Superintendent of Schools of Muscatine Co.; was born
in Muscatine Co. May 1, 1838; his parents were among the earliest settlers of this
county, coming here in 1836; he attended school here and entered Cornell Colleg"e at
Mt. Vernon, where he completed his education and engaged in teaching ; he has had a
long experience as a teacher, having taught over twenty years ; he was elected Superin-
tendent of Schools of Muscatine Co. in the fall of 1875, and was again elected to the
same office. He married Miss O. C. Garlock, a native of New York, Dec. 29, 1869 ;
they have had four children, of whom only one, daughter, Maude, survives.
OR. H. L<IXI^\FiR, physician and surgeon; was born in Breslau, Germany,
March 5. 1827 ; he received his education there. In 1841, he volunteered to drive
the Jews out of the city; in 1846. he took charge of a regiment of Poles to fight
against the Prussian Government for liberty; on the 16th of 3Iarch, 1848, when the
new call for liberty came, he went to Berlin and brought powder, ball and arms to the
Liberty party ; he was afterward sent to Baden to fight against the Liberty
party; he received from King Frederick William IV three medals for bravery;
after the war was over, he remained in the military service four and a half years. In
1853, he came to the United States and lived in the city of New York and also at
Newburg, N. Y., where he lost everything by fire. In 1854, he married Miss Johanna
Pfannsbecker, a native of Germany ; they removed to Illinois, and remained there
some years ; again removed to Iowa and lived in Marshalltown for twelve years ; came
to Muscatine in 1874, and since then has practiced his profession here; they have one
adopted daughter.
1>R. F*. H. lilTTliE, physician and surgeon ; is a native of Muscatine,
and was born Dec. 3, 185,'); he was brought up and received his education here; in
March, 1876, he commenced reading medicine under Dr. Robertson, and graduated in
he medical department of the State University in March, 1879 ; was valedictorian of
610 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
his class. After graduating, he located here and commenced the practice of medicine.
He is Sooretary and Treasurer of the Muscatine County Medical Society.
RI€HAR1> LORD, apiarian; was born in E;ist Haddam, Middlesex C) ,
Conn., Jan. 10, 180S ; he was brought up and lived there until 20 yeai-s of age; then
went to Pennsylvania, and lived there and in Ohio until coming to Iowa ; he and Super-
visor came together, and arrived in this county in July, ISoT, and were among the
earliest settlers; he settled in Cedar Tp., and made a claim and engaged in farming.
Mr. Lord wrote the Claim Laws for Cedar Tp., and also was the bidder for the land in
that town.ship at the land sides. Mr. Lord enj:aged in farming and continued for many
years; then removed to Muscatine, where he has lived since; he has given muL-h atten-
tion to bee-raising, and is one of the largest bee-keepers m the State. When Mr. Lord
began life, he had nothing, and to his own industry and good management he owes his
success in life. He married Miss Jane Smalley, from Ohio, in 1839 ; she died in
185S, leaving six children — three sons, Byron, Richard and Herman, and three
daughters, Catharine v,uow Mrs. W. D. Cone), Emma (now teaching in the high
school), and Manza M. (book-keeper in business house).
R. H. McCAMPBELL., County Auditor ; was born in Shelby Co.. Ky.,
March IS, 1828; ho was brought up in Indiana, where he married Miss Elvina Allen,
in June, ISoS ; she is a native of Shelby Co., Ky., but was brought up in Indiana ;
they came to Iowa in 1856 and settled in Muscatine Co.; he engaged in farming until
the breaking-out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the 85th Regiment Iowa Inf.
Co. B ; he remained in the service over two years, and was discharged, on account of
physical disability. He was elected County Superintendent of Schools, and held the
office for three years ; was elected Auditor of Muscatine Co. in the tall of 1868, and
has been re-elected every two years since, and has held the office for ten years, and has
discharged the duties of the office faithfully and well. Mr. and Mrs. McCampbell have
four children — Charles, William, Ella and John.
A. (jr. M-CCOIiH, of the firm of J. McColm^ Sous, dealers in foreign and
domestic dry goods and carpets, 182 and 184 Second street; is a native of Ohio, and
was born in 1848 ; when 14 years of age, he came, with his parents, to Muscatine, and
when IG years of age, he entered his fathers store, ani since then he has been con-
nected with the business. He married Miss EUoura Cowles, of Iowa, in 1869; they
have three children — .\nna May. EUoura and Lillian.
J. L. llt'COIiM, of the firm of J. McColm & Sons, dealers in foreign and
domestiu' dry goods and carpets. 182 and 184 Second street, Tremont Hall Building;
is a native of Indiana and was born in 1843; he was brouiiht up in Ohio; when the
war broke out, he enlisted in Co. A, 30th Regiment Ohio Inf , and was in a number of
battles ; he was in the service three years ; after his return, in 1864, he came to Iowa
and located in Muscatine; since then, he has been engaged in the mercantile business,
and has built up a large and extensive trade. He married Miss Sarah Pollock, a native
of this countv, thev have two children — Charlie and Eddie.
G-EORiwK i>. MAGOOX, contractor and builder ; residence Fifth street.
Mr. Magoon was born in Ware, Mass., in 1825 ; in 1827. his parents removed to Ohio;
thence to Warsaw. 111., in 1837, where they remained until 1840. in whiih year they
came to Muscatine Co. George D.'s early life was spent in receiving an education and
in learning the carpenters trade. In September, 1861, he married Miss Joanna,
daughter of Col. G. W. Kincaid and Louisa Ivincaid, nee Steinbergen. On the 11th of
September, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, Uth Regt. I. V. I.; was commissioned First
Lieutenant, served three years ; was honorably discharged ; his command was in the
battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta campaign, battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864.
Mr. Magoon and wife arc members of the Presbyterian Church. They have one child —
Edward. Mr. Magoon acts with the Republican party ; he is a member of the Masonic
and I. 0. O. F. fraternities.
PETER ]HAHER, architeer and builder, corner Pine and Third streets ;
is a native of Queens Co., Ireland, and was born March 16, 1836; when 14 years of
age, he came to this country ; he lived in Trenton, N. J., where he learned the trade
MUSCATINE. 611
of carpenter and builder; in April, 1857, ho came to Towa ; was in Cedar Rapids a
short time; in November, 1857., he came to Muscatine, and since then has hved here.
He has been enijaged in contracting and buiUHtii:; for many years, and lias erected some
of the best buildings in the city. He married Miss Louisa S. Heaton, a native of Indi-
ana, May 1. 18()1 ; they have eight children, five sons and three daughters.
FRANK W. MAHliV, attorney at law; is a native of the city of Mus-
catine, and was born Nov. G, 1851 ; he was brought up here, and entered the printing
office of his brother, Hon. John Mahin, and learned the printing business ; then entered
the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mt. Pleasant, and remained there two years ; after being
in the post office, at Muscatine, for three years, he studied law ; he entered the Harvard
Law School, and remained there one year, and afterward entered the Columbia School ;
remained there two years, and graduated from that institution in 1878 ; since then, he has
practiced his profession here. He is connected with the Library and other societies here.
HtlN. JOHN MAHIN was born in Noblesville, Ind., on the 8th of Decem-
ber, 1833, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Mahin. John was placed in a print-
ing office at an early age. From his earliest childhood, he was possessed by a strong
desire to learn the art of printing. Moving to Bloomington, now Muscatine, Iowa, in
1847, he found an opening in the Ilei-itid office since, changed to the Journal,
where, for five years, he was a diligent and industrious journeyman, pursuing the study
of books and men as circumstances permitted. In his lOth year (July, 185li), he com-
menced ])ublishing and editing the Muscatine Journal on liis own account ; this he
continued for two years, with very satisfactory pecuniary results, having succeeded where
others failed, when he sold his interest, intending to pursue a classical course of study,
with which end in view he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, in that
State, but was obliged to abandon this cherished scheme after a few months, on account of a
serious attack of illness, which, for a time, threatened his life. In 185G, here-purchased
his interest in the Muscatine Journal, and resumed editorial control of the })aper, which
he has since retained ; in April, 18G1, he was ap})ointed Postmaster of Muscatine by Pres-
ident Lincoln, and retained the position for eight years ; in October, 18GS), he was elected
to the House of Representatives of Iowa for a period of two years, and served with
distinction ; in June, 1873, he was re-appointed Postmaster, and held that office until 1878.
During the war, he was one of the most vigorous defenders of the Administration ; he
threw his whole power into the Union cause, and was instrumental in raising a large
number of volunteers ; he was Secretary and actual manager of the Soldiers' Monu-
ment Association of Muscatine Co., which erected the beautiful shaft to the memory
of the heroes who fell in the cause of Union and freedom upon Southern battle-fields,
and which now ornaments the Court House Square of IMuscatine ; he was also active
and mainly instrumental in organizing the Muscatine Building and Loan Association, of
which he continues to be a Director, an organization which is accomplishing' untold good
in providing homes for the mechanics and labnring men of the city; he is also President
of the Iowa Press Association, an organization which has existed for several years ; he
has also been a member and promoter of the several temperance organizations of the
city and county, and is among the foi-emost in every good work, whether charitable,
benevolent or reformatory, undertaken in his neighborhood ; he has been a Methodist
since his 18th year; one of the most active and prominent members of the Church.
Politically, he was raised in the communion of tiie old Whig party, and since the
organization of the Republican party, he has been one of its most devoted adherents.
Mr. Mahin has been twice married ; first, on the 17th of May, 185'.), at Muscatine, to
Miss Anna Ilerr, who died on (he 12th of March, 18G2, childless ; second, on the 20th
of September, 18G4, to Miss Anna Lee, of Johnson Co., Iowa, wIio still lives, and is
the mother of four children, the; eldest of whom — Ella Cassel. died in 1870 ; and three
.■survive — J. Lee, Mabel and Florence.
HE^NKY HARTIN, cooper, East Ninth st. ; was born in Hanover, Germany,
May 21, 1832 ; he was brought up there, and learned the cooper's trade ; he emigrated
to America in 1854 ; he came to Iowa and settled in Muscatine in September, 1855;
he commenced working at his trade, and has continued ever since for twenty-four years.
612 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
and longer than any cooper here. He married Miss Amelia Hillis, from Hanover, Grer-
many, Sept. 6, 1859 ; they have seven children — Charlotte, Fred, Henry, Caroline,
John, Theodore and William.
U. F. jUAKTIX, proprietor of restaurant and confectionery, west side of
Second st., near the bridge. Mr. M. was born in Lockport, N. Y., in 1852 ; when 9
years of age, removed with parents to McG-regor, Iowa; at the age of 15, he went to
Cleveland, Ohio, and served an apprenticeship of three years in the confectionery bu.si-
ness, at the end of which time, he returned West. He married Miss Agnes Stoughten
of Wapello, LouLsa Co., Iowa ; they have one child — Mabel C. Members of the Epis-
copal Church ; Mr. M. is a Democrat.
JAMES K. MARTIBJ ; was bom in Clermont Co., Ohio, May 25, 1839 ;
when 14 years of age, he went on the river and served as engineer on the Mississippi
River most of the time for fifteen years ; he came to Muscatine in 1856, and was
engineer for Chambers Bros, for eight years ; he afterward engaged in the milling busi-
ness, and has continued it sinqe then. He is connected with several different orders,
and has held offices in them. He married Miss Maria Hern, of this city, in December,
1863 ; they have three children — Harry B., Mary P. and Lydia V.
OEORGrE ME ASOX, Justice of the Peace ; was born in Fayette Co., Penn.,
in 1806 ; he grew up to matiho)d there, and married Miss Mary Ewing, of Fayette Co.,
Penn. ; in 1832, while living in that State, he was chosen by the people to offices of
trust and distinction ; he was elected Treasurer of Fayette Co., and was also elected
Sheriff of the county ; was Commissioner, and held the office of Associate Judge ; he
came to Iowa in 1852, and located in Muscatine, and has lived here since then, except
six years he spent in Kansas ; he was elected County Judge in 1855, and held that
office two years ; he was Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue ; afterward was
appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue ; he has held the office of Mayor of this city
for eight consecutive years ; he was elected Justice of the Peace in October, 1876.
Mr. and Mrs. .Meason hive six daughters and one son living.
E. E. MIfjIiER, proprietor of restaurant ; confectioner and dealer in choice
candies, fruits, nuts, cigars and tobaccos. Mr. M. was born in Boston, Mass., June 9,
1855. In September, 1878, married Miss Anna B. Recce, of this city. Mr. Miller
has a good record as a pedestrian, and at present is the champion walkist of Iowa ;
he is an enterprising citizen, courteous to all, and since his coming to Muscatine has
made many warm friends.
• WILLIAM P. MOLfS, Superintendent and Engineer of the Muscatine
Water-works; was born in Muscatine April 7,1854; he was brought up here and
attended school, and afterward learned the business of mechanical engineer at Clinton
and in St. Louis ; he assisted in building the water-works at Clinton and Davenport ;
he was appointed to his present position in September, 1876, and since then has filled
the office with ability and satisfaction.
ijr. O. MORCirRIDGrE, physician and surgeon, Muscatine ; is a native of
Marion Co., Ohio, and was born .Jan. 26, 1840 ; lived there until 16 years of age, then
removed to Bloomington, Ind., where he attended the University one year ; then came
to Iowa, settled in Cedar Co., and lived there until the war broke out. He enlisted in
the fall of 1861, in the 11th Regt. I. V. I., Co. H; was in the battles of Shiloh,
Corinth and the siege of Vicksburg ; after the fall of Atlanta, he was commissioned
Captain of Co. H, and commanded the company until the close of the war ; he was
wounded at the battle of Shiloh and at the fight of Nicojack Creek, and at the battle of
Atlanta, July 22, 1864; he was with Sherman in his march to the sea, and was in the
last battle of the war; marched to Washington, took part in the grand review, and was
mustered out at Davenport. After the war, he returned, entered the State University
and remained two years, then studied medicine in Keokuk under Dr. J. C. Hughes, and
graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1870 ; he afterward attended the
full cour.-e of instruction at Bellevue, New York ; he practiced medicineat West Liberty
until July, 1878, and since then he has practiced here. He married Miss Ruth A.
Casebeer, a native of Iowa, in 1867 ; they have two children — Henry W. and Myrta E.
MUSCATINE. 613
AXJCjtUST MOZEiR, proprietor of Railroad House, Front street ; is a native
of France; was born in 1837; emigrated to New York in 1866, removed thence to
Ashtabula Co., Ohio, remained until 1867, when he came to Muscatine. In 1869, he
married Miss Zeraphine Ferry, in this city ; she was also a native of France ; they have
four children — August, Paul, Albert and Martha. Mr. Mozer acts with the Demo-
cratic party; members of the Catholic Church. He has been engaged in business in
Muscatine since 1876.
M. IIURPHY, of the firm of Byrne & Murphy, dealers in groceries, provis-
ions, produce, flour, feed, confectionery, fruits, etc., Muscatine, Iowa ; Mr. Murphy was
born in Tipperary County, Ireland, in 1830 ; emigrated to this country in 18-17. He
married Miss Elizabeth ColFey, of Muscatine ; they have eleven children. Mr.
Murphy and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. Politically, Mr. M. is a
Democrat. Was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward four years ; has also filled the
olEce of Street Commissioner ; in both offices he performed his duties in an able and
efiicient manner.
P. M. IIUSSER, of the firm of Musser & Co., manufacturers of lumber,
Musserville, Muscatine, and also of the firm of Cook, Musser & Co., bankers ; is a
native of Lancaster Co., Penn., and was born April 3, 18-H ; he was brought up and
received his education in that State ; after reaching manhood, he came to Iowa in 1862
and located in Muscatine and engaged in the lumber business ; the following year, in
1863, he removed to Iowa City and engaged in the lumber business, the firm being R.
Musser & Co., which was afterward changed to P. M. Musser & Co.; he retained his
interest in the business of the firm of R. Musser & Co. here while living in Iowa City ;
in the spring of 1873, Mr. Musser returned to Muscatine, and, since then, has been
actively identified with the management of the extensive milling and lumber business
of Musser & Co.; in March, 1877, he associated with S. B. Cook and H. Funck and
engaged in banking, the firm being Cook, Musser & Co. In December, 1855, Mr.
Musser was united in marriage to Miss Julia E. Hutchinson, daughter of Robert
Hutchinson, Esq., of Iowa City; they have two children — one son and one- daughter —
Robert Clifton and Helen Jeff; they have lost one daughter — Laura.
RICHARD MUSSER, senior partner of the firm of Musser & Co., man-
ufacturers of lumber, Musserville, Muscatine ; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., and
was born Nov. 15, 1819, and he was brought up there; after reaching manhood, he
removed to Schuylkill Co. and lived there until 1854, when he came to Iowa and located
in Muscatine the following spring ; in 1855, he engaged in the lumber business, and has
been engaged in it nearly a quarter of a century, building up a large and extensive trade ;
their mills are among the largest and most complete on the river, having a capacity dur-
ing a full season of making from eighteen to twenty million feet of lumber, employing
over one hundred men and boys. Mr. Musser was twice elected Mayor of the city of
Muscatine, and has also held the offices of Alderman and County Supervisor, and is
actively identified with the interests of the city and county. He married Miss Sarah
Berger, a native of Schuylkill Co., Penn., in 1855 ; they have had nine children, onl^
five of whom survive.
B. XEIDIGr, of the firm of B. Neidig & Son, proprietors of meat market and
ice-dealers, Muscatine, Iowa ; Mr. Neidig is a native of Pennsylvania ; he came to
Muscatine in 1847. Has been twice married; first wife was Miss Catharine Snavely ;
present wife was Miss Mary M. Smith. Mr. Neidig, in early life, acted with the Whig
party ; on its decline, became a Republican, and has remained a firm supporter of its
principles. He is essentially a self-made man, and an honored member of society ; he
has been established in business in the city of Muscatine over thirty years, and during
that time has enjoyed the confidence and respect of all.
M. O. NEIDIG, of the firm of B. Neidig & Son, ice dealers, also proprietors^
of meat market, on Second street ; Mr. Neidig was born in Frederick Co., Md., in 1833 ;
in 1849, removed to this city with his parents. He married Miss Elizabeth H. Ryer-
son, of this city ; she was born in New Jersey, and came to this county with her parents
in 1855 or 1856; they have four children — Frank A., Haddessah, Alice and Ralph.
61 4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
In politics, Mr. Neidig is Republican ; in religion, himself and wife are Presbyterian.
He is a member of the A. 0. U. W. ; he was elected a member of the Muscatine
Council two years; is a mao of excellent character, a valuable citizen and an energetic
business man.
•fOHX NESTKR, proprietor of blacksmith shop on Mulberry street, Musca-
tine; a native of Germany, born in 1828; emigrated to Indiana in 1844; remained
until 1854, then came to this city. He married in Toledo, Ohio, Miss A. Bangea ;
they have live children — John T.. Andrew, Mary Theresa, Joseph and May Agnes.
Mr. Nester is a Democrat; members of the Catholic Church. Mr. N. is always pre-
paied to do first-class horse-shoeing and repairing of all kinds; in fact, anything requir-
ing mechanical skill and practical workmanship.
in, J. NYEXHUIS, proprietor of brick yard on Lucas Grove road, South
Muscatine; Mr. Nyenhuis was born in Holland, in 18U0; emigrated to Baltimore, Md.,
in 1848; came to Muscatine in 1853. He married, in Holland, Miss Anna E. K.
Boyenk ; they have eight children — Mary, now Mrs. A. Hine; Hattie, now the wife of
M. Bodeman; Dennie, Senni, Annie, Vandal B., Hiram and James. Mr. Nyenhuis
and wife are members of the Baptist Church; he is a Democrat; he has been engaged
in the manufacture of brick fourteen years, and does an extensive business.
J. S. PATTEN", of the firm of S. S. Patten & Co., wholesale and retail dealers
in lumber; is a native of Columbus, Ohio; born Jan. 25, 1826 ; he lived there until
24 years of age, when he came to Iowa and located in Muscatine; arrived here April
1, 1850; he engaged in manuflicturing sash, doors and blinds for six years, then went
in the marble business for three years, and since then he has been engaged in the lum-
ber business; he has held the office of City Councilman, has been a member of the
Scboul Board for many years. He married Miss Sarah A. Neidig, a native of Harris-
buig, Penn., May 5, 1858; they have three children — May V., Ellsworth C. and
Milton H.
J. P. PHELjPS, artistic photographer, Second street, over Post Office ; Mr. P.
was born in this city, in 1848. In 1872, he married Miss Louisa Waller, of Natchez,
Miss.; they have two children — Florence P. and Effie L.; Mr. P. acts with the Demo-
cratic party; he has been engaged in his present business since 1862.
MA j. J. A. PI€KLER, attorney at law, of the firm of Hofifman, Pickler
& Brown, was born in Washington Co., Ind., Jan. 24, 1844; when 9 years of age, his
parents came to Iowa and located in Davis Co., where he was brought up ; after the
breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted in 1862, as private in Co. D, 3d Regiment I.
C; he was promoted through all the non-commissions to Second Lieutenant, then to
First Lieutenant, and afterward commissioned Captain of Co. D; he was in a number
uf battles ; was commissioned Major of the 138th Regiment U. S. C. T.; after his
return from the service, he entered tlie State University and went through the collegiate
course ; then studied law, att;ended the law school in Chicago, and afterward entered
the Law Department of the Michigan University, and graduated at that institution in
1872; he practiced law in Missouri for two years, and held the office of Prosecuting
Attorney of Adair Co.; in 1875, he came to Muscatine and associated with Mr. Hoff-
man, and since has practiced his profession here. He married xAliss Alice M. Alt, of
John.son Co., Iowa, in 1870; they have two children — Lulu A. and Madge E.
B. PRIESTER, proprietor of general repair and horse-shoeing shop, South
Muscatine; Mr. Priester is a native of Holland; was born in 1836; emigrated to
Buffalo, N. Y., in 1869 ; came to Muscatine in 1870. In 1875, married Miss Minnie
Mager ; she was also a native of Holland ; have five children — Josephine, George,
John, Nicholas and Katie. Mr. Priester and wife are members of the Protestant
Church ; he is a Republican in politics. He is fair-dealing and straightforward in all
his transactions, and all who favor him with their patronage will be satisfied.
J. A. REULIN^O, dealer in all kinds ot family groceries. Second street; Mr,
R. is a native of Germany, born in 1824; emigrated to Burlington, Iowa, in 1838;
came to Muscatine in 1848. Mr. R. has been twice married; his first wif; was Miss
W. Schneir; his present wife was Louisa Schneir; their children are — Annie, James,
MUSCATINE. 615
Risley, George W., Louisa, John A., Nellie, Ella and Walter. Members of the
Lutheran Church ; a member of the I. O. 0. F. and the Knights of Honor ; in the latter
society he is one of the Trustees; has ever acted with the Democratic party.
DE WITT C. RICHMAN, Judge of the Circuit Court of Scott and
Muscatine Counties; is a native of Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, and was born S^pt. 1,
1826, and is the seventh child of Evert and Mary Scott Richman, natives of Pennsyl-
sylviinia ; he was named after Gov. De Witt Clinton, an intimate friend of his father ;
his father was a Methodist minister and died when De Witt was only 3 years of age,
leaving the care of a family of seven children upon his mother ; her watchful care of
her children was unceasing, and her widowed life was apparently planned and lived for
the great purpose of so rearing her children that they might be prepared for honorable
and useful lives; De Witt C. was educated in the public schools of Bucks Co., Penn.,
to which place his mother removed soon after his father's death ; he was very fond of
books, particularly of history; from the age of 12 to 16 years, he worked on a
farm in Bucks Co., except a short time in a store in Philadelphia ; he also served one
year as clerk in a store in Trenton, N. J.; at the ageof 18, became to Muscatine and entered
the grocery store of his brother. John W. Richman, and remained two years, and
returned to Trenton, N. J., and resumed his clerkship and remained there until 1853,
when he returned to Muscatine to pursue the study of law in the office of his brother,
J. Scott Richman, and was admitted to the bar the following year ; he was subsequently
admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Iowa, and, in March, 1869, was admitted
to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States ; in 1855, he became a partner
of his brother, J. Scott Richman, which continued until December, 1863, when the
latter accepted a seat on the Bench of the District Court, whereupon our subject formed
a copartnership with Mr. J. Carskaddan, which continued until June 1, 1878, when he
was appointed by the Governor Judge of the Circuit Court of Scott and Muscatine
Counties, and to which position he was subsequently elected and still holds with honor
to himself and his constituents ; though naturally averse to litigation, it has been his
lot to be engaged in some of the most important and hotly contested suits arising in
his district, among which may be mentioned the special railroad tax cases growing out
of the special tax voted in aid of the Muscatine Western Railroad in 1871, the collection
of which was strongly resisted by many taxpayers; the State vs. Mori, for the murder of
Dr. C. Hershe in 186-4 ; the State vs. Prosser, for the murder of Silas Ferry ; Cole vs.
Cole, a leading divorce suit; Arzt vs. Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, an action
for personal injuries ; Musser vs. Hershey and Brewster vs. Hershey, concerning
riparian rights, in the District and Circuit Courts of the State ; Finlay vs. Brewster
and cases of bonds of the City of Muscatine issued to the Mississippi & Missouri Rail-
road Co., in the United States Circuit and Supreme Courts. In politics our subject was
raised a Whig, and, on the expiration of that party, he united with the Republican, to
which he still adheres, though he has never sought office ; during the war, he was
among the stanchest supporters of the Government. While living in Trenton, N. J.,
Judge Richman made the acquaintance of Miss Mary Berdine, and they were married
in Brooklyn, N. Y., on the 1st of September, 1855 ; she is a daughter of Jacob C. and
Matilda Berdiue, both natives of New Jersey and still living in Davenport, Iowa ; they
are of Revolutionary ancestry ; they have had two children born to them — the eldest,
Scott Clinton, born in 1856, lived but two weeks ; the other, Irving Berdine, born on
the 17th of October, 1861, is quite a student, developing a taste for the profession of
his father. Judge Richman and his wife are both consistent members of the Congre-
gational Church ; he is very active as a Sabbath-school worker and was for five years
President of the Sabbath-School Association of the county, and was also President of
the Young Men's Christian Association and is actively identified with the best interests
of the city and county in which he lives.
REV. AI^DEN B. ROBBINI>$, Pastor of the First Congregational Church,
Muscatine ; the subject of this sketch is a native of Salem, Essex Co., Mass., and was
born Feb. 18, 1817 ; when 12 years of age, his parents removed to the city of New
York, where he remained for several years ; after attending school in various places, he
616 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
returned to Salem to prepare for college under Col. Henrj C. Oliver, a prominent man
and distinguished as a teacher ; he completed his preparatory studies and entered
Amherst College and graduated in 1839 in the same class with Rev. K. S. Storrs and
Bishop Huntington, of the city of New York ; after graduating, he was a tutor in
Hopkins Academy, at Hadley, Ma.ss. ; then entered the Theological Seminary at
Andover, where he spent two years, and, afterward, spent one year in Union Theologi(;al
Seminary in the city of New York ; he came to Iowa in 1843 with a band of twelve
young men, arriving here in November of that year, and, since that time, he has served
as Pastor of the First Congregational Church of this city over thirty-five years, it being
the longest continuous pastorate in the State ; he received the degree of D. D. from
his Alma Mater ; he has held the position of Trustee of Iowa College for twenty-five
years and is a Director of the Chicago Theological Seminary ; he was chosen Chairman
of the Triennial Convention of this denomination, recently held in Chicago. In 1843,
he married Miss Eliza C. Hough : she was a niece of Prof Hough, of Middlebury Col-
lege, Vt.; she died in 1850, leaving three children — Dana H., Horace H. and Anna
M.; in September, 1851, Dr. Robbins married Mary S. Arnold, of Bath, Me.; they
have two children — Esther B., a member of the ladies' course in Iowa College, and
John, at home.
WILLIAM STEPHEIVSON ROBERTIl!»0!V, M. D., Professor of
theory and practice of medicine and clinical medicine in Iowa State University ; was
born at Georgetown, Lancaster Co., Penn., June 5, 1831 ; son of James M. Robertson
and Maria, nee Armstrong, the former of Scotch and the latter of English ancestry ;
his juvenile education was obtained in the common schools of the country, and his more
advanced studies were pursued in the preparatory department and Freshman Class of
Knox College, Illinois ; being an ardent student, he applied himself to his studies with
such diligence as seriously to affect his health, so that in the third term of his Freshman
jear, he was obliged to discontinue his studies and spend a year at home in recuperation,
after which, he returned to college; but six months incessant mental application brouizht
him down again, and he was compelled to return to his home a second time; this termi-
nated his college course. In 1852, having recovered his health, he entered the ofiice
of his father as a medical student; in the autumn of 1854, he attended his first
course of lectures in Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia; the ensuing summer
was spent in his father's ofiice in assisting him in his practice. In September, 1855,
he returned to Jefferson College and graduated from that institution on the 8th of
March, 1856 ; in the same year, he located at Columbus City, Iowa, his old home, where
he entered upon his career as a physician ; his studies had led him to cultivate a fond-
ness for surgery, and while attending to the duties of a general business with fidelity,
he was especially careful to treat all the surgical cases that came legitimately within the
scope of his practice. His senior professional friends, seeing his inclination in this
direction, sent him many interesting and important cases ; he remained at Columbus
City for a period of twelve years, enjoying a large general and surgical practice ; he
spent the winter of 1868-69 in the hospitals of New York City, under the special
direction of Prof Frank H. Hamilton, M. D. ; in the spring of 1869, he sold his
property at Columbus City and moved to Muscatine, Iowa ; at the opening of the med-
ical department of the Iowa State University, he was offered the chair of theory and
practice of medicine and clinical medicine, which he accepted, and was commissioned
accordingly on the 22d of December, 1869. At the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861,
he raised the first company of volunteers that was recruited in the State, and tendered
them to the Governor ; but for some reason, which has never been made public, they
were not accepted. On the 13th of June, 1861, he was mustered into the army as
Major of the 5th I. V. I., being present at and participating in every march, siege,
skirmish and battle of that gallant regiment, till the 23d of July, 1862 ; in a night
attack in front of New Madrid, on the 4th of March, 1862, and in an afternoon skirmish
on the 6th of March, he was made the special target of the enemy's sharpshooters, and
had five minie balls through his coat, his horse shot down, and the hair shaved off both
sides of his head at once by bullets; near Rienzi, Miss., on the 10th of March, in the
MUSCATINE. 617
same year, in company with his servant and six cavalrymen, he was cut oiF from camp
while out on a tour of inspection as a picket officer, and hewed his way with his saber
through two lines of rebel infantry, reaching his camp in safety, with the loss of two
men ; he had also the honor of commanding the left skirmish line of the army of the
Mississippi, in front of Corinth, at the time that stronghold was evacuated by Beaure-
gard. On the 22d of May, 1862, the gallant commander of the regiment. Col. W.
H. Worthington, was killed, and at a meeting of the officers of the regiment, called to
nominate his successor, an informal ballot gave Maj. Robertson every vote for the
vacancy, and he was accordingly nominated by acclamation ; duly appreciatino: this
expression of confidence from his fellow-officers, he resolved to accept the position to
which he had been so flatteringly nominated, and desiring to arrange his affiiirs at home,
he applied for a thirty-days leave of absence, which, however, he was refused in conse-
quence of orders issued from department headquarters, detaining all officers able for
duty in the field ; having some important business imperatively demanding his presence
at home, by the advice of Gen. Halleck, and with the distinct understanding that he
would rejoin his command on receipt of his commission as Colonel, his resignation as
Major was tendered and accepted on the 23d of July, 18t)2 ; notwithstanding the fact
that the officers of the regiment, when asked by the Grovernor why they did not recom-
mend promotioQ in their regiment according to seniority of rank, reiterated their demand
for his appointment by a unanimous vote, giving good and sufficient reasons therefor,
and without making any charge against the gallant Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment
except his lack of familiarity with our language and the system of tactics and regula-
tions of our service, for some reison still unexplained, his commission as Colonel was
withheld, and he did not again enter the military service, though he was repeatedly im-
portuned to do so. In politics, the Doctor has always been recognized as of the radical
Republican type. He was one of the original stockholders and a member of the first
Board of Directors of the Muscatine Water Works Company. In 1873, while acting
as City and County Physician of Muscatine Co., his attention was specially attracted
by the sad condition of the feeble-minded children then in the County Poorhouse, and
for the first time realized the fact that the State had made no provision for the care,
•education, or maintenance of this unfortunate cla.ss ; in visiting other parts of the State,
he found the same condition of aiFairs existing ; when contrasting this state of things
with the munificent arrangements which the State had made for the education of other
classes of unfortunates less helpless and forlorn than these, it occurred to him that it
was time the subject was forced upon the attention of the people and their legislators;
and that it was the bounden duty of the State to make some provision for them ; deeply
impressed with this idea, he brought the subject to the notice of the State" Medical
Society in his annual address as its President, in January, 1874, and asked the co-opera-
tion of that body to that end ; the society '' resolved," but took no further action at
that time ; the subject was again brought forward at the next meeting, and Dr.
Robertson appointed a special committee of one to present the subject to the Legislature;
he accordingly drafted a bill as a guide in the formation of a law, and prepared a " Plea
for the Feeble-Minded Children of the State of Iowa," which he had printed at his
own expense, and a copy placed upon the desk of each member of the Legislature ; the
subject was subsequently presented to the respective houses by Hon. C C. Horton, of
Muscatine, and Hon. J. Y. Stone, of Grlenwood ; to the action of our subject, seconded
by the gentlemen named, is due the fact that Iowa has now a magnificent institution in
successful operation located at Glen wood, Mill's County, for the education and mainte-
nance of this lowest class of unfortunates. Dr. Robertson being very properly the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trustees of the institution ; he is also a member of the Muscatine
County Medical Society ; late President of the Iowa State Medical Society ; late Presi-
dent of the Eastern Iowa District Medical Society ; member of the Judicial Council of
that body ; he has also been for many years a distinguished member of the Masonic
fraternity ; in June of 1877, the Trustees of Knox College, Illinois, conferred on Dr.
W. S. Robertson, the honorary A. M. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
On the 10th of June, 1856, he married Miss Annie E. Charlton, a native of Cattaraugus
618 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Co., N. Y., but of English parentage, a lady of high culture and refinement; Dr.
Robertson has had five children born to him, throe sons and two daughters, only two of
whom survive, named (-harles and Nellie. As a physician. Dr. Robertson is prompt to
respond to the calls of duty, and is a skillful surgeon.
J. KUKKIiMAlVIV, of the firm of J. Rubelmann & Co., jobbers in leather,
saddlery and hardware ; is a native of (Germany, where he was brought up and learned
the business of manufacturing leather; he emigrated to this country in 1847, and
came to Iowa in 1849; he went South and carried on the farming business for some
years; in 1861, he came to Muscatine and established the house of J. Rubelmann &
Co. ; they still continue the tauning business in Tenness.se and finish the leather here ;
have the leading leather, saddlery and hardware house here, doing a large and extensive
trade and an exclusively jobbing business. Mr. Rubelmann married Miss R. A. Renz,
a native of Germany, in 18r)5 ; they have four children — (Jeorge J., John G., Julia V.
and Katie M.
,T. J. KlISSKIjIi, of the firm of Burk & Russell, attorney at law ; is a native
of Lting Island, N. Y. ; when 3 years of age, his parents came to Muscatine Co., where
he leceived his education ; he studied law, entered the State University and graduated
in the law department in 1878; he has recently associated with W. I). Burk in the
practice of his profe-sion.
CwKORCiiK A. SCHAEl^ER, dealer in groceries, provisions, etc., on Lucas
(Jrove road, corner of Green street; also proprietor of brickyard on Lucas Grove road;
Mr. Schaefer was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1841; in 1852, emigrated with his
parents to Muscatine. In 18t!5, he married Miss x\nna Derfler; they have four children
— John George, Anna Mary, Frank Xavier and Mary K. Politically, Mr. Schaefer is
a Democrat, but his business engrosses his time and leaves none for political matters ; he
is a member of no church, is liberal in religious opinions ; he has built up a large and
n^niunerative business by his S((uaro dealing and honesty.
GrEOROK SCHNEIDER, dealer in boat stores, groceries, provisions, etc..
Front street, opposite steamboat landing; was born in Germany in 1829; in 1850, he
emigrated to Buffalo, N. Y., remained until 1851, then went to Sandusky, Ohio ; in
1855, he came to this city. He married Miss Katharine Bike, daughter of Frederic
and Sarah Bike, who were born in Germany, emigrated to this country and settled in
Louisa Co., [owa, where they now reside, in 1845; she was born in 1840. Married
Mr. Schneider in 1858; they have five children — Katy, Annie, George, Henry and
Klla. Mr. S. is an old " Jackson " Democrat; he has held various local offices, among
them that of Wharfmaster, and a member of the City Council, and at present is Steam-
boat Registrar, which office he has held for nine years; he is a member of A., F. & A.
M., and is President of the Mechanics' Aid Society, is also Dictator in the Knights of
Honor. Member of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. S. has ever been identified
with Muscatine's interests, and is well and honorably known for those qualities which
constitute a thorouizh business man and a gentleman.
G. W. SCilRElIRN, of the firm of Schreurs & Sou, proprietors of the
Young America Mills; was born in Holland Sept. 19, 1839; he came with his parents
to this country in 1846 ; they came to Iowa in the spring of 1847, and settled here,
where he learned the milling business; when the war broke out, he enlisted in the 7th
Regiment I. V. I., Co. A, the first company that went in the three years' service from
this place; ha served as Orderly to Gen. Rice ; he was wounded twice in the battle of
Belmont ; was in many battles and was in the service over three years. After his return,
he married Miss Mary J. Groters, a native of New Jersey, Feb. 14, 1865 ; they have
four children — John A., Esther, Freddie and Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Schruers are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church. .Mr. Schruers has been engaged in the milling
business since the war; on the l!Uh of August, 1875, their mill burned down, but was
rebuilt the same year, regardless of cost, with special reference to improved machinery ;
the buhrs being all made to order ; their engine is the only one of the kind in the State,
Este's Patent, unequaled for its regularity of movement; the reputation of their mills
stands ahead of anything in the county, and they do both custom and mepchant work ;
MUSCATINE. 619
Mr. Schreurs has invented and patented a millstone attaohinent for starting and stopping
the burhs at pleasure, and is also interested in a patent millstone driver; they are botli
inventions of great utility and benefit to the milling interest.
JOHN A. SCHRIIKRS, of the firm of Schruers & Son, proprietors of the
Young America Mills ; was born in Holland July 29, ISl-i; he lived there until 1840,
when he emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans Dec. 2G, 1846 ; the followiui^
year, he came to Muscatine and arrived here March 29, 1847; he engaged in farming
four and one-half miles west of the city; in 1870, he engaged in the milling business,
and has continued in it since then. He married Seena Willemina, from Germany, in
1838; she died in March, 1863; they have five children — (larrett W., Henry, Mena,
Jennie and Seena. Mr. Schruers married Hannah Ileesink June 11, 1867; they have
one son — (xeorge.
FKKIIItICK SKIFERT, tailor, corner of Sixth and Mulberry streets, Mus-
catine ; was born in Germany May 11, 1825; came to this country in 1855; settled
in Lehigh Co., Penn., where he remained until 1866, in which year he came to Mus-
catine; four years later, he returned to Pennsylvania and remained there until 1877,
when he a<j;ain came to this city. He was married in 1865, to Miss Amanda E. Blose,
a native of Canton Co., Penn.; they have one child — Laura Jane. Mr. Sefert and
wife are members of the Lutheran Church ; he is a Democrat.
P. SHANNOBf, dealer in groceries, provisions, etc.. Chestnut street, between
Front and Second streets; a native of Ireland; emigrated to Missouri in 1846; came
to Muscatine County in 1853. Married first wife, Margaret Burns, in Washington Co.,
Mo.; she died in this county; present wife was ilosa Fale; they have one child — Mag-
gie. Mr. Shannou is a Democrat. Member of the Catholic Church. Mr. S. lias an
extensive trade and may be considered one of the enterprising business men of Mus-
catine.
ABRAHAM. !»J31ALL.EY, retired; was born in Somerset Co., N. J., Oct.
24, 1815 ; the following year, his parents removed to Ohio, where he lived until 23
years of age, when he came to Iowa; arrived in the county Aug. 10, 1838; he bought
a claim for his father's family to settle upon, and they came the following year, in
April ; he voted and was Clerk of the Election in Storms Precinct, now Cedar Tp., in
the fall of 1838; Muscatin : only contained about eighty persons at that time; he
engaged in farming; he came to Muscatine and engaged in manufacturing plows, culti-
vators and fanning-mills ; in 1850, he connected with his business the manufacture of
sash, doors and blinds; since 1855, he has been engaged in dealing in real estate. He
laid out the town of Musserville, and, with Green, Stone and Jacob Butler, laid out
South Muscatine. He had little when he started in life, and owes his success to his
own efforts ; he held office of Clerk of Board of Supervisors for two years, and other
town and school offices. He married Eliza E. Mathis, a native of Atlantic Co., N. J.,
in 1861 ; they have two children — Ettie and Harry ; he has one son, George, by a
by a former wife.
W. B. SI*RACrUK, dealer in marble and granite monuments, headstones,
marble, slate and iron mantels, corner of Walnut and Second streets ; was born in
Lynn, Mass., in 1844; in 1858, removed, with his parents, to Dixon, 111. Married
in 1867, in Aurora, 111., to Miss Frances E. Buck, a native of St. Louis, Mo.; they
have one child — Mabel. Mr. Sprague has been engaged in his present business over
eighteen years, and has a well-established reputation and an extensive business ; his
close application, his constant study to give satisfaction to his patrons, his wide experience
and judgment in his business, place him in the front rank of the monument dealers of Iowa
as a citizen he is public-spirited, ever identified with the best interests of the commu-
nity. He acts with the Republican party ; is a member of Masonic and A. O. U. W.
societies.
SIMOX iw. STKIX, President of the Merchants' Exchange Bank ; among
the oldest and most substantial business men of Muscatine, or, indeed, of this section
of Iowa, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., March 17,
1817 ; he lived there until 19 years of age, when he removed to Ohio, and lived three
620 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
years, then came to Illinois, where he lived in Kock Island Co., until the fall of 1849,
when he came to lowu, located in Muscatine and engaged in the lumber trade ; by strict
attention lo business, coupled with natural business ability and good management, he has
become one of the most successful merchants, and is one of the oldest lumber dealers
on the river ; aside from his own large lumber-trade, he is Vice President of the Her-
shey Lumber Company, which does a very extensive business ; he is also senior member
of the firm of , large manufacturers and dealers in furniture ; he is a
stockholder in the Great Western Type Foundry of Chicago, and is a member of the
Des Moines Marble Company, at Des Moiues; he is President and has the active man-
agement of the Merchants' Exchange Bank, and is half owner and President of the
Ferry Company ; he was President of the Muscatine Western R. R. Co., and he is now
President of the Muscatine, Tipton & Anamosa R. R.; he was elected Mayor of Mus-
catine, in 1870, receiving the nomination from both parties, first by the Republicans
and then by the Democrats; he was re-elected in 1871, receiving the nomination first
by the Democrats and tlien by the Republicans; the other city offices being contested
by a strict party vote; when Mr. Stein began life, he had nothing; he owes his success
in life to his own efforts. Politically, he acts with the Republican party. Attends the
Presbyterian Church. He married Miss Ann C. B( rntheisel of Lebanon Co., Ohio, in
May, 1841 ; they have two children — Angle (now Mrs. A. M. Barnhart, of Chicago),
and Simon G., Jr., attending the University in Chicago.
BENJAMIN STEIMKK, dealer in stock, Muscatine ; was born in St.
Louis Dec. 24, 1841 ; removed to Muscatine Co. with his parents while a boy. He
married Miss Sarah Fanisner of this county. Politically, Mr. Steiner is a Democrat.
Resides on Secund street, near the fair ground.
THEODORE S. STEWART, merchant, dealer in boots and shoes, 186
Second street; is a native of Marietta, Ohio; was born in 1847, and is a son of Will-
iam H. Stewart and Cynthia A. Morton; when 7 years of age, his parents came to
Iowa, and located in Muscatine, where he attended school and afterward entered Fulton
poliege ; while there, he enlisted, when only 16 years of age, with the rest of his class,
in the 140th Regiment, 111. V, I., Co. D ; after his return, he entered his father's store ;
when 21 years of age, in 1868, he became interested in the business with his father ; he
has now succeeded his father in the bu.siness, which is the oldest boot and shoe house in
Muscatine. He married Miss Mary Foulk Oct. 13, 1875; they have two children — a
son, Morton, and an infant daughter.
WILIjIAM H. STEWART, retired merchant, Muscatine ; was born in
Greene Co., N. Y., March 12, 1813, and is the son of James H. Stewart and Betsey,
nee Osborne ; he died inMeigs Co., Ohio, in 1865, when 93 years of age ; his wife, the
mother of our subject, is still living in Ohio, and is in the 94th year of her age ; Will-
iam H. was raised on his father's small farm, and for several seasons he worked for the
neighboring farmers, receiving 6.1 cents per day; his wages were afterward increased to
12 j cents per day ; when 14 years of age he began learning the boot and shoe trade;
after completing his trade, he removed to Ohio, and, in 1836, he engaged in business in
Marietta and continued until 1854, when he came to Iowa and located in IMuscatine,
and engaged in the boot and shoe trade ; after continuing in the trade over twenty-one
years, he retired from active business, his son Theodore succeeding him. Mr. Stewart
has served in the City Council in Marietta, Ohio, and after coming to Muscatine was
elected to the Board of Supervisors of the county, where he served for eight years, and
was Chairman of the Board during the last three years ; he was one of the original
(irganizurs of the Merchants' Exchange National Bank of Muscatine, and has been one
(if the Board of Directors since it was organized ; he is a prominent member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has^ filled all the chairs and positions of the
Order. On the 15th of November, 1838, lie married Miss Cynthia Mouson at Mar-
ietta, Ohio ; their children are William, Purchasing Agent of the St. Paul & Mil-
waukee Railroad; Sylvester N., living in Philadelphia, Penn. ; Marcus, engaged in the
buot and shoe business in Tipton, Iowa; Theodore S., who succeeds his father in the
boot and shoe business in this city; Edward C, engaged in boot and shoe- business at
MUSCATINE. 621
Creston, Iowa; Rita, the only daughter, married Mr. E. H. Betts, publisher of the
Tt%u1.17X€,
JOHX STOCKDAL.E, of the firm of Stockdale & Grady, proprietors of
wagon, general repair and horse-shoeing shop ; Mr. Stockdale is a native of Yorkshire,
England, born in June, 1828; when he was 6 years of age, his parents emigrated to
Syracuse, N. Y. ; when in his 16th year, Mr. Stockdale learned the blacksmith trade
in Oswego, N. Y., and has since been engaged in it ; he came to Muscatine in March,
1859. Mr. S. has been married twice — married first wife, Precilla Goodman, in
Oswego, N. Y. ; married present wife, Maria Curran, in this county; have four children
— Mary C, James F., Hattie C, Nannie. Mr. Stockdale is Republican in politics.
Mr. Stockdale is the owner of the brick shop where he does business, which is one of
as large and commodious of any in the city ; he is one of those active go-ahead men
who are sure to succeed in whatever enterprise they undertake.
T. J. THOjH PSOX, proprietor of livery-stable and farmer ; Mr. Thompson
was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., Jan. 25., 1828; when he was 1 year old, his parents
removed to Ohio. In 1850, he married Miss Jane C Black, of Portage Co., Ohio ; in
1852, they removed to Clinton Co., Iowa., thence to Monmouth, Jackson Co., in 1858,
where they remained until 1862, when they came to Bloomington Tp., Muscatine Co. ;
remained in Bloomington Tp. until February, 1878, when they removed to Muscatine ;
they have four children — Mary E., George A., Sarah and James Albert. Mr. Thomp-
son and wife are members of the Baptist Church ; he is National in politics. Owns
320 acres of land— 160 in Bloomington Tp., Muscatine Co., 80 in Marshall Co., 80
in Sac Co. His oldest daughter, Mary, married James W. Bickford ; they reside in
Clarke Co., Iowa. Sarah, the second child, married Marshall Kyle ; they reside in
Keokuk Co., Iowa.
J. W. VARNER, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel; is a native of Green-
brier Co., near the White Sulphur Springs, Va. ; when only 2 years of age, his par-
ents removed to Stanton, Va., where they lived until he was 10 years of age ; then
removed to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he was brought up ; he and his brother were
engaged in contracting when the war broke out. His brother, afterward Col. Samp-
son E. Varner in October, 1861, was commissioned Major of the 56th Regiment Ohio
V. I. ; he was promoted and served with distinction during the war ; he died in Ports-
mouth, Ohio, in June, 1877. John W. was engaged in steamboating for seventeen
years ; the last boat that he commanded was the " Navigator ; " he afterward engaged
in the hotel business at Savanna, 111.; was proprietor of the Griggs House ; he came to
Muscatine and became proprietor of the Commercial House April 27, 1876. He mar-
ried Miss Caroline L. Noel, a native of Portsmouth, Ohio : they have three children —
Emma (now Mrs. Van Patten of this city), Caddie and Allie, both at home.
JOSIAH P. WAIiTON, architect and builder, residence No. 39 East Eighth
St.; is a native of New Ipswich, Hillsboro Co., N. H., and was born Feb. 26, 1826 ;
when 12 years of age, his parents emigrated to Iowa and settled in Muscatine Co. ; the
family arrived here in June, 1 838 ; he was brought up on a farm ; at the age of 22 years,
he came to Muscatine and learned the carpenter's trade; in the fell of 1849, he began
business for himself as architect and builder ; the high-school buildings of Muscatine
and Wilton, the Episcopal Church, the large mansion of B. Hershey, Esq., besides
many others in Muscatine were built by him from plans of his own devising ; he has
taken meteorological observations for the Smithsonian Institution and the War Depart-
ment for the past fifteen years, and has now in his possession the oldest continuous
records of this kind in the State of Iowa, commencing in 1839. He was one of the
Trustees of the Library Association of Muscatine for several years, and one of the
organizers of the Scientific Club. In 1864, he was appointed by Gov. Kirkwood to
receive the vote of the 37th I. V. I. for President and State officers. Mr. Walton was
one of the twelve men who signed the call for the first Republican Convention of the
State of Iowa. He married June 2, 1857, Miss Mary E. Barrows, of Oneida Co.,
N. Y., a graduate of the Liberal Institute of Clinton, N. Y. ; they have three daughters —
Alice B., Lilly P., Mary 0. ; the two eldest are graduates of the city High School, and
622 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
have given much attention to the study of Entomology, Botany and Natural History ;
they have accumulated one of the finest collections of entomological specimens in the
West, and are enthusiasts in this department of science ; Miss Alice B., the eldest
daughter, is the author of the chapter on Entomology in this volume, and her father,
author of the chapter on the climate.
A. O. WARFIEIiD, ticket and freight agent of the Chicago, Rock
Island & Pacific Railroad, Muscatine ; one of the oldest settlers of Muscatine, and the
veteran freight and ticket agent on the line of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad is Maj. A. 0. Warfield ; he was born in Freierick Co., now Carroll Co., Md.,
and was brought up there until he reached manhood ; in company with David R. and
Charles A. Warfield, he came to Iowa, and arrived in Burlington in November, 1837 ;
on account of- the ice in the riv(!r, he and David, with their guns on their shoulders,
started on foot for Bloomington, now the city of Muscatine; when only four miles
from Burlington, they stopped at night at a log cabin, and had pickled pork, corn
dodger, and tea sweetened with wild honey for supper and breakfast, and were very glad
to get that; in the morning they bought a horse, saddle and bridle, and paid 3110 for
it ; then one of them would ride for a while and then tie the horse and walk on ahead,
and when the one following came up to the horse he would jide on some distance in
advance of the other, tie the horse and walk on again ; in this way they continued,
stopping at cabins nights, and in three and one-half days reached Bloomington ; they
began looking for a mill-site in the following August, 1838; he settled here perma-
nently, and he and David R. Warfield built a mill on Mad Creek ; he afterward sold
his interest in the mill to David and engaged in mercantile business for several years ;
in November, 1855, he was appointed freight and ticket agent of the Mississippi &
Missouri Railroad ; he began selling tickets in the old Ogilvie House (keeping his
tickets in a small tin box) before any depot was built; he has held this position about
twenty-four years, a greater length of time continuously than any other agent on the
line of this road.
WESLEY W. WEBSTER, of the firm of Webster & Williams, import-
ers and dealers in Scotch, English and Irish granite, and manufacturers of marble, Sec-
ond street, corner of Cedar; was born near Chester, Meigs Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1835;
son of Isaac A. and Lydia Webster; his father removed to Ohio in 1810, and was
among the pioneers of the West; Wesley received what was then a good common-
school education, and afterward attended an academy, where he completed his educa-
tion; in the autumn of 1859, he removed to Muscatine, where he spent two years in
learning the marble and granite monument business. In August, 1862, he enlisted in
the 126th Regt. 111. V. I.; h? was at the siege of Vicksburg and at the capture of Lit-
tle Rock ; after being in the service two years, on account of ill health, he was obliged
to return home. In the summer of 1865, he returned to Muscatine and bought out
the establishment with which he had been connected, and since then he has given his
entire energies and personal attention to the marble and granite trade, giving special
attention to monumental work, and has built up an extensive business throughout the
West ; he is prominently identified with the interests of the city and county ; has
served as President of the Citizens' Association, as member of the Board of Directors
and of the Executive Committee of the Muscatine Water Works, and Director of the
County Agricultural Society ; during the past year, he has erected, on the corner of
Second and Cedar, the finest business block in the city ; his show-room and office is a
model of taste, and his display of monumental work very large and tasteful. On the
25th of May, 1865, he married Miss Eliza Jane Galbraith, a native of Pennsylvania,
of Scotch ancestry, who in childhood removed to Ohio ; they have three daughters —
Nola Alice, Jesse Bell and Inez.
JAMES ]?I. WEIR, dealer in imported and domestic wines and liquors, also
ale, beer, and best brands of cigars; Mr. W. was born in Williamson Co., Tenn., in
18-12 ; was educated at Oberlin College, Oberlin. Ohio; in 1865, he went to La Fayette,
Ind.; in 1866, he came to Muscatine. Married Miss Annie Pickett, of this city ; they
have seven children — Narcissa, Katy, Lizzie, Annie, Joseph, James and- Lorle. Mr.
MUSCATINE. 623
W. is a Democrat. For his genial manners and liberality, he is highly regarded by his
fellow-citizens, is deservedly popular, and. as a citizen, is full of energy and enterprise ;
he is giving much attention to the improvement of horse stock, and is owner of the
celebrated Hambletonian stallion, Shakespeare.
ROBEjRT WELSH, proprietor of billiard hall ; also dealer in choice wines
and liquors, and best brands of cigars ; Mr. W. was born in Ireland in 1844 ; emigrated
to Cincinnati, Ohio, with his parents in 1850. During the war, he enlisted in Co. H,
147th Regiment 111. V. I.; was enrolled at Chicago, 111.; served until the'war was over;
.was honorably discharged at Springfield, 111. In 1865, he married Miss Ella Brant in
Peoria, III.; they have four children — Mary Ann, Clara, Nellie and Robert. Mr. W.
is a " War Democrat." He is unassuming in manner, affable and courteous to all, and
has a high appreciation of the humorous, inherited from his native Emerald Isle ; has
many warm friends.
JOHIV WEIiTZ, proprietor of wagon and blacksmith shop. South Musca-
tine; was born in Germany in 1826; emigrated to Indiana in 1853; came to Musca-
tine in 1854. Maiden name of Mr. Weltz's wife was Barbara Heffler ; they were
married in this city (Muscatine) ; have four children — Charles, Sophia, Annie and
George. jMr. Weltz and wife are members of the Lutheran Church ; he is a Repub-
lican in politics ; is a member of the society Knights of Honor.
S. E. WmCHER, agent and dealer in real estate; was born in Dayton,
Ohio, May 8, 1836 ; when 3 years of age, his parents came to Iowa and located in
this county, where he was brought up and received his education ; after reaching man-
hood, he engaged in the land business, and has continued in it since ; he has been a
resident of this county forty years. He has held office of Assistant U. S. Assessor for
this district. He married Miss Anna H. Mason, a native of Uniontown, Penn., May
20, 1857 ; they have four children — Mary E , George M., Alice B., Frank P. Mr.
Whicher's father was known as Judge Whicher, one of the oldest and best known
members of the bar. He died Feb. 13, 1856.
C C WINSIiOW, dealer in all kinds of sewing machines and attachments,
Second street; was born in Somerset Co., Me., in 1834; in 1853. went to California;
in 1850, returned to his native State; came to Iowa in 1869; lived in Washington
Co. uniil 1873, then removed to Muscatine. He married in Kennebec Co., Me., Miss
Susan Frye, a native of that county; they have two children — Edith Leonora and
Walter E. Mr. W. is a member of the Society of Friends ; he was a Whig, but
adopted the principles of the Republican party on its organization.
R. E. WILIilAMS, Pastor of the U. P. Church ; is a native of Virginia,
and was born Feb. 6, 1849 ; his parents came to Iowa when he was 7 years of age; he
was brought up in this State, attending the common schools, then entered Western Col-
lege, where he graduated in the Class of 1872 ; after graduating, he engaged in teach-
ing, and was Principal of the West Side School in Cedar Rapids for two years, and
then resigned to accept the position of President of Philomath College, Oregon ; he
remained at the head pf this institution thx-ee years, but was obliged to resign on
account of the ill-health of his wife ; he returned to Iowa, and was Professor of Mathe-
matics in Western College, and, for a time, he took the pla?e of President Kephart in
the Chair of Mental and Moral Science ; since then, he has been engaged in the min-
istry ; he came to Muscatine and became Pastor of the Church here in November,
1878. He married Miss Lucy D. Strother, a native of Findlay, Ohio ; she had such a
desire and purpose to obtain an education that she did so entirely by her own efforts,
attending school and tfjaching alternately ; she entered Western College and graduated
in the same class with her husband ; they have two children — Olive May and Blanche
Edna.
ROBERT WILLIAMS, City Recorder and Police Judge of the City of
Muscatine, was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Jan. 26, 1809 ; he is a brother
of Judge Joseph Williams, formerly Chief Justice of Iowa ; Robert was brought up in
Pennsylvania; he and Hon. Jere Black, who studied law in his brother's office, were
boys together ; after reaching manhood, he engaged in the mercantile trade, the firm
624 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
being Williams, Bingham & Co.; Hon. Hiram Price, Member of Congress, used to
clerk in his store. He was appointed and served as Foreman of the first grand jury
ever impaneled in Blair Co., Pcnn.; in April, 1855, he came to Iowa and located in
Muscatine; he was appointed by Gov. Lucas Deputy Recorder of this county ; in 1860,
he was appointed Pos-tmaster of Muscatine under President Buchanan ; he was elected
Police Judge of this city in 1871; has held that office every year since; he was
appointed City Recorder in 1872, and since then he has filled that office. July 7, 1840,
in Philadelphia, he married Miss Julia A. Lincoln ; she is a native of the city of Phila-
delphia, and is a step- daughter of Richard Penn Smith ; they have three children —
Elinor M., Robert B. and Sarah B.; they have lost two children — William L. and
Richard C.
AUGUST P. WITTE1»IANN, proprietor of the Western Brewery, located
on Eighth St., near Lucas Grove road. Mr. Wittemenn was born in Germany in 1836 ;
emigrated to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1855, where he remained until 1862, in which year
he came to Muscatine ; in 1864, he married Miss Annie Mary Sehaefer of this city ;
they have five children — Amelia, Alfred, Ida. Otto and Rosa. Mr. W. is a Democrat ;
members of the Catholic Church. Mr. W. has ever been noted for his liberality and
the fairness which has characterized all his dealings ; is one bf the leading brewers of
the State.
PROF. F. M. WITTER, Principal of the High School ; is a native of St.
Joseph Co., Ind., and was born near South Bend Aug. 15, 1838; when only 11 years
of age. his father removed to Iowa in 1849, and settled in Delaware Co. ; after living
there four years, his parents came to Decatur Co. ; he attended the common schools,
and afterward entered the State University, where he graduated in 1861 ; he engaged
in teaching in Johnson Co. for five months ; then went to Davenport, and was Princi-
pal of one of the schools for two years; he came to Muscatine in 1864, and took the
principalship of School No. 2 ; the following year, he became Superintendent of the
city schools, and he afterward organized the High School ; he was the first Principal of
the High School, and has held that position ever since, over thirteen years, probably a
greater length of time than any Superintendent in the State ; he was President of the
Superintendents' and Principals' Association in Southwestern Iowa, and organized the
Academy of Science in this city; he is the author of the chapter on Geology in this
work. Prof Witter married Miss Hattie H. Cook, a native of Norwich, Conn., in
July, 18t)8; they have two children — Anna and Nellie.
WERXER WITTICH, undertaker. Second st. ; a native of Germany ; born
in 1830 ; emigrated to this city in 1852. In 1857, married Miss Annie Quantz ; ' they
have five children — Katie E., Elizabeth K., George M., Werner and Susanna. Mr.
Wittich is liberal, voting for whoever he thinks will best serve the interests of the whole
country ; religiously, himself and wife are Protestant ; he is an active man and an enter-
prising citizen.
WIIiHEUM YOUNtr, contractor and builder ; was born in Germany, Jan.
8, 1841 ; he there learned the trade of carpenter and joiner ; he emigrated to America
in 1868 ; he lived in New York State and in Michigan ; came to Iowa in 1876 and
engaged in building ; he has the contract and is building the new public school — one
of the finest in the State ; he was awarded the contract for building the new Opera
House in Marshalltown, and he also has the contract for building two stores there. He
married Miss Susie Lambert, from Germany, Nov. 12, 1870; they have two children —
Alice and Fred.
BLOOMINGTON TOWNSHIP. 625
BLOOMINGTON TOWNSHIP.
(P. O. MVSCATINE.)
WILLIAM B. ATKINS, for., Sec. :^0; was born in Montrose, Mich., in
183*7 ; in 1840, removed with his parents to Niagara Co., N. Y.; remained several
years ; removed thence to Pennsylvania, thence to Wisconsin, and engaged as river
pilot, which occupation he followed for several years on the lakes and rivers of the
Northwest ; in 1861, while at Memphis, seized with the spirit of adventure, and
determined to cross the plains, for that purpose returned to Wisconsin, and there
joined a party then preparing to go West ; on the way, they were attacked several
times by the Indians, and Mr. A. was wounded twice. They traveled through several
of the Territories, Avhich satisfied Mr. A.'s adventurous spirit, and ho returned to civ-
ilization and married Miss Malinda Purcell of this county; has two children — Loretta
and Cora. Tndeperdent in politics.
JOHN BARNARD, horticulturist, Sec. 28 ; was born in Wheeling, Va.,
June 6, 1826 ; in 1844, went to Zanesville, Ohio, and engaged in fruit-raising and nurs-
ery business ; he removed to this county and settled where he now resides. He mar-
ried, in Zanesville, Ohio, in October, 1847, Miss Rebecca llupp; they have six children
— William, Thomas, Edward, Albert, Lilly Mary, John C. E. V. Mr. Barnard owns
280 acres of land on Sec. 28, Town 77, located on the Iowa City Road, and within five
minutes' drive of Muscatine ; it is finely improved — 40 acres of orchard, 8 acres of small
fruits. Mr. Barnard acted with the old Whig party ; on its decline became a Repub-
lican ; member.s of the Baptist Church.
ALBERT BARROWS, far., Sec. 15; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in
Meigs Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1833, where he resided until 1855, then came to Muscatine
Co., and settled on Muscatine Island. In 1855, he married Miss Mary Heselton, of
Meigs Co., Ohio, daughter of Frederick Heselton. Mr. B. has a farm of thirty acres,
which he has finely improved, located in Sec. 15, two and one-half miles south of the
city of Muscatine ; he is a ship-carpenter, which trade he followed previous to coming
West, and carried on that business at Murraysville, W. Va. Mr. B.'s father and
brothers live and own quite a tract of land joining him. Independent.
THOMAS H. BARTLETT, far.. Sec. 21 ; was born in Kentucky, in
1828 ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1852 ; married Miss Sarah Kinsley of this county ;
she was born in Pennsylvania ; they have one child, Charles H. Member of the M. E.
Church ; he is a Democrat. Mr. Bartlett's occupation is that of farmer ; he owns a
farm well improved.
C. S. BIRD, far., Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in Bath Co., Va.,
Jan. 27, 1842; in 1844, his parents emigrated to Illinois; in 1868, Mr. B. located in
Muscatine Co. In 1862, he married Miss Marietta Foster, in McHenry Co., 111. ; they
have two children, Julia May and Marietta. March 11, 1879, Mrs. B. was taken from
her family to the land of bliss and eternal sunshine. Mr. B. is a farmer. He enlisted
in the Eighth 111. Cav., Co. H ; served three years. Is a Democrat.
HENRY" BLANCHARD, farmer and dealer in stock, Summit Ridge,
Sec. 1 ; was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1836. In 1838, his parents, Hinens
and Mary Blanchard, nee St. John, came West, and settled in Muscatine. In 1859,
Mr. Blanchard married Miss Mary V. Connor, a native of Orange Co., N. Y. They have
two children — Frank and Bessie. Is a Republican ; owns 160 acres of land, is extensively
engaged in stock-dealing ; is one of the largest dealers in Muscatine County. '
S. N. CANDEE,far., Sec. 10 ; was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1812 ; in 1836,
he went to Licking Co., Ohio, where he married Miss Lucy A. Star, a native of Granville,
Ohio; they were married in 1837, and, two years after, removed to Muscatine Co., Iowa,
where they have since resided, with the exception of a short time on a claim near Iowa City,
Iowa. They have had twelve children, six still living — Frederick (who served in an Iowa
regiment during the war), Helen (now Mrs. Charles Davis), Julia (now Mrs. C. Starj,
626 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Frank, Horace and Lucy. In early life, Mr. C. was a Wlu<r; on the organization of
the liepublican party, he joined its ranks ; has always been a firm and uncompromising
enemy to human bondage ; Mr. Candee and wife are membcirs of the Congregational
Church. He is one of the pioneer settlers of Iowa, and, by industry and perseverance,
he has made himself a comfortable home, in which he can pass his declining years in
peace and plenty.
REV. ]»IOSES G. CASS, Presbyterian minister, See. 21.
HERVEY CORWI^, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., May 5, 1816, where
he resided till 185-I-, when he removed to Iowa and located in Muscatine Co.; Mr. C.
received his education and learned the trade of wagon-making prior to leaving New
York. He married Miss Sarah M. Prime, of Orange Co., N. Y., prior to coming
West ; they have had eight children, five still living — Julia A. Loy, Alice (now Mrs.
McDermont), Greorge H., Caroline and Ida Corwin. Members of the M. E. Church ;
he was one of the first Trustees of the Island M. E. Church, which office he still holds.
His present occupation is that of farm gardener. He was formerly a Whig ; at the
organiz:)tion of the Republican party, joined it, and has ever since coincided with its
actions and principles.
W. P. CRAWFORD, farmer, Sec. 10; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in
1825 ; came to Mu.scatine Co. in 1851. In November, 185)5, he married Miss Sarah
A. Terry, a native of Orange Co., N. Y. ; they have had four children, three still li''-
ing — Emily, Oliver and Nellie. .Mr. Crawford and wife are members of the Presby-
terian Church ; he acts with the Republican party. Has held various local offices ; at
present, is the incumbent of the offices of Secretary of the School Board, member of the
Board of School Directors and School Treasurer. He owns 155 acres of land, which is
well improved.
T. H. DRAKE, former. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. MuscAtine ; was born in Mt. Hope,
Orange Co , N. Y., Aug. 29, 1817 ; in 1846, he emigrated to Wisconsin, and for
several years traveled con.siderably, visiting Florida and several of the Southern States ;
In 1856 he c:ime West again, and settled in Muscatine Co., where he still remains.
Mr. D. married, Jan. 13, 1858, Miss Louisa Davis, daughter of Phillip Davis, of
Orange Co., N. Y. ; they have three children — Frederick, Louis P. and Theophilus.
Mrs. D. is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Muscatine. Mr. D. is a carpen-
ter ; worked at that trade before coming West ; his occupation now is that of farmer ;
he owns a fine farm of ninety-five acres, where he now resides, six miles southwest of
the city of Muscatine. A stanch Republican ; before the organization of that party,
acted with the \\'^his party.
GEORCi^E FITZSIIUMO^S, farmer, Sec. 25; P. 0. Muscatine; was
born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1829 ; emigrated with his parents to this country
in 1846, and located in what was then known as Bloomington, now Muscatine. In
1854, Mr. F. married Miss Mary Leonard, of Muscatine ; Mrs. F. was born in County
Wicklow, twelve miles from Dublin. Ireland, and came to this country in 1848 ; they
have seven children — Thomas J., Alfred, William J., George L., Charles Edward,
Mary Jane and Clara Bell. Mr. F. and wife are members of the M. E. Church of the
Island. Mr. F. has a fine farm of 300 acres, situated eight miles southwest of Musca-
tine, where he now resides. He is a very energetic farmer, and highly esteemed among
his neighbors. Acts with the Republican party.
C. H. GARNES, flirmer. Sec. 21 ; was born in this eounty March 13, 1847.
Married Miss Mary J. Cooley Aug. 22, 1876; have one child — Henry H. Mr. (>. is
a Republican.
HENRY H. GARNES (deceased); was born in Harrisburg, Penn., Feb.
24, 1815. Married Miss Catharine Nisly, of Dauphin Co., Penn.; they removed to
this county in 1844 and settled in this township, on Sec. 2i, where she now resides ; he
died Aug. 1, 1878; their children are C. H.; Irene now Mrs. George A. Neish ; Katie
N., now Mrs. Charles H. Rowland; Mary H.; Elizabeth N., born January, 1843, died
1844; Catharine N., born January, 1845, died 18th June, 1853; Muscatine N., bora
November, 1849, died August, 1855.
BLOOMTNGTON TOWNSHIP. 627
HIRAM GILBERT, farmer, Sec. 24; Mr. Gilbert was born in Breckinridge
Co., Ohio, May 27, 1817 ; in J 837, he came to Muscatine Co. Married Miss Ehza
Beiinifiel, of Louisa Co., Iowa ; she was born in Wajne Co., Ind. ; they were married
Feb. 13. 18-12 ; their children are iVuslin V., who served in Co. A, 11th Regiment I.
V. I ; married Miss Lucy A. Daly and resides in Poweshiek Co.; Esther G., now
Mrs. Edwin Coates, of Kookuk Co.; Winfield S., married Amanda C. Bunford, and
resides at Nichols, Muscatine Co.; Mary M., now Mrs. L KniiFen ; Millard W., mar-
ried Ella Roberts; Martha H., married William Longstreth ; William H., married Miss
J. Dallas; Nancy, Ida, Amanda E. Mr. Gilbert and wife are •members ot the M. E.
Church ; he is Republican in politics. Has held various local offices; owns 294 acres of
land well improved.
JEREHIAH GREIWER, farmer. Sec. 3; Mr. Greiner is a native of
Dauphin Co., Pcnn.; born Sept. 12, 1818. Oct. 26, 1843, he married Elizabeth Hershe,
a native of Lancaster Co., Penn.; born Oct. 13, 1823; in 1854, they emigrated to
Muscatine, where they resided one year, then moved on the farm where they now
reside; their children are Benjamin F., born Dec. 7, 1844, married Miss S. Brown
William P., born Aug. 27, 1846, married Miss Bretz ; Christian, born Aug. 25, 1848
Abraham J., born Jan. 31, 1851 ; Elizabeth A., born Feb. 8, 1861 ; Anna Maria, born
Feb. 18, 1866, died April 18, 1866. Mr. Greiner and wife are members of United
Brethren Church ; he was a Whig, but adopted the principles of the Republican party
at its organization ; he has held various local offices ; he owns a finely-improved farm of
622 acres, and is one of the enterprising men of Bloomington Township.
MRS. ADELINE HOLCOMB, nee Shener, Sec 15 ; P. 0. Muscatine;
was born in Hartford Co., Conn., in 1818 ; when in her 9th year, her parents removed
to Portage Co., Ohio, where she married Chester R. Holcomb, also a native of Hartford
Co., Conn., born in 1811 ; they removed to Muscatine Co., Iowa, in 1846; he resided
in Muscatine Co. until his death, July 19, 1874; he was an earnest and consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church ; in the early history of Muscatine Co., he held
various important offices of trust, and was ever a public-spirited citizen ; they had three
children, two still living — Frank and Adeline (now Mrs. George F. Jarvis, of Bloom-
ington Tp.) Mrs. Holcomb is a member of the M. E. Church, and is an estimable lady.
She owns sixty-six acres of land near the city limits, and very valuable.
P. W. HOWEIiL, former. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in Orange
Co., N. Y., in 1811 ; emigrated, in 1858, to Muscatine Co., where he has since resided.
Mr. H. married, in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1839, Miss Jane Dunning; they have two
children living — P^leanor and Fannie ; all members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr.
Howell has held several offices of honor and trust in New York prior to coming West ;
Mr. Howell's father served through the Revolutionary war, and was also in the war of
1812. Mr. Howell has a small farm of eight acres, well improved, and his occupation is
that of farm-gardener. He was a Jackson Democrat till the war ; since, has acted with
the Republican party.
JOHN C. HUJVTER, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in War-
ren Co., 111., February, 1843 ; lived in several different counties of the State ; after the
war, came to Muscatine Co., Iowa, where he now resides. Mr. Hunter married Miss
Susan A. Hogan, of Mu.scatine Co., in 1877; they have one child — Salem W. Mr.
Hunter enlisted in the 35th I. V. I., Co. B, and served through the war. Is a stanch
Republican.
SAMUEL HUNTER, former, Sec. 29 ; P. O. Muscatine ; born in Clarence,
Erie Co., Penn., in 182o; in 18159, he emigrated to Fulton Co., 111., and, in 1858, came to
Muscatine Co., where he has since remained. He married Miss Cornelia E. Woods, a
daughter of Larkin Woods, of Warren Co., 111., Sept. 1, 1841 ; they have six children
— Amanda Ann, Salem Woods, Flora A., Valdora A., Samuel H. and John C. Mr.
H.'s mother was a member of the Baptist Church for over seventy years, and died in
December, 1878, at the ripe old age of 82 years. Mr. H. was a Democrat; he acted
with that party till 1864, when he united with the Republican party, and has acted
with it since ; he is a very energetic and well-posted man, lending his influence to every
628 BIOCxRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
•
literary work of any note that offers itself to him ; Mr. H. has a farm of 120 acres
where he resides ; also one of 108 acres in Louisa Co., Iowa. Mr. H.'s son John C.
served three years in the Union army during the war.
JOHX HUSTON, farmer, Sec. 6 ; was born in the county of Antrim, North
of Ireland, in 1818, where he resided for thirty years, and married Miss Eliza Cerni-
han, of the same county, in 18 i8 ; they have had ten children, four still living — Mar-
tha, Nancy, Maggie and Anna; Martha and Nancy were born in Ireland in January,
18-47. Mr. H. and family emigrated to the United States; landed in Philadelphia,
Peun., and remained for one year, working at his trade of stone-mason ; removed tlience
to Pittsburgh and remained six years; in 1855, he came to Muscatine Co., and com-
menced farming, which he has since followed ; has a fine f;irm of 170 acres, upon which he
has made the principal improvements. Members of the Presbyterian Church ; Mr. H. is
an uncompromising Republican. He is an earnest, enterprising and public-spirited ciizen.
lirEO. V. JARVI^i, flirmer. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Mu.scatine ; was born in Ashta-
bula Co., Ohio, in 183(5 ; he emigrated to Fulton Co., 111., with his parents in 1837,
thence to La Salle Co., and, in the fall of 1865, 3Ir. J. settled in Muscatine Co., where
he still remains. Mr. J. married Miss Adeline B. Holcomb in 1867 ; they have one
child — Albert Nelson. Members of the M. E. Church of the Island. Mr. J. has a
fine farm of eighty acres. Democrat.
3IRI§». LA VISA S. KIXCAII> (nee Steenbergen), flirmer, Sec. 5 ; daugh-
ter of Charles Steenbergen; born in Pike Co., Ohio, in 1819; niece of Hon. Robert
Lucas, ex Governor of Ohio, subsequently Governor of Iowa, and Brigadier General in the
war of 1812. Both of her grandfathers fought through the Revolutionary war. On the
16th of January, 1838, she married Mr. George VV. Kincaid, a native of Ohio ; born
at West Union, Adams Co., April 24, 1811; son of Thomas Kincaid and Margaret
(nee Hanna), natives of Pennsylvania and Martinsburg, Va., and descendants of Rev-
olutionary stock ; both of his grandfathers fought through the war of Independence ;
his father, Thomas Kincaid, was aide de-camp to Gen. Ludwick in the war of 1812-15,
and took part in the battle of the Thames about the date of the birth of his son.
George W. spent most of his boyhood in West Union ; his father having been Sheriff
of the county for twelve years, where he attended the public schools, and at the age of
14, was apprenticed to learn the tanning business at Piketon, Ohio, where, after serving
his time, he engaged in business for some years; in 1838, shortly after his marriage, he
moved to La Fayette, Ind., where he was engaged as a contractor on the public works for
a year; in 1830, removed to Iowa, settling in Muscatine Co.. which was his home dur-
ing the rest of his life ; here he engaged in farming. Notwithstanding the educational
disadvantages under which he labored, he was a man of great intelligence and sound
judgment, and soon took a leading position in the community. He was a member of
the first Constitutional Convention of Iowa, and also the first Commissioner of the State
school fund, and was one trf the Trustees, having charge of the erection of the Iowa
Insane Asylum at Mount Pleasant during 1860-62, and held many other ofiiees of
trust and respousibilit}' during his long and eventful career. He was not only a pioneer
citizen of Muscatine, to who.se interests he was always devoted, but he was emphatically
a patriot, and loved his whole country ; in politics, he had been a Whig ; was a
radical Republican, and ever an uncompromising foe to human slavery ; he espoused
the Union cause with all his heart, and on every suitable occasion, spoke out
with the fervor of a deep devotion to the cause of his country. An incident
published in the local papers at the time, shows how he seized, every opportunity to
in.spire enthusiasm and good humor in his patriotic work. A public meeting was held,
at which a number of speeches were made, expressing the strongest allegiance to the " old
flag." One polished orator, with glowing and rounded periods, said he ''was boru
under the 'stars and stripes,' and expected to die under them." Col. Kincaid followed
this speaker, and said, ''1, too, was born under the stars and stripes; I was born in a
little log cabin in Ohio; the stars shone on me through the" chinks between the logs,
and there was a striped (juilt over me." This speech "brought down the house' in
uproarious applause, and tended to add to his popularity and influence* But he was
BLOOMINGTON TOWNSHIP. 629
not satisfied with speakins; ; he wanted to do as well us say, and he conceived the idea
of raising a regiment of " Gray- Beards," to be composed of men, who, like himself, were
past the legal age for military duty. Accordingly, in 1862, he recruited what was
afterward known as the 37th Iowa, or "Grray- Beard " Kcgiraeat, the recruits for which
wore mainly drawn from the Hawkeye State, but many of them were citizens of Illinois
and other adjacent States, which he commanded till the clo.se of the war, in 18(55.
The regimenc was mainly engaged on garrison or guard duty, and in this capacity, rendered
important service in taking the place of able-bodied troops, who were thereby placed at
■the front. The regiment was first ordered to St. Louis ; thence to the line of the
Pacific Railroad, where they did guard duty for several months ; from thence, it was
transferred to Alton, III., and placed on guard over the rebel prisoners incarcerated at
that place, where they remained for about a year ; from thence, the command was trans-
ferred to Rock Island ; in the spring of 186-1:, the Colonel, with his " Grray-Beards," was
transferi'ed to Memphis, Tenn., where, in command of the second brigade, district of
West Tennessee, he took part in the battle on the 23d of August, 186-i ; from Mem-
phis, the regiment was transferred to Indianapolis, and thence to Cincinnati, where
they were mustered out May 22, 1865. As a soldier, Col. Kincaid was a stranger to
fear ; no braver man ever wore the uniform of his country. As a commander, he was
kind and indulgent to men whom he saw willing to do their duty, but stern and severe
to refractory subordinates. He was a man of rather striking appearance, being over
six feet high, and of remarkable physical strength and endurance ; was one of the
pioneers of Iowa, and like most men of that period, he began life low down, and by
his own energy and industry accumulated a competency ; leaving his wife and fiimily of
three sons and two daughters, Joanna (_now the wife of Mr. George Magoon, of Mus-
catine), Margaret Lavisa, Charles S., William M. and Warren E., a fine home and farm
consisting of 500 acres, upon which Mrs. K. and that part of the family remaining
at home reside, and which Col. K. improved from a rough and crude state. Mr. K.
was, for many years, a member of the M. E. Church, and was, through his life, a total
abstainer and an indefiitigable advocate of the cause of temperance. As a husband and
father, he was affectionate and indulgent, and was beloved and revered by his family.
He died at Muscatine, on the 19th of October, 1876, of typhoid pneumonia, in his
65th year. Mrs. K. is a member of the M. E. Church, and beloved by all who know
her. She was one of a committee of three appointed by the Governor to visit and
inspect the State Insane Asylum at Mt. Pleasant and Independence, which oifice she
has held for a number of years.
T. F. KIRKPATRICK, tarmer. Sec. 16 ; was born in this county in 1860.
Married Miss Flora Countryman, of Muscatine, Jan. 1, 1879. They are members of
the M. E. Church ; Mr. K.'s parents, Mark and Synthia Kirkpatrick, nee Mofford,
were pioneer settlers of Muscatine Co. and were highly esteemed for the many good
qualities they possessed ; they lived a sincere Christian life ; they have some time since
been gathered to the home of their fathers in the great beyond,
"Where friends meet to part, no more."
lf%]!l. D. LiAWRANCE, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Muscatine; was born in
Lincolnshire, England, April 14, 1818; in 1832, he emigrated to the United States,
stopping first in Albany, N. Y.; removed thence to Canada; in 1836 returned to New
York, stopped in Buffalo; thence to several of the Southern States; thence to North
Bend, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he married Miss Sarah Ann Disbrow, when he was 21
years of age ; they had nine children, five still living — William L., John, Mary, Martha
and Sarah Ann. He came westward, stopping in several parts of IlUnois, and finally
landing in Muscatine Co. in 1848, where he has since remained; he improved the farm
on which he resides, ct)nsisting of 102 acres. He enlisted in the 2d I. V. C ; was 3d
Sergeant or color bearer, and served durng the war. Losing his first wife, he again
married in 1875, Emily Gage, nee Eakins ; they have had three children, none now
living. Mr. L. is a Democrat.
JOHN LEIBI^li, farmer. Sec. 22; Mr. Leibis is a native of Pittsburgh,
Penn., born March 4, 1836; while he was a child, his parents moved to Ohio, where
6'^(» HIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
he remained until he was 18 years of age; then came to Iowa City, where he
manied Miss A. Caspar ; she was born in Iowa City, her parents having settled there
in the pioneer days. Mr. Leibis enlisted in Co. I, 22d I. V. I. ; was honorably diseharged
at the close of the war. Removed shortly after his return from the army to Muscatine;
came on his present farm in the fall of 1877. Membei-s of the United Brethren Church ;
he is a Republican. Owns forty acres of land well improved and containing several
acres ot fruit, located on the Moscow road, two and a half miles from Muscatine.
CHAKLKS LEIEX1>1^:€KER, farming and dairy, Sec. 28, two miles
irom city of Muscatine; Mr. Leiendeckcr is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born in
18H4; emigrated to the United States in 1850; came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1856, and
t<.) Muscatine the following year. He entered the 8th Michigan Battery, in which he
served until after the siege of Vicksburg, then returned home, remained a short time,
then entered the 77th Ohio V. I. as Sutler and served in that capacity until the close of
the war. He married in Muscatine Miss Ella Heidman, of Scott Co. ; they were mar-
ried Oct. 5, 1872; have four children — Carroll, Henry, Otto and Katie. Mr. Leien-
deckcr owns a well-improved farm of 160 acres. He is a man of much energy and is
ever willing to aid any enterprise that gives pi'omise of general good.
JOHN McCOlVNAHA, farmer, Sec. 16; was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio,
May 16, 1823. In 1846, married Miss Mary R. Hagan, a native of same county, born
in 1826 ; they removed to Muscatine Co. in 1856 and settled in Lake Tp., where tliey
resided until 1866, when they removed to their present farm ; they have seven children
living — Elizabeth A. (now Mrs. P. Esmoil), Rachel D. (now Mrs. C. Eichelberger),
John S., Mary J., Newton, Grant, Chester. Mr. McConnaha and wife are members of
the M. E. Church; he is a Republican. Owns 246 acres of land.
ALEXANDER McDERMONT, farmer, Sec. 29; P. 0. Muscatine ; is
a native of the Emerald Isle and was born in County Antrim, North of Ireland, in
1844; he emigrated to the United States with his parents, first settling in Berks Co.,
Penn., in 1846; remained until 1858, then moved to Indiana, where they died. Mr.
McD. enlisted in 1862 in the 82d Ind. V. I., Co. F, and served about two and a
half years ; was discharged after the battle of Chickamauga U* take charge of two of his
brnthers, who were wounded in the same battle and died a short time afterward; his
father was taken sick about the same time and died a few weeks later at his home in
Indiana, <and he was called there to take care of him ; he re-enlisted Feb. 5 and served
one more year. After the war was over, he came to Iowa and located in Muscatine
Co. on the fine farm he now owns and improved. Mr. McD. married Miss Alice M.
Corwin, daughter of H. Corwin, of Muscatine Co., in April, 1872 ; they have four
children — Juhn H., Anna Grace, George F. and Arthur. Members of the M. E.
Church of the Island. Mr. McD. has held several offices in the county. He has a
fine farm of 120 acres, where he resides. Is a stanch Republican.
JOHN W. HILLAR, far.. Sec. 6; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in Scioto
Co., Ohio, in 18;>8, and came with his parents to Iowa in 1849, locating in Muscatine
Co. on the farm on which he now resides and improved ; married Miss Henrietta Mikesoil,
daughter o f John Mikescll, of Muscatine Co., in 1864. They have had fair children,
three still living — Anna, Hallie and Henrietta. Mr. M. has a farm of 225 acres,
located about three and a half miles west of the city; has been very extensively
engaged in the stock business for many years ; is now engaged in the improvement of
stock, hogs and cattle, in which he takes a deep interest; he is also engaged in propa-
gating fish, and has several fine fish-ponds filled with trout and salmon. Members of
the Presbyterian Church, and he is also a member of the A. 0. U. W. lu politics, is a
staunch Republican. He enlisted in the 1st I. V. I., Co. A, and served six months,
and, in 1864, was drafted into the army again. Mr. M.was married, drafted and had
an heir all inside of one year ; is among the most enterprising men of the county.
WILLIAM H. MILLAR, far., Sec. 6; P. O. Muscatine; was born in
Scioto Co., Ohio, Feb., 28, 18U7 ; in 1849, with his faiuily, removed to Iowa, and
settled in Muscatine Co., on the farm on which he still resides; married Feb. 17, 1835,
Miss Rebecca S.. daughter of Charles Steenberger, of Piketon, Pike Co.*. Ohio. They
BLOOMINGTON TOWNSHIP. 631
have had six children, five still livinfr — Charles S., John W., Abraham H., Polly H.
(now the wile of Presiding Elder Miller, of Iowa City), and Lavisa S. ; members of
the M. E. Church ; Mr. M. has been a member of that church for over forty years.
All of Mr. M.'s sons were in the array during the late war. He improved the large
farm upon which he lives, consisting of over six hundred acres ; is a pioneer of Mus-
catine County, and has held several offices of trust and responsibility; was overseer of
the work on the levee while it was being built from Muscatine to a point eight or nine
miles below the city. He has raised a family of very enterprising sons to make their
mark in the world ; was formerly a Whig, now a stanch Republican, and ever a fue to
human slavery.
FRKDKRICK MITTMAX, far., Sec. 9 ; was born in V/illiamsburg, Ger-
many, 1825 ; came to this country in 1853; stopped first in Ohio. In 1854, removed
io Iowa, and located on the fiirm on which he now lives, consisting of 263 acres, located
in Muscatine Co. Mr. M. is engaged extensively in the dairy business, which he is
making a success financially. He carried on the blacksmith bu.siness some nine years
in the city of Muscatine, prior to moving on his farm. In 1853, he married Miss
Catherine Haneigan, prior to leaving Germany for the United States. They have four
children — John, Robert, Andrew, Pauline. He is a stanch Republican; members of
the Protestant Church.
THORXTON NICHOL.S, farmer. Sec. «J ; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in
Ross Co., Ohio, in 1836 ; came to Iowa with his parents, settling in Des Moines Co.,
while he was quite young; remained there a number of years. Married, in 1859, Miss
Emily A. Bier, daughter of Henry Bier, of Louisa Co. ; they have four children —
Henry H., Martha (now Mrs. C. Platt^, Nannie and Lilly. Mr. N. improved the farm
on which he now resides, consisting of 205 acres, valued at $100 per acre ; in 1877,
Mr. N. engaged in the dairy business ((uito extensively, and still continues, in connec-
tion with farming. Members of the M. E. Church. Mr. N. is a stanch Republican.
CHARIiKJi PAOE, Sec. 2, now inside the city limits; was born in Norfolk
Co., England, in 1830 ; in 1849, Mr. P. sailed for the United States, first stopping a short
time in St. Louis, Mo. ; thence came to Iowa, locating at Muscatine, where he has
since been engaged in several important enterprises, such as the Muscatine Water
Works, and vnrious other public enterprises of importance and note. Mr. P. was
formerly extensively engaged in distilling in the city of Muscatine. In 1855, Mr. P.
returned to England, and married Miss Mary Ann Pycroft, a native of Norfolk Co.,
England ; they have had five children, all of whom are Jiving — James W., Charles N.,
Lucinda J., Mary Ann and Henry C. Mr. P. is one among Muscatine's substantial citi-
zens ; public-spirited and thorouiihlv enterprising. Acts with the Democratic party.
B. F. PATTERSON, former. Sec. 11 ; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in
1845 ; came West with his parents. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 2d Regt.
I. V. I., served until August, 1865. Married Miss Mary Kein, of this county; have
three- children — William Elward, Olive Iowa and Oron Eldou. Mr. Patterson and wife
are members of the M. E. Church ; he is Republican in politics. Owns 80 acres
of land.
C. Jj. PEASLEY, farmer. Sec. 12, Bloomington Tp. ; was born in Clinton
Co., N. Y., Aug. 3, 1830. In February, 1853, he married Miss M. L. Carpenter;
they removed to Muscatine Co. in May of the same year ; have five children — Elbert
D. C., Leslie W., Samuel C, Mary Effie, Alice M. Mr. Peasley and wife arc members
of the Society of Friends. Politically, he is a Republican ; has held various local
offices; has been member of the Board of Township Trustees, and Treasurer a number
of terms; owns 200 acres of land, finely improved and well located.
MRS. ELIZABETH D. PURCELIi, nee Parvin, far., Sec. 9 ; P. O.
Muscatine; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, near Cincinnati, in 1839; came to Indi-
ana with her parents while very young, and located in Dearborn Co.; in 1839, her
parents removed to Muscatine Co.. Iowa, and located at Bloomington (now Muscatine j.
In 1840, she married Alfred Purcell, a native of Kentucky, born near Maysville in
1804 ; Mr P. came to Iowa the same year that they were married, and died Dec. 16,
632 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
1878; they have had nine children, eight still livin<r — Melinda (now Mrs. Adkins),
Louisa (now Mrs. l^ierson), Lydia (now Mrs. Middleton), Charles, James, Rhoda,
Alfred Oliver and Ijizzie. Mr. P. was a plasterer by trade, which he followed for some
years in Muscatine. Mr. P. was formerly a Whig, afterward a Republican. In IS.H,
they moved on the farm on which they now reside, of 104 acres, which they improved.
SAIIIIEI^ ROCKAi^ELIiOW, far.. Sec. 32; P.O. Muscatine; is a
native of Pennsylvania; born in Montgomery Co., Sept. 2H, 1888; in 1861, emigrated
to Cedar Co., Iowa; remained one year; in 18(i2, located in Muscatine Co., near Mus-
catine. In 1857, in the city of Philadelphia, he married Miss Catharine G. Howell ; they
have five children — Harry H., Howard W., Clara E., Fanny R. and Charles O. Mr.
R. is a machinist by trade, but now follows the occupation of a farmer. Members of
the M. E. Church on the Island ; Mr. R. is a Republican in politics, and has ever acted
with that party.
W. Cw. ROWIiAXI), contractor and builder, Sec. 88; Mr. Rowland was
born in Kingston, Canada West, Feb. 10, 1841 ; in 1851, he removed with his parents
to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.; thence to Rock Co., Wis., in 1855 ; in 1857, he came to
Muscatine Co., remaining a short time; went to Kansas; returned to Mu.scatine in
18()0. He enlisted in Co. A, 9th Regiment I. V. I.; was honorably discharged at the
close of the war. Married Miss Lydia Hopkinson in Muscatine Co., in 1800 ; she wa*
born near Cincinnati, Ohio ; they have five children — Lillie Amelia, Lulu, Charles (jr.,
j\L\y, Phoebe J. Members of the U. B. Church ; he is a Republican. Owns forty-five
acres of land.
CirEORGE SHIELD, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 21 ; was born in Licking
Co., Ohio, Aug. 28, 1845 ; came to Muscatine Co. with his parents in 1855. Married
Miss Rhoda Smalley, of this county, in September, 1875 ; they have one child —
Robert. Mr. Shield is a Democrat. Owns 188 acres of land; he is extensively
engaged in stock-dealing, which business he devotes the most of his time to, and has
been among the most successful dealers in the county.
SHEPHERD SMALLEY, Sec 3; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio,
Aug. 12, 1817, where he remained, receiving as good an education as the Western
schools of that early day afforded ; in 1889, in company with his parents, came to and
settled in Bioomington (now Muscatine), where he has since resided, his father having
died since, but his mother is still living in the city of Muscatine, now over 80 years of
age ; Mr. S. has lived for forty years on the site of his present fine dwelling, the orig-
inal house that he built forty years ago making part of the same ; in the same year he
built his large barn, hauling the lumber fifty or sixty miles; it vas the first burn of any
size in the county, and still in a good state of preservation ; Mr. S. erected his liouse
and barn before the land was bought from the Government, which was rather advent-
urous. Feb. 19, 1845, he married Miss Minerva Drury, daughter of Isaiah Drury,
one of the pioneers of Rock Island Co., 111.; they have five children — William,
Andrew, Pris(;illa (now Mrs. Hartman), Rhoda (now Mrs. Shield) and Frank. Mr.
S. has held various important offices of trust and responsibility in the county and
State ; he was the first Drainage Commissioner appointed by the Governor for this part
of Iowa, and was one of those who got an appropriation bill through the Legislature tor
a levee fund for Muscatine Co., and helped prosecute the work which made thousands
of acres of land very valuable in Muscatine Co. that would otherwise have been
worthless. Mr. S. is one of Iowa's early pioneers, and also one of Muscatine Co.'s
most enterprising citizens, ready to help in every public enterprise. Mr. S. is a
Democrat.
ALISON THORNTON, farmer, Sec. 16 ; was b..rn in Guilford Co., N. C,
in 1882 ; in 1854, removed to Arkansas; the following year, to Mercer Co., 111., where
he married Miss Elizabeth Wells in 1858 ; they removed to this county in 1866, and
settled on the farm where he now resides ; they have one child — Sarah Emma. Mr.
T. is a member of the M. E. Church on the Island. Republican. He enlisted in the
124th Rcgt. I. V. I., and served until the close of the war; the Adjutant General's
reports of Illinois show that he was a good soldier.
SWEETLAND. 633
BARTL.ETT THORNTON, farmer, Muscatine Co.; was born near Hart-
ford, N. C, Oct. 9, 1804 ; in 1815, he removed with his parents to Guilford Co.;
remained until 1825, when he went to Wayne Co., Ind.; thence to Mercer Co., 111.,
where he married Miss Mary Bachelder, in 1844; she was a native of Maine, born
June 16, 1809; they came to Muscatine Co. in 1865; she died in this county in the
69th year of her age ; they had six children, two still living. Mr. Thornton was origi-
nally a Whig, Ijut on the formation of the Republican party, he adopted its principles ;
•he is a member of the Society of Friends. By his energy and industry, Mr. T. has
accumulated quite a property ; he owns 110 acres of land on his home place, and 410
acres near Wapello, the county seat of Louisa Co.
CHARliEN B. VAILf, farmer, Sec. 15; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in
Orange Co., N. Y., March 17, 1849 ; in 1855, he came to Muscatine Co. with his
father, J. M. Vail, and has resided in the county since ; has a fine farm of 73 acres,
which he improved, located in Sec. 15, Muscatine Island. Mr. V. is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, of Muscatine. His occupation is that of farm gardening. Dem-
ocrat.
J. III. VAIL, farmer, Sec. 29; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in the town of
Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1819 ; emigrated to Dearborn Co.. Ind., in 1854 ;
the next year, came to Muscatine Co., and located on the farm on which he now lives
and has improved, consisting of 140 acres, situated six miles southwest of Muscatine ;
he also owns 180 acres of a farm near the county liue in Louisa Co. Mr. Vail mar-
ried Miss Louisa C. Chapman, daughter of Hiram Chapman, a physician of Newburg,
N. Y., in 1844; they have bad six children, four still living — Edward N. C, Charles
B., James A. and J. Henry; William Chapman died in Florence Prison, N. C, Feb.
5, 1865, aged 19 years; Hiram died in infancy. Mrs. V. was born in Florida, Orange
Co., N. ^.', in 1817. Members of the Presbyterian Church of Muscatine; Mr. V.
has held several offices of honor and trust in the county, and also in the State of New
York before coming West ; he has always been a Democrat.
A. A. WEBB, farmer. Sec. 16; was born in Allegheny Co., Penn,, May 10,
1826; in 1829, his parents removed to Guernsey Co., Ohio, where he remained until
he was 22 . years of age, when he went to De Kalb Co., 111., where he married Miss
Martha Jane Bartlett, a native of Ashland Co., Ohio; they were married in 1856;
she was born March 21, 1839 ; they removed to Muscatine Co. and settled where they
now reside, in 18(54 ; have had six children, four still living — John J., Stella, Annie
and Willie. Mr. Webb and wife are members of the M. E. Church ; he is a Repub-
lican. Owns 101 acres of land, well improved.
SWEETLAND.
JOHN C. AliOINCiJER, farmer. Sec. 10; P. 0. Sweetland Center; born
in Muscatine Co., Iowa, Nov. 1, 1853; his parents, John and Catharine Aldinger,
came to IMuscatine Co. in 1851 ; Mrs. Aldinger was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Nov.
24, 1817 ; John, Sr., born in Germany Oct. 18, 1815. and died Nov. 8, 1856. John
Aldinger, Jr., married Miss Lizzie Johnson in 1876; she was born in Queen Anne Co.,
Md., March 1, 1857 ; they have two children — Katie and Emma. Mr. A. is a Demo-
crat.
JOEL BARNARD, farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Muscatine; born in York State
April 20, 1809 ; went to Washington Co., Ind., with his parents in 18 — , where h<! was
united in marriage to Miss Malvina Bogal in 1832; born in Virginia April 16, 1810;
removed to Muscatine Co. in 1843; have seven children — Rural, Andrew, Sart^lda,
Ruth, Levi, Polly and Bathia.-
JOHN W. CL.ENOENEN, farmer. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Sweetland Center;
born in Mercer Co., Penn., Feb. 18, 1839 ; came to Muscatine Co. with his parents in
634 BTOGRAPHTCAL SKETCHES:
1845; has boon twice married; present wife was Mrs. Mary Montgomery; born
in Belmont Co., Oliio, Fob. 12, 1847. Mr. C.'s paretits settled near his present resi-
dence; remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Clcndonen are members of the
Friends' Church. Mr. C. owns fifty-one acres of land, and has ever been identified
with the Democratic party.
K1.<j!IIJR day, iarmer, S(c. H8; P.O. Sweotland Center ; born in Washing-
ton Co., IVnii., Nov. 2:5, 1821 ; removed in 1850 to Creene Co., where he followed farm-
ing until 18(i5. then returned to Washington Co. ; the same year, came to Muscatine
Co. and purchased the farm where he moved his family in October, 18()5. Mr. Day
married Miss Kadu-l D. Comkey March 12, 1849, a native of Green Co., Penn. ; born
Aug. 18, 182:^, and died Jan. 14, 1861. He married ayrain Miss Susan Kelley Dec.
30, 1863; born in Fayette Co., Penn., Dec. 6, 1830, and died March 23, 1870. Mr.
Day has five children by former wife — Elizabeth (now Mrs. Mann), John W., Hannah
B., Alice J. and Samuel M., Elmur Day, and one deceased — Livisa M., and by second
wife two — Ida M. and George L., and one deceased — Laura F. Mr. Day was elected
to the Legislature in 1871, and has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since
34 years of age, wh( re he has ever been a faithful member ; is a Democrat.
JOSIAH DAY, farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Sweetland Center; born in Washington
Co., Penn., July 13, 1828; removed to Muscatine Co. in 1866, settling in Sweetland
Tp.. where he owns a fine farm of 350 acres. Married Miss Phebe J. Minton, i\
native of Washington Co., Penn., in 1854; born Aug. 23, 1832; have six children,
three sons and three daughters — Laura C., S. Belle, Mary, John W., S. Addison
and (iloldsmith O. Mr. and Mrs. Day are members of the Presbyterian Church;
Democrat.
MRS. I.YDIA A. DAVIDSON, formerly Mrs. Hoope, Sec. 18; P. 0.
Muscatine; born in Philadelphia, Penn., Jan. 9, 1842; removed with her parents to
Delaware Co., Penn., and thence to Muscatine Co. Feb. 1, 1867. Married William H.
Davidson Dec. 12, 1866; he was born in Chester Co., Penn., March 8, 1835; died
Sept. 19,1872; have two daughters — P]llie E., born Oct. 17, 1867; Sidonia S. G.,
born July 8, 1871. Mrs. D. is a member of the Episcopal Church ; Mr. D. served as
clerk in the Quartermaster's Department one year, under J. J. Hooper. Democrat.
ISAIAH DAVIS, firmer. Sec. 4; P. 0. Sweetland Center; born in Virginia
Feb. 10, 1816; removed with his parents to Union Co., Ind., when 13 years of age;
remained three years; thence to Madi.son Co., and lived five years ; came to Muscatine
Co., in 1837, and settled in Sweetland Tp.; among the first in the township; there was
only one small field broken on the prairie in that vicinity ; Mr. Davis helped to survey
the city of Muscatine in 1839, and Bloomington Tp., Sweetland Tp. in 1837, and was
Di-puty Sheriff in 1838. Married Miss Hannah Drury, May 27, 1844; born in Wayne
Co., Ind., Sept. 23, 1823 ; have had eleven children, eight sons and three daughters —
John, Benjamin, Charles, Frank, Lucy, Lincoln, Dell, Lsaiah, and three dead; Shepard
dicil in the army; Rachel and James; the first house that was built on the prairie in
Sweetland Tp. now stands on Mr. Davis' farm ; he owns 300 acres of land ; has improved
4(10 acres in the towii.ship. Mrs. D. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Davis has
been honest in all his business transactions, an industrious and energetic man. and is
highly respected by all that know him ; Republican.
AIXDREW l>OBKS, farmer, Sec. 35; P. 0. Melpine ; born in Juniata Co..
Penn., April 1, 181(i. Married Miss Elizabeth Longstreth March 11, 1845; removed
to Muscatine Co., 1845, and settled where they now reside, in the spring of 1846 ; Mr.
D. was ajipointed Postmaster of Melpine, by William Donni.son, in 1865, which office
he has held ever since; was on the Board of Supervisors four years; taught the first
school in the district; have five children — IMarion B., Hdward II., Emma U., Chester
P. and Elizabeth A. Menibi:rs of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. D. is a Repub-
lican.
J. A. DOWiVIiR, I'uruier, Sec. 17; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Hartford Co.,
Conn.; Sept. 2, 1805; removed to Pennsylvania in 1812; remaiuLHl until 20 years of
age ; where he (!niia<red in teaeluni; school. Married Miss Elizabeth R.' Carder Feb.
SWEKTLAND. 635
11, 1827; born in Columbia Co., Penn., March 13, 1807 ; they removed to Stark Co.,
Ohio, where he followed farming and school-teaching for thirteen years; in 1845,
reffioved to Des Moines Co., Iowa, and settled at Linton, where he held the post office
for twelve years; in 18(55, removed to Muscatine Co., and purchased the Bamford farm.
United with the M. E. Churcli at 19 years of age, has ever been a faithful member ;
Mrs. Elizabeth Downer died Dec. 14, 1845; he married again Mrs. Elizabeth Babb,
June 8, 1847, a native of Pennsylvania; she died Jan. 80, 187o; lias had by former
wife six children — Ann C, Mary S., Robert M., Joseph B., two deceased, Almira and
Adella ; and three by sei-ond wife — Edwin and George C; one deceased — Ellen.
JOSEPH DOWJ^TER, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Stark
Co., Ohio, May (i, 1840; came to Des Moines Co., Iowa, in 1845, thence to Muscatine
Co.; in early Ufe, was engaged in the cause of education; enlisted in 8th Iowa Cavalry,
Co. D, and served till the close of the war ; went out as private, and was promoted to
Captain; was in most of the engagements of his regiment; was taken prisoner July 30,
18G4, and held at Andersonville until Sept. 22, 1804. Married Margaret A. Davis in
1866; she was born in Highland Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1847 ; have three children — Anna
A., John T., Louis E. Member of the M. E. Church; is a Radical Republican, and
an uncompromising temperance man.
ABNER ELI>RII>G;-E; born in Chester Co., Penn., June 26, 1806.
Married Miss Amy 11. Davidson April 3, 1844; she was born in Chester Co., Penn.,
July 3, 1813; have had two children — Joseph, born July 28, 1845, and died Sept. 4,
1865; Benjamin, born April 27, 1848, and died March 2, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. E.
are members of the Friends' Church. They removed to Muscatine Co. in 1853, and
settled on the present firm he now owns ; has held the office of Assessor and Town-
ship Clerk and District Secretary; is a Republican.
MARSH AL,L FARJfSWORTH, farmer. Sec. 9; P. 0. Swcetland Cen-
ter; born ill Williamstown, Vt., in 1815; came to Muscatine Co. first in 1837; went
back to Illinois; returned, in 1838, and purchased, at the land sales, 260 acres, and set-
tled in Swcetland Township, where he now resides ; served on the Board of Super-
visors four years ; has been Justice of the Peace, and held other minor offices of the
township. Married Miss Rebecca Daniels in 1844; .she was born in North Carolina.
in 1825, and died in 1869, Married again. Miss Ruth J. Peck in 1870; she was
born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Oct. 22, 1820 ; came to Lee Co., Iowa, in 1839, and
settled at Montrose. Mr. P. had eight children by former wife — Henry P., Erie 1).
(now Mrs. Draper), Eliza E. (now Mrs. Kellcy), John M., Thomas E., Nellie, and two
deceased — Abbie and Verona. When Mr. Farnsworth came to the county, there were
but few buildings in Swcetland Township, and many Indians. Members of the M. E.
Church. Mr. F. voted at the first election held in the Territory of Iowa, and has
always taken sides wiUi the Republican party.
PlilXY PRY, far.. Sec. T; P. 0. Mu.scatine ; born in Carroll Co., N. H.,
July 8, 1842; at 12 years of age, came West with his parents to Mahaska Co., Iowa,
in 1854, and removed to Muscatine Co. in 1869 and settled, where he now owns forty
acres of land. Married Miss Mary C. Deane Aug. 31, 1870; born in Kennebec Co.,
Me., Sept. 22, 1841 ; came to Muscatine Co. with her parents in 1858. Mr. Fry is
Secretary of the Y. M. C. A., of Muscatine. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are members of Ortho-
dox Friends' Church ; Mr. Fry is a Republican.
D. ]fl. FIJXK, blacksmith and farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Pine Mills ; born in
Dauphin Co., Penn., Feb. 23, 1828; removed to Muscatine in 1850; then to Tipton,
Cedar Co.; thence to Linn Co.; returned to Muscatine Co. and settled where he now
lives. Married Miss Barbara Blessing in 1851 ; born in Dauphin Co., Penn., May 22,
1830; have eleven children — Mary B., John H., Catharine A., Nancy E., Amanda J.,
Elizabeth D., Ida M., Magdalena, Lavina, Frederick D. and Barbara A. Members or
the M. E. Church ; Mr. Funk is a Democrat.
HENRY GETTERT, far., Sec 5; P. 0. Swcetland Center; born in Ger-
many in 1826 ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1854 and settled in Montpelier Tp., where he
remained until 1865, then removed where he now resides; owns 280 acres, which he
636 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
has improved. Married Miss A. Fechner in 1860; she was born in Prussia in 1835;
have five children — Mary, Annie, Jacob, Aui^usta and John. Mr. and Mrs. G. are
uierabors of a Protestant church; Mr. (Jr. is a Democrat.
PETER OETTERT, far., Sec. 5: P. 0. Sweethind Center; born in Ger-
many April 24, 1842; came to Muscatine Co. in 1854. Tn 18(jl, enlisted in Co. C,
Kith Regiment I. V. I., and served till the close of the war; was in all the battles of the
regiment — at Corinth, Pittsburg Landing, luka, Oliver and Atlanta, where he was
under fire eighteen days, taken prisoner and held in Andersonville two months; was on-
the march to the sea with Sherman ; marched from Savannah to Washington, and was
at the general review. Returned to Mu.scatine Co. in 1866, and married Mi.ss Amelia
Fechner, born in Germany in 1840; have four children — Henr}', Lena, Theodore and
Ada. Mr. Gettert is a Democrat.
MRS. MARY A. GILBERT, nee Chinn, far., Sec. 19 ; P. O. Muscatine ;
born in Indianapolis March 5, 1824; her father, Thomas Chinn, came to Indianapolis
in 1820 ; Mr.>*. Gilbert was of P^nglish and Scotch descent ; they were connec-
tipns of Sir Walter Scott. Miss Mary A. Chinn married Samuel Gilbert in 1841 ;
born in Virginia May 16, 1815; removed to Muscatine Co. in 1835, where he died
Dec. 8, 1873; Mr. Gilbert was an honest, upright and energetic man, and ever gener-
ous ; he leaves a family of eight children — Martha J. (now Mrs. Styles), Andrew J.,
Alice (now Mrs. Millet), Irene (now Mrs. Huffmastcr), Rollin, Mary C. (now Mis.
Chandler), Douglas and Samuel V., and three deceased in infancy. Mr. Gilbert was a
a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the M. E. Church. Came to this county with-
out any means, and left his family in good circumstances.
WIIiLIAM HALLIXG, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Melpine ; born in Prussia
May 12, 1814; came to St. Louis in 1849, where he worked three years by the day,
and, in 1852, came to Muscatine, where he worked as a day laborer until he got money
enough to buy eighty acres of land ; then worked till he had money to buy things to
enable him to move on his farm, where he remained till 1868, then removed where he
now owns 500 acres. Married Miss Rika Niamaire in March, 1849 ; born in Prussia
Dec. 25, 1825; they have nine children — Lewis, William, Christian, Henry, Mary,
Louisa, George, Eddie and Fred. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Lutheran
Church ; Mr. H. is a Democrat.
A. M. HARE, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Muscatine; born in Franklin Co., Ohio,
Nov. 13,1811; came to Mus^tatine in 1841; having learned the trade of hatter in
Dayton, Ohio, he established the first manuflxctory in Muscatine, which business he
followed until 1849 ; then sold out and purchased the ferry, which he operated until
1850, when he engaged in real-jstate business till 1859, and then removed to where
he now resides. Mr. Hare was first Colonel of the 11th I. V. I.; at the battle of
Shiloh was wounded and resigned his commission. Married Miss Emeline P. Austin
in 1844; born in Ohio in 1826; have two children — Austin and Ida B., now Mrs.
Warfield, and three deceased — Mary A., William P., one died .in infancy. Mr. and
Mis. H. are members, one of the M. B. and the other of the Congregational Church;
Republican.
JOSEPH S. HARKER, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; born in Sussex
Co., N. J., Sept. 10, 1808 ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1846, and settled in the vicinity
where he now lives. Married Miss Lydia Rosenkrans Aug. 19, 1837 ; she was born
in "iSussex Co., N. J., May 5, 1815 ; they have had seven children, three now living —
Jane (now Mrs. Parvin), Mary C. (now Mrs. Smith), Edwin J. (deceased), Theodore
(enlisted in Co. A, 35th I. V. I., was taken sick, returned home and died), Margaret,
James, Sarah and John. Mrs. Harker is a member of the M*. E. Church. Mr. H.
owns 205 acres of land; Mr. H. is upright and honest in all his business transactions.
He is a Republican.
J. B. HEN^EKER, farmer, Sec. 36; P. 0. Melpine; born in Kent Co.,
England, March 29, 1809 ; came to Philadelphia in 1817. Married Miss Jane Lang-
.streth in 1831 ; born Sept. 14, 1812. In 1835, removed to Perry Co., Penn. ; in 1846,
to Muscatine Co. They have eight children — Edward, Tacy A. (now Mrs, Patterson).
SWEETLAND. 637
Hannah M. (now Mrs. Cabej, Harriet F. (now Mrs. Cole), William S., Henrietta
(now Mrs. Hill), Jennie E. (now Mrs. West), Ida M. and two dead, Benjamin M.
and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. H. was ap-
pointed Postmaster by J. K. Polk, which office he held sixteen years.
JOSEPH HEINLY, farmer. Sec. 27; P. 0. Sweetland Center; born in
Northampton Co., Penn., May 2, 1821 ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1855. Married
Miss G. Seen May 10, 1841 ; born in Northampton Co., Penn., May 10, 1819 ; have
•four sons and four daughters — Anderson W., Milton M., Benjamin F., Emma E. (now
Mrs. Mackiner), Thomas, Ella S. (now Mrs. Wintermute), Ida May, Laura G., and
four deceased — George W., Joseph R., Mary and one died in infancy. Mr. Heinly's
grandparents came to Lehigh Co., Penn., before the Revolutionary war, and the house
that his great-grandfather built still stands where his grandfather, his father and
one of his sisters were born. Mr. Heinly is energetic and by good management has be-
come well off; owns 2,100 acres of land. Mr. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
J. J. HO AG, farmer, Sec. 6: P. O. Muscatine; born in Chittenden Co., Vt.,
May 3, 1827 ; removed with his parents to Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1831, and remained
one year; thence to North Berwick, Me., where they remained until 1837, then
removed to Beaver Co., Penn. ; in 1843, to Henry Co., Iowa, and in 186-1, to Mahaska
Co., remained until 1870, then went to the Indian Territory; remained five years, three
years with Agent, B. Darlington; two years with Agent Richards, and in 1875, came
to Muscatine Co. Married Miss Rachel Darlington June 20, 1849; born in Pennsyl-
vania in 1830; died Jan. 26, 1856; he married again Miss Margaret Osboru March 9,
1865; born in Clinton Co., Ohio, March 20, 1833 ; died Nov."27, 1877; he married
again Mrs. Elizabeth C. Peasley March 29, 1879; she was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio,
Sept. 15, 1829; Mr. H. has three children by his first wife — Charles B., Lindley N.
and Mattie D., and by second wife, two — Joseph T. and Annie R. Mr. and Mrs. H. are
members of the Friends' Church ; she has two children by her former husband — Arthur
and Oliver. Mr. H. is a Republican. His ftither resides with him ; Joseph Hoag, born
in Chittenden Co., Vt., June 2, 1800. Married Miss Eliza Meadcr October, 1820;
born in Straff"ord Co., N. H., 1798 ;• died in 1823 ; married again M. D. Tabor, 1825 ;
born in Ulster Co., N. Y., 1802 ; died in 1853.
J. B. JESTER, farmer, Sec. 35; P. 0. Sweetland Center; born in Brooke
Co., Va., June 26, 1833 ; went to Texas in 1859 ; remained eighteen months; returned
to Virginia, and enlisted in the 12th Regiment Va. V. I., Co. K; was elected First
Lieutenant and afterward appointed Captain ; was in the battles at Winchester, June
14-16, 1863; New Market, May 15, 1864; Piedmont, June 5, 1864; Lynchburg, June
18, 1864 ; Snicker's Gap, July 18, 1864; Winchester, July 24, 1864; Berry ville, Sept. 19,
1864; Cedar Creek, Oct. 19,1864; Pittsburg, April 1, 2, 3, 1865, and Appomattox
Court House, April 9, 1865 ; came to Muscatine Co., 1865. Married Miss Elizabeth
Palmer March 16, 1864; born in Fayette Co., Penn.; born Aug. 10, 1837 ; have two
daughters — Carrie and Lucy B. Members of the M. H Church ; Mr. Jester has held
the Assessor's office five years. Republican.
D. B. JOHNSON", farmer. Sec. 18; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Hillsborough
Co., N. H., June 25, 1812 ; removed to Muscatine Co. in the spring of 1854, and set-
tled where he now resides. Married Miss Lydia F. Miller in 1839 : she was born in
Strafford Co., N. H. ; they have five children— A., Phoebe E., Levi D., Lydia M.,
Rcsina L., and two deceased ; Mrs. J. died Feb. 25, 1876 ; married again Mrs. Judith
Fry, 1877; she was born in HilLsborough Co., N. H., 1808. Mr. and Mrs. J. are
members of the Friends' Church. Mr. J. is a Republican.
M. P. PACE, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. O. Muscatine; born in Pittsylvania Co.,
Va., Feb. 25, 1815; went with his parents to Washington Co., Ky., in 1819, and in
the fall of 1831, removed to Morgan Co., 111., thence to Wari'en Co., and in 1835, he
and his father came to Muscatine Co., took a claim, and moved in the spring of 1836,
where his parents, Michael and Nancy Pace, lived until their death. Mr. Pace married
Miss Amanda Chambers, daughter of William and Sarah Chambers, April 2,1843;
born in Washington Co., Ind , Feb. 25, 1825 ; she came to Muscatine Co. with parents
"SSS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
May 12, 1836. Mr. Pace has three sons and three daughters — Ellerj W., lona N.
(now Mrs. Nye), Emma S., IClbridge F., Elvin, Susie H., and two deceased — Sarah and
Douglass A. Mr. Pace has made the improvements on 600 acres where he lives.
Democrat.
J. A. PARVIN, firmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; was born in Cumberland
€o., N. J., Nov. 10, 1807 ; the youngest son of four now living, of David Parvin and
Elizabeth Sutton. Mr. Parvin came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in an early day, where he
engaged in teaching school for two years; removed to Muscatine in 1839, and taught
school for one year, then engaged in the mercantile business for four years; was
appointed District Clerk of the Court; elected to the General Assembly in 1850, and
served in the winter of '50 and '51 ; was elected Mayor of Mu.scatine in 1854, and
served one year, and in 1857, was a member of the State Constitutional Convention;
elected to the Senate in 1863, and served six years; was one of seven who organized
the first M. E. Church in Muscatine in 1839. Mr. Parvin has been matrimonially
unfortunate ; is now married to his fourth wife, Martha M. Williams, a native of Bos-
ton, and has been unfortunate in raising a fomily ; have had thirteen children — only two
now living — one by first wife, Thomas S., and by second wife, Ida (now Mrs. R. N.
Ingersoll;. In May, 1855, Mr. Parvin removed to where he now resides, and has been
a farmer since. He united with the M. K. Church in 1832 ; has ever been a consistent
member. Democrat until 1854, when he helped to organize the Republican party, and
has been a Republican ever since.
MRS. LAURA L.. PATTERSOX, farmer. Sec. 36; P. O. Melpine ;
•daughter of Benjamin and Azubah Nye; was born in Wayne Co.,, Ohio, Jan. 22,
1827; her parents were natives of Vermont; came to Muscatine Co. in 1833, being
the first white family that settled in the county. Mr. Nye, her father, built three mills
on Pine Creek — the first mills built in the county — one of which still stands as a
memento of pioneer times, and is still in operation ; owned, now, by Busby & Huch-
■endorf. Mr. N. died in 1852. Mrs. Nye was 80 years old, at the time of her. death,
March 4, 1879. Their daughter married Feb. 26, 1845, Mr. R. H. Patterson, a native
of Knox Co., Ohio, born October 9, 1817, and came to Muscatine Co. in 1836. Mr.
p. died Nov. 30, 1863, leaving a widow and five children. He was a consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. Mrs. P. is connected with the
same church. The family consists of the following, now living — Benjamin F., Laura
B. (now Mrs. Campbell), Pina F. L., Robert S. and Charles E.; deceased — George
A., Viola L., Lemuel S.
W. H. RAUB, farmer and dealer in stock. Sec. 35; P. O. Melpine; born in
Warren Co., N. J., May 1, 1826 ; removed to Muscatine Co. in 1855. Married Mrs.
Sarah Keen, formerly Miss Sarah Martin, March 13, 1856; she was a native of War-
ren, N. J., born May 2, 1824 ; they have two sons — Arthur B. and Orj»n H., and
one deceased — John W. Mrs. Raub has one son and one daughter by her former hus-
band— Mary E. and B. E., and two deceased — George and Sylvester. Mr. Raub owns
416 acres of a fine farm ; he has made most of the improvements. He and wife are
united with the M. E. Church ; Mr. R. is a radical Republican.
D. W. ROBERTS, far., Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; was born in Strafford Co.,
N. H., Jan. 19, 1842; came to Muscatine Co. with his parents in 1853. He married
Miss Lou Atwood March 1, 1866, born in Ohio Jan. 8, 1842; have four children,
three suns and one daughter — Gilbert J., John C, Winfred and Carrie M., and two
deceased — Arthur H. and Adeline M. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the
Friends' Church; Mr. R. is a lupublican.
JAMES ROSBOROrUH, far.. Sec. 2; P. 0. Melpine; born in Dublin,
Ireland, Dec. 17, 1815; came to Philadelphia April 1, 1848, thence to Muscatine, and
remained thirteen years, working at the carpenter's trade. He married Mi.ss Ann A.
Wallace in 1852, born in Nova Scotia x\pril 13, 18;il, and died Jan. 8, 1879 ; they
have five sons and one daughter — Charles A., Frank, James W., Simon B. R., Sherman
G. and Ann A. Mr. R. owns 143| acres of land, on which he has made all the improve-
ments. Republican.
SWEETLAND. 639
JOHX SCHAIiliHORX, manufacturer of pottery, Fairport ; was born in
'Germany June 21, 1849, where he learned his trade; at 16 years of age, he came to
Winnebago Co., Wis., where he worked at his trade one year; then to Illinois, where
ho remained three years, thence to Minnesota, then to Muscatine Co. in 1873, and
engaged in his present business. He married Miss Caroline Feustel March 17, 1876,
born in Muscatine Co., Iowa, March 17, 1858 ; they have two children — Elizabeth S.
and Bnrbara. Members of the Catholic Church ; Mr. S. is a Republican.
• J. G. SCRIBXER, far.. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Sweetland Center ; was born in Car-
roll, N. H., June 12, 1810; removed to Muscatine Co. in 1854. He married Miss
Eliza Plumer Sept. 22, 1831, bora in Carroll Co., N. H., io 1809; she died in 1855 ;
he married again Miss Mary Underwood Aug. 12, 1858, born in Merrimack Co., N. H.,
Nov. 5, 1816 ; Mr. S. has had three children by his former wife — Samuel S., Abby
.^. and Mary A., all deceased. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Friends' Church ;
Mr. S. is a Republican.
P. A. SHBRFEY, far., S. 21 ; p. 0. Muscatine ; Mrs. Sherfey was born in
Koss Co., Ohio, in 1817. She married John Sherfey in 1837 ; ne was born in Grct-
tysburg, Penn., Jan. 5, 1805. Mr. Sherfey went to La Fayette, Ind., in an early day,
where he engaged in milling and mercantile business for some time, and in 1837
removed to Muscatine Co. and settled at Wyoming, where he opened the firot store that
was in the place ; also held the first post office ; was appointed by Andrew Jackson ;
Mr. Sherfey laid claim to the farm where Mrs. Sherfey now resides, and, after the priva-
tions of pioneer life, in 1871 passed away, leaving his family in good circumstances,
two sons and four daughters.
JOHIV SPARKS, manufacturer of pottery, Fairport; born in Adair Co.,
Ky., Oct. 17, 1821 ; came to Fairport, Iowa, in 1844, and engaged in his present
business. Married Miss Sarah Anderson in 1846 ; she died in 1858 ; married again —
Miss Mary Penton — in 1859; she was born in Maryland in 1840; his children are
-Sarah E., Sophronia, Clinton and Lucy M.; deceased — Pjllery (killed at battle of
Atlanta) and Myron, by former wife; by present wife, three — William C., Adella A.
and Grcorge H., and two deceased — Fannie 0. and Estella. Members of M. E. Church ;
Republican. Has had the appointment of Postmaster since Lincoln's first election.
ALFRED TUNISON, far.. Sec. 33; P. 0. Sweetland Center; born in
Sussex Co., N. J., April 2, 1831 ; the second son of Henry Tunison and Ann Sim-
mons ; his mother died when he was 6 years of age ; he lived with an aunt until 14
years of ^ge, then started in life for himself; came to Michigan, where he worked by
the month until he had $300 ; came to Muscatine Co. Nov. 10, 1853, and purchased
eighty acres of land, now the J. B. Jester farm, which he improved ; sold and bought 160
acres, where he now lives, and improved it ; he holds the office of Assessor. Married
Miss Mary Ross March 25, 1855 ; she was born in Dearborn Co., Ind., Oct. 21, 1834;
have one son and two daughters — Harvey, Ella and Carrie, and one deceased — George.
Mrs. T. is member of M. E. Church; Mr. T. is Democrat.
K. VAN CAMP, far.. Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Sweetland Center ; born in Hunterdon
Co., N. J., Sept. 15, 1822 ; his parents died when he was a child 8 or 10 years of age ;
was raised among strangers ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1850 and purchased 160 acres
of land of Dr. Newcomb. Married Miss Ann M. Little Dec. 15, 1849 ; she was born
in Sussex Co., N. J., Jan. 17, 1828; have eight children — Andrew N., Abraham E.,
William 0., Mary E. (now Mrs. Longstrech), James H., George W., Jacob E. and
Frank K. Mr. and Mrs. Van Camp are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Van
Camp has held most of the township offices ; has improved 480 acres in the township ;
now owns 445. Republican.
JACOB VAN DOREN, far.. Sec. 33 ; P. 0- Sweetland ; born in Somer-
set Co., N. J., July 12, 1833 ; when 5 years of age, his parents removed to Hamilton
Co., Ohio; remained eight years; thence to Dearborn Co., Ind.; removed to Muscatine
Co. in 1855, and settled near where he now lives ; Mr. Van Doren owns eighty acres
of land, on which he has made most of the improvements ; is engaged in farming and
manufacturing sorghum molasses ; in 1878, manufactured 3,600 gallons. Republican.
u
640 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
J. J. VAKCE, far.. Sec. 34; P. 0. Sweetland Center; born in Cumberland
Co., Penn., in 1823; served an apprenticeship as chair and cabinet maker, which occu-
pation he followed in Pennsylvania and in Muscatine, where he removed in 1845. He
married Miss Isabel Jackson (now deceased) in 1854. Mr. Van Doreu owns 100 acres
of land ; is a member of I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, No. 5, Muscatine ; Republican.
R. I. VAXCE, far., Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Sweetland Center ; born in Cumberland
Co., Penn., in 1817, where he was engao:ed in chair and cabinet making, came to Mus-
catine in 1845, where he engaged in farming for some time; removed to his farm in
1855. Married Miss Mary M. Hershe in 1852; born in Cumberland Co., Penn., in
1829 ; they have three sons and four daughters — Charles, Elizabeth J., John, Margaret,
Edward, Katie and Minnie. Mr. V. owns 185 acnis of land. Members of the Pres-
byterian Church ; Mr. V. is a Democrat.
B. K. WINTERMIJTE, far., Sec. 36; P. 0. Melpine; born in Warren
Co., N. J., May 23, 1832 ; came to Muscatine Co., 1853. In 1861, enlisted in the 11th
I. V. I., Co. H. and served until the close of the war; was in the battles of Shiloh,
Corinth and Vicksburg, and with Sherman to the sea ; was in all the battles of the
regiment and at the general review in Washington. Married Miss L. A. Martin in
1860, a native of Warren Co., N. J., born in 1835. Members of the M. E. Church.
Owns 200 acres of fine farming land, which he is constantly improving ; also has a fine
creamery, where they manufiicture butter which brings the highest market price.
Republican.
C. P. WOOD, far., Sec. 7; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Loudoun Co., Va.,
Nov. 29, 1822 ; at 12 years of age, went with his parents to Morgan Co., Ohio, where
he remained until he came to Muscatine Co. in 1853. Married Miss Sarah H. Carr in
1847 ; born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Aug. 25, 1826, and died Feb. 28, 1875 ; have five
children — Addison J., William G., Walter H., Jessie C. and Ida S. Mr. Wood owns
125 acres of land. Acts with the Republican party.
ORONO TOWNSHIP.
A. L.. BLiIVIN, far.. Sec. 7; P. 0. Conesville; owns 420 ^cres of land, val-
ued at 835 per acre; born Sept. 18, 1831. in Allegany Co., N. Y.; in 1836, parents
moved to Meigs Co., Ohio, and, in April, 1838, came to Louisa Co., Iowa; his father
died the following August ; his mother again married William Todd in 1841 ; he (A.
L.) lived at home, learning of his step-father the bricklayer's trade; in 1852, engaged
as clerk in a dry goods store with IMr. Gore for nearly two years, then worked at his
trade, after which he rented the ferry of his step-father, which he operated a couple of
years ; in the spring of 1861, came to his present farm. Married Miss Miriam Whelen
Aug. 14, 1856; she was born July 17, 1833, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; have two chil-
dren— William E. and Anna S.; lost one infant. Mr. B. is among the leading farmers
of his township ; makes a specialty of blooded stock. Republican.
ALBERT J. BROCKWAY, far.. Sec. 4; P. 0. Conesville; son of
James M. and Lydia Brockway, born Sept. 18, 1830, in Jefterson Co., Penn.; in the
spring of 1842, parents emigrated to Muscatine Co., Iowa, locating in this township,
then called Cedar; Muscatine was the nearest post office — 15 miles; Mr. B. engaged
in the lumbering, business during the years 1847-48, in what is now Jackson Co., Wis.
Married Miss Mary Nichols, daughter of Samuel Nichols, Dec. 6, 1866 ; she was born
in 1835 and died March 19, 1861 ; was again married to Elizabeth Nichols, cousin to
his first wife, June 4, 1862 ; she was born in 1841 in Iowa ; his children by his first wife
are Ida O. and Merton W.; by second wife, Alice M., Lydia, Mary E., Grace and Mar-
cus L.; lost three infiints. Mr. B. purchased his home farm from the Government in
1850; he now owns a little over 700 acres of land, valued at S25 per acre. Members
Reformed Church; Republican.
ORONO TOWNSHIP. 641
K. A. BROCKWAY, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Conesville ; son of James M.
and Lydia Brdckway ; born May 11, 1836, in Jefferson Co., Penn. ; with parents
emigrated to Muscatine Co., Iowa, in the spring of 1842; located in this township, then
called Cedar ; spent part of 1858, 1859 and 1860 in the pineries of Jackson Co., Wis. ;
in the fall and winter of 1860 and 1861, attended school at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. En-
listed in Co. B, of the H5th I. V. I., Aug. 13, 1861 ; participated in the battle at Jack-
son, Miss., siege of Vicksburg, in the charge of the 22d of May, 1863, the siege of
Jackson, routing of Joe Johnston and capture of several hundred men ; was also with
Banks in his Red River expedition, at the battle of Henderson Hill, Pleasant Hill and
Yellow Bayou and Monsouri, La. ; Tupelo, Tenn. ; with Gen. Steele in Arkansas ;
at Nashville, Tenn., and at the siege of Mobile, Ala. ; mustered out Aug. 10, 1865, at
Davenport, Iowa; in the winter of 1866-67, operated in the Wisconsin pineries
again. Married Miss Jane Davison, of this county, Dec. 29, 1869 ; she was born April
10, 1850, in Illinois; have three children — Rhoda E., Helen M. and Lillian; lost one
infant. Mr. B. owns 300 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Greenbacker.
J. CALiHOUX, wagon-maker and Justice of the Peace, Conesville; born July
25, 1842, in Louisa Co., Iowa; learned his trade in Columbus City. Enlisted in his
country's service July 13, 1861, in Co. C, of the 5th I. V. I. ; was promoted to First
Sergeant; re-enlisted as a veteran in Co. G, of the 5th I. V. C, in January, 1864 ; was
subsequently promoted as Quartermaster ; was also, as a reward for bravery, presented
with a very fine sword by his company, costing $130, with the name of the battles in
which he was engaged — New Madrid, Corinth, luka, Corinth r2d), Jackson, Champion
Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Duck River, Nashville, Pulaski, Elyton,
Ebenezer Church, Selma, Montgomery, Columbus, West Point and Macon. He was
one of two color-bearers at the battle of luka who escaped out of nine ; was remarkably
fortunate, having never been sick a day while in the .service ; was mustered out in
August, 1865. Returned to Columbus City and followed his trade till in 1867, came to
Conesville and established his present business ; was elected the first Mayor of the town,
and is present Justice of the Peace. Married Miss Susan Stillwell, of this county,
March 27, 1867 ; she was born Dec. 25, 1845, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; have four chil-
dren living — Cora, Lucinda J., Albert and Arthur; lost one — Miriam. Mr. C. is a
member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Columbus City Lodge. No. 107. Republican.
B. S. COXE, founder of the town of Conesville and retired farmer; P. 0.
Conesville; born June 25, 1812, in North Wilbraham, Mass.; his parents, Jared and
Hannah Cone, moved to Harrison Co., Ohio, in 1816, and to Muskingum Co. in 1820,
where they both died, mother in 1823, and father in 1856. Mr. C. married Miss
Lucinda Davison Feb. 4, 1836; she was born Dec. 11, 1818, in Coshocton Co., Ohio.
He first located in Coshocton Co., near the line of Muskingum Co. ; was subsequently
one of the delegates to a railroad convention for the purpose of inducing the Pan-Handle
Railroad Co. to run their road to that point, in which they succeeded, and a town was
laid out on Mr. C.'s land and c died Conesville; was engaged there in mercantile busi-
ness; also proprietor of a line of canal-boats on the Ohio Canal; in the fall of 1854,
came to Muscatine Co. ; first purchased 840 acres of land in Orono Tp. ; was one of the
prime movers and workers in s(!euring the location of the C. R. & B. R. R., and now
B., C. & N. R. R., through this township ; had the management and supervision of
grading and tying the road from the Iowa River to the north line of Pike Tp. ; in
March, 1870, he laid off the town of Conesville, a station having been established here
by the railroad company. Mr. C. was appointed the first Postmaster; he has also
served as one of the County Supervisors, Justice of the Peace, etc. ; has three children
living — William D. (now a physician of this place), James W. (an attorney of Iowa
City), and Jared E. (the youngest, at home running the farm). To the last two sons
he has given over his land, containing 1,050 acres, they to take care of him and wife the
remainder of their life ; had four children deceased — Hannah E., Lucy J., Stewart B.
and Arthur E. Members of the Reformed Church ; Republican.
W. 1>. COXK, H. IK, jdiysician and surgeon ; also owns a farm of 256 acres,
northwest of town, valued at $35 per acre, Conesville; born March 17, 1838, in
642 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Coshocton Co., Ohio; came with parents to Muscatine Co. in the fall of 18.J4.
Enlisted in Co. B, of the 35th I. V. I., Dec. 5, 186U; participated in the battle
of Pleasant Hill, La. ; was also under A. J. Smith in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. ;
subsequently, he was assiiiued to the Commissary Department at Keokuk, also havin;^
charge of the Hospital Department; in May, 1865, was assigned to the Veteran
Reserve Corps; mustered out in October, 1865; while in the hospital, commenced the
study of medicine, which he continued, attending lectures at the College of Physicians
and Surgeons at Keokuk, where he graduated in February, 1867 ; afterward graduated
at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York in February, 1868, since which
time he has followed his profession in connection with carrying on his farm. Married
Miss Kate F. Lord, daughter of Richard Lord, of Muscatine, June 7, 1870 ; she was
born April 21, 18-45, in this county ; have two children — Edna L. and William L. Mr.
C. served his county as Supervisor in 1863; is at present one of the Trustees of the
township. Religion. Liberal ; Republican.
W. H. CROCKKR, Port Allen; dealer in dry goods, general merchandise and
grain, also ov/ux about 211> acres of land, valued at $20 per acre; and his wife owns
176 acres of land, mostly in Washington Co., besides a house and two lots in Port
Allen; Mr. C. was born Oct. 9, 1821, in Devonshire, England. Married there Fanny
E. Tyte in March, 1842 ; she was born in January, 1822.' On the 4th of May, 1846,
they set sail at Biddeford, England, for the United States ; when near the Azores
Islands, the vessel was struck by a severe gale, breaking off the rudder, leaving the vessel
at the mercy of the storm ; they soon fell in with a vessel of the Cunard line, which
took them in tow back toward the coast of Ireland; a temporary rudder was constructed
and they attempted to make the port themselves, but their rudder proved of little
value, and they were again driven toward the shore and near the rocks, when all on
board expected almost every minute to be dashed to pieces; however, fortunately the
wind changed and di'ove the vessel to sea, and they finally succeeded in making Crook
Haven Harbor, whore they remained ten days for repairs, when they again set sail, and,
after being out about six weeks, when near the coast of Newfoundland, they ran out
of provisions and were rationed several days on half a sea biscuit and a pint of stagnant
water a day, having to use rum in the water to drink it ; Mr. C. was the first to discover
the topsail of a vessel, which they signaled and brought it to their relief, and for six
weeks following they were; dependent upon fishing and what supplies they could get
from other vessels ; they finally made Quebec, Canada, Aug. 28, 1846 ; he soon after
came on to Genesee Co., Mich. ; in the spring of 1854, came to Oakland, Louisa Co.,
Iowa ; purchased a farm, upou which part of the town was subsequently platted ;
engaged in dealing in and shipping stock in connection with farming ; in 1858, engaged
in mercantile business; in the fall of 1872, moved his store, building and goods to
Port Allen. Has served as Township Clerk. Has six children living — William H.,
Agnes H., Samuel, Stephen, Frances E. and George ; lost two — Ada and Robert ; his
son William H., Jr., served his country in Co. E of the 16th I. V. I.; enlisted in October
1862, and re-enlisted as a veteran in April, 1864; participated in the battles of Pitts-
burg Landing, Shiloh, siege and battles of Corinth, luka, Jackson, Champion Hills,
seige of Vicksburg and subsequently at Keuesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta and
Savannah; was promoted to Sergeant at the battle of Vicksburg; mustered out at
Davenport in July, 1865. Greenbacker.
J. T. .1KA]¥, farmer. Sec. 8; P. 0. Conesville ; owns 255 acres of land, valued
at $25 per acre; born Feb. 16, 1820, in Clermont Co., Ohio; in 1823, his parents
moved to Union Co., Ind. ; in the spring of 1838, emigrated with parents to this
county, locating in Cedar Tp. ; there were then no settlers in what is now Orono Tp. ;
in the spring of 1851, he crossed the plains to California; following December, started
for home on a sailing vessel ; when they were out about five hundred miles, were over-
taken by a heavy gale, compelling the oflScers to cut away the masts, after which a leak
sprung and the vessel was kept up by the pumps and buckets used by about seventy-
five persons for forty-eight hours, when they made a port in Southern California ; another
vessel was chartered and again had to come to land, and traveled across the country in
ORONO TOWNSHIP. 643
Cemral America to Lake Nicaragua River to the Gulf, where he again shipped for home;
in the spring of 1852, came on to his present farm. Married MeHssa A. Shellabarger,
of Ohio, Sept. 27, 1848; she was born May 12, 1830, in Montgomery Co., Ohio;
have five children living — Thomas M., Laura M., Sarah S., Joseph E., Ulysses A. and
Alta M. Mr. Jean s father, Joseph Jean, died Dec. 3, 1870, and mother Nov. 8, 1853 ;
wife's parents came to this county in 1846; her father died November, 1870, and
mother Dec. 14, 18(14. Greenbacker.
I. W. JONES, farmer and one of the proprietors of the Eicketts' Addition to
the town called Orono ; P. 0. Conesville ; son of Joshua and Mary J. Jones; born
Dec. 7, 1843, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; in the fall of 1866, came to Pike Tp., of this
county, and to Orono Tp. in the spring of 1871. Married Martha J. Ricketts, daughter
of Hezekiah W. and Cecelia Ricketts, April 16, 1868 ; she was born Nov. 1, 1849, in
Coshocton Co., Ohio; her father came to this county in the fall of 1852, and entered
from the Government 320 acres of land, embracing the land on west side of Main street;
he subsequently sold eighty acres, now owned by Mr. Tipton ; Mr. Ricketts died July
28, 1857, leaving his wife and three children, heirs to his estate — Mrs. Jones, Byron
A. and Robinson F. ; Mr. A. L. Blivin was appointed guardian for the boys ; Messrs.
E. Younkin, John Haines and George Bomgardner were appointed as Commissioners
to divide the estate, eighty acres being set off to the widow as hers during her life,
after which, it is to revert to the heirs ; sixteen acres were laid off in town lots in the
fall of 1870 as an addition to the town and called Orono, the balance of 144 acres was
divided between the children, Byron A., a dentist in Clinton, Iowa, and Robinson F.,
a telegraph operator. The widow Ricketts was again married to John Barrett in 1864.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jones are : Eva, born Aug. 2, 1870 ; Albert W., Nov. 2, 1874,
and Nellie, Feb. 14. 1877. Mr. J. is a member of the Reformed Church ; Greenbacker.
ALEXANDER HcClTRD Y, Conesville, proprietor of hotel ; son of Dan-
iel and Jane McCurdy ; born June 21, 1823, in Coshocton Co., Ohio. Married Sarah
J. Jones May 7, 1846; she was born in the fall of 1825, in Harrison Co., Ohio ; in
the summer of 1866, came to Muscatine Co., Iowa, locating in Orono Tp. ; his wife
died the 8th of June, 1867. Again married Miss Sarah E. Norris Aug. 24, 1872 ;
she was born Jan. 9, 1840, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; in the fall of 1870, moved into
Conesville, and, the following spring, engaged in the mercantile and grain business, in
company with his son, S. D. ; was also appointed Postmaster, to succeed Mr. B. S.
Cone, the first incumbent of the office; continued the business till 1873; was unsuc-
cessful, and, in addition to the losses of business, his residence, which had cost him
$2,000, was consumed. His children by his first marriage are Seth D.. Melissa, Lavina
and Arizona; lost three — Winfield, Wilbert and an infant; by second marriage, two —
Chester W. and Scott A. Mr. C. is at present one of the Trustees of the township.
Democrat.
DANIEL. McCURDY, farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Conesville ; owns 92 acres of
land, valued at $35 per acre; born Feb. 19, 1845, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; came to
this county in the spring of 1868 ; in December, 1876, he engaged in mercantile business,
in Conesville, and the June following, his brother Thomas W. came in as a partner ;
Nov. 17, 1878, their store was burned, with contents ; supposed to be the work of an
incendiary; loss above insurance, about $1,200; he then returned to his farm. Mar-
ried Minerva Hardman, Oct. 8, 1871; she was born April 7, 1853, in Coshocton Co.,
Ohio; have three children living — Albert, Elsie and Lucius C; lost one, Lulu. Member
of the German Reformed Church. Democrat.
ROBERT McClJRDY, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Conesville; owns 300 acres
ol' land, valued at $35 per acre; born March 19, 1821, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; in the
fall of 1868, he emigrated to this county, locating on his present farm. Married Eliza-
beth Welling Nov. 3, 1842 ; she was born July 11, 1819, in Harrison Co., Ohio ; have
six children — Daniel, Rebecca J., Lewis C, Thomas W., Minerva and Allen. Mem-
ber of the German Reformed Church. Democrat.
SETH D. McCLRDY, dealer in grain and agricultural implements, Cones-
ville, also Notary Public; son of Alexander and Sarah McCurdy ; born September 17,
644 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
1851, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; came with his parents to this county in 1866; was
educated at West Bedford, Ohio; commenced teachin}; school when 16 years of age;
taught three terms, after which he turned his attention to other business ; was a part-
ner with his father while in business; during the summer of 187-4, made a tour of Cali-
fornia and Colorado, and rjturned the following winter ; was in the grain business at
Nichols' Station, after which he engaged in his present business ; have shipped from
Conesville from fifty to one hundred thousand bushels of grain since January, 1871.
Married Miss Ella Tipton, daughter of Thomas and Margaret J. Tipton, Sept. "JS,
1876 ; she was born Dec. 27, 1856, in this county ; have one daughter, Lita. Dem-
ocrat.
T. J. MAXWELL., farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Port Allen ; owns 505 acres of
land, valued at $35 per acre; born Jan. 5, 1828, in Morgan Co., Ind. ; in the fall ot
1842, emigrated to Louisa Co., Iowa, and in the spring of 1865 to his present farm, in
Muscatine Co. Married Melinda Wilson Sept. 6, 1849; she was born March 1!>,
1830, in Indiana, and died Feb. 14, 1858. He again married. Miss Mary Boggs,
Sept. 5, 1859 ; she was born April 15, 1838, in Coshocton Co., Ohio. His children
by his first wife are Margaret J. and Absalom H.; lost three — William M., Melinda,
and an infant ; by his second wife, Thomas, Robert, Harry, Cora and Willie ; lost two —
Ida and an infiint. Has served his town.ship as Trustee. School Director, etc. Dem-
ocrat.
JOSEPH NELSON, farmer. Sec. 29; P. 0. Conesville; owns 552 acres
of land, valued at $'M) per acre ; born Dec. 9, 1823, in Harrison Co., Ohio ; in 1828,
his parents moved to Coshocton Co.; in the fall of 1854 he emigrated to Muscatine Co.,
Iowa, locating in this township, and came to his present farm in the spring of 1866.
Married Elizabeth Adams Nov. 13, 1846; she was born Dec. 3, 1824, in Bedford Co.,
Penn.; have three children — Florence, Theodora J. and Eva ; lost three — Louisa J,
John B. and an infant. Mr. N. took quite an active part in procuring the B., C. li. &
N. 11. R. through his township, donating eleven acres of land to the company ; also
grading two miles of road from south line of township, north, taking the same in rail-
road stock, which has been almost a total loss ; he has served as member of the Board of
Supervisors, also Townshi]) Trustee. Democrat.
THOMAS TIPTOX, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Conesville; owns 234 acres of
land, valued at $35 per acre ; born Dec. 5, 1828, in Coshocton Co., Ohio ; in January,
1851, moved to Marshall Co., Ind., and in the spring of 1856, came to Muscatine Co.,
Iowa, locating in this township, which was then called Cedar, but subsequently changed
to Orono ; was elected Justice of the Peace at the organization of the township, which
office he filled for fifteen years ; has also tilled most of the offices of his township ; is at
present Secretary of the School Board. Married Miss Margaret J. Adams Jan. 2:5,
1851; she was born Dec. 5, 1832, in Coshocton Co., Ohio; have three children —
Emeziah R., born March 13, 1852; Ella, born Dec. 27, 1856, and George W., born
March 19, 1859: lost one son. Arena. Members of the Reformed Church ; Dem-
ocrat.
CHARLES A. WALKER; P. O. Conesville; Station Agent for B., C.
R. & N. R. R., also agent for American Express Co., son of John and Martha A.
Walker, born April 3, 1854, in Blair Co., Penn.; parents moved to Scott Co., Iowa, in
the spring of 1856; father died there March 23, I860; in February, 1872, went to
Iowa City, where he remained till January of 1873 ; went to Kossuth, Des Moines Co.,
attended school there, and in April, 1873, came to Conesville and commenced learning
telegraphing and railroad business with Mr. Fuliuer, the station agent ; in April, 1875,
was appointed station agent. Married Miss Emma M. Fulmer July 11, 1876; she
was born April 8, 1856, in Indiana Co., Penn.; have one daughter — Bessie E., born
Jan. 7, 1878. Mr. W. has four brothers, the eldest a Presbyterian clergyman at Deep
River, Poweshiek i^o., Iowa ; one a printer, at Moline, 111., and two at Brooklyn, Iowa,
one of them a grain-dealer, and the other an employe of the C, R. I. & P. R. R. Co.; his
mother is living in Brooklyn ; he had one sister, who died in Iowa City, in February,
1873. Member of the M. E. Church. Republican.
LAKE TOWNSHIP. 645
LAKE TOWNSHIP.
GEOmi^K BAKKK, Sec. :U; P. O. Muscatine; born in Fairiield Co.,
Ohio, March 14, 1S4U; came to Muiscatine Co. in 1857. Married Miss Alice Rice
Nov. 14, 1877 ; she was born in Muscatine Co., Tovva, /Vug. 17. 1855. Mr. Baker has
been engaged in school-teaching and farming; owns 100 acres of land, on which ho has
made all the improvements. Members of the M. K. (church. Mr. B. is Townshi|)
Clerk. Democrat.
ALONZO J. BARiiiFiR; horn in Mu.scatine Co., Iowa, Nov. 30, 185(i; is
now residing at the old homestead ; owns forty acres of land in Greene Co. Repub-
lican. W. J. Barger came to Muscatine Co. in 1855; Republican.
JACOB 11. BAR(i}EK, farmer. Sec. 2G ; P. (). Muscatine; born in Pike
Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1820 ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1848. Married Miss Elizabeth
Hellems in 1844; have three children — Elizabeth E., born July 10, 1847; Nancy (1,
born April 22, 1850 ; Mary C, born Dec. 18, 1852 ; deceased, Jacob E., born June 28,
1855, died Jan. 12, 1859; Virginia N., born March 2, 1845, died Dec. 10, 1876.
Members of the M E. Church. Mr. B. owns 200 acres of land, and is a Republican.
W. .1. BAKGKK, farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; born in Pike Co., Ohio,
Feb. 8, 1820. Married Miss Margaret Boggs Feb. 20, 1851, born in Jackson Co.. Ohio,
Nov. 5, 1833, died Jan. 4, 187*3, leaving a family of ten children — Frank B., born
March 27, 1853; William A., born Jan. 4, 1855; George D., born Dec. 12, 1858;
Ada O., born Jan 24, 1861 ; Elmer E., born June 28, 18(13; Icy D., born Sept. 21,
1865; Laura A., born Nov. 11, 1867; Maggie A., born Oct. 17, 1869; John, born
May 30, 1873 ; Hattic B., born Oct. 28, 1876. •
JO!i$EPlI CRANE, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Es.sex Co.,
N. J., July 14, 1814, where he learned the blacksmith trade, and, in 1837, came to Rock
Island, 111., where he established the; first shop in that town ; removed to Cedar Co., lowa^
in 1839. Married Miss Agnes Bogart in 1841 ; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in
1819. Mr. C. was at the first court held in Cedar Co. He was appointed Justice of
the Peace by Gov. Lucas, which ofiice he held until 1845 ; was on the Board of Com-
missioners for several years; removed to Muscatine in 1845, where he engaged in man-
ufacturing plows, which lie followed till 1855, then removed to where he now lives,
where he owns 300 acres of land, on which he has made all th(! improvements. Demo-
crat until the beginning of the war, and since ll(!i)ublican.
OCRAX 'DICKII^SON, Sec. 13; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Hampshire
Co., Mass., Nov. 19. 1812; in 1835, went to Michigan and followed his occupation as
harness-maker one year; then returned to Massachusetts and married Miss Miranda
Gale Sept. 20, 1836; she was born in Ham|)shire Co., Mass., Oct. 12, 1812; then
removed to Michigan, where Mr. D. followed his former occupation ; came to Musca
tine Co. in the spring of 1846, and settled in Lake Tp.. where he owns 170 acres of
land; they have seven children — Julia P. (now Mrs. Bayles), Levi, Abby M. (now
Mrs. Lucas), Maria L. (now Mrs. Wilson), Hannah G. (now Mrs. Letts), Frances J.
(now Mrs. Sheldon) and Ocran. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Congregational
Church ; Mr. D. is a Republican.
JAMEI^ FOSTER, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P.O.Muscatine; born in Pike Co.,
'Ohio, Oct. 18, 1817 ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1847, and settled in Lake Tp. Married
Miss Elizabeth Sails, now deceased; married again Miss Mclinda Boyles in 1847; born
Pike Co., Ohio, in 1818; has two children by fi)rmer wiie — Jeremiah and Christina
I now Mrs. Haroft), and two deceased — Westley and Michael ; and by present wife two
— William H. and Minerva, now Mrs. Miller. Mr. Foster owns 196 acres of land.
Gretmbacker.
W. H. HAZELETT, firmer. Sec. 24; P. 0. Muscatine ; Mr. Hazelett is a
native of Mifflin Co., Penn.; born in 1824; in 1845, removed to Fayette Co., thence
to Lake Tp., this county, in 1853. Mr. Hazelett has acted with the Republican party sin ce
646 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
its organization ; he has been Justice of the Peace, was also member of the County
Board of yuj)ervisors for six years; is a member of the Congregational Church, in
which he has been Deacon over eighteen years. He has been twice married ; first
wife was Miss Stevensi n, of Fayette Co., Penn.; she died in this county; present wifis
was Miss Hannah McNutt, daughter of Samuel McNutt and Hannah nee Stuart, who
were of Scotch origin, and emigrated to Philadelphia, Pent)., where he died in ISi-iti ;
she died in Iowa in 1874. Mr. Hazelett is public-spirited and enterprising and has
been identified with the public interests of township and county and is one of the truly
valuable citizens of Lake Tp. ; he owns 20(1 acres of land.
J. P. HITCHCOCK, farmer; P. 0. Muscatine ; born in Scioto Co., Ohio,
July 20, 1810; in 18H5, took a contract of building a wharf at Portsmouth, Ohio.
Married Miss Emily Adams in 1841 ; born in Scioto Co., Ohio, March 3, 1821. In
1847, removed to Muscatine Co. and settled on his present farm, which he took in its
wild state; now has under good cultivation, consisting of 520 acres. Mr. H.has seven
children — Jessie H., L. E., F. P., Anna N. (now Mrs. Riggs^ John S., Emma L. and
Edward ; two deceased — Henry and Thomas L. Member of the Congregational
Church ; Mr. H. is a Democrat.
JOHN HOLMES, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; born in Ireland April
13, 1799. Married Miss Barbara Sheley, 1846 ; born in Cumberland Co., Penn., in
1811 ; they have two sons — John T., William H. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of
tlie Episcopalian Church; Democrat.
JOHN T. HOLMEN, farmer, Sec. 29 ; born in Muscatine Co., Iowa, July 26,
1848. Married Miss Annie Huston Dec. 24, 1878 ; born in Muscatine Co., Iowa,
March 16, 1857. Mr H. owns forty acres of land. Democrat.
MATHIAS KIEF, far., Sec. 13; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Baden, Ger-
many, March 2, 1830 ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1855. Enlisted in 1st Regiment I.
V. 1., and served time out ; then enlisted in 11th I. V. 1., Co. I, and served till the close of
the war ; was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and Atlanta, where he was wounded ;
and was in all the battles of that regiment. Married Mrs. Amarintha Huber in 1865 ;
born in Baden, Germany, Jan. 22, 1821 ; she has two children by former husband —
Joseph, born Dec. 8, 1851 ; John, born May 30. 1861. Mr. Keif owns 120 acres of
land, and is a member of the Catholic Church ; Republican
ROBERT KIRK, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; born in Ireland Nov.
11, 1815; came to Muscatine Co. in 1852, and settled on his present farm of 242
acres. Married Miss Martha Hopper April 11, 1842 ; born in Ireland June 25, 1825;
they have eight children — Eliza J. (now Mrs. Battin), born March 3, 1842; Matilda,
born Jan. 9, 1844 (now Mrs. ^MillhalO Thomas, born June 5, 1847; Sarah, born Jan.
21, 1849 (now Mrs! Bunker i ; Robert C, born March 10. 1852 ; Emma, born May 3.
1854 (now Mrs. Wiggins i ; Martha E., born Sept. 8, 1857 ; William J., born July 9,
1860. Mrs. K. is a member of the Coniiregatioual Church.
JOHN EA TOrRRETTE, farmer. Sec. 23; P. 0. Muscatine; born in
Montgomery Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1819 ; came with his parents to Indiana in 1829 ;
where they were among the early settlers. Married Miss Eliza Bogart in 1840 ; born
in Pennsylvania in 1815; came to Muscatine Co. in 1847 ; have one son — Wilbert,
born in Fountain Co., Ind., May 25, 1841. Married Miss Mary J. Fortune Dec. 9,
1868; she was born in Essex Co., N. Y., Dec. 6, 1841 ; they have three children —
John D., Arthur J., Willette J., and one deceased — Anna Vj.
SAMUEL LLCAS, P. 0. Muscatine ; born in Scioto Co., Ohio, Jan. 10,
1807. Married Miss Nancy H. Hitchcock Oct. 17, 1833; she was born in Scioto Co.,
Ohio, Sept. 26. 1813; they removed to Muscatine Co. in October, 1838, and settled on
the farm where Mrs. Lucas now resides; Mr. Lucas died Aug. 5, 1878, leaving six
children — George W. H., who served as Second Lieutenant in Co. K, 35th I. V. I.;
Jesse H. served in the 3d Mo. I. V. I.; re-enlisted in 16th I. V. I. as First Lieutenant;
was promoted to Captain; William served in 2d Iowa Cav.; Joseph in 16th I. V. I.,
Co. C ; Eudora and Samuel B.. and two deceased — Sarah and Hannah. Mr. Lucas
was a faithful worker in the cause of religion ; organized the first Congregatipnal Church
LAKE TOWNSHIP. 647
in Muscatine, of which denomination he was a Deacon until his death. Mrs. Lucas is
a member of the same Church. The estate owns 300 acres of land, on which Mr.
Lucas made all the improvements. He acts with the Ilepublican party.
D. G, McCLOlID, Sec. 14; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Franklin Co., Ohio,
Aug. 11, 1818; at the age of 18, moved, with his parents, to Warsaw, 111.; came to
Muscatine in 1839; first to Muscatine, where he engaged at his trade plastering until
1857 ; since that time has been engaged in farming; was elected Sheriff of the county
. in 1853, which office he held four years; was elected to the Legislature in ]872, and
served two years. Married Miss Phoebe Chattaway July 18, 1849 ; born in England
Dec. 10, 182:^; have eight children — A. V., Cynthia M., Cara W., George D., Bion C,
Anna G., Emma E., Abby P. Mr. McCloud is a member of the L 0. 0. F., and a
member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. McCloud is a member of the M. E. Church.
Owns 260 acres of land. Republican.
SAMUEL McNlITT, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; was born near London-
derry, Ireland, Nov. 21, 1825 ; is the son of Samuel McNutt and Hannah, nee Stuart.
Samuel McNutt, Sr., emigrated to Philadelphia, Penn., when Samuel Jr., was a child,
and settled in New Castle, Del., where he died in 1836, leaving a widow and seven chil-
dren; she died in Iowa Dec. 24, 1874; working on the little farm in Delaware, Sam-
uel passed his boyhood and grew to manhood; completing his college education in 1848,
he engaged in teaching; was elected President of New Castle County Teachers' Asso-
ciation; he studied law under Hon. D. M. Bates; was admitted to the bar in 1851 ;
came to Muscatine Co. in 1854 ; in 1856, was Principal of one of the public schools of
Muscatine City, and at the close of the term became editor of the Muscatine Inquirer ;
in April, 1856, he became associate editor of the Dubuque Herald; in 1863, was elected
Representative to the Tenth General Assembly of the State; also elected to the
Eleventh and Twelfth Assemblies ; in 1869, was elected Senator to the Sixteenth Dis-
trict. Senator McNutt served ten consecutive years as a member of either house. His
private character is unblemished and unexceptionable. In church communion he is a
Presbyterian. Married Miss Anna Lucas, of Portsmouth, Ohio, April 14, 1857 ; has
three sons — William, Robert and Samuel. Politically, Mr. McNutt is a stanch Repub-
lican. He has ever been identified with the public interests of Muscatine County, and
is a valued citizen.
Gr. W. HESSICK, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Pickaway
Co., Ohio, Oct. .6, 1817. Married Miss Martha A. Dougherty Nov. 28, 1839 ; born in
Ross Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1822; removed to Louisa Co., Iowa, in 1841; removed to
Muscatine in 1846, where he engaged in the grocery business for nine years, and in
1856 returned to Louisa Co., where he engaged in farming ; in 1863, removed to where
he now lives, where he owns 110 acres of land. When Mr. Messick came to Louisa
Co., there was only one building in his vicinity ; his nearest mill was seventeen miles
away, and when he took a grist to mill, he had to stand on a bench eight feet high and
bolt the flour, by turning a crank on the outside of the mill ; on some occasions had to
go thirty-six miles to mill. Mr. Messick has seven children — Miiry E. (now Mrs. Gil-
bert), Frank P., Wilham, Orpha D. (now Mrs. Echelbarger), Orilla M. C. (Mrs. Towns-
ley). Edward L., Charley E., and eight deceased — William H., Ann C, Letitia, George
W., Minerva J. — others died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Messick are members of the
M. E. Church. Mr. M. has been a member since 13 years of age; Democrat.
liOUIS MILIiER, farmer. Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; born in Bavaria,
Germany, Feb. 27, 1827; came to Muscatine Co. in the spring of 1853. Married Miss
C. Smaltz, in 1861 ; she was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 4, 1840; they have four
children — Louis, Henry, Edward and Victoria. Mr. Miller enlisted in the 35th Regt.,
Co. C, I. V. L, Aug. 15, 1862, and served till the close of the war; was at the siege
of Vicksburg, Pleasant Hill, Jackson, Spanish Fort, Nashville, and in most of the bat-
tles of his regiment. Member of the Catholic Church ; Republican.
WILJLIAM NOLli, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Mviscatine ; born in Germany,
in 1851 ; came to Muscatine Co., with his parents, in 1866; A. Noll, William's father,
was born in (Germany, Jan. 6, 1826; married Miss Anna Kurz, Oct. 27, 1848; she
648 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
was born in Germany, April 28, 1S23 ; have four children — Germon, born Oct. t\
1856; Theo., Xov. if. 1857 . Paul June '29, 18tU. He owns 270 acres of land, and
the tamilv an' members o\' the Catholic Church.
JAMES PATTERSON, See. 24; p. 0. Muscatine; born in Fayette Co..
Peiin., Jan. 14. 1813; at 13 years of age. he removed, with his parents, to Hamilton
Co., Ohio.; in !82t?. removed to Union Co.. Ind., and remained till 1801*. when thev
removed to Rock Island Co.. 111. ; in November. 18t)(,>. came to Muscatine, and remained
six years; March 12. 1872, moved to where he now lives. Married Miss Sarah Bran-
denbnriT. Feb. 14. 1839, who wj\s born in Union Co., Ind.. Aug. 22, 181o. and died
April 22, 18(>t>; have one son and one daughter — Viola, now Mrs. Barger. and George
H.. and twelve deceased ; Mr. Patterson owns 257 acres of land. Greenbacker.
MICHAEL SCHAAB, firmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 29 : P. 0. Musca-
tine ; born in Baden. (lermany. Nov. 26, 1832; came to Rock Island, 111., in 1852;
removed to Muscatine in 1805, and purchased the farm lof 47l) acres ^ where he now
lives, and has made all the improvements. Married Miss Katheriue Fuhr, June 25,
1854 ; she was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 4. 1833 ; they have live children —
Mary. Joseph. Louisa. Barbara and Katherine. Mr. Schaatz is a member of the Cath-
olic Chuivh ; Mrs. Sehaatz of tlie Lutheran Church; Mr. Schaatz is a Democrat.
CHAKL.es SPAXCiJl.EK, Sec. 20; P. O. Muscatine; born in Penn-
>ylvania in 1797 ; his parents died when he was quite 3'oung ; at 3 years of age he was
bound out to James Seott. of Franklin Co.. Ohio, and while he was with Mr. Scott, learned
the bricklaying trade, which he followed the early part of his life; went to Parke Co..
Ind.. and engaged in wool-carding and dressing cloth for about twelve vears; came to
Muscatine Co. in 185(i. Married Miss Martha Cullin in 1820; she was born in War-
ren Co.. Ky., May 14. 1799. and died Oct. 15. 1828; married again, to Miss Lucinda
McCampbell, May 11, 1837; she was born in Shelby Co., Ky.. April 14, 1807; has
.tive children by former wife (^of whom two are deceased "i — Mary J.. Margaret D. and
Martha ^L; deceased — Sarah A. and Benjamin A. Mr. and Mrs. Sprangler are mem-
bers of the M. K. Church: Mr. S. is a Republican.
HAYID STEWART. See. 18; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Ayr, Scotland,
in 1823; came to New York when 14 years of age. and learned the stone-cutters
trade; then went to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for some time.
Married Miss Elizabeth Adams Sept. 9, 1845; she wjis born in Scioto Co., Ohio. Dec.
14, 1823. Came to Muscatine Co. in 1858. and settled in Lake Tp.; owns 200 acres
of land, on which he has made all the improvements ; has six children — Luna. Emily,
Lily B.. James C. John D. and Cornelia ; dece;ised — William. Mr. and Mrs. S. are
members of the CiMiirrcirational Church ; Mr. S. is a Republican.
JOH\ VAX HAM. fir.. Sec. 14; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Holland Nov.
25. 1819 ; came to Buffalo. N. Y., in 1844, where he remained nine years, working at
the tailors trade ; has made coats for President Fillmore ; came to Muscatine in 18tii),
where he worked at his trade fifteen vears; in 1870. removed to his present place,
where he has been engaged in farming and working at tailoring. Married Miss Alberta
Boon in 1844; she was born in Holland Oct. 10, 1818; have six children — Pauline.
Gertrude, John, Daniel. Albertus and Annie ; one deceased — Alida. Mr. Van Dam
owns 100 acres of land.
JOH\ WHITE, tar., Sec. 33; P. O. Muscatine; born in England, July 15,
1825 ; moved to Wisconsin in 1853; removed to Louisa Co.. Iowa, in 1857; remained
eight yeai-s; came to Muscatine Co. in 18l)5, and settled where he now lives. Married
Miss Hannah W. Harding, in 1844; she was born in England, in 182(i ; have eight
children — Louisa. Mary A.. Prudence, Susanna, Rosanna, John. Fannie and George;
deceased — William H. Mr. White owns eighty acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. W. are
members of the Episco] alian Church; Republican.
CHARLEY WILSOX. Sec. 24; P. O. Mu.soatine; born in Champaign Co.,
Ohio. Dec. 1 , 1 8:57 : removed to Whitley Co., Ind.; remained two years ; came to >luscatine
Co. in 1857 ; first settled in Pike Tp.; removed to where he now lives in 18l>5. Mr. Wilson
unlisted Sept. 1. 18til. in Co. A, Uth I. V. I., and w;is discharged Jung 28, 18t)2, on
riKE TOWNSHIP. iUi)
aooount of injuries rocoivod whilo in tho sorvioo ; roonlisfod Fobruarv, lS(i4,in the same
roiiinuMit and company ; w:u* in battlos of Pittsburii Landing and Atlanta, wboro ho was
wounded by a ball passing tlirougii his left arm; was diseharged April 'Jf), IStJf); was
in :ill the prominent battlos of that regimont. Married Miss Maria L. Oiekinson Juno
^S, 18(.)l>; horn in Ohio Nov. 7. 184l>; they have one son and one daughter — Jesse C.
and Flora (^. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the M. V,. Chureh ; Mr. W. is a member of
the Congregational (Muireh. Mr. W. owns eighty-six aeres of land. In polities is a
Republiean.
PIKE TOWNSHIP.
EliTA.N AI>A^IS, farmer, Tostmaster and railroad agent; P. O. Adams;
owns 1500 acres of land, valued at §25 per aero ; born July 25, ISIW, in Monroe Co..
Mich.; in the fall of 1832, liis parents moved to La Cxrange Co., Ind.; his mother died
there in 1834; in tlio winter of 1838, his father moved the family to Muscatine Co.
and located in this township. He was married the second time to Philipena Carpenter,
of this county ; in the spring of 180i>. moved to Kansas, and. the fall following, died
of cholera at Kansas City. Mr. Adams has been a resident t)f this township since 1838.
He married Miss Martha M. Hughes, of this county, March Ui, 18t)7 ; she was born
Nov. 2(5, 1838, in Greene Co., Ohio ; they have seven children — Marietta, Harriet,
Chester, Louisa, Hester K., Elias J. and Jolin Q. ; lost one son — Arthur. Mr. A. was
appointed Postmaster upon the establishing of tl\e office in 1872 ; also railroad agent.
Republican.
KOBFiKT €. BLACK, far.; P. 0. Nichols; stock-raising a specialty_;
<nvns about one hundred head of cattle ; his wife owns 1540 acres of land, valued at §25
per acre ; son of Benjamin and Francis Black; was born April 20, 1841, in Botmc
Co., Ky. ; came with his parents to this county in the fall of 1852; located near
West Liberty. Married Miss Mary M. Johns, of this township, Jan. 9, 1873 ; she
was born Sept. 8, 1848, in this county; have one son — Benjamin H., born July 23,
1874. Members of the Presbyterian Church ; Independent.
J. .1. BOSTKX, dealer in dry goods and general merchandise, Nichols; born
Aug. 30, 1843, in Prussia; in the spring of 1852. emigrated to the United States,
stopping a short time at Erie, Penn., then came to Clinton Co., 111. ; in the spring of
1855, came to Muscatine, wheri> he first engaged in a saw-mill about a year, then paint-
ing for a short time; aflerward, in mercantile business with Ivothsi'hild &: Bro. till the
summer of 18(52. He enlisted in Co. C of the 35th I. V. L; was a participant at tbe
capturc of Vicksburg, and most of the battles in that vicinity; was also with Gen.
Banks' expedition up Red River, and at the battles of Clear Lake, Ark., Nashvillt^
Tenn., and the second battle of Tupelo, Miss.; was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa,
in August, 1865. Returned to Muscatine and engaginl with Rothschild \' Bro. again ;
in the fall of 1872, came to Nichols and established his present business. Married
Mary K. Stingle in September, 1865 ; she was born in 1843, in Pennsylvania ; have
four cliildrcn — FiUima J., FLirry, James and May ; lost two — Clara and Delia. Mem-
ber of the Catholic (Munch ; Independent.
KDWAKI> BROWN, far., S. 5; P. O. West Liberty; owns 456 acres of
land, valued at §30 per acre; born Nov. 12, 1818, in Scotland; came to the United
States in 1837, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio; in the spring of 1855, came to Mus-
catine Co., Iowa, locating on the land upon which he still resides. Married Agnes
Smith Oct. 16, 1845; she was born July 2(;, 1824. in Scotland ; have nine children
living — Mary A., Barbara, Catharine, Ella, Margaret J., Elizabeth, Edward .1., xMartha
A. and David W.; lost three — Isabella J., John S. and Martha M. Mr. B. is among
the best farmers of his township ; has served his township as Trustee several years.
Member of the Presbyterian Church ; Republican.
650 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
AARO^' CANOTT, farmer and Justice of the Peace, Sec. 19; P. 0. Nichols;
owns 280 acres of lanil. valued at S40 per acre; born Aug. 9, 182fi, in Henry Co.. Tnd :
his fother died when he was about 5 years old. His mother again married, Mr. William
Harlan, in the spring of 1840. and moved to Kosciusko Co. the spring of 1841, and
the following fall he himself wont to the same county. In the summer of 1843, he
commenced to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, but not liking his instructor, quit
the business the winter following; in the fall of 1845, came to Iowa in company with
a distant relative, stopping in Johnson Co. jMarried Sarah Kalston. of Johnson Co.,
April 8, 1847 ; she was born Nov. 12, 1829; that same year his stepfather, Mr. Har-
lan, died, and his mother came out and lived with him till in the spring of 1851 ; she
was again married, to a Mr. Juhn Calkin; in the spring of 18(JS, came to his present
farm ; on the 19th of jMarch, 1872^, his wife died ; he was again married, to Mrs. Har-
riet Allen (maiden name, Blake) Sept. 5, 1872 ; she was born Aug. 28, 1844, in Ber-
rien Co.. Mich. ; have four children living by first wife — Joseph T., Jeremiah, Enoch
and John F. ; lost three — Mahala, William and Ella : by second wife, two — Mary and
Aaron, Jr. ; lost one — Bessie M. ; second wife had two children by former husband —
Sherman and Nettie, and had lost one, Ettie. Mr. C.'s mother is now living with him
her third husband having died in June, 1874, Mr. C. is now serving his third term as
Justice of the Peace. Methodist and Greenbacker.
H. C. CHEISEBRO, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Adams ; owns
275 acres of land, valued at S30 per acre; born Jan. 4, 1831, in Saratoga Co.. N. Y. ;
in early life, he learned the carpenter's trade; in January, 1852, emigrated to Iowa,
stopped in Iowa City a short time, worked on the State-house, after which he came to
West Liberty, following his trade; in 1854, removed to Muscatine Island, and, in 1855,
to Muscatine, and, in IStJO, came to his present farm. Married Louisa Fitzsimmons in
February, 1855; she was born in Ireland November, 1834, coming to the United
States in 1844; have six children — George H., Eliza J., Charles E., Ella, Hattie M.
and Grace. Member of M. E. Church ; Republican.
S. D. FL'Ii^IER, Agent B. C. & N. R. R., and American Express Co., Nichols;
born Jan. 25, 1842, in Armstrong Co., Penn. ; in August, 18()1, enlisted in Co. F of the
l05th Penn. Inf. ; participated in the second battle of Bull Run, where he was wounded
in the left hand ; was also in most of the battles in the Peninsular Campaign, and at the
battle of Chantilly, where Gen. Kearney fell ; also at the battles of Chancellorsville,
Fri'dericksburg and Gettysburg ; at the latter lost his left leg ; was mustered out of the
I'nited States service August, 1804, and returned home; in the .spring of 1869, came
to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and engaged in the telegraph office of the Chicago & North-
Western Railroad Co. ; in the spring of 1871, went to Kossuth. Des Moines Co., and
engaged in the B., C. R. «S: N. R. R. office, and in May, 1874, came to this station and
tttuk charge of the office here. Married Ann J. Cart wright Jan. 5, 1874; she was
born Nov. 10, 1854, in Ues Moines Co., Iowa; have one daughter — Nellie, born Nov.
(i, 187(>. Republican.
THO^IAS XEWTON, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Nichols; owns 128 acres of
land, valued at §30 jter acre ; born April 20, 1820, in Wayne Co., Ind. ; emigrated to
Iowa in the fidl of 1850, stopping a short time in Seventy-six Tp., afterward to Cedar
T}>. a short time, then to his present farm, part of which he entered from the Govern-
ment. Married Viola Epperly March 5,1846; she was born March 15, 1821, in
Montgomery Co., Xa. ; have six children living — Philander, born March 15, 1847 ;
Waldo, born Oct. 24, 1848; Webster, born Jan. 24, 1857 ; Iowa, born April 30, 1862 ;
Tht»mpson. born May 14, 1865 ; Jeptha, born June 18, 1867 ; lost two — Warner and
AngeHne. Philander served his country in Co. A of the 11 th Iowa Ii\f, from Feb. 14,
1864, to July, 1865 ; participated in most of the battles under Gen. Sherman in his
march to the sea ; still makes his home with his father. Mr. N. is a Friend by birth-
right ; Republican.
B. F. XICHOI^S, farmer and dealer in real estate, Nichols Station ; son of
Samuel and Mary (nee Rogers") Nichols, born Sept. 5, 1826, in Highland Co., Ohio,
where his mother died Jan. 5, 1839; in the fall of 1838, his father came to Muscatine
PIKE TOWNSHIP. 651
Co. and purchased about one thousand acres of hind in the vicinity of what is now
known as Nichols Station ; in the spring of 1840, brought his family and located on his
land. In 1842, he was married the secoiid time to the widow of Dr. Searles. He
Added to his first purchase of land till, at his death, Aug. 18, 1871, he owned about
five thousand acres of land. In January, 1850, Mr. B. F. Nichols went to California
via New Orleans and Panama route ; engaged in mining aiid packing, also in mercan-
tile business to some extent ; also spent some time in Oregon, Washington Territory,
British America, Idaho, Montana, etc.; in 1SG9, he returned to Muscatine Co.; in 1873,
engaged in the mercantile business in Nichols, and sold out to Mr. Kirchner in Decem-
ber, 1878 ; he now owns about one thousand acres of land, valued at $25 per acre,
besides several buildings in town ; is also Postmaster, his father being the first Post-
master for this office. Married Miss Susan M. Jenks Oct. 10, 1872; she was born
April 20, 1847, in Ohio; have one son — Townsend, born Feb. 20, 1874. Mr. N. has
one brother, Townsend, living, and four sisters deceased. Has served as Treasurer of
School Board several years. Democrat.
OAjflALilKlj OL<ni$, retired farmer, Nichol Station ; owns 315 acres of
land, valued at $_0 per acre; born Nov. 28, 1803, in Windham Co., Vt.; in the spring
of 1821, he came to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and, in the spring of 18;>2, removed to Pick-
away Co., where he remained till the spring of 1839 ; then emigrated to Muscatine Co.,
Iowa, and laid claim to part of the farm he still owns in this township, on Sections 23
and 24, there then being but five other i'aniilies in the township. He married Minerva
Howe, of Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, April 12, 1826 ; she was born Oct. G, 1804, in Onon-
daga Co., N. Y.; she died Jan. 20, 187G, leaving her companion and three children to
mourn her loss; the children are Almira S. Mills, Minnie H. Cone and Gamaliel W.,
who is now engaged in mercantile business at Lone Tree, Johnson Co., Iowa. Mr. 0.
has served his township as Justice of the Peace eleven years, and as Drainage Commis-
sioner for his county for four years. Ee now makes his home at Nichol Station, his
farm being rented. Member of the M. E. Church ; Republican.
J. A. PYEATT, machinist and steamboat engineer, Nichols; born Sept. G, 1822,
in St. Louis ; in 183G, commenced learning the blacksmith, machinist and engineer's trade
at Gaty's Foundry in St. Louis; in 1842, engaged as engineer on the steamer Bowling
Green, under Capt. John J. Rowe ; the following spring of 1843, she ran on a rock at
the mouth of Osage River and sunk ; crew all got off safely; sojn after, went on the
Pearl, running on the Illinois River, since which time, he has run on the Missouri,
Mississippi, Ohio and all their navigable tributaries except Red River; most of the thue
on the Missouri River; was on the steamer Columbus in 1850, as engineer, when she
collapsed her flues and blew out, killing and wounding about twenty persons ; in
1857-58, followed farming near St. Louis, then went down to De Soto, Mo., on the
Iron Mountain Railroad, where he worked at blacksmithing, and commenced building a
steam grist-mill, but, on account of the war, had to suspend; in 18G2, engaged in the
employ of Captain Eads in building gunboats at Carondelet ; in 18G4, again went on
the river as engineer; in 18G8, came to Muscatine on the ferry-boat Northern Illinois,
which he ran for seven years, and the Ida May one year ; since then, ran on the Dia-
mond Jo most of two seasons Married Miss Pina W. Lendrum, of Grayson Co., Ky.,
Nov. 27, 1847 ; she was born Sept. 22, 1823, in Madison Co., Ky.; have an adopted
son — Oliver Reynolds Pyeatt, a son of his wife's sister, whose mother died when he
was about a year old. Mr. P. is the only one left of three or four engineers on the
river who commenced when he did ; he now owns a residence in Muscatine, valued at
$2,000 ; is at present in company with his brother-in-law, J. W. Lendrum, running the
St. Nichols Hotel. Member of M. K. Church.
S. H. SHITH, 11. D., Nichol Station ; owns real estate in town of the
value of $2,000; born Oct. 25, 1819, in Windham Co., Vt.; in 1845, emigrated to
Bradford Co., Penn., and commenced the study of medicine under an uncle, Dr. N.
Smith, and graduated at the McClintock Medical College of Philadelphia in 1847 ; the
following year, removed to Steuben Co., N. Y., where he purchased some real estate and
laid out the village of Caton ; followed his profession there till 1870 ; came to Muscatine,
652 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
luwa, and in the spring of 1871, came to Nichol Station; erected the first store-
building in the place, and has continued the practice of his profession. Married Miss
Enieline 8. Putnam Oct. 29, 18-41 ; she was born Nov. 16, 1821, in Vermont; have
four children living — Samuel H., Jr., Florence A., J^mma and Charles F.; lost one son
— Henry P., who was a member of Co. A, of the 107th N. Y. V. I., and died at Har-
per's Ferry, Va., Oct. 13, 1862; his son Charles F. is now engaged in the drug
business here. Republican.
JAMES STAFFORD, M. D., physician and druggist, Nichol Station ;
born Sept. 25, 1811, in Baltimore, Md. ; in 1820, went to Adams Co., Penn., thence
to Petersburg, Va., in 1827 ; while there, commenced the study of medicine under Dr.
John W. Moore; in 1832, went to Wheeling, from there to Springfield, Ohio, in 1833,
and engaged in the boot and shoe business; in 1846, removed to Lewistown, Logan
Co., and engaged in the practice of medicine; alter two years, he went to Huntsville,
in the same county ; in the fall of 1852, he came to Muscatine Co. and purchased a
farm in this township, where he continued to practice medicine and farm till in 1871.
when he rented his farm, came into Nichols and engaoed in the drug business in con-
nection with his profession. Married Miss Mary A. Roller, of Springfield, Ohio, July
31, 1834; she was born April 21, 1817, and died Jan. 17, 1846. He again married,
Mrs. Hannah Corwin, nee Dickenson, April 29, 1846 ; she was born Dec. 28, 1818, in
Licking Co., Ohio; she had three children by former marriage — Martin, Ro.sell a and
Martha A. ; Mr. S. has four children by first wife — Freeman, Amanda, Edward and
Andrew J.; lost two — Anna and Sarah; by second wife, five living — Mary A., Caro-
line, Thomas, James and Julia A.; lost two — William and Samuel. Edward and
Martin served in the war in Co. G, 2d I. V. C. and Andrew J. in the 35th I. V. I.
Democrat.
ARTHl'R E. STILES, former, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; owns eighty-
five acres of land, valued at Sod per acre; born July 25, 1852, in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio;
came with his parents, Herby R. and Ann Stiles, to Scott Co., Iowa, when (juite small,
and to Bloomington Tp., Muscatine Co., in 1866. Mariied Louisa Furnas, of this
county, Dec. 25, 1875 ; she was born July 10, 1852, in Marion Co., Ind.; have one
son — Newton E., born Oct. 25, 1876. First commenced keeping house in Moscow
Tp., and came on to his present fiirm in March, of this year, 1879. Wife is a member
of the M. E. Church; Republican. /
J. G. WATKINS, former, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Nichols ; son of William and
Elizabeth Watkins ; born Feb. 26, 1836, in Franklin Co., Ohio; parents emigrated to
Muscatine Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1844, locating in this township, where his father
died April 6, 1854 ; his mother again married, Mr. Jacob Shoemaker, in November,
1859, and is now living in Creston, Union Co. Mr. W. married Miss S. A. Shiley
April 24, 1856; she was born Nov. 23, 1834, in Harrisburg, Penn.; have five
children living— Charles, born Jan. 22,1862; Chester, Nov. 1,1865; Celesta, Oct.
28, 1867; Hattie, June 16, 1873; Lizzie, March 23, 1876; lost four— William,
Hayden, Oliver and Ida. Mr. W. has served as Clerk and Justice of the Peace of his
township. Owns ;>S5 acres of land, valued at §30 per acre. Republican.
JOHN WESSON, farmer, Sec. 24; P. 0. Nichols; son of Joseph and Abi-
gail Wesson ; born Oct. 1(1, 1826, in Delaware Co., Ohio ; emigrated with his parents
to Muscatine Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1843, locating upon the farm upon which he is
still living, where his father died Aug. 16, 1845, at the age of 59, and his mother April
23, 1875, at the age of 81 ; father was a native of Massachusetts and mother of
Ohio ; she was born in the Fort at Waterford, Ohio, in 1793. Mr. W. enlisted in Co.
I of the 11th I. V. I. Sept. 16, 1861 ; participated in the battle of Shiloh, where he
was slightly wounded, also under Sherman in his march to the sea, capture of Atlanta,
etc.; was discharged at Gaylesville, Ala., Oct. 21, 1864, and, on his way home, came
very near being killed by a collision on the railroad near La Fayette, Ind. Married
Eliza C. Rowe, of Johnson Co., Iowa, Nov. 28, 1867; she was born March 25, 1846,
in Scott Co., Iowa; have three children — Emily J., born March 18, 1869; Lizzie A.,
Jan. 2, 1871 ; John D., Nov. 12, 1874. Baptist; Republican.
SEVENTY-SIX TOWNSHip. 653
JOHIV A. WICKEY, proprietor steam saw-mill, blacksmith and m^achine
shop, Nichols ; son of John and Catharine E. Wickey ; born May 12, 1854, in Hesse-
Cassel, Germany ; emigrated with his parents to this county in the spring of 1856,
locating in Muscatine, where his parents are still living; Mr. W. learned the black-
smith trade at Wilton, in this county, also worked at the machinist trade in Davenport
some time, and blacksmithing in Tipton, Cedar Co., about a year; in 1872, he came to
Nichols and engaged in his presect business ; has no family ; his business shows him to
be a young man of energy and enterprise. Politics, Independent.
ELIJAH YOtJXKIN, farmer. Sec. 34 ; P. O. Nichols ; owns 150 acres of
land, valued at $30 per acre; born Jan. 11, 1816, in Somerset Co., Penn. ; emigrated
to Muscatine Co., Iowa, in the spring of 1844, locating in Wapsinonoc Tp., where West
Liberty now stands; in the spring of 1847, came onto his present farm. Married
Miss Abigail Dwire Nov. 3, 1839 ; she was born Aug. 16, 1821, in Pennsylvania, and
died Oct. 9, 1862; again married, Mrs. Eliza Silverthorn (whose maiden name was
Morrow), July 19, 1865 ; she was born July 17, 1827, in Athens Co., Ohio ; have two
children living by first wife — William and Albert, and lost five — Norman C, who was
a member of Co. F, of the 16th I. V. I., died at Corinth June 23, 1862, and Ellen,
Martha, Catharine and Barbara. Mr. Y. has served his county as one of the Board of
Supervisors four years ; also Swamp Land and Drainage Commissioner. His second
wife has one daughter — Florence, by first husband. Member of the Christian Church;
Republican.
SEVENTY-SIX TOWNSHIP.
RUDOLPH ALTEKRUSE, Sr., farmer. Sec. 3; P. O.Muscatine;
born in Prussia in 1813. Married Sophia Gedvermark, a native of Prussia, born in
1809. They came to America the year of their marriage, 1837 ; they first located in
Baltimore, Md., and remained about four years; came to Muscatine Co. in 1841, and
purchased the farm they now own the same year. They have had eight children, four
still living — Sophia, who married Adolph Gurtz ; Henry, Rudolph and Mary, now Mrs.
William A. Chapman. They are members of the German Congregational Church.
Rudolph, born in 1847, married Alice White in 1876; she was born in Johnson Co.,
Iowa, in 1854 ; they have two children — Rosella May and Mary A. They are mem-
bers of the M. E. Church. Mr. Alterkruse and his son Rudolph own about four hun-
dred acres of land.
SAMUEL COLLINS, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Letts; was born in New
Jersey in 1824; his parents, John and Mary Collins, removed from New Jersey to
Dayton, Ohio. He married, in 1847, Mary J. Irvin, a native of Ohio, born in 1829.
They came to Muscatine Co. in 1855, and settled on the present farm in 1856. They
have seven children — Annabelle, Mary E., Luella, Ida, William, Edward and Eva;
lost one child — Laura J. His father, John Collins, came to Muscatine Co. in March,
1852 ; his wife died in May, 1844 ; he lives with his son Samuel. Mr. Collins has
been Assessor of Seventy-six Tp. about thirteen years. Members of the M. E. Church.
LEVI CROSS, farmer. Sec. 5; P. 0. Muscatine; Mr. Cross was born in
Adams Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1806; his parents, James and Epsey Cross, settled in Adams
Co., Ohio, about 1788 ; Mr. Cross is of Irish extraction, his grandfather, on his
father's side, having been a native of Ireland; Mr. Cross came to Muscatine Co. from
Ohio in 1846 ; he first located in Lake Tp.. where he remained one year ; the second
year, he rented a farm in Seventy-six Tp. ; the third year, he rented John R. Pettit's
tarm ; in September. 1849, he settled on the farm he now owns. He has been married
twice ; his first wife was Mary Foster, a native of Ohio ; his present wife was Elizabeth
Chatham, a native of Greenbrier Co., Va. ; he has seven children — Perry, John B.,^
Mary Ann, Nancy, Levi, Hannah and Michael, all born in Pike Co., Ohio.
654 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
PATRICK D ALTOX, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. O. Letts ; Mr. Dalton was
born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, in 1833; he came to America with his father, James
Dalton, in 1850, and located in Eastern New York ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1854 ;
he has traveled extensively in the Territories and British America ; he engaged in
mining and furnishing miners with supplies ; he went to Nebraska, thence to Colorado,
and to Montana ; then to British Columbia and Oregon; he then returned to British
Columbia, thence to Montana, and finally located where he now is. in 1871. He mar-
ried, in 1874, Mary Fitzpatrick, a native of Kentucky, whose parents came to Musca-
tine Co. in 1853; has three children — James E., Lewis and Grattan.
A. T. DILDIXE, farmer ; P. 0. Letts; born in Sussex Co., W. J., in 1823;
he moved to Pennsylvania iu 1849. He married Sarah E. Dildine, a native of New
Jersey. Removed to Louisa Co., Iowa, in 1856; came to present location in 1872.
He has two children — Anna Mary, born in Pennsylvania, and Henry T., born in Lou-
isa Co., Iowa. Mr. Dildine has 3(50 acres of land; is engaged jirincipally in stock-
raising.
ISAAC EPPERLY, farmer ; P. 0. Letts ; born in Virginia in 1823 ; his
parents removed to Indiana when he was a child; he came to Muscatine Co. in 1844;
in 1845, he purchased the farm whirh he now owns. He married Emily Gore; she
died in 1S(>2 ; his present wife was Hannah McCord, a native of Illinois; he had three
children by his first marriage, only one — Edith— now living ; has had two by the second
marriage, neither living. Mr. Epperly owns 450 acres of land ; is engaged in general
fiirminiT.
J61I\ FULLMER, fanner, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Letts; was born in Frederick,
Md., in 1810; his father was a native of Germany, and his mother, of England; Mr.
Fullmer moved from Maryland to Ohio in 1832. He married Margery Meeker, a
native of Ohio; they came from Ohio to Louisa Co., Iowa, in 1840, and located on the
present farm in 1844; have had seven children, five now living — William P., Mary C.
Martha J., Eliza Maud and John T.; have lost two children — Margaret Ann and Mar-
iicry. Mrs. Fullmer died June 14. 1872.
BERXARD H. GARRETT, farmer. Sec. 19; P. 0. Letts; born in
Floyd Co., Ky.. in 1Sl'4 ; his father, Middleton Garrett, died in 1831; the family,
consisting of his mother and three sons, came to Muscatine Co. in June, 1853. Mr.
Garrett married, in 1858, Ruth E. Vincent, a native of Frederick Co., Va.; she died
in 1870; has had six children, four still living — Middleton L., J. D., Luellen J. and
Louis F.; lost two in infancy ; owns 170 acres, which he purchased in 1867.
S. H. CwOLDSBERY, Superintendent of County Poorhouse; P. 0. Mus-
catine ; born in La Fayette, Ind., in 1831; his parents came to Muscatine Co. in 1839 ;
his ftither, Silas Goldsbery, died April 20, 1878; his mother is still living. He mar-
ried, in March, 1849, Emma McCloud ; has four children — Charles, C. C, William and
Clyde; Mr. Goldsbery assumed his present charge in April, 1878; previous to that
time, he had been eniiaired in farming.
CHARLES ^^i. HEXI>R1V, farmer. Sec. 30; P. 0. Letts; born in
Wayne County, Ind., in 1832; came to Muscatine Co. with his parents in 1843; iu
1 850, when 18 years of age, he crossed the plains to California ; drove an ox-team all the
way from his father's farm, in Seventy-six Tp., to California, and thence to Oregon City ;
was about six months on the trip; he returned in 1853 ; in 1864, he again went to the
Pacific Coast, this time driving a mule-team, and made the trip in about sixty-five days ;
in 1875, he again visited Calif )rnia, this time by railroad; Mr. Hendrix now prefers to
make the trip in a Pullman palace-car, in five days, to driving an ox-team and being six
months on the way. He married, in 1857, Hannah Collins, a daughter of John Col-
lins, of Seventy-six Tp., born in 1838; they have four children — Frank E., born in
1858; Dosier M., Dora D., in 1866; and Albert B., in 1874; Mr. H. purchased the
farm which he now owns in 1854. Members of the M. E. Church.
HENRY D. HEXI>RIX, firmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Letts; born iu Ohio in
1804 ; his parents, Henry and Martha Ilendrix, were natives of Maryland, but removed
to Ohio in 1798; they went to Indiana about 1816, where they resided till their
SEVENTY-SIX TOWNSHIP. 05;')
deaths. Mr. H. married, in 1829. Tlieodosia Willits, a native of Oliio ; Mr. Hendrix
came to Muscatine Co., from Indiuia, in ISl."}, and settled on the farm where he now
Jives the same year; Mrs. Hendrix died in 18 48; he again mirried, in 18r)(>, Mrs.
Margaret Whittaker, formerly Margaret Dinwiddie, native of Kentucky ; she was burn
in 1818; she came to Jeft'jrson Co. in ISlu, returned to Indiana, and came baek in
1850; Mr. Hendrix h:id seven children by his first mirriage, six still living — Charles,
Martha, William, Kllen. Ira and Melissa; Angeline, the oldest, died in Oregon, in 18157;
he has one child by second marriage — Mary M.itilda ; lost two. Mr. H. owns (iU) acres
of land. Members of M. K. Church.
J01I\ .Ut'UREW, tar.. Sec. 4; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Montgomery
<?o., Ohio, in 181.") ; his pmvnts, William and Charlotte McGrew, were early settlers of
Montgomery C >.; they removed to Wayne Co., Ind., about 1820, whicli continued to
be their home until their death ; they died of cholera at the ])resent home of their son
John, while on a visit to their children in Iowa, in 1851. Mr. McGrew left his father's
home in Indiana in 18:>5, and came to Muscitine Co.; he pre-empted one-fourth sec-
tion in Louisa Co., bordering on Muscatine County, where he lived ten years ; he then
sold and bought his present farm, which contains 137 acres. lie married, in 1836,
Lydia A. Willetts, a native of Mercer Co., III.; he had eight children, four still
living — Araniinta (now Mrs. S. Vanetta), Almira (now Mrs. Henry Miller), Lydia A.
(now Mrs. Jesse Kerr). Mrs. McGrew died of cholera at the time his parents died ;
he married, in 1853, Louisa Adams, of Iowa City ; has one child by second marriagi> —
Ida (now iMrs. Harris Willetts).
JOHX S. KICiiUKS, tar., S'ec. 4; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in Montgom-
ery Co., Ohio, ill 1812; married, in 1835, Eliza Longstreath ; she was born in Vir-
ginia in 1814; Mr Uiggs' parents, John and Mary Riggs, removed from Kentucky to
Ohio, and were among the earliest settlers of Montgomery Co.; Mrs. Riggs' parents
were natives of Viruinia, also early settlers of Montgomery Co.; Mr. Riggs came to
Muscatine Co. in 1853, and located where he now lives in 1854; he owns 300 acres of
land ; has had nine children, only four of them now living — Maria (^married Mr. Jacob
Caisbeer), John W., William M. and Dayton M. Mr. Riggs was Justice of the Peace
forlSGS; has been Township Trustee and County iSuperintendent. Members of the
U. B. Church.
M. J. I^HEIiLABAKiiJKR, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Letts. Mr. Sh.l-
labarger was born in Clark Co., Ohio, May 10, 1816. His parents removed from Penn-
sylvania to Ohio in 1814. He first came to Muscatine Co. in 1841 ; returned to Ohio
in 1842; he came back in 1844. and made his present location; he again returned to
Ohio; and made a permanent settlement on his place in 1854. He married in 1845
Ruth Collins, a native of New Jersey ; they have had nine children, seven still living —
Mary, Martha, Aliee, Joanna, Milton, Jessie and Ettie ; names of deceased children —
Elizabeth and Mildred Iowa.
A. N. SiVVI>ER, far.. Sec. 3; P. 0. Muscatine. Mr. Snyder was born in
Ohio in 1839. His parents, Jacob J. and Catherine Snyder, came to Seventy six Tp. from
Ohio in 185i) ; they now reside in Sec. 8, Seventy-six Tp., where they have been since
about 1856 ; they have five children — George B., xVbram N., Ann Eliza, Samuel B. and
Joseph M.; have lost four children, who died in infancy, except John H., who was
about 14 yen-s of age. A. N. Snyder enlisted in 1861, in Co. C, 1st I. V. I. Regt. ;
the war; he was in Grant's Vicksburg campaign. Banks' Red River expedition, etc.
He married in 1862 Margaret Baxter, daughter of William Baxter; has five children
— Adelle, Mvrta M., Emma C, Luta A. anil Arden B.
ALBERT G. TO WiVS LEY, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Letts; Mr. Towna-
ley was born in Gre 'ue Co., Ohio, in 1820 ; was second child of William and Elizabeth
Townsley. He mirried in 1841 Sarah A. Wright, a native of South Carolina; her
656 BIOGRAPHIOAL SKETCHES:
parents emisrated to Ohio about ISo'l. Mr. Townsley came to Muscatine Co. in 1843,
and settled iu Cedar Tp., where he resided six years ; settled on his present farm in
1849. Has had seven ehildren, five still living — Nancy A. i married Mr. David M.
Ritteohouse, lives in Henry Co.\ Otis A. (^ resides in Seventy-six Tp., Muscatine Co.),
George T.. William J. W" and Marion; Raehael Iowa died April 18. 1871, aged 19
years ; Be-sie died in lSi!4. aired 2 vears. Mr. Townsley's farm contains 2ti0 acres.
JAnE!!^ VAX ATT A. farmer. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Muscatine ; born Beaver Co.,
Penn.. in 1811 ; twin broth.^r of William Vanatta ; came to this ctmnty in the spring-
of 1S4G; he purchased the farm which he now owns in 1847. Married in 1836
Katie Ann Brobeck. sister of his twin brother's wife ; have had eleven children, seven still
living — Phillip, Mary. John. William. James. Joseph and Annis ; the others died in
iiifamv.
WM. VANATTA, farmer. Sec. 1; P. 0. Muscatine; born in Beaver Co.,
Penn., iu 1811 ; his parents, James and Bet.sy Vanatta, were natives of Pennsylvania;
his fiuhor died in 1837; his motTier about 1855. William Vanatta married in 1835
Matilda Brobeck; her parents came to Muscatine Co. from Pennsylvania in 1851 ; her
mother died in 1858, her father in 18(i2. Mr. William Vanatta came to Muscatine
Co. in lS4t!; he first settled in Sec. 11, Seventy-six Tp. ; he purchased the farm where
he now resides in 1868, and located thereon in 1869. Has had eight children, seven of
whom are living — Elizabeth \ now Mrs. Fulim >, Margaret (^uow Mrs. B. Randleman i,
Samuel (^married Araminta McGrew\ Amelda \ married Daniel McCabe^, Williamson
(^married Lydia Johnson \ Charlotte \^married Elias Hollilay), David i^married Anna
ZaehringerK Harrison enlisted in 1861 in the 11th I. V. I. ; died at Jefferson City,
Mo., in 1862.
ALFRED B. WILES, former. Sec. 3; P. 0. Muscatine; born in
Muskingum Co., Ohio, in 1824 ; his parents. Thomas and Eleanor Wiles, were early
settlers of Muskingum Co. ; Mr. Alfred Wiles came to Muscatine Co. in 1850 ; in 1851.
was Steward of the County Poorhouse of this county ; he located on the farm he now
owns in 1852. He married in 1846 Jane Rex, a native of Muskingum Co., Ohio;
born in 1827 ; they have had eight children, six still living — Emily R.,T. George, Clara
A.. Charles A.. Hettie E. and Hannah L. ; lost second and third child in infancy. Has
been Justice of the Peace and held most of the township offices ; was also County
Supervisor one term. He entered the army as Second Lieutenant in the 11th I. V. I.;
promoted to First Lieutenant ; served three years ; was wounded in first day's battle of
Shiloh ; was at the siege of Vicksburg, etc.
MONTPELIER TOWNSHIP.
THOMAS ACwAK, Sec. 10; P. 0. Fairport; was born in Lincolnshire,
England, in 1816, where he remained until he was about 32 years of age and received
his education, and, in 1843, he married Miss Lucy Allsop, of Nottinghamshire, En-
gland, and, in 1848, sailed for the United States, landing in New York ; remained for
sonie fifteen or sixteen years : in the spring of 1864, they came to Iowa, settling in
Muscatine Co., where they have since resided ; they have four children living — Eliza-
beth E., H. W., A. E. and Lulie. In 1865, Mrs". A. died ; ^Mr. A. again married —
3Iiss S. G. Rowan, daughter of John A. Rowan, of thi< county — in the fall of 1867 ;
they have three children living — Albert S., Jennie and Tom. Mr. A. is by tnule a
cabinetmaker, which trade he followed prior to coming to Iowa ; since, has been tarm-
in^r. and has a fine farm of 150 acres. He is Independent in politics.
^ MRS. AXXA C. BERSIE ^nee Wright^ Sec. 24; P. 0. Buftalo,
Scott Co., Iowa; was born in Montgomery Co., Ky., Feb. 5. 1824; removed thence,
with her parents, to Indiana, while very young; remained nine years; removed thence
to Illinois, and, in 1836. came to Iowa, locating iu what is now Musc^itine Co.; her
MONTPELIER TOWNSHIP. 657
parents wore natives of North Carolina and Soutli Carolina ; both lived in Iowa until
the time of their death. In 1858. she married 3Ir. P. Bersie, who eame to this State
five or sis years pivvious ; he wa:? a native of New York ; born April 5, 1812 ; they
had five ehildren — Eli A.. Parthena (now the wife of Mr. R. E. Bailey"), Annette (now
Mrs. ReynoldsX Ella A. and Ida May. Mr. B. died Feb. 9, 1874. Mrs. B.'s
parents laid claim to a large tract of land prior to the land sales in the State,
and when it was opened up for settlement, pre-empted it. Mr. B. was formerly a Whig;
at the organization of the Republican party, joined it. By industry and frugiUity, Mr.
B. canned a competence for his familv.
JOHN P. COOPER, far. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Blue Grasps Scott Co., Iowa; was
born in Tennessee in 1812: in 1832. he came West and settled in Marseilles, La Salle
Co.. Ill ; remained there until 18:U>, then crossed into Iowa, settling in 3Iuseatine Co.,
itn the farm upon which he still lives. In 183l». he married Miss Winnie J., daughter
oi' Michael Pace, of this county; they had to cross into Illinois to have the ceremony
performed, as there was no law authorizing marriages in Iowa at that time, and they
were among the first couples married in Rock Island Co., if not the very first; they
had twelve ehildren. ten still living — Robert M.. Mary E. i^now Mrs. A. J. Hyatt),
John P.. Louisa ^^now Mrs. \Vm. Benshoft"), Catherine (now Mrs. C. F. Wineman).
Harriet S. (now Mrs. L. Stennett\. Emma i^now Mrs. J. MallacoatX Josephine i^now
Mrs. G. W. Albee), William C. and Winona. Mr. C. has been a member of the Bap-
tist Church over forty years, and his wife joined shortly after they were married. Mrs.
C. was called to her lon-j; home in December, 1877. Mr. C. is a Democrat.
NICHOLAS E IS. fir., Sec. 5; P. O. Pleasant Prairie: was born in Prussia
June 21. 18(.!2: in 1843. emigrated to the United States, settling first in Tuscarawas
Co.. Ohio, where he remained twenty-five years, removing thence to Iowa, in 1867, and
located on the farm on which he now resides. Was married, in Ohio, to Miss Catha-
rine Welch, in 1848 ; she was a native ot' Prussia ; she came to this country in 1847 ;
they have eight children, all still living — Caroline i^now Mrs. E. Bruce\ Adam, George,
Louisa. Elizabeth. Katharine. Mary and Beckie. Mr. E. and wife are members of the
Lutheran Church. Mr- E. enlisted in the 18iHh Ohio Inf Vol . Co. C : was mustered
out at Nashville. Tenn.. the same year ; is a stanch Republican.
ArOrST FRICKE, thr.. Sec. 18; P. 0. Muscatine; was born in Hanover,
Germany, in 1824 ; emigrated to the United States in 1848. stopping at Cincinnati. Ohio,
where he remained until 1851 ; removing thence to Iowa, settled on his farm in Muscatine
Co.. which he improved, and on which he still remains. In 1852, married to Miss Fredrica
Herwig. at St. Louis, Mo.; she was also a native of Hanover. Germany ; they have
seven children — Caroline. Lizzie, Christiana. Henry. Katie. Emma and Marv. Mr. F.
and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. F. served through the Mexican war,
going fiom Ohio; is a carpenter by trade, which trade he follows in connection with
farming : a stanch Republican.
H. H. FRIDLEY, far.. See. 10; P. 0. Fairport ; was born in Augusta Co.,
W. Va., Dec. 4, 1818; removed, with his parents, to Ohio while he was quite young;
settled in Ross Co.. neur Chillicothe, remaining there until 1843; then came to Iowa;
located in .Muscatine Co.. on the farm 0:5 which he has since resided. On Oct. 11,
1838. he married Miss Mary Calhoun, at Chillicothe, Ohio; she was a native of North
Carolina. Mr. F. has held several ofl5ces in the county, and has also been engaged in
some of the important enterprises of the country. He sunk the first coal shaft and
opened the first coal mine in the county. The Fridleys in the United States are all
descendants of Alexander Fridley, who came over with William Penn, forming a part
of his first colony, and settled near Lancaster, Penn.; they were originally from Hol-
land. Mr. F. is a very enterprising and public-spirited man ; was an Old Line Whig,
afterward a Republican. Mr. F.'s parents both died in Iowa — his f\ither in 1853, and
his mother in 1845.
C. HERRICK. farmer. Sec. 11; P.O. Blue Grass ; was born in New York in
1849, where he resided until he was 7 years old, removing thence with his parents to
Iowa ; locat^jd in Scott Co., near Davenport ; remained two years ; removed thence to
658 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Muscatine Co., where he has since remained, improving the farm on which he now
resides, consisting of 120 acres. (His father, Stephen Herrick, was born in New York
in ISll ; his mother was Miss Gertrude Briece, also- a native uf New York.) Mr. H.
married in February, 1879, Mi.ss Eva Fry, daughter of Henry Fry. Mr. H. is a
stanch Republican.
H. HUCHENDORF; P. 0. Pine Mill; of the firm of Bu.sley &.Huchen-
dorf, of Miller's Pine Creek Mills; was born in West Prussia in 1849; came to the
United States in 1 868, locating first in Indiana ; remained for a year ; removed thence
to Iowa, locating at the Mills, where he has since remained. He married Feb. 9, 1871,
Miss ^lary, daughter of D. M. Funck, of this county; she is a native of Iowa; they
have three children — Anna Rosa, Mary B. and Clinton A. Mr. H. was formerly a
Republican, but now acts with the Greenback party ; was for .several years Postmaster
at Pine Mill P. 0.
HKXRY KEMPER, farmer. Sec. 16, P. 0. Fairport ; was born in Lippe-
Detmold, Prussia, in 1821 ; euiigrated to this country in 1847 ; located in Cincinnati,
Ohio ; remained for eight years and married Miss Charlotte Vinyard, of that city ; in
1S55, they removed thence to Iowa, locating on the farm upon wliich rhcy now reside,
consisting of 365 acres, upon which he has put the principal improvements. They
liave seven children — John, Henry, Charley, George, Eddie, August and Louisa. Mrs.
K. is a native of l^russia and the same city as her husband. Members of the M. E.
Church. Mr. K. is a stone mason by trade, which he followed prior to coming West ;
since has followed farming. Republican.
Wm. E. LOWRY, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Buffalo, Scott Co.; was born in
St. Louis, Mo., May 5, 1827 ; in 1840. with his parents, came to Iowa, locating in Mus
catine Co., on the farm where he now resides, consisting of 400 acres. In 1862, Mr.
L. married Miss Virginia Wagoner, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born in 1837 ; she
and her parents came to Iowa in an early day, settling in Scott Co.; they liave six chil-
dren living — Sarah, Katie, May, Frederick, Charles and William. Mr. L. enlisted in
the ooth I. V. I., Co. B, and served three years. David Lowry, his father, died of
cholera in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1832. His mother a^ain married Mr. S. H. Merry, a
native of Virginia; he died in 1860, and his mother in 1874. His father was a native
of Oliio ; his mothi-r of Pennsylvania. Mr. L. is a Democrat.
GEORGE METZ, farmer, Sec. 9; P. 0. Fairport ; was born in Bedford Co..
Penn., Feb. 18, 1822, where he received a liberal education, including surveying and
circumnavigation; he became quite an adept in those branches. In 1849, seeking new
fields of enterprise, he came to Iowa, stopped at Bloomington (now Muscatine), where
he clerked fur J. G. Gordon for three years ; in 1852, became dissatisfied, and, thinking
California offered more adventure, removed there ; remained five years mining and pros-
pecting, and, finding that a failure, financially, he again returned to Muscatine, Iowa ;
thence to Ohio, and while there married Miss Susan Rinard, in 1858 ; returned to Iowa
and located on his present farm in Montpelicr Tp., which he has improved and has a tine
farm of 240 acres. Mrs. M. was a native of Marietta, Ohio, a daughter of John Rin-
ard, of the same county ; they have three children — Amanda (^now Mrs. Joseph Shafer),
Ro.sa and John H. Mrs. Metz died Sept. 4, 1868; and Mr. M. again married Miss
Mary E. Bohl, of this county, a native of Ohio, in April, 1869; they have two chil-
dren— George and Margaret. Mr. M. and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr.
M. has held several ofiices of trust since he has been in the county — Trustee, Assessor
and Town Clei'k — which offices he has held for over eighteen years. He has also
done some very important surveying in the county. During the war, he wiis enrolling
officer. In politics, formerly a Whig until the organization of the Republican party,
which he helped organize in California ; has ever been an uncompromising foe to human
slavery in all its forms.
JOH^ J. PIGMAM, far.. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Melpine ; was born in Muscatine
Co.,. Iowa, Jan. 14, 1844, and has since resided in the county, improving the fixrm on
which he resides, consisting of 240 acres. Mr. P. married Miss Belle Gadd, a native
of Scott Co., Iowa; they were married in 1874, and have two children-^William H.
MONTPELIER TOWNSHIP. 659
and Joseph H. Mr. P. is a stanch Republican ; also a member of the A., F. & A.
M.. and the A. O. U. W. His parents are natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland ; set-
tled in Ohio shortly after their marriage, remained there till 1838, then removed to
Iowa, settling near Davenport; his father was the first Whig elected in Muscatine Co.
to the State Legislature ; served one term, and was re-elected in 1854; he also held the
office of County Surveyor for many years, until his death in 1874, at 72 years of ao'e ■
his mother is still living.
OEORGE W.^ ROBIBfl^OK, for.. Sec. 23; P. 0. Buffiilo, Scott Co.,
Iowa; was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1822; remained there till 1852, then
removed to California ; remained three years and engaged in mining and specu-
lating; in the fall of 1854, he removed thence to Iowa, locating first at Blue Grass,
Scott Co. The same fall or winter, he returned to New York, where he married Miss
Phebe C. Boyce, daughter of Jacob Boyce, of Ulster Co., N. Y., and returned to Iowa
shortly after ; they have three children — Weller, Bosa and Lilly. In 1876, he removed
to Muscatine Co., where they now reside on a fine farm, consisting of 307 acres, lyino-
along the Mississippi River, with a fine river view ; his parents, John and Elizabeth
( Bushnell) Robinson, were natives of New York. Mr. R. was a Democrat, but now
acts with the Greenback party.
EL<IAS $$MURK, far., S. 23; P. 0. Buffalo, Scott Co. ; was born in Wayne
('o., Ohio, in 1832; remained there till 1840, then removed with his widowed mother
to Westmoreland Co., Penn., where they spent two years in the town of Port Royal ;
removed thence to Pittsburgh, remaining two years ; returned to Westmoreland Co.
attended school for five years, then went to Armstrong Co., Penn., where he was with
an uncle engaged in the furnace business some time; returning again to Pittsburgh, he
was clerk in a wholesale grocery till 1859, in which year he returned to his native
place, where he married Miss Margaret J., daughter of Alexander McBride, one of
the pioneers of Wayne Co.; they have three children — Edwin R., Ernest Mc. and
Louie J. In 1865, they came to Muscatine Co.; in August, 1877, Mrs. S. died in
the " blessed faith of the Redeemer." Mr. and Mrs. S. were members of the Presby-
terian Church.
H. C. WAGXER, far., Sec. 14; P. 0. Blue Grass; was born in Holstein,
Germany, in 1832 ; in 1854, he emigrated to the United States, locating in Muscatine
Co., Iowa, upon the farm on which he now resides, consisting of 190 acres. In 1863,
he married Miss Hannah Delany, of Muscatine Co., and a native of the county of Gal-
way, Ireland, and daughter of Michael Delany, who emigrated to the United States in
1832, settled in Beaver Co., Penn , remained ten years, and in 1842 removed to Iowa,
settling in Muscatine Co. ; Mr. D. raised a very large family of children, all now deceased
but three , Mrs. W.'s father has been dead some years ; her mother is still living; Mr.
W. and wife have two children — Leslie and Willie. Members of the M. E. Church ;
Mr. W. is a Republican.
EDWARD WATHAM, far.. Sec. 8 ; P.O. Pleasant Prairie; was born in
the city of New York in 1848; removed thence with his parents to Albany, remained
three years, removed thence to Chicago, remained about the same length of time,
removing thence to Davenport, Iowa, and in 1859 they settled in Muscatine Co., where
they now reside ; his parents are natives of Whitchurch, England; they had three sons
and three daughters, all now living — Richard, George, Edward, Jane E., now Mrs.
Henzie ; Sarah Ann and Emma J., now Mrs. Kreger. Mr. W. married Miss Nancy
E. Funck Nov. 13, 1877; she is a native of Iowa; they have one child — John D.
Mr. W. is a Democrat.
660 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES;
CEDAR TOWNSHIP.
MRS. fillCENA BAXTER, P. O. Muscatine ; widow of the late Wm.
Baxter ; Mr. Baxter caiuc from New Jersey to Muscatine Co.; he was married three
times and left seven children, live by first marriage — -John 11., Lucy, Caroline,
George and Maggie ; none by the second marriage ; his third wife was his present
widow, Mrs. Lucena Cox, by whom he had three children, two of whom are living —
Henry C. and Abram L ; their other child died in infancy. Mrs. Lucena Baxter's
marriage with Mr. B. was also her third marriage ; she had two children by the first
marriage — Eliza J. and Josephine Sanford. and two by the second marriage — B. F.
and T. J. Cox. Henry C. Baxter married, Nov. 28, 187G, Mattie J. Day, a native of
Iowa ; her parents were early settlers of Iowa. Mrs. Lucena Baxter came to jMusca-
tine Co. with her mother, Mrs. Maggie Williamson, in 1837 ; they settled in Bloom-
ington Tp.; her mother had eight children when she came to this county, only three of
whom are livinir — Lucena, Jane and Mary; Mrs. L. Baxter's maiden name was Clark.
PETER BROOKHART, flirmer. Sec. 11 ; born in Perry Co., Ohio, in
18-15 ; his parents, Henry and Matilda Brookhart, came to Muscatine Co. in 1860, and
located on the farm where their son now lives ; they now reside in Lettsville, Louisa
Co. Peter Brookhart married in 18(59 Martha Fry, a native of Pennsylvania, born in
18.51 ; her parents, Henry and Mary Fry, now reside in Seventy-six Tp. ; Mr. and Mrs.
B. have three children — M3'rtie, born in 1871; Joseph K., in 1873, and Henry H., in
1878 ; thev lost one child — Chester, in infancy.
THOMAS M. BROWN, farmer. Sec. 34 ; P. O. Letts ; born in Indiana in
1832 ; his parents, Matthew and Julia F. Brown, came to Muscatine Co. in 1838, and
settled in Cedar Tp. ; his father had been engaged in surveying Government land in
this part of the State for several years previous to that time ; he died in June, 1842 ;
his mother is still living and resides with Thomas. He married in 185li Sophia
Ferry, a native of the State of New York ; has six children — Horace, Myra, Julia,
Hugh, Vesta and an infant. jMr. Brown enlisted in 1862 in the 35th I. V. I.; was
First Sergeant of his company ; served over three years ; was at the seige of Vicks-
burg, battle of Nashville, etc. ; was in Banks' Red River expedition ; was wounded at
the battle of Mobile, from the effects of which he still suffers. His farm contains 240
acres.
JACOB Br3Ui}ARUXER, farmer, Sec. 13; P.O.Muscatine; born in
Bath Co., Va., in 1815; his parents, Adam and Mary Bumgardner, were natives of
Virginia. He married in Virginia in 1838 Nancy Lang, who was born in West
Virginia. Removed to Ohio about 1843, and came to Muscatine in the fall of 1854 ;
on April 1, 1855, Mr. B. was appointed Superintendent of County House in Seventy-
six Tp., which position ho held for five years ; he then purchased a farm in Seventy-
six Tp., where he resided till November, 1875 ; he visited his old home in Virginia in
1875 ; returned and engaged in the mercantile business at Muscatine; purchased his
present farm in 1877, where he located in 1878. His wife died in December, 1874;
has had five children — three now living — Sarah M., born 1839 ; Marion, 1843, and
Edward T., 1858 ; Porter, born 1845, died 1874 ; the other child, deceased, died in
infancy. Mr. B.'s farm contains 120 acres.
ARISTARCHl^S COXE, farmer. Sec. 24; P. O. Letts; was born in Mid-
dlesex Co., Conn., in 1815; he left home in 1834, passed some time in Pennsylvania
and Ohio ; came to Muscatine Co. in 1837, and immediately located where he now
lives, where he has resided for forty-two years. He married Oct. 7, 1851, Harriet
Oaks, a native of Somerset Co., Penn. ; her parents settled in Muscatine Co. about
1845. His parents, Newell and Anne Cone, had five children — Albert S., William E.,
Addison, Aristarchus and Julius; William E. and Addison reside in Connecticut; the
others are deceased. His father died April 19, 1856, and his mother June 9, 18(50.
Mr. Cone is County Supervisor; has served in that capacity seven years; 'was Clerk of
CEDAR TOWNSHIP. 661
"the first election held in what was known as Storm's Precinct, which embraced about
one-third of Muscatine Co. ; at this election, in Auu;ust, 1839, only nine votes were
polled, ani five of these by the Jud>5es and Clerics of Election ; and, in the words of
Mr. Cone, '' there was a fall vote polled ;" he was Recorder of Claims for Storm's Pre-
cinct from 1837 till the land came into market, which wis about 1842. Mr. Cone owns
475 acres of land in Cedar Tp.; has also tracts of land in Missouri and Kansas.
\\M. EPPKRLY, farmer, Sec. 2; P.O. Letts; Mr. Eppcrly was born in
Wayne Co., Ind., in 1840 ; his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Epperly, came to Musca-
tine Co. about 184!), and located in Sjven y-six Tp., where they resided till their death ;
his father died in 1870, and his mother in 1874. He was married in I8l>l to Lucretia
Fry, a native of Wisconsin; she died in June, 1871 ; Mr. Fjpperly has three children
by this marria<;e — Williamtitta, born in 1863; Jared, in 18G5, and Annie M., in 18l38.
He married, in 1871, E.Ruth Shellabari!;er, born in 1845; her parents, Thomas and
Susan Shellabarger, came to Muscatine Co. from Ohio in 1846 ; her father died Nov.
1, 1876; her mother, about 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Epperly are members of the United
Brethren Church.
THOMAS L. EJiTLE, former. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Letts; Mr. Estle was born
in New Jersey, in 1814 ; his parents removed to Ohio when he was 2 years of age ;
he came to Muscatine Co. in 1838 ; located on a quarter-section, which he still owns.
He was married in 1843 to Susan Shellabarger, a native of Clark Co., Ohio ; her parents
i-ame to Louisa Co., Iowa, in 1838 ; have had ten children, nine still living — Abigail
<n<>w Mrs. James Beard), William B. (who resides in Taylor Co., Iowa), Elizabeth
(now Mrs. A. Smith), Mary A. (now Mrs. Thomas Thompson), Jacob S. (who resides
in Louisa Co.), John (resides in Dallas Co., Iowa), Charles, Sarah and Belle ; the last
three reside at home. Mr. Estle has 800 acres of land ; is engaged cjuite extensively
in stock-raising ; he has resided on his present farm for over thirty years.
MRS. EVE GATES, Sec. 13; P. 0. Letts; Mrs. Gates is the widow of
.the late Seth (J. Gates, who died Feb. 7, 1878; her maiden name was Fitzgerald; she
was born in Pennsylvania in 1822. She married in 1840 Mr. Reuben Fry, who was
born in Somerset Co., Penn., in 1820; she had two children — Lucretia, now deceased,
and Debbie, who married William R. DeWitt ; resides in Missouri. Mr. Gates was
first married to Cornelia Pettit Sept. 5, 1839 ; she died Aug. 22, 1846 ; Mr. Gates had
three children by first marriage, two of whom are living — Silas R. and Louis W.,
both of whom served in the Union army during the rebellion. Mrs. Gates has six
children by her second marriage — Harriet (married Mr. John W. Meeker), James B.,
H. N., Cornelia A., Jessie A. and George W. Mrs. Gates' mother, Mrs. Oaks, resides
with her.
HENRY GRIFFIN, farmer. Sec. 26; P. 0. Letts; owns farm of 320 acres;
Mr. Griffin was born at Ogdensburg, N. Y., in April, 1826; his parents, Worden and
Parmelia Griffin, removed to Licking Co. when he was a child. He married in Floyd
Cfi., Ky., Emily Garrett, a native of Kentucky; they have seven children — Louisa
(now Mrs. John Snyder, resides in Cedar Tp.), Willis M. (married to Laura Brown),
Caroline (now Mrs. Turkenton, resides in Louisa Co.), Mary Belle, Parmelia J.,
Clement and Frank. Mr. Griffin located on the farm which he now owns when he
first came to Muscatine Co.; he learned in Columbus, Ohio, the trade of carpenter,
which he followed till about 1867. He has served two years as County Supervisor and
filled several town offices. Mr. Griffin was a resident of Columbus, ()hio, about seven
years.
RAYNOLI>S ifllLLER, farmer. Sec. 1; P. O. Muscatine; was born in
Scioto Co., Ohio, in 1814 ; his parents, x\braham and Rebecca Miller, were natives of
Virginia; they removed to Ohio in 1804; they went to Missouri in 1844; his mother
di(id in Mississippi Co., Mo. ; his father died in Ohio, where he had returned on busi-
ness, about 1854; Mr. Miller came to Muscatine Co. in 1850, and purchased liis
present farm, but located thereon in 1852. He married in 1852 Margaret Kerr, a
native of Ohio, born in 1824; they have had three children, two of whom are living —
Rebecca (now Mrs. Jacob Estle, resides in Louisa Co., Iowa), Elizabeth (now Mrs.
0<;- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES;
John Estle, resides in Dallas Co., Iowa); their third child, Catharine, died aeed
about 1 J years. Mr. Miller has 8U(t acres of laud, engaged principally iu stock-
raisinii.
nnS, MARY KEVBrRX, owns farm of 120 acres in Sec. 85; P. O.
Letts ; Mrs. Heybuni was born in Armstrong Co., Penn., in 18UI). She mariied in
182.) Collin Revburn. who was born in Pennsylvania in 1803; they came to Cedar Tp.
1841 ; bought and settled ou the farm where Mrs. Heyburn now lives in 1846; Mr.
Reyburn died June 7, 1874; Mrs. Reyburn has had ten children, six still living —
Sarah E., Mary J. (^now Mrs. Henry Ferry, ot Dakota), Samuel, James E., Hiram
(married Florence White) and Janette (now Mrs. Martha Reyburn). Maidson enlisted
in the 11th 1. V. I.; was killed at battle in 1862.
SAMrEL STORM, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Letts. Mr. Storm was born iu
Ro^s Co., Ohio, in 18U7 ; his parents were of German descent, but natives of Virginia;
they had ekven children, only one of whom besides the subject of this sketch is living;
John, aged nearly 90 years, tesides in Rn.ss Co., Ohio. Mr. Storm came to Muscatine
Co. , and settled on his ])resent farm, in 1837, forty-two years ago ; his brother George set-
tled in Seventy-six Tp. in 1835, where he resided sixteen years ; he then went to Keokuk
Co., where he died about 1866. Mr. Storm has 360 acres of land ; he has been troubled
with the asthma for ^ixty years, and, for the last twenty years, has been unable to do
any work ; his farm is conducted by three suns of his brother Jacob, George, John and
Peter; their mother also livC' with him.
CYRrS TO\VNSL.KY% farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Letts; born in Greene Co.,
Ohio, iu 1823. Married, in 1843, Elizabeth Stephenson, also a native of Greene Co.,
Ohio; they came to Muscatine Co. in the fall of 1849, and settled ou their present farm
in 1850 ; have had nine children, eight still living — John S., born in 1846 ; Theodore
T., born in 1847; jMyra J., born in 1850; George A., born in 1853; Elizabeth C.,boru
in 1855; Sally A., born in 1858; Oscar E., born in 1861 ; Mary R., born in 1863;
their eldest son, William B., born in 1844, enlisted in the 35th L V. L, in 1862, and
died in hospital at Keokuk, in 18(13. Mr. Townsley's father, William Townsley, died in
Ohio, in 1825 ; his mother, Elizabeth Townsley, came to Muscatine Co. with her son,
and died in 1855 ; Mrs. Townsley's parents, John and Catharine Stephenson, were
early settlers of Greene Co., Ohio; "lier father died in May, 1846; her mother died
in 1850. Mr. Townsley has been Justice of the Peace for about sixteen years ; was
re-elected in the fall of 1868; has also held other town.>*hip offices; he owns 260 acres
of land. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
VERXET TRACY, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. "Muscatine ; born in Luzerne Co.,
Penn., in 1803; his }>arents. Peleg and Hannah Tracy, were natives of Connecticut; they
emigrated to Pennsylvania about 1800, and re-ided in Wilkesbarre till their death; his
father died about 1825, his mother, aboiit 1840. Mr. Tracy learned the trade of coach-
making in Wilkesbarre, which he followed till 1819, when he came to Muscatine Co.,
and engaged in agriculture. In 1825, he married Mary Ann Dilly, a native of Luzerne
Co., Penn, born in 1809; her parents were Jonathan and Polly Dilly; her father was
a native of Connecticut, her mother, of Luzerne Co., Penn. Mr. Tracy first located iu
Section 21, Seventy-six Tp.; he crossed the plains to California in 1850, and engaged in
mining ; returned in 1852 ; located on the farm he now owns in 1853 ; has ten children
— Ferdinand, Vernet and Theodore, residents of California ; Ellen, who lives in Kansas;
Harriet, Hannah, Hamilton, Frances, Theodosia, Blanche; thoir children's ages range
from 25 to 5(1 years.
WILLIAM VERI\K, farmer, Sec. 14; P.O.Letts; was born in Hol-
land, in 1838; his parents, John H. and Hannah Verink, emigrated to this country
in 1846; they first located in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; came to Muscatine in 1848,
where his father still resides ; his mother died soon after they came to Muscatine. Mr.
William Verink learned the business of painting, which he followed till about 1869,
when he purchased the farm which he now owns, and where he has since resided. He
married, February, 1869, Fanny Simpson, a native of Muscatine Co., born in 1842 ;
they have two children — Susan K., born in 1869, and John T., born in 1876.
FULTON TOWNSHIP. 663^
FULTON TOWNSHIP.
<ir. AliljBFiK, farmer and dealer in stock. Sec. 3-4; P. O. Pleasant Prairie;
born in Wiudliaui Co., Vt., April 27, 1822. Married, on Jan. 29, 184-4, Miss Eliza
M. AUbee ; born in VVindsor Co., Vt., Feb. 2, 1828; moved to Davenport in 1855,
where Mr. A. worked on the first bridge that was built across the Mississippi River,
and Mrs. Allbe'j was the first woman that crossed that bridge in 1856 ; Mr. A. removed
to Muscatine Co., and settled in Montpelier Tp. ; in March, 1857, removed to
where ho now re- ides; they have six children — three sons and three daughters — Cal-
ista, Elbert A., George VV., Leslie, Eliza M., Theda, and two deceased — Eleazar and
Arizina. Mr. A. has improved 240 acres in the county, and owns 597 i acres. Pol-
itics, Democrat.
PHIIilP BAKER, farmer, Sec. 25; P. (). Blue Grass, Scott Co.; born in
Muskingum Co., Ohio, June 8, 1822 ; came to Scott (h. in 181)7 ; removed to Mus-
catine Co. in 18;>8; his father, J. P. Baker, was a native of Pennsylvania ; his mother,
Catherine Biker, a native of Virginia; were among the early settlers of the county,
where they remained until their death. Mr. P. Baker married Miss Katherine Findley
July 13, 1848 ; born in Augusta Co., Va., Sept. 22, 1822 ; she came to Ohio with her
parents in ]8o;>, and thence to Scott Co., Iowa, in 1847 ; they have one son and one
daughter — James C. and Katherine E., and four deceased — William L., Susannah,
John and Albert N. Mr. B. owns 466 acres of land ; has improved 200 acres in the
county. Democrat.
A. A. BROWN, far., Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Stockton ; was born in Clarion Co.,
Ohio, April 26, 1844; came to Scott Co., Iowa, with his parents in 1853. thence to
Wisconsin; removed to Muscatine Co. in 1856. He married in 1867 Miss M. M.
Rider, a native of Ohio, born in 1845 ; they have three children — Carrie E., Belle M.,
and one unnamed. Mr. Brown has been three times elected Township Clerk ; he owns
eighty acres of a fine farm. Members of the Presbyterian Church ; Republican.
A. 11. BL'NKER, tar.. Sec. 22; P. 0. Wolcott, Scott Co., Iowa; born in
Clarion Co., Penn., April 18, 1818. Married Miss Sarah Howe June 30, 1844, a
native of Pennsylvania, born .June 30, 1832 ; came to Muscatine ( ^o. in 1858. In 1867,
he purchased his present firm of 240 acres, which he has under good improvements.
Members of the M. E. Church; Mr. Bunker is a Democrat. They have thirteen
children— William, born April 25, 1845 ; Melville, Oct. 6, 1846 ; Elizabeth, March 27,
1848; Georue, Aug. 15, 1849; Nathan, March 12, 1851; Thomas, May 3, 1853;
James L., Feb. 21, 1855; Julia R., Feb. 15, 1857; John, Sept. 6, 1858; Francis,
Feb. 28,1862; Andrew, Nov. 14, 1863 ; Robert E.. June 4, 1866 ; Sara E., Feb. 14, 1870
C. W. €AlIPBEIili, far., Sec. 24; P. 0. Wolcott, Scott Co., Iowa; son of
A. W. Campbell and Lucy R. (Foster) Campbell ; was born in Scott Co., Iowa, March
4, 1843 ; his father, A. W. Campbell, was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, June 30, 1802,
and died in California July 22, 1853. He married Miss Lucy R. Foster Feb. 17,
1822; she was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 28, 1802; they came to Scott Co.
May 5, 1836. C. W. Campbell married Dec. 29, 1870, Miss Maggie E. Skiles ; they
have four children — Frank H., Lucy J., Wilson L. and Clare L. Mr. C. and wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. C. is the oldest lowan born in Fulton Tp.
Is a Democrat.
GEORGE DE9IING, lar., Sec. 7 ; P. O. Durant, Cedar Co. ; born i»
Hartford Co., Conn., March 27, 1812 ; went to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1833, making
the trip on the first railroad built in the West; returned to Hartford Co., Conn., where
he married Miss Cornelia R. Gregory May 6, 1834, born in New Haven Co., Conn.,
Feb. 26, 1816, and returned to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1837, where they remained
nine years; in 1838, removed to Du Page Co., 111., and remained sixteen years; in
1854, removed to Muscatine Co. ; they have one son and four daughters — George W.,
Mary F.. now Mrs. Persons ; Ellen A., now Mrs. Loomis ; Emily C, now Mrs. Pingrey,
»^64 BIOO.RAPHICAL SKETCHES:
«nd Josephine, now Mrs. Kettell. Mr. D. owns ISO acres, on which he has made all
the iuiprviveuients. Mr. D. and wife have heen memhers of the Christian Church for
thiitv-six voar? . Mr. D. is a Ropiibliean.
j. Gi FRIZELL, tarmor. See. 17 : P. 0. Dunint, Cedar Co.; K^m in Cam>ll
<^' . Md.. Nov l'T. 1So4 ; oame with his parents, to Holme:? '"o.. Ohio, in lS3t>, Mar-
ritxl Miss Alice Finley Nov. 27. 1S60 ; born in Holmes Co.. Ohio. M.^rch 10. lS4o ;
have three children — f^amuel H.. EUie P. and Lura E. Thev removed to Muscatine
Co. in 1S72. Mr. F. served as Second Lieutenant in Co. E. U»6th Reirt.. O. Y. I.
Owns ISO acres of a fine farm, where he now resides. Members of the Bitptist Church ;
Kepub'ic;in
A. JOHXSOX. far., S.x\ 14: P. O. Wokvtt, Scott Co.: born in Ireland
April I. lS_'i* : oaii;inittHl to Delaware in lS4o ; thence to Mercer Co., Penn., in 1S47 ;
m 1S51, came to Scott Co.. Iowa; to Muscatine in lSo2 : went to California in ISoo ;
rtnuraed. in ISoo, to Fulton Tp., where he has remained ever since. Sept. 2t>, 1S56.
married Miss N.Hncy A. Pursell, K^m in Indiana April S. lSo9 ; have ten children —
James S.. Gc-onre T., Srephcn, Mary R^\sa, Ellery. Carrie. Catharine, Fn\nk, Robert and
Man.li. dtveasol M:^ -Tohns^Mi is a mtmber of the M. E. Chur^'h : Mr. J. is a Pemocrat,
WILLl-\M KKLLKY. far.. Sei\ 17; P. O. Stockton: born in Rahimore.
C>., Md.. May 29, ISOo. Married Miss Prudence Williams Oct. 11, 1S29 ; bom in
Baltimore Co.. Md., Ausr. 12. ISOS; in ISoO, removed to Holmes Co.. Ohio; thence
to Muscatine Co. in lSt»7. and settled where he now resides ; has seven children —
Ruth A. , now Mrs. Aultman''. Elizabeth ^uow Mrs. McGarvey'". Prudence now Mrs.
Ooylc'. Sarah E. now Mrs. McGarvey >. Samuel O., James B.. Amanda J., and five
dead — Lovelace W.. died in the army : William S., wounded at the battle of Stone
River, .^nd died fa»m the effects ; Thomas A., wounded at the Kettle of \'icksburg and
died of his wounds ; Columbus and John G. Members of the V. B. Church. Mr.
K. was on survev of the first railroiid in the United States.
ARRAHAH I.OXG, tar.. Sec. 13; P. 0. Wokvtt. S.vtt Co.; born in Blair
l\\. Ponn . Nov. ;». lSo2; came to Cedar Co. in 1S54; rt^mained one year, thence to
'^(.vtt Co.; remainerl four year?; ciime to Muscatine Co. in 1S59. Marrit\l. in lSt>2,
.Miss Nancy Pursell, born in Washington Co. Ind., in lSo2; has three children —
John A.. Ettie E. and Frank A. Mr. L^^ng owns 240 aca's ; h.%s made most of the
impn^veuietus. MemKrs of the M. E. Church; Republican.
SOLCIWOX LOVELL. fi»r.. Sec. 2S ; P. 0. Pleasant Prairie; Kim in
Marylaud Aug. lo. ISIS; when quite young, went with his parents to Huntingdi>n
("o., Penn.. where he remained until about IS years of age ; thence to Cambria Co.;
remained until 1S3S, when he married Miss Margaret Arbel March 19. 1S^>S; bom in
Bedford Co., Penn., M:irvh 24, ISIS, and April 1. 1S8S. came to Muscatine Co.. and
-cttled in .Montpelier Tp.; moved where they now reside in 1S65 ; have five sons and
rive daughters — William. John T., Sarah J. now Mrs. Hamilton', Mary A. ^now Mr^.
Burr", Rebecc;4 Lv>uisa. James E., Charles L., M.^rgaret E.. Daniel B.; one died — H.Hr-
riet A. Mr. L. owns SOO acres ; has imprv^ved 440.
ALFRED XYE, tnr., Sei-. 81 ; P. O, Melpine; bora in Washington Co.. Vt..
in ISll ; rtHuovixi to Mus<.*atine Co, in 1S37. and settled at Fairjvrt; remained ten
vo.i-.?. aud rt^movini where he now lives in 1S47. Marrivxl Miss S;irah Silverthorn in
l""'v^: bi^rn in Northampton Co., Penn. in 1S22; have six sons and oitp daughter —
(.>riana A. « now Mrs. -\blxit K Mahlon. Albert W,. Walter H., Willie G.. Reuben E..
Frevl A. Mr. and Mrs. Nye art^ memlx^rs of the Christian Church. Mr. N. owns 500
K'res of fine farm laiui ; h;is impnn-ed (JOO acres in the Cvuxntv. Democrat,
HEXRY PARR, far., Sei-. ;Ki; P. 0. Plc;»sanl Prairie; K»m in Licking Co..
'^^hiv Sept. IS. 1S12 : came West in ISHo ; attended the landssales in Chicago ; thence
to Scott Co.. low.^. whore he worked at blacksmiihing f^r some time; in 1S4(.>, removi>l
to Muscatine Co. and settled where he now resides. Married on April 10. 1S;^9. Miss
.\uianda Daniel, a native of North C:irv^lina, bi^rn in 1S19; their children are Mal-
vinu, RoIhhv;!. Henry and Sarah B.; dece.ised — William, Samuel, Mary and Maria.
Mr P. is a Republican ; Mrs. P. is a member of the Baptist Church.
MO^c\>VV TOWNSHIP (>h,-»
J. K. KOBR. termor. Siv. 25^ P. O. Ploasant TMirio ; s^mi of Koborr :uui Ann
Robb ; was born m Hush Co.. Inii,, .luno -0, 1S'J;>. M:»rrioii Mi;v< Klmini Krwrnau
Dec, 2. IS45>; d;u»srhtor of Ronjamin aiui Marv Frooman; born in Marion Co.. liui.,
October Ij^. lS2l), Mr. K, oamo to Musoatino Co. in Juno. 1S.>0 ; has tour ohildroii —
Hatiio. M;vr\\ Wilson ami Klmor. Mr. K. has served on the Hi\»rd M" Co\inty Super-
visc>rs twelve years and has heUi most all the offiivs of the township. Served in the
rt4>ellion, in the 1 4th 1. V. 1.. Oo 0. and is a stanch Hejniblican.
JAHK^ SCIiOOXOVEK, Sov\ 8; P. O. Stix^kion ; son of Henry and M:u-y
i^chivunovor. was born in Kandv^lph Co.. Va., Sept. IT. ISOli; May 15. 1S:1;\ oatue to
Rock Island. 111., and .Mav IS. 1S;>1K removed within five miles of Pavenpon ; in
1S4;>. moved to Muscatine Co., and settUH^ wheriOio now resides. Married IXh'. 'J!t>,
lS2l>. Miss Klifc\beth Teeter, a native of Randolph Co., Va. . born Dec. 2t>, iStHv and
died April 21, 1S40; he married .ai;,-;un. Mi.ss Thankful Randell, dan. 13, ISU ; a
native of York Co., Me,; born Jan. 15, lS()i>; Mr. S. has five children by former wife
— -Mary v»ow Mrs. lieorgi^X Nancy v"i^w Mrs. Rapp\ D.^lilah ^^now Mrs. Austin'*,
.\lfrod and Salathia ; by present wife has one — Renjamin, and three deceased — Sanih
A.. Henry and John. Mr. Scho.mover was elected .Tu.stici^ of the Peace in 1845.
United with the M. K. Church in 182;». where he h;us ever boon a constant worker in
the cause of relidon. and Mrs. S. is a member of the s;»me church. .Mr. 8. owns a fine
farm of 227 acres. Peiioirat.
A. 1>. SIl.VEKTHOKX, farmer. 8.v. 82 ; P. 0. PleasiuU Pnurie ; born in
Northampton Co. Penn.. Dee. 10. lSo5; came with his parents to Muscatine Co. in
l8o8. and settled on what is known :is the Silvexthorn Homestead, where his father
rt^sided until his death, in 1854; his mother now rtvsides at the old home; they wvre
one of the first fitmilie.s who settled in the neiiihborhood. A. D. Silverthorn marriini
Feb. 18. 18l>2. Miss Fannie Hod^kins. born in Maine in 1842; by their union have
five childri^u — Albert K.. As;»] K.. William E.. Abby H.. (.TCt^r;:^^ W.; one doco;vsed —
Ralph. Mr. 8. and wife art^ members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. 8. is a
ridical Republican.
L. X. !!iTIGFiK$!», farmer. 8ee. 2:> ; P. 0. Wolootf, 8cott Co.; born in Kno.\
Co.. Ohio. Nov. o, 1848; came to Muscatine Co. with his parents in 1851. and settled
on the farm where two of the brinhers now reside; his father. John Stivers. w:is born
in Pennsylvania in 1818, and died in 1857: his tuother. a native of Ohio, born in
1820. now ri>side;< in that c\ninty Mr. Stisiors married, in 18i>8, Miss Eliiabeth Bunker.
A native of Pennsylvania, born in 1848; have three children — Kdna E, Nellie M.
and Arthur E. Members of the M. E. Church. Mr. 8. owns eiijhty acrtvs, whert^ he
rt^side^s.
MOSCOW TOWNSHIP.
HIRA^ CKOMEK. farmer. Sec. ;i5 ; P.O. Muscatine; owns 282 acres of
land, valued at Sto per acre: born May 1. ISoti, in Seneca Co.. Ohio; parents moved
to Montirvnuery Co. when he was quite small : in the spring of 185!->. came to ^lusi'a-
fine Co.. soon atler pun'hased part of the tarm he still owns ; both his parentKS
died in September. 1854, in Ohio. Married Miss Lydia Darr Feb. 4. 1857 ; she was
K>rn in 1840. in Flamilton Co., Ohio; have ten children — Nancy. Henry, Elisui, Jos<»-
phine. Alice. William, titvrire. Frank, Charles W., and Erlaud J. Democrat.
$!»A11. COMKR. tVirmer, Sei-. 4; P. 0. Mivseow ; son of John and Anna
Comer, born Oct. lt». 182;>. in W^ayne Co.. Ohio; in the spring of 1850, went to Cali-
fornia by overland n^ute ; followed mining till 1852, when he returned; came to Mii.s-
catine Co., Iowa, and entered land in this township; in the spring of 18t>3, went to
Montana Territory; returned in 18l>5.and movinl into Ctnlar Co.; returned to this town-
ship in 18(>8, and onto his present farm in 1873, which auitaius 220 acreis, valued at
(^66 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
8:?5 per acre. Married Elizabeth Ludlow Sept. 28, 1858; she was born April 3, 1839,
in Wayne Co., Ind., and died March liO, 18(U, leaving one son — Ernest, now also
deceased; Mr. C. again married, Dec. ll!, ISG"), Mrs. Martha M. Ludlow, n;aideii
name Baxter, sister to l^r. \V. 11. Baxter, of Wilton ; children by second marriage are
John J., William H., Orphena B. and Mary M.; lo<t three — Blanche M., Artie E. and
Robert. Mr. C.'s ftuher died in February, 18H2, and wife's father, James Baxter, in
lSr>7. HenuHTat.
JOif^KPH FiVEIiAXl>, farmer, Sec. 23; P.O. Wilton; son of Harmon
and Jennette Eveland ; owns U>5 acres of land, valued at S50 per acre; born June 22,
ISIO, in New Jersey; in ISlli, his parents moved to Clermont Co., Ohio; worked at
tlie stone and brick mason's trade in Cincinnati, Ohio, several years; in the fall of 1S44,
came to Mu.scatine Co., locating upon a part of the farm he still owns. Married Louisa
Dimmitt Oct. 25, 1835; she was born Nov. 3, 1810, in Maryland, and died Nov. 15,
18;)S; he again married Eveline J. Dimmitt, sister of tirst wife, Feb. 15, 1840; she
was born Dec. 27, 1815; have three children by first wife — Jennette, Beel D. and
liouisa; by second wife, .^even — Martha, Sarah, Harmon, Peter, Hester, Ketu'ah and
Frank ; lost seven — Joseph and Eveline, John and Johnson, James, Augusta and Mary
I.; Beel D. and Peter served in Co. E, of the 18th I. V. L Is member of M. E.
Cluirch. Democrat.
IVII.1.1A:I1 FIIRXAS, farmer. Sec. 35; P. O. Muscatine; son of Christo-
pher and Sarah Furnas; born Feb. 5, 1820. in Montgomery Co., Ohio; in the f\Ul of
1848, moved to Marion Co., Ind.; remained there till the spring of 18(>7, when he
came to this county and located on his present farm of 183 acres, one of the best farms
in the county of its size, having taken the premium a few years ago. Married Miss
Sarah Compton, daughter ot William and Susannah Compton, Feb. 20, 1845; she was
born Aug. 2, 1823, in 3Iontgomery Co., Ohio; have two children — Louisa and Enisley ;
lost three — Lucinda, John I. and Isaac N. Member of the M. E. Church; Repub-
lii-an.
PAri.rS HAHX, far.. Sec. IG; P. 0. Moscow; owns 312 acres of land,
valued at §30 per acre; born Jan. 13, 1823, in Beyern, Ixcrmany ; in 1845, emigrated
to the United States, stopping in Columbus, Ohio, until in 1840; went to St. Louis,
Mo.; followed steamboating on the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri Rivers until 1851 ;
then he came to this county and purchased a part of the farm upon which he still lives.
Married Catherine Knapel in July, 1851 ; she was born in Germany in 1830, and died
Nov. 9, 1852; again married, Miss Hooke, Jan, 10, 1853; she was born Dee. 11,
1832. in Hesvse-Darmstadt, Germany ; have five children living — Anna, John. Catha-
rine, Henry and Pauline; lost one — Lorez ; member of Evangelical Lutheran Church;
Democrat.
JOHN HIRSCHMANN, far.. Sec. 10; P. O. Mo.scow ; son, of George
and Barbara Hirschmann ; owns 100 acres of land, valued at S40 per acre ; born April
12, 1828, in Bavaria, Germany; emigrated to the United States, with parents, in 1840,
locating in Bloomington Tp., and came to Moscow in 1855, and engaged in the bakery
liu>incss until 1805, when he tame onto his present farm. Married Susannah Willin
August, 1854; she was born in Germany in 1834, and died in January, 1850; he
auain married, Diana Heddleston, in June, 1857 ; she was born in Ohio in 18;>9 ; had
one child, Henry, by first wife and by second wife seven — Frank, George, Anna. Ellen, John,
Robert and Susannah. Has ficrved as member of School Board in his town ; member
of Lutheran Church ; Democrat.
WIl.l.IAM HOKNLKY. hir.. Sec. 27; P. O. Muscatine; son of Nathan
and Mary Horslcy ; owns 140 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre; born Oct. 8, 1821,
in Yorkshire, England ; in 1831, .with parents, emigrated to Dearborn Co., Ind.; while
there he learned the wagon and carriage making business.; in 1841, came to Burling-
ton, Iowa, stopping there about a year, then came to Muscatine and established the tirst
wagon and carriage shop in the town; followed the business until in 1853; came on to
bis present farm. Married Rachel Dantield April 15, 1845; she was born in 1822, in
Philadelphia, and died in October, 1840; he again married, to Laura McGill, Dec.
MOSCOW TOWNSHIP. 667
20, 1848; sho \v;is born Oct. 5, 1824, in Hamilton (\>., Ohio; ho had ono danirhtor —
Kosetta, now docoasod — by fii>t wito ; by sooond wifo. throo oliildron livin>;- — Kiohard,
Frank and Edward: lost tour — Cora. Ella, Goorgo and CharK\>i. Momber of the M.
E. Churob ; Kopublioan.
HEXKY C. T. LAXiwK. proprietor of Moscow ferry: P. 0. Moscow;
owns about forty acres of land near .Moscow, also 174 acres in Cedar Co., of the value
of S25 per acre ; born Feb. 28, 1825, in Holstein, Gierniany ; emiiirated to Ohio in
1847 ; soon after arriving here, enlisted in Co. L of 2d Ohio Volunteers, to serve in
the Mexican war ; was in the sei'vice until July, 1848; mustered out at Cincinnati,
after which he went to Indianapolis, Ind., remaining until the fall of 1850 ; came to
Iowa, locating on west side of Cedar River, about two miles from where he still lives ;
in 1852, he purchased the ferry-boat, which he has run ever since. tie enlisted Aug.
S), 18t)2, in Co. C of the ;>5th Iowa Inf.; participated in the battle of Jackson and
.•<iege of Vicksburg, Miss.; was also with A. J. Smith, in the Red River expedition,
also Henderson Hill, Pleasant Hill, Clothicrville, Marksville, Yellow R;iyou, Checut
Lake, La., Tupelo, Nashville, Tenn., and Spanish Fort, Ala.; was disiharged at Daven-
port Aug. 10, 18li5. Married Caroline (Jrosce, of Indianapolis, Ind.. Sept. 4, 1850 ;
she was born Sept. 4, 18i>2, in Cermany; have live children living — (Irant, William
T. S., Melinda, Anna and Elemora; lost six — Peter M., Henry A., Edward H.,
Charles L., Henry and Dora L. Mr. L. is present Township Clerk, which office he has
tilled for eight years ; has also served as President of School Board. Lutheran ; Repub-
lican.
JOHX W. MAYLONE, far.. Sec. 2ti; P. 0. Muscatine; owns I1(]\ acres
of land, valued at §45 per acre; son of Abraham and Nancy Mayloiio ; born Aug. 28,
1826, in Columbiana Co., Ohio; in the spring of 1852, went, by overland route, with
ox-team, to California ; follo\ved mining and brick-making; returned in 185t) ; came to
this county the saiue year and Ijcated on the farm upon which he is still living. ^Llr-
ried ^lary Frybargar Aug. 28, 1 850 ; she was born in 1 SIU), in Ohio, and died June 7, 1 8lt2 ;
he again married, Ruth Gilford. April 4, 1807 ; she was born in Ohio May 8, 18;58 ; has
two children by first wife — George and Edwin; by second wife, two — Ella and Eugen.^ ;
lost three — Estella, Willard and Wilford. Mr. M. has served as Assessor of his town-
ship five years, and Trustee two years. His father was born Sept. 12. 1797, on the
north bank of the Ohio River, and is still in good health, and living with his
son, one thing being remarkable, that he has never used glasses, and can read any print
as well as anv one. Member M. E. Church ; Democrat.
WIl.lilAH J. ]I1I1.L.EK, far.. Sec. 7; P. O. Atalissa; son of John B.
and Sasan Miller ; owns 223 acres of land, valued at §30 per acre ; born March 8,
1832, in Somerset Co., Penn.; came to this county in October, 1854; in the spring of
1855, his parents came Here, locating in Goshen Tp., where his father died, in 1872.
Married Nancy Gatton, daughter of William and Elizabeth (uitton, Oct. 23, 1850 ; she
was born in November, 1830; her parents came from Holmes Co., Ohio, to this county
in 1839, consequently being among its earliest settlers ; her father died in December,
1876; have five children living — Adessa, Allen C, Isabelle, Ulysses and Jubus ; lost
4iiie — Filev : ^lember Presbvterian Cluireh ; Republican.
MICHAEL a. RESLEY, tar.. See. 8; P. 0. Moscow; son of Henry
and Esther Resley ; owns 200 acres ot land, valued at 840 per acre ; born Feb. 27,
1827, in Knox Co., Ohio; in the fall of 1850, came, with parents, to Muscatine Co.,
and on his present farm in the spring of 1851, where his father died, June 0, 1874,
and mother Sept. 0, 1857 ; served his country in the late rebellion, in Co. I of llth
Iowa Inf , from May 28, 1804, to June 15, 1865 ; was with Sherman in his march to
the sea. Was never married ; his maiden sister, Esther A., keeps house for liim.
Republican.
CHAKLES SCHriiTE, farmer. Sec. 18; P. O. Atalissa; owns 216 acres
of land, valueil at $25 per acre; born Jan. 15, 1840, in Rhine Province, Prussia ; was
educated at a Catholic Seminary, in WerJen, Germany ; in the fall of 1857, came to the
United States, locating in Muscatine Co.; his father came in 1859; came onto his
668 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
present farm in the spring of 1859. Married Diana Stoneburner Sept. 11, 1864; she
was boru Aug. IG, 1880, in Clay Co., III.; have no children; Mr. S. is now serving
his third term as Township Assessor ; his brother Otto served the Union cause in Co.
F of the 2d Missouri Buttery, from 1861 to 1864; was at the siege of Vicksburg,
Pea Rid<j:e, Chattanooga, capture of Atlanta, etc. Politics, llepublican.
G, F. SHAFi\IT, farmer, Sec. 4; P. 0. Moscow; son of Jacob and Eliz-
abeth Shafnit ; born 3Iay 7, 1837, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in December, 1851 ;
came witli parents to the United States ; arrived in this county the following spring,
locating in Bloomington Tp. ; in 1855, came to Moscow Tp., and in 1866, moved
into Cedar Co., returning to this county in March, 1878; owns a farm of 560
acres, valued at S25 per acre; his father died in this county Aug. 5, 1860. Married
Miss Barbara Will Aug. 20, 1860; she was born Oct. 7, 1840, in this county and
township ; have two cliildren — George and Fred ; lost one — Cornelia ; is raising two
orphan.s — Emma and John Kurc. Member of the Lutheran Church ; Republican.
Ci^KORGF WIIX, fiirmer, Hec. 33; P. 0. Moscow; son of Nicholas and
Margaret Will; born March 19, 1830, in Bavaria, Germany; emigrated with parents
to the United States in 1840, locating in Moscow Tp. ; his mother died in 1846,
and father, Nov. 7, 1857. Married Margaret Kurts Nov. 29, 1856 ; she was born in
Germany in 1832; have four children living — Christian N., George W., John and
Frank ; lost three infants. Mr. W. owns 560 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre ; is
also Trustee of township. Member of the Lutheran Church ; Democrat.
JOHN O. WILL, farmer ; Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Moscow ; owns 550 acres of land,
valued at §35 per acre ; born Feb. 21, 1838, in Bavaria, Germany; came with parents
to this county in the spring of 1840, they locating on the farm upon which he is now
living. Married Sophia Shafnit Nov. 20, 1860 ; she was born in Germany Dec. 31,
1842. Mr. W. is one of the leading farmers of his township. Member of the
Lutheran Church ; Democrat.
WILTON TOWNSHIP.
FKAIVK BACON, of Bacon & Mclntire, dealers in dry goods and general
merchandise, corner Fourth and Cedar streets; residence corner Sixth and Cherry ; born
at New Haven, Conn., Jan. 30, 1835, and, when 18 months of age, his parents removed
to Camden, Oneida Co., N. Y. ; at 21 years of age, he came to Iowa, and, in the fall of
1856, engaged as clerk with J. J. Rider, of Wilton; he continued with him until the
spring of 1860, when he purchased the entire business interest of his employer, and
continued alone until the spring of 1870, when Mr. Charles Mclntire became a partner ;
in June, 1874, with others, he organized the Farmers' and Citizens' Bank, of which he
was elected President. April 2, 1861, he married Miss Harriet E., daughter of J. J.
Rider; she was born in Seymour, Conn., in August, 1843, and, with her parents, came
to this county in 1856; they have three children — two sons and one daughter; the
eldest, Charles C, was born in February, 1862; John E., in June, 1864; and Mary,
in June, 1868. Radical; members of M. E. Church.
AlflOS BARNARD, furniture and undertaking, Fourth street, corner of
Cherry; residence. Seventh street; born in Washington Co., Ind., in 1833, and in
June, 1847, with his parents, came to Iowa and settled in Muscatine, where his father, a
wagon-maker, worked at his trade until 1848 ; he removed to what is now Wilton, and
was employed in the erection of the first saw-mill erected in this part of the county ; he
afterward removed to Cedar Co., where he remained until his death. In 1860, Amos
Barnard married Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah Martin (an early settler of this county) ;
she was born in Ohio in 1840 ; they settled in Muscatine for a few years, and returned
to Cedar Co. until 1876, when he came to Wilton and opened his present business, still
WILTON TOWNSHIP. 669
retaining his farm in that county, consisting of 160 acres of land, valued at $30 per
acre ; he also owns his residence and place of business ; they have six children — Dora
F., Melinda J., Clara B., Anna, Annis and Elizabeth. Members of Grace Reformed
Church. Has held various township and school offices ; is a member of Wilton Lodge,
No. 1G7, A., F. & A. M., also of No. 107, I. 0. 0. F.
W. H. BAXTKR, physician and surgeon, office, Cedar street; residence, corner
Bates and Cherry ; son of Jos. H. and Isabella Baxter (nee Porter), who were of Scotch and
Irish descent, but natives of Pennsylvania; he was born at Cannonsburg, Washington Co.,
Penn.,- Dec. 28, 1828, and educated at the common schools and at Hagerstown (Ohio)
Academy; he read medicine widi Dr. John H. Stephenson, at Lewisville, Ohio, from
the spring of 18-47 to the fliU of 1850, and graduated at Keokuk College of Physicians
and Surgeons in 1865, and, in the ensuing year, at the Chicago Medical College ; in
1852, he came to Moscow, this county, where he practiced his profession until 1867,
when he removed to Wilton. In 1852, he married Matilda J. Wright, who was born
in Harrison Co., Ohio, in 1834, and died in 1862, leaving two children — Clara, wife of
Birt Ball, a railroad man of Trenton, Mo., and Ida May, wife of Bartley G. Gard, a
firmer at Cedar Rapids, this State. In 186-i, he married Mary E., daughter of Alex-
ander Small, of Washington, 111.; she was born in Tazewell Co., 111., in 1848; they
have three children, two daughters and a son — Nellie Maude, Lizzie and Willie H.
The Doctor is a member of the Muscatine County Medical Society, of the Iowa and
Illinois District Medical Society, of the State Medical Society, and of the American
Medical Association ; of the Wihon Lodge, No. 167, A., F. & A. M., in which he has
been Master for the third time; also, a member of the Chapter of R. A. Masons at
Muscatine. Mrs. Baxter is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Gr. S. BRADLEY, Superintendent of Public Schools and Principal of high
schools; residence. Fifth street, Wilton; was born in Canterbury, N. H., May 28,
1830 ; attended the district schools, and at the age of 17, entered the New Hampshire
Conference Seminary, located at Fulton, and with two terms at Gilman Academy ; at
the age of 20, he came to Michigan, where he soon became connected with the Mich-
igan Central College, located at Spring Arbor, Jackson Co. (now known as Hillsdale
College), the latter part of the fourth year, then being engaged as teacher ; after two
years at Oberlin College, he was elected Tutor at Hillsdale College ; was the first Tutor
of that institution ; remained there for two years and two terms. Dec. 12, 1858, mar-
ried Miss S. Ann Weaver, daughter of William Weaver, of Somerset, Mich.; she was
born in Niagara Co., N. Y., May 19, 1834, and brought by her parents to Michigan,
when only 1 year of age ; taking part in her husband's profession Irom the date of their
marriage, they soon after removed to Parsonsfield, Me., where he became Principal and
she Preceptress of the seminary, and there remained for two years, thence to Racine,
Wis., where he became Pastor of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and remained for three
years; spring of 1864, became Chaplain of the 22d Wis. Inf, and remained until the
close of the war, the regiment taking the round with Sherman ; after having had
charge of the church at Racine again for two years, in the spring of 1867, he organized
a seminary at Rochester, in the same county, where he and Mrs. Bradley presided for
two years, Mr. B. having the pastorship of two churches at the same time ; they then
removed to Evansville, Ind., where they had charge of the seminary for nearly six years,
during which Mr. Bradley continued preaching at different points, at a distance of
fifteen miles. During the last year at Evansville, Mr. B. was editor and proprietor of
the Evansville Journal ; having, while at Racine, been one of the promoters and
earnest workers on the Christian Freeman^ a paper published at Chicago ; soon after
the close of the war. he published a work, entitled, " History of the Star Corps," being a
work of 300 pages on the 20th Army Corps; in August, 1875, they removed to Wil-
ton, where they, for two years, were Principal and Preceptress of the Collegiate Insti-
tute, since which he has filled the position he now occupies.
HARRIET BREWSTER, retired; residence. Sixth street, Wilton;
daughter of Jabes Hamlin and Charlotte Norton, natives of Litchfield Co., Conn., where
she was bora Dec. 9, 1802 ; while still in her infancy, the parents of Mrs. B. removed
670 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
to Oneida Co., N. Y., where she lived until in her 16th year, when her parents came
West, settling in Washington Co., Ohio." then Wooster Tp., where May 19. 1S22, she
m;irried William Brewster, who was born in Norwich City, Conn., Aug. 21, 17S7 ; they
settled on the Ohio River, at Warren, Ohio, where they continued to reside until 1825,
when they removed to McConnel<ville, Morgan Co., Ohio, and remained until coming
to Iowa in 1S55 ; Mr. Brewster wivs engaged in the banking: business until his death,
April 5. ISGl ; he lefl two children — Sarah B., a daughter by a former wife, is a res-
ident of Norwich, Ct., and the wife of George Cook, and William C., now a resident of
Davenport. Mrs. B. was, in early life, a member of the Presbyterian Church, but for
fifty-four years has belonired to the M, E. Church.
WILLIAM J. BRECKOX, farmer. Sec. 8; P. 0. Wilton; born in
Yorkshire, Eng.. March. 1S2!>; when 14 years of age. his parents emigrated to America
and settled at Jacksonville. 111., where his father, a wheelwright, Wv^rked at his trade
until his death the year following; at the age of 16. William apprenticed himself to a
harness-maker of that city, with whom he served three years, after which he worked at
journey work until coming to Iowa. March, 1S55, he married Frances, daughter of
John and Frances Willis, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn.. where she was born March
15, 1842. August 23, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K. 1st Mo. C in which he participated
at Pea Kidge, Springfield, Custer's celebrated march, and numerous skirmishes ; was
mustered out at St. Louis Aug. 23, 1864; July, 1S65, they came to Muscatine, where
he worked at his trade for two years ; thence to his present place of residence, where
he owns eighty acres of land, valued at SS50 per acre; they have five children — Catha-
rine F.. born June 26, 1857 ; Charles L.. Sept. 16, 1858; William J.. Jr.. Dec. 10.
1865; Charlotte W.. June li>. 1867 and Susan L., Sept. 23, 1873. Members for thirty
years of the M. E. Church, in which he held various offices ; was a member of the I.
0. 0. F. at Jacksonville. 111., having joined in 1854. and was one of the charter mem-
bers of the Sons of Temperance.
JOEL CliARK, general manager of the grange co-operative store. Fourth
-treet : residence Cherry street. Wilton ; was born in W;ddo Co.. Me.. Feb. 9. 1823 ;
was raised a fiirmer; but with a liberal education acquired at the common schools, and
>everal terms at the China. Me.. ac;idemy; at the age of 20, he engaged in teaching,
and beinj; successful continued during the vviuter months until 1873. Oct. 20. 1S50,
he married Margaret R. Lenfest. of French descent, born in Lincoln Co.. Me.. March
20, 1825 ; in the spring of 1855, with hi* family, then consisting of two children, he
came to Erie Co.. Ohio, and in December of the following year, they came to Wilton,
but soon after settled in Cedar Co.. where he engtiged in farming until the fall of 1875,
when he assumed charge of the farmer's elevator, at Wilton, imtil February. 1878 ; he
was elected general manager of the store where he now is, for one year, and re-elected
February. 1870; they have had four children, three still liviui: — Ida F., born in Maine,
Sept. 21. 1851. the wife of D. W. Badgers, of Wilton ; Willis G..born in Maine. Nov.
24, 1853. was killed in a mill in attempting to save the life of a friend, July 18, 1877 ;
Recta L., born in Ohio, Feb. 2, 1856, and Maggie E., March 27, 1866. Since 15 years
of age, Mr. and Mrs. C. have been members of the Free Baptist Church, in which he
holds the offices of Deacon and Clerk ; he is President of local board of the Colleiiiate
Institute, and has held some of township and school offices in Cedar County, and h:is
been Republican in politics since Fremont's time.
LrKE COCKSHOOT, tar.. Sec, 17: P.O. Wilton; was born in Man-
chester, England, March 22. ISitl ; lived on a farm until 14 or 15 years of age, when
he was apprenticed to a velvet-maker, with whom he remained for six years, receiving
as a compensation for his services one-half of all he made. He then married Margaret
Manchester, who was born in Manchester, England, in 1807, and. soon after, emigrated
to America, Columbiana Co., Penn. where he taught country school in the Scotch set
tlements for four years ; thence to Pittsbnrgh, where he eng »ged in the mercantile busi-
ness tor fifteen years in the same store ; in the spriui; of 1856. they came to Iowa, this
county, and settled where he now resides ; and owns 360 acres of land, valued at §55
per acre, having, on first coming to Iowa, acted as Government Land Agent and entered
WILTON TOWNSHIP. 671
a great amount of laud in this and other couuties. Thoy have three children, all born
in Pittsburgh — Mary is the wife of Obed ^'andike. of Tama Co., a farmer; Andrew
and James Towuly are at home.
W. A. COOPKR, dealer in ready-made clothing, hats, caps and gents' fur-
nishing goods, Cedar street ; residence, corner Cherry and Sixth, Wilton ; a grandson
of Wm. Cooper and Rachael Philson, natives of Pennsylvania ; the former was a Cap-
tain durins; the Revolutionary war ; they had seven children, tive sons, the fifth being
James, the father of Mr. C.. who wa.* born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in ISOS,
where his first occupation was ilerking; having obtained a business education, at an
early age, he engaged in the mercantile business at Cooperstown, a handsome town of
Pennsylvania, laid out and named by him for the lamily ; Mr. Cooper did an extensive
business there, not alone in merchandising, hut in iron and oil, and also dealt extensively
in Hve stock. At Meadville, March, ISoO, he married Amanda, daughter of Col.
Cochran, an oflBcer of the militia at Meadville, born in Northumberland Co., Penu..
and marched to the rescue of Perry at the battle of Lake Erie. Sept. 10, 1813 ; he was
a resident of Meadville for thirty-five years ; a Prothonotary for many years, also a mem-
ber of the Legislature. She was born at Meadville. Peuu., March 10, 1811. Heremained
in business at Cooperstown until 1853, when they removed to Iowa, landing at Musca-
tine in April of that year, but finally settled on a tarm in Cedar Co., two miles north-
east of what is now Wilton, where he remained until his death in 1874. leaving a widow,
now a resident of Wilton, with her youngest daughter and five children, two sons (both
of whom served in the late war* and three daughters; lost the second, a daughter, in
Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was the second son and fifth born, and born
at Cooperstown. Penn., Aug. 15, 1844, and. in the 9th year of his age, came to Iowa,
where, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the 35th T. V. I., Co. G, Capt. Dickson, with
which he participated at Vicksburg. first and second taking of Jackson, Tupelo, Miss.,
Nashville, taking of the Spanish Fort, opposite Mobile, and mustered out at the close of
the war at Davenport. After remaining at home for three years, he came to Wilton,
and for two years was without any particular busine?s, and June 23, 1870, he married
Bell, daughter of Geo. Witmer and Catharine Wirt, natives of Northumberland Co.,
Penn., and for many years residents of Perry Co., Penn.. where she was born May 6.
1848 ; about the year lb66, they came to Wilton, where the father died January, 1877,
the mother having since found a home with Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. C. being the
youngest of the family. After his marriage, Mr. C. formed a partnership with Charles
Witmer in the dry goods and grocery trade in a store on corner of Cedar and Fourth
streets, which he continued for two years, and after closing out his business, he clerked
for F. Bacon until 1876. when he became a partner of Wm. H. Bacon, a brother of
his former employer, in his present business, which continued until the death of his
partner May 4, 1878 ; the September following, he purchased his interest in the busi-
ness, and has since carried the largest stock of the greatest variety of goods in his line
to be found in this part of Muscatine. They have three children, the eldest of whom
is Wirt A., born May, 1871; Charles C. April 10, 1873, and Elsie M., Dec. 28,
1875. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of Presbyterian Church, of which he is Elder
and Superintendent of Sabbath School, and is a member of A. 0. U. W. Security, No.
100. in which he has held various offices.
PHILiIP DARE, retired ; resides Sixth street, Wilton. Father Dare was
horn at Hanover, near Frankfort, Germany, 30th October, 1808. His father in early life
was a shepherd, but later became possessor of a farm, on which Philip lived until in his
16th year. Was apprenticed to a shoemaker, with whom he served the customary
three years, and worked at journeyman work for nine years ; and when 28 years
of age, he married Miss Catherine Harighman, who w;\s born in Hanover, Germany,
Oct. 13, 1813. After their marriage, having secured license from Government, he
engaged in business on his own responsibility in his native town, and continued until
June 30, 1837. when they emigrated to America, first making their home in Peter
Township, Franklin Co.. Penn., where he continued shoemaking until 1841, when
they removed to Bedfird Co., near Shellsby, where he purchased a little farm of
w
672 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
twenty-five acres, and succeeded in building up for hini<elf a pleasant and happy home, and
continued to make shoes for his neighbors there until the spring of 1S56, when their
eldest daughter having married and removed to Iowa, they were persuaded to dispose of
their home and come West. He purchased forty acres ot land near his daughter, in
Suixar Creek Township, Cedar Co.. where they remained until October. 1872. when
thev removed to ^Yilton. Mr. and Mrs. D. had four daughters, three still living —
Catherine, born in Germany March 7, 1S34 ; she became the wife of Aaron Christ-
man, a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Iowa, Cedar Co . the fall of 1855; she
died October 10, 186t), leaving four children; her husband outlived her but four years.
Mary M.. born in Pennsylvania. March o(», 1850, consequently 17 years of age
on comiuii to Iowa, and was married within three mouths of her arrival to Michael
Witmer. of Cedar Co., now deceased. Wilhelmina E.. born July 28. 1842. and mar-
ried Jacob Miller, of Cedar Co.. and Susanna R.. born July 14, 1846, the wife of
Theodore Porter, all of whom are residents and prosperous farmers of Sugar Creek
Tp.. and have made the old pe<iple the grandparents of tweuty-two children. Mem-
bers of the C B. Church, as were all the children before their marriage, some of whom
have joined other churches with their husbands.
J. W. DKRBY, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 10 ; P. O. Wilton ; was born in
Andover, Windsor Co.. Vc. Nov. 12, 1829; when 21 years of age. he came to Illinois,
where he worked at farming as an employe for six years, and. in the spring of 1856.
came to Iowa, this county, and purchased the farm known as the Kenzie farm. In
August, 1857. he married Mi.^s Affie Wilson, who was born at Fredouia. N. Y.. Dec.
21. 1838; she was one of a family of twelve children of Leonard and Polly Wilson,
all of whom lived to man and womanhood, the youngest being now 41 years of age ;
the first death in the family, that of Almon W., who died in Wilton April 2. of the
present year, aged 60 ; her mother died in 1875 ; her father still resides in the East at
the advanced age of 84 years. Nathan Derby t^the lather of J. W.\ a New Englander
bv birth, is now 86 years of age. In the fall of 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Derby settled
where they now reside and own 160 acres of land, valued at S75 per acre; they have
four children — Nathan W., born in February, 1859 ; Ida J.. Dee. 30. 1S61 ; Eugene,
Oct. 6. 1866. and Leonard, Dec. 15. 1872. Republican ; has held the oflBee of Town-
ship Trustee and variotis school offices.
REV. XKHOl.AS DrGGAX, Pastor of St. Mary's Church ; residence.
Third street. Wilton; born in County Tipperary. Ireland, in 1843; was raised a farmer,
and, having received a good common school education, at the age of 18, he entered St.
Patrick's College, in County Tipperary, where he remaiued for eight years, and was
ordained at Thurles in 1873 ; in the fall of that year, emigrated to America and came
to Dubuque. Iowa ; ihe following spring, was appointed Assistant Priest with Father
Flavin, at Davenport, where he remained for ten months, and in the latter part of
1874. came to Wilton as Pastor of St. Mary's Church, a history of which may be found
in this volume.
F. D. FARRIER, of Farrier & Wooster. bakery and confectionery. Railroad
street ; residence. Fourth street, Wilton ; was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in September.
1847; when 10 years of age, his parents removed to Missouri, where his father ^who
had been a dealer in dry goods^ eng-aged in farming until the spring of 1860. when
thev removed to this county and settled near Wilton. At the age of 16. in February,
1864, F. D. enlisted in the 11th I. V. L; participated at Atlanta and with Sherman's
march to the sea; was mustered out at Louisville. Ky.. July 22. 1865. Sept. 21, 1871,
he married Miss M. B. Stout, who was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 15, 1855. In July,
1876, he, in company with J. C. Sharp, opened his present business; the May follow-
ing, Mr. Sharp sold out ti> his present partner. John Wooster. They have three chil-
dren— Florence L., Delia Mav and an infant. Republican ; Mi-s. F. is a member of the
M. E. Chureh. Mr. F. is a member of the A. O. U. W.. No. 100. Wilton Lodge.
ISAAC FOJ^TER, farmer. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Wilton ; a son of David Foster
and Priscilla Guthrie ; the former a native of Virginia, but, at a very early age, brought
to Ohio, near the line of Pike and Scioto Co.. where the latter was born; ;u the fall of
WILTON TOWNSHIP. 673
1S51. they settled in this county, where they remained for ten years, thence to Louisa
Co., where they now reside ; had six children, three sons and three daughters ; Isaac,
the second sou. born in Pike Co.. Ohio. April 7. 1835 ; Ui years of age on coming to
Iowa. July il. 1856, he married Millie J. Wood, daugliter of James Wood, of Dayton,
lud.. where she was born in August, 1838; her father, soon after, removed to Ken-
tucky, where he died; her mother then married Err Thornton, and. in 1850, became
one of tlie early settlers of ^luscatine Co. ; for seven years after their marriage, Mr.
and 3Ii"s. Foster resided in Township Seventy-six. when they came to their present
residence and farm of 180 acres ; have seven children — Frank W.. born April 30,
1857 ; Clara M.. Dec. 2.', 1859; Luther E.. March I'D, 18ti2 ; Theodore M., Oct. 17,
1864; Err Thornton. April 28. 1868; David R., Nov. 28. 1871, and Mary E., Aug!
5. 1876. Mrs. F. is a member of the Reformed Church; Republican.
J. li. Ci(£IIS]jGK. Cashier Union Bank ot Wilton, residence. Fourth street,
Wilton ; sou of Henry Geisler and Mary Wildasou, natives of York Co., Penn., the.
former horn in 1829, the latter in 1817 ; they became early settlers of Muscatine Co.,
and he became the fii^st Postmaster of Wilton. In 1857, in company with Dennis
Mahanna, Mr. Geisler. Sr.. engaged in the grocery trade, which he continued until
about u year previous to his death, in October, 1861, leaving a widow with two sons ;
the youngest. J. L.. was born in Wilton May 17, 1857 ; after receiving a liberal edu-
cation at the schools of his native town, in January. 1875, he enterid the bank of J. L.
Reed; remained for one year, then in the Farmers' i*^ Citizens' Bank, until June. 1878;
the Union Bank was established tliat j-ear. since which he has acted as Cashier ; JLirch
14 of the present year, he was appointed Secretary of the White Pigeon Fire and
Lightning Insurance Company. A member of the Grace Reformed Church. Inde-
pendent in politics.
B. S. CwOl'LI^, restaurant and bakery. Railroad St., opposite Depot ; residence
same ; born in Franklin Co.. Mass., July 26. 1836. and there raised until 18 years of
age, when his parents removed to Davenport. Iowa, where his father died. In Octo-
ber, 1856. he married Mrs. Sarah E., widow of Enos Glaskell and daughter of Gideon
Averill ; she was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 2, 1830 ; at the age of 6 years,
came with her parents to Illinois, near Pleasant A^ alley, and soon after, to Davenport,
Iowa ; her brothers are extensive farmers near that city ; her father died soon after
their arrival there. In 1858. Mr. Gould, having secured a mail contract from Roches-
ter, Cedar Co., to Dubuque, they removed to Rochester ; remained for two years, then
returned to his native State (^Massachusetts * ; remained until the breaking-out of the
war. and enlisted in the 3d Cavalry (^three-months men \ Company B; he participated
at the first battle at Bull Run ; his time having expired, he returned to Davenport, and
engaged with the Davenport Sorghum Refining Company. In December, 1864, he
re-enlisted in the 24th Iowa Infantry ; was detailed to Governors Island, N. Y., as
assistant in charge of the prison there, and continued there until the close of the war.
He engaged in farming near Davenport until 1868 ; then removed to Marshalltown and
eng-aged in dairying for two years, after which, he was in the employ of the Chicago
& Rock Island Railroad Company, for several yeai-s, and in the fall of 1878, he removed
to Wilton, where he has since been engaged at his present business. They have two
children — the eldest. Charles M.. was born in 1857, is now operator and head clerk of
freight depot forChicagu i^' Rock Island Railroad at Muscatine; Frank.born July 29, 1864.
FRANK P. CirRAY, physician and surgeon; office on Cedar street; boards at
the Mclntire House, Wilton; a son of Dr. D. W. Gray, who was born in Greene Co.,
Penn., Feb. 22, 1827, and graduated first at Carmichael College, then at Miami ^!ed-
ical College, Cincinnati, Ohio; in 1851. at West Wheeling. Va.. he married Mary
Palmer, who was born at West Wheeling in 1832; he practiced in Sacksonville. in
his native county, until 1870, and. in the spring of that year, came to Muscatine, where
he practiced and dealt in drugs and medicines until his death. Nov. 6. 1877, leaving a
wife and six children — three sons and three daughters ; the eldest son and second born,
Frank P.. was born in Greene Co., Penn., May 10, 1854, and, after a liberal common-
school education, at the age of 16 he entered Waynesburg College, and graduated there ;
674 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
at the ime of 18, he eouimeneed the study of metlioiue with his father ; the winter of
lj;70-71, he entered the University of Wooster, at Cleveland, and the following sum-
mer was passini at Marine Hospital, and the followinii winter, returned to Cleveland and
srraduatod ; in February. 1ST2. he eame to Museatine. and, in the winter of lS7o-74,
graduated at Keokuk, eommeneins: practice with his father the following summer, which
he continued until coming here in February, 1S7S. The Doctor adheres to the Demo-
cratic faith, in which himst^lf and his father were raised.
DAXIEIj marker, proprietor of Harker House, corner Railroad and
Cedar streets, Wilton ; a son of Daniel and Ann Harker. h<.v Kunkel, natives of Sussex
Co.. N. Y.. and born, the former in ISOO. the latter in 1808; they had nine children ;
Daniel was born in ISoo. in Susses Co.. N. Y.: at the age of 12. with his parents, he
removed to Orange Co., N. 1'.. and, in 1S55. the family. p;irents and three children,
came to Iowa, settled in Muscatine, and. in March. 1S5l>, removed to VViltjn. where the
father died in 1S75, the mother having since found a home with her son. who. in
November. 1S61. married Ann E.. daughter of Joseph Ours; she was born in Montour
Co., Penn.. in IS-iO. and. with her parents, eame to this cx>unty in 1S59. In March. ISG'J.
they assumed charge of the Wilton House, that being the first hotel worthy the name
of the place ; remainiHl there until November, 1S63, after which he engaged in the
grocery trade. auctionctTing, etc.. until January, 1S73, when, having betni reading law
for several years. w;is admitted to the bar ; during the same year, he was appointed
Postmaster, and. in 1S7S. removed t.« his present place of residence. They have ten
children — Alberta K.. Alfred L., George A.. Anna G.. Hattie A.. Mary E.. John K.,
J«.v>eph N., Nelly E. and an infant. Independent iu politick ; Mrs. H;irker is a member
of the Keformtni Church. Mr. Harker has been a member of the Board of County
Supervisors. .Tusti.v of the Peace. Mayor of Wilton. Trustee. Clerk and Constable.
J. B. HARRIS, with D. M. Benner. proprietor of Wilton Collegiate Institute;
residence on Sycamore stnH^*t. betwtvn Fifth and Sixth. "Wilton ; Mr. Harris was born
near Gettysburg, Penn., Feb. 7, 1S30 ; when 4 ye;irs of age. he was taken by his
pan.'nts to Salem, Ohio, where, after ivceiviug an academical education, at the age of 23
he ent::agvd in teaching, as Principal of the grad^ni schools of New Lislx>n, Ohio, for
seven years. During his residence in that city, in March, 1S57, he marritsl Annie,
dauirhter of William Dorwart. who was born in L;uicaster, Penn.. April 2. 1S34. In
the fall of ISGO. they eame west and settled at Wilton, whert^ he immediately proceeded
to establish a school iu the second story ot what is now the Wilton House ; eommencHni
with two students, incresised to thirty for tiiat term, and continued for five years, with
an average attendance of over eighty ; about that time, a building w:vs erected for his
use on Fourth street ^^what is now the Porter House^, in which he taught four and a
half years then in the second story of the Bacon Block for thnv years, turning out
duriuix these years many students, prepared for the Freshman and Sophomore Classes in
college ; ;dso many who became successful teachers and business men. embracing all
chisses of professional and business men ; he afterward taught at Durant and at various
points, but for one year has btvn counected as above, which, under the present auspices,
seems encouraging; particular attention is being paid to normal classes. Mr. Harris
has five children — four daughters, and two of the daughters have for several years In^en
tMivraiied in teaching in this and adjoining counties, and are also successful as teachers of
music. Members of the Presbyterian Church; Mr. H. is a Republican.
"\V, E. HAYFORD, dealer in agricultund implements, stoves and tinware. Fourth
St.. corner Cedar ; residence. Fifth St., West Wilton ; was born at Spaflord. Onondaga Co..
N. Y.. July 2, 1S43 ; there he was a farmer until ISliS. wl.en he eame to Miohig-an, and, iu
the sprini: of lSt>9, to Iowa, and eng^aged at his present business, at Durant. Ci^ar Co.. and
remained there until 1S74. when he removed to Wilton and purchased the stock of
vjoods and good-will of Hall \ Kyser. In Durant, March 15. 1S71. he married Miss
Ellen, daughter of David T. Hedges; she was born iu Cayuga Co.. N. Y.. July, 1S47 ;
thev have had two children — Jennie L., born Sept. 21, 1S72. Fred B., born Nov. 17.
1S75. died Sept. 5, 1S7S. Hepubliean. Mrs. Hayford is a member of the Presbyte-
rian Church, as were her parents and ancestors.
wiiTON TOWNSiniP. 675
JAMFiS IIFiSXEX. bairpiiro-uiastor. Wilton ; was buni in (\Minty iMoath,
Ireland, April 14, 1837 ; when 10 years of aire, his lather died, and his mother soon
after einii:rated to Anieriea. leaving him with relatives until he was 14 years of ago,
when she sent tor him, having found a home in New York City ; soon after he arrived
there, they removed to Otisville. Orange Co., N. Y., where, in August, 18(il, he married
Miss Iv Sherdin. who was born in County Meath. Ireland. May, 18o!). In the spring
of 18t>7. he. with his family and mother, eanie to Iowa, settling in Wilton, where ho
worked on the C, K. I. «.t P. K K.. then in eourse of eonstrnetion, and, as Assistant
Koadmaster, attended to supplies, and after the eompletion of the road, took eharge of
of depot at W. Harrington; took care of freight, baggage and tiekets. Mareh 10,
1870, his wife died, leaving seven ehildren, six of wliom are now living — Jane, Bridget,
Rose. Andrew. C«eorge and Kllen. IMembers of the Catholie Chureh.
H. A. HOIiiilSTFiR, farmer, stock-dealer and breeder of short-horn eat-
tle. i-oadsters and draught -horses. Sec. 5; P. O.Wilton; born in Sullivan Co., N. Y.,
April. 181^0. and after receiving a common-school education, at the ago of 22, he learned
the carpenter's trade, which he followed contimiously until (.)ctober, 1852, when he
came to this county, where he continued his trade. .Ian. 2. 1S50. he married Hannah
A., daughter of Silas and Huldah Hanson v'loc KandalP. natives of Maine, but among
the first settlers of this county, emigrating in 18o;t; were three months on the road.
Her mother was a sister of Thomas K. Kandall. who was the first settler of what was
Haudall's ,^now Center ^ Grove; her parents settled at Randalls Grove, where her father
and two brothers died, a few months after their arrival. Her mother lived to rear a
family of six children, three sons and three daughters, and died in September, 18t)l.
Mrs. H. was tl\e youngest of the family; born at Waldo, INle.. Fob. 27, 188o. Soon
after their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. R. removed to their present place of residence, where
he had sufficient means to purchase eighty acres of land and erect a cabin, 14x10, in
which they lived for several yeai-s, and which ht> still retains :is a remembrance of early
times. He now owns 417 acres of well-improved land, valued at $75 per acre. Mr.
H. was one of the first in the State to turn his attention to the breeding of short-horn
cattle, and now has 100 head of well-bred stock ; lias also devoted much time and atten-
tion to the breeding of fine horses. They have four children — Ida T., born Sept. 11,
1856 (now wife of L. W. Newell, of this county); Mary C, born April 8, 1800;
Sarah H., born April 10, 1808. and Kdwin 11., born .lan. 18, 1800. Republican ; mem-
bers of the First Congregational Church at Wilton. Has held various township and
school offices, having been Assessor for three years; was appointed Kiirolling Officer
duriuLr the late war.
JACOB HOFCwH. farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Durant ; born in Westmoreland,
Penn., Oct. 22, 1814; raised a farmer and miller, with an educ.ition such as was to
be had4at the common schools of that day ; at the age of 22, he letl home and learned
the ship-carpenter's trade, which he followed for four years, after which he went steam-
boating on the Ohio for four years. February, 1841. he married Mi.ss Jane Bell, who
was born in Westmoreland Co., Peni>., in 1810 ; she died the 18th of July following
their marriage; June, 1848, he married Miss Eliza, daughter of William and Mary
Sloan, natives of Pittsburgh, Penn., where she was born, Jan 11, 1822, and left au
orphan by the death of both parents when a child. For two years following their mar-
riage. Mr. and Mrs. H. kept the liamerleen House in Pittsburgh; moved thence to
Freeport, Armstrong Co., where they farmed for eleven years, then came to Iowa and
settled in Farmington Tp.. Cedar Co.. and in 1805, to his present place of residence,
where he owns 275 acres of land, valued at 800 per acre. They have six children —
Mahlon R., born in Pittsburgh April 24, 1847 ; is a farmer of Guthrie Co. ; Mary
W., born July, 1851, a successful twicher ; Annie, born March 30, 1853; a teacher at
Pes Moines: Rebecca, born May 10, 1855, a teacher; Bayard T., born July 14,
1857; Johnston T., born March 24, 1800. Neutral in politics. Mrs. H. is a member
of the Congregational Church at Durant.
K. K.l.iFil*l*FiR, dealer in books and stationery, with wall-paper, window-
shades, brackets and furniture on the upper floor. Cedar street; residence, Sixth street,
676 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Wilton ; son of Christian Klopper, a native of Pennsylvania ; came to Muscatine Co. in
1857 ; his son, E. Klopper, was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1844; had a good
common-school education; at the age of 18, engaged as clerk with S. A. Foulke, at
INluscatine. and remained for two ycai-s there; enlisted in the 35th I. V. T., Co. B,
Capt. Steward ; participated at Tupelo, ^liss., Tallahatchie River, Nashville, Tenu..
Mobile, Ala., and others; July, 18G5, was transferred to the 12th I. V. T. ; mustered
out, January, 18l)() ; clerked for his former employer for two years. In September,
18t)8, he married Erie, dauirhtcr of Lewis Burdett, who was one of the first settlers of
this county; she was born in Mu.scatine Co., in 1848. After his marriage, he pur-
chased a farm in Sweetland Tp., where he remained until 1874, and August of that
year, engaged as clerk at the grange co-operative store at Wilton ; after eighteen months
was made manager of the same for two years, and January, 1878, purchased his present
business. They have two children — Alfred B., born April 2, 1871, and Bennie C,
born May 24, 1874. Members of M. E. Church. Republican. Member of the A.
O. U." W., Secuntv Lod<re, No. 100, in which he is Over.seer ; is also Alderman.
W. C. KL.EPPIN€rER, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Durant ; was born in North-
ampton Co., Penn, Dee. 28, IS28, the birthplace of both his parents; his grand-
parents settled in that county at an early day: he lost his flxther when lo 3'ears of age,
and went to Bloomsbury, N. J., where he learned the coachmakers trade, and remained
for several years ; returned to his native county and dealt in live-stock for three years.
Jan. 1(3, 1854, he married Elizubeth, daughter of Conrad Seem and Catharine Swarts,
natives of Northumberland Co., Penn., where her lather died in 1877 at the extreme
age of 93 years; her mother died in 1859, having raised a family of fourteen children ;
Mrs. K. wtis the youngest of the family, and born in that county, Penn., August. 1831 ;
they resided in their native county, first following his trade for seven years ; then farm-
ing until April, 1867; with his family, then consisting of wife and seven children, came
to Muscatine Co., and settled where he now resides, and owns 100 acres of land, valued
at 6<>5 per acre ; they have had nine children, seven of whom are living — Alice (the
wife of J. C. Newel of this county) ; Adelaide C. (the wife J. C. Kelley of this county),
Preston C, Lizzie, Rosa, Robert and James. Mr. and Mrs. K. with their children are
members of the U. B. Church, at Center Grove : Mr. K. Trustee and Superintendent
of Sabbath school.
SAlIlTEIi CRAIG LOXG, Pastor of Grace Reformed Church ; boards
with James Ours, Fourth St., corner Elm, Wilton; w;is born at Huntingdon, Hunting-
don Co., Penn., July 27, 1846; lived there until in his 12th year, when his father,
George Long, with his family, removed to Neff's Mills, in Stone Valley, his native
county, where he continued to work at his trade of blacksmithing, Samuel engaging
as a farm hand about two miles from home. In the spring of 1801, the family
removed to McConnellstown, that county, where S. C. worked in the shop with his
father, and at farming. In the spring of 1802, moved to Markleysburgh, same
county, where he assisted his lather at his business until February, 1864, when he
enlisted in the 22d Regt. Cav., Co. K, Capt. J. H. Berrins, then lying at Chambera-
burg, Franklin Co., Penn., and not having quarters or rations furnished them, he, with
another party, returned home, but afterward joined the regiment at Martinsburg, Va.,
but was with the regiment soon removed to Cumberland, Md. Previous to Gen.
Sigel's movement up the Shenandoah A'' alley, Va., a battery of two mountain howitzers
was manned from the 20th and 22d Regts. Mr. Long went as Bugler of Battiny,
which soon followed Gen. Sigel up the valley. In Pleasant A'alley, Md., the whole
regiment drew horses, and started with Gen. Sheridan tni his famous raid through the
valley of Virginia. In the spring of 1865, the 22d and 14th Penn. V. C, were con-
solidated with with the 3d Provisional Cavalry, companies being thrown together to fill
out by forming number, our subject joining Co. G, Capt. Spear, were stationed at
Morefield to intercept guerrillas and horse-thieves. They were afterward quartered at
Winchester, Va., from which place Mr. Long, with others, accompanied two artists up the
valley to sketch the battle-ground. In the fall of 1 865, the regiment returned.to Cumber-
huid, Md., where Mr. Long assisted in making out the muster-rolls; then went with
WILTON TOWNSHIP. 677
■company to Harper's Ferry, Va., and turned their horaes over to the Government ; thence to
Harrisburg. IVnn., whoro ho was mustero J out Oct. 31, 1865. In the spring of 1866,
his father roturncd to Huiitingih^n, Penn., where thoy kept a hotel until 1868, and then
removed twelve miles into the country, and enuaged in farming. S. C. went to Titus-
ville, Penn., and engaged as clerk and book-keeper in a wholesale grocery store. In the
fall of 1869, he entered the academic department of IMcrcersburg College, and, in the
fall of 1871, entered the college, graduating in the summer of 1875. In the fall of
that. year ho entered the tlioological course, and graduated in the spring of 1878. In
June, 1878, came to Jackson Co., Iowa, where he acted as Assistant Paistor at Maquo-
keta, taking a part of a field lying in Clinton Co., and remained until October, 1878,
when he came to Wilton.
R. A. jSIoIIVTIRE, proprietor 3IcIntiro House, Railroad St., Wilton ; born in
Meadville, Penn., Feb. li-4, 1820 ; remained with his father on his farm until 21 year:?
of age ; then learned the carpenter's trade. April 9, 1851, he married Josephine F.,
daughter of James Cooper; she was born in Cooperstown, Penn., May, 1831. He
engaged in farming in Pennsylvania, until 1856, when they came to Muscatine and
settled in Wilton, where he purchased several lots and being an expert at his trade
erected thereon several houses ; the spring following his arrival here, Mr. Mclntire was
elected Justice of the Peace, and there being considerable trouble in financial matters
nt that time his official duties occupied the greater part of his time until spring of
18(;0, when he was appointed Postmaster, which office he retained, notwithstanding the
change in political affiiirs, until 18()i>, when he opened his hotel at his present site ; they
have live children — three sons and two daughters. Members of Presbyterian Church in
■which he hixs been chosen Ruling Elder ; has been member of Town Council several
times and Mayor three consecutive terms; is a member of the Wilton Lodge, No. 167,
A., F. & A. M. Democrat.
J. K. MYERS, Cashier Farmers' and Citizen's National Bank, Cedar St.,
res. same, Wilton ; was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., May 5, 1845, and when 5 years
of age, went with his parents to Saratoga Co., N. Y., where his father (^a physician)
engaged in farming. J. E. was raised a farmer ; had an academical education ; at the
age of 20, he went to New York City, where he was employed as clerk in a wholesale
hardware store for three years, after which he was engaged at jobbing in the same line
until 1 869, when he sold out and came to Iowa ; engaged in business at Wilton, until 1 873,
and at the organization of the above-named bank was chosen Cashier, which position he
has since retained. In Wilton, June 26, 1874, he married Jennie, daughter of Rev.
Jacob Pentzer ; she was born in Germantown, Ohio, April 1, 1852, and with her parents
removed to this county in 1859 ; they have had two children — Philip Vanness was born
May 13, 1875, and William P., October 30, 1878, and died March 25, 1879. Mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been chosen Polder.
Ij. S. JIIAWSFIELD, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Durant ; was born in Litchtield
Co., Conn., May 8, 181(1 ; at the age of 25, he moved to Medina Co., Ohio, where he
purchased a heavily timbered farm with a clearing of two acres, on which was a log
cabin. In June, 1836, he returned to his native county and married Susan Carter, who
was born in Hartford Co., Conn., in August, 1813 ; tliey continued to reside upon the
farm in Medina Co. until 1865, when they came to Muscatine Co., where he now resides,
and owns 160 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre. Mrs. Mansfield died in 1872,
leaving ibur children, but one now living — Nancy, born June 19, 1849 ; became the wife
of Jasper Blackston, of this county, and died Oct. 13, 1872 ; William C. was born June
19. 1840 ; enlisted in 2d Ohio V. C. in 1861, and was killed while foraging from Lamar,
Mo., May 7, 1862; John R. was born Feb. 28, 1841.' He, also, participated in the
late war, is now at home; Harriet, born Sept. 1, 1845, died Sept. 1, 1846. Mr. and
Mrs. M. were both members of long standing in the Congregational Church, he having
been Deacon in that (Munch for forty years ; Republican.
FREDERICK MILLER, retired, res. Fourth St., Wilton ; prominent
among the early settlers and long identified with the growth, development and progress
of Muscatine Co. He is a son of Michael Miller and Polly Young ; born in York Co.,
673 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Penii., April 13, 1808, where his ancestors had resided for several generations, having
emigrated from Germany ; his grandfather Miller having obtained his land in that county
from the English Government ; his grandfatlier on his mother's side was Frederick
Young, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America and settled in York Co., where
she was born, being one of nineteen children. The parents of both had lived to an
extreme old age ; his grandmother Young was 97 ; his grandmother Miller, 85 years of
age, at death The father of our subject, Michael Miller, was an extensive farmer, but
having met with severe losses, during the war of 1812, at his death (which occurred
when Frederick was a mere boy) left the family in destitute circumstances, and at the
age of 13, he was obliged to go among strangers ; was employed at farming until 16 years
of age, at which time he learned the blacksmith trade, and for. several years worked at
journey-work. At the age of 23, in Lancaster Co., he married Catharine, daughter of
Robert and Polly Thompson, nee Linch, both of whom died previous to the 3d year
of her age ; she was born in Centre Co., Penn., May 5, 18 — , and was brought up by
her mother's parents. Mr. Miller continued to work at his trade in Lancaster Co. until
1834, when he was ordained Pastor of the Evangelical Association, and traveled through
his native State and Virginia for six years ; then, again, he took up his trade in his
native county ; in April, 1843, they came to Iowa, making most of the journey by water,
arriving at Pittsburgh during the terrible fire of that year; they were nearly six weeks
making the journey to Bloomington (now Muscatine), where Mrs. M. says they did not
know when Sabbath came ; he bought a lot on Mulberry St., cor. Fourth, what is now
Court House square, on which was standing a double log cabin, one part of which he
converted into a blacksmith-shop, the other containing the family and household goods,
and in this manner they lived for three years, when he erected a brick shop, 20x40, and,
in 1849, built (on the same lot) a fine brick hotel, two-story and basement, 28x50, in
which he soon did a flourishing business ; having to abandon his trade, he converted his
shop into a barn and also built one, 24x120 ft., both of which containing double rows
of horses, were filled to the full capacity each and every night, his bills amounting to
$50 and 160 per day; in 1858, he exchanged this property for a farm of 240 acres,
near Sweetland Centre, where they remained until 1863, and removed to Wilton, where
Mr. M. erected a warehouse where the elevator now stands, and speculated in grain for
two years; after which his eldest son, D. T., and himself, erected a store on Fourth ^.t.,
in which they engaged in tiie dry goods trade for four years, when he retii'ed. They have
six children — D.T., born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 3, 1834, now of Chicago, on Board of
Trade, a bachelor; Fred. P., born Feb. 8, 1838, now of Newton, Jasper Co., grain and
lumber merchant; Sarah, born June 26, 1840, the wife of Stephen Whiders, of West Lib-
erty, engaged in the boot and shoe trade; Catherine, born April 1, 1842, the wife of
Tunis Burdge, of Boonsboro, Iowa, tailor ; Harriet A., born Jan. 10, 1846, the wife of
Chiirles Axtell, of Newton, Jasper Co., dry goods merchant, and Marshall H., born Oct.
31, 1849, a conductor on the 8. W. R. R.; his res. is Wilton. Mr. Miller believes in
the universal salvation of all mankind, while Mrs. M. is a member of long standing in
the Presbyterian Church.
A. O. MUDGE, dentist, Fourth st.; residence. Fifth st., Wilton; born in
Clarendon Co., Vt., Nov. 22, 1843; when eight years of age, his parents removed to
Warren Co., N. Y., where they remained for four years; came West and settled in.
Jones Co., of this State. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 12th Iowa Infantry, with
which he participated at Arkansas Post and other battles ; mustered out at Helena,
Ark., May, 1863. Attended the Baptist Collegiate Institute at Milton, Wis., for several
terms. In April, 1867, he married Miss Ellen E., daughter of N. M. Walrod, of Wel-
tou, Clinton Co., Iowa, where she was born in 1852 ; in the winter of 1867-68, he
studied dentistry, and practiced in Welton, that county, for two years; and, after farm-^
ing for two years, in the summer of 1872, he removed to Wilton, of this county, where
he has since continued to practice his chosen profession. They have one child — Loyal
H., born in April, 1869. Republican.
CHARLES W. XORTOK, farmer, breeder and dealer in short-horn cat-
tle, Berkshire hogs and Cotswold sheep. Sec. 13; P. 0. Duraut ; the second son of
WILTON TOWNSHIP. 679'
Bundsy B. Norton and Emily W. Ward, the former a native of Litchfield, Conn., where
he was a schoolmate of H. W. Beecher ; the latter of Canadian birth and parentage;
both, when young, with their parents, became residents of Medina Co., Ohio, where his
father (Charles W.'s grandfather), a Captain in the Revolutionary war, had taken up
1,000 acres of laud ; on this land, the parents of Charles settled ; had six children, five
sons and one daughter — C. W., the second, born Sept. 9, 1836 ; the mother died April
14, 1854. The fiither again married, and is now an extensive farmer of Medina Co,
At the age of 10, Charles, having secured a good common-school education, purchased
his time from his father, entered the academy at Seville, and remained for three terms,
and, after teaching several terms to obtain the means, continued his studies ; he went
to Berea, Ohio, and took a scientific course; graduated at Folsom's Mercantile College,
at Cleveland, in 1857 ; then taught for some time ; and, after clerking in drugs at
Phelps, N. Y., for two years, he made a journey westward on horseback, traveling
4,300 miles, entering land for Eastern parties. July 13, 1859, he married Mary, the
youngest of nine children of George W. and Heppie Collin, nee Steel, natives of Hart-
ford Co., Conn.; settled in Medina Co., Ohio, in 1819, where she was born, in Octo-
ber, 1838. In the fall of 1863, they came to this county, and settled where he now
resides, investing $2,500 in a home, to which has since been added until he now owns
740 acres, valued at $65 per acre, well stocked with short-horn cattle, imported Berk-
shire and Poland-China hogs, and blooded sheep, on which he has received many first
premiums at the county fairs. They have four children — Oaky Gr., born Oct. 6, 1863 ;
James C, Aug. 16, 1868; Birdie L., July 3, 1873; Florence B., May 19, 1877.
Members of the Congregational Church ; Republican.
JOSEPH OCJRS, retired; residence, Fourth street, corner Elm, Wilton;
born near Philadelphia, Penn., Dec. 16, 1812 ; having lost both his parents at the age
of 8 years, was taken by an uncle to Berks Co., Penn.; having served an apprenticeship
at the millwright trade,''he worked at that from 18 to 25 years of age, and, in the fall of
1837, went to Columbia Co., Penn., where April 17, 1838, he married Catharine,
daughter of John Newhart of that county; she was born in Lehigh Co., Penn., 1820,
Nov. 25; he then engaged in milling in Northumberland Co., Penn., for six years;
returned to Columbia Co.,' and farmed for eleven years; in the spring of 1859, came to
Iowa and settled on a farm in Wilton Tp., for three years ; then removed to Wilton and
kept the Wilton House and engaged in the livery business on Railroad street, corner of
Cherry; this he continued until December, 1874, with the exception of three ytars,
and renting his hotel, has returned to his present place of residence; they have had
nine children, eight still living — John H., born Feb. 2, 1839, now of Union Co., Iowa;
Ann S., Nov. 29, 1840, the wife of Dan Harker, ot this city; Rebecca, Sept. 10, 1842,
the wife of L. F. Critz, of this county; George F., Sept.' 28, 1844; Mary M., Sept.
24, 1846; died Sept. 8, 1868; Amelia, Jan. 5, 1849, the wife of Joseph McCon-
nel, of Wilton; Isaiah R., June 2, 1851 ; Emma S., October, 1853, and Effie J., Aug.
31, 1855, the wife of William Densmore. Mr. and Mrs. Ours Avere among the original
members of the Reformed Church of Wilton ; he was a member of the Board of Alder-
men for many years, and Trustee for several years. Republican.
JACOB PENTZER, P. 0. Wilton; his paternal ancestors were German as
his name indicates, was born in Bedford Co., Penn., May 28, 1808, and resided among
the mountains of Pennsylvania until 15 years old ; his father then moved into Fayette
Co., west of the mountains, where he chiefly resided until 32 years of age; he com-
menced a course of studies in the spring of 1831, at Morgantown, Va., preparatory for
the ministry; graduated at Jefterson College in the fall of 1837; studied theology at
Allegheny Seminary, Pittsburgh ; was licensed to preach by the old Red Stone Presby-
tery, in the spring of 1840 ; soon after, he emigrated to the Miami country in Ohio,
settled in the village of Germantown, Montgomery Co., thirteen miles from Dayton ;
taught a high school a number of years and preached to two small congregations in that
vicinity ; in the spring of 1859, came to Wilton Junction, Iowa, his present residence ;
has been actively engaged in the work of the ministry until within three years past,
since which he has been in a great measure disabled from the eifects of rheumatism ; is
I
680 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
now on the list of the honorably retired ministers of the Presbyterian denomination
and has no regular engagements for preaching; he is the father of seven living children,
three of whom are married; he has been married twice; first wife, was Emma Meek,
of Pittsburgh; she died, leaving four young children, three of whom are dead. Mar-
ried for his second wife, Miss Martha Coon, daughter of Rev. John Coon, of Gei-man-
town, Ohio; by her he had seven children, six still alive; his living children are —
Emma, youngest daughter of the first wife, now Mrs. L. E. Ingham ; Laura, now Mrs.
Whitsett, of Carthage, Mo.; Jennie, now Mrs. J. Myers; John William, Jacob L.,
Hattie Kate and KrediTic 1;^.
JOHN RAVNOR, farmer and dairyman, Sec. 8; P. 0. Wilton; born in
Maidstone, England, Jan. 9, I81o ; when 4 years of age, his parents emigrated to
America, settling in Newton, N. J., where his father engaged in the undertaking busi-
ness ; he assisted his father in his business. At 21 years of age, he married Miss Mary
Ryer.-on, who was born in Newtim Tp., Sussex Co., N. J., in 1S15 ; was 18 years of
ixge at the date of her marriage ; they engaged in farming near Newton until fall of
18.)(), when they came to this county and settled where they now reside, and own 160
acres of land, valued at $Ho per acre ; they have eight children, five sons and three
daughters, all of whom were born in New Jersey, but all married and settled in Iowa ;
William was born March 28. 18:>5; Thomas, born Nov. 2(i, ISoG; George, July 26,
18:}8 ; Emma E., Dec. 24, 1840 ; Theodore, March 22, 1848 ; Wesley, June 10, 1844 ;
8arah F., Auir. 28. 1840, and Harriet E., May 20, 1852. Republican.
iwARRET V. SCOTT, retired ; residence Sixth St., Wilton ; was born in
Bucks Co., Penn., December. 18(10. At the age of 22, he married Martha, daughter
of William Sisson and Amy Brilsford, themselves and ancestors being natives of Bucks
Co., as far back as is known ; they settled in Bucks Co. ; engaged in farming until
April, 1872, at which time they cnme to Muscatine to spend the remainder of th<ir
days among the children, who had previously settled here. Mr. and Mrs. Scott had
eight children, seven still living; Samuel, born Dec. 2, 1825, became an eminent
physician of Wilton, and died in the 49th year of his age; Amy, born April 11, 1827,
is the wife of Cortland Gilkeson, a farmer of Lake Tp. ; Garret A., born June 11,1881,
a farmer of Sweetland Center; Martha A., born July 27, 1885, the wife of John
Johnson, a merchant of Hulmeville, Penn. ; Sarah M., born Jan. 8, 1888 ; the wife of
Wm. Minster of this city; Hettie -J., Oct. 8, 1840, the wife of Jacob H. Lukens, Prin-
cipal of schools at Muscatine; Henry W., born Aug. 80, 1848, a merchant of this city,
and Ella li., born Aug. 15, 1847, the wife of Daniel F. Tyson, a farmer near Wilton.
Very soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Scott adopted the religious views embodied
in the M. E. Church, and remain to this day constant and sincere workers with that
body of Christians, and have reared their children in the same faith, all of whom were
membeis of the same Church, and still remain except Mrs. Gilkeson, who, after her
marriage, joined the Congregational Church with her husband.
J.'K.. terry, farmer, stock-dealer and breeder of race-horses. Sec. 0 ; P. 0.
Wilton; was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., June, 1824; was raised a farmer ; he
remained at home assisting in the cultivation of his father's flirm until 28 years of age ;
and March, 1847, married Caroline, daughter of James Colgrove, who was one of four
brothers all residents of that county, and extensive flirmers and drovers, each having
large families; she was born in that county May 14, 1828. For six years after his
marriage, Mr. T. remained in his native county ; then went to California, where, for
three years he eui^aged in teaming and threshing; for the latter, he received 15 cents
per bushel, making as high as S2(I0 per day ; he then returned to New York, where he
remained for one year, and came to Liwa and settled where he now resides, and owns
400 acres of land near Wilton, which he values at S75 per acre, and 240 acres in Powe-
shiek Co., valued at 840 per acre ; they have had eight children, four s^till living —
Charles G., born in New York, in August, 1849, now a resident of Poweshiek Co., Iowa,
a farmer ; Nellie M., born in New York, Sept. 8, 1855, the wife of James A. Slierman,
a physician of Cherokee, Cherokee Co., Iowa; James E., born in Iowa, in, 1858, died
at the age of 2 months ; Katie, born in 1860, died when 6 months of age ; Clara and
WILTON TOWNSHIP. 681
Frank, born in 1862, died, the former at 6 months, the latter, at 5 months of ase ;
Doughis, born April 26, 1863, and Fred, the Feb. 27, 1865. Mrs. Teriy was formerly
a member of the M. E. Church, but is now a member of the Congregational Church.
Mr. T. has held various township and school offices, and was formerly President of the
Agricultural Society of this county ; is a member of the State Legislature.
ANDREW A. VANCAHP, attorney and counselor at law ; office, Fourth
street ; residence, Third street ; Wilton ; was born in Sweetland Tp., this county,
Dec, 18, 1850, and lived on a farm and attended the common schools during the
"winter; at 16, he entered the academy at Muscatine, and, with a course at the Com-
mercial College at Iowa City, at the ago of 20, he entered the law department of
the State University, in which he took a regular course and graduated June 24, 1871 ;
was admitted to the bar June 28, 1871, and commenced practice in Wilton in
August of the same year. July 22, 1873, he married Katy, daughter of Mrs. Mary
B. Allen ; born in Ireland Nov. 25, 1850 ; emigrated to America with her mother
when she was 5 years of age, her father having emigrated three years previous and
died at Buffalo, N. Y. ; Mrs. Allen and her daughter came to Rock Island, where
they resided until 1867, then came to Wilton ; they have had three children, two
still living — James R., born May 3, 1874; William N., Feb. 21, 1876, and Frances
J., March 12, 1878, died Jan. 13, 1879. Mr. Vancamp is a member of the M. E.
and Mrs. Vancamp of the Catholic Church ; Republican.
J. I>. WAIiKER, attorney at law and Notary Public ; office. Fourth street,
corner Cedar; residence, Fifth street, Wilton; was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Oct.
18, 1818 ; had common-school education; at the age of 24, commenced the study of
law, which, owing to the death of his flither, he soon after discontinued ; his parents,
Samuel and Rebecca Walker, nee Dougan, natives of the South ; in 1842, left Indiana
and settled in Cedar Co., Iowa, where hU father had engaged in farming, and, at his
death, J. D., being the eldest of the family, found it necessary to abandon his pro-
fession and take charge of his father's affairs; therefore came to Iowa; in 1856, he
came to Wilton and engaged in the grocery trade here until 1860, when he resumed his
studies, and, in 18()7, was admitted to the bar. In the fall of 1868, he was elected
County Clerk, which office he held for two terms. In May, 1865, he married Eliza A.,
daughter of George Hartman, and born in Pennsylvania in October, 1836 ; they have
three children — George S., Frank W. and Fanny. Republican ; members of the
Reformed Church. Mr. W. is a me-nber of Pulaski Lodge, No. 107, I. 0. 0. F., in
which he has held various offices.
SAMUEL WIL.DASIX, farmer and President of the Union Bank at
Wilton ; residence, Sec. 7 ; a grandson of Samuel Wildasin, Sr., whose parents, when
he was about 8 years of age, settled on the same farm in York Co., Penn., where
the father of Samuel was born in 1781 ; lived upon the same farm. Married Mary
Malter, a native of Maryland, and remained at the old homestead until his death in
1857, leaving a widow (who outlived him sixteen years) and six children — three sons
and three daughters; Mr. Wildasin, the eldest, was born in York Co., Penn., Jan. 1,
1815, and, Aug. 12, 1841, he married Catharine Manche, dauijhter of John M., a
native of Carroll Co., Md., where she was born in March, 1814 ; they remained in
York Co. until the spring of 1850, when they came to Iowa and settled four miles west
of Muscatine, where he farmed by renting for two years, and, having through Mexican
land-warrants, entered the land where he now resides, he removed there ; his farm con-
sists of 400 acres of land, now valued at $50 per acre. In June, 1874, the Farmers'
and Citizens' Bank was organized and Mr. Wildasin chosen Director and remained with
that corporate body until January, 1878, when he organized the bank of which he is
now President. They have live children — George, born in York Co., Penn., in Decem-
ber, 1842; Louisa, born in York Co., Penn., July 12, 1844, the wife of Samuel
Critz, a farmer of Poweshiek Co.; Amelia, born in Pennsylvania in September, 1848;
John, born in this county Oct. 12, 1850, and Henry, born in this county Oct. 20, 1855 ;
all are settled in this county except Louisa. x\ll members of the Reformed Church, in
which he has been Elder for many years ; has held various township and school offices.
•i^"J BUXiRAFHlCAL SKETCHES:
JAMES vol Xlw, fsr.. Seo. 2; P. 0. Duram : son of Robert Young,*
native ot' Middletown. Conn., where ho was born April 23, 179o; by occupation a
farmer. On the 4th of November. 1S14. he married Lydia Burr, who was bom at
BridcejK>rt, Conn.. Dec. 30. 1793: they settled in Sullivan Co.. N. Y.; had eight ohil-
jivo — throe s<.>ns and five daughters ; .lames, the youngvst son. was K-»m in Sullivan Co..
N. Y.. Dtv. t>. 1S29: he remained in his native county until in his 21st year, then
came to Iowa, where he tollowtni the carjvntor's trade in Muscatine and Davonpv>rt.
IX c. 29. 1S59. he married Sarah S.. daughter of Peter Hoinly and Kate Irx-rtingor,
natives of Northampton Co.. Penn.. and. with their tamily of two daughters and oue
Mjn, came to this ivunly in 1S50 ; her lather died Dec. 11. lSl>4 : her mother is a res-
ident of Davenjxm, Mrs, Young was bv^m in Northumberland Co.. Penn., May 1,
1S39. After a rvsidence of one year in Durant, they came to their present place of
residence, where he owns 100 acres of well improvt'd and cultivated land, valued at $50
per acre. They have five children — Lillie K.. bom June 23. iSliO : Oscar R.. Ix^m
Aug. 5. lSi>2; Lulu A., born Nov. 17. lSli3; Marv E.. bv^m July 23, 1S72, and Roy
I.. lx»rn Sept, 2S. 1S74. Republican. Has held the office of Assessor and various
township and scho^>l offices.
COSHEN TOWNSHIP.
J A-HF.S li. Al>Y. tsr.. Sec. 11 . P. 0. Atalissa; s^^n of Jitshua and Rachel
Ady : born March 12. lS2o.in H.^rrison Co., Ohio; parents moved to Belmont Co. in
l>44. M.^rried there to Miss Sarah Gregg. Jan. 2, 1S51 ; she was born Jsin. 3. 1S24,
in the same county ; the following spring, emigrated to Muscatine Co.; entered his pnas-
eui farm of lt>0 acres, which now adjvnns the town of AtaJissii, and is valued at $45
per acre. The town was laid off in the tall of lS5o by Capt. Lundy and John P. Cook,
of Davenjx>rt, the railrv\ad being completed and the first jvissenger-trriin run thrv>ugh to
Iowa City Jan. 1. 1S56. Mr. Ady's tat her is still living in Atalissa. in his Slsi yesir;
his mother dievi in M.-uvh. 1S53. Their children are Maria, Hillis J. and Laura L.;
K>st one s<. n — Gregg. Republican.
T. \a. AI>V, far.. Stw 11 ; P. O. Atalissa ; owns ninety-five acres of land, val-
ueri at SoO jxr acre: bv^rn May 27. 1S29, in Harrison Co.. Ohio; in the spring of
1S44. his jvannis mover! to Belmont Co., Ohio; in IS51. to Lmiisa Co., Iowa ; in
IS52. to SweetJand Tp.. of this ivunty ; in the spring of 1S54. came to this towi»-
ship. Married Sarah K. L,Hmb Fob, 22. lSi>7; she w.-is K>rn in January. 1S37. in
W.Hyue Co.. Mich. : her father died three months betl^re she was bi>ra. and her mother
twu weeks after: have one sn^u — Hall G.. K»ra Jan. t>. lSt»2. Mr, A. has served hb
township as Trustee; is .^ls^> a member of Ionic Ixnlge, No. 122, v>f A., F. i A. M..at
Atalissi ; als^^ member of ohtirvh ; assisted in organiiing their Sabbath s>choi4. of which
ho has siTVi\i as Sn^vrinu ndont oicht voars. Republican.
ivKOKi^F. \V. BAVTKR, t-irmer. S.v 32; P. O. Wft>i liberty; swi «f
William aud Mary A, Rixtor; bi,>rn April 30. lN>l>.in Sussex Co., N. J,; in the spring
of lS4t>. i-ame to this county, KH^ting in Seventy-six Tp. In May, lSt»l, at his coun-
urys i-all, he enlisted in Co, C ot the 1st I. V. I., for thethree-months s>ervice, }>artici-
}vnting in the Knltlo of WiUui s Creek. Mo., where iVn. Lyon was killed; in May.
lSti2, enlisted in Co. F of the 3oth I. V. I. ; was at the siege of Vicksburg, battle of
Pleasant Hill. La,. Jackson. Tujvlo. Miss., and N.-»shville. Tenn, ; mustered out in
.\ugust, lSt>5. Marriorl M,iry A Robsh.iw. daughter of Grxwgx^ and Mary A. Robshaw.
June U>. 1S74; she was born in IS47 in Kngl.^ul ; jvirents cv^ming to this cvninty in
lSr»0; have one s<>n — Chi^ter J,. Ivro Feb. 27, 1S7S; Uxst one infant son; owiis 450
acres of land, valued at $;>o tvr scr^v His lather dt^vsM^^ .Tnv.o 1>7tv .ina mother in
April. 1S4S, Republican.
0,08HK.N rowNSHir dSo
AKTIll'K BliACK. tanuor. SiH.'. o; T. 0. AtaJissa ; owns ;i:20 aorivs of
land, vahuil at SoO por aoiv ; born Deo. 11, 1805, in Boono Co.. Kv. ; in the spring of
1S50. oauio to Musoatino l.\^ ami purv'hajsod a part of tho farm ho still owns. and. bj'
hani labor, ivonoujv and porsovon\noo, has aoouuuilatod a handsomo property, whioh will
<Miablo him to |viss the doolino of life in ooniparativo oa.^o. Married Miss Adaline
^Vells. of Cedar Co.. Jan. IS, ISoo; she w^ts born Oot. 5. 1S21. in Loudoun Co., Va.,
parents wniinj; to Knox Co.. ("Ihio, in 1S;U. and to Cedar Co. in ISoO; have three
ohildrtMi living — daiues, born Mav 24, 1S55; tieoi-ire W., born Jan. IU>. IS.M^; Maggie
.1.. born Oot. :>, lSt?l, and an adopted daughter, Anna Larue, born May 11. lS(i7 ; last
one son— Manvllus A., born Oot. ;>0, lSr>o. Denioorat.
KOIfF.KT BOOTH, farmer. See. 'J; W 0. Atalissa : son of John and
F.lisa Booth; boin Mauh o, ISoT, in Harrison Co., Ohio; his mother died when he
was about 4 years old. He enlisttxl in August, lSl?2. in Co. C, of the 5»Sth O. V. 1. ;
jvirtieipated in the battle of Porryville, Ky., Chiokaiuauga, Kent\saw Mountain, l\e*;»oa,
IVaeh-tnv Crei^k. l>ig Shanty, siege of Atlanta, donesboro. Ga., siege of Savantiah and
Columbia, S. C, Averysborough and Bentonville, N. C. ; was diseharged at Cleveland,
Ohio, June 10. lS(i5, and the duly following oame to Muso.itino Co., his father having
movevi hon> in Mareh previous; his thither died >Luvh 11, iSTli. leaving himself, si.^ter
and brother in Kansiu; to mourn his Kvss. Owns 170 acres of land, valued at S40 per
aore, and bis sister, who kee{^ house for him, owns eighty aores. it all being the home
farm. Republican.
SAMl'FJ. BKAXn. far.. See. 32 ; P. O. West Liberty ; son of Samuel and
Catharine Brand ; owns 4oO aeroi! of land valued at 840 per aore; born Sept. 1, 1822,
in Franklin Co., reiiu. ; in early life, he learned the blaeksmith's trade, and in 1848
oame to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he worked at his trade till in February. 184i> ; he
starttHl for California shippit^ from Baltimore, via Rio ilanein> and ^ alp.iraisiK South
Araerioa. stopping at each of those plaees about a month, after whioh they went on
annind Cape Horn and to San Franoisoiv where he arrived Sept. 11.1840: in the winter
of 1851. retunuxl via Iowa, and entereii the land upon whioh he now lives ; in the
spring of 18*12. rtHurned to California, via Panama, remaining till May, ISoo ; returned
home, and the fall following, oame to Iowa, built a house on his land and returned to
Pennsylvuiia. wher*>, on the 28th day of November. 1854. he was married to Charlott*.'
Hambright. daughter of William and Ai\na >L Hambright ; she was born Feb, 4. 18H0.
in same ^nninty, Pennsylvania; they then oame to Iowa and settled on their farm ; have
five ehildren living — Mary F., Carrie L, Edg-ar, Cora and Stella; K^st one — .lohn.
Daughter M:iry F. w:is marriinl to Chester Phillips Feb. 10, 1878. Mr. Brand attended
the Centennial Expivsition at Philadelphia in 187t^ Members of the IVesbyterian
Churoh ; Demoenit.
EOWIX W. BKOOKEK. tar , See. 27 ; P. O. Atalis.^a ; son of Jame.s and
Sophia Bi\>oker ; born April !■>. ISoO. in Cincinnati. Ohio; oame with parents to this
county in the fall of 1851, and located in this township; his father died Oct. 12,
1851, and his mother duly 14, 18l»l. He enlisted in Co. G of o5th L V. L, Aug. 11,
18(i2; partioipjuod in all the battles the regiment was in, the principal ones being the
siege of Vicksburg. Jackson, Tu|vlo, Xashville, Yellow Bayou, and at the capture of
Mv^bile and Spanish Fort ; discharged at Davenport Aug. 10, 18t>5. Married Clara
Pickering, daughter of John C. and Lucy Pickering, April 23, 18li8 ; she was born in
Belmont Co., Ohio. Feb. 2li. 1844; parents oame to Cedar Co. in the fall of 18t»4 ;
have three children - Cora, Frank K. and John E. Members of the M. E. Churoh ;
Republican.
1>. Cw. BAKKAl.OW. far.. Sec. 13; owns 218 acres of land valued at §40
jvr acre; born Feb. 2*1. ISt'O. in WarriMi Co., Ohio. Married Catherine M. Beach,
sister to Dr. Beach, of New York City, M:m?h 3. 1830 ; she was born M;u-ch 12,
1800. in Fairfield Co., Conn., and died Jan. 7, 1851; ag;un married, to Miss Susan
Jackson. Dec. 10, 1854; she w;vs born Feb. 11, 1810. in Fairfield Co., Conn.; in the
spring of 1855, emigrated to Mui^catiue Co., locating upon the farm upon whioh he
still live:?; has seven children living bv first wife — Lewis B., Wilham P., Munson B.,
684 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Elizabeth A., Benjamin F., Mary E., Sarah J. ; lost six — Salina, Derrick G., Maria P.,
John H. and two infants not named ; children by second wife — Nannie M. and Derrick
(jr. 2d. Two of his sons served their country in the late rebellion — Munson B., in Co.
G.'of 35th I. V. I., and Benj F., in Co. G, of 2d I. V. C. Mr. B. has served his
township as Trnstee twelve years, and is a stanch Union man ; Republican.
PHII^LIP CARR, boot and shoe maker, Atalissa ; born in Erie Co., N. Y.,
in 183;"); came to Iowa in 1875. Married Jennie Strong in 1870; she was born in
Pekin, 111.; have two children — William and Delos. Mr. C. enlisted in U. S. A. in
1861 ; went out as Captain of Company A, 141st regiment.
AL.EXANI>KR DAI^LAS, flirmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. Atalissa; son of
Peter and Margaret (Andrews) Dallas; owns eighty acres of land, valued a? $50 per
acre ; born March 16, 1845, in Allegheny City, Penn. ; in the fall of 1861, came to
this county. Married Miss Elraa Wilkinson, daughter of George R. and Maria Wil-
kinson, Aug. 11, 1875 ; she was born July 29, 1851, in Belmont Co., Ohio ; have three
children — James A., born June 26, 1876; Esma, Jan. 7, 1878, and Mary, Feb. 18,
1879. Politics, Republican.
ISAAC DICKERSON, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. West Lib-
erty; owns 590 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre, forty acres being in Guthrie Co.;
born Feb. 20, 1814, in Fayette Co., Penn. Married there Miss Sarah Barricklow
June 30, 183(5 ; she was born in same county July 9, 1818 ; in the fall of 1846, emi-
grated to Coshocton Co., Ohio, and to this county in the fall of 1864, locating; upon
the farm upon which he is still living ; has eight children living — Catharine, Louisa,
Amy, John, Hannah. Sarah, James and Isaac, Jr. ; lost six — Elizabeth, Eli, William,
Amanda, Albert C. and George T.; Eli died at Nashville, Tenn., in his country's serv-
ice, in Company D of 97th Ohio Infantry. Mr. D. is a member of the M. E. Church ;
Republican.
S. S. DISBRO, farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Atalissa ; son of Jesse and Martha
Disbro ; owns 120 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre ; born Oct. 10, 1831, in Ham-
ilton Co., Ohio; in the spring of 1845, parents moved to Monroe Co., 111.; his mother
deceased there in February, 1848, also three brothers and a sister from 1845 to 1850,
when they came to Muscatine Co., stopping about three miles below Muscatine; in
1852, came onto his present farm. Married Elizabeth Gorder March 3, 1856 ; she
was born in Ohio ; this union not being a happy one, they were divorced. On Sept.
18, 1862, enlisted in Company B, of the 35th I. V. I.; participated in the siege and
capture of Vicksburg ; was also in the charge made May 22, 1863, before Vicksburg ;
after the capture he was detailed as Assistant Quartermaster ; soon after was taken
sick and was finally discharged in February, 1864. Returned home and was again
married, to Lizzie Doming, Nov. 13, 1865 ; she was born in the fall of 1848, in
Cayuga Co., N. Y.; was daughter of James and Mary Deming ; have four children by
second wife — Mary, Jessie, Emma J. and Jennie; lost two infant sons. Repub.
lican.
H. C DOVK, dealer in general merchandise, Atalissa ; born in Belmont Co.,
Ohio, in 1840; came to Iowa in 1869. Married Juliet C. Lewis in 1867; she was
born in Belmont Co., Ohio; have four children — Clyde L., Lucy M., Alverda P. and
Wilma. Are members of M. E. Church; Republican.
CHARLES B. DAVIS, farmer, Sec. 24; P. 0. Atalissa; owns 160 acres
of land, valued at $45 per acre ; son of James and Thankful Davis ; born Jan. 23, 1831,
in Bennington Co., Vt.; in 1845, his parents moved to Washington Co., N. Y.; in 1850,
to Kane Co., 111.; in the fall of 1858, he made a tour through Iowa, as far as Shelby
Co. and stopped a short time, returned to Cedar Rapids, where he spent the winter; in-
the fall of 1860, came to Muscatine Co., remained till August, 1861, when he enlisted
in Co. D, of the 8th I. V. [.; was at the battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded in his
right ankle; was unfitted for further service and was discharged in September, 1863.
Married Mary Statler March 25, 1863; she was born Jan. 18, 1838, in Somerset Co.,
I'enn.; they lived in Pike Tp., till 1874, then came onto his present farm ; have three
children — Edgar, Sarah and an infant not named. Republican.
GOSHEN TOWNSHIP. 685
liOnS FIDERLEIX, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22; P. 0. Atalissa ;
owns 800 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre; born Dec. 21, 1832, in Baden, Ger-
many ; in the spring of 1852, emigrated to Allegheny Co., Penn., and in the spring of
1855, came to Rock Island Co.. 111. Married there 3Iiss Julia A. Gregg; she was born
Aug. 17, 1838, in Clark Co., 111.; have nine children living — Eliza E., Isabell J., Clara,
James A., Lorena E., William E., Wilhelmina A., John and Eloise ; lost two — Louisa
K. and Chester T.; Mr. F. has served in Illinois as Town Clerk and School Trustee, is
also a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 122, A.. F. & A. M., at Atalissa ; came onto his
present farm in this county, in January, 1876. Republican.
JAMES D. GAGE, farmer. Sec. 28 ; P. O. West Liberty , owns eighty acres
of land, valued at $50 per acre; born May 5, 1834, in Union Co., Ind. P]nlisted in Co.
F, l(3th I. V. I., April 14, 1861; participated in battle of E iwards Ferry, Berryville
and Winchester, Va., besides considerable skirmishing, etc.; discharged May 14, 1862 ;
returned home, and in the fall of 1865, came to Muscatine Co.; in the spring of 1867,
moved to Guthrie Co., and in 1868, to Jasper Co., and to Warren Co., in 1871, and to
his present farm in 1873. Married Rachel A. Clark, of this county, Oct. 5, 1858; she
was born Nov. 9, 1839, in Hamilton Co., Ohio; have two children — James D., born
Oct. 10, 1859; Francis M., born October, 1861. Mr. G. makes a specialty in raising-
small fruits. Member Presbyterian Church. Politically, Greenbacker.
Al^DREW HEBERLIXd^, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Atalissa; owns eighty
acres of land, valued at $60 per acre ; born Sept. ,13, 1817, in Berkeley Co. Va.; parents
moved to Harrison Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1822; was engaged in mercantile business
about three years in Athens Co.; in 1850. went to California, returning in 1852 ; came
to this county in 1856 ; engaged in mercantile business in Atalissa for about three years,
since which time, has followed farming ; has served as County Supervisor for about six
years. Married Matilda Lamb Sept. 8, 1841 ; she was born October 13, 1820, in Ohio,
and died Aug. 24, 1849 ; again married. Prudence A. Lamb, sister of first wife, May
15, 1852 ; she was born Dec. 5, 1834, and died Aug. 3, 1863 ; again married, Eleanor
W. Combs, Nov. 9, 1865 ; she was born March 11, 1830, in Ohio; has two children by
first wife living — Mary J. and Leonard, and lost two — Charles C. and Emerson ; and
by second wife one living — Henry B., and lost four — John E., Amanda M., Martha W.
and Eliza A.; and by third wife one son — George C. ; his son Leonard served in the
2d Iowa Cavalry during the late rebellion. Republican.
WILLIAM G, HOLMES, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Atalissa ; born Aug. 7,
1815, in Caledonia Co., Vt.; in the spring of 1837, emigrated to Iowa, locating in
Muscatine Co. ; his brother, Robert Holmes, came the fall before, and laid claim to a
tract of land just south and adjoining where Mr. H. now lives, arid, in company with
several others, laid out a town which they called Cedarville, and established a ferry and
post ofiice, the stage-route from Muscatine to Iowa City passing there ; a Mr. John
Conklin was Postmaster; in 1841, the post office was changed to Poweshiek; in 1844,
the post-route was taken to what was known as Overman's Ferry, a Mr. Elias Overman
having located there in 1842; that proved the downfall of Cedarville ; Mr. H. pur-
chased his brother's interest, and entered the land from the Government in 1838, adding
thereto till he had about one thousand acres. Married Miss Hannah Pickering March
7, 1844; she was born Oct. 7, 1827, in Frederick Co.. Va.; her parents moved to High-
land Co., Ohio, when she was quite small, and to this couuty in 1842 ; they have eight
children living — Sarah A., Margaret A., Mary B., William G., Almina L., John G.,
Frank B. and Lillian I.; lost two — Benjamin F. and Ida; Sarah A. married Edward
Rock, now of Wapsinonoc Tp., and Mary B. married Winfield Elliott, now of Iowa
Co. Mr. H. holds to the Reformed Presbyterian Church ; has served as Justice of the
Peace six years ; also as Trustee of the township. Republican.
SPEXCER HOWELL, farmer. Sec. 5; P. 0. West Liberty; son of John
and Phoebe Howell ; owns 130 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre ; born Sept. 22,
1836, in Geauga Co., Ohio; in the fall of 1869, came to Muscatine Co., and located
on the farm upon which he is still living; his father died March 25, 1877, in his 86th
year of age ; his mother is still living with him. Married E. J. Boyington July 6,
686 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
1858; she was born Nov. 14, 1838, in Geauga Co., Ohio; have five children living —
Lillie, Willie, Mattie, Jennie and Aurilla ; lost infant son. His brother John H., who
lives with him, served in the army during the late rebellion, first in Co. A of 8th I. V.
I., and next in Co. F of the 17th 111. Cav. Mr. H. is a member of Mt. Calvary
Lodge, A., F. & A. M., No. 95, at West Liberty ; Republican.
li. L. IRfiliANn, farmer, Sec. 14; P. 0. Atalissa ; owns 185 acres of land,
valued at $40 per acre; born Nov. 4, 1818. in Knox Co., Ohio; in April, 1846, he
enlisted for one year in Co. B, of the 2d Ohio Vols., to serve in the Mexican war, and
at the expiration of the year, came home and assisted in recruiting Co. G for same reg-
iment, in which he enlisted and again returned to Mexico ; was employed, principally,
in guarding ports ; was in one severe engagement about eighteen miles from Monterey,
where 2U0 Americans kept l,r)U() Mexican Lancers at bay, till re-enforcements could be
obtained from Monterey; was discharged in June, 1848. Married Christie A. Resley
Aug. 19, 1849 ; she was born April 1, 1830, in Knox Co., Ohio, and the same fall they
came to Muscatine Co., he locating his land with a land-warrant, which had been
granted to him for his services in the Mexican war; hasten children — George H..
]jOuisa, Jasper, Olive, Emma J., Clara, John A, Alice, James and Elmer ; lost three —
Almoda, Sarah E. and an infant. Democrat.
SIL.AS W. JACOBIN, farmer and stock-breeder, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. West Lib-
erty; born in Washington Co., Vt., in 1830; came to Iowa in 1857, and located in
Cedar Co.; removed to his present farm in 1862. Married Martha Carpenter in 1851 ;
she was born in Washington Co., Vt , in 1836; have three children — Edwin, Mary
and Whitman. Are member.-; of the Christian Church ; Democrat.
WILL.IA]H T. JONES, fiirmer and Township Assessor, Sec. 24 ; P. 0.
Atalissa; son of Abner and Caroline Jones; born in this township May 1, 1850 ;
parents came from Highland Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1847 ; mother died May 2. 1869,
and father Oct. 17, 1876; his father commenced the mercantile business in Atalissa in
the fall of 1855, which he continued till 1873. Married Amanda Lamb January 8,
1873; she was born July 23, 1850, in Harrison Co., Ohio; have three children —
Abner T., Leonard E. and Charles H ; Mr. J. has served his township as Township
Clerk, Ti'ustee and As.sessor, of which office he is the present incumbent. Repub-
lican.
SAHITEIj M. JOXES, painter, stencil-cutter, etc., Atalissa; son of William
A. and Rachel Jones ; born Sept. 4, 1844, in Jackson Co., Ind. ; parents moved to
Fulton Co.. 111., in 1845, and to Henry Co. in 1849, and in the spring of 1852, came
to Muscatine Co., Iowa, locating in Goshen Tp., where his father died Sept. ll, 1859,
and mother May 6, 1866 ; is the second son of a family of eight children, four of whom
are deceased. Mr. Jones has no family, consequently travels some, which he has done
to some extent through Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, still making his home at Atalissa.
Politics, Re{)ublican.
LiEOXARI) ATAIilSSA L.A9IB, Superintendent of fence-building for
C. R. ct P. R. R. from Davenport to Brooklyn ; born Dec. 25, 1825, in Harrison Co..
Ohio ; worked at threshing-machine and reaper building at Martinsville, Ohio, several
years; in 1851, came to Atalissa, and engaged in carpenter and joiner work till 1863;
was then appointed agent for the Railroad Co. at Atalissa, which he filled till 1869,
since which time he has followed his present business. Married Rebecca J. Stewart
July 23, 1849 ; she was born June 25, 1827, in Williamsport, Va. ; have four children
living — Emerson S., Amanda L., Mary H. and Charles H. ; lost one — Hattie B. Is a
member of Ionic Lodge, No. 122, A., F. tt A. M., at Atalissa. Republican.
SAMUEIj V. JLA^IBERT, dealer in boot and shoes, hardware, etc, Atalissa ;
besides his town jiroperty his wife owns thirty-eight acres of land, valued at $30
per acre; born March 30, 1833, in Sussex Co., N. J.; in 1835, his parents moved to
Orange Co., N. Y. ; in early life learned the mason's trade, in the fall of 1854, came
to Rock Island, 111., and worked at his trade; in the spring of 1856, came to Atalissa.
April 19, 1861, he enlisted in Co. C of the 1st Iowa Inf — three-months service; in the
fall of 1861, assisted in raising and organizing Co. G, of the 2d Iowa Cav. ; was elected
GOSHEN TOWNSHIP. 687
1st Lieutenant, which he declined to accept; Aug. 10, 18G2, he again enlisted in Co.
G, of .the 35th Iowa Inf. ; participated in the following battles : Wilson's Creek, Va.,
siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Pleasant Hill, La., Tupelo, Miss., Nashville, Tenn.,
Blue River, Mo., Spanish Fort and Mobile, Ala. ; was discharged at Davenport, Iowa,
Aug. 10, 1865, and returned home. In 1870, commenced learning the shoemaker's
trade ; soon after engaged in his present business. Married Miss N. J. Darland in
December, 1857 ; she was born in Ohio, and died in the fall of 1859 ; second marriage, to
Miss A. M. Cornwell, September, 1862; she was born in 1841, in New York, and
died Nov. 13, 1872 ; third marriage, to Miss Emily Robbins, July 3, 1876; she was
born in 1843 in Pennsylvania ; he has two children by second wife — Lu E. and Ernest
Q.. and lost two — Dora C. and George O. ; and by last wife, one — Lizzie R. Religion,
Liberal. Republican.
H. H. MARKHAM, farmer, Sec. 15; P. 0. Atalissa ; owns 153 acres of
land, valued at ^45 per acre ; born Feb. 6, 1822, in Lewis Co., N. Y. Married Miss
Susan H. Dumont, of Oneida Co., Dec. 22, 1844; she was born in same county Aug.
3, 1825 ; after his marriage lived in Oneida Co. six years, following lumbering, then re-
turned to Lewis Co., and, in the spring of 1866, came to this county, and located on his
present farm ; have five children — Jane A., born Feb. 26, 1848 ; Amos E.. born April
4, 1850; George H., born June 27, 1854; Hellen C, born July 4, 1858; Orin E.,
borq^July 11, 1861 ; and one adopted daughter, Lillie E., born in March, 1871 ; lost
two — Charles W. and Hellen M. Republican.
CYRUS OVERMAiV, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 15; P. 0. Atalissa;
son of Enoch and Sarah Overman ; born Aug. 11, 1833, in Highland Co., Ohio ; came
with his parents to Muscatine Co. in October, 1847, locating on the Cedar River, at
what was called Overman's Ferry for many years, and a post office was established there
known as Overman's Ferry Post Office, of which his father was Postmaster for several
years ; his father died Dec. 25, 1858, and his mother April 15, 1867. Mr. Overman
came onto his present farm in the spring of 1867 ; owns 265 acres, valued at $45 per
acre. Married Elizabeth D. Barkalow Jan. 7, 1858; she was born July 26, 1838, in
Shelby Co., Ohio; have four children — Sarah M., Junius, Hattie and Clara; lost one
son, Clyde. Mr. 0. is among the leading farmers of his township. Republican.
DAVID PARRY, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. AtaHssa ; owns 120 acres of land,
valued at $35 per acre; born Aug. 5, 1811, in Chester Co., Penn.; in 1813, his parents
moved into the State of Delaware, and, in 1816, back to Pennsylvania; in 1828, back
to Delaware; married there, to Miss Lydia K. Hollingsworth Dec. 10, 1835; she was
born April 20, 1805, in Delaware; in 1847, moved to Pennsylvania, and from there to
Henry Co., Ohio, in 1852 ; in the fall of 1855, came to this county, locating in Goshen
Tp. ; have five children living — Phoebe, Mary, Lewellen, Sarah and John A. ; lo.st one,
Ferdinand. Democrat.
JOSEPH W. RICHARDSON was born Sept. 10, 1808, in Frederick
Co., Md. ; parents moved to Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1809 ; he entered the land upon
which he now lives from the Government in 1849. He married Lucina Watson in
Ohio, April 24, 1842 ; she was born Sept. 12, 1813, in Luzerne Co., Penn., and died
Jan. 24, 1852 ; had two children — Mary and Isaac, both now deceased. Republican.
WILLIAH . P. RICHARDSOX, farmer, Sec. 5 : P. O. West Liberty;
is now living upon the farm of eighty acres owned by his brother, Joseph W. Richard-
son ; owns a farm of 160 acres in Ringgold Co. ; born Feb. 20, 1816, in Cayuga Co., N.
Y.; parents moved to Knox Co., Ohio, in 1818, and to this county in the fall of 1849 ;
his father died July 21, 1854, and his mother in August, 1850. Married Caroline
Keyes, of this county, Feb. 17, 1853 ; she was born Oct. 13, 1830, in Monroe Co., N.
Y. ; her parents moved to Branch Co., Mich., in November, 1836, and to this county
in 1848 ; have three children — John, Mary and Hugh. Mr. R. moved to Grand
Traverse, Mich., in 1871, and returned in 1875, since which time he has lived on his
brother's farm.
(irEORlirE M. SCOTT, dealer in general merchandise, Atalissa, Iowa ; born
in Cedar Co., Iowa, in 1839. Married Margaret Hutchinson in 1866 ; she was born
688 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in Ohio ; have five childreu — Joseph, Mary, Miuiiie, Jesse and Elsie. Mr. S. enlisted
in Co. D, 2-lrth I. V. I., in 1802; di,scharo;ed in 1865. Democrat.
BENJA.MIN N. SMITH, farmer. Sec. 2; P.O. Atalissa ; owns 127 acres
of land, valued at §50 per acre ; born July 20, 1825, in Meigs Co., Ohio ; his parents
moved to Gallia Co. in 1827, and afterward to Allen Co., Ind.,and thence to Cedar Co.
in the 8}iring of 1852; in 1854, came onto his present farm. Married Miss Sarah
Drake April IG, 1851 ; she was born in 1828, in Steuben Co., N. Y. ; have six chil-
dren living — Lena M., Lovisa, Mary, Eugenie V., Leonard and Henry; has served his
town,shiji as Trustee. School Director, etc., several years. Republican.
JOHX SMITH, far.. See. 33; P. O. West Liberty; son of Gerat and Eliza-
beth Smith; nwns 290 acres of land, valued at S35 per acre; born March 17, 1823,
in Licking Co., Ohio. Married Catharine Davis, daughter of Isaac and Mary Davis,
May 7, 1846; she was born Feb. 3, 1824, in Morgan Co., Ohio; commenced keeping
house in Morgan Co., and, in the fall of 1840, came to Muscatine Co. and entered the
forty, upon which he still lives, from the Govei'nment. Have seven children — Martin,
born March 10, 1847; Wm. D., March 8, 1849; Sophronia, Feb. 4, 1852; Mary,
Nov. 2, 1854; Rhoena, May 13, 1855; Davis, March 8, 1857; Rhoda, Nov. 14,
1863; lost one son — John, born March 5, 1850, and died Oct. 16, 1860. Repub-
lican.
J, S. TliRNER, physician and surgeon, and dealer in drugs and medicines,
Atalissa; born in Cass Co., Mich., in 1854; came to Iowa in 1860, and located with
parents in Davis Co.; located in Atalissa in 1878. Married Carrie Wakefield ; she was
born in Pennsylvania; have two children — Maud and Everett. Republican.
P. VAXATTA, far.. Sec. 33; P. 0. West Liberty; son of James and Katy
A. Vanatta ; born Feb. 21, 1837, in Beaver Co., Penn.; came with parents to Musca-
tine Co., Iowa, in the spring of 1846, locating near Muscatine, and subsequently mov-
ing to Seventy-six Tp., where they are still living. Married Mis.s Elizabeth P.
Kinsley, of this county, Dec. 1. 1862; she was born March 1, 1839, in Marion Co.,
Mo.; have four childreu living — Elmer, born Nov. 6, 1863'. Albert L., May 10, 1865 ;
Lillie, born July 7, 1873, and Frank B., born Aug. 13, 1876 ; lost one infant son. Mr.
V. owns a farm upon which he lives of 170 acres, valued at $30 per acre. Is a mem-
ber of the M. E. Church ; Republican.
HANSOX B. WATTERS, far., Sec. 12; P.O. Atalissa; son of Dr. W.
W. Watters ; owns eighty-seven acres of land, valued at $60 per acre; born Dec. 9,
1840, in Belmont Co., Ohio ; came with parents to this county in the spring of 1851.
At his country's call, enlisted in Co. G, of 2d I. V. C, in August, 1861, and re-enlisted
as veteran in February, 18()4 ; was mustered out at Davenport October, 1865 ; partici-
pated at siege of Corinth, luka, Tupelo, Battle of Corinth and Coffeeville, Miss., where
he was .slightly wounded, the ball passing through his saber-belt, clothing and memo-
randum-book, and lodging against one of his ribs, knocking him down as quick as if
it had gone through him. Married Miss Ruth H. Parker Dec. 24, 1868; she was
born in February, 1846, in Columbia Co., Penn., have three children — Allen P., Wm.
L. and George S. Came onto his present farm in 1869. Has served jis Township
Assessor several years. Republican.
I>R. W. W. WATTERS, far., Sec. 1; P. O. Atalissa; owns 200 acres in
his home farm, and 90 acres in Cedar Co., valued at $11,000; born March 17, 1809,
in Harford Co., Md.; with his father, Wm. Watters, moved to Belmont Co.. Ohio, in
the fall of 1822 ; in the spring of 1834, commenced the study of medicine at Somer-
ton in same county, and graduatcid at Cincinnati Medical College in 1839. Married
Miss Teresa D. Gregg March 15, 1840; she was born January 21, 1821, in Belmont
Co., Ohio; folliiwed the practice of his profession till he emigrated to Museatine Co.,
in the spring of 1851, and entered from Government his home farm, since which time
he has devoted his time to farming; his children are Hanson B., Wm. G., Mary E.,
Henry Q., Walter P., Kmma I. and Sarah W.; all live near him except his son Wm.
G., who is in California; his sons, Hanson B. and Wm. G. served their country in the
late rebellion. Politics, Republican.
WAPSINONOC TOWNSHIP. 689
GEORGE R. WILrKIBfSON, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Atalissa ; owns 238
acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born July 28, 1821, in Chester Co., Penn.,
where his parents died, his father in 1835 and his mother in 1838; in August, 1839,
he went to Belmont Co., Ohio, and worked at the potter's trade. While there, he mar-
ried Miss Maria Smith March 21, 1845 ; she was born in December, 1820, in Lancas-
ter Co., Penn.; in the summer of 1855, they came to Muscatine Co., Iowa, and located
on the farm upon which he still lives ; have seven children — Eleanora, Gilpin, Elma
W., now Bowie; Dallas, Alice V., Lucetta and Anna M. ; lost two — Samuel S. and
Philena. Was raised under the instruction of the Society of Friends ; Republican.
GEORGE WORRAIili, Postmaster, his wife proprietor of hotel, Atalissa ;
born Sept. 19, 1804, in Harrison Co., Ohio; in 1828, went to Wayne Co., Ind., and
subsequently to Hamilton Co.; in 1841, returned to Ohio; in June, 1855, emigrated
to Cedar Co., Iowa; at Pedee, engaged in mercantile business, and was also Postmaster;
in 1857, came to Atalissa and engaged in the same business, and was appointed Post-
master, which position he has held ever since. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Co.
B, of the 37th I. V. I., called the Gray-Beard Regiment, and used for guarding posts ;
the principal planes were St. Louis, Rock Island, Memphis, Indianapolis, Ind., Cincin-
nati and Gallipolis, Ohio; at the latter place, he was discharged in January, 1865,
returned home, and has since been Postmaster. He married Sarah Barnett in 1830;
she was born in 1803, in Ohio, and died in 1841 ; he married again, Leah Hodgin, in
1843; she was born in Ohio and died in 1846 ; married again, Sarah W. Hart, March
6, 1854; she was born Sept. 30, 1827, in Morgan Co., Ohio ; she was in the millinery
business three years in Ohio, and opened the first millinery and dressmaking establish-
ment in this town in 1857, which she continued till in 1874, when she engaged in the
hotel business; Mr. W.'s children by his first wife were Thomas, Nathaniel, Jonathan,
Mary Eleanor and John, all of whom are dead ; second wife, Elias and an infant, also
dead ; by third wife, three living — Jerome, who still Hves at home ; Emma H. and
George ; lost one — Frank V. Mrs. W. is a member of the Presbyterian Church ; Mr.
W. is a Republican.
WAPSINONOC TOWNSHIP.
CHARLiEN BARNE!!i, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; son of Enos
and Charlotte (Bagley) Barnes; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1831 ; came to Iowa in
1839, where he has since resided ; improved the fine farm on which he now resides,
consisting of 443 acres. Mr. B. married, in the fall of 1852, Miss Mary M., daughter
of Adam Hemperley, and a native of Pennsylvania ; they have four children — Iva
Luella, Byron W., Chester H. and Harvey C. Mr. B. is a mechanic and plow maker,
which occupation he followed for several years prior to engaging in farming. He is a
member of the A., F. & A. M., and a stanch Republican.
FRAXKLIN BARNES, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; was born in
Knox Co., Ohio, in 1833; in 1839, with his parents, removed to Muscatine, Iowa,
where he has since resided. Mr. B. married 5liss Elizabetli Larne, of Johnson Co.,
Iowa, in 1857 ; she is a native of Wayne Co., Ohio, and came to Iowa with her parents
in about 1845 ; they have five children — Thedora (now Mrs. Wagner), Susie, Fannie,
Harry and Nellie. Mr. B. has a fine farm of 360 acres ; is one of Muscatine Co.'s
.stanch and enterprising farmers. He has ever been a stanch Republican. His parents,
Rnos and Charlotte (Bagley) Barns, were natives of Vermont and New Hampshire ;
married in Vermont, in 1815, removing thence to Ohio; they were among the very
early settlers of that part of the State ; they had nine children when they came to Iowa,
in 1839, eight still living — Almond, Simeon, Gilbert, Charles, Lucy (now Mrs. Colman),
690 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Amy (now Mrs. Cheesboro), Diantha (now Mrs. Givans) and Franklin. Mr. B.
died in November, 1877, at the age of 82 years; his wife is still living, at the advanced
age of 83.
THOMIS BIRKETT, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; was born in
Lancashire, England, in 1829, where he received a good education ; in 1850, he set
sail for the United States ; stopped in New Jersey ; remained two years ; emigrated to
California in the spring of 1852 ; there successfully engaged in mining until the fall of
1855, when he returned to New Jersey, and married Miss Lucy Hargraves, a native of
that State, and in the spring of 1856, sought a permanent home in Iowa. They had
two children — Lucy M. (now Mrs. Nichols) and Charles E. Mrs. B. died April 1,
1859, leaving a devoted husband and two small children to mourn their loss. In
1861, Mr. B. married Miss Susie Hargraves; they have six children — Lilla, Edith,
Bertha, "Vincent H., Lindley T. and Fred. Mrs. B. is a consistent member of the
Methodist Church. Mr. B. has held several offices of trust and responsibility in the
county, and for the last five years has been County Commissioner. Was a Whig ;
now a Republican.
JOHN A. EVANS, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; son of Simeon
and Polly Evans ; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre ; born May 11, 1833,
in Otsego Co., N. Y. ; parents moved to Geauga Co., Ohio, in 1834; his father died
there June 4, 1853; in the spring of 1856, he came to this county, first locating in
West Liberty, where he kept a meat market ; afterward in the lumber business two
years, prior to coming on his present farm in 1873. Married Flora M. Barnes Aug. 4,
1860; she was born May 6, 1836, in Connecticut; have two children — Fred W.
and Willie J. ; lost one — Robert ; also has two adopted children — George D. and Jessie.
Is a member of Mt. Calvary Lodge, No. 95, at West Liberty, of which he has served as
Worshipful Master eleven years. Republican.
HEXRY FEIiKNER, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Downey, Cedar Co. ; was born in Fair-
field Co., Ohio, in 1810 ; in 1833, he removed to Indiana, and thence to Iowa in the spring
of 1837, first locating in Johnson Co. ; he laid claim to a tract of land (960 acres) near
Iowa City ; he also built two saw-mills there that he operated successfully for some
years; in 1843, ho married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Enoch Lewis; she was a
native of Highland Co., Ohio, and came to Iowa with her parents in 1841, who settled
near West Liberty, where they resided till the time of their death. Mr. and Mrs. F.
have had twelve children ; those still living are Iowa, Elma M. (now Mrs. Haynes),
Mary, Henry, William. Smith, Milton, Elizabeth, Sarah J. and Clinton. In 1868,
Mr. F. removed to Muscatine Co., where he now resides. Mrs. F. died in April,
1877. Mr. F. is of the energetic and enterprising class of pioneers who help to
develop the country and make Iowa one of the first among the States. He is a Dem-
ocrat.
^ SAMUEL HENI>RI€KSON, farmer. Sec. 6; P. 0. West Liberty ; owns
474i acres of land, valued at $50 per acre; born April 19, 1815, in Holmes Co., Ohio;
in October, 1837, came to Mu.scatine Co.; arrived here with but $5 in his pocket; pur-
chased the claim for the place where he still lives for $100, and went to work to earn
the money to pay for it, which he did the following winter and spring ; ho then took a
trip down the Mississippi as for as Cairo, and through Ohio and back to Muscatine Co.
In the fall of 1839, married Esther Lewis, of this county, Feb. 12, 1840 ; she was born
in December, 1823, in Erie Co., Penn., and died in April, 1855, leaving him with a
family of small children ; he again married Jane Hayan in March, 1856 ; she was born
in August, 1813, in Tompkins Co., N. Y. ; she died April 7, 1878 ; had no children by
second wife ; by first wife five living — Andrew, Mary, EHzabeth, John and Abner ; lost
three — Margaret, Catharine and William ; is also raising a grandson — Chester Williams ;
his sons Andrew, John and Abner served their country in the army during the late
rebellion ; youngest son Abner is in Montana. Republican.
lirAD JAUIES, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. West Liberty ; was born in Carmar-
thenshire, Wales, in 1835 ; emigrated to the United States in 1852, settling first in
New York, where he resided one year; removed thence to IlUnois, and, in 1853, to
WAPSINONOC TOWNSHIP. 691
[owa, where he has since resided with the exception of two years (from 1864 to 1866),
when he was in Montana engaged in mining ; he returned to Iowa the fall of 1866, and
married Miss Harriet Kiles, a native of Allen Co., Ind. ; they have six children —
George E., Curtis W., May, Edwin, Bertha and Jessie. Mr. J. is engaged in the im-
provement of fine short-horn cattle, has some very fine registered stock. Is a stanch
Republican.
JOISIAH KEII§iIiER. retired farmer. West Liberty ; born in Westmore-
land Co., Penn., on the 15th of April, 1802. He married Mary Register in 1826 ; she
also was a native of Pennsylvania ; she died in 1867 ; they had twelve children, six are
now living — Hannah, Thomas, Mary, Ruth, Sarah and Elvira. Mr. K. married again
in 1867, to Alvira Andrews ; she was born in Indiana.
J. W. HcEjLRAVY, editor of the WeeMij Enterprise; ^&»\ Liberty; born
in Harrison Co., Ohio, in 1836 ; came to Iowa in 1868, and located in West Liberty.
Married Arabella Lewis ; she was born in Cedar Co. ; have three children — Edna,
Gracie and Eleanor.
JOUT IIAXSOX, Postmaster, West Liberty; born in Harrison Co., Ohio, in
1833 ; came to Iowa in 1838, and located in Cedar Co. Mr. Maxon settled in
West Liberty in 186'!. Married Lorencie Haven in 1871 ; she was born in Vermont;
have four children — Dora, Willie, Hal and Barrel. Republican.
ROBERT lIILIiER, far.. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; was born in the
County of Tyrone, North of Ireland, in 1832 ; emigrated to the United States in 1847,
settling first in West Virginia ; in 1854, visited California, where he successfully engaged
in mining for several years ; in 1857, returned to the States, locating near West Liberty ;
has made the principal improvements on the farm on which he resides, consisting of
240 acres. Mr. M. married Miss Maria Keith (a native of Carroll Co., Ohio) in 1859 ;
they have four children — Julia, Celeste, Howard and Harry. Members of the Chris-
tian Church ; Mr. M. is a member of the A., F. & A. M. ; also of the R. A. M. Chapter.
Mr. M. is a stanch Repablican ia his political views. Mr. M. was one of the pioneers
in the fine blooded-stock business, and six or seven years ago founded his now justly
famous herd of short-horns, Plum- Grove Herd, which is one of the most extensive,
and none superior, in the West ; his trade extends from the Mississippi to the Pacific
Coast ; he has sold several large herds to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Dakota.
J. P. MOUNTAIN, farmer. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; son of Jonathan
and Elizabeth (Pringey) Mountain, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but now
deceased; is a native of Somerset Co., Penn.; born in 1833; in 1857, he came and
located in Muscatine Co., Iowa, improving the fine farm on which he now resides, con-
sisting of 240 acres. Mr. M. married in 1873 Miss Molly A. Cuppet, a native of
West Virginia ; they have two children — Earl and Lesta. Mrs. M. is a consistent
member of the M. E. Church ; Mr. M. has for several years been interested in the
improvement of short-horned cattle, and has some very fine registered cattle. Is a
stanch Republican.
IRA NICHOL.S, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; a native of Seneca
Co., N. Y. ; born in 1820 ; removed with his parents to Morrow Co., Ohio; remained
there till 1853, then removed to Muscatine Co., Iowa, where he has since resided ; in
the same year he located and improved the farm on which he now resides. Mr. N.
married Miss Elizabeth W. Luse, a native of Washington Co., Penn., in 1843; they
have three children — Charles M., Isaac A. and J. I. ; one son, Pliny C, died in the
hospital from a wound received at Vicksburg. Members of the Methodist Church ;
Mr. N. is a stanch Republican.
ISAAC J. PURVIS, farmer. Sec. 21; P. 0. West Liberty ; was born in
New York in 1830 ; removed with his parents to Ohio when about 2 years old ;
remained till 1852, then removed to Iowa, locating in Muscatine Co. Married in 1854,
Miss Mary Wright at West Liberty ; she is a native of Ohio ; they have seven chil-
dren—Charles, Amanda, Linna, Nellie, Mabel, Lorena and Mattie. Mr. P. is a brick-
maker by trade, which he followed for some years ; is now a farmer. Is a stanch
Republican.
692 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
J. D. R03IAIXE, far., Sec. 16; P. 0. West Liberty; was born in Passaic
Co., N. J., in 1816; coming West in 1841, he located in Muscatine Co., Iowa, where
he has since resided. Mr. R., in 1843, married Mi.ss Mary Lewis, of this county, a
native of Ohio ; they have three children — Lewis, Walter and Eva. Mr. R. has a
farm of 150 acres, upon which he made all the improvements. Mr. R. was a Demo-
crat ; acts with the Grrooiiback party.
JAxlIES^ F. SCHKXCK, for., Sec. (i; P. 0. Downey, Cedar Co.; was born
in Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, in 1829, where he resided and received such an educa-
tion as the schools of that early day afforded ; he came to [owa in 1845, settling first
in Muscatine, and for several years engaged in merchandising and improving the fine
farm on which he now resides, coii.sisting of 120 acres. Mr. S. has held several offices
in the county, and is Justice of the Peace. He was in the Commissary Department
during the war. Mr. S. married, in 1855, in Muscatine, Miss Maria C. Bell ; they have
seven children — John B.. Phfebe W., Charles G., Mary B., Ida, Elizabeth and James.
Mrs. S. is a native of Kentucky; came to Iowa in 1854. Was a Whig, and at the
organization of the Republican party, joined its ranks and has acted with it since. Is a
member of A.. F. & A. M.
WILLIAM SMITH, far.. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; son of Gerat and
Elizabeth Smith ; owns 236 acres of laud, valued at $40 per acre ; born March 25,
1833, in Licking Co., Ohio; came to this county in the fall of 1849. Married Melissa
Coble May 1, 1856; she was born in May, 1840, and died Feb. 7, 1868; again mar-
ried, Sarah Surgeon, July 28, 1869 ; she was born Aug. 15, 1840, in Perry Co., Ohio ;
has four children by first wife; living — Henry, born Oct. 22, 1857 ; Mattie, born Aug.
13, 1861 ; William, born Oct. 18, 1865 ; Jane, born Nov. 18, 1867 ; lost two— Eliza-
beth and Jerry; has by second wife five children — George E., born April 18, 1870;
John C. and Lillie, born Nov. 29, 1871 ; Frank I., born Feb. 16, 1874 ; Luetta, born
March 14, 1877 ; Clarence, born Jan. 12, 1879 ; lost one— John C, died Sept. 16, 1877.
Democrat.
JOHIV G. WALES, far.. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. West Liberty ; son of Edward and
Mary D. Wales; owns 125 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre; born May 5, 1833, in
Yorkshire, England ; in the spring of 1849, parents came to Allegheny Co., Penn., and
in the spring of 1851, to this county; his mother died in July, 1876, and his father
returned to England in 1877. John G. married Miss Adaline Tar, daughter of Samuel
Tar, of Muscatine, Feb. 19, 1856 ; she was born Dec. 2, 1828, in Indiana ; have two and
Sarah children — Samuel E., born Nov. 29, 1857, and Sarah E., born Sept. 19, 1861 ; lost
one — Thomas C. Member of the Presbyterian Church ; Democrat.
L. G. WIGGINS, far.. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Downey, Cedar Co. ; a native of Hock-
ing Co., Ohio ; born in 1830 ; removed with his parents to Tippecanoe Co., Ind., 1836 ;
in 1852, he located in Muscatine Co., Iowa, on the farm where he now resides, consist-
ing of 478 acres. In 1854, he married Miss Amanda Adams, a native of Ohio ; came
to this State in 1848; they have six children — Sylvia May (now Mrs. McKein),
Sarah Ann, Lucy, Etta, William F. and Cora J. Mr. W. is one of Muscatine Co.'s
enterprising farmers. Acts with the Democratic party.
LAKE TOWNSHIP,
Too lato for insertion.
W. L. BTTLER, farmer. Mr. Butler was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, in
1829 ; when he was 11 years of age, removed with his parents to St. Louis; he came
to Muscatine Co. in 1854, and settled in Lake Township, where he now resides. He
married Miss Martha Bumgarduer, of this county ; she was born in Virginia, in 1833
her parents came to this county while she was a child ; were pioneers of the county
they have nine children — George Henry, Martha, Lincoln, Charles, Sarah, Emery
John, Esther and Mary. Members of the M. E. Church ; he acts with the Repub-
lican party. Owns 240 acres of land ; his residence is on Sec. 30, four and one-half
miles from city of Muscatine.
71^'^ H^'^
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